First Word Shropshire DecemberJanuary.qxp_Layout 1 02/12/2020 09:38 Page 1
News from around the region
Strictly favourites to open new tour in Shropshire Strictly Come Dancing professionals Anton Du Beke and Giovanni Pernice are joining forces in 2021 for their first ever tour together. Him & Me! will see the duo being joined by a talented cast of dancers and singers. The show’s tour kicks off at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn on Thursday 17 June. It then returns to the Midlands the following month, stopping off at Birmingham’s The Alexandra on Tuesday 20 July.
Midlands kids set to visit Narnia in 2021 Midlands youngsters are invited to step into the magical land of Narnia when a stage version of CS Lewis’s classic children’s story, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, stops off in Birmingham. The critically acclaimed production is directed by Sally Cookson and visits The Alexandra from Tues 8 to Sat 12 March, 2022. To purchase tickets, visit atgtickets.com
Applications now open for film & theatre academy Students in the West Midlands are being invited to apply for a new academy specialising in technical theatre, film and broadcast production. Opening in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter next September, BOA Stage & Screen will be a state-funded academy for 16 to 19-year-olds. The academy will take an industry-led approach to developing young people’s skills 04 whatsonlive.co.uk
in both existing and emerging production techniques and broadcast technologies. For information about how to apply, visit boa-stageandscreen.co.uk
Shropshire initiative urges doorstep carol singing A Shropshire initiative is encouraging people to sing carols on their doorstep this Christmas. Doorstep Carols is asking the whole nation to ‘make a noise’ at their front doors on Wednesday 16 December from 6pm to 7pm. The carols will be broadcast on local radio stations across the UK to help participants stay in time. Carols sheets and simple sheet music can be downloaded from doorstepcarols.co.uk
Outdoor Christmas parties down on the farm Popular Shropshire wedding & events venue Stanford Farm is this year hosting outdoor Christmas parties both for adults and children. The adult parties take place in 20 log cabins, with participants encouraged to attend wearing fancy dress - think retro ski suits, naughty elves and silly ski hats. The kids’ parties include The Bookworm Players presenting their interactive musical show, The Elf Who Forgot About Christmas. To find out more about the parties and when they’re taking place, visit stanfordfarm.co.uk
James and Happy Mondays to unite for 2021 Birmingham arena show Two of Manchester's most celebrated bands will perform at Utilita Arena Birmingham next autumn. With a diverse sound spanning 14 studio albums released across three decades, James have sold over 25 million albums worldwide. They will be joined in Birmingham by Happy Mondays, who will be performing hits including Step On, Kinky Afro and 24 Hour Party People. The concert takes place at Utilita Arena on Friday 26 November 2021.
