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ELLIE GOULDING Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands PLAYS V FESTIVAL

SHROPSHIREWHAT’S AUGUST ON 2017 Shropshire ISSUE 380 AUGUST 2017 ’

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

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

THE UNTHANKS Tyneside duo return to Shrewsbury Folk Festival TWITTER:@WHATSONSHROPS

musicKABANTU to bridge countries and cultures in The Marches FACEBOOK:@WHATSONSHROPSHIRE

flyingBALLOON high at the FESTIVAL British Ironworks in Oswestry SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 10:13 Page 1 Contents July Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:40 Page 2

August 2017

Contents

Brassed Off - Grand Theatre production remembers one of Britain’s longest industrial disputes... page 8

Celine Dion The Overtones Miss Saigon the list

Grammy Award winner back at Pop, soul & doo-wop at Smash-hit West End musical Your 16-page the Barclaycard Arena Shrewsbury Flower Show continues at the Hippodrome week-by-week listings guide page 15 interview page 16 page 26 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 35. Film 41. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Elly Yates-Roberts elly@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281733 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:32 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Get inspired by the arts at Stoke-on-Trent’s Big Feast A programme of events designed to give people the chance to experience and be inspired by the arts is taking place in Stoke-on-Trent during the August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday the 25th & Saturday the 26th). The Big Feast festival presents two days of free-to-view street shows for all the family to enjoy. Entertainment includes a ‘fabulously fiendish fox’ playing music, a hitman-turned- healer offering holistic services in a taxi, and a performance by an out-of-this-world urban astronaut suspended 20ft in the air. To check out the full line-up of events, visit appetitestoke.co.uk

Groove On Down The (showing from 29 November until 7 January). The Ironwork project culminated in the cre- The open audition takes places at the theatre ation of an angel sculpture made with Road in Wolverhampton on Tuesday 12 September. To be eligible, ap- weapons surrendered to 43 police constabu- Young people from Wolverhampton and plicants must be aged between nine and 15 laries across the country. Birmingham are set to reimagine the magical on 1 September. story of The Wizard Of Oz in a new stage pro- Further information is available at theatre- duction. severn.co.uk and via the venue’s box office Set in ‘a fantastical urban world’, Groove On (01743 281281), where tickets to attend the Down The Road is this month being pre- production can also be purchased. sented at Wolverhampton’s Arena Theatre by leading hip-hop dance ensemble ZooNation. The company is inviting audiences to join Legacy projects get green Dorothy - complete with ruby sneakers - for a light as Telford turns 50 high-energy hip-hop dance version of L A proposal to create a range of lasting legacy Frank Baum’s famous tale. projects celebrating Telford’s 50th anniver- The production shows at the Arena on Thurs- sary next year has been given the green light. day 31 August and Friday 1 September. The projects will cost a total of £2million, It then visits Birmingham Hippodrome from with Telford & Wrekin Council keen to canvas Wednesday 27 to Friday 29 September. residents’ views about the kind of projects they would like to see developed. Commenting on the announcement, the Council’s leader, Councillor Shaun Davies, said: “This is a great opportunity to create a lasting legacy that reflects the community’s views, and to help communities run their Wolverhampton artist’s own 50th anniversary celebration.” miniatures go on display Microscopic artworks by Wolverhampton- Shropshire attraction born artist Willard Wigan are this month receives peace award going on display at Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Shropshire’s British Ironwork Centre has Willard Wigan MBE: In The Eye Of The Nee- Theatre on lookout for been awarded the prestigious Rotary Interna- dle showcases 21 miniature works from the tional Peace Award for its Save A Life, Sur- artist’s collection which sit within the eye of talented girl performers render Your Knife weapons amnesty project. a needle or on the head of a pin. Talented girls from across Shropshire are The Peace Award annually recognises an in- Showing from Friday 4 August to Saturday 28 next month being given the chance to audi- dividual or organisation that has contributed October, the exhibition is being displayed in tion for Theatre Severn’s pantomime produc- ‘to the furtherance of peace and understand- the museum’s new commercial gallery space tion of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs ing throughout the world’. in the Smith & Pepper Tea Room. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:33 Page 2

First Word

Paw Patrol to the rescue in Brum The hero pups of hit kids’ TV show Paw Patrol are touring to Birmingham with a new live show. Airing on the Nickelodeon chan- nel, the television series follows the adventures of a team of rescue pups who save their town from everyday emergencies. The live show, Race To The Res- cue, visits the city’s Barclaycard Arena on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August. To book tickets, visit pawpatrol- live.com/uk

Jersey Boys returns in new Wolverhampton Grand season The return of smash-hit musical Jersey Boys and an on-stage dinner with Christopher Biggins are among the many highlights of the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s brand new season. Other shows of note stopping off at the venue include Crazy For You, Doctor Jekyll And Mr Hyde and Menopause The Musical. Directing courses A Grand Theatre production of Henry James’ famous ghost story, Turn Of The Screw, also features. for West Mids deaf For more information about these and other shows at the venue, visit grandtheatre.co.uk. Tickets for and disabled all productions can be purchased by calling 01902 42 92 12 or via the Grand’s website. A course for West Midlands- based deaf and disabled people who are interested in a career in This Way Up! directing has been launched by Birmingham Repertory Theatre An exhibition celebrat- and the Regional Theatre Young ing the artistic talents of Director Scheme. people living in Wolver- The free-to-attend Introduction hampton and Stafford- To Directing will include weekly shire is on display at workshops with professional Wolverhampton Art theatre directors and practition- Gallery until Sunday 27 ers from The REP and further afield. It will focus on the skills August. and resources individuals will The works on show have need in order to take work ‘from all been produced by the page to the stage’, and to people who took part in continue to develop their craft. the This Way Up creative The first workshop takes place wellbeing project. on Wednesday 13 September, Working with profes- with the course running every sional artists, partici- week for 10 weeks. pants had a rare opportunity to develop A prehistoric adventure in the Potteries their art & design skills A brand new interactive dinosaur show is this month visiting the Regent through a series of ac- Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. cessible, sociable and Dinosaur World is suitable for children aged three-plus and invites audi- relaxed workshops. ences to join an intrepid explorer in discovering a prehistoric world of The artworks on display impressively life-like dinosaurs. Triceratops, Giraffatitan and Seg- include printmaking, ce- nosaurus are all present and correct, alongside every youngster's ramics, jewellery design, favourite flesh-eating monster, the Tyrannosaurus Rex. painting, surface pattern Dinosaur World stops off at the Regent on Thursday 31 August and Fri- and drawing. day 1 September. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:33 Page 3

First Word

British Ceramics Biennale Major funding for heads for Stoke-on-Trent Tamworth venue The British Ceramics Biennale is returning to Stoke-on-Trent this autumn. The city’s former Spode factory will be the main hub of the event, with venues in the cultural quarter of Hanley - including the Potteries Mu- seum & Art Gallery - acting as a second hub. The UK’s largest ceramics festival, the Biennale will be in Stoke from 23 September to 5 Novem- ber. It will link with some of the city’s key industry players, including Emma Bridgewater, Burleigh at Middleport Pottery, World of Wedg- Tamworth Borough Coun- wood and Johnson Tiles. For more information, cil’s redevelopment of the visit britishceramicsbiennial.com town’s Assembly Rooms venue has received a major boost from Arts Council Wolverhampton Chill out this summer at SnowDome’s ski England in the form of a soul diva to make £365,000 grant. and snowboard holiday camps The money will be used to pantomime debut help ensure the theatre’s in- Getting all hot and bothered at the thought of having to keep the kids en- frastructure and digital tertained for six long holiday weeks? equipment is of the highest If you are, then chill out - and head for Tamworth’s SnowDome visitor at- standard. traction, where children aged between eight and 15 can have plenty of high-energy fun at special ski & snowboard holiday camps. Available either on a per day basis or in a week block (Monday to Fri- Craig Charles to day), the camps are a great way to keep your youngsters occupied and DJ at Weekender active. For more information, visit snowdome.co.uk

Plans unveiled for a new £4million history

Wolverhampton-born soul- centre in the heart of Stafford singing superstar Beverley The planning for a new £4million Staffordshire History Centre is well un- Knight will make her pan- derway. tomime debut at the Birming- The centre will be located in the heart of Stafford and hold historical ham Hippodrome this records and collections up to 1,000 years old. Christmas, starring as the Speaking about the project to staffordshirenewsroom.co.uk, Gill Heath, Fairy Godmother in a spec- Cabinet Member for Communities at Staffordshire County Council, said: tacular version of Cinderella. “With the architects and design teams now on board, we’re starting to BBC Radio 6 Music presen- Beverley will be joined in the put some detail together on the activity programme and design of the ter Craig Charles is one of show by Strictly Come Danc- centre. There’s real energy and enthusiasm amongst our partners - and the high-profile DJs con- ing’s Danny Mac, Hippo- local history groups too - which is great. The project team are busy be- firmed to appear at next drome panto favourite Matt hind the scenes planning, and we hope to be able to share more detailed month’s Birmingham Week- Slack and one-time Hear’Say plans with the public in the autumn.” ender. singer Suzanne Shaw. More information is available at staffordshire.gov.uk/archives/ourvision Along with David Rodigan Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall (1Xtra) and Don Letts (6 take on the roles of The Ugly Music), Craig will be invit- Sisters, with pantomime vet- ing members of the public erans The Grumbleweeds to take part in the event’s bringing their own particular Square Dance, produced in brand of humour to proceed- association with the Mose- ings. ley Folk Festival and taking Cinderella runs at the Hippo- place in the city’s Victoria drome from Tuesday 19 De- Square from 22 to 24 Sep- cember to Sunday 28 January. tember. To book tickets, visit birming- For more information, visit hamhippodrome.com birminghamweekender.com

6 whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham Conservatoire F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:29 Page 1 Brassed Off.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 20:25 Page 1

INTERVIEW BRASSED OFF Wolverhampton Grand’s chief executive talks about the theatre’s first home-produced show since the 1970s

More than three decades after one of “I’d actually done the play before,” Jackson of the same name and set in the fictional Britain’s longest and bitterest industrial explains, “and I knew from then that it’s a Yorkshire town of Grimley, the show follows disputes, Wolverhampton Grand is set to great show to do with the community, which the local colliery band’s passionate revisit the aftermath of the UK’s coalmine is something I wanted to replicate here. Also, conductor, Danny Ormondroyd (Jeffrey closures in a new production of Brassed it’s a very musical play, so it will hopefully be Holland), as he fights to keep his bandmates Off. very popular and accessible for audiences.” motivated and lead them to the National Featuring Black Country legend Jeffrey Finals. Meanwhile, Gloria Mullins (Clara Holland, a 67-strong community cast and Outside his work managing major theatres Darcy) is sent back to her old hometown by a live local brass band, this hotly (he previously led the Lichfield Garrick), British Coal to assess the profitability of its anticipated show will be the first to be Jackson is also a respected instrumentalist pit. Concealing from the miners her true produced in-house at the Grand in 40 and conductor, making Brassed Off the purpose for returning, she ends up getting in years. We spoke to Chief Executive Adrian perfect show for him to kickstart big plans to deeper than she’s bargained for, and finds Jackson to find out more. revive in-house production. Based on the film herself playing flugelhorn with the band.

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by Heather Kincaid

A lot of the cast have families who were directly ‘‘ involved in the strikes and the industry, so it’s something that’s still very present for them ” Music featured in the show includes the which once characterised industrial towns William Tell Overture, Death And Glory, is still there to be unearthed when it’s Danny Boy, Land Of Hope And Glory and most needed. Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. “I think that whenever there’s a crisis, “The band is mostly made up of the City communities tend to rally together. People of Wolverhampton Brass Band, so they’re might not work in the same ways now, but the core of it, but we’ve recruited other we’ve seen with recent events in London musicians as well. We wanted it to be a and Manchester how hardship brings really big band with a massive sound. For people together, so I think this story will the key cast members, we were really resonate emotionally with people.” specifically looking for actor-musicians, because it’s really important for a For Jackson, the local theatre is character like Gloria, say, that she can something that should be at the heart of play her instrument really well. But any community. Since taking up the Chief actually, a lot of our other cast members Executive role in 2015, he’s been working have decided to start learning brass hard to make the Grand a place that feels instruments as we’ve gone along, which is open and welcoming to everyone, with great!” structural changes designed to accommodate more visitors and different Although the show is set in Yorkshire and kinds of performances, as well as inspired by the real-life town of diversifying the main stage programme. Grimethorpe, many of the cast members will have their own experiences to draw Developing work in-house is just one of on. It might be less famous than those of his ambitious goals, and Brassed Off Wales and the North East, but the particularly feels like a statement of Midlands did once boast its own strong intent, combining local input with quality mining tradition. drama and professional talent.

“People tend to think of mining as being “The Grand has a really strong tradition of in the north, but there were quite a lot of producing shows in-house, if you go back mining areas around the Black Country to the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. But after the and the wider Midlands. A lot of the cast closure and reopening in the ’80s, at some have families who were directly involved point a decision was obviously made that in the strikes and the industry, so it’s this was no longer going to be a producing something that’s still very present for venue, and that it would only be receiving them. Although we haven’t explicitly touring shows. relocated the story, the playwright, Paul Allen, has been working with us directly, “Since I took over here, I’ve been looking so there may be some tweaks here and to change that, and I think it’s brilliant there.” that we’re now doing it. We have more projects lined up already, some of which Virtually everyone who auditioned to be will be community-based and some in the community cast now has a part in professional, so hopefully it will just the final show. In today’s internet-driven, continue to expand and grow.” compartmentalised world, it can often feel as though we’ve lost a sense of shared history, experience and solidarity in our communities, so there’s something Brassed Off runs at Wolverhampton inspiring about a project that consciously Grand Theatre from Wed 23 August to works to bring together very different Sun 3 September. kinds of people from the same geographical area. That said, Jackson believes that same community spirit

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Wolves_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:38 Page 1 Food August Wolves_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:38 Page 2

Food

der. The daal and veg were also delicious and complemented the meat elements perfectly. Served with pulao rice and a freshly baked naan, it was a course well worth our two-hour round journey. For dessert we enjoyed a platter comprising jalebi, gulab jamun, a fruit cocktail stick and vanilla ice cream. A popular sweet in South Asia, jalebi comes in the form of deep-frying maida flour batter, soaked in golden sugar syrup. Very sweet but very tasty! The gulab jamun is a milk-based dessert comprising powdered milk, flour, baking powder and ghee. These are formed into a dough, deep fried and coated in sugar syrup. With an almost sponge-like texture, it was a little less sweet than the jalebi and probably the highlight of the REVIEW: The Royal Ruchi of the standard of food that was platter. The fresh fruit and ice to follow. cream were the perfect accompa- Exceptional flavours and great service Next up was the fish course. Pre- niments to the sweet elements make for a majestic dining experience sented to us on a banana leaf and brought a real sense of fresh- was a piece of West Bengal ness to the dish. tilapia. Infused with peppers, Inspired by the feasting tradi- drink made with yogurt, the All in all, our Royal Ruchi experi- turmeric and carom seeds, it took tions of Moghul aristocrats and strawberry lassi was sweet yet ence couldn’t have been better. its place alongside a piece of Ker- boasting 18th and 19th century delicate. The nimki snacks (flour The food was incredible, the ala hariyali monkfish which had Indian artefacts and treasures, crackers rolled in roasted cumin flavours exceptional and every been cooked in the tandoor. Both The Royal Ruchi’s aim is to offer seeds) added an additional tex- course showcased excellent tech- elements we ‘a majestic dining experience’ to ture, whilst the gol gappa (fa- re stunning. The nical ability. The service was fan- all who visit. mous Indian street snacks tilapia was soft, bursting with tastic too, with the staff being comprising crisp flour pancake complementary flavours and cer- both knowledgeable and Open from 5.30pm till late seven tainly the nicest I’ve tasted. The days a week, the restaurant of- spheres filled with chickpeas, yo- friendly. I can’t wait to return to ghurt and tamarind chutney) monkfish was cooked perfectly. sample some more of the out- fers an extensive à la carte menu We were seriously impressed! featuring such dishes as hyder- added bursts of additional standing cuisine that this gem of badi lamb shank, north Indian flavour and freshness. Now, onto the main course. Un- a restaurant has to offer. garlic chilli chicken and salmon The starter featured a trio of ap- doubtedly the highlight of the Lauren Foster ka tikka. In addition, three or petisers: Benarasi chilli paneer evening, it featured: The Royal four times a year, they create a (cubes of cottage cheese and Ruchi’s signature supreme Food: nnnnn five-course fine-dining tasting fresh babycorn tossed with chicken, marinated overnight in Service: nnnnn menu - the first and only Indian chilli), a Delhi papad chaat (a traditional Mughal spices; bone- Ambience: nnnnn restaurant in Staffordshire to de- popular fast-food snack across less lamb simmered with whole Overall value nnnnn liver this concept. Delhi, with roasted papads spices, mango pickle and red OVERALL nnnnn topped with onions, tomatoes chillies; wok-tossed seasonal Designed to tour real Indian re- The Royal Ruchi and spices, with a succulent vegetables with khadai spices gional flavours and directed by a and moong chana daal - slow- Bagot Street Michelin-starred chef, we pe- chicken chaat filling) and a Luc- Abbots Bromley know chapli kebab (a handmade cooked rich yellow lentils. The rused the mouthwatering tasting chicken was cooked to absolute Rugeley minced kebab in the shape of a WS15 3DB menu over a cold cobra. perfection, falling off the bone at patty and featuring ground beef, Tel: 01283 840 008 The amuse bouche consisted of the slightest touch. The lamb locally produced eggs and vari- three elements: strawberry lassi, dish showcased a thick, rich and ous spices). Beautifully pre- gol gappa and nimki snacks. A sented, they were all extremely downright beautiful sauce, and traditional, refreshing Punjabi tasty and an exciting indication the meat itself was juicy and ten-

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Food

Shrewsbury gets new Save the date - the tasty vegan Japanese eatery Telfood Feastival is back! A new Japanese vegan restaurant, Telfood Feastival next month returns to wine bar & tearoom has opened on Telford Town Park for a second year (QEII Shrewsbury’s Fish Street. Arena, Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 September). Itadakizen boasts an evening a la Featuring over 100 food, drink and craft ex- carte menu which includes tofu steak, hibitors, including Sofood!, Green Fields, harumaki and rice and noodle dishes. Coopers Sausage Rolls, Powells Pies, Moy- A sushi course is available for £20 den’s Cheese and Press De Cuba, the and an omakase course, comprising show’s tickets are priced at £6 for adults, five assorted appetisers, sushi, noo- £2 for children and £13 for a family, with dles, tempura and dessert, costs £25. under-twos going free. The restaurant has a separate lunch Kids can enjoy getting mucky in the hands- menu and sells a variety of wine, beer on cookery area, learn circus skills in the and oriental alcoholic beverages, as big top, handle creatures large and small well as soft drinks and teas. in the Exotic Zoo and have a go at go-kart- ing and eating bugs. Gin and vodka festival The gates open at 10am both days. For in Wolverhampton more information, visit telfood.co.uk The Outback nightclub in Wolver- hampton is launching a gin and vodka festival, set to take place on Saturday 19 August. Attendees can enjoy a selection of ‘the most flavoursome and unique spirits on the market, distilled with only the finest botanicals and grains from master distillers’. Tickets are £5 and include four bar samples. Staffordshire pub reaches awards finals A Barlaston pub relaunched in 2015 by a consortium including Men Be- having Badly actor Neil Morrissey has reached the finals of the Great British Pub Awards. The Plume of Feathers is vying with five other venues to be named best partnership pub. Commenting on the achievement, General Manager Luther Mattock told the Stoke Sentinel: “What we do, we do well. The food is simple pub food, but the quality and consistency is very good. Attractions galore at the sixth Lichfield Food Festival “Bruce Mackie, the head chef, is very passionate, and his food really is one Lichfield Food Festival is back for a sixth year New attractions for the 2017 edition of the festi- of the things that sets us apart. this month, taking place at venues across the val are free cookery school classes for all ages “We have a good offering of ale too, city from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August. and a gin & ale trail. including The Morrissey Blonde, Boasting over 225 market stalls, the free event From Prosecco to pies, tipples to truffles, gin to which is one of the top sellers.” also features street food, live music, children's gluten-free indulgences and vegan to Viet- The Great British Pub Awards winners activities and celebrity chefs, with Great British namise, Lichfield Food Festival is the place to will be announced at a special event Bake Off stars Val Stones and Frances Quinn head for this bank holiday weekend! in London on 7 September. both in attendance. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:48 Page 1 GIGS August Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:40 Page 2

Gigs

Céline Dion Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 3 August Best known for number one hit and Titanic theme tune My Heart Will Go On, five-time Grammy Award winner Céline Dion brings a live tour to the UK for the first time in eight years. Expect a multitude of smash hits from a 30-year career which has produced a stag- gering 250 million album sales.

Kabantu Having previously performed in the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall, and having Church Stretton School, Shropshire, won the Royal Over-Seas League Competi- Mon 7 August tion 2017, they use their music to fashion a Manchester five-piece Kabantu (meaning ‘of bridge between countries and cultures, in the people’) combine vocal harmonies from the process creating an exuberant and joyful South Africa with Celtic reels, Brazilian sound. samba and Balkan folk music. Sam Brookes Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 20 August Regina Spektor Reverend Peyton's Former Sunday Times Breaking Act Sam Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 August Big Damn Band Brookes is still one of the UK alt-folk scene’s Russian-born American singer-songwriter The Robin, Bilston, Wed 16 August best-kept secrets. The London-based song- and pianist Regina Spektor began classical “Over the years, our shows have gotten more smith gained over five million Spotify plays piano training at the tender age of six. for acclaimed 2014 album Kairos, as well as dynamic,” Reverend Peyton explains. “The She self-released her first three records be- ups are more up and the downs are more enjoying BBC Radio Two support from Der- fore signing to Sire Records, where she Brookes’ new single, My Girl down. And that’s important to me.” mot O’Leary. began achieving mainstream recognition. Drinks Coffee, is his first for over two years. America’s foremost country blues outfit re- Spektor visits Birmingham in support of crit- leased new album The Front Porch Sessions ically acclaimed seventh album Remember earlier this year. “I really think it’s one of the Us To Life. best things I’ve ever done,” Peyton continues. “I’m interested in making hand-made Yes Lad American music - the goal is to be timeless.” The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 2 August After the success of poptastic debut single Walk Away, this new five-piece head out on their first ever UK headline tour. Showcasing classic yet modern pop, mentor Nigel Martin Smith says: “We’ve had three different line-ups and it’s taken four years to get Yes Lad where I want them to be, but now they’re ready and raring to go.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 20:24 Page 1

INTERVIEW

the overtones

From pop and soul to doo-wop and crooning, there’s no denying the appeal of the UK’s ‘favourite’ five-piece vocal harmony group. Lauren Foster caught up with the band’s Timmy Matley ahead of their mid-month Shrewsbury Flower Show gig...

You’re playing Shrewsbury Flower Show list together. We’re really looking forward to your tea break... this month. What can your audience getting people on their feet - and for that time expect from your Saturday evening we’re on the stage, we want everyone to get It sounds a bit like a fairytale when you performance? up, forget all their cares and worries, and just describe it like that, but that’s what it is enjoy themselves. really. We’d been together four years as a We’ll be there, looking sharp. The shoes are group. We set up this small painting & shined and everything’s ready. I’m looking decorating company, just so we could get You were discovered by a Warner Bros forward to sitting down and sorting out the some cash-in-hand work, and basically got talent scout in London while singing in set list - we’re going to put a really strong set overheard singing. We were invited down to

16 whatsonlive.co.uk The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 20:24 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Warner Music, but it wasn’t just a ‘here’s a Your voice is an instrument and you have to You like to knit in your spare time. What’s five-album deal’ type of thing. We got invited really take care of it. I won’t be having a drink your most impressive piece of work? down and we got to sing for some of the guys leading up to the show. I’d say the main bulk there. Then they wanted to hear us on a of getting ready for a show is making sure I love to knit! I really haven’t moved on from record and see what we were like, so we I’ve packed the right suit, shoes, tie or scarves, but I know how to do the little recorded six songs - and that was like bowtie, and making sure I do a nice vocal stringy things at the end. I haven’t advanced another audition round - and then, after that, warm-up. more than that, but I like to do it in the we got offered the five-album deal. It was an winter. It’s actually really therapeutic. absolute whirlwind, but it’s so lovely waking What advice would you give to the young up every day and just doing a job that, musicians of today who’re trying to get What’s been the highlight of your career? ultimately, is the best job in the world. I’m themselves heard? Because I’m an Irishman living in the UK, getting paid to do something I love to do, and and because I was very proud to be up there, I think that’s all you can ask for in life. We got signed seven years ago, but even how people are being discovered has gone into it was when Gary Barlow asked us to do a 15- minute warm-up slot for the Diamond Jubilee How did you all originally meet? another realm since then. It was YouTube at the time. Since YouTube you’ve got people concert. We got to experience that whole We’re all from different parts of the UK, but being discovered on Instagram and all sorts moment of being on that amazing stage. We we all moved to London to fulfil our dreams, of networks. You’ve got to get your music out weren’t televised, but we were there with whatever that meant. There’s so much going there and put yourself out to wider something crazy like two million people at on in London in terms of music. I met the audiences, such as the internet. Also, being a Buckingham Palace, and we felt very proud lads when we were on the auditioning circuit. good singer is one thing, but you’ve also got to be there. We got invited to the palace Instead of auditioning for other groups, we to be a good entertainer. If you think of any of afterwards for a cocktail and it was lovely. decided to start our own. It was another four those living legends - your Stevie Wonder, Prince William and Kate were there, and they years before we got discovered, but you’ve your Chaka Khan, Céline Dion - these people were just wandering around. Not only that, got to put the work in. have had careers spanning decades because there was Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, they’re entertainers as well as great singers. Jessie J, Ed Sheeran - and this was going back There are five of you in the group. Do you Getting out there in front of people is also to when we first started. It was such a special generally have the same musical opinions important. There are some great open-mic day. I just remember feeling like I was when producing new material? nights around the country. Get out there, get walking on clouds and wondering how it had that experience and get rid of those nerves. all actually happened. All of us are actually into different styles of You can question yourself a lot when you’re music. The brilliant thing is that we all come starting out, but it’s a waste of time even Finally, what does the future hold for together, and I think that formula works. listening to that. Throw yourself into it The Overtones? These songs that we sing, they have a classic wholeheartedly and enjoy everything that Well listen, I’m a very, very keen gardener, feel to them, but we like to give them the you do. Overtones spin and make them feel a bit and I’m really excited to be at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I love my garden! I post shots modern. The best way for us to get anything Which artist has inspired you the most? done is a show of hands - we always go with of it on my Twitter account. I’ve got a little the majority. We’re grown men and it’s a I went to see Stevie Wonder perform live veggie patch, a little seating area and a lovely lovely, natural way of working, which is three years ago and he was just incredible. flowerbed. It’s all very manageable - and full great. He’s just a music legend. All his music brings of beautiful colours at the moment; so bright people together, and he really believes in the and vibrant. What does the future hold for What’s your earliest musical memory? power of that. I feel that because of his The Overtones? We’ve got a really exciting music, my world is a better place. Stevie announcement coming in the next few I’d say when I first became aware that singing Wonder, for me, is such an inspiration. He’s weeks. I know that’s being really vague, but had emotion attached to it. My Auntie no spring chicken, but he can still sing it we’re hoping, as always, to be releasing new Janette, she’s a really lovely lady. When we exactly how he did in his 20s. music, to be on the road and to be enjoying were kids, you’ve got your traditional Irish what we do - it makes people really happy. songs and my Auntie Janette would get up What’s the strangest experience you’ve You know, since I’ve been diagnosed with and sing. She has a really good voice. I would had in terms of your fans? melanoma, I’m really, really taking care of my say I was six or seven, and the first time I health. The plan is to be healthy and happy. heard her sing - I still remember to this day - I feel like I could set up a Tunnock’s teacake it actually made me cry. I look back now and afternoon with, like, 200 people! Basically, I realise I was crying because it just moved me. tweeted that I really love Tunnock’s teacakes Whether music makes you laugh, cry, smile because they remind me of going round to my The Overtones play Shrewsbury Flower or dance, it’s always attached to emotions. nan’s when I was a kid. Now, every time we’re Show on Saturday 12 August. on tour, the fans give me Tunnock’s teacakes. Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place at What do you do to prepare yourself pre- It’s so sweet, and I really do enjoy them. It’s the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 11 & show? really thoughtful. Sometimes, people are so Saturday 12 August. Further information excited to see you that they either clam up or can be found on page 45 I do a vocal warm-up before the sound check they start crying, and it’s just the sweetest which will last around 15 minutes. I play it thing. We just give them a lovely hug. through my phone and the boys will join in.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:40 Page 1

INTERVIEW

lulu talks music, family & beauty secrets... Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:40 Page 2

When you have success at a young age - the pop star sort of thing - ‘‘ you think you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see that you’re not How do you keep your shows exciting excited. When they started to get excited, If a film were to be made about your for you and the audience? the guards slapped them down. life, who would you like to have” play First of all, I’ve only been with this band you? for around four years, and that’s helped If someone had told your 15-year-old Jennifer Lawrence. shake things up. They’re all younger than self that you had this life ahead of you, me, so there's a young energy, which I what would you have thought? Do you think today’s young female love. The great thing is that these guys are I would’ve said, ‘Are you having a laugh?’ bands and artists are under too much influenced by the same music that I was - because I’ve had such an amazing life! pressure to look good? and still am - but they have a new slant. How could a 15-year-old have predicted Yes! Now it's ‘world domination or the way my life was going to unfold? It’s nothing’, and that’s tremendous pressure. Where does your energy come from? been a rollercoaster. I thought I was going And you'll be dropped like a hot potato if I guess I was blessed with a lot of energy, to be a singing hairdresser who never left you don't sell a certain amount of records. and I think if you’re healthy you have a lot Glasgow! of energy. Some people love it, but some What are your ‘must haves’ in the would prefer you to shut up and sit down. Anything else you wish you’d known at makeup bag? It's all about how you use your energy for the beginning of your career? Good skin care. Thank God for TimeBomb. the positive. And as you get older, it’s I wish I’d known I could write songs. Before you put anything on your skin, it about pacing your energy - and for that, I has to be in the best condition it can be. do meditation and Chi Gong. In your experience, what gets easier as You have to make sure you’re hydrated you get older? internally and externally and make sure What was the first concert you ever Most things become easier because I live you get lots of sleep so your face looks like performed at? from a position of having gratitude. I've it's alive instead of dead. You've got to - as It was in a theatre or small hall, and I was become philosophical, and as tough as it opposed to a young person, where it very, very young. I sang Smoke Gets In is for me not to knee-jerk into a negative doesn't really matter because they always Your Eyes and forgot the words. I just place when things go wrong, I always look gorgeous. I have to have the right repeated the first verse and wanted to die, have a way of getting back and looking at stuff underneath: good foundation, the but nobody mentioned it afterwards. I acceptance of what is and what I can't right blusher and lots of eyelashes - and thought it was the worst thing I’d done in change. It doesn’t happen in a flash. It’s a my favourite thing is to try and get the J- my whole life. I was probably about six! I process, and I now have the support and Lo lips! Really, for me, she just kills it. remember that I had a sticky-out frock, the tools to process. That's what I try to do, those luscious lips! and I think I was so pleased with myself Everything is off before I go to bed. that the excitement affected my memory! And what gets tougher? Maintenance. It’s a bitch! There's a big Who’s given you the best advice about What was the first concert you went to? piece of acceptance in growing older. I your voice? I remember going to a really dirty club to look at myself and go, 'Oh my God!’ You I met Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, and he see Alex Harvey (Shout) when I was just never really thought this would happen. asked if I made it a habit to warm up my about 13. I don't know if that was my first When you have success at a young age - voice, and if I did vocal exercises before a show. I wasn’t allowed to go to those the pop star sort of thing - you think show, which I didn't back then. I was places because I was so young, but my you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see there with Maurice (Gibb), and Frank mother wangled it so I could go. I used to that you’re not. offered to teach me, but I never followed it sing in a band at the weekends, so the up because I was too shy. And then, of boys in the band had to look after me. If you, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger course, I went off and hurt my voice, so Alex came backstage dressed in black went on stage together, who do you now I’m religious about looking after it. leather, with jet-black hair, and sang think would be the last one standing? So yes, Frank, I eventually took your Shout. It was the first time I’d ever heard I think that would be very difficult advice! it, and I went out the next day and bought because you hear endless praise about the record by The Isley Brothers. The rest Jagger doing his amazing run at the end of Is there anyone you'd still like to work is history. every gig The Stones play, and I don't see with or duet with? Macca giving up any time soon, so that Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris - and I'd love to In 1966, you were one of the first would be a very tough race. do something with Steven Tyler from female artists ever to play an Eastern Aerosmith. And so many more! bloc country. What was the experience What makes you really proud? like, considering you were only 17 or At the weekend, I was with my son and 18? my grandchildren. We were making I was with The Hollies and it was scary. It birthday cards and a poster for their mum, Lulu plays Solihull Summer Fest was cold, the place was very rundown and who was about to return from a few days on Saturday 26 August. there were bullet marks on buildings. away with her girlfriends. It was such a Other artists performing over the There was debris and a lot of poverty. It sweet moment, and I sat back and weekend include Peter Andre, Feeder, was also memorable because when we did thought, ‘Wow, didn’t Jordon do well, and The Pigeon Detectives and The Wonder the concerts, there were guards I get to share it!’. That was a proud Stuff. For more details, visit everywhere, watching the audience to moment. solihullsummerfest.co.uk make sure they didn't stand up or get (IFC) Wolverhampton.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:07 Page 1 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 2

Festivals

Shrewsbury Folk Festival West Midland Showground, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Shrewsbury Folk has certainly made an im- pression on the region’s festival-goers - the well-established event was named Best Mid- lands Music Festival in this year’s What’s On Readers’ Awards. It took second place in the Best Shropshire Festival category too, so con- gratulations are definitely in order! A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Bring along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Line-up includes: The Young’uns, Best Midlands The Unthanks (pictured), Loudon Wainwright Festival 2017 III, The Transports, Jon Boden, Chris Difford, Oysterband, Le Vent du Nord, Sam Carter and Faith, Folk & Anarchy

Creamfields Farmer Phil’s Festival Brecon Jazz Festival Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Various locations, Brecon, Wales, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Celebrating 20 years in 2017, Creamfields un- After a successful reinvention in 2016, Brecon leashes the energy of Cream’s Liverpool club Jazz continues with the smaller-scale, more nights in the open space of Halton’s Dares- collaborative and community-led approach bury Estate. Cutting-edge live acts unite with which transformed past difficulties into an world-class DJs in a hedonistic four-day opportunity for positive change. dance party. Since launching in Winchester, Expect headline performers, emerging talent, the brand has evolved into an international workshops and social and folk activities, all phenomenon, beloved of ravers, trailblazers curated by Brecon Jazz Club. and experimenters the world over. Line-up includes: Annette Gregory (pic- Line-up includes: Faithless (DJ set), Fatboy tured) & Friends, Atsuko Shimada Trio, Ger- Slim, Annie Mac, Chase & Status (DJ set), ard Cousins Project, Darius Brubeck Quartet, deadmau5, Disciples, Andy C, Duke Dumont, Nigel Price, Ross Stanley Trio and Danny Howard, Eric Prydz, DVBBS, Gorgon Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s Hannah Vivian-Byrne Trio City, Dusky, Hannah Wants, Idris Elba, Mista- fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- jam, Wilkinson, Pendulum and Stormzy ing aims to offer something for everyone, covering rock, dance, acoustic folk and everything between. Camping for the full week, from 7 to 14 August, is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: Ferocious Dog (pictured), The Quireboys, Rev. Peyton’s, Doctor & the Medics, The Urban Voodoo Machine, Gaz Brookfield & the Company of Thieves, Rusty Shackle, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Dooni- can, Talisman and Funke & the Two Tone Baby. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 3 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 4

Festivals

Lakefest Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Thurs 10 - Mon 14 August Priding itself on putting family first, Lake- fest's story began with a giant cider festival at Croft Farm Waterpark. Though expansion has led to a relocation to the beautiful East- nor Castle, it retains its friendly, West Coun- try vibe. This year, the festival goes Hawaiian, so bring your best beach-themed fancy dress and get ready for an eclectic line- up of music, BMX biking and more. Line-up includes: Feeder (pictured), Wilko Johnson, The Charlatans, Alabama 3, Aswad, Turin Brakes, Imelda May, Seth Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy and Roving Crows

Camper Calling Green Man Festival Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Thurs 17 - Sun 20 August Following a warmly received debut in 2016, Known for its ethical business model and Camper Calling returns to the stunning quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped up grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall for its numerous awards and accolades during its 15 second family-friendly outing. This year’s years in operation. Alongside an amazing event boasts a superb line-up of Britpop leg- array of folk, world, indie, electronic and ends and contemporary music stars, now psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, covering three nights instead of two! film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night bon- Line-up includes: Cast (pictured), Reef, fires and secret gigs, all surrounded by the Space, The Ordinary Boys, Musical Youth, breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Lucy Spraggan, Backbeat Soundsystem, Scott Music line-up includes: PJ Harvey (pic- Matthews, Afro Cluster, Barbarella’s Bang tured), Ryan Adams, The Shins, Kate Tem- Bang, BETSY, The Undercover Hippy, CC Sunshine Festival pest, Sleaford Mods, Ride, Shirley Collins, Smugglers, The Elephant Trees, Lakuta, The Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Conor Oberst, Saint Etienne, British Sea Atlantic Players and Grafton Ash Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Power, Alasdair Roberts Trio, Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Comedy line-up includes: Josie Long, Jarred acts and retro favourites, the heart of Eng- Christmas, Laura Lexx, Lolly Adefope and land’s ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Rob Deering Upton-upon-Severn for its eighth year. As well as featuring a line-up assembled to appeal to every generation, there’s also a disco, karaoke and a range of fun activities for kids. Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed. Line-up includes: Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor (pictured), Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Heatwave, Modern Romance, Jaki Gra- ham, Sonia, The Wurzels and Union Gap (UK)

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 5 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 6

Festivals

V Festival Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August Featuring an impressive line-up of world- class performers in one epic, cross-country weekend, Virgin's V Festival was born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker hit on the idea of uniting musicians in two locations over two days. Chart-topping acts of all genres join a host of comedy talent on stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, visiting one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Music line-up includes: Pink, Jay-Z, Ellie Goulding (pictured), Pete Tong & the Her- itage Orchestra, Stormzy, Raye, Jason Derulo, Nadia Rose, Dizzee Rascal, Clean Bandit, Ex- ample & DJ Wire, Pink, Craig David, Jess Glynne, George Ezra, Madness, Ella Eyre, Busted, Sean Paul, and The Vamps Comedy line-up includes: Joe Lycett, Joel Dommett, Lee Nelson and Seann Walsh

Pershore Jazz Festival Towersey Festival Beermageddon Pershore College, Avonbank, Pershore, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 - Sun 20 August Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August From humble beginnings, Pershore College’s Billed as the best-kept secret in British metal, annual jazz festival has achieved UK-wide Beermageddon returns to showcase the ris- renown, showcasing formidable musical tal- ing stars of the UK's alternative music scene. ent on local, national and even international The music might be hard and heavy, but the levels. Though the event errs on the side of set-up is comfortable and civilised, with in- the traditional, young musicians and audi- door stages and facilities, hot food, afford- ences are encouraged to come along and able beers and free entry for under-14s share fresh ideas. who’re accompanied by any paying adult. A friendly, not-for-profit get-together run by a Beermageddon also boasts free camping. passionate and dedicated team. Line-up includes: Outright Resistance (pic- Line-up includes: Fret & Fiddle (pictured), tured), Totengefluster, Stahlsarg, Ace Of Jeff Barnhart’s Sweet & Hot, Clark Tracey Spades, Zephyra, Warlord, Godslave, Aklash, Sextet, Dorine de Wit’s Brit Band, Digby Fair- Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Fes- Unlight, Wolfbastard, Acid Trial, Master’s weather’s Half Dozen, John Hallam’s Blue tival, which traces its roots back to 1965, Call and Krysthla, Scars Of Sense, Countless Three, New Orleans Heat, Slide by Slide, Gra- when local villagers united to buy a field Skies, Footprints In The Custard, Isarnos and ham Smith Shades of Jazz and Keith Nichols’ from wealthy landowners. Deep Throat Truama Washingtonian After raising funds to drain, plough and re- seed the area, they started an event which has gone on to become one of the UK’s finest folk festivals. In honour of its origins, profits are paid back into village facilities and local charities. Line-up includes: KT Tunstall (pictured), Newton Faulkner, Eliza Carthy & the Way- ward Band, Foy Vance, Jon Boden, Lindis- farne, Show of Hands, The Blockheads, The Demon Barbers XL, The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Andy Cutting and Mawkin

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 1

Comedy

Milton Jones Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 30 August With a style of humour that’s mainly based around puns and one-liners, Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. “If my comedy’s working well, I put a cartoon in people’s heads that surprises them,” explains Milton. “So you start off and they’re thinking one thing, then you surprise them by changing the ending as you go along. It’s not political or particularly edgy, it’s just daft. It’s a sort of verbal practical joke, but some people really hate that. Milton’s gags include: “Militant femi- nists - I take my hat off to them. They don't like that,” and “Recently, on a flight to America, all the way across my wife was going, ‘Why don't you get an upgrade, why don't you get an upgrade?’ “It took a bit of time, but in the end I got a better wife.”

Three of the best...

Paul Tonkinson Joe Bromehead Steve Hewlett Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Jongleurs Comedy Club, The Core, Solihull, Sat 5 August Birmingham, Fri 25 August Wed 16 August; Regent Theatre, The days when people delighted at the likes Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 19 August “Take a look at the video clips on my web- of Keith Harris fitting his hand up the bottom Time Out Comedy Award winner Paul has site,” urges Joe Bromehead. “And if you like of a curious-looking puppet and seemingly been a regular on the UK laughter circuit what I do, do tell me because, as all comedi- making it talk are long gone. since the 1990s. He’s perhaps best known ans are, I'm often crippled with self-doubt, Well, at least until recently they were. from The Big Breakfast and The Sunday seeking the approval of complete strangers in But now there’s one man in particular who’s Show. Regularly booked by the UK Armed order to fill some kind of void in my soul!” doing his bit to change the widely held view Forces, Paul was the first comic to perform in Joe’s feelings of self-doubt should certainly that ventriloquism acts are old hat, tired out Iraq after the war officially ended. He’s since be on the decline nowadays, given how many and alarmingly frayed at the edges... used his experi- of those ‘complete strangers’ - that’s his audi- That man is Steve Hewlett, ences there as ence we’re talking about there - offer him the Britain’s Got Talent finalist inspiration for approval he’s 2013, whose most popular his comedy. seeking when- puppet partners include “When I told my ever he plays a Chi Chi the dog, Pongo wife I'd spent gig. A cheeky the skunk and cheeky old much of the chappie with a geezer Arthur Lager. time lying on penchant for Expect to meet all three. the floor," he props-led com- The puppets of Simon Cow- says, "all I got in edy, Joe’s a real ell and Sinitta, which Steve response was rising star on used during his Britain’s Got 'well we all like the UK comedy Talent run, might also get the a lie down, don’t circuit and well hand-up-bottom treatment on we?'” worth a look. the night.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

is this?’ But fans should rest assured that, while the impetus behind his new show Simon might be different, his distinctive wry humour is still very much the same. “All the stand-up I’ve done so far has been Amstell deeply personal in that I go up on stage and say terribly embarrassing things that I’m worried about saying out loud. If anything, this asks What Is This? show goes even deeper, perhaps because I’m a bit older and it isn’t just constant anxiety. From writing and directing films to con- I’m having to deal with things like happiness verting to veganism, and from finding now... love to taking spiritual medicine in a “Being in a relationship is a complicated af- shamanic ritual, Simon Amstell has been fair. Where previous shows have dealt more on quite a journey since his Never Mind with being lonely, I think there’s a lot about The Buzzcocks days. Following the broad- intimacy here and being able to be in the mo- cast of his critically acclaimed directorial ment with another human being without debut on BBC Three, a new tour sees him worrying.” return to stand-up with a fresh outlook in- The path to contentment hasn’t only been by spired by his own personal and profes- way of investing in another human being, sional transformation. Ahead of its arrival however. In the depths of despair, Amstell in the Midlands in October, we asked him acted on a recommendation to travel to Peru to shed a little light on the huge question to take ayahuasca, an ancient psychoactive that its title poses - What is this? brew that many people - Amstell among them - swear has changed their lives. “I think this is a question that inevitably comes up at some point if what you do for a “I was so desperate for something to make the killing of animals has been outlawed and living is stand up on stage talking about me feel better - or just to make me feel some- young people look with horror on an older yourself,” he says. “At some point, you say, thing - that the only moment when I felt a bit generation coming to terms with its meat-eat- ‘What is this? What am I doing? What are any worried was when the shaman entered the ing past. So does he really think that’s where of us doing? Why are we alive?’ But I don’t room and I thought, ‘Oh no, what have I we’ll be in 50 years, or is the film over-opti- think it’s an answerable question. In the end, done? These men are wearing matching out- mistic? fits and I’m about to drink a vision-inducing I suppose the best you can say is, perhaps it “I don’t know. I think now all the informa- plant medicine that I haven’t researched doesn’t matter.” tion’s out there on the internet, it’s just going enough! But apart from that, I felt very well Known for his candid, almost confessional to get more and more awkward, so at some looked after, both by the shaman and by the style of comedy, Amstell is open about how point there has to be a shift. But there’s a medicine herself.” his stand-up career began in part as a way of quote I quite like from James Baldwin - ‘I seeking validation - a kind of defence against Anyone who’s seen his recent docu-drama, have to be optimistic because I’m alive.’” Carnage, will already be aware of his other his own anxieties. But with new work oppor- In between testing out material for his show, major lifestyle change of late. While he owns tunities opening up to him, and his life now Amstell’s also been working on a second film that veganism perhaps isn’t the most obvious moving in a more positive direction, is stand- (details of which remain tightly under wraps) subject for a sci-fi comedy, reviews have, per- up something he’ll continue to find time for? as well as writing his first book, Help, which haps surprisingly, been almost universally “It’s a question I asked myself, because I def- will combine past stand-up routines with positive. initely came to a place where I felt like I general musings on “how to be a person in didn’t need to have so much attention from “We did everything we could to make it as the world”. So once it’s published, is he wor- people any more. But what I realised was that funny as possible so that people wouldn’t ried that old Buzzcocks guests will be pop- I quite enjoyed being funny and making peo- feel annoyed, because on the surface, what ping up to read bits of it out to him? Fittingly, ple laugh, so now it comes from a place of you eat is quite a personal thing. But what we the genuine laugh this prompts feels pretty real curiosity and joy. While I thought as a discovered while making it was that we’d all validating. just been indoctrinated by nonsense charac- child that fame would make me safe, I dis- “Oh that’s funny! Yeah, that’s fine. I welcome ters like Captain Birdseye and Ronald Mc- covered that it’s actually connecting with it!” people that makes me feel okay in the world. Donald - not only into thinking that this is And I suppose all I’ve really wanted all along what we should be eating, but also that it’s fun. Like, if you want to be happy, here is a is the kind of intimacy that I was using stand- Simon Amstell’s What Is This? shows at Happy Meal. I felt very angry watching old up as a way of avoiding.” Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Satur- adverts from my childhood, like I’d been This newfound intimacy is something he’s day 7 October and Birmingham Town Hall tricked.” still settling into - on some level there’s a on Sunday 15 October kind of baffled wonder to his question, ‘What Set in 2067, the film imagines a future where

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Reasons to be cheerful.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:43 Page 1

INTERVIEW Reasons to be cheerful.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:43 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid Reasons to be Cheerful... The ultimate Ian Dury and The Blockheads musical makes its debut at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

In 1981, a cheesed off Ian Dury penned the tour. We’re calling it the last ever tour of the rest of her team, however, she’s someone provocative Spasticus Autisticus in response Reasons To Be Cheerful, although in my heart who relishes a challenge. to the UN’s International Year of Disabled I don’t think it will be. I think right now, Persons. Himself disabled, Dury reacted in given the state of our world, we all need a “It’s funny! It is a bit bonkers, but you know, typical sardonic fashion to what he saw as reason to be cheerful.” I’ve also recently done an opera for the first patronising appeals from various charities. time, which is even more ridiculous. But it’s Best known for its radical approach to been really interesting to re-educate myself But while he might have had little time for accessibility, Graeae puts features like and re-learn how to feel music.” campaigns painting disabled people as signing, captioning and audio description at helpless victims, he was more than ready to the heart of its productions, making them Although she lost her hearing before the support those he deemed worthy - among part of the story for everyone to enjoy, Blockheads formed, Sealey was nevertheless them the groundbreaking performance instead of sidelining them as added extras. a big fan in her youth, owing partly to her company Graeae, which, nearly 40 years sister’s help - and even more to her dad’s after its founders met in Coventry, continues “Every Graeae show is different,” continues disapproval. Sealey. “We never add access on. It comes to be one of the most dynamic, innovative “On Top Of The Pops, Ian Dury always had a and exciting forces in British theatre today. from looking at the script, who the characters are and what we’re trying to say, and microphone in front of his mouth, which Years after Dury’s death, the company now thinking about what access brings to that. made it even harder to work out what he was pays tribute to its illustrious patron with a saying, but my sister was brilliant! She’d show that’s inspired by his music - and “In this show, a lot of the songs are really spend hours writing down the lyrics so that I heading for the Coventry Belgrade Theatre fast, and the lyrics often have names and could have access to music. But also my dad next month. places in them, which would have to be hated Ian Dury, so of course that made me finger-spelled if you signed them. Obviously like him even more.” Set in 1979 at the height of Ian Dury & The that doesn’t read very well in theatre, so we Blockheads’ fame, Reasons To Be Cheerful came up with this concept where Colin has With her memories of the punk era, Sealey follows the attempts of teenager Billy and his made a series of short films with the lyrics sees clear parallels between the time the play best mate Colin to get Billy’s terminally ill and images, so there are still pictorial is set and our own austerity Britain, pointing dad to a Blockheads gig for a “final, fantastic representations of the words for deaf people to things like pressure on public services, night out”. Along the way, there’s romance, who find reading English difficult. But reinforced class divisions and the music and mishaps galore as Billy’s crush, interestingly, we’ve actually had a lot of exploitation and dismissal of young people. Janine, joins the crew, the car breaks down hearing audience members saying that it’s These links perhaps go some way to en route, and the characters perform their brilliant having the lyrics in writing because explaining the show’s enduring, cross- own riotous renditions of Blockheads hits. In they hadn’t previously picked up on generational appeal. the words of Graeae’s Artistic Director, Jenny everything. Some of the songs are also signed “It’s been extraordinary. I remember the first Sealey, musical this may be, but conventional - signing is really embedded within the time we did it, all these men in suits arrived “musical featah” it is not. choreography - and also because Colin is and it seemed bizarre. But as soon as the deaf in the story, him and Billy sign to each music started, their ties were undone, their First staged in 2010, the show went on to tour other. again in 2012, after an excerpt featured at the jackets were off and they were drumming London Paralympics Opening Ceremony. “For blind audiences, we’ve got Pickles, who away - once a punk, always a punk, I Since then, concert versions have toured both uses a 1970s payphone to talk to the audience suppose! But I think a lot of the songs have nationally and internationally, but this new through their headsets - and throughout the real resonance again now, and what’s also production will be the first in a while, and play, other characters will come over and say been brilliant is that we’ve had a whole load may also be the last... hello. And because it’s live, if something goes of young people who’re on their phones really tits up on stage, they can also relay downloading the music as soon as they leave “The gang still loves doing it, but they’re what’s happened.” the theatre.” getting older now,” says Sealey. “It’s a very high-energy show, and I’m not sure how With Sealey having been deaf herself since Reasons To Be Cheerful shows at much longer they’ll be able to do it, so we the age of seven, directing a musical might Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on decided we’d try one last time for a full UK not seem like the most obvious choice. Like Friday 8 & Saturday 9 September Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Miss Saigon Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, “so it’s very cinematic and epic in scale. It’s quite brutal and gritty in places, and it feels very real.” Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 September Van Der Spuy makes a strong case for Miss Saigon being a more acces- If you’re a fan of Les Misérables, bag yourself a seat for Miss Saigon sible work than its famous cousin, Les Misérables. asap - just like Les Mis, it’s written by Alain Boublil and Claude- “It’s very relatable and much closer in terms of our history. People Michel Schönberg. know what the context is - they get who the characters are and why Focusing on an American GI and his romance with a young Viet- they’re there, without it needing to be explained. I also think that, namese woman, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Ameri- even though it’s a period piece, it has a lot to say about where we are can evacuation of Saigon in 1975, at the end of the Vietnam War. in our world today. Sometimes looking at something through a “This new production is geared to an age where we’re seeing a lot of slightly different prism is good for people, and that’s why we need to cinema and glossy HBO-type shows,” explains Associate Director be telling these stories now.”

Mother’s Ruin: Brassed Off Murder In A Cabaret About Gin Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Bloodford Village Wed 23 August - Sat 2 September The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Thurs 31 August - Sunday 3 September This lively stage adaptation of the award-win- Murder-mystery company Big Adventures’ ning movie of the same name is the Grand Story and song combine in a theatrical latest offering includes a picnic from Mas- Theatre’s first in-house show for more than cabaret that stops off in 18th century London, terchef Simon Smith - a fun touch that says 40 years. the Australian bush, a few New York much about the ensemble’s imaginative ap- The lifeblood of Grimley’s community is speakeasies and the jungles of Peru. proach to their work. They’ve been in busi- threatened when its pit looks set for closure, At its heart is the story of gin, presented by ness for 17 years now, and are justifiably leaving 1,200 miners redundant. two of Australia’s rising cabaret stars via the proud of the fact that all of their clients have With the future of the colliery’s close-knit contribution of numerous characters, from re-booked them - an impressive record that brass band also shrouded in uncertainty, - sailors and barmaids to bootleggers and mas- speaks volumes for the quality and level of conductor Danny Ormondroyd is determined S ter distillers. professionalism they bring to their shows. to see that the ensemble continue to play, The show comes complete with music origi- This latest offering sees the peace and tran- and that they do so regardless of loyalties, nally performed by, among others, Amy quillity of Bloodford village shattered by the political pressure and other issues - namely, Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha Wain- murder of millionaire resident Charles Van the arrival of an attractive new flugelhorn wright, The Popes and The Pretenders. Mortem. player named Gloria Mullins... Hi-de-Hi’s It visits Birmingham direct from the Edin- It’s up to the audience to solve the case, so be Black Country-born Jeffrey Holland stars. burgh Fringe. sure to take along your thinking cap... birminghamhippodrome.com C 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 2

Until Tue 15 & A magical children’s show with puppets, Wed 9 - Sat 23 Sep Sat 12 Aug Wed 16 Aug From £30 music and stunning visual effects £10 £12

Part of Hip-hop meets The Wizard of Oz

Seeta Patel: Sun 24 Sep Wed 27 - Wed 27 - £12 Fri 29 Sep Sat 30 Sep Something Then, Something Now £12 From £10

Tue 3 - Mon 9 - Fri 13 Oct Sat 7 Oct Sat 14 Oct Instructions for Border Crossing £10 From £16 From £19.50 Written and performed by Daniel Bye

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Railway Children Malvern Theatre, Tues 22 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 September Edith Nesbitt's famous tale, best known from the 1971 film version, tells the gentle story of an Edwardian family whose life is unexpectedly turned upside-down. Days stretch endlessly for Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis in their new home of Three Chimneys, a house near a railway in a York- shire village. Mysteriously separated from their father, the children set about the business of carving out a new way of living for themselves. They pass their time by watching trains on the nearby railway line, waving to the passengers and enjoying the company of Albert Perks, the station porter. They also get to know an old gentleman who regularly takes the 9.15 train, but are unaware of the remarkable impact that he’s set to have on their future happiness...

Dracula: The Bloody Truth Trespass Salomé Birmingham Hippodrome, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 15 - Wed 16 August Tues 15 - Sat 19 August until Wed 6 September Audience members as young as eight could Casualty favourite Rebecca Wheatley takes Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, written in well be saying ‘fangs for the advice’ after top billing in this latest production of Welsh French and originally banned in England, re- watching this cautionary tale about the dan- playwright Emlyn Williams’ supernatural counts in a single act the biblical story of gers of vampires. tale. Herod Antipas’s daughter, Salomé. Presented by highly regarded theatre com- Christine’s belief that her husband’s unex- Sexually rejected by imprisoned prophet pany Le Navet Bete, it follows the desperate - pected death is simply a hiatus in their rela- Jokanaan (John the Baptist), her lust-driven and comic - attempts of Dracula’s nemesis, tionship sees her hiring an Italian medium to desire for vengeance sees her demanding his Professor Abraham Van Helsing, to warn the bring him back to life. head on a silver platter as reward for her per- audience not to tangle with the prince of the But the reassuring Saviello may not be all forming the dance of the seven veils... undead. that he seems to be... Wilde was incarcerated in Reading Gaol at Sound advice, we’d say, and delivered with Exploring some unusual aspects of the super- the time of his play’s Paris premiere in 1896; plenty of family-friendly laughs along the natural, theatre company Talking Scarlet it would be 35 years before it received its first way. It’s probably best to pack some garlic, warn that their production ‘may well have public performance in England. though - just in case... you looking carefully around your bedroom Presented by the RSC to mark the 50th an- before you reach out for the light switch’. niversary of the decriminalisation of homo- sexuality in England and Wales, the Strictly Eric production features nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 21 August - Sat 2 September New Vic favourite Eric Smith here makes a welcome return to the stage, this time to as- sist Arthur Strictly in organising the 1969 World Ballroom Championships in Black- pool... Actor David Graham’s delightfully dysfunc- The Secret Garden tional character has certainly earned his The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, place in the hearts of New Vic audiences Sat 5 - Sat 12 August down the years, having made his first ap- Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children's pearance at the venue way back in 1999. And story centres on the character of young or- this latest comic adventure in the hugely pop- phan Mary Lennox. Sent from India to Eng- ular franchise looks certain to see Uncle Eric land at the age of 10 to live with her uncle, further ingratiate himself with the theatre- she finds herself residing in a bleak ancestral going Potteries public. manor in Yorkshire. A selection of memorable Swinging ’60s Life for Mary seems dull and boring - until, numbers should ensure that the evening pro- that is, she makes the startling discovery of a vides plenty of toe-tapping fun for Eric’s le- hidden garden... gion of dedicated fans to enjoy. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 4 Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Landscapes Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 9 - Sat 12 August Widely hailed as a truly mesmerising work of theatre, this 50-minute, non-verbal show is set inside a beautiful white dome and visits four lov- ingly realised landscapes - the desert, the rainforest, the ocean and Antarctica. It’s presented by the award-winning two-person 35-year-old Mimika Theatre company. Bringing together puppets, an original musical score and impressive visual effects, the show is a celebration of the atmosphere, rhythms, sounds and movements of the natural world. “Our work is always gentle and highly original,” explains Mimika. “Performances integrate movement, puppetry and unusual theatrical effects. We attempt to combine traditional and contemporary techniques to create an experience that’s rich in content and detail.” The show is suitable for children aged four to 11.

The Wiggles Big Show Ariel On The Cliff The Tiger Who Birmingham Town Hall, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 August Came To Tea Wed 2 - Thurs 3 August Cloud Cuckoo Land describe their show as ‘a Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, “We love touring the UK,” says founding Wig- celebration of all things breezy’, bringing to- Fri 4 - Sun 6 August; Malvern Theatre, Thurs gle Anthony Field. “It's the favourite part of 24 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coven- gether puppetry, sensory storytelling, origi- try, Wed 13 - Sat 16 September our year. We’re all looking forward to seeing nal acoustic music, movement interaction The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- our old friends, as well as meeting some new and ‘big deep breaths’. ping in on Sophie and her mum just as ones.” Standing front and centre of the production they’re settling down for an afternoon And friends certainly aren't in short supply is the daydreaming Ariel, perched at the top cuppa... for the Australian fab four, who've taken the of a cliff from where she introduces airborne Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith children's entertainment world by storm over chums Buzz the Bee and Squawk the Seagull. Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show comes the last few years. But when her down-to-earth friend Pebble without an interval, features singalong songs Although they've only come to significant in- spots storm clouds on the horizon, the race is and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a ternational attention relatively recently, The on to help Ariel’s pals return to the safety of big, stripey tiger, of course! Wiggles are actually more than a quarter of a their homes... A commission by the Royal Suitable for youngsters aged three and older. century old. Expect to get wiggling to classic Shakespeare Company and Birmingham’s hits such as Hot Potato, Do The Propeller! Stan's Cafe, the show is suitable for children and Rock-a-Bye Your Bear. aged between two and six. Half Moon Presents Three Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 15 August Dogs Don’t Do Ballet This collaboration between Yorkshire-based performers Wrongsemble and the long-estab- The Core, Solihull, Thurs 31 August lished Half Moon theatre company has been This big-hearted adventure is a late replace- designed as a pop-up show, allowing it to be ment for Dotty The Dragon, whose wings performed in all manner of venues and loca- have sadly been unable to fly her to the Mid- tions. lands this month. The production features a trio of fairytales - Based on the award-winning children's book Rumpelstiltskin, Goldilocks and Grimm’s by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, Dogs Don’t Three Wanderers - and brings together flam- Do Ballet tells the delightful story of Biff, a boyant performances, original singalong marvellous mutt who’d prefer to be wearing a songs, live music and impressively inventive tutu and dancing to Swan Lake than doing storytelling. typical dog things like scratching his fleas Suitable for kids aged between three and and weeing on lampposts. Music, songs and eight, the show lasts for 50 minutes (with no handcrafted puppets are cleverly combined interval) and is followed by an interactive in a show that’s described as ‘a perfect treat’ ‘meet the performers’ session. for children aged between three and seven.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 6 BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 1

FEATURE Reach for the stars!

What’s On visits Birmingham’s Ormiston Academy to find out how dreams are made...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Ever pictured yourself treading the boards in come here is the amount of time they get to proving so popular that two new dedicated the West End? Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend on their chosen subject,” explains As- academies are now in the works. But as much dress stages than perform on them? Or maybe sistant Principal and Head of Performing Arts as anything, it’s the emphasis on things like you’re interested in operating the lights that Michael Penn. “In Keystage Four, they spend teamwork, independence and creativity that keep the stars shining? Whatever your tal- seven hours a week on their Pathway subject, leave students well-equipped for the world of ents, if you dream of a career in showbiz, and in Keystage Five, that goes up to 14 work, as well as ensuring they have a fantas- Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) might hours, which is more than any other place I tic learning experience. just be the place to start rehearsing. know of around here. Plus, there are the in- “Students here are really mature,” says Penn. Each year, young hopefuls aged between 14 dustry experts they get to work with, and the “They work really well together across all dif- and 19 join the school to study specialised shows they do. Our students have done cur- ferent disciplines, and you’ll see a creative GCSE and A-Level-equivalent Pathway tain-raisers for Matthew Bourne, and they’ve approach to all the subjects they have to do. courses in subjects ranging from dance to performed at Move It at London’s ExCel Cen- So even with core subjects like English and digital arts. Six years after the school first tre. maths, if you go into one of those lessons, opened, BOA is now beginning to claim big “It’s a slightly longer day. The students start you might see them using roleplay or video success stories, with former students embark- at 9am and finish at 4.15. But the school is recordings to learn the topics.” ing on their first jobs in the industry. Among usually open until quite late in the evening them is Musical Theatre Pathway alumnus because there’ll be students using the prac- Alexanda O’Reilly (pictured below), currently tice rooms and recording studio. They’ll be working on Mamma Mia! in the West End. doing the radio show or rehearsing for perfor- “I just started my contract in May, and it’s mances even after the day is over. This year, been going really well so far,” says O’Reilly. with the exception of exam period, there’s been a show on pretty much every week in one department or another. It’s non-stop!” Alex O’Reilly’s success isn’t unusual. Other musical theatre alumni have already gone on to bag roles in shows such as The Wind In The Willows and Matilda. And it’s testament to how much students value their time at the academy that when things take off, they tend to stay in touch. “We have a dedicated Alumni Association, which is growing at the moment,” Penn continues, “and we do encourage them to let us Amy Stutz know what they’re doing. This year, we’ve also had ex-students come in to do workshops with current students and talk to them “It’s completely different to studying at a about how to go onto the next stage. One of generic school because it’s so much more cre- them is doing artist recruitment and develop- ative and individual,” O’Reilly agrees. “One Alexanda O’Reilly ment in the music industry, and she had memory that always sticks in my mind was some amazing stories to tell about the people soon after I started, when someone was play- “The cast are great and I’m having the best she’d been working with.” ing a guitar in the cafe. Other people started time living in London!” joining in, till eventually pretty much the Students who decide that performing might whole school was there singing along!” After leaving school in 2014, O’Reilly earned not be for them often discover unexpected himself a full scholarship at Laine Theatre routes into the industry. Take Amy Stutz, for “I loved BOA!” Stutz gushes. “We all formed Arts. He wasted no time in gaining as much example - a prominent arts and lifestyle blog- really close bonds because we were in such experience as possible, training from 8.30am ger and communications assistant at Birm- an intense learning environment together. It to 6pm Monday to Friday, working on profes- ingham Hippodrome. was hard work, but I met some of my best sional events and training under top choreog- friends there, people who are now friends for “When I left, I went to study journalism,” ex- raphers like Matthew Flint, Andrew Wright life. People can’t really understand BOA un- plains Stutz. “I then continued blogging and and Stephen Mear. But while hard work, abil- less they go there, as people will be singing started reviewing all around the country, and ity and a bit of good luck certainly helped on the stairwell and tap dancing in the can- have even been flown out to Berlin to review him land such fantastic opportunities, he still teen!” shows twice! I think BOA helped in the sense feels that the support and education he re- that I got a 360-degree look at the industry. ceived at BOA played a big part in his making Working with professional directors and a success of them. learning the craft gave me an appreciation of To find out more about Birmingham “I learned so much while I was at BOA - there the way everything in theatre is created.” Ormiston Academy, visit their website: was a whole combination of things that really Stutz may have started out with a view to be- boa-academy.co.uk helped me to grow as a performer. The teach- coming a performer, but others are investigat- ers were brilliant, especially singing with Mr ing different options from the moment they Bannon.” enrol, with technical and digital arts courses “I think the key advantage for students who whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:36 Page 1

FEATURE

Ocean Colour Scene Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:36 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler chats to What’s On ahead of the band’s headline performance at new Birmingham festival Beyond The Tracks...

Ocean Colour Scene are headlining brand from the area, so there’s a hell of a lot of things like Speedy Gonzales by Pat Boone. new festival Beyond The Tracks next people we know in the city, and we have the My favourite early song was called Seven Lit- month. What can your audience expect Birmingham sensibility, I think. Not too tle Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat). Google it - from your Saturday evening performance? much of a show-off. it was probably dreadful. It was by a band We’ll be doing all the songs that people hope- called The Avons, and that was about 1960. It was my favourite record, and my brother and fully know. It’s the audience’s day out, isn’t You took the anniversary tour to Aus- I had an argument. I’d have been about five it? It’s the audience’s gig, so we’ll oblige. tralia, too. What was it like playing there and he’d have been seven, and he threw the for the first time? single across our lounge. It hit a chair leg and You’ll be sharing the stage with the likes We’re actually going back there at the end of shattered. That’s my earliest musical mem- of Maximo Park, The Coral and The the year. We’re doing Australia and New ory. Twang. Who are you most looking for- Zealand this time. We’ve been together for 28 ward to seeing? years, and how the hell we’d never played in What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Carl Barât is there, isn’t he? I’ve never met Australia before, I just don’t know. They were the music industry over the years? Carl, so I’m looking forward to meeting him. really, really welcoming, so basically we’re Steve knows him a bit. I know that he and going back and playing much bigger venues The way that records are now almost a by- Pete (Doherty) grew up listening to us, which because those gigs were only 800-capacity product that allows you to tour. You used to is quite amusing! So yeah, I’ll go and give venues and they sold out literally within an make an album - looking back at it, at ridicu- him some tips on taking drugs - like, “don’t hour. We had no idea that was going to hap- lous costs - and then you would tour to pro- take them, young Carl.” pen! mote that album. It’s the other way round now. Unless you’re a mega-selling, streaming person, I wouldn’t like to start a band now Why do you think Ocean Colour Scene The band are well known on the festival and have to work out what to do. Having said have managed to survive for so long? circuit. Do you have a favourite festival? that, I've never used a computer, I’ve never Oh blimey! I quite like the one at The crowd - our crowd. Also, we’ve never streamed - I don’t even know what that really Punchestown in Ireland - it used to be called been fashionable. If you’re fashionable, by means - so if I was a young person now, I’d Oxegen. That’s really nice - it’s at a race- the very nature of that statement, you’re have grown up with a different mentality. course and it’s got the poshest facilities of going to not be fashionable in a year, or Album art, album covers, who gives a toss any festival I’ve ever been to. Glastonbury I maybe even six months. We’ve never been about them anymore, but that used to be one always used to find terrifying, just because fashionable, we’ve always been a traditional of the things that made an album so special. it’s Glastonbury. It’s a bit like playing the Al- rock, blues, folk band who you either like or Opening it up on the bus home, reading the bert Hall - it’s the Albert Hall, however hard you don’t. People have stuck with us, and it’s credits. There’s none of that now. Christ, I’m you try to pretend it isn’t! I like festivals; I our crowd who’ve kept us together. We’re not sounding old, aren’t I?! think there’s a lot less pressure. We played at going to make an album that’s going into the a castle up near Chepstow last weekend, top 10 anymore, but we go and play to 12,500 What’s the most memorable performance which was nice. people, and I think we treasure that more now than chasing the charts. I don’t even of your career? know how they work now! I don’t know how Obviously supporting Oasis at Knebworth Last year you played a series of special you can have nine singles in the top 10! It’s was pretty special - and petrifying! One of my gigs around the UK to celebrate the 20th just nonsense. That means nothing to me at proudest moments was when we played the anniversary of your hit 1996 album, Mose- all. So we’ll play to our crowds and Ed Albert Hall in February ’97. There it was, our ley Shoals. The tour included dates at Sheeran can have 10 songs in the top five. name, up in lights at the Albert Hall, and I Moseley Park and Birmingham’s Irish walked in and thought, ‘Jesus Christ, we’ve Centre. What’s it like playing to a home done it!’ Another memorable moment was If you could go back in time to Ocean crowd? Do the shows feel more special? the first time we played the NEC. That was Colour Scene’s inception, is there any- They’ve always been lovely to us, Birming- pretty remarkable. thing you would do differently? ham. There’s always a word around that Birmingham is a dull audience, but I’ve never I’d write more, that’s all. I wouldn’t change What does the future hold for Ocean found that - ever. I think that comes from anything, really. There are probably argu- Colour Scene? people who’re in dull bands. We’ve always ments that we could’ve avoided, but that’s gone down great in Birmingham. This was the way life is. I wouldn’t change the fact that I need to write and we need to record an our launch pad. The Jug of Ale, as it was, in we struggled for seven years because that’s album! Moseley was our HQ, and the first time I met when we learned to do what we do, and Liam was down there. It’s always been spe- that’s when we learned to be a band. It does you good being punched in the face once or cial to us. Even before that, in my bands be- Ocean Colour Scene play the Saturday twice, so long as you don’t lose your teeth. fore that, the Irish Centre was always a great headline slot at Beyond The Tracks, which place, and before that, the Barrel Organ. takes place from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 When you were in a local band, you knew What’s your first musical memory? September at Eastside City Park, Digbeth, that once you arrived at the Barrel Organ, A load of old singles my older brother used to Birmingham. you’d made it! Next stop, the NEC! Birming- listen to that were like family heirlooms - ham’s always been special to us. We’re all Birmingham Museums F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:19 Page 1 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 2

Film

A Ghost Story CERT 12a (92 mins) Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Will Old- ham, Sonia Acevedo Directed by David Lowery (USA) This year Casey Affleck won the Oscar for best actor. Here, he’s teamed up with double Oscar nominee Rooney Mara, with whom he previously co-starred in the 2013 crime drama Ain't Them Bodies Saints, reuniting them both with the writer-director David Lowery. A fiercely personal meditation on loss, grief and time itself, A Ghost Story is unlike any film you’ll see this year. And like most works of singularity, it is likely to divide viewers. Is it a profound, daring and cosmic-altering experience or a self-indulgent and preten- tious vanity project? Either way, one won’t forget the single take in which Rooney Mara devours the better part of a large pumpkin pie. Released Fri 11 August CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in August...

The Emoji Movie: Express Yourself CERT PG With the voices of TJ Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Maya Rudolph, Steven Wright, Christina Aguilera, Patrick Stewart Directed by Tony Leondis (USA) Set in the mysterious world of your mo- bile phone, this comedy from Sony Pic- tures Animation explores the emotional status quo of your regular emoji. Actually, there’s nothing regular about Gene, an emoji with a whole gamut of emotions. Of course, he just wants one fa- Valerian And The City Of cial expression like everybody else… A Thousand Planets Jumping into a parallel universe like CERT 12a (137 mins) those explored by such groundbreaking cartoons as Wreck-It-Ralph and Inside Starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Rutger Hauer Out, this has the potential to rock. Directed by Luc Besson (France) Released Fri 4 August Adapted from the sci-fi comic Valérian And Maudie CERT 12a (116 mins) Laureline, this big-budget French block- Starring Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Kari buster is set in the 28th century. There, a Matchett Directed by Aisling Walsh (Ireland/Canada) handsome pair of special operatives are dispatched to the multicultural metropolis of Maud Lewis was one of Canada’s foremost Alpha, populated by species from all over the folk artists, who recorded the Nova Scotia universe. But there’s a dark force there caus- landscapes of her childhood. But before then ing a right rumpus and threatening the very she was an arthritic cleaning lady beset by future of the cosmos. FYI: The original comic unsubstantiated local gossip. This is her was a major inspiration for Star Wars. story. Released Wed 2 August Released Fri 4 August whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 3

Film highlights released in August...

buzz for the film, which is helmed by Detroit CERT 15 (143 mins) Starring John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Kathryn Bigelow, the first female director Smith, Jason Mitchell, John Krasinski, An- ever to receive an Academy Award (for The thony Mackie, Jack Reynor Hurt Locker). Besides the incendiary sub- Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (USA) ject matter, further controversy should On 25 July in 1967, the Detroit police force arise from the fact that the two leading responded to a call stating that a group of characters are played by English actors, gunmen had been seen near the Algiers namely John Boyega and Will Poulter. Motel. The events that followed are chroni- Boyega, who was born in London, previ- cled in this drama focusing on the police ously played Finn in Star Wars: The Force brutality that fanned the flames of the no- Awakens. torious Detroit riots. There is already Oscar Released Fri 25 August

6 Days CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, Martin Shaw, Mark Strong, Emun Elliott, Tim Pigott- Smith Directed by Toa Fraser (UK) It was six days that placed the SAS at the centre of the global consciousness. When, in April of 1980, Arab gunmen stormed the Ira- nian Embassy in London, the British Army was forced to act with both tact and preci- sion. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 4 August

Atomic Blonde CERT 15 Starring Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones Directed by David Leitch (USA) For Atomic Blonde read Lorraine Broughton (Theron), arguably the best female spy M16 has ever produced. It’s now the Cold War and in 1989 Broughton is dispatched to Berlin to investigate the murder of a fellow spy. Based on the 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City. Released Wed 9 August The Nut Job 2: England Is Mine Nutty By Nature CERT PG CERT 15 (94 mins) Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Moynihan, Bobby Starring Jack Lowden, Jessica Brown Findlay, Cannavale, Peter Stormare, Jackie Chan Laurie Kynaston, Adam Lawrence, Jodie Directed by Cal Brunker Comer Directed by Mark Gill (UK) (SouthKorea/USA/Canada) The son of Irish Catholics from Dublin, Surly, the purple squirrel, must motivate the Steven grew up in Manchester and in the other animals of Liberty Park to stop the 1970s found himself out of work. He then mayor’s scheme to bulldoze their home to joined the punk band The Nosebleeds (as a make way for a dubious amusement park. vocalist) and went by his surname, Morris- Let’s just hope this is more endearing than sey. This is his story at the time - before he the crude and cacophonous first film. went on to form The Smiths. Released Fri 11 August Released Fri 4 August

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Film

Pawn Sacrifice CERT 12 (112 mins) Starring Tobey Maguire, Peter Sarsgaard, Liev Schreiber, Michael Stuhlbarg, Lily Rabe, Robin Weigert Directed by Edward Zwick (USA/Canada) Another film set during the Cold War, this one focuses on the chess champion Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire). Here, the grand- master challenges the Soviet Empire (and Boris Spassky) at a highly sensitive time for the two superpowers. Interestingly, production on the film was completed in December of 2013. Released Fri 11 August

Overdrive CERT 12a not above a bit of bad behaviour. Here, five Starring Scott Eastwood, Freddie Thorp, Rough Night CERT 15 (101 mins) Ana de Armas, Gaia Weiss, Simon Abkarian best friends from college reunite for a bache- Directed by Antonio Negret (France/USA) Starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, lorette weekend in Miami and accidentally Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Demi The brothers Andrew and Garrett Foster Moore Directed by Lucia Aniello (USA) kill a male stripper. It’s played for laughs, of are car thieves and decide to try their course. In the tradition of Bridesmaids, Sisters, Bad hand in pastures new in the South of Moms, et al, here comes another American Released Fri 25 August France. But there they come to the atten- movie in which its female protagonists are tion of a local crime lord (Simon Abkar- ian), who decides to utilise their skills for his own ends… Released Fri 11 August Final PortraitCERT 15 (90 mins) American MadeCERT tbc Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, Clé- Starring Tom Cruise, Sarah Wright, Domhnall The Dark Tower mence Poésy, Tony Shalhoub, James Faulkner, Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Jesse Plemons, Lola Sylvie Testud Directed by Stanley Tucci (UK) Directed by CERT 12a (95 mins) Kirke Doug Liman (USA) Starring Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, The American writer and art lover James Lord Inspired by the life of the TWA pilot Barry Tom Taylor, Katheryn Winnick, Jackie Earle (Armie Hammer) agrees to Seal, who became a drug smuggler, this Haley, Dennis Haysbert sit for his friend, the cele- should restore Tom Cruise’s standing with his Directed by Nikolaj Arcel (USA) brated Swiss painter Al- fans after the diabolic The Mummy. After all, A sort of Western-cum-fantasy-cum-horror berto Giacometti (Geoffrey director Doug Liman exhibited his knack for film-cum-sci fi adventure, The Dark Tower Rush). He’s told the por- action with The Bourne Identity and the enter- would appear to have something for every- trait will only take a few taining Cruise-starrer Edge Of Tomorrow. We one. Idris plays The Gunslinger, who’s on days to complete, but cre- live in hope. his way to an alternative dimension in ativity doesn’t always Released Fri 18 August pursuit of the eponymous structure. The work to a schedule… tower, you see, holds the secret to prevent- Released Fri 18 August ing the entrée of Hell. Based on the liter- Logan LuckyCERT tbc ary series by Stephen King. Starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Seth Released Fri 18 August The Hitman’s Bodyguard MacFarlane, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes, Katherine Waterston, Hilary Swank, Daniel CERT 15 (118 mins) Craig Directed by Steven Soderbergh (USA) Starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Gary Oldman, Salma Hayek, Élodie Yung, Three brothers called Logan set out to pull off Joaquim de Almeida, Richard E Grant an elaborate heist during the Coca-Cola 600 Directed by Patrick Hughes (USA) race at the Charlotte Michael Bryce (Reynolds) is considered to be Motor Speedway in North the best bodyguard in the world. He’s then Carolina. More impor- asked to escort the hitman Darius Kincaid tantly, the comedy marks (Jackson) from England to the International the return of director Court of Justice in The Hague. But Kincaid Steven Soderbergh after happens to be Bryce’s mortal enemy… It’s not he announced his retire- going to be easy. ment in 2013. Released Fri 18 August Released Fri 25 August

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FEATURE

The colours of

SouthUtsav and the many jewels Asia in its crown...

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by Heather Kincaid

called Brumpeeps,” explains Community En- gagement Co-ordinator Harpreet Kaur. “It started with us commissioning a photographer to spend a few days in the library, taking pictures of visitors from all ages and backgrounds to be displayed in the exhibition. There’s also an element where people can take their own photographs, upload them to Twitter with #Brumpeeps, and see them instantly projected into the exhibition.” Incredible dancing, fabulous food, fascinat- influences with each other. Things are much Curated in collaboration with the British Li- ing stories and an upcycled elephant: as less monocultural and more multilingual brary, Connecting Stories delves into Britain’s India marks 70 years of independence in now, and it’s exciting to see how those influ- relationship with South Asia over the last 2017, Birmingham erupts in a colourful explo- ences are shaping the creation of new work, 400 years, beginning with the origins of the sion of music, food and live performance in whether it’s in dance, music, theatre or vi- East India Company. But within the context celebration of Utsav - The Year of South Asian sual arts.” of a bigger international picture, it also Culture. Interactive and community-led elements are homes in on specific local stories, from the Halfway through the year, Utsav (meaning helping to open up cultural experiences to time that Gandhi visited Selly Oak, to the festival or celebration in Sanskrit) is now well new audiences, allowing people to take own- 1970s Rock Against Racism concerts. underway, with big events like the Birming- ership of projects. Earlier this year, for exam- “I think to some extent we’re used to seeing ham Indian Film Festival and ZEE Mela now ple, local schoolchildren had the chance to things about the history of Britain and India behind us. But if you’ve yet to join the fun, design and decorate sculptures for Birming- over the last 100 years,” says Kaur, “but this don’t worry - the party continues with a se- ham Children’s Hospital’s Big Sleuth trail, is a really good opportunity for people of all ries of shows, festivals and exhibitions the follow-up to 2015’s Big Hoot, which this ages and backgrounds to find out how much throughout summer and autumn. year takes the endangered South East Asian further back that relationship goes, to really Chairing the Utsav committee and co-direct- Sun Bear as its inspiration. But the jewel in challenge our thinking and become more cu- ing this year’s South Asian-themed Birming- the Utsav crown looks set to be the return of rious about history. I hear a lot of debates ham Weekender is Sampad Artistic Director Birmingham Weekender, which begins with amongst young people today about the per- Piali Ray. the transformation of Victoria Square into a spectives that different histories are coming three-day, participatory dance experience. “The initial idea for Utsav came from Birm- from, who’s telling the stories and what gets ingham City Council after David Cameron “There will be dancing at all times from Fri- left out, so what we’re really hoping is that met with the Indian prime minister two years day afternoon until Sunday evening, with people will come and respond. We know that ago and named 2017 as the India-UK Year of professional dancers to help you learn the we haven’t told a complete story, so we want Culture,” she explains. “A lot of the UK is cel- routines,” says Ray. “We’ll be starting with people to write messages and tell us what’s ebrating that, but because we have such a di- warm-up yoga sessions from 9am, and then missing and what they think. verse South Asian population in there will be various different styles through- “Later in the year, we’re also going to be run- Birmingham, we decided to broaden it out out the day, from bhangra, hip-hop and con- ning free workshops on using archives, con- further.” temporary through to ballet, Bollywood and ducing oral histories and curating kathakali.” Comprised of several arts organisations and exhibitions. Part of the point of all this is that community groups, the Utsav committee has Later, the Colours Of Birmingham - Rangeeli we want to encourage people to think about been working to promote engagement with parade will combine dance, music and dhol leaving things in our archives, because the food, fashion, sports and history as well as drumming with flags and patang kites cre- more material we have from different sorts of the arts. News and events listings are up- ated by community groups, as well as the people, the better and more representative loaded to a dedicated Wordpress site, where amazing Harminder, a mechanical Indian the stories we’re able to tell in future will be.” anyone can request the inclusion of an event. elephant constructed from recycled materi- Crucially, while it focuses on celebrating als. Punjabi singing sensation Hans Raj Hans South Asian contributions to the city, the pro- will then perform a concert at Town Hall for ject also aims to highlight shared cultural the big Sunday finale. Birmingham Weekender takes place at heritage across all of Birmingham’s commu- Meanwhile, as part of its current Connecting various locations across the city from nities. Stories exhibition, the Library of Birmingham Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September “We want to make sure that Birmingham as a is taking participation a step further, encour- Connecting Cultures shows at the Library city connects with Utsav, and not just South aging people to share images, artefacts and Of Birmingham until Sat 4 November Asian communities,” says Ray. “Because this stories, as well as running a series of family To find out more about Utsav events is a very lively, vibrant city, there are all sorts fun days with performances, mehndi, face- across Birmingham visit utsavyearof- of offerings to choose from, and in the same painting and crafts. southasianculture2017.wordpress.com way as with fashion and food, there are a lot “One of the projects I’ve been working on is of artists now who are taking on and sharing whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts August - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:07 Page 1

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

More Real Than Life The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 24 September Early photographic studio portraiture is explored in this fascinating new exhibition, curated in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and University of Birmingham MA Art History & Curating students. The display focuses on mid-19th century photographic developments, including the use of different techniques, backdrops, props, costumes and poses. The innovations enabled public figures, from Oscar Wilde through to Queen Victoria, to fashion and promote their own identities.

Connecting Stories: Our British Asian Heritage Library of Birmingham, until Sat 4 November The important role which South Asian culture has played in forming Britain and Birming- ham’s history and identity comes under the microscope in this partnership project from the Library of Birmingham and the British Library. Exploring Britain’s enduring connections with South Asia - from historical trading links to the impact of migration and settlement in the 20th and 21st centuries - the display comprises photographs, letters, posters, paintings, documents and ephemera. Highlights include a letter signed by Mahatma Gandhi pledging support during the Great War, and photographs showing protests and counter-protests in 1960s and ’70s Britain.

Dinosaur Art Mark Witton, the display explores the evo- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, lution of images created during the 1970s until Sun 8 October and ’80s, a period which has become Cutting-edge science and art merge in an known as ‘the dinosaur renaissance’. exhibition celebrating the work of four Accompanying the paintings are items palaeoartists, all of whom either have been from the collection of Victorian medic Dr or will be published by Titan Books. John Fraser, a Wolverhampton-based ama- Via its championing of the work of John teur collector who bequeathed his 9,000 Sibbick, Luis Rey, Robert Nicholls and fossils to the art gallery in 1911. Photo credit: Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony, 1882 © National Portait Gallery, London

Draw New Mischief crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten Morland’s April 2016 cartoon of David Paccar Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris John- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 15 September son’s skull. This free exhibition celebrates more than two The RSC has also commissioned five cartoon- centuries of political cartoons inspired by ists to create brand new works. Shakespeare. The cartoonists are using Shakespeare’s Presented to coincide with the RSC’s current Rome plays to respond to political events season of Rome-themed plays, Draw New which occur during the period that the exhi- Mischief showcases historical works from key bition is on show. political moments in time. The Company’s Rome season features pro- Featured contemporary cartoons include ductions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopa- Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed tra, Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus. Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon as the star-

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FEATURE Glass For Good

Bruce Airhead

Featuring workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, shows and over 300 professional artists and performers, the International Festival Of Glass celebrates 50 years of studio glass worldwide... The International Festival of Glass is a real community event. open studios, storytelling, eurythmy and music. As well as celebrating Stourbridge’s heritage of industrial International and British glass artists will be demonstrating, glassmaking, it also acknowledges the development of the studio exhibiting, presenting and selling, while the drama and glass movement 50 years ago and highlights the current dynamism of the hot shops ensures that they are always among challenges and opportunities facing contemporary makers. the event’s most popular attractions. Over 300 professional artists and performers are taking part in Here, we take a look at some of the major elements of the this year’s festival. The event includes the prestigious British festival, and what visitors can expect to discover in Stourbridge’s Glass Biennale exhibition, participatory workshops, lectures, Glass Quarter over the August bank holiday weekend.

Jacque Pavlosky - 1467 Roundals Martin Janecky Heads Citrine by KeithCummings 2017

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Family fun Theme for 2017 Prizes Families can meet the Dudley glass re- This year’s theme of Glass For Good The British Glass Biennale has 10 cycling team at Red House Glass Cone celebrates the ways in which glass is awards, including the People’s Prize to find out where all the glass goes, making a positive difference to the and a young collectors prize. and can also explore the history of the world. Children can also vote for their Cone in the company of costumed in- The festival illustrates how glass is favourite piece and win a glass art- terpreters. There’s the chance for visi- being used creatively in therapeutic work to start their own collection. tors to decorate jam jars, try their hand contexts - such as working with mili- Entry to the Biennale post-festival is at fusing glass, have a go at engraving, tary veterans in Seattle - giving a voice free. The prize winners will be an- enjoy a storytelling afternoon, make a to victims of domestic violence or nounced at the exhibition’s closing giant, chalk stained-glass window and abuse, and supporting the survivors of party on 9 September. learn how to develop pin-hole pho- the Grenfell Tower disaster. tographs. A special ‘teenage market’, award-winning children’s entertain- Therapeutic use of glass Unique elements of the festival ment, traditional games and numerous craft activities further add to the fam- Blind and profoundly deaf artist Julie The UK’s last remaining maker of glass- ily-friendly line-up of fun. Coakley has developed a unique way eyes, Jost Haas, demonstrates his skills of creating 3D glass sculptural draw- at the festival, while Latvian Karlis Bo- ings containing over 100 individual el- gustovs unites glass art with skate- Hands-on attractions ements of glass. boarding, making glass skateboard Caroline Jariwala, one of the Creative Julie’s workshop will allow visitors to ramps and demonstrating how to use Black Country’s 100 Masters, creates a have a go at bending glass strings to them. Karlis is best known for his glass series of four new mosaics using a his- help her create a new glass sculpture... piano, which will be in evidence at the toric kaleidoscope of coloured waste The inspirational Hot Shop Heroes: festival. glass unearthed locally. Healing With Fire programme in the A mass-participation project celebrat- The windows will depict four of the US has been supporting some of Amer- ing the international Fused Glass com- main trades and resources of the Coal- ica’s wounded soldiers by teaching munity will see the creation of a huge bourn Brook Valley - coal mining, fire them to blow glass. Working in a hot- stretch of glass bunting, with a photo clay mining, glassmaking and the shop is known to provide physical gallery and a few words by each con- Stourbridge canal. benefits for people suffering from Post tributor. It’s hoped that the total length The Glass Hub, meanwhile, is bringing Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trau- of bunting might set a new world its Minimelt furnace from Wiltshire. It matic Brain Injury. Project leader Pa- record. will host a rolling programme of tricia Davidson shares her experience Heritage demonstrations with guest artists, as of the programme, and is accompa- well as offering visitors the opportu- nied by war veteran Michael Daley. In the Quarter’s brand new museum of nity to make their own unique glass Patricia and Michael are in town to glass at White House Cone, local histo- baubles... There are lots of workshops help launch a similar programme for rian Charles Hajdamach and Steve and drop-in sessions to enjoy too, pro- UK veterans... Piper unlock some of the secrets of the viding people with the chance to learn The festival also includes an exhibi- production of engraved glass and rock about glassblowing, stone carving, tion by young people with learning crystal. fused glass and glass engraving. difficulties and autism, illustrating the Also contributing to the heritage strand way in which working with glass helps of the festival is David Wilkinson, the them develop their skills, concentra- UK’s premier chandelier maker, who’ll World premiere tion and sense of self-esteem. be taking his audience on a journey Vitrescence: Becoming Glass into the world of ornamental lighting. Six heritage walks around Amblecote Standing 100ft high, the 18th century Finale performance and Wollaston reveal secrets of the hid- Redhouse ‘Glass Cone’ chimney is the Circus Raj, a ‘supergroup’ of elite den past, while Black Country racon- last of its kind in Europe. street circus performers hailing from teur Graham Fisher launches an In its cathedral-like interior, award- Rajasthan, ‘take the ancient, mystical update of his bestselling book, Jewels winning singer, composer and sound and magical circus format to even On The Cut. artist Andy Garbi stages a site-specific audiovisual event that celebrates and greater heights’. The show is performed at the Ruskin Glass Centre Exhibitions explores the nature of glass. Designed to react with the unique acoustics of on Monday 28 August at 7pm. The flagship British Glass Biennale is the structure, Vitrescence is part instal- the most prestigious selling show of lation and part performance. It features contemporary glass in the UK, with a state-of-the-art 7:1 surround-sound £100,000 in prizes awarded since its in- system, live-action glass work and in- The International Festival Of Glass ception in 2004. struments alongside manipulated takes place at the Glass Quarter in Work by 63 artists is included, reflect- choral voice, strings and the sounds of Stourbridge from Friday 25 ing the latest techniques, trends and glass blowers. The show lasts for ap- to Monday 28 August. topical issues. The Biennale is one of 17 proximately 45 minutes but is not suit- For further information, visit exhibitions in the festival, with over able for small children. Red House www.ifg.org.uk 285 professional artists represented. Glass Cone, Saturday 26 August.

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Events previews from around the region Events

What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Best Event in Shropshire 2017

Shrewsbury Flower Show - full of fun, flowers and fireworks! Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 & Sat 12 August John Torode, garden designer and TV personality Joe Swift, celebrity The Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the country’s premier horticul- gardener Penny Meadmore and Shropshire-based actor John Challis, tural festivals. best known as Boycie from BBC TV comedy series Only Fools And Recently winning the Best Shropshire Event category in the What's On Horses and The Green Green Grass. Readers' Awards, the show delivers a diverse programme of entertain- The London Community Gospel Choir and the Royal Signals Motorcy- ment for the whole family to enjoy. cle Display Team, The White Helmets, will also be in attendance at the Highlights of the two-day event include guest spots from celebrity event. chefs and gardeners, arena acts, showjumping, workshops, a chil- Commenting on this month’s show, Chairman of the Shropshire Horti- dren's area, competitions and impressive floral displays. cultural Society’s Arena Committee, Andrew Rhodes, said: “We’re de- Both days are brought to a close with a magnificent fireworks display. lighted to be able to offer our visitors something different this year. Top billing the 2017 edition of the show are The Overtones. The five- The Overtones have enjoyed a succession of major achievements, in- piece harmony group are promising to wow their Shropshire audience cluding performing in front of 250,000 people at the Queen’s Diamond with an eclectic mix of doo-wop, Motown, modern-day R&B and pop. Jubilee Concert, and we look forward to welcoming them to our show Guests appearing at this year’s Flower Show include MasterChef judge on Saturday the 12th.” whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Magic: Grand Prix NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 August More than 3,000 gamers will be descending on Birmingham for this major event. Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game played in at least 70 countries. “Magic’s deep strategy, compelling worlds and rich visuals have drawn in 20 million players worldwide,” says show organiser Trevor Baker. “This diverse collection of people comes together to find com- mon ground in their shared love of the game.” The BMW Car Club National Festival British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, Sun 13 August The largest gathering of its kind in Europe, this ever-popular festival Art In The Park Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa, Sat 5 - Sun 6 August features attractions including a Leamington’s Art In The Park festival is expected elephants, Wilhelmina, Haddie & Trilby, and to large motor sport display area, a to attract in excess of 5,000 visitors when it add some circus-related fun to proceedings. rolling road, family entertainment, makes a welcome return this month. Commenting on the festival, organiser Carole a Pirelli stand, Concours winners The 2017 edition of the event features exhibitions Sleight said: “With the range of art and activities and trade stands. of paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculpture, on offer, we know that visitors will get a huge with numerous bands presenting a feast of amount of value from the weekend and leave The British music. with many great memories, new skills and inspi- This year’s festival theme, The Three Graces, has rational ideas.” Showjumping been selected to celebrate Leamington’s historic National Championships Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Tall Tales: Cinderella Story Insomnia61 Tues 8 - Sun 13 August Tour And Craft NEC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August The British Showjumping National Aston Hall, Birmingham, Fri 4 August The UK’s biggest gaming festival has settled Championships this month come to Warwickshire for the fourth With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy nicely into its new home at the NEC, having relo- time. godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charm- cated there a couple of years back after outgrow- The event is one of the summer ing, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass ing Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. highlights on the showjumping slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to A four-day event combining ‘all the best bits of calendar and features the presti- being the most popular of all fairytales. And video-gaming’, Insomnia61 features LAN gaming gious International Stairway young visitors to Aston Hall can this month enjoy halls, a huge exhibition hall, special guests League Final (Sunday 13 August), hearing all about Cinders’ search for love, cour- ‘doing cool interactive content’, large-scale eS- at the end of which the British tesy of this special interactive storytelling event. ports tournaments and a wide selection of activi- Showjumping National Champion Back by popular demand, Tall Tales offers visi- ties tailored to gamers of all ages. Special guests will be crowned. tors the chance to meet the girl herself, see her on this occasion include YouTube favourites Syn- The six-day event also features the kitchen, help equip her with everything she dicate, Yammy XOX and iBallisticSquid. Stoneleigh Horse Show, taking needs, try on her glass slipper, make a magic place for a third consecutive year, wand and join in the dancing at Prince Charm- and offers plenty of competitions, ing’s ball. indoor performances, hospitality The event is suitable for children aged between and shopping opportunities for three and eight, with each storytelling experience visitors to enjoy. lasting approximately 45 minutes. And just to make popping along an Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is essential. even more appealing idea, entry to the show is free. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 5

Events

Oswestry Balloon Festival British Ironworks, Oswestry, North Shropshire, Sat 26 - Mon 28 August Oswestry is a town with more than its fair share of ballooning history, so it’s no surprise that there’s an annual festival to celebrate the fact. Weather permitting, there will be sunrise and late-afternoon flights on both days of the show. There’ll also be a spectacular evening 'glow', which will see tethered baskets power their burners to music, to light up the inflated balloons. A balloon race is scheduled for the Sunday of the festival. The event is raising funds for Wrexham’s Nightingale House Hospice, which provides a specialist palliative care service for patients with life-limiting illness, including many from Shropshire.

I Want I Want! Creative Car Factory Summer holiday fun at Stories Of 1975 at Coventry Transport Tamworth Castle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Museum From Norman fort to stately home to 21st Sun 20 August until Wed 30 August century museum, Tamworth Castle Get out your platform shoes, pull on your stands as a physical record of almost a flares and get ready to party like it’s 1975 at If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids oc- millennium's-worth of history. this one-day-only event. cupied this summer holiday, check out these The castle is currently home to unique Featuring items from the gallery and the Arts special workshops at Coventry Transport artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard Council Collection, this ‘warm and welcom- Museum. There’s one taking place each and offers some fascinating insights into ing reminiscence session’ takes a look back week for six weeks - so that’s half a dozen the Anglo-Saxon era from which they to the flamboyant days of yesteryear, recall- days when you know your youngsters will be date. ing the 1970s through a celebration of the kept busy and entertained! Summer holiday visitors to the venue decade’s music, art and fashion. The workshops provide children with the can learn about Saxon battle tactics and A free drop-in session suitable for all ages, chance to design, create and try out their try their hand at archaeology (15 - 17 Au- Stories Of 1975 is also a dementia-friendly own fantasy car. They can then add their gust), as well as sampling life in me- event. favourite features to the museum’s full-size dieval times (22 - 24 August). car design. For those fancying something a bit more Participants can attend all six workshops - ‘magical’ in nature, a special trail pro- Festival Of Quilts each focusing on a different stage of car vides an opportunity to say hello to gal- NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 August manufacture - or join in for just a single session, during which they can make a car part lant knights, help make a giant’s Bringing together to take home. armour, discover a wishing tree and a unique blend of The workshops are suitable for children maybe even spot a mischievous pixie or exhibitors, gal- aged three-plus, but all ages are welcome to two (until 11 August). leries, practical attend. workshops and in- depth lectures, the Festival Of Quilts is Europe’s largest celebration of patchwork and quilting. Commenting on the show, Jonathan Burton, Portfolio Director, said: “The festival offers a truly inspirational showcase of quilt-making, with the finest skills on display. It’s a place for beginners through to professionals to share ideas, learn new skills and meet with others who’re equally passionate about the world of patchwork and quilting.”

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Events previews from around the region

Summer late openings Land Of Legends Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Mon 14 - Fri 18 August Every Friday during August Families visiting BCLM on any Friday in Au- This is just one of numerous gust will have even longer to immerse events organised by Avoncroft themselves in 300 years of Black Country for its summertime visitors. history, with the venue staying open until Providing ‘a week of folklore 8pm. Meet costumed characters, join in and local legends’, the presen- with street games and explore the mu- tation invites participants to ex- seum’s selection of shops and houses. plore the grounds in search of If you’ve never visited BCLM before, this is ‘the mythical beasts that dwell a great opportunity to become one of the within’. approximately 300,000 people who’re wel- Other Avoncroft attractions this comed through its gates every year. month include a traditional The venue has been open for 34 years now games challenge, summer and is the UK’s third most visited open-air building activities, a bake-off museum. themed week and an archaeo- Other attractions on the 26-acre site include logical dig. an underground mine, a fairground, a school and a pub, all offering visitors the chance to step back in time to a bygone era. Urban Safari The Roundhouse, St Vincents Street, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Wed 9 August & Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Blists Hill In Steam Birmingham’s historic Round- house building offers an ideal Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August base from which to explore the Now here’s an event to be all steamed up about! city’s canal network - and Visitors across the two days can take advantage of a there’s no better way of doing rare opportunity to get up close and personal with an so than by booking yourself a array of Victorian steam-powered machines, all of place on the Urban Safari. which will be in their full working splendour. Participants get to travel on a Highlights include the venue’s replica of Trevithick’s heritage narrowboat into the 1802 Coalbrookdale locomotive and a 1903 Wallis & heart of the canal system, en- Steevens road roller named Billy. joying a towpath tour of the There’s also the Merry Weather fire pump and the local wildlife while learning Fielding oil engine to admire, with other attractions about numerous myths and leg- including portable and ploughing engines, the Blists ends associated with Birming- Hill Ironworks steam hammer and a number of guest ham. engines. The Classic The Western Motorcycle Festival Donington Park Racing Circuit, Motorhome Show Derby, Fri 4 - Sun 6 August Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, This Donington favourite once Fri 18 - Sun 20 August again features appearances by Featuring four nights of camping and country & 1998 500cc British Grand Prix western music, The Western Motorhome Show is champion Simon Crafar, guest this month hosting more than 3,000 mo- starring at the event for the fifth torhomes, caravans, campervans and tents, in- year running. cluding 450 new and used outdoor leisure Festival regular Steve Parrish vehicles. Other attractions include the Lonestar makes a welcome return too, at Re-Enactment Group - providing living history an event that features parades, displays - hundreds of accessory stalls and nu- massive display areas and up to merous western entertainers, among them The 50 races across its three days. Dolly & Kenny Show, Boxcar Kelly & The Rail- roaders and Steve Cherelle as John Denver.

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Places to visit Enjoy the great outdoors this August!

Thinktank, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge Drayton Manor Theme Park

The Midlands is home to an abundance of enjoyable and exciting places to visit, catering for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whatever you’re looking for to keep the kids entertained this summer, you’re sure to find somewhere and something that fits the bill. Our What’s On directory features just a small handful of some of the best places to visit across the region this summer. Check out whatsonlive.co.uk for more details...

MAC A huge range of theatre, music, comedy, plays toric aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars Birmingham for children, dance, creative and craft courses, fam- on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion ily shows, film and free exhibitions on offer, Cannon SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and hosts many family activities throughout the season, Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum award-winning, 51-hectare country park is a place BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery for quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, your favourite TV shows with informative and enter- and metalworking heritage, Hockley, Birmingham, WV15 6NG taining tours, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF B18 6HA SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed BECKETT’S FARM Hosts a number of family events NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE Featuring over 1,000 within the town’s grade II Victorian Music Hall and throughout the year, including cookery classes for creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million- one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, young and old, with a farm shop and restaurant on litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's Kingdom, tur- featuring a broad range of artefacts alongside a site, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ tle breeding and much more, Brindleyplace, rolling programme of contemporary art. Shrews- Birmingham, B1 2HL bury, SY1 1LH BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses, Hurst Street, RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located Birmingham, B5 4TE UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas, at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is op- Birmingham, B40 1NT erated by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holi- BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Spanning 15 days. Telford, TF4 2NF acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of cli- SAREHOLE MILL A 250-year-old working watermill fa- mates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert, Edg- mous for its association with Lord Of The Rings au- THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE Boasting a varied baston, Birmingham, B15 3TR thor JRR Tolkien, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 collection of beautifully decorative metal items, 0BD some of which are faithful reproductions of iron- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over work no longer seen today. There’s also a collec- 40 galleries displaying various eras of art, with a di- THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM Over 200 interactive exhibits on science and discovery, including a pro- tion of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, SY11 verse exhibition programme on offer, Chamberlain 4JH Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH gramme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, and a digital Planetarium, Millennium Point, Birm- THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland BLAKESLEY HALL Discover a fine Tudor house and ingham, B4 7XG hosts numerous events throughout the year, includ- beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of ing the Shrewsbury Flower Show 12-13 August, the city, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN SY1 1RN CADBURY WORLD Discover the origins of everyone’s Shropshire favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion Staffordshire tionery today, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- CANNON HILL PARK Opened in 1873, the park is sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a wood- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high made up of 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 land sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial Ex- acres of conservation and woodland plantation, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP treme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham Es- Moseley, Birmingham, B12 9QH CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, tate. All ages are guaranteed a bucketload of fun. How much can you handle? Trentham, ST12 9HR EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh in over 130 years, situated only a stone’s throw hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mind-blowing mix of fantas- from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG tic rides and attractions, offering unlimited fun for Station, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7AP CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product kids of all ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, ST10 4DB LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM A major cultural destina- of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise tion, providing a dynamic mix of events, activities above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of a and performances, resources and access to expert variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre help for learning, information and culture, Cente- SY14 8AH wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and nary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The Shropshire site of meadows, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, the the birth of the Industrial Revolution has been des- CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, park is a place for family fun, whether that be walk- ignated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with 10 Central Forest Park is a green space providing fa- ing the dog, cycling, horse riding, or maybe just for award-winning museums. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ cilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal the views and a cup of tea, Rednal, Birmingham, RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6BB B45 8ER largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 his- CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to 50 whatsonlive.co.uk Venues DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:52 Page 2

Coventry Transport Museum Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined fortifi- with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and passes through beautiful countryside known as cations and palatial apartments spanning over five Arts & Crafts pictures and furnishings, Wolver- Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 centuries, CV8 1NE hampton, WV6 8EE 2HA RAGLEY HALL Family entertainment, with an adven- WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off ture playground, 3D maze, boating and a wood- 300 years of art, including regular world class tour- venue for thrill-seekers, featuring, as it does, all land walk. Alcester, B49 5NJ ing exhibitions, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU manner of white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- of rides that are somewhat less challenging. And ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, with a zoo on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Worcestershire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. 3TW AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of his- STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent toric buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued about the house's history through a guided tour of from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt, tim- Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features the West Wing, CV8 2LF include three play areas: toddler, sensory and ad- ber by timber or brick by brick, on a beautiful open- venture (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity to air site in the north of Worcestershire, Bromsgrove, watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular B60 4JR PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry Hol- to come face to face with exotic and endangered CV37 7LS animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 land, the hall is one of a small number of his build- 7QR WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of ings to survive intact. As well as being able to history at Warwick Castle. Aside from visiting the explore the family rooms and servant quarters, THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits in- castle itself and looking at the battlements, towers, guests can take part in activities or relax by the clude the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- turrets and interiors, there are also jousting shows, lake, Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, the Horrible History show and Time Tower to keep BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, decorative arts and natural history, along with items you entertained. CV34 4QU from the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW the romantic Manor House dates back to the late 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the house and over a moat, Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB most interesting ceramic collections in the world. Wolverhampton The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his CROFT CASTLE Located deep in the heart of the family, and the company he founded over two cen- & Black Country Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by 1,500 turies ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, this glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of park- castle has many intriguing stories to uncover. Warwickshire land, with activities for all ages, Wolverhampton, Yarpole, Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW WV3 9LQ CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of wartime air base and discover how thousands of heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- people lived and worked there during the 1940s. walks through the gardens and activities for chil- porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, Worcester, WR8 9DW dren such as pond dipping and garden trails. War- woodwork and more, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK Set within the dramatic wick, B93 ODQ BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the tra- beauty of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the ditional skills and enterprise of the people that beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. Ledbury world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and once lived in the heart of industrial Britain, Dudley, HR8 1RL veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ DY1 4SQ HAMPTON COURT CASTLE Originally formed by the CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Guided boat trips merging of two manors, Hampton Court was re- house comes complete with deer park and is a through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, life- modelled in the 1830s/’40s. The castle and property of the National Trust. Warwick, CV35 9ER like reconstructions and stunning music and light grounds offer a great location for adventure and COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows, Dudley, DY1 4SB events, Leominster, HR6 0PN land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. Bur- more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified ford, OX18 4JP At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th cen- manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM Activities to interest and tury castle, Dudley, DY1 4QF SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge delight youngsters, and a studio in which visitors HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in railway line which runs regular steam-hauled pas- can try their hand at composing and music-mak- 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- senger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, being. CV2 4ED land, Dudley, DY3 4DF tween Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of 16 miles, Bewdley, DY12 1BG COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum RED HOUSE GLASS CONE A heritage site with 225 houses the largest publicly owned collection of years of glass, industrial and social history within THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a its walls, Stourbridge, DY8 4AZ short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD options, WR14 3EY SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Vic- HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families torian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley Court with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed was one of England’s great country houses, host- HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea ing many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a spectac- museum, with activities that run throughout the rooms, West Bromwich, B71 4BG ular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. Great Witley, WR6 6JT school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled

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Your week by week listings guide August 2017 thelist

Maz O’Connor, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, 25-28 August

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 August Mon 7 to Sun 13 August Mon 14 to Sun 20 August Mon 21 to Thurs 31 August

Wonderland continues to Comedy Of Errors shows at Tile Decorating Workshops at The Big Feast takes over show at Wolves Grand Shrewsbury Castle Jackfield Tile Museum Stoke-on-Trent city centre until Sat 5 August Tues 8 August Tues 15 August Fri 25 - Sat 26 August

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thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August THROUGHOUT AUGUST

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Visual Arts 2017 Famous exhibition showcasing the world’s very best nature photography, until Sun 1 Oct Bilston Craft Gallery DINOSAUR ART Exhibition champi- DISCOVER DINOSAURS New family- oning the work of four palaeoartists, friendly exhibition exploring the pre- who merge cutting-edge science and historic world of dinosaurs, until Sun art, until Sun 8 Oct 13 Aug Other VISUAL ARTS New Art Gallery - Walsall COAST Selection of prints and water- SOHEILA SOKHANVARI Soheila is an colours by Richard Bawden. Also in- Iranian-born artist whose multidisci- cludes works from Andy Lovell, plinary work weaves layers of political Martin John Fowler, Marian Hill. Ce- histories with bizarre, humorous and ramics by James Campbell and mysterious narratives that are then Sarah Perry, plus new glass work by left to the viewer’s own sensitivity to Charlotte Martin, until Sat 5 Aug, Yes Lad - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent & O2 Academy, Birmingham complete, until Sun 3 Sept Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Wen- REGINA SPEKTOR Sat 5 Sat 5 Aug, The Robin, PEOPLE'S CHOICE Featuring the voting lock Aug, Symphony Hall, Bilston public’s favourite works from the Per- SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION Gigs Birmingham LOU WHATLING manent Collection, until Sun 25 Feb Showcasing the work of Annette Sat 5 2018 Hughes and Darryl Walker, until Fri YES LAD Wed 2 Aug, YES LAD Sat 5 Aug, O2 Aug, Havana Republic 11 Aug, St Mary's Church, Shrews- The Sugarmill, Stoke- Academy, Birmingham Bar and Restaurant, Potteries Museum & Art bury on-Trent, Staffordshire THE SMITHS UTD Sat 5 Shrewsbury SUNSHINE BLOOM, MAL- Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent SUMMER OPEN EXHIBITION An annual IAIN MATTHEWS Wed 2 Aug, The Roadhouse, ONE, CATCHING KILLERS ANN SUTTON: ON THE GRID Touring ex- exhibition showcasing work by regu- Aug, Kitchen Garden Birmingham & SOLITAIRE hibition bringing the work of Ann Sut- lar artists and new talent and featur- Cafe, Birmingham PLANET ABBA Sat 5 Sat 5 Aug, The Flapper, B’ham ton back to her Stoke-on-Trent roots ing a wide range of media and ASOMVEL Wed 2 Aug, Aug, Church Stretton and showcasing a new body of work subject matter, until Sat 12 Aug, The The Robin, Bilston School, South Shrop- REAL TO REEL - MARIL- inspired by her travels, until Sun 27 shire LION TRIBUTE Sat 5 Willow Gallery, Oswestry KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Aug Aug, Eleven, Stoke-on- A BRUSH WITH COLOUR Hagley Art Wed 2 Aug, The Jam CANDID, GIANT PARTY & Trent ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM OF MERCIA Club members showcase their work, House, Birmingham MONDAY CLUB Sat 5 Exhibition of pieces from the world- until Sun 3 Sept, Himley Hall & Park, Aug, The Sunflower DON CARLOS Sat 5 Aug, CELINE DION Thurs 3 famous Staffordshire Hoard, until Sun Dudley Lounge, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Aug, Barclaycard 31 Dec ART OF THE COMMUNITY EXHIBITION Ex- Arena, Birmingham THE SIX ON FIRE Sat 5 IMAGINAERUM Sun 6 FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH hibition forming part of a celebration Aug, Route 44, B’ham Aug, The Robin, Bil- BELLEVUE DAYS Thurs 3 until Sun 11 Nov 2018. to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary, ston Aug, The Sunflower THE DECADES BAND Sat until Tues 2 Jan, Coalbrookdale MINI MUSEUM Reflecting all the collec- Lounge, Birmingham 5 Aug, The River SOUL CITY Sun 6 Aug, tions held by the museum, this fam- Gallery, Ironbridge Rooms, Stourbridge The Roadhouse, Birm- HAMISH STUART Thurs ily-friendly exhibition asks visitors NEW CHURCH STRETTON ARTS FESTIVAL ingham 3 Aug, The Jam SUNSHINE FRISBEE about their favourite objects and how EXHIBITION Tues 1 - Sat 12 Aug, House, Birmingham LASERBEAM Sat 5 Aug, AVERSIONS CROWN, they would like to see them dis- Church Stretton School Hare & Hounds, Birm- VENOM PRISON, ABAN- MORETALLICA Thurs 3 played, Sat 29 July - Sun 3 Sept NEW FLAT EARTH AND OTHER VIEW- ingham DONMENT & SAMSARA Aug, The Robin, POINTS Including artworks by Eliza- Sun 6 Aug, The Flap- Wolverhampton MAETLOAF & THE NEVER Shrewsbury Museum & Art beth Turner, Tues 1 - Sat 12 Aug, VAN NEVERLAND EXPRESS per, Birmingham Gallery Gallery, Shrewsbury CALIBRE & DRS Fri 4 Aug, Hare & Hounds, ANTARCTICA: LIFE IN A HOSTILE LAND NEW QUBE OPEN ART COMPETITION Ex- Birmingham Insight into our relationship with the hibition of shortlisted entries. This most hostile continent on Earth, until year's theme is New Horizons, Thurs THE NAKED BEATLES Fri Sun 17 Sept 10 Aug - Mon 2 Oct, Qube Gallery, 4 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Oswestry ston Wolverhampton Art Gallery NEW UNTOLD: PARTITION Artwork ex- OLLIE HUGHES AS ROB- REMEMBER ME: CHARLOTTE HODES Vi- ploring the history and culture of BIE WILLIAMS Fri 4 sually powerful new work which con- India and Pakistan, and marking the Aug, The River sists of 120 individual, wall-mounted 70th anniversary of the partition of Rooms, Stourbridge ceramic pieces, arranged to create a India, Fri 11 Aug - Sun 10 Sept, Ban- KING KRAB Fri 4 Aug, single image that combines elegant tock House & Park, Wolverhampton The Roadhouse, Birm- historic patterns with contemporary NEW ANGIE LEWIN & ALEX MALCOLM- ingham and digital imagery, until Sun 3 Sept SON Exhibition of work by artists WHITE TYGER Fri 4 Aug, MINI WOLVES EXHIBITION The largest Angie Lewin and Alex Malcolmson, Route 44, Birmingham public art event ever to take place in Sat 12 Aug - Sat 16 Sept, Twenty THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri Wolverhampton features 30 wolf Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock 4 - Sat 5 Aug, The Jam sculptures which will be located at NEW EARTH: WHAT A WONDERFUL House, Birmingham key city centre sites and in West WORLD? A ‘stunning’ visual journey Park. To celebrate the public art, FARMHOUSE BLUES FES- across earth, sea and sky through TIVAL Sat 5 Aug, schools across the city, along with 10 spectacular light and sound projec- artists, have joined together to turn Wheat Hill Court Farm, tions, Sat 19 - Mon 28 Aug, LIchfield Bridgnorth, Shropshire mini wolf sculptures into artwork, until Cathedral Lou Whatling - Havana Republic, Shrewsbury Sun 17 Sept 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:37 Page 2

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August

ALEX BOARDMAN, JAMES DOWDESWELL Classical Music & JAMES GILL Fri 4 - Sat 5 Aug, Jon- gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham LUKE BENSON, JIM SMALLMAN, GEOFF BRASS BANDS IN THE GARDENS Pull up INNOCENT & QUNICY Sat 5 Aug, The a deck chair and listen to the wonder- Comedy Loft, Birmingham ful sounds of this local band! Until Sun 13 Aug, Trentham Estate, Stoke- JOHN SIMMIT, SLIM, TAMEKA CAMPBELL on-Trent & VICTOR DANIEL Sat 5 Aug, mac, Birmingham 4 GIRLS 4 HARPS Tues 1 Aug, Church Stretton School, South Shropshire INTERNATIONAL PIANO WEEK Tues 1 - Tues 8 Aug, Moreton Hall, Oswestry, Shropshire Theatre FRITH PIANO QUARTET Programme includes works by Mozart, Fauré and VENUS AND ADONIS Artistic Director Dvo ák, Wed 2 Aug, St Laurence's Gregory Doran revives his unique Church,ř Church Stretton, Shropshire version of Shakespeare’s kaleido- scopic poem, using narration, music and puppetry, until Fri 4 Aug, Wonderland - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon School, South Shropshire WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave Wil- THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Heartbreak Dance letts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank Wild- Productions present an outdoor stag- horn’s musical adaptation of Lewis ing of Shakespeare’s unconventional LET’S NACHO Showcase of work from Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Won- love story, Thurs 3 Aug, Warley Bollywood Dreams Academy stu- derland & Through The Looking Woods, Smethwick dents, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, The Cres- Glass, until Sat 5 Aug, Wolverhamp- cent Theatre, Birmingham ton Grand Theatre THE WILL Foppish Theatre present Marivaux’s classic comedy, which ex- URJA! Aaja Nachie’s Let’s Dance pre- TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal poses the price of true love, Fri 4 sent an evening of dance and music play in which the decay of Rome BISYOC LUNCHTIME CHAMBER CONCERT Aug, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham featuring a range of genres fused reaches violent depths, until Sat 2 Fri 4 Aug, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, with Bollywood style, Sun 6 Aug, Sept, Royal Shakespeare PETER PAN Chapterhouse Theatre Shropshire mac, Birmingham Theatre,Stratford-upon-Avon Company present an all-new staging HARMONIEMUSIK Their programme of JM Barrie’s magical adventure, Fri will include Arnold’s Trio, Handel’s SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, 4 Aug, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Trio Sonata (Gmin), Bozza’s “Trois written in French and originally banned in England, recounts in a sin- WEST END ON TOUR! Musical classics Pièces pour une musique de nuit”, from London's West End, with songs Sammartini’s trio sonata for treble gle act the biblical story of Herod An- tipas’s daughter, Salomé, until Wed 6 by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammer- Film recorders and harpsichord, Stravin- stein, Cole Porter & Andrew Lloyd sky’s 3 pieces for solo clarinet and Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Webber, Fri 4 Aug, The Old Rep The- Françaix Wind Quartet, Fri 4 Aug, St atre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Laurence's Church, Church Stretton, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA South Shropshire Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- power, until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal dance and play to win as Tina spins NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT venture. With the voices of Steve Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- her cage of balls to a high-energy BRITAIN Featuring Thomas Adés (con- Carell, Kristen Wiig. Light House upon-Avon ’80s soundtrack, Fri 4 Aug, Old Joint ductor). Programme includes works Stock Theatre, Birmingham Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until by Francisco Coll, Thomas Adés & JULIUS CAESAR A bloody story of con- THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Family Thurs 3 Aug; Wem Town Hall, North Stravinsky, Fri 4 Aug, Symphony Hall, spiracy and murder, noble intentions Shropshire, Fri 4 - Sat 5 & Mon 7 Birmingham and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, show based on Judith Kerr’s much- loved children’s book, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, NATIONAL SCOUT & GUIDE SYMPHONY Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- South Shropshire, Sat 5 Aug ford-upon-Avon Aug, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ORCHESTRA Programme includes DUNKIRK (12a) Drama/History. Starring works by Vaughan Williams, Copland VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s comedy THE SECRET GARDEN Frances Hodg- son Burnett’s timeless tale for all the Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy. Light & Walton, Fri 4 Aug, mac, Birming- romp, until Sat 9 Sept, The Swan House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- ham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon family, Sat 5 - Sat 12 Aug, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham ton, until Thurs 3 Aug; Electric Cin- NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s ema, Birmingham, until 3 Aug; Old GREAT BRITAIN Featuring Natalia Luis- acclaimed new production of Boublil THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG Rural tour- Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 - Thurs Bassa (conductor). Programme in- & Schönberg’s legendary musical, ing theatre company Folksy Theatre 10 Aug present a musical adaptation of cludes works by Holst, Bizet, until Sat 23 Sept, THE BEGUILED (15) Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, Drama. Starring Sibelius, Prokofiev & Marquez, Sun 6 Birmingham Hippodrome Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell. Light Aug, Birmingham Town Hall Sun 6 Aug, The Dorothy Clive Gar- THE DREAMING Musical version of A den, Market Drayton, North Shrop- House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mon 31 shire ton, until Thurs 3 Aug; mac, Birming- July - Sat 5 Aug, Lichfield Garrick ham, until Tues 8 Aug CIRCUS RAJ Featuring dancers, illu- BASIL THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE (U) Comedy SIDE SHOW Musical about accep- sionists, aerialists and rope walkers, tance, love and embracing one’s Sun 6 Aug, mac, Birmingham Animation/Adventure. With the voices uniqueness, based on the true story of Vincent Price, Barrie Ingham. Lud- ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE & COMEDY of two conjoined twins, Tues 1 - Fri 4 TWELFTH NIGHT Rain Or Shine present low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Aug, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham an outdoor staging of Shakespeare's shire, Tues 1 Aug 3 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham cross-dressing comedy, Sun 6 Aug, CHOPPING CHILLIES Mystical one- IRMA LA DOUCE (15) Comedy/Ro- ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE, TREVOR Wenlock Priory, Much Wenlock, woman tale of loss, love & soul food, mance. Starring Jack Lemmon, CROOK & LUKE TOULSON Fri 4 - Sat 5 South Shropshire written and performed by Clair White- Shirley MacLaine. Mitchell Arts Cen- Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham field, Thurs 3 Aug, Church Stretton tre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 1 Aug

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:37 Page 3

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE SEVERN...

TUESDAY 12 - SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

25 - 28 AUGUST

Join the party of the year at this hilarious musical based on the smash hit Adam MURDER IN BLOODFORD VILLAGE Sandler film.

£44 inc buffet SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 9 SEPT

THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPECTACULAR £25.00

DISCOVER THE NEW STARS OF STAND-UP AT THEATRE SEVERN'S POPULAR COMEDY CLUB: MC DAN NIGHTINGALE 13 SEPT EL BALDINIHO,NICK DOODY & SALLY ANNE HAYWARD

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER

AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING: THE TRIBUTE SHOW £22.00

20 SEPT

International hit-show for all ages, fusing urban tap dance, explosive percussion, comedy and unbelievable acrobatics.

PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER £19.50

23 SEPT

Due to huge demand, Lee's brand-new, best ever stand-up show has been MR DARCY LOSES THE PLOT extended into autumn 2017. You've seen him sneaking into places he shouldn't be, now come and see him where he most definitely should be: LIVE on stage. £20 - £22.50 WEDNESDAY 18 - SATURDAY 21 OCTOBER 10 - 14 OCT

WAIT UNTIL DARK £23 - £27.50

"The Birmingham Stage Company's Gangsta Granny is truly brilliant, so I’m hugely 24 OCT excited that they’re now bringing Awful Auntie to the stage. It promises to be a thrilling show and a total hoot - Wagner and I can’t wait to see it!” DAVID WALLIAMS

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

DIRTY DUSTING £23

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com BOX OFFICE 01743 281 281 LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, BOOK ONLINE WWW.THEATRESEVERN.CO.UK LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR THEATRE SEVERN, FRANKWELL QUAY, SHREWSBURY SY3 8FT

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:37 Page 4

thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August SHOCK & GORE 2017 SHORT FILM SHOW- Birmingham, Fri 4 - Tues 8 Aug CASE (18) Horror. Electric Cinema, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL Birmingham, Tues 1 Aug (U) Animation/Comedy. Starring Alicia MARTYRS (18) Horror. Starring Mor- Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott. mac, jana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï. For- Birmingham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug eign language, subtitled. Introduction THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV (12a) Biogra- from Alex Davis, author of Laugier’s phy/Drama. Starring Jean-Pierre Martyrs: A Personal Analysis. Electric Léaud, Patrick d'Assumçao. Foreign Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 1 Aug language, subtitled. mac, Birming- MCLAREN (12A) Documentary. Starring ham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug Bruce McLaren, Sir Jackie Stewart. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Tues 1 - Thurs 3 Aug NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. Released from Wed 2 Aug, showing Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- at selected cinemas son. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOU- Shropshire, Tues 1 & Thurs 3 Aug; SAND PLANETS (12a) Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 1 & Thurs 3 Aug 6 DAYS (15) FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THE EMOJIMOVIE (U) THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Star- ENGLAND IS MINE (15) ring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Wa- LAND OF MINE (15) terston. Mitchell Arts Centre, Fire, Furnace & Steam - Blists Hill, Ironbridge Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 2 Aug MAUDIE (15) Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent EKO SLEEPOVER Children can enjoy a THE HIPPOPOTAMUS (12A) Comedy. magical sleepover in Pigg’s Playbarn, Starring Matthew Modine, Russell LET'S GET SPORTY! Discover how the Black Country kept fit, as you race, organised by Educating Kids Out- Tovey. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, doors, Thurs 3 - Fri 4 Aug, Apley South Shropshire, Wed 2 Aug jump and skip your way through Events some traditional sports! Until Sun 3 Farm Shop, Shifnal, Shropshire VERY BAD THINGS (18) Comedy/Crime. Sept, Black Country Living Museum, BAT WALK A walk around the gardens Starring Christian Slater, Daniel Stern. SAND SCULPTORS Head to the lake- Dudley with the Staffordshire Bat Group, Fri 4 Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 2 side activity area to see a stunning FIRE, FURNACE & STEAM Celebrate the Aug, The Dorothy Clive Garden, Mar- Aug sand sculpture come to life at Tren- power and innovation behind the In- ket Drayton, North Shropshire tham! Until Wed 2 Aug, Trentham WONDER WOMAN (12A) Action/Adven- dustrial Revolution with a variety of DUDLEY CASTLE AFTER DARK: AN AMER- Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent ture. Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine. events, workshops and trails across ICAN WEREWOLF IN DUDLEY Sat 5 Aug, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South DINOSAUR SCHOOL Until Fri 4 Aug, the museums, until Sun 3 Sept, Blists Dudley Castle Shropshire, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 Aug Wolverhampton Art Gallery Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire OSWESTRY SHOW Featuring Royal Sig- TAXI DRIVER (18) Crime/Drama. Star- THRESHOLDS Go back in time to the LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP As- nals Motorcycle display team The ring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster. dawn of photography with this new semble your own individual Drawbot, White Helmets and Bob Hogg Sheep- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs virtual reality artwork by Mat Col- a robot with pens for legs that will dogs & Duck Display, Sat 5 Aug, Os- 3 Aug lishaw, until Sun 6 Aug, Birmingham draw for you, Fri 28 July - Fri 1 Sept, westry Showground Museum and Art Gallery GENOCIDAL ORGAN (15) Animation/Sci- Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery RADICAL RUN The UK’s biggest chil- Fi. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, OCTONAUTS OCTO-GLOW EXPLORERS A ENCHANTED CASTLE Follow the trail dren’s obstacle course, Sat 5 Aug, Thurs 3 Aug brand new deep-sea adventure and see what magical adventures Sandwell Valley Country Park where you can see the ocean in a ENGLAND IS MINE (15) you get to enjoy, Mon 31 July - Fri 11 JUNIOR HERITAGE SKILLS WORKSHOP whole new light, until Sun 13 Aug, Biography/Drama. Starring Jack Low- Aug, Tamworth Castle Take part in a range of traditional craft National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham den, Laurie Kynaston. Electric Cin- SECRET SPY TRAIL Self-guided experi- activities, Sat 5 Aug, Black Country ema, Birmingham, from Fri 4 Aug DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Dramatic sto- ence searching the hangars, Tues 1 - Living Museum, Dudley rytelling and high-end digital graph- LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Drama. Thurs 31 Aug, Royal Air Force Mu- FAMILY FUN WEEKEND Head over to ics and animatronics lie at the heart Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. seum, Cosford Hawkstone Park for a day of family of this brand new show, until Wed 23 mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 Aug SUMMER FUN DAY Featuring face- fun! Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, Hawkstone Aug, NEC, Birmingham HAMPSTEAD (12a) Drama. Starring painting, balloon-modelling and Park & Follies, Shrewsbury Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson. Fes- Punch & Judy shows, Wed 2 Aug, UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: BEHIND THE tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke- SCENES TOUR Sun 6 Aug, Weston South Shropshire, Fri 4 Aug on-Trent Park, Nr Shifnal IT COMES AT NIGHT (15) Horror/Mys- DISCOVER MINECRAFT Explore and dis- SCIENCE FUN DAY Learn about some of tery. Starring Joel Edgerton, Riley cover the world of Minecraft, Wed 2 the science experiments carried out Keough. Electric Cinema, Birming- Aug, RAF, Cosford by the Lunar Men during the 18th ham, from Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug LITTLE SKIPPERS - WATERY WILDLIFE A century, Sun 6 Aug, Soho House, ALONE IN BERLIN (12A) Drama. Starring 45-minute boat trip followed by things Birmingham Emma Thompson, Daniel Brühl. Lud- to make and do, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 MODEL TRAIN, TOY AND COLLECTORS low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust FAIR Featuring die cast and col- shire, Fri 4 - Sat 5 & Tues 8 Aug DINOSAURS VS FAIRIES Kids’ trail lectable toys, model railways and TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST NIGHT (12A) HANDS ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set around the grounds of Himley Park, more, Sun 6 Aug, National Brewery Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Mark for a summer packed with time-travel- Thurs 3 Aug, Himley Hall & Park, Centre, Burton upon Trent ling fun! Until Sat 26 Aug, Stokesay Wahlberg, Anthony Hopkins. Festival Dudley CIRCUS RAJ Fast-moving ‘extrava- Castle, Nr Craven Arms, South Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, BURWARTON SHOW Annual agriculture ganza’ of intrigue, feats of daring, Shropshire South Shropshire, Sat 5 Aug show featuring live arena events, dis- music, laughter and surprises, Sun 6 MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE (PG) Anima- SUMMER POTTERY PAINTING Paint a plays, livestock and heavy horses, ex- Aug, mac, Birmingham tion/Comedy. With the voices of Gas- piece of pottery made on site at the hibitors and competitions, Thurs 3 pard Schlatter, Sixtine Murat. mac, museum, until Sat 2 Sept, Gladstone Aug, Various locations in Bridgnorth

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thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August Theatre Talks

MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s TURNING THE INSIDE OUT acclaimed new production of Boublil Join Professor John Wigley of Birm- & Schönberg’s legendary musical, ingham City University to uncover until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- the ‘hidden city’ of Birmingham - a podrome city of history, diversity, manufactur- PETER AND THE WOLF Interactive mu- ing, innovation and art, Wed 9 Aug, sical story for children aged between Birmingham Hippodrome four and seven. Followed by craft session, Mon 7 Aug, The Library Of Birmingham THE COMEDY OF ERRORS All-male theatre group The Lord Chamberlain’s Film Death Angel - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Men present an outdoor staging of Shakespeare’s farce, Tues 8 Aug, Shrewsbury Castle INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Gigs Classical PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Chapterhouse Theatre Company present the Jane CENTRE OF MY WORLD (TBC) Drama. KABANTU Mon 7 Aug, Church Stret- Music Austen classic, Wed 9 Aug, Starring Bendix Hansen, Sarah ton School, South Shropshire Church Stretton School, South Fuhrer. Foreign language, subtitled. Shropshire Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South RACHEL HARRINGTON Tues 8 Aug, TIMOTHY END PIANO RECITAL Tues 8 Shropshire, Mon 7 Aug Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham Aug, Church Stretton School, LANDSCAPES Mimika Theatre fuse puppetry with an original musical DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- DEATH ANGEL Tues 8 Aug, The Slade Shropshire score and visual venture. With the voices of Steve Rooms, Wolverhampton PASSAMEZZO: IN PEASCOD TIME effects to present Carell, Kristen Wiig. Ludlow Assem- GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 9 Aug, The MUSIC, WORDS AND SONG FOR SUM- ‘an intimate, magi- bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon Jam House, Birmingham MER AND THE HARVEST A collection cal experience for 7, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Aug of ballads, readings, madrigals, TREMBLING BELLS Wed 9 Aug, Hare children’, Wed 9 - lutesongs, dance melodies and DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG & Hounds, Birmingham Sat 12 Aug, Birm- HAUL (U) Animation/Comedy. Star- consort music from sixteenth and ingham Hippo- JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO Thurs 10 Aug, ring Alicia Silverstone, Tom Everett seventeenth century England, Fri 11 drome The Robin, Wolverhampton Aug, St Laurence's Church, Church Scott. Festival Drayton Centre, Mar- TWELFTH NIGHT Rain Or Shine pre- ket Drayton, South Shropshire, Tues HIGHTAIL, DEVIL'S REVOLVER & THEIA Stretton, South Shropshire sent an outdoor staging of Shake- 8 Aug; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Fri 11 Aug, Route 44, B’ham THE KATONA TWINS The critically ac- speare's cross-dressing comedy, Fri South Shropshire, Fri 11 - Sat 12 GOODNIGHT LENIN Fri 11 Aug, Hare & claimed guitar duo, Peter and 11 Aug, Severn Valley Country Park, Aug Hounds, Birmingham Zoltán Katona effortlessly transfer Bridgnorth, Shropshire from strictly classical, into more SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With the UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri 11 Aug, The popular musical genres, Sat 12 THE LION, THE WITCH & THE voices of Matthew McConaughey, River Rooms, Stourbridge Aug, Church Stretton School, South WARDROBE Little Arden Theatre Com- Reese Witherspoon. Forest Arts FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO QUEEN Fri 11 Shropshire pany present a new staging of the Centre, Walsall, Tues 8 Aug Aug, The Robin, Wolverhampton children’s classic, Sat 12 Aug, The G-FORCE (PG) Animation/Action. With ORGAN PROMS Sat 12 Aug, Victoria Crescent Theatre, Birmingham HI-ON MAIDEN Fri 11 Aug, Eleven, Hall, Stoke on Trent the voices of Will Arnett, Penélope Stoke on Trent WEST SIDE STORY An amateur perfor- Cruz. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, mance by The Arts Centre Telford South Shropshire, Tues 8 Aug INNER CITY BIRMINGHAM Sat 12 Aug, (TACT), Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, The The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham HAMPSTEAD (12a) Drama. Starring Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shrop- Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson. THE ROGUES Sat 12 Aug, Ludlow shire Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Brewery, Ludlow, Shropshire Comedy PAW PATROL LIVE! Action-packed, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Aug; Wem Town CRIMSON STAR, BLANK PARODY, high-energy musical bringing the Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 8 & TYRANNOSAURUS NEBULOUS & GUNS MERCEDES BENSON, MAUREEN Nickelodeon characters to life, Sat Thurs 10 Aug FOR GIRLS Sat 12 Aug, The Sun- YOUNGER Wed 9 Aug, Kitchen Gar- 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Barclaycard Arena, PETE’S DRAGON (PG) Adventure/Fan- flower Lounge, Birmingham den Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham tasy. Starring Bryce Dallas Howard, 58 BLUES BAND Sat 12 Aug, Tam- JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG Rural tour- Robert Redford. Mitchell Arts Centre, worth Castle, Staffordshire COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ing ensemble Folksy Theatre pre- Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 9 Aug TWISTED FUNK Sat 12 Aug, Hare & ROBINSON Thurs 10 Aug, The Glee sent a musical adaptation of SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (PG) Ad- Hounds, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, venture/Drama. Starring Kelly Mac- Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Wightwick IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC ROCK NIGHT JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & donald, Andrew Scott. Forest Arts Manor, Nr Wolverhampton Sat 12 Aug, Route 44, B’ham IAN COGNITO Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Centre, Walsall, Wed 9 Aug SWINGING AT THE COTTON CLUB KILLERSTREAM Sat 12 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Ac- ROBINSON CRUSOE (PG) tion-packed show celebrating the River Rooms, Stourbridge ROBIN MORGAN, THOMAS GREEN & Animation/Adventure. Forest Arts music, dance and songs of the Cot- DAVID LONGLEY Sat 12 Aug, Jon- Centre, Walsall, Thurs 10 Aug SKABUCKS Sat 12 Aug, The Road- ton Club - New York City's legendary gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham house, Birmingham nightclub of the 1920s and ’30s, Sun GOODFELLAS (18) Crime/Drama. Star- ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 TRIBUTE Sat 12 SCOTT BENNETT, 13 Aug, Concord College, Acton ring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta. Elec- Aug, The Robin, Bilston ANDRE VINCENT, Burnell, Nr Shrewsbury tric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 10 & PIERRE HOLLINS & Sun13 Aug A PROMISE TO FORGET Sat 12 Aug, TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- STEVE WILLIAMS MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (PG) Ad- The Flapper, Birmingham sent an outdoor staging of Shake- Sat 12 Aug, The speare's cross-dressing comedy, venture/Thriller. Starring Roger THE JAM'D Sat 12 Aug, Eleven, Comedy Loft, Sun 13 Aug, Biddulph Grange Gar- Moore, Christopher Lee. The Mock- Stoke on Trent Birmingham dens, Staffs ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 11

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 7 - 13 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:35 Page 2

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August

Aug TION STORE Wed 9 Aug, Wightwick SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (12a) Drama/His- Manor, Wolverhampton tory. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie I SPY Work to stop a simulated cyber- Reynolds. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11 attack, Wed 9 Aug, RAF, Cosford Aug PRINCESS AND PIRATE TREASURE HUNT TROLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. With An opportunity for kids to dress up the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin and find clues around the park, Thurs Timberlake. Forest Arts Centre, Wal- 10 Aug, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley sall, Fri 11 Aug THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Featuring cu- THE BEGUILED (15) Drama. Starring rated galleries and over 300 compa- Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell. Ludlow nies selling their wares, Thur 10 Aug - Assembly Rooms, South Shopshire, Sun 13 Aug, NEC, Birmingham Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug GIFTED (12a) Drama. Starring Chris Evans, McKenna Grace. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 - Mon 14 Aug CARS 3 (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Owen Wilson, Cristela Alonzo. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 - Thurs 17 Aug The Comedy Of Errors Shrewsbury Castle, Tuesday 8 August NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: VICTORIAN EMBROIDERY AND BRAIDING Shakespeare’s forerunner to modern farce, The Comedy Of Errors Have a go at different types of is a superbly crafted catalogue of mistaken identity, adulterous li- Released from Wed 9 Aug, showing needlework and braiding in this drop- at selected cinemas aisons and slapstick humour. Two sets of identical twins are sep- in craft workshop. Make your own arated during infancy. When their paths cross again later in life, ATOMIC BLONDE (tbc) fabric creation to take home with you, all manner of confusions occur. Matters are further complicated A GHOST STORY (12a) Fri 11 Aug, Gladstone Pottery Mu- seum, Stoke-on-Trent by an irate courtesan, an insistent jeweller and a mad exorcist. ANNABELLE: CREATION (15) LATE NIGHT OPENING WITH STREET Presented by all-male ensemble the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. LE DOULOS (12) DANCE & PE Show off your best OVERDRIVE (tbc) moves! Fri 11 Aug, Black Country Liv- 12 Aug, Oswestry Cae Glas Park, Waste, Megadeth, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 ing Museum, Dudley PAWN SACRIFICE (12) North Shropshire Aug, Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent TUNNEL TEDS Take along your furry TOM OF FINLAND (18) OPULENCE SHOW Enjoy a playful per- BULLDOG BASH Line-up includes friend for a day of bear-themed fun formance combined with comedy, Bessie & The Zincbuckets, Big Red & on and around the canal, Fri 11 Aug, sauciness and vintage glamour, Sat The Grinners, The Dirty South and Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust 12 Aug, The Wightman, Shrewsbury more, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Aug, Shake- SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of PAW PATROL LIVE! Sat 12 - Sun 13 speare Country Raceway, Stratford the country’s premier horticultural Events Aug, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham upon Avon, Warwickshire events, the show features a diverse LAKEFEST Line up Includes, Feeder, programme of attractions and enter- STEAM ON THE ROAD The very best of THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Shropshire The Charlatans, Wilko Johnson, Kíla, tainment for all the family to enjoy, in- steam on the road and rails, Sat 12 - Youth Theatre workshop exploring Yak, Brooks Williams And Lightning cluding appearances by TV Sun 13 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, ‘the miniature and the massive’ in the Express, Moses, Alabama 3, Aswad, personalities, celebrity chefs and Kidderminster world of Jack And The Beanstalk, Turin Brakes, Renegade Brass Band, singers, as well as spectacular arena Mon 7 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury CLASSIC VEHICLE RALLY Enjoy a drive Erica, Colouring, Imelda May Seth acts, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Quarry through the scenic Shropshire coun- Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy, Roving SUMMER MAKE & TAKE AWAY WORK- Park, Shrewsbury tryside before arriving at Attingham SHOPS Mon 7 - Tues 8 Aug, World of Crows, Paul Tarry And To Close, ELLESMERE SUMMER FESTIVAL Featur- Park to display your car, Sun 13 Aug, Wedgewood, Stoke-on-Trent Thurs 10 - Mon 14 Aug, Eastnor Cas- ing a craft market, art exhibition, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury tle Deer Park, Ledbury, Worcester- SENSORY COOKING WORKSHOP Tues 8 canal traders, canal workshops, a FUN DOG SHOW Sun 13 Aug, Various shire Aug, Shropshire Hills Discovery Cen- classic car show, a charity market locations in and around Ellesmere, INNER CITY BIRMINGHAM Featuring The tre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire and lots more, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Aug, North Shropshire Flaming Lips, Sat 12 Aug, The Rain- RIVER SAFARI Climb aboard the safari Various locations in and around ANTIQUE FAIR Sun 13 Aug, Bantock bow Venues, Birmingham Ellesmere, North Shropshire on the River Turn and hear tall tales House & Park, Wolverhampton from the resident storyteller, Tues 8 BOWMAN ANTIQUES Up to 400 stalls, BNBF MIDLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS The Aug, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Fri 11 - Sun 13 Aug, Staffordshire Midlands’ best natural bodybuilders County Showground FAMILY INTRODUCTION TO FELT MAKING battle it out, Sun 13 Aug, The Cres- Tues 8 Aug, Black Country Living Mu- MAGIC GRAND PRIX One of the biggest cent Theatre, Birmingham seum, Dudley open magic events in the world, Fri DONKEY RIDES & PETTING FARM Sun 13 11 Aug - Sun 13 Aug, NEC, B’ham TILE-DECORATING WORKSHOPS Tues 8 Aug, Hawkstone Park and Follies, Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, Iron- ART DECO PAINTING WORKSHOP Paint Shrewsbury bridge, Shropshire your own decorative plate to take WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS - FAIRY- home, Sat 12 Aug, Gladstone Pottery TALES Go in costume and make fairy- Museum, Stoke-on-Trent WV1FEST The tribute act festival that tale-inspired craft to take home, Tues BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 12 brings you sets from the best rock 8 Aug, Museum of Cannock Chase, Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome Staffordshire Festivals and indie bands, without their costly OSWESTRY FUN DAY Oswestry Town ticket prices. And it’s all family HAVE-A-GO ARCHERY Wed 9 Aug, Council and Oswestry Musical The- BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- friendly...Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, West Shugborough Estate, Milford, Staffs atre Company team up to present a cludes: Amon Amarth, Blind Park, Wolverhampton BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE CONSERVA- day of activities, music and food, Sat Guardian, Hatebreed, Municipal whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 14 - 20 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:36 Page 1

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August Theatre Company present the Jane Classical Austen classic, Wed 16 Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- Music COLOR DREAMCOAT Amateur youth group production of Tim Rice & An- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- drew Lloyd Webber’s biblical saga, CHESTRA Featuring Mirga Gražinyté- Wed 16 - Sat 19 Aug, Stafford Gate- Tyla (conductor) & Leila Josefowicz house Theatre (violin). Programme includes works by Beethoven & Stravinsky, Sun 20 KANGAROO & THE BIG BAD BOOT Garlic Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Theatre take audiences on a ‘fantastical’ journey to the island of lost shoes and clowning, mime and beautifully crafted puppets, Fri 18 Aug, St Editha’s Church, Tamworth Comedy TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre present an outdoor staging of Shake- speare's cross-dressing comedy, Fri COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Sat 12 Aug, 18 Aug, The Dorothy Clive Gardens, mac, Birmingham Market Drayton, North Shropshire Miranda Lambert - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham PAUL TONKINSON, DAVE FULTON & DEFINITELY MIGHTBE Fri ONE STOP BOOGIE Sat MARK OLVER Wed 16 Aug, Henry Gigs 18 Aug, The Sugarmill, 19 Aug, The River Tudor House, Shrewsbury Stoke on Trent Rooms, Stourbridge DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL & COM- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON TOO MANY ZOOZ Mon THE REPLICAS Fri 18 THE PHONICS Sat 19 Dance Thurs 17 Aug, The Glee Club, Birm- 14 Aug, O2 Institute, Aug, The River Aug, The Roadhouse, Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham ingham Birmingham CATY WOMPUS Contemporary dance KIDS ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS FAMILY MATT WOOSEY WITH: SOUL JUNCTION Fri 18 ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? piece incorporating circus & parkour FUN TO GLEE - WITH BARBARA NICE, CHEWIE Mon 14 Aug, Aug, The Robin, Bil- Sat 19 Aug, Eleven, and set to an original bluegrass NEXT OF KIN, MY PARTY PACKAGE, IN- Kitchen Garden Cafe, ston Stoke on Trent score performed live, Thurs 17 Aug, FINITI & JAY FOREMAN Fri 18 Aug, The Birmingham mac, Birmingham ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS Fri SAM BROOKES Sun 20 Glee Club, Birmingham JOE MCELDERRY - SAT- 18 Aug, Victoria Hall, Aug, Henry Tudor DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL, ANDRE URDAY NIGHT AT THE Stoke on Trent House, Shrewsbury, VINCENT & COMIC TBC Fri 18 - Sat 19 MOVIES LIVE! Wed 16 Shropshire MIRANDA LAMBERT Fri Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Aug, Victoria Hall, 18 Aug, Barclaycard GOGO PENGUIN Sun 20 Stoke on Trent Arena, Birmingham Aug, mac, B’ham FREDDIE QUINNE, JULIAN DEANE, DAL- ISO CHAPONDA & THE RAYMOND AND VO FLETCHER Wed 16 BLANK PARODY Fri 18 STEEL PAN FUSION Sun MR TIMPKINS REVIEW Fri 18 - Sat 19 Aug, Symphony Hall, Aug, The Asylum, 20 Aug, Hare & Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham JAMES REDMOND, RAY BADRAN & THE REVEREND PEY- ROCKET Fri 18 - Sat 19 EDWINA HAYES Sun 20 STEVE HALL Sat 19 Aug, Jongleurs TONS BIG DAMN BAND Aug, The Jam House, Aug, Kitchen Garden Comedy Club, Birmingham Wed 16 Aug, The Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham Robin, Bilston COMEDY IN THE MET LINE UP TBC Sat ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT EDENBRIDGE Featuring 19 Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre JO HARMAN Wed 16 Sat 19 Aug, Birming- Enemy of Reality, Aug, The Jam House, ham Botanical Gar- Sound of Thunder, PAUL TONKINSON, SAM AVERY, DOUGIE Birmingham dens Dakesis - Control the DUNLOP & DAMION LARKIN Sat 19 Aug, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent DR FEELGOOD Thurs 17 SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS Sat Storm, Darkest Obsid- Film Aug, The Jam House, 19 Aug, The Robin, ian, A Clockwork Birmingham Bilston Opera & Fyresky, Sun INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 20 Aug, The Robin, KIKAGAKU MOYO Thurs STRUMMER JAM Sat 19 Bilston 17 Aug, Hare & Aug, Newhampton ALONE IN BERLIN (12A) Drama. Star- Hounds, Birmingham DEFEATER Sun 20 Aug, Theatre Arts Centre, Wolver- ring Emma Thompson, Daniel Brühl. hampton The Flapper, B’ham REMODE Depeche MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s Festival Drayton Centre, Market Mode tribute, Thurs 17 acclaimed new production of Boublil Drayton, South Shropshire, Mon 14 Aug, The Robin, Bil- & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Aug; Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- ston until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- shire, Thurs 17 - Fri 18 Aug LISTENER Thurs 17 podrome SPARK: A SPACE TAIL (PG) Aug, The Flapper, DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH Animation/Adventure. With the Birmingham Brand new comedy-theatre show voices of Jessica Biel, Patrick Stew- DIIO - A TRIBUTE TO transporting audiences from the art. Festival Drayton Centre, Market RONNIE JAMES DIO Fri Transylvanian mountains to the sea- Drayton, South Shropshire, Mon 14 18 Aug, Route 44, side town of Whitby, Tues 15 - Wed Aug Birmingham 16 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome A MAN CALLED OVE (15) DEXTA DAPS Fri 18 Aug, TRESPASS Rebecca Wheatley, Judy Comedy/Drama. Starring Rolf Lass- O2 Institute, B’ham Buxton, Michelle Morris & David Cal- gård, Bahar Pars. Foreign language, THE ROLLIN’ CLONES Fri lister star in Emlyn Williams’ super- subtitled. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, 18 Aug, National natural tale, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Aug, South Shropshire, Mon 14 & Thurs Brewery Centre, Bur- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 17 Aug ton upon Trent HOWARDS END (PG) Drama/Romance. Sam Brookes - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Chapterhouse Starring Chris Evans, McKenna 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 14 - 20 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:36 Page 2

Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August

Grace. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, THE EMOJI MOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF Tues 15 - Thurs 17 Aug (PG) Animation/Comedy. With the THE BEGUILED (15) Drama. Starring voices of T J Miller, Anna Farris. Old Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell. Ludlow Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 18 - Assembly Rooms, South Shopshire, Thurs 24 Aug Tues 15 - Thurs 17 Aug THE PRODUCERS (PG) Comedy. Star- ring Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 15 Aug Released from Wed 16 Aug, showing at selected cinemas THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (U) Animation/Comedy. With the voices NAPPING PRINCESS (12a) of Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL Carter. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, THE DARK TOWER (tbc) South Shopshire, Tues 15 Aug FINAL PORTRAIT (15) TROLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Anna Kendrick, Justin THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD (15) Timberlake. Mitchell Arts Centre, THE ODYSSEY (tbc) Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 16 Aug BLACK BRITAIN ON FILM (12a) Docu- Earth: What A Wonderful World mentary. With Q&A. mac, Birming- ham, Wed 16 Aug Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 19 - Mon 29 August ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS (U) Docu- Events When it comes to the presentation of wow-factor visual artwork at mentary/Music. Starring Elvis Presley, Lichfield Cathedral, award-winning company Luxmuralis have MINECRAFT WORKSHOP Mon 14 Aug, James Burton. The Mockingbird Cin- The Hive, Shrewsbury some exceptionally good form. The collaborative team of artists, ema, Birmingham, Wed 16 Aug SUMMER MAKE & TAKE AWAY WORK- who produce work across multiple media and presentation for- HARRY POTTER (12a) Adventure/Fan- SHOPS Be inspired by nature, get cre- mats, were the creatives behind the cathedral’s spectacular Christ- tasy. An eight film marathon! Starring ative and make your own work of art Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. The mas illumination show - an event that bagged a What’s On to take home with you! Mon 14 - Tues Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Readers’ Award earlier this year. 15 Aug, World of Wedgewood, Stoke- Wed 16 Aug The primary purpose of Luxmuralis is to provide access to visual on-Trent THE DARJEELING LIMITED (PG) Com- artwork in public as well as unexpected places. This latest under- GROW Summer family activity event edy/Drama. Starring Owen Wilson, taking does just that, and is described by the company as ‘a stun- featuring favourite tales and things for Adrien Brody. Electric Cinema, Birm- the garden, Mon 14 - Fri 18 Aug, ning visual journey across earth, sea and sky through spectacular ingham, Thurs 17 Aug Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre light and sound projections’. SPARK: A SPACE TAIL (PG) SKI & SNOWBOARD CAMPS Mon 14 - Fri Check it out - we’re confident you won’t be disappointed. Animation/Adventure. With the voices 18 Aug, SnowDome, Tamworth of Jessica Biel, Patrick Stewart. Lud- low Assembly Rooms, South Shop- DEER PARK SAFARI Take a tractor & shire, Thurs 17 Aug trailer safari to find out more about FILM & MEDIA SKILLS WORKSHOP Thurs experience, learning how to forge, the deer and wildlife that live in the WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES 17 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury Sat 19 Aug, Black Country Living Mu- park, Tues 15 Aug, Attingham Park, (12A) Adventure/Drama. Starring Toby THE CLAY PIT: A PLACE TO PLAY Join the seum, Dudley Shrewsbury Kebbell, Andy Serkis. Festival Dray- team of artists to explore clay in every MINSTERLEY SHOW Shropshire’s old- ton Centre, Market Drayton, South ANIMATION WORKSHOP Tues 15 Aug, state and get as messy as you dare! est & most prestigious agricultural Shropshire, Fri 18 Aug The Hive, Shrewsbury Thurs 17 Aug, The Potteries Museum show, Sat 19 Aug, Minsterley Show- WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Drop-in and Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent ground, Shropshire Documentary/Music. Starring Whit- sessions, Tues 15 Aug, Jackfield Tile MEET THE ANIMALS ZooLab brings a SPECULATIVE CAMERAS WORKSHOP ney Houston, Bobbi Kristina Brown. Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire selection of animals to the museum. Join artist Pete Ashton to hack cam- Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 18 - Live animal shows and handling op- eras and rethink photography, Sat 19 Sun 20 Aug portunities throughout the day, Thurs Aug, Birmingham Museum and Art HAMPSTEAD (12a) Drama. Starring 17 Aug, Thinktank, Birmingham Gallery Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson. UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH CORNER VEGAN HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EVENT Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South EXOTICS Get up close and personal Packed with stalls selling vegan Shropshire, Fri 18 - Sat 19 & Mon 21 with a variety of exotic animals, Fri 18 foods, goodies and lifestyle products, Aug Aug, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, plus info, films and inspirational talks, CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC South Shropshire Sat 19 Aug, Stourbridge Town Hall MOVIE (PG) Animation/Comedy. With MINECRAFT WORKSHOP Fri 18 Aug, BLISTS HILL IN STEAM Sat 19 - Sun 20 the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas The Hive, Shrewsbury Aug, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrop- WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS - HOR- Middleditch. mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 shire RID HISTORIES Tues 15 Aug, Museum LATE NIGHT OPENING WITH CIRCUS - Thurs 24 Aug of Cannock Chase, Staffordshire SKILLS Fri 18 Aug, Black Country Liv- INTERNATIONAL OWL WEEKEND Learn CARS 3 (U) Animation/Adventure. With ing Museum, Dudley all about owls and have your picture SAXONS AT THE CASTLE Find out what the voices of Owen Wilson, Cristela taken with one, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Aug, life was like for Tamworth residents THE PET SHOW National event dedi- Alonzo. Wem Town Hall, North Trentham Monkey Forest, Stoke-on- during the Saxon era, Tues 15 - Thurs cated to the British public and their Shropshire, Fri 18 - Sat 19 & Mon 21 Trent 17 Aug, Tamworth Castle pets, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Aug, Stafford- Aug; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, shire County Showground EARTH: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD? South Shropshire, Fri 18 - Sat 19, CREATING SPY BOTS Work with LEGO BRIDGNORTH MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL Visual journey across earth, sea and Mon 21, Wed 23 & Thurs 24 Aug Mindstorms to build spy bots to solve sky via light & sound projections, Sat problems and help James Bond keep Celebration of musical talent, Fri 18 - MAUDIE (U) Drama. Starring Ethan 19 - Mon 28 Aug, Lichfield Cathedral Britain safe, Wed 16 Aug, RAF, Cos- Mon 28 Aug, Bridgnorth Town Centre Hawke, Sally Hawkins. mac, Birming- ford FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY A hands-on TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Britain’s biggest ham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Aug Toy Fair, Sun 20 Aug, NEC, B’ham

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Thursday 31st August, 7.00pm BLACK MAGIC - THE LITTLE MIX SHOW

Sunday 3rd Sptember, 2.00pm THE THEO THE MOUSE SHOW

Friday 8th September, 7.30pm FLEETWOOD BAC

Wednesday 27thSeptember, 7.30pm MARTIN HUGHES-GAMES & IOLO WILLIAMS - WILDLIFE ROAD TRIP

Friday 29th September, 7.30pm THE 80S SINGALONG

Friday 6th October, 7.30pm, ALL STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING

Sunday 8th October, 1.30pm & 4pm MISTER MAKER AND THE SHAPES LIVE!

Wednesday 11th October, 8.00pm ANDY PARSONS - PEAK BULLSH*T

Wednesday 25th October, 7.30pm THE NUTCRACKER

TWC GP 01223

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:31 Page 2

Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August

MURDER IN BLOODFORD VILLAGE New Theatre interactive murder-mystery show. Ticket price includes a picnic by Mas- terchef Simon Smith, Fri 25 - Mon 28 MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s Aug, Lichfield Garrick acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s legendary musical, PETER PAN Chapterhouse Theatre until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- Company present an all-new staging drome of JM Barrie’s magical adventure, Sat 26 Aug, mac, Birmingham STRICTLY ERIC Find out what happens when the New Vic favourite takes on LITTLE RED Page-2-Stage Productions the best ballroom dancers that brings its madcap spirit and style to a ‘Strictly’ has to offer, Mon 21 Aug - new adaptation of a classic family Sat 2 Sept, New Vic Theatre, New- story, Sun 27 Aug, Trentham Gar- castle-under-Lyme dens, Stoke-on-Trent TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- THE FORGOTTEN TALES Parable Arts sent an outdoor staging of Shake- fuse captivating storytelling, unique speare's cross-dressing comedy, characters and modern folk-song to Tues 22 Aug, Martineau Gardens, present a series of Celtic adventures, Birmingham Sun 27 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury MISS PICKLELILLY’S MAGIC SHOW En- chanting magic show for all the family, Wed 23 Aug, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire Film Mr Scruff - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SLEEPING BEAUTY Stafford’s very own summer pantomime, Wed 23 - Sat 26 Hounds, Birmingham Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Gigs BLACK BOMBERS, THE DE RELLAS & THE BRASSED OFF Jeffrey Holland stars in DREGS Sat 26 Aug, Hare & Hounds, Paul Allen & Mark Herman’s ‘funny RED ROAD (18) Mystery/Thriller. Star- THE NUMBER 12 LOOKS LIKE YOU & Birmingham and life-affirming’ tale of community ring Kate Dickie, Tony Curran. mac, HEXIS Mon 21 Aug, The Flapper, DEVILFIRE Sat 26 Aug, O2 Academy, spirit and triumph in the face of ad- Birmingham, Tues 22 Aug versity, Wed 23 Aug - Sat 2 Sept, Birmingham Birmingham ZOOTROPOLIS (PG) Animation/Adven- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre RYAN HAMILTON & THE TRAITORS Tues DEFINITELY MIGHT BE & ADORED Sun 27 ture. With the voices of Ginnifer 22 Aug, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Aug, The Robin, Bilston TWELFTH NIGHT Rain Or Shine present Goodwin, Jason Bateman. Ludlow an outdoor staging of Shakespeare's CIRCUS VIII Wed 23 Aug, The Jam WHITE TYGER Sun 27 Aug, The River Assembly Rooms, South Shopshire, cross-dressing comedy, Thurs 24 House, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge Tues 22 Aug Aug, Stokesay Castle, South Shrop- DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- THE THREE DEGREES Thurs 24 Aug, shire The Jam House, Birmingham venture. With the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig. Festival Drayton ARIEL ON THE CLIFF Thurs 24 Aug, Centre, Market Drayton, South mac, Birmingham Comedy Shropshire, Tues 22 Aug KAKO Thurs 24 Aug, Hare & Hounds, TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 21 Aug, MANHATTAN (12A) Comedy/Drama. Kings Heath, Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton. CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIEW Thurs JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED & COM- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South 24 Aug, The Robin, Bilston EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Shopshire, Tues 22 Aug GROVE STREET FAMILIES Thurs 24 Aug, Thurs 24 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham A MAN CALLED OVE (15) The Flapper, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, BARRY DODDS & JOE Comedy/Drama. Starring Rolf Lass- ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri 25 Aug, The BROMEHEAD Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, Jon- gård, Bahar Pars. Foreign language, Roadhouse, Birmingham gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham subtitled. Wem Town Hall, North ARIEL ON THE CLIFF Shropshire, Tues 22 & Thurs 24 Aug MR SCRUFF Fri 25 Aug, Hare & JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED, BRIAN A celebration of all Hounds, Birmingham HIGGINS & ALEX BOARDMAN Fri 25 - Sat things breezy, this gentle, warm show ICE AGE: COLLISION COURSE (U) Anima- for family audiences mixes original tion/Adventure. With the voices of FRED ZEPPELIN & DIZZY LIZZY Tribute to 26 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham acoustic music with sensory story- Ray Romano, Denis Leary. Mitchell Led Zeppelin & Thin Lizzy, Fri 25 Aug, JARRED CHRISTMAS, IAN COGNITO, telling, puppetry, movement interac- Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 23 The Robin, Bilston ROGER MONKHOUSE & ANDREW BIRD Fri tion and big, deep breaths, Thurs 24 Aug VICE SQUAD Fri 25 Aug, Eleven, Stoke 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Aug, mac, Birmingham A WAY OF LIFE (15) Drama. Starring on Trent Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- Stephanie James, Brenda Blethyn. UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Fri 25 - Sat 26 KOJO, WHITE YARDIE, MR BLAIR & sent an outdoor staging of Shake- mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 Aug Aug, The Jam House, Birmingham COMICS TBC Sun 27 Aug, The Glee speare's cross-dressing comedy, MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. Club, Birmingham Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Aug, Wightwick DOORS ON FIRE Sat 26 Aug, Route 44, With the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, Manor, Nr Wolverhampton Birmingham Dwayne Johnson. Forest Arts Centre, THE KILLERZ Sat 26 Aug, The Road- TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, Walsall, Wed 23 Aug dance and play to win as Tina spins house, Birmingham SLACK BAY (15) Comedy. Starring Fab- her cage of balls to a high-energy rice Luchini, Juliette Binoche. Foreign T-REXTASY Tribute to Marc Bolan and ’80s soundtrack, Fri 25 Aug, Old Joint language, subtitled. Ludlow Assem- his band T-Rex, Sat 26 Aug, The Stock Theatre, Birmingham Robin, Bilston bly Rooms, South Shopshire, Wed 23 TIME IN MOTION The National Youth - Thurs 24 Aug SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 26 Aug, The River Ballet of Great Britain present a series BALLERINA (U) Animation/Adventure. Rooms, Stourbridge of short dance works which take au- With the voices of Elle Fanning, Dane SAX IN THE CITY: THE NOTEBENDERS Sat diences on a ‘compelling’ journey DeHaan. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, 26 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham through time, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The Thurs 24 Aug SUBLIME MUSIC Sat 26 Aug, Hare & Crescent Theatre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 21 - 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:31 Page 3

Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August

Gardens Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery JUNIOR WORKSHOP Create a metal LATE-NIGHT OPENING WITH OVERSIZED and enamel flower, Tues 22 Aug, GAMES Fri 25 Aug, Black Country Liv- Black Country Living Museum, Dud- ing Museum, Dudley ley THE BIG FEAST Free-to-view street TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Drop-in shows, including a ‘fabulously sessions, Tues 22 Aug, Jackfield Tile fiendish fox’ playing music, a hitman- Museum, Ironbridge turned-healer offering holistic ser- WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS - vices in a taxi, and a performance by FURRY FRIENDS Tues 22 Aug, Museum an urban astronaut suspended 20ft in of Cannock Chase, Staffordshire the air, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, Stoke-on- Trent City Centre MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover what life was like in medieval times, URBAN SAFARI Travel on a Heritage Tues 22 - Thurs 24 Aug, Tamworth narrowboat into the heart of the canal Castle system, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, The Roundhouse, Birmingham TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC Featuring entertainers, face painters and, of course, INSOMNIA61 The UK’s biggest gaming teddy bears! Wed 23 Aug, Birming- festival, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, NEC, ham Botanical Gardens Birmingham CODING 101 Learn how to create code GIN FESTIVAL Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, The for virtual environments as well as Boathouse, Shrewsbury physical items, Wed 23 Aug, RAF, WOLVERHAMPTON SECRET GIN FESTIVAL Cosford Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug, The Grain Store, The Big Feast - various locations Stoke City Centre LITTLE SKIPPERS - WATERY WILDLIFE A Wolverhampton 45-minute boat trip followed by things ATTINGHAM CAMP One-night fun-filled TWIN TOWN (18) Comedy/Drama. Star- Seyfried. Old Market Hall, Shrews- to make and do, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 family-friendly camping spectacular, ring Llyr Ifans, Rhys Ifans. Electric bury, Sun 27 - Thurs 31 Aug Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug, Attingham Park, Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Aug SUMMER WILDLIFE DAY Join the Shrewsbury HUNGER (15) Biography/Drama. Star- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Staffordshire Wildlife Trusts team for OSWESTRY BALLOON FESTIVAL Sat 26 - ring Michael Fassbender, Stuart Gra- summer-themed craft activities, Thurs Mon 28 Aug, The British Ironwork ham. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Released from Wed 26 July, showing 24 Aug, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Centre, Oswestry, North Shropshire Aug at selected cinemas Stoke-on-Trent LICHFIELD FOOD FESTIVAL Sat 26 - Mon THIS IS SPINAL TAP (12a) AMERICAN MADE (tbc) SLEEPING BEAUTY STORY TOUR AND 28 Aug, Lichfield Comedy/Music. Starring Christopher DETROIT (tbc) CRAFT Join the king and queen for Guest, Michael McKean. Outdoor LITTLE RED Adaptation of the classic HOTEL SALVATION (PG) Aurora’s Christening party, see the screening. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 Brothers Grimm fairytale, Sun 27 LOGAN LUCKY (tbc) cradle the fairies cast their magic Aug Aug, The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on- spells over, and the spindle that ROUGH NIGHT (15) Trent THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (U) Anima- caused Sleeping Beauty to fall tion/Adventure. With the voices of Will asleep, Fri 25 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- BRIDGNORTH FOOD FAIR Annual food Arnett, Michael Cera. Forest Arts ingham fair with over 30 traders displaying a Centre, Walsall, Fri 25 Aug wide range of hot and cold foods, lo- THE WHALE Step inside a giant inflat- cally produced wines, real ales and THE BEGUILED (15) Drama. Starring able whale and enjoy the ‘Mariner’s ciders, Sun 27 Aug, Bridgnorth High Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell. Festival Events Museum’ of deep-sea wonders, Fri Street, Shropshire Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, 25 Aug, The Potteries Museum & Art South Shropshire, Fri 25 Aug SUMMER MAKE & TAKE AWAY WORK- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent MEDIEVAL COURTLY COMBAT Experi- SHOPS Be inspired by nature, get cre- ence the lives of Stokesay's medieval WILLIAMS (15) Documentary/Biogra- ative and make your own work of art I WANT! I WANT! CURATOR TOUR (BSL) residents, marvel at displays of phy. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri to take home with you! Mon 21 - Tues Museum curators and experts guide archery, axe, mace and sword, and 25 - Sat 26 Aug 22 Aug, World of Wedgewood, Stoke- you through the I Want! I Want! Art & listen to stories of bygone days, Sun BEAUTY & THE BEAST (PG) Fantasy/Mu- on-Trent Technology exhibition, Fri 25 Aug, 27 - Mon 28 Aug, Stokesay Castle, Nr sical. Starring Emma Watson, Dan COOKING WITH DINOSAURS Make a di- Stevens. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, nosaur mask and delicious dinosaur South Shopshire, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug biscuits, then hunt down some THE EMOJI MOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF Shropshire greens and make a salad (PG) Animation/Comedy. With the worth sharing with a dinosaur, Mon voices of T J Miller, Anna Farris. mac, 21 - Fri 25 Aug, Shropshire Hills Dis- Birmingham, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Aug covery Centre, Craven Arms, South A GHOST STORY (PG) Drama/Fantasy. Shropshire Starring Caleb Couch, Sonia SKI & SNOWBOARD CAMPS Mon 21 - Fri Acevedo. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 - 25 Aug, SnowDome, Tamworth Thurs 31 Aug AWESOME ANIMAL MESSY PAINTING - THE NUT JOB 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- CHILDREN'S ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOP ture. With the voices of Will Arnett, Get super messy making amazing Katherine Heigl. Old Market Hall, animal pictures and prints using all Shrewsbury, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Aug sorts of weird and wonderful meth- THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY (18) ods. Suitable for kids aged two to Western. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli five, Tues 22 Aug, Selly Manor, Wallach. Electric Cinema, Birming- Bournville ham, Sun 27 Aug CIRCUS Circus spectacular, with plate- THE LAST WORD (15) Comedy/Drama. spinning, juggling, clowns and more, Shrewsbury Steam Rally, Onslow Park, Shrewsbury Starring Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Tues 22 Aug, Birmingham Botanical

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Craven Arms, South Shropshire Kasabian, Eminem, Liam Gallagher, FAMILY FUN WEEKEND Featuring The Bastille and more, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Sooty Show, a magic show and a Aug, Richfield Avenue, Reading line-up of activities for visitors of all SHAMBALA FESTIVAL A small family- ages! Sun 27 - Mon 28 Aug, National friendly festival based in Northamp- Brewery Centre, Burton upon Trent tonshire, this diverse event features a SHREWSBURY STEAM RALLY Sun 27 - variety of music, including rock, pop, Mon 28 Aug, Onslow Park, Shrews- folk and world, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 bury Aug, Northamptonshire HOW TO BE A ROMAN SOLDIER Featur- PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL A focal point for ing battle drills, chariot races and a those seeking musical nourishment Gladiator school, Sun 27 - Mon 28 and artistic discovery in the beautiful Aug, Wroxeter Roman City, Shrews- surroundings of the Welsh Marches, bury Thurs 24 - Tues 29 Aug, Presteigne Screen, Powys PLANT HUNTERS’ FAIR Thousands of plants from award-winning nurseries, CAMPER CALLING 2017 Line up includes: The Lightning Seeds, Reef, Sun 27 - Mon 28 Aug, Dorothy Clive Jim Moray plays Shrewsbury Folk Festival Garden, Market Drayton, North Cast, The Ordinary Boys, Space, Mu- Shropshire sical Youth, Lucy Spraggan and Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up many more, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Ra- Worcestershire includes Chris Difford, Jim Moray, gley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up includes, Jon Boden, The Unthanks, Sam BEERMAGEDDON Line-up includes: Kate Rusby, Joyride, Will Varley, 47 Carter, Oysterband, The Young'uns, Outright Resistance, Totengefluster, Soul, Aar Maanta, Alcuna Wilds, Apo Loudon Wainwright III, Le Vent du Festivals Godslave, Zephyra, Warlord Uk and & The Apostles, Chris Duckett, Cc Nord, The Rhenigan Sisters and The Stahlsarg, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Stoke Smugglers, Clean Cut Kid, Dan Transports, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, West Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove Midland Showground, Shrewsbury CREAMFIELDS A large British dance Donovan, Genevieve, Goan Dogs, music festival featuring DJs and live SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes: Hardwicke Circus, Jess Morgan, SHREWSBURY FAKE FESTIVAL Featuring acts, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Aug, Dares- Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellie-Bextor, Joanne Shaw Taylor, plus many fake band for britpop legends Oasis, bury, Liverpool Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Sonia, more, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, Boughton rock gods Guns N Roses & alt-rock Heatwave, The Wurzels and Union House, Kettering, Northamptonshire superstars U2, Sat 26 Aug, The READING FESTIVAL Line up includes Gap, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Fish Quarry Park, Shrewsbury

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thelist Monday 28 - Thursday 31 August Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha Gigs Wainwright, The Popes, The Pre- tenders and more... Thurs 31 Aug - Sun 3 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, LOATHE & HARBINGER Tues 29 Aug, Birmingham The Flapper, Birmingham THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Wed 30 Aug, The Jam House, Birmingham SAM OUTLAW BAND Wed 30 Aug, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Dance BLACK MAGIC - THE LITTLE MIX SHOW Thurs 31 Aug, The Place, Oaken- GROOVE ON DOWN THE ROAD Zoo Na- gates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire tion’s new adaptation of their critically LATINMOTION PRESENTS DEL CAMINO acclaimed production, set in a fantas- Thurs 31 Aug, The Jam House, tical urban world and telling the story Birmingham of Dorothy’s adventures with Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion on their BOOTLEG RASCAL Thurs 31 Aug, The journey to Oz, Thurs 31 Aug - Fri 1 Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Sept, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton PARQUET COURTS Thurs 31 Aug, O2 Institute, Birmingham RYLEY WALKER Thurs 31 Aug, The Rainbow Venues, Digbeth, B’ham THE BEACH BOYS BAND Thurs 31 Aug, Film The Roadhouse, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS:

PRICK UP YOUR EARS (18) Comedy Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- man, Alfred Molina. mac, Birming- MILTON JONES Wed 30 Aug, Stafford ham, Tues 29 - Thurs 31 Aug The Big Feast - various locations, Stoke City Centre Gatehouse Theatre CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC MOVIE (PG) Animation/Comedy. With Shrewsbury Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas WONDERFUL WORLD OF WORDS - COM- SANDWELL SUMMER PLAY A scheme Middleditch. Ludlow Assembly EDY CAPERS Tues 29 Aug, Museum of for children with disabilities/SEN, in- Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 28, Cannock Chase, Staffordshire cluding sports, crafts and days out, Wed 30 & Thurs 31 Aug HANDS ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set Wed 30 Aug, Jubilee Park, Tipton THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (U) Anima- for a summer packed with time-travel- HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK A walk- tion/Adventure. With the voices of ling fun! Tues 29 - Thurs 31 Aug, ing tour focusing on the architectural Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet. Mitchell Stokesay Castle, Nr Craven Arms, heritage of Handsworth, Wed 30 Aug, Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 30 South Shropshire Soho House, Handsworth, B’ham Aug DAVID HADDINGHAM & COMICS TBC STORYTELLING IN THE COURTYARD Folk- WHAT DID THE VICTORIANS DO FOR US? THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (12a) Com- Thurs 31 Aug, Station Pub, Sutton lore story of knights, chivalry, ro- Whistlestop tour explaining what the edy. Starring Joan Collins, Pauline Coldfield mance and bravery, Wed 30 Aug, Victorians did for us, Thurs 31 Aug, Collins. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Aston Hall, Birmingham Gladstone Pottery Museum, Stoke- Thurs 31 Aug VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Go on a fac- on-Trent tory tour led by one of the award-win- THE BIG TREE CLIMB Join The Great ning guides, Wed 30 Aug, Newman Big Tree Climbing Company to find Theatre Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham out how to safely climb an oak tree, FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- Thurs 31 Aug, Shugborough Historic Events Working Estate, Stafford MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s MAN BROTHERS Wed 30 Aug, Newman acclaimed new production of Boublil HAVE-A-GO ARCHERY Try your hand at & Schönberg’s legendary musical, archery with a qualified instructor, until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- Mon 28 Aug, Shugborough Estate, drome Staffordshire DINOSAUR DETECTIVES Children’s the- RIVER SAFARI Climb aboard the safari atre production telling the story of on the River Tern and hear tall tales Mary Anning, William Buckland & from the resident storyteller, Mon 28 Gideon Mantell’s first fossil finds, Aug, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Tues 29 Aug, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire SUMMER MAKE & TAKE AWAY WORK- SHOPS Be inspired by nature, get cre- DINOSAUR WORLD A brand new, inter- ative and make your own work of art active show taking audiences into un- to take home with you! Mon 28 - Tues chartered territories to discover a 29 Aug, World of Wedgewood, Stoke- pre-historic world, Thurs 31 Aug - Fri on-Trent 1 Sept, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Trent DEER PARK SAFARI Take a tractor & trailer safari to find out more about MOTHER'S RUIN: A CABARET ABOUT GIN the deer and wildlife that live in the Hour-long theatrical cabaret featuring park, Tues 29 Aug, Attingham Park, music originally performed by Amy Hands On History: Medieval - Stokesay Castle, South Shropshire 66 whatsonlive.co.uk KT Promotions F/P Aug.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:06 Page 1 The Jam F/P August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:02 Page 1