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DANNY MAC STARS IN AMÉLIE Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands THE MUSICAL IN MALVERN WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S ON JULY 2019 Worcestershire ISSUE 403 JULY 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On worcestershirewhatson.co.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWORCESTERSHIRE WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 17:22 Page 1 Contents July Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 08:40 Page 2

July 2019

Contents

Something Special - Coventry’s biggest musical export perform at the city’s cathedral... page 17

Billy Bragg Danny Mac The Big Picnic the list

joins the 40th anniversary stars in a new touring version of popular family event returns to Your 16-page celebrations at Warwick Folk... Amélie The Musical Anne Hathaway’s Cottage week-by-week listings guide feature page 21 page 28 page 39 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 33. Film 36. Visual Arts 39. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MEDIA GROUP Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Steve Adams, Lauren Cole, Nanci Davies, Jack Rolfe, Daisy Sparkle, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee, Patsy Moss, Tom Silverton, Ellie Hutchings Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwicks_Worcs July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 14:04 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Laugh out loud at RSC comedy fest Award-winning doctor- turned-comic Adam Kay, Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Bridget Christie and satirical impressionist Rory Bremner are among the come- dians taking part in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s brand new Comedy Festival. Taking place from Thursday 12 to Saturday 21 September, the event will also include performances by, among oth- ers, Suzi Ruffell, Phil Wang, Milton Jones and Felicity Ward (pictured). For more information and to book tickets, visit rsc.org.uk

Contemporary exhibition Leamington’s Art In The screen. The footage will be accompanied by music performed by the City Of Prague Phil- explores Witley’s ruins Park back for a sixth year harmonic Orchestra. An art exhibition focusing on ruins and their To purchase tickets for the show, visit thetick- modern-day relevance opens at Worcester- etfactory.com shire’s Witley Court this month (12 July). In Ruins sees contemporary artworks pre- sented both in the grounds and the ruined Art project presents vision mansion itself, inviting visitors ‘to reconsider of 22nd-century Stratford and play with the ever-attractive idea of the The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and the ruin’. Royal Shakespeare Company have commis- To find out more about the exhibition and the sioned an innovative artistic project that artists whose works will be on show, visit explores the experiences and perspectives of meadowarts.org Stratford-upon-Avon residents. I See The Future is a bold piece of public art The sixth Leamington Art In The Park Festi- developed by the award-winning Anagram - a val takes place in the town’s Jephson Gardens female-led creative company specialising in on Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 August. interactive storytelling and immersive experi- Taking the theme of ‘water’, this year’s event ences. The art work will offer a vision of offers a free weekend of ‘inspirational art, Stratford 100 years from today. uplifting music, creative workshops, dazzling Local people are invited to contribute their performances, artisan food and locally ideas for the project at interactive workshops brewed beverages’. For more information, taking place this month. Follow @Shake- visit artinpark.co.uk Edinburgh-bound comics speareBT and @TheRSC for updates. stopping off in Evesham Calling Planet Earth II at Evesham Arts Centre is this month hosting Resorts World Arena... four comedians who will be trying out their A live version of the award-winning BBC TV Edinburgh Festival shows. series Planet Earth II will visit Birmingham’s On Friday 12 July, Jack Gleadow and Mark Resorts World Arena next year as part of a UK Simmons will visit the venue en route to the & Ireland tour. Scottish capital. Then, on Friday the 19th, it's Following on from the success of the Blue the turn of Tony Cowards and Joe Sutherland Planet II Live tour, the 3 April 2020 concert to take to the stage. will feature specially selected footage shown For more information and to book tickets, in 4K ultra high-definition on a gigantic LED visit EveshamArtsCentre.co.uk

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First Word

Come Dance With Me... A new play celebrating ball- room dancing and the golden age of Hollywood is visiting Coventry’s Albany Theatre on 25 September as part of a UK tour. Come Dance With Me is chore- ographed by the award-win- ning Richard Marcel, who’s worked with both Britney Spears and Madonna. The play centres on the experiences of two young girls as they struggle for survival in the aftermath of the Second World War. For more information about the show and to book tickets, visit albanytheatre.co.uk Acclaimed singer and award-winning pianist in Kenilworth The fourth Kenilworth Arts Festival will run for 10 days in the autumn, from Thursday 19 to Saturday New food event 28 September. Taking over open spaces, theatres, churches, bookshops and streets, the event features arts, music, in Nuneaton performances and spoken word. A new monthly food event is The festival will be opened by New Zealand’s critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Nadia Reid. being launched in Nuneaton Multi-award-winning pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason (pictured) also appears at the festival, performing on Friday 5 July. pieces from her debut album, Romance, as well as a selection of Brahms compositions. Playing host to ‘some of the For more information, visit kenilworthartsfestival.co.uk best street food vendors in the UK’ plus bars, cocktails, local musicians and a resident DJ, Nuneaton Street Eats & Beats Summer flicks at RSC outdoor theatre up and running takes place at George Eliot Coventry Cathedral The Royal Shakespeare Company’s outdoor theatre in Stratford- Memorial Gardens, with or- upon-Avon is up and running for the summer, presenting a range ganisers promising a friendly of student, community and semi-professional productions. atmosphere. The event runs This year’s line-up of shows at The Dell includes several produc- from 5.30pm to 10.30pm. tions captioned by The Difference Engine, a free app that enables audiences to receive captions on their own mobile devices. X-Factor Ben’s a The Dell is situated on the banks of the River Avon in Avonbank Gardens. Audience members are invited to bring their own food, panto charmer Open-air cinema nights make a chairs or blankets. For more information, visit rsc.org.uk/thedell X-Factor’s 2014 winner, Ben welcome return to Coventry Haenow, will make his pan- Cathedral Ruins this month. tomime debut in the Midlands The featured films for 2019 are this year, starring as Prince Bohemian Rhapsody, A Star Is Charming in Redditch Palace Born and Harry Potter And The Theatre’s production of Cin- Philosopher’s Stone. derella. The movies will be screened on Since winning the hit TV consecutive nights from 24 to show, Ben has released a plat- 27 July. inum-selling debut album, Commenting on the event, Phil achieved the coveted Christ- Cottle of organisers Summer mas number one spot, and Screens said: “We welcome worked with artists including audiences having a drink or a Ed Sheeran, Queen and Kelly picnic as the sun goes down Clarkson. Cinderella runs at before settling in front of the the Palace Theatre from screen for a night under the 14 December to 5 January. stars watching a great film.” whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwicks_Worcs July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 14:04 Page 3

First Word

Youth focus at Looking to the future at Stratford Festival British Motor Museum The Stratford-upon-Avon An exhibition exploring the future of Music Festival makes a the car opens at the British Motor welcome return this month, Museum this month (13 July) and will presenting a line-up of high- run until next summer. quality chamber music and The Car. The Future. Me looks back at focusing in particular on the inventors of the first cars and their young artists. visions for the future. Now in its 24th year, the festi- Visitors to the show will be able to val offers visitors nine days of discover what designers in the 20th music-making by established century thought cars would look like in musicians, the cream of new the 21st century and whether their talent and members of BBC predictions have come true. Radio Three’s New Generation The exhibition will also explore the Artists scheme. latest car technology, looking at how A selection of community electric cars work and if they are the events also features. best solution to today’s transport For more information, visit challenges. stratfordmusicfestival.com Feline festive? Puss In Boots panto Dream big at The audition call for local youngsters Hive in Worcester Fancy getting your claws on a role in the Coventry Belgrade The city of Worcester is this month Theatre’s Christmas pantomime? hosting a family-friendly festival With Puss In Boots chosen as this year’s panto, the festive season that proved to be a major hit in its is already shaping up to be the cat’s whiskers - and the hunt is now first year. on for kids with cat-titude to form the production’s Junior Chorus. A celebration of children’s theatre, Youngsters aged between nine and 16 from across Coventry & War- Big Dreamers features four shows wickshire are invited to audition on Sunday 8 September for the at The Hive and a selection of out- chance to take part in performances running from 27 November to door arts presentations in the Nigel Planer set 11 January. For more information, visit belgrade.co.uk city’s Cathedral Square. to star in David Walliams classic Major funding boost Nigel Planer will take the lead for Midlands venue role in the first ever stage A £4.5million Arts Council invest- adaptation of David Walliams’ ment of National Lottery money is children’s book, Grandpa’s set to finance a transformation of Great Escape, when it visits Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. Birmingham Arena this The cash will be used to update the Christmas. venue’s foyers, create new learning Best known for starring as & participation spaces and hippie Neil in the cult 1980s enhance the experience for visitors sitcom The Young Ones, Nigel of all ages. commented: “It’s a great hon- New trail celebrates one of Coventry’s Alongside flexible spaces that can our to be asked to play most vibrant and multicultural roads host workshops, pre-show talks Grandpa in the live version of and corporate guests, opportuni- this amazing and cockle- A new trail celebrating Foleshill Road as one of the most vibrant ties will also be made available for warming story by David and multicultural streets in Coventry has been launched. artists with limited mobility, Walliams. It’s set to be such The culmination of nine months of engagement with 21 different sensory and cognitive disabilities. an amazing spectacular, and I community groups, The Foleshill Mile features stories of people can’t wait to drive a tank and moving to Foleshill from across the world to start new lives in the fly a lifesize Spitfire over au- city. diences around the country!” The groups have worked together to co-create a map of their The production shows in favourite places in Foleshill Road, and have co-designed a walka- Birmingham on 23, 24 & 26 ble trail, complete with transport routes, food tips and personal December. stories of their experiences. To check out a digital version of the trail, visit coventry2021.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwicks_Worcs July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 14:04 Page 4

Measure for Measure.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 17:10 Page 1 ”

What’s amazing about this play is how Shakespeare couples the dark parts with the light and comedic. There will certainly be a few laughs to be had, too!”

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by Lauren Cole Measuring up... A new production of Shakespeare’s dark comedy, Measure For Measure, is showing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford this summer. Leading lady and Midlander Lucy Phelps talks about the play, her character of Isabella and her love for the RSC…

“Measure For Measure is set in Vienna,” ex- left quite open-ended, and critics and audi- have the resources, they should definitely be plains actress Lucy Phelps, who stars as Is- ences alike debate a lot of the choices that making their shows as widely available as abella in the new Royal Shakespeare characters make. I won’t reveal what our pro- possible.” Company (RSC) production of the play. duction has decided to do about that, but I do Being a Midlander herself, the RSC holds a “Vienna has become a city that is very corrupt hope that it encourages people to examine special place in Lucy’s heart: “I grew up near and boiling with sexual promiscuity. the relevance of these themes and topics to the RSC, so it was always the place that I as- “The Duke takes a step back from his respon- society now. It’s so exciting to be in a play pired to be. I would also go to The REP and sibilities, as he’s not quite sure how to resolve that will ruffle a few feathers!” the Hippodrome in Birmingham, but the RSC Vienna’s issues, and lets his deputy, Angelo, The character of Isabella is surrounded by was the closest theatre to me that had so take charge. But instead of going on a nice re- controversy in the world of Shakespeare, as much international acclaim. I had it on such a treat, the Duke goes into hiding and observes Lucy explains: “I’ve always loved Isabella be- high pedestal growing up because I also had what happens in the city… kind of like in an cause Measure For Measure is a play I studied a big love of Shakespeare. I think of the RSC episode of Undercover Boss! at school. I’ve always loved the play, so I was as acting boot camp! If you can command “A lot of the play questions how power thrilled to be given an audition and even more Shakespeare texts, you can handle any mod- changes people. The play becomes a study of blown away to be offered the part. Isabella is ern play. I don’t mean that in the sense that power and concepts of justice and mercy. a very complex character who causes a lot of modern plays are inferior to Shakespeare’s, Whose power and laws should you follow: controversy amongst Shakespeare critics in but the amount of effort that a Shakespeare man’s, God’s, or your own humanist morals? terms of her actions and choices, but I feel play requires - to unpick it all and understand How can we get the right balance of justice like I understand and sympathise with her the character’s words, thoughts, the punctua- and mercy? Angelo decides to take a very motivations as a character, and I wanted to tion they use and the wide-ranging genres hard line with Vienna’s problems and starts give her a go. I grew up in an Irish-Catholic Shakespeare uses - is huge. I can take that rigorously enforcing laws that hadn’t been en- family, so was very acquainted with nuns and skill of closely analysing texts into all my forced for years. really felt that I understood Isabella, so it’s a work in the future. A lot of modern writing is “A young man called Claudio is made an ex- dream to take on the role.” also very rhythmic like Shakespeare, so I ample of and gets sentenced to death for get- think working on the classical rhythmic texts ting his fiancée pregnant before they’re The coming months see the RSC staging three really unlocks your best acting.” married. Isabella, Claudio’s sister, is about to Shakespeare plays: Measure For Measure, As take her vows to become a novice in a convent You Like It and The Taming Of The Shrew. So why does Lucy think audiences should and gets pulled away to plea for her brother’s These will then go on tour in repertoire across check out Measure For Measure this summer? life. Angelo takes a fancy to her and tells Is- the country. abella that he will release her brother in ex- “The company has been working together all change for her virginity. She then faces a “I’m really excited for us to tour. I love visiting season on other plays, so now we all know choice between her religious beliefs and her parts of the country I haven’t been to before, each other incredibly well. The depth of the love for her brother…” as well as seeing the theatres and getting to relationships between us means that the re- know different audiences. It’s really good ex- hearsal rooms are always very creative and Lucy thinks this is a play that will very much perience for an actor because it’s always inter- fruitful. I think we’re really pulling together resonate with modern audiences: “Abuse of esting to see how different audiences react to something that’s exciting and challenging power has been a big discussion in the world the story you’re telling. Last time I went on and which resonates with the audience. recently. Also, the offer that Angelo makes to tour, we all got our National Trust member- “Measure For Measure promises a really Isabella is a form of sexual assault, so this ships and went and visited some really nice thought-provoking night out at the theatre. play highlights the position that many women areas. I’m really excited to be taking our three But it’s also not all doom and gloom. What’s even now can be put in by men in positions of Shakespeare stories out on the road this amazing about this play is how Shakespeare power. However, quite interestingly in this year.” couples the dark parts with the light and play, we also have two female characters in comedic. There will certainly be a few laughs Lucy is pleased that the RSC is setting an ex- positions of power, one of whom shows her to be had, too!” complicity in the exploitation of Isabella and ample for other large theatre companies by patriarchal abuse of power. So there are defi- making its productions accessible: “I know the RSC isn’t based in London, so we’re a bit nitely some hot topics in this play, and I hope Measure For Measure shows at the Royal of an anomaly to start with, but theatre audiences leave the theatre at the end with Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- should be for everyone in all parts of the many discussions to be had but also many Avon, from Friday 28 June to Thursday country, regardless of their access to places questions. After all, Measure For Measure is 29 August one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays’, so it’s such as London or Stratford. If companies whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food July Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 16:56 Page 1 Food July Warwicks_Worcs-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 16:56 Page 2

Food

a refreshing glass of Gordon’s overflowing praise didn’t go Pink Gin served with aromatic unnoticed by our neighbouring tonic. Presented with a pain- diners. I suggest Sudha and his staking eye for detail and unde- team stock up on the spinach… I niable theatrical flair, the lightly feel a signature dish coming on! spiced duck melted in the mouth My partner’s choice of Murgh upon first contact, whilst the Bahari - chicken served on the fluffy, cumin-scented potato bone with mushroom and truf- infused with chilli oil added an fle-oil infused kedgeree, veg- aromatic depth of flavour and a etable relish and makhani sauce lightness of texture to rival even - was a joy to eat in every the creamiest of traditional respect; another fine example of cottage pies. chef Sudha’s endlessly imagina- My partner - a traditionalist by tive approach to his native default - felt reassured in his cuisine. The rich butter-based choice of Tandoori Lamb Cutlets, makhani sauce of tomato, cinna- which were cooked to absolute mon, garlic and cardamom perfection. Lightly spiced rather married perfectly with the earthy than over-flavoured and tones of the mushroom-infused presented proudly on a bed of kedgeree, whilst the risotto-like Asian slaw and balsamic glaze, texture of the rice found its REVIEW: the beautifully tender cutlets perfect complement in the Entouraj found their perfect match in the crunchy vegetable relish. A Contemporary South Asian cuisine zesty, palate-cleansing accompa- Punjabi-inspired classic rein- niment of the apple & pear salsa. vented with skill and undeniable served in relaxed rural surroundings The natural sweetness of the gusto! balsamic glaze added a further As if an excuse were needed to When it comes to culinary patterned carpets marry effort- intriguing dimension to an start planning a return visit, success stories, award-winning lessly with light and spacious already delicious opener. Entouraj’s well-stocked bar, chef Sudha Shah has long been interiors, back-lit bar areas, With the standard for the complete with speciality gin ‘one to watch’ in the competitive industrial-style light fittings and evening well and truly set, the menu, premium spirit selection sphere of contemporary UK- contemporary dining chairs main course had a great deal to and choice of draft beers, makes Indian cuisine. As former accented with notes of violet, live up to. So I can only give it a great place to enjoy a relaxed executive head chef to the inter- indigo and teal. Together, they thanks to our waiter for introduc- drink with friends and family. nationally acclaimed Saffron create an informal yet sophisti- ing me to the revelation that Restaurant Group, Saha’s CV is cated ambience that’s poised Armed, as they are, with Sudha followed. Opting for the Chicken the envy of aspiring gastronomes somewhere between contempo- Shah’s entrepreneurial spirit, Tikka Saag Garlic Special, I can everywhere, boasting an AA rary gastro-pub, friendly ‘village’ creative dynamism, exacting safely say - without a word of Rosette award plus recommenda- local and upmarket Indian standards of delivery and unmis- exaggeration - that this was one tions in the Michelin, Hardens bistro. takable passion for showcasing of the most delicious, complex the very best of Indian cuisine at and Good Food guides. Upon arrival at Entouraj, we and flavoursome Indian dishes affordable prices, I can’t help but So just what is it that brings a were immediately made to feel at that I’ve ever had the good feel that this particular ‘en- powerhouse like Sudha to the home by the attentive waiting fortune to taste. tourage’ may be destined for leafy suburbs of rural Worcester- staff, each of whom knew the Infused with a subtle yet com- even greater things! shire? The answer... An utterly menu inside out, offering their plex blend of aromatic spices unique concept in contemporary own recommendations with I, for one, wish them every suc- and underpinned by a rich seam fusion cuisine which balances an signature aplomb and what felt cess on their culinary journey! of garlic, the sublime combina- ambience, menu and approach like genuine passion. Katherine Ewing tion of wilted spinach and garlic- that is at once reassuringly Settling into our booth overlook- infused tikka breast was Food: nnnnn traditional yet refreshingly ing the surrounding Worcester- contemporary Indian cuisine Service: nnnnn innovative in outlook! shire countryside, our attention raised to a fine art. Washing over Ambience: nnnnn Situated off Kidderminster Road was immediately drawn to the the palate in waves of untapped Overall value nnnnn in the picturesque surroundings Duck Varuval Pie starter; a flavour, each mouthful of this OVERALL nnnnn of Cutnall Green, Droitwich, the mouthwatering combination of intense yet by no means over- restaurant has been tastefully spiced confit duck breast, cumin- powering dish revealed new, Entouraj refurbished to a slick modern scented potato mash, mixed unspoken delights, stimulating Kidderminster Road Cuttnall Green brief. Exposed stone walls, berry compote and chilli oil, all the senses in fresh and surpris- leather armchairs and plush washed down - in my case - with WR9 0PW ing ways. Needless to say, my Tel: 01299 848438

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Food

New cafe & cocktail bar for Kidderminster A new café & cocktail bar has opened in Kidderminster, on the site of the former Veeno wine bar. Riverside venue Wall 2 Wall boasts a varied drinks menu, from chemistry cocktails to alcoholic soft drinks. Its food menu features pizzas, bagels and salads. During the day, Wall 2 Wall is a coffee shop, transforming into a cocktail bar from 4pm onwards.

Kenilworth festival celebrates vibrant food & drink scene Celebrating the town’s high-quality food & drink scene, Kenilworth Food Festival returns on Sunday 21 July. The event is sponsored by Windmill Hill Brewery and showcases more than 80 traders presenting some of the finest food & drink from around the region. Children’s activities including craft workshops also feature. The festival takes place on Warwick Road from 10am to 6pm. Tom Kerridge’s Pub In The Park coming to Warwick Tom Kerridge’s Pub In The Park event - a laid-back celebration of ‘the very best food, drink and music the country has to offer’ - is visiting Warwick for the first time this month. Tom and his foodie friends toured the country last year with an impressive line-up of top-class chefs and chartbusting music. The event also saw numerous award-winning pubs & restaurants serving up their most popular dishes to a grand total of more than 67,000 people. The Cross at Kenilworth is one of the venues taking part in this year’s event. Also featuring are The Churchill Arms, Atul Kochhar's Sindhu, Angela Hartnett's Cafe Murano and Tom’s very own The Hand & Flowers. The event’s music line-up boasts, among other artists, Tom Odell, Razorlight, Will Young, Stereo MCs and Scouting For Girls. Pub In The Park visits Warwick’s St Nicholas Park from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July.

Free food event returns to Worcester this month Worcester Food Festival makes a welcome Alternative experience return this month. Taking place on Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 at new Coventry pub July, the event showcases more than 60 stalls Coventry’s historic Earlsdon Cottage is offering delicious food & drink from local being replaced by a new Pizza, Pots & businesses and selected specialist Pints pub. producers. The festival also features food & Simply named The Cottage, the new drink-matching sessions, cookery pub offers ‘an alternative experience’, demonstrations and masterclass workshops with items on its menu including by a variety of well-established chefs. shredded duck pizza and chocolate ale. A free event for all the family to enjoy, the The Cottage is Pizza, Pots & Pints’ first festival takes place throughout Worcester’s venue in the West Midlands. pedestrianised city centre. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Classical June Warwicks- Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 12:04 Page 1

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Classical

Birmingham Festival Choral Society Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick, Sat 6 July Specialising in a wide variety of choral music from the 16th to the 21st century, Birmingham Festival Choral Society (BFCS) performs three main concerts a year, usually in churches or concert halls in central Birmingham. Out-of-city performances in recent times have taken place in, among other venues, Malvern Priory, Tewkesbury Abbey and St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow. The society here presents a concert of sacred and secular choral music, includ- ing works by Sir Edward Elgar, Thomas Tallis, Henry Purcell, Sir Edward Bairstow and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Padmore And Lewis: Schumann’s Dichterliebe Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 21 July “The most important thing is to communicate,” says tenor Mark Padmore (pictured) in talking about his concert performances. “To hold an engaged and interesting conversation that includes the composer, the performer and the audience.” Mark and pianist Paul Lewis visit Birmingham on the crest of a seemingly never-breaking Armonico Consort: wave, having garnered great praise from across the globe and been hailed by the New York Beowulf Tour Times as the art song ‘dream team’. Malvern Theatres, Wed 3 July The duo here turn their attention to Schumann, performing his glorious song cycle, Founded by organist and conductor Dichterliebe, alongside music by Brahms and Mahler. Christopher Monks in 2001, Armonico are one of the largest organisations of their kind in the UK. Using authentic period Three Choirs Festival Birmingham Bach Choir instruments, the baroque consort Various locations in and around CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sat 6 July regularly perform with some of the best Gloucestershire, Fri 26 July - Sat 3 August One of the city's oldest and most solo musicians in the world. This year celebrating its 304th birthday, the distinguished musical groups, Birming- This Malvern concert sees Armonico Three Choirs is the oldest non-competitive ham Bach Choir is currently celebrating retelling the legendary fantasy saga of classical music festival in the world. its centenary. The choir here gets its Beowulf, as recounted in the oldest The event brings together established collective teeth into an exploration of the surviving poem in Old English. favourites of the British classical choral negro spiritual and its treatment in the The work has been written for soprano, tradition with works drawn from a broader, hands of a variety of composers. choir, harp, key- more international musical canvas. The programme includes: classic arrange- boards and chil- Choral and orchestral concerts feature ments by black American Moses Hogan; dren’s choir by prominently in a week-long programme that Tippett’s arrangements from A Child Of Armonico’s also includes cathedral services, solo and Our Time; Rutter’s large-scale work based composer-in- chamber music recitals, masterclasses, on spirituals, Feel The Spirit; and a new residence and talks, theatre, exhibitions and walks. piece by the choir’s conductor, Paul former BBC The action takes place each year, on a Spicer, composed to the words of one of Proms Young rotating basis, in one of three beautiful the most famous spirituals of all time, Composer of the cathedral cities, Hereford, Worcester and Steal Away. Year, Toby Gloucester, the latter of which is hosting Young this year’s proceedings. (pictured). whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 12:02 Page 1 GIGS July Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 12:02 Page 2

Gigs

Kiss Arena Birmingham, Tues 9 July The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, who’ve sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, are bringing their 45-year career to a close with this current End Of The Road World Tour. Fronted by the iconic Gene Simmons, widely admired for their larger-than-life perform- ances and boasting a back-catalogue includ- ing I Was Made For Lovin’ You, Love Gun, Rock And Roll All Nite and Crazy Crazy Nights, the much-loved four-piece have dedi- cated this ‘last hurrah’ to their millions of fans around the world.

The Specials featuring their first new music in 37 years. Within a week of its release, it had reached Coventry Cathedral, Tues 9 - Fri 12 July the number one spot on the official albums This year is the 40th anniversary not only of chart. Coventry’s legendary Two-Tone record label “Recording the album has been one of the but also of The Specials. most amazing trips of our lives,” The Widely considered to be one of the most Specials told OfficialCharts.com. “It couldn’t electrifying, influential and important bands have been better timing. A real thanks to the of all time, the group recently released (to fans who have stayed with us for all this great critical acclaim) new album Encore, time. We all share in this, so thank you.” Frank Turner The Empire, Coventry, Thurs 4 July Punk and folk singer-songwriter Frank The Wedding Present Steve Knightley Turner began his career as the vocalist of Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Thurs 25 July post-hardcore band Million Dead. Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 11 July Following the band’s split in 2005, Frank Formed in 1985, The Wedding Present are Award-winning songwriter, long-serving embarked on a primarily acoustic-based solo one of the country’s best-loved indie bands, troubadour of the folk & acoustic music career, releasing debut album Sleep Is For with 18 UK top-40 hit singles to their name. scene and Show Of Hands frontman Steve The Week in 2007. The late and great John Peel once said in Knightley stops off in Worcester on solo tour Now playing with his band, The Sleeping talking about them: “The boy Gedge has Roadworks - a show that builds on the Souls, Turner is a firm favourite on the written some of the best love songs of the success of his sell-out 2018 offering, Songs festival circuit and last year released seventh rock’n’roll era. You may dispute this, but I’m And Stories. studio album Be More Kind to great critical right and you’re wrong!” This is a stripped-back show that’s infused acclaim. with ‘wit, warmth and alchemy’. Doves Perry Park, Birmingham, Sun 28 July Twins Jez & Andy Williams formed indie rock band Doves with Jimi Goodwin in 1998, nine years after having first met him at the legendary Hacienda in Manchester. By 2005, having secured number one albums The Last Broadcast and Some Cities, they were opening shows for the likes of U2, Oasis and Coldplay. After a hiatus of nearly a decade, the three- piece here play a one-off gig as part of Inner City Live. Johnny Marr, The Coral and The Twang support.

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Festivals

Lichfield Fuse Festival Beacon Park, Lichfield, Fri 12 - Sun 14 July Founded in 2001 and now established as one of the Midlands’ largest free music & arts festivals, Fuse this month returns to Lichfield’s beautiful Beacon Park. The event features a tremendous line-up of music that spans genres as diverse as rock, afrobeat, RnB/soul, ska, pop, folk, jazz and reggae. Other Fuse 2019 attractions include family activities, circus skills, a steampunk ceilidh, Bhangra and salsa dance workshops, a drum circle, children’s storytelling, sporting challenges, poetry readings, arts & crafts, group dance displays, close-up magic, yoga and food & drink. Line-up includes: Agbeko (pictured), The Bethlehem Casuals, Punch The Sky, The Lagan, Y!kes, The Long Game, The Hustle, Martian Social Club, DJ Thumpa, The Lonely Mister Punch Steampunk Ceilidh, Meme De- troit, Letisha Gordon, Global Reggae Band, Ned Dylan and more.

Mostly Jazz Funk & Soul Upton Blues Festival Solihull Summer Fest Moseley Park, Birmingham, Upton-upon-Severn, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July Tudor Grange Park, Solihull, Fri 12 - Sun 14 July Sat 27 & Sun 28 July Created by the Midlands masterminds behind Now in its fourth year, Solihull Summer Fest Moseley Folk & Arts Festival, Mostly Jazz is fast becoming one of the most popular Funk & Soul sees world-class artists coming music get-togethers on the Midlands events together with leading lights of the local jazz calendar. community for a laidback family-friendly The festival features more than 10 hours of event designed to celebrate Birmingham's live music across two days, funfair rides, a musical heritage. food village full of street vendors, and a huge Celebrating its 10th year in 2019, the event is variety of bars serving everything from real located in the picturesque surroundings of ale to prosecco. Moseley Park, a stunning woodland glade tucked away behind busy Birmingham streets Line-up includes: The Human League, The - making it the ideal retreat for music-loving Vamps, The Proclaimers, Ms Dynamite city-dwellers. (pictured), Go West, Sugarmill Gang, Bad Manners, Mitchell Brunings, Mercury, Garry Line-up includes: Burt Bacharach, The Jack- Pease As Rod Stewart and JK As Robbie. sons, The Brand New Heavies, Khruangbin, Ibibio Sound Machine (pictured), Brian Jack- Set in the beautiful riverside town of Upton- son, Craig Charles, Smoove & Turrell, Rene- upon-Severn, Upton Blues Festival started in gade Brass Band, James & Black and Boca 45. 2001 as a small event taking place in just a couple of pubs. How times have changed... The festival now boasts two main stages, an acoustic stage, 10 pub venues and more than 130 free perfor- mances across three days.

Line-up includes: Kyla Brox, Wille and the Bandits (pictured), Dino Baptiste, Jenny Wren And Her Borrowed Wings, The Rain- breakers, Trevor Babajack Steger, Danny Bryant, Ma Polaines Great Decline and Beaux Gris Gris & the Apocalypse.

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Festivals

Godiva Festival War Memorial Park, Coventry, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July Organisers of Coventry’s Godiva Festival are anticipating another blockbuster year, with the 2019 edition of the event featuring 70 acts across five stages. Veteran performers join emerging artists working across a dazzling array of genres. While the traditional Godiva procession continues to this day, the event has certainly come a long way since its 17th century origins as a celebration of the medieval Countess of Mercia. Due to its popularity, this year’s festival will be ticketed for the first time. Tickets cost £2 per person per day and can be purchased from godivafestival.com Line-up includes: Levellers (pictured), Feeder, Busted, Reef, Robin S, The Twang, The Selecter and Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.

Warwick Folk Festival Simmer Down Bromsgrove Folk Festival Warwick School and Warwick town centre, Handsworth Park, Birmingham, Sun 21 July Bowling Green Inn, Bromsgrove, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 July Worcestershire, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 July Celebrating its 40th year in 2019, Warwick Now in its 28th year, Bromsgrove Folk Folk Festival boasts the very best in Festival offers patrons the chance to enjoy contemporary and traditional folk arts from intimate concerts by UK-based folk, roots and the UK and beyond. acoustic performers. As well as an extensive line-up of performers, Taking place at the town's Bowling Green the four-day camping event features ceilidhs, Inn, the festival spreads across two workshops, acoustic concerts, singarounds, marquees, with sessions and singarounds an extended craft fair, a range of real ales, taking place inside the pub. on-site catering and community-led Storytelling, a ukulele workshop and dance recycling. demonstrations all feature in this year’s The organisers also deliver a fringe festival of Free-to-attend Simmer Down has become one line-up of entertainment. events in the town centre, featuring dance of Birmingham’s most popular and diverse Line-up includes: Richard Digance, The displays, street theatre, music sessions and festivals. Churchfitters, The Bad Pennies, Jez Lowe, an evening concert on the Saturday. Featuring music, dance, spoken word, visual Kate Bramley, The Lost Notes, Enda Kenny, arts, commissioned work, workshops & Line-up includes: Billy Bragg (pictured), Patchwork Skies, Silvington, Mike Silver, participation activities and outreach & young Skerryvore, Karen Casey, Calan, Will Pound & Johnny Coppin, Fairfield, Anthony John people’s programmes, the family-friendly Eddy Jay, Breabach, Kabantu, O’Hooley & Clarke, Tosh Ewins, Stitherum. event celebrates the city’s rich cultural Tidow, Nancy Kerr, John Kirkpatrick, Melrose diversity with a line-up of internationally Quartet, Granny’s Attic, Matthew Byrne and acclaimed artists and homegrown talent. Rosie Hood Rooted in North Birmingham, the festival 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: Johnny Clarke (pictured), Horace Andy, Pato Banton & Friends, Afro- manding, JK & The Goldmind Band, Amy G, A Doubles, Rock N’ Dhol, Commonwealth Drum Orchestra, Boyz Beatz Ft JBeatz, Dar- shae and Ashley Zeal. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Comedy July.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 11:57 Page 1

Comedy

Michelle Wolf Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 23 July Incendiary American funnywoman Michelle Wolf is a fast-rising star on the international comedy circuit after enjoying an extremely high-profile 2018. As well as having her very own 10-episode Netflix comedy series and debuting her first ever hour-long standup TV special, she also caused massive controversy when hosting the prestigious White House Correspondents Dinner, telling a series of gags that hacked off both Democrats and Republicans alike and led to President Trump calling her ‘a filthy “ comedian”’. Jokes include: “It’s kind of crazy that the Trump campaign was in contact with Russia when the Hillary campaign wasn’t even in contact with Michigan. It’s a direct flight; Pre-Fringe Comedy Night The REP, Birmingham, Mon 22 July it’s so close.” Just as with Midlands Arts Centre’s Edin- year headlining comedy clubs in the UK brum events (see below), the Birmingham and Europe... Rep is here hosting two comedians who’re High-profile South African standup Loyiso honing their acts in readiness for the Edin- Gola, meanwhile, has featured on shows burgh Festival. including Live At The Apollo and Mock The Australian comedian and tracksuit enthusi- Week. His latest Edinburgh-bound offering ast Daniel Muggleton (pictured above), sees him taking an irreverent look at the whose promotional material includes the way in which years of pop culture has fact that he’s apparently ‘just woke enough shaped people’s lives. to know he's an a*shole’, has spent the last

Troy Hawke & Paul Sinha away. And the comedians in question will no doubt be measuring the audience Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, reaction to their every gag, as they franti- Thurs 25 July cally try to hone their material in prepara- Yep, it’s that time of year again, when all tion for their forthcoming trip to Bonnie good comedians stop off at Midlands Arts Scotland. This particular Edinbrum line-up Centre to try out their new material en route includes Paul Sinha - from ITV’s The Chase Paul Smith to the Edinburgh Festival. - and 1930s throwback comedic investigator Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 21 July The venue’s Thursday night line-up of Troy Hawke. The pair share the billing on Affable Liverpool comedian Paul Smith has mirthful merrymakers should certainly the last Thursday of the month. ensure a chuckle or several is never too far waxed lyrical on all manner of topics in his time, including such peculiar subjects as who he’d most like to be haunted by (Ghandi - Paul reckons he’d do it quite quietly) and which is the largest animal he thinks he could beat in a fight (a goose). He’s also ‘died’ on stage in front of a Babylon 5 actress, who made matters worse for him by shaking her head in pity. Widely regarded as one of the comedy circuit’s most accomplished MCs, Paul is starting to make a real name for himself on a national level, courtesy of online video clips which almost routinely go viral. He visits Birmingham this month with his second national touring show, Following.

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Jimmy Carr Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 20 July; Dudley Town Hall, Sat 14 September Jimmy Carr’s comedy is all about quickfire, deadpan one-liners - and so many of them, in fact, that he’s not sure their content matters all that much: “People don’t really remember the individual jokes I tell because I tell such a lot of them; what they do remember is how those jokes make them feel.” Jimmy is a comedian for whom no subject is off limits: “I’ll talk about anything as long as I feel the joke justifies it. It may cause controversy, but my thing on that is that controversy’s an easy story on a slow-news day. And I never apologise for jokes. After all, I’m not making a serious political statement, I’m just trying to make somebody laugh.”

Josh Wolf Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 19 July Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival Josh kickstarted his career as a standup comedian at the tender age of 15, when he Various venues, Shrewsbury town centre, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July performed a set based around the subject of Already a hotbed of food, flowers and folk Irish hip-hop improv duo Abandoman. his parents’ flatulence. music, Shrewsbury tossed its hat into the Commenting on the event, its co-producer He’s since carved out a career for himself comedy ring a couple of years ago too, with a and one-time standup comic, Kevin Bland, via countless television shows, multiple number of the town’s venues co-hosting an said: “Shrewsbury has a great tradition of podcasts and a YouTube channel. inaugural weekend of laughter. hosting festivals, including everything from He’s also a big cannabis smoker, as his The event proved so popular that it’s now an street theatre to folk music, food to comics routines make clear... annual attraction. and beer to flowers. So we’re delighted to be “I didn’t smoke much in college, and for a Comedians contributing to the 2019 edition playing our part in further enhancing its while I was a single dad,” Josh told High of the festival include, among others, Lee reputation by bringing some great comedy to Times. “During that time I didn’t smoke Nelson, Kate Mulgrew, Larry Dean, former the town as well.” because I didn’t have a backup or a partner burger van owner Angelos Epithemiou, and just in case shit went down. I didn’t think with me being the only parent that getting high was the right thing to do at that point. Olga Koch But as soon as I got together with my wife, St Mary’s, Lichfield, Sat 6 July she asked me, ‘Do you always smoke so The daughter of a former deputy prime minis- much?’ because I ter of Russia who went on to become a game- was definitely show host, Olga Koch describes herself as the making up for lost Taylor Swift of the comedy scene. time.” She visits Lichfield with a new story about ‘finding love and computer programming’. “The show will teach you how to code,” says Olga, “while at the same time delivering insights into what happens when our expecta- tions of love, happiness and Michael Bublé no longer compute.” whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 09:55 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Color Purple black community. Walker’s original novel was published in 1982 and won the coveted Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 16 - Sat 20 July Pulitzer Prize. Three years later, Steven Spielberg brought the story to In an era marked by conversations about abuse of women and female the cinema screen, teasing from Whoopi Goldberg an Oscar-nomi- empowerment, The Color Purple has plenty to say. nated performance and providing Oprah Winfrey with her film debut. Initially a story of male control achieved through rape, domestic A 2005 musical version faired less well with the critics, but later violence and servitude, Alice Walker’s captivating coming-of-age tale productions - while retaining the same jazz, ragtime, gospel and ends on a far more triumphant, celebration-of-feminism kind of note, blues-inspired score - have enjoyed positive reviews and made the along the way taking a provocative look at the cycle of slavery in the show a definite ‘one to catch’.

Boris The Musical 2: Rudy Redfort Annie Brexit Harder Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 15 - Wed 17 July Tues 23 July - Sun 11 August Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 3 - Sun 7 July West End favourite Jodie Prenger stars as the With Boris Johnson very much back in the far-from-pleasant Miss Hannigan in this news of late, this revised and updated latest version of the oft-touring Broadway hit. version of Blowfish Theatre’s hit show The heart-warming rags-to-riches tale of a couldn’t have come at a better moment. little girl who finds herself transported from At the time of going to print, the blond bomb- a New York orphanage to the luxurious world shell is knocking on the door of Number 10. of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show If voting goes his way, Blowfish will soon be features plenty of tasked with a further update of their rude memorable songs, and irreverent show... including It's A Hard Expect lots of songs and plenty of fun. Knock Life and the legendary Tomorrow. Children’s Laureate Lauren Child is the creative force behind this quirky spy thriller featuring codebreaker, secret agent and teenage girl Ruby Redfort. Based on Lauren’s internationally bestselling series of books about Ruby, the show comes complete with ‘hair-raising stunts, terrifying villains and death-defying codes’.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 09:55 Page 2 Jaymi Hensley online.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2019 09:04 Page 1

An Drea

Jaymi Hensley talks ahead of starring in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at BirminghamWil Hippodrome Do Jaymi Hensley online.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2019 09:04 Page 2

by Ellie Hutchings

Union J’s Jaymi Hensley is taking on his terms of stamina. When I wanted to take on that side of me in some form or other. For me, first major musical role as the lead in this role, the producers’ main concern was that was dancing, acting and singing. I was Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor whether I would be able to sing in 10 shows a always putting on shows for my family. I Dreamcoat, which lands in Birmingham in week. I’ve done pantos which are 12 shows a cottoned on from a young age that I could July. What’s On chatted to him ahead of week - although it’s not really the same make people listen to me, and that I could do the show’s Hippodrome run... discipline - and I’ve been in a band for seven something special with what I’d been given. years. I’ve toured and I know how to look So it was important that I made it work for You’re returning to Birmingham after a after my voice. What a lot of people don’t me. successful run as Peter Pan at Christmas. know about me is that I went to stage school. How did that rank amongst the highs in I trained in musical theatre, and for the last Do you have a favourite moment or scene your career? four or five years, I’ve been doing off-Broad- in Joseph? It was one of my greatest highs, that’s for way or off-West End stuff. I’ve done roles for It’s definitely when I’m the prince at the end. sure. I think people give pantos such a hard free, just to get the experience. I don’t think I I get to be someone else in myself. Joseph has time, but I love them! It’s six to eight weeks of would be giving the performance I am now been wronged and now he’s got the upper just sheer fun. Birmingham this year was had I just walked off of X-Factor into this role hand, so he has a bit of a cock-sure ‘look really special. I’m gutted not to be back this because it’s a completely different discipline. where you are, look where I am’ moment. As Christmas. It was such a lovely time working I think when you come out of a reality pop much as that’s not a great thing to portray in with so many amazing people, and the cast world, people are automatically going to give your everyday life, I think everyone’s got the got on like a house on fire. Plus, it’s a huge you a bit of stick or think that you’re not going capacity to enjoy a bit of revenge. stage and a huge theatre; it was a West End- to be good enough. So I wanted to make sure scale production. I loved it - it was one of my that wasn’t an option, and that I was Are there any other roles that you’d like to favourite things in my career. well-trained and did have the stamina. sink your teeth into? I don’t want to say anything because I always Joseph is such a well-known musical - one Away from the stage, how do you like to think I might jinx it in terms of specific roles! that most people have probably seen at wind down? But I really want to do some straight acting; some point. How does it feel to be playing I don’t have any time! I go home, I sleep, I some screen acting. I’ve learnt a lot from this the lead, and where does Joseph stand in work and that’s it. But I think that’s the best experience about my natural acting ability in terms of your favourite musicals? way because you’re constantly on an terms of being able to bring out real emotions. I hadn’t seen it before! Having been in it, it’s adrenaline rush. I went straight out of panto I’d never been able to make myself cry until I really different. I have my favourite musicals into this, and then hopefully I’ll be going did this show, and now in every show I cry at and Joseph is obviously up there now, but for straight into the next job. I think when you the end when I see my dad for the first time in different reasons, because I know first-hand don’t have time, you have to commit to the 25 years. I’ve managed to unlock a part of me as a performer how great the music is and role, whereas if you had weeks off here and that can bring memories and emotions into what a joy it is to sing. It will always have a there, you’d maybe get a bit sloppy and my performance, so I’d be really interested to special place in my heart. I love the show, I wouldn’t feel connected to the role in quite do something that isn’t as camp and over- love the cast, I love the company. Yeah, the same way. the-top as Joseph is; something that’s real Joseph is definitely up there. and gritty and nowadays. But there’s Back to the beginning... Was being on definitely some other musicals that I’ve got What’s the biggest appeal of playing stage something you dreamt about when my eye on at the minute, and I would love to Joseph, and can you relate to the character you were a child? go to the West End. That’s a big bucket-list in any way? Definitely. I don’t know any different. I never item for me - to be on stage in a West End Yeah, I massively relate to this role. Joseph is had a back-up plan. It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ I theatre. This experience has done wonders for a dreamer, he’s the black sheep of the family, was going to make it, it was always a matter me. I will have done it for a year by the time I and I took that back to my sexuality. I was out of ‘when’. Some people might say that was finish, so I think I’ve proven that I’ve got the and proud at school, I had these dreams of delusional or a bit cocky, but it wasn’t. I just stamina. Now I’m just looking forward to being a popstar, and everything I wanted to had belief that I wanted it enough. I was going out and adding different strings to my do didn’t seem to fit with the norm - so I always taught to work hard and try to be the bow. understand what Joseph goes through in that best, because if you’re the best that you can respect. I know what it’s like to hit rock be, then no one can tell you you’re not giving bottom and still stick by your convictions. I’ve enough. learnt that if you work hard and don’t let Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor anyone deter you from your path, ultimately Were you specifically drawn to musical Dreamcoat runs at Birmingham you come out on top - that’s what the show’s theatre or just performing in general? Hippodrome from Tuesday 2 to Saturday about and that’s where I feel I am in my life Just performing in general. I love the expres- 13 July. For more information and to book now. sion that can come with it. I think that poten- tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com tially comes from - like I said - when I was This is your first musical. How did your younger and was a gay child. I remember my previous experiences on stage prepare you first memories of being gay were when I was for the challenge? eight years old. The world wasn’t as accepting I’d say Union J definitely prepared me in back then, so I had to find a way to express Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 09:55 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Hair The Musical Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 23 - Sat 27 July Although it’s set in New York in 1967, Hair The Musical nonetheless explores a number of subjects that remain relevant in the 21st century. Inspired by the late-1960s sexual revolution, very much a product of the hippie counter- culture of the time, and unfolding against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and widespread anti-war protests, Hair follows a group of rebellious youngsters as they chase their dreams of living a bohemian existence and avoiding conscription. The show’s Grammy Award-winning score features numerous songs that became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement, not least among which is opening number Aquarius. Dancing On Ice winner Jake Quickenden, Daisy Wood-Davis (Hollyoaks/Dreamboats & Petticoats) and Marcus Collins (X- Factor/Kinky Boots) star.

Scenes From A into his mystical world of Narnia. love tends to fair less well critically than the The show is the Garrick’s fourth ‘community rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. Brummie lliad musical’ production. Its popularity is nonetheless ensured by its The REP, Birmingham, Fri 19 & Sat 20 July timeless themes and its regular appearance Homer’s epic poem about the war between as a study text on the National Curriculum. the Greeks and the Trojans is here given Joseph And The Amazing This outdoor version is being presented by something of a Brummie makeover. Technicolor Dreamcoat the ever-reliable Heartbreak Productions. RSC and Birmingham Rep actor Roderick Smith is the man behind the show, breathing Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 2 - Sat 13 July Hymns For Robots new life into the classic story of heroes and Joseph was Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd gods whilst at the same time celebrating the Webber’s first foray into the world of Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 18 July local vernacular. Sounds, er, bostin’! musical theatre, paving the way for their later offerings, Jesus Christ Superstar and The name Delia Derbyshire may not be all Evita. Fabulously fun and frothy, the show that well known, but one of her compositions offers great entertainment for anybody who most certainly is. Derbyshire was an elec- fancies the kind of night out that lets you tronic-music trailblazer who also happened leave your brain at home. to be the unsung talent behind the now Joseph sees the future in dreams, and tells globally famous theme tune to Dr Who. his 11 brothers that he’s had a vision in This clever show from Noctium Theatre is an which he’s seen them all bowing down to imaginative celebration of the Coventry-born him. Not surprisingly, the lads are a tad musician and composer, blending the com- annoyed with him about this - and feel even pany’s unique heightened-performance style less enamoured towards their sibling when with analogue and digital music to create ‘a their dad gives him a coat of many colours... sonic experience your ears won’t believe’. The Lion, The Witch & Union J’s Jaymi Hensley stars as Joseph. The Wardrobe Lichfield Garrick, Tues 23 - Sat 27 July Romeo & Juliet This much-loved tale from the pen of CS Brueton Park, Solihull, Wed 17 July; Walsall Lewis is rightly regarded as an all-time Arboretum, Fri 26 July; Royal Spa Centre, classic of children's literature. It sees the Leamington Spa, Fri 6 September lion-god Aslan coming to the aid of three Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth youngsters who’ve accidentally stumbled tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret

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A Walk In The Night Garden... Lucy Tobin meets the creators behind In The Night Garden Live... In The Night Garden.qxp_Layout 1 28/06/2019 09:05 Page 2

In The Night Garden is probably the only lul- minds he exists - he’s real - and they’re all so tale of Igglepiggle’s search for his friends, fol- laby-filled children’s TV programme that has excited to see him. lowing their funny sounds until he finds them almost caused a parental riot. Why? Because all. Fans will spot all of their favourites. Zafar “Making shows for two-year-olds is brilliant - when CBeebies once moved the tots’ favourite has spent months working on the design of they're so vocal when you get it right (and - featuring the adventures of Igglepiggle, Upsy the characters “because, to the children in when you get it wrong). My favourite ever clip Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends - from its our audience, In the Night Garden’s charac- that one parent shared on social media after bedtime slot to an earlier one, it prompted ters are like friends that they know really seeing In the Night Garden Live had her two parent petitions, outrage, and a swift u-turn well: they have to look exactly as they do on year old repeating over and over ‘Mummy, it’s from the BBC. their screens at home.” And the show’s amazing. Wow, it’s amazing. It’s amazing.’ I writer, Eastman says her biggest challenge Igglepiggle and co returned to their popular think she says it around fifteen times! As a was “creat[ing] something which will feel evening slot, and they’ve remained there ever theatre producer you can’t really wish for a completely familiar to our young audience, since: In the Night Garden is the BAFTA better review than that.” who know the world of Night Garden and its award-winning series that’s been one of the To guarantee that reaction with the latest characters intimately, but is also fresh and ex- Beeb’s most-watched shows for a whopping 12 show, the producers called in world- citing. All our favourite characters feature in years. Only 100 episodes were ever made - so renowned theatrical experts to create the the story, as do the rituals of the Night Gar- toddlers and their parents around the country show, which is written by Bing Live writer den.” will be elated that, following 2010’s sell-out Helen Eastman, with the puppets’ costumes live touring show, In the Night Garden Live is That sense of responsibility is echoed by Will designed by Tahra Zafar. A costumier, puppet coming to Birmingham Repertory Theatre Tuckett, the Royal Ballet stalwart, Olivier and animatronics expert whose career spans with a brand-new show and a brilliant new award-winner, and one of the Royal Opera the blockbuster Harry Potter and Star Wars story to tell from 31 July – 4 August. House’s top choreographers, who is director films, Zafar even worked with the Queen on of the new In the Night Garden Live stage It’s part of a tour of 40 regional theatres her first (and only) acting role, as she was show. “It’s not just the actual show that we which promises to thrill toddlers and their head of costumes at the 2012 London want to be perfect for our young audience, parents or grandparents: there’s a reason Olympics and Elizabeth II starred in the but the whole theatre experience,” Tuckett ex- celebrities including singers Adele and Rob- Opening Ceremony. Yet ask the creative whiz plains. “We’ve trained all the front-of-house bie Williams, Rio Ferdinand, Billie Piper, what character she’s most proud of working staff to make sure everything runs smoothly - Scott Mills and Amanda Holden are amongst on in her three-decade-long career, and the after all, it’s not every show that sees hun- those who have flocked to see In the Night answer isn’t Hermione or Obi Wan-Kenobe - dreds of buggies arrive! We needed to make it Garden Live. it’s Upsy Daisy. clear that we can’t delay the start as other But it’s the puppets on stage who are the stars The always-happy dolly with red, pink and shows might because of a glitch, for example, of this show. Whilst the average grown-up yellow hair who Zafar helped create for the because parents may have to pick up older might watch In the Night Garden and see a original In the Night Garden TV show is, she kids at a set time. We’re making sure the show strange plot of cuddly characters apparently explains, “just smashing. She’s a girl charac- works for parents as well as their children.” speaking gobbledegook to a soporific back- ter who avoids the usual stereotypes - she Tuckett’s favourite thing about In the Night drop, it’s all sophistically-tailored linguistics isn’t overly bossy, or stuffed with props”. Garden Live is that “its style is perennial - a to captivate pre-schoolers. Andrew Daven- Working on Upsy Daisy was Zafar’s first job make-believe world, all about how friends op- port, the show’s creator, explains: “The char- after maternity leave with her now 14-year-old erate, how small children play, how they acters speak almost entirely in play language, - “so the character is a bit like my other learn about texture, communication - it’s very which is hugely important to language devel- daughter,” she laughs. The designer is pas- relaxing to watch. Parents might initially opment. Children recognise the nursery sionate about the importance of children’s think it all looks a bit weird - but kids abso- rhyme silliness of it, they love the funny lan- theatre under the shadow of cuts to the arts in lutely love it, and parents love watching their guage and characters, and the attention to de- schools. “Straitened budgets and a 1950s- kids love something.” tail that’s within them, and they love the style emphasis only on reading, writing and whole fantasy of the Night Garden world - but Like the rest of the In the Night Garden Live arithmetic means that creativity is being I think, at the end of it, that it’s the comedy crew, Tuckett knows he has “a really precious sucked out of schools,” she believes. “So it’s that draws them in.” audience for Night Garden. For so many this more important for us on In the Night Garden will be their first time in a theatre; we want It might be all about having fun, but the mak- Live, and in children’s arts in general, to the families to go back to see something else, ers of In the Night Garden Live took the re- make sure we do our jobs really well. We have for the theatre to feel like a place they all sponsibility of putting on what will be a lot of a responsibility to get everything to right to enjoy going to, to see magical shows. It’s a big the audience’s first trip to a theatre very seri- fill that gap. Children’s theatre is about being responsibility.” ously. As Oliver Seadon, producer of In the together, taking in a shared experience, es- Night Garden Live, puts it: “It’s such a heart- caping everyday worries, being taken some- meltingly brilliant thing to hear the hysteria where different.” In the Night Garden Live is at Birmingham when Igglepiggle first appears on stage in That somewhere different is Igglepiggle’s Repertory Theatre from 31 July – 4 August front of his little fans - there’s a sort of glow of Busy Day, as In the Night Garden Live tells the happiness throughout the theatre. In their Theatre July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 09:55 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Amélie The Musical The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 22 - Sat 27 July; Malvern Theatres, Mon 29 July - Sat 3 August Danny Mac stars in this new stage adaptation of the five-time Oscar-nominated 2001 film of the same title (well, the same title minus ‘the musical’ bit). A young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind, Amélie secretly improvises small but extraordinary acts of kindness that bring happiness to those around her. But when Nino comes into her life, the introverted young woman finds herself unexpectedly contemplating a happiness of her very own... The West End version of this show has garnered plenty of praise, and the production certainly stands out as one of a kind - where else would you find dancing gnomes, giant figs, large dildos and Elton John, for example? It’s not short in length, though, and there are a lot of songs, so be sure that you’re wearing your ‘I love musical theatre’ head on the night that you go along.

Fame The Musical ers and inspired a giant treasure chest’s- folds. Nothing you are told is quite as Malvern Theatres, Mon 8 - Sat 13 July worth of stage and film adaptations. straightforward as it seems, and nothing you When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his see is quite what you expect.” papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Jim Hawkins into the adventure of a lifetime, one which will see him not only A Midsummer setting sail in search of buried treasure, but Night’s Dream also spending time in the company of a one- Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 5 & Sat legged pirate with murder in mind... 6 July; Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Presented by the well-established and highly Sun 7 July; The Place, Telford, Wed 17 July regarded Chapterhouse Theatre Company. Zany funsters Oddsocks celebrate their 30th anniversary with a high-energy production of one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies. The original mega-hit film and its spin-off TV Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Hermia, series are now both so old that their once- Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania and nimble dancers might soon be reaching for Oberon are up to no good, and Puck’s got his zimmer frames! By contrast, Fame The finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. Musical continues to get up a sweat on a Add in a group of rude mechanicals and the regular basis. And as high-octane, recipe for success is guaranteed... choreographed-to-the-rafters stage musicals go, it hits the Midlands this month with a reputation second to none. Offstage Set in New York’s legendary High School for Lichfield Garrick, Fri 12 July the Performing Arts, the show focuses on the Crooked Dances International physical theatre company highs and lows of the students who’re Studio Theatre, The Other Place, Stratford- Ephemeral Ensemble combine skilled physi- desperately seeking success, and offers a upon-Avon, until Sat 13 July cality, playful stage craft and original music dazzling evening of foot-tapping music and Award-winning playwright Robin French’s to create original and ambitious works in- breathtaking dance into the bargain. new work finds journalist Katy heading to spired by human stories. Focusing on the Re-envisioned songs include Let’s Play A Paris to interview world famous concert characters of Harley and Pedro, the com- Love Scene and the title hit itself. pianist Silvia de Zingaro. The meetup doesn’t pany’s latest offering takes a look ‘behind the go well, but it soon becomes apparent that curtain to loneliness and depression’ in a Treasure Island Katy might yet get the scoop she’s been look- compassionate exploration of suicide. ing for... Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wed 10 July; “From reading the first few lines in Robin’s Powis Castle & Garden, Nr Welshpool, Fri 12 July; Haughton Hall Hotel & Leisure Club, play, I was hooked,” says Crooked Dances’ Shropshire, Sun 14 July director, Elizabeth Freestone. “He creates a Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story has funny, vivid and spellbinding atmosphere as delighted generation after generation of read- the extraordinary story of Silvia’s life un-

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Theatre for younger audiences...

In The Night Garden Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 2 & Wed 3 July; The REP, Birmingham, Wed 31 July - Sun 4 August If your little ones are big fans of top-rated CBeebies television series In The Night Garden, they’re certain to enjoy this live version as well. And it’s not only the kids who’re in love with the stage productions... Audience surveys at NightGardenLive.com reveal that, for nine out of 10 adults, it’s a five-out-of-five theatrical experience! This latest production sees Igglepiggle trying to find all his friends in the Night Garden by following the selection of funny sounds that they make.

Horrible Histories the sea - until, that is, a meeting with the Ben, a wingless elf who flies on the back of wise octopus makes him realise that the act Gaston the Ladybird. The two chums live in The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, of sharing brings with it the reward of the tiny land of the Little Kingdom. Wed 3 - Sun 7 July happiness and acceptance. In this particular show, they help Gaston clean up his messy cave, go on a trip into The Big World with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum, and Elmer The Patchwork plan a surprise birthday party for King Elephant Thistle... Expect plenty of games, songs and laughter. The Core Theatre, Solihull, Tues 23 & Wed 24 July Suitable for children aged one-plus, this lively production tells the story of a patch- work elephant who determines to hide his As Horrible Histories’ publicity explains, ‘We ‘true colours’ in an effort to blend in, only to all want to meet people from history - the find that he feels happiest when he’s simply trouble is, everyone’s dead!’ being himself... Based on the classic chil- Which is, of course, where these hugely dren’s book series by David McKee. enjoyable and fabulously popular stage shows come in, with the Horrible Histories team bringing to life all manner of historical Alice In Wonderland figures and events. Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Thurs 25 July This particular production takes a look at the Awful Egyptians: ‘from the fascinating A timeless classic telling the magical and Pharaohs to the power of the Pyramids, decidedly topsy-turvy story of a little girl who discover the foul facts of death and decay falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a with the meanest mummies in Egypt’. weird world, Alice's Adventures In Wonder- land first made its way onto the stage during its author Lewis Carroll’s lifetime; in 1886, to The Rainbow Fish be precise. It’s since been adapted for the Ben & Holly’s theatre countless times and in all manner of Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 27 July Little Kingdom ways, including as a ballet, a musical, an Song, storytelling, percussion, interaction opera and a traditional pantomime. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, and innovative set design utilising recycled Wed 10 & Thurs 11 July With its cast of nonsensical and amusing plastic are here brought together to present a characters, including the White Rabbit, the The team behind Peppa Pig here present a stage version of Swiss author and illustrator Mad Hatter and the March Hare, it invariably stage version of another of their splendid Marcus Pfister’s cautionary tale. makes for a fun family show - and experienc- creations. Originally a BAFTA award-winning The multi-coloured Rainbow Fish doesn’t ing it in the great outdoors should make the television animation, it focuses on the adven- want to share his scales with the other fish in production all the more memorable. tures of fairy princess Holly and her best pal, Presented by Immersion Theatre. whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Grease (1).qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 14:48 Page 1

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The first brand new touring production of Grease The Musical in 25 years comes to Birmingham next month, and it’s bound to be electrifyin’… WhatGreased’s On spoke to cast members Peter Andre,Lightn who stars as Teen Angel, Dan ! Partridge, who takes the lead as Danny Zuko, and Martha Kirby, who plays Sandy. Gritty and glamorous, Grease is one of the the film came out and I went to see it in the So where does Peter get his inspiration for the most iconic shows of the 20th century. cinema at least 15 times,’ explains Peter role: “The Fonz is definitely my rebellious ’50s Producer Colin Ingram insists that this new Andre, who plays Teen Angel. “I loved it! inspiration for this part. The Fonz was a production will refresh and revive the hit Then I had it on VHS. It was such an iconic legend, and he and Danny Zuko brought musical, keeping it ‘fresh, relevant, vibrant film. I always had this dream of going back to about that iconic style of blue jeans, white and young’. What makes this version the 1950s, like when people say if you had a t-shirt and leather jacket. Those rockabilly different is that it’s more in keeping with the time machine and could go back to any era, vibes are definitely something I’ll be thinking original Broadway production written by Jim where would you go. The ’50s would always about during my performance. I remember at Jacobs and Gordon Casey, featuring songs be my answer. I think there’s something school we all loved to dress like that.” never before heard in any staging of Grease in about that era. I loved watching Grease and Peter’s father and children have also the UK. was desperate to be a part of it, so when the influenced him in preparing to play Teen opportunity came up to play Teen Angel, I ‘Growing up in Australia, I remember when Angel: was delighted.”

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by Lauren Cole

“My father was always there to give me the Grease The Musical has a history of making far! My aspirations are to find fulfillment in best advice when I was starting out in my stars of its actors. John Travolta himself started whatever I do. Obviously there are roles I’d career. When I was offered a recording deal out in the original Broadway production be- love to play and shows I’d love to do, like live on television when I was 16, I was the fore becoming a huge movie star. Grease, but I just want to feel like I’m apply- happiest person alive, but my dad insisted I Taking on the role of Danny Zuko in this latest ing myself creatively in anything that I put my finish school first. I was upset because I version is Dan Partridge: “When you go into mind to. So whether that’s going into teaching thought they might change their mind if they this industry as a performer, especially in for a bit after Grease or going on to do more had to wait for me. But I’m really grateful for times where you don’t have so much success, performing, I just want to do my best in what- that advice now, and it’s something that I to make a living out of this is an absolute ever the next opportunity happens to be.” want to pass onto my kids. My kids ask me dream come true,” says Dan. “In terms of why they have to go to school when I didn’t aspirations, I always want to go higher and get where I did in my career directly from further; to go into film and television. The studying. But I always insist that school is the sky’s the limit. Like Peter Andre says, you’ve Grease The Musical shows at Birmingham basis for everything, for all learning about got to climb that mountain and turn ‘impossi- Hippodrome from Tuesday 13 to Saturday life. I guess that’s also why the role of Teen ble’ into ‘I’m possible’. 24 August, with Peter Andre playing Teen Angel appeals to me so much, because he “What’s so exciting about this new production Angel from 13 to 17 and 21 to 22 August only. appears to Frenchy to encourage her not to is that it has all the iconic songs and every- drop out of school.” thing that audiences love about Grease, along- side the fact that it’s a brand new The new production is blessed with the production. The script has been improved, so creative input of renowned choreographer that we have a bit more of the historical Arlene Phillips. Peter explains what this context in there, which is what makes it means for Teen Angel: “I’ve been told that grittier. There’s unbelievable casting, es- this role is Teen Angel with a twist… and I’m pecially with Peter Andre, even if he just about as much in the dark with that right does make lots of terrible dad-jokes! now as the audiences will be when they Then, on top of that, Arlene Phillips arrive. choreographs it. There really are “Teen Angel is such an iconic part of the some incredible household names on Grease film, but they definitely plan to make board with this new production.” that scene a much bigger and better part of this production. With Arlene Phillips at the Starring alongside Dan is newbie helm, I think everything will be fabulous. Martha Kirby… She’s talking about making the moves more “It’s an honour to be making my contemporary, but also going back and look- professional debut as ing at the original Broadway production and Sandy,” she says. “To ful- the dancing from the ’50s itself. There have fill this dream role at been rumours that I will be suspended in such an early stage some way to fly in, in true Teen Angel style, in my career is but I haven’t told them yet that I’m scared of mental - scary heights! I’m not into sky diving or bungee but also very jumping or anything like that…” exciting. I’m Despite focusing on his extensive music really inter- career, Peter’s love of theatre really shines ested to play through: “I think theatre is the root of all Sandy in my performance. You look at some of the A-list own way and Hollywood actors and they either start out in challenge the stereo- theatre or return to it later on. Theatre is type of what the char- where performance starts and where it ends: acter can be. I think I’m it’s truly the root of it all. I did Thriller in the slightly punchier than the tra- West End for the Prince’s Trust, and there’s ditional Sandy, so I’d like to bring talk of me doing other stage shows as well. some of my own personality and Unfortunately, it’s the commitment and long experience to the role. With this amount of time spent touring that makes new UK tour and production, it theatre difficult for me, but I can do a few bits just seems like the right time to here and there, which is great, and I’m really bring something new.” looking forward to Grease. So what are Martha’s hopes for her “The show is going to be electrifyin’! The career? visuals, lights, costumes, acting, singing and dancing - it’s truly going to dazzle!” “Gosh, I’m just happy I’ve even got this

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Film

Spider-Man: Far From Home CERT 12a (129 mins) Starring Tom Holland, Samuel L Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau, JB Smoove, Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, Jake Gyllenhaal Directed by Jon Watts (USA)

Having been killed off in Avengers: Infinity War, Spidey swings back into action in this, the ninth solo Spider-Man film. On a school trip to London, Prague and Venice, Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is called on by Nick Fury (Samuel L Jackson) to help combat an organisation operating from an alternative dimension. The director Jon Watts returns from his duties on the last Spidey film, Spider- Man: Homecoming (2017) and Jake Gyllenhaal plays the master of trickery, Quentin Beck - aka Mysterio. Interestingly, Gyllenhaal was due to play Spider-Man himself - in Spider- Man 2 (2004) - when Tobey Maguire was injured while shooting Seabiscuit, but the latter then recovered in time. Available in 3D and IMAX. Released Tues 2 July EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in July...

Anna CERT 12a (119 mins) Midsommar CERT tbc (140 mins) Never Look Away Starring Sasha Luss, Luke Evans, Cillian Starring Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, CERT 15 (189 mins) Murphy, Helen Mirren William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren, Starring Tom Schilling, Sebastian Koch, Paula Directed by Luc Besson (France) Archie Madekwe, Will Poulter Beer, Saskia Rosendahl, Oliver Masucci Directed by Ari Aster (USA/Sweden) Anna is played by the Russian supermodel Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (Germany) Sasha Luss and is a beauty with a frightening secret. Well, not that secret if you are familiar From the director of the Oscar-winning The with Luc Besson’s other films, Nikita, Lucy, Lives Of Others (2006), this is the story of an and Valerian And The City Of A Thousand artist who has escaped the constraints of Planets. As it happens, Anna is a kick-ass East Germany but is still haunted by his government assassin. childhood there under the GDR regime. Nominated for the 2019 Oscar for best foreign Released Fri 5 July language film - and for best cinematography. Released Fri 5 July

A young couple choose a remote Swedish village in which to holiday, a decision they quickly learn to regret when bizarre local traditions start to surface. From the American filmmaker who made his debut with the critically acclaimed Hereditary (2018). Be afraid. Released Fri 5 July

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Film

Warren and is locked behind sacred glass. Vita & Virginia CERT 12a (110 mins) Kursk: The Last Mission But we all know that Annabelle is no Starring Gemma Arterton, Elizabeth Debicki, dummy… For those who really care, this is CERT tbc (117 mins) Rupert Penry-Jones, Peter Ferdinando, the seventh instalment in the Conjuring Uni- Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, Léa Seydoux, Isabella Rossellini Colin Firth, Peter Simonischek, August Diehl, Directed by Chanya Button (UK/Ireland) verse franchise. Max von Sydow Directed by Thomas Vinterberg (France/Belgium/Luxembourg) Adapted from the Released Wed 10 July play by Eileen Only last year Colin Firth was having trouble Atkins - who co- at sea in the yachting drama The Mercy. Now scripts the film with The Dead Don’t Die he plays the Royal Navy commander David its director - this CERT 15 (105 mins) Russell, who attempts to save those aboard biographical Starring Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Tilda the Russian nuclear-powered submarine romance explores Swinton, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, Kursk that sank in the Barents Sea in 2000. Danny Glover, Tom Waits Based on Robert Moore’s book A Time To Die the relationship Directed by Jim Jarmusch (USA/Sweden) between Virginia (2003). With Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), cult direc- Woolf (Elizabeth Debicki) and the poet and Released Fri 12 July tor Jim Jarmusch explored the vampire genre novelist Vita Sackville-West (Gemma Arter- and cast Tilda Swinton as a centuries-old ton). Bizarrely, the last time Virginia Woolf bloodsucker. Now he’s cast her as a sword- was played on screen was by another wielding undertaker in his starry take on the Stuber CERT tbc Australian actress, Nicole Kidman. zombie comedy. Starring Kumail Nanjiani, Dave Bautista, Iko Released Fri 5 July Uwais, Natalie Morales, Karen Gillen Released Fri 12 July Directed by Michael Dowse (USA) Uber driver Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) really cares Annabelle Comes Home about his star rating. However, when he picks CERT 15 (106 mins) up a reckless detective (Dave Bautista) who Starring Mckenna Grace, Madison Iseman, involves him in a race to catch a ruthless Katie Sarife, Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga terrorist, things turn decidedly tricky. Directed by Gary Dauberman (USA) Expect some raw language. That wretched doll - last seen in Annabelle: Released Fri 12 July Creation (2017) - is now back in the safekeep- ing of the demonologists Ed and Lorraine

Pavarotti CERT 12a (114 mins) Directed by Ron Howard (USA/UK) Luciano Pavarotti was perhaps the most successful tenor in history, crossing over into popular music, being a part of The Three Tenors and even starring in a Hollywood film. Ron Howard previously directed the documentary The Beatles: Eight Days A Week (2016). Released Mon 15 July

The Queen’s Corgi Whitehall), accidentally bites Donald CERT PG (85 mins) Trump on his state visit and shortly after- With the voices of Jack Whitehall, Julie wards goes missing. You couldn’t make it Walters, Sheridan Smith, Ray Winstone, up. In spite of the British voice cast - and Matt Lucas, Tom Courtenay subject matter - this cartoon actually hails Directed by Ben Stassen and Vincent from Belgium. Kesteloot (Belgium) The Queen’s favourite Corgi, Rex (Jack Released Fri 5 July

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Film highlights released in July...

The Lion King CERT PG With the voices of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, James Earl Jones Directed by Jon Favreau (USA) A 'photorealistic' remake of Disney's 1994 cartoon classic builds on the company's growing technical acumen, with Jon Favreau back in the director’s chair following his wizardry with The Jungle Book (2016). Elton John, of Rocketman fame, teams up with Tim Rice and Beyoncé to provide a brand new song, while five tunes from the original will figure, including, of course, Circle Of Life and the Oscar-winning Can You Feel The Love Tonight, the latter being performed by Beyoncé. Since the release of the first film - which was, in part, inspired by Hamlet - The Lion King has been made into a stage musical, becoming the highest-grossing production in Broadway history. A hard act to follow. Released Fri 19 July

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Chambermaid The Current War The Intruder CERT 15 (102 mins) CERT tbc (102 mins) CERT tbc (105 mins) Starring Michael Ealy, Meagan Good, Dennis Starring Gabriela Cartol, Teresa Sánchez Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Quaid, Joseph Sikora, Alvina August Directed by Lila Avilés (Mexico/USA) Shannon, Nicholas Hoult, Tom Holland, Directed by Deon Taylor (USA) Katherine Waterston, Tuppence Middleton People really shouldn’t buy houses in the In the wake of the Oscar-winning Roma, this Directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon (USA) Mexican drama also focuses on class and movies. There’s always a problem. Here, privilege as it highlights the ritual of a Scott and Annie Howard move into their new conscientious chambermaid working for a home in Napa Valley, but find that the top hotel in Mexico City. It marks the directo- previous owner still wants to keep a very rial debut of the actress Lila Avilés. close eye on it… Released Fri 26 July Released Fri 26 July

Teen Spirit CERT 12a (93 mins) Starring Elle Fanning, Rebecca Hall, Zlatko Buric, Agnieszka Grochowska Directed by Max Minghella (UK/USA) Elle Fanning plays a shy teenager who tries to escape her roots by entering an international That’s ‘current’ as in ‘the flow of electricity’, singing competition. and this is the story of the rivalry between The film, described as a Thomas Edison (Cumberbatch) and George musical drama, marks Westinghouse (Shannon) to power the world the directorial debut of their way. Nicholas Hoult co-stars as another the actor Max Minghella, electrifying inventor, the physicist Nikola son of the acclaimed Tesla. filmmaker Anthony Minghella. Released Fri 26 July Released Fri 26 July whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Visual Arts July -2.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 14:51 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Home Of Metal Presents Black Sabbath - 50 Years Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 29 September Home Of Metal, a project devoted to the Heavy Metal music that was born in and around Birmingham, is the initiative behind this sure-to- be-popular exhibition, which seeks to dissect the key ingredients that came together to create Black Sabbath. Focusing on more than just the band and their Birmingham roots, Home Of Metal has also captured more than 3,000 portraits of Black Sabbath fans across the world, in the process illustrating the diversity of the group’s fanbase. The exhibition also includes a recreation of super- fan Stephen Knowles’ living room - a space that he’s turned into his own mini Sabbath museum - and a number of key costumes loaned by the band. Other on-display items include Ozzy’s glasses, Tony Iommi’s home studio and a part of Bill Ward’s drum kit, used in the 1974 Cal Jam, where Sabbath performed in front of 250,000 people.

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Visual Arts

Nick Hynan: Gender Blending Birmingham LGBT Centre, until Mon 26 August This thought-provoking exhibition sees local pho- tographer Nick Hynan chronicling Birmingham’s gender-blending culture. Nick’s aim is to show that drag and cross-dressing is a ‘living and evolving tradition’, and that today’s generation of drag kings and queens have developed a range of styles which allow them to challenge, with increasing confidence, society’s attitudes to gender and sexuality. An ongoing project since 2014, Gender Blending 2019 includes new images being exhibited for the very first time.

A Tea Journey: From The Mountains To The Table Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 6 July - Sun 22 September Compton Verney’s summer exhibition house made of bamboo, which is does exactly what it says on the, er, tea appearing outside Japan for the first time. caddy - telling the story of how Britain’s Also included is an examination of how favourite drink became an everyday tea physically affects the body and can commodity. The exhibition features help in times of shock or grief, and an paintings, poetry, music, a collection of intricate-but-transient wet clay ancient and modern ceramics, a tea installation inspired by tea and created by sensorium and a modern Japanese tea Staffordshire artist Phoebe Cummings.

Drawn Of The Dead: The Comic Art Of Charlie Adlard Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 3 November Opening last month to coincide with work on the Walking Dead comic book. Comics Salopia - Shrewsbury’s new comic The exhibition provides visitors with the A Tale Of Two Empires: Rome book festival - Drawn Of The Dead features chance to take part in a ‘zombie life-draw- a selection of original illustrations by local ing session’, during which they can create And Persia artist Charlie Adlard, best known for his a zombie sketch to take home. Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 15 March 2020 This long-running exhibition is based around the Barber’s extensive Late Roman coin collection and its historically important Sasanian cache (Sasania was the last kingdom of the Persian Empire, nowadays known as Iran). Charting a journey from the third century through to the seventh, the display recounts a story of violence and glory, peace and tolerance, betrayal and revenge. Along the way, it plots the dynamics that existed between the ancient superpowers of Rome and Persia as they ‘spun humiliating defeats and promoted bloody victories on the small pieces of art circulating in the pockets of the masses’. The exhibition also contemplates the artistic themes and devices the two civilisations had in common.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Picture This! Family Drawing Tour Aston Hall, Birmingham, Tues 23 July - Tues 27 August

Families with creative flair should head to Aston Hall this summer, as the venue is holding a series of special interactive drawing tours. Alongside the opportunity to get sketching, the tour also provides visitors with the chance to find out 1940s Weekend military checkpoints and back in time to about some of the people who’ve explore entertainment, food and fashion 1940s- lived in or visited the venue across Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, style. Sat 12 - Sun 14 July the centuries, and to learn some of Vintage vehicles and 1940s civilians and army The Black Country Living Museum is this the secrets hidden in their personnel will be much in evidence, with portraits. month stepping back in time to the 1940s, to attractions across the weekend including live present the sights and sounds of wartime music, wartime variety shows, austerity-bust- Britain. ing make-do-and-mend workshops, fashion Identity cards in hand, visitors step through The Wilder Side Of shows and street performers. Compton Verney Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park, Sun 7 July Art & Antiques For Everyone The Big Picnic NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 20 July Bringing together more than 200 specialist deal- ers, this show is the largest vetted art, interiors & antiques fair outside of London. The event attracts experts from all levels of the antiques world: from dealers with galleries in Celebrate National Meadows Day London’s West End showing works with prices by immersing yourself in nature up to £100,000, to occasional dealers with a pas- and discovering the wildlife sion for buying and selling all kinds of unusual thriving in Compton Verney’s items, with many exhibits priced at under £20. meadows, woods and parkland. Expert seminars and talks by well-known figures Call in at the Pollination Station to from the art and antiques world also feature. understand the importance of bees and other insects to the environ- The annual Big Picnic celebrations are back this ment, or drop into the venue’s month. Taking place in the gardens of Anne Forest School to create some Hathaway’s Cottage, the popular event sees insect-inspired artwork. families packing a food hamper and enjoying a Visitors can also follow badger day’s entertainment. trails, settle down at the bird hide There’s plenty to keep youngsters entertained, and go pond-dipping for with garden games, face painting, magic tricks creepy-crawlies. and puppet theatre all featuring. And be sure to join Hushwings the Plus, if you’re still feeling a bit peckish after owl, who will take you on a chomping your way through a hamper’s-worth of remarkable flying tour of the park home-prepared tucker, there are some sizzling in a 360° virtual reality video barbecue foods available to enjoy. experience.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Birmingham Bubble Rush Cofton Park, Birmingham, Sat 20 July

Raising funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice, the Birming- ham Bubble Rush is back for 2019. Starting in a sea of bubbles, make your way round the course as the Bubble Commandos fire frothy Destination Space: The Moon milkshake bubbles from their foam cannons. Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, summer holiday. You'll visit different-coloured Mon 22 July - Fri 30 August Visitors can not only find out about both bubble stations along the route, Blast off! To mark the 50th anniversary of the current and future missions, they can also as you run, jog, walk or dance first moon landing, Thinktank is hosting an discover what it takes to get to the moon and your way to the finish line. action-packed family show throughout the what it’s like to work on the lunar landscape. The event is suitable for all the family, with all ages and abilities welcome to participate. The course is both wheelchair and Camper Jam pushchair-friendly. Weston Park, Staffordshire, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July Camper Jam is celebrating its 12th birthday this Summer Of Spitfire year by promising more family fun than ever RAF Museum, Cosford, before. Attractions include stalls to shop in, bars Mon 1 July - Sun 1 September to cool off in and plenty of live entertainment to RAF Museum Cosford is the place enjoy across the three-day weekend. to head for this summer if you’re a Not only can visitors check out a variety of VW fan of the Spitfire. vehicles, they can also sample entertainment The venue’s line-up of attractions including a tug o’ war, ‘cooking in a camper’ and includes cockpit tours of the a K9 dog show. world’s oldest Spitfire Mk 1, daily The Friday night has a definite rock-tash-tic feel storytelling sessions, and the about it, with performances from Bon Jovi chance to grab a Spitfire selfie Forever and Supreme Queen, while the Saturday with props and costumes. boasts a real ’90s vibe, as The Spice Girlz, Pulp’d New for 2019 is a virtual reality and Blur2 take to the stage. SciFest zone featuring the Spitfire VR University of Wolverhampton, Fri 5 - Sat 6 July Experience, providing visitors with the chance to enjoy the thrill Adults and children of all ages can this month of flying in a Spitfire. get involved in an action-packed day of science, The experience puts you in the technology, engineering and maths (STEM). cockpit and 10,000 feet in the air. The University of Wolverhampton is hosting a Then, once you’re wearing the VR whole range of free workshops, experiments and goggles, you can enjoy a fully games for all the family to enjoy. interactive panoramic view of a Highlights include a pop-up planetarium, real Spitfire flight. robotic coding and a rocket-building workshop.

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Warwick Castle.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 15:43 Page 1 Wonderful Warwick Discover over 1000 years of history at one of England’s best-loved visitor attractions.

Spectacular shows and attractions, spellbind- grounds, Warwick Castle is the ultimate back- batics, then join the falconer on a quest for ing storytelling and exhilarating experiences drop for spectacular shows. the finest birds in the land. all year round make Warwick Castle one of the Don't miss the UK’s biggest Birds of Prey Plus, enjoy the critically acclaimed Wars Of most exciting historic visitor attractions in Show this Summer, The Falconer’s Quest - The Roses Live jousting show. Experience a Europe. taking place in a stunning riverside location spectacle never before seen in the UK, com- Set in the heart of Shakespeare’s England, with within the grounds of the castle. Search the plete with perilous stunt riders, fearless joust- fascinating architecture and amazing views to skies overhead as free-flying birds of prey ing and state-of-the-art special effects. enjoy in 64 acres of beautifully landscaped take flight in a dynamic display of aerial acro-

and there’s more... No matter what time of year, there’s some- For wannabe princesses, the Princess have been like for Victorian guests by at- thing for everyone at Warwick Castle. Tower is the place to visit. Here, you can tending the venue’s Royal Weekend Party. learn about Guy’s quest to win the hand of In 1898, Frances, Countess of Warwick - who In addition to the seasonal events taking the beautiful Felice before falling foul of an was more affectionately known as Daisy - place at the venue, there’s also a selection of evil sorcerer. Play your part in breaking the hosted a weekend party at which the princi- all-year-round attractions to enjoy. curse and reuniting Felice with her sweet- pal guest was the Prince of Wales, later Ed- These include: heart... ward VII. The party is now reenacted across 12 specially designed rooms, where visitors Ever fancied walking in battle alongside a The world’s first Horrible Histories ® will come across the likes of a young Win- medieval army? With Warwick the King- Maze, featuring fun challenges including a ston Churchill reading a book in the library. chance to survive the trenches, uncover evil maker, you can do just that. Join him and plots and ultimately escape the maze... his soldiers as they prepare for war - and in For more information about events the process experience the sights, sounds at Warwick Castle and to book tickets The Castle Dungeon * which brings to- and smells of medieval England... online, visit warwick-castle.com gether a cast of historic characters, immer- *additional charges apply sive sets, special effects and live shows... Find out what a weekend at the castle would

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Slay the Dragon! action-packed show returns to Warwick Castle...

Entertainment of the highest calibre is al- his nemesis, the fire-breathing dragon. For those wishing to experience even more ways assured at Warwick Castle, but next medieval merriment, the venue also offers a Unique to the Midlands, Dragon Slayer’s month the venue ups the ante once again hog roast or period-themed banquet to finale features a projection canvas measuring with the return of its popular Dragon accompany the show. 31 metres by 80 metres and lit with 150,000 Slayer evening shows. lumens of light - the equivalent to more than Show-only tickets start from £20 per person Back for 2019 following a hugely popular run 500 house lightbulbs. and include car parking. last year, the show is guaranteed to delight For 2019, the action in the castle’s main court- All bookings must be made online in advance visitors of all ages. Performances feature dis- yard combines further fiery elements with - and bear in mind that shows, particularly on plays of fearless horseback fire-jousting, per- even more light projection, pyrotechnics and Saturday evenings, tend to sell out fast. ilous stunt riding and a ‘dazzling’ live performance to create ‘the ultimate confrontation between Guy - a heroic figure thrilling finale’. likened to Robin Hood and Saint George - and

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FEATURE SUMMER OF FUN

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

Have a (pre)fab time at Avoncroft Museum Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4JR Spread over 19 acres of Worcestershire countryside, England’s first open-air museum covers in excess of 700 years of Midlands history. The site includes a wildflower meadow, period gardens and a traditional cider & perry orchard, as well as a collection of 20-plus historic buildings, ranging in date from Worcester Cathedral’s 14th century Guesten Hall roof to a post-Second World War Birmingham prefab. And if checking out all of the aforementioned attractions works up an appetite, the museum also boasts an award-winning tearoom, Get creative at Thinktank in a child-sized city complete with a selection of cakes or light Thinktank Science Museum, Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG lunches made with fresh, local produce, some A new mini-city space where children are in MiniBrum has a number of different play of which comes from the museum’s very own charge has opened at Thinktank Science zones, including a home area where period gardens. Museum. children can build their own dens, a burrow For further information, visit MiniBrum is an interactive child-sized world in which to search for hidden animals, a avoncroft.org.uk that allows youngsters to explore and race track inspired by Birmingham’s question their understanding of the STEM upcoming Commonwealth Games, a (science, technology, engineering & construction zone, post office and salon. Go behind the scenes at mathematics) world around them. Through There are also specially designed sensory BBC Birmingham play, children can gain the confidence to zones for babies. BBC Birmingham, The Mailbox, B1 1RF think like scientists in real-life scenarios, For further information, visit testing their ideas, solving problems and birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank Step inside BBC Birmingham for a special getting creative. behind-the-scenes tour of the TV & radio studios, providing you with the not-to-be- missed opportunity to find out more about some of the Beeb’s best-known output, Brick-tastic fun at Builder, special party rooms for birthdays including Midlands Today, BBC WM, Asian and other celebrations, a 4D cinema and Network and The Archers (subject to studio Legoland Discovery the popular Miniland area, which can be availability). Centre Birmingham found in every Legoland Discovery Centre Find out what it takes to put together a TV and theme park. news bulletin, learn about working in radio Arena Birmingham, King Edwards Rd, This summer the popular visitor and discover how BBC radio drama is made. Birmingham, B1 2AA attraction is hosting a Lego City: Report You can also try making your very own radio Since its highly anticipated opening last For Duty event, where kids are invited to play, which will then be sent to you as a summer, Legoland Discovery Centre complete building challenges and become memento of your visit. Birmingham has become a firm favourite a Lego City hero. BBC Birmingham tours run on Tuesdays, with families. Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10.30am and Highlight: ‘Big kids’ can take advantage Aimed at children aged three to 10, the 1pm. of adults-only nights on Wed 10 July, Wed centre offers plenty of highly interactive Each tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. 14 Aug and Wed 11 Sept and educational fun. Attractions include a For further information, visit For further information, visit range of Lego play areas, interactive rides, bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/tours/ legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk masterclasses from the Lego Master Model birmingham

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SUMMER OF FUN

Birmingham in bloom at the Botanical Gardens Birmingham Botanical Gardens, B15 3TR Set in 15 acres of landscaped greenery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens was established in 1829, since which time it’s been one of the city’s top attractions. With four stunning glasshouses - tropical, subtropical, Mediterranean and arid - there are plenty of unusual and amazing-looking plants to discover. The site also has its very own playground, tearoom and garden gift shop, all of which are surrounded by some of the most beautiful gardens in the UK. Plus, every Sunday afternoon until the end of September, musical performances will be taking place in the Victorian bandstand (from 2pm to 4pm). Highlights: Outdoor theatre performances in July and open-air cinema in August For further information, visit their ABCs backwards in an authentic Old-school fun at Black birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Edwardian school lesson and watch some Country Living Museum ‘loff out loud’ vintage cartoons in a 1920s Tipton Road, Dudley, DY1 4SQ. cinema. The museum is also hosting, for a third Get stuck into some old-school fun at the year, its hugely popular Summer Lates. Black Country Living Museum this For just a fiver, visitors entering after 5pm summer. The award-winning venue can enjoy family-friendly entertainment boasts more than 30 period shops and until 8pm every Friday during August. houses to explore and features a host of This year sees each evening themed famous characters to help bring the Black around a different decade, from the Country’s fascinating history to life. Roaring ’20s to the Swinging ’60s. Visitors can also challenge themselves to some deceptively simple old-school street Highlights: 1940s Weekend, 13-14 July games outside the back-to-backs, learn For further information, visit bclm.com Gear up for a visit to the British Motor Museum Banbury Rd, Gaydon, Warwickshire, CV35 OBJ Featuring the world’s largest collection of historic British cars, this family-friendly museum offers a colourful insight into the UK’s motor industry. From the popular Time Road to the Under The Skin interactive zone, adults and children alike will find displays and exhibits to surprise and enlighten. The museum tells the story of the birth, decline and rebirth of the motor industry and the cars it produced, as well as celebrating the calmer time checking out a host of exotic Enjoy a summer of thrills skills and creativity of the people who animals, the popular visitor attraction can designed and built them. at Drayton Manor Park certainly meet your summertime needs. This summer sees the venue hosting new Oh, and adrenaline junkies will also be Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW exhibition The Car. The Future. Me, which pleased to know that the park’s high-rope Home to Europe’s first and only Thomas takes a look back at the inventors of the first adventure course, VertiGo, is reopening on Land, Drayton Manor Theme Park is automobiles and assesses their visions for the Saturday 20 July. offering visitors a summer of fun. future. Special offer: Four tickets for £95 when The venue has more than 100 rides and Highlights: Summer Science Shows every you prebook online attractions across its site, as well as a 15- Wednesday 25 July - 29 August; Daily family For further information, visit acre zoo. So whether you fancy some activities 20 July - 2 September draytonmanor.co.uk white-knuckle rides, including Shockwave For further information, visit and Apocalypse, or would rather have a britishmotormuseum.co.uk

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SUMMER OF FUN

Time travel at Coventry Delve into the deep Gentoo penguin named Flash, who hatched last month. Transport Museum waters of National Sea Following a multi-million pound Millennium Place, Hales Street, Life Centre investment, the popular visitor attraction Coventry, CV1 1JD The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, is now also home to a world-class rescue This popular museum not only houses the Birmingham, B1 2HL facility. Visitors can check out a pair of its largest publicly owned collection of British residents, Miley and Boo, two seals who The National Sea Life Centre is home to vehicles on the planet, it also tells the story of each have medical conditions which more than 2,000 creatures (including a a city which changed the world through mean that they wouldn’t survive in the colony of gentoo penguins, black-tip reef transport. wild. sharks and a giant green sea turtle), There are 14 fully accessible galleries to enjoy, Highlights: Pirates And Mermaids, many of which have been rescued or featuring, among other attractions, pioneering until Sun 8 September successfully bred as part of the global Sea bicycles, transport champions, innovative, For further information, visit Life breeding initiative. memorable and luxurious vehicles from the visitsealife.com/birmingham The venue’s latest addition is a baby last 200 years and, last but certainly not least, the world’s fastest vehicle. Visitors can also walk through The Blitz experience or check out one of three 4D simulator rides. This summer the museum is hosting This Makes That With These, new sessions providing families with the chance to create their very own inventions using challenge kits that include mini cycles and gearboxes. For further information about the venue, visit transport-museum.com

Step into the world of shaped the world. Highlights: There’s live theatre from William Shakespeare resident actors at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, various contemporary sculptures and landscaped locations in Stratford-upon-Avon gardens to enjoy at Shakespeare’s New Experience what life was like for the Place, nine acres of gardens and orchards world’s most famous playwright as he grew to explore at Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, the up in Stratford-upon-Avon. chance to experience a real working Tudor From the home where Shakespeare was farm at Mary Arden’s Farm, and the born, to the cottage where he courted his opportunity to learn about medicinal Compton Verney is future bride and the site where he raised practices of the Jacobean era at Hall’s Croft. everyone’s cup of tea his family, visitors can walk in the footsteps For further information, visit Compton Verney, Warwickshire, CV35 9HZ of the bard to discover how his work has shakespeare.org.uk Discover the unique delights of Compton Verney this summer, including an award- winning art gallery and family-friendly cafe & gift shop surrounded by 120 acres of stunning parkland and lake. Visitors can wander through the historic ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, marvel at world-class art exhibitions or have fun in the outdoor adventure playground. Drop in any day during the summer holiday and take part in a range of creative and multisensory activities inspired by the gallery’s latest exhibition, A Tea Journey. Participants can explore a variety of teas through their sense of smell and design their very own tea ware. visit comptonverney.org.uk

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SUMMER OF FUN

Experience 900 years of Visit the birthplace of your science knowledge at Enginuity, or try some tile painting at the Jackfield Tile history at Tamworth Castle the Industrial Revolution Museum. Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, B79 7NA Various locations in and around Ironbridge, Other sites include the Coalport China Shropshire Museum and Coalbrookdale Museum of A World Heritage Site and the beating Iron - not forgetting the magnificent Iron heart of the Industrial Revolution, Bridge itself; the world’s first-ever cast- Ironbridge Gorge is home to 10 award- iron bridge. winning attractions that make for a great Pick up an Annual Passport and make day out. great savings on visits to all sites. Discover what life was like more than 100 For further information, visit years ago by visiting the recreated ironbridge.org.uk Victorian town of Blists Hill, swot up on

Step back in time through 900 years of history at Tamworth Castle. Wander the chambers and hallways and get a real sense of how the Saxons, Normans, Tudors and Victorians spent their time. There are more than 15 fully furnished rooms to discover - and if the weather’s on your side, why not venture up the castle’s tower to enjoy 360° views of the surrounding grounds and the town of Tamworth. Highlights: Castle Storytelling 23-25 July, WW2 In The Castle 30 July - 1 August, Saxons At The Castle 6-8 and 13 -15 August For further information, visit tamworthcastle.co.uk

A summertime adventure to remember at JCA Condover Hall Activity Centre, Shropshire, SY5 7AU Have a truly roarsome time at the safari park West Midland Safari Park. Bewdley, Worcs, DY12 1LF Get ‘up close and personal’ with animals from around the world on West Midland Safari Park’s four-mile drive-through experience. Considered to be one of the most outstanding Not only are there giraffes and lions, Elizabethan manor houses in England, the elephants and ostriches to encounter Grade I listed Condover Hall near Shrewsbury at the popular visitor attraction, combines the charm of rural Britain with the there’s also a discovery trail that’s latest technology to provide visitors of all ages home to a number of species, and the with ‘an adventure to remember’. chance to enjoy a variety of talks and Boasting a range of facilities and innovative shows. activity stations, JCA’s attractions include a Away from the animals, the safari park brand new high aerial trek, an on-site lake and features the UK’s largest animatronic wildlife lake, an indoor sports hall & dinosaur attraction, an Ice Age swimming pool, high & low rope courses, all- experience and Boj’s Giggly Park. weather sports courts and an indoor laser The venue is next month bringing back maze. its Summer Nights late openings (from See advert on page 40 for details on how to 1 August to 1 September) and will be get 10% off bookings on summer dates staying open until 7.30pm For further information, visit For further information, visit jca-adventure.co.uk wmsp.co.uk 50 whatsonlive.co.uk p51 Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 16:32 Page 1

July 2019 NEW SEASON ON SALE

Friday 5 July Saturday 6, 13 & 20 July Tuesday 9 July THE BLUES BAND SATURDAY SUSIE DENT Dave Kelly, Paul Jones, MATINEE CINEMA Lexicographer, Best Selling Author & Queen of Dictionary Tom McGuinness, Gary Fletcher Family films at 11am and Rob Townsend Corner

Friday 19 July Saturday 20 July Sunday 28 July MICHAEL MESSER'S SURFS UP ARTRIX EASY MITRA SUNDAYS A British blues innovator, Beach Boys Tribute NEW! A feelgood film, live Hindustani slide guitarist and music and amazing street tabla master food

COMING SOON: Bootleg Abba,Roy Orbison & the Traveling Wilburys Experience 30th Anniversary Tour Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra and WYJO2 with special guest Alan Barnes, Abba Reunion Desperado – Eagles Greatest Hits Tour 2019, The Star Project - An Ogre's Tale, Grease: Sing-A-Long All About Swing - Dance Classes, Miranda Sykes, Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders, Dear Zoo Live! Chantel McGregor, The Carpenters Experience, The Strawbs 50th Anniversary Concert, Forever Elton Theo's Comedy Skool: Autumn 2019 , Paul Foot - Image Conscious 2019, The Counterfeit Sixties...

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 www.artrix.co.uk @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330

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Your week- by-week listings guide July 2019 thelist

The Vamps - Solihull Summer Fest at Tudor Grange Park, Sat 27 & Sun 28 July

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more! What’s On Mon 1 to Sun 7 July Mon 8 to Sun 14 July Mon 15 to Sun 21 July Mon 22 to Wed 31 July

Classic Ibiza at Mark Simmons at Ian McKellen On Stage at Bug Jam 33 at Santa Pod Ragley Hall, Warwickshire Evesham Arts Centre The Swan Theatre, Stratford Raceway, Northampton Sat 6 July Fri 12 July Sun 21 July Fri 26 - Sun 28 July

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thelist THROUGHOUT JULY

creatures brought to life by aug- Visual Arts mented reality, Sat 29 June - Sun 15 Artrix, Bromsgrove Sept LYN SHARP: OUT OF AFRICA Lyn started her animal portraits with pastels and Worcester City Museum & Art now also uses watercolour, acrylic, Gallery mixed media, textile and fibre art, THE YOUNG TURNER: AMBITIONS IN AR- until Mon 15 July CHITECTURE AND THE ART OF PERSPEC- TIVE Exhibition featuring JMW Birmingham Museum & Turner’s drawings, paintings and en- Art Gallery gravings from the 1780s to the 1810s, illustrating his interest in architecture, WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND until Sat 6 July THE SELF Exhibition examining how FIFTY OBJECTS; FIFTY STORIES EXHIBI- social, historical and cultural factors TION Curator Garston Phillips shares affect body image, and how this is ex- the tales, anecdotes and memories pressed through objects and art- that have helped shape the museum works, until Sun 1 Sept for five decades, until Sat 9 Nov HOME OF METAL PRESENTS BLACK SAB- MAY THE TOYS BE WITH YOU One of the Classic Ibiza - Ragley Hall, Warwickshire BATH - 50 YEARS Exhibition celebrating UK’s finest collection of vintage Star the impact and cultural legacy of Wars toys on display for the first time Lounge, Birmingham Swan Theatre, Black Sabbath, until Sun 29 Sept in the West Midlands, Sat 20 July - Gigs BOOTLEG ABBA Thurs 4 Worcester COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS Sat 14 September July, Artrix, Broms- JOHNNY CASH ROAD- BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- KELLY JONES Mon 1 grove SHOW Sat 6 July, The tions that reflect the experiences of July, Symphony Hall, MINISTRY Thurs 4 July, Roses Theatre, diverse Birmingham people - from Other VISUAL ARTS Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Tewkesbury working lives to community activists DIGITAL DIORAMA Imagine a day in the TOVEY BROTHERS Tues PAUL WELLER Sat 6 and protest movements, until Sun 27 FRANK TURNER Thurs 4 life of a young William Shakespeare. 2 July, The Jam July, Cannock Chase Oct July, The Empire, Explore his experience through aug- House, Birmingham Forest, Staffordshire mented realities and see Shake- Coventry THE LOVE BAND FT. speare’s world through a new lens, SHAKATAK Thurs 4 July, MARTY WILDE & THE Compton Verney Gallery, JOHNNY ECHOLS Tues 2 until Sun 8 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The Jam House, Birm- WILDCATS Sat 6 July, Warwick July, Hare & Hounds, Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon ingham Evesham Arts Centre ART IN THE PARK - GREEN DWELLING In- Birmingham DOJA CAT Thurs 4 July, IAGO + YELLOW KING + stallation by Dutch artist Krijn de Kon- CHOIRS CONNECTED O2 Institute, B’ham KAIROS + JIM HARG- ing consisting of a collection of SING Tues 2 July, REAVES Sat 6 July, The differently sized green blocks ranged Palace Theatre, Red- TALON - THE ACOUSTIC Flapper, Birmingham across the Old Town Meadow, until ditch COLLECTION Thurs 4 July, Huntingdon Hall, ROY ORBISON & TRAVEL- Sun 15 Dec WOES Tues 2 July, The Worcester ING WILBURYS EXPERI- A TEA JOURNEY: FROM THE MOUNTAINS Marr’s Bar, Worcester ENCE Sat 6 July, Artrix, TO THE TABLE THE BLUES BAND - 40 Summer exhibition NATHAN GRISDALE Tues Bromsgrove telling the story of how Britain’s YEARS AND BACK FOR 2 July, Hare & Hounds, CLASSIC IBIZA Sat 6 favourite drink became and everyday MORE Fri 5 July, Artrix, Birmingham July, Ragley Hall, Al- commodity, Sat 6 July - Sun 22 Sept Bromsgrove BUCKET AND CO Tues 2 cester MONUMENTS Fri 5 July, July, Actress & Bishop, The Flapper, B’ham THE ELO EXPERIENCE Forge Mill Needle Museum, Birmingham Sat 6 July, Swan The- THANK YOU FOR THE Redditch CARACH ANGREN, WOLF- atre, Worcester AN ENTERTAINMENT Exhibition show- MUSIC Fri 5 July, RE VISION Presented by the Contem- HEART, THY ANTICHRIST casing the many entertainments on Malvern Theatres SOUL STRIPPER Sat 6 porary Quilt Group and inspired by offer in Leamington over the past two & NEVALRA Tues 2 July, July, The Marr's Bar, VOODOO ROOM: A NIGHT The Edwin& Mary Bloomfield coverlet centuries, until Sun 8 Sept, Leaming- Mama Roux’s, B’ham Worcester OF HENDRIX, CLAPTON & of 1850, until Sat 27 July ton Spa Art Gallery & Museum, HANNAH JOHNSON & CREAM Fri 5 July, Lich- ONEMAN Sat 6 July, NEW PUZZLES AND ILLUSIONS Family- Leamington Spa THE BROKEN HEARTS field Garrick Hare & Hounds, Birm- friendly exhibition designed to get THE PLAY'S THE THING Display of cos- Wed 3 July, The Jam ingham BROKEN MINDS PRE- your brain working, Wed 31 July - tumes and props from the archives, House, Birmingham SENTS KENNY KEN Fri 5 PARTNERS IN CRIME Sat Wed 28 Aug until Tues 31 Dec, Swan Theatre, O, PEACE TOUR FT. JOSH July, Hare & Hounds, 6 July, The World Bar, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Stratford-upon-Avon GAUTON, JOSHUA LUKE Birmingham Resorts World, B’ham NEW EDUCATING RUGBY Explore the FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY SMITH & ATLAS RHOA JAMES OWSTON QUAR- MAETLIVE Sat 6 July, history of schools and colleges in AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- Wed 3 July, The Sun- TET Fri 5 July, Sym- The River Rooms, Rugby with objects from the mu- hibition exploring how the changes flower Lounge, B’ham phony Hall, B’ham Stourbridge seum’s social history collection, Tues brought about through the Great War KALEIDOSCOPE #13 - JACK SAVORETTI Sun 7 2 July - Sat 7 Sept were reflected in clothing and fashion THE GOOD WATER / SAM JESS GLYNNE Fri 5 July, July, Cannock Chase from 1918 through to the Roaring HOLLIS / EAD WOOD Cannock Chase For- Forest, Rugeley 20s, until Mon 12 Oct 2020, Hartle- Thurs 4 July. The Night est, Staffordshire The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- bury Castle, Kidderminster Owl, Birmingham GOAT ON A TROLLY Fri 5 THE GIGSPANNER BIG seum BAND PLUS KNIGHT & NEW WAS ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL - BUT WE DAN PIGEON + MYLES July, The World Bar, SPIERS Sun 7 July, The WONDER - WHERE REALITY AND IMAGI- LIKE IT! Celebration of popular music NEWMAN + TWELVE Resorts World, B’ham NARY COLLIDE Exhibition featuring Roses Theatre, at Malvern Winter Gardens between TWELVE + THE EARNEST KING OF POP - THE LEG- urban landscapes, reimagined car- Tewkesbury 1961 to 1990, Tues 2 - Tues 30 July, SPEARS Thurs 4 July, END CONTINUES STAR- toon characters, a light pavilion, and The Hive, Worcester The Sunflower RING NAVI Fri 5 July, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 1-7 July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 12:45 Page 2

Monday 1 - Sunday 7 July

sent an amateur staging of Jane to the ballroom and featuring the RAF Classical Music Austen’s romantic novel, Tues 2 - Sun Massed Voluntary Bands, Sun 7 July, Theatre 14 July, The Commandery, Worcester Symphony Hall, Birmingham ARMONICO CONSORT: BEOWULF Featur- THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke & CRANFORD Chapterhouse Theatre AS YOU LIKE IT Presented by Rain Or ing Christopher Monks (director), Elin Jennilee Shallow share the role of Company transport audiences to Vic- Shine Theatre Company, Sun 7 July, Manahan Thomas (soprano), Timo- Rachel Marron in this much-ac- torian England via Elizabeth Gaskell’s Kinlet Hall, Bewdley, Worcester thy West (narrator) & Anne Denholm claimed romantic thriller based on tale of snobbery, gossip and social (harpist), Wed 3 July, Malvern The- KATE (THE TAMING OF THE SHREW) The the film of the same name, until Sat 6 scandal, Wed 3 July, The Roses The- atres July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre BRIT School present the Bard’s battle atre, Tewkesbury of the sexes - this time set in an all-fe- THE ENGLISH CHORAL TRADITION Fea- CROOKED DANCES Compelling new BORIS THE MUSICAL 2: BREXIT HARDER male boxing gym, Sun 7 July turing Birmingham Festival Choral play by Robin French which exam- Blowfish Theatre's revised and up- (12noon), The Dell, Stratford-upon- Society, Kevin Gill (organ) & David ines music, time and attention in the dated musical about Boris Johnson Avon Wynne (conductor). Programme in- modern digital age, until Sat 13 July, and Brexit, Wed 3 - Sun 7 July, Old cludes a selection of sacred and sec- TROILUS & CRESSIDA Presented by Studio Theatre @ The Other Place, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ular choral works by Elgar, Bairstow, Stratford-upon-Avon The BRIT School, Sun 7 July (3pm), Stanford, Parry, Tallis, Purcell and BOOGIE NIGHTS Kidderminster Oper- The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Shake- Chilcott, Sat 6 July, St Mary's Church, atic & Dramatic Youth Section pre- speare's controversial masterpiece is A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Odd- Warwick sents its version of the ’70s musical, socks’ 30th anniversary production, transported to 1950s New York, a city Thurs 4 - Sat 6 July, Rose Theatre, BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: SPIRITUALS Sun 7 July, Avoncroft, Bromsgrove where communities are divided by Kidderminster TO WARM THE HEART Featuring Paul wealth and religion, until Sat 13 July, Spicer (conductor) & Martyn Rawles Stafford Castle OLIVER! Presented by the Brit Youth (pianist). Programme includes works Theatre Sutton Coldfield, Thurs 4 - MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran by Moses Hogan, Rutter, Tippett, Will Sat 6 July, The Crescent Theatre, Kids Shows directs a new version of Shake- Todd & Paul Spicer, Sat 6 July, Birmingham speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs HORRIBLE HISTORIES - TERRIBLE TU- CBSO Centre, Birmingham 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, HEAVEN AND EARTH Modern adapta- DORS From the horrible Henries to the THE DIVINE BEAUTY CONCERT Pre- Stratford-upon-Avon tion of Bible stories based on Me- end of evil Elizabeth, hear the leg- sented by Birmingham Cathedral dieval Mystery plays, including the AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of ends (and the lies!) about the tortur- Choir. Featuring David Hardie (con- Coventry Cycle, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 July, Shakespeare's romantic comedy, ing Tudors, Wed 3 - Sat 6 July, The ductor) & Ashley Wagner (organist), The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon- until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Sat 6 July, Birmingham Cathedral Avon Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon HORRIBLE HISTORIES - AWFUL EGYP- EDDY FLUTE CHOIR Programme in- PRIDE & PREJUDICE Chapterhouse THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- TIANS From the fascinating Pharaohs cludes works by Vivaldi, Sherman, Theatre Company present an out- speare's comedy of gender and ma- to the power of the Pyramids, dis- Handel, Pachelbel & Haydn, Sun 7 door staging of Jane Austen’s time- terialism is turned on its head, until cover foul facts about death and July, Holy Trinity Church, Stratford- less classic, Fri 5 July, Coughton Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- decay with the meanest mummies in upon-Avon Court, Alcester, Warwickshire atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Egypt, Wed 3 - Sun 7 July, The ROBIN AND THE SHERWOOD HOODIES Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Saint Thomas More Catholic Primary Restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, School bring to you a ‘toe-tickling Comedy The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- tale of tights, fights and footlights!’ Fri Avon 5 July, The Albany Theatre, Coventry JOHN HASTINGS, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Odd- Dance of Thomas Otway's restoration SON Thurs 4 July, The Glee Club, socks celebrate their 30th anniver- tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan WORCESTERSHIRE DANCING Celebrat- Birmingham sary, Fri 5 - Sat 6 July, Midlands Arts Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Centre, Birmingham ing dance in education across the SCOTT BENNETT, JOHN HASTINGS, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- county, Wed 3 July, Artrix, Broms- HENRY PARKER & RUDI LICKWOOD Fri 5 BEWARE THE CAT Satirical perfor- COLOR DREAMCOAT Tim Rice & An- grove - Sat 6 July, The Glee Club, B’ham mance exploring what animals would drew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family say about the world if they could talk, LOST VOICE GUY, FREDDY QUINNE, GOR- musical, Tues 2 - Sat 13 July, Birm- Sat 6 July, The Other Place, Stratford- DON SOUTHERN & COMIC TBC Sat 6 ingham Hippodrome upon-Avon July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Talks PRIDE & (QUITE A LOT OF) PREJUDICE MUSICAL THEATRE YOUTH SUMMER WHY MUMMY DOESN'T GIVE A ****! Worcester Repertory Company pre- SHOWCASE Birmingham Hippo- Join Gill Sims as she is interviewed drome’s Musical Theatre Youth Com- about her blog, books, character and pany celebrate the theatre’s 120th more! Fri 5 July, Huntingdon Hall, birthday, Sat 6 July, The Patrick Stu- Worcester dio, Birmingham Hippodrome HIT THE ODE Performance poetry night JULIUS CAESAR Presented by The featuring Chiedu Oraka, Jodi Ann BRIT School, Sat 6 July (12noon), Bickley & Bibi June, Fri 5 July, The The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippo- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Pre- drome sented by The BRIT School, Sat 6 July (3pm), The Dell, Stratford-upon- Avon A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Pre- Cabaret sented by the Crescent Theatre Com- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S TEASE Featur- pany, Sat 6 - Sun 7 July, Blakesley ing some of the finest talent from the Hall, Birmingham UK’s burlesque & cabaret scene, Thurs 4 July, Macdonald Alveston THIS HAPPY BREED The Crescent The- Manor Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon atre Company present its version of Noel Coward's famous play, Sat 6 - BROADWAY CABARET Bromsgrove Op- Sat 13 July, Crescent Theatre, B’ham eratic Society present a show of Broadway hits, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 July, DANCING IN THE AIR Music & dance Norbury Theatre, Droitwich Venice Preserved - The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon extravaganza transporting audiences

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Weds 17 July Adv.£12/£11/£7 Tue 23 & Wed 24 July £12.50 ROMEO & JULIET ELMER THE PATCHWORK Modern take on Shakespeare’s classic ELEPHANT Live outdoors at Brueton Park. Age 8+ The classic book bought to life on stage!

Mon 29 Jul - Fri 2 Aug £130 Wed 31 - Thurs 1 Aug Adv.£12/£11ch YOUNG ACTORS STUDIO GANGSTA GRANNY THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL Fun adaptation of David Walliams’ book Creative theatre summer school. Age 8-16 live outdoors in Brueton Park. Age 5+

Thursday 29 August 2 shows / £15 Friday 20 August £10 - Age 5+ WE LOVE LITTLE MIX MORGAN AND WEST: If you’re a fan you’re sure to L.O.V.E. We MORE MAGIC FOR KIDS! Love Little Mix! Bigger, better, and more magic than before!

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thelist Monday 1 - Sunday 7 July at some dinosaur-themed craft activi- Film ties, Fri 5 July, Dudley Canal and Tun- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: nel Trust GLORIA BELL (15) Comedy/Drama. MOTUL FIM SUPERBIKE WORLD CHAMPI- Starring Julianne Moore, John Tur- ONSHIP Returning for 2019 with a new turro. Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 4 race format and a red-hot challenger, July; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, Donington Park Mon 1 - Fri 5 July CAR CHASE HEROES Three to six-mile RAFIKI (12A) Drama. Starring Saman- circuit set to challenge drivers of tha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva. In En- every skill level, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, glish & Swahili with subtitles. Roses Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Theatre, Tewkesbury, until Thurs 4 LEDBURY POETRY FESTIVAL One of the July biggest events of its kind in the UK - SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12a) Com- featuring live readings, perfor- edy/Drama. Starring Bill Nighy, Alice mances, workshops, open mics, Lowe. Malvern Theatres, until Thurs 4 music, exhibitions and more, Fri 5 - July; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 5 - Thurs Sun 14 July, various locations in and 11 July around Ledbury, Herefordshire Also Festival RED JOAN (15) Biography/Drama. Star- INFLATABLE 5K Featuring up to 15 ring Judi Dench, Sophie Jackson. mega-sized obstacles, making it the Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July Number 8, Pershore, Mon 1 July biggest Inflatable 5k obstacle event Also Festival’s organisers pride themselves on presenting a line- ever created, Sat 6 July, Wolver- LATE NIGHT (15) Comedy. Starring hampton Racecourse up of attractions that’s a little out of the ordinary, to say the least. Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling. This year taking place for the sixth time and offering visitors more WORCESTER CARNIVAL 2019 This year’s Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 5 - than 200 experiences to sample, the three-day get-together Thurs 11 July theme is ‘world of books’, Sat 6 July, Worcester City Centre, Worcester features guided mindfulness swimming, a disco bunker for your DETECTIVE PIKACHU (PG) Action/Ad- inner raver, a forest bathing wild tea ceremony, fairy & elf house- venture. Starring Ryan Reynolds, MANDAEAN DAY Featuring music, talks Justice Smith. Artrix, Bromsgrove, and films exploring the Mandaean building and plenty of ‘brilliantly bonkers moments’. Sat 6 July Faith, Sat 6 July, Birmingham Mu- There are lip-synch battles and extreme song lyric bingo sessions seum And Art Gallery THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (U) Anima- to enjoy too, not to mention wine tastings & cocktail makings, tion/Comedy. With The voices of Pat- JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK A performances by artists including Marcos Santana (pictured) & ton Oswalt, Kevin Hart. Roses guided walk looking at the people, Tribo Drummers, and no shortage of interesting talks by profes- places and themes that have helped Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 6 - Mon 8 sors, authors, theorists and other speakers with a tale to tell. July to shape the district, Sat 6 July, Mu- seum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birm- ingham opportunity to experience the tastes, STRATFORD RIVER FESTIVAL 2019 Free sounds, artists, products and people Festivals family event on the banks of the River of Handsworth, Sun 7 July, Soho Events NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up in- Avon, Sat 6 - Sun 7 July, Riverside, House, Birmingham cludes Kazabian, ABBA Chique, LEGO CITY Explore what the city of the Stratford-upon-Avon THE FORD SHOW Featuring Fords of all future would look like and build awe- Clemency, Fri 5 - Sat 6 July, Napton STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Spend a types, RWYB, Ford drag demos, club some creations, until Sun 1 Sept, on the Hill, Warwickshire weekend in wartime Britain, Sat 6 - displays, live entertainment, stunts Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL Featuring Sun 7 July, Severn Valley Railway, and lots more, Sun 7 July, Santa Pod major world premieres, world-leading PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Raceway, Wellingborough mate underwater adventure’ this ensembles & much-loved regulars, TRIUMPH NATIONAL WEEKEND The TR LEAMINGTON SPA HALF MARATHON Also summer, until Sun 8 Sept, National Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, various locations in Drivers National Weekend returns to featuring a free-to-enter ‘kids fun run’, Sea Life Centre, Birmingham and around Cheltenham the British Motor Museum to join the Sun 7 July, Royal Pump Rooms Pa- TIMBER FESTIVAL Line-up includes THE FALCONER'S QUEST Seventy high- BMC & Leyland Show, Sat 6 - Sun 7 rade, Leamington Spa Hannah Peel & Will Burns, Sophia flying birds of prey take to the skies, July, British Motor Museum, Gaydon until Thurs 31 Oct, Warwick Castle Thankur and Hinako Omori, Fri 5 - LARGE MODEL AIR SHOW Scale models Sun 7 July, Feanedock, The National LAVENDER MONTH AT BLAKESLEY HALL of iconic aircraft take to the skies, Sat Food & Drink Forest, Staffordshire Lavender-themed activities in 6 - Sun 7 July, RAF Cosford, Nr NOISILY FESTIVAL Line-up includes Ex- Blakesley's gardens, Tues 2 - Wed 31 Wolverhampton COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL The Mid- trawelt Live, Opiuo, Captain Hook July, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham lands’ biggest free-to-enter food & BMC & LEYLAND SHOW Show celebrat- and Alex Stein, Fri 5 - Sun 7 July, drink festival, Fri 5 - Sat 6 July, Victo- DUDLEY CASTLE TOUR Back by popular ing the vehicles produced by BMC, Coney Woods, Noseley Hall, Leices- ria Square, Birmingham demand, Wed 3 July, Dudley Castle British Leyland and Rover Group, ter Sun 7 July, British Motor Museum, TOM KERRIDGE PRESENTS PUB IN THE MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - RUN THE GODIVA FESTIVAL 2019 Line-up in- Gaydon PARK Laid-back celebration of ‘the WORLDS Build a giant marble run, cludes Levellers and Busted, Fri 5 - very best food, drink and music the Wed 3 July, Coventry Transport Mu- THE ORDINARY VICTORIANS Celebration Sun 7 July, War Memorial Park, country has to offer’, Fri 5 - Sun 7 seum of the common Victorian worker as Coventry July, St Nicholas Park, Warwick HOME OF METAL LATE Late-night ac- Sarehole Mill’s 19th century heyday cess to the Home Of Metal Presents: is recreated, Sun 7 July, Hall Green, WOLVERHAMPTON FESTIVAL OF FOOD & Black Sabbath - 50 Years Birmingham DRINK Featuring the city’s largest ever exhibition,Thurs 4 July, Birmingham SUNDAY TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE Take a selection of independent producers, Museum And Art Gallery tour of Matthew Bolton’s house and brewers and tastemakers, Sat 6 - Sun 7 July, Wulfruna Street, W’hampton A NIGHT OF POP, FUNK AND SOUL Ex- gain an intimate insight into life in a pect everything from Stevie Wonder Georgian family home, Sun 7 July, TOPIARY GIN FESTIVAL 2019 Featuring and Michael Jackson to Chaka Khan Soho House, Birmingham local gin distilleries and live music, and Annie Lennox, Fri 5 July, Marco BEST OF HANDSWORTH Debut event Sun 7 July, Barceló Billesley Manor Pierre White, The Cube, Birmingham aiming to promote the area’s rich cul- Hotel, Near Stratford-Upon-Avon EXPLORASAURUS EVENING Have a go ture and history by giving people the

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thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 July YANK! UK amateur premiere of David Classical & Joseph Zellnik’s World War Two love story, Mon 8 - Sat 13 July, Talis- Music man Theatre, Coventry MARY POPPINS Amateur staging pre- THE CARICE SINGERS: SOUNDING sented by Sacred Heart Primary NORTH Tues 9 July, Royal Spa Cen- School, Tues 9 July, The Albany The- tre, Leamington Spa atre, Coventry CBSO: CELLOS HEAD NORTH Pro- AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Pre- gramme includes works by Saari- sented by Blue Orange Devising & aho, Pärt, Sibelius, Nielsen & Grieg, Performance Class, Tues 9 - Wed 10 Thurs 11 July, CBSO Centre, B’ham July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- ingham LA CECCHINA - THE SONGBIRD Featur- ing Catherine King (mezzo soprano) TREASURE ISLAND Chapterhouse The- & Frances Kelly (medieval & triple atre Company present a brand new harps), Sun 14 July, Old Baptist adaptation of Robert Louis Steven- Church, Tewkesbury son’s swashbuckling tale, Wed 10 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Kiss - Arena Birmingham THREE ONE-ACT COMEDIES Featuring Jackie Lines’ Whisking Eggs, Jane WATERMARK LIVE Thurs SINGLE BY SUNDAY Fri Comedy Cafarella’s Supersnout & Margot Mc- 11 July, Hare & 12 July, The Asylum, Cleary’s Wherefore Art Thou Lady Gigs LAUGH IT UP: COMEDY NIGHT Thurs 11 Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Macbeth. All performed by A Second July, The BENN Hall, Rugby THE PHYSICS HOUSE A FLOCK OF SEAGULLS STRAIGHTEN OUT Sat 13 Thoughts Drama Group, Wed 10 - BAND/MAN PUNCHES Thurs 11 July, The July, The Marr’s Bar, CARL DONNELLY & JO CAULFIELD Thurs Sat 13 July, The Bear Pit Theatre, CLOUD Mon 8 July, The Robin, Bilston Worcester 11 July, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Stratford-upon-Avon Flapper, Birmingham BOWIE EXPERIENCE Fri FOYER FOLK: BRIM- TOM STADE, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR & SNOWFALL IN JULY Starbuck Theatre KISS Tues 9 July, 12 July, The Alexandra STONE Sat 13 July, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Company present an original acous- Arena Birmingham Theatre, B’ham Number 8 Community SON Thurs 11 July, The Glee Club, tic musical which follows young gui- Birmingham tarist Jack as he learns that you can't ALL SEEING EYES Tues THE OFFICIAL RE- Arts Centre, Pershore, run from your problems and who 9 July, Hare & CEIVERS Fri 12 July, Worcestershire JACK GLEADOW & MARK SIMMONS you are, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, Old Hounds, Birmingham The Marr’s Bar, THE JO BALDWIN BAND (PICTURED) Fri 12 July, Evesham Arts Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham WORCESTERSHIRE Worcester Sat 13 July, The World Centre PETER PAN JM Barrie’s timeless clas- YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA DESPERADO - EAGLES Bar, Resorts World, sic, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, Palace AND WYJO2 WITH SPE- GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri Birmingham CIAL GUEST ALAN 12 July, Artrix, Broms- TWO PIANOS Sat 13 Theatre, Redditch BARNES Wed 10 July, grove July, Huntingdon Hall, UPDOWNSIZING Ginny Davis' one- Artrix, Bromsgrove BOLLYWOOD BRASS Worcester woman play, which 'captures the essence of middle-class family life', STEVE KNIGHTLEY: BAND Fri 12 July, Mid- BLOC PARTY - SILENT ROADWORKS Thurs 11 lands Arts Centre, ALARM Sat 13 July, O2 Fri 12 July, Bridge House Theatre, July, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Warwick Worcester BRAZEN FREEDOM OF MOVE- VENOM Sat 13 July, O2 Lorna Meehan’s autobio- graphical spoken-word journey, ex- ANDY BLACK Thurs 11 MENT Fri 12 July, Hare Institute, Birmingham July, O2 Institute, ploring coming of age, the nature of & Hounds, B’ham GOUGEWAY Sat 13 July, Birmingham hero worship and the difficulty of just THE UPBEAT BEATLES Fri The Actress & Bishop, being yourself, Fri 12 July, A.E Har- MADELEINE PEYROUX 12 July, Royal Spa Birmingham ris, Birmingham WITH EMILY BARKER Centre, Leamington FLEECEY FOLK: SALT- Thurs 11July, Sym- FEAR AND MISERY OF THE THIRD REICH Spa FISHFORTY Sun 14 phony Hall, B’ham Young Rep 18 - 25s present a new THE COLOUR SIX Fri 12 July, The Fleece Inn, TOM STADE, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, production of Bertholt Brecht's clas- T-REXTACY Thurs 11 July, The World Bar, Nr Evesham PHIL JERROD & COMIC TBC Fri 12 - Sat sic play, Fri 12 - Sat 13 July, The July, Malvern Theatres Resorts World, B’ham 13 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham REP, Birmingham GEOFF BOYZ, MIKE COX, JOHN LYNN & JUST LIKE THAT! THE TOMMY COOPER HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 13 July, The Com- SHOW John Hewer’s one-man show edy Loft, Birmingham celebrating the life of one of Britain’s best-loved comedians, Sat 13 July, Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon- Avon HENRY VI Performed by The King’s Theatre Troupe, Sat 13 July (12noon & 3pm), The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon EDUCATING RITA Stephen Tompkinson and Jessica Johnson star in Willy SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE This year the Russell’s comedy classic, Mon 8 - popular free family festival goes in- Sat 13 July, Wolverhampton Grand tergalactic, exploring the spectacle Theatre and wonders of outer space. Expect an abundance of family fun, extrater- FAME Keith Jack, Mica Paris & Jorgie restrial antics, street performance, Porter star in the touring production food stalls & more..., Sat 13 - Sun 14 of the smash-hit musical based on July, Southside, Birmingham the classic film of the same name, Mon 8 - Sat 13 July, Malvern The- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Pre- atres sented by the Crescent Theatre Bloc Party - O2 Academy, Birmingham Company, Sat 13 - Sun 14 July, whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Warwickshire 8-14 July.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 12:01 Page 3 The List Warwickshire 8-14 July.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 12:01 Page 4

thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 July Harvington Hall, Kidderminster THE LIGHT BURNS BLUE Kidderminster Film Rose Young People’s Theatre Com- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: pany present a play inspired by the true story of the Cottingley Fairies, THE KEEPER (15) Biography/Drama. Sat 13 - Sun 14 July, The Rose The- Starring David Kross, Freya Mavor. atre, Kidderminster Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 8 July SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Cele- GLORIA BELL (15) Comedy/Drama. brating the life and career of Rod Starring Julianne Moore, John Tur- Stewart, Sun 14 July, The Alexandra turro. Number 8 Pershore, Mon 8 - Theatre, Birmingham Tues 9 July; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 12 - Wed 17 July; Number 8, Per- VICTORIA’S DIARIES Preview perfor- shore, Thurs 18 July mance of Tell Tale’s new play mark- ing 200 years since the birth of SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12a) Com- Queen Victoria, Sun 14 July, The Blue edy/Drama. Starring Bill Nighy, Alice Orange Theatre, Birmingham Lowe. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 9 - Thurs 18 July A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Shake- spearia fuse original text with modern DR STRANGELOVE (PG) Comedy. Star- twists in an outdoor staging of ring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott. Elizabethan Pageant - Kenilworth Castle Shakespeare’s much-loved comedy, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 10 - people who own them, Sat 13 July, castle and inflatable slide, face paint- Sun 14 July (12noon & 3pm), The Sat 13 July Coventry Transport Museum ing, a Punch & Judy show, games Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon BIRDS OF PASSAGE (15) Drama. Star- and activity stalls, Sun 14 July, ring Carmiña Martínez, José Acosta. RAF DEFFORD AIRFIELD GUIDED WALK Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Foreign language, subtitles. Roses Explore the top-secret airbase which Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 11 - Wed was home to airborne radar testing Kids Shows 17 July and development during the Second World War and early years of the YESTERDAY (PG) Comedy/Fantasy. BEN AND HOLLY'S LITTLE KINGDOM Cold War, Sat 13 July, Croome Park, Food & Drink Magical musical adventure for Starring Himesh Patel, Lily James. Worcester THE RUM TRAIN An event for the seri- younger audiences, Wed 10 - Thurs Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 12 - 1940S EVENING Dress up and jitterbug ous rum connoisseur, Sat 13 July, 11 July, The Alexandra Theatre, Birm- Thurs 18 July and jive your way through a night of Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr ingham PAW PATROL: MIGHTY PUPS (U) Anima- 1940s-style entertainment, Sat 13 Kiddersminster THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW tion/Adventure. Artrix, Bromsgrove, July, Black Country Living Museum, MEDIEVAL BANQUET Immersive Critically acclaimed staging of Eric Sat 13 July Dudley evening of medieval entertainment Carle’s much-loved children’s book, CHATEAU IMPNEY HILL CLIMB Featuring and ‘hearty’ food & drink, Sat 13 July, Thurs 11 July, Swan Theatre, Worces- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: £500million-worth of classic cars, su- Warwick Castle ter Released from Wed 10 July, showing percars and hypercars, Sat 13 - Sun PANTASTIC St John Fisher Primary at selected cinemas 14 July, Chateau Impney, Droitwich School present a swashbuckling ad- 1940S WEEKEND Spend the weekend venture featuring villainous pirates, ANNABELLE COMES HOME (tbc) in wartime Britain, Sat 13 - Sun 14 fearsome natives & enchanting ARMSTRONG (PG) July, Black Country Living Museum, fairies, Fri 12 July, The Albany The- THE DEAD DON'T DIE (15) Dudley atre, Birmingham THE INTRUDER (tbc) ELIZABETHAN PAGEANT Celebrate Ke- KURSK: THE LAST MISSION (tbc) nilworth’s Elizabethan heyday with music, falconry displays and ‘a feast Cabaret of entertainment’, Sat 13 - Sun 14 ALL HAIL THE ALE Travel back in time July, Kenilworth Castle to the 17th century to find out how THE DREAMBOYS ‘The UK’s most ale was brewed and why it was so Events SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE Expect an famous girls night out’, Sat 13 July, important, Sat 13 July, Shakespeare's abundance of family fun, extraterres- The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS - MOVING Birthplace, Stratford-Upon-Avon trial antics, street performances, food MAGNETS Open-ended exploration of EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: BIRMING- magnets, Wed 10 July, Coventry stalls and more, Sat 13 - Sun 14 July, Southside, Birmingham HAM COCKTAIL WEEKEND The museum Transport Museum once again joins forces with Birming- Talks SHAKESPEARE’S LANGUAGE OF GENDER ham Cocktail Weekend, Sat 13 July, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery SUSIE DENT Find out about the curi- Dame Harriet Walter explores the ex- ous, unexpected and downright sur- tent to which Shakespeare’s lan- real origins of the words we use guage can be regarded as every day, Tues 9 July, Artrix, Broms- gender-neutral, Wed 10 July, The grove Shakespeare Centre, Stratford-upon- Festivals Avon ROCK AND BIKE FEST Line-up includes ADVENTURE BIKE RIDER FESTIVAL Fea- Toyah, The Macc Lads, The Quire- turing trails, test ride areas, off-road- SUMMER OF FUN Enjoy live shows with boy, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 July, Carnfield ing and live music, Fri 12 July, Ragley the Fat Controller in Thomas Land or Hall, Alfreton, Derbyshire Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire join Rory as he travels across numer- LICHFIELD ARTS’ FUSE FESTIVAL 2019 DRAGSTALGIA 2019 Weekend dedi- ous continents, Sat 13 July - Sun 1 Line-up includes A Different Thread, cated to drag racing, hot rods and Sept, Drayton Manor Them Park, YIKES and CityLightz, Fri 12 - Sun 14 bikes from a bygone era, Fri 12 - Sun Staffordshire July, Beacon Park, Lichfield 14 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Welling- HEART OF ENGLAND BIKE RIDE The 14th THE MOSTLY JAZZ FUNK AND SOUL FES- borough annual charity ride, Sun 14 July, start- TIVAL Line-up includes Burt COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM BREAK- ing out from Packwood House, Soli- Bacharach, The Jacksons, The Brand FAST CLUB Check out a range of vehi- hull New Heavies, Fri 12 - Sun 14 July, cles on display and chat with the SUMMER FETE Featuring a bouncy Moseley Park, Birmingham

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thelist woman play, which 'captures the Classical Music essence of middle class family life', Tues 16 July, The Blue Orange The- PADMORE & LEWIS: SCHUMANN’S atre, Birmingham DICHTERLIEBE Featuring Mark Pad- THE COLOR PURPLE Inspiring musical more (tenor) & Paul Lewis (piano). based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Programme includes works by novel by Alice Walker and the classic Brahms, Mahler & Schumann, Sun movie of the same name, Tues 16 - 21 July, Birmingham Town Hall Sat 20 July, Birmingham Hippodrome NATIONAL SCHOOLS SYMPHONY OR- THE NIGHTINGALES 1950s-set comedy CHESTRA 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT presented by the Lichfield Players, Sun 21 July, Symphony Hall, Birm- Tues 16 - Sat 20 July, Lichfield Gar- ingham rick LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE Mark Mor- aghan (Coronation Street) & Lucy Comedy O'Byrne (Evita) star in a brand new staging of the award-winning com- TOADALLY FREE COMEDY Mon 15 July, edy, Tues 16 - Sat 20 July, The The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham STEVE WILLIAMS, LARRY DEAN & COM- ROMEO & JULIET Outdoor presentation EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON by Heartbreak Productions, Wed 17 The Spooky Men’s Chorale - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Thurs 18 July, The Glee Club, B’ham July, Brueton Park, Solihull JOSH WOLF Fri 19 July, The Glee Club, Fleece Inn, Bretforton, The World Bar, Re- PRIDE & PREJUDICE Chapterhouse Birmingham Nr Evesham sorts World, B’ham Theatre Company present an out- Gigs TEZ ILYAS, LEO KEARSE, TOM WRIG- door staging of Jane Austen’s time- DR FEELGOOD Thurs 18 BORN IN THE 80’S Sat GLESWORTH (PICTURED) & BARRY less classic, Wed 17 July, BURSTERS Tues 16 July, The Jam House, 20 July, The World Bar, DODDS Fri 19 July, Abbey Theatre, Birmingham Botanical Gardens July, The Mill, Digbeth, Birmingham Resorts World, Birm- Nuneaton Birmingham ingham HE’D MURDER ME Baby Grace Theatre SHE DREW THE GUN Company present a Yorkshire-style LIVING COLOUR Wed 17 Thurs 18 July, The Tin SURF'S UP - SUMMER coming-of-age story, Wed 17 - Thurs July, The Mill, Digbeth, Music And Arts, Canal DAYS '65 Sat 20 July, 18 July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Basin, Coventry Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham NECRONMODICOL Wed SUPREME QUEEN Fri 19 HIGHER ON MAIDEN Sat ALICE IN WONDERLAND Stage 2 pre- 17 July, Hare & July, Wolverhampton 20 July, The Marr's sent a reworked version of Lewis Car- Hounds, Birmingham Grand Theatre Bar, Worcester roll's timeless classic, Wed 17 - Sat THE WILDHEARTS Wed NEUROSIS WITH SPE- THE LONG RYDERS Sat 20 July, Crescent Theatre, B’ham 17 July, The Empire, CIAL GUEST GODFLESH 20 July, Hare & FRANKENSTEIN Blue Orange Arts fuse Coventry Fri 19 July, Birming- Hounds, Birmingham fast-paced storytelling and physical BRETFORTON CHOIR & ham Town Hall JAMIE TILLER Sat 20 theatre in a 'faithful' hour-long telling HARVINGTON UKULELE ABBA REUNION Fri 19 July, Hare & Hounds, of Mary Shelly's classic novel, Wed GROUP Wed 17 July, July, Artrix, Broms- Birmingham 17 - Sat 20 July, The Blue Orange The Fleece Inn, Bret- grove THE SPOOKY MEN’S Theatre, Birmingham forton, Nr Evesham ANDY OLIVERI AND THE CHORALE Sat 20 July, HYMNS FOR ROBOTS Production that EASY STAR ALL-STARS MOUNTAINEERS Fri 19 Huntingdon Hall, TONY COWARDS, JOE SUTHERLAND Fri fuses Noctium’s unique, heightened Thurs 18 July, O2 Insti- July, The Castle & Fal- Worcester 19 July, Evesham Arts Centre performance style with analogue and tute, Birmingham con, Birmingham digital music, Thurs 18 July, Midlands GURDAS MAAN Sat 20 STEVE WILLIAMS, LARRY DEAN, SOL Arts Centre, Birmingham JONATHAN WILSON MANCHESTER SPECIAL July, Arena B’ham BERNSTEIN & EVELYN MOK Fri 19 - Sat Thurs 18 July, Hare & Fri 19 July, Hare & BRETFEST: PROMS Sat 20 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL Amateur pro- Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham duction presented by President 20 July, The Fleece JIMMY CARR Sat 20 July, Wolver- Kennedy School, Thurs 18 July, The YR HERITAGE #4: KER- MICHAEL MESSER’S Inn, Bretforton, Nr Eve- hampton Grand Theatre MES / DANGER OF LOVE MITRA Fri 19 July, Ar- sham Albany Theatre, Coventry + SUPPORT Thurs 18 RUDI LICKWOOD, JOE ROWNTREE, STE- trix, Bromsgrove ROY ORBISON & BUDDY KEVIN, KING OF EGYPT New show from July, Hare & Hounds, FANO PAOLINI & BARRY DODDS Sat 20 CHEVY CHASE STOLE MY HOLLY SHOW Sun 21 comic, poet & psychiatric nurse Rob Birmingham July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham WIFE Fri 19 July, The July, Evesham Arts Gee, Thurs 18 - Fri 19 July, Old Joint JOSH PUGH, CAREY MARX, ROGER BRETFEST: FOLK NIGHT Marr’s Bar, Worcester Centre Stock Theatre, Birmingham MONKHOUSE & COMIC TBC Sat 20 July, Thurs 18 July, The A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM The DECADES Fri 19 July, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton Lord Chamberlain’s Men present an PAUL SMITH Sun 21 July, The Alexan- outdoor staging of Shakespeare’s en- dra Theatre, Birmingham chanting comedy, Fri 19 July, GLEE FAMILY COMEDY SHOW, JARRED Coughton Court, Alcester CHRISTMAS & HOBBIT Sun 21 July, The SCENES FROM A BRUMMIE ILIAD Actor Glee Club, Birmingham Roderick Smith breathes new life into the classic story of heroes and gods whilst celebrating the local vernacu- lar, Fri 19 - Sat 20 July, The REP, Theatre Birmingham THE MOUSETRAP Susan Penhaligon, MUSICAL THEATRE OPEN MIC NIGHT David Alcock & Geoff Arnold star in Local companies and singers show- Agatha Christie’s famous thriller, Mon case their talents, Sat 20 July, Old 15 - Sat 20 July, Malvern Theatres Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham GO JAPESH*T Thespianage Produc- Neurosis - Birmingham Town Hall UPDOWNSIZING Ginny Davis' one- 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 15-21 July.qxp_Layout 1 20/06/2019 11:59 Page 2

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 July

tions present a short, improvised Dance Academy, Sat 20 - Sun 21 World War and early years of the OLD FORD RALLY A day dedicated to comedy in which the audience has July, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Cold War, Tues 16 July, Croome Park, Classic Fords, Sun 21 July, British the power to throw the performers a Worcester Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- curveball, Sat 20 July, The Blue Or- MINI MUSEUM ENGINEERS – RAMPS AND shire ange Theatre, Birmingham RACERS Exploration of ramps and rac- THE IMPROLECTUALS Evening of com- Talks ers. Make the highest ramps, the edy improv games in the style of EXPEDITION WITH STEVE BACKSHALL fastest racers and the longest race Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Sat 20 Behind-the-scenes stories and film tracks, Wed 17 July, Coventry Trans- July, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton clips from Steve‘s new 10-part TV se- port Museum LEGALLY BLONDE JR Presented by ries, Wed 17 July, Birmingham Town ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE The Pauline Quirke Academy Solihull, Sat Hall largest vetted fair outside London 20 July, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- IAN MCKELLEN ON STAGE New show in featuring a wide range of antiques, ton Spa celebration of the legendary actor’s art and decorative interior pieces, KING JOHN Rendered Retina bring to 80th birthday. Expect anecdotes, act- Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, NEC, B’ham life Shakespeare’s ‘misunderstood ing and maybe an invite to take to the SAOC 60TH ANNIVERSARY MEETING Cel- SUMMER CRAFT FAIR Outdoor market classic’, Sat 20 July (12noon & 3pm), stage, Sun 21 July, The Swan Theatre ebrating 60 years of the Sunbeam featuring a wide range of crafts and The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon Alpine, Fri 19 - Sun 21 July, British gifts to buy, Sun 21 July, Sarehole NOT JUST WILLIAM Tell Tale’s family Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwick- Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham shire show pays tribute to Shakespeare BMW SHOW 2019 Show welcoming all and some of the folk tales that in- SUPERCAR FEST Showcase of the best types of BMW - race and show cars, spired his most famous plays, Sun 21 modern-day and classic supercars modern, retro, classic, new minis and July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- ever built, Sat 20 July, Shelsley BMW bikes, Sun 21 July, Santa Pod ingham Walsh, Worcestershire Raceway, Wellingborough MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Drama Im- MOON LANDING PARTY Special party to pact Theatre present an outdoor celebrate the 50th anniversary of the staging of Shakespeare’s ‘compelling first Apollo moon landing, Sat 20 July, and witty’ drama, Sun 21 July Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham Food & Drink (12noon), The Dell, Stratford-upon- PERSHORE RIVER FESTIVAL ‘Fun for all Avon the family’ by and on the River Avon, WHISKY & TWILIGHT TOURS The popu- TWELFTH NIGHT Presented by Encom- Sat 20 July, King George’s Field, Per- lar twilight guided tour returns with a pass Theatre Collective, Sun 21 July shore whisky twist, Fri 19 July, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham (3.15pm), The Dell, Stratford-upon- CAPRI 50TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY Cele- Avon Film bration of 50 years of the Ford Capri THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER TASTING INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: at the British Motor Museum, Sat 20 WITH CHASE Enjoy a taste of summer July, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, by sampling a range of exotic gins GREEN BOOK (12a) Drama/Biography. Warwickshire and vodka with the Herefordshire- Starring Viggo Mortenson, Maher- based Chase Distillery, Fri 19 July, Kids Shows PEAKY NIGHT AT THE ENGINE HOUSE shala Ali. Number 8, Pershore, Mon Black Country Living Museum, Dud- RUBY REDFORT Lauren Child’s super- Travel by train from Kidderminster to 15 July ley spy lands on the Old Rep stage for Highley for a night of live music and her biggest adventure ever!, Mon 15 - WE THE ANIMALS (15) Drama. Starring dancing, Roaring 20s-style! Sat 20 COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL Featuring a Wed 17 July, The Old Rep Theatre, Evan Rosado, Raúl Castillo. Roses July, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, tasty line-up of 100 local producers, Birmingham Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 17 - Thurs Nr Kidderminster Sat 20 - Sun 21 July, RAF Cosford, Nr 18 July Wolverhampton THE PAPER MOON Gentle first theatre THE BIG PICNIC Enjoy garden games, experience for babies and very LORO (18) Drama/Biography. Starring face painting, magic tricks and an KENILWORTH FOOD FESTIVAL Celebra- young children, Wed 17 July, Mid- Toni Servillo, Elena Sofia Ricci. For- outdoor puppet theatre performance, tion of the town’s restaurants, bars lands Arts Centre, Birmingham eign language, subtitled. Number 8, Sat 20 July, Anne Hathaway's Cot- and cafes, as well as some of the Pershore, Thurs 18 July tage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon finest regional food & drink produc- MISTER MAGNOLIA Folksy Theatre fuse ers, Sun 21 July, Kenilworth live music, puppetry & audience inter- THE FIGHT (12a) Drama/Sport. Starring GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether action in an outdoor adaptation of Russell Brand, Anita Dobson. Num- it’s learning to sword fight, shooting a Quentin Blake’s wacky adventure, ber 8, Pershore, Fri 19 July bow & arrow or transforming into a lit- Sat 20 July, Bishops Wood Centre, DIEGO MARADONA (12a) Documen- tle lord or lady, there’s plenty of Festivals Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire tary/Sport. Starring Diego Armando hands-on fun to keep the kids enter- AN OGRE’S TALE Featuring children Maradona. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 19 tained, Sat 20 July - Sat 24 Aug, Ke- UPTON BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up in- from The Star Project Droitwich and July nilworth Castle cludes Kyla Brox, Wille and the Ban- dits and Dino Baptiste, Thurs 18 - The Star Project Barnt Green, Sun 21 THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Cadbury’s Sun 21 July, Upton upon Severn, July, Artrix, Bromsgrove ture. Starring Seth Rogen, Donald Freddo dons his captain’s hat to Worcestershire Glover. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, teach little ones what it takes to be- Fri 19 - Wed 31 July come a pirate on the seven seas, Sat NOZSTOCK Line-up includes Rudimen- 20 July - Sun 1 Sept, Cadbury World, tal (DJ Set), Soul II Soul and Sleaford Dance Birmingham Mods, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 July, Brom- yard, Herefordshire MADHEAD National Youth Dance Com- HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring pany fuse contemporary dance, stories and follow in the footsteps of SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL Line-up in- physical theatre and hip-hop, Wed 17 Events Black Country heroes, Sat 20 July - cludes: Neurosis, The Body and July, The Patrick Studio, Birmingham PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy Sun 1 Sept, Black Country Living Mu- Jerusalem In My Heart, Fri 19 - Sun Hippodrome panoramic views of Worcester from seum, Dudley 21 July, various locations throughout Birmingham HERE COME THE BOYS Starring Strictly the top of the tower, Tues 16 July, 'THE MINISTRY OF WILD THINGS’ NEEDS Come Dancing professional dancers Croome Park, Worcester YOU - SUMMER FAMILY TRAIL Become BIRMINGHAM, SANDWELL & WESTSIDE Aljaž Škorjanec, Giovanni Pernice RAF DEFFORD AIRFIELD GUIDED WALK an agent for the Ministry of Wild JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes Swing and Gorka Marquez, Sat 20 July, Explore the top-secret airbase which Things to help track & map the won- Cafe, The Hot Club, and The Great Symphony Hall, Birmingham was home to airborne radar testing ders of Croome’s landscape, Sat 20 Birmingham Trombone Company, Fri July - Sun 1 Sept, Croome Park, 19 - Sun 28 July, various locations DISCO FEVER and development during the Second Presented by Elite Worcester throughout Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwickshire 22-31 July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 12:48 Page 1

thelist Theatre Company present a court- Classical Music room drama centred around male domestic abuse, Thurs 25 - Sat 27 CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- Featuring Michael Seal (conductor), ingham Jamal Aliyev (cello) & the CBSO THE WIZARD OF OZ Amateur produc- Youth Orchestra Academy. Pro- tion presented by Lollipop Youth The- gramme includes works by Weber, atre, Thurs 25 - Sat 27 July, Norbury Shostakovich & Dvorak, Sun 28 July, Theatre, Droitwich Birmingham Town Hall FRANKENSTEIN Illyria theatre company CAROLE CERASI HARPSICHORD RECITAL present an outdoor staging of Mary Sun 28 July, Old Baptist Chapel, Shelley’s Gothic tale, Fri 26 July, Tewkesbury Packwood House, Solihull AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH Cabaret evening in which Sarah- Louise Young explores the music and Comedy mythology of one of the most influen- DANIEL MUGGLETON, LOYISO GOLA Mon tial voices of British music, Fri 26 - 22 July, The REP, Birmingham Sat 27 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham The Wedding Present - Marr’s Bar, Worcester MICHELLE WOLF Tues 23 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE RAT PACK The UK's official number one Rat Pack tribute act, Fri 26 July, MAGIC OF KATE BUSH Fri THEY WHO DARE Sat 27 TROY HAWKE & PAUL SINHA Thurs 25 The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Gigs 26 July, The Assembly, July, The World Bar, July, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham Leamington Spa Resorts World, Birm- ALL HANDS ON DECK World War Two GLENN WOOL, FERN BRADY, COMEDY ing love story presented by Mikron The- SHONEN KNIFE Wed 24 CATAPULT CLUB FT. LAST CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs atre, Sat 27 July (2pm), Alcester War July, Hare & Hounds, AGONY Fri 26 July, O2 WITHOUT FLIGHT Sat 27 25 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham July, The Marr’s Bar, Memorial Town Hall, Warwickshire GLENN WOOL, FERN BRADY, KAI Worcester REDCOATS Mikron Theatre celebrate THE ROSES CHOIR Wed FOREVER SABBATH Fri HUMPHRIES & TOM HOUGHTON Fri 26 - Butlins splendour with their ‘trade- 24 July, The Roses 26 July, The Marr’s KD LANG Sat 27 July, Sat 27 July, The Glee Club, B’ham Theatre, Tewkesbury Bar, Worcester Symphony Hall, Birm- mark mix of fun, pathos and songs’, ingham ALFRED KAINGA, NELSON GOMBAKOMBA Sat 27 July (7pm), Alcester War CROBOT Thurs 25 July, SOUNDS OF THE SIXTIES JNR 11, MISSMOREAL AND MRLORRAINE O2 Institute, B’ham Memorial Town Hall, Warwickshire Fri 26 July, Stratford STEVIE WONDER: THE Sat 27 July, The Bramall, Birmingham THE WEDDING PRESENT Playhouse HITS Performed live by HANCOCK & CO James Hurn's popular CHRISTIAN REILLY, NAOMI COOPER, TOM ‘one man many voices’ celebration of Thurs 25 July, The CRIMSON CHILD Fri 26 16-piece orchestra, HOUGHTON & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 27 Hancock's Half Hour, Sat 27 July, The Marr’s Bar, Worcester July, The World Bar, Sat 27 July, Birming- ham Town Hall July, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham FOLK IN THE FOYER: Resorts World, B’ham THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE SHOW SUSIE DOBSON Thurs #DXP19 DRAG EXPLO- LIME CORDIALE Wed 31 Shake It Up Theatre fuse Shake- 25 July, Evesham Arts SION Fri 26 July, O2 In- July, O2 Academy, spearean language, audience sug- Centre stitute, Birmingham Birmingham Theatre gestions and their overactive ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM BIT OF A BLUR Thurs 25 CHEMIKILL, THE UNRE- imaginations to create a brand new BAND Wed 31 July, The SUNDOWN Taking Chances present a July, The Robin, Bil- SOLVED, GHOST OF MA- Shakespeare play live on stage, Sat Slade Rooms, Wolver- moving drama about two seemingly ston CHINES Sat 27 July, O2 27 - Sun 28 July (12noon & 3pm), hampton very different people who have more WHITESNAKE UK Fri 26 Academy, Birmingham The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon PORCELAIN HILL Wed in common than they think, Mon 22 - July, The Slade FOR THE LOVE OF BRIAN THE WINTER’S TALE REVISITED One- 31 July, The Robin, Bil- Wed 24 July, The Blue Orange The- Rooms, W’hampton Sat 27 July, Hare & hour adaptation of one of Shake- ston atre, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham speare’s later plays, Sun 28 July, The CLOUDBUSTING - THE AMÉLIE Danny Mac & Audrey Brisson Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham star in a new musical based on the much-loved film of the same name, WE’LL BE IN TOUCH Joanna Gay’s play Mon 22 - Sat 27 July, The Alexandra exploring lasting friendships, Sun 28 Theatre, Birmingham July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birm- ingham ROCKY HORROR SHOW Joanne Clifton, James Darch & Stephen Webb star in AMÉLIE Danny Mac & Audrey Brisson Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock- star in a new musical based on the ’n’roll musical, Mon 22 - Sat 27 July, much-loved film of the same name, Malvern Theatres Mon 29 July - Sat 3 Aug, Malvern Theatres HAIR Jake Quickenden, Daisy Wood- Davis & Marcus Collins star in the BACK TO THE 80S Amateur production 50th anniversary production of the by Worcester Operatic & Dramatic iconic musical, Tues 23 - Sat 27 July, Society, Tues 30 July - Sat 3 Aug, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Swan Theatre, Worcester ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss ALL HANDS ON DECK World War Two Hannigan in a new version of the love story presented by Mikron The- much-loved rags-to-riches tale, Tues atre, Wed 31 July, Foundry Wood, 23 July - Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Leamington Spa Hippodrome A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Pre- sented by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, Wed 24 July, Birmingham Kids Shows Botanical Gardens MISTER MAGNOLIA Folksy Theatre fuse live music, puppetry & audience in- Lime Cordiale - O2 Academy, Birmingham A MATTER OF LAW Two Jens & Me 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire 22-31 July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 12:48 Page 2

Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 July

teraction in an outdoor adaptation of Aug, Brueton Park, Solihull Quentin Blake’s wacky adventure, IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Igglepiggle, Tues 23 July, Martineau Gardens, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends Birmingham are back in their brand new live show, CRABBY Play for younger audiences Igglepiggle’s Busy Day! Wed 31 July exploring anger, frustration and - Sun 4 Aug, The REP, Birmingham tantrums. Part of The Hive’s Big Dreamers Festival, Tues 23 July, The Hive, Worcester Cabaret ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT Based on the classic children's book TINA T'URNER TEA LADY'S STEAMY of the same name, Tues 23 - Wed 24 BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win July, The Core Theatre, Solihull as Tina spins her cage of balls to a high-energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs 3 LITTLE PIG TAILS Brand new version 25 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, of the classic story, set in Paris. Part Birmingham of Big Dreamers Festival, Thurs 25 July, The Hive, Worcester THE GOOSE WHO FLEW Heartfelt story for younger audiences about the im- Film Amélie The Musical - The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham & Malvern Theatres portance of compassion, community INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: edy/Crime. Starring Dennis Price, tion/Comedy. With The voices of Pat- and understanding. Part of Big LATE NIGHT (15) Comedy. Starring Alec Guinness. Artrix, Bromsgrove, ton Oswalt, Kevin Hart. Number 8, Dreamers Festival, Fri 26 July, The Emma Thompson, Mindy Kaling. Tues 23 July Pershore, Tues 30 July Hive, Worcester Number 8, Pershore, Mon 22 - Tues EAST O’ THE SUN, WEST O’ THE MOON 23 July; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 26 - ALADDIN (U) Adventure/Comedy. Star- Multi Story Theatre Company present Sun 28 July ring Will Smith, Naomi Scott. Number NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 8, Pershore, Sat 27 July a retelling of the classic Norwegian WONDER PARK (PG) Animation/Adven- Released from Fri 26 May, showing at fairytale. Part of Big Dreamers Festi- ture. With the voices of Sofia Mali, SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12a) Com- selected cinemas val, Sat 27 July, The Hive, Worcester edy/Drama. Starring Bill Nighy, Alice Jennifer Garner. Number 8 Pershore, THE CHAMBERMAID (tbc) GANGSTA GRANNY BY DAVID WALLIAMS Tues 23 July Lowe. Number 8, Pershore, Mon 29 - Tues 30 July THE CURRENT WAR (tbc) Stage adaptation of the popular chil- KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS (U) Com- dren’s book, Wed 31 July - Thurs 1 THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (U) Anima- TEEN SPIRIT (tbc)

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwickshire 22-31 July.qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 12:48 Page 3

thelist Monday 22 - Wednesday 31 July PICTURE THIS! FAMILY DRAWING TOUR Events Tap into your inner artist via this inter- active drawing exploration of Aston NIMROD TOURS Step on board the Hall, Tues 23 July - Tues 27 Aug, Nimrod XV249 and learn about its in- Aston Hall, Birmingham telligence-gathering role in the Royal FAIRY DOOR CRAFT Welcome fairies Air Force, Mon 22 - Wed 31 July, RAF into your garden by creating your Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton very own fairy door to take home, DESTINATION SPACE THE MOON Family Wed 24 July, Sarehole Mill, Hall show explaining the Apollo pro- Green, Birmingham gramme, what it takes to get to the SMETHWICK ENGINE STEAMING DAY moon and what life is like working on Chance to view the Smethwick En- the lunar landscape, Mon 22 July - Fri gine, the oldest working steam en- 30 Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, gine in the world, Wed 24 July, Calan at Warwick Folk Festival Birmingham Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham ANIMAL MASK CRAFT ACTIVITY AT Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham Soho House, Birmingham MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS – MARBLE BLAKESLEY HALL Create your own ani- TALL TALES: SLEEPING BEAUTY Interac- FALCONRY DAY Get up close and per- RUNS Build a giant run to test with mal mask, Tues 23 July, Blakesley tive telling of Sleeping Beauty, Fri 26 sonal with falcons, owls, hawks and marbles, balls and other rolling Hall, Birmingham July, Aston Hall, Birmingham eagles, Wed 31 July, Birmingham things, Wed 24 July, Coventry Trans- Botanical Gardens THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE - PEDAL port Museum BUG JAM 33 VW festival ‘bringing to POWER Create your own inventions life the very essence of VW and MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - GEARS, LITTLE SKIPPERS: CANAL LIFE Boat trip with the museum’s challenge kits, Campervan culture’, Fri 26 - Sun 28 GEARS, GEARS Play with gears & cogs followed by a ‘make & do’ session in- Tues 23 July, Coventry Transport Mu- July, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingbor- to explore cause & effect and chain spired by activities associated with seum ough, Northampton reactions, Wed 31 July, Coventry the canal, Wed 24 - Thurs 25 July, Transport Museum STORYTELLING Help the storyteller find Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust HERITAGE DIESEL GALA AND BUS RALLY his lost stories and listen to their Chance to re-live the ’60s and ’70s by JUNGLE WALKIE TALKIES ACTIVITY Make telling, Tues 23 - Thurs 25 July, Tam- checking out a collection of heritage yourself a jungle walkie talkie, Thurs worth Castle diesel locomotives, Fri 26 - Sun 28 25 July, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham BIG DREAMERS FESTIVAL Theatre festi- July, Gloucestershire Warwickshire Food & Drink KIDS JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Design val for children, young people and Railway, Broadway WORCESTER FOOD FESTIVAL Showcas- and create either a bracelet or pen- families, Tues 23 - Sat 27 July, The WOMEN'S WORK IN THE JEWELLERY ing more than 60 food & drink stalls, dant, Thurs 25 July, Museum of the Hive, Worcester QUARTER Find out about the work un- food & drink matching sessions, dertaken by women from the late cookery demonstrations and master- 1800s through to the 1980s, Sat 27 class workshops by a number of well- July, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- established chefs, Sat 27 - Sun 28 ter, Birmingham July, Worcester City Centre THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE - PEDAL POWER Satisfy your curiosity and use your creativity, Sat 27 July, Coventry Transport Museum Festivals BRITISH DRIFT CHAMPIONSHIP The WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- ‘premier UK competitive drift series’, cludes Billy Bragg, Skerryvore and Sat 27 - Sun 28 July, NEC, B’ham Karan Casey & Calan, Thurs 25 - Sun MEDIEVAL OPEN DAY Celebrate all 28 July, Warwick School things medieval, Sun 28 July, Weoley BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Line-up includes Castle Ruins, Birmingham Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, #EV ELECTRIC VEHICLES FESTIVAL Go Moscow Drug Club, Josephine and back in time and then into the future, The Artizans, Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Sun 28 July, British Motor Museum, Prestwold Hall, Loughborough Gaydon, Warwickshire INDIE TRACKS 2019 Line-up includes PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL EVENING The Orielles, Tracyanne & Danny and RACES Paint Pitchcroft purple at this Kero Kero Bonito, Fri 26 - Sun 28 popular annual race evening, Tues 30 July, Butterley Station, Ripley, Der- July, Worcester Racecourse byshire THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE - WIND DEERSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL 2019 Un- UP ENGINES Find out about engines known Era, Def Goldblum and Pretty that were wound up with a starter Babs, Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Newton handle, and make a mini engine to Cross Country Course, Nottingham take home, Tues 30 July, Coventry MADE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Andy Transport Museum C, Chase & Status and Sub Focus WW2 IN THE CASTLE Commemorating b2b Dimension, Sat 27 July, Perry Park, Birmingham 4 Oct 19 SOLIHULL The Core 0121 704 6962 the 75th anniversary of the D Day 15 Oct 19 DUDLEY Town Hall (matinee) 01384 815577 landings. Try your hand at firefighting, SOLIHULL SUMMER FEST Line-up in- 16 Oct 19 BRIDGNORTH 01746 766477 learn about wartime communications, cludes The Human League, The Theatre On The Steps have a go at decoding secret mes- Vamps, and The Proclaimers, Sat 27 - 23/24 Oct 19 KIDDERMINSTER Rose Theatre 01562 743745 sages and meet the billeting officer, Sun 28 July, Tudor Grange Park, Soli- 27 Nov 19 REDDITCH Palace Theatre 01527 65203 Tues 30 July - Thurs 1 Aug, Tamworth hull 12 Mar 20 TAMWORTH Assembly Rooms 01827 709618 Castle INNER CITY LIVE Line-up includes 13 Mar 20 WORCESTER The Swan 01905 611427 WATT 2019: CRAZY SCIENCE Take part Doves, Johnny Marr, The Coral & The 2 Apr 20 LICHFIELD Garrick 01543 412121 in hands-on science inspired by the Twang, Sun 28 July, Perry Park, Birm- experiments of James Watt and his ingham www.yeatesentertainment.com Lunar Society friends, Wed 31 July, 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BE Festival Full June 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 08:49 Page 1 Place In The Sun Full July 2019 .qxp_Layout 1 21/06/2019 15:14 Page 1