Shropshire Cover July 2017 .qxp_Shropshire Cover 26/06/2017 20:36 Page 1

TERRYTERRY ALDERTONALDERTON PLAYSPLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands SHREWSBURYSHREWSBURY COMEDYCOMEDY FESTIVALFESTIVAL

ISSUEISSUE 379379 JULYJULY 20172017 SHROPSHIREWHAT’S JULY ON 2017 Shropshire ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On shropshirewhatson.co.ukpshirewhatson.co.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

MISS SAIGON the heat is on as smash-hit musical lands in the Midlands TWITTER:@WHATSONSHROPS

talksTOM Faith, ROBINSON Folk & Anarchy interview inside... FACEBOOK:@WHATSONSHROPSHIRE

scienceSTEAMPUNK... fantasy festival makes its Blists Hill debut SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:13 Page 1 Contents July Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:53 Page 2

July 2017

Contents

Barbarella’s Bang Bang - play Fuse Festival at Beacon Park more line-up info on page 19

Tom Robinson Miss Saigon Summer Fun the list

talks Faith, Folk & Anarchy smash-hit musical lands in Places to visit and things to do Your 16-page ahead of folk festival gig the Midlands during the school holidays... week-by-week listings guide interview page 8 page 28 page 40 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 26. Theatre 32. Film 36. Visual Arts 47. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Elly Yates-Roberts elly@what- sonlive.co.uk 01743 281733 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:29 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Reggie’n’Bollie headline Telford’s AfroCaribFest Ghanaian music duo Reggie Zippy and Bollie Babeface - aka Reggie’n’Bollie - are this month headlining a brand new festival at Telford’s Oakengates Theatre. The 2015 X Factor stars are joined by, among others, Dez Mensa and Mythical PSM for the venue’s first ever AfroCaribFest. As its name suggests, the festival brings to- gether African and Caribbean cultures, with music, dance, arts and ‘mouthwatering’ eth- nic cuisine all featuring. The stated aim of the event is to build com- munity and bridge social, cultural and eco- nomic gaps by inviting people of all ages and backgrounds ‘to experience the richness of Telford’s diverse communities’. The AfroCaribFest is being held on Friday 28 July. For more information and to book tick- ets, visit theplacetelford.com

Diana Vickers to star in Calling all budding teen you to come in and have a look around in the secret places that we don’t usually open to Dusty Springfield musical poets in Staffordshire... the public, to discover what goes on behind Former X Factor favourite Diana Vickers is to Staffordshire Libraries & Arts Service is on the scenes and see how we create our made- star in a ‘heartwarming’ new musical show- the lookout for the next Young Poet Laureate. in-Staffordshire productions. We’re really casing the songs of Dusty Springfield. The service is offering teenage wordsmiths looking forward to sharing some secrets with Directed and choreographed by Strictly Come the opportunity to develop the role by com- audiences young and old, and there’ll be lots Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, Son Of ing up with new ideas for raising the profile on offer for all the family to enjoy.” A Preacher Man visits the city’s New Alexan- of poetry within Staffordshire through per- The Open Day takes place from 10am to 4pm. dra Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 formance and commissions. September. If you’re between the ages of 14 and 18, enjoy The production will feature a selection of the writing poetry and live, work or study in late singer’s best-loved songs, including the Staffordshire, visit staffordshire.gov.uk/li- famous title track with which she enjoyed a braries. The closing date for applications is transatlantic hit in 1968. Thursday 6 July (at 5pm). Tickets for the show are on sale now and can be purchased at atgtickets.com/birmingham. For more information about the production, New Vic to host free visit sonofapreachermanmusical.com Open Day Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre is holding a An American Werewolf free-to-attend Open Day on Saturday 15 July. Visitors will have the chance to see how the in... Dudley Zoo! theatre takes its home-grown productions Dudley Zoological Gardens is teaming up from page to stage, explore the costume and with Birmingham’s Flatpack Film Festival to design departments, discover the technical present an open-air cinema screening of cult magic used to bring productions to life and horror-comedy An American Werewolf In find out secret ‘tricks of the trade’ from the London on Saturday 5 August. stage management team. The event has been organised following the There will also be workshops taking place success of the zoo’s 2016 collaboration with throughout the day and a special treasure Flatpack, which saw more than 600 people hunt for younger visitors. attend a screening of classic horror movie Commenting on the event, New Vic Artistic The Bride Of Frankenstein. Director Theresa Heskins said: “This theatre To purchase tickets for the Dudley Zoo belongs to local people, so we want to invite screening, visit flatpackfestival.org.uk 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:29 Page 2

First Word

Weston Park to host Kick Ass Endurance event The team at Weston Park on the Shropshire/Staffordshire border may be bracing themselves for the August invasion of thousands of V Festival music fans, but they’ve also got the little matter of hosting the Kick Ass Endurance Week- ender to occupy their minds this month. Offering participants the chance to negotiate a muddy and obsta- cle-laden course, the event takes place on Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 July. It will also feature plenty of family-friendly entertainment, in- cluding a kids’ version of the Kick Ass course and a special nighttime Hit musical The Jersey Boys back in Wolverhampton run. For more information, visit Massive jukebox musical The Jersey Boys is heading back to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre next kickassendurance.co.uk month. Telling the story of the rockin’ and rollin’ Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons, the show has picked up prestigious awards aplenty since debuting in 2005. Expect to hear all of the Four Seasons’ greatest T’Pau to return to hits, including Big Girls Don't Cry, Sherry, December 1963 (Oh, What A Night) and Working My Way where it all began Back To You. Eighties favourites Carol Decker The Jersey Boys runs at the Grand from Tuesday 28 August to Saturday 2 September. To book tickets, and T'Pau are heading back to ring 01902 42 92 12 or visit grandtheatre.co.uk. Shropshire - the county where it all began for them back in 1986 - to play a special concert at Shrewsbury venue The Buttermar- Legally Blonde: Bugs under the microscope - and in ket. It’s a dog’s life! your mouth? - at the Newport Show The gig is one of a series of shows to celebrate the 30th anniversary Now this is the kind of dog’s of the band’s best-known song, life your four-legged friend may China In Your Hand, reaching well appreciate... number one in the UK music Producers of a major new tour charts. Carol and co visit The But- of smash-hit show Legally termarket on Friday 17 November. Blonde The Musical are on the To book tickets, visit thebutter- lookout for two pooches to ap- market.co.uk pear in the production. Could your pet be one of them?... Dog auditions take place at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre If you’ve ever fancied being on I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of from 9am on Thursday 20 July. Here! and taking on the bug-eating challenge, this year’s Newport For more information, contact Show can make your dream come true. Well, the ‘bug-eating chal- the producers by email - at lenge’ bit anyway! [email protected] - Specialists from Harper Adams University will be on hand to host rather than the Grand Theatre a range of activities, including handling and, er, tasting live in- directly. sects. Tickets for Legally Blonde The Visitors to the show, which takes place at Chetwynd Deer Park on Musical, showing at the Grand Saturday 8 July, will be able to take up the edible bug challenge, from Tuesday 7 to Saturday 11 inspect insects under the microscope and try their hand at mak- November, are now on sale. ing their own paper origami insect. They can be booked by calling Other attractions at the one-day show include live performances 01902 42 92 12 or online at from the bagpipe-playing Red Hot Chilli Pipers, numerous stalls, grandtheatre.co.uk. family entertainment and a craft fair. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:29 Page 3

First Word

Dudley museum Daytime TV show is Forging Ahead to visit Walsall Dudley’s Black Country Living Popular ITV daytime show Museum has been given the Dickinson's Real Deal is green light for a £21.7million holding one of its Dealer project that will expand the Days at The Hub at Walsall size of the venue by 30%. College on Saturday 8 July. BCLM: Forging Ahead will see Admission to the event is the creation of a major historic free, with locals encouraged 1940s-to-1960s development, to take along their antiques new learning spaces and im- and valuables for a free val- proved visitor facilities. The uation from the team of ex- long-term project has recently perts. Doors will be open secured a £9.8million grant from 8am to 5pm. from the National Lottery. Stan’s Cafe head Chocks away for Grease is the word at Staffordshire park's for the hills the Spitfire 10K! first summertime drive-in movie event Experimental Birmingham theatre company Stan’s Cafe Chocks away for the Spitfire If you got chills, they’re sure to be multiplyin’ with the announcement are heading for the Shrop- 10K, making a welcome re- that Beacon Park in Staffordshire has chosen hit ’70s musical Grease as shire hills this month - and turn to the RAF Museum Cos- its first ever drive-in movie. you could camp out beneath ford on Sunday 3 September! Fans of the John Travolta/Olivia Newton-John classic will be grabbing the stars with them! Dressed The 2017 event will see 800 their leather jackets, piling into their cars and parking up in front of a as travellers from a post-sili- participants running 10K in giant inflatable screen on Saturday 12 August. con age, four of the com- the unusual setting of the Movie snacks including popcorn, hotdogs and ice creams will be avail- pany’s actors will set up Shropshire visitor attraction. able to buy, to add to the drive-in atmosphere. camp in Earl’s Hill Nature The race’s course begins in Gates open at 7pm, with the film beginning at 9pm. Admission is £20 per Reserve, from where they’ll Hangar One before heading car with a maximum of four people (£5 extra per head). It’s £5 per per- invite visitors to share the outside onto the airfield, son on foot (which includes the hire of the headset) plus a £15 refund- experience, help with camp continuing up and down the able deposit per headset on the night. life, tell and listen to stories runway and then following a and ‘reflect on lives past, route around the museum’s present and future’. grounds and past a host of The event runs from 5pm on iconic aircraft. Local star Norman Pace back in the region 21 July to 5pm on the 23rd. At the end of the race, partic- Dudley-born Hale & Pace star Norman Pace and former X Factor contest- There are a limited number ipants will be awarded an ex- ant Brenda Edwards will both be in the cast of Hairspray when the tour- of places available for those clusive 2017 Spitfire 10K ing show stops off at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre early next year. who wish to sleep over and medal. For more information, Pace will play Wilbur Turnblad and Edwards Motormouth Maybelle. bivvy outdoors (No tents). visit rafmuseum.org.uk. The production visits the Grand from Monday 26 February to Saturday 3 To book your place, visit na- March. Commenting on the news, Grand Theatre Press & PR Manager tionaltrust.org.uk/carding- It’s party time in Scott Bird said: “Hairspray is a huge-hearted hit that’s guaranteed to get mill the Potteries audiences dancing in their seats. It will be wonderful to have local actor Norman Pace back alongside one of X Factor’s most successful finalists, Two days of free activities are Brenda Edwards, who has built up an impressive theatre career.” Tickets taking place in Stoke-on- for Hairspray are now on sale and can be booked by calling 01902 42 92 Trent’s intu Potteries shop- 12 or visiting grandtheatre.co.uk. ping centre on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July. Walkabout ladybirds will be Are you ready for the Labyrinth Challenge? among the performers put- ting smiles on the faces of The world's longest, continuous inflatable obstacle course is coming to shoppers during intu’s ‘sum- Wolverhampton. mer party’ weekend. The Labyrinth Challenge is a series of wacky and interactive obstacles Henna tattoos, crazy mirrors spread across five unique themed zones. It’s accompanied by the and performances by a vin- Labyrinth Village, which comes complete with a large selection of attrac- tage ukulele & vocal duo also tions, games and rides, as well as bars and catering. The event takes feature. place at Wolverhampton Racecourse on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk Gin Wolves_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:08 Page 2

by Rhian Atherton

LET THE SUMMER BE- Is there any better way to celebrate summer than by sipping an ice-cold G&T on a warm, sunny day? WeGIN think not. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best gin bars across Shropshire, Staffordshire and Wolverhampton. From emporiums and palaces to pop-up bars, there are plenty of great venues to visit where it’s always Gin O’Clock.

Gindifferent Bar The Grain Store The Ten Green Bottles Co. Gindifferent pop-up bar arrived in Delve into the wei rd and The Ten Green Bottles bar & Shrewsbury’s Market Hall to wonderful world of this gin bottle shop opened this year to complement the town’s Lifestyle emporium & kitchen in the heart 3 complement the already popular 1 Festival. of the city, and enjoy working your way Newcastle gin bar. through over 40 different specimens of The popular bar is dedicated to gin As well as browsing their selection of juniper and botanicals. africionados and those interested in bottled beers from around the world - learning about gin culture. It has more Whether you’re looking to enjoy a meal available to take away - you can also chill than 50 gins, plus wines, craft beers and with a loved one or a catch-up with an old out in their seated area and enjoy a fizz on tap, all paired with delicious, locally friend - or maybe you just fancy trying refreshing gin. sourced charcuterie and snacks. something a bit different - The Grain Store This fabulously chic cocktail bar has over is a great place to visit. 50 gins and liqueurs to choose from and If that doesn’t tempt you, we don’t know Every week they up the tempo with Friday frequently has a special ‘Gin of the Week’ what will. Club and Saturday DJ, making it a perfect to try - although in reality you’ll probably Gallery Level, Market Hall, Shrewsbury, social hub for all occasions. want to sample them all… SY1 1QG 2-3 King Street, Wolverhampton, Carlton House, 46 Merrial Street, WV1 1ST Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 2AW

The Boathouse Hogarth’s Gin Palace Merckx Belgian Bar This popular venue is located on the A former town centre nightclub, Merckx is a bespoke bar offering a banks of the River Severn and Hogarth’s Gin Palace serves an superb range of small batch gins boasts impressive views across impressive 120 different types of with perfectly balanced tonics and Shrewsbury’s picturesque Quarry Park. gin. The Amber Taverns pub also offers 'gin garnishes. One of the town’s most historic pubs, The trays' - a selection of up to five gins, mixers Its drinks menu also includes 50-plus bottled Boathouse is the go-to destination in the and accompanying fruit, served on a tray to Belgian beers, six draught beers and a range summer months, its outdoor terrace being customers who can then prepare their own of wines and specialist soft drinks. the perfect place to soak up the sunshine drinks to suit their particular tastes. Definitely a must-try venue... The pub sells an extensive range of lagers, while enjoying a G&T. 27 High Street Eccleshall, Staffordshire, craft beers and spirits, too. The county winner at the National Pub & Bar ST21 6BW A large-capacity venue, it’s an ideal place for Awards, the venue will host a gin festival private functions such as birthday parties over the August Bank Holiday weekend. and anniversary celebrations. New Street, Shrewsbury, SY3 8JQ 98 High Street, Newcastle under Lyme, ST5 1PT

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Tom Robinson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:09 Page 1

FEATURE

Faith, Folk & Anarchy Tom Robinson reunites with former bandmates at Shrewsbury Folk Festival

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Tom Robinson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:09 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

It’s been 40 years since Tom Robinson shot to “Steve and I do bump into each other at folk Anyone can submit a track to Robinson for chart success with his first single, 2-4-6-8 Mo- events and occasionally get up and sing to- consideration both on his show and on the in- torway, an anniversary he’s set to celebrate gether, but I haven’t seen as much of Martyn dependent Fresh On The Net blog he runs with a new tour in October. because he works across the Atlantic so much. with a growing team of enthusiastic contribu- Since 1977, the singer, songwriter and bassist He’s gigging almost non-stop, except when tors. has gone on to enjoy a varied and prolific ca- he’s rescuing children in remote parts of the “It’s really nice having a separate outlet where reer working on both sides of the music indus- world. He’s an amazing man, Martyn - the ac- we can get behind stuff that the BBC wouldn’t try. Now a familiar voice on BBC Radio 6 as tivism and the charity work he does just puts necessarily play. We have 20 moderators, and well as the founder of the pioneering Fresh On the rest of us to shame.” about a dozen active in any given week, so The Net blog, he’s spent the last few years cul- As a keen folk fan himself, Tom’s also hoping anyone who sends us a track between Monday tivating a reputation for championing new to check out some of the other acts appearing and Thursday will be listened to by those 12. I music, though in 2015 he surprised fans by re- at Shrewsbury this year, though he confesses don’t think there’s anywhere else on the web leasing his first studio album in nearly 20 he hasn’t yet had time to properly investigate that guarantees submissions will be heard by years. the line-up. that many people of all different tastes. It pro- But it’s as part of a much more short-lived trio “Musically, most of the really interesting stuff vides a safety net, so there’s little chance of that he’s appearing at Shrewsbury Folk Festi- I hear coming through at 6 Music is roots and anything getting missed in the deluge, and val this summer - a surprise rekindling of the acoustic. There’s a whole generation of folk even if I don’t like something, someone else Faith, Folk And Anarchy project that saw him artists in their 20s and 30s who are really in- might go completely crazy for it.” collaborate with Martyn Joseph and Show Of novating in terms of the noise they’re making - Not content with only operating a ground- Hands’ Steve Knightley in the early noughties. people like Sam Lee or Eliza Carthy. Even an breaking music blog, Robinson has fully em- Initially unsure about a reunion, the group apparently traditional duo like Will Pound braced online media and its many tools, were eventually won over to the idea by the or- and Eddy Jay - they play harmonica and accor- crowdfunding his last album, Only The Now, ganisers’ enthusiasm. dion, and you think, what could be more of a via PledgeMusic, as well as finding its graphic “It was Shrewsbury’s idea,” says Robinson. finger-in-the-ear, folky cliché than that? But designer by networking on social media. “There was somebody in the management of technically and stylistically, they’re really “It’s the future for all of us now - I don’t think the festival who thought, ‘I remember that - it pushing the boundaries of those instruments, music is different from anything else. We all was great!’” and it’s absolutely breathtaking. have to find our way in a world where it’s get- Faith, Folk And Anarchy was the title given to “I think there’s a misperception and a great ig- ting harder and harder to get paid for your the only album the trio ever recorded, in 2001. norance out in the wider world about what work, but at the same time, your potential for The accompanying 2002 tour was then fol- folk is and what it can be, partly because the finding a worldwide audience is expanding lowed by a brief reunion two years later. BBC doesn’t cover it enough. It only gives us exponentially.” one hour a week of folk music on Radio Two, “It was a very special project because it was Promoting other people’s work might take up which is nothing when you consider that there three lead singers, and I hadn’t really been in most of his time these days, but as his family are more folk festivals in this country than any that kind of situation since the early ’70s. has grown up and moved out, he’s found him- other kind of music festival. I think there are Steve and Martyn are also both fantastic song- self with more time to pursue new endeav- just under 400 every year in England alone, writers, and so we had the output of three ours, leading to the release of his 2015 album. and then another hundred or so in Scotland, songwriters’ brains instead of just one. There’s For now, however, he’s focusing on a com- Wales and Ireland, so there’s a phenomenal a big difference between that and singing pletely different project. demand and appetite for this music out there, backing vocals or playing bass on someone “Recently I’ve been trying to write a memoir, which the BBC should be paying more atten- else’s songs. But almost immediately after that but I’m not getting very far with it at the mo- tion to.” first tour, I got the job at 6 Music. Steve and ment. I’ve had quite a strange, very blessed Martyn both had busy schedules too, so it was Fortunately, as a BBC Radio DJ himself, Robin- life over the years, from my first nervous hard to find time to put together any more son has gone some way towards plugging this breakdown at the age of 16 to living in East dates. This is just a one-off, but in a way I gap on his own show, although with around Germany in my 30s, plus all the bizarre and think that’s quite nice because it makes it all 200 tracks a week to listen to from across all interesting people I’ve met. So there is a story the more special.” different genres, folk can only account for a there that I’d like to get written down before I fraction of the music that he plays. Thirteen years after the band’s last outing, shuffle off this mortal coil. But it’s hard be- Robinson is looking forward not only to work- “I feel a bit like a poacher turned gamekeeper, cause as you get into your 60s, it’s a race ing with his former bandmates again, but also having spent a good 30 years on the outside, against declining memory!” to enjoying a good catch-up. knocking on doors and trying to get my own music onto Radio One. But to now be on the “I’ve never been as relaxed and at home on other side and to be the person making the stage as I was on that first tour with Faith, Tom Robinson performs with Faith, Folk & calls about what gets included and what does- Folk And Anarchy because the whole thing Anarchy at Shrewsbury Folk Festival on n’t, I’ve learned so much about the mechanics was founded on our friendship. When you’re Monday 28 August. of it, what’s needed and why some things just on stage with your mates, none of you is For the full festival line-up, visit work or don’t.” trying to prove anything. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Peach Tree Full Page (New).qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:14 Page 1

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18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6AE. Tel: 01743 355055 All located opposite the historic and beautiful Shrewsbury Abbey! Food July Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:35 Page 2

Food

New independent dessert restaurant offers Shrewsbury customers a Sweet experience

A new dessert restaurant has opened in Shrewsbury’s Castle Foregate. Independent quality food brand Sweet boasts an extensive menu fea- turing a range of sundaes, jars, cakes, waffles, crepes, brownies, gelato, cheesecakes and milkshakes. Customers can either dine in or take away. Having already opened restaurants in Aldridge, Stafford, Stoke-on- Trent, Walsall and London, the restaurant’s tastebud-tantalising menu features, among other delights: Mixed berry & white chocolate cookie dough; Jack The Ripple alto shake - a raspberry & vanilla shake served with white chocolate sauce, a glazed donut and whipped cream; red velvet cheesecake and bananaberry crepes. For patrons looking to share a dessert, there’s Together Forever, a mouthwatering creation featuring chocolate fudge cake, fresh fruit, brownie pieces, vanilla milk chocolate and strawberry gelato, whipped cream, sprinkles and sauces.

breadcrumbs light and in no way definitely worthy of its £11.99 overpowering. The sate peanut price tag. The beef burgers were sauce was delicious, but I per- seasoned well, cooked perfectly sonally felt that the koftas were and showcased a nice, juicy tex- slightly overdone. My partner, ture. The chicken fillets were however, didn’t agree. All in all, cooked perfectly too and played a successful starter. their part in making the burger No more than five minutes later, one of the nicest I’ve tasted in our main courses arrived. Al- quite a while. though best known for its grill, We were too full to squeeze in The Waterfront’s menu also fea- dessert, but millionaires cheese- tures everything from burritos to cake, sticky toffee pudding, pasta dishes, from salads to big- warm chocolate fudge cake and a plate classics. For my main, I selection of sundaes and sharing opted for the 10oz double-dipped puds were among the available BBQ ribeye served on a bed of dishes for those wishing to par- peppers and onions with a side take. of mac’n’cheese and fries topped The Waterfront is very much a REVIEW: The Waterfront, Walsall with nacho cheese sauce, family-friendly eatery - some of smoked steak bacon and the tables even feature their own Supersize portions the name of the jalapeños. Although the flavour individual television sets to keep of the meat was totally overpow- the kids entertained. Boasting game at family-friendly restaurant ered by the huge smothering of great value for money, faultless BBQ sauce, the steak was soft to service and hearty portions, it’s a Located alongside a 1,200-seat night we visited. the bite and very pleasant. The perfect choice for families and cinema and restaurant chains To start, my partner and I opted other elements of the dish served groups of friends alike. such as Pizza Express, TGI Fri- for the Meze Sharer, which com- as the perfect accompaniment to Lauren Foster days and Bella Italia, The Water- prised two oriental pork steamed the steak and, as promised, The front offers canalside views and buns, two large breaded squid Waterfront certainly didn’t skimp Food: nnnnn the chance to enjoy some al rings, four chicken koftas with on its portion sizes! Service: nnnnn fresco dining. spicy sate peanut sauce and two My partner chose the Quadzilla Ambience: nnnnn Part of the Hungry Horse brand, floured tortillas with a yoghurt burger, which consisted of two Overall value nnnnn the popular eatery is proud of the and mint dip. The buns - filled beef burgers, two battered OVERALL nnnnn size of the portions it serves, its with shredded vegetables and chicken fillets layered with marketing blurb stating that topped with hoisin pulled pork smoked streaky bacon, cheddar ‘while we keep our portion sizes rib meat and spring onions - cheese and nacho cheese served The Waterfront generous, we don’t supersize our were very tasty and by far my with a crown of onion rings, BBQ 4 Waterfront North Leisure prices’. favourite element of the starter. dip and chips. It was yet another Walsall WS2 8DH It certainly stuck to its word the The squid was cooked nicely, the monster of a main course and Tel: 01922 616382 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food July Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:35 Page 3

Birmingham @WHATSONBRUM Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food July Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:35 Page 4

Food

Shrewsbury eatery offering a relaxed vibe A new eatery has opened at the bottom of Shrewsbury’s Wyle Cop, in the premises which previously housed the town’s iconic Cornhouse. House Of Grain is a relaxed bar & restaurant providing light snacks, three-course meals and ‘everything in between’. Using only organic, free-range pro- duce, starters include cider-battered pork cheeks and bubble & squeak poppers, with main courses ranging from burgers, kebabs and salads to rump steak. Every Sunday, the venue offers endless yorkshire puddings and gravy for £6 per person, and, for two hours, bot- tomless Prosecco for £18 per person. New menu for Brum’s Tom’s Kitchen eatery Cosford Food Festival aiming to fly high at RAF Museum Designed by Tom Aikens, the restau- More than 80 local producers will be taking centre stage at this year’s Cosford Food Festival. rant’s head chef, Tom’s Kitchen at the Held in the grounds of the RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 July, the event fea- Mailbox has introduced a host of excit- tures an impressive selection of cuisine, from Indian, Italian and French to Caribbean, Cuban and ing seasonal dishes with the launch of Mexican. Other food on the menu includes gourmet burgers, flame-grilled chicken - and for those its brand new summer menu. with a sweet tooth - traditional dairy ice creams, waffles, crêpes, milkshakes and smoothies. A key focus of the new menu is the in- The festival also features cooking demonstrations by top chefs and live music from, among others, troduction of a number of vegetarian the Cosford & Shawbury Military Wives Choir. dishes including; Norfolk asparagus A special Kids’ Corner includes cookery classes, pottery workshops, face painting, circus skills and with landcress salad, summer truffles, an under-fives play bus. and a cacklebean egg yolk finished with spelt granola and a courgette dukkah and raw fennel salad, served £10million restaurant development set to open in Stoke with turmeric and saffron dressing. For the meat eaters, roast breast of A £10million restaurant development in Stoke-on-Trent is expected to open before the end of the duck and grilled baby spatchcock summer. chicken are amongst the new addi- Located on former wasteland on the edge of the city centre, opposite Hanley’s Octagon Retail Park tions. A full gluten-free menu is avail- and Premier Inn, the development is now nearing completion. Bella Italia, TGI Friday's and able on request. Nando's will all be opening restaurants on the site, while Costa Coffee is set to open a drive- through cafe. The restaurant development is expected to create around 140 jobs. Warehouse bar & grill to open this autumn Marco Pierre White opens A new bar & restaurant is set to open new Midlands steakhouse on Shrewsbury’s Claremont Street this Three times Michelin-starred celebrity chef autumn. Marco Pierre White has opened a new As well as serving brunch, lunch, din- Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant in four-star ner and cocktails, The Warehouse will hotel The Best Western Plus Manor, located in also play host to live music. Meriden, near Solihull. The eatery is currently looking for A popular venue for local food lovers and front-of-house and kitchen staff. hotel guests, the restaurant’s menu features Anybody interested in applying for ei- signature MPW steaks, timeless English and ther role should email jobs@ware- French classics and a comprehensive housebargrill.com for more selection of premium cocktails, all delivered information. with Marco’s unique flair. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS July STAFFS_SHROPS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:52 Page 1 GIGS July STAFFS_SHROPS_WOLVES.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:52 Page 2

Gigs

Rick Astley Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire, Sat 8 July Soulful-voiced pop icon and multi-million-sell- ing artist Rick Astley celebrated his first num- ber one in 29 years in 2016, pulling off one of pop’s most remarkable comebacks. Following on from a run of sold-out tour dates, the Never Gonna Give You Up star here per- forms songs from his latest album, 50, as well as his greatest hits.

Misha Mullov-Abbado based styles, Misha and his band visit Shrewsbury this month as part of their Group Cross-Platform Interchange tour. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 15 July The band have recently performed at King’s Combining contemporary jazz and classical Place, the Barbican Centre and the Elgar Ezio influences with swing, funk and groove- Room as part of the BBC Proms Lates series. The Robin, Bilston, Wed 12 July Italian-born Ezio Lunedei and Mark ‘Booga’ Fowell mix rock and folk with intelligent lyrics, Linkin Park Blink 182 rhythmic power and acoustic melodies. Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 6 July Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 7 July Lead singer and composer Lunedei’s line in Hailing from Agoura Hills in California, rock Perhaps best known for their high-energy perceptive songs, many of which contemplate band Linkin Park rose to international fame live shows and irreverent toilet humour, such subject matter as the male condition, following the release of debut album Hybrid punk-pop favourites Blink 182 came to temptation and vulnerability, have established Theory in the year 2000. Best known for sin- prominence in the early 1990s. the duo as a force to be reckoned with on the gles Numb, In The End and What I’ve Done, The band have sold over 12 million albums acoustic scene. they’re this month visiting Birmingham in in the US and more than 35 million world- Formed 27 years ago, their career famously re- support of new album One More Light. wide. They’re currently basking in the glory ceived a boost in the mid-’90s from Tony Blair. of their recent UK and US chart success, Cal- While being interviewed on Desert Island ifornia. Discs, Blair revealed that he would listen to The Dickies Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and The Cancel Today - a track from second album The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Front Bottoms support. Black Boots On Latin Feet - before heading to Sat 22 July the House of Commons for Prime Minister’s The Dickies were among the first punk-rock Questions. bands to emerge from Los Angeles. They formed in 1977, after guitarist Stan Lee and then-bassist Billy Club saw The Damned on their first American tour. Despite numerous line-up changes and vari- ous problems with drugs, which slowed them down considerably in the 1980s, they’ve continued playing and recording sporadically right up to the present day. Combining catchy melodies and deep har- monies with a comical style, they’re visiting Wolverhampton as part of their 40th an- niversary tour. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Shrops_Staffs July NEW.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:53 Page 1 Classical Shrops_Staffs July NEW.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:53 Page 2

Classical

Ludlow Choral Society: New Directions St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Sat 8 July The Edge Chamber Choir here teams up with the LCS to present a concert featur- ing Bob Chilcott’s A Little Jazz Mass, the premiere of Kubla Khan - a specially com- missioned work by the Society’s accom- panist, Steve Dunachie - and the Birmingham Spirituals by Patrick Larley, who is now in his 20th year as LCS’s Music Director.

Dame Evelyn Glennie Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 10 July There’s certainly nothing middle of the The Hallé Orchestra road about Dame Evelyn Glennie. Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 7 July The Scottish-born 51-year-old was the first full-time solo percussionist in the world The Manchester-based Hallé has been a real force to be reckoned with since performing its and the first classical musician to have first concert over 150 years ago. Although the orchestra is renowned for its affinity with En- her own website. She’s also the proud glish music - particularly the works of Elgar and Delius - it turns its attention on this partic- owner of a staggering 2,000-plus musical ular occasion to compositions by Strauss (Don Juan), Rachmaninov (Paganini Variations) instruments. and Beethoven (Symphony No3). The Hallé’s Principal Guest Conductor, Ryan Wig- If you add to that list of fascinating facts glesworth, is the man with the baton; the pianist is the highly rated Andrew Tyson. numerous other terrific titbits - she speaks ‘Buchan tongue’, a language used only in the North East of Scotland, plays the Great The Froncysyllte Male Elysian Piano Trio Highland Bagpipes and owns her own tar- Voice Choir Wade Street Church, Lichfield, tan, the delightfully named Rhythms Of Mon 10 July Evelyn Glennie - it becomes clear that New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 22 July you’ll be spending the evening in the com- ‘The Fron’, as it’s affectionately known, is one of pany of a truly remarkable woman. the world’s best-established male voice choirs, If you’re looking for a musical experience having formed 70 years ago in the village of Fron- which is just that little bit different, then cysyllte, near Llangollen in North East Wales. this is most definitely a concert to catch. As might be expected of a choir with so long a his- tory, its associations with big-name stars have been many and varied. In 1995, for example, the Fron hosted the Modena Choir, complete with Lu- ciano Pavarotti.

Violinist Emily Sun, cellist Jane Lind- say and pianist Jennifer Hughes met at the Royal Academy of Music, of which they are all alumni. It was while studying there that they dis- covered they had a shared passion for chamber music, and in particular for the piano trio repertoire. This latest concert features a pro- gramme comprising Beethoven’s Piano Trio in D Major Op70 No1 Ghost Trio, Brahms’ Piano Trio No1 in B Major and Gershwin Themes from Porgy & Bess. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 11:50 Page 1

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Festivals

The Mostly Jazz Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Created by the Midlands masterminds behind Moseley Folk and Lunar Festival, Mostly Jazz, Funk And Soul does just what it says on the tin. World-class artists come together with the leading lights of the local jazz scene in a laid- back, family-friendly event celebrating Brum's musical heritage. Like its sister folk festival, it's located in the gorgeous Moseley Park, a stunning woodland glade tucked away behind busy Birmingham streets - making it the ideal retreat for music- loving city-dwellers. Line-up includes: Chaka Khan, Soul II Soul, St Paul & the Broken Bones, The Sugarhill Gang, The Pharcyde, Craig Charles, Crazy P, Omar, Don Letts, Lee Fields & the Expres- sions, The Comet is Coming, Harleighblu, Marta Ren & the Groovelets, Too Many T’s, Stuff

Fuse Festival Middle Of Nowhere Fest Godiva Festival Beacon Park, Lichfield, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Lower Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Staffs, War Memorial Park, Coventry, Fri 28 - Sun 30 July Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Now established as one of the Midlands’ largest free music and arts festivals, Fuse re- Proudly reaffirming its status as the UK's turns to the beautiful Beacon Park with biggest and best free music festival, Godiva music, grassroots projects, family activities presents another bumper crop of top-notch and more. Visit Panic Circus in their Big Top talent as it returns for 2017. Veteran perform- for shows, workshops and games; get hands- ers join emerging talent working across a on with a junk orchestra, dance and graffiti dazzling array of genres. While the tradi- art in the Imaginarium; or join choirs from tional Godiva procession continues today, the across the district for the massive City Sing. weekend’s certainly come a long way since its 17th century origins as a celebration of the Line-up includes: The Assist, Born Again legendary medieval Countess of Mercia. Beatles, People’s Republic of Mercia, Marquis Drive, Pollen, Matuki, Hankks, Barbarellas Line-up includes: The Stranglers, Cast, Ex- Bang Bang, The Bar Steward Sons of Val ample & DJ Wire, Carl Barât & the Jackals, Doonican, The Tuts, Ed Geater, Kissmet, The Darkness, Kate Nash, The Amazons, Mal- lory Knox, Tom Clarke (The Enemy), Pulled China Shop Bull, Harry & the Howlers, Elek- Having moved a few times before settling in Apart By Horses, Panjabi MC, Alabama 3 tric, The Ellipsis, Folklaw, Baraka its current home in 2012, Middle Of Nowhere Acoustic, Lucy Spraggan, Badfinger, Lucy welcomes revellers of all ages to enjoy a fan- Rose, The Institutes tastic range of blues, rock and country acts, mixing tributes with original music. Kid-friendly features include a maize maze, adventure playground, the chance to meet a host of friendly farm animals and perhaps even enjoy a pony ride. Line-up includes: The Taskers, Too Petty, Fleetwood Bac, Jump the Shark, Angels with Dirty Faces, The Blue Horizon, The Great Roper Rodeo Band, The Zeppelin 3, Black Rose, Gaz Brookfield, Glam 45, The Jake Henry Band, The Runawayz, Smashed

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Festivals

Nozstock The Farm, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, Fri 21 - Sun 23 July Founded by a fun-loving family in the noughties and still overseen by Farmer Noz, this eclectic and eccentric festival invites visi- tors to indulge their curiosity with an off-the- wall, generically diverse array of talent. Nine stages and several intimate, secluded areas showcase a wide array of entertain- ment, from live music near the Tudor farm- house and converted cowsheds, to after-dark, experimental comedy and cabaret in the ‘Bantam Of The Opera’ Theatre. Look out for arts and crafts, folk diversions, film screenings, dance workshops, sound art and much more. Line-up includes: Seasick Steve, Hayseed Dixie, Happy Mondays, The Sugarhill Gang, Hazard & Eksman, Delta Heavy, Ocean Wis- dom, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Mind Vortex, Frankee, Ferocious Dog, Levelz, General Levy

Warwick Folk Festival MADE Birmingham Splendour Festival Warwick School & Warwick Town Centre, The Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham, Sat 29 July Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Sat 22 July Thurs 27 - Sun 30 July Since 2008, this family-friendly festival has Attracting some of the folk scene's most sea- built up a proud history of attracting national soned performers as well as scouting out the and international talent of the highest calibre best new talent, Warwick Folk Festival ranks to the city. In addition to an impressive two- among the UK’s best traditional music stage line-up of pop and indie artists, expect events. Conveniently located in the grounds a funfair, market stalls, kids’ activities and a of Warwick School, with its indoor and out- silent disco. Look out, too, for herds of red door performance space and plenty of indoor and fallow deer grazing in the beautiful yet facilities, it also boasts one of the most com- easily accessible Wollaton Park. fortable festival sites. Folk dance, kids' activi- ties, a friendly atmosphere and fringe acts in Line-up includes: Kaiser Chiefs, Billy Ocean, the town all contribute to making Warwick Busted, British Sea Power, Buzzcocks, Tony Hadley, Gabrielle Aplin, Will Varley, Black Folk one of the Midlands' most all-round en- From cutting-edge live music and dance to vi- Grape, Bud, Josh Wheatley, Yola Carter, joyable festival experiences. brant street art and design, the Metropolitan Georgie Line-up includes: Oysterband, The Spooky Arts & Dance Event (MADE Birmingham) Men’s Chorale, Elephant Sessions, Andy Ker- compiles the best in contemporary urban and shaw, Gaêlica, Goitse, Louvat Bros, Alistair underground culture in the bustling heart of Anderson & Northlands, Will Pound & Eddy Britain's second city. Expect dynamic, award- Jay, Piaf: The Songs, Crows, Tilston Lowe, winning performers, drum’n’bass, hip-hop, Birlinn Jiarg, Northern Company, Leif, grime, techno and all-night DJ sets. Easy to Granny’s Attic access thanks to its inner-city location, this 18-plus festival takes place across Birming- ham's Digbeth Triangle. Line-up includes: Chase & Status + Rage, Giggs, Gorgon City, Sub Focus, Chris Lorenzo, Goldie, My Nu Leng, Charlie Sloth, Stefflon Don, Levelz, DJ Target, Jaykae, Dapz on the Map, Camo & Krooked, High Contrast, Fric- tion, Shadow Child, Deetron, Cause & Affect, Patrick Nazemi

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Simmer Down Festival Handsworth Park, Birmingham, Sun 23 July Over the last six years, the free-to-attend Sim- mer Down has grown to become one of the most popular and diverse festivals in Birm- ingham. Featuring music, dance, spoken word, visual arts, commissioned work, outreach & young people’s programmes, workshops and partic- ipation activities, the family-friendly festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural diversity with a line-up of internationally acclaimed artists and homegrown talent. Rooted in North Birmingham, Simmer Down pays tribute to the centrality of reggae and other musical genres that have contributed to Birmingham’s growing reputation as an inter- national city of culture. Line-up includes: Freddie McGregor & Macka B, Black Voices, Ras Tweed, Ras King Bobo, Motown In Dub, Khaliq, Mikey Tuff, Robbie Levi, Iam Malakahi, Christina Adelsi

Lichfield Festival Three Choirs Festival Bromsgrove Folk Festival various locations, Lichfield, Fri 7 - Sat 15 July various locations in and around Worcester, Bowling Green Inn, Bromsgrove, Worcester- Sat 22 - Sat 29 July shire, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 July Each July, Lichfield plays host to one of the UK’s most eclectic multi-arts festivals. Bromsgrove Folk Festival offers patrons the Established in the early ’80s, the event has chance to enjoy intimate concerts by UK- more than 35 years’ experience in working based folk, roots and acoustic performers. with performers from across the world, as Taking place at the town's Bowling Green well as nurturing young talent from through- Inn, the festival spreads across two marquees out the UK. (one 350-seater and one 120-seater), with ses- The nine-day festival features music, film, sions and singarounds inside the pub. theatre, comedy, dance, family activities, vi- Line-up includes: The Melrose Quartet, sual arts, walks and talks. Quicksilver, Dan McKinnon, Gren Bartley Line-up includes: Armonico Consort, Seth Band, Patchwork Skies, Clive Brooks & Tom Lakeman and Wildwood Kin, The Halle Or- Perry, Anthony John Clarke, Three Daft Mon- chestra, Rich Hall’s Hoedown, Hal Crutten- keys den, Black Voices, Elysian Piano Trio, From The North Sea To Atlantic Shores, The This year celebrating its 302nd birthday, the Swingles Three Choirs is the oldest non-competitive classical music festival in the world. The event brings together established favourites of the British classical choral tradi- tion with works drawn from a broader, more international musical canvas. Choral and orchestral concerts feature promi- nently in a week-long programme that also includes cathedral services, solo and cham- ber music recitals, masterclasses, talks, the- atre, exhibitions and walks. Line-up includes: Roderick Williams, Lucy Russell, Hail Bright Cecilia, Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony, Paradise Remembered

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 BE Festival DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:38 Page 1

the soul of europe BE Festival returns to the Birmingham REP this month with its annual celebration of international theatre, art and collaboration.

With last month’s snap general election hav- “This year we received 1,070 applications to country, so it’s all interconnected.” ing yielded no clear victor, a disunited parlia- perform, as well as several visual arts pro- Aptly enough, the theme for the visual arts ment now prepares to lead the country posals,” says Miguel Oyarzun, co-director of programme this year is ‘Borders’ - a topic through Brexit, one of its toughest foreign BE Festival. “Within the range of work we’ve which has only become more pertinent since policy challenges in decades. As chance seen in our scouting across Europe, artists it was selected a couple of years previously. would have it, 2016’s Birmingham European have definitely been tapping into current “We are living in a global society now,” says Festival directly coincided with the UK’s EU socio-political issues - as of course they co-director Isla Aguilar, “and I don’t really referendum on 23 June. Since then, shifting should do. Part of that is Brexit, but actually understand why we keep trying to put up moods have repeatedly thwarted all attempts that’s just one symptom of what’s happen- these walls to contain us and stop us from to predict political outcomes across the conti- ing: there aren’t any shows here talking being close to each other. From a sociological nent: these are certainly interesting times. about Brexit directly, but there are lots that point of view, I think it’s important to have address the wider situation in Europe and Now, with the nature of the UK’s future rela- people from other countries coming here and across the world. For example, we have a tionship with Europe looking more uncertain enriching us with new cultures. We try to cel- show about the economic and refugee crises than ever, BE Festival returns to the Birming- ebrate difference in the festival. But I also re- in Greece, and we have another about how ham REP with its annual celebration of inter- ally liked the idea of crossing borders people can become extremists, which taps national theatre, art and collaboration. because I think it’s the main ethos of the fes- into fears about people coming into the BE Festival DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:38 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

tival. In terms of artistic disciplines, crossing dum are still far from being resolved, after in- live art, drama, physical theatre, dance, cir- borders can help us to create something very terviewing people on Birmingham’s streets, cus and more, with opportunities to see four rich.” Oyarzun believes voters on both sides are shows in a single day, there are also work- Among the most striking manifestations of now beginning to tire of the debate. shops running daily and post-show live the Borders theme will be Asingeline by Ger- “Since Brexit has been in the news and every- music playing until late each night. And of man company Mameza. This community pro- where constantly, the vision of Europe has be- course, BE Festival’s famous interval dinners ject-cum-interactive installation takes the come very politicised - when you think of are a crucial part of the schedule. Taking form of a single, straight line of red tape, laid Europe here, the first thing you think of is place between the second and third shows of down by the artists over the course of a few Brexit. But actually, it’s about many more the evening, they’re held in a large, open days and arriving at the theatre in time for the things than that, and with this festival and space, with unreserved bench seating at long festival opening. the theme of Borders we’re trying to share tables, in a bid to encourage everyone to meet and talk to new people. “They go through shops, they go through with audiences another idea of Europe - one houses - just about anywhere!” says Aguilar. that is political, of course, but also one that is The warmth, friendliness and commitment to “It’s a piece which tries to bring people into fun, that is about sharing and making con- nurturing new talent at BE keeps both staff the theatre, but also works the other way by nections and discovering things about our- and visitors returning year on year, some- taking theatre out into the streets. They’ve selves through the eyes of other people.” times in very different capacities. Working done this in many cities around the world, This spirit of playful interaction, conversation with young people as part of 2017’s BE Next but it’s never been done in the UK before, so and co-operation extends to subverting tradi- scheme is Anna Howard Himali, who has a I’m really looking forward to seeing how it tional audience-artist relationships, both dur- long history with the event. works in Birmingham.” ing the shows themselves and in the friendly, “Anna started as one of our volunteers when “We’re offering free tickets for people whose informal spaces between them where visitors, she was 17,” explains Oyarzun. “Then she houses are crossed by the line,” adds artists, programmers and organisers alike all worked with us as part of the organisation Oyarzun. “The idea is to connect up an area come together to unwind, break bread and before becoming a REP Foundry artist. Now of the city with low artistic engagement to the start discussions. she’s working in London as a director!” venue, so in this case it will be going from La- “One of the main aims of the festival is that “It’s a beautiful thing,” adds Aguilar. “We’ve dywood to the REP through Brindleyplace.” everybody talks about what they’ve seen,” worked with lots of young people who’ve vol- Another interactive piece called British says Aguilar. “It’s not always easy to create a unteered and gone on to run their own ven- Enough? plays on the idea of national iden- space where artists can talk with audiences tures. At that age, it can help to open a tity, taking its cues from official tests that directly, but I think it’s very important to open window, so if someone really wants to en- non-British nationals must now pass in order conversations and break down the barrier be- gage and come back, we always try to facili- to adopt UK citizenship. tween them. Part of the reason artists want to tate that.” bring their work here is that we create a kind “It’s a site-specific project made especially for “There was a quote from one journalist who of hub where they get to stay for the whole the REP through a collaboration between described BE as ‘an experience that goes be- week, see all of the works and really experi- Kristina Cranfield and Foolish People,” yond theatre’,” says Oyarzun, “and that re- ence the city.” Oyarzun explains. “Audiences will go through ally speaks to what we’re trying to achieve a series of tests inspired by the British citizen- “The artists that come here do so with a spirit here. We try to put art at the centre of some- ship test, and depending on the results, they of sharing and trying to develop new audi- thing even bigger, which is about the experi- will then be taken to a series of secret loca- ences for contemporary work,” adds Oyarzun. ence and the encounter and sharing and tions in the building, It’s a great way to dis- “We encourage them to make themselves celebrating the crossing of borders together.” cover parts of the REP you’ve never seen available to audiences and to really take on before. Some of the staff have never even board their comments. I think that’s what’s been to these places, so it should be really lovely about this festival - there’s a different fun.” kind of ethos than you’d find at a normal BE Festival takes place at the Birmingham event where you just go and see shows.” REP from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 July. But though the questions of identity, security and cohesion thrown up by the EU referen- As well as a dazzlingly diverse programme of Comedy July 2017.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:02 Page 1

Mark Thomas Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 17 July Mark Thomas is no ordinary comedian. Hugely witty and as savage as a rabid dog when it comes to putting hecklers in their place, he takes to the stage with the inten- tion not only of making people laugh but also of exposing governmental and corpo- rate exploitation in its many and varied forms. Mark’s latest show, a speculation on what the future might look like in the aftermath of recent political earthquakes, sees him collecting and examining his audience’s predictions, and then gambling on their outcome.

Zoe Lyons Lichfield Garrick, Mon 10 July Zoe Lyons creates funny routines based on astute observation of life’s absurdities. Her latest show, titled Little Misfit, looks back on her experiences as ‘the awkward gay kid at school’. A severe bout of alope- Justin Moorhouse cia didn’t help her situation any, particu- The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 8 July larly when she then adopted a Audience members catching Justin Moorhouse for the first time will find themselves in the less-than-attractive comb-over to conceal company of a seasoned pro who knows exactly how to work a crowd. her hairloss. Although his accent and style of delivery call to mind Peter Kay, Moorhouse is very much She also harboured secret desires for his own man, presenting an evening of well-honed, hugely enjoyable, adult-themed enter- Charlie’s Angels - “The blonde one tainment... Jokes include: “The women you see on Jeremy Kyle are so big they have to get mostly,” she admits, “but with a comb- their leggings on prescription.” over, who can afford to be fussy?” Described by one reviewer as ‘Alan Ben- nett on speed’, Zoe’s jokes include: “The Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival old blind fisherman liked nothing more than coming home and putting on a pair Various venues around Shrewsbury, Fri 21 - Sun 23 July of his favourite kippers.” Already a hotbed of food, flowers and folk music, Shrewsbury is this month tossing its hat into the comedy ring too. Four of the town’s venues are co- hosting this inaugural festival of laughter, which offers top-drawer comedians the chance to preview their new material in readiness for the Edinburgh Festival. The event comprises 15 hour-long performances and features comic turns from, among others, Joe Lycett, Terry Alderton, Spencer Jones, Barbara Nice and Irish hip-hop improv duo Abandoman. The festival culminates with a Gala at the town’s Theatre Severn, hosted by the hugely popular Greg Davis. Commenting on the new event, its co-producer and one-time standup comic, Kevin Bland, said: “Shrewsbury has a great tradition of hosting festivals, including everything from street theatre to folk music, food to comics and beer to flowers. We reckoned it was high time we brought some comedy to the town as well.”

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy July 2017.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:02 Page 2

Comedy

Jarred Christmas The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 21 - Sat 22 July Kiwi comedian Jarred Christmas is delighted with the warm reception he receives from UK audiences. “I think it’s the charming and ‘sixy’ New Zealand accent that does it,” he jokes. “I think Brits are also great at laughing at themselves, so don’t mind Johnny For- eigner making jokes about British stuff. In fact, they seem to love it.” A 2010 Chortle Award-winning compere, Jarred has some hard-hitting views about the business of being an MC. “A lot of comperes Eleanor Tiernan Fin Taylor just don’t get it,” he observes. “They seem to forget that along with keeping the show mov- ing and warming up the audience they still have to be funny. If they’re not funny, then they should get the **** off the stage.”

Luisa Omielan Geoff Norcott

no doubt be measuring the audience Edinbrum reaction to their every gag, as they mac, Birmingham, various dates frantically try to hone their material in Yep, it’s that time of year again, when all preparation for their forthcoming trip to good comedians stop off in Birmingham to Bonnie Scotland. try out their new material en route to the macBirmingham’s July Edinbrum shows are Edinburgh Festival. as follows: Brennan Reece & Eleanor The venue’s Thursday night line-up of Tiernan (6 July); Fin Taylor & Jayde Adams Adam Hess & Mat Ewins mirthful merrymakers should certainly (the 13th); Luisa Omielan & Phil Nichol (the ensure a chuckle or several is never too far 20th); and Geoff Norcott & Carl Donnelly Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, away. And the comedians in question will (the 27th). Wed 12 July This work-in-progress preview show offers Birmingham audiences the chance to catch up with the comedy output of two fast-rising Barry Castagnola funnymen... Adam Hess has built his reputa- Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham, tion on his penchant for quickfire gags - “In Sat 29 July France, J-Lo is known as ‘I have water’”. The sharp and topical Barry Castagnola has Mat Ewins, meanwhile, has developed his act been tickling funny bones for more than a around an inventive use of technology and a decade now. Back in the early days of the 21st host of comic characters. century, he was also one-third of spoof, anti- capitalist, eco-warrior, dance-music act Cy- derdelic (with Marc Wootton and Liam Woodman). Presenting a set that includes satire, farce, character comedy and the use of multi-media, Barry boasts a style that manages to be both easy-going and impressively physical.

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Miss Saigon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:29 Page 1

FEATURE

TheMiss Saigon comes Heat to the Birmingham is Hippodrome On... ”

Things like the helicopter are just thrilling for any audience, regardless of whether you’re into musical theatre or not. ”

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Miss Saigon DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:29 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Associate Director Jean Van Der Spuy discusses the continued power and relevance of Boublil’s and Schönberg’s smash-hit musical.

On 30 April 1975, American soldiers fled the in terms of the storytelling. It’s partly the proximity of these events to our Vietnamese capital of Saigon, leaving the city “The cast we’ve assembled is incredibly excit- own lives and our general familiarity with the to be reclaimed by opposing native forces. ing. It’s quite young and edgy with a lot of en- broad brushstrokes of the story that help to This dramatic day marked the culmination of ergy. There’s maybe 30% of them who’ve done make this show so readily accessible. Admit- a long and brutal conflict, passionately fought the show before, but on the first day of re- ting it’s a slightly controversial claim, Van Der on both sides to defend not simply territory, hearsals, I said that they needed to empty Spuy makes a strong case for Miss Saigon but fundamentally opposing ideologies. But their minds of what the show had been before, being an even more accessible work than its while thousands of Vietnamese celebrated the so that everyone could start again together on more famous cousin, Les Misérables. end of US occupation and the reunification of page one.” “It’s very relatable, and much closer in terms their country under communist leadership, Back in the ’90s, early productions attracted of our history. So many people think Les Mis is city dwellers who had lived among the West- criticism for their unenlightened casting about the French Revolution, and it’s not at all erners were devastated by their abandon- choices, sparking protests against what’s now - it’s actually about the later student upris- ment, left behind to face the harsh colloquially known as ‘whitewashing’. Today, ings, so in a way it provokes a lot of questions. consequences of having been on the wrong however, properly reflecting the diversity of But with this, people know what the context is side of the war. the characters themselves is top of the - they get who the characters are and why It’s against this fraught and politically com- agenda, resulting in a vibrant multicultural- they’re there without it needing to be ex- plex backdrop that Les Miserables creators ism amongst the company which Van Der plained. Alain Boublil and Claude Schönberg set their Spuy highlights as one of the joys of working “I also think that even though it’s a period second most famous musical, Miss Saigon. In- on the show. piece it has a lot to say about where we are in spired by the plot of Puccini’s classic opera, “Miss Saigon is kind of unique for a director our world today. Sometimes looking at some- Madame Butterfly, it tells the tale of a doomed because you get to work with a whole range of thing through a slightly different prism is romance between American GI Chris and Viet- different people from all over the world. That good for people, and that’s why we need to be namese barmaid Kim, divided by the enforced coming together of people from completely telling these stories now. I think Saigon has a evacuation. different cultural backgrounds is very excit- real pertinence - and for me, that relevance is Following critically acclaimed runs in Lon- ing. And challenging, too - you’re having to one of the reasons I love working on it and don, New York and Tokyo, the show now em- deal with a lot of difficult topics. But it’s why I’ve continued to work on it.” barks on its first UK tour in more than a thrilling when people start to really take own- Yet as serious and often tragic as both the real decade, with a spectacular new production ership and invest in stories like this.” and fictional elements of this story are, there’s heading for the Birmingham Hippodrome this Creating something that resonates truthfully also plenty in it offering straightforward enter- month. and sensitively with the very real horrors of tainment and enjoyment, from the sharp “It’s geared to an age where we’re seeing a lot the Vietnam War and its aftermath was also sense of humour and wide-ranging musical of cinema and glossy HBO-type shows, so it’s massively important to the team behind the styles, to the breathtaking design which has very cinematic and epic in scale,” explains As- show, and both the cast and the creatives have been lauded by critics and theatre-goers alike. sociate Director Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy. taken time to fully immerse themselves in the “If you look at something like Les Mis, from “The previous production was very operatic, world that the production seeks to represent. the first note to the last note it has a score that whereas this really celebrates the intimacy of “I’m a bit of a history geek, so I love tethering feels like it’s in a single style, whereas in the story. It’s quite brutal and gritty in places, everything we do in it to truth, to the root of Saigon, there’s a lot more variety within the and it feels very real.” where these stories come from. We don’t start writing. You’ve got musical theatre comedy in Though it’s been a while since regional the- with the script: we go back further than that the shape of things like Bangkok and Ameri- atres have hosted an official touring produc- first, and if you go into our rehearsal room can Dream, and you’ve also got those big, im- tion, those who’ve seen the show during its you’ll see the research material stuck all over passioned duets like Last Night Of The World recent London run will have a good idea of the walls. and Sun And Moon, which are typical of what to expect, with much of the staging and Schönberg and Boublil. So whoever comes, “Everyone has a job to find their own charac- design adopted from 2014’s Prince Edward there’s something in it that will appeal to ters, so every single GI and Vietnamese civil- Theatre version. But with a new cast comes a them. It’s also really exciting. Things like the ian writes a character breakdown. We’re fresh interpretation of the characters and the helicopter are just thrilling for any audience, actually really lucky with Saigon because it’s relationships between them. regardless of whether you’re into musical the- so easy to access resources. We watch loads of atre or not.” “I think what’s brilliant about something as documentaries. We have Tuesday film nights. well-written and well-constructed as Saigon is I’ve even got a load of Life magazines which that there’s always scope to find nuance and are from the period, and what’s interesting is detail and colour that’s never been seen be- not only the articles, but also things like the Miss Saigon shows at Birmingham fore,” says Van Der Spuy. “There are lots of adverts for the cigarettes they would have Hippodrome from Wednesday 26 July to things about this and the Prince Edward pro- smoked or the washing machines they might Saturday 23 September duction that are very similar, but I think peo- have had. It’s those tiny details that help peo- ple will find there’s a slightly different focus ple to really understand the world.” whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:49 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Funny Girl Campbell lending support as her ne’er-do-well husband. “Fanny's a funny old character to play because she was a real per- Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 24 - Sat 29 July son,” says Natasha. “You don't want to do an impression, but there Debuting on Broadway in 1963, featuring hit numbers People and are certain things that you have to honour in the performance - like Don’t Rain On My Parade, and making a star of Barbra Streisand, she was known for really big facial expressions and for being larger Funny Girl tells the story of real-life Broadway legend and comedian than life. She's a very strong woman, a real fireball and quite ahead of Fanny Brice. her time. She's also very funny and really wears her heart on her This critically acclaimed new version of the hit musical stars Natasha sleeve. She doesn't hide anything, so it's all about trying to be as open J Barnes in the title role, with Popstar To Operastar winner Darius and as full of light as you can be.”

Oddsocks: Macbeth The Tempest Sense And Sensibility Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sun 9 July; Stafford Castle, until Sat 8 July Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Sat 1 & Sun 2 mac, Birmingham, Sun 16 July; Mary Arden’s July; Blakesley Hall, Yardley, Sat 8 & Sun 9 Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 28 July Shakespeare’s last July; Selly Manor, Bournville, Wed 12 & Thurs and most complete 13 July & Harvington Hall, Kidderminster, Sat Having been spurred into action by the play, The Tempest 15 & Sun 16 July prophesies of three supernatural beings, brings together The Crescent’s own theatre company is the Macbeth’s desire to become king of Scotland many of the ensemble performing this Jessica Swale sees him committing all manner of atrocities themes that in- adaptation of Jane Austen's popular novel. - including the murder of women and chil- formed his great- Regency-era sisters Elinor and Marianne dren... est dramas. Dashwood are the story’s main protagonists, Not that the finer points of Shakespeare’s When a wild storm busily making their first forays into the deca- blood-spattered tragedy are likely to be forces a royal ship dent world of 18th century high society, overly important in this particular produc- onto the rocks of where the giddy excitement of love and the tion, given that it’s zany funsters Oddsocks an enchanted isle, terrible pain of heartbreak await them... who’re at the helm! Expect plenty of madcap the castaways, mayhem and laughter from this always- separated from value-for-money ensemble. one another, find themselves slipping under the control of the mysterious Prospero. Matters are further confused by the presence of supernatural spirit Ariel and the grotesque man-beast, Caliban... This outdoor production is set in the 1930s, a golden age for luxury cruise liners and Holly- wood glamour that also welcomed in the dying days of vaudeville...

26 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. July RIGHT HAND FP 2017.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2017 16:10 Page 1

£10 Relaxed Jungle Book

Performance Thu 20 Jul

PerformanceRelaxed Mon 3 - Navadal Sat 15 Jul Tue 18 - Mon 3 Jul Sat 8 Jul The National South Asian Youth £5 Street-dance and circus bring the Sat 22 Jul £8 From £20 Dance Competition classic tale bang up to date £18

Wed 19 - Wed 26 Jul - Wed 9 - Sat 22 Jul Sat 23 Sep A magical show for children with puppets, Sat 12 Aug From £19.50 From £30 music and stunning visual effects £10

Part of

Tue 15 & Seeta Patel: Something Then, Sun 24 Sep Wed 27 - Wed 16 Aug Something Now £12 Fri 29 Sep £12 Critically acclaimed Indian classical dance Hip-hop meets The Wizard of Oz £12

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person. Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:49 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 4 - Sat 8 July This National Theatre stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel bagged an impressive seven Olivier Awards in 2013 and has met with almost universal acclaim. At its centre is the character of 15-year-old Christopher, a boy who describes himself as "a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties". Initially coming under suspicion after dis- covering the lifeless body of his neighbour’s dog, Christopher decides to investigate the crime - and in so doing embarks on a journey that will change his world forever...

About A Goth As You Like It The Third Policeman The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri mac, Birmingham, Sat 8 July Thurs 27 July 14 - Sat 15 July; St. Andrew’s Church, Droitwich Spa, Thurs 20 July; Artrix, Broms- Birmingham-based Gritty Theatre are the grove, Fri 28 July; Arley Arboretum & Gardens, company behind this lively show. A ‘rude and near Bewdley, Sun 30 July raucous’ comedy, it follows the trials and Bromsgrove’s tribulations of a gay Goth teenager struggling very own Mad- to meet the challenges of living in the 21st Cap Theatre Pro- century. The show has an anticipated but ductions are the subject-to-change running time of 45 minutes ensemble behind and includes partial nudity. this new version of Shakespeare’s Flann O’Brien’s 1967 comic masterpiece fea- The Life And Death Of highly likable tures a plot too strange to explain here; suf- comedy. The sto- fice to say the novel’s world is a curious one Marilyn Monroe ryline revolves in which all manner of strange things occur. The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, around the char- Published the year after O’Brien’s death, The Fri 14 - Sun 16 July acter of Ros- Third Policeman secured for the author com- Marilyn Monroe was widely considered to be alind, banished parisons with some of the greats of Irish liter- the sexiest female movie star of the 20th cen- by her usurping uncle to the Forest Of Arden, ature, including James Joyce and Samuel tury - except maybe by Tony Curtis, who once where her exiled father is already living. Beckett. Indeed, Joyce himself hailed the au- said that making love to her was like ‘kissing Revelling in the naturalness of their sur- thor ‘a real writer with the true comic spirit’... Hitler’. roundings, Rosalind and her companions - Cornwall’s long-established Miracle Theatre The woman who began life as Norma Jeane cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool - find a is the company presenting this stage version Mortenson courted controversy throughout happiness they hadn’t known existed... of O’Brien’s novel. They describe the work as her Hollywood career, her troubled life end- existing ‘in a world somewhere between ing at the tragically young age of 36. Alice in Wonderland and the Marx Brothers, Breatkthrough Theatre’s new production Bonnie And Clyde where the earth is not round but sausage- aims to take a Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, shaped and night is actually an accumula- peek behind the Thurs 20 - Sat 29 July tion of black air’. glitz and glamour The Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Com- of the Marilyn pany makes a welcome return after enjoying phenomenon, pre- previous successes with productions of Rent, senting the Some Avenue Q, Dogfight, American Idiot and Like It Hot star as Urinetown. she sits alone in This latest musical tells the Great Depression- her dressing room era story of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, ‘stripped back and two small-town nobodies destined to become bare - just an ordi- one of America’s most notorious couples. nary girl telling Blues, gospel, country, rockabilly and blue- her story’. grass music all feature.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:49 Page 4 Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:49 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Wonderland Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 10 - Sat 15 July; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 31 July - Sat 5 August It was during the lifetime of the book’s author, Lewis Carroll, that the wacky world of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first made its way onto the stage; in 1886, to be precise. A mere 17 years later, the topsy-turvy story and its cast of colourful characters were being interpreted through the exciting new medium of film. One of the latest companies to join the long and noble tradition of reinventing Alice visits the Midlands this month. It’s being led by Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, whose work on shows like Jekyll & Hyde, Victor/Victo- ria and Bonnie & Clyde has earned him inter- national acclaim. Wendi Peters, Dave Willetts and Kerry Ellis star.

The Mikado rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. Jane Austen’s Nonetheless, its popularity is ensured by its Malvern Theatre, 4 - 8 July; Theatre Severn, timeless themes and its regular appearance Persuasion Shrewsbury, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 July as a study text on the National Curriculum. Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 24 July Local klutz Koko has risen to the post of Lord This latest version of the play is helmed by High Executioner, the highest rank a citizen The Watermill Theatre’s new Artistic Director, Bringing to life Jane Austen’s last and most can attain. He’s lusting after the delicious Paul Hart, and features live music and an personal novel, Chamber Opera Tours’ criti- Yum-Yum, but she’s firmly set her cap at the ‘outstanding’ new ensemble of actors. cally acclaimed production comes complete freewheeling Nanki-Poo. And just to make with beautiful Regency costumes, projected matters worse for Koko, the Emperor of Japan scenery, a chamber orchestra and world- is about to arrive, intent on finding out why champion Irish dancers. The show’s been there have been no executions in the town for touring the UK and US for the last four years, over a year... and returns to Stratford in commemoration Set in the fictitious Japanese location of of the 200th anniversary of Austen’s death. Titipu and poking wicked fun at revered in- stitutions and the world of politics, The Mikado is one of Gilbert & Sullivan's best- The Play That Goes loved works, boasting a bountiful score, Wrong witty lyrics and more than its fair share of Malvern Theatre, Mon 17 - Sat 22 July toe-tapping classics. Mischief Theatre Company’s much-loved Strictly Murder show arrives in the region on the back of a Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, fantastic reputation and a couple of success- Fri 14 - Sat 15 July ful West End runs. For those not in the know, Brian Clemens, the man behind hit TV series the play focuses on the Cornley Polytechnic The Avengers and The Professionals, is the Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920s-set fella who penned this fast-moving thriller. murder-mystery. It’s April 1939 and English couple Peter and The only trouble Suzy are living in idyllic isolation in is, the bumbling Provence, far away, it seems, from the rum- thesps are more blings of the coming war. than a little acci- Their peace is shattered from within, how- dent-prone - so Romeo & Juliet ever, when Suzy discovers that she's been be- much so, in fact, trayed by the man she loves. And what's Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 12 July that they’re not more, she may well be in mortal danger... even sure they’ll Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth One-time Corrie killer Brian Capron stars manage to reach tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret alongside Corrinne Wicks and Gary Turner in the curtain call... love tends to fair less well critically than the a production directed by Clemens’ son. 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:49 Page 6

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Room On The Broom Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 17 - Wed 19 July; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 24 - 26 July Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the cre- ators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, are the team behind this spell- binding tale. A witch makes the mistake of thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own cat - on her broomstick without it snapping in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, things really start to hot up... Presented by Tall Stories, this Olivier Award- nominated show features ‘songs, laughs and scary fun’ for children aged three and older.

Peter Pan Jnr Curious Creatures ration from the themes of archaeology, his- tory and discovery, How Time Flies provides The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 22 July mac, Birmingham, Thurs 27 July children with the chance to help an eccentric Fly away to Neverland with the boy who Performing fleas, skateboarding snails, gym- team of archaeologists uncover the hidden wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- nastic gerbils and all manner of other ‘curi- truth behind an ancient skeleton. The show lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the ous creatures’ abound in this lively show that combines original songs, puppetry and story- down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and be- aims to uncover the mysteries of the animal telling, and is suitable for youngsters aged ware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a kingdom. It’s presented by Squashbox The- between three and 11. very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he atre, which in reality is Penzance-based solo swallowed a clock!)... XcelShowbiz’s brand performer Craig Johnson. “Animals are amaz- new, all-singing, all-dancing version of JM ing” explains Craig. “There are big ones, little Mister Maker And Barrie’s legendary story is here presented by ones, scaly ones, furry ones, friendly ones The Shapes Live some of the Midlands' best young talent, with and scary ones! There are over eight million Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 8 July different species of animal on earth today, performers ranging in age from six to 18. CBeebies presenter Phil Gallagher is out on and in this show we're going to meet all of tour with the character that made his name. them! Well, okay, maybe not all of them but Phil’s Mister Maker combines slapstick com- certainly quite a few!” Billionaire Boy edy with all manner of art projects in the The production is suitable for children aged Brueton Park, Solihull, Tues 25 - Wed 26 July BAFTA-nominated children’s television se- three and older. Although Heartbreak Productions are best ries. known for their outdoor presentations of He’s joined for this latest live show by ‘a fab- Shakespeare plays, the company also tours a ulous supporting cast’ who encourage the selection of other stage works, one of which grown-ups as well as the kids to sing, dance is this adaptation of David Walliams’ best- and make some noise. A great way to inspire selling children’s book. your youngsters to ‘get crafty’. Heartbreak have impressive form when it comes to Walliams’ work, having previously The Showstoppers’ presented critically acclaimed, under-the- stars versions of Ratburger and Mr Stink. Kids Show For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells Lichfield Garrick, Sat 15 July the tale of how Mr Spud made and lost his This improvised musical show for children of billions, and how his son, Joe, became the all ages is presented by West End performers richest boy in the world... Suitable for chil- The Showstoppers. dren aged seven and older. “We take kids’ ideas and turn them into mar- How Time Flies vellous, musical adventures from scratch,” explain the Olivier Award-winning ensemble, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 20 July “right away and in front of your very noses. The company presenting this quirky new Together, we’ll explore magical kingdoms, as show is the well-regarded HandMade The- you decide where the story is set, what hap- atre, an ensemble that specialises in interac- pens next and who the characters are. You tive productions designed to engage can even join us on stage if you want!” audiences in unusual ways. Taking its inspi- whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Museum of the Moon DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:41 Page 1

FEATURE MAKING

Art and science collide in Thinktank’s out-of-this-worldSPACE summer exhibits Museum of the Moon DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:41 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Prepare to have your mind blown at Thinktank this summer...

Thinktank hopes to see its gravitational pull Avon Cut in Bristol, Jerram began to explore Having already opened to the public in late skyrocket this summer with both the sun and the earth’s relationship with the moon from May, Katie Paterson’s Totality offers a more moon at the centre of a programme that is an array of scientific and cultural abstracted, imaginative response to celestial truly out of this world. perspectives. This led to the creation of activity, playing with the idea of perception Museum Of The Moon and a sister piece and drawing on records of solar eclipses Alongside an array of artworks and artefacts called Tide, both typical of his through the ages. A total of 10,000 from the Birmingham Museums Collection, multidisciplinary approach. contemporary and historical images of the the science-themed attraction is playing host same phenomenon are fixed to the glittering to two captivating contemporary Measuring an imposing seven metres in tiles of an illuminated, rotating mirror ball, installations: Luke Jerram’s Museum Of The diameter, Museum Of The Moon is an light bouncing back from the solar haloes Moon and Katie Paterson’s solar eclipse- immersive experience, combining striking around the moon in each individual picture. inspired Totality. lunar imagery with lighting effects and Complementing Totality is Looking Up, Opening on Friday 21 July, just as the school surround-sound music by BAFTA and Ivor Looking Down: The Earth, Moon, Sun And holidays begin, Museum Of The Moon comes Novello Award-winning composer Dan Jones. Beyond!. The display brings together a to Thinktank fresh from appearances in Commenting on the installation, Lisa fascinating selection of objects from London, Cork and Rennes. Stallard, Museum Manager at Thinktank, Birmingham’s collection that looks at the Using breathtakingly detailed 120dpi, 5.5GB said, “Museum Of The Moon fits perfectly ways in which artists and scientists have NASA images taken by the Lunar with the dynamic surroundings of our explored the skies. Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, Jerram has Science Museum. It really does have to be created a spectacular three-dimensional seen to be believed and is a beautiful replica model of the moon at a scale of spectacle that I know our visitors will enjoy. Totality and Looking Up, Looking Down: 1:500,000. We have a jam-packed programme of events The Earth, Moon, Sun And Beyond! are this summer, so families will have an extra- showing until Sunday 1 October. Museum Inspired by the tidal variations he observed special visit with us during the holidays as Of The Moon is at Thinktank from Friday looking out at the sea while cycling over the there will be even more to see and do.” 21 July until Sunday 20 August.

Other features to check out over the holidays communicating like a gorilla, explore how ALSO AT THINKTANK... include the expanded wildlife gallery, with insects see plants differently, attempt to Prepare to have your mind blown with its brand new Nature Detectives section and catch a moth using echolocation and build fascinating facts and demonstrations in the a whole host of amazing animals to discover. their own foodchains, or pick up a Wildlife action-packed science show Fly Me To The Geared up for kids of all ages to enjoy, the Explorers trail card to hunt for animals in Moon, or take a look through the Science recent additions include opportunities to the museum. From polar bears to peacocks Garden’s solar telescope to see the Sun in a learn more about the wildlife inhabiting and pangolin to ptarmigan, there’s plenty to whole new light. urban environments, the uses of natural see, including the skeleton of an enormous, Fancy something even more hands-on? Why history museums and their collections, and extinct giant deer and a taxidermied fox that not draw your own eclipse image to be how various exhibits are preserved, as well you can stroke! projected onto the museum walls, create as the impact of human activity on other Best of all, if you can make it during term- space art to take away, or take part in the species. time, entry is reduced to just £3 after 3pm on Eclipse Challenge by using perspective to Dinosaur fans will be amazed by the massive weekdays. make objects disappear. Under-eights can triceratops skull and icthyosaur skeleton, also join the space crew engineering team to while those who like to get stuck in can try have a go at building moon buggies. Film July Two Pages.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:01 Page 1

Film

Dunkirk CERT 12a CRITIC’S CHOICE Starring Fionn Whitehead, Tom Glynn-Carney, Jack Lowden, Harry Styles, Aneurin Barnard, James D'Arcy, Kenneth Branagh, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance and Tom Hardy Directed by Christopher Nolan (UK/USA/France/The Netherlands) Any Christopher Nolan movie is an event, but this looks really, really special. Forget that the director is allegedly pocketing $20million for his services, most of the budget should be up on the screen. Apparently, Nolan spent $5million on a vintage German Luftwaffe plane which will be seen crash- ing in the movie, preventing its re-sale on eBay. This, of course, is the story of Operation Dynamo, when 300,000 British, French, Belgian and Cana- dian troops were surrounded by the German army on the eponymous French beach in 1940, necessi- tating a massive evacuation. We can’t wait. In IMAX. Released Fri 21 July

Film highlights released in July...

The Last Word CERT 15 (108 mins) Starring Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Seyfried, Anne Heche, Tom Everett Scott Directed by Mark Pellington (USA) Harriett Lauler (Shirley MacLaine) has always been a control freak. She has even fabricated her own obituary for the local newspaper. So it’s up to cub re- porter Anne Sherman (Amanda Seyfried) to shake up the facts… Released Fri 7 July Spider-Man: Homecoming CERT 12a The Beguiled CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Jon Starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Favreau, Zendaya, Donald Glover, Tyne Daly, Dunst, Elle Fanning, Angourie Rice, Oona Lau- Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr rence Directed by Sofia Coppola (USA) Directed by Jon Watts (USA) While the American Civil War is raging, the Remember when all the Hollywood villains residents of an all-girls' school in Virginia were played by Brits? Well, the London-born have been protected from the outside world. Tom Holland now joins the British rollcall of Then a wounded Union soldier (Colin Farrell) Christian Bale, Henry Cavill, James McAvoy stumbles upon their mercy and unleashes a and Benedict Cumberbatch to play yet an- Pandora’s Box. Winner of the best director other Hollywood superhero in this second re- award for Sofia Coppola at Cannes, this is ac- boot of the Spider-Man film franchise. tually a remake of a 1971 Clint Eastwood film. Here, following the events of Captain Amer- This version, though - adapted from the ica: Civil War, Peter Parker struggles to bal- Thomas P Cullinan novel A Painted Devil - ance his schoolwork with his new prowess as takes a decidedly more female perspective of a web designer. In 3D. the same events. Released Wed 5 July Released Fri 14 July

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Film July Two Pages.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:01 Page 2

Film highlights released in July...

War For The Planet aggressive tactics of the ruthless human Colonel McCullough (Woody Harrelson), he Of The Apes CERT tbc falls back on his own darkest instincts. It’s Starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, a battle for the planet - and for a species. Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval Matt Reeves’ Dawn Of The Planet Of The Directed by Matt Reeves (USA) Apes was a worthy sequel to Rise Of The In the third chapter of the Planet Of The Planet Of The Apes and Reeves returns for Apes reboot, the tentative truce that was re- the new instalment, which heralds the alised in the last film, Dawn Of The Planet ninth Planet Of The Apes film. In 3D. Of The Apes, is now a thing of the past. As Released Tues 11 July Caesar, leader of the Apes, encounters the

Scribe CERT tbc Starring François Cluzet, Denis Podalydès, Sami Bouajila, Simon Abkarian, Alba Rohrwacher Directed by Thomas Kruithof (France/Belgium) What Duval (François Cluzet) is required to transcribe are telephone conversations tapped by the secret service. For him it’s just a job, but the political repercussions prove treacherous... Fans of French cinema will recognise François Cluzet from such high- end titles as Tell No One, Little White Lies and Untouchable. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 21 July

Monster Island CERT tbc Captain Underpants: With the voices of Fiona Hardingham, Roger Jackson, Jenifer Beth Kaplan, Eric Larsen, The First Epic Movie Kaitie Leigh CERT U (89 mins) Directed by Leopoldo Aguilar (Mexico) With the voices of Kevin Hart, Ed Helms, A seemingly normal kid must find his inner Thomas Middleditch, Nick Kroll, Jordan Peele monster in order to survive the terrifying or- Directed by David Soren (USA) deals of the eponymous isle - and to save his Children, you should be very, very careful of monstrous new family. From those people your hypnotic powers. Here, high schooler who brought us Top Cat Begins (2015). George Beard (Kevin Hart) uses the 3D Hypno Released Fri 21 July Ring he finds in his cereal box to convince his principal that he’s a dim-witted superhero called Captain Underpants. Quite what David Lean would think of the chutzpah of the title is another matter entirely. From DreamWorks Animation. In 3D. Girls Trip CERT 15 Released Fri 28 July Starring Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, Larenz Tate Directed by Malcolm D Lee (USA) You know what girls are like. This friendly foursome heads for the Essence Music Festi- val in New Orleans and all sorts of mischief is unleashed. Expect a lot of dancin’ and drinkin’. Released Wed 26 July

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Appetite DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:30 Page 1

FEATURE

The Big Feast Appetite’s annual arts extravaganza promises two days of fun, frivolity and feistiness across Stoke city centre

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Appetite DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:30 Page 2

by Lauren Cox

Annual arts extravaganza The Big Feast is re- Big Feast is able to offer such a big menu of ments. We fine-tune our content, to make it turning to the streets of Stoke-on-Trent city high-calibre acts on people’s doorsteps.” relevant, appealing and interesting, by look- centre for its fourth year over the August The free two-day festival will showcase a va- ing at feedback about performers at arts festi- Bank Holiday weekend. riety of events from more than 20 performing vals across the UK from our research team, The event is being produced by Appetite, an companies, including Flatpack Film Festival Supper Club. Arts Council-funded Creative People & Places and The Royal Opera House. "By having such a cross-section of Supper programme, led by the New Vic Theatre, Traditional comedy and dance street perfor- Club members, we get a much broader range which has the aim of getting more people in mances, unusual interactive art installations of opinion and appeal. We take their feed- Stoke-on-Trent engaged in and inspired by and storytelling workshops all feature on the back onboard and adapt our programme to the arts. bill. make it appeal to all communities in the area.” Gary Cicinskas, the programme manager for Sponsored by Realis Estates, The Big Feast Appetite, said: “We aim to put high-quality will hold events across the weekend in non- Gary, who performed at Edinburgh Fringe in arts and culture in front of people in Stoke- traditional arts venues such as yet-to-be-used his youth, says it was through alternative arts on-Trent who wouldn't normally get to see it. units and giant inflatable whales. routes that he first became interested in the industry. He believes that it’s vital that peo- “Money is a consistent barrier for people Speaking about this year’s highlights, Gary ple who aren’t engaged in the arts still get a when it comes to accessing the arts, which is says: “I know Urban Astronaut by Highly chance to be a part of it. why we work with a huge range of organisa- Strung Performance is going to go down re- tions and artistic partners to bring that ally well. Seeing an astronaut suspended 20 “My favourite thing about The Big Feast is world-class content to the streets of Stoke-on- feet in the air above the high street should be that people can see an entertaining and un- Trent for free.” very engaging. usual performance without feeling pressured to put their hands in their pockets or under- Since 2013, Appetite has put on more than “Charlie O’Taney, Brooklyn Healer by The stand the theoretical background of it. 650 performances and reached almost 40,000 Miraculous Theatre Company does personal audience members. They expect to reach as performances for audiences of up to only four “It’s two days of fun, frivolity and feistiness, many as 12,000 people across The Big Feast people and it looks hilarious, as does Camper where people can stumble upon world-class weekend, from Stoke and beyond. Van Of Love by New Art Club - a musical ad- performances in unusual locations.” “To many people in the UK, Stoke-on-Trent is venture about Cupid falling in love, based most likely not considered to be a cultural around a pink VM Camper Van. destination,” says Gary, “but The Big Feast “I’m also really looking forward to the DIY The Big Feast returns to Stoke-on-Trent gives everyone the chance to engage with Drive-In Cinema from Flatpack - where chil- city centre on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 something that might have just been per- dren can build their own cars and watch ani- August. For more information, visit formed at the Edinburgh Fringe. mated shorts. It’s something we haven’t done appetitestoke.co.uk “These opportunities are vital for arts organi- before. sations across the UK. It pleases me that The “Each year, we try to introduce new ele-

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

Fearsome Craftsmen: Discover The Artistry Of The Viking World Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry, Sat 1 July - Sun 24 September A touring show from Jorvik Viking Centre, Fearsome Craftsmen offers visitors the chance to step back a thousand years to explore the story of the Vikings in Britain. The exhibition includes the oppor- tunity to learn about the people who settled in the country, and to explore Norse myths and legends in a family-friendly Viking settle- ment. Also featured are real examples of Viking crafts and a replica 15ft fish- ing boat, decorated with designs which exemplify ‘the true creative spirit of the Viking Age’.

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

Seurat To Riley: The Art Of Perception Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 8 July - Sun 1 October The ways in which visual perceptions have been explored by artists is the theme of this thought-provoking summer exhibition. The colour theories of scientific thinkers such as Michel Eugène Chevreul have long been of interest to artists, among them Georges Seurat. The French post-Impressionist’s pointillist works featured colours other than those actu- ally painted on the canvas, generated in the eye of the viewer via the application of small dots of primary colour. Optical art continues to fascinate. Indeed, as recently as the 1960s, a high-profile ‘Op art’ movement was established, with famous expo- nents such as Bridget Riley developing and ex- ploring new possibilities. Works from Seurat through to Riley and be- yond are included in a wide-ranging show Wildlife Photographer Of The Year that’s well worth catching. Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 22 July - Sun 1 October After last summer hosting the exhibition for the very first time, Wolverhampton Art Gallery is this month welcoming back the prestigious Wildlife Photographer Of The Year show. Now in its 52nd year, the competition received more than 40,000 submissions from amateur and professional photographers in just shy of 100 countries. The exhibition is displayed in an ultra-modern lightbox format and features awe-inspir- ing images capturing fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking landscapes. It visits the Midlands after premiering in London.

Sidney Nolan of people staring wide-eyed out of their Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until 3 September pictorial space. Like ghosts wanting to make contact, they seem to interrogate us, Ikon’s exhibition forms part of a nation- spectrally, with their gaze.” wide programme of events to celebrate the centenary of Sir Sidney Nolan’s birth. Considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century, the Australian- born Nolan is best known for a series of Unknown Legacy paintings featuring legends from Aus- tralian history - including, and most fa- Artifex Gallery, Birmingham, Sat 1 - Sun 30 July mously, the outlaw Ned Kelly. This Birmingham show features a selection Birmingham-based artist Dr Mohsen Keiany of spray-painted portraits depicting indi- draws heavily on his Iranian heritage to create viduals who had a strong personal signifi- paintings which are characterised by their com- cance for Nolan, including close friend plex narrative compositions, jewel-like colours Benjamin Britten and fellow artist Francis and spiritual content. Bacon. “I am very much into multi-culturalism,” ex- “The portraits, made mainly with spray plains Mohsen. “I’m always interested in re- paint on canvas, exemplify the unflagging searching different cultures and traditions, inventiveness of Nolan,” explains Director particularly art and architecture. My artwork is of Ikon, Jonathan Watkins. “Large and deeply influenced by my Persian background stylistically very free, they're like sponta- and covers a range that encapsulates spiritual neous breathings of colour, artistic con- contemplation, humans and the natural world, spiracies that conjure up likenesses mainly and human mythical suffering.”

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FEATURE

FURNACE, FIRE

ANDShropshire celebrates 50STEAM Years of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust

Venture out into the Shropshire country- to enjoy a range of brand new features and country’s leading foundry for domestic and side around Telford and you might just special events throughout the summer. With decorative cast iron products, with many of find yourself journeying back in time to something to cater for all interests and ages, its magnificent designs now on display in the the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. the Coalbrookdale site looks set to be one of museum. the Midlands’ hottest holiday destinations for From the elegant family home of the pioneer- But the Museum of Iron’s redevelopment is 2017. ing Darby family to the Old Furnace and iron- only the first phase of an ongoing “Coal- works through which they rose to fortune, Following a six-month programme of exten- brookdale Masterplan”, an ambitious scheme and from the China works and beautifully sive redevelopment, the 50th anniversary cel- aiming to raise a total of £15million for use painted tiles of the Jackfield Museum to the ebrations began in April with the reopening across the site. Over the coming months and Broseley Pipeworks and 914 metre-long un- of the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron. Long years, the trust will be developing new exhi- derground Tar Tunnel, there’s a whole wealth before the advances of the Victorian age, iron bitions, increasing educational opportunities of history to explore in and around the fa- had been at the centre of the Ironbridge story and putting currently redundant space to mous Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge for thousands of years. practical use. Gorge. Located in a bright, expansive building not Nearby, the National Design & Technology One of the UK’s first attractions to be desig- far from the original 18th century furnace, Centre, Enginuity, is also set to undergo an nated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1986, the museum follows the evolution of the area expansion and full redesign, bringing it up to Ironbridge has long been internationally through the ages, from the abundant lime- date with the latest in digital tech to inspire a recognised as offering an invaluable insight stone, iron ore and low-sulphur coal seams greater understanding of STEAM (science, into Britain’s industrial past. A total of 10 forming its distinctive geology, to the first en- technology, engineering, art and maths) sub- separate museums, 36 scheduled ancient trepreneurs to take advantage of its rich and jects. But if you can’t wait for all of that to monuments and several listed buildings over readily accessible raw materials. In particu- start, the centre already offers plenty to enjoy a six square-mile area are managed by the lar, it celebrates the groundbreaking work of in its present state. Continuing Ironbridge’s Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust, placing it Abraham Darby, who helped to catalyse the proud engineering legacy, Enginuity invites among the world’s largest independent mu- industrial revolution by smelting iron ore curious minds to explore and interact with seum operators. Formed by the Dawley De- with coke instead of charcoal. the technology of the past, present and fu- velopment Corporation in 1967, the trust this ture in a scientific wonderland. Bright year celebrates an incredible 50 years, and in Later in the 19th century, the Coalbrookdale colours, sounds and hands-on exhibits create honour of this milestone, visitors will be able Company he created went on to become the

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by Heather Kincaid

a sensory feast guaranteed to spark kids’ gles and top hat, browse the market for acces- chance to see the furnace blazing and watch imaginations. sories, and stick around after dark for a Wild spectacular casting demonstrations in the Throughout the summer holidays, there’ll also West-themed evening extravaganza, featuring town’s iron foundry. shootouts, saloon girls and zombie outbreaks! be opportunities to try your hand at new skills The highlight of the series will be a special in a series of exciting drop-in Enginuity work- Meanwhile, those who prefer their entertain- Steam Weekend on 19 & 20 August, when the shops. From 26 to 30 July and 7 to 13 August, ment more traditional and free of ‘the undead’ town will come alive with a dazzling array of you can decorate a copper keyring with can kick back with a night of 1930s nostalgia steam machines. In addition to the Coalbrook- enamel beads, then watch as the high temper- in the Forest Glen Pavilion on Friday 28 July. dale locomotive, discover the Merry Weather atures of the mini-furnace fix them in place. Dust off your vintage gear and enjoy the hits fire pump, Fielding oil engine and various From 31 July to 6 August and from 14 to 20 Au- of Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and Judy Garland portable and ploughing engines. ‘Billy’, the gust, you can make your own pewter medal- over a delicious meal, finished off with tea or fantastic 1903 Wallis & Steevens roadroller, lion by carving a design into foam to produce coffee and a classic sherry trifle dessert. will also be in operation, alongside the Blists a mould, then watch as it gets filled in with But a special occasion calls for special cele- Hill steam hammer and ironworks engines, molten metal. Finally, from 21 August to 3 brations, and unique 50th anniversary events complete with a 27-tonne fly wheel. September, kids will be able to make a work- will fill the school holidays in the form of a ing paddleboat. Furnace, Fire and Steam series. Between 26 As always, the picturesque and ever-popular July and 3 September, vintage steam machines Blists Hill Victorian Town plays host to will be up and running in Blists Hill. These Blists Hill Victorian Town, Enginuity and themed events, family fun and academic con- will include the newly restored Winding En- other Ironbridge museums are open from ferences throughout the summer. The July pro- gine and an accurate replica of Trevithick’s 10am to 4pm daily, with special events gramme kicks off on Saturday the first with 1802 Coalbrookdale locomotive, believed to be sometimes running outside normal hours. the town’s first ever Steampunk Festival. the world’s very first steam locomotive. An annual passport ticket, allowing Beautifully preserved shops, streets and more unlimited entry into all 10 attractions, At the Jackfield Tile and Coalport China Muse- provide the perfect backdrop for Victorian-in- costs just £25 for adults and £15 for ums, you can create your own unique designs spired fancy dress, while the area’s rich indus- children, with concessions and family inspired by the ‘fire and furnace’ theme, while trial history taps into the subculture’s discounts also available. on Wednesday mornings, there’ll even be a science-fiction influences. So grab your gog-

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FEATURE SUMMER OF FUN With the school holidays once again upon us, parents across the Midlands will no doubt be looking for places to visit and things to do with their kids during the long summer break. We’ve taken a look at what’s happening where and have come up with a few suggestions to get you started...

All aboard for Severn Valley Plenty on offer for young Railway summertime fun adventurers at Avoncroft Kidderminster, DY10 1QR, Tel 01562 757900 Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR With its exciting steam trains, fantastic events Tel 01527 831363 and equally fantastic ticket offer, Severn Valley Railway has everything you need for a great family adventure this summer. And from 22 July to 3 September, families can enjoy a day out on the railway for just £44! Visitors can hop on and off to explore any of SVR’s six historic stations, while the Flag & Whistle Food Stop is the perfect destination to refuel. The unlimited travel pass also provides entry to The Engine House Visitor Centre, complete with its wealth of interactive exhibits, including brand new exhibition Floods Of 2007 - Ten Years On. There’s also the Coalyard Miniature Railway at Kidderminster and the Paddock Garden Miniature at Hampton Loade to enjoy. For further information and forthcoming events, visit svr.co.uk There’s action and adventure aplenty on offer at this Bromsgrove living history museum during the summer. Arty escapades and vintage Themed activities include: Wilderness Warriors, where young adventurers can get fun at Compton Verney back to basics and learn survival skills; Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ Traditional Games, allowing visitors to play Tel 01926 645500 boardgames, fly kites and enjoy an abundance Set in 120 acres of classical parkland of outdoor fun; and Folklore, where more- landscaped by Capability Brown, adventurous visitors can seek out the mythical Warwickshire’s ‘best art gallery and park’ offers beasts that dwell within the museum grounds. a summer-long programme of boredom-busting Pony & train rides, have-a-go archery and 19 events to keep visitors entertained during the acres of park-like grounds offer plenty more six-week school holiday. reason to visit this popular venue. For art lovers, Compton’s summer exhibition, Seurat To Riley: The Art Of Perception, runs from And when you’re ready for some rest and 8 July to 1 October (see page 37 for more info). Aviation enthusiasts, meanwhile, can observe relaxation, the Edwardian Tea Rooms provide scaled models in action in Wings And Water on 23 July, while those wishing to step back in an ideal setting in which to enjoy a cuppa and time can do so on 5 August, when Compton returns to the Swinging ’60s with a celebration of a slice of cake. For information on all Motown, Mods and Michael Caine. For all summer events, opening times and further forthcoming events, prices and opening times, information, visit comptonverney.org.uk visit avoncroft.org,uk

Motoring treasures at the history of exhibits every Monday, or take part in crafty workshops (Tuesdays to British Motor Museum Saturdays) in which you’re invited to create Banbury Rd, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 OBJ your very own motoring treasure to take Tel 01926 641188 home. From family tours with costumed guides to an Meanwhile, My First Car Project invites abundance of themed craft activities, this visitors young and old to create a drawing or award-winning museum is geared up to host compose a few words about their first vehicle a ‘treasure trove’ of child-friendly activities - and yep, that does include pedal cars! over the summer holidays. For information about all summer events, Meet costumed explainers who’ll talk through visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Summer Fun Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:30 Page 3

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MORE SUMMER FUN...

Mythical tales and Saxon The metal’s not heavy history at Tamworth Castle at the British Ironworks The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffs, B79 7NA Centre Tel 01827 709626 Whitehall, Aston, Morda, Oswestry, SY11 4JH Join Tamworth’s resident storyteller this Tel: 0800 688 8386 summer for mythical tales of knights, dragons and princesses. Visitors are invited to attend The British Ironwork Centre boasts a varied dressed in costume and get involved with the numerous craft activities on offer. collection of beautifully decorative metal Throughout July the castle is hosting an Enchanted Trail, along which families can discover items for the home and garden, some of which the wishing tree and encounter mischievous pixies. are faithful reproductions of ironwork no In August the focus shifts to the Saxons, with activities revolving around hands-on longer seen today. archaeology, runic puzzles, history lessons about warrior princess Aethelflaed and Saxon There’s also a collection of animal sculptures battle tactics. to admire - including a majestic silverback go- Visitors can also meet the laundress and help her prepare clothes for washing the medieval rilla - and indoor show areas featuring a trea- way, while the castle’s armourer will explain how maille was made and medieval weapons sure trove of trinkets and interior adornments. fashioned. The venue’s outdoor area, meanwhile, is home For further information and forthcoming events, visit tamworthcastle.co.uk to an impressive array of carefully crafted ar- chitectural structures and sculptures. The centre also features an exotic zoo and An action-packed summer hosts numerous family fun days throughout the year, with scavenger and ladybug hunts, at Twinlakes Theme Park vintage car rallies, motorbike meets and bal- Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray, loon festivals among the attractions featured Leicester, LE14 4SB Tel: 01664 567777 on the events calendar. All-action theme park Twinlakes is offering For information about what’s on at the venue plenty of family-friendly fun this summer this summer, visit britishironworkcentre.co.uk holiday. The popular East Midlands venue has weird and wonderful attractions aplenty to explore, including a birds of prey centre, a creepy-critter zone and a vast indoor arena of family-orientated activities. And that’s not all. August sees three action-packed shows taking place at the Melton Mowbray theme park: Mad Science (on the 3rd), Meet Rex The T-Rex (8th to the 12th) and Titan The Robot (28th). For more information, visit twinlakespark.co.uk

A summer of science at award-winning Thinktank Millennium Point, Birmingham, B6 6JD. Tel: 0121 348 8000 This award-winning science museum is packed with things to see and do during the summer holidays. Static features include the Spitfire Gallery - showcasing the innovative design and cutting-edge technology that played such an important role in World War Two - and the Marine Worlds Gallery, exploring animals past and present that have adapted to life in the sea. There’s also the Planetarium, presenting regular shows about astronomy and space. Elsewhere, the outdoor Science Garden is packed with fun things to do, with more than 30 hands-on exhibits bringing to life the subjects of engineering, mechanics and transportation. For further information, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk

Get active at Malvern pastimes for children aged between seven and 13. Activity days start from £35 Outdoor Elements per person, with an 8% discount if you Old Hollow, West Malvern, Worcester- book for five days. shire, WR14 4NR Tel: 01684 574546 So if you have an adventurous youngster There’s no shortage of exciting activities chomping at the bit for some adrenaline- for youngsters to enjoy at Malvern fuelled action over the summer holidays, Outdoor Elements. check out malvernoutdoors.co.uk for A not-for-profit organisation based in more information. nine acres of woodland in the beautiful Activities include hill walking, abseiling, setting of the Malvern Hills, this outdoor kayaking, canoeing, high & low ropes, adventure site offers a wide range of fun king swings, orienteering and problem solving. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:42 Page 1

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Events previews from around the region Events

Steampunk Festival Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Sat 1 - Sun 2 July This first ever steampunk festival at Blists Hill forms part of Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fantasy that reimagines modern technology powered by 19th century steam. Highlights of the festival include an exhibition of steampunk art, costumes and sculptures, a living history encampment, inflatable dinosaurs featuring in an interactive event, the chance for youngsters to track down fairies hidden in a garden, and a craft area in which kids can make their own steampunk items. The Saturday evening sees Blists Hill transformed into a fantastical science-fiction Western World, complete with zombie outbreaks, shootouts and saloon-bar girls.

JQ Festival Dinosaurs In The Wild Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Fri 28 - Sun 30 July until Wed 23 August Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter Festival Dramatic storytelling and high-end returns for a third year this month. digital graphics and animatronics lie Organised by the Jewellery Quarter at the heart of this brand new show. Business Improvement District (JQBID) The 70-minute experience combines and supported by local businesses, the theatre, theme park fun and the very festival features a range of free family latest scientific research to create an activities, entertainment including local immersive adventure that’s ‘designed comedian Barbara Nice, live music, free to make you feel as though you’re heritage tours and a selection of street really there, in amongst the dinosaurs, food and drink. For further information, in their world, at their time’. visit jewelleryquarter.net/JQ-Festival The show has been created by the award-winning producers of the hit BBC TV series, Walking With Dinosaurs.

Formula One: British Grand Prix Silverstone Circuit, Northamptonshire, Fri 14 - Sun 16 July The main event needs no introduction, with Lewis Hamilton hoping to win his fifth British Grand Prix as he attempts to reclaim his World Champion crown. Away from the fast lane, this three-day Silverstone spectacular offers plenty of attractions to keep visitors fully en- gaged. Sara Cox headlines the Friday night entertainment, presenting a DJ set called Just Can’t Get Enough ’80s, while Reef & The Hoosiers are the top attraction at the Saturday night con- cert. The RPJ Band play the Grand Prix after-party on the Sunday. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:42 Page 3 Events July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 16:42 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

The Hive At Five The Hive, Worcester, Sat 8 July Worcester venue The Hive this month celebrates its fifth birthday with a series of special events. Anniversary highlights include cake-making competition The Great Hive Cake-Off, a ‘creation station’ featuring treasure hunts, storytelling and craft activities, and a dance performance by Watch Out Worcester Dance Fest. There’s also an exhibition about the venue on show from the 3rd to the 10th of the month.

Shropshire Family Vintage Show The Greenhous West Mid Antiques For Everyone WIN TICKETS! Showground, Shrewsbury, Summer Fair Sat 1 - Sun 2 July Visit: whatsonlive.co.uk Hundreds of vintage motorbikes, NEC, Birmingham, Tues 20 - Sun 23 July cars, tractors and military With more than 200 specialist dealers vehicles are on display at this showcasing their wares, Antiques For Everyone popular family show, which also is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. features a children's activity This latest edition of the show features as its centre, steam-powered carousel, centrepiece an exhibition celebrating ‘the and numerous displays and wonderful world of gadgets, gizmos and demonstrations. thingamajigs’. The display comprises an Admission for children under the impressive range of obscure and unusual age of 16 is free. objects, including a number of eccentric labour- saving devices, ladies accoutrements and World War Two escape buttons. Brindleyplace The featured items have been loaned to the Film Festival show by Maurice Collins, whose interest in Brindleyplace, Birmingham, collecting began in the 1970s when he would Mon 17 - Sun 23 July accompany his son on bottle-digging trips to Taking place for a sixth year and old Victorian rubbish tips. once again free to attend, the Brindleyplace Film Festival fea- tures a selection of hit movies se- lected by the general public. Step Back To The 1940s All aboard for a Severn Valley Railway train “There are some fantastic films journey back in time to the 1940s. on the shortlist this year,” says Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth, Shropshire The railway’s lighthearted homage to wartime Sat 1 - Sun 2 July Brindleyplace Marketing & Britain features an impressive selection of Events Executive Nathan attractions up and down the line. Sanghera. “Whether you love the Visitors are encouraged to get dressed up and join classic romance of Top Gun, the event’s costumed re-enactors, with ‘Prime want to see the Avengers Assem- Minister Winston Churchill’ and ‘King George VI’ ble on the big screen, watch Men both in attendance. In Black save the galaxy or bring Taking place across two weekends, the festival Charlie’s Angels to Central includes firefighting reenactments, vintage bus Square, make sure you vote!” rides, musical entertainment, a wartime newsreel, a vintage marketplace and a big band show featuring the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra.

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Events

1940s Weekend BCLM Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 15 - Sun 16 July The sights and sounds of wartime Britain are recreated in the region this month, courtesy of this nostalgic weekend. BCLM’s largest-ever celebration of all things 1940s, the event offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wartime atmosphere. Attractions include vintage memorabilia markets, the chance to say hello to some 1940s characters and the opportunity to ‘get handy’ in make-do-and-mend workshops. Air-raid scenarios take place throughout the weekend, and there’s plenty of food and drink to enjoy too, including American-style cuisine from a GI bar.

Viking Weekend Truckfest Hands On History: Arley Arboretum & Gardens, Bewdley, Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Sat 1 - Sun 2 July Worcestershire Sat 1 - Sun 2 July Medieval Telford’s Raudr Vagr Vikings group are this Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, month setting up camp on the front lawn of Mon 24 - Sun 30 July the Arboretum to present a weekend-long Wannabe knights and young Living History experience. Over the course of princesses are sure to enjoy a day the two days, the reenactors will be demon- out at Kenilworth Castle. strating a variety of Viking Age crafts, skills, And if you’re thinking of popping games and pastimes. They’ll also be engag- along there this summer holiday, ing in numerous combat displays and chat- why not coincide your visit with the ting to visitors about all things Viking. residency of the Hands On History crew, who’ll be bringing the past to life and revealing the ingenious se- crets of castle-building. Other attractions at the 900-year-old Making a welcome return to Malvern, Truck- one-time medieval fortress include fest showcases a range of family entertain- the chance to scale the heights of the ment, a programme of main-arena events tower built to woo Queen Elizabeth I, and ‘all that’s best in the road haulage indus- check out the mighty Norman keep, try’. Highlights include appearances by explore the exhibition in the Gate- celebrity truckers, live music from Chel- house and visit the majestic Great tenham-based rock, boogie and blues four- Hall, a room that would once upon a piece Hot Tubes, monster truck action and a time have played host to all manner family funfair. of medieval monarchs and early Tudor kings. Dinosaur School The Fast Car Festival Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Donington Park, Northamptonshire, Sun 2 July Mon 31 July - Fri 4 August Making a full-throttle return to Donington Dinosaur lovers get the chance to learn all after enjoying a record-breaking year in 2016, about their favourite prehistoric creatures at The Fast Car Festival aims ‘to capture the this week-long get-together. essence of all that’s great from the past, pre- Featuring dinosaur facts, fossils, art, model sent and future of the motoring industry’. making and stories, the children-only event The event features thousands of on-display is suitable for youngsters aged between vehicles, including Supercars, Hypercars, seven and 11. perfectly restored barn finds, rallycross Highlights include the chance to make a baby champions, quarter-mile demons and vin- dinosaur nest, create a dinosaur sculpture tage classics. Stunts, demos and appearances and learn to make fossil drawings. by racing legends further add to the fun.

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Events previews from around the region

Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, Sat 1 - Sun 2 July The award-winning Stratford River Festival features a wide range of entertainment for the local com- munity to enjoy. Among the two-day event’s high- lights are live music, a host of fun activities taking place in the fam- ily & charity zone, a display of nar- rowboats, an artisan craft market, numerous global food stalls and a ‘spectacular’ firework display on the Saturday night.

Pirates Day The Potteries Museum & Art Moscow State Circus: Gostinitsa - Hotel Of Curiosities Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 9 July Becketts Farm, Wythall, Birmingham, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Well shiver yer timbers and splice the mainbrace if there ain’t a The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the human skill and endurance - many of which packed programme of piratical best-known circus in the world, based on over are evident in this current production. pursuits awaitin’ visitors to the 200 years of tradition. When animals became Highlights of the show include unicycling, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery an unpopular aspect of circuses, this flexible foot juggling, trapeze acts and high-wire acro- this month! family favourite adapted to survive by moving bats. Award-winning clowns The Chervotkins Families can join in a sea shanties the emphasis to astonishing displays of Duo are the audience’s guide for the evening. singalong, settle back for stories of seafaring adventure, participate in a cutlass drill at Pirate School and Camper Jam enjoy a puppet presentation of Blackbeard The Pirate. Weston Park, Shropshire, There are even a number of real Fri 7 - Sun 9 July parrots in attendance - although One of the most anticipated and that other great pirate staple of highly regarded shows of its bottles of rum may be harder to kind, Camper Jam is marketed as come by! a fun-filled family-friendly event with a chilled-out, take-it-easy vibe. Weekend highlights include live bands, hundreds of traders, a ‘tastebud-tantalising’ food village, numerous children’s activities, a funfair and the always-popular ‘cooking in a camper’ competition. The show is this year celebrating its 10th anniversary. READER OFFER! Present advert on page 52 to save £1 off ticket price

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Yourur wweekeek bbyy wweekeek listingslistings gguideuide JulyJuly 22017017 thelist

Black Voices at Lichfield Cathedral - Friday 14 July

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!

What’s On Sat 1 to Sun 9 July Mon 10 to Sun 16 July Mon 17 to Sun 23 July Mon 24 to Mon 31 July

Fuse Festival at Mega Kickass Weekender at Cosford Food Festival at Funny Girl at Wolverhampton Beacon Park, Lichfield Weston Park RAF Cosford Grand Theatre Fri 7 - Sun 9 July Sat 15 - Sun 16 July Sat 22 - Sun 23 July Mon 24 - Sat 29 July

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:44 Page 1

thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July THROUGHOUT JULY Gigs

Fantastic wildlife photos and videos GARETH GATES Sat 1 Visual Arts produced by Wolverhampton resi- July, Lichfield Garrick, dents, Sat 15 July - Sun 8 Oct Staffordshire NEW WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE New Art Gallery - Walsall OPIUM LORD, WREN, YEAR 2017 Famous exhibition show- FVNERALS & KHOST Sat NEW ARTIST'S STUDIO - GLASSHOUSE casing the world’s very best nature 1 July, The Flapper, Five artists spend time in residence photography, Sat 22 July - Sun 1 Oct Birmingham in the gallery’s Artists’ Studio, Tues 4 NEW THIS WAY UP! CREATIVE HEALTH July - Tues 22 Aug SHOOT THE SYMPHONY, CIC Celebration of the artistic talents THE MOJO FILTERS & of people living in Wolverhampton MIDDLE SPACE Sat 1 Potteries Museum & Art and Staffordshire who took part in July, The Sunflower Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent the This Way Up creative wellbeing Lounge, Birmingham Elbow - Cannock Chase Forest NEW MINI MUSEUM Reflecting all the project in 2016/17, Sat 29 July - Sun MUNCH Sat 1 July, Mon 3 July, The Robin, July, Birmingham collections held by the museum, this 27 Aug Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bilston Town Hall family-friendly exhibition asks visitors ingham about their favourite objects and how Other VISUAL ARTS JESSE MALIN Mon 3 CHRIS BOWDEN Fri 7 INSTAJAM THE REUNION July, The Rainbow July, Symphony Hall, they would like to see them dis- NEW SANDWELL BLOOMIN' LOVELY ARTS played, Sat 29 July - Sun 3 Sept SUMMER Sat 1 July, O2 Venues, Birmingham Birmingham TRAIL Celebrate local talent as paint- Institute, Birmingham ings, drawings and photographs go TRAVIS SCOTT Tues 4 BLINK 182 Fri 7 July, Shrewsbury Museum & Art on display around the borough, cre- MOTOWN'S GREATEST July, O2 Academy, Barclaycard Arena, Gallery ated by local amateur artists, schools HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS Birmingham Birmingham Sat 1 July, New ANTARCTICA: LIFE IN A HOSTILE LAND and organisations around the theme THE PAT MCMANUS MICHAELA WYLDE Sat Alexandra Theatre, Insight into our relationship with the of the natural world and Sandwell in BAND Tues 4 July, 8 July, Havana Repub- Birmingham most hostile continent on Earth, until bloom. The trail runs from July to Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent lic Bar and Restaurant, September across Sandwell. Find out OUR WORLD BELOW Sun 17 Sept Sat BLACK PEAKS Wed 5 Shrewsbury where you can see the artwork and 1 July, The Slade July, The Sugarmill, QUARRY FEST Sat 8 follow the trail at Rooms, Wolverhamp- Stoke-on-Trent July, The Quarry Park, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, sandwell.gov.uk/joinmuseums, Sat 1 ton Shrewsbury Burton-upon-Trent - Fri 14 July, Sandwell Valley Country ELECTUS Wed 5 July, KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 1 TOUR OF THE VALKYRIES NEW THE BREWHOUSE OPEN The An- Park, West Bromwich The Robin, Bilston July, The Robin, Bil- Sat 8 July, The Slade nual Open Exhibition is an opportu- NEW MID SUMMER COAST Exhibition by ston LINKIN PARK Thurs 6 nity for all artists in the region to July, Barclaycard Rooms, Wolverhamp- Richard Bawden and other artists, TOM JONES Sat 1 July, exhibit their work. Showcasing an in- Arena, Birmingham ton Sat 1 July - Sat 5 Aug, Twenty Twenty Delamere Forest, teresting mix of styles, techniques TITAN OF TITANS Sat 8 Gallery, Much Wenlock Northwich, Cheshire THE DANBERRYS Thurs and media, ranging from traditional 6 July, SpArC, Bishops July, Hare & Hounds, NEW PAULINE FURNIVAL A solo exhibi- U2 2 paintings to film, Fri 7 - Sat 29 July Sat 1 July, Eleven, Castle, Shropshire Birmingham tion featuring a selection of Pauline's Stoke-on-Trent most recent works. The artist uses T'PAU FEATURING CAROL ROXY MAJIC Sat 8 July, THE VAMPS Wolverhampton Art Gallery her own special mixture of fluid pour- Sat 1 July, DECKER Thurs 6 July, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent NEW MINI WOLVES EXHIBITION The ing acrylic paint and varnishes, O2 Academy, B’ham The Robin, Bilston THE TONY FARRELL BIG largest public art event ever to take which, when dry, reflect some of na- THE GLENN MILLER OR- JOOLS HOLLAND AND BAND Sat 8 July, The place in Wolverhampton features 30 ture’s wonderful rock stratas, Thurs 6 CHESTRA Sun 2 July, HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES Brewhouse Arts Cen- wolf sculptures which will be located July - Mon 7 Aug, Qube Gallery, Os- Theatre Severn, ORCHESTRA Thurs 6 tre, Burton-upon-Trent at key city centre sites and in West westry Shrewsbury July, Robin Park CRAIG CHARLES - FUNK Park. To celebrate the public art, NEW SUMMER OPEN EXHIBITION An an- AMERICAN YOUNG Sun Leisure Centre, Can- & SOUL SHOW Sat 8 schools across the city, along with 10 nual exhibition showcasing work by 2 July, The Slade nock Chase July, The Glee Club, artists, have joined together to turn regular artists and new talent and Rooms, W’hampton JOYCE SIMS Thurs 6 Birmingham mini wolf sculptures into artwork, Sat featuring a wide range of media and 8 July- Sun 24 Sept SOULUTIONS Sun 2 July, Hare & Hounds, THE JAR FAMILY Sat 8 subject matter, Sat 8 July - Sat 12 July, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham July, Birchmeadow NEW DINOSAUR ART Exhibition cham- Aug, The Willow Gallery, Oswestry Birmingham Centre, Broseley pioning the work of four RHINESTONE COWBOY NEW THREE COUNTIES OPEN ART 2017 THE ASTOR BIG BAND palaeoartists, who merge cutting- Fri 7 July, Theatre Sev- RICK ASTLEY Sat 8 July, Showcasing work from artists based AND SINGERS Sun 2 ern, Shrewsbury Cannock Chase Forest edge science and art, Sat 15 July - in Staffordshire, Cheshire and Shrop- Sun 8 Oct July, New Alexandra WHITESNAKE UK AND STRAIGHT FOR THE SUN shire, Sat 22 July - Thurs 31 Aug, Theatre, Birmingham NEW WILD WOLVERHAMPTON: WILDLIFE Burslem School of Art, Stoke-on- WHITE TYGER Fri 7 July, Sat 8 July, O2 FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Trent GLADYS KNIGHT Sun 2 The Slade Rooms, Academy, Birminghm July, Symphony Hall, Wolverhampton THE THEATRE COLLEC- Birmingham THE SMYTHS Fri 7 July, TIVE Sun 9 July, The JUST FLOYD Sun 2 July, The Sugarmill, Stoke- Slade Rooms, Wolver- The Robin, Bilston on-Trent hampton RICK ASTLEY Sun 2 THE SEX PISSED DOLLS KONSTANTINOS KOUFOS July, Delamere Forest, Fri 7 July, The Robin, Sun 9 July, O2 Northwich, Cheshire Bilston Academy, Birmingham LOW LILY Mon 3 July, ELBOW Fri 7 July, Can- TOM JONES Sun 9 July, Stafford Gatehouse nock Chase Forest Cannock Chase Forest Theatre THE UB40 EXPERIENCE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL BACK TONY BENNETT Mon 3 Fri 7 July, The Road- THE YEARS WITH DAVID July, Symphony Hall, house, Birmingham HAMILTON Sun 9 July, Birmingham Theatre Severn, Antartica: Life In A Hostile Land - Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery SOWETO KINCH Fri 7 CROW BLACK CHICKEN Shrewsbury 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:44 Page 2

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July

Stratford-upon-Avon Wolverhampton Wed 5 July, The Glee Club, B’ham SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, LITTLE RED Page-2-Stage Productions Classical Music DANIEL TOWNES, IAN COPPINGER & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- written in French and originally brings its usual madcap spirit and banned in England, recounts in a sin- style to a new adaptation of a classic BRANT INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETI- SON Thurs 6 July, The Glee Club, gle act the biblical story of Herod An- family story, Wed 5 - Fri 7 July, Tren- TION: THE FINAL Sat 1 July, Birming- Birmingham tipas’s daughter, until Wed 6 Sept, tham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent ham Town Hall BRENNAN REECE & ELEANOR TIERNAN Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM YOUTH CHORUS SUMMER SHOWCASE Thurs 6 July, mac, Birmingham ford-upon-Avon SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) Roller- Features Julian Wilkins (conductor). MARCUS BIRDMAN, ZOE LYONS, PHIL ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Shake- coaster romp through all of Shake- Programme includes works by REID & GEORGE ZACH Thurs 6 July, speare’s tragedy of love and power, speare’s plays, Wed 5 - Sun 9 July, Brahms, Britten, Elgar, Fauré, Holst, The George Hotel, Lichfield until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shake- The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Mendelssohn and John Rutter, Sat 1 KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon July, CBSO Centre, Birmingham CATS Youth Theatre production of the 6 July, Stourbridge Town Hall JULIUS CAESAR Bloody story of con- Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber LABORATORIUM PIESNI: WORKSHOP AND DANIEL TOWNES, IAN COPPINGER, TOM spiracy and murder, noble intentions classic, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 July, The CONCERT Sun 2 July, Hermon Chapel HOUGHTON & MAFF BROWN Fri 7 - Sat and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Arts Centre, Oswestry, North Shrop- 8 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- shire MORBID CURIOSITIES Don’t Go Into MATT REED & CERYS NELMES Fri 7 - ford-upon-Avon The Cellar present an original stage SPOTLIGHT ON BROADWAY Espressivo Sat 8 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s ‘side-split- thriller, featuring all-new adaptations Chorus presents songs from Broad- Birmingham ting’ comedy romp,until Sat 9 Sept, of The Yellow Wallpaper, The Old way classics to contemporary hit The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Nurse’s Story and John Charrington’s shows, Sun 2 July, The Bramall, Uni- EDDIE BRIMSON, DARIUS DAVIES, STU- Avon Wedding, Fri 7 July, Lichfield Garrick versity of Birmingham ART GOLDSMITH & PHIL ELLIS Sat 8 July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham CARMILLA Stage27 present Sheridan THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY IGOR LEVIT PIANO RECITAL Programme La Fanu’s gothic novella, Fri 30 June Using huge projection photos and includes Shostakovich Preludes and JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Sat 8 July, The - Sat 1 July, mac, Birmingham original film footage, this 50th An- Fugues Op 87, 170’, Wed 5 July, Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham THE TALES OF DR SEUSS Crazy tom- niversary celebration features a full Birmingham Town Hall NOREEN KHAN, GUZ KHAN, AATIF NAWAZ, foolery for younger audiences, fusing live band performing many of the THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA Featuring Ryan ALI OFFICIAL & NABIL ABDULRASHID music, rhyme & magical characters, duo’s hits, Fri 7 July, Ludlow Assem- Wigglesworth (conductor) and An- Sun 9 July, The Glee Club, B’ham Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July, Forest Arts bly Rooms, South Shropshire drew Tyson (conductor). Programme PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES Centre, Walsall MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS PRESENT GOS- includes Strauss’ Don Juan, Rach- HOTEL Sun 9 July, mac, Birmingham DER ROSENKAVALIER Welsh National TINITSA: HOTEL OF CURIOSITIES Brand maninov’s Paganini Variations and SCOTT BENNETT, TOM LITTLE, STEVE Opera present a staging of Strauss' new show featuring award-winning Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, Fri 7 HARRIS & DAN NIGHTINGALE Sun 9 sumptuous comedy. Sung in German clowns, jugglers, unicyclists and July, Lichfield Cathedral July, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury with English surtitles, Sat 1 July, trapeze artists, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY: NEW DIREC- Birmingham Hippodrome Beckett's Farm, Birmingham TIONS Sat 8 July, St Laurences SHELL SHOCK A personal realisation of WEST END STORY Musical revue featur- Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire one soldier’s experience of learning ing tunes from some of the world’s DOMONKOS CSABAY PIANO RECITAL Pro- to cope with Post Traumatic Stress best musical theatre productions, Sat gramme inlcudes works by Mozart, Theatre Disorder, Sat 1 July, Ludlow Brewery, 8 July, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Schubert, Bartók, Copland and De- Ludlow, South Shropshire BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE Captivating bussy, Sat 8 July, Wade Street THE HOLLOW Shawbury Village Play- MORE UNBEARABLE PLEASURES OF series of portraits presented through Church, Lichfield ers present an amateur staging of BEING A WOMAN With Joana Eden and the words of some of the world’s best MR MCFALL’S CHAMBER GROUP Pro- Agatha Christie’s whodunnit, until Sat Leigh McDonald, Sat 1 July, The Old poets, Sat 8 July, Lichfield Garrick gramme includes works by Haydn, 1 July, Acton Reynalds Hall, Hadnall, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE THIRD POLICEMAN Flann O’Brien’s Calixto Alvarez, José White, Dvorak North Shropshire COMEDY OF ERRORS All-male theatre comic masterpiece, Sat 8 July, mac, and Fabio Landa, Sat 8 July, St LA CAGE AUX FOLLES John Partridge, group The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Birmingham Michael’s Greenhill Church, Lichfield Adrian Zmed & Marti Webb star in a present an outdoor staging of Shake- THE FIRST HIPPO ON THE MOON Les Pe- A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD ROGERS touring production of the smash-hit speare’s farce, Sat 1 July, Dudmas- tits Theatre Company present a stag- Sat 8 July, Lichfield Cathedral musical, until Sat 1 July, Grand The- ton Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire ing of David Walliams' explosively atre, Wolverhampton ESTUUDIO NOORTEKOOR Sun 9 July, SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- funny space adventure for children LIchfield Cathedral AVENUE Q Little Theatre Company pre- ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version aged three-plus, Sat 8 July, Lichfield sent an amateur staging of the Tony of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Sat Garrick Award-winning musical, until Sat 1 1 - Sun 2 July, Castle Bromwich Hall SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- July, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Gardens, Birmingham ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version Burton-upon-Trent THE MAGIC FLUTE Heritage Opera of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Sat GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Amateur North West present an open-air ver- 8 - Sun 9 July, Blakesley Hall, B’ham Comedy staging of Michelle Margorian’s sion of Mozart’s mystery-drama, Sun SECRET GARDEN Heartbreak Produc- wartime classic, until Sat 1 July, The- 2 July, Stafford Castle tion’s outdoor staging of the classic ROB ROUSE, PAUL THORNE, RO CAMP- atre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, A JUDGEMENT IN STONE A brand new children’s tale, Sun 9 July, Shugbor- BELL & GEORGE ZACH Sat 1 July, The Shropshire Glee Club, Birmingham staging of Ruth Rendell's classic ough Historic Working Estate, THE TEMPEST Outdoor staging of thriller, Mon 3 - Sat 8 July, Wolver- Staffordshire MICKEY BARTLETT, ALLYSON JUNE Shakespeare’s last and most com- hampton Grand Theatre PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES SMITH, JOHN LYNN & SIMON BLIGH Sat plete play, until Sat 8 July, Stafford THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN HOTEL Join seaside cabaret legend 1 July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Castle THE NIGHT TIME Highly acclaimed Na- Patrick as he recreates his summer- PIERRE HOLLINS, JOE ROWANTREE & AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS New tional Theatre production based on time spectacular from the infamous SEAN PERCIVAL Sat 1 July, Jongleurs Vic production of Jules Verne’s fa- Mark Haddon's award-winning novel, Sandy Holes Hotel, Sun 9 July, mac, Comedy Club, Birmingham mous story, until Sat 8 July, New Vic Tues 4 - Sat 8 July, Birmingham Hip- Birmingham Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme BARBARA NICE, GARAGHTY AND THOM podrome MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Sat 1 July, mac, Birmingham TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal POPCORN & PROSECCO A night of en- Theatretrain Hagley present an ama- GEORGE EGG Sat 1 July, Stafford Gate- play in which the decay of Rome tertainment featuring ‘the very best in teur show based on the popular ani- house Theatre reaches violent depths, until Sat 2 musical theatre’, Wed 5 - Thurs 6 mated movie, Sun 9 July, Crescent Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, FIN TAYLOR & KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN July, Newhampton Arts Centre, Theatre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:45 Page 3

thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July RICHARD III The Malachites present a Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 3 - new take on Shakespeare’s history Tues 4 July play, Sun 9 July, Lichfield Guildhall HIDDEN FIGURES (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Staffs, Tues 4 July THE PROMISE (12A) Drama/History. Film Starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Bon. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: South Shropshire, Tues 4 - Thurs 6 July L.A CONFIDENTIAL (18) Crime/Drama. HAMPSTEAD (12a) Drama. Starring Starring Kevin Spacey, Russell Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson. Crowe. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Light House Media Centre, Wolver- Wed 5 July hampton, until Thurs 6 July SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (12a) Ad- CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. venture/Sci-Fi. Starring Tom Holland, Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- Chris Evans. Mockingbird Cinema, son. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Birmingham, Wed 5 - Thurs 20 July until Thurs 6 July; Light House Media STAND BY ME (15) Adventure/Drama. Centre, Wolverhampton, until Thurs 6 Dinosaurs In The Wild - NEC, Birmingham July Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix. Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, THE BIG KNIGHTS (U) Animation. With Wed 5 July DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Featuring dra- STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL Corsets and the voices of Alexander Armstrong, matic storytelling and high-end digital clogs at Ironbridge’s first ever Steam- Brian Blessed. mac, Birmingham, Sat THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (18) graphics and animatronics, until Wed punk gathering, Sat 1 - Sun 2 July, 1 July Comedy/Drama. Starring Judi Dench, 23 Aug, NEC, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire Bill Nighy. Includes wine tasting with A DOG'S PURPOSE (PG) Soul Tree Wines. Electric Cinema, SUMMER HOLIDAYS Summer of fun BIRMINGHAM SANDWELL WEST MID- Comedy/Drama. Starring Josh Gad, Birmingham, Thurs 6 July featuring magicians and ventrilo- LANDS FIESTA 2017 Celebration of Fil- Dennis Quaid. Ludlow Assembly quists, until Sun 3 Sep, Cadbury ipino cultures and heritage, Sat 1 - Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 1 July ALIEN: COVENANT (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. World, Bournville, Birmingham Sun 2 July, Lightwoods Park, Smeth- Starring Michael Fassbender, Kather- wick, Birmingham KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD ine Waterston. Ludlow Assembly MISS ELIZABETH BOAT TRIPS Take a (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Char- Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 8 July gentle cruise along the mile-long lake THE VINTAGE SHOW Hosted by the Mid lie Hunnam, Jude Law. Ludlow As- aboard the Miss Elizabeth, until Mon Shropshire Vintage Club, Sat 1 - Sun sembly Rooms, South Shropshire, ROCKY (12) Drama/Sport. Starring 4 Sep, Trentham Estate, Stoke-on- 2 July, West Midland Showground, Sat 1 July; Wem Town Hall, Shrop- Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire. Elec- Trent Shrewsbury tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 9 July shire, Fri 7 July ART COURSES until Sat 14 Oct, Arley VIKING WEEKEND! Raudr Vagr Vikings UNLOCKED (15) Action/Thriller. Starring LA TRAVIATA (U) Opera/Drama. Star- Arboretum, Bewdley group re-creates the lifestyles of the Orlando Bloom, Noomi Rapace. Fes- ring Francesca Dotto. Electric Cin- Viking and Anglo-Saxon peoples, Sat ema, Birmingham, Sun 9 July MADE IN SHROPSHIRE CRAFT MARKET A tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, showcase for local artists, design- 1 - Sun 2 July, Arley Arboretum, Be- Shropshire, Sat 1 July makers and artisan food producers wdley MEAN GIRLS (12) Comedy. Starring from Shropshire, Sat 1 July, Ludlow STEP BACK TO THE 1940S All aboard for Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Market, Ludlow, South Shropshire a Severn Valley Railway train journey Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, SUMMERFEST Featuring live music, back in time to the 1940s, Sat 1 - Sun Sat 1 July Released from Wed 5 July, showing 2 July, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- at selected cinemas: food & refreshments, rides, games, EGGHEAD (12a) Comedy/Drama. Star- stalls and a classic car show, Sat 1 ley ring Shailashree Mulki, Shreya. For- SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (12a) July, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley FERN TRAIN TRIPS Take a trip on the eign language, English subtitles. A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER (PG) BBQ CLUB Featuring expert chefs, Trentham Fern, the resident diesel mac, Birmingham, Sat 1 July IT COMES AT NIGHT (15) butchers and delicious BBQ food, Sat engine that chuffs along the lakeside, Sat 1 - Tues 4 July, Trentham Estate, SEXY DURGA (15) Drama/Fantasy. Star- THE LAST WORD (15) 1 July, Battlefield 1403 Farm Shop & ring Rajshri Deshpande, Bilas Nair. Cafe, Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent THE MIDWIFE (12a) Foreign language, English subtitles. ST CHAD'S CHURCH FETE Sat 1 July, SANDWELL BLOOMIN' LOVELY ARTS mac, Birmingham, Sun 2 July TOMMY'S HONOUR (PG) Pattingham Playing Fields, Patting- TRAIL Celebrate local talent as paint- SUPERMAN (PG) Action/Adventure. ham ings, drawings and photographs go on display around the borough, Sat 1 Starring Christopher Reeve, Margot JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK Kidder. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, - Fri 14 July, Sandwell Valley Country Learn about the history of the area, Park, West Bromwich Sun 2 July its buildings and businesses, Sat 1 HACKSAW RIDGE (15) Events July, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- WENLOCK OLYMPIAN GAMES Celebrate Biography/Drama. Starring Andrew ter, Birmingham the founding of the Olympic Games BIRMINGHAM INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL Eu- with this annual event, Sat 1 - Sun 16 Garfield, Sam Worthington. Stour- METAL WORKING EXPERIENCE Join the rope’s largest Indian film festival, July, Much Wenlock, Shropshire bridge Town Hall, Mon 3 July skilled metalworkers for a day of heat often referred to as the ‘punk-rock of THE KING AND I (U) Biography/Musical. and hammers, Sat 1 July, Black LAVENDER MONTH Learn about the his- Indian cinema’, until Sun 2 July, vari- Starring Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr. A Country Living Museum, Dudley torical uses of lavender, then try out ous locations throughout B’ham some lavender tea and cake in the dementia friendly film showing. Wem MAKE YOUR OWN STAFFORDSHIRE CAT THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT tearoom, Sat 1 - Sun 30 July, Town Hall, Shropshire, Mon 3 July Workshop teaching the basics of SHOW Featuring talks and demonstra- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham MINDHORN (15) Comedy. Starring Ken- needle felting, Sat 1 July, The Potter- tions, new product launches and neth Branagh, Essie Davis. Festival ies Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- THE BLACK COUNTRY ROAD RUN First plenty of inspiration, until Sun 2 July, Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Trent ever Halesowen Elite 5k Timed Race, NEC, Birmingham specifically for those who can com- Shropshire, Mon 3 July PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Pop along BRASS BANDS IN THE GARDENS until plete a 5k in under 30 minutes, Sun 2 WHISKY GALORE! (PG) Comedy/Ro- to the Monkey Forest and get snap- Sun 13 Aug, Trentham Estate, Stoke- July, Halesowen Library, The Corn- mance. Starring James Cosmo, ping, Sat 1 July, Trentham Monkey on-Trent bow Naomi Battrick. Ludlow Assembly Forest, Stoke-on-Trent 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:45 Page 4

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July

Selly Manor, Bournville Beardyman & The Prototypes, Thurs DRAGONFLY WALK See how many 6 - Sun 9 July, Coney Woods, Nose- dragon and damselflies you can spot, ley Hall, Leicestershire Sun 9 July, Attingham Park, Shrews- TECH FEST 2017 Line up includes bury Northlane, The Black Dahlia Murder, RACE FOR LIFE A 5k event, Sun 9 July, Obscura, The Faceless & Beyond Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Creation, Thurs 6 - Mon 10 July, Newark Showground, Newark PIRATES DAY Packed programme of piratical pursuits, including singalong NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 Line up sea shanties, storytelling, 'Pirate includes Zinc Zebra, Behind The Set- School' and puppet show Blackbeard tee, The Occasional Orchestra & The The Pirate, Sun 9 July, The Potteries Dylan Rythmn Band, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent July, Napton on the Hill, Warwickshire FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Born Upstairs Downstairs Tour - Weston Park, Staffordshire Again Beatles, Pollen, The Assist, Bud Sugar & Barbarellas Bang Bang, LUDLOW SMALL GARDENS FESTIVAL town centre on closed roads, Sat 8 Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Beacon Park, Lich- Some of Ludlow’s smaller gardens, July, Ludlow Town Centre, Ludlow, Festivals field outside the town centre, open for visi- South Shropshire LINTON FESTIVAL Line-up includes, tors to wander around and enjoy, Sun WIMBLEDON AFTERNOON TEA Get into BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Line-up Billy Walton Band, Band of Friends, 2 July, Various Locations around Lud- the Wimbledon spirit with Afternoon includes Tom O’Dell, Lucy Rose & Willie & The Bandits & Hayseed Dixie, low, South Shropshire Tea served with a glass of Prosecco, Benjamin Francis-Leftwich, until Sun Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, The Alma Inn, EID MELA Fun-filled day celebrating Sat 8 July, The Potteries Museum & 2 July, Over Farm Market, Highnam, Ross-on-Wye Eid Mela, with activities including Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Gloucester GODIVA FESTIVAL Line-up includes Henna, live bhangra and music, face NEWPORT SHOW One of Shropshire's KINGS HEATH FAKE FESTIVAL Line-up in- The Darkness, Tom Clarke (The painting, crafts, sports and a bouncy largest one-day events, the agricul- cludes trinbute bands Oasish, Enemy) and The Stranglers Fri 7 - castle, Sun 2 July, Soho House, tural show offers a varied programme Blondied & Green Date, Sat 1 July, Sun 9 July, War Memorial Park,, Handsworth, Birmingham of family entertainment, Sat 8 July, Kings Heath Park, Birmingham Coventry GARDEN TOUR Discover the history of Chetwynd Park, Newport LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK & SOUL FESTIVAL the Italian Garden, Sun 2 July, Tren- CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON FESTIVAL OF EISTEDDFOD Line up features Chaka Khan, St Paul Featuring Manic Street tham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent FOOD & DRINK & The Broken Bones & Soul II Soul, Bringing together a se- Preachers, Gregory Porter & Bryn Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Moseley Park, ANTIQUE FAIR Sun 2 July, Bantock lection of the UK’s finest street food Terfel, Mon 3 - Sun 9 July, Royal In- Birmingham House & Park, Wolverhampton traders with the best of local chefs, ternational Pavillion, Llangollen, North LABORATORIUM PIESNI: WORKSHOP AND restaurants and bars, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Wales CAMPER JAM Line-up includes: UK CONCERT Songs from all over the July, Wolverhampton City Centre LLANFEST Line-up includes Roving Foo Fighters, Hey Beatles & Doc world, performed using traditional VINTAGE IN THE PARK A full weekend of Crows, Buddy Holly & The Black Brown Trio, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, polyphonic singing, Sun 2 July, Her- vintage and handmade things, live Jacks, Army of Skanks & the Delta Weston Park, Nr Shifnal Radio Band, mon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry, entertainment, dancers and music, Mon 3 - Sun 9 July, LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2017 Annual North Shropshire Sat 8 - Sun 9 July, Lightwoods Park, Royal International Pavillion, Llan- music & arts festival featuring theatre, LET'S FEED BRUM - SUMMER SLEEPOVER Smethwick, Birmingham gollen, North Wales folk & classical music performances. FUR AND FEATHER WEEKEND BE FESTIVAL Fri 7 - Sat 15 July, various locations Idyllic setting? Check. Delicious A chance Featuring a diverse range throughout Lichfield street food? Check. Sky full of stars? to meet some of nature’s beautiful of contemporay theatre from across Check. With that, the scene is set for creations and talk to some special Europe, Tues 4 - Sat 8 July, The REP, QUARRY FEST Line-up includes 3 Inter- Let’s Feed Brum’s first summer guests, Sat 8 - Sun 9 July, Hawkstone Birmingham national live tributes to ABBA, Bruno fundraiser, Sun 2 - Mon 3 July, Birm- Park & Follies, Shrewsbury 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line up includes Mars and Madness, Sat 8 July, The ingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbas- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Learn Slaves, Nothing But Thieves, Pulled Quarry Park, Shrewsbury ton, Birmingham Apart By Horses, Jamie Lenman & about the amazing story of the Hip- WHY FESTIVAL Line up includes reg- Feed The Rhino, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 July, A TASTE OF AUSTRALIA: WINE TASTING podrome, Sat 8 July, Birmingham gae giants Gabbidon (ex Steel Upcote Farm, Cheltenham Enjoy a specially selected range of Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham Pulse), Khaliq, Remi Fox Novak, An- premium wines originating from Aus- DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Watch as NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up includes gryfish, & Church of Elvis, Sat 8 July, tralia. With expert guest speaker teams race each other along the Gabriel Ananda, Zen Mechanics, The Crossing, Digbeth, Birmingham Simon Grayson, Thurs 6 July, The River Severn in 40ft Dragon Boats, Peach Tree, Shrewsbury Sun 9 July, Shrewsbury School, HERITAGE TALK - GEORGE CADBURY Shrewsbury Bournville Village Trust Chairman 'UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS' BEHIND THE Duncan Cadbury gives a talk on busi- SCENES TOUR Delve deeper into the nessman and philanthropist George rich history of the House and family Cadbury, Thurs 6 July, Selly Manor, of Weston Park, Sun 9 July, Weston Bournville, Birmingham Park, Nr Shifnal BISHOP'S CASTLE REAL ALE TRAIL MACMILLAN SUMMERTIME WALK A 12- Based in and around the town’s six mile walk following the South Telford historic pubs and two real ale brew- Heritage Trail, Sun 9 July, Telford eries, Fri 7 - Sat 8 July, Bishops Cas- Town Park, Telford tle, South Shropshire TELFORD LIONS DAY Exhibition of clas- MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Fri 7 - Sun 9 sic cars, car clubs, military and ser- July, Beckett's Farm, Wythall, Birm- vice vehicles. Family fun day with ingham funfair, arena events, stalls etc, Sun 9 MONTHLY SHREWSBURY ARTS & CRAFTS July, Bowring District Park, Wellington MARKET Sat 8 July, The Square, NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME Discover Shrewsbury hidden gems including a Mediter- Dragon Boat Festival - Quarry Park, Shrewsbury LUDLOW 10K A night run around the ranean-inspired garden, Sun 9 July,

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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

26 - 28 JUNE

Thursday 31st August, 7.00pm BLACK MAGIC - THE LITTLE MIX SHOW OUR MAN IN HAVANA £21.50, £17.00 Students

Sunday 3rd Sptember, 2.00pm 29 & 30 JUNE THE THEO THE MOUSE SHOW

FANNY: A NEW MUSICHALL Thursday 7th September, 7.30pm THE ILLEGAL EAGLES £12, £10 Students

11 JULY

Friday 8th September, 7.30pm FLEETWOOD BAC

THE SCARECROWS’ WEDDING £14, £10 Child

Friday 15th September, 7.30pm GENESIS CONNECTED 31 JULY - 5 AUGUST

Saturday 16th September, 11am & 3pm HIGH SCHOOL ROCKS THE DREAMING £12.50 - £17.50

25 - 28 AUGUST Wednesday 20th September, 7.30pm RHYDIAN, RICHARD AND ADAM

MURDER IN BLOODFORD VILLAGE Friday 22nd September, 7.30pm £44 inc Picnic BEE GEES FEVER

9 SEPT

Saturday 23rd Sptember, 2.00pm BIG HOWARD'S LOL-TASTIC

YUKFEST THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR £25

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com TWC GP 01222 LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 10 - 16 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:43 Page 2

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 July Birmingham Gigs Classical ALISTAIR BARRIE, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC LEMURIA Mon 10 July, Music Thurs 13 July, The Glee Club, Birm- The Sunflower ingham Lounge, Birmingham ELYSIAN PIANO TRIO Featuring Emily FIN TAYLOR & JAYDE ADAMS Thurs 13 TRAPT, FALLEN STATE & Sun (violin), Jane Lindsay (cello) & July, mac, Birmingham CONFESSIONS OF A Jennifer Hughes (piano). Pro- CARL HUTCHINSON Fri 14 July, The- TRAITOR Tues 11 July, gramme includes works by atre Severn, Shrewsbury The Flapper, B’ham Beethoven, Brahms & Gershwin, STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 14 COUNTRY SUPERSTARS Mon 10 July, Wade Street Church, July, mac, Birmingham EXPERIENCE Wed 12 Lichfield July, The Place, Oak- EVELYN GLENNIE Mon 10 July, Lich- ALISTAIR BARRIE, DAN NIGHTINGALE, engates Theatre, field Cathedral MAUREEN YOUNGER & DAN THOMAS Fri 14 - Sat 15 July, The Glee Club, Telford ISAAC COLLIER CELLO RECITAL Pro- Birmingham KEVIN DEVINE Wed 12 gramme includes Richard Arnell’s July, The Sunflower Cello Suite Op 48 “Cello Sonata GEOFF BOYZ, DAVID MORGAN Sat 15 Lounge, Birmingham No.2,” Arron Minsky’s “10 American July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birm- ingham THE SWINGLES Wed 12 Cello Etudes,” Isaac Collier’s Impro- visation on “Jewish Prayer” by Ernest JOHN FOTHERGILL, JARLETH REGAN, July, Lichfield Garrick, Mary J. Blige - O2 Academy, Birmingham Staffordshire Bloch and Ernest Bloch’s Suite No.1 ALEX BOARDMAN & SALLY-ANN HAY- for Solo Cello, Wed 12 July, Wade WARD Sat 15 July, The Comedy Loft, DORJA, CHARLES DEX- River Rooms, Stour- THE DIRTY DC - AC/DC Street Church, Lichfield Birmingham TERWARD, ARAMANTUS, bridge TRIBUTE Sat 15 July, KILLER BOB & GENESIS ANDREW WEATHERALL Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent THE SIXTEEN Programme includes STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Sat 15 ARC Wed 12 July, The Fri 14 July, Hare & THE AC30'S Sat 15 July, works by Poulenc and Palestrina, July, mac, Birmingham Flapper, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham The Roadhouse, Birm- Thurs 13 July, Lichfield Cathedral RUSSELL KANE Sat 15 July, Ludlow VO FLETCHER Wed 12 QE2 - THE VERY BEST OF ingham FERIO SAXOPHONE QUARTET Thurs 13 Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire July, Symphony Hall, QUEEN Fri 14 July, MICHAELA WYLDE Sun July, Swinfen Hall Hotel, Lichfield RAYMOND MEARNS, JOHN LYNN, TEZ Birmingham Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent 16 July, The British DOMINIC DEGAVINO PIANO RECITAL ILYAS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 15 July, MARTHA WAINWRIGHT FOLK MUSIC EVENING Ironwork Centre, Os- Programme includes Beethoven’s Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Wed 12 July, William Fri 14 July, The Potter- westry, North Shrop- Sonata Op.31 No.1 in G Major, Aston Hall, Wrexham ies Museum & Art shire Rachmaninov’s Corelli Variations, Op. 42, Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No.1 EZIO Wed 12 July, The Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent THE GLENN MILLER OR- and works by Ligeti, Fri 14 July, Robin, Bilston MARY J. BLIGE Sat 15 CHESTRA Sun 16 July, Stafford Gatehouse Wade Street Church, Lichfield DAVE ONIONS Thurs 13 July, O2 Academy, Theatre Theatre BLACK VOICES Fri 14 July, Lichfield July, Katie Fitzgerald's, Birmingham Cathedral Stourbridge CLAUDE VON STROKE, FRENCH BOUTIK Sun 16 ON THE RUN & SMALL STEPS GIANT July, The Wightman BLAKE Re-inspired by the classic trio LEAPS Theatrical double bill per- TRISTAN & HESTON MARC SPENCE, TOM Theatre, Shrewsbury harmonies of The Three Tenors, The formed by Central Youth Theatre, Thurs 13 July, Hare & SHORTERZ Sat 15 July, Bee Gees and Boyz-II-Men, Sat 15 Mon 10 July, Newhampton Arts Cen- Hounds, Birmingham The Rainbow Venues, BIG BAND CONCERT Sun Birmingham 16 July, Himley Hall & July, Festival Drayton Centre, Market tre, Wolverhampton RED JUMPSUIT APPARA- Park, Dudley Drayton, North Shropshire WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave TUS Fri 14 July, O2 In- MISHA MULLOV-ABBADO CBSO VIBRANT VOICES Featuring Ula Willetts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank stitute, Birmingham GROUP Sat 15 July, The ANTI-CLONE Sun 16 Hive, Shrewsbury July, The Flapper, Weber (conductor), Marc Hall (chil- Wildhorn’s musical adaptation of SAMANTHA WRIGHT dren’s chorus conductor), CBSO SO Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC Birmingham QUINTET Fri 14 July, Vocal, CBSO Children’s Chorus and Wonderland and Through The Look- ROCK NIGHT Sat 15 JACEK STACHURSKY Symphony Hall, Birm- musicians from the CBSO, Sat 15 ing Glass, Mon 10 - Sat 15 July, Re- July, Route 44, B’ham Sun 16 July, O2 Insti- ingham July, Birmingham Town Hall gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ULTRA 90'S Sat 15 July, tute, Birmingham LOTTO BOYZZ Fri 14 ORGAN PROMS Experience the mag- SHIRLEY VALENTINE Jodie Prenger The River Rooms, HUE AND CRY Sun 16 July, The Slade nificence of the 4 Manual Conacher- stars in Willy Russell's classic play, Stourbridge July, The Robin, Bil- Rooms, Wolverhamp- Willis Organ with a showcase of the Mon 10 - Sat 15 July, Theatre Sev- ston ton THE STEVE GIBBONS world’s finest organists, Sat 15 July, ern, Shrewsbury URBAN INTRO Fri 14 - BAND, Sat 15 July, Blue HANNAH ALDRIDGE Sun Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Piano Restaurant And 16 July, Kitchen Gar- Sat 15 July, The Jam OLIVER WASS HARP RECITAL Sat 15 Bar, Birmingham den Cafe, Birmingham House, Birmingham July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield TEQUILA MOCKINGBYRD Fri 14 July, The Flap- per, Birmingham WITTERQUICK Fri 14 July, The Asylum, Comedy Birmingham ZOE LYONS Mon 10 July, Lichfield THE SOUL SURVIVORS AUSTEN’S WOMEN Thirteen of Jane Garrick WITH MEL DAY Fri 14 Austen’s heroines come to life in a July, The Robin, Bil- SPENCER JONES, BRENNAN REECE bold revisiting of some of literature’s ston Wed 12 July, The Glee Club, B’ham most celebrated works, Tues 11 July, THE SPOOKY MEN'S ADAM HESS & MAT EWINS Wed 12 Lichfield Garrick CHORALE Fri 14 July, July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING Family Birmingham Town Hall JO ENRIGHT, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, show based on the book by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, Tues 11 LEGEND - LEGENDS OF Michaela Wylde - The British Ironworks Centre, KERRY LEIGH & MAUREEN YOUNGER ROCK Fri 14 July, The Oswestry, North Shropshire Wed 12 July, Kitchen Garden Cafe, July, Lichfield Garrick whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 10 - 16 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:43 Page 3

thelist SEVEN Amateur performance pre- Breakthrough Theatre explore the life lie Hunnam, Jude Law. Wem Town sented by Central Youth Theatre, of one of history’s most iconic Dance Hall, Shropshire, Tues 11 & Thurs 13 Tues 11 - Wed 12 July, Newhampton women, Fri 14 - Sun 16 July, Blue Or- July Arts Centre, Wolverhampton ange Theatre, Birmingham FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (18) THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT OLD KING COLE Derek Webb’s show U-DANCE Showcase of work by youth Action/Adventure. Starring Sean Con- Amateur performance presented by for children, Fri 14 - Sat 22 July, Hall dancers from across the UK, Fri 14 - nery, Robert Shaw. Electric Cinema, The King’s CE School, Tues 11 - Green Little Theatre, Birmingham 16 July, Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham, Thurs 13 July Thurs 13 July, Arena Theatre, Wolver- ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks breathe NAVADAL Akademi’s national South THINGS TO COME (18) Drama. Starring hampton new life into Shakespeare’s classic Asian youth dance competition, run Isabelle Huppert, André Marcon. For- ROMEO & JULIET New production of tale by giving it a Mods & Rockers this year in partnership with One eign langiage, English subtitles. The Shakespeare’s immortal tale of an all- theme, Sat 15 July, mac, Birmingham Dance UK, ISTD and Sampad, Sat 15 Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 July July, Birmingham Hippodrome consuming love, Wed 12 July, JUMPROV 2 - THE SEQUEL Unique com- NAPOLEON (12a) Biography/Drama. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre edy sketch show completely made Starring Albert Dieudonné, Vladimir POLICE COPS: THE PRETEND MEN Ac- up on the spot and 100% improvised, Roudenko. mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 tion-packed hour of ‘adrenaline-fu- Sat 15 July, The Crescent Theatre, July elled physical comedy, cinematic Birmingham Talks ‘FEEL GOOD’ FILM FEST Highbury The- style and uncompromising facial A BLACK COUNTRY FAIRYTALE... AY IT! atre, Birmingham, Sun 16 July hair’, Wed 12 July, Lichfield Garrick Fizzogs present a non-traditional tale SLOW WEST (15) Western. Starring SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- of fantasy set in 1910, Sat 15 July, SARAH OUTEN: DARE TO DO The rower Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassben- ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, and adventurer talks about picking der. Highbury Theatre, Birmingham, of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Wed Shropshire herself up after a fall and finishing Sun 16 July 12 - Thurs 13 July, Selly Manor, Birm- ALL THE FLOWERS DYING Three In One what she set out to do, Mon 10 July, ingham Productions presents Roger Price’s The George Hotel, Lichfield BIRMINGHAM ORMISTON ACADEMY play, which explores how love and BRIAN CLEGG: THE REALITY FRAME Af- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE Bringing hate, peace and violence can exist ternoon talk hosted by the acclaimed Released from Tues 11 July, showing together music, dance and acting, side by side, Sat 15 July, Blue Or- science writer, Mon 10 July, The at selected cinemas: Wed 12 - Thurs 13 July, The Old Rep ange Theatre, Birmingham George Hotel, Lichfield WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (tbc) Theatre, Birmingham THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELSIE GREY JANE AUSTEN: THE BANKER’S SISTER CARS 3 (U) TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare’s magi- One-woman show in which Susan- Professor Emma Cleary delves into cal tale is reimagined in the 1920s, nah Hallcroft explores the issues that new research about the Austen family THE BEGUILED (15) with prohibition rife and Europe still cause people with dementia to seem- relationship, exploring how the ac- THE LAST WORD (15) reeling in the wake of war, Thurs 13 - ingly disappear... Sat 15 July, Blue tions of Jane’s brother informed the THE MIDWIFE (12a) Fri 14 July, Wolverhampton Grand Orange Theatre, Birmingham novelist’s writing and career, Thurs 13 Theatre TOMMY'S HONOUR (PG) THE SHOWSTOPPER’S KIDS SHOW Im- July, Lichfield Garrick TRANSITIONS New play by Lorna provised musical show for kids of all WATLING STREET Author John Higgs French which follows the fortunes of ages, presented by Olivier Award- takes audiences on a journey along a group of students and teachers winning West End improvisers, Sat one of Britain’s oldest and ‘most en- from four school as they battle for 15 July, Lichfield Garrick chanting’ roads, Fri 14 July, The survival, Thurs 13 - Tues 18 July, The George Hotel, Lichfield Events REP, Birmingham BUGSY MALONE Stage2 Performing Arts Academy presents its version of SIR TONY ROBINSON IN CONVERSATION VIP TOURS A fascinating tour of the SPENCER Nick Hall brings humour to the much-loved musical comedy, Sat Join the Blackadder and Time Team property, Tues 11 July, Trentham Gar- the story of Spencer Percival, the 15 July, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury star as he shares tales from an illustri- only Prime Minister ever to be assas- dens, Stoke-on-Trent JEKYLL AND HYDE Amateur staging ous career, Sat 15 July, Lichfield Gar- sinated... Fri 14 July, Blue Orange SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING EXHIBITION presented by The Arts Centre Telford rick Theatre, Birmingham Event bringing together leading man- (TACT), Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, ufacturers of garden products and MRS OSCAR WILDE The story of the The Place, Oakengates Theatre, showcasing exciting new develop- wife of one of the Victorian era’s most Shropshire famous writers, Fri 14 July, The Old ments, Tues 11 - Thurs 13 July, NEC, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- Birmingham ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version Film VALUATION DAY WITH BIDDLE AND WEBB PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Juliet Steven- of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Sat AUCTION HOUSE Take along your heir- son narrates Jane Austen’s classic 15 - Sun 16 July, Harvington Hall, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: looms and valuables along to the mu- love story in honour of the bicente- Kidderminster nary of the author’s death. Music by GOLD (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring seum for an Antiques Carl Davis is performed by pianist MILKSHAKE LIVE! THE MAGIC STORY- Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Roadshow-style valuation day, Thurs Ashley Wass & violinist Matthew BOOK With songs, stories and an Ramírez. Edge Arts Centre, Much 13 July, Wednesbury Museum and Trusler, Fri 14 July, Lichfield Garrick abundance of audience participation, Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 10 Art Gallery, Wednesbury Sun 16 July, Theatre Severn, Shrews- July TREVANION & DEAN AUCTIONS Regular CATS Amateur staging by Performing bury Stars Academy, Fri 14 July, Brew- MY COUSIN RACHEL (12a) Drama/Mys- monthly auctions of fine art, antiques house Art Centre, Burton-on-Trent MACBETH Oddsocks fuse laughter tery. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam and collectables, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 and witchcraft in a unique take on Claflin. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, July, Trevanion & Dean, Whitchurch, WEST END TO BROADWAY The Ludwig Shakespeare’s dramatic story of am- South Shropshire, Mon 10 July North Shropshire Academy of Musical Theatre present bition turned bad, Sun 16 July, mac, LA LA LAND (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- GIN JAMBOREE Featuring more than their first showcase, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Birmingham July, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South ring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. 100 different gins, with hundreds of Shropshire Foxlowe Arts Centre, Staffs, Tues 11 tonic/garnish combinations to try out, July Fri 14 July, The Lion Hotel, Shrews- STRICTLY MURDER Brian Capron bury (Coronation Street), Corrine Wicks CASABLANCA (15) Drama/Romance. (Doctors/Emmerdale) & Gary Turner Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid GIN-TASTING EVENING Discover the his- (Emmerdale) star in Brian Clemens’ Bergman. Wightman Theatre, tory and science behind one of the fast-moving thriller, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Shrewsbury, Tues 11 July nation’s most popular drinks, Fri 14 July, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD July, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent THE LIFE & DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Char- 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 10 - 16 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:43 Page 4

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE SEVERN... Monday 10 - Sunday 16 July

FRIDAY 7 - SATURDAY 8 JULY THE ANNUAL TRANSPORT RALLY Sat shire SONS OF 15 July, The British Ironwork Cen- BRIDGNORTH STREET FESTIVAL Spe- tre, Oswestry, North Shropshire cialist street food, general traders, PITCHES THE KICKBACK MOTORBIKE SHOW & buskers and children's funfair, Sun WORKSHOP FAIR Featuring over 50 16 July, Various locations in Bridg- Return with a brand new customs, cafe racers and classic north, Shropshire themed show SOPTV! ́ For an A Capella adven- motorcycles, as well as around 20 GOING UNDERGROUND Follow the ture through the world suppliers providing parts, acces- winding passageways beneath the of television! sories and much more, Sat 15 July, House and discover the purposes The Custard Factory, Digbeth, of the cellar in times gone by, Sun Birmingham 16 July, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal, SUNDAY 9 JULY 1940S EVENING Don’t forget to dress Shropshire up! Sat 15 July, Black Country Liv- BONSAI DEMO Experts demonstrate DJ and broadcasting ing Museum, Dudley best care and practice for Bonsai legend 'Diddy' DAVID COILED POT MAKING WORKSHOP Sat trees, Sun 16 July, Birmingham HAMILTON hosts this 15 July, Gladstone Pottery Mu- Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Fab 50s and Swinging 60s live music show seum, Stoke-on-Trent CLASSIC MOTOR DAY All categories with amazing band WOLVERHAMPTON FIESTA Featuring of classic vehicles are invited to at- THE FUGITIVES and giant fun fair, Monster Truck dis- tend, Sun 16 July, Apley Farm the sensational TIFFANY GIRLS. plays, moving T-Rex dinosaur, live Shop, Shifnal, Shropshire music, licenced bar, food courts & VICTORIAN DAY Millers make flour in more..., Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, West the watermill, plus children’s crafts Park, Wolverhampton and outdoor fun and games, Sun MONDAY 10 - SATURDAY 15 JULY LARGE MODEL AIRCRAFT RALLY Air 16 July, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham show in miniature, taking place on 14+ the airfield, Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, RAF Cosford, Cosford, Shifnal THE KICKASS BIG WEEKENDER Three events over two days, Sat 15 - Sun Festivals 16 July, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal THE ECKFORD SWEET PEA SOCIETY'S BROMSGROVE’S FOLK FESTIVAL Line- 29TH ANNUAL SHOW One of the up includes The Melrose Quartet, largest sweet pea shows in Britain, Quicksilver and Dan McKinnon, Jodie Prenger stars in Willy Russell’s heart-warming Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, Wem, North Thurs 13 - Sun 16 July, The Bowl- comedy about a Liverpool housewife’s escape to the sun. Shropshire ing Green, Bromsgrove FRIDAY 14 JULY EXOTIC ANIMALS WEEKEND Featuring BIRMINGHAM FEST Annual show- an array of exotic animals, includ- case of new theatrical productions ing owls, lizards and a meerkat, Sat from across the UK, Fri 14 - Sun 30 15 - Sun 16 July, Trentham Monkey July, Various locations across Birm- Forest, Stoke-on-Trent ingham OSWESTRY FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL FLASHPOINT FESTIVAL Line-up in- Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, Various Loca- cludes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, KT Tun- Fresh from supporting Chris tions around Oswestry, North stall, Hue and Cry and ABC, Fri 14 - Ramsey on tour, join Carl as he attempts to put the world Shropshire Sun 16 July, Rockingham Castle, to rights in his brand new hour of stand-up. OCTONAUTS OCTO-GLOW EXPLORERS Market Harborough, Leicestershire A brand new deep-sea adventure BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL JAZZ & where you can see the ocean in a BLUES FESTIVAL Line up includes THURSDAY 20 - SATURDAY 22 JULY whole new light, Sat 15 July - Sun Brush with the Blues, The Broom- 13 Aug, National Sea Life Centre, busters, C-Jam, Suzi Woods, Roy Birmingham Forbes Trio, The Catfish Kings, OPEN GARDENS FOR THE BRITISH RED Books Williams, The Whiskey MIKADO CROSS Ten Ludlow old-town gar- Brothers and many more, Sat 15 - dens open for the British Red Sun 23 July, various locations Cross, Sun 16 July, various loca- across Birmingham & Solihull tions around Ludlow, South Shrop-

An inventive new production of this most popular opera brought to you by Sasha Regan’s All Male ensemble.

C H E C K T H E W E B S I T E F O R F U L L L I S T I N G S

BOX OFFICE 01743 281 281 BOOK ONLINE WWW.THEATRESEVERN.CO.UK THEATRE SEVERN, FRANKWELL QUAY, SHREWSBURY SY3 8FT Octonauts Octo - Glow Explorers - National Sealife Centre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:42 Page 1

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:42 Page 2

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 July July, St Nicholas Cafe Bar, Shrews- Classical bury PHIL NICHOL Sun 23 July, The Old Music Post Office, Shrewsbury PAUL 'SILKY' WHITE Sun 23 July, Old MUSIC SERVICE GALA CONCERTS Mon Market Hall, Shrewsbury 17 - Fri 21 July, Symphonhy Hall, ABANDOMAN'S ROB BRODERICK Sun Birmingham 23 July, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury FRONCYSYLLTE MALE VOICE CHOIR JOE LYCETT Sun 23 July, St Nicholas 70th anniversary concert, Sat 22 Cafe Bar, Shrewsbury July, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- JOE LYCETT, TERRY ALDERSON, ABAN- under-Lyme DOMAN, SPENCER JONES, MRS BARBRA LEGENDS: SUPERHERO SYMPHONIES NICE & GREG DAVIS Sun 23 July, The- The People’s Orchestra showcase atre Severn, Shrewsbury soundtracks from a series of well known superhero films including Su- perman, Spiderman and Batman, Sat 22 July, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Theatre

ROOM ON THE BROOM Tall Stories’ mu- sical adaptation of the classic picture Comedy book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Mon 17 - Wed 19 July, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 17 Hayseed Dixie - William Aston Hall, Wrexham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- Trent TUNDE JEGEDE & THE ingham A JUDGEMENT IN STONE A brand new staging of Ruth Rendell's classic ART ENSEMBLE OF MARK THOMAS Gigs SUMMER TERRACE SES- Mon 17 July, Stafford thriller, Mon 17 - Sat 22 July, Regent SIONS Fri 21 July, The LAGOS Sat 22 July, Gatehouse Theatre mac, Birmingham Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BEEBE KWARTET Tues Rainbow Venues, LUCY PORTER & RHYS JAMES Wed 19 THE WIZZ Brit Youth Theatre presents 18 July, The Jam Birmingham PARTY IN THE PARK Sat July, The Glee Club, Birmingham 22 July, Bishops Cas- a funky modern version of The Wiz- House, Birmingham PUNJABTRONIX Fri 21 JARRED CHRISTMAS & COMEDY tle, Shropshire ard Of Oz, Tues 18 - Wed 19 July, HAYSEED DIXIE Tues 18 July, mac, Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham July, William Aston SOLID SOUL Fri 21 - Sat ABI KELSEY BAND Sat Thurs 20 July, The Glee Club, B’ham 22 July, Katie Fitzger- REMEMBER, REMEMBER The Young Hall, Wrexham 22 July, The Jam LUISA OMIELAN & PHIL NICHOL Thurs ald's, Birmingham REP presents Grace Barrington’s GURDAN THOMAS Wed House, Birmingham 20 July, mac, Birmingham play, which recounts three different BON GIOVI Sat 22 July, 19 July, Kitchen Gar- VOICE OF THE HEART - DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Fri 21 July, The versions of the same event, Tues 18 The Robin, Bilston den Cafe, Birmingham KAREN CARPENTER Fri Old Post Office, Shrewsbury - Thurs 20 July, The REP, B’ham 21 July, Wolverhamp- THE WEST COAST EA- DUCKING PUNCHES ADAM ROWE Fri 21 July, The Old Post JANE EYRE Chapterhouse Theatre ton Grand Theatre GLES Sat 22 July, The Wed 19 July, The River Office, Shrewsbury Company present an outdoor stag- Rooms, Stourbridge DEFINITELY MIGHTBE & Roadhouse, B’ham ing of Charlotte Bronte’s classic JARRED CHRISTMAS, OWEN O'NEILL, ADORED Fri 21 July, INTO THE SHADOWS Sat novel, Wed 19 July, Birmingham THE ELVIS YEARS, “ THE KATE LUCAS & STEVE SHANYASKI Fri The River Rooms, 22 July, Prince Of Botanical Gardens STORY OF THE KING 21 - Sat 22 July, The Glee Club, Stourbridge Wales Centre, Can- Thurs 20 July, Wolver- Birmingham INTO THE WOODS Get Your Wigle On hampton Grand The- THE SUPERSKAS Fri 21 nock present an amateur staging of KEVIN MCCARTHY, TREVOR CROOK & atre July, The Robin, Bil- THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Stephen Sondheim’s musical mas- COMIC TBC Sat 22 July, Jongleurs ston ENCE Sat 22 July, The terpiece, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 July, The- HOLDING ABSENCE Comedy Club, Birmingham Thurs 20 July, The LOU WHATLING Fri 21 Sugarmill, Stoke-on- atre Severn, Shrewsbury LUISA OMIELAN, MICK FERRY, CARL Sugarmill, Stoke-on- July, Havana Republic Trent REQUIEM FOR GROUND ZERO Stage2 HUTCHINSON & PETE OTWAY Sat 22 Trent Bar and Restaurant, KIOKO Sat 22 July, present an amateur staging of July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham MICHAEL WESTON KING Shrewsbury Hare & Hounds, Birm- Steven Berkoff’s acclaimed eulogy KEITH FARNAN Sat 22 July, Old Mar- Thurs 20 July, Kitchen BUCK AND EVANS Fri 21 ingham to the thousands of victims of 9/11, ket Hall, Shrewsbury Garden Cafe, B’ham July, The Asylum, PHIL DOLEMAN & IAN Wed 19 - Sat 22 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham WBS MUSIC CONCERT Birmingham EMMERSON Sun 23 MILO MCCABE AS TROY HAWKE Sat 22 July, The Old Post Office, Shrews- Thurs 20 July, The DESPERATE MEN Sat 22 July, Theatre Severn, P.A.T.S Yellow Collective present a bury Edge Arts Centre, July, Newhampton Shrewsbury movement-based piece which con- Much Wenlock, South Arts Centre, Wolver- SHAPLA SALIQUE Sun TOM WRIGGLESWORTH Sat 22 July, tains elements of performance art Shropshire hampton 23 July, Birmingham The Old Post Office, Shrewsbury and combines texts in Spanish & En- glish, Thurs 20 July, The Blue Or- JOEY LANDRETH Thurs Town Hall TONY COWARDS Sat 22 July, The Old SACRED SOUNDS-SIKH ange Theatre, Birmingham 20 July, Hare & MUSIC TRADITIONS AND THE JAYS AND ANDY B Post Office Shrewsbury HOW TIME FLIES Handmade Theatre Hounds, Birmingham THE FIRST WORLD WAR GOODE Sun 23 July, PIPPA EVANS, Sat 22 July, Old Market presents an original and quirky show TOPLOADER Thurs 20 Sat 22 July, Birming- Tamworth Castle, Hall, Shrewsbury inspired by the intriguing world of ar- July, The Jam House, ham Town Hall Staffordshire MATT RICHARDSON Sat 22 July, Old chaeology, Thurs 20 July, mac, Birm- Birmingham THE DICKIES Sat 22 AMYTHYST KIAH PLUS Market Hall, Shrewsbury ingham BLOBBIE WILLIAMS July, The Slade AMIT DATTANI Sun 23 GLENN WOOL Sat 22 July, St Nicholas A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The Thurs 20 July, The Rooms, Wolverhamp- July, Kitchen Garden Cafe Bar, Shrewsbury Floor Theatre Company explore life Robin, Birmingham ton Cafe, Birmingham CHARLIE BAKER Sat 22 July, St in the trenches and the wartime role COUNTRY SUPERSTARS DARKZY, USSY, DJ CHEF SEYES Sun 23 July, Nicholas Cafe Bar, Shrewsbury of women, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 July, EXPERIENCE Fri 21 July, Sat 22 July, The Rain- The Robin, Bilston GEIN'S FAMILY WORKSHOP Sat 22 Selly Manor, Birmingham Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- bow Venues, B’ham whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:42 Page 3

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 July THE MIKADO Sasha Regan’s all-male version of Gilbert & Sullivan’s popular Film opera, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 July, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BONNIE & CLYDE The sounds of blues, gospel, bluegrass, country and rock- abilly provide the backdrop for this MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- ‘gripping and sexy’ production, which hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Edge Arts charts the journey of America’s most Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- renowned folk heroes, Thurs 20 - Sat shire, Mon 17 July 29 July, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) Birmingham Family/Fantasy. Starring Emma Wat- FRANKENSTEIN: MAN OR MONSTER Mad son, Dan Stevens. Stourbridge Town Tom Theatre presents a gothic com- Hall, Mon 17 July edy featuring madness, a monster PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S and a teddy bear... Fri 21 July, Blue REVENGE (12a) Action/Adventure. Orange Theatre, Birmingham Starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey THE MARRIAGE OF KIM Ambitious Rush. Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Fri retelling of Mozart’s Marriage Of Fi- 21 - Sat 22 July garo in which comparisons are made with Kim Kardashian’s marriage to NBA star Kris Humphries, Fri 21 - Sat 22 July, The Blue Orange Theatre, A Judgement In Stone - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre & Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Events ANNIE Brit Youth Theatre presents its FESTIVAL OF ARCHAEOLOGY Meet British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry, version of the much-loved family mu- Roman soldiers and step inside the North Shropshire BRINDLEYPLACE FILM FESTIVAL Mon 17 sical, Fri 21 - Sat 22 July, The Cres- Viking world of Val and Halla, Sat 22 - Sun 23 July, Brindleyplace, B’ham STOKE-ON-TRENT ROTARY CLUB BELL cent Theatre, Birmingham July, The Potteries Museum & Art BOAT RACE Proceeds to local charities, NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent DES O'CONNOR & JIMMY TARBUCK LIVE Sun 23 July, Trentham Gardens, Thurs 20 July, Trentham Gardens, Sat 22 July, Wolverhampton Grand THE VICIOUS VIKINGS Interactive, Stoke-on-Trent Stoke-on-trent Theatre comedic, storytelling show following SHREWSBURY CAMRA BEER FESTIVAL the rise and fall of the Viking armies SECRET GARDEN Heartbreak Produc- Thurs 20 - Sat 22 July, Shrewsbury as they roamed, rampaged and pil- tions’ outdoor staging of the classic Sixth Form College laged their way around Europe, Sat children’s tale, Sat 22 July, Walsall Ar- Festivals 22 July, The Potteries Museum & Art boretum ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SUMMER FAIR Enjoy loved styles and treasures Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent DEERSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The while learning about their origins from JAPANESE TAIKO DRUMMING Hands-on includes Doggen All Star Band, Floor Theatre Company explore life in the enthusiastic experts, Thurs 20 - workshop, Sat 22 July, The Priory K.O.G & the Zongo Brigade, Trans- the trenches and the wartime role of Sun 23 July, NEC, Birmingham School, Shrewsbury global Underground, Inner Terrestials women, Sat 22 July, The Blue Orange & Devils Prefects, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Theatre, Birmingham CULTURALLY SENSITIVE MEMORY CAFE COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL Featuring The cafe supports individuals with more than 90 local producers, Sat 22 July, Newton Cross Country Course, PETER PAN JNR XcelShowbiz presents early to moderate dementia. Suitable - Sun 23 July, RAF Cosford, Nr Nottingham its version of the popular Disney mu- for anyone living with dementia or Wolverhampton NOZSTOCK Line-up includes Seasick sical, Sat 22 July, The Old Rep, Birm- memory-related concerns and their Steve, Happy Mondays, General ingham WILD SHROPSHIRE RESTAURANT AT caregivers, family and/or friends, Fri PITCHFORD HALL Unique event featur- Levy, Ocean Wisdom, Mungo’s Hi-Fi 21 July, Soho House, Handsworth, ing a tour of one of the country’s & Beans on Toast, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Birmingham finest Elizabethan buildings plus July, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT CHARITY EVENT drinks in the world’s oldest treehouse Herefordshire Run, walk or cycle between the and a surprise multi course evening BUG JAM FESTIVAL Line up includes Dance Princess Royal Hospital (Telford) and meal in the venue’s orangery, Sat 22 - Reverend and The Makers, the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital to Sun 23 July, Pitchford Estate, Wham!Duran & South Church, Fri 21 XPOSE A showcase to celebrate Year raise money for charity, Sat 22 July, Shrewsbury - Sun 23 July, Santa Pod Raceway, 12 Dance students’ achievements at various locations around Shropshire LET'S GET SPORTY! Discover how the Northamptonshire Birmingham Ormiston Academy, KINGS BROMLEY SHOW Featuring a Black Country keeps fit over the sum- SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL COMEDY Tues 18 - Wed 19 July, The Old Rep, funfair, a craft fair with demonstra- mer as you race, jump and skip your FESTIVAL Featuring Greg Davies, Joe Birmingham tions, a food fair and non-commercial way through some traditional sports, Lycett & Terry Alderton, Fri 21 - Sun THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s ac- stands, Sat 22 July, Show Field, Sat 22 July - Sun 3 Sep, Black Coun- 23 July, Various locations, Shrews- claimed production returns to the Kings Bromley, Staffordshire try Living Museum, Dudley bury Town Centre Midlands, Wed 19 - Sat 22 July, MIDSUMMER WAKES CARNIVAL Featur- MAISY'S MAIZE MAZE Getting lost can L FEST Music, arts & comedy festival Birmingham Hippodrome ing a parade, artisan market and be more fun than you’d imagine! Sat featuring Sian Evans, Fri 21 - Mon 24 THE JUNGLE BOOK ‘Spectacular’ street other entertainment, Sat 22 July, 22 July - Fri 29 Sep, Park Hall Farm, July, Prestwold Hall, Loughborough dance and ‘breathtaking’ circus com- Newcastle-under-Lyme Oswestry, North Shropshire BURTONFEST 2017 Line-up includes bine to bring Kipling’s classic tale SILK PAINTING COURSE Workshop ex- 'UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS' BEHIND THE Union J and X Factor 2016 winner crashing into the 21st century, Wed ploring how unusual and often SCENES TOUR Delve deeper into the Matt Terry, Sat 22 July, National Brew- 19 - 22 July, Birmingham Hippo- startling effects can be achieved rich history of the House and family ery Centre, Burton-on-Trent drome when painting and dyeing silk, Sat 22 of Weston Park, Sun 23 July, Weston SPLENDOUR FESTIVAL Line-up in- July, Selly Manor, Bournville, B’ham Park, Staffordshire cludes Kaiser Chiefs, Tony Hadley, PARTY IN THE PARK Relaxed family LUDLOW DOG DAY Sun 23 July, Stoke- Billy Ocean, Busted, Gabrielle Aplin, music festival, now in its eighth year, say Court, Craven Arms, South British Sea Power, Georgia & Black Sat 22 July, Bishops Castle, South Shropshire Grape and many more, Sat 22 July, Shropshire SHEEP DOG TRIALS Sun 23 July, The Wollaton Park, Nottingham

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 24 - 31 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:41 Page 1

thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 July ning master of psychological illu- Classical sion, Mon 24 - Wed 26 July, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham FUNNY GIRL Natasha J Barnes stars Music as Fanny Brice in this touring pro- duction of the critically acclaimed CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY West End musical, Mon 24 - Sat 29 Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and Michael Petrov (cello). Pro- MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s gramme includes works by acclaimed new production of Boublil Shostakovich, Barber and Stravin- & Schönberg’s legendary musical, sky, Sun 30 July, Birmingham Town Wed 26 July - Sat 23 Sept, Birming- Hall ham Hippodrome THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An out- door staging of the classic riverbank adventure featuring Ratty, Mole, Badger and Mr Toad, Thurs 27 July, Comedy Birmingham Botanical Gardens Celine Dion - Barclaycard Arena ABOUT A GOTH Gritty Theatre present CARMEN LYNCH & COMEDY CAROUSEL Birmingham Fri 28 July, Katie a rude and raucous comedy about WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 27 July, the trials and tribulations of being a Gigs JOE MCELDERRY - SAT- Fitzgerald's, Stour- The Glee Club, Birmingham bridge 17-year-old gay Goth in the 21st URDAY NIGHT AT THE GEOFF NORCOTT & CARL DONNELLY century, Thurs 27 July, The Crescent INDIGO GIRLS Mon 24 MOVIES LIVE!, Thurs 27 THE SEX PISTOLS EXPE- Thurs 27 July, mac, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham July, Birmingham July, New Alexandra RIENCE Fri 28 July, The CARMEN LYNCH, JAMES DOWDESWELL CURIOUS CREATURES Squash Box Town Hall Theatre, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham & COMIC TBC Fri 28 - Sat 29 July, The Theatre fuse puppetry, slapstick, live CHUCK PROPHET & THE GRAHAM BONNET BAND JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE Glee Club, Birmingham music and lots of amazing natural- Thurs 27 July, The TO DAVID BOWIE Fri 28 MISSION EXPRESS Tues ROBERT WHITE, JAVIER JARQUIN & history facts to uncover the myster- Robin, Bilston July, The Robin, Bil- 25 July, Hare & JASON PATTERSON Fri 28 - Sat 29 ies of the animal kingdom, Thurs 27 ston Hounds, Birmingham UFO Thurs 27 July, July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birm- July, mac, Birmingham THE CISSY STONE BAND Birmingham Town Hall ABSOLUTE BOWIE Fri 28 ingham WOLFIE AND THE SHOWGIRL New mu- July, The Brewhouse Wed 26 July, The Jam DEL CAMINO Thurs 27 - GAVIN WEBSTER, ANDY ROBINSON, sical by Carolyn Scott-Jeffs - a story Arts Centre, House, Birmingham Fri 28 July, The Jam HELEN BAUER & KEVIN GILDEA Sat 29 of love, crime and killings, Fri 28 Burton-upon-Trent CHARLOTTE BERG Wed House, Birmingham July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham July, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham ELECTRIC CIRCUS UK Fri 26 July, Hare & REGGIE N BOLLIE AFRO- COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 29 July, THE CURTAIN CALLS Students of World 28 July, Eleven, Stoke- Hounds, Birmingham CARIBFEST 2017 Fri 28 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Of Hands Theatre, a summer school July, The Place, Oak- on-Trent for British Sign Language users, PETE KENT Wed 26 TOM BINNS, WILL MARS Mon 31 July, engates Theatre, ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 showcase their talents, Fri 28 July, July, The Robin, Bil- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs ston Telford TRIBUTE Fri 28 July, mac, Birmingham The River Rooms, CELINE DION Thurs 27 THE VIOLENT HEARTS, THE CHILD WHO SAID NO Spoken-word Stourbridge July, Barclaycard DISJOY & BARE PALE Fri theatrical play about recovery. Writ- Arena, Birmingham 28 July, The Sunflower OUT OF TIME... MOD ten by and starring Goddesse Edu- Lounge, Birmingham WEEKENDER Fri 28 - Sat cation campaigner Alice Smith, Fri JAKE MITCHELL Thurs 29 July, Newhampton Theatre 28 - Sat 29 July, The Blue Orange 27 July, O2 Academy, PALESTINE JAZZ: NAI BARGHOUTI, MOHAMED Arts Centre, Wolver- Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Chapter- NAJEM & FRIENDS Fri hampton IN THE MIDST Play based around the JESSICA LYNN Thurs 27 house Theatre Company present an 28 July, Birmingham JOHN COGHLANS QUO Burt family and its secrets, Sat 29 July, The Slade outdoor staging of the classic river- Town Hall Sat 29 July, Eleven, July, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Rooms, W’hampton bank tale, Sun 23 July, Powis Castle KEITH EMERSON A MUSI- Stoke-On-Trent THE OVER COAT Enact Academy pre- THE KUT Thurs 27 July, & Garden, Welshpool, Powys CAL CELEBRATION OF GARY EDWARD JONES sent a new work of youth theatre Hare & Hounds, Birm- LIFE Fri 28 July, Sym- Sat 29 July, The Brew- adapted from Nikoli Gogol’s classic, ingham phony Hall, B’ham house Arts Centre, Sat 29 July, The Blue Orange The- MILK TEETH Thurs 27 TEDDY MATHEWS BAND Burton-upon-Trent atre, Birmingham July, The Flapper, THE BLUETONES Sat 29 LITTLE RED Page-2-Stage Produc- July, O2 Institute, tions brings its usual madcap spirit Birmingham and style to a new adaptation of a THIS ELEGANT CHAOS, classic family story, Sun 30 July, MALLEN & ANGELS & Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent IDOLS Sat 29 July, CIRCUS DAY: TAKING FLIGHT Rogue- Route 44, Birmingham Play present a family-friendly piece TOROUS Sat 29 July, of aerial theatre created for visually O2 Institute, B’ham impaired audiences, Sun 30 July, mac, Birmingham MAGNUM Sat 29 July, The Robin, Bilston WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave Willetts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank ROLE PLAY Taking Chances present a LIONIZE Sun 30 July, Wildhorn’s musical adaptation of new comedy about a couple who The Flapper, B’ham Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In think they may have a ‘seven-year ENERGY + MISS VIN- Wonderland and Through The Look- itch’, Sun 23 - Tues 25 July, The Blue CENT Mon 31 July, The ing Glass, Mon 31 July - Sat 5 Aug, Orange Theatre, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Pete Kent - The Robin, Bilston Birmingham DERREN BROWN: UNDERGROUND Lat- est stage show from the award-win- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Wolves/Staffs 24 - 31 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:41 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 July Stoke-on-Trent IMPROVING YOUR IMAGES Receive step-by-step guidance on how to edit and organise images of your artwork using a range of imaging tools, Wed Film 26 July, Royal Birmingham Society Of Artists, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Every Wednes- day of the summer holidays. Take PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: SALAZAR’S your little one along for a day of play REVENGE (12a) Action/Adventure. and a picnic lunch, Wed 26 July, Starring Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal Rush. Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Mon 24 July PAW PATROL Pop along and see Mar- shall & Chase at intervals throughout MY COUSIN RACHEL (12a) Drama/Mys- the day. Perfect for little ones, Wed 26 tery. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam July - Wed 30 Aug, Birmingham Claflin. Wem Town Hall, Shropshire, Botanical Gardens, Birmingham Princess & Superhero Party - The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Mon 25 July FIRE, FURNACE & STEAM Celebrate the A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (PG) Biogra- James Alliban, designer, programmer tors? Then head over to Dinosaur power and innovation behind the In- phy/Comedy. Starring Luke Tread- and visual artist, for a ‘fun, interactive School - a week packed with di- dustrial Revolution with a variety of away, Bob the Cat. Forest Arts and sensory treat’, Sat 29 July, Birm- nosaur facts, fossils, art, model mak- events, workshops and trails, Wed 26 Centre, Walsall, Thurs 27 July ingham Museum And Art Gallery ing and stories, Mon 31 July - Fri 4 July - Sun 3 Sep, Ironbridge Gorge Aug, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, JURASSIC PARK (12a) Adventure/Sci- FLOATING PATTERN Stitched textile Museum, Coalbrookdale, Telford Wolverhampton Fi. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern. workshop exploring the manipulation ENAMELLING, PEWTER CASTING OR PAD- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, of fabric and paper elements in a free DLEBOAT MAKING WORKSHOPS Dis- Sun 30 July and relaxed way to produce a per- cover more, through a variety of sonal pattern-based piece of work, A DOG'S PURPOSE (PG) hands-on activities, about how fur- Sat 29 July, Royal Birmingham Soci- Comedy/Drama. Starring Josh Gad, naces, fire and steam were used in ety Of Artists, Birmingham Dennis Quaid. Festival Drayton Cen- the Industrial Revolution, Wed 26 July Festivals tre, Market Drayton, Shropshire, Mon - Sun 3 Sep, Enginuity Museum, Iron- FREE DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF THE JEW- 31 July bridge, Shropshire ELLERY QUARTER Explore this extraor- WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- dinary time capsule on a lively cludes Oysterband, Spooky Men’s GNOME ALONE Kids’ trail around the guided tour, Sat 29 July, Museum of Chorale, Andy Kershaw & Gaêlica, grounds of Himley Park. Norris the the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Thurs 27 - Sun 30 July, Warwick NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Gnome is lost in the wilds of the es- School, Warwick tate - help his friends to find him, CRITTERISH ALLSORTS Featuring a vari- Released from Wed 26 July, showing Thurs 27 July, Himley Hall & Park, ety of exotic creatures, all tame and CARFEST Line-up includes Deacon at selected cinemas Dudley safe to handle, Sat 29 - Sun 30 July, Blue, Dodgy, Manic Street Preachers, Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent Melanie C, Rick Astley, Seasick GIRLS TRIP (15) BRICK CARVING Join the workshop to RSPB WORKSHOP Join the RSPB and Steve, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Texas & ANGELS IN AMERICA PART TWO: MILLEN- carve your own design into an unfired learn how to make bug homes, Sat Tom Odell, Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, NIUM APPROACHES (NT LIVE) house brick, Thurs 27 July, Gladstone Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent 29 - Sun 30 July, Trentham Gardens, HOUNDS OF LOVE (tbc) Stoke-on-Trent Cheshire FLOWERS IN MIXED MEDIA Explore a THE BIG SICK (15) CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Classic vehicles BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up includes mix of inks, watercolour and collage The Brandy Thieves, GoldWater, The THE WALL (tbc) from yesteryear, on display at sta- to create a final piece of art, Fri 28 River Chickens, Siobhan Mazzei, Alex WISH UPON (tbc) July, Royal Birmingham Society Of tions along the line, Sun 30 July, Sev- ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Worcs Taylor, The Mojo Slide & The Tom Artists, Birmingham Browne Band, Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, POTTERY WORKSHOP Take part as a PRINCESS & SUPERHERO PARTY Sun 30 Prestwold Hall, Loughborough July, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury family in a creative workshop, learn- BIRCHFIELD JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- ing a variety of techniques using real MEDIEVAL OPEN DAY See knights do cludes Milton Godfrey, Kate Lux- Events clay, Fri 28 July, Black Country Living battle on the ruins, learn about the moore, Handsworth Community Museum, Dudley medieval history of the castle and Choir and African Roots Fusion Band, ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES WORKSHOP Ex- WATER FOOLS An outdoor show per- take part in craft activities, Sun 30 Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, St Mary's plore colour, form and expressive formed entirely on the lake. Featuring July, Weoley Castle Ruins, B’ham Church, Birmingham paint techniques to produce abstract performers walking on water, floating PLANT HUNTER'S FAIR Featuring spe- MADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes landscapes in a range of paints and cars, bikes and beds, with no spoken cialist nurseries with thousands of Chase & Status, Giggs, Gorgon City, inks, Mon 24 - Tues 25 July, Royal word, Fri 28 - Sat 29 July, Central For- unique plants. Funds raised will go to Sub Focus, My Nu Leng, Chris Birmingham Society Of Artists, B’ham est Park, Stoke-on-Trent Hope House Children’s Hospice, Sun Lorenzo, High Contrast, Camo & HANDS ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL The LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP 30 July, The British Ironwork Centre, Krooked, Nu:Logic, Danny Byrd, DJ Hands On History Crew bring the Hands-on workshop explaining how Oswestry, North Shropshire Hype, DJ Hazard, Gorgon City & past to life, Mon 24 July - Sat 26 Aug, to assemble a robot with pens for MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP Week of work- Cause & Affect, Sat 29 July, The Rain- Stokesay Castle, South Shropshire legs that will draw for you, Fri 28 July shops, rehearsals and fun. Full show, bow Venues, Digbeth, Birmingham OVER AND OUT Workshop as part of - Fri 1 Sep, Birmingham Museum And with costume and makeup, on the SHARDFEST Line-up includes Lucy the Animal Agents Summer Reading Art Gallery Thursday evening, Mon 31 July, Spraggan, 5 After Midnight, DJ Luck Challenge, Tues 25 July, Ludlow As- BEAR-ILLIANT NEW 5K Attendees are Cordingley Hall, Telford, Shropshire & MC Neat, Sat 29 - Sun 30 July, Nor- sembly Rooms, Ludlow, South encouraged to get sponsored to SAND SCULPTORS Head to the lake- man Chamberlain Playing Fields, Shropshire stroll through Sutton’s beautiful park- side activity area to see a stunning Birmingham SUMMER POTTERY PAINTING Paint a land, before enjoying the event’s sand sculpture come to life, Mon 31 - CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL piece of pottery made on site at the dedicated Activity Zone, Sat 29 July, Sun 2 Aug, Trentham Gardens, Line-up includes 4 Girls 4 Harps, Frith museum. Tuesdays to Saturdays and Boldmere Gate, Sutton Park, Sutton Stoke-on-Trent Piano Quartet, Harmoniemusik, Bank Holidays. Tues 25 July - Sat 2 Coldfield DINOSAUR SCHOOL Bonkers about bra- Planet ABBA, Kabantu and many Sep, Gladstone Pottery Museum, EXPERIMENTS IN VIRTUAL REALITY Join chiosauruses? Mad about microrap- more, Sat 29 July - Sun 13 Aug, vari- 66 whatsonlive.co.uk p67 (IBC) Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 18:12 Page 1

MEETING POINT: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square TOUR TIMES: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

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AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR Appetite F/P July 2017.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 11:35 Page 1