Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover

Home , Stephen Tompkinson, Tim McInnerny

Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover June 2019.qxp_Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover 21/05/2019 16:13 Page 1

TOM ALLEN AT WOLVES Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands HILARITY CHARITY GALA WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON JUNE 2019

Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 402 JUNE 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk

inside:

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

AVENUE Q Tony Award-winning musical returns to the Grand TWITTER:@WHATSONWOLVES

ARTSFEST celebrates Wolverhampton’s creative and cultural life AEOK @WHATSONWOLVERHAMPTONFACEBOOK:

FAMILY FAVOURITE under-5s fun at Himley Hall WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK with Peppa Pig and George Garrick Full Full June 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 08:56 Page 1 Contents June Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 14:06 Page 2

June 2019

Contents

The Bodyguard - blockbusting West End musical returns to Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre - page 24

Educating Rita Home Of Metal Steampunk Festival the list

Stephen Tompkinson stars in new exhibition explores the ‘a magical, mysterious world of Your 16-page Willy Russell’s classic play legacy of Black Sabbath... martian invasion’ at Blists Hill week-by-week listings guide interview page 9 page 40 page 47 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 37. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MEDIA GROUP Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Lauren Cole, Nanci Davies, Jack Rolfe, Daisy Sparkle, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee, Patsy Moss, Tom Silverton 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 Shrops_Staffs_Wolves June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 15:53 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Creativity celebrated at Artsfest event The University of Wolverhampton is once again staging its Artsfest event throughout the month of June. A major celebration of the creative and cultural life of the region, the festival takes place at venues across the city and features live performances, workshops, theatre shows, music, poetry and art exhibitions, many of which are free to attend. Commenting on the event, Miceál Barden, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the university, said: “We’ve invited an eclectic range of new artists from across the region and further afield to take part this year, allowing them a chance to use Artsfest as a platform to enhance their careers. “This is something that we’re proud to support and will endeavour to do so again in the future, using Artsfest as a vehicle to continue to bring you the very best the region has to offer.” Artsfest runs until Sunday 30 June. For more information, visit wlv.ac.uk

Peaky Blinders escape The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in Stoke- British Ceramics Biennial on-Trent. rooms to launch in Brum Sam Ivin’s Settling: Exploring Human Migra- back in the Potteries tion was created in collaboration with local British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) will this residents, telling the stories of people who autumn celebrate its 10th anniversary with a have moved to Stoke from around the world. five-week festival in Stoke-on-Trent. The exhibition shows at the gallery until Taking place at six iconic venues across the Sunday 22 September. city and running from 7 September to 13 October, BCB features the work of more than 300 contemporary artists. Something for everyone at The post-industrial setting of the original Lichfield’s Fuse festival Spode factory site will once again be the The world’s first official Peaky Blinders main hub of the festival, bringing together 13 escape rooms are set to be unveiled after the exhibitions, live workshop areas and an BBC TV series’ production company agreed a exchange place for buying work and sharing deal with a Midlands-based operator. ideas and inspiration. Escape Live will be bringing the first experi- For the full programme and to find out more ences to Birmingham later this year, and about the festival, visit britishceramicsbien- have plans to expand across the UK on the nial.com back of the deal. Commenting on the news, Escape Live’s Managing Director, Jas Sodhi, said: “This is Lichfield Arts’ community music & arts Disney celebrates 100 fantastic news for Peaky Blinders fans every- festival, Fuse, makes a welcome return next years of magic in Brum where, and we’re looking forward to reimag- month. A show celebrating a centenary of Mouse ining this international drama phenomenon Taking place in the city’s Beacon Park from House magic is visiting the Midlands this into a number of escape experiences. Peaky Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July, the free-to-enter autumn. Blinders has been enjoyed by millions of event features live music, dance, poetry, Disney On Ice Celebrates 100 Years Of Magic viewers across the world, but it’s only right workshops, art activities, food traders, will stop off at Arena Birmingham from 16 to that these experiences are brought to Birm- market stalls and two bars. 20 October and features characters from 14 ingham first.” “This will be the 18th Fuse, and it continues to evolve each year,” says the festival’s classic and modern stories. The production project manager, Jeff Fowler. “For 2019, new stars an international team of award-winning Potteries photography developments include a tie-up with the figure skaters, and Lichfield Festival to introduce acts to each will also boast Disney project explores migration other’s event, an arrangement with funding On Ice’s usual im- An exhibition by a photographer who works partner Lichfield BID to bring Fuse perform- pressive sets, colour- in collaboration with individuals and ers into the city centre during the festival, ful costumes and communities to tell their stories of migration, and an expanded festival market, including a high-energy asylum and home, is currently showing at gin bar to complement our main bar.” choreography. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Shrops_Staffs_Wolves June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 15:53 Page 2

First Word

The Greatest Showman in the great outdoors... Ironbridge Gorge’s Blists Hill Victorian Town will next month present an outdoor screening of the hit film, The Greatest Showman. The Hugh Jackman movie will be shown on a huge 8mx4m inflatable screen on the evening of Friday 5 July. Audience members can take along their own picnic to the event. Seating isn’t provided but some pillows and blankets will be available for hire on the night. For more Comic book takeover as new festival arrives in Shropshire information about the screen- Judge Dredd, The Beano and The Walking Dead are just three of the iconic publications being ing, visit ironbridge.org.uk showcased at a brand new event coming to Shrewsbury this month. Comics Salopia (Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 June) will celebrate comic art and its associated wider culture with a series of events at numerous venues across the Shropshire town. The festival has been co-produced by Charlie Adlard, a local artist who’s spent the last 15 years working on the hugely successful zombie apocalypse comic book series, The Walking Dead. To coincide with Comics Salopia, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery is presenting an exhibition of Charlie’s artwork. Drawn Of The Dead: The Comic Book Art Of Charlie Adlard features a selection of the artist’s original works from the Walking Dead comic book, as well as his illustrations from cult French comic Vampire State Building and original books Code Flesh and White Death. New kids festival - The exhibition also provides visitors with the chance to take part in a ‘zombie life drawing session’, designed by kids! during which they can create a zombie sketch to take home. Drawn Of The Dead shows at the venue from Saturday 1 June to Sunday 3 November. A unique event designed by kids for kids will take place for the first time in Stoke-on- The Homecoming Sir Lenny Henry to kick off new UK Trent’s Central Forest Park returns to Stoke next month (Saturday 27 July). tour at Midlands theatre venue Forest Worlds Festival - Colour Sir Lenny Henry will kickstart a brand new UK tour at Birming- The Park was created in close ham Hippodrome later this year. collaboration with local Following the autumn publication of his memoir, the Dudley- children and invites families born actor and comedian will present An Evening With Lenny to explore the park and enjoy Henry - Who Am I Again? at the Hippodrome on Sunday 20 Octo- a selection of free activities. ber, followed by dates at Dudley Town Hall (22 November) and Commenting on the new Roll up, roll up in Newcastle- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre (27 November). event, its organiser, Laurel under-Lyme on Saturday 29 Commenting on the new tour, Sir Lenny said: “I can’t wait to Gallagher, said: “We met kids June to enjoy a high-energy share more stories and fun about growing up in the Midlands, in Central Forest Park and performance of modern circus my early days in the clubs, asked them how they saw the skills! pubs and discotheques, spaces. They immediately saw Swinging back into the town and of course working on a series of worlds that will for a sixth year, outdoor circus Tiswas, Three Of A Kind take families on an adventure gala The Homecoming and The Lenny Henry around the park. Colour was presents a range of contempo- Show. My touring show also a really big deal to them. rary circus entertainment, promises to be an evening They named the event to including trampolining, aerial of memories, laughter and make it sound fun for other storytelling, acrobatic fun - I can’t wait to get kids. We’re happy to follow walkabout acts, hands-on started.” their direction and are workshops and plenty more. For more information and looking forward to a bright For more information, visit to book tickets, visit summer celebration!” appetitestoke.co.uk lennyhenryontour.net

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Shrops_Staffs_Wolves June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 15:53 Page 3

First Word

Fashion awards... Pocket park in Organisers of the prestigious the town Midlands Fashion Awards Part of Shrewsbury has been (MFA) are calling on indepen- transformed into a ‘pocket dent, emerging and creative park’ while essential road- talent from across the region works are carried out. to enter the event’s nine The park, situated in the categories. town’s Shoplatch, features Now in its 12th year, the MFA artificial turf and deck is a catwalk, exhibition and chairs, music and activities. networking event which The initiative is part of a culminates in an awards campaign by Shrewsbury ceremony and showcases BID (Business Improvement creative fashion talent from District) to take advantage of across the Midlands. the essential gas repair work The awards will be held at currently being undertaken Birmingham’s Symphony Hall in the town’s high street. on Friday 11 October. To apply to take part, visit midlandsfashionawards.co.uk Black Country music festival offering Shrewsbury to get its . The deadline for entries is Friday 14 June. showcase for local talent own Monopoly set Local bands and artists will be given the chance to shine at this summer's Black Country Musicom Festival. The huge outdoor extravaganza takes place at Himley Hall & Park on Black Country Day - Sunday 14 July - and features performances by tribute versions of Oasis, Little Mix, Spice Girls and Queen, as well as sets by a number of local acts. Commenting on the event, Alan Lunt, Strategic Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The Black Country Musicom promises to be a fantastic event. With the festival being on Black A new Shrewsbury version of Country Day, we felt it was important that it had a strong local classic board game Monopoly will flavour, so we’re delighted to be giving some great Black Country go on sale in time for Christmas. Sir Bradley rides acts the opportunity to perform on the big stage.” The Shropshire market town has To book tickets for the event, visit himleyhallandpark.co.uk/bcmc beaten off the challenge of 20-plus into the Midlands other towns and cities across the Britain’s most decorated UK to land its very own Monopoly Olympian is visiting Birming- Diana Vickers and Sara Crowe join game, with the general public ham's Symphony Hall this Shane Richie in The Entertainer being invited to vote for which autumn (Friday 20 September) local landmarks they would like to with a brand new show. see included on the board. Bradley Wiggins: An Evening With sees the Olympic Gold Rattigan classic at medallist and Tour de France winner sharing exclusive Theatre Severn stories in a unique and inti- Tickets are now on sale for mate live setting. Shropshire Drama Company’s production of Terence Rattigan’s World War Two play, Flare Path, Shane Richie is to take the title role in an updated touring revival which shows at Theatre Severn, of John Osborne’s classic play, The Entertainer. Shrewsbury, from 26 to 29 June. The EastEnders favourite will be joined in the show by Sara Crowe A tribute to the collective spirit of and Diana Vickers. wartime bomber crews and their The production visits the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in the partners, Flare Path draws on autumn, stopping off at the venue from 7 to 12 October. Rattigan’s own wartime experi- Premiering in 1957, The Entertainer was written by Osborne for ences as a gunner and Flight Laurence Olivier - at the actor’s request - and was then made into a Lieutenant in Coastal Command. film, in which Olivier also starred. For more information and to book This latest version of the story sees the action updated to the early tickets, visit theatresevern.co.uk 1980s. For more information, visit grandtheatre.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Shrops_Staffs_Wolves June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 15:53 Page 4 Educating Rita.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:17 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Educating Rita.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:17 Page 2

by Stephen Taylor

Educating Rita What’s On chats to Stephen Tompkinson, who stars as washed-up university lecturer Frank when a new version of Willy Russell’s hit comedy, Educating Rita, visits Wolverhampton next month...

As the Open University marks its half cen- When the proposal for a revival of the play So how does Stephen view his character’s tury, Wolverhampton offers a warm welcome was put to Willy Russell, he not only gave his relationship with Rita? to perhaps its most celebrated fictional blessing to the pairing of Tompkinson and “Frank’s desperate for her not to become just graduate. Willy Russell’s Educating Rita stars Johnson, he also agreed to help with the another student, but instead to try and see Jessica Johnson as the Rita of the title, a production. things his way. But then, by doing that, he’s working-class hairdresser who enrols as a “We’ve had Willy present every week of almost having too much of an influence on part-time English Literature student. Jessica rehearsals, so he’s led us through by the her, when he should be allowing her to think is joined in the play by Stephen Tompkinson hand very beautifully and very patiently, and for herself. He’s very aware that he’s doing a as Frank, the disillusioned university hasn’t been at all fussy about the script. sort of Frankenstein number on her and can professor who’s been assigned to tutor her on see the changes in her. He’s not particularly her journey towards graduation. “He knows that audiences have moved on, 40 best pleased with what he sees, and his years after he first wrote it, and that they Whilst many people will be familiar with outlet is through drink, sadly. don’t need as much information as they used Lewis Gilbert’s 1983 film version of the play, to be given, so he’s been quite happy getting “Rita tries to rescue him from himself and starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters, the scissors out to his much-loved play. He’s ends up finding herself, so she’s very grateful Stephen Tompkinson’s interest in Russell’s let it be our production, and he’s been to Frank. The decisions that she makes from text stretches further back: “I’d read the play delighted with the results, I’m happy to say. then on will definitely be hers, and Frank has and I’d seen it on stage before I saw the film, We knew that if we were making him happy, given her choice.” in the very early ’80s, and thought, ‘One day then hopefully that would transfer to the I’d love to do it’. Over the years, the broad appeal of Educat- audience.” ing Rita has ensured that the story is familiar “The lovely thing about the stage play over Since opening in Keswick in April, the play to many people, but what can the audience the film is that it’s one set, in his office, and has attracted a wide range of theatregoers: expect to take away from this particular it’s just the two characters. You follow this “It’s accessible to everyone. Although it’s set production? year of academia, this journey that they both in a university and the world of academia, go on together, and find out how these very “They get to see a great, unrequited love with someone who’s desperate to enter that disparate characters end up offering a story about second chances and choice, and world, it doesn’t exclude. It’s inclusive of lifeline to each other.” about the fact that it’s never too late for everybody, and I think that’s always been anyone. Friends who’ve been to see it are While Stephen had always harboured a wish one of Willy’s great strengths - being able to dazzled by Willy’s original script. They can’t to play Frank, it was his co-performer who speak to everyone. believe it’s 40 years since it was written, reignited his interest in the role: “I first met “The producers at Keswick said that the most because all the points are still very salient Jess nearly two years ago at Live Theatre in rewarding thing was that 20 percent of the now.” Newcastle, when she was performing a play ticket sales were brand new theatregoers, so called Goth Weekend. I was rehearsing a that was lovely. We met a guy whose only Patrick Marber play called The Red Lion. I other experience of the theatre was panto saw Jess’s performance, and she was ab- Educating Rita shows at Wolverhampton with the kids at Christmas, and he said he solutely brilliant. She’d done Educating Rita Grand Theatre from Monday 8 to Saturday was engaged within the first five minutes at the Gala Theatre in Durham, said she’d 13 July & Malvern Festival Theatre, from because he could associate with Rita, being love another opportunity for a longer run, Monday 5 to Saturday 10 August working-class himself. He was absolutely lost and that I would make a brilliant Frank.” in it and thought it was fantastic.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:06 Page 1 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:06 Page 2

Food

cucumbers and homemade apple about that? In addition, the and walnut chutney; deep-fried chips were cooked nicely and the squid served with tartare sauce; incredibly moreish deep-fried succulent pork spare ribs cooked courgettes were an absolute de- in a fruity BBQ sauce; and Italian light. prosciutto crudo and melon You can’t visit an Italian dressed with forest fruit coulis. restaurant without trying its I opted for a firm favourite of tiramisu - so although we were mine: king prawns in white suitably full, we ordered both wine, garlic, butter and chilli, that and the salted caramel served on toasted ciabatta bread. budino - creamy pudding on a My partner chose the white crab thin vanilla sponge topped with and mango salad from the daily a rich sea-salted sticky caramel. menu. My selection proved to be Wow! The tiramisu was certainly absolutely delicious. The prawns up there with the nicest I’ve ever were succulent, meaty and large eaten - the amalgamation of in size, the accompanying sauce creamy, boozy and coffee - which boasted just the right flavours was truly heavenly. amount of chilli - was incredibly The budino was just as beautiful flavoursome. in both taste and presentation. If My partner’s dish proved to be you don’t have a big appetite, another winner. The freshness then whatever you do, make sure from the crab, rocket and mango you save room to sample the offered a welcome contrast to the desserts - they really are strong and salty flavour from the phenomenal. prawns. By this point, we It’s not just the food that makes understood absolutely why the Il Michelangelo such an restaurant had no empty tables enjoyable experience. The remaining… friendly and informative staff are The main courses are split into a credit to the business and help REVIEW: Il Michelangelo sections - risotto, pasta, classic create a warm atmosphere that pizza, new world pizza (without perfectly complements the tasty Tasty Italian classics at packed-to-the- tomato sauce), meat and fish. food. Choosing what to have, as The fabulous manager, Leo, took rafters Black Country restaurant always, was quite the challenge. time out of his busy evening to We settled on the tagliatelle talk to all his diners - a nice, Located in Brierley Hill, Il restaurant packed to its rafters Michelangelo - tagliatelle with personal touch and something Michelangelo has made it with smiley and contented-look- spring onions, cherry tomatoes, that is often lacking in restau- through to the finals of our ing diners, we felt confident that chicken, crispy bacon, cream rants nowadays. What’s On Readers’ Awards in our debut Il Michelangelo and parmesan - and the filetto each of the past three years. experience would prove to be a If you enjoy authentic Italian stroganoff - sliced 28 days-aged food and drink in relaxed and The restaurant has been trading positive one. prime British fillet of beef cooked comfortable surroundings, book for eight years and, alongside its We perused the menu over a cold with cream, mushrooms, mixed a table at Il Michelangelo extensive a la carte menu, pro- pint of Poretti, a pils-style Italian peppers, mustard, brandy and immediately - you won’t be duces daily menus designed to lager, and a garlic bread pizza, paprika, served with rice. disappointed. Lauren Foster create a truly seasonal dining topped with mozzarella, from the Forever greedy, we also ordered a experience. The restaurant uses bread and nibbles section. The side of hand-cut chips and local produce wherever possible, latter (which comes as a full-size deep-fried courgettes. Food: nnnnn imports the finest seasonal pizza) was cooked nicely, Service: nnnnn I rarely order pasta when dining Italian ingredients, and employs boasted a generous helping of Ambience: nnnnn out, but the tagliatelle was very chefs who’re expert in creating mozzarella and was certainly a Overall value nnnnn tasty indeed. The pasta itself was modern takes on classic Italian step up from your bog-standard OVERALL nnnnn cooked perfectly and a dish I recipes. garlic bread and cheese. We were would happily order again. Il Michelangelo Brierley Hill On arrival, my partner and I were off to a good start. Across the table, my partner was High Street politely greeted and taken over The a la carte menu boasted tucking into a stunning mix of Brockmoor to our table, which was situated starters including: homemade (again) perfectly cooked steak, DY5 3JA next to a large painting of chicken liver pâté served with rich, creamy sauce and buttery, Tel: 01384 74405 Michelangelo himself. With the toasted bread, small pickled fluffy rice. What’s not to love

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:06 Page 3 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:06 Page 4

Food

Cheese lovers, rejoice! An eatery dedicated to all things cheese has opened in Shrewsbury. Located at the top of Wyle Cop, Say Cheese is serving up a range of cheese toasties and a ‘build your own cheesecake in a jar’ option, either to eat in or take away. The toastie menu features options including: Shrews-Brie (three cheese blend, brie, caramelised onion jam and bacon); No Way Jose (two cheese blend, chorizo, blue cheese, garlic mayo & roasted red pepper); and You Must Be Jerkin’ (three cheese blend, jerk chicken, spring onion, pineapple and jerk sauce).

Shrewsbury Food Festival set to attract tens of thousands Up to 30,000 people will this month descend on area offering meat, gluten, wheat and dairy- Shrewsbury for the town’s annual food festival free alternatives. Shropshire venue to (Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June), the biggest of Commenting on the event, Shropshire Festivals host vegan fair its kind in the West Midlands. founder Beth Heath said: “Shrewsbury Food Shrewsbury’s biggest vegan fair takes The popular event, which is now in its seventh Festival is a day for everyone - young or old, place in the town’s popular year, boasts 2oo exhibitors and a line-up of at- foodie or just fond of food. And now, for the Buttermarket venue this month. tractions that includes cookery & kitchen knife- first time ever, we’re introducing a dedicated The free event, which is being held on using workshops, a BBQ area, a music stage, an ‘free from’ area. We hope this means everybody Saturday 8 June, will feature over 50 on-site animal area and a family stage. will feel catered for, and that it encourages stalls across three floors, an outside New for this year is a medieval village, show- visitors to try foods which have been produced hot-food area, a range of kids’ activities casing food through the ages, and a ‘free from’ in new and exciting ways.” and a basement-located chill-out zone.

Sweet! Brand new cake shop Scrumbles opens in Leek A brand new cake shop has opened in Leek. Scrumbles has been set up by friends Sarah Barber and Beth Charles, who bonded over a love of cake whilst working for an insurance business. Cakes on offer include a range of brownies - gold bar, mint chocolate, triple chocolate, chocolate orange and vegan pecan - and New tapas restaurant cupcakes - red velvet, milky way and opens in Shrewsbury bakewell tart. A new tapas restaurant has opened in Sarah and Beth sell cookies and sponge Shrewsbury. cakes too, and also make larger cakes - Located in the Frankwell area of the cheesecakes, loaded cakes and more - upon town centre, AleOli y Tu is the sister request. restaurant of AleOli, which already To see the mouthwatering selection of treats resides in Shrewsbury’s Market Hall. on offer, visit facebook.com/pg/uk.scrumbles whatsonlive.co.uk 13 MPW.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:08 Page 1

AcclaimedMARCO chef Marco Pierre PIERRE White chats to What’s On aboutWHITE his new menus, experimenting with veganism, impressing potential employers and eating a cow’s windpipe...

The youngest ever recipient of three Michelin Owning a staggering 42 restaurants in the UK The starters menu features a classic eggs stars and a man considered by many to be the alone, three of which are in Birmingham, he’s benedict with Woodall’s ham and Mr White’s greatest UK chef of all time, Marco Pierre recently launched a new menu at his Steak- Scotch egg with Colonel mustard sauce, White has trained a number of high-profile house Bar & Grill venue, located at the top of which Marco himself singles out as a and hugely popular fellow ‘kitchen creatives’, the city’s iconic Cube. particular favourite. including Gordon Ramsay, Mario Batali, Steak sits at the heart of the menu, with cuts His liking for diversity is in evidence through- Curtis Stone and Shannon Bennett. including fillet, rib-eye and chateaubriand. out the menu. Stand-out plates include MPW.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 11:09 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Wheeler’s haddock fish cake with poached crispy butterfly prawns fritto misto. As our thoroughly enjoyable chat draws to a hen’s egg and Connaught’s shrimp curry - close, the charismatic and ever-so-charming “This is the way that restaurants are going, both perfect for fish lovers - as well as a Marco offers some advice to any working- because this is how people are living honey-roasted bacon chop and a classic class Brummie who fancies becoming a nowadays. They like to eat out once, twice or chicken Kiev. Croustade of eggs Maintenon respected chef: “Well, firstly, the advice I even three times a week, even if it’s just going Maxim’s and creamy polenta with wild mush- would give is, if you go for a job, keep your to somewhere casual like a pizzeria. People rooms are ideal dishes for vegetarians. fingers crossed and hope that you get it. By want affordable glamour, and they want not asking ‘How many hours?’ or ‘How much “Everything’s seasonal, really,” says Marco, some fun. I like casual. I like affordable. And I am I getting paid?’, your chance of getting the in talking about his new menu. “It rotates, like glamour. We live such fast lives that it’s job will increase enormously. There’s nothing but there are certain things that we keep. important to have some escapism, so going to worse than conducting an interview with We’ll never take off the French onion soup or, your local pizzeria for something to eat or someone who’s 19 years old and they ask you of course, the steaks. But also, you have to even just a coffee can be an escape.” those questions. So actually, you’re not take into consideration vegans and vegetari- Despite his love of glamour, Marco admits coming in order to learn? How stupid! What I ans. that if he’s cooking a meal for himself, he learnt in my life is that knowledge is your “I was a vegan for nine months because I was likes to keep it simple: “Maybe I’ll have an passport to freedom; it really is. My father curious. I went pure vegan for nine months of omelette for dinner, a cheese omelette - gave me that advice as a young man. He also my life and stopped absolutely everything - delicious. That’s fine for me. Perhaps a ham told me to never call in sick. Turn up for work all carbs, alcohol, smoking. The first three sandwich with good English mustard. Maybe if you’re ill; the chef will see you’re not well. weeks, it didn’t impact on me at all; the next a Scotch egg if one of my boys has made them The advice I would give is to conduct your in- six weeks, I became very weak, introverted, and I steal one. I like real simplicity.” terviews correctly. That’s not just for chefs, quite faint, dizzy at times and suffered from that’s for everything. I think what’s really So is there anything that Marco won’t eat? headaches. Then I sort of went back to nor- important is to always be punctual. Maybe mal after that. I must confess, though, I slept “Chicken’s feet! I’m not looking for a soul- I’m old-fashioned, but that’s what I think you better. I had more energy. Through that nine- mate. I don’t get sucking feet; it really should do. I used to go to interviews and sit month period, I lost five stone in weight; it confuses me. I accept they’ve had a manicure there with my fingers crossed, praying I got just dropped off me. My sense of smell be- before they’ve come to me, but it doesn’t do it the job. I remember I went for an interview came incredibly acute - I could walk down the for me. I’m really into strange food, don’t get with Pierre Koffmann - we’re great friends, road and smell coffee 100 metres away. I me wrong - I like eating. Eating is one of my Pierre and I, and have a business together could smell bread being baked.” great passions in life. I went to this restaurant and are working on a second deal - and he in Singapore and she said, “Marco, I’ve got said to me, ‘I have no position in my kitchen’. Even with so many benefits to following a something special for you tonight”. They’re It was the first and only time I’ve been turned strict vegan diet, Marco decided it wasn’t for fascinated that I love tendons - they’re so down. I said - even though I couldn’t afford to him: “I found myself staring at roast chickens delicious; they’re one of the most delicious - that I would work for nothing. I worked for and roast beef. Cheese boards were staring at things I’ve ever eaten. I asked what the three weeks for zero money, and I was really me, almost to the point where I thought they special was and she told me it was a surprise. on the breadline. He called me and said, were moving. The brie was walking across the Cow throat! Not for me. Can you imagine “Marco, I want to put you on the payroll”. plate. I was never fulfilled. I was never full. I eating windpipe?! I like a pig’s trotter, I like Prove yourself. We live in such a disposable was always hungry. I was never comforted. pig’s ears, I love pig’s head, I love all of that, world now. People go in and out of jobs. For me, food has to be comforting. I thought, but when it comes to eating windpipe, no. I When I was a boy, people didn’t walk out of this is boring, and I missed all those delicious said, ‘Look, it’s not for me, please apologise jobs, people weren’t late. If you started work things so much, so I went back to them. to the chef’. It was horrific! The texture was at 8, you turned up at 8 or earlier. How much “That’s why I prefer something in a pot rather disgusting and it doesn’t taste of anything. do we pay a year for people to stand around than a pan. I like a great stew, I love Chicken’s feet, they take some doing. on their phone? It’s a different generation.” dumplings, risotto, a big pan of pasta; I love a Windpipe is another question.” So what does Marco think about big roast. I see these chefs talking about From Hell’s Kitchen to Masterchef Australia to Birmingham’s ever-growing and truly veganism and vegetarianism, but you can’t White’s Kitchen Wars, Marco has done a lot of impressive food scene? really talk about it unless you’ve tried it.” TV work over the years. So does he have “It’s a beautiful jigsaw - a melting pot of all Marco has also just launched a new menu at anything else in the windpipe - sorry, the cultures. Also, because it’s the second his Bardolino restaurant on Wharfside Street pipeline? city, it’s got all these businesses which bring at The Cube. “How boring! I can’t stand it, but, like your- money in, and then it allows people to pay for The menu is focused around his belief that self, I have to make a living. I’ve just finished that. Birmingham is one of Britain’s great good-quality food should be an experience filming a series now. I don’t like it. It’s the gastronomic cities.” that’s shared and enjoyed with friends and most boring thing. In all my contracts now, family, whatever the occasion. Featured they’re not allowed to tell me what to say. cuisine includes a number of classic Italian- Nothing scripted. I’ve worked on TV shows inspired dishes such as: rigatoni ragu of when they’re scripted. There’s no emotion. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse, Bar & Scottish beef bolognese with aged Italian Can you imagine being told what to write and Grill Birmingham is located at The Cube, cheese; baked Tuscan sausages with how to write it? Boring. It’s systematic and 200 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1PR cannellini beans and pomodoro sauce; and they’ve sucked the emotion out of it.” Classical June Wolves-Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:20 Page 1

comedy music family

hormonal housewives Grimethorpe Colliery Band A Midsummer Nights Dream Thurs 13 June @ 7.30pm Sun 16 June @ 3.00pm Wed 17 July @ 7.30pm

music music family

boyzband mary duff the tiger who came for tea Thurs 18 July @ 7.30pm Sat 20 July @ 7.30pm Sat 10 & Sun 11Aug @ 11.30am and 2.30pm

music comedy music 16+

flash: a tribute to queen Gary Meikle: The iBrow Guy Go Now! the music of the moody blues

TWC GP 01452 Sat 14 Sept @ 7.00pm Fri 20 Sept @ 8.00pm Sat 21 Sept @ 7.30pm

14 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical June Wolves-Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:20 Page 2

Classical

Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By Candlelight St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 June; Birmingham Cathedral, Tues 18 & Wed 19 June Jeffrey Skidmore once again picks up the baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly rated early music ensemble, on this occasion in a concert that Ex Cathedra promise will see people heading for home singing of summertime. The programmes for these annual get-togethers, presented by candlelight as dusk falls, move seam- lessly from seasonal favourites to rare, rediscovered, contemporary and lighter repertoire.

Birmingham Philharmonic Summer Prom Concert Mitton Manor, Nr Penkridge, Staffordshire, Sat 29 June One of the region’s best known and most admired non-professional orchestras, the Birmingham Phil was voted ‘best orchestra in the Midlands’ in both the 2018 and 2019 What's On Readers' Awards. Their latest concert sees them getting to grips with a programme of traditional and familiar summer proms music, including William Tell, Finlandia, Pachelbel’s Canon, Nimrod, Radetsky March, Barber Adagio, British Sea Songs, Pomp And Circumstance and Jerusalem. Royal Philharmonic Royal Birmingham Chineke! Orchestra Orchestra: The Planets Conservatoire Organ Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 15 June Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 21 June Recital Gustav Holst’s seven-movement orchestral suite, each movement of which St Laurence Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire, Sat 15 June is named after a planet in the solar system, is one of the most famous and The continuing relationship between St familiar works of classical music ever Laurence Church and the Organ Depart- written, particularly the Mars and Jupiter ment of the Royal Birmingham Conserva- movements. Earth is excluded from the toire is further strengthened by this work, the concept of the suite being lunchtime concert featuring two of the astrological rather than astronomical. latter’s most talented students. Callum “Chineke! is not only an exciting idea but a The composer was still alive when Pluto Alger (pictured) will later this year take up profoundly necessary one,” says Sir Simon was named as the ninth planet in 1930, the prestigious position of Organ Scholar at Rattle in talking about Europe’s first but he opted out of writing an additional Westminster Cathedral. Josh Roebuck holds orchestra to feature a majority of black and movement, believing that The Planets had a similar post at Worcester Cathedral and minority ethnic musicians. “The kind of already cast too significant a shadow over Birmingham’s Town Hall/Symphony Hall. idea which is so obvious that you wonder the rest of his work. why it’s not already in place. The kind of idea which could deepen and enrich classical music in the UK for generations. What a thrilling prospect!” Chineke! here close the Birmingham Classi- cal season with a programme featuring: Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite No 1; Stewart Goodyear’s Callaloo, which pianist Stewart himself will perform; and Dvo ák’s seventh symphony. Wayne Marshall conducts.ř whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Il Divo online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 15:27 Page 1 Il Divo online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 15:27 Page 2

The classical quartet talk about their 15 years together ahead of their Birmingham show...

How’s the new tour going? When starting out, did you ever imagine It can sometimes be a distraction having that you’d be together for 15 years? lots of other things happening on stage… Urs Bühler: We’veIl started the first leg in Do Canada. It’s a really beautiful show. I think it Seb: Never. It’s hard enough to keep up a Urs: It’s not necessary, so why bother? The Il comes over great. We played castles marriage, so imagine how it feels keeping a Divo music is very beautiful. We have a few and stately homes in the UK last July with our whole band together - especially when it was things up our sleeves which I’m not going to Timeless tour, which was based on the new an arranged marriage! I still think give away, but it’s a fun show. album. sometimes, ‘It’s not real’. It’s striking the Narrowing down the Greatest Hits set list We played the whole repertoire, which was amount of counties and cities we’ve been to. I must be a challenge... actually quite risky, but the album is find it amazing. I know more where a lounge very beautiful, so it went down really well. is than where the forks and the cutlery are at Urs: It is, definitely. There are certain songs This is more back-to-basics - the four of us home. I lived in England for almost 10 years, which have to be in there. Obviously Unbreak singing. We still do a few songs from the so it’s always like coming back home. My Heart and My Way. We’ve done Greatest Timeless album but we do all our greatest Hits shows before, but the repertoire was Why did you decide to strip back the show hits as well. The audience seem to like it, so different. We do have a lot of songs and have this time? I’m very excited to bring it to the UK and done a lot of specials with other artists, like play the arenas again. Urs: When I go to concerts, I like to see shows the football World Cup. It’s all Greatest Hits. with something happening on stage. We get It’s difficult. We get help from outside - we David Miller: We started in Winnipeg, where talk to management - and always size it down excited and have lots of ideas - we could it was 20 degrees below zero. We were bun- to a show length. I’ve been listening back to do this, we could do that. Then you play your dled up that day for sure! the first albums, and we’ve got such show like this for a whole year all around beautiful, original songs like I Believe In You, Sebastien Izambard: We decided to tweak the the world. You ask people, ‘What did you Isabel - which we’re doing again - and others gig because it’s our 15-year anniversary. What think about the video and the stage set?’ And that we do in the show. I’d be very excited to we realised was that people really want to see they go, ‘We just came to see you guys sing’. do a show with only original Il Divo songs. just the four of us. We had dancers, but now So you know what, let’s strip all the fuss We’ve done a lot of covers, and people know we’re listening to what our audience wants, away and just make a beautiful concert. these songs, but I think we have a stunning with some of our best songs ever alongside We enjoy that the most, and the audience original repertoire that would totally be the Timeless album. In my opinion, it’s a enjoys that. worth building a show around. Maybe really good show. We’re having a really good something for the future - the original time. Greatest Hits. Il Divo online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 15:27 Page 3

What’s it like on your tour bus? weather we had in the UK in July. I’m big very comfortable, homely, family feeling into medieval times and ancient properties. coming to the UK to play these shows. Urs: We’re not travelling on a tour bus! I’ve Playing in front of Edinburgh Castle and done two north American tours on a tour bus, David: I love the UK. It’s one of my these beautiful properties - house keeping but not with the other boys. They don’t like favourite places to spend time in. It’s a would give us a private tour - that was won- that. Sebastian and Carlos get quite easily compact area - we can drive from city to city derful. I enjoyed last year’s tour so much. It car-sick. David would be okay. It becomes or take the train. So much of what is chal- was almost like I was going sightseeing in the a financial thing. If you rent a whole tour lenging about our touring schedule is that we UK and we only had to perform a show in bus, it’s very expensive unless you fill it up - spend almost every day on a plane, as the evening on the side. The UK is where they normally have 10 or 12 bunks or up to 18. we’re in a different city every day, sometimes our career started - where we did the first If you don’t fill it up, it’s going to be cheaper a different country every day. There’s no time record and had the first record company. It’s to fly the whole party around. to enjoy a boots-on-the-ground experience where the audience embraced us from the of a country. By contrast, here in the UK, What are your favourite memories of per- beginning. It’s like coming home when we driving across the countryside means we can forming in the UK? come to the UK. We play the Royal Albert Hall take it all in. We now have such a great fan- in London again, which I’m very much look- base here. People show up to our concerts Urs: Last year the tour was absolutely ing forward to. It’s a beautiful venue. It’s a spectacular. You might remember the and have a great time. They let their hair Il Divo online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 15:27 Page 4

down, they let the music in, and there’s no these adventures together. Home is where my love the people too. I remember living in greater compliment to an artist than to feel heart is, and that’s right next to me. Notting Hill, going to the market there received. That’s what we really get from the Seb: I always travel with my own pillow and people going, ‘Hello love, how you are?’ UK. because I think with hotel pillows you never So friendly and very positive. I love the tea know what you’re going to get. I don’t like and scones. I love your traditions. I think You must recognise a lot of faces in the hard pillows. I have a soft pillow I like England has amazing traditions, just as crowd after 15 years... travelling with and my own pillow cases. It much as France does. David: Not only do we see a lot of the same reminds me of being in my own bed, and I Are there any British musicians you’re fans who’ve followed us around, we see a lot like that a lot. I have photos of my kids that I friends with? of our international fans in the UK as well, put on my bedside table. particularly from Japan and San Francisco. If Seb: I’ve met quite a few. I live not far from What do you like to have on your rider? ever we miss areas around Europe, they’ll Chris Martin in Malibu. If I see him, I say come over to the UK too. There is such a Urs: I don’t even go to catering these days or hello. I’m such a big fan of his. I love what he sense of familiarity, with people showing up have dinner before a show. I have still and does, his music and what he stands for. I who we’ve known for years. sparkling water in my dressing room, rolled think he’s an incredible artist. I know the guy oats, a couple of protein bars, fruit or berries. from Muse too. I would’ve loved to have been Seb: I love when we come to the UK. We are That’s what I live on for the shows. I have a friends with David Bowie, but he never spoiled. We have so many fans who actually cup of oatmeal with berries or fruit an hour returned my calls! Alfie Boe, I’m friends with somehow are always showing up for us. It before the show, and that gives me the energy him. I grew up listening to The Beatles as a feels like an extended family to me. I was I need to sing. If I’m hungry afterward, I have kid. That was my source of inspiration. I’ve always told when I moved to the UK that UK a protein bar. That’s it. always been a big fan of English bands like audiences were not very faithful to their The Verve. I think they’re the best bands. I don’t know why people used to say Don’t you feel hungry? songwriters in the world. That comes from that. I think they’re really faithful. We are i Urs: Our life rhythm is a bit strange. If I don’t the culture. I really believe that. I do a lot ncredibly lucky that our fans are very loyal to have to get up for travel or interviews, I very of songwriting myself because that’s us. We probably could name most of our fans. often sleep until 11 or later. Normally after the one of my passions. They’ve been there 15 years. shows, it takes quite a while for you to go to As a Beatles fan, Seb, you must get excited Will you put Simon Cowell on the guest sleep - to get the body and the mind to rest. when you play shows in Liverpool... list for the tour? Even without hanging out and partying in your hotel room, it can easily be 2am or 3am Seb: “I love it. I’m like a kid. What an Urs: If he’s interested in coming to see a before you get to sleep. If you’re in a nice city, amazing time. I would’ve loved to have been show, he’s invited. He’s been to a few you look for a place that does all-day break- born around that time and have a band then. over the years, but he’s a very busy man. Like fast and finishes breakfast at 2pm. It’s a The music industry has changed us, he’s travelling a lot, so you never know very different rhythm. dramatically. Even video. Now it’s streaming. where to pin him down. It’s wonderful to see Not to sound old-fashioned, but I don’t think his face down in the audience. I love having Which British traditions do you love? music is appreciated as much anymore. people in the audience who I recognise and David: Even though we can get it in other know. Simon is always a very welcome guest What’s next for Il Divo after the tour? places, there’s no substitute for the British if he can make it to a show. version of fish & chips with mushy peas - I Seb: We’re working on our next album, which Which home comforts do you travel with? love it. Full English breakfast every morning. is definitely a repertoire that I didn’t I gain a little bit of weight when I come to the imagine we were going to do. It was Urs: Nothing really. I’m so used to travelling UK. I really do relate to the sensibility of how suggested by our management, Red Light. and spending nights in hotels that I feel com- life is conducted. We lived here for two years We’re definitely going to work on something fortable in whatever bed I lay down in, unless at the beginning of our career, in a cluster of that isn’t what people would expect from us. it’s really bad quality and the pillows are apartments in south west London. We really That, to me, is really exciting because I don’t bad. That’s really annoying. I take clothes got to spend time and absorb the sensibility like to do the same thing. That’s why I did a with me - two suitcases for two months. I of the English nature - the reserved way that solo record last year. I’m excited. I know what wish I could take 10 because I like everyone speaks to each other; the we’re recording is going to be challenging my wardrobe. I’ve got my wife with me, politeness. Whether that politeness is on our voices, but I’m excited to bring it to if that counts for home comforts? She’s actually heartfelt or undertone-sarky, it’s our audience. I think that’s very important, travelling with me all year. We got married still there. otherwise our fans get bored and we get two-and-a-half years ago under the premise bored. that we’re going to spend our life together, Seb: I love the countryside in the UK a lot. not that we’re going to be married and I’m I’ve been glamping, when my kids were going to be gone 10 months out of the year. younger, in Hereford etc. I really like Somer- Il Divo play Arena Birmingham on She’s always with me, and we go through set. I think the UK has the best countryside. I Saturday 29 June. GIGS June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:49 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:49 Page 2

Gigs

Nell Bryden Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 30 June In 2012, Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter Nell Bryden released Sirens - a song based on her experiences of living in New York in the after- math of 9/11. The track caught the attention of many an artist - Gary Barlow, Jools Holland and Counting Crows, to name but a few. Nell has since become a Radio Two listeners' favourite, gaining plenty of acclaim for her powerful, soaring vocals and accomplished songwriting. Following her sell-out debut at Henry Tudor House in 2017, Nell returns to the venue by popular demand and is this time going back to her roots, following the traditional sonic footsteps of her idols, Dusty Springfield, Aretha Franklin and Carole King.

Dan Owen lot has happened since then, and the songs on my album cover some of the high and The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Sat 1 June low points, both for me and for some of “I like to think of it as a collection of per- those closest to me.” sonal stories and experiences,” says Shrop- Dan is performing at The Buttermarket as shire lad Dan Owen in talking about his part of Comics Salopia - Shrewsbury’s new debut album, Stay Awake With Me. “I feel comic book festival - and is raising money like it’s what I’ve been working for since I for Share Shrewsbury, a charity that sup- first picked up a guitar at the age of eight. A ports local people in recovery.

Henge Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, Fri 21 June Honeyblood Steve Harley & Cockney “Attention Earth! This is Henge. We come in The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 14 June Rebel the name of rave. We bring you the gift of cos- Originally comprising Stina Marie Claire Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 23 June mic dross - a kind of music new to your Tweeddale on vocals and guitar, and Cat world. We have news. Planet Earth is an ex- Having formed Cockney Rebel in 1972, leg- Myers on vocals and drums, Honeyblood periment. Your species was sent codes from endary rock icon Steve Harley has a back- have shared stages with everyone from Belle space, to help you love and dance. But your catalogue that includes Judy Teen, Mr And Sebastian and Foo Fighters to Courtney leaders grew scared. They hid the codes from Raffles, Here Comes The Sun, Mr Soft and Barnett and Wolf Alice. you. Now your consciousness shrinks and Sebastian. He’s best known for worldwide Now a Tweeddale solo venture, Honey- they destroy your world with weapons of war. hit and UK number one Make Me Smile blood’s third album, In Plain Sight, sees the Ravelings of Earth, rebel! Absorb the mutated (Come Up And See Me) - which, to the best singer-guitarist finding her most ambitious frequencies of cosmic dross. There are no of Steve’s knowledge, has been covered at form and steely focus yet. Earth words to describe these sounds, but least 130 times. you will learn how to love and dance again!” Recognised as one of Britain’s greatest and most charismatic live performers, he’s here Strawbs joined by the original Cockney Rebel to per- The Robin, Bilston, Sun 9 June form his classic hits. Strawbs are Britain's most successful international progressive folk-rock band. They have achieved sales of more than three million albums, with seven consecutive albums having featured in the US Billboard Top 200. Featuring longtime members Dave Cousins, Dave Lambert & Chas Cronk, they’re here bringing their 50th Anniversary Acoustic Show to the Midlands. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Inner City Live.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:36 Page 1 Festivals June .qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:48 Page 2

Festivals

Upton Jazz Festival Upton-upon-Severn, Thurs 27 - Sun 30 June Now in its 34th year, the Upton Jazz Festival boasts a star-studded international line-up - including bands from the US - and annually attracts thousands of jazz fans from across the country. The festival has moved back into the city centre and takes place at various venues, including Upton Memorial Hall, the King's Head, The Swan, The Star Hotel, The Parish Church, The Boathouse, Under The Bridge and more. The event has its own camping and caravan Download Festival Donington Park, Derby, Fri 14 - Sun 16 June site, with free river mooring also available. With top billing consistently taken by some use of technology to connect with audiences Line-up includes: Alan Barnes, Danzon, of the biggest names in rock and metal, it's and build a community around the event. Fret and Fiddle, Hot Club 42, Jazz Connec- not hard to see why Download is one of the Line-up i ncludes: Slipknot (pictured), Def tion, Livia King, Martin Wheatley, Rob most popular and well-attended festivals in Leppard, Tool, Slash featuring Myles Fowler, Something New And Exciting In the UK. Kennedy and The Conspirators, Die Antwo- September, Tad Newton’s Jazz Friends, Vital- Conceived as a follow-up to Donington Park's ord, Smashing Pumpkins, Whitesnake, Triv- ity 5, Savannah Jazz Band, Sliphorn Summit previous Monsters Of Rock Festival, Down- ium, Lamb Of God and Slayer. and Dan Cassidy Swing Quartet. load partly owes its name to its pioneering

Beardy Folk Festival Tenbury Music Festival Hopton Court, Nr. Cleobury Mortimer, The Burgage Recreation Ground, Shropshire, Fri 21 - Sun 23 June Tenbury Wells, Sat 15 June Returning for a second year, Beardy Folk Fes- Now in its fifth year, the one-day Tenbury tival is a beautifully crafted, midsummer Music Festival is a family-friendly event fea- weekend boasting a line-up of folk, roots and turing multiple stages, renowned food & acoustic music as well as a small trade vil- drink stalls, camping opportunities and (of lage, yoga classes, workshops in singing, course) plenty of live music. New for 2019 is morris dancing and spoken word, heaps of The Thomas Telford Stage and The James free children's entertainment and plenty Cranston Stage. Salty Dog, Pizza Heaven and more besides. Under-13s go free, and four Acoustic Festival of Wye Valley Catering are amongst the food camping zones are on offer with the pur- Great Britain traders serving up some tasty cuisine. chase of a day or weekend ticket. Line-up includes: Rainbreakers, The Phon- Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire, Line-up includes: Skerryvore, Martyn Fri 31 May - Sun 2 June ics (pictured), Arcadia Roots, Kings Of The Joseph, 3 Daft Monkeys, Merry Hell, Holy Quarter Mile, Tom C Walker, Joncan Standing out from the summertime crowd of Moly & The Crackers, Chris Helme, Mark Kavlakoglu, Sunset Service, Steve Ajao Band, ever-louder electronic get-togethers, the Radcliff, Russell & Lee, Gregg Russell & Cia- Jack Brett, The Paul Garner Band, Blue Moon Acoustic Festival of Great Britain marks a ran Algar, O’Hooley & Tidow, Blair Dunlop and Red Hot Riot. welcome return to the basics of good-quality and Urban Folk Quartet (pictured). music. Stripped back, unplugged performances are the focus of this relaxed, friendly event. Beyond that, it's open to music of all genres. With five-star-rated camping infrastructure, glamping options, seated food tents and kids' play areas, it's the perfect way to spend a lazy weekend with the family. Line-up includes: Big Country, Eagle-Eye Cherry, Ian Prowse and Amsterdam (pictured), Chris Difford, 3 Daft Monkeys, Izzy and The Hot Heads, Gaz Brookfield, The Wil- lows, Joshua Burnell Band, Fleetwood Bac, Candy Mountain and Gordon Haskell. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Moseley.qxp_Layout 1 03/06/2019 14:56 Page 1

Moseley Magic

What’s On talks to Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival Manager John Fell ahead of the event celebrating its 10th anniversary in July...

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul is a popular Lauren Foster caught up with Festival more popular, we decided to bring our other annual event which attracts visitors from Manager John Fell to discuss the 2019 musical interests into play and launch all over the world and plays host to a edition of Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul and its another festival. It started out as Mostly Jazz weekend of blistering live music, both sister event, Moseley Folk Festival. Festival, but everybody assumed it was just from contemporary breakthrough artists pure jazz, so we changed the name to Mostly How did it all start, John? and international legends. Jazz Funk & Soul about eight years ago. And speaking of legends, this year’s We began with Moseley Folk Festival, which People really bought into the new name festival is headlined by The Jacksons, The is now in its 14th year. It was initially a because it sounds so much more like a party. Brand New Heavies and the incomparable gathering of a few hundred people, and has It’s amazing how it’s grown. Burt Bacharach. just grown and grown. As the folk festival got

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Moseley.qxp_Layout 1 03/06/2019 14:56 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Why Moseley Park? Seasick Steve I’ve tried a few times. Any of pounds in the bank and you can afford to lose It’s just a beautiful location. I think even Crosby Stills & Nash would be mega. Our money for three years, because that’s what some people who live locally have never been directors have definitely put in a few offers for happens unless you’re very lucky. Neil Young to play solo, but understandably there - you need a key to get access. Anyone You like to champion local talent, so he’s not decided to come and play to a 3,000- can get the key, though; they can go over to which band/artist should be on our radar capped festival in Moseley. We’ll keep trying, the travel shop across the road and get the this year? key for the day. We’d never move from though... Someone who’s underrated is Sam Redmore - Moseley now - we’re so blessed to have that Of the three festivals that you produce - he’s a DJ from Birmingham. He does a lot of site. At times, when we have a big line-up, it’s Moseley Folk, Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul and club nights and has started to play across the frustratingly small because we can’t get more Lunar, which has the greatest appeal to country now. He does a lot on Craig Charles’ people in, but equally I think it’s a blessing. you personally? show, and his Soundcloud has 700,000 We’re very happy and proud to be able to put It’s really difficult because when I started, I followers; he’s really growing. I’ve never had our festivals on there. was an out-and-out folky/Americana kind of a bad time at any night I've been to where How did you get involved? person - I love Simon & Garfunkel etc. But as I he’s been playing. I hope he gets the credit he I used to run the office for a medical got involved with the jazz festival, it kind of deserves because he’s a hardworking guy, company, and whilst I was doing that, I was changed. I think the folk this year is one of too... Also, Young Pilgrims are really cool. A also playing music. I was in a band called our more well-rounded line-ups. Lunar, for brass band, all former Conservatoire kids, Goodnight Lenin, and we got booked to play example, we’ve had Television on, but I could they’re really good. Boat To Row are in the Moseley Festival - we headlined the second never put them on at the folk festival. middle of planning their album release, and stage one of the nights. Carl from the festival Because we had two festivals, we tried to keep they’re headlining at the folk festival on the got involved with the band and just asked me the line-ups quite separate - more folk and Sunday night. A new band I like is Saint Alto, whether I knew anyone who wanted to be a Americana for the folk, then more indie and who’re playing the Friday of the folk festival. psychedelic for Lunar, but now that that’s not festival assistant. I told him that I was bored Who are you most looking forward to see- happening this year, we’ve kind of pulled that of business life so I’d come and do it. Now I’m ing at this year’s festivals? Festival Manager, so it’s worked out really back into the folk. Last year, I feel that it lost a Definitely Burt Bacharach. The Jacksons are well. I’ve been here eight years. bit of its oomph and bands that punch it out a bit, so we’ve kind of combined them this year. going to be a lot of fun. At Moseley Folk, What’s been the highlight during your Obviously it’s Moseley Folk & Arts this year, you’ve got The Zutons. Hearing Valerie at time with the festivals? for the first time, so we’ll have loads of Moseley Park is going to be incredible. I guess I think the one that everybody talks about is comedians and stuff. It just feels like the Don McLean. We’ve tried to book him for a Chic. We all knew the Chic back-catalogue - line-up is much more rounded. few years and have actually managed to get all the tracks and artists that Nile Rodgers has him this year. Vincent, American Pie, Castles What do you dread most in the lead-up to been involved with - that’s why we booked In The Air are all massive songs to me, so I the festival? them. Between booking them and playing the think that’s a really nice way to end the festival, they released Get Lucky with Daft Bands turning up is an obvious one, and festival season - on a high. missing things, I suppose. Going back a Punk, and it was the most in-sync thing that How do you see the festivals progressing while, we were sent a tech spec from a band could’ve happened. A year after that, their fee in the next 10 years? was 10 times higher. We wouldn’t be able to who were coming over from Canada, and I This year we’ve brought an arts element into afford them now. Due to capacity, there’s only was double-checking everything and sending Moseley Folk, so that’s our first stepping so much that we can spend... everything out to the artists to make sure that stone. We’re going to have a stage for comedy, Public Enemy were brilliant. They stepped in everything was correct. But no one got back talks, and eventually podcasts and film. a month before because Sugarhill Gang to me until the night before the festival, and Obviously it’s a very small site, so we’ve got to pulled out. No disrespect to Sugarhill, but it there was a keyboard missing. There were see how that all flows. We’ll look to do a was definitely a case of burying bad news only three in the country, as it was a very similar thing with the jazz. The jazz is very with some really good news, and it proved to specific keyboard, and they were all hired music-focused, but there’s also loads of great be a really great atmosphere... out. We managed to contact another festival food to enjoy - Original Patty Men and all For the folk festival, I'd say Johnny Marr - I'm that had hired the keyboard for that band on these really cool independent food traders a massive Smiths fan. Generally speaking, I the Saturday, and we got my friend to drive will be there - so that’s a step up this year. I’d say hello and thank you for coming etc to the down to the festival and pick up the keyboard like to see comedians and cabaret and film artists, but I try not to pester them. I leave for the Friday evening. A lot of it is about brought into the jazz, to give it another them alone to do their thing, but I had to go troubleshooting; things do go wrong dimension. I think next year that’s definitely and chat to Johnny. He was one of the nicest constantly, and you get used to that. I sup- what we’ll be looking to do. I’m already look- men ever. Billy Duffy came from The Cult, and pose you’re nervous anyway because you’re ing forward to that! they played I Fought The Law, which was responsible for more than 3,000 people - and really cool. Johnny came out and we sat by not just in terms of safety; you’re trying to the lake and spoke for about half an hour. I make sure everyone’s having a good time, too. had to keep reminding myself that it was him! What piece of advice would you give to Is there an artist who you’ve continually someone who was thinking about hosting Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul takes place at tried to bring to the festival without so far a first-time festival? Moseley Park from Friday 12 to Sunday been successful? Start small and don’t do it for money. If you’re 14 July. doing it for money, it comes across. Have an Moseley Folk & Arts Festival takes place at Erykah Badu. I haven’t managed that one yet. Moseley Park from Friday 30 August to Earth Wind And Fire. For the folk festival, identity and grow it organically. That’s the only way to do it unless you’ve got billions of Sunday 1 September. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:49 Page 1

Comedy

Jimmy Carr Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 22 June; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs 27 June; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 20 July; Dudley Town Hall, Sat 14 September Jimmy Carr’s comedy is all about quickfire, deadpan one-liners - and so many of them, in fact, that he’s not sure their content matters all that much: “People don’t really remember the individual jokes I tell because I tell such a lot of them; what they do remember is how those jokes make them feel.” Jimmy is a comedian for whom no subject is off limits: “I’ll talk about anything as long as I feel the joke justifies it. It may cause controversy, but my thing on that is that controversy’s an easy story on a slow-news day. And I never apologise for jokes. Reginald D Hunter After all, I’m not making a serious political Oakengates Theatre, at The Place, Telford, Thurs 6 June; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 26 June statement, I’m just trying to make somebody laugh.” “Start calling things what they are,” says eliminate the euphemisms, I think you'll American funnyman Reginald D Hunter. find that a lot of the mental health issues “There's so much euphemistic language - people are suffering will begin to clear up a things like 'war on terrorism' or 'perception bit, I really do.” management' - that's just a fancy way of One of the most popular comedians saying lies. I think when we collectively in currently working the UK comedy circuit, Western culture don't call things what they Reginald’s no-nonsense style and hugely are, added to all the drugs - prescription amusing perspectives on the differences and otherwise - and all the propaganda between the US and the UK have struck a nonsense in the system, it's no wonder real chord with his audiences. people are going f***ing crazy! If you

The Muslims Are Coming Hilarity Charity Gala The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 9 June; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 5 June Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 10 June This returning Central Youth Theatre (CYT) fundraiser is once again compered by Daniel Kitson. Comedians plying their trade at the 2019 edition of the event include David O’Doherty, Rose Matafeo, John Robins, Darren Harriot, Tom Parry Sean McLoughlin and Bake Off star Tom Allen (pictured). The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 28 June This is the fifth edition of Hilarity Charity Referred to by Time Out as ‘the best to be organised by CYT, Wolverhampton’s comedian you haven’t heard of yet’, Sean leading youth theatre since 1983. McLoughlin is a man whose potential is well known on the comedy circuit. Witness the Shazia Mirza, who headlines this latest fact that he was recently handpicked to edition of The Muslims Are Coming, is not open for Bill Burr at the Royal Albert Hall averse to treading a delicate line when it and for the legendary Doug Stanhope. comes to her material. Examples of this And not only that, he’s also provided tour include: “My name is Shazia Mirza - at support for Ricky Gervais, and even bagged least, that's what it says on my pilot's himself a part in Gervais’s recent Netflix licence”, and “My parents really want me to comedy series, After Life. get married. But Muslim men don't want to This latest show sees Sean undertaking the marry me because... I speak.” task of attempting to plot a course into the Shazia is joined for the show by different future for not only himself but also comedians on each night. mankind... 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:49 Page 2

Al Murray Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 20 June Pub philosopher extraordinaire Al Murray certainly knows how to serve a pint or two of high-quality satire, and makes for a thoroughly nice drinking companion into the bargain. The much-loved Pub Landlord is using his new show to embark on a common-sense crusade to ‘re-Great’ Britain, along the way looking at issues including the NHS, Europe, the Middle East and the gathering storm of fortnightly bin collections...

Adam Kay Dudley Town Hall, Fri 21 June; Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 29 June After watching an Adam Kay performance, Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries Of A Junior Stephen Fry declared, “This made me very, Doctor. The show features one hour and one very happy.” Numerous sell-out years at the minute’s-worth of humorous material based Edinburgh Fringe and tens of millions of on his bestselling book of the same name. YouTube hits later, former obstetrician and Expect splendidly silly spoof songs and some gynaecologist Adam is this month visiting seriously shocking stories from the NHS the Midlands with his latest tour, This Is frontline...

Harriet Dyer Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 18 June Fascinating facts about Harriet Dyer include the revelation that she once asked her flatmate to use a mallet to try to break her arm for her - on account of the fact that she didn’t fancy going into work that day... At the time, Harriet thought such behaviour was simply representative of an eccentric personality. It was only years later that she was diagnosed as bipolar, with anxiety and depression thrown in for good measure... Away from the issue of her mental health, Harriet names her favourite heckle as the sound generated by an electric wheelchair as its unhappy owner headed for the exit after deciding she’d had enough of the comedian’s show. Ashley Blaker & Imran Yusef: Prophet Sharing Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thursday 20 June “As an overtly Jewish comedian,” says Ashley that was so good, so clever, that I couldn’t Blaker, “I know my audience has an breathe because I was laughing so much,” expectation that I’ll cover certain topics in Imran recalls. “It was such a good gag that I my show: Jeremy Corbyn, Labour, Israel, that studied it to try and understand what made it dog that does the Nazi salute et al. And I do so brilliant. Making people laugh is a great of course cover them all.” way to earn respect, but only if it’s done as a Ashley is here teaming up with Imran Yusef, natural consequence of who you are. You who markets his own style of comedy as can’t just run around telling people jokes like being for people who like to ‘think and some kind of weirdo!” laugh’. “I once heard a joke by Sean Lock whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Adam Kay online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 16:03 Page 1 Adam Kay online.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 16:03 Page 2

This is going to hurt... Comedian and former obstetrician & gynaecologist Adam Kay is this month visiting the Midlands with his latest touring show, This Is Going To Hurt: Secret Diaries Of A Junior Doctor...

Adam, you’ve been interested in standup soaking through your scrubs. outside interests, I guess some of them will for a long time, performing whilst in med- pursue those interests after their degree. Aside from the anecdotes, is there much ical school - but when you quit being a about being a doctor that helps in being a Most of your material so far has been doctor, did you intend to work full-time in standup comedian? Dealing with the pres- based around your medical experiences. comedy and writing? sure? Late nights? Are you planning any shows in the future There’s a long tradition of medical students based on other experiences or ideas that I’m certainly very good at the late nights. I putting on generally pretty terrible end-of- you’ve had - possibly non-medical? can stay up 48 hours writing a script that I’ve year shows, making fun of the consultants failed to do in time. My body is now just I spent quite a few years writing on various and professors, and I got involved with that trained to get on with it. I don’t get stressed TV shows with no medical aspect to them at sort of show a lot when I was at med school. I or nervous these days either - my barometer all. I guess when people get bored of hearing guess encouraging medical students to enjoy for stress has been totally ruined by working my diaries, I’ll go back to that! a bit of gallows humour is the closest thing on the wards. Obviously, the big difference we have to teaching them some kind of cop- By the time this interview is published on- on stage is that the stakes are zero. ing mechanism for the bad days at work. line, Brexit may or may not have hap- When I had my own extremely bad day at You’re not the only ex-medical comedian, pened. Who knows? How equipped is the work and left medicine in 2010 - sorry, I’ve ru- with Harry Hill and Paul Sinha also former NHS to deal with, well, any number of po- ined the ending of the show - I realised that medical practitioners. Is there any partic- tential outcomes? writing jokes and getting up on stage was the ular reason why a number of you have Make no mistake, Brexit is a disaster for the closest thing I had to any kind of skill set be- made that journey, or is it the result of a NHS. The NHS simply couldn’t function with- yond working on the wards, so I thought I’d secret comedy cabal? give it a go. I fully expected it would end up out the staff who’ve come here from every being a failed six-month experiment, but to Rather than recruiting people who are psy- country of the world, each one going far be- my ongoing surprise it’s still how I pay the chologically fit for the job, which you might yond the call of duty on a daily basis. The gas bill. think would be a sensible approach, medical NHS is short of 100,000 members of staff schools choose people who have lots of across the UK, so making a single member of Your book and tour describes the ups and extra-curricular activities. For example, I had staff feel unwelcome would be an act of mad- downs of being a junior doctor. Was there a couple of grade VIIIs in music and worked ness. Making tens of thousands of them feel ever such a thing as a mundane day at on the school newspaper. If you look at the unwelcome is an act of utter self-destruction. work? Wikipedia entry for any famous doctor, it’s The fact that Brexit was sold on the basis of always been the case: ‘He proved himself an extra money for the NHS was utterly disin- I worked on the labour ward, and as anyone accomplished rugby player in youth leagues. genuous - and you’ll struggle to find a mem- who’s ever been on a labour ward in any ca- He excelled as a distance runner and in his ber of the NHS staff who thinks that Brexit is pacity knows, the days there are never mun- final year at school was vice-captain of the going to be anything other than a nightmare dane. You end up with twice the number of athletics team’. And that’s Harold Shipman, for them at work. patients you started with, which is unusual so it’s potentially not a totally rock-solid sys- for any medical specialty. I guess on a mun- tem. As well as medics leaving for the stage, dane day you manage to leave within two there are also huge numbers who’ve had in- hours of when you’re meant to, no one threat- Adam Kay - This is Going To Hurt: Secret credibly successful careers in sport, such as ens to kill you, and you only throw away one Diaries Of A Junior Doctor visits Dudley Roger Bannister. If you recruit people with pair of boxers following a tsumani of blood Town Hall on Friday 21 June. Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Bodyguard between the pair. Each expects to hold the whip-hand in the relationship; neither expects to fall in love... Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 25 June - Sat 6 July; Featuring classic numbers One Moment In Time, I Wanna Dance With Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 21 January - Sat 1 February 2020 Somebody and the legendary I Will Always Love You, the show This blockbusting West End musical is of course based on the simi- received mixed reviews from the critics when it opened in 2012, but larly blockbusting 1990s Hollywood movie starring Kevin Costner and has since proved to be a real hit with its audiences. Whitney Houston. The part of Rachel will be shared by Alexandra Burke and Jennlee When ex-secret service agent Frank Farmer is hired to protect super- Shallow at both venues. star Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker, sparks soon begin to fly Visit the theatres’ respective websites for more details about this.

The Strange Undoing Of Pamela’s Palace Boulder Prudencia Hart The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 15 June Wed 19 & Thurs 20 June Fri 28 June - Sat 13 July Hairstylist Pamela Jones is the brash and The Greek myth of Sisyphus is here reimag- Prudencia Hart is an uptight academic strutting owner of a beauty salon that’s seen ined by the ever-resourceful Half A String attending a conference in the Scottish better days. But Pam is convinced that her theatre company. Harmoniously fusing live Borders. As she heads back through the fortunes are about to change. action and digital, Boulder follows the snow from a pub lock-in to her B&B, she Love-sick Tiffany and bashful Bronwyn ongoing struggles of an intricate puppet as suddenly finds herself not only in the work at the salon too, and soon find them- he strains to move a giant boulder up a hill, company of a stranger, but also, rather more selves embroiled in a plan which involves a only to find himself then watching it roll profoundly, standing on the threshold of Greek-themed catwalk event that comes back down to the bottom each and every reality... complete with pillars, ivy and grapes... day... David Greig’s widely admired play has An interactive evening awash with great Atmospheric voices, live cello, and fluid bagged numerous awards since debuting choreography, belly-laugh opportunities transformations of set and scale ensure an eight years ago, including the coveted aplenty and no little amount of hairspray, evening of theatre that keeps the senses well Herald Angel gong at the Edinburgh Fringe Pamela’s Palace scored a big hit at the and truly stimulated. Festival. Edinburgh Fringe last summer.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 2 BE Festival.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 08:56 Page 1 BE FESTIVAL The splendidly quirky BE Festival is taking place in Birmingham for a 10th time. What’s On spoke to co-director Miguel Oyarzun about the ever-evolving performing arts event. BE Festival.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 08:56 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The 10th Birmingham European Festival takes challenging task: “When we started in 2010, members who return to mainland Europe, place at the city’s Repertory Theatre this we received 67 applications, which, at that talk positively about Birmingham, the UK and month. From its humble beginnings in 2010, time, we thought was enormous. Now, every BE Festival; they’re our best ambassadors. BE Festival has grown exponentially into an year, we receive between 600 and 1,000 We’ve also grown in terms of rooting event that places Birmingham firmly at the applications. Obviously it’s an enormous ourselves to Birmingham itself. We are now forefront of Europe’s performing arts scene. amount of work to go through all of those very much a continuing part of the annual applications and assess which pieces will end calendar of events for the city, so we’re part of “The first BE Festival resulted from a confer- up in the programme. We do it by watching a bigger network within the cultural sector ence with the Arts Council in Birmingham to them all and trying to create a balance within here. Then, every year, we have more discuss how to improve the arts scene in the the programme between countries and audiences, so have expanded into a touring Midlands,” explains one of the festival’s disciplines. We also have a theme each year - model. We started by just doing the festival founders, Miguel Oyazrun. “One of the things this year we’re celebrating our 10th festival. here in Birmingham. Now we take the format the cultural sector was discussing was the There are pieces that look back on history or of the festival - in which we present three or fact that there wasn’t a lot of international look into memory or into the concept of four short pieces each night - and the compa- presence in the city. At the time, Isla Aguilar archiving. We’ve also commissioned works nies who best represent us, out on tour. We and I weren’t living in Birmingham, so we that relate to the theme.” tour for four weeks in the UK and four weeks came as outsiders to the region. We were in Spain. The work presented by the artists in baffled by the fact that the region didn’t have The relationship between the festival, Birmingham now reaches many more people. an international theatre & arts festival, Birmingham and the rest of Europe is one of despite the fact that the arts scene in the BE’s defining qualities. “We’ve also grown in our work with visual Midlands was craving this international artists. Now we’re involved in a lot of bigger “Because BE Festival was born out of the presence. There were music and dance projects within the visual arts that run along- desires of Birmingham, the whole thing was festivals, but nothing for the wider scope of side the performing-arts side of the festival. made possible by the generosity of the locals. performing arts. We took that as our inspira- Plus, this year is the first time we will have This is a festival with limited resources, but tion. That evening, we went for dinner at a pieces on the main stage of The REP. with our ethos of collaborating, we have a curry house and we started mapping our Normally we have smaller-scale pieces in fantastic team of volunteers. Supporting ideas for a festival on the back of a napkin. So Centenary Square or in The Studio at The REP. emerging artists is also evident in the way we it really was through a response to the needs This year, for the first time, we have a large work with our staff and volunteers. Our staff of the cultural sector of Birmingham that BE show on The REP’s main stage. It’s a fantastic and volunteers are really young, and we’re was born.” show called Deadtown, which has been proud to know that people who work with us created by the sons of the Oscar-winning The festival is particularly focused on go on to lead other cultural organisations or director of One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, supporting upcoming performance artists… produce more festivals. Apart from the Miloš Forman. The Forman brothers have volunteers who give their time, we also “Giving a platform to emerging artists and created a spectacular piece with dancers, collaborate with hosts, who open their homes performers from a range of countries across singers and acrobats that mixes circus with a to visiting artists. This is also a way in which Europe is so important in our current social homage to silent movies. It’s a show with no we try to connect people across Europe, so and political climate. The UK being an island words, so it’s accessible to anyone from any that the audiences can create a more in-depth already creates a bit of isolation from outside age. It’s really great for families, as well as for relationship with the visiting artists, and the influences. The way funding for the arts adults who want to look back at the history of artists themselves can really get to know the works in the UK is already very different to silent movies. city and its inhabitants. At most other the rest of Europe. It’s more difficult to get “We also have musicians from many different festivals we’ve been to, the performers come performances from outside the UK into genres performing in the evenings - so there to the city, perform, book into a hotel and theatres here than it is on mainland Europe. really is something for everyone to enjoy.” then leave the next day. So BE Festival is all Nevertheless, the UK is really craving the about the artist being in touch with the city of Birmingham will surely have its say in where artistic work from mainland Europe, and Birmingham and vice versa. We hear lots of BE Festival goes over the next decade… people here really want to collaborate with beautiful stories about artists returning to those abroad. It’s all about building bridges “As always, we like to get feedback about the Birmingham to see their host family, or the across the cultural sectors of different festival from the audiences, stakeholders and hosts travelling to other places in Europe to countries, which is now more important than artists. The festival isn’t ours, it’s visit the person they opened their home to. ever. BE Festival is a platform for exchange Birmingham’s. So we will take it wherever One of the things we love is creating bonds and encounter between cultures, which can Birmingham sees fit, as we feel we have to beyond the boundaries of the festival itself. only better the performing arts scene for all. honour the way it was created and supported The festival is really a catalyst for continuing We focus on emerging artists in particular by the city itself. We have some ideas of exchange within arts and culture across because they are the ones who will lead the where we want to go after these first 10 Europe.” arts scene in the future. We do that with help festivals, but first of all we need to figure out from both the Arts Council here in the UK and So how much has BE Festival changed since whether that’s what everybody else wants also the European Union. It’s very important its first year? too.” to give these upcoming performers a space to “The festival has grown massively over 10 display their work, where they can thrive and events. We’ve grown in reputation across become the artists of the future.” BE Festival takes place at Birmingham Europe and are perhaps even better known Repertory Theatre from Thursday 27 June With the number of applications from artists abroad than we are in the UK. Birmingham is to Saturday 6 July. See the full programme wanting to perform at the BE Festival increas- now very much on the map of Europe. The online at befestival.org ing every year, choosing who to include is a artists who come from abroad, and audience Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Deadtown The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June The Forman Brothers, widely considered to be one of the most innovative theatre companies in Europe, are the creatives behind this critically acclaimed Wild West tale. The production cleverly uses a mixture of film, live action and magic to shift from illusion to reality, in the process making full use of a cast of 20 acrobats, dancers, singers and musicians. “The performance takes place sometime around 1900, in an era of great discoveries such as phonographs, cameras and first films,” says one of the brothers, Petr, the son of the late, great Oscar-winning movie director Milos Forman. “They are discoveries which fascinate us even in modern times. And all these things, these little details, they are an honour to the great men who laid the basis of the world we are living in today.”

Hormonal Housewives Helena’s sitting on to demonstrate his allegiance by handing the shelf, Titania over his wife, Belvidera. One of the other Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Thurs and Oberon are up 6 June; Oakengates Theatre@The Place, conspirators threatens Belvidera, so she and Telford, Thurs 13 June; Lichfield Garrick, to no good, and Jaffeir go on the run. They then have to work Sat 15 June; Malvern Theatres, Sun 16 June; Puck’s got his out whether to reveal the conspiracy to the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 21 June finger in more pies senate, or to carry on with it, knowing how than Mr Kipling. bloody the outcome will be…” Add in a group of rude mechanicals and the recipe for success is guaran- Velvet teed... Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 12 & Thurs 13 June “Just as I was starting to write Velvet, the Venice Preserved #MeToo movement happened, and made my writing seem even more urgent.” Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 7 September So says Tom Ratcliffe, whose critically This Julie Coombe play offers a humorous acclaimed play tells the story of a young gay contemplation on what it means to be a 21st actor experiencing sexual harassment. century girl at a challenging time of life. So if “Due to the fact that men are usually you can relate to subjects such as weight perpetrators, and because there’s this gain, weight loss, mood swings, wine, PMS, perception that gay men are inherently men, going to the gym, waxing, stretch linked to sex, it’s almost assumed that they marks, chocolate and upper-lip hair, this is want it. I hope Velvet goes some way the show for you! towards putting sexual harassment against a gay man in the same context as sexual harassment against a woman.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream “Thomas Otway’s Venice Preserved follows disaffected Venetian nobles,” the show’s Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 18 - Thurs 20 director, Prasanna Puwanarajah, explains. June; Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 5 & Sat 6 July; Oakengates Theatre@The Place, “Out of the two main male characters, one is Telford, Wed 17 July the son-in-law of a senator and the other is a Zany funsters Oddsocks celebrate their 30th war veteran. Both of them join a conspiracy anniversary with a high-energy production of against the senate of Venice, as they believe one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies. it to be oppressive and in need of change. In Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Hermia, order to join the plot, one of them, Jaffeir, has

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 4 Woke.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 08:57 Page 1

wakeRenowned beatboxer Testament comes to theup Midlands this month with his new show, Woke. What’s On spoke to the hip-hop star about the production and its relationship to feminism… Woke.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2019 08:57 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

World Record-holding beatboxer Testament show on the road. We might not necessarily the world. Whether it’s an allegory, a parable uses his new show, Woke, to explore what have laws in the UK that discriminate against or even a headline on a tabloid newspaper, happens when his hip-hop world collides women, but in everyday domestic, social and narratives help us to order our souls and to with his newer role as the father to a young career settings there’s definitely still sexism think about things. So I’ve always been very girl. Employing a mixture of comedy, spoken towards women in particular. For example, keen on storytelling. My raps were always full word, hip-hop and beatboxing, Testament hip-hop is my art form, and yet misogyny is of storytelling, and I really try to take care unpicks the conflict between feminism and almost written into it. So there’s a movement with my bars and rhymes because the lines hip-hop in an attempt to understand how we in Woke to try and unpick that and examine are always there to serve a narrative, rather can all become better feminists. what’s going on. This is something that’s real than just to sound cool. I mean, I hope they and affects people’s lives on both small and sound cool also, but the story is the most The word Woke is slang, defined as ‘to be bigger levels. I was angry at the state of the important thing. Theatres just seemed like the aware of and actively attentive to important world and also at myself. So Woke is natural space to put my music into.” facts and issues - especially those connected something I felt I really needed to get out to racial and social justice’. Five years ago, Testament founded a now, and luckily there were a few theatres workshop scheme called The Hip-Hop Clinic, “Woke was born out of a bit of frustration across the country that wanted to help me where he uses hip-hop as an educational tool. with myself,” Testament explains. “I sud- create the piece.” denly realised that there were things about “I was working freelance as a hip-hop Woke is not a show that seeks to preach. In my own life and attitudes that just weren’t educator, which I still do now. So I use hip- his self-reflection, Testament extends the sitting right with me. I was almost afraid to hop as a tool to educate in schools, prisons hand of community empowerment to the examine these. The more I dug into them, the and community centres. I use the word ‘clinic’ audience: “Mostly it’s a really funny show. It’s more I realised that even though my music in there because I really hope it’s something called Woke, which is kind of in inverted- and theatre really talks about the world and that helps and heals. Hip-hop doesn’t always commas, because when someone says they’re its current issues, there were still things do that, but the founding principles of the woke, that automatically implies that they within my own self that needed work. I clinic are to change that. I’m lucky enough to think someone else isn’t. That’s a bit of a realised that, as a man, I needed to be a better have got the blessing of DJ Kool Herc, one of pretentious thing to say. So I think there’s a feminist, and that it could take some work to the first progenitors of hip-hop back in the feeling of looking at myself and critiquing my understand what that would mean. That’s a day in the Bronx, and he’s all about using own hip-hop work. Part of that is laughing at journey I’m still on now, but that’s essentially music to heal, which is a legacy I want to it. Singing and beatboxing about these sexism what catalysed Woke. People were asking me carry on.” issues within the genre of hip-hop will what my next show was going to be about hopefully put a new perspective out there. So Testament is clearly a man with many strings after Blake Remixed, and I’d already decided I guess my biggest aim is for people to really to his bow. that I wanted it to be about equality and have their preconceptions challenged. The sexism.” show ends with a kind of figurative hug, so I “I’m currently the writer-in-residence at the Royal Exchange Manchester, so I’m working Testament’s ideas provoked many different really hope that people leave the theatre on a play now, which is very exciting. I’m also reactions within the communities that play an feeling empowered to look at and tackle these working on an album. Life sometimes goes by important role in his career and private life. issues.” different seasons, and I love being able to just “I received a slight backlash from certain men So why did Testament decide to take his be creative and go with it. I plan on taking in all parts of my life about this. In particular music into theatres across the country? whatever opportunities come my way and some from the hip-hop scene were telling me making sure I still pursue all my lines of “One of the big turning points for me was about how feminism is evil and a conspiracy work.” when I was working with SK Shlomo at his to undermine men. A lot of the people in my shows on the Southbank. I was one of the He’s also positive that Midlands theatre-goers Christian community were supportive, and beatboxers in his show. I saw how he turned will enjoy Woke: “The feedback I’ve had from agreed that feminism is part of loving your that into a theatre show, and I loved how his audiences so far has been really, really neighbour, but some others were also pretty vision was to unite the world through music. I positive. Some people just find it really scathing about it. Even some friends from thought about how combining theatre and hilarious, others enjoy seeing a live beat- school told me how feminism is undermining hip-hop was actually really fantastic, but not boxer. I’ve heard men say they’ve been really Western civilisation. So I got mixed reactions, done that often. It’s quite hard to convey a challenged by the content of Woke. I’ve had and a lot of people weren’t happy about me complex message at places like clubs and women come to me and say that, for them, it exploring feminism through hip-hop. But at festivals, where people are there to have a was really healing. I think that’s been great the same time, it was their reactions that good time rather than to listen to the story. for a random rapper guy to achieve with a affirmed to me how much of an issue it was, With theatre, it’s more of a community, where spoken-word, beatboxing show where I spit and how important it was for me to open up a you sit down and have a conversation be- some lyrics and jump around a bit. I’m glad conversation about this.” tween audience and performer.” that people leave having been entertained The global sociopolitical climate was also an and feeling uplifted.” Storytelling has been a passion of Testa- influence on the creation of Woke: “That guy ment’s for many years and links directly to Donald Trump got elected; someone with both his music career and his theatre shows. obvious problems with how to relate to and respect women. Seeing how some people I “Well, I’m called Testament, which I guess Testament brings his new show Woke to knew were really big fans of Donald Trump links to stories. In every tradition, culture and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on made me even more determined to get this religion in the world, stories are how we view Saturday 15 June Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Mousetrap Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June; Malvern Theatre, Mon 15 - Sat 20 July Not only has everybody heard of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, they’ve seen the show as well - haven't they? Okay, maybe not, but as the production is fast approaching its 70th consecutive year in the West End, it's fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely beyond question. Not surprisingly it’s the world's longest-running show, and has been performed well in excess of a staggering 25,000 times. Its touring version here makes a welcome return to the Midlands.

Avenue Q things because they cost a lot of money. But I how can somebody disappear from a moving Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, will nonetheless attempt to create an all- train? Or is Iris suddenly losing her mind?... Tues 11 - Sat 15 June singing all-dancing spectacle using the The Lady Vanishes is best remembered in its This Tony Award-winning musical focuses on power of the audience’s imagination!” Alfred Hitchcock-directed movie version, but subjects including dating, racism, being gay packs a powerful punch on stage as well. and finding your purpose in life. At the centre This latest adaptation is presented by The of the story is Princeton, a bright-eyed college Roman Romp Classic Thriller Theatre Company. graduate with a tiny bank balance who, as he Swan Theatre, Worcester, Thurs 6 June; Prince sets out on a voyage of self-discovery, finds of Wales Centre, Cannock, Fri 7 June; Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Thurs 20 June; Crewe Lyceum, himself being easily distracted by a busty Wed 26 June blonde and a plethora of weird and Described by its producers as ‘an evening of wonderful friends. farcical confusion and outrageous innuendo which may also contain mild audience partic- ipation’, Roman Romp is presented by the company who annually perform an adult panto at the Prince of Wales Centre. And just as one might therefore expect - judg- WNO: Don Pasquale ing by the show’s title, description and the Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, past record of the ensemble performing it - Sat 8 June; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, it’s a wee bit on the rude side! Sun 16 June So brace yourself for an encounter with A small Welsh National Opera cast bring to reluctant virgin Frigella the Fulfiller as she life Daisy Evans’ new production of this searches for a ‘shagamus’ - aided and abetted Donizetti masterpiece. We’ve Got Each Other: in her sadly-far-from-foolproof plans by her A classic comic opera - here updated to mod- The Almost Entirely nice-but-dim pal, Bimbus... ern times and taking place in and around Imagined Bon Jovi Not surprisingly, the show has been deemed Pasquale’s doner kebab van - the show tells inappropriate for audience members younger the much-loved story of an old bachelor’s Musical than the age of 16. romantic delusions and the young lovers Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 8 June who outwit him... The production follows on With Bon Jovi visiting the Midlands this very from Welsh National Opera’s 2018 success month, what better time to stage this modern The Lady Vanishes with Elena Langer’s Rhondda Rips It Up!. jukebox musical? “It’s the kind of show,” Lichfield Garrick, Mon 17 - Sat 22 June says its performer, Paul O'Donnel, “that Taking a nap while travelling on a transconti- traditionally comes with a multi-talented nental train to London, Iris awakes to find cast, a live band - or orchestra, if you’re lucky the elderly governess who’d been sitting next - opulent sets & decadent costumes, to her is nowhere to be seen. On questioning extravagant dance routines, dramatic key her fellow passengers and the train’s crew changes and the odd hydraulic lift or two. about the sweet old lady, she’s dismayed to We’ve Got Each Other has got none of these find that nobody recalls seeing her at all. But

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 6 Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 7

Theatre Theatre for younger audiences...

The Gruffalo Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 25 & Wed 26 June; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Tues 12 November Summer’s not summer in Birmingham without one of Julia Donaldson’s delightful tales being vividly brought to life. And on this occasion, it’s an adaptation of 1999 bestseller The Gruffalo which is taking to the stage. The production is presented by award- winning theatre company Tall Stories, who’ve garnered an excellent reputation in terms of performing Donaldson’s work. Their imagina- tive retelling of the much-loved book comes complete with talented cast, catchy songs and magical characters.

Ben & Holly’s Little the more for understanding the source of its Honk! inspiration. Kingdom The production revolves around the friend- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 4 - Sat 8 June Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 25 & Wed ship between two grandads, Fred and Ted, 26 June; Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, who’ve been best pals for a very long time. Stiles & Drewe’s hit musical has been Wed 10 & Thurs 11 July When they find themselves faced with a performed in excess of 8,000 times at venues painting job, it soon becomes apparent that across the world. It's based on Hans Christian the two old chums have vastly different ways Andersen's The Ugly Duckling and tells the of going about things... story of an odd-looking baby duck and his attempts to find his mother. While doing so, he encounters a beautiful swan, tangled in a fishing line, and subsequently falls in love... Ministry Of Science This quacker of a well-hatched tale is here Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Wed 19 presented by Dot By Dot Productions. June; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 20 June From the creative team behind Brainiac Live The team behind Peppa Pig here present a comes an anarchic show that takes a look at stage version of another of their splendid the inventors and engineers who’ve shaped creations. Originally a BAFTA award-winning and inspired the modern world. television animation, it focuses on the adven- Expect plenty of demonstrations - and a few tures of fairy princess Holly and her best pal, loud bangs along the way... Ben, a wingless elf who flies on the back of Gaston the Ladybird. The two chums live in the tiny land of the Little Kingdom. Dinosaur World Live In this particular show, they help Gaston clean up his messy cave, go on a trip into The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 June Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, and plan a surprise birthday party for King Dinosaurs are once again Milkshake Live! roaming the earth this Thistle... Expect plenty of games, songs and Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 22 June laughter. summer, thanks to this critically acclaimed Milkshake Monkey’s desire to put on a new interactive show for all the musical has hit the skids due to a nasty bout family to enjoy. of rampant stage fright - so thank heaven that If All The World Youngsters get to meet a host of impressive Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine and Were Paper prehistoric creatures - including, of course, all their friends are on hand to help out... If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 2 June every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. to a previous live production, you’ll already The fact that Big Window Theatre’s latest In short, the show promises to be an absolute know what to expect from this latest show is a ‘little homage’ to Laurel & Hardy monster of an experience, leaving a T-Rex- Milkshake! show. If not, get ready for an will, of course, be lost on its very young audi- size imprint on your child’s memory for many event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- ence. But maybe the accompanying parents a week to come. loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- and guardians will enjoy the experience all pation and plenty of singing and dancing.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:27 Page 8

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Merchant of Venice 1.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:24 Page 1

Shakespeare

atStafford Festival the Shakespeare returnscastle to Stafford Castle at the end of this month with a production of The Merchant Of Venice. What’s On recently caught up with this year’s director, Oliver O’Shea, to talk about the show and his decision to set the action in 1950s New York…

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Merchant of Venice 1.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:24 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Shakespeare’s The Merchant Of Venice all the elements of modern theatrical produc- Obviously he was an incredible writer, but I centres on a loan given to Bassanio and tion into the outdoor space. So rather than think if he could look back on his own plays Antonio to subsidise the former’s pursuit of being like a museum piece or a replica, this is from now, he would revise and modernise wealthy heiress Portia. It’s a tale of money, very much an original. We have a cast of 12 them too. I think actors and directors who anti-Semitism and deception. actors with gender parity and a really brilliant stage Shakespeare today have to bring their creative team. I think this production will be a own modern theatre-making principles to “Merchant is an incredible piece of writing,” really thrilling and exciting one that’s full of bear on the text. says Oliver O’Shea, who’s directing the playful moments. That’s part of my approach Stafford Festival Shakespeare (SFS) produc- “On a much simpler level, it’s just about as a director: I look for the most dramatic tion of the play at Stafford Castle. making the play really come alive. If there’s a version of the dramatic art, but I also like to “Shakespeare’s plays are so rich, and this really obscure cultural reference that really highlight the moments of levity and playful- particular one is complicated and challenging doesn’t exist at all today, then it should just ness.” as well as being at times moving and funny. be cut out. That’s the approach we’ve taken - But it feels particularly timely in our country Oliver is a passionate advocate for diversity in getting rid of the stuff where you really need to be doing The Merchant Of Venice because it British theatre: “I think Shakespeare is an in-depth knowledge of the social workings is, in part, about divisions within a definitely one of our greatest playwrights, but and history of Shakespeare’s period. Some community in terms of wealth and religion. because I’m also interested in new work and people might see that as disrespectful, but we It feels like a play that is really perfect to stage plays, I think it’s important that we have a need to make Shakespeare interesting, now, as well as being a classic that hasn’t yet diverse offering on the theatre scene. What I exciting and understandable: that’s the most been produced at Stafford Festival Shake- would say is that Shakespeare being staged important thing we can do to keep speare. In recent years SFS has done, for want regionally is quite rare, outside of such places Shakespeare alive in the modern theatre of a better phrase, the ‘blockbusters’. I think as the Royal Shakespeare Company. There are world.” the producers were looking for something outdoor stagings of Shakespeare, but on a Oliver loves the variation that comes with that took a different turn to those of recent much smaller scale than Stafford Festival directing theatre: “I’m directing A Christmas years.” Shakespeare. The problem with classical Carol at Derby Theatre, and it’s a brilliant plays in the staging of regional theatre is the Oliver has set his version of the play in 1950s version because it has an ensemble approach cast sizes, which makes them expensive to New York City. with eight actor-musicians. The version we’re put on. Obviously it’s brilliant and important doing intersperses carols throughout the “This is a fresh take on The Merchant Of that people are finding the resources to stage production, which makes it a really lovely Venice in lots of ways. We were looking for a Shakespeare. It’s so important that theatre is family show. The strange thing about being a 20th century parallel to how Shakespeare’s for everyone and in every part of the country. director is that your head is often in more contemporaries would have perceived Venice I’ve chosen to be based outside London, than two different stories at once, and you in their time. Shakespeare would have known which is relatively unusual for a theatre have to be able to put a play aside for one day about Venice as this major, global port, and it director, because I believe that everyone and then come back to it the next. It can be had a reputation for being somewhat liberal. should be able to access great theatre perfor- difficult, but I like it because it makes my life Venice was also relatively multicultural and mances in their local community. It’s also so varied.” had this almost legendary status, even though really important that we do present our Britons didn’t necessarily know much about it classics, but not just for the sake of it. We Returning to the subject of The Merchant Of in reality. In 1950s New York there were lots of need to think about why we want to stage that Venice, why does Oliver think Midlands different communities and a large number of classic play now: they need to still be relevant theatregoers should make the trip to Stafford Jewish people, as well as lots of different and to resonate with audiences.” Castle to see the show? ethnicities and immigrants. So it seemed like Oliver believes making plays accessible is “I think if you live in the area and you’ve an interesting parallel. We were interested in essential for directors of Shakespeare: never been to Stafford Festival Shakespeare at that idea of a place helping the audience to “Schools’ presentation of Shakespeare plays the castle before, you should definitely give it understand the Venice that Shakespeare was is part of the reason for some people seeing a try. It’s an extremely unique setting, and it’s imagining when he wrote Merchant. So that’s his work as inaccessible and not relatable. If quite surprising that a fully resourced, big- a distinctive element of our production. you’re still learning how to read contempo- scale Shakespeare production happens every “Another way this production is different is rary English, and perhaps you’re struggling single year on a hill in Stafford. To those because of my work as a dramaturge, which because people all learn at different speeds, who’ve been before, I’d say that the festival is means I help develop new plays with writers and then all of a sudden you encounter a text reinventing itself year upon year. So don’t and provide support to people creating that seems a bit different in language and miss our approach to Merchant, as it gives a adaptations of novels. As such, I’ve lightly poetic form, it can put you off for life - different flavour to the very well-received edited this production to shift the perspective especially when it’s taught in such a dry way. production of Macbeth last year.” on certain scenes. I think seeing Shakespeare I think that’s part of the reason we’ve edited it outdoors always changes the play, too. Seeing the way we have and changed its setting. it performed in natural daylight, like it would Also, with the way television and film work The Stafford Festival Shakespeare have been at The Globe originally, is a very now, people expect their entertainment to be production of The Merchant Of Venice different experience. Unlike many outdoor more streamlined and delivered quickly. runs at Stafford Castle from productions of Shakespeare, we’re bringing There’s also, perhaps, too much reverence Thursday 27 June to Saturday 13 July. surrounding Shakespeare as a figure. whatsonlive.co.uk 33 West Midlands Railway Full June 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 12:35 Page 1 Dance June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:56 Page 1

Dance

Birmingham Royal Ballet: (Un)leashed Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 12 - Sat 15 June Three ballets by three female choreographers are here presented by BRB, including the world premiere of the third Ballet Now commission by Didy Veldman (complete with a score by Sergei Prokofiev’s grandson, Gabriel). The piece rounds off an evening of dance which also features the welcome return of Jessica Lang’s Lyric Pieces - created for BRB as part of International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012 - and the first main-stage performance of Ruth Brill’s contemporary version of Peter And The Wolf. “One of the main slants is that Peter is going to be played by a girl,” explains Ruth. “It feels very current to have a strong heroine at the heart of the story. This production has dance, narration and music all rolled into one, which makes it very accessible because the story is explained. People don’t expect spoken word as a major element when they go to a ballet. It breaks down the barriers, so no-one should feel apprehensive that they won’t understand the story or know what’s going on.”

CANDY Jazz Dance Company Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 21 June Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Contemporary dance company Chrysalis Wed 12 June London takes audiences on an energetic Dancers from prestigious professional training journey through a diverse wealth of genres, school London Studio Centre here showcase a along the waypresenting a soundtrack that wide range of dance styles, from hip-hop, segues from dubstep to classical. commercial and contemporary to music The company draws its inspiration from the theatre, tap, technical and lyrical jazz. city, using urban culture to stimulate the Described as serious, satirical and sassy, the production of raw, explosive and refreshingly ensemble’s latest show is an exploration of edgy choreography. current & historical movements, moments and This latest production includes a highly figures, celebrating idols from Elvis to Michael anticipated collaboration with world- Jackson, Dali to Da Vinci and Ginger Rogers to renowned choreographer Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy Gene Kelly. MBE, and also features a specially created curtain-raiser from Birmingham’s Timmins Academy of Dance.

Rhythm Of The Dance Lichfield Garrick, Sat 8 & Sun 9 June; Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sat 13 July; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 3 August This well-established production has been dancing its way across the globe for 20-plus years, stopping off in more than 50 countries and entertaining in excess of seven million people. A flamboyant festival of flailing feet and fiddles, the show presents dance, music, songs and culture from across the ages, from pre-Celtic times through to modern-day sounds. It also features a cast of world and Irish champion dancers and a host of strikingly talented traditional musicians.

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film June (3 pages).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:28 Page 1

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film June (3 pages).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:28 Page 2

Film

Toy Story 4 CERT tbc (89 mins) With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Joan Cusack, Wallace Shawn, Michael Keaton, Timothy Dalton, Tony Hale, Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks, Madeleine McGraw Directed by Josh Cooley (USA) Children everywhere will learn what a ‘spork’ is when this film hits cinemas, the word describing a cross between a spoon and a fork. The sequel’s new character is Forky, a spork that has been fashioned into a toy with the addition of pipe cleaner arms - but he really doesn’t like being a plaything. Even so, he ends up on a road trip with Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the toys’ new owner, Bonnie Anderson (Madeleine McGraw), who made Forky herself in an arts & crafts class. Then Forky escapes in the middle of nowhere and Woody heads off to rescue him. Keanu Reeves makes his debut as a voice actor, playing a character called Duke Caboom, a stunt rider unable to live up to his maker’s publicity. Available in IMAX and 3D. Released Fri 21 June

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in June...

Dark Phoenix CERT 12a Gloria Bell CERT 15 (102 mins) Liam: As It Was CERT 15 (85 mins) Starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Starring Julianne Moore, John Turturro, Directed by Gavin Fitzgerald and Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Michael Cera, Caren Pistorius, Brad Gar- Charlie Lightening (UK) Turner, Tye Sheridan, Jessica Chastain rett, Jeanne Tripplehorn Directed by Simon Kinberg (USA) Directed by Sebastián Lelio (USA/Chile) That’s Liam as in Liam Gallagher and this The 12th instalment in the X-Men series sees British documentary follows the singer as he our mutant heroes facing up to the all-power- attempts to forge a solo career post-Oasis. ful Dark Phoenix, an X-girl gone rogue. It’s a Expect some very naughty words. tricky one, but they have to decide between Released Thurs 6 June the fate of the human race and one of their own, even if she is a bad egg. We will see… Released Wed 5 June

She may be in her 50s, but divorcee Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore) finds new life on the dance floors of Los Angeles. Sebastián Lelio, the Chilean director of A Fantastic Woman and Disobedience, here re-imagines his own 2013 drama Gloria, which he shot in Santiago. Released Thurs 6 June

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film June (3 pages).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:28 Page 3

Film

Eating Animals CERT PG (94 mins) attention on the Argentine footballer Men In Black: International Maradona. Directed by Christopher Dillon Quinn CERT tbc (UK/India/Germany/China/USA) Released Fri 14 June Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, The food on your plate may be cheaper than Liam Neeson, Rebecca Ferguson, Kumail it’s ever been, but what, pray, are the global Nanjiani, Rafe Spall, Emma Thompson The Hummingbird Project Directed by F. Gary Gray (USA) consequences? This eye-opening documentary on industrialised farming and animal CERT 15 (111 mins) welfare is based on the bestselling book by Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgård, Salma Hayek, Michael Mando Jonathan Safran Foer and is narrated by Na- Directed by Kim Nguyen (Canada/Belgium) talie Portman and Foer himself. In this very modern thriller, two high-fre- Released Fri 7 June quency salesmen operate in the world of ultra-low latency direct market access. Um, no doubt all will be explained in what looks likely to be a goofy, ultra high-tech ride. Released Fri 14 June For geeks, call it MIB: International, a spin- off of the MIB franchise that starred Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. This edition kicks off in London and then follows Agent H (Hemsworth) and Agent M (Tessa Thompson) as they track alien imposters around the globe. Filmed in London, New York, Italy and Africa. Diego Maradona Released Fri 14 June CERT tbc (130 mins) Directed by Asif Kapadia (UK) A Season In France CERT tbc Following his award-winning documentaries Starring Eriq Ebouaney, Sandrine Bonnaire, on Ayrton Senna and Amy Winehouse, the Aalayna Lys, Ibrahim Burama Darboe London-born Asif Kapadia now focuses his Directed by Mahamat Saleh Haroun (France) Sandrine Bonnaire plays a woman who finds herself involved with a high school teacher who has fled his war-torn home in Africa. The writer-director Haroun is himself from Chad. Released Fri 14 June

Sometimes Always Never CERT 12 (91 mins) Starring Bill Nighy, Sam Riley, Jenny Agutter, Tim McInnerny, Alice Lowe because it is accused of being male-centric. Directed by Carl Hunter (UK) Late Night CERT 15 (102 mins) For Alan (Bill Nighy), it all went wrong when Starring Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling, So she hires Molly Patel, played by Mindy Hugh Dancy, Reid Scott, John Lithgow, Kaling, to add some feminine zest. he lost his son over a game of Scrabble. Now, Amy Ryan Directed by Nisha Ganatra (USA) Kaling also wrote the screenplay to this as he strives to complete a game online, he In spite of a luminous career, late-night comedy-drama. suspects the player may well be his prodigal offspring. There are no words for it. talk-show host Katherine Newbury (Emma Released Fri 7 June Thompson) is in danger of losing her slot Released Fri 14 June

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film June (3 pages).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:28 Page 4

Film highlights released in June...

Yesterday CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Himesh Patel, Lily James, Kate McKinnon, Ed Sheeran, Ana de Armas, Lamorne Morris, James Corden, Sanjeev Bhaskar Directed by Danny Boyle (UK) What if The Beatles had never existed? Well, after a global blackout, struggling singer- songwriter Jack Malik (Himesh Patel) discovers that nobody has ever come across John, Paul, George and Ringo, and his covers of their songs launches him into the commercial stratosphere. However, his new-found fame could endan- ger the trust invested in him by his life-long sweetheart, Ellie (Lily James). As potty as this premise sounds, it’s no odder than the themes explored by its director in Millions, Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours. And with our very own Danny Boyle working from a script by Richard Curtis, this comedy has every prospect of being a mammoth hit. Ed Sheeran plays Ed Sheeran, who really does exist. Released Fri 28 June

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Brightburn CERT 15 (90 mins) Annabelle Comes Home Starring Elizabeth Banks, David Denman, Jack- CERT tbc son A. Dunn, Matt Jones, Meredith Hagner Directed by David Yarovesky (USA) Starring Mckenna Grace, Madison Iseman, Katie Sarife, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga A couple adopts a Directed by Gary Dauberman (USA) child from outer That wretched doll - last seen in Annabelle: space which they Creation (2017) - is now back in the safekeep- try to raise to serve ing of the demonologists Ed and Lorraine humanity. But the Warren and is locked behind sacred glass. kid has other But we all know that Annabelle is no plans… dummy… For those who really care, this is Released the seventh instalment in the Conjuring Uni- Fri 21 June verse franchise. Released Fri 28 June In Fabric CERT 15 (120 mins) Child’s Play CERT 15 (120 mins) Starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Hayley Starring Aubrey Plaza, Gabriel Bateman, Brian Squires, Leo Bill, Gwendoline Christie, Julian Tyree Henry, Tim Matheson and the voice of Barratt, Steve Oram Mark Hamill Directed by Peter Strickland (UK) Directed by Lars Klevberg (USA) The cinema has dished up many a cursed Believe it or not, Chucky is back. This remake thing, but never before a dress. Here, as a of the cult 1988 slasher pic introduces the dress passes from one buyer to the next dur- very evil doll to a whole new generation. ing a winter sale at a department store, may- The first film produced six sequels and a TV hem ensues. From the critically acclaimed series, long before Annabelle (cf.) wreaked director of Berberian Sound Studio and The her own reign of destruction. Duke Of Burgundy. Released Fri 21 June Released Fri 28 June

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Home of Metal.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:54 Page 1

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery this month welcomes a major exhibition exploring the legacy of Black Sabbath and their global fanbase...

40 whatsonlive.co.uk Home of Metal.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:54 Page 2 Photo credits: Courtesy Home of Metal and photographer Home Courtesy credits: Photo

Pictured (left to right): Black Sabbath fan Chris Hopkin; Morag Myerscough and Luke Morgan, the exhibition designers for Black Sabbath-50 Years at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery; and superfan Stephen Knowles.

From humble beginnings in 1960s Aston, Black Sabbath fans across the world, in the Geezer Butler, Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne process brilliantly illustrating the diversity of and Bill Ward formed a band that would their fanbase. The photo collection includes change the course of music history. Black portraits of people in Botswana, Brazil, Sabbath created a new sound, a new aesthetic It’s an honour to Indonesia, Japan, Egypt, Lebanon, and a new musical culture - Heavy Metal. Netherlands, Spain, US and from across the be a part of the UK. During a career spanning 50 years, the band enjoyed phenomenal global success, selling “Home of Metal. The exhibition also includes a recreation of more than 75 million albums worldwide. superfan Stephen Knowles’ living room, a I’m just a guy from space that he’s turned into his own mini Their final tour, appropriately titled The End, Sabbath museum. saw them play 81 concerts in 25 different Birmingham who’s countries. They also recently received a Also featured are a number of key costumes Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys. been blessed to have loaned by the band, including an outfit worn by Geezer Butler at their Birmingham Town This month sees the opening of the Black Hall concert and featured in the gatefold of Sabbath - 50 Years exhibition at Birmingham had such dedicated the 1972 Vol 4 album. Other on-display items Museum & Art Gallery. Presented by Home of fans throughout my include Ozzy’s glasses, Tony Iommi’s home Metal, a project devoted to the Heavy Metal studio and a part of Bill Ward’s drum kit, used music that was born in and around Birming- career. Like I’ve always in the 1974 Cal Jam, where Black Sabbath ham, the exhibition seeks to dissect the key performed in front of 250,000 people. ingredients that came together to create Black said, I am nothing Sabbath. Along the way, it explores the music that turned up the volume, down-tuned the without them... Home of Metal’s Black Sabbath - 50 Years guitars and introduced a whole new meaning exhibition shows at Birmingham Museum to the word ‘heavy’. Ozzy Osbourne & Art Gallery from Wednesday 26 June to Focusing on more than just the band and Sunday 29 September. their Birmingham roots, Home of Metal has Visitors must pre-book their tickets at also captured more than 3,000 portraits of ” homeofmetal.com

Black Sabbath’s fanbase is global. Pictured are fans Yurika and Akihiro from Japan and Ben and Liz from Birmingham. Photo credits: Home of Metal Fans Portrait Collection 2017/18 © Home of Metal whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts June-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:57 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

The Paper Museum Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 14 June - Sun 1 September Cassiano dal Pozzo’s 17th century paper museum was a magnificent attempt to document and record all human knowledge. Consisting of 10,000-plus watercolours, drawings and prints, the ‘museum’ features subjects as diverse as antiquities, architecture, zoology, botany & geology, social customs & ceremonies, costumes, portraits, topography and military maps. Most of the dal Pozzo collection was acquired by George III and remains in the Royal Collection. The Barber exhibition forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the venue and Royal Collection Trust. “It’s very exciting to stage the first exhibition in over 20 years to focus exclusively on Cassiano’s remarkable contribution to art and science,” says Robert Wenley, Barber Deputy Director & Head of Collection. “The Paper Museum considers his wide-ranging academic and personal interests in the subjects of natural and antiquarian history. It also investigates his fascination with creating visual ‘documents’, which will resonate with today’s media-savvy and connected generation that enjoys documenting almost every fascinate of everyday life.”

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts June-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 15:57 Page 2

Visual Arts

Monster Chetwynd: Hell Mouth 3 Eastside Projects, Birmingham, until Sat 27 July As with All This Mayhem (see left), Hell Mouth 3 is being presented as part of Birmingham’s summertime Home Of Metal project. The woman behind the show is Monster Chetwynd, a Glasgow-based artist previously known as Spartacus Chetwynd and Marvin Gaye Chetwynd, whose reputation is mainly based around her reworkings, via elaborate and evocative performances, of iconic moments from cultural history. Explaining her exhibition, she says: “Hell Mouth 3 channels the decline of western civilisation and legacies of heavy metal through the mouth to hell of a 16th century engraving of a human-devouring monster.” Ben Venom: All This Mayhem The show takes inspiration from Penelope Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 22 June - Sun 8 September Spheeris’ film series, The Decline Of Western Presented as part of Home Of Metal - a May to September celebration of Birmingham's Civilisation, a trilogy of movies which depicts history of metal music - All This Mayhem is an exploration of the San Francisco-based life in Los Angeles at various points in time, artist Ben Venom’s interest in the DIY aspect of punk culture combined with the tradition along the way featuring some of the music of quilting. Ben’s art sees him using reclaimed fabrics to create expansive patchwork industry’s most influential and innovative designs which frequently incorporate skulls, tigers and heavy metal lyrics. Large-scale performers. textile pieces, customised jean jackets and clothing all feature in the exhibition of new and recent work. Ben will be in residence at the gallery during the first week of the show. Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Wonder Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 2 June & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Sun 29 June - Sun 1 September Coventry, Wed 25 June - Sun 15 September Wolverhampton Art Gallery this month welcomes back the prestigious Wildlife A light pavilion, urban landscapes, Photographer Of The Year show for a fourth reimagined cartoon characters and time. creatures brought to life by augmented Now in its 54th year, the competition annually reality all feature in a show designed receives tens of thousands of submissions from to take the visitor ‘beyond gallery amateur and professional photographers in walls’ to experience some ‘unexpected around 100 countries. and unimaginable wonders’. Featuring awe-inspiring images capturing The exhibition brings together work by fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking seven artists, all of whom are here landscapes, the exhibition is visiting the focusing on producing pieces in which Midlands after premiering in London. reality and the imaginary collide.

Comics: Explore And Create Comic Art Enginuity, Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Shropshire, until Sun 1 September This free exhibition showcasing an eclectic mix of original and iconic comic book art, as well as work by current children’s comic creators, has been originated by Seven Stories - the National Centre for Children’s Books. Featuring interactive activities, playful props and original material, the show’s highlights include images of Captain America, Wonder Woman, Superman and the Hulk as drawn by British artist Ian Churchill, who works for both Marvel and DC Comics.

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 1 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Under-5’s Day Picnic Party Dudley Zoo, 15% Wed 26 & Thurs 27 June OFF TICKETS WITH CODE WH15

BBC Good Food Show and presented by a host of celebrity chefs including A day (or two) of fun and games is Mary Berry, Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux Jr, in prospect for young visitors to Gardeners’ World Live Nadiya Hussain and Raymond Blanc... Dudley Zoo late this month. NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 13 - Sun 16 June For green-fingered visitors, BBC Gardeners’ Not only can they enjoy the zoo Boasting seasonal produce, ideas for al-fresco World Live is running alongside the Good Food itself, there’s also a selection of dining, and hundreds of producers and brands, event. The show features a selection of activities and entertainment taking the BBC Good Food Show returns this month to stunning gardens, floral marquees, a plant place in the grounds of Dudley provide four days of summertime dining village, hundreds of gardening exhibitors, and Castle, including puppet shows, inspiration. not-to-be-missed demonstrations by TV face painting and a sure-to-be- Visitors can soak up expert masterclasses and presenters Monty Don, Carol Klein, Adam Frost, colourful fancy dress parade. enjoy live demos on the seasonal stages, Joe Swift and Alan Titchmarsh. Step Back To The 1940s Under-5’s Day Inspired Family Day Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster, Sat 29 & Sun 30 Himley Hall & Park, Dudley, Fri 28 June Birmingham City University, Sat 8 June June One of the region’s largest pre-school events, Himley Hall’s Under-5’s Day features a wide variety of activities and entertainment. This year’s line-up includes an appearance by Peppa Pig and her brother, George, as well as a funfair, baby ballet, donkey rides and the return of the popular Himley Beach, complete with giant sandpit, buckets & spades and Punch & Judy shows.

The clock is turned back to wartime Britain this month as the Severn Valley Railway celebrates the 1940s. This year’s Inspired Family Day celebrates World Costumed reenactors will ensure Oceans Day, providing an action-packed few that Winston Churchill, Field Mar- hours of ‘free and fun-filled’ events and activities shal Bernard ‘Monty’ Montgomery for visitors of all ages to enjoy. and King George VI are all in atten- From under-the-sea virtual reality and eco- dance at the event, with highlights friendly jewellery-making, to sustainable fashion of the weekend including big band and junk modelling, there’ll be plenty for fami- shows, vintage vehicle displays lies to do, experience and learn. and vintage stalls. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 3

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

International Model Air Show Weston Park, Shropshire, Fri 14 - Sun 16 June

Model aircraft enthusiasts from all over the UK and Europe take to the skies to demonstrate their flying skills at this always-popular event. ‘The Town That Never Was’ The invaders-from-Mars storyline will be played Show highlights include a model out by MoS enthusiasts, with visitors at liberty boat regatta, slot car racing, a fun- Steampunk Festival to dip in and out as much or as little as they fair for children, a Battle of Britain Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, like. pyrotechnic display and the Swift Sat 22 & Sun 23 June Other attractions across the weekend include Glider display team performing The Ministry of Steampunk (MoS) is this month Cthulhu’s Witnesses, Women’s Suffrage, the mid-air acrobatics. transforming Blists Hill into ‘a magical, mysteri- Steam Wizards, traders throughout the town ous world of Martian invasion’, complete with and a main stage in the ironworks hosting talks accompanying Steampunk sights and sounds. and entertainment. Dating Show Live NEC, Birmingham, Sat 29 & Sun 30 June Calling all singletons... If you’re Monster Jam looking for love, it’s time to check Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Sat 8 June out the UK’s first ever dating expo! Hailed as one of the world’s biggest live Making its debut at the NEC, The motorsport events, Monster Jam roars its way into Dating Show Live features a whole Coventry this month. host of activities across five Expert drivers will compete both in champi- exploration zones. onship racing and gravity-defying freestyle Visitors can take part in speed- competitions during the course of the evening. dating, try out a new look with a Standing at 12 feet-tall and weighing up to makeover from the experts, learn four-and-a-half tonnes, the participating trucks some moves in a dance class, or possess super-charged engines that generate enjoy a drink or two at the more than 1,500 horsepower. The mammoth prosecco bar. vehicles perform wheelies, donuts and big air TV stars Joey Essex, Melinda stunts, with some having been known to reach an Messenger and Calum Best will all impressive height of 35 feet. be in attendance. Fantabulosa! Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 1 June Open to anyone of whatever age who wants to experience the joys and freedom of self-expres- sion, Fantabulosa! sees some of the UK’s leading drag artists bringing to the museum ‘a fantasti- cal pop-up world of imagination and interactive storytelling, lipsync, performance, dress-up, games, songs and a lot of glitter’...

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 5

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events June.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:30 Page 6

Events previews from around the region Events

Festival of Creativity & Wellbeing Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 15 June As part of Creativity & Wellbeing Week, the Herbert is hosting a day of free workshops, performances and activities to encourage visitors to experience and connect with their inner creativity. Local artists, creatives and cultural organisations will also be in attendance, to demonstrate how creativity can be used to support wellbeing.

Royal Three Counties Show Three Counties Showground, Shropshire Pub In The Park by local brewers, a lager bar, cocktails, an Malvern, Worcestershire, extensive gin den, a wine bar, a Pimm’s tent and Fri 14 - Sun 16 June QEII Arena, Telford Town Park, Fri 7 & Sat 8 June ‘some of the best street food the region has to This brand new event from the team behind the offer’. And not only will visitors be well fed and popular Shrewsbury Food Festival and watered, they’ll be well entertained too, with live Shropshire Oktoberfest brings all the best bits of bands and comedians (including Tom Glover and going to the pub into the great outdoors. Junior Simpson) also contributing to proceedings. Event highlights include 150 real ales served up

Kenilworth Show Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Sat 8 June Coventry & Warwickshire’s biggest one-day agricultural show is celebrating its 76th year this month. A hearty celebration of regional The 2019 edition of the event sees the return of food and farming, allied to the traditional country show livestock and plenty of family entertainment, is homecraft competitions, as well as the country- the tried-and-trusted recipe for side area, featuring challenges including archery success at this year’s Royal Three and gundog scurry. The equine area also returns, Counties Show. with other attractions including displays of With a firm focus on 2019’s host agricultural machinery, a vast array of trade county of Herefordshire, the stands and a programme of main-ring entertain- event provides visitors with ment. RAF Cosford Air Show plenty to keep them occupied, from sampling strawberries and RAF Cosford, Sun 9 June sipping cider to discovering the The Royal Air Force's only official air show is one region’s rich cultural heritage. of the largest events in the West Midlands. Some of the country’s finest The annual show includes a packed flying livestock will also be in atten- schedule along with numerous static exhibits, dance, competing for the title of stalls, trade stands, military demonstrations and Best In Show, while family a host of children's entertainments. entertainment includes dog The RAF Red Arrows will also be performing at agility, duck herding and a the event, in what will be one of only a handful of spectacular display from the opportunities to see them this summer. ever-brilliant Red Devils.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover June Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:04 Page 1 The List Cover June Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:04 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JuneJune 20192019 thelist

The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart at New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme - Fri 28 June - Sat 13 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 June Mon 10 to Sun 16 June Mon 17 to Sun 23 June Mon 24 to Sun 30 June

Peaky Blinders Nights at Dinosaur World Live at Lou Sanders at Ludlow Nell Bryden at Henry Tudor Black Country Living Museum Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Brewery, South Shropshire House, Shrewsbury Fri 7 - Sat 8 June Thurs 13 - Sat 15 June Sat 22 June Sun 30 June

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolverhampton 1 - 9 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:15 Page 1

thelist ingham engates Theatre, THROUGHOUT JUNE Gigs THE RUTLES Tues 4 Telford June, The Robin, Bil- THE MIGHTY WAH! Fri 7 cludes works by famous Pop artists THE SIMON & GAR- ston June, O2 Academy, such as Pauline Boty and Andy FUNKEL STORY Sat 1 Visual Arts BILLIE MARTEN Wed 5 Birmingham Warhol, alongside a selection of June, Lichfield Garrick June, Hare & Hounds, MARTHA REEVES & THE rarely-seen pieces, until Sun 1 Sept, New Art Gallery - Walsall HICKMAN AND CASSIDY Birmingham VANDELLAS Fri 7 June, Wolverhampton Art Gallery Sat 1 June, Birch- THE FRANKIE VALLI O2 Institute, B’ham NEW 4 BED DETACHED HOME OF METAL meadow Centre, STORY Wed 5 June, ANDREW BROWNING AS Contemporary art collides with metal Other VISUAL ARTS Broseley, Telford culture in this unique exhibition cre- The Robin, Bilston GEORGE MICHAEL Fri 7 PICTURES OF RURAL HEALTH FROM THE LEO SAYER Sat 1 June, ated by artist Alan Kane and commis- BAYSTON HILLBILLIES, June, The Robin, Bil- PHILIPPINES Community-based exhi- Birmingham Town Hall sioned as part of Home Of Metal, Sat JOSIE FIELD AND NEIL ston bition co-created by local artists and 22 June - Sun 1 Sept CAPTAIN STINGRAY'S SAUNDERS Wed 5 June, PASADENA ROOF OR- rural communities from the Philip- GROOVE MACHINE Sat 1 Albert’s Shed, Shrews- CHESTRA Fri 7 June, pines, until Tues 4 June, Keele Uni- June, Albert’s Shed, bury Lichfield Garrick versity, Staffordshire Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Shrewsbury JANE MCDONALD Thurs DUETS FOR DJANGO PAINTING WITH FABRIC EXHIBITION Artist Fri RECLAIM PHOTOGRAPHY FESTIVAL 2019: ANDY GOWER + CAMP 6 June, Wolverhamp- 7 June, Lichfield Gar- Kate Findlay has been working exclu- WINDOWS INTO INDUSTRIAL WORLDS STAG + ALL THE BEST ton Grand Theatre rick sively in textiles for the past 12 years Group exhibition by five regional pho- TAPES Sat 1 June, The and is currently focusing on depicting MIDNITE CITY + ATLAS SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR tographers focusing on the people, Sugarmill, Stoke-on- the beauty of the British countryside UK + DEVILFIRE Thurs 6 Sat 8 June, Symphony places and industries of the Black Trent Country, until Sun 30 June and its wildlife, until Sun 23 June, June, Eleven, Sandy- Hall, Birmingham ACOUSTIC SHOWCASE Museum of Cannock Chase, Stafford- ford, Stoke on Trent WINGWALKERS Sat 8 HIMLEY HALL & DUDLEY CASTLE EXHIBI- WITH JESS SILK Sat 1 shire 1DELANEY Thurs 6 June, Albert’s Shed, TION New exhibition about Dudley June, Katie Fitzger- NEW THE WAY WE SEE IT June, Hare & Hounds, Shrewsbury Castle & Himley Hall from 1066 to the Exhibition by ald’s, Stourbridge present day, until Sun 6 Oct Friends, Associates & Members of Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS: SOUL & MOTOWN PARTY the Royal Birmingham Society of MERCURY - THE ULTI- UNPLUGGED Sat 8 NIGHT WITH THE RUM- Artists (RBSA), Birmingham Water- MATE QUEEN TRIBUTE June, Theatre On The BLE BAND Sat 1 June, Newcastle Borough Museum colour Society and Birmingham Art Thurs 6 June, Lichfield Steps, Bridgnorth, Oakengates Theatre at & Art Gallery Circle, Shape Shifters Sculpture Garrick South Shropshire Group, MAFA, amongst others, Fri 31 The Place, Telford CRIMINAL QUILTS An art & heritage DAVE ONIONS Thurs 6 THE SOLID GOLD ROCK May - Thurs 27 June, Weston Park, FAIRPORT CONVENTION project inspired by photographs and June, Katie Fitzger- 'N' ROLL SHOW Sat 8 Nr Shifnal Sat 1 June, Ludlow As- documents relating to women held in ald’s, Stourbridge June, Wolverhampton Stafford Prison during the period be- NEW DRAWN OF THE DEAD Selection of sembly Rooms, South MOTORHEADACHE Thurs Grand Theatre tween 1877 &1916, until Sun 7 July Charlie Adlard's original works from Shropshire 6 June, The Robin, Bil- THE BOB DYLAN STORY the Walking Dead comic series, pre- TWIN LIZZY Sat 1 June, ston Sat 8 June, Theatre sented alongside immersive, set Eleven, Sandyford, Potteries Museum & Art Severn, Shrewsbury piece installations created by sculp- Stoke on Trent METHYL ETHEL Thurs 6 Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent June, Hare & Hounds, HOTROX Sat 8 June, tor Andrew Bryden, Sat 1 June - Sun DAN OWEN Sat 1 June, NEW SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS Birmingham The Brewery, Ludlow, 3 Nov, Shrewsbury Museum & Art The Buttermarket, NICE.... Exhibition featuring a display South Shropshire Gallery Shrewsbury YONAKA Thurs 6 June, of toffee, sweets and chocolate pack- The Sugarmill, Stoke- STEVE AJAO AND THE NEW BRIDGNORTH OPEN HOUSE ARTS SPECIAL KINDA MAD- aging from the last century, Sat 29 on-Trent BLUES GIANTS Sat 8 TRAIL Thirty-plus Bridgnorth homes NESS Sat 1 June, The June - Sun 8 Sept June, Katie Fitzger- and businesses open their doors, Robin, Bilston JANE MCDONALD Fri 7 with more than 40 artists in resi- June, Victoria Hall, ald’s, Stourbridge BRASS AGAINST Sat 1 Qube Gallery, Oswestry dence, Sat 8 - Sun 9 June, Bridg- Stoke-on-Trent FALLEN Sat 8 June, June, O2 Institute, north Eleven, Sandyford, NEW MILLICENT KAYE CHILDREN’S ART Birmingham GUNS OR ROSES Fri 7 EXHIBITION Annual competition invit- NEW JAMES CAMPBELL CURATES June, Eleven, Sandy- Stoke on Trent NICK LOWE & LOS ing school children in and around Renowned potter James Campbell ford, Stoke on Trent MAETLIVE & THE NEVER exhibits new work alongside his own STRAITJACKETS Sun 2 Oswestry to submit a piece of art on GREG RUSSELL, BELLA NEVERLAND EXPRESS curated selection of artists and mak- June, Birmingham a particular theme, Mon 17 - Sun 30 HARDY AND FINDLAY Sat 8 June, The Robin, ers, Fri 14 June - Sat 13 July, Twenty Town Hall June NAPIER Fri 7 June, The Bilston Twenty Gallery, Ludlow SICKY Sun 2 June, Al- Hive, Shrewsbury FEMI KUTI Sat 8 June, NEW INSIDE EDGE Collaborative exhibi- bert’s Shed, Shrews- The Willow Art Gallery, DAVE MALONE AND JAKE O2 Institute, B’ham tion by three Shropshire artists - bury Oswestry MARTIN Fri 7 June, THE STRAWBS Sun 9 Julie Price (painter), Judith Woods MOSTLY AUTUMN Sun 2 BORDERLAND VISUAL ARTS 2019 As Katie Fitzgerald’s, June, The Robin, Bil- (sculptor) and Georgina Shepherd June, The Robin, Bil- part of Open Studios, the Willow Stourbridge ston (painter) - focusing on aspects of ab- ston Gallery presents a rich variety of work LIVE, LOUD & LOCAL: DANGEROUS DAVE REA stract landscape and forms, Sun 23 RAHSAAN PATTERSON by emerging and established artists. CARBON COPY, GLORY Sun 9 June, Albert’s June - Sat 6 July, The Bear Steps Sun 2 June, Hare & All the artists are members of Border- FADES, THE BORGIAS & Shed, Shrewsbury land Visual Arts (BVA), until Sat 29 Gallery, Shrewsbury Hounds, Birmingham JOE THOMAS Fri 7 June, GORDIE MACKEEMAN & June, Open Studio Weekends: 8th & NEW WALSALL TO WESTON - WALSALL SANGRE DE MUERDAGO The Slade Rooms, HIS RHYTHM BOYS Sun 9th June and 15th & 16th June. Maps SOCIETY OF ARTISTS Walsall Society of Sun 2 June, O2 W’hampton 9 June, Henry Tudor available at the gallery. Artists exhibit in the Granary Art Academy, Birmingham Gallery to mark their 70th-anniversary JACK & TIM Fri 7 June, House, Shrewsbury SAARA AALTO Mon 3 year, Fri 28 June - Tues 30 July, We- Theatre Severn, THE QUIREBOYS UN- Wolverhampton Art Gallery June, The Glee Club, ston Park, Nr Shifnal Shrewsbury PLUGGED Sun 9 June, PAINTED LADIES: AN EXCHANGE OF Birmingham STONE JETS Fri 7 June, The River Rooms, IDEAS Display of 20th century paint- NEW THROUGH THE EYES OF A CHILD Exhibition exploring the lives of chil- JULIA HOLTER Tues 4 Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Stourbridge ings depicting women painted by June, The Glee Club, dren past and present, Sat 29 June - bury VILLAGERS Sun 9 June, both female and male artists, until Birmingham Sun 1 Sept Sun 18 Aug, Museum of Cannock SIMPLY RERED Fri 7 Hare & Hounds, Birm- Chase, Staffordshire PIP BLOM Tues 4 June, June, The Place@Oak- ingham PICK OF THE POPS New exhibition in- Hare & Hounds, Birm- 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 1 - 9 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:15 Page 2

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 June

Bower (viola) & Kate Setterfield Classical Music (cello). Programme includes works by Pärt & Dvorak, Fri 7 June, CBSO STOURBRIDGE CHOIR & ORCHESTRA: Centre, Birmingham THE ARMED MAN Programme also in- THE ENGLISH HAYDN PIANO TRIO Featur- cludes Walton’s Spitfire Prelude & ing Steven Devine (fortepiano), Fugue alongside classics including Simon Standage (violin) & Pavel The White Cliffs of Dover, We’ll Meet Serbin (violoncello). Programme in- Again, As Time Goes By & There’ll Al- cludes works by Haydn, Pleyel & ways Be An England, Sat 1 June, Woelfl, Fri 7 June (1pm), St Mary’s Stourbridge Town Hall Church, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- ROMAN KOSYAKOV PIANO CONCERT Pro- shire gramme includes works by Rach- THE ENGLISH HAYDN ORCHESTRA: maninov & Barber, Sat 1 June, St HAYDN IN OXFORD Featuring Steven Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, South Devine (conductor) & Simon Shropshire Standage (violin). Programme in- THE SALVATION ARMY: SYMPHONY cludes works by Haydn, Pleyel & SOUNDS Sat 1 June, Symphony Hall, Cramer, Fri 7 June (7.30pm), St Birmingham Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth, South CBSO: TRAVELS THROUGH TIME Featur- Shropshire ing Michael Seal (conductor), Cather- ORGAN PROM WITH THE SCOTT BROTH- Ruby Wax: How To Be Human - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ine Arlidge (presenter) & the City of ERS DUO Sat 8 June, Victoria Hall, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Stoke-on-Trent PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel and Programme includes works by ROBINSON Thurs 6 June, The Glee starring Samantha Womack, Mon 27 THE ENGLISH HAYDN ORCHESTRA: Grainer, Rimsky-Korsakov, Rameu, Club, Birmingham May - Sat 1 June, Theatre Severn, GRAND FESTIVAL FINALE Featuring Anderson, Mozart, Shostakovich, Shrewsbury Steven Devine (conductor), Simon KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Williams & Stravinsky, Sun 2 June, Standage & Ada Witczyk (violins, Eva 6 June, Stourbridge Town Hall ROCK OF AGES Smash-hit musical fea- Symphony Hall, Birmingham Cabellero (flute), Mark Baigent DALISO CHAPONDA, ROGER turing over 25 classic rock anthems. LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT Featuring (oboe) & Robert Percival (bassoon). MONKHOUSE, MAISE ADAM & GEORGE Casting includes Zoe Birkett, Kevin Thomas Trotter & Sally Stocks, Mon 3 Programme includes works by RIGDEN Fri 7 - Sat 8 Jun, The Glee Kennedy and Antony Costa, Tues 28 June, Birmingham Town Hall Haydn, Viotti & J.C Bach, Sat 8 June, Club, Birmingham May - Sat 1 June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre AURORA ORCHESTRA - MUSIC OF THE St Mary’s Church, Bridgnorth, South JOSH HOWIE, HAYLEY ELLIS, STEVE HAR- SPHERES Also featuring Nicholas Col- Shropshire RIS & MATT REES Sat 8 June, The CALENDAR GIRLS THE MUSICALS Tim lon (conductor), Pekka Kuusisto (vio- THE SALOMON QUARTET Featuring Comedy Loft, Birmingham Firth & Gary Barlow’s award-winning lin) & Samuel West (audio narration), production, Tues 28 May - Sat 8 Simon Standage & Catherine Martin SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sun 9 June, The- Tues 4 June, Birmingham Town Hall June, Birmingham Hippodrome (violins), John Crockatt (viola) & An- atre Severn, Shrewsbury ENGLISH HAYDN FESTIVAL GRAND OPEN- drew Skidmore (violoncello). Pro- CAPTAIN CORELLI'S MANDOLIN Based ALL KILLA NO FILLA Sun 9 June, The ING CONCERT Featuring Steven Devine gramme includes works by Haydn & on the bestselling novel by Louis de Glee Club, Birmingham (conductor) & Mark Baigent (oboe). Boccherini, Sat 8 June, Morville Berniéres, Wed 29 May - Sat 15 June, Programme includes works by Church, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- TEZ ILYAS, SHAZIA MIRZA, PRINCE ABDI The REP, Birmingham Haydn, CPE Bach & Dittersdorf, Wed shire & ESHAAN AKBAR Sun 9 June, The BLUE REMEMBERED HILLS Starcross 5 June, St Mary’s Church, Bridg- COMMUNITY SPIRIT Evening of choral Glee Club, Birmingham Youth Theatre present Dennis Pot- north, South Shropshire music from some of the best choirs & ter’s acclaimed classic, Fri 31 May - CBSO: A SPRING SYMPHONY Featuring homegrown talent in the West Mid- Sat 1 June, Arena Theatre, Wolver- the City of Birmingham Symphony lands, Sun 9 June, Symphony Hall, hampton Orchestra, Kazuki Yamada (conduc- Birmingham Theatre THE WORST LITTLE WAREHOUSE IN LON- tor) & Cédric Tiberghien (piano). Pro- MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Based on Mo- DON A ‘mind-boggingly funny story of gramme includes works by Mozart, town founder Berry Gordy’s best- companionship. shared accommoda- Liszt & Schumann, Thurs 6 June, selling book and presenting a potted tion, and how to grin your teeth and Symphony Hall, Birmingham Comedy history of the famous record label, bare it’, Fri 31 May - Sat 1 June, Old THE DENNER ENSEMBLE LUNCHTIME Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham CARL DONNELLY, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, until Sat 1 June, Regent Theatre, CONCERT Featuring Mark Baigent THE RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & Stoke-on-Trent RUBY WAX: HOW TO BE HUMAN Ruby is (oboe), Sophie Barber (violin), Oliver THOMAS GREEN Sat 1 June, The Glee AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of joined by monk Gelong Thubten & Wilson (viola) & Sarah Butcher (vio- Club, Birmingham Shakespeare's romantic comedy, neuroscientist Ash Ranpura in a loncello), Thurs 6 June, St Mary’s show that’s said to ‘help you upgrade ANDREW LAWRENCE, PETER BRUSH, until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Church, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon your mind as much as you’ve up- shire NOEL JAMES & PETE OTWAY Sat 1 graded your iPhone’, Sat 1 June, June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE CONSONE QUARTET Featuring speare's comedy of gender and ma- Agata Daraskaite & Magdalena Loth- TOM STADE Sun 2 June, Theatre Sev- THE CHEF SHOW Part comedy play, ern, Shrewsbury terialism is turned on its head to offer Hill (violins), Elitsa Bogdanova (viola) a fresh perspective on its portrayal of part cookery demonstration, the & George Ross (violoncello). Pro- THE HILARITY CHARITY GALA Wed 5 hierarchy and power, until Sat 31 show takes its audience behind the gramme includes works by Haydn & June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, scenes on a busy Saturday night in Beethoven, Thurs 6 June, St Mary’s MAISIE ADAM & GEINS FAMILY GIFTSHOP Stratford-upon-Avon the local curry house, where two ac- Church, Bridgnorth, Shropshire tors play a cast of thousands... Sat 1 Wed 5 June, Midlands Art Centre, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken CBSO: SONGS FROM THE 60S Featuring Birmingham June, Quatt Village Hall, Quatt, Nr Restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire Richard Balcombe (conductor), Gra- REGINALD D HUNTER Thurs 6 June, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- ham Bickley, Oliver Tompsett, Katie Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Avon ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES Illyria Birtill & Abbie Osmon (vocalists), Fri Telford, Shropshire present an outdoor performance of 7 June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version the much-loved story, Sat 1 June, ROBERT WHITE, ZOE LYONS, ADAM RILEY of Thomas Otway's restoration DVORAK’S PIANO QUINTET Featuring Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birm- & HOWARD REED Thurs 6 June, The tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan ingham Robert Markham (piano), Philip Brett George Hotel, Lichfield Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon & Kate Oswin (violins), Catherine THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT A DALISO CHAPONDA, ROGER MONKHOUSE THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Adapted from whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolverhampton 1 - 9 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:15 Page 3

thelist story about choices and conse- MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS Featuring uncle, Quinton sweetshop owner formed everywhere from Latitude quences and a journey through time some of musical theatre’s most Fred Jeffs, Sat 8 June, Newhampton Festival to the Proms at the Royal Al- and place, Sat 1 June, Midlands Arts iconic numbers, Wed 5 June, Lich- Arts Centre, Wolverhampton bert Hall, Tues 4 June, Arena Theatre, Centre, Birmingham field Garrick WORK IN PROGRESS Light-hearted solo Wolverhampton THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY: URSULA show about being scouse, dancing to DANNY BAKER! GOOD TIME CHARLIE’S Gill Jordan - best known as Black HOLDEN GILL Join the award-winning Britney Spears and sharing stories of BACK Evening of anecdotes from the Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- storyteller as she picks apart the hope, Sat 8 June, Midlands Arts Cen- comedy writer and journalist recently site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom themes of A Midsummer Night’s tre, Birmingham sacked by BBC Radio 5Live, Tues 4 Roberts in David Tristram’s award- Dream to present an insightful ver- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM The June, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent winning comedy, which centres on a sion of the Shakespeare classic, Wed Crescent Theatre Company present a LUCY WORSLEY - QUEEN VICTORIA: married couple with apparently only a 5 June, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, modern-dress production of one of DAUGHTER, WIFE, MOTHER AND WIDOW pet goldfish in common, Sat 1 June, Burton-upon-Trent Shakespeare’s most enduring come- Join Lucy for an illustrated talk about The Prince Of Wales Theatre, Can- DANGEROUS CORNER Royal Birming- dies, Sat 8 - Sat 15 June, The Cres- the life, the palaces and the rich nock ham Conservatoire presents its ver- cent Theatre, Birmingham colourful age of Queen Victoria, Wed THE WEST END BHANGRA MUSICAL In- sion of JB Priestley’s tale of intrigue, STILL FREEZIN’ Join the Fizzogs as 5 June, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- dian musical fusing live music, stage Wed 5 - Sat 8 June, The Old Rep, they present a Black Country version under-Lyme production and dancing, Sat 1 June, Birmingham of Disney blockbuster Frozen, Sun 9 AN EVENING WITH SIR GEOFF HURST An The Alexandra, Birmingham HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES ’Allo ’Allo ac- June, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham evening with England's World Cup SPAMALOT The Crescent Theatre tress Vicki Michelle stars in a no- 1966 hattrick hero, Wed 5 June, Company presents its version of the holds-barred romp about the joys of Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Monty Python musical, Sat 1 - Sat 8 being a ‘fabulous 21st century AN EVENING WITH SIR GEOFF HURST An June, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham woman, Thurs 6 June, Royal Spa Dance evening with England's World Cup Centre, Leamington Spa BRASSED OFF Heartwarming story PUSS IN BOOTS Northern Ballet pre- 1966 hattrick hero, Thurs 6 June, about community spirit and triumph RUBY & CEDAR Fishhouse Theatre present a choreographed version of the Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, in the face of adversity, Sat 1 - Sat 22 sent a ‘darkly funny drama for any- much-loved fairytale, Fri 7 June, North Shropshire June, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- one who has loved or hated or lost Wolverhampton Grand Theatre AN AUDIENCE WITH ALAN JOHNSON One under-Lyme someone’, Thurs 6 - Fri 7 June, Arena RHYTHM OF THE DANCE of the most popular politicians of re- Theatre, Wolverhampton Live show 56 EAST AVENUE Brand new comedy celebrating Irish culture through cent times, Alan here tells his per- featuring Oliver Samuels, Volier THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE music & dance and featuring world sonal story with the help of some of ‘Maffy’ Johnson, Audrey Reid, Dennis Gill Jordan - best known as Black champion dancers, a traditional Irish the music that has soundtracked his Titus & Lakeisha Ellison, Sun 2 June, Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- band and singers, Sat 8 - Sun 9 life, Thurs 6 June, Theatre Severn, The Alexandra, Birmingham site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom June, Lichfield Garrick Shrewsbury THE CHEF SHOW Part comedy play, Roberts in David Tristram’s award- HIT THE ODE Performance poetry night part cookery demonstration, the winning comedy, which centres on a featuring Dani Piper, Remi Graves & show takes its audience behind the married couple with apparently only a Kofi Stone, Fri 7 June, The Patrick scenes on a busy Saturday night in pet goldfish in common, Thurs 6 & Fri Cabaret Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome the local curry house, where two ac- 7 June, Theatre On The Steps, Bridg- LA VOIX: LIVE, LOUD AND FABULOUS WAR & PEACE Intimate evening of sto- tors play a cast of thousands... Sun 2 north, South Shropshire Evening of frills, frocks & fun as the rytelling and song, inspired by tales June, Clungunford Parish Hall, Nr RIOT ACT Hard-hitting and heartwarm- Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist im- from the archives and those collected Craven Arms, South Shropshire ing exploration of the history of the personates female icons Cher, Tina from Doncaster people during the LGBTQ rights movement, Thurs 6 - JANE EYRE Hotbuckle Theatre bring Turner, Shirley Bassey and Liza Min- Great War, Fri 7 June, The Hive, Sat 8 June, The Old Joint Stock The- their inventiveness, humour and nelli included, Sat 1 June, The Old Shrewsbury atre, Birmingham unique magic to Charlotte Bronte's Rep, Birmingham classic tale, Mon 3 - Tues 4 June, ROMAN ROMP Adult comedy brimming CERI DUPREE IN THE LADIES I LOVE Wed Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury with farcical confusion and outra- 5 - Thurs 6 June, The Patrick Studio, geous innuendo, Fri 7 June, The MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Musical par- Birmingham Hippodrome Film ody featuring a host of one-liners Prince Of Wales Theatre, Cannock LA VOIX: LIVE, LOUD AND FABULOUS INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: about hot flushes, memory loss and REP FOUNDRY NIGHT Featuring ex- Evening of frills, frocks & fun as the PAW PATROL: MIGHTY PUPS (U) pop classics. Cheryl Fergison, Mau- cerpts from Rep Foundry artists Anima- Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist im- reen Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley & Omar Khan, Sam Cole, Ashlee Eliza- tion/Adventure. With the voices of personates female icons Cher, Tina Katherine Lynch star, Mon 3 - Tues 4 beth Lolo & Sophia Griffin, Fri 7 June, Devan Cohen, Drew Davis. Light Turner, Shirley Bassey and Liza Min- June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The REP, Birmingham House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- nelli included, Fri 7 June, Festival ton, until Sat 1 June THRILLER LIVE Michael Jackson trib- JANE EYRE Hotbuckle Theatre bring Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, ROCKETMAN (12a) Biography/Drama. ute show, Mon 3 - Sat 8 June, The their inventiveness, humour and North Shropshire Alexandra, Birmingham unique magic to Charlotte Bronte's Starring Taron Egerton, Bryce Dallas compelling tale, Fri 7 June, Blists Hill, Howard. Light House Media Centre, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Richard Wolverhampton, until Thurs 6 June O’Brien’s timeless masterpiece re- Ironbridge, Shropshire turns, Mon 3 - Sat 8 June, Regent WE'VE GOT EACH OTHER: THE ALMOST FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS (U) Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ENTIRELY IMAGINED BON JOVI MUSICAL Comedy/Drama. Starring Tuppence Middleton, James Purefoy. Light PSYCHIC SALLY Tenth anniversary tour Paul O'Donnel attempts to create an all-singing all-dancing spectacle House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- of Sally Morgan’s interactive show, ton, Fri 31 May - Thurs 6 June Tues 4 June, The Prince Of Wales where all you need is your imagina- Theatre, Cannock tion, Sat 8 June, Arena Theatre, HEAD FULL OF HONEY (12a) Wolverhampton Comedy/Drama. Starring Nick Nolte, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Presented by Emily Mortimer. Light House Media Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society, WNO: DON PASQUALE Welsh National Opera present Daisy Evans’ ‘riotous’ Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 31 May - Tues 4 June, Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Thurs 6 June Dudley new version of Donizetti’s classic comic opera, Sat 8 June, Midlands SHOPLIFTERS (15) Drama/Crime. Star- THE SOUND OF MUSIC Get Your Wigle Arts Centre, Birmingham Talks ring Lily Franky, Sakura Andôl. For- On present an amateur staging of eign language, subtitled. Ludlow FRED JEFFS: THE SWEETSHOP MURDER SPOKEN WORD: BEN NORRIS Ben Norris Rodgers & Hammerstein’s much- Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Graeme Rose examines the 62-year- is a writer, actor and two-time national loved musical, Tues 4 - Sat 8 June, Sat 1 June Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury old unsolved murder of his great poetry slam champion who’s per- 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 1 - 9 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:15 Page 4

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 June

CRUCIBLE OF THE VAMPIRE (15) Fan- Nimrod XV249 and learn about its in- tasy/Horror. Starring Babette Barat, telligence-gathering role in the Royal Florence Cady. The Hive, Shrews- Air Force, until Sun 2 June, RAF Cos- bury, Sat 1 June ford, Nr Wolverhampton BUMBLEBEE (12a) Adventure/Sci-Fi. FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy, me Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Jorge hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has Lendeborg Jr. Ludlow Assembly donned his captain’s hat to show little Rooms, South Shropshire, Sun 2 ones what it takes to become a pirate June on the seven seas, until Sun 2 June, THE FABULOUS WORLD OF JULES VERNE Cadbury World, Birmingham (U) Animation/Adventure. Starring CASTLE QUEST A must-attend event for Lubor Tokos, Arnost Navrátil. The anybody who loves solving riddles Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 2 June and having a go at challenges, until ALIEN (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring Sun 2 June, Tamworth Castle Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt. ESL ONE BIRMINGHAM Three days of Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon intense Dota 2 action, as participants 3 June battle it out for a share of the BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (12a) Biogra- $300,000 prize pool, until Sun 2 phy/Drama. Starring Rami Malek, June, Arena Birmingham Lucy Boynton. Edge Arts Centre, UK GAMES EXPO Three-day gaming ex- Peaky Blinders - Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, travaganza, open to anyone of any digging yourself, Sat 1 - Sun 2 June, Sat 8 June, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Mon 3 June age wanting to play, learn to play, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Trust buy, experience or know more about RED JOAN (15) Biography/Drama. Star- WATT 2019: WHAT’S WATT TALK AND RAINBOW SWING A 1940s night of ring Judie Dench, Sophie Cookson. table-top games, until Sun 2 June, NEC, Birmingham TOUR WITH CHRIS RICE Exploration of dancing, with live music from the Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- the life of James Watt Jnr, who lived Rhythm Remedies and performances ton, North Shropshire, Mon 3 June ATTINGHAM UNCOVERED Check out the at Aston Hall from 1819 until his from the Suzy Qs, Sat 8 June, Birm- MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) Biogra- daily progress and discoveries in this death in 1848, Sun 2 June, Aston ingham Museum And Art Gallery week-long live archaeological dig, phy/History. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Hall, Birmingham PROMS IN THE PARK Evening of music Margot Robbie. Stourbridge Town until Thurs 6 June, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury VINTAGE TRANSPORT & COUNTRY FAIR and fireworks to launch the 50th an- Hall, Mon 3 June Vintage vehicle display, bringing ex- niversary concert season of the Wrex- ALIEN (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- hibitors from across the country, Sun ham Symphony Orchestra, Sat 8 Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt. ances and new building activities, 2 June, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley June, The British Ironwork Centre, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon until Sun 1 Sep, Legoland Discovery Oswestry, North Shropshire Centre, Birmingham THERE AND BACK AGAIN: JRR TOLKIEN 3 June AND SAREHOLE GUIDED WALK Guided CLASSIC CAR WEEKEND View a selec- THE KEEPER (15) Biography, Drama. WHODUNNIT? A FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUR- introduction to Tolkien, the area of tion of classic cars on display around Starring David Kross, Freya Mavor. DER-MYSTERY TRAIL Time-travelling Sarehole and its influence on The the railway, Sat 8 - Sun 9 June, Chur- Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, murder-mystery trail, Sat 1 June, Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings, net Valley Railway, Froghall, Staffs Aston Hall, Birmingham Tues 4 & Thurs 6 June Sun 2 June, Sarehole Mill, Hall TRAMPOLINE, TUMBLING AND DOUBLE- COLETTE (15) Biography/Drama. Star- FANTABULOSA! Pop-up world of imagi- Green, Birmingham MINI TRAMPOLINE REGIONAL TEAM FI- ring Keira Knightley, Fiona Shaw. nation and storytelling, Sat 1 June, WATT 2019: JAMES WATT TOURS Tours NALS AND NDP SEMI-FINALS High-flying Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery dedicated to the lives and works of somersaults aplenty as some of the Shropshire, Fri 7 - Sat 8 June WE SHALL GO TO THE MOON! See James Watt and his longstanding country’s top gymnasts vye for glory, MARY POPPINS RETURNS (12a) Com- replica spacesuits and learn about friend and business partner, Matthew Sat 8 - Sun 9 June, Arena, B’ham edy/Family. Starring Emily Blunt, Lin- the history of space travel to the Boulton, Sun 2 - Thurs 27 June, Soho FOLLIES FUN DOG SHOW The popular Manuel Miranda. Shropshire Hills moon, Sat 1 June, The Potteries Mu- House, Birmingham family show returns, Sun 9 June, Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, seum & Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on- A DAY AS AN ARCHAEOLOGIST Join an Hawkstone Park & Follies, Weston- South Shropshire, Sat 8 June Trent exclusive group and experience the under-Redcastle, Nr Shrewsbury SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE WE'LL MEET AGAIN Night of nostalgia life of an archaeologist, Mon 3 June, RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW 2019 Featur- (PG) Animation/Adventure. With the featuring the D-Day Darlings, big Attingham Park, Shrewsbury ing a packed flying schedule, static voices of Shameik Moore, Jake John- band sounds and a fireworks finale, THE OLD GOLD CLUB LIVE Mikey Bur- exhibits, stalls, trade stands military son. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Sat 1 June, Trentham Estate, Stoke- rows and former Wolves star Chris demonstrations and children's enter- Shropshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9 June on-Trent Iwelumo induct three new Wolves tainment, Sun 9 June, RAF Cosford, REACH FOR THE STARS 3D tour of the legends into the Old Gold Club, Fri 7 Nr Wolverhampton solar system, with clips from Tim June, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Peake’s recent visit to the Interna- PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Step back in Released from Wed 5 June, showing tional Space Station, Sat 1 June, The time to the Roaring 20s and discover at selected cinemas Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Han- the murky underground world of the X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX (tbc) ley, Stoke-on-Trent Peaky Blinders, Fri 7 - Sat 8 June, For Foodies GLORIA BELL (15) COMICS SALOPIA Free-entry festival Black Country Living Museum, Dud- celebrating the medium of comic art ley THE SECRET GIN FESTIVAL 2019 Return- LATE NIGHT (15) ing for their biggest festival to date, in all of its forms, with some of the THE GENEALOGY SHOW Great opportu- biggest names in the industry in at- Sat 1 June, The Grain Store, Wolver- nity to network, learn and have fun, hampton tendance, Sat 1 - Sun 2 June, various Fri 7 - Sat 8 June, NEC, Birmingham locations around Shrewsbury FOOD & DRINK FAYRE Celebration of Events PUB IN THE PARK All the best bits the Severn Valley’s finest produce, COLLECTORMANIA 26 Featuring well- about going to the pub are brought known faces from the worlds of televi- Sat 1 - Sun 2 June, Severn Valley LEGO SEA EXPLORERS Help the team into the sunshine and made festival- Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster unlock underwater secrets and draw, sion, film and sport, Sat 1 - Sun 2 sized, Fri 7 - Sat 8 June, QEII Arena, colour and create your new discover- June, NEC, Birmingham Telford BIRMINGHAM COFFEE FESTIVAL 3 days ies, until Sun 2 June, National Sea of celebrations honouring the UK’s vi- HAVE-A-GO ARCHAEOLOGY FAMILY SES- TUNNEL TEDS Take along your furry Life Centre, Birmingham SIONS Introduction to archaeology, brant coffee culture, Fri 7- Sun 9 friends for a ted-tastic day of bear- June, The Custard Factory, Digbeth NIMROD TOURS Step on board the complete with a chance to do some themed fun on and around the canal,

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolverhampton 10 - 16 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:13 Page 1

COMING SOON

SAT 8 - SUN 9 JUNE

5th June, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Ursula Holden Gil

Tickets: £7, £8.50 otd

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE 12th June, 7pm A Super Happy Story THURS 13 JUNE (About Feeling Super Sad)

Tickets: £10 & £8

15th June - 27 July Brewhouse Open brewhouse.co.uk

FREE Exhibition Showcase JOE LONGTHORNE 25th- 29th June, 7.30pm 2.30pm Matinee FRI 14 JUNE LTC: Stepping Out

Tickets: £12, £11 conc.

3rd July, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Liz Weir MBE

THE NAT KING COLE SONGBOOK Tickets: £7 adv, £8 otd

12th & 13th July, 7pm MON 17 - SAT 22 JUNE 6pm Saturday Performing Stars Academy: The Addams Family Musical Tickets: £14, £11 conc.

26th July, 7.30pm Made In Motor City

THE LADY VANISHES Tickets: £16

SUN 7 JULY NOW BOOOKING...

30th August, 7.30pm. 14+ Justin Moorhouse: Northern Joker

Tickets: £14/ £5 unwaged

18th October, 7.30pm EDDIE THE EAGLE Derek Acorah ‘The Eternal Life’ Tour FRI 12 JULY Tickets: £21 Box ofﬁce: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk OFFSTAGE Brewhouse Arts Centre BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent www.lichfieldgarrick.com Staffordshire DE14 1AA LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 10 - 16 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:14 Page 2

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 June PHIL HILBORNE BAND June, O2 Academy, AHIR SHAH & SOOZ KEMPNER Thurs 13 Gigs Thurs 13 June, The Birmingham Classical June, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Robin, Bilston TINA - SIMPLY THE BEST MAZ MITRENKO BAND ANDY ASKINS, SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD & Mon 10 June, Wolver- BULSARA AND HIS QUEE- Sat 15 June, Katie Music JASON NEALE Fri 14 June, Katie hampton Grand The- NIES Thurs 13 June, Fitzgerald’s, Stour- Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge AIDA atre O2 Institute, B’ham bridge Opera North present a new BOBBY MAIR, HUGE DAVIES, DANNY concert staging of Verdi’s four act THE BEACH BOYS TRIB- BACKSTREET BOYS Sat CLIVES & CHELSEA BIRKBY Fri 14 June, WALLOWS Mon 10 opera. Sir Richard Armstrong con- June, O2 Institute, UTE SHOW Fri 14 June, 15 June, Arena B’ham Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre at ducts, Tues 11 June, Symphony Birmingham WHO ARE YOU UK Sat Hall, Birmingham SCOTT GIBSON, JIMMY MCGHIE, SEAN The Place, Telford 15 June, The Slade MCLOUGHLIN (PICTURED) & MAUREEN THE LAST INTERNA- CBSO: MIRGA CONDUCTS MAHLER’S HONEYBLOOD + LUCIA Rooms, W’hampton YOUNGER Fri 14 - Sat 15 June, The TIONALE Tues 11 June, SECOND Featuring Mirga Gražinyte- O2 Academy, B’ham Fri 14 June, The Sug- PIGDAZE Sat 15 June, Glee Club, Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent Tyler (conductor), Lucy Crowe (so- CANDLEBOX Wed 12 Albert’s Shed, Shrews- prano), Karen Cargill (mezzo June, O2 Institute, TOM BAXTER Fri 14 bury soprano) & the CBSO Chorus, Thurs Birmingham June, St Mary’s BROKEN MINDS PRE- 13 - Sun 16 June, Symphony Hall, Church, Shrewsbury QUADROPHENIA - THE SENTS: LTJ BUKEM Sat Birmingham ALBUM LIVE Wed 12 IAIN BALLAMY Fri 14 15 June, Hare & THE STAFFORDSHIRE BAND Season fi- June, Birmingham June, Newhampton Hounds, Birmingham nale concert, Fri 14 June, Forest Arts Town Hall Arts Centre, Wolver- TOO MANY MEN Sat 15 Centre, Walsall hampton NINE DART FINISH, June, Hare & Hounds, EX CATHEDRA: SUMMER MUSIC BY CAN- SPEAKEASY & THE COM- BERNADETTE PETERS Fri Birmingham DLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore MON Wed 12 June, 14 June, Birmingham SNOWY’S MNDA ROCK N (conductor), Fri 14 June, St Chad’s Hare & Hounds, Birm- Town Hall ROLL BASH Sat 15 Church, Shrewsbury ingham THE NAT KING COLE June, Newhampton DVORÁK PIANO QUINTET Featuring KATIE MAC & ASH BATES SONGBOOK WITH ANDY Arts Centre, Wolver- György Boglárka & Tomohiko DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, LEO KEARSE, WITH SUPPORT FROM ABRAHAM Fri 14 June, hampton Kimura (violins), Nicholas Fidler JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD & DAMION NIKKI ROUS Wed 12 Lichfield Garrick FOALS Sat 15 - Sun 16 (viola), Flora McNicoll (cello) & Eliza- LARKIN Sat 15 June, Regent Theatre, June, Albert’s Shed, SKA SPECIAL FT. KIOKO June, Digbeth Arena, beth Haughan (piano). Programme Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury DJS Fri 14 June, Hare Birmingham comprises Dvorak’s Piano Quintet in SCOTT BENNETT, HAYLEY ELLIS, EM- MIGHTY MIGHTY Wed & Hounds, B’ham ROXY MAGIC Sat 15 A, Op.81, Fri 14 June, Recital Hall, MANUEL SONUBI & CHRIS BETTS Sat 15 12 June, Hare & BC ALISKAS Fri 14 June, Theatre On The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham June, Albert’s Shed, Steps, Bridgnorth, CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA Featuring JOE LONGTHORNE Thurs Shrewsbury South Shropshire Wayne Marshall & Stewart Goodyear 13 June, Lichfield Gar- THE FOO FIGHTERS BLONDIED Sat 15 June, (piano). Programme includes works rick TRIBUTE Fri 14 June, Eleven, Sandyford, by Grieg, Stewart Goodyear & Dvo- Theatre rak, Sat 15 June, Symphony Hall, THE BLUES BAND Thurs The River Rooms, Stoke on Trent Birmingham THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE 13 June, New Vic The- Stourbridge WHALEBONE Sat 15 Gill Jordan - best known as Black atre, Newcastle-under- THE KINGS OV LEON Fri June, Astley Village THE PEOPLE’S ORCHESTRA Sat 15 Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- Lyme 14 June, Eleven, Hall, Shrewsbury June, Halesowen Church, Hale- site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom sowen B63 TAKING BACK SUNDAY - Sandyford, Stoke on WOMAN TO WOMAN: Roberts in David Tristram’s award- 20TH ANNIVERSARY Trent JUDIE TZUKE, BEVERLEY ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE winning comedy, which centres on a TOUR Thurs 13 June, NAVI AS MICHAEL JACK- CRAVEN & JULIA FORD- ORGAN RECITAL Featuring Callum married couple with apparently only O2 Institute, B’ham SON Fri 14 June, The HAM Sat 15 June, Alger & Josh Roebuck, Sat 15 June, a pet goldfish in common, Tues 11 St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, June, Newhampton Arts Centre, ALLISON ADAMS Robin, Bilston Birmingham Town Hall South Shropshire Wolverhampton TUCKER Thurs 13 June, FELIX SHEPHERD + TORI DIRTY DC - THE TRIBUTE The Wightman The- CROSS + RHIANNA TO AC/DC Sat 15 June, BIRMINGHAM GAY SYMPHONY ORCHES- LES MUSICALS G4 frontman Jonathan atre, Shrewsbury KEANE Sat 15 June, The Robin, Bilston TRA SUMMER FIESTA Featuring Jack Ansell and Britain’s Got Talent win- Lovell (conductor), Sat 15 June, ner Jai McDowell perform an IOTA Thurs 13 June, The Sunflower RAYMOND FROGGATT Royal Birmingham Conservatoire evening of musical theatre classics, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Lounge, Birmingham ACOUSTIC Sun 16 Tues 11 June, Regent Theatre, Leek, Staffordshire CITYLIGHTZ Sat 15 June, The Robin, Bil- BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Stoke-on-Trent ston TRA: MAHLER’S FIFTH Featuring Michael Lloyd (conductor) & Ida STEREOLAB Sun 16 Ränzlöw (mezzo-soprano). Pro- June, O2 Institute, gramme comprises Mahler’s Fifth Birmingham Symphony & Rückert-Lieder, Sun 16 CANAAN COX Sun 16 June, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bra- June, Hare & Hounds, mall, University of Birmingham Birmingham GYPSYFINGERS Sun 16 June, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Comedy JAGGED LITTLE PILL MILTON JONES Mon 10 June, The Sun 16 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Robin, Bilston TOM STADE Wed 12 June, The Glee AVENUE Q Tony Award-winning musi- KARNIVAL KNOWLEDGE Club, Birmingham cal that centres on a group of love- Sun 16 June, Albert’s able yet hopeless characters on a SCOTT GIBSON, JIMMY MCGHIE Shed, Shrewsbury downtown New York street, Tues 11 - GRANDMASTER FLASH FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Sat 15 June, Wolverhampton Grand Sun 16 June, Theatre ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 13 June, The Theatre Glee Club, Birmingham Katie Mac - Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury A BUNCH OF AMATEURS Stoke Rep

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolverhampton 10 - 16 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:14 Page 3

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 10 - 16 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:14 Page 4

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 June Players present Ian Hislop & Nick show takes its audience behind the Newman’s am-dram comedy, Tues scenes on a busy Saturday night in 11 - Sat 15 June, Stoke Repertory the local curry house, where two ac- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent tors play a cast of thousands... Sat 15 HALF A SIXPENCE BMOS Musical The- June, Thimblemill Library, Smethwick atre Company present an amateur STILL FREEZIN’ Join the Fizzogs as staging of the classic family musical, they present a Black Country version Tues 11 - Sat 15 June, The Alexan- of Disney blockbuster Frozen, Sat 15 dra, Birmingham June, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall VELVET Tom Ratcliffe’s drama ex- WUTHERING HEIGHTS Chapterhouse plores the complex realities of ha- Theatre Company present an out- rassment within the acting industry, door staging of Emily Bronte’s tem- and how far a person is prepared to pestuous love story, Sat 15 June, go to achieve their dreams, Wed 12 - Erdigg Hall, Wrexham Thurs 13 June, The Old Joint Stock WNO: DON PASQUALE Welsh National Theatre, Birmingham Opera present Daisy Evans’s ‘riotous’ JESUS CHRIST SUPER STAR Amateur new version of Donizetti’s classic staging presented by award-winning comic opera, Sun 16 June, Theatre musical theatre group Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury Amateur Operatic Society, Wed 12 - THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Quantum Sat 15 June, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Theatre present an outdoor staging BBC Gardeners’ World Live - NEC, Birmingham bury of Kenneth Grahame’s riverside tale, CANVAS Royal Birmingham Conserva- Sun 16 June, Dotshill Park, Tamworth SAMARPAN MAHOTSAV: A CELEBRATION OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE Jaivant toire presents its version of Michael THE CHEF SHOW Part comedy play, Events Patel Dance present a celebration of Wynne’s ‘razor-sharp’ comedy, Wed part cookery demonstration, the classical Indian dance showcasing STORE STORIES: A BEHIND THE SCENES 12 - Sat 15 June, The Old Rep, Birm- show takes its audience behind the established UK-based female per- TOUR Check out the hidden treasures ingham scenes on a busy Saturday night in formers, Fri 14 - Sat 15 June, Arena in the collection stores and meet the THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE the local curry house, where two ac- Theatre, Wolverhampton team carrying out some of the con- Gill Jordan - best known as Black tors play a cast of thousands... Sun servation work, Mon 10 June, Atting- Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- 16 June, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- ham Park, Shrewsbury site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom ingham BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE Roberts in David Tristram’s award- Featur- winning comedy, which centres on a Film ing stunning show gardens and married couple with apparently only a INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: beautiful borders packed with ideas pet goldfish in common, Thurs 13 to recreate in your own garden, Thurs June, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Kids Shows MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (15) Biogra- 13 - Sun 16 June, NEC, Birmingham phy/History. Starring Saoirse Ronan, BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES ’Allo ’Allo ac- DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE Interactive Fea- Margot Robbie. Arena Theatre, tress Vicki Michelle stars in a no- show for all the family, Thurs 13 - Sat turing seasonal produce, ideas for al- Wolverhampton, Mon 10 June holds-barred romp about the joys of 15 June, Wolverhampton Grand The- fresco dining and hundreds of being a ‘fabulous 21st century atre THE UPSIDE (12A) Comedy/Drama. producers and brands, Thurs 13 - woman, Thurs 13 June, The Place @ Starring Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston. Sun 16 June, NEC, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shrop- Festival Drayton Centre, North Shrop- INTERNATIONAL MODEL AIR SHOW shire shire, Mon 10 June Model aircraft enthusiasts take to the DAVID BLAINE The master of modern WILD ROSE (15) Drama/Music. Starring skies to demonstrate their flying magic presents an interactive one- Julie Walters, Jessie Buckley. Festival skills, Fri 14 - Sun 16 June, Weston man show that promises to ‘shock Drayton Centre, North Shropshire, Park, Staffordshire and amaze’, Fri 14 June, Arena Birm- Mon 10 June; Wem Town Hall, North BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR Sat 15 ingham Shropshire, Tues 11 & Thurs 13 June June, Aston Hall, Birmingham REP FOUNDRY NIGHT Featuring ex- PETERLOO (12a) Drama/History. Star- LIVE YOUR LEGACY INTERNATIONAL ring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake. cerpts from Rep Foundry artists GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- CHAMPIONSHIPS The cheer & dance Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Grace Barrington, Siana Bangura, tions present an outdoor staging of championships are back, Sat 15 South Shropshire, Mon 10 June Rachael Mainwaring & Shane David Walliams’ bestselling tale, Fri June, Resorts World Arena, B’ham Shambhu, Fri 14 June, The REP, 14 June, Walsall Arboretum SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN (12) Docu- VINTAGE FESTIVAL Celebration of Birmingham mentary. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Tues lifestyles, fashion, music and classic HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES ’Allo ’Allo ac- 11 June cars from the post-war years, Sat 15 - tress Vicki Michelle stars in a no- MIRIAM MIENTE (12) Drama. Starring Sun 16 June, National Brewery Cen- holds-barred romp about the joys of Dance Frank Perozo, Margaux Da Silva. For- tre, Burton upon Trent being a ‘fabulous 21st century eign language, subtitled. The Hive, BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET: UN- PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Check out woman, Sat 15 June, Lichfield Gar- Shrewsbury, Wed 12 June LEASHED ‘the ultimate underwater adventure’, rick Triple bill of ballets by female choreographers, including the TOLKIEN (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- Sat 15 June - Sun 8 Sep, National OLD HERBACEOUS An ‘acute and world premiere of the third Ballet Now ring Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins. Festi- Sea Life Centre, Birmingham sometimes hilarious’ observation of commission by Didy Veldman, Wed val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, 'MORRIS GANG' DANCING The Blists Hill relationships between the classes... 12 - Sat 15 June, Birmingham Hippo- North Shropshire, Fri 14 June Morris Gang entertain the crowds Sat 15 June, Lichfield Garrick drome COLETTE (15) Biography/Drama. Star- with traditional dances, Sun 16 June, PAMELA’S PALACE Original music & ICONIC Jazz Dance Company present ring Keira Knightley, Fiona Shaw. Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, dance routines combine as Pamela a celebration of current and historical Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire and her girls take audiences through movements, moments & figures, ex- Shropshire, Fri 14 June FESTIVAL OF BLACK COUNTRY VEHICLES a whirlwind of female insecurities & ploring a world of idols from Elvis RED JOAN (15) Biography/Drama. Star- Event commemorating the region’s shameless gossip... Sat 15 June, The Presley to Michael Jackson, Dali to ring Judie Dench, Sophie Cookson. historical reputation as a major centre Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Da Vinci, Ginger Rogers to Gene Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri for vehicle manufacturing, Sun 16 THE CHEF SHOW Part comedy play, Kelly and many more, Wed 12 June, 14 June June, Black Country Living Museum, part cookery demonstration, the Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Dudley

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolverhampton 17 - 23 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:03 Page 1

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 17 - 23 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:03 Page 2

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 June Hounds, Birmingham TAKE THAT- SHINE Sat Hogg & Phil Ypres Smith (Pianists). Gigs THE MECHANICAL 22 June, The River Classical Programme comprises Brahms’ Re- HEARTS Fri 21June, Rooms, Stourbridge quiem, Sat 22 June, St. Francis ODD SOUL Mon 17 Katie Fitzgerald’s, L'ORCHESTRE AFRISA IN- Church, Bournville, Birmingham June, Hare & Hounds, Stourbridge TERNATIONAL Sat 22 Music Birmingham HENGE - SOLSTICE SPE- June, Midlands Arts EX CATHEDRA: SUMMER MUSIC BY CAN- THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- CIAL Fri 21June, Al- Centre, Birmingham DLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore TIES Tues 18 June, bert’s Shed, BARRY STEELE & (conductor), Tues 18 & Wed 19 Comedy Dudley Town Hall Shrewsbury FRIENDS Sat 22 June, June, Birmingham Cathedral HARRIETT DYER AND LOU CONRAN Tues CAGE THE ELEPHANT SKAM, BUILDING GI- Theatre Severn, WIND BAND & SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 18 June, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Tues 18 June, O2 Insti- ANTS, MOUTH IN THE Shrewsbury Featuring Benedict Goodall & Sab- AL MURRAY Wed 19 June, The tute, Birmingham SOUTH Fri 21 June, TROPICAL SOUNDCLASH rina Ko (wind band conductors) & Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE LAFONTAINES Tues Daniele Rosina (Symphony Orches- Route 44, Birmingham Sat 22 June, Hare & AL MURRAY Thurs 20 June, Victoria 18 June, O2 Institute, tra conductor). Programme includes PAPAGENA: NUNS AND Hounds, Birmingham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham works by Tchaikovsky, Sparke, Holst, ROSES II Fri 21 June, GIANTS OF ROCK USA ASHLEY BLAKER & IMRAN YUSUF Thurs GLENN TILBROOK - Coates & Hess, Wed 19 June, The St Laurence’s Church, 2019 TOUR Sat 22 20 June, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- ACOUSTIC Tues 18 Bramall, University of Birmingham Ludlow, South Shrop- June,The Slade ingham June, Henry Tudor shire Rooms, W’hampton SHREWSBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA; House, Shrewsbury OPERA GALA EVENING Wed 19 June, KIRI PRICHARD-MCLEAN PLUS COMEDY THANK ABBA FOR THE THE KILKENNYS Sat 22 CAROUSEL WITH ANDY RICHARDSON & CONFIDENCE MAN Wed Shrewsbury Abbey MUSIC Fri 21 June, June, Theatre Severn, COMIC TBC Thurs 20 June, The Glee 19 June, Hare & ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: A CELEBRA- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Club, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham TION OF NEW TALENT Featuring An- Shrewsbury HELLBENT FOREVER Sat drew Griffiths (conductor) & Luke ADAM KAY Fri 21 June, Dudley Town DECLAN WELSH AND ELECTROLYTE Fri 21 22 June, Eleven, Jones (piano). Programme includes Hall THE DECADENT WEST + June, Theatre Severn, Sandyford, Stoke on works by Beethoven & Thea Mus- PRETTY FEELS + 2 Shrewsbury Trent TOM LUCY Fri 21 June, The Glee HOUR OVERKILL + SPE- grave, Wed 19 June, The Bradshaw Club, Birmingham BOWIE BY MOONLIGHT MARTIN KEMP Sat 22 CIAL GUESTS Wed 19 Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Fri 21 June, The River June, The Robin, Bil- GAVIN WEBSTER, NIGEL NG, GLENN June, The Sugarmill, toire Rooms, Stourbridge ston MOORE & COMIC TBC Fri 21 - Sat 22 Stoke-on-Trent CBSO: STEPHEN HOUGH PLAYS June, The Glee Club, Birmingham FEEDBACC + ROUND IN STEVE HARLEY & COCK- ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS BEETHOVEN Featuring Edward Gard- CIRCLES + MARMA + NEY REBEL Sun 23 TIFF STEVENSON & JOHN KEARNS Fri Thurs 20 June, The- ner (conductor - pictured) & Stephen SPECIAL GUESTS Fri 21 June, Theatre Severn, 21 June, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- atre Severn, Shrews- Hough (piano). Programme includes June, The Sugarmill, Shrewsbury ingham bury works by Tippett, Beethoven & Stoke-on-Trent UB40 Sun 23 June, Vic- Schubert, Wed 19 - Thurs 20 June, JIMMY CARR Sat 22 June, Victoria HALFWAY TO PARADISE: THE MAVERICKS Fri 21 toria Hall, Stoke-on- Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent THE BILLY FURY STORY June, O2 Academy, Trent ROB ROUSE, JOSH PUGH, STEVE Thurs 20 June, The Birmingham WILLIAMS & FREDDY QUINNE Sat 22 Alexandra Theatre, JEFFREY LEWIS & LOS June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham U2 2 Fri 21 June, The BOLTS Sun 23 June, Robin, Bilston Hare & Hounds, Birm- COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 22 June, BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH & ingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre THE REVOLUTIONARY WESTLIFE Fri 21 - Sun MINDS Thurs 20 June, 23 June, Arena B’ham STRAY CATS Sun 23 LOU SANDERS (PICTURED) & ALEX The Mill Digbeth, Birm- WANNABE - THE SPICE June, O2 Academy, KEALEY Sat 22 June, Ludlow Brew- ingham GIRLS SHOW Sat 22 Birmingham ery, South Shropshire FROM THE JAM Thurs June, The Alexandra BON JOVI PLUS SPECIAL 20 June, The Robin, Theatre, Birmingham GUESTS MANIC STREET Bilston PASSION AND THE VEINS PREACHERS Sun 23 June, Ricoh Arena, ENTER THE DRAGON Fri + SPECIAL GUESTS Sat Coventry Theatre 21 June, Hare & 22 June, The Sug- ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: armill, Stoke-on-Trent THE PLANETS An HD Odyssey with THE LADY VANISHES Juliet Mills & NASA footage, Fri 21 June, Sym- Maxwell Caulfield star in a stage phony Hall, Birmingham adaptation of the Hitchcock classic, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Mon 17 - Sat 22 June, Lichfield Gar- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring rick Jamie Phillips (conductor), Jacob OPEN DOOR - BRICK LANE ’78 Murad Perry (clarinet), Tzu-Jo Huang Khan’s exploration of the defining (marimba) & Jacob Smith (trumpet). moment when the British- Programme includes works by Bangladeshi community stood up George West, Weber, Pius Cheung, against far-right parties’ propaganda Arutiunian & Gershwin, Fri 21 June, and activities, Tues 18 June, The The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- REP, Birmingham ham Conservatoire ANYTHING FOR LOVE - THE MEAT LOAF SHREWSBURY LIGHT ORCHESTRA: STORY Brand new production featur- PROMS IN THE GARDEN Raising funds ing Meat Loaf’s greatest hits, Tues for The Lingen Davies Cancer Fund, 18 - Wed 19 June, Theatre Severn, Sat 22 June, Mytton Cottage, Mont- Shrewsbury ford Bridge, Shrewsbury HELLO, DOLLY! Amateur staging pre- LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SPACE sented by Walsall Operatic Society, SPECTACULAR Featuring Pete Harri- Tues 18 - Sat 22 June, Wolverhamp- son (conductor), Sat 22 June, Sym- ton Grand Theatre phony Hall, Birmingham EVITA Five Towns Theatre present an BIRMINGHAM CHORAL UNION Featuring amateur staging of Tim Rice & An- Martin Kemp - The Robin, Bilston Colin Baines (conductor), Darren whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolverhampton 17 - 23 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:03 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolverhampton 17 - 23 June.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:03 Page 4

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 June drew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, winning comedy, which centres on a and sunrise on the shortest night of Tues 18 - Sat 22 June, Stoke Reper- married couple with apparently only a Talks the year by joining in with this ‘night tory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent pet goldfish in common, Sat 22 June, of wild camping on the Long Mynd’, TAN FRANCE Join the Queer Eye star SIRENS Zoo Co’s award-winning show Red Rose Theatre, Rugeley, Staffs Thurs 20 - Fri 21 June, Carding Mill as he discusses his memoir, Naturally sticks two fingers up at gender ex- Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Church Tan, Thurs 20 June, Birmingham pectations and asks, when your voice Stretton, South Shropshire Town Hall is silenced, how do you stand up and PLANT HUNTERS’ FAIR Featuring tradi- shout out?, Wed 19 June, Midlands Kids Theatre IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE Join the leg- tionally grown plants for every type of Arts Centre, Birmingham MINISTRY OF SCIENCE LIVE An educa- endary actor & activist as he cele- garden, Sat 22 June, Arley Arbore- brates his 80th year with a new solo A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM The tional, fun & anarchic approach to tum, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster show about his life in theatre, Fri 21 - Lord Chamberlain's Men perform this science communication and the in- DISCOVERY DAY Featuring free activi- Sat 22 June, The REP, Birmingham Shakespearean classic, Wed 19 ventors & engineers who’ve shaped ties, workshops, tours and exclusive June, Dudmaston Hall, Quatt, Nr the modern world... Wed 19 June, AN EVENING WITH HELEN SHARMAN competitions, Sat 22 June, The REP, Bridgnorth, Shropshire The Prince Of Wales Theatre, Can- Special event in which Britain’s first Birmingham nock astronaut speaks publicly about ROBIN HOOD AND THE TIMESTONE Side THE GREAT GET TOGETHER AT SAREHOLE space and the wonders of science, By Side Theatre Company - a group MILL ‘Big-hearted community get-to- Sat 22 June, Birmingham Town Hall of talented learning disabled actors & gether’, Sat 22 June, Sarehole Mill, dancers - fuse music & dance in an DEEDS NOT WORDS WITH HELEN Hall Green, Birmingham PANKHURST Join the great grand- adventure story for all ages, Wed 19 - STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL This year’s daughter of suffragette Emmeline Sat 22 June, Stourbridge Town Hall theme is ‘an apocalyptical Martian in- Pankhurst as she talks about how MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Outdoor vasion of Earth and the fight back to women’s lives have changed during staging of Shakespeare’s comedy, ultimate victory’, Sat 22 - Sun 23 the past 100 years... Sun 23 June, Wed 19 - Sat 22 June, Maple Hayes June, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Iron- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury School, Lichfield bridge, Shropshire THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE PAW PATROL AT CHURNET VALLEY RAIL- Gill Jordan - best known as Black WAY Search-and-rescue dogs Chase Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- and Skye put in an appearance dur- site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom THE FLYING BATH Little Angel Theatre Film ing storytime sessions, Sat 22 - Sun Roberts in David Tristram’s award- bring Julia Donaldson & David INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 23 June, Churnet Valley Railway, winning comedy, which centres on a Roberts’ playful and adventurous Froghall, Staffs WIDOWS (15) Crime/Drama. Starring married couple with apparently only a story to life using catchy songs, Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez. BRITISH GT & BRITISH F3 CHAMPI- pet goldfish in common, Thurs 20 quirky bath toys & everyday heroes, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon ONSHIPS Sat 22 - Sun 23 June, Don- June, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Sun 23 June, Midlands Arts Centre, 17 June ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby MANSFIELD PARK The Royal Birming- Birmingham DISOBEDIENCE (15) Drama. Starring OPEN COCKPITS WEEKEND Chance to ham Conservatoire presents its ver- Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams. learn about the museum’s aircraft, sion of Johnathan Dove’s 19th Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Sat 22 - Sun 23 June, RAF Cosford, century romantic opera, Thurs 20 - South Shropshire, Mon 17 June Nr Wolverhampton Sat 22 June, The Crescent Theatre, Dance Birmingham RED JOAN (15) Biography/Drama. Star- MEET THE VICTORIANS: QUEEN VICTO- ROMEO A JULIET Ballet Cymru present ring Judie Dench, Sophie Cookson. RIA’S VISIT Queen Victoria graces GUYS AND DOLLS Birmingham Youth an adaptation of Shakespeare’s mas- Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Aston Hall with her presence, Sun 23 Theatre present an amateur staging terpiece, Mon 17 June, New Vic The- Tues 18 & Thurs 20 June June, Aston Hall, Birmingham of Frank Loesser’s celebrated musi- atre, Newcastle-under-Lyme cal comedy, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 June, COLUMBUS (12) Drama. Starring John The Old Rep, Birmingham BEATS ON POINTE An ‘electric fusion’ of Cho, Haley Lu Richardson. The Hive, street dance & ballet featuring a cast Shrewsbury, Wed 12 June HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES ’Allo ’Allo ac- of 16 dance athletes, Mon 17 June, CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15) Biog- For Foodies tress Vicki Michelle stars in a no- The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham holds-barred romp about the joys of raphy/Comedy. Starring Melissa Mc- FOODIES FESTIVAL Featuring master- being a ‘fabulous 21st century HOBSON'S CHOICE Birmingham Royal Carthy, Richard E. Grant. Ludlow classes with some of the country’s woman, Fri 21 June, The Alexandra, Ballet present David Bintley's much- Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, top chefs, workshops, tastings & live Theatre, Birmingham acclaimed comedy, which is based Fri 21 - Sat 22 June music from Boyzlife (pictured) & the on Harold Brighouse's play of the I WISH I WAS A MOUNTAIN Glastonbury Neville Staple Band, Fri 21 - Sun 23 same name, Wed 19 - Sat 22 June, June, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham Poetry Slam Champion Toby Thomp- Birmingham Hippodrome NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: son fuses rhyme, live music and a Released from Fri 21 June, showing smattering of metaphysical philoso- CANDY Chrysalis London present a at selected cinemas phy to boldly reimagine Herman mixed bill of choreographed perfor- Hesse’s classic fairytale, Fri 21 June, mances, Fri 21 June, Midlands Arts BRIGHTBURN (15) Centre, Birmingham Glasshouse Arts Centre, Stourbridge CHILD'S PLAY (15) LIÉ PAR L’HISTOIRE Flexus Dance Col- OLD HERBACEOUS An ‘acute and TOY STORY 4 (tbc) sometimes hilarious observation’ of lective present a dark & eccentric vi- relationships between the classes... sualisation of tales & folklore from Fri 21 June, Stafford Gatehouse The- 19th century Brittany, Sat 22 - Sun 23 atre June, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton MRS BROWN’S BOYS D’MUSICAL The Events promise of an ‘exhilarating, side-split- DUDLEY CASTLE TOUR Fri 21 June, ting and musical adventure’, Fri 21 - Dudley Castle Sun 23 June, Resorts World Arena, Cabaret ALIENS Meet deadly and aggressive THE GIN TRAIN Sip gin while travelling B’ham TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY BINGO extraterrestrials in this ‘terrifying trib- through the spectacular Severn Val- THE SECRET LIVES OF HENRY & ALICE Join musical comedy domestic diva ute’ to the special-effects designers ley in a 1936-built luxurious first-class Gill Jordan - best known as Black Tina for an evening celebrating bingo, of the Alien movie series, Fri 21 June, carriage once hauled by the Flying Country legend Doreen - stars oppo- music, tea and laughter, Thurs 20 The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Scotsman, Sat 22 - Sun 23 June, site Emmerdale & Doctors actor Tom June, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Roberts in David Tristram’s award- Birmingham SOLSTICE SLEEPOUT Enjoy the sunset Kidderminster whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves 24 - 30 May.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:47 Page 1

thelist MAIR & JAKE LAMBERT Fri 28 - Sat 29 Classical June, The Glee Club, Birmingham ADAM KAY Sat 29 June, The Alexan- Music dra Theatre, Birmingham PETE OTWAY, NICK DIXON, JULIAN AMATIS TRIO Featuring Lea Haus- DEANE & DARIUS DAVIES Sat 29 June, mann (violin), Samuel Shepherd The Comedy Loft, Birmingham (cello) & Mengjie Han (piano). Pro- gramme includes works by Haydn, CURTIS WALKER, WHITE YARDIE, WILL E Shostakovich, Andrea Tarrodi & DO & ANNETTE FAGON Sun 30 June, Brahms, Tues 25 June, Birmingham The Glee Club, Birmingham Town Hall CBSO: THE DAMNATION OF FAUST Fea- turing Edward Gardner (conductor), Anna Stéphany (Margeurite), Saimir Theatre Claire L Shaw - Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury Pirgu (Faust), Joshua Bloom SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY Brand new (Méphistophélés) & Božidar Smiljani production for 2019 with over 60 all- June, O2 Institute, HOWLIN’ RIC AND THE (Brander). Programme comprises time favourite songs, Mon 24 June, Birmingham ROCKETEERS Fri 28 Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust, Oakengates Theatre at The Place, Gigs 125’, Wed 26 June, Symphony Hall, BLAKK SABBATH Fri 28 June, Albert’s Shed, Telford, Shropshire Shrewsbury Birmingham SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY June, The Asylum, STEPPING OUT Warm and funny play Mon 24 June, Oaken- Birmingham STRAIGHT ACES Sat 29 BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- about the lives of a group of women gates Theatre at The TRA: LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS Sat 29 EAGLES Fri 28 June, June, Katie Fitzger- (and one man) attending a weekly Place, Telford, Shrop- June, Mitton Manor, Staffordshire Arena Birmingham ald’s, Stourbridge tap-dance class in a dingy church shire GATECRASHER CLASSICAL Sat 29 hall, Tues 25 - Sat 29 June, The LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Fri 28 ANDY SMITH WITH CULT LEADERS & BIRDS June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- June, The Robin, Bil- MURIEL & RIK Sat 29 IN ROW Tues 25 June, upon-Trent ston June, Tamworth As- CBSO CONCERTS IN THE PARK Featur- Hare & Hounds, Birm- sembly Rooms ing Micheal Seal (conductor) & a THE FULL MONTY Amateur staging FRANKLY SINATRA Fri 28 ingham varied festival programme of popular presented by Lichfield Operatic Soci- June, The Alexandra UNDER THE COVERS Sat FEELS Thurs 27 June, classics, music from the movies and ety, Tues 25 - Sat 29 June, Lichfield Theatre, Birmingham 29 June, The World Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bar, Resorts World, 'Last Night of the Proms' favourites, Garrick JASON DALE & THE ingham Birmingham Sat 29 June, Boldmere Recreation THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke & CASH ONLY Fri 28 June, BARRY STEELE & Field, Sutton Coldfield Jennlee Shallow share the role of Eleven, Sandyford, KISS GB Sat 29 June, FRIENDS Thurs 27 IL DIVO Rachel Marron in this much-ac- Stoke on Trent Eleven, Sandyford, Sat 29 June, Arena B’ham June, The Alexandra Stoke on Trent ENGLISH PRO MUSICA ORCHESTRA: A claimed romantic thriller based on UK GUNS N ROSES Fri Theatre, Birmingham NIGHT AT THE MOVIES the film of the same name, Tues 25 28 June, The River GOJIRA Sat 29 June, Hosted by actor DAVE SHARP Thurs 27 June - Sat 6 July, Wolverhampton Rooms, Stourbridge O2 Academy, B’ham James Nesbitt and also featuring the June, Katie Fitzger- Let’s Sing Choir, Sun 30 June, Victo- Grand Theatre ald’s, Stourbridge PHILIP H. ANSELMO & ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent YEAR 12 MUSICAL THEATRE: DECADES THE ILLEGALS + KING JOHN OTWAY & WILD BOA Year 12 students take audi- PARROTS Fri 28 June, WILLIE BARRET - THE ences on a musical journey from the The Mill Digbeth, Birm- NEARLY FREE TOUR turn of the 20th century onwards, ingham Thurs 27 June, The Comedy Wed 26 - Thurs 27 June, The Old Robin, Bilston ACTORS & EMPATHY Rep, Birmingham TEST Fri 28 June, The NICK HELM (PICTURED) & PAUL F. TAY- WANNABE - THE SPICE FLARE PATH Shropshire Drama Com- Slade Rooms, Wolver- LOR Tues 25 June, Ludlow Brewery, GIRLS SHOW Fri 28 pany presents its version of Terrence hampton South Shropshire June, Victoria Hall, THROUGH THE DECADES Rattigan’s wartime play, Wed 26 - Stoke-on-Trent CARRIE UNDERWOOD Fri WITH ROY ORBISON Sun Sat 29 June, Theatre Severn, 28 June, Resorts 29 June, The Forest Shrewsbury THE MIGHTY MIGHTY World Arena, B’ham Arts Centre, Walsall BOSSTONES Fri 28 BICYCLES AND FISH Katie Arnstein KICK UP THE 80S Sat 29 combines comic poetry, period June, The Robin, Bil- drama, storytelling & original songs ston in an award-winning show about the day she became a woman, Thurs 27 THE MIGHTY VIPERS Sat June, Newhampton Arts Centre, 29 June, Albert’s Wolverhampton Shed, Shrewsbury THE MOUSETRAP Agatha Christie’s LYNRYD SKYNYRD Sun iconic thriller. Gwyneth Strong 30 June, Resorts REGINALD D HUNTER Wed 26 June, stars... Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June, Re- World Arena, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent COMBICHRIST Sun 30 MANDY KNIGHT, KEITH FARNAN PLUS HARPER REGAN Royal Birmingham June, The Mill Dig- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- beth, Birmingham SON Thurs 27 June, The Glee Club, Conservatoire present a tale of fam- Birmingham ily, love & delusion, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 ROCK BOTTOM Sun 30 June, Royal Birmingham Conserva- June, The Robin, Bil- CATHERINE BOHART & NICK DOODY toire ston Thurs 27 June, Midlands Arts Cen- tre, Birmingham DEADTOWN Film, live action and NELL BRYDEN Sun 30 magic combine to present the Wild June, Henry Tudor RHOD GILBERT Fri 28 June, Sym- West in a completely new way, Thurs House, Shrewsbury phony Hall, Birmingham 27 - Sat 29 June, The REP, B’ham CLAIRE L SHAW Sun 30 SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 28 June, The THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Shake- June, Albert’s Shed, Glee Club, Birmingham speare's controversial masterpiece is Combichrist - The Mill, Digbeth, Birmingham Shrewsbury MANDY KNIGHT, KEITH FARNAN, BOBBY transported to 1950s’ New York, a 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves 24 - 30 May.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:47 Page 2

Monday 24 - Sunday 30 June

city where communities are divided WUTHERING HEIGHTS Heartbreak Pro- by wealth and religion, Thurs 27 June ductions present an outdoor staging - Sat 13 July, Stafford Castle of Emily Bronte’s classic tale of love STILL FREEZIN’ Join the Fizzogs as & revenge, Sun 30 June, Eastnor they present a Black Country version Castle, Ledbury, Herefordshire of Disney blockbuster Frozen, Fri 28 June, Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Dudley A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM The Lord Chamberlain's Men perform this Kids Shows Shakespearean classic, Fri 28 June, Winterbourne House & Gardens, THE GRUFFALO Tall Stories’ musical Birmingham adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Schef- MEASURE FOR MEASURE Gregory fler, Tues 25 - Wed 26 June, Birming- Doran directs a new version of ham Hippodrome Shakespeare’s ‘problem play’, Fri 28 June - Thurs 29 Aug, Royal Shake- BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM A mu- speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon sical adventure featuring elves, princesses, games, songs & laughter 14/48 WOLVERHAMPTON 2019 The from the makers of Peppa Pig, Tues ‘world’s quickest theatre festival’, in 25 - Wed 26 June, Theatre Severn, which 14 new plays are written, di- Shrewsbury rected and performed within a 48- hour timespan, Fri 28 - Sat 29 June, DANNY CHAMPION OF THE WORLD David Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Wood’s award-winning version of Roald Dahl’s classic tale, Sat 29 The Strange Undoing Of Prudencia Hart - New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-Under-Lyme PLAYHOUSE PROJECT A series of spe- June, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- cially commissioned plays by leading Trent NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: playwrights directed by local primary Talks Released from Fri 28 June, showing school teachers and youth theatre di- PIRATES OF THE CURRY BEAN Stage It! at selected cinemas rectors, Fri 28 - Sat 29 June, The REP, Academy present a ‘thrilling adven- GYLES BRANDRETH: BREAK A LEG! Join Birmingham ture’ set on the high seas, Sun 30 the actor, author and ex-MP for an ANNABELLE COMES HOME (tbc) June, Tamworth Arts Centre THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA hour of 'wit, wisdom, high drama, low IN FABRIC (tbc) comedy, and hilarious name-drop- HART A journey of self-discovery that YESTERDAY (tbc) promises ‘to enchant your imagina- ping.' Sat 29 June, The Old Rep The- tions and take you into a magical atre, Birmingham world where anything is possible but Cabaret POETS AND STORYTELLERS ASSEMBLE nothing is as it seems’. Fri 28 June - Evening of poetry, storytelling and Events Sat 13 July, New Vic Theatre, New- THE DREAMBOYS The ‘UK’s most fa- spoken word, ‘brought to you by the castle-under-Lyme mous girls’ night out’, Thurs 27 June, best the Black Country has to offer’, UCAS BIRMINGHAM HIGHER EDUCATION GREYHOUNDS Production fusing The Prince of Wales Theatre, Can- Tues 25 June, Arena Theatre, Wolver- EXHIBITION Join hundreds of univer- Shakespeare’s famous story of ‘war- nock hampton sity representatives, employers and like Harry’ with the trials and tribula- CRAIG DAVIES ‘ONE MAN AND HIS MON- gap-year specialists, Mon 24 - Tues tions of village life during the Second KEY’ COMEDY MAGIC SHOW Ninety min- 25 June, NEC, Birmingham World War, Sat 29 June, RAF Mu- utes of ‘visual fast-paced comedy A SPECIAL 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WWI seum, Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton magic, gags, banter & audience par- MANSION TOUR Guided tour focusing THE M.M.O.R.P.G. SHOW - SCRUFFY ticipation’, Thurs 27 June, Stafford Film on the lives of the eighth Lord & Lady Gatehouse Theatre LOOKING NERD-HERDER Three brave INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Berwick during the First World War, volunteers play characters in a story TINA T’URNER TEA LADY & FREAKS! Fan- Fri 28 June, Attingham Park, Shrews- made entirely from audience partici- tasy, obsession & loss come to the COLETTE (15) Biography/Drama. Star- bury pation, with this year’s show focusing fore in this celebration of showbiz ring Keira Knightley, Fiona Shaw. UNDER 5'S DAY Featuring the famous on cults and group mentality, Sat 29 - and the surreal, Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Himley Beach, Music Bugs, Rugby Sun 30 June, The Old Joint Stock June, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, South Shropshire, Mon 24 June Tots, Creation Station, Baby Ballet, Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham SPEED (15) Action/Adventure. Star- Baby Glowbugs, mini First Aid, ani- ring Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper. mal corner with giant tortoises, enter- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon tainer Mad Dom, and much more, Fri 24 June 28 June, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME? (15) Biog- THE BIG EVENT The UK's largest dis- raphy/Comedy. Starring Melissa Mc- play of vehicles for disabled people, Carthy, Richard E. Grant. Stourbridge Fri 28 - Sat 29 June, NEC, B’ham Town Hall, Mon 24 June THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW SUMMER A ROCKETMAN (12a) Biography/Drama. ‘haven for knitting, cross stitch, paper Starring Taron Egerton, Bryce Dallas crafting, jewellery & dressmaking and Howard. Wem Town hall, North stitching enthusiasts’, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Shropshire, Fri 28 June June, NEC, Birmingham SWIMMING WITH MEN (12) THE LUDGATE FINANCE QUEEN VICTORIA Comedy/Drama. Starring Rob Bry- CYCLOCROSS Some of the UK’s top don, Rupert Graves. Forest Arts Cen- cyclo-cross riders ride modern bikes tre, Walsall, Tues 25 June through Blists Hill as part of a special STAN & OLLIE (15) Biography/Comedy. cycling event, Sat 29 June, Blists Hill Starring John C. Reilly, Shirley Hen- Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shrop- derson. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, shire South Shropshire, Fri 28 - Sat 29 VINTAGE MOTORSPORT FESTIVAL Cele- June bration of Donington Park’s rich pre- Bicycles And Fish - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton war Grand Prix heritage, Sat 29 June, whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves 24 - 30 May.qxp_Layout 1 20/05/2019 16:47 Page 3

thelist Monday 24 - Sunday 30 June Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby PLANT HUNTERS’ FAIR Featuring tradi- SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE… tionally grown plants for every type of Visit the confectionary garden, featur- garden, Sun 30 June, Cholmondeley ing a display of toffee, sweets and Castle, Whitchurch chocolate packaging from the last SWEET MEMORIES Enjoy a chocolate century, Sat 29 June, The Potteries ‘afternoon tea’ and with a nostalgic Museum & Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke- presentation about the sweet treats of on-Trent bygone childhoods, Sun 30 June, THE DATING SHOW The world’s first The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, consumer dating event, Sat 29 - Sun Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent 30 June, NEC, Birmingham OSWESTRY COLOUR RUN Run, walk or TUDOR DANCING AND NATIONAL GAR- skip through a course of multi- DENS SCHEME OPEN DAYS Meet the coloured paint stations, Sun 30 June, green-fingered people behind Harv- The British Ironwork Centre, Os- ington’s flora and fauna, Sat 29 - Sun westry, North Shropshire The Ludgate Finance Queen 30 June, Harvington Hall, Kiddermin- ster Victoria Cyclocross ARMED FORCES WEEKEND Celebrate Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 29 June Armed Forces Day with a weekend of For Foodies One of the UK’s most unusual cycle races, the Ludgate Finance nostalgic activities for the whole fam- Queen Victoria Cyclocross sees hundreds of riders from across the ily to enjoy, Sat 29 - Sun 30 June, SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL Featur- RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton ing 200 exhibitors, demos, chef country participating in several laps of a gruelling Blists Hill circuit that features cobbled streets, wooded trails and steep hills. STEP BACK TO THE 1940s Featuring a school, kids activities and a bigger, selection of day- better BBQ area, Sat 29 - Sun 30 As well as enjoying the cycling - for which the officials dress in time attractions June, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Victorian costume - visitors can also sample a selection of tradi- up and down the BIRMINGHAM RUM FESTIVAL Chat to tional Victorian entertainment, with barrel organs, steam engines line, Sat 29 - Sun experts and discover new rums, sip and a funfair all featuring. 30 June, Severn cocktails, enjoy live music and feast Anyone and everyone is welcome to join in with the cycling, but Valley Railway, on delicious street food, Sat 29 - Sun Bewdley, Nr Kid- 30 June, The Cuban Embassy, B’ham would-be participants should definitely be braced for a serious derminster challenge, as the cyclocross is a really tough off-road race.

66 whatsonlive.co.uk IBC Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 17:03 Page 1 BRB Hobsons Choice Full June 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2019 08:53 Page 1