The Midlands Essential Entertainment Guide

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INSIDE Paterson Joseph from Peep Show Peep from

The Voyage The launching the launching

Birmingham Pride celebrating diversity... celebrating to Shakespeare to www. interview inside interview Olympics... Olympics... THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - June_24-7 Cover 21/05/2012 17:18 Page 1 Page 17:18 21/05/2012 Cover - June_24-7 Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 318 JUNE 2012 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS Grand (OBC)_Layout 1 21/05/2012 18:06 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

FRI 8 JUNE SAT 9 JUNE MON 11 - SAT 16 JUNE TUES 19 - SAT 23 JUNE

Arlene Phillips & Adam Spiegel present JOE Pasquale Robert Powell THE STARS OF STRICTLY COME DANCING IN THE THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace in

An incredible theatre experience not to be missed. “STRICTLY SENSATIONAL! VINCENTAND FLAVIAARE UTTERLY visit the official website at www.easytheatres.com SPECTACULAR– SEXY, SULTRY AND BRILLIANT” Written by Richard Gordon and Ted Willis Directed by Ian Talbot Southern Daily Echo

TUES 26 - SAT 30 JUNE TUES 3 - SAT 7 JULY TUES 10 - SAT 14 JULY starring Chris Ellison and Tony Adams

TUES 17 - SAT 21 JULY ALSO BOOKING MON 23 - SAT 28 JULY SUNDAY 15 JULY FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS SATURDAY 15 SEPTEMBER THE ELVIS YEARS SUNDAY 16 SEPTEMBER THE CANNON & BALL SHOW Starring MONDAY 17 & TUESDAY 18 SEPTEMBER LIZA CO-OPERA COMPANY GODDARD SUSAN DON GIOVANNI PENHALIGON THE MAGIC FLUTE GARETH HALE FRIDAY 21 - SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER NORMAN ENGLISH YOUTH BALLET PACE SWAN LAKE SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER SALLY MORGAN MONDAY 26 NOV - SATURDAY 1 DEC GREASE SAT 8 DEC - SUN 20 JAN JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring Colin Baker and Peter Amory STARRING SHERRIE HEWSON AND KEITH HARRIS

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk Contents June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 17:06 Page 1

June 2012

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Admin/Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Managing Director: Paul Oliver [email protected] Paterson Joseph 01743 281711 interview inside p6 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710 P.A. to the CEO: Jo Mercer [email protected] 01743 281701 Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell The Voyage - Olympic celebrations in the Midlands, pg 41 Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry [email protected] News p4 01743 281717 Website Development: p13 Jim Pallett Music Jonathan Harvey Contributors: TO GET THE VERY interview inside p11 Graham Bostock: Theatre p24 Alev Dervish: Music LATEST LISTING Comedy James Cameron-Wilson: INFORMATION, Janice Connolly Film Theatre p27 Jessica Matthews: VISIT: interview inside p8 Features whatsonlive.co.uk Head Office: Dance p41 4/5 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, INCLUDING Shropshire. SY1 1EN BOOKING ONLINE Tel: 01743 281777 Film/DVD p45 Fax: 01743 281744 The Midlands’ most e-mail: [email protected] comprehensive entertainment website Visual Arts p53 Festivals p57 This publication is Follow What’s On on printed on paper from a sustainable source and is Events p62 produced without the use of elemental chlorine. twitter.com/whatsonlive June 2012 We endorse the recycling Clubbing/Gay p77 of our magazine and MTWTFSS would encourage you to Become a fan 1 2 3 pass it on to others to p78 read when you have Books/TV 45678 9 10 finished with it. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 facebook.com/whatsonlive Eating Out p79 ’ 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 WhatsOn 25 26 27 28 29 30

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News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Bhangra legend gets his star Birmingham’s King of Bhangra Malkit Singh has been honoured with a star on the city’s Broad Street Walk of Stars. A recent event at the city centre’s Gatecrasher also saw the best-selling Bhangra artist presented with a plaque by the city’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Anita Ward (pictured), in recognition of his global contribution to Bhangra music. The plaque and star are the latest in a long line of accolades to be bestowed on the Punjabi artist.

Vegetarian shark discovered at Birmingham attraction The National Sealife Centre in Birmingham’s Brindleyplace has announced that one of its prime specimens - a six-foot-long tropical All-star line-up for Jesus Christ Superstar shark - is, in fact, a vegetarian! In an effort to Radio One DJ Chris Moyles, Aussie comedian Tim Minchin and former Spice Girl Mel C are ensure that ‘Florence’ gets the natural pro- confirmed to appear in the forthcoming arena tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock tein she needs, numerous tactics have been opera Jesus Christ Superstar. The production, which comes to Birmingham’s National Indoor employed, including hiding fish inside celery Arena in October, will see Moyles take on the role of King Herod, while Mel B will star as the sticks, hollowed-out cucumbers and in show’s only female lead, Mary Magdeline. Award-winning Tim Minchin assumes the role of between lettuce leaves. Florence’s vegetari- Judas Iscariot. The search is now on for an actor to play Jesus, and Andrew Lloyd Webber anism was discovered when she underwent and ITV1 have rekindled their relationship to find the country’s most suitable candidate in a an operation to retrieve a fishing hook buried soon-to-be-screened new talent show. Of his role as Herod, Chris Moyles said: “To receive a deep inside her mouth. call from Andrew is very cool, but then when he asks you to be in his musical, that’s pretty amazing too. There’s only one way to respond, and that’s by saying yes! Absolutely! My mum’s gonna be well excited!"

Industry accolade awarded Festival in need of street to Birmingham art gallery performers The Birmingham Institute of Fine Arts has Organisers of Lichfield’s Florette Festival been honoured with a prestigious industry Market have issued a plea for local jugglers, award for its recent Court On Canvas exhibi- magicians, storytellers and troubadours to tion. The museum was shortlisted from hun- step forward and showcase their skills at the dreds of entrants at a recent ceremony in 7 July event. The annual market, taking London, during which comedian Sue Perkins place around Lichfield Cathedral Close, fea- presented the Barber team with their well- tures numerous craft stalls and demonstra- deserved gong. tions, as well as plenty of local produce. Queen arrives in Shropshire... Local entertainers already confirmed for the one-day event include the Enigma Brass Two evenings of outdoor musical celebration Band, Watershed Theatre Company and are planned at the Shrewsbury Showground West Bromwich Operatic Society. So if this month. The well-toured Queen II take to you’re an entertainer the stage on 29 June, while on the 30th, the and are interested in Shrewsbury Light Orchestra present a patriotic putting on a show for Last Night Of The Proms concert and firework an expected twenty finale. What’s On has joined with the promoters thousand visitors, of these two concerts to offer readers the give Market co-ordi- chance to win tickets to both events. nater Jennifer Smith Interested? Then visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk a ring on 01543 to find out how to enter... 306275.

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News May_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:34 Page 2

Micky Flanagan dates announced... One of Britain’s best-loved comedians has announced that he’s to stop off in the Midlands as part of a brand new UK tour in 2013. Micky Flanagan’s risky brand of East End comedy has proved a real hit with audiences, and if previous gigs are anything to go by, this much-anticipated show is sure to be a quick sell. Micky brings his Back In The Game tour to Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, in February, Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena in March and Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall in April.

The Saturdays show their Pride Chart-topping female band The Saturdays are headlining this year’s gay and lesbian Birmingham Pride. Taking the theme of It Gets Better, the two-day event gets under way with a colourful Carnival Parade, which will wind its way through the city centre to the main festival site of Birmingham’s Gay Village. A dance arena, main stage, cabaret marquee, funfair Casting announced for and community village green also feature. Joining The Saturdays at this year’s Pride are Stooshe, BBC Radio One’s Scott Mills, acclaimed DJ Judge Jules, Freemasons vocalist Phantom Of The Opera Amanda Wilson and the increasingly popular L Project. Wristbands will be required to get The Birmingham Hippodrome has con- into the Pride Entertainment Zone - main stage, dance arena, cabaret marquee and women’s firmed the line-up for the forthcoming pro- area - and are available both on the day and also in advance from duction of Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacu- www.birminghampride.com. Birmingham Pride takes place in and around the city’s Gay lar Phantom Of The Opera. Acclaimed West Village on 2 & 3 June. End performer Earl Carpenter will play Phantom, while Katie Hall will assume the role of Christine. Phantom Of The Opera IN BRIEF Dinosaurs heading to Coventry shows at the Birmingham Hippodrome from Online tickets for the Herbert Museum And Art Gallery’s latest 13 March to 4 May 2013. Early bird offer to exhibition, Dinosaurs Uncovered, go on sale this month. keep the kids Featuring lifesize models and replica fossils, the exhibition invites entertained... visitors to travel back two hundred-and-fifty million years to come face-to-face with some of the most fearsome creatures ever to A summer camp for have walked the earth. Springwatch presenter and wildlife expert children, set in the Chris Packham makes an appearance in holographic form as he beautiful Shropshire uncovers the facts about the countryside, has dinosaurs and the world in issued an early book- which they lived. Tickets are ing offer for week-long on sale from 1 June at a cost stays during the forth- of £5.95 for adults and £4.95 coming summer holi- for children, with family con- days. A centre of cessions also available. A excellence, JCA at 10% discount is available for Condover Hall pro- all advanced online bookings. vides safe and secure Dinosaurs Uncovered opens adventure residentials at the Herbert Art Gallery & for schoolchildren, and Britpop band set to play in Museum, Coventry, on 21 features a range of the Midlands land and water-based July. Eighties Britpop band Blur have announced activities, and, with that they’ve chosen Wolverhampton’s Civic kayaking, fencing, Hall as one of only three UK venues in body zorbing and rope Professional Association of Alexander Teachers which they’ll perform prior to their highly courses, there’s some- anticipated sold-out return to London’s thing to suit every Hyde Park later this summer. Blur last per- child’s tastes. formed in Wolverhampton in 2009, and The early bird offer of Lessons and Courses return to the Civic Hall on 5 and 6 August. £199 per child is for a full seven-night, in the Saturday to Saturday, Arts Council funding for activity programme Coventry arts centre including meals, Alexander Technique accommodation and Warwick Arts Centre has announced that it’s insurance. For further secured £120,000 of funding from the Arts information, visit For details please telephone: 01743 241478 Council England’s Catalyst Arts Scheme. www.jca- This will enable the venue to enhance the adventure.co.uk or email [email protected] quality of its future commissions and further develop its education programme. www.paat.org.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Patterson Joseph interview_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:16 Page 1

Paterson Joseph talks about Gregory Doran’s Caesar

06 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Patterson Joseph interview_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:16 Page 2

interview...

Described as having one of those faces that’s instantly recognisable, British actor Paterson Joseph has an impressive list of TV and theatre credits to his name - a repertoire that ranges from Othello at the RSC to Channel Four’s Peep Show. Patterson returns to the RSC this month to appear as Brutus in Gregory Doran’s Julius Caesar. What’s On caught up with him to find out more... How does Gregory Doran’s version of Is it correct that you were a chef before play, mainly because he’s larger than life, Julius Caesar differ from previous becoming an actor? which is why we probably only get one versions? That’s very grand. I was actually a catering episode of him in every series - less is often It’s not an adaptation but more of a concept assistant at the Royal Free in Hampstead more. What’s surprising is that he’s very that takes place somewhere in the African Heath for a short while before I went to popular with young people. Students adore continent, presenting a story of coups and drama school. I thought I wanted to be a him; I don’t know why, because he’s counter-coups, and of the vacuum left by a chef, I was geared towards getting my horrible... strong man in the centre. That’s our take on qualifications, and then I was put off. I won’t it and it seems to work brilliantly. It fits more tell you how, but it was to do with hygiene. Do you have much influence over the snuggly than you would imagine. That was that for me, so I decided to seek character? out something else that was also creative I don’t think I have any. People say “you The performance is being filmed for the but a bit more physically challenging. So I created this character”, but he’s the creation BBC. Has that proved distracting in any tried a youth theatre called The Cockpit in of Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain. I just way? Marylebone, and from there I went to drama interpreted him in my way, which they Initially, it felt like quite a challenge, because school. seemed to like. So they now tend to write the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is about a about him with me in mind - but then they thousand seats and so we rehearsed it for What barriers, if any, did you have to do that with all the characters. that. On the Friday, we finished rehearsing; overcome to pursue a career in acting? on the Saturday, we were filming. But what None at all. It was very un-dramatic. The You commented once that you’d like to was interesting about the whole experience only comment that my mum made about it appear in a TV period drama. Is there a was that bringing it down to the level of was, “do what you like, as long as you make particular role that you’d like to play? screen performance wasn’t as difficult as some money”. I tried to point out to her that Yeah, I’ve fallen in love with this eighteenth we’d imagined it would be. Some of the it was unlikely I’d ever make any money, due century African called Charles Ignatius physical stuff had to change, because we to the fact that actors are unemployed most Sancho, who is famously painted by didn’t need to move so much, but what we of the time, and also because it wasn’t my Gainsborough as a gentleman. He wrote found was that the detail we had in the goal to make any money. I was very young many, many letters, and I’ve adapted the rehearsal room was heightened on camera, and naive but I was also very truthful. I think letters to make a monologue for myself, which was great. It showed us how far we’d it’s very fortunate when any actor can make which I’ve performed and will perform again come after three-and-a-half weeks of any money, as most of us, as I’m sure you next year. I’m trying to work on a screenplay rehearsal. The trickiest bit, of course, is know, are unemployed most of the time. in the hope that someone will run with it. bringing it back into the theatre space. We’ve One of the difficulties connected to it is that got two weeks back in the rehearsal room to What was your first major role? it’s a Black story, if you like. It’s a story of a make it a stage show rather than a camera I think my first job was probably my first man who makes his way despite the fact show. It’s a very interesting journey. major role, and that was playing a young, that his colour might be against him, and unemployed man from Derbyshire at the that’s a concept which makes TV executives You’ve performed with the RSC on Bush Theatre in Shepherd’s Bush. That was shy away, thinking that there may be very numerous occasions. Who, for you, is the my introduction to the profession, and it was little interest. But times will change, and most interesting of all Shakespeare’s a great first role for a young actor - he was maybe there’ll be room for a black character characters? an angry and articulate young man. in lovely eighteenth or maybe nineteenth That’s a major question and the honest century costume. answer is that I don’t know. I think the great You’re professional CV features a lot of thing about Shakespeare is that we can very varied work. Is it a conscious Do you think there are now more roles revisit. There are characters and plays that decision to keep things fresh, or do you available to black actors, or is the glass I’ve done that I’d love to revisit, Othello being just accept whatever comes along? ceiling still very much in evidence? the obvious one. I played the role in my early It’s a bit of both. With most actors, the only I think there’s a bit of both going on. There’s forties, and I’d love to play him again in my real power that we have is to say yes or no more of an openness in terms of casting fifties. I also think that plays are relevant for when offered a job or an interview. Most of black actors - or actors who happen to be their time. Plays like Troilus And Cressida, the time, the culling of those things that I black, if you like - in roles that wouldn’t which I did at the RSC when I was last there, don’t want to do happens before the traditionally be seen in that way. And I think is a neglected play because it’s about war, interview stage. If it’s something I find that the traditions are changing in the situations of war and why one goes to interesting, or if I just need to work because themselves. Hopefully it will start to happen war. Sam Mendes directed us in 1990, and I haven’t got any money, then that will more rapidly than it has been doing. I think the Gulf War hit about the time we were dictate what I do. I try not to second-guess that there’s a desire, certainly amongst opening the show. It just seemed quite where my career is going. For example, I got directors and producers, to cast a bit more pertinent to talk about going to war, who together with some friends to do some widely. were the warmongers and who were the improvisation, just for ourselves. One of peacemakers. those actors was connected to a comedy If you could change one rule in casting director who worked a lot for theatreland, what would it be? You’ve got a lot of TV roles under your belt Channel Four; hence Peep Show came into It would be that all theatres could be - what draws you back to the stage, and in my life. And out of Peep Show came Green subsidised so that they could do the work particular the RSC? Wing, and out of all of that came Dead that they wanted, not the work that they had I think it’s a bit like the engine of a sports car, Ringers and That Mitchell And Webb Look. to do in order to get revenue. We earn really. I know it sounds a bit grand, but you millions for the nation with people coming to tick away in steady traffic, which is what TV And will we be seeing you in the new the West End and to other theatres and can be like; you’re not always asked to go to series of Peep Show? we’re not subsidised to the degree that the highs and lows of emotion on the screen. Definitely. We start filming the end of July. perhaps classical music and opera are. So I Certainly with Shakespeare, and a lot of think that would make a major difference. drama, they tend to be big themes where big Is Alan Johnson a good character to emotions are needed to be expressed. That’s play? Paterson Joseph star in Julius Caesar at where an actor really loves to burn his Yeah, I spend a lot of time giggling, and The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- engine, to really rev and go as far as he can. have to really control myself to do that upon-Avon until Sat 7 July deadpan thing. He’s a great character to

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 07 Barbara Nice feature_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:04 Page 1

My feeling is that “ as long as people like and appreciate Barbara she will continue, but she won’t outstay her welcome...”

Janice Connolly talks about women in comedy...

08 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Barbara Nice feature_Layout 1 21/05/2012 14:04 Page 2

interview...

Whether as Mrs Barbara Nice or as herself, actor/comedian/producer Janice Connolly is a well- known face on the Midlands entertainment circuit. A self-confessed workaholic, Janice is this month compering a Laughing Sole comedy night in West Bromwich and is also appearing in a brand new musical, entitled Underrated: Birmingham The Musical, at mac. What’s On caught up with her to find out more...

You recently made a comment on your putting people down, but that’s only a very How do you find the time? blog about people thinking that female small aspect of comedy. Proper comedy is It’s quite difficult sometimes to fit everything comedians couldn’t be as funny as male really a broad church; there are lots of types in, particularly as I continue to be a comedians. Can you expand on this? - surreal, topical, political. I think that freelance actor. I’ve just had a little part in In I think it’s deeply complicated, this whole audiences appreciate an intelligent With The Flynns, which is a television thing about females and comedy and who approach. In this day and age, when things programme with Will Mellor on BBC One. So we want to see on stage. I think undoubtedly are tough economically, I think it’s a I’m still doing freelance acting, stand-up that women are as funny as men, and some comedian’s job to speak up a bit. I think it’s comedy and running a theatre school. They men are less funny than some women. I their job to have a go at the status quo. all dovetail into each other, really. Finding think it’s a complicated discussion to have, the time can be a bit of a problem, but you but the truth of the matter is that it’s not a Will Barbara Nice just go on and on?... get used to it. true assumption. Women can be as funny It’s interesting; who really knows? My feeling and often funnier than some men... is that as long as people like and appreciate Do you have any social life? Barbara she will continue, but she won’t Not massively. But thankfully, I do enjoy the Is it a perception that holds some would- outstay her welcome... audiences, and I have a good chat with be female comedians back? people who come to see me. I always make No, I think comedy is one of those things Barbara has quite a gay following; why do a point of meeting and mingling with people that you’ll do if you really want to. Maybe in you think this is? afterwards. the past some promoters have thought that I wasn’t aware that she had that appeal until I they couldn’t put more than one woman on a did some shows in Brighton. I don’t know What’s the concept behind Woman And bill, but things are changing. There’s now a what it is, really. She’s just an ordinary lady. Theatre’s new production, Underrated: higher percentage of female comedians Maybe it’s because she loves wearing Birmingham The Musical, which you’re around. leopard skin! I think she probably reminds staging this month at mac? people of their mums, their nannas or maybe We’re working with three different groups of You’re bringing your acclaimed show their aunties - women in their lives who make young people. One is a group of young Higher And Higher back to the Midlands. them laugh, basically. She’s very inclusive, asylum-seekers, one is a group from Has this been adapted in any way? and never has a go at any minorities - well, Queensbridge school, and the other group Audiences bring a lot to this particular piece, apart from the posh. is from a school where pupils have visual so every performance is different depending impairment. Nationally, people still look on the audience. It’s that which provides the How would you define posh? down on the city, and this is about young show with its variety. All these people who’ve gone to Eton, I people saying what’s great about guess - the government, really. All these Birmingham. It’s going to be a musical, and You’re also working on a new show, called people who are in power and are connected. we’ve written about three or four new songs Mrs Nice, for the Edinburgh Festival. Their kids all go to the same parties and ride which are very catchy. In fact, one of them Where do you begin when devising a new the same horses. I really don’t like abuse of should have been a Eurovision entry, but we show? power. left it too late. Engelbert Humperdinck I collect ideas of things that are funny, things pipped us to the post! that are worth talking about, worth doing. How did your working relationship with Higher And Higher is about being connected Peter Kay come about? What, in your opinion, has contributed with people, and Mrs Nice is about re- He saw me in a comedy competition in most to making Birmingham the cultural discovering the fun that exists in all of us, Manchester - I’m from Stockport originally - hub that it is today? and especially nowadays, in ‘austerity and asked me to be in one of his television I still think that nationally it’s not recognised Britain’. It’s about discovering the kid in us programmes. It was one of those showbiz as such. Sandi Toksvig, who I think is lovely, all, I guess. dream stories of being in the right place at recently commented on the high-speed rail the right time. It’s been brilliant to be by saying “who wants to get to Birmingham Who is Barbara Nice based on? involved with him. any quicker?”. I think the national prejudices She’s a mixture of women I’ve met; She’s remain the same, even though, when you go probably like your favourite mad auntie. Can you explain your Women And Theatre into Birmingham, it’s such a great city. It’s so initiative? wonderfully multicultural, but I don’t think it’s What inspired you to get into comedy? We work with a variety of different appreciated nationally as much as it should Thinking I could do it. I was in a play with communities to produce new theatre and be. Even though the architecture looks Frank Skinner in Birmingham years ago, drama, as well as comedy courses for great, there’s still an old-fashioned attitude before he was famous, and then went to see community groups. We’ve just received from the rest of the country about it. him at the Edinburgh Festival. I remember some funding to take comedy workshops Birmingham has a wonderful community thinking, “I can do that”. He was kind of into older people’s residential homes. spirit and is a very friendly place. That’s one talking to the audience and being ‘in the of the messages we want to get across in moment’. So I decided to try and do that How did Women And Theatre come Underrated: Birmingham. type of thing. I also felt that there was room about? for lots of different voices in comedy. At the I’ve been involved in theatre and Finally Janice, what’s been the highlight time, it was more or less a case of one fella performance since I was a kid. I was doing a of your career? after the next standing up and basically lot of pub theatre in the evenings, and the To be honest, and I know this sounds a bit saying the same thing. I wanted to provide opportunity arose to start up a theatre group. of a cliche, I think you’re only as good as audiences with more variety, more choice, So I gave up my day job - at the time I was your last gig. Last night I went down very which is what Laughing Sole is all about. working for Barnardos. That was nearly thirty well at The Glee Club. That’s what keeps me years ago. Four of us started the company, going, thinking ‘that was good, people liked Who’s your favourite female comedians? and now I’m the only original founding it’. I think Isy Suttie is really good. She’s member. absolutely lovely and really clever. I think Janice Connolly comperes Laughing Sole at audiences really appreciate intelligence in Are you still very hands-on with the group, The Public, West Bromwich Wed 6 June. comedy. They often get comedy wrong and then? Underrated, Birmingham The Musical shows think it’s all about insulting people and Yes, very much so... at mac, Birmingham, Thurs 14 to Fri 15 June.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 09 Jonathan Haarvey Feature_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:23 Page 1 Jonathan Haarvey Feature_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:23 Page 2

interview...

With his visionary and all-encompassing approach to music, Warwickshire-born Jonathan Harvey has received worldwide critical acclaim and numerous accolades, the latest of which was the UK’s prestigious Royal Philharmonic Award. This month sees Harvey’s longest ever work, Weltethos, being given its UK debut, performed in Birmingham as part of the London 2012 opening celebrations. What’s On caught up with the talented composer to find out more...

How do you feel your upbringing in Sutton twenty minutes. This lasts a full hour-and-a- about the composer being open and Coldfield influenced your career as a half. allowing such things to form. composer? I was born in Little Aston and had a very nice What does it mean to you as a composer Do you have an all-time favourite piece of childhood. I used to go into Birmingham to to have your work performed as part of music? see the CBSO with my father, who was an London 2012? I don’t think I can answer that, because I love amateur musician - a very good one, I might It’s a great honour, and I’m very proud to so much music. I love the great classics, add. help in the theme of the Olympics, which is and, of course, I’m very interested in World I suppose I was about six when I wrote my all about nations coming together in an Music. I’ve always found music from distant first composition. My father would sit in his attitude of kindness. It’s not about economic places fascinating, and I’ve always loved armchair, puffing his pipe, and I’d sit at the hostility or any of the other hostilities we’re jazz. As for pop music, I leave that to my piano with my pencil and paper. I would play used to hearing about when nations come daughter... something and write it down, and he would together. It’s a gesture of kindness and say “try an F sharp there!”, and so we went goodness. And it’s exactly this, the What’s the greatest accolade you’ve ever on... aesthetics of goodness, which my work is received? celebrating. I received the Royal Philharmonic Award How old were you when your first piece of recently, which is the biggest prize that you music was performed to the public? And what, over the years, has influenced can get in this country. So probably that. I think I was about eleven; it was performed your work the most? on local BBC radio. I think spiritual aspiration in music can raise us all higher. A composer can be a sort of The CBSO perform Jonathan Harvey’s How do you think people’s perceptions of medium for greater psychological and Weltethos at The Symphony Hall, classical music have changed over the spiritual profoundity. Not necessarily to do Birmingham, Thurs 21 June years? with the composer being like that, but more I don’t think they’ve changed that much, but I do think the borders between different types of music have blurred - though probably not as much as they should have done. There are now many more crossover ventures and composers. I suppose it’s like the class system in England; it’s become much less marked. And nowadays, of course, recordings are much more available, which makes classical music a lot more accessible.

This month sees the UK premiere of Weltethos. Can you tell us a bit about this particular piece? It means ‘world ethic’. I set it in German for the first performance in the Berlin Philharmonic Hall, with the orchestra conducted by Simon Rattle.

What was your starting point when writing this particular piece? Well, the words obviously formed the basis. In this particular case, one meditated on the words and then the different sections. In Weltethos, there are six sections, each devoted to a different culture - Confusianism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. All of these cultures have their own music; in a way, it was that factor which began to form the musical thinking.

How did the commission come about? Through Hans Kung, one of the most distinguished theologians alive. He’s the president of the Foundation for a Global Ethic - a kind of religious/political organisation for world peace. He wanted to commission a work to celebrate the ideals of goodness for which his institute stands. He looked around and found me, in collaboration, I think, with the Berlin Orchestra, who advised him.

And how long did it take to complete? About two years. It took much, much longer than usual. It’s a big, big work - a whole evening. Normally my works last fifteen to

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Porgy & Bess feature_Layout 1 29/05/2012 14:02 Page 1

Porgy And Bess Cape Town Opera’s Michael Williams talks to Nancy Groves Porgy & Bess feature_Layout 1 29/05/2012 14:02 Page 2

interview

Was there ever a song as seasonally appropriate as Summertime? Guaranteed to raise temperatures, this standard of the American songbook has been covered more than twenty-five thousand times by artists including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin and even The Doors. So many times, in fact, that it’s easy to forget it started life as an operatic aria in George Gershwin’s 1935 masterpiece, Porgy And Bess.

This summertime, however, the tune will be five days, every high school has two or three fought hard to win it charitable status. restored to its rightful origins by Cape Town choirs, and when I do auditions for our CTO is still South Africa’s only full-time opera Opera (CTO), the pioneering South African ensemble, at least five hundred people turn company - its nearest competitor almost a company whose triumphant version of Porgy up!” continent away in Cairo - but it works hard to And Bess took the UK by storm in 2009 and Making Porgy And Bess the perfect match spread the gospel of opera as widely as now returns for a six-venue tour throughout for CTO: “When you have a piece with so possible. “We do a national tour every year the month of June. ‘One of the mornings, many great tunes, it’s ideal for our singers. to ten different cities, and the kids who do you’re going to rise up singing’ - never have Turning life into song is very much what our our workshops are the same kids who say, the words seemed so appropriate. people do. They sing about marriages, about ‘We want to come and sing and audition for Transferring the story from the sweltering death, about lovemaking, about harvesting, you’,” reports Williams. “We did La Bohème humidity of Charleston, South Carolina, to about buying a new car. For every significant and every one of the soloists came through the deep heat of South Africa’s Western event, there’s a song. Singing forms the our programme. The average age on stage Cape, the production boasts a cast including patterns of people’s lives here.” was twenty-three.” Soweto-born soprano Tsakane Valentine Tsakane Maswanganyi agrees. “We are a The company aims to present at least one Maswanganyi, last seen in the title role of nation of singers,” proclaims the thirty-two- new African work each season. Recent Carmen Jones at the Royal Festival Hall, and year-old soprano, based in Italy but back on successes include Poet And Prophetess, a a chorus that Rupert Christiansen, opera home-turf for Porgy And Bess rehearsals. NorrlandsOperan co-production with a critic of The Telegraph, has called ‘quite “There is something very familiar about libretto by Williams, and Mandela Trilogy, magnificent’. singing this music,” she says. “I heard my which will be performed twice at the Wales Given the rapturous reviews CTO received own African music from when I was a tiny Millennium Centre before Porgy’s Cardiff last time round, bringing Porgy And Bess baby, and here I am singing with my people dates. back to the UK was a no-brainer, says and my nation again. It reminds me of where ‘What we strive to do is not only the managing director Michael Williams. “It was and who I am. It takes me back to being European classics,” says Williams. “Do a revelation to see how warmly the Brits took young, and the reasons why I’m a singer.” foreign audiences really want to see our to a South African company tackling an Maswanganyi was thirteen when she first version of La Bohème, or is that taking coals American standard with such vigour and in heard opera via a chance clip on TV. “I think to Newcastle? We want to represent the such a novel fashion,” says Williams. “People it was La Bohème, and it was just one clip, miracle that is South Africa: look at what we were taken away by our enthusiasm, the one aria, but I was mesmerised, completely can do here, look at the art we can quality of our voices and the opportunities for taken over,” she recalls. Throughout her produce.” those voices which Gershwin’s score teenage years, she sang acapella in her local And people are certainly looking - this provides.” church choir, but it wasn’t until university, September, CTO will travel to Berlin at the Porgy And Bess was George Gershwin’s when a friend invited her to a music personal invitation of Sir Simon Rattle to attempt to write an opera that showcased the masterclass, that Maswanganyi realised her perform the complete Porgy And Bess with true depth and range of African-American calling. the Berlin Philharmonic. voices. Despite the beauty of his music, the “Opera is the highest form the voice can “All this and we’re a country still in our concept challenged both white and black reach for me,” she says, “not in the sense of adolescence,” Williams marvels. “We are audiences alike, and for many years the the highest kind of living, but in the capacity only seventeen years old, you must opera was presented in a watered-down of what your voice can do when music and remember - we’re the pimply kid who drives ‘musical’ format. “Even by Gershwin!” emotion are combined. It’s so expressive his dad’s car down the highway.” He pauses Williams points out. “He wrote the piece to and yet so composed at the same time - for thought. “l wonder what Gershwin would give black singers an opportunity, but when it combining nature and art together into a have thought of a South African cast singing turned out that it wasn’t cutting it with the more powerful form.” his piece?” opera glitterati - the mink and pearls brigade Maswanganyi had to go abroad to pursue Maswanganyi is in no doubt. “This works,” - he tried to make it into a Broadway show.” her musical career, which included an award- she says. “Storytelling is storytelling. Once Happily, Porgy And Bess is now a stalwart of winning stint in best-selling opera group, you put music to it, it’s going to the operatic canon, and “people know they Amici Forever. Opera, once a strong tradition communicate. Porgy And Bess is from the shouldn¹t tamper with it”. At least not with in South Africa, fell out of favour along with Western world but there’s nothing Western the music - transferring the setting is another other ‘classical’ art forms with the arrival of about it. This is African song, this is South matter, says Williams, who insists that the the ANC government in 1996, who withdrew African opera, and music is a universal South African relocation is faithful to the public subsidy for the arts to channel much- language.” themes and spirit of the opera. Not to needed funds into impoverished rural areas. mention the characters of Catfish village: Regional opera departments and orchestras Cape Town Opera perform Porgy And Bess beautiful but broken Bess, her brute of a folded, and only Cape Town survived, thanks at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wed 6 - boyfriend Crown, no-good drug pusher to the benevolence of its supporters and the Sat 9 June Sportin’ Life, and, of course, noble but leadership of Williams and his team, who crippled Porgy himself. “If you pick up any newspaper in South Africa, you’ll see the issues we deal with,” says Williams. “First, there’s the poverty in South Africa; the gap between rich and poor is the largest in the world. Then, the drugs - there are many Sportin’ Lives roaming our schools and city landscapes. And finally, the male on female violence - South Africa’s rape statistics are well known.” But it’s not all doom and gloom, he adds. “In amongst all this death and misery, there is an abundance of joy to Porgy And Bess, which is what we have in this country too. You’ve got to realise that singing is a way of life here. We have choral competitions that last Kevin Finnan interview_Layout 1 29/05/2012 14:02 Page 1

Twenty-five years in dance is a creative lifetime, and to have “ achieved it and still be here after all sorts of ups and downs is amazing.”

Kevin Finnan Motionhouse’s Artistic Director takes us on a voyage... Kevin Finnan interview_Layout 1 29/05/2012 14:02 Page 2

interview...

With the celebratory mood surrounding the Queen’s Jubilee festivities and the Olympic Games, living in the UK in 2012 is proving to be a special experience for many people. For leading dance theatre company Motionhouse, it’s a particularly special time. Established in 1988 by Kevin Finnan and Louise Richards, Motionhouse creates startling dance theatre. Although rooted in dance, the company also draws on theatre, circus, acrobatics and film to create visually stunning performances. 2012 marks a career highlight for Artistic Director Kevin, as he’s created and choreographed The Voyage - in collaboration with Patrick Nolan, his counterpart from Australian aerial specialists Legs On The Wall - a presentation which will open the West Midlands’ celebrations of the London 2012 Festival.

What does it mean to be invited to be Can you believe that you’ll be celebrating What advice would you give to those involved in the official Olympic Motionhouse’s twenty-fifth anniversary people who aren’t readily open to celebrations, Kevin? next year? contemporary dance? It’s a tremendous honour. We’re all Twenty-five years in dance is a creative What perhaps people don’t realise is that the absolutely thrilled to be opening the London lifetime, and to have achieved it and still be Motionhouse dance experience cradles 2012 Festival. There’s a real feeling that we here after all sorts of ups and downs is virtually all other art forms. We’re working want to do everybody proud, acknowledge amazing. What’s most significant for me, and with people who are filmmakers, composers, the honour that we’ve been given and really what is utterly thrilling, is that we’re making visual artists and digital artists to create our do it justice. and doing the best work we’ve ever done, productions. Our dancers are gymnasts, and have the biggest audiences, widest break dancers, aerialists, and this diversity in Is The Voyage Motionhouse’s most international reach and most exciting skills and art forms means a production can challenging production to date? projects to date. Creatively it feels like the be a very moving experience, but also an This is the biggest production in terms of most exciting time in the company’s life. It’s extraordinary visual event. You should scale, without a doubt. We’ve created pieces also very exciting that we’ve been signed by explore it even if you think it’s not for you, in the past where we worked with a thousand IMG Artists, the same company that because it’s so incredibly diverse. young people, so that was bigger in terms of represents the Bolshoi Ballet, on the eve of numbers. But there’s no doubt that, in terms our twenty-fifth anniversary. Does 2012 feel like a defining year for of scale of the project, the money that’s gone Motionhouse? into it and the profile, this is the biggest to You’re based in Leamington Spa in Yes - I don’t think you can look at it in any date. It’s just extremely thrilling and humbling Warwickshire. How important is it not to other way. With our first tours to China and to be given this opportunity. forget your roots, despite becoming the USA being in place, and doing our increasingly global with your shows? biggest project to date with The Voyage, it’s Where did the concept of The Voyage A lesson we’ve learned is that a company a watershed moment for the company, for come from? builds an audience by its connections with Louise Richards and for myself. It’s The Voyage is a story that explores the people. The more we engage in every way, something that, as a company, we have courage which inspires us to embark on the more we can speak honestly and plainly consistently worked for. And in a lifetime of journeys in pursuit of our dreams. Olympic about issues, and make them into a form creating work, you have to acknowledge athletes are journeying to the UK from all that’s exciting, challenging and stimulating. moments when it’s fantastic and has gone over the world, in hope. Their hopes will be We have strong local roots, and a long- your way. They are wonderful gifts, and it’s different. For one athlete it will be the hope of standing relationship with Warwick Arts just marvellous. a gold medal, whereas for another it will be Centre and Birmingham’s mac, who helped the hope that they’re fit enough to run in their support us, and we’re not a disconnected particular heat. In countries across the world, observer. We see ourselves as a tree that’s The Voyage shows at Victoria Square, people have made similar journeys to other growing from an area, and we reach out our Birmingham from Thurs 21 to Sun 24 June lands in hope. Some journey to make their branches, our aspirations, from the roots of fortune and aim to change the world, while where we are. others journey in the hope of having their own home and a better standard of living for their children. This theme of journeying in hope is a fundamental theme in life, so I wanted to create a show that speaks about a moment in time but that mirrors an experience that binds us all. It’s really about looking at the Olympic moment and realising that there’s something profound for us all to celebrate.

How much does touring the USA with Motionhouse’s production of Scattered mean to you? I think it’s an extraordinary achievement for Motionhouse. We have our first tour confirmed and are already talking about the second one. What’s so extraordinary is that when a lot of companies go to the US, they might do New York, LA and Chicago, whereas we’re doing twenty dates - so it’s a massive new market for the company. It’s also great as we’re not being exported; we’ve done it off our own back and it’s an enormous step. It can only help to develop and strengthen the company. Plus, I jumped around playing rock and roll very badly on my guitar as a teenager, as we all did, dreaming of going on a US road tour, so to have that as a reality is hilarious and exciting. Music June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:35 Page 1

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Editors HMV Institute, Birmingham, Tues 26 - Wed 27 June One of Birmingham’s most famous indie bands, Editors have been quiet since the 2009 release of last studio album In This Light And On This Evening. Currently in the studio working on their fourth album, the band confirmed the departure of guitarist Chris Urbanowicz in April, stating that he’d left "in a decision entirely based upon future musical direction", and that his departure is "entirely am- icable". This Birmingham gig is their only UK show of the year.

Nicki Minaj The View National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Tues 26 June Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 29 June Known for her wacky outfits and use of alter-egos, the Pink Friday rapper and singer has Scottish indie band The View found fame in 2007 seen her 2010 debut album go multi-platinum this year, and has also found time for a row with the release of Same Jeans, their best selling on Twitter over the leaking of songs from her recently released Pink Friday: Roman Re- single to date. Now, ahead of the release of fourth loaded album. Famously mentored by Lil Wayne, the artist who discovered her and studio album Cheeky For A Reason in July, the helped her secure a record deal, Nicki toured extensively with Britney Spears last year on fresh-faced quartet have headed out on a twenty- the Femme Fatale tour. She’s going it alone this time, though, and touring the world with two-date UK tour. The first release on the band’s songs from both her albums. new label, Cooking Vinyl, the album has been described by lead singer and guitarist Kyle Falconer as ‘Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours done by The Clash’. Jay Z And Kanye West LG Arena, Birmingham, Wed 13 & Fri 22 June Two of the biggest names in rap, Jay Z and Kanye joined forces last year to become The Throne, releasing an album - Watch The Throne - which took a year to make and has been described by West as “very dark and sexy, like couture hip-hop”. Hot on the heels of their huge success at the 2012 Grammy Awards, winning the coveted gong for Best Rap Performance, they here perform songs from both the album and their classic back- catalogues.

Mica Paris The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Wed 6 June Hitting the headlines recently for her dramatic weight loss, Mica Paris is not just a singer but a TV presenter and actress too. Starting out singing soul and gospel music in her local church, she released platinum-selling debut album So Good while still a teenager. Seven albums and a string of successful collaborations with the likes of Prince, Boy George and Mark Morrison later, the soul singer is still going strong, and played three sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s in September.

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Music PREVIEWS

Patti Smith Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Mon 25 June A singer, songwriter, activist, poet and visual artist, Patti is cited as a pioneer of punk rock, storming onto the scene in 1975 with ground- breaking debut, Horses. A huge influence on musicians, including most notably Michael Stipe of REM, she’s devoted much of her life to causes such as AIDS and the anti-Iraq war movement. Patti appears in Wolverhampton as part of an eleven-date UK tour, showcasing songs from her tenth studio album, Banga, including This Is The Girl - a tribute to Amy Winehouse - and Fuji-san, dedicated to the people of Japan. All The Young WIN O2 Academy, Birmingham, Mon 18 June TICKETS Stoke quartet All The Young are tipped for whatsonlive.co.uk stardom as one of XFM's Twelve For 2012, Elton John to enter and have recently appeared on stage as LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 15 June guests of Morrissey, The Courteneers, The A much-cherished national treasure, Elton John is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, Wombats, Hard-Fi and The Pigeon Detec- tells it how it is, and doesn’t take himself too seriously. He's the top chum of superstar tives. About to embark upon a headlining celebrities the world over, an absolute must at any big showbiz bash worth its salt, and has twenty-one-date tour, the band will play Eu- earned his stripes as a much-respected musician by reason of over four decades in the rope’s festivals this summer, including South- upper echelons of a notoriously unforgiving business. The man, quite simply, is celebrity per- side and Hurricane in Germany, as well as sonified. “I'm still as excited about playing live as I was when my career began” says Elton “In the Blue Balls Festival in Switzerland. With a fact, probably more so. I've played Birmingham many times since my first concert there in Britpop sound influenced by The Smiths, The January 1971 at Mothers, and the audiences have always been fantastic, so I’m looking for- Cure, The Stone Roses and The Clash, the ward to returning.” band have recently released their debut album, Welcome Home. tenna, which is part of Cherry Red Records. Django’s music is a colourful explosion of the Playing their biggest ever tour last year, cov- tropics, tribal drums, electro and animal ering twenty cities in six weeks, the band are noises. Check them out live on their twelve- going from strength to strength, winning five date UK tour before they head off to play a awards in the Classic Rock Presents Prog summer’s-worth of festivals. magazine awards. With third album SKIN due for release this summer, they’re playing a handful of shows before embarking on a full album launch tour in the autumn.

Citizens The Yardbird, Birmingham, Sun 17 June On a mission to provide credible band-based pop music, Citizens are five young London men who were NME’s Radar Band of the The Chieftains Week in March. The hotly tipped ensemble Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 5 June recorded the tracks for debut LP Here We Are Six-time Grammy Award-winners and one of in Scotland last year, and enlisted Franz Fer- the first bands to make traditional Irish music dinand frontman Alex Kapranos to produce popular around the world, The Chieftains are the record. PRISMS and Vigilance Committee Lucy Wainwright Roche back with a nationwide tour to celebrate fifty support at this free show. Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Wed 13 June years in the business. Starting out in 1962, A member of the multi-talented Wainwright the band have tirelessly promoted their in- family, Lucy finally got involved in the ‘family strumental music, and remained extremely business’ of musicmaking after years spent loyal to their roots. Having appeared with a teaching at elementary school. Releasing her veritable who’s who of talented performers, debut album, Lucy, in 2010, she’s this sum- including Luciano Pavarotti, the Rolling mer playing at just a handful of shows in the Stones, Van Morrison and Willie Nelson, the UK before heading back over the pond to ap- four-piece are currently touring in support of pear at numerous folk festivals. their latest album, Voice Of Ages. Django Django O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wed 6 June Edinburgh psychedelic pop quartet Django Django are David Maclean (drummer and Panic Room producer), Vincent Neff (singer and guitarist), Jimmy Dixon, (bassist) and Tommy Grace The Robin, Bilston, Sun 24 June (synth operator). Meeting in art school in Formed from the embers of Karnataka, Welsh 2009, the band released their self-titled debut band Panic Room started off the year by an- album earlier this year. Earning rave reviews nouncing that they’d signed to Esoteric An- from The Guardian and NME, Django

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Music PREVIEWS Carly Connor The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Wed 27 June Signed on the spot after auditioning at At- lantic Records at just seventeen, Carly moved to London from Scotland two years ago and has spent her time writing and perfecting her debut album, set for release later this year. She’s also racked up an impressive live résumé, having sup- ported fellow Scots The View and Paolo Nutini on tour across the UK and in Europe.

Blink 182 National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 7 June; LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 16 June Multiple MTV award-winners Blink-182 certainly caused a stir with their 1999 break- through album Enema Of The State, racking up sales in excess of fifteen million. Since that time, the San Diego band have enjoyed no shortage of success, their next two albums, Take Off Your Pants And Jacket (2001) and Blink-182 (2003) helping to cement their position as a pop punk supergroup. The Musgraves The Ballroom, Birmingham, Fri 8 June; The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 9 June In February, Midlands band The Musgraves became the first unsigned band to appear on The Graham Norton Show - albeit in borrowed clothes and with borrowed instruments after their belongings were stolen from a van the night before, a crime which prompted their genial Irish host to launch a Twitter manhunt! A few months on, they’ve just released their second single and announced a string of UK tour dates. Set for big things in the near future, catch them before they get huge.

Sam Leak Quartet Best Coast The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 9 June O2 Academy, Birmingham, Mon 18 June Sam Leak is a pianist and composer who Creating music that’s the perfect soundtrack broadcaster Helen Mayhew called, “one of to laidback summers everywhere, Best Coast the brightest young stars in the Jazz piano comprises frontwoman/songwriter Bethany galaxy, a heavenly improviser and a brilliant Cosentino and multi-instrumentalist Bobb Kids In Glass Houses prospect for the future”. Performing at fa- Bruno, joined on stage by former Vivian Girls Kasbah, Coventry, Sat 2 June mous venues including Ronnie Scott’s, Pizza drummer Ali Koehler. Welsh rockers Kids In Glass Houses got to- Express Dean Street and The Vortex, his Based in Los Ange- gether in 2003, and after a few quiet years - debut album, Aquarium, was recorded by his les, their music is a highlighted by support slots for Lostprophets, quartet of the same name, and has been de- low fi style of surf 30 Seconds To Mars, Hundred Reasons and scribed in Jazzwise Magazine as ‘a mature rock and a homage The Goo Goo Dolls - released their debut EP and often sumptuous statement of intent’. to the city. The follow- in 2006. Unusually for an unsigned band, up to debut album they received significant levels of press sup- Crazy For You is the port from NME, Kerrang and Radio One, and Roy Orbison And Friends recently released The were nominated for a Kerrang award in 2007 New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 23 Only Place, an album before being signed later that year. Three al- June; Solihull Arts Complex, Sat 6 October; that they describe as Bedworth Civic Hall, Thurs 11 October; The- a departure from their bums later, the band have just completed a atre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 19 October tour in support of latest release, In Gold usual style of song- Blood. Catch them in this Coventry show be- He may be long gone, but the music of Roy writing. Fear Of Men fore they continue with their festival schedule. Orbison shows no sign of fading away - par- and Spectrals sup- ticularly with men like Barry Steele doing their port. darnedest to pay fitting tribute to the man who was lovingly referred to as The Big O. Steele is widely recognised to be straight out George Benson of the top drawer of Orbison tribute perform- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 29 June ers, and augments his own remarkably accu- With a career spanning more than four rate stage performance with the backing of a decades behind him, the hugely talented five-piece band and a backdrop of original George Benson is one of the most respected film footage from the era. The show also fea- performers in modern music. A formidable tures the sounds of The Shadows and Ray jazz master, George has also enjoyed great Charles, and includes special star guest trib- success in the worlds of pop and R&B music, utes to Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Jerry along the way garnering a reputation for ex- Lee Lewis. All in all, then, an evening of high- cellence that’s seen him collect no fewer than energy tribute performances for all lovers of ten Grammy Awards. rock’n’roll to enjoy.

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WE ARE KNUCKLE DRAG- GIG REVIEWS LISTINGS GER PLUS SHIRT LIFTER, Music Music THE DOUBLE HAPPY AND FICKLE TWIN The Flapper For full listing information on gigs, For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk & Firkin, Birmingham including times and dates, visit BY LANTERN LIGHT Cox's www.whatsonlive.co.uk Yard, Stratford-upon- Avon ITCHYFEET The Jam Rizzle Kicks sembly Rooms House, Birmingham LG Arena, Birmingham FRI 1 JUN THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN These two Brighton boys have more en- Stafford Gatehouse The- atre WED 6 JUN TALON The Swan The- ergy than a Duracell bunny. Jordan and ANDY HAMILTON & THE atre, Worcester Harley may be twenty and twenty-one re- BLUE NOTES Symphony FARISLE, SOUND OF THE spectively, but with their baby faces and Hall, Birmingham PATSY FULLER & THE REV- SIRENS, CIVIL DISOBEDI- low-slung jeans, they must get ID’d all the JOE BROUGHTON'S CON- ELATORS The Jam ENCE, LAWRENCE TAYLOR time. Forthcoming single Dreamers was al- SERVATOIRE FOLK ENSEM- House, Birmingham AND SAMUEL ROGERS 02 BLE Huntingdon Hall, MICA PARIS The Assem- ready well known by their diehard fans, Academy, Birmingham Worcester bly, Leamington Spa whilst the audience started dancing early to When I Was A Young- REGGAEBABY LOUNGE The STAKEOUT! 02 Academy, SAM FORREST (NINE ster. Showing that they’re not afraid to do the unexpected, a mixed- Drum, Birmingham Birmingham BLACK ALPS) The Yard- DORIAN FORD TRIO Sym- up cover of Ed Sheeran’s You Need Me, a skit of the James Bond BLEECH + MILLION EM- bird Jazz Club, Birming- phony Hall, Birmingham theme and a Latino version of Down With The Trumpets kept things PIRE Sunflower Lounge, ham BLUE ONYX - MOODY interesting. Harley showed off his musical talents on guitar, and the Birmingham AMONG BROTHERS, DON'T boys’ impressive acrobatics even earned them some bras! Not even BLUES TRIBUTE BAND The TOUCH THE WALLS The Robin, Bilston the lazy style of Miss Cigarette and Even On A Rainy Day could River Rooms, Stour- MUSICAL YOUTH Palace bridge dampen the audience’s enthusiasm, as evidenced by their enthusi- SUN 3 JUN Theatre, Redditch MAXIMO PARK The Glee astic response to encore number Mama Do The Hump. Young, tal- DESPERADO Artrix, Club, Birmingham ented and already boasting a legion of fans, these boys have the Bromsgrove QUEST Civic Hall, Wolver- THE MANFREDS Lichfield world at their feet. Alev Dervish IIIII ISLET A four-piece exper- hampton imental rock band from GLENN MILLER ORCHES- Cardiff, The Rainbow, TRA Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham Theatre Professor Green THE YOUNG RUNAWAYS MICHAEL KING PRESENTS Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Newhampton Arts Cen- THE BILLY FURY YEARS Hundreds of fans braved the weather on a tre, Wolverhampton Tamworth Assembly Rooms dull Wolverhampton evening to see the THIS IS NIRVANA Cox's Yard, Stratford-upon- PAUL DRAKELEY & THE amazing Professor Green. Avon ALLSTARS BAND Himley Maximo Park A set by Smiler, which also featured guests CHURCHFITTERS Theatre Hall & Park, Dudley Bigz and Amy Pearson, ensured the crowd Severn, Shrewsbury JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS Garrick were in a suitable party mood by the time HUNGRY KIDS OF HUN- RHYTHM & BLUES OR- DJANGO DJANGO 02 Pro Green hit the stage, performing clas- GARY Kasbah, Coventry CHESTRA Malvern The- Academy, Birmingham sics like Read All About It, Monster and At Your Inconvenience along- THE SOUL SESSION BAND atres HOODIE ALLEN 02 Acad- side new single Remedy. Iconic song Jungle sent the crowd The Jam House, Birm- TALON - THE BEST OF THE emy, Birmingham EAGLES absolutely mental - the screams were so loud it was a wonder they ingham Lichfield Garrick DOUGIE MACLEAN IN CON- RANG A TANG The River ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - CERT Huntingdon Hall, weren’t heard in Walsall! Rooms, Stourbridge JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE Worcester In short, this was one of the best live performers I’ve ever seen. THE ESTABLISHMENT The The Robin, Bilston THE HACKENSAW BOYS Stew Middleton IIIII Cavern, Warwick THE NIGHTINGALES The Kitchen Garden Cafe, SARAH GILLESPIE Barton Slade Rooms, Wolver- Kings Heath, Birming- Arms, Aston, Birming- hampton ham ham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The Music Venues Box Office River Rooms, Stour- bridge THUR 7 JUN Birmingham THE GLEE CLUB Staffordshire SAT 2 JUN STRANGLE KOJAK The 0871 472 0400 Ballroom, Birmingham 02 ACADEMY LICHFIELD GUILDHALL THE YARDBIRD MACCABEES Kitchen Gar- BLINK 182 National In- 08444 77 2000 01543 262223 BALLROOM GLITZ 0121 212 2524 The den Cafe, Kings Heath, door Arena, Birmingham ADRIAN BOULT HALL THE SUGAR MILL, HANLEY River Rooms, Stour- Birmingham THE UPBEAT BEATLES 0121 331 5901 STOKE-ON-TRENT bridge Black Country 01159 454 593 Royal Spa Centre, THE ASYLUM THE SOUL SESSION BAND 0121 233 1109 CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON Leamington Spa TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS The Jam House, Birm- 0870 320 7000 01827 709618 MAGIC - A KIND OF QUEEN THE BALLROOM, DALE END ingham 0121 448 0797 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY Regent Theatre, Hanley, 01384 815577 FROM THE GET GO PLUS THE BARBER INSTITUTE 0844 871 7649 Stoke-on-Trent 0121 414 7333 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE STAFFORD GATEHOUSE OPEN TO FIRE, ILLICIT FRAGILE - CLASSIC YES 01902 572090 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 01785 254653 DISCO, THEMSELVES AND The Robin, Bilston 0121 780 3333 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH FIGHT THE DICE The THE MANFREDS Artrix, 0121 533 7161 CBSO CENTRE Warwickshire Slade Rooms, Wolver- Bromsgrove ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0121 780 3333 COX’S YARD, STRATFORD hampton 01902 401211 NO SPRING CHICKEN The CUSTARD FACTORY, 01789 404600 UNEEUQ - QUEEN TRIBUTE Maccabees STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL River Rooms, Stour- 0121 224 7777 THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON The Ironworks, Os- 01384 812812 SALOPIAN BRASS The bridge FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 01926 311311 westry THE VARSITY, Quarry Park, Shrews- SOIL The Slade Rooms, HARE & HOUNDS THE KASBAH, COVENTRY WOLVERHAMPTON KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES Wolverhampton 0121 444 2081 02476 554473 bury 01902 711166 Kasbah, Coventry MARY BLACK IN CONCERT HMV INSTITUTE NAILCOTE HALL, WULFRUN HALL, ABSOLUTE BOWIE Cox's 0844 248 5037 BERKSWELL 02476 46 6174 Birmingham Town Hall WOLVERHAMPTON Yard, Stratford-upon- MON 4 JUN THEY WROTE THE SONGS ISLAND BAR 0870 320 7000 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL Avon 0121 632 5296 01789 207100 The music of four great THE BLACK AND REDS The piano singer/ songwrit- THE JAM HOUSE Shropshire TAYLOR JOHN’S HOUSE, K*** AND THE GANG The 0121 200 3030 COVENTRY Public, West Bromwich ers of the last decades THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, MUCH JACKSON - LIVE IN CON- Ballroom, Birmingham LG ARENA 024 7623 0699 of the 20th century, WENLOCK CERT Theatre Severn, PUNK'D The River 0844 338 8000 01952 728911 Crewe Lyceum Worcestershire Shrewsbury Rooms, Stourbridge NIA 0844 338 8000 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY DR TEETH BIG BAND The HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN COLIN CURTIS Newhamp- GAVIN HARRISON & 05RIC THE RAINBOW 01743 234970 Jam House, Birming- 0121 772 8174 THEATRE 01905 611427 ton Arts Centre, Wolver- 02 Academy, Birming- THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY ham MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER ham RED LION FOLK CLUB 01691 679123 hampton DEL BROMHAM'S BLUES 0121 441 6941 01905 613336 THEATRE SEVERN, FAY HIELD TRIO The Hive, DEVILS The Cavern, War- THE RIVER ROOMS, THE ROADHOUSE SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 Shrewsbury TUES 5 JUN wick 0121 459 5660 STOURBRIDGE THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, 01384 397177 NEW MODEL ARMY The TRADITIONAL SONG SES- SYMPHONY HALL TELFORD 01952 382382 Robin, Bilston SION Kitchen Garden 0121 780 3333 WEM TOWN HALL THE FORTUNES & THE IVY THE CHIEFTAINS Sym- Cafe, Birmingham 01939 232299 LEAGUE Tamworth As- phony Hall, Birmingham

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Heath, Birmingham Worcester SILENT RESISTANCE 02 phony Hall, Birmingham LISTINGS THE CUREHEADS 02 Academy, Birmingham UK SUBS The Robin, Bil- Music Academy, Birmingham THE JACKIE GENERATION ston TUE 12 JUN DUETS FOR DJANGO Lich- Royal Spa Centre, GA GA Malvern Theatres For full listing information on gigs field Garrick Leamington Spa OMAR The Jam House, including, times and dates, visit MARTY WILDE & THE MJ THE TRIBUTE The Birmingham FOREVER JACKSON Bel- WILDCATS Solihull Arts Place, Oakengates The- CLEM CURTIS AND THE www.whatsonlive.co.uk grade Theatre, Coven- Complex atre, Telford FOUNDATIONS The Cav- try HERMAN'S HERMITS ern, Warwick TERRY REID Cox's Yard, Birmingham Prince Of Wales Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon FRI 8 JUN THE SUBTERRANEANS Cannock SUN 17 JUN IAN PARKER The Jam FRI 22 JUN The Jam House, Birm- ROGER DEAN SINGS THE ingham House, Birmingham JOHNNY CASH STORY SILENT FILTER FT. CALL THE SUBTERRANEANS GERRY CROSS THE LEGEND (RISE RECORDS), Lichfield Garrick ATLANTIS PLUS SUPPORT THE TREVOR BURTON The Jam House, Birm- MERSEY The Place, Oak- DEMORALISER, ODESSA, THE CAVERN BEATLES 02 Academy, Birming- BAND, THE MAZ ingham engates Theatre, Telford THE ELIJAH, EMPIRES The Robin, Bilston ham MITRENKO TRIO AND THE WESTLIFE LG Arena, ALAN PRICE Huntingdon FADE & THE ESTABLISH- JOHNNY KOWALSKI & THE JOE LONGTHORNE New DEL RAY ROCKETS The Birmingham Hall, Worcester MENT The Ballroom, SEXY WEIRDOS The Ball- Alexandra Theatre, Cavern, Warwick T-REXTASY The Robin, Birmingham room, Birmingham Birmingham THE DOMINO SET, SHOCK- Bilston BEN MONTAGUE 02 Acad- FRED ZEPPELIN The River BRAVADO - TRIBUTE TO PARADE, REBEL MOVIE DAHOLL KURDISH ENSEM- emy, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge RUSH The Robin, Bilston MAKER, ONLY ROUTE OUT BLE Symphony Hall, URBAN INTRO The Jam TIR NA NOG The Marr's & THE ARKHAMISTS The Birmingham Ben Montague House, Birmingham Bar, Worcester Ballroom, Birmingham RUBY TURNER Artrix, ELTON JOHN LG Arena, KING PLEASURE & THE P!NK MISS UNDERSTOOD Bromsgrove Birmingham BISCUIT BOYS The Road- The River Rooms, RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Bel- house, Birmingham Stourbridge TACULAR Regent The- grade Theatre, Coven- TRANSMISSION (JOY DIVI- JAY-Z & KANYE WEST Fri Westlife atre, Hanley, try SION TRIBUTE) The Cav- 22 Jun, LG Arena, Birm- Stoke-on-Trent ern, Warwick ingham DR TEETH BIG BAND BRIT FLOYD Malvern CITIZENS The Yardbird UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Cox's Yard, Stratford- Theatres SAT 16 JUN Jazz Club, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- upon-Avon MOTOWN'S GREATEST JAMES FAGAN & NANCY ingham ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S HITS Lichfield Garrick KERR The Hive, Shrews- STEVE GIBBONS Cox's HEROES The Assembly, TALON - THE BEST OF THE UNDER A BANNER & ONE WED 13 JUN bury Yard, Stratford-upon- Leamington Spa EAGLES Bedworth Civic CURE FOR MAN ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Avon KICK UP THE 80'S The Hall Newhampton Arts Cen- Crewe Lyceum River Rooms, Stour- GANDALF MURPHY & THE MARK STEWART 02 tre, Wolverhampton TRASH TALK The Rain- bridge SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS OF Academy, Birmingham BLINK 182 LG Arena, bow, Birmingham THE MUSGRAVES The DREAMS The Ballroom, THE CHANTEL MCGREGOR Birmingham WRECKLESS ERIC & AMY Ballroom, Birmingham Birmingham BAND The Robin, Bilston URBAN INTRO The Jam RIGBY Kitchen Garden THE ESTABLISHMENT The MICHAEL BUBLE V ROBBIE THE MILK Hare & House, Birmingham Cafe, Kings Heath, Cavern, Warwick WILLIAMS The River Hounds, Birmingham DIO TRILOGY Cox's Yard, Birmingham A VISION OF ELVIS Palace Rooms, Stourbridge LUCY WAINWRIGHT Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre, Redditch THE WHOO The Assem- ROCHE Hare & Hounds, THE MILK Kasbah, THE SKA AND 2-TONE RE- bly, Leamington Spa Birmingham Coventry MON 18 JUN Steve Gibbons VIEW The Robin, Bilston THE MUSGRAVES The GOSPEL CENTRAL The TOWNS/SULK The Flap- Jam House, Birming- per & Firkin, Birming- VOULEZ VOUS - THE Sugarmill, Stoke-on- DIAMOND HEAD Solihull ham ham ALL THE YOUNG 02 Acad- MAMMA MIA CONCERT Trent Arts Complex THE RAPTURE The Sug- MR BEN The Cavern, emy, Birmingham Royal Spa Centre, THE TOWN, THE QUEUE, THE GUNS N' ROSES EX- armill, Stoke-on-Trent Warwick BEST COAST 02 Acad- Leamington Spa MARMALADE SKY & DJ PERIENCE Lichfield Gar- JAY-Z & KANYE WEST LG ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S emy, Birmingham MIRANDA SYKES AND REX SCOTT SPENCER The rick Arena, Birmingham V 80S The River Rooms, STEVE TILSTON Kitchen PRESTON Huntingdon Slade Rooms, Wolver- DESPERADO Prince Of RELIGHT THE FIRE Bel- Stourbridge Garden Cafe, Kings Hall, Worcester hampton Wales Centre, Cannock grade Theatre, Coven- BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY Cel- Heath, Birmingham CHARLOTTE GLASSON SAM LEAK QUARTET The THE ELO EXPERIENCE Ar- try ebration of the music of BAND Symphony Hall, Hive, Shrewsbury trix, Bromsgrove RAGHU DIXIT Birming- Frankie Valli and The Birmingham CHAOS CAROUSEL TUE 19 JUN KWARTET WITH TIM ham Town Hall Four Seasons, Palace BEN - A TRIBUTE TO Newhampton Arts Cen- WHITEHEAD & TONY Theatre, Redditch MICHAEL JACKSON Wul- tre, Wolverhampton WOODS Symphony Hall, LET'S HANG ON - THE CHRIS CORNELL Sym- frun Hall, Wolverhamp- MAGIC - A KIND OF QUEEN THUR 14 JUN Birmingham MUSIC OF FRANKI VALI & phony Hall, Birmingham ton Belgrade Theatre, BERNIE MARSDEN The THE FOUR SEASONS THE SOUNDS OF THE AKALA LIVE IN CONCERT Coventry Robin, Bilston THE WIZE GUYZ The Jam Prince Of Wales Centre, SUPREMES Lichfield Gar- The Drum, Birmingham MIKE DENVER PLUS KENNY BALL & HIS JAZZ House, Birmingham Cannock rick BLAKE & BRAZIL Birming- MEN Huntingdon Hall, LUCY ROSE Hare & BOOTLEG ABBA The THE GREYISH QUARTET ham Town Hall Worcester Hounds, Birmingham Robin, Bilston The Jam House, Birm- BACCHUS Cox's Yard, VOICES UNLIMITED The THE LUCKY STRIKES Hare TOM POPE Symphony ingham Stratford-upon-Avon Swan Theatre, Worces- & Hounds, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham LESS THAN JAKE The As- BUSBY BABES The Cav- ter ern, Warwick BACKWASH The Marr's ABBA MANIA Tamworth sembly, Leamington STRAY SOUL REMEDY, Bar, Worcester Assembly Rooms Spa VILLAGE GREEN MACHINE, COOL BRITANNIA Palace DANCING IN THE CARA LUFT Kitchen Gar- SAT 23 JUN LOOCA Sunflower Theatre, Redditch STREETS: MOTOWN'S den Cafe, Kings Heath, DUETS FOR DJANGO Lich- GREATEST HITS! Regent Birmingham Akala Lounge, Birmingham ROY ORBISON AND field Garrick Theatre, Hanley, Stoke- FRIENDS New Alexandra THE ELO EXPERIENCE WED 20 JUN ABBAMANIA The Grand SUN 10 JUN on-Trent Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhamp- Solihull Arts Complex ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Hunt- New Alexandra Theatre, ton GRAINNE DUFFY The Jam The Jam House, Birm- ingdon Hall, Worcester Birmingham THEY WROTE THE SONGS FOSSIL COLLECTIVE The House, Birmingham ingham TOO PETTY The Robin, BOYCE AVENUE 02 Acad- The music of four great Yardbird Jazz Club, JAKE MATTISON The DIAMOND HEAD Solihull piano singer/songwrit- Birmingham Bilston emy, Birmingham Arts Complex HONEYBOY HICKLING Yardbird Jazz Club, ers of the last decades JANE TAYLOR Kitchen Birmingham EVERYBODY LOOKS FA- of the 20th century, The Garden Cafe, Kings BAND The Cavern, War- MOUS, THE BLACK TEARS, wick BUDDY HOLLY'S WINTER Swan Theatre, Worces- Heath, Birmingham DANCE PARTY Crewe MY FAVOURITE RUNNER ter Lyceum UP, IN THE CARDS, AR- THE SMYTHS 02 Acad- MON 11 JUN FRI 15 JUN BERNIE MARSDEN Cox's CADE PARADE, STATIC emy, Birmingham Yard, Stratford-upon- PINK & LITTLE WING 02 Avon Academy, Birmingham STEVE YIMGA BAND Sym- SAT 9 JUN SD-JEM Kasbah, Coven- TOM HINGLEY The KATY SETTERFIELD AS phony Hall, Birmingham try Robin, Bilston DUSTY SPRINGFIELD TIME IN A BOTTLE Ludlow Boyce Avenue THE ELVIS YEARS Bel- Huntingdon Hall, STARS OF THE OPERA The Assembly Rooms, grade Theatre, Coven- Worcester Grand Theatre, Wolver- South Shropshire FURY, REVENENT DEAD, THU 21 JUN try VOICES UNLIMITED The hampton JAMES FAGAN & NANCY HURTSEASON, DEAD BELGIAN Kitchen Swan Theatre, Worces- CURSIVE 02 Academy, KERR Huntingdon Hall, STREETROOPER AND Garden Cafe, Kings ANDY OLIVERI Sym- ter

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'MOTOWN' LEGENDS TERRI CLARKE The Glee PARTY WITH BROTHERS Club, Birmingham George Benson OF SOUL Nailcote Hall, THE GLENN MILLER OR- Berkswell, Warwickshire CHESTRA St Laurence's THE RAT PACK The Place, Church, Ludlow, South Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire Telford GERRY CROSS THE MERSEY Artrix, Broms- WED 27 JUN grove SECRET AFFAIR The R.E.M UK The Robin, Bil- ston PAST LIVES WITH CIPHER Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry FAT FIGHTERS The Robin, Bilston LAUNCH PAD A showcase of unsigned bands, The Jam House, Gerry Cross The Mersey Birmingham CARLY CONNOR Hare & Robin, Bilston Hounds, Birmingham THE BARRON KNIGHTS EDITORS HMV Institute, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham THE JACKIE GENERATION THE DOLLY PARTON The River Rooms, STORY Belgrade The- Stourbridge atre, Coventry THE ELO EXPERIENCE The THE BIG CHRIS BARBER Roses Theatre, Tewks- BAND & ACKER BILK & bury HIS PARAMOUNT JAZZ KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY BAND Kitchen Garden Evesham Arts Centre Cafe, Kings Heath, THE KAYAS The Iron- Birmingham works, Oswestry DELIAH'S NO.10, SUGAR VOICE OF SINATRA The ZOMBIE XTRAS AND THE JAM'D & COMPLETE NAVI - KING OF POP RAZORS, GUCCI PIMP AND Public, West Bromwich CHEMIKILL 02 Academy, WELLER The Robin, Bil- Michael Jackson trib- THUR 28 JUN CHAOS PARADE 02 Acad- JOHN TAMS AND BARRY Birmingham ston ute, Genting Club Star emy, Birmingham COOPE Huntingdon Hall, THE CONMITMENTS The JOE LONGTHORNE Prince City, Birmingham THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA DETROIT SOUL The Jam Worcester Place, Oakengates The- Of Wales Centre, Can- SOUTHVILLE The Cav- OF GREAT BRITAIN Birm- House, Birmingham NOVA GUARDA - BRAZIL- atre, Telford nock ern, Warwick ingham Town Hall ACHTUNG BABY - U2 TRIB- IAN CARNIVAL SHOW The TAKE THAT & WESTLIFE THE WANTED Cannon DEL CAMINO The Jam UTE Cox's Yard, Strat- Drum, Birmingham SHOW Nailcote Hall Hill Park, Birmingham SUN 24 JUN House, Birmingham ford-upon-Avon MIKE & THE MECHANICS Berkswell, Warwickshire JACKSON - LIVE IN CON- YOUFO TRIBUTE BAND TO ROBERT CRAY BAND 02 Academy, B’ham ANDY HAMILTON & THE CERT Lichfield Garrick U.F.O The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Town Hall HOSTILE, CAPTAIN HORI- BLUE NOTES Symphony MARINA AND THE DIA- AMINGTON BRASS BAND COMBICHRIST The Slade ZON, POINT BLANK FURY, Hall, Birmingham MONDS The Assembly, Lichfield Garrick Rooms, Wolverhampton Leamington Spa TERRY CLARKE BAND The MARINA AND THE DIA- PAUL DRAKELEY & THE Cavern, Warwick MONDS HMV Institute, ALLSTARS BAND Himley Birmingham Hall & Park, Dudley THE ESTABLISHMENT The BRIT FLOYD Theatre Sev- FRI 29 JUN Cavern, Warwick ern, Shrewsbury THE GUNS N' ROSES EX- KATE NASH The Glee PERIENCE The River Club, Birmingham AND FINALLY - PHIL COLLINS TRIBUTE SHOW Rooms, Stourbridge PANIC ROOM The Robin, STEVE CRADOCK Bilston Lichfield Garrick QUEEN II West Midland ACOUSTIC SHOW The TONY BENNETT Sym- Marr's Bar, Worcester phony Hall, Birming- Showground, Shrews- bury HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- ham LIN Number 8 Commu- ALYSSA REID 02 Acad- AYNSLEY LISTER BAND The Robin, Bilston nity Arts Centre, A Whole New World emy, Birmingham Evesham STEVE AJAO Kitchen Gar- NOKE Warwick Arts Cen- tre, Coventry CHRIS BISCOE & THE TONI Summer Vespers by Candlelight den Cafe, Kings Heath, KOFI PROFILES QUARTET Birmingham Red Lion, Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham MON 25 JUN Wednesday 20 June 2012, 9pm Sat 30 JUN PAGE 44, ADELAIDE & THE St Paul’s Church, Birmingham AFTERPARTY 02 Acad- emy, Birmingham THE SOUL SURVIVORS PATTI SMITH Wulfrun The River Rooms, Ex Cathedra and Hall, Wolverhampton Aynsley Lister Band Stourbridge CLOUD SALE & ESCAPE IN THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS Academies of vocal Music HUGH MASEKELA & BAND The Cavern, War- PARIS Kasbah, Coventry Conductor Jeffrey Skidmore TOM MORIARTY & NIGEL AYANNA Warwick Arts wick PASSEY Kitchen Garden Centre, Coventry DETROIT SOUL The Jam Percussion Simone Rebello Cafe, Kings Heath, THE BON JOVI EXPERI- House, Birmingham Birmingham ENCE Prince Of Wales WHOLE LOTTA LED The Centre, Cannock Slade Rooms, Wolver- For tickets, priced £9.50 to £35, SIMON SPILLETT QUAR- hampton call 0121 780 3333 TUE 26 JUN TET Symphony Hall, SING LIVE UK: BACK TO or visit www.excathedra.co.uk Birmingham THE BIG BAND Birming- GEORGE BENSON Sym- ham Town Hall To complement the Olympic spirit of mutual understanding and friendship, we have EDITORS HMV Institute, phony Hall, Birming- REALLY HOT CHILLI PEP- developed a new Summer Vespers sequence. There is music from the Latin American Birmingham ham PERS & BASKET CASE Baroque and French Baroque, music by Harvey, Pärt, Rachmaninov and Whitacre, African KEITH JAMES: THE SONGS SOLID GOLD COUNTRY Cox's Yard, Stratford- Sanctus, African drumming, a vocalized Indian tabla, and another chance to hear Alec OF LEONARD COHEN The LEGENDS The Place, upon-Avon Roth’s Hymn to Gaia, sung in Ancient Greek - one of 10 languages in the concert. Roses Theatre, Tewks- Oakengates Theatre, THE GUNS N' ROSES EX- bury Telford PERIENCE Theatre Sev- NICKI MINAJ National In- THE VIEW Wulfrun Hall, ern, Shrewsbury door Arena, Birming- Wolverhampton JIM MCALLISTER - THE ham

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PREVIEWS Symphony Hall Classical Music Anniversary Concert Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 12 June

Edward Gardner: photo credit Sim Canetty Clarke Acclaimed Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel here leads the celebrations in a special gala concert to mark the twenty-first anniversary of the Midlands’ premier concert hall. CBSO Chorus Director Simon Halsey conducts the orchestra as they pay homage to Birmingham’s rich musical heritage with a performance of Elgar’s The Music Makers. Ravel’s Daphnis And Chloe - a piece performed at the very first concert to be held at Symphony Hall in 1991 - closes the evening’s performance. The programme also features - under the directorship of Andris Nelsons - works by Donizetti, Hazell, Puccini and Bizet.

CBSO London 2012 Festival Opening Concert Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 21 June This momentous concert not only kicks off the nationwide celebrations that make up the Lon- don 2012 Festival, it also premieres a major new work from one of Britain’s foremost composers, Sutton Coldfield-born Jonathan Harvey. Principal Guest Conductor Edward Gardner directs the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, CBSO Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus and Children’s Chorus in a performance of Harvey’s Weltheos. The work is inspired by the shared spiritual heritage of humanity, and celebrates the common values held by six of the world’s greatest religions - Confucianism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. Weltheous will broadcast live on BBC Radio Three. Read our interview with Jonathan Harvey on page 11 Bryn Terfel

Shropshire CBSO: Gloria Proms Coventry Cathedral, Sat 23 June Oswestry Show- One of Britain’s most high-profile composers, James MacMillan has ground, North compiled a vast catalogue of religious works. For this latest offering, Shropshire, he’s taken the ancient text of Benjamin Britten’s hymn and trans- Fri 1 June formed it into a new choral concert piece. Commissioned to celebrate The renowned Coventry Cathedral’s Golden Jubilee in 2012, MacMillan’s Gloria is Royal Philharmonic here premiered by a group of local children performing alongside the Orchestra are set to City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, St Michael’s Singers and celebrate the English tenor Ian Bostridge. A performance of Britten’s St Nicholas, Queen’s Diamond under the directorship of Paul Leddington Wright, also features in the Jubilee in style this celebratory programme, which culminates with another Coventry month when they Cathedral commission from 1980 - War In Heaven by Neil Cox. stop off in Shrop- shire to present an The King’s Singers evening of pomp Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 1 June and ceremony. An A busy concert schedule for 2012 sees the orchestra of fifty will Grammy Award-winning King’s Singers lead the crowd touring to no fewer than twenty countries, through rousing in the process performing at some of the renditions of prom world’s greatest concert halls, including favourites, including Sydney Opera House and Carnegie Hall. Jerusalem, Rule Bri- Stopping off in the Midlands to perform as tannia, Land Of My part of the annual Lichfield Festival, the Fathers and Land British ensemble celebrate Her Majesty’s Of Hope And Glory. Diamond Jubilee with a lively programme A ‘spectacular’ fire- of secular music. Having commissioned work display composer Paul Drayton to write a new rounds off proceed- work for the occasion, The Singers here ings with a bang (or present a choral history of England’s mon- several). archs, from Alfred the Great onwards. James MacMillan

22 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Classical June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 10:56 Page 2

AN EVENING WITH BLAKE VARIATIONS Featuring Wed 27 Jun, St Lau- LISTINGS Fri 15 Jun, Palace The- Canoldir Male Choir, rence's Church, Ludlow, Classical Classical atre, Redditch Black Voices & Felicity South Shropshire For full listing information on classical SINFONIA Concert of Murphy (soprano), Sat LUNCHTIME CONCERT Box Office twentieth-century 23 Jun, Symphony Hall, WITH NICK STRINGFEL- concerts, including times and dates, music, including Brit- Birmingham LOW Programme com- ABBEY CHURCH, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ten’s Serenade For CBSO: GLORIA Sat 23 prises of Bach’s Cello SHREWSBURY CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT (violin). Programme to Tenor, Horns and Jun, Coventry Cathe- Suites Three and Four, 01743 232723 CLASSICS: DIAMOND include works by Sofia Strings, Fri 15 Jun, The dral Thurs 28 Jun, St Lau- ADRIAN BOULT HALL, rence's Church, Ludlow, JUBILATIONS Pro- Gubaidulina & Barber Concert Hall, ENSEMBLE SINE NOMINE B’HAM gramme includes works Shostakovich, Thurs 7 Birmingham Perform Handel's Mes- South Shropshire 0121 331 5901 CBSO SUMMER SERE- by Walton, Desplat, Jun, Symphony Hall, SIR SIMON RATTLE & THE siah, accompanied by ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Coates, Elgar, Bliss, Birmingham VIENNA PHILHARMONIC The Corelli String NADE Featuring Lau- 01527 577330 Britten, Arnold & Parry, CBSO: CENTRE STAGE Programme to include Orchestra, Sun 24 Jun, rence Jackson works by Brahms, St Laurence's Church, (violin/director) & BIRMINGHAM Fri 1 Jun, Symphony Programme includes CONSERVATOIRE Webern & Schumann, Ludlow, South Shrop- Christopher Yates Hall, Birmingham works by Handel, Vival- 0121 331 5901/2 ANGELA HEWITT PIANO di, Bach, Couperin & Sat 16 Jun, Symphony shire (viola). Programme to include works by Elgar, BIRMINGHAM HIPPO- RECITAL Programme Dowland, Thurs 7 Jun. Hall, Birmingham STRING QUARTET Sun 24 SHREWSBURY CHORAL Jun, Shugborough His- Mozart, Barber & Dvo- DROME includes works by CBSO Centre, Birming- 0844 338 5000 Couperin & Faure, Fri 1 ham SOCIETY: OPERA VIVA toric Working Estate, rak, Thurs 28 Jun, Sym- BARBER INSTITUTE, Jun, Malvern Theatres ROYAL PHILHARMONIC Programme features Staffordshire phony Hall, Birming- ham BIRMINGHAM THE SHROPSHIRE PROMS ORCHESTRA Programme pieces from Verdi's Il SOLIHULL SCHOOLS 0121 414 7333 & FIREWORKS SPECTACU- to include works by Travatore, Puccini's MASSED CHOIR Featur- SHREWSBURY LIGHT ORCHESTRA: LAST NIGHT LAR Fri 1 Jun, Oswestry Elgar, Grieg, Mascagni, Madama Butterfly and ing Val Whitlock (con- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL OF THE PROMS Showground, North Mussorgsky & Borodin's Prince Igor, ductor) & Tim Lowe Sat 30 0121 780 3333 Shropshire Tchaikovsky, Fri 8 Jun, Sat 16 Jun, Theatre (compere), Mon 25 Jun, West Midland CBSO CENTRE, Severn, Shrewsbury Showground, Shrews- ANTHONY HEWITT Fri 1 Symphony Hall, Birm- Jun, Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM bury Jun, Concord College, ingham WAYNEFLEET SINGERS Birmingham 0121 780 3333 Sat 16 Jun, St Mary's JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE WAGNER'S RING: DIE Shrewsbury ORCHESTRA OF THE COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Church, Warwick CHAMBER ORCHESTRA & WALKURE Opera North PETER NOKE AND JULIAN SWAN Programme to 02476 521200 present the second HELLABY (TWO PIANOS) include works by Finzi JUBILEE PROMS CONCERT CHORUS Mon 25 Jun, installment of their four- LICHFIELD GARRICK Programme includes & Vaughan Williams, Fri The combined Darwin Birmingham Town Hall year Ring Cycle, Sat 30 01543 412121 works by Saint-Saens, 8 Jun, Bedworth Civic Ensemble Chamber LUNCHTIME CONCERT Jun, Symphony Hall, ST LAURENCE’S CHURCH, Gershwin, Addinsell, Hall Orchestra and City WITH NICK STRINGFEL- Birmingham LUDLOW Rachmaninov & Ravel, CBSO: NELSONS CON- Concert Orchestra, Sat LOW Programme to ROYAL PHILHARMONIC 01584 872150 Fri 1 Jun, CBSO Cen- DUCTS SHOSTAKOVICH 16 Jun, Lichfield Gar- include Bach's Cello ORCHESTRA: THE tre, Birmingham Programme to include rick Suites One & Two, Tue SYMPHONY HALL, QUEEN'S DIAMOND KINGS SINGERS JUBILEE works by Dvorak, Bar- EX CATHEDRA CHOIR AND 26 Jun, St Laurence's BIRMINGHAM ACADEMY OF VOCAL JUBILEE TOUR: Sat 30 0121 780 3333 CONCERT Fri 1 Jun, tok & Shostakovich, Sat Church, Ludlow, South Jun, Warwick Arts Cen- LIchfield Cathedral 9 Jun, Symphony Hall, MUSIC Programme: A Shropshire VICTORIA HALL tre, Coventry ORCHESTRA OF THE Birmingham Whole New World, ORCHESTRA OF THE STOKE-ON-TRENT FRON MALE VOICE CHOIR SWAN DIAMOND JUBILEE JAKOB KORANYI SUNDAY Summer Vespers by SWAN Programme to 0844 871 7649 Candlelight, Wed 20 include works by Finzi, Sat 30 Jun, St Lau- CONCERT Programme MORNING COFFEE CON- WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Jun, St Paul’s Church, rence’s Church, Lud- features works by CERT Programme to Vaughan Williams, John 02476 524524 Birmingham low, South Shropshire Grieg, Delius & Elgar, include works by JS Ireland & Thomas Tallis, Sat 2 Jun, Stratford Bach, Esa-Pekka Salo- FRANCIS MURTON AND Civic Hall nen & Kodaly, Sun 10 NYKKO GREGOIRE ORGAN AND PIANO DUET JOHN LILL PIANO RECITAL Jun, Birmingham Town Wed 20 Jun, Abbey Church, Programme includes Hall Shrewsbury works by Beethoven, SYMPHONY HALL 21ST Brahms & Schumann, ANNIVERSARY CONCERT CBSO CENTRE STAGE Pro- Sat 2 Jun, Malvern The- Featuring the City of gramme includes works by Zupancic, Yates & atres Birmingham Symphony CITY OF WOLVERHAMP- Orchestra, Andris Nel- Johnston, Wed 20 Jun, TON CHOIR JUBILEE CON- sons, Simon Halsey CBSO Centre, Birming- ham CERT Coronation (conductors), Bryn Ter- anthems and Last Night fel (baritone) & the CBSO LONDON 2012 of the Proms favourites, CBSO Chorus... Pro- OPENING CONCERT Sat 2 Jun, Wulfrun Hall, gramme to include Thurs 21 Jun, Sympho- Wolverhampton works by Elgar. Ravel, ny Hall, Birmingham ACADEMY OF ANCIENT Puccini & Bizet, Tue 12 GALA ORGAN CONCERT WITH JAMES LANCELOT MUSIC Richard Egarr Jun, Symphony Hall, conducts a programme Birmingham Programme includes of Handel's Royal Music WAGNER DREAM Welsh works by Bach, to celebrate The Dia- National Opera perform Mendelssohn, Purcell & mond Jubilee of Her Jonathan Harvey's fan- Elgar, Sat 23 Jun, St Majesty The Queen, Sat tasy on Wagner's final Laurence's Church, 2 Jun, Symphony Hall, days, fusing biography Ludlow, South Shrop- Birmingham with what might have shire L’OFFERTA MUSICALE” DI RUSSELL WATSON Sun 3 been..., Tue 12 Jun, Jun, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hippo- VENEZIA Programme Birmingham drome includes works by EUROPEAN UNION CHAM- LOHENGRIN Welsh Galuppi, Clementi, Rossini & Beethoven, BER ORCHESTRA Featur- National Opera present Sat 23 Jun, CBSO Cen- ing Alison Balsom Wagner's romantic tre, Birmingham (Trumpet) & Nikolai opera, Wed 13 - Fri 15 Demidenko (piano) Pro- Jun, Birmingham Hip- HEINER GOEBBELS' gramme includes works podrome WALDEN Presented by by Haydn, THOMAS TROTTER 21ST Birmingham Conserva- Shostakovich, Mozart & ANNIVERSARY ORGAN toire, Ensemble Klang Tchaikovsky, Sun 3 Jun, CONCERT Wed 13 Jun, & BCMG, Sat 23 Jun, Malvern Theatres Symphony Hall, Birm- mac - Midlands Arts ORCHESTRA OF THE ingham Centre, Birmingham TELFORD ORCHESTRA: SWAN Featuring Ben- THE TRUMPET SHALL jamin Grosvenor SOUND: MUSIC FOR THE MIDSUMMER CELEBRA- (piano). Programme to 21ST CENTURY Pro- TION Programme include works by Grieg gramme includes works includes works by & Delius, Wed 6 Jun, by Tippett, Byrd Sell- Freckleton, Butterworth, Birmingham Town Hall inger, Deborah Vaughan Williams & CBSO: THE SPIRIT OF Pritchard, Robert Sax- Mendelssohn, Sat 23 Jun, The Place, Oaken- DEFIANCE Featuring ton & John McCabe, Fri gates Theatre, Telford Andris Nelsons (con- 15 Jun, Stratford Civic ductor) & Baiba Skride Hall CANOLDIR'S CHORAL

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Amy Lame: Unhappy Birthday Comedy mac, Birmingham, Fri 8 June Box Office American-born Amy is a naturalised Brit who made her stage debut back in the mid-1990s ALEXANDRA THEATRE, with her memorably titled Gay Man Trapped In BIRMINGHAM A Lesbian's Body one-woman show. She's 0844 871 3011 since gone on to co-found the Olivier Award- ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 winning ‘performance club night and collec- BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL tive’ Duckie, which she's toured to the 02476 376707 Midlands from its London home of the Royal BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL Vauxhall Tavern. Amy here appears with her 0121 780 3333 Edinburgh preview show, which she says COX’S YARD 'cracks open the cult 01789 404600 THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM of celebrity and fan- 0121 333 2444 dom; flays fat, faith DUDLEY CONCERT HALL and sexual identity; 01384 815 577 probes the pains of GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM growing up; and 0871 4720400 HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, cross-examines a 0844 844 0044 curious nostalgia for HUNTINGDON HALL, a time that may never WORCESTER, have existed except 01905 611427 in the bedroom of THE JAM HOUSE, BIRMINGHAM our imagination'. 0121 200 3030 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 Kevin Bridges LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 29 June; 0844 338 8000 Birmingham Hippodrome, Sun 11 November; Michael Winslow LUDLOW ASSEMBLY Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 12 ROOMS November; Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Sat 24 Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 6 June; 01584 878141 De Montfort Hall, Leicester, Fri 29 June November MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 Kevin Bridges' appearance on BBC One's He may be best known for his role as Sergeant Larvelle ‘Motor PALACE THEATRE, Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow may Mouth’ Jones in five hundred-and-fifty-four Police Academy movies REDDITCH one day be viewed (okay, that number’s an exaggeration for effect, but probably not that 01527 65203 by the comic as much of an exaggeration!), but there’s little question that Michael THE PUBLIC, WEST Winslow is just as comfortable being funny on stage as he is on cel- BROMWICH having been a real 0121 533 7161 luloid. And it’s not just straightforward gag-telling with which he rais- turning point in his REGENT THEATRE, STOKE- career, with rave es a laugh either - he also knows how to generate more than the ON-TRENT reviews cementing occasional chuckle with his breathtaking mimicry, which can not only 0844 871 7649 his reputation as bring to life Jimmi Hendrix but also delight Star Wars aficionados RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY 0844 873 6565 one of the brightest and even make audiences think Benji the movie dog has entered the THE ROSE THEATRE, young laughter mer- building! KIDDERMINSTER chants currently 01562 743745 performing on the ROYAL SPA CENTRE, Al Murray LEAMINGTON SPA UK comedy circuit. 01926 334418 The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE Avon, Sun 24 June; The 01785 254653 Alex Horne Public, West Bromwich, Tues 17 July; New SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 10 June 0121 704 6962 Alexandra Theatre, Alex Horne is a man with a fast-growing repu- Birmingham, Tues 2 THE SLADE ROOMS, tation, both as a stand-up and a writer. The WOLVERHAMPTON October; Civic Hall, 0870 320 7000 star and co-creator of BBC Four’s comedy Wolverhampton, Fri 12 SYMPHONY HALL, quiz show We Need Answers, the award-win- October; Warwick Arts BIRMINGHAM ning funnyman is a former member of Centre, Coventry, Thurs 6 0121 780 3333 December Cambridge Footlights, and cleverly blends del- TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS icately crafted material with an unusual style of Al Murray's barrel of fun is 01827 709618 delivery. Examples of his style are, "I used to always a big one, and he's THEATRE SEVERN, do a lot of jokes got no shortage of regulars SHREWSBURY about crash mats, who're always happy to 01743 281281 but I've moved on VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, share in the pleasures of a STOKE-ON-TRENT now. Still, it's always convivial evening with him. 0844 871 7649 nice to have some- Pub Philosopher extraordi- WARWICK ARTS CENTRE thing to fall back naire, Al certainly knows 02476 524524 on", and "My grand- how to serve a pint or two WEST BROMWICH TOWN HALL father was shrewd. of high quality satire, and 0121 596 4429 People threw small he makes for a thoroughly WULFRUN HALL, mammals at him till nice drinking companion WOLVERHAMPTON he suffocated". into the bargain. 0870 320 7000

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Stratford Civic Hall Highlight, Birmingham CAREY MARX, DUNCAN ELIS JAMES, MICHAEL Comedy LISTINGS OAKLEY & JOE LYCETT Fri LEGGE, JO CAULFIELD & 8 Jun, The Slade SIMON BLIGH Fri 15 - Sat For full listing information on comedy Rooms, 16 Jun, The Glee Club, Wolverhampton Birmingham gigs including times and dates visit JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD, JOHN MANN, MIKE www.whatsonlive.co.uk DAMIAN CLARK, DANNY NEWALL, MICHAEL FAB- MCLOUGHLIN &EDDIE BRI & GEOFF NORCOTT SIMON AMSTELL Fri 1 Chris Cairns, Howard KADI Fri 8 - Sat 9 Jun, Sat 16 Jun, Comedy Jun, New Alexandra Read, Phil Butler & The Glee Club, Live @ Highlight, Theatre, Birmingham Sean Percival, Sat 2 Birmingham Birmingham UPFRONT 20TH BIRTHDAY Jun, Palace Theatre, PHIL ELLIS, DOUGIE DUN- TOM STADE Sun 17 Jun, SPECIAL Featuring Redditch LOP, KEVIN GILDEA & Artrix, Bromsgrove Stephen K Amos, TIM MINCHIN Sat 2 Jun, ADDY VAN DER BORGH Fri ROBIN INCE: HAPPINESS Kayleigh ‘Loudmouth’ Malvern Theatre 8 & Sat 9 Jun, Comedy THROUGH SCIENCE Sun Lewis, Jamie Howard & PETE FIRMAN & MARCEL Live @ Highlight, 17 Jun, Warwick Arts John Simmit, Fri 1 Jun, LUCONT Wed 6 Jun, Birmingham Centre, Coventry The Drum, Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, CRAIG CAMPBELL Sat 9 CRAIG CAMPBELL Wed BILLY KIRKWOOD, DAVID Coventry Jun, Stafford 20 Jun, Artrix, LONGLEY, TREVOR CROOK JOHN BISHOP Wed 6 Gatehouse Theatre Bromsgrove DAVE GORMAN Sat 9 CHRIS RAMSEY, THE & GEOFF BOYZ Fri 1 Jun, Jun, Artrix, Bromsgrove Craig Campbell Comedy Live @ ZOE LYONS Wed 6 Jun, Jun, Dudley Concert RAYMOND & MR Highlight, Birmingham The Public, West Hall TIMPKINS REVUE, KERRY Jun, The Blue Orange Theatre, Telford STEWART FRANCIS Fri 1 Bromwich ALEX HORNE: SEVEN GODLIMAN & PHILBERTO Theatre, Birmingham GARY DELANEY, DAVE Jun, Civic Hall, JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD, YEARS IN THE BATHROOM Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Jun, AL MURRAY - THE PUB TWENTYMAN & ZOE Wolverhampton DAMIAN CLARK AND Sun 10 Jun, Warwick The Glee Club, LANDLORD Sun 24 Jun, LYONS Thurs 28 Jun, KILL FOR A SEAT COMEDY DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Arts Centre, Coventry Birmingham Royal Shakespeare The Glee Club, CLUB Featuring Dr Thurs 7 Jun, The Glee LAUGHING COWS JONATHAN MAYOR, MICK Theatre, Stratford-upon- Birmingham George Ryegold & Club, Birmingham Featuring Liz Carr, FERRY, PAUL PIRIE & THE Avon MICKEY D, MARTIN BEAU- Macel Lucont, Fri 1 KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY Shelley Cooper, Jen NOISE NEXT DOOR Sat 22 JETHRO Tues 26 Jun, MONT, JOHN MOLONEY & Jun, mac - Midlands NIGHT Thurs 7 Jun, Brister and resident MC Jun, Comedy Live @ Palace Theatre, ANDY ASKINS Fri 29 Jun, Arts Centre, Stourbridge Town Hall Maureen Younger, Wed Highlight, Birmingham Redditch Comedy Live @ Birmingham JASON JOHN WHITEHEAD, 13 Jun, Kitchen Garden JONATHAN MAYOR, LAFFACINO EDINBURGH Highlight, Birmingham HOLLY WALSH, JOHN DAMIAN CLARK, DANNY Cafe, Birmingham JACQUES BARRETT, PAUL PREVIEWS Wed 27 Jun, KEVIN BRIDGES Fri 29 WARBURTON, KEVIN MCLOUGHLIN & COMIC JETHRO Contains Adult PIRIE & MICK FERRY Sat Kitchen Garden Cafe, Jun, Stafford MCCARTHY AND DOMINIC TBC Thurs 7 Jun, The Material, Thurs 14 Jun, 23 Jun, Comedy Live Kings Heath, Gatehouse Theatre HOLLAND Fri 1 - Sat 2 Glee Club, Birmingham Prince Of Wales Centre, @ Highlight, Birmingham GARY DELANEY, DAVE Jun, The Glee Club, BARRY & STUART Fri 8 Cannock Birmingham STEWART LEE Wed 27 & TWENTYMAN, ZOE LYONS Birmingham Jun, Birmingham Town ELIS JAMES, MICHAEL IAN BILLINGS: DUMBS UP Thurs 28 Jun, & ROMESH BILLY KIRKWOOD, Hall LEGGE AND JO CAULFIELD Stand-up comedy for Huntingdon Hall, RANGANATHAN Fri 29 - TREVOR CROOK, AMY LAME Fri 8 Jun, Thurs 14 Jun, The Glee all the family, Sat 23 Worcester Sat 30 Jun, The Glee CHRISTOPHE DAVIDSON & mac - Midlands Arts Club, Birmingham Jun, Royal Spa Centre, DAVE GORMAN Thurs 28 Club, Birmingham DAVID LONGLEY Sat 2 Centre JOHN MANN, KAI Leamington Spa Jun, Warwick Arts MICKEY D, JOHN Jun, Comedy Live @ COMEDY NIGHTS Line-up HUMPHRIES, MICHAEL COMEDY AT THE MET Sat Centre, Coventry MOLONEY, DAVE WHITNEY Highlight, Birmingham tbc, Fri 8 Jun, Lichfield FABBRI & GEOFF NOR- 23 Jun, Stafford ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN & ANDY ASKINS Sat 30 LAUGHTERHOUSE COME- Garrick COTT Fri 15 Jun, Gatehouse Theatre Thurs 28 Jun, The Jun, Comedy Live @ DY SHOW Featuring MILTON JONES Fri 8 Jun, Comedy Live @ COMEDY EVENING Sat 23 Place, Oakengates Highlight, Birmingham

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter

Porgy And Bess Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 6 - Sat 9 June This rarely performed George Gershwin masterpiece premiered in is its first ever stop-off in Birmingham. Offering a contemporary view 1935 and often referred to as 'the people's opera', is here presented of an enduring classic - originally conceived by Gershwin as an by the highly regarded Cape Town Opera, with the action being relo- 'American folk opera' - the show includes legendary numbers such as cated from the American Deep South to the townships of South Summertime, I Got Plenty Of Nuttin’, It Ain’t Necessarily So and I Africa. The production first visited these shores back in 2009, but this Loves You Porgy, and is sung in English with English surtitles.

A Soldier In Every Son: The Rise Of The Aztecs The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 29 June - Sat 28 July Based on true events spanning the course of a century, and which were chronicled in the Aztec codices, A Soldier In Every Son has been commissioned for the World Shakespeare Festival, and is closely inspired by Shakespeare’s history plays. It's the late fourteenth century, and in the Valley of Mexi- co, a small, unknown tribe called the Aztecs propel themselves from nomadic mercenaries to rulers of a great empire... WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Doctor In The House to enter The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 11 - Sat 16 June The Doctor series of comic novels by British physician Richard Gordon became incredibly popular in the 1950s and ’60, courtesy of various films starring Dirk Boga- rde and then Leslie Phillips. These were followed in the 1970s by numerous spin-off TV series featuring first Barry Evans and later Robin Nedwell. The basic story sees inexperienced young medical student Simon Sparrow beginning his five-year intern- ship at St. Swithin’s Teaching Hospital, where he finds himself repeatedly falling foul of irascible head surgeon Sir Lancelot Spratt. Jesus Of Nazareth star Robert Powell and squeaky-voiced laughter merchant Joe Pasquale demonstrate their bedside manner in this new stage version of a classic British comedy.

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@ A E Harris

Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company and Stan’s Cafe present The Just Price Of Flowers By James Yarker

Set in 17th Century Netherlands, a comedy about #####2008’s credit crunch which will break your heart Birmingham Post

15 to 30 June Tickets £8 - £12 with concessions available

Book Online The REP @ A E Harris birmingham-rep.co.uk 110 Northwood Street Box Office Birmingham, B3 1SZ

0121 236 4455 Registered in England 295910 Charity No.223660

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Theatre PREVIEWS Guys And Dolls Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 June Coventry Musical Theatre Society's latest outing sees them taking on the high-energy challenge of this longtime hit musical, a show which brings into conflict unscrupulous gamblers, sexy showgirls and high-principled missionaries on the streets of 1940s New York. Hit songs include Luck Be A Lady, Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat, A Bushel And A Peck, and Take Back Your Mink.

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk The Just Price Of Flowers to enter AE Harris Building, Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sat 30 June Our Fathers Birmingham-based Stan’s Cafe are the creative force behind this thought-provoking play Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, about the 2008 financial collapse. And it certainly promises to be an intriguingly different work Tues 12 - Wed 13 June of theatre, being described by its originators as a play that's 'set in seventeenth century A piece that takes a look at the subject of Netherlands, looks like a Rembrandt, features origami and pays homage to the great theatre- fatherhood, Our Fathers is described as 'a maker Bertolt Brecht'. All that and a refreshingly straightforward presentation of the complexi- playful and moving search through diaries, ties of high finance! All in all, then, an experience that promises to be engagingly different bibles, memories and dreams, an imagina- from a common-or-garden night at the theatre... tive leap across oceans and decades led by three performers whose far-away fathers understatement. Reworked for a contempo- might just make an appearance'. Pertinent has the added attraction of being presented rary audience, this fourteenth century Canter- questions asked during the show include: in the great outdoors, as this year's Stafford bury Tale finds the Miller reciting his poem, What would you do if you were asked to Festival Shakespeare offering. With all-weath- dancing around his broomstick, singing the become a father in an email? Or if your dad er grandstand seating in use, this is the very songs of Bob Dylan and wearing an interest- thought it was dance school that turned you best kind of outdoor gig - the kind where you ing collection of hats. gay? Or if you’d never had the chance to see stay dry even during a torrential downpour! Intriguing, to say the least. In fact, we'd go so the man behind the mask? far as to say that this is one miller who's well worth a butchers... Nicholas Nickleby Solihull Arts Complex, Mon 11 June Murder On The Nile Now this should be an evening you won't for- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, get in a hurry - the great great grandson of Mon 18 - Sat 23 June Charles Dickens performing one of the Victo- An Agatha Christie tale in which the sleuthing rian novelist's most popular stories, in the is done by somebody other than Miss Marple process playing each and every character or Hercule Poirot, Murder On The Nile sees himself! Gerald Dickens is likely to be just a holidaying cleric Canon Pennefather being tad tired by curtain-call time, we surmise! drawn deep into a web of intrigue and deceit, as he finds himself on the trail of a ruthless murderer... The much-admired Agatha Christie Theatre Company are the Situation ensemble behind this latest version of the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Queen of Crime's famous tale, with the cast Tues 12 - Sun 17 June including familiar television face Kate O'Mara. Last Fancies' The Death Of Georgia B was a sell-out success when it was staged at the Arena last year. The company now invites its audience to make a return visit to the popular Wolverhampton venue, to see a show that's being staged across the entire theatre complex, and in which nowhere is out of bounds and nothing is as it seems... Romeo And Juliet Stafford Castle, Thurs 28 June - Sat 14 July A Miller’s Tale With Songs Of Widely regarded as the playwright’s fifth Bob Dylan tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, love tends to fair less well critically than the Sat 23 June majority of Shakespeare’s better known To say this is a highly original and inventive plays, but its popularity is ensured by its interpretation of Chaucer's famous work timeless themes. And this particular version might be considered by some to be an

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Frankwell Quay, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY3 8FT

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Theatre PREVIEWS Total Football Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 15 June The big questions of life, immortality, happiness and why England always lose are tack- led in this new satire from Ridiculusmus, taking a look at what it means to be British in the early twenty-first century. All of life is con- tained herein - well, some interesting elements of it, at least; from the controversial attempt to create a united UK football team for the 2012 games to one man’s attempts to reproduce when he can’t even explain the offside rule...

The Cemetery Club The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 26 - Sat 30 June Ivan Menchell's much-loved comedy has been described as 'Steel Magnolias meet The Gold- en Girls in Brooklyn'. Ida, Lucille and Doris are three widows who meet once a month to visit their husbands' graves, providing support for one another as they face an uncertain future without the men they have loved. But when each of them starts taking widowed life in a different direction, they find that their self-created support network is suddenly in serious danger of Pinocchio being significantly compromised... Anne Charleston, Anita Harris and Shirley-Anne Field star. The Roses Theatre, Tewksbury, Sat 30 June The legendary tale of the wooden boy with a The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The The Wiggles disappointing propensity for telling porky Galaxy Radio Show New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 15 June pies to the detriment of his fast-growing pro- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, boscis is here presented by the ever-imagi- Tue 12 June "We love touring the UK and Ireland," says native Cube, using a tried-and-trusted blend Douglas Adams's famous creation is back, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field. "It's the favourite of puppetry, music and comedy. Suitable for courtesy of this brand new stage production part of our year. We’re all looking forward to children aged five and older, the show also which reunites the original radio and TV cast. seeing our old friends, as well as meeting offers its sure-to-be-captivated young audi- As radio shows go, this one's pretty darned some new ones." ence an opportunity to get up and close and unique, and comes complete with surround- And friends certainly aren't in short supply for personal with the puppets. sound, laughter, robots, sound effects and the Australian fab four, who've taken the chil- drinks with extremely silly names. dren's entertainment world by storm over the last few years. Although they've only come to significant international prominence relatively The Railway Children recently, The Wiggles are actually celebrating The Dell, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 3 June; their twenty-first anniversary this year - and if Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, Wed 27 - that's not a good enough reason to get wig- Thurs 28 June; Brueton Park, Solihull, Tues gling to hits such as Hot Potato, Fruit Salad, 31 July; Shugborough Historic Estate, Rock-a-Bye Your Bear and Toot, Toot, Chug- Staffordshire, Sun 2 September ga Chugga, then we don't know what is! E Nesbitt's famous tale remains best known in its 1971 film version, of course, and tells the gentle story of an Edwardian family whose life is unexpectedly turned upside- down. Days stretch endlessly for Bobbie, Underrated: Birmingham Peter and Phyllis in their new home of Three Chimneys, a house near a railway in a York- The Musical shire village. Mysteriously separated from mac, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Fri 15 June their father, the children set about the busi- Billed as 'a multi-voiced theatrical extrava- ness of carving out a new way of living for ganza', Underrated celebrates what are themselves, and pass the time of day watch- described as 'the best bits of Brum through ing the trains on the nearby railway line and the eyes of its young people'. Birmingham waving to the passengers. The youngsters may be known for its Bullring and its Balti, soon become friendly with Albert Perks, the but how is it viewed by the younger genera- station porter, and with an old gentleman As You Like It who regularly takes the 9.15 down train, little tion, the people who have a real stake in the The Commandery Gardens, Worcester, future well-being of the UK's second city? knowing that their new acquaintance is set to Tues 12 - Sat 23 June have a remarkable effect on their future hap- Presented by Women & Theatre, this high- Shakespeare’s highly likable comedy piness... energy new work attempts to find out... revolves around the character of Rosalind, banished by her usurping uncle to the Forest Of Arden, where her exiled father is already The Mysteries living. Revelling in the naturalness of their Coventry Cathedral Ruins, Mon 18 June surroundings, Rosalind and her companions, Playbox Theatre here revives its highly cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool, find a regarded production of The Mysteries. Bring- happiness they hadn’t known existed... ing together more than forty actors, this This Worcester Repertory Company produc- impressively staged epic takes its audience tion sees Benjamin Way make his Shake- on the ultimate journey, from Creation to the speare debut taking the role of Orlando. end of time. Fiona McGregor also stars.

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The Bridge House The- HARE & TORTOISE A new AND THE THREE LITTLE OUR HOUSE Great Barr LISTINGS atre, Warwick adaptation of Aesop's PIGS The award-winning MTC present their ver- Theatre THERE'LL ALWAYS BE AN fable, Thurs 7 Jun, Ballet Cymru present a sion of Tim Firth’s ENGLAND An afternoon Number 8 Community double-bill of Roald acclaimed musical, For full listing information on theatre of nostalgic entertain- Arts Centre, Evesham Dahl classics, Sat 9 Tues 12 - Sat 16 Jun, productions including times and ment to celebrate Her THE PIED PIPER Krazy Jun, The Roses The- The Crescent Theatre, dates visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Majesty The Queen's Kat Productions pres- atre, Tewksbury Birmingham Diamond Jubilee, Sat 2 ent a fast-moving com- A TRIBUTE TO THE MUSIC SITUATION Last Fancies Jun, The Place, Oaken- edy re-telling of the OF RODGERS AND HAM- theatre company take FAR FROM THE MADDING gates Theatre, Telford From classic fairy tale, Thurs MERSTEIN & ANDREW the traditional murder CROWD New version of SHAW AND DICKENS ON 7 Jun, Arena Theatre, LLOYD WEBBER Featured mystery to a new level FRI 1 JUN Thomas Hardy’s classic STAGE One-act farce set Wolverhampton pieces include Phan- as they take over the tale, until Sat 9 Jun, in Malvern Wells, Sat 2 THE SNAIL AND THE tom, Les Miserables, whole of the theatre to New Vic Theatre, New- Jun, The Coach House KAFKA'S MONKEY Olivier WHALE Tall Stories pres- Mary Poppins and stage a city-wide mur- castle-under-Lyme Theatre, Malvern Award-winner Kathryn ent their latest collabo- Witches Of Eastwick, der hunt, Tue 12 - Sun IN A PICKLE An Oily Cart AMERICAN BUFFALO The Hunter portrays an ape ration with Julia Don- Sat 9 Jun, Victoria Hall, 17 Jun, Arena Theatre, and Royal Shakespeare Crescent Theatre Com- in a tale of forced aldson and Axel Schef- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Company co-produc- pany present David assimilation into an fler, Thurs 7 Jun, Soli- THE WHEELS ON THE BUS A SERVANT OF TWO MAS- tion that takes young Mamet’s simple tale of alien culture that’s hull Arts Complex Interactive theatre ses- TERS Carlo Goldini’s audiences through the small-time crooks and based on A Report To ANNIE Presented by sion for the under-fives, comedy of mistaken landscapes of Shake- swindlers... Sat 2 - Sat The Academy by Franz Spa Theatre Juniors, Sun 10 Jun, Crewe identity, Tue 12 - Sat 23 speare's imagination 9 Jun, The Crescent Kafka, until Fri 1 Jun, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Jun, Lyceum Jun, Highbury Theatre and the music of his Theatre, Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, Bridge House Theatre, GANG SHOW 80TH Centre, Sutton Coldfield language, until Sun 17 RICHARD III The Festival Coventry Warwick ANNIVERSARY Featuring EQUUS Inspired by a Jun, The Swan Theatre, Theatre Company pres- HIP HOPE HERO Birming- 42ND STREET Amateur one-hundred and fifty true story, Peter Shaf- Stratford-upon-Avon ent an outdoor produc- ham Repertory Theatre production presented scouts and guides from fer’s unique psychologi- JULIUS CAESAR Director tion of Shakespeare’s Company, together with by The Viv Kelly Youth thirty Gang Shows cal thriller explores the Gregory Doran brings a expose of one of histo- Moving Hands, fuse a Theatre Group, Thurs 7 across the UK, Sun 10 complex relationships contemporary edge to ry’s most infamous combination of dance, - Sat 9 Jun, Theatre Jun, Birmingham Hip- between worship, myth Shakespeare's great monarchs, Sun 3 Jun, poetry, animation, origi- Severn, Shrewsbury podrome and sexuality, Tues 12 - political thriller, until Sat Whittington Castle, nal music and puppetry HIP HOPE HERO New and DANCING QUEEN Choreo- Sat 23 Jun, New Vic 7 Jul, Royal Shake- Shropshire in a new and exciting exciting show combin- graphed show that Theatre, Newcastle- speare Theatre, Strat- THE RAILWAY CHILDREN show for children, until ing dance, animation, takes the audience under-Lyme ford-upon-Avon Heartbreak Productions Sat 2 Jun, Old Rep, original music, poetry through Abba’s great- AS YOU LIKE IT Worces- RICHARD III Roxana Sil- present their award- Birmingham and some seriously est hits, Sun 10 Jun, ter Repertory Company bert directs a contem- winning adaptation of E AVENUE Q Tony Award- cool puppets, Thurs 8 Theatre Severn, present an outdoor pro- porary version of Nesbitt’s classic Edwar- winning musical that Jun, The Public, West Shrewsbury duction of Shake- Shakespeare's expose dian tale, Sun 3 Jun, centres on a group of Bromwich speare’s romantic com- of one of history's most The Dell, Stratford- loveable yet hopeless AN EVENING OF BUR- Week Commencing edy, Tues 12 - Sat 23 infamous monarchs, upon-Avon LESQUE The fascinating Jun, The Commandery, characters on a down- until Sat 15 Sep, The town New York street, art form is brought to MON 11 JUN Worcester Swan Theatre, Strat- the stage in this touring AN AUDIENCE WITH SALLY until Sat 2 Jun, Bel- ford-upon-Avon Week Commencing grade Theatre, Coven- show that features an MORGAN Psychic to the KING JOHN Maria Aberg MON 4 JUN all-star cast, Fri 8 Jun, NICHOLAS NICKLEBY stars! Wed 13 Jun, New try directs the RSC in a SAVE THE LAST DANCE Malvern Theatre Enter the world of Alexandra Theatre, new version of Shake- FOR ME Brand new EDWARD II Jadis Shad- Charles Dickens in the Birmingham speare's play about the THE GRUFFALO Tall Sto- rock'n'roll musical that ows present Christo- company of his great ROLL OUT THE BARREL medieval monarch's ries present their adap- sees Dreamboats & pher Marlowe's classic great grandson Gerald Wed 13 Jun, Prince Of political struggle with tation of Julia Donald- Petticoats meet Dirty tale of love, lust and Dickens, Mon 11 Jun, Wales Centre, Cannock France, until Sat 15 son's magical tale for Dancing, until Sat 2 ambition, Fri 8 Jun, Solihull Arts Complex PADDY ASHDOWN - A Sep, The Swan The- children, Tues 5 - Wed Jun, The Grand The- Arena Theatre, Wolver- DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE FORTUNATE LIFE Paddy atre, Stratford-upon- 6 Jun, Theatre Severn, hampton Joe Pasquale and looks back over his atre, Wolverhampton Avon I DREAMED A DREAM Shrewsbury THE HEIRESS The Billes- Robert Powell star in a long career in the OUR LADS Kidderminster MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- Elaine C Smith stars as ley Players present their stage version of the armed forces and poli- College present a new ING Heartbreak Produc- Susan Boyle in an version of Henry James' classic British comedy, tics, Wed 13 Jun, Lich- play from young local tion present their ver- acclaimed new musical novel that explores Mon 11 - Sat 16 Jun, field Garrick writer Joshua Read, sion of Shakespeare’s that charts the singer’s issues of wealth, con- The Grand Theatre, PRIVATE LIVES Heart- Thurs 1 Jun, The Rose tale of love and deceit, story, until Sat 2 Jun, trol, sincerity and true Wolverhampton break Productions Theatre, Kidderminster Tue 5 - Wed 6 Jun, Birmingham Hippo- love, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Jun, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Pre- present their version of MASTERS OF THE HOUSE Jephson Gardens, Old Rep, Birmingham sented by Pershore Noel Coward’s cele- drome A vocal journey through THE LADY IN THE VAN Leamington Spa THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT Operatic & Dramatic brated drama, Wed 13 - the various stages of IN THE BOX Following Alan Bennett drama Argosy Musical Theatre Society, Mon 11 - Sat Thu 14 Jun, Jephson producing a West End the huge success of starring Nichola McAuli- Company present a 16 Jun, Number 8 Gardens, Leamington musical hit, Fri 1 Jun, Sticky Wicket and Rain ffe, until Sat 2 Jun, celebration of the West Community Arts Centre, Spa Tamworth Assembly Stops Play, the team End and Broadway, Fri Evesham LA BOHEME Welsh Malvern Theatres Rooms PIRATES OF PENZANCE behind BBC Radio’s 8 - Sat 9 Jun, The Cres- THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE National Opera present THE GAMES Spike The- Test Match Special Sutton Coldfield Musi- cent Theatre, Birming- TO THE GALAXY Radio a major new production atre present the story of return to the road with cal Theatre Company ham show featuring Simon of Puccini's much-loved three Greek nobodies a brand new show present an amateur A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANC- Jones, Susan Sheridan, romantic opera that caught up in a celestial that’s packed with production of the ING Concert show fea- Geoff McGivern, Mark sees internationally bet between Zeus, Hera anecdotes from life in Gilbert and Sullivan turing all the songs Wing-Davey and the acclaimed director & Hercules, Fri 1 Jun, the box, Wed 6 Jun, comedy, until Sat 2 from the much-loved voice of Stephen Annabel Arden make Arena Theatre, Wolver- Solihull Arts Complex Jun, Lichfield Garrick iconic movie, Sat 9 Jun, Moore, Tue 12 Jun, her company debut, hampton THERE WAS AN OLD LADY THE EDGE The Steel- Palace Theatre, Red- New Alexandra Theatre, Wed 13 - Fri 15 Jun, GRAND HOTEL The Cres- WHO SWALLOWED A FLY works Dance and Per- ditch Birmingham Birmingham Hippo- cent Theatre Company The People's Theatre forming Arts Studio EMMA Chapterhouse SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE drome present Luther Davis' Company present a present an evening of Theatre present their London's world-famous O.U.T SPELLS OUT Play- musical which focuses children’s show that choreographed pieces version of Jane Science Museum takes box Theatre present a on events during the sees one of the world's from the world of musi- Austen’s classic tale of to the road to present a powerful drama that course of a weekend in best loved nursery cals and film, until Sat 2 matchmaking, marriage brand new live show explores the journeys of an elegant hotel in rhymes brought to life, Jun, Regent Theatre, and merriment, Sat 9 that's set to challenge children forced to 1928 Berlin, Sat 1 - Sat Wed 6 Jun, The Roses Jun, Attingham Park, the brains of children migrate as a result of Stoke-on-Trent 2 Jun, Crescent The- KISS OF THE SPIDER Theatre, Tewksbury Shrewsbury aged seven and above, WWII, Wed 13 - Sat 16 atre, Birmingham HIP HOPE HERO New and WOMAN Music Theatre I’M TELLING YOU THEY'RE Tues 12 - Wed 13 Jun, Jun, The Dream Facto- YOU'RE NOT LIKE THE exciting show combin- Warwick present their ALIENS Stage adapta- Theatre Severn, ry, Warwick OTHER GIRLS CHRISSIE ing dance, animation, version of Kander & tion of Jeremy Strong’s Shrewsbury CALAMITY JANE Crossed Caroline Horton pres- original music, poetry Ebb's musical that's book for children, Sat 9 OUR FATHERS Drama Keys Musical Theatre ents a poignant portrait and some seriously based on Manuel Jun, Royal Spa Centre, that explores what it Company present their of one woman’s experi- cool puppets, Wed 6 Puig's successful novel, Leamington Spa means to be a dad in version of the iconic ence of love and war, Jun, Number 8 Com- until Sat 2 Jun, Warwick AN EVENING OF BUR- today's society, Tue 12 - Wild West musical, Sat 2 Jun, Artrix, munity Arts Centre, Arts Centre LESQUE The fascinating Wed 13 Jun, Warwick Wed 13 - Sat 16 Jun, Bromsgrove Evesham FROZEN Blue Orange art form is brought to Arts Centre, Coventry Old Rep, Birmingham SHYLOCK Guy Master- PORGY & BESS Cape Arts present Bryony the stage in this touring THE CEMETERY CLUB I, CINNA (THE POET) Tim son’s solo show that Town Opera present Lavery's award-winning show that features an Starring Anita Harris, Crouch directs a new presents an artful dis- George Gershwin's play, until Sat 9 Jun, all-star cast, Sat 9 Jun, Shirley-Anne Field, version of Shake- section of Shake- masterpiece, Wed 6 - The Blue Orange The- Theatre Severn, Karen Ford and Debbie speare's Julius Caesar speare’s The Merchant Sat 9 Jun, Birmingham atre, Birmingham Shrewsbury Norman, Tue 12 - Sat that aims to encourage of Venice, Sat 2 Jun, Hippodrome LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD 16 Jun, Crewe Lyceum younger audiences to

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Wednesday 13th June, 2.30pm ROLL OUT THE BARREL A joyous and unforgettable musical journey. ‘Roll Out The Barrel’ is a feast of non-stop nostalgia featuring over 65 songs that you know and love.

Thursday 14th June, 7.30pm JETHRO Jethro is the stage name of British stand-up comedian Geoff Rowe, based in Cornwall. Rowe was born in 1948 in St Buryan, a small village in west Cornwall.

Friday 15th June, 7.30pm HERMAN’S HERMITS The mid 60s music scene was dominated by british groups, three of which became house- hold names - The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and... Herman’s Hermits, who are one of the most successful groups throughout the world. From their beginning in

Saturday 16th June, 7.30pm LETS HANG ON ‘Let’s Hang On’ takes you on a musical journey through the prolifi c careerof one of the most successful bands of all time.

Friday 22nd June, 7.30pm DESPERADO HELL FREEZES OVER TOUR Desperado make a welcome return this year performing their take on that very same show faithfully recreating the tour that was so successful.

Friday 29th June, 7.30pm BON JOVI EXPERIENCE Formed in 1983, Bon Jovi is an American rock band from Sayreville, New Jersey, fronted by lead singer and namesake Jon Bon Jovi.

Saturday 30th June, 7.30pm JOE LONGTHORNE Joe’s repertoire of voices is endless and includes hundreds of the world’s top singers. However, he is perhaps best known for his impersonation of Shirley Bassey

Wednesday 11th July, 8pm ROY CHUBBY BROWN Get ready for a barn-storming night of jokes, banter and hilarious mickey-taking from Britain’s most outrageous comedian

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A NIGHT AT THE OPERA Sat 16 Jun, The Public, Crescent Theatre, B’ham West End and Broad- Theatre LISTINGS Crucifixus Productions West Bromwich way, Tue 19 Jun, Dud- present a fast-paced APPLAUSE A cabaret of Week Commencing ley Concert Hall odyssey of variety per- song and dance, Sat 16 DRY ROT Physical come- For full listing information on theatre formances, Fri 15 - Sat Jun, Dovehouse The- MON 18 JUN dy featuring an all-star productions, including times and 16 Jun, Old Joint Stock atre, Solihull cast, including Liza dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre, Birmingham THE KIDZ CONCERT - Goddard, Susan Pen- ICARUS A fusion of sto- TOTALLY AWESOME! A THE MYSTERIES Playbox haligon, Gareth Hale & rytelling, music, dance multi-talented cast Theatre revive their Norman Pace, Neil engage with the Bard's author shares poignant and physical theatre showcase some of the acclaimed production Stacy & Derren Nesbitt, writings. This produc- tales of life as a schools that retells the Greek coolest dance moves in of the epic story of Tues 19 - Sat 23 Jun, tion has been commis- inspector in the York- myth, Fri 15 - Sun 17 what’s described as the hope and fear, from Malvern Theatre sioned as part of the shire Dales, Thurs 14 Jun, mac - Midlands ‘biggest and best pop Creation to the end of THE PILLOWMAN War- World Shakespeare Jun, The Roses The- Arts Centre, Birming- party on the planet’, time, Mon 18 Jun, wick University Drama Festival, Wed 13 Jun - atre, Tewksbury ham Sat 16 Jun, Belgrade Coventry Cathedral of Students present their Fri 6 Jul, The Swan UNDERRATED: BIRMING- THE JUST PRICE OF Theatre, Coventry Ruins version of Martin Theatre Stratford HAM THE MUSICAL A FLOWERS Birmingham THAT'LL BE THE DAY DAISY PULLS IT OFF The McDonagh's black BACK TO BROADWAY multi-voiced theatrical Repertory Theatre and Rock'n'roll spectacular Nonentities present comedy, Wed 20 - Sat Thurs 14 Jun, The piece that celebrates Stan's Cafe present a combining music from their version of Denise 23 Jun, Warwick Arts Place, Oakengates The- the best bits of Brum play about the 2008 the 50s, 60s & 70s with Deegan’s comedy play Centre, Coventry atre, Telford, Shropshire through the eyes of its financial collapse that's wacky comedy rou- that centres around life A KISS ON THE BOTTOM THE BURLESQUE SHOW young people, Thurs 14 set in the Netherlands tines, Sat 16 - Sun 17 in an English boarding Wythall Theatre Com- Evening of sophisticat- - Fri 15 Jun, mac - Mid- in the 17th Century and Jun, The Roses The- school in the 1920s, pany present Frank ed tease, comedy, lands Arts Centre, Birm- pays homage to the atre, Tewksbury Mon 18 - Sat 23 Jun, Vickery's comedy, Wed magic and music, ingham great theatre-maker MY BIG FAT JAMAICAN The Rose Theatre, Kid- 20 - Sat 23 Jun, Dove- Thurs 14 Jun, Belgrade THE CEPHAS CHRONICLES Bertolt Brecht, Fri 15 - FUNERAL Harmony Pro- derminster house Theatre, Solihull Theatre, Coventry Jars Of Clay Theatre Sat 30 Jun, A E Harris ductions present Sylvia MURDER ON THE NILE THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE HIP HOPE HERO Birming- present a one-man Building, Birmingham De’Vere’s drama that Kate O’Mara, Denis Lill AND BOO Birmingham ham Repertory Theatre show that brings to life TRISTAN & ISOLDE Welsh centres around Sejanus and Susie Amy star in a School of Acting, in Company, together with the tale of Peter, Jesus’ National Opera present Jackson, a boy born to new production of the association with Josef Moving Hands, fuse most impetuous disci- Wagner's passionate be special... Sat 16 - queen of crime’s clas- Weinberger, present a dance, poetry, anima- ple, Thurs 14 - Sat 16 opera. This co-produc- Sun 17 Jun, The Drum, sic thriller, 18 - Sat 23 rollercoaster of a black tion, original music and Jun, The Blue Orange tion with Scottish Opera Birmingham Jun, Theatre Severn, comedy in thirty-three puppetry in a new and Theatre, Birmingham sees the performance PRIVATE LIVES Heart- Shrewsbury short scenes, Wed 20 - exciting show for chil- TOTAL FOOTBALL Ridicu- sung in German with break Productions DANGEROUS OBSESSION Sat 23 Jun, The Old dren, Thurs 14 Jun, lusmus present David English surtitles, Sat 16 present their version of Stoke Repertory Play- Rep, Birmingham Newhampton Arts Cen- Woods and Jon Hayes' Jun, Birmingham Hip- Noel Coward’s cele- ers present their ver- I’M AN ARISTOCRAT GET tre, Wolverhampton exploration of our cul- podrome brated drama, Sun 17 sion of NJ Crisp’s clas- ME OUT OF HERE Fast- MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- tural identity, as told AN EVENING WITH Jun, Shugborough His- sic thriller, Mon 18 - Sat paced swashbuckling ING Heartbreak Produc- through the lens of our DEMENTIA Former RSC toric Working Estate, 23 Jun, Stoke Reperto- comedy that sees three tion present their ver- most popular sport, Fri actor Trevor T Smith Stafford ry Theatre actors perform twenty sion of Shakespeare’s 15 Jun, Warwick Arts stars in a bitter-sweet PIRATES OF THE CURRY PHANTOMS AND THE roles in a seventy-five- tale of love and deceit, Centre, Coventry one-man play that BEAN Theatretrain pres- MUSICALS Barry Walk- minute production, Thurs 14 Jun, The MACBETH Performed by explores the mind of an ent a swashbuckling er's Smackee makes a Thurs 21 Jun, Royal Pavilions, Smethwick, the Lord Chamberlains old actor who has been pirate musical for chil- welcome return, pre- Spa Centre, Leaming- Birmingham Men, Fri 15 Jun, Black cut loose from society dren aged six to eight- senting the latest and ton Spa AN EVENING WITH GER- Country Living Muse- by a fading memory, een, Sun 17 Jun, The greatest from London's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- VASE The English um, Dudley

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, JUNE LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Saturday 9th June Saturday 9th June Saturday 16th June ANDY & MIKE'S BIG RUBY TURNER EDGE12 - LONDON BOX OF BANANAS RUBY AND HER BAND PERFORM CONTEMPORARY WHEN A MAGICAL AND TRACKS FROM HER LATEST DANCE SCHOOL MYSTERIOUS BOX APPEARS THE GOSPEL-INSPIRED ALBUM CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT I’M TRAVELLING ON. FEATURING A NEW GENERATION DUO’S ‘FUN PAD’, THE BOYS FIND OF CONTEMPORARY DANCERS June 2012 THEY ARE UNABLE TO OPEN IT.

Thu 7th June, 7.30pm BARRY WALKER & SMACKEE THEY WROTE THE SONGS! Tickets from £15.50 / £16.50

Sun 10th June, 10.00am & 2.00pm Wednesday 20th June Friday 22nd June Wednesday 27th to Saturday 30th June THE WHEELS ON THE BUS CRAIG CAMPBELL THE ELO AN INTERNATIONALLY EXPERIENCE FAWLTY TOWERS 2 Tickets from £10.00, Family £34.00 ACCLAIMED ACT, CRAIG'S COME AND HEAR THEIR GREATEST - ALL & SUNDRY WHIMSICAL TRAVEL ANECDOTES HITS REPRODUCED BY THE BASIL IS BACK WITH 3 MORE NEVER FAIL TO SURPRISE. ELO EXPERIENCE. EPISODES FROM THE HILARIOUS TV SERIES Tues 12th - Sat 16th June, 7.30pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm THE CEMETERY CLUB starring

ANNE CHARLESTON, SHIRLEY-ANN FIELD and Forthcoming Cinema: Salmon Fishing In The Yemen (12A) // ANITA HARRIS also Mirror Mirror (PG) // The Pirates! In An Adventure With starring PETER ELLIS Scientists (U) // Hunger Games (12A) // Vampyr (PG) Tickets from £12.00 - £18.50 C The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk For bookings & full details log onto or phone Sun 17th June, 7.30pm www.artrix.co.uk 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN performed by Gary Mullen and The Works Tickets £17.50 C

Wed 20th June, 7.30pm BUDDY HOLLY’S WINTER DANCE PARTY Tickets £15.00 / £16.00 / £17.00 C

Sun 24th June, 2.30pm THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY Tickets £9.50 / Children £8.50 / Family £32.00

Tue 26th June, 7.30pm CARNIVAL QUEENS PRESENTED BY THE LADY BOYS OF BANGKOK Tickets £21.00 C

Fri 30th Nov - Mon 31st Dec

This Years Spectacular Family Pantomime NOW BOOKING!

CREWE LYCEUM I HEATH STREET I CREWE I CW1 2DA 01270 686 777 www.lyceumtheatre.net

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one of the most famous of rudeness, Fri 29 Jun, LISTINGS witch hunts and trials in The Roses Theatre, Tewks- Theatre British history, Tues 26 - bury Sat 30 Jun, New Vic The- DEREK ACORAH: TRUE VISION For full listing information on theatre pro- atre, Newcastle-under- Evening of mediumship, ductions, including times and dates, visit Lyme Fri 29 Jun, Palace Theatre, www.whatsonlive.co.uk THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Redditch Wed 27 Jun, Lichfield Gar- MIRIAM MARGOYLES: DICK- rick ENS’ WOMEN The well- ING Heartbreak Produc- ple aged eight and over, MADE IN HEAVEN A com- known character actress tions present their version Sat 23 Jun, Arena Theatre, pelling evening of dance portrays over twenty of BIRMINGHAM’S of Shakespeare’s tale of Wolverhampton theatre from the Mark Dickens’ best loved char- A MILLER'S TALE WITH love and deceit, Thurs 21 Bruce Company, assisted acters, from doe-eyed PREMIER PUB SONGS OF BOB DYLAN Jun, Twycross Zoo, War- A by puppetry from award- young heroines and brow- wickshire musical comedy of winning company Pickled beating old harridans to THEATRE SWING IT WITH THE OPERA Chaucer's fourteenth cen- Image, Wed 27 Jun, The men and midgets, Fri 29 DUDES Featuring a unique tury carry-on, told by Eng- Roses Theatre, Tewksbury Jun, Ludlow Assembly blend of style, swing and land's oldest song and DISNEY'S ARISTOCATS Pre- Rooms, South Shropshire slapstick humour, Thurs 21 dance man, the Miller, Sat sented by Kids Hydesville A SOLDIER IN EVERY SON - Thurs 31 May, 8pm Jun, Lichfield Garrick 23 Jun, Old Joint Stock Tower School in conjunc- THE RISE OF THE AZTECS THE CANTERBURY TALES Theatre, Birmingham tion with Ambient Night Roxana Silbert directs the SHOOT OUT MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Playbox Theatre’s Young Productions, Wed 27 - first in a trilogy of plays AT THE Company present Heartbreak Productions Thurs 28 Jun, Prince Of commissioned for the IMPROV CORRAL Chaucer’s colourful and present their version of Wales Centre, Cannock World Shakespeare Festi- witty tale, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Shakespeare’s tale of love Upstairs Improv present TWO THE RAILWAY CHILDREN val, Fri 29 Jun - Sat 28 Jul, Directors and a Posse of Improvisers Jun, Lord Leycester Hospi- and deceit, Sat 23 Jun, Heartbreak Productions The Swan Theatre, Strat- tal, Warwick Charlecote Park, Warwick- present their award-win- ford-upon-Avon ACARI - MASTER STAGE HYP- shire ning adaptation of E Nes- BUGSY MALONE Presented THERE WAS AN OLD LADY NOTIST Comedy show with bitt’s classic Edwardian by Reach Musical Theatre, Wed 6 June, 7.30pm WHO SWALLOWED A FLY a difference, Thurs 21 - Fri The tale, Wed 27 - Thu 28 Jun, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Jun, Arena 22 Jun, Old Joint Stock People's Theatre Company AT THE INLAND SEA Jephson Gardens, Leam- Theatre, Wolverhampton Big Brum present a staged, Theatre, Birmingham present a children’s show ington Spa AN EVENING OF JAPANESE GUYS & DOLLS Classic that sees one of the rehearsed reading of Edward Bond's MUCH ADO ABOUT WENLOCK FAIRYTALES A series of first play for Big Brum, performed by musical tale of unscrupu- world's best loved nursery Worcester-based theatre tales, often dark, that fuse the original cast lous gamblers, sexy show- rhymes brought to life, company Vamos present a Japanese, commedia and girls and high-principled Sun 24 Jun, Crewe fully-masked show that western theatre styles, Sat missionaries doing battle Lyceum centres on Much Wen- 30 June, The Met Studio, Thurs 14 June, 7.30pm in the depraved streets of lock's very own Olympic Stafford Gatehouse The- 1940s New York, Thurs 21 Week Commencing Games in 1850, Thurs 28 - atre WORKSHOP - Sat 23 Jun, Belgrade Sat 30 Jun, The Swan The- PINOCCHIO Cube’s new PERFORMANCE Theatre, Coventry MON 25 JUN atre, Worcester adaptation of the classic In A Moment present a new piece THE MAGIC OF MUSICALS SHINE ON The Belgrade children’s story of a pup- devised and written during Shakespeare The Norbury Players pres- Community and Education pet’s quest to become a Workshops at the OJST THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK ent an evening of songs Company presents every- real boy, Sat 30 Jun, The from the musicals, Thurs Tue 26 Jun, Crewe day stories from the lives Roses Theatre, Tewksbury Fri 15 & Sat 16 June, 7.30pm Lyceum 21 - Sat 23 Jun, Norbury of Coventry’s older gener- BOB THE BUILDER: BOB'S BIG (Sat mat 2pm) THE WIZ Theatre, Droitwich Spa Brit Youth Theatre ations, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 THEATRE BUILD Sat 30 Jun, BEAUTY & THE BEAST Ama- present their version of the Jun, Belgrade Theatre, Stafford Gatehouse The- A NIGHT AT teur production presented much-loved musical, Tues Coventry atre THE OPERA by The Harlequins Drama 26 - Fri 29 Jun, The Cres- DRACULA Birmingham HAPPY STEPS CHOREOGRA- Crucifixus presents Songs from Group, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 cent Theatre, Birmingham School of Acting in associ- PHY SHOW Showcase of THE CEMETERY CLUB Jun, Palace Theatre, Red- Pre- ation with Nick Hern works from Worcester’s the Shows! ditch sented by Ian Dickens Pro- Books present a powerful musical theatre groups, AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN ductions, Tue 26 - Sat 30 and poetic version of Bram Sat 30 Jun, Norbury The- FRY Fri 22 Jun, The Place, Jun, The Grand Theatre, Mon 18 - Wed 20, Stoker’s classic story, atre, Droitwich Spa 2pm & 7.30pm Oakengates Theatre, Wolverhampton Thurs 28 - Sat 30 Jun, The THE CANTERBURY TALES THE FINAL TEST Telford, Shropshire Chris Pal- Old Rep, Birmingham Presented by Playbox The- OH! WHAT A ing's comedy about crick- BEING HUMAN Three per- ROMEO AND JULIET Outdoor atre’s Young Company, LOVELY WAR formers present an et, marriage and the dan- production of Shake- Sat 30 Jun,The Dell, Strat- evening of poetry from gerous lure of Bexhill-on- speare's famous tale of ford-upon-Avon Birmingham Metropolitan Academy of around the world, support- Sea. Colin Baker, Peter passion and tragedy, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE The Performing Arts Presents an adaptation ed by music, projections Amory, Karen Ford and Thurs 28 Jun - Sat 14 Jul, Crescent Theatre Touring of the Theatre Workshop Classic and striking imagery, Fri 22 Nicola Weeks star, Tues 26 Stafford Castle Company present their - Sat 23 Jun, Belgrade - Sat 30 Jun, Malvern The- DR. PHIL'S RUDE HEALTH version of the Jane Austen Thurs 21 & Fri 22 June, 7.30pm Theatre, Coventry atre SHOW Private Eye’s med- classic, Sat 30 Jun - Sat 7 SABBAT: THE TRIALS OF THE WILD CHILD Moby Duck ical correspondent takes Jul, The Crescent Theatre, HIP - NOSIS PENDLE WITCHES present a new theatrical Amy to the stage for an evening Birmingham production for young peo- Leach directs the story of Stage Hypnotist ACARI returns for more feats of hypnotic fun!

Theatre Box Office Sat 23 June, 2pm & 8pm THE MILLERS TALE Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, WITH THE SONGS OF STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 0844 ALEXANDRA THEATRE ARENA THEATRE LICHFIELD GARRICK BOB DYLAN 800 1110 0844 871 3011 WOLVERHAMPTON 01543 412121 Chaucer as you’ve never seen before ROYAL SPA CENTRE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 01902 321321 NEW VIC 01782 717962 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 0844 338 5000 BLOXWICH THEATRE PRINCE OF WALES WARWICK ARTS CENTRE COVEN- Thurs 28 June, 8pm BIRMINGHAM REP 01922 653183 CENTRE, CANNOCK TRY 02476 524524 0121 236 4455 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01543 578762 IMPROV THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE 01384 812812 REGENT THEATRE, STOKE Worcestershire 0121 212 2643 GRAND THEATRE, 0870 060 6649 EMPORIUM STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BROMS- CRESCENT THEATRE 01902 429212 UPSTAIRS IMPROV present another 01785 254653 GROVE01527 577330 0121 643 5858 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY cornucopia of non-stop games and HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER 0121 552 2761 sketches and fun DOVEHOUSE THEATRE Warwickshire 01905 611427 0121 706 7139 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH MALVERN THEATRE 0121 533 7161 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 024 7637 6707 01684 892277 MAC 0121 446 3232 Shropshire BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH Tel: 0121 200 0946 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE 01905 770154 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 024 7655 3055 0121 200 0946 ROOMS 01584 878141 BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WAR- PALACE THEATRE & 0845 680 1926 OLD REP 0121 245 4455 WICK 01926 776438 REDDITCH 01527 65203 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, email:[email protected]. SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX TELFORD 01952 382382 THE DREAM FACTORY ROSE THEATRE, 0121 704 6962 01562 743745 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01926 419555 www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk 01743 281281 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 or on-line at: www.oxboffice.com

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Theatre June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 17:22 Page 13

Anne Boleyn Theatre REVIEWS Malvern Theatre Howard Brenton’s play, currently tour- Here are a few of the theatre ing after its successful run at Shake- productions we reviewed from last speare’s Globe in London, is the most month. For further theatre reviews, visit, refreshing and exciting production I’ve www.whatsonlive.co.uk seen this year, offering a witty and engaging celebration of a great English heroine. Anne may have been in love Chicago with Henry, but she had an equally Wolverhampton Grand Theatre compelling lustre for the most danger- Former Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian certainly ous ideas of her day, including making ticked all the right boxes with her portrayal of England Protestant forever. Jo Herbert’s murderess Roxie Hart, in what can only be strong, almost masculine, interpretation described as a wonderfully slick production. of Anne is presented with total convic- Her vocals may not have the resonance of tion, offering a real sense of the way in Tupele Dorgu’s, who played fellow jailbird which she cleverly imposed her influ- Velma, but they nevertheless worked extremely ence on the king. Great credit must well on musical numbers Funny Money and Tupele Dorgu as Velma also go to James Garnon for his excel- Roxie. Evident from the outset was her flawless Billy Flynn, a man very much at his ease when lent portrayal of King James I - his inter- comic timing and mimicry - this was a truly first- surrounded by the scantily clad ensemble of pretation of the monarch as likeable class performance. Tupele Dorgu - whose legs dancers who more than did justice to Bob and responsible while at the same time meet her armpits - is perfectly cast as Velma, Fosse’s wonderful choreography. being bonkers and maybe just a little while former EastEnder Stephan Booth was Patsy Moss IIII I bit gay proved to be a real show-stealer controlled and impressive as hotshot lawyer of a performance. Eva Easthope IIIII Bette And Joan Sylvie Guillem And Russell Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Maliphant: Push Hollywood star Greta Scacchi headlines along- Birmingham Hippodrome side EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing favourite Anita Dobson in this new comedy Part of the International Dance Festival from Anton Burge. Movie legends Joan Craw- Birmingham, Push is a performance ford and Bette Davis have hated each other for piece in four parts produced by a long time, but with their careers now in Sadler’s Wells London in collaboration freefall, the ageing stars are brought together with Russell Maliphant and Sylvie for Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?, a Guillem. The first part of the work, Solo, movie that could maybe change their fast-fail- introduced us to Guillem’s grace and ing fortunes. The problem is, how do two war- strength in a piece created especially ring divas manage to make a film together with- for her, played out to the flamenco out their age-old feud reaching boiling point?... music of Carlos Montoya. Shift, mean- The plain and simple answer to that question is while, was a duet between Maliphant ‘pretty easily’, if what we’re allowed to witness and, er, himself - thanks to the ingen- of their backstage interaction is anything to go ious lighting of Michael Hulls. Inspired by. And therein lies the problem with a show by yoga, Maliphant’s controlled move- that otherwise has plenty to recommend it - you ments were accentuated through the never get to see the two anxiety-ridden icons Scacchi and Dobson are both impressive, and interplay of light and dark, fading to really blow a gasket at one another. in fact, for the quality of the writing is never in doubt, but black. Trapped inside a box of light, much of the show, they’re not even in each the lack of fireworks means that this story of Guillem returned to the stage in Two - other’s company, instead taking turns to tell the two Golden Age Tinseltown legends is unlikely exploring the relationship between audience about their lives and their long-run- ever to register on the radar of theatre-goers movement, lighting and music - before ning conflict from the tranquility of their respec- who’re too young either to recall them or even the two dancers finally came together in tive dressing rooms. to know who they are. Susan Hill IIII I an intimate piece that showcased their breathtaking agility. Alev Dervish IIIII Artifact: Royal Ballet Flanders Birmingham Hippodrome West End Eurovsion A lone dancer on a dark, bare stage sets the Dominion Theatre, London scene for William Forsythe’s acclaimed Artifact Now in its fifth successful year, West - a four-act work which many claim has recon- End Eurovision is a late night celebra- figured traditional ballet. Moments later, the tion of everyone’s favourite Song Con- lone dancer is joined by the hunched figure of test. Performers from London’s Theatre- an ageing man, who, equipped with a mega- land create their own unique and, in phone, mutters continuously about rock and most cases, hysterical interpretations of dust - a reference to the disintegration of tradi- Eurovision classics, all in the name of tion. An agitated Marie Antoinette lookalike then the Make A Difference trust. Presided appears, striding the stage and requesting that over by celebrity judges Tony Black- the audience ‘step inside’, to explore the past. burn, Kerry Ellis and Stefanie Powers, Against Bach’s Chaconne in D minor, the thirty- this year saw the musical Sweeney two-strong ensemble ripple across the stage, Todd come out on top, performing their perfectly regimented formations compro- Michael Ball’s 1992 entry One Step Out mised at times by a range of ferocious move- Of Time. Matthew Gent was uncanny as ments that see them suddenly being transport- a youthful Ball, making the most of the ed at great speed, as if someone has hit the cheesy dance routine. Not surprisingly fast-forward button. As the curtain falls sharply the crowd went wild when the real and the mesmeric score abates, we hear the Michael Ball (who plays the title role in dancers scurry like mice to their new positions, Sweeney Todd) came out on stage, cut ready to begin again... Trying to make sense of cuted performance from Royal Ballet Flanders the throat of his doppelganger and fin- much of Artifact is quite a challenge, but take it that showcases radical ballet at its very best. ished the song himself! A fantastically on face value and you’ve got a beautifully exe- A real joy to watch. Patsy Moss IIIII fun night out. Jack Rolfe IIII I

38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:45 Page 14

Theatre WEST END Des O’Connor to put in a Wizard performance... Veteran performer Des O’Connor is to make his West End debut in a stage musical this month, taking on the iconic role of The Wiz- ard in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s acclaimed reimagining of The Wizard Of Oz. Des also plays the character of Professor Marvel, for whom a new song - The Wonders Of The World - has been specially written, just one of several brand new numbers by Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The Wizard Of Oz shows at the London Palladium until September.

West End premiere for new comedy New York playwright Mike Batistick brings a play about modern-day city life to the West Acclaimed comedian to make his musical debut End this month. Described as ‘a play of our It’s been announced that award-winning of his venture into theatreland: “I’m really time’, Chicken is set in the Bronx and con- comedian Jason Manford is to take on his excited to perform in one of Stephen Sond- cerns two childhood pals, Wendall and first role in musical theatre next month when heim’s most thrilling and funny shows. Any- Floyd, an unhappy wife and a sickly rooster, he joins the cast of Sweeney Todd - The one who’s wondering what a comedian is which the crew are grooming for an illegal Demon Barber Of Fleet Street. Manford will doing singing in the West End should cockfight. Coronation Street and Queer As assume the role of Italian barber Pirelli, and remember that once upon a time Frank Folk actor Craig Kelly takes on the role of appears in the show alongside West End Spencer became Phantom! This is the West Wendall, while George Georgiou (Mamma veterans Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton. End, where anything can happen!” Mia! - The Movie) assumes the role of his Manford showcased his opera skills last Jason Manford performs as Pirelli at Lon- best friend Floyd. Chicken shows at Trafalgar year, winning ITV1's Born To Shine, and says don’s Adelphi Theatre from 2 - 27 July. Studio 2, Whitehall, from 25 June to 21 July.

CHILDREN’S CHILDREN MOUSETRAP St Martins Royal, booking until 1 WEST END LISTINGS: Almeida Theatre, book- Theatre, booking until 15 COMEDY Sept 2012 Dec 2012 ing until 30 June 2012 PAUL MERTON: OUT OF PHYSICISTS Donmar 39 STEPS Criterion The- SHREK THE MUSICAL CHARIOTS OF FIRE atre, booking until 20 MY HEAD Vaudeville Warehouse, booking MUSICALS Drury Lane, Theatre Gielgud Theatre, 22 Oct 2012 Theatre Royal, booking until 21 July 2012 Royal, booking until 16 June 2012 - 10 Nov 1 Oct - 20 Oct 2012 BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- COMEDY OF ERRORS Dec 2012 2012 WOMAN IN BLACK For- Roundhouse Theatre, 1 CAL Victoria Palace SUNSHINE BOYS Savoy COLLABORATORS Olivier tune Theatre, booking June - 4 July 2012 Theatre, booking until SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN until 15 Dec 2012 Theatre, booking until 15 Dec 2012 PalaceTheatre, booking National Theatre, book- NOISES OFF Novello WRITTEN ON THE HEART 28 July 2012 BLOOD BROTHERS until 23 Feb 2013 ing until 23 June 2012 Theatre, booking until Duchess Theatre, book- WHAT THE BUTLER SAW Phoenix Theatre book- STOMP Ambassadors DETROIT Cottesloe 30 June 2012 ing until 24 Nov 2012 ing until 21 July 1012 Vaudeville Theatre, 4 Theatre, booking until National Theatre, book- ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS ing until 15 June 2012 May - 25 Aug 2012 CHICAGO Garrick The- 15 Dec 2012 Haymarket Theatre atre booking until 26 DEMOCRACY Old VicThe- Jan 2013 SWEENEY TODD - THE atre, 15 June 2012 - 14 DEMON BARBER OF FLEET DREAMBOATS & PETTI- July 2012 Mamma Mia - Prince Of Wales Theatre COATS Playhouse The- STREET atre, booking until 24 Adelphi Theatre,booking DOLLS HOUSE Young Vic Nov 2012 until 22 Sept 2012 Theatre, 29 June - 26 July 2012 GHOST THE MUSICAL Pic- THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- cadilly Theatre, booking atre, booking until 23 DUCHESS OF MALFI Old until 13 Apr 2013 Sept 2012 Vic Theatre, booking JERSEY BOYS Prince until 9 June 2012 Edward Theatre, book- TOP HAT Aldwych The- ing until 21 Oct 2012 atre, booking until 26 GATZ Noel Coward The- Jan 2013 atre, 8 June - 15 July LES MISÉRABLES Queen's 2012 Theatre booking until 27 WE WILL ROCK YOU Apr 2013 Dominion Theatre, book- HENRY V Shakespeare Globe Theatre, 7 June LION KING Lyceum The- ing until 20 Oct 2012 atre, booking until 30 2012 - 26 Aug 2012 WICKED Apollo Victoria Sept 2012 HORRIBLE HISTORIES - Theatre, booking until MAMMA MIA! Prince Of BARMY BRITAIN Garrick Wales Theatre, booking 27 Apr 2013 Theatre, booking until 1 until 13 Apr 2013 WIZARD OF OZ London Sept 2012 MATILDA THE MUSICAL Palladium Theatre, KINGS SPEECH Wynd- Cambridge Theatre, booking until 28 Oct ham’s Theatre, booking booking until 17 Feb 2012 until 21 July 2012 2013 LONG DAY’S JOURNEY INTO PHANTOM OF THE OPERA NIGHT Apollo Theatre, Her Majesty's Theatre, DRAMA booking until 18 Aug booking until 27 Apr 2012 2013 ANTIGONE Olivier National MOON ON A RAINBOW ROCK OF AGES Shaftes- SHAWL Cottesloe Nation- bury Theatre, booking theatre,booking until 20 al Theatre, booking until until 20 Oct 2012 June 2012 9 June 2012

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Dance June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:05 Page 1

LIVE EVENT 19th - 21st JULY

Much Wenlock, Shropshire www.encompass360.co.uk

40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dance June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:05 Page 2 Dance

The Voyage Victoria Square, Birmingham, Thurs 21 - Sun 24 June Celebrating the London 2012 Festival in the West Midlands, The Voyage sees an enormous ship sail into the centre of Birmingham’s Victoria Square. It’s here that professional dancers and aerialists take to the vessel’s rigging to perform. At street level, a huge amateur choir, live musicians and community performers transform the square to tell a story that explores the different journeys that people make through life. A collaboration between Birmingham Hippodrome, Midlands-based Motionhouse Dance, Australian physical theatre company Legs On The Wall and award-winning film projection company Logela Media, this major outdoor spectacle looks set to live long in the memories of its audience.

Far From The Midnight Tango Madding Crowd The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 19 - Sat 23 June Birmingham Hippodrome, Following on from an acclaimed run in London’s West End, two of Wed 20 - Sat 23 June Strictly Come Dancing’s best known dancers return to the road with another UK tour. Considered to be two of the finest tango dancers in Thomas Hardy’s tale of lust, the world, Flavia Cacace and Vincent Simone are here joined by musi- deceit and murder is here cians Tango Siempre to present a tale of passion and romance that given a new lease of life, as fuses the sounds of Buenos Aires with dazzling Latino moves. The Birmingham Royal Ballet piece has been choreographed by Arlene Phillips. bring their choreographed version to the Hippodrome stage. For those not familiar with Hardy’s classic, Far From The Madding Crowd follows the story of the flighty Bathsheba Everdene and her complex relationships with three men, each of whom compete for her love. When it premiered in 1996, David Bintley’s adaptation of the rural classic received much critical acclaim, and is a production not to be missed...

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Dance June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:05 Page 3

COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

SATURDAY 9 JUNE AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Fri 22nd June COLIN FRY Direct from London’s West End, Higher Senses tour the newest sizzling spectacular on 7.30pm. Tickets £18.50, £17.50 concs tour comes to town with an all-star cast of Sat 23rd June elegant, beautiful girls. THE RAT PACK IS BACK! TUESDAY 12 & WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE 7.30pm. Tickets £17 Thu 28th June SCIENCE ROY CHUBBY MUSEUM LIVE BROWN -18+. Experience spectacular science, dangerous 7.30pm. Tickets £20, £19 concs demonstrations and extraordinary experiments Fri 29th June as London's world famous Science Museum returns SOLID GOLD to the stage with a spectacular live show to COUNTRY LEGENDS blow your mind and challenge your brain. 7.30pm. Tickets £17, £16 concs

MONDAY 18 TO SATURDAY 23 JUNE Wed 4th July Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club IVAN BRACKENBERRY Now in its seventh thrilling year, the 8pm. Tickets £10 adv, £12 door Agatha Christie Theatre Company Thu 19th July presents a stylish new JIMMY TARBUCK: production of the queen of crime’s THIS IS MY LIFE classic thriller Murder 7.30pm. Tickets £20, £18.50 concs on the Nile. Tue 31st July TEA DANCE SUNDAY 24 JUNE Doors 1.30pm, Dance 2pm-4.30pm. Tickets £4

The World's Sat 15th Sept Greatest Pink Floyd Show, THERE WAS AN is proud to announce that it OLD LADY WHO will return to the SWALLOWED A FLY UK to perform its brand new show, 2.30pm. Tickets £7 'A Foot In The Door'. Mon 1st Oct THE TIM VINE CHAT SHOW VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO 8pm. Tickets £17.50 VIEW MORE SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

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Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 19 - Wed 20 June This triple-bill of acclaimed works that launched the career of choreographer Matthew Bourne is touring to celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of his company, New Adventures. First of the three shows being presented is Spitfire, Bourne’s 1998 hit, set in the world of men’s underwear advertis- ing. Next up is the Olivier Award-nominated Town And Country, which, set to the evocative music of Elgar and Noel Coward, provides a witty portrayal of characters from a bygone era. Finally, The Infernal Galop - inspired by French icons of the 1930s and ’40s - explores the cliches that are often associated with France, and culminates in a performance of Offenbach’s Can-Can.

Flawless And English National Ballet: Against Time New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 June Now here’s an interesting partnership - one of Britain’s most prestigious ballet companies joining forces with Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flawless. The brainchild of Flawless artistic director Marlon ‘Swoosh’ Wallen and English National Ballet soloist and choreographer Jenna Lee, Against Time fuses streetdance, acrobatics and ballet to tell the story of four students from The Academy Of Excellence who uncover the dastardly plans of an evil time manipulator, intent on bringing an end to all dance. With the students battling against time, the audience is taken on a journey that promises to showcase the very best of contemporary dance

of the most celebrated bill of works, including Theatre, Tewksbury classical ballets, Tue 19 Faster, Higher, THE DANCE SHOW An Dance Dance LISTINGS - Fri 22 Jun, Stronger, a brand new eclectic showcase fea- Birmingham ballet that's the result of turing ballet, street, tap, Box Office For full listing information on dance, Hippodrome a second collaboration Irish, acrobatic and the- including times and dates, visit MIDNIGHT TANGO Brand between David Bintley atrical dance, Fri 29 - www.whatsonlive.co.uk new dance show fea- and renowned Sat 30 Jun, Belgrade ALEXANDRA THEATRE, turing Strictly Come Australian composer Theatre, Coventry BIRMINGHAM 0844 871 3011 CINDERELLA Presented Arts Centre, Dancing stars Vincent Matthew Hindson, Wed GLOW DANCE FESTIVAL by European Ballet, Sat Birmingham Simone & Flavia 27 - Sat 30 Jun, 2012 Finale to an eight- ARENA THEATRE 2 Jun, The Swan WORLD OF DANCE: Cacace, Tue 19 - Sat Birmingham een-month dance proj- WOLVERHAMPTON Theatre, Worcester QUICKSTEP TO THE 23 Jun, The Grand MADE IN HEAVEN An ect that's formed part of 01902 321321 MOVING EARTH OLYMPICS A big band Theatre, evening of dance the- the region's Dancing BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL Featuring twenty and modern sequence Wolverhampton atre from the Mark For The Games, Sat 30 024 7637 6707 groups of twelve dance inspired by a FAR FROM THE MADDING Bruce Company, Wed Jun, Castle Green, BIRMINGHAM dancers from across 2012 dance project in CROWD Birmingham 27 Jun, The Roses Hereford HIPPODROME the West Midlands who Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs Royal Ballet present 0844 338 5000 combine their individual 14 Jun, Kings Hall, David Bintley's balletic BIRMINGHAM dance styles with indi- Stoke-on-Trent adaptation of Thomas TOWN HALL an martial-arts moves, DANCE TO THE MUSIC Hardy's acclaimed 0121 780 3333 Sat 2 Jun, Chamberlain Featuring dancers from novel, Wed 20 - Sat 23 CRESCENT THEATRE, Square, Birmingham BBC One’s Strictly Jun, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM ESSENCE OF IRELAND Come Dancing togeth- Hippodrome 0121 643 5858 Fusion of dance and er with Dave Arch & FLAWLESS AND ENGLISH THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM Irish music all cleverly The Strictly Band, Fri NATIONAL BALLET 0121 333 2444 Collaboration between woven into a heart- 15 Jun, Symphony GRAND THEATRE, warming tale, Thurs 7 - Hall, Birmingham two acclaimed dance 01902 429212 Fri 8 Jun, Lichfield EDGE 2012 Showcase of troupes that presents a fusion of streetdance, LICHFIELD GARRICK Garrick works from London 01543 412121 LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Contemporary Dance acrobatics and ballet, LUDLOW ASSEMBLY AND THE THREE LITTLE School, Sat 16 Jun, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Jun, New Alexandra ROOMS PIGS The award-win- Artrix, Bromsgrove 01584 878 141 ning Ballet Cymru pres- THE JAZZ DANCE Theatre, Birmingham ent a double-bill of COMPANY Fusion of THE VOYAGE Thurs 21 - MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 Roald Dahl classics, modern street dance, Sun 24 Jun, Victoria Sat 9 Jun, The Roses tap, musical theatre & Square, Birmingham MALVERN THEATRE Theatre, Tewksbury contemporary jazz, Sun EKATVA Dance/drama 01684 892277 ESSENCE OF IRELAND 17 Jun, Theatre Severn, production performed THE PLACE, TELFORD Fusion of dance and Shrewsbury by sixteen underprivi- 01952 382382 Irish music all cleverly MATTHEW BOURNE'S leged children from the SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX woven into a heart- EARLY ADVENTURES A slums of Ahmedabad, 0121 704 6962 warming tale, Sun 10 triple-bill of early works Fri 22 Jun, The Drum, STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Jun, Regent Theatre, in celebration of Birmingham THEATRE Stoke-on-Trent Matthew Bourne's RAYMONDA Live per- 01785 254 653 TOM DALE: I INFINITE An dance company's twen- formance from the THE ROSES THEATRE, immersive dance expe- ty-fifth anniversary cele- Bolshoi State theatre, TEWKSBURY rience that, while set in brations, Tue 19 - Wed Sun 24 Jun, Number 8 01684 295 074 Community Arts a white digitially ani- 20 Jun, Warwick Arts THEATRE SEVERN, mated environment, Centre, Coventry Centre, Evesham & SHREWSBURY allows audience mem- GISELLE Birmingham Royal Spa Centre, 01743 281281 Leamington Spa bers to roam within Royal Ballet present WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, SUMMER CELEBRATION centimetres of the per- David Bintley and COVENTRY former, Wed 13 - Sat 23 Galina Samsova's lav- Birmingham Royal 02476 524524 Jun, mac - Midlands ish production of one Ballet present a triple- Tom Dale: I Infinite - mac, Birmingham

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SHOWS FOR ALL THE FAMILY!

Thursday 7th June, 11am & 2pm Tickets: £5.00. Suitable for 3-7 year olds The Pied Piper

A fast moving comedy re-telling of the classic fairy tale. In this vibrant new version The Pied Piper is given the full ‘Krazy Kat’ treatment. With beautiful puppets, equally beautiful people plus wonderful magical tricks, this visually dynamic production features rascally rats, tap dancing cheeses, music and much silliness… As with all Krazy Kat Theatre company productions, it is a Sign Language Arts production featuring fully integrated Sign Language throughout.

Saturday 23rd June, 4pm Tickets: £5.00. Suitable for ages 8+ Wild Child

A boy is brought in from the wild to a mission. The nuns think he’s a savage, because he doesn’t speak their language. Worse still, he believes in strange, mischievous spirits, called the Little People, who taught his tribe to sing, dance and paint magic, and who now live hidden from human view. Join Moby Duck to see what happens next…

Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE Box Office 01902 321 321 www.arenatheatre.info

44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:39 Page 2

Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 1 JUNE

Prometheus CERT 15 (124 mins) Starring Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Idris Elba, Logan Marshall- TOP 5 Green Directed by Ridley Scott (USA) FILM BOX OFFICE In space, they can hear you counting dollars. Even so, it’s been thirty-three years since Ridley Scott introduced us to the talented Ellen Ripley and a whole new take on sci-fi horror. Alien opened in Britain in Avengers Assemble November of 1979, spawned five sequels (including James Cameron’s phenomenally successful Aliens) and deservedly attained cult status. But Sir Ridley went on to other things (Blade Runner, Thelma & 1 (12a) Louise, Gladiator), leaving the directorial reins to the likes of Cameron and David Fincher. But now, with the critical acclaim of films like Batman Begins and X-Men: First Class, the prequel has become a going American Reunion (15) concern. So Sir Ridley returns to the franchise he launched to focus on the events that occurred before 2 John Hurt got severe stomach cramps.

Dark Shadows (12a) Rock Of Ages CERT tbc 3 Starring Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary J. Blige, Alec The Lucky One (12a) Baldwin, Tom Cruise 4 Directed by Adam Shankman (USA) Film musicals don’t come around too often, particularly with Tom Cruise in Beauty And The Beast (U) the cast. Featuring the music of Bon 5 Jovi, Guns N' Roses, Def Leppard, Foreigner and others, this is the film version of the hit Broadway rock’n’roll knees-up about a waitress who dreams of being an actress. Along the way she meets a busboy who aspires to being a rock star and romantic sparks are ignit- From ed. Dreams are made of this. From the FRI 15 director of Hairspray (the film based on JUNE the musical based on the original film) Avengers Assemble and producer Tobey Maguire. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:39 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 1 June

LOL CERT 12a (97 mins) Starring Miley Cyrus, Demi Moore, Ashley Greene, Jean-Luc Bilodeau, Douglas Booth, Marlo Thomas, Thomas Jane, Gina Gershon Directed by Lisa Azuelos (USA) You have to laugh out loud. Lol is actually the nickname for Lola, played by Miley Cyrus, a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl buffet- ed by the changing times. As Lol navigates the new avenues of Twitter and social net- working, her mother (Demi Moore) struggles to keep up. Like so many Hollywood movies, it’s a remake of a French film, this time directed by the original filmmaker.

Snow White And The Huntsman

The Angels’ Share CERT 15 (101 mins) Snow White And The Huntsman Starring John Henshaw, William Ruane, Gary CERT 12a (127 mins) Maitland, Roger Allam, Paul Brannigan Starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Directed by Ken Loach (UK/France) Chris Hemsworth, Sam Claflin, Ian Once again Ken Loach - some say Britain’s McShane, Bob Hoskins, Ray Winstone, Lily greatest living director - tackles the under- Cole Directed by Rupert Sanders (USA) class of Scotland. Here a new father Just as Alice took up a sword at the end of attempts to mend his Tim Burton’s Alice In Wonderland, so now criminal ways and find a Snow White takes up arms in this adventure job worthy of his new son. inspired by the Brothers Grimm’s fairytale. Amazingly, this is the It’s been a long time since Hollywood tack- eleventh time that a Loach led Snow White - what, two months? - and film has been entered into this one turns our beloved heroine into a far the competition at more militant figure. Indeed, this promises Cannes. And this year it’s The Angels’ Share to be the most violent take on the fable yet. LOL the only British entry.

46 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:39 Page 4

Released from Fri 8 June

Ill Manors CERT 18 (121 mins) Starring Riz Ahmed, Nathalie Press, Mem Ferda, Dannielle Brent Directed by Ben Drew (UK) That isn’t a typo in the title, but then this crime drama is directed by Plan B - and everybody knows that rappers can’t spell. Mr B - aka Ben Drew - also scripted this film inspired by real events. It’s a series of inter- locked tales in which each is represented by a different rap number.

Ill Manors

Red Tails CERT 12a (125 mins) Starring Cuba Gooding Jr, Terrence Howard, Nate Parker, David Oyelowo, Ne-Yo Directed by Anthony Hemingway (USA) Released on the anniversary of the D-Day landings, this is the remarkable true story of the Second World War’s first African- American fighter squadron. Although the film is meant to have the most realistic dogfights Fast Girls yet committed to celluloid, Red Tails was dis- missed by American critics for being corny Casa De Mi Padre CERT 15 (85 mins) Released from Fri 15 June and clichéd. George Lucas is said to have Starring Will Ferrell, Gael García Bernal, served as co-director. Diego Luna, Génesis Rodríguez, Pedro Armendáriz Jr Fast Girls CERT 12a (91 mins) Directed by Matt Piedmont (USA) Starring Lenora Crichlow, Lily James, Noel Clarke, Bradley James, Rupert Graves, The title translates as ‘House of My Father’ Philip Davis Directed by Regan Hall (UK) but most of the action centres on a ranch. It A lot of films with an athletic theme are is here, in Mexico, that Armando Alvarez (Will coming out to coincide with the Olympics. Ferrell speaking Spanish) struggles to main- This one focuses on a British female sprint tain the property inherited from his padre. relay team as they strive to win the Then he finds himself at loggerheads with women’s 4x100metre relay. Apparently, co- Mexico’s most scary drug lord. Dios mío! writer Noel Clarke says that part of his inspiration was the Rocky films. So, go girl!

Red Tails Late September CERT tbc A Fantastic Fear Of Everything Starring Anna Mottram, Richard Vanstone, Bob Goody Directed by Jon Sanders (UK) CERT 15 (100 mins) Starring Simon Pegg, Sheridan Smith, Clare Following the terms and conditions of the Higgins, Amara Karan, Paul Freeman Belgrade Manifesto, director Jon Sanders Directed by Crispian Mills and Chris Hopewell (Painted Angels) has created a totally impro- (UK) vised, digitally-shot drama set around a sixty- As part of an initiative by Pinewood Studios fifth birthday party. It’s rare that characters in to support low-budget British filmmaking, this this age range get a film to themselves, so is the story of a children’s writer who turns to Casa De Mi Padre it’s a shame that Sanders has given them so crime fiction. Simon Pegg is the author with a little to do. There’s no sense of place (we are whole lot of phobias, who becomes a wreck The Pact CERT 15 (89 mins) not even shown the exterior of the house), when he starts researching Victorian serial while the plot is virtually non-existent. Fans of Starring Caity Lotz, Casper Van Dien, Haley killers. The director, Crispian, is the grandson Hudson, Agnes Bruckner English miserablism may feel engaged but of the actor Sir John Mills. Directed by Nicholas McCarthy (USA) others should steer a wide berth.

A Fantastic Fear Of Everything Haunted houses are becoming a recent sta- ple of the horror genre but Insidious and The Woman In Black are hard acts to follow. This one is set in Los Angeles' South Bay area and concerns a young woman who returns to the family home after her mother has died. And the home is just not behaving itself! The American reviews were hardly benevo- lent. The Pact Late September www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:39 Page 5 Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:40 Page 6

Joyful Noise CERT PG (118 mins) Starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan, Courtney B. Vance, Kris Kristofferson Directed by Todd Graff (USA) Regardless of the sexual preference of the film’s director (who helmed the funny and poignant Camp), this looks certain to appeal to a certain demographic. Come on, Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton? These two dames lock horns as the leading lights in a fight to win the National Joyful Noise Competition. In spite of the divas personality discord, expect some rousing harmonies.

Storage 24 CERT 15 (87 mins) Starring Noel Clarke, Antonia Campbell- Hughes, Laura Haddock, Colin O'Donoghue Directed by Johannes Roberts (UK) The capital of the United Kingdom is in for quite a battering this year. Besides the maul- ing London gets in the upcoming GI Joe: Retaliation (released in August), here it is invaded by extraterrestrials when a classified military aircraft crash-lands into a storage unit (24). The word is that the film combines the same horror-comic elements of Attack The Block, which is a good thing.

The Five Year Engagement

Released from Fri 22 June Red Lights CERT 15 Starring Cillian Murphy, Sigourney Weaver, Robert De Niro, Joely Richardson, Elizabeth The Five Year Engagement Olsen, Toby Jones, Craig Roberts CERT 15 (124 mins) Directed by Rodrigo Cortés (USA/Spain) Starring Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris This is paranormal activity with a budget Pratt, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans, Jacki Weaver and a top-tier cast. Sigourney Weaver (Alien, Directed by Nicholas Stoller (USA) Storage 24 The Cabin In The Woods) plays a psycholo- Getting engaged is one thing; tying the gist who, with her assistant, investigates a knot is another. Sous-chef Tom Solomon world-class psychic. Filmed in and around Your Sister’s Sister CERT 15 (90 mins) (Segel) and psychology student Violet Barcelona. Starring Emily Blunt, Rosemarie DeWitt, Mark Barnes (Blunt) find increasing obstacles Duplass Directed by Lynn Shelton (USA) obstructing their Big Day, stumbling blocks that duly test their romantic resolve! From Jack’s brother has just died and so he’s the director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall been advised to catch up on some quality ‘alone’ time at a remote cabin on an island and Get Him To The Greek. off the Washington coast. But unbeknownst to him, his best friend’s sister got there first! It’s a simple enough premise featuring three Chernobyl Diaries CERT tbc people in an idyllic setting. But thanks to the Starring Jesse McCartney, Jonathan accomplished acting of the principles, the Sadowski, Devin Kelly Directed by Brad Parker (USA) escalating chain of events gathers a credible comic momentum that is totally disarming, Contrary to expectations this is not a docu- fresh and funny. As the best friend, Emily mentary about what happened in Russia in Red Lights Blunt has never been better, and is well 1986. It’s a horror film that uses the now very matched by Rosemarie DeWitt and Mark threadbare gimmick of utilising ‘found film Duplass, the latter best known as the co- footage - à la Blair Witch, Cloverfield, Released from Fri 29 June writer and co-director of Cyrus (2010). In Chronicle, et al. A group of young tourists lesser hands, the scenario would surely have (who should know better) go on a guided proved ridiculous, but the film’s enormous tour of a deserted town outside Chernobyl Friends With Kids CERT 15 (107 mins) strength is that it all makes perfect sense. and find themselves the victims of radioac- Starring Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon And the fact that we care so much for the tively modified beings. All in the worst possi- Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Chris characters says a lot for Lynn Shelton’s con- ble taste. O'Dowd, Megan Fox, Edward Burns summate direction. Directed by Jennifer Westfeldt (USA) An ensemble comedy that explores how children affect our friendships. To buck the trend, best friends Jason and Julie decide to have kids together and then look for their respective lifetime partners. Director, scenar- ist and star Ms Westfeldt previously scripted the smart, poignant and funny Kissing Jessica Stein (2001). She’s also the long-time partner of co-star Jon Hamm (of Chernobyl Diaries Mad Men fame). Friends With Kids Your Sister’s Sister www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Film June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:40 Page 7

Blackthorn 15 at mac, Birmingham, A-Z LISTINGS Sam Shepard stars in a Sun 3 June Film Western adventure that Elles 18 explores the possibility Juliette Binoche stars as All films are currently on general release of Butch Cassidy’s sur- a French journalist unless otherwise stated. For full listing vival, and his life of researching an article seclusion in Bolivia. information, including times and dates, about female student Showing at Warwick Arts visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk prostitution for French Centre, Coventry, Fri 8 - Elle. Showing at mac, Sun 10 June 2 Days In New York 15 from East Is East writer Birmingham, Mon 11 - Sequel to the acclaimed Ayub Khan-Din. Showing Cafe de Flore PG Wed 13 June Two Days In Paris. at mac, Birmingham, Fri Jean-Marc Vallee directs Jeff Who Lives At Home Even The Rain 15 Starring Julie Delpy and 1 - Thurs 7 June a drama which cuts Acclaimed Spanish Chris Rock. Showing at between stories of love literary blockbuster, The An Ecology Of Mind PG drama that follows a Ill Manors 18 mac, Birmingham, Sat 23 and responsibility in Millennium Trilogy. A film portrait of Gregory director and his crew as See preview page 47 - Tues 26 June modern day Montreal, Daniel Craig and Bateson, the celebrated they set about shooting and Paris in 1969. Christopher Plummer Jeff Who Lives At anthropologist, philoso- a controversial film 2001: A Space Showing at Warwick Arts star. Showing at The Home tbc pher, author, naturalist, about Christopher Odyssey U Centre, Coventry, Fri 1 - Edge Arts Centre, Much Jason Segal stars as a systems theorist and Columbus in Screening of Stanley Tues 5 June; mac, Wenlock, Shropshire, thirty-year-old bachelor filmmaker, that’s pro- Cochabambam Bolivia. Kubrick’s cinematic mas- Birmingham, Fri 1- Tues Mon 25 June living at home with his duced and directed by Showing at Warwick Arts terpiece, presenting a 5 June parents whose life is series of encounters his daughter, Nora Centre, Coventry, Mon Goodbye First Love 15 transformed when he’s between humans and Bateson. Showing at Casa De Mi Padre 15 11 - Wed 13 June; Light Examination of first love enrolled by his brother to mysterious black mono- Warwick Arts Centre, See preview page 47 House Media Centre, that follows a young help track down the lat- liths affecting human Coventry, Mon 11 June Wolverhampton, Mon 11 architecture student as ter’s possibly adulterous evolution. Showing at Chernobyl Diaries tbc - Thurs 14 June she begins a new life wife. Showing at Light mac, Birmingham, Fri 22 See preview page 49 when her boyfriend House Media Centre, The Fabulous Baker leaves France for a ten June Coriolanus 15 Wolverhampton, Fri 8 - Boys 12a month trip to South Ralph Fiennes’ contem- Mon 11 June; Warwick A Cat In Paris PG Jess Bridges, Michelle America. Showing at porary adaptation of Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri French animated Pfeiffer and Beau mac, Birmingham, Tues WATCH Shakespeare’s play 22 - Mon 25 June crime mystery Bridges star in the 1989 5 - Thurs 7 June which unfurls on of political power romantic musical. Joyful Noise PG the rooftops of THE FILM and intrigue. Gerard Showing at Malvern Hara-Kiri: Death Of A See preview page 49 Paris. Showing at Butler stars. Showing Theatre, Fri 1 June Samurai 15 at The Edge Arts The Kid With A Bike Warwick Arts A Fantastic Fear Of Subtitled Japanese Centre, Coventry, TRAILERS AT Centre, Much drama telling a tale of Award-winning French Everything 15 Sat 23 June Wenlock, Shropshire, revenge, honour and drama that delves into whatsonlive.co.uk Mon 18 June See preview page 47 disgrace that centres on the emotional life of a A Royal Affair 15 a poverty-stricken samu- troubled eleven-year- Damsels In Distress 15 Fast Girls 12a Historical romantic rai who discovers the old, abandoned in a Adam Brody and Greta See preview page 47 drama concerning the fate of his ronin son-in- state-run youth farm. Gerwig star in an off- relationship between an Faust 15 law. Showing at Warwick Showing at OMH, beat drama that insane king, his young Alexander Sokurov’s Arts Centre, Coventry, Shrewsbury, Fri 22 - Sat Angel And Tony 15 explores the psyche of wife and her physician. unique take on Goethe’s Wed 6 - Thurs 7 June 23 June Intimate French drama privileged American Showing at Light House Faust focuses on an about two lost souls in youth. Showing at Media Centre, anonymous man driven Hobson’s Choice U Late September tbc search of human con- Warwick Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 29 - by simple instincts: John Mills and Charles See preview page 47 nection. Showing at mac, Coventry, Fri 1 - Mon 4 Thurs 5 July hunger, greed and lust. Laughton star in David Birmingham, Tues 26 - June Les Quai Des Brumes Showing at mac, Lean’s romantic comedy, African Cats U Thurs 28 June based on Harold PG Dark Shadows 12a Birmingham, Tues 19 - Samuel L Jackson nar- Brighouse’s play of the Subtitled romantic The Angels’ Share 15 Johnny Depp, Michelle Thurs 21 June rates an adventure doc- same name. Showing at drama concerning a mili- See preview page 46 Pfeiffer and Helena umentary that centres The Five Year mac, Birmingham, Tues tary deserter who finds Bonham Carter star in on two cat families and Another Earth 12a Engagement 15 26 June love - and trouble - in a Tim Burton’s acclaimed how they teach their Sci-fi drama that sees an See preview page 49 smoky French city port. comic fantasy. Showing cubs the ways of the ambitious young student How I Spent My Showing at mac, at mac, Birmingham, Fri wild. Showing at OMH, and an accomplished Free Men 12a Summer Vacation 15 Birmingham, Wed 27 - 15 - Thurs 21 June; Shrewsbury, Fri 22 - composer cross paths in French drama, set in Mel Gibson stars as a Thurs 28 June Light House Media Mon 25 June a tragic accident. Paris in WWII, concern- career criminal who Centre, Wolverhampton, Like Crazy 12a Showing at Wem Town ing an Algerian immi- finds himself in a Albert Nobbs 15 Fri 15 - Thurs 21 June Romantic drama that Hall, North Shropshire, grant and his friendship Mexican jail and ends Glenn Close stars as a with a Jewish man. up being helped by a concerns a British stu- Thurs 7 June Delicacy 18 woman who, in order to Showing at Light House nine-year-old boy. dent who falls for an Audrey Tautou stars as a scrape together a living The Beloved 15 Media Centre, Showing at Light House American student only to woman learning to love in nineteenth century Real-life mother and Wolverhampton, Fri 15 - Media Centre, be separated when she’s again after the death of Ireland, poses as a male daughter Chiara Mon 18 June; mac, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 - banned from the US. her husband. Showing waiter. Based on the Mastroianni and Birmingham, Fri 29 June Thurs 7 June Showing at Wem Town at OMH, Shrewsbury, Fri short story by Irish novel- Catherine Deneauve star - Mon 2 July Hall, North Shropshire, 8 - Thurs 14 June ist George Moore. in a romantic drama that The Hunger Games 12a Thurs 21 June Showing at OMH, follows the loves and Elizabeth: The Golden Friends With Kids 15 Suzanne Collins’ popu- See preview page 49 lar novel of the same LOL 12a Shrewsbury, Fri 1 - Thurs losses of a mother and Age 12a name. Showing at Artrix, See preview page 46 7 June daughter over a forty- Acclaimed drama that The Girl With The year period. Showing at Bromsgrove, Tues 19 - The Man Who Fell To All In Good Time 12a sees Cate Blanchet Dragon Tattoo 18 Warwick Arts Centre, Fri 22 June Earth 18 Funny, tender-hearted resume her role as The Adaptation of the first Coventry, Fri 29 June - Cult classic based on portrait of family strife Virgin Queen. Showing novel in Stieg Larsson’s Mon 2 July Walter Tevis’ novel of the

TRE, WOLVERHAMPTON 0871 224 4007 Warwickshire Worcestershire CINEMA Box Office 01902 716055 OAKENGATES PICTURE ODEON, COVENTRY ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ODEON MERRY HILL, HOUSE 0871 224 4007 01527 577330 DUDLEY 0871 22 44007 01952 615607 Birmingham LIBRARY THEATRE ODEON, NUNEATON MALVERN THEATRE 0121 303 2868 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY WEM TOWN HALL AMC Broadway Plaza, Five 0871 224 4007 0845 287 2146 0871 220 1000 01939 232299 Ways 0121 450 6800 MAC 0121 446 3232 SHOWCASE, WALSALL SHOWCASE, COVENTRY WAREHOUSE, ODEON 0871 224 4007 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 220 1000 Staffordshire 0871 220 1000 KIDDERMINSTER 0871 200 2000 REEL Quinton 0121 421 01562 747773 APOLLO, STAFFORD APOLLO 4, LEAMINGTON CINEWORLD Solihull 5316 Shropshire 0871 220 6000 SPA 01926 427 448 VUE, WORCESTER 0871 200 2000 SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 OMH SHREWSBURY CINEWORLD, BURTON- ROYAL, LEAMINGTON SPA 0871 224 0240 ELECTRIC, B’ham VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 01743 281281 UPON-TRENT 0871 200 2000 01926 334418 Visit whatsonlive.co.uk 0121 643 7879 240 240 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY STOKE FILM THEATRE, WARWICK ARTS CENTRE for venue website EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 0871 200 2000 01782 411188 Black Country COVENTRY 02476 524524 details THE GIANT SCREEN AT MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH ODEON TAMWORTH MILLENNIUM POINT CINEWORLD WOLVERHAMP- 01746 761815 0871 224 4007 0121 202 2222 TON 0871 200 2000 ODEON TELFORD For full listing information, including times and dates, LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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same name. Showing at small-town characters Past Lives The Raid18 actor Harry Belafonte at Stoke Film Theatre, mac, Birmingham, Tues who come together in Films from the Midlands Action thriller about a that unearths his signifi- Fri 1 - Sat 2 June 19 June the form of a search with live accompaniment SWAT team who cant contribution to the The Turin Horse15 party convened to look by Cipher.Showing at become trapped in a leadership of the civil Marley15 Hungarian drama that for a pair of young lovers Warwick Arts Centre, tenement run by a ruth- rights movement. Definitive life story of the concerns a rural farmer who have eloped in Coventry, Wed 27 June less mobster and his Showing at Warwick Arts musician, revolutionary forced to confront the 1960s’ New England. army of killer thugs. Centre, Coventry, Sat 30 and legend, from his morality of his faithful Showing at Warwick Arts PickwickU Showing at mac, June - Sun 1 July early days to his rise to horse. Showing at mac, Centre, Coventry, Fri 15 - Musical version of the Birmingham, Fri 8 - international superstar- Snow White & The Birmingham, Fri 22 - Thurs 21 June; mac, Dickens classic. Thurs 14 June dom. Showing at OMH, Birmingham, Fri 29 June Showing at Warwick Arts Huntsman12a Mon 25 June Shrewsbury, Mon 25 - - Tues 3 July Centre, Coventry, Sat 2 Red Lightstbc See preview page 46 Welcome15 Wed 27 June June See preview page 49 Mozart’s Sister12a Storage 2415 Subtitled French film Men In Black IIIPG A re-imagined account of The Pirates! In An Red Tails12a See preview page 49 that follows a Kurdish Tommy Lee Jones and teenager from Iraq as he the early life of Maria Adventure With See preview page 47 This Must Be The Will Smith return as gov- Anna ‘Nanneri’ Mozart, ScientistsU sets out on an adven- Place 15 ernment agents five years older than Hugh Grant, Selma Rock Of Agestbc ture-filled journey across Comedy drama that assigned to monitor Wolfgang and a musical Hayek, Imelda Staunton See preview page 45 Europe. Showing at sees Sean Penn star as extraterrestrials living prodigy in her own right. and David Tennant lend mac, Birmingham, Sat Salmon Fishing In The a bored, retired rock under cover in New York. Showing at mac, their voices to this criti- 16 June Yemen star who sets out to find Showing at Malvern Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sat 9 cally acclaimed swash- Romantic drama star- his father’s executioner, What To Expect When Theatre, until Thurs 7 June buckling adventure from ring Ewan McGregor an ex-Nazi war criminal You’re Expecting12a June Aardman Animations. and Emily Blunt. who is a refugee in the Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Our Daily Bread12 Showing at OMH, Mirror MirrorPG Showing at Artrix, US. Showing at OMH, Lopez, Dennis Quaid Powerful documentary Shrewsbury, Fri 1 - Sat 9 Julia Roberts and Lily Bromsgrove, until Sun Shrewsbury, Fri 29 - Sat and Chris Rock star in a taking a look at France’s June; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Collins star in the latest 10 June; OMH, 30 June comedy drama based agricultural industry. Sun 3 - Wed 6 June irreverent take on a tradi- Showing at mac, Shrewsbury, Fri 15 - on the bestselling book TomboyU tional fairytale.Showing Birmingham, Sat 23 June The Plague Of The Thurs 21 June; Wem of the same name. French contemporary at Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat Zombies12 Town Hall, North Showing at Light House coming-of-age drama 2 - Tues 5 June Outside Bet12a Hammer Horror about a Shropshire, Thurs 28 - Media Centre, that concerns a young Comedy starring Jenny mysterious epidemic that Fri 29 June Wolverhampton, Fri 8 - Monsieur Lazhar12a girl who’s mistaken for a Agutter and Bob hits a small Cornish vil- Thurs 14 June Comedy drama that’s Shame 18 boy and plays along Hoskins. Showing at lage, killing its inhabi- set in a Montreal public Steve McQueen’s com- when she’s introduced Wild Bill12a Light House Media tants at an accelerating grade school. Showing pelling and timely to the local gang. A directorial debut by Centre, Wolverhampton, rate. Showing at mac, at mac, Birmingham, Fri examination of the Showing at Warwick Arts Dexter Fletcher that tells Fri 22 - Thurs 28 June Birmingham, Tues 12 15 - Mon 18 June; Light nature of need, how we Centre, Coventry, Tues the funny, bittersweet June House Media Centre, The Pact15 live our lives, and the 26 June and dramatic story of a Wolverhampton, Tues 19 See preview page 47 Prometheus15 experiences that shape father and his two sons Trishna15 - Wed 20 June See preview page 45 us. Showing at The in London’s East End. Passport To PimlicoU Edge Arts Centre, Much Michael Winterbottom Showing at Warwick Arts Moonrise KingdomPG Classic Ealing comedy The Queen12a Wenlock, Shropshire, directs Freida Pinto and Centre, Coventry, Tues 5 Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, starring Stanley Holloway Academy Award-winning Mon 11 June Riz Ahmed in a contem- - Wed 6 June Edward Norton, Tilda and Margaret Rutherford. drama starring Helen porary working of Swinton and Harvey Showing at mac, Mirren. Showing at mac, Sing Your Song12a Thomas Hardy’s 1891 Your Sister’s Sister15 Keitel star in Wes Birmingham, Tues 5 June Birmingham, Mon 4 June Biopic of the American novel Tess Of The See preview page 49 Anderson’s latest tale of singer, songwriter and D’Urbervilles. Showing

DVD NEW RELEASES

W.E 15 J.Edgar 15 Madonna’s acclaimed Leonardo Di Caprio & drama that concerns Naomi Watts star in Wally Winthrop, a Clint Eastwood’s explo- woman in 1998 ration of the public and Manhattan who private life of one of the becomes obsessed with most powerful, contro- the love story between versial and enigmatic King Edward VIII and figures of the twentieth Wallis Simpson. century. Released 4 June Released 11 June The Muppets U Acclaimed family drama that sees the Muppets reunited in a bid to save their theatre from being destroyed by an oil prospector. Jason Segel, Amy Adams & WIN Coriolanus 15 Chris Cooper star alongside Miss Piggy and COPIES Ralph Fiennes’ contem- whatsonlive.co.uk porary adaptation of Kermit. to enter Shakespeare’s play of Released 11 June political power and intrigue. Gerard Butler The Woman In Black tation of Yasmina Reza’s Young Adult 15 Hunky Dory 15 stars. 12 play The God Of Charlize Theron stars as Minnie Driver here Released 4 June Acclaimed thriller that Carnage. a successful writer of adopts a Welsh accent, sees Daniel Radcliffe Released 18 June teen literature who starring as an idealistic star as a young The Best Exotic returns to her home- Swansea secondary lawyer who travels to town with a very specific school drama teacher Marigold Hotel 12 a remote village to agenda. attempting to mount a Judi Dench, Maggie settle the affairs of the Released 25 June musical version of The Smith, Penelope Wilton Extremely Loud and recently deceased Tempest. Alice Drablow. and Celia Imrie star in A Dangerous Method Incredibly Close 12 Released 25 June Released 18 June John Madden’s 15 Tom Hanks & Sandra acclaimed drama that Michael Fassbender and A Monster In Paris U Bullock star in Stephen follows a group of Carnage 15 Keira Knightley star in A 3D-animated movie Daldry’s drama that’s retired Brits who Jodie Foster and Kate David Cronenberg’s set in Paris that centres based on the 2005 descend on a hotel in Winslet star alongside drama that’s based on on a monster and his novel by Jonathan Udaipur, only to find that John C. Reilly and the turbulent relationship love for a beautiful Safran Foer. it’s not at all as they’d Christopher Waltz in between Carl Jung and young singer. Released 11 June been led to believe. Roman Polanski’s adap- Sigmund Freud. Released 4 June Released 25 June Released 25 June

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Exhibitions

Transmitter/Receiver: The Persistence of Collage An Arts Council touring exhibition Until 30 June 2012 In Conversation Saturday 23 June, 2pm Join artist Idris Khan for an informal talk about his work. Book your free place in advance on 01922 654400. Eric Bainbridge: Collage Until 21 July 2012 Good Sport Until 1 September 2012 Paperweight Day Portfolio Saturday 9 June, 10am - 4pm Until 1 September 2012 Specialist dealers, identification service and paperweight-making demonstrations. Plus an exclusive exhibition of fun and quirky lamp-working Artists’ Studio paperweights, by the Paperweight Collectors’ Circle. FREE Power and Beauty 28 june - 11 August 2012 Blood and Bones Patricia Niemann Garman Ryan Collection Until 5 August and Exhibitions Glass, jewellery, textiles and drawings inspired by the human body, funeral archaeology and the Garman Ryan Collection wild landscapes of Scotland on display all year round Isabel Rawsthorne: Moving Bodies 15 June - 11 September 2012 Make Room2 Interventions into the Garman Ryan Collection Until 22 September 2012 In Conversation Saturday 21 July, 2pm Faces & Places Curator Carol Jacobi talks about the life and Keith Turley art of Isabel Rawsthorne. Saturday 9 June – Sunday 8 July A collection of works by Keith Turley in Book your free place in advance on 01922 654400. acrylics and oils featuring portraiture and figure painting, as well as scenes of well know Free Regular local places. All work for sale. Family Workshops International Festival Jungle Queen Crowns of Glass Wednesday 6 & Thursday 7 June, 1-3pm Coming soon - August 24 – 27 Exhibitions, events, workshops, family Olympic Flags activities, fun for all ages. August 24 – 27 Saturday 30 June, 10am-12noon www.ifg.org.uk Decorate your own flag to wave as the Olympic torch passes the gallery. Events Breastfeeding Awareness Day Tuesday 19 June, 11am – 3pm 7 June – Glass engraving at the Cone £3.75 Free Adult Workshops 8 June – Kiln fused keyring making at Broadfield House £3.75 9 June – Living History Day FREE College Prints Call 01384 815571 to book Saturday 23 June, 11am-4pm - fee £10 Learn the art of collage and lino printing inspired by the FREE Diamond Jubilee trail during Whit Week Transmitter/Receiver exhibition. (Broadfield and Dudley closed 4 and 5 June)

52 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:31 Page 2 Visual Arts

Art In The Dancehall The Drum, Birmingham, Tues 26 June - Fri 13 July Featuring rare cover art from Limonious, Jamal Pete and Tony McDermott, Art In The Dancehall offers a rare insight into the vibrant art and design used in dancehall and Jamaican soundsystem culture over the past thirty years. Curated by Auze Webb - in conjunction with dancehall brand Shimmy Shimmy - this unique exhibition showcases many works never before seen in the UK, as well as pieces commissioned for this particular project. An eclectic range of works from present- day artists also features, together with assorted memorabilia, photos and prints of original posters by Jamaica’s celebrated poster designer Sassa.

Yto Barrada: Riffs Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, until Sun 8 July Isabel Rawsthorne: Moving Bodies Working in a variety of media, French-born artist New Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, Fri 15 June - Sat 8 September Yto Barrada uses her present-day environment in Well known within London’s bohemian set of the 1930s and ’40s, artist Isabel Tangier as the focus of her work. Featuring select- Rawsthorne developed firm friendships with many artists of the day, including Jacob ed pieces from previous series alongside new Epstein, Alberto Giacometti and, later, Francis Bacon. However, it was Isabel’s friend- photos and film, Barrada’s art narrates the frag- ships with prima ballerina Margot Fonteyn, Antoinette Sibley and Rudolph Nureyev that mentation of everyday life, with the recurring fig- influenced much of her figurative work. Very often she would sit and paint the dancers ure of a tree - be it physical or family - acting as a as they rehearsed at Covent Garden, and her works are as much portraits as they are metaphor of resistance and strength, of changing an exploration of dance and movement. times, of shelter, regeneration and nutrition, and also of decor and tourism. Cloud Nylon: The Jewellery Of Nora Fok Bilston Craft Gallery, until Sat 7 July From innovative jewellery pieces to wacky yet aesthetically pleasing headpieces, Nora Fok’s work is sure to amaze anyone with an interest in knitting, as well as those with an appreciation of ambitious design. Made from intricate nylon thread (usually used as fishing line), Fok’s work is inspired by complex mathe- matics, geometry and patterns in nature, and is created by knitting, sewing, plaiting or weaving. On tour from The Harley Gallery, this is the first time that Fok’s work has been shown in a solo retrospective.

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some of the cast in the BITION A showcase of PREVIEWS LISTINGS acclaimed period paintings by Horace VisualArts VisualArts drama Downton Panter - best known for Abbey, until Sun 17 being the bass-player For full listing information on Visual Art June, Himley Hall, with Coventry ska Ongoing exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, Dudley band The Specials, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk PUGIN, DURER AND THE until Tues 26 June, GOTHIC Display that Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth Pedals To Medals EPSTEIN’S RIMA: ‘A leries are brought showcases eight prints Coventry Transport Museum, TRAVESTY OF NATURE’ together in an exhibi- and a single drawing JUBILEE A series of pho- Fri 22 June - Sun 14 October Featuring a selection tion that illustrates by the well-known tographs of HRH The Renaissance artist Queen taken by Patrick Celebrating all aspects of competitive of Jacob Epstein's trends in painting prac- preparatory drawings tice at the beginning of Albrecht Durer, togeth- Lichfield, until Sat 30 cycling - the heroes and the history - this for the WH Hudson the last century, until er with two stained- June, Shugborough new exhibition affords visitors the chance to Memorial, this exhibi- Sun 10 June, Compton glass designs by 16th Estate, Stafford get up close and personal to bikes and tion provides a rare Verney Gallery, century German artists, FROM HIGHFIELD ROAD memorabilia from some of the country’s opportunity to explore Warwickshire Hans Holbein and Abel TO WEMBLEY... the artist's creative Stimmer, until Thurs 21 Collection of photogra- greats. Items relating to Olympic champions THE ARTDEPOT IN 2012 June, The Barber Tommy Godwin, Chris Boardman and Tom imagination and ques- Featuring a variety of phy, film and memora- tion the controversy Institute, Birmingham bilia that celebrates Sabin are on show alongside some of the media - textiles, glass- that surrounded much work, ceramics, metal- THE AGE OF LEONARDO A one of the most mem- most important bikes ever to have been rid- of his work, until Sat 2 work, printmaking, special collection dis- orable FA Cup Finals den in a competitive arena. Stories from the June, The New Art painting and sculpture, play that features ten (1987), until Sun 1 Jul, people who’ve changed the face of cycling Gallery, Walsall until Sun 10 Jun, The works from some of Herbert Art Gallery are sure to be a hit with enthusiasts, and, as FROM CAMERA TO CAN- Roses Theatre, the greatest 16th cen- Museum, Coventry VAS Printed works on Tewksbury tury Italian print-mak- NEW ART FOR A NEW with all Coventry Transport exhibitions, ers, until Thurs 21 there’s also an array of themed family activi- canvas, until Sat 2 KATE SPENCE - TIME AGE: OPTIMISM IN POST June, Bears Steps June, The Barber WAR BRITISH ABSTRAC- ties to keep visitors entertained. STOOD STILL IN THE Institute, Birmingham Gallery, Shrewsbury SHADOWS Exhibition of TION Exhibition featur- LEATHER Exhibition that ing abstract painting Image credit: Science Museum/SSPL TOM PRICE EXHIBITION work that explores the Major solo exhibition of notion of being able to celebrates Worcester’s and sculpture from animated works by the stop time, until Sun 10 history in the British around 1960 made by London-based sculptor June, Artrix, glove-making industry, artists working in both who has a special Bromsgrove until Sat 23 June, London and St. Ives, Worcester City Art until Sun 1 July, The interest in the minutiae CHILDREN’S LIVES A of body language and Gallery & Museum Royal Pump Rooms, new project that focus- Leamington Spa facial expression, until es on children’s experi- CAPTURED MOMENTS Sun 3 June, mac - ences from the eigh- Selling exhibition of GARY HUME: FLASHBACK Midlands Arts Centre, teenth century to the paintings in a variety of Exhibition by one of Birmingham present day, until Sun media by two Britain’s most celebrat- CONTEMPORARY COL- 10 June, Birmingham Shropshire artists, ed contemporary artists, LECTION An insight into Museum & Art Gallery Mary Herber Davies until Sat 7 July, and Blanche James, Wolverhampton Art the artworks that fea- GAINSBOROUGH’S LAND- until Sat 23 Jun, The Gallery ture in SCAPES: THEMES & Wolverhampton's con- Place, Oakengates, STAFFORDSHIRE OPEN Beautiful Catastrophe VARIATIONS This, the Telford temporary collections, first exhibition solely ART until Sun 8 July, Light House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Sat 9 June, devoted to the land- MAESTROS Featuring Shire Hall Gallery, until Fri 13 July Wolverhampton Art scapes of Thomas two moving image Stafford Gallery Featuring a selection of photographs previ- Gainsborough, brings installations by Turner A BEAUTIFUL CATASTRO- Prize-winner Douglas ously unseen in the UK, this exhibition by JOURNEY OF THE DRUM together paintings and PHE Magnum photog- Exhibition curated by drawings from both Gordon, until Sat 23 acclaimed New York photographer Bruce rapher Bruce Gilden young people that public and private col- Jun, The Mead Gallery, celebrates his trade- Gilden showcases works that have captured visually represents the lections that span the Warwick Arts Centre mark style with aban- the eccentricity of some of the Big Apple’s use of the drum in artist's career, until Sun BEING HUMAN don, capturing New inhabitants since 1981. Over the years, using Diasporic communities 10 June, Compton Documentary artwork York City street life his distinctive confrontational style, Magnum and the tradition and Verney Gallery, by artist Jill Impey from 1981 to 2001, ritual that surrounds Warwickshire photographer Gilden has satisfied his fasci- that’s inspired by until Fri 13 July, Light the instrument in West young people’s House Media Centre, nation with everyday life on the streets by ROYALTY ON THE ROAD African communities, Exhibition that cele- responses to identity, Wolverhampton taking spontaneous images created with the until Sat 9 Jun, The brates The Queen’s until Sat 23 June, ROYAL JOURNEYS An Drum, Birmingham use of a stark flash that alerts passers-by to Diamond Jubilee, until W’hampton Art Gallery exhibition that brings his presence. JEWEL IN THE CROWN An Sun 10 Jun, Coventry ARTISTS AND PRINTMAK- together stories of exhibition of unique Transport Museum ERS Exhibition featur- royal obsessions, works by outstanding PLANES IN FRAMES An ing works from the escapes, command- British jewellers, until exhibition by local museum’s print collec- ments and freedoms, Sat 9 Jun, Iapetus artists who belong to tion, in particular the told through historic Gallery, Malvern the National Society of works of a group of paintings and a con- INTO THE LIGHT: FRENCH Aviation Painters, until artists known as the temporary artwork by & BRITISH PAINTING Sat 16 June, Dudley Senefelder Group, until acclaimed artist Uriel FROM IMPRESSIONISM Museum & Art Gallery Sun 24 Jun, The Orlow, until Sat 14 Potteries Museum & July, Worcester City Art TO THE EARLY 1920S THE DRAMA QUEENS Fifty-four paintings and Art Gallery, Stoke-on- Gallery & Museum Exhibition featuring Trent drawings from some of costumes worn by BEDWYR WILLIAMS A the UK’s major gal- I WANT MORE LIFE EXHI-

01384 812745 STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, Beautiful Catastrophe Museums & Art Galleries DUDLEY MUSEUM SHUGBOROUGH & ART GALLERY 01889 881388 Jamaica 50 Birmingham NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01384 815575 Warwickshire 0121 643 9099 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY WOLVERHAMPTON until Sun 7 October 0121 323 3776 RBSA GALLERY 0121236 01926 645500 4353 01902 716055 BARBER INSTITUTE HERBERT ART GALLERY A partnership between the Birmingham THREE WHITE WALLS THE NEW ART GALLERY 0121 414 7333 COVENTRY 02476 832386 Kingsway Project, the Drum Arts Centre and GALLERY WALSALL 01922 654400 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & MEAD GALLERY WARWICK Birmingham Archives, Jamaica 50 was borne 0121 643 0078 RED HOUSE GLASS CONE ART GALLERY 0121 303 02476 524524 from an initiative where young people inter- 2834 01384 812750 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS Black Country WOLVERHAMPTON ART viewed an older generation about their expe- THE BURROWS GALLERY, 01926 742700 riences of coming to the UK in the ’50s and THE CUSTARD FACTORY BANTOCK HOUSE GALLERY 01902 552055 0121 224 7344 WOLVERHAMPTON Worcestershire ’60s. Together with vibrant displays, Jamaica 01902 552195 Staffordshire CASTLE GALLERIES WORCESTER CITY ART 50 features examples of oral history, present- 0121 633 0015 BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & GALLERY 01905 25371 ed alongside personal artefacts from those IKON GALLERY 01902 552507 ART GALLERY 01782 232323 who migrated to the UK and photographs 0121 248 0708 BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS SHIREHALL GALLERY Visit whatsonlive.co.uk that chronicle Jamaica’s independence. MUSEUM, DUDLEY STAFFORD 01785 278345 for venue website details

54 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 11:31 Page 4

wide range of media, links between eigh- pret Greek cultures, Costume Gallery, until ROYAL CARS ‘JUBILEE’ MARION RICHARDSON including performance, teenth century industry until Sun 9 Sept, The Sun 28 Oct, EXHIBITION Sat 2 - Sun EXHIBITION The former sculpture, painting and and modern craft prac- Potteries Museum & Shugborough Historic 10 Jun, Heritage Motor Dudley Girl’s School art photography, all fea- tices, until Sat 1 Sep, Art Gallery, Stoke-on- Working Estate, Stafford Centre, Gaydon mistress showcases ture in this exhibition, Bilston Craft Gallery Trent ANTONY DONALDSON FASTER, STRONGER, some of the outstand- considered to be GOOD SPORT Paintings, LIVING WALLS New Exhibition featuring HIGHER Exhibition that ing work that she’s pro- Williams' most compre- photographs, memora- exhibition commis- early works from the explores the parallels duced with children hensive presentation to bilia and installations sioned for the World '60s & '70s alongside between sport & art, over the years, Sat 23 date, until Sun 8 Jul, are here brought Shakespeare Festival, more recent works, Thurs 7 Jun, The Drum, Jun - Sat 22 Sep, Ikon Gallery, together in a display until Sun 9 Sept, Royal until Sat 3 Nov, Birmingham Dudley Museum & Art Birmingham Gallery that celebrates the Shakespeare Theatre, Wolverhampton Art FACES & PLACES A col- ERIC BAINBRIDGE: COL- passion and sense of Stratford-upon-Avon Gallery lection of works by LOCAL OLYMPIC HEROES LAGES Exhibition that community often asso- ALLOTMENT An innova- MUSCLES, BALLS & Keith Turley in acrylics Exhibition of local art- consists of more than ciated with sport, until tive programme that BOWLS Exhibition that and oils featuring por- works that celebrate forty small-scale col- Sat 1 Sep, The New art sees mac's Arena explores the history of traiture and figure paint- physical movement, Sat lages realised from Gallery, Walsall Gallery divided into sport in Shakespeare’s ing, Sat 9 Jun - Sun 8 30 Jun - Sat 8 Sep, images culled and cut STYLE AFRICA Exhibition plots and tended by time, until Sun 4 Nov, Jul, Red House Glass Dudley Museum & Art from fashion maga- that explores the independent curators Nash’s House & New Cone, Stourbridge Gallery zines, until Sat 21 July, changing traditions of and artists, until Sun 9 Place, Stratford-upon- TOM DALE: I INFINITE POWER & BEAUTY New Art Gallery, woven, embroidered, Sep, mac, Birmingham Avon Exploration of the Black Walsall EXHIBITION Interactive printed and dyed cloth- CORE - A DIGITAL ART THE DIG! Exhibition exhibition inspired by Country through pho- WONDERFUL WATER- ing and textiles, from INSTALLATION Kurt showcasing archaeolog- the digital world's quest tography and film, COLOURS: VIEWS OF the early twentieth cen- Hentschlager’s installa- ical finds uncovered so to re-create life, Sat 16 - Thurs 28 Jun - Sat 11 COVENTRY & WARWICK- tury through to 2011, tion provides an insight far, until Mon 31 Dec, Sun 24 Jun, mac, Aug, The New Art SHIRE Showcase of until Sun 2 Sept, into a weightless world Nash’s House & New Birmingham Gallery, Walsall some of the gallery’s Birmingham Museum of virtual aquariums, Place, Stratford-upon- FLIGHT AND THE ARTISTIC watercolour collection - & Art Gallery INSPIRED BY NIGHT An until Sun 30 Sep, Avon exhibition of poetry and IMAGINATION Major exhi- including works by OUR SPORTING LIFE: THE Enginuity, Ironbridge, bition that explores Paul Sandby, David THE STORIES OF SHAKE- short stories penned by SCIENCE OF SPORT EXHI- Shropshire SPEARE Joint exhibition talented night-time visi- man's instinctive desire Cox & Thomas Girtin, BITION Exhibition that to fly. Works from until Sun 22 July, CITYSCAPES An exhibi- from the Royal tors to the 'All the story focuses on the rela- tion of the world in Shakespeare Theatre of the night told over' Leonardo de Vinci & Herbert Art Gallery & tionship between sci- Francisco Goya feature, Museum, Coventry miniature featuring & the Shakespeare event at the Birthplace, ence & sport, in partic- items from the most cir- Birthplace Trust, until Sat 2 Jun - Sun 1 Jul, Fri 29 Jun - Sun 30 BLOOD AND BONES Solo ular how technological culated art medium - Mon 31 Dec, Royal Shakespeare’s Sep, Compton Verney exhibition by Patricia advancements have coins and medals, until Shakespeare Theatre, Birthplace, Stratford- Gallery, Warwickshire Niemann that features shaped achievements Sun 6 Oct, The Barber Stratford-upon-Avon upon-Avon FORMER GLORY The work in precious met- and performance in the Institute, Birmingham grandeur of buildings, als, glass, textiles and elite sporting world, DEAR SHAKESPEARE New JASKIRT DHALIWAL: GRAND DESIGNS A display that showcases EVERYDAY OLYMPIAN the faded beauty of drawings, all of which until Sun 9 Sept, clothing and personal are inspired by the Enginuity, Ironbridge, chance to view some of a small but rare collec- Exhibition that explores the museum’s rarely tion of letters written by the commitment and items is the source of human body, archaeol- Shropshire inspiration for this ogy and wild land- seen masterpieces, until famous authors, from participation of people GODS, GREEKS AND GOR- Sat 20 Oct, Dudley Oscar Wilde to Bram in local community group of artists, work- scapes, until Sun 5 GONS Discover some of ing in textiles, film and Aug, Broadfield House, Museum & Art Gallery Stoker, until Mon 31 sports, Mon 18 Jun - the greatest stories Dec, Nash’s House & Sun 8 Jul, The Drum, mixed media, Sat 30 Dudley ever told in an exhibi- CELEBRATION A display Jun - Sun 2 Sep, of costumes in the New Place, Stratford- Birmingham CRAFTSENSE Exhibition tion that explores how upon-Avon Himley Hall & Park, that celebrates the different societies inter- Servants' Quarters Dudley

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2012 7th - 10th June Lichfield Rugby Club

If you enjoy Modern Jazz, Gypsy, Trad, Funk, Electric & Acoustic Blues, Flamenco, Lap-Steel, Steaming Hammond Organs, Dynamic Vocals, Fantastic Drummers, Pianists, Big Bands and Workshops then we have an exceptional line-up of the best creative bands and musicians around

This years line up: • Paul Cox & Charlie Fabert • Wonderbrass • Eduardo Niebla • Derrin Nauendorf Band • Led Bib • Gabrielle Ducomble • Clare Free • Kevin Brown’s Shackdusters • Strumpit • Ben Cosland’s Threeway • George Huxley’s Jazzmen • The Producers • Fret & Fiddle • The Tom Woodman Band • The Cohen Brothers

PLUS OVER 30 REAL ALES FROM A WELL STOCKED BAR Plenty of safe family space for camping & caravans just yards from the music. Showers and Catering. Full Festival Ticket + FREE Camping £55/£51 concs/£47 members/£30 students. Single day tickets available: £7-£20 / Camping £7 (per tent or caravan/per day) Booking Office: 01543 262 223 lichfieldarts.org.uk Lichfield Rugby Club, Tamworth Road, Lichfield. WS14 9JE Festivals June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:07 Page 2 Festivals

Wychwood Festival Cheltenham Racecourse, Fri 8 - Sun 10 June Often referred to as Gloucestershire's answer to Glastonbury, the Wychwood Music Festival was launched in 2005 by a group of enthusiasts want- ing to create an intimate and thrilling weekend festival experience. The annual event features music as wide-ranging as world, folk, psychedelic pop and dance, not to mention solar-powered cinema and numerous workshops for all ages, including circus skills, taichi and yoga. Line-up for the 2012 festival includes Bellowhead, The Saw Doctors, The Damned, Hawkwind and Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends. Bellowhead Upton Jazz Upton-on-Severn, Worcestershire, Fri 22 - Sun 24 June Bass Festival Various locations in and around Birmingham, Tues 19 June - Fri 13 July Now in its twenty-seventh year, the annual Upton Jazz Festival offers a blend of jazz, An appearance by Jamaican reggae star Junior Murvin is guaranteed to be the high- mainstream/modern and swing with traditional jazz light of this year’s Bass Festival - the region’s month-long celebration of Black music and Dixieland foundations. With the 2012 festival and art. With 2012 marking the fiftieth anniversary of Jamaican Independence, and with being touted as the ‘year of dance’, organisers Birmingham hosting the Jamaican Olympic team for the duration of the games, this have transformed the town’s Memorial Hall into a year’s incarnation may well prove to be the best ever. This year’s line-up also features dance venue, and intend to create other dance Moqapi Selassie, Lady Leshuur, RoxXxan, Top Cat, Seani B and the Channel One spaces in numerous other venues. At the request Sound System. of festival-goers, the 2012 event sees the return of some familiar faces, including Fat Sam, Carl Sinclair, Karen Sharp, Bob Kerr and the Whoopee Band, Tipitina, Pete Allen and Alan Barnes, to name but a few... Tipitina

The Lunar Festival Umberslade Estate, Tanworth in Arden, Warwickshire, Fri 1 - Mon 4 June Set in the spiritual home of singer/songwriter Nick Drake, this brand new family-orientated festival offers an intimate weekend of entertainment in the beautiful setting of the Umberslade Estate. Featuring two stages of live music, film screen- ings, a mini-rave and on-site catering provided by Birmingham’s Soul Food Project, the Lichfield Real Ale Jazz And Blues inaugural Lunar Lichfield Rugby Club, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 June Festival is head- With electric blues, acoustic blues, lap-steel guitar, flamenco guitar, trad, gypsy and lined by the modern jazz, brass ensembles and funk to recommend it, Lichfield Real Ale Jazz And extremely tal- Blues Festival certainly offers something to satisfy all tastes. Add to this workshops for ented Benjamin budding musicians, great camping facilities, renowned catering (for all the right rea- Francis sons) and the promise of more than thirty real ales, and you’ve got the makings of a Leftwich, Scott fine festival. Promising to be bigger and better than ever before, the 2012 event fea- Matthew and tures performances from Eduardo Niebla, Led Bib, Gabrielle Ducomble (pictured), Fionn Regan. Benjamin Francis Leftwich Derrin Nauendorf, The Cohen Brothers, Paul Cox and Charlie Fabert and Wonderbrass. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Festivals June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:07 Page 3

58 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:07 Page 4

Festival PREVIEWS

Vive Le Rock The Workhouse, Llanfyllin, Powys, Fri 15 - Sun 17 June Coventry ska band The Selecter and ’80s New Wave artist Hazel O’Connor are just two of the many acts booked to appear at this brand new Mid-Wales The Selecter festival. The two-day event is being staged to raise much-needed funds to enable The Workhouse to continue to bring music legends past and present to the venue, and to support fresh new talent from within the local area. Stratford Fringe Festival Scene from Ludlow Festival 2011. Photo credit © Richard Stanton Various locations throughout Stratford-upon- Avon, Sat 2 - Sun 10 June Ludlow Festival With more than one hundred-and-fifty sepa- Ludlow Castle, Ludlow Assembly Rooms and St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire, rate events at forty different venues across Sat 23 June - Sun 8 July the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the This well-established festival is now in its fifty-second year and has grown into an event of annual Stratford Fringe promises to offer national interest, not least because of its often-star-studded centrepiece, an outdoor something for all tastes and age groups. Shakespeare production performed in the grounds of the town's magnificent castle. This year Comedians Robin Ince and Milton Jones it’s a new version of Much Ado About Nothing that’s being presented beneath the stars. Other headline the eight-day event, with theatre attractions for 2012 include musical performances from Ensemble Sine Nomine, Orchestra of companies (performing everything from An the Swan, Fron Male Voice Choir, Wishful Singing, Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne. Abba Evening With Charlotte Bronte to a new work tribute band Bjorn Again provide the final evening’s entertainment with a performance at to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee), live music, Ludlow Castle. a visual arts trail, exhibitions, art classes and family activities also featuring. Os Fest Droitwich Spa Summer Oswestry Showground, North Shropshire, Festival Cheltenham Science Festival Fri 1 - Mon 4 June Droitwich Spa, Pershore, Worcestershire, Fri Various locations in and around Cheltenham, The region’s first pop festival of summer Tues 12 - Sat 17 June 22 June - Sun 8 July 2012 takes place in Oswestry early this This annual event sees the small market The Cheltenham Science Festival provides month and boasts an impressive line-up of six days of debate and entertainment, and town of Droitwich Spa come to life with eighty acts performing across three stages. numerous arts-based activities. Kicking off offers visitors the chance to put their ques- N-Dubz member Dappy takes to the main tions to some of the world’s leading thinkers, with a boat gathering weekend on the newly stage on Saturday, while acclaimed British opened Droitwich Canal, the Summer and even to conduct their own experiments. indie group Razorlight top the bill on Sunday. This year’s festival hosts the Famelab Festival features an eclectic selection of Other noteable acts performing during the music in the town centre’s Vine Park, includ- International Final - a quest to find scientific four-day event include Hard-Fi, Benjamin ing performances from Roving Crows, stars of the future. Francis Leftwich, Delilah, Levi Roots and Cowley Cowboys, BabaJack and Hennesea. Goldie Lookin’ Chain. Apart from providing top music, Os Gregynog Festival Fest also offers a Warwick Summer Music Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, Newtown, Powys, comedy store, fun- Fri 15 - Sun 1 July fair, DJ Booth, Festival Wales’ oldest classical music festival attracts open mic, St Mary’s Church, Warwick, thousands of visitors from around the globe, Kidzone, food Thurs 21 June - Sat 7 July all of whom descend on mid-Wales to stalls, Pimms bus, Warwick’s rich musical heritage is here cele- indulge their passion for ‘music-making of beer tents and the brated with seventeen days of performances the highest standard’. Set within the grand promise of much, by some of the world’s most acclaimed clas- surroundings of Gregynog Hall, this two- much more... Dappy sical musicians. Renowned organist and week event features six Welsh debuts and six composer David Briggs opens the festival exclusive UK appearances. Taking Venezia with a recital of works by Bach, Franck and as its inspiration and featuring seven cen- English Haydn Festival Mendelssohn, together with a performance of turies of music associated with the city, this Various locations, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, his improvised symphony. A world premiere year’s event marks the passing of one hun- Wed 6 - Sat 9 June of Howard Skempton’s song cycle Brave dred years since Gregynog’s Festival Celebrating Haydn’s early years, the nine- Guy Of Warwick also features, performed by founders - sisters Gwendoline and Margaret teenth English Haydn Festival opens with a mezzo-soprano Ksynia Loeffler and pianist Davies - bought their first paintings of Venice showing in Bridgnorth’s Majestic cinema of Jan Loeffler. Other highlights include per- by Monet. Highlights Alessandro Taverna the newly released film, In Search Of Haydn. formances by the Armonico Consort and for 2012 include per- Performances by an impressive line-up of Symphony Orchestra and the Warwickshire formances by The internationally acclaimed soloists follow, with Symphony Orchestra. Avison Ensemble, Simon Standage, James Kirby, Pavel Serbin pianist Alessandro and Peter Hanson, together with the English Taverna, vocal group Haydn Orchestra, all contributing. A series of La Venexiana, one-hour lunchtime concerts features per- Catalan viol player formances from the Eroica String Quartet, Jordi Savall and the Barbican Trio and the English Haydn Italian virtuoso Ensemble. Giuliano Carmignola. Armonico Consort www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Festivals June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:07 Page 5

Droitwich Spa Summer Festival 2012 22nd June to 8th July, 2 weeks of Water, Arts & Music Boat Gathering in Vines Park Friday 22nd to Monday 25th June

G Trade and Charity Stalls G Hot and Cold Food. G Real Ale Bar. G Live Entertainment G Demonstrations G Exhibitions. G Boating Skills Competition - Win a ‘Spa’ Trophy - G Activities G Boat Trips Boat Entry: £20 includes a Brass plaque G Guided Walks and Cycle Trails. Early booking Advised For More Information, or for Boat, Trade or Charity Entry Forms, Please Contact: - Pam Davey on 01905 773289 or e-mail [email protected]

Droitwich Waterways (Pamela May) Trust Ltd

WARWICK SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

21st June – 7th July

Concerts of choral, chamber and orchestral music in St Mary’s Collegiate Church, Warwick Including performances by David Briggs, Ksynia and Jan Loeffler, Armonico Consort and the Choirs of St Mary’s Collegiate Church Tickets available from St Mary’s Church Gift Shop or on the door See festival brochure for further details

www.stmaryswarwick.org.uk

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Springsteen & The E Sun 8 Jul, Beacon The Wombats - Shrewsbury Fields Forever Street Band & Noel Park, Lichfield Festivals Listings Gallagher's High Flying WAKESTOCK Line-up Birds, Thurs 21 - Sun includes Calvin Harris, 24 Jun, Isle Of Wight Dizzee Rascal & Ed For full listing information on festivals, UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL Fri Sheeran, Fri 6 - Sun 8 including dates and line-up, visit 22 - Sun 24 Jun, Jul, Cardigan Bay, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Upton-on-Severn, South Wales Worcestershire BUXTON Line-up Cheltenham LUDLOW FESTIVAL includes Piano 4 Racecourse Highlights include a Hands, Flanders and JUNE DOWNLOAD Highlights production of Much Swann, Give Me Your include The Prodigy, Ado About Nothing & Hand & The Fairey Metallica & Black performances from the GATE TO SOUTHWELL Band, Sat 7 - Wed 25 Sabbath, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Glenn Miller Orchestra FOLK Highlights include Jul, Buxton Opera Jun, Donington Park, & Bjorn Again, Sat 23 Jools Holland and his House Derby June - Sun 8 Jul, Rhythm & Blues LUNANZA Family fun fes- WELFEST ON THE Ludlow Castle & vari- Orchestra, Fri 1 - Mon 4 tival, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Jul, MEADOW Highlights ous other locations in Jun, The Workhouse, West Midland include The Delteurs, and around Ludlow, Southwell, Nottingham Showground, Magic Eight Ball, Sat 9 South Shropshire CHESTER FOLK Fri 1 - Shropshire Jun, Synder Meadow, STAFFORD FESTIVAL Mon 4 Jun, Kelsall BLUES AT THE FOLD Line- Stratford-upon-Avon SHAKESPEARE Village, Chester up includes Earl Green CHAZZSTOCK Highlights Featuring a perform- & The Right Of Time, SOLIHULL JAZZ Debut include The Vaccines, ance of Romeo & Sat 7 Jul, The Fold, festival with a line-up The Horrors & Tribes, Juliet, Thurs 28 June - Worcestershire featuring Tipitina & Sat 9 - Sun 10 Jun, Sat 14 July, Stafford Ricky Cool & The Stanford Hall, Castle LATITUDE Line-up Hoola Boola Boys, Fri 1 includes Bon Iver, Leicestershire CORNBURY FESTIVAL - Mon 4 Jun, Solihull, Elbow, Paul Weller & PARKLIFE WEEKENDER Highlights include Warwickshire Metronomy, Thurs 12 - Line-up includes The James Morrison, Elvis Sun 15 Jul, Henham OS FEST Highlights Flaming Lips, Dizzee Costello, Jools Holland, Park, Suffolk include Razorlight, Rascal & Noah & The Will Young & Pixie Lott, Dappy, Benjamin Whale, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Seasick Steve, BROMSGROVE FOLK Line- Francis Leftwich and Jun, Platt Fields Park, Stooshe, Hugh Laurie up includes Jez Lowe Hard-Fi, Fri 1 - Mon 4 Manchester and many more... Fri 29 and the Big Bad Jun, Oswestry CHELTENHAM SCIENCE June - Sun 1 Jul, Pennies, Josh Tams Showground Tues 12 - Sun 17 Jun, Cornbury Park, and Barry Coupe, Mike Boys, TBelly, Mojo - Sun 26 Aug, LUNAR Highlights Various locations Oxfordshire Silver and Jonny Hooker, Steiny's Blues Bramham Park, Leeds Coppin and many include Benjamin throughout Cheltenham GODIVA FESTIVAL Sun 1 & Mumbo-Jumbo, Sat 4 READING Line-up The more, Fri 13 - Sun 15 Francis Leftwich & Rory BEACH BREAK LIVE Line- Jul, War Memorial Park, Aug, The Jinney Ring Foo Fighters, The Cure, Jul, The Bowling McLeod, Fri 1 - Mon 4 up includes; Chase and Coventry Craft Centre, Redditch Kasabian, The Black Jun, Umberslade Green, Shaw Lane, Status, Dizzee Rascal, MOSTLY JAZZ Line-up WILDERNESS Line-up Keys & Florence and Estate, Stratford-upon- Bromgrove, Friendly Fires & includes Birmingham includes, Rodrigo y the Machine, Fri 24 - Avon Worcestershire Maverick Sabre, Thur Jazz Ensemble, The Gabriela, Wilco, Sun 26 Aug, Richfield HOLE IN THE WALL Line- ENGLISH HAYDN Tue 1 - 14 - Mon 18 Jun, Steve Ajao Band, Miles Spiritualized, Cloud Avenue, Reading up includes Counterfeit Sun 10 Jun, Various Pembrey Country Park, Levin Band and Husk, Control & Lianne La SHREWSBURY Stones, T-Rextacy & Locations in Bridgnorth, South Wales Fri 29 Jun - Sun 1 Jul, Havas, Fri 10 - Sun 12 INTERNATIONAL STREET Shropshire Are You Experienced, Aug, Cornbury Park, VIVE LE ROCK Line-up Moseley Park & Pool, THEATRE Fri 31 August - Sat 14 - Sun 15 Jul, Oxfordshire MUCH WENLOCK ARTS includes The Selector, Birmingham Sun 2 Sep, Shrewsbury FESTIVAL featuring an Hopton Court, between FARMER PHILS Line-up Town Centre Dr Feelgood, Hazel XSTATIC FESTIVAL Line- Ludlow & Kidderminster outdoor production of O’Connor & Gundogs, up includes Judge includes Dreadzone, OFF THE TRACKS L FEST Fri 13 - Mon 16 the Merry Wives of Fri 15 - Sat 16 Jun, The Jules, James Chadwick The Undercover Hippy SUMMER Line-up Jul, West Midland Windsor, Sat 1 - Sun 24 Workhouse, Llanfyllin, and Andy Moor, Sat 30 & Rodney Branigan, Fri includes Peatbog Showground, Jun, Various venues Powys Jun, Catton Hall, 10 - Sun 12 Aug, Faeries, The Selecter, throughout Much Shrewsbury Rattlinghope, LICHFIELD FOLK Fri 15 - Derbyshire Dhol Fountain & Martin Wenlock, South WOLVESTOCK Country Shrewsbury Sun 17 Jun, Various CHESTER ROCKS Sat 30 Carthy, Fri 31 Aug - Shropshire music festival, Sat 21 - locations throughout Jun - Sun 1 Jul, V FESTIVAL Highlights Sun 2 Sep, Donington Sun 22 Jul, East Park, REGGAE CITY Confirmed Lichfield Chester Racecourse include The Stone Park Farmhouse, acts include the Twinkle Birmingham Roses, The Killers, Noel Donnington BURTFEST Line-up fea- STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Brothers, The Beat, SPLENDOUR Highlights Gallagher's High Flying tures Inme, The RIVER Festival that MOSELEY FOLK Line-up Congo Natty feat. include Dizzee Rascal, Birds & Snow Patrol, Wurzels, The Selecter brings together the includes Steeleye Nanci & Pheobe, Katy B, Razorlight and Sat 18 - Sun 19 Aug, & The Skints, Fri 15 - boating fraternity and Span, Roy Harper, Friendly Fire ft Peppery The Levellers, Sat 21 Weston Park, Sun 17 Jun, The local community to Echo & The Bunnymen and many more!, Sat 2 Jul, Wollaton Park, Staffordshire Washlands, Burton-on- enjoy river-based enter- & Julian Cope, Fri 31 Jun, Rainbow Nottingham Trent tainment and activities, SHREWSBURY FOLK Aug - Sun 2 Sep, Warehouse, CHURCH STRETTON ARTS Highlights include KT Moseley Park & Pool, ALCESTER SUMMER FOLK Sat 30 Jun - Sun 1 Jul, Birmingham FESTIVAL A two-week Tunstall, Richard Birmingham Fri 15 - Sun 17 Jun, Stratford upon Avon STRATFORD FRINGE Sat 2 celebration of the arts, Thompson, & Show of Various locations in and - Sun 10 Jun, Various Sat 22 July - Sat 4 Aug, Hands, Fri 24 - Mon 27 around Alcester, locations throughout Church Stretton, South Aug, West Midland SEPTEMBER Warwickshire JULY Stratford-upon-Avon Shropshire Showground, GREGYNOG The oldest DOT TO DOT FESTIVAL WARWICK FOLK Line-up Shrewsbury classical music festival Line-up includes The includes Eddi Reader, CREAMFIELDS Line-up BESTIVAL Line-up in Wales, Fri 15 - Sun CHELTENHAM Drums, Pulled Apart by Tickled Pink, Edward II includes Avicii, David includes Stevie 24 Jun, Gregynog Hall, INTERNATIONAL MUSIC Horses & Dog is Dead, & Michael McGoldrick, Guetta & Example, Fri Wonder, New Order, Nr Welshpool, Powys Highlights include Nigel Mon 4 Jun, Various Kennedy & Benjamin Thu 26 - Sun 29 Jul, 24 - Sun 26 Aug, The XX & Emeli Sande, locations in Manchester THE BIG SESSION Warwick Daresbury, Cheshire Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Sep, Highlights include Grosvenor, Wed 4 - Sun city centre OFF THE CUFF Fri 27 - BRIDGNORTH MUSIC & Robin Hill Country Park, Oysterband, DJ Peter 15 Jul, Various loca- LICHFIELD REAL ALE, Sun 29 Jul, The ARTS Fri 24 Aug - Sun 2 Isle Of Wight Lawrence, Show of tions throughout JAZZ & BLUES Line-up Flapper, Birmingham Sep, Various Locations BROMYARD FOLK Line-up Hands, Eddi Reader & Cheltenham includes Paul Cox and in Bridgnorth, includes Spiers & Chumbawumba, Fri 15 LICHFIELD FESTIVAL Wed GLOBAL GATHERING Charlie Fabert, Shropshire Boden, The Mighty - Sun 17 Jun, Catton 4 - Sun 15 Jul, Various Highlights include Tinie Wonderbrass, Eduardo Doonans & Vin Garbutt, Hall, Derbyshire locations throughout Tempah, AfroJack & UPTON INTERNATIONAL Niebla, Derrin Labrinth, Fri 27 - Sat 28 MUSIC Line-up includes Fri 7 - Sun 9 Sep, LEAMINGTON PEACE Free Lichfield Nauendorf Band & Led Jul, Long Marston The Stylistics, The Bromyard, festival featuring enter- NAPTON MUSIC Line-up Bib, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Airfield, Stratford-upon- Drifters, The Selecter & Herefordshire tainment areas, chil- includes Toploader, Jun, Lichfield Rugby Avon The Beat, Fri 24 - Sun SHREWSBURY FIELDS dren's tent & workshop Guns2Roses & Total Club 26 Aug, Upton FOREVER Line-up fea- area, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Stone Roses, Fri 6 - Sat WYCHWOOD Line-up Waterside, Upton-on- tures The Wombats, Ms Jun, various locations 7 Jul, Napton on the includes Bellowhead, Severn, Worcestershire Dynamite & The Clock in and around Hill Centre, AUGUST The Saw Doctors, The Tower, Fri 14 - Sat 16 Leamington Spa Warwickshire LEEDS Line-up includes Damned, Hawkwind & Sep, West Mid FUSE Line-up includes The Foo Fighters, The Port Isaac's ISLE OF WIGHT Line-up Showground, State Of Undress, BLUES FESTIVAL Line-up Cure, Kasabian, The Fisherman's Friends, Fri includes Elbow, Shrewsbury Bleeding Hearts & includes Ricky Cool Black Keys & Florence 8 - Sun 10 Jun, Example, Bruce Kaleidoscope, Fri 6 - and the Hoola Boola and the Machine, Fri 24 www.whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Events June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:20 Page 1

Dudley Concert Hall St James Road, Dudley, DY1 1HP 01384 812812 dudley.gov.uk/entertainmentlive Tea Dance Wed 30 May, 1pm In celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee, includes a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Music and support from Fiona Bennett Tickets £4

Dudley Concert Hall St James Road, Dudley, DY1 1HP 01384 812812 dudley.gov.uk/entertainmentlive We’ll Meet Again Diamond Jubilee events Diamond Jubilee Edition Let the celebrations begin... Thurs 31 May, 2pm This month sees towns and cities across the UK decked out in red, Music and entertainment celebrating the white and blue as the biggest party of the year kicks off, bringing wartime spirit. Tickets £11 communities big and small together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. As is always the case with such occasions, there’s an eclectic mix of organised events taking place RAF Cosford across the region, including a Big Jubilee Weekend in Birmingham Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8U - which sees the second city marking the occasion with four days of music and entertainment - and a Queen Jubilee Tribute in 01902 376 200 Wolverhampton’s West Park, featuring Coronation anthems and [email protected] Last Night Of The Proms favourites. Meanwhile, in Shropshire, Half Term Diamond Blists Hill Museum hosts four days of pomp and pageantry Jubilee Activities Victorian-style. Coventry’s Transport Museum gets in on the act too, holding a Royal Family Day to coincide with its Royalty On The Sat 2 - Sun 10 June Road exhibition. Creative sessions running daily from So grab yourself a Union Jack and let the partying begin.... 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm

Square, Birmingham FAMILY STREET PARTY Mon 4 Jun, Birmingham Waterhall, Birmingham Museum & Heritage Motor Centre Art Gallery Banbury Road, Gaydon, Warwickshire DIAMOND JUBILATIONS Featuring the CV35 0BJ Tel: 01926 641188 City of Birmingham Symphony heritage-motor-centre.co.uk Orchestra & Stephen Bell (conduc- Black Country tor), Fri 1 Jun, Symphony Hall Sat 2 - Sun 10 June BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Sat 2 June, Victoria Square & DRAMA QUEENS TO Enjoy a patriotic half-term with the museum’s CELEBRATE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE special Royal Cars Exhibition & quiz, plus- Birmingham’s Gay Village HANDEL’S ROYAL MUSIC: CELEBRATING Exhibition of period costumes from free family Jubilee craft days on Tuesday 5 the world of film and television, Until and Thursday 7 June, where children are THE DIAMOND JUBILEE Sat 2 June, Symphony Hall, Sun 17 Jun, Himley Hall & Park, encouraged to dress as kings, queens and Dudley princesses. Birmingham SPRING FESTIVAL Featuring arts, JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS A variety of crafts and nature trails, arena activi- fun for all ages & the opening of the ties and 1950s-style entertainment, centre’s community garden project, Gladstone Pottery Museum Sat 2 Jun, Cannon Hill Park, Fri 1 Jun, Willenhall Centre Birmingham DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET PARTY Sat 2 Uttoxeter Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent Jun, Penn Library, Wolverhampton ST3 1PQ. Tel: 01782 237777 LET THE GAMES BEGIN WEEK & JUBILEE FUN Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun, Cadbury MANOR FARM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS stoke.gov.uk/museum World, Birmingham Themed Jubilee lunch with 50s music and dancing, Sat 2 Jun, FAMILY FUN DAYS - JUBILEE HALF-TERM A Victorian Diamond Jubilee Manor Farm, Walsall Featuring crowning trails, outdoor ST THOMAS’S DIAMOND JUBILEE PARTY Thurs 7 June, 10.30am - 4pm games & take home crafts, Sat 2 - IN THE PARK Family afternoon featur- Meet Queen Victoria, her lady in waiting and Sun 10 Jun, Packwood House ing bouncy castle, inflatable assault Victorian soldiers from the Middlesex Regiment. JUBILEE PRAISE Sun 3 Jun, St course, tug of war, puppet show, live See exotic animals from around the world Martin’s Church music & much more... Sat 2 Jun, St including meerkats, snakes and parrots. RUSSELL WATSON - A TRIBUTE TO THE Thomas’ Church, Walsall Standard admission applies QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE HALF-TERM DIAMOND ACTIVITIES Sun 3 Jun, Symphony Hall, Become a royal for the day by mak- Birmingham ing & decorating your very own CELEBRATE CREATIVITY CRAFT FAIR crown, Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun, RAF Potteries Museum & Art Gallery Spacehopper Events present a craft Cosford Bathesda Street, City Centre, Stoke- event in celebration of Her Majesty DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS on-Trent ST1 3DW Tel: 01782232323 Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, Sun 3 & Entertainment, dance and exhibition Mon 4 Jun, Birmingham Council of local memories, Sun 3 June, walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum House Bilston Town Hall Fabulous Fifties BIRMINGHAM JUBILEE VINTAGE THE BIG JUBILEE LUNCH Celebrate in EXTRAVAGANZA Presented by style with an outdoor picnic & enter- Sun 3rd June, 2pm Spacehopper Events, Sun 3 & Mon tainment, Sun 3 Jun, Wightwick Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee by visiting the 4 Jun, Birmingham Museum & Art Manor History Wardrobe which is packed with fash- Gallery THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE TRIB- ions from 1952, including bullet bras and sug- BIG SCREEN 1950s music and con- UTE A summertime bonfire party with ared petticoats. cert from Buckingham Palace live acts, Mon 4 Jun, West Park, Tickets £5, concessions £4 screened live, Mon 4 Jun, Victoria Wolverhampton

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DIAMOND JUBILEE QUEEN VICTORIA’S DIAMOND museum gallery trail, Sat 2 - Judy, and much more... Sat 3 CELEBRATIONS Celebrate HRH JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Fri 8 Jun, Wedgwood Jun, Longford Park, Coventry the Queen’s Diamond A weekend of Jubilee- Museum, Stoke-on-Trent Warwickshire TIME TRAVELLERS Jubilee with a traditional inspired celebrations, Sat 2 - DIAMOND JUBILEE BANK GO ROYAL street party, Tue 5 Jun, Black Tue 5 Jun, Blists Hill, HOLIDAY FUN Take along a Games and crafts fit for a Country Living Ironbridge, Shropshire picnic to the gardens and ROYALTY ON THE ROAD king or queen, plus a chance Museum, Dudley HALF-TERM DIAMOND celebrate Her Majesty The Exhibition of vehicles used to meet some royal charac- LOVELY JUBILEE A day of ACTIVITIES Sat 2 - Sun 10 Queen's Diamond Jubilee by the British monarchy past ters of times gone by. Sun 3 - Jubilee celebrations with Jun, RAF Cosford, while listening to the Lyme and present, Until Sun 10 Tue 5 Jun, Kenilworth Castle craft making for all the family, Staffordshire Valley Swing Band, Sat 2 - Jun, Coventry Transport DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET Tues 5 Jun, The Public, West JUBILEE JAMBOREE Celebrate Tue 5 Jun, Trentham Museum PARTY Celebrate the Queen’s Bromwich all things royal with a tradi- Gardens JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS WITH Diamond Jubilee with a fami- WOLVERHAMPTON STREET tional British picnic, Sun 3 JUBILEE HALF-TERM WEEK THE SEALED KNOT Featuring ly street party including PARTY Indoor party for adults Jun, Sunnycroft, Wellington Featuring special celebration battle re-enactments, dis- entertainment and nostalgic and children, Tue 5 June, SHREWSBURY RIVER FESTIVAL activities for all the family, Sat plays, living history encamp- food. Themed Diamond Bilston Baptist Church, Free family fun in the Quarry 2 - Sun 10 Jun, ment and artillery salute, Fri 1 Jubilee costumes are very Wolverhampton. and on the river with Jubilee Shugborough Historic - Mon 4 Jun, The Recreation much encouraged, Tue 5 AFTERNOON TEA WITH THE boat flotilla. Check out the Working Estate Ground, Stratford-upon-Avon Jun, Solihull Arts Complex QUEEN Nostalgia in abun- music, bar, food, stilt-walkers, DIAMOND JUBILEE COURTYARD JUBILEE TEAS Celebrate the JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS WITH jugglers, fire-eaters and craft dance with tea, homemade PARTY Jubilee with afternoon tea in THE ZINGZILLAS CBeebies stands, Sun 3 Jun, The cakes and music from the Sun 3 June, Emma the Barn Restaurant, Sat 2 favourites entertain their Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Senior Citizens Orchestra, Bridgewater Factory, Stoke- Jun, Baddesley Clinton young fans with a series of Wed 6 Jun, Forest Arts GIANT JUBILEE STREET PARTY on-Trent JUBILEE WEEKEND five mini-shows throughout Centre, Walsall Join in the fun as the Quarry FABULOUS FIFTIES Celebrate Retro bike ride plus entertain- the day, Tues 5 Jun, Cannon JUBILEE HATS Park is transformed into a the Diamond Jubilee by visiting ment from local Morris Park Shopping Centre, Celebrate the Queen’s giant street party and filled the History Wardrobe which is Dancers, Sat 2 - Mon 4 June, Canley, Nr Coventry Diamond Jubilee by making with plenty of community packed with fashions from Churchend Brewery, Ridge ENGLAND BE GLAD! CONCERT your own party hat or crown, entertainment, Mon 4 Jun, 1952, including bullet bras and Lane, Warwickshire Fri 22 Jun, Holy Trinity Wed 6 Jun, Bilston Craft The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury sugared petticoats, Sun 3 Jun, JUBILEE FAMILY FUN Featuring Church, Leamington Gallery JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Feed The Potteries Museum & Art special jubilee craft days, Sat JUNGLE QUEEN’S CROWNS this year’s baby lambs and Gallery 2 - Sun 10 Jun, Heritage Wed 6 Jun, New Art Gallery, kid goats and take part in an THE BIG JUBILEE LUNCH Sun 3 Motor Centre, Gaydon Walsall array of activities, including Jun, Lichfield Cathedral DIAMOND JUBILEE AND ROYAL Worcestershire egg collection and hand JUBILEE BADGES - DROP IN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS JOUSTING Celebrate the feeding deer, Mon 4 Jun, CRAFT SESSION Wed 6 Jun, Featuring fun fair, band dis- Queen's sixtieth year on the Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Walsall Leather Museum plays, BRMB roadshow, throne with a royal joust fea- JUBILEE ELGAR FESTIVAL Fri 1 Telford, Shropshire JUBILEE JAMBOREE Story & Scruffs Dog Show, trade and turing a host of historical Jun, Croombe Park JUBILEE CELEBRATION craft sessions to celebrate charity stalls, Mon 4 Jun, characters, Sat 2 - Sun 10 ROYAL JUBILEE ELGAR FESTI- Celebrate the Queen’s Her Majesty The Queen’s Beacon Park Jun, Warwick Castle VAL CLOSING CONCERT Sat 2 Jubilee with a walk through Jubilee, Thurs 7 Jun, Central JUBILEE BEACON LIGHTING ROYAL JUBILEE FUN Watch as Jun, Worcester Cathedral the park’s magnificent land- Children’s Library, Mon 4 Jun, Heritage Motor Queen Elizabeth I holds KINGS AND QUEENS FAMILY scape, Tues 5 Jun, Wolverhampton Centre, Gaydon court, accompanied by FUN TRAIL Sat 2 - Thurs 7 Hawkstone Park, North CELEBRATION PLATES WORK- ROYAL FAMILY DAY A range of William Shakespeare and his Jun, Witley Court & Gardens Shropshire SHOP Thurs 7 Jun, Walsall royal-themed activities for company of players. Entry is JUBILEE BANK HOLIDAY TUES- FAMILY FUN DAYS - JUBILEE Leather Museum families, Mon 4 Jun, free to all children attending DAY Featuring entertainment HALF-TERM Featuring crown- CHILDREN’S HALF-TERM CRAFT Coventry Transport Museum in fancy dress, Sat 2 - Sun 10 from the Darby Singers, Tues ing trails, outdoor games & DROP-IN Thurs 7 Jun, Walsall JUBILEE HALF-TERM Jubilee- Jun, Shakespeare’s 5 Jun, Sunnycroft, Wellington take home crafts, Sat 2 - Sun Museum themed pottery painting, Birthplace, Stratford-upon- GUY DAY'S HINTS AND TIPS - 10 Jun, Coughton Court, SENIOR CITIZENS ORCHESTRA including ceramic flags and Avon JUBILEE CLASSICS Guy looks Alcester CONCERT commemorative tiles, Mon 4 ROYAL HALF-TERM ACTIVITIES at how our approach to food JUBILEE HIGH TEA Sun 3 Jun, Jubilee-themed concert, - Fri 8 Jun, Gladstone Pottery Follow an all-new crown jew- has evolved over the last Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Thurs 7 Jun, Forest Arts Museum els activity trail around the sixty years and updates Redditch Centre, Walsall HALF-TERM FAMILY FUN LITTLE museum, Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun, some classic dishes from DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRA- PETER PAN TREASURES Jubilee-themed Coventry Transport Museum Jubilee celebrations of the family drop-in workshop and ROYAL CARS 'JUBILEE' TIONS Featuring live music, Disney classics released in past, Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Jun, vintage car display, model the decade of the coronation, trails, Mon 4 - Fri 8 Jun, EXHIBITION Weston Park, Staffordshire Museum of Cannock Chase Sat 2 - Sun 10 June, Heritage steam engine rides and a Fri 8 Jun, Forest Arts Centre, prize for the best fancy Walsall JUBILEE DAY CELEBRATIONS Motor Centre, Gaydon, Arrive dressed as a prince, Warwickshire dress, Sun 3 - Mon 4 Jun, ALICE IN WONDERLAND Disney princess, king or queen, Eastnor Castle classics released in the Staffordshire JUBILEE PICNIC Take along a make a crown and enjoy the JUBILEE PICNIC PARTY Sun 3 - decade of the coronation, Fri picnic and listen to some live celebration... Tue 5 Jun, Mon 4 Jun, Witley Court & 8 Jun, Forest Arts Centre, music, Sun 3 Jun, Charlecote Shugborough Historic Gardens Walsall JUBILEE: EXHIBITION Park Working Estate FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS: MAR- A selection of photographs of GODIVA STREET PARTY JUBILEE JAMBOREE Sun 10 DIAMOND JUBILEE GARDEN VELLOUS MONARCHS Mon 4 - HRH The Queen taken by Themed event featuring live Jun, Bentley Leisure PARTY Booking essential! Thurs 7 Jun, Hanbury Hall & Patrick Lichfield will be dis- music, street performers, Pavillion, Walsall Tues 5 Jun, Moseley Old Hall Gardens played throughout the man- community entertainment TIME TO REMEMBER A trip DIAMOND JUBILEE STREET sion house, along with the and refreshments, Mon 3 JUBILATION! Themed craft down memory lane that PARTY Tues 5 Jun, National magnificent robes worn by Jun, Priory Street, by activities for children. Follow recreates the sounds & Forest Adventure Farm, his grandparents at the Coventry Cathedral the 1950s trail and make a atmosphere of the war years, Burton-upon-Trent royal crown, decorate a com- Queen's Coronation, until Sat LEAMINGTON SPA GOLDEN Thurs 14 Jun, Forest Arts JUBILEE CROWNS Create a memorative scroll, plus much 30 June, Shugborough JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Centre, Walsall royal crown to celebrate the more... Mon 4 - Fri 8 Jun, Historic Working Estate, Featuring fairground rides, OLYMPIC FLAGS WORKSHOP Queen's Jubilee, Tue 5 - Fri 8 Hartelbury Museum, Stafford marching bands and firework Sat 30 Jun, New Art Gallery, Jun, The Potteries Museum & Worcester HM THE QUEEN AND THE display, Sat 3 Jun, The Royal Walsall Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent DIAMOND JUBILEE FAMILY FUN PAPARAZZI Pump Room Gardens, QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE: THE STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY DAY Celebrate the Queen's Look out for ‘HM The Leamington Spa CLASSIC WOMEN SHOW Wed 6 - Thu 7 Jun, Diamond Jubilee with a tradi- Queen’s’ lookalike who’ll be Starring Lesley Garrett, Sat Staffordshire County LONGFORD FESTIVAL MAD HAT- tional garden party, Tue 5 making a surprise appear- 30 Jun, Warwick Arts Centre, Showground TER’S TEA PARTY Fun day fea- Jun, Avoncroft Museum, ance, Fri 1 June, The turing donkey rides, live Coventry A VICTORIAN DIAMOND JUBILEE Bromsgrove Trentham Estate, Stoke-on- music, karaoke, Punch and Meet Queen Victoria and her Trent lady in waiting, see Victorian DIAMOND JUBILEE GARDEN soldiers as well as exotic ani- Shropshire PARTY Attendees are encour- mals from around the world, aged to dress 1950s-style, Thurs 7 Jun, Gladstone Sat 2 Jun, Staffordshire Pottery Museum, Stoke-on- SHROPSHIRE JUBILEE PROMS Regiment Museum Trent AND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRA- JUBILEE JAPES Hands-on Led by the Royal TIONS Featuring live music, activity sessions where visi- Philharmonic Concert street magic, face painting & tors can make their very own Orchestra, this family event king and queen stilt walkers, crown, Thurs 7 Jun, The features a children’s funfair at 2 Jun, Tamworth Assembly Samuel Johnson Birthplace and culminates in a spectac- Rooms Museum & Bookshop ular firework display, Fri 1 DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRA- Jun, Oswestry Showground, JUBILEE PROMS CONCERT Sat TIONS AT WEDGWOOD 16 Jun, Lichfield Garrick Shropshire Featuring a commemorative The Zingzillas - Cannon Park Shopping Centre, Coventry

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BBC Good Food Show Summer And BBC Gardeners World Live NEC, Birmingham, Wed 13 - Sun 17 June Celebrating the best of British, the BBC Good Food Show brings MasterChef Kitchen, while visitors wishing to purchase some foodie together expert tips, demonstrations and advice from some of the delights to take home can do so in The Producers’ Village, which best known names in the culinary business. James Martin makes his offers an array of speciality merchandise, both local and seasonal. annual pilgrimage to the show to host the much-loved omelette chal- BBC Gardeners’ World Live runs alongside the Good Food Show and lenge and the celebrity guests’ food heaven and hell in the Saturday features the ever-popular Gardeners’ Green area, providing an abun- Kitchen, while Hairy Bikers, Olly Smith and Michael Caines, as well as dance of family entertainment and craft activities. The show also local chef Glynn Purnell, demonstrate their skills by rustling up some offers masterclasses from popular celebrity gardeners, including Alan inspirational dishes in the summer kitchen. Titchmarsh, Monty Don, Carol Klein, Joe Swift, Adam Pasco and MasterChef hosts John Torode and Gregg Wallace are joined by this James Alexander Sinclair. year’s finalist Shelina Permaloo - and fellow contestants - in the live

Tile Decorating Workshops Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Fri 1 June; Tues 5 - Fri 8 June These creative sessions are ideal for adults and children alike, and are a great way to while away a couple of hours during the school holidays - with the added bonus being that you end up with a beautiful 6x6inch tile to take home! Visitors to these informal sessions can either create their own design, or select one from the on-site stock of pictures. The process of tube lining is used to incorporate the select- Edgbaston Priory, Birmingham, Mon 11 - Sun 17 June ed image onto Aegon Classic a tile. It’s easy Regularly attracting some of the world’s top Hantuchova and Greece’s former Grand to do and it’s female tennis players, the Aegon Classic is Slam finalist Eleni Daniilidou. fun - oh, and a firm favourite in the British tennis calendar. The Aegon Classic Ladies’ Day, in associa- there’s plenty Formerly known as the DFS Classic, this tion with Harvey Nichols Birmingham, takes of help at week-long event this year sees British play- place on 14 June and brings an added hand, should ers Elena Baltacha, Anne Keothavong, dimension to the show with its cocktail bar, you feel that Heather Watson and Laura Robson battling demonstrations, hand massages, fragrance you need it! it out against Germany’s Sabine Lisicki, and food stands. Italy’s Roberta Vinci, Slovakia’s Daniela www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Events June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:20 Page 5

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Events PREVIEWS Throckmorton Air Show Throckmorton Airfield, Pershore, Worcestershire, Sat 16 June With the attendance figure expected to exceed the twenty thousand mark, this annual Help For Heroes fundraising event includes an array of action-packed demonstrations and activities. Featuring displays from RAF Merlin and Chinook Helicopters, a parachute freefall team, and aerobatic and royal marines display teams, there’s certainly plenty to keep visitors entertained. Add to this appearances by well-known faces from fly-on-the-wall TV shows Road Wars, Traffic Cops, Motorway Cops and Police Interceptors - as well as drift car rides, helicopter flights and aircraft flight simulators - and you’ve got yourself a great family day out. Blue Peter Olympic Tour West Park, Wolverhampton, Sat 30 June Intrepid adventurer and Blue Peter favourite Helen Skelton stops off in Wolverhampton this month to host a special day of action-packed activities to get people ‘in the mood’ for the forthcoming London 2012. Helen is joined by fellow presenter Barney Harwood to present a guide to the games for children - complete with interviews and masterclasses with Olympic stars past and present. A brand new ancient Olympics-themed Horrible Histories sketch, celebrity guest stars and retellings of some of the most famous stories from the modern Olympic era also feature. This is a ticketed event which will be broadcast as one of three ninety minute programmes filmed at various locations around the UK. To apply for a ticket, call 0370 901 1227.

plays - including kit-built and scratch-built Breathe The Beat Roadshow models in different scales - and a vast array Leamington Peace Festival, Sat 16 June; of working radio-controlled models, both Bantock House, Wolverhampton, Sun 17 inside and outside the prestigious Heritage June; Sutton Coldfield Carnival, Sat 23 June; Motor Museum. Dragonboat Festival GLOW Dance Festival, Hereford, Sat 30 June Brindleyplace, Birmingham, Sat 16 June Renowned international hip-hop artist Salah Returning for its thirteenth year, this annual here demonstrates how dance routines can Coventry Cycling Festival fundraising event sees members of the city’s be developed by taking inspiration from Coventry Transport Museum, business community compete for first place everyday surroundings. Held at various com- Sat 23 June on Birmingham’s Fazeley Canal. The one- munity events throughout the region, the Boasting plenty of pedal-powered activities, day event features teams of twelve rowers - Breathe The Beat Roadshow showcases this annual event is popular with both recre- and one drummer - taking to the water in tra- both local talent and professional compa- ational and experienced cyclists. It doesn’t ditional forty-foot-long boats, and also boasts nies. even matter if you don’t own your own bike, plenty of entertainment away from the canal, as there are plenty available in all shapes with the public squares at Brindleyplace filled and sizes for you to try! An added attraction with traditional Chinese lion dancers, craft International Model Airshow at this year’s show is the museum’s latest markets, live music and street entertainers. Weston Park, Staffordshire, exhibition of memorabilia, Pedal Power, offer- Sat 16 - Sun 17 June ing visitors the chance to check out some of Weston Park’s International Model Airshow the bikes ridden by British Olympic champi- brings together some of the country’s top ons such as Tommy Godwin, Chris model aircraft pilots to demonstrate their Boardman and Tom Sabin. skills. The 2012 programme includes a performance by the Red Hawks - who’ll showcase synchronised flying from two one-third-scale hawks - and appearances by the RAF Red Arrows and the RAF Typhoon Euro fighter. Off-runway entertainment includes a model rocket display, children’s funfair, model car racing, model boat regatta, slot car racing and numerous hands-on activities for children. Wartime Weekend Classic And Vintage Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Sat 16 - Sun 17 June Commercial Show Learn all about life during World War Two as Heritage Motor Museum, Gaydon, this popular event makes a welcome return Warwickshire, Sat 9 - Sun 10 June to Worcestershire’s Living History museum. Featuring home front demonstrations, land Described as the largest classic commercial girls, soldiers, dancing, themed entertain- show in Europe and returning to ment, battle re-enactment and a flyover of Warwickshire for a fifth year, this nostalgic vintage planes, this nostalgic weekend - offering features hundreds of pre-1985 clas- complete with plenty of hands-on activities - sic and commercial vehicles. The two-day promises to both entertain and educate visi- event also showcases over sixty outdoor tors. commercial vehicle and transport-related stands, one hundred-and-sixty tabletop dis-

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Events PREVIEWS Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival The Recreation Ground (opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre), Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 30 June - Sun 1 July The 2012 Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival features a host of entertainment for the local community to enjoy. A highlight of the two- day event is the illuminated boat display on the Saturday evening, which comes with the promise of a ‘spectacular firework display’. Live music, a craft village, a climbing wall, stalls and market traders also feature, while street entertainment is on offer in the historic town centre itself.

Victorian Wedding Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 16 June The villagers of Shropshire’s award-winning Victorian museum are set to don their finest costumes mid-month as they prepare to re-enact a traditional church wedding. The open-air marriage service takes place in the unusual surroundings of the museum’s St Chad’s Mission Church. It’s here that visitors can witness traditional Victorian hymns and readings as the couple make their vows, prior to making their way to the site’s Pleasure Gardens, where an outdoor blessing and reception will take place.

Much Wenlock Festival archery and jousting contests. She may even Various venues in and around Much select some younger visitors to become her RAF Cosford Air Show Wenlock, Shropshire, Sat 2 - Sun 24 June pages or princesses for the day! All children RAF Cosford, Staffordshire, Sun 17 June With numerous arts-based events and activi- attending in fancy dress are admitted free of Regarded as one of the country’s top avia- ties packed into a three-week programme, charge. tion events, this annual air show attracts there’s plenty to attract visitors to the beauti- thousands of visitors, and features spectacu- ful medieval town of Much Wenlock this lar flying displays, static aircraft displays and month. A Festival Fair on the Church Green military exhibitions. The 2012 show includes opens proceedings on 2 June and is fol- a search-and-rescue demonstration by the lowed by an eclectic array of events, includ- RAF Mountain Rescue team, featuring the ing a literary evening, a cycle ride, work- RAF Sea King from HRH Prince William’s unit shops, concerts, rambles, exhibitions and six at RAF Valley. The two-day event also performances of Shakespeare’s The Merry includes some high-energy action from the Wives Of Windsor, presented by The Apaches of the Army Air Corps, who present Shropshire Drama Company. an attack helicopter role demonstration.

Classic Car And Transport Show Trentham Gardens, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, Sun 17 June Community Games Celebrating twenty-three years of eventing at Trentham Gardens, the annual Classic Car And Fun Day And Transport Show, with its one thousand Brindleyplace, Birmingham, vehicle entries, fifty club stands, autojumble Fri 29 - Sat 30 June and trade stands, provides a perfect day out for Father’s Day - assuming your dad’s a To coincide with the Olympic torch passing motoring enthusiast, that is! through Birmingham, the city’s Brindleyplace is hosting its very own games. Featuring people from the local business community, the event sees competitors battle it out in a range Tudor Festival of sports, including ping-pong, five-a-side Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon, football, the long jump and a relay race. A Sat 2 - Sun 10 June family fun day on the Saturday offers visitors While jubilee celebrations get under way the chance to try fencing, boules, sumo-suit across the country, Her Majesty the Queen’s wrestling and traditional sports day games. namesake, Queen Elizabeth I, makes her For those wishing to show off their artistic way to the Midlands to oversee proceedings side, the Ikon Gallery will be running various at Stratford’s popular Tudor Festival! Dressed family arts and crafts, while the Brian Newton in regal finery, Elizabeth I will preside over Big Band provide live music for the day. the annual royal tournament, featuring

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SATURDAY 14th JULY NEWPORT SHOW CHETWYND DEER PARK, NEWPORT a great day out for all the family Early Bird Ticket Discount Enjoy up to 20% off gate prices

G Jason Smyth Adrenaline Tour Motorcycle Stunts G Giant Food Hall G Shopping Extravaganza G Village Green Entertainment G Cookery Theatre G Livestock G Horses G Dog Show G Horticultural Show & much more! SHOW Call the ticket hotline on 0845 467 1889 OPENING Weekdays 9.30am - 2.30pm or buy online TIMES www.newportshow.co.uk 8am-6pm

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pewter cast medals, SPRING BANK HOLIDAY Steam And Vintage Rally - LISTINGS Sat 2 - Sun 10 Jun, FUN Mon 4 Jun, West Park, Wolverhampton Events Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shugborough Historic Shropshire Working Estate, For full listing information on Events FAMILY ARCHAEOLOGY Staffordshire including times and dates visit, Witness live excava- PAELLA & LIVE MUSIC tions and unearth some Mon 4 Jun, Cafe Ikon, www.whatsonlive.co.uk archaeological treas- Birmingham ures in the onsite family DRAWBOTZ: NEXT GENER- dancers from across marquee, Sat 2 - Sun ATION Fusion of science the West Midlands who Week Commencing 10 Jun, Nash's House and photography that combine their individual & New Place, Stratford- takes The Public’s FRI 1 JUNE dance styles with upon-Avon Drawbotz workshops to Indian martial arts HOLIDAY TRAILS Themed a new level, Mon 4 Jun, TITANIC TRAIL Follow the moves, Sat 2 Jun, family trails to keep the The Public, West Titanic trail around the Chamberlain Square, kids entertained during Bromwich museum and discover Birmingham the half-term break, Sat LORD MAYOR’S SHOW the city's links with the EVENING SCENIC 2 - Sun 10 Jun, Annual event featuring doomed ocean liner. SPECIALS A scenic Attingham Park, live music, dance per- Learn about Captain evening ride, with the Shrewsbury formances and chil- Smith and the fashions added option of tradi- NATURE DETECTIVES dren’s entertainment, of the period, until Mon tional fish and chips, Children’s event featur- Mon 4 Jun, 31 Dec, The Potteries Sat 2 Jun, Severn ing seek-and-learn Birmingham City Centre Museum & Art Gallery, Valley Railway, activities in the woods BOOK BASH Featuring an Stoke-on-Trent Kidderminster and gardens, Sat 2 - Alice In Wonderland- THE WITCHES OF IT'S A GAS! Volunteers Sun 10 Jun, Anne themed tea party, Mon WARWICK Morbid spells bring the gas engines more about the history FUSED GLASS KEYRING Hathaway's Cottage, 4 - Tues 5 Jun, Aston and the darkest witch- to life in the Cinema and destruction of WORKSHOP Fri 8 Jun, Stratford-upon-Avon Hall, Birmingham craft games create an Power House and the Bordesley Abbey, Thurs Broadfield House, IT’S ALL FUN & GAMES! CERAMIC DROP-IN atmosphere so malevo- Trap Shop, Sat 2 Jun, 7 Jun, Forge Mill Dudley Half-term activities. Join WORKSHOPS Celebrate lent and chilling even Black Country Living Needle Museum, HISTORICAL COOKERY & in with some traditional the national flowers of seasoned scaremon- Museum, Dudley Redditch MAYHEM Fri 8 Jun, games and activities in our home countries gers will be terrified, STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY MY BAD CONVERSATION Lichfield Garrick Folkes Park, Sat 2 - and decorate a mug until Fri 1 Jun - Mon 31 Annual event featuring Artist Bedwyr Williams SNOOKER LEGENDS Join Sun 10 Jun, Black with a shamrock, red Dec, Warwick Castle a cross-section of talks with Ikon’s curator Jimmy White, Dennis Country Living rose, thistle or daffodil, WEB OF LIFE A rare exhibits and attractions Tyler Cann about the Taylor, John Parrott, Museum, Dudley Mon 4 - Fri 8 Jun, opportunity to see pre- for all the family, Sat 2 - role of failure and John Virgo, Cliff MUCH WENLOCK Coalport China viously hidden treas- Sun 3 Jun, West Park, humour within artistic Thorburn and Michaela FESTIVAL Featuring an Museum, Ironbridge, ures from the museum Wolverhampton production, Thurs 7 Tabb for an evening of outdoor production of Shropshire collection, until Mon 31 BIRMINGHAM PRIDE Jun, Ikon Gallery, snooker, laughter and The Merry Wives Of TILE DECORATION Dec, Nash's House & Celebrating the equality Birmingham nostalgia, Fri 8 Jun, Windsor, an open-air WORKSHOP Use the New Place, Stratford- and diversity of the city DRAWBOTZ: NEXT GENER- The Place, Oakengates concert at Wenlock pri- tried and tested tube upon-Avon of Birmingham, this ATION Fusion of science Theatre, Telford, ory, literary evenings, lining technique to pro- DIG FOR SHAKESPEARE two-day event is and photography that Shropshire open gardens, music duce a 6x6-inch tile of Watch archaeologists renowned for providing takes The Public’s MAKE A COMIC WORK- and fringe events... Sat your own design, Tue 5 unearth exciting relics great all-round enter- Drawbotz workshops to SHOP Fri 8 Jun, The 2 - Sun 24 Jun, Various - Fri 8 Jun, Jackfield and try your hand at tainment. Acts booked a new level, Thurs 7 Public, West Bromwich venues throughout Tile Museum, helping sieve the spoils to appear for 2012 Jun, The Public, West PAPERWEIGHT DAY Much Wenlock, Ironbridge, Shropshire in the special mar- include The Saturdays, Bromwich Featuring paper-weight Shropshire BIG DANCE BUS Chance quees, until Sun 4 Nov, Radio One DJ Scott GLASS ENGRAVING Thurs making demonstra- WOOLLY WONDER DAY to take part in free Nash's House & New Mills, The L Project, 7 Jun, Red House tions, trade stands and Featuring demonstra- dance workshops fea- Place, Stratford-upon- Judge Jules and Glass Cone, Dudley an exclusive exhibition tions in spinning, knit- turing street, folk, ball- Avon Freemasons vocalist CHAMPIONSHIP DOG of weights inspired by ting, sewing and weav- room and zumba, Wed TILE DECORATION Amanda Wilson, Sat 2 - SHOW Thurs 7 - Sun 10 nature & organised by ing, Sun 3 Jun, Hoo 6 Jun, Westfield Centre, WORKSHOP Use the Sun 3 Jun, Birmingham Jun, The Three the Paperweight Farm Animal Kingdom, Dudley tried and tested tube Gay Village Counties Showground, Collectors Circle, Sat 9 South Shropshire EARLY YEARS SINGING lining technique to pro- VW AND RETRO CAR Malvern Jun, Broadfield House SHREWSBURY RIVER WORKSHOP Gentle early duce a 6x6-inch tile of MANIA Featuring vehicle GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES Glass Museum, Dudley FESTIVAL Free family years singing session, your own design, Fri 1 arenas, displays, club WORKSHOP A workshop LIVING HISTORY DAY fun featuring the Wed 6 Jun, The Roses Jun, Jackfield Tile display village, trade that invites brave Discover Dudley Jubilee boat flotilla, Theatre, Tewksbury Museum, Ironbridge, stands, autojumble youngsters to explore through the ages, meet music, bar, food, stilt ANIMATION FUN Chance Shropshire stalls and much more... the exciting and daring a knight and learn walkers, jugglers, fire- to learn the basics of FIA EUROPEAN DRAG Sat 2 - Sun 3 Jun, world created by the about the monks of eaters & craft stands, stop frame animation RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS Weston Park, Brothers Grimm, Fri 8 Dudley Priory, Sat 9 Sun 3 Jun, The Quarry using toys, drawing Annual event that Staffordshire Jun, The Roses Jun, Dudley Museum & Park, Shrewsbury and basic collage, Wed attracts over two hun- TUDOR FESTIVAL Join in Theatre, Tewksbury Art Gallery CIVIC SUNDAY Parade 6 Jun, The Public, West dred-and-fifty of the merrymaking, danc- EVENING SCENIC SPECIAL EVENING SCENIC SPECIAL through the city centre Bromwich Europe's finest teams, ing and games. Sample - SPICE TRAIN Take a A scenic evening ride, & St Peter’s Church, CONSERVATION TOUR OF Fri 1 - Mon 4 Jun, farm food and enjoy look at the exhibitions with the added option Sun 3 Jun, THE STAFFORDSHIRE Santa Pod Raceway, entertainment from and displays before of traditional fish and Wolverhampton HOARD Wed 6 Jun, Northampton Shakespeare's day, Sat having supper from the chips, Sat 9 Jun, CRAFT & FOOD FAIR Sun Birmingham Museum & TREFONEN HILL WALK 2 - Sun 10 Jun, Mary curry buffet, Fri 8 Jun, Severn Valley Railway, 3 Jun, Upper New Art Gallery WEEKEND Featuring var- Arden House, Stratford- Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Street, Birmingham GUIDED TOUR OF ious walks, a quiz night upon-Avon Kiddersminster RUN WHAT YA BRUNG TOY COLLECTORS FAIR BORDESLEY ABBEY Learn and bonfire, Fri 1 - Mon KINGS & QUEENS FAMILY FATHER’S DAY KILN- PUBLIC TRACK DAY Sat 9 Sun 3 Jun, The Three 4 Jun, Trefonen Village FUN TRAIL See if you Counties Showground, Hall, Shropshire can solve the royal Malvern NEWPORT CARNIVAL quest and divert a dis- SPRING BANK HOLIDAY Annual event which this aster by finding the hid- FUN FAMILY EVENT Sun 3 year celebrates its forti- den clues and reveal- - Mon 4 Jun, Ludlow eth anniversary, Sat 2 ing the royal connec- Castle, South Jun, Newport High tion, Sat 2 - Thurs 7 Shropshire Jun, Witley Court & Street, Shropshire TIME TRAVELLERS GO... KENILWORTH SHOW Sat Gardens, ROYAL Featuring games 2 Jun, Stoneleigh Park, Worcestershire and crafts fit for a king Warwickshire KNIGHTS FAMILY FUN or queen. Meet some MOTORING MARVELS TRAIL Find the letter royal characters from Motoring marvels from clues hidden around times gone by... Sun 3 - the early 1900s up to the castle and spell out Tue 5 Jun, Kenilworth the 1930s take centre- the famous knight’s Castle name to receive your stage. These rare gems BANK HOLIDAY MARKET are sure to be the prize, Sat 2 - Fri 8 Jun, Featuring more than torque of the town!, Sat Stokesay Castle, seventy market stall 2 Jun, Black Country Shropshire holders selling every- Living Museum, Dudley MAKE YOUR OWN thing from plants, tools, MOVING EARTH MEDALS Celebrate the food, gift and toys, Mon Featuring twenty London 2012 Olympics 4 Jun, Penkridge groups of twelve by making your own Market, Staffordshire

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ative talk about the evolution of cycling, Thurs Events LISTINGS 14 Jun, Coventry Transport Museum For full listing information on Events HIDDEN WIGHTWICK - including times and dates visit, DANTE GABRIEL ROSSET- TI, HIS LIFE & WORKS www.whatsonlive.co.uk Booking essential! Thurs 14 Jun, Jun, Santa Pod tions, Sun 10 Jun, Wightwick Manor, Raceway, Northampton Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Wolverhampton THE TOM SABIN Shropshire TODDLER THURSDAY COMMEMORATIVE CYCLE UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS Crafty sessions and RIDE 2012 Specialist TOUR A behind-the- story time, Thurs 14 ride for experienced scenes tour that gives Jun, Gladstone Pottery cyclists, Sat 9 - Sun 10 visitors the chance to Museum, Stoke-on- Jun, Coventry Transport explore fascinating and Trent Museum busy parts of the house BIRMINGHAM CLASSIC AND VINTAGE usually not on the pub- CONSERVATOIRE OPEN COMMERCIAL SHOW A lic route, Sun 10 Jun, DAY Fri 15 Jun, colourful two-day show Weston Park, Birmingham featuring a diverse Staffordshire Conservatoire Knight School - Kenilworth Castle selection of classic and BONSAI DEMONSTRATION HERITAGE BICYCLE RIDE vintage vehicles pre- Sun 10 Jun, A pedal-powered guid- SHOW The UK's premier Staffordshire 17 Jun, Hoo Farm 1985, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Birmingham Botanical ed tour of a number of Jun, Heritage Motor Gardens emergency and armed 'TREASURE DAYS' & Animal Kingdom, locations around the services fun day in aid FATHERS DAY WEEKEND Telford, Shropshire Centre, Gaydon DEATH AT DOWNTOWN city, Fri 15 Jun, THE MIGHTY ROMAN of Help for Heroes, Sat A chance to admire FATHER'S DAY AT THE ABBEY Join Earl and Coventry Transport ARMY Cheer on your Lady Cruelly as they 16 Jun, Throckmorton some of MONKEY FOREST Sun 17 Museum Airfield, Worcestershire Shugborough's special Jun, Trentham Monkey favourite Roman sol- open their doors for an 2012 BRITISH GRAND diers as they’re put afternoon soiree on the IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE hidden treasures, Sat Forest, Trentham PRIX (MOTOGP) Fri 15 - WOODS... Family activity 16 - Sun 17 Jun, Gardens, Stoke-on- through their paces in lawn, Sun 10 Jun, Sun 17 Jun, Silverstone an all-action show, Sat Welcome Menzies afternoon, Sat 16 Jun, Shugborough Historic Trent Circuit, Northampton Moseley Old Hall, Working Estate, FATHER’S DAY EVENT 9 - Sun 10 Jun, Hotel Spa & Golf Club, THREE COUNTIES SHOW Wroxeter Roman City, Warwickshire Staffordshire Staffordshire Travel back in time on a The region's premier SHREWSBURY CARNIVAL SECOND HAND BOOK FAIR vintage tram, see the Shropshire JUNE COUNTRYSIDE FAM- agricultural show offer- NATURE DETECTIVES: Sat 16 Jun, Shrewsbury Sat 16 - Sun 17 Jun, vintage cars and bikes ILY DAY Sun 10 Jun, ing excellent entertain- POND LIFE Town Centre Attingham Park, Nr on display and kit your Sat 9 - Sun Worcester Racecourse ment for all the family 10 Jun, Hanbury Hall, SUMMER SUNDAY FUN EVENING SCENIC Shrewsbury dad out with a new flat and showcasing the SPECIALS A scenic CLWYD VINTAGE VEHICLE cap or outfit at Morralls Worcestershire Sun 10 Jun, Eastnor best of British food, EVESHAM BALLOON & evening ride with the RALLY Featuring auto- Outfitters, Sun 17 Jun, Castle, Herefordshire farming and rural life, CLASSIC CAR FIESTA Sat added option of tradi- jumble, trade stands, Black Country Living Fri 15 - Sun 17 Jun, tional fish and chips, main event ring and Museum, Dudley 9 - Sun 10 Jun, The Three Counties Evesham Town Centre Shrewsbury Sat 16 Jun, Severn children’s entertain- FATHER'S DAY - Week Commencing Showground, Malvern Valley Railway, ment, Sat 16 - Sun 17 TRANSPORT FESTIVAL BROADWAY ARTS FESTI- CHOLMONDELEY VAL MON 11 JUN Kiddersminster Jun, Oswestry Featuring a display of Sat 9 - Sun 17 Jun, PAGEANT OF POWER The Broadway Village, DRAGONBOAT FESTIVAL Showground, North over one-thousand UK's biggest celebra- The popular festival Shropshire classic, contemporary Worcestershire tion of power and PERFORMANCE returns for it's thirteenth BRIDGNORTH STATION and rare cars, Sun 17 HERITAGE BICYCLE RIDE speed, Sat 16 Jun, VAUXHALL SHOW year, Sat 16 Jun, GALA Featuring minia- Jun, Trentham The A pedal-powered guid- Cholmondeley Castle, UK's biggest show of its ed tour of a number of Brindley Place, ture railway, traction Gardens, Stoke-on- South Cheshire Birmingham engines, stationary Trent kind, Sun 10 Jun, Santa locations around the RUN WHAT YA BRUNG Pod Raceway, city, Mon 11 Jun, CELEBRATING steam engines, model KNIGHT SCHOOL FOR PUBLIC TRACK DAY Sat SANCTUARY Full day of railways and even a DADS Watch as your Northampton Coventry Transport 16 Jun, Santa Pod GREGYNOG GARDEN free activities and velocipede, Sat 16 - dad hones his skills on Museum Raceway, Northampton FESTIVAL Featuring AEGON CLASSIC Mon 11 events in celebration of Sun 17 Jun, Severn a medieval battlefield in BREATHE THE BEAT Refugee Week, Sat 16 Valley Railway, front of a watchful mas- demonstrations and all - Sun 17 Jun, ROADSHOW Renowned things garden related, Edgbaston Priory Club, Jun, mac - Midlands Bridgnorth, Shropshire ter tutor, Sun 17 Jun, international hip-hop Arts Centre, KINVER COUNTRY FAYRE Kenilworth Castle, as well as forest school Birmingham artist Salah demon- children’s activities, RACE FOR LIFE Tue 12 Birmingham Traditional country fayre Warwickshire strates how to take BLOXWICH CARNIVAL Sat featuring exhibitors, dis- FATHER’S DAY SURVIVAL Sun 10 Jun, Gregynog Jun, Trentham inspiration from every Hall, Nr Welshpool, Gardens, Staffordshire 16 Jun, King George V plays of historic vehi- SKILLS Learn how to be day surroundings and Playing Fields, cles, fancy dress a survivor in an action- Powys CERAMIC GALLERY TALKS create routines, Sat 16 CANCER RESEARCH RACE Bloxwich parade and arena packed day for all the Two short talks by Jun, Leamington Spa FOR LIFE Sun 10 Jun, members of the NGS GARDEN DAY Sat 16 events, Sun 17 Jun, family, Sun 17 Jun, DEER STUDY Jun, Charlecote Park, Kinve, Staffordshire Baddesley Clinton, Walsall Arboretum Northern Ceramic PHOTOGRAPHY WALK OF THE BLACK Warwickshire FATHER’S DAY FALCONRY Warwickshire Society, Tue 12 Jun, WORKSHOP Join Jenny COUNTRY Join Free The Potteries Museum A VICTORIAN WEDDING Sun 17 Jun, Hanbury BANBURY RUN Featuring Morgan from Join the townsfolk for a Hall, Worcestershire more than six-hundred Radio (Beacon Radio) & Art Gallery, Gentleshaws Wildlife on a ten-mile charity Staffordshire recreated wedding in BREATHE THE BEAT vintage motorcycles, Sanctuary and Bird of the Mission Church fol- ROADSHOW Renowned club stands, autojumble walk from Himley Hall DANCE AT 8 'Dance at 8' Prey Hospital for a day- to Wolverhampton teaches dance to a lowed by a reception in international hip-hop and special interest dis- long photography the gardens, Sat 16 artist Salah demon- plays, Sun 17 Jun, Racecourse, Sun 10 high standard in a wide workshop featuring Jun, Himley Hall & variety of styles for Jun, Blists Hill, strates how to take Heritage Motor Centre, owls and raptors, Sat Ironbridge, Shropshire inspiration from every Gaydon, Warwickshire Park, Dudley adults of all ages, Tue 16 Jun, Trentham TRENTHAM BOAT CLUB WALSALL SUMMER day surroundings and FATHER’S DAY FUN 12 Jun, Bredon Village Gardens, Stoke-on- REGATTA Junior crews Hall, Tewksbury BIOBLITZ Sat 16 Jun, create routines, Sun 17 Promising a action- Trent Walsall Arboretum Jun, Bantock House & packed day for all the from all over the coun- DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG MIDSUMMER WALK IN try compete for the PUBLIC DRIFT DAY Wed WARTIME WEEKEND Find Park, Wolverhampton family, Sun 17 Jun, THE PARK A guided walk out about wartime life in BIG BAND EVENING Sun Packwood House, Nr Victor Ludorum Cup, 13 Jun, Santa Pod around the Himley Sun 10 Jun, Trentham Raceway, Northampton the 1940s, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Jun, Birmingham Birmingham Estate exploring some 17 Jun, Avoncroft Botanical Gardens JAPSHOW The year's Gardens, Staffordshire BBC GARDENERS' WORLD of the site’s fascinating CENTENARY OF WORKERS Museum, Bromsgrove RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW first major event for LIVE Featuring top gar- history, including the INSTITUTE OPENING FATHER'S DAY WEEKEND The Midlands premier Japanese car fans, Sun dening experts includ- ice house, the dogs Featuring re-enact- ing Monty Don and Sat 16 - Sun 17 Jun, air event with displays 17 Jun, Santa Pod cemetery and the Cadbury World, from the Red Arrows, Raceway, Northampton ments and street per- Alan Titchmarsh, Wed ancient woodland, Sat formances based on 13 - Sun 17 Jun, NEC, Birmingham RAF Falcons, Typhoon TRAVELLER’S TALES Sun 16 Jun, Himley Hall & INTERNATIONAL MODEL display team & The 17 Jun, Worcestershire the one hundred year Birmingham Park, Dudley history of the Worker’s BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW AIR SHOW Two-day Battle of Britain County Museum, OPEN DAY AT THE EARL swap featuring over Memorial Flight, plus Institute, Sun 10 Jun, SUMMER Wed 13 - Sun OF DUDLEY'S MEMORY Black Country Living 17 Jun, NEC, one hundred and fifty fun fair, stalls and much Week Commencing GARDEN The only traders, large model more..., Sun 17 Jun, Museum, Dudley Birmingham opportunity in the year MON 18 JUN MEET THE HORSES rocket display, RAF Cosford, Find AN EVENING WITH ROGER to view the evocative out more about the LOVELL The UK's only pyrotechnic display, Staffordshire Earl of Dudley’s private children's fun fair, FATHER’S DAY horses of Blists Hill, professional Penny memory garden, Sat 16 chat to their keepers Farthing rider Roger model car racing, light STEEPLECHASE Sheep HERITAGE BICYCLE RIDE Jun, Himley Hall & aircraft and classic and goat racing fol- A pedal-powered guid- and enjoy shoeing and Lovell provides an Park, Dudley grooming demonstra- entertaining and inform- cars, Sat 16 - Sun 17 lowed by the Dad’s egg ed tour of a number of THROCKMORTON AIR Jun, Weston Park, and spoon race, Sun locations around the

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city, Mon 18 Jun, Coventry - Sun 24 Jun, Best Western more... Sat 23 - Sun 24 what life was like in Ancient Transport Museum Connaught Hotel, Jun, Severn Valley Railway, Greece, Sat 30 Jun, The What’s On in Walsall AN EVENING WITH MIKE Wolverhampton Kidderminster Potteries Museum & Art BURROWS The creative THROCKMORTON FAMILY MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL A Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent cyclist talks about his GARDENS ROSE FESTIVAL Fri chance to experience ANTIQUES VALUATION DAY work, Tue 19 Jun, Coventry 22 Jun - Sun 8 Jul, medieval life in the knight's Sat 30 Jun, Birmingham Transport Museum Coughton Court, encampment and witness Botanical Gardens Walsall SERVANTS TOUR Catch a Warwickshire the drill and arming of mili- OLYMPIC TORCH CARNIVAL glimpse of life below stairs, BREATHE THE BEAT tary men, Sat 23 - Sun 24 DANCE MASH-UP The culmi- Leather Tues 19 Jun, Wightwick ROADSHOW Renowned Jun, Forge Mill Needle nation of many weeks of Manor, Wolverhampton international hip-hop artist Museum, Redditch youth workshops and DANCE AT 8 Dance At 8 Salah demonstrates how to SEVERN HOSPICE DRAGON mass camps that explores Museum teaches dance to a high take inspiration from every- BOAT FESTIVAL Sun 24 Jun, Jamaican dance and its standard in a wide variety day surroundings and cre- Quarry Park, Shrewsbury roots in West Africa. of styles for adults of all ate dance routines, Sat 23 RIDE TO THE ROMANS Cycle Participants can take part ages, Tue 19 Jun, Bredon Jun, Sutton Park National ride from the Coventry in creating costumes, Village Hall, Tewksbury Nature Reserve, Sutton Transport Museum to the building a float or learning CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOW Coldfield Lunt Roman Fort, Sun 24 a new dance, and can take Tue 19 - Wed 20 Jun, The ALDRIDGE FAIR Sat 23 Jun, Jun, Coventry Transport part in one of the many County Showground, Anchor Meadow, Aldridge, Museum processions, Sat 30 Jun, Cheshire Walsall TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR Sun The Drum, Birmingham STORYTELLING CAFE Debs SUMMER FAIR Sat 23 Jun, 24 Jun, NEC, Birmingham ARMED FORCES DAY The Newbold tells Tales Of Baddesley Clinton, UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS Royal Air Force Museum Midsummer Eve, Wed 20 Warwickshire TOUR A behind-the-scenes invites veterans from all Jun, Kitchen Garden Cafe, SUMMER NATIONALS tour that gives visitors the three services to join as Kings Heath, Birmingham National Drag Racing opportunity to take a look one to celebrate National AN EVENING WITH ROB PENN Championships, including at fascinating and busy Armed Forces Day, Sat 30 Cyclist, TV presenter and MSA 200mph Pro Mods, parts of the house not usu- Jun, RAF Cosford, author of It's All About Bike drag bikes, jet car and ally open to the public, Staffordshire talks about his work, Wed nostalgia classes, Sat 23 Sun 24 Jun, Weston Park, LONDON 2012 TORCH RELAY 20 Jun, Coventry Transport Jun, Santa Pod Raceway, Staffordshire Overnight stop..., Sat 30 Museum Northampton ACORNS TRIPLE RUN Jun, Birmingham A WORKING MUSEUM SPOTLIGHT Chance to put TRY SAILING Short free Participants have the MURDER MYSTERY DINNER your objects under the taster sessions on the choice of three courses to Enjoy a dinner with a differ- DEMONSTRATIONS spotlight, Wed 20 Jun, Great Pool with a qualified raise money for Acorns ence. Pre-booking essen- ATTRACTIVE GARDENS Birmingham Museum & Art RYA instructor, Sat 23 Jun, Children Hospice, Sun 24 tial, Sat 30 Jun, & PICNIC AREA Gallery Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Jun, The Three Counties Shugborough, SADDLE ROOM CAFÉ PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS FOR THE GRAND UNION CANAL Showground, Malvern Staffordshire LEATHERGOODS SHOP ADULTS Informal and fun CLEAN-UP Join members of STAFFORD MORRIS MEN SUMMER FETE Traditional way to explore the gallery’s Ikon Youth Programme and Morris dancing event, Sun garden fete complete with current exhibitions, Thurs the Birmingham Canal 24 Jun, Moseley Old Hall, games and stalls, Sat 30 COMING SOON 21 Jun, Cafe Ikon, Navigations Society as Staffordshire Jun, Sunnycroft, ...... Birmingham they clean up towpaths STEAM ENGINE DAY Sun 24 Wellington, Shropshire THE PRE-RAPHAELITE - SEX, near the mooring for Ikon’s Jun, Eastnor Castle, UNWRAPPED An onstage 6 June DRUGS & POETRY TOUR Slow Boat, Sat 23 Jun, Herefordshire discussion and practical 10.30am - 12.30pm & Booking essential! Thurs Canalside mooring on demonstration that takes a 1.30pm - 3.30pm 21 Jun, Wightwick Manor, Warwick Bar, Fazeley Week Commencing peek into the rehearsal Wolverhampon Street, Birmingham room with members of the Jubilee Badges - THE VOYAGE Professional IN CONVERSATION WITH MON 25 JUN acting company and cre- Family Drop-In dancers and aerialists join IDRIS KHAN Sat 23 Jun, The ative team, Sat 30 Jun, FREE - no need to book forces with a huge amateur New Art Gallery, Walsall Royal Shakespeare choir, live musicians and WALDEN DAY Featuring new TODDLER TUESDAY Craft & Theatre, Stratford-upon- 7 June more than one hundred- music theatre from story session, Tue 26 Jun, Avon 10.30am – 12.30pm (5-7s and-forty community per- Birmingham Conservatoire, The Potteries Museum & MAKING A MINT AND must be accompanied) & formers to transform outdoor folk sets, films, Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent COMMUNITY DAY Celebrate 1.30pm – 3.30pm (8-12s) Birmingham's Victoria exhibitions, talks, discus- VALUATION DAY Charles Soho House re-opening Square and tell a story, sions and writing work- Hanson from BBC’s with free activites and Jubilee Thu 21 - Sun 24 Jun, shops - all inspired by the Bargain Hunt is on hand to tours, Sat 30 Jun, Soho Celebration Plates Victoria Square work of Heiner Goebbels, value your antiques and House, Birmingham Children’s Workshop THE ENCHANTED WOOD Sat 23 Jun, mac - Midlands collectables, Tue 26 Jun, UK MOTORHOME SUMMER £1.50 - booking essential Fairies from A Midsummer Arts Centre, Birmingham Mary Arden House, FAIR A great place to find Night's Dream take over THE DRUM OPEN DAY Free Stratford-upon-Avon your next motorhome, Sat 16 June the wood at Anne day of fun and entertain- DANCE AT 8 Dance At 8 30 Jun - Sun 1 Jul, West Hathaway's Cottage, Thurs ment featuring performanc- teaches dance to a high Midland Showground, 10.30 am – 3.30pm 21 Jun - Fri 31 Aug, Anne es, workshops, music, standard in a wide variety Shrewsbury Have-a-Go Day Hathaway's Cottage, stalls, competitions and of styles for adults of all STEP BACK TO THE 1940S FREE - no need to book Stratford-upon-Avon much more... Sat 23 Jun, ages, Tue 26 Jun, Bredon Attractions include cos- MEET THE SPECIES: BAT, The Drum, Birmingham Village Hall, Tewksbury tumed re-enactors, dis- 23 June WALK AND TALK An oppor- COVENTRY CYCLING DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG plays, battle re-enactment 10.30am – 4.00pm tunity to discover the noc- FESTIVAL Pedal-powered PUBLIC DRIFT DAY Wed 27 with pyrotechnics, a 1940s turnal world of our most activities for all ages, Sat Jun, Santa Pod Raceway, wedding, replica RAF oper- Leather Notebook enigmatic native mammals, 23 Jun, Coventry Transport Northampton ations room and much Workshop for Adults Fri 22 Jun, Palmers Museum BONNETS UP DAY An oppor- more... Sat 30 Jun - Sun 1 £20.00 - (materials included) Meadow, Tenbury Wells THE STORY GARDEN tunity for technically mind- Jul, Severn Valley Railway, booking essential PEAK PERFORMANCE TEST & Introduce your family to the ed types to get under the Kiddersminster 7 July TUNE DAY RWYB with maxi- stories of Shakespeare in a bonnets of three of the CHARLES DICKENS mum track time and fully fun and lively way where Heritage Motor Centre's CELEBRATION A celebration 10.30am – 3.30pm prepped track for serious everyone gets involved, cars, Fri 29 Jun, Heritage that marks the two hun- Leather Carving enthusiasts, Fri 22 Jun, Sat 23 Jun, Royal Motor Centre, Gaydon, dredth anniversary of Workshop for Adults Santa Pod Raceway, Shakespeare Theatre, Warwickshire Dickens' birth, with read- £15.00 - ( all materials and Northampton Stratford-upon-Avon KIDS UNDER-FIVES DAY Five ings and drama from his equipment provided) PAELLA & LIVE MUSIC Fri 22 MEDIEVAL GREYFRIARS Step hours of entertainment, finest work, Sat 30 Jun - booking essential Jun, Cafe Ikon, back in time and take part including the famous Sun 1 Jul, Blists Hill, Birmingham in some medieval dancing, Himley beach, petting zoo, Ironbridge, Shropshire FREE ENTRY BEER FESTIVAL Featuring Sat 23 Jun, Greyfriars, funfair, storytelling and DANCE WEEKEND Sat 30 Jun more than fifteen real ales, Worcestershire much more... Fri 29 Jun, - Sun 1 Jul, Cadbury four ciders and a variety of DAMPIER'S ROUND CEILIDH A Himley Hall & Park, Dudley World, Birmingham Tel: 01922 721153 entertainment, Fri 22 - Sun night of dancing for all abil- OLYMPIC EVENT Sat 30 Jun, SWEET PEA FESTIVAL See www.whatsonwalsall.co.uk 24 Jun, The Jinney Ring ities, Sat 23 Jun, Number 8 Tamworth Assembly the cottage gardens as Open Tues-Sat, 10am-4pm Craft Centre, Redditch Community Arts Centre, Rooms they’re filled with old and BOWMAN ANTIQUES FAIR Fri Evesham RUN WHAT YA BRUNG PUBLIC new varieties of sweet Walsall Leather Museum 22 - Sun 24 Jun, Stafford STEP BACK TO THE 1940S TRACK DAY Sat 30 Jun, peas, Sat 30 Jun - Fri 31 Littleton Street West, Walsall Bingley Hall, Staffordshire Themed event featuring Santa Pod Raceway, Aug, Anne Hathaway's THE SALSA CENTRAL costumed re-enactors, dis- Northampton Cottage, Stratford-upon- WEEKEND Featuring over plays, battle re-enactment CLASSICAL GREEKS Meet Avon sixty hours of classes for with pyrotechnics, a 1940s classical Greek warriors all levels across multiple wedding, replica RAF oper- from the Hoplite styles of Latin dance, Fri 22 ations room and much Association and discover

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 73 Events June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:21 Page 13

Variety is the Life Of Spice..

Come out to play with a huge network of new friends. A warm welcome awaits you!

Wouldn’t you love to be invited to places you’ve always wanted to go. Get your FREE comprehensive join a thriving club of 3000 friends Events take place at locations information pack today call: in the West Midlands (and 15,000 across the West Midlands. Lots of our members are single and come 0121 353 6161 (24 hours) nationally!) who really know how along on there own, but we also email [email protected] to enjoy themselves? welcome couples and groups of or visit www.spicebham.com friends. There’s no hidden agenda Well here’s your chance. We’re a – we’re just one happy family of friendly, local action, adventure and friends. Members are all ages social group offering a wide variety (18–80!) and from all walks of life. of opportunities for our members to have fun together. The one unifying factor of anyone joining Spice is that they want to live There’s literally something for life to the full. everyone; be it the latest adrenaline pumping outdoor activities… Membership is equivalent to the weekends & holidays… sports nights… workshops on fascinating cost of just a pint of beer a week. subjects… or social nights including In fact, our money back promise So what will theatre, parties and ‘behind the means that satisfaction is you be doing scenes’ visits to all sorts of unusual guaranteed. tomorrow?

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do Events June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 16:21 Page 14

What our members are up to in June 2012 Friday 1st June I Great Midlands Fun Run MARSHALLS Thursday 21st June I Grange Cross Sands Walking I Learn to Horse Ride in a Day I Beginners Horse Riding Stage 1 Weekend I Maxstoke Castle Visit and Easy I Flawless + English National Ballet I Harrogate and Dales Walking Break Ramble I Shuttington Summer Solstice Evening I Isle of Wight Walking and Social I SWAT Training Mission Ramble Weekend I Sponsor the Spice Fun Run Team I Warwick / Leamington Pub Night I Jubilee Four Day Walking Break Monday 11th June Friday 22nd June I Lynton Devon Coast Walking Break I Badminton For Fun - Worcester I . I Sailing: Diamond Jubilee Cross An Evening with Phil Tufnell I Spice Book Club Channel Cruise I Center Parcs Sherwood Forest Tuesday 12th June I Elan Valley Luxury Walking Weekend Saturday 2nd June I Newhall Mill Private Evening Visit I Sailing Weekend around Malta and I Grand Hotel I Solihull Pub Night Gozo I Subterranean Dudley Tour and Supper I Unihoc (Mixed Indoor Hockey) Saturday 23rd June I Walk with Wolves - Bedford I I White Water Kayaks Wednesday 13th June Birmingham Canals Easy Cycle Ride I I Hooky Ramble Sunday 3rd June Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Badminton at NIA I Meeting your True Soul Mate I Assault Course I Blakedown Evening Ramble I Peak Classic Caves Day I Feel the Fear .. and do it anyway® I Paddy Ashdown - A Fortunate Life I Rally Driving Lesson I Steam Train Day to Thames Jubilee I Sutton Pub Night I Sailing Taster Day on the Solent Pageant I Shrewsbury to Church Stretton I Tank Battle Experience Thursday 14th June Ramble I Warwick Easy Ramble I Birmingham Evening Walk I Snowdon Summer Solstice Sleepover I Monday 4th June Curry and Quiz - Harborne Sunday 24th June I Gliding Evening at Stratford I Alvechurch Easy Ramble I Indian Fine Dining at Delhi 6 I Barton Under Needwood Easy Ramble I Isle of Wight Walking Weekend I Center Parcs Extras - Its A Knockout Friday 15th June Tuesday 5th June I Mind Management Workshop I Sailing Weekend around the Solent I Tale of Two Queens I Drumming Experience for Beginners I Spice Hits Town at the Jam House I White Water Rafting I Ten Pin Bowling (Broadway Plaza) Saturday 16th June Tuesday 26th June Wednesday 6th June I Ballroom Dance Masterclass - Tango! I Scuba - Meet the Team - I Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Bidford On Avon Moderate Ramble + Charity Evening I Badminton at NIA Picnic Wednesday 27th June I Bangladesh - Culture and Cusine I Bike Adventure with Bike and BBQ! I Great Midlands Fun Run Pre Meet I Birmingham Central Mosque Visit I Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Guide Dogs National Breeding I Colour U Confident Workshop I Badminton at NIA Centre Visit I Symonds Yat Adventure Mission I Hopwood + Barnt Green Evening I Tamworth and Lichfield Pub Night Ramble Sunday 17th June Thursday 7th June I Quiz I Berkeley Castle Heirs Tour and Tea I Saxon Mill Dinner Shuffle I Circuit Training for Beginners I Brewood Easy Ramble Thursday 28th June I Halesowen and Quinton Pub Night I CSI Workshop - Real Birmingham I Preview Evening (MAC) Detective I Sail Round The Island Yacht Race Friday 8th June I Clay Pigeon Shooting Friday 29th June I Dinner at G Casino Walsall I Croquet Party I Bournemouth and Dorset Coast I Frozen I Healthy Body: Healthy Mind Walking Weekend I Sea Kayaking with the Seals I Monmouth and Offas Dyke Ramble I Francoise Pascal - An Evening With I Power Kiting and Kite Buggy Full Day I Patterdale Lakes Walking Weekend Saturday 9th June I World's Wackiest Racers I Saturday 30th June Abseiling for the Terrified Monday 18th June I Chocolate Workshop at The Venue I Abseiling for the Terrified I Gorge Walking Adventure I Badminton For Fun - Worcester I Dragon Boat Evening and BBQ I Hippodrome Back Stage Tour I Bromsgrove Pub Night I Fifties Style and Boudoir Photo Shoot I Indoor Skydiving Tuesday 19th June I Kayak River Adventure Day I Packington Cream Tea Ramble I Kings Heath Pub Night I Power Kiting + Kite Surfing On Grass I Rally Driving Lesson I Wine Tasting - Wines for Summer I Quad and Honda Pilot Racing I Stock Car Racing Drinking I Worcester Cathedral Medieval Library Tour Wednesday 20th June Sunday 10th June I Badminton For Fun - Coventry For future listings visit: I Bewdley Countryside Walk I Badminton at NIA www.spicebham.com I Cannock Chase Discover Mountain I Preview Evening (Warwickshire) Biking I Great Midlands Fun Run

...and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Classifieds - June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 12:25 Page 1 classifieds

5 STAR EXPERIENCE Caramel Delights 07530 894086

To adverTise on The Classified page Call: Chris horton on 01743 281704 [email protected] or: Jon Cartwright on 01743 281703 [email protected] it’s probably less than you think!

76 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Clubbing Gay - June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 15:04 Page 1 Clubbing

BIRMINGHAM AIR Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, B9 4AL. Tel: 0121 766 6646 BAMBU Kottwall House, Wrottesley Street, B5 4BN Tel: 0121 6224124 BUSHWACKERS 103 Edmund St, B3 2HZ Tel: 0121 236 4994 FLARES NIGHTCLUB 55 Broad St, B15 1AY Tel: 0121 252 3100 GATECRASHER 183 Broad St, B15 1DA Tel: 0121 525 1300 02 ACADEMY 16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, B1 1DB Tel: 0121 622 8250 OCEANA BIRMINGHAM Hurst St, B4 4EH Tel: 0845 4025390 REFLEX 36-37 Broad St, B1 2DY Tel: 0121 643 0444 SNOBS NIGHTCLUB 29 Paradise Circus, Queensway, B1 2BJ Tel: 0121 643 5551 BLACK COUNTRY INSOMNIA NIGHTCLUB 2 Bradford Place, Walsall WS1 1PL Tel: 01922 614300 OCEANA WOLVERHAMPTON Bilston Rd, Wolverhampton Tel: 0845 402 5290 SHROPSHIRE C:21 NIGHTCLUB 21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 BUTTERMARKET Howard Street, Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 281712 VELVET 13 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury SY1 2DJ Tel: 01743 281712 FEVER 19 - 21 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury Judge Jules: Birmingham Pride SY1 1QU Tel: 01743 247508 Chic Dance Arena, Birmingham Pride, Southside, Sat 2 - Sun 3 June THE OFFICE 27a Market Street, Oakengates TF2 6EN Tel:01952 616536 Internationally renowned DJ Judge Jules makes a welcome return to the Midlands this month to headline the Chic Dance Arena as part of Birmingham Pride. The Radio One DJ - who wowed audi- ONYX & BLU Raven Meadows, Shrewsbury SY1 1PL. Tel: 01743 289063 ences at the 2011 Pride event - is this year joined by a host of other well-known DJs, including Natalie D, Andy Max, Pearce M, Nicky G, Ant Marx, Joe Campbell and Audio Punks. PUSSYCATS NIGHT CLUB 17 Tan Bank, Wellington, TF2 6EJ Tel: 01952 224260 For further information on the Chic Dance Arena, visit, www.birminghampride.com SPIRIT NIGHTCLUB 18 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 STAFFORDSHIRE Royal rave in GAY NIGHTCLUBS COURTURE & NOIRE ET BLANC 139 BIRMINGHAM Newport Rd, Stafford, ST16 2EZ Tel: 01785 the Midlands... CLUB CHIC 28 Horsefair, B1 1DD. 244755 Gatecrasher, Tel: 0121 666 6808 LIQUID Brunswick St, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 Birmingham, Sat 2 June THE CORE Sherlock Street, B5 6NB Tel: 0121 622 2797 1DR Tel: 01782 284333 Midlands clubbers can THE NIGHTINGALE Kent St, B5 6RD REFLEX 3-5 Brockley Square, Stoke-on- celebrate The Queen’s Tel: 0121 622 1718 Trent ST1 5LY Tel: 01782 206170 Diamond Jubilee in THE VILLAGE INN & UNDERGROUND TRINITY NIGHTCLUB Spinning School style this month as 152 Hurst St, B5 6RY Tel: 0121 622 4742 Lane, Tamworth,ST1 1DR Tel: 01827 58772 seven of the biggest names in trance BLACK COUNTRY WARWICKSHIRE THE LION Birchills St, Walsall, WS2 8NG descend on CAREYS NIGHTCLUB Hereford Place, Tel: 01922 610977 Coventry CV1 3JZ Tel: 02476 227 397 Birmingham’s GORGEOUS Salop St Wolverhampton, Gatecrasher venue for WV3 0SR Tel: 0844 357 8570 EVOLVE NIGHTCLUB 2 Spencer Street, Leamington Spa, Coventry CV31 3NF Tel: what’s being described SHROPSHIRE as ‘the ultimate sum- 01926 435310 C21 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. JJ’S Skydome Leisure Park, Croft Rd, mer trance-stormer’. SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 (MON ONLY) Coventry CV1 3AZ. Tel: 02476 555913 International DJs Dash SPIRIT 22 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, LIQUID & ENVY Leicester Road, Berlin (pictured), SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 (MON ONLY) Nuneaton CV11 4B. Tel: 02476 344216 Marco V, Sean Tyas, STAFFORDSHIRE REFLEX Church St, Nuneaton, CV11 4BW Lisa Lashes, Scott THE FACTORY Bryan St, Hanley, Stoke- Tel: 02476 344216 Bond, JFK, Genix and On-Trent, ST1 2AA Tel: 01782 478799 WORCESTERSHIRE AJ Gibson each take their turn at providing WARWICKSHIRE BUSHWACKERS Trinity St, Worcester the very best in trance RAINBOWS Short St, Coventry CV1. WR1 2PW Tel: 01905 26878 Tel: 02476 551738 tracks against a back- TRAMPS Angel Place, Worcester WR1 3QN Tel: 019905 26936 ground of awe-inspir- WORCESTERSHIRE ing light and laser VELVET LOUNGE Angel Place, Worcester VELVET CLUB Angel Row, Worcester, WR1 3QN. Tel: 01905 619966 shows. WR1 3QN Tel: 01905 20218

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 77 Books-TV June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 10:53 Page 1 Books TV

The Billy Bob Tapes: A Cave Full Of Ghosts By Billy Bob Thornton and Kinky Friedman A foreword from ex-wife Angelina Jolie, describing him as having “an unmatchable wit that can make you laugh until your face hurts”, should certainly make people want to read more about award-winning actor and musician Billy Bob Thornton. Featuring colourful tales of his poor Southern upbringing, his Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (fear of komodo dragons and antiques), his lovelife and his career in films, A Cave Full Of Chris Lang drama announced for ITV1 Ghosts offers an intriguing insight into the world of the Hollywood icon. Filming has started on a new two-part drama featuring Spooks Packed with stories and righteous philosophical rants - and told with the star Hermione Norris and Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin help of his close friend and legendary country music star Kinky Friedman star Martin Clunes. Filmed on location in London and Suffolk, - The Billy Bob Tapes is described as being much more than just a Chris Lang’s A Mother’s Son follows the recently married Rosie celebrity memoir. (Norris) as she tries to come to terms with the murder of her teenage daughter. Fearing that someone very close to her could have been involved in the murder, Rosie turns to her ex husband for solace, questioning whether her suspicions are too Looking Back At Me incomprehensible. Paul McGann (Luther) and Alexander Arnold By Wilko Johnson with Zoê Howe (Skins) also star in the drama, which will be screened on ITV1 later this year. Written with a little help from acclaimed music writer Zoë Howe, Wilko Johnson’s autobiography offers a candid insight into Douglas Henshall to star in new BBC drama the world of rock. Taking a no-holds-barred The BBC has announced that acclaimed Scottish actor Douglas approach, the former Dr Feelgood guitarist Henshall (The Kidnap Diaries, The Silence) is to take the lead in provides a deeply personal account of his a new two-part drama entitled Shetland. Henshall will star as life in one of the country’s most revered Detective Jimmy Perez, a native Shetlander who returns to his bands and also as a solo performer. Along beloved homeland after a long spell away. When a young the way, Wilko expands on his many off- archaeologist discovers a set stage interests, including astronomy, art, of human remains and, in a literature, poetry and Shakespeare. separate incident, an elderly Presented as a rock’n’roll scrapbook, woman is shot on her land in Looking Back At Me features many previ- a tragic accident, Perez and ously unseen images, together with anecdotes from some of the artist’s his team find themselves noteable fans, including Robert Plant, Alison Moyet, JJ Burnel, Keith embroiled in a feud between Levene, Gavin Martin and Whispering Bob Harris. The book also features two warring families, whose a foreword by Mick Farren. envy, greed and bitterness has divided the surrounding community. Further casting is Duncan Edwards: The yet to be announced for the Greatest drama, which will air on BBC TOP 5 One later this year. By James Leighton BOOKS The story of Dudley-born footballing legend Duncan Edwards is without doubt Inheritance C4 pledges continued commitment to one of tragic heroism. Described by 1 Christopher Paolini original British drama Bobby Charlton as “the only player that Channel Four has made a statement reiterating its continued made me feel inferior”, Edwards made his Steve Jobs: The debut for Manchester United at the tender commitment to working with the best British drama talent, 2 Exclusive Biography announcing what viewers can expect in the way of new com- age of sixteen. He went on to help the Walter Isaacson club win two League Championships and missions for 2012 and beyond. Highlights include Utopia - a six- reach the semi-finals of the European Cup Diary Of A Wimpy Kid part thriller from Dennis Kelly, the creator of the multi-award-win- before his life was tragi- 3 Jeff Kinney ning Matilda The Musical; Complicit - a three-hour drama by cally cut short by the Guy Hibbert which sees David Oyelowo (The Help, Rise Of The Munich air disaster of Before I Go To Sleep Planet Of The Apes) star as a British intelligence officer caught 1958. This is the story of 4 S J Watson up in the complexities surrounding the war on terror; The Fear - both the magnificent a four-part drama from Richard Cottan (Wallander) that chroni- sportsman and the private Bring Up The Bodies cles the disintegration of a criminal mind; and My Fat Teenage individual, and of the 5 Hilary Mantel Diary - adapted from Rae Earl’s real-life diary and book of the legacy that he left behind. same name.

78 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 17:42 Page 1 Eating Out Birmingham Food Festival returns It’s been announced that the week-long Birmingham Food Festival is to make a welcome return to the city next month. Recognised as a gastronomic hotspot - with its Michelin-starred restaurants and famous Balti Quarter - Birmingham is home to some of the country’s top eateries and culinary stars, including Glyn Purnell, Aktar Islam and Richard Turner. Last year saw more than seventy thousand visitors head to the city to sample its culinary delights, and it’s hoped that this year’s festival will be even more successful. An ‘event within an event’ - the CBD Food Festival, celebrating twenty-four food and drink venues in the city’s commercial district - gets 2012’s proceedings under way.

In love with Loves! British bubbles... REVIEW followed by cubes of beet- per person, and £35 per A recent episode of The Apprentice saw Lord root with feta cheese and a person for the accompany- Sugar set the show’s remaining contestants the jelly sorbet - absolutely ing wines. If you’re going Husband and wife team challenge of raising awareness of English divine, and the accompa- to splash out on the meal, Steve and Claire Love sparkling wine, which rivals Champagne in quali- nying Baccus Reserve you should definitely go opened their appropriately ty but not in market dominance. One person here wine was also phenome- the whole hog and add the named restaurant Loves in the Midlands who knows all about the quality nal. wines, because they really back in 2009, in the exclu- of English sparkling wine is wine aficionado Moving on, the third do make the experience sive Canal Square area of Claire Love, of Loves Restaurant in Birmingham. course of chicken satay wonderful. However, if you Birmingham. While Steve Claire is so passion- and peanut brittle was fancy a treat midweek, the is the head chef, Claire ate about the prod- beautiful, followed by the Wednesday tasting menu runs front of house with a uct that she pro- Beef Carpaccio with fennel is £48. wine knowledge that is motes it above its and pickled onions. The Loves isn’t one of second to none. French counterpart. beef was delicately sliced Birmingham’s Michelin- Loves is a fine dining English Wine Week and bursting with flavour. starred restaurants, but it restaurant with contempo- is from 2 to 10 The next course was the certainly should be. If you rary décor and a wonder- June, and Chef piece de resistance of the haven’t stopped by there fully relaxed atmosphere - Steve Love has cre- evening - Gloucestershire yet, then make sure you and even the restrooms ated a new tasting pork. The dish comprised do so very soon. You really are top notch! menu at the restau- fillet, cheek, tail nugget, will be in for a treat. We began the evening in rant for the duration and popcorn pork shrimp. Eva Easthope Claire Love the bar, enjoying a glass of of the month. Each cut of pork was Knightsbridge Ridgview, a cooked to perfection - the Food: IIIII delightful sparkling wine cheek was tender and sim- Service: IIIII A night of Queen to celebrate which, quite frankly, I could ply melted in the mouth. Ambience: IIIII have drunk all night. the Jubilee The pork was followed by Overall value IIIII Having been shown into Peachy Keens restaurant is this month hanging banana crème with pork IIIII the private dining area, OVERALL out the bunting as it takes part in the Diamond scratchings, which doesn’t which is nicely incorporat- Jubilee celebrations. Helping the renowned world sound like it should work, ed into the layout of the Loves Restaurant buffet restaurant mark the occasion in true party but believe me, it does! restaurant, we started our The Glasshouse style is Freddie Mercury tribute act Pure Magic, The dessert of chocolate meal with an amuse Canal Square headlining an evening of festivities on 1 June. panna cotta with blood bouche of goats cheese Browning Street Tickets to the event cost £10, or £19.99 for the orange sorbet rounded off and parsnip - a real treat. Birmingham show and dinner. Check out the meal perfectly. The amuse bouche was B16 8FL www.peachykeens.co.uk for more details. The tasting menu is £68 0121 454 5151

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Eating Out June_Layout 1 21/05/2012 17:42 Page 2

Restaurant REVIEWS Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on New Indian restaurant restaurants, including opening times and type of cuisine, visit: ticks all the right boxes... www.whatsonlive.co.uk Newly opened in Mere Green, Bhujon is the latest offering from the team behind the CHI 61 Newhall St, B3 Birmingham 3RB 0121 233 3150 popular Regards restaurants. CHINA RED 193-194 Warmly welcomed into the cocktail lounge, AALTO RESTAURANT Broad St, B15 1AY 0121 we began the evening with a non-alcoholic Hotel La Tour, Albert 632 6688 passion fruit Mojito and a sweet creation Street, Birmingham B5 CHUNG YING 16-18 from the mixologist. A selection of plain and 5JT 0121 718 8000 Wrottersley Street, B5 AL FRASH 186 4RT 0121 622 5669 spicy poppadoms with chutneys (£3.50) Ladypool Road, CHUNG YING whetted our appetites for the starters to Sparkbrook, B12 8JS GARDEN 17 Thorpe St, come - a platter of chicken tikka, lamb cream. 0121 753 3120 B5 4RT 0121 622 5860 shami kebabs and king prawn cigars. The Delightful service, style and flavours make THE ASQUITH 11 CITY CAFE Newhall Street, RESTAURANT prawns were particularly delicious, served in this an Indian restaurant experience with a Birmingham, B3 3NY Mint Hotel, 1 Brunswick a light spice paste wrapped in pastry. difference. Try it out and see for yourself. 0121 200 1588 Square, Brindleyplace, For mains, we let the owner Mohammed Alev Dervish ASHA’S 12-22 Newhall B1 2HW 0121 633 6300 choose a fine trio of dishes on our behalf - Street, B3 3LX 0121 200 CIELO 6 Oozells Food: IIII I 2767 Square, Brindleyplace, lamb rogan josh (£11.50), soya chunks AZZARI TOO 204 B1 2JB 0121 632 6882 Service: IIIII palak (£7.95) and king prawn tawa masala Lightwoods Rd, B67 5AZ COTE The Mailbox, B1 (£15.95). The tender lamb had clearly been Ambience: III II 0121 429 6621 1RX 0121 631 1587 simmered to perfection in a full-bodied Overall value III II BANK 4 Brindleyplace, CUIZENE 17 Thorp B1 2JB 0121 633 7766 tomato sauce, whilst the prawns in onion OVERALL IIII I Street, B5 4AT BAR EPERNAY 171- 0121 622 5573 were meaty, with a flavour that shone 172 Wharfside Street, CUCINA RUSTICA 24 through the understated accompaniments. Bhujon Cocktail Bar and Dining The Mailbox. 0121 632 1430 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX The soya was an unusual dish, but one that 290-292 Lichfield Road 0121 233 2277 BAR ESTILO 10-114 I thoroughly enjoyed. Mere Green DEOLALI BAR Wharfside St, The RESTAURANT To finish, I chose a traditional wedding dish Sutton Coldfield Mailbox, B11RF 0121 643 3443 23A St Mary's Row, of gajar ka halwa; warm, grated carrot B74 2UG Moseley B13 8HW 0121 308 0930 BARNT GREEN INN 0121 442 2222 served unconventionally with pistachio ice Kendal End Rd, Rednal B45 8PZ 0121 445 4949 DEL VILLAGGIO Unit 528, Middle Mall BARTONS ARMS The Bullring B5 4BE 144 High Street, Aston, Impressive experience at Shrewsbury’s latest Italian... B6 5UP 0121 333 5988 0121 643 1400 DUET CUISINE BARAJEE 265 Broad Unit 1, Fort Dunlop We all love it when a popular chain restau- compromising your wallet. The staff are very St, B1 2DS B24 9FD. 0121 748 rant comes to town - you know what you’re knowledgeable about products and helpful 0121 643 6700 1234 eating, how much you’re spending, and in choosing dishes, and the open kitchen BELLA ITALIA 102 New St, B2 4HQ EDMUNDS 6 Brindley what atmosphere you’ll find. The new and stone oven gives you that extra bit of 0121 6431548 place, B1 2 JB 0121 633 4944 Shrewsbury branch of Zizzi’s, however, will confidence about how your food is being THE BERLOIZ surpass your expectations. The hallway is prepared. Burlington Arcade, GREEN ROOM Hurst New St, B2 4JQ St, B5 4DT 0121 605 lined with whole silver birch logs from Zizzi’s as a chain does not disappoint, and 0121 633 1737 4343 Shropshire, there are hand-painted murals of has officially become my new favourite haunt BLUE MANGO 5 Broad HA HA BAR & GRILL Shrewsbury scenes all over the walls, chairs for when I want some Italian grub of guaran- St, B1 2DS 178-180 Wharfside St, 0121 633 4422 The Mailbox, B1 spray-painted in Shrewsbury Town FC’s teed quality. Jessica Matthews 0121 632 1250 colours, and the restaurant itself is stunning - BLUE GINGER 32 Food: IIII I Poplar Road, Kings HARJEES SPICES the ultimate in laidback, modern comfort Heath, B14 7AD 512 Stratford Road, with a few quirky touches that prompt you to Service: IIII I 0121 444 0999 Sparkhill, Birmingham, Ambience: IIIII BLUU Fleet St, Summer B11 4AH start Googling products for your own home. 0121 773 6130 All very impressive, but it’s the food and Overall value IIII I Row, B3 1JH 0121 236 9013 IIII I THE HORSESHOE service which tops the bill. You can expect OVERALL BUONISSIMO 1 Albany BAR & RESTAURANT your standard hearty pizzas, pastas and sal- Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 1214 Stratford Road, ads, but with a twist: Types of olives you’ve Zizzi Ristorante 0121 426 2444 B28 9BH 0121 777 2340 never seen or tasted before; organic drinks 39-40 High Street BRANDED BULL THE HOUSE Bennetts Shrewsbury STEAKHOUSE Hill, B2 5RS 0121 643 you’ve never heard of; combinations of 175 Broad Street, B15 2220 ingredients that inspire you to cook a bit of SY1 1SF 1DT. 0121 643 5968 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, Italian yourself; and all for a price that avoids Tel: 01743 353232 BYZANTIUM 11 York B3 1JL 0121 212 3383 Road, Kings Heath, B14 JAMIES ITALIAN 7SA 0121 444 5444 Middle Mall CAFE IKON 1 Oozells Bullring Shopping Square, Brindleyplace, Centre, B5 4BE B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 0121 270 3610 CAFE ROUGE THE JUNCTION Brindleyplace, Broad 212 High Street, Street, B1 2HJ 0121 643 Harborne, B17 9PT 6556 0121 428 2635 CAFE SOYA 70 Hurst JUJU’S St, The Arcadian Canal Square, B16 8BZ Centre, B5 4TD 0121 0121 456 3384 683 8350 JIMMY SPICES CARLUCCIO’S Regency Wharf, Broad The Water’s Edge St, B1 2DS 0121643 Brindleyplace B1 2HP 2111 0121 633 9262 JIMMY SPICES 64-66 CELEBRITY INDIAN Station Rd, Solihull, 44 Broad St, B1 2HP B91 3RX 0121 709 0121 643 8969 2111 THE CHAMELEON KINNAREE THAI 1 Victoria Square, B1 1BD 22 Waterfront Walk, B1 0121 643 2233 1SN. 0121 665 6568 CHEZ JULES 5a Ethel LA BASTILLE 220 St, B2 4BG 0121 633 Corporation St, B4 6QB 4664 0121 236 1171

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LAHORE KARAHI SABAI SABAI 25 HALAL CHINESE AND Woodbridge Rd, BALTI 309 Highgate Moseley, B13 8EH Road, B12 8DN 0121 4494498 0121773 7575 SAFFRON 909 LASAN 3-4 Dakota Wolverhampton Road, Buildings James St, St Oldbury B69 4RR Paul’s Square, B3 1SD 0121 552 1752 0121 212 3664 SAN CARLO 4 Temple LAS IGUANAS St, B2 5BN 0121 633 Arcadian Centre, Hurst 0251 St, B5 4TD 0121 622 SHAH’S Unit 16, 1160 4466 Warwick Road, Acocks LA TASCA Regency Green B27 6BP. 0121 Wharf, B1 2DS 0121 707 8297 643 9888 SHIMLA PINKS LOCH FYNE Mere 215 Broad St, B15 1AY Green Road, Sutton 0121 633 0366 Coldfield. B75 5BL 0121 SHOGUN 308 9410 TEPPANYAKI The THE LOFT LOUNGE Mailbox,113-115 143 Bromsgrove St, Wharfside St, B1 1RD B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 0121 632 1253 LOVES The SIMPSONS, 20 Glasshouse, Browning Highfield Rd, St, B16 8FL 0121 454 Edgbaston B13 3DU 5151 0121 454 3434 MANIC ORGANIC SPICE EXCHANGE, 46 Poplar Road, B14 1845 Pershore Rd 7AG 0121 441 3802 Kings Norton, B30 3DJ MAHARAJA 23/25 0121 451 1007 Hurst St, B5 4AS STRADA 109-111 The Horseshoe Bar & Restaurant, Birmingham 0121 622 2641 Wharfside St, The MECHU 59 Summer Mailbox B1 1XL 8QQ 01902 756052 Arcade, Walsall, WS1 Shropshire TF11 8RY 01743 770345 Row, B3 1JJ 0121 710 0121 643 7279 1SY 01922 613407 01952 691123 4233 CAFE CHAI 29-33 New MAD JACKS 15 St SYRIANA Street, Dudley DY1 1LT THE PIE FACTORY 50 DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, METRO 73 Cornwall St, 1 Constitution Hill, B19 01384 456847 Hurst Lane, Tipton DY4 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 B3 0121200 1911 3LG 0121 2369444 CAFE CHAMPAGNE 9AB 0121 557 1402 01952 432250 THE MALTHOUSE LA BASTILLE 220 THAI EDGE 7 Oozells 253-255 Bilston Road, RED FORT Fold St, D’ARCEYS Broadway, The Wharfage, Corporation St, B4 6QB Sq, B1 2HL 0121 643 Wolverhampton WV2 Wolverhampton, WV1 Shifnal TF11 8AZ Ironbridge TF8 7NH. 0121 236 1171 3993 2JN 01902 458024 4LP 01902 424440 01952 460600 01902 433712 MINT Yew Tree Retail TIN TIN CANTONESE, CATELLANI’S 6 School RISTORANTE DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s THE MEADOW INN Park, Stoney Lane The Waters Edge, St, Wolverhampton, WV1 St Shrewsbury, SY1 Buildwas Road, Yardley, B25 8YP ROMAGNA 4 Upper Brindleyplace, B1 2HL 4LR 01902 428928 Green, Tettenhall, 1DZ 01743 344679 Ironbridge TF8 7BJ Tel: 0121 789 8908 0121 633 0888 THE COWSHED Wolverhampton WV6 FENNELS 8 Market 01952 433193 MIRAGE FUSION THE VAULTS Newhall 8QQ 01902 756052 MINH’S CHINESE Broadway Casino, Clive Farm Clive Rd, Place, Shifnall TF11 Place, Newhall Hill, B1 Pattingham, WV6 7EN THE SPRINGHILL 9AZ 01952 463020 20 Bradford St, Shifnal Broadway Plaza 3JH 0121 212 9837 01902 701888 Warstones Rd, Penn, THE FEATHERS TF11 8AU 01952 Ladywood Middleway, VMF - ASTON VILLA 463323 B16 8LP. 0121 456 5557 CINNAMON COURT Wolverhampton WV4 Brockton, Much FOOTBALL CLUB Villa 4LB 01902 342530 MR UNDERHILLS MOUNT FUJI The Bentley Mill Way, Walsall Wenlock TF13 6JR Park, Trinity Rd, B6 WS2 0BP SIMON’S 520 Chester 01746 785202 Dinham Weir, Ludlow Bullring, B5 4QL 6HE 0121 326 1570 Shropshire SY8 1EH 0121 633 9853 0121 568 6664 Rd, Aldridge, Walsall, THE FOX INN 46 High ULYSSES 42a Bristol WS9 0121 580 9293 01584 874431 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, St, Much Wenlock TF13 Street, B5 7AA 0121 Walsall, WS1 2EU 01922 THE SUMMERHOUSE 6AD 01952 727292 MORGANS B3 2DA 0121 200 2323 622 3159 1 Bellstone, 643215 92 Gospel End Rd, FRANK CAFE BAR OLD JOINTSTOCK THE WAREHOUSE Dudley DY3 4AN 01902 Shrewsbury PUB 4 Temple Row, B2 FARADAYS The 165-167 Frankwell, SY1 1HU 01743 239114 CAFE 54-57 Allison Waterfront, Brierley Hill, 676 102 5NY 0121 200 1892 Street, Digbeth, B5 Shrewsbury SY3 8LG Dudley, DY5 1UR THORNESCROFT 01743 354422 THE MYTTON & THE ORIENTAL The 5TH MERMAID 01384 482 882 Bridgnorth Rd, THE GOLDEN CROSS Mailbox, 128-130 0121 633 0261 Wolverhampton, WV6 Atcham, Shrewsbury, Wharfside St, B1 1RQ THE FAIRLAWNS AT 14 Princess St, SY5 6QG 01743 WING WAH 278 ALDRIDGE 178 Little 7EQ 01902 700 253 0121 633 9988 Thimblemill Lane, B7 Shrewsbury, SY1 1LP 761220 Aston Road, Aldridge, THE WOODMAN 01743 362507 PASTA DE PIAZZA 11 5HD 0121 327 7879 Walsall WS9 0NU 01922 Claverley, Staffordshire, OAK TREE Burrington, Brook Street, St Paul’s WOKTASTIC Paradise 455122 Wolverhampton WV5 THE GOLDEN Ludlow, SY8 2HT Square, B3 1SA MOMENTS 50 Broad 01568 770033 Place, B3 3HJ 0121 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage 7DG 01746 710 553 0121 236 5858 236 3130 St, Ludlow SY8 1NH THE OLD ORLETON PEACHY KEENS 1741 Place, Walsall WS1 3NA Tel:01584 878488 WONGS 5-11 Fleet St, 01922 646164 INN Holyhead Rd, Coventry Road, Yardley B3 1JP 0121 212 1888 Shropshire GRANARY BAR & Wellington, TF1 2HA B26 1DS. 0121 764 FOUR STONES GRILL Weston Park, 01952 255011 5519 YO! SUSHI Bullring, Adam’s Hill,Clint, Weston-under-Lizard, Birmingham B5 4BP. THE OLD RECTORY PENNY BLACKS The Stourbridge, DY9 9PS AFTAB 25 High St, Nr Shifnal, TF11 8LE 0121 600 6712 01562 883260 HOTEL & Mailbox,132-134 Ironbridge TF8 7AD 01952 852107 RESTAURANT Lowe Wharfside St, B1 1XL ZIZZI 183 High St, FRANZIS 151 Milcote 01952 432055 HADLEY PARK Hill Road, Wem, 0121 632 1460 Harborne B17 9QE Rd, Smethwick, B67 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY HOUSE Hadley Park, Shropshire 01939 PEPPERS 5a Broad St, 0121 428 4228 also at 0121 429 7920 Ellesmere Rd, Telford TF1 6QJ 233233 The Mailbox B1 1RL B15 0121 633 4411 FRENCH Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF 01952 677269 ODYSSEY TAVERNA 0121 632 1333. 01939 290 523 PICCOLINO 9 CONNECTION THE INN AT Cheapside, Shifnal 10 Poplar Rd, Solihull, 3 Coventry St, Brindleyplace, B1 2HS B91 3AB 0121 704 BUTLERS Park St, GRINSHILL The High TF11 8BN 01952 0121 634 3055 Stourbridge DY8 1EP Shifnal, TF11 01952 Street, Grinshill, 461660 5030 01384 390940 PONTE DI LEGNO 44- 460662 Shrewsbury, SY4 3BL PARKWAY 76 Corve St, 44a Woodbridge Rd, FRENCH HEN CASA NARANJO 01939 220410 Ludlow SY8 2PG 01584 Moseley, B13 8EJ Black Country Bromsgrove Rd, Clent, Barracks Passage, THE HAYWARDS at 873 130 0121 449 8064 Stourbridge DY9 9PY Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury The Lion Hotel, Wyle THE PEACH TREE 21 01562 883040 PUNJABI HAVELI 1558 SY1 01743 588165 Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 Abbey Foregate, Stratford Rd, Hall ALEX’S 5 Bridgnorth Rd, GARAM MASALA CASA RUIZ 45 High 1UY Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Green, B28 9HA Wolverhampton, WV6 205 High St, Lye, Street, Bridgnorth, 01743 353107 01743 355055 0121 745 3636 8AB 01902 759274 Stourbridge DY9 8JZ WV16 4DX 01746 218 THE POUND AT LEE- 01384 424 240 084 KING & THAI Avenue PURNELL’S 55 ARBOR LIGHTS 127 Rd, Broseley, Telford BOTWOOD Cornwall St, B3 2DH. Lichfield St, Walsall, WS1 GOLDEN MOMENTS CHEZ MAW Valley TF12 5DL 01952 Leebotwood, Nr Church 0121 212 9799 1SY 01922 613361 2-3 Ablewell St, Walsall Hotel, Buildwas Rd, 882004 Stretton SY6 6ND PUSHKAR 245 Broad BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, WS1 2EQ 01922 Ironbridge, TF8 7DW 01694 751477 640363 01952 432247 LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve St, B1 2HQ. 0121 643 Wolverhampton, 01902 St, Ludlow, SY8 1DA RENAISSANCE, 29a 7978 427555 KAMRAN BALTI’S 34 CORNHOUSE 59a 01584 872 325 Princess High Street, Lye, Stour- Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, St,Shrewsbury, SY11LW THE RECTORY 50-54 BILASH 2 Cheapside, LA DOLCE VITA 35 St Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS Wolverhampton, 01902 bridge DY9 8LF SY1 1XY 01743 01743 354289 01384 893030 231991 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury 0121 605 1001 427762 SY1 1QU 01743 249126 ROMOLO Victoria MADE IN THAI CROMWELLS 11 Avenue, shrewsbury RED 4 Temple St, B2 THE BLUE BRICK LA LANTERNA 5BN 0121 643 0194 Low Level Station, Sun Darlington St, Dogpole, Shrewsbury SY1 1HH 01743 233244 Wolverhampton WV1 SY1 1EN The Old Vestry, St ROYAL BENGAL RED PEPPERS 117 St, Wolverhampton Julian's Church, WV10 0DG 0870 850 4HW 01902 312512 01743 361440 TANDOORI 32-34 The Wharfside St, B1 1RF Shrewsbury SY1 1UH 0121 643 4202 6376 MALABAR 7 Anchor THE COTTAGE Tern Broadway, Shifnal TF11 Hill, Markey Drayton 01743 233552 8AZ 01952 460522 BRAVACCIOUS Rd, Walsall WS9 8PT LION & PHEASANT ROSE MURREE 94 -96 01922 944 482 TF9 3PX 01630 638984 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston, 4 Upper Green, 50 Wyle Cop SARACENS Wolverhampton WV6 COUNTESS ARMS Shrewsbury Rd, SY4 B16 8LU 0121 456 4500 PARLOUR 10 The Weston Heath, Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ

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Restaurant LISTINGS

4AG 01939 210877 01260 297871 SEBASTIANS 45 SHIMLA PALACE Willow St, Oswestry Wolsely Bridge Stafford SY11 1AQ 01691 ST170XS 01889 881025 655444 THE SWAN HOTEL TIN TINS Wellington 46 Greengate Street, Road, Telford TF2 8AJ Stafford ST16 2JA 01952 608688 01785 258142 TRAITORS GATE THORNBURY HALL, Castle St, Water Lane, RASOI Lockwood Rd, ShrewsburySY1 2BX Kingsley Holt, Stafford 01743 249152 ST10 2DH 01538 750831 THE WALLS Welsh WOLSELEY ARMS Walls, Oswestry SY11 Wolseley Bridge, Stafford 1AW 01691 670970 ST17 0XS 01889 883179 Staffordshire Warwickshire NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 BLUE 21 Spon St, Coventry, BELLA ITALIA 20 CV1 3BA 024 7622 Greengate St, Stafford,ST16 2HS 9274 01785 211968 7 SQUARE 7 Old CURRY KUTEER Square, Warwick CV34 31 Greengate Street, 4RA 01926 411 755 Stafford ST16 2HY NO. 9 CHURCH 01785 253279 STREET CHANDLERS Stratford upon Avon, The Saxon Mill, Warwick 6 Conduit St, Lichfield, Warwickshire CV37 WS13 01543 416688 6HB 01789 415522 NAILCOTE HALL BELGRADE THE FIG TREE 99 Worcester WR12LZ THE CORNER HOUSE ART KITCHEN 7 Swan Second Avenue, Nailcote Lane, Belgrade Theatre, Church Street, Gt 01905 27770 St, Warwick CV34 4BJ Berkswell, Coventry, Belgrade Square, Malvern WR14 2AE Burton-On-Trent DE14 01926 494303 THE QUAY Worcester 2WF CV7 7DE 02476 Coventry, CV1 1GS 01684 569909 WR1 2JN 01905745 01283 542321 AUBERGINE 42 Smith 466174 02476 846762 FOUR SEASONS 61 792 ESSENCE OF THE St, Warwick CV34 4HS NICOLINIS 14 The TAILORS 22 Market Lowesmoor, Worcester 01926 400 086 WR1 2RS 01905 2702 THE QUEENS HEAD ORIENT 27 Broad Eye, Parade, Leamington Place, Warwick CV34 Sugarbrook Lane, Stafford ST16 2QB THE ALMANACK Spa, CV32 4DW 01926 4SL 01926 410590 FUSION BRASSERIE Bromsgrove, B30 3AU 01785 229988 Abbey End North, 421620 Hawbridge, Stoulton, 01527 877777 THAI ELEPHANT Worcester WR7 4RJ FOUR SEASONS Kenilworth CV8 1QJ QUEANS RESTAU- 8-10 Theatre St, Swinfen Hall Lichfield, 01905 840647 RED ROOMS Church 01926 353637 RANT 15 Dormer Warwick CV34 4DP St, Worcester WR1 WS14 9RE 0844 567 Place, Leamington Spa GLASSHOUSE 55 2407 THE BLUEBELL 93 01926 410688 2RH High Street, Henley-in- CV32 5AA Sidbury, Worcester THE TREVELYAN WR1 2HU 01905 01905 28228 THE GREEN ROOM Arden, Warwickshire, 01926 315522 Castle Dyke, Lichfield Warwick Rd, Stratford- 611120 RILEY’S The WS13 6HR 01543 B95 5AT 01564 793049 THE ONE ELM 1 Guild upon-Avon, CV37 ONR Quadrant, Redditch St, Stratford-Upon- THE HADLEY 412121 BROWNS Earl St, 01789 295252 BOWLING GREEN B98 8AE 01527 60544 Coventry CV1 5RU Avon, CV37 6QZ JASMINE PEKING 01789 404919 WARWICK SPICE 24 Hadley Heath, Hadley, ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall 21 High St, Eccleshall, 0247 622 1100 Smith St, Warwick WR9 0AR 01905 Rd, Aston Fields, Stafford ST21 6BW CARLUCCIOS 13 OSCARS 39 Chandos CV34 4HS 01926 620294 Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ 01785 851200 Waterside, Stratford- St, Leamington Spa, 491736 THE INN AT STONE- 01527 889948 LA DOLCE VITA 19 Upon-Avon CV37 6BA CV324RL 01926 HALL Stonehall 452807 THE VINE INN West ROSEANNAS St. Stafford St, Stone ST15 01789 267424 St, Warwick CV34 6AW Common, Worcester, Andrews Drive, 8QW 01785 817 985 OYSTER LOUNGE 12- WR5 3QG 01905 CASTLE BALTI 11-13 01926 490744 Droitwich, WR9 8AL LODGE BALTI 14 Jury St, Warwick, 820462 01905 779677 St. Johns, Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 ZIZZI 29 The Square, Shenstone, Wood End, CV34 4NE 01926 Kenilworth, CV8 1EF KING CHARLES II SAFFRONS 15 New Lichfield WS14 (01543) 495491 King Charles House, 483334 493007 01926 852980 St, Worcester WR1 PEEL’S Hampton New St, Worcester WR1 2DP 01905 610505 MALABAR 1 Water CATALAN 6 Jury St , Manor, Hampton-in- 2D 01905 22449 Street, Stafford, ST16 Warwick CV34 4EW Arden, Solihull, B92 Worcestershire LITTLE VENICE 1 St SINGAPORE 29 Friar 2AG 01785 227 500/600 01926 498 930 0EN 01675 446080 Nicholas St, Worcester St, Worcester WR1 2NA 01905 613005 THE MEETING ROOM THE CELLAR 5 The PREZZO 1-3 High St, WR1 1UW 01905 41 Piccadilly, Hanley, Knibbs, Smith St, Warwick CV34 4AP ANAKARI 47 The 726126 SPICE CUISINE 39-41 Stoke-on-Trent ST1 1EN Warwick,CV34 4UW 01926 475867 Tythings, Worcester. MASSALLA LOUNGE Bromyard Terrace, 01782 205554 01926 400809 01905 21412 Worcester WR2 5BW RAFFLES 57 Warwick 35 Broad St, Worcester MARLOES 13 London THE CHURCH ANGEL CHEF Angel St, WR1 3NH 01905 01905 429786 Rd, Kenilworth, CV8 729955 Road, Newcastle, ST5 STREET TOWN- 1HN 01926 864 300 Worcester WR1 3QT SPICE FUSION St 1LQ 01782 661983 HOUSE 01905 731131 MONSOON 35 Andrews St, Droitwich, THE RED LION Station WR9 8DY 0871 961 THE MILL Mill St, 16 Church Street, ASHLEYS 11 The Foregate St, Worcester, Rd, Warwick CV35 WR1 1EE 01905 7008 Stone, ST15 8BA 01785 Stratford-upon-Avon Tything, Worcester WR1 818456 CV37 6HB 01789 8PE 726333 01926 842291 1HD 01905 611747 THAI GALLERY 26-32 MINT LEAF George St, 262222 MUG HOUSE Claines Friar St, Worcester RESTAURANT 23 BACCHUS 44 Burton. DE14 1DP EGO 29 The Square, Lane, Worcester WR3 WR1 2LZ 01905 25451 01283 563468 23 Dromer Place, Worcester Rd 7RN 01905 456649 Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Bromsgrove B61 7AE VALENTINO’S 43 THE NAVIGATION INN Leamington Spa, CV32 OLD RECTIFYING 01926 864463 5AA 01926 422422 01527 877557 Foregate St, Worcester Newport Road, Gnosall, FIVE RIVERS 20-22 HOUSE North Parade, WR1 1EE 01905 Stafford ST20 0BN Victoria Terrace, ROBBIES 74 Smith St, BENEDICTOS 34 Worcester WR1 3NN 617773 01785 822327 Leamington Spa, Warwick CV34 4HU Sidbury, Worcester WR1 01905 619622 01926 400470 2HZ 01905 21444 VENTURE INN OLD VICARAGE 2 Main CV31 3AB 01926 THE OLD RECTORY Ombersley, Droitwich, St, Branston, Burton, 431999 ROSE & CROWN 30 THE BEAR AND Ipsley, Redditch, B98 WR9 0EW 01905 RAGGED STAFF Station DE14 3EX GEORGETOWN Market Place, Warwick 0AP 01527 517003 620552 01283 533222 CV34 4SH 01926 Rd, Worcester WR6 5JH 23 Sheep St, Stratford- 01886 833399 PEPPER & OZ 23 THE WILDMOOR OAK PASTICHE BISTRO Upon-Avon, CV37 6EF 411117 Abbey Rd, Gt Malvern BRAMBLINGS Hither Top Road, Wildmoor, 12 Percy Street, Hanley, 01789 204445 ROOFTOP WR14 3ES 01684 Bromsgrove B61 0RB ST1 1NE 01782 263 737 Green Lane, Redditch, THE GRANVILLE RESTAURANT 562676 0121 453 2696 Royal Shakespeare B98 9BE 0871 2079595 THE PEARL18 Market 52, Wellesbourne Rd, THE PRIORY VIEW WYCH WAY INN St, Kidsgrove, ST7 4AB Barford, CV35 8DS Theatre, Waterside, BROWNS 24 Quay St, Abbey Rd, Gt Malvern Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester WR1 2JJ Worcester Rd, 01782 788887 01926 624236 WR14 3ET Wychbold, WR9 7PA THE PEAR TREE CV37 6BB 01905 26263 0845 084 8923 LANE’S 6 Castle St, 01789 403449 01527 860130 Swinfen, Nr. Lichfield, Warwick CV34 4BP CHESTERS 51 New St, PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, WS14 9QR 01543 01926 403030 SAFFRON Market St, Worcester, WR1 2DP 481807 Westgate House, 01905 611638 THE LORD LEYCES- PORTOFINO 38-40 Warwick CV34 4DE CROWN & SANDYS TER 17-19 Jury St, 01926 402061 Main Rd, Ombersley, To get your restaurant listed here Marsh St Stoke-On-Trent, Warwick, CV34 4EJ THE SAXON MILL WR9 0EW 01905 ST1 1JD 01926 491481 e: [email protected] Tel: 01782 209444 Coventry Rd, Guys 620252 MERCHANTS Swan THE RED ROOM Cliffe, Warwick CV34 FARTHINGS Bransford, or call Jon Cartwright Street, Warwick CV34 5YN 01926 492 255 Gt Malvern WR6 5JD 7 Newcastle Road, 4BJ 01926 403833 on 01743 281703 Congleton CW12 4HN SIGNATURES AT THE 01886 833551

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Cucina Rustica THE DINNER CLUB (Est 86) SINGLE? Tel: 0121 233 2277 For the more discerning unattached person, age 30-45 or 45+ Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. NOT A DATING AGENCY 01244 677030 (Day) / 01244 548816 (Eve/W-end) www.thedinnerclubuk.com

I APERITIVO... the Italian happy hour now in LOOKING FOR A RESTAURANT Birmingham (T&C apply) ON YOUR DOORSTEP? I Sign up on our website for spring rewards to our loyal customers I The restaurant believes in traditional and authenticity on classic recipes with a modern twist VISIT I Deciding where to go to add that special touch to whatsonlive.co.uk family events, business meetings or social parties will no longer be a difficult decision. The most comprehensive Midlands listings website Saint Paul's Square, 24 Ludgate Hill, Birmingham, B3 1DX for Birmingham and the West Midlands Email: [email protected] web: www.cucinarustica.co.uk Antiques for Everyone (FP-June)_Layout 1 21/05/2012 10:46 Page 1