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JOHN GRANT PLAYS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands SYMPHONY HALL BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2018 Birmingham ISSUE 392 AUGUST 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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SIMMER DOWN family-friendly festival returns to Handsworth Park BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK Tudor World Ghost Tours F/P August 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:52 Page 1 Contents August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 12:40 Page 2

August 2018

Contents

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - hit West Ender visits The REP... feature on page 8

John Grant Matilda The Musical Insomnia63 the list

takes a stand at Birmingham’s continues to delight audiences four days of video gaming Your 16-page Symphony Hall at Birmingham Hippodrome at Birmingham’s NEC week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 26 page 43 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 19. Festivals 26. Theatre 35. Film 38. Visual Arts 43. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonmediagroup Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine What’s On Media Group

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] Ellie Hutchings [email protected] Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts 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 Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:58 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

From script to stage for ’s writer! The writer of hit TV series Benidorm is to star in the stage version of the show when it visits Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre over the Christmas period. Derren Litten will play the role of Derek dur- ing ’s second-city stop-off (3 - 29 December). Commenting on the news, Derren said: “I’m so excited to be joining the cast in Birming- ham this Christmas. It’s been 25 years since I’ve been on a stage, so I guess you could say I’m back by popular demand! I won’t lie, I’m pretty scared at the prospect of acting and singing in such an amazing theatre, but if I get nervous and forget my lines, I’ll just say it was a last-minute rewrite!”

NEC Group ‘makes it social’ Fancy an evening in the of the festival is focusing on raising aware- ness of homelessness in the city, via a collab- NEC Group Arenas and their official box of- company of Peter Andre? oration with the charity Crisis. fice, The Ticket Factory, have teamed up with For more information, visit thsh.co.uk Edinburgh-based start-up ‘make it social’ to offer customers a simple way to purchase tickets with friends. It’s A Knockout for Initially available on selected events, the new initiative allows a group leader to reserve a Midlands Air Ambulance number of arena seats together, and then to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is urging issue invitations to friends, who can individ- people to get involved in its fundraising ver- ually pay for their seats. sion of hit TV show It’s A Knockout, taking All the group leader needs to do to start the place in Wythall, Birmingham, on Sunday 12 process is click on the ‘book with friends’ August. button featured on The Ticket Factory event The event will see 24 teams of 10 compete pages. across nine different inflatable obstacle Pop singer Peter Andre is heading to Birming- courses. ham next month (The Hagley, Saturday 22 Commenting on the event, Jason Levy, September). fundraising and marketing director for Mid- The one-time I’m A Celebrity star will be talk- lands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Each ing about his life and taking questions from Midlands Air Ambulance Charity mission the audience in an event entitled Life, Love costs on average £2,500, and with no govern- And The Mysterious Girl. ment or National Lottery funding, events The evening will also include a memorabilia such as We’re A Knockout keep our heli- auction, audience games, a prize draw and a copters in the air and delivering vital pre- Imagine peace in our time three-course meal. For more information, hospital emergency care every day.” at Lichfield Cathedral... visit showfighter.co.uk/peter-andre To find out more or register a team, ring An immersive and interactive exhibition at 07841 489157 or sign up online at midland- Lichfield Cathedral is this month inviting vis- Brum festival to focus on sairambulance.com. itors ‘to imagine what peace might feel and look like in our time’. homelessness in the city Imagine Peace uses objects, artworks, light Birmingham’s SoundLounge Festival makes a and sound to encourage viewers to reflect on welcome return this month. the hard-won peace of 1918 - following four Created and curated by a collective of young years of fighting during the First World War - people and taking place at the city’s Town and then to turn their attention to the future. Hall on Saturday 18 August, the event show- The exhibition shows at the cathedral every cases some of Birmingham’s most talented evening from 17 to 27 August. solo artists and musicians. The 2018 edition 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:58 Page 2

First Word

Flapper dresses and baker boy caps at the ready... A Midlands arts centre is this month hosting a Peaky Blin- ders-themed night of boxing and music in aid of Birmingham Children's Hospital. Bromsgrove’s Artrix venue is inviting visitors to get dressed up in their flapper dresses and baker boy caps to ‘experience the dark 1920s underbelly of Birmingham’ (Saturday 18 Au- gust). The evening features a full bar, live 1920s-themed box- ing, a live Peaky Blinders- themed band and a ‘best dressed’ competition. To find out more, visit artrix.co.uk

Hit show to tie The Knot at DanceXchange this autumn A Midlands dance house will this autumn host a touring production by celebrated choreographer Canadian comic Didy Veldman. Stewart to head DanceXchange in Birmingham Hippodrome presents The Knot on Thursday 8 November. The well-re- Into The Punset viewed show explores the subject of marriage, focusing on the role of ritual in a happy couple’s ‘big Canadian comedian Stewart day’ and also exploring issues connected to ‘doubt, religion and gender’. Francis is visiting the Midlands For more information, visit dancexchange.org.uk during what he says will be his last ever standup tour. Punchline wizard Francis will be bringing his new show, Into Bowie band in Comedian goes classical at Bramall The Punset, to venues in Birm- Birmingham Comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan will be showcasing ingham, Wolverhampton, Midlands-based David another of his talents when he appears at Birmingham University’s Bromsgrove, Malvern, Dudley, Bowie fans can pay Bramall Hall this month (4 August). Telford, Coventry and Shrews- Alistair will be playing a number of tracks from his bury. For more information, visit homage to their hero in the recently released piano album, as well as some stewartfrancis.com company of some of his favourite backing musi- other short classic piano pieces. In the process he’ll cians early next year. be paying homage to composers including Gersh- A Bowie Celebration, tak- win, Grieg, Mompou, Mendelssohn, Satie and ing place at Birmingham Schubert. o2 Institute on Sunday 13 Prospective audience members are warned to ex- January, sees Bowie band pect ‘a lot of beautiful music with the odd mistake’! alumni including Mike Garson, Earl Slick, Gerry Leonard and Carmine Virtuoso violinist is back in Birmingham Rojas performing a selec- Nigel Kennedy is heading back to Birmingham. tion of the late singer’s The multi-million-selling virtuoso violinist will play Symphony Hall greatest hits. on 18 October, performing works by Bach and Gershwin as well as his For more information, visit own self-penned pieces, including the recently composed Magician ABowieCelebration.com Of Lublin. For more information, visit thsh.co.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:58 Page 3

First Word

Second star to the right... Jimmy Autumn tumble and Meera head for Neverland - in the Arena via the Birmingham Hippodrome! will next month host the Trampoline, One-time child star Jimmy Osmond and Anita And Me au- Tumbling & DMT British thor Meera Syal will take top billing in Birmingham Hippo- Championships 2018 event drome’s production of Peter Pan this Christmas. (Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 Jimmy and Meera are joined for the not-to-be-missed festive September). extravaganza by Matt Slack, Jaymi Hensley, The Timbuktu It’s expected that the two- Tumblers and Sascha Williams. day meetup will see the re- The production runs at the Hippodrome from Wednesday turn of Olympic trampoline 19 December to Sunday 27 January. medallist Bryony Page, as Commenting on the show, the Hippodrome’s Artistic Direc- she takes on stiff competition tor & Chief Executive, Fiona Allan, said; “From American from world team bronze music legend Donny Osmond to -born Meera medallists Laura Gallagher Syal, this year’s line-up promises something for everyone, and Kat Driscoll. The event and with the clock already ticking, it’s never too early to also features Nathan Bailey start planning in some swashbuckling festive fun.” and Luke Strong doing battle For more information, visit birminghamhippodrome.com for the men’s senior trampo- line crown, and disability trampoline gymnasts per- forming ‘exhilarating rou- Brand new British Plenty of school summer holidays fun tines’ in a bid for prestigious musical set to at Birmingham’s Botanical Gardens medals. premiere in Brum A visit from PAW Patrol, a circus and a teddy bears’ picnic are among A brand new British musical is the family-friendly events taking place at Birmingham Botanical Gar- Escape Live to to be premiered in Birmingham dens this school summer holiday. double in size this autumn. James Wheeler, chief executive of the popular venue, said: “As you The Stars That Remain explores would expect, this time of year is glorious at the Gardens. We aim to The company behind Birm- ‘both the endurance and ero- host events that are fun yet affordable, so that families can return to ingham’s most popular ‘es- sion of love, the fragility of life make memories here time and time again. We hope that our timetable cape experience’ venue is set and the emotional fallout trig- will offer some great ideas for those who might be struggling to come to launch a number of brand gered by addiction’... up with new ways to entertain the family this summer holiday.” new games in the city. The production shows at the For more information, visit birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Escape Live presents ‘excit- Old Joint Stock theatre from 8 ing group games with a dif- to 10 November. ference’, challenging For more information, visit old- participants to escape from a jointstock.co.uk locked room inside 60 min- utes by solving a series of challenging puzzles. With four escape rooms at its Give It A Swirl in Jewellery Quarter venue, the Stratford! company has plans for a fur- The Royal Shakespeare Com- ther four or five games at its pany (RSC) is offering families new location on Constitution a whole host of summer holi- Hill. The new venue, which day activities to enjoy this Escape Live say ‘could open month, both inside and outside by late summer’, will also the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. feature a café and conference Highlights include Give It A area. Swirl - the RSC’s new outdoor More than 70,000 people pop-up theatre initiative, which have visited Escape Live is hosting a range of free-to-at- Anyone for Ping Pong? Birmingham since it tend puppet shows and produc- Birmingham ping pong players will this month have a new venue in launched in 2015. For more tion-themed performances. which to enjoy their sport. information on the existing For more information about the Located on Temple Row in the city centre, Serve will provide 17 tables escape experiences - Dr Wil- school summer holidays at the for players to use, a selection of food and drink, music courtesy of son’s Office, The Time Ma- RSC and a complete schedule, guest DJs, and masterclasses by stars of the ping pong world. chine, Room 13 and The Lab - visit rsc.org.uk The new venue opens the first weekend of August. visit escapelive.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:58 Page 4 The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - REP 8-9.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:07 Page 1

COMEDY YOU CAN BANK ON The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - REP 8-9.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:07 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Award-winning Mischief Theatre, the company behind hit West Ender The Play That Goes Wrong, bring yet another laugh-out-loud comedy to the Midlands this month... What’s On spoke to Artistic Director Henry Lewis about Mischief’s success and their currently touring show, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery...

It’s 1958 and Minneapolis is abuzz with news explains... “We’ve made shows that we believe in, and that City Bank has been charged with the worked really hard to put them out there. I “The comedy is very physical, and I think protection of a priceless diamond. With an think because a lot of us trained together at that’s why it translates so well overseas. escaped convict, his girlfriend and sidekick, drama school - so we’d already been doing There have been various productions abroad. a maintenance man and even bank security shows together for a long time - we had this One is currently on in Paris, which is all eyeing up the gem, what could possibly go shared chemistry that really helped us.” obviously quite different, but a lot of the wrong?... physical side of the comedy is the same. It’s Mischief Theatre’s ensemble format sees its Henry Lewis, writer of The Comedy About A more universal than the verbal comedy, members collaborating over many years to Bank Robbery and co-founder of Mischief which is more often than not aimed at a create a unique body of work. Theatre, shared a few words about the ‘side- particular audience, or makes presumptions “I would fully endorse the format we have at splitting show’. about what the audience already knows. I Mischief, particularly for youngsters leaving think everyone just gets it and can laugh “We’ve taken inspiration from old Marx drama school because the industry is so hard along.” Brothers comedy, so in that way it’s that to get work in. I would absolutely ‘screwball caper’ style of show. It has little As artistic director at Mischief Theatre, Henry recommend that people form their own references chucked in here and there, but faces plenty of challenges, but as far as he’s theatre companies with those connections obviously it’s completely original. I suppose concerned, the rewards make all the hard they make along the way, and write, produce, it’s a farce at its core, but there’s a lot of work worthwhile. direct and perform their own productions. I physical comedy in there, combined with the think it’s the greatest thing that people can “I think creating works that are genuinely verbal one-liners and the like. be doing, whether that’s in-between jobs or funny is one of the hardest things to do; it’s as more of a full-time life choice, as it has “Bank Robbery is very different to our ‘Goes tricky, and the shows take an enormous been for us. Ensemble is very important and, Wrong’ shows because it’s got a narrative to amount of development. It’s my job to ensure I think, much more interesting. It’s given us it. There are also a lot of impressive visuals that that’s always happening, but also to far greater creative scope - we really have and stunts as the robbery takes place, and make certain that we’re always trying control over what we want to do. It’s such a there’s a really fun scene involving something new, coming up with new ideas treat to be able to write and produce your perspective. I don’t want to give too much and collaborating with different people. We own stuff and see it through to the end. The away for audiences, but it’s quite film-like in have so many shows on at the moment - two creative freedom is definitely the most its visuals.” shows currently running in the West End and fulfilling aspect. I really can’t recommend it three on tour - and we’re obviously always So why does Henry think the show has enough.” trying to develop new stuff. There’s such a lot played so well with British audiences? on, so it can be stressful, but the rewards are And there are more exciting projects to come “Crime stories are quite popular, so I think just amazing. To see different people all over from Mischief in the near future... Bank Robbery has fairly universal appeal the world laughing at what we produce is “We’re currently writing for a TV show and a because it does follow that plot - even if it’s a incredible. With all the different things going stage project, but I can’t tell you much more sillier version, rather than in a thriller style. on in our country and the world at the than that because it’s still very much a secret. We’ve tried to make it a very mainstream moment, it’s great that people come to our But there will be news of those soon, I’m show, to give it that widespread appeal but shows, forget their troubles and just sit and sure.” with its own very unique style and quirks. It laugh. To be able to give people that escape doesn’t require a huge amount of thought to at the theatre is a huge privilege.” watch - it’s just good fun and a good Henry attributes the success of Mischief The Comedy About A Bank Robbery adventure for any audience to enjoy.” Theatre to three simple things: faith in their shows at Birmingham Repertory Theatre Bank Robbery has also been a success in its work, a real drive to achieve and the spark from Thursday 23 August to Saturday 8 licensed productions abroad, as Henry between himself and his colleagues. September.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:26 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk Food August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:26 Page 2

Food

The meat, which was cooked medium rare, was tasty and of a high quality. My partner did comment that one of the cuts was a little over-seasoned, and I had to agree. I like salt on my food, but it was too salty even for me. I can’t help feeling that we may have been better off choosing, for example, the 20oz t-bone and the king lobster as two separate dishes; the platter didn’t quite live up to our expectations. We ended the night’s proceed- ings with a naughty banana mess. Comprising grilled ba- nana, banana meringue, cream and creamy homemade banana ice cream, it was an excellent REVIEW: Jailbird Starter number two comprised end to the evening and a dish I'd flame-grilled prawns tossed in certainly order again. A New York-style drinking and dining chilli, parsley and garlic, served Throughout our time in Jailbird, experience in the heart of Birmingham on a bed of rich and creamy the restaurant was very quiet. black risotto. The prawns were Sure, it was a weekday, but con- succulent, cooked and flavoured The award-winning Lasan Group ence. sidering the venue hasn’t long nicely, and the creamy risotto - responsible for Lasan, Fiesta been open, I was expecting it to Now, on to the mouthwatering was absolutely delicious. The Del Asado and Raja Monkey - be a little busier. food menu... Both my partner starters are definitely stars of the have recently brought yet an- and I are huge steak and seafood show at Jailbird - or at least they The service was exemplary, with other dining experience to Birm- fans, so choosing what to order were on our visit. both our waitress and the restau- ingham. was quite the task. rant manager making us feel ex- Choosing from main-course op- Once home to Nosh + Quaff, one tremely welcome from the I would’ve ordered every single tions including 20oz Delmonico of the city’s favourite American moment we walked in. starter available given the steak, 40oz Boston rib (to share), restaurants, Jailbird provides a chance. The black risotto with spaghetti with clams, 6oz fillet Although our experience wasn’t New York-style drinking and din- confit black garlic, the wings steak and whole lemon sole, we perfect, we’ll definitely be re- ing experience in the desirable with leeks and the lamb chops opted for the Butcher & Monger turning to Jailbird in the future, area of Colmore Row. were all potential options. We fi- Platter to share. Carrying a £59 not only to make our way Situated just a two-minute walk nally opted for the Scallops ’N’ price tag, it comprised grilled through the extensive main- away from Birmingham New Bacon and the black risotto with warm-water sweet slipper lobster course menu - I’ve heard good Street train station, the restau- prawns, which could also be or- and shell on prawns tossed in things about the flat iron steak rant’s convenient city centre lo- dered as a main course. olive oil, garlic, chilli and sea and the lamb chops - but also to cation makes it a perfect spot for The first dish comprised sweet salt, with soft shell crab in tem- devour the Scallops ’N’ Bacon diners both from within and out- pan-fried American scallops pura batter. The seafood was dish for a second time and sam- side the city. served with crisp, salty bacon served alongside a seven-bone ple some more of their ever-so- On arrival, we perused the menu and a textured sweetcorn and steak featuring meat from the tasty cocktails. Lauren Foster over a lager and a Reverend Rum herb puree - a stunning dish! The chuck, loin, rib and round, - the cocktails came highly rec- scallops were cooked to absolute served with thick, seasoned Food: nnnnn ommended, so it would’ve been perfection, seared slightly on the hand-cut chips. Service: nnnnn Ambience: foolish not to sample what was outside and soft and textured on The soft shell crab was okay but nnnnn Overall value on offer. Comprising Admiral the inside. The creamy-sweet nothing to shout out about. The nnnnn OVERALL Vernon’s Old J Cherry Spiced rum corn and herb puree was a wel- tempura batter was quite thick, nnnnn with cherry and pink grapefruit, come contrast to the salty little and I’ve enjoyed far nicer in the Reverend Rum was ridicu- morsels of crispy bacon, and the Jailbird other eateries. In addition, the Square lously tasty - so much so that I whole dish boasted a flavour lobster and prawns had perhaps 130 Colmore Row had three during our visit. They combination of dreams. This, been grilled for a tad too long - Birmingham were undoubtedly one of the along with the cocktail, was my other than charcoal, there was B3 3AP highlights of my Jailbird experi- highlight of the evening. little to no taste. Tel: 0121 236 4246

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Alfresco dining Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:52 Page 1 Alfresco dining Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:52 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Alfresco dining If August proves to be anywhere near as hot and sizzling as June and July, there’ll only be one place to tuck into a delicious meal and glass or two of something relaxing, and that’s the great outdoors! Check out the venues featured below if you’re looking for the kind of dining experience that also allows you to top up your tan...

The Bureau The Button Factory The Canal House The Bureau prides itself on its innovative Boasting an expansive sun-trap roof Located in the former James Brindley pub cocktails and locally produced, garden, The Button Factory is certainly a and owned by The New World Trading thoughtfully sourced deli and bar food. venue to visit during the summer months, Company - the brand behind popular The menu features ever-so-tasty duck whether it be for a coffee, a bottomless cocktail haunt The Botanist - The Canal scotch eggs (a customer favourite), Bureau brunch on the weekend or late-night House boasts two floors, a large outdoor gourmet deli dog, pig and pickles, sticky dinner and cocktails. seating area and a gin distillery that sits glazed beef, Bureau coronation chicken Located in the heart of the Jewellery in the middle of the upstairs bar. caesar, Bureau veggie burger and a range of Quarter, the eatery features a Robata grill And that’s not all. There’s also the scrumptious desserts. and offers succulent meat cooked over venue’s stunning canalside location to Grab some bar bites and enjoy a cocktail or English oak with an open flame, alongside enjoy, live music in the evenings, 60 several on the chilled-out rooftop terrace sharing platters, snacks, flatbreads and unique ales and three temperature- this month - we can guarantee you won’t be bowls. The Sunday lunch menu features controlled tanks, an impressive range of disappointed. slow-roast Waveney valley pork belly, rare cocktails and plenty of traditional pub 110 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 3AG roast 28-day Aberdeen Angus sirloin, half a food to get stuck into - think deli boards, shoulder of Herdwick lamb and much rotisserie, sandwiches and hanging more. kebabs. 25 Frederick Street, Jewellery Quarter, 12 Bridge Street, Birmingham. B1 2JR Birmingham, B1 3HH

Simpsons El Borracho de Oro The Plough Harborne Simpsons is a contemporary and elegant Located on Harborne Court, just a short drive We recommend reserving a table in advance restaurant that reflects the spirit of modern- from the city centre, El Borracho De Oro if you’re looking to visit The Plough, as the day fine dining. Boasting inventive British serves authentic Spanish tapas. award-winning establishment is a popular cooking and having held a Michelin star The menu is packed with tasty classics such choice with locals. since 2000, this is one restaurant that we as fideuas, paellas, cheeses, cured meats, With daily, Sunday, gluten-free, vegan, dairy- most certainly couldn’t leave off our list. egg dishes and tapas options ‘from the free, kids, allergen and taco menus to choose Three courses from the a la carte menu will ground, the pasture and the sea’. from, as well as an extensive drinks list, a set you back £75 per head - the tasting menu Outside seating is limited, so booking is chilled-out environment and a large garden, is an even more indulgent £110. highly recommended if you want to bag there’s something to suit every diner. Outdoor seating is available for 30 diners on yourself a table in the sun. The Plough offers two-for-one pizzas all day the newly decked area. Harborne Court, Harborne Road, every Monday, with ample vegan options 20 Highfield Road, Birmingham, B15 3DU Birmingham, B15 3BU available too. 21 High Street, Birmingham, B17 9NT

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:25 Page 1 GIGS August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:25 Page 2

Gigs

Justin Timberlake Arena Birmingham, Mon 27 August Justin Timberlake has sold more than 32 mil- lion albums and 56 million singles, making him one of the world's best-selling artists. Following his last tour - the critically ac- claimed 20/20 Experience, which sold out arenas and stadiums around the world in 2013 and ’14 - the global superstar here makes a welcome return to Birmingham with The Man Of The Woods tour.

Iron Maiden both as recording artists and live perform- John Grant ers, selling out venues wherever they play. Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tues 7 August Following their massively successful Book Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 16 August Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy Of Souls tour, the boys take to the road Fresh from supporting Elbow on their recent metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success again with their Legacy Of The Beast show, UK tour, John Grant visits Symphony Hall to during the early 1980s. presenting a set list covering a large selec- perform a standing gig, the first ever to take Thirty-eight albums later - that’s 16 studio tion of ’80s material but also including a place at the prestigious venue. albums, 11 live albums, four EPs and seven handful of ‘surprises’ from later albums. John will be singing songs from his third and compilations - the band continue to impress most recent album, Grey Tickles, Black Pres- sure, and is looking forward to giving his Birmingham audience a night to remember. “I do think the album’s great, and I’m really Brian Wilson Mad Caddies proud of it,” he says. “I wanted to get mood- Digbeth Arena, Birmingham, Fri 24 August O2 Institute, Birmingham, Wed 1 August ier and angrier on this record, but I probably One of the greatest names in late-20th cen- “The last 20 years have been great,” says had a lot more fun making it.” tury music, Brian Wilson is best known as Caddies’ guitarist Sascha Lazor. “And over vocalist, producer and co-founder of the leg- the course of the next 20, I’d love to see us endary Beach Boys. become one of those bands where you just An inspirational songwriter, the man who’s have to check ’em out because you can’t ex- been dubbed the Mozart of Rock is appear- plain their sound.” ing in Birmingham this month to perform The ska/punk/reggae/rock fusion play Birm- the group’s 1966 release, Pet Sounds. The ingham this month in support of latest offer- seminal album is listed by Acclaimed Music ing Dirty Rice, their first full-length album as statistically the most revered of all time. in seven years. Boyz II Men O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 25 August Best known for a cappella harmonies and emotional ballads, Boyz II Men are an Amer- ican R&B vocal group from Philadelphia. Expect to hear hit singles End Of The Road, I’ll Make Love To You and One Sweet Day when they perform in Birmingham.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Orbital-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:24 Page 1

ORBITAL Brand new festival Shiiine On Birmingham launches in the city next month, with electronic dance music duo Orbital headlining. What’s On caught up with brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll to find out more...

Festival brand Shiiine On is launching a new tem,” says the younger of the two brothers, by Greenpeace's mobile solar power genera- one-day event at Birmingham’s Genting Paul. “But I know that’s kind of infantile a lot tor. Arena next month. Shiiine On Birmingham’s of the time, especially artistically, so you’re “There’s a track on Monsters Exist called The impressive line-up includes more than 20 better off doing what the rave culture did orig- Raid which discusses, through the medium of iconic bands as well as a Hacienda afterparty. inally and live by example. We don’t agree voiceover, things like over-population and with the government, we don’t agree with The all-day event is headlined by dance pio- people’s frustration with the world,” says what’s going on, we’re not going to fight you, neers Orbital. The festival coincides with the Paul. “We also have a nice grand finale, with we’re just going to go and do our own thing release of the duo’s ninth album, Monsters Brian Cox delivering a gothic, doom-laden but over here, so bye! That terrified the govern- Exist, which is out the following week. hopeful speech that he wrote especially for ment. The inspiration behind this album is the album. Every time I watch a Brian Cox “Where can I start? It’s a wonderful little just that. Okay, let’s make a nice album that documentary, I think, ‘Oh my god, there are album,” explains Phil Hartnoll, one half of you can listen to and enjoy, and let’s just all so many samples in this!’. But because there’s Orbital. “We’ve been away from each other for go off and enjoy our own thing and leave so much music in the background, I've never five years, and this album has been quite re- these monsters to exist on their own.” been able to sample the bits that I want, so I freshing - it’s a bit like when we first started. Orbital are certainly no strangers to incorpo- thought I'd just ask him whether he wanted to With some of the tracks, you can tell we’ve rating political and environmental commen- do something. Being as he’s an old raver any- got something on our mind. If you know Or- tary into their music, be it sampling John way and he used to be in rock bands, he was bital, you’ll know what I mean.” Major’s attack on travellers at their 1995 Glas- straight in with it. He was brilliant! “The state of the nation and the world at the tonbury show, protesting against the poll tax “Our next single, Please Help UK, is just a minute makes me feel like putting together an bill or recording their track, The Girl With The dance track. There’s no sort of chant or any- anarcho-punk album and shouting at the sys- Sun In Her Head, in a studio powered only thing like that, but we’re having fun with the

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Orbital-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:25 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

imagery. It’s a bit rave-generation. There are There were no dance fields or anything like was missing - enjoying doing it together. We some voiceovers and samples in there which that. It was great for the cause because were bogged down with our relationship, are pretty direct. It’s a warning - mind your Michael Eavis and everyone were like, ‘Oh bogged down with the job. I'm not moaning back, mind your back, they look like us!” Jesus, that went down well - two guys twid- or anything, but now all our children are dling knobs! That was alright, wasn’t it!’ growing up, there are fewer responsibilities, Orbital will perform a full festival show, com- It was great. We opened their eyes to elec- and I’ve got my brother back. Everything’s a plete with upgraded production, when they tronic music. win-win situation for me. appear at Shiiine On Birmingham next month. “Playing alongside Stephen Hawking at the “We didn’t talk for five years, but I think it’s Paralympics - what a dude! It was some great been a good thing” says Paul. “I went back to “We don’t tend to self-indulge and just play a idea of somebody, somewhere. He was doing my roots, I went back to playing very small whole new album at people,” says Paul. “If I a speech there, so he sent us his speech and clubs and things like that, with no produc- went to see Status Quo, I'd be really pissed off we decoded it. We were performing it, and he tion, no front-of-house person, me setting up if they didn’t play Caroline or Rocking All was just so great. He wore the torch glasses, my own gear. That was really good and gave Over The World. You’ve got to play the party but to wear them he had to take his own me more confidence going forward. It re- favourites. I’ve seen bands play old tracks glasses off and was as blind as a bat without minded me of when we started off in the early and they look really grumpy. For me, every them. But he was so up for it - he was such a ’90s, doing raves and clubs. It really did prove time I play one of those tracks, I think, ‘With- star. I sent him a little edit of it, the actual to me that it’s really about the music. I feel out you, I wouldn’t be here’. Don’t bite the performance. We had to cut it with a punk like I'm in a different place now. It’s nice to hand that feeds you. We’ve got about three band and stuff like that, so I edited the track stop and start again; it feels different. I think new tracks in the set at the moment, so we’ll and he wrote back asking when we were next time we need to do something like that, probably play those, but we’ll keep them going to release it. He was fucking great!” we’ll just have a year off, rather than fall away from each other and make sure people apart” get a proper ride of what they want. Despite all these career-defining achieve- ments, in October 2014 the duo announced on Next year is Orbital’s 30th anniversary. “With regard to the production, we’ve come a their official website that they were ‘hanging “We’ll probably need to sum up our career long way from hanging a white sheet and up their iconic torch glasses and parting ways somehow,” says Paul. “I started writing a using a slide projector behind us. We’ve got a for the final time’. book when I wasn't talking to my brother. I whole stage of video wall, but in different wasn’t having a go at him - it was more the shapes and sizes, with us sat in the middle of Commenting on the split, Paul says: “It’s other way round actually - and I think that it all. We're constantly up doing the video funny, that self-employed lifestyle with your was part of the process that got me back talk- content, which is obviously more important brother does have its pressures. I was really ing to him. I wrote 120 pages of my life, up to than just the screens. We’ve worked on it cross and angry with Phil, but at the same the age of 22, when I used to idolise him as a since December, and by the time we hit Shii- time, even if he annoys me now, it’s not the kid, and I kind of thought, ‘Ah, where did it ine On, it’ll be spot on.” same. When you’re not talking to a family all go wrong?’ So yes, we’re working on a member, even if you’re really angry, you Shiiine’s line-up features Shed Seven, Happy book. Phil doesn’t want to write it, but he’ll spend half your time arguing with them in Mondays, Embrace, Cast, Julian Cope and do a series of interviews. He’ll do his half and your head and half the time with a black hole many more - so who is Phil most looking for- I'll do mine, and we won’t read or know what in your stomach because something’s wrong - ward to seeing? “A Certain Ratio, definitely! I each other has written. Someone will put it there’s something unconcluded and nasty in used to follow them around. Shack Up is one together almost as a ‘witness and prosecu- your life. I don’t know how people live with it. of my all-time favourite tracks, so I'll defi- tion’ kind of thing. We’re possibly going to get I had a brief chat with Noel Gallagher about it nitely be seeing them. Dreadzone, too - a documentary off the ground to celebrate during that period, and it was interesting talk- they’re old stable mates. There are a lot of that, and I’ve got another album that I want ing to him. The look on his face said it all. I bands like that. It’s going to be really fun for to do, to go along with the book - a biographi- knew that feeling. There was anger there, but us; like a work’s party type of thing.” cal album which is mostly based on sampling life’s too short to live with that.” sound and travelling around.” Created in 1989 and well known for wearing Although a negative at the time, the pair trademark torches on their heads during their Phil adds: “We’ve got a mini Christmas tour in agree that the split has had a positive impact performances, Orbital played a huge part in December, too. We’re just really enjoying it, on both their relationship and Orbital. the early rave scene. They’ve since enjoyed and that was what was missing before. You multiple Glastonbury headline performances “I thought he meant it when he said he wasn’t get into such a state and a pickle with rela- and opened the 2012 Paralympics alongside talking to me again,” says Phil. “That’s shit, tionships, and everything is all a big black the late Stephen Hawking. isn’t it? What have I done? What did I do? Can cloud. Enjoying it was what was lost, but now you just remind me? When we’re playing and it’s found.” “Our 1994 Glastonbury headline gig was a we look at each other, it’s not a scowl any- total blag,” explains Phil. “Glastonbury at the more, it’s a laugh and a joke -it’s brilliant. I time was very rock and roll, and everybody Orbital headline Shiiine On Birmingham couldn’t do it any other way. Rock and roll, was just gagging for that electronic sound. at the city’s Genting Arena on Saturday let’s get on with it and enjoy it! That’s what 8 September

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Festivals

Shrewsbury Folk Festival Greenhous West Midland Showground, Fri 24 - Mon 27 August A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of mu- sical tradition in one picturesque setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything in between, where grassroots cul- tures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Bring along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On is pleased to sponsor the festival’s Launchpad, an element of the event which is designed to showcase local and up-and-com- ing talent. Line-up includes: Richard Thompson Elec- tric Trio, Steeleye Span, Jon Boden And The Remnant Kings, Turin Brakes, Steve Harley And Cockney Rebel (pictured), Show Of Hands, Budiño, Usher’s Island, Gretchen Pe- ters, Daoirí Farrell Trio, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner Big Band and The Fitzgeralds.

Creamfields Brecon Jazz Festival Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Various locations, Brecon, Wales, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 August Fri 10 - Sun 12 August Having celebrated its 20th edition in 2017, Now in its 35th year and successfully rein- Creamfields unleashes the energy of Cream’s vented in 2016, Brecon Jazz continues with Liverpool club nights in the open space of the smaller-scale, more collaborative and Halton’s Daresbury Estate. community-led approach that transformed Cutting-edge live acts unite with world-class past difficulties into an opportunity for posi- DJs for a hedonistic four-day dance party. tive change. Since launching in Winchester, the brand has Expect headline performers, emerging talent, evolved into an international phenomenon workshops and social and folk activities, all beloved of ravers, trailblazers and experi- Farmer Phil’s Festival curated by Brecon Jazz Club. menters the world over. Line-up includes: Tom Smith Septet, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Line-up includes: Major Lazer, Fatboy Slim Fri 10 - Sun 12 August Josephine Davies Trio (pictured), Ian Shaw, Manchester Jazz Connection, Pavel PQ Quar- (pictured), Goldie, Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s tet, South African Jazz Sextet, Elaine Delmar Alesso, Martin Garrix, Hardwell, Eric Prydz, fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- Quintet, Harmonica Jazz, Czech Connection Paul Van Dyk, Tiesto, Sven Vath, Idris Elba, ing aims to offer something for everyone, fea- Sun and Jim Hart Vibes. Armin Van Buuren, Faithless (DJ Set), Duke turing rock, dance, acoustic folk and Dumont, Kolsch and Joseph Capriati. everything in between. Camping for the full week is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: Jilted Generation, Shoot The Moon, The Wayne Martin Band, Fight The Bear (pictured), Legend, Celtica Pipes Rock, Dr & The Medics, Aswad, Jake Elwood’s Blues Brothers Show, Reuben Archer’s Per- sonal Sin, Dan Owen, Quill, Red Rum Club, As December Falls and The Endings.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Ronan Keating-2.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:29 Page 1

I took it very seriously in those early“ years. It was very intense“ and full-on, and I didn’t really get a chance to enjoy it as much... Ronan Keating-2.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:29 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Boyzone’sRONAN Ronan Keating is headlining the SundayKEATING evening of Coventry’s Godiva Festival. What’s On recently caught up with him to find out more...

Proudly reaffirming its status as the UK's tralian X-Factor and coaching aspiring plus a special tribute to Boyzone favourite biggest and best free music festival, Godiva singers on The Voice. Stephen Gateley, who died in 2009. presents another bumper crop of top-notch Ronan is certainly looking forward to his Having chalked up so many years in the talent as it returns to Coventry for its 20th an- Coventry stop-off: “I haven’t spent that much music industry, what piece of advice would niversary edition. Veteran performers will time there, so I'm not an expert in any way, Ronan have given to his younger self had he join emerging talent to present a dazzling but it’s a cool town with cool people and they had the chance? “I think, enjoy yourself array of genres across the weekend. love their music, which is very important to more. I took it very seriously in those early Pop star Ronan Keating will headline the me. I’m looking forward to playing there, years. It was very intense and full-on, and I final evening, with Jake Bugg top-billing on looking forward to seeing everybody and didn’t really get a chance to enjoy it as much. the Friday and Editors on the Saturday. Other singing a few tunes. I was all about being professional and trying acts across the weekend include Jonas Blue, to be the best I could be, but not really think- “When I do my solo gigs, I separate them Gabrielle, Professor Green, Little Comets, ing how quickly this could be gone. It went from Boyzone as much as possible. I’ve had Blood Red Shoes. by very fast. I was thrown in at 16 years of 18 years of solo records and six years of Boy- age - it was full-on!” “It’s always nice to get out and perform live,” zone records, so it’s dramatically different. says Ronan. “I spend so much time writing People who come to my solo shows, I try and What does the future hold? “Living. I just songs, I'm on radio in the mornings mid- give them as much of that as possible. I want to have a good time. I want to raise my week and doing stuff in other countries and mean, there might be one or two Boyzone children and be a good husband and enjoy travelling, so it’s always nice to come back to songs - that’s always nice - but it’s mainly my music and travel and tour and do all the the UK as much as possible to do shows.” solo stuff.” things that I'm doing now. We take every- thing so intense, we live so fast, it’s gone by Having originally risen to prominence as a After six UK number one singles, five UK and we haven’t had chance to enjoy it. The member of ’90s pop band Boyzone, Ronan chart-topping albums and 25 years together, older you get, the more you realise that.” has recorded nine albums since embarking Boyzone have recently announced their 25th on his solo career in 1999, selling over 20 mil- anniversary and farewell UK & Ireland arena lion records independently in addition to the tour, which stops off at Birmingham’s 25 million sold together with his bandmates. Genting Arena next year, on Friday 8 Febru- Ronan Keating headlines Godiva Festival ary. on Sunday 2 September. To this day, he remains best known for his in- The festival takes place at War Memorial ternational number one single, When You The tour will follow the release of their final Park, Coventry, from Friday 31 August to Say Nothing At All, which won him world- album, Thank You & Goodnight, which is due Sunday 2 September. wide fame after featuring in the movie Not- out this winter. The album will include col- For more information about the event, ting Hill. Since then, he’s further raised his laborations with special guest songwriters Ed visit godivafestival.com profile by serving as a judge on the Aus- Sheeran (Because) and Gary Barlow (Love), Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 3 Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 4

Festivals

Simmer Down Handsworth Park, Birmingham, Sun 12 August Free-to-attend Simmer Down has become one of Birmingham’s most popular and di- verse festivals. Featuring music, dance, spoken word, visual arts, commissioned work, workshops and participation activities and outreach & young people’s programmes, the family-friendly festival celebrates the city’s rich cultural di- versity with a line-up of internationally ac- claimed artists and homegrown talent. Rooted in North Birmingham, Simmer Down pays tribute to the centrality of reggae and other musical genres that have contributed to Birmingham’s growing reputation as an international city of culture. Line-up includes: Inner Circle (pictured), Iqulah Rastafari, Misty In Roots, JB Capital Letters, Pulse Beat, Rhythms Del Toro, Hunterz, Lekon Babalola’s Sacred Funk Pro- ject featuring Rtkal and Handsworth Com- munity Choir.

Sunshine Festival Green Man Festival Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Worcestershire, Fri 24 - Sun 26 August Thurs 16 - Sun 19 August Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Known for its ethical business model and acts and retro stars, the heart of ’s quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped nu- ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Upton- merous awards and accolades during its 16 upon-Severn for its ninth year. years in operation. Alongside an amazing As well as featuring a line-up assembled to array of folk, world, indie, electronic and appeal to every generation, the event also in- psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, cludes a disco, a karaoke and a range of fun film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night bon- activities for kids to enjoy. Fancy dress is en- fires and secret gigs, all surrounded by the couraged. breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Line-up includes: Status Quo, Heather Camper Calling Music line-up includes: The War On Drugs, Small (pictured), Go West, George McCrae, Fleet Foxes (pictured), King Gizzard And The Katrina, Five Star, The Wurzels, Aswad, Se- Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Lizard Wizard, John Grant, Grizzly Bear, Dirty Fri 24 - Sun 26 August cret Affair, Glen Matlock, The Korgis, The Projectors, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, History Of Queen and Bootleg Abba. Following warmly received events in 2016 Teenage Fanclub, Black Angels, Public Ser- and ’17, Camper Calling returns to the stun- vice Broadcasting, Anna Calvi and Cate Le ning grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall Bon. for its third family-friendly outing. This year’s event boasts a superb musical line-up, craft workshops, lake activities and some seriously tasty food and drink. Line-up includes: The Coral (pictured), Feeder, Melanie C, Scouting For Girls, From The Jam, The South, Craig Charles, Neville Staple Band, Showhawk, Artful Dodger, Uncle Funk and The Boogie Wonderland and Phats & Small, Lottery Winners, Holy Moly And The Crackers and Noble Jacks.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Paul Morrell W/O.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:45 Page 1

Paul Morrell Twenty-three years after kickstarting his career, Paul Morrell is now one of the Midlands’ most renowned DJs. Here, he talks about his career, DJing, his remixes and more...

When did you first begin DJing, Paul? Saturday in a record shop compiling sets Ministry of Sound in 2008. This was also the I started in 1995 as a mobile DJ, working from the latest vinyl releases for a set that very first time I’d played at Ministry of mainly at parties for friends. However, my evening. Ten vinyl would cost anything up to Sound. It was an extremely special interest in dance music and DJing started £100, whereas 10mp3s cost £7. Music has experience - at the time, Oakenfold was one way before that. I’ve always had a keen become far more accessible to DJs in that of the biggest DJs in the world. I’ve since interest in house music - it was the cool sense. Also, you would often have to wait gone on to support him several times, and alternative to the Brit Pop/Spice Girls stuff for weeks for a track to be pressed on vinyl have also released music on his Perfecto that was in the charts at the time - and from before you could play it out, unless you label. I just remember thinking that I’d really a very young age, I’d collected house music were lucky enough to have been mailed it achieved something, as Oakenfold and records. The first records I bought were by the record company. A great example of Ministry are two major players in Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic and this was Music Sounds Better With You by international house music culture. It was the Ride On Time by Black Box in 1989. They Stardust, which Pete Tong had been DJing equivalent of playing at Wembley as a really set out the style of music that I’d end championing on Radio One for weeks - but footballer. up playing, as they’re two of the first major nobody could get a copy. This would never Who’s the biggest DJ you’ve been house records to cross over into the happen now, as people would just illegally on a line-up with? rip the record from the internet and mainstream top-40. Initially, I didn't earn It's really subjective, as a DJ who’s ‘big’ at incorporate it within their sets. very much money at all as a DJ. I was the moment can be completely forgotten a simply playing at house parties for the love What type of music do you year or so later. A DJ that I always love of DJing and to gain experience. The very predominantly play? supporting is Boy George. He’s an early parties I did, I may have been paid I play a variety of different genres of international fashion & music icon and such £50, which was much better than the salary electronic music, and don't particularly a lovely guy to work with. He also provided I was earning at my Saturday job, as I was pigeonhole myself into one specific style. the vocals on my track, Tall & Handsome, still at school. This led me to believe that That said, I’ve always leaned more towards last year, which was a huge honour for me. I DJing was a viable career path, so I started tougher-sounding music, as I feel it has a would say he’s probably the most pursuing it seriously after leaving school. I great energy in clubs, and my personal internationally famous celebrity I’ve worked do think those early gigs were invaluable, preference is EDM. When I initially began with frequently. I’ve also worked with huge however, as they gave me the opportunity to DJing, my sets consisted of a variety of trance and EDM artists such as Martin learn how to work a crowd, mix under genres, and most DJs played all types of Garrix, Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van pressure and test out new tracks. Looking music. A great example of this is Jeremy Buuren, Hardwell etc. I suppose to the back, some of my first gigs were a huge Healy, who is one of the DJs I truly admire. average 18-year-old reader of this learning curve, with lots of things going Jeremy often drops random tracks into his magazine, Martin Garrix is far more famous wrong, or not perfectly. I think every good sets, which makes a crowd stop and go, than Boy George. However, I wasn't really DJ needs to have experienced this, in order ‘What the hell?!’ I’ve heard him play Twist & star-struck by any of those guys when I first to improve and hone their craft. Shout by The Beatles in the middle of an met them; not in the same way I was with What are your earliest memories of electro house set. It's only in more recent George. being a DJ? years that DJs have been under pressure to Do any other DJs give you inspiration When I first started, it was totally different to pledge their allegiance to one specific genre for your sets? - which is kinda sad, really, as it limits today, predominantly due to the fact that I As I already mentioned, I was hugely creativity. I have a love for all music, so if I had to lug around three huge boxes of inspired by some of the legendary British have a trance record that I love from the weighty vinyl, which also cost an absolute house music DJs of the 1990s, such as 1990s or a disco record from the 1970s and fortune. DJs in 2018 simply hear a new tune Danny Rampling and Jeremy Healy, but I it's appropriate to the crowd I’m playing to, on the radio or in a club that they like, constantly gain inspiration from new people. I’ll find a way of including it. Shazam it, download it and turn up with a A more contemporary artist I really admire is USB full of new music and a pair of What was your first ‘big’ gig? Kryder. I absolutely love his recent headphones. In 1995, it was very different, My first major gig outside of my home town production with Erick Morillo entitled Waves. and DJs would often spend hours on a was supporting Paul Oakenfold at London's It’s been a firm favourite in my sets for Paul Morrell W/O.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:45 Page 2

I love supporting “ Boy George, as he is a fashion and music Icon, and such a lovely guy. ” Paul Morrell W/O.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:45 Page 3

several months now. I also love Martin own Classique events were also extremely You’ve recently been working on a lot Solveig as a producer and a DJ, as his sets memorable, and I had a great time playing of projects and remixes. Tell us a little are always fun and quirky. He’s had a great in the tiny venues there back in the early about them... career, and his productions are always 2000s. The main forthcoming remix is of Troye really amazing floor-fillers. There’s also a Where would you most like to DJ? Sivan's single, Bloom, which I’m hoping will new breed of young DJs, such as Craig I intend to do a lot more overseas be released late summer. I also have two Knight, James Bluck and Nathan C, who’re performances over the next few years, and new singles completed, one with Laura producing some great music, too. Avicii am very much looking forward to White entitled No Ordinary Love, and one was also a more recent inspiration, and it performing at Matinee's Circuit festival in featuring Amanda Wilson called Up In was a huge loss to the EDM community Barcelona later this month. I’m also Flames. These are both big vocal piano when he passed away earlier this year. absolutely thrilled to have been added to house records and will hopefully achieve Who would you like to DJ alongside? Gatecrasher’s line-up for their event in the some success. The Laura White track in To be perfectly honest, I’ve worked with ruins of Coventry Cathedral. Obviously, particular is extremely exciting, and I almost every DJ that I’ve ever wanted to, so being my home city, this venue being absolutely love her vocals on it. Finally, I there aren’t that many left. I suppose the hugely iconic, and with Coventry having have a forthcoming remix for a new artist obvious one who would be most suited to been selected as 2021 UK City of Culture, called Ava Max, which will be released at my genre of music, and who I still haven’t it’s fantastic to be back playing in my home the end of the summer.

met, is Calvin Harris. He’s had an town once again. Gatecrasher have pulled What have you got coming up in the astonishing career and completely out all the stops with a huge line-up of UK pipeline? revolutionised commercial dance music, DJ talent, including Judge Jules and Seb I’m absolutely thrilled to be returning on opening it up to a new generation. I know Fontaine, and I’ll be performing alongside Bank Holiday Sunday, August the 26th, to that some people don't like his music, but I an orchestra and live vocalists at the event. one of the venues where I started my believe what he’s done for the EDM scene You’ve worked with a lot of artists on career. The Yard in Coventry (formerly The and youth culture as a whole is remixes and original tracks. Who’s Glasshouse) is an extremely intimate 200- phenomenal. been your favourite? capacity venue that I first began promoting What’s been your favourite They’re all great for different reasons, and in somewhere around 15 years ago. This gig to DJ at? all bring something unique and special to will be the first club gig I’ve played in So far, one of the biggest gigs I’ve the table. I loved working with Mutya Coventry for a number of years. The venue performed at is the Weekend Festival in Buena, as she’s such an immense talent is extremely important to me, as it’s the Helsinki, Finland. The line-up basically with a fantastic voice and great image. place where I first worked with artists consisted of a who’s-who of EDM. I was on We’ve actually been in contact recently including Tall Paul, Sonique, Dave Pearce the same line-up as Swedish House Maffia, about doing another collaboration, which etc. It will always have a special place in my Steve Aoki, Garrix, Tiesto, Marshmallow, we’ve already written. It’s just a case of heart. Although it’s far smaller than the Don Diablo etc. The festival is attended by pinning her down to a date in the studio venues I now play in, I’m hoping that it will approximately 30,000 people, and is one of now, as she’s always so busy. That said, it’s give some of the people who used to come the biggest in that area of Europe. That also been great working with new artists along when I played regularly in Coventry said, I’ve also had an amazing time such as Indigo Marshall and Vicky Jackson, the opportunity to do so again. performing for Birmingham Pride over the both of whom are extremely talented and past few years. The atmosphere is always have amazing vocals. As I previously Catch up with all of Paul’s latest news, fantastic, both whilst playing and mentioned, it was also a huge honour that events and music releases at backstage. My early gigs in Coventry at my Boy George agreed to provide a vocal for facebook.com/paul.morrell.5 me on my track, Tall & Handsome, last year. Paul Morrell W/O.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:45 Page 4 Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 5

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 6

Festivals

Moseley Folk , Birmingham, Fri 31 August - Sun 2 September Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is one of the city's hidden gems, transformed each year into an enchanting escape by one of the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psychedelia and indie favourites against a magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush foliage and a beautiful lake. The perfect way to see out the summer. Music line-up includes: Levellers, Teenage Fanclub, Nick Mulvey (pictured), Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Show Of Hands, Bridget St John, King Creosote, This Is The Kit, Willy Mason, Imarhan, Skinny Lister, Jools Holland and Samantha Parton, Richard Dawson, Martin Carthy, Chris Wood and Siobhan Miller.

Solihull Summer Fest Towersey Festival Godiva Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 24 - Mon 27 August War Memorial Park, Coventry, Fri 31 August - Sat 25 - Sun 26 August Sun 2 September Now in its third year, thousands are expected Proudly reaffirming its status as the UK's to descend on Tudor Grange Park over the biggest and best free music festival, Godiva August Bank Holiday weekend for what’s fast presents another bumper crop of top-notch becoming one of the most popular music talent as it returns for 2018. Veteran perform- events of the summer. ers join emerging artists working across a The festival features more than 10 hours of dazzling array of genres. While the tradi- live music across the two days, funfair rides, tional Godiva procession continues to this a food village full of street vendors, and a day, the weekend has certainly come a long huge variety of bars serving everything from way since its 17th century origins as a cele- real ale to prosecco. bration of the medieval Countess of Mercia. Line-up includes: Sister Sledge (pictured), Music line-up includes: Editors, Ronan Busted, 10cc, Razorlight, Lightning Seeds, Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Fes- Keating, Jake Bugg (pictured), Jonas Blue, Sugar Hill Gang, Rak-Su, Alesha Dixon, The tival, which traces its roots back to 1965, Gabrielle, Professor Green, Little Comets and Beat, The Dualers, Roland Gift (Fine Young when local villagers united to buy a field Blood Red Shoes. Cannibals), The Ed Sheeran Experience and from wealthy landowners. Robert Lamberti as George Michael. After raising funds to drain, plough and re- seed the area, they started an event which has gone on to become one of the UK’s finest folk festivals. In honour of its origins, profits are paid back into village facilities and local charities. Line-up includes: The Shires (pictured), The Proclaimers, Richard Thompson Electric Trio, Beth Orton, Big Country, Fisherman’s Friends, Sharon Shannon Band, Brighouse & Rastrick Band, Daphne’s Flight, Martyn Joseph, Peter Knight & John Spiers and Mar- tin Simpson.

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Shrewsbury Folk Festival Doc..qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:36 Page 1

ALL THE BEST FOLK... so much to see and do at Shrewsbury Folk Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival Doc..qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:36 Page 2

Shrewsbury Folk Festival co-founder Sandra Surtees talks to What’s On about the 2018 edition of the event, taking place this month over the bank holiday weekend...

Starting life as a small get-together in and 26 from across the West Midlands and The responsibility for programming and Bridgnorth in 1997, Shrewsbury Folk Festival Mid Wales to submit samples of their work to booking for the festival falls squarely on now ranks as one of the country’s top three the festival team. If the ‘judging panel’ like Sandra’s shoulders - so how tricky is it to folk events, alongside Cambridge and what they hear, the artist in question is then develop a mouthwatering line-up of talent? Cropredy in Oxfordshire. given the opportunity to perform on The “It’s not difficult, you just have to balance it Launchpad stage during the festival That original event in the small Shropshire up. Even if an act that I’m looking at isn’t a weekend. town sold 700 tickets. Twenty-one years later particular favourite of mine, as long as - and now taking place at Shrewsbury’s West “Alan was always so passionate about young they’re good and I think the audience are Mid Showground - the festival attracts in musicians, and hundreds and hundreds of going to enjoy them, I’ll consider booking excess of 7,000 visitors, many of whom return letters requesting to perform at the festival them. I like a nice variety, so it’s all about time and again to enjoy the event’s happy would land every year. In fact, this year the getting the balance right.” atmosphere. number has risen to in excess of 1,000. Has it ever gone wrong? “Yes, but we won’t That ‘happy atmosphere’ is one of the “This year The Launchpad will move to a elaborate on that! There are always festival’s many assets, and something of slightly quieter area, so that we can look after disappointments when you can’t get the which co-founder Sandra Surtees is the artists a little bit better and give them a artists you want. You then have to try and particularly proud: “It’s such an achievement better crack at it, so to speak.” find someone else who fits the bill. You can’t to see that you’ve brought all of these people always get it straight away - it takes a bit of Last year saw the launch of the Alan Surtees together,” she says. “Most of them don’t work.” Trust, which recently awarded £3,000 to know each other, friendships form, there’s young and emerging musicians, dancers and So who’s on Sandra’s hotlist from this year’s music everywhere, and people are just so singers. Spearheaded by musician Hannah line-up? happy. That has to be the best thing.” James, the trust has been raising funds from “I’m really looking forward to seeing Steve When Sandra’s husband and fellow festival the sale of an album entitled Resound. Harley And Cockney Rebel, Peter Knight’s founder, Alan, passed away following a brave Comprising tracks known to be favourites of Gigspanner Big Band and Budiño, a battle with cancer in 2017, there were fears Alan’s, it was recorded by artists who have a Galithian piper who’s coming over from among avid Shrewsbury Folk attendees that close association with the festival. Spain. I’ve not seen him perform before, so the event might be in jeopardy. They needn’t Early days, but how would Sandra like to see I’m looking forward to seeing him close the have worried - this well-rooted festival the trust grow in the future? Bellstone stage on the Monday afternoon.” intends to be around for a long time to come. “I always knew I was going to carry on,” says “I would rather like it to continue as it is, but Other highlights for 2018 include Richard Sandra, “and I promised Alan that I would.” it depends on what funds we can raise. As Thompson Electric Trio, Shooglenifty with long as we keep on working within local Dhun Dhora, Blowzabella, Show Of Hands, The work of the festival extends beyond the schools, promoting local folk dance and Jon Boden And The Remnant Kings, Gretchen Showground site, with outreach projects song, I think it’s just a brilliant thing to do. Peters and Megson, to name but a few... adding to the event’s unique feel. I’d like to do more of the same. Of course, we Last year’s big hitters, The Fitzgeralds, will Putting something back into the community can only continue to do so if we’re lucky also be making a welcome return, delighting has always been important to Sandra, as has enough to get the supporting grants.” audiences with their virtuosic fiddling and been the business of reaching out to new and Aside from its eclectic musical offering, step dancing. younger audiences and performers. So as Shrewsbury Folk also provides a plethora of well as featuring a diverse line-up of See you there! activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. It established names performing across the even has its own children and youth festivals. site’s numerous stages, the festival also While Pandemonium promises a weekend of champions young up-and-coming artists, music, dance, drama and craft-centred fun providing a platform on which they can Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place at for ‘wee folkies’ up to the age of 10, Refolkus become better recognised. Greenhous West Mid Showground from encourages young people aged between 11 Friday 24 to Monday 27 August. And that’s where The Launchpad comes in... and 20 to ‘make music and unleash their For more details and to purchase tickets, Evolving organically from the buskers who inner artist’ via a series of traditional music visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk used to perform around the festival site, The and dance workshops. Launchpad invites artists aged between 16 Dara O'Briain.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:45 Page 1

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Dara O'Briain.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:45 Page 2

voice of reason Dara O’Briain talks ordinary lives at Telford’s Big Top...

Having made a real name for himself as a TV have to cut to that’. So at those moments, I world. presenter in recent years, Dara O’Briain is have to interrupt Brian. But furious viewers “The whole thing has opened out and gone about to return to his first love of stand-up then write in saying, ‘Why did you interrupt global. I recently walked past a bus stop in comedy, embarking on a mammoth national Brian Cox? I was enjoying watching him!’. Stavanger that had a picture of Russell tour with brand new show Voice Of Reason. They genuinely think I interrupt Brian be- Howard on it. cause I’m jealous of him. They imagine I’m “Doing stand-up is a euphoric experience,” saying, ‘Sorry to interrupt you, Brian, but it’s “In Tromsø, in the Arctic Circle, I walked on says the 46-year-old Irishman. “The great not going to be all about you tonight. I also stage and said, ‘I don’t know how often you thing is the anticipation. You’re thinking, know things that I want to tell the audience’. have these gigs’, and they called out, ‘We had ‘You’re going to love this next bit!’ Brian and I find that idea hilarious!” Bill Bailey here last night!’ That punctured “It’s wonderful to create local jokes that my balloon a bit. Bill went on to play Sval- Dara will also be devoting a large section of repay three or seven or even 12 years later. bard, which is even further north. I thought I the show to a routine about how he’s become When I play Coventry, for instance, there are was being a hero doing Tromsø, but he was the subject of a fake news website: “I go into always packets of crisps on the stage. That doing a gig to polar bears in the Svalbard arts the madness of this story about these things comes from an audience interaction I had 12 centre!” that are supposed to have happened to me. years ago. The producers of this fake-news website have So what does Dara hope his audiences will “Back then, I was chatting with a guy in the filled in some details. For example, they men- take away from Voice Of Reason? audience who worked for a crisp company. I tion James Street in Dublin. So some effort “I get really enthusiastic about sciencey stuff. did a joke about it, and when I came back on has been made in producing it. But it’s still You can see me getting giddy about space, stage after the interval, there were 12 packets so ludicrous. The site pops up next to fea- and that’s why I recently wrote a kids’ book of crisps waiting for me! Many people in tures headlined, ‘She’s discovered the secret on the subject - but on tour, I’m there to do Coventry remember that. So that’s the reason that dentists don’t want you to know’ and funny. why the crisps are still there.” ‘Twenty stars whose lives have been ravaged by drugs’. In one of those, they put a picture “This show is an evening of entertainment. In Voice Of Reason, Dara will be discussing of Chris O’Dowd beside a picture of Shane It’s two hours of laughing. It’s not meant to such topics as the ordinariness of his daily McGowan!” be pedagogic. It’s not meant to say, ‘You’ll be life: “If there’s a theme to the show, it’s that, laughing, but you’ll also be learning’. Of at the age of 46, I have an incredibly normal The routine emphasises the extent to which course, if that happens, that’s grand. But first life!” the internet has turned into an uncontrol- lable ‘wild west’: “It’s become a torrent of and foremost, Voice Of Reason is just a load He will also be mulling over the rise of the disinformation. There was a tiny moment of funny stuff.” nerd - “Thanks to the internet, nerds can find where we thought we could use the internet each other now. It’s very positive!” - and talk- to amplify scientific truths and have a great ing about his on-screen relationship with weapon for fighting lies. But no, that was Professor Brian Cox on Stargazing Live. completely wrong. What the internet’s really Dara O’Briain appears at Telford’s Big Top

“When Brian and I work together, he’s the ex- useful for is more lies!” on Wednesday 8 August. He returns to the pert and I’m the broadcaster. When he’s talk- Midlands region later in the year - from 29 ing, sometimes a producer says into my Thanks to the millions of people in different November to 1 December - performing at

earpiece: ‘A plane is now hovering over Scan- countries watching his shows online, Dara Warwick Arts Centre in Coventry. dinavia with shots of the aurora borealis. We has become an enormous draw all over the Doing stand-up is a euphoric experience. “ “The great thing is the anticipation. You’re thinking, ‘You’re going to love this next bit!’

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Matilda The Musical End audiences for six years. A staggering eight million people worldwide have so far seen produc- Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 8 September tions of the critically acclaimed show, which has visited more than 50 Adapted from one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, the Royal Shake- cities and bagged an impressive 80-plus international awards. speare Company’s stage-musical version of Matilda - complete with Impressive statistics indeed. If you haven’t done so already, bag your- music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin - has been delighting West self a ticket and find out what all the fuss is about!

The Full Monty musical Boogie Nights is all about celebrat- his family) for six years now, along the way ing those jumpsuit-wearing times. focusing on issues including infidelity, do- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, The story isn’t exactly complicated, following mestic violence, substance abuse and absent Wed 8 August - Sat 1 September Roddy and Deb on the rocky road to love, but parents. The company’s latest offering sees When six men lose their jobs at the local then you don’t come to a show like Boogie Uncle Ben looking forward to a night in with steelworks, they find that dignity, hope and Nights expecting anything weighty. It’s the a special lady - but with the kids returning self-belief are suddenly in short supply. Until, music that counts, and on that score you’ll be home early and the local constabulary pay- that is, they take the plunge and become strutting your funky stuff long before the ing him an unexpected visit, it’s fair to say male strippers... This brand new production end. things don’t quite go according to plan... is of course based on the hit 1996 movie of The show is the New Alex’s 2018 Stage Expe- the same title, with the Old Joint Stock rience production, a showcase for some of promising audiences an ‘up close and per- the region’s most talented young performers. sonal’ experience...

Boogie Nights Uncle Ben’s Family Feud New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, The , Birmingham, Wed 22 - Sat 25 August Thurs 30 August - Sun 2 September Back in the 1970s, loud suits and disco tunes Conway Productions have been presenting were very much the order of the day, and hit stories about the character of Uncle Ben (and

26 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. August. RIGHT HAND FP 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:20 Page 1

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

Tue 11 - Sun 16 & Sat 15 Sep Mon 17 Sep From £12 £23

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

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Fri 23 Nov Mon 17 Dec Wed 19 Dec - Thu 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan - Sun 27 Jan Birmingham Royal Ballet From £20 £12.50 From £16 Michael Boyd Tamburlaine RSC DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:29 Page 1

michael boyd talks about language, religion and politics in theatre...

The Royal Shakespeare Company is this month presenting a new production of Tamburlaine - a tumultuous tale of triumph, cruelty and deceit... What’s On caught up with its director, Sir Michael Boyd, to find out more about the play and his stellar career...

Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine follows a shook up what used to be quite a stiff way of ended up getting him killed, probably by the man who starts out as a shepherd but man- talking on stage that was designed for courtly government.” ages to overthrow the Persian emperor and or academic audiences. Previously, dialogue Sir Michael believes there’s a common mis- ascend to the throne. He marches on to con- didn’t quite speak to the thoughts of the ev- conception that Elizabethan dramas such as quer other nations, and even continents, in eryday common people, or represent the ordi- those by Marlowe and Shakespeare are too his quest for an empire. nary voice on stage. Marlowe was also difficult to understand. incredibly daring with subject matter. He’s Tamburlaine was a bold, innovative piece of “This really complex, dense, fast-flowing talking about power and religion in Tam- Elizabethan drama when it was written. The rhythmic language is quite common, and I burlaine in a way that really would have RSC production’s director, Sir Michael Boyd, think very understood, among young people landed him in hot water. Shakespeare was explains why: “I think the reason it was such because of the music they’re listening to: J very clever in not getting involved in this, a turning point was the concept of freedom of Cole, Kendrick Lemar and others. Those rap- while all his contemporaries were being ar- speech. The language in the character’s pers talk in a very complex, dense way, with rested, having their books burned or being speech was much more vivid and human. He elusive, coded, symbolic, metrical speech. I tortured. It was this daring in Marlowe that Michael Boyd Tamburlaine RSC DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:29 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

think younger people would have no prob- art of the director is taken more seriously simple principle of trusting people. lems with Marlowe at all - perhaps there may there. “The RSC has such a great history, and the be one or two vocabulary points, but very “That brings me onto the third way the expe- burden of that history always comes with the rarely. If anything, Marlowe is cleaner and rience affected me. Living in a country where danger of trying to replicate the past. We simpler than Shakespeare.” you have to question everything the govern- needed to actually be thinking forwards to Sir Michael’s first stint directing this play was ment tells you teaches you to be critical of establishing who we were and what we could back in 2014. He believes there is much in the what you’re told. It teaches you to look extra do in that very moment. What the RSC themes and the plot of Tamburlaine that hard at the work you are making artistically. should be doing, as a very privileged, sub- speaks to contemporary concerns. Working under that kind of censorship sidised organisation, is stuff that commercial awoke me to the extent to which Shakespeare theatre can’t, and doing it in the most brave “The biggest contemporary ghost on stage in was probably working under censorship in and imaginative way.” 2014 was probably the Islamic State. This his own time, and how rebellious Marlowe fundamentalist, charismatic vision was a big Sir Michael’s passion for theatre started in really was.” shadow on Tamburlaine that we had to listen the simplest of ways - children’s play-acting to and respond to, but also control and not Tamburlaine for the RSC needed very little with family and friends. let it take over the play. Tamburlaine con- reimagining from its original staging, as Sir “Really the starting point was probably play- tains instances of utter disregard for religion. Michael thinks the Swan Theatre offers the ing games with my sister. We found a com- In some ways it’s a carrier for the idea of fun- ideal space for the play to be at its very best. promise where we sort of played doll’s house damentalist protestantism being the scourge “There is a very direct and a very intimate re- but with cars. Then, with my friends, we of God and cleaning out all the corrupt lationship between the play and the audi- would cut out characters from Christmas and Catholic courts of Europe. There’s very much ence. There are lots of gags with the birthday cards, voice them and make up sto- a vision of that underneath the play. audience, or they’re recruited at various ries in little shoebox theatres.” “But of course, in the intervening years, indi- points as soldiers or as citizens, and there’s His passion for theatre eventually evolved vidualist, charismatic male leaders - just like very direct address to them - scaring, cajoling into a desire to direct: “I was in a play at uni- the character of Tamburlaine himself is - or teasing. So I didn’t really have to adapt it versity, and a really good director had have sprung up all over the place like at all, as it really lends itself to the simple, adapted it and directed well. I knew the play dragon’s teeth - whether in America, whether very open space that the Swan is. was fantastic and it would go well, but I still in Eastern Europe, or whether it be someone “We won’t have done our job properly if peo- thought every decision he made was wrong. like Nigel Farage in this country. If Time Mag- ple don’t leave the theatre at the end of the Then I had a revelation: I was either going to azine was honest, the man of the year would show feeling differently about power and be a really annoying actor not enjoying sit- definitely be Putin. The idea of this kind of cruelty. Probably also about men’s power ting inside someone else’s vision, or I was autocratic male leadership is the shadow over women - I think Marlowe was quite going to have to stand up, be counted and over our show at the moment.” ahead of his time on that. The play is a revo- create my own.” Sir Michael is no stranger to theatre that’s lution that goes horribly wrong, so it’s a little Looking ahead, what plays would Sir Michael heavily steeped in politics. He started his ca- case study on how not to change the world.” like to direct in the future? reer training to be a director at the Malaya Sir Michael was the artistic director of the Bronnaya Theatre in Moscow, where the KGB “I haven’t done King Lear, and I’d really like Royal Shakespeare Company from 2002 until were still very much in control. to at some point. I’d like to do more Samuel 2012. When he arrived, the company was in Beckett, and work more with the lovely “I’d say there are three ways in which that ex- financial trouble. He believes that trust was American playwright Will Eno. I’d love to do perience inspired me. One would be that, the key to kickstarting the RSC’s recovery. a lot more Ancient Greek work because I’ve being in a country where a film, a poem, a “It seemed obvious to me there was an enor- done hardly any of that at all. There’s just novel could very easily be censored, live the- mous amount of talent there, and it wasn’t masses I want to do! I’m really enjoying chal- atre became the most important place to being trusted. Each area wasn’t being trusted lenging myself with different forms, like I make art under a totalitarian regime. So to with its own money. There was this weird started doing a bit of opera recently, and I’m see theatre as the most important art form - centralised way of keeping the information working on a couple of musicals at the mo- and the responsibility that it carried as a re- about money contained, so people were ment. I like going into new areas, to keep my sult of this - was massively inspiring. That working completely in the dark about bud- brain cells working.” sense of moral responsibility is something I gets. That seemed crazy to me. So one of the brought back with me. very first things I did was devolve responsi- “Secondly, the Russian theatrical tradition is bility for keeping budget much deeper down one of intense stagecraft and training. This into the organisation. So for example, people has survived post-Soviet Union due to gener- who actually knew about the carpentry work- Tamburlaine runs at the Swan Theatre, ous state funding. Their training is longer shop had control over their budget. Obvi- Stratford-Upon-Avon, from Thursday 16 and more rigorous than anywhere else. The ously, they ran it better. There was a very August to Saturday 1 December. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:07 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Jersey Boys Don't Cry, Sherry and December 1963 (Oh, What A Night). This mas- sive jukebox musical tells their story. Taking a documentary-style for- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 28 August - Sat 8 September mat, the show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each being narrated by Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Valli And The Four Sea- a different member of the band. sons scored some truly massive hits during the mid-1960s, with best- The Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning production is here known numbers including Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls making a welcome return to the Midlands region.

Bottom’s Dream: taught a lesson. After all, the big fella’s been racist campaigner Jackie Walker is a contro- courting them both, claiming that each is his versial figure. In this well-reviewed autobio- The Musical one-and-only true love and caring not a jot graphical show, Jackie seeks not only to Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, that they’re both married! explain herself but also to reflect on her Fri 3 & Sat 4 August A tale of buck-baskets, frolicsome fairies and treatment at the hands of a sensationalist Accessible language, likeable characters and men dressed as women, this is Shakespeare media. The production is followed by a Q&A a series of comic capers with an ass combine at his comic best. with Jackie. to make Dream one of Shakespeare’s most Expect your popular works. Lysander and Demetrius both sides to be as fancy Hermia, Helena’s sitting on the shelf, near to splitting Diamonds Are For Eric Titania and Oberon are up to no good, and as they’re ever New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Puck’s got his finger in more pies than Mr likely to be when Mon 20 August - Sat 1 September Kipling. Add in a group of rude mechanicals engaging with New Vic favourite Eric Smith here makes a and the recipe for success is guaranteed... the works of welcome return to the stage. This time he Presented by the University of Wolverhamp- Stratford’s most finds himself caught up in a James Bond- ton’s musical theatre students. famous son. style escapade when he takes his new girl- friend on a cheap holiday to Russia... The Merry Wives The Lynching Of Actor David Graham’s delightfully dysfunc- tional character has certainly earned his Of Windsor Jackie Walker place in the hearts of New Vic audiences Royal Shakespeare Theatre, MAC, Birmingham, Sat 11 August down the years, having made his first ap- Stratford-upon-Avon, Having criticised Israel and expressed doubts pearance at the venue way back in 1999. Sat 4 August - Sat 22 September about the relevance of Holocaust Memorial A selection of memorable Swinging ’60s Mistresses Page and Ford believe it’s high Day in its current form, it’s fair to say that numbers should ensure the evening provides time the fat knight Sir John Falstaff was Black and Jewish veteran socialist and anti- plenty of toe-tapping fun.

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Theatre theatre for younger audiences...

Madagascar The Musical with storytelling, dressing-up, music and puppetry. If you’ve got a pre-schooler or sev- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, eral, take them along - the show offers very until Sat 4 August young children a great introduction to the The smell of the greasepaint and roar of the wonderful world of theatre. crowd has tempted the furry cast of Madagas- car the movie to forsake New York's Central Park Zoo in favour of treading the boards on Mischief And Mystery In a UK tour. Moomin Valley The blockbuster DreamWorks film comes to life in Birmingham when Alex the Lion, MAC, Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sat 11 August Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Glo- This ‘unique participatory storytelling expe- ria the hip hip Hippo stampede into summer rience’ is based on the hugely popular char- with a great big jungle roar. acters created by Finnish illustrator Tove Imaginative sets and costumes are very much Jansson in the 1940s. present and correct, in a show that producers Created for children aged between four and promise will send your kids home positively seven, the 50-minute show features pup- wild (which may or may not be a good petry, original music, interactive play and an thing!). X-Factor 2016 winner Matt Terry stars. ‘ingenious’ pop-up book set.

Tiddler And Other The Acorn Emporium Terrific Tales MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 August Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 27 - Wed Birmingham-based theatricals Untied Artists 29 August; New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- make a welcome return following the success ham, Thurs 30 August - Sat 1 September of previous endeavour Library Lion. And this time they’ll be performing in the open air. Described by the company as ‘a bushy tale of living in a land that doesn't quite feel like home’, their new show tells the story of Raudona Grimausk, a red squirrel who’s set up shop in a tent, determined to make the best of whatever life throws at her... Dinosaur World Live The production is suitable for children aged Oakengates Theatre, The Place, Telford, five and older. Shropshire, Tues 7 - Wed 8 August Dinosaurs are once again roaming the earth this summer, thanks to this new interactive This ever-popular show brings together a show for all the family to enjoy. host of colourful characters from some of Youngsters get to meet a host of impressive Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel prehistoric creatures - including, of course, Scheffler’s best-loved titles, including Tid- every child's favourite flesh-eating giant, the dler, The Smartest Giant In Town and A Tyrannosaurus Rex. Squash And A Squeeze. Live music and pup- In short, the show promises to be an absolute petry combine in a production that promises monster of an experience, leaving a T-Rex- to take its audience under the sea, out on the size imprint on your child’s memory for many farm and into the jungle. a year to come.

Peter Pan The Musical Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 August Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- Bing Live! lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the , Fri 24 - Sat 25 August down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and be- ware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a CBeebies favourites Bing, Sula, Coco and very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he Pando step out of the telly and onto the stage swallowed a clock!). in a lively touring show that comes complete

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BLOCK PARTY

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by Ellie Hutchings

The nation’s favourite construction toy has Michelle might not have been in the job long, got all sorts of mechanisms that have had to found a home in Birmingham at the brand but there’s no denying her passion for what be factored in and then connected to the new Legoland Discovery Centre - and the she does. “I want to provide new ways for Lego,” Michelle explains. “I’ve met some of venue promises to deliver plenty of fun for children to interact with Lego, encouraging the people from Windsor who actually made children and parents alike, thanks to a whole them not necessarily just to stick to the the Lego build, and they’re such an amazing host of attractions. manual - our test & build area is particularly team.” fantastic for that.” Located at Arena Birmingham, near The installation of Legoland Birmingham , the Centre houses a city Michelle was among just two percent of was no mean feat. Miniland alone took nine builder area, a duplo farm, a soft play area, applicants for the role of Master Model people nine months to build - which is hardly two different rides and a 4D cinema. And the Builder who were women. Is Lego suffering a surprising given the attention to detail. Tiny list goes on! But perhaps the most impressive diversity problem? “I think more girls are Lego figures can be seen eating inside some attraction at the venue is the Lego Miniland. playing with Lego as children now, and I of the buildings, cars travel along the roads Built from over five million Lego bricks, think it’s being encouraged more. There’s and even the boats on the canal are attached Miniland is a replica of Birmingham and now less difference between girls and boys to tethers, allowing them to float along the includes Lego constructions of iconic and what they’re encouraged to play with, so Canal Old Line. buildings such as the Bullring, the Mailbox, I think eventually it will be more 50-50.” It’s clear that Lego is an ever-popular toy, and the and the BT Tower. And this is clearly the case in Birmingham’s as Michelle points out: “It’s universal - no There are interactive elements to Miniland, new Discovery Centre. Both boys and girls matter where you buy Lego, no matter what too - children can entertain themselves by can be seen building and playing - including bricks you’ve got, you can connect them with racing boats along the canal or getting stuck in the Lego Friends’ Heartlake City, a play any other bricks. The bricks I had as a child into a game of football at the ‘mish-mash’ of area intended to appeal primarily to girls. work with the bricks I’m buying now - it’s Aston Villa and Birmingham City’s grounds. timeless.” Legoland Birmingham is aimed at children “I want to make sure the children are the key between the ages of three and 10, and And Birmingham’s new Lego shop is the factor,” explains Master Model Builder maintains that adults are not permitted entry perfect place for lovers of the legendary toy Michelle Thompson. “I want to make sure without a child. That being said, the to expand their collection. Located next door that they come in, see something and think, attraction is just as enjoyable for parents as it to the Legoland Discovery Centre, the shop ‘I want to go home and build that’.” is for their children. Mums and dads are boasts a number of exclusive lines. Visitors For Michelle, an avid lover of Lego for as long encouraged to leave their phones in the from as far afield as London now travel up to as she can remember, fighting off more than lockers and get involved in play too, as the Midlands to get their hands on the 7,000 other applicants for her new post has creating quality family time is a priority for merchandise. The ‘pick a brick’ wall is landed her what many people are calling the Centre. But older Lego enthusiasts particularly innovative, allowing Lego ‘Birmingham’s dream job’. without any little ones in their life don’t need fanatics to stock up on bricks of all sizes and to worry about missing out on the fun - the colours in order to complete their creations. Having worked in HR in her previous venue’s ‘adult nights’ event is an opportunity employment, Michelle has had quite the With so much to recommend it, it’s hardly for those who’re 18 and over to meet Michelle career change. So what exactly does the role surprising that Michelle’s enthusiasm for her and create some of their own builds. of Master Model Builder entail? “I’m going to new job knows no bounds... “At the moment, be helping decorate the Discovery Centre It’s no surprise that excitement is almost I just want to get in, get started and get with lots of Lego builds, and lots of exciting tangible in Birmingham following Legoland’s building stuff. Imagination is going to be a things that will interest children. I’m also opening. Michelle promises that the venue key feature because in order to create going to be responsible for maintaining will inject ‘extra fun’ into the city - and the anything you’ve got to have imagination. Miniland and all the other builds around the 10ft-tall, 30,000-brick giraffe which has been That’s the most important thing.” site, but hopefully there’s going to be a lot of installed outside is just a preview of what’s to building things too - maybe building things come. There’s no end to the impressive which have never even been built by Lego designs and creations dotted around the site Purchase tickets for Legoland at before, who knows?” - perhaps most notably the fully functioning birmingham.legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk clock tower, which takes centre stage. “It’s whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film Aug.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:43 Page 1 Film Aug.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:43 Page 2

Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Wasp. It transpires that Hope, like her mother, can enter the quantum Ant-Man And The Wasp CERT 12a (117 mins) realm, and so Hope sets about looking for Janet van Dyne who, Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, decades ago, was lost amongst the atoms of a Soviet nuclear missile. Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, , Laurence Fishburne, Michael Douglas Directed by Peyton Reed (USA) Disciples of quantum physics should get a particular buzz from all this (pun intended), while others will swarm to the multiplex just for In this instance we are not talking about a pesky yellowjacket, but the more Marvel Comics high jinks. The first Ant-Man (2015) proved to be superheroine Janet van Dyne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. She is the an especially taut, shrewd, exciting, funny and even moving super- mother of Hope (Evangeline Lilley), the latter being the romantic part- hero caper. ner of Ant Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd), who together have assumed the mantle of the crime-fighting partnership of Ant-Man and a new Released Thurs 2 Aug

Film highlights released in August...

The Escape CERT 15 (101 mins) Dog Days CERT PG Starring Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper, Starring Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Frances Barber, Marthe Keller, Jalil Lespert Pally, Eva Longoria, Rob Corddry Directed by Dominic Savage (UK) Directed by Ken Marino (USA) A suburban London housewife walks out on It’s been quite a year for dogs, from Isle Of her family to start a new life in Paris. Obvi- Dogs to Show Dogs via Patrick, the comedy ously, Shirley Valentine still has a lot to an- about a pug. Here, various LA dog walkers swer for. find themselves overlapping thanks to their Released Fri 3 Aug Teen Titans Go! canine companions. To The Cinema CERT PG Released Fri 10 Aug With the voices of Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Tara Strong, Will Arnett, Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage, James Corden Directed by Peter Rida Michail and Aaron Horvath (USA) A big-screen spin on the titular animated television series, this sees our teenage su- perheroes heading to Hollywood to seek Avengers-like fame. But their plans for celebrity are thrown for a loop when a re- ally nasty piece of work aims for global domination. Released Fri 3 Aug whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film Aug.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:43 Page 3

Film highlights released in August...

The Darkest Minds CERT tbc The Equalizer 2 CERT tbc Starring Amandla Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Starring Denzel Gwendoline Christie, Harris Dickinson Washington, Pedro Directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson (USA) Pascal, Ashton Sanders, Melissa Children have always been different. In the fu- Leo, Bill Pullman, ture, the government incarcerates the few Sakina Jaffrey youngsters to survive a horrific plague, who Directed by Antoine Fuqua (USA) then develop rather special powers… Based on the young adult novel by Alexandra Robert McCall (Den- Bracken zel) had thought about retiring from Released Fri 10 Aug his vocation as avenger. Then somebody kills a close female friend, so the ex-CIA black ops operative re- The Meg CERT 12a (113 mins) turns to business as normal. This is the Starring Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn fourth film that Antoine Fuqua has directed Wilson, Ruby Rose Denzel in – and is the latter’s very first se- Directed by Jon Turteltaub (USA/China) quel. That’s meg as in megalodon, not Meg Ryan. Released Fri 17 Aug And a megalodon is a 95-foot-long shark, long thought to be extinct. However, when a sub- mersible off the coast of China is attacked by one such, Jason Statham must jump into ac- The Spy Who Dumped Me tion to rescue the stranded crew. Go Jason. CERT 15 (117 mins) Released Fri 10 Aug Starring Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon, Justin Theroux, Sam Heughan, Gillian An- derson Unfriended: Dark Web Directed by Susanna Starring Colin Woodell, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Fogel (USA) Betty Gabriel, Andrew Lees Audrey and Drew Directed by Stephen Susco (USA) are no longer an Beware somebody else’s laptop. Matias (Wood- item. Then the latter ell) picks up a laptop he finds in a lost-and- re-enters Audrey’s found bin, only to discover something deeply life with a team of assassins on his tail be- disturbing on it. He also realises that the com- cause, apparently, he works for the CIA…The puter’s owner is surveying him through the de- action-comedy co-stars the Scottish actor vice… Not surprisingly, the horror film is a Sam Heughan who, incidentally, once played sequel to 2014’s Unfriended. Roger Moore’s son. You get the connection…. Released Fri 10 Aug Released Wed 22 Aug

Christopher Robin CERT tbc Alpha CERT tbc Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Bronte Starring Kodi Smit- Carmichael, Mark Gatiss; with the voices of Jim McPhee, Jóhannes Cummings, Brad Garrett, Toby Jones, Peter Haukur Jóhanness, Capaldi, Sophie Okonedoi Leonor Varela, Jens Directed by Marc Forster (USA) Hultén Directed by Albert For fans of Disney’s Winnie-the-Pooh car- Hughes (USA) toons, this should prove a tonic. Jim Cum- Set 20,000 years ago mings, who voiced the English bear in during the last Ice countless animated features, videos and Age, this drama of shorts, now articulates a CGI version of the survival features a ursine icon in this live-action comic adven- young man who becomes lost after a hunting ture. Tapping into a Mary Poppins vision of expedition. On the arduous trek home, he London, the film stars Ewan McGregor as a rescues an injured wolf and a tenuous rela- city slicker who has lost his inner child. And tionship develops between the man and the so his old stuffed animals lure him back to animal. Filmed in Iceland and in the bad- the Hundred Acre Wood in Sussex. lands of Alberta. Released Fri 17 Aug Released Fri 24 Aug

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Film

BlacKkKlansman CERT 15 (135 mins) Starring John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Harrier, Topher Grace, Alec Baldwin Directed by Spike Lee (USA) You couldn’t make it up. Nonetheless, this is the true story of a black man, Ron Stallworth (Washington), who attempted to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan, and ended up leading the local branch of the organisation. Based on Washington’s autobiography. Released Fri 24 Aug CRITIC’S CHOICE The Happytime Murders Starring Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, The Children Act CERT 12a (105 mins) Joel McHale, Elizabeth Banks Starring Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Fionn Directed by Brian Henson (USA) apart, she battles with the ethics of a case in- Whitehead, Ben Chaplin, Eileen Walsh, An- volving Jack, a Jehovah’s Witness teenager Puppets have feel- thony Calf, Jason Watkins Directed by Richard Eyre (UK) (Fionn Whitehead, from Dunkirk). A blood ings, too. And when transfusion would save his life, but Jack re- On Chesil Beach, Ian McEwan’s last adapta- the cast members of fuses the operation on religious grounds. So, tion to the screen, was ill-met by the critics, a 1980s’ TV show are in an unconventional move, Fiona visits Jack and unfairly so. The Children Act is the nov- killed off one by one, in hospital... Sir Richard Eyre previously di- elist’s second attempt to adapt one of his it takes a puppet to rected such high-profile British films as Iris own works to the screen and stars Dame tackle the case, (2001) and Notes On A Scandal (2006). along with his ex- Emma Thompson as Fiona Maye, a High partner, Detective Court judge. While her marriage begins to fall Released Fri 24 Aug Connie Edwards (Mc- Carthy), who is only too human… Brian Henson, not surprisingly, Upgrade CERT 15 (100 mins) is the son of the late, great puppeteer Jim Starring Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, Henson. Harrison Gilbertson Directed by Released Mon 27 Aug Leigh Whannell (Australia/USA) In a world of technology, Greg Trace is afraid of losing his humanity. Then, in an unex- Searching CERT 12a (102 mins) pected turn of events, his only hope for re- Starring John Cho, Debra Messing, Michelle La demption and retribution is to have an Directed by Aneesh Chaganty (USA) experimental computer chip inserted in his Played out entirely body… Expect extreme violence and other nas- on a laptop screen, tiness. this topical film fol- Released Fri 31 Aug lows the desperate attempts of a father to locate his missing Yardie CERT 15 (102 mins) daughter with the Starring Aml Ameen, Stephen Graham, Akin help of her com- Gazi Directed by Idris Elba (UK) puter history. Both Based on the 1992 novel by the Jamaican- social satire and dig- born writer Victor Headley, Yardie marks the ital thriller, Search- directorial debut of the actor Idris Elba. ing zips along Partly set in 1980s’ Hackney - where Idris fluently, while reminding parents that they grew up - the film tells the story of a Ja- know less about their children than they maican who tries to get his life on track in think. Not one for technophobes. London. Released Fri 31 Aug Released Fri 31 Aug whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Visual Arts August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:36 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Cornelia Parker: One Day This Glass Will Break MAC, Birmingham, until Sun 2 September Twenty large-scale photogravures drawn from three experimental series make up this exhibition by Cornelia Parker. The Turner-nominated Royal Academy member is one of the UK’s most admired creatives. She last year came to wider public attention when she was named the official artist for the general election, the first woman ever to take on the role. Explaining her approach to art in a recent White Review interview, Cornelia said: “I think art is about freedom, and hopefully my work will have a very different meaning to each person who sees it. I don’t want it to have a fixed meaning, and I think that is the reason, formally, that I make the work I make. I like work that has an ambiguity to it. You are not sure what side you’re on, you are either with it or without it, and you are kind of confused by it. I think I like things to be free.”

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Visual Arts

Creative Rage The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 2 September Creative Rage brings together paintings, pho- tographs, prints and ceramics to follow three artists' ‘vibrant and confrontational’ explo- ration of LGBTQ themes. Proud, committed and uncompromising members of the progressive LGBTQ artistic community, the trio of contribu- tors create visually startling works that explore themes of bravery, aggression and ‘trailblazing, combative non-conformity’.

Cover To Cover: Roald Dahl Around The World Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 15 September If you’re heading for Birmingham Hippo- in 59 different languages, with numer- drome this month to enjoy the RSC’s ous artists contributing front covers for Matilda The Musical, be sure to check the various editions of his books. The ex- out this special exhibition accompany- hibition, spread across three floors of ing the hit show. the Hippodrome, displays a selection of Cover To Cover is a celebration of Roald these covers, including a number by the Dahl, the man who invented Matilda. artist with whom Dahl is most closely as- Dahl’s much-loved stories have been sociated, Quentin Blake. published more than 200 million times

Mad King/Fat Knight Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 23 September Widely regarded as one of the finest stage actors of his generation, RSC Honorary Associate Artist Antony Sher has also made a considerable im- pact as an artist. And now, for the first time ever, the RSC is hosting an exhibition of his work. Sher has taken inspiration from the rehearsal room and on-stage performances to create a vi- sual account of his experiences as an actor. Featuring more than 40 pieces and bringing to- gether large-scale oil paintings with drawings and doodles, the exhibition offers an insight into Sher’s preparation for two of his most mem- orable roles - King Lear and Sir John Falstaff. Ikon Artists From The 1960s Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 19 August Ikon’s origins are here revisited in an ex- which has recently become the home of hibition featuring works by the young the Medicine Bakery & Gallery. Birmingham artists who founded the Ikon’s exhibition is being presented to gallery way back in the mid-1960s. coincide with the launch of the new Prior to Ikon’s opening, its founder mem- venue, which combines an artisan bak- bers would often display their work at ery and kitchen with a cafe and art exhi- the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists’ bition space. premises on New Street, a building

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Shrewsbury Flower Show fantastic flora, fauna, fireworks and family fun!

The Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the jousting, there’s also The Cavalry of Heroes to the show too, as members of the Gardeners’ country’s premier horticultural festivals, enjoy. Marking the 100th anniversary of the Question Time panel. delivering a diverse programme of end of World War One, this special show will entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. see its performers displaying their And there’s plenty for little ones to enjoy as horsemanship skills by combining tricks and well, including children’s planting sessions, Highlights of the two-day event include guest stunts on horseback with a music score and a a giant inflatable obstacle course, a craft appearances by celebrity chefs and final cavalry charge. tent, face painting, circus skills and balloon gardeners, arena acts, competitions, modelling. numerous workshops, a children’s area and Taking over the bandstand for the weekend impressive floral displays, with both days are Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers, With such a diverse line-up of entertainment brought to a close by a magnificent fireworks Biddulph Male Voice Choir, Band of the across the two days, the 131st edition of the display. Yorkshire Regiment, Band of the Prince of Shrewsbury Flower Show promises to deliver Wales’ Division and Of One Accord Choir. something for all the family to enjoy. In fact, Special guests for the 2018 show include we don’t think it would be going too far to chefs Levi Roots (pictured) and Matt Tebbutt. Green-fingered visitors can check out the call it ‘a blooming good show’! Musical contributions come from Friday lecture marquee and enjoy a number of night headliners The ABBA Reunion Tribute specialist talks. Subjects include ‘flower and, on the Saturday, the Red Hot Chilli arranging purely for pleasure’, ‘100 plants Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place at Pipers (both pictured). that almost changed the world’ and the town’s Quarry Park on The main arena, meanwhile, plays host to all ‘managing pests and diseases the organic Friday 10 & Sat 11 August. For further manner of attractions across the weekend. As way’. Celebrity gardeners Penny Meadmore information, visit well as falconry displays, showjumping and and Chris Beardshaw will be in attendance at shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:47 Page 1

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Events Events previews from around the region

Tall Tales at Aston Hall, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Fri 24 August Visit Aston Hall on Fridays during August and you’ll be able to join in with the interactive telling of three classic fairytales: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and Goldilocks And The Three Bears. Every session is accompanied by a crafting workshop, providing visi- tors with the chance to make a wand, crown or headband. The event is suitable for children aged between three and eight, with each storytelling experience lasting approximately 45 minutes.

Real Bodies The Exhibition perfectly preserved human bodies and more than 200 anatomical specimens. NEC, Birmingham, until Sun 19 August Commenting on the blockbuster show, Tom Za- A globetrotting exhibition of human anatomy is ller, President and CEO of Imagine Exhibitions - currently on display at Birmingham’s NEC. the company behind Real Bodies - said: “While Real Bodies takes visitors on a ‘stunning’ jour- the exhibition moves through the anatomical ney, exploring the human body through physi- systems of the human body, it also looks far be- ology, culture and emotion by displaying real, yond the physical aspects.” Brick Built Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch, Worcestershire, until 2 September The Festival Of Quilts To Warren Elsmore, Lego bricks NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 August are more than just a toy. They also Bringing together exhibitors, galleries, practical provide a challenging and enjoy- workshops and in-depth lectures, the Festival Of able modelling medium. Quilts is Europe’s largest celebration of patch- Aiming to inspire Lego enthusiasts work and quilting, providing an ideal environ- everywhere, Brick Built features ment in which to share ideas and learn new some of Warren’s best work, with skills. models ranging from small ani- Highlights of this year’s event include a fashion mals to huge skyscrapers. show exhibiting work from Russia, an evening The event also includes a ‘brick with ‘quilting superstar’ Ricky Tims, and an challenge’ room and a ‘create a fig- awards ceremony to announce the winner of the ure’ trail around the site. 2018 quilting competition. Insomnia63 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 24 - Mon 27 August Taking place over the course of four days, the UK’s biggest gaming festival combines ‘all the best bits of video gaming’. The event features LAN gaming halls, a huge ex- hibition hall, an esports stage, cosplay, special guests exhibiting interactive content (such as vir- tual reality) and a wide selection of activities tai- lored to gamers of all ages. YouTube favourites including Alfie Deyes, Syndi- cate and Yammyxox will be in attendance. Don’t forget to head to the meet-and-greet zone to say hi to some of your favourite creators!

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Events Events previews from around the region

Off-Roading with Land Rover Eastnor Castle, Ledbury, Tues 28 - Thurs 30 August Spanning 5,000 acres, the chal- lenging terrain surrounding East- nor Castle has been used as a Land Rover proving ground for decades. This three-day event offers visitors the chance to passenger-ride around 53 miles of carefully main- tained off-road track.

Art In The Park event features exhibitions of paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculptures, as well as a number of Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa, Sat 4 & Sun 5 August bands providing a feast of blues, jazz and soul Art In The Park this year takes the theme of music. There are plenty of workshops to enjoy ‘trees’, in honour of Jephson Gardens’ status as too, ranging from upcycling to bespoke T-shirt an arboretum. The fifth edition of this annual designing.

Dragon Slayer Warwick Castle, Fri 3 - Mon 27 August The National Warwick Castle launches an ‘explosive’ new BMW Festival show this month, featuring fire jousting, live ac- British Motor Museum, Gaydon, tion stunts, a projection light show and impres- Warwickshire, Sun 12 August sive pyrotechnics. The largest gathering of its kind in Dragon Slayer recreates the adventures of ‘hum- Europe, this ever-popular festival ble page’ Guy of Warwick, as he bids to win the gives visitors the chance to view heart of the castle’s Princess Felice - in the pro- over 1,000 BMWs, presented along- cess doing battle against a less-than-friendly side some of the latest models fire-breathing dragon! from Alpina, AC Schnitzer and MINI. Other attractions include a Shakes-paw’s Day large motorsport display area, fam- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, ily entertainment, concours win- Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 25 August ners and trade stands featuring a Take your furry friends along to Anne Hath- range of products. away’s Cottage and celebrate National Dog Day this month. The picturesque 500-year-old cottage is the perfect spot for a picnic - or why not dig into the barbecue provided... Visitors who take along their dogs will enjoy 30% off normal admission price, with the event featuring plenty of activities to entertain both animals and people alike. An ‘alternative dog show’ offers prizes for waggiest tail and best recall.

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Events Events previews from around the region

World War One at Tamworth Castle Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Tues 14 - Thurs 23 August Commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One with fun and games at Tamworth Castle this month. Visitors to the venue can learn about wartime communications, try their hand at decoding secret messages and play with the toys and games that kept children en- tertained during the four-year con- flict. They can even find out if they would’ve been medically fit enough to join the battle on the front line!

Oswestry Balloon Festival With a different theme each week, the evening BCLM Summer Evenings Cae Glas Park, Oswestry, events give museum visitors the opportunity to Sat 25 & Sun 26 August Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, meet costumed characters, join in with street Fri 3 - Fri 31 August Hot-air balloons take to the skies games and explore the selection of shops and for the Oswestry Balloon Festival, Visitors to BCLM on any Friday in August will houses. Other attractions on the 26-acre site in- this year relocating to Cae Glas have longer than usual to immerse themselves in clude an underground mine, a fairground, a Park, a seven-acre site regarded as 300 years of Black Country history, with the school and a pub, all offering the chance to step one of the town’s major tourist at- venue staying open until 8pm. back in time to a bygone era. tractions. Festival highlights include flight demonstrations, exhibitions, a bal- loon race and firework & Blists Hill In Steam parachute displays. Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, The event also features the ‘night Sat 18 - Sun 19 August glow’, which will see tethered bas- Visitors to this two-day event can take advan- kets power their burners to music, tage of a rare opportunity to get up close and to light up the inflated balloons. personal with an array of Victorian steam- powered machines, all of which will be in their full working splendour. Highlights include the venue’s replica of Tre- vithick’s 1802 Coalbrookdale locomotive and a 1903 Wallis & Steevens road roller named Billy. Other attractions include the Merry- Vintage & weather fire pump and the Fielding oil en- gine, as well as a number of portable and Handmade Festival ploughing engines. RAF Museum Cosford, Shifnal, Sat 11 & Sun 12 August Lovers of all things retro vintage will feel right at home at this brand new festival of handmade, handcrafted products and carefully selected vin- tage wares. The event features work by local creators, live music from across the years, a children’s craft tent, artisan food and drink, a photobooth and a beauty parlour. A flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire takes place on both days of the festival.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Big Feast Stoke 8 - 9.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:30 Page 1

The Big Feast presents the tastiest outdoor arts on the streets of Stoke-on-Trent...

The Big Feast Festival is back on the streets of actually be for them.” workshops with local people, giving them Stoke-on-Trent this month. Now in its fifth some radio skills and making some Gemma firmly believes that outdoor arts year, this scrumptious programme of free programmes ready for when they broadcast. festivals are absolutely essential for boosting outdoor events is being presented as part of There will also be a shed where audience the success of other arts sectors. Appetite, a three-year initiative designed to members can make their own jingle. They’re promote the arts to people in the Potteries. “It’s been proven that outdoor arts reach the so unpredictable as performers and very widest possible segmentation of people and good at improvising, so who knows what’s The theme of this year’s two-day celebration therefore act as a gateway. People taste going to happen? All I know is that it’s going is local and national talent, with dance, something on the street and realise they to be raucous, but in a really brilliant way!” opera, visual arts, music, circus and theatre really enjoy it, which might then give them all featuring. The Big Feast Festival’s offerings are not only the encouragement they need to buy a ticket fun and diverse, though. Many also explore “The menu for Big Feast has been selected for a full show or to visit a gallery. It’s very social issues. not only by me but also by locals,” says important to feed the different sectors by Gemma Thomas, Creative Producer at providing little tasters of what the arts can “Bingo Lingo by Wild N Beets is a twist on Appetite. “They’re called our Supper Club. be, and this is where events like Big Feast what bingo can be, because it’s by two They go to see work in other places and get come in.” disabled artists. The callers use words related back to us about their experiences.” to disability to break down surrounding Highlights at this year’s festival include an stigma. The show also points out how The Appetite initiative is supported by Arts opportunity for visitors to jump on the sometimes people try to be overly politically Council England’s Creative Places & People swings at the Virtual Reality Playground to correct when it comes to disability, but end fund, as Gemma explains: “It’s a strategic power their own adventure. They can also up getting it totally wrong. It’s a means by funding pot for places that don’t normally help produce a live 12-hour radio which to open up these topics, but in an engage in the arts. The residents are in the performance. accessible way and using a format that bottom 20% of arts engagers. That could be “Hunt & Darton return with their new people love.” for a number of different reasons. Maybe they project, Radio Local,” says Gemma. “It’ll be don’t believe theatre or circus is actually art, Gemma reckons there’s something for very interactive, with passers-by making the or they don’t think the arts are for them, or everyone at this year’s Big Feast Festival, so news or being grabbed to do a live dating they don’t know how to get involved, or they she’s picked out a range of tasty highlights show. We’re working with 6 Towns Radio and don’t know how they’ll get there. There are on the opposite page. “Just come along and BBC Radio Stoke on this project, so people lots of different barriers. That’s why Appetite give it a try,” she urges. “We’re sure you’ll can hear the broadcast. Hunt & Darton will exists - to help people overcome those love it, so come and be part of it and make also be here in advance to do some barriers and discover that the arts might some memories.” Big Feast Stoke 8 - 9.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:31 Page 2

By Lauren Cole

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS...

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE REIMAGINED BLOCK FANTABULOSA! Fri 24 & Sat 25 Aug Fri 24 & Sat 25 Aug Fri 24 & Sat 25 Aug The Royal Opera House returns to Stoke-on- This ‘jaw-dropping fusion of dance and A new commission from the producer of Trent with two opera classics - La Traviata circus, testing bodily and artistic limits’ Storytime With Drag Queens, Fantabulosa and La Bohème - both of which have been sees NoFit State Circus and Motionhouse features glitter, storytelling, dressing-up reimagined for an outdoor space. make use of 20 huge blocks to create a giant and lip-sync choreography from some of Join the performers as they waltz you game of concrete Jenga. The tower is torn the UK’s leading drag artists. Although it’s through a dazzling tale of love, betrayal apart and put back together in an infinite primarily aimed at children aged between and heartbreak in La Traviata, or immerse number of ways as the performers tell a three and eight, everyone is welcome. yourself in the highs and lows of Bohemian wordless story about urban life. life in La Bohème.

SPECIAL EVENT... SPECIAL EVENT...

MAN UP MUSEUM OF THE MOON Tues 21 - Fri 24 Aug Tues 21 - Wed 29 Aug In this evening performance by Restoke, 20 This touring installation by artist Luke men take to the floor for a gritty and James focuses on the gleaming moon and humorous spoken-word & dance piece, comes complete with detailed NASA sharing real-life stories about masculinity imagery and surround-sound composition and mental health. from BAFTA winner Dan Jones. The The groundbreaking MAN UP was created installation is accompanied by its own by, and stars, men from Stoke-on-Trent. The Big Feast Festival takes place in individual programme, The Big Feast Expect a ‘spellbinding’ show by local talent various locations around Stoke-on-Trent Under The Moon, presenting moon- about local people. Tickets are £12.50 (£10 city centre on Friday 24 & Saturday 25 inspired events throughout August. concessions) and can be purchased from August. Although the activities are free, some are restoke.org.uk/man-up. For more information or to book ticketed, so visit appetitestoke.co.uk for Suitable for ages 16-plus only. ticketed events, visit more information. appetitestoke.co.uk. Places to Visit DPS 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 19:23 Page 1

Places to visit ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUGUST!

Thinktank, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge Drayton Manor Theme Park

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

LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, the the birth of the Industrial Revolution has been des- Birmingham park is a place for family fun, whether that be walk- ignated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with 10 ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion ing the dog, cycling, horse riding, or maybe just for award-winning museums. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ hosts many family activities throughout the season, the views and a cup of tea, Rednal, Birmingham, RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD B45 8ER largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 his- BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of MAC A huge range of theatre, music, comedy, plays toric aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars your favourite TV shows with informative and enter- for children, dance, creative and craft courses, fam- on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP taining tours, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF ily shows, film and free exhibitions on offer, Cannon SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH BECKETT’S FARM Hosts a number of family events beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this throughout the year, including cookery classes for MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum award-winning, 51-hectare country park is a place young and old, with a farm shop and restaurant on tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery for quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, site, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ and metalworking heritage, Hockley, Birmingham, WV15 6NG B18 6HA BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th-century SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed courtyard of working people’s houses, Hurst Street, NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE Featuring over 2,000 within the town’s grade II Victorian Music Hall and Birmingham, B5 4TE creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million- one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's Kingdom, tur- featuring a broad range of artefacts alongside a BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Spanning 15 tle breeding and much more, Brindleyplace, rolling programme of contemporary art. Shrews- acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of cli- Birmingham, B1 2HL bury, SY1 1LH mates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert, Edg- baston, Birmingham, B15 3TR RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas, at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is op- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over Birmingham, B40 1PU erated by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holi- 40 galleries displaying various eras of art, with a di- days. Telford, TF4 2NF verse exhibition programme on offer, Chamberlain A 250-year-old working watermill fa- Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH mous for its association with Lord Of The Rings au- THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE Boasting a varied thor JRR Tolkien, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 collection of beautifully decorative metal items, Discover a fine Tudor house and 0BD some of which are faithful reproductions of iron- beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of work no longer seen today. There’s also a collec- the city, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM Over 200 interactive ex- hibits on science and discovery, including a pro- tion of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, SY11 LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE Discover the ultimate gramme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, 4JH indoor LEGO playground with 3 rides, 10 LEGO and a digital Planetarium, Millennium Point, Birm- THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland build & play zones, a 4D cinema and much more! ingham, B4 7XG hosts numerous events throughout the year, includ- King Edwards Rd, Birmingham, B1 2AA ing the Shrewsbury Flower Show 10-11 August, CADBURY WORLD Discover the origins of everyone’s SY1 1JA favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the Shropshire Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- tionery today, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JT ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion Staffordshire Opened in 1873, the park is house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- made up of 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a wood- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high acres of conservation and woodland plantation, land sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial Ex- Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8RD Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP treme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham Es- CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, tate. All ages are guaranteed a bucketload of fun. EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park How much can you handle? Trentham, ST12 9HR in over 130 years, situated only a stone’s throw with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mind-blowing mix of fantas- Station, , B4 7AP archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG tic rides and attractions, offering unlimited fun for CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product kids of all ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM A major cultural destina- ST10 4DB tion, providing a dynamic mix of events, activities of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise and performances, resources and access to expert above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of a help for learning, information and culture, Cente- variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre nary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP SY14 8AH wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The Shropshire site of meadows, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ 48 whatsonlive.co.uk Places to Visit DPS 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 19:23 Page 2

Coventry Transport Museum Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Witley Court, Worcestershire

CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families torian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional Central Forest Park is a green space providing fa- with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed cilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6AZ museum, with activities that run throughout the rooms. West Bromwich, B71 4BG CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined fortifi- with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and passes through beautiful countryside known as cations and palatial apartments spanning over five Arts & Crafts pictures and furnishings. Wolver- Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 centuries, CV8 1NG hampton, WV6 8EE 2HA RAGLEY HALL Family entertainment, with an adven- WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off ture playground, 3D maze, boating and a wood- 300 years of art, including regular world class tour- venue for thrill-seekers, featuring, as it does, all land walk. Alcester, B49 5NJ ing exhibitions. Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU manner of white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range of rides that are somewhat less challenging. And SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- with a zoo on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, Worcestershire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary 3TW Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of his- HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn toric buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features about the house's history through a guided tour of from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt, tim- include three play areas: toddler, sensory and ad- the West Wing, CV8 2LF ber by timber or brick by brick, on a beautiful open- venture (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity to air site in the north of Worcestershire. Bromsgrove, B60 4JR PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular to come face to face with exotic and endangered butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry Hol- animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 CV37 7LS land, the hall is one of a small number of his build- 7QR WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of ings to survive intact. As well as being able to explore the family rooms and servant quarters, THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits in- history at Warwick Castle. Aside from visiting the castle itself and looking at the battlements, towers, guests can take part in activities or relax by the clude the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- lake. Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, turrets and interiors, there are also jousting shows, decorative arts and natural history, along with items the Horrible History show and Time Tower to keep BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, from the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW you entertained. CV34 4QU the romantic Manor House dates back to the late 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the house and over a moat. Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB most interesting ceramic collections in the world. The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his Wolverhampton CROFT CASTLE Located deep in the heart of the family, and the company he founded over two cen- Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by 1,500 turies ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER & Black Country acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, this BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian castle has many intriguing stories to uncover. glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of park- Yarpole. Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Warwickshire land, with activities for all ages. Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the wartime air base and discover how thousands of heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of people lived and worked there during the 1940s. walks through the gardens and activities for chil- changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- Worcester, WR8 9DW dren such as pond dipping and garden trails. War- porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, woodwork and more. Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK Set within the dramatic wick, B93 0DQ beauty of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the tra- beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. Ledbury, world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and ditional skills and enterprise of the people that HR8 1RL veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ once lived in the heart of industrial Britain. Dudley, DY1 4SQ HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified house comes complete with deer park and is a DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Guided boat trips manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ property of the National Trust. Warwick, CV35 9ER through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, life- like reconstructions and stunning music and light SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows. Dudley, DY1 4SB railway line which runs regular steam-hauled pas- land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has senger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, be- one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. Bur- DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to tween Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of ford, OX18 4JP more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. 16 miles. Bewdley, DY12 1BG At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th cen- COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM Activities to interest and tury castle. Dudley, DY1 4QF THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from delight youngsters, and a studio in which visitors short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous can try their hand at composing and music-mak- HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in options. WR14 3EY ing. CV2 4ED 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- land. Dudley, DY3 4DF WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley Court COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum was one of England’s great country houses, host- houses the largest publicly owned collection of RED HOUSE GLASS CONE A heritage site with 225 ing many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a spectac- British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a years of glass, industrial and social history within ular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD its walls. Stourbridge, DY8 4AZ Great Witley, WR6 6JT SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Vic- whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 11:31 Page 1 The List Cover August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 11:31 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide AugustAugust 20182018 thelist

Britney Spears at Genting Arena, Birmingham - Friday 31 August

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 12 August Mon 13 to Sun 19 August Mon 20 to Sun 26 August Mon 27 to Fri 31 August

Mehmet Aslan at the Beres Hammond Bing Live at Birmingham Uncle Ben’s Family Feud at Hare & Hounds plays O2 Academy Town Hall The Old Rep, Birmingham Fri 3 August Sat 18 August Fri 24 - Sat 25 August starts Thurs 30 August

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham Wed 1 - Sun 5 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:53 Page 1

thelist THROUGHOUT AUGUST

Visual Arts RBSA Gallery NEW ANN HACKETT RBSA Portraits of Flowers: Ann considers her works to Birmingham Museum & be like portraits, because of their indi- Art Gallery vidualism, Mon 30 July - Sat 1 Sept THE EVERYDAY AND EXTRAORDINARY NEW STEVE EVANS RBSA Exhibition of Exhibition exploring the potential of abstract drawings which explore and objects to be transformed and seen extend pictorial space by using light, in new and insightful ways. Showcas- line and colour, combining geometry ing over 70 modern and contempo- and visual disturbance, Mon 6 Aug - rary artworks, until Sun 9 Sept Sat 15 Sept COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- tions that reflect the experiences of The Barber Institute diverse Birmingham people - from MEN OF THE DOCKS This became the working lives to community activists first painting by George Bellows ac- Electric Swing Orchestra - MAC, Birmingham and protest movements, until Sun 27 quired for a UK public collection Oct when it was purchased by the Na- Aug, The River Rooms, Aug, The Sunflower WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND tional Gallery in 2013. Just a year Stourbridge Lounge, Birmingham THE SELF Exhibition examining how later, his nude, Miss Bentham, was Gigs THEIA, ALMOST EASY & THE DEEP PURPLE FAM- social, historical and cultural factors purchased for the Barber Institute by BLACK TREE VULTURES ILY TREE Sat 4 Aug, affect body image, and how this is ex- the Henry Barber Trust. The two LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS Fri 3 Aug, Route 44, The Robin, Bilston pressed through objects and art- paintings will hang side by side this until Fri 31 Aug, Brind- Birmingham works, until Fri 1 Feb 2019 season, until Sun 9 Sept leyplace, Birmingham THE CURV3 Sat 4 Aug, THE SUNSET BEACH HUT The Night Owl, B’ham NEW YORK CITY LIFE Exhibition of HANNAH JOHNSON AND Fri 3 Aug, The Actress prints by John Sloan which provides THE BROKEN HEARTS COAT OF MANY Sat 4 Grand Union & Bishop, Birmingham fascinating historical insights into Wed 1 Aug, The Jam Aug, O2 Institute, JOANNE MASDING: BRUNTWOOD COR- Manhattan life in a period of rapid so- House, Birmingham NYO TEEN HANG OUT Fri Birmingham NERBLOCK COMMISSION Permanent in- cial change, until Sun 16 Sept 3 Aug, Symphony Hall, EDINA LIVE + SPECIAL stallation made by artist and Grand GEORGE PANNELL Wed DRAWN TO PERFECTION Masterworks Birmingham GUESTS Sat 4 Aug, The Union studio holder Joanne Masding, 1 Aug, The Sunflower from the Royal Collection, exploring JOHN PRINE Fri 3 Aug, Actress & Bishop, until Fri 5 July 2019 Lounge, Birmingham their use as prototypes for paintings Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham ARTURO TAPPIN Wed 1 and frescoes, tapestries, sculpture or Aug, Pizza Express BLACK COUNTRY BEAT- BLACK FOXXES - MARK architecture, until Sun 23 Sept Ikon Gallery Live, Birmingham LES Fri 3 Aug, The HOLLEY ACOUSTIC Sat 4 CENTRE STAGE - ENTERTAINMENT IN ART Robin, Bilston Aug, Ort Cafe, B’ham MARK TITCHNER - FIND YOUR WORLD IN MAD CADDIES Wed 1 Selection of works on paper from the OURS Series of newly commissioned Aug, O2 Institute, MEHMET ASLAN Fri 3 FLIGHT 15 / FLYNT / Barber’s collection, exploring how digital artworks featuring films that ex- Birmingham Aug, Hare & Hounds, WITH ROGUES & plore ideas of ritual, repetition and Degas, Sickert and others have por- Birmingham THIEVES Sat 4 Aug, PEARL JAMM Thurs 2 collective experience, until Mon 9 trayed figures linked to the stage, Scruffy Murphys, Birm- Aug, The Robin, Bil- ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS Sept such as actors and performers, until ingham Sun 7 Oct ston Fri 3 Aug, MAC, B’ham FRANCIS ALŸS - KNOTS’N’DUST Exhibi- SENSATIONAL 70S VS THE MUFFIN MEN Sun 5 tion by Mexico-based artist Francis THE LAST ROMAN Emperor Justinian I SAM OUTLAW BAND INTO THE 80S Sat 4 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Alÿs, reflecting on the notion of turbu- (527 - 565 AD), the so-called ‘last Thurs 2 Aug, Birming- Aug, The River Rooms, ston lence, from simple instability to Roman emperor’, rose from peasant ham Town Hall Stourbridge HOBO JOHNSON & THE chaos, until Sun 9 Sept beginnings in Serbia to become the THE MAJOR TOMS Fri 3 most powerful man on earth, until THE DESERT YETIS, AU- LOVEMAKERS Sun 5 VLADIMÍ R KOKOLIA The renowned Aug, The Night Owl, Sun 14 Apr 2019 TOPILOT, THE ELLIPSIS, Aug, O2 Academy, Czech artist showcases new and re- Birmingham MARA FALLS Sat 4 Birmingham cent paintings, until Sun 9 Sept SUPREME QUEEN Fri 3 Other VISUAL ARTS THE LEGACY OF INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES MAC, Birmingham PROJECT Heritage project that cap- AMPERSAND PROJECTS: GREEN LUNGS tures, interprets and shares the for- A project that introduces recently set- gotten histories of African, Caribbean tled refugees to the city’s green and South Asian communities, cele- spaces through creative activity. The brating their contribution to the Mid- exhibition presents new work created lands’ textiles manufacturing industry collaboratively by participants and over the past 60 years, until Mon 15 artists which explores their experi- Oct, , Birmingham ences in the landscape, until Mon 27 NEW BIRMINGHAM OPEN STUDIOS Aug Showing the work of nearly 100 CORNELIA PARKER - ONE DAY THIS artists across 11 spaces and featur- GLASS WILL BREAK Exhibition of 20 ing five one-off events. Take a be- large-scale photogravures from three hind-the-scenes look into the experimental series, until Sun 2 Sept canalside warehouses, old factories 62 GROUP: CTRL/SHIFT Exhibition in and new developments that make up which participating artists explore Birmingham’s artists studios, work- projects which manifest as transfor- shops and project spaces, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Aug, Various locations throughout mations in their practice, until Sun 9 Mehmet Aslan - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Sept Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Wed 1 - Sun 5 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:53 Page 2

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 August

UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 4 Aug - Sat 22 Sept, Royal Shake- bury, Mary J. Blige. Artrix, Broms- Classical Music Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon grove, Thurs 2 Aug MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- THE VANISHING (15) Mystery/Thriller. NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- Starring Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, BRITAIN Featuring Sir George Ben- ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Gene Bervoets. Foreign language, jamin (conductor) & Tamara Ste- 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, subtitled. Electric Cinema, Birming- fanovich (piano). Programme Stratford-upon-Avon ham, Fri 3 Aug comprises Mussorgsky’s Night of the Kids Show Bare Mountain; George Benjamin’s ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL X Factor A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN (18) Biogra- Dance Figures, Ravel’s Piano Con- mous story of love at first sight, until winner Matt Terry stars in a musical phy/Crime. Starring Joe Cole, Vithaya certo in D major (Left Hand), Ligeti’s - Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- adventure based on Dreamworks’ an- Pansringarm. Electric Cinema, Birm- Lontano & Debussy’s La Mer, Fri 3 atre, Stratford-upon-Avon imated motion picture, Tues 31July - ingham, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Aug Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ONCE UPON A MATTRESS The Garrick's Sat 4 Aug, New Alexandra Theatre, LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) Drama. Starring RUSSELL WATSON Sat 4 Aug, Place In annual community musical. If you Birmingham Ben Foster, Jeff Kober. MAC, Birming- The Park Big Top, Telford Town Park, thought you knew the story of Hans LITTLE MERMAID JNR Journey to the ham, until Fri 3 - Mon 6 Aug Shropshire Christian Andersen's famous fairytale, underwater world of Ariel and her THE BUTTERFLY TREE (15) The Princess And The Pea, you might aquatic friends in a show based on Comedy/Drama. Starring Melissa be in for a big surprise! Mon 30 July - one of Hans Christian Andersen’s George, Ewen Leslie. MAC, Birming- Sat 4 Aug, Lichfield Garrick best-loved stories, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 ham, Fri 3 - Tues 7 Aug ST*PID F*CKING K*DS Two young peo- Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- Comedy ple from the award-nominated People DOCTOR DOLITTLE Katch 22 Produc- ture. With the voices of Craig T. Nel- You May Know asks what irritates so- tions present an interactive family son, Holly Hunter. MAC, Birmingham, ANTHONY J BROWN, COMEDY CAROUSEL ciety so much about adolescents, show based on the much-loved tale, Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Aug WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Wed 1 Aug, The REP, Birmingham Fri 3 Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull Thurs 2 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham LIFE OF BRIAN (15) Comedy. Starring HOW DOES THIS POLITICS THING WORK Graham Chapman, John Cleese. RICHARD MORTON, DANNY POSTHILL, THEN? Tatton Spiller & Tiernan Douieb Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 4 TONY COWARDS & COMIC TBC Thurs 2 try to make sense of the world of poli- Aug Aug, The George Hotel, Lichfield tics in a new show for children, Wed UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. SOL BERNSTEIN, AURIE STYLA, CERYS 1 Aug, Artrix, Bromsgrove Film Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, NELMES & ANTHONY J BROWN Fri 3 - THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Heartbreak Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- Sat 4 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Productions’ outdoor staging of Edith guage, subtitled. Electric Cinema, KANE BROWN, ARIELLE SOUMA & Nesbit's classic children’s tale, Thurs MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (12a) Birmingham, Sat 4 Aug LOVDEV BARPAGA Sat 4 Aug, MAC, 2 Aug, Warley Woods, Smethwick Comedy/Musical. Starring Meryl PANDORA'S BOX (PG) Crime/Drama. Birmingham Streep, Lily James. MAC, Birming- Starring Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner. ham, until Thurs 2 Aug; Artrix, Broms- GEOFF BOYZ, MERYL O'ROURKE, EM- Silent film. Electric Cinema, Birming- grove, Fri 3 - Sat 11 Aug MANUEL SONUBI & BARRY DODDS Sat 4 ham, Sun 5 Aug; MAC, Birmingham, Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham SICARIO 2: SOLDADO (15) Sun 5 Aug Crime/Drama. Starring Benicio Del MOMMIE DEAREST (12a) Toro, Josh Brolin. Mockingbird Cin- Biography/Drama. Starring Faye Dun- ema, Birmingham, until Thurs 2 Aug away, Diana Scarwid. Electric Cin- MAQUIA (15) Animation/Drama. With ema, Birmingham, Sun 5 Aug Theatre the voices of Manaka Iwami, Miyu PSYCHO (15) Horror/Mystery. Starring Irino. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh. Elec- ham, until Thurs 2 Aug directs John Webster's tale of re- tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 5 Aug venge, which asks how anyone can THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE (15) survive in a world where masculinity THE PLACE FOR ME Young REP Light- Drama/Horror. Starring George has become toxic, until Fri 3 Aug, post explore the impact of the Win- MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy. Electric NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- drush - the ship that carried the first Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 27 July - Released from Thurs 2 Aug, showing ford-upon-Avon Caribbean migrants to the UK in 1948 Sat 4 Aug at selected cinemas - the start of modern British multicul- CAPE FEAR (15) Drama/Thriller. Star- ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (12a) turalism, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, B’ham ring Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum. Released from Fri 3 Aug, showing at ANTIGONE Young REP Seniors pre- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 27 selected cinemas sents its version of Sophocles’ The- July - Sat 4 Aug HEARTS BEAT LOUD (PG) ban play, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, THE OLD DARK HOUSE (PG) Birmingham Comedy/Horror. Starring Boris TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE CINEMA (PG) THE ACT OF OBLIVION: PART 1 Two Karloff, Melvyn Douglas. Electric Cin- THE ESCAPE (15) plays, two different stories, starting ema, Birmingham, Sun 29 July - Fri 3 out at the same time on stage and Aug ‘fighting to be the story that we hear CARRIE (18) Horror. Starring Sissy and see’, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, B’ham Spacek, Piper Laurie. Electric Cin- ZOETROPE Rebecca Manley’s explo- ema, Birmingham, Wed 1 Aug Events ration of the mental health of our IN THE FADE (18) Crime/Drama. Star- MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover young people and the resources af- ring Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto. what life was like for medieval castle MISS LITTLEWOOD New musical based forded to them, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, Foreign language, subtitled. Artrix, household characters, until Thurs 2 on the life story of theatre legend Birmingham Bromsgrove, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Aug; Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire Joan Littlewood, told with uncompro- THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s ‘ultimate MAC, Birmingham, Sat 4 - Wed 8 Aug GLADIATOR ARM GUARDS Make your mising candour and with a love story Magic Mike-style show’, Sat 4 Aug, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (18) very own manica - an arm protector at its heart, until Sat 4 Aug, The Swan Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Drama/Thriller. Starring Jodie Foster, worn by gladiators when they fought Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Staffs Anthony Hopkins. Electric Cinema, in the arena, until Fri 3 Aug, Lunt MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR David Birmingham, Thurs 2 Aug Roman Fort, Baginton Shakespeare Company's award-win- Troughton stars as John Falstaff in SHERLOCK GNOMES (U) Animation/Ad- ning musical, currently on tour in the REAL BODIES Get to know your body - Shakespeare's popular comedy, Sat venture. With the voices of Kelly As-

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54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham Wed 1 - Sun 5 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:53 Page 4

thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 August inside and out, in a ‘stunning’ new gramme of activities presented by journey exploring the human body Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust at through physiology, culture and emo- Shakespeare's New Place, Anne tion, until Sun 19 Aug, NEC , Birming- Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Mary ham Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft, until SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT OAK HOUSE until Sun 2 Sept, Stratford-upon-Avon Wed 29 Aug, The Oak House Mu- SUMMER ARTS PROJECT: THREADS OF seum, West Bromwich THE UNSAID Experimental art installa- SUMMER CRAFT ACTIVITIES Drop-in tion based on Romeo And Juliet, until sessions every Tuesday & Thursday Sun 2 Sept, Anne Hathaway's Cot- throughout the holidays, until Thurs tage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon 30 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham GASTRELL ON TRIAL Was Francis Gas- SAREHOLE ART CLUB Drop by every trell a victim or a villain? Join in Thursday morning throughout the putting on trial the man behind the summer holidays to take part in an demolition of Shakespeare's New art activity related to the natural Place in 1759, until Sun 2 Sept, beauty of Sarehole Mill, until Thurs 30 Shakespeare's New Place, Stratford- Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- upon-Avon ingham SUMMER CLAY CRAFTS Decorate ce- THE ENGINEERING SHOW ‘Fun-filled’ ramics every day during the summer show exploring the world of engineer- holidays, until Sun 2 Sept, Coalport Operation Earth Roadshow - Blakesley Hall, Birmingham ing, until Fri 31 Aug, Thinktank Sci- China Museum, Telford, Shropshire ence Museum, Birmingham SUMMER HOLIDAYS Trail and craft ac- Wed 15 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, SUMMER EVENINGS Visitors to BCLM SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS tivity, available every Tuesday Bewdle on any Friday in August have even through to Sunday, until Sun 2 Sept, Family tile decorating workshops, SUMMER HOLIDAYS FAMILY MAGIC Daily longer to immerse themselves in 300 taking place over the holidays, until Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birming- years of Black Country history, with ham family entertainment, Wed 1 Aug - Fri 31 Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, Sun 2 Sept, Cadbury World, Birming- the venue staying open until 8pm, Fri Telford SUMMER NIGHTS AT WEST MIDLAND SA- ham 3 - Fri 31 Aug, Black Country Living FARI PARK Until Sun 2 Sept, West Mid- Museum, Dudley FABLAB FRIDAYS Explore the digital OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become world every Friday throughout the land Safari and Leisure Park, JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK Bewdley an environmental scientist and learn summer holidays, until Fri 31 Aug, about volunteering opportunities for Sat 4 Aug, Museum of the Jewellery Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, SUMMER SENSATION ‘Overload your people wishing to explore their natu- Quarter, Birmingham Shropshire senses this summer with all that ral environment, Thurs 2 Aug, COVENTRY VEGAN FESTIVAL Including TOYS, TOYS, TOY FACTORY Have a go at Drayton Manor Park has to offer’, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham 80 stalls serving a great selection of making a different toy each day of the until Mon 3 Sept, Drayton Manor hot and cold food, ethical gifts, cloth- Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffordshire WALLS HAVE EARS Art & craft activities week, throughout the summer holi- to celebrate 400 years of Aston Hall, ing and cosmetics, An outdoor area days, until Sat 1 Sept, Coventry TICKET TO RIDE Discover ‘all things Thurs 2 - Thurs 30 Aug, Aston Hall, will feature a plethora of food trucks Transport Museum, Coventry bus’ in this new exhibition, until Sun Birmingham as well as kids bouncy castle and OCTONAUTS SHARK MISSION Join Cap- 28 Oct, Coventry Transport Museum, more... Sat 4 Aug, Coventry Cathe- Coventry FAMILY FUN DAY Family-friendly dral tain Barnacles, Peso, Dashi, Shelling- guided tour of the Smith & Pepper ton, Professor Inkling, Tweak, Kwazii PAW PATROL AT THE BIRMINGHAM jewellery factory, followed by a craft ASTLEYFEST New festival including cir- and Tunip in a quest to uncover the BOTANICAL GARDENS See characters activity in the Education Space, Thurs cus performances, horse shows, mili- secrets of the ocean’s most jaw- from the much loved children’s TV 2 - Thurs 30 Aug, Museum of the tary displays and hands-on activities, some predators, until Sun 2 Sept, Na- show, at intervals throughout the day, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Sat 4 Aug, Lyme Valley Park, New- tional Sea Life Centre, Birmingham Wed 1 Aug, Birmingham Botanical castle-under-Lyme Gardens NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Open-air WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE The Wars of movie screening - part of the annual THE LOST BOYS Open-air movie the Roses unfolds in an epic new live- NATIONAL PLAY DAY: TEDDY BEAR ZIP Beware The Moon event, Fri 3 Aug, screening - part of the annual Beware action show featuring stunt riding, WIRE Wed 1 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Dudley Castle, Dudley The Moon event, Sat 4 Aug, Dudley jousting and state-of-the-art special Birmingham Castle, Dudley TALL TALES Interactive telling of some effects, until Sun 2 Sept, Warwick SUMMER PLAY DAY AND BOAT BUILDING LAST DAYS OF STEAM Commemorate Castle, Warwick classic fairytales, Fri 3 - Fri 24 Aug, WORKSHOP Wed 1 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Aston Hall, Birmingham the 50th anniversary of the final days GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Activities Hall Green, Birmingham of steam on British Railways, Sat 4 and entertainment for the holidays, DRAGON SLAYER New-for-2018 immer- Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley BUSHCRAFT DAY Chance for young ex- sive live show for the whole family, Fri until Sun 2 Sept, Hatton Adventure plorers to find out about some of the THE BADDESLEY BOOK FAIR Sat 4 - Sun World, Warwickshire 3 - Mon 27 Aug, Warwick Castle, War- things they can do with the natural wick 12 Aug, Baddesley Clinton, Warwick- HISTORIC HOLIDAY FUN Discover the materials all around them, Wed 1 shire hobbies and pastimes that enter- Aug, Shugborough Historic Working GAMES DAYS Fri 3 - Fri 31 Aug, tained Black Country folk from Victo- Estate, Stafford Blakesley Hall, Birmingham rian times to the 1930s, until Sun 2 LITTLE SKIPPERS - CANAL LIFE Join Lit- Sept, Black Country Living Museum, tle Skippers for a 45-minute boat trip Dudley followed by a ‘things to make and do’ HANDS-ON FUN AT BLISTS HILL Cele- session, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Aug, Dudley brate Ironbridge’s world-changing Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley past, until Sun 2 Sept, Blists Hill Vic- EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up torian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire close to some exotic animals cour- DESIGN & MAKE AT ENGINUITY Print tesy of Trevor Hill’s animal encoun- your own design onto fabric, make a ters, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Aug, Hampton buggy or send your cargo down a zip Court Castle, Leominster line, until Sun 2 Sept, Enginuity Mu- THE WIZARD EXPRESS Featuring magi- seum, Ironbridge, Shropshire cal characters and ‘spellbinding’ ac- Last Days Of Steam - Severn Valley Railway SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Pro- tivities for budding wizards, Wed 1 - whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham 6 - 12 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:01 Page 1

thelist TRAGEDY: METAL TRIBUTE Academy, Birmingham spired by the hits from The Greatest Gigs TO THE BEE GEES Wed 8 STEPHEN JAMES AS Classical Showman, featuring a cast from Lon- don’s West End, a live band and a Aug, Mama Roux's, FRANKIE VALLI Fri 10 Birmingham Aug, The Night Owl, series of special effects, Thurs 9 - THE DICKIES Mon 6 Aug, Music Sat 11 Aug, The Old Rep, B’ham The Robin, Bilston GABRIELLE Wed 8 Aug, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham THE REALLY BIG CHORUS - HANDEL: IS- THE LYNCHING OF JACKIE WALKER Au- SAMORY-I AUTUMN RUIN + MINUS Tues 7 Aug, RAEL IN EGYPT Also featuring Brian tobiographical one-woman show re- O2 Institute, B’ham JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO ALIVE + HYDE PROJECT Thurs 9 Aug, The + FOR THE GIRL Fri 10 Kay (conductor), Sarah Power (so- flecting on the treatment of a Black JAYA THE CAT Tues 7 Robin, Bilston Aug, The Castle & Fal- prano), James Neville (conductor) & and Jewish activist... Sat 11 Aug, Aug, The Asylum, Birm- con, Birmingham Nick Pritchard (tenor). This perfor- MAC, Birmingham ingham ECLIPSE - THE PINK mance is the culmination of the FLOYD EXPERIENCE Fri 10 WITTERQUICK Sat 11 IRON MAIDEN Tues 7 week-long TRBC Choral Summer Aug, The Robin, Bilston Aug, The Asylum, Birm- Aug, Genting Arena, School which takes place every year ingham Birmingham THE SKA45'S Fri 10 Aug, at Warwick University, Sat 11 Aug, The River Rooms, DIG? Sat 11 Aug, The Birmingham Town Hall THE KING OF POP Wed 8 Kids Show Stourbridge Night Owl, B’ham Aug, New Alexandra YOUNG HERBERT’S HORRORS: HALF Theatre, Birmingham WHORE NO MORE, SU- REP YOUR FLAG FEAT FT. MOON Justin Coe’s new spoken- PERHOOCH & BRIXTON DJ NATE Sat 11 Aug, O2 word show for children, featuring ALLEY Fri 10 Aug, Route Institute, B’ham ‘swashbuckling verse, jaunty music, 44, Birmingham GLASS CEILINGS Sat 11 Comedy gallows humour and the obligatory BAREFOOTIN' Fri 10 Aug, Aug, The Actress & JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY & parrot’, Tues 7 Aug, Artrix, Broms- The Night Owl, Birming- Bishop, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- grove ham PULKIT & PRABHAT Sat SON Thurs 9 Aug, The Glee Club, MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN NCCGB 20TH ANNIVER- 11 Aug, MAC, B’ham Birmingham VALLEY Interactive theatre for SARY CONCERT Fri 10 OCCOEUR, BREAKING IL- JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY, younger audiences that fuses pup- Aug, Birmingham Town LUSION & I, ASSASSIN RHYS JAMES & CHRIS BETTS Fri 10 petry, an ‘ingenious’ pop-up book Hall Sat 11 Aug, Route 44, Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham set and original music, Fri 10 - Sat AN EVENING WITH JESSE SYNIKALL - FUSIONS OF Birmingham 11 Aug, MAC, Birmingham LEACH FROM KILLSWITCH JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY, GRANDEUR RELEASE ENGAGE Wed 8 Aug, O2 SOULFLY Sun 12 Aug, RHYS JAMES & COMIC TBC Sat 11 Aug, PARTY Fri 10 Aug, O2 Academy, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham The Glee Club, Birmingham GEOFF BOYZ, DAVE LONGLEY, ADAM STAUNTON & ANDREW ROBINSON Sat Film 11 Aug, The Comedy Loft, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: HACKSAW RIDGE (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington. Lichfield Cathedral, Mon 6 Aug TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (12a) Biogra- Theatre phy/Drama. Starring Alicia Vikander, MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal . Lichfield Cathedral, Shakespeare Company's award-win- Tues 7 Aug ning musical, currently on tour in the MOONWALKER (PG) Crime/Fantasy. UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 Starring Michael Jackson, Joe Pesci. Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome This is an outdoor screening. MAC, MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- Birmingham, Wed 8 Aug cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- THE SOUND OF MUSIC (U) ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Biography/Drama. Starring Julie An- 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- drews, Christopher Plummer. Lich- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon field Cathedral, Wed 8 Aug ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- PETER PAN (U) Animation/Adventure. mous story of love at first sight, until With the voices of Bobby Driscoll, Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Kathryn Beaumont. Lichfield Cathe- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon dral, Thurs 9 Aug SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Chapter- A PLACE OF RAGE Documentary. Di- house Theatre Company present an rector: Pratibha Parmar. MAC, Birm- outdoor staging of Jane Austen's ingham, Thurs 9 Aug classic tale, Wed 8 Aug, Shugbor- ough Historic Working Estate, DAISIES (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Stafford ring Jitka Cerhová, Ivana Karbanová. Foreign language, subtitled. MAC, OUR HOUSE: THE MADNESS MUSICAL Birmingham, Thurs 9 Aug Amateur staging of Tim Firth’s award-winning musical, Wed 8 - Sat THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN (15) 11 Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Documentary. Starring John Lydon, Martin Atkins. Electric Cinema, Birm- THE FULL MONTY Tony Award-nomi- ingham, Thurs 9 Aug nated musical adaptation of the film of the same name, Wed 8 Aug - Sat MARY POPPINS (U) Family/Fantasy. 1 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Starring Julie Andrews, Dick Van Birmingham Dyke. Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 10 Aug THE GREATEST SHOW: LIVE IN CONCERT HEATHERS (15) Comedy. Starring An evening of entertainments in- Winona Ryder, Christian Slater. Elec- 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 6 - 12 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:01 Page 2

Monday 6 - Sunday 12 August

tric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 10 Aug FAMILY METAL PETALS WORKSHOP THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- Learn the technique of metal forming phy/Musical. Starring Hugh Jackman, and embossing to shape and give Michelle Williams. Beacon Park Drive- texture to the leaves and petals of In Cinema, Lichfield, Fri 10 Aug your unique creation, Tues 7 Aug, Black Country Living Museum, Dud- SUMMER 1993 (12a) Drama. Starring ley Laia Artigas, Paula Robles. Foreign language, subtitled. MAC, Birming- GEORGIAN LIVING HISTORY Explore the ham, Fri 10 - Tues 14 Aug pastimes of Georgian children, and find out about the toys they would APOSTASY (PG) Drama. Starring Siob- have played with, Tues 7 - Thurs 9 han Finneran, Robert Emms. Electric Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 10 - Thurs 16 Aug; MAC, Birmingham, Fri 10 - BEACON PARK FUN DAY Including Thurs 16 Aug games,stalls, inflatables and food, Wed 8 Aug, Beacon Park, Lichfield ZOO (PG) History/War. Starring Toby Jones and Penelope Wilton. MAC, LITTLE SKIPPERS - FABULOUS FOSSILS Birmingham, Fri 10 - Thurs 16 Aug Join Little Skippers for a 45-minute boat trip followed by a ‘things to PITCH PERFECT (12a) Comedy/Music. make and do’ session, Wed 8 - Thurs Starring Anna Kendrick, Brittany 9 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Snow. This is an outdoor screening. Trust, Dudley MAC, Birmingham, Sat 11 Aug OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become (12a) Drama/History. an environmental scientist and learn Starring Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson. about volunteering opportunities for Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 11 Aug people wishing to explore their natu- ral environment, Thurs 9 Aug, Mu- seum of the Jewellery Quarter, Knight School - Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Birmingham THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Europe’s pre- VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FESTIVAL New mier patchwork and quilting show, event showcasing handmade, hand- Music Festivals crafted products and carefully se- Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, NEC, Birming- BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR 2018 Headlin- lected vintage wares, Sat 11 - Sun 12 ham ers include Judas Priest, Gojira and Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhamp- TUNNEL TEDS Bear-themed fun on and Nightwash, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, ton around the canal, Fri 10 Aug, Dudley Catton Hall, Derbyshire STEAM ON THE ROAD Showcasing the Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley LAKEFEST Headliners include The very best of steam, both on the road HELP BUILD A GIANT CASTLE Create Darkness, The Waterboys, Marc Al- and on the rails, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug, PRETTY WOMAN (15) Comedy/Ro- your own section, to be joined to oth- mond, The Proclaimers, Melanie C, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr mance. Starring Richard Gere, Julia ers to make one giant cardboard cas- Pop Will Eat Itself and many more... Kidderminster Roberts. Beacon Park Drive-In Cin- tle, Fri 10 Aug, , Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, Eastnor Castle, ema, Lichfield, Sat 11 Aug Birmingham KNIGHT SCHOOL Learn about combat, Ledbury, Herefordshire swordplay and the code of chivalry, VERTIGO (PG) Thriller. Starring James ‘OH, I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEA- FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up in- Sun 12 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Birming- Stewart, Kim Novak. Electric Cinema, SIDE' FAMILY FUN DAY Featuring inflata- cludes Aswad, Doctor And The ham Birmingham, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug bles, pony rides, a fun photo booth, Medics, Dan Owen, Fight The Bear, THE NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Featuring APOCALYPSE NOW (15) Drama/War. games, competitions, sweet give- Legend, Quill & Jilted Generation, Fri 1,000-plus BMWs, Sun 12 Aug, Starring Martin Sheen, Marlon aways and bubbles, Fri 10 Aug, 10 - Sun 12 Aug, Rattlinghope, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, War- Brando. Electric Cinema, Birming- Wolverhampton Racecourse, Wolver- Shropshire wickshire ham, Sun 12 Aug hampton NATURE DAY: BUGS! Nature-themed ac- tivities, Fri 10 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Green, Birmingham Released from Fri 10 Aug, showing at DRIVE-IN MOVIES AT BEACON PARK selected cinemas Watch movies on a giant inflatable DOG DAYS (PG) screen, from inside your car and THE DARKEST MINDS (tbc) under the stars, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Aug, Beacon Park, Lichfield THE MEG (12a) SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW Featuring UNDER THE TREE (15) TV personalities, celebrity chefs, UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB (tbc) singers, arena acts and a ‘spectacu- lar’ firework display, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Aug, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUES & COLLEC- TORS FAIR Fri 10 - Sun 12 Aug, Events Stafford Bingley Hall, Staffordshire TERRIFIC TUDORS Discover the grue- STOURBRIDGE VEGAN FEST A fantastic some, terrible and hilarious side of festival with stalls talks, advice, info, Tudor life, Mon 6 - Sun 19 Aug, Selly music and entertainment, Sat 11 Aug Manor, Bournville, Birmingham Stourbridge Town Hall CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about FAMILY CIRCUS All-human show, Sat Dudley Castle, Thurs 7 Aug, Dudley 11 - Sun 12 Aug, Wyre Forest, Bewd- Castle, Dudley ley Terrific Tudors - , Birmingham

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thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 August PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Join Heartbreak Classical Music Productions for an evening of com- edy, romance and more than one CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- ‘comeuppance’...Fri 17 Aug, Hartle- CHESTRA: RAVEL’S DAPHNIS ET CHLOÉ bury Castle, Kidderminster Featuring Ludovic Morlot (conduc- DOREEN’S NAUGHTY BITS Join Doreen tor), Justin Gringyte (mezzo so- in a one-off one-woman show where prano), the CBSO chorus & CBSO she’ll share some of her favourite mo- Youth Orchestra. Programme in- ments, sketches and videos from the cludes Debussy’s Nocturne’s, 25’; past four years, Fri 17 Aug, Place In Boulanger’s Psalm 130: Du fond de The Park Big Top, Telford Town Park, l’abime, 26’ & Ravel’s Daphnis et Shropshire Chloé (complete), 50’, Tues 14 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Kids Shows Comedy ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Take a trip down the rabbit hole with KAMIKAZE CLUB NIGHTS Mon 13 Aug, Chapterhouse Theatre Company, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Thurs 16 Aug, MAC, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY & PETER PAN Experience Theatre pre- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- sents its version of JM Barrie's time- SON Thurs 16 Aug, The Glee Club, less tale, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 Aug, The Beres Hammond - O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham MARTIN YATES Fri 17 ESSENTIAL 80S Sat 18 ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY, SUSIE Gigs Aug, O2 Academy, Aug, The River Rooms, MCCABE & LUKE HONNORATY Fri 17 Birmingham Stourbridge Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham WEST THEBARTON Tues AN ORCHESTRAL RENDI- LET THERE B/DC Sat 18 ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY, SUSIE 14 Aug, The Sunflower TION OF DAFT PUNK Fri Aug, Route 44, B’ham MCCABE & COMIC TBC Sat 18 Aug, The Lounge, Birmingham 17 Aug, O2 Institute, GODTHRYMM & THE Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham BRYAN CORBETT QUAR- DROWNING Sat 18 Aug, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, QUINCY & TET Wed 15 Aug, The THE WILD TONICS Fri 17 Scruffy Murphys, Birm- STEVE WILLIAMS Sat 18 Aug, The Jam House, B’ham Aug, Artrix, Broms- ingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham grove ONLY ONE DIRECTION BERES HAMMOND & Wed 15 Aug, Sutton FREE AT LAST & TRIP- SANCHEZ Sat 18 Aug, Coldfield Town Hall WIRE Fri 17 Aug, Route O2 Academy, B’ham 44, Birmingham MOTÖRHEADACHE Thurs THE RAJASTHAN HER- 16 Aug, The Robin, Bil- FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO ITAGE BRASS BAND Sat Theatre ston QUEEN Fri 17 Aug, The 18 Aug, MAC, B’ham MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE A Tall Sto- Robin, Bilston JOHN GRANT Thurs 16 MANOEUVRES Sun 19 Shakespeare Company's award-win- ries musical production inspired by Aug, Symphony Hall, ANDREW WEATHERALL Aug, The Robin, Bil- ning musical, currently on tour in the the bestselling picture book by Julia Birmingham Fri 17 - Sat 18 Aug, ston UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, Fri 17 - Hare & Hounds, Birm- Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome Sat 18 Aug, Stafford Gatehouse The- WHITE TYGËR Fri 17 WYE OAK Sun 19 Aug, ingham atre Aug, The River Rooms, Hare & Hounds, Birm- MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- Stourbridge THE 3 SIXTIES Sat 18 ingham cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- THE PRINCESS AND THE GIANT Folksy Aug, The Night Owl, ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Theatre fuse music and puppetry in NEW PURPLE CELEBRA- ELIZA AND THE BEAR Birmingham 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, an outdoor show based on Caryl TION - THE MUSIC OF Sun 19 Aug, The As- Stratford-upon-Avon Hart's children's book, Sun 19 Aug, PRINCE Fri 17 Aug, SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS Sat sembly, Leamington Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton Symphony Hall, B’ham 18 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Spa ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- ston mous story of love at first sight, until CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Dance THE NATYA PROJECT Five young dancers trained in the classical Indian dance style of bharatanatyam offer a glimpse of the future of South Asian dance in Britain! Fri 17 Aug, MAC, Birmingham

TAMBURLAINE Michael Boyd returns to the RSC to direct a new staging of Christopher Marlowe’s famous play, Thurs 16 Aug - Sat 1 Dec, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Eliza And The Bear - The Assembly, Leamington Spa upon-Avon

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thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 August ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL (PG) WORLD WAR I AT TAMWORTH Find out if Castle, Dudley Film Documentary/Music. Starring Elvis you would have been medically fit to Presley, Buddy Arett. Electric Cin- join the soldiers on the front line, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ema, Birmingham, Thurs 16 Aug learn about wartime communications, MARY SHELLEY (12a) EVEN WHEN I FALL (12a) Documentary. have a go at decoding secret mes- Biography/Drama. Starring Elle Fan- Directors: Sky Neal,Kate McLarnon sages and spend time playing with ning, Maisie Williams. Artrix, Broms- MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 16 Aug the games and toys that kept children grove, Mon 13 - Fri 17 Aug amused during the Great War, Tues CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) 14 - Thurs 16 Aug, Tamworth Castle, VERTIGO (PG) Thriller. Starring James Adventure/Comedy. Starring Hayley Staffordshire Stewart, Kim Novak. MAC, Birming- Atwell, Ewan McGregor. MAC, Birm- ham, Tues 14 - Thurs 16 Aug ingham, Fri 17 - Thurs 30 Aug MARVELLOUS MINI-BEASTS Discover a variety of miniature creatures, Wed 15 UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: BAKING DAY Wed 15 Aug, Sarehole Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- NIGHTS AT THE SITE Brand new castle guage, subtitled. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Released from Fri 17 Aug, showing at Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham selected cinemas sleepover, Sat 18 Aug, Beeston Cas- Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Aug TEEN BUSHCRAFT Put some new tle, Cheshire CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) bushcraft skills into practice, Wed 15 FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on ex- THE EQUALIZER 2 (tbc) Aug, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Stafford perience of blacksmithing, Sat 18 THE FESTIVAL (tbc) Aug, Black Country Living Museum, METAL WORKING EXPERIENCE Thurs 16 Dudley Aug, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley BLISTS HILL IN STEAM Get up close and personal with an array of Victo- OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become rian steam-powered machines, Sat Events an environmental scientist and learn 18 - Sun 19 Aug, Blists Hill Victorian about volunteering opportunities for Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire FAMILY INTRODUCTION TO FELT MAKING people wishing to explore their natu- Learn about the history of the craft ral environment, Thurs 16 Aug, Aston SPARKLING AFTERNOON TEA WITH LOLA while creating a piece to take home, Hall, Birmingham LAMOUR Staffordshire Breast Cancer Now invites you to enjoy an afternoon Tues 14 Aug, Black Country Living CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about Museum, Dudley tea ‘with added sparkle’, Sun 19 Aug, Dudley Castle, Thurs 16 Aug, Dudley Sandon Hall, Stafford

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thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 August Comedy Kids Show MICKY P KERR, MICHAEL FABBRI, COM- THE ACORN EMPORIUM A bushy tale EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON for younger audiences about living & COMIC TBC Thurs 23 Aug, The Glee in a land that doesn’t quite feel like Club, Birmingham home, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug, MAC, MICKY P KERR, JUNIOR SIMPSON, Birmingham DYLAN GOTT & MICHAEL FABBRI Fri 24 BING! LIVE Join Bing, Sula, Coco and - Sat 25 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Pando as they learn how to tell sto- SEAN PERCIVAL, DIANE SPENCER, ries by pretending, dressing-up and DANNY DEEGAN & SEAN MEO Sat 25 singing songs, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Aug, Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall KANE BROWN, BABATUNDE, SOL BERN- STEIN, QUINCY & WILL E ROBO Sun 26 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: FUNNY GIRL (U) Biography/Comedy. Paul Weller - Genting Arena, Birmingham Theatre Starring Barbra Streisand, Omar Sharif. This is an outdoor screening. SOLVED Fri 24 Aug, ingham MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company's award-win- MAC, Birmingham, Sun 26 Aug Route 44, Birmingham RELENTLESS & THE UP- Gigs ning musical, currently on tour in the ROARS COMMON PEOPLE Fri 24 Sat 25 Aug, The UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 Night Owl, B’ham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: REVEREND PEYTONS BIG Aug, The River Rooms, Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome DAMN BAND Mon 20 Stourbridge SKYLINE SERIES: JAMES Released from Wed 22 Aug, show- MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- Aug, The Robin, Bil- ARTHUR ing at selected cinemas ABBA TRIBUTE Fri 24 Sat 25 Aug, cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- ston Digbeth Arena, Birm- Aug, Birmingham ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME (15) Botanical Gardens ingham FULL OF HELL Mon 20 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Released from Fri 24 Aug, showing Aug, The Asylum, PAUL WELLER Fri 24 BOYZ II MEN Sat 25 atre, Stratford-upon-Avon at selected cinemas Birmingham Aug, Genting Arena, Aug, O2 Academy, ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) OMNI Mon 20 Aug, Birmingham Birmingham mous story of love at first sight, until LUIS AND THE ALIENS (tbc) Hare & Hounds, Birm- BON GIOVI Fri 24 Aug, RHINO AND THE Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- ingham The Robin, Bilston RANTERS Sat 25 - Sun atre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE CHILDREN ACT (tbc) 26 Aug, Hare & GRAHAM BONNET BAND BRIAN WILSON ‘PET BOOGIE NIGHTS THE MUSICAL New APLHA (tbc) Hounds, Birmingham Tues 21 Aug, The SOUNDS’ (SKYLINE SE- Alexandra Theatre’s annual Stage Robin, Bilston RIES) Turin Brakes also SOLIHULL SUMMER FES- Experience, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Aug, THE BLACKHEART OR- feature, Fri 24 Aug, TIVAL Sat 25 - Sun 26 New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Digbeth Arena, Birm- Aug, Tudor Grange CHESTRA Wed 22 Aug, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Folksy Theatre ingham Park, Solihull The Robin, Bilston fuse live music, audience participa- Events ELECTRIC SIX Sun 26 PNB ROCK - CATCH SAX IN THE CITY Sat 25 tion and silliness in an outdoor stag- MINI MOTORISTS Under-five activity Aug, The Assembly, THESE VIBES Wed 22 Aug, Symphony Hall, ing of Shakespeare's comedy, Thurs mornings, Mon 20 Aug, British Motor Leamington Spa Aug, O2 Institute, Birmingham 23 - Fri 24 Aug, Wightwick Manor, Museum, Gaydon Birmingham ESCAPADE Sun 26 Aug, Wolverhampton T.REXTASY Sat 25 Aug, CIRC US Tues 21 Aug, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham QUJAKU (JAPAN) Wed The Robin, Bilston THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBER Botanical Gardens 22 Aug, Hare & AC/DC UK Sun 26 Aug, Smash-and-grab comedy promising THE ONE LOVE BAND Sat FAMILY PEWTER CASTING Learn the Hounds, Birmingham The River Rooms, swagloads of laughter, Thurs 23 Aug 25 Aug, The River techniques of metal casting to create Stourbridge - Sat 8 Sept, The REP, Birmingham EMMA JONSON & HER Rooms, Stourbridge your own unique product to take BAND Wed 22 Aug, The RYDER'S CREED, REECE DEFINITELY MIGHTBE & LIFE’S A BEACH Featuring three home with you at the end of the ses- Jam House, B’ham & I, ASSASSIN Sat 25 ADORED Sun 26 Aug, unique shows - Fishy Tales, Dark sion, Tues 21 Aug, Black Country THUNDERPUSSY Thurs Aug, Route 44, Birm- The Robin, Bilston Water & Elvis’ Bingo Balls - created Living Museum, Dudley from interviews with the people of 23 Aug, The Asylum, WORLD WAR I AT TAMWORTH Find out Birmingham the Black Country and Skegness, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Aug, MAC, Birmingham if you would have been medically fit ESSENTIAL 80S Thurs to join the soldiers on the front line, 23 Aug, The Robin, Bil- LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Folksy Theatre learn about wartime communica- ston fuse live music, audience participa- tions, have a go at decoding secret tion and silliness in an outdoor stag- messages and spend time playing PHEPHE - LOST IN MY ing of Shakespeare's comedy, Sat 25 AURA II Thurs 23 Aug, with the games and toys that kept Aug, , Edgbas- children amused during the Great Hare & Hounds, Birm- ton, Birmingham ingham War, Tues 21 - Thurs 23 Aug, Tam- SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN UGLY worth Castle, Staffordshire BUCK & EVANS Thurs 23 B******DS! Join Cattle Productions Aug, Hare & Hounds, DEN BUILDING Wed 22 Aug, Blakesley for some rude’n’crude fun and frol- Hall, Birmingham Birmingham ics... Sat 25 Aug, The Crescent The- KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES LISA MANN Thurs 23 atre, Birmingham Dress and dance like a Tudor, have a go at Aug, The Jam House, SUGAR Co-production between Am- Birmingham archery and experience the excite- bient Productions & The Prince of ment of battle, Wed 22 Aug, Harving- BLACK SABBATH TRIB- Wales Theatre, based on the 1959 ton Hall, Kidderminster UTE: CHILDREN OF THE movie, Some Like It Hot, Sat 25 Aug, GRAVY & THE UNRE- Boyz II Men - O2 Academy, Birmingham Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Wed 22 Aug, 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 20 - 26 August Dav.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:05 Page 2

Birmingham Botanical Gardens HISTORY THROUGH THE AGES Cover- LITTLE SKIPPERS - CANAL LIFE Join ing the medieval period, the Wars of Little Skippers for a 45-minute boat the Roses and Elizabethan Eng- trip followed by a ‘things to make land, Sun 26 - Mon 27 Aug, Harv- and do’ session, Wed 22 - Thurs 23 ington Hall, Kidderminster Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Be- come an environmental scientist and learn about volunteering oppor- Music tunities for people wishing to ex- plore their natural environment, Festivals Thurs 23 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham SHAMBALA FESTIVAL Line-up in- cludes Gentleman’s Dub Club, This FUN IN THE KITCHEN Discover cook- Is The Kit, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, ery through the ages, and have a Susan Cadogan & The Friendly Fire go at making some historic food fit Band, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug, secret for a feast, Thurs 23 Aug, Harving- location, Nr Market Harborough, ton Hall, Kidderminster Northampton SONGS FROM THE SHOWS Jump on BEERMAGEDDON British heavy metal board a narrowboat and be whisked festival. Headliners include Foot- away to the Singing Cavern, to prints In The Custard, MartYriuM enjoy an hour’s-worth of songs from and Haerken, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Aug, the shows, Fri 24 Aug, Dudley Stoke Prior Country Club, Broms- Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley grove INSOMNIA63 The UK's biggest gam- CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes ing festival, Fri 24 - Mon 27 Aug, Mel C, Feeder, The Coral, Scouting NEC, Birmingham For Girls, Craig Charles, From The SHAKES-PAW'S DAY Celebrate Na- Jam, The South, Neville Staple, tional Dog Day, Sat 25 Aug, Anne Showhawk Duo, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwick- Stratford-upon-Avon shire THE WHISKY TRAIN Collaboration be- GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up Pussy tween Severn Valley Railway and Riot, We Are Scientists, Ozomatli, Hay Wines, Sat 25 Aug, Severn Val- Ibibio Sound Machine, Duke Spe- ley Railway, Bewdley cial, Pierce Brothers, Martyn Joseph THEATRE TOURS A unique insight into and many more... Fri 24 - Mon 27 one of the most historic theatres in Aug, Boughton House, Kettering, the West Midlands, Sat 25 Aug, Northamptonshire New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Featur- ham ing Steve Harley and Cockney PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL 2018 Per- Rebel, Budino, Gretchen Peters, shore turns purple! Sat 25 - Mon 27 Show Of Hands, Steeleye Span, Aug, Pershore, Worcestershire Peter Knight’s Gigspanner and Jon THE JINNEY RING SCULPTURE TRAIL Boden and The Remnant Kings, Fri Exhibition of dramatic sculptures, 24 - Mon 27 Aug, West Midlands Sat 25 Aug - Sun 30 Sept, The Jin- Showground, Shrewsbury ney Ring Craft Centre, Nr Broms- STONEDEAF FESTIVAL Line-up in- grove, Worcestershire cludes Skid Row, Wolfsbane, The SIEGE! Recreation of the 1266 Siege Quireboys & The Graham Bonnet of Kenilworth Castle, Sun 26 - Mon Band, Sat 25 Aug, Newark Show- 27 Aug, Kenilworth Castle, Warwick- ground, Notts shire

Siege - Kenilworth Castle

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August & September www.artrix.co.uk

Fri 3 – Sat 11 August Tues 7 August Fri 17 August MAMMA MIA! YOUNG HERBERT’S THE WILD TONICS HERE WE GO AGAIN HORRORS FOLLOW UP TO THE SWASHBUCKLING HALF CURRENT HITS 1920S STYLE BLOCKBUSTER FILM MOON ADVENTURE

Sat 8 September Fri 14 September Sat 15 September CHANTEL THE SCUMMY FRIDOLIJN MCGREGOR MUMMIES FORMIDABLE BLUES ALL NEW SONGS, SKETCHES COMPELLINGLY BEAUTIFUL GUITARIST & CATSUITS! SONGS

COMING SOON: Simple Politics, The Counterfeit Sixties, Kelly Oliver, Totally Tina, Ensonglopedia Of Animals, Mary-Ann Ochota & Jason Buck, Gary Delaney, Gary Delaney, The Real Thing, Dr Phil Hammond, The Real Thing, Super Hamlet 64, The Fortunes, Barnstormers Comedy, Pete Firman, The Christians, Scott Gibson, Andy Fairweather Low, Remi Harris, Robin Ince, Black Country Night Out, Paul Foot,Hurst, Lee Dane Baptiste, Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly… 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

Morgan & West's Magic Show (for kids .. and childish grown ups!!) Magicians, time-travellers & all round spiffing chaps present their family show. Thurs 30 Aug at 2pm £10 The ELO Experience The world's foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra. Wed 5 & Thu 6 Sept at 7.30pm £23 The Barnhart & Huxley Hot Five - Jazz and Jokes III Sublime Jazz music hosted by Malc Stent.

Wed 19 Sept at 7.30pm £17 MOTHERSHIP - Led Zeppelin Tribute A brand new multimedia show celebrating the music of the greatest rock band in history. Fri 21 at 7.30pm. £15, £12 conc. Stars of Irish Country Music Show Join four of Ireland’s favourite Country music Stars in one show accompanied by Keltic Storm.

Thu 27 Sept at 7.30 £22 Andy Fairweather-Low's Big Show with The Low Riders & The Hi Riders Big Soul Revue Fri 28 Sept at 7.30pm £25

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thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 August life story of Frankie Valli And The Classical Music Four Seasons, Tues 28 Aug - Sat 8 Sept, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SISTEMA EUROPE YOUTH ORCHESTRA CROONERS Brand new music show Featuring Sascha Goetzel, Jessica featuring popular big band hits, Thurs Cottis, Jesus Uzcategui, Etienne 30 Aug, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Abelin, Samuel Matus, Juan Carlos Trent (conductors), Nicola Benedetti (vio- lin) & the Sistema Europe Youth Or- CARMEN Russian State Opera House chestra. Programme includes works presents its version of Bizet’s pas- by Marsalis, Elgar, Bernstein, Holst, sionate opera, Thurs 30 Aug, Bel- Marquez & Piazzolla, Mon 27 Aug, grade Theatre, Coventry Symphony Hall, Birmingham UNCLE BEN'S FAMILY FEUD Comedy ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: FES- theatre following the ups and downs TIVAL FAMILY FIREWORKS NIGHT Fea- of family life, Thurs 30 Aug - Sun 2 turing Kenneth Woods (conductor) & Sept, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Sofia Larsson (soprano), Mon 27 Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester

Comedy KEVIN HART Thurs 30 Aug, Arena Birmingham

Britney Spears - Genting Arena, Birmingham LA TRAVIATA Russian State Opera The Robin, Bilston IAN PARKER & AYNSLEY House brings Verdi’s beguiling tale to Gigs YOUSSOU NDOUR Thurs LISTER Thurs 30 Aug, life, Fri 31 Aug, Belgrade Theatre, 30 Aug, Symphony The Robin, Bilston Coventry JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: Hall, Birmingham OCEAN COLOUR SCENE DISENCHANTED Birmingham premiere THE MAN OF THE WOODS Fri 31 Aug, Wolver- of Dennis T Giacino's off-Broadway TOUR Mon 27 Aug, hampton Racecourse hit, Fri 31 Aug - Sat 1 Sept, The Blue Arena Birmingham YO GOTTI LIVE Fri 31 Orange Theatre, Birmingham CROW BLACK CHICKEN Aug, O2 Academy, Mon 27 Aug, The Birmingham Robin, Bilston BRITNEY SPEARS: PIECE GOMEZ Tues 28 Aug, OF ME Fri 31 Aug, O2 Institute, B’ham Genting Arena, Birm- Kids Shows ingham HOMEBOUND Wed 29 TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES Aug, The Asylum, MARSHALL JEFFERSON ‘Terrific’ tales woven together with live Fri 31 Aug - Sat 1 Sept, music, puppetry and a whole host of Birmingham JAKE CLEMONS Thurs Hare & Hounds, Birm- colourful characters from Julia Don- IAN PARKER & AYNSLEY 30 Aug, O2 Academy, ANDY ASKINS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ingham aldson and Axel Scheffler’s best- LISTER Thurs 30 Aug, Birmingham ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 30 loved titles, Mon 27 - Wed 29 Aug, Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ANDY ASKINS, KEVIN MCCARTHY, STU- PEPPA PIG'S ADVENTURE Join Peppa as ART MITCHELL & JOHNNY COCHRANE Fri 31 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham she gets ready to go on an exciting camping trip in the woods with George and her school friends, Tues 28 - Wed 29 Aug, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE PRINCESS AND THE GIANT Folksy Theatre Theatre fuse music and puppetry in MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal an outdoor show based on Caryl Shakespeare Company's award-win- Hart's children's book, Wed 29 Aug, ning musical, currently on tour in the Martineau Gardens, , UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 Birmingham Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome MORGAN & WEST’S MAGIC SHOW (FOR MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- KIDS) Join the time-travelling magi- cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- cians for an ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues afternoon of 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, brain-bog- Stratford-upon-Avon gling illusion ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- and good old- mous story of love at first sight, until fashioned Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- tomfoolery, atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 30 Aug, The Core The- JERSEY BOYS Internationally ac- atre, Solihull Ocean Colour Scene - Wolverhampton Racecourse claimed musical which tells the true-

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thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 August TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. ‘Terrific’ tales woven together with Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórs- live music, puppetry and a whole son, Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign host of colourful characters from language, subtitled. MAC, Birming- Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s ham, Fri 31 Aug best-loved titles, Thurs 30 Aug - Sat 1 HEARTS BEAT LOUD (PG) Drama/Music. Sept, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Starring Nick Offerman, Kiersey Clemons. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 31 Aug

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Mon 27 Aug, showing at selected cinemas THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS (tbc) Released from Fri 31 Aug, showing at selected cinemas UPGRADE (tbc) YARDIE (tbc) SEARCHING (tbc) Dippy On Tour Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 9 September Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 9 September The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast - fondly Events known as Dippy - is spending the summer in Birmingham. The British icon is on a mission to inspire natural history adven- BANK HOLIDAY BBQ Mon 27 Aug, tures and encourage families to explore nature on their doorstep. Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Bromyard The exhibition also highlights Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s fantastic bird collection, focusing on the idea of birds as CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about Dudley Castle, Tues 28 Aug, Dudley living dinosaurs and looking at their evolution - from their di- Castle, Dudley nosaur ancestors into the ‘feathered friends’ we know today. OFF-ROADING WITH LAND ROVER Tues Associated Dippy activities include Little Dinos Messy Play (1 - 29 Dance 28 - Thurs 30 Aug, Eastnor Castle, August), curator-led talks with Lucas Large (1 August & 5 Septem- Ledbury BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS National Youth ber) and Dino Drink & Draw - a free social event for anyone who Ballet present a mixed programme DEN BUILDING Wed 29 Aug, Blakesley likes to doodle, taking place in the gallery’s Edwardian Tearoom celebrating the power of imagination Hall, Birmingham on 8 September. and being bold... Thurs 30 & Fri 31 BUSHCRAFT DAY Young explorers can Dippy On Tour is a free ticketed event but advanced booking is ad- Aug, , Birmingham find out about some of the things vised. For further information, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk they can do with the natural materials all around them, Wed 29 Aug, Shug- borough Historic Working Estate, Stafford DIPPY THE DINOSAUR CRAFT Dinosaur- Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, LITTLE SKIPPERS - FABULOUS FOSSILS themed craft activities to celebrate Skinny Lister, Willy Mason, Richard Film Join Little Skippers for a 45-minute Dippy’s summer visit to Birmingham Dawson, and more... Fri 31 Aug - INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: boat trip followed by a ‘things to Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 31 Aug, Sun 2 Sept, Moseley Park, Birming- make and do’ session, Wed 29 - THE MAN FROM MO'WAX (15) Docu- Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birming- ham Thurs 30 Aug, Dudley Canal and mentary/Music. Starring DJ Shadow, ham OFF THE TRACKS SUMMER FESTIVAL Tunnel Trust, Dudley James Lavelle. Electric Cinema, Line-up includes Transglobal Under- Birmingham, Thurs 30 Aug EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up ground, John Otway & His Little Big THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (U) close to some exotic animals cour- Band, Dreadzone, Mad Dog Mcrea, tesy of Trevor Hill’s animal encoun- Animation/Action. With the voices of Blackballad, Aurora Dawn & The ters, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Aug, Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter. Music Screaming Skulls, Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Hampton Court Castle, Leominster MAC, Birmingham, Fri 31 Aug Sept, Donington Park Farmhouse, BACKSTAGE TOUR Go behind the Festivals Castle Donington scenes at one of Britain's premier producing theatres, Thurs 30 Aug, THE AUDIO FARM Line-up includes Age The REP, Birmingham Of Glass, Ask My Bull, Beatniks, Mamma Moonshine & Marc Constan- tine, Salutation Dub and many more... Thurs 30 Aug - Mon 3 Sept, Hopton Court, Kidderminster GODIVA Headliners include Jake Bugg, Ronan Keating, Jonas Blue, Professor Green & Gabrielle, Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 Sept, War Memorial Park, Coventry FAMILY RAG RUG MAKING Rag rug MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- making with a modern twist, Thurs 30 cludes Levellers, Nick Mulvey, Aug, Black Country Living Museum, Teenage Fanclub, Show Of Hands Dudley Willy Mason plays Moseley Folk Festival 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade (FP) Aug 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:39 Page 1 The Great Exhibition F/P August 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:55 Page 1