Birmingham Cover July Dav 2017 .Qxp Birmingham Cover 26/06/2017 20:35 Page 1

Birmingham Cover July Dav 2017 .qxp_Birmingham Cover 26/06/2017 20:35 Page 1

CHAKA KHAN AT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands MOSTLY JAZZ FESTIVAL

Birmingham ISSUE 379 JULY 2017 BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON JULY 2017 ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On BirminghamWhatsOn.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

MISS SAIGON the heat is on as smash-hit musical lands in the Midlands TWITTER: JUSTIN MOORHOUSE brings adult-themed @WHATSONBRUM entertainment to The Old Rep FACEBOOK:@ WHATSONBIRMINGHAM

music,JQ FESTIVAL heritage and street food in the Jewellery Quarter BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK Old Rep F/P July 2017.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 11:43 Page 1 Contents July Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:16 Page 2

July 2017

Contents

Miss Saigon - smash-hit musical lands at the Hippodrome... feature on page 24

Making Space Blink 182 Summer Fun the list

Art and science collide in new Punk-pop favourites bring a Places to visit and things to do Your 16-page Thinktank exhibition taste of California to Brum during the school holidays... week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 page 40 page 53 inside:

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

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbirmingham Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Elly Yates-Roberts elly@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281733 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing,Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:17 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Birmingham Weekender in call to communities The organisers of Birmingham’s biggest arts festival, Birmingham Weekender, are inviting communities and citizens to get involved with the 2017 edition of the event (taking place from 22 to 24 September). “We want the citizens of Birmingham to make Birmingham Weekender their own,” said Festival Directors Graham Callister and Piali Ray in a joint statement, “showcasing their skills on the Culture Catwalk stage, performing as part of the Colours Of Birming- ham Parade and signing up to help us make the weekend happen as an event volunteer. What a way to experience Birmingham Week- ender - enjoying music, dance, culture from within our city and beyond as well as through becoming part of the Weekender themselves!” More information is available at birminghamweekender.com

Diana Vickers to star in Beauty app launched in vision and Live Nation, The Big Ticket Con- cert is hosted by fan-favourite dancers Trevor Dusty Springfield musical Birmingham Tordjman and Jordan Clark, best known for Former X Factor favourite Diana Vickers is to The UK’s largest and fastest-growing ‘on de- their roles in the tween drama, The Next star in a ‘heartwarming’ new musical show- mand’ beauty services company has Step. Trevor and Jordan are joined by a num- casing the songs of Dusty Springfield. launched in Birmingham. ber of fellow cast members, including Directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Known as the ‘Uber of the beauty world’, Taveeta, who’ll be performing her new single, Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood, Son Of blow LTD. offers customers hair and makeup Resurrection. A Preacher Man visits the city’s New Alexan- services direct to their door from 7am until Stars from Disney Channel UK’s hit series dra Theatre from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 late. The company has now expanded its in- The Lodge also feature, as do Backstage September. tuitive app into the second city, giving clients favourites McKenzie Small (Scarlett), Josh The production will feature a selection of the the chance to order professional treatments Bogert (Miles) and Aviva (Alya). late singer’s best-loved songs, including the to their home, office, hotel or event. For more information and to book tickets for famous title track with which she enjoyed a Commenting on the new development, Han- the show, visit barclaycardarena.co.uk transatlantic hit in 1968. nah Soll-Morris, Head of Expansion at blow Tickets for the show are on sale now and can LTD., said: “All of our beauty professionals be purchased at atgtickets.com/birmingham. are rigorously skills tested, vetted, CRB and Dudley museum Forging For more information about the production, insurance checked before they’re signed up, Ahead with lottery help visit sonofapreachermanmusical.com and only 10% of professionals who apply are Dudley’s Black Country Living Museum has invited to join the platform.” been given the green light for a £21.7million For more information, visit blowltd.com and project that will expand the size of the venue download the ‘blow LTD.’ app in the App by 30%. Store or Google Play. BCLM: Forging Ahead will see the creation of a major historic 1940s-to-1960s development, new learning Kids’ TV favourites set to spaces and im- star in the Midlands proved visitor fa- A touring concert featuring stars from some cilities. The of kids’ TV’s most popular shows is set to fin- long-term project ish youngsters’ summer holidays on a high has recently se- note when it visits Birmingham’s Barclaycard cured a £9.8mil- Arena on 2 September. lion grant from Presented by Disney Channel UK and Girl the National Lot- Talk Magazine in association with DHX Tele- tery. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:17 Page 2

First Word

Birmingham Fest back for fifth year Birmingham Fest is making a welcome return for a fifth year. The 17-day event brings together a wide range of shows and performances, with this year’s line- up of productions being presented at the Blue Orange and Crescent theatres and in the AE Harris Building. Comment- ing on the event, organiser Dar- ren Haywood said: “We have lots of shows and artists from across the UK, including some old favourites, but there’s lots of brand new work too. Many are one-off performances, so be sure not to miss them.” Birmingham Fest runs from 14 to 30 July. For more information, visit birminghamfest.co.uk Brum summer fun with the explosive Electric Swing Circus An afternoon concert of electro swing, speakeasy and balkan beats is being performed at macBirm- Fancy joining the ingham this month. Summer Swing Circus takes place in the venue’s outdoor arena and features, among other perform- School Of Rock? ers, the Electric Swing Circus. Boasting ‘an explosive sound that reverberates back through time’, the Aged between eight and 12? Play six-piece ESC will be hotfooting their way through everything from rock to electronica, house, big the drums, keys or the electric beat and rock’n’roll, all with their own unique style of swing. or bass guitar? Fancy being in The event takes place on Sunday 23 July. For more information, visit macbirmingham.co.uk Andrew Lloyd Webber’s smash- hit West End production of School Of Rock - The Musical? If you can answer yes to all New Culture Hospital charity launches new 5k walk three of these questions, then you’ll be delighted to know that Card Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity has launched a new event in as- the blockbuster show is holding launched in sociation with The Big Sleuth, the public art trail which will see 100 giant open auditions in Birmingham the Midlands bear sculptures being displayed around the city from Monday 10 July. on Saturday 15 July. The charity’s brand new Fun Family 5 is a 5k sponsored walk taking place To register your interest and for A Birmingham cultural at Boldmere Gate, Sutton Park, on Saturday 29 July. As well as the walk it- and heritage social more details, visit schoolofrock- self, the event will feature a wide range of attractions for families to themusical.co.uk/opencall media account is this month launching a enjoy, including bear-themed face painting, circus skills workshops, membership scheme bouncy castles and the unveiling of a Big Sleuth bear. giving card holders ex- Commenting on the event, Annie Eytle, Acting Events & Regional clusive offers, discounts Fundraising Manager at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, and access to the very said:“Every year, our hospital treats over 90,000 children and young peo- best arts, culture and ple from across the country. We’d love as many people as possible to sign heritage in the West up to Fun Family 5 and encourage their friends, family and colleagues to Midlands and beyond. sponsor them in support of our sick kids, ensuring we can continue to be For £12.95 a year, the world-class hospital that everyone knows and loves.” Brumpic’s Culture Card To find out more about Fun Family 5, email [email protected], call 0121 allows holders to access 333 8506 or visit funfamily5.bch.org.uk. offers and exclusive events at more than 30 of the region’s top destinations. The card will be available to purchase from Thursday 6 July at culturecard.uk

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First Word

Purple Rain set to fall City youth tackle on Birmingham terrorism... A multicultural cast of A touring show celebrating the music young people will this of Prince will stop off at the Birming- month tackle the impact of ham Hippodrome in March next year. terrorism when they present Presented by the producers of hit Steven Berkoff’s Requiem shows Hairspray, Motown The Musical For Ground Zero, a eulogy to and Thriller Live, Purple Rain will pay the thousands of victims of homage to the late star’s songwriting 9/11... Birmingham’s Stage2 genius and showmanship. theatre company first per- The show visits Birmingham from 27 to formed the work in 2004. 31 March. For more information, visit The ensemble will be repris- birminghamhippodrome.com ing the piece at the Crescent Studio in the city’s Brindley- place from 19 to 22 July. For more information, visit Kings Heath Photo contest to Capture Kings Heath Stage2.org Street Festival It’s all going on in Kings Heath this summer! As well as the street festival makes a return taking place for a fourth time (see news item to the left), the Birmingham Hosting Games suburb is also set to be the subject of a photographic competition. good for Brum Kings Heath Street Festival Capture Kings Heath, coordinated by Kings Heath Business Improve- will return for a fourth year ment District (BID), is inviting local photographers to show off their The Chair of the Steering in September. skills by submitting shots of the area, ‘from sunsets and sunrises over Group behind Birmingham’s The free-to-attend commu- the town to summer spots in the park or local community and independ- efforts to host the 2022 Com- nity event, which features ent businesses enjoying the warmer weather’. monwealth Games believes market stalls, live music, “Following on from the stunning images entered into the Spring Capture that a successful bid will traditional funfair rides, a Kings Heath competition, we can’t wait to see what the talented photog- significantly speed up the host of children’s activities, raphers of Birmingham will submit this summer,” says Kings Heath BID city’s existing development street food traders and out- Town Centre Manager Martin Mullaney. “With the weather warming up plans. door bars, will take place and the days getting longer, summer is the perfect opportunity to get out The Deputy Leader of Birm- on Sunday 10 September. there and Capture Kings Heath in all of its glory. You never know, your ingham City Council, Ian Commenting on the festi- photograph could be the front cover of the next Enjoy Kings Heath mag- Ward, said: “Hosting the val, Martin Mullaney, Town azine!” For more information, visit enjoykingsheath.com Games will accelerate Birm- Centre Manager for Kings ingham’s plans for homes, Heath Business Improve- jobs, services and infra- ment District (BID), which structure. Sitting at the organises the event, said: Tolkien movie trilogy at Moseley Park heart of the UK and stand- “The festival is a real high- Brace yourselves, Tolkien fans, there’s an exciting movie event coming ing for the diversity of the light of the BID calendar, your way... Commonwealth, with our bringing the community Coinciding with the Middle Earth Festival at nearby Sarehole Mill, Birm- population made up of over together to celebrate every- ingham’s Moseley Park is hosting special screenings of all three Lord Of 187 different nationalities thing Kings Heath has to The Rings films between 8 & 10 September. and with 314,000 West Mid- offer. This year it’s going to Each screening will begin at 7pm on each of the three evenings, with the lands residents born in a be bigger and better than event also featuring twilight orchestral performances by the Central Eng- Commonwealth country, we before, so make sure the land Camerata and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. are in a strong position to at- date is in your diary!” tract people to the Games and ensure that the benefits Mela magic returns to Smethwick park of hosting extend from the city and region to the UK More than 100 artists and groups are set to perform at this month’s and Commonwealth. Sandwell & Birmingham Mela, taking place in Victoria Park, Smethwick, “Our vision is brought to life on 1 & 2 July. through a new logo, which The weekend extravaganza features live international music perform- positions Birmingham as ances, stalls, food, arts, community showcases, workshops and a funfair. the heart of the UK, soul of Top billing at the 2017 edition of the festival is Bollywood actor Tiger the Commonwealth. Our Shroff and chart-topping artists Zack Knight, Sudesh Kumari, Dilpreet logo celebrates Birming- Dhillon and Hashmat Sultana. ham’s super-diversity and The event runs from 12 noon to 7pm on both days. youthful energy.” 6 whatsonlive.co.uk Gin Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:42 Page 2

by Lauren Cox

LET THE SUMMER BE-GIN Is there any better way to celebrate summer than by sipping an ice-cold G&T on a warm, sunny day? We think not. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the best gin bars in and around Birmingham. From parlours to distilleries and vaults to speakeasy bars, there are plenty of great venues to visit where it’s always Gin O’Clock.

40 St Paul’s The Jekyll & Hyde The Distillery This intimate gin bar - tucked Ever dreamed about drinking gin Formerly the Fiddler And Bone away near St Paul’s Square in the from a bathtub? This bar can make and opened in April this year by Jewellery Quarter, behind an 2 that dream a reality. 3 the owners of the Jewellery unassuming1 black door - stocks more than Follow the stairs up to Dr Jekyll’s Gin Quarter’s Button Factory, The Distillery is 140 hand-picked gins and provides a Parlour and be transported back in time to split over two floors and features an bespoke flavour-matching service. the Victorian era. expansive courtyard that’s ideal for 40 St Paul’s have developed their very own Open from Thursdays to Saturdays, this summertime G&Ts. As the canalside bar’s Hockley Tonic, meaning you’ll never again decadent bar serves a whole host of classic new name suggests, the venue is now have to worry about tonic ruining the gin cocktails, not to mention a sharing home to a distillery, producing signature flavour of your gin. cocktail for four, served in a mini-bathtub. small batch Roundhouse gin from copper They’ve also recently developed the The bar’s new menu features a Lily, Rose stills, ready to enjoy on the gin terrace. ultimate summertime drink - an and the Jack of Hearts cocktail, which Gin lovers can find out more about their Elderflower G&T slushie! consists of hibiscus-infused Mason’s Tea favourite drink and how to make cocktails The bar has a new menu on the way, with gin, in-house vermouth blend, apricot, rose at a gin masterclass. They can also craft owner Amanjot Johal assuring us that it’s and orange bitters. their own gin using miniature pot stills at going to be ‘something special’. 28 Steelhouse Ln, Birmingham B4 6BJ Birmingham’s first gin school, launching 40 Cox St, Birmingham B3 1RD this month. 4 Sheepcote St, Birmingham B16 8AE

The Gin Vault Simpsons Bar Flave This one-year-old hidden gem is Located in the heart of the Royal Opened in November last year, situated alongside the canal and Town of Sutton Coldfield, this Solihull-based cocktail 4 offers an oasis of gin. 5 Simpsons Bar is a new lounge underwent a small The Gin Vault currently stocks the most gins establishment opened by the family of local renovation6 in May to introduce a new gin in Birmingham - a staggering 155, and the pop star Brad Simpson from The Vamps. bar. Flave stocks more than 40 dry, floral, number may even increase! The luxurious speakeasy-style venue seats 50 fruity and citrus gins and provides twists on The intimate bar, complete with warm and people and offers table service, with classic gin cocktails such as Martini and inviting decor, hosts live music every Friday knowledgeable bar staff providing White Lady by using different flavoured gins. night. recommendations from a lengthy menu According to General Manager Corie Grant, a Take advantage of two house doubles and featuring 72 gins (including the specialist Larios Rose Gin Martini is ‘particularly any three tapas from £18.95 Sunday to Friday and premium variety and gin-based delicious’. between midday and 7pm, and doubles for cocktails). If that’s still not enough gin for The boutique bar regularly hosts live music singles all day and night every Tuesday. you, they also regularly host gin-tasting in its stunning art deco lounge. 16 Gas St, Birmingham B1 2JT evenings and other special events. 50 Station Rd, Solihull B91 3RX 7a High St, Sutton Coldfield B72 1XH

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FEATURE MAKING

Art and science collide in Thinktank’s out-of-this-worldSPACE summer exhibits

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Museum of the Moon DPS-2.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:40 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

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

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

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

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Food

Sutton Coldfield hotel teams up with Scottish whisky distillery Sutton Coldfield’s Moor Hall Hotel & Spa is teaming up with one of the world’s most respected Scottish independent distilleries to present a five-course din- ner. Specially crafted by head chef Nigel Parnaby, each dish will be teamed with a dram from the Ian Macleod Distillers repertoire. The event is taking place on Thursday 20 July. Tickets cost £59 per head and can be purchased via moorhallhotel.co.uk

The roasted corn provided not trying dessert. only an additional texture but a We shared the mango mess with flavour combination that was en- whipped cream and passion fruit tirely new to me. It was an ex- and the dulce de leche cheese- tremely tasty starter. cake served with hot salted dulce My partner opted for a selection de leche and toasted marshmal- of sausages - Argentine chorizo, low. Suffice it to say that al- pork and honey, lamb merge and though Gaucho specialises in beef, piquillo pepper and chipo- beef, its desserts are pretty sen- tle were the four he chose from sational too! the six available options. They Our waiter was exceptional. He were all delicious, and an accu- explained each cut of beef, giv- rate indicator of the quality of ing an example of the size and cuisine that was to follow. the taste, and also advised about For my main course, I chose which wine would be most suit- 300g of fillet. The beef was ten- able. He selected a delicious Mal- der and cooked to absolute per- bec to accompany my meal. It fection. It provided a beautiful was one of the nicest reds I’ve melt-in-the-mouth sensation and ever had the pleasure of drinking REVIEW: Gaucho was by far the best fillet steak - just as you might expect of a I’ve had to date. wine that cost £17.25 per 175ml High-end restaurant chain is a meat My partner opted for a 500g cut glass. eater’s paradise in the heart of the city of Tire De Ancho, a spiral cut rib- I can't recommend Gaucho eye, slow grilled with highly enough. Boasting a re- Situated in the heart of the city’s cheese-filled bread and chimichurri, that was just incred- laxed atmosphere and phenome- business district, high-end Chimichurri - a traditional Ar- ible! The meat was seasoned per- nal food, it is, quite simply, a restaurant chain Gaucho opened gentinian sauce. fectly, packed full of flavour and meat eater’s paradise. I can’t its doors in Birmingham at the While famous for its steaks, Gau- definitely the highlight of the wait to return to this outstanding beginning of May. cho also offers a selection of evening. restaurant to sample more of the With a reputation built around seafood and fish dishes, prime Each steak was served with a exquisite food and drink it has its expertise with quality Argen- home-made sausages and a choice of fat chips, thin chips or on offer. Lauren Foster tinian beef, Gaucho’s newest ad- range of lamb and poultry. salad. Both my partner and I dition boasts 120 covers and To start, I chose the Scallops Suc- opted for the chips. As with the Food: nnnnn benefits from contemporary cotash - scallops served on a bed beef, they were cooked to perfec- Service: nnnnn decor inspired by the giant of roasted fresh corn, nduja, tion. We also shared a side of Ambience: nnnnn Ombu trees of rural Argentina. smoked paprika and fresh lime. button and chestnut mushrooms. Overall value nnnnn The stunning interior allied to The scallops were divine and of a Cooked in beef fat, garlic, chilli OVERALL nnnnn the low lighting ensured that we and thyme, they were the perfect reasonable size - I often find Gaucho felt relaxed from the moment we accompaniment to the beef. restaurants skimp on this. They 55 Colmore Row walked through the door. were cooked perfectly. Sealed We were so impressed with the Birmingham Shown to our table by the nicely on the outside yet soft on quality of the food that despite B3 2AA friendly receptionist, we perused the inside, they showcased just being suitably full, we decided Tel: 0121 439 9236 the menu over some warm the right amount of seasoning. we really couldn’t leave without

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Food

New vegan fast food Marco Pierre White opens new Midlands steakhouse concept for Birmingham Three times Michelin-starred celebrity chef of premium cocktails, all delivered with Marco’s A 100% vegan, plant-based fast-casual Marco Pierre White has opened a new unique flair. food concept is coming to Birmingham Steakhouse Bar & Grill restaurant in four-star “My restaurants are not pretentious,” says city centre. hotel The Best Western Plus Manor, located in Marco. “Instead they are about enjoying your Expected to open in August, Fressh will Meriden, near Solihull. evening, with excellent food and drink in serve speciality granary blend coffee, a A popular venue for local food lovers and hotel luxurious, relaxed surroundings, and quite variety of breakfast options and a range guests, the restaurant’s menu features simply having a good time.” of salads, burgers and baked fries, signature MPW steaks, timeless English and The Meriden restaurant is Marco’s 24th including the ‘What the Guac’ burger, French classics and a comprehensive selection Steakhouse to open in the UK. comprising guacamole, tortilla strips and ‘a secret sauce’. Other hot dishes include the Mac N’ Cheese with a creamy sauce, and a Meatball Sub in marinara sauce topped with vegan mozzarella.

American-style diner launches new menu American-influenced diner and speakeasy-style bar Buffalo & Rye has launched a new menu. The Birmingham venue’s latest offering includes pulled pork bon bons, buffalo prawn lollipops and buffalo reuben hash. Smoke house favourites such as St Louis ribs, olive & herb pulled lamb and butter milk chicken burgers also feature on the extensive menu. New vegetarian options at popular Mailbox restaurant Sabai Sabai to open Tom’s Kitchen at Birmingham’s Mailbox has fourth Thai eatery launched a brand new summer menu featuring a host of seasonal dishes. Award-winning Thai restaurant Sabai A key element of the menu - which has been Sabai has announced that it’s opening created by Michelin-starred Tom Aikens, the a fourth venue, its third in Birming- restaurant’s owner and head chef - is the ham, in the city centre later this year. introduction of a number of vegetarian dishes. Owned by husband-and-wife team These include Norfolk asparagus with Torquil and Juree Chidwick and situ- landcress salad, summer truffles, a cacklebean ated on Waterloo Street - a prime loca- egg yolk finished with spelt granola and a tion near other popular eateries such as courgette dukkah and raw fennel salad served Cosy Club and Fumo - the new venue is with turmeric and saffron dressing. set to open in the autumn. For meat eaters, roast breast of duck and grilled baby spatchcock chicken are among the new additions. A full gluten-free menu is available on request.

Turkish restaurant opens in historic Jewellery Quarter A new Turkish restaurant has opened in Birm- The menu includes traditional kebabs, chicken ingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter. dishes and seafood, as well as a tasty variety of Formerly Bistro O Clock, Cappadocia is situated Turkish treats for vegetarians and vegans. Tra- on Frederick Street, just a few metres from the ditional Turkish desserts like baklava and sut- iconic Chamberlain clock, and offers diners an lac (rice pudding) also feature. authentic Turkish taste. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS July BIRMINGHAM .qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:19 Page 1

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Gigs

Kevin Devine The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, Wed 12 July Known for penning numbers on introspective and political themes, Brooklyn-born songwriter and musician Kevin Devine recently released his ninth full-length album, Instigator. With influences ranging from older indie artists such as Neutral Milk Hotel and Pave- ment to more mainstream acts like Nirvana and Bob Dylan, Devine visits Birmingham as part of a six-date UK tour.

Linkin Park following the release of debut album Hybrid Theory in the year 2000. Best known for sin- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 6 July gles Numb, In The End and What I’ve Done, Hailing from Agoura Hills in California, rock they’re this month visiting Birmingham in band Linkin Park rose to international fame support of new album One More Light.

UFO Chuck Prophet Blink 182 Birmingham Town Hall, Thurs 27 July Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Tues 25 July Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Friday 7 July Formed in 1969 by vocalist Phil Mogg, drum- Prophet first came to prominence in Ameri- Perhaps best known for their high-energy live mer Andy Parker, guitarist Mick Bolton and can psychedelic/desert rock group Green On shows and irreverent toilet humour, punk- bassist Pete Way, UFO’s global breakthrough Red, with whom he toured and recorded in pop favourites Blink 182 came to prominence arrived four years later, following the arrival the 1980s. in the early 1990s. of German guitarist Michael Schenker. This month sees him return to Europe in The band have sold over 12 million albums in Schenker was the catalyst for a hat-trick of support of his 13th album, Bobby Fuller the US and more than 35 million worldwide. album successes - Phenomenon (1974), Died For Your Sins. Describing the new They’re currently basking in the glory of their Force It (1975) and No Heavy Pettin’ (1976). record as ‘California noir’, Chuck states: recent UK and US chart success, California. Their latest offering is A Conspiracy Of “Doomed love, inconsolable loneliness, rags Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls and The Stars, an album that brings together meaty to riches to rags again, and fast-paced vio- Front Bottoms support. riffs, intelligent lyrics and a laid-back atti- lence are always on the menu on the Left tude - a combination which has served the Coast.” band well for almost half a century. Support comes from The Mission Express.

Roy Hemmings The HOUSE at The REP, Birmingham, Fri 14 July Drifters star Roy G Hemmings brings his latest stage show to the Midlands. The Sounds Of Philadelphia And Motown includes songs by The Temptations, Four Tops, The Supremes, The Ojays, Stevie Wonder and (of course) The Drifters

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Classical

Dame Evelyn Glennie Igor Levit Performs Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 10 July Shostakovich’s 24 There’s certainly nothing middle of the Preludes and Fugues road about Dame Evelyn Glennie. Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 5 July The Scottish-born 51-year-old was the first The full-cycle of Shostakovich’s 24 Pre- full-time solo percussionist in the world ludes and Fugues is here performed by and the first classical musician to have the outstanding Russian-German pianist, her own website. She’s also the proud Igor Levit. Shostakovich’s marathon work owner of a staggering 2,000-plus musical was a homage to Bach, drawing its inspi- instruments. ration from the latter’s set of 48 preludes If you add to that list of fascinating facts and fugues, The Well-Tempered Clavier. numerous other terrific titbits - she speaks ‘Buchan tongue’, a language used only in the North East of Scotland, plays the Great Highland Bagpipes and owns her own tar- tan, the delightfully named Rhythms Of Evelyn Glennie - it becomes clear that you’ll be spending the evening in the company of a truly remarkable woman. If you’re looking for a musical experience which is just that little bit different, then this is most definitely a concert to catch.

The People’s Orchestra: CBSO Youth Orchestra The Hallé Orchestra Superhero Symphonies Academy Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 7 July New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 30 July The Manchester-based Hallé has been a Sat 22 July real force to be reckoned with since per- Look! Up on the stage! It’s a bird! It’s a forming its first concert over 150 years plane! No, it’s The People’s Orchestra, mak- ago. Although the orchestra is renowned ing their debut appearance at Birmingham’s for its affinity with English music - partic- New Alexandra Theatre! ularly the works of Elgar and Delius - it At a time when heroes are very much the turns its attention on this particular occa- order of the day, not only on the cinema sion to compositions by Strauss (Don screen but also in an ever more dangerous Juan), Rachmaninov (Paganini Variations) world, the West Bromwich-based ensemble and Beethoven (Symphony No3). here present a concert that showcases The Hallé’s Principal Guest Conductor, soundtracks from movies including Super- Ryan Wigglesworth (pictured), is the man man, Batman and Spider-Man. with the baton; the pianist is the highly They also perform a live accompaniment to rated Andrew Tyson. an all-new X-Men fan film, Cable: Chroni- cles Of Hope... Why not grab your cowl’n’- cape and get along... The bright young things of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s youth academy once again pick up their instruments to present a concert that’s been described as ‘a plunge into the dark heart of the 20th century’. Michael Seal conducts an evening of music which includes Stravinsky’s Sym- phony in Three Movements and Shostakovich’s ninth symphony, two works that provide differing perspectives on the horrors of the Second World War. Samuel Barber’s exceptional Cello Con- certo completes the programme. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 11:50 Page 1

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Festivals

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

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

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Festivals

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

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

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Tom Robinson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:39 Page 1

FEATURE

Faith, Folk & Anarchy Tom Robinson reunites with former bandmates at Shrewsbury Folk Festival Tom Robinson DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/06/2017 10:39 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

It’s been 40 years since Tom Robinson shot to “Steve and I do bump into each other at folk Anyone can submit a track to Robinson for chart success with his first single, 2-4-6-8 Mo- events and occasionally get up and sing to- consideration both on his show and on the in- torway, an anniversary he’s set to celebrate gether, but I haven’t seen as much of Martyn dependent Fresh On The Net blog he runs with a new tour in October. because he works across the Atlantic so much. with a growing team of enthusiastic contribu- Since 1977, the singer, songwriter and bassist He’s gigging almost non-stop, except when tors. has gone on to enjoy a varied and prolific ca- he’s rescuing children in remote parts of the “It’s really nice having a separate outlet where reer working on both sides of the music indus- world. He’s an amazing man, Martyn - the ac- we can get behind stuff that the BBC wouldn’t try. Now a familiar voice on BBC Radio 6 as tivism and the charity work he does just puts necessarily play. We have 20 moderators, and well as the founder of the pioneering Fresh On the rest of us to shame.” about a dozen active in any given week, so The Net blog, he’s spent the last few years cul- As a keen folk fan himself, Tom’s also hoping anyone who sends us a track between Monday tivating a reputation for championing new to check out some of the other acts appearing and Thursday will be listened to by those 12. I music, though in 2015 he surprised fans by re- at Shrewsbury this year, though he confesses don’t think there’s anywhere else on the web leasing his first studio album in nearly 20 he hasn’t yet had time to properly investigate that guarantees submissions will be heard by years. the line-up. that many people of all different tastes. It pro- But it’s as part of a much more short-lived trio “Musically, most of the really interesting stuff vides a safety net, so there’s little chance of that he’s appearing at Shrewsbury Folk Festi- I hear coming through at 6 Music is roots and anything getting missed in the deluge, and val this summer - a surprise rekindling of the acoustic. There’s a whole generation of folk even if I don’t like something, someone else Faith, Folk And Anarchy project that saw him artists in their 20s and 30s who are really in- might go completely crazy for it.” collaborate with Martyn Joseph and Show Of novating in terms of the noise they’re making - Not content with only operating a ground- Hands’ Steve Knightley in the early noughties. people like Sam Lee or Eliza Carthy. Even an breaking music blog, Robinson has fully em- Initially unsure about a reunion, the group apparently traditional duo like Will Pound braced online media and its many tools, were eventually won over to the idea by the or- and Eddy Jay - they play harmonica and accor- crowdfunding his last album, Only The Now, ganisers’ enthusiasm. dion, and you think, what could be more of a via PledgeMusic, as well as finding its graphic “It was Shrewsbury’s idea,” says Robinson. finger-in-the-ear, folky cliché than that? But designer by networking on social media. “There was somebody in the management of technically and stylistically, they’re really “It’s the future for all of us now - I don’t think the festival who thought, ‘I remember that - it pushing the boundaries of those instruments, music is different from anything else. We all was great!’” and it’s absolutely breathtaking. have to find our way in a world where it’s get- Faith, Folk And Anarchy was the title given to “I think there’s a misperception and a great ig- ting harder and harder to get paid for your the only album the trio ever recorded, in 2001. norance out in the wider world about what work, but at the same time, your potential for The accompanying 2002 tour was then fol- folk is and what it can be, partly because the finding a worldwide audience is expanding lowed by a brief reunion two years later. BBC doesn’t cover it enough. It only gives us exponentially.” one hour a week of folk music on Radio Two, “It was a very special project because it was Promoting other people’s work might take up which is nothing when you consider that there three lead singers, and I hadn’t really been in most of his time these days, but as his family are more folk festivals in this country than any that kind of situation since the early ’70s. has grown up and moved out, he’s found him- other kind of music festival. I think there are Steve and Martyn are also both fantastic song- self with more time to pursue new endeav- just under 400 every year in England alone, writers, and so we had the output of three ours, leading to the release of his 2015 album. and then another hundred or so in Scotland, songwriters’ brains instead of just one. There’s For now, however, he’s focusing on a com- Wales and Ireland, so there’s a phenomenal a big difference between that and singing pletely different project. demand and appetite for this music out there, backing vocals or playing bass on someone “Recently I’ve been trying to write a memoir, which the BBC should be paying more atten- else’s songs. But almost immediately after that but I’m not getting very far with it at the mo- tion to.” first tour, I got the job at 6 Music. Steve and ment. I’ve had quite a strange, very blessed Martyn both had busy schedules too, so it was Fortunately, as a BBC Radio DJ himself, Robin- life over the years, from my first nervous hard to find time to put together any more son has gone some way towards plugging this breakdown at the age of 16 to living in East dates. This is just a one-off, but in a way I gap on his own show, although with around Germany in my 30s, plus all the bizarre and think that’s quite nice because it makes it all 200 tracks a week to listen to from across all interesting people I’ve met. So there is a story the more special.” different genres, folk can only account for a there that I’d like to get written down before I fraction of the music that he plays. Thirteen years after the band’s last outing, shuffle off this mortal coil. But it’s hard be- Robinson is looking forward not only to work- “I feel a bit like a poacher turned gamekeeper, cause as you get into your 60s, it’s a race ing with his former bandmates again, but also having spent a good 30 years on the outside, against declining memory!” to enjoying a good catch-up. knocking on doors and trying to get my own music onto Radio One. But to now be on the “I’ve never been as relaxed and at home on other side and to be the person making the stage as I was on that first tour with Faith, Tom Robinson performs with Faith, Folk & calls about what gets included and what does- Folk And Anarchy because the whole thing Anarchy at Shrewsbury Folk Festival on n’t, I’ve learned so much about the mechanics was founded on our friendship. When you’re Monday 28 August. of it, what’s needed and why some things just on stage with your mates, none of you is For the full festival line-up, visit work or don’t.” trying to prove anything. shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Comedy July 2017.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:02 Page 1

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

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

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

Comedy

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

Luisa Omielan Geoff Norcott

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

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

FEATURE

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

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

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

by Heather Kincaid

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

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

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

£10 Relaxed Jungle Book

Performance Thu 20 Jul

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

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

Part of

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

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

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

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

Peter Pan Jnr Curious Creatures ration from the themes of archaeology, history and discovery, How Time Flies provides The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 22 July mac, Birmingham, Thurs 27 July children with the chance to help an eccentric Fly away to Neverland with the boy who Performing fleas, skateboarding snails, gym- team of archaeologists uncover the hidden wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- nastic gerbils and all manner of other ‘curi- truth behind an ancient skeleton. The show lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the ous creatures’ abound in this lively show that combines original songs, puppetry and story- down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and be- aims to uncover the mysteries of the animal telling, and is suitable for youngsters aged ware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a kingdom. It’s presented by Squashbox The- between three and 11. very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he atre, which in reality is Penzance-based solo swallowed a clock!)... XcelShowbiz’s brand performer Craig Johnson. “Animals are amaz- new, all-singing, all-dancing version of JM ing” explains Craig. “There are big ones, little Mister Maker And Barrie’s legendary story is here presented by ones, scaly ones, furry ones, friendly ones The Shapes Live some of the Midlands' best young talent, with and scary ones! There are over eight million Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 8 July different species of animal on earth today, performers ranging in age from six to 18. CBeebies presenter Phil Gallagher is out on and in this show we're going to meet all of tour with the character that made his name. them! Well, okay, maybe not all of them but Phil’s Mister Maker combines slapstick com- certainly quite a few!” Billionaire Boy edy with all manner of art projects in the The production is suitable for children aged Brueton Park, Solihull, Tues 25 - Wed 26 July BAFTA-nominated children’s television se- three and older. Although Heartbreak Productions are best ries. known for their outdoor presentations of He’s joined for this latest live show by ‘a fab- Shakespeare plays, the company also tours a ulous supporting cast’ who encourage the selection of other stage works, one of which grown-ups as well as the kids to sing, dance is this adaptation of David Walliams’ best- and make some noise. A great way to inspire selling children’s book. your youngsters to ‘get crafty’. Heartbreak have impressive form when it comes to Walliams’ work, having previously The Showstoppers’ presented critically acclaimed, under-the- stars versions of Ratburger and Mr Stink. Kids Show For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells Lichfield Garrick, Sat 15 July the tale of how Mr Spud made and lost his This improvised musical show for children of billions, and how his son, Joe, became the all ages is presented by West End performers richest boy in the world... Suitable for chil- The Showstoppers. dren aged seven and older. “We take kids’ ideas and turn them into mar- How Time Flies vellous, musical adventures from scratch,” explain the Olivier Award-winning ensemble, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 20 July “right away and in front of your very noses. The company presenting this quirky new Together, we’ll explore magical kingdoms, as show is the well-regarded HandMade The- you decide where the story is set, what hap- atre, an ensemble that specialises in interac- pens next and who the characters are. You tive productions designed to engage can even join us on stage if you want!” audiences in unusual ways. Taking its inspi- whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Film July Two Pages.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:01 Page 1

Film

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

Film highlights released in July...

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

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

Film highlights released in July...

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

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

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

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

FEATURE

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

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

by Lauren Cox

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Visual Arts July - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 14:59 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

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

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts July - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 15:00 Page 2

Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Ironbridge at 50 DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:33 Page 1

FEATURE

FURNACE, FIRE

ANDShropshire celebrates 50STEAM Years of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums Trust

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

38 whatsonlive.co.uk Ironbridge at 50 DPS MM.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:33 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

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

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

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

by Heather Kincaid

tival. In terms of artistic disciplines, crossing dum are still far from being resolved, after in- live art, drama, physical theatre, dance, cir- borders can help us to create something very terviewing people on Birmingham’s streets, cus and more, with opportunities to see four rich.” Oyarzun believes voters on both sides are shows in a single day, there are also work- Among the most striking manifestations of now beginning to tire of the debate. shops running daily and post-show live the Borders theme will be Asingeline by Ger- “Since Brexit has been in the news and every- music playing until late each night. And of man company Mameza. This community pro- where constantly, the vision of Europe has be- course, BE Festival’s famous interval dinners ject-cum-interactive installation takes the come very politicised - when you think of are a crucial part of the schedule. Taking form of a single, straight line of red tape, laid Europe here, the first thing you think of is place between the second and third shows of down by the artists over the course of a few Brexit. But actually, it’s about many more the evening, they’re held in a large, open days and arriving at the theatre in time for the things than that, and with this festival and space, with unreserved bench seating at long festival opening. the theme of Borders we’re trying to share tables, in a bid to encourage everyone to meet and talk to new people. “They go through shops, they go through with audiences another idea of Europe - one houses - just about anywhere!” says Aguilar. that is political, of course, but also one that is The warmth, friendliness and commitment to “It’s a piece which tries to bring people into fun, that is about sharing and making con- nurturing new talent at BE keeps both staff the theatre, but also works the other way by nections and discovering things about our- and visitors returning year on year, some- taking theatre out into the streets. They’ve selves through the eyes of other people.” times in very different capacities. Working done this in many cities around the world, This spirit of playful interaction, conversation with young people as part of 2017’s BE Next but it’s never been done in the UK before, so and co-operation extends to subverting tradi- scheme is Anna Howard Himali, who has a I’m really looking forward to seeing how it tional audience-artist relationships, both dur- long history with the event. works in Birmingham.” ing the shows themselves and in the friendly, “Anna started as one of our volunteers when “We’re offering free tickets for people whose informal spaces between them where visitors, she was 17,” explains Oyarzun. “Then she houses are crossed by the line,” adds artists, programmers and organisers alike all worked with us as part of the organisation Oyarzun. “The idea is to connect up an area come together to unwind, break bread and before becoming a REP Foundry artist. Now of the city with low artistic engagement to the start discussions. she’s working in London as a director!” venue, so in this case it will be going from La- “One of the main aims of the festival is that “It’s a beautiful thing,” adds Aguilar. “We’ve dywood to the REP through Brindleyplace.” everybody talks about what they’ve seen,” worked with lots of young people who’ve vol- Another interactive piece called British says Aguilar. “It’s not always easy to create a unteered and gone on to run their own ven- Enough? plays on the idea of national iden- space where artists can talk with audiences tures. At that age, it can help to open a tity, taking its cues from official tests that directly, but I think it’s very important to open window, so if someone really wants to en- non-British nationals must now pass in order conversations and break down the barrier be- gage and come back, we always try to facili- to adopt UK citizenship. tween them. Part of the reason artists want to tate that.” bring their work here is that we create a kind “It’s a site-specific project made especially for “There was a quote from one journalist who of hub where they get to stay for the whole the REP through a collaboration between described BE as ‘an experience that goes be- week, see all of the works and really experi- Kristina Cranfield and Foolish People,” yond theatre’,” says Oyarzun, “and that re- ence the city.” Oyarzun explains. “Audiences will go through ally speaks to what we’re trying to achieve a series of tests inspired by the British citizen- “The artists that come here do so with a spirit here. We try to put art at the centre of some- ship test, and depending on the results, they of sharing and trying to develop new audi- thing even bigger, which is about the experi- will then be taken to a series of secret loca- ences for contemporary work,” adds Oyarzun. ence and the encounter and sharing and tions in the building, It’s a great way to dis- “We encourage them to make themselves celebrating the crossing of borders together.” cover parts of the REP you’ve never seen available to audiences and to really take on before. Some of the staff have never even board their comments. I think that’s what’s been to these places, so it should be really lovely about this festival - there’s a different fun.” kind of ethos than you’d find at a normal BE Festival takes place at the Birmingham event where you just go and see shows.” REP from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 July. But though the questions of identity, security and cohesion thrown up by the EU referen- As well as a dazzlingly diverse programme of Summer Fun Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:30 Page 1

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

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

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

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MORE SUMMER FUN...

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

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

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

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Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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Events

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

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

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Events previews from around the region

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

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

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Your week by week listings guide July 2017 thelist

Céline Dion at Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham - Thursday 27 July

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

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

The Vamps at O2 Academy, Birmingham & Solihull Jazz & Brindleyplace Film Festival in Joe McElderry at New Birmingham Blues Festival Brindleyplace Alexandra Theatre Sat 1 July Fri 14 - Sun 23 July Mon 17 - Sun 23 July Thurs 27 July

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July THROUGHOUT JULY Gigs

mixed-media, Mon 17 July - Sat 9 KINGS HEATH FAKE FES- Visual Arts Sept TIVAL Sat 1 July, Kings NEW PORTRAIT PRIZE 2017 Exhibition Heath Park, B’ham Birmingham Museum & providing artists with the opportunity GARETH GATES Sat 1 Art Gallery to show their work and the chance to July, Lichfield Garrick be rewarded for their talents, Thurs OPIUM LORD, WREN, BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN 27 July - Sat 19 Aug THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People FVNERALS & KHOST Sat 1 July, The Flapper, explores the ways in which ordinary The Barber Institute Birmingham people have been repre- Birmingham ONLY LIGHT AND SHADOW This display sented in art during the 20th and 21st SHOOT THE SYMPHONY, Soweto Kinch - Birmingham Town Hall centuries. Change in the Inner City of examples from the Barber’s collec- THE MOJO FILTERS & focuses on the four inner-city wards tion places five of Goya’s enigmatic MIDDLE SPACE Sat 1 JUST FLOYD Sun 2 July, Hare & Hounds, of Ladywood, which include works among those by other Spanish July, The Sunflower The Robin, Bilston Birmingham artists - including Picasso and Miró - Nechells, Soho, Aston and Lady Lounge, Birmingham RICK ASTLEY Sun 2 THE SUBTERRANEANS who also delved into ideas of light I WANT! I WANT!: ART & TECHNOLOGY A July, Delamere Forest, Fri 7 - Sat 8 July, The and shadow through subject matter MUNCH Sat 1 July, curated selection from the Arts Coun- Northwich, Cheshire Jam House, B’ham and printmaking, until Sun 22 Oct Hare & Hounds, cil Collection - with key loans from Birmingham JOANNA EDEN Sun 2 THE ELO EXPERIENCE Fri other major collections - that pre- GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE IN BYZAN- INSTAJAM THE REUNION July, Kitchen Garden 7 July, mac, B’ham sents the work of contemporary TIUM Discover Byzantium - the once- SUMMER Sat 1 July, O2 Cafe, Birmingham ELBOW Fri 7 July, Can- artists using new technologies, until great empire whose glittering capital Institute, Birmingham TONY BENNETT nock Chase Forest, Sun 1 Oct was the city of Constantinople Mon 3 (today’s Istanbul) - through this in- MOTOWN'S GREATEST July, Symphony Hall, Staffordshire triguing exploration of its coinage HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS Birmingham THE UB40 EXPERIENCE and economy, until Sun 18 Mar 2018 Sat 1 July, New CROW BLACK CHICKEN Fri 7 July, The Road- BOM (B’ham Open Media) Alexandra Theatre, Mon 3 July, The Robin, house, Birmingham A WHITE HOUSE ON PARADISE STREET Birmingham Bilston Other VISUAL ARTS SOWETO KINCH Fri 7 Exhibition inspired by what may be QUILL Sat 1 July, The JESSE MALIN Mon 3 July, Birmingham the first Daguerreotype image made MAKING SPACE: CELEBRATING WOMEN Core Theatre, Solihull July, The Rainbow Town Hall in Birmingham, and potentially the AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM THE HURLING BOYS Sat Venues, Birmingham CHRIS BOWDEN Fri 7 first in England using the Daguerreo- Celebrating the achievements of in- 1 July, Irish Centre, THE DANBERRYS July, Symphony Hall, type process (invented in 1839 by spiring women from the University of Tues 4 Birmingham Birmingham Louis Daguerre, using silver-plated Birmingham, until Fri 21 July, Birm- July, Kitchen Garden copper), until Sat 19 Aug ingham City University OUR WORLD BELOW Sat Cafe, Birmingham BLINK 182 Fri 7 July, 1 July, The Slade Barclaycard Arena, THE DUTCH WINDOW The first solo pre- CATHERINE NIGHTIN- Rooms, W’hampton Birmingham Ikon Gallery sentation in the UK of work GALE & OZ MCGOWAN Tues 4 July, The Jam SHEELA GOWDA Indian artist Sheela by Seecum Cheung, until Sat 22 July, KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 1 THE REGULARS, SPILT House, Birmingham Gowda’s exhibition at Ikon is a con- Grand Union, Birmingham July The Robin, MILK SOCIETY, AL- Bilston TRAVIS SCOTT FRESCO LOVE SOUNDS & sidered response to the gallery’s ar- VERITY MILLIGAN Showcasing 15 stun- Tues 4 JACK TOOP Sat 8 July, chitecture, until Sun 3 Sept ning images of iconic Birmingham lo- TOM JONES Sat 1 July, July, O2 Academy, Birmingham The Sunflower JOHN STEZAKER - HORSE John's video, cations by renowned photographer Delamere Forest, Lounge, Birmingham Horse, will be screened in Ikon’s Verity Milligan. This is Verity’s first Northwich, Cheshire ELECTUS Wed 5 July, Tower Room. It consists of 3,600 im- solo exhibition in the city, until Sat 29 JUST FLOYD Sat 1 July, The Robin, Bilston THE REBEL MASSIVE Sat ages of various horses from a side July, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- Route 44, Birmingham LINKIN PARK Thurs 6 8 July, Route 44, Birm- ter ingham angle, taken from the front page of THE BIG CHRIS BARBER July, Barclaycard the same racehorse catalogue over LOOKING UP, LOOKING DOWN: THE BAND Sat 1 Jul, Artrix, Arena, Birmingham ARCHIE HAMILTON, SEB the past 30 years. Near-identical pic- EARTH, MOON, SUN AND BEYOND! Exhi- Bromsgrove JANE TAYLOR Thurs 6 ZITO, LOPASKI Sat 8 tures are projected at 23 frames per bition bringing together a selection of July, Kitchen Garden July, The Rainbow second, creating a shaking and flick- HENRY WU Sat 1 July, objects from Birmingham’s collection Cafe, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham ering portrait of a horse, until Sun 3 Hare & Hounds, looking at how artists and scientists TITAN OF TITANS Sat 8 Sept Birmingham T'PAU FEATURING CAROL have explored the skies, until Sun 1 July, Hare & Hounds, BIRMINGHAM CITY DECKER Thurs 6 July, Oct, Thinktank at Millennium Point Birmingham COUNCIL CHOIR-SUM- The Robin, Bilston mac, Birmingham 100 VIEWS OF BIRMINGHAM Exhibition MER CONCERY Sat 1 ODYSSEY Thurs 6 July, CRAIG CHARLES- FUNK ARTIST ROOMS: JENNY HOLZER Exhibi- of work by local printmaker Mike Alli- July, mac, Birmingham The Jam House, & SOUL SHOW Sat 8 tion showcasing works by political son. Mike began work on the 100 July, The Glee Club, THE VAMPS Sat 1 July, Birmingham artist Jenny Holzer, until Sun 10 Sept views project in December 2015, in- Birmingham spired by Japanese printmaker Ando O2 Academy, B’ham AIRWAYS Thurs 6 July, SPECIAL KINDA MAD- Hiroshige's 100 famous views of Edo AMERICAN YOUNG Sun The Sunflower RBSA Gallery NESS Sat 8 July, The (1856 - 1858), Fri 30 June - Wed 27 2 July, The Slade Lounge, Birmingham NEW FRANCESCA CURRIE ARBSA A col- Roadhouse, B’ham Sept, Galerie Mayci, Moseley, Birm- Rooms, Birmingham lection of oil paintings by new Associ- WHITESNAKE UK AND ingham STRAIGHT FOR THE SUN SOULUTIONS Sun 2 WHITE TYGER Fri 7 July, ate Francesca Currie that combine Sat 8 Juy, O2 NEW UNKNOWN LEGACY - PAINTINGS BY July, Hare & Hounds, The Slade Rooms, traditional techniques of the Old Mas- Academy, Birminghm ters with a contemporary viewpoint, MOHSEN KEIANY A collection of latest Birmingham Wolverhampton paintings by Dr Mohsen Keiany, KONSTANTINOS KOUFOS Mon 3 July - Sat 26 Aug THE ASTOR BIG BAND DJ Q Fri 7 July, The based on his inspiration, Persian Sun 9 July, O2 NEW ROB HAMP NWA An installation of AND SINGERS Sun 2 Rainbow Venues, poet Hafiz Shirazi, Sat 1 - Sun 30 Academy, Birmingham custom-built pieces by one of the July, New Alexandra Birmingham July, Artifex Gallery, Sutton Coldfield new RBSA Next Wave Associates, Theatre, Birmingham 2 BAD MICE & DJ FAYDZ TOM JONES Sun 9 July, Cannock Chase For- Mon 10 July - Sat 12 Aug GLADYS KNIGHT Sun 2 Fri 7 July, Hare & est, Staffordshire NEW PAUL KI-KYDD RBSA An exhibition July, Symphony Hall, Hounds, Birmingham of coloured landscape drawings in Birmingham DON LETTS Fri 7 July, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham New 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:27 Page 2

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July

Church, Lichfield Classical Music MR MCFALL’S CHAMBER GROUP Pro- gramme includes works by Haydn, Calixto Alvarez, José White, Dvorak SINFONIA SUMMER CONCERT Featuring and Fabio Landa, Sat 8 July, St Jonathan Bloxham (conductor) and Michael’s Greenhill Church, Lichfield Claire Burnell (french horn). Pro- gramme includes works by Mozart, A CELEBRATION OF RICHARD ROGERS Strauss, JS Bach & Mendelssohn, Sat 8 July, Lichfield Cathedral Sat 1 July, St Andrew’s Church, Barnt ESTUUDIO NOORTEKOOR Sun 9 July, Green, Bromsgrove LIchfield Cathedral BRANT INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETI- TION: THE FINAL Sat 1 July, Birming- ham Town Hall BIRMINGHAM JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE Comedy SHOWCASE Featuring Daniele Rosina (conductor), Jeffrey Snowdon (con- ROB ROUSE, PAUL THORNE, RO CAMP- ductor), Timothy English (conductor), BELL & GEORGE ZACH Sat 1 July, The David Wynne (conductor), Junior Glee Club, Birmingham Conservatoire Choirs and Orchestras. Programme includes works by Lehar MICKEY BARTLETT, ALLYSON JUNE and Tchaikovsky, Sat 1 July, The Bra- SMITH, JOHN LYNN & SIMON BLIGH Sat mall, Birmingham 1 July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE CBSO IN SUTTON PARK Features PIERRE HOLLINS, JOE ROWNTREE & Michael Seal (conductor) and Noah SEAN PERCIVAL Sat 1 July, Jongleurs Stewart (tenor). Programme includes Comedy Club, Birmingham works by Rossini, Tchaikovsky, Puc- BARBARA NICE, GARAGHTY AND THOM cini, Mascagni, Elgar, Williams, Bern- Sat 1 July, mac, Birmingham stein, Donizetti and many more, Sat 1 FIN TAYLOR & KIRI PRITCHARD-MCLEAN July, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield Wed 5 July, The Glee Club, B’ham YOUTH CHORUS SUMMER SHOWCASE DANIEL TOWNES, IAN COPPINGER & Features Julian Wilkins (conductor). COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Salome - Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Programme includes works by SON Thurs 6 July, The Glee Club, Brahms, Britten, Elgar, Fauré, Holst, Birmingham Mendelssohn and John Rutter, Sat 1 The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- July, CBSO Centre, Birmingham BRENNAN REECE & ELEANOR TIERNAN Theatre Avon Thurs 6 July, mac, Birmingham SPOTLIGHT ON BROADWAY Espressivo DER ROSENKAVALIER Welsh National Chorus presents songs from Broad- MARCUS BIRDMAN, ZOE LYONS, PHIL CARMILLA Stage27 present Sheridan Opera present a staging of Strauss' way classics to contemporary hit REID & GEORGE ZACH Thurs 6 July, La Fanu’s gothic novella, Fri 30 June sumptuous comedy. Sung in German shows, Sun 2 July, The Bramall, The George Hotel, Lichfield - Sat 1 July, mac, Birmingham with English surtitles, Sat 1 July, Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHTThurs 6 LA CAGE AUX FOLLES John Partridge, MUSIC FOR YOUTH NATIONAL FESTIVAL July, Stourbridge Town Hall Adrian Zmed & Marti Webb star in a MORE UNBEARABLE PLEASURES OF Tue 4 - Sat 8 July, Birmingham Sym- BARRY CRYER & COLIN SELL Fri 7 July, touring production of the smash-hit BEING A WOMAN With Joana Eden and phony Hall Artrix, Bromsgrove musical, until Sat 1 July, Grand The- Leigh McDonald, Sat 1 July, The Old atre, Wolverhampton Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham IGOR LEVIT PIANO RECITAL Programme DANIEL TOWNES, IAN COPPINGER, TOM includes Shostakovich Preludes and HOUGHTON & MAFF BROWN Fri 7 - Sat TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- Fugues Op 87, 170’, Wed 5 July, 8 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham play in which the decay of Rome ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham reaches violent depths, until Sat 2 of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Sat MATT REED & CERYS NELMES Fri 7 - Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, 1 - Sun 2 July, Castle Bromwich Hall THE CBSO AT CHELTENHAM FESTIVALS Sat 8 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Stratford-upon-Avon Gardens, Birmingham Features Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (con- Birmingham ductor) and Jan Lisieckiė (piano). Pro- SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, THE MAGIC FLUTE Heritage Opera gramme includes Debussy’s Prélude written in French and originally North West present an open-air ver- à l’après-midi d’un faune, Chopin’s banned in England, recounts in a sin- sion of Mozart’s mystery-drama, Sun Piano Concerto No 2 and Stravin- gle act the biblical story of Herod An- 2 July, Stafford Castle sky’s Petrushka, Wed 5 July, Chel- tipas’s daughter, until Wed 6 Sept, A JUDGEMENT IN STONE A brand new tenham Town Hall Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- staging of Ruth Rendell's classic THE HALLÉ ORCHESTRA Featuring Ryan ford-upon-Avon thriller, Mon 3 - Sat 8 July, Wolver- Wigglesworth (conductor) and An- ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Shake- hampton Grand Theatre drew Tyson (conductor). Programme speare’s tragedy of love and power, INDOMADOR BY ANIMAL RELIGION includes Strauss’ Don Juan, Rach- until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shake- Comic, punchy look at the way we maninov’s Paganini Variations and speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon build our identities. Part of BE FESTI- Beethoven’s Symphony No.3, Fri 7 EDDIE BRIMSON, DARIUS DAVIES, STU- THE TEMPEST Outdoor staging of VAL 2017, Tues 4 July, The REP, July, Lichfield Cathedral, Lichfield ART GOLDSMITH & PHIL ELLIS Sat 8 Shakespeare’s last and most com- Birmingham THE REDDITCH ORCHESTRA: LAST NIGHT July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham plete play, until Sat 8 July, Stafford THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN OF THE PROMS Programme includes JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Sat 8 July, The Castle THE NIGHT TIME Highly acclaimed Na- works by Sullivan, Mozart, Henry Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham JULIUS CAESAR Bloody story of con- tional Theatre production based on Wood, Elgar & Parry, Sat 8 July, Ar- NOREEN KHAN, GUZ KHAN, AATIF NAWAZ, spiracy and murder, noble intentions Mark Haddon's award-winning novel, trix, Bromsgrove ALI OFFICIAL & NABIL ABDULRASHID and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, Tues 4 - Sat 8 July, Birmingham Hip- DOMONKOS CSABAY PIANO RECITAL Pro- Sun 9 July, The Glee Club, B’ham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- podrome gramme includes works by Mozart, PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES ford-upon-Avon THE SENSEMAKER BY WOMAN’S MOVE A Schubert, Bartók, Copland and De- HOTEL Sun 9 July, mac, Birmingham VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s ‘side-split- story of managing expectations bussy, Sat 8 July, Wade Street ting’ comedy romp, until Sat 9 Sept, which fuses contrasting music and whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Birmingham New 1 - 9 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 19:27 Page 3

MEETING POINT: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square

TOUR TIMES: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

CONTACT:

0121 427 2555AVA I/L 07805ABLE 115FOR 998 PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July spoken word with a chopped-and- BE FESTIVAL 2017, Fri 7 July, The PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES spliced soundtrack, Part of BE FESTI- REP, Birmingham HOTEL Join seaside cabaret legend Film VAL 2017, Wed 5 July, The REP, WHAT DOES STUFF DO? Featuring pour- Patrick as he recreates his summer- Birmingham ing, ping-pong and a motivational time spectacular from the infamous PORTRAITS AND SHORT STORIES BY speech delivered by a man in swim- Sandy Holes Hotel, Sun 9 July, mac, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: PANAMA PICTURES Using ropes, tram- ming trunks... Part of BE FESTIVAL Birmingham BABY DRIVER (15) Action/Crime. Star- polines and daring acrobatics, this 2017, Fri 7 July, The REP, B’ham MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE ring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey. Elec- show explores the relationships bind- MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS PRESENT GOS- Theatretrain Hagley present an ama- tric Cinema, Birmingham, until Thurs ing families & different generations TINITSA: HOTEL OF CURIOSITIES Brand teur show based on the popular ani- 6 July together. Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, new show featuring award-winning mated movie, Sun 9 July, Crescent THE BIG KNIGHTS (U) Animation. With Wed 5 July, The REP, Birmingham clowns, jugglers, unicyclists and Theatre, Birmingham the voices of Alexander Armstrong, trapeze artists, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Brian Blessed. mac, Birmingham, Sat Beckett's Farm, Birmingham 1 July ALL THE VOICES BY TANTE&TANTE The MEAN GIRLS (12) Comedy. Starring eccentric sister-duo return to show- Lindsay Lohan, Jonathan Bennett. case the results of their awarded resi- Dance Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, dency, which began a week in Sat 1 July advance of this year’s BE FESTIVAL, AKAAR Birmingham’s Year of South EGGHEAD (12a) Comedy/Drama. Star- Sat 8 July, The REP, Birmingham Asian Culture gets off to a great start ring Shailashree Mulki, Shreya. For- BE NEXT UK Working in unison to cre- with an explosion of talent from West eign language, English subtitles. ate a physical theatre performance, Midlands artists, including the city’s mac, Birmingham, Sat 1 July this youth theatre initiative sees local Sonia Sabri Company, Sat 1 July, The Old Rep, Birmingham SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With the EVERYTHING IS OK BY MARCO 14 to 19-year-olds from a range of voices of Matthew McConaughey, D’AGOSTIN One-man show about cul- backgrounds take to the stage. Part AEROBICS! A BALLET IN THREE ACTS Re- Reese Witherspoon. Artrix, Broms- tural and sensory overload. Part of of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Sat 8 July, The calling the ’80s-born trend for aero- grove, Sat 1 & Wed 5 July BE FESTIVAL 2017, Wed 5 July, The REP, Birmingham bics, this show merrily reimagines the iconic sports and exercise regime. SEXY DURGA (15) Drama/Fantasy. Star- REP, Birmingham HOMO FURENS BY PLAN-K Re-imagin- ring Rajshri Deshpande, Bilas Nair. ing the experience of soldiers’ mili- Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Tues 4 MY COUNTRY IS WHAT THE SEA DOESN’T July, The REP, Birmingham Foreign language, English subtitles. WANT BY CASA DA ESQUINA The story tary training, this is a story about mac, Birmingham, Sun 2 July pushing beyond what we thought we CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY of Portuguese immigrants in the UK. SUPERMAN (PG) Action/Adventure. Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Wed 5 were capable of. Part of BE FESTIVAL Solihull Young Dancers present a 2017, Sat 8 July, The REP, B’ham choreographed performance based Starring Christopher Reeve, Margot July, The REP, Birmingham Kidder. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, PERFORMANCE MUNICIPAL BY VICENTE on the popular Roald Dahl story, THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Thurs 6 July, The Core, Solihull Sun 2 July Using huge projection photos and ARLANDIS Playful dialogue testing the limits of language. Part of BE FESTI- OBNIMASHKI BY ANNA ARISTARKHOVA L.A CONFIDENTIAL (18) Crime/Drama. original film footage, this 50th An- Starring Kevin Spacey, Russell niversary celebration features a full VAL 2017, Sat 8 July, The REP, Birm- Through evocative, abstract dance, ingham this show draws on the connections Crowe. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, live band performing many of the Wed 5 July duo’s hits, Wed 5 July, The Core The- ANATOMIA PUBLICA BY MAN DRAKE A forged through acknowledging our SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (12a) atre, Solihull story of strange, fractured relation- differences. Part of BE FESTIVAL Ad- 2017, Thurs 6 July, The REP, B’ham venture/Sci-Fi. Starring Tom Holland, THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM ships in the aftermath of war. Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Sat 8 July, The WAITING FOR SCHRÖDINGER BY TIMO- Chris Evans. Mockingbird Cinema, SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) Roller- Birmingham, Wed 5 - Thurs 20 July coaster romp through all of Shake- REP, Birmingham THY AND THE THINGS An ensemble of STAND BY ME (15) speare’s plays, Wed 5 - Sun 9 July, BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE Captivating five use choreographed movement to Adventure/Drama. The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham series of portraits presented through translate scientific hypotheses into Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix. the words of some of the world’s best real-life connections. Part of BE FES- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, LÉGENDE BY ROMAIN TEULE A perfor- TIVAL 2017, Fri 7 July, The REP, Birm- Wed 5 July mance lecture on the nature of lan- poets, Sat 8 July, Lichfield Garrick ingham THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (18) guage. Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, MISTER MAKER AND THE SHAPES LIVE! Thurs 6 July, The REP, Birmingham Interactive live show for younger au- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Ballet Comedy/Drama. Starring Judi Dench, Cymru presents a choreographed Bill Nighy. Includes wine tasting with SOLITUDES BY KULUNKA TEATRO A story diences, Sat 8 July, Palace Theatre, Redditch version of Shakespeare’s magical Soul Tree Wines. Electric Cinema, about holding onto the simple and tale, Sun 9 July, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham, Thurs 6 July everyday as we grow older. Part of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Join Illyria for a BE FESTIVAL 2017, Thurs 6 July, The social whirlwind of balls, dinners and REP, Birmingham very eligible officers, Sat 8 July, Pack- BETELGEZ BY KI OMOS KINEITAI Dark, wood House, Solihull engrossing story of imminent danger. THE THIRD POLICEMAN Flann O’Brien’s Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Thurs 6 comic masterpiece, Sat 8 July, mac, July, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham BRITISH ENOUGH? An immersive, the- MACBETH Oddsocks present a Steam- atrical, site-specific experience set in punk musical adaptation of Shake- a future where British citizenship is speare’s dramatic story of ambition the ultimate prize. Part of BE FESTI- turned bad, Sun 9 July, Avoncroft Mu- VAL 2017, Thurs 6 & Sat 8 July, The seum, Bromsgrove REP, Birmingham SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- 40,000 CENTIMETRI QUADRATI BY CLAU- ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version DIA CATARZI Paring her movements of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, Sat down to the essential, Claudia Catarzi 8 - Sun 9 July, Blakesley Hall, B’ham finds possibilities in restricted space. THEATRETRAIN GOES BACK TO THE FU- Part of BE FESTIVAL 2017, Fri 7 July, TURE Singing, acting & dancing ex- The REP, Birmingham travaganza packed with a host of REVOLT ATHEN BY ODC ENSEMBLE In- colourful characters, Sun 9 July, The Σ sights into post-crisis Greece. Part of Core, Solihull Waiting For Schrödinger By Timothy And The Things - The REP, Birmingham

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 July MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- VIKING WEEKEND! Raudr Vagr Vikings RUN WHAT YOU BRING Take your car or NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up includes hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Artrix, group re-creates the lifestyles of the motorcycle out on the quarter-mile Gabriel Ananda, Zen Mechanics, Bromsgrove, Fri 7 July Viking and Anglo-Saxon peoples, Sat dragstrip and test its performance Beardyman & The Prototypes, Thurs ROCKY (12) Drama/Sport. Starring 1 - Sun 2 July, Arley Arboretum, Be- limits, Sat 8 July, Santa Pod Race- 6 - Sun 9 July, Coney Woods, Nose- Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire. Elec- wdley way, Northampton ley Hall, Leicestershire tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 9 July SEE SANDWELL & BIRMINGHAM MELA BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Learn TECH FEST 2017 Line up includes LA TRAVIATA (U) Opera/Drama. Star- Sat 1 - Sun 2 July, Victoria Park, about the amazing story of the Hip- Northlane, The Black Dahlia Murder, ring Francesca Dotto. Electric Cin- Smethwick, Birmingham podrome, Sat 8 July, Birmingham Obscura, The Faceless & Beyond ema, Birmingham, Sun 9 July LAVENDER MONTH Learn about the his- Hippodrome Theatre Creation, Thurs 6 - Mon 10 July, torical uses of lavender, then try out CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON FESTIVAL OF Newark Showground, Newark some lavender tea and cake in the FOOD & DRINK Bringing together a se- NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 Line up tearoom, Sat 1 - Sun 30 July, lection of the UK’s finest street food includes Zinc Zebra, Behind The Set- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Blakesley Hall, Birmingham traders with the best of local chefs, tee, The Occasional Orchestra & The Released from Wed 5 July, showing THE BLACK COUNTRY ROAD RUN First restaurants and bars, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Dylan Rythmn Band, Fri 7 - Sat 8 at selected cinemas: ever Halesowen Elite 5k Timed Race, July, Wolverhampton City Centre July, Napton on the Hill, Warwickshire SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (12a) specifically for those who can com- VINTAGE IN THE PARK A full weekend of FUSE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Born plete a 5k in under 30 minutes, Sun 2 vintage and handmade things, live Again Beatles, Pollen, Rge Assist & A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER (PG) July, Halesowen Library, entertainment, dancers and music, Bud Sugar, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Beacon IT COMES AT NIGHT (15) EID MELA Fun-filled day celebrating Sat 8 - Sun 9 July, Lightwoods Park, Park, Lichfield THE LAST WORD (15) Eid Mela, with activities including Smethwick, Birmingham LINTON FESTIVAL Full Line-up, Billy THE MIDWIFE (12a) Henna, live bhangra and music, face NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME Discover Walton Band, Band of Friends, Willie painting, crafts, sports and a bouncy hidden gems including a Mediter- & The Bandits & Hayseed Dixie, Fri 7 TOMMY'S HONOUR (PG) castle, Sun 2 July, Soho House, ranean-inspired garden, Sun 9 July, - Sun 9 July, The Alma Inn, Ross-on- Handsworth, Birmingham Selly Manor, Bournville, Birmingham Wye LAZY JAZZ ON THE LAWN Grab your GODIVA FESTIVAL Line-up includes picnic blanket and enjoy a lazy sum- The Darkness, Tom Clarke (The mer Sunday of live music and relax- Enemy), Kate Nash (pictured) and Events ation on the lawns in front of the The Stranglers Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Court, Sun 9 July, Witley Court, Great War Memorial Park,, Coventry BIRMINGHAM INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL Eu- Witley, Worcestershire rope’s largest Indian film festival, JAPSHOW 2017 All Japanese cars and often referred to as the ‘punk-rock of bikes welcome. Featuring the show Indian cinema’, until Sun 2 July, vari- paddock, club displays and trade ous locations throughout B’ham area, Sun 9 July, Santa Pod Race- THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT way, Northampton SHOW Featuring talks and demonstra- THE BMC AND LEYLAND SHOW Celebrat- tions, new product launches and ing the vehicles produced by the plenty of inspiration, until Sun 2 July, British Motor Corporation, Sun 2 July, NEC, Birmingham British Motor Museum, Gaydon DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Featuring dra- THE FAST CAR FESTIVAL Featuring club matic storytelling and high-end digital displays, track action, motorsport leg- Festivals graphics and animatronics, until ends and supercar displays, Sun 2 Thurs 24 Aug, NEC, Birmingham July Donington Park Racing Circuit, BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Line-up Derby SUMMER HOLIDAYS Summer of fun includes Tom O’Dell, Lucy Rose & featuring magicians and ventrilo- LET'S FEED BRUM - SUMMER SLEEPOVER Benjamin Francis-Leftwich, until Sun quists, until Sun 3 Sep, Cadbury Idyllic setting? Check. Delicious 2 July, Over Farm Market, Highnam, World, Bournville, Birmingham street food? Check. Sky full of stars? Gloucester Check. With that, the scene is set for JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK KINGS HEATH FAKE FESTIVAL Line-up in- Let’s Feed Brum’s first summer Learn about the history of the area, cludes trinbute bands Oasish, fundraiser, Sun 2 - Mon 3 July, Birm- MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK & SOUL FESTIVAL its buildings and businesses, Sat 1 Blondied & Green Date, Sat 1 July, ingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbas- Line up features Chaka Khan, St Paul July, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- Kings Heath Park, Birmingham ton, Birmingham & The Broken Bones & Soul II Soul, ter, Birmingham LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, Moseley Park, BLACKWORK WORKSHOP An event in- JAPANESE CAR FEST Europe's largest EISTEDDFOD Birmingham troducing novices to this addictive Featuring Manic Street Japanese car show returns to Don- craft and allowing people who’ve had Preachers, Gregory Porter & Bryn CAMPER JAM Line-up includes: UK ington Park, Sat 1 July, Donington some experience to develop their Terfel, Mon 3 - Sun 9 July, Royal In- Foo Fighters, Hey Beatles & Doc Park Racing Circuit, Derby skills, Tues 4 July, Avoncroft Mu- ternational Pavillion, Llangollen, North Brown Trio, Fri 7 - Sun 9 July, STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL Corsets and seum, Bromsgrove Wales Weston Park, Nr Shifnal LLANFEST Line-up includes Roving clogs at Ironbridge’s first ever Steam- LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 2017 Annual HERITAGE TALK - GEORGE CADBURY Crows, Buddy Holly & The Black punk gathering, Sat 1 - Sun 2 July, music & arts festival featuring theatre, Bournville Village Trust Chairman Jacks, Army of Skanks & the Delta Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire folk & classical music performances. Duncan Cadbury gives a talk on busi- Radio Band, CONCERTS IN THE PARK Open-air nessman and philanthropist George Mon 3 - Sun 9 July, Fri 7 - Sat 15 July, various locations evening concert by the City of Birm- Cadbury, Thurs 6 July, Selly Manor, Royal International Pavillion, Llan- throughout Lichfield ingham Symphony Orchestra and a Bournville, Birmingham gollen QUARRY FEST Line-up includes 3 Inter- FREE family fun day, Sat 1 - Sun 2 BE FESTIVAL MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Fri 7 - Sun 9 Featuring a diverse range national Live Tributes to ABBA, Bruno July, Boldmere Recreation Field, Sut- July, Beckett's Farm, Wythall, B’ham of contemporay theatre from across Mars and Madness, Sat 8 July, The ton Park, Sutton Coldfield Europe, Tues 4 - Sat 8 July, The REP, Quarry Park, Shrewsbury GUIDE DOGS FAMILY OPEN DAY & CAR BIRMINGHAM SANDWELL WEST MID- Birmingham WHY FESTIVAL Line up includes reg- BOOT Lots of fun activities, a bouncy 2000TREES FESTIVAL Line up includes LANDS FIESTA 2017 Celebration of Fil- gae giants Gabbidon (ex Steel castle, slides and dog demonstration, Slaves, Nothing But Thieves, Pulled ipino cultures and heritage, Sat 1 - Pulse), Khaliq, Remi Fox Novak, An- Sat 8 July, Guide Dogs Training Apart By Horses, Jamie Lenman & Sun 2 July, Lightwoods Park, Smeth- gryfish, & Church of Elvis, Sat 8 July, School, Warwick New Road, Leam- Feed The Rhino, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 July, wick, Birmingham The Crossing, Digbeth, Birmingham ington Spa Upcote Farm, Cheltenham whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW Birmingham 10 - 16 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:24 Page 1

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 July KERRY LEIGH & MAUREEN YOUNGER Classical Wed 12 July, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Music ALISTAIR BARRIE, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC ELYSIAN PIANO TRIO Featuring Emily Thurs 13 July, The Glee Club, B’ham Sun (violin), Jane Lindsay (cello) & Jennifer Hughes (piano). Pro- FIN TAYLOR & JAYDE ADAMS Thurs 13 gramme includes works by July, mac, Birmingham Beethoven, Brahms & Gershwin, STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 14 Mon 10 July, Wade Street Church, July, mac, Birmingham Lichfield ALISTAIR BARRIE, DAN NIGHTINGALE, EVELYN GLENNIE Mon 10 July, Lich- MAUREEN YOUNGER & DAN THOMAS field Cathedral Fri 14 - Sat 15 July, The Glee Club, ISAAC COLLIER CELLO RECITAL Pro- Birmingham gramme includes Richard Arnell’s GEOFF BOYZ, DAVID MORGAN Sat 15 Cello Suite Op 48 “Cello Sonata July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birm- No.2,” Arron Minsky’s “10 American ingham Cello Etudes,” Isaac Collier’s Impro- JOHN FOTHERGILL, JARLETH REGAN, visation on “Jewish Prayer” by Ernest ALEX BOARDMAN & SALLY-ANN HAY- The Swingles - Lichfield Garrick Bloch and Ernest Bloch’s Suite No.1 WARD Sat 15 July, The Comedy Loft, for Solo Cello, Wed 12 July, Wade Birmingham Fri 14 July, The Flap- July, Route 44, B’ham Street Church, Lichfield ROBERT WHITE & RACHEL FAIRBURN per, Birmingham THE STEVE GIBBONS Gigs THE SIXTEEN Programme includes Sat 15 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove LEILA & CYRIL DUCLOS BAND Sat 15 July, Blue works by Poulenc and Palestrina, LEMURIA Mon 10 July, Fri 14 July, The Core Piano Restaurant And Thurs 13 July, Lichfield Cathedral STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Sat 15 The Sunflower Theatre, Solihull Bar, Birmingham July, mac, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham WITTERQUICK Fri 14 THE AC30'S Sat 15 July, THE JIGANTICS Mon 10 July, The Asylum, The Roadhouse, July, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham THE SOUL SURVIVORS HACKNEY COLLIERY MARTIN STEPHENSON WITH MEL DAY Fri 14 BAND Sat 15 July, Theatre Tues 11 July, Kitchen July, The Robin, Artrix, Bromsgrove BEYOND THE WATER’S EDGE Captivat- Garden Cafe, B’ham Bilston THE GLENN MILLER OR- ing series of portraits presented THE SPOOKY MEN'S CHESTRA Sun 16 July, THE BIG Q FISH Tues 11 through the words of some of the CHORALE Fri 14 July, Stafford Gatehouse July, The Jam House, world’s best poets, Mon 10 July, Birmingham Town Hall Theatre Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove ANDREW WEATHERALL ANTI-CLONE Sun 16 TRAPT, FALLEN STATE & FERIO SAXOPHONE QUARTET Thurs 13 AUSTEN’S WOMEN Thirteen of Jane Fri 14 July, Hare & July, The Flapper, CONFESSIONS OF A July, Swinfen Hall Hotel, Lichfield Austen’s heroines come to life in a TRAITOR Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Tues 11 July, DOMINIC DEGAVINO PIANO RECITAL bold revisiting of some of literature’s The Flapper, B’ham MARY J. BLIGE Sat 15 JACEK STACHURSKY Programme includes Beethoven’s most celebrated works, Tues 11 July, KEVIN DEVINE Wed 12 July, O2 Academy, Sun 16 July, O2 Insti- Sonata Op.31 No.1 in G Major, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham tute, Birmingham July, The Sunflower Rachmaninov’s Corelli Variations, THE SCARECROW’S WEDDING Family Lounge, Birmingham CLAUDE VON STROKE, HUE AND CRY Sun 16 Op. 42, Liszt’s Mephisto Waltz No.1 show based on the book by Julia THE SWINGLES Wed 12 MARC SPENCE & TOM July, The Robin, and works by Ligeti, Fri 14 July, Donaldson & Axel Scheffler, Tues 11 July, Lichfield Garrick SHORTERZ Sat 15 July, Bilston Wade Street Church, Lichfield July, Lichfield Garrick The Rainbow Venues, DORJA, CHARLES DEX- HANNAH ALDRIDGE Sun BLACK VOICES Fri 14 July, Lichfield THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY! Ama- Birmingham TERWARD, ARAMANTUS, 16 July, Kitchen Gar- Cathedral teur production presented by Artrix KILLER BOB & GENESIS IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC den Cafe, Birmingham CBSO VIBRANT VOICES Featuring Ula Youth Theatre, Tues 11 July, Artrix, ARC Wed 12 July, The ROCK NIGHT Sat 15 Weber (conductor), Marc Hall (chil- Bromsgrove Flapper, Birmingham dren’s chorus conductor), CBSO SO ROMEO & JULIET New production of VO FLETCHER Wed 12 Vocal, CBSO Children’s Chorus and Shakespeare’s immortal tale of an July, Symphony Hall, musicians from the CBSO, Sat 15 all-consuming love, Wed 12 July, Birmingham July, Birmingham Town Hall, B’ham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre EZIO Wed 12 July, The OLIVER WASS HARP RECITAL Sat 15 POLICE COPS: THE PRETEND MEN Ac- Robin, Bilston July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield tion-packed hour of ‘adrenaline-fu- TRISTAN & HESTON elled physical comedy, cinematic Thurs 13 July, Hare & style and uncompromising facial Hounds, Birmingham hair’, Wed 12 July, Lichfield Garrick RED JUMPSUIT APPARA- SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Outdoor stag- TUS Fri 14 July, O2 In- Comedy ing of the Crescent Theatre’s version stitute, Birmingham of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, ZOE LYONS Mon 10 July, Lichfield Wed 12 - Thurs 13 July, Selly Manor, SAMANTHA WRIGHT Garrick Birmingham QUINTET Fri 14 July, Symphony Hall, SPENCER JONES & BRENNAN REECE BIRMINGHAM ORMISTON ACADEMY Birmingham Wed 12 July, The Glee Club, B’ham COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE Bringing ADAM HESS & MAT EWINS together music, dance and acting, URBAN INTRO Fri 14 - Wed 12 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Wed 12 - Thurs 13 July, The Old Rep Sat 15 July, The Jam Theatre, Birmingham House, Birmingham ingham TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare’s magi- TEQUILA MOCKINGBYRD The Spooky Men’s Chorale - Birmingham Town Hall JO ENRIGHT, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH,

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Monday 10 - Sunday 16 July

cal tale is reimagined in the 1920s, with prohibition rife and Europe still reeling in the wake of war, Thurs 13 - Dance Fri 14 July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre U-DANCE Showcase of work by youth TRANSITIONS New play by Lorna dancers from across the UK, Fri 14 - French which follows the fortunes of Sun 16 July, Birmingham Hippo- a group of students and teachers drome from four schools as they battle for NAVADAL Akademi’s national South survival, Thurs 13 - Tues 18 July, The Asian youth dance competition, run REP, Birmingham this year in partnership with One SPENCER Nick Hall brings humour to Dance UK, ISTD and Sampad, Sat 15 the story of Spencer Percival, the July, Birmingham Hippodrome only Prime Minister ever to be assas- sinated, Fri 14 July, Blue Orange The- atre, Birmingham MRS OSCAR WILDE The story of the wife of one of the Victorian era’s most Talks famous writers, Fri 14 July, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SARAH OUTEN: DARE TO DO The rower PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Juliet Steven- and adventurer talks about picking Navadal - Birmingham Hippodrome son narrates Jane Austen’s classic herself up after a fall and finishing love story in honour of the bicente- what she set out to do, Mon 10 July, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Park, Wolverhampton The George Hotel, Lichfield nary of the author’s death. Music by Released from Tues 11 July, showing WIMBLEDON FINALS LIVE STREAM Carl Davis is performed by pianist BRIAN CLEGG: THE REALITY FRAME Af- at selected cinemas: Game, set, match! Celebrate all Ashley Wass & violinist Matthew ternoon talk hosted by the acclaimed things Wimbledon with live streams WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (tbc) Trusler, Fri 14 July, Lichfield Garrick science writer, Mon 10 July, The of the finals, Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, Ra- THE LIFE & DEATH OF MARILYN MONROE George Hotel, Lichfield CARS 3 (U) gley Hall, Ragley, Warwickshire Breakthrough Theatre explore the life AN AUDIENCE WITH ANN WIDDECOMBE THE BEGUILED (15) OCTONAUTS OCTO-GLOW EXPLORERS A of one of history’s most iconic Tues 13 July, Stratford Artshouse, THE LAST WORD (15) brand new deep-sea adventure women, Fri 14 - Sun 16 July, Blue Or- Stratford-upon-Avon where you can see the ocean in a ange Theatre, Birmingham THE MIDWIFE (12a) JANE AUSTEN: THE BANKER’S SISTER whole new light, Sat 15 July - Sun 13 TOMMY'S HONOUR (PG) OLD KING COLE Derek Webb’s show Professor Emma Cleary delves into Aug, National Sea Life Centre, Birm- for children, Fri 14 - Sat 22 July, Hall new research about the Austen family ingham Green Little Theatre, Birmingham relationship, exploring how the ac- BONSAI DEMO Experts demonstrate ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks breathe tions of Jane’s brother informed the best care and practice for Bonsai new life into Shakespeare’s classic novelist’s writing and career, Thurs 13 Events trees, Sun 16 July, Birmingham tale by giving it a Mods & Rockers July, Lichfield Garrick Botanical Gardens, Birmingham theme, Sat 15 July, mac, Birmingham WATLING STREET Author John Higgs SUMMER OUTDOOR LIVING EXHIBITION VICTORIAN DAY Millers make flour in JUMPROV 2 - THE SEQUEL Unique com- takes audiences on a journey along Event bringing together leading man- the watermill, plus children’s crafts edy sketch show completely made one of Britain’s oldest and ‘most en- ufacturers of garden products and and outdoor fun and games, Sun 16 up on the spot and 100% improvised, chanting’ roads, Fri 14 July, The showcasing exciting new develop- July, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham Sat 15 July, The Crescent Theatre, George Hotel, Lichfield ments, Tues 11 - Thurs 13 July, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham SIR TONY ROBINSON IN CONVERSATION ALL THE FLOWERS DYING Three In One Join the Blackadder and Time Team BRITISH GRAND PRIX Fri 14 - Sun 16 Productions presents Roger Price’s star as he shares tales from an illustri- July, Silverstone Circuit, Towcester, play, which explores how love and ous career, Sat 15 July, Lichfield Gar- Northamptonshire Festivals hate, peace and violence can exist rick MIDLANDS HOME AND GARDEN SHOW side by side, Sat 15 July, Blue Or- Featuring nurseries, garden design- BROMSGROVE’S FOLK FESTIVAL Line- ange Theatre, Birmingham ers, experts in home decor and much up includes The Melrose Quartet, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ELSIE GREY more, Fri 14 - Sun 16 July, Ragley Quicksilver and Dan McKinnon, One-woman show in which Susan- Hall, Ragley, Alcester Thurs 13 - Sun 16 July, The Bowling nah Hallcroft explores the issues that Film DRAGSTALGIA A weekend dedicated to Green, Bromsgrove cause people with dementia to seem- drag racing, hot rods and bikes from BIRMINGHAM FEST Annual showcase a bygone era, Fri 14 - Sun 16 July, ingly disappear, Sat 15 July, Blue Or- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: of new theatrical productions from ange Theatre, Birmingham Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton across the UK, Fri 14 - Sun 30 July, LITTLE HOWARD’S BIG SHOW FOR KIDS THE KICKBACK MOTORBIKE SHOW & Various locations across Birmingham Interactive stand-up with live anima- FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (18) WORKSHOP FAIR Featuring over 50 FLASHPOINT FESTIVAL Line-up in- tion on stage. Suitable for all the fam- Action/Adventure. Starring Sean Con- customs, café racers and classic mo- cludes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, KT Tun- ily, Sat 15 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove nery, Robert Shaw. Electric Cinema, torcycles, as well as around 20 sup- stall, Hue and Cry and ABC, Fri 14 - Birmingham, Thurs 13 July THE SHOWSTOPPER’S KIDS SHOW Im- pliers providing parts, accessories Sun 16 July, Rockingham Castle, provised musical show for kids of all NAPOLEON (12a) Biography/Drama. and much more, Sat 15 July, The Market Harborough, Leicestershire Custard Factory, Digbeth, Birming- ages, presented by Olivier Award- Starring Albert Dieudonné, Vladimir BIRMINGHAM & SOLIHULL JAZZ & BLUES ham winning West End improvisers, Sat Roudenko. mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 FESTIVAL Line up includes Brush with 15 July, Lichfield Garrick July 1940S EVENING Don’t forget to dress the Blues, The Broombusters, C-Jam, MACBETH Oddsocks fuse laughter ‘FEEL GOOD’ FILM FEST Highbury The- up! Sat 15 July, Black Country Living Suzi Woods, Roy Forbes Trio, The and witchcraft in a unique take on atre, Birmingham, Sun 16 July Museum, Dudley Catfish Kings, Books Williams, The Shakespeare’s dramatic story of am- SLOW WEST (15) Western. Starring FRENCH CAR SHOW Sat 15 July, Don- Whiskey Brothers and many more, bition turned bad, Sun 16 July, mac, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassben- ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Sat 15 - Sun 23 July, various locations across Birmingham & Solihull Birmingham der. Highbury Theatre, Birmingham, WOLVERHAMPTON FIESTA The ‘ultimate Sun 16 July city show,’ Sat 15 - Sun 16 July, West whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW Birmingham 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:03 Page 1

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:03 Page 2

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 July a funky modern version of The Wiz- Classical ard Of Oz, Tues 18 - Wed 19 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham REMEMBER, REMEMBER The Young Music REP presents Grace Barrington’s MUSIC SERVICE GALA CONCERTS Mon play, which recounts three different 17 - Fri 21 July, Symphony Hall, versions of the same event, Tues 18 Birmingham - Thurs 20 July, The REP, B’ham LEGENDS: SUPERHERO SYMPHONIES JANE EYRE Chapterhouse Theatre The People’s Orchestra showcase Company present an outdoor stag- soundtracks from a series of well ing of Charlotte Bronte’s classic known superhero films including Su- novel, Wed 19 July, Birmingham perman, Spiderman and Batman, Botanical Gardens Sat 22 July, New Alexandra Theatre, REQUIEM FOR GROUND ZERO Stage2 Birmingham present an amateur staging of Steven Berkoff’s acclaimed eulogy to the thousands of victims of 9/11, Wed 19 - Sat 22 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Comedy P.A.T.S Yellow Collective present a Toploader - The Jam House movement-based piece which con- TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 17 tains elements of performance art THE SUPERSKAS Fri 21 TUNDE JEGEDE & THE July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- and combines texts in Spanish & En- July, The Robin, Bil- ART ENSEMBLE OF Gigs ingham glish, Thurs 20 July, The Blue Or- ston LAGOS Sat 22 July, MARK THOMAS Mon 17 July, Stafford ange Theatre, Birmingham BUCK AND EVANS Fri 21 mac, Birmingham BEEBE KWARTET Tues Gatehouse Theatre HOW TIME FLIES Handmade Theatre July, The Asylum, ABI KELSEY BAND Sat 18 July, The Jam presents an original and quirky show Birmingham 22 July, Katie Fitzger- LUCY PORTER, RHYS JAMES Wed 19 House, Birmingham inspired by the intriguing world of ar- ald's, Birmingham July, The Glee Club, Birmingham GURDAN THOMAS Wed SOLID SOUL Fri 21 - Sat chaeology, Thurs 20 July, mac, Birm- JARRED CHRISTMAS & COMEDY 19 July, Kitchen Gar- 22 July, The Jam BON GIOVI Sat 22 July, ingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON den Cafe, Birmingham House, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Thurs 20 July, The Glee Club, B’ham A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The DUCKING PUNCHES Wed DESPERATE MEN Sat 22 ABBA REUNION Sat 22 Floor Theatre Company explore life 19 July, The River July, Newhampton July, Artrix, Broms- in the trenches and the wartime role Rooms, Stourbridge Arts Centre, Wolver- grove of women, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 July, hampton HAMILTON LOOMIS Wed THE WEST COAST EA- Selly Manor, Birmingham 19 July, The Jam SACRED SOUNDS-SIKH GLES Sat 22 July, The BONNIE & CLYDE The sounds of blues, House, Birmingham MUSIC TRADITIONS AND Roadhouse, B’ham gospel, bluegrass, country and rock- THE FIRST WORLD WAR THE ELVIS YEARS, “ THE KIOKO Sat 22 July, abilly provide the backdrop for this Sat 22 July, Birming- STORY OF THE KING” Hare & Hounds, ‘gripping and sexy’ production, ham Town Hall Thurs 20 July, Wolver- Birmingham which charts the journey of Amer- ica’s most renowned folk heroes, hampton Grand The- THE DICKIES Sat 22 SHAPLA SALIQUE Sun Thurs 20 - Sat 29 July, The Old Joint atre July, The Slade 23 July, Birmingham LUISA OMIELAN & PHIL NICHOL Thurs Rooms, Wolverhamp- 20 July, mac, Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birmingham MICHAEL WESTON KING Town Hall ton FRANKENSTEIN: MAN OR MONSTER Thurs 20 July, Kitchen AMYTHYST KIAH PLUS JARRED CHRISTMAS, OWEN O'NEILL, Mad Tom Theatre presents a gothic Garden Cafe, B’ham ESSENTIAL 80’S Sat 22 AMIT DATTANI Sun 23 KATE LUCAS & STEVE SHANYASKI Fri comedy featuring madness, a mon- July, The River Rooms, July, Kitchen Garden 21 - Sat 22 July, The Glee Club, DANNY GRUFF Thurs 20 ster and a teddy bear... Fri 21 July, Stourbridge Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham July, Ort Cafe, B’ham Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham DARKZY, USSY, DJ CHEF KEVIN MCCARTHY, TREVOR CROOK & JOEY LANDRETH Thurs SEYES Sun 23 July, Sat 22 July, The Rain- COMIC TBC Sat 22 July, Jongleurs THE MARRIAGE OF KIM Ambitious 20 July, Hare & The Robin, Bilston bow Venues, B’ham Comedy Club, Birmingham retelling of Mozart’s Marriage Of Fi- Hounds, Birmingham garo in which comparisons are LUISA OMIELAN, MICK FERRY, CARL TOPLOADER Thurs 20 made with Kim Kardashian’s mar- HUTCHINSON & PETE OTWAY Sat 22 July, The Jam House, riage to NBA star Kris Humphries, Fri July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham 21 - Sat 22 July, The Blue Orange BLOBBIE WILLIAMS Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 20 July, The ANNIE Brit Youth Theatre presents its Robin, Bilston version of the much-loved family mu- DESPERADO Fri 21 July, Theatre sical, Fri 21 - Sat 22 July, The Cres- Artrix, Bromsgrove cent Theatre, Birmingham SUMMER TERRACE SES- ROOM ON THE BROOM Tall Stories’ mu- DES O'CONNOR & JIMMY TARBUCK LIVE SIONS Fri 21 July, The sical adaptation of the classic picture Sat 22 July, Wolverhampton Grand Rainbow Venues, book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Theatre Birmingham Scheffler, Mon 17 - Wed 19 July, A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The PUNJABTRONIX Fri 21 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Floor Theatre Company explore life July, mac, Birmingham TAMING OF THE SHREW Heartbreak in the trenches and the wartime role of women, Sat 22 July, The Blue Or- RUST FOR GLORY Productions present an outdoor Fri 21 ange Theatre, Birmingham July, Route 44, B’ham staging of Shakespeare’s unconven- tional love story. Suitable for ages PETER PAN JNR XcelShowbiz presents VOICE OF THE HEART - eight-plus, Tues 18 July, Brueton its version of the popular Disney mu- KAREN CARPENTER Fri Park, Solihull sical, Sat 22 July, The Old Rep, 21 July, Wolverhamp- Birmingham ton Grand Theatre Tunde Jegede & The Art Ensembe Of Lagos - mac THE WIZZ Brit Youth Theatre presents whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Birmingham 17 - 22 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 17:03 Page 3

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 July Dance Film

XPOSE A showcase to celebrate Year INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 12 Dance students’ achievements at Birmingham Ormiston Academy, Tues 18 - Wed 19 July, The Old Rep, MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- Birmingham hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 17 - Tues 18 July THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production returns to the BOTTICELLI INFERNO (12a) Documen- Midlands, Wed 19 - Sat 22 Jul tary. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 19 July Birmingham Hippodrome Find out HIDDEN FIGURES (12a) more on page 33 Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. THE JUNGLE BOOK ‘Spectacular’ street Henson, Octavia Spencer. Artrix, dance and ‘breathtaking’ circus com- Bromsgrove, Fri 21 July bine to bring Kipling’s classic tale crashing into the 21st century, Wed NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 19 - 22 July, Birmingham Hippo- drome Released from Fri 21 July, showing at selected cinemas: CITY OF GHOSTS (tbc) DUNKIRK (12a) MONSTER ISLAND (tbc) SCRIBE (tbc) THE MIDWIFE (12a) Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes - Birmingham Hippodrome Events Festivals

BRINDLEYPLACE FILM FESTIVAL Mon 17 DEERSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up - Sun 23 July, Brindleyplace, B’ham includes Doggen All Star Band, ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SUMMER FAIR K.O.G & the Zongo Brigade, Trans- Enjoy loved styles and treasures global Underground, Inner Terrestials while learning about their origins from & Devils Prefects, Fri 21 - Sun 23 the enthusiastic experts, Thurs 20 - July, Newton Cross Country Course, Sun 23 July, NEC, Birmingham Nottingham CULTURALLY SENSITIVE MEMORY CAFE NOZSTOCK Line-up includes Seasick The cafe supports individuals with Steve, Happy Mondays, General early to moderate dementia. Suitable Levy, Ocean Wisdom, Mungo’s Hi-Fi for anyone living with dementia or & Beans on Toast, Fri 21 - Sun 23 memory-related concerns and their July, Rowden Paddocks, Bromyard, caregivers, family and/or friends, Fri Herefordshire 21 July, Soho House, Handsworth, BUG JAM FESTIVAL Line up includes Birmingham Reverend and The Makers, SILK PAINTING COURSE Workshop ex- Wham!Duran & South Church, Fri 21 ploring how unusual and often - Sun 23 July, Santa Pod Raceway, startling effects can be achieved Northamptonshire when painting and dyeing silk, Sat 22 SHREWSBURY INTERNATIONAL COMEDY July, Selly Manor, Bournville, B’ham FESTIVAL Featuring Greg Davies, Joe WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE The War of Lycett & Terry Alderton, Fri 21 - Sun the Roses unfolds in an epic live-ac- 23 July, various locations, Shrews- tion show, Sat 22 July - Sun 3 Sep, bury Town Centre Warwick Castle L FEST Music, arts & comedy festival featuring Sian Evans, Fri 21 - Mon 24 July, Prestwold Hall, Loughborough BURTONFEST 2017 Line-up includes Union J and X Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry, Sat 22 July, National Brew- ery Centre, Burton-on-Trent SPLENDOUR FESTIVAL Line-up includes Kaiser Chiefs, Tony Hadley, Billy Ocean, Busted, Gabrielle Aplin, British Sea Power, Georgia & Black Grape and many more, Sat 22 July, Wollaton Park, Nottingham

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham 24 - 31 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:28 Page 1

thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 July of the Dennis Potter tale about seven Gigs Classical English children on a summer’s afternoon during World War Two, Sun 23 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove INDIGO GIRLS Mon 24 Music July, Birmingham Town DNA Stages School of Acting present Hall CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY an amateur version of Dennis Kelly’s Featuring Michael Seal (conductor) teenage drama, Sun 23 July, Artrix, CHUCK PROPHET & THE and Michael Petrov (cello). Pro- Bromsgrove MISSION EXPRESS Tues gramme includes works by 25 July, Hare & ROLE PLAY Taking Chances present a Shostakovich, Barber and Stravinsky, Hounds, Birmingham new comedy about a couple who Sun 30 July, Birmingham Town Hall think they may have a ‘seven-year THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS itch’, Sun 23 - Tues 25 July, The Blue Tues 25 July, The Jam Orange Theatre, Birmingham House, Birmingham DERREN BROWN: UNDERGROUND Latest THE CISSY STONE BAND Comedy stage show from the award-winning Wed 26 July, The Jam master of psychological illusion, Mon House, Birmingham JOHN ROBINS Wed 26 July The Glee 24 - Wed 26 July, New Alexandra CHARLOTTE BERG Wed Club, Birmingham , Theatre, Birmingham 26 July, Hare & Celine Dion- Barclaycard Arena CARMEN LYNCH & COMEDY CAROUSEL ROOM ON THE BROOM Tall Stories’ mu- Hounds, Birmingham WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 27 July, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham sical adaptation of the classic picture PETE KENT Wed 26 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham book by Julia Donaldson and Axel THE SEX PISTOLS EXPE- THE BLUETONES Sat 29 The Robin, Bilston GEOFF NORCOTT & CARL DONNELLY Scheffler, Mon 24 - Wed 26 July, Bel- RIENCE Fri 28 July, The July, O2 Institute, Birm- Thurs 27 July, mac, Birmingham grade Theatre, Coventry THREADED PLUS JACK Roadhouse, B’ham ingham COOKSON Wed 26 July, FUNNY GIRL Natasha J Barnes stars JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO THIS ELEGANT CHAOS, Kitchen Garden Cafe, as Fanny Brice in this touring produc- DAVID BOWIE Fri 28 MALLEN & ANGELS & Birmingham tion of the critically acclaimed West July, The Robin, Bil- IDOLS Sat 29 July, End musical, Mon 24 - Sat 29 July, CELINE DION Thurs 27 ston Route 44, Birmingham July, Barclaycard Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton MILLICENT STEPHENSON SAX IN THE CITY: THE Arena, Birmingham BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- WITH LIVE BAND Fri 28 NOTEBENDERS Sat 29 tions present David Walliams’ tale of JAKE MITCHELL Thurs July, Crescent Theatre, July, Symphony Hall, love, loss and friendship, Tues 25 - 27 July, O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Wed 26 July, Brueton Park, Solihull AN EVENING WITH BEV- TOROUS Sat 29 July, O2 MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s JESSICA LYNN Thurs 27 ERLEY VEGAS: FROM Institute, B’ham acclaimed new production of Boublil July, The Slade BOOZER TO CRUISER Fri MAGNUM Sat 29 July, & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Rooms, Wolverhamp- 28 July, Crescent The- The Robin, Bilston Wed 26 July - Sat 23 Sept, Birming- ton atre, Birmingham ROXY MAGIC Sat 29 ham Hippodrome THE KUT Thurs 27 July, ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 July, Artrix, Broms- THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An outdoor Hare & Hounds, Birm- TRIBUTE Fri 28 July The grove staging of the classic riverbank ad- ingham River Rooms, Stour- venture featuring Ratty, Mole, Badger MILK TEETH Thurs 27 bridge NIRVANA UK Sat 29 July, and Mr Toad, Thurs 27 July, Birming- July, The Flapper, The Roadhouse, Birm- MADE FESTIVAL Sat 29 ingham ham Botanical Gardens Birmingham July, The Rainbow ABOUT A GOTH Gritty Theatre present JOE MCELDERRY - SAT- Venues, Birmingham LIONIZE Sun 30 July, a rude and raucous comedy about URDAY NIGHT AT THE The Flapper, B’ham BRINGING ON BACK THE the trials and tribulations of being a MOVIES LIVE! Thurs 27 ENERGY + MISS VIN- CARMEN LYNCH, JAMES DOWDESWELL 60S Sat 29 July, The 17-year-old gay Goth in the 21st cen- July, New Alexandra CENT Mon 31 July, The & COMIC TBC Fri 28 - Sat 29 July, The Core Theatre, Solihull tury, Thurs 27 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Glee Club, Birmingham THE BORGIAS, LYCIO, FLO Theatre, Birmingham GRAHAM BONNET BAND Birmingham ROBERT WHITE, JAVIER JARQUIN & & ODMANSBOX Sat 29 CURIOUS CREATURES Squash Box The- Thurs 27 July, The JASON PATTERSON Fri 28 - Sat 29 July, July, The Sunflower atre fuse puppetry, slapstick, live Robin, Bilston Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham music and lots of amazing natural- UFO Thurs 27 July, GAVIN WEBSTER, ANDY ROBINSON, history facts to uncover the mysteries Birmingham Town Hall HELEN BAUER & KEVIN GILDEA Sat 29 of the animal kingdom, Thurs 27 July, DEL CAMINO Thurs 27 - July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham mac, Birmingham Fri 28 July, The Jam WOLFIE AND THE SHOWGIRL New musi- House, Birmingham cal by Carolyn Scott-Jeffs - a story of THE VIOLENT HEARTS, love, crime and killings, Fri 28 July, DISJOY & BARE PALE Fri The Crescent Theatre, B’ham 28 July, The Sunflower Theatre THE CURTAIN CALLS Students of World Lounge, Birmingham Of Hands Theatre, a summer school PALESTINE JAZZ: NAI MORGAN & WEST'S UTTERLY SPIFFING for British Sign Language users, BARGHOUTI, MOHAMED SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS showcase their talents, Fri 28 July, NAJEM & FRIENDS Fri 28 AND CHILDISH GROWN UPS Morgan & mac, Birmingham West mix brain-busting illusion and July, Birmingham Town AS YOU LIKE IT Madcap Theatre Pro- good old-fashioned tom-foolery, Sun Hall ductions combine comedy, music, 23 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove KEITH EMERSON A MUSI- dance, stage combat and physicality CAL CELEBRATION OF HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JNR Amateur with Shakespeare’s original script, Fri LIFE Fri 28 July, Sym- staging presented by Pauline Quirk 28 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove Academy Solihull, Sun 23 July, The phony Hall, B’ham THE CHILD WHO SAID NO Spoken-word Core, Solihull MR BEN Fri 28 - Sat 29 theatrical play about recovery. Writ- July, The Jam House, Milicent Stephenson- Crescent Theatre BLUE REMEMBERED HILLS Adaptation ten by and starring Goddesse Educa- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Birmingham 24 - 31 July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 12:28 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Monday 31 July tion campaigner Alice Smith, Fri 28 - NIUM APPROACHES (NT LIVE) and visual artist, for a ‘fun, interactive Sat 29 July, The Blue Orange The- Dance HOUNDS OF LOVE (tbc) and sensory treat’, Sat 29 July, Birm- atre, Birmingham ingham Museum And Art Gallery THE BIG SICK (15) WIND IN THE WILLOWS An outdoor FLOATING PATTERN Stitched textile H.O.M.E Translucent Dance Company staging of the classic river bank ad- THE WALL (tbc) workshop exploring the manipulation present a ‘dynamic and thought-pro- venture featuring Ratty, Mole, Badger WISH UPON (tbc) of fabric and paper elements in a free voking’ evening of dance, Sun 30 and Mr Toad, Sat 29 July, Packwood and relaxed way to produce a per- July, Artrix, Bromsgrove House, Solihull sonal pattern-based piece of work, IN THE MIDST Play based around the Sat 29 July, RBSA, Birmingham Burt family and its secrets, Sat 29 Events FREE DAY AT THE MUSEUM OF THE JEW- July, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham ELLERY QUARTER Explore this extraor- THE OVER COAT Enact Academy pre- Film ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES WORKSHOP Ex- dinary time capsule on a lively sent a new work of youth theatre plore colour, form and expressive guided tour, Sat 29 July, Museum of paint techniques to produce abstract the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham adapted from Nikoli Gogol’s classic, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Sat 29 July, The Blue Orange The- landscapes in a range of paints and MEDIEVAL OPEN DAY See knights do atre, Birmingham HIDDEN FIGURES (12a) inks, Mon 24 - Tues 25 July, Royal battle on the ruins, learn about the Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. Birmingham Society Of Artists, Birm- CIRCUS DAY: TAKING FLIGHT RoguePlay medieval history of the castle and Henson, Octavia Spencer. Artrix, ingham present a family-friendly piece of take part in craft activities, Sun 30 Bromsgrove, Mon 24 - Wed 28, Mon aerial theatre created for visually im- HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL The July, Weoley Castle Ruins, B’ham 31 July paired audiences, Sun 30 July, mac, Hands On History Crew bring the DINOSAUR SCHOOL Bonkers about bra- Birmingham JURASSIC PARK (12a) Adventure/Sci- past to life, Mon 24 - Sun 30 July, Ke- chiosauruses? Mad about microrap- Fi. Starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern. nilworth Castle, Kenilworth WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave tors? Then head over to Dinosaur Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Willetts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank IMPROVING YOUR IMAGES Receive School - a week packed with di- Sun 30 July Wildhorn’s musical adaptation of step-by-step guidance on how to edit nosaur facts, fossils, art, model mak- Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In and organise images of your artwork ing and stories, Mon 31 July - Fri 4 Wonderland and Through The Look- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: using a range of imaging tools, Wed Aug, Wolverhampton Art Gallery ing Glass, Mon 31 July - Sat 5 Aug, 26 July, Royal Birmingham Society Of Released from Wed 26 July, showing Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Artists, Birmingham at selected cinemas PAW PATROL Come and see Marshall GIRLS TRIP (15) & Chase at intervals throughout the ANGELS IN AMERICA PART TWO: MILLEN- day. Perfect for little ones, Wed 26 Festivals July - Wed 30 Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Birmingham WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- ENAMELLING, PEWTER CASTING OR PAD- cludes Oysterband, Spooky Men’s DLEBOAT MAKING WORKSHOPS Dis- Chorale, Andy Kershaw & Gaêlica, cover more, through a variety of Thurs 27 - Sun 30 July, Warwick hands-on activities, about how fur- School, Warwick naces, fire and steam were used in CARFEST Line-up includes Deacon the Industrial Revolution, Wed 26 July Blue, Dodgy, Manic Street Preachers, - Sun 3 Sep, Enginuity Museum, Iron- Melanie C, Rick Astley, Seasick bridge, Shropshire Steve, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Texas & GNOME ALONE Kids’ trail around the Tom Odell, Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, grounds of Himley Park. Norris the Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, Gnome is lost in the wilds of the es- Cheshire tate - help his friends to find him, BIRCHFIELD JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- Thurs 27 July, Himley Hall & Park, cludes Milton Godfrey, Kate Lux- Dudley moore, Handsworth Community FLOWERS IN MIXED MEDIA Explore a Choir and African Roots Fusion Band, mix of inks, watercolour and collage Fri 28 - Sun 30 July, St Mary's to create a final piece of art, Fri 28 Church, Birmingham July, Royal Birmingham Society Of MADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Artists, Birmingham Chase & Status, Giggs, Gorgon City, POTTERY WORKSHOP Take part as a Sub Focus, My Nu Leng, Chris family in a creative workshop, learn- Lorenzo, High Contrast, Camo & ing a variety of techniques using real Krooked, Nu:Logic, Danny Byrd, DJ clay, Fri 28 July, Black Country Living Hype, DJ Hazard, Gorgon City & Museum, Dudley Cause & Affect, Sat 29 July, The Rain- LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP bow Venues, Digbeth, Birmingham Hands-on workshop explaining how SHARDFEST Line-up includes Lucy to assemble a robot with pens for Spraggan (pictured), 5 After Mid- legs that will draw for you, Fri 28 July night, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Sat 29 - - Fri 1 Sep, Birmingham Museum And Sun 30 July, Norman Chamberlain Art Gallery Playing Fields, Birmingham BEAR-ILLIANT NEW 5K Attendees are encouraged to get sponsored to stroll through Sutton’s beautiful parkland, before enjoying the event’s dedicated Activity Zone, Sat 29 July, Boldmere Gate, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield EXPERIMENTS IN VIRTUAL REALITY Join James Alliban, designer, programmer 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Coventry Transport F/P.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 11:33 Page 1 MAC F/P July.qxp_Layout 1 26/06/2017 14:47 Page 1