Coventry & Warwickshire Cover August 2019.qxp_Coventry & Warwickshire Cover 22/07/2019 16:08 Page 1
BEANS ON TOAST PLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands CAMPER CALLING COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONAUGUST 2019
Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 404 AUGUST ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER: FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 09:58 Page 1 Contents August Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:14 Page 2
August 2019
Contents
Stayin’ Alive - brand new production of Saturday Night Fever struts into Coventry... page 8
Scouting For Girls Educating Rita Art In The Park the list
join a programme of big names Stephen Tompkinson stars in takes the theme of ‘water’ in Your 16-page at Sunshine Festival Willy Russell classic in Malvern Leamington Spa week-by-week listings guide page 21 page 24 page 43 page 51 inside:
4. First Word 11. Food 19. Festivals 24. Theatre 33. Film 36. Visual Arts 41. Events
fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On Warwickshire What’s On Worcestershire What’s On
Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Ellie Hutchings ellie @whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281706 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss, Ella Mansfield 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 Warwicks_Worcs August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:54 Page 1
Entertainment news from around the region
Pet Shop Boys join production team for new stage version of My Beautiful Laundrette Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe - better known as British pop duo Pet Shop Boys - have joined the production team for the upcoming stage adaptation of Hanif Kureishi’s My Beautiful Laundrette. The duo will create original music for the show, to help bring the 1980s drama to life. A Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Curve Leicester, Everyman Theatre Cheltenham and Leeds Playhouse co-production, the show will run at the Belgrade from Tuesday 29 October to Saturday 2 November. It will form part of the venue's new B2 season, which is based around the theme of Love And Belonging. Set in London during the Thatcher years, My Beautiful Laundrette tells the story of a young British Pakistani named Omar, who transforms his uncle’s run-down launderette into a thriving business. After being confronted by a fascist gang, Omar recognises school friend Johnny and uses their history to diffuse the situa- tion. As they renovate the laundrette together, love blossoms between them... Playing the role of Papa, Omar’s father, is Gordon Warnecke, who starred as Omar in Stephen Frears’ 1985 film version of the drama. Tickets for the show are available to book now by calling the Belgrade box office on 024 7655 3055 or visiting belgrade.co.uk where prices are cheaper.
Science for all in Coventry the chance to perform on stage alongside Classic Ibiza back in 2020 some of the Company’s dancers in a special Following the and Warwickshire public performance of a much-loved ballet. resounding success Mind-bending performances, a peek into the This year’s project focuses on Swan Lake, of this year’s show, future of healthcare and the chance to expe- with a presentation of the production taking Classic Ibiza will be rience the cutting-edge of smart technology place at Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday returning to Ragley are among the programme highlights at this 23 February. Hall in Warwick- year’s British Science Festival. shire on Saturday Held in partnership with the University of 4 July 2020. Warwick, the event takes place at numerous The 2019 edition of the event took place last venues across Coventry & Warwickshire from month and featured live performances by the Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 September. Urban Soul Orchestra, DJ Goldierocks and a For more information and to book tickets, host of vocalists in front of a sell-out crowd. visit britishsciencefestival.org Tickets for next year’s event are now on sale. For more information and to book, visit Plant power! A hip hemp classicibiza.co.uk/ragley celebration in Stoneleigh BBC’s Satnam Rana to The UK’s largest gathering and celebration of All the fun of the circus hemp - ‘the world’s most beneficial and speak at wellbeing event versatile plant’ - is taking place this month at heading for Resorts World A BBC journalist who filmed her emotional the National Agricultural & Environmental Resorts World Birmingham is welcoming battle against breast cancer will be among Centre in Stoneleigh (23 - 25 August). back local circus favourites for a summer the keynote speakers at a pioneering event in Product Earth Expo & Product Earth Festival series of weekly family-fun sessions, all for Coventry this autumn. will be bringing together the UK’s leading free. Wolverhampton-born BBC Midlands Today hemp-related industries, organisations and Taking place every Friday in August, Circus- correspondent Satnam Rana (pictured) was experts, along with a live music line-up that MASH is hosting Summer Circus School (be- diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. includes trip-hop legends Morcheeba and tween 11am and 3pm), providing participants Satnam will share her experiences at the reggae master Kabaka Pyramid. with the opportunity to learn a variety of Being Well Festival at circus skills, including juggling, plate spin- the Ricoh Arena on ning, diablos, globe walking, wire walking Thursday 24 October. Making dreams come true and hula hooping. The event aims to pro- Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) is once again For more information about Summer Circus mote happier, healthier running its large-scale performance project, School and a number of other circus-related lives by educating peo- Dreams. events taking place at the venue this month, ple about their health The initiative offers ballet students of all ages visit resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk and general wellness. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwicks_Worcs August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:54 Page 2
First Word
Worcestershire Open Studios... Worcestershire’s largest free art event makes a welcome return over the August bank holiday weekend. Now in its fifth year, Worces- tershire Open Studios is an artist-led initiative that offers people the chance to speak to local artists and see where they create their work. Over 180 artists are taking part and will be inviting visi- tors into their home studios, shared spaces and galleries. A full list of participating artists and an interactive map showing their locations can be found at worcestershire- openstudios.org Plenty of family fun to enjoy at Worcester Festival 2019 Myths, Monsters This year’s Worcester Festival takes place from Saturday 10 to Monday 26 August and offers a wide And Legends in selection of events, activities and entertainments to enjoy, including workshops, music, crafts, quiz Leamington Spa trails and a village-style fête. Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum and The Commandery both play Warwickshire-based Playbox host to family-friendly exhibitions, while hit kids’ show Aliens Love Underpants stops off at the Swan Theatre is this month holding Theatre. To check out the festival’s whole line-up, visit worcesterfestival.co.uk a day-long workshop for children aged seven to 11. Focusing on the stories of Be- owulf, King Arthur, the Mino- Date for Redditch All the car’s a stage in Coventry taur and Robin Hood, Myths panto auditions Coventry Music Museum has a special use for the car that Monsters & Legends will featured in two-tone band The Specials’ memorable Ghost Town explore mime, movement, video way back in 1981. role play, physical theatre and The video featured bass player Panter driving the band around storytelling. London in a 1961 Vauxhall Cresta. The car was purchased by the The event takes place at museum in January and will this month be used as a stage for a Leamington Spa Art Gallery & series of one-off midday performances. Museum on Friday 9 August. Commenting on the news, Museum Curator Pete Chambers said: "Expect the unexpected! This is unique, as are the performers. The car is much more than a photo opportunity, so we want to Christmas Slade Redditch’s Palace Theatre will use it to its full potential. The local band who sang ev- next month (1 September) be “This is perfect, having creative people actually performing in erybody’s favourite Christmas holding auditions for young our amazing car. I personally can't wait to see it.” song are playing Birming- people interested in appearing ham’s O2 Institute2 this in its Christmas pantomime festive season (22 December). production of Cinderella. Black Country glam-rockers The theatre is looking for Slade scored a massive hit in youngsters aged between nine 1973 with Merry Christmas Ev- and 12 who can sing and dance erybody, a song that remains with confidence. so popular it generates an The pantomime cast features X- estimated £500,000 per year Factor winner Ben Haenow in royalties. Indeed, vocalist (pictured) as Prince Charming. Noddy Holder has even For more information, visit red- referred to it as his pension ditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/news scheme! /cinderella-dance-auditions whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwicks_Worcs August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:54 Page 3
First Word
West Midlands Finding love at the parks compete Coventry Belgrade for national title Themes of family, friendship and Twenty-four parks in the West finding love dominate the Coventry Midlands are vying for the title Belgrade Theatre’s B2 programme of UK’s Best Park. this autumn, with Bollywood musi- And they need your vote! cals, gripping drama and an immer- The organisers of the competi- sive theatrical party at Christmas tion, Fields In Trust - a charity among the season’s highlights. that legally protects parks and The programme kicks off with Hold- green spaces in perpetuity - re- ing The Centre, a powerful new cently revealed that the West drama by Birmingham writer Joan Midlands region has more than Carty, and also features brand new 255,000 people whose nearest musical Stardust from Bring On The green space is more than a 10- Bollywood creators Phizzical. minute walk from their home. New productions of Frankenstein With public sector cuts, the and My Beautiful Laundrette also charity says that a lack of legal feature. protection could lead to an For full details, visit belgrade.co.uk increasing number of parks being sold off or developed. You can vote for your favourite Australia’s first female prime minister Bridging the divide park until noon on Monday 19 to give talk at Coventry peace forum August, by visiting fieldsin- Australia’s first female prime minister will speak at this year’s trust.org/best-park/west-mid- internationally recognised peace forum in Coventry. lands Julia Gillard has been confirmed as one of the keynote speakers at the RISING Global Peace Forum. She will talk about her time as Australia’s first female head of state and the importance of educa- Henry VIII’s wives tion in sustaining global peace. in the Midlands The event takes place at Coventry Cathedral from 13 to 14 Novem- ber.
A starry time at Lichfield Cathedral Lichfield Cathedral’s Great Exhibition is this year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with a show that An ambitious new outdoor experi- reveals ‘the universe, galaxies, space, creation and light’. ence called Bridge - produced by Space: God, The Universe And Everything is a stunning visual Coventry-based Imagineer Produc- spectacle created by the award-winning Luxmuralis artistic collab- tions in collaboration with a oration. The exhibition features internal Son-et-Lumiere, artworks talented creative team - is set to and sound & light installations. bring people together in ‘new and playful ways’. Smash-hit West Ender SIX is It’s available to view on selected dates between 8 & 26 August. The initiative will see a temporary coming to the Midlands. bridge located in the centre of Nominated for five 2019 OIivier Coventry for a three-day period, Awards, the show sees the six during which it will play host to wives of Henry VIII take to the outdoor performances of dance, mic to tell their personal sto- comedy, theatre, circus acrobatics ries, ‘remixing 500 years of and live music. historical heartbreak into a 75- Inspired by local people’s stories, minute celebration of 21st cen- the performances are designed to tury girl power’. create a ‘thrilling and moving The yet-to-be-announced cast montage of the courage, compas- will be backed by the show’s sion, imagination and humour all-female band, The Ladies In needed to bridge a divide’. Waiting. Bridge visits Broadgate, Coventry, SIX runs at Birmingham from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 September, and Cathedral Plaza, to Saturday 25 July 2020. Worcester, in July next year. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwicks_Worcs August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:54 Page 4 Saturday Night Fever.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:12 Page 1 STAYIN’ ALIVE Richard Winsor takes to the stage as Tony Manero in a new production of Saturday Night Fever…
8 whatsonlive.co.uk Saturday Night Fever.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:12 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
The theatrical version of Saturday Night Fever is strutting its stuff in Coventry next month. What’s On caught up with star of stage and screen Richard Winsor to find out how he feels about walking in the ‘boogie shoes’ of lead character Tony Manero…
From being a principal ballet dancer at Sir of the character and see what he’s about. and issues with kids drinking too much and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and I definitely came into this to play Tony taking drugs. Family struggle is also at the starring in BBC’s Casualty, to dancing to Bee Manero rather than to imitate John Travolta. heart of Saturday Night Fever. It’s just a great, Gees hits up and down the country, Richard So that also makes this role very rewarding. timeless piece of theatre that will appeal to Winsor really has done it all. Then, finally, the opportunity to combine my people wanting not only a feelgood factor but dance background with my acting career was also a bit more depth.” Richard, who also took on the lead role of perfect for me.” Tony Manero on Saturday Night Fever’s Richard is hoping to make the most of his previous tour, is looking forward to strutting Tony’s passion for dance and his ambitious success on both stage and screen, and his stuff once again. nature is something that Richard relates to: certainly doesn’t want to choose between the “To a certain extent, I do see parts of myself two: “I wouldn’t say I feel more at home on “I’m honestly so excited to be returning to in Tony. When I was younger - so before I the stage, despite my long history of perform- play Tony,” he says, “but I also know it’s worked with Matthew Bourne - and wanted to ing there because of my dance background. going to be very different to the last time I pursue dancing as a career, it did seem like an Television requires a very different kind of toured with this production. There’s quite a uphill battle, and one in which I was also focus as an actor. I wouldn’t say I prefer one new cast - only five people, including myself, trying to discover my own identity, much like or the other. I do love the feeling you get are returning performers - so it’s going to feel Tony is. Tony is always striving for something performing to a live audience. You get that quite fresh for me. Plus, there are some new different, something new that no one else is instant reception which you don’t get from ideas I want to throw into the mix in terms of trying for, to get away from the mundane television, and I love the vibrancy of the developing my character.” reality of everyday life. I can relate to that in theatre audience, especially with a show like Although he has a liking for musicals in my own performance aspirations, for sure.” Saturday Night Fever, where they’re so into general, Richard is particularly drawn to the story and the music. But I do prefer a bit So which moments in the show really stand Saturday Night Fever: “Mainly I like stage of variety in my career. Overall, I’d like to do out for Richard? shows that have a bit of grit and drama. The more theatre, particularly straight plays, and film is very gritty; it’s really quite dark in “One of my favourite scenes is the first club some drama on TV.” places with its depiction of 1970s austerity one because Tony slowly starts to command For now, though, bringing Tony Manero to life and drugs, sex and rock’n’roll. Initially I was the attention of everyone around him and on stage in the Midlands is very much approached to be in Saturday Night Fever ends up sort of taking over the club. Then the Richard’s focus, and it’s a challenge that he’s after I’d left Casualty. I was interested in the family scenes also stand out for me as really certainly looking forward to: “I would say that brand new production in particular, rather providing Tony with some depth of character. Saturday Night Fever is not only a big, beauti- than the other touring version that’s been My favourite song from the production is ful crowd-pleaser with insane songs played around for ages, because the new show really Should Be Dancing, which ends the first act live by a big band and perfect Bee Gees goes back to the film to make it raw and with a massive number. Should Be Dancing is singers - it’s actually like you have the three authentic.” such a good song and made even more Bee Gees there on stage singing every har- brilliant by our powerful live band.” Playing the character of Tony Manero was mony - the show is also a really hard-hitting, also a very attractive prospect for Richard: Richard has some theories as to why Saturday gripping drama. This production really is the “The chance to play Tony, to put my own spin Night Fever continues to be such a popular full package, so you’d be crazy to miss it!” on the character and make my mark on the story: “I guess the music is the driving force production as a whole, was really an opportu- behind this show, and the music of the Bee nity I couldn’t miss. There’s always the fear of Gees is so timeless. I think some of the themes copying John Travolta, because he made the are also very relatable. Even though it’s set in Saturday Night Fever shows Belgrade role so iconic in the original movie, but as an the 1970s, there are definitely things that are Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday 17 to actor, you’ve got to really take the nitty gritty relevant now, such as misogyny, race, religion Saturday 21 September.
whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:44 Page 1 Food August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:44 Page 2
Food
masala fries and tartar sauce), itself. The grilled lamb chops in Juicy Keema Burger (served with particular were a joy to eat, small cheese and chutney in a toasted but perfectly cooked in a light buttermilk bun) and Fat Naans tandoori spice, whilst the fresh (served with a choice of chicken, cod pieces, fried in an effort- vegetable or chilli fish topping). lessly light batter with just a hint And for the eternally undecided, of spice, added another surpris- I strongly recommend diving into ing layer of texture to an already the Bombay Thali; a platter-style fantastic dish. serving of house favourites Despite the generous portion including Tarka Dhal, Dhal sizes, we couldn’t head home Makhni, Saag, Chana, paneer, without sampling a bowl of roti, rice, poppadom and salad. home-style Tarka Dhal - a hearty Perfect for sharing and not at all dish of red lentils cooked in unreasonable at £19.50. turmeric and chilli and served Settling into our booth, our with a side helping of roti bread Indian sharing experience kicked and fresh salad. Delicately off with a choice of one of 11 spiced with a rich seam of garlic tantalising cocktails. Each in its and butter running through it, own way was inspired by the the dhal’s richness was perfectly flavours of the Indian subconti- complemented by the fresh nent, from Bailey’s Chai (a zestiness of the salad. The fluffy compelling blend of Bailey’s roti was not only delicious in it- REVIEW: Indian Brewery liquor, masala chai and whipped self but also the perfect choice cream) through to the Mumbai- for dipping and dunking street A quirky independent restaurant with inspired Slum Dog, a warming food style! stylish food and a unique ambiance blend of honey, ginger and And for the sweet-toothed whiskey. While I myself opted for amongst you, don’t leave without Having charmed the tastebuds of naans fresh to order’ and - my a Bollywood Breeze - a tropical first sampling a dessert of Gulab Brummies with its irresistible personal favourite, standing blend of coconut rum, pineapple Jamun (dough balls in syrup) or fusion of Bombay-inspired street proudly over the bar - ‘by order juice and sweet agave syrup Nutella-filled Naan with ice- food and home-brewed craft of the Indian Brewery’. Add to priced at £7.95 - my partner’s cream, garnished with chocolate beer, this pint-sized success this an infectious soundtrack of eagle eye fell on the venue’s drizzle! impressive choice of craft beers, story, born of Birmingham’s very Bollywood-infused hits blasting This quirky independent restau- which included home-brewed own Indian street food boom, out from the nearby jukebox and rant comes complete with great Birmingham Lager served from has found itself a second home you’re well on the way to a taste service, stylish menu, a plentiful the keg or by can alongside a in Solihull. of contemporary Bombay! drinks offer and an utterly choice of Indian pale ales, But what is any Indian ‘streatery’ unique ambience. The Indian Nestled among a gaggle of chain golden brewed Bombay Honey Brewery is fiercely loyal to its restaurants and bars, this 21st - quirky interiors aside - without and Peacock ruby ales with hints independent roots, delivering century tap house with a differ- an equally moreish range of of berry. A great example of local time and again on the quality ence may seem unassuming at meals just perfect for enjoying produce served with panache! first glance, but don’t be fooled with friends? A quick glance at which first earned it an enviable by the muted exterior. Simply the menu - itself stylishly With our appetites well and truly reputation as a cornerstone of open the doors and let the ‘good designed to resemble a Mumbai whetted by the pungent aroma of Birmingham’s thriving street- vibes’ roll. newspaper - reveals an innova- mixed spice drifting from the food scene. I’ll drink to that! nearby open-plan kitchen, our Channeling the authentic spirit tive choice of dishes. These Katherine Ewing include everything from street- attention fell on the Mixed Grill - of downtown Bombay, exposed Food: nnnnn style finger-foods such as Pakora a carnivore’s delight piled high brick arches, open-plan kitchen, Service: nnnnn Pops (crunchy spinach, potato with chicken tikka, lamb chops, industrial-style light fixtures and Ambience: nnnnn and onions served with dipping sheek kebab, green tikka chunks, bistro-style benches are instantly Overall value nnnnn sauce), Bombay Bites (crispy Indian fried chicken, tandoor brought to life by splashes of wings, fresh cod pieces and OVERALL nnnnn Hindi-style graffiti art, an explo- chicken served with coriander chutney) and Roti Roll served Bombay bites, all stacked on a sion of stylish Bollywood posters bed of glazed onions (£19.50). and a dizzying array of quickfire with a choice of chicken tikka or Indian Brewery advertisements in garish neons, paneer, to contemporary twists The dish was a triumph on every 52 Station Road Solihull yellows, blues and greens pro- on classic comfort foods like level. Beautifully cooked to chargrilled perfection, the B91 3RX claiming ‘there’s always time for Indian fish & chips (cod mari- Tel: 0121 296 9000 chai masala’, ‘try our famous fat nated in spicy batter served with quality of the produce spoke for
whatsonlive.co.uk 11 John Torode.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 15:30 Page 1
The master of all chefs...
12 whatsonlive.co.uk John Torode.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 15:30 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
MasterChef maestro John Torode is appearing at Shrewsbury Flower Show this month. The popular Aussie chef chatted to What’s On about his plans for the event - and shared some handy cooking tips into the bargain!
Australian chef John Torode has lived in the so that’s a long time to work in a kitchen. The sources, and I don’t wish to take that away UK for many years, becoming a household break is nice. It means I can take my time to from anyone, but I think every so often we name as a judge on MasterChef. This month, pass on a bit of knowledge to other people, like could think, ‘I probably don’t need that’. I’m as he takes Shropshire down under, as he cooks at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I think guilty as everybody else of overeating, so it’s up a storm headlining the Food Hall stage at passing on that knowledge is more important something we all need to think about.” Shrewsbury Flower Show. now than ever. Getting people involved and The biggest mistake we make when cooking, excited about cooking is key.” “The Flower Show is full of variety,” says John. says John, is over-complicating our food: “The “Once you’ve entered, you can just wander There’s still a lot of confusion in John’s mind best dishes are those that are simple. Anything past the cookery demonstrations and get about why we don’t champion our own that’s difficult to consume is because people something extra out of it aside from the produce here in the UK: “You guys are really have made it far too complicated with far too horticultural aspect of the show. I think it’s a rubbish at talking about your own produce! many flavours, which then all clash. A piece of great event!” When I came to the UK, I was keen to discover fish with a little bit of rosemary and a glass of all about your food. I was so impressed with all wine is all you need sometimes. Food is the So what can we expect from John’s demos? the meats you have, particularly rare breeds. I same as art or music in that respect. If you “I’ll just be going back to the real basics of how was shocked when I spoke to farmers and they tried to mix every genre of music together, and why we cook. Plus, how the world is told me that you guys rarely use the stuff and from classical to punk to grime and reggae, changing and how food is changing with that. often buy it from elsewhere. I just never got it. then put them all into one song, you would I want to go back to the basic ingredients and You have great crabs in Dorset, oysters in Scot- hurt everyone’s ears. It’s the same with food. help people discover how to treat them. land, fish in the North East - you’ve got lovely Putting too many different things on one plate kippers and smoked haddock, some of the best simply doesn’t work and is often a little bit “There’ll also be a little bit of Asian inspiration smoking and curing of meats and fish - and frightening too. I think a lot of people are in there, as that’s really in keeping with just the most brilliant strawberries in the scared of cooking because they think good modern cooking and what a lot of us are world! Your raspberries are incredible too, and food has to be complicated.” wanting to cook. I want people to understand the asparagus grown here is definitely the best Anyone looking to be a success in their own how to make good food that everyone wants to in the whole world. You guys are just terrible at kitchen can start by learning five particular eat without the fuss.” shouting about it, and now here I am, an skills, says John... Not surprisingly, food is a huge driving force in Aussie, doing it for you!” “Go back to basics, start right at the beginning John’s life: “I started cooking when I was Quality over quantity is John’s food motto: “My and get a good foundation. There are five basic really, really young. I cooked with my grand- advice is to buy quality rather than just going things people should know: how to make a mother when I was about six, and I’ve just for the cheapest option, cook it well and then really good stew, which can then be turned learnt and developed from there. I started eat smaller quantities of the meat, to share the into a pie or a ragu for pasta, as that teaches cooking professionally when I was 17, doing an cost out a bit more. For example, if you buy a you how to flavour properly and is really versa- apprenticeship in Australia. I like how cooking quality steak, it can easily be shared between tile; how to roast a joint of meat, whether that inspires travel and happiness and gets people two people rather than just being for one. I be chicken or otherwise, and then you can smiling. I love having a barbie outside, or a think the more we think about what goes in slowly add in the side dishes; how to make a nice warm roast on a winter’s day. I just love our mouths, the more conscious we will be of great tomato sauce, which can then be used how food gives people a sense of calm and food quality in general. Food consciousness for pasta, pizza bases, put over a piece of fish, such a good feeling. That’s what really inspires really fascinates me. We wouldn’t pour chemi- served with a piece of meat or turned spicy me: food is a great language within itself.” cals and acids all over our hands, but we don’t with some chillies or BBQ flavouring; how to seem to think about the consequences of Although John loves food as much as he ever make a sponge pudding; and last of all, every- putting similar stuff into our stomachs. People did, his days of cooking in restaurants are now one should know about custard because that look after their skin with all kinds of products behind him: “I’m old! Anyone who’s a chef one basic technique can become ice cream, a and then go to the shop to buy the worst kind knows that you spend your time doing ‘all-day- filling for a tart, or it can just be served over of processed junk in the world to eat. It’s ers’ - starting at 7am in the morning and finish- your sponge pudding. If you know those five madness. We don’t seem to consider what we ing at midnight. When you’re a parent, you things, you’ve grasped the basics of cooking. put inside our bodies as much as what affects can’t do those sorts of hours anymore because Then you can really start to change and build the outside. I definitely think it’s something we you’d never get to see your family, and it’s on those techniques. You can become very, all need to think about more. completely exhausting. I still cook every single very good at many different dishes just by day, so I haven’t stepped away from the stove “I don’t think meats are just an environmental using those five things as a starting point.” in that regard; I just don’t cook in restaurants issue. I’m not a politician and won’t be stand- anymore. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t do ing on my soapbox talking about scientific it again. proof of environmental damage, but the fact is, John Torode takes to the stage in the Food “Being behind the stove all the time is really as a nation, we eat too much, full stop. It’s not Hall at Shrewsbury Flower Show on Friday hard work. I mean, I was cooking profession- just an issue with meat. We eat too much and 9 & Saturday 10 August. To see the full ally for 33 years before I stepped away from it, we waste far too much, too. We’re a nation who programme or to book tickets, visit is very fortunate indeed to have so many re- shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Dog Friendly Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:39 Page 1
14 whatsonlive.co.uk Dog Friendly Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:39 Page 2
by Abi Whitehouse it’s a dog’s life Here are just some of the positively pawfect venues that you and your furry friend(s) could visit this summer...
The Fat Pug The Fleece Inn This pub is a huge fan of ‘man’s best friend’, with no prizes for Situated in the beautiful village of Bretforton, near Evesham, The guessing which breed is its particular favourite. Fleece Inn is a great place to relax with a drink after enjoying a walk With an extensive menu offering everything from breakfast to in the surrounding countryside. stone-baked pizza, burgers and Sunday lunches, there’s plenty With roaring open fires for the winter nights and an open garden for you to get your teeth stuck into. And if you happen to have a and apple orchard for the summer months, the venue offers a pug of your own, you can even add its picture to the Pug Wall of friendly welcome all year round. Fame behind the bar. The pub keeps dog treats behind the bar, has water bowls available 23 Guys Cliffe Road, Leamington Spa, CV32 5BZ and even provides two types of ‘dog beer’. The Cross, Bretforton, Nr Evesham, Worcestershire WR11 7JE The Nag’s Head Situated near to the stunning Malvern Hills is the quaint and Coffee#1 Ye Olde Saracen’s Head delightful Nag’s Head. This Good Pub Guide-recommended venue boasts traditional decor that includes exposed beams If you’re more of a and fireplaces, making it a great place to cosy up with your cappuccino than a dog. The pub prides itself on serving ‘real ale and real food’ - cask ale kind of 14 ales, a popular lunch menu and a diverse evening menu to person, then you suit all tastes. may want to check 19-21 Bank Street, Malvern, WR14 2JG out Coffee#1. The coffee shop chain has recently gone doggy-friendly in selected stores, welcoming well- behaved muts with water bowls and the Ye Olde Saracen’s Head, located just outside the occasional treat. picturesque village of Balsall Common, is a pub Various locations in that’s steeped in real community spirit and Warwickshire and English charm. Worcestershire, but Home to one of the only Josper charcoal ovens in with a number of Warwickshire, the venue offers a menu featuring exemptions - check a variety of steaks, pizza from the wood fired coffee1.co.uk for oven and a selection of updated pub classics. your local dog- Balsall St, Balsall Common, friendly branch Coventry, CV7 7AS whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Black Sabbath.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:58 Page 1
HOME OF METAL
With Black Sabbath having recently brought down the curtain on their spectacular 50-year career, a new exhibition in Birmingham is paying homage to the four working-class lads from Aston. What’s On spoke to band members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler to find out more about the godfathers of Heavy Metal...
Fifty-one years ago in the Aston district of Created by Home Of Metal in collaboration ‘this is rock’ or ‘this is metal’ or anything like Birmingham, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, with the boys themselves and designer Morag that; it was just music to us.” Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward came together Myerscough, Black Sabbath - 50 Years is Black Sabbath - 50 Years brings together to play music. The band they formed currently on display at Birmingham Museum never-before-seen iconic artefacts and pioneered a new kind of sound called Heavy & Art Gallery. treasured personal items sourced directly Metal - and the rest is history... “It just felt natural,” says Geezer Butler, from the band members. Highlights include Black Sabbath have since enjoyed phenome- Sabbath’s bass player and main lyricist, in Ozzy Osbourne’s crucifix, Tony Iommi’s home nal global success, selling more than 75 mil- explaining how the band invented Heavy studio and outfits worn on stage at some of lion albums worldwide and producing iconic Metal. “To other people it may have felt like a the band’s most infamous shows. songs such as Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron new genre of music, but to us it just felt like These are displayed alongside rare memora- Man. an extension of the bands that we liked, like bilia, portraits and collections from Sabbath’s Hendrix, Cream and Robert Johnson. We just Now a new exhibition is paying homage to devoted global fanbase - including a recre- made songs for ourselves. We didn’t think one of Birmingham’s most famous bands. ation of super-fan Stephen Knowles’ living
16 whatsonlive.co.uk Black Sabbath.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:58 Page 2
by Lauren Foster
room, which is a homage to the foursome. that we were getting £10 a night for. It just have no time for you, I don’t believe in all In addition, there’s a display of over 3,000 went from there.” that.” portraits of Black Sabbath fans from across So how does it feel to have inspired an entire Geezer is very much in agreement: “I think the world, showcasing the incredible breadth genre of music? when you’ve had such a working-class back- and diversity of the band’s loyal following. ground and been brought up working class, “It’s absolutely amazing,” says Geezer. “We “It really does make you feel nostalgic,” says you always think, ‘This can’t last, we’re even- were put down by the press for so long, but guitarist Tony Iommi. “Some of this stuff I tually going to have to go back to our work- we didn’t care about that because we always haven’t seen for years and years, and some of ing-class origins’. It keeps us down to earth. sold out gigs in America. Then bands like the stuff I’ve never seen before. It’s great! You Especially with a Birmingham accent!” Anthrax covered Sabbath Bloody Sabbath wonder what’s happened to the last 50 years. and Metallica cited us as a major influence, Their final tour, appropriately titled The End, It really is amazing.” and we were sort of going like, ‘What?!’ Then saw them play 81 concerts in 25 different The Black Sabbath story began when the four this whole slew of bands came out citing us countries. They also recently received a Life- lads were looking to use music as an escape as their main influence. We didn’t really think time Achievement Award at the Grammys. from a life of factory work. about it until that happened.” So when did it hit them that it really was ‘The “The main reason we all got together is Despite growing up in a conservative and reli- End’ for Black Sabbath? because we were literally two streets away gion-dominated culture, Geezer’s lyrics draw “For me,” says Geezer, “it was probably when from each other,” explains Geezer. “None of heavily on his fascination with the black arts. I arrived back in LA. After we did that last us had cars or bikes or anything, but we were “I was brought up as a strict Catholic - we show in Birmingham, we went into a studio able to walk to each other’s houses. And there used to go to mass every Sunday. This one and did some bonus tracks to show people was a community centre that we could use for time, we had these missionaries come from how we rehearsed and stuff like that, so I still free every morning from 9am to 11am.” Africa, and this one guy had a big, long, black felt like we were on tour. I got back to LA and “We also used to see each other playing at a cloak on and scared the hell out of me. probably about a month later it was like, ‘Oh, club in Birmingham called Penthouse,” Tony He was saying, ‘You’re all going to go to hell, bloody hell, that’s it!’” recalls. “There were three floors of music and you’re all going to die’, and I gathered that Geezer also plays in a band called Deadline it used to go on late. Geezer was in a band that wasn’t what religion was supposed to be Ritual. “Yeah, it’s just something to do - gets called Rare Breed, and I was there with about. I’d heard about Satan and thought I’d me out of the house. There’s only so much another band, Filth, so we all got to know just go and see what he was saying. I didn’t Bargain Hunt you can watch!” each other. It worked out well!” practise anything. I used to like science fiction and Dennis Wheatley kind of books; Although the life of the band has been very In the early days, Sabbath were met with an they inspired me lyrically. The only Sabbath well documented over the years, is there abundance of bad press and criticism from songs that were actually about Satan were anything that we don’t know about Black Sab- music journalists. ones that Ozzy wrote, and they were a warn- bath that the pair are willing to tell us? “When we first started, we couldn’t really get ing against Satan. It was becoming a big thing Whilst Geezer reveals that they’re all vegans, work here,” Tony reveals. “There were two back in the ’60s - an antidote to the flower Tony jokingly and unsurprisingly replies: “Oh places that we could play - our houses and a power thing.” there’s a lot! So many things have happened place called The Pokey Hole - and it really Even after 50 years of stardom, both Tony and over the 50 years. We could go on and on was a pokey hole! We had to go to Europe Geezer remain impressively humble. about things that nobody else would know, before we could break ground. We ended up but we’re not going to...” going to Germany and Switzerland and build- “We’re just normal people,” says Tony. “We’ve ing up small pockets of fans. We were playing had bands on with us and they were ‘real The End. to three or four people sometimes; it was stars’ - and these were bands that were unbelievable. Eventually we built a following supporting us! We’ve never been like that; in all these places. That’s how we had to do it. we’ve never been that way. We’re just regular Black Sabbath - 50 Years shows at We then came back to England when the first people, and I’m glad we’re like that. When Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until album was in the charts. We had all these gigs you see those sorts of people, people who Sunday 29 September.
whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals August (Wark).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:24 Page 1
VERY SANTANA ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? FORGOTTEN HEROES Woodstock 50th Anniversary Woodstock 50th Anniversary OF COMEDY 17 August £14 30 August £15 22 SEPTEMBER £10
RAVE ON STEVE HEWLETT ANIMAL FAMILIES AND ME A Tribute toBuddy Holly One Man, Many Friends With GORDON BUCHANAN 11 October £18.50/£17.50 17 October £12/£8 9 November £23
18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August (Wark).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:24 Page 2
Festivals
Shrewsbury Folk Festival Greenhous West Midland Showground, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one picturesque setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything in between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Take along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On is pleased once again to be sponsoring the festival’s Launchpad, an element of the event which is designed to showcase local and up-and-coming talent. Line-up includes: Kate Rusby, Andy Fair- weather Low and the Low Riders ft the Hi Riders Soul Revue, Oysterband, Eddi Reader, Martyn Joseph, Skerryvore, Faustus, Martin Barre, Steve Knightley, Mankala, Blair Dunlop (pictured), Grace Petrie and Jiggy.
Creamfields Farmer Phil’s Festival Camper Calling Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 August Fri 9 - Sun 11 August Fri 23 - Sun 25 August Having celebrated its 20th edition a couple of Following warmly received events from 2016 years back, Creamfields unleashes the energy to ’18, Camper Calling returns to the stunning of Cream’s Liverpool club nights in the open grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall for its space of Halton’s Daresbury Estate. fourth family-friendly outing. Cutting-edge live acts unite with world-class This year’s event boasts a superb musical DJs for a hedonistic four-day dance party. line-up, craft and dance workshops, lake Since launching in Winchester, the brand has activities, tree climbing, vehicle displays, a evolved into an international phenomenon kids club and some seriously tasty food & beloved of ravers, trailblazers and experi- drink. menters the world over. Line-up includes: Skunk Anansie, The Line-up includes: Swedish House Mafia, Fratellis, Ash, The Feeling, Artful Dodger, Calvin Harris (pictured), Tiësto, deadmau5, Sleeper, Tony Christie, Lucy Spraggan, Mr Adam Beyer and Cirez D, The Chemical Motivator, The Stickmen, Beans On Toast Brothers, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, Above & Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s (pictured), Thrill Collins, Eliza And The Bear, Beyond, The Black Madonna, Fatboy Slim, fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- Gypsy Unit and Hackney Colliery Band. Duke Dumont, Fisher and Jauz. ing aims to offer something for everyone, featuring rock, dance, acoustic folk and everything in between. Camping for the full week is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: The Neville Staple Band, Lindisfarne, Slim Chance, Jilted Generation, The Undercover Hippy (pictured), 3 Daft Monkeys, Neck, Sasha and The Shades, Black Water County, The Stiff Joints, The Spitfires, Emily Capell, Michael Messer’s Mitra and The Mighty Vipers.
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20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August (Wark).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:25 Page 4
Festivals
Moseley Folk & Arts Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sep Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is one of the city's hidden gems, transformed each year into an enchanting escape by one of the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psychedelia and indie favourites against a magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush foliage and a beautiful lake. New for 2019 is a rich programme of arts & crafts, comedy & cabaret, poetry & literature and talks & debates. Line-up includes: Don McClean, Jake Bugg (pictured), Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, Richard Thompson, Lucy Rose, Edwyn Collins, Daoiri Farrell, Peggy Seeger, Tunng, Israel Nash, Charles Watson, Boat To Row, Bird In The Belly, The Drystones.
Sunshine Festival Green Man Festival Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Worcestershire, Fri 23 - Sun 25 August Thurs 15 - Sun 18 August Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Known for its ethical business model and acts and retro stars, the heart of England’s quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Upton- numerous awards and accolades during its 17 upon-Severn for its 10th year. years in operation. Alongside an amazing As well as featuring a line-up assembled to array of folk, world, indie, electronic and appeal to every generation, the event also psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, includes a disco, a karaoke and a range of film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night fun activities for kids to enjoy. Fancy dress is bonfires and secret gigs, all surrounded by encouraged. the breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Line-up includes: Scouting For Girls (pic- Towersey Festival tured), Boyzlife, Peter Andre, 10CC, East 17, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August Music line-up includes: Four Tet, Father The Osmonds, 911, Showaddywaddy, John Misty, Eels (pictured), Stereolab, Yo La Curiosity Killed The Cat, Jedward, Claire Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Festi- Tengo, Sharon Van Etten, Amadou & Mariam, Sweeney, S Club, Judge Jules. val, which traces its roots back to 1965, when Maribou State, Khruangbin, Idles, Broken local villagers united to buy a field from Social Scene, Car Seat Headrest, Whitney, Big wealthy landowners. Thief, Aldous Harding, The Growlers and After raising funds to drain, plough and Richard Thompson. reseed 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: Newton Faulkner, Hot House Flowers, The Selecter, Seth Lakeman, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, From The Jam, Fisherman’s Friends, The Unthanks (pic- tured), Oysterband, Steve Knightley, Beans On Toast.
whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Grace Petrie.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:47 Page 1
QueerSinger-songwriter Grace as Petrie chats folk politics, musical influences and Donald Trump ahead of her Midlands festival date... Grace Petrie.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:48 Page 2
by Lauren Foster
sYou’re playing at Shrewsbury Folk Festi- about this, that as a gay person, the sharp, before. My background is punk really, and val this year. Have you played there be- steep rise in homophobia and transgender I’ve worked in comedy a lot. Folk has fore, and what can the audience expect phobia that I've seen in Britain in the last six certainly inspired my songwriting on this last from your performance? months is awful. There was a viral story about album, and what I'm writing at the moment I haven’t played there on my own. I’ve been a a homophobic attack on a queer couple in has a pure folk influence. London, for example. That isn’t unconnected part of a couple of other shows, so it’s my Speaking of influences, who’s been your to the protests outside schools in Birmingham debut show there in my own right. biggest musical influence? I’m a protest singer, so I sing a lot of shouty about LGBT education, and that itself is not Singer-songwriter is where it is for me. I songs about politics, and obviously in this unrelated to the treatment of trans people in absolutely love Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, current climate, I don’t have a lack of things the mainstream media across the world, and Joni Mitchell - people with a message to what to write about. I’m a socialist, feminist, that is not unrelated to Donald Trump’s they’re singing. Bruce Springsteen. I'm very political singer really, so it’s all lefty stuff. I’m presidency. The key to all of this is solidarity much more a lyricist than I am a musician. A a proud queer artist as well, and that’s quite a between our communities and between our ‘poetry set to music’ type of thing. big part of what I write and sing about. It’s minorities. I think that it’s very easy for us to definitely not for the faint-hearted. lose sight of the bigger picture when we’re all Who do you relate to most as an artist? just focusing on our one little corner. I’m You’re sharing the line-up with some big writing lots about that at the moment. There’s an Australian singer-songwriter called names - Kate Rusby, Oysterband, Darren Hanlon. He’s absolutely phenomenal Skerryvore, to name but a few. Who are Will the potential second term of Donald and a beautiful wordsmith. And there’s a guy you most looking forward to seeing? Trump feature? called Gavin Osborn, who’s based in South West England and writes beautiful songs. I’ve I’m going to be hanging around as much as I I imagine so. He keeps me very busy! I’ve got been lucky to do some touring with him. can, although I’m due at the Edinburgh a lot of material about him already, but all I Fringe the day after. I’m really looking can do is keep going. I make these jokes on Billy Bragg invited you to appear on forward to seeing Kate Rusby. I played her stage that I started writing songs to try and Glastonbury’s Leftfield stage in 2010. festival, Underneath The Stars, last year and make the world a better place, but I think I How did that come about? had a great time but didn’t get to see her seem to be making things worse! I’ll keep going and hope the trend turns at some point. I went to a gig of his, was totally starstruck because we weren’t performing on the same and thrust one of my homemade home- day. So she’ll definitely be a highlight for me. Did you always want to be a performer? printed CDs at his chest. He was very gracious When did your interest in politics begin? I did always want to, I think. I started playing about it. I never expected to hear from him, and then a couple of weeks later, I got an I think it was when the government changed the guitar when I was 13, but before that, as a email saying, ‘Do you want to come and play in 2010. I saw austerity coming in and the young child, I played the piano. I’ve always at Glastonbury?’ I absolutely couldn’t believe impact that that was making across the been a bit of a show-off. Music was the it, I was just blown away. I will never forget it. country. Being gay, I was quite concerned and obvious place to take the narcissist energy alarmed when Theresa May was appointed in that I have. I’ve been tremendously lucky What plans have you got for the future? the role of women & equalities minister with growing up in the time that I have done because I think that I’ve been a completely I’ve got some really exciting things happening because her record on LGBT legislation is not next year, which I'm not allowed to say too good. That was the tipping-point that inspired DIY outfit from the beginning. Everything that I’ve ever done has been self-published. I think much about. I’m going to get to play in some me to start writing. I wrote a song called beautiful faraway places that I haven’t been to Farewell To Welfare back in 2010. It was the that’s the great thing with living in the internet age. If I’d been born 20 years earlier, I before, which is really exciting for me. I’m first thing that I’d ever written about politics. hoping there will be another album out in the It wasn’t intentional; I just got cross one day don’t think I would’ve been able to have the career that I’ve had. It’s definitely what I autumn of next year - I'm writing a lot at the and wrote a song that was basically a three- moment. I had an album out in September minute rant. For whatever reason, that really wanted to do, and every day I can’t believe how lucky I am that I pulled it off. just gone, and I'm kind of bored of it already, struck a chord with audiences and they so I need to get into the next round of songs. started talking to me more about politics. I You’ve brought out six albums. How much I’m on tour throughout this October too, so started getting more interested in activism has your music evolved over time? I’m really looking forward to that and and campaigns, and it became more of a It’s evolved a lot. I’m delighted to be playing whatever other opportunities happen along. self-sustaining thing. Shrewsbury Folk Festival because I came into Your political writing reflects what’s folk quite late in comparison to my peers. I bothering you most. What’s currently had this quite inaccurate impression of what bothering you most? folk music was. I grew up listening to Bob Grace Petrie plays Shrewsbury Folk Dylan and Joni Mitchell, and I didn’t really Well, we live in incredibly reactionary times, Festival on Friday 23 August and in general I'm finding it all quite know anything about traditional folk music. terrifying, to be honest. The rise of the far I play in a six-piece band called Coven, and Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place at right in general. I think it’s often the case that we’ve done Shrewsbury before - that’s with Greenhous Meadow from Fri 23 - Mon 26 minorities are a real indicator for the overall O'Hooley & Tidow, Lady Maisery and me, and August. For more information on line-up political direction that we’re moving in. I we make a six-piece feminist collective. It’s and tickets, visit think the minorities are treated as the canary those guys who I really got influenced by. I’d shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk in the coal mine, and I feel, not to harp on never really experienced the folk club scene whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 1
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Grease The Musical Teen Angel in selected performances at the Hippodrome (check the theatre’s website for full details). Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 - Sat 24 August “The character of The Fonz in the TV series Happy Days is definitely Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and get ready my rebellious ’50s inspiration for this part,” explained Peter in a recent for the most fun-filled high-octane rock’n’roll party of them all. interview with What’s On. “The Fonz was a legend, and he and Grease is the original high-school musical, featuring all the unforget- Grease’s lead male character, Danny Zuko, brought about that iconic table songs from the hit movie, including You’re The One That I Want, style of blue jeans, white t-shirt and leather jacket. Those rockabilly Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, vibes are definitely something I’ll be thinking about during my perfor- Sandy and Greased Lightnin’. mance!” The cast includes singer Peter Andre and Ore Oduba who both play
The Girl On The Train Circus Raj Educating Rita Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Malvern Theatre, Mon 5 - Sat 10 August Mon 26 - Sat 31 August; Sun 4 August Malvern Theatres, Mon 21 - Sat 26 October A modern comedy classic, Willy Russell’s Educating Rita has been a regular choice First a bestselling book, then a hit film, The with theatre companies ever since its first Girl On The Train took the world by storm. production by the RSC. Now, a touring stage adaptation of Paula The story of a working-class Liverpool Hawkins' 2015 novel is rolling into the woman’s hunger for education, and her Midlands, with EastEnders star Samantha relationship with Frank, her unhappy, alco- Womack in the lead role of Rachel Watson. holic professor, is best known from its 1983 “There’s actually a lot more licence with film adaptation starring Michael Caine and theatre to do the dream-like flashback and Julie Walters. A typical Russell comedy, it memory scenes from the book,” says Given that they perform extreme feats of manages to be both thought-provoking and Samantha. “This means that you can access bravery and come complete with acrobats, funny. Stephen Tompkinson stars as Frank. Rachel’s brain in those scenarios a lot more aerialists, contortionists, a fakir, dancers, than I think you can with the film.” musicians, stiltwalkers and costumed char- acters, it’s little wonder that Circus Raj are referred to as a ‘supergroup’ of ‘elite’ street circus artistes. Ringmaster and fakir, ‘the incredible Govinda’, was one of three circus-troupe members to appear in Disney and Tim Burton's live-action remake of Dumbo, which was released in cinemas earlier this year.
24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 2 Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:20 Page 1
WUNDERBAR Stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard stops off in Birmingham next month with his latest touring show, Wunderbar. What’s On caught up with him to talk comedy, politics, Donald Trump and being transgender...
Birmingham welcomes stand-up legend, “I feel like we’re at a time when half of the UK tive statement across borders. I spent a few actor and political activist Eddie Izzard next and half of the US have decided to return to months in Paris and also in Germany and month. Fans of Eddie’s alternative comedy 1930s’ politics, so I’ve taken a word from started doing the show in French and German revel in the stream-of-conciousness style that another language and used it in a very before going into English. I also want to often results in surreal and fantastical side- positive way because I’m very against the perform in as many countries as possible, splitting moments. The show he’s presenting, whole Trump and Brexit hate towards foreign- especially seeing as when I started in Wunderbar, is most likely his final comedy ers. So I’ve done this show in English, French stand-up there were a lot of places I couldn’t hurrah before he embarks on a career in and German - improvising in all languages as perform because of the Iron Curtain.” politics. well - because I just wanted to make a posi- Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:21 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
The Wunderbar tour has already been to character work that I loved. But overall, feminine or calling them masculine for not Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe and Python was really the bedrock of my liking heels and makeup. When I came out as the United States. influences. My stand-up really is based on a transgender in 1985, I’d known since I was narrator I’ve developed that talks to the four - so since 1967. By then I just wanted to “I want to stand to be an MP, so I wanted to audience, and then doing these little sketches express myself and be honest about who I make sure this show had a comprehensive that I think are quite Python-esque.” was. I’m under the impression that this kind span of time and goes all the way from the Big of thing must be genetic, must be coded into Bang up to the present day. My fear of the Eddie finds it interesting to compare the who you are as a person. You don’t just get up universe is there, so I’ve got my own feeling average age of his audiences in different one Tuesday and decide that’s who you are; about how the universe works - and how I countries: “I don’t think audiences have you’ve always been that way. We’re not choos- understand it - in the show too. I’m not sure if changed that much over the years in Britain. ing a different lifestyle, we’re just expressing my thinking about the universe is 100% I think we’ve always been pretty switched on, what’s inside us. Some women like to throw correct, but who knows!” and I always assume the intelligence of the on heels and a skirt, and I do too! I remember audience. I also don’t think I appeal to a more Wunderbar doesn’t need to change much thinking when I was a kid that I loved skirts mainstream audience, so people who come to from country to country, as Eddie firmly just as much as girls did, but I also had all my my shows know I’m going to take them in a believes that his humour translates well into a boy’s stuff. pretty weird direction. So my audiences have number of different countries and languages. grown through word of mouth about my “I think that’s perhaps why I’m so keen on “Humour is a human quality that’s the same strange comedy. I think there’s been less of women’s football. I just love how the sport is all the world round. There’s a mainstream this kind of comedy in Central and Eastern full of athletically strong women who, at sense of humour, where comedians talk about Europe, but as younger generations are some points in history, would’ve been called sports stars or take the piss out of people on coming through they’re watching more stuff strange and masculine but now are out there television, brand names in the shops, politi- in English, so the age of my audience is backing themselves and giving their opinions. cal people, that kind of thing. Sometimes different over there, and up into Russia also. It’s now the 21st century and we need more those jokes can’t change country because, The audience is slightly older in Britain examples like women’s football, where apart from the obvious language change, the because they grew up with that Monty Python colour, race, sexuality doesn’t matter; it’s all references to politicians, TV, everyday things, style of comedy. I think it’s interesting about who you are as a person and what you would have to change too. Obviously my because it seems to be that whenever you add to your community. I think they’re a great humour is more alternative, so anyone across start to be popular in a country, that audience example to us all.” the world who has a kind of humour where follows you through.” Charity work is close to Eddie’s heart, but the they like things like Monty Python will like Eddie believes that the state of the nation’s Mandela Marathons were also about inspiring my stuff too. Then you’ve just got to make politics is to blame for the recent rise in the average Joe to get out there and do them- sure your references all match up. homophobia: “In the UK, America and other selves and others some good... “For example, you can talk about KitKats countries across Europe, there’s been this rise “When I thought about doing the Mandela because they’re sold in most places around in the far right like there was back in the ’30s. Marathons it was because I really wanted to the world. If your punchline somehow ends We can see Donald Trump being racist and raise money for a good cause and also to up being something to do with KitKats, you sexist daily. Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson inspire people. I think I look like a pretty perhaps wouldn’t have to change things. You seem to be the best of friends with Trump in average guy. David Beckham looks amazing could say, “I hit him with a KitKat”. But that regard. The politics of the country seems and has amazing fitness, so people almost maybe you wouldn’t be able to say, “I hit him to have given people permission to go back to expect him to be able to do amazing things. with a Curly Wurly” outside of the UK, unless hatred again. We seem to be going back- But people look at me and think, ‘Well, that’s you explained what a Curly Wurly was as part wards, and that’s something we must all fight just a guy!’ I can put a look together and do a of your show. I think I’ve got the hang of against. bit of comedy, but I don’t look like David making my humour quite universal; I just “I ran my 27 marathons in memory of the 27 Beckham. So I’ve had people come to me and have to check my references. If you talk about years Nelson Mandela served in prison in say that they’ve been inspired by what I’ve human sacrifice, everyone around the world South Africa. Of course, I ran with my painted done, and that really is an honour.” is going to know what you’re talking about. nails and, when I came back to the UK, a I’d say 85 to 90% of subjects can travel to For now, touring Wunderbar is Eddie’s focus, friend asked me to go into the school his different countries.” and he would encourage anyone who is, or daughter was at. In the classroom, children of thinks they might be, a fan of his unique style Eddie got his first laugh in front of an eight or nine were engaging in conversation to go along and see the show: “I mean, I see it audience at the age of 12. He abandoned about LGBTQ communities, racism and every night and I still find it funny! Plus, I plans to solely pursue a career in drama and sexism. It’s unfortunate that the simplicity of think this could be my last tour before I go off instead decided to focus on comedy. using hatred to control politics and hate being into politics, so catch me while you can - more powerful than love in politics is on the especially if you’ve seen my stuff before and “Monty Python would really be the central rise at the moment. We need to fight this with liked it.” influence on my career. I wanted to do sketch every breath in our bodies.” comedy originally but I couldn’t really get that going. Then Billy Connolly and Richard Pryor But Eddie also thinks there are some brilliant came through as stand-up icons. Billy really examples of progress being made: “I think Eddie Izzard plays the Alexandra Theatre, had this way of talking to a massive audience we’re at a turning point, where we’re not Birmingham, from Tuesday 17 to Saturday as if it was one on one. Richard had this great judging women for not wanting to look overly 21 September Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 3
Theatre Theatre previews from around the region
Heartbeat Of Home Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 August Thirty-three world class dancers and live musicians from across the globe here come together to present a production that’s enjoyed plenty of positive reviews as it’s made its way around the world. Produced by the team behind Riverdance, the show has been described as ‘an exuberant, sexy tribute to the diversity of dance’, ‘a brilliantly orchestrated dance & music spectacular’, and ‘a multicultural dance epic’. In short, it’s so revered that it may well prove to have the legs of Riverdance (high-kicking ones, of course!) and still be wowing audiences decades from now. The high-octane show features dynamic components of traditional Irish, Latin, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban and contemporary music. It also benefits from the input of award-winning Irish composer Brian Byrne, a man whose CV includes projects with both Katy Perry and the legendary Barbra Streisand.
Check out the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon this August...
The Taming Of The Shrew has to demonstrate his allegiance by hand- problem play, which basically means that it ing over his wife, Belvidera. One of the other asks more questions than it answers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- conspirators threatens Belvidera, so she and structure is simple enough. Poor old Angelo Avon, until Sat 31 August Jaffeir go on the run. They then have to work is left in charge of an anarchic Vienna, Possibly the most famous of all stories about out whether to reveal the conspiracy to the whilst the Duke pretends that he has work the battle of the sexes, The Taming Of The senate, or to carry on with it, knowing how overseas. Instead, he uses the opportunity to Shrew can be a bit of a problem play nowa- bloody the outcome will be… spy on his diligent though misguided days, its subject matter sitting less than deputy, waits for a mistake, then reappears comfortably in the modern age of #MeToo. The Provoked Wife to make Angelo a convenient scapegoat for Director Justin Audibert is not a man to be Vienna’s woes. fazed by such difficulties, however, so is Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- A stitch-up or just judicial authority? No Avon, until Sat 7 September here having his female actors play male wonder politicians of all parties quote roles and vice versa. Familiar television face Caroline Quentin Shakespeare to justify their dark deeds... stars in John Vanbrugh’s rarely performed Venice Preserved Restoration romp that shocked 17th century As You Like It Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, society. When Lady Brute, tired of her until Sat 7 September drunken husband and loveless marriage, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, until Sat 31 August “Thomas Otway’s Venice Preserved follows takes a young lover, not everything goes disaffected Venetian nobles,” the show’s according to plan, with scandal suddenly The storyline of As You Like It revolves director, Prasanna Puwanarajah, explains. threatening to ruin her life... around the character of Rosalind, banished “Out of the two main male characters, one is by her usurping uncle to the Forest of Arden, the son-in-law of a senator and the other is a Measure For Measure where her exiled father is already living. war veteran. Both of them join a conspiracy Revelling in the naturalness of their sur- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- roundings, Rosalind and her companions - against the senate of Venice, as they believe Avon, until Thurs 29 August it to be oppressive and in need of change. cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool - find a The darkest of Shakespeare’s comedies, happiness they hadn’t known existed... In order to join the plot, one of them, Jaffeir, Measure For Measure is usually considered a
26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 4 Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:23 Page 1
Come to the Cabaret!
The landmark musical visits the Midlands next month, with West End star John Partridge taking on the iconic role of Emcee. What’s On spoke to the former EastEnders actor and MasterChef winner to find out more... Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:23 Page 2
by Lauren Cole
Complete with kicklines and burlesque My eyes are bigger than my belly, as my the region with the show: “Midlands costuming, Cabaret has all the razzle dazzle mother always said! Obviously I love audiences are very vocal. They let you know you’d expect from a show-stopping musical. Willkommen because it’s one of the best exactly how they feel, whether that be good But even all of the legendary Kit Kat Klub’s opening numbers of any musical ever or not so good! I love that, because it’s a great incredible decadence can’t hope to conceal written; it’s truly spectacular, and this barometer for how you’re doing as a the sinister backdrop against which Cabaret production’s staging of it is legendary in its performer. When you’re touring and doing unfolds: the rise of Nazism in Germany. Set own right. It’s a modern classic. Money has to the same show night after night, it’s always on the cusp of 1930s Berlin, the musical’s be another standout. The lyrics, the choreog- good to have someone keeping you in check, characters navigate a world of showgirls, raphy, the timing, and all of that together - and Midlands audiences definitely do that!” seedy nightlife and burgeoning antisemitism. just wow! I think if you wrote an equation for Looking back over his career, does John have a musical number, it would equal Money. Previous stars of Cabaret have included Judi a particular highlight? Lyrically, it’s the one I’m looking forward to Dench, Alan Cumming, Will Young and doing the most. “I honestly can’t pick one! I’m really, really Emma Stone - a fact that leaves John fortunate that I came into this business at 16, Partridge, who’s playing the character of “Also, If You Could See Her is particularly went straight into Cats in the West End and Emcee, in no doubt whatsoever that he has poignant right now. Listening to the actual am now about to turn 48. So I’ve been doing big shoes to fill... words of that song and their meaning is so this for 32 years professionally. I’ve appeared incredibly powerful and so politically “It’s an honour to be starring in this produc- in over 20 West End shows, countless UK relevant today. The rise of antisemitism in the tion,” says John. “I feel a great amount of tours and even had a TV career. I think that UK and within our own political system is privilege to be a caretaker of such a great while I can’t pick out a highlight, my favourite alarming, to say the least. Once again, with work and to be walking in the footsteps of thing about my career is its longevity. The fact these classic shows, you can definitely say such performance giants. It’s also incredibly that I’m still able to do what I love, and that they never go out of style. As much as we daunting because, for an actor, there’s no I’m lucky enough that producers still want to think we progress, human nature seems to be bigger challenge than taking on a task such hire me, is amazing.” constant in some way, and I think the timely as this, but there’s also no bigger reward. relevance of Cabaret really shows how society There’s not a lot John hasn’t done in his Cabaret is an iconic show and its music is maybe hasn’t progressed as much as we career, but he still has one stand-out dream: legendary. I really can’t wait to have the presume. I don’t think I’m going to enjoy “There’s one show I haven’t been in, and that opportunity to perform in such a classic.” singing If You Could See Her, but regardless hasn’t been to the UK, actually - The Boy The show is directed by Rufus Norris - the of that fact, it’s still a very important From Oz. I would absolutely love to be in it. artistic director of the National Theatre - and narrative to tell.” Hugh Jackman won a Tony Award for it on features choreography by the Olivier Award- Broadway. So if anyone’s interested in The homophobia rife in Cabaret is also winning Javier De Frutos. producing The Boy From Oz starring John something that resonates strongly with Partridge, feel free to contact me at any time!” “Rufus has a great sense of vision,” says John... John. “Let’s not forget that the subject matter John showcased his culinary talents last year “I’m currently rehearsing a piece called The and choreography were already groundbreak- by winning Celebrity Masterchef: “I’m an avid View Upstairs, which premieres at Soho ing when the show was first released. Rufus’ cook. I’m just in the process of organising the Theatre, London. It follows a largely forgotten production pays a great homage to the photo shoots for my first book, a food piece of LGBTQ+ history, where 32 people lost original, as it very carefully modernises the memoire called There’s No Taste Like Home, their lives in a fire in New Orleans in 1972. production while keeping its very essence which comes out in April 2020. There are over alive. I think that’s the best way to rework a “On top of that, it’s currently the 50th an- 100 recipes in it. My food narrative is very classic: to have the fibre of the original within niversary of the Stonewall Riots. We had the much connected to my history. I think food is the revisited and revised work. Rufus man- Orlando shooting in 2016, where 49 people like a great piece of theatre or a concert. You aged to do that really well, which is why I lost their lives. A few weeks ago, two women can hear a certain song and be transported think this particular production has been so on a bus in the UK were brutally attacked for back to an exact moment in time, and I think successful.” being gay. People ask why we have a Pride food is exactly the same. My earliest food festival when there’s no festival for being memories, the food of my childhood, the food John’s character of Emcee is a complex one: heterosexual. I think there’s never a time not my mum and nan made me, school dinners - “He has so many layers. He’s both a to demand to be seen, to be heard and to have they all evoke strong memories for me, and performer and an observer. He’s there to equal rights - be that the LGBTQ+ community, that’s what I draw on in this first book.” inform, educate and entertain the audience. religious groups or just general humanity. I’m He’s a narrator and orator of sorts, while also an openly proud gay man, but my sexuality being a showman. He’s all the things I wish to wasn’t something I considered as much when be! Emcee really is a gift of a role, but it’s also I was younger. I think my perception of the not for the faint-hearted. I’m sure there are world has changed as I’ve got older, and I’m Cabaret shows at Wolverhampton Grand ways to get the character very wrong, and I more aware than ever that all these voices Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 just hope that I don’t do that!” need to be heard. Cabaret covers all these September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 October, So what are the show’s highlights as far as bases and shows us exactly why we must and at Festival Theatre Malvern from John is concerned? continue to listen.” Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 November. “It’s so difficult to pick out a favourite part. John is very much looking forward to visiting Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 5
Theatre Theatre & Dance previews from across the region...
Tabby McTat Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 20 - Sun 25 August A lifestyle that provides shelter and plenty of home comforts would suit most cats, but it doesn’t suit Tabby McTat. Tabby’s problem is that he remembers his old life with his now-missing friend, Fred the guitar player. So Tabby forsakes the good life and hits the streets in search of his long-lost buddy... A heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty from the winning team of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, Tabby McTat is brought to the stage by the company behind Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales.
The Tiger Who Came Ben’s no lover of Friday nights - and why Rhythm Of The Dance would he be? After all, Friday nights mean To Tea having to stay at Granny’s house, where he’s Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 3 August The Place, Telford, Sat 10 & Sun 11 August; not only bored senseless but also has to eat This well-established production has been Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 15 - an unholy trinity of cabbage dishes - cabbage dancing its way across the globe for 20-plus Wed 16 October soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake. But years, stopping off in more than 50 countries Direct from the West End, the tea-guzzling experiences can sometimes be deceptive, and and entertaining in excess of seven million tiger drops in on Sophie and her mum just as Ben soon finds out that there’s way more to people. A flamboyant festival of flailing feet they’re settling down for a thirst-quenching his boring old Granny than meets the eye... and fiddles, the show presents dance, music, cuppa... songs and culture from across the ages, from Adapted by David Wood OBE from the late pre-Celtic times through to the 21st century. Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute Special Delivery It also features a cast of world and Irish Olivier Award-nominated show comes Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, champion dancers and a host of strikingly Fri 9 & Sat 10 August without an interval, features singalong songs talented traditional musicians. and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a Puppet and mask theatre company A Bird In big stripy tiger, of course! The Hand are the creatives behind this simple without-words story for youngsters aged three-plus. Caught in a downpour, a postman realises that all of his packages have lost their labels. His efforts to work out the intended recipi- ents sees him finding out more about the people to whom he delivers on his round - an experience that inspires him to bring a little bit of sunshine into all of their lives... Fairy Tales Reconstructed Lichfield Garrick, Mon 19 - Fri 23 August Gangsta Granny Lichfield Garrick Theatre is this month host- Throughout August on the following dates: ing a week of drama, poetry, song, music and Ryton Pools, Bubbenhall, Coventry & Brueton dance for creative artists interested in Park, Solihull, Thurs 1; Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, Fri 2; Attingham Park, Shrews- ‘developing their performance toolkit’. bury, Sat 3; Packwood House, Solihull, Wed Presented by Emily Summers, the project is 14; Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire, Fri 16; focused around the idea of reimagining Wood Norton Garden & Terrace, Evesham, Fri 23 fairytales, ‘twisting well-known stories beyond recognition and bringing them into a The ever-popular Heartbreak Productions whole new light’. The event is suitable for make a welcome return with their brand new children aged between eight and 16 and open-air adaptation of David Walliams’ culminates in a sharing of the work with best-selling book. participants’ friends and families.
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whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Gloria Estefan.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:23 Page 1
Gloria Estefan - On Your Feet! photo shoot photo Feet! Your On - Estefan Gloria
30 whatsonlive.co.uk Gloria Estefan.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:23 Page 2
by Simon Button & Lauren Cole
Shake your body!
Feel the rhythm of the music getting stronger as hit musical On Your Feet! - the story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, congas into the Midlands next month...
Gloria Estefan started her career as the lead “There are a couple of really big numbers. with the record company. Then we wanted to singer for Miami Sound Machine, who had Tradición is spectacular - and then of course release Words Get In The Way, and they were previously been called Miami Latin Boys. The there’s Conga, where you literally see how it even more confused because it’s a ballad. We group were a rip-roaring success in the 1980s, grows and grows then explodes in joy. talked them into it. We didn’t want to be with their iconic and varied hits including I co-wrote If I Never Got To Tell You with my locked into the dance thing. After that song Conga, Anything For You and Rhythm Is daughter, Emily. My daughter couldn’t be in became huge, it freed us up. Every time you Gonna Get You. the show because she hadn’t been born create something, you can’t let it paralyse during the timeframe, so I tried to wedge her you. You have to move forward. Marrying bandmate Emilio and taking his in there somewhere in any way possible. surname in 1978, Gloria went on to become a “One time they even told Emilio to get rid of It’s beautiful that she comes through in the 1980s icon. The couple were living the dream, me because it was the time of bands with only original song. In the musical it’s a very but thought it had come to an end when male leads. Yes, Fleetwood Mac had two poignant song; it’s my mum telling me the Gloria broke her back in a bus crash in 1990. female singers but they also had male singers, things she wished she’d told me before com- and there was Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, On Your Feet! tells their story, one of music, ing to visit me in hospital after the bus crash.” but that was a new thing in music. The record dancing, love, passion, terror, heartache and Both Latin sounds and Britpop were major company even told Emilio to get rid of the resilience. The show hits the road off the back influences on Gloria when she was growing horns and the percussion section. We fought of a very successful West End run. up. to stay true to who we are, and I’m proud we “It’s been phenomenal - people seem to love didn’t compromise.” “The old Cuban standards were always play- it,” says Gloria. “There are people who’ve ing in our house, and I sang as soon as I The bus crash in 1990 had a profound impact written to say they were entertained or cried or could talk. Music was big in our household. on Gloria: “There must be some mechanism were reminded of different times in their lives Then I started listening to the British in our brains where you remember before and through the songs. That’s the point of the show Invasion. I remember pulling into a laundro- after, but you don’t remember the actual - to connect with people on a very human mat parking lot with my mother and hearing moment of impact. I remember everything level, which is what we’ve always tried to do.” Ferry Cross The Mersey. My hair stood on end. except the actual breaking of my back. I grew Although all the events in On Your Feet! did I didn’t want to get out of the car, I was so up taking care of my wheelchair-bound actually happen, Oscar-winning writer enraptured. That song really is like a Bolero in father, so I knew what my family might have Alexander Dinelaris has taken the odd liberty its rhythm. British bands were listening to a to face with me. I just wanted to be indepen- here and there. lot of Latin music and The Beatles recorded dent and walk again. Besame Mucho. All that mixing of sounds had “Then I started getting all these letters from “It’s all true,” Gloria confirms, “although a huge impact on me, and so I had all this people. They kept throwing the song Get On maybe not always in chronological order. It’s musical vocabulary to draw from.” the same with the songs - they’ve been moved Your Feet back in my face, and I saw it as an around to suit the story. The only thing that’s Miami Latin Boys became Miami Sound opportunity to somehow inspire people not true is Emilio having a six-pack, as he does Machine when Gloria joined as lead singer. through my perseverance. I rehabilitated six in the show. He doesn’t really have washboard or seven hours a day - first in the pool “The name switch was Emilio’s idea. I didn’t abs!” because I couldn’t walk - and I had electrodes want him to add my name to the band attached to my muscles so they wouldn’t die. because we were successful and I was happy Although Gloria isn’t starring in the musical Getting back on stage was euphoric. It was with my bandmates, nor did I want it to be herself, she’s been incredibly pleased with the how I imagine climbing Mount Everest would just ‘Gloria Estefan’. But he was like ‘People casting for On Your Feet!. feel. I had overcome so many obstacles and are identifying with you, they think you’re I’d worked so hard. It was just amazing.” “What’s impressive to me is how much love beautiful and sexy, they need to know your and devotion everyone who’s played me in the name’.” show so far has put into it, and how much they identify with me. These have mostly been Down the years, the Estefans have certainly On Your Feet! shows at Birmingham Cuban-American girls like me, so they’re kind ploughed plenty of furrows musically: “Our Hippodrome from Tuesday 3 to Saturday of telling their own story too, and that makes biggest challenge was when we put out Conga 7 September, and visits Wolverhampton me feel very happy and proud.” and it was so massive. It meant that when we wanted to release something completely Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17 to So which elements of the show does she most different, like Bad Boy, it didn’t go down well Saturday 21 March 2020. enjoy?
whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:13 Page 1 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:14 Page 2
Film
Once Upon A Time in... Hollywood CERT 18 (162 mins) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Kurt Russell, Timothy Olyphant, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry, Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Al Pacino, Damian Lewis, Jack Nicholson Directed by Quentin Tarantino (USA)
After Endgame, this has to boast the biggest cast of the year, in a speculative comedy-drama set in an alternate Tinseltown reality. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an actor down on his uppers (inspired by Burt Reynolds) who is contemplating a move to Italy to jump on the spaghetti Western bandwagon. There are real characters in the mix, too, with Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, Damon Herriman as Charles Manson and Damian Lewis as Steve McQueen (brilliant casting). The film has received glowing reviews, although some criticised its length (162 minutes). Released Wed 14 August
CRITIC’S CHOICE
Film highlights released in August...
The Angry Birds Movie 2 Animals CERT 15 (109 mins) The Art Of Racing In CERT PG (96 mins) Starring Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat, The Rain CERT PG (109 mins) With the voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Fra Fee, Dermot Murphy Directed by Sophie Hyde (Australia/Ireland) Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Danny McBride, Leslie Jones, Nicki Minaj, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole and Awkwafina the voice of Kevin Costner Directed by Thurop Van Orman (Finland/USA) Directed by Simon Curtis (USA) The first film - based on the video game so In the maudlin wake of A Dog’s Purpose and beloved by David Cameron - was pretty dire, A Dog’s Journey, we now have this adaptation so the only way is up (one hopes). Here, we of Garth Stein's book in which a dog (voiced have an all-new character, a technically by Kevin Costner) reflects on his place in the advanced purple bird voiced by Leslie Jones, human world. From the director of My Week who threatens the very future of our feath- With Marilyn, Woman In Gold and Goodbye ered friends and those irritating green pigs. Christopher Robin. Released Fri 2 August Released Fri 9 August
Two best friends living it up in Dublin find their lives dramatically altered when one of them - Laura, a struggling writer - becomes engaged to a man who doesn’t drink. Based on the 2014 novel by Emma Jane Unsworth. Released Fri 2 August whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:14 Page 3
Film
Blinded By The Light Playmobil: The Movie Dora And The Lost City CERT 12a (117 mins) CERT U (99 mins) Of Gold CERT tbc Starring Viveik Kalra, Hayley Atwell, Rob Bry- Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Gabriel Bateman; with Starring Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, don, Kulvinder Ghir, Nell Williams the voices of Jim Gaffigan, Adam Lambert, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, Danny Trejo, Directed by Gurinder Chadha (UK) Meghan Trainor, Daniel Radcliffe Benicio del Toro Directed by James Bobin Yet another musical this time takes its inspi- Directed by Lino DiSalvo (France) (USA) ration from the memoir of the British-Pak- A big-screen spin-off of the Nickelodeon TV istani journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, Greetings series, the film follows the intrepid teenage From Bury Park: Race. Religion. Rock’n’Roll. explorer Dora on a whole new adventure - to And, yes, it takes its title from the 1973 song high school. But soon the lure of the jungle by Bruce Springsteen, who gave the film his and a confounding mystery leads Dora back blessing to use his music. where she belongs: fighting for her life in the Released Fri 9 August South American rainforest. Released Fri 16 August
The wonderful thing about cartoons is that any country can join in the game, with the addition of English-language voice-over artists. This comedy-adventure follows two live-action characters as they get caught up in an animated universe featuring the col- lectible Playmobil toys. What’s the French word for Lego? Released Fri 9 August Good Boys CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Jacob Tremblay, Keith L Williams, Brady Noon, Will Forte, Molly Gordon Directed by Gene Stupnitsky (USA) A sort of flipside to the recent Booksmart, this high school comedy follows three sixth grade boys as they struggle to make it in time to the Big Party. Jacob Tremblay you will re- member from the excellent Room (2015) and Wonder (2017). Released Fri 16 August
Transit CERT 12a (101 mins) Starring Franz Rogowski, Paula Beer, Gode- hard Giese Directed by Christian Petzold (Germany) In Nazi-occupied France, Georg adopts the identity of a dead writer in the hope of flee- ing Marseille. He then falls in love with the writer’s wife… Adapted from the 1942 novel by Anna Seghers. Released Fri 16 August
ing, but there’s music afoot. There are orig- UglyDolls CERT U (87 mins) With the voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick inal songs from none other than Kelly Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Pit- Clarkson, Nick Jonas and Janelle Monáe, bull, Wanda Sykes and the director previously brought us Directed by Kelly Asbury (USA) Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron, Shrek 2 If one should groan at the thought of an- and Gnomeo & Juliet. Besides, the pro- other U-rated computer-animated comedy ducer is none other than Robert Rodriguez, featuring inanimate objects, think again. on whose story the screenplay is based. Yes, the critters who want to be loved for Released Fri 16 August what they are may look predictably annoy-
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Film highlights released in August...
Angel Has Fallen CERT tbc Starring Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lance Reddick, Tim Blake Nelson, Piper Perabo, Nick Nolte Directed by Ric Roman Waugh (USA) There’s another terrorist threat afoot but Se- cret Service agent Mike Banning is forced to sort out his own problems first - he’s just been framed for an assassination attempt on the President. Gerard Butler previously played Banning in Olympus Has Fallen and London Has Fallen. Released Wed 21 August
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Fast & Furious: Hobbs & nemesis Deckard Shaw. However, the rivals are forced to pool their resources when a Shaw CERT tbc (134 mins) cyber-genetically enhanced terrorist (Idris Crawl CERT 15 (87 mins) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Elba) emerges with a pathogen deadly Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren, Eiza Starring Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper, Ross enough to wipe out the human race. Anderson, Anson Boon González, Eddie Marsan Directed by Alexandre Aja (USA) Directed by David Leitch (USA) Vanessa Kirby, who portrayed Princess Margaret in TV’s The Crown, plays It’s just one thing after another. When Haley Few series have provided such a consis- Deckard’s sister Hattie, who also happens (Scodelario) finds herself caught in the mid- tently high calibre of entertainment. In to be a field agent for MI6. Filming took dle of a hurricane, she realises that she can- fact, the F&F franchise, if anything, con- place in London and Glasgow - a change not find her father. And then she gets stantly seems to raise the bar. Hobbs & from the more recent exotic locations of the trapped in the basement and finds that the Shaw is actually a spin-off, featuring F&F series. rising water has paired her with some very Dwayne Johnson as the federal agent Luke hungry alligators. Hobbs with Jason Statham as his arch Released Thurs 1 August Released Fri 23 August
A Million Little Pieces The Mustang CERT 15 (96 mins) Pain And Glory CERT 15 (113 mins) CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Mitchell, Starring Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia, Gideon Adlon, Connie Britton, Bruce Dern Leonardo Sbaraglia, Penélope Cruz, Raúl Aré- Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre valo, Cecilia Roth (USA/France/Belgium) Directed by Andrea Di Stefano (UK/USA) Roman Coleman (Schoenaerts) is a violent The last thing former convict Pete Koslow criminal - he has left his partner brain-dam- (Kinnaman) wanted was to be back behind aged for life - and is placed in a rehabilita- the bars of Bale Hill Prison, New York. But tion programme. As part of his recovery, he is this time he has a mission - and is acting un- assigned to train a wild mustang, a horse dercover for the FBI. with whom he forms an unusual bond. The Released Fri 30 August film has received rave reviews. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Released Fri 30 August Thornton, Charlie Hunnam, Giovanni Ribisi, David Dastmalchian, Juliette Lewis Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (UK) At a rehabilitation clinic in Minnesota, James Frey (Taylor-Johnson), an alcoholic and drug addict, is helped in his recovery by a Mafia boss. Based on James Frey’s fictionalised memoir of the same name. Released Fri 30 August
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Visual Arts previews from around the region
Wonder: Where Reality And Imaginary Collide Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 15 September A light pavilion, urban landscapes, reimagined cartoon characters and creatures brought to life by augmented reality all feature in a show designed to take the visitor ‘beyond gallery walls’ to experience some ‘unexpected and unimaginable wonders’. The exhibition brings together work by seven artists, all of whom are here focusing on producing pieces in which reality and the imaginary collide.
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Visual Arts
The Paper Museum: The Curious Eye Of Cassiano dal Pozzo The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 1 September Cassiano dal Pozzo’s 17th century paper museum was a magnificent attempt to document and record all human knowledge. Consisting of 10,000-plus watercolours, drawings and prints, the museum features subjects as diverse as antiquities, architecture, zoology, botany & geology, social customs & ceremonies, costumes, portraits, topography and military maps. Most of the museum was acquired by George III and remains in the Royal Collection. The Barber exhibition forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the venue and the Royal Collection Trust. Jenna Naylor: Bedlam Festival Commission Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 31 August - Sunday 17 November “I create collections of vegetable onto them, creating what she describes as monstrosities and otherworldly ‘a menagerie of strange creatures’. specimens,” explains Jenna Naylor, Jenna’s work has been commissioned by “exploring ideas around genetic the Bedlam Festival, an initiative which manipulation and scientific uses art to raise awareness of mental experimentation, hybrid species and health issues. Her ‘menagerie’ is intended evolution.” to be a starting point for a growing Jenna here turns her hand to ‘decorating’ collection of drawings contributed by the walls of Midlands Arts Centre’s (MAC) participants of workshops at the Uffculme Community Gallery by drawing directly Centre and MAC.
Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sunday 1 September Wolverhampton Art Gallery is this summer hosting the prestigious Wildlife Photographer Of The Year show for a fourth time. Now in its 54th year, the competition annually receives tens of thousands of submissions from amateur and professional photographers in around 100 countries. Featuring awe-inspiring images capturing fascinating animal behaviour and breath- taking landscapes, the exhibition is visiting the Midlands after premiering in London. Watt In The World Faces Of Change: Library of Birmingham, until Sat 2 November Nature’s Champions The centrepiece of the Lunar Society’s James Watt Bicentenary programme, Watt In The World fea- Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, until Sun 8 September tures all manner of memorabilia connected to the Portraits of environmental activists, poets, artists, legendary engineer, from notebooks detailing his politicians, campaigners, gardeners, broadcasters and experiments to Sir Thomas Lawrence’s highly scientists all feature in this celebration of ‘champions regarded 1812 portrait of him. of nature and the natural world’. Other featured memorabilia includes furniture, A partnership exhibition between the National Trust silver, scientific instruments, works on paper and and London’s National Portrait Gallery, Faces Of personal items. There’s also silverware by Change features portraits from the 19th century to the Matthew Boulton, with whom Watt entered into present day, with contemporary subjects including partnership to manufacture an improved steam broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and animal engine incorporating his innovation of the welfare and agriculture campaigner Prince Charles. separate condenser.
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10 REASONS TO VISIT IRONBRIDGE Situated on the River Severn, the beautiful visitor attraction of Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 10 fascinating museums paying tribute to the area’s vibrant history. With an extensive programme of school summer holiday activities taking place at the museums, we’ve compiled a list of fun and fabulous things to do in Ironbridge this month...
Unleash your shops on weekdays. Discover the power building a ‘painting machine’ inner artist... Participants can create their and decorating pencil cases. own ceramic masterpieces by of technology... Enginuity’s list of attractions
at Jackfield Tile Museum taking inspiration from the at Enginuity also includes a soft play area for Discover magnificent tile designs they see around the younger children, meaning Get hands-on at the interactive displays at what was once the museum. Discover the Victo- there really is something for Enginuity and change the way centre of British tile produc- rian tube-lining technique and every member of the family! you view the world... tion. See, touch and walk on add colourful glazes. And once Test your senses, see how you tiles as you wander through the you’re finished, you can leave can generate electricity using recreated pub, tube station and your tile at the museum to be water, and try to build the church. fired in a kiln, after which it strongest bridge you possibly This month, Jackfield is will be posted to your home. can! holding tile-decorating work- This month, the venue is hosting daily drop-in themed craft work- shops entitled Kapow: The Sum- mer Of Comic Art. Activities include collagraph printing,
Enjoy an eerie days as part of the Coalport China Museum site tour. Visitors experience... can marvel at the treacle-like in the Tar Tunnel bitumen which oozes through Located on the bank of the River the gaps in the walls of a tunnel Severn, this eerie brick-lined that’s dug into the hillside. tunnel is open on Wednesdays throughout the summer holi-
Luggage Trail, sample the Clay Mine Experience and get hands- at Blists Hill Victorian Town on with a host of entertaining Set across 52 acres, Blists Hill and educational activities, Victorian Town is an interactive including tea packing, making a experience featuring authentic mini steam engine and designing shops and cottages. a poster at the Victorian printing Costumed demonstrators are on press. hand too, to share the stories of And make sure you don’t miss the Victorian characters they’re this month’s ever-popular Blists role-playing. Hill In Steam weekend. Taking Enjoy old-fashioned fun at the place on 17 & 18 August, the Victorian fairground, have a go at event offers visitors a rare a Victorian school lesson or try opportunity to check out an your hand at candle dipping. array of Victorian steam- Summer holiday visitors to Blists powered machines, all of which Hill can follow the Queen’s Lost will be in full working order.
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Find out about the industries that Three hundred years ago, Iron- Visitors can marvel at the bridge became a symbol of the extraordinary artistic talent at shaped history... Industrial Revolution - and these Coalport China Museum, find out at Coalport China Museum, Coalbrookdale Museum of three museums provide a why Victorians loved to puff on Iron and Broseley Pipeworks remarkable insight into indus- Broseley pipes and discover how tries that shaped the town’s his- iron changed the world. tory. Not only entertaining but Coalport China Museum is an educational, the museums make ideal place to take the kids this for a great day out and provide summer holiday, with the plenty of memorable moments museum hosting family-friendly for visitors of all ages to enjoy - clay craft workshops. from a trip to the abandoned Participants can try their hand at factory of Broseley Pipeworks, to sculpting air-drying clay, or use a wander around the stunning quick-drying paint to decorate a exhibits at Coalbrookdale money box, fridge magnet or Museum of Iron. ceramic flower.
open during museum hours and Marvel at the river Perhaps the most engaging Enjoy a meal... has both indoor and outdoor attraction at the venue is the 12- at The Furnace Kitchen seating available. valley model... metre replica of the Gorge as it This brand new contemporary at the Museum of the Gorge was in 1796, complete with in- restaurant is located in Coal- The Museum of the Gorge pro- tricately built model houses, brookdale and operates under vides an overview of the history model people and even boats the expert eye of local celebrity of Ironbridge and the industries sailing along the river! chef Marcus Bean. that shaped it. Be sure to check it out... Boasting barista-made coffee, homemade cakes, oven-roasted pizzas and a separate kids’ trations by current creators. menu, The Furnace Kitchen is Be inspired... The display includes artwork at free-to-visit exhibitions featuring Dennis the Menace, Ironbridge is playing host to a Minnie the Minx, Captain Get dressed up... family’s daily life. brand new exhibition this sum- America and Wonder Woman. Visitors to Rosehill have the op- mer. at Rosehill House Meanwhile, visitors to Jackfield portunity to dress up in the Comics: Explore And Create Tile Museum can check out The The two Darby Family homes - many period costumes supplied Comic Art showcases a mix of British Wildlife Photography Rosehill House and Dale House by the museum - and make-be- both iconic comic art and illus- Awards Exhibition. - provide visitors with a fasci- lieve they’re back in the days of nating insight into the Quaker the Industrial Revolution!
Enjoy the views... at the Iron Bridge and tollhouse For 240 years tourists have been flocking to see the world’s first iron bridge, from which the surrounding area took its name. As well as the impressive struc- ture itself, there are spectacular views to enjoy and an informa- tion point in the old tollhouse.
Visit ironbridge.org.uk to check out the Ironbridge Gorge Museums’ full summer holiday programme
More Upcoming Events... ‘Morris Gang’ Dancing Tubelining Course Comedy & Curry Night Blists Hill, Sun 18 August Jackfield Tile Museum, Fri 6 September Enginuity, Fri 6 September The Blists Hill Morris Gang entertain the Under the direction of Craven Dunnill Jack- Prepare to laugh the night away in the crowds by performing traditional dances field’s professional tile decorators, visitors Engine Shop with comedians Ian Stone, with which visitors can join in. can create eight tiles of their own. Kate Lucas and Jonathan Elston.
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Events previews from around the region Events
Teach Rex The Hangar, Wolverhampton, Thurs 1 August Wolverhampton welcomes a very special prehistoric guest on the first day of the month. Teach Rex offers a unique, interactive and family-friendly dinosaur experience, allowing children of all ages to get up close and personal with the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Along the way, they’ll learn about the evolution of science, get to enjoy some splendid tunes and even have a good ol’ dance. All of which sounds like mon- strous good fun to us!
Shrewsbury Flower Show arena acts, competitions, numerous workshops, a children’s area and impressive floral displays. The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 & Sat 10 August Both days are brought to a close by a magnificent fireworks display. Taking place for the 132nd time, the Shrewsbury This year’s show includes guest appearances by Flower Show is one of the country’s premier hor- Masterchef’s John Torode and Love Your Gar- ticultural festivals and as usual features a den’s David Domoney (pictured). blooming good programme of entertainment for Evening entertainment comes from Queen trib- the whole family to enjoy. ute band Gary Mullen & The Works - taking to Highlights of the two-day event include guest ap- the stage on the Friday night - and the chart-top- pearances by celebrity chefs and gardeners, ping Scouting For Girls on the Saturday. Staffordshire Cycling Festival Beware The Moon Newcastle-under-Lyme town Summer Lates Dudley Castle, Fri 2 & Sat 3 August centre, Sun 11 August Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, every Friday in August Heading to Newcastle-under- Lyme for the first time, Stafford- The Black Country Living Museum is once shire Cycling Festival promises a again hosting its highly popular Summer packed day of fun for the whole Lates evenings. family to enjoy. For just a fiver, visitors entering after 5pm Top of the bill is the first ever can enjoy family-friendly entertainment until professional cycle race in the 8pm every Friday in August. town. Some of the UK’s best teams This year sees each evening being themed have signed up for the inaugural around a different decade, from the Roaring Newcastle Grand Prix - a fast and ‘20s to the Swinging ‘60s, and features furious high-adrenaline circuit themed music, theatre and, we’re reliably around the town centre. informed, ‘plenty of loffs to boot’! While the early-evening pro race Dudley Castle once again hosts an open-air is undoubtedly the headline cinema event this month. event, there’s plenty more enter- In partnership with Flatpack Festival, the tainment to enjoy throughout the historic venue presents a double bill of movies day. Highlights include Granny with a decidedly creepy twist - Tim Burton’s Turismo - the world's first and Beetlejuice (Fri the 2nd) and The Blair Witch only shopping trolley dance & Project (Sat the 3rd). display team - and the chance for Hot food, a licensed bar and mood-lighting young cyclists to take advantage further add to the fun, and as always there’ll be of drop-in sessions with British a surprise or two thrown in for good measure - cycling coaches. so be prepared to be spooked!
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Events previews from around the region Events
Teddy Bears Picnic Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wed 28 August Birmingham Botanical Gardens once again hosts this ever-popu- lar event. Not only is there a picnic with your fluffy friends to enjoy, there’s also arts & crafts, a bouncy castle, fairground rides and an opportunity to win a year’s free family membership to the Gardens by taking part in the Teddy Bear trail.
Müller Grand Prix city for an afternoon of top-class sporting endeavour. Birmingham Competitors at previous meetings have included Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Sun 18 August British legend Sir Mo Farah, 800m world record A key fixture on the IAAF Diamond League calen- holder and double Olympic champion David Falconry Day dar, the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham brings Rudisha and New Zealand shot putter Valeria Hawkstone Park Follies, the world’s very best athletes to the UK’s second Adams. Shropshire, Fri 2 & Fri 30 August Falconry Day happens twice in August - once at the start of the month and once at the end - and Art In The Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy Shropshire Falconry’s impressive Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 & Sun 4 August birds of prey. The event provides the opportunity to actually Warwickshire’s largest arts festival handle the birds, an experience this month returns to Leamington that comes at an additional cost Spa with a great big splash - by of £5 per person. All funds raised taking the theme of ‘water’. go directly to the organisation, to The event is being held not only help look after the birds and throughout Jephson Gardens but support its educational work. also in the Pump Rooms Art Gallery and gardens. The weekend will see more than 240 artists exhibiting, demonstrating and selling original pieces of art work. Live music is provided by 17 bands, with 14 workshops also featuring. The festival is this year honouring the town’s famous philanthropist, Doctor Henry Jephson.
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Events previews from around the region Events
Insomnia65 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August Insomnia returns for another four-day games-fest this August bank holiday, bringing together e-players from across the country and beyond and welcoming all levels and ages. Table-top RPG, stage shows, creative cosplay, exclusive releases and merchandise all feature, celebrating the very best in gaming culture.
The Monster Boozy Bingo, Giant Unicorn and Flamingo Ball Pits, Drag Queen Karaoke, Glitter Wheel of NEC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Tues 20 August Wonder, Mega Beer Pong and more new course Following last year’s sell-out weekend, The obstacles. Monster returns for another knock-out five-day For the first time in The Monster’s history, the event. event also includes a two-day children’s special This year’s get-together is set to be bigger and (19 & 20 August), featuring a selection of ele- better than ever, with a mega line-up of brand ments created with youngsters aged between new activities and games to enjoy, including seven and 15 in mind. Shakes-paw's Day Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Strat- ford-upon-Avon, Sat 24 August The Vintage & The British Showjumping Take your furry friends to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage this month Handmade Festival National Championships and and celebrate National Dog Day. RAF Museum, Cosford, Sat 17 & Sun 18 August Stoneleigh Horse Show The picturesque 500-year-old cottage is the perfect spot for a If you love one-off handcrafted pieces and all NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, things retro vintage, then make sure you check Tues 6 - Sun 11 August picnic - or why not dig into the out the Vintage & Handmade Festival. barbecue provided... Visitors who There’ll be plenty of After the success of 2018, the event has take along their dogs will enjoy horsing around at expanded to showcase more than 50 local 30% off normal admission price, Stoneleigh Park this creators with a passion for handmade, hand- with the event featuring plenty of month, with the venue crafted and carefully selected vintage wares. activities to entertain both animals hosting six days of and people alike. An ‘alternative non-stop equestrian dog show’ offers prizes for waggi- competition. est tail and best recall. National Showjumping Finals taking place there include the Retraining of Race- horses (ROR) Championship, the Bronze and Silver Leagues, the Stepping Stones Championship and the coveted HOYS Wildcard Series. Trade stands and children’s activities also feature... The Stoneleigh Horse Show, meanwhile, begins on Friday the 9th. The event features a wide variety of classes - from mountain and moorlands to working hunters and miniatures - as well as Horse Of The Year Show qualifying opportunities.
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Events previews from around the region Events
Oswestry Balloon Carnival Cae-Glas Park, Oswestry, Sat 24 & Sun 25 August Oswestry Balloon Carnival returns in aid of Nightingale House Hospice this month, with more than 25 hot air balloons taking to the skies across the bank holiday weekend. Away from the balloon displays, there’s plenty of family fun to be had. Visitors can also browse around market stalls, check out food vendors and enjoy a farmers’ market.
Dragon Slayer displays of stunt riding, horseback fire-jousting and a ‘dazzling’ confrontation between Guy - a Warwick Castle, selected dates from heroic figure likened to Robin Hood and Saint Wed 7 - Mon 26 August George - and his nemesis, the fire-breathing Back for 2019 following a hugely successful run dragon. last year, Warwick Castle’s Dragon Slayer show For 2019, the action in the castle’s main court- promises action-packed fun for the whole yard combines further fiery elements with even Boulton Goes To family to enjoy. more light projection, pyrotechnics and live per- Bollywood Taking place in the evenings, the show features formance to create ‘the ultimate thrilling finale’. Soho House, Birmingham, Sun 4 August Birmingham gets to enjoy an ‘In- The Festival Of Quilts dian summer’ this month, as Soho NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 August House hosts a ‘jam-packed’ day of Bollywood-inspired celebrations. Attracting more than 25,000 visitors from all over Taking place in the grounds of the the world, The Festival Of Quilts makes a welcome Boulton family home, the event return to the NEC this month. features live performances from Highlights of this year’s event include: 800 hung Desi Nach, a bhangra drumming competition quilts; 400-plus workshops from workshop, a henna artist, food leading quilting tutors (the most extensive work- stalls, face painting, crafts and shop programme in the festival’s history); talks, numerous sporting activities. lectures and demonstrations; a full social events programme, including the Quilters’ Guild’s 40th anniversary celebrations; and over 300 exhibitors offering essential supplies. The International Festival Of Glass Ruskin Glass Centre, Stourbridge, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August The International Festival Of Glass celebrates and showcases the skill and innovation of makers both local and international. This year’s theme - explored through technol- ogy, science, art and imagination - is Placemak- ing, a design approach that encourages people to participate and develops a sense of belonging.
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Places to visit ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUGUST!
National Sea Life Centre, 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 selection of the best places to visit across the region this summer.
walking the dog, cycling, horse riding or maybe RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the Birmingham just enjoying the views and a cup of tea. Rednal, largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion Birmingham, B45 8ER historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hosts numerous family activities throughout the MAC MAC hosts a huge range of theatre, music, hangars on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP season. Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD comedy, dance, creative and craft courses, family SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of shows, film and free exhibitions. Cannon Hill Park, beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this your favourite shows with informative and entertain- Birmingham, B12 9QH 51-hectare award-winning park is a place for quiet ing tours. The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, WV15 6NG BECKETT’S FARM The venue hosts a number of fam- tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery ily events, including cookery classes for young and and metalworking heritage. Hockley, Birmingham, SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed old, and has a farm shop and restaurant on site. B18 6HA within the town’s Grade II Victorian music hall and Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE The centre features over one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, the venue features a broad range of artefacts BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th century 2,000 creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million-litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's King- alongside a rolling programme of contemporary courtyard of working people’s houses. Hurst Street, art. Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH Birmingham, B5 4TE dom, turtle breeding and much more. Brindley- place, Birmingham, B1 2HL TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS The gardens span at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is 15 acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas. operated by volunteers on Sundays and bank climates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert. holidays. Telford, TF4 2NF Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR Birmingham, B40 1PU THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE The centre boasts a BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over SAREHOLE MILL The 250-year-old working watermill is famous for its association with Lord Of The Rings varied collection of beautifully decorative metal 40 galleries displaying various eras of art and a items, some of which are faithful reproductions of diverse exhibition programme. Chamberlain author JRR Tolkien. Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD ironwork no longer seen today. There’s also a Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH collection of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM BLAKESLEY HALL Discover a fine Tudor house and Thinktank features SY11 4JH over 200 interactive exhibits on science and beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland the city. Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN discovery, a programme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, and a digital planetarium. hosts numerous events throughout the year, LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE Discover the ultimate Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG including the Shrewsbury Flower Show (10-11 indoor Lego playground, with three rides, 10 Lego August). SY1 1JA build & play zones, a 4D cinema and much more... King Edwards Rd, Birmingham, B1 2AA Shropshire CADBURY WORLD Discover the origin of everyone’s Staffordshire favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial tionery. Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JT sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a woodland sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. Extreme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham CANNON HILL PARK Opened in 1873, Cannon Hill Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP Estate. Trentham, ST12 9HR comprises 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mix of fantastic rides and acres of conservation and woodland plantation. attractions, offering unlimited fun for kids of all Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8RD with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, ST10 4DB EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of in over 130 years is situated just a stone’s throw CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product the larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and Station. Birmingham City Centre, B4 7AP of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a meadows. Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM The Library is a major variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, cultural destination, providing a dynamic mix of SY14 8AH Central Forest Park is a green space providing events, activities, performances, resources and IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The place where the facilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal access to expert help for learning, information and sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6AZ culture. Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP Industrial Revolution was born is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 10 award-winning museums to CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, visit. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that the park is a place for family fun, whether that be 48 whatsonlive.co.uk Places to Visit DPS 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:29 Page 2
Warwick Castle Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove passes through beautiful countryside known as COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 houses the largest publicly owned collection of Victorian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional 2HA British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea venue for thrill-seekers, featuring all manner of HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families rooms. West Bromwich, B71 4BG white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range of rides with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled that are somewhat less challenging. And with a zoo HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for kids and museum, with activities that run throughout the arts & crafts pictures and furnishings. Wolverhamp- adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 3TW school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP ton, WV6 8EE HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features fortifications and palatial apartments spanning over 300 years of art, including regular world class include three play areas: toddler, sensory and five centuries, CV8 1NG touring exhibitions. Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU adventure (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX RAGLEY HALL The venue offers plenty of family entertainment, including an adventure playground, Worcestershire PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you 3D maze, boating and a woodland walk. Alcester, to come face to face with exotic and endangered B49 5NJ AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 historic buildings spanning seven centuries which SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- 7QR have been rescued from imminent destruction and ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, carefully rebuilt, timber by timber or brick by brick, TAMWORTH CASTLE From its origins back in Anglo Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary on a beautiful open-air site in the north of Worces- Saxon times through to the Victorian era, Tamworth Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. Castle boasts a wealth of history. Explore how the tershire. Bromsgrove, B60 4JR STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn castle developed over the centuries and learn BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry about the house's history through a guided tour of about the families who called it their home. Tam- Holland, the hall is one of a small number of his the west wing, CV8 2LF worth, B79 7NA buildings to survive intact. As well as being able to THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity explore the family rooms and servant quarters, include the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- to watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular guests can take part in activities or relax by the shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, lake. Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW CV37 7LS decorative arts & natural history, and items from BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of the romantic Manor House dates back to the late THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the history. Aside from visiting the castle itself and 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- most interesting ceramic collections in the world. looking at the battlements, towers, turrets and house and over a moat. Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB interiors, there are also jousting events, the Horri- The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his CROFT CASTLE The castle is located deep in the ble History show and Time Tower to keep you family, and the company he founded over two heart of the Herefordshire countryside, surrounded entertained. CV34 4QU centuries ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER by 1,500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 Wolverhampton years, this castle has many intriguing stories to Warwickshire uncover. Yarpole. Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the & Black Country CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, wartime air base and discover how thousands of BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian walks through the gardens and activities for people lived and worked there during the 1940s. glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of children such as pond dipping and garden trails. Worcester, WR8 9DW parkland and offers activities for all ages. Warwick, B93 0DQ Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK The castle is set within BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the the dramatic beauty of the Malvern Hills and BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ and lake. Ledbury, HR8 1RL porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country woodwork and more. Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which house comes complete with deer park and is a was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the National Trust property. Warwick, CV35 9ER manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ traditional skills and enterprise of the people who COMPTON VERNEY The Georgian house is set in once lived in the heart of industrial Britain. Dudley, SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge more than 120 acres of Grade II listed classical DY1 4SQ railway line which runs regular steam-hauled parkland landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' passenger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Enjoy guided boat Brown, the most eminent landscape architect of between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance trips through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, the 18th century. Warwick, CV35 9HZ of 16 miles. Bewdley, DY12 1BG lifelike reconstructions and stunning music & light COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows. Dudley, DY1 4SB THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. options. WR14 3EY more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. Burford, OX18 4JP At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM The museum offers century castle. Dudley, DY1 4QF Court was one of England’s great country houses, activities to interest and delight youngsters, and a hosting many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in studio in which visitors can try their hand at spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- composing and music-making. CV2 4ED 1937. Great Witley, WR6 6JT land. Dudley, DY3 4DF whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover August Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:16 Page 1 The List Cover August Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:16 Page 2
YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide AugustAugust 20192019 thelist
Interstellar at Coventry Cathedral - Friday 23 August
Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!
What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 August Mon 12 to Sun 18 August Mon 19 to Sun 25 August Mon 26 to Sat 31 August
Amélie The Musical at I Am Turtle at Alex Rex at The Tin Music & Get Hands-On With History Malvern Theatres Swan Theatre, Worcester Arts, Coventry at Kenilworth Castle until Sat 3 August Fri 16 August Mon 19 August various dates in August
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thelist GORDON SOUTHERN, PAUL MYREHAUG, THROUGHOUT AUGUST Gigs ANDREA HUBERT & AURIE STYLA Fri 2 - Sat 3 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Beattie, Fri 30 Aug - Sun 27 Oct NED DOHENY Thurs 1 Aug, The Hare MICK FERRY (PICTURED), JULIET Visual Arts & Hounds, Birmingham MYERS, ANDREW ROBNSON & PETE THE REAL THING Thurs 1 Aug, The OTWAY Sat 3 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Jam House, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Museum & EDUCATING RUGBY Explore the history GRUESOME, ABSOLUTION, VIOLATED Art Gallery of schools and colleges in Rugby FLESH Fri 2 Aug, The Flapper, B’ham WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND with objects from the museum’s so- THE SELF Exhibition examining how cial history collection, until Sat 7 Sept FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 2 Aug, The Marr’s social, historical and cultural factors Bar, Worcester affect body image, and how this is ex- SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Fri 2 The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- Aug, The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- pressed through objects and art- seum works, until Sun 1 Sept bury WONDER - WHERE REALITY AND IMAGI- HOME OF METAL PRESENTS BLACK SAB- 1215 Fri 2 Aug, The World Bar, Re- NARY COLLIDE Exhibition featuring BATH - 50 YEARS Exhibition celebrating sorts World, Birmingham urban landscapes, reimagined car- the impact and cultural legacy of toon characters, a light pavilion, and THE PRIMITIVES Fri 2 Aug, O2 Black Sabbath, until Sun 29 Sept creatures brought to life by aug- Academy, Birmingham mented reality, until Sun 15 Sept RAVE FOR DANNY Fri 2 Aug, The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Theatre Worcester City Museum & Art LUCINDA WILLIAMS Fri 2 Aug, Birm- ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss Gallery ingham Town Hall Hannigan in a new version of the FIFTY OBJECTS; FIFTY STORIES EXHIBI- A NIGHT OF BOOGIE WOOGIE AND much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until TION Curator Garston Phillips shares BLUES Fri 2 Aug, Level 25, Marco Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- the tales, anecdotes and memories Pierre White, Birmingham drome that have helped shape the museum ERADIKATOR Sat 3 Aug, O2 Institute, MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran for five decades, until Sat 9 Nov Birmingham directs a new version of Shake- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS Other VISUAL ARTS atre, Stratford-upon-Avon BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- DIGITAL DIORAMA Imagine a day in the AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of tions that reflect the experiences of life of a young William Shakespeare. Shakespeare's romantic comedy, diverse Birmingham people - from Explore his experience through aug- until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare working lives to community activists mented realities and see Shake- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon and protest movements, until Sun 27 speare’s world through a new lens, Oct until Sun 8 Sept, Royal Shakespeare THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon speare's comedy of gender and ma- terialism is turned on its head, until AN ENTERTAINMENT Exhibition show- Compton Verney Gallery, Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare casing the many entertainments on Warwick KEEP OFF THE BRASS Sat 3 Aug, Level Theatre. Stratford-upon-Avon offer in Leamington over the past two A TEA JOURNEY: FROM THE MOUNTAINS 25, Marco Pierre White, Birmingham centuries, until Sun 8 Sept, Leaming- THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken TO THE TABLE Exhibition telling the BOURBON ALLEY Sat 3 Aug, The ton Spa Art Gallery & Museum, restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, story of how Britain’s favourite drink Marr’s Bar, Worcester Leamington Spa The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- became an everyday commodity, FOYER FOLK : OUJAMAFLIP Sat 3 Aug, ford-upon-Avon THE PLAY'S THE THING Display of cos- until Sun 22 Sept Number 8 Community Arts Centre, tumes and props from the archives, VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- Pershore, Worcestershire until Tues 31 Dec, Swan Theatre, sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration Stratford-upon-Avon MOTHER POPCORN Sat 3 Aug, The tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY Avon AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- THE ELO ENCOUNTER Sat 3 Aug, The hibition exploring how the changes Crescent Theatre, Birmingham AMÉLIE THE MUSICAL Danny Mac & Audrey Brisson star in a new musi- brought about through the Great War THE PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Sun cal based on the much-loved film, were reflected in clothing and fashion 4 Aug, The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Mon 29 July - Sat 3 Aug, Malvern from 1918 through to the Roaring bury 20s, until Mon 12 Oct 2020, Hartle- Theatres SITHU AYE WITH THE STANDARDS Sun bury Castle, Kidderminster 4 Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham NEW WILDLIFE OF THE SEVERN PHOTOG- SAGE FRANCIS & B.DOLAN ARE EPIC ART IN THE PARK - GREEN DWELLING In- RAPHY EXHIBITION A selection of pho- BEARD MEN Sun 4 Aug, The Hare & stallation by Dutch artist Krijn de Kon- tographs curated by professional Hounds, Birmingham ing consisting of a collection of wildlife photographer Iain Green, who differently sized green blocks ranged has been leading workshops for vol- across the Old Town Meadow, until unteers of all ages to reveal the Sun 15 Dec amazing array of wildlife along the River Severn, Mon 5 Aug - Sun 1 Comedy Forge Mill Needle Museum, Sept, The Hive, Worcester PAUL MYREHAUG PLUS COMEDY NEW SCULPTURES IN THE GARDENS Ex- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & Redditch SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Cele- hibition of sculptures from the Oxford COMIC TBC Thurs 1 Aug, The Glee PUZZLES AND ILLUSIONS Family- bration of the life and career of Rod Sculptors Group, displayed through- Club, Birmingham friendly exhibition designed to get Stewart, Fri 2 Aug, The Roses The- out the Gardens. All sculptures are your brain working, Wed 31 July - GORDON SOUTHERN, SAM AVERY, atre, Tewkesbury available for sale, Wed 21 Aug - Sun Wed 28 Aug RICHARD MASSARA & HAYLEY ELLIS 8 Sept, Spetchley Park Gardens Thurs 1 Aug, The George Hotel, AS YOU LIKE IT Outdoor performance NEW SANCTUARY Exhibition by Hilary Lichfield presented by Rain Or Shine Theatre
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Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August
Company, Sat 3 Aug, Witley Court, With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Worcestershire Allen. Malvern Theatres, Fri 2 - Fri 9 ALICE IN WONDERLAND Sun 4 Aug, Aug Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gar- JAWS (12A) Adventure, Drama. Star- dens, Stratford-upon-Avon ring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw. THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA Pre- Malvern Theatres, Sat 3 Aug sented by The Stratford Shakespeare THE CAPTOR (12a) Biography/Comedy. Company, Sun 4 Aug, The Dell, Strat- Starring Ethan Hawke, Noomi Ra- ford-upon-Avon pace. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- CIRCUS RAJ Featuring acrobats, aerial- bury, Sat 3 - Thurs 8 Aug ists, contortionists, a fakir, dancers, THE QUEEN'S CORGI (PG) musicians, stiltwalkers and costumed Animation/Comedy. With the voices characters, Sun 4 Aug, Midlands Arts of Julie Walters, Matt Lucas. The Centre, Birmingham Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 3 - A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Pre- Fri 9 Aug sented by Everyman Youth Theatre, TOY STORY 4 (PG) Animation/Adven- Sun 4 Aug, The Dell, Stratford-upon- ture. With the voices of Tom Hanks, Avon Tim Allen. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 3 - Wed 14 Aug
NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Kids Shows Released from Thurs 1 Aug, showing at selected cinemas GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- tions present an outdoor staging of FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW (tbc) This Makes That With These David Walliams' bestselling tale, Wed Released from Fri 2 Aug, showing at 31 July - Thurs 1 Aug, Brueton Park, selected cinemas Coventry Transport Museum, until Sat 31 August Solihull THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (PG) Across the school summer holidays, Coventry Transport Museum IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Igglepiggle, ANIMALS (15) is inviting families to satisfy their curiosity and use their creativity Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends in a series of interactive sessions, during which visitors can find are back in a brand new live show - BALANCE, NOT SYMMETRY (15) Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!, Wed 31 July CHARMING (PG) out how things work and design some inventions of their own. - Sun 4 Aug, The REP, Birmingham There are a number of different This Makes That With These ses- GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- sions to enjoy, including Noise Makers - inviting participants to tions present an outdoor staging of explore how sound is made and amplified by vehicles - and Cars David Walliams' bestselling tale, Fri 2 Events And Mechanics - taking a look at the different mechanics found in Aug, Hartlebury Castle, Kiddermin- a car and figuring out how they work. For a full list of This Makes ster WW2 IN THE CASTLE Try your hand at That With These subjects, visit transport-museum.com TREASURE ISLAND Family fun with sea firefighting, learn about war-time shanty songs and audience participa- communications, have a go at de- tion, Fri 2 Aug, The Core Theatre, coding secret messages and meet the first moon landing, until Fri 30 for all the family, until Sat 31 Aug, Solihull the billeting officer, until Thurs 1 Aug, Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Tamworth Castle Birmingham THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE New KIDZ CLUB Discover ‘amazing’ rides, SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL family session taking place every endangered animals and be ready to SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Family- Tuesday and Saturday, until Sat 31 face your VertiGo, until Thurs 1 Aug, friendly selection of activities, both in- Aug, Coventry Transport Museum Drayton Manor Theme Park Film side and outside the Royal LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Shakespeare Theatre, until Fri 30 ances and new building activities, ex- Take inspiration from some of the Aug, various RSC venues across THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- plore what a city of the future would classic designs at the museum to Stratford-upon-Avon ture. With the voices of Donald look like and build an awesome cre- create your own ceramic master- Glover, Seth Rogen. The Roses The- SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT AVONCROFT MU- ation or several, until Sun 1 Sept, piece, until Fri 2 Aug, Jackfield Tile atre, Tewkesbury, until Thurs 15 Aug SEUM Six weeks ‘jam-packed’ with Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire family activities for all ages, until Fri ALADDIN (U) Adventure/Comedy. Star- THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- D-DAY CHALLENGE Take part in a spe- 30 Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- ring Will Smith, Naomi Scott. Number tion of games and toys from child- cial challenge to mark the 75th an- grove 8, Pershore, Thurs 1 Aug hood to adulthood, until Sun 1 Sept, niversary of the D-Day landings, until SUMMER SMILES Drop-in art sessions Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust HANNAH (12a) Drama. Starring Char- Tues 20 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr lotte Rampling, André Wilms. Foreign Wolverhampton language, subtitled. Number 8, Per- GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether shore, Thurs 1 Aug it’s learning to sword fight, shooting FREE SOLO (12a) Documentary. Star- with a bow & arrow, or transforming ring Alex Honnold, Tommy Caldwell. into a little lord or lady, there’s plenty Number 8, Pershore, Fri 2 Aug of hands-on fun to keep the kids en- VITA & VIRGINIA (12A) tertained, until Sat 24 Aug, Kenilworth Biography/Drama. Starring Gemma Castle Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki. Malvern PICTURE THIS! FAMILY DRAWING TOUR Theatres, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Aug Series of special interactive drawing YESTERDAY (U) Comedy/Fantasy. Star- tours for the whole family, until Tues ring Himesh Patel, Lily James. Artrix, 27 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham Bromsgrove, Fri 2 - Wed 7 Aug DESTINATION SPACE: THE MOON Family TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adventure. show to mark the 50th anniversary of Destination Space: The Moon - Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham
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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy me in a display of aerial acrobatics, until hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has Sun 3 Nov, Warwick Castle donned his captain’s hat to show TEACH REX Learn about the evolution youngsters what it takes to become a of science surrounding the Tyran- pirate on the seven seas, until Sun 1 nosaurus Rex with the help of ‘some Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham very special T-Rex guests’, Thurs 1 SUMMER OF SPITFIRE Attractions in- Aug, The Hangar, Wolverhampton clude cockpit tours of the world’s old- LAMMAS DAY Celebrate this traditional est Spitfire Mk 1, daily storytelling event with resident Tudors, Thurs 1 sessions and the chance to grab a Aug, Mary Arden's Farm, Stratford- Spitfire selfie, complete with props upon-Avon and costumes, until Sun 1 Sept, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton SUMMER NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL The festival comes to Kenilworth as part HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring of its 2019 tour, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Aug, stories and follow in the footsteps of Kenilworth Castle Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 Sept, Black Country Living Museum, THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Europe’s pre- Dudley mier patchwork & quilting show fea- tures displays of textile art and SUMMER TREASURE HUNT Follow the thousands of quilts from all over the clues and find a pirate treasure chest world, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Aug, NEC, in the garden, until Sun 1 Sept, Birmingham Blakesley Hall, Birmingham NIMROD TOURS Step on board the SUMMER OF FUN Featuring a host of Nimrod XV249 and learn about its in- events, shows, activities and meet & telligence-gathering role in the Royal Classic Motorcycle Festival greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton Air Force, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 Aug, RAF Donington Park, Castle Donnington, Sat 3 - Sun 4 August Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Family fun SUMMER NIGHTS Extended opening One of Europe’s biggest celebrations of motorcycling through the including laser combat, foam parties hours means there’s even more time decades, the Classic Motorcycle Festival boasts a packed schedule and tractor safaris, until Sun 1 Sept, to experience the four-mile safari of races and the opportunity to check out hundreds of different Hatton Adventure World, Warwick drive-through and encounter the ani- bikes, not least among which will be some remarkably rare 'THE MINISTRY OF WILD THINGS’ NEEDS mals, Thurs 1 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, West machines. YOU - SUMMER FAMILY TRAIL Become Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- an agent for the ministry and help wdley, Kidderminster Fans’ favourite Steve Parrish will once again be in attendance, track and map Croome’s landscape, TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR with parades, demos and huge display areas further adding to a until Sun 1 Sept, Croome Park, Interactive telling of Cinderella. Help weekend of motorcycling magic. Worcester equip Cinders with everything she PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- needs, then join in the dancing at BEETLEJUICE Tim Burton’s hit movie, artists, teaches the traditions of folk mate underwater adventure’, until Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 2 Aug, presented as part of the zoo’s film canal art, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Black Sun 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, Aston Hall, Birmingham festival, Fri 2 Aug, Dudley Zoological Country Living Museum, Dudley Birmingham NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn Gardens, Dudley ROYALS AND ROUNDHEADS Immerse RETURN TO THE FAIRY BALL Trail and about the nature around you, Fri 2 SUMMER LATES Enjoy summer fun for yourself in the 17th century as the scavenger hunt in preparation for Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- a fiver every Friday evening this English Civil War is reenacted, Sat 3 - Arley Arboretum's annual Fairy Ball, ingham month, Fri 2 - Fri 30 Aug, Black Coun- Sun 4 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- until Sun 8 Sept, Arley Arboretum, CIRCUS CREATIVE WORKSHOP Create try Living Museum, Dudley minster Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster your own greatest show using craft THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT Horror ART IN THE PARK 2019 Showcase of THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 high- and recycling materials, Fri 2 Aug, movie presented as part of the zoo’s for-sale art, with live demonstrations flying birds of prey take to the skies Worcester Arts Workshop film festival, Sat 3 Aug, Dudley Zoo- from Midlands artists and craftspeo- logical Gardens ple, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Jephson Gar- DAY OF DANCE Morris dancing troupes dens, Royal Leamington Spa from all over the country descend on NATIONAL METRO & MINI SHOW Show the Severn Valley Railway for a day of dedicated to two iconic marques and dance, Sat 3 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- celebrating 60 years of the Mini, Sun way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster 4 Aug, British Motor Museum, Gay- SUMMER SATURDAYS Informal craft don morning for families in the cafe/bar. Grab a coffee and join in with rock painting, Sat 3 Aug, Worcester Arts Workshop Festivals NOT ANOTHER COMIC CON Featuring 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line-up includes special guests, panels, competitions Swim Deep, Mystery Jets and Pale and a raffle, with proceeds going to Waves, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Aug, Gospall Birmingham Children's Hospital, Sat Hall Farm, Leicestershire 3 Aug, Aston University Guild Of Stu- DRUNKEN MONKEY ROCK FESTIVAL Line- dents, Birmingham up includes Coda, Creedence Clear- CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL One of water Review and Sam's Town, Fri 2 - Europe’s biggest celebrations of mo- Sun 4 Aug, Wellan Road, nr Upton, torcycling through the decades, Sat 3 Worcestershire - Sun 4 Aug, Donington Park, Castle COOMBE WEEKENDER Line-up includes Donington The Libertines, Tom Grennan and INTRODUCTION TO CANAL ART Julie Circa Waves, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Lammas Day - Mary Arden’s Farm, Straford-upon-Avon Tonkin, one of the UK's leading canal Coombe Abbey, Coventry
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thelist by Three Inch Fools, Sat 10 Aug, Comedy Charlecote Park, Warwickshire MACBETH Presented by Three Inch MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS & COM- Fools, Sun 11 Aug, Charlecote Park, EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Warwickshire Thurs 8 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham THE TEMPEST Performed by a mix of MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS, STEVE professional & community actors, HARRIS & DAMIAN CLARK Fri 9 - Sat 10 Sun 11 Aug, The Dell, Stratford- Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham upon-Avon DAVE LONGLEY, CHRIS STOKES, PAUL PIRIE & SAM AVERY Sat 10 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Kids Shows ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT Based on the classic children’s book Theatre of the same name, Wed 7 Aug, The ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Jessica Lynn - The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Hannigan in a new version of the MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until JNR Join Alex the Lion, Marty the CYDONIA KNIGHTS - Birmingham Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the drome Hippo and, of course, those hilari- TRIBUTE TO MUSE Thurs SUPERCAT Sat 10 Aug, Gigs ous, plotting penguins as they 8 Aug, The Robin, Bil- O2 Academy, B’ham MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran bound onto the stage in the musical AFTER THE BURIEL, ston directs a new version of Shake- ARETHA: QUEEN OF adventure of a lifetime! Fri 9 - Sat 10 FSTS, GHOST IRIS, FEED ME MILK + HIT speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs SOUL Sat 10 Aug, The Aug, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham OVERTHRONE Mon 5 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, THE FLOOR + DAN PE- Night Owl, B’ham Aug, The Flapper, PLOW & MATT MASON + Stratford-upon-Avon SPECIAL DELIVERY Show without THE HOUSE & GARAGE Birmingham JEN NORTH Thurs 8 AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of words fusing puppetry and silliness, ORCHESTRA Sat 10 Fri 9 - Sat 10 Aug, Midlands Arts SKEGGSS Mon 5 Aug, Aug, The Sunflower Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Aug, Digbeth Arena, Centre, Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham AMAZING ARETHA Thurs Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Pro- A$TROBOY$ + MAYDAY ductions present an outdoor staging CHAPTER 13 Mon 5 8 Aug, The Jam THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- + CONOR COLEY + of David Walliams' bestselling tale, Aug, O2 Institute, House, Birmingham speare's comedy of gender and ma- RELLA Sat 10 Aug, The Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Led- Birmingham terialism is turned on its head, until THANK YOU FOR THE Sunflower Lounge, Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- bury JOE DOLMAN + WILL MUSIC Thurs 8 - Fri 9 Birmingham atre, Stratford-upon-Avon ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS NAISBITT + ELLIE Aug, The Roses The- Zany tale T.REXTASY Sat 10 Aug, based on the bestselling children’s POOLE Tues 6 Aug, The atre, Tewkesbury THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken The Robin, Bilston book of the same name, Sun 11 Sunflower Lounge, CREAM LIMOUSINE Fri 9 restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester Birmingham Aug, The World Bar, AESTHETICS + S.T. The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- MANVILLE + JESSIE ford-upon-Avon JESSICA LYNN Wed 7 Resorts World, B’ham REED Sat 10 Aug, The Aug, The Hare & VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- THE INTERPRETERS Fri 9 Cuban Embassy, Hounds, Birmingham sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration Aug, The Night Owl, Birmingham tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Talks TWELVE TWELVE + P.E.T Birmingham HEY PABLO! Sat 10 Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- CELESTE BARBER - CHALLENGE AC- + THE EARNEST SPEARS GERMEIN Fri 9 Aug, Aug, The Flapper, Avon CEPTED Join the comedian and so- + THE MARILYNS Wed Scruffy Murphys, Birm- Birmingham cial media star as she talks about 7 Aug, The Sunflower ingham EDUCATING RITA Starring Stephen Lounge, Birmingham PRETTY VILE + KICK Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson, some of her most famous images BIFFY MCCLYRO Fri 9 THE CLOWN + PELICAAN Mon 5 - Sat 10 Aug, Malvern The- and the stalkers, fans and comments THE BROKEN ORCHES- Aug, The Flapper, + SPIT + NAOMI JAN- atres that get under her skin, Thurs 8 Aug, TRA Thurs 8 Aug, The Birmingham DIO Sun 11 Aug, The Birmingham Town Hall Hare & Hounds, Birm- UNDER MILK WOOD Malvern Theatre MICHALE GRAVES Fri 9 Sunflower Lounge, ingham Young Company present Dylan Aug, The Mill, Digbeth, Birmingham Thomas’s poignant portrait of a Welsh seaside town, Tues 6 - Fri 9 Aug, Malvern Theatres Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MACBETH Presented by Three Inch Fools, Fri 9 Aug, Coventry Cathedral YESTERDAY (12a) Comedy/Fantasy. Starring Himesh Patel, Lily James. A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Out- Number 8, Pershore, Mon 5 - Tues 6 door staging presented by The Lord Aug Chamberlain’s Men, Fri 9 Aug, Kenil- worth Castle APOLLO 11 (U) Documentary. Starring Buzz Aldrin, Joan Ann Archer. The THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL A small Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 5 - troupe of actors adopt a variety of Tues 6 Aug; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 disguises, accents and beards to Aug present Baroness Orczy’s classic adventure story, Sat 10 Aug, Priory TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adven- Park, Malvern ture. With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen. Number 8, Pershore, Tues TWELFTH NIGHT The Wilmore Singers 6 - Thurs 8 Aug present a rollercoaster ride through Shakespeare’s magical tale, Sat 10 DIEGO MARADONA (12a) Documen- Aug, The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon tary/Biography. Malvern Theatres, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Aug Germein - Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented ANNA (15) Action/Thriller. 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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 August
Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren. The Roses Country Living Museum, Dudley Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 6 - Sat 10 NATIONAL PLAY DAY Dress up, play at Aug shops, be an engineer and build a VITA & VIRGINIA (12A) ring road or giant structures , Wed 7 Biography/Drama. Starring Gemma Aug, Coventry Transport Museum Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki. The KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 7 - DAY Treat your very own knights and Tues 13 Aug princesses to a day of royal activity, ALIEN (15) Horror/Sci-fi. Starring Wed 7 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt. Ar- minster trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 Aug NATIONAL PLAY DAY Play experiences ARCTIC (12a) Adventure/Drama. Star- for both the young and young at ring Mads Mikkelsen, Maria Thelma heart, Wed 7 Aug, Herbert Art Gallery Smáradóttir. Number 8, Pershore, Fri & Museum, Coventry 9 - Sat 10 Aug LITTLE SKIPPERS: FABULOUS FOSSILS A LATE NIGHT (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- 45-minute boat trip followed by things ring Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling. to make and do, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Fri 9 - Wed 14 Aug UNICORN RIDES Join the unicorn- THE CURRENT WAR (12a) themed pony rides through the en- Biography/Drama. Starring Tom Hol- chanted woodland in the grounds of The National BMW Festival - British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire land, Benedict Cumberbatch. the Arboretum, Wed 7 - Mon 26 Aug, Malvern Theatres, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Arley Arboretum, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- SUNDOWN CINEMA Enjoy movies ‘be- EQUESTRIAN DAY 2019 Featuring dis- Aug minster neath the stars’ in the venue’s out- plays, demonstrations and rural at- GREASE (U) Music/Drama. Starring DRAGON SLAYER Featuring displays of door arena, Sat 10 Aug, Midlands tractions, Sun 11 Aug, Dallas Burston Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta. fearless horseback fire-jousting, ‘per- Arts Centre, Birmingham Polo Club, Warwickshire Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 10 Aug ilous’ stunt riding and a ‘dazzling’ ASTON ALIVE: A TASTE OF HISTORY Ex- THE NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Featuring DUMBO (PG) Adventure/Family. Star- confrontation between Guy and his perience a taste of Aston Hall’s past more than 1,000 BMWs. Organised ring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton. nemesis, the fire-breathing dragon, through the history of food and drink, by the BMW Car Club UK, Sun 11 Number 8, Pershore, Sat 10 Aug Wed 7 - Mon 26 Aug, Warwick Castle Sat 10 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham Aug, British Motor Museum, Gaydon THE QUEEN'S CORGI (PG) NATURE DAY: LIVE BUGS! Get up close CONVOY IN THE PARK ‘The UK’s Animation/Comedy. With the voices with all manner of creepy crawlies as biggest celebration of all things truck- of Julie Walters, Matt Lucas. Malvern Sarehole Mill invites you to see the ing’, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Aug, Donington Theatres, Sat 10 - Wed 14 Aug Bug Lady. Take part in river dipping Park, Castle Donington Festivals and finding insects and wildlife BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROT- around the venue, Thurs 8 Aug, Sare- STEAM ON THE ROAD Weekend show- cludes Sabaton, Parkway Drive and TEN ROMANS (PG) Comedy. Starring hole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham casing ‘the very best of steam on the Nick Frost, Kim Cattrall. The Roses road and steam on the rails’, Sat 10 - Scorpions, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 10 - Thurs FUN IN THE KITCHEN FAMILY EVENT Dis- Sun 11 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Catton Hall, Derbyshire cover cookery through the ages and 15 Aug Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster LAKEFEST Line-up includes Kaiser have a go at making some historic Chiefs, Happy Mondays and James, food fit for a feast, Thurs 8 Aug, Harv- LIVING HISTORY SHOW Family day out Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor Castle, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ington Hall, Kidderminster featuring up to 1,000 re-enactors spanning major periods from the An- Ledbury Released from Fri 9 Aug, showing at PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy cient Greeks through to the Second FARMER PHIL'S MUSIC FESTIVAL Line- selected cinemas panoramic views of Worcester from World War, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Aug, up includes Lindisfarne, The Neville the top of the tower, Fri 9 Aug, THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN (PG) Spetchley Park Gardens Staple Band and Slim Chance, Fri 9 - Croome Park, Worcester BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) SUMMER FESTIVAL Event featuring Sun 11 Aug, Gatten Farm, Rat- TALL TALES: GOLDILOCKS Interactive food & drink, hand-crafted artisan tlinghope, South Shropshire PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE (U) telling of the famous story, Fri 9 Aug, products, street food, live music and STATFOLD BARN FESTIVAL Brand new Aston Hall, Birmingham children’s entertainment, Sat 10 - Sun for 2019. Line-up includes Sophie SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of 11 Aug, World of Wedgwood, Stoke- Ellis-Bextor, Boyzlife, Tony Christie, Events the country’s premier horticultural on-Trent Toploader, S Club 3 & Bootleg Beat- festivals, featuring a diverse pro- STAFFORDSHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL Cy- les, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Aug, Statfold Barn SUMMER CREATIVE CAMP Join artists gramme of entertainment for the cling experience for the whole family, Railway, Tamworth and WAW volunteers for a week of whole family to enjoy, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Sun 11 Aug, Newcastle Under Lyme, arts activities, Mon 5 - Fri 9 Aug, Aug, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Staffordshire Worcester Arts Workshop ULTIMATE STREET CAR ‘The largest, SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS loudest, hottest and fastest modified Take inspiration from some of the car festival in Europe’, Fri 9 - Sun 11 classic designs at the museum to Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingbor- create your own ceramic master- ough piece, Mon 5 - Fri 9 Aug, Jackfield BATTLE PROMS Featuring ‘dramatic Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire and breathtaking pyrotechnic effects THE BRITISH SHOWJUMPING NATIONAL with cannon fire and fireworks’, Sat CHAMPIONSHIPS AND STONELEIGH 10 Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester HORSE SHOW Six days of non-stop RAF DEFFORD AIRFIELD GUIDED WALK equestrian competition, tradestands Exploration of the top-secret airbase, and children’s activities, Tues 6 - Sun which was home to airborne radar 11 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth testing & development during the YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS' AND CURA- Second World War and the early TORS' CLUB Take part in a holiday club years of the Cold War, Sat 10 Aug, exploring the past, Wed 7 Aug, Black Croome Park, Worcester Kaiser Chiefs - Lakesfest, Eastnor Castle
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Thurs 29 Aug. £15 Fri 30 Aug. £10 2pm WE LOVE LITTLE MIX! MORGAN AND WEST: If you’re a fan you’re sure to L.O.V.E. We MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS! Love Little Mix! 2pm & 7pm Bigger, better, and more magic than before!
Age 5+
Sun 15 Sept. £17 Tues 17 Sept. £12 BARNHART & HUXLEY HOT FIVE KEITH SLATER'S Jazz and Jokes IV back and better than SINATRA CELEBRATION ever! Hosted by Malcolm Stent. 2.30pm An afternoon of classic Sinatra. 2pm
Sat 21 Sept. £20 Tue 24 & Wed 25 Sept. £16/£15 THE BEACH BOYZ MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Good vibrations all round from this From Timeless Theatre - book early for popular tribute. 7.30pm matinee shows. 2.30pm & 7.30pm
August 2019 NEW SEASON ON SALE
2 - 7 August 5-8 August. 6-18 yrs 9 August YESTERDAY MARVEL US! APOLLO 11 A wacky, winning, immensely MUSICAL THEATRE Experience the momentous days enjoyable comedy-drama with and hours in 1969 when a fantastical premise. SUMMER SCHOOL humankind took a giant leap. Release your inner super-hero
9 August 10 August 12 - 14 August. 14 - 19 yrs ALIEN ARTRIX VINTAGE THEATRE Ridley Scott’s heart- stopping, FESTIVAL EXPLORERS skin-crawling sci-fi masterpiece, Sing-a-long Grease, Live Music, still terrifying after 40 years. Swing Dance & Vintage Fayre SUMMER SCHOOL From Page To Stage - A three day theatre workshop
COMING SOON: The Queen's Corgi - Saturday Matinee, Vita & Virginia, John Blek, The Current War Country Chix, Miranda Sykes, Photograph, Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders, Blinded by the Light The Carpenters Experience, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Strawbs 50th Anniversary Concert Chantel McGregor, Brainstormers Comedy, Dear Zoo Live!, Theo’s Comedy Skool, Forever Elton, Pain & Glory National Theatre Live: One Man, Two Guvnors Encore, Paul Foot: Image Conscious, The Counterfeit Sixties Playmobile: The Movie - Saturday Matinee, Ralph McTell, Graham Wilson - Living The Dream...
Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts www.artrix.co.uk @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330
58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:45 Page 2
thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August GREASE THE MUSICAL Nikolai Foster's Classical brand new production stars Peter Andre & Ore Oduba who both play Teen Angel at selected shows, Tues Music 13 - Sat 24 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- JOHN BRIERLEY ORGAN RECITAL Pro- drome gramme includes works by JS Bach, Tues 13 Aug, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester GOT TO SING CHOIR: THIS IS US! Back by popular demand, a wall of sound awaits you as Got 2 Sing Choirs from across the Midlands proudly presents ‘This is Us!’ - a spectacular concert of roof-raising popular songs with an audience participation finale, Sun 18 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birm- ingham NCO: DREAM, FANTASY, NIGHTMARE SISTER ACT Wing It Theatre present Featuring Caroline Hobbs Smith an amateur staging of the story of The Black Seeds - The Glee Club, Birmingham (conductor) and National Children's disco diva turned nun, Deloris Van Orchestras of Great Britain Under 12 RON ARMSTRONG-CRAD- house, Stratford-upon- Cartier, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Aug, Al- Orchestra. Programme includes DOCK Fri 16 Aug, The Avon bany Theatre, Coventry Gigs works by Mussorgsky, Actress & Bishop, ANTARTIC MONKEYS / Humperdinck, Shostakovich, Her- HAIRSPRAY Family-friendly musical Birmingham THE BLACK SEEDS Tue IDLE NOISE Sat 17 Aug, rmann & Williams, Sun 18 Aug, presented by The Grande Royale 13 Aug, The Glee THE GREATEST SHOW Fri The Empire, Coventry Birmingham Town Hall Theatre Company, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Club, Birmingham 16 Aug, Level 25, BEATFACTORY Sat 17 Aug, The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- MINAMI DEUTSCH Tues Marco Pierre White, Aug, The World Bar, bury 13 Aug, The Hare & Birmingham Resorts World, Birm- LOVE LABOUR’S WON Naked Will com- Hounds, Birmingham BLACK ANGUS (ACDC) ingham Comedy bine a condensed version of Shake- RAKETKANON Wed 14 AND SACK SABBATH Fri THE VCR, CHARM OF- speare’s comedy with a devised ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON & Aug, The Hare & 16 Aug, The Slade FENSIVE & HONEY FAC- imagining of the ‘lost’ sequel..., Sat COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Hounds, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhamp- TORY Sat 17 Aug, The 17 Aug, The Dell, Stratford-upon- SON Thurs 15 Aug, The Glee Club, ton Sunflower Lounge, Avon THANK YOU SCIENTIST, Birmingham EFFIGY FOR SLEEP, DEFINITELY MAYBE & Birmingham WING IT 10! Wing It Theatre cele- BARBARA NICE'S SUMMER SPECIAL Fri ARCHETYPE Thurs 15 TONY MCCAROLL Fri 16 BELIEVE - THE CHER brates its 10th anniversary by revisit- 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Aug, The Flapper, Aug, The Night Owl, SONGBOOK Sat 17 Aug, ing some of its biggest and best Birmingham Birmingham Swan Theatre, ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON, productions, Sun 18 Aug, Albany Theatre, Coventry PRAM Thurs 15 Aug, RHINO AND THE Worcester BARRY DODDS & ABIGOLIAH SCAMAUN Fri 16 - Sat 17 Aug, The Glee Club, The Hare & Hounds, RANTERS (FINAL SHOW) OASIIS Sat 17 Aug, CARELESS TALK COSTS LIVES! Wartime Birmingham Birmingham Fri 16 Aug, The Hare & Route 44, Birmingham murder-mystery set it 1944, Sun 18 Hounds, Birmingham TEZ ILYAS, SAM AVERY, STEVE HARRIS & Aug, Henry Sandon Hall, Worcester LYNETTE WALTERS & FREE GALAXY Sat 17 PIERRE HOLLINS Sat 17 Aug, The BAND Thurs 15 Aug, BLIND IN BIRMINGHAM Aug, The Tin Music MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Outdoor Comedy Loft, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- Fri 16 Aug, Route 44, and Arts, Coventry staging performed by the Festival ingham Birmingham Players, Sun 18 Aug, Hall's Croft, THE REGGULITES Sat 17 Stratford-upon-Avon ALMOST EASY Thurs 15 REVOLVER Fri 16 Aug, Aug, The Night Owl, Aug, The Hare & The World Bar, Re- Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented Hounds, Birmingham sorts World, B’ham Theatre by the Boaty Theatre Company, Sun DANNY WRIGHT Sun 18 18 Aug, The Dell, Stratford-upon- GIANT & THE GEORGES VERY SANTANA Sat 17 MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Aug, The Asylum, Avon + ED STRONG + AAR- Aug, Stratford Play- Birmingham directs a new version of Shake- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of Kids Shows Shakespeare's romantic comedy, GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Pro- until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare ductions present an outdoor staging Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon of David Walliams' bestselling tale, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- Wed 14 Aug, Packwood House, Soli- speare's comedy of gender and ma- hull terialism is turned on its head, until GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Pro- Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- ductions present an outdoor staging atre. Stratford-upon-Avon of David Walliams' bestselling tale, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Fri 16 Aug, Coombe Abbey, Binley, restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, Coventry The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- I AM TURTLE The Makeshift Ensemble ford-upon-Avon tell a tale of shipwrecks & sea shells, VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- Fri 16 Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration THE LITTLE MERMAID Amateur staging tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan performed by the Palace Youth The- Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- atre, Sat 17 Aug, Palace Theatre, Free Galaxy - Tin Music & Arts, Coventry Avon Redditch whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Warwickshire 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:45 Page 3
60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:45 Page 4
thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August COASTER CLUB Become a ride Film designer for the day, learn all about how Drayton Manor's rides work and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: enjoy some exclusive ride time, Thurs 15 Aug, Drayton Manor Theme Park, TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adventure. Tamworth, Staffs With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen. Malvern Theatres, Tues 13 - CASTLE TOURS Take a guided walk Thurs 15 Aug around the 11th century castle, Thurs 15 Aug, Dudley Castle SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (12a) Ac- tion/Adventure. Starring Tom Holland, TUNNEL TEDS Take along your furry Samuel L. Jackson. The Roses The- friend for a ted-tastic day of bear- atre, Tewkesbury, Fri 16 - Tues 20 themed fun on and around the canal, Aug Fri 16 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust ONLY YOU (15) Drama/Romance. Star- ring Natalie Arle-Toyne, Isabelle THE GREATEST SHOW Pull up a ringside Barth. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- seat with a sparkling ‘arrival cocktail’ bury, Fri 16 - Tues 20 Aug as Level 25 presents a four-course themed dinner interspersed with ‘the PAVAROTTI (12a) Documentary/Biogra- best in live entertainment’, Fri 16 Aug, phy. Starring Spike Lee, Princess Marco Pierre White, Birmingham Diana. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- bury, Sun 18 - Mon 19 Aug TALE TALES: RAPUNZEL FAMILY STORY- TELLING TOUR Interactive telling of the much-loved fairytale, Fri 16 Aug, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Aston Hall, Birmingham The MakeShift Ensemble’s I Am Turtle - Swan Theatre, Worcester Released from Wed 14 Aug, showing THE MURDER OF ALBERT BECKER at selected cinemas There's been a murder at the Back to Sun 18 Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, new outdoor arts each year, Fri 16 - ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD Backs - can you help solve the mys- Wellingborough Sun 18 Aug, Rode Hall Parkland, (18) tery? Fri 16 Aug, Birmingham Back to VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FESTIVAL Fea- Scholar Green, Cheshire Backs DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (PG) turing all things retro vintage and MORTON STANLEY FESTIVAL Line-up in- NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn one-off handcrafted pieces, Sat 17 - cludes tribute bands Skabucks, Pure GOOD BOYS (15) about the nature around you, Fri 16 Sun 18 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolver- Queen, Led Hendrix & the Ryan Spar- TRANSIT (tbc) Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- hampton row Band, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Aug, Mor- UGLYDOLLS (U) ingham MÜLLER GRAND PRIX BIRMINGHAM ton Stanley Park, Redditch MAGICFEST BIRMINGHAM Players come Bringing the very best athletes in the together to play Magic: The Gather- world to the Midlands for one jam- ing, ‘the world’s most popular trading packed afternoon of top-quality ath- Food & Drink Events card game’, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, letics, Sun 18 Aug, Alexander NEC, Birmingham Stadium, Birmingham GIN & JAZZ CLUB Start your weekend SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS THE WESTERN MOTORHOME SHOW One 'MORRIS GANG' DANCING Blists Hill Mor- off the right way; with a gin cocktail in Take inspiration from some of the of the UK’s largest annual country & ris Gang entertain the crowds with hand, listening to the best live jazz classic designs at the museum to western festivals, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, traditional dances, Sun 18 Aug, Blists around at mac's new Gin and Jazz create your own ceramic master- Three Counties Showground, Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge Club, Fri 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Cen- piece, Mon 12 - Fri 16 Aug, Jackfield Malvern tre, Birmingham Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire FARGO FOOD FESTIVAL From fresh BIG CANVAS: KLIMT WORKSHOP Create grown produce to artisan season- a big canvas painting, enjoy being Festivals ings, delicious drinks, and of course experimental with paint, bring your JUST SO FESTIVAL The multi award- some of the best street food around, own ideas and use ideas based on winning Just So is dedicated solely to FarGo hosts its first ever food festival, the work of painter Gustav Klimt, children and their families, offering Sat 17 - Sun 18 Aug, FarGo Village, Tues 13 Aug, Worcester Arts Work- astonishing arts, unique experiences Coventry shop and the chance to see the best in COASTER CLUB Become a ride de- signer for the day, learn all about how Drayton Manor's rides work and enjoy some exclusive ride time, Tues 13 Aug, Drayton Manor Theme Park, THE MONSTER Following last year’s Tamworth, Staffs sell-out weekend, The Monster re- turns for another knock-out event, Fri MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - BUILDING 16 - Tues 20 Aug, NEC, Birmingham IT UP Will you build the longest bridges, the highest towers, the stur- GUIDE DOGS USE YOUR SENSES 5K RUN diest walls - or even a life-size car? Walk, jog or run a 5K family-friendly Wed 14 Aug, Coventry Transport Mu- fun run. Use your senses and change seum the lives of families living with sight loss, Sat 17 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, SLIME WORKSHOP Make your very Kenilworth own gooey slime to take home, Wed 14 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, THE BEWONDERMENT MACHINE The Be- Birmingham wonderment Machine is an artist-built cycle-powered carousel, ‘a kinetic LITTLE SKIPPERS: CANAL LIFE A 45- public sculpture and a magical jour- minute boat trip followed by things to ney for small children’, Sat 17 Aug, make and do, Wed 14 - Thurs 15 mac, Birmingham Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS Sat 17 - Just So Festival - Rode Hall Parkland, Cheshire whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwickshire 19-25 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:50 Page 1
thelist COMIC TBC Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug, The of Emily Bronte's haunting tale, Wed Glee Club, Birmingham 21 Aug, Foundry Wood, Leamington SEAN MEO, ADAM STAUNTON, ALLYSON Spa JUNE SMITH & BARRY CASTAGNOLA Sat PRIVATE LIVES Heartbreak Produc- 24 Aug, The Comedy Loft, B’ham tions present an outdoor staging of KANE BROWN, NICO YEARWOOD, SPE- Noel Coward's celebrated comedy, CIAL P, FUNMBI OMOTAYO & JUNIOR Wed 21 Aug, The Pavilion, Light- BOOKER Sun 25 Aug, The Glee Club, woods Hill, Smethwick Birmingham SINGIN' IN THE RAIN The Alexandra Theatre's Stage Experience show- cases the talents of young West Mid- lands performers in a major Theatre production supported by a profes- sional creative team, Wed 21 - Sat 24 MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Aug, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham directs a new version of Shake- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs THE TEMPEST Outdoor staging pre- 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, sented by Illyria, Fri 23 Aug, Rose Stratford-upon-Avon Bank Gardens, Great Malvern AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Folksy Theatre, Sat 24 Aug, Mar- until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare tineau Gardens, Edgbaston, B’ham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon RICHARD III Reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s most popular histo- Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals - O2 Academy, Birmingham THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- speare's comedy of gender and ma- ries, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Aug, The Dell, Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham terialism is turned on its head, until Stratford-upon-Avon Gigs THE JERICHO RACKS Sat 24 Aug, The Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- ROMEO & JULIET BMH Productions Marr’s Bar, Worcester atre, Stratford-upon-Avon present an outdoor staging of Shake- ALEX REX Mon 19 Aug, The Tin Music speare’s greatest love story, Sat 24 - THE COLOUR SIX Sat 24 Aug, The THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Sun 25 Aug, The Dell, Stratford-upon- and Arts, Canal Basin, Coventry World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- Avon SKABUCKS Sat 24 Aug, The Castle & ford-upon-Avon Falcon, Birmingham VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version DEFINITELY MIGHT BE + ADORED Sun of Thomas Otway’s restoration 25 Aug, The Robin, Bilston Kids Shows tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan THE PJJ, NORTH BY NORTH, KICK THE Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- TABBY MCTAT Julia Donaldson & Axel CLOWN & KINDS OF LIGHT Sun 25 Aug, Avon Scheffler's heart-warming tale of The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented friendship & loyalty, interwoven with by the Festival Players, Tues 20 Au- original songs and a sprinkling of gust, Swan Theatre, Worcester magic, Tues 20 - Sun 25 Aug, Birm- ingham Town Hall THE LITTLE MIX SHOW - BLACK MAGIC TEECHERS Amateur staging of John Classical Music TREASURE ISLAND Little Arden Theatre Wed 21 Aug, Albany Theatre, Coven- Godber’s comedy, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Company presents its version of try CBSO: ELGAR'S CELLO CONCERTO Fea- Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- Robert Louis Stevenson's swash- TECH N9NE Wed 21 Aug, O2 Institute, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by tor) and Sheku Kanneh-Masonė buckling tale, Wed 21 Aug, Crescent Birmingham Folksy Theatre, Wed 21 Aug, Bishops Theatre, Birmingham (soloist).Programme includes Howell, Wood Centre Garden, Stourport-on- ANDERSON .PAAK & THE FREE NATION- Elgar, Knussen and Weinberg, Wed Severn SAM & MARK LIVE! Children’s TV roy- ALS Thurs 22 Aug, O2 Academy, 21 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham alty Sam & Mark, as seen on CBBC’s Birmingham WUTHERING HEIGHTS Heartbreak Pro- GOING FOR AN ENGLISH SONG Big Friday Wind-Up and Copycats, Featuring ductions present an outdoor staging HARD GRAFT Fri 23 Aug, The World Wilhelm Theunissen (tenor) & Janine Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham Parsons (piano). Programme in- DUANE CONN & THE CONNECTIONS Fri cludes works by Purcell, Haydn, 23 Aug, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester Vaughan Williams, Roger Quilter, Ivor Gurney, Elgar, Britten and Ian Ven- THE MAJOR TOMS Fri 23 Aug, The ables, Thurs 22 Aug, Huntingdon Night Owl, Birmingham Hall, Worcester TRUMAN DINOSAUR + VELVET TIDES + CBSO: MIGRA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S THE NEW RIGHTEOUS MOOD + SLEEPY FOURTH Featuring Mirga Gražinyt - HEADS Fri 23 Aug, The Sunflower Tyla (conductor) and Lina ė Lounge, Birmingham Dambrauskaite (soprano). Pro- KEITH JAMES: THE MUSIC OF YUSUF Fri gramme includes works by Ravel, 23 Aug, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Stravinsky and Mahler, Sun 25 Aug, PANKAJ UDHAS Fri 23 Aug, Symphony Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham CELEBRATING PHIL LYNOTTS 70TH BIRTHDAY-TWO DAY CONVENTION Fri 23 -Sat 24 Aug, The Actress & Bishop, Comedy Birmingham STEVE SHANYASKI PLUS COMEDY YOU RAISE ME UP Sat 24 Aug, Albany CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & Theatre, Coventry COMIC TBC Thurs 22 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE ESTATES + THE CHASE + SHEMP + THE NEW CONSISTENT Sat 24 Aug, The STEVE SHANYASKI, CAREY MARX & Festival Players: Much Ado About Nothing - Swan Theatre, Worcester
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Monday 19 - Sunday 25 August
take to the road with a brand new live Take inspiration from some of the show, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Aug, Mid- classic designs at the museum to lands Arts Centre, Birmingham create your own ceramic master- GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- piece, Mon 19 - Fri 23 Aug, Jackfield tions present an outdoor staging of Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire David Walliams' bestselling tale, Fri RAF DEFFORD AIRFIELD GUIDED WALK 23 Aug, The Wood Norton, Evesham Take a walk around the top-secret air- base, which was home to Airborne Radar testing & development during the Second World War and the early Talks years of the Cold War, Tues 20 Aug, Croome Park, Worcester THE HERITAGE OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN Talk by Bernard Lockett, Sat 24 Aug, ZOO CLUB Activities themed around Malvern Theatres animals, wildlife, nature and zoos for children aged between eight and 14 years, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Dray- ton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Film MURDER AT THE CASTLE There’s been INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: a murder at the castle. Use your in- vestigative skills to find the culprit, RORY’S WAY (12a) Drama. Starring Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Tamworth Brian Cox. Number 8, Pershore, Mon Castle 19 - Tues 20 Aug MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - ROBOT THE DEAD DON'T DIE (15) Comedy/Fan- MAKEOVERS Use your imagination, get tasy. Starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swin- innovative and find out all about cod- ton. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, ing and robotics, Wed 21 Aug, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Aug Coventry Transport Museum WOMAN AT WAR (12a) Adventure/Com- PEPPA PIG MEET AND GREET Peppa Pig edy. Starring Halldóra Geirharðsdóttir, and George make personal appear- Interstellar Jóhann Sigurðarson. Foreign lan- ances at intervals throughout the day, guage, subtitled. Number 8, Per- Coventry Cathedral, Fri 23 August Wed 21 Aug, Birmingham Botanical shore, Thurs 22 Aug Gardens Given the concert’s name, you’d expect some ‘stellar’ music to be BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12a) Biogra- KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN involved - and this 50th anniversary celebration of the Apollo 11 phy/Comedy. Starring Viveik Kalra, DAY Treat your very own knights and moon landing does not disappoint! The 50-piece Limelight Nikita Mehta. The Roses Theatre, princesses to a day of royal activity, Orchestra perform ‘all things space, stars and interstellar’ in a Tewkesbury, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Aug Wed 21 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- show that features tracks by, among others, David Bowie, THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (tbc) Anima- minster Coldplay, Muse, ELO, Pink Floyd, Elton John and Simply Red. tion/Adventure. With the voices of LITTLE SKIPPERS: WATERY WILDLIFE A Awkwafina, Tiffany Haddish. The Oh, and there’s a light & special effects show to enjoy too, not to 45-minute boat trip followed by things Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 23 - mention some impressive NASA footage and an immersive 3D to make and do, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Thurs 29 Aug Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust hologram presentation. THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN (PG) Sounds to us like it could be a truly, er, ‘out of this world’ JUNIOR DRAG RACING FUN DAY Featur- Comedy/Drama. Starring Kevin Cost- ing junior dragsters, demonstration experience... ner, Amanda Seyfried. The Roses vehicles, car-crushing monster trucks Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 23 - Thurs and stunts, monster truck rides and gaming in the tabletop zone, Fri 23 - 29 Aug other family activities, Thurs 22 Aug, Mon 26 Aug, NEC, Birmingham THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- Festivals Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF GLASS ture. With the voices of Donald Festival celebrating and showcasing CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes Glover, Seth Rogen. Number 8, Per- the skill and innovation of the glass Skunk Anansie, The Fratellis and shore, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Aug industry and makers, both historic Ash, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Ragley Hall, MIDSOMMAR (18) Drama/Horror. The and contemporary, local and interna- Alcester Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 24 tional, Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Red SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Aug House Glass Cone, Wordsley, Stour- Scouting For Girls (pictured), Boyzlife bridge and Busted, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Fish NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SHAKES-PAW'S DAY Celebrate National Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn Released from Wed 21 Aug, showing Dog Day in the historic gardens of TALL TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at selected cinemas Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Sat 24 STORY TOUR Interactive telling of the ANGEL HAS FALLEN (tbc) Aug, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & much-loved fairytale, Fri 23 Aug, Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon CRAWL (15) Aston Hall, Birmingham MÜLLER BRITISH ATHLETICS CHAMPI- PAIN AND GLORY (15) PRODUCT EARTH EXPO 2019 The UK’s ONSHIPS The best in Britain go head only hemp, CBD & cannabis event to head, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Aug, Alexan- that highlights the complete business der Stadium, Birmingham eco-system of the plant, its many va- BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- rieties, derivatives and uses, Fri 23 - HAVE-A-GO ARCHERY Try your hand at cludes Face Up!, Kambrium and Left Events Sun 25 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Kenil- archery with a qualified instructor, Sat For Red, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Stoke MINI MOTORISTS Under-fives activity worth 24 - Mon 26 Aug, Shugborough His- Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove toric Working Estate, Stafford mornings, allowing them to discover, INSOMNIA65 See your favourite YouTu- SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up through play, the world's largest col- bers from across the globe, play BIG FUN RUN COVENTRY 5K 2019 Suit- includes Kate Rusby, Skerryvore and lection of historic British cars, Mon 19 some of the latest games, experience able for all the family - under-fives go Grace Petrie, Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Aug, British Motor Museum, Gaydon virtual reality, relive the past in the free, Sun 25 Aug, War Memorial Park, West Midland Showground, Shrews- SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS retro zone, and try a new level of Coventry bury
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thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August FOREVER QUEEN Sat 31 Aug, The Gigs Marr’s Bar, Worcester THE SMALL FAKERS Sat 31 Aug, The BODEGA / WORKING MENS CLUB Wed Night Owl, Birmingham 28 Aug, The Hare & Hounds, B’ham ONCE AND FUTURE BAND Wed 28 Aug, Castle & Falcon, Birmingham GEOFF TATE - OPERATION MINDCRIME Classical Wed 28 Aug, The Robin, Bilston LUNCHTIME ORGAN RECITAL WITH RACHEL MAHON Mon 26 Aug, Coventry WAYNE HUSSEY Thurs 29 Aug, The Cathedral Marr’s Bar, Worcester ELIZA MAY Thurs 29 Aug, The Sun- flower Lounge, Birmingham WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Thurs 29 Aug, Comedy The Core Theatre, Solihull DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON & MACHINE GUN KELLY Fri 30 Aug, O2 COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Institute, Birmingham SON Thurs 29 Aug, The Glee Club, HOLLY AND THE HOTRODS Fri 30 Aug, Birmingham The World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON, BEANS + MAKE YOU MELT + GWYNNE SIMON WOZNIAK & MIKE NEWALL Fri 30 Fri 30 Aug, The Sunflower Lounge, - Sat 31 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Birmingham CHRISTIAN REILLY, DANNY CLIVES, OTIZ DANNY VAUGHN Fri 30 Aug, The CANNELLONI & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 31 Get Hands On With History Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham Kenilworth Castle, Tues 27 August - Sun 1 September ARE YOU EXPERIENCED Fri 30 Aug, Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon- Travel back in time this August bank holiday and discover what it Avon Theatre was like to live, work and fight in a real-life castle. As the name of CLARION Sat 31 Aug, O2 Academy, the event reveals, there’s plenty of hands-on fun for youngsters to Birmingham MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran di- enjoy, whether it’s learning to sword fight, shooting with a bow & rects a new version of Shakespeare’s arrow or having a go at junior jousting. And if you want to take a ‘problem play’, until Thurs 29 Aug, break from the all-action schedule, there’s always Kenilworth Cas- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- upon-Avon tle itself to explore. AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, until THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Samantha ’n’roll production featuring smash hits Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- Womack takes the lead in an adapta- from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s, Thurs atre, Stratford-upon-Avon tion of Paula Hawkins' gripping novel, 29 Aug, Malvern Theatres Mon 26 - Sat 31 Aug, New Alexandra THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- WEST SIDE STORY Youth production Theatre, Birmingham speare's comedy of gender and mate- reimagining one of the most iconic rialism is turned on its head, until Sat A MERMAZING PIRATE ADVENTURE Fam- musicals of all time, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre. ily-friendly performance filled with Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome Stratford-upon-Avon ‘fun, magic, original music & songs’... PRIVATE LIVES Heartbreak Productions LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE DEVOUR- Tues 27 Aug, The Roses Theatre, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken present an outdoor staging of Noel Tewkesbury ING MOTHERS & FRANK LERO AND THE restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Coward's celebrated comedy, Sat 31 FUTURE VIOLENTS Sat 31 Aug, O2 Swan Theatre Stratford, Stratford- LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Mark Mor- Aug, Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Institute, Birmingham upon-Avon aghan (Coronation Street) & Lucy A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Wigan FUNK FACTORY O’Byrne (Evita) star in a brand new Sat 31 Aug, The World VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version Little Theatre Company reimagine staging of the award-winning com- Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham of Thomas Otway’s restoration Shakespeare’s magical play for mod- edy, Tues 27 - Sat 31 Aug, Malvern ROBERT OWENS Sat 31 Aug, The Hare tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan ern times, Sat 31 Aug, The Dell, Strat- Theatres & Hounds, Birmingham Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon ford-upon-Avon THAT’LL BE THE DAY Nostalgic rock-
Little Miss Sunshine Malvern Theatres, Tues 27 - Sat 31 August Based on the Oscar-winning film of the same name, Little Miss Sunshine follows 10-year-old Olive and the rest of the Hoover family on an epic cross-country trek. Their goal is to make Olive a beauty pageant queen. But not everything goes quite according to plan... “I think our show definitely pokes fun at the beauty pageant world,” says Lucy O’Byrne, who stars in the production. “It’s not really a massive commentary on beauty pageants, but we definitely do point out how silly it is having all those tiny children caked in makeup!”
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thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August THE TEMPEST Presented by Chipping to keep the kids entertained, Tues 27 from yesteryear at stations along the Norton Youth Theatre, Sat 31 Aug, Dance Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Kenilworth Castle line, Sat 31 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon TEDDY BEARS PICNIC If you go down to way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster WONDERLANDS National Youth Ballet the Gardens today, you’re sure of a present a programme of original big surprise... Wed 28 Aug, Birming- works, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Aug, The ham Botanical Gardens Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Kids Shows MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - RAMPS Festivals ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT HEARTBEAT OF HOME High-octane AND RACERS Practise your engineer- MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up Based on the classic children’s book dance & music extravaganza fusing ing skills and make the highest includes Don McLean, Jake Bugg of the same name, Wed 28 Aug, Mid- cultures from around the world, Thurs ramps, the fastest racers and the and The Zutons, Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 lands Arts Centre, Birmingham 29 - Sat 31 Aug, Wolverhampton longest racetracks, Wed 28 Aug, Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham Grand Theatre Coventry Transport Museum BACK TO THE 80'S AND 90'S FESTIVAL CASTLE TOURS Enjoy a walk around 2019 Line-up includes Tony Hadley, the 11th century castle, Wed 28 Aug, Venga Boys and Heather Small (pic- Dudley Castle tured), Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Cat- Events tows Farm, Coalville, Leicestershire LITTLE SKIPPERS: FABULOUS FOSSILS A SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS 45-minute boat trip followed by things Take inspiration from some of the to make and do, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 classic designs at the museum to Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust create your own ceramic master- piece, Mon 26 - Fri 30 Aug, Jackfield TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire An interactive telling of Cinderella. Help equip Cinders with everything STORY BRICKS WORKSHOP Learn about she needs, then join in the dancing at slab building and create your own Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 30 Aug, story scenes and figures using air Aston Hall, Birmingham drying clay, Tues 27 Aug, Worcester Arts Workshop NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn MORGAN & WEST'S - MORE MAGIC FOR about the nature around you, Fri 30 GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether KIDS Morgan & West mix ‘brain-bust- Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- it’s learning to sword fight, shooting ingham ing illusion and good old-fashioned with a bow & arrow, or transforming tomfoolery, Fri 30 Aug, The Core The- into a little lord or lady, there’s plenty CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Classic vehicles atre, Solihull
66 whatsonlive.co.uk Donington Park.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 09:55 Page 1 Place In The Sun Full July 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 15:14 Page 1