Birmingham Cover August 2019.Qxp Birmingham Cover 22/07/2019 16:07 Page 1

Home , Alexander Stadium, BBC Birmingham, Birmingham Back to Backs, Resorts World Birmingham, Sarehole Mill

Birmingham Cover August 2019.qxp_Birmingham Cover 22/07/2019 16:07 Page 1

WUNDERBAR! EDDIE IZZARD VISITS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands THE ALEXANDRA THEATRE

BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2019 Birmingham ISSUE 404 AUGUST 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD Onbirminghamwhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

TABBY MCTAT children’s classic on stage at Birmingham Town Hall INSTAGRAM:@WHATSONBRUM WTE:@WHATSONBRUMTWITTER:

MOSELEY FOLK... Jake Bugg joins the line-up at popular Midlands festival FACEBOOK:@WHATSONBIRMINGHAM

THE MONSTER knock-out five-day event returns to Birmingham’s NEC BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:18 Page 1 Contents August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:33 Page 2

August 2019

Contents

Greased Lightnin’! - new touring production of Grease The Musical roars into the Hippodrome page 24

Wunderbar Home Of Metal Shake your body! the list

Eddie Izzard talks touring, two icons of music talk about Gloria Estefan’s story told on Your 16-page Trump and transvestism... the new exhibition at BMAG stage at the Hippodrome week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 feature page 16 feature page 30 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 10. Food 19. Festivals 24. Theatre 33. Film 36. Visual Arts 41. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 MEDIA GROUP Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 Ellie Hutchings ellie @whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281706 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss, Ella Mansfield Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:39 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Everybody’s talking about... Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! Smash-hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is heading for the Midlands next year on its first ever UK tour - with Shane Richie and Layton Williams reprising the roles they played in the West End version. Jamie New is 16, lives on a council estate in Sheffield, doesn’t quite fit in and is terrified about the future. Supported by his mum and surrounded by his friends, he overcomes prejudice, beats the bullies and steps out of the darkness and into the spotlight... With an original score of catchy pop tunes by lead singer-songwriter of The Feeling, Dan Gillespie Sells, and writer Tom MacRae (Doctor Who), the show visits the Alexandra Theatre, Birming- ham, from 16 to 21 March and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 23 to 27 June 2020.

Half marathon route to Brummies on the oche... cle clubs, will be just as excited by the Top Trumps theme as we are.” showcase city centre The show takes place at the NEC from 8 to 10 The route for this year’s Great Birmingham November. Run will showcase the best of the city centre plus popular spectator spots in Bournville and Cannon Hill Park. Bewonderment Machine Starting on New Street, the half marathon at Cannon Hill Park (Sunday 13 October) will pass the famous Rotunda, Selfridges and St Martin’s Church An artist-built cycle-powered carousel is set before taking thousands of participants into to delight youngsters visiting Birmingham’s south Birmingham. Midlands Arts Centre on Saturday 17 & Sun- The event is expected to raise hundreds of The world’s first ‘social darts’ venue has ar- day 18 August. thousands of pounds for local and national rived in Birmingham. The Bewonderment Machine is a kinetic charities. All finishers will receive a medal, ‘Reinventing darts for the 21st century’, Flight public sculpture that provides ‘a magical tee-shirt and goodie bag. Club is located in the heart of the city, on journey for small children’. Anybody interested in taking part in the run Temple Street. The venue's ‘supercharged’ The invention combines found objects, can sign up to do so at greatrun.org/great- version of the traditional game involves puppetry, machinery and music with the aim birmingham-run multiple players, patented dart-tracking of ‘empowering the very young to care, to be technology and instant scoring. curious and to believe in their own strength’. Since kick-starting in 2015, and with venues Making dreams come true already established in London, Manchester and Chicago, Flight Club has welcomed more Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) is once again Sir Ian raises £140k for than one million players who, between them, running its large-scale performance project, have thrown just short of 90 million darts. Birmingham theatre Dreams. Expect that number to surge now that the Sir Ian McKellen’s recent The initiative offers ballet students of all ages Birmingham venue has opened! visit to Birmingham the chance to perform on stage alongside For more information about Flight Club, visit Repertory Theatre raised some of the Company’s dancers in a special flightclubdarts.com/birmingham an impressive £140,000 public performance of a much-loved ballet. for the theatre’s REP This year’s project focuses on Swan Lake, First campaign. with a presentation of the production taking It’s Top Trumps time at the The three-year initiative place at Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday aims to raise £1million 23 February. Classic Motor Show! in order to ensure that the venue can con- This year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor tinue ‘to nurture the region's talented young Show at Birmingham’s NEC is taking as its artists, commission exciting new works, theme the iconic card game of Top Trumps. welcome new audiences and reach out to the Motoring enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the communities of Birmingham and beyond’. game in a number of ways as they explore the Sir Ian brought his one-man show, Ian McK- show’s various displays. ellen On Stage, to The REP as part of his 80th Commenting on the news, Show Director Lee birthday celebrations. More than 2,400 Masters said: “We’re hoping everyone people bought a ticket to see him perform. involved in the show, but especially the vehi- 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:39 Page 2

First Word

Tara Fitzgerald joins Prism cast Tara Fitzgerald has joined Robert Lindsay in the cast of Prism, which shows at Birm- ingham Repertory Theatre from 3 to 12 October ahead of a UK tour. Written and directed by the award-winning Terry Johnson, the play tells the true story of Jack Cardiff, ‘a man who made Hollywood’s greatest divas beautiful, and who lived a life as colourful as his cinematography’. Fitzgerald previously appeared at The REP in a highly acclaimed production of Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Tickets for Prism are now on sale at birmingham-rep.co.uk Christmas Slade The local band who sang Birmingham Weekender returns with three days of free fun everybody’s favourite Christ- Birmingham Weekender is returning with three Commenting on the festival, Culture Central’s mas song are playing Birming- days of free performances in Digbeth from Friday Director, Steve Ball, said: “We will be program- ham’s O2 Institute2 this festive 4 to Sunday 6 October. ming innovative works and new commissions, season (22 December). A collaboration between individual artists and all with the aim of highlighting the fantastic Black Country glam-rockers regional arts organisations, the event is being wealth of artists and cultural organisations - of Slade scored a massive hit in organised by Culture Central - a ‘collective voice’ all sizes - that exist in our city, as well as encour- 1973 with Merry Christmas for arts & culture in the city - and aims to ‘shine aging family audiences to visit Digbeth for what Everybody, a song that a light on Birmingham’s rich arts and cultural will be an unforgettable festival experience.” remains so popular it gener- offer’. ates an estimated £500,000 per year in royalties. Indeed, vocalist Noddy Holder Thursday Pokémon bar to pop up in Birmingham has even referred to it as his pension scheme! family fun Midlands-based Pokémon enthusiasts have the opportunity to hunt, catch Visitors to Selfridges and battle their characters in real-life this autumn. Get active at Birmingham on A bar inspired by the much-loved monster-catching game is set to ‘pop up’ Thursdays during in Birmingham for the day on Saturday 26 October, and then again on Satur- Dropshot bar August can take day 30 November. A new activity bar has opened advantage of a num- A spokesperson for The Pokebar, as it’s called, said the pop-up, which is the in an up-and-coming area of ber of free family- first of its kind, will be offering Pokémon-inspired burgers and Pokémon- Birmingham’s Digbeth. friendly experiences. themed games and cocktails. Local DJs will spin tunes throughout the day. Dropshot’s entertainment & In collaboration Fancy dress is ‘highly encouraged’, with prizes awarded for the best dressed. multi-use activity venue with Birmingham features music, Olympic- Museum & Art grade table-tennis tables and Gallery, the depart- deck shuffleboards among its ment store is hosting many attractions. a series of exclusive It also offers specially activities, including prepared pizzas cooked in a lego labs, craft & wood fired pizza oven, a science workshops range of craft beers, bar food and history-related and classic and modern entertainment. cocktails.

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:39 Page 3

First Word

Henry VIII’s SIX wives to visit Brum Smash-hit West Ender SIX is coming to the Midlands. Nominated for five 2019 OIivier Awards, the show sees the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their personal stories, ‘remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power’. The yet-to-be-announced cast will be backed by the show’s all- female band, The Ladies In Wait- ing. SIX runs at Birmingham Hip- podrome from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 July 2020.

West Midlands Critically acclaimed docu-drama to Operation Mindfall parks compete for visit Birmingham this autumn A leading global provider of expe- national title A critically acclaimed docu-drama, which ‘uncovers the truth’ be- riential entertainment has launched a brand new citywide Twenty-four parks in the West hind the controversial 2014 UK government inquiry into alleged ex- tremism in Birmingham schools, is visiting the city’s Midlands adventure in Birmingham. Midlands are vying for the title Operation Mindfall is the latest in- of UK’s Best Park. Arts Centre (MAC) in the autumn. Drawing on more than 200 hours of interviews conducted with novation from Escape Hunt and And they need your vote! sees players using augmented You can vote for your favourite teachers, students, parents and governors, Trojan Horse is written by Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead, who said: “When we first reality and geolocation technology park until noon on Monday 19 as they take to the streets to try August by visiting fieldsin- started researching the subject, we thought we were going to be writing about an event that had happened in the past. But it soon and save the world. trust.org/best-park/west-mid- The game is open to teams of lands became clear that the trauma Trojan Horse caused has not left the city. So much is still left unresolved for the people it most af- between two and four players. For fected.” The production visits MAC from 19 to 21 November. more information, visit escape- Ladywood leisure hunt.com East Meets West photo competition CircusMASH at top Birmingham Museums Trust and China West Midlands 2020 have visitor attraction launched a competition encouraging photographers to explore the West Midlands and capture moments where the cultures of East and West collide. The competition, which is now under way and runs until Sunday 20 October, will see 25 winning photographs being displayed at Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter next year. For full entry criteria, visit chinawestmidlands.com/photo-competition Birmingham’s newest leisure Resorts World Birmingham is wel- centre has opened in Lady- coming back local circus favourites wood. for a summer series of weekly The state-of-the-art facility family-fun sessions, all for free. includes a 130-station gym Taking place every Friday in packed with the latest fitness August, CircusMASH is hosting equipment, a 25-metre swim- Summer Circus School, providing ming pool, sauna & steam participants with the opportunity room, and dedicated areas for to learn a variety of circus skills. free weights and swimming For more information about the lessons. The centre also has a circus school - and other circus- cafe for people wanting to related events taking place at the enjoy a post-exercise chill-out. venue this month - visit resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:39 Page 4 Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:55 Page 1

WUNDERBAR Stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard stops off in Birmingham next month with his latest touring show, Wunderbar. What’s On caught up with him to talk comedy, politics, Donald Trump and being transgender...

Birmingham welcomes stand-up legend, “I feel like we’re at a time when half of the UK tive statement across borders. I spent a few actor and political activist Eddie Izzard next and half of the US have decided to return to months in Paris and also in Germany and month. Fans of Eddie’s alternative comedy 1930s’ politics, so I’ve taken a word from started doing the show in French and German revel in the stream-of-conciousness style that another language and used it in a very before going into English. I also want to often results in surreal and fantastical side- positive way because I’m very against the perform in as many countries as possible, splitting moments. The show he’s presenting, whole Trump and Brexit hate towards foreign- especially seeing as when I started in Wunderbar, is most likely his final comedy ers. So I’ve done this show in English, French stand-up there were a lot of places I couldn’t hurrah before he embarks on a career in and German - improvising in all languages as perform because of the Iron Curtain.” politics. well - because I just wanted to make a posi-

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:56 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The Wunderbar tour has already been to character work that I loved. But overall, feminine or calling them masculine for not Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe and Python was really the bedrock of my liking heels and makeup. When I came out as the United States. influences. My stand-up really is based on a transgender in 1985, I’d known since I was narrator I’ve developed that talks to the four - so since 1967. By then I just wanted to “I want to stand to be an MP, so I wanted to audience, and then doing these little sketches express myself and be honest about who I make sure this show had a comprehensive that I think are quite Python-esque.” was. I’m under the impression that this kind span of time and goes all the way from the Big of thing must be genetic, must be coded into Bang up to the present day. My fear of the Eddie finds it interesting to compare the who you are as a person. You don’t just get up universe is there, so I’ve got my own feeling average age of his audiences in different one Tuesday and decide that’s who you are; about how the universe works - and how I countries: “I don’t think audiences have you’ve always been that way. We’re not choos- understand it - in the show too. I’m not sure if changed that much over the years in Britain. ing a different lifestyle, we’re just expressing my thinking about the universe is 100% I think we’ve always been pretty switched on, what’s inside us. Some women like to throw correct, but who knows!” and I always assume the intelligence of the on heels and a skirt, and I do too! I remember audience. I also don’t think I appeal to a more Wunderbar doesn’t need to change much thinking when I was a kid that I loved skirts mainstream audience, so people who come to from country to country, as Eddie firmly just as much as girls did, but I also had all my my shows know I’m going to take them in a believes that his humour translates well into a boy’s stuff. pretty weird direction. So my audiences have number of different countries and languages. grown through word of mouth about my “I think that’s perhaps why I’m so keen on “Humour is a human quality that’s the same strange comedy. I think there’s been less of women’s football. I just love how the sport is all the world round. There’s a mainstream this kind of comedy in Central and Eastern full of athletically strong women who, at sense of humour, where comedians talk about Europe, but as younger generations are some points in history, would’ve been called sports stars or take the piss out of people on coming through they’re watching more stuff strange and masculine but now are out there television, brand names in the shops, politi- in English, so the age of my audience is backing themselves and giving their opinions. cal people, that kind of thing. Sometimes different over there, and up into Russia also. It’s now the 21st century and we need more those jokes can’t change country because, The audience is slightly older in Britain examples like women’s football, where apart from the obvious language change, the because they grew up with that Monty Python colour, race, sexuality doesn’t matter; it’s all references to politicians, TV, everyday things, style of comedy. I think it’s interesting about who you are as a person and what you would have to change too. Obviously my because it seems to be that whenever you add to your community. I think they’re a great humour is more alternative, so anyone across start to be popular in a country, that audience example to us all.” the world who has a kind of humour where follows you through.” Charity work is close to Eddie’s heart, but the they like things like Monty Python will like Eddie believes that the state of the nation’s Mandela Marathons were also about inspiring my stuff too. Then you’ve just got to make politics is to blame for the recent rise in the average Joe to get out there and do them- sure your references all match up. homophobia: “In the UK, America and other selves and others some good... “For example, you can talk about KitKats countries across Europe, there’s been this rise “When I thought about doing the Mandela because they’re sold in most places around in the far right like there was back in the ’30s. Marathons it was because I really wanted to the world. If your punchline somehow ends We can see Donald Trump being racist and raise money for a good cause and also to up being something to do with KitKats, you sexist daily. Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson inspire people. I think I look like a pretty perhaps wouldn’t have to change things. You seem to be the best of friends with Trump in average guy. David Beckham looks amazing could say, “I hit him with a KitKat”. But that regard. The politics of the country seems and has amazing fitness, so people almost maybe you wouldn’t be able to say, “I hit him to have given people permission to go back to expect him to be able to do amazing things. with a Curly Wurly” outside of the UK, unless hatred again. We seem to be going back- But people look at me and think, ‘Well, that’s you explained what a Curly Wurly was as part wards, and that’s something we must all fight just a guy!’ I can put a look together and do a of your show. I think I’ve got the hang of against. bit of comedy, but I don’t look like David making my humour quite universal; I just “I ran my 27 marathons in memory of the 27 Beckham. So I’ve had people come to me and have to check my references. If you talk about years Nelson Mandela served in prison in say that they’ve been inspired by what I’ve human sacrifice, everyone around the world South Africa. Of course, I ran with my painted done, and that really is an honour.” is going to know what you’re talking about. nails and, when I came back to the UK, a I’d say 85 to 90% of subjects can travel to For now, touring Wunderbar is Eddie’s focus, friend asked me to go into the school his different countries.” and he would encourage anyone who is, or daughter was at. In the classroom, children of thinks they might be, a fan of his unique style Eddie got his first laugh in front of an eight or nine were engaging in conversation to go along and see the show: “I mean, I see it audience at the age of 12. He abandoned about LGBTQ communities, racism and every night and I still find it funny! Plus, I plans to solely pursue a career in drama and sexism. It’s unfortunate that the simplicity of think this could be my last tour before I go off instead decided to focus on comedy. using hatred to control politics and hate being into politics, so catch me while you can - more powerful than love in politics is on the especially if you’ve seen my stuff before and “Monty Python would really be the central rise at the moment. We need to fight this with liked it.” influence on my career. I wanted to do sketch every breath in our bodies.” comedy originally but I couldn’t really get that going. Then Billy Connolly and Richard Pryor But Eddie also thinks there are some brilliant came through as stand-up icons. Billy really examples of progress being made: “I think Eddie Izzard plays the Alexandra Theatre, had this way of talking to a massive audience we’re at a turning point, where we’re not Birmingham, from Tuesday 17 to Saturday as if it was one on one. Richard had this great judging women for not wanting to look overly 21 September

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:40 Page 1

Food

Trio of new menus at Brindleyplace eatery Brindleyplace-based Maribel has unveiled a trio of new menus - a lunch & early evening menu, an a la carte menu and a tasting menu. The lunch & early evening menu, offering diners two courses for £22 and three for £27, features dishes including confit duck leg, beans cassoulet and smoked celeriac risotto. The a la carte offers three courses for £39, while the nine-course tasting menu is £65 with a £55 accompanying wine flight.

Popular pizza joint opens in Birmingham Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza has opened a branch on Bennetts Hill in Birmingham city centre. The popular eatery prides itself on creating a ‘relaxed neighbourhood’ atmosphere whilst still retaining the New restaurant concept Craft Dining Rooms brings the rustic aesthetic of a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria. best of British to Birmingham’s Convention Centre The top place to eat pizza in the UK, New modern British restaurant Craft Dining Rooms has opened in Birmingham’s International according to Tripadvisor, Rudy’s has Convention Centre on Broad Street. also achieved worldwide acclaim. Celebrating British culinary craft, the new venue shines a light on artisan producers by bringing Indeed, it was recently named the 10th together the best produce from farmers, cheese mongers, brewers, distillers and vintners. best pizza joint in the world by city- The menu includes beef wellington with Wiltshire truffle, roasted sea trout with Isle of Wight guide publishers Big 7 Media. tomatoes and Cornish day boat turbot. Patrons can also enjoy cocktails made from a range of British gins, vodkas and spirits, shaken and stirred table side. Executive Chef Nick Evans said: “Launching Craft Dining Rooms is a chance to work with the 200 Degrees to open incredible range of produce that can be found on our shores, using the fields, farms and surrounding seas of the British coast as our larder and paying homage to some classic British its second coffee shop dishes.” For more information, visit craftdining.co.uk in central Birmingham Speciality coffee roaster 200 Degrees opens its second coffee shop in central Award-winning restaurant serves up a taste of Mexico Birmingham on Monday 19 August. Award-winning Mexican eatery Chilango Located on Lower Temple Street, the has opened on Birmingham’s Colmore venue will sell roasted and cold nitro Row. brew coffee, teas, smoothies, The restaurant’s menu is made up of milkshakes, salads, soups, sandwiches, burritos, tacos, nachos and salads, all of cakes and pastries. Plenty of vegan and which are created with top-quality fresh gluten-free options will also be ingredients. available, either to eat in or take out. Chilango’s co-founder and CEO, Dan Houghton, said: “We are very excited to open our second restaurant outside of London. Birmingham has a great food scene, which we are delighted to be a part of, and has a fantastic buzz and vibrancy, which perfectly aligns with why we started Chilango. We hope to welcome all Birmingham’s Mexican food fans for vibrant food, flavours and experience.”

10 whatsonlive.co.uk Food August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:40 Page 2 John Torode.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 15:30 Page 1

The master of all chefs...

12 whatsonlive.co.uk John Torode.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 15:30 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

MasterChef maestro John Torode is appearing at Shrewsbury Flower Show this month. The popular Aussie chef chatted to What’s On about his plans for the event - and shared some handy cooking tips into the bargain!

Australian chef John Torode has lived in the so that’s a long time to work in a kitchen. The sources, and I don’t wish to take that away UK for many years, becoming a household break is nice. It means I can take my time to from anyone, but I think every so often we name as a judge on MasterChef. This month, pass on a bit of knowledge to other people, like could think, ‘I probably don’t need that’. I’m as he takes Shropshire down under, as he cooks at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I think guilty as everybody else of overeating, so it’s up a storm headlining the Food Hall stage at passing on that knowledge is more important something we all need to think about.” Shrewsbury Flower Show. now than ever. Getting people involved and The biggest mistake we make when cooking, excited about cooking is key.” “The Flower Show is full of variety,” says John. says John, is over-complicating our food: “The “Once you’ve entered, you can just wander There’s still a lot of confusion in John’s mind best dishes are those that are simple. Anything past the cookery demonstrations and get about why we don’t champion our own that’s difficult to consume is because people something extra out of it aside from the produce here in the UK: “You guys are really have made it far too complicated with far too horticultural aspect of the show. I think it’s a rubbish at talking about your own produce! many flavours, which then all clash. A piece of great event!” When I came to the UK, I was keen to discover fish with a little bit of rosemary and a glass of all about your food. I was so impressed with all wine is all you need sometimes. Food is the So what can we expect from John’s demos? the meats you have, particularly rare breeds. I same as art or music in that respect. If you “I’ll just be going back to the real basics of how was shocked when I spoke to farmers and they tried to mix every genre of music together, and why we cook. Plus, how the world is told me that you guys rarely use the stuff and from classical to punk to grime and reggae, changing and how food is changing with that. often buy it from elsewhere. I just never got it. then put them all into one song, you would I want to go back to the basic ingredients and You have great crabs in Dorset, oysters in Scot- hurt everyone’s ears. It’s the same with food. help people discover how to treat them. land, fish in the North East - you’ve got lovely Putting too many different things on one plate kippers and smoked haddock, some of the best simply doesn’t work and is often a little bit “There’ll also be a little bit of Asian inspiration smoking and curing of meats and fish - and frightening too. I think a lot of people are in there, as that’s really in keeping with just the most brilliant strawberries in the scared of cooking because they think good modern cooking and what a lot of us are world! Your raspberries are incredible too, and food has to be complicated.” wanting to cook. I want people to understand the asparagus grown here is definitely the best Anyone looking to be a success in their own how to make good food that everyone wants to in the whole world. You guys are just terrible at kitchen can start by learning five particular eat without the fuss.” shouting about it, and now here I am, an skills, says John... Not surprisingly, food is a huge driving force in Aussie, doing it for you!” “Go back to basics, start right at the beginning John’s life: “I started cooking when I was Quality over quantity is John’s food motto: “My and get a good foundation. There are five basic really, really young. I cooked with my grand- advice is to buy quality rather than just going things people should know: how to make a mother when I was about six, and I’ve just for the cheapest option, cook it well and then really good stew, which can then be turned learnt and developed from there. I started eat smaller quantities of the meat, to share the into a pie or a ragu for pasta, as that teaches cooking professionally when I was 17, doing an cost out a bit more. For example, if you buy a you how to flavour properly and is really versa- apprenticeship in Australia. I like how cooking quality steak, it can easily be shared between tile; how to roast a joint of meat, whether that inspires travel and happiness and gets people two people rather than just being for one. I be chicken or otherwise, and then you can smiling. I love having a barbie outside, or a think the more we think about what goes in slowly add in the side dishes; how to make a nice warm roast on a winter’s day. I just love our mouths, the more conscious we will be of great tomato sauce, which can then be used how food gives people a sense of calm and food quality in general. Food consciousness for pasta, pizza bases, put over a piece of fish, such a good feeling. That’s what really inspires really fascinates me. We wouldn’t pour chemi- served with a piece of meat or turned spicy me: food is a great language within itself.” cals and acids all over our hands, but we don’t with some chillies or BBQ flavouring; how to seem to think about the consequences of Although John loves food as much as he ever make a sponge pudding; and last of all, every- putting similar stuff into our stomachs. People did, his days of cooking in restaurants are now one should know about custard because that look after their skin with all kinds of products behind him: “I’m old! Anyone who’s a chef one basic technique can become ice cream, a and then go to the shop to buy the worst kind knows that you spend your time doing ‘all-day- filling for a tart, or it can just be served over of processed junk in the world to eat. It’s ers’ - starting at 7am in the morning and finish- your sponge pudding. If you know those five madness. We don’t seem to consider what we ing at midnight. When you’re a parent, you things, you’ve grasped the basics of cooking. put inside our bodies as much as what affects can’t do those sorts of hours anymore because Then you can really start to change and build the outside. I definitely think it’s something we you’d never get to see your family, and it’s on those techniques. You can become very, all need to think about more. completely exhausting. I still cook every single very good at many different dishes just by day, so I haven’t stepped away from the stove “I don’t think meats are just an environmental using those five things as a starting point.” in that regard; I just don’t cook in restaurants issue. I’m not a politician and won’t be stand- anymore. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t do ing on my soapbox talking about scientific it again. proof of environmental damage, but the fact is, John Torode takes to the stage in the Food “Being behind the stove all the time is really as a nation, we eat too much, full stop. It’s not Hall at Shrewsbury Flower Show on Friday hard work. I mean, I was cooking profession- just an issue with meat. We eat too much and 9 & Saturday 10 August. To see the full ally for 33 years before I stepped away from it, we waste far too much, too. We’re a nation who programme or to book tickets, visit is very fortunate indeed to have so many re- shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Dog Friendly Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:30 Page 1

14 whatsonlive.co.uk Dog Friendly Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:30 Page 2

by Abi Whitehouse Barking Brum Here are just some of the positively pawfect venues that you and your furry friend(s) could visit this summer...

The Prince of Wales If you and your pup are looking for something a little different, The Prince of Wales in Moseley may be the ideal stop-off. Not your average pub, the venue is home to four bars, a heated marque and even has its own tiki bar - Mo-tiki. With a selection of live music, street food and local ales, what’s not to love? 118 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8EE

The Rose Villa Tavern Situated in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, The Rose Villa Tavern features stylish leather chairs, stunning antler chandeliers and impressive tilework from floor to ceiling within its Grade II listed building. If the weather’s on your side, take advantage of the venue’s large outdoor area and bask in the sun. Stop by for some delicious cocktails, or sample great food in the form of chicken wings and hot dogs. And there’ll likely be some other dogs in evidence too, for your four- legged friend(s) to make buddies with. 172 Warstone Lane, Jewellery Quarter, B18 6JW

The Physician Brewhouse & Kitchen Winner of the National Pub & Bar Awards’ ‘best pub in the county' Located on the outskirts of Sutton Park is the dog-friendly title, The Physician is located in the Brewhouse & Kitchen. leafy suburb of Edgbaston. One for the beer connoisseurs, the pub brews its own unique A huge, reclaimed wooden bar sits at craft beers on-site in a microbrewery. It also matches every the heart of the building and houses dish on its food menu to a style of beer. Cheers! eight local cask ales, 50 wines and 8 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1QD an array of spirits. Visitors can enjoy a drink or two in the garden room or the pub’s terrace garden. Harborne Road, Edgbaston, B15 3DH

Otto Since opening back in 2016, Otto has proven to be a popular choice for Jewellery Quarter locals and visitors alike. The restaurant serves distinctive cocktails, beers and wines and uses the best locally sourced ingredients to produce highly commended woodfired pizzas in its rustic pizza kitchen. 14 Caroline Street, Jewellery Quarter, B3 1TR

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Black Sabbath.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:58 Page 1

HOME OF METAL

With Black Sabbath having recently brought down the curtain on their spectacular 50-year career, a new exhibition in Birmingham is paying homage to the four working-class lads from Aston. What’s On spoke to band members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler to find out more about the godfathers of Heavy Metal...

Fifty-one years ago in the Aston district of Created by Home Of Metal in collaboration ‘this is rock’ or ‘this is metal’ or anything like Birmingham, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, with the boys themselves and designer Morag that; it was just music to us.” Ozzy Osbourne and Bill Ward came together Myerscough, Black Sabbath - 50 Years is Black Sabbath - 50 Years brings together to play music. The band they formed currently on display at Birmingham Museum never-before-seen iconic artefacts and pioneered a new kind of sound called Heavy & Art Gallery. treasured personal items sourced directly Metal - and the rest is history... “It just felt natural,” says Geezer Butler, from the band members. Highlights include Black Sabbath have since enjoyed phenome- Sabbath’s bass player and main lyricist, in Ozzy Osbourne’s crucifix, Tony Iommi’s home nal global success, selling more than 75 mil- explaining how the band invented Heavy studio and outfits worn on stage at some of lion albums worldwide and producing iconic Metal. “To other people it may have felt like a the band’s most infamous shows. songs such as Paranoid, War Pigs and Iron new genre of music, but to us it just felt like These are displayed alongside rare memora- Man. an extension of the bands that we liked, like bilia, portraits and collections from Sabbath’s Hendrix, Cream and Robert Johnson. We just Now a new exhibition is paying homage to devoted global fanbase - including a recre- made songs for ourselves. We didn’t think one of Birmingham’s most famous bands. ation of super-fan Stephen Knowles’ living

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Black Sabbath.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:58 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

room, which is a homage to the foursome. that we were getting £10 a night for. It just have no time for you, I don’t believe in all In addition, there’s a display of over 3,000 went from there.” that.” portraits of Black Sabbath fans from across So how does it feel to have inspired an entire Geezer is very much in agreement: “I think the world, showcasing the incredible breadth genre of music? when you’ve had such a working-class back- and diversity of the band’s loyal following. ground and been brought up working class, “It’s absolutely amazing,” says Geezer. “We “It really does make you feel nostalgic,” says you always think, ‘This can’t last, we’re even- were put down by the press for so long, but guitarist Tony Iommi. “Some of this stuff I tually going to have to go back to our work- we didn’t care about that because we always haven’t seen for years and years, and some of ing-class origins’. It keeps us down to earth. sold out gigs in America. Then bands like the stuff I’ve never seen before. It’s great! You Especially with a Birmingham accent!” Anthrax covered Sabbath Bloody Sabbath wonder what’s happened to the last 50 years. and Metallica cited us as a major influence, Their final tour, appropriately titled The End, It really is amazing.” and we were sort of going like, ‘What?!’ Then saw them play 81 concerts in 25 different The Black Sabbath story began when the four this whole slew of bands came out citing us countries. They also recently received a Life- lads were looking to use music as an escape as their main influence. We didn’t really think time Achievement Award at the Grammys. from a life of factory work. about it until that happened.” So when did it hit them that it really was ‘The “The main reason we all got together is Despite growing up in a conservative and reli- End’ for Black Sabbath? because we were literally two streets away gion-dominated culture, Geezer’s lyrics draw “For me,” says Geezer, “it was probably when from each other,” explains Geezer. “None of heavily on his fascination with the black arts. I arrived back in LA. After we did that last us had cars or bikes or anything, but we were “I was brought up as a strict Catholic - we show in Birmingham, we went into a studio able to walk to each other’s houses. And there used to go to mass every Sunday. This one and did some bonus tracks to show people was a community centre that we could use for time, we had these missionaries come from how we rehearsed and stuff like that, so I still free every morning from 9am to 11am.” Africa, and this one guy had a big, long, black felt like we were on tour. I got back to LA and “We also used to see each other playing at a cloak on and scared the hell out of me. probably about a month later it was like, ‘Oh, club in Birmingham called Penthouse,” Tony He was saying, ‘You’re all going to go to hell, bloody hell, that’s it!’” recalls. “There were three floors of music and you’re all going to die’, and I gathered that Geezer also plays in a band called Deadline it used to go on late. Geezer was in a band that wasn’t what religion was supposed to be Ritual. “Yeah, it’s just something to do - gets called Rare Breed, and I was there with about. I’d heard about Satan and thought I’d me out of the house. There’s only so much another band, Filth, so we all got to know just go and see what he was saying. I didn’t Bargain Hunt you can watch!” each other. It worked out well!” practise anything. I used to like science fiction and Dennis Wheatley kind of books; Although the life of the band has been very In the early days, Sabbath were met with an they inspired me lyrically. The only Sabbath well documented over the years, is there abundance of bad press and criticism from songs that were actually about Satan were anything that we don’t know about Black Sab- music journalists. ones that Ozzy wrote, and they were a warn- bath that the pair are willing to tell us? “When we first started, we couldn’t really get ing against Satan. It was becoming a big thing Whilst Geezer reveals that they’re all vegans, work here,” Tony reveals. “There were two back in the ’60s - an antidote to the flower Tony jokingly and unsurprisingly replies: “Oh places that we could play - our houses and a power thing.” there’s a lot! So many things have happened place called The Pokey Hole - and it really Even after 50 years of stardom, both Tony and over the 50 years. We could go on and on was a pokey hole! We had to go to Europe Geezer remain impressively humble. about things that nobody else would know, before we could break ground. We ended up but we’re not going to...” going to Germany and Switzerland and build- “We’re just normal people,” says Tony. “We’ve ing up small pockets of fans. We were playing had bands on with us and they were ‘real The End. to three or four people sometimes; it was stars’ - and these were bands that were unbelievable. Eventually we built a following supporting us! We’ve never been like that; in all these places. That’s how we had to do it. we’ve never been that way. We’re just regular Black Sabbath - 50 Years shows at We then came back to England when the first people, and I’m glad we’re like that. When Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until album was in the charts. We had all these gigs you see those sorts of people, people who Sunday 29 September.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals Augus (b'ham).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 13:04 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals Augus (b'ham).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 13:04 Page 2

Festivals

Shrewsbury Folk Festival Greenhous West Midland Showground, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one picturesque setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything in between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Take along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On is pleased once again to be sponsoring the festival’s Launchpad, an element of the event which is designed to showcase local and up-and-coming talent. Line-up includes: Kate Rusby, Andy Fair- weather Low and the Low Riders ft the Hi Riders Soul Revue, Oysterband, Eddi Reader, Martyn Joseph, Skerryvore, Faustus, Martin Barre, Steve Knightley, Mankala, Blair Dunlop (pictured), Grace Petrie and Jiggy.

Creamfields Farmer Phil’s Festival Camper Calling Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 August Fri 9 - Sun 11 August Fri 23 - Sun 25 August Having celebrated its 20th edition a couple of Following warmly received events from 2016 years back, Creamfields unleashes the energy to ’18, Camper Calling returns to the stunning of Cream’s Liverpool club nights in the open grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall for its space of Halton’s Daresbury Estate. fourth family-friendly outing. Cutting-edge live acts unite with world-class This year’s event boasts a superb musical DJs for a hedonistic four-day dance party. line-up, craft and dance workshops, lake Since launching in Winchester, the brand has activities, tree climbing, vehicle displays, a evolved into an international phenomenon kids club and some seriously tasty food & beloved of ravers, trailblazers and experi- drink. menters the world over. Line-up includes: Skunk Anansie, The Line-up includes: Swedish House Mafia, Fratellis, Ash, The Feeling, Artful Dodger, Calvin Harris (pictured), Tiësto, deadmau5, Sleeper, Tony Christie, Lucy Spraggan, Mr Adam Beyer and Cirez D, The Chemical Motivator, The Stickmen, Beans On Toast Brothers, Martin Garrix, Carl Cox, Above & Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s (pictured), Thrill Collins, Eliza And The Bear, Beyond, The Black Madonna, Fatboy Slim, fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- Gypsy Unit and Hackney Colliery Band. Duke Dumont, Fisher and Jauz. ing aims to offer something for everyone, featuring rock, dance, acoustic folk and everything in between. Camping for the full week is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: The Neville Staple Band, Lindisfarne, Slim Chance, Jilted Generation, The Undercover Hippy (pictured), 3 Daft Monkeys, Neck, Sasha and The Shades, Black Water County, The Stiff Joints, The Spitfires, Emily Capell, Michael Messer’s Mitra and The Mighty Vipers.

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals Augus (b'ham).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 13:04 Page 3

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals Augus (b'ham).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 13:04 Page 4

Festivals

Moseley Folk & Arts Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sep Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is one of the city's hidden gems, transformed each year into an enchanting escape by one of the Midlands' best-loved music festivals. Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend seamlessly with dreamy electropop, psychedelia and indie favourites against a magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, lush foliage and a beautiful lake. New for 2019 is a rich programme of arts & crafts, comedy & cabaret, poetry & literature and talks & debates. Line-up includes: Don McClean, Jake Bugg (pictured), Public Service Broadcasting, The Zutons, Richard Thompson, Lucy Rose, Edwyn Collins, Daoiri Farrell, Peggy Seeger, Tunng, Israel Nash, Charles Watson, Boat To Row, Bird In The Belly, The Drystones.

Sunshine Festival Green Man Festival Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Worcestershire, Fri 23 - Sun 25 August Thurs 15 - Sun 18 August Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Known for its ethical business model and acts and retro stars, the heart of England’s quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Upton- numerous awards and accolades during its 17 upon-Severn for its 10th year. years in operation. Alongside an amazing As well as featuring a line-up assembled to array of folk, world, indie, electronic and appeal to every generation, the event also psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, includes a disco, a karaoke and a range of film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night fun activities for kids to enjoy. Fancy dress is bonfires and secret gigs, all surrounded by encouraged. the breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Line-up includes: Scouting For Girls (pic- Towersey Festival tured), Boyzlife, Peter Andre, 10CC, East 17, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August Music line-up includes: Four Tet, Father The Osmonds, 911, Showaddywaddy, John Misty, Eels (pictured), Stereolab, Yo La Curiosity Killed The Cat, Jedward, Claire Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Festi- Tengo, Sharon Van Etten, Amadou & Mariam, Sweeney, S Club, Judge Jules. val, which traces its roots back to 1965, when Maribou State, Khruangbin, Idles, Broken local villagers united to buy a field from Social Scene, Car Seat Headrest, Whitney, Big wealthy landowners. Thief, Aldous Harding, The Growlers and After raising funds to drain, plough and Richard Thompson. reseed 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: Newton Faulkner, Hot House Flowers, The Selecter, Seth Lakeman, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, From The Jam, Fisherman’s Friends, The Unthanks (pictured), Oysterband, Steve Knightley, Beans On Toast.

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Grace Petrie.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:47 Page 1

QueerSinger-songwriter Grace as Petrie chats folk politics, musical influences and Donald Trump ahead of her Midlands festival date... Grace Petrie.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:48 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

sYou’re playing at Shrewsbury Folk Festi- about this, that as a gay person, the sharp, before. My background is punk really, and val this year. Have you played there be- steep rise in homophobia and transgender I’ve worked in comedy a lot. Folk has fore, and what can the audience expect phobia that I've seen in Britain in the last six certainly inspired my songwriting on this last from your performance? months is awful. There was a viral story about album, and what I'm writing at the moment I haven’t played there on my own. I’ve been a a homophobic attack on a queer couple in has a pure folk influence. London, for example. That isn’t unconnected part of a couple of other shows, so it’s my Speaking of influences, who’s been your to the protests outside schools in Birmingham debut show there in my own right. biggest musical influence? I’m a protest singer, so I sing a lot of shouty about LGBT education, and that itself is not Singer-songwriter is where it is for me. I songs about politics, and obviously in this unrelated to the treatment of trans people in absolutely love Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, current climate, I don’t have a lack of things the mainstream media across the world, and Joni Mitchell - people with a message to what to write about. I’m a socialist, feminist, that is not unrelated to Donald Trump’s they’re singing. Bruce Springsteen. I'm very political singer really, so it’s all lefty stuff. I’m presidency. The key to all of this is solidarity much more a lyricist than I am a musician. A a proud queer artist as well, and that’s quite a between our communities and between our ‘poetry set to music’ type of thing. big part of what I write and sing about. It’s minorities. I think that it’s very easy for us to definitely not for the faint-hearted. lose sight of the bigger picture when we’re all Who do you relate to most as an artist? just focusing on our one little corner. I’m You’re sharing the line-up with some big writing lots about that at the moment. There’s an Australian singer-songwriter called names - Kate Rusby, Oysterband, Darren Hanlon. He’s absolutely phenomenal Skerryvore, to name but a few. Who are Will the potential second term of Donald and a beautiful wordsmith. And there’s a guy you most looking forward to seeing? Trump feature? called Gavin Osborn, who’s based in South West England and writes beautiful songs. I’ve I’m going to be hanging around as much as I I imagine so. He keeps me very busy! I’ve got been lucky to do some touring with him. can, although I’m due at the Edinburgh a lot of material about him already, but all I Fringe the day after. I’m really looking can do is keep going. I make these jokes on Billy Bragg invited you to appear on forward to seeing Kate Rusby. I played her stage that I started writing songs to try and Glastonbury’s Leftfield stage in 2010. festival, Underneath The Stars, last year and make the world a better place, but I think I How did that come about? had a great time but didn’t get to see her seem to be making things worse! I’ll keep going and hope the trend turns at some point. I went to a gig of his, was totally starstruck because we weren’t performing on the same and thrust one of my homemade home- day. So she’ll definitely be a highlight for me. Did you always want to be a performer? printed CDs at his chest. He was very gracious When did your interest in politics begin? I did always want to, I think. I started playing about it. I never expected to hear from him, and then a couple of weeks later, I got an I think it was when the government changed the guitar when I was 13, but before that, as a email saying, ‘Do you want to come and play in 2010. I saw austerity coming in and the young child, I played the piano. I’ve always at Glastonbury?’ I absolutely couldn’t believe impact that that was making across the been a bit of a show-off. Music was the it, I was just blown away. I will never forget it. country. Being gay, I was quite concerned and obvious place to take the narcissist energy alarmed when Theresa May was appointed in that I have. I’ve been tremendously lucky What plans have you got for the future? the role of women & equalities minister with growing up in the time that I have done because I think that I’ve been a completely I’ve got some really exciting things happening because her record on LGBT legislation is not next year, which I'm not allowed to say too good. That was the tipping-point that inspired DIY outfit from the beginning. Everything that I’ve ever done has been self-published. I think much about. I’m going to get to play in some me to start writing. I wrote a song called beautiful faraway places that I haven’t been to Farewell To Welfare back in 2010. It was the that’s the great thing with living in the internet age. If I’d been born 20 years earlier, I before, which is really exciting for me. I’m first thing that I’d ever written about politics. hoping there will be another album out in the It wasn’t intentional; I just got cross one day don’t think I would’ve been able to have the career that I’ve had. It’s definitely what I autumn of next year - I'm writing a lot at the and wrote a song that was basically a three- moment. I had an album out in September minute rant. For whatever reason, that really wanted to do, and every day I can’t believe how lucky I am that I pulled it off. just gone, and I'm kind of bored of it already, struck a chord with audiences and they so I need to get into the next round of songs. started talking to me more about politics. I You’ve brought out six albums. How much I’m on tour throughout this October too, so started getting more interested in activism has your music evolved over time? I’m really looking forward to that and and campaigns, and it became more of a It’s evolved a lot. I’m delighted to be playing whatever other opportunities happen along. self-sustaining thing. Shrewsbury Folk Festival because I came into Your political writing reflects what’s folk quite late in comparison to my peers. I bothering you most. What’s currently had this quite inaccurate impression of what bothering you most? folk music was. I grew up listening to Bob Grace Petrie plays Shrewsbury Folk Dylan and Joni Mitchell, and I didn’t really Well, we live in incredibly reactionary times, Festival on Friday 23 August and in general I'm finding it all quite know anything about traditional folk music. terrifying, to be honest. The rise of the far I play in a six-piece band called Coven, and Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place at right in general. I think it’s often the case that we’ve done Shrewsbury before - that’s with Greenhous Meadow from Fri 23 - Mon 26 minorities are a real indicator for the overall O'Hooley & Tidow, Lady Maisery and me, and August. For more information on line-up political direction that we’re moving in. I we make a six-piece feminist collective. It’s and tickets, visit think the minorities are treated as the canary those guys who I really got influenced by. I’d shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk in the coal mine, and I feel, not to harp on never really experienced the folk club scene whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Grease The Musical Teen Angel in selected performances at the Hippodrome (check the theatre’s website for full details). Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 - Sat 24 August “The character of The Fonz in the TV series Happy Days is definitely Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and get ready my rebellious ’50s inspiration for this part,” explained Peter in a recent for the most fun-filled high-octane rock’n’roll party of them all. interview with What’s On. “The Fonz was a legend, and he and Grease is the original high-school musical, featuring all the unforget- Grease’s lead male character, Danny Zuko, brought about that iconic table songs from the hit movie, including You’re The One That I Want, style of blue jeans, white t-shirt and leather jacket. Those rockabilly Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, vibes are definitely something I’ll be thinking about during my perfor- Sandy and Greased Lightnin’. mance!” The cast includes singer Peter Andre and Ore Oduba who both play

The Girl On The Train Circus Raj Educating Rita Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Malvern Theatre, Mon 5 - Sat 10 August Mon 26 - Sat 31 August; Sun 4 August Malvern Theatres, Mon 21 - Sat 26 October A modern comedy classic, Willy Russell’s Educating Rita has been a regular choice First a bestselling book, then a hit film, The with theatre companies ever since its first Girl On The Train took the world by storm. production by the RSC. Now, a touring stage adaptation of Paula The story of a working-class Liverpool Hawkins' 2015 novel is rolling into the woman’s hunger for education, and her Midlands, with EastEnders star Samantha relationship with Frank, her unhappy, alco- Womack in the lead role of Rachel Watson. holic professor, is best known from its 1983 “There’s actually a lot more licence with film adaptation starring Michael Caine and theatre to do the dream-like flashback and Julie Walters. A typical Russell comedy, it memory scenes from the book,” says Given that they perform extreme feats of manages to be both thought-provoking and Samantha. “This means that you can access bravery and come complete with acrobats, funny. Stephen Tompkinson stars as Frank. Rachel’s brain in those scenarios a lot more aerialists, contortionists, a fakir, dancers, than I think you can with the film.” musicians, stiltwalkers and costumed characters, it’s little wonder that Circus Raj are referred to as a ‘supergroup’ of ‘elite’ street circus artistes. Ringmaster and fakir, ‘the incredible Govinda’, was one of three circus-troupe members to appear in Disney and Tim Burton's live-action remake of Dumbo, which was released in cinemas earlier this year.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 2 Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:23 Page 1

Come to the Cabaret!

The landmark musical visits the Midlands next month, with West End star John Partridge taking on the iconic role of Emcee. What’s On spoke to the former EastEnders actor and MasterChef winner to find out more... Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:23 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Complete with kicklines and burlesque My eyes are bigger than my belly, as my the region with the show: “Midlands costuming, Cabaret has all the razzle dazzle mother always said! Obviously I love audiences are very vocal. They let you know you’d expect from a show-stopping musical. Willkommen because it’s one of the best exactly how they feel, whether that be good But even all of the legendary Kit Kat Klub’s opening numbers of any musical ever or not so good! I love that, because it’s a great incredible decadence can’t hope to conceal written; it’s truly spectacular, and this barometer for how you’re doing as a the sinister backdrop against which Cabaret production’s staging of it is legendary in its performer. When you’re touring and doing unfolds: the rise of Nazism in Germany. Set own right. It’s a modern classic. Money has to the same show night after night, it’s always on the cusp of 1930s Berlin, the musical’s be another standout. The lyrics, the choreog- good to have someone keeping you in check, characters navigate a world of showgirls, raphy, the timing, and all of that together - and Midlands audiences definitely do that!” seedy nightlife and burgeoning antisemitism. just wow! I think if you wrote an equation for Looking back over his career, does John have a musical number, it would equal Money. Previous stars of Cabaret have included Judi a particular highlight? Lyrically, it’s the one I’m looking forward to Dench, Alan Cumming, Will Young and doing the most. “I honestly can’t pick one! I’m really, really Emma Stone - a fact that leaves John fortunate that I came into this business at 16, Partridge, who’s playing the character of “Also, If You Could See Her is particularly went straight into Cats in the West End and Emcee, in no doubt whatsoever that he has poignant right now. Listening to the actual am now about to turn 48. So I’ve been doing big shoes to fill... words of that song and their meaning is so this for 32 years professionally. I’ve appeared incredibly powerful and so politically “It’s an honour to be starring in this produc- in over 20 West End shows, countless UK relevant today. The rise of antisemitism in the tion,” says John. “I feel a great amount of tours and even had a TV career. I think that UK and within our own political system is privilege to be a caretaker of such a great while I can’t pick out a highlight, my favourite alarming, to say the least. Once again, with work and to be walking in the footsteps of thing about my career is its longevity. The fact these classic shows, you can definitely say such performance giants. It’s also incredibly that I’m still able to do what I love, and that they never go out of style. As much as we daunting because, for an actor, there’s no I’m lucky enough that producers still want to think we progress, human nature seems to be bigger challenge than taking on a task such hire me, is amazing.” constant in some way, and I think the timely as this, but there’s also no bigger reward. relevance of Cabaret really shows how society There’s not a lot John hasn’t done in his Cabaret is an iconic show and its music is maybe hasn’t progressed as much as we career, but he still has one stand-out dream: legendary. I really can’t wait to have the presume. I don’t think I’m going to enjoy “There’s one show I haven’t been in, and that opportunity to perform in such a classic.” singing If You Could See Her, but regardless hasn’t been to the UK, actually - The Boy The show is directed by Rufus Norris - the of that fact, it’s still a very important From Oz. I would absolutely love to be in it. artistic director of the National Theatre - and narrative to tell.” Hugh Jackman won a Tony Award for it on features choreography by the Olivier Award- Broadway. So if anyone’s interested in The homophobia rife in Cabaret is also winning Javier De Frutos. producing The Boy From Oz starring John something that resonates strongly with Partridge, feel free to contact me at any time!” “Rufus has a great sense of vision,” says John... John. “Let’s not forget that the subject matter John showcased his culinary talents last year “I’m currently rehearsing a piece called The and choreography were already groundbreak- by winning Celebrity Masterchef: “I’m an avid View Upstairs, which premieres at Soho ing when the show was first released. Rufus’ cook. I’m just in the process of organising the Theatre, London. It follows a largely forgotten production pays a great homage to the photo shoots for my first book, a food piece of LGBTQ+ history, where 32 people lost original, as it very carefully modernises the memoire called There’s No Taste Like Home, their lives in a fire in New Orleans in 1972. production while keeping its very essence which comes out in April 2020. There are over alive. I think that’s the best way to rework a “On top of that, it’s currently the 50th an- 100 recipes in it. My food narrative is very classic: to have the fibre of the original within niversary of the Stonewall Riots. We had the much connected to my history. I think food is the revisited and revised work. Rufus man- Orlando shooting in 2016, where 49 people like a great piece of theatre or a concert. You aged to do that really well, which is why I lost their lives. A few weeks ago, two women can hear a certain song and be transported think this particular production has been so on a bus in the UK were brutally attacked for back to an exact moment in time, and I think successful.” being gay. People ask why we have a Pride food is exactly the same. My earliest food festival when there’s no festival for being memories, the food of my childhood, the food John’s character of Emcee is a complex one: heterosexual. I think there’s never a time not my mum and nan made me, school dinners - “He has so many layers. He’s both a to demand to be seen, to be heard and to have they all evoke strong memories for me, and performer and an observer. He’s there to equal rights - be that the LGBTQ+ community, that’s what I draw on in this first book.” inform, educate and entertain the audience. religious groups or just general humanity. I’m He’s a narrator and orator of sorts, while also an openly proud gay man, but my sexuality being a showman. He’s all the things I wish to wasn’t something I considered as much when be! Emcee really is a gift of a role, but it’s also I was younger. I think my perception of the not for the faint-hearted. I’m sure there are world has changed as I’ve got older, and I’m Cabaret shows at Wolverhampton Grand ways to get the character very wrong, and I more aware than ever that all these voices Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 just hope that I don’t do that!” need to be heard. Cabaret covers all these September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Tuesday 22 to Saturday 26 October, So what are the show’s highlights as far as bases and shows us exactly why we must and at Festival Theatre Malvern from John is concerned? continue to listen.” Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 November. “It’s so difficult to pick out a favourite part. John is very much looking forward to visiting Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Heartbeat Of Home Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 August Thirty-three world class dancers and live musicians from across the globe here come together to present a production that’s enjoyed plenty of positive reviews as it’s made its way around the world. Produced by the team behind Riverdance, the show has been described as ‘an exuberant, sexy tribute to the diversity of dance’, ‘a brilliantly orchestrated dance & music spectacular’, and ‘a multicultural dance epic’. In short, it’s so revered that it may well prove to have the legs of Riverdance (high-kicking ones, of course!) and still be wowing audiences decades from now. The high-octane show features dynamic components of traditional Irish, Latin, hip-hop, Afro-Cuban and contemporary music. It also benefits from the input of award-winning Irish composer Brian Byrne, a man whose CV includes projects with both Katy Perry and the legendary Barbra Streisand.

Check out the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon this August...

The Taming Of The Shrew has to demonstrate his allegiance by hand- problem play, which basically means that it ing over his wife, Belvidera. One of the other asks more questions than it answers. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- conspirators threatens Belvidera, so she and structure is simple enough. Poor old Angelo Avon, until Sat 31 August Jaffeir go on the run. They then have to work is left in charge of an anarchic Vienna, Possibly the most famous of all stories about out whether to reveal the conspiracy to the whilst the Duke pretends that he has work the battle of the sexes, The Taming Of The senate, or to carry on with it, knowing how overseas. Instead, he uses the opportunity to Shrew can be a bit of a problem play nowa- bloody the outcome will be… spy on his diligent though misguided days, its subject matter sitting less than deputy, waits for a mistake, then reappears comfortably in the modern age of #MeToo. The Provoked Wife to make Angelo a convenient scapegoat for Director Justin Audibert is not a man to be Vienna’s woes. fazed by such difficulties, however, so is Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- A stitch-up or just judicial authority? No Avon, until Sat 7 September here having his female actors play male wonder politicians of all parties quote roles and vice versa. Familiar television face Caroline Quentin Shakespeare to justify their dark deeds... stars in John Vanbrugh’s rarely performed Venice Preserved Restoration romp that shocked 17th century As You Like It Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, society. When Lady Brute, tired of her until Sat 7 September drunken husband and loveless marriage, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- Avon, until Sat 31 August “Thomas Otway’s Venice Preserved follows takes a young lover, not everything goes disaffected Venetian nobles,” the show’s according to plan, with scandal suddenly The storyline of As You Like It revolves director, Prasanna Puwanarajah, explains. threatening to ruin her life... around the character of Rosalind, banished “Out of the two main male characters, one is by her usurping uncle to the Forest of Arden, the son-in-law of a senator and the other is a Measure For Measure where her exiled father is already living. war veteran. Both of them join a conspiracy Revelling in the naturalness of their sur- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- roundings, Rosalind and her companions - against the senate of Venice, as they believe Avon, until Thurs 29 August it to be oppressive and in need of change. cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool - find a The darkest of Shakespeare’s comedies, happiness they hadn’t known existed... In order to join the plot, one of them, Jaffeir, Measure For Measure is usually considered a

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 4 Saturday Night Fever.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:22 Page 1 STAYIN’ ALIVE Richard Winsor takes to the stage as Tony Manero in a new production of Saturday Night Fever… Saturday Night Fever.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:22 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The theatrical version of Saturday Night Fever is strutting its stuff in Coventry next month. What’s On caught up with star of stage and screen Richard Winsor to find out how he feels about walking in the ‘boogie shoes’ of lead character Tony Manero…

From being a principal ballet dancer at Sir of the character and see what he’s about. and issues with kids drinking too much and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and I definitely came into this to play Tony taking drugs. Family struggle is also at the starring in BBC’s Casualty, to dancing to Bee Manero rather than to imitate John Travolta. heart of Saturday Night Fever. It’s just a great, Gees hits up and down the country, Richard So that also makes this role very rewarding. timeless piece of theatre that will appeal to Winsor really has done it all. Then, finally, the opportunity to combine my people wanting not only a feelgood factor but dance background with my acting career was also a bit more depth.” Richard, who also took on the lead role of perfect for me.” Tony Manero on Saturday Night Fever’s Richard is hoping to make the most of his previous tour, is looking forward to strutting Tony’s passion for dance and his ambitious success on both stage and screen, and his stuff once again. nature is something that Richard relates to: certainly doesn’t want to choose between the “To a certain extent, I do see parts of myself two: “I wouldn’t say I feel more at home on “I’m honestly so excited to be returning to in Tony. When I was younger - so before I the stage, despite my long history of perform- play Tony,” he says, “but I also know it’s worked with Matthew Bourne - and wanted to ing there because of my dance background. going to be very different to the last time I pursue dancing as a career, it did seem like an Television requires a very different kind of toured with this production. There’s quite a uphill battle, and one in which I was also focus as an actor. I wouldn’t say I prefer one new cast - only five people, including myself, trying to discover my own identity, much like or the other. I do love the feeling you get are returning performers - so it’s going to feel Tony is. Tony is always striving for something performing to a live audience. You get that quite fresh for me. Plus, there are some new different, something new that no one else is instant reception which you don’t get from ideas I want to throw into the mix in terms of trying for, to get away from the mundane television, and I love the vibrancy of the developing my character.” reality of everyday life. I can relate to that in theatre audience, especially with a show like Although he has a liking for musicals in my own performance aspirations, for sure.” Saturday Night Fever, where they’re so into general, Richard is particularly drawn to the story and the music. But I do prefer a bit So which moments in the show really stand Saturday Night Fever: “Mainly I like stage of variety in my career. Overall, I’d like to do out for Richard? shows that have a bit of grit and drama. The more theatre, particularly straight plays, and film is very gritty; it’s really quite dark in “One of my favourite scenes is the first club some drama on TV.” places with its depiction of 1970s austerity one because Tony slowly starts to command For now, though, bringing Tony Manero to life and drugs, sex and rock’n’roll. Initially I was the attention of everyone around him and on stage in the Midlands is very much approached to be in Saturday Night Fever ends up sort of taking over the club. Then the Richard’s focus, and it’s a challenge that he’s after I’d left Casualty. I was interested in the family scenes also stand out for me as really certainly looking forward to: “I would say that brand new production in particular, rather providing Tony with some depth of character. Saturday Night Fever is not only a big, beauti- than the other touring version that’s been My favourite song from the production is ful crowd-pleaser with insane songs played around for ages, because the new show really Should Be Dancing, which ends the first act live by a big band and perfect Bee Gees goes back to the film to make it raw and with a massive number. Should Be Dancing is singers - it’s actually like you have the three authentic.” such a good song and made even more Bee Gees there on stage singing every har- brilliant by our powerful live band.” Playing the character of Tony Manero was mony - the show is also a really hard-hitting, also a very attractive prospect for Richard: Richard has some theories as to why Saturday gripping drama. This production really is the “The chance to play Tony, to put my own spin Night Fever continues to be such a popular full package, so you’d be crazy to miss it!” on the character and make my mark on the story: “I guess the music is the driving force production as a whole, was really an opportu- behind this show, and the music of the Bee nity I couldn’t miss. There’s always the fear of Gees is so timeless. I think some of the themes copying John Travolta, because he made the are also very relatable. Even though it’s set in Saturday Night Fever shows Belgrade role so iconic in the original movie, but as an the 1970s, there are definitely things that are Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday 17 to actor, you’ve got to really take the nitty gritty relevant now, such as misogyny, race, religion Saturday 21 September. Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 5

Theatre Theatre & Dance previews from across the region...

Tabby McTat Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 20 - Sun 25 August A lifestyle that provides shelter and plenty of home comforts would suit most cats, but it doesn’t suit Tabby McTat. Tabby’s problem is that he remembers his old life with his now-missing friend, Fred the guitar player. So Tabby forsakes the good life and hits the streets in search of his long-lost buddy... A heartwarming tale of friendship and loyalty from the winning team of Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler, Tabby McTat is brought to the stage by the company behind Tiddler And Other Terrific Tales.

The Tiger Who Came Ben’s no lover of Friday nights - and why Rhythm Of The Dance would he be? After all, Friday nights mean To Tea having to stay at Granny’s house, where he’s Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 3 August The Place, Telford, Sat 10 & Sun 11 August; not only bored senseless but also has to eat This well-established production has been Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 15 - an unholy trinity of cabbage dishes - cabbage dancing its way across the globe for 20-plus Wed 16 October soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake. But years, stopping off in more than 50 countries Direct from the West End, the tea-guzzling experiences can sometimes be deceptive, and and entertaining in excess of seven million tiger drops in on Sophie and her mum just as Ben soon finds out that there’s way more to people. A flamboyant festival of flailing feet they’re settling down for a thirst-quenching his boring old Granny than meets the eye... and fiddles, the show presents dance, music, cuppa... songs and culture from across the ages, from Adapted by David Wood OBE from the late pre-Celtic times through to the 21st century. Judith Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute Special Delivery It also features a cast of world and Irish Olivier Award-nominated show comes Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, champion dancers and a host of strikingly Fri 9 & Sat 10 August without an interval, features singalong songs talented traditional musicians. and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a Puppet and mask theatre company A Bird In big stripy tiger, of course! The Hand are the creatives behind this simple without-words story for youngsters aged three-plus. Caught in a downpour, a postman realises that all of his packages have lost their labels. His efforts to work out the intended recipi- ents sees him finding out more about the people to whom he delivers on his round - an experience that inspires him to bring a little bit of sunshine into all of their lives... Fairy Tales Reconstructed Lichfield Garrick, Mon 19 - Fri 23 August Gangsta Granny Lichfield Garrick Theatre is this month host- Throughout August on the following dates: ing a week of drama, poetry, song, music and Ryton Pools, Bubbenhall, Coventry & Brueton dance for creative artists interested in Park, Solihull, Thurs 1; Hartlebury Castle, Worcestershire, Fri 2; Attingham Park, Shrews- ‘developing their performance toolkit’. bury, Sat 3; Packwood House, Solihull, Wed Presented by Emily Summers, the project is 14; Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire, Fri 16; focused around the idea of reimagining Wood Norton Garden & Terrace, Evesham, Fri 23 fairytales, ‘twisting well-known stories beyond recognition and bringing them into a The ever-popular Heartbreak Productions whole new light’. The event is suitable for make a welcome return with their brand new children aged between eight and 16 and open-air adaptation of David Walliams’ culminates in a sharing of the work with best-selling book. participants’ friends and families.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 6

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Gloria Estefan.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:23 Page 1

Gloria Estefan - On Your Feet! photo shoot photo Feet! Your On - Estefan Gloria

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Gloria Estefan.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:23 Page 2

by Simon Button & Lauren Cole

Shake your body!

Feel the rhythm of the music getting stronger as hit musical On Your Feet! - the story Of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, congas into the Midlands next month...

Gloria Estefan started her career as the lead “There are a couple of really big numbers. with the record company. Then we wanted to singer for Miami Sound Machine, who had Tradición is spectacular - and then of course release Words Get In The Way, and they were previously been called Miami Latin Boys. The there’s Conga, where you literally see how it even more confused because it’s a ballad. We group were a rip-roaring success in the 1980s, grows and grows then explodes in joy. talked them into it. We didn’t want to be with their iconic and varied hits including I co-wrote If I Never Got To Tell You with my locked into the dance thing. After that song Conga, Anything For You and Rhythm Is daughter, Emily. My daughter couldn’t be in became huge, it freed us up. Every time you Gonna Get You. the show because she hadn’t been born create something, you can’t let it paralyse during the timeframe, so I tried to wedge her you. You have to move forward. Marrying bandmate Emilio and taking his in there somewhere in any way possible. surname in 1978, Gloria went on to become a “One time they even told Emilio to get rid of It’s beautiful that she comes through in the 1980s icon. The couple were living the dream, me because it was the time of bands with only original song. In the musical it’s a very but thought it had come to an end when male leads. Yes, Fleetwood Mac had two poignant song; it’s my mum telling me the Gloria broke her back in a bus crash in 1990. female singers but they also had male singers, things she wished she’d told me before com- and there was Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, On Your Feet! tells their story, one of music, ing to visit me in hospital after the bus crash.” but that was a new thing in music. The record dancing, love, passion, terror, heartache and Both Latin sounds and Britpop were major company even told Emilio to get rid of the resilience. The show hits the road off the back influences on Gloria when she was growing horns and the percussion section. We fought of a very successful West End run. up. to stay true to who we are, and I’m proud we “It’s been phenomenal - people seem to love didn’t compromise.” “The old Cuban standards were always play- it,” says Gloria. “There are people who’ve ing in our house, and I sang as soon as I The bus crash in 1990 had a profound impact written to say they were entertained or cried or could talk. Music was big in our household. on Gloria: “There must be some mechanism were reminded of different times in their lives Then I started listening to the British in our brains where you remember before and through the songs. That’s the point of the show Invasion. I remember pulling into a laundro- after, but you don’t remember the actual - to connect with people on a very human mat parking lot with my mother and hearing moment of impact. I remember everything level, which is what we’ve always tried to do.” Ferry Cross The Mersey. My hair stood on end. except the actual breaking of my back. I grew Although all the events in On Your Feet! did I didn’t want to get out of the car, I was so up taking care of my wheelchair-bound actually happen, Oscar-winning writer enraptured. That song really is like a Bolero in father, so I knew what my family might have Alexander Dinelaris has taken the odd liberty its rhythm. British bands were listening to a to face with me. I just wanted to be indepen- here and there. lot of Latin music and The Beatles recorded dent and walk again. Besame Mucho. All that mixing of sounds had “Then I started getting all these letters from “It’s all true,” Gloria confirms, “although a huge impact on me, and so I had all this people. They kept throwing the song Get On maybe not always in chronological order. It’s musical vocabulary to draw from.” the same with the songs - they’ve been moved Your Feet back in my face, and I saw it as an around to suit the story. The only thing that’s Miami Latin Boys became Miami Sound opportunity to somehow inspire people not true is Emilio having a six-pack, as he does Machine when Gloria joined as lead singer. through my perseverance. I rehabilitated six in the show. He doesn’t really have washboard or seven hours a day - first in the pool “The name switch was Emilio’s idea. I didn’t abs!” because I couldn’t walk - and I had electrodes want him to add my name to the band attached to my muscles so they wouldn’t die. because we were successful and I was happy Although Gloria isn’t starring in the musical Getting back on stage was euphoric. It was with my bandmates, nor did I want it to be herself, she’s been incredibly pleased with the how I imagine climbing Mount Everest would just ‘Gloria Estefan’. But he was like ‘People casting for On Your Feet!. feel. I had overcome so many obstacles and are identifying with you, they think you’re I’d worked so hard. It was just amazing.” “What’s impressive to me is how much love beautiful and sexy, they need to know your and devotion everyone who’s played me in the name’.” show so far has put into it, and how much they identify with me. These have mostly been Down the years, the Estefans have certainly On Your Feet! shows at Birmingham Cuban-American girls like me, so they’re kind ploughed plenty of furrows musically: “Our Hippodrome from Tuesday 3 to Saturday of telling their own story too, and that makes biggest challenge was when we put out Conga 7 September, and visits Wolverhampton me feel very happy and proud.” and it was so massive. It meant that when we wanted to release something completely Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17 to So which elements of the show does she most different, like Bad Boy, it didn’t go down well Saturday 21 March 2020. enjoy?

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:13 Page 1 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:14 Page 2

Film

Once Upon A Time in... Hollywood CERT 18 (162 mins) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Kurt Russell, Timothy Olyphant, Dakota Fanning, Luke Perry, Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Al Pacino, Damian Lewis, Jack Nicholson Directed by Quentin Tarantino (USA)

After Endgame, this has to boast the biggest cast of the year, in a speculative comedy-drama set in an alternate Tinseltown reality. Leonardo DiCaprio plays an actor down on his uppers (inspired by Burt Reynolds) who is contemplating a move to Italy to jump on the spaghetti Western bandwagon. There are real characters in the mix, too, with Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate, Damon Herriman as Charles Manson and Damian Lewis as Steve McQueen (brilliant casting). The film has received glowing reviews, although some criticised its length (162 minutes). Released Wed 14 August

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in August...

The Angry Birds Movie 2 Animals CERT 15 (109 mins) The Art Of Racing In CERT PG (96 mins) Starring Holliday Grainger, Alia Shawkat, The Rain CERT PG (109 mins) With the voices of Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Fra Fee, Dermot Murphy Directed by Sophie Hyde (Australia/Ireland) Starring Milo Ventimiglia, Amanda Seyfried, Danny McBride, Leslie Jones, Nicki Minaj, Kathy Baker, Martin Donovan, Gary Cole and Awkwafina the voice of Kevin Costner Directed by Thurop Van Orman (Finland/USA) Directed by Simon Curtis (USA) The first film - based on the video game so In the maudlin wake of A Dog’s Purpose and beloved by David Cameron - was pretty dire, A Dog’s Journey, we now have this adaptation so the only way is up (one hopes). Here, we of Garth Stein's book in which a dog (voiced have an all-new character, a technically by Kevin Costner) reflects on his place in the advanced purple bird voiced by Leslie Jones, human world. From the director of My Week who threatens the very future of our feath- With Marilyn, Woman In Gold and Goodbye ered friends and those irritating green pigs. Christopher Robin. Released Fri 2 August Released Fri 9 August

Two best friends living it up in Dublin find their lives dramatically altered when one of them - Laura, a struggling writer - becomes engaged to a man who doesn’t drink. Based on the 2014 novel by Emma Jane Unsworth. Released Fri 2 August whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:14 Page 3

Film

Blinded By The Light Playmobil: The Movie Dora And The Lost City CERT 12a (117 mins) CERT U (99 mins) Of Gold CERT tbc Starring Viveik Kalra, Hayley Atwell, Rob Bry- Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Gabriel Bateman; with Starring Isabela Moner, Eugenio Derbez, don, Kulvinder Ghir, Nell Williams the voices of Jim Gaffigan, Adam Lambert, Michael Peña, Eva Longoria, Danny Trejo, Directed by Gurinder Chadha (UK) Meghan Trainor, Daniel Radcliffe Benicio del Toro Directed by James Bobin Yet another musical this time takes its inspi- Directed by Lino DiSalvo (France) (USA) ration from the memoir of the British-Pak- A big-screen spin-off of the Nickelodeon TV istani journalist Sarfraz Manzoor, Greetings series, the film follows the intrepid teenage From Bury Park: Race. Religion. Rock’n’Roll. explorer Dora on a whole new adventure - to And, yes, it takes its title from the 1973 song high school. But soon the lure of the jungle by Bruce Springsteen, who gave the film his and a confounding mystery leads Dora back blessing to use his music. where she belongs: fighting for her life in the Released Fri 9 August South American rainforest. Released Fri 16 August

The wonderful thing about cartoons is that any country can join in the game, with the addition of English-language voice-over artists. This comedy-adventure follows two live-action characters as they get caught up in an animated universe featuring the col- lectible Playmobil toys. What’s the French word for Lego? Released Fri 9 August Good Boys CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Jacob Tremblay, Keith L Williams, Brady Noon, Will Forte, Molly Gordon Directed by Gene Stupnitsky (USA) A sort of flipside to the recent Booksmart, this high school comedy follows three sixth grade boys as they struggle to make it in time to the Big Party. Jacob Tremblay you will remember from the excellent Room (2015) and Wonder (2017). Released Fri 16 August

Transit CERT 12a (101 mins) Starring Franz Rogowski, Paula Beer, Gode- hard Giese Directed by Christian Petzold (Germany) In Nazi-occupied France, Georg adopts the identity of a dead writer in the hope of flee- ing Marseille. He then falls in love with the writer’s wife… Adapted from the 1942 novel by Anna Seghers. Released Fri 16 August

ing, but there’s music afoot. There are orig- UglyDolls CERT U (87 mins) With the voices of Kelly Clarkson, Nick inal songs from none other than Kelly Jonas, Janelle Monáe, Blake Shelton, Pit- Clarkson, Nick Jonas and Janelle Monáe, bull, Wanda Sykes and the director previously brought us Directed by Kelly Asbury (USA) Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron, Shrek 2 If one should groan at the thought of an- and Gnomeo & Juliet. Besides, the pro- other U-rated computer-animated comedy ducer is none other than Robert Rodriguez, featuring inanimate objects, think again. on whose story the screenplay is based. Yes, the critters who want to be loved for Released Fri 16 August what they are may look predictably annoy-

34 whatsonlive.co.uk Film August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:14 Page 4

Film highlights released in August...

Angel Has Fallen CERT tbc Starring Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Lance Reddick, Tim Blake Nelson, Piper Perabo, Nick Nolte Directed by Ric Roman Waugh (USA) There’s another terrorist threat afoot but Se- cret Service agent Mike Banning is forced to sort out his own problems first - he’s just been framed for an assassination attempt on the President. Gerard Butler previously played Banning in Olympus Has Fallen and London Has Fallen. Released Wed 21 August

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Fast & Furious: Hobbs & nemesis Deckard Shaw. However, the rivals are forced to pool their resources when a Shaw CERT tbc (134 mins) cyber-genetically enhanced terrorist (Idris Crawl CERT 15 (87 mins) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Elba) emerges with a pathogen deadly Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Helen Mirren, Eiza Starring Kaya Scodelario, Barry Pepper, Ross enough to wipe out the human race. Anderson, Anson Boon González, Eddie Marsan Directed by Alexandre Aja (USA) Directed by David Leitch (USA) Vanessa Kirby, who portrayed Princess Margaret in TV’s The Crown, plays It’s just one thing after another. When Haley Few series have provided such a consis- Deckard’s sister Hattie, who also happens (Scodelario) finds herself caught in the mid- tently high calibre of entertainment. In to be a field agent for MI6. Filming took dle of a hurricane, she realises that she can- fact, the F&F franchise, if anything, con- place in London and Glasgow - a change not find her father. And then she gets stantly seems to raise the bar. Hobbs & from the more recent exotic locations of the trapped in the basement and finds that the Shaw is actually a spin-off, featuring F&F series. rising water has paired her with some very Dwayne Johnson as the federal agent Luke hungry alligators. Hobbs with Jason Statham as his arch Released Thurs 1 August Released Fri 23 August

A Million Little Pieces The Mustang CERT 15 (96 mins) Pain And Glory CERT 15 (113 mins) CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Mitchell, Starring Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia, Gideon Adlon, Connie Britton, Bruce Dern Leonardo Sbaraglia, Penélope Cruz, Raúl Aré- Directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre valo, Cecilia Roth (USA/France/Belgium) Directed by Andrea Di Stefano (UK/USA) Roman Coleman (Schoenaerts) is a violent The last thing former convict Pete Koslow criminal - he has left his partner brain-dam- (Kinnaman) wanted was to be back behind aged for life - and is placed in a rehabilita- the bars of Bale Hill Prison, New York. But tion programme. As part of his recovery, he is this time he has a mission - and is acting un- assigned to train a wild mustang, a horse dercover for the FBI. with whom he forms an unusual bond. The Released Fri 30 August film has received rave reviews. Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Released Fri 30 August Thornton, Charlie Hunnam, Giovanni Ribisi, David Dastmalchian, Juliette Lewis Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (UK) At a rehabilitation clinic in Minnesota, James Frey (Taylor-Johnson), an alcoholic and drug addict, is helped in his recovery by a Mafia boss. Based on James Frey’s fictionalised memoir of the same name. Released Fri 30 August

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Visual Arts July -August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:04 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wonder: Where Reality And Imaginary Collide Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 15 September A light pavilion, urban landscapes, reimagined cartoon characters and creatures brought to life by augmented reality all feature in a show designed to take the visitor ‘beyond gallery walls’ to experience some ‘unexpected and unimaginable wonders’. The exhibition brings together work by seven artists, all of whom are here focusing on producing pieces in which reality and the imaginary collide.

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts July -August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:04 Page 2

Visual Arts

The Paper Museum: The Curious Eye Of Cassiano dal Pozzo The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 1 September Cassiano dal Pozzo’s 17th century paper museum was a magnificent attempt to document and record all human knowledge. Consisting of 10,000-plus watercolours, drawings and prints, the museum features subjects as diverse as antiquities, architecture, zoology, botany & geology, social customs & ceremonies, costumes, portraits, topography and military maps. Most of the museum was acquired by George III and remains in the Royal Collection. The Barber exhibition forms part of an ongoing collaboration between the venue and the Royal Collection Trust. Jenna Naylor: Bedlam Festival Commission Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 31 August - Sunday 17 November “I create collections of vegetable onto them, creating what she describes as monstrosities and otherworldly ‘a menagerie of strange creatures’. specimens,” explains Jenna Naylor, Jenna’s work has been commissioned by “exploring ideas around genetic the Bedlam Festival, an initiative which manipulation and scientific uses art to raise awareness of mental experimentation, hybrid species and health issues. Her ‘menagerie’ is intended evolution.” to be a starting point for a growing Jenna here turns her hand to ‘decorating’ collection of drawings contributed by the walls of Midlands Arts Centre’s (MAC) participants of workshops at the Uffculme Community Gallery by drawing directly Centre and MAC.

Wildlife Photographer Of The Year Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sunday 1 September Wolverhampton Art Gallery is this summer hosting the prestigious Wildlife Photographer Of The Year show for a fourth time. Now in its 54th year, the competition annually receives tens of thousands of submissions from amateur and professional photographers in around 100 countries. Featuring awe-inspiring images capturing fascinating animal behaviour and breathtaking landscapes, the exhibition is visiting the Midlands after premiering in London. Watt In The World Faces Of Change: Library of Birmingham, until Sat 2 November Nature’s Champions The centrepiece of the Lunar Society’s James Watt Bicentenary programme, Watt In The World fea- Attingham Park, Shrewsbury, until Sun 8 September tures all manner of memorabilia connected to the Portraits of environmental activists, poets, artists, legendary engineer, from notebooks detailing his politicians, campaigners, gardeners, broadcasters and experiments to Sir Thomas Lawrence’s highly scientists all feature in this celebration of ‘champions regarded 1812 portrait of him. of nature and the natural world’. Other featured memorabilia includes furniture, A partnership exhibition between the National Trust silver, scientific instruments, works on paper and and London’s National Portrait Gallery, Faces Of personal items. There’s also silverware by Change features portraits from the 19th century to the Matthew Boulton, with whom Watt entered into present day, with contemporary subjects including partnership to manufacture an improved steam broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and animal engine incorporating his innovation of the welfare and agriculture campaigner Prince Charles. separate condenser.

whatsonlive.co.uk 37 10 reasons to visit Ironbridge.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:24 Page 1

10 REASONS TO VISIT IRONBRIDGE Situated on the River Severn, the beautiful visitor attraction of Ironbridge Gorge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to 10 fascinating museums paying tribute to the area’s vibrant history. With an extensive programme of school summer holiday activities taking place at the museums, we’ve compiled a list of fun and fabulous things to do in Ironbridge this month...

Unleash your shops on weekdays. Discover the power building a ‘painting machine’ inner artist... Participants can create their and decorating pencil cases. own ceramic masterpieces by of technology... Enginuity’s list of attractions

at Jackfield Tile Museum taking inspiration from the at Enginuity also includes a soft play area for Discover magnificent tile designs they see around the younger children, meaning Get hands-on at the interactive displays at what was once the museum. Discover the Victo- there really is something for Enginuity and change the way centre of British tile produc- rian tube-lining technique and every member of the family! you view the world... tion. See, touch and walk on add colourful glazes. And once Test your senses, see how you tiles as you wander through the you’re finished, you can leave can generate electricity using recreated pub, tube station and your tile at the museum to be water, and try to build the church. fired in a kiln, after which it strongest bridge you possibly This month, Jackfield is will be posted to your home. can! holding tile-decorating work- This month, the venue is hosting daily drop-in themed craft workshops entitled Kapow: The Sum- mer Of Comic Art. Activities include collagraph printing,

Enjoy an eerie days as part of the Coalport China Museum site tour. Visitors experience... can marvel at the treacle-like in the Tar Tunnel bitumen which oozes through Located on the bank of the River the gaps in the walls of a tunnel Severn, this eerie brick-lined that’s dug into the hillside. tunnel is open on Wednesdays throughout the summer holi-

Luggage Trail, sample the Clay Mine Experience and get hands- at Blists Hill Victorian Town on with a host of entertaining Set across 52 acres, Blists Hill and educational activities, Victorian Town is an interactive including tea packing, making a experience featuring authentic mini steam engine and designing shops and cottages. a poster at the Victorian printing Costumed demonstrators are on press. hand too, to share the stories of And make sure you don’t miss the Victorian characters they’re this month’s ever-popular Blists role-playing. Hill In Steam weekend. Taking Enjoy old-fashioned fun at the place on 17 & 18 August, the Victorian fairground, have a go at event offers visitors a rare a Victorian school lesson or try opportunity to check out an your hand at candle dipping. array of Victorian steam- Summer holiday visitors to Blists powered machines, all of which Hill can follow the Queen’s Lost will be in full working order.

38 whatsonlive.co.uk 10 reasons to visit Ironbridge.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:24 Page 2

Find out about the industries that Three hundred years ago, Iron- Visitors can marvel at the bridge became a symbol of the extraordinary artistic talent at shaped history... Industrial Revolution - and these Coalport China Museum, find out at Coalport China Museum, Coalbrookdale Museum of three museums provide a why Victorians loved to puff on Iron and Broseley Pipeworks remarkable insight into indus- Broseley pipes and discover how tries that shaped the town’s his- iron changed the world. tory. Not only entertaining but Coalport China Museum is an educational, the museums make ideal place to take the kids this for a great day out and provide summer holiday, with the plenty of memorable moments museum hosting family-friendly for visitors of all ages to enjoy - clay craft workshops. from a trip to the abandoned Participants can try their hand at factory of Broseley Pipeworks, to sculpting air-drying clay, or use a wander around the stunning quick-drying paint to decorate a exhibits at Coalbrookdale money box, fridge magnet or Museum of Iron. ceramic flower.

open during museum hours and Marvel at the river Perhaps the most engaging Enjoy a meal... has both indoor and outdoor attraction at the venue is the 12- at The Furnace Kitchen seating available. valley model... metre replica of the Gorge as it This brand new contemporary at the Museum of the Gorge was in 1796, complete with in- restaurant is located in Coal- The Museum of the Gorge pro- tricately built model houses, brookdale and operates under vides an overview of the history model people and even boats the expert eye of local celebrity of Ironbridge and the industries sailing along the river! chef Marcus Bean. that shaped it. Be sure to check it out... Boasting barista-made coffee, homemade cakes, oven-roasted pizzas and a separate kids’ trations by current creators. menu, The Furnace Kitchen is Be inspired... The display includes artwork at free-to-visit exhibitions featuring Dennis the Menace, Ironbridge is playing host to a Minnie the Minx, Captain Get dressed up... family’s daily life. brand new exhibition this sum- America and Wonder Woman. Visitors to Rosehill have the op- mer. at Rosehill House Meanwhile, visitors to Jackfield portunity to dress up in the Comics: Explore And Create Tile Museum can check out The The two Darby Family homes - many period costumes supplied Comic Art showcases a mix of British Wildlife Photography Rosehill House and Dale House by the museum - and make-be- both iconic comic art and illus- Awards Exhibition. - provide visitors with a fasci- lieve they’re back in the days of nating insight into the Quaker the Industrial Revolution!

Enjoy the views... at the Iron Bridge and tollhouse For 240 years tourists have been flocking to see the world’s first iron bridge, from which the surrounding area took its name. As well as the impressive structure itself, there are spectacular views to enjoy and an information point in the old tollhouse.

Visit ironbridge.org.uk to check out the Ironbridge Gorge Museums’ full summer holiday programme

More Upcoming Events... ‘Morris Gang’ Dancing Tubelining Course Comedy & Curry Night Blists Hill, Sun 18 August Jackfield Tile Museum, Fri 6 September Enginuity, Fri 6 September The Blists Hill Morris Gang entertain the Under the direction of Craven Dunnill Jack- Prepare to laugh the night away in the crowds by performing traditional dances field’s professional tile decorators, visitors Engine Shop with comedians Ian Stone, with which visitors can join in. can create eight tiles of their own. Kate Lucas and Jonathan Elston.

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 1 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Teach Rex The Hangar, Wolverhampton, Thurs 1 August Wolverhampton welcomes a very special prehistoric guest on the first day of the month. Teach Rex offers a unique, interactive and family-friendly dinosaur experience, allowing children of all ages to get up close and personal with the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. Along the way, they’ll learn about the evolution of science, get to enjoy some splendid tunes and even have a good ol’ dance. All of which sounds like mon- strous good fun to us!

Shrewsbury Flower Show arena acts, competitions, numerous workshops, a children’s area and impressive floral displays. The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 & Sat 10 August Both days are brought to a close by a magnificent fireworks display. Taking place for the 132nd time, the Shrewsbury This year’s show includes guest appearances by Flower Show is one of the country’s premier hor- Masterchef’s John Torode and Love Your Gar- ticultural festivals and as usual features a den’s David Domoney (pictured). blooming good programme of entertainment for Evening entertainment comes from Queen trib- the whole family to enjoy. ute band Gary Mullen & The Works - taking to Highlights of the two-day event include guest ap- the stage on the Friday night - and the chart-top- pearances by celebrity chefs and gardeners, ping Scouting For Girls on the Saturday. Staffordshire Cycling Festival Beware The Moon Newcastle-under-Lyme town Summer Lates Dudley Castle, Fri 2 & Sat 3 August centre, Sun 11 August Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, every Friday in August Heading to Newcastle-under- Lyme for the first time, Stafford- The Black Country Living Museum is once shire Cycling Festival promises a again hosting its highly popular Summer packed day of fun for the whole Lates evenings. family to enjoy. For just a fiver, visitors entering after 5pm Top of the bill is the first ever can enjoy family-friendly entertainment until professional cycle race in the 8pm every Friday in August. town. Some of the UK’s best teams This year sees each evening being themed have signed up for the inaugural around a different decade, from the Roaring Newcastle Grand Prix - a fast and ‘20s to the Swinging ‘60s, and features furious high-adrenaline circuit themed music, theatre and, we’re reliably around the town centre. informed, ‘plenty of loffs to boot’! While the early-evening pro race Dudley Castle once again hosts an open-air is undoubtedly the headline cinema event this month. event, there’s plenty more enter- In partnership with Flatpack Festival, the tainment to enjoy throughout the historic venue presents a double bill of movies day. Highlights include Granny with a decidedly creepy twist - Tim Burton’s Turismo - the world's first and Beetlejuice (Fri the 2nd) and The Blair Witch only shopping trolley dance & Project (Sat the 3rd). display team - and the chance for Hot food, a licensed bar and mood-lighting young cyclists to take advantage further add to the fun, and as always there’ll be of drop-in sessions with British a surprise or two thrown in for good measure - cycling coaches. so be prepared to be spooked!

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 3 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

Teddy Bears Picnic Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Wed 28 August Birmingham Botanical Gardens once again hosts this ever-popular event. Not only is there a picnic with your fluffy friends to enjoy, there’s also arts & crafts, a bouncy castle, fairground rides and an opportunity to win a year’s free family membership to the Gardens by taking part in the Teddy Bear trail.

Müller Grand Prix city for an afternoon of top-class sporting endeavour. Birmingham Competitors at previous meetings have included Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, Sun 18 August British legend Sir Mo Farah, 800m world record A key fixture on the IAAF Diamond League calen- holder and double Olympic champion David Falconry Day dar, the Müller Grand Prix Birmingham brings Rudisha and New Zealand shot putter Valeria Hawkstone Park Follies, the world’s very best athletes to the UK’s second Adams. Shropshire, Fri 2 & Fri 30 August Falconry Day happens twice in August - once at the start of the month and once at the end - and Art In The Park offers visitors the chance to enjoy Shropshire Falconry’s impressive Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 & Sun 4 August birds of prey. The event provides the opportunity to actually Warwickshire’s largest arts festival handle the birds, an experience this month returns to Leamington that comes at an additional cost Spa with a great big splash - by of £5 per person. All funds raised taking the theme of ‘water’. go directly to the organisation, to The event is being held not only help look after the birds and throughout Jephson Gardens but support its educational work. also in the Pump Rooms Art Gallery and gardens. The weekend will see more than 240 artists exhibiting, demonstrating and selling original pieces of art work. Live music is provided by 17 bands, with 14 workshops also featuring. The festival is this year honouring the town’s famous philanthropist, Doctor Henry Jephson.

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 5 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:57 Page 6

Events previews from around the region Events

Insomnia65 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August Insomnia returns for another four-day games-fest this August bank holiday, bringing together e-players from across the country and beyond and welcoming all levels and ages. Table-top RPG, stage shows, creative cosplay, exclusive releases and merchandise all feature, celebrating the very best in gaming culture.

The Monster Boozy Bingo, Giant Unicorn and Flamingo Ball Pits, Drag Queen Karaoke, Glitter Wheel of NEC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Tues 20 August Wonder, Mega Beer Pong and more new course Following last year’s sell-out weekend, The obstacles. Monster returns for another knock-out five-day For the first time in The Monster’s history, the event. event also includes a two-day children’s special This year’s get-together is set to be bigger and (19 & 20 August), featuring a selection of ele- better than ever, with a mega line-up of brand ments created with youngsters aged between new activities and games to enjoy, including seven and 15 in mind. Shakes-paw's Day Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Strat- ford-upon-Avon, Sat 24 August The Vintage & The British Showjumping Take your furry friends to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage this month Handmade Festival National Championships and and celebrate National Dog Day. RAF Museum, Cosford, Sat 17 & Sun 18 August Stoneleigh Horse Show The picturesque 500-year-old cottage is the perfect spot for a If you love one-off handcrafted pieces and all NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, things retro vintage, then make sure you check Tues 6 - Sun 11 August picnic - or why not dig into the out the Vintage & Handmade Festival. barbecue provided... Visitors who There’ll be plenty of After the success of 2018, the event has take along their dogs will enjoy horsing around at expanded to showcase more than 50 local 30% off normal admission price, Stoneleigh Park this creators with a passion for handmade, hand- with the event featuring plenty of month, with the venue crafted and carefully selected vintage wares. activities to entertain both animals hosting six days of and people alike. An ‘alternative non-stop equestrian dog show’ offers prizes for waggi- competition. est tail and best recall. National Showjumping Finals taking place there include the Retraining of Race- horses (ROR) Championship, the Bronze and Silver Leagues, the Stepping Stones Championship and the coveted HOYS Wildcard Series. Trade stands and children’s activities also feature... The Stoneleigh Horse Show, meanwhile, begins on Friday the 9th. The event features a wide variety of classes - from mountain and moorlands to working hunters and miniatures - as well as Horse Of The Year Show qualifying opportunities.

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 7

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:26 Page 8

Events previews from around the region Events

Oswestry Balloon Carnival Cae-Glas Park, Oswestry, Sat 24 & Sun 25 August Oswestry Balloon Carnival returns in aid of Nightingale House Hospice this month, with more than 25 hot air balloons taking to the skies across the bank holiday weekend. Away from the balloon displays, there’s plenty of family fun to be had. Visitors can also browse around market stalls, check out food vendors and enjoy a farmers’ market.

Dragon Slayer displays of stunt riding, horseback fire-jousting and a ‘dazzling’ confrontation between Guy - a Warwick Castle, selected dates from heroic figure likened to Robin Hood and Saint Wed 7 - Mon 26 August George - and his nemesis, the fire-breathing Back for 2019 following a hugely successful run dragon. last year, Warwick Castle’s Dragon Slayer show For 2019, the action in the castle’s main court- promises action-packed fun for the whole yard combines further fiery elements with even Boulton Goes To family to enjoy. more light projection, pyrotechnics and live per- Bollywood Taking place in the evenings, the show features formance to create ‘the ultimate thrilling finale’. Soho House, Birmingham, Sun 4 August Birmingham gets to enjoy an ‘In- The Festival Of Quilts dian summer’ this month, as Soho NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 August House hosts a ‘jam-packed’ day of Bollywood-inspired celebrations. Attracting more than 25,000 visitors from all over Taking place in the grounds of the the world, The Festival Of Quilts makes a welcome Boulton family home, the event return to the NEC this month. features live performances from Highlights of this year’s event include: 800 hung Desi Nach, a bhangra drumming competition quilts; 400-plus workshops from workshop, a henna artist, food leading quilting tutors (the most extensive work- stalls, face painting, crafts and shop programme in the festival’s history); talks, numerous sporting activities. lectures and demonstrations; a full social events programme, including the Quilters’ Guild’s 40th anniversary celebrations; and over 300 exhibitors offering essential supplies. The International Festival Of Glass Ruskin Glass Centre, Stourbridge, Fri 23 - Mon 26 August The International Festival Of Glass celebrates and showcases the skill and innovation of makers both local and international. This year’s theme - explored through technology, science, art and imagination - is Placemak- ing, a design approach that encourages people to participate and develops a sense of belonging.

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Places to Visit DPS 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:29 Page 1

Places to visit ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUGUST!

National Sea Life Centre, 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 selection of the best places to visit across the region this summer.

walking the dog, cycling, horse riding or maybe RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the Birmingham just enjoying the views and a cup of tea. Rednal, largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion Birmingham, B45 8ER historic aircraft are displayed in three wartime hosts numerous family activities throughout the MAC MAC hosts a huge range of theatre, music, hangars on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP season. Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD comedy, dance, creative and craft courses, family SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of shows, film and free exhibitions. Cannon Hill Park, beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this your favourite shows with informative and entertain- Birmingham, B12 9QH 51-hectare award-winning park is a place for quiet ing tours. The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, WV15 6NG BECKETT’S FARM The venue hosts a number of fam- tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery ily events, including cookery classes for young and and metalworking heritage. Hockley, Birmingham, SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed old, and has a farm shop and restaurant on site. B18 6HA within the town’s Grade II Victorian music hall and Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE The centre features over one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, the venue features a broad range of artefacts BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th century 2,000 creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million-litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's King- alongside a rolling programme of contemporary courtyard of working people’s houses. Hurst Street, art. Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH Birmingham, B5 4TE dom, turtle breeding and much more. Brindley- place, Birmingham, B1 2HL TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS The gardens span at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is 15 acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas. operated by volunteers on Sundays and bank climates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert. holidays. Telford, TF4 2NF Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR Birmingham, B40 1PU THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE The centre boasts a BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over SAREHOLE MILL The 250-year-old working watermill is famous for its association with Lord Of The Rings varied collection of beautifully decorative metal 40 galleries displaying various eras of art and a items, some of which are faithful reproductions of diverse exhibition programme. Chamberlain author JRR Tolkien. Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 0BD ironwork no longer seen today. There’s also a Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH collection of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM BLAKESLEY HALL Discover a fine Tudor house and Thinktank features SY11 4JH over 200 interactive exhibits on science and beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland the city. Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN discovery, a programme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, and a digital planetarium. hosts numerous events throughout the year, LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE Discover the ultimate Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG including the Shrewsbury Flower Show (10-11 indoor Lego playground, with three rides, 10 Lego August). SY1 1JA build & play zones, a 4D cinema and much more... King Edwards Rd, Birmingham, B1 2AA Shropshire CADBURY WORLD Discover the origin of everyone’s Staffordshire favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial tionery. Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JT sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a woodland sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. Extreme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham CANNON HILL PARK Opened in 1873, Cannon Hill Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP Estate. Trentham, ST12 9HR comprises 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mix of fantastic rides and acres of conservation and woodland plantation. attractions, offering unlimited fun for kids of all Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8RD with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, ST10 4DB EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of in over 130 years is situated just a stone’s throw CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product the larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and Station. Birmingham City Centre, B4 7AP of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a meadows. Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM The Library is a major variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, cultural destination, providing a dynamic mix of SY14 8AH Central Forest Park is a green space providing events, activities, performances, resources and IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The place where the facilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal access to expert help for learning, information and sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6AZ culture. Centenary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EP Industrial Revolution was born is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 10 award-winning museums to CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, visit. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that the park is a place for family fun, whether that be 48 whatsonlive.co.uk Places to Visit DPS 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:29 Page 2

Warwick Castle Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove passes through beautiful countryside known as COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 houses the largest publicly owned collection of Victorian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional 2HA British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea venue for thrill-seekers, featuring all manner of HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families rooms. West Bromwich, B71 4BG white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range of rides with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled that are somewhat less challenging. And with a zoo HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for kids and museum, with activities that run throughout the arts & crafts pictures and furnishings. Wolverhamp- adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 3TW school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP ton, WV6 8EE HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features fortifications and palatial apartments spanning over 300 years of art, including regular world class include three play areas: toddler, sensory and five centuries, CV8 1NG touring exhibitions. Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU adventure (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX RAGLEY HALL The venue offers plenty of family entertainment, including an adventure playground, Worcestershire PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you 3D maze, boating and a woodland walk. Alcester, to come face to face with exotic and endangered B49 5NJ AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 historic buildings spanning seven centuries which SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- 7QR have been rescued from imminent destruction and ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, carefully rebuilt, timber by timber or brick by brick, TAMWORTH CASTLE From its origins back in Anglo Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary on a beautiful open-air site in the north of Worces- Saxon times through to the Victorian era, Tamworth Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. Castle boasts a wealth of history. Explore how the tershire. Bromsgrove, B60 4JR STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn castle developed over the centuries and learn BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry about the house's history through a guided tour of about the families who called it their home. Tam- Holland, the hall is one of a small number of his the west wing, CV8 2LF worth, B79 7NA buildings to survive intact. As well as being able to THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity explore the family rooms and servant quarters, include the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- to watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular guests can take part in activities or relax by the shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, lake. Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW CV37 7LS decorative arts & natural history, and items from BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of the romantic Manor House dates back to the late THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the history. Aside from visiting the castle itself and 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- most interesting ceramic collections in the world. looking at the battlements, towers, turrets and house and over a moat. Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB interiors, there are also jousting events, the Horri- The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his CROFT CASTLE The castle is located deep in the ble History show and Time Tower to keep you family, and the company he founded over two heart of the Herefordshire countryside, surrounded entertained. CV34 4QU centuries ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER by 1,500 acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 Wolverhampton years, this castle has many intriguing stories to Warwickshire uncover. Yarpole. Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the & Black Country CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, wartime air base and discover how thousands of BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian walks through the gardens and activities for people lived and worked there during the 1940s. glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of children such as pond dipping and garden trails. Worcester, WR8 9DW parkland and offers activities for all ages. Warwick, B93 0DQ Wolverhampton, WV3 9LQ EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK The castle is set within BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the the dramatic beauty of the Malvern Hills and BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and surrounded by a beautiful deer park, arboretum changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ and lake. Ledbury, HR8 1RL porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country woodwork and more. Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which house comes complete with deer park and is a was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the National Trust property. Warwick, CV35 9ER manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ traditional skills and enterprise of the people who COMPTON VERNEY The Georgian house is set in once lived in the heart of industrial Britain. Dudley, SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge more than 120 acres of Grade II listed classical DY1 4SQ railway line which runs regular steam-hauled parkland landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' passenger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Enjoy guided boat Brown, the most eminent landscape architect of between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance trips through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, the 18th century. Warwick, CV35 9HZ of 16 miles. Bewdley, DY12 1BG lifelike reconstructions and stunning music & light COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows. Dudley, DY1 4SB THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. options. WR14 3EY more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. Burford, OX18 4JP At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM The museum offers century castle. Dudley, DY1 4QF Court was one of England’s great country houses, activities to interest and delight youngsters, and a hosting many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in studio in which visitors can try their hand at spectacular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- composing and music-making. CV2 4ED 1937. Great Witley, WR6 6JT land. Dudley, DY3 4DF whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:36 Page 1 The List Cover August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:36 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide AugustAugust 20192019 thelist

Elmer The Patchwork Elephant at Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham - Wed 28 August

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 August Mon 12 to Sun 18 August Mon 19 to Sun 25 August Mon 26 to Sat 31 August

Lucinda Williams at Andrew Bird at Private Lives at West Side Story at Birmingham Town Hall The Glee Club, Birmingham The Pavilion, Smethwick Birmingham Hippodrome Fri 2 August Thurs 15 - Sat 17 August Wed 21 August Thurs 29 - Sat 31 August

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 1

thelist SHOW Thurs 1 Aug, The Patrick Ka- THROUGHOUT AUGUST Gigs vanagh, Moseley, Birmingham GORDON SOUTHERN, SAM AVERY, of the human form, Mon 12 Aug - Sat NED DOHENY Thurs 1 Aug, The Hare RICHARD MASSARA & HAYLEY ELLIS Visual Arts 28 Sept & Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 1 Aug, The George Hotel, NEW LORD ARBSA Terry's favourite sub- THE MUMFORD AND SONS EXPERIENCE Lichfield Thurs 1 Aug, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Museum & jects are united in this exhibition, GORDON SOUTHERN, PAUL MYREHAUG, Art Gallery which takes the theme of finding THE REAL THING Thurs 1 Aug, The ANDREA HUBERT (PICTURED) & AURIE beautiful colour in all manner of Jam House, Birmingham STYLA Fri 2 - Sat 3 Aug, The Glee WITHIN AND WITHOUT: BODY IMAGE AND places, Mon 19 Aug - Sat 28 Sept Club, Birmingham THE SELF Exhibition examining how GRUESOME, ABSOLUTION, VIOLATED FLESH Fri 2 Aug, The Flapper, B’ham social, historical and cultural factors The Barber Institute affect body image, and how this is ex- TYLA’S DOGS D’AMOUR PLUS THE pressed through objects and art- LADY BARBER'S LIFE AND LEGACY Dis- DIRTY STRANGERS Fri 2 Aug, Route works, until Sun 1 Sept play celebrating the 150th anniver- 44, Birmingham sary of Lady Barber’s birth, until Sun HOME OF METAL PRESENTS BLACK SAB- JOHNNY 2 BAD Fri 2 Aug, The Robin, 8 Sept BATH - 50 YEARS Exhibition celebrating Bilston THE FACE OF FASHION Presentation cel- the impact and cultural legacy of 1215 Fri 2 Aug, The World Bar, ebrating portrait miniatures, which Black Sabbath, until Sun 29 Sept Resorts World, Birmingham were popular in Europe from the early 17th century until around the THE PRIMITIVES Fri 2 Aug, O2 1850s, until Sun 8 Sept Academy, Birmingham A TALE OF TWO EMPIRES: ROME AND RAVE FOR DANNY Fri 2 Aug, The Hare PERSIA Exhibition exploring how the & Hounds, Birmingham ancient superpowers of Rome and LUCINDA WILLIAMS Fri 2 Aug, Birm- Persia spun humiliating defeats and ingham Town Hall promoted their bloody victories on the small pieces of art circulating in the pockets of the masses, until Sun 15 Mar 2020

Other VISUAL ARTS PRZEMEK BRANAS - I IS SOMEBODY ELSE MICK FERRY, JULIET MYERS, ANDREW COLLECTING BIRMINGHAM: WHO IS Polish artist Branas is inspired not ROBINSON & PETE OTWAY Sat 3 Aug, BIRMINGHAM? Discover new collec- only by impersonation strongly pre- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham tions that reflect the experiences of sent in heavy metal culture, but also diverse Birmingham people - from by the alternative culture that devel- working lives to community activists oped under the Communist regime in and protest movements, until Sun 27 the State-controlled music scene, Theatre Oct A NIGHT OF BOOGIE WOOGIE AND until Sun 11 Aug, Centrala Gallery & ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss BLUES Fri 2 Aug, Level 25, Marco Cafe, Birmingham Hannigan in a new version of the Pierre White, Birmingham Ikon Gallery NICK HYNAN: GENDER BLENDING much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until THE AERODROME – AN EXHIBITION DEDI- Thought-provoking exhibition which ERADIKATOR Sat 3 Aug, O2 Institute, Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- CATED TO THE MEMORY OF MICHAEL sees local photographer Nick Hynan Birmingham drome STANLEY Exhibition presented in chronicling Birmingham’s gender- KEEP OFF THE BRASS Sat 3 Aug, Level MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran memory of Michael Stanley, curator blending culture, until Mon 26 Aug, 25, Marco Pierre White, Birmingham directs a new version of Shake- at Ikon, who tragically died in 2012, Birmingham LGBT Centre speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs until Sun 8 Sept BLACK COUNTRY BEATLES Sat 3 Aug, MAKE BELIEVE Interactive exhibition of The Robin, Bilston 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- works by international artists which atre, Stratford-upon-Avon MOTHER POPCORN Sat 3 Aug, The MAC, Birmingham plays with belief, childhood, technol- World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of SHOW YOUR METAL Exhibition that ogy and magic, until Sat 31 Aug, Shakespeare's romantic comedy, THE FAUNA / ALL THESE SQUARES / THE connects metal the material and BOM (Birmingham Open Media) until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare COMMON / DOMINIC EDWARD Sat 3 Metal the music, until Mon 26 Aug FORWARD - GWEN WILKINSON Exhibi- Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham HOME OF METAL: HAND OF DOOM Col- tion of photographic work inspired by THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- THE ELO ENCOUNTER Sat 3 Aug, The lection of portraits of Black Sabbath Birmingham’s industrial, political and speare's comedy of gender and ma- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham fans wearing the ubiquitous social history, until Sat 7 Sept, Argen- terialism is turned on its head, until battle jacket, until Sun 1 Sept tea Gallery, Birmingham SITHU AYE WITH THE STANDARDS Sun Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare BEN VENOM: ALL THIS MAYHEM Exhibi- INSPIRE 2019 This is the fourth year of 4 Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham Theatre. Stratford-upon-Avon tion of work by San Francisco-based the Inspire youth art competition but HYSTERIA (DEF LEPPARD) Sun 4 Aug, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken artist Ben Venom, featuring large- the first year the exhibition has been The Robin, Bilston restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, held at Blakesley Hall, until Sat 14 scale textile pieces, customised jean SAGE FRANCIS & B.DOLAN ARE EPIC The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- Sept, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham jackets and clothing, until Sun 8 Sept BEARD MEN Sun 4 Aug, The Hare & ford-upon-Avon MADE @ MAC: FAMILY FUN AT MAC Ex- JACK'S ADVENTURES WITH SALT Geolo- Hounds, Birmingham VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- hibition of work produced by families gists investigate the secrets of salt sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration who have taken part in a wide range using magnets, until Fri 20 Sept, tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan of courses at MAC, until Sun 3 Nov Birmingham City University Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRM- Comedy Avon INGHAM Display of photographs from RBSA Gallery PAUL MYREHAUG PLUS COMEDY CIRCUS RAJ Featuring acrobats, aeri- the University Heritage Archive Col- NEW PAUL BROWN RBSA A selection of CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & alists, contortionists, a fakir, lection of the Cadbury Research Li- busts, figures and masks in clay, rep- COMIC TBC Thurs 1 Aug, The Glee dancers, musicians, stiltwalkers and brary, until Fri 31 Jan, Birmingham resenting Paul's ongoing interest in Club, Birmingham costumed characters, Sun 4 Aug, capturing the movement and attitude City University Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham FAT PENGUIN IMPROVISED COMEDY 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August

THE FEARLESS VAMPIRE KILLERS (15) Kids Shows Comedy/Horror. Starring Jack Mac- Gowran, Roman Polanski. The Elec- IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Igglepiggle, tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 4 Aug Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS OF PIET are back in a brand new live show - OUDOLF (U) Documentary. Midlands Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!, Wed 31 July Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sun 4 - - Sun 4 Aug, The REP, Birmingham Wed 7 Aug GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- tions present an outdoor staging of David Walliams' bestselling tale, Wed NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 31 July - Thurs 1 Aug, Brueton Park, Released from Thurs 1 Aug, showing Solihull at selected cinemas TREASURE ISLAND Family fun with sea FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW (tbc) shanty songs and audience participa- THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (PG) tion, Fri 2 Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull ANIMALS (15) BALANCE, NOT SYMMETRY (15) CHARMING (PG) Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TOY STORY 4 (PG) Animation/Adven- Events ture. With the voices of Tom Hanks, WW2 IN THE CASTLE Try your hand at Tim Allen. Midlands Arts Centre, firefighting, learn about war-time Birmingham, until Thurs 8 Aug communications, have a go at NEVER LOOK AWAY (15) Drama/History. decoding secret messages and meet Starring Tom Schilling, Paula Beer. the billeting officer, until Thurs 1 Aug, Foreign language, subtitled, Mid- Tamworth Castle lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Tues LITTLE SKIPPERS: WATERY WILDLIFE A 30 July - Thurs 1 Aug 45-minute boat trip followed by Destination Space: The Moon HOBBS & SHAW (12a) Action/Adven- things to make and do, until Thurs 1 Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, until Fri 30 August Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust ture. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Blast off! To mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, Jason Statham. The Electric Cinema, KIDZ CLUB Discover ‘amazing’ rides, Birmingham, from Fri 2 Aug endangered animals and be ready to Thinktank is hosting an action-packed family show throughout MARIANNE & LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE face your VertiGo, until Thurs 1 Aug, the summer holiday. (12a) Documentary/Music. Starring Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffs Visitors can not only find out about both current and future mis- Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins. The SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS sions, they can also discover what it takes to get to the moon and Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from Take inspiration from some of the what it’s like to work on the lunar landscape. Fri 2 Aug classic designs at the museum to create your own ceramic master- OLDBOY (18) Action/Drama. Starring Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy me Min-sik Choi, Ji-tae Yu. Foreign lan- piece, until Fri 2 Aug, Jackfield Tile THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE New hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has guage, subtitled. The Mockingbird Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire family session taking place every donned his captain’s hat to show Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sat 3 D-DAY CHALLENGE Take part in a spe- Tuesday and Saturday, until Sat 31 youngsters what it takes to become a Aug cial challenge to mark the 75th an- Aug, Coventry Transport Museum pirate on the seven seas, until Sun 1 THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (U) Anima- niversary of the D-Day landings, until Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- tion/Adventure. With the voices of Tues 20 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr ances and new building activities, ex- SUMMER OF SPITFIRE Attractions in- Patton Oswalt, Lake Bell. Midlands Wolverhampton plore what a city of the future would clude cockpit tours of the world’s old- Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Wed GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether look like and build an awesome cre- est Spitfire Mk 1, daily storytelling 7 Aug it’s learning to sword fight, shooting ation or several, until Sun 1 Sept, sessions and the chance to grab a with a bow & arrow, or transforming YESTERDAY (U) Comedy/Fantasy. Star- Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham Spitfire selfie, complete with props ring Himesh Patel, Lily James. Artrix, into a little lord or lady, there’s plenty and costumes, until Sun 1 Sept, RAF THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- Bromsgrove, Fri 2 - Wed 7 Aug of hands-on fun to keep the kids Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton entertained, until Sat 24 Aug, Kenil- tion of games and toys from child- HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME (12a) Ac- worth Castle hood to adulthood, until Sun 1 Sept, tion/Adventure. Starring Tom Holland, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust stories and follow in the footsteps of Samuel L. Jackson. The Mockingbird PICTURE THIS! FAMILY DRAWING TOUR Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Series of special interactive drawing Aug tours for the whole family, until Tues 27 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham ROCKETMAN (15) Biography/Drama. Starring Taron Egerton, Bryce Dallas DESTINATION SPACE: THE MOON Family Howard. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- show to mark the 50th anniversary of ingham, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Aug the first moon landing, until Fri 30 Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, A STAR IS BORN (18) Drama/Music. Birmingham Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper. This is a “with brunch” screening. SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT AVONCROFT MU- The Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- SEUM Six weeks ‘jam-packed’ with ham, Sat 3 Aug family activities for all ages, until Fri 30 Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- THE MATRIX (15) Action/Sci-Fi. Starring grove Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne. The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, SUMMER SMILES Drop-in art sessions Sat 3 & Wed 7 Aug for all the family, until Sat 31 Aug, Freddo’s Treasure Trove - Cadbury World, Birmingham

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 3

4 Oct 19 SOLIHULL The Core 0121 704 6962 15 Oct 19 DUDLEY Town Hall (matinee) 01384 815577 16 Oct 19 BRIDGNORTH 01746 766477 Theatre On The Steps 23/24 Oct 19 KIDDERMINSTER Rose Theatre 01562 743745 27 Nov 19 REDDITCH Palace Theatre 01527 65203

12 Mar 20 TAMWORTH Assembly Rooms 01827 709618 13 Mar 20 WORCESTER The Swan 01905 611427 2 Apr 20 LICHFIELD Garrick 01543 412121

www.yeatesentertainment.com

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 4

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 Air Force, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 Aug, RAF Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Dudley SUMMER NIGHTS Extended opening SUMMER TREASURE HUNT Follow the hours means there’s even more time clues and find a pirate treasure chest to experience the four-mile safari in the garden, until Sun 1 Sept, drive-through and encounter the ani- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham mals, Thurs 1 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, West SUMMER OF FUN Featuring a host of Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- events, shows, activities and meet & wdley, Nr Kidderminster greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Interactive telling of Cinderella. Help GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Family fun equip Cinders with everything she including laser combat, foam parties needs, then join in the dancing at and tractor safaris, until Sun 1 Sept, Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 2 Aug, Hatton Adventure World, Warwick Aston Hall, Birmingham MOON LANDING MAIZE MAZE Find and NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn solve space-themed puzzles to help about the nature around you, Fri 2 the lunar crew fix their spacecraft and Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- return home safely, until Mon 2 Sept, ingham Summer Treasure Hunt - Blakesley Hall, Birmingham National Forest Adventure Farm, Bur- SUMMER LATES Enjoy summer fun for minster ton Upon Trent a fiver every Friday evening this ART IN THE PARK 2019 Showcase of month, Fri 2 - Fri 30 Aug, Black Coun- Festivals PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- for-sale art, with live demonstrations try Living Museum, Dudley mate underwater adventure’, until from Midlands artists and craftspeo- DRUNKEN MONKEY ROCK FESTIVAL Line Sun 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, PROMS AT THE ARBORETUM Live perfor- ple, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Jephson Gar- up includes Coda, Creedence Clear- Birmingham mances set against the backdrop of dens, Royal Leamington Spa water Review and Sam's Town, Fri 2 - the Arboretum at dusk, Sat 3 Aug, Sun 4 Aug, Wellan Road, nr Upton, RETURN TO THE FAIRY BALL Trail and NATIONAL METRO & MINI SHOW Show National Memorial Arboretum, Alre- Worcestershire scavenger hunt in preparation for dedicated to two iconic marques and was, Staffordshire Arley Arboretum's annual Fairy Ball, celebrating 60 years of the Mini, Sun COOMBE WEEKENDER Line up includes until Sun 8 Sept, Arley Arboretum, DAY OF DANCE Morris dancing troupes 4 Aug, British Motor Museum, Gay- The Libertines, Tom Grennan and Bewdley, Nr Kiddersminster from all over the country descend on don, Warwickshire Circa Waves, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Coombe Abbey, Coventry THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 high- the Severn Valley Railway for a day of flying birds of prey take to the skies dance, Sat 3 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- in a display of aerial acrobatics, until way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Sun 3 Nov, Warwick Castle NOT ANOTHER COMIC CON Featuring TEACH REX Learn about the evolution special guests, panels, competitions of science surrounding the Tyran- and a raffle, with proceeds going to nosaurus Rex with the help of ‘some Birmingham Children's Hospital, Sat very special T-Rex guests’, Thurs 1 3 Aug, Aston University Guild Of Stu- Aug, The Hangar, Wolverhampton dents, Birmingham THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Europe’s pre- CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL One of mier patchwork & quilting show fea- Europe’s biggest celebrations of mo- tures displays of textile art and torcycling through the decades, Sat 3 thousands of quilts from all over the - Sun 4 Aug, Donington Park, Castle world, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Aug, NEC, Donington Birmingham ROYALS AND ROUNDHEADS Immerse NIMROD TOURS Step on board the yourself in the 17th century as the Nimrod XV249 and learn about its in- English Civil War is reenacted, Sat 3 - telligence-gathering role in the Royal Sun 4 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder-

Classic Motorcycle Festival - Donington Park, Castle Donnington

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 5

thelist Comedy Kids Shows MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS & COM- MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON JNR Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Thurs 8 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the JO ENRIGHT (PICTURED) & LINDSEY Hippo and, of course, those hilari- SANTORO Fri 9 Aug, Cherry Reds ous, plotting penguins as they Cafe-Bar, Birmingham bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime! Fri 9 - Sat 10 Aug, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham SPECIAL DELIVERY Show without words fusing puppetry and silliness, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Aug, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Talks Jessica Lynn - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham CELESTE BARBER - CHALLENGE AC- ingham O2 Academy, B’ham CEPTED Join the comedian and so- Gigs CYDONIA KNIGHTS - ARETHA: QUEEN OF cial media star as she talks about TRIBUTE TO MUSE Thurs SOUL Sat 10 Aug, The some of her most famous images AFTER THE BURIED, 8 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Night Owl, B’ham and the stalkers, fans and comments FSTS, GHOST IRIS, that get under her skin, Thurs 8 Aug, ston THE HOUSE & GARAGE OVERTHRONE Mon 5 Birmingham Town Hall FEED ME MILK + HIT ORCHESTRA Sat 10 Aug, The Flapper, THE FLOOR + DAN PE- Aug, Digbeth Arena, Birmingham PLOW & MATT MASON + Birmingham SKEGGSS Mon 5 Aug, JEN NORTH Thurs 8 A$TROBOY$ + MAYDAY MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS, STEVE The Sunflower Film Aug, The Sunflower + CONOR COLEY + HARRIS & DAMIAN CLARK Fri 9 - Sat 10 Lounge, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Lounge, Birmingham RELLA Sat 10 Aug, The Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham OUR TIME (18) CHAPTER 13 Mon 5 AMAZING ARETHA Thurs Sunflower Lounge, DAVE LONGLEY, CHRIS STOKES, PAUL Drama. Starring Carlos Reygadas, Natalia López. Foreign Aug, O2 Institute, 8 Aug, The Jam Birmingham PIRIE & SAM AVERY Sat 10 Aug, The Birmingham language, subtitled. Midlands Arts House, Birmingham T.REXTASY Sat 10 Aug, Comedy Loft, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham, Mon 5 - Thurs JOE DOLMAN + WILL CREAM LIMOUSINE Fri 9 The Robin, Bilston NAISBITT + ELLIE 8 Aug Aug, The World Bar, AESTHETICS + S.T. POOLE Tues 6 Aug, The APOLLO 11 (U) Documentary. Starring Resorts World, B’ham MANVILLE + JESSIE Sunflower Lounge, Buzz Aldrin, Joan Ann Archer. Artrix, THE INTERPRETERS Fri 9 REED Sat 10 Aug, The Birmingham Theatre Bromsgrove, Fri 9 Aug Aug, The Night Owl, Cuban Embassy, ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss JESSICA LYNN Wed 7 Birmingham Birmingham ALIEN (15) Horror/Sci-fi. Starring Aug, The Hare & Hannigan in a new version of the Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt. Ar- GERMEIN Fri 9 Aug, HEY PABLO! Sat 10 Hounds, Birmingham much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 9 Aug Scruffy Murphys, Birm- Aug, The Flapper, Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- TOLKIEN (12a) KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY ingham Birmingham drome Biography/Drama. Wed 7 Aug, The Jam Starring Nicholas Hoult, Lily Collins. JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO PRETTY VILE + KICK House, Birmingham MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 9 Aug, The Robin, THE CLOWN + PELICAAN directs a new version of Shake- Fri 9 - Wed 14 Aug TWELVE TWELVE + P.E.T Bilston + SPIT + NAOMI JAN- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs + THE EARNEST SPEARS LATE NIGHT (15) Comedy/Drama. BIFFY MCCLYRO Fri 9 DIO Sun 11 Aug, The 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, + THE MARILYNS Wed Starring Emma Thompson, Mindy Aug, The Flapper, Sunflower Lounge, Stratford-upon-Avon 7 Aug, The Sunflower Kaling. Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Birmingham Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of ingham, Fri 9 - Wed 14 Aug MICHALE GRAVES Fri 9 THE PAT MCMANUS Shakespeare's romantic comedy, THE BROKEN ORCHES- THE QUEEN'S CORGI (PG) Aug, The Mill, Digbeth BAND Sun 11 Aug, The until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare TRA Thurs 8 Aug, The Robin, Bilston Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Animation/Comedy. With the voices Hare & Hounds, Birm- SUPERCAT Sat 10 Aug, of Julie Walters, Matt Lucas. Mid- THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 9 speare's comedy of gender and ma- - Thurs 15 Aug terialism is turned on its head, until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12a) Biogra- atre, Stratford-upon-Avon phy/Comedy. Starring Viveik Kalra, Kulvinder Ghir. The Electric Cinema, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Birmingham, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Aug restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- PULP FICTION (18) Crime/Drama. Star- ford-upon-Avon ring John Travolta, Uma Thurman. The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- Sat 10 Aug sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan LIFE OF BRIAN (12a) Comedy. Starring Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- John Cleese, Terry Jones. This is an Avon outdoor screening. Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 10 Aug AMÉLIE THE MUSICAL Danny Mac & Audrey Brisson star in a new musical GREASE (U) Music/Drama. Starring based on the much-loved film, Mon Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta. 29 July - Sat 3 Aug, Malvern The- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 10 Aug Germein - Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham atres ENTER THE DRAGON (18) Action/Crime.

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 26/07/2019 09:31 Page 6

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 August

Starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon. The and children’s activities, Tues 6 - Sun car festival in Europe’, Fri 9 - Sun 11 plays, demonstrations and rural at- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 11 11 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingbor- tractions, Sun 11 Aug, Dallas Burston Aug KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN ough Polo Club, Warwickshire DAY Treat your very own knights and BATTLE PROMS Featuring ‘dramatic THE NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Featuring NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: princesses to a day of royal activity, and breathtaking pyrotechnic effects more than 1,000 BMWs. Organised Wed 7 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- with cannon fire and fireworks’, Sat by the BMW Car Club UK, Sun 11 Released from Fri 9 Aug, showing at minster 10 Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester Aug, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, selected cinemas DRAGON SLAYER Featuring displays of SUNDOWN CINEMA Enjoy movies ‘be- Warwickshire THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN (PG) fearless horseback fire-jousting, ‘per- neath the stars’ in the venue’s out- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) ilous’ stunt riding and a ‘dazzling’ door arena, Sat 10 Aug, Midlands confrontation between Guy and his Arts Centre, Birmingham PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE (U) nemesis, the fire-breathing dragon, ASTON ALIVE: A TASTE OF HISTORY Ex- Festivals Wed 7 - Mon 26 Aug, Warwick Castle perience a taste of Aston Hall’s past BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line up in- NATURE DAY: LIVE BUGS! Get up close through the history of food and drink, cludes Sabaton, Parkway Drive and with all manner of creepy crawlies as Sat 10 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham Scorpions, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Events Sarehole Mill invites you to see the CONVOY IN THE PARK ‘The UK’s Catton Hall, Derbyshire Bug Lady. Take part in river dipping SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS biggest celebration of all things truck- LAKEFEST Line up includes Kaiser and finding insects and wildlife Take inspiration from some of the ing’, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Aug, Donington Chiefs, Happy Mondays and James, around the venue, Thurs 8 Aug, Sare- Park, Castle Donington Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor Castle, classic designs at the museum to hole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham create your own ceramic master- STEAM ON THE ROAD Weekend show- Ledbury piece, Mon 5 - Fri 9 Aug, Jackfield TALL TALES: GOLDILOCKS Interactive casing ‘the very best of steam on the FARMER PHIL'S MUSIC FESTIVAL Line Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire telling of the famous story, Fri 9 Aug, road and steam on the rails’, Sat 10 - up includes Lindisfarne, The Neville Aston Hall, Birmingham ZOO CLUB Activities themed around Sun 11 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Staple Band and Slim Chance, Fri 9 - animals, wildlife, nature and zoos for SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster Sun 11 Aug, Gatten Farm, Rat- children aged between eight and 14, the country’s premier horticultural SUMMER FESTIVAL Event featuring tlinghope, South Shropshire Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Aug, Drayton Manor festivals, featuring a diverse pro- food & drink, hand-crafted artisan STATFOLD BARN FESTIVAL Brand new Theme Park, Tamworth gramme of entertainment for the products, street food, live music and for 2019. Line-up includes Sophie whole family to enjoy, Fri 9 - Sat 10 THE BRITISH SHOWJUMPING NATIONAL children’s entertainment, Sat 10 - Sun Ellis-Bextor, Boyzlife, Tony Christie, Aug, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury CHAMPIONSHIPS AND STONELEIGH 11 Aug, World of Wedgwood, Stoke- Toploader, S Club 3 & Bootleg Beat- HORSE SHOW Six days of non-stop ULTIMATE STREET CAR ‘The largest, on-Trent les, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Aug, Statfold Barn equestrian competition, tradestands loudest, hottest and fastest modified EQUESTRIAN DAY 2019 Featuring dis- Railway, Tamworth

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Birmingham 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:40 Page 1 The List Birmingham 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:40 Page 2

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August Stratford-upon-Avon Classical AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Music until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon GOT TO SING CHOIR: THIS IS US! Back THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- by popular demand, a wall of sound speare's comedy of gender and ma- awaits you as Got 2 Sing Choirs terialism is turned on its head, until from across the Midlands proudly Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- presents ‘This is Us!’ - a spectacular atre. Stratford-upon-Avon concert of roof-raising popular songs with an audience participation finale, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Sun 18 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birm- restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, ingham The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- ford-upon-Avon NCO: DREAM, FANTASY, NIGHTMARE Featuring Caroline Hobbs Smith VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- (conductor) and National Children's sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration Orchestras of Great Britain Under 12 tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- The Black Seeds - The Glee Club, Birmingham Orchestra. Programme includes works by Mussorgsky, Avon MÖTLEY CRÜDE & sorts World, B’ham Humperdinck, Shostakovich, Her- GREASE THE MUSICAL Nikolai Foster's rmann & Williams, Sun 18 Aug, brand new production stars Peter POIZON Thurs 15 Aug, TOMMY HUNT WITH THE Gigs Birmingham Town Hall Andre & Ore Oduba who both play The Robin, Bilston SIGNATURES Sat 17 Teen Angel at selected shows, Tues THE BLACK SEEDS Tue THE SPECIALS LTD Fri Aug, The Robin, Bil- 13 - Sat 24 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- 13 Aug, The Glee 16 Aug, The Robin, ston Club, Birmingham drome Bilston BEATFACTORY Sat 17 MINAMI DEUTSCH Tues GIANT & THE GEORGES Aug, The World Bar, Comedy 13 Aug, The Hare & + ED STRONG + AAR- Resorts World, B’ham ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON & Hounds, Birmingham RON ARMSTRONG-CRAD- THE VCR, CHARM OF- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Kids Shows RAKETKANON Wed 14 DOCK Fri 16 Aug, The FENSIVE & HONEY FAC- SON Thurs 15 Aug, The Glee Club, GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Pro- Aug, The Hare & Actress & Bishop, TORY Sat 17 Aug, The Birmingham ductions present an outdoor staging Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, BARBARA NICE'S SUMMER SPECIAL Fri of David Walliams' bestselling tale, BLACK ANGUS (ACDC) Birmingham SECRET RULE Wed 14 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Wed 14 Aug, Packwood House, Soli- AND SACK SABBATH Fri Aug, The Robin, Bil- BELIEVE - THE CHER ingham hull ston 16 Aug, The Slade SONGBOOK Sat 17 Aug, Rooms, Wolverhamp- THANK YOU SCIENTIST, Swan Theatre, ton EFFIGY FOR SLEEP, Worcester ARCHETYPE Thurs 15 DEFINITELY MAYBE & OASIIS Sat 17 Aug, Film Aug, The Flapper, TONY MCCAROLL Fri 16 Route 44, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Birmingham Aug, The Night Owl, Birmingham THE REGGULITES Sat 17 TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adven- PRAM Thurs 15 Aug, Aug, The Night Owl, ture. With the voices of Tom Hanks, RHINO AND THE The Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Tim Allen. The Mockingbird Cinema, RANTERS (FINAL SHOW) Birmingham Birmingham, Tues 13 Aug Fri 16 Aug, The Hare & DANNY WRIGHT Sun 18 LYNETTE WALTERS & Hounds, Birmingham Aug, The Asylum, APOCALYPSE NOW - THE FINAL CUT (15) BAND Thurs 15 Aug, Birmingham Drama/War. Starring Martin Sheen, BLIND IN BIRMINGHAM The Jam House, Birm- Marlon Brando. Midlands Arts Cen- Fri 16 Aug, Route 44, JOHN LENNON UK Sun ingham tre, Birmingham, Tues 13 Aug Birmingham 18 Aug, The Robin, ALMOST EASY Thurs 15 Bilston PULP FICTION (18) Crime/Drama. Star- REVOLVER Fri 16 Aug, Aug, The Hare & ring John Travolta, Uma Thurman. The World Bar, Re- Hounds, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON, The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, BARRY DODDS & ABIGOLIAH SCAMAUN Wed 14 Aug Fri 16 - Sat 17 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD (18) Comedy/Drama. Starring TEZ ILYAS, SAM AVERY, STEVE HARRIS & Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt. The PIERRE HOLLINS Sat 17 Aug, The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, from Comedy Loft, Birmingham Wed 14 Aug ANDREW BIRD, DANNY SUTCLIFFE, THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- ADAM STAUNTON & CARL JONES Sat 17 ture. With the voices of Donald Aug, The Slade Rooms, Wolver- Glover, Seth Rogen. Midlands Arts hampton Centre, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Thurs TEZ ILYAS, DAVEY ASH, TONY BURGESS 22 Aug & DAMION LARKIN Sat 17 Aug, Regent TELL IT TO THE BEES (15) Drama/Ro- Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent mance. Starring Holliday Grainger, Anna Paquin. Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Aug MIDSOMMAR (15) Drama/Horror. Star- Theatre ring Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor. MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, directs a new version of Shake- Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Aug speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs WITHNAIL & I (15) Comedy/Drama. Thank You Scientist - The Flapper, Birmingham 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Starring Richard E. Grant, Paul Mc- whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:40 Page 3

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:40 Page 4

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August Gann. Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham, 15 Aug, Dudley Castle Sat 17 Aug TUNNEL TEDS Bring along your furry THE LITTLE MERMAID (U) friend for a ted-tastic day of bear- Animation/Family. With the voice of themed fun on and around the canal, Jodi Benson, Samuel E. Wright. The Fri 16 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 17, Trust Sun 18 & Wed 21 Aug THE GREATEST SHOW Pull up a ringside THE WIZARD OF OZ (U) Adventure/Fam- seat with a sparkling ‘arrival cocktail’ ily. Starring Judy Garland, Frank Mor- as Level 25 presents a four-course gan. The Electric Cinema, themed dinner interspersed with ‘the Birmingham, Sat 17, Sun 18 & Thurs best in live entertainment’, Fri 16 Aug, 22 Aug Marco Pierre White, Birmingham TALE TALES: RAPUNZEL FAMILY STORY- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: TELLING TOUR Interactive telling of the much-loved fairytale, Fri 16 Aug, Released from Wed 14 Aug, showing Aston Hall, Birmingham at selected cinemas THE MURDER OF ALBERT BECKER There's The Greatest Show - Level 25 @ The Cube, Birmingham ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD been a murder at the Back to Backs - (18) can you help solve the mystery? Fri 16 DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (PG) Aug, Birmingham Back to Backs Festivals Food & Drink GOOD BOYS (15) NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn JUST SO FESTIVAL The multi award- GIN & JAZZ CLUB Start your weekend TRANSIT (tbc) about the nature around you, Fri 16 winning Just So is dedicated solely to off the right way; with a gin cocktail in Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- UGLYDOLLS (U) children and their families, offering hand, listening to the best live jazz ingham astonishing arts, unique experiences around at mac's new Gin and Jazz MAGICFEST BIRMINGHAM Players come and the chance to see the best in Club, Fri 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Cen- together to play Magic: The Gather- new outdoor arts tre, Birmingham Events ing, ‘the world’s most popular trading each year, Fri 16 - DR EAMERS' – GIN TASTING Join Dr card game’, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, NEC, Sun 18 Aug, Rode Eamers' Emporium founder Jordan SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Birmingham Hall Parkland, Lunn for an excellent evening of gin Take inspiration from some of the clas- THE WESTERN MOTORHOME SHOW One Scholar Green, tasting, Sat 17 Aug, Black Country sic designs at the museum to create of the UK’s largest annual country & Cheshire Living Museum, Dudley your own ceramic masterpiece, Mon western festivals, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, 12 - Fri 16 Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, Three Counties Showground, Malvern Ironbridge, Shropshire THE MONSTER Following last year’s sell-out weekend, The Monster returns August 2019 for another knock-out event, Fri 16 - NEW SEASON ON SALE Tues 20 Aug, NEC, Birmingham

SUNDOWN CINEMA Enjoy movies ‘be- 2 - 7 August 5-8 August. 6-18 yrs 9 August neath the stars’ in the venue’s outdoor YESTERDAY MARVEL US! APOLLO 11 arena, Sat 17 Aug, Midlands Arts A wacky, winning, immensely MUSICAL THEATRE Experience the momentous days Centre, Birmingham enjoyable comedy-drama with SUMMER SCHOOL and hours in 1969 when a fantastical premise. humankind took a giant leap. GUIDE DOGS USE YOUR SENSES 5K RUN Release your inner super-hero Walk, jog or run a 5K family-friendly fun run. Use your senses and change COASTER CLUB Become a ride designer the lives of families living with sight for the day, learn all about how Dray- loss, Sat 17 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Ke- ton Manor's rides work and enjoy nilworth some exclusive ride time, Tues 13 Aug, THE BEWONDERMENT MACHINE The Be- Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tam- wonderment Machine is an artist-built worth, Staffs cycle-powered carousel, ‘a kinetic 9 August 10 August 12 - 14 August. 14 - 19 yrs MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - BUILDING IT public sculpture and a magical jour- ALIEN ARTRIX VINTAGE THEATRE UP Will you build the longest bridges, ney for small children’, Sat 17 Aug, Ridley Scott’s heart- stopping, FESTIVAL EXPLORERS the highest towers, the sturdiest walls - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham skin-crawling sci-fi masterpiece, Sing-a-long Grease, Live Music, or even a life-size car? Wed 14 Aug, still terrifying after 40 years. Swing Dance & Vintage Fayre SUMMER SCHOOL MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS Sat 17 - From Page To Stage - Coventry Transport Museum Sun 18 Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, A three day theatre workshop SLIME WORKSHOP Make your very own Wellingborough gooey slime to take home, Wed 14 VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FESTIVAL Fea- Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- turing all things retro vintage and one- ingham off handcrafted pieces, Sat 17 - Sun LITTLE SKIPPERS: CANAL LIFE A 45- 18 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolver- minute boat trip followed by things to hampton make and do, Wed 14 - Thurs 15 Aug, MÜLLER GRAND PRIX BIRMINGHAM COMING SOON: The Queen's Corgi - Saturday Matinee, Vita & Virginia, John Blek, The Current War Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Bringing the very best athletes in the Country Chix, Miranda Sykes, Photograph, Andy Fairweather Low & the Low Riders, Blinded by the Light COASTER CLUB Become a ride designer world to the Midlands for one jam- The Carpenters Experience, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, The Strawbs 50th Anniversary Concert Chantel McGregor, Brainstormers Comedy, Dear Zoo Live!, Theo’s Comedy Skool, Forever Elton, Pain & Glory for the day, learn all about how Dray- packed afternoon of top-quality athlet- National Theatre Live: One Man, Two Guvnors Encore, Paul Foot: Image Conscious, The Counterfeit Sixties ton Manor's rides work and enjoy ics, Sun 18 Aug, Alexander Stadium, Playmobile: The Movie - Saturday Matinee, Ralph McTell, Graham Wilson - Living The Dream... some exclusive ride time, Thurs 15 Birmingham Aug, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tam- Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date 'MORRIS GANG' DANCING Blists Hill Mor- information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure worth ris Gang entertain the crowds with tra- @artrixarts www.artrix.co.uk CASTLE TOURS Take a guided walk ditional dances, Sun 18 Aug, Blists Hill @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN around the 11th century castle, Thurs Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire Box Office: 01527 577330 whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Birmingham 19-25 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:42 Page 1

thelist KANE BROWN, NICO YEARWOOD, SPE- SAM & MARK LIVE! Children’s TV roy- CIAL P, FUNMBI OMOTAYO & JUNIOR alty Sam & Mark, as seen on CBBC’s BOOKER Sun 25 Aug, The Glee Club, Big Friday Wind-Up and Copycats, Birmingham take to the road with a brand new live show, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Aug, Mid- lands Arts Centre, Birmingham Theatre MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Film directs a new version of Shake- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs INDEPENDENT LISTINGS 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROT- Stratford-upon-Avon TEN ROMANS (PG) Comedy. Starring AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of Nick Frost, Kim Cattrall. Midlands Arts Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Centre, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Mon 26 until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Aug Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE DEAD DON'T DIE (15) Comedy/Fan- THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- tasy. Starring Bill Murray, Tilda Swin- speare's comedy of gender and ma- ton. Midlands Arts Centre, terialism is turned on its head, until Birmingham, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Aug Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12a) Biogra- atre. Stratford-upon-Avon phy/Comedy. Starring Viveik Kalra, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Nikita Mehta. Midlands Arts Centre, British Sea Power - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Aug SKABUCKS Sat 24 Aug, The Castle & The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- BALANCE, NOT SYMMETRY (15) Drama. Falcon, Birmingham ford-upon-Avon Starring Laura Harrier, Bria Vinaite. Gigs Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, DEFINITELY MIGHT BE + ADORED Sun VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version Sat 24 Aug BRITISH SEA POWER Wed 21 Aug, 25 Aug, The Robin, Bilston of Thomas Otway’s restoration Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan MATILDA (PG) Comedy/Family. Star- GENE GENIE & THE LEMON SQUEEZERS hampton Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- ring Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman. Sun 25 Aug, The River Rooms, Stour- Avon The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, SKINNY MOLLY FEATURING MIKE ESTES bridge Wed 21 Aug, The Robin, Bilston PRIVATE LIVES Sat 24, Sun 25 & Wed 28 Aug THE PJJ, NORTH BY NORTH, KICK THE Heartbreak Produc- tions present an outdoor staging of HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (PG) Anima- TECH N9NE Wed 21 Aug, O2 Institute, CLOWN & KINDS OF LIGHT Sun 25 Aug, Noel Coward's celebrated comedy, tion/Adventure. With the voices of Birmingham The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Wed 21 Aug, The Pavilion, Light- Chieko Baishô, Takuya Kimura. The REMODE - TRIBUTE TO DEPECHE MODE woods Hill, Smethwick Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 24, Thurs 22 Aug, The Robin, Bilston Sun 25 & Thurs 29 Aug ANDERSON .PAAK & THE FREE NATION- Classical Music BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (18) Biogra- ALS Thurs 22 Aug, O2 Academy, phy/Drama. Starring Rami Malek, Birmingham CBSO: ELGAR'S CELLO CONCERTO Fea- Lucy Boynton. Event includes wine HARD GRAFT Fri 23 Aug, The World turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- tasting. The Electric Cinema, Birming- Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham tor) and Sheku Kanneh-Masonė ham, Sun 25 Aug FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 23 Aug, The Robin, (soloist). Programme includes Howell, Bilston Elgar, Knussen and Weinberg, Wed 21 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: THE MAJOR TOMS Fri 23 Aug, The Released from Wed 21 Aug, showing Night Owl, Birmingham CBSO: MIGRA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S FOURTH Featuring Mirga Gražinyt - at selected cinemas TRUMAN DINOSAUR + VELVET TIDES + Tyla (conductor) and Lina ė TREASURE ISLAND Little Arden Theatre ANGEL HAS FALLEN (tbc) THE NEW RIGHTEOUS MOOD + SLEEPY Company presents its version of Dambrauskaite (soprano). Pro- CRAWL (15) HEADS Fri 23 Aug, The Sunflower gramme includes Ravel, Stravinsky Robert Louis Stevenson's swash- Lounge, Birmingham and Mahler, Sun 25 Aug, Symphony buckling tale, Wed 21 Aug, Crescent PAIN AND GLORY (15) A BAND CALLED MALICE Fri 23 Aug, Hall, Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham The River Rooms, Stourbridge SINGIN' IN THE RAIN The Alexandra PANKAJ UDHAS Fri 23 Aug, Symphony Theatre's Stage Experience show- Hall, Birmingham cases the talents of young West Mid- Events Comedy lands performers in a major CELEBRATING PHIL LYNOTTS 70TH DESTINATION SPACE: THE MOON Family production supported by a profes- BIRTHDAY - TWO DAY CONVENTION Fri TOADALLY FREE COMEDY Mon 19 Aug, show to mark the 50th anniversary of sional creative team, Wed 21 - Sat 24 23 -Sat 24 Aug, The Actress & The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham the first moon landing, until Fri 30 Aug, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, Bishop, Birmingham STEVE SHANYASKI, COMEDY CAROUSEL THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by Birmingham BON GIOVI Sat 24 Aug, The Robin, Bil- WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Folksy Theatre, Sat 24 Aug, Mar- ston Thurs 22 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL tineau Gardens, Edgbaston, B’ham SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Family- THE ESTATES + THE CHASE + SHEMP + STEVE SHANYASKI, CAREY MARX & friendly selection of activities, both in- THE NEW CONSISTENT Sat 24 Aug, The COMIC TBC Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug, The side and outside the Royal Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Shakespeare Theatre, until Fri 30 STRING BAND BOOGIE Sat 24 Aug, JONATHAN PIE, JO ENRIGHT, THE RAY- Kids Shows Aug, various RSC venues across Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVIEW, WAYNE Stratford-upon-Avon TABBY MCTAT Julia Donaldson & Axel hampton BEESE Sat 24 Aug, Brierley Hill Civic Scheffler's heart-warming tale of SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT AVONCROFT MU- Hall, Dudley THE COLOUR SIX Sat 24 Aug, The friendship & loyalty, interwoven with SEUM Six weeks ‘jam-packed’ with World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham SEAN MEO, ADAM STAUNTON, ALLYSON original songs and a sprinkling of family activities for all ages, until Fri ARTURO TAPPIN Sat 24 Aug, Pizza Ex- JUNE SMITH & BARRY CASTAGNOLA Sat magic, Tues 20 - Sun 25 Aug, Birm- 30 Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- press Live, Birmingham 24 Aug, The Comedy Loft, B’ham ingham Town Hall grove 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 19-25 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:42 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 August

THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE New flying birds of prey take to the skies family session taking place every in a display of aerial acrobatics, until Tuesday and Saturday, until Sat 31 Sun 3 Nov, Warwick Castle Aug, Coventry Transport Museum MINI MOTORISTS Under-fives activity LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- mornings, allowing them to discover, ances and new building activities, ex- through play, the world's largest col- plore what a city of the future would lection of historic British cars, Mon 19 look like and build an awesome cre- Aug, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, ation or several, until Sun 1 Sept, Warwickshire Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- Take inspiration from some of the tion of games and toys from child- classic designs at the museum to hood to adulthood, until Sun 1 Sept, create your own ceramic master- Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust piece, Mon 19 - Fri 23 Aug, Jackfield FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy me Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has RAF DEFFORD AIRFIELD GUIDED WALK donned his captain’s hat to show Take a walk around the top-secret air- youngsters what it takes to become a base, which was home to Airborne pirate on the seven seas, until Sun 1 Radar testing & development during Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham the Second World War and the early SUMMER OF SPITFIRE Attractions in- years of the Cold War, Tues 20 Aug, clude cockpit tours of the world’s old- Croome Park, Worcester est Spitfire Mk 1, daily storytelling ZOO CLUB Activities themed around Summer holiday fun at Avoncroft, Bromsgrove sessions and the chance to grab a animals, wildlife, nature and zoos for Sun 25 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Kenil- BIG FUN RUN COVENTRY 5K 2019 Suit- Spitfire selfie, complete with props children aged between eight and 14 worth able for all the family - under-fives go and costumes, until Sun 1 Sept, RAF years, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Dray- INSOMNIA65 See your favourite YouTu- free, Sun 25 Aug, War Memorial Park, Cosford, Ironbridge ton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth bers from across the globe, play Coventry HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring MURDER AT THE CASTLE There’s been some of the latest games, experience stories and follow in the footsteps of a murder at the castle. Use your in- virtual reality, relive the past in the Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 vestigative skills to find the culprit, retro zone, and try a new level of Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Tamworth gaming in the tabletop zone, Fri 23 - Festivals Dudley Castle Mon 26 Aug, NEC, Birmingham CREAMFIELDS Line-up includes Calvin SUMMER TREASURE HUNT Follow the MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - ROBOT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF GLASS Harris, Swedish House Mafia and The clues and find a pirate treasure chest MAKEOVERS Use your imagination, get Festival celebrating and showcasing Chemical Brothers, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 in the garden, until Sun 1 Sept, innovative and find out all about cod- the skill and innovation of the glass Aug, Daresbury, Cheshire Blakesley Hall, Birmingham ing and robotics, Wed 21 Aug, industry and makers, both historic CAMPER CALLING Line up includes Coventry Transport Museum SUMMER OF FUN Featuring a host of and contemporary, local and interna- Skunk Anansie, The Fratellis and events, shows, activities and meet & PEPPA PIG MEET AND GREET Peppa Pig tional, Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Red Ash, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Ragley Hall, greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton and George make personal appear- House Glass Cone, Wordsley, Stour- Alcester Manor Theme Park, Tamworth ances at intervals throughout the day, bridge SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Wed 21 Aug, Birmingham Botanical GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Family fun SHAKES-PAW'S DAY Celebrate National Scouting For Girls, Boyzlife and Gardens including laser combat, foam parties Dog Day in the historic gardens of Busted, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Fish and tractor safaris, until Sun 1 Sept, KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Sat 24 Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn Hatton Adventure World, Warwick DAY Treat your very own knights and Aug, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- princesses to a day of royal activity, Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon 'THE MINISTRY OF WILD THINGS’ NEEDS cludes Face Up!, Kambrium and Left Wed 21 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- YOU - SUMMER FAMILY TRAIL Become MÜLLER BRITISH ATHLETICS CHAMPI- For Red, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Stoke minster an agent for the ministry and help ONSHIPS The best in Britain go head Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove track and map Croome’s landscape, LITTLE SKIPPERS: WATERY WILDLIFE A to head, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Aug, Alexan- SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up until Sun 1 Sept, Croome Park, 45-minute boat trip followed by things der Stadium, Birmingham includes Kate Rusby, Skerryvore and Worcester to make and do, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 HAVE-A-GO ARCHERY Try your hand at Grace Petrie (see interview on page Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust SPACE RANGERS: ALIEN RESCUE New archery with a qualified instructor, Sat 22), Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, West Mid- interactive experience for the summer JUNIOR DRAG RACING FUN DAY Featur- 24 - Mon 26 Aug, Shugborough His- land Showground, Shrewsbury holidays, until Mon 2 Sept, National ing junior dragsters, demonstration toric Working Estate, Stafford Forest Adventure Farm, Burton Upon vehicles, car-crushing monster trucks Trent and stunts, monster truck rides and MOON LANDING MAIZE MAZE Find and other family activities, Thurs 22 Aug, solve space-themed puzzles to help Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough the lunar crew fix their spacecraft and TALL TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST return home safely, until Mon 2 Sept, STORY TOUR Interactive telling of the National Forest Adventure Farm, Bur- much-loved fairytale, Fri 23 Aug, ton Upon Trent Aston Hall, Birmingham PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- THE BIG FEAST 2019 Featuring the mate underwater adventure’, until event’s most jam-packed programme Sun 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, yet, including two UK premieres and Birmingham performances by local, national and RETURN TO THE FAIRY BALL Trail and international acts, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug, scavenger hunt in preparation for Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Arley Arboretum's annual Fairy Ball, PRODUCT EARTH EXPO 2019 The UK’s until Sun 8 Sept, Arley Arboretum, only hemp, CBD & cannabis event Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster that highlights the complete business THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 high- eco-system of the plant, its many va- rieties, derivatives and uses, Fri 23 - The Fratellis - Camper Calling, Ragley Hall, Alcester whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Birmingham 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:54 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Birmingham 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:54 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Gigs Stratford-upon-Avon AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of BODEGA / WORKING MENS CLUB Wed Shakespeare's romantic comedy, 28 Aug, The Hare & Hounds, B’ham until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare ONCE AND FUTURE BAND Wed 28 Aug, Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Castle & Falcon, Birmingham THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- GEOFF TATE - OPERATION MINDCRIME speare's comedy of gender and ma- Wed 28 Aug, The Robin, Bilston terialism is turned on its head, until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- ELIZA MAY Thurs 29 Aug, The Sun- atre. Stratford-upon-Avon flower Lounge, Birmingham THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Thurs 29 Aug, restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Core Theatre, Solihull The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- IAN PARKER & AYNSLEY LISTER Thurs ford-upon-Avon 29 Aug, The Robin, Bilston VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version MACHINE GUN KELLY Fri 30 Aug, O2 of Thomas Otway’s restoration Institute, Birmingham tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan ANDY CROSBY - ROCKETMAN Fri 30 Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- Aug, The River Rooms, Stourbridge Avon HOLLY AND THE HOTRODS Fri 30 Aug, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Samantha Elmer The Patchwork Elephant The World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham Womack takes the lead in an adaptation of Paula Hawkins' gripping novel, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Wed 28 August BEANS + MAKE YOU MELT + GWYNNE Mon 26 - Sat 31 Aug, New Alexandra Suitable for children aged one-plus, this lively production tells the Fri 30 Aug, The Sunflower Lounge, Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham story of a patchwork elephant who determines to hide his ‘true WEST SIDE STORY Youth production SUE / MALLAVORA / HIGH KNUCKS Fri 30 colours’ in an effort to blend in, only to find that he feels happiest reimagining one of the most iconic when he’s simply being himself... Based on the classic children’s Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham musicals of all time, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 DANNY VAUGHN Fri 30 Aug, The Asy- Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome book series by David McKee. lum, Birmingham CLARION Sat 31 Aug, O2 Academy, Tim Boxell. The Mockingbird Cinema, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Birmingham Birmingham, Fri 30 - Sat 31 Aug Kids Shows Released from Fri 30 Aug, showing at LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE DEVOUR- APOCALYPSE NOW - THE FINAL CUT (15) selected cinemas ING MOTHERS & FRANK IERO AND THE Drama/War. Starring Martin Sheen, ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT THE INFORMER (15) FUTURE VIOLENTS Sat 31 Aug, O2 In- Based on the classic children’s book Marlon Brando. The Mockingbird Cin- stitute, Birmingham of the same name, Wed 28 Aug, Mid- ema, Birmingham, Fri 30 - Sat 31 Aug A MILLION LITTLE PIECES (15) FUNK FACTORY Sat 31 Aug, The World lands Arts Centre, Birmingham PAIN AND GLORY (15) Drama. Starring THE MUSTANG (15) Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham MORGAN & WEST'S - MORE MAGIC FOR Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz. MY SPY (tbc) ROBERT OWENS Sat 31 Aug, The Hare KIDS Morgan & West mix ‘brain-bust- Foreign language, subtitled. Mid- & Hounds, Birmingham ing illusion and good old-fashioned lands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 30 tomfoolery, Fri 30 Aug, The Core The- Aug - Thurs 5 Sept THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN Sat 31 atre, Solihull Aug, Lichfield Garrick SPEED (18) Action, Adventure. Starring GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock. Event Events THE SMALL FAKERS Sat 31 Aug, The includes craft beer. The Electric Cin- tions present an outdoor staging of DESTINATION SPACE: THE MOON Family Night Owl, Birmingham ema, Birmingham, Sat 31 Aug David Walliams' bestselling tale, Sat show to mark the 50th anniversary of RAINBOW RISING Sat 31 Aug, The 31 Aug, Bodymoor Heath Lane, THE QUEEN'S CORGI (U) the first moon landing, until Fri 30 Robin, Bilston Kingsbury, Sutton Coldfield Animation/Comedy. With the voices Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, LET THERE B/DC Sat 31 Aug, Route 44, of Rusty Shackleford, Jo Wyatt. Artrix, Birmingham Birmingham Bromsgrove, Sat 31 Aug SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL Dance SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Family- WONDERLANDS National Youth Ballet Comedy present a programme of original DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON & works, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Aug, The COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SON Thurs 29 Aug, The Glee Club, HEARTBEAT OF HOME High-octane Birmingham dance & music extravaganza fusing DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON, cultures from around the world, Thurs SIMON WOZNIAK & MIKE NEWALL Fri 30 29 - Sat 31 Aug, Wolverhampton - Sat 31 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham Grand Theatre CHRISTIAN REILLY, DANNY CLIVES, OTIZ CANNELLONI & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 31 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. Theatre With the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson. The Lichfield Gar- MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran rick, Fri 30 Aug directs a new version of Shake- speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs MEMORY: THE ORIGINS OF ALIEN (18) Documentary. Starring Bijan Aalam, National Youth Ballet’s Wonderlands - The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Birmingham 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 14:54 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August friendly selection of activities, both in- and tractor safaris, until Sun 1 Sept, side and outside the Royal Shake- Hatton Adventure World, Warwick speare Theatre, until Fri 30 Aug, 'THE MINISTRY OF WILD THINGS’ NEEDS various RSC venues across Stratford- YOU - SUMMER FAMILY TRAIL Become upon-Avon an agent for the ministry and help SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT AVONCROFT MU- track and map Croome’s landscape, SEUM Six weeks ‘jam-packed’ with until Sun 1 Sept, Croome Park, family activities for all ages, until Fri Worcester 30 Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- SPACE RANGERS: ALIEN RESCUE New grove interactive experience for the summer THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE New holidays, until Mon 2 Sept, National family session taking place every Forest Adventure Farm, Burton Upon Tuesday and Saturday, until Sat 31 Trent Aug, Coventry Transport Museum MOON LANDING MAIZE MAZE Find and LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- solve space-themed puzzles to help ances and new building activities, ex- the lunar crew fix their spacecraft and plore what a city of the future would return home safely, until Mon 2 Sept, look like and build an awesome cre- National Forest Adventure Farm, Bur- ation or several, until Sun 1 Sept, ton Upon Trent Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- tion of games and toys from childhood to adulthood, until Sun 1 Sept, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy me hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has donned his captain’s hat to show youngsters what it takes to become a Pirates And Mermaids pirate on the seven seas, until Sun 1 National Sealife Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 8 September Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- Avast, me hearties, it’s time to get yer timbers well’n’truly shivered SUMMER OF SPITFIRE Attractions in- mate underwater adventure’, until Sun by visiting the Sea Life Centre, joining a team, hunting for buried clude cockpit tours of the world’s old- 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, Birm- treasure and picking up a prize if you find all the booty! est Spitfire Mk 1, daily storytelling ingham sessions and the chance to grab a And that’s not all... Visitors can also meet the Sea Life mermaids, Spitfire selfie, complete with props RETURN TO THE FAIRY BALL Trail and learn how to tie knots like a real pirate or speak in a mermaid’s scavenger hunt in preparation for Arley and costumes, until Sun 1 Sept, RAF language, colour a pirate hat or mermaid crown, and have their Cosford, Ironbridge Arboretum's annual Fairy Ball, until Sun 8 Sept, Arley Arboretum, Bewdley, photo taken with a pirate and/or a mermaid. HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring Nr Kidderminster And when they’ve finally had enough of all that fun, they can grit stories and follow in the footsteps of Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 high- their teeth, grasp the nettle, take the bull by the horns and yes, Sept, Black Country Living Museum, flying birds of prey take to the skies in walk the dreaded plank (but luckily not end up in Davy Jones’ Dudley a display of aerial acrobatics, until Sun Locker!)... 3 Nov, Warwick Castle SUMMER TREASURE HUNT Follow the SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS clues and find a pirate treasure chest keep the kids entertained, Tues 27 Aug CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Classic vehicles Take inspiration from some of the clas- in the garden, until Sun 1 Sept, - Sun 1 Sept, Kenilworth Castle from yesteryear at stations along the sic designs at the museum to create Blakesley Hall, Birmingham line, Sat 31 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- your own ceramic masterpiece, Mon TEDDY BEARS PICNIC If you go down to way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster SUMMER OF FUN Featuring a host of 26 - Fri 30 Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, the Gardens today, you’re sure of a big events, shows, activities and meet & Ironbridge surprise... Wed 28 Aug, Birmingham greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton Botanical Gardens Manor Theme Park, Tamworth GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether it’s learning to sword fight, shooting MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - RAMPS AND Festivals GREAT SUMMER ADVENTURE Family fun with a bow & arrow, or transforming RACERS Practise your engineering MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line up in- including laser combat, foam parties into a little lord or lady, there’s plenty to skills and make the highest ramps, the fastest racers and the longest race- cludes Don McLean, Jake Bugg and tracks, Wed 28 Aug, Coventry Trans- The Zutons (pictured), Fri 30 Aug - West Side Story port Museum Sun 1 Sept, Moseley Park, B’ham CASTLE TOURS Enjoy a walk around the Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 August 11th century castle, Wed 28 Aug, Dud- Presented as part of the theatre’s 120th birthday celebrations, this ley Castle is Birmingham Hippodrome’s first home-grown youth production LITTLE SKIPPERS: FABULOUS FOSSILS A for the main stage. 45-minute boat trip followed by things to make and do, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 One of the best-known musicals of the 20th century, West Side Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Story sees street gang The Sharks invading the territory of their TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR An rivals, The Jets. interactive telling of Cinderella. Help As trouble brews, Tony - the best friend of Jets leader Riff - meets equip Cinders with everything she and falls in love with Maria, the sister of Sharks leader Barnardo... needs, then join in the dancing at It’s a gritty enough story, but it’s Bernstein and Sondheim’s Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 30 Aug, incredible score which really brings the show to life, featuring Aston Hall, Birmingham BACK TO THE 80'S AND 90'S FESTIVAL 2019 Line up includes Tony Hadley, numbers like Somewhere, Tonight, America, Maria, Gee Officer NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn about the nature around you, Fri 30 Venga Boys and Heather Small, Fri Krupke!, I Feel Pretty, One Hand and Something’s Coming. Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Cattows Farm, Heather, Leicestershire. 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Belgrade Theatre Full August 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 09:46 Page 1 West Midlands Railway Full July 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:00 Page 1