Coventry & Warwickshire Cover

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GOLDFRAPP HEADLINES Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands LUNAR FESTIVAL COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S JULY ON 2018

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 391 JULY 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

inside: PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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SUMMER FUN where to go and what to see in the school holidays WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 10:51 Page 1 Contents July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:53 Page 2

July 2018

Contents

Jon Boden And The Remnant Kings play Warwick Folk - page 21

Read All About It! Roger Waters Matilda comes home the list

exploring the history of brings his Us+Them show award-winning RSC musical Your 16-page Coventry and its people... to the region returns to the Midlands week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 15 feature page 32 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 36. Film 38. Visual Arts 50. Events

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Ellie Hutchings [email protected] 01743 281706 MEDIA GROUP Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee 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 Warwickshire July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:50 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

New shows on sale at the Coventry Belgrade A first ever revival of Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art and the Afrobeats musical Oliva Tweest are among the highlights of the Coventry Belgrade Theatre’s recently announced 2018/19 season. Other shows to look out for include The Comedy About A Bank Robbery (pictured) - Mischief Theatre’s smash-hit follow-up to its hugely popular The Play That Goes Wrong - and musical drama We’ll Live & Die In These Towns, featuring songs from The Enemy’s debut album of the same name. For full details about the Belgrade’s autumn/winter programme, visit belgrade.co.uk

Arts In The Park returns... bitions, professional residencies, dance, con- made the pledge during a speech at the certs and comedy. Live At The Apollo stand- Prospect National Conference in Birming- Leamington Spa’s free and family-friendly up star Tom Stade headlines. ham. He told the audience that coverage via Arts In The Park festival takes place in the For more information about the Discovery the BBC helped to spread the city of Hull’s town’s Jephson Gardens on Saturday 4 & Festival, visit bridgehousetheatre.co.uk/the- message in 2017 to local, national and inter- Sunday 5 August. discovery-festival national audiences, and that Coventry would The event, which features 150 artists making see the same level of support. and creating, provides visitors with the Commenting on Lord Hall’s speech, Coventry chance to buy an original piece of art, dabble City of Culture Trust’s Creative Director, Che- in a creative workshop or follow a knitted Blue Planet Live to visit nine Bhathena, said: “There’s a real buzz bird trail around the town’s arboretum. They Midlands venue on tour about Coventry right now, and having this can also indulge in some ‘tree spotting’, A live UK tour of Sir David Attenborough’s type of commitment from the BBC’s Director catch a dance or theatre performance, listen award-winning BBC One television series, General is a further boost for our plans for to live music, enjoy artisan food and sample Blue Planet II, is coming to Birmingham. 2021 and beyond.” locally brewed beverages. Visit Blue Planet II - Live In Concert will present a artinpark.co.uk for the full festival line-up. selection of ‘stunning’ visuals from the television series, highlighting the natural wonders Giraffe takeover on the of the planet ‘in breathtaking detail’ and pro- jected onto a state-of-the-art 200 square streets of Worcester! metre screen. A trail of giraffe sculptures will this month be Accompanied by the series’ original immer- installed in Worcester. sive score, the concert will be performed live The decorated giraffes, which will be on dis- by a full symphony orchestra. play from 9 July to 16 September, have been Blue Planet II - Live In Concert stops off at the created from a range of designs submitted by Genting Arena next year, on 16 March. To children, art students, community groups, book tickets, visit theticketfactory.com painters, sculptors and artists. The trail, a Wild In BBC pledges support for Art initiative, con- Tom Stade headlines new sists of 30 large Coventry’s year of culture sculptures and 27 Warwick School festival The team that will deliver Coventry’s pro- smaller ones, and Warwick School is this month hosting its first gramme for its year as the UK City of Culture has been brought ever arts festival. in 2021 has welcomed a fresh commitment by to Worcester’s city Taking place from Sunday 1 to Saturday 7 the BBC to help put the city on the global streets by St July, the event is built around the theme of stage. Richard’s Hospice. ‘discovery’, and features performances, exhi- Lord Tony Hall, the BBC’s Director General, 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:51 Page 2

First Word

The Dragon Slayer heads to Warwick Warwick Castle is next month hosting ‘a captivating, immersive live show for the whole family to enjoy’. Dragon Slayer features ‘fear- less fire jousting, thrilling stunts, epic battles and a horse-led twilight procession’. A light show finale with ‘real flames, mythical monsters and dazzling pyrotechnics’ is also included. The show takes place on various dates throughout August, details of which can be found at warwick-castle.com

Sister Sledge set to make the summer sizzle in Solihull Sister Sledge, 10CC, Busted, Alesha Dixon and Lightning Seeds are among the star performers who’ll be gracing the stage at next month’s Solihull Summer Fest. Taking place at Tudor Grange Park over the August bank holiday weekend (Saturday the 25th & Sun- Real Bodies on day the 26th), the event also features Rak-Su, Fine Young Cannibals’ Roland Gift, Razorlight, The Beat, Sugarhill Gang and The Dualers. show at the NEC For more information about the two-day event and to book tickets, visit solihullsummerfest.co.uk A globe-trotting exhibition of human anatomy is currently on display at Birmingham’s Coventry Moliere comedy gets NEC. Real Bodies takes visitors on a hosts ‘RAF the RSC treatment ‘stunning journey’, exploring 100’ event A brand new updated version of the human body through A special event to Molière’s classic comedy, Tartuffe, physiology, culture and emo- celebrate 100 opens at the Royal Shakespeare Com- tion by displaying real, per- years of the Royal pany’s (RSC) Swan Theatre in the au- fectly preserved human Air Force takes tumn. bodies and over 200 anatomi- place in Coventry Created by BAFTA and Emmy Award- cal specimens. city centre and at winning writers Anil Gupta and The exhibition shows at the the city’s airport Richard Pinto, the new version of the NEC until Sunday 19 August. this month (6 - 8 play is set in Birmingham’s Pakistani July). One of a se- Muslim community. It tells the story ries of ‘RAF 100’ of charismatic chameleon Tahir Tau- events taking fiq Arsuf (played by Asif Khan, pic- place across the tured) - ‘a Rasputin for the 21st UK ‘to commemo- century who’s armed with a Twitter rate and inspire handle and the gift of the gab’. the next genera- The production is directed by Birm- tion’, the week- ingham-born Iqbal Khan, following end culminates in his recent RSC productions of Othello a service of cele- and Antony And Cleopatra. Tartuffe bration at Coven- shows at the Swan from 7 September try Cathedral. to 23 February. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwickshire July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:51 Page 3

First Word

Drag royalty to Tickets on sale star in Coventry for Leamington Popular drag queen Court- Oktoberfest ney Act will be performing her Under The Covers show at Coventry’s Rialto Reborn on Saturday 25 August. Courtney shot to fame in the UK after winning the 21st series of Celebrity Big Brother on Channel Five Tankards at the ready... earlier this year, securing Leamington’s Oktoberfest nearly 50 per cent of the will be making a welcome re- final public vote. turn at the town’s Assembly Advanced tickets to see venue on Saturday 22 Courtney in Coventry cost September. £28 plus booking fee and The popular event features are available from show- oompah bands, authentic timelive.co.uk German food stalls and plenty of German beer. Standing tickets can be pur- Start using your New outdoor arts project to be launched chased for the day session, from 12pm to 4pm, or the Loaf in Solihull at Coventry Cathedral autumn event evening session, from 5pm to The former Argos site on Coventry Cathedral (pictured) has been chosen as the launch site for an 9pm, at eventbrite.com Mill Lane in Solihull is set ambitious new outdoor arts project. to be taken over by furni- Celebrating the intersection of art, engineering and social change, Imag- ture store Loaf. ineer Productions’ Arts Council England-funded project, Bridge, will Meadows Day at The 5,500 square foot plot is produce three major live-per- on the outer edge of Soli- formance events in Coventry, Compton Verney hull’s retail core but is still Worcester and Grantham only a short walk to Touch- over the course of the next wood Shopping Centre. three years. The store will be Loaf’s first The project’s launch event in the Midlands, with the will take place during the company’s current range in- 2018 Festival of Imagineers cluding love seats, burbler in September, and will form chair and Orinoco furniture. part of the 100th anniversary Warwickshire’s Compton Ver- celebrations of Coventry ney Art Gallery & Park is get- Cathedral and Diocese. ting involved with the Bear Grylls looks National Meadows Day cele- for thrill seekers brations on Sunday 8 July by inviting visitors to find out Birmingham’s Bear Grylls Birmingham to host Peaky Blinders fest about the thriving wildlife in Adventure park will be pro- Birmingham’s celebrated Digbeth quarter is to play host to a major Peaky the venue’s meadows. viding around 140 job op- Blinders-themed experience this autumn (Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 Families can take part in cre- portunities this autumn, September). ative participatory sessions with posts available for sky- The Peaky Blinders Immersive Festival will feature Victorian-inspired in order to learn about the diving instructors and high street food, a vintage fairground, historical talks, local ales & specialist importance of pollinators, ropes and climbing supervi- cocktails, live and bawdy while specialist forager and sors. Full training will be music-hall-style entertain- ecologist John Noble will be provided for all roles, ment, traditional Irish folk on hand to chat about edible meaning that it isn’t neces- musicians, tarot card read- plants, meadow manage- sary to be an expert in order ings, live boxing, ment and ecology. to apply. The vacancies can shoeshines, caricatures The event will also provide be checked out at merlinca- and live magicians. More the chance to gather useful reers.com, with more infor- information is available by hints and tips on how to mation available at visiting peakyblindersfes- make or improve a wildlife- beargryllsadventure.com tivals.com friendly garden. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:51 Page 4 Read All About It! DPS 8-9.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 14:09 Page 1

READ ALL ABOUT IT! stories from the iconic Coventry Evening Telegraph building shared on stage...

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by Lauren Cole

A collaboration exploring the history of Coventry and its people is this month being presented in one of the city’s most iconic buildings... What’s On caught up with some of the creatives behind the project to find out more...

This summer, the Belgrade Theatre celebrates the 1960s. Coventry soil, though. A lot of the performers its 60th anniversary in true artistic style - are from the local area too, with many “This is a hugely exciting and ambitious with a mini performance festival staged in a students from local colleges and universities project for us, offering 100 intergenerational rather unusual space. fully committed to the project. performers the chance to create an inspiring The Coventry Evening Telegraph (CET) site-specific work,” adds City Final’s “What I love about Coventry is that it has a building has been one of the city’s iconic producer Hannah Barker. ”It’s been a great really thriving independent sector,” he says, landmarks for many years, and is soon to be way to connect people, deepen an “albeit one that’s perhaps unsung in many transformed into a boutique hotel. But before understanding of inclusivity, research ways. that happens, and thanks to a collaboration Coventry’s rich history and develop the next “We’ve got artists who are really proactive between the Belgrade and the city’s generation of artists.” about making work happen. I think it’s Mercurial Dance company, the former Innovative use of the space and context of something that’s in Coventry’s DNA, and I publishing hub will this month be used as a the CET building will allow both productions think it’s part of why we won the City of temporary performance space in which its to play out like a trip down memory lane. Culture bid.” history and its stories will be explored. “Having this building as a starting point is One of those artists is Mercurial Dance’s In Retold, one of two interactive productions, really powerful,” says Oliver Scott. “All of Coventry-born Ashley Jordan, who voiced Mercurial Dance will blend dance and these pieces are responding directly to what why it’s vital to keep the project local: “It was spoken word to interpret memories sourced happened in this building, so to be using it as important to have Coventry-born-and-bred from locals. Audience members from each a canvas gives it a richness and an dancers in our show, Retold. We know the performance will also be invited to submit authenticity.” city and are familiar with its history and their own stories - resulting in the show landmarks, so we have those points of being an amalgamation of improvised parts Scott had the idea for Read All About It! reference when we’re working on and rehearsed work. almost as soon as the newspaper staff had choreography. For me, Retold is really stepped out of the building for the last time. “What we really want to do throughout the nostalgic - it's about and for the people of the He was able to move forward with the project whole piece is explore the idea of the city, which gives the piece a really personal thanks to help from the Great Place Scheme, Telegraph as a vessel for telling people’s edge. Coventry is blossoming! I’ve seen how under which the Coventry City of Culture stories,” explains Mercurial Dance Artistic much the city has developed over the last few Trust falls. Director Oliver Scott. “It’s important to us to years, especially in the arts sector, and I’ve find a structure that allows people’s everyday “The whole thing started as an idea I had been able to be part of its growth. Unlike lived experiences to be given validity, to be probably as far back as 2012, when the other, larger cities, where opportunities to cherished and retold.” Telegraph first moved out of the building. At grow and develop in your practice are almost the time, I was passing it every day on my saturated, Coventry offers space and The company’s second immersive production way into work, and thinking about what an opportunity for artists to make their mark takes audiences on a journey through the interesting space it would be for a and put their stamp on the city.” CET building, with a different performance performance. So I wrote up this idea for an by a different youth or community group at immersive environment piece and submitted each stage. Entitled City Final, it is led by the it to the Great Place Scheme. Later on, I Belgrade’s Community & Education joined up with the Belgrade, and that’s when Read All About It! takes place at the department, and sees performance groups we thought it would be great to bring in the Coventry Evening Telegraph building presenting pieces based on a major event community groups as part of a tapestry of from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 July. covered by the Coventry Evening Telegraph. performances throughout the building.” Tickets are available via the Belgrade These include the Willenhall plane crash, Theatre. issues surrounding racial integration and It’s not only the pieces, performance spaces stories from the popular Locarno Ballroom in and funding partners that are firmly rooted in

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:40 Page 1 Food July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:40 Page 2

Food

To accompany this, I chose a flavour explosion. The dish was candy floss fizz from the cocktail relatively small in size - which menu. Comprising fairy floss and was no issue, as we’d ordered a prosecco with rosé, lychee, gin- lot and were fully intending to ger and Havana rum, it was one indulge in dessert! of the most elegant and delicious Speaking of which, the cappuc- cocktails I’ve had the pleasure of cino cake was genuinely one of drinking. the nicest desserts I’ve ever Next up, the steak tartare and eaten. I’m not even a big coffee the mozzarella di bufala. Hand- drinker, and I’d always choose chopped beef striploin, tabasco savoury food over sweet, but dressing, cornichons, shallot, this, for me, was the absolute parsley, egg yolk and toasted star of the show. Described on granary is a flavour combination the menu as a warm chocolate of dreams, so the steak tartare cake with milk mousse and a cof- was devoured pretty quickly. fee sauce, it was absolutely The second dish - an unusual amazing. I urge anybody who choice for us, as it’s rare that we visits The Ivy to order one! select an option which doesn’t My partner opted for the choco- include meat or seafood - was late bombe. This comprised a also very tasty. The creamy moz- melting bombe with a vanilla ice zarella paired with fresh aspara- cream & honeycomb centre, ac- gus and edamame, topped with companied by a hot, salted roasted pine nuts, pesto and caramel sauce served at the baby basil, made for a fantastic table. It tasted as naughty as it flavour combination. Light and sounds, but in a good way, of fresh, it was the perfect dish to course! experience alongside the steak It’s not just the food and drink tartare, and a top-notch starter that are wow factors at The Ivy, REVIEW: The Ivy Temple Row indeed. it’s the whole package. Featuring World famous restaurant proves to be a By this point the restaurant was their signature green palette, full, and although the service striking burnt orange banquettes class act after opening in the Midlands was quick, it was in no way hur- and polished marble floors, the ried; the environment was very This year marks the 100th an- of breakfast, elevenses, lunch, decor is simply stunning. relaxed. niversary of world famous afternoon tea, cocktails, week- The service was exemplary, too. Covent Garden restaurant The end brunch and dinner. For our main courses, we opted The staff were friendly, welcom- for the grilled whole lobster with Ivy. And what better way to cele- The Ivy’s menus are sophisti- ing and knowledgable, while our garlic and parsley butter with brate than by expanding the Ivy cated and all-encompassing, waitress, Elle, was an absolute watercress and thick cut chips, Collection brand? showcasing a selection of mod- diamond throughout our visit. and the fish special - swordfish Unless you’ve been living under ern British classics and interna- Our first Ivy experience couldn’t served with large couscous, pi- a rock for the past couple of tionally inspired dishes. have gone any better, and I very mento peppers, black olives, months, you’ll be aware that Slow-roasted lamb shoulder, aro- much look forward to sampling chimichurri and a red pepper Birmingham was among the matic duck curry, fish & chips some more of their outstanding tapenade. much-loved celebrity haunt’s and crab linguine all feature. dishes (and cocktails!) in the As expected, the lobster was di- new-location choices, along with On arrival, my partner and I were near future. Lauren Foster vine. Cooked to absolute perfec- Manchester, Leeds, Harrogate politely taken over to our table tion, the meaty crustacean tasted and York. and welcomed to the restaurant Food: as though it had been caught nnnnn Open seven days a week and sit- with a glass of Ivy Collection Service: fresh from the sea that very day. nnnnn uated just a stone’s throw from Champagne. Ambience: The garlic and parsley butter, as nnnnn New Street train station - at the The evening’s proceedings were Overall value always, served as the most nnnnn top of Temple Row and overlook- certainly off to a good start! OVERALL preferable accompaniment. nnnnn ing St Philip’s Cathedral - the We began with an appetiser of The swordfish special was an- restaurant couldn’t be any more salt-crusted sourdough bread, The Ivy Temple Row other stunning main course. conveniently located for cus- with salted butter and a portion 67-71 Temple Row Again, the fish was cooked per- tomers from both in and outside of truffle arancini. The bread was Birmingham fectly, with the peppers, olives, B2 5LS the city. The 135-cover brasserie just incredible, as were the chimichurri and tapenade com- Tel: 0121 725 2110 serves an extensive all-day menu earthy, fried Arborio rice balls. ing together to create a beautiful whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:40 Page 3

Pride & Prejudice Performed live in Brueton Park, Solihull Bring your own seat/blanket/picnic etc. Tues 17 July at 7pm £12/£11/£7 The Little Mix Experience Singing live - a fantastic fun show Just like the real thing! Thurs 26 July at 2pm & 7.30pm £15

Bringing On Back The 60s New Amen Corner plus Mike D’Abo Also Little Miss Sixties - Nancy Lee Sat 28 July at 7.30pm £21 Drama Course For young people 8-16 yrs. Performing in a live show. See website for full course details. 1 week starting 30 July £130 Doctor Dolittle Fun family show about the man who talks to the animals! Fri 3 Aug at 2.30pm Age 4+ £9 Morgan & West's Magic Show (For Kids .. and Childish Grown ups!!) Magicians, time-travellers & all round spiﬃng chaps! Thurs 30 Aug at 2pm £10

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Food

Secret cocktail bar coming to Birmingham A new ‘secret’ cocktail bar is to open in Birmingham city centre. Focused around serving the highest- quality drinks in a laidback and friendly environment, 18/81 will be situated on Thorp Street, with the exact location remaining a secret. Customers will be required to ring a doorbell in order to gain access to the premises.

Brum gets a new seafood & steak venue The award-winning Lasan Group has opened a new venue in Birmingham. Jailbird New York Seafood & Steak serves dishes including: sea bass marinated in creole spices with kale salad and a blackened lemon wedge; a classic surf & turf comprising grilled lobster with cheesy mustard mornay; and black risotto with prawns and soft shell crab. To book, visit thejailbird.co.uk

Warwickshire town to get new food festival A brand new food festival is coming to Italian wine cafe pops its cork in Kidderminster Southam in Warwickshire this autumn. Taking place on Sunday 16 September An Italian wine cafe has opened in Kidderminster, Worcestershire. at Southam Rugby Football Club, the Founded by two Italian friends living in Manchester, Veeno brings the authentic Italian ‘aperitivo’ event will feature live music, a to the region. The venue offers everything from reds, whites, rosés and fizzes to spuntini selection of food & drink vendors from appetisers, desserts and expert-led tasting sessions. across the region and plenty of Commenting on the new venture, Veeno co-founder Nino Caruso said: “Our focus is creating an activities to keep the kids entertained. aperitif-centred location for relaxation, serving up high-quality food and the finest Sicilian wines around.” To find out more about Veeno, visit theveenocompany.com

Coffee shop chain bans disposable cups in its stores Boston Tea Party is the first coffee shop to ban all disposable cups in its stores. The popular chain, which has branches in Solihull and Stratford-upon-Avon, is set to lose over £1million in sales due to the ban. Hot drinks will still be available, but customers will need to bring in a reusable cup if they want to purchase one. There’s also the option of ‘borrowing’ a cup with a refundable deposit, or of buying a branded, reusable cup - made from bamboo fibre - at the counter. The ban will mean that 300,000-plus disposable cups will no longer be used. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Stephen Carter Bailey.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2018 09:34 Page 1 Stephen Carter Bailey.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2018 09:34 Page 2

get your bake on!

Great British Bake Off finalist Steven Carter-Bailey makes his Shropshire debut mid-month, showcasing his talents in the food theatre at the Newport Show. What’s On recently caught up with him to talk about his craft, his role models and his dinner-party guest list...

How did you get into baking, Steven? work, it’s always an enjoyment for me. I’m If you were heading along to the Newport My mum showed me the basics over 25 years more of a cook at home, but I’ll take any op- Show as a visitor, what would be in your ago and taught me to enjoy working with portunity to bake a cake or rustle up some picnic basket? food. I’ve self-taught myself food creativity shortbread. I love a picnic basket because there are so and design over the last 10 years. many little things to choose from, a lot like What does the future hold? Greek food. So I would probably go for a What inspired you to apply for the Great The future’s still undecided, but whatever Mediterranean-style picnic with halloumi, British Bake Off? happens, food will be my first love. I love per- olives and dips. And wine, of course! I’d applied a few times before with no luck, forming and presenting, so if I could do that but when the show moved channel, I with food, then I’d be a very happy man! If you could host a dinner party for three thought, ‘This must be a sign’. It was a work celebrities, dead or alive, who would they Baking has definitely undergone a resur- colleague who forced me into applying by be and what would you cook? gence in popularity in recent years, but telling my entire department that I was going I would have to invite Jennifer Saunders be- it’s not traditionally a hobby for younger to do it! cause she would be the humour and enter- men. Do you see yourself as a role model tainment. Stephen Fry would be the intellect for a new generation of bakers? Personally speaking, what was your best and dry humour, and Sandi Toksvig because moment in the show? I’m touched that, at 34, I’m still classed as a I simply adore her. We would have a very sim- I would say the first star baker was pretty in- younger man! For both men and women, bak- ple roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings. credible for me. Despite how well I did, I did- ing has become less of a chore and just an- My mum hates lamb, so we never had it n’t believe that it would be me, so it was a other way to express themselves. If anything, growing up, hence my love of it now. Dessert genuine shock. I also just wanted to ring my I hope I can inspire people to at least try would be rich chocolate tart with a cinnamon mum and tell her the good news. something new. Chantilly crème, just because I made it last weekend and fell in love with it. What's the best thing you've had the op- Which famous baker/chef is your role portunity to do since appearing in the model? show? My top three are James Martin, Nigella Law- I love demonstrating live. To me, it’s a son and Ina Garten. Their approach to food Steven Carter-Bailey gives two 45-minute kitchen with a lot of house guests, and that’s has always inspired me to perfect my tech- presentations at Newport Show, my favourite place to be. Also, being a news niques and try new things. Chetwynd Deer Park, Saturday 14 July. reporter for ITV London for a week was so If we invited you for afternoon tea, what much fun! You can also see Steven at Lichfield Food cake would you hope we’d dish up? Festival on Monday 27 August. Do you still get time to bake for enjoy- I’m British, so if you’re serving me afternoon ment? tea, then it has to be the classic scone with Whether it’s baking for lunch or baking for jam and clotted cream. Nothing beats it! GIGS July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 14:09 Page 1 GIGS July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 14:09 Page 2

Gigs

We Are Scientists The Empire, Coventry, Sun 29 July We Are Scientists’ breakthrough success came with debut studio album With Love And Squalor, which featured hit single Nobody Move, Nobody Get Hurt, the song for which the rock duo are best known. They visit the Midlands this month in support of latest album Megaplex, released earlier this year.

Roger Waters of original guitarist, singer and songwriter Syd Barrett in 1968, he also became their Arena Birmingham, Sat 7 July lyricist, conceptual leader and co-lead vo- In 1965, Roger Waters founded one of the calist. world’s biggest and most successful bands, Waters this month visits Birmingham with Pink Floyd. Waters initially served as the his Us+Them show as part of his European Foonyap group's bassist, but following the departure tour. The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Thurs 5 July Presenting music which has been described as a deeply raw, unguarded reflection of her Sam Carter tumultuous journey to self-discovery, Cana- dian musician Foonyap started violin lessons Evesham Arts Centre, Thurs 26 July at the age of four. Described by Bellowhead's Jon Boden as the Her latest full-length album, Palimpsest, has finest English-style finger-picking guitarist drawn comparisons with Kate Bush and of his generation, folk musician Sam Carter Bjork, and featured at number six in the was named best newcomer at the 2010 BBC Toronto Star’s top 30 albums of 2016. Radio Two Folk Awards. He’s since performed in countries across the world, ap- peared on Later With Jools Holland and backed Richard Thompson at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Latest album How The City Sings features traditional English songs.

Bratislava Hot Serenaders Del Amitri Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sun 8 July Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 23 July If you love swing and dance music from the Formed in Glasgow in 1983, Del Amitri have 1920s and ’30s, this is the show for you. released four top 10 albums during their dis- Playing the music of Paul Whiteman, Duke tinguished career, including million-selling Ellington, Count Basie and the Goldkette, breakthrough offering Waking Hours. Jack Hylton and Carroll Gibbons orchestras, Embarking on their first tour since 2014, the the Bratislava Hot Serenaders is a 21-piece band features original members Justin Cur- ensemble which includes multi reed play- rie (vocals, guitar), Iain Harvie (lead guitar), ers, three violins and the much-loved Sere- Andy Alston (keys), Kris Dollimore (guitar) naders Sisters trio. and Ashley Soan (drums). whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical July Warwickshire_Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 14:16 Page 1 Classical July Warwickshire_Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 14:16 Page 2

Classical

The Cardinall’s Musick Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 9 July Innovative ensemble The Cardinall’s Mu- sick are highly regarded for their extensive study of renaissance music and premieres of commissioned compositions. Four times winners of the coveted Gramophone Early Music Award, the group here present The Music Makers, a 16th century and contemporary miscellany featuring compositions by Juan Guttierez de Padilla, Byrd, Hieronymus Praetorius, Guerrero and Palestrina. A selection of work first written for The Cardinall’s Musick is also included in the programme.

Armonico Consort: Supersize Polyphony 360 Malvern Theatres, Thurs 5 July; Coventry Cathedral, Fri 6 July Founded by organist and conductor Christopher Monks in 2001, and using authentic period instruments, Armonico baroque consort regularly perform with some of the best solo musicians in the world. This latest concert sees them celebrating large-scale works from the 16th century, which they will perform while surrounding the audience. Fea- tured compositions include Tallis’ Spem In Alium and Striggio’s Ecce Beatam Lucem. Igor Levit In Recital Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 19 July Three Choirs Festival Redditch Orchestra: The recipient of a hugely enthusiastic Various locations throughout Hereford, Family Concert standing ovation on the last occasion he Sat 28 July to Sat 4 August Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 8 July played solo in Birmingham, Igor Levit is This year celebrating its 303rd birthday, the widely considered to be one of the 21st Three Choirs is the oldest non-competitive century’s most exciting pianists. classical music festival in the world. This full-scale recital, featuring music by The event brings together established Bach, Shostakovich, Berg, Wagner and favourites of the British classical choral tra- Liszt, should certainly provide the Rus- dition with works drawn from a broader, sian-German maestro with plenty of op- more international musical canvas. portunity to show exactly why he’s held in Choral and orchestral concerts feature such high regard across the world. prominently in a week-long programme that also includes cathedral services, solo and chamber music recitals, masterclasses, talks, theatre, exhibitions and walks. The action takes place each year on a rotat- This year celebrating its 70th birthday, the ing basis in one of three beautiful cathedral Redditch Orchestra is one of Worcester- present- cities, Gloucester, Worcester and Hereford, shire's oldest amateur ensembles, the latter of which is hosting this year’s ing a varied repertoire that mainly features proceedings. classical, romantic and early 20th century Highlights at Hereford Cathedral include music. As part of their anniversary-year cel- the Philharmonia Orchestra’s The Planets ebrations, the orchestra here present an af- (29 July), Tenebrae (30 July), Monteverdi ternoon of family favourites, ideal for Vespers (31 July), Binchois Consort (3 Au- youngsters aged four and older. gust) and the Philharmia Orchestra and A selection of creative activities are avail- Three Choirs Festival Chorus’ performance able for children to enjoy in the hour before of Brahms’ German Requiem (4 August). the concert begins (at 2pm).

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:02 Page 1 Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:02 Page 2

Festivals

Lunar Festival Umberslade Farm Park, Solihull, Fri 27 - Sun 29 July

Set in the grounds of the stunning Umber- slade Estate in Tanworth-in-Arden, the birthplace of Nick Drake, this fledgling festival takes the legendary singer-songwriter as its muse, blending dreamy escapism with experiment and discovery, and all with a psychedelic sound and colour palette. Billed as ‘one of the UK's most enchanting odysseys’, the festival boasts an eclectic music line-up, from traditional folk to elec- tro-pop and atmospheric DJ sets. There’s fantastic food and drink on offer too, with a funfair, a forestry club, a children’s farm and herbal havens also featuring. Line-up includes: Goldfrapp, The Stran- glers, Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Amadou & Mariam, Songhoy Blues, The Go! Team, Crazy P, Hookworms, A Guy Called Gerald, Jane Weaver, Boy Azooga and The Unthanks.

Timber Festival Fuse Festival SummerFest Feanedock, National Forest, Derbyshire, Beacon Park, Lichfield, Fri 13 - Sun 15 July Himley Hall, Dudley, Sun 15 July Fri 6 - Sun 8 July Organised by the fundraising team at Mary Brand new for 2018, Timber sees music, art, Stevens Hospice, this friendly family festival philosophy and sustainability weaved to- will take over the grounds of the Grade 2 gether for ‘an exhilarating weekend’ in the listed Himley Hall. Featured attractions in- heart of the National Forest. clude fairground rides, a classic car show, a Created by Wild Rumpus, the company be- food festival, a cocktail bar, a beer tent, a hind the award-winning Just So Festival, the prince & princess meet-and-greet and a full three-day event features camping, sound in- day of music on the Signal 107 main stage. stallations, storytelling, soundscapes, com- All profits raised via the event will be do- edy, campfires, forest films, workshops and nated towards the continuing care of families an extensive music line-up. battling life-limiting illness at the Hagley Line-up includes: Jane Weaver (pictured), Road Hospice. This Is The Kit, Stuart Maconie, Luke Jerram’s Line-up includes: Lemar, Matt Terry (pic- Museum Of The Moon, Aadae, H.Hawkline, tured), Reggie N Bollie and special guests yet Sivu, Ewan McLennan and Alice Jemima. Now established as one of the Midlands’ largest free music and arts festivals, Fuse this to be announced. month returns to Lichfield’s beautiful Beacon Park. Featured in the 2018 edition of the event is music, grassroots projects, family activities, beatboxing, storytelling, musical in- strument making, drumming workshops, art & crafting, poetry, sporting challenges, close- up magic, dance, food & drink and plenty more.

Line-up includes: Tankus The Henge, The Cracked, The Undercover Hippy (pictured), Jeramiah Ferrari, Marquis Drive, Skaciety, Scott Doonican, Colour Me Wednesday, Can- taloop, White Eskimo, Third Angle Projec- tion, Martian Social Club and Sugarthief.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:02 Page 3 BE Festival 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2018 09:31 Page 1

REVOLT ATHEN Tues 3 July Σ

Last year’s first-prize winners return with an extended and updated version of their performance piece. The work provides a thought-provoking insight into post-crisis Greece, bringing together figures from Greek mythology with tear-gas-choked rioters.

BE FESTIVAL 2018 showcasing the best of Europe’s emerging performance artists...

BE FESTIVAL is back at Birmingham Repertory Theatre this July. unwind further, there is an undeniable tone in this year’s programme Voted one of the UK’s top festivals by the Sunday Times (2014), it is that explores how we connect as individuals at a local and now in its ninth year, and brings some of Europe’s boldest, emerging community level. The programme invites audiences to explore how artists to Birmingham. This annual celebration guarantees a week we, intentionally or not, create divides between groups and/or packed with a mix of international theatre, dance, circus, food, music individuals. The pieces presented in the festival attempt to break and visual arts. down these barriers, and in so doing test everything from the human body’s boundaries to issues around the subject of social prejudice. When BE first debuted in 2010, co-directors Isla Aguilar and Miguel Oyarzun set out to create a festival where festival goers could connect BE FESTIVAL takes place at The REP, Birmingham, from 3 to 7 July. across social, cultural and artistic borders. Whilst originally from Tickets start from £16 and audiences can see up to 4 shows in one Spain, Isla and Miguel have spent the past decade living and working evening. Save room for the Festival Dinner which is served up during in both Birmingham and Madrid. These two distinctive, cultural cities the interval each night, and if you want to tuck in for the full festival have had huge influence in shaping the festival’s unique and experience a pass for all five nights costs just £100 inclusive community ethos. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit befestival.org. Nine years on, as the fabric of our European community is set to

PERFORMANCES . VISUAL ARTS . TALKS . WORKSHOPS . LIVE MUSIC BE Festival 2018-2.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2018 09:31 Page 2

By Lauren Cole

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS...

P-PROJECT THREE ROOMS SOMEONE LOVES YOU DRIVE WITH CARE Tues 3 July Wed 4 July Thurs 5 July A co-presentation with Fierce Festival, Three Rooms is a hybrid performance of live Performance artist and master of trickery P-Project is an interactive audience- theatre and video, simultaneously taking Tom Cassani tests his body’s limits with participation-based piece by performance place in Paris, Istanbul and Birmingham. instruments traditionally seen in the classic artist Ivo Dimchev. The play uses Skype to overcome sideshow stunts of the vintage US circus. Audience members are invited on stage to disciplinary and literal boundaries, and has Making frequent use of ‘sleight of hand’ perform tasks based on several words been inspired by Europe’s ongoing border throughout the show, Tom uses deceit as an beginning with 'P' - such as piano, pray, crisis. A response to its actors’ previous artistic platform to explore how both truth pussy, poetry and poppers - in exchange for experiences of being blocked from crossing and lies can be constructed in order to money. Europe for work, it also reflects on the manipulate others. Each task is more absurd than the last, the effectiveness of technology in overcoming intention being to test how far people will the impact of absence. go in exchanging their bodies for cash.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF WE’VE GOT EACH OTHER SISYPHUS Fri 6 July Fri 6 July Sat 7 July

Swiss parkour practitioner Marc Oosterhoff This original and innovative one-man Masterful creation of intense atmosphere searches for a mixed artform that features Bon Jovi musical tells the tragic love and controlled physicality are the stand-out the perfect combination of dance, theatre, story of Livin' On A Prayer’s Tommy and features of this performance from one of contemporary circus and performance art. Gina. Europe’s most distinctive disabled artists, Putting his life on the line to deliver a Local performer Paul O'Donnell hopes radical Belgian painter and performer powerful message, Marc walks into a bar the piece will reveal ‘the ordinary’ in a Thibault Delferiere. and takes a dangerous number of whisky ‘spectacular’ fashion. Inspired by the ancient Greek myth, shots. Will the show go on? You’ll have to “My work is often based in comedy,” Sisyphus explores all the senses, using the go along to find out... says Paul. “It’s always personal to every body, paint and brutal objects to depict audience I am met with, and aims to endless cycles of hope and failure. leave each spectator feeling a little bit more ‘special’ than they were before they entered the space.” Festivals July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:02 Page 4

Festivals

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun 8 July Created by the Midlands masterminds behind the Moseley Folk and Lunar festivals, Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul sees world-class artists coming together with leading lights of the local jazz community for a laidback, family-friendly event designed to celebrate Birm- ingham's musical heritage. As with its sister folk festival, the event is located in the gorgeous surroundings of Mose- ley Park, a stunning woodland glade tucked away behind busy Birmingham streets - making it the ideal retreat for music-loving city- dwellers. Line-up includes: Jimmy Cliff (pictured), Sister Sledge, Candi Staton, Roy Ayers, Craig Charles, David Rodigan, Fred Wesley & The New JBS, Jungle Brothers, Lucky Chops, A Skillz & Krafty Kuts, Osaka Monaurail, Ezra Collective, Lack Of Afro, Laura Misch and Yazmin Lacey.

Let’s Rock Shrewsbury Warwick Folk Festival Bromsgrove Folk Festival Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 14 July Warwick School and Warwick town centre, Bowling Green Inn, Bromsgrove, Thurs 26 - Sun 29 July Worcestershire, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 July Take a trip back in time with some of the biggest acts of the 1980s. Leading the way for Now in its 27th year, Bromsgrove Folk Festi- quality, family-friendly festivals since 2009, val offers patrons the chance to enjoy inti- this blast from the past is suitable for all mate concerts by UK-based folk, roots and ages, whether you're looking to re-live your acoustic performers. Taking place at the youth or hearing old pop classics for the very town's Bowling Green Inn, the festival first time. spreads across two marquees (one 350-seater and one 120-seater), with sessions and sin- Line-up includes: UB40, Marc Almond (pic- garounds taking place inside the pub. tured), Kim Wilde, Midge Ure, Go West, Jason Donovan, From The Jam, Imagination, Five Line-up includes: The Demon Barbers XL Star, Katrina, China Crisis, Toyah, Hazell (pictured), Cosmotheka, Robin Laing, An- One year short of its 40th, Warwick Folk Fes- Dean, Fuzzbox, Bow Wow Wow’s Annabella, thony John Clarke, Ursula Holden Gill, Bar- tival boasts the very best in contemporary Brother Beyond, Peter Coyle Ex Lotus Eaters lowCree, Mumbo Jumbo, Bram Taylor, Dave and traditional folk arts from the UK and be- and Black Lace’s Conga Party. Gibb, Heartstrings, Rob Barratt, Miriam Back- yond. house, Silvington, Fairfield, Tosh Ewins and As well as an extensive line-up of performers, Stitherum. the four-day camping event features ceilidhs, workshops, acoustic concerts, singarounds, an extended craft fair, a range of real ales, on-site catering and community-led recycling. The organisers also deliver a fringe festival of events in the town centre, featuring dance displays, street theatre, music sessions and an evening concert on the Saturday. Line-up includes: Show Of Hands, Notori- ous J.I.G, Jon Boden And The Remnant Kings (pictured), Korrontzi, Gordie MacKeeman And His Rhythm Boys, Granny’s Attic, Vishtèn, Megson, Daoirí Farrell and Crows.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Steve Harley.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:52 Page 1

a cockney rebel Steve Harley talks music, horse racing and Ernest Hemingway...

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Steve Harley.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:52 Page 2

by Stephen Taylor

I’ve never felt part of the music industry, I’ve never felt“ “ a bonding with them, ’cause deep down I’m an ex-journalist who got lucky with songwriting...

It’s Derby Day and, as Steve Harley is prepar- recordings by Duran Duran and Erasure. ence on me. He taught me not to waste words ing to go on stage at the Acoustic Festival of However, it was a version by British indie and, here I am, rereading To Have And Have Britain, our conversation is punctuated by band The Wedding Present that hit the mark Not, and I’m a chapter in and just going, racing commentaries from Doncaster and with Harley. ‘How did anyone get that good?’ Epsom. “I think it’s very much the best ever. I saw it Harley’s love for literature has been reflected “I’ve had one of my biggest bets for five on Top Of The Pops and I just went, ‘Brilliant! in his lyrics. Tumbling Down, the third single years,” says the 67-year-old. “It’s a horse that They’re the first ones to get it, they’ve read it off 1974 album The Psychomodo, features the my friends own and they swear it’s gonna right’. They kicked it, they really went for it, line ‘The Hemingway staccato, the tragic win. The horse is called Austrian School.” angry and finger-poking. I kind of like that.” bravado,’ while solo album Poetic Justice’s closing track, Riding The Waves, cites an- Apart from forming Cockney Rebel in 1972 Harley describes Make Me Smile as “my pen- other major influence - Virginia Woolf. and releasing one of the most famous singles sion; I wish I had five or six of them”, but his of all time, Harley is a passionate racing fan thirst for songwriting remains undiminished. “Woolf was from a special, different place. I who once co-owned a horse with Mel Smith, can’t have a word against Virginia. You just “I’ve got a grand piano in the living room, a so it’s fitting that our interview is taking have to read To The Lighthouse - it’s poetry - Roland (keyboard) set up in my study, I’ve place at Uttoxeter Racecourse. and then you’ve got The Waves, in a world of got guitars in three rooms, permanently set its own. In Riding The Waves, I borrowed Cockney Rebel first entered the UK charts in up on stands, so I play all the time. A couple from it quite heavily.” 1974 with the singles Judy Teen and Mr Soft, of hours every day, mostly in the evenings, although the band’s debut 45, Sebastian, had with a glass of something. So I record all the With our interview almost at an end, Harley already been a hit on the continent. However, time.” politely asked if he could watch the Derby, it was Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) having seen his earlier tip fail to make it into An indentured newspaper reporter, Harley that sealed their place in the annals of rock the frame at Doncaster. has always seen himself as an outsider in music, a tune with lyrics that were inspired terms of his career in music. “I’m sorry, it’s the Derby, and I might just get by unrest amongst Harley’s band members. my losses back.” “I’ve never felt part of the music industry, “It came out of adversity. We’d had Judy I’ve never felt a bonding with them, ’cause As we watched the horses approach the last Teen, Sebastian was massive all over Europe, deep down I’m an ex-journalist who got lucky half mile, the live stream of the race froze, re- Mr Soft had just been a hit; we were on a roll. with songwriting, but I’m quite good at what sulting in a volley of expletives from Harley. Then three members of the band came to me I do. with all these ultimatums, and I said, ‘I can’t Later, he announced during a very impressive do this. It’s my band, I formed the band, you “I really, really feel like it’s my life now, that I set, albeit one dogged by technical problems, knew I was going to write three albums, a tril- belong, that I’ve paid my dues and earned my that he’d backed the winner as well as the ogy, and I’m halfway through writing the place, and these kind people (at the Acoustic second-placed horse in the Derby. So all in all third album’. And I wrote Make Me Smile Festival) are giving me a lifetime achieve- it was a good day at the races for the leg- about it.” ment award today. I’ve seen the list of previ- endary Cockney Rebel, both on the turf at ous recipients, and I belong there.” Epsom and on stage at Uttoxeter. And the rest, as they say, is history. By the middle of February 1975, Make Me Smile by As a child, Harley suffered from polio. It was the renamed Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel during his recuperation that he developed an was top of the pops, the first of five chart en- enduring love for literature, with Ernest Hem- tries that the single would make during the ingway a particular passion. Steve Harley plays Leamington Assembly next 40 years. Rooms, Friday 3 August; Shrewsbury Folk “I’ve got a first edition of Hemingway’s To Festival, Friday 24 August and Moseley To Harley’s knowledge, the song has been Have And Have Not. I haven’t read any Hem- Folk Festival, Sunday 2 September covered at least 130 times, with notable ingway for 20 years. He was a massive influ-

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy July 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:51 Page 1

Comedy

Hilarity Charity Gala featuring Rhod Gilbert Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 3 July This returning Central Youth Theatre (CYT) fundraiser is once again compered by Daniel Kitson, with Welsh funnyman Rhod Gilbert this year headlining. Other comedians ply- ing their trade at the 2018 version of the event are Aisling Bea, Alex Horne, Ivo Gra- ham and John Kearns. This is the fourth edition of Hilarity Charity to be organised by CYT, Wolverhampton’s leading youth theatre since 1983.

All Stars Of Comedy Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 30 July Bianca Del Rio The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 29 July "I hope you're ready for some filthy, nasty, hateful humour,” says Bianca Del Rio, “because Former Coventry school teacher Guz Khan I'm coming to Birmingham with a brand new comedy show!” here takes his place in a line-up of comedy Hailed as the drag world’s answer to Joan Rivers, self-proclaimed ‘clown in a gown’ Bianca - talent that’s promising to keep punters’ ribs real name Roy Haylock - is a former winner of hit US reality TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race. well and truly tickled. Her 2017 UK tour went down an absolute storm, with a similar success story expected this Guz shot to relative fame a handful of years time round. ago after seeing his YouTube clips go viral. Since then, the only way has been up for the one-time Humanities teacher. “I think it’s important to push against boundaries with George Egg: comedy,” says Guz. “And although I like to make people laugh while exploring issues The DIY Chef such as religion, race and gender, I’m not Lichfield Garrick, Wed 11 July somebody who’s looking to cause offence Described as ‘a Tommy Cooper just because I can.” for the 21st century’, George Guz is joined at the Glee by headliner Slim, Egg combines humour and Aurie Styla, ADot and Gerry Kyei. food to excellent effect. What’s even more impressive than his admirably relaxed multi-tasking is the fact that the food is prepared using items including power tools, gardening equipment and office supplies. Audience members with a desire to ‘get interactive’ can try out his cuisine at the end of the show.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy July 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:51 Page 2

Mat Ewins MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 19 July Offbeat silliness is definitely the name of Mat Ewins’ game whenever the computer programmer-turned-standup comedian takes to the stage. Mat is visiting MAC to try out new material en route to the Edinburgh Festival. He’s sharing the limelight with Larry Dean, who’s heading for bonnie Scot- land having recently made his BBC Live At

The Apollo debut. Photo credit: Georgia House. Georgia credit: Photo

Dirty White Boys White Boys hit town. Majoring in fast-paced idiocy, the fellas’ The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, sketches are based around all manner of sub- Wed 11 July jects, from Shakespeare and the Mafia to wiz- Keen customer service, an awkward pub quiz ards and improper uses of a banana. and an elaborate musical number all feature Expect an evening of utterly stupid but thor- on the comedy menu when hugely talented oughly enjoyable comedy. but woefully underrated double act Dirty

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival Various locations, Shrewsbury Town Centre, Paul Smith Thurs 19 - Sun 22 July New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Already a hotbed of food, flowers and folk Sat 7 July music, Shrewsbury last year tossed its hat Affable Liverpool comedian Paul Smith has into the comedy ring too, with four of the waxed lyrical on all manner of topics in his town’s venues co-hosting an inaugural festi- time, including such peculiar subjects as val of laughter. who he’d most like to be haunted by The event proved so popular that it’s this (Ghandi - Paul reckons he’d do it quite qui- month making a welcome return for a sec- etly) and which is the largest animal he ond year. thinks he could beat in a fight (a goose). Contributing comedians include, among He’s also ‘died’ on stage in front of a Baby- others, Britain’s Got Talent 2018 winner Lee lon 5 actress, who made matters worse for Ridley (aka Lost Voice Guy), Russell Kane, him by shaking her head in pity. Jason Byrne, Nish Kumar, Rob Deering and Widely regarded as one of the comedy cir- Irish hip-hop improv duo Abandoman. cuit’s most accomplished MCs, Paul is resi- Commenting on the event, its co-producer dent at Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club. and one-time stand-up comic, Kevin Bland, He’s starting to make a real name for him- said: “Shrewsbury has a great tradition of self on a national level too, courtesy of on- hosting festivals, including everything from line video clips which almost routinely go street theatre to folk music, food to comics viral. and beer to flowers. We reckoned it was high He visits Birmingham this month with his time we brought some comedy to the town Abandoman touring show, Hiya Mate!. as well.” whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre July-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 16:01 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Fred Jeffs: The Sweetshop Murder on stage. “It took me no time at all to realise that the memory of Fred and his The REP, Birmingham, Wed 11 July murder still resonates in the consciousness of local people,” says The Good Friday murder of Birmingham sweetshop owner Fred Jeffs Graeme. “So I set myself the task of gathering a consensus of informa- in 1957 remains unsolved; which is why writer, performer and Jeffs’ tion by interviewing local people about what they know - and also great nephew, Graeme Rose, has decided to reexamine the case - live what they don’t know - about the case.”

Astley’s Astounding world... Cirque Berserk! New Vic Artistic Director Theresa Heskins Adventures here takes the helm for a show that’s promis- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 - Sun 8 New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, July; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 26 - Sat 7 - Sat 28 July ing ‘fast-paced action, humour, gripping Sat 28 July drama and breathtaking circus spectacle’. The ever-busy Zippos Circus this month make a welcome return to the Midlands with their hit show. Described as a danger-filled specta- The Complete Works Of cle, Cirque Berserk! promises to ‘amaze audi- William Shakespeare ences of all ages’ with its Globe of Death - a presentation in which daredevil motorcy- (abridged) clists speed around the inside of a steel cage Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, at more than 60mph. Tues 24 - Sat 28 July An international troupe of jugglers, acrobats, Now, if you feel you really should pay more aerialists, dancers and drummers also make attention to the works of the world's greatest a telling contribution to proceedings. ever playwright, but really don't fancy hour The 250th anniversary of the first circus is upon endless hour of listening to some terri- celebrated in this sure-to-be-impressive bly serious actors thee-ing and thou-ing in show, the most ambitious ever to be staged your general direction, then this is the show by the New Vic Theatre... Entrepreneur Philip for you! Astley’s life began inauspiciously in Newcas- All of Shakey's 30-plus plays are covered in tle-under-Lyme in 1742. It took an unexpected the blink of an eye, allowing you not only to turn, some 26 years later, when his invention become very learned very quickly, but also to of the circus ring kickstarted a phenomenon get down the pub in time for last orders! that would capture the attention of the

26 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. July. RIGHT HAND FP 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 14:21 Page 1

Unforgettable performance, powered by you 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge (6% from 2 Jul 2018) may apply excluding cash sales in person.

Sat 14 & Tue 11 - Sun 15 Jul Sat 15 Sep FREE From £12

La Fille mal gardée

Tue 3 Jul - Sun 16 & Wed 26 - Sat 8 Sep Mon 17 Sep Sat 29 Sep From £30 £23 From £16

Cover to Cover: Roald Dahl Around the World An exhibition of eye-catching Dahl book covers.

FREE entry

ON NOW Wed 10 Oct Mon 5 - Until 15 Sep - Sat 3 Nov Sat 10 Nov FREE From £29.50 From £18

La traviata Verdi

Wed 14 & TueTue 2323 Nov Wed 19 Dec Fri 16 Nov - SatSat 131 Dec - Sun 27 Jan From £20 The Nutcracker FromFrom ££20 From £16 Theatre July-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 16:01 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Iolanthe Beautiful fairy queen Iolanthe’s youthful looks cause trouble for her son, Strephon, when his fiancée, Phyllis, refuses to believe that the Malvern Theatre, Tues 10 - Sat 14 July; young-looking girl in his company is actually his mother. Breaking off Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 July the engagement, Phyllis decides to marry a lord instead. Iolanthe Gilbert and Sullivan’s seventh of 14 collaborations, Iolanthe is a bit- then determines to set things right for her son by meddling in politics ing satire lampooning numerous aspects of British government and - with some rather unexpected results... law. The production is presented by Sasha Regan's all-male company.

Sharing Joy A Self Help Guide To The Egg Rumour MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 5 July Being In Love With The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 2 & Mon 9 July Courting couples, wartime nurses, a singing Jeremy Corbyn As advances in technology continue to pro- dog and Elvis the Pelvis are all present and Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Sat 21 July correct in this full mask production from vide greater flexibility in all walks of life, this award-winning theatre company Vamos. Described as a lyrical, powerful and humor- brand new musical play takes a look at the Set in the 1940s and ’50s, the show has been ous look at modern politics, Jess Green And concept of social egg freezing as an ‘office created for people living with dementia and The Mischief Thieves’ brand new show fo- perk’, with large corporations clearing the their carers. cuses on Jess’s experiences as a card-carrying way for their female employees to ‘have it “It’s a huge celebration of life and all its Labour supporter - from the downfall of Tony all’, freezing their eggs in order to buy them joys,” say Vamos, “using music, dance, nos- Blair to her head-over-heels love for ‘the raw more time to make their way up the profes- talgia, masks, puppetry and laughter to bring Communist sex appeal’ of Jeremy Corbyn. sional ladder. pleasure and meaning to everyone involved. But as a young woman named Iva discovers There’s plenty of music to bring back memo- Miss Littlewood when her company gives her an out-of-this- ries, dancing to enjoy or join in with, swing- world promotion, fitting all of her eggs into ing dresses and best suits. It’s a playful and Royal Shakespeare Theatre, one basket is a far tougher task than it ini- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 4 August joyous show that encourages everyone to tially seems... take part, to express themselves and make Perhaps best known for her development of connections.” the Theatre Workshop, a group launched in the 1940s whose best-known shows included Oh! What A Lovely War and A Taste Of Honey, Joan Littlewood is often referred to as ‘the mother of modern theatre’. This brand new musical charts Littlewood’s journey from the East End to the West End, celebrating the life and times of a woman who was unquestionably one of the most anarchic rev- olutionaries of 20th century theatre.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre July-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 16:01 Page 4 Theatre July-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 16:01 Page 5

Theatre outdoor performances to enjoy across the region

Macbeth with a brand new tale about the world’s This much-loved and oft-performed story is greatest detective. here presented by the well-established Heart- Stafford Castle, until Sat 14 July ‘When the wife of Doctor Watson suddenly break Productions, a company which has gar- Having been spurred into action by the disappears, a desperate quest to find her be- nered an enviable reputation for producing prophesies of three supernatural women - gins,’ explains Chapterhouse’s promotional high-quality theatrical fare for performance and egged on by his conniving wife - Mac- blurb for their show. ‘Sherlock Holmes comes in the great outdoors. beth’s desire to be king of Scotland sees him face to face with his greatest fear at the slaughtering first Duncan and then Banquo. hands of his mortal enemy in this stunning As the pressure mounts and his grip on san- new tale of romance and suspense’. ity weakens, he decides to commit even more We don’t know about you, but that’s certainly atrocities - including the murder of women enough to get us hooked. Picnic hampers and and children... folding chairs at the ready, we think...

The Tempest The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Thurs 5 July; MAC, Birmingham, Sat 14 July; Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 28 July The Tempest Madcap funsters Oddsocks aren’t the first to Witley Court & Garden, Worcestershire, Fri 6 give William Shakespeare’s last ever play a July; Coughton Court, Nr Alcester, Fri 20 July; seriously sci-fi slant - hit West Ender Return Shrewsbury Castle, Tues 7 August; Kenilworth To The Forbidden Planet is an outer space Castle, Fri 10 August; Bantock House, Nr Wolverhampton, Sun 26 August version of The Tempest, too. Little Women Advertising their show as ‘boldly going Shakespeare’s last and most complete play, MAC, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, Fri 27 where no other Shakespeare has gone be- The Tempest also represents the culmination July; Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Spa, Worcester- fore’, the hugely popular ensemble will be of his art, bringing together many of the shire, Sat 28 July; Erddig, Wrexham, Sat 18 themes that informed his greatest dramas. August bringing their ever-winning brand of anarchic humour to proceedings - not to mention A wild storm forces a royal ship onto the The highly rated Chapterhouse Theatre make a flying saucer’s-worth of music and a galaxy rocks of an enchanted isle. The castaways, a welcome return to Midlands venues this of zany aliens! separated from one another, find themselves summer with their adaptation of Louisa May slipping under the control of the mysterious Alcott’s famous story. Prospero. Matters are confused further by the Written in the 19th century and widely con- presence of supernatural spirit Ariel and the sidered to be the first US children's novel to grotesque man-beast, Caliban... become an enduring classic, it tells the tale Presented beneath the stars by The Lord of four sisters - Jo, Beth, Meg and Amy - as Chamberlain's Men. they experience passion, romance, heartache and hardship during the brutal and challeng- ing years of the American Civil War. Emma Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birmingham; Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July; Blakesley Hall, Birm- ingham, Sat 7 - Sun 8 July; Selly Manor, Birm- ingham, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 July; Harvington Hall, Nr Kidderminster, Sat 14 - Sun 15 July Pride And Prejudice Jane Austen’s comedy of manners blends Re- Brueton Park, Solihull, Tues 17 July; Jephson gency wonderment and heartwarming ro- Gardens, Leamington Spa, Sat 4 August; mance, to recount the story of a young Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, Fri 17 Au- woman who's determined to pair off her gust; The Wood Norton Garden & Terrace, Eve- sham, Fri 24 August friends with their perfect matches. But as she goes about her Elegant Georgian settings and wonderful business, it be- comic characters abound in this stage adap- comes evident tation of Jane Austen's famous romantic The Adventures Of there may well be novel. the chance for Sherlock Holmes The foolish and marriage-obsessed Mrs Ben- Emma to find a Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wed 11 July net is relentless in her pursuit of suitable true love of her men for her five daughters to marry, her in- Chapterhouse Theatre are certainly having a own... Presented creasingly desperate quest generating all busy old summer. As well as touring to the by Birmingham’s manner of muddle and mayhem in the pro- Midlands with their version of Little Women much-loved Cres- cess... (see above), they’re also visiting the region cent Theatre.

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Theatre for younger audiences...

Madagascar The Musical Keepy Uppy New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, MAC, Birmingham, Sun 1 July Tues 31 July - Sat 4 August “This is a play for the 2018 World Cup year, The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the for football fans, non-football fans, children crowd has tempted the furry cast of Madagas- and families,” explain Tutti Frutti, the Leeds- car the movie to forsake New York's Central based company producing the show. “So Join Park Zoo in favour of treading the boards on us and celebrate the joy of the beautiful game a UK tour. with popping rhymes, fab footie moves, flicks The blockbuster DreamWorks film comes to and sidesteps, all underscored by toe-tap- life in Birmingham when Alex the Lion, ping live music. This is a visual treat that will Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Glo- ignite children’s imaginations from kick-off ria the hip hip Hippo stampede into summer to the final whistle.” with a great big jungle roar. Imaginative sets and costumes are very much present and correct, in a show that the producers are confident will send your kids The Owl Who Was Afraid home positively wild (which may or may not be a good thing!). Matt Terry (pictured) stars. Of The Dark Lichfield Garrick, Wed 11 July Jill Tomlinson’s bestselling children’s classic is here brought to the stage by the talented The Snail And The Whale There’s ‘enchanting’ puppetry to enjoy too, Riverside Performing Arts. The ensemble Malvern Theatres, Tues 3 - Wed 4 July; not to mention ‘absorbing’ storytelling, utilise music, puppetry and storytelling to Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 17 - Sat 18 plenty of live music, lots of dancing, some present the delightful tale of a baby barn owl August; MAC, Birmingham, Sat 1 - Sun 2 positively obligatory audience participation, September who’s not as comfortable with the darkness several slices of silliness and a super-sassy of night as maybe he should be... Following on from versions of The Gruffalo heroine! What more could your average and Room On The Broom, highly rated en- youngster possibly want? semble Tall Stories here present a show for children aged four and older that blends Horrible Histories: imaginative storytelling, live music and plenty of humour. Barmy Britain Part Four When a tiny snail who longs to see the world Oakengates Theatre, The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Wed 18 - Sat 21 July hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale, she finds herself embroiled in an ex- If you love the Horrible Histories series - and citing adventure - particularly when the why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then this latest whale unexpectedly gets beached... Barmy Britain show is well worth catching. Alongside providing answers to such search- ing questions as ‘would you be shaken or stirred by Richard III?’ and ‘can Queen Eliza- beth I endure her terrible teeth?’, the show also invites its audience to be reduced to rub- ble by the ruthless Romans, survive axe-fac- Little Baby Bum tor with the Vikings and peep into the world of Samuel Pepys. Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sun 1 - Mon 2 July: Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, In short, and as its publicity says, it’s ‘a truly Fri 6 - Sat 7 July horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty If you’re the parent of a very young child, bits left in! chances are you’ll have heard of Little Baby Bum. An online and digital TV sensation, it’s the world’s largest educational YouTube channel, with over 13 million subscribers and Little Red Riding Hood 15 billion views. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 24 July; This brand new live show offers the perfect Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 31 July opportunity to get better acquainted with It may be the height of summer, but that has- some of the channel’s most popular charac- n’t stopped the ever-resourceful Moon On A ters, including Mia, Jacus, Twinkle and all of Stick from adding plenty of traditional pan- their nursery rhyme friends. tomime elements into their latest show.

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coming home!

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Matilda (Chris).qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 13:02 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Eight years after making its debut at the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, the RSC’s staging of Roald Dahl’s inspiring tale returns to the Midlands...

In 2010 I had the pleasure of chatting to creative team are completely involved, wherever you see the show. It’s amazing how comedian and lyricist Tim Minchin about a ensuring the production remains very much we all respond (universally) to live theatre.” new project he’d been working on with as the Company intended. The joy of Matilda, with its addictive score, director Matthew Warchus and writer Dennis Indeed, as Catherine Mallyon, Executive larger-than-life characters - we’re talking Kelly. Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Miss Trunchbull here - and uplifting storyline The said project was a musical version of recently pointed out, there have been very ensures that you never tire of seeing the Roald Dahl’s award-winning book, Matilda. few changes to the show, regardless of where show. Catherine herself has lost count of the Tim’s enthusiasm for the project was in the world it has been presented. number of times she’s seen it - and almost palpable, but in that moment it was just every time she finds something new... “There are changes which may be noticeable, another new show, commissioned by the depending on how well you know the “It’s a very rich production in that sense. Royal Shakespeare Theatre as its Christmas production. These have to be made to adapt There are so many things to look at, to listen offering for that very same year. the show to the different venues. There are to, to follow. It’s a real feast for the senses.” I listened as Tim spoke about how much he’d certain special effects that you can do one Numerous professional and amateur versions enjoyed the experience but how he’d nearly way in a particular venue but that need to be of Dahl’s works are regularly performed on declined any involvement, citing his busy done differently elsewhere. The words, the stages up and down the country, and a recent schedule as the reason. music, the design, the dances, the costumes big screen adaptation of the BFG received are still the same.” As for the longevity of Matilda, Tim was plenty of critical acclaim. So what is it about edging his bets: “I think it’s too early to say. I Matilda’s universal appeal has seen the show the author’s stories that make them so guess it needs someone with a big cheque performed to almost eight million people appealing to produce? book to come along and make a decision, but across the world. “They’re all so imaginative and original that I certainly hope that it lives for a long time.” “It travels really well,” says Catherine, you can really scale them up for the stage. As soon as the curtain came down on that “although on the North American tour, we The beauty of Matilda is the way that the very first performance in Stratford-upon- found that if it goes to a city where there isn’t book was developed by the creative team - in Avon on the 9 November 2010, the destiny of that familiarity with Roald Dahl, the particular by Dennis and Tim - weaving a Matilda was sealed. The show was a hit. The audience find it slightly unexpected. They new story into it and really giving it even critics loved it. The audiences loved it more. still have an absolutely great time, but you more depth of theatricality than the book had Word quickly spread about the inspiring can tell that they’re feeling their way into it. in the first place. It’s a wonderfully clever story of a super-gifted young girl. piece of adaptation. “When we play it here in the UK, in the Twelve months on, in October 2011, Matilda States, and certainly in Australasia, the “The fact that it’s been seen by almost eight opened at the Cambridge Theatre in the West response from people who’ve grown up with million people across the world is an End, where it continues to show to this day. Roald Dahl - not necessarily the story, but the interesting stat, but what I love is the story style - is amazing. Everybody just falls in love behind that, which is that virtually every one During the interim years, it has become one with it. of those people will have had a great time of the most successful musicals of all time, seeing the show. And that’s an awful lot of smashing records and casting its shadow “Interestingly, on Broadway there were some people.” across some of the world’s most iconic stage tweaks made for local audiences. The Escape shows. Artist, as he was called there, is actually known as the Escapologist in other Matilda has now gone full circle and is this productions. We found that there are certain month coming home to the Midlands for a 10- Matilda The Musical shows at words which can act as a barrier elsewhere, week run at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Birmingham Hippodrome from and therefore we felt we needed to change. Tues 3 July to Sat 8 September. Tim, Dennis and Matthew still have an active That apart, it’s extraordinary to me that that involvement with the show, and the RSC’s feeling of joy in the audience is the same

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Matilda (Chris).qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:47 Page 3 the biggest challenge is to ensure that she“ “stays within the parameters of reality and doesn’t become too grotesque

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Matilda (Chris).qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:47 Page 4

by Patsy Moss

craige els does the

Roald Dahl is famedtrunchformation for his larger-than- Roald Dahl’s descriptions are so brilliant. never send her up, and that she remains life characters - and they don’t come any She’s also very masculine, which is a plus rooted in truth. That’s the biggest challenge; more formidable than Miss Trunchbull, point for me, and you just work through it all to make sure she stays who she’s meant to be. the headmistress of Crunchem Hall Pri- in rehearsals. You find the places in the show mary School, who detests children to her where feminine touches can creep in, but And have there ever been any mishaps? core. A ‘tyrannical monster’, she spends more often than not, rather than just ap- There have been a few. I’ve had warts that her days intimidating the ‘revolting chil- proaching her as ‘playing a woman’, I try to have fallen off, and I bit off the hair from one dren’ in her charge - force-feeding them approach her as ‘playing Miss Trunchbull’. of my moles once, which was particularly un- cake and swinging them around the play- Not necessarily gender specific but more of pleasant when you’re still trying to sing a ground by their pigtails. an ogress. song. I also snapped the ulnar ligament in Historically played by a man, it’s Welsh my left thumb halfway through the big num- actor Craige Els who’s charged with bring- Tell us about your Trunchformation... ber in the second act, which was particularly ing this eccentric and bloodthirsty charac- We have a fantastic wigs & wardrobe team, grim. I had to have that operated on. That’s ter to life on the Hippodrome stage. and we’ve now got the transformation down probably the biggest serious mishap, but lots What’s On recently caught up with Craige to about half an hour. I do the make-up my- of silly things happen all the time. When to find out more about his role... self, and then the wigs team come in and put you’re running around at that pace in that the wig on. Then I slip into the fat suit, and costume, you do take a stumble from time to What’s the best thing about playing the rest just gets draped over me until she’s time. You do get caught up in things; it’s im- Miss Trunchbull? complete. possible not to. The role itself is obviously fantastic. It’s a wonderful challenge and a wonderful re- Do you have a pre-show warm-up, to get How did you deal with the thumb sponsibility to be playing such a notorious you into the right mindset to play Miss incident? villain. Dennis’ script is a joy to perform Trunchbull? The show went on. I finished the number and every night, and I think most of all, I get to Before the costume goes on, we do a full then, by the time I got off stage, there was work alongside my fantastic tiny little co- company warm-up and I do my own vocal only a short period of time for a quick change stars, who are exceptional in every way. All warm-up, to try and get myself into the right before my final scene. They asked if I’d be the adults in the cast would agree that it’s place for her voice. Then once the costume’s okay, and by that time the adrenaline had them who keep us going and make us laugh on, I guess there’s about 20 minutes at the kicked in. There wasn’t time to get the under- daily. They definitely set the bar energy-wise. start of the show when everyone else is on study in costume - we would’ve had to stop Normally it’s when a cast gets to that six- stage but I’m not. It’s quite handy spending the show instead - so I went on and did the month point that the energy starts to dip and that time alone because in my head she’s a last scene. Luckily there was no need to pick people get a bit tired. I think having a fresh solitary character, quite introvert and compli- up any children or spin anyone by the head influx of kids is a reminder that it is, in fact, cated, so it’s nice to spend that time alone to at that point. It was just me. I finished the the best job in the world. They’re all very ex- check over my lines and get into the right show and ended up having a month off while cited, and it’s a lovely, gentle reminder place mentally. it healed. It’s quite a cool scar, which the kids halfway through a contract that it’s exciting love. to do. How do you re-find yourself post-show? Do you have a favourite scene? What personal attributes do you think The end of the show is so euphoric. The bows helped bag you the role? at the end on the scooters are all very upbeat The big number Smell Of Rebellion in the sec- and very happy. Once you receive the ap- ond act is a lot of fun. It’s one which the au- I think I was the right height. You have to plause from the audience, that tends to lift dience very much lets you know they’re have a certain amount of flexibility to be able you out of any dark humour you might be in. enjoying as you go along. I’m spoilt really, to do all of the athletic stuff that Miss Trunch- Any residual Trunch is gone by that point. because most of my scenes are classroom bull has to do, and that was something I scenes or with all of the kids, and they’re could definitely bring to the table. As far as What’s been the most difficult aspect of such a joy to perform with. I do love the last everything else, I think I was just the lucky her character to master? classroom scene, where the kids have their guy they picked on the day. I suppose that having played the role for such uprising and they defeat Miss Trunchbull. That’s always a real fun one to d a long time, the biggest challenge is to ensure o. What research did you undertake for the that she stays within the parameters of reality role? and doesn’t become too grotesque; that I All of the research is there in the book itself. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:47 Page 1

Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

back catalogue of Abba has been raided for more of the same. So we Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! CERT tbc have Waterloo, Dancing Queen, Thank You For The Music, et al, to Starring Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Colin Firth, Andy García, Lily beef up the story of Sophie’s pregnancy as she discovers more about James, Amanda Seyfried, Stellan Skarsgård, Julie Walters, Cher, Meryl Streep Directed by Ol Parker (UK/USA) her mother’s past. Meryl Streep returns as Donna, while Lily James Suddenly, audiences can’t get enough of a good ol’ singalong. After plays her younger self, with a slew of new stars joining in the sunny the success of La La Land and The Greatest Showman - not to men- high jinks. tion the phenomenal popularity of the first Mamma Mia! film - the Released Fri 20 July

Film highlights released in July...

Mary Shelley CERT 12a (121 mins) Whitney CERT 15 Starring Elle Fanning, Douglas Booth, Bel Pow- Directed by Kevin Macdonald (UK/USA) ley, Ben Hardy, Tom Sturridge, Maisie Williams, Stephen Dillane Directed by Haifaa Only last summer, Nick Broomfield brought al-Mansour (Ireland/USA/UK) us his critically acclaimed documentary Saudi Arabia’s first female director turns her Whitney: Can I Be Me (2017). So, are we ready attention from female inequality to the for another documentary on Whitney Hous- British literary scene. Set in the period lead- ton? If so, the subject is in good hands, as ing up to 1818 and the publication of Kevin Macdonald’s previous forays into non- Frankenstein, the romantic drama focuses on fiction brought us the Oscar-winning One Mary Wollstonecraft (Fanning) and her infat- Day In September, the Bafta-winning Touch- uation with the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley ing The Void and the extremely well-received (Booth). Swimming With Men musical biopic Marley. Released Fri 6 July Released Fri 6 July CERT 12a (97 mins) Starring Rob Brydon, Jim Carter, Rupert Graves, Charlotte Riley, Jane Horrocks, Nathaniel Parker Directed by Oliver Parker (UK) An accountant suffering a mid-life crisis, Eric Scott (Rob Brydon) gets his life on- track when he joins an all-male synchro- nised swimming team. Think The Full Monty in a swimming pool. Released Fri 6 July 36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:47 Page 2

Film highlights released in July...

Skyscraper CERT 12a Starring Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Chin Han, Roland Møller, Pablo Schreiber Directed by Rawson M. Thurber (USA) At the time of writing, The Rock’s last cine- matic outing, Rampage, grossed over $400million worldwide, while his Jumanji notched up just shy of a billion. Here, he plays an ‘FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader’ who’s framed for starting a fire in the world’s tallest building (in Hong Kong) - in which his family is trapped. It will make money. In 3D. Released Thurs 12 July

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Incredibles 2 CERT PG (125 mins) With the voices of Craig T Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L Jackson, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener Directed by Brad Bird (USA) They really are incredible. However, due to a again, but this time Mrs Parr - aka Elastigirl mishap that had nothing to do with Mr In- (Holly Hunter) - is given centre stage, while credible (Craig T Nelson), the Parr family of Mr Incredible stays at home to look after the superheroes was forced to go undercover. kids. The good news is that Brad Bird is back That was in the first movie… In the sequel, in the director’s chair, having brought us the another incident necessitates the Parrs to original cartoon (2004) which proved both a permanently adopt their secret identities. critical and commercial success. Well, it was However, a philanthropic tycoon devises a incredible - and hugely thrilling and funny. publicity stunt to make superheroes cool Released Fri 13 July

Hotel Artemis CERT 15 Apostasy CERT tbc Hotel Transylvania 3: Starring Jodie Foster, Sterling K Brown, Sofia Starring Siobhan Finneran, Robert Emms, A Monster Vacation CERT PG Boutella, Jeff Goldblum, Zachary Quinto, Char- Sacha Parkinson, Steve Evets, Molly Wright lie Day, Dave Bautista Directed by Daniel Kokotajlo (UK) With the voices of Adam Sandler, Andy Sam- Directed by Drew Pearce (USA) berg, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, David Spade, Steve Buscemi, Kathryn Hahn The eponymous Hotel California is actually a Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky (USA) refuge for criminals - in a dystopian Los An- Taking pity on her father, Count Dracula geles of the near future. And the matron, (Sandler) - who is committed to providing dubbed ‘the Nurse’ (Foster), will only treat holidays for everybody else at his Hotel Tran- those with a membership card. Well, you sylvania - his daughter takes him on a sur- have to look after your own. prise vacation on a luxury Monster Cruise Released Fri 20 July Ship. But what she didn’t anticipate was that he would fall for the ship’s captain, Ericka Mission: Impossible Fallout (Hann). Released Fri 27 July Starring Tom Cruise, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Michelle Monaghan, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett Not a title to grab the casual filmgoer, this Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (USA) drama actually tackles a fascinating subject. Just as he’s trying to save the world, secret Set in the north of England, it follows the agent Ethan Hunt finds that the CIA has lives of three ordinary sisters who, in private, taken against him. Which only makes mat- lead a life of devout fanaticism. Daniel Koko- ters worse as time is of the essence… Filmed tajlo, whose first film this is, is himself a for- in Norway, Paris, London, New Zealand and mer Jehovah’s Witness. Reviews have been Essex. In 3D and IMAX. exceptional. Released Thurs 26 July Released Fri 27 July

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Visual Arts July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 09:48 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Vladimír Kokolia: Epiphany Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 4 July - Sun 9 Septmber “I usually paint some snapshot, some distinctly illuminated scene that I glimpse somewhere, even peripherally, and which then remains in my head,” explains renowned Czech artist Vladimír Kokolia. “It tends to have a differing measure of concreteness and resolution, but it always carries light in a unique way... My paintings may look like lianas, mazes or winding footpaths, but they have a source somewhere else. Their mesh is nothing but a screen through which the image percolates during the painting process.” Combining new and recent paintings, this is Vladimír’s first UK exhibition. He describes the show as exemplifying ‘an intensely experimental attitude that distils abstraction from everyday experience’.

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Visual Arts

Within And Without: Body Image And The Self Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sun 22 July until Fri 1 February This is the second exhibition to take place in the museum’s Story Lab gallery, a space that invites visitors to help shape the future of the venue. Exploring the ways in which body image im- pacts on issues such as social status, gender, stage of life, heath, aesthetics, religion, politics and sexuality, the exhibition’s theme has been shaped into a single narrative by volunteers working with staff on the show’s development.

Drawn To Perfection The Barber Institute, B’ham, until Sun 23 September Taking as its theme the use of drawings works on paper by brilliant Renaissance as prototypes for paintings and frescoes, and Baroque Masters, including Bernini, tapestries, sculpture and architecture, Carracci, Claude and Poussin. The exhi- Drawn To Perfection is the first exhibi- bition has been curated by students tion in the Barber’s new partnership from Birmingham University’s MA Art with Royal Collection Trust. History & Curating course. The show features a wealth of exquisite

CTRL/Shift Fevral: A Folklore MAC Birmingham, Sat 21 July - Sun 9 Sept Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, With a focus on artists whose practice Coventry, until Sun 2 September has been transformed, especially in the world of textile art, CTRL/Shift features 30-plus artworks by 25 practitioners. The works on display have been produced by The 62 Group of Textile Artists, a long-established artist-led organisation which aims to challenge the boundaries of textile practice via a programme of exhibitions and events.

Melanie Tomlinson: Ghost Horses And Guns Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 30 June - Sun 14 October Melanie Tomlinson’s fascination with the for- gotten spaces between urban and rural land- Stewart Francis Easton here explores scapes has provided her with the inspiration for the creation and development of folk- this latest presentation. The exhibition features loric tale. nine new pieces created especially for the show. In an exhibition featuring works in These are displayed alongside short stories oil, fabric, stitch, pen and yarn, the merging childhood memories and real-life artist maps the course of a folk tale events, to reflect universal themes of nature, de- from its inception in history to the role struction, transformation and hope. that it plays in modern-day life.

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40 whatsonlive.co.uk Summer Fun Davina 2018-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:14 Page 2

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

BBC Tours offers new family tickets for 2018 BBC Birmingham, The Mailbox, B1 1RF Something for all the family to enjoy, BBC Tours invites visitors to step behind the scenes of the Corporation’s Mailbox-based TV and radio studios - home to Midlands Today, BBC Radio WM and the longest-running soap opera in the world, The Archers. Discover what it takes to put together high- quality news bulletins and how BBC radio drama is made. You can even have a go at making your very own radio play, which will then be sent to you as a memento following your visit. Even BBC Midlands Today presenter Nick Owen has confessed to learning a few things on the tour, commenting: “It was fascinating looking round the BBC Radio Drama studio and seeing all of the props they use for the iconic Archers. It’s amazing the tricks they employ to make it all sound authentic over the Brick-tastic fun at Legoland Discovery Centre airwaves. I also discovered what a useless actor I am - a real eye-opener and tremendous Arena Birmingham, King Edwards Rd, Birmingham, B1 2AA fun!” bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/ A brand new attraction situated in the heart of Birmingham, Legoland Discovery Centre birmingham promises oodles of fun for the summer holidays. Aimed at children aged from three to 10, the centre offers highly interactive and educational fun. Attractions include a range of Lego play areas, interactive rides, masterclasses from the Lego Master Model Builder, special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations, a 4D cinema and, of course, the popular Miniland area, which can be found in every Legoland Discovery Centre and Legoland theme park. The area features replicas of some of the Midlands’ most iconic buildings, including The Mailbox (pictured), Birmingham Town Hall, the Council House, the Rotunda and the Library of Birmingham. Legoland Discovery Centre opens its doors on 5 July, but be warned - tickets are selling fast. For further information, visit birmingham.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk

Birthday celebrations at Visit on a Wednesday and discover the wonderful world of science via a 25-minute British Motor Museum show that’s packed with ‘cool interactive Banbury Rd, Gaydon, Warwickshire, demonstrations’ hosted by mad scientists CV35 OBJ Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin. Motoring giant Land Rover celebrates its 70th With more than 300 cars on show and the birthday in 2018 - and what better way to get new Car SOS exhibition to explore, there’s no in on the action than by taking part in the shortage of things to keep you entertained, so British Motor Museum’s Land Rover Explorer why not get your motor running and check it Trail - and then designing your very own out... For information about all summer model! events, visit britishmotormuseum.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Summer Fun Davina 2018-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:14 Page 3

MORE SUMMER OF FUN...

Spend a day behind bars with Jailhouse Tours Shrewsbury Prison, The Dana, Shrewsbury, SY1 2HR If you’re looking for an experience that’s a little bit different, a two-hour wander around the former Shrewsbury Prison could be just the thing. Guided by an ex-officer, visitors will be immersed in the grisly history of crime and punishment on ‘the world’s most interactive prison tour’. For those wishing to visit the prison on more than one occasion, an Inmate Card offers un- limited self-guided access for a 12-month period. For further information and to find out about events throughout the year, visit shrewsburyprison.com Say hello to Dippy the Dinosaur at BMAG Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, B3 3DH After more than 100 years in London, the iconic Dippy the Diplodocus has taken up summer residency in the Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG). The impressive installation - Dippy is 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide and 4.25 metres high - is the main attraction in a season of dinosaur-themed entertainment at the popular venue. Accompanying activities include Dippy sleepovers, curator-led tours and ‘meet the experts’ events. The museum’s Dippy Family Room, meanwhile, offers a plethora of dino activities and crafts for younger visitors to enjoy. For those planning ahead, BMAG has programmed a series of dinosaur-inspired stay-and-play sessions for the under-threes every Wednesday in August. For further information and news about forthcoming events, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk

Enjoy a nostalgic day out at Churnet Valley Railway Kingsley & Froghall Station, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 2HA Churnet Valley Railway offers visitors the chance to step back in time to the classic days of railway travel. Your journey starts at Kingsley & Froghall station. The nostalgic train ride will take you to the beautiful volunteer-kept stations of Consall and Cheddleton, allowing you to sit back, relax and take in the views. Whether visiting Churnet Valley Railway for one of their many events, which include afternoon tea and the dining train, or just enjoying a day out with family and friends, the experience provides something for Splash about at the UK’s largest aqua park everyone to enjoy. For more information, visit churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk Aqua Park Rutland, Oakham, Leicester, LE15 8BL Featuring climbing walls, trampolines, balance bars, rockers, rollers and the UK’s biggest jumps and slides, Aqua Park Rutland promises plenty of water-filled fun for the summer. With numerous adrenaline-pumping obstacles - think Cyclone, Revolution, Jungle Jim, Summit Express and Action Tower XL - there’s huge potential for ‘total wipe-outs and epic falls’. The Beast - a towering five-metre-high platform - returns for 2018 and promises to be the bees knees for thrill seekers. Aqua Park Rutland is an active attraction, meaning that visitors need to be ready for the physical challenge. In order to take part, they must be aged eight or older, 1.3 metres tall and able to swim 50 metres unaided in a buoyancy vest. The vests are provided, and wetsuits are included in the ticket price. For further information, visit aquaparkrutland.co.uk David Gibson Photography

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MORE SUMMER OF FUN....

Saxon summer takeover at Tamworth Castle Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, B79 7NA Be part of history and travel back to Anglo- Saxon times when Princess Aethelflaed was one of the most powerful women in Mercia. Learn about the archaeology of the period by getting hands-on with some digging for buried artefacts. Visit Lady Freville and learn about the activities that would fill her days. Encounter the laundress and help her prepare clothes for washing the medieval way. Meet the armourer to find out how maille was made and how medieval weapons were fashioned. Follow the riddles in the castle rooms to claim a small prize once you’ve completed the quiz sheet. Special events at the castle in July include The Tamworth Aethelflaed Festival (14 - 15 July) and Saxon Living History (24 - 26 July). For further information, visit A summer of science at award-winning Thinktank tamworthcastle.co.uk Millennium Point, Birmingham, B6 6JD This award-winning science museum is packed with things to see and do during the summer holidays. Static features include the Spitfire Gallery - showcasing the innovative design and cutting-edge technology that played such an important role in World War Two - and the Marine Worlds Gallery, exploring animals past and present that have adapted to life in the sea. There’s also the Planetarium, presenting regular shows about astronomy and space. Elsewhere, the outdoor Science Garden is packed with fun things to do, with more than 30 hands-on exhibits bringing to life the subjects of engineering, mechanics and transportation. For further information, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk

Historic fun at Black Country Living Museum Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ. Tel: 0121 557 9643 Marvellous Mechanicals Fancy some good old-fashioned fun this summer? Then pay a visit to Dudley’s Black at Compton Verney Country Living Museum. Set over 26 acres, the award-winning venue is home to an entire period village, complete with authentic shops and houses, a school, an Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ underground mine, a fairground, a pub and a fish & chip shop. The museum’s summer holiday programme (21 July-2 Sept, 10am-5pm) is jam-packed with rib-tickling traditional entertainment - and just a touch of drama - as characters prepare for some fun in the sun! Also, on selected days throughout the summer, visitors will be able to watch ‘pop-up’ drama unfold on the streets. For further information, visit bclm.com

If you’re looking for things to see and do over the summer, Compton Verney art gallery & park is offering plenty to keep families entertained from July through to September. Marvellous Mechanical Museum is a highlight of the summer programming and reimagines the spectacular automata exhibitions of the 18th century. Featuring early and rare automata and clockwork dating back to the 17th century, the collection of items on display has been drawn from the British Museum, the V&A and the Royal Collection.

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Sharing Shakespeare’s timeless stories... Various locations, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tel: 01789 204016 A programme of unique events awaits those visiting Shakespeare’s family homes this summer. The five houses with connections to the Bard are Mary Arden’s Farm, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Shakespeare’s New Place, Hall’s Croft and Shakespeare’s Birthplace. Highlights over the summer include: numerous outdoor stagings of Shakespeare’s plays; The Big Picnic (21 July - see page 51 for details); Spice Up Your Life - an insight into the workings of a Jacobean kitchen (26 July); Celebration party at Shakespeare’s New Place Shark mission awaits at the National Sea Life Centre (19 August) and Shakes-paws Day - fun and games for your furry friends in celebration of The Water’s Edge, 3 Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HL. Tel: 0871 226 5999 National Dog Day (25 August). Younger visitors to Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre can this summer come face-to- For further information and all event listings, fin with the aquarium’s fascinating family of resident sharks. Solve the mind-bending visit shakespeare.org.uk puzzles of the mystery trail and take part in an exclusive meet-and-greet with Shellington - available only at Sea Life - and his Octonaut friends. Visit Professor Inkling’s colour lab, take a special dive of discovery with Dashi and follow instructions from Captain Barnacles to make a shark puppet. Other attractions include the venue’s colony of Gentoo penguins, majestic jellyfish, piranhas and a plethora of strange creatures. There’s also a 4D cinema and the UK’s only 360° ocean tunnel (home to sharks, rays and Mo, the aquarium’s resident giant green sea turtle). Octonauts: Shark Mission is included in the centre’s usual admission price. For further information, visit visitsealife.com/birmingham

Venture back in time at Blists Hill Victorian Town Legges Way, Madeley, Telford, TF7 5DU, Tel 01952 433424 One of 10 award-winning museums that make up the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Blists Hill Victorian Town offers visitors the chance to step back in time to the days of Queen Victoria. Join the Enchanted Trail Set over 52 acres, the museum has plenty to offer and is very much an interactive at Hawkstone Park experience. The town provides all you could ever need - if you were a Victorian, that is! There are general drapers, blacksmiths, a pharmacy (also home to a particularly gruesome Hawkstone Park, Newcastle-under-Redcas- tle, North Shropshire, SY4 5JY dentist room) and a bank, where you can exchange your new money for old and try to Tel: 01948 841777 manage with pounds, shillings and pence. Don’t worry, though - these Victorians can deal With its intricate pathways, ravines, arches with our modern currency too, but unsurprisingly they don’t have any cash machines. and bridges, towering cliffs and follies, There’s also the funicular train, the clay mine ride and a funfair (pictured) to enjoy, Hawkstone Park is a magical place for all complete with carousel, chair-o-planes and game stalls. the family to explore. Myths and legends For further information and a list of forthcoming events, visit ironbridge.org.uk abound, and many believe the site to be the final resting place of King Arthur. It’s also rumoured that a small green chalice found at the park in the mists of time was believed to be the Holy Grail... A new Enchanted Trail for the summer promises to provide a big adventure for younger visitors. From den building and giant telephones to trolls hiding behind rocks, the interactive trail is accompanied by illustrations by Emma Lawrence. Youngsters are required to collect leaves and ingredients for a magical spell, including finding the pot of gold from the end of the rainbow.

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Feed your senses at Aston Hall Aston Hall, Birmingham, B6 6JD. Tel: 0121 348 8100 Birmingham’s majestic Aston Hall once again provides the backdrop for two days of ‘delicious loveliness’ when the Independent Birmingham Festival makes a welcome return this month (21 & 22 July). Last year, 2,000 people descended on the Jacobean heritage site for a fun-filled day of feasting, drinking, retail therapy and live music. Following on from the success of the 2017 event, organisers promise that this year’s bash will be bigger and better. The food and drink line-up includes The Meat Shack, BoneHead, Buddha Belly, Burning Soul Brewing, Peel and Stone Pizzas, The Indian Brewery, Loki Wine, The Bournville Waffle Company, Pietanic and Cake Doctor, to name but a few... Live music comes courtesy of Pistol Pete Wearn, Bostin’ Brass, Martyn Nelson & The Rhythm Remedies, The Heels and Call Me Unique. Tickets priced £10 are available from designmynight.com/birmingham/whats-on/food- drink/independent-birmingham-festival-at-aston-hall Go Ape! in Cannock Chase Forest Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire, WS15 2UQ, Tel: 0845 094 9253 If you’re after an awesome forest adventure, then Go Ape! at Staffordshire’s Cannock Chase is the place to head for. Set in an area of outstanding beauty, this high-rope heaven features high-speed parallel zip wires, Tarzan swings, rope ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings. Meanwhile, Forest Segway enables visitors to discover more of the forest’s beautiful woodland on two wheels. For further info visit goape.co.uk/days-out

Something for everyone at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR Tel: 0121 454 1860 Nestled away behind steel, concrete and roaring traffic in the busy heart of Birmingham, there's a lush oasis of calm that you might well never have noticed. Featuring four large glasshouses with an air of Victorian grandeur, lively animal inhabitants and interactive children's areas set in 15 acres of landscaped greenery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to escape the noise and bustle of the city without the need to trek out into the countryside. Do the kids need to let off some steam? If so, the children's playground's got it covered. You'll find it right by the picturesque Teulon Cottage gardens. On the other hand, if you're looking for some chill-out time, you can take a moment to relax to the soothing sounds of running waterfalls at the Memory Pool, or disappear down sheltered pathways to find secluded, tranquil seating in the heart of the Bamboo Maze. Whether you're looking for a breath of fresh air, a quick getaway from the daily grind, or a fun family day out with activities for the kids, Birmingham Botanical Gardens has plenty for everyone to discover. To find out more, visit birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk

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ENJOY SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE! Summer In Southside.qxp_Layout 1 29/06/2018 09:43 Page 2

By Lauren Foster

Traditional funfair rides, retro arcade games, theatre shows, family activities and plenty more... Birmingham Hippodrome’s free annual event, Summer In Southside, makes a welcome return!

It’s back! Birmingham Hippodrome’s two-day free workshops (from Monday 9 July) for and an array of independent food stalls. family festival, Summer In Southside, returns members of the general public who would Commenting on the event, Graham Callister, to the city this month. like to help construct the building blocks in Associate Director, Community Engagement preparation for the festival. Taking place on 14 and 15 July around the & Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome, said: Hippodrome and its foyers, this year’s event Summer In Southside’s theatrical delights “Summer In Southside is a great festival for has a retro theme which will see visitors include There Be Monsters. The show is a all the family to enjoy in the heart of the city. recalling the carefree days of childhood. new outdoor commission from The We have tons of activities to keep your little Fabularium, an ensemble who scored a big ones busy - and to entertain the big kids, too! Featuring an entirely free programme of hit at last year’s festival with their production This year, we’re following the theme of events for both adults and children, the area of Reynard The Fox. ‘childhood’, which ties in nicely with our will be transformed into a ‘summer blockbuster show at the Hippodrome this playground’, complete with traditional And the fun doesn’t end there. Inspired by summer - Matilda The Musical. funfair rides, retro arcade games and a whole classic arcade games, Actual Reality Arcade “There’ll be retro arcade games, pop- host of nostalgic performances. brings a life-sized interactive pop-up game performances, craft workshops and food zone to the city’s streets, while Fun DMC Brand new for this year is Fantabulousa. stalls flooding the streets of Southside, the boasts dance competitions, rap lessons, a Housed in a technicolour pop-up grotto and Arcadian and our foyers. And it’s all graffiti train and a ‘dad dance-off’. devised with some of the region’s leading completely free!” drag artists, the event features stories, songs, And if all that’s not enough, other festival For further information about the festival’s dancing, dressing-up and plenty of glitter. highlights include street theatre, comedy, programme of events, visit installation specialists Dot Comedy, pop-up Another highlight of the 2018 edition of the birminghamhippodrome.com theatre performances from Pif Paf, live brass event is the construction of French artist band Bostin Brass and live performances Olivier Grossetête’s Perrott’s Chinese Tower. from Gorillabot. Over the weekend, the giant structure will be Summer In Southside takes place on built, pulled over and squashed. Visitors can also enjoy face painting, craft Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 July in Southside, Birmingham Hippodrome will be running workshops, a whole host of family activities Birmingham Events July-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 15:05 Page 1

Events

Victorian Handling Day Sarehole Mill, Birmingham, Fri 27 July Sarehole Mill is celebrating its industrial heritage this month by embracing all things Victorian. Visitors to the venue can discover both authentic and replica Victo- rian objects and learn about how they would have been used in everyday life. Family-friendly Victorian mill tours also feature, revealing what life was like in the 19th century and how the Victorians turned flour into bread.

1940s Weekend Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 14 & Sun 15 July Step back in time at Black Country Living through vintage memorabilia markets, check out Museum and immerse yourself in the sights and vintage vehicles, meet 1940s characters and take sounds of wartime Britain. an evacuee lesson at St James’ school. This ever-popular two-day event is set across the And keep your eyes to the sky for the iconic museum’s 26 acres of recreated period houses Dakota too, which will be flying over the venue at and shops. Identity card in hand, explore various points throughout the weekend. wartime entertainment, food and fashion, stroll Wars Of The Roses Warwick Castle, Sun 1 July - Sun 2 September The Engineering Show This critically acclaimed live-action extravaganza, showing at Thinktank, Birmingham, Tues 24 July - Fri 31 Aug Warwick Castle every weekend throughout the summer, comes Thinktank’s latest show focuses on the work complete with jousting, stunt rid- done by engineers, explaining how it helps to ing and state-of-the-art special ef- send humans into space, move heavy objects fects. with ease and build super-strong roads. Experience the 32 years of the Visitors to the popular venue can take part in Wars of the Roses in just 32 min- a bridge-building challenge, ‘marvel’ at utes, as the legendary battle be- rocket demonstrations and check out ‘the tween the House of Lancaster and strongest sandcastle you will ever see’. the House of York is vividly If you’re visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, reenacted. And just to further add you can also participate in Operation Build - to the excitement of it all, on ar- as part of the Thinktank Engineering Season rival visitors get to select which - and learn about robots, coding and air side they’re going to root for in the power in one of the family-friendly work- forthcoming conflict. Sitting on shops. Antiques For Everyone the fence just isn’t an option! NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 19 - Sun 22 July Featuring more than 200 specialist dealers, this is the largest vetted art, antiques and interiors fair outside of London. The show features a wide range of pieces, including furniture, ceramics, sculptures, glass and jewellery, making it a must-attend event not only for collectors but also for those in need of interior inspiration. 50 whatsonlive.co.uk Events July-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 15:07 Page 4

Events previews from around the region

Medieval Living History Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Tues 31 July - Thurs 2 August Fancy ‘time-travelling’ back to the medieval age? Families can do so at the end of this month, thanks to Tamworth Castle’s ‘household characters’. Visitors can learn from Lady Freville about the activities that fill her days, and also catch up with the laundress as she pre- pares clothes for washing ‘the medieval way’. There’s a chance to meet up with the armourer too, who’ll be explaining how to make chain mail and medieval weapons.

Walking With Dinosaurs biggest dinosaur show in the world, and stars Michaela Strachan as Huxley the paleontolo- Arena Birmingham, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 July gist. It also showcases 18 lifesize creatures Dinosaurs are once again roaming the earth fighting for survival, from the Triassic to the this summer, thanks to the welcome return of Jurassic eras, and features new state-of-the-art this globally acclaimed spectacular. technology. In short, it’s an absolute monster of Based on the award-winning BBC television sean experience that’ll leave a T-Rex-size imprint ries of the same name, the production is the on your memory for many a year to come. Step Back To The 1940s The Big Picnic Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Sat 7 & Sun 8 July Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 21 July All aboard for a Severn Valley Rail- way train journey back in time to Pack a picnic to enjoy in the picturesque gardens the 1940s! of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and check out the The railway’s lighthearted homage charming location in which a young William to wartime Britain features an im- Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. pressive selection of attractions up Face painting and garden games are also on the and down the line, including vin- menu, as is an outdoor puppet theatre perfor- tage vehicle displays, musical en- mance and free musical entertainment. tertainment and costumed And if you find that you’re still hungry after reenactors. emptying your picnic hamper of its contents, The ever-popular Big Band Show - you’ll be delighted to know that the event in- featuring a jazz orchestra playing cludes a barbecue too! music from the ’40s - also makes a Oh, and you’ll also be delighted if you happen to return. live in Stratford-upon-Avon, as the event is free for CV37 residents who provide proof of address! Old Ford Rally British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, Sun 15 July Classic Ford fans will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at this popular event, this year taking place for a 10th time. The rally showcases around 400 vehicles produced by Ford, including commercials, tractors and vehicles with a Ford engine built up to 1990. It also features an autojumble and a live-display entertainment arena.

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YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide JulyJuly 22018018 thelist

Lunar Festival - Tanworth-in-Arden, Fri 27 - Sun 29 July

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

What’s On Sun 1 to Sun 8 July Mon 9 to Sun 15 July Mon 16 to Sun 22 July Mon 23 to Tues 31 July

Tom Stade at Bridge House Tom Jones Live at Teletubbies Live! at Belgrade Hands On History: Nature Theatre, Warwick Ragley Hall, Alcester Theatre, Coventry Detectives at Witley Court Thurs 5 July Thurs 12 July Wed 18 - Thurs 19 July Wed 25 July - Fri 31 August

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thelist THROUGHOUT JULY

SPA IN THE GREAT WAR Exhibition Visual Arts marking the centenary of the end of Artrix, Bromsgrove the First World War, and telling the story of Leamington Spa and its peo- LACRIMARUM: CONTROL, UNCONTROL- ple during the conflict, Sat 28 July - LABLE Lacrimarum finds ways of ex- Sun 11 Nov ploring the ineffable through the artistic mediums of digital print, paint, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum textiles and sculpture, until Sun 12 Aug RURAL RUGBY Display featuring a small number of objects from the mu- Birmingham Museum & seum’s social history collection, re- Art Gallery flecting rural life in the borough, Sun 1 July - Sat 1 Sept VANLEY BURKE: PHOTOGRAPHING BIRM- INGHAM (1968 - 2011) Exhibition show- The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- ing how Burke has documented the seum poignant and everyday moments of Foonyap - Tin Music & Arts, Coventry life in Birmingham. Burke’s pho- RARE: FROM 8-BIT TO XBOX ONE Cele- tographs capture scenes of child- bration of Rare, the award-winning DIABLO Fri 6 July, Hare AT THE MOVIES Sat 7 hood, crowds, community and faith, and internationally renowned video Gigs & Hounds, B’ham July, Albany Theatre, power and protest, as well as portray- games company based in Warwick- DURAN VS. TRUE GOLD Coventry ing influential men and women of our shire, Sat 30 June - Sun 23 Sept GEORGE EZRA Sun 1 Fri 6 July, Artrix, TDV20 Sat 7 July, O2 time, until Sun 1 July PLAY: AN EXPLORATION OF TOYS, GAMES July, Cannock Chase Bromsgrove Academy, Birmingham Forest, Rugeley NEW INSPIRE 2018 Now in its third & FUN Delve into the world of play in FUNKED UP FRIDAY Fri 6 ROGER WATERS: US AND year, Inspire is a youth art competi- this interactive exhibition for all the BAS Mon 2 July, O2 In- July, The Night Owl, THEM TOUR Sat 7 July, tion for five-to-19-year-olds, this year family, Sat 30 June - Sun 23 Sept stitute, Birmingham Birmingham Arena Birmingham taking its inspiration from the theme VOYAGER Wed 4 July, ABBA MANIA Fri 6 July, PROTEST THE HERO of colour, Sun 22 July - Sat 15 Sept The Hive, Worcester The Asylum, B’ham Belgrade Theatre, PLUS SUPPORT FROM NEW WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY HEATHER & IVAN MORISON SCULPTURES JOE O’DONNELL’S Coventry NORMA JEAN, LOATHE IMAGE AND THE SELF Exhibition exam- Heather and Ivan were ‘artists in resi- SHKAYLA Wed 4 July, MARTY WILDE & THE AND CYCLEMEN Sat 7 ining how social, historical and cul- dence’ at The Hive and University of The Robin, Bilston WILDCATS Fri 6 July, July, The Asylum, tural factors affect body image, and Worcester in 2017, until Sun 1 July Birmingham KING OF POP - THE LEG- Huntingdon Hall, how this is expressed through ob- THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME Immer- END CONTINUES... STAR- Worcester THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- jects and artworks, Sun 22 July- Fri 1 sive experience inspired by the evolu- RING NAVI Thurs 5 July, WAVELENGTH Sat 7 TIES Sat 7 July, Eve- Feb tion of humans towards the end of The Swan Theatre, July, MAC, B’ham sham Arts Centre, the last Ice Age, until Sat 8 Sept, The Worcester Evesham THE KAST OFF KINKS Sat Hive, Worcester Compton Verney Gallery, FOONYAP Thurs 5 July, 7 July, Artrix, Broms- MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK & Warwick LOST LANDSCAPES Exhibition detailing Tin Music and Arts, grove SOUL AFTERPARTY: all aspects of what it meant to be Coventry CRAIG CHARLES Sat 7 THE MARVELLOUS MECHANICAL MU- WALK LIKE A MAN Sat 7 human in the Ice Age, until Tues 18 July, Hare & Hounds, SEUM Exhibition including early and CATFISH Fri 6 July, The July, Belgrade Theatre, Sept, The Hive, Worcester Birmingham rare automata and clockwork dating Marr's Bar, Worcester Coventry back to the 17th century, from collec- KUMAR SANU & ANU- MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK & CLASSIC IBIZA Sat 7 tions such as The British Museum, Worcester City Museum & Art RADHA PAUDWAL Sun 8 SOUL AFTERPARTY: July, Ragley Hall, Al- V&A and Royal Collection, Sat 30 Gallery July, Arena B’ham DAVID RODIGAN Fri 6 cester June - Sun 30 Sept ICE AGE Celebrating half a million July, Hare & Hounds, GAMBOLERS Sun 8 July, BACK TO THE 80S PARTY RODNEY PEPPÉ’S WORLD OF INVENTION years of Worcestershire's history, until Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- WITH THE GR80S Sat 7 Exhibition offering a fascinating in- Sat 8 Sept ingham TOM HENDERSON Fri 6 July, Nailcote Hall, sight into Rodney Peppé’s creative THE WAR TO END ALL WARS Exhibition July, The Castle & Fal- Berkswell BRATISLAVA HOT SERE- career as a toy, automaton and exploring how our future was con, Birmingham NADERS Sun 8 July, model maker, children’s author and il- changed forever by the First World FIREBIRD SINGERS PRE- Huntingdon Hall, BAD PRACTICE & NEIL lustrator, and graphic designer and War, until Sat 10 Nov SENT SATURDAY NIGHT Worcester artist, Sat 30 June - Sun 30 Sept Other VISUAL ARTS Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch PAUL KENTON Showcasing cityscape artist Paul’s new Metallique II collec- NEW REDDITCH THROUGH THE AGES Ex- tion, until Sun 15 July, Castle Gal- hibition exploring the history and evo- leries, Stratford-upon-Avon lution of the town, featuring paintings MAD KING FAT KNIGHT Exhibition of and old photographs, Tues 10 - Tues works of art created by RSC Hon- 17 July orary Associate Artist Antony Sher, BRICK BUILT Celebration of ‘the until Sun 23 Sept, Royal Shake- world’s favourite toy’, with models speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon ranging from small animals to huge NEVILLE STAPLE - THE ORIGINAL RUDE skyscrapers, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept BOY Exhibition showing the many aspects of a man who has done so Leamington Spa Art Gallery & much for Coventry music, but also so Museum much for other artists, until Sun 2 NEW ARE YOU IN THIS? LEAMINGTON Dec, Coventry Music Museum Voyager - The Asylum, Birmingham

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Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 July

Hall, Birmingham Classical Music BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- TRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (conduc- COME AND SING MOZART REQUIEM Fea- tor). Programme includes works by turing Liz Green & Phil Montero (con- Stravinsky & Prokofiev, Sun 8 July, ductors), Sun 1 July, Bridge House The Bramall, Birmingham University Theatre, Warwick VERBUNKOS TRIO IN RECITAL Featuring Yu-Mien Sun (violin), Luke Newby (clarinet) & Bernard Tan (piano). Pro- gramme includes works by Darius Milhaud, Aram Khachaturian & Béla Comedy Bartók, Mon 2 July, Birmingham THE HILARITY CHARITY GALA Tues 3 Town Hall July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre EMMANUEL TJEKNAVORIAN SOLO VIOLIN MITCH BENN, DANA ALEXANDER Wed 4 RECITAL Programme includes works July, The Patrick Kavanagh, B’ham by Bach, Ysaÿe, Christoph Ehrenfell- TOM STADE Thurs 5 July, Bridge ner & Bartók, Mon 2 July, Birming- House Theatre, Warwick ham Town Hall ANDREW RYAN, SCOTT GIBSON & COM- ARMONICO CONSORT: SUPERSIZE EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON POLYPHONY 360 Featuring The Armon- Thurs 5 July, The Glee Club, B’ham ico Consort, The Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge & GRIFF RHYS JONES Thurs 5 July, MAC, Christopher Monks (director), Thurs 5 Birmingham July, Malvern Theatres JETHRO Fri 6 July, The Swan Theatre, MUSIC FOR YOUTH NATIONAL FESTIVAL Worcester Featuring young musicians from BOBBY MAIR, JACOB HAWLEY, HANNAH Tom Stade - Bridge House Theatre, Warwick across the UK, Thurs 5 July, Royal PLATT, BEN HOPE & TOM HAM Fri 6 July, Birmingham Conservatoire Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 7 July, Norbury Theatre, ARMONICO CONSORT: SUPERSIZE JO CAULFIELD & HAL CRUTTENDEN Fri 6 ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- Droitwich POLYPHONY 360 Featuring The Armon- July, MAC, Birmingham mous story of love at first sight, until SHARING JOY Fully masked theatre ico Consort, The Choir of Gonville ANDREW RYAN, SCOTT GIBSON, MICKY P Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- company Vamos fuse puppetry, and Caius College, Cambridge & KERR & WILSON DIXON Fri 6 - Sat 7 atre, Stratford-upon-Avon music and dance in a show that cele- Christopher Monks (director), Fri 6 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham EMMA The Crescent Theatre present brates life and all its joys, Thurs 5 July, Coventry Cathedral July, MAC, Birmingham STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 6 - Sallyanne Scotton Moonga's adapta- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Sat 7 July, MAC, Birmingham tion of Jane Austen's classic, Sat 30 DYLAN THOMAS: CLOWN IN THE MOON CHESTRA Featuring Edward Gardner June - Sun 1 July, Castle Bromwich Dramatic portrait of the poet’s TOM ALLEN Sat 7 July, Lichfield Gar- (conductor). Programme includes Hall Gardens, Birmingham chaotic, frequently hilarious and all- rick works by Schubert, Strauss & EQUUS The Crescent Theatre Com- too-brief life, Thurs 5 July, Artrix, MARLON DAVIS, GLAZZ CAMP & DEANO Mendelssohn, Fri 6 July, Lichfield pany present its version of Peter Bromsgrove MAC Sat 7 July, MAC, Birmingham Cathedral Shaffer's psychological 'detective' GRIFF RHYS JONES: WHERE WAS I? Join THE CARDUCCI QUARTET Featuring PAUL SMITH Sat 7 July, New Alexandra story, Sat 30 June - Sat 7 July, Cres- the Not The Nine O’Clock News star Danny Driver (piano). Programme in- Theatre, Birmingham cent Theatre, Birmingham for an evening of stories, anecdotes, cludes works by Shostakovich, LUKE BENSON, KANE BROWN, SEAN MEO AT THE MOVIES Showcase of works by reminiscences and outright lies, Brahms & Elgar, Sat 7 July, St & STEFANO PAOLINI Sat 7 July, The Class Act Theatrix, Sun 1 July, Cres- Thurs 5 July, MAC, Birmingham Michael’s Greenhill Church, Lichfield Comedy Loft, Birmingham cent Theatre, Birmingham SUPER HAMLET 64 Edward Day's mod- BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR: THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY CLUB FOR ODDSOCKS' THE TEMPEST Madcap fun- ern-day take on Shakespeare's most DIVINE BEAUTY Programme includes KIDS Sun 8 July, MAC, Birmingham sters Oddsocks give a sci-fi slant to famous play, featuring physical com- works by Parry, Mendelssohn, Ireland Shakespeare's last play, Sun 1 July, edy, live music and 16 bit animation, & Finzi, Sat 7 July, Birmingham Fillongley Lodge, Coventry Thurs 5 - Fri 6 July, Old Joint Stock Cathedral Theatre, Birmingham THE EGG RUMOUR Musical play explor- REDDITCH ORCHESTRA: FAMILY CON- ing the new office perk large corpora- PARROTS OF THE CARIBBEAN Tony Pe- CERT FAVOURITES Sun 8 July, Artrix, tions are offering female employees: ters' comic adventure, featuring Bromsgrove Theatre social freezing! Mon 2 July, Old Joint catchy songs, dances and crazy bird CARDUCCI’S BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Stock Theatre, B’ham puppets, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 July, The MISCHIEF MOVIE NIGHT The team be- Matthew Denton & Michael Fleming Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon hind The Play That Went Wrong cre- THE PHYSICAL FELLOWSHIP 2018 The (violins), Eoin Schmidt-Martin (viola) THE TEMPEST All-male theatre com- ate a movie from scratch before your UK’s only physical theatre festival ex- & Emma Denton (cello). Programme pany The Lord Chamberlain’s Men very eyes, until Sun 1 July, Birming- clusively for young people, Mon 2 - includes works by Pärt, Cruttwell- present an outdoor staging of Shake- ham Hippodrome Thurs 5 July, Belgrade Theatre, Reade & Glass, Sun 8 July, Lichfield Coventry speare’s final play, Fri 6 July, Witley Cathedral THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg Court, Great Witley, Worcestershire directs John Webster's tale of re- HIP Interactive theatre show by Jolie CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- TASSELS: AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE venge, until Fri 3 Aug, Royal Shake- Booth, producer of the award-win- CHESTRA Featuring Edward Gardner Featuring top burlesque, comedy and speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon ning Backstage In Biscuit Land, Wed (conductor) & the CBSO Youth Cho- 4 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- circus performers, Fri 6 July, New MISS LITTLEWOOD New musical based rus. Programme includes various ingham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham on the life story of anarchic theatre works by Mendelssohn & Schubert, WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Liz Grand’s legend Joan Littlewood, until Sat 4 13 THE MUSICAL Amateur staging pre- Sun 8 July, Birmingham Town Hall one-woman show explores the Aug, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- sented by SAOS Youth Theatre, Wed COMMUNITY SPIRIT Join some of the events which sparked one of the upon-Avon 4 - Fri 6 July, Stourbridge Town Hall best choirs and homegrown talent in biggest and most expensive police the West Midlands for an evening of MACBETH Starring Christopher Eccle- LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Bromsgrove hunts in history, Fri 6 July, Lichfield choral music, Sun 8 July, Symphony ston and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Operatic Society present an amateur Garrick 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, staging of the iconic musical, Wed 4 - whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs Sun 1 - Sun 8 July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:56 Page 3

thelist RHYTHM OF THE DANCE Comedy/Drama. Starring Helen Mir- Celebration of ren, Donald Sutherland. No. 8, Per- Irish cultureThurs through 5 July, musicWolverhampton and shore, Mon 2 - Tues 3 July dance, Grand Theatre THE BROMLEY BOYS (PG) Comedy. SOMNIUM: A DANCER’S DREAM Starring Martine McCutcheon, Alan Strictly Davies. Warwick Arts Ventre, Coven- stars Neil and Katya Jones present a try, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 July fusion of dance styles, Thurs 5 July, Lichfield Cathedral TULLY (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring CINDERELLA Ballet Cymru fuse classi- Charlize Theron, Mackenzie Davis. cal dance with elements of circus, Fri Malvern Theatres, Tues 3 & Thurs 5 6 July, Lichfield Garrick July; No. 8, Pershore, Fri 6 - Sat 7 UNDERGROUND Leamington’s Motion- July house fuse physical dance, poignant MY GOLDEN DAYS (15) Drama. Starring imagery and aerial dexterity to ex- Quentin Dolmaire, Lou Roy- plore the intimacy of a crowded car- Lecollinet. Foreign language, subti- riage, Sat 7 July, Bridge House tled. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Theatre, Warwick Wed 4 - Thurs 5 July THE BOOKSHOP (12A) Drama. Starring Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy. Malvern Theatres, Fri 6 - Tues 10 & Thurs 12 July OCEAN'S 8 (12a) Action/Comedy. Star- ring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. Talks The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 6 REGGAE WOMEN An evening of spoken - Thurs 12 July word and song in celebration of Reg- WEST SIDE STORY (PG) Drama/Musical. gae music and its contribution to Starring Natalie Wood, George British society, Sat 7 July, MAC, Birm- Chakiris. The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- ingham bury, Sun 8 July JAMES YARKER: STAN’S CAFE - WORDS EDIE (12a) Drama. Starring Sheila Sun 8 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove Hancock, Kevin Guthrie. Artrix, Giovanni Pernice: Born To Win - Palace Theatre, Redditch Bromsgrove, Sun 8 July PROVIDENCE A darkly comic journey through the life and works of Amer- Kids Show NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ica’s most infamous horror writer, HP Released from Fri 6 July, showing at Lovecraft, Sat 7 July, Bridge House KEEPY UPPY A play for the 2018 World Film selected cinemas Theatre, Warwick Cup, for football fans, non-football fans, children and families, Sun 1 THE FIRST PURGE (tbc) LOCK DOWN Foundations Youth The- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: July, MAC, Birmingham atre present an immersive theatrical THE BOY DOWNSTAIRS (12a) MARY SHELLEY (12a) LITTLE BABY BUM experience exploring what happens Join Mia, Jacus, Comedy/Drama. Starring Zosia POSTCARDS FROM THE 48% (tbc) when a school goes into lockdown Twinkle and their nursery rhyme Mamet, Matthew Shear. Warwick Arts SWIMMING WITH MEN (12a) and the rule book gets thrown out of friends, Sun 1 - Mon 2 July, Royal Centre, Coventry, until Mon 2 July the window, Sat 7 July, Bridge House Spa Centre, Leamington Spa UNCLE DREW (12a) THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Drama/History. Theatre, Warwick BUGSY MALONE WHITNEY (15) Amateur staging pre- Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth. POLARIS Join Holly and Ted on a fan- sented by QMTS Juniors, Tues 3 - Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 5 July tastical adventure through time and Wed 4 July, Crescent Theatre, B’ham JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM space, Sat 7 July, Bridge House The- THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE Tall Stories (12a) Adventure/Sci-Fi. Starring Bryce atre, Warwick bring Julia Donaldson’s bestselling Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt. The EMMA The Crescent Theatre present picture book to life, Tues 3 - Wed 4 Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Events Sallyanne Scotton Moonga's adapta- July, Malvern Theatres Thurs 5 July THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW Featuring tion of Jane Austen's classic, Sat 7 - MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal BOOK CLUB (12a) Comedy. Starring knitting, cross stitch, papercrafting, Sun 8 July, Blakesley Hall, B’ham Shakespeare Company's award-win- Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda. Warwick jewellery & dressmaking and stitch- HANCOCK & CO. ONE MAN, MANY VOICES ning musical, Tues 3 July - Sat 8 Arts Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 5 ing, until Sun 1 July, NEC, B’ham James Hurn's one-man show cele- Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome July; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 4 & Fri brating over 60 years of Hancock's LITTLE BABY BUM Join Mia, Jacus, 6 July Half Hour, Sun 8 July, Crescent The- Twinkle and their nursery rhyme ALL THE WILD HORSES (15) Documen- atre, Birmingham friends, Fri 6 - Sat 7 July, Wolver- tary/Adventure. Starring George PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Heartbreak Pro- hampton Grand Theatre Azarias, Andrew Challen. Foreign lan- ductions adaptation of the Jane guage, subtitled. Warwick Arts Cen- Austen classic, Sun 8 July, Caldecott tre, Coventry, Mon 2 July Park, Rugby FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) ROMEO AND JULIET Oddsocks breathe Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna new life into Shakespeare's famous Lumley, Celia Imrie. Stourbridge love story by giving it a musical mods Dance Town Hall, Mon 2 July & rockers twist, Sun 8 July, Avoncroft GIOVANNI PERNICE: BORN TO WIN Wed ON CHESIL BEACH (12a) Drama/Ro- Museum, Bromsgrove 4 July, Palace Theatre, Redditch mance. Starring Saoirse Ronan, ALAN BENNETT’S TALKING HEADS Lich- EVOLUTION BOA Year 12 Pathway Emily Watson. Artrix, Bromsgrove, field Festival production featuring Her showcase a variety of styles and Mon 2 - Tues 3 July Big Chance and A Lady Of Letters, choreographic routines, Wed 4 - THE LEISURE SEEKER (15) Sun 8 July, Lichfield Garrick Thurs 5 July, The Old Rep, B’ham 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Sun 1 - Sun 8 July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 10:56 Page 4

Sunday 1 to Sunday 8 July

STEP BACK TO THE 1940S until Sun 1 chestra and special guests playing July, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley tunes from the 1940s, Sat 7 July, Sev- RUGBY FESTIVAL OF CULTURE Featuring ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- over 100 events and including music, derminster theatre, arts, crafts and comedy, until LARGE MODEL AIR SHOW Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sun 15 July, various locations in and July, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhamp- around Rugby ton WORCESTER YEOMANRY CAVALRY The STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Sat 7 - Sun 8 cavalry provide an insight into life in July, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, Nr Kidderminster Sun 1 July, Hampton Court Castle, CADBURY CHARACTER BREAKFAST Sat 7 Leominster - Tues 31 July, Cadbury World, Birm- WIZARDRY AND MAGIC Featuring magic ingham shows and workshops, Sun 1 July, CADBURY CHARACTER SHOWS Sat 7 - Eastnor Castle, Ledbury Tues 31 July, Cadbury World, B’ham WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE The critically VICTORIAN DAY Sun 8 July, Sarehole acclaimed live action show returns Mill, Birmingham with even more stunts and tricks, Sun 1 July - Sun 2 Sept, Warwick Castle KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES SCHOOL Me- dieval mayhem for children, Sun 8 LAVENDER MONTH Sun 1 - Tues 31 July, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury July, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham MEDIEVAL ARCHERY DAY Sun 8 July, SOUND AND FURY: MORRIS DANCERS Hampton Court Castle, Leominster FROM SEATTLE Thurs 5 July, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham OUTDOOR CINEMA: GREASE Enjoy the hit 1978 movie on a giant inflatable Classic Ibiza screen, Fri 6 July, Blists Hill Victorian Food Festivals Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Sat 7 July COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL THE BIG EVENT Featuring the UK’s Annual celebration of Colmore Business District This Ministry of Sound-sponsored event offers a unique twist on largest display of vehicles for dis- iconic Ibiza anthems. A chill-out set kickstarts proceedings in fine abled people, Fri 6 - Sat 7 July, NEC, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels. Birmingham Expect live cooking demos, entertain- fashion, after which there’s a half-hour interval with a live DJ play- ment, cocktail masterclasses, wine JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK ing the latest Ibiza tunes. As dusk falls, the lasers will hit the Ra- tasting & food galore... Fri 6 - Sat 7 gley skyline while the critically acclaimed Urban Soul Orchestra Sat 7 July, Museum of the Jewellery July, Victoria Square, Birmingham Quarter, Birmingham bring some of the White Island’s finest dance tunes to orchestral STRATFORD-UPON-AVON BEER & CIDER life. CLASSIC IBIZA The Urban Soul Or- FESTIVAL Grab your tankard and chestra return with a concert of Ibiza quench your thirst with your choice of anthems, Sat 7 July, Ragley Hall, Al- over 70 beers and 30 ciders... Fri 6 - cester Sat 7 July, Stratford-upon-Avon Race- talent with The Wonder Stuff's Miles COUGHTON VILLAGE SUMMER FETE Sat course, Warwickshire Music Festivals Hunt headling the event. Local boys 7 July, Coughton Court, Alcester NUNEATON FOOD FESTIVAL Inaugural The Wild Flowers, Two Faced Tom & DISCOVER YOUR BRITISH FAMILY HIS- event featuring a line-up of over 40 LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL The Bootleg Boys, Jess Silk, The TORY Workshop on how to research food & drink traders, live entertain- EISTEDDFOD Line-up includes Alfie Humdrum Express, Tasha Jerawan your family prior to 1840, Sat 7 July, ment and kids activities, Sun 8 July, Boe, Van Morrison, renowned and Sam Draisey also feature, Sat 7 Birmingham Back to Backs Queens Road, Nuneaton baroque instrumental group Red July, Bantock House, Wolverhampton Priest, and award winning Welsh folk BIG BAND SHOW Featuring a jazz or- WEST FEST Line-up includes Ray Myt- band Calan, Tues 3 - Sun 8 July, ton Band, Gordon Giltrap, Demi Royal International Pavillion, Llan- McMahon, Hennesea, Answer Back, gollen Temple Lake, Trever Steger, Bourbon LICHFIELD FESTIVAL Multi-arts festival Alley and much more... Sat 7 July, bringing world class music, arts and West Malvern Playing Field, Worces- entertainment to the West Midlands, tershire Wed 4 - Sat 14 July, Lichfield WOO FEST Line-up includes Arcadia NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Confirmed Roots, Junction 7, Come Together acts include Oas-is, Chaos, Duck- and more... Sat 7 July, Drum & Mon- worths, DirtyjACkDC, Kate and the key, near Upton Upon Severn, Mooncats & Hoo Hah Conspiracy, Fri Worcestershire 6 - Sat 7 July, Napton on the Hill, Warwickshire THE MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK AND SOUL FES- TIVAL Line-up includes Jimmy Cliff, Candi Staton, Sister Sledge, David Rodigan, Lucky Chops, Roy Ayers, Jungle Brothers, Craig Charles, Fred Wesley & The New JB's, Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, Osaka Monaurail & Ezra Collective, Fri 6 - Sun 8 July, Moseley Park, Birmingham BANSTOCK SONGWRITERS' FESTIVAL War Of The Roses Live - Warwick Castle The emphasis of the festival is local Craig Charles - Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul

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July 2018 www.artrix.co.uk

Friday 13 July Tues 17 & Thurs 19 July Friday 20 July DESPERADO PANDORA’S BOX (PG) THE BON JOVI EXPERIENCE EAGLES TRIBUTE - SILENT CLASSIC STARRING WORLD’S FINEST BON JOVI FROM CALIFORNIA TO EDEN LOUISE BROOKS TRIBUTE

Saturday 21 July Wednesday 25 July Tuesday 31 July ABBA REUNION JAY FOREMAN LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO DISGUSTING SONGS FOR MUSIC, SILLINESS & AGAIN! REVOLTING CHILDREN ENCHANTING PUPPETRY

COMING SOON: Dylan Thomas: Clown In The Moon, Duran vs True Gold, Kast Off Kinks, Redditch Orchestra, Dean Friedman, 60s Night Out, Simple Politics, Young Herbert’s Horrors, The Wild Tonics, The Counterfeit Sixties, Kelly Oliver, Chantel McGregor, Scummy Mummies, Totally Tina, Ensonglopedia Of Animals, Mary-Ann Ochota & Jason Buck, Dr Phil Hammond, Gary Delaney, The Real Thing, Super HamletThe Fortunes,64, Pete Firman…

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330

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thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 July IFORNIA TO EDEN Fri 13 RONI SIZE Fri 13 July, THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Gigs July, Artrix, Broms- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Classical Worcester Repertory Company pre- grove ingham sents an amateur staging of Sir THE CONTORTIONIST CLAIRE ATHERTON Fri 13 THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous mys- Mon 9 July, The Asy- July, The Victoria, ENCE Fri 13 July, The Music tery, Tues 10 - Sun 22 July, The lum, Birmingham Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- SERVICES FOR EDUCATION YOUTH Commandery, Worcester DANNY MCMAHON Mon DRESSED TO KILL Fri 13 bridge PROMS Compered by BBC TV pre- DIRTY WHITE BOYS The highly ac- 9 July, Kitchen Garden July, The Slade JAMES MORRISON WITH senter Michael Collie, Mon 9 - Wed claimed sketch duo make a wel- Cafe, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhamp- THE MIDLAND YOUTH 11 July, The Foyer, Symphony Hall, come return, Wed 11 July, Old Joint Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birmingham DOYLE Tues 10 July, ton JAZZ ORCHESTRA Fri 13 The Marr's Bar, BORN IN CHICAGO - July, Sutton Coldfield IL DIVO FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK Worcester TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES Town Hall MICHAEL BALL Sat 14 July, Ragley HOLMES Presented outdoors by Hall, Alcester Chapter House Theatre Company, BEN DRUMMOND Tues BROTHERS Fri 13 July, ROCK OF AGES EXPERI- Wed 11 July, Birmingham Botanical 10 July, The Jam Huntingdon Hall, ENCE Sat 14 July, West CBSO SO VOCAL SUMMER SING UP! Gardens House, Birmingham Worcester Midland Safari and Featuring CBSO SO Vocal & the Lit- Leisure Park, Bewdley tle Big Time Band, Sun 15 July, EMMA Sallyanne Scotton Moonga's THE BREEDERS Wed 11 THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS Birmingham Town Hall adaptation of Jane Austen's famous July, O2 Institute, Fri 13 July, The Night HERITAGE: TOMISLAV, SI story, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 July, Selly Birmingham Owl, Birmingham STORER & NIK GILLET NATIONAL SCHOOLS SYMPHONY OR- Sat 14 July, Hare & CHESTRA Sun 15 July, Malvern The- Manor, Birmingham UNFORGETTABLE: A NAT STATELY MADNESS Fri Hounds, Birmingham atres LATE SHAKES BOA Year 12 Acting KING COLE TRIBUTE 13 July, Ragley Hall, Pathway present Shakespeare's The Wed 11 July, Belgrade Alcester CORRUPT THE SYSTEM Tempest, Coriolanus and Measure Theatre, Coventry ALFIE JACK Fri 13 July, Sat 14 July, Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham For Measure, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 KATIE'S ORGANIC JAM The Marr's Bar, July, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham NIGHT Wed 11 July, Worcester THE BACKBONE SLIPS TWELFTH NIGHT Presented by Spitfire Katie Fitzgerald's, Sat 14 July, The Night Comedy SINATRA AT THE SANDS: Theatre Company, Wed 11 - Fri 13 Stourbridge Owl, Birmingham PERFORMED BY CURTIS KAMIKAZE CLUB NIGHTS Mon 9 July, July, Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, STRAIGHTEN OUT - TOM C WALKER & BAND STIGERS AND THE RON- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Coventry Thurs 12 July, The NIE SCOTT'S BIG BAND STRANGLERS TRIBUTE THE COMEDY HUT Tues 10 July, The ANYTHING GOES Starbuck Theatre Jam House, B’ham Fri 13 July, Birming- Sat 14 July, Hunting- Civic, Stourport ham Town Hall don Hall, Worcester Company present an amateur stag- IGLU MUSIC LIVE ORIGI- GLENN WOOL, SAM AVERY Wed 11 ing of Cole Porter’s musical comedy, THE HUNNA MAMMA MIA PARTY NAL ARTISTS Thurs 12 Fri 13 July, July, The Patrick Kavanagh, B’ham Wed 11 - Fri 13 July, Norbury The- July, The Night Owl, O2 Academy, B’ham WITH SENSATION Sat 14 JOHN HASTINGS, DAVE HILL & COMEDY atre, Droitwich Birmingham CELTICA 2018 July, Nailcote Hall, Fri 13 & CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Second Sat 14 July, Belgrade Berkswell HELLIONS Thurs 12 Thurs 12 July, The Glee Club, B’ham Thoughts present an amateur stag- Theatre, Coventry ICONIC 80S Sat 14 July, July, The Sunflower ing of Shakespeare's much-loved The River Rooms, NICK DOODY & JENNY COLLIER Thurs Lounge, Birmingham DEAN FRIEDMAN “WELL, comedy, Wed 11 - Sat 14 July, The Stourbridge 12 July, MAC, Birmingham TOM JONES LIVE Thurs WELL,” SAID THE ROCK- Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon- JOHN HASTINGS, DAVE HILL, NOEL 12 July, Ragley Hall, ING CHAIR’ TOUR Fri 13 PROGRESS WRESTLING Avon July, Artrix, Broms- CHAPTER 73 Sun 15 JAMES & COMIC TBC Fri 13 July, The Alcester TIPTOE THROUGH THE TOMBSTONES grove July, O2 Academy, Glee Club, Birmingham DESPERADO: FROM CAL- Amateur staging of Mike Brooks’ Birmingham BARBARA NICE'S SUMMER SPECIAL comedy thriller, Wed 11 - Sat 21 July, FEATURING CLINTON BAPTISTE Fri 13 Priory Theatre, Kenilworth July, MAC, Birmingham TINA T'URNER TEA LADY'S STEAMY STEPHEN CARLIN & WILL MARS Fri 13 BINGO ‘Laugh, dance and play to July, Evesham Arts Centre win’ as Tina spins her cage of balls LOU CONRAN, RUDI LICKWOOD, PIERRE to a high-energy ’80s soundtrack, HOLINS & GARRETT MILLERICK Sat 14 Thurs 12 July, Old Joint Stock The- July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham atre, Birmingham CINDERELLA & ROCKERFELLA St John Fisher present ‘a show with a twist’, Thurs 12 July, Albany Theatre, Coventry Theatre GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Amateur THE EGG RUMOUR Musical play ex- staging based on Michelle Mago- ploring the new office perk large cor- rian’s award-winning book, Thurs 12 porations are offering to female - Sat 14 July, Palace Theatre, Red- employees: social freezing! Mon 9 ditch July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham JAY ADKINS Magic show combining READ ALL ABOUT IT! Double-bill of cutting-edge mentalism and mind works (one immersive) based magic, Fri 13 July, The Civic, Stour- around the story of the Coventry port Evening Telegraph and set within the A NIGHT OF MUSICAL THEATRE Pre- newspaper's iconic city centre build- sented by KODYS, Fri 13 - Sat 14 ing, Tues 10 - Sat 14 July, Belgrade July, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- Theatre, Coventry ster IOLANTHE Sasha Regan's all-male ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Amateur company return with Gilbert & Sulli- staging of Richard Bean's adaptation van's topsy-turvy love story, Tues 10 of Carlo Goldoni's Servant Of Two - Sat 14 July, Malvern Theatres Masters, Fri 13 - Sat 21 July, Hall Tom Jones - Ragley Hall, Alcester

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thelist Monday 9 - Sunday 15 July Green Little Theatre, Birmingham THE BREADWINNER (12a) WIMBLEDON FINALS IN CENTRAL LADIES' DAY Cheryl Fergison, Deena Talks Animation/Drama. With the voices of SQUARE! Watch the 2018 Wimbledon Payne and Tony Christie star in a Sara Chaudry, Ali Badshah. Malvern finals live on a big screen, Sat 14 brand new staging of Amanda Whit- BRIGHT SMOKE Poetry night bringing Theatres, Sat 14 - Sun 15 July; July, Brindleyplace, Birmingham tington’s smash-hit comedy, Fri 13 - together writing and performance & Malvern Theatres, Sat 14 - Tues 17 & SHAKESPEARE'S ALE Bob Yeats from Sat 28 July, Wolverhampton Grand featuring Harry Baker (pictured) & Thurs 19 July Tunnel Brewery presents a collection Theatre Georgina Wilding, Thurs 12 July, The of hand-crafted ales for tasting, Sat Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon BIRMINGHAM FEST The city's annual NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 14 July, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon theatre festival returns for a sixth year, Released from Fri 13 July, showing at Fri 13 - Sun 29 July, The Blue Orange selected cinemas LEAMINGTON CARNIVAL Large commu- Theatre, Birmingham & AE Harris nity event featuring a colourful array Building, Birmingham SKYSCRAPER (tbc) of floats, drummers, dancers, live MISCHIEF & MYSTERY IN MOOMIN VAL- FIRST REFORMED (15) bands and much more... Sat 14 July, LEY Interactive puppet show for chil- INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Royal Leamington Spa dren aged between three and seven, THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE (15) TAMWORTH AETHELFLAED FESTIVAL Sat 14 July, Henry Sandon Hall, Find out what life was like for those Worcester living in Tamworth during Saxon ODDSOCKS' THE TEMPEST Madcap fun- times, Sat 14 - Sun 15 July, Tamworth sters Oddsocks give a sci-fi slant to Castle, Staffordshire Shakespeare's last play, Sat 14 July, Events FAMILY FUN DAY Featuring garden MAC, Birmingham games and a zipwire, Sun 15 July, PIRATES OF PENZANCE Presented by Il- A FLAVOUR OF THE FLEECE - TASTE & Eastnor Castle, Ledbury lyria, Sat 14 July, Packwood House, TOUR EVENING Join landlord Nigel BRETFEST VILLAGE FETE & CLYPPING OF Solihull HIT THE ODE Apples And Snakes pre- Smith for a tour of the building, Mon THE FLEECE Celebrate the legacy of sent a performance poetry night fea- 9 July, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr The Fleece, plus the ‘Clypping’ of the EMMA Sallyanne Scotton Moonga's turing international and national Evesham adaptation of Jane Austen's famous Fleece (as seen on Channel Four’s poets performing alongside open A FLAVOUR OF THE FORTIES Special Village Of The Year), Sun 15 July, The story, Sat 14 - Sun 15 July, Harving- micers, Fri 13 July, The Patrick Stu- ton Hall, Kidderminster 1940s weekend, Mon 9 - Fri 13 July, Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham dio, Birmingham Hippodrome Black Country Living Museum, Dud- ROMEO AND JULIET Oddsocks breathe JACK BOSKETT: FROM RAILWAYS TO ROY- ley new life into Shakespeare's famous ALTY Tewkesbury’s royal photogra- love story by giving it a musical mods A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM The pher presents his work on the big Three Inch Fools present Shake- & rockers twist, Sun 15 July, MAC, screen, Sat 14 July, The Roses, Birmingham speare’s best-loved comedy, Tues 10 Tewkesbury July, Charlecote Park, Warwick Music Festivals OLIVER TWIST: AN ARTS ADAPTATION BROMSGROVE FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up Amateur staging presented by pupils RAMBLE WITH A RANGER Find out about the conservation work and the includes The Demon Barber Road- from All Round Theatre School, Sun show, Cosmotheka & Silvington, 15 July, Palace Theatre, Redditch wildlife of the hills on a five-mile ramble led by a ranger, Wed 11 July, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 July, The Bowling Film Clent Hills, Worcestershire Green, Bromsgrove INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE Featuring tra- FUSE LICHFIELD Free family commu- ON CHESIL BEACH (12a) Drama/Ro- ditional funfair rides, retro games and nity arts festival featuring a culturally mance. Starring Saoirse Ronan, nostalgic performances, Sat 14 - Sun diverse mix of events, performances Dance Emily Watson. No.8, Pershore, Mon 9 15 July, Birmingham Hippodrome and activities for all ages, Fri 13 - Sun 15 July, Beacon Park, Lichfield, KEVIN AND KAREN DANCE - THE LIVE - Tues 10 July 1940S WEEKEND Sat 14 - Sun 15 July, Staffordshire TOUR Join the Strictly duo for a high- IN THE FADE (18) Crime/Drama. Star- Black Country Living Museum, Dud- energy evening of waltz, cha cha, fox ring Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto. ley trot, tango and salsa, Sat 14 July, Malvern Theatres, Tues 10 - Thurs 12 Symphony Hall, Birmingham July ACCELERATE: DANCEFEST Evening of THAT GOOD NIGHT (12a) Drama. Star- work created and performed by tal- ring John Hurt, Sofia Helin. No. 8, ented dancers from West Midlands- Pershore, Thurs 12 July based youth dance companies, Sat 14 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove EDIE (12a) Drama. Starring Sheila Hancock, Kevin Guthrie. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 13 July BOOK CLUB (12a) Comedy. Starring Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda. Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 13 - Tues 17 July THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Drama/History. Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 13 - Tues 17 July IDEAL HOME (15) Drama/Comedy. Starring Steve Coogan, Paul Rudd. The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 13 - Wed 18 July WHITNEY (tbc) Documentary/Biogra- phy. Starring Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown. Malvern Theatres, Fri 13 - Tues 17 & Thurs 19 July The Demon Barber Roadshow - Bromsgrove Folk Festival

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thelist featuring traditional sword play, Classical songs, music, dance and authentic costumes, Wed 18 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Music FILMSCAPE Presented by BOA Year IGOR LEVIT IN RECITAL Programme in- 12 Music Pathway, Wed 18 - Thurs cludes works by Bach, Busoni, 19 July, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Schumann, Wagner & Liszt, Thurs 19 SIDE SHOW Inspired by the true story July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet THE ROSES’ CHOIR CONCERT Thurs 19 Hilton, Thurs 19 - Sun 22 July, Old July, The Roses, Tewkesbury Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham TAKE 6 ‘the most awarded a cappella ALICE - CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER group in history’, Fri 20 July, Birm- Academy Theatre Arts present its ingham Town Hall version of Lewis Carroll’s magical BRETFORTON PROMS Sat 21 July, The tale, Thurs 19 - Sun 22 July, Swan Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Evesham Theatre, Worcester CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA Featuring THE TEMPEST All-male theatre company The Lord Chamberlain’s Men Preoccupations - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Michael Seal (conductor) & Daniel Lebhardt (piano). Programme in- present an outdoor staging of cludes works by Bartók, Beethoven Shakespeare’s final play, Fri 20 July, JONNY COLE & THE FLAT Leamington Spa & Kodály, Sun 22 July, Birmingham Coughton Court, Alcester, Worcester PINT OF MILD Thurs 19 Gigs DIG? Sat 21 July, The Town Hall FUNNY FACES Double bill of plays July, The Robin, Bil- Night Owl, B’ham based on the lives and loves of two ston PREOCCUPATIONS Mon BIG LUCKY Sat 21 July, British comedy legends, Sid James 16 July, Hare & ‘SOUL AND MOTOWN’ Hare & Hounds, Birm- and Joan Sims, Fri 20 July, Albany Hounds, Birmingham PARTY WITH DAYTON ingham Theatre, Coventry GREY Fri 20 July, Nail- THE BARR BROTHERS THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS: THE NEW cote Hall, Berkswell ABBA REUNION Sat 21 Mon 16 July, The Glee July, Artrix, Broms- Comedy MUSICAL Sat 21 July, Number 8 Com- WAX ON Fri 20 July, Club, Birmingham grove SIMON MUNNERY & ANDREW BIRD Wed munity Arts Centre, Worcestershire Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE MARTIN TROTMAN 18 July, The Patrick Kavanagh, Birm- FAME THE MUSICAL Amateur staging ingham CYMBELINE Sat 21 July, BAND Tues 17 July, The The O2 Academy, ingham presented by The Star Project Soli- THE DRIFTERS Jam House, Birming- Fri 20 Birmingham PHIL ELLIS, MARK NELSON, THE RAY- hull, Sun 22 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove July, Belgrade Theatre, ham MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE AND GRAND INDIAN CIRCUS All-action dis- Coventry FAITH EVANS Sat 21 ELIO PACE PRESENTS July, O2 Institute, Birm- COMIC TBC Thurs 19 July, The Glee play of skills from a super-group of ELVIS PRESLEY Tues 17 UPROAR THE REUNION ingham Club, Birmingham Rajasthan’s elite circus and street July, Malvern Theatres Fri 20 July, O2 Insti- performers, Sun 22 July, MAC, Birm- TWO PIANOS - ROCK N LARRY DEAN & MAT EWINS Thurs 19 tute, Birmingham ingham THE WEEKS Tues 17 ROLL EXPERIENCE Sat July, MAC, Birmingham THE KINX Fri 20 July, July, The Sunflower 21 July, Huntingdon TOM TOAL & DAVE CHAWNER Fri 20 The Night Owl, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham Hall, Worcester July, Evesham Arts Centre ONLY SUN + HANDWAXX THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri THE BEAT BROTHERS Sat PHIL ELLIS, MARK NELSON, THE RAY- Wed 18 July, The Sun- 20 July, The Jam 21 July, The Jam MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE AND House, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham House, Birmingham GLENN MOORE Fri 20 - Sat 21 July, Kids Shows HAYSEED DIXIE Wed 18 THE BLOCKHEADS Fri 20 ROAD TRIP - THE SUM- The Glee Club, Birmingham TELETUBBIES LIVE! The kids’ TV July, O2 Institute, Birm- July, MAC, B’ham MERTIME TOUR Sun 22 ANDREW BIRD, ROBERT WHITE, SAM favourites return in their first ever the- ingham PLASTIC SCENE + July, O2 Academy, AVERY & COMIC TBC Sat 21 July, The atre show, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 July, KING PLEASURE AND JOHNNY KILLS+ M A R C Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE BISCUIT BOYS + THE CREATURE AP- SENSATERIA WITH KINGS Thurs 19 July, The Jam PEAL + WHAT'S LEFT Fri OF HONG KONG AND THE House, Birmingham 20 July, The Victoria, VOO-DOOMS Sun 22 Birmingham GAGA Thurs 19 July, July, The Night Owl, Palace Theatre, Red- CANNED HEAT Fri 20 Birmingham ditch July, The Assembly, Theatre PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Heartbreak Productions adaptation of the Jane Austen classic, Tues 17 July, Brueton Park, Solihull SEX CELLS Anna Longaretti's play about motherhood, friendship, love & loss, Tues 17 - Sat 21 July, The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon- THE MIDNIGHT GANG Heartbreak Pro- Avon ductions present an outdoor staging THE CASE OF THE FRIGHTENED LADY of David Walliams' popular children's New staging of Edgar Wallace’s clas- book, Sat 21 July, Coventry Cathe- sic thriller, Tues 17 - Sat 21 July, dral Malvern Theatres THE MIDNIGHT GANG Heartbreak Pro- ROBIN HOOD AND HIS MERRY MEN ductions present an outdoor adapta- Chapterhouse Theatre Company tion of David Walliams' popular bring the legendary story of Robin children's book, Sun 22 July, Eastnor The Blockheads - MAC, Birmingham Hood to life in an outdoor production Castle, Ledbury

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Monday 16 - Sunday 22 July

July, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- Talks ter, Birmingham COVENTRY BELGRADE MELA 2018 Take SPOKEN TREND Open-mic night for part in Bollywood dance workshops, local poets, Wed 18 July, The Blue try your hand at calligraphy, and Orange Theatre, Birmingham browse the stalls for jewellery and AN EVENING WITH SUNNY ORMONDE crafts, Sat 21 July, Belgrade Theatre, Join The Archers’ Lilian Bellamy for Coventry an evening of anecdotes, banter and CRAZY CAT FEST Browse various stalls behind-the-scenes stories from the for cat-themed accessories and gifts, world’s longest-running soap opera, Sat 21 July, The Assembly, Leaming- Sun 22 July, Bear Pitt Theatre, Strat- ton Spa ford-upon-Avon BRETFORTON PROMS Featuring the Bretforton Silver Band, Sat 21 July, The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Nr Eve- sham THE BIG PICNIC Featuring music, danc- Film ing, games and activities, Sat 21 July, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gar- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: dens, Stratford-upon-Avon Coventry Belgrade Mela- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry EDIE (12a) Drama. Starring Sheila BIG BUILD EVENT Celebrate the start of Hancock, Kevin Guthrie. Artrix, the Brick Built exhibition by helping July - Sun 2 Sept, Anne Hathaway's Bromsgrove, Mon 16 July out on the Big Build, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon- Avon Food Festivals PANDORA’S BOX (PG) Crime/Drama. July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Starring Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner. Redditch BLITZ SPIRIT OUTDOOR GAMES Outdoor COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL Featuring over 90 local producers, streetfood Silent film. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues HISTORIC HOLIDAY FUN Discover the games for all the family, including and live music, Sat 21 - Sun 22 July, 17 & Thurs 19 July hobbies and pastimes that enter- giant jenga, noughts & crosses and croquet, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept, RAF Cosford, Shifnal LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) Drama. Starring tained Black Country folk from Victo- Brockhampton Estate, Bromyard Ben Foster, Dale Dickey. Malvern rian times to the 1930s, Sat 21 July - KENILWORTH FOOD FESTIVAL Gathering Theatres, Tues 17 - Thurs 19 July Sun 2 Sept, Black Country Living Mu- EDWARDIAN GARDEN PARTY Bring of the very best food and drink ven- seum, Dudley along a picnic and take part in tradi- dors from the region and further IN THE FADE (18) Crime/Drama. Star- tional Edwardian games and an Ed- afield. Arts & craft workshops for the ring Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto. SUMMER PLAY TRAILS Create your wardian lantern show, Sun 22 July, kids also feature, Sun 22 July, Kenil- The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed own adventures and have fun explor- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham worth, Warwickshire 18 July ing the hills, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept- Clent Hills, Worcestershire CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOP Featuring a THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Drama/History. circus comedy show, Sun 22 July, Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth. SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Sat 21 Hampton Court Castle, Leominster Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 July July - Sun 2 Sept, Shakespeare's Music Festivals New Place, Anne Hathaway’s Cot- DIG IT! Hands-on activities including tage and Garden, Mary Arden’s sandpit exploration and microscope THE 34TH BIRMINGHAM, SOLIHULL & NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Farm, Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon- identification, Sun 22 July, Hartlebury SANDWELL JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up in- Released from Fri 20 July, showing at Avon Castle, Kidderminster cludes The Jake Leg Jug Band, Bu- dapest Ragtime Orchestra, Art selected cinemas DESIGN & MAKE AT ENGINUITY Print ANIMALS R MAGIC Featuring a village Theman Quartet and King Pleasure & your own design onto fabric, make a HOTEL ARTEMIS (15) fete and lots of stalls and activities, The Biscuit Boys (pictured), Fri 20 - buggy or send your cargo down a zip Sun 22 July, The Jinney Ring Craft MADAME (15) Sun 29 July, various locations across line, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept, Engi- Centre, Hanbury, Bromsgrove Birmingham, Solihull & Sandwell MAMMA MIA: HERE WE GO AGAIN! (tbc) nuity Museum, Ironbridge, Shrop- shire GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Featuring a host of activities, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept, Hatton Adventure World, War- Events wickshire MINI MOTORISTS Activity morning for SUMMER CLAY CRAFTS Find your inner the under-fives, Mon 16 July, British artist and decorate ceramics every Motor Museum, Gaydon day over the summer holidays, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept, Coalport China A FLAVOUR OF THE FORTIES Special Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire 1940s weekend, Mon 16 - Fri 20 July, Black Country Living Museum, Dud- HANDS-ON FUN AT BLISTS HILL Cele- ley brate Ironbridge’s industrial past with hands-on activities, trails and demon- BRINDLEYPLACE FILM FESTIVAL Free stration, Sat 21 July - Sun 2 Sept, festival showcasing a wide selection Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, of popular movies, Mon 16 - Sun 22 Shropshire July, Brindleyplace, Birmingham JUNGLE BOOK TRAIL As you walk ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE A summer around the gardens and grounds, fol- festival of ‘fabulous antiques and low the Jungle Book trail! Can you statement pieces’, Thurs 19 - Sun 22 find all the characters? Sat 21 July - July, NEC, Birmingham Sun 2 Sept, Hampton Court Castle, JEWELLERY QUARTER FESTIVAL A week- Leominster end of events celebrating the diver- SUMMER ARTS PROJECT Help recreate sity and creativity of Birmingham's and retell Romeo And Juliet, Sat 21 Jewellery Quarter, Fri 20 - Sun 22 King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys - Birmingham, Solihull & Sandwell Jazz Festival whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 23-31 July.qxp_Layout 1 22/06/2018 15:39 Page 1

thelist LE FREAK Fri 27 July, JONI VOID Sat 28 July, SIDE SHOW Inspired by the true story Gigs The Night Owl, B’ham Tin Music and Arts, Comedy of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet 60S NIGHT OUT Fri 27 Coventry Hilton, Wed 25 - Sat 28 July, Old TOM STADE & CHRIS STOKES Wed 25 DEL AMITRI Mon 23 July, July, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE WILDHEARTS Sat 28 Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birm- July, The Patrick Kavanagh, B’ham CHOKING SUSAN PLUS July, The Assembly, CIRQUE BERSERK! Fusion of cirque ingham DALISO CHAPONDA, ROSCO MCCLEL- SUPPORT FROM SPUNK Leamington Spa skills and thrilling stunt action, Thurs LAND, REVERNED OBADIAH STEPPEN- MIKE & SOLVEIG Tues 24 VOLCANO, THE ERUP- LAUER Sat 28 July, Hare 26 - Sat 28 July, Belgrade Theatre, WOLF III & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH July, Hare & Hounds, TIONS AND DRAG Fri 27 & Hounds, Birmingham Coventry ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 26 July, The Birmingham July, The Asylum, Birm- OLIVER! Lollipop Youth Theatre pre- BROKEN MINDS - JUNGLE Glee Club, Birmingham THE STARGAZERS Tues ingham EDITION Sat 28 July, sent an amateur staging of Lionel 24 July, The Jam ROCKET Fri 27 July, The Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bart’s classic musical, Thurs 26 - Sat House, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham ingham 28 July, Norbury Theatre, Droitwich DROUGHT ON MARS Wed BRINGING ON BACK THE BRAIN FOOD Sat 28 July, ROMEO AND JULIET Oddsocks breathe 25 July, The Sunflower 60S Sat 28 July, The The Night Owl, Birming- new life into Shakespeare's famous Lounge, Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull ham love story by giving it a musical mods & rockers twist, Fri 27 July, KING PLEASURE AND THE UNCHANGED Sat 28 July, WIZARDS OF OZ & OBSES- Mary Arden's Farm, Stratford-upon- BISCUIT BOYS Thurs 26 O2 Academy, Birming- SION Sat 28 July, The Avon July, Sutton Coldfield ham Marr's Bar, Worcester Town Hall LITTLE WOMEN Chapterhouse Theatre THE STYLE COUNCILLORS RAVER TOTS Sun 29 July, present an outdoor staging of Louisa HÜDS Thurs 26 July, The Sat 28 July, The Em- The Assembly, Leam- May Alcott's timeless tale, Fri 27 July, Sunflower Lounge, pire, Coventry ington Spa MAC, Birmingham Birmingham DIG? Sat 28 July, The EARTHLESS & RUBY THE PAUL SINHA & LAURA LEXX Thurs 26 THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS: THE NEW SAM CARTER Thurs 26 Night Owl, B’ham HATCHET Sun 29 July, July, MAC, Birmingham MUSICAL Fri 27 July, Number 8 Com- July, Evesham Arts RIOT GRRRUNGE NIGHT Hare & Hounds, Birm- munity Arts Centre, Pershore, Worcs Centre DALISO CHAPONDA, REVERNED OBA- Sat 28 July, Scruffy ingham DIAH STEPPENWOLF III, JO ENRIGHT & ODDSOCKS' THE TEMPEST Madcap fun- ECHO GECCO + THE HUB- Murphys, Birmingham I SEE HAWKS Sun 29 CLINT EDWARDS Fri 27 July, The Glee sters Oddsocks give a sci-fi slant to BARDS Fri 27 July, The STEVE EARLE & THE July, The Marr's Bar, Club, Birmingham Shakespeare's last play, Sat 28 July, Actress & Bishop, Birm- DUKES Sat 28 July, O2 Worcester Mary Arden's Farm, Stratford-upon- ingham CHRISTIAN REILLY, JOSH PUGH, LEO Institute, Birmingham KEARSE & TOM WRIGGLESWORTH Sat Avon 28 July, The Comedy Loft, B’ham LITTLE WOMEN Chapterhouse Theatre JOSH PUGH Sun 29 July, Cherry Reds present an outdoor staging of Louisa Cafe-Bar, Birmingham May Alcott's timeless tale, Sat 28 CHRIS WASHINGTON Sun 29 July, July, Hanbury Hall, Droitwich Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham LOU CONRAN Sun 29 July, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar,Birmingham ROB KEMP Sun 29 July, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birmingham Kids Shows AURIE STYLA, ADOT, GERRY KYEI & GUZ KHAN Sun 29 July, The Glee Club, PETER PAN Presented by Immersion Birmingham Theatre, Thurs 26 July, Birmingham BIANCA DEL RIO Mon 30 July, Sym- Botanical Gardens phony Hall, Birmingham TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES Julia Donaldson’s much loved children’s tales are brought to life in one performance, Thurs 26 July, The Roses, Tewkesbury TREASURE ISLAND Boxtree Produc- tions present an outdoor staging of Theatre Robert Louis Stevenson's classic THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM tale, Sat 28 July, Packwood House, SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) The Na- Solihull tional Production Company present LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Moon On A a fast-paced romp through the bard's Stick fuse puppetry and storytelling 37 plays, Tues 24 - Sat 28 July, The with elements of pantomime in a Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham show for younger audiences, Tues A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Chap- 31 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove terhouse Theatre Company present THE MIDNIGHT GANG Heartbreak Pro- an outdoor version of Shakespeare's ductions present an outdoor adapta- romantic comedy, Wed 25 July, Birm- tion of David Walliams' popular ingham Botanical Gardens children's book, Tues 31 July - Wed 1 DREAMBOYS The ultimate girls’ night Aug, Brueton Park, Solihull out!, Wed 25 July, Belgrade Theatre, MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE Coventry X Factor winner Matt Terry stars in a ANIMALCOLM Story Pocket Theatre musical adventure based on Dream- bring David Baddiel’s comic tale to works’ animated motion picture, life, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 July, Royal Tues 31 July - Sat 4 Aug, New Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

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Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 July

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Film Released from Fri 27 July, showing at INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: selected cinemas MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT (tbc) THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Drama/History. Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth. APOSTASY (tbc) Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 23 - Tues 24 HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 3: A MONSTER VA- July; No. 8, Pershore, Mon 23 - Tues CATION! (tbc) 24 July SHERLOCK GNOMES (U) Animation/Ad- venture. With the voices of Kelly As- bury, Mary J. Blige. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 26, Sat 28 & Mon 30 July Events LET THE SUNSHINE IN (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring Juliette SAXON LIVING HISTORY Find out what Binoche, Xavier Beauvois. Foreign life was like for those living in Tam- language, subtitled. Artrix, Broms- worth during Saxon times, Tues 24 - grove, Wed 25 - Fri 27 July Thurs 26 July, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire BEAST (15) Drama. Starring Jessie Buckley, Johnny Flynn. No. 8, Per- SUMMER CRAFT ACTIVITIES Drop-in shore, Thurs 26 July sessions every Tuesday & Thursday throughout the summer holidays, Hands On History : Nature Detectives - Witley Court, Worcestershire FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) Tues 24 July - Thurs 30 Aug, Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna Blakesley Hall, Birmingham July - Sun 2 Sept, Sarehole Mill, Hall, Birmingham Lumley, Celia Imrie. No. 8, Pershore, Birmingham EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up Fri 27 July THE ENGINEERING SHOW Tues 24 July - Fri 31 Aug, Thinktank Science Mu- LITTLE SKIPPERS - WATERY WILDLIFE A close to some exotic animals, Wed BOOK CLUB (12a) Comedy. Starring seum, Birmingham 45-minute boat trip followed by things 25 - Thurs 26 July, Hampton Court Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda. No. 8, to make and do, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Castle, Leominster Pershore, Mon 30 - Tues 31 July SUMMER HOLIDAYS Trail and craft ac- July, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust tivity, available every Tuesday to Sun- THE DUCK RACE Traditional race down day throughout the summer, Tues 24 DEN BUILDING Wed 25 July, Blakesley the River Arrow, Wed 25 July - Wed

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thelist Monday 23 - Tuesday 31 July 29 Aug, Coughton Court, Alcester PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy HANDS ON HISTORY: NATURE DETEC- 360-degree views from the balcony of TIVES Family-friendly activities in the the Panorama Tower, Fri 27 July, garden, Wed 25 July - Fri 31 Aug, Croome Park, Worcester Witley Court, Great Witley MEDIEVAL BANQUET Sat 28 July, War- COUGHS & SNEEZES SPREAD TUDOR wick Castle DISEASES! Take part in a gruesome LIVING HISTORY - MID VICTORIAN MILI- medical facts trail, solve a bizarre TIA Living history displays ‘with lots of remedies puzzle and make yourself a interaction, education and, of course. finger puppet to take home, Wed 25 entertainment!’ Sat 28 - Sun 29 July, July - Sat 1 Sept, Tudor House Mu- Hampton Court Castle, Leominster seum, Worcester THE NORMAN CASTLE Meet the Nor- OUTDOOR CINEMA Watch a movie mans at one of England's great Nor- against the backdrop of the moated man castles, Sat 28 - Sun 29 July, manor house - and don't forget to Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire take a picnic! Thurs 26 - Sat 28 July, TOYS, TOYS, TOY FACTORY Build me- Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire chanical, spinning, musical and con- OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become struction toys, as well as robots and Megson - Warwick Folk Festival an environmental scientist and ex- board games, Sat 28 July - Sat 1 plore the natural environment, Thurs Sept, Coventry Transport Museum George Marshall Medical Museum, 26 July, Aston Hall, Birmingham OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become Worcester Music Festivals TEDDY BEAR'S PICNIC Thurs 26 July, an environmental scientist and ex- GLADIATOR ARM GUARDS Make sure WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Hill Close Gardens, Warwick plore the natural environment, Sun 29 you're fully protected from your ene- cludes Show Of Hands, Jon Boden & July, Weoley Castle, Birmingham mies by making your very own man- WALKING WITH DINOSAURS Spectacu- Remnant Kings, Megson, Gordie ica - an arm protector worn by lar show based on the award-winning RAMBLE WITH A RANGER Find out MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, gladiators when they fought in the BBC television series, Thurs 26 - Sat about conservation work and the Thurs 26 - Sun 29 July, Warwick Town arena, Mon 30 July - Fri 3 Aug, Lunt 28 July, Arena Birmingham wildlife of the hills on this five-mile Centre ramble, Sun 29 July, Clent Hills, Roman Fort, Baginton, Coventry SAREHOLE ART CLUB Drop by every LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up includes Worcestershire EEEK! A GIANT ICE AGE BATIK! Learn the Thursday morning throughout the Goldfrapp, The Stranglers, Amadou traditional art of Indonesian Batik - summer holidays to take part in an SUMMER HOLIDAY FOOD FAIR Sun 29 & Mariam, Basement Jaxx (DJ Set), working with wax and colour dyes, art activity related to the natural July, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham The Go! Team, Songhoy Blues, A Tues 31 July, The Hive, Worcester beauty of Sarehole Mill, Thurs 26 July MEDIEVAL OPEN DAY Explore the ruins Guy Called Gerald (live), Crazy P, - Thurs 30 Aug, Sarehole Mill, B’ham of Weoley Castle and learn about MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Meet me- Hookworms, The Unthanks, Jane VICTORIAN HANDLING DAY Fri 27 July, what life was like in Medieval Eng- dieval characters and learn about Weaver, Boy Azooga, Trojan Sound Sarehole Mill, Birmingham land, Sun 29 July, Weoley Castle, their lives, Tues 31 July - Thurs 2 System & much more... Fri 27 - Sun Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Learn Birmingham 29 July, Umberslade Farm Park, Tan- worth in Arden, Warwickshire all about the history and workings of CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY From Ford to the trams in the collection, Fri 27 July, Fiat, Jaguar to Lotus, Rolls Royce to MADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Black Country Living Museum, Dud- Triumph, and VW Camper to Heinkel Dizzee Rascal, DJ EZ, Andy C, Ku- ley Bubble Car, Sun 29 July, Severn Val- rupt FM, Camelphat, Holy Goof, GIANT SCULPTURE MAKING SESSION ley Railway, Bewdley Not3s, SASASAS and Yxng Bane, Sat Food Festivals 28 July, Perry Park, Birmingham Free drop-in craft, Fri 27 July, The SUMMER SURGEONS CIRCUS FOR FAMI- Core, Solihull LIES Learn about the history of BIRMINGHAM THAI FESTIVAL A touch of SHARDFEST Line-up includes Bugzy Thai culture, where you can chal- AN AUDIENCE WITH HENRY VIII Meet surgery, and experiment with new Malone, Lotto Boyzz, Artful Dodger, technology used by medical profes- lenge your taste buds and feast your Abracadabra, Big Hapz, Erin Louise Henry and find out all about his life, eyes on world class food and perfor- Fri 27 July, Blakesley Hall, B’ham sionals, Mon 30 - Tues 31 July, and Sonique, Sat 28 - Sun 29 July, mances, Sat 28 July, Cannon Hill Norman Chamberlain Fields, B’ham Park, Birmingham COVENTRY VEGAN BEER FESTIVAL Brought to you by Fat Gay Vegan and Twisted Barrel Brewery, Sat 28 July, FarGo Village, Coventry CRAFT DRINK FESTIVAL Showcasing hundreds of breweries, distilleries, cider makers, wine merchants, food stalls and more... Visitors can also expect live music, comedy performance and cinema screenings, Sat 28 - Sun 29 July, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham DIRTY VEGAN - A MAC POP-UP Two-day fusion of healthy and naughty, Fri 28 - Sat 29 July, MAC, Birmingham STAFFORD FOOD FESTIVAL Brand new event featuring over 100 food & drink stalls throughout the town, free children’s activities and live entertainment, Sat 28 - Sun 29 July, Stafford Town Centre

Lunar Festival - Tanworth In Arden, Warwickshire Dizzee Rascal - Made Festival, Birmingham 66 whatsonlive.co.uk MAC OBC July 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 10:04 Page 1 Lets Ride Coventry F/P July 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2018 14:56 Page 1