& Cover August 2018 .qxp_Coventry & Warwickshire Cover 23/07/2018 12:46 Page 1

JONAS BLUE PLAYS THE Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S ONAUGUST 2018

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 392 AUGUST 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

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

MERRY WIVES... frolicsome fairies and men dressed as women at the RSC WTE:@WHATSONWARWICKSTWITTER:

SISTER SLEDGE lost in music at Solihull Summer Festival FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

ART IN THE PARK family fun at Leamington’s WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Digbeth Arena F/P June 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2018 10:40 Page 1 Contents August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:30 Page 2

August 2018

Contents

We Are Family - Sister Sledge perform live at Solihull Summer Fest - page 23

Kuunatic Ronan Keating Matilda The Musical the list

bring their psychedelic sound looks forward to headlining continues to delight audiences Your 16-page to The Tin Music & Arts... Coventry’s Godiva Festival in the Midlands week-by-week listings guide page 15 feature page 16 page 26 page 51 inside:

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

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Lauren Cole [email protected] Ellie Hutchings [email protected] Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwickshire August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:03 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Worcester Festival returns for a 16th year The Worcester Festival is this month back for its 16th year, kicking off on Saturday 11 August and running right through to the Au- gust bank holiday (Monday the 27th), with events and activities happening across the city every single day. Commenting on the 2018 edition of the festi- val, director Chris Jaeger said: “The Worces- ter Festival is a people’s festival. It offers a wide range of eclectic events for all the fam- ily, and many of the events are free. What could be better at holiday time? It’s a great opportunity to try an event at a venue you’ve never been to, or perhaps to try something you’ve never done before. We really hope as many people as possible come along and get involved. Let’s get celebrating!”

30k grant awarded to Canadian comic Stewart proposed activity will help to achieve step changes across the city. For more information Midlands motor museum heads Into The Punset about how to apply for the fund, visit The Archive of the British Motor Industry Canadian comedian heartofenglandcf.co.uk/coventry-2021 Heritage Trust, housed at the British Motor Stewart Francis is visit- Museum in Gaydon, has been awarded a ing the Midlands dur- £30,000 cataloguing grant. ing what he says will Evesham set to do battle, The cash will fund The Art Of Selling, a pro- be his last ever ject focusing on creating an electronic cata- standup tour. 13th century-style! logue of a unique collection of sales and Punchline wizard Fran- Midlanders are this month being invited to press material originating from British Ley- cis will be bringing his step back in time to the 13th century and land. The funding has been provided by the new show, Into The watch a reenactment of the Battle of Eve- Archives Revealed cataloguing programme, Punset, to venues in sham. which is supported by, among other organi- Coventry, Malvern, The free-to-attend event, taking place in the sations, the National Archives. Bromsgrove, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Birm- Heart of Evesham on 4 & 5 August, features a ingham, Telford and Shrewsbury. For more medieval festival & camp plus numerous information, visit stewartfrancis.com demonstrations. For more information, visit battleofeve- sham.co.uk New fund helps Coventry gear up for City of Culture A new fund has been launched to help indi- viduals, social enterprises, community groups and artistic & cultural organisations prepare for Coventry’s year as UK City of Cul- Go Ape in Warwickshire ture in 2021. The Coventry UK City of Culture Fund has Coombe Country Park could soon become been launched by the Coventry City of Cul- home to Warwickshire’s first Go Ape outdoor ture Trust in partnership with the Heart of adventure visitor attraction. Community Foundation, which will Talks are currently taking place between Go administer the fund. Ape and Coventry City Council about opening Those applying for grant funding are being a site in spring 2019. The company currently encouraged to consider the four themes of has 33 visitor attractions in the UK, the near- Coventry’s UK City of Culture programme - est to Warwickshire being the site located at Being Human, Moving, Underground and Cannock Chase in Staffordshire. Reinvention - and to think about how their 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:03 Page 2

First Word

The NEC Group ‘makes it social’ NEC Group Arenas and their of- ficial box office, The Ticket Fac- tory, have teamed up with Edinburgh-based start-up ‘make it social’ to offer customers a simple way to purchase tickets with friends. Initially available on selected events, the new initiative allows a group leader to reserve a num- ber of arena seats together, and then to issue invitations to friends, who can individually pay for their seats. All the group leader needs to do to start the process is click on the ‘book with friends’ button featured on The Ticket Factory event pages.

Play and connectivity at the centre of Coventry festival The fifth edition of Coventry’s Festival of Imagineers will take place in and around the city centre from 17 to 22 September. Emma Rice brings Celebrating work created at the intersection of art, design and engineering, the festival is this year fo- her Wise Children cusing on themes of play and connectivity. to the Belgrade Visitors to the event will be able to walk alongside a large-scale balloon and sound installation, view 1,000 hoops suspended in the cathedral, contribute their ideas to a large-scale project, board a cus- The Coventry Belgrade is set to tom-converted double decker bus which turns the whole city into a stage, and play the streets in a co-produce acclaimed theatre- maker Emma Rice’s latest stage- ‘festival finale’. For more information, visit festivalofimagineers.co.uk work. Presented in partnership with the Old Vic Theatre, Oxford Bromsgrove Give It A Swirl this holiday at the RSC... Playhouse and York Theatre venue looking Royal, Wise Children is the The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is offering families a whole host debut offering from Emma’s a bit Peaky of summer holiday activities to enjoy this month, both inside and outside newly formed company. A Worcestershire arts the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The production has been centre is this month host- Highlights include Give It A Swirl - the RSC’s new outdoor pop-up theatre adapted from the classic novel ing a Peaky Blinders- initiative, which is hosting a range of free-to-attend puppet shows and by Angela Carter. themed night of boxing production-themed mini performances. Tickets for the show can be and music in aid of Birm- For more information about the school summer holidays at the RSC and booked by calling the Belgrade’s ingham Children's Hospi- a complete schedule, visit rsc.org.uk box office on 024 7655 3055, or tal. by visiting belgrade.co.uk Bromsgrove’s Artrix venue is inviting visitors to get dressed up in their flapper dresses and baker boy caps to ‘experience the dark 1920s underbelly of Birmingham’ (Saturday 18 August). The evening features a full bar, live 1920s- themed boxing, a live Peaky Blinders-themed band and a ‘best dressed’ competition. To find out more, visit artrix.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwickshire August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:03 Page 3

First Word

Ghostly goings-on in Lucy O’Byrne to Stratford-upon-Avon! star in Evita Families fancying a spinetingling A touring production of the ‘fright night’ experience this Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim school summer holiday should Rice musical masterpiece check out Tudor World Museum’s Evita is stopping off at the ghost tours. Coventry Belgrade next The Stratford-upon-Avon venue month (Tuesday 25 - Satur- has been described by Horrible day 29 September). Histories author Terry Deary as the The hit show, which is this most haunted building in England. year celebrating its 40th an- Indeed, it’s apparently so scary niversary, stars Lucy that celebrity medium Derek Aco- O’Byrne, who rose to fame rah and the Most Haunted televi- after reaching the finals of sion crew are “too frightened” ever The Voice UK in 2015. to return to the property! Lucy last year appeared at For more information, ring 01789 the Belgrade in a production 298070 or visit tudorworld.com of The Sound Of Music. Tickets for Evita are available by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or by visiting Virtuoso violinist Script to stage for Benidorm’s writer! belgrade.co.uk makes a return The writer of hit TV series Benidorm is to star in the stage version of the show when it visits Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre over the to the Midlands Christmas period. Nigel Kennedy is heading for Derren Litten will play the role of Derek during Benidorm Live’s second- Birmingham. city stop-off (3 - 29 December). Commenting on the news, Derren said: “ The multi-million-selling vir- I won’t lie, I’m pretty scared at the prospect of acting and singing in such tuoso violinist will play Sym- an amazing theatre, but if I get nervous and forget my lines, I’ll just say it phony Hall on 18 October, was a last-minute rewrite!” performing works by Bach and Gershwin as well as his own self-penned pieces, in- Worcestershire cluding the recently com- comedian gets posed Magician Of Lublin. For more information, visit classical thsh.co.uk. Worcestershire-born come- dian and impressionist Alis- tair McGowan will be New Coventry showcasing another of his indoor karting talents when he appears at course on track... Embark on a creative adventure with the Birmingham University’s return of Worcestershire Open Studios Bramall Hall this month (4 An indoor karting track is on August). course to open in Coventry Worcestershire artists, craftspeople and Alistair will be playing a this month. arts organisations will be opening their number of tracks from his re- The £1million track on the studios, homes and shared spaces this Au- cently released piano album, Charter Avenue Industrial Es- gust bank holiday weekend, as part of the as well as some other short tate will feature a 580-metre fourth Worcestershire Open Studios event. classic piano pieces. In the multi-level circuit for up to 16 A diverse collection of original arts & process he’ll be paying karters at one time. It will crafts by over 170 of the county’s most tal- homage to composers includ- also offer meeting facilities ented creatives will be on display and ing Gershwin, Grieg, Mom- for corporate clients and a available to buy, from drawings, paint- pou, Mendelssohn, Satie and kids’ party room. ings, prints and photographs to ceramics, Schubert. For more information, go to jewellery, textiles and works in mixed Prospective audience mem- team-sport.co.uk/go-karting- media. bers are warned to expect ‘a coventry To find out more and plan your trip, visit lot of beautiful music with worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk the odd mistake’! 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:03 Page 4 Michael Boyd Tamburlaine RSC DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:37 Page 1

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

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

Christopher Marlowe’s Tamburlaine follows a shook up what used to be quite a stiff way of ended up getting him killed, probably by the man who starts out as a shepherd but man- talking on stage that was designed for courtly government.” ages to overthrow the Persian emperor and or academic audiences. Previously, dialogue Sir Michael believes there’s a common mis- ascend to the throne. He marches on to con- didn’t quite speak to the thoughts of the ev- conception that Elizabethan dramas such as quer other nations, and even continents, in eryday common people, or represent the ordi- those by Marlowe and Shakespeare are too his quest for an empire. nary voice on stage. Marlowe was also difficult to understand. incredibly daring with subject matter. He’s Tamburlaine was a bold, innovative piece of “This really complex, dense, fast-flowing talking about power and religion in Tam- Elizabethan drama when it was written. The rhythmic language is quite common, and I burlaine in a way that really would have RSC production’s director, Sir Michael Boyd, think very understood, among young people landed him in hot water. Shakespeare was explains why: “I think the reason it was such because of the music they’re listening to: J very clever in not getting involved in this, a turning point was the concept of freedom of Cole, Kendrick Lemar and others. Those rap- while all his contemporaries were being ar- speech. The language in the character’s pers talk in a very complex, dense way, with rested, having their books burned or being speech was much more vivid and human. He elusive, coded, symbolic, metrical speech. I tortured. It was this daring in Marlowe that 8 whatsonlive.co.uk Michael Boyd Tamburlaine RSC DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:38 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:50 Page 1 Food August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:50 Page 2

Food

tion of blackened salmon was cooked to perfection and worked wonderfully with the cumin and coriander of the potatoes, with the yoghurt cutting through the spices perfectly. After a break for a nose around the various rooms (even the uri- nals in the gents have a unique twist), we set about a third course. I played it safe - Mada- gascan vanilla crème brulee with shortbread; perfect in every re- gard - while my colleague opted for something that turned out to be far less predictable: the straw- berry cheesecake with white chocolate sorbet - a delightfully deconstructed version of the tra- ditional dish. All the constituent parts of a cheesecake were there, but not actually assembled - as if it had been dropped on the floor, scraped up and plopped on a plate (I’m doing the dish a very big disservice there, because it REVIEW: House Leamington looked great and tasted deli- Inauspicious exterior conceals an Aladdin’s Cave of treasures cious!). The difference between that Undoubtedly one of the coolest, mix opulent furnishings, quirky in point was my starter of braised plopped-on-a-plate image and quirkiest venues in Leamington décor and occasionally eccentric pigs cheek and lobster bisque; a the finished cheesecake in some Spa, House is also one of the artwork (there’s even a Chopper fabulous mix of rich pork that ways encapsulates the whole most difficult to pigeonhole - is it bike hanging on the wall!) to cre- melted not in the mouth but on House conundrum - the inauspi- a bar, a restaurant or a club? ate a fabulously unique venue. the fork, set in a smooth bisque cious exterior conceals an Al- As the self-proclaimed place to The main dining area is in the with a couple of relatively subtle addin’s Cave of treasures within, ‘nosh, quaff and cut shapes’, it centre of the pub, although you (at least in this company) pieces not least among which is a truly wants to be all three, even can eat almost anywhere, includ- of lobster meat. Fantastic. great dining experience, with declaring itself ‘Leamington ing the Secret Room, the Parlour, My colleague was similarly im- food that exceeded all our expec- Spa’s number one venue for the Orangery or the Loft Garden. pressed by his Asian salad with tations. drinking, dining and dancing’. The latter has proved especially crispy beef, the saltiness of the Which makes it a House that def- The claim shows no lack of confi- popular during the recent hot meat offset by the fresh, light initely requires internal viewing, dence but could also prove to be spell. dressing of the (equally crispy) as the estate agents would have its downfall: there are doubtless The variety of rooms is almost noodle-based salad. it. diners who would love the place matched by the menus, which My main dish of grilled sword- Steve Adams but are fearful of loud music (for range from tapas-style ‘finger fish, mango salsa and sweet the most part there isn’t any) or feasting’ (any eight dishes for potato fries was another winner, Food: nnnnn can’t tell from its main entrance £15) and lunch specials (includ- the fruity salsa brightening up Service: nnnnn on The Parade (little more than a ing an excellent two-for-one flat- the meaty fish in more ways than Ambience: nnnnn blackboard identifying cocktail breads deal) to a full-on a la one, and the lovely chunky fries Overall value nnnnn deals and resident DJs) how good carte selection, prices for which tasting more baked than fried, OVERALL nnnnn it is on the inside. are £4 to £10 for starters, £11 to such was the lack of any hint of And boy, is it good on the inside. £20 for mains, and £6.50 to £7 greasiness. House Leamington Launched in late 2016 after a for desserts. My colleague was even more 130 The Parade, , major refit and the merging of The selection isn’t massive - al- taken with his choice of Cajun the Lounge (Haunch of Venison) CV32 4AG ways a good sign - but contains a salmon, Bombay potato, baby Tel: 01926 887023 and Bedford pubs, the expansive number of innovative options spinach and mint yogurt - a fabu- premises contains a range of in- and flavour combinations from lous-looking plate of food that dividually designed rooms that Head Chef Andre Taylor. A case tasted even better. The hefty por-

whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Alfresco dining Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:04 Page 1

12 whatsonlive.co.uk Alfresco dining Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 15:04 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

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

Fleur De Lys The Royal Shakespeare Theatre The Folly Inn Affectionately known in our house as ‘the The RSC’s Rooftop Restaurant, located on the The Folly Inn is another fantastic example pie pub’, the Fleur De Lys is a long-time third floor of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, of a well-run canalside pub, located just favourite - perhaps as much for its terrific offers visitors the opportunity to dine outside outside the village of Napton On The Hill. location on the banks of the Stratford Canal on the balconies overlooking the River Avon The cosy, wood-beamed hostelry is a as for its ever-so-tasty pastries. and Bancroft Gardens. treasure trove of quirky vintage bric-a- Speaking of which, there are a dozen from With delicious seasonal food being served all brac, included amongst which is a range which to choose, with a couple of veggie day, the restaurant is a perfect place in which of moustache memorabilia and pictures. options taking their place alongside to enjoy a light lunch, a lazy afternoon tipple The traditional pub grub-style menu’s not established favourites such as Deerstalker or a pre-show dinner. extensive, but quality definitely beats (which contains venison and bacon) and With vegan, gluten-free and children’s menus quantity here, with many ingredients Matador (steak, chorizo and olives). All are also available, not to mention a range of sourced locally (alongside many of the served with chips, veg and a jug of gravy. delicious cocktails, there really is something beers and ciders) and a regularly There’s plenty more pub grub on the menu for everyone. changing specials board that should too, and the service is always friendly. Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, definitely be your first port of call... after What’s more, you can enjoy it all in a beer Warwickshire, CV37 6BB you’ve bagged yourself a table in the large garden that extends to an acre and garden, of course. includes a children’s play area. Folly Lane, Napton On The Hill, Street, Lowsonford, Henley- Warwickshire, CV47 8NZ in-Arden, Warwickshire, B95 5HJ

Friar Street Kitchen The Encore The Old Rectifying House Claiming to have the best steak in Worcester, The Encore’s expansive outdoor space is the Established in 1897, The Old Rectifying Friar Street Kitchen is a British restaurant perfect place in which to enjoy an alfresco House’s name comes from the fact that the which serves seasonal dishes made with meal. Whether it’s a celebration with friends, rear of the building was part of the Williams locally sourced produce. Although this a family meal or a romantic evening for two, distillery. Now a stylish venue with a modern stunning eatery, which opened 16 months this beautifully furbished eatery offers menu, easygoing bar and terrace garden, the ago, mainly focuses on local steaks and everything you need to dine, drink and eatery boasts lunch, dinner, children’s, meat, it nonetheless offers vegetarian and celebrate in style. Sunday and vegan menus, and is open from vegan options, too. Light lunches, traditional three-course meals Tuesday to Sunday. The evening menu features an array of and classic Sunday roasts are all available, Highlights of the extensive menu include starters, such as Matthew’s Cornish crab with a ‘bottomless bubbles and tasty treats’ Moules Marinier, roast woodpigeon breast, cakes with tomato salsa, a burger menu and offer on Fridays and Saturdays. paneer butter masala, grilled hanger steak, an extensive steak menu including rump, t- 1 Bridge St, Stratford-upon-Avon, Caribbean tofu and vegan toad-in-the-hole. bone, ribeye, fillet and more. CV37 6AB North Parade, Worcester, WR1 3NN 12 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:44 Page 1 GIGS August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:44 Page 2

Gigs

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Fri 3 August; Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Fri 24 August; Moseley Folk Festival, Sun 2 September Having formed Cockney Rebel in 1972, leg- endary rock icon Steve Harley has a back-cat- alogue that includes Judy Teen, Mr Raffles, Here Comes The Sun, Mr Soft and Sebastian. He’s best known for worldwide hit and UK number one Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me) - which, to the best of Steve’s knowl- edge, has been covered at least 130 times. Read our online interview with him at whatsonlive.co.uk.

Kuunatic primitive and unconventional psychedelic music. The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Wed 29 August Their first EP, Kuuranda, integrates tradi- tional Japanese music with Latin music, Formed in Tokyo in 2016 by three women progressive rock, psychedelic rock, dub and from completely different musical and cul- horror film soundtracks. tural backgrounds, Kuunatic play ritual,

The Wild Tonics Justin Timberlake Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 17 August Arena Birmingham, Mon 27 August ”Our sound is big, sexy and unpredictable,” Justin Timberlake has sold more than 32 mil- say Wild Tonics Harriet, Katie and Annabel. lion albums and 56 million singles, making Iron Maiden “We take current and classic hits back in him one of the world's best-selling artists. Genting Arena, Birmingham, Tues 7 August time to the big brassy sound of the 1920s - Following his last tour - the critically ac- think Beyoncé, Bette Midler and The Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy claimed 20/20 Experience, which sold out Boswell Sisters all meet The Great Gatsby for metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success arenas and stadiums around the world in the first time and, wow!, they get along like during the early 1980s. 2013 and ’14 - the global superstar here a house on fire!” Thirty-eight albums later - that’s 16 studio al- makes a welcome return to Birmingham Hailing from Doncaster, where they became bums, 11 live albums, four EPs and seven with The Man Of The Woods tour. firm friends some 13 years ago, the Tonics compilations - the band continue to impress have been peddling their Roaring ’20s wares both as recording artists and live performers, since 2014, along the way playing “some selling out venues wherever they play. rather dashing haunts”, including Windsor Following their massively successful Book Of Castle and the Tower of London. Souls tour, the boys take to the road again with their Legacy Of The Beast show, present- ing a set list covering a large selection of ’80s material but also including a handful of ‘sur- Brian Wilson prises’ from later albums. Digbeth Arena, Birmingham, Fri 24 August One of the greatest names in late-20th cen- tury music, Brian Wilson is best known as vocalist, producer and co-founder of the leg- endary Beach Boys. An inspirational songwriter, the man who’s been dubbed the Mozart of Rock is appear- ing in Birmingham this month to perform the group’s 1966 release, Pet Sounds. The seminal album is listed by Acclaimed Music as statistically the most revered of all time.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Ronan Keating-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:40 Page 1

I took it very seriously in those early“ years. It was very intense“ and full-on, and I didn’t really get a chance to enjoy it as much...

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Ronan Keating-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:40 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 1

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

Festivals

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Shrewsbury Folk Festival Doc..qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2018 09:36 Page 1

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

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

Starting life as a small get-together in and 26 from across the West Midlands and The responsibility for programming and Bridgnorth in 1997, Shrewsbury Folk Festival Mid Wales to submit samples of their work to booking for the festival falls squarely on now ranks as one of the country’s top three the festival team. If the ‘judging panel’ like Sandra’s shoulders - so how tricky is it to folk events, alongside Cambridge and what they hear, the artist in question is then develop a mouthwatering line-up of talent? Cropredy in Oxfordshire. given the opportunity to perform on The “It’s not difficult, you just have to balance it Launchpad stage during the festival That original event in the small Shropshire up. Even if an act that I’m looking at isn’t a weekend. town sold 700 tickets. Twenty-one years later particular favourite of mine, as long as - and now taking place at Shrewsbury’s West “Alan was always so passionate about young they’re good and I think the audience are Mid Showground - the festival attracts in musicians, and hundreds and hundreds of going to enjoy them, I’ll consider booking excess of 7,000 visitors, many of whom return letters requesting to perform at the festival them. I like a nice variety, so it’s all about time and again to enjoy the event’s happy would land every year. In fact, this year the getting the balance right.” atmosphere. number has risen to in excess of 1,000. Has it ever gone wrong? “Yes, but we won’t That ‘happy atmosphere’ is one of the “This year The Launchpad will move to a elaborate on that! There are always festival’s many assets, and something of slightly quieter area, so that we can look after disappointments when you can’t get the which co-founder Sandra Surtees is the artists a little bit better and give them a artists you want. You then have to try and particularly proud: “It’s such an achievement better crack at it, so to speak.” find someone else who fits the bill. You can’t to see that you’ve brought all of these people always get it straight away - it takes a bit of Last year saw the launch of the Alan Surtees together,” she says. “Most of them don’t work.” Trust, which recently awarded £3,000 to know each other, friendships form, there’s young and emerging musicians, dancers and So who’s on Sandra’s hotlist from this year’s music everywhere, and people are just so singers. Spearheaded by musician Hannah line-up? happy. That has to be the best thing.” James, the trust has been raising funds from “I’m really looking forward to seeing Steve When Sandra’s husband and fellow festival the sale of an album entitled Resound. Harley And Cockney Rebel, Peter Knight’s founder, Alan, passed away following a brave Comprising tracks known to be favourites of Gigspanner Big Band and Budiño, a battle with cancer in 2017, there were fears Alan’s, it was recorded by artists who have a Galithian piper who’s coming over from among avid Shrewsbury Folk attendees that close association with the festival. Spain. I’ve not seen him perform before, so the event might be in jeopardy. They needn’t Early days, but how would Sandra like to see I’m looking forward to seeing him close the have worried - this well-rooted festival the trust grow in the future? Bellstone stage on the Monday afternoon.” intends to be around for a long time to come. “I always knew I was going to carry on,” says “I would rather like it to continue as it is, but Other highlights for 2018 include Richard Sandra, “and I promised Alan that I would.” it depends on what funds we can raise. As Thompson Electric Trio, Shooglenifty with long as we keep on working within local Dhun Dhora, Blowzabella, Show Of Hands, The work of the festival extends beyond the schools, promoting local folk dance and Jon Boden And The Remnant Kings, Gretchen Showground site, with outreach projects song, I think it’s just a brilliant thing to do. Peters and Megson, to name but a few... adding to the event’s unique feel. I’d like to do more of the same. Of course, we Last year’s big hitters, The Fitzgeralds, will Putting something back into the community can only continue to do so if we’re lucky also be making a welcome return, delighting has always been important to Sandra, as has enough to get the supporting grants.” audiences with their virtuosic fiddling and been the business of reaching out to new and Aside from its eclectic musical offering, step dancing. younger audiences and performers. So as Shrewsbury Folk also provides a plethora of well as featuring a diverse line-up of See you there! activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. It established names performing across the even has its own children and youth festivals. site’s numerous stages, the festival also While Pandemonium promises a weekend of champions young up-and-coming artists, music, dance, drama and craft-centred fun providing a platform on which they can Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place at for ‘wee folkies’ up to the age of 10, Refolkus become better recognised. Greenhous West Mid Showground from encourages young people aged between 11 Friday 24 to Monday 27 August. And that’s where The Launchpad comes in... and 20 to ‘make music and unleash their For more details and to purchase tickets, Evolving organically from the buskers who inner artist’ via a series of traditional music visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk used to perform around the festival site, The and dance workshops. Launchpad invites artists aged between 16 Orbital-2.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:27 Page 1

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

Festival brand Shiiine On is launching a new tem,” says the younger of the two brothers, by Greenpeace's mobile solar power genera- one-day event at Birmingham’s Genting Paul. “But I know that’s kind of infantile a lot tor. Arena next month. Shiiine On Birmingham’s of the time, especially artistically, so you’re “There’s a track on Monsters Exist called The impressive line-up includes more than 20 better off doing what the rave culture did orig- Raid which discusses, through the medium of iconic bands as well as a Hacienda afterparty. inally and live by example. We don’t agree voiceover, things like over-population and with the government, we don’t agree with The all-day event is headlined by dance pio- people’s frustration with the world,” says what’s going on, we’re not going to fight you, neers Orbital. The festival coincides with the Paul. “We also have a nice grand finale, with we’re just going to go and do our own thing release of the duo’s ninth album, Monsters Brian Cox delivering a gothic, doom-laden but over here, so bye! That terrified the govern- Exist, which is out the following week. hopeful speech that he wrote especially for ment. The inspiration behind this album is the album. Every time I watch a Brian Cox “Where can I start? It’s a wonderful little just that. Okay, let’s make a nice album that documentary, I think, ‘Oh my god, there are album,” explains Phil Hartnoll, one half of you can listen to and enjoy, and let’s just all so many samples in this!’. But because there’s Orbital. “We’ve been away from each other for go off and enjoy our own thing and leave so much music in the background, I've never five years, and this album has been quite re- these monsters to exist on their own.” been able to sample the bits that I want, so I freshing - it’s a bit like when we first started. Orbital are certainly no strangers to incorpo- thought I'd just ask him whether he wanted to With some of the tracks, you can tell we’ve rating political and environmental commen- do something. Being as he’s an old raver any- got something on our mind. If you know Or- tary into their music, be it sampling John way and he used to be in rock bands, he was bital, you’ll know what I mean.” Major’s attack on travellers at their 1995 Glas- straight in with it. He was brilliant! “The state of the nation and the world at the tonbury show, protesting against the poll tax “Our next single, Please Help UK, is just a minute makes me feel like putting together an bill or recording their track, The Girl With The dance track. There’s no sort of chant or any- anarcho-punk album and shouting at the sys- Sun In Her Head, in a studio powered only thing like that, but we’re having fun with the Orbital-2.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:27 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

imagery. It’s a bit rave-generation. There are There were no dance fields or anything like was missing - enjoying doing it together. We some voiceovers and samples in there which that. It was great for the cause because were bogged down with our relationship, are pretty direct. It’s a warning - mind your Michael Eavis and everyone were like, ‘Oh bogged down with the job. I'm not moaning back, mind your back, they look like us!” Jesus, that went down well - two guys twid- or anything, but now all our children are dling knobs! That was alright, wasn’t it!’ growing up, there are fewer responsibilities, Orbital will perform a full festival show, com- It was great. We opened their eyes to elec- and I’ve got my brother back. Everything’s a plete with upgraded production, when they tronic music. win-win situation for me. appear at Shiiine On Birmingham next month. “Playing alongside Stephen Hawking at the “We didn’t talk for five years, but I think it’s Paralympics - what a dude! It was some great been a good thing” says Paul. “I went back to “We don’t tend to self-indulge and just play a idea of somebody, somewhere. He was doing my roots, I went back to playing very small whole new album at people,” says Paul. “If I a speech there, so he sent us his speech and clubs and things like that, with no produc- went to see Status Quo, I'd be really pissed off we decoded it. We were performing it, and he tion, no front-of-house person, me setting up if they didn’t play Caroline or Rocking All was just so great. He wore the torch glasses, my own gear. That was really good and gave Over The World. You’ve got to play the party but to wear them he had to take his own me more confidence going forward. It re- favourites. I’ve seen bands play old tracks glasses off and was as blind as a bat without minded me of when we started off in the early and they look really grumpy. For me, every them. But he was so up for it - he was such a ’90s, doing raves and clubs. It really did prove time I play one of those tracks, I think, ‘With- star. I sent him a little edit of it, the actual to me that it’s really about the music. I feel out you, I wouldn’t be here’. Don’t bite the performance. We had to cut it with a punk like I'm in a different place now. It’s nice to hand that feeds you. We’ve got about three band and stuff like that, so I edited the track stop and start again; it feels different. I think new tracks in the set at the moment, so we’ll and he wrote back asking when we were next time we need to do something like that, probably play those, but we’ll keep them going to release it. He was fucking great!” we’ll just have a year off, rather than fall away from each other and make sure people apart” get a proper ride of what they want. Despite all these career-defining achieve- ments, in October 2014 the duo announced on Next year is Orbital’s 30th anniversary. “With regard to the production, we’ve come a their official website that they were ‘hanging “We’ll probably need to sum up our career long way from hanging a white sheet and up their iconic torch glasses and parting ways somehow,” says Paul. “I started writing a using a slide projector behind us. We’ve got a for the final time’. book when I wasn't talking to my brother. I whole stage of video wall, but in different wasn’t having a go at him - it was more the shapes and sizes, with us sat in the middle of Commenting on the split, Paul says: “It’s other way round actually - and I think that it all. We're constantly up doing the video funny, that self-employed lifestyle with your was part of the process that got me back talk- content, which is obviously more important brother does have its pressures. I was really ing to him. I wrote 120 pages of my life, up to than just the screens. We’ve worked on it cross and angry with Phil, but at the same the age of 22, when I used to idolise him as a since December, and by the time we hit Shii- time, even if he annoys me now, it’s not the kid, and I kind of thought, ‘Ah, where did it ine On, it’ll be spot on.” same. When you’re not talking to a family all go wrong?’ So yes, we’re working on a member, even if you’re really angry, you Shiiine’s line-up features Shed Seven, Happy book. Phil doesn’t want to write it, but he’ll spend half your time arguing with them in Mondays, Embrace, Cast, Julian Cope and do a series of interviews. He’ll do his half and your head and half the time with a black hole many more - so who is Phil most looking for- I'll do mine, and we won’t read or know what in your stomach because something’s wrong - ward to seeing? “A Certain Ratio, definitely! I each other has written. Someone will put it there’s something unconcluded and nasty in used to follow them around. Shack Up is one together almost as a ‘witness and prosecu- your life. I don’t know how people live with it. of my all-time favourite tracks, so I'll defi- tion’ kind of thing. We’re possibly going to get I had a brief chat with Noel Gallagher about it nitely be seeing them. Dreadzone, too - a documentary off the ground to celebrate during that period, and it was interesting talk- they’re old stable mates. There are a lot of that, and I’ve got another album that I want ing to him. The look on his face said it all. I bands like that. It’s going to be really fun for to do, to go along with the book - a biographi- knew that feeling. There was anger there, but us; like a work’s party type of thing.” cal album which is mostly based on sampling life’s too short to live with that.” sound and travelling around.” Created in 1989 and well known for wearing Although a negative at the time, the pair trademark torches on their heads during their Phil adds: “We’ve got a mini Christmas tour in agree that the split has had a positive impact performances, Orbital played a huge part in December, too. We’re just really enjoying it, on both their relationship and Orbital. the early rave scene. They’ve since enjoyed and that was what was missing before. You multiple Glastonbury headline performances “I thought he meant it when he said he wasn’t get into such a state and a pickle with rela- and opened the 2012 Paralympics alongside talking to me again,” says Phil. “That’s shit, tionships, and everything is all a big black the late Stephen Hawking. isn’t it? What have I done? What did I do? Can cloud. Enjoying it was what was lost, but now you just remind me? When we’re playing and it’s found.” “Our 1994 Glastonbury headline gig was a we look at each other, it’s not a scowl any- total blag,” explains Phil. “Glastonbury at the more, it’s a laugh and a joke -it’s brilliant. I time was very rock and roll, and everybody Orbital headline Shiiine On Birmingham couldn’t do it any other way. Rock and roll, was just gagging for that electronic sound. at the city’s Genting Arena on Saturday let’s get on with it and enjoy it! That’s what 8 September Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 3 Festivals August-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:32 Page 4

Festivals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Festivals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:06 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

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Fri 23 Nov Mon 17 Dec Wed 19 Dec - Thu 13 Dec - Sun 6 Jan - Sun 27 Jan Birmingham Royal Ballet From £20 £12.50 From £16 The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - REP 8-9.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:27 Page 1

COMEDY YOU CAN BANK ON The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - REP 8-9.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2018 09:27 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

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

It’s 1958 and Minneapolis is abuzz with news explains... “We’ve made shows that we believe in, and that City Bank has been charged with the worked really hard to put them out there. I “The comedy is very physical, and I think protection of a priceless diamond. With an think because a lot of us trained together at that’s why it translates so well overseas. escaped convict, his girlfriend and sidekick, drama school - so we’d already been doing There have been various productions abroad. a maintenance man and even bank security shows together for a long time - we had this One is currently on in Paris, which is all eyeing up the gem, what could possibly go shared chemistry that really helped us.” obviously quite different, but a lot of the wrong?... physical side of the comedy is the same. It’s Mischief Theatre’s ensemble format sees its Henry Lewis, writer of The Comedy About A more universal than the verbal comedy, members collaborating over many years to Bank Robbery and co-founder of Mischief which is more often than not aimed at a create a unique body of work. Theatre, shared a few words about the ‘side- particular audience, or makes presumptions “I would fully endorse the format we have at splitting show’. about what the audience already knows. I Mischief, particularly for youngsters leaving think everyone just gets it and can laugh “We’ve taken inspiration from old Marx drama school because the industry is so hard along.” Brothers comedy, so in that way it’s that to get work in. I would absolutely ‘screwball caper’ style of show. It has little As artistic director at Mischief Theatre, Henry recommend that people form their own references chucked in here and there, but faces plenty of challenges, but as far as he’s theatre companies with those connections obviously it’s completely original. I suppose concerned, the rewards make all the hard they make along the way, and write, produce, it’s a farce at its core, but there’s a lot of work worthwhile. direct and perform their own productions. I physical comedy in there, combined with the think it’s the greatest thing that people can “I think creating works that are genuinely verbal one-liners and the like. be doing, whether that’s in-between jobs or funny is one of the hardest things to do; it’s as more of a full-time life choice, as it has “Bank Robbery is very different to our ‘Goes tricky, and the shows take an enormous been for us. Ensemble is very important and, Wrong’ shows because it’s got a narrative to amount of development. It’s my job to ensure I think, much more interesting. It’s given us it. There are also a lot of impressive visuals that that’s always happening, but also to far greater creative scope - we really have and stunts as the robbery takes place, and make certain that we’re always trying control over what we want to do. It’s such a there’s a really fun scene involving something new, coming up with new ideas treat to be able to write and produce your perspective. I don’t want to give too much and collaborating with different people. We own stuff and see it through to the end. The away for audiences, but it’s quite film-like in have so many shows on at the moment - two creative freedom is definitely the most its visuals.” shows currently running in the West End and fulfilling aspect. I really can’t recommend it three on tour - and we’re obviously always So why does Henry think the show has enough.” trying to develop new stuff. There’s such a lot played so well with British audiences? on, so it can be stressful, but the rewards are And there are more exciting projects to come “Crime stories are quite popular, so I think just amazing. To see different people all over from Mischief in the near future... Bank Robbery has fairly universal appeal the world laughing at what we produce is “We’re currently writing for a TV show and a because it does follow that plot - even if it’s a incredible. With all the different things going stage project, but I can’t tell you much more sillier version, rather than in a thriller style. on in our country and the world at the than that because it’s still very much a secret. We’ve tried to make it a very mainstream moment, it’s great that people come to our But there will be news of those soon, I’m show, to give it that widespread appeal but shows, forget their troubles and just sit and sure.” with its own very unique style and quirks. It laugh. To be able to give people that escape doesn’t require a huge amount of thought to at the theatre is a huge privilege.” watch - it’s just good fun and a good Henry attributes the success of Mischief The Comedy About A Bank Robbery adventure for any audience to enjoy.” Theatre to three simple things: faith in their shows at Birmingham Repertory Theatre Bank Robbery has also been a success in its work, a real drive to achieve and the spark from Thursday 23 August to Saturday 8 licensed productions abroad, as Henry between himself and his colleagues. September. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:07 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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Theatre theatre for younger audiences...

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

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

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

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BLOCK PARTY

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by Ellie Hutchings

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

Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

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

Film highlights released in August...

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

Film highlights released in August...

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

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

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Film

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

Visual Arts previews from around the region

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

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Visual Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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Events Events previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

By Lauren Cole

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS...

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

SPECIAL EVENT... SPECIAL EVENT...

MAN UP MUSEUM OF THE MOON Tues 21 - Fri 24 Aug Tues 21 - Wed 29 Aug In this evening performance by Restoke, 20 This touring installation by artist Luke men take to the floor for a gritty and James focuses on the gleaming moon and humorous spoken-word & dance piece, comes complete with detailed NASA sharing real-life stories about masculinity imagery and surround-sound composition and mental health. from BAFTA winner Dan Jones. The The groundbreaking MAN UP was created installation is accompanied by its own by, and stars, men from Stoke-on-Trent. The Big Feast Festival takes place in individual programme, The Big Feast Expect a ‘spellbinding’ show by local talent various locations around Stoke-on-Trent Under The Moon, presenting moon- about local people. Tickets are £12.50 (£10 city centre on Friday 24 & Saturday 25 inspired events throughout August. concessions) and can be purchased from August. Although the activities are free, some are restoke.org.uk/man-up. For more information or to book ticketed, so visit appetitestoke.co.uk for Suitable for ages 16-plus only. ticketed events, visit more information. appetitestoke.co.uk. Events August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 13:47 Page 3

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Events Events previews from around the region

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

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

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

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Events Events previews from around the region

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

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

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Places to visit ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUGUST!

Thinktank, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge Drayton Manor Theme Park

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

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

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

CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families torian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional Central Forest Park is a green space providing fa- with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed cilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6AZ museum, with activities that run throughout the rooms. West Bromwich, B71 4BG CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that CASTLE A vast complex of ruined fortifi- with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and passes through beautiful countryside known as cations and palatial apartments spanning over five Arts & Crafts pictures and furnishings. Wolver- Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 centuries, CV8 1NG hampton, WV6 8EE 2HA RAGLEY HALL Family entertainment, with an adven- WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off ture playground, 3D maze, boating and a wood- 300 years of art, including regular world class tour- venue for thrill-seekers, featuring, as it does, all land walk. Alcester, B49 5NJ ing exhibitions. Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU manner of white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range of rides that are somewhat less challenging. And SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- with a zoo on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, Worcestershire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary 3TW Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of his- HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn toric buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features about the house's history through a guided tour of from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt, tim- include three play areas: toddler, sensory and ad- the West Wing, CV8 2LF ber by timber or brick by brick, on a beautiful open- venture (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity to air site in the north of Worcestershire. Bromsgrove, B60 4JR PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular to come face to face with exotic and endangered butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry Hol- animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 CV37 7LS land, the hall is one of a small number of his build- 7QR WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of ings to survive intact. As well as being able to explore the family rooms and servant quarters, THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits in- history at Warwick Castle. Aside from visiting the castle itself and looking at the battlements, towers, guests can take part in activities or relax by the clude the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- lake. Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, turrets and interiors, there are also jousting shows, decorative arts and natural history, along with items the Horrible History show and Time Tower to keep BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, from the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW you entertained. CV34 4QU the romantic Manor House dates back to the late 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the house and over a moat. Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB most interesting ceramic collections in the world. The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his Wolverhampton CROFT CASTLE Located deep in the heart of the family, and the company he founded over two cen- Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by 1,500 turies ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER & Black Country acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, this BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian castle has many intriguing stories to uncover. glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of park- Yarpole. Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW Warwickshire land, with activities for all ages. Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret A secluded estate set in the wartime air base and discover how thousands of heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of people lived and worked there during the 1940s. walks through the gardens and activities for chil- changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- Worcester, WR8 9DW dren such as pond dipping and garden trails. War- porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, woodwork and more. Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK Set within the dramatic wick, B93 0DQ beauty of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the tra- beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. Ledbury, world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and ditional skills and enterprise of the people that HR8 1RL veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ once lived in the heart of industrial Britain. Dudley, DY1 4SQ HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified house comes complete with deer park and is a DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Guided boat trips manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ property of the National Trust. Warwick, CV35 9ER through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, life- like reconstructions and stunning music and light SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows. Dudley, DY1 4SB railway line which runs regular steam-hauled pas- land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has senger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, be- one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. Bur- DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to tween Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of ford, OX18 4JP more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. 16 miles. Bewdley, DY12 1BG At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th cen- COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM Activities to interest and tury castle. Dudley, DY1 4QF THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from delight youngsters, and a studio in which visitors short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous can try their hand at composing and music-mak- HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in options. WR14 3EY ing. CV2 4ED 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- land. Dudley, DY3 4DF WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley Court COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum was one of England’s great country houses, host- houses the largest publicly owned collection of RED HOUSE GLASS CONE A heritage site with 225 ing many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a spectac- British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a years of glass, industrial and social history within ular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD its walls. Stourbridge, DY8 4AZ Great Witley, WR6 6JT SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Vic- whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:28 Page 1 The List Cover August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 10:42 Page 2

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

Jonas Blue plays Coventry’s Godiva Festival - 31Fri Aug - Sun 2 Sept

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

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

Travel back in time and re-live Birthday celebrations at New Electric Six play The Britney Spears at the Battle of Evesham Place, Stratford-upon-Avon Assembly, Leamington Spa Genting Arena, Birmingham Sat 4 - Sun 5 August Sun 19 August Sun 26 August Fri 31 August

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thelist THROUGHOUT AUGUST Gigs

THE GREAT WAR Exhibition marking the HANNAH JOHNSON AND Visual Arts centenary of the end of the First THE BROKEN HEARTS World War, and telling the story of Wed 1 Aug, The Jam Leamington Spa and its people dur- House, Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove ing the conflict, until Sun 11 Nov GEORGE PANNELL Wed LACRIMARUM: CONTROL, UNCONTROL- 1 Aug, The Sunflower LABLE Lacrimarum finds ways of ex- Rugby Art Gallery & Museum Lounge, Birmingham ploring the ineffable through the RURAL RUGBY Display featuring a artistic mediums of digital print, paint, MAD CADDIES Wed 1 small number of objects from the mu- textiles and sculpture, until Sun 12 Aug, O2 Institute, seum’s social history collection, re- Aug Birmingham flecting rural life in the borough, until Sat 1 Sept PEARL JAMM Thurs 2 Birmingham Museum & Aug, The Robin, Bil- Art Gallery JOURNEYS TO HOME Contemporary ston print exhibition, until Sat 1 Sept THE EVERYDAY AND EXTRAORDINARY SAM OUTLAW BAND Exhibition exploring the potential of The Herbert Art Gallery & Mu- Thurs 2 Aug, Birming- objects to be transformed and seen seum ham Town Hall in new and insightful ways. Showcas- MONO CLUB Thurs 2 PLAY: AN EXPLORATION OF TOYS, GAMES ing over 70 modern and contempo- Aug, The Tin Music & FUN Delve into the world of play in rary artworks, until Sun 9 Sept And Arts, Canal Basin, this interactive exhibition for all the INSPIRE 2018 Now in its third year, In- Coventry family, until Sun 23 Sept spire is a youth art competition for THE MAJOR TOMS Fri 3 five-to-19-year-olds, this year taking Coat Of Many - O2 Institute, Birmingham The Hive, Worcester Aug, The Night Owl, its inspiration from the theme of Birmingham colour, until Sat 15 Sept THROUGH THE MISTS OF TIME Immer- STEVE HARLEY & COCK- COAT OF MANY Sat 4 SUPREME QUEEN Fri 3 NEY REBEL Fri 3 Aug, Aug, O2 Institute, COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS sive experience inspired by the evolu- Aug, The River Rooms, The Assembly, Leam- Birmingham BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- tion of humans towards the end of Stourbridge ington Spa tions that reflect the experiences of the last Ice Age, until Sat 8 Sept, The EDINA LIVE + SPECIAL THEIA, ALMOST EASY & diverse Birmingham people - from Hive, Worcester EVERYTHING ASIDE, GUESTS Sat 4 Aug, The BLACK TREE VULTURES working lives to community activists LOST LANDSCAPES Exhibition detailing CANDID, MARA FALLS, Actress & Bishop, Fri 3 Aug, Route 44, and protest movements, until Sun 27 all aspects of what it meant to be FREE GALAXY Fri 3 Aug, Birmingham Birmingham Oct human in the Ice Age, until Tues 18 The Tin Music And VIVA LA COLDPLAY Sat 4 THE SUNSET BEACH HUT Arts, Canal Basin, WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND Sept, The Hive, Worcester Aug, The Civic, Stour- Fri 3 Aug, The Actress Coventry THE SELF Exhibition examining how port-on-Severn & Bishop, Birmingham social, historical and cultural factors Worcester City Museum & Art SENSATIONAL 70S VS FLIGHT 15 / FLYNT / affect body image, and how this is ex- Gallery NYO TEEN HANG OUT Fri INTO THE 80S Sat 4 WITH ROGUES & Aug, The River Rooms, pressed through objects and art- ICE AGE Celebrating half a million 3 Aug, Symphony Hall, THIEVES Sat 4 Aug, Stourbridge works, until Fri 1 Feb 2019 years of Worcestershire's history, until Birmingham Scruffy Murphys, Birm- FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Sat 8 Sept JOHN PRINE Fri 3 Aug, THE DESERT YETIS, AU- ingham TOPILOT, THE ELLIPSIS, different faiths have influenced and THE WAR TO END ALL WARS Exhibition Birmingham Town Hall THE MUFFIN MEN Sun 5 MARA FALLS Sat 4 Aug, shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 exploring how our future was BLACK COUNTRY BEAT- Aug, The Robin, Bil- The Sunflower changed forever by the First World LES Fri 3 Aug, The ston Lounge, Birmingham Compton Verney Gallery, War, until Sat 10 Nov Robin, Bilston HOBO JOHNSON & THE THE DEEP PURPLE FAM- Warwick MEHMET ASLAN Fri 3 LOVEMAKERS Sun 5 ILY TREE Sat 4 Aug, THE MARVELLOUS MECHANICAL MU- Other VISUAL ARTS Aug, Hare & Hounds, Aug, O2 Academy, The Robin, Bilston SEUM Exhibition including early and MAD KING/FAT KNIGHT Exhibition of Birmingham Birmingham THE CURV3 Sat 4 Aug, rare automata and clockwork dating works of art created by RSC Hon- ELECTRIC SWING CIRCUS The Night Owl, B’ham back to the 17th century, from collec- orary Associate Artist Antony Sher, Fri 3 Aug, MAC, B’ham tions such as The British Museum, until Sun 23 Sept, Royal Shake- V&A and Royal Collection, until Sun speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon 30 Sept TRUTH HATH A QUIET BREAST Exhibition RODNEY PEPPÉ’S WORLD OF INVENTION by Eve Parnell of exquisite pencil-on- Exhibition offering a fascinating in- tissue-paper drawings inspired by the sight into Rodney Peppé’s creative surroundings of Hall’s Croft, until Sun career as a toy, automaton and 4 Nov, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon- model maker, children’s author and il- Avon lustrator, and graphic designer and NEVILLE STAPLE - THE ORIGINAL RUDE artist, until Sun 30 Sept BOY The exhibition hopes to show many aspects of a man who has Forge Mill Needle Museum, done so much for Coventry music, Redditch but also so much for other artists, BRICK BUILT Celebration of ‘the until Sun 2 Dec, Coventry Music Mu- world’s favourite toy’, with models seum ranging from small animals to huge NEW LS LOWRY EXHIBITION A rare se- skyscrapers, until Sun 2 Sept lection of paintings, drawings and master graphics by the legendary LS Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Lowry, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Aug, Whitewall Museum Galleries, Stratford-Upon-Avon Electric Swing Circus - MAC, Birmingham ARE YOU IN THIS? 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Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 August

thought you knew the story of Hans one of Hans Christian Andersen’s SHERLOCK GNOMES (U) Animation/Ad- Classical Music Christian Andersen's famous fairytale, best-loved stories, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 venture. With the voices of Kelly As- The Princess And The Pea, you might Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre bury, Mary J. Blige. Artrix, NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT be in for a big surprise! Mon 30 July - DOCTOR DOLITTLE Katch 22 Produc- Bromsgrove, Thurs 2 Aug BRITAIN Featuring Sir George Ben- Sat 4 Aug, Lichfield Garrick tions present an interactive family THE VANISHING (15) Mystery/Thriller. jamin (conductor) & Tamara Ste- ST*PID F*CKING K*DS Two young peo- show based on the much-loved tale, Starring Bernard-Pierre Donnadieu, fanovich (piano). Programme ple from the award-nominated People Fri 3 Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull Gene Bervoets. Foreign language, comprises Mussorgsky’s Night of the You May Know ask what irritates soci- subtitled. Electric Cinema, Birming- Bare Mountain; George Benjamin’s THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Heartbreak ety so much about adolescents, Wed ham, Fri 3 Aug Dance Figures, Ravel’s Piano Con- Productions’ outdoor staging of Edith 1 Aug, The REP, Birmingham certo in D major (Left Hand), Ligeti’s - Nesbit's classic children’s tale, Fri 3 A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN (18) Biogra- Lontano & Debussy’s La Mer, Fri 3 HOW DOES THIS POLITICS THING WORK Aug, Ryton Pools, , phy/Crime. Starring Joe Cole, Vithaya Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THEN? Tatton Spiller & Tiernan Douieb Coventry Pansringarm. Electric Cinema, Birm- try to make sense of the world of poli- ingham, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Aug RUSSELL WATSON Sat 4 Aug, Place In tics in a new show for children, Wed The Park Big Top, Telford Town Park, LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) Drama. Starring 1 Aug, Artrix, Bromsgrove Shropshire Ben Foster, Jeff Kober. MAC, Birming- THAT’LL BE THE DAY Rock & roll variety ham, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Aug show featuring hits from the ’50s, THE BUTTERFLY TREE (15) ’60s & ’70s, Thurs 2 Aug, Malvern Comedy/Drama. Starring Melissa Theatres George, Ewen Leslie. MAC, Birming- Comedy THE PLACE FOR ME Young REP Light- ham, Fri 3 - Tues 7 Aug post explore the impact of the Win- INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- ANTHONY J BROWN, COMEDY CAROUSEL drush - the ship that carried the first ture. With the voices of Craig T. Nel- WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Caribbean migrants to the UK in 1948 son, Holly Hunter. MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 2 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham - the start of modern British multicul- Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Aug RICHARD MORTON, DANNY POSTHILL, turalism, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, B’ham LIFE OF BRIAN (15) Comedy. Starring TONY COWARDS & COMIC TBC Thurs 2 ANTIGONE Young REP Seniors pre- Graham Chapman, John Cleese. Aug, The George Hotel, Lichfield sents its version of Sophocles’ The- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 4 SOL BERNSTEIN, AURIE STYLA, CERYS ban play, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, Aug NELMES & ANTHONY J BROWN Fri 3 - Birmingham UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. Sat 4 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Film THE ACT OF OBLIVION: PART 1 Two Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, KANE BROWN, ARIELLE SOUMA & plays, two different stories, starting INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- LOVDEV BARPAGA Sat 4 Aug, MAC, out at the same time on stage and MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (12a) guage, subtitled. Electric Cinema, Birmingham ‘fighting to be the story that we hear Birmingham, Sat 4 Aug and see’, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, B’ham Comedy/Musical. Starring Meryl GEOFF BOYZ, MERYL O'ROURKE, EM- Streep, Lily James. MAC, Birming- PANDORA'S BOX (PG) Crime/Drama. MANUEL SONUBI & BARRY DODDS Sat 4 ZOETROPE Rebecca Manley’s explo- ham, until Thurs 2 Aug; Artrix, Broms- Starring Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner. Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ration of the mental health of our grove, Fri 3 - Sat 11 Aug Silent film. Electric Cinema, Birming- young people and the resources af- SICARIO 2: SOLDADO (15) ham, Sun 5 Aug; MAC, Birmingham, forded to them, Fri 3 Aug, The REP, Sun 5 Aug Birmingham Crime/Drama. Starring Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin. Mockingbird Cin- MOMMIE DEAREST (12a) EMMA Jenny Wren Productions pre- ema, Birmingham, until Thurs 2 Aug Biography/Drama. Starring Faye Dun- sent a ‘playful adaptations’ of Jane MAQUIA (15) Animation/Drama. With away, Diana Scarwid. Electric Cin- Theatre Austen’s classic novel, Sat 4 Aug, Pri- ema, Birmingham, Sun 5 Aug ory Park, Malvern the voices of Manaka Iwami, Miyu THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg Irino. Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- PSYCHO (15) Horror/Mystery. Starring directs John Webster's tale of re- THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR David ham, until Thurs 2 Aug Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh. Elec- venge, which asks how anyone can Troughton stars as John Falstaff in tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 5 Aug Shakespeare's popular comedy, Sat THE SECRET OF MARROWBONE (15) survive in a world where masculinity Drama/Horror. Starring George has become toxic, until Fri 3 Aug, 4 Aug - Sat 22 Sept, Royal Shake- speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon MacKay, Anya Taylor-Joy. Electric NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 27 July - ford-upon-Avon Sat 4 Aug Released from Thurs 2 Aug, showing at selected cinemas MISS LITTLEWOOD New musical based CAPE FEAR (15) Drama/Thriller. Star- on the life story of theatre legend ring Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum. ANT-MAN AND THE WASP (12a) Joan Littlewood, told with uncompro- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 27 Released from Fri 3 Aug, showing at mising candour and with a love story Kids Show July - Sat 4 Aug selected cinemas at its heart, until Sat 4 Aug, The Swan MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal THE OLD DARK HOUSE (PG) HEARTS BEAT LOUD (PG) Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Shakespeare Company's award-win- Comedy/Horror. Starring Boris TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE CINEMA (PG) SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS ning musical, currently on tour in the Karloff, Melvyn Douglas. Electric Cin- Amateur staging presented by UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 ema, Birmingham, Sun 29 July - Fri 3 THE ESCAPE (15) Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Soci- Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome Aug ety Youth Section, Tues 31 July - Sat MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL X Factor CARRIE (18) Horror. Starring Sissy 4 Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester winner Matt Terry stars in a musical Spacek, Piper Laurie. Electric Cin- MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- adventure based on Dreamworks’ an- ema, Birmingham, Wed 1 Aug cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- imated motion picture, Tues 31July - IN THE FADE (18) Crime/Drama. Star- Events ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Sat 4 Aug, New Alexandra Theatre, ring Diane Kruger, Denis Moschitto. MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Birmingham Foreign language, subtitled. Artrix, what life was like for medieval castle Stratford-upon-Avon THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Heartbreak Bromsgrove, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Aug; household characters, until Thurs 2 ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- Productions’ outdoor staging of Edith MAC, Birmingham, Sat 4 - Wed 8 Aug Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire mous story of love at first sight, until Nesbit's classic children’s tale, Thurs THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS (18) GLADIATOR ARM GUARDS Make your Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- 2 Aug, Warley Woods, Smethwick Drama/Thriller. Starring Jodie Foster, very own manica - an arm protector atre, Stratford-upon-Avon LITTLE MERMAID JNR Journey to the Anthony Hopkins. Electric Cinema, worn by gladiators when they fought ONCE UPON A MATTRESS The Garrick's underwater world of Ariel and her Birmingham, Thurs 2 Aug in the arena, until Fri 3 Aug, Lunt annual community musical. If you aquatic friends in a show based on Roman Fort, , Coventry whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwicks/Worcs Wed 1 - Sun 5 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:31 Page 3

thelist WILD CHILD CAMP OUT Unleash your wild-child side! Are you tough enough to brave the great outdoors at Brockhampton? Until Fri 3 Aug, Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Bromyard 1920'S SUMMER BEACH FUN Dig out your bucket & spade to enjoy the 1920s-themed beach, until Wed 8 Aug, The Weir Garden, Hereford CARS & COFFEE BREAKFAST CLUB 2018 A wide and varied display of beautiful cars from years gone by, until Tues 14 Aug, Coughton Court, Alcester REAL BODIES Get to know your body - inside and out, in a ‘stunning’ new journey exploring the human body through physiology, culture and emo- tion, until Sun 19 Aug, NEC , Birming- ham THE DUCK RACE Sponsor a duck in Coughton's traditional duck race Summer Holiday Activities at Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust, Stratford-upon-Avon down the River Arrow, until Wed 29 Aug, Coughton Court, Alcester Worcester seum, Ironbridge, Shropshire until Mon 3 Sept, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs SUMMER CRAFT ACTIVITIES Drop-in SUMMER ACTIVITIES until Sun 2 Sept, SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Pro- sessions every Tuesday & Thursday Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- gramme of activities presented by TICKET TO RIDE Discover ‘all things throughout the holidays, until Thurs ford-upon-Avon Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust at bus’ in this new exhibition, until Sun 30 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham OCTONAUTS SHARK MISSION Join Cap- Shakespeare's New Place, Anne 28 Oct, Coventry Transport Museum, Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Mary Coventry SAREHOLE ART CLUB Drop by every tain Barnacles, Peso, Dashi, Shelling- ton, Professor Inkling, Tweak, Kwazii Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft, until PAW PATROL AT THE BIRMINGHAM Thursday morning throughout the Sun 2 Sept, Stratford-upon-Avon summer holidays to take part in an and Tunip in a quest to uncover the BOTANICAL GARDENS Check out Paw art activity related to the natural secrets of the ocean’s most jaw- SUMMER ARTS PROJECT: THREADS OF Patrol’s Chase & Marshall who’ll be beauty of Sarehole Mill, until Thurs 30 some predators, until Sun 2 Sept, Na- THE UNSAID Experimental art installa- making personal appearances at in- Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- tional Sea Life Centre, Birmingham tion based on Romeo And Juliet, until tervals thoughout the day, Wed 1 ingham THE SECRET WORLD OF GASES Take a Sun 2 Sept, Anne Hathaway's Cot- Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens tage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon THE ENGINEERING SHOW ‘Fun-filled’ journey through the secret world of BAFFLING BUGS See what you can find show exploring the world of engineer- gases, until Sun 2 Sept, National BLITZ SPIRIT OUTDOOR GAMES Outdoor on a bug hunt with nets and pots, ing, until Fri 31 Aug, Thinktank Sci- Space Centre, Leicester entertainment for all the family, in- Wed 1 Aug, The Parkridge Centre, ence Museum, Birmingham WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE The Wars of spired by games played during World Warwick Road War Two, until Sun 2 Sept, Brock- SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS the Roses unfolds in an epic new live- EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up action show featuring stunt riding, hampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Brom- close to some exotic animals cour- Family tile decorating workshops, yard taking place over the holidays, until jousting and state-of-the-art special tesy of Trevor Hill’s animal encoun- Fri 31 Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, effects, until Sun 2 Sept, Warwick MAKE-DO-AND-MEND FAMILY TRAIL Dis- ters, Wed 1 - Thurs 2 Aug, Hampton Telford Castle, Warwick cover the different ways that people Court Castle, Leominster SUMMER PLAY TRAILS Create your own used to 'make do and mend' during THE WIZARD EXPRESS Featuring magi- HANDS ON HISTORY: ROUNDHEADS AND the war, until Sun 2 Sept, Brock- CAVALIERS The Hands On History adventures and have fun exploring cal characters and ‘spellbinding’ ac- the hills, until Sun 2 Sept, Clent Hills, hampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Brom- tivities for budding wizards, Wed 1 - crew bring the past to life every day yard throughout the holidays, until Fri 31 Worcestershire Wed 15 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Aug, Goodrich Castle, Goodrich, GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Activities GASTRELL ON TRIAL Was Francis Gas- Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Ross on Wye and entertainment for the holidays, trell a victim or a villain? Join in RHINO MONTH Cotswold’s keepers until Sun 2 Sept, Hatton Adventure putting on trial the man behind the give a daily talk at 2pm, Wed 1 - Fri FABLAB FRIDAYS Explore the digital demolition of Shakespeare's New world every Friday throughout the World, Warwickshire 31 Aug, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Bur- Place in 1759, until Sun 2 Sept, ford summer holidays, until Fri 31 Aug, JUNGLE BOOK TRAIL Follow the trail Shakespeare's New Place, Stratford- Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, around the gardens and grounds to upon-Avon SUMMER HOLIDAYS FAMILY MAGIC Daily Shropshire find all the Jungle Book characters, family entertainment, Wed 1 Aug - SUMMER CLAY CRAFTS Decorate ce- HANDS ON HISTORY: NATURE DETEC- until Sun 2 Sept, Hampton Court Sun 2 Sept, Cadbury World, Birming- Castle, Leominster ramics every day during the summer ham TIVES Join the Hands On History crew holidays, until Sun 2 Sept, Coalport for family-friendly activities every day HISTORIC HOLIDAY FUN Discover the China Museum, Telford, Shropshire OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become in the garden, until Fri 31 Aug, Witley hobbies and pastimes that enter- an environmental scientist and learn Court, Great Witley, Worcestershire tained Black Country folk from Victo- SUMMER HOLIDAYS Trail and craft ac- about volunteering opportunities for rian times to the 1930s, until Sun 2 tivity, available every Tuesday people wishing to explore their natu- TOYS, TOYS, TOY FACTORY Have a go at through to Sunday, until Sun 2 Sept, making a different toy each day of the Sept, Black Country Living Museum, ral environment, Thurs 2 Aug, Dudley Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birming- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham week, throughout the summer holi- ham days, until Sat 1 Sept, Coventry HANDS-ON FUN AT BLISTS HILL Cele- FAMILY FUN DAY Family-friendly Transport Museum, Coventry brate Ironbridge’s world-changing SUMMER NIGHTS AT WEST MIDLAND SA- guided tour of the Smith & Pepper FARI PARK Until Sun 2 Sept, West Mid- COUGHS & SNEEZES SPREAD TUDOR past, until Sun 2 Sept, Blists Hill Vic- jewellery factory, followed by a craft torian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire land Safari and Leisure Park, activity in the Education Space, Thurs DISEASES! Take part in the gruesome Bewdley ‘medical facts’ trail, solve the ‘bizarre DESIGN & MAKE AT ENGINUITY Print 2 - Thurs 30 Aug, Museum of the remedies’ puzzle and make yourself your own design onto fabric, make a SUMMER SENSATION ‘Overload your Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham a finger puppet to take home, until buggy or send your cargo down a zip senses this summer with all that RUM & REGGAE Caribbean street food, Sat 1 Sept, Tudor House Museum, line, until Sun 2 Sept, Enginuity Mu- Drayton Manor Park has to offer’, speciality rum and cocktails, perfor- 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Wed 1 - Sun 5 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:32 Page 4

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 August

mances from Phase One Steel Or- and Tunnel Trust, Dudley chestra and DJ sets from Dave Mar- COVENTRY VEGAN FESTIVAL Including shall Barrett, Fri 3 Aug, FarGo Village, 80 stalls serving a great selection of Coventry hot and cold food, ethical gifts, cloth- NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD Open-air ing and cosmetics, An outdoor area movie screening - part of the annual will feature a plethora of food trucks Beware The Moon event, Fri 3 Aug, as well as kids bouncy castle and Dudley Castle, Dudley more... Sat 4 Aug, Coventry Cathe- TALL TALES Interactive telling of some dral classic fairytales, Fri 3 - Fri 24 Aug, THE LOST BOYS Open-air movie Aston Hall, Birmingham screening - part of the annual Beware DRAGON SLAYER New-for-2018 immer- The Moon event, Sat 4 Aug, Dudley sive live show for the whole family, Fri Castle, Dudley 3 - Mon 27 Aug, Warwick Castle, War- SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL! Join experts wick from the Shakespeare Birthplace GAMES DAYS Fri 3 - Fri 31 Aug, Trust as they read through Shake- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham speare’s Complete Works, Sat 4 Aug, Stratford upon Avon Library and In- SUMMER EVENINGS Visitors to BCLM formation Centre Battle Of Evesham - Crown Meadow, Evesham on any Friday in August have even longer to immerse themselves in 300 GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP Ex- LAST DAYS OF STEAM Commemorate - Sun 5 Aug, Beeston Castle, years of Black Country history, with pert advice on how to photograph the 50th anniversary of the final days Cheshire the venue staying open until 8pm, Fri gardens from Philip Smith, founder of of steam on British Railways, Sat 4 THE BADDESLEY BOOK FAIR Sat 4 - Sun 3 - Fri 31 Aug, Black Country Living the International Garden Photogra- Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley 12 Aug, Baddesley Clinton, Warwick- Museum, Dudley pher of the Year competition and ex- BATTLE OF EVESHAM Step back in time shire hibition, Sat 4 Aug, Blists Hill to the 13th century and witness a re- HWAR DOG SHOW Annual charity dog JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK- Victorian Town, Ironbridge Sat 4 Aug, Museum of the Jewellery enactment of the Battle of Evesham, show, Sun 5 Aug, Brockhampton Es- Quarter, Birmingham ASTLEYFEST New festival including cir- Sat 4 - Sun 5 Aug, Crown Meadow, tate, Bringsty, Nr Bromyard cus performances, horse shows, mili- Evesham DINOSAUR SHOW Travel back in time DINING CRUISE - A TASTE OF TAPAS Nar- tary displays and hands-on activities, KNIGHTS TOURNAMENT ‘Noble knights’ with a roaring T-Rex, Sun 5 - Thurs 9 rowboat dining cruise around the Sat 4 Aug, Lyme Valley Park, New- compete in a medieval contest, Sat 4 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury local area, Sat 4 Aug, Dudley Canal castle-under-Lym

August & September www.artrix.co.uk

Fri 3 – Sat 11 August Tues 7 August Fri 17 August MAMMA MIA! YOUNG HERBERT’S THE WILD TONICS HERE WE GO AGAIN HORRORS Morgan & West's Magic Show FOLLOW UP TO THE SWASHBUCKLING HALF CURRENT HITS 1920S STYLE (for kids .. and childish grown ups!!) BLOCKBUSTER FILM MOON ADVENTURE Magicians, time-travellers & all round spiffing chaps present their family show. Thurs 30 Aug at 2pm £10 The ELO Experience The world's foremost tribute to The Electric Light Orchestra. Wed 5 & Thu 6 Sept at 7.30pm £23 Sat 8 September Fri 14 September Sat 15 September The Barnhart & Huxley Hot Five - CHANTEL THE SCUMMY FRIDOLIJN Jazz and Jokes III MCGREGOR MUMMIES Sublime Jazz music hosted by Malc Stent. FORMIDABLE BLUES ALL NEW SONGS, SKETCHES COMPELLINGLY BEAUTIFUL GUITARIST & CATSUITS! SONGS Wed 19 Sept at 7.30pm £17 MOTHERSHIP - Led Zeppelin Tribute A brand new multimedia show celebrating the music of the greatest rock band in history. Fri 21 at 7.30pm. £15, £12 conc. Stars of Irish Country Music Show Join four of Ireland’s favourite Country music COMING SOON: Simple Politics, The Counterfeit Sixties, Kelly Oliver, Totally Tina, Stars in one show accompanied by Keltic Storm. Ensonglopedia Of Animals, Mary-Ann Ochota & Jason Buck, Gary Delaney, Gary Delaney, The Real Thing, Dr Phil Hammond, The Real Thing, Super Hamlet 64, The Fortunes, Thu 27 Sept at 7.30 £22 Barnstormers Comedy, Pete Firman, The Christians, Scott Gibson, Andy Fairweather Low, Remi Harris, Robin Ince, Black Country Night Out, Paul Foot,Hurst, Lee Dane Baptiste, Andy Fairweather-Low's Big Show Maggie Bell & Dave Kelly… with The Low Riders & Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date The Hi Riders Big Soul Revue information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts Fri 28 Sept at 7.30pm £25 @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Box Office: 01527 577330 whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:39 Page 1

thelist by the hits from The Greatest Show- Classical man, featuring a cast from London’s West End, a live band and a series of special effects, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Music Aug, The Old Rep, B’ham THE REALLY BIG CHORUS - HANDEL: IS- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM The RAEL IN EGYPT Also featuring Brian Three Inch Fools present an outdoor Kay (conductor), Sarah Power (so- staging of Shakespeare’s magical prano), James Neville (conductor) & tale, Fri 10 Aug, Charlecote Park, Nick Pritchard (tenor). This perfor- Warwick mance is the culmination of the THE LYNCHING OF JACKIE WALKER Au- week-long TRBC Choral Summer tobiographical one-woman show re- School which takes place every year flecting on the treatment of a Black at Warwick University, Sat 11 Aug, and Jewish activist... Sat 11 Aug, Birmingham Town Hall MAC, Birmingham HAMLET The Three Inch Fools pre- sent a musical take on Shake- speare’s tragic play, Sat 11 Aug, Charlecote Park, Warwickshire Comedy THE WIZARD OF OZ Tread The Boards JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY & bring L Frank Baum’s famous story Iron Maiden - Genting Arena, Birmingham COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- to life, Sat 11 Aug, Swan Theatre, SON Thurs 9 Aug, The Glee Club, Worcester BAREFOOTIN' Fri 10 REP YOUR FLAG FEAT FT. Birmingham THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES Il- Aug, The Night Owl, DJ NATE Sat 11 Aug, Gigs JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY, lyria present an outdoor staging of Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham RHYS JAMES & CHRIS BETTS Fri 10 Arthur Conan Doyle's great detective SAMORY-I Tues 7 Aug, NCCGB 20TH ANNIVER- GLASS CEILINGS Sat 11 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham story, Sun 12 Aug, Coughton Court, SARY CONCERT Fri 10 Aug, The Actress & O2 Institute, B’ham JOHN FOTHERGILL, ERICH MCELROY, Alcester Aug, Birmingham Bishop, Birmingham JAYA THE CAT Tues 7 RHYS JAMES & COMIC TBC Sat 11 Aug, Town Hall Aug, The Asylum, DARE - TRIBUTE TO THE The Glee Club, Birmingham SYNIKALL - FUSIONS OF HUMAN LEAGUE Sat 11 Birmingham GEOFF BOYZ, DAVE LONGLEY, ADAM GRANDEUR RELEASE Aug, The Robin, Bil- IRON MAIDEN Tues 7 STAUNTON & ANDREW ROBINSON Sat PARTY Fri 10 Aug, O2 ston Aug, Genting Arena, 11 Aug, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Academy, Birmingham Birmingham PULKIT & PRABHAT Sat Kids Show STEPHEN JAMES AS 11 Aug, MAC, B’ham THE AGUILAR BLUMEN- YOUNG HERBERT’S HORRORS: HALF FRANKIE VALLI Fri 10 FELD PROJECT Wed 8 THE JERSEY 4 VS TAKE MOON Justin Coe’s new spoken- Aug, The Night Owl, Aug, The Robin, Bil- THAT Sat 11 Aug, The word show for children, featuring Birmingham ston River Rooms, Stour- Theatre ‘swashbuckling verse, jaunty music, AUTUMN RUIN + MINUS bridge gallows humour and the obligatory AN EVENING WITH JESSE MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal ALIVE + HYDE PROJECT OCCOEUR, BREAKING IL- parrot’, Tues 7 Aug, Artrix, Broms- LEACH FROM KILL- Shakespeare Company's award-win- + FOR THE GIRL Fri 10 LUSION & I, ASSASSIN grove SWITCH ENGAGE Wed 8 ning musical, currently on tour in the Aug, The Castle & Fal- Sat 11 Aug, Route 44, Aug, O2 Academy, UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 MISCHIEF AND MYSTERY IN MOOMIN con, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome VALLEY Interactive theatre for WOLF SUIT EP LAUNCH, TRAGEDY: METAL TRIB- WITHOUT FLIGHT Sat 11 younger audiences that fuses pup- LUNA AND THE MOON MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- UTE TO THE BEE GEES Aug, The Marr's Bar, petry, an ‘ingenious’ pop-up book HOUNDS & YOU DIRTY cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- Wed 8 Aug, Mama Worcester set and original music, Fri 10 - Sat BLUE Fri 10 Aug, The ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Roux's, Birmingham 11 Aug, MAC, Birmingham Tin Music And Arts, THIS WINTER MACHINE 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- THE PRINCESS AND THE GIANT Folksy GABRIELLE Wed 8 Aug, Canal Basin, Coventry Sun 12 Aug, The atre, Stratford-upon-Avon O2 Institute, B’ham Robin, Bilston Theatre fuse music and puppetry in WITTERQUICK Sat 11 ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- an outdoor show based on Caryl THE KING OF POP Wed 8 Aug, The Asylum, SOULFLY Sun 12 Aug, mous story of love at first sight, until O2 Institute, B’ham Hart's children's book, Sat 11 Aug, Aug, New Alexandra Birmingham Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Biddulph Grange Garden, Stafford- Theatre, Birmingham atre, Stratford-upon-Avon shire JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Chapter- Thurs 9 Aug, The house Theatre Company present an Robin, Bilston outdoor staging of Jane Austen's WEST COAST EAGLES Fri classic tale, Wed 8 Aug, Shugbor- 10 Aug, The Marr's ough Historic Working Estate, Stafford Film Bar, Worcester INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ANTIGONE Malvern Theatre Young ECLIPSE - THE PINK FIRST REFORMED (15) Drama/Thriller. FLOYD EXPERIENCE Fri Company presents an amateur stag- ing of Sophocles’ deeply poetic Starring Ethan Hawke, Amanda 10 Aug, The Robin, Seyfried. Warwick Arts Centre, Bilston tragedy, Wed 8 - Fri 10 Aug, Malvern Theatre Coventry, Mon 6 - Tues 7 Aug THE SKA45'S Fri 10 THE FULL MONTY Tony Award-nomi- THE BOOKSHOP (12A) Drama. Starring Aug, The River Emily Mortimer, Bill Nighy. Number Rooms, Stourbridge nated musical adaptation of the film of the same name, Wed 8 Aug - Sat 8, Pershore, Mon 6 - Tues 7 Aug WHORE NO MORE, SU- 1 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, SHERLOCK GNOMES (U) Animation/Ad- PERHOOCH & BRIXTON Birmingham venture. With the voices of Kelly As- ALLEY Fri 10 Aug, THE GREATEST SHOW: LIVE IN CONCERT bury, Mary J. Blige. Wem Town Hall, Route 44, Birmingham Wolf Suit EP Launch - Tin Music & Arts, Coventry An evening of entertainment inspired North Shropshire, Mon 6 & Wed 8

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 6 - 12 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:39 Page 2

Monday 6 - Sunday 12 August

Aug; Number 8, Pershore, Tues 7 Learn the technique of metal forming Aug and embossing to shape and give SUMMER 1993 (12a) Drama. Starring texture to the leaves and petals of Laia Artigas, Paula Robles. Foreign your unique creation, Tues 7 Aug, language, subtitled. Malvern The- Black Country Living Museum, Dud- atres, Tues 7 - Wed 8 Aug; Warwick ley Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 8 - Thurs GEORGIAN LIVING HISTORY Explore the 9 Aug pastimes of Georgian children, and MOONWALKER (PG) Crime/Fantasy. find out about the toys they would Starring Michael Jackson, Joe Pesci. have played with, Tues 7 - Thurs 9 This is an outdoor screening. MAC, Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire Birmingham, Wed 8 Aug BEACON PARK FUN DAY Including MAURICE (15) Drama/Romance. Star- games,stalls, inflatables and food, ring Hugh Grant, James Wilby. War- Wed 8 Aug, Beacon Park, Lichfield wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 8 - KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES Dress and Thurs 9 Aug dance like a Tudor, have a go at A PLACE OF RAGE Documentary. Direc- archery and experience the excite- tor: Pratibha Parmar. MAC, Birming- ment of battle, Wed 8 Aug, Harving- ton Hall, Kidderminster ham, Thurs 9 Aug Fighting Nights - Goodrich Castle DAISIES (15) Comedy/Drama. Starring LITTLE SKIPPERS - FABULOUS FOSSILS Jitka Cerhová, Ivana Karbanová. For- Join Little Skippers for a 45-minute lar’ firework display, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley boat trip followed by a ‘things to eign language, subtitled. MAC, Birm- Aug, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury KNIGHT SCHOOL Learn about combat, make and do’ session, Wed 8 - Thurs ingham, Thurs 9 Aug SONGS FROM THE MUSICALS Sat 11 swordplay and the code of chivalry, 9 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Aug, Wyre Forest, Bewdley Sun 12 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Birming- THE ESCAPE (15) Drama. Starring Trust, Dudley Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper. STOURBRIDGE VEGAN FEST A fantastic ham OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become Malvern Theatres, Fri 10 Aug festival with stalls talks, advice, info, BIRDS OF PREY SPECTACULAR Sun 12 an environmental scientist and learn music and entertainment, Sat 11 Aug Aug, Hampton Court Castle, Leomin- IDEAL HOME (15) Drama/Comedy. about volunteering opportunities for Stourbridge Town Hall ster Starring Steve Coogan, Paul Rudd. people wishing to explore their natu- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 10 ral environment, Thurs 9 Aug, Mu- CRAFT EVENING Grown-ups get to try THE NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Featuring - Sun 12 Aug seum of the Jewellery Quarter, some favourite kids' activities, Sat 11 1,000-plus BMWs, Sun 12 Aug, OCEAN'S 8 (12a) Action/Comedy. Star- Birmingham Aug, Shakespeare's New Place, Strat- British Motor Museum, Gaydon, War- ford-upon-Avon wickshire ring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. FUN IN THE KITCHEN Have a go at mak- Malvern Theatres, Sat 11 - Sun 12 ing some historic food fit for a feast, FAMILY CIRCUS Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug, CLIMBING WALL AND KARTS Sun 12 - Aug Thurs 9 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- Wyre Forest, Bewdley, Nr Kiddermin- Thurs 16 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Led- SKYSCRAPER (12A) Action/Crime. Star- minster ster bury ring Dwayne Johnson, Neve Camp- THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Europe’s pre- FIGHTING KNIGHTS Try on armour and bell. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat mier patchwork and quilting show, practise your knightly skills, Sat 11 - 11 - Wed 15 Aug Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, NEC, Birming- Sun 12 Aug, Goodrich Castle, PATRICK (PG) Family. Starring Ed ham Goodrich, Ross on Wye Music Festivals Skrein, Emilia Jones. Roses Theatre, SURVIVAL SKILLS Have you got what it VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FESTIVAL New Headliners include The Tewkesbury, Sat 11 - Thurs 16 Aug takes to survive in the wild? Make a event showcasing handmade, hand- Darkness, , Marc Al- MARY SHELLEY (12a) shelter, start a fire and camouflage crafted products and carefully se- mond, The Proclaimers, Melanie C, Biography/Drama. Starring Elle Fan- yourself, Thurs 9 - Thurs 23 Aug, lected vintage wares, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Pop Will Eat Itself and many more... ning, Maisie Williams. Roses Theatre, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury Aug, RAF Cosford, Shifnal Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Tewkesbury, Sun 12 - Thurs 16 Aug TUNNEL TEDS Bear-themed fun on and LIVING HISTORY SHOW Featuring Ledbury, Herefordshire around the canal, Fri 10 Aug, Dudley around 1,000 reenactors bringing to FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up in- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley life major periods from history, Sat 11 cludes Aswad, Doctor And The - Sun 12 Aug, Spetchley Park Gar- Medics, Dan Owen, Fight The Bear, Released from Fri 10 Aug, showing at HELP BUILD A GIANT CASTLE Create dens, Worcestershire Legend, Quill & Jilted Generation, Fri selected cinemas your own section, to be joined to oth- ers to make one giant cardboard cas- STEAM ON THE ROAD Showcasing the 10 - Sun 12 Aug, Rattlinghope, DOG DAYS (PG) tle, Fri 10 Aug, Weoley Castle, very best of steam, both on the road Shropshire THE DARKEST MINDS (tbc) Birmingham and on the rails, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Aug, THE MEG (12a) ‘OH, I DO LIKE TO BE BESIDE THE SEA- UNDER THE TREE (15) SIDE' FAMILY FUN DAY Featuring inflata- bles, pony rides, a fun photo booth, UNFRIENDED: DARK WEB (tbc) games, competitions, sweet give- aways and bubbles, Fri 10 Aug, Wolverhampton Racecourse, Wolver- hampton NATURE DAY: BUGS! Nature-themed ac- Events tivities, Fri 10 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall TERRIFIC TUDORS Discover the grue- Green, Birmingham some, terrible and hilarious side of DRIVE-IN MOVIES AT BEACON PARK Tudor life, Mon 6 - Sun 19 Aug, Selly Watch movies on a giant inflatable Manor, Bournville screen, from inside your car and CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about under the stars, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Aug, Dudley Castle, Tues 7 Aug, Dudley Beacon Park, Lichfield Castle, Dudley SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW Featuring FAMILY METAL PETALS WORKSHOP TV personalities, celebrity chefs, singers, arena acts and a ‘spectacu- The National BMW Festival - British Motor Museum, Gaydon whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwickshire/Worcestershire 13 - 19 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 19:10 Page 1

MYTON ROAD WARWICK CV34 6PP

16+ 14+ THURSDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER. 7.30pm FRIDAY 23RD NOVEMBER 7.30pm FRIDAY 7TH DECEMBER 7.30pm THE JURASSIC PARKS THE NOISE NEXT DOOR – REMIX SHOWSTOPPER!

Superbolt Theatre presents their sellout multi-award winning Eight time sell-out veterans of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and one Spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest – direct from the laugh-out-loud spin on Spielberg’s classic. of the country’s most sought after comedy club headliners, The West End and now heading to Warwick! Noise Next Door leaves audiences everywhere in awe of their light- Welcome to the unlikely setting of Lyme Regis Community Centre, where ning-quick wit and totally original comedic talents. They have been With ten years as an Edinburgh Fringe must-see phenomenon, a BBC the Park Family – Terry, Jade and Noah – embark on a journey to a misty performing their own distinctive brand of off-the-cuff comedy Radio 4 series, a critically acclaimed West End run and an Olivier Award to past. Where, when things go wrong, family feuds are faced with the raptur- together since they met at university. their name, The Showstoppers have delighted audiences across the globe ous roar of DIY dinosaurs. This laugh-out-loud spin on Spielberg’s classic is with their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity. a theatrical celebration of cinematic nostalgia and a powerful reminder of The Noise Next Door have appeared on BBC One, BBC Three, ITV1, BBC the ones we love. Radio 1 and BBC Radio 4, they were nominated for a Chortle Award in A brand new musical comedy is created from scratch at each performance 2014, and have performed alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Al of this award-winning show as audience suggestions are transformed on Winner of Critics choice for Best Play at Orlando Fringe International The- Murray, and Harry Hill. Having received standing ovations in front of cor- the spot into all-singing, all-dancing productions with hilarious results. atre Festival and the Origins Award for Outstanding New Show at VAULT porate dinners, the British forces, secondary school students and even fans These incredible performers are guaranteed to impress as they create Festival. at ‘Download’ festival, they are also one of the most shows packed with drama, dazzling dance routines and catchy melodies – versatile acts in the business. Unstoppably funny and uniquely talented, it’s just all made up on the spot! Superbolt is an international collaborative ensemble founded at the The Noise Next Door are the next big thing in British comedy. Jacques Lecoq Theatre School in Paris. So whether you fancy some Rodgers and Hammerstein set on a ferris ‘Immaculately well executed’ ‘Hilarious… a superior kind of chaos’ wheel or a little Sondheim on Mount Everest – you suggest it and the The Times The Daily Telegraph Showstoppers will sing it! Box Office: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire/Worcestershire 13 - 19 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 19:10 Page 2

thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 August atre Classical ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND Take a trip down the rabbit hole with Chapterhouse Theatre Company, Music Thurs 16 Aug, MAC, Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- PETER PAN Experience Theatre pre- CHESTRA: RAVEL’S DAPHNIS ET CHLOÉ sents its version of JM Barrie's time- Featuring Ludovic Morlot (conduc- less tale, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 Aug, The tor), Justina Gringyte (mezzo so- Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham prano), the CBSO chorus & CBSO TAMBURLAINE Youth Orchestra. Programme in- Michael Boyd returns cludes Debussy’s Nocturne’s, 25’; to the RSC to direct a new staging of Boulanger’s Psalm 130: Du fond de Christopher Marlowe’s famous play, l’abime, 26’ & Ravel’s Daphnis et Thurs 16 Aug - Sat 1 Dec, Royal Chloé (complete), 50’, Tues 14 Aug, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Symphony Hall, Birmingham upon-Avon PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Join Heart- break Productions for an evening of comedy, romance and more than Beres Hammond - O2 Academy, Birmingham one ‘comeuppance’...Fri 17 Aug, Aug, O2 Academy, land Safari and Leisure Hartlebury Castle, Kidderminster Gigs Birmingham Park, Bewdley THE YARN SPINNER Storyteller and AN ORCHESTRAL RENDI- GODTHRYMM & THE puppeteer Fiona Angwin tells fantas- WEST THEBARTON Tues TION OF DAFT PUNK Fri DROWNING Sat 18 Aug, tical tales of mermaids and mon- 14 Aug, The Sunflower 17 Aug, O2 Institute, Scruffy Murphys, Birm- sters, witches and fairies, dragons Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham ingham and many other strange creatures from the folklore of Wales and the MOTÖRHEADACHE THE WILD TONICS Fri 17 MERAKI Sat 18 Aug, Thurs Isle of Man, Sat 18 Aug, Henry San- 16 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Aug, Artrix, Broms- Number 8 Community don Hall, Worcester ston grove Arts Centre, Worces- tershire THE WINTER'S TALE The Festival Play- JOHN GRANT ANDREW WEATHERALL Thurs 16 ers present Shakespeare’s romantic Aug, Symphony Hall, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Aug, BERES HAMMOND & tale, Sun 19 Aug, Hall's Croft, Strat- Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- SANCHEZ Sat 18 Aug, Comedy ingham O2 Academy, B’ham ford-upon-Avon WHITE TYGËR Fri 17 KAMIKAZE CLUB NIGHTS Mon 13 Aug, Aug, The River Rooms, FREE AT LAST & TRIP- THE RAJASTHAN HER- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Stourbridge WIRE Fri 17 Aug, Route ITAGE BRASS BAND Sat 44, Birmingham 18 Aug, MAC, B’ham ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY & NEW PURPLE CELEBRA- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- TION - THE MUSIC OF FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO THE STONES Sat 18 SON Thurs 16 Aug, The Glee Club, Kids Shows PRINCE Fri 17 Aug, QUEEN Fri 17 Aug, The Aug, The Swan The- Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham Robin, Bilston atre Worcester THE UGLY DUCKLING Sea Legs Puppet ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY, SUSIE THE 3 SIXTIES Sat 18 58 BLUES BAND Sat 18 Theatre present a musical adaptation THE VOICE OF THE HEART MCCABE & LUKE HONNORATY Fri 17 of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic - KAREN CARPENTER Aug, The Night Owl, Aug, Tamworth Castle Fri Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham tale, Fri 17 Aug, Swan Theatre, 17 Aug, Huntingdon Birmingham Grounds ANDREW BIRD, PAUL MCCAFFERY, SUSIE Worcester Hall, Worcester SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS Sat MANOEUVRES Sun 19 MCCABE & COMIC TBC Sat 18 Aug, The SOME KINDA SALVATION 18 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Aug, The Robin, Bil- Glee Club, Birmingham Fri 17 Aug, The Tin ston ston TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, QUINCY & Music And Arts, Canal ESSENTIAL 80S Sat 18 WYE OAK Sun 19 Aug, STEVE WILLIAMS Sat 18 Aug, The Basin, Coventry Aug, The River Rooms, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Comedy Loft, Birmingham FOUR DEAD CROWS Fri Stourbridge ingham 17 Aug, The Marr's LET THERE B/DC Sat 18 ELIZA AND THE BEAR Bar, Worcester Aug, Route 44, B’ham Sun 19 Aug, The As- CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. UB40 TRIBUTE NIGHT sembly, Leamington MARTIN YATES Fri 17 Sat 18 Aug, West Mid- Spa Theatre MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Shakespeare Company's award-win- ning musical, currently on tour in the Dance UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 THE NATYA PROJECT Five young Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome dancers trained in the classical In- MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- dian dance style of bharatanatyam cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- offer a glimpse of the future of South ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues Asian dance in Britain! Fri 17 Aug, 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, MAC, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- mous story of love at first sight, until Fri 21 Sep, Royal Shakespeare The- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this award-winning West End comedy, Eliza And The Bear - The Assembly, Leamington Spa Mon 13 - Sat 18 Aug, Malvern The-

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thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 August NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Film Released from Fri 17 Aug, showing at INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: selected cinemas CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) THE ESCAPE (15) Drama. Starring Gemma Arterton, Dominic Cooper. THE EQUALIZER 2 (tbc) Malvern Theatres, Mon 13 - Tues 14 THE FESTIVAL (tbc) Aug APOSTASY (PG) Drama. Starring Siob- han Finneran, Robert Emms. War- wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Aug; Malvern Theatres, Wed Events 15 - Thurs 16 Aug MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- what life was like for medieval castle ture. With the voices of Craig T. Nel- household characters, until Thurs 2 son, Holly Hunter. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire Mon 13 - Thurs 16 Aug; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 10 - Thurs 16 WILD CHILD CAMP OUT Unleash your Aug wild-child side! Are you tough enough to brave the great outdoors MARY SHELLEY (12a) at Brockhampton? Until Fri 3 Aug, Biography/Drama. Starring Elle Fan- Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr ning, Maisie Williams. Artrix, Broms- Bromyard grove, Mon 13 - Fri 17 Aug GLADIATOR ARM GUARDS Make your LEAVE NO TRACE (PG) Drama. Starring very own manica - an arm protector Ben Foster, Jeff Kober. Roses The- worn by gladiators when they fought atre, Tewkesbury, Tues 14 Aug in the arena, until Fri 3 Aug, Lunt Birthday celebrations at New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon VERTIGO (PG) Thriller. Starring James Roman Fort, Baginton WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE The Wars of trell a victim or a villain? Join in Stewart, Kim Novak. MAC, Birming- REAL BODIES Get to know your body - the Roses unfolds in an epic new live- putting on trial the man behind the ham, Tues 14 - Thurs 16 Aug inside and out, in a ‘stunning’ new action show featuring stunt riding, demolition of Shakespeare's New THE NUN (12a) Drama. Starring Anna journey exploring the human body jousting and state-of-the-art special Place in 1759, until Sun 2 Sept, Karina, Liselotte Pulver. Foreign lan- through physiology, culture and emo- effects, until Sun 2 Sept, Warwick Shakespeare's New Place, Stratford- guage, subtitled. Warwick Arts Cen- tion, until Sun 19 Aug, NEC, B’ham Castle, Warwick upon-Avon tre, Coventry, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Aug SUMMER CRAFT ACTIVITIES Drop-in SUMMER PLAY TRAILS Create your own SUMMER NIGHTS AT WEST MIDLAND SA- UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. sessions every Tuesday & Thursday adventures and have fun exploring FARI PARK Until Sun 2 Sept, West Mid- Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, throughout the holidays, until Thurs the hills, until Sun 2 Sept, Clent Hills, land Safari and Leisure Park, Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- 30 Aug, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Worcestershire Bewdley guage, subtitled. Artrix, Bromsgrove, THE ENGINEERING SHOW ‘Fun-filled’ GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Activities MARVELLOUS MINI-BEASTS Discover a Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Aug show exploring the world of engineer- and entertainment for the holidays, variety of miniature creatures, Wed 15 ELVIS: '68 COMEBACK SPECIAL (PG) ing, until Fri 31 Aug, Thinktank Sci- until Sun 2 Sept, Hatton Adventure Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster Documentary/Music. Starring Elvis ence Museum, Birmingham World, Warwickshire OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Become Presley, Buddy Arett. Electric Cin- HANDS ON HISTORY: NATURE DETEC- JUNGLE BOOK TRAIL Follow the trail an environmental scientist and learn ema, Birmingham, Thurs 16 Aug; TIVES Join the Hands On History crew around the gardens and grounds to about volunteering opportunities for Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 16 for family-friendly activities every day find all the Jungle Book characters, people wishing to explore their natu- Aug in the garden, until Fri 31 Aug, Witley until Sun 2 Sept, Hampton Court ral environment, Thurs 16 Aug, Aston THE HAPPY PRINCE (15) Drama/History. Court, Great Witley, Worcestershire Castle, Leominster Hall, Birmingham Starring Rupert Everett, Colin Firth. HANDS ON HISTORY: ROUNDHEADS AND SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Pro- SUMMER PARTY Sat 18 Aug, Brandon Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 17 CAVALIERS The Hands On History gramme of activities presented by Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry - Mon 20 Aug crew bring the past to life every day Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust at BLISTS HILL IN STEAM Get up close MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FALLOUT (12A) throughout the holidays, until Fri 31 Shakespeare's New Place, Anne and personal with an array of Victo- Action/Adventure. Starring Tom Aug, Goodrich Castle, Goodrich, Hathaway’s Cottage & Gardens, Mary rian steam-powered machines, Sat Cruise, Henry Cavill. Roses Theatre, Ross on Wye Arden’s Farm and Hall’s Croft, until 18 - Sun 19 Aug, Blists Hill Victorian Tewkesbury, Fri 17 - Tues 21 Aug COUGHS & SNEEZES SPREAD TUDOR Sun 2 Sept, Stratford-upon-Avon Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire TEEN TITANS GO! TO THE MOVIES (PG) DISEASES! Take part in the gruesome SUMMER ARTS PROJECT: THREADS OF NEW PLACE'S SECOND BIRTHDAY Cele- Animation/Adventure. With the voices ‘medical facts’ trail, solve the ‘bizarre THE UNSAID Experimental art installa- brate Shakespeare’s New Place turn- of Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell. Roses remedies’ puzzle and make yourself tion based on Romeo And Juliet, until ing two, Sun 19 Aug, Shakespeare's Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 17 - Thurs a finger puppet to take home, until Sun 2 Sept, Anne Hathaway's Cot- New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon 23 Aug Sat 1 Sept, Tudor House Museum, tage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon MEET THE JACOBEAN BARBER SURGEON MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN (12a) Worcester BLITZ SPIRIT OUTDOOR GAMES Outdoor Help physician John Hall prescribe Comedy/Musical. Starring Meryl TOYS, TOYS, TOY FACTORY Have a go at entertainment for all the family, in- Jacobean cures to his patients, Sun Streep, Lily James. Warwick Arts making a different toy each day of the spired by games played during World 19 Aug, Hall's Croft, Stratford-upon- Centre, Coventry, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 week, throughout the summer holi- War Two, until Sun 2 Sept, Brock- Avon Aug; Number 8, Pershore, Sat 18 Aug days, until Sat 1 Sept, Coventry hampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Brom- SPARKLING AFTERNOON TEA WITH LOLA THE MORE YOU IGNORE ME (15) Com- Transport Museum, Coventry yard LAMOUR Staffordshire Breast Cancer edy. Starring Sheridan Smith, Mark OCTONAUTS SHARK MISSION Join Cap- MAKE-DO-AND-MEND FAMILY TRAIL Dis- Now invites you to enjoy an afternoon Addy. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, tain Barnacles, Peso, Dashi, Shelling- cover the different ways that people tea ‘with added sparkle’, Sun 19 Aug, Sat 18 - Tues 21 Aug ton, Professor Inkling, Tweak, Kwazii used to 'make do and mend' during Sandon Hall, Stafford FIRST REFORMED (15) Drama/Thriller. and Tunip in a quest to uncover the the war, until Sun 2 Sept, Brock- ZOO2U Meet and learn about a range Starring Ethan Hawke, Amanda secrets of the ocean’s most jaw- hampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Brom- of animals from around the world, Seyfried. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, some predators, until Sun 2 Sept, Na- yard Sun 19 Aug, Trentham Monkey For- Sun 19 - Mon 20 Aug tional Sea Life Centre, Birmingham GASTRELL ON TRIAL Was Francis Gas- est, Staffordshire

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thelist fuse live music, audience participa- Comedy tion and silliness in an outdoor stag- ing of Shakespeare's comedy, Sat 25 MICKY P KERR, MICHAEL FABBRI, COM- Aug, Martineau Gardens, Edgbas- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON ton, Birmingham & COMIC TBC Thurs 23 Aug, The Glee THE TEMPEST Madcap funsters Odd- Club, Birmingham socks give a sci-fi slant to Shake- MICKY P KERR, JUNIOR SIMPSON, speare's last play, Sat 25 Aug, The DYLAN GOTT & MICHAEL FABBRI Fri 24 Roses, Tewkesbury - Sat 25 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN UGLY SEAN PERCIVAL, DIANE SPENCER, B******DS! Join Cattle Productions DANNY DEEGAN & SEAN MEO Sat 25 for some rude’n’crude fun and frol- Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ics... Sat 25 Aug, The Crescent The- KANE BROWN, BABATUNDE, SOL BERN- atre, Birmingham STEIN, QUINCY & WILL E Sun 26 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Electric Six - The Assembly, Leamington Spa

BLACK SABBATH TRIB- TOTALLY TINA! Sat 25 Gigs UTE: CHILDREN OF THE Aug, The Swan The- Kids Show GRAVY & THE UNRE- atre Worcester Theatre MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal SOLVED Fri 24 Aug, BRYAN BRINDLEY Sat 25 MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- Shakespeare Company's award-win- Route 44, Birmingham REVEREND PEYTONS BIG Aug, Tamworth Castle cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- ning musical, currently on tour in the DAMN BAND Mon 20 COMMON PEOPLE Fri 24 Grounds ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Aug, The River RELENTLESS & THE UP- 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome ston Rooms, Stourbridge ROARS Sat 25 Aug, atre, Stratford-upon-Avon PETER PAN Eliott Hanna takes the FULL OF HELL Mon 20 BON JOVI FOREVER Fri The Night Owl, B’ham ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- lead role in a new staging of JM Bar- Aug, The Asylum, 24 Aug, The Swan SKYLINE SERIES: JAMES mous story of love at first sight, until rie’s swashbuckling tale, Wed 22 - Birmingham Theatre Worcester ARTHUR Sat 25 Aug, Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Sun 26 Aug, Malvern Theatre OMNI Mon 20 Aug, STRICTLY NASHVILLE Fri Digbeth Arena, B’ham atre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE ACORN EMPORIUM A bushy tale Hare & Hounds, Birm- 24 Aug, Huntingdon BOYZ II MEN Sat 25 THE WINTER'S TALE The Festival Play- for younger audiences about living ingham Hall, Worcester Aug, O2 Academy, ers present Shakespeare’s romantic in a land that doesn’t quite feel like GRAHAM BONNET BAND ABBA TRIBUTE Fri 24 Birmingham tale, Tues 21 Aug, Swan Theatre, home, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug, MAC, Tues 21 Aug, The Worcester Birmingham Aug, Birmingham RHINO AND THE Robin, Bilston THE RAILWAY CHILDREN Botanical Gardens RANTERS Sat 25 - Sun MEN OF THE WORLD Amateur staging Heartbreak THE BLACKHEART OR- PAUL WELLER Fri 24 26 Aug, Hare & of John Godber’s bittersweet com- Productions’ outdoor staging of CHESTRA Wed 22 Aug, Aug, Genting Arena, Hounds, Birmingham edy, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Aug, Swan Edith Nesbit's classic children’s tale, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Theatre, Worcester Fri 24 Aug, , Leaming- SOLIHULL SUMMER FES- ton Spa PNB ROCK - CATCH SKYLINE SERIES: BRIAN TIVAL Sat 25 - Sun 26 LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Folksy Theatre THESE VIBES Wed 22 WILSON Fri 24 Aug, Aug, Tudor Grange fuse live music, audience participa- BING! LIVE Join Bing, Sula, Coco and Aug, O2 Institute, Digbeth Arena, B’ham Park, Solihull tion and silliness in an outdoor stag- Pando as they learn how to tell sto- Birmingham ing of Shakespeare's comedy, Wed ries by pretending, dressing-up and WILKO JOHNSON Sat 25 BLACK MAGIC - THE LIT- 22 Aug, Bishops Wood Centre Gar- singing songs, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Aug, QUJAKU (JAPAN) Wed Aug, The Assembly, TLE MIX SHOW Sun 26 den, Stourport-on-Severn Birmingham Town Hall 22 Aug, Hare & Leamington Spa Aug, Albany Theatre, Hounds, Birmingham BOOGIE NIGHTS THE MUSICAL New SAX IN THE CITY Sat 25 Coventry Alexandra Theatre’s annual Stage EMMA JONSON & BAND Aug, Symphony Hall, ELECTRIC SIX Sun 26 Experience, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Aug, Wed 22 Aug, The Jam Birmingham Aug, The Assembly, House, Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE ONE LOVE BAND Sat Leamington Spa WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Liz Grand’s Film THUNDERPUSSY Thurs 25 Aug, The River ESCAPADE Sun 26 Aug, one-woman show explores the INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 23 Aug, The Asylum, Rooms, Stourbridge O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham events which sparked one of the INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- RYDER'S CREED, REECE AC/DC UK Sun 26 Aug, biggest and most expensive police ture. With the voices of Craig T. Nel- ESSENTIAL 80S Thurs & I, ASSASSIN Sat 25 The River Rooms, hunts in history, Thurs 23 Aug, Henry son, Holly Hunter. Wem Town Hall, 23 Aug, The Robin, Aug, Route 44, Birm- Stourbridge Sandon Hall, Worcester North Shropshire, Mon 20 - Wed 22 Bilston ingham THE COMEDY ABOUT A BANK ROBBER Aug; Number 8, Pershore, Fri 24 Aug PETER KNIGHT'S Smash-and-grab comedy promising SICILIAN GHOST STORY (tbc) GIGSPANNER BIG BAND swagloads of laughter, Thurs 23 Aug Drama/Fantasy. Starring Julia Jed- & SPIERS Thurs 23 - Sat 8 Sept, The REP, Birmingham likowska, Gaetano Fernandez. For- Aug, The Roses The- eign language, subtitled. Warwick atre, Tewkesbury PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Join Heart- break Productions for an evening of Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 21 - PHEPHE - LOST IN MY comedy, romance and more than Thurs 23 Aug AURA II Thurs 23 Aug, one ‘comeuppance’..., Fri 24 Aug, APOSTASY (PG) Drama. Starring Siob- Hare & Hounds, Birm- The Wood Norton, Evesham han Finneran, Robert Emms. Roses ingham LIFE’S A BEACH Featuring three Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 22 Aug BUCK & EVANS Thurs unique shows - Fishy Tales, Dark THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO 23 Aug, Hare & Water & Elvis’ Bingo Balls - created PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/His- Hounds, Birmingham from interviews with the people of tory. Starring Lily James, Michael LISA MANN Thurs 23 the Black Country and Skegness, Fri Huisman. Warwick Arts Centre, Aug, The Jam House, 24 - Sat 25 Aug, MAC, Birmingham Coventry, Fri 24 Aug Birmingham James Arthur - Digbeth Arena LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Folksy Theatre THE NEGOTIATOR (15) Drama/Thriller.

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Monday 20 - Sunday 26 August

Starring Jon Hamm, Rosamund Pike. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 24 LITTLE SKIPPERS - CANAL LIFE Join Lit- - Sun 26 Aug tle Skippers for a 45-minute boat trip CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) followed by a ‘things to make and do’ Adventure/Comedy. Starring Hayley session, Wed 22 - Thurs 23 Aug, Atwell, Ewan McGregor. Roses The- Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dud- atre, Tewkesbury, Fri 24 - Wed 29 Aug ley ON THE WATERFRONT (PG) EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up Drama/Thriller. Starring Marlon close to exotic animals courtesy of Brando, Karl Malden. Warwick Arts Trevor Hill’s animal encounters, Wed Centre, Coventry, Sat 25 Aug 22 - Thurs 23 Aug, Hampton Court OCEAN'S 8 (12a) Action/Comedy. Star- Castle, Leominster ring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. OPERATION EARTH ROADSHOW Be- Number 8, Pershore, Sat 25 Aug come an environmental scientist and FUNNY GIRL (U) Biography/Comedy. learn about volunteering opportuni- Starring Barbra Streisand, Omar ties for people wishing to explore Sharif. This is an outdoor screening. their natural environment,Thurs 23 MAC, Birmingham, Sun 26 Aug Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- ingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Siege - Kenilworth Castle Released from Wed 22 Aug, showing Southcrest Manor Hotel, Redditch wickshire at selected cinemas BOUNCE & BOING Featuring an inflat- GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up includes THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME (15) able slide, obstacle course and Pussy Riot, , Released from Fri 24 Aug, showing at bouncy castle, Sun 26 - Mon 27 Aug, Ozomatli, Ibibio Sound Machine, selected cinemas Eastnor Castle, Ledbury Duke Special, Pierce Brothers, Mar- tyn Joseph and many more... Fri 24 - BLACKKKLANSMAN (15) SHREWSBURY STEAM RALLY Featuring demonstrations and over 1,000 ex- Mon 27 Aug, Boughton House, Ket- LUIS AND THE ALIENS (tbc) hibits, Sun 26 - Mon 27 Aug, Onslow tering, Northamptonshire THE CHILDREN ACT (tbc) Park, Shrewsbury SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Featuring APLHA (tbc) FUN IN THE KITCHEN Discover cookery SIEGE! Recreation of the 1266 Siege Steve Harley (pictured) and Cockney through the ages, and have a go at of Kenilworth Castle, Sun 26 - Mon 27 Rebel, Budino, Gretchen Peters, making some historic food fit for a Aug, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire Show Of Hands, Steeleye Span, Peter Knight’s Gigspanner and Jon feast, Thurs 23 Aug, Harvington Hall, HISTORY THROUGH THE AGES Covering Kidderminster Boden and The Remnant Kings, Fri the medieval period, the Wars of the 24 - Mon 27 Aug, West Midlands Events SONGS FROM THE SHOWS Jump on Roses and Elizabethan England, Sun Showground, Shrewsbury board one of the narrowboats and be 26 - Mon 27 Aug, Harvington Hall, MINI MOTORISTS Under-five activity whisked away to the Singing Cavern Kidderminster mornings, Mon 20 Aug, British Motor to enjoy an hour of songs from the Museum, Gaydon HORSE STUNT SHOW Presented by shows, Fri 24 Aug, Dudley Canal and professional horse stunt display Tunnel Trust, Dudley team, the Cavalry of Heroes, Sun 26 - INSOMNIA63 The UK's biggest gaming Mon 27 Aug, Hampton Court Castle, festival, Fri 24 - Mon 27 Aug, NEC, Leominster Birmingham PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy SHAKES-PAW'S DAY Celebrate National 360-degree views from the balcony of Dog Day, Sat 25 Aug, Anne Hath- the Panorama Tower, Sun 26 Aug, away's Cottage & Gardens, Stratford- Croome Park, Worcester upon-Avon THE WHISKY TRAIN Collaboration be- STONEDEAF FESTIVAL Line-up includes tween Severn Valley Railway and Hay Skid Row, Wolfsbane, The Quireboys CIRCUS Tues 21 Aug, Birmingham Wines, Sat 25 Aug, Severn Valley & The Graham Bonnet Band, Sat 25 Botanical Gardens Railway, Bewdley Aug, Newark Showground, Notting- Music Festivals hamshire WORLD WAR ONE AT TAMWORTH Find THEATRE TOURS A unique insight into SHAMBALA FESTIVAL Line-up includes out if you would have been medically one of the most historic theatres in Gentleman’s Dub Club, This Is The fit to join the soldiers on the front line, the West Midlands, Sat 25 Aug, New Kit, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, Susan learn about wartime communications, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham have a go at decoding secret mes- Cadogan & The Friendly Fire Band, BIG SUMMER BBQ Sat 25 - Sun 26 Aug, sages and spend time playing with Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Aug, secret loca- FarGo Village, Coventry the games and toys that kept chil- tion, Nr Market Harborough, dren amused during the Great War, PERSHORE PLUM FESTIVAL 2018 Per- Northampton Tues 21 - Thurs 23 Aug, Tamworth shore turns purple! Sat 25 - Mon 27 BEERMAGEDDON British heavy metal Castle, Staffordshire Aug, Pershore, Worcestershire festival. Headliners include Footprints DEN BUILDING Wed 22 Aug, Blakesley THE JINNEY RING SCULPTURE TRAIL Ex- In The Custard, MartYriuM and Hall, Birmingham hibition of dramatic sculptures, Sat Haerken, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Aug, Stoke 25 Aug - Sun 30 Sept, The Jinney Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES Dress and Ring Craft Centre Nr Bromsgrove, dance like a Tudor, have a go at CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes Mel Worcestershire archery and experience the excite- C (pictured), Feeder, The Coral, ment of battle, Wed 22 Aug, Harving- SOUTHCREST MANOR BEER FESTIVAL A Scouting For Girls, Craig Charles, ton Hall, Kidderminster day of live entertainment, ‘delicious From The Jam, The South, Neville food and the finest local cask ales & Staple, Showhawk Duo, Fri 24 - Sun TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Wed 22 Aug, ciders, Gin & Prosecco,’ Sun 26 Aug, 26 Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester, War- Mel C plays Camper Calling whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcestershire 27-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:41 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcestershire 27-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 14:41 Page 2

thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 August grade Theatre, Coventry Classical Music UNCLE BEN'S FAMILY FEUD Comedy theatre following the ups and downs SISTEMA EUROPE YOUTH ORCHESTRA of family life, Thurs 30 Aug - Sun 2 Featuring Sascha Goetzel, Jessica Sept, The Old Rep Theatre, Birming- Cottis, Jesus Uzcategui, Etienne ham Abelin, Samuel Matus & Juan Carlos (conductors), Nicola Benedetti (vio- lin) & the Sistema Europe Youth Or- chestra. Programme includes works by Marsalis, Elgar, Bernstein, Holst, Marquez & Piazzolla, Mon 27 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: FES- TIVAL FAMILY FIREWORKS NIGHT Fea- turing Kenneth Woods (conductor) & Sofia Larsson (soprano - pictured), Mon 27 Aug, Swan Theatre, Worces- ter LA TRAVIATA Russian State Opera House brings Verdi’s beguiling tale to life, Fri 31 Aug, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry DISENCHANTED Birmingham premiere Comedy of Dennis T Giacino's off-Broadway KEVIN HART Thurs 30 Aug, Arena hit, Fri 31 Aug - Sat 1 Sept, The Blue Britney Spears - Genting Arena, Birmingham Birmingham Orange Theatre, Birmingham

Aug, The Asylum, OCEAN COLOUR SCENE Gigs Birmingham Fri 31 Aug, Wolver- JAKE CLEMONS Thurs hampton Racecourse JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE: 30 Aug, O2 Academy, PURE WHITNEY Fri 31 Kids Shows THE MAN OF THE WOODS Birmingham Aug, The River Rooms, TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES TOUR Mon 27 Aug, Stourbridge JONAS KAUFMANN ‘Terrific’ tales woven together with live Arena Birmingham Thurs 30 Aug, Number YO GOTTI LIVE Fri 31 music, puppetry and a whole host of CROW BLACK CHICKEN 8 Community Arts Aug, O2 Academy, colourful characters from Julia Don- Mon 27 Aug, The Centre, Worcestershire Birmingham aldson and Axel Scheffler’s best- Robin, Bilston YOUSSOU NDOUR Thurs BRITNEY SPEARS: PIECE loved titles, Mon 27 - Wed 29 Aug, 30 Aug, Symphony OF ME Fri 31 Aug, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent GOMEZ Tues 28 Aug, ANDY ASKINS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Hall, Birmingham Genting Arena, Birm- O2 Institute, B’ham ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 30 PEPPA PIG'S ADVENTURE Join Peppa as ingham KUUNATIC Wed 29 Aug, IAN PARKER & AYNSLEY Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham she gets ready to go on an exciting LISTER Thurs 30 Aug, MARSHALL JEFFERSON camping trip in the woods with The Tin Music And ANDY ASKINS, KEVIN MCCARTHY, STU- The Robin, Bilston Fri 31 Aug - Sat 1 Sept, George and her school friends, Tues Arts, Canal Basin, ART MITCHELL & JOHNNY COCHRANE Fri Hare & Hounds, Birm- 28 - Wed 29 Aug, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 80S MANIA Fri 31 Aug, 31 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham ingham Coventry HOMEBOUND Wed 29 The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury THE PRINCESS AND THE GIANT Folksy Theatre fuse music and puppetry in an outdoor show based on Caryl Hart's children's book, Wed 29 Aug, Theatre Martineau Gardens, Edgbaston, MATILDA THE MUSICAL The Royal Birmingham Shakespeare Company's award-win- MORGAN & WEST’S MAGIC SHOW (FOR ning musical, currently on tour in the KIDS) Join the time-travelling magi- UK for the first ever time, until Sat 8 cians for an Sept, Birmingham Hippodrome afternoon of MACBETH Shakespeare’s psychologi- brain-bog- cal thriller stars Christopher Eccle- gling illusion ston’s and Niamh Cusack, until Tues and good 18 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, old-fash- Stratford-upon-Avon ioned tom- ROMEO AND JULIET Shakespeare's fa- foolery, mous story of love at first sight, until Thurs 30 Fri 21 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- Aug, The atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Core The- atre, Solihull JERSEY BOYS Internationally ac- claimed musical which tells the true- TIDDLER AND OTHER TERRIFIC TALES life story of Frankie Valli And The ‘Terrific’ tales woven together with live Four Seasons, Tues 28 Aug - Sat 8 music, puppetry and a whole host of Sept, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre colourful characters from Julia Don- aldson and Axel Scheffler’s best- CARMEN Russian State Opera House loved titles, Thurs 30 Aug - Sat 1 presents its version of Bizet’s pas- Sept, New Alexandra Theatre, Birm- Youssou Ndour - Symphony Hall, Birmingham sionate opera, Thurs 30 Aug, Bel- ingham

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thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 August Dance Events BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS National Youth AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN In- Ballet present a mixed programme cluding arts & crafts, shire horse celebrating the power of imagination rides, face painting and much more, and being bold... Thurs 30 & Fri 31 Sun 26 - Mon 27 Aug, National Brew- Aug, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ery Centre, Burton upon Trent BOUNCE & BOING Featuring an inflat- able slide, obstacle course and bouncy castle, Mon 27 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury SIEGE! Recreation of the 1266 Siege Film of Kenilworth Castle, Mon 27 Aug, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire THE GUERNSEY LITERARY & POTATO HISTORY THROUGH THE AGES Covering PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. the medieval period, the Wars of the Starring Lily James, Michael Huis- Roses and Elizabethan England, Mon man. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, 27 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kiddermin- Mon 27 - Tues 28 Aug ster INCREDIBLES 2 (PG) Animation/Adven- HORSE STUNT SHOW Presented by ture. With the voices of Craig T. Nel- professional horse stunt display son, Holly Hunter. Number 8, team, the Cavalry of Heroes, Mon 27 Pershore, Tues 28 Aug Aug, Hampton Court Castle, Leomin- ster BANK HOLIDAY BBQ Mon 27 Aug, Brockhampton Estate, Bringsty, Nr Dippy On Tour Bromyard Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 9 September CASTLE TOURS 2018 Learn more about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 9 September Dudley Castle, Tues 28 Aug, Dudley The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus cast - fondly Castle, Dudley known as Dippy - is spending the summer in Birmingham. OFF-ROADING WITH LAND ROVER Tues The British icon is on a mission to inspire natural history adven- 28 - Thurs 30 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Ledbury tures and encourage families to explore nature on their doorstep. BUSHCRAFT DAY Young explorers can The exhibition also highlights Birmingham Museum & Art find out about some of the things Gallery’s fantastic bird collection, focusing on the idea of birds as they can do with the natural materials living dinosaurs and looking at their evolution - from their di- OCEAN'S 8 (12a) Action/Comedy. Star- all around them, Wed 29 Aug, Shug- nosaur ancestors into the ‘feathered friends’ we know today. ring Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett. borough Historic Working Estate, Associated Dippy activities include Little Dinos Messy Play (1 - 29 Stafford Number 8, Pershore, Tues 28 Aug August), curator-led talks with Lucas Large (1 August & 5 Septem- UNDER THE TREE (15) Comedy/Drama. LITTLE SKIPPERS - FABULOUS FOSSILS ber) and Dino Drink & Draw - a free social event for anyone who Starring Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson, Join Little Skippers for a 45-minute Edda Björgvinsdóttir. Foreign lan- boat trip followed by a ‘things to likes to doodle, taking place in the gallery’s Edwardian Tearoom guage, subtitled. Warwick Arts Cen- make and do’ session, Wed 29 - on 8 September. tre, Coventry, Tues 28 - Thurs 30 Aug; Thurs 30 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tun- Dippy On Tour is a free ticketed event but advanced booking is ad- MAC, Birmingham, Fri 31 Aug nel Trust, Dudley vised. For further information, visit birminghammuseums.org.uk THE MAN FROM MO'WAX (15) Docu- EXOTIC ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS Get up mentary/Music. Starring DJ Shadow, close to some exotic animals cour- James Lavelle. Electric Cinema, Birm- tesy of Trevor Hill’s animal encoun- ters, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Aug, ingham, Thurs 30 Aug GODIVA Headliners include Jake Hampton Court Castle, Leominster THE CURSE OF THE WERE-RABBIT (U) Bugg, Ronan Keating, Jonas Blue, Animation/Action. With the voices of FAMILY RAG RUG MAKING Rag rug mak- Professor Green & Gabrielle, Fri 31 Peter Sallis, Helena Bonham Carter. ing with a modern twist, Thurs 30 Aug - Sun 2 Sept, War Memorial MAC, Birmingham, Fri 31 Aug Aug, Black Country Living Museum, Park, Coventry Dudley HEARTS BEAT LOUD (PG) Drama/Music. MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- Starring Nick Offerman, Kiersey DIPPY THE DINOSAUR CRAFT Dinosaur- cludes Levellers, Nick Mulvey, Clemons. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 31 themed craft activities to celebrate Teenage Fanclub, Show Of Hands, Aug Dippy’s summer visit to Birmingham Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 31 Aug, Skinny Lister, Willy Mason, Richard Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham Dawson, and more... Fri 31 Aug - Sun NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Mon 27 Aug, showing at selected cinemas 2 Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS (tbc) OFF THE TRACKS SUMMER FESTIVAL Line-up includes Transglobal Under- Released from Fri 31 Aug, showing at Music Festivals ground, John Otway & His Little Big selected cinemas THE AUDIO FARM Line-up includes Age Band, Dreadzone, Mad Dog Mcrea, UPGRADE (tbc) Of Glass, Ask My Bull, Beatniks, Blackballad, Aurora Dawn & The Mamma Moonshine & Marc Constan- YARDIE (tbc) Screaming Skulls, Fri 31 Aug - Sun 2 tine, Salutation Dub and many Sept, Donington Park Farmhouse, SEARCHING (tbc) more... Thurs 30 Aug - Mon 3 Sept, Castle Donington Jonas Blue joins the line-up at Hopton Court, Kidderminster Coventry’s Godiva Festival 66 whatsonlive.co.uk (IBC) Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 18:16 Page 1 The Great Exhibition F/P August 2018.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2018 16:55 Page 1