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STEVE HEWLETT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands AT THE CORE COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S AUGUST ON 2017 Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 380 AUGUST 2017 ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

IanCHEERY Dury-inspired STUFF musical opens at the Belgrade TWITTER: @WHATSONWARWICKS

revealsLULU her beauty secrets... interview inside... FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

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WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Coventry Transport Museum (IFC) Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:43 Page 1 Contents August Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:15 Page 2

August 2017

Contents

Reasons To Be Cheerful - Ian Dury musical at the Belgrade... feature on page 9

Curtis Eller Simon Amstell Art In The Park the list

brings his American Circus to talks about his new approach to The Three Graces and circus- Your 16-page Coventry’s Tin Music & Arts stand-up comedy related fun at Jephson Gardens week-by-week listings guide page 15 feature page 25 page 47 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 35. Film 41. Visual Arts 45. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Elly Yates-Roberts elly@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281733 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox 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_Worcs August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:11 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Solihull’s summer festival makes a welcome return After the success of last year’s inaugural event, Solihull Summer Fest is making a welcome return this month, complete with a line-up of entertainment that includes performances by Peter Andre, Lulu, Gabrielle, Feeder and Toploader. The festival also features a kids’ picnic, a cheese & wine-tasting event and an evening Sundowner session, with Prosecco and nib- bles to enjoy. Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August, the event is raising money for local cancer support charity Help Harry Help Oth- ers. To purchase tickets, visit solihullsummerfest.co.uk.

Former Young One to star musical history and feature a soundtrack of Grammy nominee ‘To The more than 20 classic songs, performed by a in Twelfth Night at the RSC Bone’ at Coventry venue live band. One-time Young Ones actor Adrian Edmond- Four-time Grammy nominee Steven Wilson is The accompanying campaign to name the all- son is set to star as hoodwinked steward to kickstart a new tour at Warwick Arts Cen- time favourite song by a Coventry & Warwick- Malvolio in the Royal Shakespeare Com- tre in Coventry. shire artist runs until Thursday 31 August. pany’s forthcoming production of Twelfth The Porcupine Tree frontman’s spring 2018 Voters choose from a list of 34 top-ten hits Night. show will be in support of fifth album To The and can make their selection online at bel- Adrian will be joined on stage by TV favourite Bone, released this month. Steven performs grade.co.uk/covsong or in person at the Kara Tointon in a show directed by Christo- live at the venue on Thursday 15 March. Coventry Music Museum. pher Luscombe. To book tickets, visit warwickartscentre.co.uk Tickets for Godiva Rocks can be purchased by “The great challenge of Twelfth Night is to calling the Belgrade box office on 024 7655 reconcile its melancholy and joyful ele- 3055 or by visiting the theatre’s website. ments,” says Christopher. “I'm delighted to say that we've found an exceptional cast who, I believe, can do full justice to the play's Kids go free this month at dazzling emotional range. I can't wait to start Coventry Music Museum work with them.” The show runs at the Royal Shakespeare The- Parents and guardians can take their chil- atre from 2 November until 24 February. dren to the Coventry Music Museum free of For more information or to book tickets, visit charge this month. rsc.org.uk The award-winning venue is offering free entry to youngsters - when accompanied by a paying adult - as part of an initiative designed to introduce children to the city’s rich musical history. Attractions at the museum this month include Teen Twitter Takeover Choose your top song as Day on the 11th, inviting young peo- Godiva Rocks in Coventry ple to post their own With a new musical featuring songs by tweets from the mu- Coventry artists heading for the Belgrade, the seum’s official Twit- theatre has launched a campaign to name ter account. the city’s number one song. Coventry Music Mu- Godiva Rocks shows at the venue from Satur- seum is open 10am to day 7 to Saturday 21 October. Telling a boy- 4pm, Thursday to meets-girl story set in 1964, the production Sunday. will highlight Coventry’s rich and vibrant

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First Word

Coventry railway image of previous B2 production museum to close A popular Coventry attraction celebrating its 10th anniversary looks set to close later this year. The Electric Railway Museum on Rowley Road, near to Coventry Airport, has not had its lease re- newed by the council, which has earmarked the site for commercial development. The museum’s collection of electric trains represents over a century of technological progress. It includes examples of commuter trains, battery-electric locomo- tives, underground carriages Belgrade celebrates B2 anniversary with Russian satire and high-speed express units. The Coventry Belgrade Theatre will next month celebrate the 10th birthday of its B2 auditorium by staging the world premiere of a cult Russian satire. Georgi Vladimov’s Faithful Ruslan - The Story Of A Guard Dog is based around the real events that followed the death of Josef Stalin and the closure of the Russian prison camps. The play forms part of a 10th anniversary programme of shows taking place in B2, which opened back in 2007 following an extensive refurbishment of the Belgrade. The auditorium was created as a more-intimate second space in which to host live drama, music, comedy and dance. Faithful Ruslan shows in B2 from Saturday 2 to Saturday 16 September. Tickets are available now by calling the Belgrade box office on 024 7655 3055 or by visiting belgrade.co.uk

A summer safari at Enjoy a summer of Fun for all at Worcester’s festival Arley Arboretum outdoor family fun Worcester’s well-established festival returns this month at ven- It’s all happening at Arley Ar- boretum this month. Getting all hot and bothered at ues and locations across the city, offering another fortnight of The popular venue is building the thought of having to keep the activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. its summertime attractions kids entertained for six long hol- The festival programme includes walks, talks, workshops, exhi- around the theme of ‘summer iday weeks? bitions, arts & crafts, markets, treasure trails, live music, tours, safari’ - and there’s certainly no If you are, then chill out - and performances, open days, competitions, classes and a wide shortage of encounters with ani- head for the Oakland Outdoor range of children’s events. mals of all shapes and sizes to Activity Centre in Hanbury, “August is always an exciting time in Worcester, and this August enjoy! Worcestershire, where special will be no exception,” says Festival Director Chris Jaeger. “The There’s a new animal trail, a family fun sessions are available Worcester Festival is a people’s festival. It offers a wide range of woodland creature trail for pre- throughout the school summer eclectic events for all the family to enjoy, and many of those school children and fairy and holidays. events are free. What dinosaur trails for older kids. “We want to offer families an al- could be better at holiday Pony rides and mini zoos fea- ternative to the large, busy time? It’s a great oppor- ture on selected days, while Mr Toad and his pals turn up on theme parks this summer,” says tunity to try an event at a Monday 28 August in a produc- Mark Treverton, who runs Shoot- venue you’ve never been tion of Wind In The Willows. ing 4 Fun, the company coordi- to before, or perhaps to For more information, visit ar- nating the sessions. “Our rural try something you’ve leyarboretum.co.uk setting is a peaceful, safe envi- never done before. We re- ronment where families can ally hope as many people enjoy time outside together, hav- as possible come along ing fun and learning a new and get involved. Let’s skill.” get celebrating!” The family fun sessions run until The Worcester Festival 2 September and pre-booking is takes place from Satur- essential. For more details, call day 12 to Monday 28 Au- Mark on 01527 575141 or visit the gust. For more facebook page @S4Fun. information, visit worces- terfestival.co.uk

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First Word

Craig Charles to DJ at Villa’s European Birmingham Weekender Cup heroes in BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Craig Charles is charity fundraiser one of the high-profile DJs confirmed to appear Members of Aston Villa’s at next month’s Birmingham Weekender. legendary 1982 European Along with David Rodigan (1Xtra) and Don Letts Cup-winning team are get- (6 Music), Craig will be inviting members of the ting back together for a big public to take part in the event’s Square Dance, charity fundraising dinner. produced in association with the Moseley Folk Players including Tony Mor- Festival and taking place in the city’s Victoria ley, Gary Shaw and Gordon Square from 22 to 24 September. Cowans will talk about the Commenting on the announcement, Moseley season 35 years ago when Folk’s Gerv Havill said: “Confirmation of such the club conquered Europe. heavyweight headline DJs is fantastic news for Proceeds from the event - Square Dance and Birmingham Weekender. which takes place at Chung What better way to spend your weekend than Ying Central on Thursday 14 dancing on our huge dancefloor and enjoying September - will go towards these live DJ sets. And what’s more, it’s all ab- local children’s charity solutely free!” For more information, visit birm- free@last. inghamweekender.com Tickets cost £60 per person and can be booked online at tickettailor.com Dig out your pink Soul diva aiming to make pantomime gladrags to fight wishes come true in the Midlands Cancer research breast cancer funding boost for Midlands-born soul-singing super- local university Midlanders are being urged star Beverley Knight will make her to dig out their pink gladrags pantomime debut at the Birming- The University of Warwick’s this October, to take part in ham Hippodrome this Christmas, Cancer Research Centre has Breast Cancer Now’s flagship starring as the Fairy Godmother in a received £8,500 from a for- fundraiser, Wear It Pink. spectacular version of Cinderella. mer Lord Mayor of Coventry. Taking place on Friday 20 Oc- Beverley will be joined in the show Councillor Lindsley Harvard tober, the event is calling on by Strictly Come Dancing’s Danny raised the cash at a number people to ditch their everyday Mac, Hippodrome panto favourite of fundraising events, hav- colours and pull on some- Matt Slack and one-time Hear’Say ing selected the research thing pink instead. singer Suzanne Shaw. centre as one of his official The fundraiser, back for its Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall take charities when he first took 16th year, encourages sup- on the roles of The Ugly Sisters, with office. porters to hold events in their pantomime veterans The Grumble- Commenting on the dona- homes, schools and work- weeds bringing their own particular tion, Councillor Harvard places to raise money for brand of humour to proceedings. said: “It was such a privilege Breast Cancer Now. Cinderella runs at the Hippodrome to be Lord Mayor of our city, The donations will go to- from Tuesday 19 December to Sun- and one of the outstanding wards helping the charity day 28 January. To book tickets, visit highlights for me was being achieve its aim of ensuring birminghamhippodrome.com able to support the Cancer that, by the year 2050, no- Research Centre. The centre body will die from breast can- works so hard and does so cer. much for the people of our To take part in the event, visit Theatre to audition for its panto chorus city and further afield, and wearitpink.org. Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is on the lookout for talented young per- I’m delighted that we were formers to appear in this year’s pantomime production of Cinderella. able to raise such a great The popular venue is holding auditions for the show’s junior chorus on amount to further their Sunday 3 September and is inviting along children aged between nine work.” and 16. To donate directly to the For more information, visit belgrade.co.uk. Cinderella runs at the venue Cancer Research Centre at from Wednesday 22 November to Saturday 13 January. Earlybird tickets the University of Warwick, are available until 31 August. To book your seat, call the box office on 024 visit warwick.ac.uk/cancer- 7655 3055 or visit the website, where tickets are cheaper. appeal

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INTERVIEW

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by Heather Kincaid Reasons to be Cheerful... The ultimate Ian Dury and The Blockheads musical makes its debut at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

In 1981, a cheesed off Ian Dury penned the tour. We’re calling it the last ever tour of the rest of her team, however, she’s someone provocative Spasticus Autisticus in response Reasons To Be Cheerful, although in my heart who relishes a challenge. to the UN’s International Year of Disabled I don’t think it will be. I think right now, Persons. Himself disabled, Dury reacted in given the state of our world, we all need a “It’s funny! It is a bit bonkers, but you know, typical sardonic fashion to what he saw as reason to be cheerful.” I’ve also recently done an opera for the first patronising appeals from various charities. time, which is even more ridiculous. But it’s Best known for its radical approach to been really interesting to re-educate myself But while he might have had little time for accessibility, Graeae puts features like and re-learn how to feel music.” campaigns painting disabled people as signing, captioning and audio description at helpless victims, he was more than ready to the heart of its productions, making them Although she lost her hearing before the support those he deemed worthy - among part of the story for everyone to enjoy, Blockheads formed, Sealey was nevertheless them the groundbreaking performance instead of sidelining them as added extras. a big fan in her youth, owing partly to her company Graeae, which, nearly 40 years sister’s help - and even more to her dad’s after its founders met in Coventry, continues “Every Graeae show is different,” continues disapproval. Sealey. “We never add access on. It comes to be one of the most dynamic, innovative “On Top Of The Pops, Ian Dury always had a and exciting forces in British theatre today. from looking at the script, who the characters are and what we’re trying to say, and microphone in front of his mouth, which Years after Dury’s death, the company now thinking about what access brings to that. made it even harder to work out what he was pays tribute to its illustrious patron with a saying, but my sister was brilliant! She’d show that’s inspired by his music - and “In this show, a lot of the songs are really spend hours writing down the lyrics so that I heading for the Coventry Belgrade Theatre fast, and the lyrics often have names and could have access to music. But also my dad next month. places in them, which would have to be hated Ian Dury, so of course that made me finger-spelled if you signed them. Obviously like him even more.” Set in 1979 at the height of Ian Dury & The that doesn’t read very well in theatre, so we Blockheads’ fame, Reasons To Be Cheerful came up with this concept where Colin has With her memories of the punk era, Sealey follows the attempts of teenager Billy and his made a series of short films with the lyrics sees clear parallels between the time the play best mate Colin to get Billy’s terminally ill and images, so there are still pictorial is set and our own austerity Britain, pointing dad to a Blockheads gig for a “final, fantastic representations of the words for deaf people to things like pressure on public services, night out”. Along the way, there’s romance, who find reading English difficult. But reinforced class divisions and the music and mishaps galore as Billy’s crush, interestingly, we’ve actually had a lot of exploitation and dismissal of young people. Janine, joins the crew, the car breaks down hearing audience members saying that it’s These links perhaps go some way to en route, and the characters perform their brilliant having the lyrics in writing because explaining the show’s enduring, cross- own riotous renditions of Blockheads hits. In they hadn’t previously picked up on generational appeal. the words of Graeae’s Artistic Director, Jenny everything. Some of the songs are also signed “It’s been extraordinary. I remember the first Sealey, musical this may be, but conventional - signing is really embedded within the time we did it, all these men in suits arrived “musical featah” it is not. choreography - and also because Colin is and it seemed bizarre. But as soon as the deaf in the story, him and Billy sign to each music started, their ties were undone, their First staged in 2010, the show went on to tour other. again in 2012, after an excerpt featured at the jackets were off and they were drumming London Paralympics Opening Ceremony. “For blind audiences, we’ve got Pickles, who away - once a punk, always a punk, I Since then, concert versions have toured both uses a 1970s payphone to talk to the audience suppose! But I think a lot of the songs have nationally and internationally, but this new through their headsets - and throughout the real resonance again now, and what’s also production will be the first in a while, and play, other characters will come over and say been brilliant is that we’ve had a whole load may also be the last... hello. And because it’s live, if something goes of young people who’re on their phones really tits up on stage, they can also relay downloading the music as soon as they leave “The gang still loves doing it, but they’re what’s happened.” the theatre.” getting older now,” says Sealey. “It’s a very high-energy show, and I’m not sure how With Sealey having been deaf herself since Reasons To Be Cheerful shows at much longer they’ll be able to do it, so we the age of seven, directing a musical might Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on decided we’d try one last time for a full UK not seem like the most obvious choice. Like Friday 8 & Saturday 9 September

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Food

bread was a masterclass in full- bodied flavour combinations - the tried-and-tested coupling of savoury and sweet married perfectly with the sour kick of the preserved lemon. There was plenty of flatbread on standby too, to mop up that rich tomato, apricot and paprika-infused sauce. Rounding off a perfectly indulgent evening in style, my dessert of lemon tart with a caramelised citrus topping served with winter berries was the perfect palate- cleanser after so rich an offering. Presented with signature flare and glazed with a zesty berry REVIEW: Valles at The Basement Rich, gamey and executed with compote, I only wish I’d left panache, the earthiness of the room for seconds - a feeling Imaginative dishes and an abudance of pate found its perfect companion echoed by my partner, whose in the zesty yet subtle notes of choice of chocolate fondant with charm at new South Leamington eatery the clementine and quince jam. morello cherry ice cream was every bit as decadent as it By contrast, my partner’s choice Discreetly tucked away from the soundtrack of slow-jazz and a sounds. nearby parade, nestled beneath glass or two of The Valles’ excel- of ravioli with mascarpone and As if an excuse were needed to street level like some delicious lent choice of house wine and asparagus was a textbook exam- start planning a return visit, The and closely guarded secret, this you’d be hard pressed to find a ple of an Italian classic executed Valles also offers its own series bijoux hideaway oozes charm better spot to sit back, relax and to perfection, served on a bed of of acoustic jazz nights featuring from the moment you first open forget the world outside. Mediterranean dressed salad live music and a three-course a the door til the moment you with a careful eye for portion- This same loving attention to de- la carte meal for just £30 - and leave. size and oozing freshness with tail was evident in The Valles’ ex- every bite. speaking from personal experi- The brainchild of brother-and- cellent choice of dishes - at once ence, it’s hard to think of a venue For an authentic taste of the sister team Antonella and Filippo reassuringly traditional and re- better suited to the job. Valle - previous owners of the de- freshingly inventive in outlook. A Mediterranean, The Valles also Offering an utterly unique ambi- lightful and much-missed Case brief glance at the menu revealed offers a sharing-platter option at ence, as far removed as can be Valles Restaurant in Regent a range of hearty Mediterranean a very reasonable £12.50. from any high street chain you Street - this highly desirable and classics such as ravioli of the Moving on to the main course, care to name, this pint-sized in- suitably quirky addition to South day, risotto with prawns and it’s a well-known fact that, when dependent comes complete with Leamington’s independent corn-fed chicken with pancetta it comes to traditional Italian cui- great service, imaginative dishes, restaurant scene prides itself on and Parmentier roast potatoes. sine, wars have been fought over exacting standards of delivery its rich Italian heritage, authen- Eastern-inspired specialities also less than the secret to a good and an abundance of charm. tic approach to Modern Euro- featured, including spinach risotto. So imagine my joy (and pean cuisine and passion for falafel patty in flatbread and relief!) to discover that The A hidden gem in South Leaming- locally sourced ingredients. lamb tagine with apricots, pre- Valles’ own offering of ‘risotto ton’s culinary crown. Make no mistake, this is one secret well Channelling the baroque-like de- served lemons and split peas - a with saffron, prawns, chilli and worth sharing. Katherine Ewing tail of a late 19th century Euro- far cry from your run-of-the-mill lime’ was not only delicious but pean wine bar or jazz lounge, high street ‘tapas’ restaurant and every bit the authentic taste of oak-panelled flooring, candle-lit highly affordable too, at a price Northern Italy. Food: nnnnn crevices and grape-coloured of just £17.50 for two courses and Infused with the subtle heat of Service: nnnnn walls combine to create a £20.50 for three. saffron and paprika and cooked Ambience: nnnnn uniquely intimate atmosphere, Opting for a starter of duck and in a refreshingly light broth, this Overall value nnnnn whilst the addition of modern wild boar terrine and paprika was home-cooking executed to OVERALL nnnnn wall art, exposed stone fireplaces crisp bread served with clemen- an exceptional standard - beauti- and accents of mustard offer a tine and quince jam - served with fully fresh yet nuanced in Valles at The Basement tasteful nod to the contemporary quiet pride and genuine warmth flavour. By the same token, my 1 Spencer Street and to the venue’s quirky bo- by the venue’s small yet attentive partner’s choice of lamb tagine Leamington Spa hemian roots. waiting team - the quality of in- with apricots, preserved lemons CV31 3NE Tel: 01926 887 288 Add to this an unobtrusive gredients was second to none. and split peas served with flat-

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Food

The Ivy to open in Brum Double award win for popular Warwickshire gastropub World famous celebrity haunt The Ivy is One of Warwickshire’s favourite gastropubs set to open in Birmingham. has a double reason for celebration after The upmarket bar & brasserie will winning two high-profile awards. launch in early 2018 at 67-71 Temple As well as taking home the title of Hospital- Row, a premises currently occupied by ity Business of the Year at the Touch FM Louis Vuitton. Pride of Warwick District Awards, the Rose Having been a firm fixture on London’s & Crown has also won Britain’s Best dining and social scene since being Brigade. founded in 1917, The Ivy’s list of “Winning this competition is simply fantas- celebrity diners includes Madonna, tic - and a bigger deal than any of us Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Simon Cow- could’ve realised,” said Head Chef Leon ell and David & Victoria Beckham. Higham. “When you look at how many great brigades from across the industry entered, New venue opens in it's a really great achievement to win, and we’re all honoured to be winners. I think it Leamington Spa shows what our pub and our company is all A new venue has opened in Leaming- about. When you recruit a team and put the ton Spa following a £285,000 invest- effort in, you get it back in spades.” ment. Primarily aimed at students and young people, The Clarendon offers a quality and affordable food menu inspired by the street food movement. Cocktails, craft beers, bottomless coffee and entertainment throughout the week add to the venue’s appeal. Popular chef launches new food & drink expo The UK’s largest indoor African and Caribbean food & drink expo will take place at the Quantum Exhibition Centre in Digbeth, Birmingham, from 29 Sep- tember to 1 October. Organised by Chef Lorenzo Richards, Culture Cooking Expo recently enjoyed a VIP launch at his restaurant, The Wildmoor Oak, near Bromsgrove. The project will bring together restaurants and celebrity chefs to help raise the profile of African and Caribbean cuisine. Leamington’s food festival in new ‘best baker’ search Now in its 10th year, the Leamington Food & porium. Drink Festival returns to the town’s Royal Pump Home bakers of all ages are being challenged to Gardens on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 September. put their skills to the test, with ‘fabulous’ prizes Featuring over 150 exhibitors, the free event up for grabs. Jenny Hudson, chef director and was voted one of the best Autumn food & drink founder of Sweet As Cake Emporium, will be festivals in the UK by the Telegraph newspaper one of the judges. in 2013. Last year’s event attracted 25,000 visi- Hoping to top last year’s record crowd, the festi- tors across the two days. val will showcase an action-packed programme New for this year is a competition to find the featuring new attractions and established town’s best amateur baker. The contest is being favourites. Highlights include the live cookery co-launched by BID Leamington and award- theatre, a BBQ masterclass, a make & bake kids winning chocolate specialist Sweet As Cake Em- cookery school and a taste trail.

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Gigs

Céline Dion Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 3 August Best known for number one hit and Titanic theme tune My Heart Will Go On, five-time Grammy Award winner Céline Dion brings a live tour to the UK for the first time in eight years. Expect a multitude of smash hits from a 30-year career which has produced a stag- gering 250 million album sales.

band have variously been described as Curtis Eller’s ‘brutish’, ‘inelegant’ and ‘specialising in American Circus gospel music for atheists and dance fads for Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Tues 22 August amputees’. The banjo-playing Eller very If this is your first experience of Curtis much leads from the front, presenting imag- Eller's American Circus, you’re in for a stim- inative songs about subjects that range from ulating and somewhat unusual evening. The pigeon racing to presidential assassinations.

Regina Spektor Parquet Courts Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 August O2 Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 31 August Russian-born American singer-songwriter Comprising Andrew Savage, Austin Brown, GoGo Penguin and pianist Regina Spektor began classical Sean Yeaton and Max Savage, Parquet mac, Birmingham, Sun 20 August piano training at the tender age of six. Courts are an American indie rock band hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Although predominantly an acoustic piano She self-released her first three records be- Well known on both the UK and interna- trio, GoGo Penguin’s music draws from many fore signing to Sire Records, where she tional festival circuits, the four-piece have areas of contemporary electronic music and began achieving mainstream recognition. enjoyed appearances at Latitude, Glaston- jazz. The band received plenty of critical ac- Spektor visits Birmingham in support of crit- bury, Bilbao BBK Live in Portugal and the claim following the release of their debut ically acclaimed seventh album Remember Lollapalooza and Pitchfork music festivals album, Fanfares. Their 2014 follow-up, v2.0, Us To Life. in Chicago, to name but a few. was named one of the Barclaycard Mercury Their fifth studio album, Human Perform- Prize Albums of the Year. In early 2015, they The Flaming Lips ance, was released earlier this year through signed a three-album deal with Blue Note Rough Trade. Records, releasing debut record Man Made The Rainbow, Birmingham, Sat 12 August Object in February 2016. Psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips formed in Oklahoma in 1983. Melodically, their sound contains multi-lay- ered, psychedelic rock arrangements; lyri- cally, their compositions feature elements of space rock. Best known for hit tracks The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song, Do You Realize?? and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part 1, they visit Birmingham to appear in new open-air festival VMS Live Presents InnerCity, alongside support act Public Service Broadcasting. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:19 Page 1

INTERVIEW

lulu talks music, family & beauty secrets...

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:19 Page 2

When you have success at a young age - the pop star sort of thing - ‘‘ you think you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see that you’re not How do you keep your shows exciting excited. When they started to get excited, If a film were to be made about your for you and the audience? the guards slapped them down. life, who would you like to have” play First of all, I’ve only been with this band you? for around four years, and that’s helped If someone had told your 15-year-old Jennifer Lawrence. shake things up. They’re all younger than self that you had this life ahead of you, me, so there's a young energy, which I what would you have thought? Do you think today’s young female love. The great thing is that these guys are I would’ve said, ‘Are you having a laugh?’ bands and artists are under too much influenced by the same music that I was - because I’ve had such an amazing life! pressure to look good? and still am - but they have a new slant. How could a 15-year-old have predicted Yes! Now it's ‘world domination or the way my life was going to unfold? It’s nothing’, and that’s tremendous pressure. Where does your energy come from? been a rollercoaster. I thought I was going And you'll be dropped like a hot potato if I guess I was blessed with a lot of energy, to be a singing hairdresser who never left you don't sell a certain amount of records. and I think if you’re healthy you have a lot Glasgow! of energy. Some people love it, but some What are your ‘must haves’ in the would prefer you to shut up and sit down. Anything else you wish you’d known at makeup bag? It's all about how you use your energy for the beginning of your career? Good skin care. Thank God for TimeBomb. the positive. And as you get older, it’s I wish I’d known I could write songs. Before you put anything on your skin, it about pacing your energy - and for that, I has to be in the best condition it can be. do meditation and Chi Gong. In your experience, what gets easier as You have to make sure you’re hydrated you get older? internally and externally and make sure What was the first concert you ever Most things become easier because I live you get lots of sleep so your face looks like performed at? from a position of having gratitude. I've it's alive instead of dead. You've got to - as It was in a theatre or small hall, and I was become philosophical, and as tough as it opposed to a young person, where it very, very young. I sang Smoke Gets In is for me not to knee-jerk into a negative doesn't really matter because they always Your Eyes and forgot the words. I just place when things go wrong, I always look gorgeous. I have to have the right repeated the first verse and wanted to die, have a way of getting back and looking at stuff underneath: good foundation, the but nobody mentioned it afterwards. I acceptance of what is and what I can't right blusher and lots of eyelashes - and thought it was the worst thing I’d done in change. It doesn’t happen in a flash. It’s a my favourite thing is to try and get the J- my whole life. I was probably about six! I process, and I now have the support and Lo lips! Really, for me, she just kills it. remember that I had a sticky-out frock, the tools to process. That's what I try to do, those luscious lips! and I think I was so pleased with myself Everything is off before I go to bed. that the excitement affected my memory! And what gets tougher? Maintenance. It’s a bitch! There's a big Who’s given you the best advice about What was the first concert you went to? piece of acceptance in growing older. I your voice? I remember going to a really dirty club to look at myself and go, 'Oh my God!’ You I met Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, and he see Alex Harvey (Shout) when I was just never really thought this would happen. asked if I made it a habit to warm up my about 13. I don't know if that was my first When you have success at a young age - voice, and if I did vocal exercises before a show. I wasn’t allowed to go to those the pop star sort of thing - you think show, which I didn't back then. I was places because I was so young, but my you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see there with Maurice (Gibb), and Frank mother wangled it so I could go. I used to that you’re not. offered to teach me, but I never followed it sing in a band at the weekends, so the up because I was too shy. And then, of boys in the band had to look after me. If you, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger course, I went off and hurt my voice, so Alex came backstage dressed in black went on stage together, who do you now I’m religious about looking after it. leather, with jet-black hair, and sang think would be the last one standing? So yes, Frank, I eventually took your Shout. It was the first time I’d ever heard I think that would be very difficult advice! it, and I went out the next day and bought because you hear endless praise about the record by The Isley Brothers. The rest Jagger doing his amazing run at the end of Is there anyone you'd still like to work is history. every gig The Stones play, and I don't see with or duet with? Macca giving up any time soon, so that Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris - and I'd love to In 1966, you were one of the first would be a very tough race. do something with Steven Tyler from female artists ever to play an Eastern Aerosmith. And so many more! bloc country. What was the experience What makes you really proud? like, considering you were only 17 or At the weekend, I was with my son and 18? my grandchildren. We were making I was with The Hollies and it was scary. It birthday cards and a poster for their mum, Lulu plays Solihull Summer Fest was cold, the place was very rundown and who was about to return from a few days on Saturday 26 August. there were bullet marks on buildings. away with her girlfriends. It was such a Other artists performing over the There was debris and a lot of poverty. It sweet moment, and I sat back and weekend include Peter Andre, Feeder, was also memorable because when we did thought, ‘Wow, didn’t Jordon do well, and The Pigeon Detectives and The Wonder the concerts, there were guards I get to share it!’. That was a proud Stuff. For more details, visit everywhere, watching the audience to moment. solihullsummerfest.co.uk make sure they didn't stand up or get

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:44 Page 1

INTERVIEW

the overtones From pop and soul to doo-wop and crooning, there’s no denying the appeal of the UK’s ‘favourite’ five-piece vocal harmony group. Lauren Foster caught up with the band’s Timmy Matley ahead of their mid-month Shrewsbury Flower Show gig...

You’re playing Shrewsbury Flower Show list together. We’re really looking forward to your tea break... this month. What can your audience getting people on their feet - and for that time expect from your Saturday evening we’re on the stage, we want everyone to get It sounds a bit like a fairytale when you performance? up, forget all their cares and worries, and just describe it like that, but that’s what it is enjoy themselves. really. We’d been together four years as a We’ll be there, looking sharp. The shoes are group. We set up this small painting & shined and everything’s ready. I’m looking decorating company, just so we could get You were discovered by a Warner Bros forward to sitting down and sorting out the some cash-in-hand work, and basically got talent scout in London while singing in set list - we’re going to put a really strong set overheard singing. We were invited down to The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:44 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Warner Music, but it wasn’t just a ‘here’s a Your voice is an instrument and you have to You like to knit in your spare time. What’s five-album deal’ type of thing. We got invited really take care of it. I won’t be having a drink your most impressive piece of work? down and we got to sing for some of the guys leading up to the show. I’d say the main bulk there. Then they wanted to hear us on a of getting ready for a show is making sure I love to knit! I really haven’t moved on from record and see what we were like, so we I’ve packed the right suit, shoes, tie or scarves, but I know how to do the little recorded six songs - and that was like bowtie, and making sure I do a nice vocal stringy things at the end. I haven’t advanced another audition round - and then, after that, warm-up. more than that, but I like to do it in the we got offered the five-album deal. It was an winter. It’s actually really therapeutic. absolute whirlwind, but it’s so lovely waking What advice would you give to the young up every day and just doing a job that, musicians of today who’re trying to get What’s been the highlight of your career? ultimately, is the best job in the world. I’m themselves heard? Because I’m an Irishman living in the UK, getting paid to do something I love to do, and and because I was very proud to be up there, I think that’s all you can ask for in life. We got signed seven years ago, but even how people are being discovered has gone into it was when Gary Barlow asked us to do a 15- minute warm-up slot for the Diamond Jubilee How did you all originally meet? another realm since then. It was YouTube at the time. Since YouTube you’ve got people concert. We got to experience that whole We’re all from different parts of the UK, but being discovered on Instagram and all sorts moment of being on that amazing stage. We we all moved to London to fulfil our dreams, of networks. You’ve got to get your music out weren’t televised, but we were there with whatever that meant. There’s so much going there and put yourself out to wider something crazy like two million people at on in London in terms of music. I met the audiences, such as the internet. Also, being a Buckingham Palace, and we felt very proud lads when we were on the auditioning circuit. good singer is one thing, but you’ve also got to be there. We got invited to the palace Instead of auditioning for other groups, we to be a good entertainer. If you think of any of afterwards for a cocktail and it was lovely. decided to start our own. It was another four those living legends - your Stevie Wonder, Prince William and Kate were there, and they years before we got discovered, but you’ve your Chaka Khan, Céline Dion - these people were just wandering around. Not only that, got to put the work in. have had careers spanning decades because there was Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, they’re entertainers as well as great singers. Jessie J, Ed Sheeran - and this was going back There are five of you in the group. Do you Getting out there in front of people is also to when we first started. It was such a special generally have the same musical opinions important. There are some great open-mic day. I just remember feeling like I was when producing new material? nights around the country. Get out there, get walking on clouds and wondering how it had that experience and get rid of those nerves. all actually happened. All of us are actually into different styles of You can question yourself a lot when you’re music. The brilliant thing is that we all come starting out, but it’s a waste of time even Finally, what does the future hold for together, and I think that formula works. listening to that. Throw yourself into it The Overtones? These songs that we sing, they have a classic wholeheartedly and enjoy everything that Well listen, I’m a very, very keen gardener, feel to them, but we like to give them the you do. Overtones spin and make them feel a bit and I’m really excited to be at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I love my garden! I post shots modern. The best way for us to get anything Which artist has inspired you the most? done is a show of hands - we always go with of it on my Twitter account. I’ve got a little the majority. We’re grown men and it’s a I went to see Stevie Wonder perform live veggie patch, a little seating area and a lovely lovely, natural way of working, which is three years ago and he was just incredible. flowerbed. It’s all very manageable - and full great. He’s just a music legend. All his music brings of beautiful colours at the moment; so bright people together, and he really believes in the and vibrant. What does the future hold for What’s your earliest musical memory? power of that. I feel that because of his The Overtones? We’ve got a really exciting music, my world is a better place. Stevie announcement coming in the next few I’d say when I first became aware that singing Wonder, for me, is such an inspiration. He’s weeks. I know that’s being really vague, but had emotion attached to it. My Auntie no spring chicken, but he can still sing it we’re hoping, as always, to be releasing new Janette, she’s a really lovely lady. When we exactly how he did in his 20s. music, to be on the road and to be enjoying were kids, you’ve got your traditional Irish what we do - it makes people really happy. songs and my Auntie Janette would get up What’s the strangest experience you’ve You know, since I’ve been diagnosed with and sing. She has a really good voice. I would had in terms of your fans? melanoma, I’m really, really taking care of my say I was six or seven, and the first time I health. The plan is to be healthy and happy. heard her sing - I still remember to this day - I feel like I could set up a Tunnock’s teacake it actually made me cry. I look back now and afternoon with, like, 200 people! Basically, I realise I was crying because it just moved me. tweeted that I really love Tunnock’s teacakes Whether music makes you laugh, cry, smile because they remind me of going round to my The Overtones play Shrewsbury Flower or dance, it’s always attached to emotions. nan’s when I was a kid. Now, every time we’re Show on Saturday 12 August. on tour, the fans give me Tunnock’s teacakes. Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place at What do you do to prepare yourself pre- It’s so sweet, and I really do enjoy them. It’s the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 11 & show? really thoughtful. Sometimes, people are so Saturday 12 August. Further information excited to see you that they either clam up or can be found on page 45 I do a vocal warm-up before the sound check they start crying, and it’s just the sweetest which will last around 15 minutes. I play it thing. We just give them a lovely hug. through my phone and the boys will join in. P18 WORCS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:25 Page 1

SAT 9 SEPT, 3pm & 6.30pm BILLIONAIRE BOY Join Mr Spud and his son Joe, for a very specific garage sale (they used to own 500 garages) – they will be selling their final belongings to raise some money to buy food! The Formula 1 racing car has already been taken by the bailiffs, but there might be something interesting left so who knows what you might find…

WED 20 SEPT, 7.30pm GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY In the early hours of Thursday 8th August 1963, the heist of the century was under way. Whilst the world was tucked up in bed, 15 men put a ﬁnger up to the government and stole 2 million British pounds from Her Majesty’s Royal Mail train. Five days later the ﬁrst clues were found, the gang was busted and the rest is history. But what about the ones that got away…?

WED 27 SEPT , 7pm NOCTURNES Internationally acclaimed imitating the dog come to the Bridge House Theatre with their latest production. Nocturnes is a multi-media twist on a 50s spy thriller set during the height of the cold war. Two operatives holed up in a Berlin apartment in the Russian Zone await instructions. As time passes their relationship to each other and to the orders they receive from their superiors falls apart. Performed on what appears to be a ﬁlm soundstage, two actors voice a ﬁlm they can’t see and never acknowl- edge. But who is in control?

WED 4 OCT , 7.30pm ANTIGONE A brother condemned to walk forever in the shadow of death. A family teetering on the brink of catastrophe. A world where one girl dares to take a stand. This blistering new adaptation sees Sophocles’ tragedy reimagined in a dystopian landscape, where fate is written in code and where drones ﬂock across the skies. Brought to life by innovative theatre company Actors of Dionysus, this production combines bold ideas with passionate and visceral physical theatre.

TUE 10 OCT , 7.30pm NOT ABOUT HEROES This production won a Best Actor accolade at the Wales Theatre Awards for Daniel Llewelyn Williams, who reprises his role here as Sassoon. The show is on the ﬁrst part of a world tour com- memorating the centenary of both the meeting depicted in the play, and of the Armistice. The show is presented by acclaimed Welsh company Flying Bridge and Olivier Award winning producers Seabright Productions.ver acknowl- edge. But who is in control?

MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 2

Festivals

Shrewsbury Folk Festival West Midland Showground, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Shrewsbury Folk has certainly made an im- pression on the region’s festival-goers - the well-established event was named Best Mid- lands Music Festival in this year’s What’s On Readers’ Awards. It took second place in the Best Shropshire Festival category too, so con- gratulations are definitely in order! A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Bring along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Line-up includes: The Young’uns, Best Midlands The Unthanks (pictured), Loudon Wainwright Festival 2017 III, The Transports, Jon Boden, Chris Difford, Oysterband, Le Vent du Nord, Sam Carter and Faith, Folk & Anarchy

Creamfields Farmer Phil’s Festival Brecon Jazz Festival Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Various locations, Brecon, Wales, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Celebrating 20 years in 2017, Creamfields un- After a successful reinvention in 2016, Brecon leashes the energy of Cream’s Liverpool club Jazz continues with the smaller-scale, more nights in the open space of Halton’s Dares- collaborative and community-led approach bury Estate. Cutting-edge live acts unite with which transformed past difficulties into an world-class DJs in a hedonistic four-day opportunity for positive change. dance party. Since launching in Winchester, Expect headline performers, emerging talent, the brand has evolved into an international workshops and social and folk activities, all phenomenon, beloved of ravers, trailblazers curated by Brecon Jazz Club. and experimenters the world over. Line-up includes: Annette Gregory (pic- Line-up includes: Faithless (DJ set), Fatboy tured) & Friends, Atsuko Shimada Trio, Ger- Slim, Annie Mac, Chase & Status (DJ set), ard Cousins Project, Darius Brubeck Quartet, deadmau5, Disciples, Andy C, Duke Dumont, Nigel Price, Ross Stanley Trio and Danny Howard, Eric Prydz, DVBBS, Gorgon Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s Hannah Vivian-Byrne Trio City, Dusky, Hannah Wants, Idris Elba, Mista- fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- jam, Wilkinson, Pendulum and Stormzy ing aims to offer something for everyone, covering rock, dance, acoustic folk and everything between. Camping for the full week, from 7 to 14 August, is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: Ferocious Dog (pictured), The Quireboys, Rev. Peyton’s, Doctor & the Medics, The Urban Voodoo Machine, Gaz Brookfield & the Company of Thieves, Rusty Shackle, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Dooni- can, Talisman and Funke & the Two Tone Baby. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 3 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 4

Festivals

Lakefest Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Thurs 10 - Mon 14 August Priding itself on putting family first, Lake- fest's story began with a giant cider festival at Croft Farm Waterpark. Though expansion has led to a relocation to the beautiful East- nor Castle, it retains its friendly, West Coun- try vibe. This year, the festival goes Hawaiian, so bring your best beach-themed fancy dress and get ready for an eclectic line- up of music, BMX biking and more. Line-up includes: Feeder (pictured), Wilko Johnson, The Charlatans, Alabama 3, Aswad, Turin Brakes, Imelda May, Seth Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy and Roving Crows

Camper Calling Green Man Festival Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Thurs 17 - Sun 20 August Following a warmly received debut in 2016, Known for its ethical business model and Camper Calling returns to the stunning quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped up grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall for its numerous awards and accolades during its 15 second family-friendly outing. This year’s years in operation. Alongside an amazing event boasts a superb line-up of Britpop leg- array of folk, world, indie, electronic and ends and contemporary music stars, now psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, covering three nights instead of two! film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night bon- Line-up includes: Cast (pictured), Reef, fires and secret gigs, all surrounded by the Space, The Ordinary Boys, Musical Youth, breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Lucy Spraggan, Backbeat Soundsystem, Scott Music line-up includes: PJ Harvey (pic- Matthews, Afro Cluster, Barbarella’s Bang tured), Ryan Adams, The Shins, Kate Tem- Bang, BETSY, The Undercover Hippy, CC Sunshine Festival pest, Sleaford Mods, Ride, Shirley Collins, Smugglers, The Elephant Trees, Lakuta, The Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Conor Oberst, Saint Etienne, British Sea Atlantic Players and Grafton Ash Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Power, Alasdair Roberts Trio, Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Comedy line-up includes: Josie Long, Jarred acts and retro favourites, the heart of Eng- Christmas, Laura Lexx, Lolly Adefope and land’s ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Rob Deering Upton-upon-Severn for its eighth year. As well as featuring a line-up assembled to appeal to every generation, there’s also a disco, karaoke and a range of fun activities for kids. Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed. Line-up includes: Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor (pictured), Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Heatwave, Modern Romance, Jaki Gra- ham, Sonia, The Wurzels and Union Gap (UK)

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 5 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 6

Festivals

V Festival Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August Featuring an impressive line-up of world- class performers in one epic, cross-country weekend, Virgin's V Festival was born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker hit on the idea of uniting musicians in two locations over two days. Chart-topping acts of all genres join a host of comedy talent on stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, visiting one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Music line-up includes: Pink, Jay-Z, Ellie Goulding (pictured), Pete Tong & the Her- itage Orchestra, Stormzy, Raye, Jason Derulo, Nadia Rose, Dizzee Rascal, Clean Bandit, Ex- ample & DJ Wire, Pink, Craig David, Jess Glynne, George Ezra, Madness, Ella Eyre, Busted, Sean Paul, and The Vamps Comedy line-up includes: Joe Lycett, Joel Dommett, Lee Nelson and Seann Walsh

Pershore Jazz Festival Towersey Festival Beermageddon Pershore College, Avonbank, Pershore, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 - Sun 20 August Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August From humble beginnings, Pershore College’s Billed as the best-kept secret in British metal, annual jazz festival has achieved UK-wide Beermageddon returns to showcase the ris- renown, showcasing formidable musical tal- ing stars of the UK's alternative music scene. ent on local, national and even international The music might be hard and heavy, but the levels. Though the event errs on the side of set-up is comfortable and civilised, with in- the traditional, young musicians and audi- door stages and facilities, hot food, afford- ences are encouraged to come along and able beers and free entry for under-14s share fresh ideas. who’re accompanied by any paying adult. A friendly, not-for-profit get-together run by a Beermageddon also boasts free camping. passionate and dedicated team. Line-up includes: Outright Resistance (pic- Line-up includes: Fret & Fiddle (pictured), tured), Totengefluster, Stahlsarg, Ace Of Jeff Barnhart’s Sweet & Hot, Clark Tracey Spades, Zephyra, Warlord, Godslave, Aklash, Sextet, Dorine de Wit’s Brit Band, Digby Fair- Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Fes- Unlight, Wolfbastard, Acid Trial, Master’s weather’s Half Dozen, John Hallam’s Blue tival, which traces its roots back to 1965, Call and Krysthla, Scars Of Sense, Countless Three, New Orleans Heat, Slide by Slide, Gra- when local villagers united to buy a field Skies, Footprints In The Custard, Isarnos and ham Smith Shades of Jazz and Keith Nichols’ from wealthy landowners. Deep Throat Truama Washingtonian 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: KT Tunstall (pictured), Newton Faulkner, Eliza Carthy & the Way- ward Band, Foy Vance, Jon Boden, Lindis- farne, Show of Hands, The Blockheads, The Demon Barbers XL, The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Andy Cutting and Mawkin

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:36 Page 1

FEATURE

Ocean Colour Scene Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:36 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler chats to What’s On ahead of the band’s headline performance at new Birmingham festival Beyond The Tracks...

Ocean Colour Scene are headlining brand from the area, so there’s a hell of a lot of things like Speedy Gonzales by Pat Boone. new festival Beyond The Tracks next people we know in the city, and we have the My favourite early song was called Seven Lit- month. What can your audience expect Birmingham sensibility, I think. Not too tle Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat). Google it - from your Saturday evening performance? much of a show-off. it was probably dreadful. It was by a band We’ll be doing all the songs that people hope- called The Avons, and that was about 1960. It was my favourite record, and my brother and fully know. It’s the audience’s day out, isn’t You took the anniversary tour to Aus- I had an argument. I’d have been about five it? It’s the audience’s gig, so we’ll oblige. tralia, too. What was it like playing there and he’d have been seven, and he threw the for the first time? single across our lounge. It hit a chair leg and You’ll be sharing the stage with the likes We’re actually going back there at the end of shattered. That’s my earliest musical mem- of Maximo Park, The Coral and The the year. We’re doing Australia and New ory. Twang. Who are you most looking for- Zealand this time. We’ve been together for 28 ward to seeing? years, and how the hell we’d never played in What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Carl Barât is there, isn’t he? I’ve never met Australia before, I just don’t know. They were the music industry over the years? Carl, so I’m looking forward to meeting him. really, really welcoming, so basically we’re Steve knows him a bit. I know that he and going back and playing much bigger venues The way that records are now almost a by- Pete (Doherty) grew up listening to us, which because those gigs were only 800-capacity product that allows you to tour. You used to is quite amusing! So yeah, I’ll go and give venues and they sold out literally within an make an album - looking back at it, at ridicu- him some tips on taking drugs - like, “don’t hour. We had no idea that was going to hap- lous costs - and then you would tour to pro- take them, young Carl.” pen! mote that album. It’s the other way round now. Unless you’re a mega-selling, streaming person, I wouldn’t like to start a band now Why do you think Ocean Colour Scene The band are well known on the festival and have to work out what to do. Having said have managed to survive for so long? circuit. Do you have a favourite festival? that, I've never used a computer, I’ve never Oh blimey! I quite like the one at The crowd - our crowd. Also, we’ve never streamed - I don’t even know what that really Punchestown in Ireland - it used to be called been fashionable. If you’re fashionable, by means - so if I was a young person now, I’d Oxegen. That’s really nice - it’s at a race- the very nature of that statement, you’re have grown up with a different mentality. course and it’s got the poshest facilities of going to not be fashionable in a year, or Album art, album covers, who gives a toss any festival I’ve ever been to. Glastonbury I maybe even six months. We’ve never been about them anymore, but that used to be one always used to find terrifying, just because fashionable, we’ve always been a traditional of the things that made an album so special. it’s Glastonbury. It’s a bit like playing the Al- rock, blues, folk band who you either like or Opening it up on the bus home, reading the bert Hall - it’s the Albert Hall, however hard you don’t. People have stuck with us, and it’s credits. There’s none of that now. Christ, I’m you try to pretend it isn’t! I like festivals; I our crowd who’ve kept us together. We’re not sounding old, aren’t I?! think there’s a lot less pressure. We played at going to make an album that’s going into the a castle up near Chepstow last weekend, top 10 anymore, but we go and play to 12,500 What’s the most memorable performance which was nice. people, and I think we treasure that more now than chasing the charts. I don’t even of your career? know how they work now! I don’t know how Obviously supporting Oasis at Knebworth Last year you played a series of special you can have nine singles in the top 10! It’s was pretty special - and petrifying! One of my gigs around the UK to celebrate the 20th just nonsense. That means nothing to me at proudest moments was when we played the anniversary of your hit 1996 album, Mose- all. So we’ll play to our crowds and Ed Albert Hall in February ’97. There it was, our ley Shoals. The tour included dates at Sheeran can have 10 songs in the top five. name, up in lights at the Albert Hall, and I Moseley Park and Birmingham’s Irish walked in and thought, ‘Jesus Christ, we’ve Centre. What’s it like playing to a home done it!’ Another memorable moment was If you could go back in time to Ocean crowd? Do the shows feel more special? the first time we played the NEC. That was Colour Scene’s inception, is there any- They’ve always been lovely to us, Birming- pretty remarkable. thing you would do differently? ham. There’s always a word around that Birmingham is a dull audience, but I’ve never I’d write more, that’s all. I wouldn’t change What does the future hold for Ocean found that - ever. I think that comes from anything, really. There are probably argu- Colour Scene? people who’re in dull bands. We’ve always ments that we could’ve avoided, but that’s gone down great in Birmingham. This was the way life is. I wouldn’t change the fact that I need to write and we need to record an our launch pad. The Jug of Ale, as it was, in we struggled for seven years because that’s album! Moseley was our HQ, and the first time I met when we learned to do what we do, and Liam was down there. It’s always been spe- that’s when we learned to be a band. It does you good being punched in the face once or cial to us. Even before that, in my bands be- Ocean Colour Scene play the Saturday twice, so long as you don’t lose your teeth. fore that, the Irish Centre was always a great headline slot at Beyond The Tracks, which place, and before that, the Barrel Organ. takes place from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 When you were in a local band, you knew What’s your first musical memory? September at Eastside City Park, Digbeth, that once you arrived at the Barrel Organ, A load of old singles my older brother used to Birmingham. you’d made it! Next stop, the NEC! Birming- listen to that were like family heirlooms - ham’s always been special to us. We’re all Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 1

Comedy

Milton Jones Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 30 August With a style of humour that’s mainly based around puns and one-liners, Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. “If my comedy’s working well, I put a cartoon in people’s heads that surprises them,” explains Milton. “So you start off and they’re thinking one thing, then you surprise them by changing the ending as you go along. It’s not political or particularly edgy, it’s just daft. It’s a sort of verbal practical joke, but some people really hate that. Milton’s gags include: “Militant femi- nists - I take my hat off to them. They don't like that,” and “Recently, on a flight to America, all the way across my wife was going, ‘Why don't you get an upgrade, why don't you get an upgrade?’ “It took a bit of time, but in the end I got a better wife.”

Three of the best...

Paul Tonkinson Joe Bromehead Steve Hewlett Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Jongleurs Comedy Club, The Core, Solihull, Sat 5 August Birmingham, Fri 25 August Wed 16 August; Regent Theatre, The days when people delighted at the likes Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 19 August “Take a look at the video clips on my web- of Keith Harris fitting his hand up the bottom Time Out Comedy Award winner Paul has site,” urges Joe Bromehead. “And if you like of a curious-looking puppet and seemingly been a regular on the UK laughter circuit what I do, do tell me because, as all comedi- making it talk are long gone. since the 1990s. He’s perhaps best known ans are, I'm often crippled with self-doubt, Well, at least until recently they were. from The Big Breakfast and The Sunday seeking the approval of complete strangers in But now there’s one man in particular who’s Show. Regularly booked by the UK Armed order to fill some kind of void in my soul!” doing his bit to change the widely held view Forces, Paul was the first comic to perform in Joe’s feelings of self-doubt should certainly that ventriloquism acts are old hat, tired out Iraq after the war officially ended. He’s since be on the decline nowadays, given how many and alarmingly frayed at the edges... used his experi- of those ‘complete strangers’ - that’s his audi- That man is Steve Hewlett, ences there as ence we’re talking about there - offer him the Britain’s Got Talent finalist inspiration for approval he’s 2013, whose most popular his comedy. seeking when- puppet partners include “When I told my ever he plays a Chi Chi the dog, Pongo wife I'd spent gig. A cheeky the skunk and cheeky old much of the chappie with a geezer Arthur Lager. time lying on penchant for Expect to meet all three. the floor," he props-led com- The puppets of Simon Cow- says, "all I got in edy, Joe’s a real ell and Sinitta, which Steve response was rising star on used during his Britain’s Got 'well we all like the UK comedy Talent run, might also get the a lie down, don’t circuit and well hand-up-bottom treatment on we?'” worth a look. the night.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

is this?’ But fans should rest assured that, while the impetus behind his new show Simon might be different, his distinctive wry humour is still very much the same. “All the stand-up I’ve done so far has been Amstell deeply personal in that I go up on stage and say terribly embarrassing things that I’m worried about saying out loud. If anything, this asks What Is This? show goes even deeper, perhaps because I’m a bit older and it isn’t just constant anxiety. From writing and directing films to con- I’m having to deal with things like happiness verting to veganism, and from finding now... love to taking spiritual medicine in a “Being in a relationship is a complicated af- shamanic ritual, Simon Amstell has been fair. Where previous shows have dealt more on quite a journey since his Never Mind with being lonely, I think there’s a lot about The Buzzcocks days. Following the broad- intimacy here and being able to be in the mo- cast of his critically acclaimed directorial ment with another human being without debut on BBC Three, a new tour sees him worrying.” return to stand-up with a fresh outlook in- The path to contentment hasn’t only been by spired by his own personal and profes- way of investing in another human being, sional transformation. Ahead of its arrival however. In the depths of despair, Amstell in the Midlands in October, we asked him acted on a recommendation to travel to Peru to shed a little light on the huge question to take ayahuasca, an ancient psychoactive that its title poses - What is this? brew that many people - Amstell among them - swear has changed their lives. “I think this is a question that inevitably comes up at some point if what you do for a “I was so desperate for something to make the killing of animals has been outlawed and living is stand up on stage talking about me feel better - or just to make me feel some- young people look with horror on an older yourself,” he says. “At some point, you say, thing - that the only moment when I felt a bit generation coming to terms with its meat-eat- ‘What is this? What am I doing? What are any worried was when the shaman entered the ing past. So does he really think that’s where of us doing? Why are we alive?’ But I don’t room and I thought, ‘Oh no, what have I we’ll be in 50 years, or is the film over-opti- think it’s an answerable question. In the end, done? These men are wearing matching out- mistic? fits and I’m about to drink a vision-inducing I suppose the best you can say is, perhaps it “I don’t know. I think now all the informa- plant medicine that I haven’t researched doesn’t matter.” tion’s out there on the internet, it’s just going enough! But apart from that, I felt very well Known for his candid, almost confessional to get more and more awkward, so at some looked after, both by the shaman and by the style of comedy, Amstell is open about how point there has to be a shift. But there’s a medicine herself.” his stand-up career began in part as a way of quote I quite like from James Baldwin - ‘I seeking validation - a kind of defence against Anyone who’s seen his recent docu-drama, have to be optimistic because I’m alive.’” Carnage, will already be aware of his other his own anxieties. But with new work oppor- In between testing out material for his show, major lifestyle change of late. While he owns tunities opening up to him, and his life now Amstell’s also been working on a second film that veganism perhaps isn’t the most obvious moving in a more positive direction, is stand- (details of which remain tightly under wraps) subject for a sci-fi comedy, reviews have, per- up something he’ll continue to find time for? as well as writing his first book, Help, which haps surprisingly, been almost universally “It’s a question I asked myself, because I def- will combine past stand-up routines with positive. initely came to a place where I felt like I general musings on “how to be a person in didn’t need to have so much attention from “We did everything we could to make it as the world”. So once it’s published, is he wor- people any more. But what I realised was that funny as possible so that people wouldn’t ried that old Buzzcocks guests will be pop- I quite enjoyed being funny and making peo- feel annoyed, because on the surface, what ping up to read bits of it out to him? Fittingly, ple laugh, so now it comes from a place of you eat is quite a personal thing. But what we the genuine laugh this prompts feels pretty real curiosity and joy. While I thought as a discovered while making it was that we’d all validating. just been indoctrinated by nonsense charac- child that fame would make me safe, I dis- “Oh that’s funny! Yeah, that’s fine. I welcome ters like Captain Birdseye and Ronald Mc- covered that it’s actually connecting with it!” people that makes me feel okay in the world. Donald - not only into thinking that this is And I suppose all I’ve really wanted all along what we should be eating, but also that it’s fun. Like, if you want to be happy, here is a is the kind of intimacy that I was using stand- Simon Amstell’s What Is This? shows at Happy Meal. I felt very angry watching old up as a way of avoiding.” Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Satur- adverts from my childhood, like I’d been This newfound intimacy is something he’s day 7 October and Birmingham Town Hall tricked.” still settling into - on some level there’s a on Sunday 15 October kind of baffled wonder to his question, ‘What Set in 2067, the film imagines a future where

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Diana Vickers.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:38 Page 1

FEATURE JOINING THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB Diana Vickers talks about starring in brand new musical, Son Of A Preacher Man Diana Vickers.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:38 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

...if you love the music of the era and are a bit of ‘‘ a sucker for love, it’s the perfect place to go. New musical Son Of A Preacher Man chan- that be in the theatre or on TV, I just felt re- “When I auditioned,” I was in a room of 10 nels the Swinging ’60s music of Dusty Spring- ally happy! I was content with doing things people, including Warner and Craig, and it’s field and is named after her 1968 chart hit. with a group of other actors, rather than writ- very scary to have all eyes on you. I looked up As well as featuring Springfield’s sensational ing an album alone and gigging as a solo Warner before my audition, and it was quite smash-hit singles, this new production also artist. You’re by yourself a lot doing those daunting. He’s worked with loads of impor- boasts a star-studded cast. things. I felt like this was the right move for tant people, including on Broadway, and me. I needed to put all my eggs in one basket, done so many great things. Craig was so wel- The plot follows the story of three lovesick in- so I chose acting. Even before I went on The X coming and sweet but also really tested me. I dividuals from different generations. The trio Factor, I always wanted to be an actress. That had to take a regular scene and play it in seek solace at the original site of Soho’s leg- was my main goal.” order to seduce the pianist while singing one endary Preacher Man hang-out, a once-hap- of my songs. Then, with another scene, I had pening joint where youngsters with fresh Vickers’ stage debut came in a 2009 produc- to perform a monologue towards a music ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an tion of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall Of stand and pretend that I was attacking the aspiration for love would dance until they Little Voice, a show in which she imperson- music stand with a knife! It was absolutely dropped - or maybe seek love advice from the ated numerous music icons, including Dusty bonkers! Craig was doing it with me and he Preacher Man himself. Springfield. It was an experience that she firmly believes helped her bag her latest role. was fantastic - really fun and encouraging. It But those days are long gone, and it’s uncer- was a bit intimidating, but he was just so “It certainly made me so excited, especially tain whether the Preacher Man’s son can help lovely and welcoming. I think I’ll be on a bit when I got the script. Immediately I felt a these broken hearts. of a crazy ride with him. To be working with connection there! This is always so impor- Diana Vickers, who stars in the show, origi- such fantastic people and such a great team tant. I understand a lot about Dusty. She was nally came to the public’s attention in the certainly makes it more exciting.” described as ‘the great white lady of pop’, 2008 series of X Factor. She went on to storm and I knew about her success and her music. Vickers admits that she finds the theatre, film the UK charts with hit albums Songs From I went into the meeting with a lot more and television industries incredibly challeng- The Tainted Cherry Tree (2010) - which knowledge about her and what her sound ing. Even so, she continues to set new goals reached number one - and Music To Make was. In my audition, I felt like I was naturally for herself. When Son Of A Preacher Man has Boys Cry (2013). channelling her when I sang her music. I will concluded, she’ll have done three musicals in In Son Of A Preacher Man, she plays the probably have to pull out of that when I actu- the space of two years and would like to youngest of the three unlucky lovers, along- ally perform because I’m not actually meant delve into other waters. side Ian Reddington and Debra Stephenson. to be her, so I need to note that to myself.” “I’m just going to keep striving to move for- “It’s basically a musical about the Lonely The love affair between Vickers and the ward. I would maybe like to move onto a Hearts Club,” says Vickers. “Lonely hearts music of Springfield predates her acting ca- straight play or a bit of television - maybe who’ve been hurt and are trying to seek ad- reer. some comedy. But in this industry everything vice.” is so unpredictable, so you just take whatever “I’ve certainly gone through my eras in fash- comes your way.” For a few years, Vickers led two very different ion. I love the mini skirts and the really big, lives - one in the recording studio and on the bold, cute, patterned shift dresses. The gor- For now, though, all of her energies are fo- road, the other on stage and television. geous makeup with the big eyelashes is al- cused on Son Of A Preacher Man. “I guess theatre is a form of escapism,” she ways a winner. It’s not something I channel “It’s a show that takes you back to the Swing- explains. “I really loved doing gigs, it was so on a daily basis, but certainly for an event I ing ’60s - so if you love the music of the era much fun, but it’s a very different environ- would. Yesterday, my mum and I were play- and are a bit of a sucker for love, it’s the per- ment to theatre. At gigs it’s my own music - ing all the ’60s hits, so I feel like the music is fect place to go. It’s humorous, heartfelt, fun it’s just me. I transitioned into doing more very much around in my daily life. My mum and uplifting, with iconic music. So if you theatre and TV because I really love taking loves Dusty and used to play her music when like any or all of those things, please come on the role of another person and getting into we were younger. I remember when I was at and see the show!” their world.” school, we had a ’60s day and had to sing a Although it was a difficult decision for Vick- ’60s song, so we sang Dusty - I remember mum being so excited about that! From a ers, and one not taken lightly, she decided to Son Of A Preacher Man shows at the New very young age, I was very aware of Dusty’s make the move from pop princess to stage- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from 12 music.” and-screen performer a more permanent one, to 16 September and the Regent Theatre, believing it to be in the best interests of her Son Of A Preacher Man is written by world- Stoke-on-Trent, from 10 to 14 October. career and happiness. renowned lyricist Warner Brown and directed It then returns to the region in 2018, show- “After my second album, I had a decision to and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing ing at the Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre make about either going back into the studio favourite Craig Revel Horwood. This made for from 13 to 17 February, Malvern Theatre and writing another album or concentrating an audition that was not only exciting and from 20 to 24 February and Shrewsbury’s on my acting. I think I just always felt that nerve-wracking for Vickers but also a bit Theatre Severn from 13 to 17 March. every time I took on an acting role, whether bizarre. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Miss Saigon Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, “so it’s very cinematic and epic in scale. It’s quite brutal and gritty in places, and it feels very real.” Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 September Van Der Spuy makes a strong case for Miss Saigon being a more acces- If you’re a fan of Les Misérables, bag yourself a seat for Miss Saigon sible work than its famous cousin, Les Misérables. asap - just like Les Mis, it’s written by Alain Boublil and Claude- “It’s very relatable and much closer in terms of our history. People Michel Schönberg. know what the context is - they get who the characters are and why Focusing on an American GI and his romance with a young Viet- they’re there, without it needing to be explained. I also think that, namese woman, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Ameri- even though it’s a period piece, it has a lot to say about where we are can evacuation of Saigon in 1975, at the end of the Vietnam War. in our world today. Sometimes looking at something through a “This new production is geared to an age where we’re seeing a lot of slightly different prism is good for people, and that’s why we need to cinema and glossy HBO-type shows,” explains Associate Director be telling these stories now.”

Mother’s Ruin: Brassed Off Murder In A Cabaret About Gin Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Bloodford Village Wed 23 August - Sat 2 September The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Thurs 31 August - Sunday 3 September This lively stage adaptation of the award-win- Murder-mystery company Big Adventures’ ning movie of the same name is the Grand Story and song combine in a theatrical latest offering includes a picnic from Mas- Theatre’s first in-house show for more than cabaret that stops off in 18th century London, terchef Simon Smith - a fun touch that says 40 years. the Australian bush, a few New York much about the ensemble’s imaginative ap- The lifeblood of Grimley’s community is speakeasies and the jungles of Peru. proach to their work. They’ve been in busi- threatened when its pit looks set for closure, At its heart is the story of gin, presented by ness for 17 years now, and are justifiably leaving 1,200 miners redundant. two of Australia’s rising cabaret stars via the proud of the fact that all of their clients have With the future of the colliery’s close-knit contribution of numerous characters, from re-booked them - an impressive record that brass band also shrouded in uncertainty, - sailors and barmaids to bootleggers and mas- speaks volumes for the quality and level of conductor Danny Ormondroyd is determined S ter distillers. professionalism they bring to their shows. to see that the ensemble continue to play, The show comes complete with music origi- This latest offering sees the peace and tran- and that they do so regardless of loyalties, nally performed by, among others, Amy quillity of Bloodford village shattered by the political pressure and other issues - namely, Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha Wain- murder of millionaire resident Charles Van the arrival of an attractive new flugelhorn wright, The Popes and The Pretenders. Mortem. player named Gloria Mullins... Hi-de-Hi’s It visits Birmingham direct from the Edin- It’s up to the audience to solve the case, so be Black Country-born Jeffrey Holland stars. burgh Fringe. sure to take along your thinking cap... birminghamhippodrome.com C 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 2

Until Tue 15 & A magical children’s show with puppets, Wed 9 - Sat 23 Sep Sat 12 Aug Wed 16 Aug From £30 music and stunning visual effects £10 £12

Part of Hip-hop meets The Wizard of Oz

Seeta Patel: Sun 24 Sep Wed 27 - Wed 27 - £12 Fri 29 Sep Sat 30 Sep Something Then, Something Now £12 From £10

Tue 3 - Mon 9 - Fri 13 Oct Sat 7 Oct Sat 14 Oct Instructions for Border Crossing £10 From £16 From £19.50 Written and performed by Daniel Bye

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Railway Children Malvern Theatre, Tues 22 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 September Edith Nesbitt's famous tale, best known from the 1971 film version, tells the gentle story of an Edwardian family whose life is unexpectedly turned upside-down. Days stretch endlessly for Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis in their new home of Three Chimneys, a house near a railway in a York- shire village. Mysteriously separated from their father, the children set about the business of carving out a new way of living for themselves. They pass their time by watching trains on the nearby railway line, waving to the passengers and enjoying the company of Albert Perks, the station porter. They also get to know an old gentleman who regularly takes the 9.15 train, but are unaware of the remarkable impact that he’s set to have on their future happiness...

Dracula: The Bloody Truth Trespass Salomé Birmingham Hippodrome, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 15 - Wed 16 August Tues 15 - Sat 19 August until Wed 6 September Audience members as young as eight could Casualty favourite Rebecca Wheatley takes Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, written in well be saying ‘fangs for the advice’ after top billing in this latest production of Welsh French and originally banned in England, re- watching this cautionary tale about the dan- playwright Emlyn Williams’ supernatural counts in a single act the biblical story of gers of vampires. tale. Herod Antipas’s daughter, Salomé. Presented by highly regarded theatre com- Christine’s belief that her husband’s unex- Sexually rejected by imprisoned prophet pany Le Navet Bete, it follows the desperate - pected death is simply a hiatus in their rela- Jokanaan (John the Baptist), her lust-driven and comic - attempts of Dracula’s nemesis, tionship sees her hiring an Italian medium to desire for vengeance sees her demanding his Professor Abraham Van Helsing, to warn the bring him back to life. head on a silver platter as reward for her per- audience not to tangle with the prince of the But the reassuring Saviello may not be all forming the dance of the seven veils... undead. that he seems to be... Wilde was incarcerated in Reading Gaol at Sound advice, we’d say, and delivered with Exploring some unusual aspects of the super- the time of his play’s Paris premiere in 1896; plenty of family-friendly laughs along the natural, theatre company Talking Scarlet it would be 35 years before it received its first way. It’s probably best to pack some garlic, warn that their production ‘may well have public performance in England. though - just in case... you looking carefully around your bedroom Presented by the RSC to mark the 50th an- before you reach out for the light switch’. niversary of the decriminalisation of homo- sexuality in England and Wales, the Strictly Eric production features nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 21 August - Sat 2 September New Vic favourite Eric Smith here makes a welcome return to the stage, this time to as- sist Arthur Strictly in organising the 1969 World Ballroom Championships in Black- pool... Actor David Graham’s delightfully dysfunc- The Secret Garden tional character has certainly earned his The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, place in the hearts of New Vic audiences Sat 5 - Sat 12 August down the years, having made his first ap- Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children's pearance at the venue way back in 1999. And story centres on the character of young or- this latest comic adventure in the hugely pop- phan Mary Lennox. Sent from India to Eng- ular franchise looks certain to see Uncle Eric land at the age of 10 to live with her uncle, further ingratiate himself with the theatre- she finds herself residing in a bleak ancestral going Potteries public. manor in Yorkshire. A selection of memorable Swinging ’60s Life for Mary seems dull and boring - until, numbers should ensure that the evening pro- that is, she makes the startling discovery of a vides plenty of toe-tapping fun for Eric’s le- hidden garden... gion of dedicated fans to enjoy. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 4 Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Landscapes Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 9 - Sat 12 August Widely hailed as a truly mesmerising work of theatre, this 50-minute, non-verbal show is set inside a beautiful white dome and visits four lov- ingly realised landscapes - the desert, the rainforest, the ocean and Antarctica. It’s presented by the award-winning two-person 35-year-old Mimika Theatre company. Bringing together puppets, an original musical score and impressive visual effects, the show is a celebration of the atmosphere, rhythms, sounds and movements of the natural world. “Our work is always gentle and highly original,” explains Mimika. “Performances integrate movement, puppetry and unusual theatrical effects. We attempt to combine traditional and contemporary techniques to create an experience that’s rich in content and detail.” The show is suitable for children aged four to 11.

The Wiggles Big Show Ariel On The Cliff The Tiger Who Birmingham Town Hall, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 August Came To Tea Wed 2 - Thurs 3 August Cloud Cuckoo Land describe their show as ‘a Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, “We love touring the UK,” says founding Wig- celebration of all things breezy’, bringing to- Fri 4 - Sun 6 August; Malvern Theatre, Thurs gle Anthony Field. “It's the favourite part of 24 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coven- gether puppetry, sensory storytelling, origi- try, Wed 13 - Sat 16 September our year. We’re all looking forward to seeing nal acoustic music, movement interaction The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- our old friends, as well as meeting some new and ‘big deep breaths’. ping in on Sophie and her mum just as ones.” Standing front and centre of the production they’re settling down for an afternoon And friends certainly aren't in short supply is the daydreaming Ariel, perched at the top cuppa... for the Australian fab four, who've taken the of a cliff from where she introduces airborne Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith children's entertainment world by storm over chums Buzz the Bee and Squawk the Seagull. Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show comes the last few years. But when her down-to-earth friend Pebble without an interval, features singalong songs Although they've only come to significant in- spots storm clouds on the horizon, the race is and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a ternational attention relatively recently, The on to help Ariel’s pals return to the safety of big, stripey tiger, of course! Wiggles are actually more than a quarter of a their homes... A commission by the Royal Suitable for youngsters aged three and older. century old. Expect to get wiggling to classic Shakespeare Company and Birmingham’s hits such as Hot Potato, Do The Propeller! Stan's Cafe, the show is suitable for children and Rock-a-Bye Your Bear. aged between two and six. Half Moon Presents Three Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 15 August Dogs Don’t Do Ballet This collaboration between Yorkshire-based performers Wrongsemble and the long-estab- The Core, Solihull, Thurs 31 August lished Half Moon theatre company has been This big-hearted adventure is a late replace- designed as a pop-up show, allowing it to be ment for Dotty The Dragon, whose wings performed in all manner of venues and loca- have sadly been unable to fly her to the Mid- tions. lands this month. The production features a trio of fairytales - Based on the award-winning children's book Rumpelstiltskin, Goldilocks and Grimm’s by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, Dogs Don’t Three Wanderers - and brings together flam- Do Ballet tells the delightful story of Biff, a boyant performances, original singalong marvellous mutt who’d prefer to be wearing a songs, live music and impressively inventive tutu and dancing to Swan Lake than doing storytelling. typical dog things like scratching his fleas Suitable for kids aged between three and and weeing on lampposts. Music, songs and eight, the show lasts for 50 minutes (with no handcrafted puppets are cleverly combined interval) and is followed by an interactive in a show that’s described as ‘a perfect treat’ ‘meet the performers’ session. for children aged between three and seven.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 6 BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 1

FEATURE Reach for the stars!

What’s On visits Birmingham’s Ormiston Academy to find out how dreams are made...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Ever pictured yourself treading the boards in come here is the amount of time they get to proving so popular that two new dedicated the West End? Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend on their chosen subject,” explains As- academies are now in the works. But as much dress stages than perform on them? Or maybe sistant Principal and Head of Performing Arts as anything, it’s the emphasis on things like you’re interested in operating the lights that Michael Penn. “In Keystage Four, they spend teamwork, independence and creativity that keep the stars shining? Whatever your tal- seven hours a week on their Pathway subject, leave students well-equipped for the world of ents, if you dream of a career in showbiz, and in Keystage Five, that goes up to 14 work, as well as ensuring they have a fantas- Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) might hours, which is more than any other place I tic learning experience. just be the place to start rehearsing. know of around here. Plus, there are the in- “Students here are really mature,” says Penn. Each year, young hopefuls aged between 14 dustry experts they get to work with, and the “They work really well together across all dif- and 19 join the school to study specialised shows they do. Our students have done cur- ferent disciplines, and you’ll see a creative GCSE and A-Level-equivalent Pathway tain-raisers for Matthew Bourne, and they’ve approach to all the subjects they have to do. courses in subjects ranging from dance to performed at Move It at London’s ExCel Cen- So even with core subjects like English and digital arts. Six years after the school first tre. maths, if you go into one of those lessons, opened, BOA is now beginning to claim big “It’s a slightly longer day. The students start you might see them using roleplay or video success stories, with former students embark- at 9am and finish at 4.15. But the school is recordings to learn the topics.” ing on their first jobs in the industry. Among usually open until quite late in the evening them is Musical Theatre Pathway alumnus because there’ll be students using the prac- Alexanda O’Reilly (pictured below), currently tice rooms and recording studio. They’ll be working on Mamma Mia! in the West End. doing the radio show or rehearsing for perfor- “I just started my contract in May, and it’s mances even after the day is over. This year, been going really well so far,” says O’Reilly. with the exception of exam period, there’s been a show on pretty much every week in one department or another. It’s non-stop!” Alex O’Reilly’s success isn’t unusual. Other musical theatre alumni have already gone on to bag roles in shows such as The Wind In The Willows and Matilda. And it’s testament to how much students value their time at the academy that when things take off, they tend to stay in touch. “We have a dedicated Alumni Association, which is growing at the moment,” Penn continues, “and we do encourage them to let us Amy Stutz know what they’re doing. This year, we’ve also had ex-students come in to do workshops with current students and talk to them “It’s completely different to studying at a about how to go onto the next stage. One of generic school because it’s so much more cre- them is doing artist recruitment and develop- ative and individual,” O’Reilly agrees. “One Alexanda O’Reilly ment in the music industry, and she had memory that always sticks in my mind was some amazing stories to tell about the people soon after I started, when someone was play- “The cast are great and I’m having the best she’d been working with.” ing a guitar in the cafe. Other people started time living in London!” joining in, till eventually pretty much the Students who decide that performing might whole school was there singing along!” After leaving school in 2014, O’Reilly earned not be for them often discover unexpected himself a full scholarship at Laine Theatre routes into the industry. Take Amy Stutz, for “I loved BOA!” Stutz gushes. “We all formed Arts. He wasted no time in gaining as much example - a prominent arts and lifestyle blog- really close bonds because we were in such experience as possible, training from 8.30am ger and communications assistant at Birm- an intense learning environment together. It to 6pm Monday to Friday, working on profes- ingham Hippodrome. was hard work, but I met some of my best sional events and training under top choreog- friends there, people who are now friends for “When I left, I went to study journalism,” ex- raphers like Matthew Flint, Andrew Wright life. People can’t really understand BOA un- plains Stutz. “I then continued blogging and and Stephen Mear. But while hard work, abil- less they go there, as people will be singing started reviewing all around the country, and ity and a bit of good luck certainly helped on the stairwell and tap dancing in the can- have even been flown out to Berlin to review him land such fantastic opportunities, he still teen!” shows twice! I think BOA helped in the sense feels that the support and education he re- that I got a 360-degree look at the industry. ceived at BOA played a big part in his making Working with professional directors and a success of them. learning the craft gave me an appreciation of To find out more about Birmingham “I learned so much while I was at BOA - there the way everything in theatre is created.” Ormiston Academy, visit their website: was a whole combination of things that really Stutz may have started out with a view to be- boa-academy.co.uk helped me to grow as a performer. The teach- coming a performer, but others are investigat- ers were brilliant, especially singing with Mr ing different options from the moment they Bannon.” enrol, with technical and digital arts courses “I think the key advantage for students who whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Birmingham Museums F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:19 Page 1 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 2

Film

A Ghost Story CERT 12a (92 mins) Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Will Old- ham, Sonia Acevedo Directed by David Lowery (USA) This year Casey Affleck won the Oscar for best actor. Here, he’s teamed up with double Oscar nominee Rooney Mara, with whom he previously co-starred in the 2013 crime drama Ain't Them Bodies Saints, reuniting them both with the writer-director David Lowery. A fiercely personal meditation on loss, grief and time itself, A Ghost Story is unlike any film you’ll see this year. And like most works of singularity, it is likely to divide viewers. Is it a profound, daring and cosmic-altering experience or a self-indulgent and preten- tious vanity project? Either way, one won’t forget the single take in which Rooney Mara devours the better part of a large pumpkin pie. Released Fri 11 August CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in August...

The Emoji Movie: Express Yourself CERT PG With the voices of TJ Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Maya Rudolph, Steven Wright, Christina Aguilera, Patrick Stewart Directed by Tony Leondis (USA) Set in the mysterious world of your mo- bile phone, this comedy from Sony Pic- tures Animation explores the emotional status quo of your regular emoji. Actually, there’s nothing regular about Gene, an emoji with a whole gamut of emotions. Of course, he just wants one fa- Valerian And The City Of cial expression like everybody else… A Thousand Planets Jumping into a parallel universe like CERT 12a (137 mins) those explored by such groundbreaking cartoons as Wreck-It-Ralph and Inside Starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Rutger Hauer Out, this has the potential to rock. Directed by Luc Besson (France) Released Fri 4 August Adapted from the sci-fi comic Valérian And Maudie CERT 12a (116 mins) Laureline, this big-budget French block- Starring Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Kari buster is set in the 28th century. There, a Matchett Directed by Aisling Walsh (Ireland/Canada) handsome pair of special operatives are dispatched to the multicultural metropolis of Maud Lewis was one of Canada’s foremost Alpha, populated by species from all over the folk artists, who recorded the Nova Scotia universe. But there’s a dark force there caus- landscapes of her childhood. But before then ing a right rumpus and threatening the very she was an arthritic cleaning lady beset by future of the cosmos. FYI: The original comic unsubstantiated local gossip. This is her was a major inspiration for Star Wars. story. Released Wed 2 August Released Fri 4 August whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 3

Film highlights released in August...

buzz for the film, which is helmed by Detroit CERT 15 (143 mins) Starring John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Kathryn Bigelow, the first female director Smith, Jason Mitchell, John Krasinski, An- ever to receive an Academy Award (for The thony Mackie, Jack Reynor Hurt Locker). Besides the incendiary sub- Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (USA) ject matter, further controversy should On 25 July in 1967, the Detroit police force arise from the fact that the two leading responded to a call stating that a group of characters are played by English actors, gunmen had been seen near the Algiers namely John Boyega and Will Poulter. Motel. The events that followed are chroni- Boyega, who was born in London, previ- cled in this drama focusing on the police ously played Finn in Star Wars: The Force brutality that fanned the flames of the no- Awakens. torious Detroit riots. There is already Oscar Released Fri 25 August

6 Days CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, Martin Shaw, Mark Strong, Emun Elliott, Tim Pigott- Smith Directed by Toa Fraser (UK) It was six days that placed the SAS at the centre of the global consciousness. When, in April of 1980, Arab gunmen stormed the Ira- nian Embassy in London, the British Army was forced to act with both tact and preci- sion. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 4 August

Atomic Blonde CERT 15 Starring Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones Directed by David Leitch (USA) For Atomic Blonde read Lorraine Broughton (Theron), arguably the best female spy M16 has ever produced. It’s now the Cold War and in 1989 Broughton is dispatched to Berlin to investigate the murder of a fellow spy. Based on the 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City. Released Wed 9 August The Nut Job 2: England Is Mine Nutty By Nature CERT PG CERT 15 (94 mins) Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Moynihan, Bobby Starring Jack Lowden, Jessica Brown Findlay, Cannavale, Peter Stormare, Jackie Chan Laurie Kynaston, Adam Lawrence, Jodie Directed by Cal Brunker Comer Directed by Mark Gill (UK) (SouthKorea/USA/Canada) The son of Irish Catholics from Dublin, Surly, the purple squirrel, must motivate the Steven grew up in Manchester and in the other animals of Liberty Park to stop the 1970s found himself out of work. He then mayor’s scheme to bulldoze their home to joined the punk band The Nosebleeds (as a make way for a dubious amusement park. vocalist) and went by his surname, Morris- Let’s just hope this is more endearing than sey. This is his story at the time - before he the crude and cacophonous first film. went on to form The Smiths. Released Fri 11 August Released Fri 4 August

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Film

Pawn Sacrifice CERT 12 (112 mins) Starring Tobey Maguire, Peter Sarsgaard, Liev Schreiber, Michael Stuhlbarg, Lily Rabe, Robin Weigert Directed by Edward Zwick (USA/Canada) Another film set during the Cold War, this one focuses on the chess champion Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire). Here, the grand- master challenges the Soviet Empire (and Boris Spassky) at a highly sensitive time for the two superpowers. Interestingly, production on the film was completed in December of 2013. Released Fri 11 August

Overdrive CERT 12a not above a bit of bad behaviour. Here, five Starring Scott Eastwood, Freddie Thorp, Rough Night CERT 15 (101 mins) Ana de Armas, Gaia Weiss, Simon Abkarian best friends from college reunite for a bache- Directed by Antonio Negret (France/USA) Starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, lorette weekend in Miami and accidentally Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Demi The brothers Andrew and Garrett Foster Moore Directed by Lucia Aniello (USA) kill a male stripper. It’s played for laughs, of are car thieves and decide to try their course. In the tradition of Bridesmaids, Sisters, Bad hand in pastures new in the South of Moms, et al, here comes another American Released Fri 25 August France. But there they come to the atten- movie in which its female protagonists are tion of a local crime lord (Simon Abkar- ian), who decides to utilise their skills for his own ends… Released Fri 11 August Final PortraitCERT 15 (90 mins) American MadeCERT tbc Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, Clé- Starring Tom Cruise, Sarah Wright, Domhnall The Dark Tower mence Poésy, Tony Shalhoub, James Faulkner, Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Jesse Plemons, Lola Sylvie Testud Directed by Stanley Tucci (UK) Directed by CERT 12a (95 mins) Kirke Doug Liman (USA) Starring Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, The American writer and art lover James Lord Inspired by the life of the TWA pilot Barry Tom Taylor, Katheryn Winnick, Jackie Earle (Armie Hammer) agrees to Seal, who became a drug smuggler, this Haley, Dennis Haysbert sit for his friend, the cele- should restore Tom Cruise’s standing with his Directed by Nikolaj Arcel (USA) brated Swiss painter Al- fans after the diabolic The Mummy. After all, A sort of Western-cum-fantasy-cum-horror berto Giacometti (Geoffrey director Doug Liman exhibited his knack for film-cum-sci fi adventure, The Dark Tower Rush). He’s told the por- action with The Bourne Identity and the enter- would appear to have something for every- trait will only take a few taining Cruise-starrer Edge Of Tomorrow. We one. Idris plays The Gunslinger, who’s on days to complete, but cre- live in hope. his way to an alternative dimension in ativity doesn’t always Released Fri 18 August pursuit of the eponymous structure. The work to a schedule… tower, you see, holds the secret to prevent- Released Fri 18 August ing the entrée of Hell. Based on the liter- Logan LuckyCERT tbc ary series by Stephen King. Starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Seth Released Fri 18 August The Hitman’s Bodyguard MacFarlane, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes, Katherine Waterston, Hilary Swank, Daniel CERT 15 (118 mins) Craig Directed by Steven Soderbergh (USA) Starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Gary Oldman, Salma Hayek, Élodie Yung, Three brothers called Logan set out to pull off Joaquim de Almeida, Richard E Grant an elaborate heist during the Coca-Cola 600 Directed by Patrick Hughes (USA) race at the Charlotte Michael Bryce (Reynolds) is considered to be Motor Speedway in North the best bodyguard in the world. He’s then Carolina. More impor- asked to escort the hitman Darius Kincaid tantly, the comedy marks (Jackson) from England to the International the return of director Court of Justice in The Hague. But Kincaid Steven Soderbergh after happens to be Bryce’s mortal enemy… It’s not he announced his retire- going to be easy. ment in 2013. Released Fri 18 August Released Fri 25 August

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FEATURE

The colours of

SouthUtsav and the many jewels Asia in its crown...

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by Heather Kincaid

called Brumpeeps,” explains Community En- gagement Co-ordinator Harpreet Kaur. “It started with us commissioning a photogra- pher to spend a few days in the library, taking pictures of visitors from all ages and backgrounds to be displayed in the exhibition. There’s also an element where people can take their own photographs, upload them to Twitter with #Brumpeeps, and see them instantly projected into the exhibition.” Incredible dancing, fabulous food, fascinat- influences with each other. Things are much Curated in collaboration with the British Li- ing stories and an upcycled elephant: as less monocultural and more multilingual brary, Connecting Stories delves into Britain’s India marks 70 years of independence in now, and it’s exciting to see how those influ- relationship with South Asia over the last 2017, Birmingham erupts in a colourful explo- ences are shaping the creation of new work, 400 years, beginning with the origins of the sion of music, food and live performance in whether it’s in dance, music, theatre or vi- East India Company. But within the context celebration of Utsav - The Year of South Asian sual arts.” of a bigger international picture, it also Culture. Interactive and community-led elements are homes in on specific local stories, from the Halfway through the year, Utsav (meaning helping to open up cultural experiences to time that Gandhi visited Selly Oak, to the festival or celebration in Sanskrit) is now well new audiences, allowing people to take own- 1970s Rock Against Racism concerts. underway, with big events like the Birming- ership of projects. Earlier this year, for exam- “I think to some extent we’re used to seeing ham Indian Film Festival and ZEE Mela now ple, local schoolchildren had the chance to things about the history of Britain and India behind us. But if you’ve yet to join the fun, design and decorate sculptures for Birming- over the last 100 years,” says Kaur, “but this don’t worry - the party continues with a se- ham Children’s Hospital’s Big Sleuth trail, is a really good opportunity for people of all ries of shows, festivals and exhibitions the follow-up to 2015’s Big Hoot, which this ages and backgrounds to find out how much throughout summer and autumn. year takes the endangered South East Asian further back that relationship goes, to really Chairing the Utsav committee and co-direct- Sun Bear as its inspiration. But the jewel in challenge our thinking and become more cu- ing this year’s South Asian-themed Birming- the Utsav crown looks set to be the return of rious about history. I hear a lot of debates ham Weekender is Sampad Artistic Director Birmingham Weekender, which begins with amongst young people today about the per- Piali Ray. the transformation of Victoria Square into a spectives that different histories are coming three-day, participatory dance experience. “The initial idea for Utsav came from Birm- from, who’s telling the stories and what gets ingham City Council after David Cameron “There will be dancing at all times from Fri- left out, so what we’re really hoping is that met with the Indian prime minister two years day afternoon until Sunday evening, with people will come and respond. We know that ago and named 2017 as the India-UK Year of professional dancers to help you learn the we haven’t told a complete story, so we want Culture,” she explains. “A lot of the UK is cel- routines,” says Ray. “We’ll be starting with people to write messages and tell us what’s ebrating that, but because we have such a di- warm-up yoga sessions from 9am, and then missing and what they think. verse South Asian population in there will be various different styles through- “Later in the year, we’re also going to be run- Birmingham, we decided to broaden it out out the day, from bhangra, hip-hop and con- ning free workshops on using archives, con- further.” temporary through to ballet, Bollywood and ducing oral histories and curating kathakali.” Comprised of several arts organisations and exhibitions. Part of the point of all this is that community groups, the Utsav committee has Later, the Colours Of Birmingham - Rangeeli we want to encourage people to think about been working to promote engagement with parade will combine dance, music and dhol leaving things in our archives, because the food, fashion, sports and history as well as drumming with flags and patang kites cre- more material we have from different sorts of the arts. News and events listings are up- ated by community groups, as well as the people, the better and more representative loaded to a dedicated Wordpress site, where amazing Harminder, a mechanical Indian the stories we’re able to tell in future will be.” anyone can request the inclusion of an event. elephant constructed from recycled materi- Crucially, while it focuses on celebrating als. Punjabi singing sensation Hans Raj Hans South Asian contributions to the city, the pro- will then perform a concert at Town Hall for ject also aims to highlight shared cultural the big Sunday finale. Birmingham Weekender takes place at heritage across all of Birmingham’s commu- Meanwhile, as part of its current Connecting various locations across the city from nities. Stories exhibition, the Library of Birmingham Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September “We want to make sure that Birmingham as a is taking participation a step further, encour- Connecting Cultures shows at the Library city connects with Utsav, and not just South aging people to share images, artefacts and Of Birmingham until Sat 4 November Asian communities,” says Ray. “Because this stories, as well as running a series of family To find out more about Utsav events is a very lively, vibrant city, there are all sorts fun days with performances, mehndi, face- across Birmingham visit utsavyearof- of offerings to choose from, and in the same painting and crafts. southasianculture2017.wordpress.com way as with fashion and food, there are a lot “One of the projects I’ve been working on is of artists now who are taking on and sharing whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts August - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:07 Page 1

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

More Real Than Life The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 24 September Early photographic studio portraiture is explored in this fascinating new exhibition, curated in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and University of Birmingham MA Art History & Curating students. The display focuses on mid-19th century photographic developments, including the use of different techniques, backdrops, props, costumes and poses. The innovations enabled public figures, from Oscar Wilde through to Queen Victoria, to fashion and promote their own identities.

Connecting Stories: Our British Asian Heritage Library of Birmingham, until Sat 4 November The important role which South Asian culture has played in forming Britain and Birming- ham’s history and identity comes under the microscope in this partnership project from the Library of Birmingham and the British Library. Exploring Britain’s enduring connections with South Asia - from historical trading links to the impact of migration and settlement in the 20th and 21st centuries - the display comprises photographs, letters, posters, paintings, documents and ephemera. Highlights include a letter signed by Mahatma Gandhi pledging support during the Great War, and photographs showing protests and counter-protests in 1960s and ’70s Britain.

Dinosaur Art Mark Witton, the display explores the evo- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, lution of images created during the 1970s until Sun 8 October and ’80s, a period which has become Cutting-edge science and art merge in an known as ‘the dinosaur renaissance’. exhibition celebrating the work of four Accompanying the paintings are items palaeoartists, all of whom either have been from the collection of Victorian medic Dr or will be published by Titan Books. John Fraser, a Wolverhampton-based ama- Via its championing of the work of John teur collector who bequeathed his 9,000 Sibbick, Luis Rey, Robert Nicholls and fossils to the art gallery in 1911. Photo credit: Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony, 1882 © National Portait Gallery, London

Draw New Mischief crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten Morland’s April 2016 cartoon of David Paccar Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris John- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 15 September son’s skull. This free exhibition celebrates more than two The RSC has also commissioned five cartoon- centuries of political cartoons inspired by ists to create brand new works. Shakespeare. The cartoonists are using Shakespeare’s Presented to coincide with the RSC’s current Rome plays to respond to political events season of Rome-themed plays, Draw New which occur during the period that the exhi- Mischief showcases historical works from key bition is on show. political moments in time. The Company’s Rome season features pro- Featured contemporary cartoons include ductions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopa- Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed tra, Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus. Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon as the star-

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Glass Biennale.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:56 Page 1

FEATURE Glass For Good

Bruce Airhead

Featuring workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, shows and over 300 professional artists and performers, the International Festival Of Glass celebrates 50 years of studio glass worldwide... The International Festival of Glass is a real community event. open studios, storytelling, eurythmy and music. As well as celebrating Stourbridge’s heritage of industrial International and British glass artists will be demonstrating, glassmaking, it also acknowledges the development of the studio exhibiting, presenting and selling, while the drama and glass movement 50 years ago and highlights the current dynamism of the hot shops ensures that they are always among challenges and opportunities facing contemporary makers. the event’s most popular attractions. Over 300 professional artists and performers are taking part in Here, we take a look at some of the major elements of the this year’s festival. The event includes the prestigious British festival, and what visitors can expect to discover in Stourbridge’s Glass Biennale exhibition, participatory workshops, lectures, Glass Quarter over the August bank holiday weekend.

Jacque Pavlosky - 1467 Roundals Martin Janecky Heads Citrine by KeithCummings 2017

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Family fun Theme for 2017 Prizes Families can meet the Dudley glass re- This year’s theme of Glass For Good The British Glass Biennale has 10 cycling team at Red House Glass Cone celebrates the ways in which glass is awards, including the People’s Prize to find out where all the glass goes, making a positive difference to the and a young collectors prize. and can also explore the history of the world. Children can also vote for their Cone in the company of costumed in- The festival illustrates how glass is favourite piece and win a glass art- terpreters. There’s the chance for visi- being used creatively in therapeutic work to start their own collection. tors to decorate jam jars, try their hand contexts - such as working with mili- Entry to the Biennale post-festival is at fusing glass, have a go at engraving, tary veterans in Seattle - giving a voice free. The prize winners will be an- enjoy a storytelling afternoon, make a to victims of domestic violence or nounced at the exhibition’s closing giant, chalk stained-glass window and abuse, and supporting the survivors of party on 9 September. learn how to develop pin-hole pho- the Grenfell Tower disaster. tographs. A special ‘teenage market’, award-winning children’s entertain- Therapeutic use of glass Unique elements of the festival ment, traditional games and numerous craft activities further add to the fam- Blind and profoundly deaf artist Julie The UK’s last remaining maker of glass- ily-friendly line-up of fun. Coakley has developed a unique way eyes, Jost Haas, demonstrates his skills of creating 3D glass sculptural draw- at the festival, while Latvian Karlis Bo- ings containing over 100 individual el- gustovs unites glass art with skate- Hands-on attractions ements of glass. boarding, making glass skateboard Caroline Jariwala, one of the Creative Julie’s workshop will allow visitors to ramps and demonstrating how to use Black Country’s 100 Masters, creates a have a go at bending glass strings to them. Karlis is best known for his glass series of four new mosaics using a his- help her create a new glass sculpture... piano, which will be in evidence at the toric kaleidoscope of coloured waste The inspirational Hot Shop Heroes: festival. glass unearthed locally. Healing With Fire programme in the A mass-participation project celebrat- The windows will depict four of the US has been supporting some of Amer- ing the international Fused Glass com- main trades and resources of the Coal- ica’s wounded soldiers by teaching munity will see the creation of a huge bourn Brook Valley - coal mining, fire them to blow glass. Working in a hot- stretch of glass bunting, with a photo clay mining, glassmaking and the shop is known to provide physical gallery and a few words by each con- Stourbridge canal. benefits for people suffering from Post tributor. It’s hoped that the total length The Glass Hub, meanwhile, is bringing Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trau- of bunting might set a new world its Minimelt furnace from Wiltshire. It matic Brain Injury. Project leader Pa- record. will host a rolling programme of tricia Davidson shares her experience Heritage demonstrations with guest artists, as of the programme, and is accompa- well as offering visitors the opportu- nied by war veteran Michael Daley. In the Quarter’s brand new museum of nity to make their own unique glass Patricia and Michael are in town to glass at White House Cone, local histo- baubles... There are lots of workshops help launch a similar programme for rian Charles Hajdamach and Steve and drop-in sessions to enjoy too, pro- UK veterans... Piper unlock some of the secrets of the viding people with the chance to learn The festival also includes an exhibi- production of engraved glass and rock about glassblowing, stone carving, tion by young people with learning crystal. fused glass and glass engraving. difficulties and autism, illustrating the Also contributing to the heritage strand way in which working with glass helps of the festival is David Wilkinson, the them develop their skills, concentra- UK’s premier chandelier maker, who’ll World premiere tion and sense of self-esteem. be taking his audience on a journey Vitrescence: Becoming Glass into the world of ornamental lighting. Six heritage walks around Amblecote Standing 100ft high, the 18th century Finale performance and Wollaston reveal secrets of the hid- Redhouse ‘Glass Cone’ chimney is the Circus Raj, a ‘supergroup’ of elite den past, while Black Country racon- last of its kind in Europe. street circus performers hailing from teur Graham Fisher launches an In its cathedral-like interior, award- Rajasthan, ‘take the ancient, mystical update of his bestselling book, Jewels winning singer, composer and sound and magical circus format to even On The Cut. artist Andy Garbi stages a site-specific audiovisual event that celebrates and greater heights’. The show is performed at the Ruskin Glass Centre Exhibitions explores the nature of glass. Designed to react with the unique acoustics of on Monday 28 August at 7pm. The flagship British Glass Biennale is the structure, Vitrescence is part instal- the most prestigious selling show of lation and part performance. It features contemporary glass in the UK, with a state-of-the-art 7:1 surround-sound £100,000 in prizes awarded since its in- system, live-action glass work and in- The International Festival Of Glass ception in 2004. struments alongside manipulated takes place at the Glass Quarter in Work by 63 artists is included, reflect- choral voice, strings and the sounds of Stourbridge from Friday 25 ing the latest techniques, trends and glass blowers. The show lasts for ap- to Monday 28 August. topical issues. The Biennale is one of 17 proximately 45 minutes but is not suit- For further information, visit exhibitions in the festival, with over able for small children. Red House www.ifg.org.uk 285 professional artists represented. Glass Cone, Saturday 26 August.

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Events previews from around the region Events

What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Best Event in Shropshire 2017

Shrewsbury Flower Show - full of fun, flowers and fireworks! Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 & Sat 12 August John Torode, garden designer and TV personality Joe Swift, celebrity The Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the country’s premier horticul- gardener Penny Meadmore and Shropshire-based actor John Challis, tural festivals. best known as Boycie from BBC TV comedy series Only Fools And Recently winning the Best Shropshire Event category in the What's On Horses and The Green Green Grass. Readers' Awards, the show delivers a diverse programme of entertain- The London Community Gospel Choir and the Royal Signals Motorcy- ment for the whole family to enjoy. cle Display Team, The White Helmets, will also be in attendance at the Highlights of the two-day event include guest spots from celebrity event. chefs and gardeners, arena acts, showjumping, workshops, a chil- Commenting on this month’s show, Chairman of the Shropshire Horti- dren's area, competitions and impressive floral displays. cultural Society’s Arena Committee, Andrew Rhodes, said: “We’re de- Both days are brought to a close with a magnificent fireworks display. lighted to be able to offer our visitors something different this year. Top billing the 2017 edition of the show are The Overtones. The five- The Overtones have enjoyed a succession of major achievements, in- piece harmony group are promising to wow their Shropshire audience cluding performing in front of 250,000 people at the Queen’s Diamond with an eclectic mix of doo-wop, Motown, modern-day R&B and pop. Jubilee Concert, and we look forward to welcoming them to our show Guests appearing at this year’s Flower Show include MasterChef judge on Saturday the 12th.” whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Magic: Grand Prix NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 August More than 3,000 gamers will be descending on Birmingham for this major event. Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game played in at least 70 countries. “Magic’s deep strategy, compelling worlds and rich visuals have drawn in 20 million players worldwide,” says show organiser Trevor Baker. “This diverse collection of people comes together to find com- mon ground in their shared love of the game.” The BMW Car Club National Festival British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, Sun 13 August The largest gathering of its kind in Europe, this ever-popular festival Art In The Park Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa, Sat 5 - Sun 6 August features attractions including a Leamington’s Art In The Park festival is expected elephants, Wilhelmina, Haddie & Trilby, and to large motor sport display area, a to attract in excess of 5,000 visitors when it add some circus-related fun to proceedings. rolling road, family entertainment, makes a welcome return this month. Commenting on the festival, organiser Carole a Pirelli stand, Concours winners The 2017 edition of the event features exhibitions Sleight said: “With the range of art and activities and trade stands. of paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculpture, on offer, we know that visitors will get a huge with numerous bands presenting a feast of amount of value from the weekend and leave The British music. with many great memories, new skills and inspi- This year’s festival theme, The Three Graces, has rational ideas.” Showjumping been selected to celebrate Leamington’s historic National Championships Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Tall Tales: Cinderella Story Insomnia61 Tues 8 - Sun 13 August Tour And Craft NEC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August The British Showjumping National Aston Hall, Birmingham, Fri 4 August The UK’s biggest gaming festival has settled Championships this month come to Warwickshire for the fourth With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy nicely into its new home at the NEC, having relo- time. godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charm- cated there a couple of years back after outgrow- The event is one of the summer ing, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass ing Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. highlights on the showjumping slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to A four-day event combining ‘all the best bits of calendar and features the presti- being the most popular of all fairytales. And video-gaming’, Insomnia61 features LAN gaming gious International Stairway young visitors to Aston Hall can this month enjoy halls, a huge exhibition hall, special guests League Final (Sunday 13 August), hearing all about Cinders’ search for love, cour- ‘doing cool interactive content’, large-scale eS- at the end of which the British tesy of this special interactive storytelling event. ports tournaments and a wide selection of activi- Showjumping National Champion Back by popular demand, Tall Tales offers visi- ties tailored to gamers of all ages. Special guests will be crowned. tors the chance to meet the girl herself, see her on this occasion include YouTube favourites Syn- The six-day event also features the kitchen, help equip her with everything she dicate, Yammy XOX and iBallisticSquid. Stoneleigh Horse Show, taking needs, try on her glass slipper, make a magic place for a third consecutive year, wand and join in the dancing at Prince Charm- and offers plenty of competitions, ing’s ball. indoor performances, hospitality The event is suitable for children aged between and shopping opportunities for three and eight, with each storytelling experience visitors to enjoy. lasting approximately 45 minutes. And just to make popping along an Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is essential. even more appealing idea, entry to the show is free. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 5

Events

Oswestry Balloon Festival British Ironworks, Oswestry, North Shropshire, Sat 26 - Mon 28 August Oswestry is a town with more than its fair share of ballooning history, so it’s no surprise that there’s an annual festival to celebrate the fact. Weather permitting, there will be sunrise and late-afternoon flights on both days of the show. There’ll also be a spectacular evening 'glow', which will see tethered baskets power their burners to music, to light up the inflated balloons. A balloon race is scheduled for the Sunday of the festival. The event is raising funds for Wrexham’s Nightingale House Hospice, which provides a specialist palliative care service for patients with life-limiting illness, including many from Shropshire.

I Want I Want! Creative Car Factory Summer holiday fun at Stories Of 1975 at Coventry Transport Tamworth Castle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Museum From Norman fort to stately home to 21st Sun 20 August until Wed 30 August century museum, Tamworth Castle Get out your platform shoes, pull on your stands as a physical record of almost a flares and get ready to party like it’s 1975 at If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids oc- millennium's-worth of history. this one-day-only event. cupied this summer holiday, check out these The castle is currently home to unique Featuring items from the gallery and the Arts special workshops at Coventry Transport artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard Council Collection, this ‘warm and welcom- Museum. There’s one taking place each and offers some fascinating insights into ing reminiscence session’ takes a look back week for six weeks - so that’s half a dozen the Anglo-Saxon era from which they to the flamboyant days of yesteryear, recall- days when you know your youngsters will be date. ing the 1970s through a celebration of the kept busy and entertained! Summer holiday visitors to the venue decade’s music, art and fashion. The workshops provide children with the can learn about Saxon battle tactics and A free drop-in session suitable for all ages, chance to design, create and try out their try their hand at archaeology (15 - 17 Au- Stories Of 1975 is also a dementia-friendly own fantasy car. They can then add their gust), as well as sampling life in me- event. favourite features to the museum’s full-size dieval times (22 - 24 August). car design. For those fancying something a bit more Participants can attend all six workshops - ‘magical’ in nature, a special trail pro- Festival Of Quilts each focusing on a different stage of car vides an opportunity to say hello to gal- NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 August manufacture - or join in for just a single session, during which they can make a car part lant knights, help make a giant’s Bringing together to take home. armour, discover a wishing tree and a unique blend of The workshops are suitable for children maybe even spot a mischievous pixie or exhibitors, gal- aged three-plus, but all ages are welcome to two (until 11 August). leries, practical attend. workshops and in- depth lectures, the Festival Of Quilts is Europe’s largest celebration of patchwork and quilting. Commenting on the show, Jonathan Burton, Portfolio Director, said: “The festival offers a truly inspirational showcase of quilt-making, with the finest skills on display. It’s a place for beginners through to professionals to share ideas, learn new skills and meet with others who’re equally passionate about the world of patchwork and quilting.”

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Events previews from around the region

Summer late openings Land Of Legends Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Mon 14 - Fri 18 August Every Friday during August Families visiting BCLM on any Friday in Au- This is just one of numerous gust will have even longer to immerse events organised by Avoncroft themselves in 300 years of Black Country for its summertime visitors. history, with the venue staying open until Providing ‘a week of folklore 8pm. Meet costumed characters, join in and local legends’, the presen- with street games and explore the mu- tation invites participants to ex- seum’s selection of shops and houses. plore the grounds in search of If you’ve never visited BCLM before, this is ‘the mythical beasts that dwell a great opportunity to become one of the within’. approximately 300,000 people who’re wel- Other Avoncroft attractions this comed through its gates every year. month include a traditional The venue has been open for 34 years now games challenge, summer and is the UK’s third most visited open-air building activities, a bake-off museum. themed week and an archaeo- Other attractions on the 26-acre site include logical dig. an underground mine, a fairground, a school and a pub, all offering visitors the chance to step back in time to a bygone era. Urban Safari The Roundhouse, St Vincents Street, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Wed 9 August & Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Blists Hill In Steam Birmingham’s historic Round- house building offers an ideal Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August base from which to explore the Now here’s an event to be all steamed up about! city’s canal network - and Visitors across the two days can take advantage of a there’s no better way of doing rare opportunity to get up close and personal with an so than by booking yourself a array of Victorian steam-powered machines, all of place on the Urban Safari. which will be in their full working splendour. Participants get to travel on a Highlights include the venue’s replica of Trevithick’s heritage narrowboat into the 1802 Coalbrookdale locomotive and a 1903 Wallis & heart of the canal system, en- Steevens road roller named Billy. joying a towpath tour of the There’s also the Merry Weather fire pump and the local wildlife while learning Fielding oil engine to admire, with other attractions about numerous myths and leg- including portable and ploughing engines, the Blists ends associated with Birming- Hill Ironworks steam hammer and a number of guest ham. engines. The Classic The Western Motorcycle Festival Donington Park Racing Circuit, Motorhome Show Derby, Fri 4 - Sun 6 August Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, This Donington favourite once Fri 18 - Sun 20 August again features appearances by Featuring four nights of camping and country & 1998 500cc British Grand Prix western music, The Western Motorhome Show is champion Simon Crafar, guest this month hosting more than 3,000 mo- starring at the event for the fifth torhomes, caravans, campervans and tents, in- year running. cluding 450 new and used outdoor leisure Festival regular Steve Parrish vehicles. Other attractions include the Lonestar makes a welcome return too, at Re-Enactment Group - providing living history an event that features parades, displays - hundreds of accessory stalls and nu- massive display areas and up to merous western entertainers, among them The 50 races across its three days. Dolly & Kenny Show, Boxcar Kelly & The Rail- roaders and Steve Cherelle as John Denver.

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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...

MAC A huge range of theatre, music, comedy, plays toric aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars Birmingham for children, dance, creative and craft courses, fam- on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion ily shows, film and free exhibitions on offer, Cannon SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and hosts many family activities throughout the season, Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum award-winning, 51-hectare country park is a place BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery for quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, your favourite TV shows with informative and enter- and metalworking heritage, Hockley, Birmingham, WV15 6NG taining tours, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF B18 6HA SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed BECKETT’S FARM Hosts a number of family events NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE Featuring over 1,000 within the town’s grade II Victorian Music Hall and throughout the year, including cookery classes for creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million- one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, young and old, with a farm shop and restaurant on litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's Kingdom, tur- featuring a broad range of artefacts alongside a site, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ tle breeding and much more, Brindleyplace, rolling programme of contemporary art. Shrews- Birmingham, B1 2HL bury, SY1 1LH BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses, Hurst Street, RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located Birmingham, B5 4TE UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas, at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is op- Birmingham, B40 1NT erated by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holi- BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Spanning 15 days. Telford, TF4 2NF acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of cli- SAREHOLE MILL A 250-year-old working watermill fa- mates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert, Edg- mous for its association with Lord Of The Rings au- THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE Boasting a varied baston, Birmingham, B15 3TR thor JRR Tolkien, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 collection of beautifully decorative metal items, 0BD some of which are faithful reproductions of iron- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over work no longer seen today. There’s also a collec- 40 galleries displaying various eras of art, with a di- THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM Over 200 interactive exhibits on science and discovery, including a pro- tion of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, SY11 verse exhibition programme on offer, Chamberlain 4JH Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH gramme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, and a digital Planetarium, Millennium Point, Birm- THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland BLAKESLEY HALL Discover a fine Tudor house and ingham, B4 7XG hosts numerous events throughout the year, includ- beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of ing the Shrewsbury Flower Show 12-13 August, the city, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN SY1 1RN CADBURY WORLD Discover the origins of everyone’s Shropshire favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion Staffordshire tionery today, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- CANNON HILL PARK Opened in 1873, the park is sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a wood- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high made up of 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 land sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial Ex- acres of conservation and woodland plantation, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP treme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham Es- Moseley, Birmingham, B12 9QH CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, tate. All ages are guaranteed a bucketload of fun. How much can you handle? Trentham, ST12 9HR EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh in over 130 years, situated only a stone’s throw hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mind-blowing mix of fantas- from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG tic rides and attractions, offering unlimited fun for Station, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7AP CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product kids of all ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, ST10 4DB LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM A major cultural destina- of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise tion, providing a dynamic mix of events, activities above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of a and performances, resources and access to expert variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre help for learning, information and culture, Cente- SY14 8AH wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and nary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The Shropshire site of meadows, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, the the birth of the Industrial Revolution has been des- CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, park is a place for family fun, whether that be walk- ignated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with 10 Central Forest Park is a green space providing fa- ing the dog, cycling, horse riding, or maybe just for award-winning museums. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ cilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal the views and a cup of tea, Rednal, Birmingham, RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6BB B45 8ER largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 his- CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to 50 whatsonlive.co.uk Venues DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:52 Page 2

Coventry Transport Museum Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined fortifi- with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and passes through beautiful countryside known as cations and palatial apartments spanning over five Arts & Crafts pictures and furnishings, Wolver- Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 centuries, CV8 1NE 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 SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- of rides that are somewhat less challenging. And ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, with a zoo on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Worcestershire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. 3TW AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of his- STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent toric buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued about the house's history through a guided tour of from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt, tim- Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features the West Wing, CV8 2LF include three play areas: toddler, sensory and ad- 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, watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular B60 4JR PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry Hol- to come face to face with exotic and endangered CV37 7LS animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 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 history at Warwick Castle. Aside from visiting the explore the family rooms and servant quarters, THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits in- 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- turrets and interiors, there are also jousting shows, lake, Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, the Horrible History show and Time Tower to keep BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, decorative arts and natural history, along with items you entertained. CV34 4QU from the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW 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. Wolverhampton The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his CROFT CASTLE Located deep in the heart of the family, and the company he founded over two cen- & Black Country Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by 1,500 turies ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, this glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of park- castle has many intriguing stories to uncover. Warwickshire land, with activities for all ages, Wolverhampton, Yarpole, Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW WV3 9LQ CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of wartime air base and discover how thousands of heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- people lived and worked there during the 1940s. walks through the gardens and activities for chil- porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, Worcester, WR8 9DW dren such as pond dipping and garden trails. War- woodwork and more, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK Set within the dramatic wick, B93 ODQ BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the tra- beauty of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the ditional skills and enterprise of the people that beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. Ledbury world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and once lived in the heart of industrial Britain, Dudley, HR8 1RL veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ DY1 4SQ HAMPTON COURT CASTLE Originally formed by the CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Guided boat trips merging of two manors, Hampton Court was re- house comes complete with deer park and is a through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, life- modelled in the 1830s/’40s. The castle and property of the National Trust. Warwick, CV35 9ER like reconstructions and stunning music and light grounds offer a great location for adventure and COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows, Dudley, DY1 4SB events, Leominster, HR6 0PN land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. Bur- more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified ford, OX18 4JP At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th cen- manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM Activities to interest and tury castle, Dudley, DY1 4QF SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge delight youngsters, and a studio in which visitors HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in railway line which runs regular steam-hauled pas- can try their hand at composing and music-mak- 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- senger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, being. CV2 4ED land, Dudley, DY3 4DF tween Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of 16 miles, Bewdley, DY12 1BG COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum RED HOUSE GLASS CONE A heritage site with 225 houses the largest publicly owned collection of years of glass, industrial and social history within THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a its walls, Stourbridge, DY8 4AZ short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD options, WR14 3EY SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Vic- HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families torian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley Court with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed was one of England’s great country houses, host- HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea ing many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a spectac- museum, with activities that run throughout the rooms, West Bromwich, B71 4BG ular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. Great Witley, WR6 6JT school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled

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Your week by week listings guide August 2017 thelist

Coventry Transport Museum

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 August Mon 7 to Sun 13 August Mon 14 to Sun 20 August Mon 21 to Thurs 31 August

Miss Saigon continues to Peter Knight’s Gigspanner at Billionaire Boy shows at Ragley Lulu plays Solihull show at the Hippodrome The Roses Theatre Hall, Alcester Summer Festival until Sat 23 September Sun 13 August Thurs 17 August Sat 26 - Sun 27 August

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:33 Page 1

thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August THROUGHOUT AUGUST

Artrix, Bromsgrove other significant artists, until Sun 17 Sept RICHARD MCILWRAITH: DEPARTING Richard's message: Pause, look, forget yourself, engage, reflect, make Rugby Art Gallery & Museum more of yourself, until Sun 13 Aug UNITS OF POSSIBILITY: THE REKNIT REV- OLUTION, AMY TWIGGER HOLROYD In Birmingham Museum & her first major solo exhibition, Twig- Art Gallery ger Holroyd aims to share and promote techniques for reknitting, until THRESHOLDS By artist Mat Collishaw Sat 2 Sept and photographic historian Pete James. This virtual-reality art show MUSIC IN RUGBY A celebration of all celebrates the city's contribution to things musical in Rugby Borough, ex- the technology that revolutionised ploring past musicians, choirs and ‘the way we see, record, represent orchestras in the town through pho- and understand the visible and invisi- tographs, programmes and instru- ble world', until Sun 6 Aug, Waterhall ments from the museum's Social Gallery History Collections, until Sat 4 Nov NEW INSPIRE 2017 Exhibition of art by Regina Spektor - Symphony Hall, Birmingham children and young people, until Sat The Hive, Worcester WHITE TYGER Fri 4 Aug, THE DECADES BAND Sat 30 Sept A SLICE OF WORCESTERSHIRE OPEN Route 44, Acocks 5 Aug, The River STUDIOS Exhibition featuring works by Gigs I WANT! I WANT!: ART & TECHNOLOGY A Green, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge curated selection from the Arts Coun- local artists in a variety of styles and THE OTHER COVERS SUNSHINE FRISBEE cil Collection - with key loans from media, including painting, printmak- IAIN MATTHEWS Wed 2 TRIO Fri 4 Aug, Drum- LASERBEAM Sat 5 Aug, other major collections - that pre- ing, photography, textiles, jewellery, Aug, Kitchen Garden monds Bar, Worcester Hare & Hounds, Birm- sents the work of contemporary ceramics and mixed media, until Sun Cafe, Birmingham ingham artists using new technologies, until 20 Aug SELF MACHINE Wed 2 THE SHAPES Fri 4 Aug, Sun 1 Oct Aug, The Iron Road, The Assembly, Leam- MAETLOAF & THE NEVER ington Spa NEVERLAND EXPRESS FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Worcester City Museum & Art Evesham, Worcester- Sat 5 Aug, The Robin, different faiths have influenced and Gallery shire REGINA SPEKTOR Sat 5 Bilston shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 ENQUIRING MINDS Featuring drawings ASOMVEL Wed 2 Aug, Aug, Symphony Hall, by naturalist John Gould, land and The Robin, Bilston Birmingham SUNSHINE BLOOM, MAL- ONE, CATCHING KILLERS Compton Verney Gallery, cityscape watercolours by HH Lines KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY YES LAD Sat 5 Aug, O2 and local artefacts discovered by fa- & SOLITAIRE Sat 5 Aug, Warwick Wed 2 Aug, The Jam Academy, Birmingham mous archaeologist Pitt Rivers, until The Flapper, B’ham PORTRAIT MINIATURES Over 40 minia- House, Birmingham THE SMITHS UTD Sat 5 Sat 11 Nov THE CLAUSE Sat 5 Aug, ture paintings from the Dumas CELINE DION Thurs 3 Aug, The Roadhouse, Egerton Trust Collection, until Sun 17 Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove Other VISUAL ARTS Aug, Barclaycard Dec Arena, Birmingham PROJECT SOUNDLOUNGE DON CARLOS Sat 5 Aug, PRINCE HENRY'S HIGH SCHOOL - SUM- O2 Academy, B’ham SEURAT TO RILEY: THE ART OF PERCEP- BELLEVUE DAYS Thurs 3 Sat 5 Aug, Birming- MER EXHIBITION A selection of work TION Exhibition taking you on a fasci- Aug, The Sunflower ham Town Hall IMAGINAERUM Sun 6 by Year 10 students which forms part nating and stimulating journey that Lounge, Birmingham CANDID, GIANT PARTY & Aug, The Robin, Bil- looks at the ways in which our visual of their GCSE coursework, until Sat 5 ston HAMISH STUART Thurs MONDAY CLUB Sat 5 perceptions have been explored by Aug, Evesham Arts Centre 3 Aug, The Jam Aug, The Sunflower SOUL CITY Sun 6 Aug, artists, until Sun 1 Oct SUMMER EXHIBITION The finalists for House, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham The Roadhouse, Birm- the annual In:Sight competition will ingham Forge Mill Needle Museum, be revealed until Sun 27 Aug, Castle MORETALLICA Thurs 3 THE SIX ON FIRE Sat 5 Galleries, Birmingham ICC Aug, The Robin, Bil- Aug, Route 44, Birm- AVERSIONS CROWN, PIRATES! FACT OF FICTION A journey ston ingham VENOM PRISON, ABAN- through the Golden Age of pirates! EXPLORING NATURE - WILDLIFE DONMENT & SAMSARA THE AMERICAS Fri 4 CHEVY CHASE STOLE MY until Sun 3 Sept GALLERY Thinktank’s newly expanded Sun 6 Aug, The Flap- Aug, The Marr's Bar, WIFE Sat 5 Aug, The wildlife gallery now has even more per, Birmingham Worcester Marr's Bar, Worcester Herbert Art Gallery & amazing animals to discover, until Museum, Coventry Thurs 31 Aug, Thinktank at Millen- GAGE Fri 4 Aug, The nium Point Iron Road, Evesham FEARSOME CRAFTSMEN: DISCOVER THE OUR PLACE HERE - MATERIALS, MAK- ARTISTRY OF THE VIKING WORLD CALIBRE & DRS Fri 4 Learn INGS AND MEMORIES Exhibition of Aug, Hare & Hounds, more about the people who settled in work created as part of Culture Birmingham Coventry’s citywide community arts Britain, and explore the Norse myths THE NAKED BEATLES Fri project, until Tues 5 Sept, Coventry and legends passed down through 4 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Transport Museum generations in a unique family- ston friendly Viking settlement. A touring NEW RONNIE WOOD EXHIBITION Show- OLLIE HUGHES AS ROB- exhibition from Jorvik Viking Centre, casing the musical artworks of rock BIE WILLIAMS Fri 4 until Sun 24 Sept legend Ronnie Wood, Mon 31 July - Aug, The River Thurs 31 Aug, Castle Galleries, Birm- Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Rooms, Stourbridge Museum ingham Mailbox KING KRAB Fri 4 Aug, NEW DUNCAN MACGREGOR EXHIBITION DRAWN FROM LIFE Exhibition featuring The Roadhouse, Birm- Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Whitewall works from the Arts Council Collec- ingham tion by LS Lowry, Peter Blake, Elisa- Gallery, Birmingham THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri beth Frink, Barbara Hepworth, Lucian 4 - Sat 5 Aug, The Jam Freud, David Hockney and many House, Birmingham Don Carlos - O2 Academy, Birmingham 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:33 Page 2

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August

Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Orange Theatre, Birmingham 2 - Thurs 3 Aug Classical Music upon-Avon AS YOU LIKE IT Madcap Theatre pre- TAXI DRIVER (18) Crime/Drama. Star- JULIUS CAESAR A bloody story of consent a fast-paced staging of Shake- ring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster. spiracy and murder, noble intentions speare’s comedy, Sat 5 Aug, The Electric Cinema, Birmingam, Thurs 3 NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, Roses, Tewkesbury Aug BRITAIN Featuring Thomas Adés (con- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- ductor). Programme includes works CIRCUS RAJ Featuring dancers, illu- JACOB EPSTEIN: REBEL ANGEL (15) Doc- ford-upon-Avon by Francisco Coll, Thomas Adés & sionists, aerialists and rope walkers, umentary. Electric Cinema, Stravinsky, Fri 4 Aug, Symphony Hall, VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s comedy Sun 6 Aug, mac, Birmingham Birmingam, Thurs 3 Aug Birmingham romp, until Sat 9 Sept, The Swan FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (18) Crime/Hor- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon NATIONAL SCOUT & GUIDE SYMPHONY ror. Starring Harvey Keitel, George ORCHESTRA Programme includes MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s Clooney. Electric Cinema, works by Vaughan Williams, Copland acclaimed new production of Boublil Dance Birmingam, Thurs 3 Aug & Walton, Fri 4 Aug, mac, B’ham & Schönberg’s legendary musical, GENOCIDAL ORGAN (15) Animation/Sci- until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- Fi. Electric Cinema, Birmingam, NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF LET’S NACHO drome Showcase of work from Thurs 3 Aug GREAT BRITAIN Featuring Natalia Luis- Bollywood Dreams Academy stu- Bassa (conductor). Programme in- THE DREAMING Musical version of A ENGLAND IS MINE (15) Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mon 31 dents, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, The Cres- cludes works by Holst, Bizet, cent Theatre, Birmingham Biography/Drama. Starring Jack Low- Sibelius, Prokofiev & Marquez, Sun 6 July - Sat 5 Aug, Lichfield Garrick den, Laurie Kynaston. Electric Cin- URJA! Aug, Birmingham Town Hall WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave Wil- Aaja Nachie’s Let’s Dance pre- ema, Birmingam, from Fri 4 Aug sent an evening of dance and music letts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank Wild- LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Drama. horn’s musical adaptation of Lewis featuring a range of genres fused with Bollywood style, Sun 6 Aug, Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Won- mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 Aug derland & Through The Looking mac, Birmingham Comedy Glass, Mon 31 July - Sat 5 Aug, MAKE IT REEL World Premiere of short Wolverhampton Grand Theatre films made by this year’s participants of Make it Reel, a Summer Film ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE & COMEDY SIDE SHOW Musical about accep- School. Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs tance, love and embracing one’s try, Fri 4 Aug 3 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham uniqueness, based on the true story Film SCRIBE (15) Action/Thriller. Starring ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE, TREVOR of two conjoined twins, Tues 1 - Fri 4 Aug, The Crescent Theatre, Bi’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: François Cluzet, Denis Podalydès. CROOK & LUKE TOULSON Fri 4 - Sat 5 Foreign language, subtitled. Warwick Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND WODYS pre- Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 4 Aug sent an amateur staging of Andrew ALEX BOARDMAN, JAMES DOWDESWELL A MAN CALLED OVE (15) Lloyd Webber’s captivating musical, IT COMES AT NIGHT (15) Horror/Mys- & JAMES GILL Fri 4 - Sat 5 Aug, Jon- Comedy/Drama. Starring Rolf Lass- Tues 1 - Sat 5 Aug, Swan Theatre, tery. Starring Joel Edgerton, Riley gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham gård, Bahar Pars. Foreign language, Worcester Keough. Electric Cinema, Birmingam, LUKE BENSON, JIM SMALLMAN, GEOFF subtitled. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, from Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug THE OWL & THE PUSSYCAT Magical until Tues 1 Aug; Warwick Arts Cen- INNOCENT & QUNICY Sat 5 Aug, The ROCK DOG (PG) Animation/Music. With Comedy Loft, Birmingham retelling of Edward Lear’s classic tre, Coventry, until Wed 2 Aug nonsense poem, Wed 2 Aug, The the voices of Luke Wilson, Eddie Iz- JOHN SIMMIT, SLIM, TAMEKA CAMPBELL BABY DRIVER (15) Action/Crime. Star- Roses, Tewkesbury zard. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri & VICTOR DANIEL Sat 5 Aug, mac, ring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey. 4 - Tues 8 Aug Birmingham THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Heartbreak Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Productions present an outdoor stag- MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE (PG) Anima- STEVE HEWLETT until Wed 2 Aug Sat 5 Aug, The Core ing of Shakespeare’s unconventional tion/Comedy. With the voices of Gas- THE BEGUILED (15) Drama. Starring Theatre, Solihull love story, Thurs 3 Aug, Warley pard Schlatter, Sixtine Murat. mac, Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell. mac, Woods, Smethwick Birmingham, Fri 4 - Tues 8 Aug; Birmingham, until Tues 8 Aug; War- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 5 - THE WILL Foppish Theatre present wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 4 - Thurs 10 Aug Marivaux’s classic comedy, which ex- Thurs 10 Aug poses the price of true love, Fri 4 DUNKIRK (12a) Drama/History. Starring SHOCK & GORE 2017 SHORT FILM SHOW- Theatre Aug, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy. Roses CASE (18) Horror. Electric Cinema, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 4 - Thurs 10 WEST END ON TOUR! Musical classics VENUS AND ADONIS Artistic Director Birmingam, Tues 1 Aug Aug from London's West End, with songs Gregory Doran revives his unique MARTYRS (18) Horror. Starring Mor- by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammer- MOULIN ROUGE! (U) Musical/Romance. version of Shakespeare’s kaleido- jana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï. For- stein, Cole Porter & Andrew Lloyd Starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan Mc- scopic poem, using narration, music eign language, subtitled. Introduction Webber, Fri 4 Aug, The Old Rep The- Gregor. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 5 Aug and puppetry, until Fri 4 Aug, from Alex Davis, author of Laugier’s atre, Birmingham DUMBO (U) Animation/Adventure. With The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Martyrs: A Personal Analysis. Electric the voices of Sterling Holloway, Ed- Avon THE JUNGLE BOOK Katch 22 Theatre Cinema, Birmingam, Tues 1 Aug Productions present a staging of ward Brophy. Royal Spa Centre, TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal RISK (15) Documentary. Starring Ju- Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved tale, Leamington Spa, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug play in which the decay of Rome lian Assange, Sarah Harrison. War- Fri 4 Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull ALADDIN (U) Animation/Adventure. reaches violent depths, until Sat 2 wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 1 - With the voices of Scott Weinger, Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, Wed 2 Aug dance and play to win as Tina spins Robin Williams. Royal Spa Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE (12a) Biogra- her cage of balls to a high-energy Leamington Spa, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, phy/Drama. Starring Jessica Chas- ’80s soundtrack, Fri 4 Aug, Old Joint JUMANJI (PG) Action/Adventure. Star- written in French and originally tain, Johan Heldenbergh. Artrix, Stock Theatre, Birmingham ring Robin Williams, Kirsten Dunst. banned in England, recounts in a sin- Bromsgrove, Tues 1 - Wed 2 Aug THE SECRET GARDEN Heartbreak Pro- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, gle act the biblical story of Herod An- QUATERMASS & THE PIT (12a) ductions present an outdoor staging Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug tipas’s daughter, Salomé, until Wed 6 Horror/Mystery. Starring James Don- of the classic children’s tale, Fri 4 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, ald, Andrew Keir. Electric Cinema, Aug, Ryton Pools, Bubbenhall, (U) Animation/Comedy. Starring Alicia Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingam, Wed 2 Aug Coventry Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott. mac, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA FIREMAN SAM: ALIEN ALERT (U) Anima- THE SECRET GARDEN Frances Hodg- Birmingham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and tion. With the voices of David Carling, son Burnett’s timeless tale for all the THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV (12a) Biogra- power, until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Su Douglas. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed family, Sat 5 - Sat 12 Aug, The Blue phy/Drama. Starring Jean-Pierre

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thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August Léaud, Patrick d'Assumçao. Foreign until Sun 3 Sept, Warwick Castle RUM & REGGAE Fri 4 Aug, Fargo Vil- CARRIBEAN FOOD FESTIVAL Sat 5 Aug, language, subtitled. mac, Birming- FIRE, FURNACE & STEAM Celebrate the lage, Coventry Fargo Village, Coventry ham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug power and innovation behind the In- ULTIMATE STREET CAR The largest, TRANSIT VAN CLUB RALLY Weekend- HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF dustrial Revolution with a variety of loudest, hottest and fastest modified- long event packed with driving FIRE (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring events, workshops and trails across car festival in Europe, Fri 4 - Sun 6 games and seminars - a true Transit Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. War- the museums, until Sun 3 Sept, Blists Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamp- weekend away, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 6 Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire ton British Motor Museum, Warwick Aug SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Explore CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL Guest HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set THE RED TURTLE (PG) Animation/Fan- the new exhibition, become a trea- stars are Steve Parrish and Simon for a summer packed with time-travel- tasy. With the voices of Emmanuel sure hunter and seek out some of the Crafar. Featuring up to 50 races, pa- ling fun! Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, Kenil- Garijo, Tom Hudson. Rose Theatre, hidden treasures, until Sun 3 Sept, rades and display areas, Fri 4 - Sun 6 worth Castle Tewkesbury, Sun 6 Aug British Motor Museum, Warwick Aug, Donington Park Racing Circuit, ART IN THE PARK 2017 This year's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (SINGALONG) CARS AND COFFEE BREAKFAST CLUB Derby theme is The Three Graces, celebrat- (PG) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Wide and varied display of beautiful JINNEY RING BLUES AND BEER FESTIVAL ing Leamington’s historic elephants, Emma Watson, Dan Stevens. Rose cars from years gone by, until Sat 7 Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug, Jinney Ring Craft Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, Jephson Gardens, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 6 - Tues 8 Oct, Coventry Transport Museum Centre, Bromsgrove Leamington Spa Aug CARTISTS: REIMAGINING THE CAR Four- CALLIGRAPHY CRAFT WORKSHOP Go MAD SCIENCE CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES teen artists, one challenge - transform back in time and write with a feather Science-themed show in which chil- a car into a work of art! Until Sun 29 quill, learn calligraphy techniques dren can create foggy dry-ice storms, Oct, Coventry Transport Museum with steel pen nibs, and make your watch a foam factory at work and NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: LUNARIES CRAFT GROUP A social group own crafty card, Sat 5 Aug, The Pen build super bouncy balls, Sat 5 - Sat Released from Wed 2 Aug, showing of creatives who meet to chat and Museum, Birmingham 12 Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester at selected cinemas work on their own craft projects, until JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK SCIENCE FUN DAY Learn about some of VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOU- Thurs 2 Nov, Soho House, Learn about the history of the area, the science experiments carried out SAND PLANETS (12a) Handsworth, Birmingham its buildings and businesses, Sat 5 by the Lunar Men during the 18th SUMMER HOLIDAYS WEEKEND PRO- Aug, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- century, Sun 6 Aug, Soho House, 6 DAYS (15) GRAMME Family activities take place ter, Birmingham Birmingham THE EMOJIMOVIE (U) on Saturdays and Sundays during DESIGNING COMPUTER GAMES Learn- CIRCUS RAJ Fast-moving ‘extrava- ENGLAND IS MINE (15) the school holidays, Tues 25 July - Fri Play Foundation and Digital Native ganza’ of intrigue, feats of daring, LAND OF MINE (15) 1 Sept, Thinktank, Birmingham team up in the gallery to provide a music, laughter and surprises, Sun 6 live gaming session for anyone aged Aug, mac, Birmingham MAUDIE (15) LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP As- semble your own individual Drawbot, six-plus, Sat 5 Aug, Birmingham Mu- HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK A walk- a robot with pens for legs that will seum And Art Gallery ing tour focusing on the architectural draw for you, Fri 28 July - Fri 1 Sept, MORNING EXPLORERS An early-morn- heritage of Handsworth, Sun 6 Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery ing museum experience catering for Soho House, Handsworth Events NO LIMITS 1000KM Gruelling 1,000km families with children on the autistic CLASSIC VAN AND PICK UP SHOW Show race around the iconic circuit, Sat 29 spectrum, Sat 5 Aug, Soho House, dedicated to light commercial vehi- Birmingham AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY Meet intrepid July, Donington Park Racing Circuit, cles, Sun 6 Aug, British Motor Mu- adventurers and see artefacts gath- Derby MK1 CORTINA OWNERS CLUB Sat 5 Aug, seum, Warwick ered from their digs around the TRADITIONAL GAMES CHALLENGE Mon Coventry Transport Museum HWAR DOG SHOW Sniff out some inter- world, until Fri 4 Aug, Kenilworth Cas- 31 July - Fri 4 Aug, Avoncroft Mu- KINGMAKER BANQUET Dine with the in- esting smells in the wild woods, Sun tle seum, Bromsgrove famous Earl of Warwick, Sat 5 Aug, 6 Aug, Brockhampton Estate, YOUNG ACTORS STUDIO THEATRE SUM- ENCHANTED CASTLE Follow the trail Warwick Castle Leominster MER SCHOOL The course explores the and see what magical adventures A TASTE OF SKYE UNDER THE MOON NATIONAL GUNDOG ASSOCIATION CHAM- creative and performance potential of you get to enjoy, Mon 31 July - Fri 11 Talisker Whisky present a unique PIONSHIP SHOW Sun 6 Aug, Three all children in a safe, fun theatre envi- Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffs lunar-inspired tasting experience, Sat Counties Showground, Malvern ronment through drama, dance and TECHLAB Create your own art hacks in 5 Aug, Thinktank, Birmingham DINOSAUR SHOW Travel back in time music, until Fri 4 Aug, The Core The- the lab space, Mon 31 July - Mon 28 JAGUAR BREAKFAST CLUB Monthly with a life-like walking, roaring T-rex! atre, Solihull Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art meet open to all Jaguar owners and Sun 6 - Thurs 10 Aug, Eastnor Castle, OCTONAUTS OCTO-GLOW EXPLORERS A Gallery enthusiasts, Sat 5 Aug, British Motor Herefordshire brand new deep-sea adventure VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour Museum, Warwick where you can see the ocean in a led by one of the award-winning whole new light, until Sun 13 Aug, guides, Wed 2 Aug, Newman Broth- National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham ers Coffin Works, Birmingham DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Dramatic sto- LET’S ANIMATE SUMMER ANIMATION rytelling and high-end digital graphics CLUB Wed 2 Aug, Fargo Village, and animatronics lie at the heart of Coventry this brand new show, until Wed 23 Aug, NEC, Birmingham LET’S ANIMATE PLASTICINE CHARACTER WORKSHOP Thurs 3 Aug, Fargo Vil- COMPUTER GAME DESIGN Meet new lage, Coventry and emerging designers, learn more about gaming and have a go at build- CINDERELLA TOUR AND CRAFT Meet ing and playing games! Until Wed 30 Cinders, see her kitchen, help equip Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art her with everything she needs, then Gallery join in the dancing at Prince Charm- ing’s ball, Fri 4 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP Until Fri 1 ingham Sept, Warwick University GET STUCK IN! ‘Crafty fun’ inspired by WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE Epic new the Japanese-style objects in the mu- live-action show, complete with per- seum’s collection, Fri 4 Aug, Museum ilous stunt riders, fearless jousting of Royal Worcester and state-of-the-art special effects, Summer fun at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

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thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August children’s classic, Sat 12 Aug, The Classical Crescent Theatre. Birmingham DISNEY ALADDIN JR. Amateur staging presented by Palace Youth Theatre, Music Sat 12 Aug, Palace Theatre, Red- ditch BATTLE PROMS PICNIC CONCERT Cele- brate 20 years of Britain’s premier PAW PATROL LIVE! Action-packed, classical open-air concert series with high-energy musical bringing the music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry & Nickelodeon characters to life, Sat fireworks, Sat 12 Aug, Ragley Hall, 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Barclaycard Arena, Alcester, Warwickshire Birmingham THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Immersion Theatre Company take a trip down the riverbank, Sun 13 Aug, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford-upon- Comedy Avon Peter Knight’s Gigspanner - The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury MERCEDES BENSON, MAUREEN Aug, Drummonds Bar, Sat 12 Aug, Hunting- YOUNGER Wed 9 Aug, Kitchen Gar- Worcester don Hall, Worcester Gigs den Cafe, Birmingham THE MARLEY EXPERI- THANK YOU FOR THE JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & Dance ENCE Fri 11 Aug, Artrix, MUSIC Sat 12 Aug, MICHAEL CHAPMAN COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Bromsgrove Malvern Theatre, Mon 7 Aug, Kitchen SON Thurs 10 Aug, The Glee Club, BACKLASH BALLROOM A ballroom and Worcestershire Garden Cafe, B’ham INNER CITY BIRMING- Birmingham Latin dance spectacular featuring HAM Sat 12 Aug, The IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC five professional dance duos, Thurs RACHEL HARRINGTON JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & Rainbow Venues, ROCK NIGHT Sat 12 10 Aug, Albany Theatre, Coventry Tues 8 Aug, Kitchen IAN COGNITO Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Birmingham Aug, Route 44, B’ham Garden Cafe, B’ham Glee Club, Birmingham IN SPOTLIGHT - PRAB- KILLERSTREAM Sat 12 KIM LOWINGS AND THE ROBIN MORGAN, THOMAS GREEN & HAT & PULKIT Prabhat Aug, The River GREENWOOD Tues 8 DAVID LONGLEY Sat 12 Aug, Jon- Rao and Pulkit Rooms, Stourbridge Aug, The Roses The- gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham atre, Tewkesbury Sharma are the next SKABUCKS Sat 12 Aug, Talks generation of Indian SCOTT BENNETT, ANDRE VINCENT, DEATH ANGEL Tues 8 The Roadhouse, Kings Classical musicians PIERRE HOLLINS & STEVE WILLIAMS Aug, The Slade Norton, Birmingham based in the UK, Sat Sat 12 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birm- TURNING THE INSIDE OUT Rooms, Wolverhamp- 12 Aug, mac, B’ham ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 ingham Join Professor John Wigley of Birm- ton TRIBUTE Sat 12 Aug, ingham City University to uncover BOSTIN’ BRASS Sat 12 GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed The Robin, Bilston the ‘hidden city’ of Birmingham - a Aug, Symphony Hall, 9 Aug, The Jam city of history, diversity, manufactur- Birmingham THE RAT PACK CONCERT House, Birmingham Sat 12 Aug, The Roses ing, innovation and art, Wed 9 Aug, CRIMSON STAR, BLANK Birmingham Hippodrome TREMBLING BELLS Wed Theatre, Tewkesbury PARODY, TYRAN- Theatre 9 Aug, Hare & NOSAURUS NEBULOUS & A PROMISE TO FORGET Hounds, Birmingham GUNS FOR GIRLS Sat 12 Sat 12 Aug, The Flap- MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s DEAD! Wed 9 Aug, The Aug, The Sunflower per, Birmingham acclaimed new production of Boublil Empire, Coventry Lounge, Birmingham LAMBCHOP Sat 12 Aug, & Schönberg’s legendary musical, until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- APOLLO SOUL Thurs 10 58 BLUES BAND Sat 12 The Assembly, Leam- podrome Aug, The Jam House, Aug, Tamworth Castle, ington Spa Film Birmingham Staffordshire NICOLA T AS BEYONCE PETER AND THE WOLF Interactive musical story for children aged between JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO V2A Sat 12 Aug, The Sat 12 Aug, Artrix, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: four and seven. Followed by craft Thurs 10 Aug, The Marr's Bar, Worcester Bromsgrove session, Mon 7 Aug, The Library Of Robin, Bilston PETER KNIGHT'S TWISTED FUNK Sat 12 Birmingham SCRIBE (15) Action/Thriller. Starring DETROIT SOUL COLLEC- Aug, Hare & Hounds, GIGSPANNER Sun 13 François Cluzet, Denis Podalydès. POP Mr Bean meets Charlie Chaplin TIVE Fri 11 - Sat 12 Birmingham Aug, The Roses The- Foreign language, subtitled. War- in this ‘mind-blowing’ feast of illusion Aug, The Jam House, atre, Tewkesbury wick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 7 STRAIGHTEN OUT - and comedy... Suitable for children Birmingham Aug STRANGLERS TRIBUTE aged between three and eight and HIGHTAIL, DEVIL'S RE- their families, Tues 8 Aug, Artrix, KEDI (U) Documentary. Starring Cats. VOLVER & THEIA Fri 11 Bromsgrove Lots of cats. Electric Cinema, Birm- Aug, Route 44, B’ham ingham, Mon 7 Aug LANDSCAPES Mimika Theatre fuse GOODNIGHT LENIN Fri puppetry with an original musical ROCK DOG (PG) Animation/Music. 11 Aug, Hare & score and visual effects to present With the voices of Luke Wilson, Hounds, Birmingham ‘an intimate, magical experience for Eddie Izzard. Artrix, Bromsgrove, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN children’, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Aug, Birm- Mon 7 & Thurs 10 Aug Fri 11 Aug, The Roses ingham Hippodrome THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. Theatre, Tewkesbury BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri tions present an outdoor staging of Rampling. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 7 11 Aug, The River David Walliams’ tale of love, loss - Tues 8, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 Aug Rooms, Stourbridge and friendship, Fri 11 Aug, Hartle- THE NAKED CIVIL SERVANT (12a) Biog- TAKE THAT TRIBUTE Fri bury Castle, Worcestershire raphy/Drama. Starring John Hurt, Liz 11 Aug, The Belfry, THE LION, THE WITCH & THE Gebhardt. Warwick Arts Centre, Sutton Coldfield WARDROBE Little Arden Theatre Com- Coventry, Tues 8 & Thurs 10 Aug pany present a new staging of the TEXAN PEACOCKS Fri 11 Lambchop - Leamington Assembly Rooms AFTER THE STORM (PG) Drama. Star- 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks & Worcs - 7 - 13 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:15 Page 2

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August

ring Abe Hiroshi, Maki Yoko. Foreign URBAN SAFARI Travel on a Heritage CLUB Wed 9 Aug, Fargo Village, HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set language, subtitled. mac, Birming- narrowboat into the heart of the canal Coventry for a summer packed with time-travel- ham, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Aug system, Mon 7 - Wed 9 Aug, The JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of ling fun! Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Kenil- GOODFELLAS (18) Crime/Drama. Star- Roundhouse, Birmingham baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of worth Castle ring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta. Elec- TUDOR TIMES The castle comes alive lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts STEAM ON THE ROAD The very best of tric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 10 & with the sights, sounds and smells of & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, steam on the road and rails, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug Tudor England, Mon 7 - Fri 11 Aug, Thurs 10 Aug, The Core Theatre, Sun 13 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (PG) Ad- Kenilworth Castle Solihull Bewdley venture/Thriller. Starring Roger SPY SCHOOL You've saved politicians, LET’S ANIMATE FILMMAKING ANIMATION JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING Moore, Christopher Lee. The Mock- you've saved The REP, but now... you DAY Thurs 10 Aug, Fargo Village, CLASSES Working with a selection of ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 11 need to save the world! Mon 7 - Fri Coventry silver sheet, wire and base metals, Aug 11 Aug, The REP, Birmingham THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Featuring cu- Sun 13 Aug, Newman Brothers Coffin SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (12a) Drama/His- BIG BUILD Summer building activities, rated galleries and over 300 compa- Works, Birmingham tory. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Mon 7 - Fri 11 Aug, Avoncroft Mu- nies selling their wares, Thur 10 Aug - NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Activities in- Reynolds. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11 seum, Bromsgrove Sun 13 Aug, NEC, Birmingham clude a rolling road, a show & shine, Aug LIMITLESS FESTIVAL Showcase of in- GOLDILOCKS STORY TOUR AND CRAFT a massive tombola, radio-controlled LIVE AND LET DIE (PG) novation in all walks of life, Mon 7 - Head over to the kitchen where cars and trade stands, Sun 13 Aug, Adventure/Thriller. Starring Roger Fri 11 Aug, Three Counties Show- Goldilocks tasted the bears’ porridge, British Motor Museum, Warwick Moore, Yaphet Kotto. The Mocking- ground, Malvern, Worcestershire see the chairs belonging to the bears BNBF MIDLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS The bird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 11 Aug PORTRAIT STUDIO HACK WEEK Pete and find the beds that Goldilocks Midlands’ best natural bodybuilders THE BIG SICK (15) Comedy/Romance. Ashton transforms the pop-up portrait tried out, Fri 11 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- battle it out, Sun 13 Aug, The Cres- Starring Kumail Nanjiani, Emily V. studio to explore ancient methods of ingham cent Theatre, Birmingham Gordon. Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- image making, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Aug, LATE NIGHT OPENING WITH STREET WORCESTER SHOW Featuring local try, Fri 11 - Tues 15 Aug Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery DANCE & PE Show off your best trade, performances, and industry, DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 3 Help moves! Fri 11 Aug, Black Country Liv- Sun 13 Aug, Worcester City Centre venture. With the voices of Steve build a full-size car as well as minia- ing Museum, Dudley DONINGTON 500 New event designed Carell, Kristen Wiig. Royal Spa Cen- ture ones, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Aug, GET STUCK IN! ‘Crafty fun’ inspired by to introduce riders to the sport at little tre, Leamington Spa, Fri 11 - Tues 15 Coventry Transport Museum the Japanese-style objects in the col- expense, Sun 13 Aug, Donington Aug FAMILY INTRODUCTION TO FELT MAKING lection, Fri 11 Aug, Museum of Royal Park Racing Circuit, Derby KEDI (U) Documentary. Foreign lan- Tues 8 Aug, Black Country Living Mu- Worcester guage, subtitles. mac, Birmingham, seum, Dudley SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of Fri 11 - Wed 16 Aug CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set the country’s premier horticultural CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC sail with Greg Chapman, Tues 8 Aug, events, the show features a diverse MOVIE (PG) Animation/Comedy. With Forge Mill, Redditch programme of attractions and enter- Festivals the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas tainment for all the family to enjoy, in- MINIBEAST MYSTERIES Find out which cluding appearances by TV Middleditch. Roses Theatre, Tewkes- creatures are in battle and how they LAKEFEST Line up Includes Feeder, bury, Fri 11 - Wed 16 Aug personalities, celebrity chefs and The Charlatans, Wilko Johnson, Kíla, survive, Tues 8 Aug, Lower Smite singers, as well as spectacular arena DUNKIRK (12a) Drama/History. Starring Farm, Hindlip, Worcestershire Yak, Brooks Williams And Lightning acts, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Quarry Express, Moses, Alabama 3, Aswad, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy. mac, SUMMER ARTS FEST Featuring magi- Park, Shrewsbury Birmingham, Fri 11 - Thurs 17 Aug; Turin Brakes, Renegade Brass Band, cians, DJing workshops, pottery and MAGIC GRAND PRIX One of the biggest Erica, Colouring, Imelda May Seth Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 11 dance, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Aug, - Thurs 17 Aug open magic events in the world, Fri Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy, Roving Worcester Arts Workshop 11 Aug - Sun 13 Aug, NEC, B’ham Crows, Paul Tarry And To Close, HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE DESIGN AND DECORATE A MINI SLEUTH BOOK-BINDING WORKSHOP Make a Thurs 10 - Mon 14 Aug, Eastnor Cas- PHOENIX (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. BEAR Chance for young people and tle Deer Park, Ledbury, Herefordshire Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Wat- hardback notebook, learning the pro- adults to participate in The Big Sleuth cess from start to finish and choosing BULLDOG BASH Full Line includes son. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, by working with a professional artist Sun 13 Aug from a selection of papers to create Bessie & The Zincbuckets, Big Red & to design and decorate their own lim- the covers, Sat 12 Aug, Shake- The Grinners, The Dirty South and ited-edition mini-bears, Wed 9 Aug, speare's Birthplace, Stratford-upon- more, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Aug, Shake- The Core Theatre, Solihull Avon speare Country Raceway, Stratford NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 12 upon Avon led by one of the award-winning Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome INNER CITY BIRMINGHAM Featuring The Released from Wed 9 Aug, showing guides, Wed 9 Aug, Newman Broth- at selected cinemas PORTRAIT STUDIO DROP-IN Join artist Flaming Lips, Sat 12 Aug, The Rain- ers Coffin Works, Birmingham bow Venues, Birmingham ATOMIC BLONDE (tbc) Pete Ashton as he explains the me- JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING chanics of the ‘hacked’ studio, Sat 12 WORCESTER FESTIVAL Since the first A GHOST STORY (12a) CLASSES Wed 9 Aug, Newman Broth- Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art Worcester Festival back in 2003, the ANNABELLE: CREATION (15) ers Coffin Works, Birmingham Gallery Festival has grown year on year, in LE DOULOS (12) SHIPWRECKS AND TREASURE: MAD SCI- RUN WHAT YOU BRING Public Track terms of the number of events, the ENCE WORKSHOPS Fun with water, number of venues involved and the OVERDRIVE (tbc) Day, Sat 12 Aug, Santa Pod Race- colour-changing metals, treasure way, Northampton number of people enjoying those PAWN SACRIFICE (12) pennies, shipwrecked boats and events, Sat 12 - Mon 28 Aug, Various MSVR SPORTS CAR RACES Featuring TOM OF FINLAND (18) more, Wed 9 Aug, Forge Mill, Red- locations throughout Worcester ditch Lotus, Caterham, Radical SR1 Cup and Trackday Trophy Series, Sat 12 UNITED RETRIEVERS A national Gun- Aug, Donington Park Racing Circuit, dog Club which encourages and pro- Derby motes a general interest in the Events breeding of all Kennel Club-regis- OPEN DAY The Weaver’s House has tered breeds of retriever, Wed 9 Aug, been restored to its 1540 appear- Three Counties Showground, ance, complete with full-size replica ROAD BIKE TRACK DAY Mon 7 Aug, Malvern, Worcestershire loom and working garden, Sat 12 Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Aug, The Weaver’s House, Coventry LET’S ANIMATE SUMMER ANIMATION whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW Warwicks & Worcs 14 - 20 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:14 Page 1

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August Brand new comedy-theatre show Classical transporting audiences from the Transylvanian mountains to the sea- side town of Whitby, Tues 15 - Wed Music 16 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Chapterhouse CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Theatre Company present the Jane CHESTRA Featuring Mirga Gražinyté- Austen classic, Wed 16 Aug, Tyla (conductor) & Leila Josefowicz Birmingham Botanical Gardens (violin). Programme includes works THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG by Beethoven & Stravinsky, Sun 20 Rural touring ensemble Folksy The- Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham atre present a musical adaptation of Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, Wed 16 Aug, Martineau Gardens, Birmingham THE CRUCIBLE Malvern Theatres Comedy Young Company present Arthur Miller’s famous masterpiece, which COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Sat 12 Aug, plots the brutal self-destruction of a mac, Birmingham fragile Puritan community, Wed 16 - Sat 19 Aug, Malvern Theatre DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL & COM- EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- Jo Harman - The Jam House, Birmingham Thurs 17 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham tions present an outdoor staging of David Walliams’ tale of love, loss KIDS ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS FAMILY Aug, The River Birmingham and friendship, Thurs 17 Aug, FUN TO GLEE - WITH BARBARA NICE, Rooms, Stourbridge Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire Gigs THE JERSEYS Sun 20 NEXT OF KIN, MY PARTY PACKAGE, IN- SOUL JUNCTION Fri 18 Aug, The Swan The- FINITI & JAY FOREMAN Fri 18 Aug, The THE FORGOTTEN TALES Combining TOO MANY ZOOZ Mon Aug, The Robin, Bil- atre Worcester Glee Club, Birmingham ‘captivating’ storytelling with a blend 14 Aug, O2 Institute, ston of traditional and modern folk-song, GOGO PENGUIN Sun 20 DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL, ANDRE Birmingham one actor brings to life a legion of MIRANDA LAMBERT Fri Aug, mac, B’ham VINCENT & COMIC TBC Fri 18 - Sat 19 unique characters across a series of MATT WOOSEY WITH: 18 Aug, Barclaycard STEEL PAN FUSION Sun Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham artfully crafted adventures, Thurs 17 CHEWIE Mon 14 Aug, Arena, Birmingham 20 Aug, Hare & FREDDIE QUINNE, JULIAN DEANE, DAL- Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester Kitchen Garden Cafe, RULE NO1 Fri 18 Aug, Hounds, Birmingham ISO CHAPONDA & THE RAYMOND AND Birmingham CATS Wing It Theatre & The Albany Drummonds Bar, EDWINA HAYES Sun 20 MR TIMPKINS REVIEW Fri 18 - Sat 19 Theatre present an amateur staging VO FLETCHER Wed 16 Worcester Aug, Kitchen Garden Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award- Aug, Symphony Hall, BLANK PARODY Fri 18 Cafe, Birmingham JAMES REDMOND, RAY BADRAN & winning musical, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Birmingham Aug, The Asylum, EDENBRIDGE Featuring STEVE HALL Sat 19 Aug, Jongleurs Aug, Albany Theatre, Coventry THE REVEREND PEY- Hockley, Birmingham Enemy of Reality, Comedy Club, Birmingham THE FIRST KING OF ENGLAND... IN A TONS BIG DAMN BAND ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT Sound of Thunder, DRESS Fun-packed family storytelling Wed 16 Aug, The Sat 19 Aug, Birming- Dakesis - Control the show featuring puppetry & music. Robin, Bilston ham Botanical Gar- Storm, Darkest Obsid- Suitable for audiences aged three- dens ian, A Clockwork JO HARMAN Wed 16 plus, Fri 18 Aug, Artrix, Bromsgrove Aug, The Jam House, SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS Sat Opera & Fyresky, Sun Theatre MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented Birmingham 19 Aug, The Robin, 20 Aug, The Robin, by MuchAdo Productions & Tewkes- Bilston Bilston DR FEELGOOD Thurs 17 MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s bury Arts & Drama Society, Fri 18 - ALI CLINTON Sun 20 Aug, The Jam House, ONE STOP BOOGIE Sat acclaimed new production of Boublil Sat 19 Aug, The Roses, Tewkesbury Birmingham 19 Aug, The River Aug, The Musician, Le- & Schönberg’s legendary musical, ALICE IN WONDERLAND Presented by Rooms, Stourbridge icester until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- KIKAGAKU MOYO Thurs award-winning company Tread The DEFEATER Sun 20 Aug, podrome 17 Aug, Hare & THE PHONICS Sat 19 Boards Theatre, Sat 19 Aug, Swan The Flapper, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham Aug, The Roadhouse, THREE Half Moon fuse storytelling Theatre, Worcester and live music to present a trio of REMODE Thurs 17 Aug, THE LOST WORLD Illyria present an fairytales, Tues 15 Aug, Artrix, The Robin, Bilston outdoor staging of Sir Arthur Conan Bromsgrove LISTENER Thurs 17 Doyle’s famous story of four intrepid Aug, The Flapper, THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG explorers, Sat 19 Aug, Coughton Birmingham Rural touring ensemble Folksy The- Court, Alcester atre present a musical adaptation of DIIO - A TRIBUTE TO BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, RONNIE JAMES DIO tions present an outdoor staging of Fri Tues 15 Aug, Bishops Wood Centre, David Walliams’ tale of love, loss 18 Aug, Route 44, Stourport-on-Severn Birmingham and friendship, Sat 19 Aug, Charter- BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- DEXTA DAPS house Priory, Coventry Fri 18 Aug, tions present an outdoor staging of THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR The O2 Institute, B’ham David Walliams’ tale of love, loss Festival Players present a fast- BILLY BRANCH & THE and friendship, Tues 15 Aug, St paced, all-male version of Shake- GILES ROBSON BAND Fri John’s House Museum, Warwick speare’s colourful comedy, Sun 20 18 Aug, The Iron TRESPASS Rebecca Wheatley, Judy Road, Evesham Aug, Hall’s Croft, Stratford-upon- Buxton, Michelle Morris & David Cal- Avon ROCKET Fri 18 - Sat 19 lister star in Emlyn Williams’ super- Aug, The Jam House, natural tale, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Aug, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE REPLICAS Fri 18 Miranda Lambert - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH

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Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August

trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 Aug Dance SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (12a) Ad- venture/Sci-Fi. Starring Tom Holland, Chris Evans. Roses Theatre, Tewkes- CATY WOMPUS Contemporary dance bury, Fri 18 - Wed 23 Aug piece incorporating circus & parkour and set to an original bluegrass score MAUDIE (U) Drama. Starring Ethan performed live, Thurs 17 Aug, mac, Hawke, Sally Hawkins. mac, Birming- Birmingham ham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Aug ENGLAND IS MINE (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Jack Low- den, Jessica Brown Findlay. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 18 - Thurs Talks 24 Aug FINAL PORTRAIT (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Geoffrey THE LAST TUDOR HISTORIAN Philippa Rush, Armie Hammer. Warwick Arts Gregory talks about the last novel in Centre, Coventry, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 her Tudor series, Wed 16 Aug, Bridge Aug House Theatre, Warwick THE EMOJI MOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF (PG) Animation/Comedy. With the voices of T J Miller, Anna Farris. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 18 - Film Mon 28 Aug HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD Billionaire Boy - Ragley Hall, Warwickshire PRINCE (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Star- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. dren aged between six and 10, Tues Saint Kitchen, Birmingham THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 15 Aug, Selly Manor, Birmingham CULTURALLY SENSITIVE MEMORY CAFÉ Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam 20 Aug FALCONRY DISPLAY Tues 15 Aug, Birm- The cafe supports individuals with Claflin. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 14 - ingham Botanical Gardens early to moderate dementia and their Thurs 17 Aug CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set caregivers, family and friends, Fri 18 Aug, Soho House, Birmingham THE LAST WORD (15) Comedy/Drama. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: sail with Greg Chapman in his swash- Starring Shirley MacLaine, Amanda buckling pirates show, Tues 15 Aug, LATE NIGHT OPENING WITH CIRCUS Seyfried. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Released from Wed 16 Aug, showing Forge Mill, Redditch SKILLS Fri 18 Aug, Black Country Liv- Mon 14 - Tues 15 Aug at selected cinemas SAXONS AT THE CASTLE Find out what ing Museum, Dudley CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC NAPPING PRINCESS (12a) life was like for Tamworth residents GET STUCK IN! ‘Crafty fun’ inspired by MOVIE (PG) Animation/Comedy. With AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL during the Saxon era, Tues 15 - Thurs Japanese-style objects in the collec- the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas THE DARK TOWER (tbc) 17 Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffs tion, Fri 18 Aug, Museum of Royal Middleditch. Roses Theatre, Tewkes- LET’S ANIMATE SUMMER ANIMATION Worcester bury, Tues 15 - Wed 16 Aug; mac, FINAL PORTRAIT (15) CLUB Wed 16 Aug, Fargo Village, RAGLEY HALL INTERNATIONAL MODEL Birmingham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Aug THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD (15) Coventry AIR SHOW Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Ragley BLACK BRITAIN ON FILM (12a) Docu- THE ODYSSEY (tbc) JESTER SKILLS! CHILDREN'S ART AND Hall, Alcester mentary. With Q&A. mac, Birming- CRAFT WORKSHOP Learn juggling and INDEPENDENT GIN FESTIVAL The per- ham, Wed 16 Aug diabolo skills, play traditional Tudor fect way to try new gins, learning ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS (U) Docu- games and make your own juggling from the distillers themselves! Fri 18 - mentary/Music. Starring Elvis Presley, balls and jester hat. Suitable for kids Sun 20 Aug, Fargo Village, Coventry James Burton. The Mockingbird Cin- aged between six and 10, Thurs 17 THE WESTERN MOTORHOME SHOW Fea- ema, Birmingham, Wed 16 Aug Events Aug, Selly Manor, Birmingham turing over 3,000 motorhomes and HARRY POTTER (12a) Adventure/fan- RETRO GAMES NIGHT The Big Comfy tents, plus country & western music, tasy. An eight film marathon! Starring KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES Transform Book Shop presents their monthly Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Three Counties Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. The yourself into a courtly lord or lady, retro game night, Thurs 17 Aug, Showground, Malvern Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, with tips on everything from curtsies Fargo Village, Coventry VEGAN HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EVENT Wed 16 Aug to combat, Mon 14 - Fri 18 Aug, Ke- JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of Packed with stalls selling vegan THE HIT (18) Drama/Thriller. Starring nilworth Castle baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of foods, goodies and lifestyle products, Terence Stamp, John Hurt. Warwick LAND OF LEGENDS A week of folklore lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts plus info, films and inspirational talks, Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 16 - Thurs and local legends, Mon 14 - Fri 18 & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, Sat 19 Aug, Stourbridge Town Hall 17 Aug Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Thurs 17 Aug, The Core Theatre, HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- Solihull CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 4 Help for a summer packed with time-travel- venture. With the voices of Steve build a full-size car as well as minia- MEET THE ANIMALS ZooLab brings a ling fun, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Aug, Kenil- Carell, Kristen Wiig. Artrix, Broms- ture ones, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Aug, selection of animals to the museum. worth Castle grove, Wed 16 - Thurs 17 Aug Coventry Transport Museum Live animal shows and handling op- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Unlock the THE DARJEELING LIMITED (PG) Com- portunities throughout the day, Thurs FLOWER EXPLORERS Help Capability secrets of Witley's partying past. edy/Drama. Starring Owen Wilson, 17 Aug, Thinktank, Birmingham Brown look for ‘the perfect flowers’ Over-16s only, Sun 20 Aug, Witley Adrien Brody. Electric Cinema, Birm- on a family-friendly trail around the LET’S ANIMATE CUT-OUT CHARACTER Court, Worcestershire ingham, Thurs 17 Aug parkland, with a prize at the end, Mon WORKSHOP Thurs 17 Aug, Fargo Vil- BUSES FESTIVAL Featuring up to 100 SISTER ACT - BACK IN THE HABIT (PG) 14 Aug - Sun 3 Sept, Croome Park, lage, Coventry restored, vintage and modern buses Comedy. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, Worcestershire WATERSLIDE! Make a splash this sum- and coaches, trade stands and more, Kathy Najimy. Outdoor screening. SHIVER ME TIMBERS! CHILDREN'S ART mer with a 100m water slide, Fri 18 Sun 20 Aug, British Motor Museum, mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 Aug AND CRAFT WORKSHOP Make a cut- Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Gaydon, Warwickshire MAMMA MIA! (U) Family/Musical. Star- throat cutlass, eye patch and brilliant BIRMINGHAM LIKEMIND Coffee and ring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan. Ar- buccaneering hat! Suitable for chil- conversation morning, Fri 18 Aug, whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwickshire & Worcs Mon 21 - Sun 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:13 Page 1

Saturday 2 September Friday 15 September Wednesday 20 September Thursday 19 October

KARL ANNETTE JAY THE NOISE LOXLEY GREGORY RAYNER NEXT DOOR: A Spectacular Celebrating 100 Years The Ten (food) Classical Evening of Ella Fitzgerald Commandments UPROAR!

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire & Worcs Mon 21 - Sun 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:13 Page 2

thelist Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August Theatre Classical THE SECRET GARDEN Heartbreak Pro- ductions present an outdoor staging of the classic children’s tale, Wed 23 Music Aug, Foundry Wood, Princes Drive, Leamington Spa ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fea- turing Ben Humphrey (narrator & TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- singer), Kenneth Woods (conduc- sent an outdoor staging of Shake- tor). Programme includes works by speare's cross-dressing comedy, Williams, Woods, Smith, Prokofiev & Wed 23 Aug, Bishops Wood Centre, Newman, Sat 26 Aug, Huntingdon Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs Hall, Worcester BRASSED OFF Jeffrey Holland stars in Paul Allen & Mark Herman’s ‘funny and life-affirming’ tale of community spirit and triumph in the face of ad- versity, Wed 23 Aug - Sat 2 Sept, Comedy Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ARIEL ON THE CLIFF A celebration of Mr Scruff - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 21 Aug, all things breezy, this gentle, warm Thurs 24 Aug, The THE KILLERZ Sat 26 The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham show for family audiences mixes original acoustic music with sensory Flapper, Birmingham Aug, The Roadhouse, JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED & COM- Gigs storytelling, puppetry, movement in- ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri Birmingham EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON teraction and big, deep breaths, 25 Aug, The Road- T-REXTASY Sat 26 Aug, Thurs 24 Aug, The Glee Club, Birm- THE NUMBER 12 LOOKS Thurs 24 Aug, mac, Birmingham LIKE YOU & HEXIS Mon house, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston ingham THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Family 21 Aug, The Flapper, MR SCRUFF Fri 25 Aug, SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 26 JETHRO Fri 25 Aug, The Swan The- show based on Judith Kerr’s much- Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Aug, The River atre, Worcester loved children’s book, Thurs 24 - ingham Rooms, Stourbridge CURTIS ELLER’S AMERI- RUDI LICKWOOD, BARRY DODDS & JOE Sun 27 Aug, Malvern Theatre CAN CIRCUS Tues 22 UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE SAX IN THE CITY: THE BROMEHEAD Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, Jon- TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, Aug, The Tin Music Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, NOTEBENDERS Sat 26 gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham dance and play to win as Tina spins And Arts, Coventry The Jam House, Birm- Aug, Symphony Hall, JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED, BRIAN her cage of balls to a high-energy ingham Birmingham RYAN HAMILTON & THE HIGGINS & ALEX BOARDMAN Fri 25 - ’80s soundtrack, Fri 25 Aug, Old TRAITORS Tues 22 Aug, THE DOLLY PARTON THE MACHINE RAGES ON Sat 26 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- STORY Fri 25 Aug, The Sat 26 Aug, The Marr's JARRED CHRISTMAS, IAN COGNITO, TIME IN MOTION The National Youth ingham Roses Theatre, Bar, Worcester ROGER MONKHOUSE & ANDREW BIRD Ballet of Great Britain present a se- Tewkesbury CIRCUS VIII Wed 23 SUBLIME MUSIC Sat 26 Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The Comedy ries of short dance works which take Aug, The Jam House, FRED ZEPPELIN & DIZZY Aug, Hare & Hounds, Loft, Birmingham audiences on a ‘compelling’ journey Birmingham LIZZY Tribute to Led Birmingham KOJO, WHITE YARDIE, MR BLAIR & through time, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, THE THREE DEGREES Zeppelin & Thin Lizzy, BLACK BOMBERS, THE COMICS TBC Sun 27 Aug, The Glee The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Fri 25 Aug, The Robin, Thurs 24 Aug, The DE RELLAS & THE Club, Birmingham MURDER IN BLOODFORD VILLAGE New Bilston Jam House, B’ham DREGS Sat 26 Aug, interactive murder-mystery show. ARIEL ON THE CLIFF THE COMMANDMENTS Hare & Hounds, Birm- Ticket price includes a picnic by Thurs 24 Aug, mac, Fri 25 Aug, Drum- ingham Masterchef Simon Smith, Fri 25 - Birmingham monds Bar, Worcester DEVILFIRE Sat 26 Aug, Mon 28 Aug, Lichfield Garrick KAKO Thurs 24 Aug, THE THREE DEGREES Sat O2 Academy, B’ham Theatre A COMEDY OF ERRORS All-male theatre Hare & Hounds, Birm- 26 Aug, Albany The- DEFINITELY MIGHT BE & group The Lord Chamberlain’s Men ingham atre, Coventry ADORED Sun 27 Aug, MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s present an outdoor staging of CREEDENCE CLEARWA- DOORS ON FIRE Sat 26 The Robin, Bilston acclaimed new production of Boublil Shakespeare’s farce, Sat 26 Aug, & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Witley Court, Worcestershire TER REVIEW Thurs 24 Aug, Route 44, B’ham WHITE TYGER Sun 27 until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- Aug, The Robin, Bil- OPEN MIC UK MUSIC Aug, The River PETER PAN Chapterhouse Theatre podrome ston COMPETITION Sat 26 Rooms, Stourbridge Company present an all-new staging GROVE STREET FAMILIES Aug, NEC, B’ham THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR The of JM Barrie’s magical adventure, Festival Players present a fast- Sat 26 Aug, mac, Birmingham paced, all-male version of Shake- speare’s colourful comedy, Tues 22 Aug, Swan Theatre, Worcester DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Based on the award-winning children’s book by Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie, this feelgood show for younger audiences features music, song, puppetry - and a ballet-dancing dog! Tues 22 Aug, The Roses, Tewkesbury TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- Dance sent an outdoor staging of Shake- speare's cross-dressing comedy, Tues 22 Aug, Martineau Gardens, CATY WOMPUS Contemporary dance Birmingham piece incorporating circus & parkour THE RAILWAY CHILDREN New stage and set to an original bluegrass production of E Nesbit’s much-loved score performed live, Thurs 17 Aug, mac, Birmingham The Three Degrees - Jam House, Birmingham & Albany Theatre, Coven- tale, Tues 22 - Sun 27 Aug, Malvern try whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwickshire & Worcs Mon 21 - Sun 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:13 Page 3

August 2017

Friday 11th August Saturday 12th August Sunday 13th August THE MARLEY NICOLA T AS THE LOCK IN EXPERIENCE BEYONCE REMIXED TRIBUTE TO BOB MARLEY & TRIBUTE TO QUEEN BEE THE DEMON BARBER’S THE WAILERS MUSIC & DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

Tuesday 15th August Friday 18th August Saturday 19th August THREE THE FIRST KING OF DAVID HAMILTON’S A TRIO OF FAIRYTALES ENGLAND…IN A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL WITH SPELLBINDING DRESS BACK THE YEARS STORYTELLING & MUSIC FUN-PACKED FAMILY SHOW HITS FROM THE 50S & 60S

COMING SOON: Pop, RSC Live: Titus Andronicus, Danny Bhoy, Noble Jacks, Paul Morton, Kim Lowings & The Greenwood, Total Commitments, Rockin’ On Heaven’s Door, The Manfreds, Northern Soul Live, The Shirley Bassey Story, Scummy Mummies, John Challis, Vamos: Finding Joy, Purple Zeppelin, Paul Foot, Mitch Benn, Roving Crows, Robin Ince, Simon Day, Ellie Taylor, Jeremy Hardy, Counterfeit Sixties...

Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer @artrixarts with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Free parking on-site

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thelist Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August Kebbell, Andy Serkis. Roses Theatre, varnish glue to decorate, Thurs 24 Talks Tewkesbury, Sat 26 - Mon 28 Aug Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihul Festivals HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HAL- TO INFINITY AND BEYOND! Make a jet LOWS: PART 1 (12a) Adventure/Fan- pack from recycled materials, Thurs SHAMBALA FESTIVAL Line-up includes POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT Featuring Ben tasy. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma 24 Aug, Selly Manor, Birmingham Parker, Worcester Live’s poet-in-resi- , Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Aug, Northamp- Watson. Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- LET’S ANIMATE LEGO STORY WORKSHOP tonshire dence, Wed 23 Aug, Huntingdon try, Sun 27 Aug Hall, Worcester Thurs 24 Aug, Fargo Village, Coven- SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY (18) try Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellie-Bextor, CODEBREAKERS Dr Mark Baldwin ex- Western. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli plores the fascinating story of the THE GIRL WITHOUT HANDS Presented Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Sonia, Wallach. Electric Cinema, Birming- by The Magical Travelling Story Cir- Heatwave, The Wurzels and Union Enigma ciphers, which the Germans ham, Sun 27 Aug believed unbreakable, Fri 25 Aug, cus and telling the tale of a girl’s at- Gap, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Fish Huntingdon Hall, Worcester tempts to overcome a deal that her Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, father made with the devil, Fri 25 Aug, Worcestershire Kenilworth Castle NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up includes, I WANT! I WANT! CURATOR TOUR (BSL) Kate Rusby, Joyride, Will Varley, 47 Released from Fri 25 Aug, showing at Museum curators and experts guide Soul, Aar Maanta, Alcuna Wilds, Apo Film selected cinemas you through the I Want! I Want! art & & The Apostles, Chris Duckett, Cc AMERICAN MADE (tbc) technology exhibition, Fri 25 Aug, Smugglers, Clean Cut Kid, Dan DETROIT (tbc) Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Donovan, Genevieve, Goan Dogs, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Hardwicke Circus, Jess Morgan, HOTEL SALVATION (PG) THE MIDWIFE (12A) Drama. Starring Joanne Shaw Taylor, plus many Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Frot. LOGAN LUCKY (tbc) more, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, Boughton Foreign language, subtitled. Roses ROUGH NIGHT (15) House, Kettering, Northamptonshire Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 23 Aug BEERMAGEDDON Line-up includes: RED ROAD (18) Mystery/Thriller. Star- Outright Resistance, Totengefluster, ring Kate Dickie, Tony Curran. mac, Godslave, Zephyra, Warlord Uk and Birmingham, Tues 22 Aug Stahlsarg, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove A WAY OF LIFE (15) Drama. Starring Events Stephanie James, Brenda Blethyn. SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 Aug GREAT AVONCROFT BAKE-OFF Test your includes: Chris Difford, Jim Moray, culinary skills during this bake-off- Jon Boden, The Unthanks, Sam THE ELEPHANT MAN (PG) AUGUST OPEN AFTERNOON Fri 25 Aug, themed week, Mon 21 - Fri 25 Aug, Carter, Oysterband, The Young'uns, Biography/Drama. Starring John Museum Collection Centre, B’ham Loudon Wainwright III, Le Vent du Hurt, Anthony Hopkins. Warwick Arts Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove GET STUCK IN! ‘Crafty fun’ inspired by Nord, The Rhenigan Sisters and The Centre, Coventry, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 5 Help Japanese-style objects in the collec- Transports, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, West Aug build a full-size car as well as minia- tion, Fri 25 Aug, Museum of Royal Midland Showground, Shropshire ture ones, Mon 21 - Sat 26 Aug, TWIN TOWN (18) Comedy/Drama. Star- Worcester CAMPER CALLING 2017 Line up in- ring Llyr Ifans, Rhys Ifans. Electric Coventry Transport Museum URBAN SAFARI Travel on a Heritage cludes: The Lightning Seeds, Reef, Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Aug CIRCUS Circus spectacular, with plate- narrowboat into the heart of the canal Cast, The Ordinary Boys, Space, Mu- spinning, juggling, clowns and more, HUNGER (15) Biography/Drama. Star- system, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, The sical Youth, Backbeat Soundsystem, Tues 22 Aug, Birmingham Botanical ring Michael Fassbender, Stuart Gra- Roundhouse, Birmingham Lucy Spraggan, BETSY, The Under- ham. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Gardens INSOMNIA61 The UK’s biggest gaming cover Hippy, Barbarella’s Bang Bang, Aug CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set festival, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, NEC, CC Smugglers, The Elephant Trees, sail with Greg Chapman in his swash- THIS IS SPINAL TAP (12a) Birmingham Lakuta, The Atlantic Players, Afro Comedy/Music. Starring Christopher buckling pirates show, Tues 22 Aug, Cluster, Grafton Ash, Thrill Collins, SHAKES-PAW'S DAY Offering plenty of Guest, Michael McKean. Outdoor Forge Mill, Redditch Caution Horses, Scott Matthews & activities for your furry friends to screening. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover Ravellas, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Ragley enjoy on National Dog Day, Sat 26 Aug what life was like in medieval times, Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire Aug, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Tues 22 - Thurs 24 Aug, Tamworth MAUDIE (U) Drama. Starring Ethan Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon DOWN ON THE CLOSE Line-up includes Hawke, Sally Hawkins. Warwick Arts Castle Imelda May & Wilko Johnson, Sat 26 THE MUSICIANS OF BREMEN The story Centre, Coventry, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour Aug, The Close, The Close, Rugby of a donkey, a dog, a cat and a led by one of the award-winning THE EMOJI MOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF rooster who escape their master to SOLIHULL SUMMER FESTIVAL Featuring guides, Wed 23 Aug, Newman Broth- (PG) Animation/Comedy. With the go to Bremen, Sat 26 Aug, Kenilworth Peter Andre, Lulu, Feeder, Toploader ers Coffin Works, Birmingham voices of T J Miller, Anna Farris. mac, Castle & many more... Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Aug CODING 101 Learn how to create code Tudor Grange Park, Solihull OPEN MIC UK MUSIC COMPETITION A for virtual environments as well as A GHOST STORY (PG) Drama/Fantasy. chance for aspiring singers and musi- physical items, Wed 23 Aug, RAF, Starring Caleb Couch, Sonia cians to perform in front of music-in- Cosford Acevedo. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 - dustry judges, Sat 26 Aug, NEC, Thurs 31 Aug LET’S ANIMATE SUMMER ANIMATION Birmingham CLUB Wed 23 Aug, Fargo Village, VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOU- A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS! Coventry SAND PLANETS (12A) Adventure/Sci-Fi. Learn about zoomorphic calligraphy Starring Cara Delevingne, Clive IRON JOHN The Magical Travelling and calligrams, then create your own Owen. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Story Circus presents the story of a quirky animal designs using steel Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Aug wild man in the forest who teaches a pen nibs and ink, Sat 26 Aug, The HOWARD'S END (PG) Drama. Starring young prince the things he’ll need for Pen Museum, Birmingham his quest, Thurs 24 Aug, Kenilworth Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson. RS OWNERS CLUB Sun 27 Aug, Don- Castle mac, Birmingham, Sat 26 - Sun 27 ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Aug; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, HOLIDAY DÉCOPATCH WORKSHOP Try CLASH OF KNIGHTS Four teams of Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug the craft of decoupage. Create knights battle it out for victory, Sun 27 unique objects by tearing bits of de- WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES - Mon 28 Aug, Kenilworth Castle (12A) Adventure/Drama. Starring Toby copatch paper and using a glossy whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 28 - 31 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 18:12 Page 1

thelist Monday 28 - Monday 31 August Institute, Birmingham ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks breathe Gigs RYLEY WALKER Thurs 31 Aug, The new life into Shakespeare’s classic Rainbow Venues, Digbeth, B’ham love story by giving it a musical Mods & Rockers twist, Tues 29 Aug, Victo- VAUDOU GAME Mon 28 Aug, The Tin THE BEACH BOYS BAND Thurs 31 Aug, ria Gardens, Tewkesbury Music And Arts, Coventry The Roadhouse, Birmingham HMS PINAFORE Presented by the Na- BRETFORTON SILVER BAND Mon 28 tional Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Com- Aug, The Fleece Inn, Evesham pany, Tues 29 - Wed 30 Aug, Malvern LOATHE & HARBINGER Tues 29 Aug, Theatre The Flapper, Birmingham Comedy GUYS & DOLLS Malvern Theatre Young BE BOP A LULA Evening of Rock ‘n’ Company presents an amateur stag- Roll from four of the most iconic ing of Frank Loesser’s celebrated DAVID HADDINGHAM & COMICS TBC artists ever to grace the UK: Eddie musical comedy, Tues 29 Aug - Sat 2 Thurs 31 Aug, Station Pub, Sutton Cochran, Gene Vincent, Billy Fury Sept, Malvern Theatre and Roy Orbison. This show is guar- Coldfield PRINCESS IDA The National Gilbert & anteed to get you bopping in your Sullivan Opera Company present a seats! Wed 30 Aug, Belgrade The- rarely performed Operetta containing Creative Car Factory - atre, Coventry some of Sullivan’s most charming Coventry Transport Museum THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Wed 30 Aug, music, Thurs 31 Aug, Malvern The- historic abbey and its grounds in a The Jam House, Birmingham Theatre atre new way this summer! Mon 28 Aug, SAM OUTLAW BAND Wed 30 Aug, Hare DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Based on the Stoneleigh Abbey MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s & Hounds, Birmingham award-winning children’s book by acclaimed new production of Boublil BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Mon 28 Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie, this feel- LATINMOTION PRESENTS DEL CAMINO & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove good show for younger audiences Thurs 31 Aug, The Jam House, Birm- until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- features music, song, puppetry - and THE FACE OF SUMMER Family fun day ingham drome a ballet-dancing dog! Thurs 31 Aug, with craft stalls, information stands, BOOTLEG RASCAL Thurs 31 Aug, The SING-A-LONG-A DIRTY DANCING Interac- The Core, Solihull birds of prey and a flash dance mob, Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham tive screening of the classic film star- Mon 28 Aug, Fargo Village, Coventry JIVE TALKIN' Thurs 31 Aug, Belgrade ring Patrick Swayzee and Jennifer BIG AVONCROFT DIG Will you discover Theatre, Coventry Grey, Mon 28 Aug, Swan Theatre, a Roman mosaic, an English king or PARQUET COURTS Thurs 31 Aug, O2 Worcester a long lost building? Tues 28 Aug - Fri Film 1 Sept, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- grove CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 6 Help INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: build a full-size car as well as minia- ture ones, Mon 28 Aug - Sat 2 Sept, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HAL- Coventry Transport Museum LOWS: PART 2 (12a) Adventure/Fan- CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set tasy. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma sail with Greg Chapman in his swash- Watson. Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- buckling pirates show, Tues 29 Aug, try, Mon 28 Aug Forge Mill, Redditch AMERICAN HERO (15) Comedy/Drama. STORYTELLING IN THE COURTYARD Folk- Starring Stephen Dorff, Eddie Griffin. lore story of knights, chivalry, ro- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues mance and bravery, Wed 30 Aug, 29 - Wed 30 Aug Aston Hall, Birmingham THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV (15) Biogra- STORYTELLING FOR UNDER 5S Wed 30 phy/Drama. Starring ean-Pierre Aug, Coventry Transport Museum Léaud, Patrick d’Assumçao. Foreign VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Go on a fac- language, subtitled. Warwick Arts tory tour led by one of the award-win- Centre, Coventry, Tues 29 - Wed 30 ning guides, Wed 30 Aug, Newman Aug Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham PRICK UP YOUR EARS (18) FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- MAN BROTHERS Wed 30 Aug, Newman man, Alfred Molina. mac, Birming- Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham ham, Tues 29 - Thurs 31 Aug HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK A walking tour focusing on the architectural heritage of Handsworth, Wed 30 Aug, Soho House, Birmingham Events LET’S ANIMATE SUMMER ANIMATION CLUB Wed 30 Aug, Fargo Village, Coventry THE FACE OF SUMMER Join in again for JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of 2017’s The FACE of Summer baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of fundraising day! In 2016 approxi- lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts mately 6900 visitors joined in for a & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, family fun day out with craft stalls, in- Thurs 31 Aug, The Core Theatre, formation stands, birds of prey and Solihull even a flash dance mob, Mon 28 Aug, Fargo Village, Gosford Street, LET’S ANIMATE ANIMATED FACES WORK- Coventry SHOP Design, build and construct your very own talking face, Thurs 31 MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY Enjoy the Aug, Fargo Village, Coventry

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