FILM INSIDE: EVENTS COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS FOOD & DRINK & MUCH MORE! BLITZ HILL BLITZ MICA PARIS MICA World War Two-style War World interview inside... interview soul sensation takes sensation soul entertainment in Ironbridge in entertainment

JOHNLEGEND the lead in new musical new in lead the BRINGS ALL OF ME TO THE MIDLANDS JUNE 2015 JUNE ISSUE 354 354 ISSUE sOn ’ .co.uk

whatsonlive

www.

SHROPSHIRE What PLAY TELFORD TOWN PARK ARENA

BOYZONE THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ULTIMATE MIDLANDS THE Shropshire Cover Online.qxp_cover 27/05/2015 11:21 Page 1 Page 11:21 27/05/2015 Online.qxp_cover Cover Shropshire SHROPSHIRE WHAT’S ON ISSUE 354 JUNE 2015 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS @WHATSONSHROPS WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK British Athletics (FP- June 15).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2015 16:07 Page 1 Contents June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:46 Page 1

June 2015

Editor: INSIDE: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: The Boy In The Brian O’Faolain Striped Pyjamas [email protected] 01743 281701 interview with Lauren Foster John Boyne p6 [email protected] 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Jamie Ryan [email protected] 01743 281720

Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703

Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] David Bintley 01743 281714 talks about twenty years Managing Director: with Birmingham Royal Paul Oliver [email protected] Ballet interview p38 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Mica Paris takes the lead in Love Me Tender - interview page 8 Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry [email protected] TO GET THE VERY 01743 281717 News p4 Contributors: LATEST LISTING Graham Bostock: Theatre INFORMATION, James Cameron-Wilson: Music p11 Film; Eva Easthope, VISIT: Jessica Aston, Patsy whatsonlive.co.uk p22 Fleetwood Mac Moss, Jack Rolfe, Jan Comedy rock legends in Brum Watts, Simon Carter INCLUDING p11 Head Office: BOOKING ONLINE 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Theatre p25 Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE The Midlands’ most Tel: 01743 281777 comprehensive p40 e-mail: [email protected] entertainment website Dance

Follow us on... Film/DVD p43 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is Festivals p47 produced without the use June 2015 of elemental chlorine. Wolverhampton Visual Arts p51 We endorse the recycling & Black Country MTWTFSS of our magazine and @whatsonwolves would encourage you to 1234 5 6 7 Staffordshire p55 pass it on to others to Events 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 read when you have @whatsonstaffs finished with it. Shropshire Eating Out p65 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ’ @whatsonshrops 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WhatsOn 29 30 MAGAZINE GROUP All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News June Region two.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:23 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Trust wins major award Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has been named the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. The popular World Heritage Site was award- ed the title by the prestigious VisitEngland Awards For Excellence, which celebrate the best of English tourism. Ironbridge Gorge won in the category for venues that attract more than fifty thousand visitors per year. Commenting on the success, Anna Brennand, Chief Executive of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “It was a great achievement to once again reach the finals of these prestigious awards, as this positions us amongst the best tourist attractions in the country. Trustees, volunteers and staff are all delighted that we’ve received the Gold Award, which is a wonderful testament to all their hard work over the years.”

Theatre festival inspired by Staffordshire Hoard Nineteen of the UK’s leading writers and theatre-makers are to showcase works inspired by the Staffordshire Hoard as part of a five week festival in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Supported by an Arts Council England Exceptional Award, the Hoard Festival will take over the New Vic Theatre’s theatre-in-the-round from 20 June to 25 July. The festival is the brainchild of New Vic’s Artistic Director Theresa Heskins who says she wants New Vic audiences ‘to have a hint The Ironbridge Gorge team receiving their award of the choice and variety that London’s arts audiences have at their disposal every day; the opportunity to savour new ways of experiencing the arts and a chance to encounter some of the country’s most exciting playwrights and theatre-makers’. For further information, visit New date for Black Country newvictheatre.org.uk Road Run Enchanted Evening production will see him without the restrictions of the conventional Organisers of Halesowen’s Black Country joined by his Casualty co-star, Amanda theatres. Not only have we introduced the Road Run have brought forward the event Henderson. Lee and Amanda visit Lichfield largest ever pantomime staging and set, our from September to July so that it can Garrick on 21 November. become a key feature of this year’s Black cast of performers rival even some of the Country Festival. Now in its fourth year, the largest West End shows. I can guarantee no event hopes to reach the ‘one thousand par- one will have seen a pantomime like this The search is on for Child ticipants’ milestone for the first time while ever before!”Cinderella shows at Barclaycard raising more than £24,000 for charity. For Arena from 20 to 24 December, with a ten Executive Officer details about the run, including how to sign percent discount available on Early Bird tick- English Heritage has launched a nationwide up to take part, visit theblackcountryrun.com ets and family bundles purchased before 19 search for its first ever Child Executive June. Visit the ticketfactory.com for details. Officer (CEO). The role has been created as part of the English Heritage Kids’ Takeover Cinderella with a twist - Oh, season and will see the suitable candidate yes it is! Choir members needed... lead a programme of events and activities at A Wolverhampton’s Chad Singers choir is venues across the Midlands. The venues While the majority of us are currently con- looking to recruit new members to fulfill include Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, templating our summer holidays, thoughts soprano, alto, tenor and bass roles. The Witley Court in Worcestershire, Boscobel are already turning to Christmas over at the choir is hoping to recruit from Pattingham, House in Shropshire and Goodrich Castle in Barclaycard Arena. The Birmingham venue where it’s based, and the surrounding areas Herefordshire. The role of the CEO will be recently announced that it’s to host ‘the of Perton, Codsall and Albrighton. The supported by a special Roundtable of six world’s biggest pantomime’ in December. A Singers formed fifteen years ago and have children who will help ‘spread the fun’ fifty-foot-high castle will set the scene for a raised over £20,000 for local charities. across their local sites. Closing date for version of Cinderella that comes with a twist. Interested in getting involved? Then call applications is 7 June. For further informa- The show will star an impressive cast of Gena Richards on 01902 700188 or Alan tion on how to apply, visit panto favourites, including Bradley Walsh as Hickman on 01902 744653. englishheritage.org.uk/kidstakeover the loveable Buttons and Paul O’Grady as the Fairy Godfather. Aerial acrobatics, gospel choirs, Bollywood West End actor on tour and street dancers will also feature in Jon Lee Mead is bringing his latest show to the Conway’s production. Commenting of the Midlands in the autumn. Turning back the show, Jon said: “Forget the traditional pan- clock and celebrating the Golden Age of tomime - this year we’re mixing things up! Hollywood, the one-time Joseph’s Some It’s fantastic to be able to create a show

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News June Region two.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:24 Page 2

Laughs aplenty in The Potteries A new comedy club on the site of Hanley’s former Theatre Royal promises to reignite the spirit of live entertainment in the area. The nationally established Glee Club’s latest venue sees the award-winning comedy brand teaming up with the Luminar Group - the company which ran the basement premises as JJ’s club until late last year. Big-name comedy performers already booked to appear include Patrick Monahan, Gary Delaney, Nathan Caton and Paul McCaffrey. The highly rated comedians will be following in the footsteps of the leg- endary Laurel and Hardy, who performed at the Theatre Royal in 1952. Explaining the reasons for opening a venue in Hanley, Glee Club founder Mark Tughan said: “As soon as we were shown the place, we knew we had a lot to offer. There’s a really vibrant nighttime entertainment scene in Hanley, and we’re looking to add to this by bringing back big laughs and top comics to the former Theatre Royal.” For further information, visit glee.co.uk

Festive duo Hooked on pantomime Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson look set to further cement their status as Stoke’s favourite panto duo when they return to the city’s Regent Theatre this Christmas to star in Peter Pan. While Christian plays the sinister Captain Hook, Jonathan will mark his tenth year in festive entertainment by playing the conniving pirate’s comedy sidekick, Smee. Commenting on the show, Jonathan said: “I can’t wait to come back to the Regent for Peter Pan. I haven’t appeared in Peter Pan before, so it’s going to be a brand new show with lots of surprises for everyone. I love coming home to Stoke-on-Trent during Christmas. Not only are the audiences amazing and the theatre like my second home, but to be able to work with my mate Christian again is great. We have as much fun in the panto as the audience has It’s A Mystery at Enginuity watching it! And this year is extra special as it’s my tenth panto at the Regent, so it’s going to be even bigger and better than before.” Toyah Willcox is to present an intimate set Peter Pan shows at the Regent Theatre from 4 December to 3 January. at Enginuity in Ironbridge later this year. The ’80s pop star’s Acoustic, Up Close & Personal With Toyah gig (2 October) will see her recounting stories from her varied and IN BRIEF Bard Boot Camp at The Grand colourful career, during which she’s starred Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has launched an initiative to in Calamity Jane, Cabaret, Peter Pan, New venue for explore the works of Shakespeare. Bard Boot Camp aims to moti- Jubilee and cult 1970s movie vate and inspire Sixth Form students studying the playwright. It Quadrophenia. Supported by musicians popular show consists of a unique live performance and a theatrical Chris Wong and Colin Hinds, the It’s A The City of Masterclass. The Grand has liaised with Simon Fielder Mystery star will be on Wolverhampton Productions in the development of the project, which begins this hand after the show to Show is this year month with a performance of Hamlet: Cut To The Bone (18 June). sign autographs and being held at a new The production is a live, one-man version of the complex tragedy, pictures. Tickets priced venue to accommo- adapted by Simon Rae and performed by the RSC’s David Keller. at £20 are available in date its growing The performance will be followed by a Masterclass; an interactive advance from iron- number of attrac- seminar and an afternoon of rigorous bridge.org.uk or by call- tions. Bard-focused ‘workouts’. The Bard Boot ing Ironbridge Tourist The popular event, Camp package is open to any student Information Centre on which has previously studying English Language, English 01952 433 424. taken place at West Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies or Park, will be held at Performing Arts at A-Level or equivalent. Wolverhampton Places are still available for the full Bard World record attempt in Stoke Racecourse on Boot Camp package, including the after- Saturday 11 and noon of workshop sessions and seminar. Organisers behind a major event for bikers Sunday 12 July. To find out more, contact Claudia Gilmour are inviting motorcycle enthusiasts to The show’s attrac- by email at: become part of a world record attempt. David Keller tions include [email protected]. outside The Grand The Staffordshire Bike Show at Stoke-on- Wolvestock Country Trent’s Britannia Stadium on 19 July will fea- Music Festival, Big ture an attempt to break the world record Pete Monster Truck, for the ‘most Triumph motorcycles in a Bolddog Lings Exhibition comes Highly Commended parade’. Competent riders interested in tak- Motorcycle Display A temporary exhibition at RAF Museum Cosford has received a ing part should take their Triumph to the Team, quad bike Highly Commended Award in the Best Temporary Exhibition cat- event and be able to show a full licence. stunts performed by egory at the Museums & Heritage Awards 2015. The world record attempt will start at around the Kangaroo Kid, Pilots Of The Caribbean: Volunteers Of African Heritage In The 9am. Participants must have registered and and the Stampede RAF tells the story of Black servicemen and women from the signed in by 8.45am. Further information on Stunt Company per- Caribbean, Africa and Britain who volunteered to serve in the what’s happening at this year’s show can forming a range of Royal Air Force in two World Wars and during the subsequent be found at staffordshirebikeshow.co.uk stunts on horses peacetime. The exhibition shows at the museum until 31 October. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 John Boyne interview Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:10 Page 1

interview John Boyne talks about The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas When Irish novelist John Boyne came up with the concept for a children’s novel based on the atrocities of the Holocaust, little could he have imagined the world-wide appeal of his work. A stage version of John’s story is currently being toured by the The Children’s Consortium, stopping off in Wolverhampton this month.

This idea came into “ my head of these two boys at the fence, talking to each other. The whole story sprang from there. ”

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk John Boyne interview Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:10 Page 2

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was your The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas has been It’s documented that from as young an age first book for children. Where did the story published in forty-seven languages. When as twelve you wanted to become a writer. come from? writing, do you find it necessary to consider How did you turn that aspiration into reality? I’d been quite a serious student of Holocaust- a book’s universal appeal? Right through my teenage years I was writing related literature for many years. It had been a Not really. Since then, pretty much every novel all the time. I was writing so many short stories. subject that I’d been very fascinated by and I’ve written has gone into about thirty It wasn’t one of those things where I was just had read very widely on, but I never thought I languages, so I just write the best book I can saying, ‘This is what I want to do’. I was actively would write about it myself. This idea came into write. I think if you write something good it will doing it. Then, when I was older and I left my head of these two boys at the fence, talking reach an audience - or at least publishers in university, I opted for a Masters in Creative to each other. The whole story sprang from different countries will feel it’s strong enough to Writing at the University of East Anglia. Michael there. All of that reading and research over the publish. I don’t really think in those commercial Bradbury was still teaching there at the time, years just led me to a place where I could terms, I just try and write a better book every and it was a great course to get on to. It really explore the subject in what I thought was an time. fed my ambitions. From there it was just a case original way. of keeping going, trying to write a novel, trying What’s been your involvement in Angus to get an agent, trying to get a publisher. I had it Marketed as a book for young readers, the Jackson’s stage adaptation? in my head that I wanted to be published by the nature and style of the narrative also lends A little bit less. I’ve had so much involvement time I was thirty. My first book came out when I itself to adult reading. Were you conscious with Boy In The Striped Pyjamas projects over was twenty-nine. I had just four months to of this when you started writing, or is it the years that I kind of stepped away from this spare before I hit that mark. something that became apparent once the one a little. I read the draft that Angus wrote and book neared completion? we met to discuss it. What I like is the fact that Your latest children’s novel, The Boy At The I wasn’t too conscious of it when I started. I was he’s adapted the novel rather than the movie. Top Of The Mountain, is due for release later a few chapters in when I thought that because It’s a completely fresh take on it. In some ways it this year. Set during the reign of the Nazis, it my protagonist was nine years old, this was makes more sense as a play because there are tells the story of nine-year-old boys. Is that, maybe a book for young people - but it didn’t very few characters in the novel and very few together with maybe the title, where its seem that important to me in terms of who its locations. I think the intimacy of the relationship similarities end in terms of The Boy In The audience were. However, when I presented it to with the audience, and between those two little Striped Pyjamas? my agent for the first time, I did say it was a boys, works quite well. Probably. I do seem to be fascinated by war. book for young people. I didn’t think it was My last children’s book, Stay Where You Are going to have an appeal outside of that, but it What’s the main consideration when writing And Then Leave, was set during the First World quickly became this crossover novel, which for children as opposed to adults? War. The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain is slightly surprised me. I’ve written four books for young people and I very much about brainwashing. It’s about a don’t try to change the language. I don’t try to child who starts out as a good kid but shows Did the depth of your knowledge suffice, or simplify it. The themes that I write about are as how easy it is to become corrupted. I think it’s did you have to dig deeper in terms of serious as the things I write about in adult the setting that I’m going to go back to time research to get everything you needed to novels. For me, it’s about taking a young and time again. There are so many stories that make the narrative more convincing? person, putting them in the centre of an adult can be told there. In a wartime setting you find I felt I had enough for the first draft and to just experience and seeing how they manage to so many aspects of human nature that you can let the story spring from that. Once I had that cope. I think that’s what’s more interesting for do a lot with as a writer. first draft completed, I knew all of the things that young people. I’ve been in lots of schools over I didn’t know, and that I therefore had to find the years, and they don’t want to be talked Thinking back to when you were nine, what out more about. I had to decide how faithful to down to. They don’t want stupid stories. They’re would have been your favourite book? the geography of the camps I wanted to be. I willing to be challenged with the serious Treasure Island, which is the book that Bruno wanted to keep it as a fable, as a work of subjects that my books cover - the Holocaust, carries with him all the time in The Boy In The fiction, but I went back to various sources the First World War, the death of a parent - and Striped Pyjamas. immediately after that first draft, including the talk about them and learn about them. It comes memoir that Rudolf Hoess wrote after he was down to, if you write a good book - no matter if Did you base Bruno on anyone in particular? captured and imprisoned before he was it’s for adults or for children - you just need to No. I knew that the Commandant from hanged. write something from the heart and hope it finds Auschwitz, for example, had brought his family that readership. to live there and that he had five children but I What was your initial reaction on hearing didn’t base Bruno on any of them. The same that Mike Harman wanted to turn the story Does your creative process always follow the with Shmuel - he’s just a representation of into a film? same route? children. Neither of them are based on real-life I met with Mark and we talked through it. He It does really. I move back and forth between people. seemed to have a good idea for how he adult and children’s books. Somehow that’s wanted to do it and I was happy to let him go good for me and it creates something. I write Your first collection of short stories, Beneath ahead. To be honest, I’ve had several of those the first draft in a relatively short space of time, The Earth, will be published in the autumn. meetings over the years. At the end of the maybe over six months. I just plough ahead and Tell us more... meeting, you think ‘That was a nice don’t go backwards at all. I just keep going until I’ve published quite a lot of short stories over conversation, but I’m sure it probably won’t go the end. I don’t plot out the books. I just start the years and last year won the Irish Book anywhere’. On that particular occasion, though, with a basic idea and let it build from there. It’s Award for the Short Story Of The Year. I thought it did go somewhere. I became quite involved pretty much the same process every time. it was time to put a collection together, so I’ve with the project and was very pleased with been working on quite a few different stories everything that Mark did. Being an author is a solitary profession. Do recently. They’re all relatively new. Some have you have someone who you usually bounce been published in magazines or anthologies, Could you ever have anticipated the ideas off? others are brand new. I’m a bit nervous about it enormity of its success? A lot of my closest friends are writers, and the because I’ve never published a story collection No. I thought it was going to be more writing community here in Dublin is quite a tight before. They have to have some unifying field successful than my previous novels - but that one. I certainly have friends of my own to them, and I’m trying to figure out the wouldn’t have been to hard, to be honest. generation, and we talk about books and structure in terms of the running order of the There was a good buzz about the book in the publishing and share drafts with each other. I stories. I’m certainly looking forward to them publishing industry leading up to its like the solitary nature of writing. I’m quite a being published. publication. It had sold into a lot of countries for solitary person and I quite like the peace and foreign rights and it felt like everything was in quiet of being alone at home and working. place for it to reach an audience. People were reading it in that early stage and were surprised Do you write every day? by the ending. I felt confident that it would be I certainly try to. I’m a morning person, so try to The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas shows at successful but I didn’t think it would do as well write between eight and noon as much as Wolverhampton Grand Theatre as it did. possible. That’s when I’m at my best. I never from Tues 9 - Sat 13 June write in the evening.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Micha interview (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:46 Page 1

interview

Mica Paris talks about finding herself in new musical... Mica Paris shot to stardom in the late 1980s, with One Temptation and Where Is The Love featuring amongst her biggest hits. Since making her breakthrough, she’s successfully turned her hand to presenting, writing, acting and fundraising. This month she takes to the stage to star in Love Me Tender, a brand new musical from the producers of Hairspray, Legally Blonde and Jersey Boys. What’s On recently caught up with Mica to find out what audiences can expect..

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Micha interview (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:46 Page 2

My character, Sylvia, is very much like me, just with an American accent. “It was all too much when I first read the script. She just mirrored me. ” Love Me Tender is a brand new musical should do it is for the love of the art. If you get You were recently honoured as an icon at which, to a certain extent, sees you entering the fame on top, that’s a bonus, but the Windsor Castle by the Duke of Edinburgh. into the unknown. What drew you to the beginning of it must be an absolute and total How was that experience? production? passion for it. It was very interesting. It was very weird being The story. It’s so powerful. I guess it’s almost in the same room as Buzz Aldrin and all these like Frankie And Johnny. It’s set in the ’50s in Your daughter’s in the business. Do you incredible people. I was just like, ‘Am I an icon America at a time of segregation. My character, pass on your own experiences, or is it a as well? That’s weird!’ So it was a bit strange Sylvia, is very much like me, just with an case of letting her get on with it? but very sweet. The Duke’s great, and so was American accent. It was all too much when I I don’t get involved at all. She comes to me Sophie, Countess of Wessex. She’s lovely. first read the script. She just mirrored me. when she needs me, and I’m there. I don’t Believe it or not, she was a runner for me when Sylvia runs a bar and you get to see her during want to get in the way of her progress. She I first put out my My One Temptation track. She a twenty-four-hour period. You see what went must find her own thing and do it herself. I’m was a runner at Capital Radio and looked after on in the ’50s, in a bar owned by a black there when she crashes and that’s all you can me. I didn’t even know that until I went to the woman, at a time of segregation. And the do as a mother. You’re their rock and should Icon dinner. She came up and said, ‘Before I music is all Elvis. It’s just a very powerful script be there when they need you, but you got married, I was your runner at Capital - and although the subject matter is serious, shouldn’t get involved in pushing them and Radio’. That was so bizarre. it’s done in a way that makes you laugh and telling them where to go. You have to leave have fun. them to get on with it. They love you for it in the You’ve appeared on a couple of reality TV end. shows. Is that line of work something you’d How has the music of Elvis influenced you do again? as an artist? What do you think of the current state of the The reality shows that I chose were quite good. Elvis was my mother’s favourite. I remember music industry? They weren’t embarrassing or humiliating, and being seven years old when he died. My mum I think we could sit here and go on about the I always try everything once. I did Strictly and was just bawling her eyes out for weeks. I glory days of the ’80s and ’90s, and how there realised I can’t dance. I tried it but you’ll never couldn’t understand what was wrong with her. was loads of money in the business back then. see me do that again. I’ve just done Celebrity She’s obsessed with Elvis, so when I told her I Yes, there was - but most of the time the artists Masterchef, which is credible as well, but that was doing this play she was made up. I’ve didn’t get to keep the money. That’s changed will be the last. It’s such a lot of work, thirteen- done so much in the past twenty-seven years now, which is a good thing. The only downside hour days. in this business, but the minute I do this play is that it’s much harder for people to come with the music of Elvis, I’m the best thing since through nowadays. People think the main way How are you gearing up for being back on sliced bread as far as she’s concerned. I is through TV and reality programmes. I’m not the road? couldn’t do anything wrong right now. talking about presenting, I’m talking about I tour all the time with my band, but I haven’t getting visibility to sell your music. You have to done a play for twenty-one years. The last one By your own admission your voice is now be visible to have your music sell. Before, you I did was Mama I Want To Sing. I’m looking as good as it’s ever been. How do you keep could rely on your talent. forward to being on tour with Love Me Tender it in top condition? because we get to stay in the towns for a week The best way to keep your voice in good What do you class as your biggest and I come home on the Sunday. My boyfriend shape is just to keep singing. It’s like a muscle; achievement? and mother are amazing. I’m very lucky that I you just have to keep using it and it just gets My children, really - my children are fabulous. have this great, supportive network. The whole better and better with time. Mine gets a bit My biggest achievement outside of my tour falls in the summer holidays, which is raspy and a bit seasoned, but I consider children is that, after all these years, people still perfect. It’s all fallen into place, so there isn’t myself very blessed that I still have it. When seem to like me somewhat, find me interesting going to be any stress. you’re singing, you don’t try to control it, you and like my music. I think that’s a great allow yourself to be a channel for the energy. I achievement. You’ve achieved a great deal as a musician, know it will sound like a load of mumbo-jumbo an author, actress, presenter, ambassador to some people, but it really is true. You have You’ve had some fantastic collaborations for women, campaigner and, obviously, as to allow yourself to be led by the energy of the over the years with some really big names. a mother. What’s left to achieve? voice. If I was trying to control it, or if I was Which has been the most memorable for I’m on a road of discovery. I want to continue trained or something, I would probably lose you? to make people feel great with what I do. If I that sense of what my voice is. I sometimes Prince was great. He wrote me a great song for died tomorrow, I’d feel like I’d done everything come off stage and think, ‘How did I do that?’ my second album. Chaka Khan has been I wanted to do, but my modus operandi is It’s almost like a cartoon, when you step out of really good to me over the last twenty-odd always to do stuff that makes people feel your body, look at yourself and think, ‘Oh my years too, and has given me a lot of love and good. That’s what music is; it’s uplifting. The gosh, was that me?’ support - as have Natalie Cole and Dionne world is pretty horrible at the moment, so it’s Warwick. These are all people who, from day good to have something to cheer us up. So Looking back over your career, what single one until now, have always been supportive when you ask me what I want to do, I just want piece of advice would you give to your and given me a whole lot of love. I’m very to continue to try and empower people, seventeen-year-old self? fortunate to have been involved with that especially women, and to make people feel I’m not a person to look back. I don’t look back calibre of artist. good. and I don’t look forward, I’m just in the moment. What advice I give to other people On your twitter page, you describe yourself who’re young is that you have to really love as a survivor. Can you expand on that? Love Me Tender shows at Regent this thing. You have to love it so much that it I was caught up in that crazy fame stuff. I’ve Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Mon 29 doesn’t matter if you have a hit or not. You managed to survive with my faculties intact, June to Sat 4 July, and New Alexandra have to love it so much that you don’t care if I’ve raised a family and am still pretty much Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 24 to you’re famous or not. The only reason you together. Sat 29 August.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 1 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 2 Music

Counting Crows Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 10 June Scruffy seven-piece San Francisco rockers Count- ing Crows are best known for Shrek 2’s feelgood hit, Accidently In Love, and 2002’s Big Yellow Taxi. They’ve sold more than twenty million albums worldwide since exploding on to the music scene back in the early 1990s, and are here presenting material from forthcoming and seventh studio album Somewhere Under Wonderland. The album is the band’s first original recording since Saturday Nights & Sunday Mornings in 2008.

The Sleaze Brothers Fleetwood Mac Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs, Fri 26 June Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 8 - Tues 9 June Hugely talented and widely admired they may be, Rock legends Fleetwood Mac are back on the road and hoping to replicate the success but never let it be said that the Sleaze Brothers run of their 2013 sell-out tour. And with songbird Christine McVie making a welcome return the risk of taking themselves too seriously. They’re following a sixteen-year absence, there’s every reason to imagine tickets will go like the happy to be known as the band who play the most proverbial hotcakes. Expect all the hits from the various stages of their stellar career - dangerous blues, soul and rock’n’roll music this from the soul-searching blues of the 1960s Peter Green era, through the decade-defining side of, er, Bloxwich! As long as their audience is magic of hit ’70s album Rumours, to the staggeringly successful supergroup days of the having a good time, which they invariably are, the 1980s. band are happy. Their repertoire of songs includes hits by such legendary performers as Wilson Pick- ett, Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Randy Newman, Don Boyzone Williams, Spencer Davies Group and Status Quo. Telford Town Park Arena, Shropshire, Sat 27 June Back in their heyday, Boyzone achieved no fewer than sixteen consecutive top-five hits, Larry Carlton scored six UK number one singles, four number one albums and sold in excess of fifteen million albums worldwide, making them one of the UK's best-selling bands. The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 16 June Taking into account that little lot, it's reasonable to assume this Midlands stop-off will The four-time Grammy Award-winning, Gibson ES- prove to be a hugely profitable experience - both for the fellas themselves (albeit now 335-playing Larry Carlton has managed to balance without their much-loved ‘brother’, the late Stephen Gately) and for their legion of adoring a successful solo career with session appearances fans. for a whole host of much-admired bands and solo artists. Among those who’ve benefitted from his phenom- enal guitar work are Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis Jr, Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 113 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 3

fri 5 June 7pm lou whatling

...... sat 6 june 7pm dan page ...... fri 12 june 7pm robbie jones ...... sat 13 june 7pm claire shaw ...... sun 21 June 7pm lou whatling ...... Fri 26 june 7pm michaela wylde ...... sat 27 june 7pm robbie jones ...... sun 28 june 7pm kim smith

12 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 4

Music PREVIEWS The Cadbury Sisters Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 14 June Sisters Jessica, Mary and Lucy’s claim to fame is that their great great grandfather was none other than legendary chocolatier William Cadbury. If the siblings’ career continues as it’s cur- rently going, though, it shouldn’t be too long before they become as well known for their music as for their hugely famous ancestor. The sisters describe their aim as being ‘to take the spirit of traditional English folk music, infuse its DNA with contemporary in- fluences such as Bat For Lashes, Fleet Foxes, Daughter and First Aid Kit, and then disseminate it into the world’.

John Legend Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 26 June Ohio-born John Legend’s mantlepiece must be positively creaking under the weight of his numerous awards, pride of place among which must surely be his nine - yep, that’s right, nine - glittering Grammy gongs. Legend hits Birmingham this month on the back of platinum- selling success with the hit single All Of Me, and recognises that the song is his first real crossover hit. “It’s just exposed me to fans who don’t listen to R&B radio,” the thirty-five-year- old star told The Independent last month. “Frankly, more white people!” Barbara Dickson Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 20 June Bad Manners Gladys Knight As a hugely talented recording artist with an The Robin, Bilston, Sat 20 June Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 28 June equally impressive Olivier Award-winning act- Long in the tooth they may be, but English 2 ing career to her name, Barbara Dickson has Empress of Soul Gladys Knight shot to star- Tone ska wizards Bad Manners still com- firmly established herself as one of the most dom way back in the 1960s, becoming one mand a significant following around the versatile performers of the biggest names on the legendary Mo- globe. Very much a novelty act, courtesy in in the UK. Hits in- town record label as she enjoyed hit after the main of the on-stage antics of bald- clude I Know Him soaraway hit with long-time singing group headed frontman Buster Bloodvessel, they So Well and Janu- The Pips. spent the early 1980s vying for chart posi- ary February. On Nearly a half century after joining Motown - tions with fellow stage she’s starred and with forty albums and seven Grammy ska revival bands as pools winner Viv Awards to her name - her place in music his- Madness, The Nicholson in the tory is assured. Memorable numbers include Specials and The musical Spend Midnight Train To Georgia, Help Me Make It Selecter. Hit al- Spend Spend, and Through The Night, Licence To Kill (the offi- bums include was the original Mrs cial theme song to the James Bond film), The Gosh It's... Bad Johnstone in Willy Way We Were, Baby Don’t Change Your Mind Manners, Loonee Russell's long-run- and You’re The Best Thing (That Ever Hap- Tunes! and ning musical, Blood pened To Me). She plays Symphony Hall as Ska’n’B. Brothers. Her televi- part of her first UK tour in six years. sion credits include Anita Braithwaite in Young Fathers Band Of Gold. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 4 June With an enviable reputation for the quality of The Churchfitters their live shows, Edinburgh hip-hop trio Young Fathers are going from strength to Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 4 June strength, last year bagging a Mercury Music Churchfitters, it’s fair to say, are a bit of a nov- Prize for debut album Dead. elty number and a folk band like no other. Not that theirs has been an overnight suc- Here’s the deal. Their double bass is made cess story by any means, the band having out of a saucepan. Rosie Short's heart- formed a full six years before the release of wrenching vocals are accompanied by a mu- their Mercury winner. That said, the boys Pierre Bensusan sical saw. And they have a unique 'bing-bong' were only fourteen years of age when they Stafford Gatehouse, Mon 15 June machine which is made out of hack-saw got together, so it’s maybe not surprising that blades. tangible success took a wee while in coming. He’s been described as ‘the Mozart of the Getting the picture? In addition to all this, guitar’, and it’s easy to see why. Rosie is a one-woman ‘orchestra’, playing Finger style acoustic guitar virtuoso Pierre flute, saxophone, banjo, tin whistle, dulcimer, Bensusan has been hailed a genius by such ukulele and any number of things you can respected authorities as Jon Gomm and shake, rattle or whack with a stick (although Melody Maker. A man who’s been at the top not all at the same time, you understand). of his trade for four long decades, he utilises Rosie's brother Chris, meanwhile, is a fever- a style of playing which brilliantly crosses ishly fast fiddler, while Frenchman Boris Le- world, classical, jazz, traditional and folk bret - part bass player, part mad inventor - music. Pierre’s exceptional talent last year loves nothing more than playing an instru- saw him win an Independent Music Award for ment cobbled together out of scrap metal. his triple live album, Encore.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 5 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 6

MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS SAT 6 JUN 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER Barclaycard Arena, For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, Birmingham including times and dates, JOHN BARROWMAN Sym- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk phony Hall, B’iham Bryan Ferry SLADE UK The Slade Rooms, Wolverhamp- Symphony Hall, Birmingham MERCILESS TERROR, ton This latest tour comes off the MON 1 JUN SODOMIZED CADAVER, DAN PAGE Havana Re- public, Shrewsbury back of Ferry’s most recent MANIC STREET PREACH- DAEMONA, KATALEPTIC & album, Avonmore. He took to CORPS MUTILIATION DETROIT SOUL The Jam ERS Civic Hall, Wolver- House, Birmingham the stage wearing an unassum- hampton Scruffy Murphys, Birm- ingham FROM THE JAM The ing dark suit and open-collared EARL SWEATSHIRT The Robin, Bilston shirt; simple but certainly very Institute, Birmingham FRI 5 JUN CHRIS MAPP Symphony THE WILLOWS Stafford Hall, Birmingham Bryan Ferry. Gatehouse Theatre Although the first part of his 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER BOTOWN: THE SOUL OF THE WEST END MEN Barclaycard Arena, BOLLYWOOD The Drum, show mainly focused on the lat- Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Birmingham est album, he very sensibly in- A SWINGING AFFAIR New TAKE @ THAT The Robin, THE SIMON AND GAR- terspersed the new songs with Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Bilston l FUNKEL STORY New previous solo work and Roxy under-Lyme THE SEARCHERS Tam- Alexandra Theatre, ULI JON ROTH The Music numbers, in so doing en- worth Assembly Birmingham Robin, Bilston Rooms, Staffs ROXY MAGIC The Road- suring he kept the old-school THE MIRROR TRAP The ROY ORBISON AND house, Birmingham fans well and truly energised. Sunflower Lounge, FRIENDS Theatre Sev- THE BOHICAS The Rain- Roxy highlights included Love Is Birmingham ern, Shrewsbury bow Venues, B’ham A Drug, Avalon, Out Of The Blue and an impeccably extended instru- ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The NIGHTS ON BROADWAY - CONAN The Oobleck, River Rooms, Stour- THE BEE GEES STORY Birmingham mental version of Tara. bridge Ferry was backed by a ten-piece band who, although undoubtedly tal- Wolverhampton Grand I FEEL GOOD Crescent Theatre Theatre, Birmingham ented, occasionally drowned out his soulful vocals. Not that this rela- TUE 2 JUN DETROIT SOUL The Jam JAWS The Institute, tively minor complaint could really detract from the magic of the UB40 Victoria Hall, House, Birmingham Birmingham evening. Stoke-on-Trent JASPER CAROTT'S STAND YOUTH MAN The Sug- As always, Let’s Stick Together had the audience up on their feet to- DINO BAPTISTE TRIO The UP AND ROCK Featuring armill, Stoke-on-Trent wards the end, with the fantastic Editions Of You proving equally pop- Jam House, B’ham Jasper Carott, Bev CHANEL-LEE EASY MEMO- STEELIN' THE BLUES Bevan and guests Vic- RIAL CONCERT Birming- ular. toria Hall, Stoke-on- ham Town Hall I always tend to judge the success of a show on its final track. On this Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Trent FULLY LOADEDRoute 44, occasion Ferry’s heartrending cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy PALLBEARER, BAST & THE SUPERSKAS Birmingham brilliantly tied the whole night together. GARGANJUA The Rain- Newhampton Arts Cen- SAM OSTLER, HARRY Bryan Ferry remains the real deal. If I could be as stylish, classy and, bow Venues, B’ham tre, Wolverhampton ALEXANDER, DUCHESS, LOU WHATLING Havana NO TOMORROW & ABBI let’s face it, downright sexy as him when I reach sixty-nine, I’d be an WED 3 JUN Republic, Shrewsbury BAKER O2 Academy, extremely happy man! Ryan Humphreys nnnn DAN WHITEHOUSE The Birmingham LAURENCE JONES The Glee Club, Birmingham HYPE, HAZARD, NICKY Robin, Bilston DUB PISTOLS The BLACKMARKET AND THAT'LL BE THE DAY New Oobleck, Birmingham MORE The Rainbow Braebach Alexandra Theatre, MIDNIGHT MAGPIE PRES- Venues, Birmingham mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Birmingham ENT BIRDS OF PARADISE 2 TARA The Glee Club, With two Scottish Traditional Music Awards behind them, including the YOUNG FATHERS Hare & Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham MOUNT KIMBIE Hare & LAMPA AND DJ MIKEY B award for Best Live Act in 2013, Breabach's performance at mac YOUNG GUNS The Slade Hounds, Birmingham Irish Centre, B’ham promised to be something special. To those familiar with the band, the Rooms, Wolverhamp- RELEASE, LIVES, ULTRA 90’S The River night of sheer exuberance they delivered will come as no surprise. ton HUNTERS & CONCRETE Rooms, Stourbridge The title of the group's latest album is Ùrlar, meaning ground or foun- CHARLIE DORE Kitchen GARDENS The Sugarmill, dation. As such, most of the music pertained to the group members' Garden Cafe, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent SUN 7 JUN BRAND NEW The Glee SEEDY SONICS SUMMER history, including tunes from their home towns and even a Canadian Club, Birmingham PARTY The Rainbow MOSTLY AUTUMN The folk song concerning the work of piper Calum MacCrimmon's ances- THERE & BACK AGAIN O2 Venues, Birmingham Robin, Bilston tors across the pond. Academy, Birmingham VOODOO SIOUX & THE GERRY KEARNEY Irish Genuine folk tunes were interspersed with sterling compositions from 90’S REWIND The Jam FAKULTYRoute 44, Centre, Birmingham TALON - THE BEST OF EA- MacCrimmon and double bass-player James Lindsay, seamlessly fus- House, Birmingham Birmingham MATTHEW LONG Palace GLES Lichfield Garrick, ing the contemporary with the traditional - but at least as entertaining BOOKA SHADE The Rain- bow Venues, Bham Theatre, Reddich Staffs as the music itself were the introductions and discussions (frequently ALL TVVINS The Rain- THE QUO AKA THE 4 FRANK CARTER & THE about guitarist Ewan Robertson's suits) between the songs. bow Venues, B’ham ROSSIS The Road- RATTLESNAKES The More than once, fiddle-player Megan Henderson donned her dancing house, Birmingham Rainbow Venues, Birm- THU 4 JUN ROZI PLAIN The Sun- ingham shoes to show off her footwork - and as complicated as it looked, it FOLLAKZOID The Sun- was often difficult to resist the urge to join in. But if listeners couldn't flower Lounge, B’ham MNOZIL BRASS Birming- PAT BRENNAN AND DEAN flower Lounge, B’ham dance, they were at least given the chance to participate in some of ham Town Hall MCCABE Irish Centre, the singing - in Gaelic, naturally. 999 & THE LURKERS The Birmingham MON 8 JUN Robin, Bilston Not a bit of the energy the band opened with had dissipated by the THE BORN AGAIN BEATLES FLEETWOOD MAC RUSSELL WATSON end of the performance, and Breabach returned to the stage for a The River Rooms, Genting Arena, B’ham Wolverhampton Grand Stourbridge final, joyous number following a raucous and well-deserved encore. Theatre Heather Kincaid nnnn YOUNG FATHERS The Sugarmill, Stoke- on-Trent JOE MCELDERRY Prince Of Wales Centre, Can- nock NAS The Institute, Birm- ingham THE LAFONTAINES Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LUCAS D & THE GROOVE GHETTO The Jam House, Birmingham CHURCHFITTERS Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ADMIRAL FALLOW & C DUNCAN The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham Seun Kuti - The Drum, Birmingham

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 19:21 Page 7

ACES & THE SECOND TRIP O2 Academy, B’ham Music LISTINGS WE FEW, MONEY FOR ROPE, DIRTY ROTTEN SOULS & THE MANALISHI For full listing information on gigs, The Sugarmill, Stoke- including times and dates, on-Trent visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk PALUCH, CHRIS CARSON & MADE IN HEAVEN The Oobleck, Birmingham FAIRPORT CONVENTION & HARD GIRLS The Rain- GOAT’S DON’T SHAVE & New Vic Theatre, New- bow Venues, B’ham THE WHITE ROOM Route castle-under-Lyme 44, Birmingham JERMAINE B & GUESTS THU 11 JUN TRACEY HANNA Irish The Crescent Theatre, THE ENID The Robin, Bil- Centre, Birmingham Birmingham PERRMAGEDDON 80’S ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The ston DECLAN SINNOTT WITH ROCK The River Rooms, River Rooms, Stour- Stourbridge bridge VICKIE KEATING Hare & Hounds, Birmingham ROBBIE JONES Havana THE SUBS The Jam Republic, Shrewsbury TUE 9 JUN Manic Street Preachers - Wolverhampton Civic Hall House, Birmingham FLEETWOOD MAC QUEEN TRIBUTE BAND SAT 13 JUN JAH SHAKA SOUND The Theatre Genting Arena, B’ham Birmingham Botanical SOLID SOUL The Jam Rainbow Venues, Birm- ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The THE PIANO GUYS Sym- Gardens FRI 19 JUN House, Birmingham ingham River Rooms, Stour- phony Hall, B’ham JUDY NIEMACK AND LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The THE GOLDEN BOY The bridge THE STAFFORDSHIRE ARIANA GRANDE Barclay- BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- Robin, Bilston Rainbow Venues, Birm- BAND - BRASS WARS For- card Arena, B’ham TOIRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA THE OVERTONES Sym- ingham est Arts Centre, Walsall CAPITAL GROOVE The Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- TUE 16 JUN phony Hall, Birmingham TREVOR BURTON & MODS FRED ZEPPELIN The River Jam House, B’ham ingham WHITNEY - QUEEN OF THE & SODS The Road- LARRY CARLTON The Rooms, Stourbridge BRIDGET ST JOHN & PARAMORE - MISERY NIGHT Lichfield Garrick, house, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ULTIMATE THUNDER & MICHAEL CHAPMAN BUSINESS (TRIBUTE Staffs BARNESY The Glee INDIGO The Jam House, PURE PURPLE The Kitchen Garden Cafe, BAND) The River STRICTLY ABBA Theatre Club, Birmingham Birmingham Robin, Bilston Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge On The Steps, Bridg- PERMAGEDDON 80’S POP SOFT MACHINE The GROUPER The Jam DIIV Hare & Hounds, north, Shropshire The River Rooms, Robin, Bilston House, Birmingham Birmingham FRI 12 JUN THE CONMITMENTS The Stourbridge AC/DC TRIBUTE - HELLS BOXED IN & ZOLA BLOOD BELLS TRUE ORDER & TRANS- Place, Oakengates The- CLAIRE SHAW Havana WED 17 JUN The Roadhouse, The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham MISSION The Robin, Bil- atre, Telford Republic, Shrewsbury Birmingham ELVIS COSTELLO Victoria THE MOVIELIFE O2 Acad- ston TRULY ANDREWS Tam- JAMES RILEY, ALEX RAID- Hall, Stoke-on-Trent emy, Birmingham TOYAH WILLCOX The worth Assembly SUN 14 JUN FORD & ED GEATER Ort CHANTEL MCGREGOR The MICHAEL ENGLISH Festi- Place, Oakengates The- Rooms, Staffs Cafe, Birmingham THE ELVIS YEARS Wolver- Robin, Bilston val Drayton Centre, atre, Telford THE REFLEX 80’S PARTY hampton Grand Theatre JOHN J PRESELEY, TABLE CHRIS CONNOR AS ELVIS BAND Route 44, B’ham Market Drayton, Shrop- WED 10 JUN THE CADBURY SISTERS SCRAPS & CRAWLIN' shire Forest Arts Centre, Wal- RHYTHM & BOOZE SUM- Henry Tudor House, HANDS Hare & Hounds, ABBA - ARRIVAL UK The- GOSPEL CENTRAL The sall MER MUSIC FESTIVAL Shrewsbury Birmingham atre Severn, Shrews- Jam House, B’ham SOLID SOUL The Jam The Robin, Bilston PAUL MCCARTNEY: AN STANLEY ODD The Sun- bury HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEM- House, Birmingham CALLAUGHTON ROCKS ACOUSTIC Tribute flower Lounge, Birming- THE HORNE SECTION The- BLE The Glee Club, THE CADBURY SISTERS Callaughton House, Kitchen Garden Cafe, ham atre Severn, Shrews- Birmingham The Glee Club, B’ham Much Wenlock, Shrop- Birmingham HAMILTON LOOMIS The bury BLACK GRAPE FEAT JUDIE TZUKE mac - Mid- shire CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Jam House, Birming- MOTOWN AND SOUL SHAUN RYDER The lands Arts Centre, Birm- MAJOR TOMS Hare & CHOIR - ZIMBE! Birming- ham NIGHT Irish Centre, Robin, Bilston ingham Hounds, Birmingham ham Town Hall Birmingham COUNTING CROWS Civic DURAN: THE TRIBUTE The FOTOMACHINE & FALTY SHAWN KLUSH - ELVIS THU 18 JUN TRUEHEIGHTS, TYRAN- Hall, Wolverhampton Roadhouse, B’ham DL Alfie Bird’s, B’ham WORLD TOUR Civic Hall, NOSAURUS, NEBULOUS, LITTLE BARRIE The Rain- WINSTON'S BIG BROTHER TINI & ENZO SIRAGUSA GUNNRUNNER The Wolverhampton MOTH HONEY, THE FIX & bow Venues, B’ham PLUS THE RUBIKONS, THE The Rainbow Venues, Robin, Bilston SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 FRANK ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD PELOTONES, THE KING'S Birmingham FAULKNER The Jam O2 Academy, The Drum, Birmingham House, Birmingham Birmingham ROCK AND METAL ALL BOO HEWERDINE Kitchen MARK GRIST & MC MIXY DAYER The Roadhouse, Garden Cafe, B’ham The Slade Rooms, Birmingham GILBERT O’SULLIVAN Wolverhampton Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands LISA STANLEY Irish Cen- New Alexandra Theatre, RYAN DOOLEY The Sug- tre, Birmingham Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent ROOM 94 The Rainbow CONTAINMENT AND Birmingham THE ROADHOUSE MUCH WENLOCK FRIENDS 0121 246 2273 01952 728911 MON 15 JUN Venues, Birmingham Alfie Bird’s, 02 ACADEMY Birmingham ROUTE 44 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 0121 622 8250 PIERRE BENSUSAN HYENA, BAD GRAMMAR, 0121 708 0108 SHREWSBURY Stafford Gatehouse THE ACTRESS & BISHOP 01743 361666 0121 236 7426 SYMPHONY HALL 0121 780 3333 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY ADRIAN BOULT HALL 01743 234970 Elvis Costello - Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent 0121 331 5901 THE VICTORIA 0121 633 9439 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS THE ASYLUM 01584 878141 0121 233 1109 Black Country THEATRE SEVERN, BARCLAYCARD ARENA SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 0121 780 4141 CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL TELFORD 01952 382382 0121 780 3333 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 815577 WEM TOWN HALL CBSO CENTRE 01939 232299 0121 780 3333 FOREST ARTS CENTRE 0845 111 2898 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE Staffordshire 01902 572090 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK GENTING ARENA 0121 780 4141 ROBIN 2, BILSTON 01538 386112 01902 401211 THE GLEE CLUB LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 0871 472 0400 SLADE ROOMS 01543 262223 WOLVERHAMPTON THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY HARE & HOUNDS 0870 320 7000 0121 444 2081 STOKE-ON-TRENT STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL 01159 454 593 THE INSTITUTE 01384 812812 0121 643 0428 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS WULFRUN HALL, 01827 709618 IRISH CENTRE WOLVERHAMPTON 0121 622 2314 0870 320 7000 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY 0870 060 6649 THE JAM HOUSE 0121 200 3030 Shropshire STAFFORD GATEHOUSE 01785 254653 THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 0121 443 4725 01952 882210 THE RAINBOW THE BUTTERMARKET, For additional information 0121 772 8174 SHREWSBURY and to find out What’s On RED LION FOLK CLUB 01743 355055 at these venues. 0121472 4253 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

16 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music June Region Two with havana lisings.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:26 Page 8

BYRON HARE & ELECTRIC Birmingham Tamworth Assembly The Rainbow Venues, GABBIDON The Jam Rooms, Staffs Idina Menzel - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham House, Birmingham NOFX & ALKALINE TRIO GUNNER’S LAW, ARAMAN- ROBIN AND BINA O2 Academy, B’ham TUS & TINY ROCKETS WILLIAMSON Kitchen THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Route 44, Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham ENCE Prince Of Wales IRON SWAP & SYP KOBRA AND THE LOTUS Centre, Cannock Scruffy Murphys, B’ham The Sugarmill, Stoke BOYZONE The Place, RENAI Oakengates Theatre, SAT 20 JUN THU 25 JUN Telford LAST NIGHT OF THE SUM- GROUPER The Jam RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- MER PROMS Symphony House, Birmingham TACULAR New Alexandra Hall, Birmingham ABBA MANIA Regent Theatre, Birmingham MANRAN Theatre Sev- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE CARPENTERS STORY ern, Shrewsbury THE MOODY BLUES Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- BEAR & KITE’S ROCK Genting Arena, B’ham Trent DISCO Route 44, Birm- JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS THE BLUES BAND Lich- ingham RHYTHM & BLUES OR- field Guildhall, Staffs WINGS OVER ABBEY ROAD CHESTRA Civic Hall, DEL CAMINO The Jam Lichfield Garrick, Staffs Wolverhampton House, Birmingham ARAMANTUS O2 Acad- BAD MANNERS The THE FORTUNES - PAST & emy, Birmingham Robin, Bilston PRESENT Theatre Sev- ERIC MELVIN O2 Acad- BARBARA DICKSON ern, Shrewsbury emy, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand WEST COAST EAGLES + JILTED GENERATION - Theatre DEE D & THE JAMES GANG TRIBUTE TO THE PRODIGY SPACEMENT APES The The Robin, Bilston The Slade Rooms, Slade Rooms, Wolver- PHIL BEER The Roses Wolverhampton hampton Theatre, Tewkesbury RAVE AGAINST RACISM WATERLOO - THE BEST OF THE MIGHTY WRAITH O2 Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham ABBA TRIBUTE SHOW Academy, Birmingham LATE NITE TUFF GUY The New Alexander Theatre, PRIMUS O2 Academy, Rainbow Venues, Birm- Birmingham Birmingham ingham THE BIG FOUR TRIBUTE SPITTING FEATHERS The BENJAMIN YELLOWITZ BAND The Sugarmill, Roadhouse, B’ham The Sunflower Lounge, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham THE STYLE COUNCILLORS FRI 26 JUN WILD IRISH Irish Centre, The Roadhouse, B’ham THE NAKED BEATLES The Birmingham MONEY FOR ROPE The ROBBIE JONES Havana Sunflower Lounge, Robin, Bilston ROY ORBISON AND Republic, Shrewsbury Birmingham THE DECADES BAND The SWIM WITH SHARKS Irish FRIENDS Lichfield Gar- rick, Staffs River Rooms, Stour- Centre, Birmingham bridge MAETLOAF The River JOHN LEGEND Barclay- Rooms, Stourbridge card Arena, B’ham DAVID ARNOLD Sym- SUN 28 JUN SUN 21 JUN phony Hall, Birmingham NOFX & ALKALINE TRIO MICHAELA WYLDE Ha- O2 Academy, Birming- LAYLA ZOE The Robin, vana Republic, Shrews- ham Bilston bury MAGENTA The Robin, Bil- THE EAST POINTERS B'SPOKE The Jam ston Kitchen Garden Cafe, House, Birmingham GLADYS KNIGHT Sym- Birmingham GA GA Stafford Gate- phony Hall, Birmingham ONLY ONE DIRECTION house Theatre NATALIE GELMAN Henry Theatre Severn, THE BLACK FEATHERS, Tudor House, Shrews- Shrewsbury LEWIS & LEIGH & PAUL bury LILLY SINGH O2 Acad- MOSLEY Stafford Gate- SIMPLY DYLAN Kitchen emy, Birmingham house Theatre Garden Cafe, B’ham LOU WHATLING Havana THE FOOD FIGHTERZ The ALDEN PENNER (THE UNI- Republic, Shrewsbury River Rooms, Stour- CORNS) & MICHAEL CERA bridge The Rainbow Venues, MON 22 JUN WARHORSE SONGMAN Birmingham Theatre Severn, TAKE THAT WITH SPECIAL METAL EXTRAVAGANZA Shrewsbury The Roadhouse, Birm- GUEST ELLE HENDERSON HARDRIDE CLASSIC ROCK Genting Arena, B’ham ingham Route 44, Birmingham DAVE MOYHINAN IDINA MENZEL Sym- Irish YUNGEN, SECTION BOYZ, Centre, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham JHUS, MOSTACKS & JONATHAN BYRD Kitchen SNEAKBO The Institute, MON 29 JUN Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham SUZANNE VEGA Birming- A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL TONY VISCONTI & WOODY ham Town Hall JACKSON The Place, WOODMANSEY WITH FRIDAY 26 JUNE ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The Oakengates Theatre, GLENN GREGORY PER- The Sleaze Brothers Lichfield Guildhall 7.30pm £10 River Rooms, Stour- Telford FORM DAVID BOWIE'S THE Jay Phelps Quartet The George Hotel 8.00pm £12 bridge ORCHARD HILL O2 Acad- MAN WHO SOLD THE emy, Birmingham WORLD O2 Academy, SATURDAY 27 JUNE TUE 23 JUN RAVE AGAINST RACISM Birmingham Tommaso Starace Quartet Lichfield Guildhall 1.30pm £12 TAKE THAT WITH SPECIAL Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham EDWINA HAYES Crescent John Etheridge’s Blues Spirits Lichfield Guildhall 3.30pm £12 GUEST ELLE HENDERSON KINGS O’ LEON The Theatre, Birmingham Climax Blues Band +Steve Ajao Lichfield Guildhall 7.00pm £15 BIG SEAN Genting Arena, B’ham Roadhouse, B’ham The Institute, THE SLEAZE BROTHERS DEAD KENNEDYS O2 Birmingham SUNDAY 28 JUNE Lichfield Guildhall, MUSICCONNEX LIVE: Academy, Birmingham Why Jazz? David Smith, John Hughes & Nick Dewhurst Wade Street Church MUSICALS ROCK! IV Birmingham SOUL CITY TOUR Hare & DJ PAUL KELLY Irish Cen- Hounds, Birmingham Stratford Artshouse Big, Bold, Brassy, Beautiful Majestic Music BEN DRUMMOND & tre, Birmingham GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS The JAY PHELPS QUARTET The George Hotel 1.00pm £10 ALEXANDRA JAYNE The Oobleck, Birmingham ROCK & ROLL NIGHT Jam House, B’ham The George Hotel, Lich- The Nick Dewhurst Band 2.00pm FAUX PALMS The field River Rooms, Stour- Walsall Jazz Orchestra 4.00pm bridge Oobleck, Birmingham SAT 27 JUN Blast Off 6.00pm TUE 30 JUN WED 24 JUN B'SPOKE The Jam THE FRANKIE VALLI House, Birmingham FRANK SINATRA JNR AND STORY - JERSEY BOY MAINLY MADNESS The ORCHESTRA Symphony FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES Robin, Bilston Hall, Birmingham GRETCHEN PETERS The Robin, Bilston The DOOMTREE O2 Acad- THE CARPENTERS STORY Assembly, Leamington emy, Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Spa THE THREE DEGREES

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17

Classical June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:28 Page 1

HOLY CROSSSHREWSBURY GALA ABBEY CONCERT ON SATURDAY JUNE 13TH 2015 AT 7.30PM

THE MIDLAND FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA conducted by IAN WARD Organ Concerto ( soloist Nigel Pursey ) Francis Poulenc Overture – The Magic Flute Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Symphony no.3 ( Rhenish ) Robert Schumann

TICKETS £15 students £1 To include interval refreshments In Shrewsbury from: Pengwern Books, Fish St. Salop Sheet Music, St Michael’s St. Windband, Greyfriars Rd. and the Abbey Shop. Info e:mail [email protected] All proceeds towards the Shrewsbury Abbey Organ Restoration Fund and Shrewsbury Drapers Holy Cross Almshouses Fund.

18 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Classical June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 14:19 Page 2

PREVIEWS Matosinhos String Quartet Classical Music Birmingham Town Hall, Mon 15 June The latest recital in the Echo Rising Stars series finds Portugal’s Matosinhos String Quartet showcasing their impressive talent. The Echo series has been designed to pro- vide a platform for Europe’s outstanding young artists, all of whom have been hand- picked to perform by directors of some of the continent’s leading concert halls. The quartet were nominated for the Echo series by the Calouste Gulbenkina Foundation Lisbon and Casa da Música Porto. Their programme features: Mozart’s String Quar- tet in E flat, Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 8, Vianna de Motta’s Cenas nas Mon- tanhas, and Ravel’s String Quartet in F.

Gregynog Festival Gregynog Hall and other venues across mid Wales, Fri 12 - Sun 28 June Gregynog Festival is this year focusing on France and Revolution. The programme features per- formances by mezzo soprano Stephanie d'Oustrac, harpist Xavier de Maistre (pictured), pianist Anne Queffelec and harpsichord virtuoso Christophe Rousset. Ex Cathedra: As Wales’ oldest classical music festival, Gregynog regularly attracts thousands of visitors from across the globe with its ‘music making of the highest standard’. Concerts take place in the Rachmaninoff’s Vespers much-loved Music Room at Gregynog Hall, as well as other historic venues across mid Wales. Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry, Sat 6 June Additional 2015 highlights include: Baroque trio Fantasticus in the ballroom at Powis Castle (17 Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil - June); the London Handel Players at Montgomery Town Hall (18 June); and The Revolutionary often translated as simply Vespers - was Drawing Room, with Baroque flautist Rachel Brown, at Llanfyllin Church (19 June). one of the composer’s two favourite works. The festival is brought to a close by a performance from early music ensemble Vox Luminis, He loved the composition so much that he directed by Lionel Meunier, at Montgomery Church (28 June). requested one of its movements (the fifth) be sung at his funeral. His deep love of the piece, and indeed its brilliance, is all the The Midland Festival Orchestra English Haydn more remarkable given that it took him less Shrewsbury Abbey, Sat 13 June than two weeks to compose. This gala concert sees the Midland Festival Orchestra Festival Jeffrey Skidmore conducts. He’s joined by fundraising on two fronts - to help build twenty-five new Bridgnorth, Shropshire, mezzo soprano Martha McLorinan and Wed 3 - Sun 7 June almshouses in Shrewsbury’s Abbey Foregate, and to tenor Jeremy Budd for a piece which Ex restore and complete the organ in the town’s famous Joseph Haydn’s love of nature Cathedra describe as ‘passionate, serene, Abbey. and the natural world is the and rooted in a deep and heartfelt faith’. The programme for the evening features the Organ Con- theme for this year’s get-togeth- certo by Poulenc, the overture from Mozart’s The Magic er, the twenty-second of its kind. Flute and Symphony No 3 (The Rhenish) by Schumann. Set in the beautiful market town Ian Ward conducts. of Bridgnorth, the five-day festi- val offers a fascinating array of music from Haydn and his con- temporaries. Highlights of the event include performances by numerous internationally acclaimed soloists, including celebrated cellist Christophe Coin, violin virtuoso Simon Standage and fortepianist Yoko Kaneko. Acclaimed Russian cellist Pavel Serbin performs in the UK pre- miere of a newly discovered JC Bach Sinfonia Concertante in G (C45). Chamber concerts per- formed by the Sacconi String Quartet, the Salomon Quartet and the English Haydn Ensem- Interior shot of Shrewsbury Abbey ble also feature. Jeffrey Skidmore

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Classical June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:32 Page 3

20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Classical June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:29 Page 4

RUSSIAN CLASSICS Pro- shire MIDSUMMER MUSICAL PREVIEWS gramme includes works CBSO ANDRIS NELSONS' FANTASY OPERA GALA Classical Music by Borodin, FAREWELL CONCERT Pro- CONCERT Featuring Tchaikovsky & Rimsky- gramme includes New Michael Lloyd (conduc- Korsakov, Sun 14 Jun, Work by Esenvalds & tor), Sinfonia of Birm- Bramhall Music Build- Mahler’s Symphony No ingham, Jordene ing, Birmingham 3, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 Thomas (soprano), MATOSINHOS STRING Jun, Symphony Hall, Rose Rowley (mezzo- QUARTET Programme Birmingham soprano), Thomas includes works by CBSO CELLOS Spanish Luckett (tenor) & Byron Mozart, Shostakovich, surprises from the eight Jackson (baritone), Sat Vianna de Motta & cellos of the CBSO - 20 Jun, Adrian Boult Ravel, Mon 15 Jun, including music by Hall, Birmingham Con- Birmingham Town Hall Falla, Albéniz and Pau servatoire THALLEIN ENSEMBLE Pro- Casals, Thurs 18 Jun, THE CORELLI ORCHES- gramme comprises the CBSO Centre, Birming- TRA: A CELEBRATION OF music of Xiaogang Ye, ham HENRY PURCELL Featur- Mon 15 Jun, Recital BRASS ENIGMA Featuring ing Gemma King Hall, Birmingham Con- Ian Porthouse, Birming- (soprano), Edward Kay servatoire ham Conservatoire (baritone) & Ludlow LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- Brass Band & Tredegar Festival Chorus Con- CERT FEATURING PAUL Town Band. Pro- ductor, Shaun Ward, JACOBS Mon 15 Jun, gramme includes Elgar Sat 20 Jun, St Lau- Birmingham Town Hall arr. Eric Ball: Enigma rence’s Church, Lud- The Magic Flute BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL Variations & Philip low, South Shropshire Programme includes Sparke’s Variations on RANDOLPH MATTHEWS works by Bridge, How- an Enigma, Thurs 18 ‘VOCO SOLO’ WITH OTH- Welsh National Opera ells, Holbrooke, Bowen Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, ERS Featuring Beth Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 10 - Sat 13 June & Ian Venables, Mon 15 Birmingham Conserva- Melling & The Ludlow Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, toire Community Choir, Sat Welsh National Opera’s latest visit to Birmingham sees the company Birmingham PAUL JACOBS IN RECITAL 20 - Sun 21 Jun, Apple- staging three works. THE PRIMROSE PIANO Programme includes tree Studio, Ludlow, Richard Ayres’ new production of Peter Pan reaches deep into JM QUARTET Featuring works by Reger & J S South Shropshire Bach, Fri 19 Jun, Sym- Barrie’s original story, conveying a sense of danger and a delightful Susanne Stanzeleit DRESDEN PHILHARMONIC (violin), Dorothea Vogel phony Hall, Birming- Programme includes anarchy which have so often been underplayed in recent sanitised (viola), Andrew Fuller ham Beethoven’s Egmont adaptations. (cello) & John Thwaites VICTOR LIM (PIANO) Pro- Overture, Dominic Cooke’s version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, meanwhile, (piano). Programme gramme includes works Mendelssohn’s Violin benefits from some truly surreal staging, and features an angry lob- includes works by by Beethoven & Schu- Concerto & Brahms’ ster, a newspaper-reading lion and a fish that’s also a bicycle. Andrew Payne & mann, Fri 19 Jun, St Symphony No 4, Sun Brahms, Tues 16 Jun, Laurence’s Church, 21 Jun, Symphony Hall, Last but certainly not least in this imaginative summer season is a Recital Hall, Birming- Ludlow, South Shrop- Birmingham new production of Debussy’s Pelléas And Mélisande, a beautiful and ham Conservatoire shire CBSO SUMMER SHOW- troubling twentieth century masterpiece that’s well known and great- CHARLES OWEN PLAYS SUMMER FESTIVAL VOIC- CASE Programme fea- ly admired for its strange and dreamlike atmosphere. BACH Programme com- ES Programme includes tures works by R prises JS Bach’s com- works by Faure, Britten, Strauss, Shostakovich, lete Goldberg Varia- Vaughan Williams & Reich, Cage & Mus- tions BWV 988, Tues 16 Oliver Frost, Fri 19 Jun, sorgsky, Thurs 25 Jun, ished), 22’; Strauss’ Jun, St Laurence’s The Barber Institute, Symphony Hall, Birm- Horn Concerto No2, 20’ Church, Ludlow, South Birmingham ingham Classical LISTINGS & Dvorak’s Symphony Shropshire ONLY MEN ALOUD Fri 19 LAST NIGHT OF THE SUM- No.7m 38’, Thurs 11 BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL Jun, Lichfield Garrick MER PROMS Sat 27 Jun, Jun, Symphony Hall, 2015 FEAT. MARK BEB- THE REMUS STRING Symphony Hall, Birm- For full listing information on classical Birmingham BINGTON & SOFIA SAR- QUARTET Featuring Ruta ingham concerts, including times and dates, THE WILL GREGORY MENTO Programme Labutyte & Dugyu Ince JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk MOOG ENSEMBLE Part of includes works by (violins), Katharina von WIND ORCHESTRA & Capsule’s Supersonic Robert Matthew-Walker, Colson (viola) & Daniel CHORAL CONCERT Fea- Festival, Thurs 11 Jun, O’Brien (cello). Pro- LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- works by Bach, Mozart, Ferguson, Ian Ven- turing Jeffrey Snowdon, Birmingham Town Hall gramme comprises CERT FEATURING THOMAS Handel & Faure, Sun 7 ables, Vaughan David Wynne & Alexan- THE ODEION STRING Schubert’s String Quar- TROTTER AND SIMON Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, Williams & John Ire- dra Bickerton (conduc- QUARTET Programme land, Tues 16 Jun, Adri- tet No.14, D810 ‘Death GLEDHILL Mon 1 Jun, Birmingham tors), Sat 27 Jun, Adri- includes works by an Boult Hall, Birming- and the Maiden’, Fri 19 Birmingham Town Hall HEATH QUARTET Tues 9 an Boult Hall, Birming- Haydn & Shostakovich, Jun, Birmingham Muse- ENGLISH HADYN FESTI- Jun, Birmingham Town ham Conservatoire ham Conservatoire Fri 12 Jun, Birmingham KLEE QUARTET Pro- um & Art Gallery BIRMINGHAM BACH VAL Focusing on Hall Museum & Art Gallery gramme includes works BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- CHOIR Joseph Haydn's fasci- PERFORMANCE PLAT- Featuring Paul PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE by Britten & Mozart, TOIRE SYMPHONY nation with nature, FORM: YEN TING WANG Spicer (conductor), Welsh National Opera Wed 17 Jun, Ludlow ORCHESTRA PRESENT revealed in his music, Programme includes David Wynne (bari- present a new produc- Assembly Rooms, PETRUSHKA Featuring Wed 3 - Sun 7 Jun, works by Beethoven, tione) & Claire Barnett- tion of Debussy's twen- South Shropshire Lionel Friend (conduc- Bridgnorth, Shropshire Liszt & Bartok, Tues 9 Jones (mezzo-sopra- tieth-century master- MUSIC ON ARCADIA tor) & Liang Shan THE TALLIS SCHOLARS Jun, Recital Hall, Birm- Fea- no), Sat 27 Jun, St piece, Sat 13 Jun, Birm- turing Eleanor Alberga (piano). Programme perform Tallis, Allegri ingham Conservatoire Paul’s Church, The ingham Hippodrome (piano), Thomas Bowes includes works by and Arvo Part, Thurs 4 WELSH NATIONAL OPER- Jewellery Quarter, Birm- ORGAN PROMS with (violin) & Anna Dou- Rachmaninov & Jun, Symphony Hall, AN: THE MAGIC FLUTE A ingham Keith Hearnshaw, Sat glass (french horn). Stravinsky, Fri 19 Jun, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- Birmingham warm & witty produc- 13 Jun, Victoria Hall, Birmingham Town Hall NOTELETS: UNDER THE tion fusing Mozart's Programme includes CERT FEATURING THOMAS Stoke-on-Trent works by Schumann & BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL TROTTER SEA Featuring the sublime music with Programme MALVERN FESTIVAL CHO- Brahms, Wed 17 Jun, TERCENTENARY Festival CBSO String Ensem- Dominic Cooke's surre- comprises summer RUS New work for St Laurence’s Church, of Voices, Sat 20 Jun, ble, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jun, al staging, Wed 10 - Fri requests, Mon 29 Jun, soprano, chorus & Ludlow, South Shrop- Birmingham Town Hall CBSO Centre, B’ham 12 Jun, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall orquesta tipica, Sat 13 EX CATHEDRA: RACH- Hippodrome Jun, Malvern Theatre MANINOFF VESPERS Fea- PETER PAN Welsh Only Men Aloud - Lichfield Garrick THE MIDLAND FESTIVAL turing Jeffrey Skidmore National Opera present ORCHESTRA Conducted (conductor), Martha the UK premiere of by Ian Ward. Pro- McLorinan (mezzo Richard Ayres and gramme includes works soprano) & Jeremy Lavinia Greenlaw's new by Poulenc, Mozart & Budd (tenor), Sat 6 opera which brings the Schumann, Sat 13 Jun, Jun, Holy Trinity danger, anarchy and Abbey Church, Shrews- Church, Oswestry, vibrancy of JM Barrie's bury North Shropshire original story to the BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL CWBACH MALE CHOIR Sat stage, Thurs 11 Jun, 2015: MARK BEBBINGTON 6 Jun, Malvern Theatre Birmingham Hippo- Programme includes LUCY AKEHURST’S 70TH drome works by Jacob, BIRTHDAY CONCERT Fea- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Williamson & Carwith- turing Timothy English SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA en, Sun 14 Jun, Birm- (conductor) & the Blue Andris Nelsons con- ingham Conservatoire Coat Choral Society. ducts Schubert’s Sym- BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Programme includes phony No.8 (Unfin- MONIC ORCHESTRA:

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 13:52 Page 1 Comedy

Rod Woodward Comedy Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 24 June Box Office This is Cardiff comedian Rod’s first UK tour. It comes on the back of his 2014 Royal Variety BREWHOUSE ARTS performance and support slots for Paddy CENTRE, McGuinness and Russell Brand. Jokes include: BURTON-UPON-TRENT “Last night my wife woke me up and told me to 01283 508 100 COURTYARD THEATRE, investigate the HEREFORD 01432 340555 noise she’d heard DUDLEY TOWN HALL downstairs. ‘Arm 01384 812 812 yourself’, she said, THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, handing me a MUCH WENLOCK, SOUTH SHROPSHIRE backscratcher with 01952 728 911 a plastic hand on FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, the end. ‘Great!’ I LEEK, STAFFS said. ‘If there is 01538 386 112 THE GEORGE HOTEL, somebody in the LICHFIELD house, let’s hope 07816 778 709 he’s an itchy bur- THE GEORGE HOTEL, LICHFIELD glar!’” 07816 778 709 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE, SHREWSBURY 01743 361 666 Mark Grist & MC Mixy JONGLEURS COMEDY The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 19 June CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 08700 111 960 One-time Peterborough-based school teacher LICHFIELD GARRICK Mark Grist waved farewell to a career in educa- 01543 412 121 tion to become a performance poet and minor LUDLOW ASSEMBLY celebrity. The latter identity was achieved when ROOMS, SHROPSHIRE he won a rap battle against a seventeen-year- 01584 878 141 THE LUDLOW BREWING old. The video of the contest subsequently went COMPANY viral on YouTube. 01584 873 291 Mark here appears alongside MC Mixy, who Hilarity Charity Gala 2015 MAC, BIRMINGHAM explores whether a master of ceremonies can 0121 446 3232 Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 8 June ever be accepted by Peterborough's poetry MANFORD’S COMEDY This Central Youth Theatre fundraiser is compered by Daniel Kitson CLUB, BIRMINGHAM community... 0121 643 9132 and brings together Wolverhampton's very own Pappy’s with Mock Mark and Mixy perform together as ‘Dead NATIONAL BREWERY Poets’, combining their art forms to create a The Week star Katherine Ryan (pictured), Edinburgh Comedy Award CENTRE, unique fusion of hip-hop and poetry. nominee Lazy Susan and Inbetweeners favourite Greg Davies. BURTON-UPON-TRENT Commenting on the gala, which also features a ‘special surprise 01283 532 880 OAKENGATES THEATRE, guest TV star to be revealed on the night’, organiser Tom Parry told TELFORD, SHROPSHIRE lovemidlandstheatre.co.uk: “We’re really grateful to Greg Davies for 01952 382 382 joining our line up. He hasn’t appeared on stage for eighteen THE OLD POST OFFICE, months, so we’re sure there are plenty of comedy fans out there STOKE-ON-TRENT 07715 631 139 who’ll be overjoyed to get the opportunity to see him perform live.” REGENT THEATRE, STOKE-ON-TRENT 0844 871 7649 Seann Walsh THE SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON Oakengates Theatre, Telford, 0870 320 7000 Sat 27 June STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Seann Walsh is such a popular come- THEATRE 01785 619 080 dian he could even give the likes of STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Real Madrid a run for their money 01384 812 812 Tom Wrigglesworth when it comes to the acquisition of SYMPHONY HALL, B’HAM The Glee Club, Hanley, Sat 27 June silverware. 0121 345 0600 The award-winning star of television THEATRE SEVERN, Whimsical storytelling and twisted logic - styl- SHREWSBURY ishly wrapped in some elegant flourishes of lan- shows such as Mock The Week and 01743 281 281 guage - are the lifeblood of Tom Russell Howard’s Good News Extra, Wrigglesworth’s highly rated act. Seann’s been likened to the leg- Yorkshire-born Tom scored a big hit in endary Billy Connolly in terms Edinburgh a couple of years back, since which of his gift for storytelling. His time he’s been ploughing all the usual comedy jokes aren’t bad either, with furrows, particularly those available on BBC two examples being as fol- Radio Four. lows: “I don't understand Likened by The Guardian to Mark Thomas in swimming. You don't see the way he crusades for social justice, ‘albeit in fish going for a walk” and a more homely fashion’, Tom’s jokes include: “Are city-centre beat offi- “Two fish in a tank. One says, ‘I’ll drive, you cers police who rap?” man the guns’.”

22 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 13:52 Page 2

GARY DELANEY, CHRIS LISTINGS TURNER, JOHN LYNN & PREVIEW Comedy MARK OLVER Sat 20 Jun, Comedy Manford’s Comedy Club, Birmingham For full listing information on comedy LOL COMEDY CLUB Feat. gigs including times and dates visit MC Damion Larkin, Sat www.whatsonlive.co.uk 20 Jun, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent CHRIS MARTIN PLUS SUP- MITCHELL, FRED MARK THOMAS Sat 20 PORT TBC Mon 1 Jun, FLAMINGO, TOBY BLAIRE Jun, Ludlow Assembly The Old Joint Stock & ANDY KIND Thurs 11 Rooms, South Theatre, Birmingham Jun, Foxlowe Arts Shropshire TIM VINE Wed 3 Jun, Centre, Leek, Staffs JOE LYCETT Tues 23 Jun, Theatre Severn, JAMES ACASTER, STUART Ludlow Brewery, South Shrewsbury GOLDSMITH Thurs 11 Shropshire MILTON JONES Thurs 4 Jun, mac, Birmingham ROD WOODWARD Wed Jun, The Place. ANDREW BIRD, CRAIG 24 Jun, Theatre Severn, Oakengates theatre, HILL, COMEDY CAROUSEL Shrewsbury Telford WITH ANDY ROBINSON GARY DELANEY Wed 24 ROD WOODWARD - THE Thurs 11 Jun, The Glee Jun, Ludlow Brewery, JOURNEY STARTS HERE Club, Birmingham South Shropshire Thurs 4 Jun, The GARY DELANEY, NISH PAUL TONKINSON, CARL Courtyard, Hereford KUMAR, YANNI & CHRIS DONNELLY & MICKEY D JOE LYCETT, CAIMH PURCHASE Fri 12 Jun, Wed 24 Jun, Henry MCDONNELL Thurs 4 Lichfield Garrick Tudor House, Jun, mac, Birmingham PAUL TONKINSON, SEAN Shrewsbury JOHN NEWTON, ROB PERCIVAL, TOPPING AND TOM STADE & KATE COLEMAN & MAXINE BUTCH (& ROGER SMURTHWAITE Thurs 25 JONES Thurs 4 Jun, MONKHOUSE FRI ONLY) Jun, Ludlow Brewery, Stourbridge Town Hall Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jun, South Shropshire JO CAULFIELD, KEITH Jongleurs Comedy ROB ROUSE & ANGELA FARNAN, BEN BRIGGS & Club, Birmingham BARNES Thurs 25 Jun, BRYAN LACEY Thurs 4 ANDREW BIRD, CRAIG mac, Birmingham Jun, The George Hotel, HILL, LLOYD GRIFFITH & KEITH FARNAN, KATE Lichfield MICK FERRY Fri 12 - Sat LUCAS, GORDON Tom Stade ROB ROUSE, COMEDY 13 Jun, The Glee Club, SOUTHERN & THE RAYMOND AND MR The Ludlow Brewing Company, Ludlow, South Shropshire, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Birmingham Thurs 25 June ROBINSON & COMIC TBC BEN NORRIS, GEOFF TIMPKINS REVUE Thurs Thurs 4 Jun, NORCOTT, SALLY ANNE 25 - Sat 27 Jun, The Clever, controversial and Canadian pretty much sums up Tom Stade, a The Glee Club, HAYWOOD & BRENNAN Glee Club, Birmingham familiar face on BBC TV programmes such as Michael McIntyre's JEREMY O’DONNELL, Birmingham REECE Sat 13 Jun, Comedy Roadshow and Mock The Week. MILTON JONES Fri 5 Jun, Manford’s Comedy DANNY POSTHILL, AIDAN Symphony Hall, Club, Birmingham MCQUEEN, CRAIG LEGGO Tom has headlined gigs in comedy hotspots like New York and Birmingham COMEDY IN THE MET & MATTHEW BAYLIS London by way of locations such as Amsterdam and Johannesburg. GEOFF SCHUMANN SEAN Sat 13 Jun, Stafford Fri 26 Jun, National He’s also earned his corn in far-flung war zones like Afghanistan and G, TAMIKA CAMPBELL Fri Gatehouse Theatre Brewery Centre, Iraq, scoring some major hits by entertaining the troops. 5 Jun, The Drum, IAN D MONTFORT Sat 13 Burton-on-Trent Birmingham Jun, The Edge Arts COURTLAUGHING Acts JOE LYCETT, ROB ROUSE, Centre, Much Wenlock, tbc, Fri 26 Jun, The BRENDON BURNS & KAI South Shropshire Courtyard, Hereford HUMPHRIES Fri 5 - Sat 6 PAUL SINHA & GEIN’S STAND UP COMEDY Jun, The Glee Club, FAMILY WORKSHOP SHOWCASE Fri 26 - Sat Birmingham Thurs 18 Jun, mac, 27 Jun, mac, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, Birmingham Birmingham JOJO SUTHERLAND, JOHN JETHRO Thurs 18 Jun, MAXINE JONES Fri 26 - MANN & JOE BOR Fri 5 - Lichfield Garrick Sat 27 Jun, Ludlow Sat 6 Jun, Jongleurs ROGER MONKHOUSE, Brewery, South Comedy Club, JOHN HASTINGS, COMEDY Shropshire Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY TOM TOAL, BOBBY MAIR, JUICE COMEDY Sat 6 ROBINSON Thurs 18 Jun, PETE CAIN & PHIL NICHOL Jun, Stafford The Glee Club, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jun, Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham Jongleurs Comedy BARRY DODDS, MARK GRIST AND MC Club, Birmingham PENNELOR MELLOR & MIXY Fri 19 Jun, The COMEDY FOR KIDS WITH DAVE TWENTYMAN Slade Rooms, JAMES CAMPBELL Sat 27 Sat 6 Jun, Manford’s Wolverhampton Jun, The Courtyard, Comedy Club, ROGER MONKHOUSE, Hereford Birmingham JOHN HASTINGS, TIFFANY SEANN WALSH Sat 27 HILARITY CHARITY GALA STEVENSON & REVEREND Jun, The Place, 2015 With Daniel Kitson, OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE Oakengates Theatre, Pappy's, Katherine III Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jun, Telford Ryan & Lazy Susan, The Glee Club, B’ham JACK DEE'S HELP DESK Mon 8 Jun, DAN NIGHTINGALE, WITH ROMESH Wolverhampton Grand CAREY MARX, JOHN LYNN RANGANATHAN & KERRY Theatre & ADDY VAN DER BORGH GODLIMAN Sat 27 Jun, DANNY BHOY Mon 8 Jun, Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jun, The Courtyard, Theatre Severn, Jongleurs Comedy Hereford Shrewsbury Club, Birmingham SUZI RUFFELL, CHARLIE BRIAN DAMAGE & KEN DODD Sat 20 Jun, BAKER, NICK DIXON & KRYSTAL, STUART Dudley Town Hall DAVE TWENTYMAN Sat 27 Jun, Manford’s Comedy Club, B’ham VINCE ATTA, PETE OTWAY, NICKY WILSON & WAYNE THE WEIRD Sat 27 Jun, The Old Post Office, Stoke-on-Trent TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, BETHANY BLACK, ANDREW BIRD & MICHAEL LEGGE Sat 27 Jun, The Glee Club, Hanley, Staffs COMEDY FOR KIDS WITH JAMES CAMPBELL Sun 28 Jun, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Ian D Montford - The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 1 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 2 Theatre

Birdsong Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 22 - Sat 27 June Sebastian Faulks’ epic and bestselling novel is set both before and got the nod from Faulks to adapt his novel after she impressed him during the Great War. It follows the fortunes of the young Stephen by knowing the most recent result of his football team. Wraysford as he embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with For the record, Faulks is a West Ham fan. the beautiful Isabelle Azaire... Just like Aston Villa supporter David Cameron, then... This stage version, presented by Original Theatre Company and Bird- Directed by Alistair Whateley, Birdsong stars Emily Bowker as song Productions, has garnered plenty of praise following tours in Isabelle, Edmund Wiseman as Stephen and former Blue Peter pre- both 2013 and ’14. It was written by Rachel Wagstaff, who claims she senter, Peter Duncan as Firebrace.

Oklahoma! Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 30 June - Sat 4 July Belinda Lang, Ashley Day, Gary Wilmot and Charlotte Wake- field star in this latest incarnation of the Rodgers & Hammer- stein classic. Set against the backdrop of America’s Western Frontier, Oklahoma! tells the story of farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affections, happy-go-lucky cowboy Curly and sinister farmhand Jud. The show features some of the twentieth century’s most famous musical theatre numbers, including Oh What A Beautiful Morning, The Surrey With The Fringe On Top, Peo- ple Will Say We're In Love, I Can’t Say No, and, of course, the title song itself. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 9 - Sat 13 June The Children’s Touring Partnership have previously enjoyed great success with versions of Swallows And Amazons and Goodnight Mister Tom, so there’s every reason to look forward to this latest offering from the highly rated compa- ny. Telling the heart-wrenching tale of an unlikely Second World War friendship between two innocent boys, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas is based on John Boyne’s best-selling novel of the same title. The story is told through the eyes of Bruno, a concentration camp commandant’s eight-year-old son. Bruno’s for- bidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence not only takes him on a personal journey from innocence to revelation but also leads to startling and devastating consequences...

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 3

Wed 3 June,1pm and Thurs 4 June, 10am & 1pm Fri 19 June, 1pm & 7.30pm

Black Country Touring

Mattress Mattress Set in an awfy drafty Castle in the remote Scottish Highlands, the tale is told… She arrives, drookit, during a thunderstorm and claims to be a ‘Princess’. The Prince's mother tests this unexpected guest by placing a pea in her bed covered by 20 mattresses. “Only a real princess would have the sensitivity to feel a pea through such a quantity of expensive bedding”…or would she? Och, let’s find oot…

Cell

Black Country Touring + Little Earthquake Young Producers Programme The Boy Who Became a Beetle Greg’s an ordinary boy, much like any other. At least, he was... Until this morning. When he wakes up with clacking pincers on his head, a huge heavy shell on his back and six spindly legs with a mind of their own, life’s about to get a whole lot trickier.

All Tickets: £5 All Tickets: £5 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 4

Theatre PREVIEWS Twelfth Night The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Thurs 18 June Zany funsters Oddsocks here bring their inimitable wit to Shakespeare’s classic tale of mistaken identity. When Viola disguises her- self as a boy and causes all sorts of awk- ward romantic shenanigans, the wooing of the beautiful Lady Olivia by Duke Orsino is soon thrown off the rails. The play is made by its sub-plot, in which the merciless Sir Toby Belch and his foolish companion Sir Andrew Aguecheek seek to humiliate the pompous Malvolio - and manage to achieve their aim with more than a little style...

Rehearsal image Love Me Tender Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 29 June - Sat 4 July; New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- ham, Mon 24 - Sat 29 August The Mousetrap Award-winning singer and platinum-selling artist Mica Paris takes top billing in this brand new Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, homage to the music of Elvis Presley. Penned by Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro, the show is Mon 29 June - Sat 4 July described as ‘a funny and moving tale of hope, second chances and the healing qualities of Not only has everyone heard of The Mouse- rock’n’roll’. Needless to say, the soundtrack offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy some ‘Elvis trap, everyone's seen it too - haven't they? the Pelvis’-style hip-swivelling fun in the aisles, with classic songs such as The Devil In Dis- Okay, maybe not, but as the show recently guise, Hound Dog, Blue Suede Shoes and Heartbreak Hotel all featuring. celebrated its sixtieth year in the West End, it's fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely beyond question. Peter Pan Postcards From The Seaside The world's longest running show, the Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 11 June famous Agatha Christie play has been per- Lichfield Garrick, Fri 26 - Sat 27 June formed almost twenty-five thousand times. This is one of three productions being pre- Local professional company MadCap The- Casting for this latest production includes sented by Welsh National Opera (WNO) at atre Productions make a welcome return with Hester Arden as Miss Casewell, Edward the Birmingham Hippodrome this summer. this 1940s-set Elgood as Christopher Wren, Mark Homer as Composer Richard Ayres and librettist musical recount- Giles Ralston, Esther McAuley as Mollie Ral- Lavinia Greenlaw’s new version of Peter Pan ing the trials and ston and Jonathan Sidgwick as Mr Paravici- reaches deep into JM Barrie’s original story, tribulations of ni. William Ilkley joins the production as conveying a sense of danger and a delightful wireless star Major Metcalf, with Luke Jenkins and Anna anarchy which have so often been under- Lester Duvall. The Kavanagh reprising their roles as Sgt Trotter played in recent sanitised adaptations. show celebrates and Mrs Boyle respectively. Promising an inventive production of pure the Home Front Edwardian fantasy, WNO is billing the show during its seventy- as ‘an ideal opportunity to introduce young fifth anniversary family members aged eight and over to the year and has been magic of opera’. written by Wallop Mrs Cox play- wright Laurie Eglantyne Hornsby. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 11 June This new one-woman play explores the life of Shropshire-raised human rights activist and The Tempest social reformer Eglantyne Jebb. Michael Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Palin’s one- Tues 30 June - Tues 7 July time personal An intricate blend of comedy, tragedy and assistant Anne magic, The Tempest is not only Shake- Chamberlain speare’s final play but also widely consid- has both writ- ered to be one of his most mature. It ten and pres- revolves around the magical figure of Pros- Fur Coat And No Knickers ents the piece, pero and the characters that inhabit his Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, which pays a enchanted island. They include the supernat- Staffs, Tues 23 June warm and ural Ariel - flighty spirit and faithful servant to This Mike Harding comedy about a chaotic touching trib- Prospero - and the grotesque slave Caliban. wedding day was a sell-out success for Bur- ute to one of When a royal band of seafarers are ship- ton's well-regarded Little Theatre Company the twentieth wrecked on the mystical island, it isn’t long (LTC) way back in March 1991. century’s most before strange things begin to happen... The first ever play the ensemble performed influential Rooftop Theatre Company are the troupe at the Brewhouse, it’s here being presented women. behind this particular production, which to celebrate a centenary of LTC productions. shows as part of the Ludlow Fringe Festival.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 5

28 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 6

Theatre PREVIEWS The Boy Who Became A Beetle Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 19 June; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Tues 30 June No fewer than one hundred young producers from five Black Country primary schools have contributed to the making of this show. Bringing together live music, a sprinkling of songs, ‘riotous action and thrilling transfor- mations’, The Boy Who Became A Beetle is described as ‘a funny, messy and moving new show for everyone who knows what it’s like to feel different’. When Greg wakes up to find clacking pin- cers on his head, a huge heavy shell on his back and six spindly legs with a mind of their Image from 2014 Stafford Shakespeare Festival own, he realises that his days of being just an ordinary young boy may well be a thing of the past... Much Ado About Nothing Stafford Castle, Thurs 25 June - Sat 11 July Stafford Festival Shakespeare celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary with this ever-popular tale of love and deceit. Much Ado About Nothing is the story of two pairs of lovers. The first, Beatrice and Benedick, conduct their courtship through sarcasm and verbal sparring. The second and much younger couple are Claudio and Hero. The course of their love is cruelly interrupted by the villainous Don John, who falsely accuses Hero of infidelity and wantoness, timing his accusation to coincide with their wedding day. When Hero collapses and appears to be dead, the pressure is on to clear her name and reunite the young lovers. One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing’s profile was raised Ghost The Musical by the joyful Kenneth Branagh film version back in the 1990s. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 10 - Sat 13 June Shrewsbury-based theatre ensemble Get Crocodiles In Cream Black Is The Colour Your Wigle On here present an amateur pro- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 13 June Of My Voice duction of the hit West End musical - a show This portrait of Lewis Carroll is one of numer- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, inspired, of course, by the award-winning ous events taking place in 2015 to celebrate Fri 12 - Sat 13 June film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and the one hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of Following the untimely death of her father, Whoopi Goldberg. the publication of Alice's Adventures In Won- Mena Bordeaux goes into self-imposed isola- A timeless tale about the power of love - and derland. The production draws on Carroll’s tion for three days. Alone with her thoughts, beautifully blending the ever-popular genres diaries, letters and poems to provide what’s she reflects on a journey that’s seen her of romance and comedy. All in all, then, a been described as ‘a compelling story of become a renowned jazz vocalist at the fore- show well worth catching. English eccentricity’. front of the Civil Rights Movement... Based Kevin Moore is the man charged with bring- on the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Camp- ing the author to life in this one-man show. bell's one-woman show has enjoyed sell-out success in both Edinburgh and New York. The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 6 June This National Theatre stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel bagged an impressive seven Olivier Awards in 2013 and has met with almost universal acclaim. At its centre is the character of fifteen-year- My Father And Other old Christopher, a boy who describes himself Superheroes as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties”. Initially coming under suspicion The Drum, Birmingham, Wed 24 June after discovering the lifeless body of his Finding out that he was going to become a neighbour’s dog, Christopher decides to dad, Nick Makoha revisited a childhood investigate the crime, and embarks on a jour- Dead Simple spent in the company of Superman, Spider- ney that will change his world forever... New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Man and Luke Skywalker. Mon 29 June - Sat 4 July In the absence of Nick’s own father, it had The clock is ticking for Detective Superin- been these legendary superheroes who’d tendent Roy Grace as he investigates the inadvertently provided his blueprint for ‘how disappearance of Michael Harrison, whose to be a good dad’. stag-night prank went horribly wrong. The This highly physical piece sees Nick tell the clock is ticking for Harrison himself too; story of his own personal journey - a journey alone, buried alive and facing a terrifying which has not only taken him from his home death... Dead Simple is the most widely country of Uganda to the United Kingdom, known work of bestselling author Peter Saudi Arabia and Kenya, but which has also James, a writer already familiar to Midlands seen him learn what it takes to truly become audiences thanks to the recent stage adapta- a hero. tion of his novella, The Perfect Murder.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 7

JUICE COMEDY THE MET STUDIO Sat 6 June Bringing the best in ALTERNA- TIVE comedy to The MET Stu- dio, with FIVE exciting acts from across the comedy cir- cuit! JUICE Comedy has been running shows in Stafford for over 10 years, and is THE name to trust in 7.30pm, £12 stand-up comedy! MET COMEDY THE MET STUDIO Sat 13 June Bringing you the very best in live comedy from around the country, The MET Studio has line ups to rival the biggest comedy clubs in the 8pm, £10 UK. Offering a combination of big names such as Greg Davies, Jon Richardson and up and coming stars such as Patrick Monahan and Paul Chowdhry, The MET Studio has become a regular stop off for those travelling to and from the Edinburgh Fringe or preparing for their slot on Rus- sell Howard's Good News Show.

PIERRE BENSUSAN THE MET STUDIO Mon 15 June Over the past 40 years, finger style acoustic guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan has taken his unique blend of world, Celtic, jazz and folk inspired album to all corners of the globe. Winner of the 2014 Independent Music Award in the Live Performance Album category for his triple 7.30pm, £13.50 live album "Encore", Pierre is recognised as one of the great guitar players of the 21st century.

BEN AND HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM GATEHOUSE THEATRE Wed 24 - Thurs 25 June From the makers of Peppa Pig comes this BAFTA award-win- ning television animation live on stage! Join Ben and Holly, and their friends on this excit- 1pm & 4pm, £15.50/£13.50 ing, enchanting and magical concs /£54 family musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. This beautiful story of elves, princesses and childhood innocence will delight all the family!

STAFFORD FESTIVAL SHAKESPEARE: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING STAFFORD CASTLE Thurs 25 June - Sat 11 July Stafford Festival Shakespeare returns for its 25th anniversary year with Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s wittiest comedies. Stafford Festival Shakespeare is one of Europe's largest open air Tickets from £12 Shakespeare productions. Much Ado About Nothing will be performed under the stars against the striking background of Stafford Castle, in fully covered grandstand seating. To complete the festival feel you can treat yourself to a picnic for two, some delicious ‘grab and go’ food or even a three course meal, all with a fully licensed bar.

GA GA – A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN GATEHOUSE THEATRE Fri 26 June Performed by a multi-award winning band who have head- lined the 'International Guitar Festival' on several occasions, this is a Queen show like no other. From numerous Queen Conventions to TV appearance, GA GA have consistently 8pm, £16 proved why they are so highly rated by critics and audiences alike. Expect a host of massive Queen songs played like they were meant to be.

BOOKONLINE Box Office 01785 619080 www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

30 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:32 Page 8

Sun 7 Jun, Wolver- hampton Grand The- Arts FESTIVALS Theatre LISTINGS atre DOT & ETHEL: GORILLA For full listing information on theatre GARDENING Venture into productions, including times and dates, the hidden world of visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk gardens in a vibrant and play-filled piece for the under-sevens, their Fools Theatre Compa- friends & families, Sun From ny present a comedic 7 Jun, mac - Midlands MON 1 JUN odyssey about being Arts Centre, Birming- thrown on to life's ham scrap heap, Wed 3 THE BUSINESS OF MUR- Jun, Theatre Severn, Week Commencing DER Middle Ground Shrewsbury Theatre Company MATTRESS MATTRESS MON 8 JUN presents Richard Har- Krazy Kat Theatre uses ris’s acclaimed psycho- its inimitable story- WE'LL MEET AGAIN - HITS logical thriller, until Tue telling style to present FROM THE BLITZ Brand 2 Jun, Theatre Severn, a fun family show new Wartime Caval- Shrewsbury involving a 'princess', a cade show celebrating THE CURIOUS INCIDENT mattress, and a pea... seventy years since the OF THE DOG IN THE Wed 3 - Thurs 4 Jun, end of WWII, Mon 8 NIGHT-TIME Highly Arena Theatre, Wolver- Jun, Lichfield Garrick BE Festival acclaimed National hampton THE AMAZING ADVEN- Theatre production THE SIEGE Inspired by The REP, Birmingham, 23 - 27 June TURE TACT Youth The- based on Mark Had- the true story of a atre embark on an Created in 2010 as a direct response to Birmingham’s need for more don's award-winning group of fighters who, adventure across a fan- international work, BE Festival annually brings together artists from novel, until Sat 6 Jun, at the height of the tasy land in search of Birmingham Hippo- second Intifada, took across Europe to showcase a diverse range of contemporary theatre. the magical scrolls of a drome refuge in the Church of powerful wizard, Mon 8 The festival has grown in stature since its humble beginnings in Birm- JAMES AND THE GIANT the Nativity, Thurs 4 - - Wed 10 Jun, The ingham’s AE Harris Building, and is the brainchild of Miguel Oyarzun PEACH Blue Orange Sat 6 Jun, The REP, Place, Oakengates and Isla Aguilar (pictured above). Arts presents Roald Birmingham Theatre, Telford “We were invited to attend a conference organised by the Arts Coun- Dahl's classic tale, until BUGSY MALONE Birming- NOUGHTS AND CROSSES Sun 7 Jun, The Blue cil to look at how to improve diversity in the Midlands,” recalls ham Ormiston Acade- Birmingham Metropoli- Orange Theatre, Birm- my present Alan Park- Miguel. “A recurring theme throughout the conference was the lack of tan College present a ingham er's world-famous modern-day tale of star- international work visiting the region. So we suggested filling the void KING LEAR Northern musical, Thurs 4 - Sat crossed lovers, set in with a festival. That same day people were coming up to us and say- Broadsides bring their 6 Jun,The Old Rep an alternative world, ing it was a great idea, so we decided to give it a try. trademark energy and Theatre, Birmingham Tue 9 Jun, The Blue down-to-earth perform- “We put out a call for submissions and received sixty-seven applica- VENUS AND ADONIS Orange Theatre, Birm- ance style to Shake- Birmingham Conserva- tions from all around Europe. Then Birmingham City Council opened ingham speare’s famous toire present a double- FIDDLER ON THE ROOF an application for emerging festivals. All of a sudden we just knew it tragedy, until Sat 13 bill of works by John BMOS Musical Theatre was meant to be.” Jun, New Vic Theatre, Blow & Marc-Antoine Company present an Asked to summarise what the BE Festival has done for Birmingham, Newcastle-under-Lyme Charpentier, showcas- amateur version of the Isla and Miguel offer a modest response: “It’s about what the city has BUDDY The Buddy Holly ing the musical, theatri- Tony Award-winning story is here presented cal and operatic styles given to us, because it’s quite a feat for two Spanish people to run a musical, Tue 9 - Sat 13 by Sutton Coldfield of England and France Jun, New Alexandra theatre festival here in Birmingham. The city is very welcoming to Musical Theatre Com- in the 1680s, Thurs 4 - Theatre, Birmingham strangers. We’ve always felt very supported, and that’s fantastic.” pany, Tue 2 - Sat 6 Sat 6 Jun, Crescent THE BOY IN THE STRIPED Jun, Lichfield Garrick Below is a taster of what BE Festival audiences can expect to Theatre, Birmingham PYJAMAS Presented by THAT'LL BE THE DAY HAPPINESS IN THE see. For full listings, visit www.befestival.org the Children's Touring A musical romp HOMELAND & THERE WE Partnership, Tue 9 - Sat through the youthful WERE HERE WE GO A 13 Jun, Wolverhampton days of Rock’n’Roll in revival of two plays cre- Grand Theatre Locus Amoenus Tues 23 June the ’50s, on through ated as part of Roger AN EVENING WITH DAVID the swinging ’60s and Spanish company Atresbandes present a ‘charming and comical’ Coward’s 1975 artist SEDARIS An evening into the taste-free days placement in Small show about how the struggle to reach paradise can stop people with 'one of the wittiest of the 1970s, Wed 3 Heath, Fri 5 Jun, East- and most original writ- from appreciating the day-to-day experience of living... Formed in Jun, New Alexandra side Projects, Birming- ers at work today', Wed Barcelona in 2008, Atresbandes comprises Mònica Almirall Batet, Theatre, Birmingham ham 10 Jun, Victoria Hall, Miquel Segovia Garrell and Albert Pérez Hidalgo. The trio are rapidly THE LADYBOYS OF LITTLE RED Language Stoke-on-Trent BANGKOK Sixteen of the establishing a reputation as creators of sharp and perceptive work. Alive! take young audi- STARS & STRIPES Pre- world’s most entranc- ences on a journey into sented by BOA Year 10 ing beauties present a the deep, dark woods Musical Theatre stu- brand new show fusing with brave Little Red, dents, Wed 10 - Thurs carnival, cabaret and Acrophobia Wed 24 June exploring the secrets of 11 Jun, The Old Rep, comedy, Wed 3 Jun the forest, Sat 6 Jun, Birmingham German duo Liv Knoche and Tobias Willasch here present a show The Place, Oakengates The REP, Birmingham THE MAGIC FLUTE Welsh mixing elements of circus, dance and theatre. Expect plenty of Theatre, Telford, Shrop- CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS National Opera present breathtaking trapeze work in a production that’s described as ‘a deli- shire Award-winning a warm and witty pro- FROM THE CRADLE TO father/son duo Clive cious little tale about overcoming fear and the pleasure it brings’. duction which fuses THE BIN A Ship Of Webb & Danny Adams, Mozart's sublime music

James And The Giant Peach - Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Correction Fri 26 June This ‘beautifully poignant piece’ hails from the Czech Republic. It finds award-winning contemporary dance company VerTeDance imagining a world where it’s impossible to progress, despite the very best of efforts to push for- ward.

Before Sat 27 June The BE Next Youth Performance Group explores the subject of what it takes to die for somebody else. This physical theatre presentation, created in just seven days, features young people from across Birm- ingham, many of whom speak English as a second language.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:33 Page 9

Theatre LISTINGS WNO’s Peter Pan - Birmingham Hippodrome

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

with Dominic Cooke's 14/48 WOLVERHAMPTON surreal staging, Wed 10 Wolverhampton satellite - Fri 12 Jun, Birming- of ‘the world’s quickest ham Hippodrome theatre festival” in GHOST: THE MUSICAL Get which fourteen new Your Wigle On present plays are written, direct- an amateur production ed and performed with- of the hit romantic in a forty-eight-hour musical, Wed 10 - Sat timespan, Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jun, Theatre Severn, 13 Jun, Arena Theatre, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton PETER PAN Welsh SUMMER FESTIVAL National Opera present OPERA: ALBERT HERRING the UK premiere of Matthew Knight directs Richard Ayres and Benjamin Britten’s only Lavinia Greenlaw's new comic opera, Fri 12 - work, bringing to the Sun 14 Jun, The Barber stage the danger, anar- Institute, Birmingham chy and vibrancy of JM LITTLE MALCOLM AND Barrie's original story, HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST Thurs 11 Jun Birming- THE EUNUCHS David Hal- ham Hippodrome liwell's classic play two women in down- age of Rodgers & Ham- of live music, songs, Shropshire EGLANTYNE A new one- about youth and rebel- town Chicago in the merstein, Tue 16 Jun riotous action and BRAINSEX Timandra woman show about lion, Fri 12 - Sat 20 Jun, 1970s, Sat 13 - Sat 20 The Place, Oakengates thrilling transformations, Harkness presents a Eglantyne Jebb, a Hall Green Little The- Jun, Crescent Theatre, Theatre, Telford, Shrop- presented by one hun- ‘thought-provoking mix- human rights activist, atre, Birmingham Birmingham shire dred young producers ture of science fun and social reformer and the PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE JUKEBOX VOL 3 Get Your GUYS AND DOLLS HQPA from five primary science fact’, designed co-founder of Save The Welsh National Opera Wigle on perform the present an amateur schools across the to appeal to adults but Children, Thurs 11 Jun, present a new produc- third instalment of their production of the Tony Black Country, Fri 19 suitable for all ages and Theatre Severn, tion of Debussy's twen- Jukebox series, a Award-winning musical, Jun, Arena Theatre, backgrounds, Sun 21 Shrewsbury tieth century master- showcase of ’80s musi- Tue 16 - Thurs 18 Jun, Wolverhampton Jun, Ludlow Assembly WEST SIDE STORY Ama- piece, Sat 13 Jun, cal madness, Sun 14 Theatre Severn, TERROR A black come- Rooms, South Shrop- teur production of the Birmingham Hippo- Jun, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury dy by Joan Greening shire much-loved musical drome Shrewsbury OLD TIMES Here to (creator of TV's Cab- version of Romeo & A CABARET OF SONG & EGLANTYNE A new one- There Productions bage Patch and Trouble Juliet, Thurs 11 - Sat 20 DANCE Presented by woman show about present Harold Pinter’s And Strife), Fri 19 Jun, Week Commencing Jun, Sutton Arts The- Applause, Sat 13 Jun, Eglantyne Jebb, a love-triangle story with Lichfield Garrick MON 22 JUN atre, Sutton Coldfield Dovehouse Theatre, human rights activist, a twist, Tues 16 - Fri 19 SLUT REVOLUTION One- LET'S TWIST AGAIN New Birmingham social reformer and the Jun, Ludlow Assembly woman show exploring BIRDSONG An epic tale musical featuring songs CROCODILES IN CREAM co-founder of Save The Rooms, South Shrop- sex, relationships & of love and war set from the ’50s and ’60s, A one-man portrait of Children, Sun 14 Jun, shire salad crispers. Created both before and during Fri 12 Jun, Lichfield Lewis Carroll, drawing Ludlow Assembly DEREK ACORAH An & performed by award- the Great War, Mon 22 - Garrick from his diaries, letters, Rooms, South Shrop- evening with one of the winning Cameryn Sat 27 Jun, Theatre BLACK IS THE COLOUR OF poems and stories, Sat shire foremost names in the Moore of Little Black Severn, Shrewsbury MY VOICE ‘Compelling & 13 Jun, Theatre Severn, SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN world of psychic phe- Productions, Fri 19 - BE FESTIVAL Birming- heartbreaking’ story Shrewsbury A full screening of the nomena, Wed 17 Jun, Sat 20 Jun, Ludlow ham’s acclaimed festi- inspired by the life of RED SKY BY NIGHT Disney sensation, com- Lichfield Garrick Assembly Rooms, val celebrating the best Nina Simone, Fri 12 - Pentabus Theatre pres- plete with on-screen SILENCE Birmingham South Shropshire of European theatre Sat 13 Jun, The Old ent six monologues, six lyrics to help you sing School of Acting pres- KEN DODD Sat 20 Jun, returns to The REP. Joint Stock Theatre, characters and six sto- along with Anna and ent Moira Buffini’s Dudley Town Hall Featuring over twenty Birmingham ries about the contem- Elsa during the film, award-winning drama, THE SECRET GARDEN performances from THE COALITION KINGS porary countryside, all Sun 14 Jun, Lichfield described as ‘Game of Chapterhouse Theatre Europe - plus live Birmingham Repertory born out of fire, Sat 13 - Garrick Thrones meets a gen- present the classic tale music, exhibitions, Opera’s darkly satirical Sun 14 Jun, The Blue der-bending narrative of of Mary Lennox and her workshops, discussions tale of politics, conspir- Boar, Ludlow, South love & redemption’, journey of discovery, and delicious food - acy, war and assassina- Shropshire Week Commencing Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jun, Sat 20 Jun, Erdigg, Nr this vibrant festival sees tion offers a thought- SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN MON 15 JUN The Old Rep, Birming- Wrexham Birmingham staking a provoking study of the CHICAGO The Crescent ham MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S real claim to be the many dangers that Theatre present David ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS CABARET Evening of ‘theatre capital of come with both power Mamet's play, which DEFY GRAVITY An WELL Outdoor produc- glitz, glamour, laughs, Europe’, Mon 22 - Sun and love, Fri 12 - Sat 13 examines the sex lives, evening of songs from tion of Shakespeare’s gasps & adult comedy, 28 Jun, The REP, Birm- Jun, The Blue Orange talk, banter and argu- the shows, with musi- bittersweet tale of sex- Sat 20 Jun, Oscars - ingham Theatre, Birmingham ment of two men and cals from the golden ism and snobbery, Wed Ludlow Assembly LOCUS AMOENUS Atres- 17 - Sat 20 Jun, Maple Rooms, South Shrop- bandas present a Hayes Hall, Lichfield shire ‘charming comical AT EASE tells of a man UNEARTHED/ THE GIFT piece’ which explores imprisoned for attempt- Main stage double bill the journey to paradise. ed murder and his cor- featuring Theresa Hes- This performance forms respondence with actor, kins' archaeological part of BE Festival 2015 politician, and gay whodunnit (Unearthed) (see page 31), Tues 23 activist, Michael Cash- and Jemma Kennedy's Jun, The REP, Birming- man, whom he was epic tale of romance ham also threatening to kill, and adventure, Sat 20 SHOW BE Festival Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jun, Jun - Sat 25 Jul, New 2014 First Prize winner, The Old Joint Stock Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Antonio Tagliarni, Theatre, Birmingham under-Lyme returns to Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Odd- 500 PIECES A festival of to perform the full ver- socks’ 2015 production plays inspired by the sion of his wonderful & promises ‘a madcap Staffordshire Hoard, whacky, SHOW, Tues musical treat’, Thurs 18 Sat 20 Jun - Sat 25 Jul, 23 Jun, The REP, Birm- Jun, The Place, Oaken- New Vic Theatre, New- ingham gates Theatre, Telford castle-under-Lyme FUNNY WOMEN Poetry THE DREAMBOYS The UNDER THE BIG TOP with humour, presented UK’s top male glamour Dance Connection by Emma Purshouse, show, Fri 19 Jun, School of Stage & Win Saha & Jane Regent Theatre, Stoke- Dance present a tribute Seabourne, Tues 23 on-Trent to the circus, Sun 21 Jun, Ludlow Assembly Dead Simple - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE BOY WHO BECAME A Jun, The Place, Oaken- Rooms, South Shrop- BEETLE A performance gates Theatre, Telford, shire

32 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 19:37 Page 10

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG a new exploration of move back to the UK South Staffordshire Col- the greatest love story after twenty-five years. lege Students present ever told, Wed 24 - Fri What's changed? Does Stephen Sondheim's 26 Jun, Regent Theatre, everything always musical comedy, Tue Stoke-on-Trent come full circle? Can 23 - Wed 24 Jun, Lich- HARD KNOCK LIFE Birm- she still cartwheel? Find field Garrick ingham School of Act- out in this ‘outstanding- GREASE Amateur pro- ing fuse song, dance, ly funny’ show, Fri 26 - duction presented by storytelling & spoken Sat 27 Jun, Ludlow Brit Youth Theatre, Tues word to present a con- Brewery, South Shrop- 23 - Fri 26 Jun, Cres- temporary telling of an shire cent Theatre, Birming- old tale, Annie, Thurs DISNEY’S HIGH SCHOOL ham 25 Jun, mac - Midlands MUSICAL JR Presented DREAMBOATS AND Arts Centre, Birming- by Reach Musical The- MINISKIRTS Sequel from ham atre School, Fri 26 - Sat the team that behind DEVORATION Théâtre du 27 Jun, Arena Theatre, Dreamboats And Petti- Balèti present a hard Wolverhampton coats. It's 1963 and The hitting & highly visual HALFWAY TO PARADISE - Beatles are coming... theatre piece exploring THE BILLY FURY STORY Tue 23 - Sat 27 Jun, our relationship with Musical which charts Wolverhampton Grand violence, particularly the rise to fame of a Theatre how pain & pleasure shy young boy from TRANKLEMENTS ‘Funny can merge together. Liverpool who became and inspiring' solo per- This performance forms one of Britain's best- Midsummer Cabaret - Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire formance about under- part of BE Festival 2015 loved rock stars. Time- dogs, written and per- (see page 31), Thurs 25 less hits featured in the atre show is striking, new musical inspired by one hundred young formed by Caroline Jun, The REP, Birming- show include I Will, poetic and poses ques- by and featuring the people from five pri- Horton, Tue 23 Jun - ham Jealousy, It's Only Make tion about trust and dis- music of Elvis Presley, mary schools across Sat 4 Jul, New Vic The- TORTURED MIND German Believe and, of course, trust. This performance Mon 29 - Tue 30 Jun, the Black Country, Tue atre, Newcastle-under- troupe InPulse present Halfway To Paradise, forms part of BE Festi- Regent Theatre, Stoke- 30 Jun, The Place, Oak- lyme a topsy-turvy story Sat 27 Jun, New val 2015 (see page 31), on-Trent (Read the engates Theatre, COLLAGE Spanish which follows the Alexandra Theatre, Sat 27 Jun, The REP, interview with Mica on Telford troupe Bot Project pres- attempts of a psychia- Birmingham Birmingham page 8). THE SECOND BEST BED ent a spectacular out- trist to treat his patients DON PASQUALE Apollo SCOTTISH FALSETTO DEAD SIMPLE Stage Worcester Repertory door performance in through a series of cre- Opera present SOCK PUPPET THEATRE: adaptation of Peter Company present a Centenary Square ative games. This per- Donizetti’s comic opera MINGING DETECTIVES James' most famous one-woman play brim- where, with the help of formance forms part of - complete with endear- The socks return with and popular book, Mon ming with humour and 29 Jun - Sat 4 Jul, New giant trampolines, the BE Festival 2015 (see ingly eccentric charac- brand new songs, pathos, Tues 30 Jun, Alexandra Theatre, page 31), Thurs 25 Jun, ters and stirring music, sketches, socks and Huntingdon Hall, ensemble will defy Birmingham The REP, Birmingham Sat 27 Jun, Methodist violence, Sat 27 Jun, Worcester gravity - accompanied THE MOUSETRAP Touring ON THE EDGE Kepow Church, Ludlow, South The Old Joint Stock OKLAHOMA! New touring by a 'funky' soundtrack, production of Agatha Theatre Company pres- Shropshire Theatre, Birmingham production of Rodgers Wed 24 Jun, The REP, Christie's famous thriller ent a comedy which GAME Madcap three THE BOY WHO BECAME A & Hammerstein's Birmingham - the longest running ACROPHOBIA explores those man circus theatre BEETLE Performance of Pulitzer Prize-winning Nether- show in the history of moments in life - get- show exploring how live music, songs, musical, starring Gary lands performers Liv & British theatre, Mon 29 ting married, leaving video games shape our riotous action and Wilmot as Ali Hakim, Tobi present a ‘deli- Jun - Sat 4 Jul, Wolver- home, getting a job - lives. This performance thrilling transformations Belinda Lang as Aunt cious tale’ about over- hampton Grand The- when we’re on the forms part of BE Festi- by one hundred young Eller, Ashley Day as coming fear and the atre edge...Thurs 25 Jun, val 2015 (see page 31), people from five pri- Curly & Nic Green- pleasure it brings. This THE HISTORY BOYS Stag- Old Joint Stock The- Sat 27 Jun, The REP, mary schools across shields as Jud Fry, Tue performance forms part ing of Alan Bennett’s atre, Birmingham Birmingham the Black Country, Sun 30 Jun - Sat 4 Jul, of BE Festival 2015 much-acclaimed play. THE WHISTLE Square- AS YOU LIKE IT All-male 28 - Mon 29 Jun, mac - Birmingham Hippo- (see page 31), Wed 24 Richard Hope, Kedar head Productions pres- company The Festival Midlands Arts Centre, drome Jun, The REP, Birming- Williams-Stirling, Steven ent a solo production Players present the Birmingham THE TEMPEST Rooftop ham Roberts & Christopher TRANSLATING LOLA which draws on ideas Bard's pastoral comedy Theatre present Shake- This Ettridge star, Mon 29 from cinema, theatre & of love, laughter & lyri- speare’s tale of mistak- performance piece Week Commencing Jun - Sat 4 Jul, Malvern transferred from a circus, to play with cism, Sat 27 Jun, mac - en identity, cross-dress- MON 29 JUN Theatres ing and unrequited street encounter to the audience expectations. Midlands Arts Centre, THE BOY WHO BECAME A This performance forms Birmingham love, Tues 30 Jun - stage, documenting BEETLE Performance of part of BE Festival 2015 #SOBREJULIETA A one- LOVE ME TENDER Mica Tues 7 July, Ludlow two women working in live music, songs, (see page 31), Thurs 25 woman show craving to Paris, Shaun Brewery, South Shrop- the arena of sex and riotous action and Jun, The REP, Birming- be a dialogue and Williamson & Sian shire seduction. This per- thrilling transformations formance forms part of ham described as a love Reeves star in a brand BE Festival 2015 (see MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- story and one of page 31), Wed 24 Jun, ING Stafford Festival excess. This perform- The REP, Birmingham Shakespeare cele- ance forms part of BE O NO! Mad as a box of brates its twenty-fifth Festival 2015 (see page Theatre Box Office frogs and determinedly anniversary with Shake- 31), Sat 27 Jun, The optimistic, this new speare's tale of love & REP, Birmingham Birmingham Black Country THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, show follows on from deceit, Thurs 25 Jun - BEFORE BE Next Youth TELFORD 01952 382382 the success of Beating Sat 11 Jul, Stafford Performance Group use ALEXANDRA THEATRE ARENA THEATRE McEnroe, which Castle physical theatre to 0844 871 3011 WOLVERHAMPTON THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY received high praise THE DREAMBOYS The explore the notion of BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 01902 321321 01743 281281 during its run at Edin- UK’s top male glamour ‘The hero cannot die’. 0844 338 5000 BLOXWICH THEATRE burgh Fringe. This per- show, Fri 26 Jun, New This performance forms BIRMINGHAM REP 01922 653183 formance forms part of Alexandra Theatre, part of BE Festival 2015 0121 236 4455 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL Staffordshire BE Festival 2015 (see Birmingham (see page 31), Sat 27 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE 01384 812812 LICHFIELD GARRICK 01543 412121 page 31), Wed 24 Jun, MOUVMA! Using three Jun, The REP, Birming- 0121 212 2643 FOREST ARTS CENTRE, The REP, Birmingham actors, Collectif Corps ham WALSALL NEW VIC, NEWCASTLE- CRESCENT THEATRE UNDER-LYME 01782 717962 UNCLE RICHARD Tell Tale Citoyen take audiences QUINTETTO A perfect 0121 643 5858 01922 654555 Theatre present ‘action- back to the beginning, analogy for a stage GRAND THEATRE, PRINCE OF WALES packed’ storytelling the- to Tunisia, and ask show as the protago- DOVEHOUSE THEATRE CENTRE, CANNOCK 0121 706 7139 01902 429212 atre for all the family - questions about politi- nist explains the few 01543 578762 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE cal change, society & THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 REGENT THEATRE, STOKE exploring the story of teething problems he’s 01902 572090 the princes in the tower, the future. This per- having with the per- HALL GREEN LITTLE 0870 060 6649 Wed 24 - Thurs 25 Jun, formance forms part of formance due to the THEATRE OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE Methodist Church, Lud- BE Festival 2015 (see financial crisis in Italy. 0121 707 1874 0121 552 2761 01889 584036 low, South Shropshire page 31), Fri 26 Jun, This performance forms MAC 0121 446 3232 Shropshire STAFFORD GATEHOUSE BEST OF BRITISH An The REP, Birmingham part of BE Festival 2015 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE 01785 619080 THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON evening of British musi- POSTCARDS FROM THE (see page 31), Sat 27 0121 200 0946 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE 01952 222277 cal theatre presented SEASIDE A new musical Jun, The REP, Birming- OLD REP 0121 359 9444 01782 209784 by BOA Year 12 Musi- that celebrates the ham THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK cal Theatre students, Homefront at the time (DON’T) TRUST ME Fea- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 01952 728911 0121 704 6962 Wed 24 - Thurs 25 Jun, of the Dunkirk Evacua- turing seven students THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY The Old Rep, Birming- tion, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jun, from the mime depart- SUTTON ARTS THEATRE, 01743 234970 SUTTON COLDFIELD ham Lichfield Garrick ment of Amsterdam LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 0121 355 5355 ROMEO & JULIET Shake- MAXINE JONES: FULL CIR- Theatre School, this ROOMS 01584 878141 speare’s Globe present CLE Maxine plans to fast paced physical the-

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Theatre June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:33 Page 11 Theatre June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:01 Page 12

Theatre REVIEWS CONT...

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 30 May

The Little Voice of the title is an introverted young woman (played Nancy Sullivan) who keeps to her bedroom. She lives with her relentlessly awful moth- er, Mari (Vicky Entwistle), a woman who’s been bat- tered by life (I was steamrollered by Entwistle’s big, loud and magnificently brash performance). When both women meet Ray (Chris Gascoyne), their lives change in ways they could never have imagined. Ray is a blagger and a bragger, a self- styled impresario who sees LV as his golden ticket, Twelve Angry Men Wolverhampton Grand Theatre her mother as a stepping stone. Christopher Haydon’s hot, sweaty, grainy production of Twelve Angry Men opens up a In this sea of desperation and bitterness, LV has a discussion about how jurors absorb information and then distort it with their own preju- sanctuary in her bedroom, escaping the world by dices. immersing herself in the record collection left to her The case is that of a sixteen-year-old boy accused of stabbing to death his own violent by her deceased father. She finds solace singing in father. The voice of the judge booms over the opening curtain, “First degree premedi- the style of Piaf, Minnelli, Bassey and Monroe, and tated murder with a mandatory death sentence needs a unanimous verdict. Good luck, hope, kindness and tentative love with Billy the tele- gentlemen. I don’t envy your job.” phone engineer. Leading the line is Juror 8, an architect, played by Jason Merrells. He has ‘reasonable The only other consideration LV gets is from her doubt’ about the boy’s guilt and - compelled to persuade the other eleven likewise - mother’s put-upon friend, Sadie (Joanna Brooks). unpicks the shoddily conducted court case for us. The witnesses were elderly. It was An almost mute character, as perhaps is the fate of dark. Did they hear right? everyone who knows Mari, Sadie brings a lovely, Considering he’s just joined the show, Merrells is utterly commanding. Playing ‘Mister understated humour to proceedings. Reasonable’, with occasional bursts of barely controlled indignation, he cunningly Ray and Mari are both selfish drunkards, desperate manipulates his fellow Americans. He reveals redneck tendencies and a Ku Klux Klan to escape their situation and prepared to do what- approach to race relations amongst the bullies, and he sows civilized uncertainties ever it may take. Neither are pleasant characters. within the minds of the professionals. When their hopes are dashed, their response is Also outstanding is Andrew Lancel’s belligerent, bigoted Juror 3, who’s mercilessly vicious. But the anthemic music and amazing voice driven to a guilty verdict by a pent-up anger about his own son’s behaviour. His per- of LV gives us all hope. The Rise And Fall Of Little sonal denouement is a moment of real conviction acting. Voice is a dark and disturbing story - a modern I loved the clackerty-clack of the passing elevated trains, and how the gathering storm fairytale for grown-ups. And as such, baddies and fuelled fraying tempers; and the ever-so-subtle way the stage gently revolved to con- witches get their comeuppanceTed Finlay and n n princesses n n get stantly vary our angle on proceedings. In a neat physical metaphor, as it slowly comes their prince charming. round, so do the jurors. The designer might have done more to concentrate the claustrophobia (the set is very Cougar The Musical open plan) but otherwise the production team gave the actors great service; providing real rain and dusky lighting, which added to the steamy, angst-ridden atmosphere. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Chris Eldon Lee n n n n n Get out your feather boas and your best Pat Butch- er leopard print for a night of bulging biceps, empowering women and flashing dildos. Yes, that’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham what I said - flashing dildos! Be sure, though, not to make the mistake (as some audience members did Take an Englishman, a Frenchman and an American all intent on swindling as much on the opening night) of taking along your dad or cash as they can out of wealthy but vulnerable females and what have you got? grandparents - Cougar The Musical is truly not for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, that’s what. the fainthearted. Based on Frank Oz’s 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, this touring The story follows three mid-to-late-forties women version of the West End show is debuting at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre who’re all going through their own personal trials. before heading to venues across the country. Divorce, being a single parent and starting a new Set in Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, the musical centres on serial conman career are all in the mix as we’re presented with Lawrence Jameson, perfectly played by Michael Praed. Suave, sophisticated and with common issues that older women face in 2015. an ego as big as the moon, Jameson’s sole aim is to while away the summer season The show’s ‘brawn’ comes in the shape of Barnaby swindling wealthy women. He’s assisted in his endeavours by his accomplice-in-crime, Hughes, whose six-pack was enormously distract- the bent French copper Andre Thibault - a role Mark Benton of Early Doors and Catter- ing to the females (and some males) in the audi- ick fame plays with real vigour. ence for a full ten minutes after his arrival on stage. Everything’s hunky dory until the arrival of small-time American crook Freddy Benson - His character of Buck completed the cast of four. wonderfully portrayed by former HearSay favourite Noel Sullivan - and a holidaying The show is packed with hilarious dialogue. Come- soap heiress (played by Carley Stenson)... dian and scriptwriter Donna Moore certainly came Although a little slow to get off the ground, Jerry Mitchell’s production has some great up trumps with the punchlines, all of which were comedy moments which are perfectly executed by the show’s principal characters. The exceptionally well delivered by all four characters. scene where Jameson introduces his self-imposed fiance - a cattle-breeding heiress The production also features some toe-tapping from Oklahoma - to his socially inadequate ‘brother’, Ruprecht, generates some real vocal numbers, tantalising choreography - and belly laughs. Phoebe Coupe as the whining, snorting and foot-stomping Jolene Oakes even a bit of audience participation for a lucky fella is a real hoot, while Sullivan’s portrayal of Ruprecht is nothing short of brilliant. in the front row! The ongoing courtship of Andre and British heiress Muriel Eubanks - played by Geral- Audience members could be heard in the interval dine Fitzgerald - also offers plenty to laugh about. saying the show was the best thing they’d seen in The show’s choreography somewhat passes you by. So too does its musical numbers. ages. Clearly Cougar The Musical is going to be a There are some fine ones in there, mainly due to Sullivan and Stenson’s adept vocals, very popular night out for ‘ladies of a certain age’ but nothing memorable. It’s most definitely the humour and the comic timing that makes who’re in need of some laugh-out-loud fun with the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels an evening of great entertainment. Indeed, the memory of girls. Jessica Aston n n n PatsyRuprecht’s Moss oh-so-manyn n n n faux pas will stay with me for quite some time to come. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels shows at Regent Theatre in from 28 July. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:01 Page 13

36 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:02 Page 14

Theatre WEST END X Factor star to make West End debut Matt Cardle is set to make his stage debut in hit West End musical Memphis. The former X Factor winner will join the cast next month, taking on the role of radio DJ Huey Calhoun. Matt will be starring opposite Beverley Knight, who’s extended her run in the lead role of Felicia Farrell until October. “I’m thrilled to be making my acting and West End debut in Mem- phis,” says Matt. “From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey. It’s no secret that I worked for many years before my breakthrough as a musician. I started my first band when I was twelve years old and spent at least fifteen years recording albums and sending demos to record companies before finally having my voice heard. It was the united love from family and friends, similar to that at the heart of the Memphis story, that saw me through. I’m truly honoured to be sharing the stage with the incredi- ble Beverley Knight. I’ve admired her work for such a long time and can’t wait to get started in the show.”

Matt Cardle and Beverley Knight

Celebrating Motown in the West End The songs, sounds and story of Motown will be celebrated in the West End next year when hit Broadway production Motown The Musical opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Based on Berry Gordy’s fascinating book, To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories Of Motown, the show takes a look at how the legendary record label changed musical history and launched the careers of numerous well-known artists. With an eighteen-piece orchestra in tow, Motown The Musical fea- tures fifty iconic tracks, including My Girl, Dancing In The Streets, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The show has so far been nominated for four Tony Awards. Motown The Musical previews from 11 February 2016 and is currently taking bookings until 22 October.

Phil Daniels to join the cast of Les Miserables Former EastEnders actor Phil Daniels is this month joining the cast of Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre. Daniels, who’s also known for fea- turing on hit Blur single Parklife and starring in cult 1970s movie Quadrophenia, will play crooked innkeeper Monsieur Thénardier. He will be joined by the late Harry Secombe’s daughter, Katy, in the role of Madame Thénardier. Now in its record-breaking thirtieth year, Les Miserables is currently booking until 19 December. Tickets are priced from £12.50 to £67.50.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 David Bintley DPS (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 09:44 Page 1

interview David Bintley Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Director celebrates twenty years with the company...

Everything is a fantastic experience“ from the audience perspective, but you should see it backstage.”

38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk David Bintley DPS (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 09:45 Page 2

In 1995 David Bintley choreographed Carmina Burana, his first production as Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB). Twenty years later, David and the company are still going strong, regularly performing to enthusiastic audiences both here in the UK and across the globe. As part of its summer season, BRB this month revisits Bintley’s original work and also presents the world premiere of The King Dances. Jamie Ryan recently met David to find out more...

different productions we’ve put on over the Looking back over your time with BRB, years, like Cinderella and Beauty And The how would you say audience perceptions Beast. We’re even thinking of putting on have changed in terms of ballet? Aladdin because it has that pantomime, In 1995 you’d already got the beginning of Christmas-season feel to it. I think a large the dance effect. Dance was much more part of The Nutcracker’s success is simply open to the public at that time. I don’t think that all the Tchaikovsky ballets have such there’s been a huge amount of change great music. Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty between then and now. One hopes - and I and The Nutcracker are the world’s favourite won’t sugar-coat it - one hopes, one wishes, ballets, so it’s got to be a fact that people that one could sell everything. I always say love Tchaikovsky’s music. We’re permanently that in terms of this company, we don’t do a trying to persuade people that ballet can be bad show. We’re too good for that. anything and can appeal to anyone, but I We don’t get awards for The Nutcracker or suppose most people’s idea of ballet is Swan Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake. We get Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. awards for the things that people don’t come And with The Nutcracker, of course, you have and see - so our work is still cut out for us So, David, twenty years for you at BRB... the Christmas thing. I know of no other ballet there. We’re not selling enough tickets here Looking back over the last two decades, which is actually about Christmas - the toys, at the Hippodrome. We’ve been here twenty- what’s been your proudest moment with the fairies, the Christmas trees. So we get a five years and there are still too many people the company? big audience for that which isn’t really a in the city who haven’t seen us. So we’re still I couldn’t single out one moment because ballet audience. It’s an audience of families working hard at that. It’s not getting easier in there are so many fantastic things that we’ve going to see a show at Christmas. terms of support from the government and done. We’ve just been to Japan for my fourth local government because everybody’s got time as Director of BRB. Then we did a This new season sees the revival of their problems. Everybody’s been cut back. groundbreaking tour of South Africa after the Carmina Burana, the first work you So we’re now working more - but with the apartheid things were abolished. We were choreographed for the company as Artistic same amount of money we had ten years the first major company to go in there. Then Director. How does this version differ from ago. The big hole in our finances is the there’s Ballet Hoo! - a programme we did the original? Are there any changes or empty seats for those shows which aren’t the with Channel Four where we took a load of developments? big blockbusters. All I can say is that those kids who’d had a pretty raw deal in life and No, not really. As you say, it’s the first work I shows are great. They absolutely are. they performed Romeo And Juliet. Those are made for the company as Director and big landmark things. Then there’s the recent thankfully it was a big success. Every time we redevelopment of our facilities. We have bring it back I’m expecting it to have dated or fantastic facilities here again. And there are not to work, but it seems to be evergreen, just so many brilliant performances. And we which is a great relief. did the Ashton festival in New York in 2004 and blew away the competition. There really Technically, which is the most complex is just tons of stuff! piece of work you’ve created as Director of BRB? Was it a huge process to arrive at the final I’ve done some very big shows. Cinderella is programme for your twentieth anniversary a huge show - it’s very busy backstage and summer season? there’s an awful lot of magic in it. The same is We have one of the biggest active repertoires true of Aladdin. Magic usually involves a lot in the world and it’s incredibly of people working very hard, but obviously comprehensive. We have a fantastic heritage most of the things I do are challenging for the which goes back to the 1930s - right back to dancers. Carmina is a big show too. At the the beginning of modern British ballet, if you beginning it’s a totally empty, black space, like. At the same time we have the best from but we certainly fill that space up! There’s an America, we produce a lot of new work and awful lot of stuff hanging overhead that flies hopefully we’ll produce even more in the in. A lot of people see what happens on future. We have some big initiatives to try and stage, but some of the most challenging get more new work in. I believe we have the moments happen off stage, with all of the best productions of the classics in this crew running around and making the ‘magic’ country - and probably in the world in terms happen. of the versions of the classics produced by There’s a big technical challenge in my predecessors. Selecting a repertoire is The Nutcracker too, where the fireplace turns always a pleasant headache for me because and the tree grows. Everything is a fantastic there’s so much to choose from. We’re experience from the audience perspective, wanting to make new things all the time. but you should see it backstage. It’s even more incredible once you see the number The Nutcracker is an extremely popular of people required to make that change. element of the Christmas season at the Hippodrome. Why do you think the production continues to be so well loved? Birmingham Royal Ballet presents it This isn’t confined to Birmingham, it’s all over Summer Season at Birmingham the world. Christmas is largely The Hippodrome from Wed 17 to Sat 20 Nutcracker. We do try and vary it with the and Wed 24 to Sat 27 June.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Dance June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:02 Page 1 Dance

Northern Ballet Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 2 - Wed 3 June; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 16 - Wed 17 June Leeds-based Northern Ballet has developed a reputation for produc- the heart strings as it recounts the tale of a geisha girl who marries ing work that’s as much about storytelling as it is about dancing - a an American naval officer, only to find that he soon returns home and fact that’s very much in evidence in the two shows the company’s marries another. touring to the Midlands this month. The Elves And The Shoemaker, meanwhile, is a delightful tale of won- Madame Butterfly (Grand Theatre, 2 & 3 June and Regent Theatre, der and mystery, telling the story of a kind-hearted shoemaker who 16 & 17 June) and The Elves And The Shoemaker (Grand Theatre, gives his final pair of shoes - the only possession he has left in the 3 June and Regent Theatre, 17 June) are two classic tales which aim world - to a poor lady in need of help. to appeal not only to seasoned ballet-goers but also first-time atten- Northern Ballet describe this classic Brothers Grimm story as a per- dees and younger audience members. fect production through which to introduce youngsters to the magic Generally performed as an opera, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly pulls at of live ballet.

Frame(d) mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sun 21 June National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) brings together dance talent from across England to perform with Sadlers Wells’ internationally renowned Associate Artists. This new work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoul revisits moments from the choreographer’s established catalogue of work. These include Babel(words), co-choreographed with Damien Jalet, Puz/zle, Loin and TeZukA, incorporating new ideas and move- ment material from the young dancers. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoul is the 2014/15 Artistic Director for NYDC and is one of the most prolific choreographers working today. Birmingham Royal Ballet Summer Season Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 17 - Sat 20 & Wed 24 - Sat 27 June Marking David Bintley’s twentieth year with BRB, the company this month presents the director’s 1995 version of Carmina Burana, performing the piece alongside the world premiere of The King Dances. They also present a revival of his full-length comedy, Sylvia. A large-scale production, Carmina Burana sees Bintley’s breathtaking cho- reography set to the emotionally charged choral music of Carl Orff, here performed by Royal Ballet Sinfonia in collaboration with Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra Choir. In The King Dances, Bintley reimagines the very beginnings of ballet - a time when men were regarded as the kings of dance. Sylvia, meanwhile, takes audiences on a humorous trip through time to learn valuable lessons about love.

40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dance June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 10:02 Page 2

24 - Sat 27 Jun, Dance LISTINGS Birmingham Hippodrome INALA A Zulu ballet fea- For full listing information on dance, turing Ladysmith Black including times and dates, visit Mambazo, Sat 27 Jun, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Regent Theatre, Stoke- on-Trent ATÁVICO Cía Poliana MADAME BUTTERFLY Ballet, Tue 16 - Wed 17 Lima fuses physical WITH PERPETUUM Jun, Regent Theatre, theatre, dance and a MOBILE Northern Ballet Stoke-on-Trent haunting soundtrack to present a new adapta- ELVES AND THE explore how past vio- tion of Puccini's tale of SHOEMAKER Northern lent experiences stay a doomed love affair, Ballet present a won- with us, Thurs 25 Jun, Tue 2 - Wed 3 Jun, drous retelling of the The REP, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand famous Brothers Grimm TRISTISSIMO Italian per- Theatre story, Wed 17 Jun, formers C&C (Carlo ELVES AND THE Regent Theatre, Stoke- Massari & Chiara SHOEMAKER Northern on-Trent Taviani) present a Ballet present a won- CARMINA BURANA dance portrait of a cou- drous retelling of the Presented by ple who seek contact famous Brothers Grimm Birmingham Royal but repel each other’s story, Wed 3 Jun, Ballet, Wed 17 - Sat 20 every move, Thurs 25 Wolverhampton Grand Jun, Birmingham Jun, The REP, Theatre Hippodrome Birmingham JALEO FLAMENCO A FRAME (D) National Inala ATHLETES A choreo- fusion of vocals, explo- Youth Dance Company Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 27 June; New Alexandra Theatre, graphed work which sive footwork and gui- present a new work Birmingham, Mon 27 - Wed 29 July poses questions about tar playing, Sat 6 Jun, created by Sidi Larbi whether the competi- Wolverhampton Grand Cherkaoul, Sun 21 Jun, When a group of talented musicians - South African singers tion between man and Theatre mac - Midlands Arts Ladysmith Black Mambazo - find their way into the public conscious- machine is leading to CINDERELLA Ballet Centre, Birmingham ness through a baked beans advert, it says a lot about the state of alienation and destruc- Cymru present a chore- GREAT BIG DANCE OFF tion, Thurs 25 Jun, The the world and the power of advertising. ographed version of the National dance compe- REP, Birmingham Still, don’t be fooled - Ladysmith had been around for a long time much-loved fairytale, tition for primary and CORRECTION Award-win- Thurs 11 Jun, The secondary schools before they provided that memorable Heinz soundtrack, having ning Czech dance Roses, Tewkesbury across England, Mon recorded over forty albums and sold in excess of six million records troupe VerTeDance CAPTIVE Free dance 22 Jun, New Alexandra worldwide. They’re also much in evidence on Paul Simon’s present a poignant performance by Theatre, Birmingham piece about lack of Graceland album, using their Zulu harmonies and unique sound to Motionhouse & stu- SYLVIA - BRB David freedom and our power provide some unusual and interesting additions to his music. dents of Heart of Bintley’s time-hopping to make decisions, Fri Worcestershire College, comedy features music This latest presentation sees them collaborating with award-winning 26 Jun, The REP, Sat 13 Jun, Artrix, by Léo Delibes and a choreographer Mark Baldwin and nine world-class dancers - includ- Birmingham ing talent from the Royal Ballet - to present a live storytelling experi- Bromsgrove colourful cast of Gods MADAME BUTTERFLY and Goddesses, slave ence that embraces an ‘exhilarating’ fusion of South African and Presented by Northern girls and pirates, Wed Western cultures.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Film - June - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:34 Page 1 Film - June - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:16 Page 2 Film

Now Showing

The Goob CERT 18 (85 mins) Starring Liam Walpole, Sienna Guillory, Sean Harris, Oliver Kennedy Directed by Guy Myhill (UK) The Goob is as odd as its title might suggest. But within its almost surreal flights of oddity resides a disconcerting social realism. Maybe life really is this odd. ‘Goob’ is the name given to our protago- nist (Walpole), a skinny youth who steps off the bus in only his underpants and then heads home across the flat Norfolk landscape to move in with his mum (Guillory). She lives at the back of a road- side café with her new boyfriend who oversees mi- grant workers toiling in the fields nearby. As played by Sean Harris, the latter is a foul-mouthed tyrant who gives the impression that he might hit some- one at any given moment. In-between these bouts of unprovoked conflict, the writer-director Guy My- hill paints an Elysian Norfolk summer in which Goob and his friends frolic in the woods, pootle around on his scooter and dance to 1970s’ pop music. These are halcyon days, punctuated by the presence of the allegorical monster of an unknown evil. A deeply idiosyncratic and personal work, The Goob exhibits a highly original talent that recalls the fiercely individual work of Andrew Kotting and Philip Trevelyan and even Ken Loach. From Fri 12 June

Jurassic World CERT 12a (tbc) Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vi- cent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy Directed by Colin Trevorrow (USA) With a budget estimated to be in the $150-180million range (or higher), Jurassic World is the continuing story of the Costa Rica theme park, a somewhat different place than it was twenty-two years ago. However, in spite of everything now running smoothly, visitor rates have declined. So, in an effort to sex the place up, the Masrani Global Corporation decides to create a hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex. Of course, it’s all a terrible mis- take... Word has it that Steven Spielberg - along with the screenwriter Mark Protosevich - came up with a story idea for the film, but it was rejected. However, to honour Spielberg, director Trevorrow introduced sharks as scrummy morsels for the dinosaurs.

Released from Fri 5 June

Listen Up Philip CERT 15 (109 mins) Starring Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, Krys- ten Ritter, Joséphine de La Baume, Jonathan Pryce Directed by Alex Ross Perry (USA)) Jason Schwartzman would seem ideal casting as a writer who has lost the will to publicise his second novel. Philip Lewis Friedman is then made an un- expected offer by his idol (Pryce)... The American critics loved it.

From Fri 19 June

Mr. Holmes CERT PG (104 mins) Starring Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hattie Morahan, Hiroyuki Sanada Directed by Bill Condon (UK/USA) Just when you think they’ve tried every angle on Sherlock Holmes, along comes a new interpretation. In this version, Holmes is retired and suffering from dementia but still re- solved to solve a fifty-year-old case. Based on the 2005 novel A Slight Trick Of The Mind by Mitch Cullin. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Film - June - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:16 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 5 June

Four Corners CERT 12a (119 mins) Starring Brendon Daniels, Jezzriel Skei, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Irshaad Ally Directed by Ian Gabriel (South Africa) For anybody who saw Chappie, it will come as no surprise that South Africa is an incredi- bly violent place. But for one human pawn in the cycle of death there is a peaceful outlet: chess. Thirteen-year-old Ricardo is some- thing of a prodigy, but he also knows that in chess you have to make a move - whether you like it or not... In the vein of City Of God, Boyz N The Hood and Blood In Blood Out, Ian Gabriel’s Four Corners is a kaleido- scopic, kinetic portrait of gang warfare set in the ghettos of a major city. Here, Gabriel ex- plores the tensions of a hundred-year vendetta between two Cape Town gangs calling themselves the Number 26s and 28s. Albeit essentially the same, the gangs are di- vided by nothing more than history and ha- tred. It is young Ricardo (Skei) who ends up in the crossfire of four disparate characters: a gang leader, an ex-con, a London doctor and a cop on the trail of a serial killer. Although much of Four Corners is quite con- fusing - not helped by the clash of the gangs’ secret language, the Tsotsitall di- alect, Cape Afrikaans and broken English - its cinematic verve and raw authenticity is of the highest order. From Fri 19 June Queen And Country The Longest Ride CERT 15 (115 mins) CERT 12a (128 mins) Starring Callum Turner, Vanessa Kirby, David Thewlis, Richard E. Grant, Caleb Landry Starring Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jones, Tamsin Egerton Directed by John Boor- Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, Alan Alda man (Ireland/France/Romania) Directed by George Tillman Jr (USA) At the age of eighty-two, the celebrated The romantic novelist Nicholas Sparks British director John Boorman brings us a has become a one-man franchise. The sequel to his 1987 drama Hope And Glory. Longest Ride is the tenth adaptation of a Here, it’s ten years after the events of the Sparks novel in sixteen years. Here, first film and Boorman’s alter ego Bill Rohan Clint’s son plays Luke Collins, a former (Turner) is called up for National Service in bull rider aiming to make a comeback the shadow of the Korean War. Still, an eight- when his life is complicated by the ro- mantic revelations of an old man (Alda). Insidious Chapter 3 CERT 15 (98 mins) een-year-old lad needs a girl… Starring Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Lin Shaye Spy CERT 15 (120 mins) Directed by Leigh Whannell (USA) Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, As the second outing in this horror franchise Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart received a somewhat lukewarm reception, Directed by Paul Feig (USA) the film’s producers (also behind the Para- Director Paul Feig made a star of Melissa normal Activity films) have opted for a pre- McCarthy in Bridesmaids and The Heat and quel this time round. So the psychic Elise now casts her as CIA analyst Susan Cooper. Rainier (Shaye) finds herself reluctantly aid- When two of Susan’s colleagues are in trou- ing a teenage girl badgered by a malevolent ble she volunteers to go undercover so as to supernatural entity. Shiver our timbers. avert global catastrophe. Good ol’ Susan.

Survivor CERT 12a (97 mins) Starring Milla Jovovich, Pierce Brosnan, Dylan McDermott, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster Directed by James McTeigue (USA) Much like Angelina Jolie in Salt (2010), Milla Jovovich is an agent framed for crimes she didn’t commit and so is forced to go on the run while she clears her name. The differ- ence here is that the setting is London and Bulgaria and Pierce Brosnan plays a nasty assassin.

44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - June - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:17 Page 4

Released from Fri 19 June

Entourage CERT 15 (tbc) Starring Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven, Billy Bob Thornton Directed by Doug Ellin (USA) A big-screen continuation of the HBO TV se- ries of the same name, this sees Vincent Chase (Grenier) getting to make his directo- rial debut on a $100million blockbuster. Ex- pect a lot of star cameos (Mark Wahlberg, Liam Neeson, Jessica Alba, etc).

Accidental Love CERT 15 (101 mins) Starring Jessica Biel, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cather- ine Keener, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, James Brolin Directed by Stephen Greene (aka David O. Russell) (USA) A waitress (Biel) is accidentally shot in the From Fri 26 June head with a nail gun and gradually under- goes a dramatic change in personality, not Slow West CERT 15 (83 mins) She’s Funny That Way to mention developing hypersexual behav- Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassben- CERT 12a (94mins) iour... With films like Silver Linings Playbook der, Ben Mendelsohn, Caren Pistorius and American Hustle to his credit, David O Directed by John Maclean (UK/USA) Starring Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Russell has become one of America’s most Kathryn Hahn, Will Forte, Rhys Ifans, Jen- Slow West is a pocket-size Western with a in-demand filmmakers. However, after this nifer Aniston, Cybill Shepherd Directed by poetic heart. Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Jay film was delayed and completed without his Peter Bogdanovich (USA) Cavendish, a love-struck Scottish teenager involvement, he took his name off the cred- It sounds like the premise for a Woody who, in 1870, travels to Colorado in search its. Allen film: a married Broadway director of his true love, Rose (Pistorius). Along the (Owen Wilson) falls for a prostitute (Poots) way he hooks up with Silas (Michael Fass- and decides to make her a star. Meanwhile, bender), a bounty hunter who is both a his playwright (Forte) also falls for her... blessing and a curse. While Silas constantly The film should certainly help the career of saves Jay’s life, he also knows there’s a the London-born Poots. bounty on Rose’s head... While at times liv- ing up to its title, Slow West is also atmos- pheric and idiosyncratic enough to hold one’s interest for most of the time. As Silas, Minions CERT tbc executive producer Fassbender looks to the Featuring the voices of Adam Sandler, Dustin saddle born, while Smit-McPhee’s androgy- Hoffman, Method Man, Ellen Barkin, Steve Buscemi, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens nous Jay provides the innocence that the Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda West is out to corrupt. It’s a visual treat as (USA) well (shot on location in New Zealand) and The irritating little yellow helpmates of the Released from Fri 26 June bristles with darkly comic detail. Despicable Gru now have a movie to them- selves. Having destroyed all the masters that they had previously served (including Everly CERT 18 (98 mins) Genghis Khan, Napoleon and Dracula), the Starring Salma Hayek, Hiroyuki Watanabe, minions set off to find someone equally evil Laura Cepeda Directed by Joe Lynch (USA) to assist. So they attend a villain’s conven- tion and latch on to Scarlet Overkill (Bul- Everly is a prostitute who informs on her ex, lock), who’s planning to take over the world. a mob boss, who promptly sends a gang of In 3D. hitmen around to her place. But Everly is more savvy than anybody had imagined and has her own way of dispensing justice... Ex- pect extreme violence and scenes of torture.

Knock, Knock CERT tbc Starring Keanu Reeves, Ignacia Allamand, Lorenza Izzo Directed by Eli Roth (USA) Who’s there? Apparently we’re talking about a couple of beautiful young women who take it upon themselves to terrorise an archi- tect working at home alone. The director Eli Roth was previously responsible for Cabin Fever, Hostel and Hostel: Part II. So, expect some gore.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Festivals June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:11 Page 1 Festivals June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:12 Page 2 Festivals

Supersonic Festival Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 June Since the inception of Supersonic Festival in 2003, Capsule have firmly established the event as one of the UK’s premier experimental music and arts festivals. For years they’ve filled Birmingham’s in- dustrial spaces with Supersonic Festival attendees, introducing emerging cultural spaces via a cocktail of music, film, art installations, food and more. And this year is no different. Birmingham Town Hall plays host to the Will Gre- gory Moog Ensemble’s opening concert on the Thursday evening. The Friday and Saturday fea- tures performances from The Pop Group, Gazelle Twin, The Bug vs Dylan Carlson and Liturgy. Aside from the music there’s an array of films, exhi- bitions, talks, presentations and special perform- ances to enjoy throughout the four days, as well as entertainment to keep younger visitors amused. For more information, visit .supersonicfestival.com. Tinariwen Lunar Festival Umberslade Estate, Warwickshire, Fri 5 - Sun 7 June After two successful years in 2013 and ’14, Lunar returns to Umberslade Estate for the third time. Set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake and based on sister festival Moseley Folk, this three-day event prides itself on creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. A variety of dance and craft workshops can be enjoyed throughout each day, and there’s also a separate family camping area... And on the subject of camping, both a ‘quieter’ camping field and luxury camping have been made available for this year, based on feedback from the 2014 event. Musically, the line-up boasts a strong collection of alternative rock, folk and world artists - Tinariwen (headliners), Wilko Johnson, Public Service Broadcasting, The Fall and Sun Ra Arkestra, to name but a few. The arrival of evening finds the festival offering more of a clubbing environment. Magic Liturgy Door, Swingamajig’s Speakeasy and Psychemagik’s Magik Forest Arabian Tent all play their part in keeping Lunar alive into the early hours. Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival Various venues in Lichfield City Centre, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June Download Festival Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, Fri 12 - Sun 14 June Lichfield Arts here presents four days of the finest jazz and blues from some of the best national and Seen as the spiritual home of rock, Donington Park has played host to this major festival regional bands around. for more than ten years. Organised by Live Nation, Download regularly attracts the creme Kicking things off on the Thursday evening is The de la creme of rock, heavy metal and punk, with more than one hundred-and-forty acts Blues Band, performing at Lichfield Cathedral. Fri- this year scheduled to appear across three days and four main stages. day and Saturday features performances from, American heavy metal takes top billing, with Slipknot headlining the main stage on the among others, Jay Phelps Quartet, The Sleaze Friday. British rockers Muse take centre-stage on the Saturday, while Kiss close the festi- Brothers and Steve Ajao & Climax Blues Band. The val on the Sunday. Faith No More, Judas Priest, A Day To Remember, Motley Crue, Five Sunday, meanwhile, has been described as ‘a big, Finger Death Punch and Slash also feature in an impressive line-up. bold, beautiful, brassy day of jazz and funk’. For tickets and more information, visit lichfield- arts.org.uk.

Jay Phelps Quartet

Slipknot

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Festivals June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:12 Page 3

48 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:12 Page 4

man, The King Biscuit venues in Buxton, Temptation, Trivium, The Chemical Brothers, Listings Boys, Swampcandy & Derby Rob Zombie & Black Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Festivals Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde BIRMINGHAM FEST Line- Label Society, Thurs 6 - Daresbury, Cheshire Band, Sat 4 July, The up to be announced, Fri Sun 9 Aug, Catton Hall, BEERMAGEDDON Line-up For full listing information on festivals, Fold, Worcester 17 July - Sun 2 Aug, Derbyshire includes Rannoch, LEAMINGTON SPA various locations BULLDOG BASH Line-up Mpire Of Evil, Tyson including dates and line-up, visit UKULELE FESTIVAL Line- throughout Birmingham includes Permageddon, Dog & Heavenwood, Fri www.whatsonlive.co.uk up includes Lynda ALIVE AT DELAPRE PARK Easydread, TBone & 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Stoke Styne & Red Hot Duo, Line-up includes Jessie Sky Valley Mistress, Prior Country Club, OF BRITAIN Line-up in- Chonkinfeckle, Bitter J, Alfie Boe & Mc- Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Aug, Bromsgrove JUNE cludes Paul Carrack, Jug Stompers & Busted, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Shakespeare County SHREWSBURY FOLK FES- Big Country, Show Of Gabriela, Sat 4 July, Jul, Delapre Park, Raceway, Stratford- TIVAL Line-up includes Hands & From The Newbold Comyn Arms, Northampton upon-Avon Richard Thompson, La ENGLISH HAYDN FESTIVAL Jam, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Warwickshire FESTIVAL 8 Line-up in- STRAWBERRY FIELDS Bottine Souriante, Kate Line-up includes The June, Uttoxeter Race- LLANGOLLEN INTERNA- cludes Alternative Dub- FESTIVAL Line-up to be Rusby & Sharon Shan- Sacconi String Quartet, course, Staffordshire TIONAL MUSICAL step Orchestra, Seas Of announced, Fri 7 - Sat 8 non, Fri 28 - Mon 31 The Chistophe Coin LINTON MUSIC FESTIVAL EISTEDDFOD Line-up in- Mirth, Hallouminati & Aug, Cattow Farm, Aug, West Midland Trio, The Salomon Line-up includes cludes Rufus Wain- Rick Emsley, Fri 17 - Leicester Showground, Shrews- String Quartet & The Snakechamer, Wilko wright, Alfie Boe, Sun 19 Jul, Cabourne LAKEFEST Line-up to be bury English Haydn Orches- Johnson, Andy Fair- UB40’s Ali Campbell, Parva, Lincolnshire announced, Fri 7 - Sat 9 GREENBELT FESTIVAL tra, Wed 3 - Sun 7 June, weather Low & The Low Astro and Mickey Virtue BUG JAM Line-up to be Aug, Croft Farm Water- Line-up includes Duke various locations in Riders & The Hoax, Fri & Gareth Malone and announced, Fri 17 - Sun park, Tewkesbury Special, Pascuala Il- Bridgnorth, Shropshire 19 - Sun 21 June, The his Voices choir, Mon 6 19 Jul, Santa Pod Race- REWIND NORTH Line-up abaca, King Porter THE GATE TO SOUTHWELL Alma Inn, Herefordshire - Sun 12 July, Royal In- way, Northamptonshire includes Soul II Soul, Stomp & Worry Dolls, FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up ALCESTER FOLK FESTIVAL ternational Pavillion L FEST Line-up includes The Human League, Fri 28 Aug - Mon 31 includes Billy Bragg, Line-up includes Lynne BUXTON FESTIVAL FRINGE Lucy Spraggan, O’Hoo- The Boomtown Rats & Aug, Boughton House, Clannad, The Urban Heraud, Pat Turner, Line-up includes Albion, ley & Tidow, The Tuts & Kim Wilde, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Northamptonshire Folk Quartet & Chris Derek Gifford & Les City Of Manchester Or- Holloway, Fri 17 - Mon Aug, Capesthorne Hall, FUSION FESTIVAL Line- Wood, Thurs 4 - Sun 7 Sullivan, Fri 19 - Sun 21 chestra, Basin Street 20 July, Uttoxeter Race- Cheshire up includes Justin June, Southwell, June, Holly-Bush, War- Jazz and Blues & Dale course, Staffordshire FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Bieber, McBusted, Rudi- Nottinghamshire wickshire Storr, Wed 8 - Sun 26 SPLENDOUR Line-up in- Line-up includes Dr mental & Tinie Tempah, WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL 100 ABOVE (LAINFEST) Jul, various venues cludes The Specials, Feelgood, Ferocious Sat 29 - Sun 30 Aug, Line-up includes Fair- Line-up includes Lucy around Buxton James, Jess Glynne & Dog, 3 Daft Monkeys & Cofton Park, Birming- port Convention, Cara Rose, Bipolar Sunshine, 2000TREES FESTIVAL Lawson, Sat 18 July, Talisman, Fri 14 - Sun ham Dillon Band, Richard Di- Amber Run & To Kill A Line-up includes Deaf Wollaton Park, Notting- 16 Aug, Gatten Farm, gance & The Houghton King, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Havana, Idlewild, We hamshire Shropshire Weavers, Thurs 4 - Sun June, Gopsall Hall Are The Ocean & The WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL BETLEY CONCERTS Line- SEPTEMBER 7 June, Whitby Sports Farm, Warwickshire Subways, Thurs 9 - Sat Line-up includes Billy up includes Tom Jones, & Social Club, Cheshire KINETON MUSIC FESTIVAL 11 Jul, Upcote Farm, Bragg, Lil’ Jimmy Reed Total Access Live & Col- BOURNE FESTIVAL Line- Line-up includes Hot Cheltenham Band, The Demon Bar- labro, Fri 14 - Sun 16 MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL up includes Violet Tubes, The Folly Broth- BROMSGROVE FOLK FES- bers XL & Nancy Kerr, Jul, Betley Court Farm, Line-up includes The Cities, The More I See ers, Neighbourhood TIVAL Line-up includes Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July, Cheshire Monkees, Spiritualized, & Festival Sons, Fri 5 - Cotch & The Har- Artisan, Colum Sands, various venues around LICHFIELD FAKE FESTIVAL Idlewild & Anna Calvi, Sun 7 Jun, Wellhead vesters, Sat 20 June, Hat Fitz and Cara & An- Warwick Line-up includes Bon Fri 4 - Sun 6 Sept, Field, Lincolnshire Kineton Sports and So- thony John Clarke, DEERSTOCK Line-up in- Jovi Experience, Kaz- Moseley Park, Birming- LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up cial Club, Warwickshire Thurs 9 - Sun 12 July, cludes Ferocious Dog, abian & Space Cowboy, ham includes Tinariwen, LICHFIELD BLUES AND The Bowling Green, Big Boy Bloater, Sat 15 Aug, Beacon FESTIVAL NO.6 Line-up Wilko Johnson, Public JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up Bromsgrove Doggen All Star Band & Park, Lichfield includes Grace Jones, Service Broadcasting & includes The Blues NOISILY FESTIVAL Line- Funke and the Two THE GREEN MAN FESTI- Belle & Sebastian, DJ Sun Ra Arkestra, Fri 5 - Band, Jay Phelps Quar- up includes Stephan Tone Baby, Fri 24 - Sun VAL Line-up includes St Harvey & The 2 Bears, Sun 7 June, Umber- tet, Tommaso Starace Bodzin, Grouch, Boris 26 Jul, Newton, Notting- Vincent, Super Furry Fri 4 - Mon 7 Sept, Port- slade Farm Park, War- Quartet & Steve Ajao & Brejcha & Parasense, hamshire Animals, Hot Chip & meirion wickshire Climax Blues Band, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Jul, INDIETRACKS MUSIC FES- Slowdrive, Thurs 20 - WELFEST ON THE VALEFEST Line-up in- Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June, Coney Woods, Leices- TIVAL Line-up includes Sun 23 Aug, Glanusk MEADOW Line-up in- cludes Will And The various venues around ter The Go! Team, Cin- Park, Brecon Beacons cludes The Loose Cov- People, Dark Stares, Lichfield NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL erama, Martha & Tiger- THE JUST SO FESTIVAL ers, The Vooz, Souled Ghouls & The Uptone EXILE MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes Jelly- cats, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jul, Line-up includes Seas Out 2 Funk & Matt Girls, Sat 6 Jun, The Line-up includes The heads, The Session, Butterley Station, near Of Mirth, Formidable Eaves, Sat 5 Sept, Syn- Vale, Birmingham Roughneck Riot, Lil Abba Chique & Vendet- Ripley, Derbyshire Vegetable Sound Sys- der Meadow, Warwick- NO TOMORROW FESTIVAL Jim’s Li’l Squeeze, The tas, Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL tem, Patch and The shire Line-up includes John Hiveminds & The Rot- Napton on the Hill, War- Line-up includes The Giant & Backyard Burn- ONBOARD THE CRAFT Newman, Jessie Ware, ten Hill Gang, Fri 26 - wickshire Wu Tang Clan, Martha ers, Fri 21 - Sun 23 FESTIVAL Line-up in- James Bay & Bondax, Sun 28 Jun, Sabine SOUNDS IN THE GROUNDS Reeves and The Van- Aug, Rode Hall Park- cludes The Hawklords, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jun, Wol- Hay, Derbyshire Line-up includes Kaiser dellas, Beardyman & land, Cheshire Son of Man, Dr Has- laton Park, Notting- NATIONAL FOREST FOLK Chiefs, Professor London Elektricity, Fri WILDWOOD FESTIVAL been & Glow People, hamshire FESTIVAL Line-up in- Green, Ella Eyre, Royal 24 - Sun 26 July, Brom- Line-up includes Albany Fri 11 - Sat 12 Sept, SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL cludes The Poozies, Philharmonic Concert yard, Hereford Down, The Band From Stoke Prior Sports & Line-up includes Eter- The New Rope String Orchestra & Lucy MADE BIRMINGHAM Line- County Hell, Big Boy Country Club, Broms- nal Tapestry, Woven Band, Tim Edey & The O’Byrne, Fri 10 - Sat 11 up includes Beardy- Bloater and The Limits grove Skull, Wildbirds and Shee, Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Warwick Castle man, Claude & Chantel McGregor, Fri WHITWELL FESTIVAL OF Peacedrums & Apos- Jun, Moira Miners’ Wel- THE MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK VonStroke, David Rodi- 21 - Sun 23 Aug, MUSIC Line-up includes tille, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 fare Hall, Leicestershire & SOUL FESTIVAL Line- gan & Julio Bashmore, Tupholme Abbey Eddie & The Hot Rods, Jun, Birmingham City UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL up includes Roy Ayers, Sat 25 July, The Dig- Fields, Lincolnshire Seven Little Sisters, Centre Line-up includes Alan Gregory Porter, Craig beth Triangle, Birming- PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL Maelor Hughes & Black DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Barnes, Old Hat Jazz Charles & Hackney Col- ham Line-up includes Kevin Thorn, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Line-up includes Muse, Band, Chris Pearce liery Band, Fri 10 - Sun Y-NOT FESTIVAL Line-up Grenfell’s Jazz Giants, Sept, various locations Slipknot, Kiss & Faith Quartet & Gypsy Fire, 12 July, Moseley Park, includes Snoop Dogg, John Hallam and Remi around Banbury No More, Fri 12 - Sun Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June, Birmingham Primal Scream, Base- Jazz, Gypsy Fire, Digby SHREWSBURY FIELDS 14 June, Donington The Riverside, Upton- PUNKS AGAINST CANCER ment Jaxx & Ocean Fairweather’s Half FOREVER FESTIVAL Line- Park Racing Circuit, upon-Severn Line-up to be an- Colour Scene, Fri 31 Jul Dozen, Fri 21 - Sun 23 up to be announced, Fri Derby nounced, Fri 10 - Sun - Sun 2 Aug, Aug, Pershore College, 11 - Sun 13 Sept, loca- LEAMINGTON PEACE FES- 12 Jul, The Hairy Dog, Mouldridge Lane, Der- Warwickshire tion tbc, Shropshire TIVAL Line-up to be an- JULY Derbyshire byshire V FESTIVAL Line-up in- BROMYARD FOLK FESTI- nounced, Sat 13 - Sun CORNBURY MUSIC FESTI- CARFEST NORTH Line-up cludes Calvin Harris, VAL Line-up includes 14 Jun, Leamington VAL Line-up includes includes Billy Ocean, Kasabian, Stereophon- Breabach, Gerry Colvin HOLI ONE FESTIVAL BIRM- CAMPER JAM Line-up to Tom Jones, Razorlight, Seasick Steve, Paul ics & Sam Smith, Sat 22 Band, John Doyle & INGHAM Line-up to be be announced, Fri 3 - Roger Hodgson & The Heaton and Jacqui Ab- - Sun 23 Aug, Weston Sharon Shannon, Fri 11 announced, Sat 13 Sun 5 July, Weston Fratellis, Fri 10 - Sun 12 bott & Sophie Ellis-Bex- Park, Staffordshire - Sun 13 Sept, Brom- June, The Rainbow Park, Staffordshire Jul, Great Tew Estate, tor, Fri 31 Jul - Sun 2 PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL yard Venues, Birmingham GODIVA FESTIVAL Line- Oxfordshire Aug, Oulton Park Race Line-up includes WORCESTER MUSIC FES- RUGFEST Line-up in- up includes The Wom- BUXTON FESTIVAL Line- Circuit, Cheshire Fenella Humphreys, TIVAL Line-up to be an- cludes The Christians, bats, Fun Lovin’ up includes English Matthew Taylor, Navarra nounced, Fri 18 - Sun Land Of The Giants, Criminals, Embrace & Chamber Orchestra, Quartet & Nova Music 20 Sept, various venues Will And The People & The Beat, Fri 3 - Sun 5 The Schubert Ensem- AUGUST Opera Thurs 27 Aug - in Worcester RSVP, Fri 19 - Sat 20 July, War Memorial ble, The Fitzwilliam Tues 1 Sept, Powys Jun, Wallingford Sports Park, Coventry String Quartet & Maria CREAMFIELDS Line-up Park, Oxfordshire BLUES AT THE FOLD Line- Camahort Quintet, Fri BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR includes Avicii, Tiesto, THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL up includes Jack Black- 10 - Sun 26 Jul, various Line-up includes Within Armin Van Buuren &

For full festival listings, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Visual Arts Region 1 June Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 09:53 Page 1

50 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts Region 2 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:34 Page 1 Visual Arts

Johnny White’s Beastly Machines Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 12 July A moving dog with a kennel and two gnus in a canoe are among the quirky artworks on display in this fun-to-view exhibition by kinetic sculptor Johnny White. Johnny has been making sculp- tures involving kinetic elements for over thirty years, having initially produced predominantly ceramic sculptures. As well as setting out to amuse, he’s also hoping to make visitors think about recycling and ecology.

Amanda Simmons: Dahlia Universe British Glass Biennale 2015 The Glasshouse Arts Centre at Ruskin Glass Centre, until Sun 28 June Showcasing in excess of one hundred pieces, the Biennale offers a rare opportunity to see a huge variety of work in a selling exhibition - from finely crafted vessels to bold The Liberated Quilt sculptural works and installations. Bilston Craft Gallery, until Sat 25 July The exhibition has formed part of all six International Festival of Glass events, its remit Work by twenty-four of the world’s top textile being to show ‘the pulse of recent achievement in contemporary British glass, and to artists is featured in this vibrant new exhibition. display this wide range of creativity’. Since the inaugural 2004 exhibition, almost five hun- Strong narratives, bold visions and raw emotional dred glass works have been showcased in the Biennale to thousands of festival visitors. responses are key features of the works on show. The artists have used the exhibition to expand the boundaries of textile art and challenge precon- ceived ideas of what a quilt can be. St Ives Artists New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 23 August This in-focus exhibition from The Clive Beardsmore Gift looks at a body of work by artists associat- ed with the Cornish harbour town of St Ives. Following the Second World War, St Ives became home to a wide range of leading abstract artists. The Cornish harbour town was viewed as a quiet haven away from the atrocities of Europe and Staffordshire Open Art the hectic pace of London life. The artists who moved there Exhibition embraced the values of Shire Hall Gallery, Staffs, until Sun 5 July Modernism and applied them to A significant event in the Shire Hall Gallery’s cal- an appreciation of the local land- endar, the Staffordshire Open Art Exhibition pro- scape. vides an opportunity for the region’s newly emerg- This fascinating exhibition pres- ing artists to display their work - often for the very ents a selection of paintings from first time. The exhibition is open to any artist who a new gift of artworks donated to lives, works, studies or was born in the county, the gallery by private collector and features paintings, drawings, prints, photo- Clive Beardsmore. Clive has a graphs, film, animation and sculpture. longstanding association with Most of the work is for sale. According to organis- the venue, having served as an ers, the exhibition usually features something to assistant to its one-time curator suit ‘all tastes and pockets’. Michael Mosesson in the 1970s. Photo credit: Terry O’Malley

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Visual Arts Region 2 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:34 Page 2

Martin Parr: Black Country Stories - VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS Wolverhampton Art Gallery For full listing information on Visual Art Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

20th-century British Studio PROTON, UNITY, ENERGY, until Sat 27 Jun, BLIZZARD An imposing Wolverhampton Art Ceramics four-screen video instal- Gallery lation exploring sites THE JEWELLERY QUAR- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, used by the Russian until Thurs 31 December TER DURING THE FIRST Space Agency and mili- WORLD WAR Exhibition Seventy-eight studio ceramics made by twenty- tary, until Sat 6 June, of artefacts, images Wolverhampton Art and oral histories relat- nine potters are brought together for this new Gallery exhibition of items collected by Birmingham- ing to the recruitment FAITH & ACTION: QUAK- of soldiers from the born architect Stanley Sellers (1933-2013). ERS & THE FIRST WORLD Jewellery Quarter, until Included among its highlights are Bernard WAR Exhibition which Sat 27 June, The Leach’s rustic Leaping Salmon vase, Austrian- uses original photo- Jewellery Quarter, born Lucie Rie’s brightly coloured modernist graphs, film interviews Birmingham STAFFORDSHIRE OPEN served in the regiment and artefacts to tell the GRAHAM LEONARD KING bowls, and John Ward’s bold, geometric pots. ART until Sun 5 July, between 1914 and compelling stories of RBSA Studio ceramics made by potters in the Featuring a selec- Shire Hall Gallery, 1918, using personal Quaker men and tion of small & large Midlands also feature, including a raku bowl by women during the Stafford objects, medals & atmospheric land- memorabilia, until Sun university lecturer and published author David 1914/18 conflict and its scapes using acrylics SAMARA SCOTT: SILKS Jones. aftermath, until Sun 7 New body of work 26 July, Birmingham on wooden panel and Museum & Art Gallery June, Birmingham paper, until Sat 27 which draws on the Museum & Art Gallery June, RBSA Gallery, phenomenon of post- NÁSTIO MOSQUITO A PRIZE EXHIBITION Annual Birmingham internet art, until Sat 11 selection of the artist’s July, Eastside Projects, work at the fifty-sixth Game Over open exhibition featur- FACE TO FACE Portrait Newman Brothers Coffin Works, ing works from artists Birmingham Biennale di Venezia, exhibition where visitors until Sun 26 July, Ikon Birmingham, until Fri 24 July across the region and can come face to face YOU AND ME HERE WE beyond, until Sat 13 Gallery, Birmingham This fascinating exhibition presents new art- with artists, academics, ARE Exhibition of origi- June, RBSA Gallery, nal material including SIAN MACFARLANE: WE work inspired by the visit of artists and everyday folk - and Birmingham even a countess, until the artist’s film, The ARE ILLUMINATED Siân designers to The Coffin Works. STEPHANIE REDFERN Sat 27 June, Dudley Most Smallest Heath In presents a multi-lay- The Birmingham museum is located in the New series of work Museum & Art Gallery The Spaghetti Junction, ered film which inter- until Sat 11 July, weaves past and pres- one-time Jewellery Quarter home of the based on natural histo- TOVE JANSSON: TALES Eastside Projects, ent and explores the Newman Brothers, a company renowned for ry & museum collec- FROM THE NORDIC Birmingham synchronicities of producing some of the world’s finest coffin tions using print and ARCHIPELAGO textiles, until Sat 13 leisure pastimes, until furniture - including the fittings for the funer- Presenting originally JACQUES NIMKI: June, RBSA Gallery, SEEN/UNSEEN A new Sun 26 July, New Art als of Churchill, Chamberlain and the Queen unseen photographs & Gallery, Walsall Birmingham materials relating to the installation featuring Mother. LOUIS WAIN (1860 - 1939) life & work of Moomins more than three hun- GAME OVER Exhibition The artwork on show in Game Over THE MAN WHO DREW creator Tove Jansson, dred barely visible by fine art & fashion embraces ‘the nature and thematic of the CATS Touring exhibition until Sat 27 June, works referencing plant artists, until Fri 24 July, museum, juxtaposing history with contempo- which tells the story of Wednesbury Museum drawings, until Sun 12 The Coffin Works, internationally & Art Gallery July, Ikon Gallery, Jewellery Quarter, rary examination’. Birmingham Birmingham acclaimed artist Louis FROM ART TO STITCH Wain, until Sat 13 June, Featuring textile work PAVEL BÜCHLER GREEN FINGERED Solo Qube Gallery, from the Breakway Exhibition of work utilis- exhibition by Gemma Oswestry, North Textile Artists Group, ing a wide range of Marmalade, until Sat 29 The Modernist Face Shropshire with each piece media. This is the Aug, BOM (Birmingham IT’S A SMALL WORLD inspired by well-known artist’s most compre- Open Media), Dudley The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Artistic installation for artists, including Andy hensive UK exhibition Street, Birmingham Fri 5 June - Sun 27 September public interaction, by Warhol, David Hockney to date, until Sun 12 SIGNALLING AND ELEC- The work of two undervalued British artists - Paul Brownbill, until Sat & Rennie Mackintosh, July, Ikon Gallery, TRIC MINES New collec- Birmingham sculptor Frank Dobson and painter Matthew 13 June, Arena Theatre, until Sun 28 June, tion of objects relating Wolverhampton Newcastle Borough Smith - is explored in this Barber collabora- JOHNNY WHITE’S BEAST- to controlling the safety Museum, Staffs LY MACHINES Display of risks underground, until tion with the National Portrait Gallery. AIDEEN DORAN: IM BAU Exploring the city as a WISH YOU WERE HERE? quirky artworks cleverly Sun 2 Aug, Potteries The exhibition investigates the dynamic rela- space for artistic, eco- Selected from Jeremy sculpted from recycled Museum & Art Gallery, tionship between sitter and artist. It features nomic & ideological Cooper's major artists' materials, until Sun 12 Stoke-on-Trent work by numerous celebrated contributors to production, until Sun postcards collection, July, Shrewsbury GEORGIAN ENAMELS: A British culture, including author Roald Dahl, 14 June, Grand Union, Wish You Were Here? Museum & Art Gallery NEW NARRATIVE actress Jean Simmons, Bloomsbury elder Birmingham presents works by POP IN SPACE: WE Featuring imagined sto- some of today's most CHOOSE TO GO TO THE ries and new enamels, statesman Sir Osbert Sitwell and textile DISSENTERS AND DREAM- ERS Anti-authoritarian famous artists, until MOON Exploring artists’ created by local crafts- designer Marian Dorn. art from the East and Sun 28 June, mac - responses to the Space man John Grayson, West, until Tues 16 Midlands Arts Centre, Race during the Cold until Sun 9 Aug, June, Centrala Gallery Birmingham War, until Sat 18 July, Bantock House & Cafe, Digbeth, ANNA LORENZ NWA Wolverhampton Art Museum, Birmingham Sculptural and wall- Gallery Wolverhampton JULIANA KASUMU based explorations THE LIBERATED QUILT: MARTIN PARR: BLACK Photographs of Irun developed from the NEW WORK FROM COUNTRY STORIES Kiko, the original Next Wave exhibition, THROUGH OUR HANDS Photographic portrait & Nigerian method for held at the RBSA Showcase for twenty- archive about life in the hair threading, until Gallery in May 2014 to three international Black Country, until Sat Tues 16 June, The support emerging artists working with 22 Aug, Drum, Birmingham artists, until Sat 4 July, mainly stitched textile Wolverhampton Art RBSA Gallery, techniques, until Sat 25 Gallery THE ROMANS IN Birmingham July, Bilston Craft STAFFORDSHIRE A look ST IVES ARTISTS FROM Gallery at Roman life through TREVOR APPLESON: THE CLIVE BEARDSMORE found objects, until Sun BIRMINGHAM Exhibition SOLDIERS’ STORIES: GIFT This in-focus exhi- 21 June, Museum Of exploring self-represen- BIRMINGHAM AND THE bition from The Clive Cannock Chase, Staffs tation as a counterpoint ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE Beardsmore Gift looks to the conventions of REGIMENT 1914 - 1918 at a body of work by THE CURRENT SITUATION the traditional photo- Exhibition which com- artists associated with A selection of five art- graphic portrait, until memorates the cente- the Cornish harbour works by artist Yara El- Sun 5 July, mac - nary of the First World town of St Ives, until Sherbini which, Midlands Arts Centre, War and recounts the Sun 23 Aug, New Art although diverse, fea- Birmingham experiences of Gallery, Walsall ture a common theme, Birmingham men who

52 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts Region 2 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:34 Page 3

MADE AT MAC: CERAMICS museum’s collections showcasing the work of selection of oils and An exhibition of course in this family-friendly a wide range of emerg- watercolours of recent Museums & Art Galleries participants’ work, until show, until Sun 27 ing artists and creative travels to Cornwall, Sept, Potteries Museum Mon 31 Aug, mac - businesses based in France, Cuba, Portugal, Birmingham RED HOUSE GLASS CONE Midlands Arts Centre, & Art Gallery, Staffs the West Midlands, until Ibiza and Wales, Mon 01384 812750 Birmingham Sat 27 June, Bilston 15 June - Sat 8 Aug, ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield THE CLIVE BEARDSMORE 0121 323 3776 WOLVERHAMPTON ART LOVE IS ENOUGH: ANDY GIFT: INTERVENTION IN Craft Gallery RBSA Gallery, BARBER INSTITUTE GALLERY 01902 552055 WARHOL AND WILLIAM THE GARMAN RYAN GAL- ALL EARS Exhibition of Birmingham 0121 414 7333 MORRIS Exhibition LERIES Featuring art- new works responding MILLICENT KAYE bringing together signif- works donated to the to innovations in early CHILDREN'S ART BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & Shropshire ART GALLERY icant and iconic works gallery by a private col- music technology, Mon EXHIBITION An exhibition BEAR STEPS GALLERY, 0121 303 2834 by both artists, includ- lector, until Wed 30 1 - Sun 14 Jun, of selected entries from SHREWSBURY ing some rarely seen Dec, The New Art Millennium Point, this popular children’s CASTLE GALLERIES 01743 344994 0121 248 8484 pieces, until Sun 6 Gallery, Walsall Birmingham art competition run by SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & GRAND UNION ART GALLERY Sept, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE THE MODERNIST FACE: Oswestry Rotary Club, 0121 643 9079 01743 258885 Museum & Art Gallery AND CHANGE IN THE SMITH, DOBSON & Mon 15 - Mon 29 June, SMALL WORLDS Mixed INNER-CITY Display BRITISH PORTRAITURE Qube Gallery, IKON GALLERY TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, artist exhibition focus- exploring the way in 1920-60 A snapshot Oswestry, North 0121 248 0708 MUCH WENLOCK ing on the urban envi- which ordinary through the lens of Shropshire NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01952 727952 ronment, until Sun 6 Birmingham people Modernism, this latest FRIENDS’ EXHIBITION 0121 643 9099 THE WILLOW GALLERY, Sept, The New Art have been represented Barber exhibition Showcase of jewellery, RBSA GALLERY OSWESTRY Gallery, Walsall in art during the twenti- explores the work of ceramics, textiles, draw- 0121 2364353 01691 657575 FROM ‘RED’ ELLEN TO eth & twenty-first cen- two under-appreciated ing, painting & print- STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH VAN GALLERY, MARKET HALL, SHREWSBURY OSWALD MOSLEY turies, until Thurs 31 British artists, Fri 5 making, Wed 17 June - [email protected] 01743 355079 Portraits of inter-war Dec, Birmingham June - Sun 27 Sept, Sat 11 July, RBSA THREE WHITE WALLS politicians by Edmund Museum & Art Gallery The Barber Institute, Gallery, Birmingham GALLERY QUBE, OSWESTRY Knapp, until Sun 6 INHERITING ROME Birmingham LITTLE WORKS OF ART: 0121 200 3328 01691 656882 Sept, The Barber Exhibition which uses A YEAR IN PICTURES A 100 YEARS OF GREETING Institute, Birmingham money to explore and retrospective of BCU’s CARDS Exploring the Black Country Staffordshire NAUTICAL CRAFT EXHIBI- question our deep-seat- achievements over the history of greeting BANTOCK HOUSE AIRSPACE GALLERY TION Works by contem- ed familiarity with the past academic year, cards & postcards, WOLVERHAMPTON 01782 261221 porary designer/makers Roman Empire’s across all faculties, explaining how sending 01902 552195 NEWCASTLE BOROUGH created in response to imagery, until Sun 24 captured in photo- cards to people BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY the sea and coast, until Jan 2016, The Barber graphs, Mon 8 - Sat 27 became rooted in our 01902 552507 01782 232323 Sat 12 Sept, RBSA Institute, Birmingham June, Parkside Gallery, culture, Sat 27 June - BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & Gallery, Birmingham MENTAL SPACES Birmingham City Sun 16 Aug, Museum MUSEUM, DUDLEY ART GALLERY, STOKE-ON- University Of Cannock Chase, 01384 812745 TRENT 01782 232323 WILLIAM SMITH, FATHER Ongoing project con- Staffs DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART SHIRE HALL GALLERY OF GEOLOGY Exploring taining work produced LOVE, LIFE & LAND- by local artists affiliated SCAPES Featuring ROB LECKEY ARBSA A GALLERY STAFFORD 01785 278345 the first scientific map 01384 815575 of the British Isles, until with the Asylum Art German romantic prints display of harbours, STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, Gallery, until Sat 2 Apr, & drawings from the boats, cities and land- LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE SHUGBOROUGH Sat 19 Sept, Dudley 01889 881388 Museum & Art Gallery 2016, Light House Barber’s collection, Fri scapes using acrylic WOLVERHAMPTON Media Centre, 12 June - Sun 13 Sept, paint and inks, collage 01902 716055 ANIMAL ALPHABET Have Wolverhampton The Barber Institute, and mixed-media, Mon THE NEW ART GALLERY fun working your way STEPS TO SELF-EMPLOY- Birmingham 29 June - Sat 15 Aug, WALSALL 01922 654400 through the alphabet RBSA, Birmingham with animals from the MENT An exhibition DAVID GEORGE RBSA A

For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:31 Page 1 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:31 Page 2 Events

Blitz Hill Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sat 20 June Head back in time at Blists Hill to the start of the twentieth century - chance to view a number of vintage vehicles and steam engines, and from there head four decades into the future to enjoy this special learn how people made the most of food rationing, meet wartime 1940s-set event! characters and join the Home Guard for their drill. Heck, you can Blitz Hill presents an evening of World War Two-style entertainment, even try a spam fritter! The evening closes with a concert in the music and activities. Visitors are invited to attend the event dressed Ironworks. in Shropshire Home Front period costume. Highlights include the

Aegon Classic Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, Mon 15 - Sun 21 June Regularly attracting some of the world’s top female tennis play- ers, the Aegon Classic is a firm favourite in the British tennis calendar. Formerly known as the DFS Classic, the week-long event this year sees both world number three Simona Halep and reigning champion Ana Ivanovic taking part. Away from the tennis matches, the event hosts a tournament village that includes retail and BBQ marquees, an autograph area and a Mo t & Chandon Champagne Bar. Two special daysĕ also feature - a charity day, this year raising money for Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the always-‘glamorous’ Ladies Day. Sainsbury’s British Championships Alexandra Stadium, Birmingham, Sun 7 June Olympic, European and Commonwealth long jump champion Greg Rutherford is among the stars who’re joining the legendary Mo Farah for this high-profile event. “It’s a World Championships year and I’m determined to win the only major title that’s missing from my cabinet,” says Greg. “If I can beat my main rivals in Birmingham, it will set me up perfectly for the rest of the year.” World and former Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu is another who’s taking part in the event. “Defending my title at the World Championships in Beijing is the main target for 2015,” says Christine, “but I want to run well in every race - especially on home soil in front of British fans. I’m excited to pull on my spikes and get back out on the track.”

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:31 Page 3

56 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:31 Page 4

Events PREVIEWS Cheltenham Science Festival Various Locations around Cheltenham, Tues 2 - Sun 7 June Providing six days of debate and entertain- ment, the Cheltenham Science Festival offers visitors the chance to put their questions to some of the world’s leading thinkers - and even to conduct their own experiments. This year’s festival features over one hun- dred-and-sixty events, including talks by Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, Robert Winston and Wilko Johnson. Among the festival’s other highlights are a brand new Dino Zone - featuring a seven- metre skeleton of a Gorgosaurus - and an original DeLorean, ‘flown’ in to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of hit movie Back To The Future. Commenting on the event, Festival Director Jane Furze said: “We have a fantastic pro- gramme that engages scientists, science enthusiasts and anyone and everyone with a Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power curious mind who wants to better under- Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, Fri 12 - Sun 14 June stand how the world works and how science The Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most helps us to understand it.” dynamic motorsport events, offering ‘an action-packed weekend for all the family’. The show includes an ‘over 1000bhp’ race, with more than one hundred-and-twenty of the country’s most valuable and iconic cars and bikes battling it out for a place on the podium. Other show highlights include the Vulcan taking to the skies with the Red Bull Matadors, and the first concours d’elegance, celebrating American muscle cars and ’80s poster supercars. Classical and rock music also feature in the show’s programme, with The Rick Parfitt Jnr Band and former X Factor contestants Tenors Of Rock both contributing. Expect power bal- lads and ultimate rock anthems aplenty.

Included among the attractions are stunt Berry, John Torode, Michel Roux (pictired) bikes, a sheep show, birds of prey, working James Martin, Antonio Carluccio and dogs, practical horse demonstrations, a Gennaro Contaldo - the four-day event offers medieval village, children's entertainment, visitors an abundance of demonstrations, and arts, crafts, gifts and food marquees. tastings, book signings and shopping experi- RAF Cosford Air Show ences to enjoy. RAF Cosford, Sun 14 June The Summer Kitchen - hosted by local celebrity chef Marcus Bean - and the Regarded as one of the country’s top avia- Supertheatre also feature. tion events, this annual air show attracts The show’s ultimate shopping experience, thousands of visitors and features spectacu- meanwhile, boasts plenty of well-known lar flying displays, military exhibitions and brands, kitchen appliances and gadgets, a static aircraft displays. Producers’ Village and a Good Food Bakes The 2015 version is an ‘advance ticket only’ & Cakes Village. event. The change in policy comes as part of Tickets to the show also provide access to an effort to improve traffic flow and ease the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event. access to the site. The main theme for the show is VE70 - the seventieth anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. A special Victory Village sees the look and atmosphere of 1945 being recreated for visitors to enjoy, complete with music and Trentham Classic Car And vehicles from the era. Transport Show Trentham Gardens, Staffordshire, Sun 21 June Celebrating twenty-six years of eventing at Trentham Gardens, the annual Classic Car And Transport Show features one thousand vehicle entries, fifty club stands, an autojum- ble and trade stands. In fact, it could well be the perfect day out for Father’s Day - assum- Aerial Extreme ing your dad’s a motoring enthusiast, that is! Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent Set in the beautiful grounds of Trentham Estate, Aerial Extreme offers the chance to BBC Good Food Show fuel that inner adrenaline junkie. Varying in height from three to fourteen metres, the NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 June course is ideal for families and leads partici- Shugborough Country Show Brimming with inspiration, handy tips and pants through a series of ever more enjoy- Shugborough Historic Working Estate, sure-to-be-welcome advice on how to create able challenges. Rest assured an instructor Staffordshire, Sat 27 - Sun 28 June the perfect summer menu, the BBC Good is always on hand in case the nerves get a Organisers of the fifth Shugborough Hall Food Show returns to the NEC to provide a little too frayed. Country Show are confident that this year’s food experience ‘like no other’. A new and optional one hundred-and-eigh- event offers more family entertainment than In addition to the host of celebrities who’re teen-metre zip wire provides the perfect way any of its predecessors. on hand to share their knowledge - Mary to end the course.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:31 Page 5

58 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:32 Page 6

Events PREVIEWS 1940s Weekend Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Sat 27 - Sun 28 June An action-packed schedule awaits visitors to this month’s 1940s weekend at Severn Valley Railway. As well as running an intensive service of evacuation trains from Kidderminster to Worcester, this special wartime-themed event also features costumed re-enactors welcoming visitors at both stations. An insight into period life is provided by repli- ca air-raid shelters, a 1940s house with resident family, a wartime wedding and displays of historic civilian and military vehicles. Aerial entertainment comes in the form of a Battle of Britain memorial flypast by a Dakota on the Sunday. The event also features a banjo band, various musical performers, and stalls selling food and memorabilia. Shrewsbury Food Festival Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 27 - Sun 28 June Described by organisers as ‘a culinary event like no other’, the Shrewsbury Food Festival holds the promise of a really enjoyable family day out. While top Shropshire chefs Marcus Bean, Suree Coates, Jason Hodnet and Chris Burt demonstrate how to rustle up something special in the kitchen, younger family members can check out the Mercedes-Benz-sponsored Education Marquee, inside which they can learn to cook, find out how to grow their own produce and take part in a range of art and craft sessions. Music and entertainment comes in the form of #ShropshireUnsigned. Hosted on The Buttermarket Stage, #ShropshireUnsigned provides a showcase for the region’s best unsigned artists and bands. Numerous tastings, a variety of stalls selling artisan goods and the return of the Restaurant Safari also play their part in ensuring the festival is a mouthwatering prospect for visitors.

Kidderminster Wolverhampton 7 Jun, Churnet Valley weekly Little Explorer STRICTLY 9 TO 5 Leading STREET FAYRE Sat 6 Jun, Railway, Staffordshire sessions for young chil- Events LISTINGS members of the Chedhams Yard, THE HOUSE OF dren and babies, Wed Midlands’ legal profes- Wellesbourne, Coventry BLACKSTAR - LIVING 10 Jun, Bilston Craft For full listing information on Events, sion jive, foxtrot and FOOD FESTIVAL HISTORY Medieval re- Gallery quickstep in aid of the Returning for a second enactment society cov- DORNIER DO 17 TWO including times and dates, visit Child Brain Injury Trust, year, the Food Festival ering the historical peri- YEARS ON A lecture led www.whatsonlive.co.uk Villa Park’s Holte Suite, takes place at The od of 1240 to 1350, by those involved two Fri 5 Jun, VMF - Aston Engine House, the Sun 7 Jun, Whittington years ago when the 2 Jun, Museum of the Villa Football Club, Visitor Centre at Castle, North Dornier Do 17 was sal- from Gorge, Ironbridge, Birmingham Highley. Prepare to Shropshire vaged from the English MON 1 JUN Shropshire THREE CASTLES CLASSIC have your tastebuds A SEVERN STROLL Stroll Channel, Wed 10 Jun, CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS CAR RALLY Part of the tickled by a variety of down to the confluence RAF Cosford, Nr Regular stay-and-play Welsh Classic Car trial locally sourced prod- of the rivers Tern and Wolverhampton LAMB FEEDING Lots of groups to discover, around North Wales, Fri ucts, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jun, Severn to see the Sand BBC GARDENERS' WORLD lambs to bottle feed, play and create with 5 Jun, Chirk Castle, Nr Severn Valley Railway, Martins and a beautiful LIVE Gardening expert Mon 1 Jun - Thurs 23 your child, Tues 2 Jun, Oswestry, North Bewdley hay meadow. Monty Don makes a Jul, Park Hall Farm, Bilston Craft Gallery Shropshire BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Approximately two welcome return to the Oswestry, North THE WORKS' CANTEEN An EVENING SCENIC TOURS A chance to see miles and two hours, Midlands this month to Shropshire evening of poetry, SPECIALS A scenic Birmingham in all its Sun 7 Jun, Attingham dish out advice at the AERIAL EXTREME Mon 1 lyrics, music and story- evening ride, with the glory, the trip starting Park, Shrewsbury region’s top event for Jun - Sat 1 Aug, telling, Tues 2 Jun, added option of tradi- and ending in Victoria LIFE OF SPICE Learn green-fingered types, Trentham Gardens, Black Country Living tional fish and chip Square. Tours run every about the uses of spice Thurs 11 - Sun 14 Jun, Stoke-on-Trent Museum, Dudley supper, Sat 6 Jun, Saturday and Sunday in Tudor times, Sun 7 NEC, Birmingham PILOTS OF THE THREE COUNTIES Severn Valley Railway, to the end of Jun, The Oak House BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW CARIBBEAN - BRUNCH NETWORKING Bewdley September - excluding Museum, Wednesbury SUMMER! Thurs 11 - VOLUNTEERS OF AFRICAN MEETING Providing a STAFFORD CHEESE & ALE the first Sunday of the Sun 14 Jun, NEC, HERITAGE IN THE RAF A unique meeting place FESTIVAL Featuring month, when a special Week Commencing Birmingham new exhibition, curated to make new contacts cookery demonstra- Museum Heritage Bus THE CHOLMONDELEY in partnership with and grow your busi- tions, talks, a variety of operates, Sat 6 Jun, MON 8 JUN PAGEANT OF POWER The Black Cultural Archives, ness, Wed 3 Jun, The different cheeses, chut- Victoria Square, pageant returns for its Mon 1 Jun - Sat 31 Oct, Dorothy Clive Garden, neys, breads and ales, Birmingham CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS eighth year, Fri 12 Jun - RAF Cosford, Nr North Shropshire Sat 6 Jun, Market TOLKIEN AND TUDORS Regular stay-and-play Sun 14 Jun, Wolverhampton CRAFTPLAY LITTLE Square, Stafford OPEN TOP BUZ TOURS groups to discover, Cholmondeley Castle, CAR RALLIES AT EXPLORERS Explore 4X4 IN THE FOREST Join Featuring a visit to play and create with Cheshire COSFORD Mon 1 Jun - your senses in the the rangers in your 4x4 Sarehole Mill and your child, Tues 9 Jun, MILLING EXPERIENCE DAY Thurs 31 Dec, RAF weekly Little Explorer to explore Cannock Blakesley Hall, the land Bilston Craft Gallery A unique opportunity to Cosford, Nr sessions for young chil- Chase. Meet at Birches said to have inspired AN EVENING WITH DAVID be a miller for a day, Fri Wolverhampton dren and babies, Wed Valley Forest Centre, Tolkien’s famous sto- SEDARIS An evening 12 Jun, Daniels Mill, MEDIEVAL TOWN 3 Jun, Bilston Craft Sat 6 Jun, Cannock ries, Sun 7 Jun, Victoria with 'one of the wittiest Bridgnorth, Shropshire PLANNING IN Gallery Chase Forest Square, Birmingham and most original writ- EVENING SCENIC STAFFORDSHIRE, THE BODENGNOME ROSSETTI AND HIS CIR- BUS RALLY AND ers at work today', Wed SPECIALS A scenic CHESHIRE AND GNOME HUNT Join in the CLE Specialist talk AGRICULTURAL DAY A 10 Jun, Victoria Hall, evening ride with the SHROPSHIRE With Mike fun and hunt the about who influenced selection of classic Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent added option of tradi- Shaw. Ironbridge gnomes, Wed 3 Jun - Dante Gabriel as a man buses and farm CRAFTPLAY LITTLE tional fish and chip Archaeology Seminar Sun 30 Aug, and artist, Sat 6 Jun, machinery, plus steam EXPLORERS Explore supper, Sat 13 Jun, Series talks 2015, Tues Bodenham Arboretum, Wightwick Manor, train rides, Sat 6 - Sun your senses in the Severn Valley Railway,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:32 Page 7

60 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:32 Page 8

demonstrations and Aerial Extreme - Trentham Gardens, Staffs children's entertain- Events LISTINGS ment. For further infor- mation, visit www.cos- For full listing information on Events, fordairshow.co.uk, Sun including times and dates, visit 14 Jun, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton www.whatsonlive.co.uk UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: BEHIND THE SCENES Bewdley Walled Garden, Sat 13 - TOUR Revealing what ANTIQUES FAIR Sat 13 Sun 14 Jun, Attingham goes on behind the Jun, Ludlow Castle, Park, Nr Shrewsbury scenes at a stately South Shropshire BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ home, Sun 14 Jun, EAT YOUR WEEDS Learn TOURS A chance to see Weston Park, the myths about weeds Birmingham in all its Staffordshire and how they are the glory, the trip starting SUNDAY SCENES TOUR ancestors to our mod- and ending in Victoria Take a walk with a ern veg, Sat 13 Jun, Square. Tours run every member of the team Shropshire Hills Saturday and Sunday and discover the story Discovery Centre, to the end of behind the restoration Craven Arms, South September - excluding of Trentham Gardens, Shropshire the first Sunday of the Sun 14 Jun, Trentham FARMER JOLLY AND HIS month, when a special Gardens, Stoke-on- ANIMALS Meet Farmer Museum Heritage Bus Trent Jolly and his animal operates, Sat 13 - Sun THE MAD HATTER'S TEA ling by steam train some of the best MEET ME @ BANTOCK marionettes, including 14 Jun, Victoria Square, PARTY Highbury Hall is through the country- female players in the Regular conversation Goldtop the cow and Birmingham dressed up in an 'Alice side, Sun 14 Jun, game to compete club for people aged Cheeky Billy, the cock- NEWCOMEN IN STEAM and Wonderland' Foxfield Railway, ahead of Wimbledon, fifty and over, offering a erel. There’s also some The only full-sized theme, complete with Staffordshire Mon 15 - Sun 21 Jun, chance to relax and real farmyard animals working replica of the afternoon tea delights, FAMILY FUN DAY AND Edgbaston Priory Club, enjoy a good chat to pet, ranging from world's first steam Sun 14 Jun, Highbury CYCLE SUNDAY Help cel- Birmingham about the topic of the goats and rabbits to engine can be seen in Hall, Birmingham ebrate National Bike COASTLINE CRAZY month, Tues 16 Jun, chickens and ducks, action. Due to the KNIGHTS SCHOOL AND Week, Sun 14 Jun, Interactive activities and Bantock House & Park, Sat 13 Jun, The unpredictable nature of JOUSTING Learn how to Shropshire Hills fun talks highlight the Wolverhampton Potteries Museum & Art the Newcomen, please be a knight, Sun 14 Discovery Centre, differences between the CRAFTPLAY LITTLE Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent check running details Jun, Eastnor Castle Craven Arms, South types of creatures seen EXPLORERS Explore YOUNG ARTISTS Learn with the museum prior Deer Park, Shropshire along the British coast- your senses in the new drawing, painting to travelling, Sat 13 - Herefordshire line and those in tropi- weekly Little Explorer and sculpture skills, Sun 14 Jun, GARDEN PARTY Relax in Week Commencing cal waters, Mon 15 - sessions for young chil- Sat 13 Jun, Black Country Living the garden with live Sun 28 Jun, The dren and babies, Wed Wolverhampton Art Museum, Dudley MON 15 JUN music and strawberries National Sealife Centre, 17 Jun, Bilston Craft Gallery RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW & cream, Sun 14 Jun Birmingham Gallery ATTINGHAM IN BLOOM The Midlands’ premier Ford Green Hall, Stoke- AEGON CLASSIC One of CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS WILDFLOWER WALK Flower Clubs undertake air event, with displays on-Trent the top Women’s Regular stay-and-play Join the gardens team the challenge of creat- from a variety of aircraft STEAM CREAM LAND Tennis Association groups to discover, for an informal walk ing fabulous floral plus hundreds of CRUISE TRAIN Enjoy (WTA) events in the play and create with through the naturalised arrangements using exhibits, stalls and cream tea whilst travel- world, the Aegon your child, Tues 16 Jun, grass areas and orna- flowers grown in the trade stands, military Classic brings together Bilston Craft Gallery mental woodland, Wed

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:32 Page 9

62 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events June Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:32 Page 10

dad to a special the fastest growing dis- STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Centre, Birmingham LISTINGS Father's Day afternoon ciplines of cycle sport. Take a lighthearted ABBERLEY & MALVERN Events tea, Sun 21 Jun, The course contains journey back to HILLS GEOPARK Learn Highbury Hall, some formidable chal- wartime Britain. about the rocks, fossils For full listing information on Events, Birmingham lenges for the riders, Attractions include cos- and landscapes of the including times and dates, visit FALCONRY AT EASTNOR not least the climb up tumed re-enactments, a region, Sun 28 Jun, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Treat dad to a special the Hay-Inclined Plane, 1940s Blackout Fair, Bodenham Arboretum, falconry day at Eastnor, Sat 27 Jun, Blists Hill, displays of historic civil- Kidderminster Sun 21 Jun, Eastnor Ironbridge, Shropshire ian & military vehicles, SOS DAY A day of family 17 Jun, Cholmondeley Enjoy the power of sto- Castle Deer Park, UK CORPORATE GAMES & a wartime operations fun and rescue displays Castle, Cheshire rytelling in a ‘wild little Herefordshire MILL IN STEAM Sat 27 - room and stands featur- from local emergency THE STAFFORD STAMP corner’ of Birmingham, BATTLE OF WATERLOO Sun 28 Jun, Etruria ing period memorabilia, services. Get up close FAIR Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jun, Sat 20 Jun, Martineau Free tours for dads and Industrial Museum, Sat 27 - Sun 28 Jun, to the fire engines and Staffordshire County Gardens, Birmingham the chance to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent Severn Valley Railway, see rescue boats, 4x4 Showground YOUNG ARTISTS Learn the anniversary of the SHUGBOROUGH COUNTRY Bewdley response group vehi- SUMMER PUDDING new drawing, painting Battle of Waterloo, Sun SHOW Oakleigh Fairs UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: cles and more, Sun 28 EVENING The chance to and sculpture skills, Sat 21 Jun, Harvington return to the estate for BEHIND THE SCENES Jun, Eastnor Castle tackle six puddings 20 Jun, Wolverhampton Hall, Kidderminster the fifth year with a fam- TOUR Revealing what Deer Park, over the course of the Art Gallery SPINNING WORKSHOP ily event, Sat 27 - Sun goes on behind the Herefordshire evening, Fri 19 Jun, CIRCUS FUN DAY Take Learn how to spin sin- 28 Jun, Shugborough scenes of a stately SHEPHERD & WILLIAMS Powys Castle and part in craft activities gle ply yarn and how to Historic Working Estate, home, Sun 28 Jun, ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS Garden, Powys, Mid and learn circus skills, ply yarns together Staffordshire Weston Park, FAIR Find something Wales Sat 20 Jun, Selly using a drop spindle. BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Staffordshire perfect to complement FRIDAY TWILIGHT: THE Manor, Birmingham Spindles and fleece TOURS A chance to see HERB WALK A walk with your home, wardrobe HOARD AT NIGHT Enjoy CRAFTPLAY SATURDAYS provided, Sun 21 Jun, Birmingham in all its Medical Herbalist or collection, Sun 28 an exclusive tour of the Create, make and play, Ford Green Hall, Stoke- glory, the trip starting Natalie Morris which Jun, Wolverhampton Staffordshire Hoard by for ages nought to on-Trent and ending in Victoria offers an insight into Racecourse torchlight with expert seven, Sat 20 Jun, SUMMER SOLSTICE DAWN Square. Tours run every herbs and their proper- CELEBRATING 50 YEARS curator Deb Klemperer, Wolverhampton Art WALK Enjoy a dawn Saturday and Sunday ties, Sun 28 Jun, ON THE LONG MYND A Fri 19 Jun, The Gallery walk led by the ranger to the end of Attingham Park, Nr weekend of walks, talks Potteries Museum & Art IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE team, Sun 21 Jun, September - excluding Shrewsbury and activities, Sun 28 Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent WOODS TODAY Fun Chirk Castle the first Sunday of the GARDEN DESIGN Jun, Carding Mill Valley BOWMAN'S ANTIQUE FAIR woodland activities for NGS OPEN DAY A chance month, when a special WORKSHOP A one-day & The Shropshire Hills Fri 19 - Sun 21 Jun, all the family, Sat 20 - to admire the gardens, Museum Heritage Bus workshop with award- CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Staffordshire County Sun 21 Jun, Moseley Sun 21 Jun, Powis operates, Sat 27 - Sun winning garden design- Regular stay-and-play Showground Old Hall, Castle and Gardens, 28 Jun, Victoria Square, er Clive Mollart, show- groups to discover, play INTERNATIONAL MODEL Wolverhampton Powys, Mid Wales Birmingham ing how to make the and create with your AIR SHOW The THE VINTAGE YEARS FES- DRAGONFLY COURSE - MUD RUNNER OBLIVION most of your garden, child, Tues 30 Jun, International Model TIVAL A celebration of FLYING HIGH IN SUMMER A sixish mile gruelling Sun 28 Jun, Trentham Bilston Craft Gallery Airshow brings together the life, styles, fashion, Check out species of cross-country course Gardens, Stoke-on- BAT WALKS A chance to some of the country’s music and classic cars dragonfly that appear in interspersed with ten Trent meet Chirk Castle's bat top model aircraft pilots of the ’40s and ’50s, the summer, Tues 23 different tests of WALK FOR WHALES Join population, Tues 30 to demonstrate their Sat 20 - Sun 21 Jun, Jun, Carding Mill strength, endurance the Whale and Dolphin Jun, Chirk Castle, Nr skills, Fri 19 - Sun 21 National Brewery Valley & The Shropshire and co-ordination, Sat Conversation and Sea Oswestry, North Jun, Weston Park, Centre, Burton-upon- Hills 27 - Sun 28 Jun, Life's five-mile spon- Shropshire Staffordshire Trent CRAFTPLAY EXPLORERS Eastnor Castle Deer sored walk, Sun 28 EVENING SCENIC BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Regular stay-and-play Park, Herefordshire Jun, National Sea Life SPECIALS A scenic TOURS A chance to see groups to discover, play evening ride, with the Birmingham in all its and create with your added option of tradi- glory, the trip starting child, Tues 23 Jun, tional fish and chip sup- and ending in Victoria Bilston Craft Gallery per, Sat 20 Jun, Severn Square. Tours run every WATCH WIMBLEDON A Valley Railway, Bewdley Saturday and Sunday large outdoor screen MIDSUMMER HERB WALK to the end of displaying all the action Medicinal herbalist September - excluding from Wimbledon, Tues Natalie Morris leads a the first Sunday of the 23 Jun - Mon 6 Jul, guided walk of the cas- month, when a special Brindleyplace, tle gardens, Sat 20 Jun, Museum Heritage Bus Birmingham Chirk Castle, Nr operates, Sat 20 - Sun CRAFTPLAY LITTLE Oswestry, North 2 Jun, Victoria Square, EXPLORERS Explore your Shropshire Birmingham senses in the weekly SUMMER SOLSTICE WALK ELLESMERE FOOD AND Little Explorer sessions Walk at Betton Farm to DRINK FESTIVAL for young children and see how farming and Showcasing varieties of babies, Wed 24 Jun, conservation work top-quality produce, Bilston Craft Gallery together. Approximately from fruit, vegetables, QUIZ NIGHT A quiz night two miles and two cheeses, meat prod- held in the Great hours, Sat 20 Jun, ucts, ice cream, wines Chamber to support the Attingham Park, Nr and beers to home- restoration of the hall, Shrewsbury made chocolates and Thurs 25 Jun, BLITZ HILL - A 1940'S preserves, all from local Harvington Hall, EVENING ON THE HOME and regional producers, Kidderminster FRONT Go dressed in suppliers, restaurants ARMED FORCES DAY The 1940s outfits and expe- and more, Sat 20 - Sun Royal Air Force rience the food and 21 Jun, various loca- Museum once again entertainment of the tions in and around participates in this era. The evening will Ellesmere, North annual event by hosting close with a concert in Shropshire veterans young and old the impressive VINTAGE AND HANDMADE from all three services, Ironworks, Sat 20 Jun, FAIR Sat 20 - Sun 21 Sat 27 Jun, RAF Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Jun, Haden Hill House Cosford, Nr Shropshire Museum, Cradley Wolverhampton LINO PRINTING Heath YOUNG ARTISTS Learn WORKSHOPS WITH TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR new drawing, painting AMANDA HILLIER Full- Britain's biggest, featur- and sculpture skills,Sat day lino printing course ing six hundred stalls of 27 Jun, Wolverhampton - includes all materials toys, trains and models, Art Gallery and light refreshments. Sun 21 Jun, NEC, WHEELS FOR ALL Suitable for ages four- Birmingham SHROPSHIRE An inclu- teen-plus, Sat 20 Jun, FATHER'S DAY - CAPTAIN sive cycling session on Jackfield Tile Museum, GEOFFREY'S DISCOVERY the new adaptive Ironbridge, Shropshire DAY Enjoy a day of tra- cycling path, Sat 27 STICKY SATURDAY Free ditional sporting pur- Jun, Shropshire Hills drop-in craft activity, Sat suits and classic cars, Discovery Centre, 20 Jun, Red House Sun 21 Jun, Craven Arms, South Glass Cone, Cholmondeley Castle, Shropshire Stourbridge Cheshire CYCLE-CROSS RACE STORYTELLING FESTIVAL GENTLEMAN'S TEA Treat Cyclo-cross is one of

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 p67 (IBC) R2.qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2015 16:01 Page 1 Eating Out June region two.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:23 Page 1 Eating Out Shropshire business wins coveted Best Food Product award Shrewsbury-based meringue company Merangz have won the award for Best Food Product at Caffe Culture 2015. The company’s sumptuous Pistachio Bite beat hundreds of contestants at the coveted London Olympia event, with judge Maria Bracken commenting, “It's a fun, innovative and extremely delicious product. I can see these going down a storm in coffee shops.” Merangz products are available in Selfridges, on Ocado, as well as in numerous farm shops, delis and garden centres nationwide. For more informa- tion or to buy online, visit www.merangz.co.uk

Tempting taster menus in Ludlow Birmingham theatre first to be vegetarian taster menu as I thoroughly enjoyed. awarded an AA rosette REVIEW well - an option you rarely If I were to make a criti- Birmingham Hippodrome is the first theatre in the see in restaurants of this cism of the menu, it would UK to receive an AA rosette. Ludlow establishments calibre. be the set chocolate cus- The coveted accolade was awarded in recognition have long had a reputa- The menu read as follows: tard. As the sauces of the excellent level of skill, care and the quality tion for being among the Cauliflower, Tunworth throughout the meal were of ingredients in evidence at the theatre’s Circle finest foodie hang-outs in Cheese sauce; Welsh pig quite creamy, it would’ve Restaurant. the country. croquette, smoked eel; been nice to see some- Head Chef Chris Bratt-Rose has been commend- So the pressure was cer- spiced scallops with cauli- thing on the menu that ed for his expertise in producing high-end food in tainly on for new head flower puree; Cornish tur- was a little lighter and volume and under the constraint of ‘curtain-up’ chef Andrew Birch when bot, wild garlic and mus- fresher. time. he joined the team at tard sauce; organic chick- I also would’ve loved to The honour of an AA rosette is bestowed upon Forelle’s Restaurant in en breast, dauphine pota- sample the ten artisan only ten percent of restaurants across the UK. Fishmore Hall. And on toes, Tunworth Cheese cheeses - an optional The Circle Restaurant is located inside the hearing the exciting news fondue, Madeira sauce; additional course - but my Hippodrome Theatre and is open two hours that he’d maintained two banana mousse; and final- trousers would stretch no before curtain-up. AA Rosettes with his ly, set chocolate custard. more! Visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com for more cracking new taster The highlight was the tur- At a very reasonable £65 information. menus, we were keen to bot. As a whole dish it was per head for six courses, see what all the fuss was sublime and by far our Fishmore Hall really is well about. favourite course. We also worth a visit for a sophisti- Fishmore Hall is an impos- particularly enjoyed the cated yet affordable dining ing, Georgian building melt-in-the-mouth experience. with a traditional lounge, a dauphine potatoes. Jessica Aston bar blessed with a charm- As is a general prerequi- ing bartender, and a site for the fine-diner, you Food: n n n n n bright, airy dining space want to try something new Service: n n n n n scattered with intimate and taste exceptional Ambience: n n n n n tables and crisp white ingredients. Forelle’s Overall value n n n n n linen. didn’t disappoint in this OVERALL n n n n n We were already armed regard, satisfying both with a large mojito, a pint these needs in one dish Fishmore Hall of Ludlow ale and nibbles with their spiced scallops. Ludlow Want us to review your when our amuse bouche The scallops were enor- Shropshire restaurant?, then contact arrived. mous and cooked to per- SY8 3DP We’d opted for the six- fection. The cumin veloute Tel: 01584 875148 [email protected] or course taster menu. provided an unexpected call 01743 281716 Andrew had created a flavour combination which

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Eating Out June region two.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 18:23 Page 2

Restaurant LISTINGS Shropshire AFTAB 25 High St, For full listing information on restau- Ironbridge, TF8 7AD rants, including opening times and 01952 432055 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- Ellesmere Rd, live.co.uk Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF 01939 290 523 DY9 9PS 01562 883260 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a Black Country FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, Mardol, Shrewsbury, Smethwick, B67 5BN SY1 1PZ 01743 272586 ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 0121 429 7920 Lichfield Street, Walsall, BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, FRENCH CONNECTION WS1 1SY 01922 613361 TF11 9BA 01952 3 Coventry St, 460128 BANKS BISTRO Chapel Stourbridge, DY8 1EP CASA NARANJO Barracks Ash, Wolverhampton, 01384 390940 WV1 4EP 01902 238433 Passage, Wyle Cop, FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove Shrewsbury, SY1 01743 BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, Rd, Clent, Stourbridge, 588165 Wolverhampton, 01902 DY9 9PY 01562 883040 427555 CASA RUIZ 45 High GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 BENGAL FUSION 174 High Ablewell St, Walsall, 4DX 01746 218 084 St, Lye, Stourbridge, WS12EQ 01922 640363 CHEZ MAW Best Western DY9 8LN. 01384 891111 THE HUNGRY BISTRO 81 Valley Hotel, Buildwas BILASH 2 Cheapside, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW Wolverhampton, WV1 01952 432247 1TU 01902 427762 1EQ 01902 546336 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, THE BLUE BRICK LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Market Drayton, TF9 3PX The Peach Tree, Shrewsbury Broad Gauge Way, Mill Street, 01630 638984 Wolverhampton, WV1 Kidderminster, DY11 18 Abbey Foregate, THE PLUME OF FEATHERS 01785 253279 1AA 01902 875301 6UU 01562 744976 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, SY1 1EN Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Harley, Shrewsbury, SY5 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper MADE IN THAI Darlington 01743 281744 6LP 01743 727360 27 Broad Eye, Stafford, Green, Wolverhampton, St, Wolverhampton, WV1 01743 361440 THE HAYWARDS at The PORTER HOUSE 15 St ST16 2QB 01785 WV6 8QQ 01902 4HW 01902 312512 DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, 229988 756052 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 01952 432250 Shrewsbury, SY1 1UY SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- Mill Street, 01743 353107 Hall, Lichfield, WS14 255 Bilston Road, Kidderminster, DORRINGTON OLD HALL THE POUND AT LEEBOT- HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 9RE 01543 481494 Wolverhampton, WV2 DY11 6UU 01562 60479 PERSIAN CUISINE Main WOOD Leebotwood, Nr THE GREEN ROOM Castle 2JN 01902 458024 THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Road, Dorrington, Barracks Passage, Church Stretton, SY6 Lane, Tipton, DY4 9AB Shropshire SY5 7JD Shrewsbury, SY1 1XA 6ND 01694 751477 Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 CASA CASITA Upper 01743 361666 6HR 01543 412121 Gornal, Dudley, DY3 0121 557 1402 01743 719100 RENAISSANCE, 29a INDIAN VILLAGE 1UP 01902 676754 RED FORT Fold St, DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St HILL VALLEY HOTEL Princess St, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, WV1 Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ Tarporley Road, SY11LW 01743 354289 8 Lombard St, Lichfield, CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Whitchurch, SY13 4HA WS13 6DR 01543 4LP 01902 424440 01743 344679 ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV1 0844 879 9049 253415 4LR 01902 428928 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 THE FEATHERS Brockton, Shrewsbury, SY1 1HH THE INN AT GRINSHILL INDICA Virage Park, CINNAMON COURT Upper Green, Tettenhall, Much Wenlock, TF13 01743 233244 Bentley The High Street, Cannoc, WS11 0HN Mill Way, Walsall, WS2 Wolverhampton WV6 6JR 01746 785202 Grinshill, Shrewsbury, SARACENS Shrewsbury 08712 070417 0BP 0121 568 6664 8QQ 01902 756052 FENNELS 8 Market Place, SY4 3BL 01939 220410 Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford THE COWSHED Clive SAFFRON Wolverhampton Shifna,l TF11 9AZ 210877 KING & THAI Avenue Rd, St, Stone, ST15 8QW Farm Clive Rd, Road, Oldbury, B69 4RR 01952 463020 0121 552 1752 Broseley, Telford, TF12 SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, 01785 817 985 Pattingham, WV6 7EN THE FOX INN 46 High St, Oswestry, SY11 1AQ SIMON’S 5DL 01952 882004 THE LODGE 24 01902 701888 520 Chester Rd, Much Wenlock, TF13 01691 655444 THE KNIGHTON HOTEL Birmingham Road, THE CROOKED HOUSE Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 6AD 01952 727292 0PU 0121 580 9293 Broad Street, Knighton, SHALIMAR 23 Abbey Shenstone, WS14 0LQ Coppice Hill, Himley, FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Foregate, Shrewsbury, 01543 483334 DY3 4DA 01384 238583 SPICES Hollywell Rd, Powys, LD7 1BL 01547 Wednesbury, WS10 7PA Frankwell, Shrewsbury, 520530 SY2 6AE 01743 366658 MALABAR 1-2 Water THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, SY3 8JX 01743 354422 0121 502 0720 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Street, Stafford, ST16 Walsall, WS1 2EU THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 Shrewsbury, SY1 1UT 2AG 01785 227 500/600 01922 643215 THE SPRINGHILL Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 Warstones Rd, Penn, Princess St, Shrewsbury, 1QU 01743 249126 01743 242321 MARLOES 13 London DON SALVO 25 Darlington Wolverhampton, WV4 SY1 1LP 01743 362507 LA LANTERNA The Old THE SILVERTON the Old Road, Newcastle under Street, Wolverhampton, 4LB 01902 342530 GRANARY BAR & GRILL Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 WV1 4HW 01902 712819 Vestry, St Julian's Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 Weston Park, Weston- Church, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury SY3 8JY 661983 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley Gospel End Rd, Dudley, under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, SY1 1UH 01743 233552 01743 248000 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU DY3 4AN 01902 676 TF11 8LE 01952 LION & PHEASANT 50 ST15 8BA 01785 01384 877077 TIN TINS Wellington Road, 102 852107 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, Telford, TF2 8AJ 818456 FARADAYS The THORNESCROFT THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 THE NAVIGATION INN Waterfront, Brierley Hill, 01952 608688 Bridgnorth Rd, 167 Frankwell, THE LION QUAYS Newport Road, Gnosall, Dudley, DY5 1UR Moreton, THE WALLS Welsh Walls, Wolverhampton, WV6 Shrewsbury, SY3 8LG Stafford, ST20 0BN 01384 482 882 Oswestry, SY11 3EN Oswestry, SY11 1AW 7EQ 01902 700 253 01743 361672 01691 684300 01785 822327 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage 01691 670970 THE WOODMAN Claverley, HADLEY PARK HOUSE OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Place, Walsall, WS1 3NA LOCH FYNE Talbot House, ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 Wolverhampton, WV5 Hadley Park, Telford, Branston, Burton, DE14 01922 646164 Market Street, High Street, Shrewsbury, 7DG 01746 710 553 TF1 6QJ 01952 677269 Shrewsbury, SY1 1LG 3EX 01283 533222 FOUR STONES Adam’s SY1 1SF 01743 353232 HAVANA REPUBLIC 01743 277140 PASCAL AT THE OLD VIC- Hill, Clint, Stourbridge, LUDLOW KITCHEN ARAGE 2 Main Street, Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 Staffordshire Branston, Burton-upon- 2JR 01584 856020 Trent 01283 533222 NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford, THE MALTHOUSE The PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Street, Stafford, ST16 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock, (EST 86) TF8 7NH 01902 433712 2AJ 01782 263 737 WS11 1BH 01543 THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, THE DINNER CLUB MOMO·NO·KI T19 Abbey 573905 A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY Foregate, Shrewsbury, Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 01543 481807 SY2 6AE 01743 281770 Lombard St, Lichfield, MORGANS 1 Bellstone, PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh WS13 6DP 01543 St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 SINGLE? Shrewsbury, SY1 1HU 257986 1JD 01782 209444 01743 231199 BELLA ITALIA 20 Greengate For the more discerning THE RED ROOM 7 THE MYTTON & MERMAID St, Stafford, ST16 2HS Newcastle Road, unattached person, age 40+ Atcham, Shrewsbury, 01785 211968 SY5 6QG 01743 761220 Congleton, CW12 4HN CHANDLERS Corn 01260 297871 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie THE OLD ORLETON INN Exchange, Conduit St, THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Holyhead Rd, Wellington, Lichfield, WS13 6JU balls,theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. Lockwood Rd, Kingsley TF1 2HA 01952 255011 01543 416688 Holt, Stafford, ST10 2DH THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL THE CORNER HOUSE 01538 750831 NOT A DATING AGENCY Second Avenue,Burton- & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill WOLSELEY ARMS Road, Wem, Shropshire, On-Trent, DE14 2WF 01283 542321 Wolseley Bridge, 01244 677030 (Day)/01244 548816 (Eve/W-end) SY4 5UA 01939 233233 Stafford, ST17 0XS CURRY KUTEER THE PEACH TREE 21 Abbey 31 01889 883179 Foregate, Shrewsbury, Greengate Street, www.thedinnerclubuk.com SY2 6AE 01743 355055 Stafford, ST16 2HY

66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Barclaycard Arena F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 14:10 Page 1 grand_whatson FP June:Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:49 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

SAT 6 JUNE SUN 7 JUNE TUES 9 - SAT 13 JUNE

‘Spellbinding fusion of acoustic guitar, rhythm, songs, handclapping and ignitable dance’ The Guardian

SUN 14 JUNE SAT 20 JUNE TUES 23 - SAT 27 JUNE THE SEQUEL TO DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY THE NEW ROCK N’ROLL LAURENCE MAURICE ’ MARKS & GRAN MUSICAL

MON 29 JUNE - SAT 4 JULY WED 22 - FRI 24 JULY SAT 25 JULY

Follow us on @WolvesGrand Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk