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INSIDE: MAGAZINE GROUP 1462-7035 ISSN What to the RSC the to talks pirates talks interview inside interview interview inside interview interview inside interview creator of Ghost of creator Peter Lord Peter Sean

THELION KING ARRIVESBIRMINGHAMIN co-founder of Aardman Aardman of co-founder brings Jacobean comedy comedy Jacobean brings Bruce Joel Rubin Rubin Joel Bruce JUNEJUNE 2013 2013 ISSUE 330 330 330 ISSUE ISSUE £1.80 £1.80 .co.uk .co.uk .co.uk

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www. www. INCLUDING INCLUDING WOLVERHAMPTON WALSALL DUDLEY COVENTRY STRATFORD WORCESTER REDDITCH MALVERN SHREWSBURY TELFORD STAFFORD STOKE THE DEFINITIVE DEFINITIVE THE GUIDE LISTINGS THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:55 Page 1 Page 13:55 1 24/05/2013 - June_Layout Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 330 JUNE 2013 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS Grand Theatre (FP-June)_Layout 1 24/05/2013 08:36 Page 1 Contents June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 16:13 Page 1

June 2013

Editor: INSIDE: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: Ghost The Musical Brian O’Faolain interview with creator [email protected] 01743 281707 Bruce Joel Rubin p6

Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Sales & Marketing: Jon Cartwright [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] Sean Foley 01743 281714 interview p8 Managing Director: Paul Oliver [email protected] 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell The Lion King arrives in the Midlands, page 29 Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry TO GET THE VERY Peter Lord [email protected] p4 01743 281717 LATEST LISTING News talks animation p10 Website Development: INFORMATION, Jim Pallett Music p13 Contributors: VISIT: Rhianna Graham Bostock: Theatre whatsonlive.co.uk shines bright James Cameron-Wilson: Comedy p26 in Birmingham p13 Film; Anita Champaneri: INCLUDING Eating Out; BOOKING ONLINE Alev Dervish: Music Theatre p29 Eva Easthope, Kate The Midlands’ most Evans, Jessica Matthews, comprehensive Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, Dance p43 Jan Watts, Reggie White entertainment website Head Office: 4/5 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, Festivals p45 Shropshire. SY1 1EN Tel: 01743 281777 Fax: 01743 281744 Film/DVD p51 e-mail: info@whatson- live.co.uk Visual Arts p59 This publication is Follow us on... printed on paper from a sustainable source and is p63 produced without the use Events of elemental chlorine. twitter.com/whatsonlive June 2013 We endorse the recycling Clubbing/Gay p77 of our magazine and MTWTFSS would encourage you to Like us on... 12 pass it on to others to p78 read when you have Books/TV 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 finished with it. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 facebook.com/whatsonlive Eating Out p79 ’ 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 WhatsOn 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

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News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

ATG buys Broadway theatre Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), which owns the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham, as well as the Regent Theatre and Victoria Hall in Stoke-on-Trent, has announced that it’s acquired the largest the- atre on Broadway. Situated in a prime posi- tion on New York’s 42nd Street, The Foxwoods Theatre is currently home to the most talked-about show on Broadway - Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark. This latest purchase brings the number of theatres in ATG’s portfolio to forty. Fierce Festival announces return of Franko B One of the most provocative performers ever to appear at Fierce Festival is to make a wel- come return to the event this year. Franko B will join forces with a dancing animatronic polar bear to present a large-scale theatrical performance, combining dance and film, at Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry. Other Fierce highlights include French artist Denis Tricot creating a giant Birmingham City Centre sculpture from strips of wood, and culinary fun with Blanch and Shock, Midlands’ youngsters to take to the stage who’ll be creating a feast using produce grown in Edible Eastside. Fierce runs at vari- An eclectic programme of plays, including Carlo Goldoni’s A Servant Of Two Masters, ous locations around Birmingham from 4 to Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Mark Ravenhill’s Totally, lies at the heart of a July festival for bud- 6 October, with full programming details due ding performers. Inspired by Birmingham Rep’s centenary and its exploration of both new and to be announced in August. classic literature, The Young Rep Summer Festival of Theatre takes place at Birmingham’s venue. The two-week-long mini-festival will see more than two hundred young people from across Birmingham and the West Midlands (aged between nine and twenty-five) come together to per- form. A highlight of the festival will be the world premiere of Evan Placey’s Girls Like That, a play written especially for young people which explores ‘the perilous consequences that can happen when teenagers and technology join forces’. The Young REP Summer Festival of Theatre plays at Birmingham’s Old Rep from 1 to 13 July.

chance of taking part in the initiative, chil- More folk for Shrewsbury dren must submit a story or drawing of their In addition to hosting a highly regarded dream sleepover. UNICEF supporter Emma annual folk festival every August, the will be one of the judging panel and has stat- Shropshire market town of Shrewsbury is ed that she’ll “be looking for those who have also earning itself a mighty fine reputation for written or drawn a truly creative story or pic- attracting quality folk performers throughout ture, and someone who has really used their the year. American singer-songwriter Richard imagination”. For more information, visit Shindell, Cara Luft, Katriona Gilmore, Jamie www.giantsleepover.com Franko B Roberts and Belshazzar’s Feast have all been booked to appear at the town’s Hive venue between August and December. Coventry theatre takes the Grand Union gets a £100,000 Check out whatsonlive.co.uk for further infor- show on the road mation. birthday present The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry has Birmingham’s Eastside gallery and artists’ stu- launched an initiative designed to reach out dio Grand Union has been awarded a grant of Spice Girl urges children to to new audiences. The theatre’s Unplugged £100,000 by Arts Council . series will feature numerous scenes and The funds will enable the artist-run space in raise funds for UNICEF readings performed by professional actors, , which is celebrating its third birthday, Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton has with excerpts from Charlie Peace: His to increase its programming and bring more launched a nationwide initiative to tempt UK Amazing Life And Astounding Legend, One international artists to the city. A Small Hiccup, children to take part in the Giant Sleepover - Night In November and The Prodigals all fea- a group presentation featuring eight new com- the largest event of its kind in the world - and turing. The events will take place in some missions that in the process raise money for UNICEF. very unconventional settings around include perform- Children are also being invited to try their Warwickshire, including Coventry’s medieval ance, video, luck at winning the chance to enjoy ‘the ulti- Charterhouse, Draycote Water, The Butcher’s sculpture and digi- mate sleepover’ at one of six special venues Arms Restaurant in Priors Hardwick, Rugby tal media, will con- up and down the country - with Eastnor School’s Lewis Gallery, Foleshill Road’s tinue to show at Castle in Herefordshire and Trentham Edgewick Play Centre and Compton Verney the venue until Monkey Forest in Staffordshire the two ven- Art Gallery, which will stage the first event on Saturday 29 June. ues on offer in the Midlands. To have a Sunday 9 June. 4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 16:43 Page 2

Brindleyplace to host second Outdoor Film Festival The second Outdoor Film Festival takes place in the heart of Birmingham next month, with organisers of the week-long event asking people from across the city to vote for their favourite film at www.brindleyplace.com. The free event will showcase a total of nine films between 8 and 14 July, all of which have a PG certifi- cate or below. Free will be on offer courtesy of Brindleyplace, while takeaway options will be available from local restau- rants including Wagamama, Thai Edge, Piccolino and Bank.

Theatre announces new senior role has appointed Paul Kaynes as its Director of Creative Programmes. Paul, who has twenty-five years’ experience working within the Midlands arts scene, previous- Top acts announced for the ly worked as the West Midlands Creative Programmer for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad, return of the overseeing such major projects as The Voyage - the huge outdoor spectacular which launched the London 2012 Festival’s opening weekend. Paul, whose new role will see him Echo And The Bunnymen, Maximo Park and working with the Hippodrome’s Education and Creative Programming team to enable more The View, together with X Factor star Amelia people to experience all that the arts has to offer, says of the theatre’s future aims: “We want Lily, the Loveable Rogues and Titch, are just to give visitors to the theatre and Southside an unforgettable cultural experience, attracting some of the names announced for this new people to the area through a programme of outdoor performances. In addition, many year’s Godiva Festival. The weekend event thousands of young people witness the magic of theatre at Birmingham Hippodrome every is the biggest free family festival in the year, and it’s our aim to expand the numbers of young people we reach, enhancing the live Midlands, and features a line-up that theatre experience through talks, workshops and other activities.” includes live music and comedy. The Godiva Festival takes place at Coventry’s War Memorial Park from 5 to 7 July. IN BRIEF The stars are out in Wolverhampton A sizzling summer of star turns awaits visitors to Wolverhampton’s Opera company Grand Theatre. At a time of year when many theatres go dark, the announces new Grand is once again presenting a line-up of high-quality dramas competition for and comedies starring some of the UK’s best known actors. The season features Simon Brett’s knockabout theatrical comedy young UK artists Murder In Play, Nell Dunn’s all-female romp , marital Internationally comedy The Trouble With Old Lovers and edge-of-the-seat period acclaimed opera com- thriller A Murder Has Been Arranged. Ex-EastEnder Dean Gaffney, pany Glyndebourne Maximo Park Hollyoaks’ Gemma Bissix, one-time Dr have announced assistant Katy Manning, former launch of their first Emmerdale schemer Peter Amoury Shakespeare’s bloodiest play national art competi- and Coronation Street’s dishy doctor tion, and are inviting Oliver Mellor head the summertime gives chef food for thought talented young artists cast list, which also includes Karen A new production of Shakespeare’s rarely from across the UK to Ford, Rebecca Wheatley and Kim performed and bloodiest play Titus design the cover of Taylforth. For more information, includ- Andronicus has stirred the creativity of two their 2013 programme. ing dates and start times, visit what- Royal Shakespeare Company employees. Glyndebourne, who’re sonlive.co.uk or grandtheatre.co.uk. Gemma Bissix In a lighthearted nod to the cooking that regular visitors to goes on in the play’s final act, RSC chef Stoke’s Regent Nick Funnell has created the Titus Pie - a Theatre, are requesting REP initiative receives financial boost that all submissions be puff pastry crust filled with steak and kidney, The Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s Rep Foundry artist develop- inspired by one of the vegetables and herbs. Meanwhile, showing ment programme has received a significant boost to its funds. An three operas in their off her mixologist skills, Bar Manager Alice Arts Scholarship in excess of £136,000 over a three-year period 2013 repertoire - Cook has concocted The Bloody Tamora, has been awarded by the Leverhulme Trust, and will enable the Hansel And Gretel, which, named after the play’s Queen of the programme to continue until 2016. Created earlier this year under L’elisir d’amore and Goths character, relates to some of Titus’ the guidance of the theatre’s Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the The Rape Of Lucretia. bloodthirsty scenes. Rep Foundry aims to discover and promote the West Midlands’ The winning artist will The Titus Pie will most promising burgeoning talent, with a group of eighteen writ- see their artwork grace feature on the menu ers, directors and theatre-makers receiving mentoring and profes- the cover of ten thou- in the RST Rooftop sional support from staff at The Rep and leading theatre practi- sand copies of the Restaurant for the tioners. As well as master Glyndebourne Tour duration of Titus classes with theatre profes- Programme. Andronicus’s sionals, Rep Foundry artists For full entry criteria Stratford run (until have the opportunity to and online registration, 26 October). Alice’s present work in progress in visit. www.glynde- cocktail will be avail- front of an audience at bourne.com/tour able from the theatre monthly scratch perform- bar. Nick Funnell in action ance nights.

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I always think the last scene, where Sam says ‘the love’s “ inside you, take it with you’, really delivers. The audience always gets very emotional, and I get very gratified by that ”

Bruce Joel Rubin (centre) with Stewart Clarke (Sam) and Rebecca Trehearn (Molly) Bruce Joel Rubin The creator of Ghost, in conversation...

When Bruce Joel Rubin’s Ghost first hit cinema screens in July 1990, the romantic fantasy about the power of love became an overnight box office success, winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. After years of deliberation, Bruce finally gave the go-ahead for the movie to be adapted into a stage musical, a touring version of which arrives in the region this month...

So Bruce, what provided the initial have a way in. I didn’t know how to tell that over. So I’d keep changing the story to make inspiration for the movie Ghost? story. Then, by chance, I was watching a it more interesting, and it kept getting better I guess I was a creature of the ’60s, and the production of Hamlet, and in the second and better. Finally, in about the last week of psychedelic revolution made me very aware scene the ghost of his father appears on the pitching, I went to five different places. of life, death and, I guess, different terms. So parapet and says ‘avenge my death’. I knew Everyone I pitched to during that last week I started to explore this idea that we exist at that moment that that was the access wanted it, but it had taken two years. before we are born and that we exist even point, and that I wanted to tell that story in after we’re dead. I believe there’s a twentieth century New York. It moved And the rest, as they say, is history. So continuum at play. I wanted to explore that, forward from that. when did the idea to adapt it for the stage and talk about it in a mass-audience arena. I first come about? don’t know why, but I was given the Was it a difficult storyline to sell? People have talked to me about it over the opportunity to do that. Somewhere along the Nothing’s immediate. I pitched the idea for years, and I kept saying no, I had no way I wanted to do a movie about a ghost, about two years around Hollywood. What interest. I really had a fear, actually, that told from the side of the ghost. I thought it happened - which was a really wonderful they’d be singing these little tinkly songs would be an important story, but I didn’t gift - was that people’s eyes would glaze which, for me, is the case with many

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musicals, and I just didn’t want that. Then the Having seen the show, I found all the The pottery scene is probably the most producers for the show invited themselves to principal characters were spot on, but famous part of the film, but the stage upstate New York where I lived and tried to Wendy Mae certainly has something that’s show doesn’t major on that very much. Is sell it to me. They came to my house and we very special... there a reason why it was played down? talked and talked, so much so that they I agree. I was thrilled to discover her when I In a sense we wanted to give it a certain missed their trains to New York City and sat down to watch this new production for emotionality - for the pottery wheel to be ended up staying over at my house. During the first time. I’d seen casting tapes but you there after Sam died, rather than before. We that very long night, I began to see that don’t know until you see people on stage felt that to play it upfront slowed down the these songs really could begin to take the how real they are and how good they are. In progression of the show. Having him being emotions in the material and deepen them, the movie, too, the Whoopi character kind of there with a pottery wheel, trying to hold her and give the characters a chance to sing saves the show. The whole show couldn’t when he couldn’t, was quite powerful. For about how they feel, and about much that just be about two people who are pining for me, it was an interesting choice, but I can was left unspoken in the movie. And that each other. I knew we needed to level it with see that some people would want to see it as began to get me excited. So I committed to it some kind of honest humour, and having a it was in the film. But it’s still there. and I said, ‘let’s just try it and see where it fake psychic having to deal with this goes’. We attracted amazing talent, people terrifying situation of actually meeting a dead Do you have a favourite scene in the stage like Dave Stewart and Glen Dower, to do the man was such a merciful idea. It saves the show? music and insert lyrics, and Matthew movie and it saves the show and brings a Probably not. I’m amazed by so many of the Warchus and Tom Powell. We have such different level. things that happen. The subway scene is amazing people on this show. It just quite extraordinary; the Oda Mae scene is so continued to come together and get better The West End show was a great success, vibrant and so funny. I always think the last and better. All I wanted at that point was to but the touring version is said to be more scene, where Sam says ‘the love’s inside bask in it and be part of it. I mean, how many like the Broadway version. Why? you, take it with you’, really delivers. The times do you get the chance to be part of a Mostly because Matthew had a sense of audience always gets very emotional, and I musical? things he wanted to change. There’s one get very gratified by that. moment in the movie where Sam meets a So have you worked hand-in-hand with ghost, who tells him a little bit about what it So why do you think Ghost remains so Matthew since those very early stages? means to be a ghost. It’s at a point where successful? Very much so. Even today, we’re all here Sam’s still fighting with the idea that he’s It addresses probably the central desire of working on the tour. This is a tour of a West even dead. We created a version of that guy human beings for fulfillment. One, that life End production and it really is quite for the London show which was a kind of goes on, which is something that I truly astounding. I’m amazed as to what we’ve tap-dancing guy, and a lot of people couldn’t believe personally, and two, that you could been able to achieve. We’ve had to cut back make the switch easily enough to go possibly have one more moment with on some levels to bring the show to certain suddenly into ‘I’m dead, and there’s a tap- someone you love. The latter is something theatres, but I don’t think people will even dancing guy telling me about what death is’. which probably drives more people’s fantasy notice that. They’ll just be blown away. So we thought we’d go for more of a New lives than anything. There’s this story about a Orleans style, because they do have a kind man who was in a plane that crashed into It’s certainly very ambitious. Were you of funeral-style singing which is quite the Hudson River a couple of years ago. ever concerned that it wasn’t achievable powerful. We tried it to see how it worked When he was rescued, he was standing on to the level that you wanted? and we loved it. And here we’ve tried the wing, and later told the New York Times Of course - everyone fears that. When you’re something more interesting. We’ve taken the that all he could think about when he was working on any kind of production there’s character out altogether as a single person getting off the plane was the movie Ghost. very often a fear that it won’t rise to the and we’ve made him other ghosts. We He said, “I wondered if, in fact, I was like occasion. I don’t have that fear with Ghost. I divided the part up, and that, to me, is the Patrick Swayze, and my body was on the think there’s a certain truth to the movie, and most successful version of all. It’s very plane and I was there as a spirit on the I love what’s happening on stage. I love effective. wing’. I remember thinking to myself when I watching the show grow, and the actors read that, ‘Oh my God, if the first thing that finding their way into the characters, and It’s a very full-on production, with some someone thinks about when they’re involved watching it emerge as a great piece of work. amazing illusions. Were you concerned in something like that is your movie, then It’s an organic process, and the result is that that it might be a bit excessive in parts? you’ve made some sort of an impact’. the play delivers - it’s touching people in so Matthew and the whole creative team have many ways. been in New York working on Matilda, so it’s Out of all the work you’ve created - only been the last couple of days that we’ve because, as we know, this isn’t your only Sam and Molly were iconic roles for seen the production come together. We’ve all success - would you say Ghost is your Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore. Was it made our notes on how to calm it down a greatest achievement? ever difficult to envisage anyone else in little, so to speak. I’ve loved working on it more than anything, those roles? and Ghost has served me very well. But Yeah, a little bit. That is, until I saw Richard The special effects are simply amazing, there’s a very underrated film that I did called and Casey, who appeared in the West End and it must have been quite difficult to Jacob’s Ladder, which I think may be more and who were in where it bring some of the illusions from the movie important in terms of capturing some of what started. Straight away they stole my heart. I to the stage. Did you have a firm idea it is that I want to say. I really love Jacob’s knew then that this could be anybody, and about what you wanted to have happen? Ladder. I love all of the work that I’ve created, that people can move into those parts Well, we knew he had to walk through a but Ghost has definitely been the most joyful relatively easily. The hardest role, in a way, is door. That was one thing that had to happen. ride that I’ve had. that of Oda Mae Brown. I’m amazed we’ve We also knew that we had to create a found such amazing people to take on that moment where he convinces Molly that he’s So would you ever look at adapting any of character, because Whoopi is truly iconic. there with her. We went from the penny on your other creations for the stage? For people to take it on and make it their the door, which was just too small to register Oh, no, no, no. I’ve gotten old. I’ve had my own is really hard. We’ve had great people, with those at the back of an auditorium, to one musical. I’m grateful for the chance to and now we have a new Oda Mae in Wendy the folding of a letter by itself in her hand. be involved all the way, though. I’ll leave the Mae Brown, and she really is quite others to someone else. extraordinary. The spirits rising from the body is also a spectacular sight... How spooky is that! A Wendy Mae Brown Yeah, just the idea that these guys die and Ghost The Musical shows at the Grand playing Oda Mae Brown... within seconds of them being dead you see Theatre, Wolverhampton, from Tues 4 to Sat Yeah, that’s quite extraordinary. I think she their body on the stage at the same time as 15 June, and at the New Alexandra Theatre, was probably born to play the role. they’re rising above the stage! Birmingham, from Tues 17 December to Sun 5 January.

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A Mad World My Masters in rehearsal Sean Foley brings Jacobean comedy to the RSC Sean Foley

Actor, writer and director Sean Foley has created numerous original comedies, including the Olivier Award-winning The Play What I Wrote. His credits as a director include the stage version of The Ladykillers. Sean’s currently working on numerous projects, including Harry Hill’s X Factor The Musical and an imminent RSC production of Thomas Middleton’s A Mad World My Masters. Sean recently took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his career, and to explain what audiences can expect from his re-working of this relatively unknown Jacobean comedy.

You’re currently directing A Mad World My transposition of the Jacobean world. The You made reference to the play being Masters. How did your involvement with same things have happened throughout based around strong female characters. this RSC production come about? human history, but I’ve always thought the Would the piece be better in the hands of The RSC approached me and said, “You’re a look was fantastic in the 1950s. The show is a female director? likely sort of cove to direct a comedy, so based very much around women and what’s We’ve got brilliant actresses in the company what do you want to do?”. I said, “Well, I’m expected of them; that need to be and a great female designer. The strength of not going to do a Shakespeare comedy”. conformist. Men’s fear of women, and the women characters was one of the Not because I don’t think they’re brilliant but everything about the play, made me feel that reasons I wanted to do the play, and - I’ll because there are already plenty of great you could set it in the 1950s and it would be probably get shot for saying this - I think versions of Comedy Of Errors and A just the same as it was in 1608, when it was there are greater roles for women in this than Midsummer Night’s Dream. I thought it might written. there are in Shakespeare’s plays, with the be fun to take a look at one of exception of Rosalind in As You Like It. The Shakespeare’s contemporaries and see if Would it have easily fitted into the ’60s? play has two major themes - sex and money there was something there that took my No, in the ’60s we’ve got the feeling of what - and it’s brilliantly satirical. It’s got a fancy. So I ended up looking at various we used to call Women’s Lib, but in the ’50s wonderful mix of classic goodness and plays, and this one seemed to me to be an that’s all still brewing up. The play has some comic genres. There’s a lot of slapstick, undiscovered masterpiece. To his credit, wonderfully strong female characters who’re plenty of character comedy, and it’s very when I told Michael Boyd that I’d like to do a determined to shape their own lives but who naughty. It’s cynical in one sense but it’s piece by Thomas Middleton, he said: face - I guess what women still face - a also very festive and celebratory. “Absolutely fantastic. You must do it!”. society that won’t let them. One of the huge things in the play is sex, and it’s worth You’re making use of 1950s music. Will What lay behind the decision to transpose pointing out that this is the filthiest play - in there be recognisable numbers? the story to 1950s Soho? its original form - that I’ve ever seen. I kept Some will be quite well known, others not Well, it’s a London play. It’s full of prostitutes, looking back at the notes, thinking, “he can’t so. scoundrels and scamsters. That kind of post- possibly mean that. That’s another pun on war Soho world - before everything changed the word penis!”. Let me put it this way. If it How is the music used in the show? in the ’60s - seemed like a really good wasn’t so funny, it would be shocking. Each of the main characters has a theme

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tune, as it were. We’ve got a live band, and How did the show go down with the nuns? was great to work with and he’s done a really there are six or seven numbers. The show It was brilliant, they loved it. There was a great job with me on A Mad World My starts as if the audience is in a cafe/nightclub blackout for about ten minutes where we had Master. in Soho in 1958, where there’s a brilliant to improvise, but it worked out okay. We also jazz/ singer called Linda Jon Pier. took the show to a town in Northern Syria You’re directing Harry Hill’s parody of The There’s music accompanying the action which is currently being bombed to hell, X Factor. Where are you with that at the throughout, and occasionally we break into called Illepo, and all of our props went moment? actual song. missing. We had to run around the whole Well, it’s been confirmed that we’re going to town trying to gather props for the evening do it and that it’s going to be early next year. Do you see the production appealing to a performance. That was pretty scary as well. We’ve done quite a lot of work on it already - wide audience? Those are the brave moments. My first lots of workshops and writing, and we’ve got Definitely. If this was written now, I wouldn’t official directing gig was an evening of all the songs - so I guess it’s quite advanced, say that people would be outraged, but it’s Harold Pinter’s comic sketches, of which he really. We had a big showing when Simon full of the sort of stuff that you’re not wrote a lot, and I suppose I was a little bit Cowell came along, and he loved it. supposed to laugh at but everyone does. nervous the night he came to see it. But thankfully he loved it. Does Simon have any input into the So you can hide behind that... musical? That’s the brilliance of Middleton’s writing. So what would be your proudest moment? He’s actually been brilliant, and sort of clever, It’s so full of innuendo that you could never What Harold Pinter said to me after the inasmuch as he saw that it was a great idea actually say ‘hang on a minute, he’s talking show... and let us get on with it. He’s very about a woman’s parts, isn’t he?’. Thomas occasionally come along and offered a few Middleton would say, “No, she’s just saying Which was? little thoughts; generally, though, he’s been that she wants to visit the man next door”. Well, let’s just say it was my proudest very hands-off but supportive. It’s full of brilliantly written innuendo. It’s a bit moment... that, and the opening night of The like Max Miller coming on stage and saying, Play What I Wrote. Any hints on casting yet? “I’ve got all sorts of material. Where do you That’s all under wraps at the moment. I’ll tell want it from, the blue book or the red And what about The Ladykillers? you when I know... book?”. Basically, everyone, if they’re honest, Yeah, that was another proud moment. That would say they wanted it from the blue book. makes it three! I suppose getting an Olivier You’re also going to be directing a new So it’s full of that, but it’s not the only thing in Award nomination for Best Director was a adaptation of PG Wodehouse’s Jeeves the play. It also tells this great story about proud moment because it was the first play And Wooster, entitled Perfect Nonsense... these wonderful characters who strive to find I’d directed in the West End. I was very Yeah. Funnily enough, we’re planning to love and fortune in 1950s London. proud of that show, and one of the things make some announcements on that one very that I’d like to communicate is that lots of soon. We’ll workshop it initially and then A Mad World My Master marks your RSC people in the business told me that they’d go we’re hoping to get it into the West End. debut. What does it mean to you to be to see it; they’d got their friends, they’d got performing at the home of the Bard? their families and people who don’t normally You’re juggling quite a lot of projects at For me, it was completely unexpected. I’ve go to the theatre to go along and see it also. the moment. Is it sometimes difficult to written and performed in a lot of my own These were people who don’t normally go to stay focused when there’s so much going work. I had my own theatre company, so I the theatre because they don’t think it’s on? wrote and was part of creating original comic entertaining enough. Almost universally it Actually, I think it helps. I quite like it this way. theatre shows which ended up in the West came back that they’d loved it. I think, if End. It’s only more recently I’ve started anything, that’s what I’m about - trying to So is it normal for you to have so many directing. So it’s a surprising delight to be create theatre that will be liked by people different projects on the go at any one invited to work with this world-famous theatre who don’t like theatre. You can have an time? company. I was surprised when they asked incredibly entertaining evening, but it doesn’t Well, there are quite a few at the moment, I me, and was equally surprised when they mean it’s not intelligent. It doesn’t mean it have to admit. I’ve actually been working X said yes to me doing A Mad World My doesn’t have a plot or a story - all of the Factor The Musical since last April, so that’s Master. Also, as I’ve been working on the shades that are necessary in a piece of just over a year already, and we don’t go into play, I’m surprised as to how great it is as a theatre. But first of all it has to be a good rehearsal until January next year. In the comedy. It’s just full of the most brilliant night out for people, and I’m sure that’s what meantime, you’re working with the writers comic situations, and points out just how we’re creating here with Middleton’s comedy. and the designers. So you’re not full-time on hypocritical many of us are, but does so in anything. It’s a bit like cooking - things come the most delicious way. Did the success of The Ladykillers to the boil at different times. Let’s just say surpass your expectations? I’ve got a few things on the stove and I’m You’ve touched on moving from acting to You never know something’s going to be a hoping that I’m going to manage to get them directing. Did you see this as a natural massive hit. I’ve made shows which are to the table at various points in time. progression? equally as good, but they’ve never become In my own company, I did writing within the massive hits, and you never know why. Was a career in theatre something to shows, and, inevitably, because we ran the Some things audiences take to, and it’s the which you’d always aspired? company, I was also one of the artistic audience that makes it a hit. It can be a good I’m always astounded that I’m, one, directors. So I was actually making loads show but they make it a hit. The only thing employed, and two, employable! But ‘no’ is and loads of decisions by comparison with you’re in control of is putting on a good the answer to that. It wasn’t until I was in my what a more traditional theatre director would show and giving people a good time. twenties that I started to make a go of it, do. So it wasn’t a huge leap to decide to albeit in a curious way. I invented a company direct. I wouldn’t say it was inevitable, but it Which playwright do you most admire? with a couple of other people and we started was an easier step than it would have been if Samuel Beckett. I think he’s much, much making our own shows. It wasn’t like I was I’d just been an actor-for-hire. funnier than most people give him credit for. I going to be an actor on the RSC stage. It also really like Shakespeare and Bertholt wasn’t like I wanted to play Hamlet - and I What do you consider to have been the Brecht. guess no one’s going to ask me to now bravest thing you’ve ever done either! It wasn’t that kind of ambition. It was professionally? Is there a particular up-and-coming more about creating work, creating theatre Probably going on stage in Calcutta with a playwright you’d like to ‘big up’? shows to make people laugh, which is self-written show in front of about ninety There’s a guy who I’ve been working with on essentially what I’m still doing now. Indian nuns. I was on tour with my own this adaptation named Phil Torter. He’s a show, a comedy about a double-act entitled young guy who’s recently been A Mad World My Master shows at The Swan Stop Calling Me Vernon. commissioned by the RSC to write Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from Thurs 6 something. I’m going to say him, because he June to Fri 25 October.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 09 Peter Lord feature_Layout 1 24/05/2013 15:42 Page 1

I know this probably sounds a bit of a cliche, but we just do what makes us laugh. I think “ that’s the most honest thing you can do. ” Peter Lord talks about the world of animation...

As co-founder of Aardman Animations, Peter Lord is responsible for some of the best clay animations ever to grace TV and cinema screens. His popular creation Morph made his debut on Take Hart in 1977 and was an instant success. Since then, Aardman has garnered worldwide praise thanks to such undertakings as Wallace And Gromit, Chicken Run, Shaun The Sheep and Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists, the latter of which has inspired a touring exhibition that’s currently showing at Birmingham’s Thinktank. What’s On recently caught up with Peter to find out more about the world of animation.

What was behind the decision to take The It’s not just the visual side of things, there And creating your own movies at home is Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists are also a good many hands-on activities far more viable nowadays... out on tour as an exhibition? associated with the exhibition. Do you offer Yes, it’s hilarious, really. It’s so much easier We’ve always really wanted to do exhibitions. advice to venues on how they should now than when I started out a very long time It was always very high on our list with proceed on that level? ago. Then it was a highly esoteric activity for a Pirates, because the whole thing looks so It’s all very collaborative, and I’ve been quite few enthusiasts. Nowadays, everyone can do lovely. We know that people love looking at involved over the months, making sure that it. All you need is access to a computer. It’s the stuff that we do - the models and props it’s what we wanted it to be. We depend on partly technology and partly psychological, are so beautiful. We love doing exhibitions advice from the people who put on the inasmuch as people think that they can do it, and we’re always looking for opportunities, exhibitions, because it’s a special art form which is great, because they can do it. As but you do need a good partner because it’s and quite different from film making. But then schoolboys, we didn’t know anybody else of quite expensive. Even though we have all the again, we’ve done quite a lot ourselves over our age who was creating animation. We just sets ready-made, they’re big and quite the years. Part of the exhibition is so that the appeared to be doing some weird, freakish cumbersome to get about. kids can get some hands-on experience, thing that was seen as highly specialist. which is fun while they’re at the exhibition and hopefully inspires them to go away and do their own thing with animation.

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interview...

Were you seen as a geek? So would you credit Aardman with very much hands-on - but that doesn’t mean No, I think people then, as they are now, bringing animation to a wider adult that I touch much plasticine! were quite impressed. They were amazed by audience? it, and the fact that it could be done. Our I think we do - and we delight in that - but we What’s been the most difficult decision films were first shown on TV when we were wouldn’t take all the credit for it. Creature you’ve had to make professionally? about seventeen, which I suppose was rather Comforts and Wallace And Gromit were Making Chicken Run was incredibly difficult, cool. made for an adult audience - well, a family because it was on a much bigger scale than audience - and I know this probably sounds anything we’d ever done before. The studio Back to Pirates: In An Adventure With a bit of a cliche, but we just do what makes doubled in size in the space of year. We had Scientists. It all began with Gideon us laugh. I think that’s the most honest thing to split it in half, because you need a lot of Defoe’s Pirates book. What was it that you you can do. space to do a movie, and space was initially found so appealing about his something we didn’t have. Splitting up work? When you started out, could you ever teams and people was difficult. I personally What jumped off the page instantly was the have imagined that Aardman would went off to the feature studio, which is in the comedy, and a sense of fun which I’d never become this huge, internationally north of Bristol, away from headquarters, seen before. The story’s got a particular tone recognised brand? and I lost, or should I say missed, a lot of of comedy which is quite surrealist, a bit No, definitely not. When we started out in the people and friends who I’d been working absurdist and very modern, even though it’s mid-’70s, the world was so different. In those with for years. That decision put a huge set in the past. It’s also very playful and quite days there were just three TV channels, there strain on the company at the time, but it mischievous, and I loved the way that the was no animation on TV for adults, and proved worthwhile in the end. book, and the film, took an enormous nobody made animated movies except comedy swing at Charles Darwin. Disney. When we started out, what was on So we’ve got the Shaun The Sheep movie offer was probably the summit of our coming in 2015. Any plans for any more So you chose the story that the film was ambition. So a company doing so much, and Wallace And Gromit? going to be based upon. Where did you for so many different audiences, and selling Nothing live at the moment. I always assume go from there? all around the world, was unimaginable. they’ll be back, because there’s lots that we We spent a long, long time on the story with can do with them. Nick’s working on another Gideon in the room, because it’s difficult to I remember watching your Morph film at the moment, which isn’t Wallace And get a very good story into a defined space of character being created out of plasticine. Gromit. time, which is what you’re stuck with when Do your creations still start out that way? producing a movie. I think we all agreed that, The final characters that you see on screen What is it? as written, it didn’t really add up conveniently are constructed from steel curtains. Their A deadly secret project... to a movie. So first of all we worked on the bodies are made from foam latex, silicone, story, and then we moved on to the designs. resin, and a little bit of plasticine, but when Sounds interesting! So what’s taking up You try to imagine what the world looks like, they’re first made we still use plasticine. You most of your time at the moment? because obviously, in animation, nothing can’t really sculpt using any other material. I’m working on development, which is when exists. So you have to create everything, Morph works because he’s the size he is, so you take an idea through to production. I from the sky down to the water. Then you is easy to construct from solid plasticine. don’t know whether I’ll actually direct one, start storyboarding, which is a classic He’s the cheapest possible animation but we’ve got three or four things, including animation thing where you turn your script puppet. When things begin to get more Nick’s film, on the boil. We’re trying to get into a visual document. This then adds a complicated, the whole thing breaks down them off the ground and into production, whole new layer of humour. and the puppet doesn’t work anymore. Our and that’s a big deal. It means you’ve got to puppets are designed for looks first and get all the money in place, all the team in Is there a character in the film with whom foremost, and then very skillful modelmakers place, and you’ve got to get the studios to you have an affinity? do the job to make them fit for purpose. believe in your project. It’s what we work for. The Captain, who’s obviously very visible. It normally takes a couple of years for that He’s on the screen the whole damn time, Do you try to push boundaries as far as thumbs-up or green light, as it’s called. talking away. He’s a very central character, technology and the art form is concerned? and I like him because he’s insanely With the boundaries thing, we always think And your greatest achievement; would optimistic and very cheerful, but at the same there’s a solution if you want it. So if you that be Wallace And Gromit? time has a great lack of foresight, which I come up with an idea for, say, your It would have to be the studio, I think, guess helps him storm cheerily through life. characters to be transparent, we may say because, as I said earlier, we could never On the downside, he’s very thoughtless and ‘that’s a stupid idea’, or we may say ‘we’ll go have imagined achieving this, and there selfish. I like a character who’s extreme and with this idea because there’s always a way wasn’t any other model to follow. So to have by no means perfect. I love his crazy go- you can make it work’. When we make films, built this studio, which everyone knows the ahead energy, and I loved working with Hugh it’s fundamentally done the same way as it’s name of and everyone wants to work at, is Grant. always been done, with puppets and great. We employ a lot of people, and that’s cameras in the studio. That said, we do use what I’m most proud of. Do you have full creative control when a lot of digital technology to help us, working with Sony, or do you have a spec especially around the edges. And that you’re still very British... to which you have to adhere? Absolutely, and that isn’t very easy either, I It’s not either of those. They did give us a Which has been the most challenging can tell you. We try to make it look easy, but free hand, but to be quite frank, that’s character you’ve worked on? it’s tricky out there in the big world. something that you earn. If they like the Big characters are always a challenge, purely script, like the design, and like what you’re because of their size. In Chicken Run, you You’ve worked closely with both doing, they give you a free hand. It all have humans interacting with chickens, so Dreamworks and Sony. Have they ever worked out really well with Sony, and they the scale of things is very important. We had tried to tempt you to relocate to the US? just kind of got it. They knew straight away it this massive Mr Tweedy character, who They’ve tried, but we’ve never, ever been was quite different to the average film. They wasn’t much bigger than some of the tempted. knew it was never going to be mainstream, chickens, and that was a bit of a challenge. that it was going to be more English, and they loved the fun and the humour that came Which is your favourite character? As well as showcasing crafted sets and with it. I’d say Morph, because he was the first-born, puppets from the film, The Pirates! In An as it were. Adventure With Scientists exhibition also Are there any plans to adapt any more of includes hand-on activities for all ages and the Gideon’s books? Are you still very hands-on with the chance to see the renowned Oxford Dodo. Not at the moment. We started work on one, company? Pirates!... shows at Thinktank, Birmingham, but it’s not moved on. When you’re directing, then yes, you’re still until end of September 2013

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Bonnie Raitt Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 11 June American blues singer-songwriter, slide guitar player and lifelong political activist Bonnie has racked up over forty years of musicmaking, her early-career roots-influenced giving way in the 1980s and ’90s to more commercially accessi- ble recordings. A ten-time Grammy Award-winner, she’s perhaps best known for 1990s numbers Nick Of Time, Something To Talk About, Love Sneakin' Up On You and I Can't Make You Love Me.

Rihanna LG Arena, Birmingham, Mon 17 June & Thurs 18 July I See Hawks In LA Barbadian-born Rihanna has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom since bursting onto the Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Mon 24 June; scene with her debut studio Music Of The Sun in 2005. Two years later things re- Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Sun 7 July ally took off for her, courtesy of Good Girl Gone Bad and its chart-topping singles Um- This laidback country rock group hail from sunny brella, Take A Bow, Disturbia and Don’t Stop The Music. In 2012, American magazine California. Promoting their own brand of Americana Time named Rihanna one of the world's most influentual women. Proving her interna- across the globe, from SXSW to not-so-sunny tional popularity, the Rude Boy star has no fewer than five , eight- Shrewsbury, they’ve released six albums since een , two BRIT Awards and five Grammy Awards under her belt. 2001. Influenced by country artists such as Merle Haggard, George Jones and Buck Owens, and folkier singer-songwriters such as Bob Dylan, The Who: they’ve been called “a talented, literate bunch of LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 28 June soulful musicians (that) create honest and wise This concert sees The Who perform their iconic Quadrophenia double album in its en- roots music for the ages.” They stop off in the Mid- tirety as part of a twelve-date UK tour. Released in 1973, Quadrophenia was the band’s lands as part of an eighteen-date UK tour. second rock opera (after ) and went on to become one of the most influential al- bums in the history of . The new concert version has been personally directed by . Focusing on the original album, it replaces the narrative used in previ- ous stage incarnations with powerful imagery projected on an array of massive screens. The Who’s founding members Roger Daltrey and will be joined for the show by (drums), (bass), (guitar/backing vocals), John Corey (keyboards), Loren Gold (keyboards/backing vocals) and (musical director, keyboards/backing vocals).

Whole Lotta Led The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Sat 22 June; Lud- low Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 27 July If Whole Lotta Led don’t reign supreme when it comes to high-quality tribute acts, they’re certainly up there vying for top spot with the very best of ’em. Dedicated to recreating the classic studio and live albums of the legendary Led Zeppelin, they’ve chalked up a staggering one thousand-plus con- certs since forming in 1993 - irrefutable evidence, were any to be needed, of just how fantastic a job they do of paying homage to one of rock music’s greatest ever bands.

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Music PREVIEWS

Peter Murphy O2 Academy, Birmingham, Mon 17 June Nicknamed the Godfather of Goth, Peter Mur- phy is best known for his work with Bauhaus, with whom he performed before going solo. The group formed in 1978, and were influen- tial in the field of gothic rock, achieving UK chart success and worldwide cult status be- fore disbanding in 1983, since which time they’ve reformed on a couple of occasions. In celebration of the band’s thirty-fifth anniver- sary, Murphy will play only Bauhaus material on this new Mr Moonlight tour, which takes in a whopping forty-nine dates in North America and Europe over a three-month period.

Neil Young And Crazy Horse LG Arena, Birmingham, Tues 11 June One-time Crosby, Stills & Nash member Neil Young has been playing music for forty-plus years, a period during which he’s released thirty-plus albums, garnered a reputation as one of rock’n’roll’s greatest songwriters and performers, and twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; in 1995 for his solo work and in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Spring- field. Although he’s experimented with various musical styles, he’s best known for playing acoustic and electric music, the latter very often in collaboration with American rock band Crazy Horse, with whom he’s here reuniting for the first time in nine years. Josh Groban Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 17 June John Lee Hooker Jr And His All Chapel Club Josh Groban has become something of a The Institute, Birmingham, Mon 3 June classical music darling, selling over twenty- American Band five million albums in the last twelve years. The Robin, Bilston, Tues 18 June After recently selling out London’s Electrow- Renowned for his stunning vocals, Josh is Blues musician John is perhaps best known erkz, Chapel Club are kicking off a five-date also an actor, and has appeared on US TV for being the son of highly influential twenti- UK tour with this Birmingham show. The Lon- show Ally McBeal and in the movie Crazy.Stu- eth century singer-songwriter and guitarist don quintet’s new album, Good Together, will pid.Love. With his curly hair and boyish John Lee Hooker. That’s not to say the De- be released on the same day as this Institute looks, the thirty-one-year-old star has cap- troit-born Junior hasn’t made a significant gig, and, in a move away from the indie rock tured the hearts of fans worldwide, and even mark of his own, earning Grammy award sound of debut offering Palace, boasts a far snared Mad Men’s January Jones. He’s tour- nominations for his engagingly contemporary more electronic feel. The psychedelic video ing in support of sixth studio album All That arrangements. A for the title single has been directed by Ollie Echoes, which hit the number one spot on one-time resident of Murray, the man behind videos for both The the Billboard charts last November. San Quentin jail, Horrors and Totally Enormous Extinct Di- Hooker Jr’s found nosaurs. God and cleaned up his act during the last few years, but brings a real sense of his hard- livin’ past to his modern-day busi- ness of musicmak- ing.

Sir Cliff Richard Cara Luft Warwick Castle, Sat 8 June The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 16 June; Kitchen If you add up all the time that Cliff's songs Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Tues 18 June have spent in the charts, the total comes to a Founding member of Canadian folk trio The Lambchop staggering twenty years. No wonder the Wailin' Jennys, Cara’s solo sound has been Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 26 June Peter Pan of Pop remains one of the UK's moulded by such diverse influences as ’80s most-loved performers! Expect all the old Playing country music since the 1990s, Lam- , folk music, church music and, er, favourites from five bchop are fronted by Kurt Wagner, have a Led Zeppelin! She kick-started her musical decades-worth of fluid line-up, and released their eleventh stu- career at the tender age of eleven when she song, including dio album, Mr M, last year (the album was decided to teach herself how to play the gui- Move It!, Livin' Doll, dedicated to Wagner’s late friend and collab- tar, since which time she’s taken massive Congratulations, orator, singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt). Kurt strides both as a musician and a performer. Devil Woman, We is famed for his songwriting, his lyrics having Presenting what she describes as ‘rockin’ folk Don't Talk Anymore, been described as “witty and deeply insight- for the discerning listener’, Cara’s natural Wired For Sound, ful”. The band’s use of multiple backing mu- warmth and delicious sense of humour en- Mistletoe And Wine sicians creates a big sound, presenting a sure that an evening in her company offers and heaven knows sharp contrast with the often-stripped-back much, much more than some spellbindingly how many other approach to country music. good musicianship. memorable hits. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 15:39 Page 5

LICHFIELD GUILDHALL JULY Fri 12th to Sun 14th July BEACON PARK, LICHFIELD

FREE ENTRY The festival attracts many thousands of people to watch professional artists, participate in arts and crafts activities and to take part in performance opportunities. Fuse aims to provide access to the Arts for everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

JAZZ BLUES AT FUSE Sun 14th July

11.45am Funktional 12.45pm Walsall Jazz Orchestra 2.00pm Steve Ajao Blues Giants 3.15pm Wonderbrass

Besides the music enjoy fine Real Ales, Fine Food excellent craft stalls. AUGUST

Saturday 31st August & Sunday 1st September

FREE ENTRY

Following last year’s success, the Lichfield Food Festival Returns. With cookery demonstrations from Paul Gilmore and Adam Bennett also appearance from Paul Bough, Tommy Ho and Duncan Hindley SEPTEMBER AutumnFest Beer . Wine . Food . Music Fri 27th & Sat 28th September 12noon - 11pm Friday £2 / £3, Saturday £3 / £4 /£5 OCTOBER Fri 25th to Sun 27th Oc- tober LICHFIELD FESTIVAL OF FOLK

For a programme or further information contact: Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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Music PREVIEWS Funmi Olawumi mac, Birmingham, Sat 8 June A Nigerian singer, and leader of the Yoruba Women Choir, Funmi Olawumi brilliantly mixes afrobeat, juju, highlife and fuji music - and all in the name of faaji. Faaji is a Yoruba word for ‘having a good time’, and Funmi cer- tainly knows how to give her audiences just that, courtesy of a show that also features high-energy dance routines.

Orange Bo Bruce O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 22 June Pop punk band Orange were signed by Tim Armstrong of Rancid and have toured with nu- The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 25 June merous groups, including Reel Big Fish and Bowling For Soup. Their tracks have been used You’d be forgiven for thinking Bo Bruce was on TV shows The OC and The Hills, and their song Revolution is the theme tune to Cartoon the winner of The Voice 2012, as in some Network’s hit show Generator Rex. In short, they’ve enjoyed no little success since coming ways she was. Despite finishing in second together in 2004, since which time they’ve released three albums (and have just released the place, the speculation surrounding her rela- video to new song Elektron Gun). The band are currently asking fans to create the tour tionship with mentor Danny O’Donoghue setlist, so vote quickly if you want to hear your favourite songs live! kept her in the spotlight. With a cover of Kate Bush classic Running Up That Hill receiving praise from the lady herself, it’s no surprise MK1 her album, Before I Sleep, made the top ten. Kasbah, Coventry, Fri 28 June The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 24 June It was when made the transi- Contestants on last year’s X Factor, Charlotte tion from drummer in the Jesus And Mary Rundle and Simeon Dixon were never short Chain to lead singer in Primal Scream that of an outspoken viewpoint, letting their feel- the latter group really took off, establishing ings be known on a variety of subjects - from themselves as a cornerstone of the mid- Christopher Maloney’s diva behaviour to 1980s indie pop scene. They’re perhaps best judges Gary Barlow and Nicole Sherzinger’s known for 1991 album , with whispering during their performance. Fusing Country Girl, from 2006’s Riot City Blues, also traditional dubstep with mainstream produc- enjoying a day in the sun, having been widely tion, they’ll be playing ten dates on the MK1 used on TV sports coverage. Making a come- Alive tour, premiering new tracks from their back with tenth album More Light - described forthcoming debut album and accompanied as ‘a rock’n’roll record, but modern rock- by a full live band. New City Kings also fea- ’n’roll’ - they’re playing Coventry as a warm- ture on , with further support to be an- up for a summer of festivals, with nounced. Tegan And Sara Glastonbury and Benicassim among the The Institute, Birmingham, Wed 12 June stop-offs on their itinerary. Bringing together indie rock, New Wave, indie pop, indie folk and synthpop, Canadian- born identical twin sisters Tegan Rain Quin Bilal and Sara Keirsten Quin started writing and Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Sun 30 June playing songs together at the tender age of Raised in Philadelphia, with a Christian fifteen. Their first independent full-length mother and Muslim father, it was in church album, 1999’s Under Feet Like Ours, caught that Bilal developed an interest in music and the attention of Neil Young’s iconic manager singing. Defying his original ‘neo-soul’ tag, he Elliot Roberts, and it wasn’t long before the constantly pushes the boundaries, with ex- The Chapman Family twins were making big waves on the interna- perimental album Airtight’s Revenge crossing The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Wed 5 tional music scene. Their current tour comes June; Taylor Johns House, Coventry, Fri 7 jazz, hip-hop, electronic, rock and blues. He June in support of seventh studio album Heart- recently found some longed-for commercial throb. success with latest One of the best things ever to come out of album A Love Sur- Stockton-On-Tees, this five-piece were one of real, the ‘warm and NME’s top tips for 2009, their music being sensual’ release de- praised for its ‘angsty, cliché-free brilliance’. buting at number They released debut album Burn This Town a one on the iTunes couple of years later. On something of a cru- R&B Chart. Bilal will sade, the band has said: “We are determined be playing with his to finally wake people out of their bland mid- full band at the Hare dle-of-the-road Cameron and Brit School-en- & Hounds. The gig, dorsed cultural coma…”. They’re playing his Birmingham eleven UK dates on their current tour, with debut, closes this new single This One’s For Love being re- year’s Bass Festival. leased ahead of the free download release of Adult.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Music June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 15:39 Page 7

THE EASY WAY TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

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The most comprehensive what’s on listings website for Birmingham and the West Midlands

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THE BLATHERSKITES The GIG REVIEWS LISTINGS Actress & Bishop, Music Music Ludgate Hill, Birming- ham NICK JACKSON, YOJI AND For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, AQUILA The Yardbird, including times and dates, visit Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk ROCK REDEMPTION The Lana Del Rey Robin, Bilston O2 Academy, Birmingham SEXY WEIRDOS Hare & Despite hailing from our SAT 1 JUN Hounds, Birmingham AFRO MIO Symphony WED 5 JUN side of the pond, support VOICES UNLIMITED - THE Hall, Birmingham WAY WE WERE The Swan IAN PARKER & HIS BAND act Kassidy seemed to con- VALOUS, HUNTED, SALVA- Theatre Worcester The Robin, Bilston fuse the crowd. A hairier TION The Asylum, B’ham PATSY FULLER & THE version of Kings Of Leon, THE 2013 WEEKEND OF ENGLISH SONG Ludlow REVELATORS The Jam the boys looked House, Birmingham Assembly Rooms, SUN 2 JUN like they could’ve been ex- South Shropshire SEAPONY & SPECIAL tras in the Just Ride video. TWENTY ONE PILOTS O2 CLIVE GREGSON Kitchen GUESTS Hare & Hounds, However, their gruff country Academy, Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham STEVE KNIGHTLEY Red sound was perfectly evoca- ROCKET The Jam SPLASHH & POP- STRANGERS Lion Folk Club, Birming- tive of the faded heyday of House, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ham Americana that Lana Del RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- TACULAR Shugborough IO EARTH & AEON ZEN THE CHAPMAN FAMILY Rey sells so well. Onto a Historic Working Estate, The Robin, Bilston PLUS VICTOR The Slade stage decorated with lion Stafford BILLY BRAGG: TOOTH & Rooms, Wolverhampton statues, palm trees, cande- JULIAN SMITH Lichfield NAIL TOUR Royal Shake- NICK JACKSON The Yard- labras and columns, Lana Garrick speare Theatre, Strat- bird, Birmingham meekly stepped forward. FLEETWOOD BAC The ford-upon-Avon IAN PARKER WITH FULL ELECTRIC BAND The Dressed in an innocent Robin, Bilston THE 2013 WEEKEND OF ENGLISH SONG Ludlow Robin, Bilston white lace dress and sneakers, she oozed allure from every pore as THE BEAT The Buttermar- ket, Shrewsbury Assembly Rooms, she sang those immortal lines from Cola. Sliding against the guitarist CLOSE TO YOU Tamworth South Shropshire THUR 6 JUN during the dark and sultry Body Electric, she was showered with Assembly Rooms STANGALA & STONEBIRDS compliments by the audience, from the flattering to the crude. An- THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- UK TOUR The Road- JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS swering their calls with fluttering eyelashes and a breathy voice that ENCE The Slade Rooms, house, Birmingham RHYTHM & BLUES OR- could’ve come straight from the mouth of Gatsby’s Daisy Buchanan, Wolverhampton SPOTLIGHT KID The Ac- CHESTRA Civic Hall, as played by Carey Mulligan, it was evident the ‘gangsta Nancy BOOTLEG BLONDIE The tress & Bishop, Ludgate Wolverhampton Hill, Birmingham Sinatra’ years were well and truly behind her. Sauntering cat-like and Roadhouse, Birming- THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS DAN GREENAWAY The BAND The Jam House, delicately around the stage, she left the crowd breathless with rendi- ham VOULEZ VOUS Hunting- Hop Pole Inn, Broms- Birmingham tions of Carmen, Summertime Sadness and Born To Die, whilst a don Hall, Worcester grove EMILY BROWNE Warwick lead up of Without You into Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door added THE ORGANIC LAWN MAN- BURTON CONCERT BAND Arts Centre, Coventry plenty of street cred. With a hush descending upon the crowd for AGEMENT Artrix, Broms- Birmingham Botanical LULO REINHARDT War- Young And Beautiful and Ride, her voice shining against the string grove Gardens wick Arts Centre, quartet and piano, she played the part of lovelorn glamour queen to KICK UP THE 80'S The Coventry perfection. Having gained confidence since her early performances, River Rooms, Stour- MON 3 JUN THE MUSIC OF THE HOL- LIES Two-hour show by Lana really is a picture-perfect American queen. From channelling bridge ABBA REUNION Crewe THE KENNEDYS Henry The Hollywood Bees, Nancy Sinatra to Daisy Buchanan, her sweet voice and ethereal Lyceum Tudor House, Shrews- The Place, Oakengates beauty have kept fans captivated. I can’t wait to see what she does THE FLOYD SOUND Route bury Theatre, Telford, Shrop- next. Alev Dervish IIII 44, Acocks Green, NELL BRYDEN The Slade shire Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton STACEY KENT Royal Spa THREE MANDING STARS THE TREVOR BURTON Centre, Leamington Featuring Djiby Drame, BAND Hare & Hounds, Spa Steve Earle JaliMouso Mama Birmingham A VISION OF ELVIS - ROB Symphony Hall, Cherie and JaliMadi DAVE MCPHERSON The KINGSLEY Lichfield Gar- Birmingham Kanteh The Drum, Birm- Robin, Bilston rick ingham CHAPEL CLUB (resched- TRADITIONAL SONG SES- Three times Grammy KEYSHIA COLE The Insti- uled date) The Institute, SION Kitchen Garden Award-winning musician, tute, Birmingham Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham actor, author and activist KING YOOF Hare & HEADPHONE PARTY The MIDGE URE The Robin, Steve Earle is one of the Hounds, Birmingham Actress & Bishop, Bilston greatest singer-songwriters GREAT CYNICS & SINCE Ludgate Hill, Birming- FOLKS & SOLDIER The of his generation, and re- MONROE Sunflower ham Rainbow, Birmingham THE DUNNET BAXTER BIG garded by many to be the Lounge, Birmingham MALICK PATHE SOW & BAND The Yardbird, BAO SISSOKO Godfather of alt-country. MILES KANE O2 Acad- The Iron- emy, Birmingham Birmingham works, Oswestry, North Equally at home as solo POST DESCARTES, JAPAN- Shropshire artist or band member, ESE FIGHTING FISH & TUES 4 JUN NICK HARPER Taylor Earle’s recent gig in Birm- THOSE AMONGST US ARE John’s House, Coventry ingham, with his highly ac- WOLVES The Flapper, THE DARKNESS Kasbah, PETE HYDE & THE VIEL- claimed electric band The Birmingham Coventry LARDS The Hop Pole Dukes, was nothing short of THE DEAD FAMOUS Kas- THE KENNEDYS Kitchen Inn, Bromsgrove superb. It was the first night bah, Coventry Garden Cafe, Birming- SAM JONES TOY SHOP of the British leg of his Euro- ICICLE, KRYPTIC MINDS & ham The Yardbird, Birming- COMMODO ham pean tour, and what a way The Sug- GIDEON, FATHOMS, HERE armill, Stoke-on-Trent LIES A WARNING, CON- to start. Opening with the SWINGING AT THE COT- DUIT AND SABOTEUR The title track from new album The Low Highway, Earle launched into TON CLUB Feat: The Jiv- Flapper, Birmingham FRI 7 JUN what’s best described as a road trip of America. Old favourites Cop- ing Lindy Hoppers & DRENGE Hare & TALON - THE BEST OF THE per Head Road, The Gallway Girl, My Old Friend The Blues and the Harry Strutters Hot Hounds, Birmingham EAGLES Solihull Arts achingly rendered Remember Me, written for his autistic, three-year- Rhythm Orchestra, The THE FAMILY RAIN The In- Complex old son, were amongst the highlights, with a rousing encore of The Place, Oakengates The- stitute, Birmingham THE NEW AMEN CORNER Revolution Starts Now bringing proceedings to a close. Special men- atre, Telford NO ZODIAC, ABLAZE, PLUS SOUL SURVIVORS THE FATHER TEDS Irish tion must go to Chris Masterson (guitar and pedal steel) and wife BURNT EARTH, DE- The Robin, Bilston Centre, Birmingham STROYER BC, KAIZEN & Eleanor Whitmore (vocals and fiddle), integral members of The BUDDY AND THE BOOTLEG GUCCI PIMP The Actress HAUNTED The Flapper, CRICKETS Belgrade The- Dukes. Collectively known as The Mastersons, their opening set was & Bishop, Ludgate Hill, Birmingham atre, Coventry extremely well received. A long career beckons for the duo. Birmingham IN MEMORY OF ABRAM CONSERVATOIRE FOLK David Davies IIII FAMILY AFFAIR The Hop WILSON Symphony Hall, ENSEMBLE Huntingdon Pole Inn, Bromsgrove Birmingham Hall, Worcester

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BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY AT THE NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT CANNOCK CHASE at the Prince Of Wales, Centre AT NAILCOTE HALL ’ JUNE SAT 8th GA Sat 8th June, 7.30pm JUNE A WITH Y G Y MOTOWN’S GREATEST HITS AD RT DANCERS HOW SWEET IT IS ‘L A CHARLOTTEAND HOPLEY P £32.50 The ultimate celebration of the sweet sound of Mowtown is back by popular demand! MOTOWN SAT 15th JUNE MIDSUMMER BALL Sat 15th June, 7.30pm WITH THE FANTASTICS LET’S HANG ON All the hits of the Motown Era Let’s Hang On takes you on a musical journey £49.50 through the prolific career of one of the most successful bands of all time ”Frankie Valli & AT The Four Seasons”. SAT 22nd H T FE WITH JUNE E LI Sat 29th June, 7.30pm AK ST ’ ‘T E W THATS LIFE GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! W HO & S £35.00 NIGHT FEVER Tribute show to Abba and The Bee Gees SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND ANNUAL EVENTS JULY Friday 5th July, 7.30pm Enjoy Champagne JOE LONGTHORNE WED 19th Reception, JUNE buffet lunch & live coverage OCTOBER of the races on the big screen TV followed by Wednesday 2nd October, 7.30pm afternoon tea and disco MARTY WILDE & THE CHARITY ASCOT DAY WILDCATS IN SUPPORT OF BREAST CANCER CHARITIES £75.00 PER PERSON Thursday 3rd October, 7.30pm £69.50 FOR 10 PLUS PAUL Enjoy DANIELS Champagne THURSJUNE 20th Reception, Friday 14th October, 7.30pm buffet lunch & live coverage ANN BREEN of the races on the big screen TV followed by Thursday 24th October, 7.30pm L AASSCCOOTT afternoon tea Ballet Theatre UK presents RROOYYAAL and disco IEESS DDAAYY THE NUTCRACKER LLAADDI £82.50 PER PERSON Friday 25th October, 7.30pm CLASSIC CLAPTON SAT 20th ‘MAMMA MIA’ JULY SUMMER PARTY Saturday 26th October, 7.30pm WITH ‘SENSATION’ ROLLERMANIA - ABBA TRIBUTE BAY CITY ROLLERS peforming Abba’s Sunday 27th October, 7.30pm Greatest Hits BUDDY AND THE KILLER TRIBUTE TO BUDDY HOLLY AND JERRY LEE LEWIS £39.50 PER PERSON £35 FOR 10 PLUS www.wlct.org/princeofwales TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL BOX OFFICE: 01543 578762 WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT BOOKING HOTLINE 02476 466174 BOOK NOW! www.nailcotehall.co.uk Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE

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Music LISTINGS

For full listing information on gigs including, times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S House, Birmingham HEROES The Roses The- CLIFF RICHARD Warwick atre, Tewkesbury Castle QUILL The River Rooms, JOHNNY 2 BAD - 9 piece Stourbridge live tribute to UB40, The GARY NUMAN The As- Robin, Bilston sembly, Leamington ZERO AMIGO PLUS MAXI- Spa MUM ZERO, CLUB PHOBIA, CAT CHINN & SNOOTY THE DOWNFALLS AND LO- BOBS O2 Academy, VATS O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham TIPITINA Shanghai WE ARE SAVIOURS O2 Blues Restaurant, Academy, Birmingham Birmingham THE JERSEY BOYS Tribute THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA to Frankie Valli & The OF GREAT BRITAIN Royal Four Seasons plus the Spa Centre, Leaming- Motown Greatest Hits Etran Finatawa - Ikon Gallery, Birmingham & The Ironworks, Oswestry, North Shropshire ton Spa Show, The River C'MON EVERYBODY Rooms, Stourbridge ROB HALLIGAN & MUMBO AND THE YOUNG The Yardbird, Birmingham Brindleyplace, Birming- Prince Of Wales Centre, BACK TO BROADWAY JUMBO Warwick Arts Slade Rooms, Wolver- ham Cannock Crewe Lyceum Centre, Coventry hampton JOHN TAYLOR PRES- TUBULAR BELLS FOR TWO MOTOWN'S GREATEST ROY ORBISON AND MICHAEL KATON The FRI 14 JUN ENTS... Recital Hall, Featuring multi-instru- HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS FRIENDS Crewe Lyceum Robin, Bilston DENNIS LOCORRIERE Soli- Birmingham Conserva- mentalists Aidan Prince Of Wales Centre, MONEY & EPIC 45 Hare & hull Arts Complex toire Roberts and Daniel Cannock Hounds, Birmingham THE BON JOVI EXPERI- BIG DEAL The Rainbow, Holdsworth, Birming- WED 12 JUN ROCK N ROLL PARADISE LUKE WYLDE AND THE ENCE The Place, Oaken- Birmingham ham Town Hall Featuring songs by JAPES The Yardbird EVE SELIS The Robin, gates Theatre THE MAD GEESE The Ac- DETROIT SOUL The Jam Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Jazz Club, Birmingham Bilston STAFFORDSHIRE BAND tress & Bishop, Birm- House, Birmingham Lewis, Buddy Holly and ALSO EDEN, MANNING & DANNY BRYANT Hare & Forest Arts Centre, Wal- ingham THE RAGDOLLS Crewe Roy Orbison, Royal Spa JUMP The Robin, Bilston Hounds, Birmingham sall BOYS MAKE NOISE AND Lyceum Centre, Leamington THIS IS THE KIT Kitchen THE BIG CHRIS BARBER DJANGO BATES' BELOVED SHINING STARS Artrix, LULO REINHARDT Wem Spa Garden Cafe, Kings BAND Solihull Arts Com- CBSO Centre, B’ham Bromsgrove Town Hall, North Shrop- MOODY BLUES LG Arena, Heath, Birmingham plex THE RED LEMONS The shire Birmingham TREVOR BURTON BAND TEGAN AND SARA PLUS Jam House, B’ham MMX & SPECIAL GUESTS SAT 15 JUN FLEETWOOD BAC Tribute Birmingham Botanical WAXAHATCHEE The Insti- 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY The Rainbow, B’ham Gardens to Fleetwood Mac, The tute, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham THE RED LEMONS The TORO Y MOI O2 Acad- ETRAN FINATAWA Ikon Roses Theatre, Tewkes- TODD RUNDGREN O2 ELKIE BROOKS Lichfield Jam House, B’ham emy, Birmingham Gallery, Birmingham bury Academy, Birmingham Garrick LET'S HANG ON - THE THE NEW AGES PLUS SUP- TALON - THE BEST OF THE MUNRO, O’CALLAGHAN & FAT FIGHTERS Tribute to MUSIC OF FRANKI VALI & PORT The Flapper, Birm- EAGLES Bedworth Civic TITCHENER Taylor John’s the Foo Fighters, The THE FOUR SEASONS ingham MON 10 JUN Hall House, Coventry Robin, Bilston Prince Of Wales Centre, THE QUO AKA THE 4 FUNMI OLAWUMI mac - MUDHONEY & METZ The IRENE AND TOM Irish MANAKIN, BLACK ROSE Cannock ROSSIS The Roadhouse, Midlands Arts Centre, Institute, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham VILLAIN PLUS RIOT CITY, THE MANFREDS Lichfield Birmingham Birmingham BOXES Hare & Hounds, LIKEWISE & A SUITCASE Garrick JUNCTION 16, RECKLESS BRUK UP! Hare & Birmingham FULL OF OWLS O2 Acad- JACKSON LIVE IN CON- LIKE THE REST, THE JOHN TUES 11 JUN Hounds, Birmingham THE JOHN MORRIS TRIO emy, Birmingham CERT Theatre Severn, MACLEOD BAND & LIFE- FORLOCO, KASTELLA & PHIL BEER The Roses The Yardbird, Birming- TONY WOODS AND LYRIC Shrewsbury COLOUR The Sugarmill, CHAOS PARADE Sun- Theatre, Tewkesbury ham ENSEMBLE Symphony PERMISSION TO ROCK Stoke-on-Trent flower Lounge, Birming- JURASSIC 5 O2 Acad- Hall, Birmingham Route 44, Acocks DIAMOND LIL The Slade ham emy, Birmingham YUSSEF AHMED The Green, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton THOSE WITHOUT HOPE & BONNIE RAITT Sym- THUR 13 JUN Drum, Birmingham MAETLOAF - MEAT LOAF THE CHAPMAN FAMILY, ALL ENDS BENEATH The phony Hall, Birmingham BLACK CELEBRATION - DE- TRIBUTE The River BORED SPIES & SMALL- UK SUBS The Robin, Bil- Flapper, Birmingham NEIL YOUNG AND CRAZY PECHE MODE TRIBUTE Rooms, Stourbridge GANG Taylor John’s ston TRC Kasbah, Coventry HORSE LG Arena, Birm- The River Rooms, RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS House, Coventry PUNK REGENERATION LIKELY LADS, BORDERS & ingham Stourbridge - THE CARPENTERS STORY STEVE AJAO AND THE TOUR 2013 Featuring THE CURRENT The Sug- SOUL ACOUSTIC Featur- IAN HUNTER & THE RANT New Alexandra Theatre, BLUE GIANTS Symphony GBH, Barb Wire Dolls, armill, Stoke-on-Trent ing Terri Walker, BAND The Assembly, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Louise Distras, Not The SMOOTH JAZZ WITH Shakka, Shea, Shezar, Leamington Spa STEVE HOWE Artrix, MATT ANDERSEN Birch- Only Clown In The Vil- NORTHBYBNORTHWEST The Glee Club, Birming- INTO THE SHADOWS Bromsgrove meadow, Broseley, liage and Charred Foxlowe Arts Centre, ham Newhampton Arts Cen- THE GRIMETHORPE COL- Shropshire Hearts O2 Academy, Leek, Staffs IAN PARKER The Jam tre, Wolverhampton LIERY BAND Royal Spa RUBICAVA & HEATHEN Birmingham FALSE PRETENCE & HEAD- House, Birmingham MARK OWEN The Insti- Centre, Leamington ZOO The Actress & JOE SATRIANI Civic Hall, WIRES The Actress & THEY WROTE THE SONGS tute, Birmingham Spa Bishop, Ludgate Hill, Wolverhampton Bishop, Ludgate Hill, Barry Walker brings to- DANNY BROWN The Insti- THE BARRON KNIGHTS Birmingham THE JOHNNY CASH STORY Birmingham gether the music of four tute, Birmingham Solihull Arts Complex THE REFLECTIONS The Palace Theatre, Red- ONLY THE GOOD, DRIVEN great piano singer VISIONBOMBING Hare & T'PAU FEATURING CAROL Hop Pole Inn, Broms- ditch & BULLITSTORM The songwriters of the last Hounds, Birmingham DECKER The Robin, Bil- grove DR TEETH BIG BAND The Asylum, Birmingham decades of the 20th PROPAGANDA FEAT ston SCREAMIN’ ABDABZ Jam House, Birming- century, Dudley Town SWISS LIPS O2 Acad- THE SKIRR, LUKE WYLDE Route 44, Birmingham ham SUN 9 JUN Hall IAN HILL TRIO FEATURING emy, Birmingham & THE JAPES SPACEMENT JAMES SKELLY & THE IN- CHRIS WATTS AND TOM RID PLUS SUPPORT The APES BIGGER THAN SEAT- SAT 8 JUN FESTIVAL OF BRASS Fea- TENDERS The Institute, BULL Warwick Arts Cen- Flapper, Birmingham TLE The Slade Rooms, turing the Carlton Main Birmingham tre, Coventry GRAVITIES & PLASTIC Wolverhampton ON TOUR WITH ELVIS Frickley Colliery Band BLOBBIE WILLIAMS & DICK GAUGHAN Warwick ROSE The Sugarmill, SUMMER SESSION FEAT. Tamworth Assembly and Amington Band, BALDY MURS The Road- Arts Centre, Coventry Stoke-on-Trent ESKMAN, GUV, EVIL B, Rooms Tamworth Assembly house, Birmingham NIGHT ENGINE Hare & THE STRINGER/BESSANT ANNIX, TURNO, TOTAL RE- THE MOTELLAS The Rooms MICHAEL KATON The Hounds, Birmingham BAND The Slade Rooms, CALL & DIALOGUE The In- Place, Oakengates The- ROCK AROUND THE SIX- Robin, Bilston ETRAN FINATAWA The Wolverhampton stitute, Birmingham atre, Telford, Shropshire TIES Theatre Severn, SEAN STEWART, IAN Ironworks, Oswestry, SANKARA, NOTERMINUS REBELLIOUS JUKEBOX, SIMON SPILLET WITH Shrewsbury BOURNE BAND AND MEZ- North Shropshire & RYAN JAMES The Asy- SECRET OKTOBER & THE TOM HILL TRIO The Hive, THE GRIMETHORPE COL- ZOTONIE The Yardbird, PHIL ROBSON TRIO Birm- lum, Birmingham BORGIAS Sunflower Shrewsbury LIERY BAND Birmingham Birmingham ingham Town Hall 58 DELUXE The Water’s Lounge, Birmingham Edge Bandstand, DETROIT SOUL The Jam Town Hall SCHOLARS PLUS LAYERS PAT HAYES QUARTET The FIGHT THE DICE, MILLION

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SKINNY MOLLY FEAT: RICKY COOL O’Neills, flower Lounge, B’ham LISTINGS TUES 18 JUN MIKE ESTES & MITCH Solihull Music LADDIE The Robin, Bil- ROY FORBES The HUGH LAURIE Symphony ston Water’s Edge Band- SUN 23 JUN Hall, Birmingham stand, Brindleyplace, GEORGE THOROGOOD & For full listing information on gigs KEVIN FIGES QUARTET Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- THUR 20 JUN STEVE DAY BLUES BAND THE DESTROYERS Sym- including, times and dates, visit phony Hall, Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk ingham Woodberry Down Inn, RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS Bridgnorth, Shropshire TEWKESBURY TOWN - THE CARPENTERS STORY Ricoh Arena, Coventry CAIRDE, THE CROOKED BAND The Roses The- EMPIRE, DUCHAMP PILOT, CARA LUFT The Hive, Regent Theatre, Hanley, HUSKIES, LEOPARD, HOOKS, NISHI AND CYNIC atre, Tewkesbury ALEX KID & DAN THE Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent REEFER & FLOWERS The The Asylum, Birming- BLUE MOSQUITOES THIEF O2 Academy, CARA LUFT Kitchen Gar- Actress & Bishop, ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham den Cafe Ludgate Hill, Birming- WILDSIDE RIOT, MARY’S Birmingham OPM Kasbah, Coventry JOHN LEE HOOKER JR ham RUIN AND LEFT FOR RED BOOKENDS - TRIBUTE TO ELLIOT WILCOX, PLAYING The Robin, Bilston ROD STEWART LG Arena, Route 44, Birmingham SIMON & GARFUNKEL ARMY, MADDY GREGORY, JOSH KEMP, SUPER 6 AND Birmingham MR GEORGE’S FAMOUS The Robin, Bilston DOMINIC MORGAN & BINTAGS The Yardbird, DANZIG PLUS SPECIAL LAST WORDS The Ac- FRANKIE VALLI AND THE GREG LAWSON The Sug- Birmingham GUEST DOYLE Civic Hall, tress & Bishop, Birm- FOUR SEASONS LG armill, Stoke-on-Trent WE’LL DIE SMILING The Wolverhampton ingham Arena, Birmingham PANACEA, AGAINST THE Flapper, Birmingham THAT'LL BE THE DAY The BETRAYAL The Sug- JAZZ BRUNCH Ludlow WHEEL & MINIMUM The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Castle, South Shrop- Cara Luft armill, Stoke-on-Trent Actress & Bishop, bury shire WED 19 JUN LOVELESS LUCK, AUDIO LUKE JACKSON Hare & Ludgate Hill, Birming- HIGHLEY COLLIERY BAND DISEASE, THE BLACKLIST SAT 22 JUN Hounds, Birmingham ham Birmingham Botanical TALON The Swan The- SAINTS, EXIDE & L.O.S.T RUMOURS OF SPRING, TEMPTING ROSIE Hare & Gardens atre Worcester O2 Academy, Birming- ROY ORBISON AND MELLOW PEACHES & Hounds, Birmingham THE MARTIN HARLEY ROD STEWART LG Arena, FRIENDS ham Tamworth As- EMMA CROWDER The VISIONBOMBING LAUNCH BAND The Ironworks, Birmingham ASWAD The Jam House, sembly Rooms Yardbird Jazz Club, PARTY Hare & Hounds, Oswestry NEW SCHOOL FUTURES Birmingham MARTIN JOSEPH Birming- Birmingham Birmingham Henry Tudor House, JULIA FORDHAM Hunt- ham Town Hall THE BEAUTIFUL SOUND Shrewsbury ingdon Hall, Worcester GEORGIA MANCIO AND The Roadhouse, Birm- MON 17 JUN LUCAS D & THE GROOVE SUN 16 JUN RAMONAS The Robin, NIGEL PRICE In associa- ingham GHETTO The Jam PETER MURPHY O2 Bilston tion with Worcester ALVELY VILLAGE BAND LEZ ZEPPELIN Female House, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham DRY THE RIVER Hare & Jazz, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Botanical tribute, The Robin, Bil- TEMPLES, CHARLIE JOSH GROBAN Sym- Hounds, Birmingham Worcester Gardens ston BOYER & THE VOYEURS phony Hall, Birmingham GIRLS ON STAGE The MR BEN The Jam LISA STANSFIELD Sym- Hare & Hounds, Birm- RIHANNA LG Arena, Roadhouse, Birming- House, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham ingham MON 24 JUN Birmingham ham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The BUDDY HOLLY - A LEGEND THE MONGOLOIDS, WALSALL JAZZ ORCHES- PUNKS XPOSED WITH RA- Robin, Bilston KERRY ELLIS AND BRIAN REBORN The Grand The- WRONG ANSWER, BRU- TRA Forest Arts Centre, MONAS The Robin, Bil- ORANGE O2 Academy, MAY - THE BORN FREE atre, Wolverhampton TALITY WILL PREVAIL, Walsall ston Birmingham TOUR Birmingham Town JASMINE KENNEDY. RHYS BROKEN TEETH, FOR- RON SEXSMITH Birming- 1EYE The Yardbird, BOLLYWOOD 100 MEMO- Hall DAVID MORRIS & JONNY SAKEN & TIMES TO- ham Town Hall Birmingham RIES Birmingham Town MK1, NEW CITY KINGS & RAI The Yardbird Jazz GETHER The Flapper, VALENTINE The Asylum, Hall SPECIAL GUESTS The Club, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham THE 7 TEEZ The River Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Rooms, Stourbridge Trent A WHOLE LOTTA LED The BOB WAYNE Hare & FRI 21 JUN Place, Oakengates The- Hounds, Birmingham atre, Telford I SEE HAWKS IN LA Henry THE 2TONICS Tribute to THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Tudor House, Shrews- The Specials, Bodys- ENCE The Slade Rooms, bury natcher, The Beat, Bad Wolverhampton DEERHOOF & GUESTS Manners, Madness and 10CC Ludlow Castle, Hare & Hounds, B’ham The Selector... The South Shropshire River Rooms, Stour- BIG BAND LEAVERS GIG bridge Warwick Arts Centre, SAT 8 JUN ROY ORBISON AND Coventry BO BRUCE The Glee FRIENDS The Place, MARTIN HAYES AND DEN- Club, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre, NIS CAHILL Wem Town THE SAM DRAISEY SES- Telford, Shropshire Hall, Shropshire SION The Robin, Bilston SLADE The Robin, Bil- SARAH GILLESPIE The RICH THOMPSON AND ston Edge Arts Centre, Much VIOLET CITIES The Yard- THAT'LL BE THE DAY The Wenlock, South Shrop- bird, Birmingham Roses Theatre, Tewkes- shire bury SOMEONE SAID FIRE & BENNY GOODMAN'S 1938 ALREADY GONE The Flap- WED 26 JUN CARNEGIE HALL CONCERT per, Birmingham Recreated sensationally JOURNEY TO TOTO Route VAN DER GRAAF GENERA- by The All-Star Good- 44, Acocks Green, TOR The Robin, Bilston men Orchestra featur- Birmingham LUCINDA WILLIAMS Birm- ing Joan Viskant, SANJU SAHAI Symphony ingham Town Hall Ludlow Castle, South Hall, Birmingham LAMBCHOP Warwick Arts Shropshire HELLER AND FARLEY Centre, Coventry AFRO MIO Symphony Hare & Hounds, Birm- NOUCOUCOUNDA CIS- Hall, Birmingham ingham SOKO & BAND Kitchen MR BEN The Jam THE STACKS & SAHARA Garden Cafe, Birming- House, Birmingham SKIES The Actress & ham TAKE IT EASY Eagles Bishop, Ludgate Hill, THE TEMPERANCE MOVE- Tribute Band, Dudley Birmingham MENT The Slade Town Hall RICKY COOL The Three Rooms, Wolverhampton GBH, BARB WIRE DOLLS, Tuns Inn, Bishop’s MAIDEN The music of LOUISE DISTRAS, NOT THE Castle, Shropshire Metallica & Iron Maiden, ONLY CLOWN IN THE VIL- RUDY AND THE RE- Forest Arts Centre, Wal- LAGE & CHARRED HEARTS VOLVERS The Water’s sall O2 Academy, Birming- Edge Bandstand, DERMOT HEGARTY Irish ham Brindleyplace, Birming- Centre, Birmingham MSFITZ -FEMALE ham THE JOHN MORRIS TRIO FRONTED TRIBUTE TO THE THE FINAL CROSS, MEMO- The Yardbird, B’ham MISFITS The Road- RICS, LIFE UNWRITTEN house, Birmingham The Asylum, Birming- THE UNDERCOCKS The ham THUR 27 JUN Hop Pole Inn, Broms- BELLA DIEM AND STEVE GIBBONS SINGS grove LINERUNNERS The Sun- DYLAN Ludlow Assem-

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KT Tunstall Redditch JUPITER ATE The Flap- Music Venues Box Office per, Birmingham SIMONE FELICE The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire LOVEBITE, SHYNE, WIT- 02 ACADEMY CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK NESS, KIXXER & RIP TYDE 0121 622 8250 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 O2 Academy, Birming- THE ACTRESS & BISHOP DUDLEY CONCERT HALL LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 0121 236 7426 01384 815577 ham 01543 262223 ADRIAN BOULT HALL FOREST ARTS CENTRE BLONDIE Cannock THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY 0121 331 5901 0845 111 2898 STOKE-ON-TRENT Chase Forest, Stafford- THE ASYLUM NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01159 454 593 01902 572090 shire 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC THE BARBER INSTITUTE THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 01827 709618 0121 533 7161 ROCK DISCO Route 44, 0121 414 7333 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY Birmingham ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0870 060 6649 01902 401211 GOD DAMN & THEM 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE SLADE ROOMS WOLVES Sunflower CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 0121 780 3333 WOLVERHAMPTON Lounge, Birmingham 0870 320 7000 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 SICKLE CELL CHARITY STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Warwickshire FUNDRAISER GOSPEL THE GLEE CLUB 01384 812812 THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 0871 472 0400 CONCERT Civic Hall, WULFRUN HALL, 01926 311311 Wolverhampton HARE & HOUNDS WOLVERHAMPTON THE KASBAH, COVENTRY 0121 444 2081 0870 320 7000 024 7655 4473 TEENAGE RAMPAGE The INSTITUTE Robin, Bilston NAILCOTE HALL, 0121 643 0428 Shropshire BERKSWELL SAX IN THE CITY WITH IRISH CENTRE BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 02476 46 6174 THE NOTEBENDERS Sym- 0121 622 2314 01952 882210 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL phony Hall, Birming- THE JAM HOUSE THE BUTTERMARKET, 01789 207100 bly Rooms, South THE SOUL SURVIVORS ham 0121 200 3030 SHREWSBURY TAYLOR JOHN’S HOUSE, 01743 355055 Shropshire The River Rooms, THE REAGGAELATORS LG ARENA COVENTRY 0844 338 8000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, 024 7623 0699 JOE LONGTHORNE The Stourbridge The Irish Centre, Birm- ingham NIA MUCH WENLOCK Place, Oakengates The- BLAZIN' FIDDLES Ludlow 0844 338 8000 01952 728911 Worcestershire ANIMA The Actress & atre Assembly Rooms, HENRY TUDOR HOUSE Bishop, Ludgate Hill, THE RAINBOW ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE MOTOWN'S GREATEST South Shropshire 0121 772 8174 SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 Birmingham 01743 361666 HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS CLAUDE BOURBON RED LION FOLK CLUB HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN Lichfield Garrick Palace Theatre, Red- NONE SO BLIND, THE 0121472 4253 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY THEATRE 01905 611427 DELIS MIX, NO MORE 01743 234970 ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - ditch THE ROADHOUSE MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY NUMBERS The Asylum, 0121 459 5660 01905 613336 JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE MD7 & THE UK HIP-HOP 01691 679123 The Robin, Bilston LEGENDS The Institute, Birmingham ROUTE 44 THE RIVER ROOMS, GRAND UNION ORCHES- 0121 708 0108 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS The Slade Birmingham 01584 878141 STOURBRIDGE Rooms, Wolverhampton MK1 O2 Academy, Birm- TRA: TRADING ROOTS SYMPHONY HALL 01384 397177 0121 780 3333 THEATRE SEVERN, KT TUNSTALL The As- ingham Featuring musicians SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 and jazz solosits from THE VICTORIA For additional information sembly, Leamington BOGUS BLOOZE & TO- 0121 633 9439 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, India, Bangladesh, TELFORD 01952 382382 and to find out What’s On Spa TALLY SUSPECT The THE YARDBIRD at these venues. China, Eastern Europe, WEM TOWN HALL WOODEN HORSE Sym- Roadhouse, Birming- 0121 212 2524 01939 232299 Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk phony Hall, Birming- ham South and West Africa, ham PRIMAL SCREAM Kas- the Caribbean, Latin PAQUA AND BING JI LING bah, Coventry America and the UK, The Yardbird, Birming- PROPER ENGLISH GEN- mac - Midlands Arts ham TLEMEN The Actress & Centre, Birmingham ROOM SERVICE The Bishop, Ludgate Hill, RAINBOW VOICES: LOVE Roadhouse, Birming- Birmingham IN THE SUMMER TIME ham JONATHAN & CHARLOTTE Recital Hall, Birming- THE CRIBS The Kasbah, Symphony Hall, Birm- ham Conservatoire Coventry ingham BLAKE The Place, Oak- SUN 30 JUN engates FRI 28 JUN BOB BROLLY AND FRIENDS CHARITY CON- THE WHO: QUADROPHE- SAT 29 JUN CERT Symphony Hall, NIA LG Arena, Birming- Birmingham ham ELKIE BROOKS Theatre THE HOLLIES & THE LEVELLERS The Assem- Severn, Shrewsbury SEARCHERS Ludlow Cas- bly, Leamington Spa UP4THE DOWNSTROKE tle, South Shropshire THE ELO EXPERIENCE The Jam House, Birm- #SHROPSHIRE UNSIGNED Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- ingham FEATURING FIGHT THE hampton JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS BEAR, ARCADE PARADE, KERRY ELLIS AND BRIAN RHYTHM AND BLUES OR- FIGHT THE DICE AND MAY - THE BORN FREE CHESTRA Ludlow Castle, PORTLIGHTS Theatre TOUR Malvern Theatres South Shropshire Severn, Shrewsbury MICHAEL KING PRESENTS THE NAKED BEATLES PLUS THE SWING COMMAND- THE BILLY FURY YEARS THE (NOT SO) ACOUSTIC ERS Artrix, Bromsgrove Palace Theatre, Red- WHO The Robin, Bilston 4.O.M Kitchen Garden ditch BASIL GABBIDON The Cafe, Birmingham BIG UP THE 90'S The Drum, Birmingham PHOENIX SINGERS: THE Robin, Bilston SIMON TOWNSHEND Hare PEACEMAKERS Birming- VINCE KIDD - THE ZOO & Hounds, Birmingham ham Town Hall TOUR The Institute, THE DECADES BAND The BILAL Hare & Hounds, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- Birmingham WINSTON'S BIG BROTHER, bridge JUMP THE SHARK, THE GLASS SOLDIERS, DUKE, GIMMIE GIMMIE NIGHT LIMELIGHT, THE MAKING, FOREVER THE FEARLESS FEVER Prince Of Wales ROSARY & TINNED AS- & STIFF CHIMPS O2 Centre, Cannock TRONAUGHT The Robin, Academy, Birmingham LEGENDS OF ROCK REIN- Bilston REUBEN JAMES & SOUL VENTING THE TRENDKILL OUT OF THE BLUE BIG TRAIN Symphony Hall, PLUS METALLICA RE- BAND Birmingham Birmingham LOADED, OZZBEST AND Botanical Gardens UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE CRASH The Slade NINA BAKER, BLUE NA- The Jam House, Birm- Rooms, Wolverhampton TION AND CHLOE ADAMS ingham THE REAL THING The The Yardbird, B’ham TALON - THE BEST OF THE Place, Oakengates The- GILMORE & ROBERTS EAGLES Lichfield Garrick atre Henry Tudor House, SOUND SYSTEM FRIDAY UK PINK FLOYD EXPERI- Shrewsbury The Drum, Birmingham ENCE Palace Theatre,

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Classical Music PREVIEWS Welsh National Opera: Wagner Dream Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 12 June Founded in Cardiff in 1943, Welsh National Opera is committed to producing operas which are extremely accessible for its audiences, whether they be opera-going regulars or people attending an opera for the very first time. Here, the company commemorate the bicentenary of Wagner with a performance of Jonathan Harvey’s visionary score, depicting the German composer’s final days in Venice and work- ing on the premise that he was in the process of producing a Buddhist drama. By fusing together biography with a notion of ‘what might have been’, this reflective twenty-first century piece - using Harvey’s renowned electronic style - recaptures the epic scale of a typical Wagner score... WNO’s performance of the work precedes Antony McDonald’s new production of Wagner’s popular romantic opera Lohen- grin. A sumptuous symphonic piece, it features, on this occasion, Peter Wedd in the title role and Emma Bell as Elsa.

Holst: The Planets Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 15 June Forming part of the Birmingham International Concert Season, this Philharmonic Orchestra per- formance of a truly memorable work is the finale of the Town Hall and Symphony Hall’s Uni- verse Of Sound project. A firm favourite with UK audiences and one of the most recorded pieces of British music, Holst’s seven-movement orchestra suite is a depiction of each of the astrological planets known to man at the time of the work’s conception (between 1914 and 1916). Acclaimed Icelandic/Russian conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy (pictured) is the talent at the helm of this particular performance, and is accompanied by James Ehnes on violin and the Ladies of the Birmingham City Choir. Other highlights in the Universe Of Sound project include a digital installation at Birmingham Municipal Bank, which runs until 16 June; an accompanied screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey at Symphony Hall on 14 June; and a Universe Of Sound Family Day at Symphony Hall on 15 June.

Last Night Of The Proms Ex Cathedra: Mozart Vespers Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, By Candlelight Sun 23 June The Oratory, Birmingham, Wed 19 June Author, broadcaster, after-dinner speaker and former MP Gyles Brandreth here hosts an With a repertoire ranging from the twelfth evening of patriotic entertainment as part of to the twenty-first century, Birmingham- the new Ludlow Arts Festival. The programme based Ex Cathedra is recognised as one of popular classics - including Jerusalem, of the UK’s leading choir and Early Music Pomp And Circumstance, Nessum Dorma ensembles. This summer concert sees and the William Tell Overture - is performed them presenting Mozart’s Laudate by the English National Philharmonic Orches- Dominum, which has been described as tra, and features conductor Ben Crick, sopra- the best-loved of all the composer’s sacred no Claire Ormshaw and tenor Lee Bradley. arias. Under the directorship of conductor Jeffrey Skidmore, the concert also features soprano Katie Trethewey, alto Martha McLorinan, tenor Jeremy Budd and bass Blake Greg Skidmore. The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Fri 28 June; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 19 October Comprising Ollie Baines, Humphrey Berney and Stephen Bowman, Blake are credited for bringing classical music to the masses - an achievement recognised when their debut offering won Album of the Year at the Classical Brit Awards in 2008. Fusing classical, rock, pop and musical favourites, the boys continue to enjoy worldwide success, and this month return to the Midlands to share stories from their recent tour of Asia, America and Europe, as well as perform numbers from their recently released album Start Over. Classical soprano Natalie Coyle supports.

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BLOOD WEDDING Birm- land & Delius, Mon 17 ORCHESTRA Programe Church, Worcestershire LISTINGS ingham Conservatoire June, Recital Hall, Birm- includes works by Wag- BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC Classical present Gwynne ingham Conservatoire ner, Britten and WINDS Featuring Keith For full listing information on classical Edwards' translation of THE PRIMROSE QUARTET Brahms, Fri 21 June, Allen (conductor) & Frederico Garcia Programme includes Ludlow Assembly Hannah Marcinowicz concerts, including times and dates, Lorca's classic play works by York Bowen, Rooms, South Shrop- (saxophone). Pro- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk which fuses colourful William Hurlstone & shire gramme includes works latin energy, music and John Ireland, Tues 18 by Ellerby, Bernstein, ANGLO WELSH FESTIVAL (FLUTE) Fri 7 June, WAGNER'S RING: dance, Thurs 13 - Sat June, Recital Hall, Birm- Sparke, Nestico & Rus- OF MALE CHOIRS Featur- Birmingham Cathedral SIEGFRIED Sat 22 June, 15 June, Crescent The- ingham Conservatoire sell Bate, Sat 29 June, ing Birmingham ORGAN RECITAL BY Symphony Hall, Birm- atre, Birmingham EX CATHEDRA CHOIR & ingham CBSO Centre, Birming- Canoldir Male Choir, HENRY FAIRS Fri 7 June, MADAM BUTTERFLY CLASSICAL ENSEMBLE: ham Sat 1 June, Birming- St Swithun’s Church, BENJAMIN BRITTEN Welsh National Opera MOZART VESPERS BY BRANT INTERNATIONAL ham Town Hall Worcester ANNIVERSARY CONCERT present Puccini's CANDLELIGHT Featuring PIANO COMPETITION: THE CROPPER-WELSH- IPHIGENIA IN AULIS Performed by Adrian breathtaking tragedy Jeffrey Skidmore (con- FINAL Sat 29 June, ROSCOE TRIO Pro- Matthew Knight directs Thompson, Sat 22 performed here by the ductor), Wed 19 June, Birmingham Town Hall gramme includes works Christoph Willibald June, Maidment Build- acclaimed Welsh The Oratory, Birming- PHILIP DYSON by Haydn, Beethoven & Gluck’s setting of Euri- ing, Shrewsbury School Featuring National Opera, Fri 14 ham Brahms, Sat 1 June, pede’s classic Greek CELEBRATING ENGLISH an eclectic programme, June, Birmingham Hip- SHREWSBURY SYMPHO- of works by Beethoven, Malvern Theatre tragedy, Fri 7 - Sun 9 SONG Featuring Ailish podrome NY ORCHESTRA SUMMER Chopin, Debussy, Scott ROYAL PHILHARMONIC June, The Barber Insti- Tynan (soprano) and 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY CONCERT Wed 19 June, Iain Burnside (piano). Joplin, George Gersh- ORCHESTRA Programme tute, Birmingham Experience one of the Abbey Church, Shrews- Programme includes win and much more... includes works by Elgar DON PASQUAL Donizetti's greatest science fiction bury Sun 30 June, Theatre & Mozart, Sun 2 June comic opera presented songs by Susie Self, films of all time, accom- BELGRAVE QUARTET WITH Severn, Shrewsbury Malvern Theatres by Swansea City Vaughan Williams, panied by music from KRISTINA GILL Bridge and Moeran, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- Opera, Sat 8 June, Pro- the Philharmonia gramme includes works Sun 23 June, Tarde- CERT WITH THOMAS Theatre Severn, Orchestra & Ex Cathe- by John Ireland, Wed bigge Church, Broms- Classical TROTTER & CELIA CRAIG Shrewsbury dra Choir, Fri 14 June, 19 June, Recital Hall, grove Programme includes CWMBACH MALE CHOIR Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Conserva- CHORAL SYMPHONIC Box Office works by A. Marcello, J. Sat 8 June, Malvern BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- toire SUMMER GALA Rheinberger, Britten, G. Theatre TOIRE REPERTOIRE BEYOND CLASSICAL: Programme to include ADRIAN BOULT HALL, Litaize, R. Ampt & J AN EVENING OF FINE ORCHESTRA Programme CHOPIN MASTERPIECES works by Lambert, B’HAM Noyon, Mon 3 June CHAMBER MUSIC Sat 8 includes works by AND MORE John Thwait- Gershwin arr. Jack Jar- 0121 331 5901 Symphony Hall, Birm- June, Maidment Build- Haydn & Mozart, Fri 14 es hosts a programme rett, Shostakovich & ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ingham ings, Shrewsbury June, Adrian Boult Hall, of solo piano works Holst. Conducted by 01527 577330 PERFORMANCE PLAT- School Birmingham Conserva- performed by young Lucy Griffiths and Paul FORM: HEATHER ROACHE CHAMBER ENSEMBLES BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL toire pianists, including com- McGrath, Sun 23 June, (FLUTE) Programme This concert includes 024 7637 6707 ORCHESTRA OF THE positions by John Ire- Warwick Arts Centre, includes works by the first performance of BELGRADE THEATRE, SWAN: IN MEMORIAM land & Frederic Chopin, Coventry Torke, Nunn, Widor, the winning entry from COVENTRY Programme includes Thurs 20 June, Symph- LAST NIGHT OF THE Dennehy & Muczynski, the Summer Festival 02476 553055 works by Britten, Toru pony Hall, Birmingham PROMS Sun 23 June, Tues 4 June, Recital Composition Prize, BARBER INSTITUTE, Takemitsu & CBSO: FLOWERS AND Ludlow Castle, South Hall, Birmingham Con- Tues 11 June, Barber BIRMINGHAM Shostakovich, Fri 14 FABLES Shropshire servatoire Concert Hall, Birming- Featuring 0121 414 7333 June, Stratford Civic Edward Gardner (con- SING LIVE: STAGE AND PERFORMANCE PLAT- ham BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL Hall ductor) & Lucy Crowe SCREEN Hear songs FORM: YU-HSIN CHANG HEPPPLEWHITE PIANO 0121 262 1840 FESTIVAL VOICES Featur- (soprano). Programme from a selection of films (BARITONE) Programme TRIO Tues 11 June, ing works by Vaughan includes works by and shows, including A BIRMINGHAM includes works by Recital Hall, Birming- Williams, Bob Chilcott Sibelius & Lutoslawski, Chorus Line, Mamma CONSERVATOIRE Ravel, Bizet, Verdi & ham Conservatoire & Gwyn Arch, Fri 14 Thurs 20 June, Sym- Mia and Mary Poppins, 0121 331 5901/2 Vaughan Williams, Tues COULL QUARTET: DEATH June, Barber Concert phony Hall, Birming- Sun 23 June, BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND 4 June, Adrian Boult IN VENICE Featuring Hall, Birmingham ham Birmingham Town Hall INSTITUTE Hall, Birmingham Con- Roger Coull & Philip EARTHRISE Alex Roth’s BANTOCK STRING QUAR- CBSO THE BIRMINGHAM 0121 236 3591 servatoire Gallaway (violins), Rose meditation for unac- TET Programme BEETHOVEN CYCLE: SYM- TAMSIN PLAYS Redgrave (viola) and BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL companied forty-part includes works by PHONIES 8 & 9 Featuring BEETHOVEN Featuring Nicholas Roberts 0121 780 3333 choir is here performed Delius & Ireland, Thurs Andris Nelsons (con- Orchestra Of The Swan. (cello). Programme to BRAMALL CONCERT HALL, by Ex Cathedra, Fri 14 20 June, Recital Hall, ductor), Lucy Crowe Programme includes include works by UNIVERSITY OF B’HAM June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Conserva- (soprano), Mihoko works by Wagner, Haydn, Britten & Schu- 0121 414 3344 Birmingham toire Fujimura (mezzo), Ben Mozart & Beethoven, mann, Wed 12 June, CBSO CENTRE, HOLST'S THE PLANETS CBSO: OL' BLUE EYES Johnson (tenor), Iain Wed 5 June, Birming- Warwick Arts Centre, BIRMINGHAM Sat 15 June, Symphony Featuring Roderick Paterson (bass) and the ham Town Hall Coventry 0121 780 3333 Hall, Birmingham Dunk (conductor) & CBSO Chorus, Thurs ORGAN RECITAL BY BINE WAGNER DREAM Welsh MALVERN FESTIVAL CHO- Gary Williams (vocalist), 27 & Sat 29 June, COVENTRY CATHEDRAL BRYNDHOF Programme National Opera present RUS Fri 21 June, Symphony Symphony Hall, Birm- 02476 521200 includes works by a special performance Music for a sum- mer evening featuring Hall, Birmingham ingham THE GATEWAY, Bach, Sweelinck, in celebration of Wagn- Sennet Brass, Sat 15 ROYAL BALLET SINFONIA BLAKE Fri 28 June, SHREWSBURY Bruhns & Messiaen, er's bicentenary, June, Great Malvern Fri 21 June, Birming- The Place, Oakengates 01743 355159 Wed 5 June, St Chad’s Wed 12 June, Priory, Worcestershire ham Cathedral Theatre LEAMINGTON MUSIC Cathedral, Birmingham Birmingham Hippo- BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- YOUNG-CHOON PARK 01926 742762/776438 PHANTOM AND THE MUSI- drome BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- MONIC ORCHESTRA: TOIRE SYMPHONY PIANO RECITAL CALS Thurs 6 June, THREE PHANTOMS Fea- MALVERN THEATRE SIBELIUS 2ND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: PREMIERE Programme to include Solihull Arts Complex turing Earl Carpenter, 01684 892277 Featuring Michael Lloyd BRITAIN Featuring Lionel works by; Beethoven, OPERA SOIREE Thurs 6 Matt Cammelle and MAIDMENT HALL, (conductor) & Jack Friend (conductor), Yu- Schumann and Liszt, June, Crewe Lyceum Stephen John Davis, SHREWSBURY SCHOOL McNeill (clarinet). Pro- Fen Lin (piano), Philp Fri 28 June, Ludlow 01743 280810 WILLIAMS KELLEHER DUO Wed 12 June, Sympho- gramme includes works White (chorus master) Castle, South Shrop- Thurs 6 June, Bridge ny Hall, Birmingham ROYAL PUMP ROOMS, by Britten, Mozart & and the Birmingham shire House Theatre, War- CBSO SCHOOLS CONCERT: LEAMINGTON SPA Sibelius, Sun 16 June, Conservatoire Chorus, JONATHAN & CHARLOTTE wick BIRMINGHAM HISTORY 01926 742700 Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- Fri 21 June, Britain's Got Talent run- BRYN TERFEL WITH THE Presented by The Play ST ALBAN THE MARTYR, ingham Conservatoire Birmingham Town Hall ners up, Fri 28 June MANCHESTER CONCERT House and featuring BIRMINGHAM LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- ORCHESTRA OF THE Symphony Hall, Birm- ORCHESTRA Fri 7 June Michael Seal (conduc- 0121 440 4605 CERT WITH THOMAS SWAN: MASTER AND ingham Symphony Hall, Birm- tor), Thurs 13 June, ST FRANCES CHURCH, TROTTER Summer PUPIL Featuring works ORGAN RECITAL BY ingham Symphony Hall, Birm- BIRMINGHAM Request Concert, Mon by Frank Bridge, HENRY FAIRS Fri 28 THE NIGHT WATCH - ingham 0121 472 7215 17 June, Birmingham Huw Watkins, Toru June, St Philip’s Cathe- MUSICAL HISTORY TOUR SMALL ENSEMBLE Town Hall Takemitsu & Britten, dral, Birmingham STRATFORD CIVIC HALL A dash through musical SERIES: ORISHA OSUN LUNCHTIME CONCERT Fri 21 June, Stratford AMICANTUS: SONGS FOR 01789 207100 history on medieval, Thurs 13 June, Recital WITH MARK BEBBINGTON Civic Hall A SUMMER'S EVE Sat 29 SYMPHONY HALL, renaissance and Hall, Birmingham Con- Also featuring Daniel CBSO: CELLOS Pro- June, Bridge House BIRMINGHAM baroque period instru- servatoire Roberts (violin), Johan gramme includes works Theatre, Warwick 0121 780 3333 ments, Fri 7 June, LOHENGRIN Welsh Shahridzuan (piano), by Saint Saens, Ravel, BIRMINGHAM BACH Palace Theatre, Red- National Opera present WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Tom Howells (clarinet) Debussy & Faure, Fri CHOIR: SACRED GERMAN ditch Wagner's romantic 02476 524524 & Sarah Joseph 21 June, CBSO Centre, VOICES Featuring three LUNCHTIME RECITAL opera, Thur 13 - Sat 15 (piano). Programme Birmingham works by Brahms, Sat WITH JO SEALEY (PIANO) June, Birmingham Hip- includes works by Ire- MID WALES CHAMBER 29 June, Great Witley & JESSICA WILKES podrome

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Pre-Edinburgh Festival Comedy Comedy Show Box Office Solihull Arts Complex, Fri 28 June If a trip to Edinburgh to enjoy this summer’s ALEXANDRA THEATRE, Fringe Festival is something you fancy but just BIRMINGHAM 0844 871 3011 can’t manage, not to worry - you can catch ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE plenty of the 2013 event’s top comedy per- 01527 577330 formers in Solihull instead! The Arts Complex BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL is this month hosting three shows featuring 02476 376707 comedians who’re en route to Edinburgh. The BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL last of the three gigs features The Dog-Eared 0121 780 3333 THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM Collective and Paul Sweeney. Sweeney is a 0121 333 2444 fast-rising performer much admired for his self- DUDLEY CONCERT HALL deprecating humour and original comic songs. 01384 815 577 The Dog-Eared Collective, meanwhile, are a GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM quartet of laughter-makers who describe them- 0871 4720400 HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, selves as ‘championing a wildly anarchic and 0844 844 0044 mischievously surreal brand of comedy’. HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER, The Dog-Eared Collective 01905 611427 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK, STAFFS 01538 386112 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM Phill Jupitus 0844 338 8000 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 4 June; Courtyard Theatre, LUDLOW ASSEMBLY Hereford, Fri 7 June; The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, ROOMS Fri 12 July 01584 878141 MAC, BIRMINGHAM Well known for the unusual spelling of his Christian name, his mem- 0121 446 3232 orable surname (an anglicised version of the original surname PALACE THEATRE, Matt Parker Šeputis) and his well-padded physique, Phill Jupitus is an actor, per- REDDITCH formance poet, cartoonist and podcaster as well as a stand-up 01527 65203 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 29 June THE PUBLIC, WEST comedian. A team captain on BBC Two's popular music quiz Never BROMWICH Matt Parker’s unique stand-up show finds him Mind The Buzzcocks, Phill’s other work includes television’s QI and 0121 533 7161 exploring and explaining all things mathemati- BBC Radio Four's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. He’s currently doing DRUMMONDS BAR, cal, from debunking number nonsense and fla- the rounds with his You’re Probably Wondering Why I’ve Asked You WORCESTER 01905 28190 grant sudoku abuse to the mysterious patterns Here tour, which is derived from a three-part, character-based come- in the locations of ancient monuments... and RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY dy show which he presented at the 2012 Edinburgh Fringe. 0844 873 6565 defunct Woolworths stores! Sell-out shows at THE ROSES THEATRE the Edinburgh Festival TEWKESBURY Fringe, the Melbourne 01684 295074 Comedy Festival and in Bill Bailey ROYAL SPA CENTRE, London's West End bear Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, LEAMINGTON SPA Fri 14 - Sat 15 June; Symphony 01926 334418 testimony to the quality of Hall, Birmingham, Sun 22 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE his numbers-driven come- September, Weds 02 October; THEATRE dy. If you love maths, you’ll De Montfort Hall, Leicester, Mon 01785 254653 love Matt. If you don’t, just 14 - Tues 15 October SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962 ignore the maths and con- Bill Bailey thinks his comedy THE SLADE ROOMS, centrate on the comedy! should be educational. “From an WOLVERHAMPTON audience perspective, it’s great if 0870 320 7000 they can leave one of my shows THE GEORGE HOTEL, Jo Brand BURSLEM, STAFFS more informed than when they 07763301081 The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 26 June arrived,” he says. “I’m delighted TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY Jo Brand regularly belies her reputation as a when I get messages from peo- ROOMS lazy slob by making a good many live appear- ple saying, ‘I was in this lecture 01827 709618 THEATRE SEVERN, ances around the country. While her material and I knew who this artist was SHREWSBURY can sometimes be a bit predictable, her han- because I’d seen your show’, or 01743 281281 dling of hecklers has more spontaneity - a for- ‘I was in a pub quiz and I got the VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, mer psychiatric nurse, she answers right because I’d seen STOKE-ON-TRENT 0844 871 7649 seems completely unflap- your show’. I’m delighted by that, WARWICK ARTS CENTRE pable. For some reason, a and it makes it all worthwhile. 02476 524524 lot of men find her very Obviously, I want people to come WEST BROMWICH TOWN threatening - perhaps their along and be entertained, have a HALL fragile male egos find it laugh and get taken out of them- 0121 596 4429 WULFRUN HALL, hard to cope with a selves for a couple of hours, but WOLVERHAMPTON woman so obviously unin- if people can glean something a 0870 320 7000 terested in impressing bit more lasting than a couple of them. laughs, then all the better." 26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 08:14 Page 2

WILLIAMS AND MIKE ALFIE MOORE Tues 25 Lucy Porter WILMOT Thurs 13 - Sat June, The Victory Club, Comedy LISTINGS 15 June, The Glee Ludlow, South Club, Birmingham Shropshire For full listing information on comedy BILL BAILEY Fri 14 - Sat PAUL MERTON'S IMPRO gigs including times and dates visit 15 June, Civic Hall, CHUMS Tue 25 June, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Wolverhampton Ludlow Castle, South AN EVENING WITH BOB Shropshire NEWHART & TOM LEHRER LUCY PORTER, ROB COLE- GAVIN WEBSTER, GAR FEATURING WITTANK, Fri 14 June, MAN, JOHNNY GREATREX, MURRAN, ROB ROUSE GRAINNE MCGUIRE AND Huntingdon Hall, DAVID POLLARD AND JON AND PAUL RICKETTS Sat MARK SMITH (MC) Fri 7 Worcester PEARSON Weds 26 1 June, The Glee Club, June, The Public, West CHRIS CAIRNS, JAMES June, The Victory Club, Birmingham Bromwich DOWDESWELL, KAI Ludlow, South GEOFF BOYZ, CHRIS ADAM BLOOM, DANA HUMPHERIES AND Shropshire CAIRNS, JOHN GAVIN AND ALEXANDER, STEVE DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 14 JO BRAND Wed 26 June, PAUL MYREHAUG Sat 1 HARRIS AND JIMMY - Sat 15 June, The Roses Theatre, June, Highlight MCGHIE Fri 7 - Sat 8 Jongleurs Comedy Tewkesbury Comedy Club, June, The Glee Club, Club, Birmingham REGINALD D HUNTER Birmingham Birmingham JENNY ÉCLAIR Sat 15 Thurs 27 June, Ludlow MARTIN BEAUMONT, AVA ADDY VAN DER BORGH, June, The Public, West Castle, South June, Solihull Arts MARTIN MOR, EDDY VIDAL, MICK FERRY AND MAFF BROWN, GARETH Bromwich Shropshire Complex BRIMSON, LATEEF CHRISTIAN REILLY Sat 1 RICHARDS AND PETER ANDREW BIRD, CHRIS SEAN MEO, ANDY MARTIN MOR, EDDY LOVEJOY AND WAYNE June, Jongleurs WHITE Fri 7 - Sat 8 CONROY, WINDOSR Fri 14 ROBINSON, ROB HUGHES BRIMSON, NATHAN CATON DEAKIN Sat 29 June, Comedy Club, June, Highlight - Sat 15 June, Highlight PLUS COMIC TBC Thurs AND WAYNE DEAKIN Fri Highlight Comedy Birmingham Comedy Club, Comedy Club, 27 June, The Glee 28 June, Highlight Club, Birmingham JIMMY CARR - GAGGING Birmingham Birmingham Club, Birmingham Comedy Club, MATT PARKER Sat 29 ORDER Sat 1 June, Civic BRYAN LACEY, MIKE LAUGH OUT LOUD COME- PETE FIRMAN AND NISH Birmingham June, Artrix, Hall, Wolverhampton NEWALL, ANDREW BIRD DY CLUB Sat 15 June, KUMAR Fri 28 June, PATRICK ROLINK, BRYAN Bromsgrove CHRIS COX Sat 1 June, AND KYLE GROOMS Fri 7 Regent Theatre, Stoke- Warwick Arts Centre, LACEY, ALLYSON SMITH COMEDY IN THE MET Sat Artrix, Bromsgrove - Sat 8 June, Jongleurs on-Trent Coventry AND STEVE HARRIS Fri 29 June, The Met SEAN LOCK Sat 1 June, Comedy Club, IAN D MONTFORD & IVAN SEAN MEO, ANDY 28 June, Jongleurs Studio, Stafford De Montfort Hall, Birmingham BRACKENBURY Sun 16 ROBINSON, BOBBY MAIR Comedy Club, Gatehouse Leicester PHILL JUPITUS Fri 7 June, The Edge Arts Fri 28 June, The Glee Birmingham PATRICK ROLINK, OLA, KIT AND MCCONNEL Sat June, Hereford Centre, Much Wenlock, Club, Birmingham JOEL DOMMETT, DAVID ALLYSON SMITH AND 1 June, Malvern Courtyard Theatre South Shropshire JIMMY CARR - GAGGING TRENT WITH MC MATT STEVE HARRIS Sat 29 Theatres CURTIS WALKER, GARY DELANEY, MATT ORDER Fri 28 June, GREEN Fri 28 June June, Jongleurs SHOULD I STAY OR ANNETTE FAGON, KYLE REED, DAN NIGHTINGALE Warwick Arts Centre, Hereford Courtyard Comedy Club, SHOULD I GO Featuring GROOMS AND MC JOHN PLUS COMIC TBC Thurs Coventry Theatre Birmingham compere Spiky Mike, SIMMIT Fri 7 June, The 20 June, The Glee THE DOG EARED SEAN MEO, ANDY LUCY PORTER, MICK Sun 2 June, Drum, Birmingham Club, Birmingham COLLECTIVE AND PAUL ROBINSON, IAN SMITH FERRY & COMPERE RYAN Drummonds Bar, IAIN STIRLING, ROBIN DAVID MORGAN & JOE SWEENEY Pre- AND BOBBY MAIR Sat 29 GOUGH Sun 30 June, Worcester MORGAN WITH MC LYCETT Pre Edinburgh Edinburgh Festival June, The Glee Club, The Granville @Barford, HALF MOON COMEDY HAYLEY ELLIS Fri 7 - Sat Festival Comedy Show, Comedy Show, Fri 28 Birmingham Warwickshire CLUB Mon 3 June, 8 June, Hereford Fri 21 June, Solihull , Courtyard Theatre Arts Complex Birmingham THE SCOTTISH FALSETTO DAVID HADINGHAM, SEAN PHILL JUPITUS Tue 4 SOCK PUPPET THEATRE PERCIVAL, KAI June, Warwick Arts Sat 8 June, Warwick HUMPHERIES AND JONNY Centre, Coventry Arts Centre, Coventry AWSUM Fri 21 June, LEE NELSON LIVE Wed 5 JAMES CAMPBELL'S Highlight Comedy June, The Roses COMEDY 4 KIDS! Sat 8 Club, Birmingham Theatre, Tewkesbury June, Hereford JONATHAN MAYOR, LUCY PORTER Wed 5 Courtyard Theatre BABATUNDE, GEOFF June, New Vic Theatre, RICH HALL Sat 8 June, NORCOTT AND EDDY Newcastle-under-Lyme Hereford Courtyard BRIMSON Fri 21 - Sat 22 COLE PARKER, ALFIE Theatre June, Jongleurs MOORE, WAYNE THE AL MURRAY - THE PUB Comedy Club, WEIRD, COMPERE ALAN LANDLORD Sun 9 June, Birmingham DONEGAN Thurs 6 June, Theatre Severn, IT'S A CRACKER 2013 The George Hotel, Shrewsbury Evesham's first Stand Lichfield THE BOY WITH TAPE ON Up comedy competi- ADAM BLOOM, DANA HIS FACE Sun 9 June, tion! Fri 21 June, ALEXANDER, STEVE Warwick Arts Centre, Evesham Arts Centre HARRIS AND JORDAN Coventry KEN DODD Sat 22 June, BROOKES Thurs 6 June, JETHRO Sun 9 June, De Montfort Hall, The Glee Club, Lichfield Garrick Leicester Birmingham KIERAN POWELL Sun 9 WOMEN AT THE EDGE Sat COLE PARKER, ALFIE June, Hereford 22 June, Appletree MOORE, WAYNE THE Courtyard Theatre Theatre & Film Studio, WEIRD & COMPERE ALAN JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun Ludlow, South DONEGAN Thurs 6 June 9 June, Hereford Shropshire The George Hotel, Courtyard Theatre LUCY PORTER Sat 22 Burslem, Stoke-on- JIMMY CARR - GAGGING June, The Met Studio, Trent ORDER Tue 11 June, De Stafford Gatehouse PATRICK MONAHAN, NICK Montfort Hall, Leicester DAVID HADINGHAM, SEAN REVELL, CARL JONES, DANIEL KITSON Wed 12 PERCIVAL, RICHARD MASAI GRAHAM & JOHN June, mac - Midlands MORTON AND KAI WOODHOUSE Thurs 6 Arts Centre, HUMPHRIES Sat 22 June, Foxlowe Arts Birmingham June, Highlight Centre, Leek, Staffs VG LEE, KAREN BAYLEY Comedy Club, BEN NORRIS, PAUL WITH SALLY-ANNE Birmingham SINHA, SHELLEY BRIDG- HAYWARD AND RESIDENT SEVERN JESTERS Sun 23 MAN & JOE BROMEHEAD MC MAUREEN YOUNGER June, Theatre Severn, Thurs 6 June, The Wed 12 June, Kitchen Shrewsbury George Hotel, Lichfield Garden Cafe, JOE LYCETT, MASAI GRA- TOM ROSENTHAL AND PAT Birmingham HAM, NIPPER THOMAS, CAHILL Pre-Edinburgh JASON MANFORD Thurs HANNAH SYLVESTER AND Festival comedy show, 13 June, Theatre PHILIP MCCOLLOUGH Fri 7 June, Solihull Arts Severn, Shrewsbury Mon 24 June, The Complex JOHN FOTHERGILL, DAN Victory Club, Ludlow, SIT DOWN, STAND UP THOMAS, STEVE South Shropshire

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The Lion King Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 28 June - Sat 28 September Based on the Academy Award-winning animated movie, Julie Tay- tumes. It tells the compelling tale of young lion cub Simba as he jour- mor's stage adaptation of The Lion King brings together a huge cast neys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities both of of actors, singers and dancers. A global phenomenon that's delight- adulthood and his future role as the King. ed audiences young and old since its premiere on Broadway in 1997, This touring production sees Gagwana Dlamini star as Rafiki, the show features twenty-six different types of animal, hundreds of Stephen Carlisle as Scar and Cleveland Cathnott as Mufasa. masks and puppets, and more than seven hundred elaborate cos- Find out more about The Lion King at www.whatsonlive.co.uk.

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 10 - Sat 15 June; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 27 January - Sat 1 February, 2014 Based on the movie of the same name, Priscilla the stage show has wowed both West End and Broad- way audiences, picking up a coveted Olivier Award and an equally prestigious Tony Award along the accolade-strewn way. At its heartland is an uplifting story of the friendship shared between three pals, who hop aboard a battered old bus and head off in search of love and romance. The show originally opened in Australia in 2006 - running there for two years before hitting the West End stage - and comes complete with a dazzling array of costumes and a glorious selection of dancefloor favourites, including New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 24 - Sat 29 June It’s Raining Men, Say A Little Hit comedy Noises Off effectively presents two plays for the price of one. The audi- Prayer, Go West, Hot Stuff ence sees actors go onstage to perform in the play Nothing On, and come offstage to and Always On My Mind... appear in the ‘real life’ farce occurring behind the scenes. Taking place during Noth- Oh, and for this particular ing On’s final rehearsal and subsequent tour, things never go quite according to plan. Midlands run, it also has the While fights break out backstage, on stage the actors are missing their cues, missing added benefit of Jason Dono- their footing and missing the point altogether. Even the director ends up having to van reprising the role of Tick, take a role in the show! Booker Prize-winning author Michael Frayn is the man behind the part he played when the this farce about a farce, which became the biggest hit in the history of Broadway show originally opened in the when it opened in New York. Neil Pearson and Maureen Beattie star. West End. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 11:30 Page 3 Theatre June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 11:30 Page 4

Theatre PREVIEWS Carnaby Street New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 3 - Sat 8 June There’s nothing complicated or unfamiliar about Carnaby Street. The show takes the well-peddled ‘wannabe rock star’ storyline, locates its action in London’s West End against the backdrop of the Swinging ’60s, and throws in a jukebox-worth of classic hits from the decade, including Roll Over Beethoven, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Tired Of Waiting For You, You Really Got Me, Keep On Running and Sweets For My Sweet. Add into the mix a high-energy cast and you’ve got yourself one of those evenings that should see your hands and toes clapping WIN and tapping respectively. And if you’re really lucky, there might even be some ‘dancing in TICKETS the aisles’ to be done... whatsonlive.co.uk Ghost: The Musical to enter Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 4 - Sat 15 June Matthew Warchus’ stage version of the award-winning film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg arrives in the Midlands having received much critical acclaim since opening on Broadway and in the West End. For those not in the know, it tells the story of a ghost named Sam who, caught between this world and the next, desperately attempts to communicate with his girlfriend Molly and warn her that she’s in mortal danger from his mur- derer. A timeless tale about the power of love that beautifully blends the audience-satisfying genres of romance and comedy, Ghost has also been praised for its dazzling state-of-the-art staging. All in all, then, a show well worth catching. Check out the interview with Ghost creator Bruce Joel Rubin on page 6.

A Mad World My Master teacher, whose path to career fulfillment is The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, steadfastly blocked by unruly children, cyni- Thurs 6 June - Fri 25 October cal colleagues and less-than-helpful caretak- Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 22 June ers. This particular version of Godber’s hit Thomas Middleton's Jacobean 'city comedy' A modern comedy classic, Willy Russell’s 1984 play is presented by the high-energy was first performed in the early seventeenth Educating Rita has been a regular choice Blackeyed Theatre. century but is here updated to 1956. The with theatre companies ever since its first action unfolds in London’s shabbily glam- production by the RSC. Voted Best Comedy orous Soho, where a cash-strapped bachelor The Importance Of of 1980, the story of a working-class Liver- has learned to live on his wits. With a rich pool woman’s hunger for education, and her uncle seeming to be the answer to all of his Being Earnest relationship with her unhappy, dipsomaniac troubles, he decides to turn conman, vari- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 6 June; professor, is best known from its 1983 film Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, adaptation starring Michael Caine and Julie ously becoming a lord, a high-class call girl Mon 10 - Wed 12 June and a poor actor in a desperate effort to Walters. A typical Russell comedy, it man- improve his financial fortunes. But as he This famous Oscar Wilde work is a rightly- ages to be both thought-provoking and spins his web of deceit, it soon becomes evi- adored piece of farce that has stood both the funny. dent that somebody else is also ‘on the test of time and countless dire amateur pro- make’... Check out the interview with Sean ductions, rising unscathed to take its place at rehearsal shot Foley on page 8 the very pinnacle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the attempts of rehearsal shot Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is masquerad- ing as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, and there’s little wonder that dis- aster looms large on Jack’s horizon! This particular performance is presented by the acclaimed London Classic Theatre. The Constant Wife Old Rep, Birmingham, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 June Blood Wedding Teechers W Somerset Maugham's 1927 comedy of Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, manners contemplates the ways in which Thurs 13 - Sat 15 June The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 25 June men - but particulary women - of the era Frederico Garcia Lorca’s classic play from were beginning to rethink their traditional the early-1930s contemplates the cycle of life Playwright John Godber’s talent for taking big notions of love, marriage and social conven- and the progression of time, and tells of a themes and presenting them in an accessi- tion. Constance’s friends and sister are well peasant bride who elopes with her former ble, down-to-earth manner has seen him aware that her husband, a successful Harley lover on the very day of her wedding. But her become one of the UK’s most successful Street Doctor, is being unfaithful to her with shocking decision soon leads to fatal conse- playwrights over the last three decades. With her best pal. What they don’t realise is that quences, both for her lover and the bride- Teechers, he turns his attention to the subject Constance knows about the affair too - and groom... This particular version of Lorca’s of education, focusing on the story of three has her very own deliciously devilish way of play is being presented by Birmingham Con- exuberant Year Elevens and a new drama dealing with the problem... servatoire.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Being Tommy Cooper Lichfield Garrick, Tues 4 June; New Alexan- dra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 12 June; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 19 June Tom Green’s celebration of one of Britain's favourite comedians has proved to be a real winner with theatre critics. It’s garnered plen- ty of plaudits for the way in which it presents both the Tommy Cooper beloved of so many, and also a darker, more troubled Tommy Cooper, who lurked in the shadows behind the comedy fez and dodgy magic tricks. Bringing to the stage once again some of Cooper’s classic routines, the play is also a study of the characters who inhabited the comedian’s world - including the manager with whom he engaged in a ‘hate-hate’ rela- tionship and the woman who became his wife.

The 39 Steps Malvern Theatre, Mon 17 - Sat 22 June Anybody who remembers the various film versions of John Buchan's classic spy thriller will be hard-pressed to call any of them 'humorous', so it's a bit weird, to say the least, to think of this stage version having bagged the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy! Nonetheless, that's exactly what it's done, courtesy of some imaginative thinking on the part of its creative team. So why not catch up with handsome hero Richard Hannay as he battles to remain impres- sively stiff-upper-lipped in the face of dastardly murders and encounters with double-crossing secret agents. Oh, and there are some beautiful and mysterious women involved, too, so it's not all bad news for our intrepid hero... Four fearless actors play no fewer than one hundred- and-thirty-nine roles in this real gem of a show. Lionboy Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Catching Snowflakes Widower’s Houses Tues 18 - Thurs 20 June Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June Fri 14 - Sat 29 June The company behind this show is the award- winning Complicite, who’ve been widely Humour, drama and music are here com- George Bernard Shaw’s first ever play throws praised for the imaginativeness of their bined in a production which reflects on one the spotlight on the skeletons that lurk in the threatrical productions. This is their first show woman’s quest for lifelong happiness, and most middle-class of cupboards. Cupid’s for families and young people, and is based her growing realisation that she may never arrow does its work when the impetuous on Zizou Corder’s bestselling Lionboy trilogy. be able to find it. Young, exuberant and enig- Harry Trench encounters beautiful heiress When eleven-year-old Charlie Ashanti’s par- matic, Paula loves Jerry and wants to spend Blanche Sartorius. A match made in heaven, ents are kidnapped, the young lad sets off the rest of her life with him in a state of mari- it seems the sound of wedding bells will on a rescue mission, assisted only by a float- tal bliss. But then Anton appears on the soon be in the air - until, that is, Harry dis- ing circus, its pride of performing lions, and scene, and Paula begins to realise that living covers the truth about is soon-to-be father-in- his rather unique ability to speak to cats... ‘happily ever after’ may be a harder thing to law... The show is suitable for children aged eight do than she’d originally imagined... and older. James And The Giant Peach A Midsummer Night’s Dream Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 11 - Sat 15 June; Crewe Lyceum The- Stafford Castle, Thurs 27 June - Sat 13 July Are You Being Served? atre, Tues 9 - Sat 13 July Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 25 - Sat 29 June Accessible language, likeable characters, One of Roald Dahl's best loved and most romantic liaisons, magical creatures and a Are You Being Served? is yet another in a famous masterpieces, James And The Giant series of comic capers with an ass combine Peach tells the tall tale of a little boy (bet you long line of stage shows derived from classic to make this one of the Bard’s most popular television sitcoms. The trend is certainly a can't guess what his name is!) and the truly works. Lysander and Demetrius both fancy torrid and terrible time he has with his revolt- well-established one, with theatrical versions Hermia, Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania of Rising Damp, Yes, Prime Minister, Dad’s ing old aunties, Sponge and Spiker. Given and Oberon are up to no good, and Puck’s how generally unpleasant his life is, it's no Army, Fawlty Towers, Steptoe And Son, Por- got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. ridge, Birds Of A Feather and Dinnerladies all surprise that James leaps at the chance to Add a group of rude mechanicals and the have an adventure - and suddenly finds him- having done the rounds in recent years. The recipe for success is guaranteed. original TV series focused on the always- self involved with a mystical old man who This outdoor production of the Bard’s farcical gives him a bag that contains the strongest humorous goings-on in the department store comedy marks the twenty-third production in of Grace Brothers, where characters such as magic the world has ever known. And when Stafford Festival James accidentally Mr Humphries and Mrs Slocombe kept the Shakespeare, an tills ringing merrily and the double entendres spills the contents annual event of the bag near an coming thick and fast. This amateur produc- recognised as tion by All And Sundry finds the Grace Broth- old peach tree, it one of Europe’s isn't long before the ers staff heading off on their hols while the largest open-air department store is redecorated. But all’s not most incredible Shakespeare things start to hap- quite how they expected to find it in sunny events. Costa Plonka... A scene from last year’s pen... production of

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SAT 1 JUNE, 7.30PM ABBA REUNION Tickets £19.00

WED 5 JUNE, 7.30PM DEREK ACORAH THE ETERNAL SPIRITS TOUR Tickets £18.50

THURS 6 JUNE, 7.30PM OPERA SOIREE Tickets £35.00

FRI 7 JUNE, 7.30PM THE RAG DOLLS Tickets £19.00

SAT 8 JUNE, 7.30PM BACK TO BROADWAY Tickets £16.50 - £18.50

SAT 9 JUNE, 7.30PM ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS Tickets £19.50

FRI 14 JUNE, 7.30PM SAT 15& SUN 16 JUNE, 10.30AM & 1.30PM GRANDPA IN MY POCKET Tickets £15.00 concs available

TUES 18JUNE, 7.30PM THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK Tickets £20.00

SAT 22 JUNE, 7.30PM AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING Tickets £18.00

THURS 27 JUNE, 7.30PM THE DREAM BOYS FIT AND FAMOUS TOUR Tickets £23.50. Meet a Dreamboy ticket £33.50 includes glass of bubbly

MON 1 - WED 3 JULY DEATHTRAP Tickets £18.00 to £20.00 concs available

TUE 9 - SAT 13 JULY TUE 9, 7.30PM, WED 10 & THURS 11, 10.30AM & 1.30PM, FRI 12, 7.00PM, SAT 13, 2.30PM & 7.00PM JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH Tickets £13.00 - £17.00 cons available

CREWE LYCEUM I HEATH STREET I CREWE I CW1 2DA BOOK ONLINE: WWW.CREWELYCEUM.CO.UK A Booking Fee of £1.50 applies except Friends and Groups

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June, The Grand The- of work from Hadland atre, Wolverhampton School of Dance & Theatre LISTINGS ARNABY STREET Real Drama, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 musical story set June, Stratford Civic For full listing information on theatre against a backdrop of Hall productions including times and London's West End in THE STUPIDEST TEA dates visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk the 1960s. Verity Rush- PARTY Green Cherry worth and Aaron Sid- Theatre Co. present an well star, Mon 3 - Sat 8 immersive theatrical her riotous production From June, New Alexandra experience set in Alice's of King John in the Theatre, Birmingham Wonderland, Thurs 6 - WED 1 MAY Swan Theatre as part of BEING TOMMY COOPER Sat 8 June, Arena The- the World Shakespeare Damian Williams stars BAD GIRLS: THE MUSICAL atre, Wolverhampton Festival, until Sat 28 in Tom Green's power- Amateur production SIR GAWAIN & THE September, Royal ful play which explores presented by Five GREEN KNIGHT Playbox Shakespeare Theatre, both the brilliance and Towns Theatre Compa- Theatre present a new Stratford-upon-Avon loneliness of one of version of the Arthurian ny, until Fri 3 June, Britain's most iconic (read the review page legend written by Toby Stoke Repertory The- comedians, Tue 4 June, 40) Quash, Thurs 6 - Sat 9 atre Lichfield Garrick HAIRSPRAY Return of June, The Dream Fac- Michael Fentiman VARMINTS An exhilarat- the ultimate feelgood ing new dance-theatre tory, Warwick makes his RSC debut, musical comedy. Mark show choreographed A MAD WORLD MY MAS- directing Shakespeare's Benton (Waterloo Rd, by Wilkie Branson TERS Sean Foley makes early revenge tragedy, Early Doors) stars, until (Champloo Dance his RSC debut, direct- Sat 1 June, Birming- until Sat 26 October, Company) and is ing Thomas Middleton's ham Hippodrome The Swan Theatre, based on the award- Jacobean 'city comedy': Stratford-upon-Avon A FUNNY THING HAP- winning book by Helen an outrageously PENED ON THE WAY TO WE NEED BEES Theatre Ward, Wed 5 June, wicked, brilliantly plot- na n 'Og' bring an THE FORUM Stephen Warwick Arts Centre, ted farcical satire of lies Sondheim's musical imaginative children's Coventry and lust, Thurs 6 June - which tells the tale of tale to life, until Sat 1 FOOTLOOSE Amateur Fri 25 October, The Pseudolus - the laziest June, The Roses The- production presented Swan Theatre, Strat- by Great Barr Musical slave in Rome - and his atre, Tewkesbury ford-upon-Avon Theatre Company, Tues attempt to win freedom MISS SAIGON Amateur THE NIGHT WATCH - 4 - Sat 8 June, Cres- by helping his master production by The Viv MUSICAL HISTORY TOUR cent Theatre, Birming- woo the girl next door, Kelly Theatre, Sat A dash through musical 1 June, Theatre Severn, ham history on medieval, until Sat 1 June, Cres- TONY STOCKWELL - TV'S cent Theatre, Birming- Shrewsbury renaissance and JOHN CHALLIS: AN PSYCHIC DETECTIVE Tony ham baroque period instru- London Classic Theatre’s production EVENING WITH BOYCIE Stockwell encountered THE MOUSETRAP Touring his first out-of-body ments, Fri 7 June, of The Importance Of Being Ernest - Sat 1 June, The Public, production of Agatha experience when he Palace Theatre, Red- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury West Bromwich Christie's famous thriller was a baby, and met ditch and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury - the longest running SWINGING AT THE COT- his first spirit person ON THE COUCH WITH show in the history of TON CLUB Action- when he was seven... DANIEL BYE A free, infor- farce, which satirises which explores both the British theatre, until Sat packed show celebrat- Wed 5 June, Prince Of mal interview in the the vanities of the brilliance and loneli- 1 June, The Grand The- ing the music, dance Wales Centre, Cannock Theatre Bar, Fri 7 June, class-based society in ness of one of Britain's atre, Wolverhampton and songs of the Cot- ROMEO & JULIET Heart- Warwick Arts Centre, which he lived, Mon 10 most iconic comedians, GO BACK FOR MURDER ton Club - New York break Productions Coventry - Wed 12 June, Theatre Wed 12 June, New The Official Agatha City's famous nightclub bring a modern twist to ROMEO & JULIET Heart- Severn, Shrewsbury Alexandra Theatre, Christie Theatre Com- of the 1920s and ’30s, an outdoor version of break Productions PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE Birmingham pany present a new Sat 1 June, The Place, the greatest love story bring a modern twist to DESERT Feelgood inter- ALICE: AN EXTRAORDI- adaptation of a classic Oakengates Theatre, ever told, Wed 5 - an outdoor version of national musical direct NARY ADVENTURE Heart- Thurs 6 June, Jephson whodunnit, until Sat 1 Telford the greatest love story from the West End and break Productions Gardens, Leamington June, Regent Theatre, MILKSHAKE! LIVE Featur- ever told, Fri 7 June, Broadway. Jason Dono- present an outdoor ver- ing the presenters and Spa Hartelbury Castle, Kid- van stars, Mon 10 - Sat sion of Lewis Carroll’s Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ZEST Showcase of work characters from the derminster 15 June, Regent The- much-loved adventure, THE RISE AND FALL OF from some of Stoke’s Channel 5 programme - VISITING HOUR A set of atre, Stoke-on-Trent Wed 12 - Thurs 13 LITTLE VOICE Olivier most talented young- including Noddy, Fifi, six intertwining playlets June, Jephson Gar- Award-winning comedy sters, Wed 5 - Sat 8 RISING DAMP The Com- written and directed by Roary, Mr Men & set around a hospital edy Theatre Company dens, Leamington Spa Bananas In Pyjamas, June, Regent Theatre, Jim Cartwright. Bever- Stoke-on-Trent visiting hour, Fri 7 - Sat present a stage adapta- INTO THE WOODS Sat 1 June, Royal Spa ley Callard, Ray Quinn, GARGANTUA AND MULTI- 8 June, Old Rep, Birm- tion of Eric Chappell's Crossedkeys Musical Centre, Leamington Joe McGann and Jess PLEX A double-bill of ingham acclaimed 1970s sit- Theatre Company pres- Robinson star, until Sat Spa new plays performed BLITHE SPIRIT Blue com, Mon 10 - Sat 15 ent the Stephen Sond- 1 June, Belgrade The- CHRIS AND PUI Sat 1 by Stafford Gatehouse Orange Arts present June, Malvern Theatre heim classic, Wed 12 - atre, Coventry June, Palace Theatre, Theatre, Wed 5 - Sat 8 their version of Noel PREDATOR: FINISHING Sat 15 June, Solihull CAPITAL Freshblood Redditch June, Stafford Gate- Coward's comic play, OFF WHAT I STARTED Arts Complex Theatre present a new THE SNOW QUEEN Based house Theatre Fri 7 - Sat 15 June, The WHEN I WAS FIVE Pre- THE SOUND OF MUSIC play by Breman Rajku- on the story by Hans AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN Blue Orange Theatre, sented by Bootworks Amateur production mar, until Sat 1 June, Christian Andersen, Sat FRY Thurs 6 June, Tam- Birmingham Theatre, Tue 11 - Wed presented by The Nor- Warwick Arts Centre, 1 - Sun 2 June, worth Assembly Rooms AN EVENING OF CLAIR- 12 June, Warwick Arts bury Players, Wed 12 - Coventry Warwick Arts Centre, THE IMPORTANCE OF VOYANCE WITH TONY Centre, Coventry Sat 15 June, Norbury BEING EARNEST Oscar UNCLE BEN: THE WED- Coventry STOCKWELL Sat 8 June, JAMES AND THE GIANT Theatre, Droitwich, Wilde’s acclaimed DING GRAFT Entertain- WELCOME TO THE WEST Huntingdon Hall, PEACH Birmingham Worcs. END Amateur produc- farce, which satirises Worcester Stage Company pres- DAVID FROST One of the ment present Rem Con- the vanities of the tion of drama and SID'S SHOW Join Sid ent Roald Dahl's classic UK's best-known broad- way's Jamaican come- class-based society in dance by Stage 2 Per- from Cbeebies live on adventure for children, casters talks about his dy, until Sat 1 June, which he lived, Thurs 6 The Drum, Birmingham forming Arts Academy, stage in a fun-filled Tue 11 - Sat 15 June, life at the forefront of Sat 1 - Sun 2 June, June, The Roses The- EDUCATING RITA Tupele atre, Tewkesbury adventure that promis- Belgrade Theatre, television news and Theatre Severn, Dorgu and Tom Roberts THE PRICE OF EVERY- es to knock your socks Coventry entertainment, Thurs 13 Shrewsbury star in a new version of THING Daniel Bye pres- off! Sat 8 June, Lich- THREE PHANTOMS Fea- June, Lichfield Garrick THE GLASS MENAGERIE Willy Russell’s award- ents a performance-lec- field Garrick turing songs from THE AUDIENCE Helen winning play, until Sat 1 Tennessee Williams' ture about value, Thurs INTOTO DANCE - LONDON Phantom Of The Opera Mirren reprises her June, Lichfield Garrick haunting and beautiful 6 - Fri 7 June, Warwick STUDIO CENTRE An and other West End Academy Award-win- HAMLET David Farr play, Sat 1 - Sat 8 June, Arts Centre, Coventry evening of fresh, musicals. Matthew ning role as Queen Eliz- directs Jonathan Crescent Theatre, B’ham JOSEPH AND THE AMAZ- dynamic and theatrical Cammelle, Stephen abeth II in the highly- Slinger in Shake- ING TECHNICOLOR dance, Sat 8 June, John Davis & Earl Car- anticipated West End speare's tragedy of jus- DREAMCOAT Amateur Artrix, Bromsgrove penter star... Wed 12 production, broadcast Week Commencing Week Commencing tice and revenge, until production of the Tim June, Symphony Hall, as part of National The- Fri 27 September, Royal MON 3 JUN Rice/Andrew Lloyd MON 10 JUN Birmingham atre Live, Thurs 13 Webber musical, Thurs BEING TOMMY COOPER June, Ludlow Assembly Shakespeare Theatre, GHOST: THE MUSICAL 6 - Sat 8 June, Palace THE IMPORTANCE OF BY TOM GREEN Damian Rooms, South Shrop- Stratford-upon-Avon Smash-hit musical Theatre, Redditch BEING EARNEST Oscar Williams stars in Tom shire AS YOU LIKE IT direct from the West SUCH STUFF AS DREAMS Wilde’s acclaimed Green's powerful play AS YOU LIKE IT The Lord Aberg directs, following End, Tue 4 - Sat 15 ARE MADE OF Showcase

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36 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 11:30 Page 10

TOM GREEN Damian the public - both in life and LISTINGS Williams stars in Tom death, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Theatre Green's powerful play, June, Lichfield Garrick For full listing information on theatre which explores both the THE AUDIENCE National The- brilliance and loneliness of atre Live screening, Fri 21 productions, including times and dates, one of Britain's most iconic June, Artrix, Bromsgrove visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk comedians, Wed 19 June, AN EVENING OF THE WIT AND Regent Theatre, Hanley, SONGS OF NOEL COWARD Chamberlain’s Men pres- Place, Oakengates The- Stoke-on-Trent Peter Gill presents a tribute ent an all-male production atre, Shropshire ALICE: AN EXTRAORDINARY to the wit and songwriting of Shakespeare’s comedy, AN EVENING WITH DES ADVENTURE Heartbreak Pro- skill of that most English of CALL FOR YOUR Thurs 13 June, Black O'CONNOR A rare opportuni- ductions present an out- Englishmen, Noel Coward, LUCY PORTER BROCHURE Country Living Museum, ty to see a true showbusi- door version of Lewis Car- Fri 21 June, Huntingdon THE MET STUDIO TODAY Dudley ness legend live on stage roll’s much-loved adven- Hall, Worcester Sat 22 June LOHENGRIN Welsh National for a wonderful evening of ture, Wed 19 June, Birm- VENUS AND ADONIS Shake- ingham Botanical Gardens speare Young Company Lucy’s brand new show is Opera present Wagner's comedy, laughter and based around a fascinating romantic opera, Thurs 13 - music, Sun 16 June, The THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK present a new version of true story with a stunning Sat 15 June, Birmingham Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Join the festivities as six- the Bard’s first published twist in the tale. Along the teen of the world’s most work, Fri 21 June, The way, the thirty-something Hippodrome ALICE: AN EXTRAORDINARY mum of ‘Irish twins’ (not BLOOD WEDDING Birming- ADVENTURE Heartbreak Pro- entrancing beauties take Dream Factory, Warwick Jedward thankfully) brings ham Conservatoire present ductions present an out- you on a carnival parade, FREEDOM Showcase of new us her hilarious stand up Gwynne Edwards' transla- door version of Lewis Car- Wed 19 June, Lichfield short plays presented by observations. It’s a feel good Garrick Riverside Performing Arts, night of comedy that will tion of Frederico Garcia roll’s much-loved adven- appeal to audiences of all STORYTELLING CAFE Barbe- Fri 21 - Sat 22 June, mac - Lorca's classic play, which ture, Sun 16 June, Warley ages. 8pm, £15 fuses colourful latin energy, Woods, Smethwick cued Husbands - Ana Midlands Arts Centre, Maria Lines, Wed 19 June, Birmingham music and dance, Thurs 13 A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM - Sat 15 June, Crescent Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD Tall Week Commencing STAFFORD CASTLE Theatre, Birmingham Kings Heath, Birmingham Stories return with a musi- THE CONSTANT WIFE Stage MON 17 JUN THE TEMPEST Shakespeare cal stage adaptation of Thurs 27 June - 27 present W Somerset In The Park present an out- Julia Donaldson's award- Sat 13 July Maugham’s comedy of THE AUDIENCE Helen Mirren door performance of the winning story, Fri 21 - Sun Bard’s epic play, Wed 19 - 23 June, Ludlow Castle, Stafford Festival Shake- manners, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 reprises her Academy speare returns for June, Old Rep, Birming- Award-winning role as Sat 22 June, Maple Hayes South Shropshire its 23rd year with Shake- ham Queen Elizabeth II in the Hall, Lichfield THE ELEPHANT BRIDESMAID speare’s most loved come- highly anticipated West RUDDIGORE Bromsgrove Magical musical about dy, performed under the SHAOLIN WARRIORS Capti- stars against the stunning vating stage show suitable End production, broadcast Operatic Society present weddings, wombats and back drop of Stafford Cas- for the whole family... Fri 14 as part of National Theatre Gilbert & Sullivan’s satirical the loveliest elephant the tle. With undercover grand- June, New Alexandra The- Live, Mon 17 June, Artrix, ghost story, Wed 19 - Sat world has ever known... stand seating and a fine din- 22 June, Artrix, Broms- Sat 22 June, The Swan ing marquee, this event is atre, Birmingham Bromsgrove the highlight of the summer. TEECHERS John Godber’s STAGE STRUCK Simon grove Theatre, Worcester £10 - £23.50 classroom comedy, Fri 14 - Gray's seldom-seen play, GRANDPA IN MY POCKET Not- AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Sat 15 June, Stoke Reper- Mon 17 - Sat 22 June, Hall tingham Playhouse Theatre Britain’s biggest burlesque THE KARLA MILTON COLLECTIVE tory Theatre Green Little Theatre, present a staged version of spectacular, Sat 22 June, THE MET STUDIO NUNSENSE Musical romp Birm0ingham the hugely popular Cbee- Regent Theatre, Hanley, concerning five nuns and BLOOD BROTHERS NON MUSI- bies television series, Wed Stoke-on-Trent Sat 6 July their plans for hosting a CAL A Liverpudlian West 19 - Sat 22 June, The SEVEN DEADLY SINS Witness Karla Milton is a musical fundraising concert, Fri 14 - Side Story by Willy Russell, Grand Theatre, W’hampton some of the world's great- ‘tour-de-force’ with unmis- ANNIE Get Your Wiggle On est cabaret, circus, variety takable star quality and tal- Sat 15 June, Palace The- Mon 17 - Sat 22 June, The ent. Fusing natural charisma atre, Redditch Rose Theatre, Tewkesbury present an amateur pro- and burlesque talent, Sat with dynamic stage pres- THE PIRATES OF CANNON John duction of the much-loved 22 June, Ludlow Assembly ence and stunning vocals, HILL A new family-focused Buchan's classic comedy musical, Wed 19 - Sun 23 Rooms, South Shropshire Karla has captivated audi- June, Theatre Severn, APPLAUSE CABARET ences across the UK and theatrical experience which thriller is here presented by Evening Europe, with her soulful, fuses storytelling, poetry, four fearless actors, play- Shrewsbury of song & dance, Sat 22 funky and sophisticated song, dance and physical ing one hundred-and-thirty- THE DICE HOUSE Birming- June, Dovehouse Theatre, blend of Acid Jazz and 60s theatre, Fri 14 - Sun 16 nine roles in one hundred- ham School of Acting pres- Solihull groove. 8pm, £10 June, mac - Midlands Arts minutes of fast-paced fun ent Paul Lucas' black com- VENUS AND ADONIS Shake- edy, Wed 19 - Sat 22 June, speare Young Company THAT’LL BE THE DAY: Centre, Birmingham and thrilling action, NON STOP HITS Old Rep, Birmingham present a new version of WIDOWER’S HOUSES George Mon 17 - Sat 22 June, STAFFORD CASTLE Bernard Shaw’s romantic Malvern Theatres THE SOUND OF MUSIC Ama- the Bard’s first published comedy, which explores DID I MENTION THE FREE teur production presented work, Sat 22 June, Univer- the moral choices of the WINE? An evening of poetry by the Norbury Players, sity of Warwick middle classes, Fri 14 - Sat with Felix Dennis, Tues 18 Wed 19 - Sat 22 June, Nor- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S 29 June, New Vic Theatre, June, Crescent Theatre, bury Theatre, Droitwich, DREAM The Festival Players Newcastle-under-Lyme Birmingham Worcs. present an outdoor per- PUPPET CABARET Puppetry's SUMMER OF LOVE CABARET THAT'LL BE THE DAY Rock- formance of the Bard’s fan- 'n'roll spectacular combin- first burlesque artiste... Sat An amateur performance tasy comedy, Sat 22 June, Sun 7 July 8pm, £18 - £22.50 15 June, Ludlow Assembly by The Roses' young pro- ing music from the ’50s, mac- Midlands Arts Centre, Rooms, South Shropshire grammers, Y-Occupy, Tue ’60s & ’70s with wacky Birmingham Don’t miss this unique performance of the nation’s most popular touring show That’ll Be The Day, staged in the RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS - 18 June, The Roses The- comedy routines, Thurs 20 LOTTERY LOTTERY A farcical open air in the beautiful surroundings of Stafford Castle. THE CARPENTERS STORY A atre, Tewkesbury - Fri 21 June, The Roses satire which promises to This hugely entertaining rock ‘n’ roll spectacular features celebration of the music of RAINY DAYS & MONDAYS - Theatre, Tewkesbury poke fun at materialistic a one-off line-up of knock out hits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Karen and Richard Carpen- THE CARPENTERS STORY A INVISIBLE Presented by aspirations, Sun 23 June, ter, Sat 15 June, New celebration of the music of Next Page Productions, The Drum, Birmingham CISSIE AND AIDA Alexandra Theatre, Birm- Karen and Richard Carpen- Thurs 20 - Fri 21 June, THE MYSTERIOUS PLAYER GATEHOUSE THEATRE ingham ter, Tue 18 June, Regent Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- Presented by CGL Arts OUR KYLIE'S HAVIN' A BABY Theatre, Hanley, Stoke-on- ingham Theatre School, Sun 23 - Stripped Down return with Trent THE BOOK OF MUSICALS An Mon 24 June, Solihull Arts a humorous sequel to Our LIONBOY Complicite present evening of musical theatre Complex Kylie's Gettin' Wed! Sat 15 a show for families and presented by The Old Joint June, Old Joint Stock The- young people, inspired by Stock Theatre Company, Week Commencing 7.30pm, £15 / £12 concs atre, Birmingham Zizou Corder's bestselling Thurs 20 - Sat 22 June, Wed 17 July LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Lionboy trilogy. Adetomiwa Old Joint Stock Theatre, MON 24 JUN Cissie and Ada, the immortal comic characters created Langley Youth Theatre Edun, from BBC's Merlin, Birmingham by the late, great Les Dawson, grace the theatre stage OKLAHOMA Amateur pro- GLORIANA Live HD broad- for the first time in this hilarious new play. Cissie and Ada present their version of stars, Tue 18 - Thurs 20 revisits the story and the culture behind the side-splitting Alan Menken and Howard June, Warwick Arts Centre, duction presented by the cast of Benjamin Britten's sketches and that of BBC Light Entertainment in the 80's Ashman's comedy horror Coventry Coventry Musical Theatre 1953 opera, Mon 24 June, as well as bringing Dawson and Barraclough's comedy rock musical, Sat 15 - Sun THE WIZARD OF OZ Amateur Society, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Malvern Theatres, Ludlow genius back to life. 16 June, Crescent Theatre, production presented by June, Belgrade Theatre, Assembly Rooms, South Birmingham the Queensbridge Musical Coventry Shropshire CHRIS & PUI Brand new Theatre, Tue 18 - Sat 22 SOME LIKE IT HOTTER Fast- THE COMPLETE WORKS OF BOOKONLINE show packed with songs, June, Solihull Arts Com- moving musical comedy WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE games and a few surpris- plex that looks wryly at the (ABRIDGED) The Reduced Box Office 01785 254653 es! Sun 16 June, The BEING TOMMY COOPER BY power of celebrities over Shakespeare Company www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

MONDAY 1O - WED 12 JUNE

0scar wilde’s

Fri 14th June THE IMPORTANCE THE BON JOVI OF BEING ERNEST EXPERIENCE "To lose one parent, Mr Wor- 7.30pm. Tickets: £16.50 / £15.50 concs thing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both Sun 16th June looks like carelessness." CHRIS & PUI ROADSHOW 11am & 2pm. Tickets: £12 / £10 Child SATURDAY 15 JUNE

Fri 21st June Ben’s portrayal of Michael Jackson is the most vocally and visually accurate ROY ORBISON tribute to the King of Pop to have AND FRIENDS ever toured UK theatres. 7.30pm. Tickets: £17 Ben is joined on the stage by incredi- ble Band and Dancers who perform all the hits. Sat 22nd June He’s got the look, the moonwalk A WHOLE and above all, the voice. LOTTA LED 7.30pm. Tickets: £13.00

Thurs 27th June SATURDAY 29 JUNE AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH JOE LONGTHORNE 7.30pm. Tickets: £19.50, £18 concs ELKIE

Fri 28th June BROOKS BLAKE Performing some of her classic 7.30pm. Tickets: £19 hits, blues, and jazz, an electric evening with Elkie is guaranteed to leave you begging for more. Sat 29th June THE REAL THING SUNDAY 30 JUNE 7.30pm. Tickets: £20, £18 concs #ShropshireUnsigned Fri 9th August The best unsigned bands in JOE PASQUALE Shopshire in a unique showcase 7.30pm. Tickets: £16.50, £15 concs

Tue 27th - Wed 28th August

THE GRUFFALO’S aRCaDe fight the DiCe PORtLightS CHILD PaRaDe fight the beaR Tues 27th, 2pm, Wed 28th 11am & 2pm VISIT OUR Tickets: £10, Family ticket £36 WEBSITE TO VIEW MORE SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, TWC GP 00561 Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

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ROMEO & JULIET Heart- comedy of bad man- Phoenix Productions sics. Please note this is LISTINGS break Productions ners, which centres on journey through a vari- an outdoor production, Theatre bring a modern twist to the bohemian Bliss ety of films, from James Sat 29 June, Arnolds an outdoor version of family, Thurs 27 - Sat Bond to Footloose and Farm, Burton Green, For full listing information on theatre the greatest love story 29 June, Old Rep, everything in between, Kenilworth productions, including times and ever told, Wed 26 June, Birmingham Fri 28 - Sat 29 June, VENUS AND ADONIS Church End Brewery, A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S The Public, West Shakespeare Young dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Nuneaton DREAM Outdoor produc- Bromwich Company present a FOGHORN IMPROV tion of one of the THE OBITUARY SHOW BY new version of the present a fast-paced ton Monthly event which Bard’s most popular STEVE FARR The Bard’s first published romp through the best MURDER IN A PLAY Dean sees the Old Joint works, Thurs 27 June - Phoenix Players pres- work, Sat 29 - Sun 30 of the Bard's works, Gaffney, Gemma Bissix Stock's resident improv Sat 13 July, Stafford ent a double-bill com- June, RSC’s The Dell, Mon 24 June, Ludlow and Katy Manning fea- group tackle a new Castle prising The Obituary Stratford-upon-Avon Castle, South Shrop- ture in Simon Brett's theme... Thurs 27 June, THE BEST OF TONY HAN- Show and Tom Stop- THE LION KING Julie Tay- shire murder-mystery, Tue 25 Old Joint Stock The- COCK Iain Barton pard’s The Real Inspec- mor's multi-award-win- OLIVER! Brit Youth The- - Sat 29 June, The atre, Birmingham becomes legendary tor Hound, Fri 28 - Sat ning musical makes its atre present an amateur Grand Theatre, Wolver- JACK THE RIPPER: A comic Tony Hancock as 29 June, Stratford Civic debut in Birmingham as production of Charles hampton TWENTY FIRST CENTURY he presents, with a full Hall part of its first ever UK Dickens' classic tale, ARE YOU BEING SERVED? INVESTIGATION Retired supporting cast, some WIND IN THE WILLOWS tour, Fri 28 June - Sat Mon 24 - Thurs 27 Stage adaptation of the British Police murder of the best Galton & The Roses’ Youth The- 28 Sept, Birmingham June, Crescent Theatre, popular TV show by squad detective Trevor Simpson sketches of atre present an amateur Hippodrome Birmingham Jeremy Lloyd and Marriott reveals the Hancock’s career, Fri production of Kenneth Kenilworth NOISES OFF Neil Pear- David Croft, Tue 25 - findings of his ten-year 28 June, Huntingdon Grahame’s riverside THE IMPORTANCE OF son, Chris Larkin and Sat 29 June, Artrix, investigation into the Hall, Worcester adventure, Sat 29 June, BEING EARNEST Oscar Maureen Beattie star in Bromsgrove Whitechapel Murders of DAIMON PROJECT A work The Roses Theatre, Wilde’s acclaimed Michael Frayn's THE CIRCUS OF HOR- 1888, Thurs 27 June, in progress presented Tewkesbury farce, which satirises acclaimed comedy, RORS: LONDON AFTER Malvern Theatre by BE Festival award- - TWITTER the vanities of the Mon 24 - Sat 29 June, MIDNIGHT Following FEARLESS Showcase of winning company TITTERS In yet another class-based society in New Alexandra Theatre, their recent perform- work from Perfect Teatro Sotterraneo, Fri farewell tour, Baz which he lived, Sat 29 Birmingham ance on Britain's Got Points Dance School, 28 June, Warwick Arts returns, having been June - Sat 6 July, Cres- TEECHERS Blackeyed Talent, The Circus of Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June, Centre charged with persistent cent Theatre, Birming- Theatre Company pres- Horrors return to the Stoke Repertory The- FASCINATING AIDA Star- joking, and asks for ham ent John Godber's clas- road to present their atre ring Dillie Keane, Liza twenty other shows to AN ANGEL ABOARD Jesta- sic classroom comedy, latest show which, CATCHING SNOWFLAKES Pulman & Adele Ander- be taken into consider- minute Community Tue 25 June, The inspired by the film of Jars Of Clay Theatre son, Fri 28 June, Lud- ation... Sat 29 June, Theatre present Andy Roses Theatre, Tewkes- the same name, is set Company present a low Castle, South Huntingdon Hall, Higgit’s new play, bury in a plague-infested powerful new play Shropshire Worcester which journeys into the REFLECTION: A WINDSOR London in 1666, Wed which fuses humour, FAME JR. Reach Musical AN EVENING WITH TIM lives of three sets of SHOWCASE Windsor 26 June, Ludlow Castle, drama and music, School's production of BROOKE-TAYLOR Sat 29 characters connected High School present an South Shropshire Thurs 27 - Sat 29 June the inspiring story of a June, Lichfield Garrick by a common theme, eclectic showcase of SHAOLIN WARRIORS The Blue Orange The- diverse group of stu- THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Sun 30 June, Artrix, works produced during Captivating stage show atre, Birmingham dents, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Oddsocks present an Bromsgrove the past twelve months, suitable for the whole HAYFEVER Birmingham June, Arena Theatre, irreverent interpretation Tue 25 June, Arena family... Wed 26 June, School of Acting pres- Wolverhampton of one of the Bard's Theatre, Wolverhamp- Malvern Theatres ent Noel Coward's LET’S GO TO THE MOVIES much-favoured clas-

June 1 11pm & 2 pm June 29 7.30 pm CHRIS & PUI UK PINK FLOYD ROADSHOW EXPERIENCE Family fun from the 60’s & 70’s Show Cbeebies favourites Tickets £18 (£17) Tickets £38*, £12 (£10) (*Family)

June 13 7.30 pm July 3 7.30 pm THE JOHNNY JETHRO CASH STORY The perfect anecdote to Performed by Roger Dean everyone’s day. and The Lazy Boys Contains adult humor. Age 15+ Tickets £15 (£13) Tickets £19.50

June 19 7:30pm July 5 7.30 pm BREAKIN’ ELKIE BROOKS POINTE Performing some of her Ballet Theatre UK meets classic hits Original Movements Tickets £22 (£21) Tickets £17 (£16) & £12* (*Children under 16)

July 18 - 20 7.30 pm June 28 7.30 pm Saturday Matinee 2.30 pm THE BILLY THE WIZARD FURY YEARS OF OZ 30th Anniversary Tour Presented by the Palace Tickets £17 Youth Theatre Tickets £35*, £12 (£10) (*Family)

Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8AE BOX OFFICE: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

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Theatre REVIEWS

Here are a few of our favourite theatre productions we reviewed from last month. For further theatre reviews, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

As You Like It Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon The audience may begin their evening sat in the main house at Stratford, but by the end of this transformational production they’re crowd-surfing at Glastonbury! The subject of living outside the rules of society is at the heart of Shakespeare's As You Like It - so modern-day alternative lifestyles and back-to-nature activities give director Maria Aberg plenty of scope to revel in the comic potential of people stumbling out of their comfort zone. While brutal courtly life is defined by staged beat- ings and sharp tailoring, Cliff Burnett's banished- but-cool Duke Senior is like an old artschool rocker, Sutra heading a commune in the Forest of Arden. There's Birmingham Hippodrome a well-stocked beer-cooler or piece of fruit for every Created in 2008, Sutra, meaning ‘a rope or thread that holds things together’, is one character, including Nicolas Tennant's grubbily of Sadler’s Wells’ biggest productions. A logistical nightmare, the show is the brain- amusing Touchstone and Oliver Ryan's dreamily child of dancer-choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and brings together sculptor melancholic Jaques, who sniffs out the potential for Anthony Gormley’s visual design, Szymon Brzóska’s reflective music and sixteen sadness inherent in each drifting encounter. Shaolin warrior monks/contemporary dancers, all under Sidi’s mindful direction. In fleeing to the forest, Pippa Nixon's vivacious Ros- The milieu begins with Sidi and a child monk sat separated by a pile of sixteen small alind has been freed from courtly feminine disci- wooden blocks, one for each box, each of which, in turn, contains a monk. Sidi is at pline, only to be constrained by her disguise as first puppet-master, then voyeur, then participant in this graceful game. Ganymede, a kind of fresh-faced male lifecoach. The beauty of the Gormley-designed boxes lies in their simplicity. Alone, the boxes Alex Waldmann's likeable Orlando comes across as resemble coffins, carried around by their respective owners; together, they’re trans- a thoroughly good bloke who naively submits to formed into a lotus flower, a boat, plinths, a bunk-bed, dominoes and a prison. The alternative therapy from Ganymede to cure him of monks move with the grace of dancers, their kung-fu kicks and leaps carried out with his desire for lost love Rosalind. The inevitable out- a studied and impressive discipline. A blend of East and West, the piece studies the come is Rosalind's ‘magical’ return at an energetic intersection between art and religion. The quiet, contemplative nature of the dancer outbreak of pagan weddings. monks sits well against the stunning live music that emanates from behind a semi- The ‘Five Go To A Festival’ visual comedy may be transparent screen. laid on thick, but arguably mirrors Shakespeare's A captivating piece, the stand-out star is undoubtedly the eight-year-old child monk hardly subtle joke to his city audiences that lions who visually narrates the show whilst keeping up with his animated older brothers. and palm trees were common in rural Warwick- Brilliant. Alev Dervish IIIII shire. Laura Marling's enjoyable folk settings of the song verses work equally well in moments of torchlit Theatre Box Office yearning or rousing community singalongs, under- lining the contrast between the lusty energies of the sunlit forest and the trance-like gloom of normality. Birmingham OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY Warwickshire 0121 552 2761 David Barron IIIII ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 0844 871 3011 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 024 7637 6707 0121 533 7161 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY 0844 338 5000 Shropshire 024 7655 3055 BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK The Woman In Black THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 0121 236 4455 01926 776438 Malvern Theatre 01952 222277 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK The more times I see The Woman In Black, and the 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 01952 728911 further back in the auditorium I sit while watching it, CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY the less I like the play. 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01743 234970 Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the Susan Hill DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE ghost story, it was first performed in 1989, and is ROOMS 01584 878141 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 one of the West End's most successful plays - a fact THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY MAC 0121 446 3232 01952 382382 which makes my ever-developing distaste for it all 02476 524524 the more baffling. A regular tourer, it’s been given a OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 0121 200 0946 01743 281281 publicity boost of late by the movie version, and Worcestershire continues to put bums on seats; which rather begs OLD REP 0121 245 4455 WEM TOWN HALL ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, the question for me - can so many theatre-goers be SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 01939 232299 0121 704 6962 BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 so wrong about it? Staffordshire THE HIVE If I’m going to be completely honest, I find the play 01905 822866 Black Country LICHFIELD GARRICK boring. This current touring version seems even HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER ARENA THEATRE 01543 412121 01905 611427 less inspiring to me than previous productions, but I WOLVERHAMPTON NEW VIC 01782 717962 MALVERN THEATRE do wonder whether it’s an offering best appreciated 01902 321321 PRINCE OF WALES 01684 892277 when you’re nearer to the action than Row Q. BLOXWICH THEATRE CENTRE, CANNOCK There’s a sense of intimacy about the piece that 01922 653183 01543 578762 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH 01905 770154 seems to get lost in translation from the stage to DUDLEY CONCERT HALL REGENT THEATRE, STOKE 0870 060 6649 PALACE THEATRE the farther reaches of the auditorium. 01384 812812 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE REDDITCH 01527 65203 Malvern Theatre’s a lovely place in which to watch FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL 01922 654555 01785 254653 ROSE THEATRE, a show. I just hope the next time I go there I’m able 01562 743745 GRAND THEATRE, STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE to enjoy whatever I’m watching on stage as much 01902 429212 01782 209784 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 as I do my visit to the venue itself. NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE Peter Joshua II III 01902 572090

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Theatre WEST END Extended booking for Beatles homage Much-acclaimed theatrical concert Let It Be - which charts the rise to fame of The Beatles - has extended its current run at the Savoy Theatre. Bookings are now being taken until 18 January 2014, with producers announcing the introduction of a new £15 ticket, making it one of the best value shows in town... Opening this month... The Chichester Festival Theatre production of Noel Coward’s famous comedy Private Lives arrives in the West End this month. Jonathan Kent’s production stars Anna Chancellor and Toby Stephens as rich and reckless divorcees Amanda and Elyot, who unexpectedly rekindle their relationship when taking adjoining suites at a Riviera hotel in which they’re honeymooning with their respective new spouses. Private Lives shows at the Gielgud Theatre from 22 June... This month also sees Harry Potter star Daniel Rad- cliffe return to the West End stage. Radcliffe takes the title role in Martin McDonagh’s Having The Time Of Your Life in the West End comic masterpiece Following a multi-record-breaking tour office records, becoming the fastest-selling The Cripple Of across the UK and Ireland, the producers of show in West End history. The production Inishmaan, which hit musical Dirty Dancing have announced went on to play to more than two million shows at the Noel that they’re taking the show back to the West people during a five-year run. Coward Theatre End. The show opens at Piccadilly Theatre on 13 from 8 June to 31 When it originally opened at the Aldwych July, with bookings currently being taken August. Theatre in 2006, Dirty Dancing broke all box until 22 February 2014.

Square Theatre lounge, AUDIENCE until 8 June 2013 dham’s Theatre, 6 Sept WEST END LISTINGS: 1 Aug - 15 Sept 2013 Gielgud Theatre, book- PRIVATE LIVES Gielgud 2013 - 4 Jan 2014 SCOTTSBRO BOYS Young ing until 15 June 2013 Theatre, from Sat 22 DERREN BROWN : INFA- MUSICALS Edward Theatre, book- Vic Theatre, 18 Oct - 23 BLUE STOCKINGS Shake- June 2013 MOUS Palace Theatre, ing until 16 Feb 2014 Nov 2013 speare’s Globe Theatre RACE Hampstead The- 24 Jun - 17 Aug 2013 AMERICAN PSYCHO LES MISÉRABLES SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN 24 Aug - atre, until Sat 29 June HUMAN RESOURCES Almeida Theatre, 3 Dec Queen's Theatre, book- Palace Theatre, book- CHILDREN OF THE SUN 2013 Leicester Square The- 2013 - 25 Jan 2014 ing until 26 Apr 2014 ing until 8 Jun 2013 Lyttelton National The- SEVEN YEAR TWITCH atre Lounge, 3 Jun - 30 BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- LET IT BE Savoy The- SOME LIKE IT HIP HOP atre, booking until 14 Orange Tree Theatre, Jun 2013 CAL Victoria Palace atre, booking until 5 Peacock Theatre, until Jul 2013 until Sat 22 June 2013 LADYKILLERS Vaudeville Theatre, booking until Oct 2013 Sun 30 June 2013 CHIMERICA Almeida THESE SHINING LIVES Theatre, 29 Jun - 26 21 Dec 2013 LION KING Lyceum The- SOUND OF MUSIC Theatre, booking until Park Theatre, Finsbury Oct 2013 BODYGUARD Adelphi atre, booking until 5 Regents Park Open Air 29 Jun 2013 Park, until Sat 9 June MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- Theatre, booking until Jan 2014 Theatre, 15 Jul - 7 THE CRIPPLE OF INISH- 2013 ING Old Vic Theatre, 7 28 Sept 2013 LIZA (ON AN E) Vaude- Sept 2013 MANN Noel Coward WAR HORSE New Lon- Sept 2013 - 16 Nov BOOK OF MORMON STOMP Ambassadors Theatre, 8 June - 31 don Theatre, booking 2013 Prince Of Wales The- ville Theatre, 14 - 18 May 2013 Theatre, booking until Aug 2013 until 15 Feb 2014 ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS atre, booking until 11 CURIOUS INCIDENT OF Jan 2014 MAMMA MIA! Novello 22 Dec 2013 WOMAN IN BLACK For- Haymarket Theatre Theatre, booking until 5 THE DOG IN THE NIGHT- Royal, booking until 31 BURN THE FLOOR THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- tune Theatre, booking Apr 2014 atre, booking until 16 TIME Apollo Theatre, until 14 Dec 2013 Aug 2013 Shaftesbury Theatre, booking until 4 Jan MATILDA THE MUSICAL Mar 2014 PASSION PLAY Duke Of booking until 30 June 2014 2013 Cambridge Theatre, TOP HAT Aldwych The- York Theatre, booking DINOSAUR ZOO Regent’s COMEDY booking until 25 May atre, booking until 26 until 3 Aug 2013 CHARLIE AND THE Park Open Air Theatre, 2014 Apr 2014 39 STEPS Criterion The- THE SCHOOL FOR SCAN- CHOCOLATE FACTORY - 9 Aug - 8 Sept 2013 THE MUSICAL Drury MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG atre, booking until 19 DAL Park Theatre, Fins- VIVA FOREVER! Piccadilly DUCHESS OF MALFI Sam Lane Royal, booking Harold Pinter Theatre, Oct 2013 bury Park, Wed 12 Theatre, booking until Wanamaker Playhouse, until 30 Nov 2013 booking until 27 Jul BARKING IN ESSEX Wyn- June - Sun 7 July 14 Feb 2014 9 Jan - 16 Feb 2014 CHORUS LINE London 2013 WE WILL ROCK YOU FENCES Duchess The- Palladium Theatre, MONTY PYTHONS SPA- Dominion Theatre, atre, 19 Jun - 14 Sept booking until 18 Jan MALOT Playhouse The- booking until 26 Oct 2013 2014 atre, booking until 2 2013 GHOSTS Almeida The- COMMITMENTS Victoria Nov 2013 WICKED Apollo Victoria Palace Theatre, 21 Sept atre, 26 Sept - 23 Nov ONCE Phoenix Theatre, Theatre, booking until 2013 2013 - 26 Jan 2014 booking until 30 Nov 26 Apr 2014. FROM HERE TO ETERNITY MOUSETRAP St Martins 2013 X FACTOR - IT’S TIME TO Shaftesbury Theatre, 30 Theatre, booking until PHANTOM OF THE OPERA FACE THE MUSICALcom- 21 Dec 2013 Sept 2013 - 26 Apr Her Majesty's Theatre, ing soon from spring National The- 2014 booking until 26 Apr 2014 atre, booking until 18 GABRIEL Shakespeare’s 2014 Globe Theatre, 13 Jul - Aug 2013 ROCK OF AGES Garrick 18 Aug 2013 DRAMA PETER AND ALICE Noel Theatre, booking until 2 Coward Theatre, until 1 GOLDEN VOICEE Arts Nov 2013 AMEN CORNER Olivier Theatre, 12 Jun - 31 National Theatre, June 2013 SAUCY JACK AND THE Aug 2013 4 Jun - 14 Aug 2013 PUBLIC ENEMY Young SPACE VIXENS Leicester JERSEY BOYS Prince Vic Theatre, booking Darren Brown: Infamous, Palace Theatre

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham Royal Ballet: Giselle to enter Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 19 - Sat 22 June A groundbreaking work when it was first performed in the nineteenth century, Théophile Gautier's Giselle is a surreal ballet which tells the story of a girl who kills herself when she finds that her suitor, Loys, has kept from her his real identity - pretending to be a peasant when actually he's a member of the aristocracy. Loys, whose real name is Albrecht, and another suitor, Hilarion, who had jealously told Giselle of Albrecht's deception, visit Giselle's unconsecrated grave, where they find themselves in all manner of trouble due to the presence of the Wilis - ghosts of girls jilted by their lovers. It falls to the spirit of Giselle to try and save her suitors from beyond the grave... David Bintley and Galina Samsova’s stunning production, clad in gorgeous designs by Hayden Griffin, stays true to the classical spirit and steps of the original.

Aakash Odedra: 8 June, Artrix, Dance LISTINGS Bromsgrove Rising A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Presented by Warwick Arts Centre, For full listing information on dance, Ballet Wales, Wed 19 Coventry, Fri 14 - Sat 15 June including times and dates, visit June, New Vic A prodigy of esteemed cho- www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre, Newcastle- reographer Akram Khan, under-Lyme Aakash Odedra is recognised COPPELIA Birmingham theatre set in a world GISELLE Wed 19 - Sat 22 June, Birmingham as one of the hottest rising Royal Ballet present where nothing is cer- Sir Peter Wright’s pro- tain... Fri 7 June, Hippodrome stars of British dance. Having duction of the much- Malvern Theatre KEEP CALM AND DANCE trained in the classical Indian loved ballet, which DANCE AROUND THE ON Timmins Academy dance styles of Kathak and explores the eccen- WORLD Performed by of Dance present a Bharat Natyam, Odedra uses tricities of toymaker Dr Happy Steps, Fri 7 - celebration of British influences from both to cre- Coppelius, Tues 4 - Sun 9 June, The culture through music, ate ‘a new flavour of contem- Sat 8 June, Swan Theatre, song & dance, Fri 21 - porary dance’. Birmingham Worcester Sat 22 June, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Stopping off in Coventry fol- Hippodrome FUNOON ALHOURIYA A SWAN LAKE LIVE Live unique explosion of ORIGINAL MOVEMENTS lowing dates in Croatia and 3D broadcast from diverse dance & DANCE CREW BREAKIN’ Germany, Odedra here pres- Russia’s world- music of Middle POINTE Ballet Theatre ents his latest work, in which famous Mariinsky Eastern Countries, Sat UK joins forces with different processes and aes- Theatre, Thurs 6 8 June, mac, the infamous urban thetics create a new personal June, The Edge Arts Birmingham dance crew Original language. Solos choreo- Centre, Much INTOTO DANCE Movements in a fusion of urban hip- graphed by Russell Wenlock, South Featuring choreo- hop and classical bal- Maliphant, Sidi Larbi Shropshire graphed pieces from CLOD ENSEMBLE: ZERO Neville Campbell, Ben let styles, Thurs 27 Cherkaoul and Akram Khan Innovative physical Duke & Jorge Crecis, June, mac - Midlands all feature. Arts Centre, B’ham

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Ludlow Fringe Festival Various locations in and around Ludlow, South Shropshire, Fri 21 - Sun 30 June For many years the Ludlow Festival - with its major outdoor Shakespeare productions - dominated the summer entertainment scene in the small South Shropshire town. So there was much sadness last autumn when it was announced that the festival, in its usual format, would be no more. But from the ashes have risen two new festivals - The Ludlow Arts Festival and the Ludlow Fringe. While the main festival takes place within the con- fines of the castle walls, the fringe has an eclectic programme of events at smaller, more intimate locations around the town. But that doesn’t mean to say its line-up is any less impressive. Nine days of entertainment will include big names from the comedy circuit such as Lucy Porter, Joe Lycett, Gary Delaney and Alfie Moore, and musical contri- butions from Steve Gibbons, Blazin’ Fiddles and jazz singer Sarah Moule. An assortment of activities for younger Terri Walker visitors, exhibitions for art lovers and Bass Festival poetry workshops for Various locations around Birmingham, Tues 11 - Sun 30 June budding poets also feature in the festival The only Black music and arts festival which commissions new work every year, Bass is line-up. Joe Lycett one of Birmingham’s most popular independent events. Organisers are hoping that this year’s happening will attract in excess of twelve thousand people. Soul is the focus for 2013, with audiences being promised powerful performances from Terri Walker, Ms D, Shakka, KOF and Monique. Neo-Soul sensation Bilal is booked to perform at an end-of- Upton International Jazz Festival festival concert at the Hare & Hounds pub in Kings Heath (30 June). Updates and news will be provided throughout the festival courtesy of BASS FM, which - run by young vol- Various locations around Upton on Severn, Worcestershire, Fri 28 - Sun 30 June unteers and held at Ormiston Academy - goes live on 87.7fm on 2 June. Check out more about Bilal on page 17. Featuring more than sixty artists, riverboat shuffles, a festival and mardi gras parades, this year’s Upton jazz festival has the makings of yet another fine event. Now in its twenty-eighth year, this annu- al offering brings together trad and modern jazz, jive and swing, Dixieland, dance, rhythm’n’blues and boogie woogie, in the process attracting artists from all over the world to the delightful town of Upton-on-Severn. Names on 2013’s star-stud- ded bill include gypsy jazz king Remi Harris, leg- endary clarinettist Pete Allen, and trumpeter Enrico Tomasso, who’s worked with Soft Cell, Bryan Ferry and Clare Teal.

Slipknot Donington Park, Castle Donington, , Fri 14 - Sun 16 June Seen as the spiritual home of rock, Donington Park has played host to this major festi- val for the last ten years. Organised by Live Nation, Download regularly attracts the creme de la creme of rock, heavy metal and punk - and 2013 is no exception. After a three-year absence, American heavyweights Slipknot return to headline on the Friday evening, while Donington Park veterans Iron Maiden take over the top slot the following night. German industrial metal band Rammstein close the festival on the Sunday evening. Queens Of The Stone Age, Motorhead, Gaslight Anthem and Thirty Seconds To Mars also feature amongst the impressive line-up. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Festivals June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:39 Page 3

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Festivals

English Haydn Festival Bridgnorth, Shropshire, Wed 5 - Sun 9 June The small market town of Bridgnorth in Shropshire this month plays host to one of only two acclaimed Haydn Festivals. Now in its twentieth year, the festival attracts Alina Ibragimova classical soloists from all parts of the globe, with this year’s high- lights including perform- ances by Russian violin- ist Alina Ibragimova, the Chiaroscuro String Quartet, the English Haydn Ensemble, the Salomon String Quartet and the Christophe Coin Trio. Cheltenham Science Festival Various locations in and around Cheltenham, Tues 4 - Sun 9 June The Cheltenham Science Festival provides six Gregynog Festival days of debate and entertainment, and offers visi- Gregynog Hall, Nr Newtown, Powys, Thurs 20 - Sun 30 June tors the chance not only to put their questions to Wales’ oldest classical music festival each year attracts thousands of visitors from some of the world’s leading thinkers but also to around the globe, all of whom descend on Powys to indulge their passion for ‘music- conduct their own experiments! This year’s festival making of the highest standard’. Set within the grand surroundings of Gregynog Hall, hosts the Famelab International Final - a quest to this ten-day event this year celebrates the centenary of the birth of Benjamin Britten. find scientific stars of the future - and features Taking a ‘Great Britten’ theme, the 2013 festival features works from Dowland, Purcell, talks by Dara O’Briain and Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Elgar and Vaughn Williams. Germany’s Harmonie Universelle perform on 21 June, the twenty-four-year-old PhD student who made a Belgium’s Ricercar Viol Consort a day later on the 22nd, and Academy of St Martin in discovery that changed the way in which we see the Fields, featuring tenor Andrew Kennedy and horn player Timothy Brown, on the the universe. 29th. Acclaimed harpist Caitlin Finch (pictured) also makes an appearance on the 29th.

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Park, Birmingham Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jul, Long Festivals Listings CAMPER JAM Family Marston Airfield, friendly festival aimed Stratford-upon-Avon, at the owners and Warwickshire lovers of the VW Bus, 5 NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL For full listing information on festivals, - Sun 7 Jul, Weston Line-up includes Chas including dates and line-up, visit Park, Shifnal, & Dave, Dub Pistols www.whatsonlive.co.uk Shropshire and many more... Fri 26 BIRMINGHAM INTERNA- - Sun 28 Jul, Bromyard, Harmonie Universelle, TIONAL JAZZ & BLUES Worcestershire Thurs 20 - Sun 30 Jun, FESTIVAL Featuring LOUNGE ON THE FARM JUNE Gregynog Hall, Potato Head, kent FESTIVAL Featuring Tregynon, Powys DuChaine & Lindy Pop, Aswad, Seasick Steve LICHFIELD FOLK FESTIVAL Fri 5 - Sun 14 July, vari- and Lucy Rose, Fri 26 - ASPARAFEST A new festi- Featuring Anits ous locations sun 28 Jul, Merton val billed as an Anderson & Paul Birmingham Farm, Barkby, Nr ‘extreme village fete’, Hutchinson; Chris & BUXTON FESTIVAL A Leicester expect lots of music Julie Dewhurst, Fri 21 - fusion of opera, music INDIETRACKS MUSIC FES- and fresh food, Sat 1 - Sun 23, various loca- and literary performanc- TIVAL Heritage trains Sun 2 Jun, Ashdown tions, Lichfield es including The and indiepop in the Farm, Badsey, LUDLOW FRINGE FESTI- Laura Mvula - Lichfield Festival Worcestershire Sacconi Quartet, Derbyshire countryside. VAL Featuring music, Melvyn Bragg, La Voix Line-up includes The ELLESMERE MUSIC FESTI- 11 Aug, The Drum, Oreggio and Northern cabaret and comedy, Humaine and many Pastels and Still VAL The Baghdaddies, Birmingham Sky, Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 theatre performances, more... Fri 5 - Sun 21 Corners, Fri 26 - Sun Parti Grungrog, The THE GREEN MAN FESTI- Sep, various locations talks and lectures, July, Buxton opera 28 Jul, Butterley Ukeymonster are VAL Four-day event fea- in and around workshops, family activ- House, Buxton, Station, Ripley, amongst this year’s turing Kings Of Worcester ities and much more... Derbyshire Derbyshire line-up, Sat 1 June, Fri 21 - Sun 30 Jun, Convenience, Ben T-PARTY FESTIVAL McFly STRATFORD-UPON-AVON WOLVESTOCK Featuring Ellesmere, Shropshire Various locations Howard and Band Of headline this new family RIVER FESTIVAL River- Anne Dunning Band, CHELTENHAM SCIENCE around Ludlow, North Horses, Thurs 15 - Sun festival, Fri 30 Aug - based entertainment The Swing FESTIVAL Featuring Shropshire 18 Aug, Glanusk Park, Sun 1 Sept, Telford and activities, Sat 6 - Commanders, Donna Dara O’Briain, Jocelyn Usk Valley, Powys Town Park, Shropshire LUDLOW ARTS FESTIVAL Sun 7 Jul, various loca- Wylde, John Taylor Bell & Maurice Saatchi, THE JUST SO FESTIVAL FUSION FESTIVAL A brand-new ten-day tions in Stratford-Upon- Band and more, Sat 27 Tues 4 - Sun 9 June, Festival of creativity Featuring Ne-yo, Jessie arts festival featuring Avon - Sun 28 July, Hickman various locations in Paul Merton, Reginald aimed at families, Fri 16 J, JLS and many 2000TREES FESTIVAL Avenue, Cheltenham D Hunter and Jools - Sun 18 Aug, Rode more... Sat 31 Aug - Line-up includes Wolverhampton BASS FESTIVAL Holland, Fri 21 - Sun 30 Hall Parkland, Scholar Sun 1 Sep, Cofton Mystery Jets, King CHURCH STRETTON ARTS Featuring Smash, Terri Jun, Ludlow Castle, Green, Cheshire Park, Longbridge, Charles and FESTIVAL A two-week Walker & Bilal, Tues 11 Ludlow, North Beyonce, Birmingham Stagecoach, Thurs 11 - celebration of music - Sun 30 Jun, various Shropshire Kings of Leon and Sat 13 Jul, Upcote and the visual arts. The locations, Birmingham STAFFORD FESTIVAL Stereophonics are Farm, Cheltenham, Cardinall’s Musick and amongst this years line- SEPTEMBER WARWICK WORDS FESTI- SHAKESPEARE Featuring Gloucestershire Paul Mocroft featuring VAL A long weekend an outdoor production up, Sat 17 - Sun 18 BROMSGROVE FOLK FES- amongst the many per- featuring Jeremy Page, of A Midsummer Aug, Weston Park, TIVAL Featuring per- formers, Sat 27 July - Jane Dunn and Night’s Dream, Thurs Staffordshire BRIGNORTH BEER FESTI- formances from Sun 11 Aug, Church Elizabeth Chadwick, 27 Jun - Sat 13 Jul, Featuring VAL Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Anthony John Clarke, Stretton, Shropshire amongst others, Thurs Stafford Castle, Stafford The Prodigy, Avicci and Sept, Severn Valley Martyn Joseph 13 - Sun 16 June, vari- Paul Oakenfold, Fri 23 - Railway, Worcestershire NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Whapweasel and many ous venues around Sun 25 Aug, Daresbury FESTIVAL NO.6 2013 line- Featuring The Fallows, more... Fri 12 Jul - Sun AUGUST Warwickshire The Jelly Heads and Estate, Halton, up includes the Manic 14 Jul, The Bowling Cheshire Street Preachers, DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Laurence Jones, Fri 28 Green, Bromsgrove, BEERMAGEDDON Britain’s James Blake and Metalfest featuring - Sat 29 Jun, Napton on Worcestershire BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR newest metal festival Everything Everything, Slipknot, Iron Maiden & the Hill, Warwickshire Metal fest featuring WORKHOUSE FESTIVAL featuring performances Fri 13 - Sun 15 Sept, Rammstein, Fri 14 - King Diamond, Lamb of Small eclectic festival from Beholder, Fallen Portmeirion, Sun 16 Jun, Donington God, Slayer and many featuring String The Fate and Annhilated, Fri Penrhyndeudraeth, Park, Derby more... Thurs 8 - Sun JULY Marionette, Cherrie 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Stoke North Wales BACK WITH MODS 11 Aug, Catton hall, Fosphate and many Prior Country Club, SHREWSBURY FIELDS Scooter rally and Ska Walton-on-Trent, more... Fri 12 - Sun 14 Bromsgrove, FOREVER Line-up festival with live acts Derbyshire CHELTENHAM MUSIC FES- Jul, The Workhouse, Worcestershire includes Sister Bliss, including The Selector TIVAL Featuring Nicola Llanfyllin, Powys FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL UPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Maximo Park, K-Klass, & Bad Manners, Fri 14 - Benedetti, The Swingle Line-up includes The HOLE IN THE WALL FESTI- Featuring Alexander Fri 13 - Sun 15 Sept, Sun 16 Jun, Santa Pod Sisters & Schubert’s Red Hot Chilli Pipers VAL 2013 line-up fea- O’Neal, Slade and West Midlands Raceway, String Quartet, Wed 3 - and Shooglenifty, Fri 9 - tures The Counterfeit Toyah Willcox, Fri 23 - Showground, Wellingborough, Sun 14 July, various Sun 11 Aug, Stones, Bon Giovi and Sun 25 Aug, Upton- Shrewsbury Northants locations in Ratlinghope, Bootleg Blondie, Fri 12 upon-Severn, ROCK & METAL CIRCUS CELEBRATING SANCTU- Cheltenham Shrewsbury, North - Sun 14 Jul, Hopton Worcestershire FESTIVAL A brand-new ARY BIRMINGHAM LICHFIELD FESTIVAL Court, Kidderminster, Shropshire SHREWSBURY FOLK FES- festival which provides Launch event for the Line-up includes Laura Worcestershire LAKEFEST Featuring Festival TIVAL Featuring Afro a platform for up-and- Mvula, Chris Addison, SIMMER DOWN FESTIVAL Ocean Colour Scene, featuring a day of live Celt Sound System, coming bands, Fri 20 - The Philharmonia 2013 line-up yet to be Levellers and The Beat, music, children’s enter- Carolina Chocolate Sun 22 Sep, Stoke Orchestra, Zoe announced, Sun 14 Jul Fri 9 - Sun 11 Aug, tainment and arts activi- Drops, Capercaille & Prior Country Club, Rahman, Spiers & (tbc), Handsworth Park, Croft Farm Waterpark, ties. Sat 15 June, Oysterband, Fri 23 - Bromsgrove, Boden & The Ukulele Birmingham Tewkesbury Midlands Arts Centre, Mon 26 Aug, West Worcestershire Orchestra of Great STRAWBERRY FIELDS Birmingham L FEST Comedy, cinema Midland Show Ground, Britain, Thurs 4 Jul - and much more fea- FESTIVAL Feat. The LEAMINGTON PEACE Shrewsbury, North Sun 14 Jul, various tures at this weekend Enemy, Jaguar Skills FESTIVAL Free festival Shropshire OCTOBER locations around lesbian festival, Fri 19 and The Cuban featuring two entertain- OFF THE TRACKS SUM- Lichfield July - Mon 22 July, Brothers, Fri 9 - Sun 11 ment areas and over MER FESTIVAL Featuring BLUES AT THE FOLD 2013 Uttoxeter Racecourse, Aug, Cattow Farm, one hundred stalls, Sat Dreadzone, Simon DERBY FOLK FESTIVAL line-up includes Ricky Uttoxeter, Staffordshire Heather, Leicestershire 15 - Sun 16 Jun, The Friend’s Seismic Featuring Lau, The Cool & his All Star JUNCTION 16 Featuring Royal Pump Rooms SPLENDOUR FESTIVAL Survey and Ozric Mighty Doonans and Band and Wille & The Status Quo as headline Gardens, Leamington Featuring Jake Bugg, Tentacles, Fri 30 - Sat Dervish, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Bandits, Fri 5 - Sat 6 act, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Aug, Spa Squeeze, KT Tunstall 31 Aug, Castle Oct, Derby Assembly July, The Fold, and many more... Sat Betley Court Farm, CHESTER ROCKS Donington, Derbyshire Rooms Bransford, 20 Jul, Wollaton Park, Crewe, Cheshire Headliners include The MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL BANBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Worcestershire Nottingham LICHFIELD FAKE FESTIVAL Wanted and Jessie J, Featuring The Leisure Fri 11 - Sun 13 Oct, var- GODIVA FESTIVAL Fri 5 - Featuring tributes to Sat 15 - Sun 16 Jun, WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Society, British Sea ious locations around Sun 7 Jul, War Kasabian, Blondie and Chester Racecourse, Featuring The Lock In, Power and The Dublin Banbury Memorial Park, The Stone Roses, Sat Chester Le Vent du Nord and Legends (formerly The THE LICHFIELD LITERA- Coventry Jim Moray, amongst 10 Aug, Beacon Park, GREGYNOG FESTIVAL The Dubliners), Fri 30 Aug - TURE FESTIVAL Sun 27 THE MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK others, Thurs 25 - Sun Lichfield, Staffordshire oldest classical music Sun 1 Sep, Moseley Oct - Sun 3 Nov, vari- AND SOUL FESTIVAL 28 Jul, various venues A34 FESTIVAL festival in Wales with Park, Birmingham ous locations in and 2013 line-up includes around Warwick Community street party performances from WORCESTER MUSIC FES- around Lichfield Bonobo and Chic fea- which celebrates Andrew Kennedy, TIVAL Featuring Two turing Nile Rodgers, Fri Birmingham’s famous Timothy Brown and Featuring Plan B, Dollar Salad, Sarah 5 - Sun 7 Jul, Moseley Example and Katie B, cultural diversity, Sun www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:34 Page 1 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:34 Page 2

Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 14 JUNE

Man Of Steel CERT 12a (143mins) Starring Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence TOP 5 Fishburne Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) FILM BOX OFFICE There’s some pretty impressive talent behind this $175million re-boot of the Superman franchise. The pro- ducer is Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight, Inception), the director Zack Snyder (300, Watchmen) and Star Trek the writer David S Goyer (Batman Begins). And in the tradition of Batman Begins and The Amazing 1 Into Darkness (12a) Spider-Man, Man Of Steel goes back to Kal-El's roots and the planet of Krypton. The rest, as they say, is mythology. In 3D. 2 Fast And Furious(12a) 6 World War Z CERT tbc Starring Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, James Badge Dale, Matthew Fox, The Great Gatsby(15) David Morse 3 Directed by Marc Forster (USA) That’s Z for zombies because there The Croods(U) just haven’t been enough movies 4 about the walking dead. This one boasts a budget of $175million, so Iron Man 3(12a) the zombies better be pretty scary. 5 Brad Pitt plays a United Nations agent who takes on the future of mankind as he watches armies suc- cumb to the pandemic. You just can’t keep a dead man down... The director is Marc Forster, who brought us Finding Neverland and The Kite From Runner, so this cinematic behemoth FRI 21 should have some credibility. It’s JUNE based on the book by Max Brooks.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:34 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 7 June

After Earth CERT 12a (100mins) Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Isabelle Fuhrman, Sophie Okonedo Directed by M. Night Shyamalan (USA) After Earth has been laid waste by cata- clysmic events (cf. Oblivion), a father and son find themselves back on the planet, which is a very changed place. This all sounds frightfully familiar but it will be inter- esting to see the Smiths play off each other (their first film together since 2006’s The Pursuit Of Happyness).

The Last Exorcism: Part II Behind The Candelabra CERT 15 (89mins) CERT 15 (118mins) Starring Ashley Bell, Julia Garner, Spencer Starring Michael Douglas, Matt Damon, Treat Clark, Muse Watson Dan Aykroyd, Rob Lowe, Debbie Reynolds, Directed by Ed Gass-Donnelly (USA) Scott Bakula Evil will out. Nell Sweetzer (Ashley Bell, Directed by Steven Soderbergh (USA) returning from the first film) has recovered Michael Douglas might not be everybody’s from the events of the first choice to play the camp, flamboyant first Last Exorcism entertainer Liberace, but there’s nothing (2010). But then she we can do about it now. The film follows starts seeing strange Liberace’s six-year relationship with the men in masks watch- considerably younger Scott Thorson ing her. And all sorts (Damon) and is based on the latter’s auto- of odd things start biography. The costumes will be wonder- After Earth featuring Jaden Smith pictured happening… ful, darling. GET YOUR FREE COPY DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH ...you just pay for the postage and packing! Yes, we know you’re wondering what the catch is. Well, there isn’t one! We’ve ripped up our subscription rates so that more of you can get the No.1 listings magazine in the Midlands delivered direct to your front door every month. And at just £2 an issue to cover the postage and packing, there’s never been a better time to get it delivered!

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52 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:34 Page 4

The Iceman CERT 15 (106mins) Starring Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, James Franco, David Schwimmer Directed by Ariel Vromen (USA) There has been many a film about a contract killer – but not a real one, and not one whose allegiance was both to The Family and to his family. Richie Kuklinski was a married man with two daughters who managed to keep his secret of execution from them. In fact, his execution ranged from strangulation to cyanide poisoning. However, the interesting dynamic of Ariel Vromen’s film is the domes- tic landscape, in which Kuklinski, although an aloof figure, cares more for his three girls than anything else. The atmosphere of the 1970s is well evoked and, as ever, Michael Shannon proves to be a commanding and rather daunting presence in the title role, a man thought to have ‘iced’ at least one hun- dred people.

From FRI 21 JUNE

The Iceman Summer In February Like Someone In Love Released from Fri 14 June CERT 15 (101mins) CERT 12a (110mins) Starring Dominic Cooper, Emily Browning, Starring Tadashi Okuno, Rin Takanashi, Ryo Dan Stevens, Hattie Morahan Kase Directed by Abbas Kiarostami Paradise: Love CERT tbc Directed by Christopher Menaul (UK) (Japan/France) Starring Margarethe Tiesel, Peter Kazungu, Those Bohemian artists, what are they like? Some consider the Iranian-born Abbas Inge Maux Directed by Ulrich Seidl Here, in this adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s (Austria/Germany/France) Kiarostami to be one of the greatest film- novel, the artist makers working today. This character The first part of a trilogy, Paradise: Love focus- Alfred Munnings es on a fifty-year-old woman who goes to study, set in contemporary Tokyo, certainly (Cooper) and his exhibits the director’s mastery of his medi- Kenya to find sex. Kenya? Well, apparently friend Gilbert Evans there’s a roaring trade on the beaches of East um. Echoing Yasujirō Ozu’s consummate (Stevens) obsess Japanese masterpiece Tokyo Story (with its Africa, where young African men sell their bod- about the same ies to ‘Sugar Mamas.’ Expect to be shocked. reflections on the rural/urban and genera- woman (Browning). tional divide), Like Someone In Love (its Set in the Cornish title taken from the 1957 standard sung by artist community Ella Fitzgerald) is a mesmerising, melan- known as the choly fable. With its exquisite attention to Lamorna Group. detail - its play of light and incidental sound - the film builds up an almost enigmatic scenario in which anything might happen. Stuck In Love CERT 15 (97mins) At the story’s centre is the unhappy Akiko Starring Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Lily Collins, Logan Lerman, Nat Wolff, Kristen (the hauntingly beautiful Takanashi), who Bell Directed by Josh Boone (USA) stands up her grandmother to spend the night with a distinguished gentleman who Love can be complicated. Actually, love is is mistaken for her grandfather. The acting almost always complicated. Here, a successful is superlative, and you’d be hard put to find novelist (Kinnear) is obsessed by his ex-wife Paradise: Love as poetic, humane and surprising a film (Connelly) and it’s affecting his work. Then his this year. Indeed, this could be Kiarostami’s nineteen-year-old daughter (Collins, daughter finest film to date. Admission CERT 12a (108mins) of Phil) gets a novel published, although she, Starring Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Michael Sheen, herself, wants nothing to do with love… Lily Tomlin, Wallace Shawn Directed by Paul Weitz (USA) The clue is in the title. Portia Nathan (Fey) is a Much Ado About Nothing sober and conventional admissions officer at CERT 12a (167mins) Princeton Starring Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan University. But then Fillion, Reed Diamond, Sean Maher, Jillian an ‘alternative’ stu- Morgese Directed by Joss Whedon (USA) dent crosses her Joss Whedon created Buffy the Vampire Slayer path, a kid who and previously directed Avengers Assemble, so might just be the no one saw this coming. But after filming son she once gave Avengers and before embarking on post-pro- up for adoption… duction, he shot this contemporary take on Based on the novel Shakespeare’s romcom (using the original text) by Jean Hanff in just twelve days, at his home in Santa Korelitz. Admission Stuck In Love Monica, California. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:34 Page 5 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:35 Page 6

Released from Fri 21 June

Snitch CERT 12a (112mins) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Barry Pepper, Jon Bernthal, Benjamin Bratt, Susan Sarandon Directed by Ric Roman Waugh (USA) When a young man is set up in a drug deal, he ends up in prison. But then nobody had reckoned on Dwayne Johnson being the lad’s father. And that was their mistake… Filmed in Louisiana.

Snitch

Before Midnight CERT tbc Starring Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy Directed by Richard Linklater (USA) Before Sunset, released nine years ago, was a sequel to Before Sunrise, released nine years before that. So the director, Richard Linklater, has got together with his cast Despicable Me 2 CERT tbc CERT tbc members and co-writers Ethan Hawke and Renoir Julie Delpy to update the story of Jesse and Featuring the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Starring Michel Bouquet, Christa Theret, Vincent Rottiers Directed by Gilles Bourdos Celine’s vacillating liaison. Expect a lot more Wiig, Benjamin Bratt, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand, Steve Coogan (France/Italy) talk. Directed by Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud Some films need be no more than a flavour. (USA) This one is a snapshot - a sketch - of a sum- Gru, who, in the first film, relished the mer in 1915 when a young woman entered prospect of being the world’s Greatest Villain the lives of the ageing painter Auguste Renoir of All Time, is now recruited by the Anti- and his son, the future filmmaker Jean Villain League. He’s wanted to help stop a Renoir. As the older man captures his idyllic new thug, the menacing Mexican ‘Eduardo’, surroundings in oils, the Great War rages in voiced by Bratt. Up to the eleventh hour, Al Europe and has already nearly cost the leg of Pacino was to have played Eduardo but Jean. As the latter convalesces in the departed after ‘creative differences’. In 3D. orchards of Cagnes-sur-Mer, on the edge of the Mediterranean, Andrée arrives to model for Auguste and has a profound effect on both men. A film of enormous beauty and pathos, Gilles Bourdos’ Renoir is a worthy celebration of the great painter’s art - and an Released from Fri 28 June insightful glimpse into what was a transcen- dent year.

This Is The End CERT 15 (107mins) Starring James Franco, Jonah Hill, Seth Stand Up Guys CERT tbc Rogen, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Emma Starring Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Watson, Rihanna Arkin, Julianna Margulies, Mark Margolis, Directed by Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen Lucy Punch Directed by Fisher Stevens (USA) (USA)) Despicable Me 2 Three Oscar-winning actors square up to If you haven’t already seen enough of James play ageing crooks in this crime comedy set Franco this year, then here’s a treat. It’s another The East CERT 15 (118mins) in Los Angeles. Just as Val (Pacino) is dystopian scenario in which a group of friends Starring Brit Marling, Ellen Page, released from prison, he finds that his best attempts to find the meaning of life as the world Alexander Skarsgård, Toby Kebbell friend Doc (Walken) has been contracted to self-destructs around them. James Franco Directed by Zal Batmanglijd (USA) kill him. And if Doc doesn’t, he will be ‘iced’ plays himself. For laughs. Described as a ‘sophisticated’ take on para- himself… Funny, huh? noia-themed films, The East finds former FBI agent Sarah Moss working as an operative for a private intelligence firm. Highly rated, Sarah is tasked with the challenge of infiltrat- ing an anarchist group known as The East, which has a reputation for executing attacks upon major corporations. But as she draws closer to The East’s charismatic leader, Sarah finds herself questioning the morality which is underpinning her assignment... This Is The End Stand Up Guys

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Film June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:35 Page 7

Old Market Hall, quartet get involved in a Germans, and a man, Theatre, Tewkesbury and Shrewsbury, Fri 07 - Mon kidnapping, the criminal wrongly accused of col- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, FilmA-Z LISTINGS 10 June underworld and Vegas. laborating, is faced with South Shropshire, Tues 18 Stars Bradley Cooper, Ed an unenviable moral - Weds 19 June; Stoke All films are currently on general release Despicable Me 2 tbc Helms. Showing at choice. Showing at mac,, Film Theatre, Fri 28 - Sat unless otherwise stated. For full listing Read the preview on Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 11 - 29 June page 55 information, including times and dates, Birmingham, until Thurs Thurs 13 June 06 June Love (Amour) 12a visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Eye Of the Storm In The House 15 The story of George and 15 A Hijacking 15 A social satire that Anne, a couple in their A dying matriarch, losing Admission 12a Beware Of Mr Baker After hijacking a Danish explores the boundaries eighties whose life is her memory, is surround- Read the preview on tbc cargo ship, Somali pirates of the teacher-student thrown into turmoil when ed by her grown-up chil- page 53 Ginger Baker looks back start to engage in escalat- relationship when a talent- Anne suffers a stroke. dren, who are determined on his musical career with ing negotiations with ed student hands in Showing at Edge Arts to be remembered in her The African Queen PG Cream and Blind Faith. authorities in Denmark. essays detailing the pri- Centre, Much Wenlock, will. Geoffrey Rush and Starring Humphrey Bogart Showing at mac, Showing at Warwick Arts vate life of a school friend. Mon 17 June Charlotte Rampling star. as the gin-swilling river- Birmingham, Sat 01 - Centre, until Sun 02 June; Showing at Ludlow Showing at Old Market Love Is All You Need 15 boat skipper who’s per- Thurs 06 Jun; Stoke Film Stoke Film Theatre, Tues Assembly Rooms, South suaded by a straight-laced Hall, Shrewsbury, until 18 June; Ludlow Shropshire, Sat 15 & Mon At a wedding on the Theatre, Tues 25 June coast of Sorrento, the British missionary, played Thurs 06 June; Warwick Assembly Rooms, Sat 29 17 June mother of the bride is suf- by Katherine Hepburn, to Arts Centre, Fri 7 - Sun 9 June use his steamboat to June; mac, Birmingham, Iron Man 3 12a fering both from cancer attack a German warship. Fri 21 - Mon 24 Jun Hope Springs 12a Counting his turn in and an unfaithful hus- Showing at Roses A romantic comedy about Avengers Assemble, this band. But it’s not until she First Position U Theatre, Tewkesbury, a couple that seek mar- is the fourth time Robert (literally) crashes into WATCH A documentary fol- Pierce Brosnan that her Mon 24 June riage counselling. Stars Downey Jr has played lowing six young Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee the glib billionaire with the problems really start. After Earth 12a THE FILM dancers from Jones. Showing at Forest steely alter-ego. Ben Showing at Stoke Film Read the preview on around the world as Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri 07 Kingsley also stars. Theatre, Sat 01 June; page 52 they prepare for a June Showing at Hereford Ludlow Assembly Rooms, TRAILERS AT gruelling international Courtyard Theatre, Fri 14, South Shropshire, Tues 04 The Angel’s Share ballet competition. 15 Sat 15 & Mon 17 June - Thurs 06 June 15 whatsonlive.co.uk Showing at Ludlow Set at the end of the nine- Robbie is a new dad who Assembly Rooms, South teenth century, this Jean De Florette PG Man Of Steel 12a just manages to avoid Shropshire, Mon 10 - romantic comedy about In his desire to buy a Read the preview on going to jail. A visit to a Tues 11 June the invention of the vibra- neighbouring property, a page 51 whiskey distillery shows tor stars Hugh Dancy, greedy landowner blocks Manon Des Sources him a new way of life is Beyond The Hills 12a Flying Blind 15 Maggie Gyllenhall . its only water source, Romanian film about two An aloof and independent PG possible. Directed by Ken Showing at Edge Arts hoping to bankrupt the A young shepherdess Loach. Stars Paul young women who grew woman, an aerospace Centre, Much Wenlock, owner and force him to up together in the same engineer, embarks on an plans revenge for her Brannigan. Showing at Mon 10 June sell. Gerard Depardieu father who died some Electric Cinema, orphanage. One has affair with a younger man, stars. Showing at Stoke since found refuge, but who happens to be The Iceman 15 years earlier as a result of Birmingham, Thurs 20 Film Theatre, Mon 17 the forced sale of his June refuses to leave with her Muslim. Showing at Stoke Read the preview on June friend, who has made a Film Theatre, Tues 18 page 53 land. Showing at Stoke Film Theatre, Mon 24 Anna Karenina 12a life for herself in Germany. June A Late Quartet 15 Tolstoy’s political romance Showing at Roses The Impossible 12a The Fugue String Quartet June Good Vibrations 15 The personal story of a brought to life, and starring Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon play Beethoven, Bach Me And You tbc At first a sort of High real couple and their Kiera Knightley, Jude Law. 3 June; Ludlow Assembly and Hayden, but their Lorenzo plans to spend Fidelity with an Irish three children, who were Showing at Forest Arts Rooms, Thurs 20 June future is threatened when the week hiding in the accent, Good Vibrations separated during the Centre, Walsall, Thurs 27 one of them may or may family basement rather Broken 15 moves up a gear when tsunami of 2004. Stars June not have Parkinson’s. than going on a school Eleven-year-old Skunk Terri Hooley’s inex- Naomi Watts, Ewan Stars Philip Seymour trip. His solitude is short- Argo 15 doesn’t have a perfect life, haustible ambition turns McGregor. Showing at Hoffman and Christopher lived when his drug A political thriller set but when she witnesses him into a mover and Edge Arts Centre, Much Walken. Showing at around the rescue of six an inexplicable act of vio- Wenlock, Mon 24 June addict half-sister shows shaker in the music busi- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, up, and the pair bond American diplomats dur- lence, things start to go ness. Showing at Roses South Shropshire, Tues 11 ing the 1979 hostage cri- very wrong indeed. I’m So Excited 15 over their shared love of Theatre, Tewkesbury, - Weds 12 June David Bowie’s Space sis in Iran. Ben Affleck Showing at Old Market A diverse group of Weds 12 June Oddity. Showing at mac, stars. Showing at Stoke Hall, Shrewsbury, Mon 17 Spanish passengers on The Last Exorcism: their way to Mexico City Birmingham, Sat 01 - Mon Film Theatre, Mon 03 June - Tue 18 June The Great Gatsby 12a Part II 15 find themselves in dire 03 June; Warwick Arts Baz Luhrmann’s produc- Read the preview on straits, but this time the Centre, Mon 3 & Wed 5 Before Midnight tbc Chasing Ice 12a tion of the famous F Scott page 52 Read the preview on Three years in the mak- Fitzgerald novel stars tone is strictly comedic. June; Stoke Film Theatre, page 54 ing, a National Leonardo De Caprio and Cameos from Antonio Like Someone In Love Tues 11 June; Old Market Geographic photogra- Carey Mulligan. Showing Banderas and Penelope 12a Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 28- Behind The Candelabra pher risked his life travel- at Warwick Arts Centre, Cruz. Showing at Read the preview on Sat 29 June 15 ling across the arctic to until Thurs 13 Jun; Light Hereford Courtyard page 53 Read the preview on More Than Honey tbc capture climate change in House Media Centre, Theatre, Sat 01, Mon 03 & page 52 Weds 05 June; Stoke Film The Look Of Love 18 State-of-the-art tech- action. Showing at W’hampton, until Thurs 6 niques are used to illumi- Warwick Arts Centre, Mon June; mac, Birmingham, Theatre, Thurs 06 - Sat 08 This is the Paul Raymond Bernie 12a June; Old Market Hall, story - a surprisingly nate the world’s bee cri- Bernie is a much-loved 10 - Tues 11 June Fri 07 - Tues 18 Jun; sis, examining honeybees Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 14 Shrewsbury, Fri 07 - Thurs sedate, conventional mortician in a small Texan U in China, Australia, Chimpanzee - Sat 15 June; Hereford 13 June biopic for a man who town, but he does have a The story of Oscar, a Switzerland and Courtyard Theatre, Mon owned large chunks of decidedly dark side to his young chimpanzee who In The Fog 12a Soho and had a pen- California. Directed by 24, Tues 25 & Thurs 27 Marcus Imhoof and character... Jack Black sets out to find a new par- This Russian film is set on chant for strip shows and June shown as part of the UK stars. Showing at Stoke ent after his mother is the western frontiers of racy periodicals (like Men the USSR during World Green Festival. Showing Film Theatre, Thurs 27 killed in an attack by rival The Hangover Pt 3 15 Only). Steve Coogan June War Two. The region is at mac, Birmingham, chimpanzees. Showing at This time the incorrigible stars. Showing at Roses under the control of the Weds 05 June

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Much Ado About Paradise: Love tbc Assembly Rooms, South Shell 15 Hereford Courtyard Trance 15 Nothing 12a Read the preview on Shropshire, Tues 25 - A father and his seven- Theatre, Fri 14 - Mon 17 James McAvoy plays an Read the preview on page 53 Weds 26 June teen-year-old live and June auctioneer who gets page 53 work at a petrol station in involved with a criminal Quartet 12a Stoker 15 Peak tbc the desolate Scottish gang and has to resort to In a retirement home for When her husband dies, Mud 12a Peak questions the rela- Highlands, making their hypnosis to recover a opera singers and musi- the new widow’s Uncle A refugee is befriended by tionship between nature relationship difficult and stolen painting. Showing cians, the occupants are Charlie comes to stay - two children who help him and technology, and our disturbing. Showing at at Roses Theatre, facing more than one kind and has a very disturbing evade the police - while need for a paradise on Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 15 & of music. . . Stars Maggie effect on the household... also reuniting him with his earth. Directed by Tewkesbury, Tues 11 June Mon 17 June true love. Stars Matthew Hannes Lang and shown Smith, Tom Courtenay. Stars Nicole Kidman. McConaughey, Reese as part of the UK Green Showing at The Norbury Simon Killer 18 Showing at Attfield Trashed 12a Witherspoon. Showing at Festival. Showing at mac, Theatre, Droitwich Spa, A young college graduate Theatre, Oswestry, Sat 08 We buy it, we bury it, we Warwick Arts Centre, Fri Birmingham, Weds 05 Weds 26 June takes himself to Paris after June; Old Market Hall, burn it and then we 14 - Thurs 20 June June a relationship break-up. Shrewsbury, Tues 25 - ignore it, but what hap- Reality 15 Once there, he becomes Thurs 27 June pens to all the rubbish we Luciano is a Neapolitan The NeverEnding Story The Place Beyond The involved with a prostitute produce? Directed by fishmonger who, together Summer In February U Pines 15 and his past begins to Candida Brady and with his wife Maria, pulls 15 Bastian escapes school Ryan Gosling plays a reveal itself. Showing at shown as part of the UK off little scams to bolster Read the preview on and the bullies that tor- stunt biker who turns to Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs Green Festival. Showing their income. But their page 53 ment him by hiding in the crime to provide for his 13 June at mac, Birmingham, Sat school attic. There, he girlfriend and newborn lives change when he’s Superman 15 01 June begins to read an old son. However, Bradley persuaded to try out for a The Spirit Of ’45 u The alien orphan lands book that draws him into Cooper, as an ambitious reality show. Showing at Ken Loach returns to doc- on earth, where is Welcome To the Punch the mythical land of cop, has got his number. Old Market Hall, umentary for the first time 15 Shrewsbury, Fri 21 - Mon since 2005. The title refers becomes Clark Kent and Fantasia. Showing at Showing at Ludlow a superhero. Starring James McAvoy plays an mac, Birmingham, Sat 01 Assembly Rooms, South 24 June to the last year of World East End cop with a War Two, when Britain’s Christopher Reeve, June Shropshire, Fri 07 - Sat 08 The Reluctant Margot Kidder. Showing grudge and a girlfriend, June Labour government ral- two elements that come Fundamentalist 15 at Electric Cinema, Oz The Great And lied the nation to rebuild into play when an old A young Pakistani chases Birmingham, Fri 14 June Powerful PG Ponyo U its battered economy. crook pops out of hiding. the American dream but Before Dorothy and Toto The story of five-year-old Showing at Ludlow The Sweeny 15 Showing at Old Market toddled down the Yellow Sosuke, who befriends a his aspirations are con- Assembly Rooms, South founded by his Asian In this bg-screen version Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri14 - Brick Road, The Wizard little fish that’s determined Shropshire, Mon 03 - of the classic 1970s TV Sat 15 June (played by James to become human. roots - and a hostage cri- Tues 04 June sis. Stars Riz Ahmed, Kate show, Ray Winstone Franco) had to find his Showing at Warwick Arts plays Regan and London The Wizard Of Oz U own feet in the Land Of Centre, Sun 02 June Hudson. Showing at Light Stand Up Guys tbc Join Dorothy and the House Media Centre, Read the preview on looks pretty at night - but Oz. Showing at Old there’s not a lot of gang as they make their Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Promised Land 15 W’hampton, until Thurs 06 page 55 way down the yellow Matt Damon plays a slick June; Stoke Film Theatre, momentum on the Fri 14 - Tues 18 June Star Trek Into streets. Showing at Edge brick road to see The agent for an energy com- Fri 21 - Sat 22 June; Wizard. Showing at Darkness 12a Arts Centre, Much The Paperboy 15 pany. When he arrives at Hereford Courtyard Warwick Arts Centre, Sun The crew are forced to Wenlock, Mon 3 June An investigative thriller set a small farming communi- Theatre, Sat 29 - Sun 30 02 June in Florida. Stars Matthew ty to facilitate the process Jun confront an indomitable force of evil within their This Is The End 15 McConaughey, Zac of hydraulic gas drilling, Renoir tbc World War Z tbc own organisation. Stars Read the preview on Efron. Showing at Old events conspire to trans- Read the preview on Read the preview on Chris Pine, Zachary page 55 Market Hall, Shrewsbury, form his whole outlook on page 55 page 51 Fri14 - Sat 15 June life. Showing at Ludlow Quinto. Showing at

DVD NEW RELEASES Smashed 15 I Give It A Year 15 The cinema is pock- Unlike most romcoms, marked with great films this one focuses on the about alcoholism, so stresses that a couple Smashed has a lot to live face in their first year of up to. Here, it’s the wife marriage. And with their who tries to go sober, first anniversary putting even more pres- approaching, can Josh sure on her marriage. and Nat combat their Released 03 June differences? A first-rate cast, including Minnie Driver, up the comic ante. Released 03 June Lincoln 12a Daniel Day-Lewis won his third Oscar for this portrayal of Lincoln dur- ing his last four months in office, fighting to establish the fourteenth Wreck-it Ralph PG ammendment. The story of an arcade Released 10 June game villain who wants to be a hero. Being able to travel between of a childhood friend Movie 43 15 games, W-I Ralph soon Zero Dark Thirty 15 Broken City 15 played by Rachel A series of humorous realises that the arcade This story of the hunt Following his phenome- McAdams. Also stars short films with some of is under threat, and so for Osama bin Laden nal career boost last Javier Bardem. Directed the biggest stars in resolves to save the has won a multitude year (both Ted and by Terrence Malick. Hollywood, Gerard Butler day. of awards, including Contraband were major Released 17 June among them. Released 03 June best actress gongs for hits), Mark Wahlberg Released 24 June Jessica Chastain, who now plays a private also starred in The investigator in New York Hurt Locker. Released City. Russell Crowe Neil Young: Journeys PG 10 June plays the Big Apple’s A look at the Canadian mayor, who hires singer’s return to his Wahlberg to spy on his roots. There’s also plenty To The Wonder 12a wife (Catherine Zeta- of music, with Young per- From director Terrence Jones). But Wahlberg forming his newer com- Malick, this ‘abstract’ uncovers more than positions at the Massey romantic drama stars Crowe might have Hall in Toronto. Ben Affleck as a man wished. Released 10 June who returns to the arms Released 24 June www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Visual Arts June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 08:22 Page 1

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Pit Profiles Circulation Desk - Lori Nix and the Catherine Edelman Gallery Coalbrookdale Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Fri 21 June - Tues 31 December Links between coal mining and art are here explored via a series of miners’ portraits and per- sonal stories which have been brought together to offer an insight into colliery life in the twenty-first century. A joint venture by the National Coal Mining Museum for England and Arts Council England, the exhibition features contemporary photographs of colliery workers by Anton Want and drawings of pit workers by H Andrew Freeth.

Tipping Point Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 6 July Bert Hackett: The Gemini Years The way in which artists respond to key issues surrounding climate change provides the mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, focus for this new exhibition. A specially commissioned series of large-scale sculptures Sat 29 June - Sun 1 September by Gerry Judah - in association with international development agency Christian Aid - is Under the name of Gemini, caricature artist Bert featured in a body of work presented by eleven international artists. Works by Merel Hackett spent forty years entertaining readers at Karhof, Katie Paterson, John Kelly, Heather and Ivan Morison, HeHe, Darren Almond, the Birmingham Post with his sharp, satirical com- Virginia Colwell, Anya Gallaccio and Lori Nix (whose Circulation Desk is pictured above) mentary. This exhibition, bringing together a col- also feature, as does a piece entitled Heinzmann, Uni-solar, Trek by Turner Prize-winner lection of his cartoons from across those Simon Starling. decades, celebrates both the man and his work, and seeks to acknowledge the significant contri- bution he made to the practice of journalism in Looking In Wonderland Birmingham. Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 22 June - Sun 8 September British illustrator, humourist and political satirist Sir John Tenniel was a prominent figure in nineteenth century England. He was known mostly for his work as principal cartoonist About Face for Punch magazine, and as the artist who illustrated two of Lewis Carroll’s best-known The Barber Institute, Birmingham, titles - Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass. until Sun 1 September This Graphicus Touring Exhibition not only features an array of Tenniel’s work but also Featuring European masterpieces from London's introduces the viewer to some of the characters that have delighted readers both young National Gallery, this unique exhibition is comple- and old since their conception over one hundred years ago, including the White Rabbit, mented by a stunning selection of works lent by the Mad Hatter and the March Hare. HM The Queen from the Royal Collection Trust. These include miniatures by Hilliard and Isaac Oliver and works on paper by Van Dyck and Charles Le Brun, predominantly featuring figures from the English and French courts.

Photo credit: John Tenniel

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Marjetica Potrc, until Sat BORN TO WORK An exhi- PREVIEWS LISTINGS 22 June, Mead Gallery, bition of Nick Hedges’ VisualArts VisualArts Warwick Arts Centre photographic observa- tion of working life at For full listing information on Visual Art CREATIVE CONNECTIONS A showcase of work (jew- Bilston Steelworks and Ongoing exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, ellery, printmaking and other companies visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk abstract painting) pro- between 1976 and duced by professional 1978, until Sun 30 June, Lucy McLaughlan: artists who recently took Wolverhampton City DAVID HANCOCK: COS- June, Light House Archive Vessels In Vain PLAY Exploration of the Media Centre, part in a course run by world of youth sub-cul- Wolverhampton the Adult Education SUSTAINING THE PERSON The Public, West Bromwich, Service, until Sat 22 WITHIN Exhibition led by tures, until Sat 1 June, WASTED Exhibition of until Sun 29 September Wolverhampton Art June, Bilston Craft artists Kathryn Pettit & work by Gina Czarnecki Gallery Jan Gay which looks at Heavily influenced by her home city of Gallery which explores the life- BELLINI, BOTTICELLI, how the rich experi- Birmingham and its connections with indus- A UNIVERSAL ARCHIVE: giving potential of 'dis- ences of the elderly can trial history, brutalist architecture and WILLIAM KENTRIDGE AS carded' body parts and TITAN Major exhibition comprising forty of be forgotten once untouched countryside, artist Lucy PRINTMAKER Major exhi- their relationship to they’re living in a care bition featuring one myths, history, cutting- Glasgow's greatest McLaughlan’s work frequently features recur- Italian paintings - the home, until Sat 6 July, hundred prints in all edge stem cell research Solihull Arts Complex ring motifs painted with little or no prepara- media dating from 1988 and notions of what finest and most compre- tion and executed almost entirely in black- to the present day, until constitutes informed hensive civic collection STAFFORDSHIRE OPEN and-white. Opposing the highly developed Sun 2 June, mac - consent, until Sun 9 in the UK, until Sun 23 ART An annual platform June, Compton Verney, for the county’s creative techniques of contemporary graphics, Midlands Arts Centre, June, Herbert Art Birmingham Gallery & Museum, Warwickshire talent to showcase their McLaughlan’s site-specific murals and impro- Coventry METROPOLIS Containing work in a variety of vised paintings have been described as QUAKER TAPESTRY EXHI- media, until Sun 7 July, BITION Featuring colour- MICHAEL SALT ARBSA A over sixty works by ‘organic and delicately intuitive’, and have some of the world’s Shire Hall Gallery, ful panels of embroidery solo show of land- Stafford appeared on public buildings, riot shields, in from the Quaker scapes and seascapes most highly acclaimed doorways, and even on a Rolls Royce. Tapestry Centre in exploring the atmos- artists, until Sun 23 CAUGHT IN THE CROSS- Kendal, Cumbria, until pheric effects of water, June, Birmingham FIRE Exhibition which Wed 5 June, Ironbridge until Sat 22 June, RBSA, Museum & Art Gallery explores the role of Gorge Museum, Birmingham A SMALL HICCUP A protest art, the aesthet- ics of violence and Shropshire BRUSH STROKES group exhibition featur- ing eight new commis- machinery of war and ZED NELSON: LOVE ME Exhibition which com- the emergence of hope Photographic exhibition memorates the cente- sions reflecting on lan- guage, rhetoric and in its aftermath, until which reflects on the nary of the death of the Sun 7 July, Herbert Art cultural and commercial painter Alfred East, until speech, with perform- ance, video, sculpture Gallery & Museum, forces that drive the Sat 22 June, Dudley Coventry global obsession with Museum & Art Gallery and digital media, until Sat 29 June, Grand POLYNESIAN TEXTILES youth and beauty, until STEPHANIE REDFERN Sat 8 June, Union, Birmingham Featuring items drawn RBSA Painted, collaged from the collection of Wolverhampton Art and stitched textiles THE NATURE OF THE Gallery & Light House BEAST Exhibition which the Museum of which respond to Archaeology and Media Centre, weather, form, colour & brings together works Wolverhampton by a diverse range of Anthropology at the light, until Sat 22 June, University of JUNE RIDGEWAY RBSA A RBSA, Birmingham artists, all of whom con- front and challenge atti- Cambridge, until Sun Francois Morellet collection of burnished KATIE PATERSON: IN 14 July, Ikon Gallery, ceramics inspired by tudes to the natural Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 14 July ANOTHER TIME The world, until Sun 30 Birmingham the patina of age on largest, most compre- weathered surfaces, June, New Art Gallery, OPEN 2013 Biennial open Citing Pacific barkcloth as a formative influ- hensive exhibition from Walsall exhibition featuring until Sat 8 June, RBSA, the Glasgow-born artist ence on the development of his distinct type Birmingham DRINK AND BE MERRY selected works by to date, until Sat 22 artists based in the West of abstraction, acclaimed French artist SPRING SHOWCASE June, The Mead Gallery, Featuring a wide array of drinking vessels from Midlands, until Sun 14 Francois Morellet is well known for his ambi- Featuring a selection of Warwick Arts Centre, July, Leamington Spa tious installations, as well as for his drawings, specially commissioned Coventry the seventeenth to the twenty-first century, all Art Gallery & Museum paintings and sculptures. Described as hav- homewares, jewellery STREET STORIES BY and textiles, until Sat 8 of which have been THIS, THIS MONSTER THIS ing ‘a knowing playfulness that appeals both DAVID FINCHETT An exhi- carefully selected from THINGS A unique work of Jun, Bilston Craft bition of urban photog- conceptually and aesthetically’, this Ikon Gallery the museum’s collec- art described as ‘an raphy taken in tion, until Sun 30 June, exquisite corpse made exhibition features a selection of paintings TREASURE ME: WORCES- Wolverhampton, until that complement Tapa: Barkcloth Paintings The Potteries Museum from objects produced TER’S ART COLLECTION Sat 22 June, & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- by fifty-one artist friends From The Pacific, and includes a scaled-up Celebration of Wolverhampton Art Trent and acquaintances’, replica of a piece created by Morellet fifty Worcester’s magnificent Gallery until Sun 14 July, Ikon art collection, until Sat 8 OUR CREATURES Historic years ago. ARTISTS’ PLANS FOR SUS- exhibition curated by Gallery, Birmingham June, Worcester City Art TAINABILITY Featured Gallery artist Mark Fairnington DAVID ROWAN: PACHA artists include Joseph which focuses on por- KUTI TEN Exploration of Centenary Of Indian Cinema: THE PERFECTION OF ASPI- Beuys, Carole Collet, traits of animals, until the hidden, unknown RATION Exhibition by N55, Nils Norman, Lucy Sun 30 June, The New and often forgotten Poster Exhibition Alice Jones, until Sat 8 & Jorge Orta and Art Gallery, Walsall underground environ- The Drum, Birmingham, until Sat 29 June A major element of this summer’s citywide ART GALLERY 01782 232323 Bollywood 100 In Birmingham celebrations, Museums & Art Galleries SHIRE HALL GALLERY this colourful poster exhibition charts the STAFFORD 01785 278345 STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, development of one of the world’s most suc- Birmingham THREE WHITE WALLS WALSALL 01922 654400 GALLERY SHUGBOROUGH cessful film industries. From advertising ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield RED HOUSE GLASS CONE 01889 881388 0121 643 0078 01384 812750 material through to highly sought-after visual 0121 323 3776 BARBER INSTITUTE WOLVERHAMPTON ART arts prints, the exhibition brings together an 0121 414 7333 Black Country GALLERY 01902 552055 Warwickshire array of posters from the last one hundred BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART BANTOCK HOUSE COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY years. The show GALLERY 0121 303 2834 WOLVERHAMPTON Shropshire 01926 645500 01902 552195 HERBERT ART GALLERY includes a copy of THE BURROWS GALLERY, BEAR STEPS GALLERY, a poster for the THE BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 01902 552507 SHREWSBURY first ever 0121 224 7344 01743 344994 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK CASTLE GALLERIES BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS 02476 524524 Bollywood film, MUSEUM, DUDLEY TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, 0121 633 0015 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS Raja 01384 812745 MUCH WENLOCK IKON GALLERY 01952 727952 01926 742700 Harishchandra, DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART 0121 248 0708 THE WILLOW GALLERY, and rare photo- GALLERY NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01384 815575 OSWESTRY Worcestershire graphic stills and 0121 643 9099 01691 657575 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WORCESTER CITY ART PURPLE GALLERY booklets made in WOLVERHAMPTON GALLERY 01905 25371 0121 459 0941 the UK to publicise 01902 716055 Staffordshire Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for film showings in RBSA GALLERY THE NEW ART GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & venue website details Birmingham. 0121 2364353 60 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 08:22 Page 4

sity and humour that art together with more than June - Sat 27 July, Red JOHN HAMPTON EXHIBI- LISTINGS can embody, until Sun four hundred items of House Glass Cone, TION Vibrant works by VisualArts 29 Sept, The Public, folk and popular art col- Stourbridge Wolverhampton artist West Bromwich lected with her lifelong For full listing information on Visual Art WOLVERHAMPTON AND John Hampton which GAGWAKA - MAKING companion, historian THE NEWCOMEN ENGINE focus on later works exhibitions, including times and dates, STRANGE Vivan Margaret Lambert IN 1712 Featuring pic- inspired by the artist’s visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Sundaram's fashion (1906-95), until Sun 15 tures and documents garden, Sat 15 June - designs formed from Dec, Compton Verney, showing why the Sat 13 July, recycled materials rede- Warwickshire Wolverhampton Civic Wolverhampton Art ments that exist until Sat 31 Aug, Gallery beneath Birmingham Enginuity, Ironbridge, fine the boundaries of CRAFTSENSE Featuring and Historical Society and the Black Country, Shropshire art and fashion and the over one hundred of the think the Industrial WE WANT YOUR ART relationship between world-renowned Bilston Revolution actually start- Open day where the until Sun 21 July, The STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD: New Art Gallery, Walsall simplicity and excess, enamels, until Tues 31 ed in Wolverhampton, region's artists can sub- DARK AGE DISCOVERY until Sun 29 Sep, The Dec, Bilston Craft Sat 1 June - Wed 31 mit work for mac's The ALL LOCKED UP Featuring more than two Public, West Bromwich Gallery July, Wolverhampton Open Project and be Exhibition featuring hundred pieces from ARTIST ROOM A year- SENSING SCULPTURE City Archives guaranteed a place in locks and keys from the the Anglo-Saxon Hoard, one of the venue's five city’s collection, until until Sun 1 Sep, The long exhibition featuring Featuring new commis- PAULINE BOTTY: POP sculptures, paintings sions and previously un- ARTIST AND WOMAN A exhibitions over the Sun 11 Aug, Bantock Potteries Museum & Art summe, Sat 29 June, House, Wolverhampton Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent and prints. The display displayed works from vibrant body of work is accompanied by a the Art Gallery’s collec- which celebrates and mac, Birmingham ECHOES Heritage Lottery- CRAFTSENSE Exhibition series of inspired satel- tion, until Tues 31 Dec, critiques mass cultural ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER funded exhibition which featuring over one hun- lite exhibitions, events Wolverhampton Art experience, exploring PLACE Exhibition com- shares the memories of dred of the world- and activities during the Gallery themes of female sexu- prising ten themed dec- people who worked and renowned Bilston enam- course of the year, until REGENERATED The story ality, gender, race and orated suitcases, each lived in Birmingham's els, until Sun 1 Sep, Sat 27 Oct, The New Art politics, Sat 1 June - Sat depicting the oral histo- Digbeth & Highgate dis- Bilston Craft Gallery of the Jewellery Gallery, Walsall Quarter’s Smith & 16 Nov, Wolverhampton ries of Black Country tricts during the ’60s, MORRIS THE MAN Art Gallery World War II evacuees, ’70s and ’80s, until Sun JACOB EPSTEIN AND Pepper jewellery factory, Exhibition which takes a DAMIEN HURST Exhibition featuring unique works A WOLF IN SHEEP’S Sat 29 June - Sat 27 15 Sept, Birmingham look at the early life of July, Wolverhampton Art Museum & Art Gallery of works spanning the by Cathy Miles, Rajesh CLOTHING Exhibition by the man behind the two ends of the twenti- Gogna and Miranda Andy Evans, Sun 2 Gallery STORYTELLING: ONCE William Morris car mak- eth century, until Sun 27 Sharpe, until Sat 11 Jan, June - Mon 5 Aug, BLACK COUNTRY ACCENTS UPON A TIME IN THE ing empire, until Sun 1 Oct, The New Art Museum of the Solihull Arts Complex Showcase of textile art WEST MIDLANDS Sep, Heritage Motor Gallery, Walsall Jewellery Quarter, inspired by the history, Craftworks which have Centre, Gaydon, PRIZE Exhibition which OUTSIDE IN: CENTRAL Birmingham attracts entries from tal- colours and contrasts been created in Warwickshire within Black Country response to urban myth Regional arm of a IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- ented artists across the MEMENTO MORI A new national art programme TION OF RSC COSTUME UK, Thurs 6 - Sat 29 Heritage, Sat 29 June - and folklore form the display which examines Sat 27 July, Bilston Craft basis of this major exhi- focusing on margin- Exhibition which draws June, Royal changing approaches alised and outsider art, on the RSC's rich her- Birmingham Society of Gallery bition, until Sat 24 Aug, towards death, burial Bilston Craft Gallery until Sun 15 Dec, itage in creating special- Artists CONTEMPORARY ART and commemoration, Compton Verney, ist costumes for the Featuring new works MR WATT: GRUMPY MAN until Sun 1 Sep, The SUMMER SHOWCASE Warwickshire stage, until Mon 31 Mar Featuring an array of acquired through the Art OF METAL An exhibition Potteries Museum & Art 2014, Royal Fund Renew Scheme, by blacksmith artist Jon Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent MARX-LAMBERT COLLEC- vibrant, fun and delicate TION REDISPLAY Shakespeare Theatre, handmade craftwork, Sat 29 June - Sat 5 Mills featuring fun and ORDINARY/EXTRA/ORDI- Stratford-upon-Avon October, whimsical sculptures Exhibition of works by Tues 11 June - Sat 31 NARY An exhibition cele- one of Britain’s foremost CONTRASTS Exhibition by Aug, Bilston Craft Wolverhampton Art showing the many brating the vitality, diver- Gallery adventures of Mr Watts, designers, Enid Marx, the Lace Guild, Sat 1 Gallery

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Reader Offer: WIN Save 15% (quote WT15) bbcgardenersworldlive.com or Tel: 0844 5811340 TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Gardeners’ World Live NEC, Birmingham, Wed 12 - Sun 16 June With its abundance of exhibitors and horticultural afficionados offer- designers. Monty Don, Cleve West, Diamuid Gavin and James ing expert advice, the annual BBC Gardeners’ World Live show has Alexander-Sinclair are all on hand to give visitors the benefit of their become a must-attend event for green-fingered enthusiasts. Whether experience in the Gardeners’ World Theatre, while new for 2013 is you’re a complete novice or an experienced gardener, the five-day the Kitchen Garden, not only offering top tips on the best way to show offers plenty of inspirational ideas about how to get the best grow your own but also allowing visitors the chance to follow the from your outside retreat. This year celebrating its twenty-first birth- process from plot to plate. Some of the BBC’s top chefs will then turn day, the event features the RHS Flower Show Birmingham, as well as the gardeners’ spoils into a fine dining menu. Entry to the BBC Good appearances by a host of well-known gardening celebrities and Food Show is included in the ticket price for Gardeners’ World Live.

The Aegon Classic Edgbaston Priory, Birmingham, Sun 9 - Sun 16 June Regularly attracting some of the world’s top female tennis players, the Aegon Classic is a firm favourite in the British tennis calendar. Formerly known as the DFS Classic, this week-long event provides an opportunity for spectators to enjoy some top quality tennis in a relaxed and intimate setting. This year sees Britain’s Laura Robson and Heather Watson battle it out with French number one Marion Bartoli. The tournament starts with a sure-to- be-fun doubles exhibition match, featuring Tim Henman, Heather Watson, Greg Rusedski and a yet-to-be-announced mystery player. WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk An Evening On The Home Front to enter Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 22 June A new addition to the Blists Hill calendar, this evening event sees the turn-of-the-century res- idents of the Victorian town travel four decades into their future, to the 1940s and the height of the Second World War. Visitors are invited to attend dressed in period civilian costume, and everyone will be given a ration card to exchange for an ounce of kali. Keeping in the 1940s spirit, there will also be demonstrations showing how people of the day made the most out of rationing, with delicious spam fritters available to sample. But fear not, the rationing ends there! Freshly cooked fish and chips from the Fried Fish Dealers and beer in the New Inn Public House will be freely available to buy throughout the event. An Evening On The Home Front closes with a concert in the impressive Ironworks.

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JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

Thursday 13 June, 7pm Friday 21 June, 7.30pm THE AUDIENCE MID WALES Live screening from the National CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Theatre. Imagined weekly meetings Celebrating the bicentenaries between the Monarch and her twelve of Wagner & Britten, and Prime Ministers over the years. music by Brahms. Virtuoso Starring Helen Mirren as the Queen players, directed from the violin by Marcia £15 / £14 Crayford, ex-leader Nash Ensemble. £15

Friday 14 – Sunday 16 June Monday 24 June, 7.15pm PUPPETRY GLORIANA EXTRAVAGANZA Royal Opera House live screening. Puppetry for adults, young people Benjamin Britten’s dazzling and children with The Fetch, depiction of the Tudor court and Pickled Image & Folded Feather the tensions between Elizabeth I’s theatre companies. Masterclass, affairs of state and affairs of the heart. workshops, performances and street puppetry. £16 / £15 Various ticket prices, £6.50 max, street shows free. Friday 28 June 7.30pm BLAZIN’ FIDDLES Sunday 16 June, One of Scotland's top traditional bands. From vil- 12 noon – 6pm lage halls to the BBC Proms, Blazin' Fiddles has SECRET GARDENS delighted audiences with their highlands and OF LUDLOW islands tunes and tales for the past 15 years A dozen beautiful eclectic gardens Tickets £16 / £15 / £50 group of four. hidden behind the magnificent houses of Ludlow’s Georgian centre. Horticultural gems, unfamiliar views, many horticultural items for sale. £6.50

1 Mill Street, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 1AZ Box Office: 01584 878141 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

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Events PREVIEWS Coventry Cycle Festival Broadgate, Coventry, Sat 15 June Making its debut at Coventry’s new event space in Broadgate, this year’s Cycle Festival promises a full day’s-worth of ‘pedal- powered’ activities for cycling enthusiasts and novices alike. Activities include spectac- ular mountain-bike stunt shows, lots of opportunities for people of all ages to get hands-on with a wide range of cycles, and the chance to have a go at high-speed roller- racing. There are plenty of activities for chil- dren to enjoy, too. Encouraging non-cyclists to get involved, organiser Steve Bagley says of the event: “Whether or not you own a bicycle, there’ll be lots for you to have a go at. If you’ve never ridden a bike before, there couldn’t be a better time to give it a try!”

Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas, Cheshire, Fri 14 - Sun 16 June Described as the UK's biggest celebration of power and speed, the Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power promises ‘high-octane, high-decibel attractions to thrill diehard petrolheads as well as families looking for an unbeatable fun-packed day out’. Impressive features on land, water and in the air include more than one hundred-and-twenty valuable cars and bikes competing on track, as well as flyboarding, hovercraft races, aerobatic displays, Autocar Supercar Paddock and a trade village with a lifestyle pavilion. Returning to the pageant after a four- year absence is the Kangaroo Kid, who’ll provide a running commentary as he showcases a series of stunts around the arena. Nick Garrett and the Manchester Camerata Orchestra bring Saturday’s proceedings to a close with a fireworks concert that takes the theme of Ellesmere Food And Drink Planes, Trains And Automobiles. Festival with Brindleyplace’s public squares being Ellesmere, North Shropshire, Sat 15 - Sun 16 June brought to life by traditional Chinese lion International Model Airshow dancers, craft sellers, musicians and street Weston Park, Staffordshire, With The Simpsons providing the theme for entertainers. Fri 14 - Sun 16 June 2013, and with visitors invited to dress as their favourite character, this year’s Ellesmere The International Model Airshow brings Food And Drink Festival promises to be the together some of the country’s top model biggest and best yet. Showcasing a wide aircraft pilots to demonstrate their skills. range of culinary delights from the region’s Set in the beautiful grounds of fifteenth cen- top producers, suppliers and restaurants, tury Weston Park, this three-day event sees this annual event also features an array of the return of the Swift glider display team, a foods from further afield, including Spain, Battle of Britain pyrotechnic display and India and Poland, as well as unusual delica- air/Helifest RC helicopter flights. Off-runway cies like Dragon Eggs. entertainment includes displays of military vehicles, classic and vintage cars, a chil- dren’s funfair, model car racing, a massive boat regatta, slot car racing and numerous Medieval Weekend hands-on activities for children. Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch, Sat 22 - Sun 23 June Vintage Garden Party Experience life in medieval Britain courtesy Bantock House, Wolverhampton, Sat 29 June of this two-day living history event. An abun- The beautiful grounds of historic Bantock dance of themed activities are available House provide a perfect setting for this cele- throughout the weekend, including a knight’s bration of all things vintage. In addition to encampment, the drill and arming of military thirty stalls selling clothing, accessories and men, cooking and craft demonstrations and homewares, the event also features a chil- medieval music. dren’s game corner and live entertainment. Keeping in the vintage spirit, The Friends of Bantock House will Dragonboat Festival make an appear- Brindleyplace, Birmingham, Sat 22 June ance in the after- Returning for its fourteenth year, this annual noon, dressed in the fundraising event sees members of the city’s style of the Lyons business community compete for first place waitresses of the on Birmingham’s Fazeley Canal. The one- 1930s and ’40s, to day event features teams of twelve rowers serve strawberry (and one drummer) taking to the water in tra- teas in the Coach ditional forty-foot-long boats, and also boasts House Performance plenty of entertainment away from the canal, Space.

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Events PREVIEWS Birmingham Rep Audio Walk , Birmingham, Sun 16 June This is the first of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s new audio guided walks around Moseley Bog. The project has been inspired not only by the people who regularly wander through the area but also by the life of JRR Tolkien, who played there as a child. Starting at Sarehole Mill, the experience includes the chance to bug hunt, create a magic wand, build a den, sample a writing workshop, investigate pond wildlife, and enjoy free per- formances specially created for the day. WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Cosford Air Show to enter RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Sun 9 June This Midlands’ premier annual air event is celebrating its seventy-fifth birthday in style this month. Along with a programme of non-stop airborne entertainment (high-speed military jets and aerobatic performers), there’s plenty of on-the-ground entertainment to enjoy too, includ- ing a funfair, static aircraft displays, military exhibitions, a craft fair and, of course, the famous RAF museum itself. Uttoxeter Food And Drink tival also boasts some impressive acts Festival across its multiple music zones, including Big Brum Buz Tours Uttoxeter Racecourse, Stafford, The Selecter, Neville Staple of The Specials Birmingham City Centre, weekends only, from April to September Sat 22 - Sun 23 June and Bad Manners. Returning for a second year, this celebration What better way to explore the UK’s second of Staffordshire’s culinary delights promises city than via a guided bus tour? Made avail- a great day out for foodies. In addition to Alice Day able by Birmingham tours, the open-topped offerings from an array of exhibitors - includ- Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, bus takes regular weekend excursions ing Old School Wines, Denstone Farm Shop, Coventry, Sat 22 June through and around the city between April Snowdonia Cheese and Hoggie Hoggie Hog Running alongside the Herbert’s new exhibi- and September. Special tours are also avail- Roast - this year’s festival plays host to some tion, Looking In Wonderland, this one-day able at intervals throughout the season. This mouthwatering demonstrations by some of event invites visitors to dress in themed month sees the Big Brum Buz visiting two the best chefs in Staffordshire. These, fancy dress and take part in a variety of heritage sites within one tour - exploring the together with a showcase from Young drop-in activities, including Alice-inspired art. Tudors at and the world of Masterchef finalists, take place in the show’s Other features during the day include a Mad JRR Tolkien at Sarehole Mill (2 June). new cookery demonstration theatre. Hatter’s Tea Party and a fun trail linked to the For full information regarding times and exhibition. prices, visit www.birmingham-tours.co.uk Classic Car And Transport Show Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 16 June Each year more than five thousand visitors attend this popular show, which has featured on the Trentham Gardens events calendar for the past twenty-four years. The site’s parkland provides a perfect setting for enthu- siasts to peruse over one thousand vintage and classic vehicles, fifty-five club stands, an autojumble and trade stands. Over in the Back With Mods show’s main arena, entertainment comes in the form of the Piston Rings Motorcycle Step Back To The 1940s Scooter Festival Display Team. A great way to give your dad Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster, Sat 29 Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, a Father’s Day treat. - Sun 30 June Fri 14 - Sun 16 June This month sees the award-winning Severn A Mod’s two biggest passions - music and Valley Railway return to the past by taking a scooters - here come together in three full-on lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain. days of themed entertainment. As well as A popular annual event on the Severn Valley providing a meeting place for many of the calendar, this living history weekend features country’s top scooter clubs, Santa Pod offers historic vehicle displays and costumed re- enthusiasts the chance to test their prize enactors. Saturday evening entertainment possessions on the site’s dragstrip, compete 1940s-style is provided by Andrew Sisters in a Show’n’Shine event, and take part in an tribute band The Three Bells and musical trio eight-mile ride-out to Grendon Lakes (on the The Bevan Boys. Dicky Lines completes the- Sunday). And, in addition to the usual selec- line-up as impersonator and compere. tion of funfair rides and amusements, the fes

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LISTINGS Week Commencing Events MON 3 JUN For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit MURDER MYSTERY www.whatsonlive.co.uk AFTERNOON Become a roving detective and try inside the buildings at to solve the mystery of from Avoncroft? Follow the Sunnycroft, Tues 4 - SAT 1 JUN Monster Trail and dis- Wed 5 June, cover for yourself Sat 1 Sunnycroft, Wellington, - Sun 2 June, Avoncroft Shropshire WHITSUN ACTIVITIES Museum, Bromsgrove BUCKET, CHUCK IT OR Featuring a host of chil- SHAKESPEARE NOW Sat FLUSH IT! A teatime talk dren’s entertainers, 1 - Sun 2 June, Nash's on the history of the toi- until Sun 2 June, House & New Place, let by David Eveleigh, Cadbury World, Stratford-upon-Avon Director of Collections, Birmingham HOLIDAY TRAILS Sat 1 - Learning and Research, PIRATES! AN ADVENTURE Sun 2 June, Attingham Black Country Living WITH SCIENTISTS EXHIBI- Park, Shropshire Museum, Wed 5 June, Black Country Living TION A swashbuckling BUTTERFLY TRAIL Follow adventure awaits visi- the colourful trail for the Museum, Dudley tors to Birmingham’s Whitsun holidays, Sat 1 POETRY CAFE Take along science museum this - Sun 2 June, Anne your own poems to read and discuss in summer, as characters Hathaway's Cottage, Pirates! In An Adventure With Pirates Exhibtion at Thinktank, Birmingham and sets from the Sony Stratford-upon-Avon convivial company, Pictures Animation and MID SHROPSHIRE ANNU- Wed 5 June, Ludlow chance to take your car from a variety of aircraft Light House Media Aardman Animations AL CHARITY VINTAGE Assembly Rooms, or motorcycle out on plus hundreds of Centre, Wolverhampton Award-nominated VEHICLE RALLY Sat 1 - Shropshire the famous quarter-mile exhibits, stalls, trade AN INTRODUCTION TO blockbuster The Sun 2 June, West Mid WHAT IS IT? Free expert dragstrip and test its stands, military demon- CERAMICS A course Pirates! are brought to Showground, advice on the identifica- performance limits in a strations and children's which concentrates on life, until end Shrewsbury tion and care of your safe and legal environ- entertainment, Sun 9 the domestic ware typi- September, Thinktank, HALF TERM TREASURE objects, including ment, Sat 8 June, June, RAF Cosford, cally used in 19th and Birmingham HUNT Follow the clues ceramics, art, and local Santa Pod Raceway, Wolverhampton early-20th century EXCALIBUR COMPUTER around the park to and natural history, Northampton VINTAGE FAIR & CLASSIC homes in the Black FAIR Packed with com- solve the latest Follies Wed 5 June, Potteries ROMAN GATHERING This CAR DAY Browse around Country, providing an puter goods at trade quest, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Museum & Art Gallery, special re-enactment stalls of collectables in overview of the key prices. Open every June Hawkstone Park Stoke-on-Trent event features living the Guesten Hall. manufacturers in the Saturday, until Sat 28 & Follies, Shropshire CHURCH STRETTON history scenes of Owners of 1960s cars Midlands, Tue 11 June, December, National CRAFT FAIR Sale of work WALKING FESTIVAL A Roman life, crafts, glad- will be given free entry Black Country Living Motorcycle Museum by local makers, includ- variety of walks for peo- iator contests and for their car and driver Museum, Dudley on the day, Sun 9 June, A VICTORIAN WASHDAY ing pottery, fabrics & ple at all levels and artillery demonstrations, A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE Living history event jewellery, Sat 1 June, abilities, 6 - Sun 9 Sat 8 June, Lunt Avoncroft, Bromsgrove HOUSEKEEPERS Tues 11 UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: where visitors can have Bantock House June, various locations Roman Fort, Coventry June, Wightwick Manor, BEHIND THE SCENES a go at filling the cop- Museum, around Church WENLOCK OLYMPIAN LIVE Nr Wolverhampton TOUR Take a look at per, beating the dolly or Wolverhampton Stretton, South ARTS CELEBRATION Sat 8 KNIT-NIGHT AT parts of the house not working the mangle, RUN WHAT YA BRUNG A Shropshire June, Holy Trinity LOCKWORKS Evening of normally open to the Sat 1 June, chance to take your car ON THE COUCH WITH Church, Much knitting, crochet & chat, public, including the Birmingham Back to or motorcycle out on DANIEL BYE A free infor- Wenlock, South Tue 11 June, Light Servants’ Hall, Backs the famous quarter-mile mal interview in the Shropshire House Media Centre, Steward’s Room, LAVENDER MONTHS See dragstrip and test its Theatre Bar, Fri 7 June, MURDER MYSTERY Wolverhampton Middle Drawing Room, Blakesley's spectacular performance limits in a Warwick Arts Centre, DINNER An evening of STEPPING OUT OF THE Boudoir, the Family lavender at its best and safe and legal environ- Coventry tongue-in-cheek sus- PAGE TALK A teatime Staircase, the newly discover uses of laven- ment, Sat 1 June, RAG RUG WORKSHOP Fri pense and drama talk which uses Kay’s restored Victorian der through the ages. Santa Pod Raceway, 7 June, Birmingham which sees the murder- Catalogues to re-create Northampton Back to Backs mystery unfold with Orangery, Music Room a 3D historical setting. Garden trail, lavender- and some of the site’s THE EXTREME STUNT ED SMITH - BROMSGROVE each course, Sat 8 Facilitated by Clare themed treats and gifts twenty-eight bedrooms, SHOW Featuring mon- WORDS Fri 7 June, June, Shugborough Weston, Curator - to purchase, Sat 1 - Sun 9 June, Weston ster truck mayhem and Artrix, Bromsgrove Historic Working Estate, Domestic & Cultural Sun 30 June, Blakesley Park, Staffordshire back-flipping BELLE VUE ARTS FESTI- Stafford Life, Black Country Hall, Birmingham MG OC - RATAE ROAD motocross, Sat 1 - Sun VAL Fri 7 - Sun 23 June, NEWPORT CARNIVAL Sat Living Museum, Wed FLOAT A BOAT Design RUN Featuring up to 2 June, Becketts Farm, various locations, 8 June, High Street, 12 June, Black Country and make a sailing one hundred classic Alcester Rd, Shrewsbury Newport, Shropshire Living Museum, Dudley boat, then test it on the MGs, on display in Birmingham ENAMELLING: HERITAGE SUMMER CRAFT FAIR Sat BBC GARDENERS' WORLD Enginuity pool. Sat 1 - Millennium Place, Sun Sun 2 June, Enginuity, MILL ‘IN STEAM’ ETRURIA SKILLS COURSE 8 - Sun 9 June, Dorothy LIVE Featuring Monty Clive Garden, Market 9 June, Coventry Ironbridge, Shropshire CANALS FESTIVAL Workshop facilitated by Don, Diarmuid Gavin, Drayton, Shropshire Transport Museum KINGS AND QUEENS Experience the sights artist Carol Griffin Cleve West & James CLASSIC & VINTAGE COM- ME AND MY WORLD TRAIL Find the hidden and sounds of Victorian where participants can Alexander-Sinclair, Wed MERCIAL SHOW Largest Family-friendly artistic clues in the grounds to engineering in the heart learn about a variety of 12 - Sun 16 June, NEC, commercial show in workshop led by reveal the royal con- of the Potteries, Sat 1 - enamelling techniques. Birmingham Europe, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Maggie Kitching RBSA, nection, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Sun 2 June, Etruria Pre-booking essential! BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW June, Heritage Motor Sun 9 June, RBSA, June, Kenilworth Castle Industrial Museum, Sat 8 June, Black Wed 12 - Sun 16 June, Centre, Gaydon, Birmingham SPRINGTIME FAMILY FUN Stoke-on-Trent Country Living NEC, Birmingham Warwickshire SHREWSBURY RIVER FES- TRAIL Track down all CLASSIC FORD SHOW Old Museum, Dudley BUMPS, BABIES AND SIXTIES WEEKEND Sat 8 - TIVAL Family fun day, the clues hidden school modding and MOSAICS WORKSHOP BREASTFEEDING BONAN- Sun 9 June, Avoncroft, with this year’s theme classic style festival Indulge in the art of ZA Featuring live music, around the grounds, Bromsgrove being Pirates On The with massive auto jum- creating beautiful singing, information solve the riddle and PERFORMANCE Severn, Sun 9 June, ble, club displays, blue images using small stands, presentations & claim your chocolate VAUXHALL SHOW Total The Quarry Park, oval traders and com- pieces of coloured activities aimed at preg- prize! Sat 1 - Sun 2 Vauxhall Magazine Shrewsbury petitions, Sun 2 June, glass and ceramic tiles, nant women, new June, Witley Court, goes live! New, old, Santa Pod Raceway, Sat 8 June, The Roses mothers, families with Worcestershire modified, road, rally, Northampton Theatre, Tewkesbury children, and health SPRINGTIME FAMILY FUN and race Vauxhalls get Week Commencing CORONATION COURTYARD SHREWSBURY BIKEFEST professionals, Thurs 13 TRAIL Track down all together with trade, PARTY Sat 2 June, Free family fun day fea- MON 10 JUN June, Wolverhampton the clues hidden clubs and auto jumble Emma Bridgewater turing bling your bike Art Gallery around the grounds, for the ultimate Vauxhall Factory, Stoke-on-Trent workshops, a one-man WARWICK WORDS solve the riddle and show of the summer, FILM & TV QUIZ Put your MG CAR RALLY Sun 2 cycling circus, face Festival of literature & claim your chocolate Sun 9 June, Santa Pod film knowledge to the June, Cotswold Wildlife painting and cycle skills spoken word, Thurs 13 prize! Sat 1 - Sun 2 Raceway, Northampton test with the Park training, Sat 8 June, - Sun 16 June, various June, Stokesay Castle, RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW Lighthouse's monthly Shrewsbury Sports locations around Shropshire The Midlands premier quiz. Plenty of prizes to Village Warwick MONSTER TRAIL Who air event, with displays be won! Mon 10 June, knows what’s lurking RUN WHAT YA BRUNG A TEDDY BEARS PICNIC

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

CONTACT: 0121 427 2555 / 07805 115 998 [email protected] AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Visit the website for a full programme. Tel 01384 815571 to book.

FREE PAPERWEIGHT DAY STICKY SATURDAYS CONTRASTS : Saturday 1 June: SUNDAY 16 JUNE: FREE 1.30pm – 3.30pm @ Broadfield 10am to 4pm THE LACE Saturday 15 June : 1pm – 3.30pm @ Cone Join us for this fun day, plenty GUILD Come along and for novices and collectors alike. 1 JUNE – 27 JULY have fun and we tidy up! With paperweight making demos, A chance to see 21st century lace from skilled makers specialist dealers and an across the globe, on the theme of contrasts. This intri- ADULT CRAFT CLASSES identification service. cate and detailed textile craft will include traditional lace Our biggest Paperweight event yet! and original designs in categories including 3D, mount- @ BROADFIELD £5.25 ed fans and bangles, bracelets, buttons and brooches. 14 June: Rag Rugging,10.30am – 12.30pm: 21 June: Quilling: 10.30am – 1pm @ THE CONE 29 June: Kiln fused jewellery,10.30 – 12.30 £21 YSART EXHIBITION: 1940’S WEEKEND FREE 29 June: Kiln fused art – coasters and wall SATURDAY 13 & SUNDAY 14 JULY: hangings, 1.30 – 3.30 £25 ONE DAY ONLY! 10am – 4pm SUNDAY 16 JUNE: Join us for a day of 1940s glamour with costumed YOUTH CRAFT CLUB 10am to 4pm re-enactors and vintage vehicles @ BROADFIELD 15 June: 1.30 – 3.30 For the first time ever, the Quilling beasties - leave your child with us Paperweight Collector’s Circle is in our new craft workshop and have fun putting on a one-day exhibition to with a new craft each month. Ages 8 – 14 £5.25 compliment our Paperweight Day. Featuring work by the Ysart Family and a dedicated display of their famous Monart glass designs.

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demonstrations, Sat 15 ENGLISH CIVIL WAR SOCI- LAUNCH OF BIRMINGHAM Worcestershire falconry LISTINGS June, Blists Hill, ETY FATHER’S DAY EVENT REP AUDIO WALK Sun 16 expert Trevor Hill, Sun Events Ironbridge, Shropshire Sat 15 - Sun 16 June, Sarehole Mill, 16 June, Hanbury Hall SHREWSBURY CARNIVAL June, Avoncroft. Birmingham & Gardens, For full listing information on Events, & SHOW Parade through Bromsgrove A STITCH IN TIME A dis- Worcestershire including times and dates, visit Shrewsbury town cen- VINTAGE VEHICLE & play of embroidery GAMEKEEPERS OF THE www.whatsonlive.co.uk tre, followed by family CRAFT SHOW Sat 15 - inspired by the PAST Learn about a day fun in the town’s Quarry Sun 16 June, Oswestry Staffordshire Hoard, in the life of a falconer, Family fun & games in Upon A Time in the Park, Sat 15 June, Showground, North Sun 16 June, The ferreter or archer, and the cottage gardens, Fri Midlands exhibition, Sat Shrewsbury Shropshire Potteries Museum & Art meet the people who 14 June, Izaak Walton’s 15 June, Bilston Craft CELEBRATING FATHER'S DAY Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent uphold these ancient Cottage, Stafford Gallery SANCTUARY Birmingham CELEBRATIONS Treat FATHER'S DAY skills, Sun 16 June, BACK WITH MODS WELLESBOURNE ON launch event for the your dad to a trip back CELEBRATIONS Featuring Dudmaston Estate, SCOOTER RALLY AND WHEELS View a collec- Celebrating Sanctuary in time on a vintage have-a-go archery, Bridgnorth MOD FESTIVAL Fri 14 - tion of old, new and World Music Festival, tram, see the vintage wood sculpting & Sun 16 June, Santa retro bikes, including featuring a day of live cars and bikes on dis- Feather Perfect Hawk Week Commencing Pod Raceway, Bill Chedham's very music, children's enter- play, and then kit him Display, Sun 16 June, Northampton own bike. Part of tainment and art activi- out with a new flat cap Hawkstone Park & MON 17 JUN INTERNATIONAL MODEL National Bicycle Week, ties, Sat 15 June, mac - or outfit at Morralls’, the Follies, North AIR SHOW Fri 14 - Sun Sat 15 June, Midlands Arts Centre 1930s Gentlemen’s Shropshire HERBERT ILLUMINATION: 16 June, Weston Park, Chedham's Yard, PLEIN-AIR PAINTING Outfitters, Sun 16 June, YSART One-day event STORYTELLING FROM THE Staffordshire Warwickshire WORKSHOP Artist Brian Black Country Living organised by the CROSSFIRE Tues 18 CHOLMONDELEY MEDIEVAL DANCING Try Steventon facilitates a Museum, Dudley Paperweight Society June, Herbert Art PAGEANT OF POWER Fri out your dance skills plein-air sketching FALCONRY DAY Free which features items on Gallery & Museum, 14 - Sun 16 June, and have fun dressing /painting workshop event which sees fal- loan from many of its Coventry Cholmondeley Castle, in medieval costume, suitable for all abilities, cons, hawks & owls members, Sun 16 June, ETHICS IN CONVERSATION Malpas, Cheshire Sat 15 June, Greyfriars Sat 15 June, Black take to the air, Sun 16 Broadfield House Glass COURSE A one-day GLASS ENGRAVING House, Worcester Country Living June, Blakesley Hall, Museum, Stourbridge course with Robert COURSE One-day work- BASKET WEAVING WORK- Museum, Dudley Birmingham WINDY ACTIVITIES Learn Child which looks at shop where partici- SHOP Sat 15 June, VINTAGE MOTOR CYCLE FATHER'S DAY how to design and the aims of conserva- pants learn the basics Shropshire Wildlife CLUB BANBURY RUN The STEEPLECHASE Sheep & make a kite and where tion and preserving the of hand-engraved Trust, Shrewsbury world’s largest gather- goat racing followed by to fly it safely, Sun 16 integrity of an object glass. Pre-book only! SEWING SEEDS FOR ing of pre-1931 motor- a dad's egg & spoon June, Forge Mill Needle without changing it too Sat 15 June, CHANGE An inspiring cycles & three wheel- race, Sun 16 June, Hoo Museum, Redditch much. Pre-book only. Black Country Living creative day of making ers, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Farm Animal Kingdom, ANTIQUE FAIR Sun 16 Wed 19 June, Black Museum, Dudley change happen, led by June, Heritage Motor Telford, Shropshire June, Centennial Country Living JOHN GRAYSON MAKING the Craftivist Collective, Centre, Banbury RACE FOR LIFE, Centre, Birmingham Museum, Dudley LIVE: AUTOMATA DEMON- Sat 15 June, NEWCOMEN ENGINE The WORCESTER This year 24TH CLASSIC CAR & DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG A STRATION Watch local Wolverhampton Art only full-sized working the race route will go TRANSPORT SHOW Sun chance to learn or metalsmith and Gallery replica of the world's around The Hive’s foot- 16 June, Trentham practise drifting in safe automata-maker John MEET THE HORSES Find first steam engine bil- paths, making the Gardens, Stoke-on- and legal conditions on Grayson create a new out more about the lows into life!, Sat 15 - venue a great place to Trent some of the Pod’s thirty mechanical artwork town's horses, chat to Sun 16 June, Black cheer on all the partici- FATHER’S DAY FALCONRY acres of open tarmac, inspired by a tale from their keepers and enjoy Country Living pants, Sun 16 June, Find out more about Wed 19 June, Santa the Storytelling: Once shoeing and grooming Museum, Dudley The Hive, Worcester birds of prey with

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Featuring a number of gramme of events, about the basic tech- games and activities for LISTINGS visiting engines, a host exhibitions and activi- niques of carving & the kids, a balloon Events of static displays to ties, Sat 29 June, shaping stone, Sat 29 race, bake-offs, bunting inspire you, an interest- National Memorial June, Black Country aplenty, excellent live For full listing information on Events, ing range of stalls and Arboretum, Burton-on- Living Museum, Dudley music and a mouth- including times and dates, visit trade stands, Sat 22 - Trent, Staffs ARMED FORCES DAY watering array of food www.whatsonlive.co.uk Sun 23 June, Foxfield OSWESTRY BIKEFEST Sat Annual event represent- and drink from the Railway, Stoke-on-Trent 29 June, Walford & ing all three services, show’s exhibitors, Sat Pod Raceway, Shrewsbury ELIZABETHAN GARDEN North Shropshire Sat 29 June, RAF 29 - Sun 30 June, Northampton LE TOUR DE LUDLOW PARTY Discover what College, Oswestry, Cosford, Shugborough Estate, STORYTELLING CAFE: Free family bike ride life was like four hun- Shropshire Wolverhampton Staffordshire BARBECUED HUSBANDS - with bee fancy dress dred years ago as you DEN BUILDING Chance STEP BACK TO THE 1940S SHREWSBURY FOOD FES- ANA MARIA LINES Wed theme, Sat 22 June, wander around to re-learn those old Sat 29 - Sun 30 June, TIVAL Sat 29 - Sun 30 19 June, Kitchen Castle Square, Ludlow Kenilworth’s stunning skills, and learn new Severn Valley Railway, June, The Quarry Park, Garden Cafe, ANIMAL MAN & HIS MINI Elizabethan garden, Sat ones, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Kidderminster Shrewsbury Birmingham ZOO A partnership with 22 - Sun 23 June, June, Hawkstone Park FAIRY WEEKEND Track JAPSHOW The year's THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY the University of Kenilworth, & Follies, North down the Biddulph first major event for GHOST TOUR A tour Wolverhampton’s Warwickshire Shropshire fairies by following their Japanese car fans, Sun which starts and finish- SciFest, Sat 22 June, DEN BUILDING A chance GROUNDS WEEKEND trails around the site, 30 June, Santa Pod es in the Station Hotel, Wolverhampton Art for adults to rekindle Learn about the curious Sat 29 - Sun 30 June, Raceway, Northampton at the bottom of Castle Gallery childhood skills and for life of birds via falconry Biddulph Grange THE LONDON VINTAGE Hill. It then takes in vari- SUMMER NATIONALS children to learn new displays, forest school Garden, Stoke-on-Trent TAXI ASSOCIATION ous sites around the DRAG RACING ones, Sat 22 - Sun 23 activities, nest-building, SUMMER FETE Featuring up to twenty town, including Dudley CHAMPIONSHIPS June, Hawkstone Park bird portraits, story- Traditional garden fete classic vintage London Castle, Wed 19 June, Including MSA 200mph & Follies, North telling and much more, with local food stalls, taxis on display at Dudley Pro Mods, drag bikes, Shropshire Sat 29 - Sun 30 June, family games & Millennium Place, Sun VALUATION DAY: FINE ART Jet Car plus nostalgia UTTOXETER FOOD & Compton Verney Victorian storyteller 30 June, Coventry & ANTIQUES Thurs 20 classes, Sat 22 - Sun DRINK FESTIVAL Sat 22 Gallery, Warwickshire entertainments, Sat 29 - Transport Museum June, Bantock House 23 June, Santa Pod June - Sun 23 June COMMUNITY DAY Fun Sun 30 June, ORIGINS OF MIDDLE Museum, Raceway, Northampton Uttoxeter Racecourse activities for all the fam- Sunnycroft, Wellington, EARTH - GUIDED WALK Wolverhampton BRINGING HISTORY TO VICTORIAN GARDEN ily, Sat 29 June Shropshire Follow in the footsteps PEAK PERFORMANCE LIFE Join the household PARTY Meet characters Chedham's Yard, THE VINTAGE YEARS of the young JRR TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB servants as they set from times gone by as Warwickshire FESTIVAL A celebration Tolkien, Sun 30 June with maximum track about their work in a you wander around VINTAGE GARDEN PARTY of the lifestyles, fashion, Sarehole Mill time and fully prepped fun-filled day for all the Witley’s stunning gar- A family day out with music and classic cars Birmingham track for serious enthu- family, Sat 22 - Sun 23 dens, Sat 22 - Sun 23 live music, vintage teas of the ’40s, ’50s and DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL siasts, Fri 21 June, June, Tamworth Castle June, Witley Court & and stalls selling vin- ’60s. Dress up in your In aid of Severn Santa Pod Raceway, THE CLASSIC CORVETTE Gardens, tage clothing, acces- favourite vintage style Hospice, Sun 30 June, Northampton CLUB UK Featuring up to Worcestershire sories and homewares, and join the fun! Sat 29 Pengwern Boatclub, SUMMER SOLSTICE thirty on-display UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: Sat 29 June, Bantock - Sun 30 June, National Shrewsbury PARTY Featuring live Corvettes, Sat 22 June, BEHIND THE SCENES House Museum, Brewery Centre, AUSTIN CAR RALLY Sun music, Fri 21 June, Coventry Transport TOUR Take a look at Wolverhampton Burton-upon-Trent 30 June, Avoncroft, Biddulph Grange Museum parts of the house not STONE MASONRY COURSE THE GREAT BRITISH Bromsgrove Garden, Staffordshire DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL normally open to the Practical workshop MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK SAVOIR FAYRE Speciality Sat 22 June, Brindley public, Sun 23 June, where participants learn FESTIVAL Featuring French market, Fri 21 Place, Birmingham Weston Park, June, The Square, AN EVENING ON THE Staffordshire Shrewsbury HOME FRONT Themed THE SHREWSBURY LUDLOW ARTS FESTIVAL event which invites visi- MARATHON & HALF Brand new festival fea- tors to travel back in MARATHON Sun 23 turing an eclectic array time to the 1940s and June, The Quarry Park, of performers, Fri 21 - WWII, Sat 22 June Shrewsbury Sun 30 June. Various Blists Hill, Ironbridge, CITROEN SPECIALS CAR venues in and around Shropshire CLUB A display of up to Ludlow, South EATING IN WONDERLAND 50 Citroen Specials at Shropshire. Sat 22 June, Herbert Millennium Place, Sun THE EASY WAY TO CANAL CRAFTS COURSE Art Gallery & Museum, 23 June Coventry Join Julie Tonkin as she Coventry Transport Museum demonstrates a range BENEATH THE SURFACE of different traditional Workshop exploring Week Commencing BOOK canal crafts, including why British Asian gay MON 24 JUN spider web embroidery, lives are so hidden in crochet and the making society. The results of YOUR TICKETS of twisted pearl neck- the workshop will NEWCOMEN FOR THE laces, Sat 22 June, inform the development 21ST CENTURY TALK Black Country Living of a new touring theatre Curator for Transport & Museum, Dudley production inspired by ONLINE Industry Janet Small KINO 10 A filmic journey British Asian gay lives, gives an overview of through various cities Sat 22 June, Arena the 2012 refurbishment around the world via a Theatre, project, undertaken to selection of short films, Wolverhampton mark the tercentenary Sat 22 June, LIVING HISTORY of the Newcomen Birmingham Museum & WEEKEND Step back in Engine, Wed 26 June, Art Gallery time and observe the Black Country Living THE DRUM OPEN DAY Friends of the Black Museum, Dudley Free day of fun and Country Living Museum THE MOBILITY ROAD- entertainment featuring as they forgo all mod- SHOW Thurs 27 - Sat 29 performances, work- ern-day comforts, Sat June, Telford shops, music, stalls, 22 - Sun 23 June, International Centre, competitions and much Black Country Living Shropshire whatsonlive.co.uk more... Sat 22 June, Museum, Dudley RUN WHAT YA BRUNG A The Drum, Birmingham REZZED A video games chance to take your car LUNAZA FAMILY FESTIVAL event celebrating the or motorcycle out on Featuring medieval re- best that PC and indie the famous quarter-mile enactment from The gaming has to offer, Sat dragstrip and test its House of the Black 22 - Sun 23 June, NEC, performance limits in a The most comprehensive what’s on listings website Star, the Grinshill Dog Birmingham safe and legal environ- Show, belly dancers, for Birmingham and the West Midlands MEDIEVAL WEEKEND Sat ment, Sat 29 June, craft stalls, and a PA 22 - Sun 23 June, Santa Pod Raceway, from former ‘King of the Forge Mill Needle Northampton Jungle’ Joe Swash, Sat Museum, Redditch ARMED FORCES DAY 22 June, West Mid MINIATURE RAILWAY Featuring a busy pro- Showground, GALA WEEKEND

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WEEKENDS ADVENTURE

7 days-a-week Meals & Parties Wouldn’t you love to be invited to join a thriving club of 3000 friends in the West What Our Members are up to in June 2013

Midlands (and 15,000 nationally!) who Saturday 1 June Wednesday 5 June H Jetovator - Northampton really know how to enjoy themselves? H Raft Building for Fun H Bat Appreciation Walk at H BMX Taster Session H SWAT Training Mission Wolseley H Badminton at NIA H Sunday Lunch on Severn Well here’s your chance. We’re a friendly, H Chocolate Experience H Chinese Meal and Quiz Valley Railway local action, adventure and social group H Colour U Confident - Sutton Coldfield Workshop H Tamworth and Lichfield Monday 10 June offering a wide variety of opportunities for H Crianlarich Walking Break Pub Night our members to have fun together. - Extra Night Option H Badminton For Fun - H Edgbaston Walk Thursday 6 June Worcester H Himley Hall + Baggeridge H Badminton at Barr Beacon There’s literally something for everyone; Park Easy Ramble H Croatia Discovery Break H Speedway Evening and be it the latest adrenaline pumping out- H Birmingham Hippodrome H Halesowen and Quinton Tour in Wolverhampton door activities... weekends & holidays… Back Stage Tour Pub Night H Jimmy Carr - H Rounders and Social Night Tuesday 11 June sports nights… workshops on fascinating Gagging Order H Shuttington Evening H subjects… or social nights including H Kenilworth to Warwick via Ramble Gliding Evening at Hatton Locks Ramble Stratford H theatre, parties and ‘behind the scenes’ H Lamborghini Thrill Friday 7 June New Members H Mix and Mingle visits to all sorts of unusual places you’ve Scuba Taster H Morning Experience H Beverley Friary YHA Solihull Pub Night always wanted to go. H Weekend Away Stand Up Paddle Boarding H Wednesday 12 June Events take place at locations across the Essex Coast and Sunday 2 June Constable Country West Midlands. Lots of our members are Walking Weekend H Adventure Golf at H H Pembrokeshire Luxury Star City! Badminton for Fun at H single and come along on there own, but Bournville Resort weekend Badminton at NIA H we also welcome couples and groups of H Boogie Bounce H Sea Kayaking with the Ghost H Seals H Sutton Pub Night friends. Foxton Locks Moderate H Ramble/ Lunch Trampolining Evening There’s no hidden agenda – we’re just H Glass Art Workshop Saturday 8 June with Coaching H Great Midlands Fun Run H Thursday 13 June one happy family of friends. Members are H Great Midlands Fun Run Cycling With A Difference H Digital Photography for all ages (18–80!) and from all walks of - Marshalls H H Beginners Blacksmithing Evening life. Ironbridge Gorge Ramble H H Circus Skills Workshop H NLP for Beginners Gorge Walking Adventure H Itihaas Contemporary H Girls Roller Skate Off! H Offchurch Circular Ramble H H Indian Dinner Shuffle Saxon Mill Dinner Shuffle The one unifying factor of anyone joining Singing for Beginners - H Unihoc Find your Voice! H Penistone Figure of 8 Spice is that they want to live life to the mountain bike ride (Mixed Indoor Hockey) H Spice Choir - Develop full. your Singing Ability H Walk with Wolves - Bedford H Friday 14 June H Sponsor the Spice World's Wackiest Racers Fun Run Team H Membership is equivalent to the cost of Sunday 9 June Blithe Spirit H Tank Battle Experience H Greek Dance Workshop H just a pint of beer a week. Wolverhampton Wander H Barton Under Needwood H Guide Dogs National Easy Ramble Breeding Centre Visit Monday 3 June In fact, our money back promise means H Beginners Horse Trek H Poker Night at H Lea Marston that satisfaction is guaranteed. H Badminton For Fun Cinema Night H Come and Try Mountain H Sailing Weekend around Worcester Malta and Gozo H Biking Get your FREE comprehensive Badminton at Barr Beacon H H Sailing Weekend around H Darts Night and Buffet Cosford Airshow with an Insider! the Solent information pack today call: H Spice Book Club H Dog Walk in the H Spring Watch Weekend H Wiltshire Luxury Walking Tuesday 4 June Lickey Hills H Dovedale Moderate + Social Weekend ¤ H Much Ado About Nothing Ramble 0121 353 6161 (24 hours) Saturday 15 June H Preview Evening (MAC)5 H Drayton Manor Park H Fun Day Ten Pin Bowling H BBC Birmingham email [email protected] (Broadway Plaza) H Five a Side Mixed Football H Behind the Scenes or visit www.spicebham.com Grease Dance Workshop!

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do... and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Spice DPS June 13 PO_Layout 1 27/05/2013 14:22 Page 2

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS LEISURE SOCIAL

Outdoor Pursuits Flying Walking

What Our Members are up to in June 2013

H Carriage Driving Thursday 20 June Wednesday 26 June Experience Day H Chocolate Experience H Curry and Quiz - Solihull H Personal Safety H Cleobury Ramble H Peninsular Cantonese Meal for Women H Flirting for Fun H Ten Top Tips from a H Quiz (at Lea Marston Hotel) Chiropractor H Indoor Skydiving H Warwick / Leamington Thursday 27 June H Learn to Drift! Pub Night H Makeover or Boudoir H Printmaking and Pattern Photography Session Friday 21 June Evening H Off Road Karting H Rounders and Social Night H StageSide Dinner Shuffle H Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Sunday 16 June H Source to Sea W'end 4 - Friday 28 June Motor Sports Hay on Wye- Hereford H Balloon Flight H Spice Hits Town at the H Bournemouth and H Clay Pigeon Shooting Jam House Hampshire Coast Walking H Disc Golf Experience Weekend H Hovercraft Driving on Saturday 22 June H Patterdale Lakes Walking Land and Water Weekend H H Llama and Wolf Abseiling for the Terrified H Experience Day - Bedford Ballroom Dance Saturday 29 June H Llangollen Canals Masterclass - Rumba H H Experience Day Barber Institute Tour In Search of Snakes H H H Ludlow and Richards Blitz Hill Experience Kayak River H Climbing the Longstone Adventure Day Castle Ramble H H Maxstoke Castle Visit and Pinnacle Max ATV, Off Road Mud H Buggies and Blind Driving Easy Ramble Knowle Stroll and Afternoon Tea H Pottery Workshop H Monday 17 June H Snowdon Summer Quad Bike Trekking Solstice Sleepover at Garlands H Badminton For Fun - H Ryton Pools Easy Ramble Water Sports Worcester Sunday 23 June H White Water Rafting H Bromsgrove Pub Night H H Gliding Eve at Needwood Center Parcs Weekend Sunday 30 June Extras - School Sports H Tuesday 18 June H Croquet Party Clun and Offas H Cupcake Decorating Dyke Ramble H Cafe Ceramica Experience Taster Class H Crown Green Bowling H Hopwood + Barnt Green H Hangliding - Tandem Afternoon Evening Ramble Experience by Air Tow H Extreme Sports Fun Day H Kings Heath Pub Night H Microlighting Experience H FlyBoarding - London H Preview Evening (Sutton) Flight H Hotel Du Vin Ultimate H Paragliding - Tandem Sunday Brunch Wednesday 19 June Experience H Jetovator - London H Paragliding Day Course H Market Harborough H Badminton at NIA H Pen and Wash Day Treasure Hunt H Breadmaking Workshop H Ten Things Everyone H Rock Climbing for the at Hindleys Should Know About DIY Terrified H Fencing for Beginners H Warwick Easy Ramble H Steam Train to Stratford H Pets As Therapy - H Stratford as you've never Charity Talk Tuesday 25 June seen it before

H Unihoc-MixedIndoorHockey & Wacky Wild QUOTE visit: www.spicebham.com ‘WHATS ON’ AND GET A FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP What will you be doing tomorrow? Classifieds - June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 08:13 Page 1 classifieds

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76 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Clubbing Gay - June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 13:48 Page 1 Clubbing

BIRMINGHAM AIR Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, B9 4AL. Tel: 0121 766 6646 BAMBU Kottwall House, Wrottesley Street, B5 4BN Tel: 0121 6224124 BUSHWACKERS 103 Edmund St, B3 2HZ Tel: 0121 236 4994 FLARES NIGHTCLUB 55 Broad St, B15 1AY Tel: 0121 252 3100 GATECRASHER 183 Broad St, B15 1DA Tel: 0121 525 1300 02 ACADEMY 16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, B1 1DB Tel: 0121 622 8250 REFLEX 36-37 Broad St, B1 2DY Tel: 0121 643 0444 SNOBS NIGHTCLUB 29 Paradise Circus, Queensway, B1 2BJ Tel: 0121 643 5551 BLACK COUNTRY OCEANA WOLVERHAMPTON Bilston Rd, Wolverhampton Tel: 0845 402 5290 SHROPSHIRE C:21 NIGHTCLUB 21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 BUTTERMARKET Howard Street, Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 281712 VELVET 13 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 2DJ Tel: 01743 281712 FEVER 19 - 21 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 1QU Tel: 01743 247508 Techno’s rising stars in Birmingham Subway City, Birmingham, Fri 7 June THE OFFICE 27a Market Street, Oakengates TF2 6EN Tel:01952 616536 This month sees one of the Midlands’ longest-running underground club nights return to what’s PUSSYCATS NIGHT CLUB 17 Tan Bank, regarded as its spiritual home of Subway City, as part of its twentieth birthday celebrations. House Wellington, TF2 6EJ Tel: 01952 224260 of God (HOG) began life as a fortnightly dance session at Birmingham University, becoming so SPIRIT NIGHTCLUB 18 Abbey Foregate, popular that it soon moved to the Dance Factory at Digbeth’s Institute. Gigs at other prestigious Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 Birmingham venues followed, along with gatherings in Holland, Belgium and in various other UK locations. Staying true to its original ethos of quality music, HOG’s latest Birmingham outing fea- STAFFORDSHIRE tures two rising stars of techno, Blawan (pictured) and DJ Skirt. COURTURE & NOIRE ET BLANC 139 Newport Rd, Stafford, ST16 2EZ Tel: 01785 244755 GAY NIGHTCLUBS LIQUID Brunswick St, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 Gay SCENE 1DR Tel: 01782 284333 BIRMINGHAM REFLEX 3-5 Brockley Square, Stoke-on- CLUB CHIC 28 Horsefair, B1 1DD. Trent ST1 5LY Tel: 01782 206170 Time to get foamed up.... Tel: 0121 666 6808 TRINITY NIGHTCLUB Spinning School THE CORE Sherlock Street, B5 6NB The Nightingale Club, Birmingham, Sat 15 June Tel: 0121 622 2797 Lane, Tamworth,ST1 1DR Tel: 01827 58772 THE NIGHTINGALE Kent St, B5 6RD The bi-monthly Big Gay Night Out returns to Birmingham this Tel: 0121 622 1718 WARWICKSHIRE month. The popular club night, which brings thousands of THE VILLAGE INN & UNDERGROUND CAREYS NIGHTCLUB Hereford Place, revellers to Birmingham by coach from over twenty different 152 Hurst St, B5 6RY Tel: 0121 622 4742 Coventry CV1 3JZ Tel: 02476 227 397 towns and cities across the country, including Cardiff, Sheffield, Wolverhampton, Leicester and Derby, costs £15 to BLACK COUNTRY EVOLVE NIGHTCLUB 2 Spencer Street, THE LION Birchills St, Walsall, WS2 8NG Leamington Spa, Coventry CV31 3NF Tel: attend. For their money, party-goers get return coach travel, Tel: 01922 610977 01926 881449 free entry to The Nightingale and two free drinks. For city cen- GORGEOUS Salop St Wolverhampton, JJ’S Skydome Leisure Park, Croft Rd, tre residents who want to attend the club night but don’t need WV3 0SR Tel: 0844 357 8570 Coventry CV1 3AZ. Tel: 02476 555913 a coach to get there, a ‘door only’ ticket is available for £5. SHROPSHIRE LIQUID & ENVY Leicester Road, This month’s event takes a ‘beach and foam party’ theme. Nuneaton CV11 4B. Tel: 02476 344216 C21 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. Organisers are encourag- SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 (MON ONLY) REFLEX Church St, Nuneaton, CV11 4BW ing attendees to don their SPIRIT 22 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Tel: 02476 344216 favourite item of SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 (MON ONLY) swimwear in an effort to STAFFORDSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE bring a little sunshine to BUSHWACKERS Trinity St, Worcester THE FACTORY Bryan St, Hanley, Stoke- proceedings. On-Trent, ST1 2AA Tel: 01782 478799 WR1 2PW Tel: 01905 26878 The Nightingale is situat- TRAMPS Angel Place, Worcester WR1 ed on Lower Essex Street, WARWICKSHIRE 3QN Tel: 019905 26936 near the Birmingham RAINBOWS Short St, Coventry CV1. Tel: 02476 551738 VELVET LOUNGE Angel Place, Worcester Hippodrome. WR1 3QN. Tel: 01905 619966 Tickets are on sale now WORCESTERSHIRE from www.nightingale- VELVET CLUB Angel Row, Worcester, club.co.uk WR1 3QN Tel: 01905 20218

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 77 Books-TV June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 15:45 Page 1 Books TV

The People’s Songs: The Story Of Modern Britain In 50 Records By Stuart Maconie Chronologically told over fifty chap- ters and beginning with Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again, Stuart Maconie’s The People’s Songs takes a tour of the country’s pop music history, from the Second World War to the present day. The book is the companion to Maconie’s landmark Radio Two series, and focuses on the songs that have tracked the country’s changing times, along the way look- ing at subjects such as work, war, class, leisure, race, family, drugs, BBC to screen American thriller sex, patriotism and more. The BBC is set to screen an ambitious ten-part US suspense drama. Produced by BBC America, Orphan Black is described as ‘a rollercoaster ride of a thriller, with a complex and engaging A Funny Thing Happened plot’, and has been met with rave reviews from Stateside critics. Shot on location in Toronto, Canada, the show features rising On The Way To Heaven star Tatiana Maslany (The Nativity, Picture Day) in the role of By Corey Taylor Sarah Manning, an outsider and orphan whose life changes Grammy Award-winning singer and modern dramatically after she witnesses the suicide of a woman who Renaissance Man Corey Taylor has seen ghosts looks exactly like her. In a fit of madness, Sarah assumes the but he hasn’t seen Jesus. A Funny Thing dead woman’s identity, her boyfriend and her bank account, Happened On The Way To Heaven is Corey’s only to find herself suddenly caught up in a deadly conspiracy. second book, and not only brings together sto- Orphan Black shows on BBC Three later this year. ries of his experiences with the supernatural but also questions the validity of religious belief sys- tems and two-thousand-year-old dogma. Some Girls do... Honest, humorous and no-holds-barred in his Acclaimed BBC Three comedy Some Girls has been recommis- approach, Corey is promising his readers ‘one sioned, with filming on a new set of shows having begun in hell of a ride’... South London. The second series will see the return of attitude- laden lasses (and every teacher’s night- The Alex Ferguson Quote Book: The Greatest mare) Viva, Amber, Saz and Holli. Written By Anonymous Manager In His Own Words by Bernadette Davies, The recently retired Sir Alex Ferguson is not only one of the greatest foot- the six ‘comic, tender ball managers of all time, he’s also one of the most quotable. This fun new and often very rude book brings together some of the ex-Manchester United supremo’s most episodes’ will follow memorable quotes, and also features contributions from those who knew the girls’ adventures him best and crossed swords with him most. both at home and in an inner-city academy school. What Not To Do (And How To Do It) TOP 5 More comedy-drama from By Danny Wallace BOOKS Shameless creator It’s not easy being a man. And Danny Wallace should know, because he is one! A new and completely original take on the world of police pro- Bring Up The Bodies cedure is being promised in a brand new comedy-drama from The best-selling author of Awkward Hilary Mantel Situations For Men, Danny makes a wel- 1 Paul Abbott. Regarded as one of the UK’s most successful tele- come return with this follow-up tome, in vision writers, Abbott has worked on a string of TV favourites, The Life including Coronation Street, Cracker, Clocking Off and State Of which he asks fellas such leading ques- 2 Martina Cole tions as ‘how do you Play, but is probably best known for creating acclaimed react when you realise Channel Four social drama Shameless. Abbott’s latest offering, I’ve Got Your Number that yesterday's under- No Offence, is described as ‘raucous, riotous and razor-sharp’, pants might still be in 3 Sophia Kinsella and follows a group of bobbies on the frontline in Manchester. your trousers?’ and ‘what Commenting on his new series, Paul says, “I’m a big fan of well- do you do if you think The Red House told cop shows and jet-black social comedy, and I wanted to you might have a man- 4 Mark Haddon see how explosively we could bang two genres’ heads together. crush?’. The book was No Offence is reared on wilder-than-average seeds, and I've had Sweet Tooth previously published as a ball with the AbbottVision team in building this concept. It’s a More Awkward Situations 5 Ian McEwan tilted, hardcore blend of cop drama, family saga and social For Men. mayhem.” 78 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 16:23 Page 2 Eating Out A fresh look for Air... Quality hospitality has always been a key feature of the LG Arena experience, with amplify, the Birmingham venue’s hospitality arm, providing ‘the very best in great food, prepared by some of the UK’s leading award-winning chefs, amazing seats and live experiences’. Now the LG is enhancing that experience further with the launch of its recently refurbished Air restaurant. Continuing to offer luxurious dining, Air now boasts an interior which is both premium and contemporary, a brand new bar and a more spa- cious dining area. For further information on Air and amplify packages, visit www.amplify.co.uk.

The newly refurbished Air restaurant Top chef award just what the Classic Italian, in vogue... doctor ordered REVIEW before being sliced, which stay to try the desserts, A former doctor who’s been in the running for the added an extra depth to though I did fancy the torta Shropshire Council Curry Chef of the Year award the flavour. The accompa- al cioccolato - a chocolate, At the corner of for the past three years has finally won the covet- nying Venetian dressing bitter orange and almond Brindleyplace and Oozells ed title. Dr Ijlal Haider, from Dorrington Old Hall was light and lemony, and tart. Square is Piccolino, an Persian Cuisine, recently beat off fierce competi- offered a wonderful con- Throughout the meal our Italian restaurant with a tion to bag the award at a Radbrook Catering trast to the beef. My com- waitress was personable, contemporary and stylish College event in Shrewsbury. Commenting on his panion had Costatine efficient and knowledge- interior. The kitchen looks victory, a delighted Dr Haider, who’s relatively (£7.95), barbecued short able when it came to the out into the restaurant, new to the industry having practised medicine for pork ribs in a smoky sauce menu and specials. In allowing diners a peek at twenty-one years, said, “I always thought I would that had a cheeky chilli hindsight, the terrace the busy chefs and the be the one watching the winner collect the award kick. wasn’t such a good idea wood-burning oven. But it after these past years coming so close! It’s just My main was Branzino on a wet evening. was the heated terrace that fantastic - an on-top-of-the-world feeling - to be (£18.95) - a succulent sea Although it was warm and took our fancy - the novelty the lucky one this time. It means so much to me.” bass with a scrumptiously comfortable, the square of eating alfresco on a crisped skin, served was wet, grey and lacking rainy evening couldn’t be straight from the wood in atmosphere. I found Tiger Bills roars into Birmingham resisted. The outside seat- stone oven, with lemon, myself wishing I was ing is on low but comfort- A new bar, wok and grill, offering a clever mix of garlic and parsley. It was inside. The food itself was able sofas, although my cuisines from both the East and the West, has sublime. My partner went classic Italian fare, perfect- dinner date found it a little opened on Birmingham’s Broad Street. Authentic for risotto with Tuscan ly cooked. My choices cramped, as he’s taller Thai street food such as satays, curries, stir-fries sausage, fennel and basil were uncomplicated dish- than average. While perus- and soup dishes appear on the Tiger Bills menu, (£11.95). There was a fine es in which the simple ing the menu, we shared and are complimented by a Western grill offering balance between the ingredients combined to fresh baked herb focaccia juicy sirloin steak and a huge rack of baby back fennel and basil. Overall create delectable flavours. and crusty Tuscan bread ribs. The three hundred-seater restaurant is the the risotto was creamy and I’d happily return - and with the obligatory olive oil first Tiger Bills in the Midlands. smooth, with a perfect bite next time have the torta al and balsamic dip. On the to the rice. We shared a cioccolato. Ted Finlay recommendation of our side of zucchini frites; thin friendly waitress, we strips of courgette fried in Food: IIII I ordered some olives; the a light batter, they were an Service: IIII I greenest olives I’d ever ideal accompaniment for Ambience: III II seen. Sicilian and bursting both dishes. The meal was Overall value IIII I with flavour, they were deli- pleasantly lubricated by a OVERALL IIII I cious. Cortese, Araldica, To start, I chose Carpaccio Piemonte 12 (£18.95), a Piccolino (£9.95), which came with beautifully dry, lemony 9 Brindleyplace parmesan and rocket white wine from northern Birmingham salad. The well-matured Italy. B1 2HS beef had been seared Unfortunately we couldn’t Tel: 0121 6343055

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Eating Out June_Layout 1 24/05/2013 16:23 Page 3

Restaurant REVIEWS Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on A warm welcome and fine British cuisine... restaurants, including opening times and type of cui- A newcomer on the Shropshire was served didn’t quite hold the sine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk restaurant scene, The Glutton heat, so the dish quickly went CHUNG YING LA PLANCHA 113 Club opened its doors last cold. The sharing platter of beef Birmingham 16-18 Wrottersley Alcester Road, November. Situated in Frankwell, rib enticed my fellow diners. It Street, B5 4RT 0121 Moseley, Birmingham AALTO RESTAURANT 622 5669 B13 8DD 0121 449 Shrewsbury, the restaurant’s was ordered medium rare and Hotel La Tour, Albert CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 5430 owners initially intended it to be came fabulously presented with Street, Birmingham B5 5JT 0121 718 8000 Thorpe St, B5 4AT LASAN 3-4 Dakota a pop-up restaurant which would a side of triple fried chips and 0121 666 6622 Buildings, James St, St AL FRASH 186 Ladypool only be open for a month. But it roasted tomatoes on the vine. CIELO 6 Oozells Square, Paul’s Square, B3 1SD Road, Sparkbrook, B12 0121 212 3664 seems that its popularity has Again, my friends reported their 8JS 0121 753 3120 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 632 6882 THE LOFT LOUNGE convinced them to commit to food to be mouthwateringly deli- ASHA’S 12-22 Newhall CITY CAFE GRILL Hylton 143 Bromsgrove St, something more long-term. cious. Street, B3 3LX 0121 B5 6RG 0121 622 200 2767 Garden Inn, 1 In its short life, the Glutton Club The lemon posset was the Brunswick Square, 2444 choice of dessert for us all. It AZZARI TOO THE LOST & FOUND has garnered a reputation for 204 Lightwoods Rd, Brindleyplace, B1 2HW good food from a modern British was served with vanilla short- 0121 643 1003 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS B67 5AZ 0121 429 0121 643 9293 bread and topped with rhubarb 6621 COTE The Mailbox, menu, so our expectations were LOVES The Glasshouse, high when we booked our table. syrup - and arrived quickly! The BANK 4 Brindleyplace, B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 CUCINA RUSTICA 24 Browning St, B16 8FL On arrival, I found the restaurant posset was sublime; light and B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 0121 454 5151 BAR EPERNAY 171-172 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX to be smaller than expected, with tangy, smooth and creamy. The 0121 233 2277 MANIC ORGANIC Wharfside Street, 46 Poplar Road, a basic décor. Warmly welcomed shortbread and rhubarb were DEL VILLAGGIO The Mailbox, B1 1RL B14 7AG 0121 441 Unit 528, Middle Mall, and shown to our table, we ideal partners. 0121 632 1430 3802 ordered drinks and starters, Though the staff were pleasant, BAR ESTILO 10-114 The Bullring. B5 4BE 0121 643 1400 MAHARAJA 23/25 Hurst which took a while coming. and knowledgeable when it Wharfside St, The St, B5 4AS 0121 622 DEOLALI BAR RESTAU- Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 2641 I opted for baked Camembert came to the menu, I felt they 643 3443 RANT MECHU 47 - 59 Summer with toasted sourdough bread could have been more attentive BARNT GREEN INN 23A St Mary's Row, Moseley B13 8HW Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 and a home-made pickle con- and noticed the waiting times. Kendal End Rd, Rednal 1661 B45 8PZ 0121 445 0121 442 2222 sisting of carrot ribbons and cau- The décor is very much a work METRO BAR & GRILL 73 in progress, and over the next 4949 DESI IMLEES liflower florettes, which were deli- 562-564 Moseley Road Cornwall St B3 2DF BARAJEE 265 Broad St, 0121 200 1911 ciously spiced and had a good few months I’m sure its style will B1 2DS 0121 643 Balsall Heath MILLER & CARTER bite. My dining partners had the become more clearly defined. 6700 Birmingham B12 9AD 178- 0121 4494495 180 Wharfside St, The trio of lamb, made from a combi- The quality and flavour of the BELLA ITALIA 102 New Mailbox, B1 1RN DUET CUISINE Unit 1, nation of lamb cutlet, crispy belly food, though, was fantastic. St, B2 4HQ 0121 0121 643 7738 6431548 . B24 9FD and ballotine of shoulder, all of Ted Finlay 0121 748 1234 MINT Yew Tree Retail BERLIOZ Burlington Park, Stoney Lane which, I was informed, were per- Arcade, New St, B2 EDMUNDS 6 Brindley fectly cooked, tender, and won- Food: IIII I Yardley, B25 8YP 4JQ place, B1 2JB 0121 0121 789 8908 derfully seasoned. Service: III II 0121 633 1737 633 4944 III II MIRAGE FUSION Again, there seemed to be an Ambience: BLUE MANGO Regency FLEET STREET KITCHEN Broadway Casino, unnecessary length of time for Overall value IIII I Wharf, Broad St, B1 Fleet Street, Broadway Plaza 2DS Summerrow, B3 IJH our next course to arrive. OVERALL IIII I Ladywood Middleway, 0121 633 4422 0121 236 010 B16 8LP 0121 456 I’d chosen fish - a salt-baked BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar FUMO 1 Waterloo Street 5557 lemon sole served with buttered The Glutton Club Road, Kings Heath, B2 5PG 0121 643 9979 MOUNT FUJI The new potatoes, wilted spinach 165 - 167 Frankwell B14 7AD 0121 444 THE GREEN ROOM CAFE Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 0999 and capers. The fish was sub- Shrewsbury BAR Hurst St, B5 4TD 633 9853 BLUU Fleet St, Summer 0121 605 4343 lime, and the accompanying Shropshire NUVO 11 Brindleyplace, Row, B3 1JH 0121 236 HARJEES SPICES 512 B1 2LP 0121 631 1600 vegetables fresh and well sea- SY3 8LG 9013 Stratford Road, OLD JOINTSTOCK PUB 4 soned, but the slate on which it Tel: 01743 361676 BRANDED BULL STEAK- Sparkhill B11 4AH Temple Row, B2 5NY HOUSE 175 Broad 0121 773 6130 0121 200 1892 Street, B15 1DT 0121 THE HORSESHOE BAR & 643 5968 NATHANIEL’S RESTAU- RESTAURANT 1214 RANT 13 St Mary’s Row, BUONISSIMO 1 Albany Stratford Road, B28 Moseley, Birmingham, Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 9BH 0121 777 2340 B13 8HW, 0121 449 0121 426 2444 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 9618 BYZANTIUM 11 York 1JL 0121 212 3383 OLD SPECKLED HEN Road, Kings Heath, ITIHAAS BRASSERIE Mere Green Road, B14 7SA 0121 444 Selfridges Food Hall, Sutton Coldfield. B75 5444 Bullring, Birmingham 5BL 0121 308 9410 CAFE IKON 1 Oozells B5 4BP 0121 212 3383 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, Square, Brindleyplace, JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle B3 2DE 0121 200 B1 2HS 0121 248 Mall, Bullring Shopping 2323 3226 Centre, B5 4BE THE ORIENTAL The CAFE ROUGE 0121 270 3610 Mailbox, 128-130 Brindleyplace, Broad JIMMY SPICES Regency Wharfside St, B1 1RQ Street, B1 2HJ 0121 Wharf, Broad St, B1 0121 633 9988 643 6556 2DS 0121 643 2111 PASTA DE PIAZZA 11 CAFE SOYA Unit 2, JUJU’S Canal Square, Brook Street, St Paul’s Upper Dean Street B5 Square, B3 1SA 4SG 0121 622 3888 B16 8EH 0121 456 3384 0121 236 5858 CARLUCCIO’S The THE JUNCTION 212 High PEACHY KEENS 1741 Water’s Edge, Coventry Road, Yardley Brindleyplace Street, Harborne, B17 9PT 0121 428 2635 B26 1DS 0121 764 B1 2HP 0121 633 5519 9262 KINNAREE THAI 22 Waterfront Walk, B1 PENNY BLACKS CELEBRITY INDIAN The Mailbox, 132-134 44 Broad St, B1 2HP 1SN. 0121 665 6568 LA BANCA 1986 Wharfside St, B1 1XL 0121 643 8969 0121 632 1460 THE CHAMELEON 1 Pershore Road, Cotteridge, Kings PICCOLINO Victoria Square, B1 9 Brindleyplace, B1 1BD 0121 643 2233 Norton B30 3AS 0121 459 2204 2HS 0121 634 3055 CHEZ JULES 5a Ethel St, PITCHER & PIANO B2 4BG 0121 633 LA BASTILLE 220 Corporation St, B4 Brindleyplace, B1 2HP 4664 0121 643 0214 CHI 61 Newhall St, 6QB 0121 236 1171 LAS IGUANAS Arcadian PONTE DI LEGNO 44-44a B3 3RB 0121 233 Woodbridge Rd, 3150 Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD 0121 622 4466 Moseley, B13 8EJ

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0121 449 8064 B91 3AB 0121 704 POPPY RED Arcadian 5030 Centre, Birmingham B5 ZORBAS 359-361 Olton 4TD 0121 687 1200 Boulevard, Solihull B27 PUNJABI HAVELI 1558 7DP 0121 706 4709 Stratford Rd, Hall Green, B28 9HA 0121 745 3636 Black Country PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 St, B3 2DH 0121 212 Lichfield Street, Walsall 9799 WS1 1SY 01922 613361 PUSHKAR 245 Broad St, BANKS BISTRO Chapel B1 2HQ 0121 643 7978 Ash, Wolverhampton THE RECTORY 50-54 St WV1 4EP 01902 238433 Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, 0121 605 1001 Wolverhampton. 01902 RED PEPPERS 117 427555 Wharfside St, B1 1RF BENGAL FUSION 174 High 0121 643 4202 St, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 ROSE MURREE 94 -96 8LN. 01384 891111 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston, BILASH 2 Cheapside, B16 8LU 0121 456 4500 Wolverhampton, WV1 SABAI SABAI 1TU 01902 427762 25 Woodbridge Rd, THE BLUE BRICK Moseley, B13 8EH Broad Gauge Way, 0121 4494498 Wolverhampton WV1 SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, 1AA 01902 875301 B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper SHAH’S Unit 16, 1160 Green, Wolverhampton Warwick Road, Acocks WV6 8QQ 01902 Green B27 6BP 0121 756052 San Carlo, Birmingham 707 8297 CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad 255 Bilston Road, Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 SY2 6AE 01743 366658 St, B15 1AY 0121 633 Wolverhampton WV2 0121 557 1402 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 1QU 01743 249126 SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, 0366 2JN 01902 458024 RED FORT Fold St, 01952 432250 LA LANTERNA The Old Shrewsbury SY1 1UT CASA CASITA Upper SHOGUN TEPPANYAKI Wolverhampton, WV1 DORRINGTON OLD HALL Vestry, St Julian's 01743 242321 The Mailbox, 27 - 29 Gornal, Dudley. DY3 4LP 01902 424440 PERSIAN CUISINE Main Church, Shrewsbury 1UP 01902 676754 THE SILVERTON the Old Wharfside St, B1 1RD RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 Road, Dorrington, SY1 1UH 01743 233552 0121 632 1253 CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, Upper Green, Tettenhall, Shropshire SY5 7JD LION & PHEASANT 50 Shrewsbury SY3 8JY SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield Wolverhampton, WV1 Wolverhampton WV6 01743 719100 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury 01743 248000 Rd, Edgbaston B13 3DU 4LR 01902 428928 8QQ 01902 756052 SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St TIN TINS Wellington 0121 454 3434 CINNAMON COURT Bentley SAFFRON Wolverhampton Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ THE LION QUAYS Moreton, THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, Mill Way, Walsall WS2 Road, Oldbury B69 4RR Road, Telford TF2 8AJ 01743 344679 Oswestry SY11 3EN 01952 608688 Brindley Place, 0BP 0121 568 6664 0121 552 1752 01691 684300 THE FEATHERS Brockton, TRAITORS GATE Castle St, Birmingham B1 2HL THE COWSHED Clive SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, Much Wenlock TF13 LOCH FYNE Talbot House, Water Lane, Shrewsbury 0121 633 3049 Farm Clive Rd, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 6JR 01746 785202 Market Street, Pattingham, WV6 7EN 0PU 0121 580 9293 SY1 2BX 01743 249152 SPICE EXCHANGE, FENNELS 8 Market Place, Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01902 701888 THE WALLS Welsh Walls, 1845 Pershore Rd SPICES Hollywell Rd, Shifnall TF11 9AZ 01743 277140 THE CROOKED HOUSE Oswestry SY11 1AW Kings Norton, B30 3DJ Wednesbury. WS10 7PA 01952 463020 MAD JACKS 15 St Mary’s 0121 451 1007 Coppice Hill, Himley DY3 0121 502 0720 01691 670970 THE FOX INN 46 High St, St, Shrewsbury, SY1 4DA 01384 238583 ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 STRADA 109-111 THE SPRINGHILL Much Wenlock TF13 1EQ 01743 358870 THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, Warstones Rd, Penn, Wharfside St, The 6AD 01952 727292 THE MALTHOUSE The High Street, Shrewsbury Walsall, WS1 2EU Wolverhampton WV4 Mailbox B1 1XL Wharfage, Ironbridge SY1 1SF 01743 353232 0121 643 7279 01922 643215 4LB 01902 342530 FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Frankwell, Shrewsbury TF8 7NH 01902 433712 SYRIANA 1 Constitution DON SALVO 25 Darlington THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 SY3 8JX 01743 354422 MORGANS 1 Bellstone, Hill, B19 3LG 0121 Street, Wolverhampton Gospel End Rd, Dudley Staffordshire Shrewsbury SY1 1HU 2369444 WV1 4HW 01902 712819 DY3 4AN 01902 676 THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 NO 5 Gaol Mews, DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley 102 Princess St, Shrewsbury, 01743 239114 TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley Stafford ST16 3AN Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU THORNESCROFT SY1 1LP 01743 362507 MR UNDERHILLS Dinham Road, Edgbaston, 01785 22 9900 Birmingham B16 9NY 01384 877077 Bridgnorth Rd, GRANARY BAR & GRILL Weir, Ludlow Shropshire 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock. THE FAIRLAWNS AT Wolverhampton, WV6 Weston Park, Weston- SY8 1EH 01584 874431 0121 454 1930 WS11 1BH 01543 ALDRIDGE 178 Little 7EQ 01902 700 253 under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, THE MYTTON & MERMAID THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, 573905 B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 Aston Road, Aldridge, Claverley, TF11 8LE 01952 Atcham, Shrewsbury, Walsall WS9 0NU 01922 Wolverhampton WV5 852107 SY5 6QG 01743 761220 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 TIN TIN CANTONESE, Lombard St, Lichfield. 455122 7DG 01746 710 553 THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- THE OLD ORLETON INN The Waters Edge, WS13 6DP 01543 FARADAYS The 167 Frankwell, Brindleyplace, B1 2HL Holyhead Rd, 257986 0121 633 0888 Waterfront, Brierley Hill, Shrewsbury SY3 8LG Wellington, TF1 2HA Dudley, DY5 1UR Shropshire 01743 361672 BELLA ITALIA 20 ULYSSES 42a Bristol 01952 255011 01384 482 882 HADLEY PARK HOUSE Greengate St, Stafford, Street, B5 7AA 0121 AFTAB 25 High St, THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL ST16 2HS FIVE RIVERS Vicarage Hadley Park, Telford TF1 622 3159 Ironbridge TF8 7AD & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill 01785 211968 Place, Walsall WS1 3NA 01952 432055 6QJ 01952 677269 THE VAULTS Newhall Road, Wem, Shropshire CHANDLERS Corn 01922 646164 THE HAYWARDS Place, Newhall Hill, ALBRIGHT HUSSEY at The SY4 5UA 01939 233233 Exchange, Conduit St, FOUR STONES Adam’s B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 Ellesmere Rd, Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, THE PEACH TREE 21 Lichfield, WS13 6JU Hill,Clint, Stourbridge, Shrewsbury SY1 1UY VMF - ASTON VILLA FOOT- Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF Abbey Foregate, 01543 416688 DY9 9PS 01562 883260 01939 290 523 01743 353107 BALL CLUB , Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE THE CORNER HOUSE FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, Trinity Rd, B6 6HE 0121 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 01743 355055 Second Avenue, Burton- Smethwick, B67 5BN 326 1570 Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 Barracks Passage THE PLUME OF FEATHERS On-Trent DE14 2WF 0121 429 7920 Shrewsbury SY1 1XA WAGAMAMA Brindley 1PZ 01743 272586 Harley, Shrewsbury SY5 01283 542321 FRENCH CONNECTION 01743 361666 Place, birmingham B1 BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, 6LP 01743 727360 CURRY KUTEER 31 3 Coventry St, HILL VALLEY HOTEL 2HL 0121 643 7656 TF11 9BA 01952 THE POUND AT LEEBOT- Greengate Street, Stourbridge DY8 1EP Tarporley Road, THE WAREHOUSE CAFE 460662 WOOD Leebotwood, Nr Stafford ST16 2HY 01384 390940 Whitchurch SY13 4HA 54-57 Allison Street, CASA NARANJO Barracks Church Stretton SY6 01785 253279 FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove Passage, Wyle Cop, 0844 879 9049 Digbeth, B5 5TH Rd, Clent, Stourbridge 6ND 01694 751477 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT 0121 633 0261 Shrewsbury SY1 01743 THE INN AT GRINSHILL 27 Broad Eye, Stafford DY9 9PY 01562 883040 The High Street, RENAISSANCE, 29a WING WAH 278 588165 ST16 2QB 01785 GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Grinshill, Shrewsbury, Princess St, Shrewsbury, Thimblemill Lane, B7 CASA RUIZ 45 High 229988 Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 SY4 3BL 01939 220410 SY11LW 01743 354289 5HD 0121 327 7879 2EQ 01922 640363 Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen KING & THAI Avenue Rd, ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, WOKTASTIC Paradise 4DX 01746 218 084 Hall Lichfield, WS14 LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Broseley, Telford TF12 shrewsbury SY1 1HH Place, B3 3HJ 0121 236 CHEZ MAW Best Western 9RE 01543 481494 Mill Street, 5DL 01952 882004 01743 233244 3130 Kidderminster. DY11 Valley Hotel, Buildwas THE GREEN ROOM Castle THE KNIGHTON HOTEL SARACENS Shrewsbury WONGS 5-11 Fleet St, B3 6UU 01562 744976 Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW Dyke, Lichfield WS13 01952 432247 Broad Street, Knighton, Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 6HR 01543 412121 1JP 0121 212 1888 MADE IN THAI Darlington 210877 St, Wolverhampton WV1 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, Powys LD7 1BL 01547 INDIAN VILLAGE ZIZZI 183 High St, 520530 SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, Harborne B17 9QE 4HW 01902 312512 Market Drayton TF9 3PX 8 Lombard St, Lichfield. LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve St, Oswestry SY11 1AQ 0121 428 4228 also at PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower 01630 638984 WS13 6DR 01543 Ludlow, SY8 1DA 01584 01691 655444 The Mailbox B1 1RL Mill Street, Kidderminster CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, 253415 872 325 SHALIMAR 0121 632 1333. DY11 6UU 01562 60479 Shrewsbury SY1 1EN 23 Abbey INDICA Virage Park, 10 Poplar Rd, Solihull, THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst 01743 361440 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills Foregate, Shrewsbury Cannock. WS11 0HN

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Restaurant LISTINGS

08712 070417 01926 494303 JASMINE PEKING 21 High AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, St, Eccleshall, Stafford Warwick CV34 4HS ST21 6BW 01785 01926 400 086 851200 THE ALMANACK Abbey LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford End North, Kenilworth St, Stone ST15 8QW CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 01785 817 985 THE BLUEBELL 93 High THE LODGE 24 Street, Henley-in-Arden, Birmingham Road, Warwickshire, B95 5AT Shenstone. WS14 0LQ 01564 793049 01543 483334 BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, MALABAR 1-2 Water Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 Street, Stafford, ST16 7622 9274 2AG 01785 227 500/600 BROWNS Earl St, Coventry MARLOES 13 London Road, Newcastle under CV1 5RU 0247 622 1100 Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, 661983 Stratford-Upon-Avon THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, CV37 6BA 01789 267424 ST15 8BA 01785 818456 CASTLES 6 Castle St, The Queens, Bellbroughton, Nr Stourbridge Warwick. CV34 4BP THE NAVIGATION INN 01926 492525 Newport Road, Gnosall, JIMMY SPICES 64-66 Bank, Redditch. B97 5UD 01527 578888 Stafford ST20 0BN CATALAN 6 Jury St , Station Rd, Solihull, B91 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT 01527 543209 MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 01785 822327 Warwick CV34 4EW 3RX 0121 709 2111 @ The RST, Waterside, BROWNS 24 Quay St, Broad St, Worcester 01926 498 930 OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester WR1 2JJ WR1 3NH 01905 Branston, Burton, DE14 THE CHURCH STREET Nest, Bridgford, Stratford CV37 6BB 01789 403449 01905 26263 729955 3EX 01283 533222 TOWNHOUSE 16 Church upon Avon. CV37 7LT SAFFRON GOLD Market St, THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, MUG HOUSE Claines Street, Stratford-upon- PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill 01789 264804 Westgate House, Upper Colwall, Malvern. Lane, Worcester WR3 Avon CV37 6HB 01789 Street, Stafford, ST16 MATRICARDIS 97 High St, Warwick CV34 4DE WR13 6DQ 01684 7RN 01905 456649 262222 2AJ 01782 263 737 Henley in Arden. B95 5AT 01926 402061 540276 OLD RECTIFYING HOUSE EGO 29 The Square, THE PEARL18 Market St, 01564 792735 THE SAXON MILL CHESTERS 51 New St, North Parade, Worcester Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Kidsgrove, ST7 4AB MERCHANTS Swan Street, Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, Worcester, WR1 2DL WR1 3NN 01905 01926 864463 01782 788887 Warwick CV34 4BJ Warwick CV34 5YN 01905 611638 619622 THE ENCORE THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, 01926 403833 01926 492 255 CROWN & SANDYS ON THE ROCKS, Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR Bridge Street Stratford NAYA 148 High St, Henley SIGNATURES @ The Main Rd, Ombersley, Worcester Rd, 01543 481807 upon Avon CV37 6AB in Arden. B95 5BS 01564 Belgrade Theatre, WR9 0EW 01905 620252 Bromsgrove. B61 7AE 01789 269462 PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh 793089 Coventry, CV1 1GS EWE & LAMB Hanbury Rd, 01527 882412 St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, NAILCOTE HALL Nailcote 02476 846762 Bromsgrove. B60 4DN PORTOFINO, 6 Worcester 1JD 01782 209444 Henley in Arden. B95 Lane, Berkswell, Coventry, TAILORS 22 Market Place, 01527 871929 Rd, Droitwich. WR9 8AD 5QR 01564 793783 THE RED ROOM 7 CV7 7DE 02476 466174 Warwick CV34 4SL THE FIG TREE 99 Church 01905 794799 Newcastle Road, FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria NICOLINIS 14 The Parade, 01926 410590 Street, Gt Malvern, WR14 PORTWAY ITALIAN, Congleton CW12 4HN Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV32 THAI ELEPHANT 2AE 01684 569909 Alcester Rd, Redditch. Leamington Spa, CV31 01260 297871 4DW 01926 421620 20 Regent St, FOUR SEASONS 61 B48 7HT 01564 824794 3AB 01926 431999 THE SWAN HOTEL 46 ONE ELM 1 Guild St, Leamington Spa, Lowesmoor, Worcester PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, Greengate Street, THE FLAT CHICKEN 44 Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwick CV32 5HQ WR1 2RS 01905 27026 Worcester WR12LZ Guild Street, Stratford- Stafford ST16 2JA CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 01926 886882 FUSION BRASSERIE 01905 27770 upon-Avon, CV37 6QY 01785 258142 OSCARS 39 Chandos St, THE TREVELYAN Warwick Hawbridge, Stoulton, RAJDOOT Cutnall Green, 01789 415543 THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Leamington Spa, CV32 Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester WR7 4RJ Droitwich. WR9 0PW Lockwood Rd, Kingsley GEORGETOWN 23 Sheep 4RL 01926452807 CV37 ONR 01905 840647 01299 851000 St, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Holt, Stafford ST10 2DH PEEL’S Hampton Manor, 01789 295252 THE GARDENERS ARMS RILY’S The Quadrant, CV37 6EF 01789 204445 01538 750831 Hampton-in-Arden, WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith Vines Lane, Droitwich. Redditch B98 8AE WOLSELEY ARMS HELP OUT MILL Heather Solihull, B92 0EN 01675 St, Warwick CV34 4HS WR9 8LU 01905 01527 60544 Rd, Shakerstone, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford 446080 01926 491736 772936 ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, Nuneaton. CV13 0BT ST17 0XS PREZZO 1-3 High St, THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West Aston Fields, 01530 260666 THE GATE 36 Dodford Rd, 01889 883179 Warwick CV34 4AP St, Warwick CV34 6AW Bournheath, Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ HIGH PAVEMENT 3 High 01926 475867 07873 219005 Bromsgrove 01527 889948 Street, Warwick, CV34 QUEANS RESTAURANT 15 ZIZZI 85-87 Regent B61 9JR 01527 878169 SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New Warwickshire 4AP 01926 494725 Dormer Place, Square House, Parade, THE INN AT STONEHALL St, Worcester WR1 2DP HOGARTH’S HOTEL 4 Ashes Leamington Spa CV32 Leamington Spa CV 32 Stonehall Common, 01905 610505 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, Rd, Solihull, B93 8QE 5AA 01926 315522 4NL 01926 432532 Worcester, WR5 3QG SINGAPORE 29 Friar St, Warwick CV34 4RA 01564 779988 01926 411 755 RESTAURANT 23 ZORBA’S Olton Boulevard, 01905820462 Worcester WR1 2NA HORTONS 165 High Street, 34 Hamilton Terrace, Holly Solihull. B27 7DP 0121 KING CHARLES II King 01905 613005 NO. 9 CHURCH STREET Solihull B91 3ST 0121 Walk Leamington Spa, 706 4709 Charles House, New St, THAI GALLERY 26-32 Friar Stratford upon Avon, 709 3177 CV32 4LY 01926 422422 Worcester WR1 2D St, Worcester WR1 2LZ Warwickshire CV37 6HB INDIA RED 1-2 Abbey St, 01789 415522 ROBBIES 74 Smith St, 01926 852980 01905 22449 01905 25451 Nuneaton. CV11 5BP Warwick CV34 4HU Worcestershire ART KITCHEN 7 Swan St, L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 THAI LOTUS 147 02476 342090 01926 400470 Warwick CV34 4BJ ANAKARI 47 The Tythings, Graham Rd, Malvern. Worcester Rd, Worcester. WR1 1JT WR14 2HU 01684 Bromsgrove. B61 7HN 01905 21412 572427 01527 882606 ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, LANGTREYS 89a High St, THAI RAMA Walwyn Rd, Worcester WR1 3QT Bromsgrove. B61 8AQ Gt Malvern. WR13 6QX thE dINNEr cLub (ESt 86) 01905 731131 01527 878242 01684 541563 a rEcIpE for fINE food aNd Good compaNy ANUPAM 85 Church LITTLE VENICE 1 - 3 St THE WILDMOOR OAK Street, Malvern. WR14 Nicholas St, Worcester Top Road, Wildmoor, 2AE 01684 573814 WR1 1UW 01905 Bromsgrove B61 0RB SINGLE? BACCHUS 44 Worcester 726126 0121 453 2696 Road, Bromsgrove B61 LOTUS HOUSE 33 THE WOOD NORTON For the more discerning 0TA 01527 877557 Ombersley St, Droitwich. Worcester Road BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, WR9 8QX 01905 Evesham Worcestershire unattached person, age 30-45 or 45+ Worcester WR1 2HZ 770079 WR11 4YB 01386 01905 21444 MAEKONG THAI 12 765611 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, BINDLES 55 Sidbury, Worcester Rd, theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. Worcester. WR1 2HU Bromsgrove. B61 7AE 01905 611120 Not a datING aGENcy BRAMBLINGS Hither Green Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE To get your restaurant listed here 01527 406600 01244 677030(day)/01244 548816(Eve/W-end) THE BRIDGE INN Plough e: [email protected] Rd, Tibberton, Droitwich. or call Jon Cartwright www.thedinnerclubuk.com WR9 7NQ 01905 345874 on 01743 281703 THE BROOK INN Elcocks

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