sOn ’ MAGAZINE GROUP 3128 - 2053 ISSN What delight! delight! feature inside feature return of the the of return preview inside preview preview inside preview BE Festival BE debuts in the city the in debuts swings into Brum into swings gastronomic gastronomic CBD Food Festival Food CBD

WICKED CASTSITSSPELL European celebrating feature inside in in theatre Robbie Williams Robbie Wireless ISSUE 343 ISSUE 2014 JULY £1.80 .co.uk .co.uk

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www. INCLUDING INCLUDING BIRMINGHAM WOLVERHAMPTON WALSALL DUDLEY COVENTRY STRATFORD WORCESTER REDDITCH MALVERN SHREWSBURY TELFORD STAFFORD STOKE THE THE DEFINITIVE LISTINGS GUIDE THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - July.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 16:25 Page 1 Page 16:25 23/06/2014 1 - July.qxp_Layout Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 343 JULY 2014 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS @WHATSONBRUM WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK News July region one.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 12:16 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Shobna Gulati serves up John Godber classic Former Dinnerladies and Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati is to star alongside Calendar Girls actor Joe McGann in a major new touring production of John Godber’s April In Paris. The Derby Theatre production of Godber’s bittersweet masterpiece features in a new autumn programme at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre, alongside a major revival of Tim Firth’s musical comedy This Is My Family (28 Oct to 1 Nov), Jerome K Jerome’s classic tale of boating misadventure, Three Men In A Boat (14 to 18 Oct), and Dreamboats And Mini Skirts (10 to 15 Nov) - a sequel to the hit ’50s musical Dreamboats And Petticoats. Commemorating the centenary of World War One, the theatre has also announced its plans to stage a brand new production of The Hundred Years War (31 Oct to 1 Nov). Fusing theatre and poetry, the performance Anita And Me to debut in the Midlands draws on forty war poems written between A stage adaptation of Meera Syal’s award-winning semi-autobiographical novel Anita And Me 1914 and 2013. is to make its debut at Birmingham’s Repertory Theatre next year. Syal’s story focuses on the For full details, visit www.belgrade.co.uk. experiences of nine-year-old Meena as she grows up in the only Punjabi family in a Black Country mining village. The novel is being developed for the stage by Tanika Gupta, and the show will be directed by The Rep’s artistic director Roxanna Silbert. Commenting on the adaptation, Wolverhampton-born Meera said: “I’m so thrilled that Anita And Me is being developed and premiered at the Birmingham Rep - in the West Midlands where I grew up, where the novel is set, and whose people and stories had such a huge influ- ence on my childhood. I know Roxanna and Tanika and of the team will do it proud, and I can’t wait to see Anita, Meena and the rest of the crew come to life on stage. It will, I’m pretty sure, be ‘bostin’!” Anita And Me is scheduled to show at The Rep in Autumn 2015.

International Dance Festival Playbox Theatre patron, her memo- Get moving with Motionhouse hailed a resounding success ries of Playbox. Leamington-based dance company Organisers behind the International Dance Sophie will also Motionhouse has launched a new initiative to Festival Birmingham 2014 (IDFB) - one of the participate in a keep youngsters and dance students active largest festivals of its kind in the UK - have post-show Q&A this summer. Under the direction of youth declared this year’s event a resounding suc- session with the leader Claire Benson, the company will facili- cess, with attendances to ticketed perform- audience at the tate two week-long courses focusing on cre- ances showing an increase of thirty percent Dream Factory, ativity, choreography and building confi- on the previous event in 2012. Warwick, on dence. The first course, the Motionhouse IDFB took place at various venues across Thursday 10 July. Junior Summer Intensive (29 July - 1 Aug), is the city in May. Featuring artists from eight- open to eight-to-twelve-year-olds and offers een countries, it facilitated twenty-one free youngsters the chance to explore acrobatic dance workshops and showcased nine Designer in search of moves and partnering, develop new skills world premieres. One of these was Concert local support and make new friends. Danse - a partnership with Quebecois con- The second course, the Motionhouse Youth temporary dance company Cas Public and Compton Verney has announced it’s to work Summer Intensive (4 - 8 Aug), is designed Birmingham early music ensemble Ex with leading landscape gardener Dan for fourteen-to-nineteen-year-olds and allows Cathedra. The production featured Aakash Pearson to develop a large-scale commis- those with a little dance experience the Odedra and dancers from Birmingham Royal sion for 2015. Linking to the Warwickshire opportunity to work on their skills and create Ballet. venue’s Arts & Crafts House exhibition next ‘dynamic and exciting choreographic materi- summer, the work will consist of a mown al’. Anybody interested should call 01926 parterre (a formally patterned flower garden) 887 052 or email [email protected] Game Of Thrones actress based on the designs of William Morris. The gallery is working with the Art Fund to returns to her roots encourage the public to assist the initiative Midlands actress Sophie Turner, best known through a new wave of giving called crowd- for playing Sansa Stark in fantasy TV drama funding. Compton Verney hopes to raise Game Of Thrones, is to make a personal £15,000 for Pearson’s ‘highly creative proj- appearance at Warwick’s Playbox Theatre. ect’, and is looking for people to pledge their Sophie, who can be seen in cinemas later support by donating anything upward of £5. this year alongside Samuel L Jackson and Each donor will receive a limited edition Jessica Alba in action-comedy Barely Lethal, reward as a thank you for their support. will talk about her role in Game Of Thrones, For further information, visit her career in film and television and, as a www.artfund.org/arthappens.

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Ikon takes to the water A seventy-two-foot converted narrowboat is to embark on a journey along the Black Country’s industrial canal routes as part of an art initiative led by Midlands artists Juneau Projects. Involving members of the Ikon Youth Project (IYP), Black Country Voyages will see the Aaron Manby - leased from Sandwell Council - navigate its way along the canal route, stopping off at Cradley Heath, Tipton, Brownhills, Smethwick, Oldbury, Langley Green, Netherton, Brierley Hill and Stourbridge, where the IYP will present a series of work- shops, live performanc- es and exhibitions. Ikon launches www.blackcountryvoy- ages.org on Black Country Day (14 July), enabling people to track the boat’s jour- ney and find out what’s happening and where. Laura Mvula joins judging panel for music campaign Chamberlain Square to stage British premiere of art Mobo Award-winning singer Laura Mvula is An innovative work of art featuring five thousand figures made out of ice is to make its British the latest name to be added to the judging debut in Birmingham as part of the city’s World War One commemorations. The major exhibi- panel of B-side project, a major national tion, by award-winning Brazilian artist Nele Azevedo, is described as ‘poignant and moving’ music campaign by Visit Birmingham and will see the beautifully crafted ice figure sculptures melt in Chamberlain Square on 2 designed to create an ultimate top-twenty August. The event forms part of an urban intervention called Minimum Monument and follows ‘virtual ’ of tracks by West Midlands on from similar presentations in Sao Paulo, Havana, , Kyoto, Berlin, Porto and Florence. artists. Birmingham-born Mvula will join fel- This latest project features the largest number of ice sculptures Nele has ever produced. low judges - including Horace Panter (The Speaking about Minimum Monument, Nele says: “Hundreds of ice sculptures are taken to Specials), Phil Etheridge (The Twang) and central places in cities and, with the help of passers-by, they are left to melt. The sculptures music journalists Pete Paphides and Matt are tiny men and women, twenty centimetres-tall and placed on stairways. The invitation from Everitt - in an event at Birmingham Town Birmingham refers to the commemoration of World War One and the celebration of the com- Hall on 9 July. As well as considering hun- mon man, which is close to the original concept of the work.” dreds of suggestions from the public, the panel are also champi- Wicked opportunity for young writers... oning a personal IN BRIEF favourite track using Birmingham artist , the and smash- Twitter, where every- hit musical Wicked are on the lookout for Birmingham’s best one can join in the to exhibit in LA young writing talent. The three organisations are inviting children debate by following A Birmingham artist and young people between seven and eighteen to submit short, @Visit_Bham and who’s receiving much clear and captivating stories based on a subject of their own using the hashtag critical acclaim for his choosing. The storywriting competition is split into two age-relat- #BsideBrum. use of chalk and pas- ed categories (seven-to-eleven and twelve-to-eighteen). Two lucky tel to produce images winners (one from each category) will be rewarded with a depicting the search ‘sparkling emerald day’ courtesy of Wicked The Musical, which National award for for human perfection will include the chance to meet some of the cast at the Library of is to exhibit his work in Birmingham before taking their seats at the Hippodrome to see Midlands festival Los Angeles. Oliver the show. Organisers behind Wolverhampton’s Slam Jones’ lifelike portraits Entry forms are available from the Dunk Festival are celebrating after the event question the contem- Library of Birmingham Children’s won Best Festival in the Relentless Kerrang porary pursuit of beau- Library and from birminghamhippo- Awards. Slam Dunk fought off stiff competi- ty, with one particularly drome.com/news. tion from the likes of Leeds Festival, striking piece, The competition closes at midnight Download and Blood And Stock to claim Designer Baby, show- on 9 July. Winners must be available the title, with festival representatives being ing a five-month-old to enjoy the special day on presented with the award in front of an audi- child prepared for sur- Wednesday 30 July. ence of stellar guests that included Status gery. Oliver, who Quo, The Ramones and Fall Out Boy. trained at Birmingham The accolade cements Slam Dunk’s status Institute of Art and Birmingham venue unveils new zone Design and is co- as a major music event for the alternative A new attraction which allows visitors to experience the feeling of rock scene. founder of A3 Project Space in , will diving into a pot of melted milk chocolate has been unveiled at present a series of Cadbury World. Entitled 4D Chocolate Adventure, the attraction new canvases at features a 4D interactive cinema experience which takes audi- Gusford I los angeles ences on a journey on a Crunchie Rollercoaster before rocketing in September. them into the skies in a Cadbury Creme Egg airship, piloted by a Caramel Bunny... Also featured in the new zone are a number of interactive digital games - and the chance for vis- itors to create their own futuristic bar of virtual 3D Cadbury confectionary, using glow-in-the-dark chocolate and ever-morphing fondant.

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Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry Wicked - the award-winning musical arrives in the Midlands, page 6 [email protected] 01743 281717 Website Development: Jim Pallett TO GET THE VERY Rhys Darby Contributors: p4 Kiwi comedian Graham Bostock: Theatre LATEST LISTING News James Cameron-Wilson: back on tour p20 Film; Anita Champaneri: INFORMATION, Eating Out; Music p11 Alev Dervish: Music VISIT: Eva Easthope, Kate whatsonlive.co.uk Evans, Jessica Aston, Comedy p20 Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, INCLUDING Jan Watts, Reggie White BOOKING ONLINE Theatre p23 Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, The Midlands’ most Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE comprehensive p37 Tel: 01743 281777 entertainment website Film/DVD e-mail: [email protected] Follow us on... Festivals p45 This publication is Visual Arts p51 printed on paper from a sustainable source and is July 2014 produced without the use Birmingham p55 of elemental chlorine. @whatsonbrum Events MTWTFSS We endorse the recycling Warwickshire 123456 of our magazine and @whatsonwarwicks Eating Out p65 would encourage you to 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 pass it on to others to Worcester read when you have @whatsonworcs 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 finished with it. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 facebook.com/whatsonlive What’sOn 28 29 30 31 All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless MAGAZINE GROUP 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. Wicked Feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:07 Page 1

When you’re flying and singing that song, you feel like you’re on “ top of the world ”

Spellbinding! West End musical casts a spell over the Midlands

One of ‘the most popular West End musicals ever’ casts its spell over Midlands audiences this month when Wicked flies into Birmingham as part of its first UK tour. A global phenomenon, the musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s ingenious reimagining of Frank L Baum’s Wizard Of Oz, and recounts the hitherto untold story of a profound friendship between sorcery students Glinda and Elphaba. So what’s it like to be Defying Gravity? And how do you know if you’re Popular? Emily Tierney (Glinda) and Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba) talk about what it means to be playing musical theatre’s most sought-after roles...

Are you a Glinda or an Elphaba? This, says “Wicked is so appealing because it’s very For Nikki Davis-Jones, until recently the Emily Tierney, is the question nowadays rare that you get two such big, meaty, female stand-in Elphaba in the West End, it feels echoing around every drama school corridor leads,” says Tierney, whose first professional amazing to finally own the part. “I first - well, at least among those students who job was in Wicked’s ensemble five watched it with (Broadway’s original one day hope to star in Wicked. So which years ago. “And they’re so different. Elphaba) Idina Menzel. I remember mum witch are you? White or green? Good or Everyone I knew at drama school wanted to asking if I'd like to do the show, and me wicked? Are you ‘Popular’, or do you dream play one or the other.” saying that I’d love to, but that there was of ‘Defying Gravity’? Tierney was walking through Leicester nothing in it for me; the part was too big. A For Tierney and fellow actress Nikki Davis- Square when she heard she’d got the part of few years later, here I am. Jones, these questions now have answers. Glinda for a second time (she recently We’re chatting in a rehearsal room in east The pair are taking the lead roles in Wicked’s played her in The Wizard Of Oz too). “My London, where every surface is awash with first ever UK and Ireland tour, stopping off in agent phoned and asked if I was sitting green. Green sunglasses, green babies - Birmingham from 9 July. And while neither down. I had to run into an alleyway. I burst even a green cake that a cast member’s performer is entirely new to the show, they into tears. I was laughing and hysterical at mum has made for someone’s birthday. still can’t believe their luck. the same time.” Welcome to the Emerald City!

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Wicked Feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:07 Page 2

interview...

For those new to the Wicked phenomenon, simply have to take over,” she yodels in the Nikki agrees. “My Act Two costume is so the musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s show. sexy; right in at the waist, and all the frills are 1995 book, Wicked: The Life And Times Of “I was terrified about doing Popular,” so flattering. They made it first in a sack The Wicked Witch Of The West, which riffs confesses Tierney. “Glinda literally doesn’t sit material, to get the cut. Margie, our head of off the Oz story, stepping over Dorothy’s still. She’s jumping around all over the place. wardrobe, told me to stand up straight and ruby slippers to concentrate on the witches There’s a lot to remember, but I’m loving be in character. And now the dress is made instead. This is the back-story for why one doing it now. I love all the numbers I do with like that. So I can’t ‘Hunchback of Notre ends up good and the other, er, wicked. Nikki because we get to have such a giggle. Dame’ it anyway. It’s really good for my On stage, we first meet the characters as We’ve got to try and hate each other - it’s not posture.” students of the University of Shiz. going to be easy!” What about going green every night? “Glinda’s grown up a real daddy’s girl, It’s harder still to pick a favourite song, she “She looks amazing,” gushes Tierney. “She’s having everything on a plate,” explains says. “For Good is such a beautiful one to got her own colour of green: the Nikki Tierney. “She’s never been told no. Then, sing. But I also love No Good Deed. I saw green.” suddenly, she meets this character who she Nikki do it and ran down the corridor like a “It’s so strange,” says Nikki. “I didn’t realise doesn’t understand.” crazy fan.” how different everyone’s shade is to their Elphaba, meanwhile, is green and “They’re all iconic songs,” says Nikki - but skin. The director says I’m prettier green “completely misunderstood from birth,” says even she can’t deny which number is the than in real life!” Davis-Jones. “Nobody likes her. And most iconic. When the TV show Glee The girls agree that the costumes really help because of how she’s been treated all her devoted a whole episode to it, it was clear to get them in character. “I keep wearing little life, she just wants justice for others too. that Defying Gravity had moved from musical skirts in the rehearsal room,” says Tierney. “I She’s a bit of a campaigner, our Elphaba. theatre into the mainstream. don’t feel Glinda-ry if I don’t. But the other She’d definitely be out on all the marches!” “When you’re flying and singing that song, day, I went home and put the grungiest gear Despite loathing each other on first you feel like you’re on top of the world,” says on - I’d outgirlied even myself.” acquaintance - dueting “there's a strange Nikki. “It’s such a powerful feeling. This is the With just weeks to go till opening night, exhilaration in such total detestation” - it’s no turning point, where Elphaba is revealed as nerves are rising for both actresses. “I keep spoiler to say the characters develop a the witch for the first time. I’ve got the having really manic stress dreams,” Tierney friendship so strong that even a couple of broom, the hat, the cape, and I’m off. You gulps. “I think it’s getting my head around love interests (played by the girls’ real-life can’t help but be lifted. I’ve got little taking on the mantle. We’ve seen so many buddies Liam Doyle and George Ure) can’t goosebumps thinking about it.” Elphabas and Glindas; they’re iconic. But throw them off course. “They have this And vocally, adds Tierney, it’s incredibly they’ve told us that they're our parts now and amazing bond, and change each other really challenging. “I remember being at drama we’ve got to find our own way into them.” dramatically,” says Tierney. “Everyone wants school and everyone wanted to sing Defying And what about the high notes of ‘that a friendship like that. I think that’s why Gravity. Everyone tried, but so few could do song’? How does Nikki find her way into people really connect with Wicked.” it.” those? And why bona fide actresses are clamouring If Elphaba wins in the song stakes, Glinda “I get waves of nerves, usually in the scene to be cast in the show, she adds. “It’s great. certainly lucks out with her wardrobe. “I put before Defying Gravity,” she admits. “But by We get to play them at the beginning, when her bubble dress on the other day for a the time it comes, you’re so in the emotional they’re young. Elphaba’s angry and Glinda’s photo shoot and got so choked up,” says moment. And to be honest, if you’re totally in a spoilt brat. And then they go on this big old Tierney. “They were telling me not to cry, it, you don’t even notice the singing. It just journey to see the Wizard and the Emerald because they’d just done all my make-up. comes out and it feels amazing. And at the City. By the end of the show, they’re But it’s overwhelming. Someone asked if I end of it all, when the show’s happened, you completely different people. Elphaba’s fallen could choose which costume was my just think, ‘Oh my god, I love my job. I’m the in love; Glinda’s learned so much, she’s favourite, but I couldn’t. They’re each luckiest girl around’. actually quite moral.” individually designed. So many hours of The duo have just finished rehearsing work go into them; all the beading. I don’t Popular, a fabulously frothy number that sees think I’ve done a show before where you get Wicked shows at Birmingham Hippodrome Glinda give Elphaba the regulation spruce- such attention to detail, that scale of from Wed 9 July to Sat 6 September. up. “When someone needs a makeover, I costume and set.”

totally Wicked facts... n The original Broadway production sixteenth longest-running musical in West remains Broadway’s biggest-ever End Theatre history. blockbuster. Wicked has already been seen by thirty- n n The West End production is soon to enter seven million people worldwide. n Wicked’s costume department uses over its eighth year and reach its three one hundred-and-seventy-nine different thousandth performance at The Apollo. n In Gregory Maguire’s original novel, types and finishes of leather. Elphaba’s first word as a young infant is n Wicked has won over ninety international ‘horrors’, a clear indication of what’s to n The musical’s open-ended run at the awards, including the Olivier Award for Most come. Apollo Victoria Theatre is already the Popular Show.

Emily Tierney (Glinda), Liam Doyle (Fiyero) and Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba): Photo credit: Matt Crockett

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 BE Festival feature LW.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:03 Page 1

It’s about what the city has given to us, because it’s quite “ a feat for two Spanish people to be running a theatre festival here in Birmingham.” Glad to BE here... festival gearing up for its first venture at The REP

A theatre festival created in 2010 as a direct response to Birmingham’s need for more international work is this year entering a new phase of its development, thanks to a partnership with the Birmingham REP. BE Festival annually brings together artists from across Europe to showcase a diverse range of contemporary theatre. Growing in stature since its humble beginnings in Birmingham’s AE Harris Building, the festival this month makes its debut at The REP. What’s On recently met up with festival directors Miguel Oyarzun and Isla Aguilar to talk about the origins of BE, its journey to The REP, and what’s in store for 2014.

Five years ago, the BE Festival’s now- they would want a theatre festival to be. though the event has grown in stature, that directors, Miguel Oyarzun and Isla Aguillar, “James at Stan’s Cafe offered us the use of particular arrangement has continued. “It’s were invited to attend a conference the AE Harris Building,” Miguel continues, now a feature of the festival,” says Isla. organised by the Arts Council to look at how “and we put out a call for submissions. Very “Having the city involved has resulted in big to improve diversity in the Midlands. Miguel soon we received sixty-seven applications audiences coming to see the shows. Hosts and Isla were running their own theatre from all around Europe. Then Birmingham not only have a ticket to come along, they company and touring at the time. A recurring City Council opened an application for also bring their family and friends.” theme throughout the conference was the emerging festivals, and all of a sudden we Although the festival enjoyed great success lack of international work visiting the region. knew it was all meant to be.” at the AE Harris during its first four years, the So Miguel and Isla suggested filling the void An application went into the Arts Council for metal factory’s expanding business meant with a festival. £8,000, because “to ask for ten seemed that BE needed to find a new home for 2014. “That same day people were coming up to greedy!”. The first festival went ahead and Fortunately, the refurbished Birmingham Rep us and saying it was a great idea,” says was deemed a great success. came to the rescue, and now a whole new Miguel, “and suggesting that we did it. So Finances dictated that the majority of artists chapter in the event’s ongoing success story we thought, why not!” who appeared at BE in 2010 were is set to begin. That evening they set about thinking how accommodated in people’s homes. Even Moving forward and acquiring bigger

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audiences while at the same time retaining So how does BE’s format work? Warwick Arts Centre. They’re coming here to the festival’s original ethos was always going “Our responsibility as programmers is to find perform, and there’s an audience for them. to be a fine balancing act, but Isla and a balance,” says Miguel. “The format of four But it works both ways. We also support Miguel are confident it can be achieved. The short shows a night allows us to show a companies from the UK. For instance, Kindle 2014 event will satisfy Isla’s vision of giving cross-section. You may have one show that’s Theatre Company performed at the festival, audiences a completely new experience, with more challenging, which will make people and thanks to that, they’ve gone on to The REP building being turned back-to-front think. Then we’ll show something that perform in Italy and other European and inside-out. everyone can access; something where countries.” Audience members will have the opportunity people can enjoy themselves and have a Asked to summarise what they and BE to step backstage and see the theatre from a laugh. Something which is still being Festival have done for Birmingham, Isla and whole new perspective. While the venue’s contemporary and crossing boundaries in its Miguel offer a modest response: “It’s about workshop is transformed into a festival hub, approach but at the same time is very what the city has given to us, because it’s with a bar and furnished area for relaxation, accessible. Each show is only thirty minutes- quite a feat for two Spanish people to be the stage will be converted into a pop-up long, which means if you’re not liking it, you running a theatre festival here in restaurant. Audiences will be able to dine on won’t have to wait long for the next one. And Birmingham. The city is very welcoming to food from Blanch & Shock Food Design that’s a format that audiences have bought strangers. We feel very supported, and that’s while at the same time watching a into.” fantastic.” performance taking place in the aisles. The programme is certainly eclectic, bringing The Rep’s scenic paintshop, meanwhile, will together various artistic disciplines from become an interactive space and feature a across Europe. It also features workshops, visual arts programme, including TIME = talks, and a programme of visual arts. MONEY = ART, a sharing of work from Dutch There’s a theme for 2014 too - ‘currency’ - artist Dadara. but it’s not an overbearing, all-consuming All areas will be interconnected on a route one. that ensures every aspect of this innovative, Five years on, BE has most definitely grown topsy-turvy approach is on view. in terms of its international status. “The A sign of the festival’s growing reputation is festival was created to become a catalyst for the number of applications received this year. more international work, and that’s Six hundred in total. All were dissected in happened,” says Miguel. “Now we have four detail, with Miguel stipulating that the only or five international companies who have criteria is ‘quality’. The festival will feature residencies here. We may have started it all, twenty-three performances by ensembles but now they’re independently having from fourteen different countries. relationships with places like mac and Isla and Miguel twenty-three companies from fourteen countries in two weeks...

WEEK ONE 2 - 4 JULY A TASTE OF WHAT’S ON OFFER AT BE FESTIVAL 2014 BE FESTIVAL DOUBLE BILL GETAWAY: THEATER AM TISCH An THAT’S IT: SANDMAN A spectre relationships fizzing with the invitation to talk about what claws her way across the passion of the tango, as an Split into two distinct parts, week one of the we’re fleeing from, running stage, back and forth between impetuous trio dance ‘all for festival is dedicated to works by towards and hoping for. nightmarish dreamscapes, to one and one for all!’ Fri, The Birmingham-based Stan’s Cafe and last Wed & Thurs, The Door, 6pm become one creature after Studio, 7pm another, lurking in the darkest year’s festival winners, Denmark’s Out Of MI GRAN OBRA: DAVID ESPINOSA WUNSCHKONZERT: MAURA Three hundred actors, herds of recesses of the mind, Thurs, MORALES One woman's grasp Balanz. animals and a military The Studio, 7pm for a sensual life of joy, wonder Finger, Trigger, Bullet, Gun is a short play orchestra present an LOOPS AND BREAKS: JULIA and dreams realised, beyond by Nenad Prokiv, written for Stan’s Cafe. exploration of balance, SCHWARZBACH Julia invites her everyday monotony, loneliness The play asks, if a Serbian finger pulled the substance and artistic practice, audience to make the action by and longing, Fri, The Studio, trigger which started World War One, who Wed & Thurs, The Door, responding to a series of 9.30pm 6.10pm shifting instructions prepared put the bullet in the gun? The show WAITING: MOKHALLAD RASEM FROM THE WALTZ TO THE especially for the BE Festival Different worlds clash quietly climaxes with the toppling of thousands of MAMBO: RADIOBALLET crowd, Thurs, The Studio, 7pm through traces of dance, dominoes. A 1960s Hungarian ballroom ISLA’S GARDEN: ANNA PESCHKE performance and film in a Next Door Out Of Balanz fuse intimate dance manual becomes a tool An unscrupulous officer and meditation upon the storytelling and high-octane physical theatre for questioning today's dogmas concentration camp doctor, this fundamental human experience surrounding beauty and ‘She-Wolf of the SS’ is an of waiting, Fri, The Studio, to explore what it is that really connects us. education. Wed, The Studio, unsettling creation, inhabited 9.30pm 7pm here by the artist to interrogate THE INVERSE OF THE PLOT: WEEK TWO 8 - 12 JULY PLAZA AVELLANEDA: TEATRO the appeal of German Fascism, JAIME VALLAURE A response to SECRETO Stories with a refined Thurs, The Studio, 9.30pm BE Festival’s unique takeover BE FESTIVAL REP TAKEOVER informality, investigating THE INVASION OF THE BODY of The REP; a performance narrative through a physical SNATCHERS: LA CASA EN EL which flips our understanding The festival’s second week sees the REP approach that invites an ARBOL Fragments of ’50s of how theatre space works. audience further into the scripts and sequels work in Sat, Secret location building turned back-to-front, as audiences depths of contemporary texts. conversation with video IMPRESSIONS D’AFRIQUE: MK access the venue from the rear entrance on Wed, The Studio, 7pm projection to present an Raymond Roussel’s 1910 novel Cambridge Street, where they’ll enter a EVERYTHING WE WERE (NOT) unsettling B-Movie mash-up of forms the backdrop to mk’s relaxed hub complete with soft furnishings, BORN WITH: KIJO GROUP our notions of identity and crowded system of chain cabaret stage, cafe and bar. The REP’s A sparse, forensic examination collectivism, Thurs, The Studio, reactions and ballistic 9.30pm main stage will be transformed into a pop- of the internal and external choreography. boundaries of identity and the GHOSTLAND CINEMA: MINGBEAST Sat, The Studio, 7pm up restaurant, where interval dinners will be human body. Wed, The Studio, IN COLLABORATION WITH AWKWARD HAPPENINGS: STUDIO served to both artists and audiences. 9.30pm SLEEPWALK COLLECTIVE MATEJKA The passage of a Each evening performance will feature four BEATING MCENROE: JAMIE WOOD A cryptic and chaotic relationship, painted in its full different studio shows - each no longer than Bjorn Borg, the self-controlled exploration of how we colours of intimacy and doubt... tennis champion and epitome remember - and of why we Sat, The Studio, 9.30pm thirty minutes - plus three more limited- might prefer to forget, capacity pieces, taking place in other of cool, was everything six- SHOW: ANTONIO TAGLIARINI The year-old Jamie wanted to be. Fri, The Studio, 7pm audience helps a beleaguered spaces within The REP. Then John McEnroe came DOES IT START WITH A KISS?: performer attempt an along... Wed, The Studio, EVA DUDA DANCE COMPANY For information on all festival events, visit impossible self-portrait. Sat, 9.30pm Questions of individual agency The Studio, 9.30pm WWW.BEFESTIVAL.ORG and submission spill from

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Peatbog Faeries Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Weds 9 July Although mainly influenced by traditional celtic music, the Peatbog Faeries create a sound that also embodies numerous other styles and influ- ences, including folk, electronica, rock and jazz. Well established on the circuit, having formed way back in 1991, the ensemble’s music brings to- gether a blend of programmed effects with tradi- tional celtic arrangements played on bagpipes, fiddles and whistles. The Faeries visit the Midlands from their home on the Isle of Skye.

The Jayhawks Robbie Williams LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 5 - Sun 6 July The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Tues 22 July With six of his featuring among the top one hundred biggest-selling in the UK, an American alternative country and country-rock en- entry in the Guinness Book Of World Records for selling over one-and-a-half million tick- semble The Jayhawks emerged from the Twin ets for a tour in a single day, and almost eighty million record sales to his name world- Cities music scene, their sound influencing bands wide, Midlands-born Robbie needs no introduction. Whether with Take That or as a solo such as Uncle Tupelo, The Gear Daddies and The artist, Williams is a heavyweight performer whose popularity has endured despite the Honeydogs. They’ve had plenty of line-up changes passing of time and no shortage of negative publicity along the way. and released numerous albums since forming al- He appears at the LG this month on the back of late-2013 album release Swings Both most thirty years ago, and reunited in 2009 follow- Ways - his second swing album after 2001's Swing When You're Winning and the fourth ing a four-year hiaitus. The current line-up best-selling UK album of last year. comprises Karen Grotberg, Tim O’Reagan, Marc Perlman, Gary Louris and Kraig Johnson. Expect the very best from their back-catalogue, including Sound Of Lies, Rainy Day Music and the joyously Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra poppy Smile. Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Sat 26 July Jools Holland is - somewhat unfairly, it should be said - often viewed as little more than an arch-fan, albeit one with his finger firmly on the musical pulse. Raghu Dixit His well-established BBC TV show has long been an eclectic mixture of styles and gen- res, encompassing music from across the world. His own talent on the piano is immense, The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 27 July and his attitude towards his famed rhythm & blues orchestra friendly and egalitarian. The One of India’s biggest cultural and musical ex- result is a joyous celebration of music, and a sound to which you can’t help but tap your ports, Raghu Dixit has appeared on Jools Holland feet. The band are quite a hit on the summer festival circuit for this very reason, with Hol- and at Glastonbury, and has also performed for land’s familiarity with a bewildering range of material inevitably feeding into the group’s Her Majesty The Queen. He’s been described as a music-making endeavours. Support on this occasion comes from , Melanie ‘transcendental, folk-rocking singer-songwriter’, C and Ruby Turner. presenting Indian music rooted in tradition but fused with a contemporary sound. Raghu is cur- rently touring with his new album, Jag Changa.

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Music PREVIEWS Daryl Hall & John Oates Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 22 July It’s been nearly ten years since ’80s pop icons Hall and Oates last performed in the UK, so this Symphony Hall appearance has understandably excited their legion of loyal fans. Performing together since 1970, the duo really hit the big time in the latter part of that decade, their star then shining bright until the mid-1980s. Expect the fellas to dig deep into their four- decades-long back-catalogue when they play Birmingham, with performances of massive hits like You Make My Dreams, Out Of Touch, Private Eyes and Maneater certain to be among the highlights of a memorable evening.

Rebecca Ferguson Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Fri 25 July Pregnant with her third child she may be, but Liverpudlian Rachel Ferguson’s showing no signs of slowing down. Despite a traumatic eighteen months during which she’s dealt with stalkers and a court case around the fraudulent loss of £100,000, she’s still found time to re- lease new album Freedom, which has been certified Gold. Rebecca is performing her Up Close And Personal set in Coventry, showcasing the extraordinary and powerful vocals that have seen her compared to Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Macy Gray.

Steven Seagal’s Blues Band Paul Weller The Robin, Bilston, Mon 21 - Tues 22 July Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, Delamere Forest, Crewe, Fri 4 July; If you’re looking to sample a novelty gig this Sat 19 July Warwick Castle, Fri 11 July summer, this could well be the very show Taking their name from the title of the Steely Not many solo artists can claim to be as in- you’ve been waiting for. Yep, the Steven Sea- Dan song Deacon Blues, the Glaswegian stantly identifiable in both sound and appear- gal in question is indeed that Steven Seagal, boys came together in 1985, releasing the ance as the legendary Paul Weller. Now more the pony-tailed macho man from a host of highly regarded concept album Raintown two of a brand than an individual, the man is a PR straight-to-video action movies. Along with years later. Follow-up offering When The executive’s dream. However, as an antidote being an actor, film producer, screenwriter, World Knows Your Name topped the UK to these cynical pre-packaged days, there’s film director, martial artist, reserve deputy album charts in 1989, with further albums substance behind the spin. sheriff, entrepreneur and seventh-dan black being released in 1991 and ’93, the latter just Doomed to be forever known as the Mod-fa- belt in Aikido, Mr Seagal is also a musician, a year prior to the group splitting up. The ther (if only behind his back), Weller has and is currently out on tour strumming all band reformed on the eve of the twenty-first done much of his growing up in public. From manner of guitars in the company of his century, and have performed together on a the heady punk-pop days of The Jam in the highly accomplished blues band. Check him part-time basis ever since. 1970s to the more soulful Style Council of the out - you may be pleasantly surprised... 1980s, he's graduated to a solo career con- sisting of solid guitar work punctuated by the Tame Impala flashes of lyrical ingenuity. The Institute, Birmingham, Mon 14 July “Our way of doing music is very organic,” ex- plains Kevin Parker, the Australian psyche- delic rock musician who fronts Tame Impala. “There’s a repetitiveness about it; it’s meant to be hypnotic, almost in a kind of electronic nature.” The band formed in 2007 and came to promi- nence three years later with the release of their debut album, Innerspeaker. Two years afterwards, follow-up effort Lonerism scored a massive hit with the critics. Making psychedelic hypno-groove melodic that Parker says is as influenced Trash Talk ‘by English folk as it is homeless folk’, and as Simply Soweto Encha Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Kasbah, Coventry, Thurs 10 July much by ‘Turkish prog as it is by Turkish De- light’, the highly regarded ensemble stop off Fri 18 - Sat 19 July California boys they may be, but Trash Talk in Birmingham as part of a European summer Here performing as part of Birmingham Fest are a hardcore punk band a million miles tour. 2014, South African a cappella group Simply away from The Beach Boys. Recently re- Soweto Encha make music that’s been de- leased fourth full-length studio album No scribed as ‘a sound sensation’. Showcasing Peace is mainly thrashcore with a trip-hop R’n’B, doo-wop, gospel, pop and jazz, they and electronic detour. Presenting one of the perform original material, cover songs, and most intense and raucous live shows around, traditional African music from the Zulu, the band are well known for their pranks, and Tswana and Xhosa cultures. Their show is can be seen getting up to various antics in beautifully choreographed, too, and pays the video for lead single The Hole. tribute to the late Nelson Mandela.

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bird Jazz Club, B’ham TORI REED The Marr's MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS Bar, Worcester STEVE AJAO'S CLUB BEBOP The Spotted For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, Dog, Birmingham including times and dates, UNTO US & COLOURFLOW visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Robin, Bilston London Grammar Civic Hall, Wolverhampton THE MINIATURE CONCERT BAND Avoncroft Mu- Fresh from their recent Ivor Novello Award win, London Grammar seum, Bromsgrove were welcomed to Wolverhampton’s stunning retro Civic Hall by a TUE 1 JULY Worcester THE WOOHOO REVIEW NIGHTS ON BROADWAY - Lichfield Garrick truly mixed bunch of punters, from bearded hipsters in their skinny THE BEE GEES STORY jeans to middle-aged art teacher types and all the tribes in between. NIGEL KENNEDY Malvern Malvern Theatres MON 7 JULY This trio’s music obviously appeals to all ages. IAN MCLAGAN Hare & DEVIN TOWNSEND PROJ- First up was the track which started it all, Hey Now, originally posted Hounds, Birmingham ECT The Assembly, EXTREME O2 Academy, on YouTube in late 2012. Standing centre-stage but slightly in the THE JAZZ COMPOSERS Leamington Spa Birmingham shadows - which kind of set the tone for the gig - Hannah Reid per- ENSEMBLE The Jam HANSU-TORI Symphony THE DUNNETT/BAXTER House, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham BIG BAND The Yardbird formed some impressive vocal gymnastics before launching effort- PAT BRESLINIrish Cen- Jazz Club, Birmingham lessly into the body of the song. In fact, throughout the fifty-five-minute THE ENEMY The Sug- armill, Stoke-on-Trent tre, Birmingham THE BRIAN JONESTOWN set, Hannah's vocals were pitch-perfect, the audience enjoying her JAYNE POWELL Ort Cafe, MASSACRE O2 Acad- performance in an almost reverential silence. Birmingham emy, Birmingham Hannah, Dot and Dan performed each and every track from debut WED 2 JULY CHASING TRAITS The THE WINERY DOGS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on- album If You Wait. The arrangements were almost identical to the Slade Rooms, Wolver- NIGEL KENNEDY Malvern Trent hampton album, a fact which displayed either a supreme confidence or a touch Theatres SAD SALLY The Flapper, SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY & of laziness. I'm veering towards the former. THE FULL ENGLISH mac, Birmingham THE ASBURY JUKES The With Interlude, the original white backcloth was removed to reveal six Birmingham SLYDE ALIVE The Road- Robin, Bilston THE REVEREND PEYTON'S string players on a raised platform. Some mighty fine lighting very ef- house, Birmingham BIG DAMN BAND The GRACE THE SKIES The TUE 8 JULY fectively lifted the atmosphere. The good vibes continued with Wasting Robin, Bilston Asylum, Birmingham My Young Years, one of the band’s strongest songs. That said, it was TWO MAN TING The SEBASTIAN BACH The a pity to see so many smartphones being raised into the air. Rather Yardbird Jazz Club, SAT 5 JULY Slade Rooms, Wolver- than enjoying the live performance, some people preferred to scrab- Birmingham hampton GARY NUMAN The As- ble to get a poorly recorded version that they most likely wouldn’t MR BEN The Jam RIXTON O2 Academy, sembly, Leamington Birmingham watch again later. A waste indeed. House, Birmingham Spa KICK UP THE 80'S The CARL SINCLAIR DUO The The only cover version of the set was Nightcall. With the aforemen- THE MOSQUITOS The As- Robin, Bilston Jam House, B’ham tioned strings and superb lighting, this was a real highlight, finally giv- sembly, Leamington UPRAWR’S SUMMER PAR- MUSIC FOR YOUTH NA- ing the audience something to move to. Spa ADISE The Asylum, TIONAL FESTIVAL Various STEVE AJAO BLUES GI- After the award-winning Strong, it was time for the encore. In a rare Birmingham venues around B’ham ANTS The Jam House, moment of verbal communication with the crowd, Hannah admitted ROBBIE WILLIAMS LG Birmingham Arena, Birmingham WED 9 JULY she felt a bit of a fraud ending a show, with everyone knowing they’d DAN CROLL Kasbah, THREE STEP MANOEUVRE be back on shortly for a couple more songs. But what a couple of THU 3 JULY Coventry FUNKY ORGAN TRIO The songs they were: Metal And Dust and If You Wait, the album’s title - THAT'S LIFE - TAKE THAT Yardbird Jazz Club, SCHOOL OF ROCK & POP & WESTLIFE SHOW Nail- and, in my view, its strongest - track, which saw Hannah at the piano Birmingham SHOWCASE O2 Acad- cote Hall, Berkswell doing what she does best, delivering flawless vocals. THE MINIATURE CONCERT emy, Birmingham KFAMOVES PRESENTS The only disappointment of the night was that we weren't treated to BAND Artrix, Broms- SILENT SCREAMS The MOVE TO THE RHYTHM grove anything new. Asylum, Birmingham Symphony Hall, WYJO & WYJO2 WITH So what’s up next for London Grammar, and what can we expect from THAT'LL BE THE DAY The Birmingham SPECIAL GUEST MARK Place, Oakengates WWI CENTENARY AND D- that ‘difficult’ second album? The hipsters, art teacher types and I NIGHTINGALE Artrix, TONY JOE WHITE The DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY can’t wait to find out. Tony Maxwell nnnn Bromsgrove Robin, Bilston COMMEMORATION CON- GOSPEL CENTRAL The OMAR The Jam House, CERT , B’ham Jam House, B’ham Birmingham ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S V SOULFLY The Slade John Grant Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE BERKLEY SALON EN- 80S The River Rooms, Rooms, W’hampton SEMBLE Solihull Arts Stourbridge First coming to prominence in the mid-1990s as frontman in the alt- THE PEATBOG FAERIES Complex MADDY STORM The Sug- rock band The Czars, American singer-songwriter John Grant took to Hare & Hounds, B’ham JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR armill, Stoke-on-Trent RAGE OF ANGELS The the stage at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre as part of his European The Assembly, Leam- THE REDEEMED The River Rooms, Stour- summer tour. ington Spa Drum, Birmingham bridge SONGSTARS AND THE DESTROYERS mac, John opened the set with the sardonic, synth-led You Don’t Have To, MUSIC FOR YOUTH NA- FRIENDS Artrix, Broms- Birmingham from his second and most recent solo album, Pale Green Ghosts. Its TIONAL FESTIVAL Various grove JAI-JAGDEESH mac, mid-tempo beat and John’s deep, resonant vocals filled the large au- venues around B’ham WBS MUSIC CONCERT An Birmingham ditorium. Already, the audience was in the palm of his hand. John’s evening of country/folk STAR OF THE SEA Irish music isn’t pop; by his own admission, it’s ‘angry and sarcastic’. The performed by the Ex- Centre, Birmingham THU 10 JULY press Club, The Edge second track of the set, Vietnam, is laced with both. His autobiograph- THIRD ANGLE PROJEC- JO HARMAN The Robin, Arts Centre, Much Wen- ical and almost confessional lyrics are tempered not only by the clas- TION The Actress & Bilston lock, Shropshire Bishop, Birmingham MUSIC FOR YOUTH NA- sically melodious and beautifully played keyboard of Coventry-born ECHO AND THE BUNNY- TEMPLETON PEK The TIONAL FESTIVAL Various Chris Pemberton but also, of course, by the warmth and depth of MEN Wulfrun Hall, Flapper, Birmingham venues around B’ham Wolverhampton John’s own vocals. SMOOVE & TURRELL DARYL SHERMAN Hunt- BAM MARGERA'S The band were sharp. When it came to playing the album title-track, Hare & Hounds, B’ham ingdon Hall, Worcester F**KFACE UNSTOPPABLE the power and energy was fantastic. John alternated between deter- STATED QUO, JACKIE LYN- ELKIE BROOKS Crewe O2 Academy, B’ham mined vocals and ominous synth-playing. Stark back-lighting and TON & MERCHANTS OF Lyceum strobes pushed the sound into the crowd. Inevitably, it was GMF - a COOL The Roadhouse, LARRY MILLER The River FRI 4 JUL Birmingham song rejoicing in personal faults and reflecting a steely determination Rooms, Stourbridge THE DINOSAUR CLUB JOHN OTWAY Hare & to make them count for something - that most fans wanted to hear. MR BEN The Jam House, Birmingham Route 44, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham When it came, it was delivered with confidence and swagger. TALON - THE BEST OF EA- KWAI & LORD BYRON 1-EYE The Jam House, Hare & Hounds, B’ham At times during the performance, John took a backseat vocally, allow- GLES Solihull Arts Com- Birmingham CITIES PREPARE FOR AT- ing the music to speak for itself as he sat, almost motionless, playing plex TRASH TALK Kasbah, TACK Ort Cafe, B’ham keyboards/synth. Although intensely personal, his music isn’t self-in- MIXTAPE SAINTS The Ac- Coventry OUR MUTUAL FRIEND The dulgent; its dark humour allows no room for self-pity, a fact evidenced tress & Bishop, B’ham MAETLOAF The Robin, SUN 6 JULY Roadhouse, B’ham by the jokes and banter he shared with the audience. LIGHT THE SKIES O2 Bilston ROBBIE WILLIAMS LG The set ended with a mighty version of Queen Of Denmark. Academy, Birmingham THE ELO EXPERIENCE Arena, Birmingham The encores were acoustic: a poignant version of Abba’s song of ‘love Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- CODY SIMPSON The In- betrayed’, Angel Eyes (a favourite of his); a nod to his time with The hampton stitute, Birmingham FRI 11 JULY Czars, Drugs; and the beautifully rich love song, Caramel. PAUL WELLER Delamere SHILLEAGH Irish Centre, B'SPOKE The Jam Forest, Crewe Birmingham Ted Finlay nnnn House, Birmingham THE MELLSTOCK BAND SALLY PEPPER The Yard- Huntingdon Hall, JOHN COGHLAN'S QUO

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House, Birmingham tre, Birmingham WHO'S WHO & THE JAM'D SPITTING FEATHERS, Music LISTINGS The Robin, Bilston LAST TRAIN & HORROR BUDDY HOLLY'S WINTER ON THE HIGH SEAS The DANCE PARTY Bedworth Roadhouse, B’ham For full listing information on gigs, Civic Hall KIDS CAN’T FLY O2 including times and dates, ANDREW W.K Kasbah, Academy, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Coventry ALISON SYMONS & STEVE MON 21 JULY TROMANS BAND Sym- The Robin, Bilston Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham ONSLAUGHT O2 Acad- FLEETWOOD BAC The KASTELLA O2 Academy, MONEY FOR NOTHING - emy, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham TRIBUTE HANS CHEW & RHINO & MUSIC FOR YOUTH NA- Artrix, Bromsgrove THE RANTERS Hare & TIONAL FESTIVAL Various SUN 13 JULY SLOW CLUB The Insti- Hounds, Birmingham venues around B’ham NOT JUST JAZZ Crescent THE NATIONAL ROCK & tute, Birmingham ADRIAN LITVINOFF’S IN- SONS OF CALIBRE Irish Theatre, Birmingham TERPLAY Symphony POP FESTIVAL O2 Acad- STEVEN SEAGAL'S BLUES emy, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham BON GIOVI The Road- BAND The Robin, Bilston THE BON JOVI EXPERI- THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Wolverhampton Grand house, Birmingham ENCE Malvern Theatres ONETHOUSANDSUNS The TUE 22 JULY PAUL WELLER Warwick Theatre LITTLE JIMMY Irish Cen- Actress & Bishop, Birm- STEVEN SEAGAL'S BLUES Castle ingham KRAAK & SMAAK Hare & tre, Birmingham BAND The Robin, Bilston METAL TO THE MASSES HOT CLUB DE SWING - DARYL HALL & JOHN Hounds, Birmingham JULY BALL FINAL The Roadhouse, Hare & OATES Symphony Hall, IN HINDSIGHT O2 Acad- Hounds, Birmingham emy, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL FULLY LOADED & MR CITIZEN, DIAMOND YOUTH CHOIR WITH NO NAME APOLLO CHOIR Birmingham Route 44, & HEADROOM The Flap- Paul Carrack - The Robin, Bilston mac, Birmingham Birmingham DEAN FRIEDMAN Artrix, Town Hall per, Birmingham SIMPLY SOWETO ENCHA WHOLE LOTTA DC Bilston Bromsgrove MORPHEUS RISING The MIKE DIGNAM The Insti- Old Joint Stock The- Moochers, Stourbridge RAGHU DIXIT The Glee DEAD SEA SKULLS The Robin, Bilston tute, Birmingham atre, Birmingham THE NORTONS O2 Acad- Club, Birmingham Victoria, Birmingham TAKE IT TO THE STAGE THE JAYHAWKS The As- HAVE SOME MOORE emy, Birmingham BLAKE & BRAZIL Irish ULTIMATE ELTON & THE mac, Birmingham sembly, Leamington Marr’s Bar, Worcester PIONEER The Actress & Centre, Birmingham ROCKET BAND The As- Spa COLIN STETSON The Tin Bishop, Birmingham HEARTBREAKER - PAUL sembly, Leamington MON 14 JULY RON POPE The Institute, Music & Arts, Coventry REBECCA FERGUSON RODGERS TRIBUTE The Spa Birmingham THE NATIONAL ROCK & Ricoh Arena, Coventry Roadhouse, B’ham LONG DISTANCE Irish MAYSA The Jam House, POP FESTIVAL O2 Acad- LIBERTY LIES The Slade NOTHING BUT THIEVES Centre, Birmingham SAT 19 JUL Birmingham emy, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton The Yardbird Jazz Club, HANNAH BROWN Ort TAME IMPALA The Insti- SOLID SOUL The Jam BROOM BEZZUMS The Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham tute, Birmingham House, Birmingham WED 23 JULY Marr's Bar, Worcester BAD MANNERS The River SOLEY MOURNING, THE JEAN GENIE The Robin, THE MOURNING SUNS Ort MON 28 JULY Rooms, Stourbridge EVE SELIS The Robin, EMPTY CAN, CYNICAL Bilston Cafe, Birmingham MUSIC FOR YOUTH - Bilston RENEGADE, SUNDAY 44 & SIMPLY SOWETO ENCHA VINCENT FLATT'S FINAL LAYLA ZOE The Robin, ROCK, POP & URBAN NURVRAX JAM The Yard- ELEVATE The Robin, Old Joint Stock The- DRIVE Route 44, B’ham Bilston Birmingham Town Hall bird Jazz Club, B’ham Bilston atre, Birmingham VICE SQUAD & THE SHOTS BURT BACHARACH Sym- RUSS WINSTANLEY Hare FRED WESLEY The Drum, AC ACADEMY SING WITH TREMBLING BELLS The The Assembly, Leam- phony Hall, B’ham & Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham RUSSELL WATSON Sym- Tin Music & Arts, ington Spa RED DIRT SKINNERS, GORDIE MACKEEMAN & phony Hall, B’ham Coventry CHRIS THE BARD AND THE HIS RHYTHM BOYS Hare TUE 29 JULY DARK SIDE OF THE WALL MERRY BAND & PAUL & Hounds, Birmingham SAT 26 JULY TUE 15 JULY The Roadhouse, B’ham RYAN MCGARVEY BAND HANDYSIDE The Tin BROTHERS GROOVE The SECRETS OF MARIANA, THE SUBTERRANEANS Music And Arts, Jam House, B’ham The Robin, Bilston THE NATIONAL ROCK & STONEPIT LANE, NEV- The Jam House, B’ham ARNOCORPS Coventry PETE FIJ & TERRY BICK- The Asy- ERENDER, CELESTIAL MAD P Hare & Hounds, POP FESTIVAL O2 Acad- ERS The Tin Music And lum, Birmingham WISH & RUSTLUNG Birmingham emy, Birmingham The Arts, Coventry HEAVEN & EARTH The Flapper, Birmingham DARKSIDE - THE PINK WED 30 JULY SAT 12 JULY Robin, Bilston METROPOLITAN BRASS FLOYD SHOW Belgrade THU 24 JULY Theatre, Coventry B'SPOKE The Jam DELANO MILLS NOT QUINTET Symphony RYAN MCGARVEY BAND JOHNNY 2 BAD The House, Birmingham STRICTLY JAZZ QUARTET Hall, Birmingham GUNNRUNNER The The Roadhouse, B’ham Robin, Bilston MUSIC FOR YOUTH NA- The Jam House, B’ham MOTOWN'S GREATEST Robin, Bilston JULIE DEXTER The Jam PHORIA The Sunflower TIONAL FESTIVAL Various HITS New Alexandra MARK MORRISS The Ac- House, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham venues around B’ham WED 16 JULY Theatre, Birmingham tress & Bishop, B’ham THE PRETTY THINGS MAMMA MIA SUMMER ULTIMATE MADNESS V DEACON BLUE Weston- MIKE SANCHEZ BAND The PEEPSHOW The Robin, PARTY WITH SENSATION SKA & 2 TONE REVUE The THE NATIONAL ROCK & birt Arboretum, Jam House, B’ham Bilston AN ABBA TRIBUTE Nail- Robin, Bilston POP FESTIVAL O2 Acad- Gloucestershire THE LAST CARNIVAL O2 BOOGARINS The Tin cote Hall, Berkswell, THE KOMMITMENTS The emy, Birmingham THE 80'S V THE 90'S The Academy, Birmingham Music And Arts, Warwickshire Roadhouse, B’ham KIRAN LEONARD Hare & River Rooms, Stour- LOWER THAN ATLANTIS Coventry JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS LYNUS, PHOENIX RISING, Hounds, Birmingham bridge The Institute, B’ham THE SHIRES The Insti- RHYTHM & BLUES OR- THE OLDEST HOUSE & LAURENCE JONES BAND IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE X CONTRACT, tute, Birmingham CHESTRA Eastnor Castle DOLLS WEAVER The The Robin, Bilston STATE TERRORISM TOUR PROMETHEA, THE SENTON Deer Park, Hereford- Flapper, Birmingham The Drum, Birmingham BOMBS & ANESIS The shire THU 31 JULY JUKEBOX & BOBBYSOX THE CHOIR THAT ROCKS Roadhouse, B’ham THU 17 JUL SWEDE DREAMZ - ABBA The Swan Theatre, Symphony Hall, B’ham DEL CAMINO The Jam TRIBUTE NIGHT The Worcester TOPLOADER The Jam IAN PARKER Artrix, FRI 25 JULY House, Birmingham Great Barr Hotel, B’ham OUR WORLD BELOW The House, Birmingham Bromsgrove JP COOPER Hare & DESPERADO - THE VERY Slade Rooms, Wolver- SWING: THE AN EVENING WITH GILLES THE SUBTERRANEANS Hounds, Birmingham BEST OF THE EAGLES Ar- hampton BIG BAND Artrix, Broms- PETERSON Hare & The Jam House, B’ham NOSOUND The Robin, trix, Bromsgrove CRAIG CHARLES Hare & grove Hounds, Birmingham FRED ZEPPELIN The Bilston KICK UP THE 80'S The Hounds, Birmingham LADY LUCK AND THE LATE FRAN THE MAN Irish Cen- Robin, Bilston AUGUSTUS CAESAR The DARKSIDE - THE PINK River Rooms, Stour- VALVE SOUND SYSTEM NIGHT PLAYERS The tre, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham FLOYD SHOW bridge The Institute, B’ham Roadhouse, B’ham GLASSBULLET O2 Acad- Belgrade SWEDE DREAMZ - ABBA Theatre, Coventry SWIM WITH SHARKS Irish THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- 10CC The Robin, Bilston emy, Birmingham TRIBUTE NIGHT The DESPERADO - THE VERY Centre, Birmingham SHOW Malvern Theatres TROYKA & PULCINELLA ESTATES The Actress & Great Barr Hotel, B’ham BEST OF THE EAGLES SOULSHAKE The Yard- THE DECADES BAND The The Tin Music And Arts, Bishop, Birmingham The THE BON JOVI EXPERI- bird Jazz Club, B’ham River Rooms, Stour- Coventry MATTHEW EDWARDS & Roadhouse, B’ham ENCE SISTER SHOTGUN O2 The River Rooms, bridge THE AMORETTES, PEN- THE UNFORTUNATES Hare GORDON ELVIS Artrix, Academy, Birmingham Stourbridge THE RYANS Irish Centre, CILS FOR PISTOLS & & Hounds, Birmingham Bromsgrove THE MICKY GREANEY WARLORD UK O2 Acad- Birmingham FOOLS GLORY The Slade THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- BAND Ort Cafe, B’ham emy, Birmingham SUNJAY BRAYNE & Rooms, Wolverhampton TIES TRIBUTE SHOW Eve- SUN 20 JULY TRANSMISSION - JOY DI- HAWK EYES The Flapper, BETHAN AND THE MOR- DAVINA AND THE sham Arts Centre, VISION TRIBUTE The Birmingham GANS Ort Cafe, B’ham VAGABONDS Hare & SNAKECHARMER The As- Worcester UNDER THE COVERS Roadhouse, B’ham Irish THE NATIONAL ROCK & Hounds, Birmingham sembly, Leamington YOUNG PILGRIMS Sym- THE BIG FOUR TRIBUTE Centre, Birmingham POP FESTIVAL O2 Acad- THE SHALFONTS Ort Spa phony Hall, B’ham BOXCAR ALDOUS HUXLEY ONDAHWUN The Actress BAND Route 44, B’ham emy, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham ULTIMATE GENESIS O2 & ANDY OLIVERI Ort & Bishop, Birmingham TFI90 The Actress & Academy, Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham TIDES, PAGE44 & KEEP SUN 27 JUL Bishop, Birmingham PAUL CARRACK The IVOR & LYNN'S CLASSIC FRI 18 JULY THE CHANGE The Insti- ALEX OHM & DUKE The Robin, Bilston IMPERIA ROCK DISCO Route 44, tute, Birmingham The Robin, Sunflower Lounge, SOLID SOUL The Jam IRENE & TOM Irish Cen- Birmingham For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Classical July Region One.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:19 Page 1

Classical Music PREVIEWS The Royal Opera: Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 6 July Tragic opera and romantic farce combine perfectly in Richard Strauss’ brilliant cham- ber opera. Celebrating the one hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the composer’s birth, Christof Loy’s eye-catching production takes time out from its London run to delight Birmingham audiences. Under the baton of Sir Antonio Pappano, an impres- sive cast transports viewers to a baroque Vienna, where a grand opera company and a panto troupe are forced onto the same stage. The resulting scenes have been described as ‘uproarious, unpre- dictable - and ultimately sublime’. Finnish opera singer Karita Mattila takes the lead as Ariadne, opposite Italian tenor Roberto Saccà as Bacchus. Other casting includes Jane Archibald (Zerbinetta), Ruxandra Donose (composer), Markus Werba (Harlequin) and Sir Thomas Allen The King’s Singers (The Music Master). Sung in German with English surtitles.

Three Choirs Festival Karita Mattila various locations in and around Worcester, Sat 26 July - Sat 2 August Held annually since the early eighteenth century, the Three Choirs Festival rotates between the cities of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, showcasing an eclectic range of choral perform- ances from across Britain, Europe, America and Australasia, as well as theatre, lectures, mas- terclasses and exhibitions. This year it’s the turn of Worcester to host the week-long event, which is commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War One. The festival opens with a morning service in the city’s cathedral on the Saturday. It’s followed in the evening by a performance of Britten’s War Requiem, in which Dr Peter Nardone and Ger- raint Bowen conduct the Festival Chorus and Philharmonia Orchestra, with vocals provided by Susan Gritton (soprano), James Oxley (tenor) and David Wilson-Johnson (baritone). Other festival highlights include performances by the Aquilin Ensemble (Huntingdon Hall, 27 July), Tenebrae (Worcester Cathedral, 29 July), Elgar and Korngold Piano Quintets (Pershore Abbey, 30 July), and The King’s Singers (Worcester Cathedral, 31 July). For full festival event listings, visit www.3choirs.org The Sixteen Last Night Of The Lichfield Cathedral, Tues 8 July Summer Proms Recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles, The Six- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 July teen were formed by conductor Harry Christophers thirty-five As quintessentially English as cucumber years ago with the aim of providing a fresh insight into Baroque sandwiches and Pimms, the ever-popular and early classical music and a diversity of twentieth and twenty- first-century music. With over one hundred recordings under their Last Night Of The Summer Proms promis- belt and numerous accolades to their name, they return to the es to provide an evening of uplifting clas- Midlands this month to perform in the beautiful setting of Lichfield sics and prom favourites. Works from Cathedral. Elias String some of the world’s greatest composers - Presenting The Choral Pilgrimage, ‘an annual tour which aims to Quartet Rossini, Bizet, Sibelius and Mozart - are bring music back to the buildings for which it was written’, Harry played out alongside rousing favourites St Michael’s Church, Jerusalem, Land Of Hope And Glory, Nes- Christophers directs the ensemble in a programme of works that Lichfield, Fri 11 July includes: Sheppard’s Gaude, gaude, gaude Maria; Mundy’s sun Dorma and the Dambusters March. Taking their name from The concert is performed by the London Adolscentulus sum ego; Davy’s O Domine caeli terraeque; Shep- Mendelssohn’s oratorio, pard’s Libera no I and II; Shepphard’s In manus tuas I; Davy’s Concert Orchestra under the direction of Elijah - Elias is the German conductor Hilary Davan Wetton. Ah, mine heart, remember thee well; Sheppard’s In manus tuas form - the Elias String III and Mundy’s Vox patris caelestis. Vocals come from Angharad Morgan Quartet formed in 1988 (soprano), Katie Bray (mezzo soprano) and while students at Man- John Pierce (tenor). chester’s Royal Northern College of Music. In 2010 Angharad Morgan the quartet received the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award, and have since performed at some of the world’s most prestigious chamber venues and alongside a plethora of highly respected artists. Stopping off in the region to perform as part of the annual Lichfield Festival, the quartet present a pro- gramme comprising works by Haydn, Webber and Beethoven.

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brooke & Ian Venables, Tenebrae - Worcester Cathedral Sun 20 July, Tarde- Classical LISTINGS bigge Church, Worces- ter For full listing information on classical ENSEMBLE 360: OBOE concerts, including times and dates, STRING Programme visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk includes works by Mozart & Britten, Mon THE MAGIC FLUTE Mid- Great War, from unac- 21 July, New Vic The- lands opera present a companied Bach to atre, Newcastle-under- colourful production of Bolero, Latin style Lyme Mozart’s whimsical music to military march- CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA opera, Tues 1 - Sat 5 es, and English music Programme includes July, , by Vaughan-Williams, works by Kodaly, Birmingham Butterworth & Elgar Strauss & Beethoven, soprano), Mon 28 July, vanov, Kalinnikov, Glin- Worcester Cathedral THE TURN OF THE SCREW accompanied by read- Sat 26 July, Birming- Worcester Cathedral ka, Chesnokov, Golo- FESTIVAL CHORUS & Featuring Seastar ings of war poems, ham Town Hall LAY CLERKS IN CONCERT vanov, Sheremetiev, PHILHARMONIA ORCHES- Opera, Susie Self (con- Wed 9 July, Avoncroft A SHROPSHIRE LAD: THE Programme includes Tchaikovsky & Kedrow, TRA Programme ductor) and Michael Museum, Bromsgrove GREAT WAR IN ENGLISH Arthur Sullivan’s The Tues 29 July, Worcester includes works by Black (piano), Tues 1 LAURA VAN DER HEIJDEN: SONG Featuring Roder- Long Day Closes, Mon Cathedral Strauss, Korngold & July, Avoncroft Muse- YOUNG ARTIST CONCERT ick Williams (baritone) 28 July, College Hall, RODOLFUS CHOIR; TIME Walton, Wed 30 July, um, Bromsgrove Programme includes & Gary Matthewman Worcester AND ITS PASSING Pro- Worcester Cathedral CBSO BLUEBEARD’S CAS- works by Schumann, (piano), Sat 26 July, AISA IJIR PIANO CONCERT gramme includes works THE BUSCH PIANO TRIO TLE Featuring Edward Ligeti & Brahms, Wed 9 Huntingdon Hall, Programme includes by Tavener, Tallis, Arvo Programme includes Gardner (conductor), July, Lady Chapel, Lich- Worcester works by Debussy, de Part & Kodaly, Wed 30 works by Haydn & Dvo- Ekaterina Gubanova field Cathedral BRITTEN WAR REQUIEM Falla, Rachmaninov & July, St George’s rak, Thurs 31 July, St (mezzo) and Gabor THE JOHN WILSON Featuring the Festival Prokofiev, Tues 29 July, Church, Barbourne, Martin’s Church, Bretz (bass). Pro- ORCHESTRA Featuring Chorus & Philharmonia Huntingdon Hall, Worcestershire Worcester gramme includes works Matt Ford, Wed 9 July, Orchestra, Sat 26 July, Worcester LUNCHTIME YOUNG THE KING’S SINGERS Pro- by Janacek & Bartok, Lichfield Cathedral Worcester Cathedral LUNCHTIME YOUNG ARTISTS SERIES SVET- gramme includes works Wed 2 July, Symphony CATRIN FINCH & SECKOU OPUS ANGLICANUM: THE ARTIST SERIES WITH LANA MOCHALOVA Pro- by Byrd, Morley, Dow- Hall, Birmingham KEITA Wed 9 July, Lady SONG OF ANGELS The ROSE HSIEN Programme gramme includes works land, Libby Larsen, COSI FAN TUTTE - OPERA Chapel, Lichfield Cathe- five-man a cappella includes works by by Schumann & Rach- Shearing, Schubert, UK Opera UK bring dral group present a pro- Debussy, Elgar & Ravel, maninov, Wed 30 July, Schumann, Faure & Mozart's comic opera PETER MOORE: YOUNG gramme of works by Tues 29 July, St Mar- St Martin’s Church, Auric, Thurs 31 July, into the twenty-first cen- ARTIST CONCERT Thurs Gibbons, Howard tin’s Church, Worcester Worcester Worcester Cathedral tury. Sung in English, 10 July, Lady Chapel, Skempton & Byrd, Sat ACADEMY OF ANCIENT ARONOWITZ ENSEMBLE REFLECTIONS OF 1914 Wed 2 July, Lichfield Lichfield Cathedral 26 July, College Hall, MUSIC ORCHESTRA & Programme includes Featuring Roderick Garrick JAN GARBAREK AND THE Worcester THREE CATHEDRAL Elgar & Korngold piano Williams (baritone), ALISTAIR MOSELEY & THE HILLIARD ENSEMBLE THE AQUILON ENSEMBLE CHOIRS Programme quintets, Wed 30 July, Yeree Suh (soprano), VIRR QUARTET Opportu- Thurs 10 July, Lichfield Programme includes comprises Mass in B Pershore Abbey, Peter Hoare (tenor), nity to hear two won- Cathedral works by Beethoven, Minor, Tues 29 July, Worcestershire Festival Chorus & Phil- derful works – Mozart’s ADRIAN LITVINOFF’S Reicha, Arnold, Szer- Worcester Cathedral THREE CATHEDRAL harmonia Orchestra, Clarinet Quintet, paired INTERPLAY Fri 11 July, vansky & Bizet, Sun 27 TENABRAE:RUSSIAN CHOIRS Programme Thurs 31 July, Worces- with Weber’s Clarinet Symphony Hall, B’ham July, Kings School, TREASURES Programme includes works by ter Cathedral Quintet, Wed 2 July, ELIAS STRING QUARTET Worcester includes works by Tomkins, Howells, Byrd Artrix, Bromsgrove Programme includes SACCONI QUARTET: Rachmaninov, Golo- & Mathias, Wed 30 July, THE BERKLEY SALON works by Haydn, TOWARDS THE NEW ENSEMBLE Thurs 3 July, Webern & Beethoven, WORLD Programme Solihull Arts Complex Fri 11 July, St Michael’s includes works by CBSO NEW YORK - A Church, Lichfield Janacek, Mozart & Dvo- GERSHWIN AND BERN- GHISLAINE REECE-TRAPP rak, Sun 27 July, Hunt- STEIN GALA Featuring Fri 11 July, Lichfield ingdon Hall, Worcester Martin Yates (conduc- Cathedral FESTIVAL CHORUS & tor), West End vocalists OPERA GALA A black tie PHILHARMONIA ORCHES- and Victor Sangiorgio evening set amongst TRA Programme com- (piano). Programme Compton's Moore prises Dvorak’s Stabat includes music by Rodin exhibition. The Mater, Sun 27 July, Gershwin and Bern- evening sees Diva Worcester Cathedral stein, Fri 4 July, Sym- Opera perform Mozart's THE SOUNDS OF BURT phony Hall, B’ham Don Giovanni, Sat 12 BACHARACH Mon 28 BRODSKY QUARTET Pro- July, Compton Verney July, Symphony Hall, gramme includes works Gallery, Warwickshire Birmingham by Brahms, Borodin & CALLUM SMART: YOUNG THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL Panufnik, Fri 4 July, St ARTIST CONCERT Pro- YOUTH CHOIR Pro- Michael’s Church, Lich- gramme includes works gramme includes works field by Brahms, Mozart, by Paul Mealor, Vaugh- 2014 BRANT INTERNA- Saint-Saens & Franck, an Williams & Joseph TIONAL PIANO COMPETI- Sat 12 July, Lady Phibbs, Mon 28 July, TION BIRMINGHAM - THE Chapel, Lichfield Cathe- Worcester Cathedral FINAL Sat 5 July, Birm- dral LUNCHTIME YOUNG ingham Town Hall BBC PHILHARMONIC ARTIST SERIES ORGAN CHETHAM’S SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring RECITAL Programme ORCHESTRA Programme violinist Tasmin Little. includes works by Bux- includes works by Programme includes tehude, JS Bach, Byrd, Debussy, Ravel & Szy- works by Mendelssohn, Howells, Langlais, manowski, Sat 5 July, Moeran, Vaughan Durufle & Franck, Mon Lichfield Cathedral Williams & Elgar, Sat 12 28 July, St Martin’s ACADEMIA MUSICA CHOIR July, Lichfield Cathedral Church, Worcester Sat 5 July, Great SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PROTEUS ENSEMBLE Fea- Malvern Priory, Programme includes turing Stephen Shellard Worcester works by Borodin, (conductor) & Christo- LAST NIGHT OF THE SUM- Smetana, Grieg & pher Allsop (organ). MER PROMS Sat 5 July, Tchaikovsky, Sun 13 Programme includes Symphony Hall, B’ham July, Stratford Civic Hall works by Parry, David THE ROYAL OPERA: METROPOLITAN BRASS Briggs, Tavener, Bain- STRAUSS’ ARIADNE AUF QUINTET Part of Musical ton, Donald Hunt, Duru- NAXOS Sun 6 July, Sym- Picnic. Recommended fle, Villette & David phony Hall, B’ham for ages 0-7, Sat 19 Briggs, Mon 28 July, THE SIXTEEN: CHORALE July, Symphony Hall, Pershore Abbey, PILGRIMAGE 2014 Tues 8 Birmingham Worcestershire July, Lichfield Cathedral ELIZABETH ATHERTON FESTIVAL CHORUS & AQUARELLE GUITAR Supported by Robert PHILHARMONIA ORCHES- QUARTET Tues 8 July, Plane (clarinet) & TRA Featuring Juraj Swinfen Hall, Lichfield Michael Pollock (piano). Valcuha (conductor), THE MINIATURE CONCERT Programme includes Katherine Broderick BAND Concert marking works by Purcell, Finzi, (soprano) & Jennifer the centenary of the Warlock, Joseph Hol- Johnston (mezzo

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Sara Pascoe Comedy mac, Birmingham, Thurs 10 July Box Office Comedy actor, sketch performer, improviser and writer Sara put her best foot forward into ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE the realm of stand-up comedy back in 2007. 01527 577330 Only a year later, she was voted runner-up in BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL the Funny Women competition and third in the 0121 780 3333 So You Think You're Funny? contest. Since that CIVIC HALL, time she’s continued WOLVERHAMPTON to develop both her 0870 320 7000 act and her CV, with COURTYARD THEATRE, HEREFORD roles in The Thick Of 01432 340555 It and Being Human THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM sitting alongside her 0121 333 2444 stand-up work. Jokes DRUMMONDS BAR, include: "Why did the WORCESTER chicken commit sui- 01905 28190 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, cide? To get to the MUCH WENLOCK other side." 01952 728911 EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE, WORCESTERSHIRE Rhys Darby 01386 446944 Alfie Moore Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 20 July FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sat 19 July According to Jim Carrey, who knows a thing or two about being a LEEK, STAFFS 01538 386112 Staunch Sheffield socialist Alfie Moore is a mas- popular funnyman, Rhys Darby - aka band manager Murray Hewitt in THE GEORGE HOTEL, ter raconteur and a very funny man. He’s also a Flight Of The Conchords - is "just absolutely brilliant. He’s got that BURSLEM, STAFFS serving police officer. Indeed, referencing his Peter Sellers madness inside him”. 07763301081 two careers, his website advises that ‘if you Far be it from us to argue with so glowing an assessment from so THE GLEE CLUB, would like to see Alfie live’, your options are well respected a source. Instead, we'll just settle for telling you that BIRMINGHAM 0871 4720400 either to ‘catch him at one of his gigs’ or ‘drive Rhys's shows tend to combine surreal musings, hilarious stories from to Scunthorpe and HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, his life and a healthy dollop of nonsense and fantasy. Jokes include: 0844 844 0044 park on a double yel- “My girlfriend recently told me that she's into self-harming. So for her HUNTINGDON HALL, low line’. Alfie made it birthday I got her a hammer and said ‘knock yourself out.’” WORCESTER, to week five of ITV’s 01905 611427 Show Me The Funny KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM back in 2011, and is 0121 443 4725 a much-in-demand LUDLOW ASSEMBLY after-dinner speaker. ROOMS Jokes include: "I'm in 01584 878141 a same-sex mar- MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 riage... the sex is OAKENGATES THEATRE, always the same." TELFORD 01952 382382 PALACE THEATRE, REDDITCH Junior Simpson 01527 65203 Players Bar, Birmingham, Sat 26 July PLAYERS BAR, BIRMINGHAM Junior’s a pretty well-known face on TV nowa- 0121 643 6871 days, having paid his comedy dues on series THE ROSES THEATRE such as Never Mind The Buzzcocks and The 11 TEWKESBURY O'Clock Show. And as with most 01684 295074 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, laughter merchants, he’s not to LEAMINGTON SPA everyone’s taste, sometimes 01926 334418 being criticised for the qual- SHOWCASE, COVENTRY, ity of his material. “I don't 0871 220 1000 like comparing myself to THE SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON successful comedians,” 0870 320 7000 said Junior in a recent inter- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX view, “but if I had to, it Summer Scorcher feat. Stephen K Amos 0121 704 6962 would be Chris Rock. It's The Drum, Birmingham, Fri 4 July STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THEATRE the energy. I’m not "I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny Henry to 01785 254653 dead on stage but I die before I could get on television," says Stephen K Amos, referring THEATRE SEVERN, don't go around to his belief that big breaks for Black comedians have been few and SHREWSBURY screaming at far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen - 01743 281281 people either. who headlines this show - is very much basking in the televisual lime- WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 02476 524524 People don't light nowadays. His success is no surprise, mind, given the quality of WULFRUN HALL, want to be his material and his effortless ability to strike all the right chords with WOLVERHAMPTON screamed at his ever-appreciative audience. 0870 320 7000 whilst they’re eat- South London gangster Special P and New Yorker Tameka Campbell ing their nachos!” also appear on the bill.

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Weds 9 July, Kitchen ROUGH WORKS Sun 13 July, mac, Birmingham CAROUSEL, RUDI LISTINGS Garden Cafe, July, The Glee Club, LOL COMEDY CLUB WITH LICKWOOD & GORDON Comedy Birmingham Birmingham MC DAMION LARKIN Sat SOUTHERN Fri 25 - Sat JASON MANFORD Weds DAN NIGHTINGALE & 19 July, Regent 26 July, The Glee Club, 9 July, Palace Theatre, GLENN WOOL Sun 13 Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham For full listing information on comedy Redditch July, Theatre Severn, JOE LYCETT & WILL MARS MANDY KNIGHT, MICKEY gigs including times and dates visit SARA PASCOE & JOHN Shrewsbury Sat 19 July, Evesham D, JIMMY MCGHIE & WILL www.whatsonlive.co.uk ROBINS Thurs 10 July JASON MANFORD Tues Arts Centre, MARS Fri 25 July, mac, Birmingham 15 July, Oakengates Worcestershire Highlight Comedy LEE EVANS Thurs 10 Theatre, Telford GARY DELANEY, SEAN Club, Birmingham MILTON JONES & PAUL Birmingham July, Regent Theatre, JASON MANFORD Weds PERCIVAL, TOM MANDY KNIGHT, MICKEY ZERDIN Weds 2 July, GARETH RICHARD, DIANE Stoke-on-Trent 16 July, Royal Spa WRIGGLESWORTH & D, JIMMY MCGHIE & Ludlow Castle, Ludlow, SPENCER & HALEY ELLIS JULIAN DEANE, IMRAN Centre, Leamington JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Sat DANNY WARD Sat 26 South Shropshire Fri 4 July, Hereford YUSUF, COMEDY Spa 19 July, Players Bar, July, Highlight Comedy DAVE TWENTYMAN PLUS Courtyard Theatre CAROUSEL & ANDY MICHAEL FABBRI, DAVID Birmingham Club, Birmingham GUESTS Weds 2 July, DUNCAN OAKLEY, DAMION ROBINSON Thurs 10 TRENT, COMEDY TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, STEPHEN CARLIN & IAN D The , LARKIN, PLUS TWO July, The Glee Club, CAROUSEL & ANDY MIKE BELGRAVE, OLA & MONTFORT Sat 26 July, Birmingham COMICS TBC Fri 4 July Birmingham ROBINSON Thurs 17 RHYS MATTHEWSON Sat Evesham Arts Centre, GARY DELANEY Thurs 3 The Slade Rooms, THE IMPROLYMPIANS Fri July, The Glee Club, 19 July, Coventry Worcestershire July, Huntingdon Hall, Wolverhampton 11 July, mac, Birmingham Showcase COMEDY IN THE MET, LINE Worcester DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, Birmingham ADDY VAN DER BORGH & THE LAUGHTER CREWE UP TBC Sat 26 July, ANDY WHITE, DAN SMITH FREDRIK ANDERSSON, GEOFF BOYZ, ANGIE ED GAMBLE Thurs 17 Sun 20 July, Crewe Stafford Gatehouse PLUS TWO COMICS TBC JARRED CHRISTMAS & MCEVOY, PRINCE ABDI & July, mac , Birmingham Lyceum Theatre Thurs 3 July, MATT REES Fri 4 - Sat 5 LUKE TOULSON Fri 11 - STAND UP COMEDY RHYS DARBY Sun 20 JUNIOR SIMPSON, JOSH Stourbridge Town Hall July, The Glee Club, Sat 12 July, Highlight SHOWCASE Fri 18 July, July, Birmingham Town HOWIE, PAUL TONKINSON JETHRO Thurs 3 July, Birmingham Comedy Club, mac, Birmingham Hall & COLIN MANFORD Sat Palace Theatre, KEN DODD Sat 5 July Birmingham PAUL MCCAFFREY, KIERAN TOM STADE, LUCY 26 July, Players Bar, Redditch Malvern Theatres JULIAN DEANE, IMRAN BOYD & STEVE BUGEJA PORTER & RYAN GOUGH Birmingham ZOE LYON & ROB ROUSE STEVE GRIBBIN, PENELLA YUSUF, COMEDY Fri 18 July, Hereford Sun 20 July, Urban MATTHEW OSBORN, Thurs 3 July, mac, MELLOR, COMIC TBC, CAROUSEL, ANTHONY J Courtyard Theatre Coffee Company, SCOTT GIBSON, PETE Birmingham MIKE WILSON Sat 5 July BROWN & GARY LITTLE STAND-UP STAIRS Birmingham OTWAY & TOM TOAL Sat ADDY VAN DER BORGH, Players Bar, Fri 11 - Sat 12 July, The COMEDY SHOW Fri 18 JEWELLERY QUARTER 26 July, Coventry JO CAULFIELD, CHRIS Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham July, Palace Theatre, COMEDY MINI FRINGE II Showcase WASHINGTON & ANDY STEVE ROYLE, SAM JAMES ACASTER, Redditch Sun 20 July, Rose Villa JETHRO Weds 30 - KIND Thurs 3 July, AVERY, ALFIE MOORE & ANDREW BIRD, JO MICHAEL FABBRI, DAVID Tavern, Birmingham Thurs 31 July, Hereford The George Hotel, LUKE GRAVES Sat 5 July CAUFIELD & MICK FERRY TRENT, COMEDY LLOYD LANGFORD, WES Courtyard Theatre Lichfield Coventry Showcase Sat 12 July, Players CAROUSEL, PIERRE ZAHARUK, COMEDY DAVE HADINGHAM, PETER ANDY ROBINSON, JARRED JOHN BISHOP Sun 6 Bar, Birmingham HOLLINS & ALFIE MOORE CAROUSEL & ANDY WHITE, COMEDY CHRISTMAS, COMEDY July, The Glee Club, TREVOR CROOK, TONY Fri 18 - Sat 19 July, The ROBINSON Thurs 24 CAROUSEL & ANDY CAROUSEL & FREDRICK Birmingham JAMESON, MIKE NEWALL Glee Club, Birmingham July, The Glee Club, ROBINSON Thurs 31 - ANDERSSON Thurs 3 JUSTIN MOORHOUSE & & LOST VOICE GUY Sat OWEN O'NEILL, QUINCY, Birmingham Sat 2 Aug, The Glee July, The Glee Club, JASON COOK Tues 8 12 July, Coventry IMRAN YUSUF & ADAM PATRICK MONAHAN & Club, Birmingham Birmingham July, Rose Villa Tavern, Showcase ROWE Fri 18 - Sat 19 ANDREW BIRD Thurs 24 STEPHEN K. AMOS, Birmingham JETHRO Sun 13 July, July, Highlight Comedy July, mac, Birmingham SPECIAL P, JOHN SIMMIT BARBARA NICE, MADGE The Roses Theatre, Club, Birmingham LLOYD LANGFORD, WES PLUS SPECIAL GUEST Fri HOOKS, MANDY MUDEN & Tewkesbury HARRIETT DYER Sat 19 ZAHARUK, COMEDY 4 July, The Drum, MAUREEN YOUNGER

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Show Boat Birmingham Hippodrome, Weds 2 - Sat 5 July Following a much-acclaimed production of Porgy & Bess at Birming- dock workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River Show Boat. ham Hippodrome in 2012, Cape Town Opera this month returns to The Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II musical features well- the venue with this new version of one of America’s oldest musicals. loved melodies including Ol’ Man River and Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Premiered on Broadway in 1927, Show Boat tells the story of the old Man.... American south by following the lives of performers, stagehands and Entertaining Mr Sloane Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 July This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of Joe Orton’s black comedy, a work of theatre which proved an instant hit when it was first staged in 1964. The arrival of the enigmatic Mr Sloane seems like a dream come true for Kath, who shares a drab existence with her father in a house on the outskirts of a rubbish dump. But there’s more to Sloane than meets the eye. As Kath and her brother Ed compete for his favours, it soon becomes apparent that behind the new lodger’s provocative and sexually ambivalent demeanour lies a calculating psychopath with a dark and secretive past... A 1970 film version of the play starred Peter McEnery in the title role, with Beryl Reid and Harry Andrews giving star turns as Kath and Ed. A Midsummer Night’s Dream Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Sun 13 July; Whitbourne Hall, Worcester, Thurs 31 July; Mary Arden House, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 1 August Accessible language, likeable characters, romantic liaisons, magical creatures and a series of comical caperings with an ass are here combined to excellent effect in one of Shakespeare’s most popular works. Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Hermia, Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania and Oberon are up to no good, and Puck’s got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. Add into the mix a group of rude mechanicals and the recipe for success is pretty much complete. Zany funsters Oddsocks are the theatre ensemble behind this particular production, so expect a seriously high laugh- ter count.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Caitlin Moran: How To Build A Girl New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Weds 16 July Broadcaster, TV critic and newspaper colum- nist Caitlin Moran is a performer of many tal- ents, as this new touring show is certain to illustrate. The woman who once described sex as ‘an incredibly relaxing thing to do before or after Newsnight’ visits Birmingham in an effort to get out of doing her fair share of the childcare (well, so her publicity says), and will be talking about subjects including Sherlock, David Bowie, big hair, feminism, welfare and ‘that amazing heavy-metal kid on Gogglebox who never says anything’. Peter Pan And The Lost Boys Morr Hall School, Sutton Coldfield, Sat 5 July; Brueton Park, Solihull, Thurs 17 July; Charlecote Park, Warwickshire, Sat 19 July; Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire, Thurs 31 July; Brockhampton Estate, Worcestershire, Sat 2 August; Packwood House, Solihull, Fri 8 August; Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton, Sun 10 August; St Johns House Museum, Warwick, Thurs 21 August Second star to the right and straight on till morning - that's the way to Neverland. Fly away with the boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled with adventure. Meet a real fairy and the wicked Captain Hook - and don’t forget to listen out for the ‘tick-tock’ of a very hun- gry crocodile too. That said, this Heartbreak Productions offering is no common-or-garden version of the JM Barrie classic, presenting, as it does, the Lost Boys staging an overnight protest to save their local skate park...

Sense And Sensibility Holly Mog Bridges The Attic Theatre, Coventry, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Malvern Theatre, Tues 15 - Sat 19 July Thurs 3 - Sun 13 July Weds 16 - Sat 19 July Colin Baker may not have scored much of a Tread The Boards Theatre Company is the Jars Of Clay’s bittersweet musical finds Jack hit as Dr Who, but the couple of years he ensemble behind this latest adaptation of and Holly returning to one another’s lives spent as everybody’s favourite Time Lord Jane Austen's popular novel. Regency-era after twenty-five years apart. A quarter-centu- has nonetheless ensured him a certain level sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are ry earlier, Jack had carried a torch for the of ongoing fame since he exited the Tardis the main protagonists of the story, busily energetic young singer, but wasn’t sure that for a final time in 1986. Here, he stars as making their first forays into the excitingly the object of his affection had even so much army man James Bridges, whose many decadent world of eighteenth century high as noticed him. Their chance meeting so years in service overseas has left him society, where the giddy excitement of love many years later offers an unexpected estranged from his family. But when his son and the terrible pain of heartbreak await opportunity to write a brand new chapter in arrives on his somewhat solitary seventieth them... their story, but Jack’s a man struggling to birthday with news about his daughter Mog, overcome his personal demons. Can a rela- James wonders whether he may yet have an tionship with Holly flourish in his wreckage of opportunity to build some much-needed a life? bridges...

Any Fool Can Start A War Black Coffee New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Sat 12 July Weds 16 - Thurs 17 July The always-value-for-money Stan’s Cafe here Take a play by the Queen of Crime and a join forces with Billesley Primary School to company dedicated to producing new ver- tell the story of the Cuban Missile Crisis in a sions of her work, and there’s every chance show that’s being described as ‘witty, visually you’ll be left with an evening of high-quality, arresting, educational and highly ambitious’. brain-teasing theatre. This latest version of Explaining how Fidel Castro’s revolution in Black Coffee promises to make for just such The Two Gentlemen Cuba resulted in John F Kennedy and Nikita an evening. The Official Agatha Christie The- Of Verona Khrushchev leading the world to the brink of atre Company here make a welcome return nuclear disaster, the production features with the first play ever Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- written by Ms Christie. Avon, Sat 12 July - Thurs 4 September plenty of singing and dancing, and is pre- sented by sixty ten and eleven-year-olds. When eccentric inven- One of Shakespeare’s very earliest come- tor Sir Claud Amory is dies, The Two Gentlemen Of Verona is little murdered and his new known but lots of fun, and is here being per- formula stolen, it’s formed in full production on the Royal time for a legendary Shakespeare Theatre stage for the first time Belgian detective with in forty-five years. The plot centres on the an almost-as-leg- subject of male friendship and betrayal, as endary wax mous- lifelong friends Proteus and Valentine fall out tache to put his ‘little over a woman. grey cells’ to work Expect plenty of Elizabethan-style humour, and uncover the per- as lovers chase through the woods and petrator of the das- Shakespeare’s much-loved device of mistak- tardly crime... en identity complicates matters further.

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, JULY 2014 LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Friday 11th July Tuesday 15th & Thursday 17th July DEAN FRIEDMAN Wednesday 16th July THE BIG BAND INTIMATE STUDIO SHOW THE ENERGY SWING ALONG WITH SHOW FIVE STAR SWING EXPLOSIVE FAMILY SHOW FROM THE SCIENCE MUSEUM

Friday 18th July Wednesday 23rd July Saturday 26th July MONEY FOR SKYLIGHT DESPERADO EAGLES TRIBUTE PRESENTS NOTHING ENCORE SCREENING THE HOTEL CALIFORNIA TOP TRIBUTE TO DIRE FROM NT LIVE SHOW STRAITS

,FORTHCOMING CINEMA: The Two Faces Of January (12A) Grace Of Monaco (PG) // The Wind Rises (PG) // Maleficent (PG) In Secret (15) // Legend of Oz (U) // Jimmy’s Hall (12A) // Belle (12A)

The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk For bookings & full details log onto www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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Theatre PREVIEWS The White Devil Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 4 October This RSC production continues the Compa- ny’s hugely popular Roaring Girls season, designed to present some of the finer parts written for and about women across the cen- turies. A John Webster revenge tragedy pre- miered in 1612 - and initially mauled by the critics - The White Devil tells the story of Duke Bracciano, the indecent proposal he makes to the beautiful Vittoria, and her decision to employ her brother Flamineo to fool her hus- band - a decision which soon sees the pro- tagonists ensnared in a web of corruption, passion and retribution... Maria Aberg, who directed the RSC’s 2013 version of As You Like It, helms the production. Scooby-Doo Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 July Hanna-Barbera’s 1969 animated creation has enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent times, with new television series and even a couple of big-screen movie versions ensuring brand new generations of admirers have been able to enjoy the wacky adventures of the cowardly mut and his faithful companions. Scooby’s no stranger to the stage either, and this latest offering seems certain to press all the appropriate buttons when it comes to providing an evening of family-friendly fun. As you’d expect, the storyline itself’s not really all that rele- vant - suffice it to say Scooby and Shaggy have got plenty of reason to quiver at their respec- tive knees when a trip to Egypt brings the gang into contact with mysterious mummies and Far From The Sea freaky Pharaohs! Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sat 12 July Presented by the multi-award-winning The- Norsome In The Night Garden Live mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, atre Absolute as part of Birmingham Fest Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Sat 26 July 2014, Far From The Sea has been described Sat 12 - Sat 26 July as ‘a witty and darkly humorous play about This potent blend of comedy, music, physical If your little ones are big fans of the top-rated power, place, and the industry of war’. The theatre and, er, quality cross-dressing is CBeebies television series, they’re certain to story, written by Steve Waters, is told through being presented in the great outdoors. So love this live version as well. And it’s not only the eyes of a contemporary Polish woman, given its subject matter of Norse mythology, the kids who’re in love with the production - an affluent early-’90s family, and a bombastic it’s to be hoped that neither omnipotent Odin audience surveys and parents' reviews on Alderman of a 1950s local authority. Chris O nor thundergod Thor decide it’s high time to NightGardenLive.com reveal that, for nine out Connell directs. open the heavens! Bringing together stories of ten adults, it’s a five-out-of-five theatrical of gods, giants, elves and ‘a very angry experience! Taking place in an all-weather, snake face-off’, this high- purpose-built inflatable showdome featuring energy offering is pre- numerous family-friendly facilities, the show sented by the award- uses full-size costumes and magical puppets winning Temple Theatre, to bring to life Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka and should be well worth Pakka and friends. In The a look if you’re in the Night Garden creator and market for a none-too- composer Andrew Dav- subtle chuckle or sever- enport has written the al. show, with Royal Ballet choreographer Will Tuck- ett taking the director’s Science Museum chair. Live On Tour Sweet Rockall Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 15 July Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime AE Harris Building, Birmingham, Studying physics isn’t most people’s idea of Thurs 3 - Sat 5 July Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, having a good time, but this Science Muse- Thurs 10 - Sat 12 July This new play by David Gray is a worryingly um Live presentation ably illustrates what the Oscar Wilde’s splendid story of love, honour, believable political satire in which egos, sex unenamoured are missing out on - namely, duty, fortune-telling and murder has enjoyed and crossed wires conspire to bring the bubbles, fireballs, explosions, rockets, and a real upturn in popularity in recent times. world to the brink of war. Rockall is a rock in the fun of living dangerously! Suitable for When Lord Arthur Savile is told by a palm- the wilderness of the Atlantic Ocean. Despite children aged seven and older, the show reader that, at some time in the future, he will being uninhabitable, it’s the subject of an finds two futuristic sci- commit a murder, he decides it’s only right ownership battle between no fewer than four ence students exploring, that he should put his desire to marry his countries, all of which are eager to claim the exploding and experi- fiancee on the back-burner until he's fulfilled oil reserves that potentially surround it. The menting with anything his ‘destiny’. But Lord Arthur soon finds out four-way tug-of-war is ongoing - until, that is, and everything they can that topping somebody is a far trickier under- a seemingly innocuous press statement from get their hands on, in a taking than ever he’d imagined it to be... This the Icelandic Government sets the wheels in fun and frantic attempt to production is presented by Birmingham- motion for a diplomatic crisis on a grand demonstrate all forms of based Stage 27. scale... energy live on stage. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre July region one.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 15:36 Page 7

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

lon as the dynamic, From cross-dressing heroine TUE 1 JULY in a new version of Thomas Middleton & Thomas Dekker's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZ- Jacobean comedy, until ING TECHNICOLOR Tues 30 Sep, The Swan DREAMCOAT Amateur Theatre, Stratford-upon- production performed Avon by Warwick School ARDEN OF FAVERSHAM boys, until Thurs 3 July, Polly Findlay makes her Bridge House Theatre, RSC debut, directing Warwick this darkly comic thriller EUROBEAT, ALMOST which focuses on a EUROVISION (SARAJEVO) husband, wife and lover Great Barr Musical The- who find themselves atre Company present locked within a deadly a stage musical which game, until Thurs 2 Annie Get Your Gun - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham & Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire celebrates the Eurovi- Oct, The Swan Theatre, Theatre present Joe NESS A National The- Artrix, Bromsgrove sall sion Song Contest, until Stratford-upon-Avon Orton's critically atre Live screening of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIR- LORD ARTHURS SAVILE'S Fri 4 July, Old Rep, CHRIS PACKHAM - WILD acclaimed farce, Thurs Alan Ayckbourn's GINIA WOLF Tim Pigott- CRIME Acocks Green Birmingham NIGHT OUT! Weds 2 July, 3 - Sat 5 July, Belgrade riotous exposure of Smith & Clare Higgins Am Dram Group Stage THE RAPE OF LUCRECE Solihull Arts Complex Theatre, Coventry entrepreneurial greed, star in Edward Albee's 27 present their version Internationally THE SHADOW ROADS Pre- acclaimed singer OPEN ALL HOURS Stage Sat 5 July, mac - Mid- multi-award-winning of Oscar Wilde's semi- sented by the Young drama, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Camille O'Sullivan stars adaptation of the huge- lands Arts Centre, Birm- comic mystery, Thurs Production Company, July, Malvern Theatres in Shakespeare’s terri- ly popular BBC televi- ingham 10 - Sat 12 July, Old Weds 2 July, The BLACK COFFEE Agatha ble tale of lust, rape sion series... Thurs 3 - UNDERNEATH THE ARCH- Rep, Birmingham Dream Factory, War- Christie classic starring and politics, until Fri 4 Sat 5 July, The Swan ES The story in songs THE GREAT WAR An wick Robert Powell, Liza July, The Swan Theatre, Theatre, Worcester and sketches of two of evening of poetry & HENRY IV PART II Live Goddard, Gary Mavers Stratford-upon-Avon SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Britain's most popular music to commemorate screening direct from & Ben Nealon, Mon 7 - THE MAGIC FLUTE Mid- Tread The Boards The- entertainers, the love- the centenary of World the Royal Shakespeare Sat 12 July, New lands Opera present a atre Company present able Bud Flanagan and War One, Fri 11 July, Theatre in Stratford- Alexandra Theatre, colourful production of Jane Austin's touching the urbane Chesney National Memorial upon-Avon, Weds 2 Birmingham Mozart's whimsical story of the trials and Allen - and their associ- Arboretum, Stafford- July, Artrix, Bromsgrove CARMILLA David Camp- opera, until Sat 5 July, tribulations of the Dash- ation with The Crazy shire NEXT DOOR The much- ton's Gothic thriller in Crescent Theatre, Birm- wood family, Thurs 3 - Gang, Sat 5 - Thurs 24 DANCE X 3 A celebration acclaimed and award- two acts, Tues 8 - Sat ingham Sun 13 July, The Attic July, Oldbury Rep - Bar- of modern dance, Fri winning Out Of Balanz 12 July, Wolverhampton 20TH CENTURY BOY - THE Theatre, Coventry low Theatre 11 July, Bedworth Civic fuse intimate story- Grand Theatre MUSICAL Musical based WWI CENTENARY AND D- A BROMSGROVE LAD Hall telling with high-octane TWELFTH NIGHT Odd- on the life of Marc DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY Folksinger Polly Bolton, BURLESQUE IS BACK IN physical theatre to socks present a mad- Bolan, until Sat 5 July, COMMEMORATION CON- broadcaster Michael TOWN HP Saucy Pro- explore what it is that cap musical treat which Wolverhampton Grand CERT Featuring the Collie and Housman ductions present an connects us, Weds 2 - sees Shakespeare's Theatre music of the time, Cup winner Emily Collie evening of striptease Fri 4 July, The REP, love stories intertwined ANOTHER COUNTRY A including Glenn Miller, present a portrait of AE combined with vintage Birmingham with well-known British Chichester Festival pro- played by the superb Housman through his glamour, comedy and SHOW BOAT Cape Town chart hits to keep the duction of Julian Don Mather Big Band, poetry, letters and folk- elegance. Alabama Opera return to the blood pumping and the Mitchell's thought-pro- vocalists and the Birm- song settings, Sun 6 Boom, Angela LaVey, Midlands to perform mood merry, Weds 9 voking drama which fol- ingham Military Com- July, Artrix, Bromsgrove Jacques Bruxelles, Jas- one of the first Ameri- July, Blue Coat School, lows a company of munity Choir, Sat 5 ALICE Lewis Carroll's mine Noir, Kitty Rib- can musicals ever writ- Hereford public schoolboys July, Old Rep, Birming- iconic character comes bons and Venus Starr ten, Weds 2 - Sat 5 AROUND THE WORLD IN through a summer term ham to life in a choreo- feature, Fri 11 July, July, Birmingham Hip- EIGHTY DAYS Highbury in the early 1930s, until SPECTACULAR SPECTACU- graphed production Crescent Theatre, Birm- podrome Youth Theatre present Sat 5 July, Malvern The- LAR!!! Described as an from JVC Performing ingham THE SHADOW ROADS A the story of Phileas PIRATES OF PENZANCE atres energetic cabaret/trib- Arts, Sun 6 July, Bed- new play by Toby Fogg and his endeav- Illyria Theatre Company ANNIE GET YOUR GUN ute show, Sat 5 July, worth Civic Hall Quash to commemo- ors to circumnavigate present an outdoor pro- Major new production Dovehouse Theatre, HAMLET CL Rep Com- rate the centenary of the world in eighty duction of Gilbert & Sul- of the Tony Award-win- Solihull pany present a short- World War One, Weds days, Weds 9 - Sat 12 livan’s popular comic ning version of Irving PETER PAN AND THE LOST ened, contemporary 2 - Sun 6 July, The July, Highbury Theatre opera, Fri 11 July, Rose Berlin's classic musical. BOYS Heartbreak Pro- version of Shake- Dream Factory, War- Centre Bank Gardens, Great , Emma ductions present a con- speare's famous wick MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Malvern, Worcester- Williams and Norman temporary version of tragedy, told from a A DECADE OF DAZZLING A Moscow’s cultural & shire Pace star, until Sat 5 JM Barrie’s fantastical female perspective, showcase of work, artistic quarter, ‘Park THE BOY FROM THE July, New Alexandra tale, Sat 5 July, Moor Sun 6 July, The Dell, 'BORO Thurs 3 July, Bedworth Gorkogo’ (Gorky Park), Three In One Theatre, Birmingham Hall School, Sutton Stratford-upon-Avon Productions present the Civic Hall is the perfect seasonal MIDSUMMER MISCHIEF A Coldfield SUMMER SHOWCASE story of an ordinary sol- ROMEO AND JULIET Lord backdrop for what is festival of exciting new THE REDEEMED A move- 2014 An evening of dier, one-time farm Chamberlain’s Men widely regarded as ‘the plays, performed in a ment of youthful energy monologues, short worker and shop keep- present an outdoor pro- greatest and most purpose-built tempo- boasting seventeen scenes and music, to er who’s thrust into the duction of the greatest famous circus on rary studio on the cur- members, including showcase the talents of mud and blood of love story ever told, earth’, Weds 9 - Sun 13 rent Courtyard Theatre singers, guitarists, the Crescent's young trench warfare, Fri 11 Thurs 3 July, Hanbury July, Beckett's Farm, stage, until Sat 12 July, dancers and drummers, actors, Sun 6 July, July, The Blue Orange Hall, Droitwich, Worces- Wythall, Warwickshire The Courtyard, Strat- Sat 5 July, The Drum, Crescent Theatre, Birm- Theatre, Birmingham tershire WICKED Hit West End ford-upon-Avon Birmingham ingham SHAKESPEARE’S FORESTS SWEET ROCKALL A new musical flies into HENRY IV PARTS I & II A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S Shakespeare Young play written by David Brum... Weds 9 July - RSC Associate Artist DREAM Students and Week Commencing Company move into Gray and directed by Sat 6 Sep, Birmingham Antony Sher returns to alumni from the Univer- the often surreal forests Jen Davis, both sup- Hippodrome the Company to play sity of Exeter present MON 7 JULY imagined by Shake- ported artists on the ECHO BEACH Spotlight the infamous comic the wild escapades of speare, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Birmingham REP Youth Productions step lovers, fairies and WORCESTERSHIRE DANC- July, The Dream Facto- knight Falstaff, until Sat Foundry Programme, back into the ’80s, to a 6 Sep, Royal Shake- mechanicals in a chaot- ING - DANCEFEST Show- ry, Warwick Thurs 3 - Sat 5 July, case of work demon- world where sex dis- speare Theatre, Strat- ic world of folly, CELTICA DANCE SUMMER AE Harris Building, strating the excellence crimination is being SHOW ford-upon-Avon Sat 5 July, The Dell, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Birmingham of dance taking place in replaced by equality... July, Belgrade Theatre, THE ROARING GIRL Jo Stratford-upon-Avon ENTERTAINING MR county schools & col- Thurs 10 - Sat 12 July, Coventry Davies directs Lisa Dil- A SMALL FAMILY BUSI- SLOANE London Classic leges, Mon 7 July, Forest Arts Centre, Wal- FAR FROM THE SEA The-

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A MIDSUMMER TWELFTH NIGHT NIGHTS DREAM 13th July 9th July AVONCROFT MUSEUM BLUE COAT SCHOOL Bromsgrove, Tupsley, Hereford Worcestershire, HR1 1UU B60 4JR 01432 347506 01332 258328 12th July 31st July MAC (ARENA) WHITBOURNE HALL Cannon Hill Park, Worcestershire, Birmingham WR6 5SE B12 9QH 0774 703 1701 0121 446 3232 1st August MARY ARDEN’S FARM 1st August Wilmcote, MARY ARDEN’S FARM Nr Stafford Wilmcote, Nr Stafford CV37 9UN CV37 9UN 01332 258328 01332 258328

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production which sees LISTINGS a human-sized penis Theatre and vulva dance, argue, love and strug- For full listing information on theatre gle in endless permuta- productions, including times and tions, Sun 13 July, The dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham atre Absolute present Gallery, Warwickshire HEAD GIRL Taking Steve Waters' humor- THE WIZARD OF OZ Ama- Chances present a new ous play about power, teur production pre- dark comedy set in the place, and the industry sented by ASH Stage sixth form of an all-girls of war, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Productions, Sat 12 private school, Sun 13 July, Old Joint Stock July, Bridge House The- July - Tues 15 July, The Theatre, Birmingham atre, Warwick Blue Orange Theatre, THE ONLY WAY IS DOWN- THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Birmingham TON Luke Kempner's Outdoor production tour-de-force comedy presented by the Week Commencing about life at Downton Shakespeare Young Abbey, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Company, Sat 12 - Sun MON 14 JULY July, Lichfield Garrick 13 July, The Dell, Strat- RHYTHM OF THE DANCE PAPER IN MY PANTS Stu- ford-upon-Avon Featuring thirty dio Three present a OLD WIVES' TALE Pre- comedy which explores dancers, a traditional, sented by the Shake- live Irish band and the the boundaries speare Young Compa- between reality and fic- 'dashing' Young Irish ny, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Tenors, Mon 14 - Tues tion, free will and deter- July, The Dell, Stratford- 15 July, New Alexandra mination, and pizza and upon-Avon Theatre, Birmingham chicken, Fri 11 - Sat 12 STATISTICS UNAVAILABLE ROCK OF AGES Mon 14 July, The Blue Orange Blue Orange Theatre July - Sat 19 July, Theatre, Birmingham presents a thought-pro- Regent Theatre, Stoke- PINOCCHIO Amateur per- voking production con- on-Trent formance from Adage sisting of four new THE ACCRINGTON PALS Dance & Fitness Stu- pieces of writing which Malvern Theatre Play- dio, Fri 11 - Sat 12 July, explore issues of ers present Peter Whe- Crescent Theatre, Birm- human interaction, rela- lan's epic story, which ingham tionships and social dramatises the lives of THE PLEASURE IS YOURS dynamics, Sat 12 - Sun ordinary people caught A multimedia character 13 July, The Blue up in dramatic events, comedy show with Orange Theatre, Birm- Mon 14 - Sat 19 July, songs and sandwiches, ingham The Coach House The- Sat 12 July, Old Joint IN THE NIGHT GARDEN atre, Malvern Oddsocks present Twelfth Night - mac, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birming- LIVE Musical theatre FLASH MOB Tues 15 - ham experience for the Weds 16 July, Wolver- detective, Weds 16 Chapterhouse Theatre The Blue Orange The- ALL THE BEST! Stripped whole family that's pre- hampton Grand The- July, Birmingham Company tell the story atre, Birmingham Down Theatre presents sented within a pur- atre Botanical Gardens of the world’s greatest ROMEO AND JULIET Lord some of its most popu- pose-built touring the- SCIENCE MUSEUM LIVE ANY FOOL CAN START A detective, Thurs 17 Chamberlain’s Men lar sketches, including atre. Made up of two ON TOUR! London's WAR A playful collabo- July, Hampton Court, present an outdoor pro- Herefordshire Robin's Nervous Break- state-of-the-art show world-famous Science ration between interna- duction of the greatest UNDER THE SUN Graeme down, Hitler's Bad Day domes, the setting Museum takes to the tionally renowned the- love story ever told, Fri Braidwood directs a and the infamous Fiesta recreates the magical road to present a brand atre company Stan’s 18 July, Coughton Scene... Sat 12 July, Cafe and one of Birm- cornucopia of the con- Court, Warwickshire world of the popular new live show that's set temporary, the bizarre, The Blue Orange The- ingham’s most adven- FREEMAN DANCE SUM- BBC children's show, to challenge the brains the serious, the absurd atre, Birmingham turous primary schools, MER SHOW A showcase Sat 12 - Sat 26 July, of children aged seven and the just plain funny TWELFTH NIGHT Odd- Weds 16 - Thurs 17 Cannon Hill Park, Birm- and older, Tues 15 - - a miscellany of short of work from Coventry's socks present a mad- July, mac - Midlands ingham Weds 16 July, Artrix, plays from some of up-and-coming dance cap musical treat which THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF Bromsgrove Arts Centre, Birming- Birmingham's foremost talent, Fri 18 - Sat 19 sees Shakespeare's VERONA Full staging of THE PHYSICAL FELLOW- ham playwrights, Thurs 17- July, Belgrade Theatre, love stories intertwined Shakespeare’s exuber- SHIP Festival exclusive- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Fri 18 July, Old Joint Coventry with well-known British ant romantic comedy, ly for young people Heartbreak Productions Stock Theatre, Birming- WIFE AFTER DEATH Ama- chart hits to keep the Sat 12 July - Thurs 4 celebrating the sharing present an outdoor ver- ham teur production of Eric blood pumping and the Sep, Royal Shake- of original devised per- sion of the Jane Austin SWALLOWS AND AMA- Chappell's acclaimed mood merry, Sat 12 speare Theatre, Strat- formance in all forms of classic, Weds 16 -Thurs ZONS Stage2 present comedy based upon July, Cannon Hill Park, ford-upon-Avon physical theatre, Tues 17 July, Jephson Gar- Helen Edmundson's the death of a sitcom Birmingham JO TOYE: WORDS 15 - Fri 18 July, Bel- dens, Leamington Spa staging of Arthurs Ran- actor, a throng of griev- THE MAGIC OF DISNEY Archers scriptwriter and grade Theatre, Coven- HOLLY Bittersweet musi- some's tale of adven- ing friends, a mis- Victoria's School of author of The Ambridge try cal from Jars Of Clay, ture, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 placed relative and dirty Dance & Performing Chronicles, Joanna MOG BRIDGES Colin Weds 16 - Sat 19 July, July, Crescent Theatre, secrets, Fri 18 - Sat 26 Arts presents a show- Toye, takes audiences Baker stars in a bitter- The Blue Orange The- Birmingham July, Hall Green Little case of its latest works, behind the scenes to sweet comedy by atre, Birmingham PETER PAN Amateur pro- Theatre, Birmingham Sat 12 July, mac - Mid- reveal surprising and Malvern Theatre's own THE DREAMBOYS The duction presented by PETER PAN AND THE LOST lands Arts Centre, Birm- fascinating facts about Writer-in-Residence, UK’s top male glamour Spa Juniors, Thurs 17 - BOYS Heartbreak Pro- ingham storylines past and Nick Wilkes Tues 15 - show, Thurs 17 July, Sat 19 July, Bridge ductions present a con- MACBETH Heartbreak present, Sun 13 July, Sat 19 July, Malvern New Alexandra Theatre, House Theatre, War- temporary version of Productions present an Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatres Birmingham wick JM Barrie’s fantastical innovative production DARE TO DREAM Grazia CAITLIN MORAN: LIVE PETER PAN AND THE LOST SCOOBY-DOO - THE MYS- tale, Sat 19 July, of Shakespeare’s Academy of Dance The well-known author, BOYS Heartbreak Pro- TERY OF THE PYRAMID Charlecote Park War- bloody tale, Sat 12 July, present an evening of journalist and broad- ductions present a con- Family show featuring wickshire Baddesley Clinton, Nr dancing, singing, tricks caster hits the road with temporary version of physical comedy, popu- RED LADIES Clod Solihull and flicks... Sun 13 her new one-woman JM Barrie’s fantastical lar tunes and special Ensemble use physical OPERA GALA A black tie July, Crescent Theatre, show, featuring high- tale, Thurs 17 July, effects, Thurs 17 - Sun theatre to explore the evening set amongst Birmingham lights from How To Be Brueton Park, Solihull 20 July, Wolverhampton ways in which human Compton's Moore A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S A Woman, Morantholo- LOVE IS A CAT SKIN RUG Grand Theatre beings and other ani- Rodin exhibition. The DREAM Outdoor per- gy and Caitlin's new Headless Doctor The- UK PLC, WITH CAMILLA mals behave when in evening sees Diva formance presented by book: How To Build A atre Company present CANCANTATA AND THE groups, Sat 19 July, Opera, regarded as Oddsocks, Sun 13 July, Girl, Weds 16 July, New a 'sexy, surreal and COCKROACH A guided Malvern Theatres Britain's foremost Ashcroft Museum, Alexandra Theatre, unflinching exploration tour in music of the A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S chamber opera compa- Bromsgrove Birmingham of what love really strange and shadowy DREAM Presented by ny, perform Mozart's THE FIG LEAF WARS The THE ADVENTURES OF means', Thurs 17 July, world of outsourcing the Royal Navy Theatre Don Giovanni within a Nomadic Academy For SHERLOCK HOLMES Old Joint Stock The- and globalisation, Association, Sat 19 marquee located in the Fools presents Christo- Chapterhouse Theatre atre, Birmingham where elected govern- July, The Dell, Stratford- grounds, Sat 12 July, pher Murray and Company tell the story THE ADVENTURES OF ments are largely upon-Avon Compton Verney Joanne Tremarco in a of the world’s greatest SHERLOCK HOLMES redundant... Fri 18 July, THESPIANAGE: SKETCH

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Theatre LISTINGS

For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

APPEAL Thespianage readings from The Bel- Productions make their grade’s forthcoming Birmingham Fringe season, Mon 21 July, debut with an hour-long The Establishment Bar show of songs, satire & & Grill, The Old County silliness, Sat 19 July, Hall, Coventry Old Joint Stock The- LAST OF THE DUTY FREE atre, Birmingham Featuring Keith Barron, BELGRADE UNPLUGGED Gwen Taylor & Neil An exclusive insight Stacy, Mon 21 - Sat 26 into the work of the the- July, Malvern Theatres atre with rehearsed MACBETH Heartbreak readings from The Bel- Productions present an grade’s forthcoming innovative version of season, Sat 19 July, B4 Shakespeare’s bloody Grill, Belgrade Square, tale, Tues 22 July, Bad- Coventry desley Clinton, Nr Soli- SILLY COW Ben Elton's hull observational comedy, NINE Midlands-based Belgrade Unplugged - various locations around Covenry & Warwickshire centred around the Cataclysm Theatre July, mac - Midlands July, The Blue Orange tem, Sat 26 July, The TOWN HP Saucy Pro- 'slick and savage’ world present a tale of two Arts Centre, Birming- Theatre, Birmingham Blue Orange Theatre, ductions present an of the tabloid press, Sat women held against ham TWELFTH NIGHT (OR Birmingham evening of striptease 19 - Sat 26 July, Cres- their will, and the mind THE TAMING OF THE WHAT YOU WILL) Mad- AN AUDIENCE WITH DES combined with vintage cent Theatre, Birming- games they employ to SHREW Presented by cap Theatre produc- O'CONNOR Sat 26 July, glamour, comedy and ham keep one another alive, Folksy Theatre Compa- tions fuse music, Malvern Theatres elegance. Alabama WORCESTERSHIRE HIGH Tues 22 July, Old Joint ny, Thurs 24 July, Bish- dance, physical theatre BELGRADE UNPLUGGED Boom, Angela LaVey, SCHOOLS’ POETRY SLAM Stock Theatre, Birming- ops Wood Centre Gar- & stage combat with An exclusive insight Jacques Bruxelles, Jas- 2014 Thurs 10 July, ham den, Stourport-on-Sev- the original script in an into the work of the the- mine Noir, Kitty Rib- Artrix, Bromsgrove BELGRADE UNPLUGGED ern innovative performance atre with rehearsed bons and Venus Starr ALPHABET AVENUE Inter- An exclusive insight YESTERDAY AN INCIDENT of Shakespeare's finest readings from The Bel- feature, Sun 27 July, active performance into the work of the the- OCCURRED Mark Raven- comedy, Fri 25 July, grade’s forthcoming Crescent Theatre, Birm- exploring children's atre with rehearsed hill's contemporary mac - Midlands Arts season, Sat 26 July, ingham responses to their first readings from The Bel- British drama, which Centre, Birmingham Rugby Art Gallery & PRIDE AND PREJUDICE experience of theatre, grade’s forthcoming questions the lengths BELGRADE UNPLUGGED Museum & The Lunt Heartbreak Productions Sat 19 - Sun 27 July, season, Tues 22 July, to which we're prepared An exclusive insight Roman Fort, Coventry present an outdoor ver- The Blue Orange The- Nicholas Chamberlaine to go to uncover perpe- into the work of the the- Rd, Baginton sion of the Jane Austin atre, Birmingham Almshouse, All Saints trators of violent crime, atre with rehearsed Glouces- classic, Sun 27 July, HAL Ingenious Theatre Square, Bedworth Thurs 24 July, Old Joint readings from The Bel- tershire Youth Players Hanbury Hall, Droitwich present a stripped SCOOBY-DOO - THE MYS- Stock Theatre, Birming- grade’s forthcoming bring fresh eyes to down version of Shake- TERY OF THE PYRAMID ham season, Fri 25 July, Shakespeare's mystical speare's Henry IV Part I, Family show featuring Week Commencing BELGRADE UNPLUGGED Primrose Hill Park, tale, Sat 26 - Sun 27 focusing on the rela- physical comedy, popu- An exclusive insight Coventry July, The Dell, Stratford- MON 28 JULY tionship between the lar tunes and special into the work of the the- NORSESOME Music, upon-Avon Prince of Wales and effects, Tues 22 - Thurs atre with rehearsed physical theatre and THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ANNIE GET YOUR GUN Falstaff, Sun 20 July, 24 July, Belgrade The- readings from The Bel- cross-dressing come THE TAT MAN A new play Major new production The Dell, Stratford- atre, Coventry grade’s forthcoming together in a family- by David Calcutt taking of the Tony Award-win- upon-Avon NO SMOKE Colin Ward's season, Thurs 24 July, friendly production fea- an intimate look at the ning version of Irving SHORTS 2 The Blue story about the percep- Touchwood, Solihull turing gods, giants, life and times of the Tat Berlin's classic musical. Orange Writers group tions and judgements A WORLD BEYOND MAN elves and a very angry Man, through tales of Jason Donovan, Emma present an evening of of truth in the hands of An intimate telling of an snake, Fri 25 - Sat 26 travelling folk, bloody Williams and Norman rehearsed readings of an uncomfortable rela- epic story of ice and July, mac - Midlands births, blacksmiths, Pace star, Mon 28 July - new writing, Sun 20 tionship between the polar bears, determina- Arts Centre, Birming- devils and talking hors- Sat 2 Aug, Malvern July, The Blue Orange law, the media and tion and betrayal, ham es... Sat 26 - Sun 27 Theatres Theatre, Birmingham society, Tues 22 - Thurs adventure and death, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- July, The Blue Orange PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ELITE ACADEMY OF 24 July, The Blue Heartbreak Productions DANCE & GYMNASTICS based on the true story ING Globe Theatre pres- Theatre, Birmingham Orange Theatre, Birm- present an outdoor ver- Sun 20 July, Artrix, of Valerian Albanov, ent a new production of SORTED Big D presents ingham sion of the Jane Austin Bromsgrove A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S Thurs 24 July, mac - Shakespeare’s ‘wittiest a comic drama featur- classic, Tues 29 July, UNFOLD CREATES DREAM The wild Midlands Arts Centre, of comedies’, Sat 26 ing bickering family Hill Close Gardens, Phenix RDC Youth escapades of lovers, Birmingham July, College Hall, members, flat tyres, ill- Warwick present a showcase of fairies and mechanicals AVENUE Q Tony Award- Worcester ness and ailments, men contemporary dance in a chaotic world of winning musical that THE BEST OF THEATRE in their night attire and FOGHORN IMPROV: from the company's folly, Weds 23 July, centres on a group of EXCHANGE A rolling, piles of ironing... Sat 26 MORNING CAMPERS! repertoire, Sun 20 July, Birmingham Botanical loveable yet hopeless strolling, informal show- - Sun 27 July, The Blue Improvised games & Crescent Theatre, Birm- Gardens characters on a down- case of some of the Orange Theatre, Birm- stories with audiences ingham BELGRADE UNPLUGGED town New York street, best work-in-progress ingham transposed to the Thurs 24 - Sat 26 July, An exclusive insight theatre in the region, BOLLYWOOD EXPRESS 1950s and the only hol- Lichfield Garrick into the work of the the- Sat 26 July, Old Joint One hundred-and-fifty iday camp in Birming- Week Commencing FIDELIS CIVITAS The atre with rehearsed Stock Theatre, Birming- students from the Bolly- ham... Thurs 31 July Academy Dance MON 21 JULY ham wood Dreams Academy Old Joint Stock The- readings from The Bel- School take audiences grade’s forthcoming DEFYING GRAVITY Fol- explore the popular atre, Birmingham AN EVENING OF IMPROVI- on a journey through dance form and how it A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S season, Wed 23 July, the history of Worces- lowspot Theatre cele- SATION Members of Box varies in India's different DREAM Presented by Upton House & Gar- ter, via dance, Thurs 24 brate the best of con- Of Frogs present their regions, Sat 26 - Sun Oddsocks, Thurs 31 dens, Nr Banbury, War- - Sun 27 July, The temporary American own inimitable brand of 27 July Crescent The- wickshire Swan Theatre Worces- musical theatre, Sat 26 , July, Whitbourne Hall, high-octane improvised atre, Birmingham A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S ter July, The Blue Orange Worcestershire nonsense from audi- THE MERCHANT OF DREAM Shakespeare's THE MEMOIRS OF MOD- Theatre, Birmingham PILOT NIGHTS A space ence suggestions, Mon VENICE Rain Or Shine Globe On Screen, GER MORRISH Fri 25 FIRST DO NO HARM Tea where theatre-makers 21 July, The Blue Theatre present an out- Thurs 24 July, Malvern July, The Blue Orange And Tenacity present can try out their work Orange Theatre, Birm- door production of Theatres Theatre, Birmingham Hilary Spiers' drama, and new ideas in front ingham Shakespeare's famous THE RASHOMON EFFECT/ SHUFFLING PHILOSO- which examines a for- of a 'lively and support- BELGRADE UNPLUGGED tale, Sun 27 July, VERTICAL ROAD A dou- PHIES A one-man show gotten corner of history, ive' crowd, Thurs 31 An exclusive insight Goodrich Castle, Here- ble-bill of works by in which Jin Lee fuses encouraging discussion July, mac - Midlands into the work of the the- ford Guest Artistic Director his love for card artistry on the future of our Arts Centre, Birming- atre with rehearsed BURLESQUE IS BACK IN Akram Khan, Thurs 24 and storytelling, Fri 25 health & welfare sys- ham

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Avenue Q Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Presented by the Old Joint Stock Theatre Compa- ny, this multi-Tony award-winning musical tells the story of fresh-from-college, sponged-faced puppet Preston who has some lessons in growing up to be learned, none of them easy. Avenue Q wants to teach the audience some lessons too, even though most of us should know them by now! This it does in a Sesame Street style - slightly condescending, a little patronising, but mostly hilarious. Two of the songs most quoted by anyone who’s seen the show - Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist and The Inter- One Man, Two Guvnors net Is For Porn - come early in the first act. They Birmingham Hippodrome certainly do a great job of getting everybody laugh- As a huge fan of Shakespeare, Fawlty Towers and belly laughs, I found this screwball ing and enjoying the production. There were great comedy - which drew from the first two and featured plenty of the third - had me grin- performances from Joshua Anderson as Preston, ning from the off. Sarah Haines as his love interest, Kate Monster, Based on Carlo Goldoni’s 1746 play, The Servant Of Two Masters, this National The- and Phil John as their neighbour, Nicky. And a spe- atre production kicked off with rockabilly-style band The Craze performing brilliantly in cial nod to my favourites, the Bad Idea Bears, for natty suits. Set in 1960s Brighton, the story focuses on the permanently hungry Fran- being so naughty! The characters on Avenue Q cis Henshall (Gavin Spokes), who lands two jobs - hence the ‘two guvnors’ of the title aren’t perfect and life isn’t always easy for them. (Alicia Davies and Patrick Warner) - and spends the entire play preventing said bosses Love is found and lost, secrets are told, friendships from meeting, with calamitous consequences. broken; but everyone will learn their lesson and it’ll The production was slow to get going but then rattled along at a breakneck speed. all be better in the end - won’t it?... Is Avenue Q Only a writer of Richard Bean’s calibre could have presented this hilarious revival, silly? Yes. Rude? Absolutely. Funny? Indeed. It’s helped by wonderful direction and set designs. I was twice warned not to reveal the also, with its crude sex references and (puppet) surprises, and they’re certainly well worth waiting for. nudity, most definitely a show for adults - no A cracking cast turned in fabulous performances, complete with expert comic timing to prudes allowed! Ted Finlay n n n n spare. Gavin Spokes’ exuberance stole the show, his complete lack of vanity helping him to portray a larger-than-life character. The side-splitting dinner scene was easily the best; I can’t remember laughing so much in a long time! Inevitably, the pace of the Khandan second half waned, but reached a song-and-dance conclusion to ensure an uplifting ending. A wonderful way to perk up a gloomy evening. Well done to all concerned! The REP, Birmingham Malaka Chowdhury n n n n It isn’t every day that a play resonates in quite such an intense way. As a second-generation British-Asian woman, Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti’s pow- Theatre Box Office erful depiction of an extended Punjabi family and their conflicting dreams hit close to home. Birmingham GRAND THEATRE, Warwickshire Fierce Punjabi matriarch and widow Jeeto Gill 01902 429212 (Sudha Buchar) lives with her ambitious son, Pal ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 0844 871 3011 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 024 7637 6707 (Rez Kempton), and his sweet-natured wife, Liz 01902 572090 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY (Lauren Crace). Wistfully dreaming of returning 0844 338 5000 OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY 024 7655 3055 0121 552 2761 home to India, Jeeto expects Pal to manage his BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK father’s shop. Pal has bigger dreams of opening a 0121 236 4455 Shropshire 01926 776438 nursing home with his brother-in-law, Major (Neil THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON D’Souza), while all Liz wants is a baby. 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 01952 222277 This family turmoil implodes when their cousin’s CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON needy wife, Reema (Preeya Kalidas), comes to 01952 728911 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 stay, shattering their hopes. THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE Unfolding at The Rep’s Studio venue, this funny 01743 234970 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY yet emotional drama recreated an authentic South WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY Asian household, right down to the bag of atta HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE ROOMS 01584 878141 0121 707 1874 02476 524524 flour and constant char! Reconciling family expec- THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD MAC 0121 446 3232 tations with personal autonomy is an aching reality 01952 382382 MIXING BOWL THEATRE Worcestershire for many second-generation South Asians, and I THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 0121 224 7545 01743 281281 ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, found myself recognising certain elements - for BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE WEM TOWN HALL example, the patronising Shaadi.com website for 0121 200 0946 01939 232299 THE HIVE singletons! This heartbreaking struggle was pre- OLD REP 0121 245 4455 01905 822866 sented, with much pathos, through the eyes of the SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Staffordshire HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER 01905 611427 troubled Pal, and via a host of likeable characters 0121 704 6962 LICHFIELD GARRICK and numerous outstanding performances - the 01543 412121 MALVERN THEATRE 01684 892277 Buchar-Kempton dynamic was positively incendi- Black Country NEW VIC 01782 717962 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH ARENA THEATRE PRINCE OF WALES ary. With their disintegrated dreams culminating in 01905 770154 tragedy, it’s with a keen understanding of the WOLVERHAMPTON CENTRE, CANNOCK 01902 321321 01543 578762 PALACE THEATRE human heart that Bhatti portrays how our cher- REDDITCH 01527 65203 BLOXWICH THEATRE REGENT THEATRE, STOKE ished dreams are inexplicably affected by our 01922 653183 0870 060 6649 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 choices. Khandan’s resounding triumph was in DUDLEY CONCERT HALL RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE skilfully depicting how South Asian families remain 01384 812812 01889 584036 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 a blessed curse, bound with honour, duty and FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL STAFFORD GATEHOUSE 01785 254653 unparalleled love. Simply marvellous. 01922 654555 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE Malaka Chowdhury n n n n 01782 209784

34 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre July region one.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 15:36 Page 14

ANTONY & CLEOPATRA WEST END LISTINGS: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , booking until MUSICALS MAMMA MIA! Novello 24 Aug 2014 Theatre, booking until BAKERSFIELD MIST- BILLY ELLIOT – 25 Apr 2015 Duchess Theatre, book- THE MUSICAL MATILDA THE MUSICAL ing until 30 Aug 2014 Victoria Palace Theatre, Cambridge Theatre, BRING UP THE BODIES booking until 16 May booking until 24 May Aldwych Theatre, book- 2015 2015 ing until 6 Sept 2014 BODYGUARD Adelphi MEMPHIS THE MUSICAL DOCTOR SCROGGY’S WAR Theatre, booking until Shaftesbury Theatre, 9 Shakespeare’s Globe 30 Aug 2014 Oct 2014 - 28 Mar 2015 Theatre, 12 Sept - 10 BOOK OF MORMON MISS SAIGON Prince Oct 2014 Prince Of Wales The- Edward Theatre,now GHOST STORIES atre, booking until 23 booking until 25 Apr Arts Theatre, booking Aug 2014 2015 until 17 Aug 2014 CHARLIE AND THE ONCE Phoenix Theatre, GOLEM Young Vic CHOCOLATE FACTORY - booking until 4 July Theatre, booking until THE MUSICAL 2015 17 Jan 2015 Drury Lane Royal, PAJAMA GAME booking until 30 May Shaftesbury Theatre, COMEDY 2015 now booking until 13 COMMITMENTS Sept 2014 39 STEPS Criterion The- Victoria Palace Theatre, PHANTOM OF THE OPERA atre, booking until 18 booking until 19 Apr Her Majesty's Theatre, Oct 2014 2015 booking until 25 Apr CONFESSIONS OF DIRTY ROTTEN 2015 GORDON BROWN Ambas- SCOUNDRELS PORGY AND BESS sadors Theatre, book- Savoy Theatre, booking Open Air Theatre, ing until 30 July 2014 until 7 Mar 2015 Regents Park, 17 Jul - HANDBAGGED JERSEY BOYS 23 Aug 2014 Vaudeville Theatre, Piccadilly Theatre, STOMP booking until 2 Aug booking until 15 Feb Ambassadors Theatre, 2014 Stars of Boyzone take to the West End stage 2015 booking until 21 Dec JEEVES AND WOOSTER IN LES MISÉRABLES 2014 PERFECT NONSENSE Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy are to make their West End debuts Duke Of York’s Theatre, in two separate productions on the London stage. Keating will join Queen's Theatre, book- THRILLER LIVE ing until 25 Apr 2015 Lyric Theatre, booking booking until 20 Sept the cast of Once at the Phoenix Theatre from 17 November, play- LET IT BE Garrick The- until 19 Apr 2015 2014 ing the lead role of Guy in the much-heralded musical version of atre, booking until 21 WICKED TWELFTH KNIGHT John Carney’s hit film. Duffy, meanwhile, will star in the West End Sept 2014 Apollo Victoria Theatre, RE-IMAGINED Open Air transfer of Theatre503’s production of A Handful Of Stars at Trafal- LION KING booking until 25 Apr Theatre, Regent’s Park, booking until 12 July gar Studios in July. Duffy’s no stranger to acting, having starred Lyceum Theatre, book- 2015 ing until 4 Jan 2015 2014 as Ciaran in Coronation Street. Keating’s acting credits include the MADE IN DAGENHAM -THE DRAMA MY NIGHT WITH REG role of James Dickens in the 2013 romantic comedy, Goddess. MUSICAL Adelphi The- 1984 Playhouse The- Donmar Warehouse Talking about his impending role, Keating said: “When I was atre, 9 Oct 2014 - 28 atre, booking until 23 31 Jul - 27 Sept 2014 asked about playing the lead male - who’s a busker in Dublin - I Mar 2015 Aug 2014 was completely overwhelmed, because I knew it would be perfect. This was my home town, my people, and the place where I began my own music career. But, as exciting as that is, it's scary too. I've never performed in the West End and this is a huge challenge and commitment. I'm really looking forward to returning to London later this year and completely sinking my teeth into the role. I think there's going to be lots to learn and lots to gain from this experi- ence, and I just want to be the absolute best that I can be."

Casting announced for Kander And Ebb musical Acclaimed Broadway actor Brandon Victor Dixon is to make his West End debut later this year when Susan Stroman’s Young Vic production of The Scottsboro Boys transfers to the Garrick The- atre. Dixon will star as Haywood Patterson, a role he created in the original US production. He’ll be joined in the Kander & Ebb musi- cal by fellow Americans Colman Domingo, Forrest McClendon and James T Lane. The show tells the story of nine young black men travelling on a train through Scottsboro, Alabama, in 1931, in search of a new life. The Scottsboro Boys opens at The Garrick in October.

Christmas treat in store at Duchess Theatre Will Tuckett’s Oliver Award-winning adaptation of Kenneth Gra- hame’s Wind In The Willows is to return to the West End this Christmas. The production draws inspiration from the music of Edwardian composer George Butterworth, with the action set to a score by Martin Ward. Brought to the stage by the Royal Opera House and with casting soon to be announced, the produc- tion opens at The Duchess Theatre on 26 November, where it will run for an eight week period.

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

From FRI 25 JULY

Guardians Of The Galaxy CERT tbc Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Benicio del ToroDirected by James Gunn (USA) TOP 5 The tenth instalment in the so-called ‘Marvel Cinematic Universe,’ Guardians Of The Galaxy stars Chris Pratt FILM BOX OFFICE (from TV's Parks And Recreation) as the half-alien, half-human pilot Peter Quill. When Quill steals a special ‘orb’ from the villainous Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), he is forced to form an uneasy alliance with a ragtag group of extra-terrestrial misfits. The film is a combination of live-action, CGI effects and motion capture tech- 22 Jump Street (15) nology. And we can’t wait to see Vin Diesel as Groot, a humanoid tree, a part he was obviously born to play. 1 In 3D. X-Men: Days Of 2 Future Past (12a) 3 Edge Of Tomorrow (12a) 4 Maleficent(PG) 5 Godzilla (12a)

From THU 17 JULY

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes CERT tbc Starring Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Andy Serkis, Judy Greer, Toby Kebbell Directed by Matt Reeves (USA) Believe it or not, this is the eighth instalment in the Planet Of The Apes franchise. But the last one was the best of the lot - so far. Here, Caesar and his army of genetically modified simian soldiers face a band of hu- mans that survived the virus that all but wiped out mankind. It’s ten years on from the events of the last film (Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes), but can the apes and their subordinate humans reach a truce? The next 22 Jump Street chapter is already in the works. In 3D.

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FilmNEW RELEASES

Now Showing

Arthur And Mike CERT 15 (93 mins) Starring Colin Firth, Emily Blunt, Anne Heche, Sterling Beaumon Directed by Dante Ariola (USA) Actually filmed in 2011, this is the story of a for- mer professional golfer who fakes his own death in order to escape a life of failure. Then, in his new incarnation as Arthur Newman, he encounters a woman who is also fleeing her old identity.

From THU 10 JULY

misanthropic actor who’s turned his back on the stage sounds like a part tailor-made for him. Transformers: Age Of Extinction CERT 12a (165 mins) Then his grumpy Released from Fri 4 July thesp is ap- Starring Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, proached by an- Nicola Peltz, Jack Reynor, Kelsey Gram- other actor mer, Sophia Myles Cycling With Moliere (Wilson) to make Directed by Michael Bay (USA) CERT 15 (105 mins) a comeback in a Four years after the invasion of Chicago, a Starring Fabrice Luchini, Lambert Wilson, production of mechanic (Wahlberg) and his daughter Maya Sansa, Camille Japy Moliere’s The Mis- (Peltz, from TV’s Bates Motel) stumble Directed by Philippe Le Guay (France) anthrope. Unfortu- across a deactivated Optimus Prime (you Fabrice Luchini is one of the most wonderful ac- nately, it’s not the know, the leader of the Autobots). Their lives tors working in France today. To see him play a leading part… are about to change forever… In 3D.

For full film listings, showings and booking links visit: whatsonlive.co.uk

View the latest trailers on line

38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - July.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:26 Page 4

Tammy CERT 15 (97 mins) Starring Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Allison Janney, Toni Collette, Sandra Oh, Dan Aykroyd, Kathy Bates Directed by Michael Bay (USA) Now that she’s a bona fide box-office star, Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Identity Thief, The Heat) takes solo billing above the title in this comedy. She plays Tammy, who takes to the road with her dipsomaniac grandmother (Sarandon) after losing her job, her car and her husband. Remember Thelma & Louise? Well, forget it.

From Released from Fri 11 July FRI 11 JULY

Begin Again CERT 15 (104 mins) Starring Keira Knightley, Mark Ruffalo, Hailee Steinfeld, Adam Levine, James Corden, Cee Mr Morgan’s Last Love How To Train Your Dragon 2 Lo Green, Catherine Keener CERT 12a (116 mins) CERT PG (102 mins) Directed by John Carney (USA) Starring Michael Caine, Clémence Poésy, Featuring the voices of Jay Baruchel, Cate Having played bass for the Irish band The Justin Kirk, Jane Alexander, Gillian Anderson Blanchett, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Frames, filmed their music videos and then di- Directed by Sandra Nettelbeck America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher (Germany/Belgium/USA/France) rected Once, about a street musician, John Car- Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, Djimon Houn- ney returns to the music world for his American Michael Caine may be eighty-one but that does- sou, Kit Harington Directed by Dean DeBlois (USA) directorial debut. Keira Knightley plays a singer- n’t mean he still hasn’t got an eye for the young songwriter who moves to New York with her ladies. Here he plays retired philosophy profes- Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois’ How To boyfriend, only to be cheated on by him. She sor Matthew Morgan Train Your Dragon (2010) was a hard act to then meets Dan (Ruffalo), a disillusioned music who lives in Paris follow. However, DreamWorks Animation has executive… Keira sings! and ‘takes up’ with a pulled out all the stops to produce a cartoon French dance in- spectacular to rival the entertainment value of structor (Poésy, the original. So, now that all the Vikings of aged 31). From San- Berk are at one with the dragons in their dra Nettelbeck, who midst, young Hiccup (Baruchel) feels free to directed the highly explore neighbouring lands on the back of his acclaimed German trusted Toothless. But beyond the familiar film Mostly Martha horizon lie new peoples with a less sympa- (2001). thetic disposition towards our soaring friends... How To Train Your Dragon 2, under Released from Fri 18 July the sole direction of Dean DeBlois, is full of eco-friendly evangelism, warning against the wrong of killing something just because it’s different (Hiccup: “Dragons are kind, amazing Grand Central CERT 15 (95 mins) creatures that can bring people together”). Boyhood CERT 15 (166 mins) Starring Tahar Rahim, Léa Seydoux, Denis There’s also lashings of humour, wonderful di- Starring Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Ménochet, Olivier Gourmet, Johan Libéreau alogue (“soil my britches!” should be adopted Ethan Hawke, Lorelei Linklater Directed by Rebecca Zlotowski (France/Austria) as a preferable alternative to “WTF?”) and en- Directed by Richard Linklater (USA) gaging, colourful characters. But it’s a mark of Winner of the François Chalais Prize at Cannes, This is one film that lives up to its title. Started in the film’s intelligence that we are allowed this is the story of a decontamination sub-con- the summer of 2002, the drama continued pro- some downtime with these individuals - the tractor at a nu- duction through to October 2013, having shot naturalistic human interaction of the charac- clear power plant for a few weeks every year in-between. The film ters is remarkable. One may wonder why Hic- in the lower valley is the story of Mason Jr (Coltrane) and follows cup, coming from a line of Scottish Vikings, of the Rhone. It him from the age of six to eighteen. It’s no sur- has an American accent and Cate Blanchett, doesn’t sound prise, then, that the completed picture runs for as a “feral vigilante dragon lady,” has yet to very exciting, but one hundred-and-sixty-five minutes. Winner of master her Caledonian brogue. But these are the film deals with the Silver Bear for Best Director at this year’s small quibbles when everything else fits to- the everyday Berlin festival. gether so magically. In 3D. problem of radia- tion contamina- tion and stars two Jealousy CERT 12a (77 mins) of France’s Starring Anna Mouglalis, Louis Garrel, Re- hottest young per- becca Convenant, Esther Garrel formers: Tahar Directed by Philippe Garrel (France) Rahim (A Once again the veteran French filmmaker Prophet) and Léa Philippe Garrel casts his son (Louis) in the cen- Seydoux (Blue is tral role of a very Gallic tale of thwarted love. the Warmest This one is set in the world of the theatre and Colour). Louis (Garrel) is an impoverished actor desper-

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ate to make the woman he loves a star. But the prospects don’t look good… Unlike the direc- tor’s most famous film, Les amants réguliers (aka Regular Lovers), which was three hours’ long, this is a mere seventy-seven minutes. And it’s in black-and-white.

Some Like It Hot CERT U (116 mins) Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Pat O’Brien, Joe E. Brown Directed by Billy Wilder (USA) Voted greatest comedy of all time by the Ameri- can Film Institute, Some Like It Hot is likely to be re-released many times yet. Chock-full of iconic moments, it does boast some sparkling dialogue from Billy Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond and is powered by enormous comic energy. But it’s funny to think, looking at it now, that the 1959 film was deemed too provocative for some From US states. So Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon FRI 25 dress up as women - to escape the clutches of JULY some Chicago mobsters - but they wouldn’t pass muster today. Now the farcical elements CERT 15 (117 mins) CERT tbc seem a little over-ripe, while Marilyn Monroe ap- Joe Hercules pears more sweet and ordinary than pneumatic Starring Nicolas Cage, Tye Sheridan, Gary Starring Dwayne Johnson, Ian McShane, Poulter, Ronnie Gene Blevins, Adriene Mish- Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mul- and goddess-like. ler Directed by David Gordon Green (USA) lan, John Hurt Just as the role of Rooster Cogburn (in True Directed by Brett Ratner (USA) Grit) was a hand-in-glove part for John We know, there was a Hercules film back in Wayne, so the role of Joe Ransom is a tailor- March (The Legend Of Hercules), but did any- made vehicle for Nicolas Cage. A grizzled ex- body actually see it? This one is based on the con with an alcohol and cigarette addiction, graphic novel Hercules: The Thracian Wars Joe is a tough nut trying to stay on the right and has a much better cast. The Rock (sorry, side of the law. When a fifteen-year-old drifter Dwayne Johnson) stars as the demi-god and (Sheridan) enters his life, Joe’s parental in- is recruited by the King of Thrace (John Hurt) stincts are kindled, just as the emotional tem- to combat a tyrannical warlord. Let the mus- perature in his small community heats up. cles clench. And as incoherent rednecks and pot-bellied policemen circle the narrative, so an air of im- manager of United. Set in 1984, it pending violence builds. The director David Released from Fri 25 July tells of the time Busby came out of retirement to Gordon Green has always had an eye - and coach a team of young Mancunian schoolboys. ear - for the underbelly of American life, and Pudsey The Dog: The Movie here he draws on the hardscrabble ugliness CERT tbc of the backwoods of Texas to stoke his The Purge Anarchy CERT tbc drama. Cage is brilliantly effective as the Featuring the voices of David Walliams, Olivia Starring Frank Grillo, Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gil- Colman, Peter Serafinowicz, Lorraine Kelly, morally divided loner, while the camerawork, ford, Kiele Sanchez, Michael K. Williams Amanda Holden; and with John Sessions music and intoxicating visuals add to the sim- Directed by James DeMonaco (USA) Directed by Nick Moore (UK) mering stew. Based on the 1991 novel by Last year’s The Purge was one of the most dis- From the director of Horrid Henry: The Movie Larry Brown. turbing and frightening films of 2013. Set in the comes this all-new family adventure about the not-too-distant future, the US government de- border collie/bichon frise/Chinese crested pow- clares a twelve-hour amnesty when anybody derpuff cross. On-the-ball viewers will recall that can commit any crime they like. This time, dur- Pudsey - with his trainer Ashleigh Butler - won ing ‘the purge,’ a couple’s car runs out of petrol Britain’s Got Talent two years ago by doing and they find themselves the prey of a crime- doggy tricks. Here, Pudsey and his three sib- hungry mob… lings move from London to a sleepy seaside vil- lage where Pudsey aims to thwart the nefarious dealings of a certain Mr Thorne and his cat Faustus.

Believe CERT PG (96 mins) Starring Brian Cox, Natascha McElhone, Toby Stephens, Anne Reid, Jack Smith, Philip Jackson, Kate Ashfield Directed by David Scheinmann (UK) If you’re not tired of football by now, here’s a true story about Matt Busby (Cox), erstwhile

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ripped straight from the lice officer while being re- Sun 13 - Thurs 17 July; Ar- Thurs 31 July headlines, based on the strained by another. The trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 - FilmA-Z LISTINGS book by Captain Phillips mobile phone footage has Thurs 24 July Jimmy’s Hall 12a himself in collaboration been seen by millions of Barry Ward plays the real- All films are currently on general release with Stephan Talty. Show- people. This drama traces Harold And Maud 15 life political activist Jimmy unless otherwise stated. For full listing ing at Foxlowe Arts Centre, Oscar’s last twenty-four The film follows the bur- Gralton, who becomes information, including times and dates, Leek, Tues 1 July hours. Stars Michael B. geoning relationship be- the only Irishman ever to Jordan, Melonie Diaz. tween the gloomy, be deported from Ireland. visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Dallas Buyers Club Showing at mac, Birming- twenty-year-old, suicide- This is the story of the 15 ham, Sun 13 - Thurs 17 staging Harold and the dance hall he built. Also 1984 15 Beyond The Edge PG Based on a lengthy article July; The Roses Theatre, sprightly octogenarian stars Simone Kirby. George Orwell's novel of a Docudrama charting Ed- in the Dallas Morning Tewkesbury, Sat 26 July Maude, whose bohemian Showing at Stoke Film totalitarian future society, mund Hilary's historical News, this is a true story wiles and open-arms ap- Theatre, Stoke-On-Trent, in which a man whose ascent of Mount Everest about a homophobic The Grand Budapest proach to living enable Fri 4 July; Ludlow Assem- daily work is rewriting his- in 1953. Combining re- rodeo jock who contracts Hotel 12a Harold's first gentle steps bly Rooms, Weds 23 - tory tries to rebel by falling constructions, found Aids. Matthew Mc- The adventures of the leg- towards embracing exis- Thurs 24 July; Courtyard in love. Stars John Hurt, footage, photographs and Conaughey & Jennifer endary concierge Gus- tence. Showing at Electric Theatre, Hereford, Fri 25 - Suzanna Hamilton. Show- interviews. Showing at Garner star. Showing at tave H. As played by Cinema, Birmingham, Mon 28 July; The Roses ing at Crescent Theatre, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Tues Ralph Fiennes, Gustave H Weds 30 - Thurs 31 July Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues Birmingham, Weds 9 July South Shropshire, Sat 12 8 July is a wonderful comic char- 29 - Weds 30 July July acter, an articulate, manip- Here And Now 12a 12 Years A Slave 15 Devil’s Knot 15 ulative and brazen fellow A sweet tale of a holiday The Last Picture Show Based on the autobiogra- Blue Ruin 15 Based on the book by who abuses his position romance between lippy 15 phy of Soloman Northup, Dwight Evans is a mysteri- Mara Leveritt, this is the with startling zeal. Ac- city girl Grace and sullen Set in a bleak, isolated who was kidnapped and ous outsider whose quiet true story of three eight- cused of murder and country boy Say. She’s Texas town, this is the sold into slavery in 1841. life on the margins is year-old boys who went chased all over the shop, angry that her parents are story of teenager Sonny Chiwetel Ejiofor and turned upside-down when missing in 1993 in West the fellow never loses his tearing their marriage and his friend Duane, Michael Fassbender star. he returns to his child- Memphis. In the event, nerve. Showing at Stour- apart, while the intriguing who’re destined to fall out Showing at Stourbridge hood home to carry out the boys’ naked bodies bridge Town Hall, Mon 21 Say barely speaks. Stars over their interest in the Town Hall, Mon 7 July; an act of vengeance. were found horrifically July Lauren Johns, Andy stunningly beautiful and The Edge Arts Centre, Proving himself an ama- beaten. Colin Firth plays Rush. Showing at Court- exquisitely manipulative Much Wenlock, Mon 14 teur assassin, he winds the private investigator on Gentlemen Prefer yard Theatre, Hereford, Jacy. Stars Timothy Bot- July up in a brutal fight to pro- the case. Showing at Old Sun 6 - Thurs 17 July toms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Blondes U tect his estranged family. Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Shepherd. Showing at Two singers, best friends Before The Winter Chill Stars Macon Blair, Devin until Thurs 3 July Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Honey I Shrunk The 15 Ratray. Showing at Lud- on-Trent, Mon 7 July Shaw, travel to Paris pur- Kids U An upmarket Parisian low Assembly Rooms, Fri A Farewell To Arms PG sued by a private detec- Erstwhile inventor Prof couple’s marriage is put - Sat 5 July; Courtyard A tale of the love between tive hired by Lorelei’s Wayne Szalinski has been Legends Of Oz: under strain when Paul Theatre, Hereford, Mon 21 ambulance driver Lt. fiancé’s disapproving fa- experimenting with an Dorothy’s Return U starts to receive unwanted - Weds 23 July Henry and Nurse Cather- ther to keep an eye on electromagnetic shrinking In this animated musical attention from a younger ine Barkley during World her, a rich, enamoured old machine. He leaves the sequel to the family clas- woman. With bunches of War One. The action man and many other dot- device unattended in his sic, Dorothy wakes up in roses arriving on a daily takes place in Italy. The ing admirers. Stars Jane attic; shortly afterward, it’s post-tornado Kansas, only basis, he begins to take two fall in love during Russell, Marilyn Monroe. accidentally activated and to be whisked back to Oz an interest in her life. the war and will stop at WATCH Showing at Courtyard The- the machine is aimed at to try to save her old Who then, is stalking nothing to be to- atre, Hereford, Thurs 24 - his children, as well as the friends the Scarecrow, the who? Stars Daniel gether. Stars Gary Fri 25 July son of a neighbour. Show- Lion, the Tin Man and Auteuil, Kristin Scott THE FILM Cooper, Helen ing at mac, Birmingham, Glinda from a devious Thomas. Showing at Hayes. Showing at Godzilla 12a Sat 5 July new villain. With the Ludlow Assembly The Roses Theatre, As if Godzilla wasn’t terri- voices of Hugh Dancy, Rooms, South Shrop- TRAILERS AT Tewkesbury, Thurs 17 fying enough, there are In Secret 15 Lea Michele. Showing at shire, Mon 14 - Weds July In 1860s Paris, Therese, The Roses Theatre, 16 July; The Roses The- whatsonlive.co.uk even more malevolent creatures out there, threat- forced into a loveless mar- Tewkesbury, Weds 23 - atre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 17 Frank 15 ening humanity’s very ex- riage by her domineering Tues 29 July July; Courtyard Theatre, Frank is the lead singer of istence. And Godzilla is aunt, embarks on a pas- Hereford, Fri 25 - Weds 30 a band called Soronprfbs pitted against them. Stars sionate affair and hatches Locke 15 July Breakfast [sic], who wears a large Aaron Taylor-Johnson. a deadly plan to secure a While driving from Birm- At Tiffany’s PG papier-mâché mask, not Showing at Ludlow As- future with her new lover. ingham to London, a con- Belle 12a A lonely, struggling writer only when he performs, sembly Rooms, South Stars Elizabeth Olsen, struction manager Based on true events, this becomes enchanted with but when he sleeps and Shropshire, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Oscar Isaac, Tom Felton. receives a phone call. The is the story of Dido Eliza- his neighbour, Holly Go- showers, too. Jon Bur- July Showing at The Roses remainder of the film sees beth Belle, a former slave lightly: an independent roughs is the wannabe Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon Ivan Locke attempting to who’s brought up by her young woman who strives musician who joins the Grace Of Monaco PG 21 - Weds 27 July salvage his life via mobile great uncle. What’s sur- to be a high-climbing so- band when they move to Olivier Dahan’s biography phone as he continues to prising is that Dido is cialite with a penchant for Ireland to cut an album. deals with the marital cri- Jersey Boys 15 race home. Stars Tom mixed race and her uncle high-fashion and wild par- Stars Michael Fassben- sis of the former Grace Before The Beatles, the Hardy, with the voices of was the 1st Earl of Mans- ties. Stars Audrey Hep- der, Domhnall Gleeson. Kelly, who went from most popular rock band Tom Holland, Olivia Col- field, William Murray. Con- burn, George Peppard. Showing at Ludlow As- being Hollywood royalty of all time was The Four man. Showing at Ludlow sequently, Dido is raised Showing at Courtyard The- sembly Rooms, South to bona fide European Seasons. The Broadway Assembly Rooms, Tues 1 - as an aristocrat. Showing atre, Hereford, Weds 16 - Shropshire, Thurs 10 - Fri sovereignty. Starring musical that chronicled Weds 2 July; The Roses at Warwick Arts Centre, Thurs 17 July 11 July; The Roses The- Nicole Kidman and Tim their amazing career has Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 4 Coventry, until Thurs 3 atre, Tewkesbury, Sat 12 Roth. Showing at Light been brought to the big July July; Courtyard Theatre, Captain Phillips 12a July screen by Clint Eastwood. Hereford, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Tom Hanks plays the House Media Centre, Wolverhampton, until Stars John Lloyd Young, The Love Punch 15 July; The Roses Theatre, eponymous Captain Fruitvale Station 15 Thurs 3 July; The Roses Erich Bergen. Showing at The Love Punch is the Tewkesbury, from Thurs Richard Phillips, who was On New Year’s Eve 2008, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 - story of two divorcees. 31 July abducted by Somali pi- Oscar Grant III was shot at 8 - Thurs 10 July; Court- Thurs 24 July: Courtyard Reunited at a wedding, rates in 2009. It’s a tale point blank range by a po- yard Theatre, Hereford, Theatre, Hereford, Fri 25 - the ex-couple decide to

FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WAL- ODEON TELFORD ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire CINEMA Box Office SALL 01922 645 555 0871 224 4007 0871 224 4007 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE OMH SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 Shropshire 01743 281281 Warwickshire Birmingham SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 MALVERN THEATRE VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY WEM TOWN HALL ODEON COVENTRY 0845 287 2146 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 200 2000 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 240 240 THE NORBURY THEATRE, 0871 200 2000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, Staffordshire ODEON NUNEATON DROITWICH SPA CINEWORLD Solihull Black Country MUCH WENLOCK 0871 224 4007 08444 777 1000 0871 200 2000 CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON 01952 728 911 CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- SHOWCASE, COVENTRY TRENT 0871 200 2000 WAREHOUSE, KIDDER- ELECTRIC, B’ham 0871 200 2000 FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, 0871 220 1000 MINSTER 0121 643 7879 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- MARKET DRAYTON THE STAFFORD CINEMA, VUE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01562 747773 STAFFORD EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 01630 654 444 08712 240 240 VUE, WORCESTER 0207 438 9580 MILLENNIUM POINT 716055 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY PICTURE HOUSE, STRAT- 0871 224 0240 0121 202 2222 ODEON MERRY HILL, DUD- 01743 234 970 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, FORD-UPON-AVON 0871 902 THE ROSE’S THEATRE, LEY 0871 22 44007 LEEK 01538 386 112 MAC 0121 446 3232 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS 5741 TEWKESBURY ODEON 0871 224 4007 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY 01584 878 141 STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 01684 295 074 0871 220 1000 411188 COVENTRY 02476 524524 REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH 01746 761815

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team up to retrieve the re- in the wake of an Israeli American reporter in fantasies filled with hero- French Riviera. But she Stoke Film Theatre, Stoke- tirement money stolen soldier’s killing. Stars Rome. Stars Audrey Hep- ism, romance and action. proves her love by help- On-Trent, Sat 5 July; Artrix, from them. Stars Pierce Adam Bakri, Leem burn, Gregory Peck. Showing at Forest Arts ing him escape so he can Bromsgrove, Mon 21 - Fri Brosnan, Emma Thomp- Lubany.Showing at Light Showing at Light House Centre, Walsall, Fri 11 July clear his name. Also stars 25 July; The Roses The- son. Showing at Artrix, House Media Centre, Media Centre, Wolver- Cary Grant. Showing at atre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 24 Bromsgrove, until Fri 4 Wolverhampton, Tues 1 hampton, Sun 20 July; Sunshine On LeithPG Courtyard Theatre, Here- July July July; Courtyard Theatre, Crescent Theatre, Birm- Inspired by the album of ford, Fri 4 - Sun 6 July Hereford, Mon 21 - Tues ingham, Thurs 31 July the same name by The X-Men: Days Of Future Mandela: Long Walk To 22 July; The Roses The- Proclaimers, Sunshine On The Two Faces Of Jan- Past12a Freedom12a atre, Tewkesbury, Mon 28 Run And Jump15 Leith went from vinyl to uary 12a The future is looking rather The late anti-apartheid ac- July An American doctor trav- CD to stage musical. The The ubiquitous Oscar grim again, so Wolverine tivist Nelson Mandela has els to Ireland to study the film version follows the Isaac (Inside Llewyn (Jackman) is sent back in been played by several Postman Pat: The Casey family after thirty- story of two soldiers from Davis) is back in this time to alter the course of actors, but this is the first MovieU eight-year-old Conor suf- Afghanistan who have to thriller based on the novel history. Stars Hugh Jack- film to be based on Man- Postman Pat now has his fers a stroke which adjust to civilian life in Ed- by Patricia Highsmith. He man, James McAvoy, dela’s autobiography. own (computer-animated) changes his personality, inburgh.Showing at Nor- plays Rydal, a tour guide Michael Fassbender. Idris Elba stars.Showing movie. But who thought leaving dynamo wife and bury Theatre, Weds 16 who shows an American Showing at Festival Dray- at The Edge Arts Centre, that Ronan Keating would mother Vanetia to run the July couple around the Acrop- ton Centre, Market Dray- Much Wenlock, Mon 7 end up singing for the show. Stars Maxine olis of Athens. But Rydal ton, Fri 4, Mon 7 & Tues 8 July; Foxlowe Arts Centre, friendly postman of Peake, Will Forte.Show- A Thousand Times is not all he seems - and July Leek, Tues 15 July Greendale? Yep, PP en- ing at Light House Media Good Night15 neither, for that matter, is ters a TV talent show, Centre, Wolverhampton, Rebecca is a top war pho- his new friend, Chester The Young And Prodi- until Tues 1 July; The MacFarland. Also stars MaleficentPG leaving his postal duties to tographer. While photo- gious TS Spivit12a Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Disney serves up their a line of rather suspicious graphing a female suicide The story of a ten-year-old bury, Tues 29 July Dunst.Showing at The own version of a fairytale robots.Showing at The bomber group, she’s cartographer who sets out Roses Theatre, Tewkes- with this retelling of Sleep- Roses Theatre, Tewkes- badly hurt in an explosion. across country to receive a Saving Mr BanksPG bury, Weds 2 - Mon 7 July; ing Beauty. The twist is bury, from Weds 30 July Back home, her husband prize at the Smithsonian In- Biog of PL Travers, the au- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 11 - that it’s told from the view- and daughters can no stitute for his discovery of a thor of Mary Poppins. The Mon 14 July point of the wicked fairy Quadrophenia18 longer bear the thought of perpetual-motion machine. film is divided between ‘Mistress of All Evil’, as Franc Roddam’s her dying on assignment. Directed by Jean-Pierre Je- Travers’ early years in The Wind RisesPG created in the original Quadrophenia describes She’s given an ultimatum: unet. Stars Kyle Catlett, He- Australia and the later ne- Hayao Miyazaki is one of 1959 cartoon. Stars An- the experiences of Jimmy choose between your lena Bonham Carter. gotiations with Disney to the leading talents in ani- gelina Jolie and Sharlto and his Mod friends in work or your family. Stars Expect vivid characters and make a film of her popular mation today, having won Copley.Showing at Lud- 1965 London, and how Juliette Binoche, Nikolaj lashings of charm.Show- children’s novel. Emma countless awards and even low Assembly Rooms, they create a world out- Coster-Waldau.Showing ing at Warwick Arts Cen- Thompson & Tom Hanks an Oscar (for his peerless South Shropshire, until side the humdrum and at Ludlow Assembly tre, Coventry, until Thurs 3 star.Showing at Forest 2001 fantasy Spirited Thurs 3 July; Artrix, Broms- mainstream with their Rooms, Mon 7 - Tues 9 July; mac, Birmingham, Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs Away). Here, he’s adapted grove, Weds 23 - Thurs 24 scooters,Showing at Light July; The Roses Theatre, Sat 12 - Tues 15 July; Lud- 24 July his own manga comic, a July; Courtyard Theatre, House Media Centre, Tewkesbury, Mon 14 July low Assembly Rooms, Fri fictionalised biography of Hereford, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Wolverhampton, Sun 20 25 - Tues 29 July July July The Secret Life Of Wal- To Catch A ThiefPG the aircraft designer Jiro ter MittyPG In Hitchcock’s classic Horikoshi.Showing at Omar 15 Roman HolidayU Ben Stiller directs and thriller, Grace Kelly plays A young Palestinian free- Romantic comedy telling stars in James Thurber's pampered heiress dom fighter agrees to the story of a bored and classic story of a day- Frances, who suspects re- For full listings visit: work as an informant after sheltered princess who dreamer who escapes his formed jewel thief The Cat he’s tricked into an admis- escapes her guardians anonymous life by disap- of a rash of gem thefts in www.whatsonlive.co.uk sion of guilt by association and falls in love with an pearing into a world of the luxury hotels of the

DVD NEW RELEASES The Book Thief 12a The Lunchbox PG In World War Two Ger- While attempting to spice many, young Liesel finds up her marriage, Ila puts a solace by stealing books note in her husband’s and sharing them with oth- lunchbox. But when it’s ers. In the basement of her delivered to Saajan, a home, Max, a Jewish lonely man on the verge refugee sheltered by her of retirement, an ex- adoptive parents, is teach- change of notes begins ing her to read. Stars So- and a relationship devel- phie Nélisse. ops that could jeopardise Released 7 July both of their worlds. Released 14 July

Need For Speed 12a Based on the most suc- cessful video racing game franchise ever, there are fast cars and unique ac- tion sequences in this story of revenge and retri- bution. Stars Aaron Paul. Released 21 July Under The Skin 15 From the director of Sexy The Grand Budapest hacker looking for the A Long Way Down 15 About Last Night 15 Beast and Birth (Jonathan Hotel 15 meaning of life. Of course, Johnny Depp bought the A remake of the 1986 rom- Glazer), this science fiction An original story about a it’s all there in the algebra - rights to Nick Hornby’s com, this version has thriller stars Scarlett Jo- concierge in an imagi- except that Life keeps on 2005 novel before it was changed the colour of the hansson as an alien who nary European country. getting in the way… Stars even published, but has characters and switched preys on hitchhikers in Ralph Fiennes plays the Christoph Waltz and taken a back seat on this the locale. But it’s still about Scotland. You’ll either love it porter of the eponymous Mélanie Thierry. Directed by all-British production. It tells the complications of love or hate it. establishment (in the Re- Terry Gilliam. the story of four people and relationships. Released 14 July public of Zubrowka), and Released 21 July who decide to commit sui- Released 28 July his adventures prove to cide by jumping off a tall be predictably uncon- building in London on New The Lego Movie U ventional. Also stars F Year’s Eve. The twist is that Ordinary guy Emmet is Murray Abraham. Di- they’re all strangers and mistaken for someone who rected by Wes Anderson. each character’s attempt to has the key to save the Released 7 July end his life in solitude is ru- world and finds himself ined by the appearance of drafted to join an epic quest the other. and stop an evil tyrant - a Stars Pierce Brosnan and quest for which he is hilari- The Zero Theorem 15 A science fiction fantasy Toni Collette. ously underprepared. Released 28 July Released 21 July about a reclusive computer

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Birmingham Jazz Festival Various locations in and around Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sun 27 July Set to brighten up all manner of nooks, crannies, shuts and passages in and around the city centre, the annual Birmingham International Jazz Festival entices thousands of visitors to the region every year with its impressive line-up of artists and impromptu performances. In celebration of the fes- tival’s thirtieth anniversary, organisers are promis- ing a bumper event this month, with one hundred- and-seventy-five performances taking place across eighty venues, most of which offer free admission. Although very much a Birmingham affair, the festi- val regularly attracts acts from across the world. Performers from the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Spain and the USA all feature in this year’s pro- gramme.

The Jake Leg Jug Band - The Bureau, Steel Pulse The Mailbox & The Brasshouse

Simmer Down Festival Handsworth Park, Birmingham, Sun 20 July Very much a community affair, Simmer Down is a one-day event celebrating Birmingham’s rich cultural diversity and musical heritage. Organised by The Drum, this year’s event is of special significance, as it forms part of the Aston-based arts centre’s twentieth anniversary celebrations. Musical greats who’ve helped put the Midlands on the map headline the festival’s fifth outing. Grammy Award-winning Steel Pulse - one of the most recognisable reggae acts of all time - appear on the bill alongside Apache Indian, whose fusion of Asian, West Indian and English musical cultures has secured him a global reputation. Musical Youth’s Michael Grant and Dennis Seaton also feature. In addition to its offer of top- notch live entertainment, the festival also hosts an impressive programme of dance Wireless Festival activities, arts and education workshops, and craft stalls from around the world. Perry Park, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sun 6 July Wireless is the latest festival to establish a dual- site status, with performers taking to the stage dur- ing the same weekend in both London’s Finsbury Park and, for the first time, in Birmingham’s Perry Park. In the Midlands, Canadian R&B artist Drake takes top billing on the Friday evening, featuring in a line-up that also includes Rudimental, Knife Party, Wiz Khafila, Labrinth and Azealia Banks. The Saturday evening sees Doo-Wops & Hooligans star Bruno Mars, Outkast, Ellie Goulding and Robin Thicke take the top four slots, while Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Tinie Tempah and Basement Jaxx are guaranteed to bring the festival to an explosive finale on the Sunday night. Blondie, Foxes, Clean Bandit, John Newman and Ella Eyre are just a few of the many other notable acts worth a watch over the weekend. The Selecter Coventry Memorial Park, Coventry, Fri 4 - Sun 6 July Maintaining its status as one of the biggest free, ticketless festivals in the country, Godiva this year hosts a ska-tastic programme, with Horace Panter, Neville Staple and King Hammond all performing. Friday evening sees The Selecter presenting their semi- nal album, Too Much Pressure, in its entirety, after which they hand over the stage to the headlining Buzzcocks, one of the original trinity of British punk groups. Eighties band The take top billing on the Saturday evening, while The Lightening Seeds round off the festival with a selection of their crowdpleasing hits on the Sunday. As well as its plethora of well-known names - We Are Scientists, The Ordinary Boys and Funeral For A Friend included - Godiva Festival also provides a plat- form on which local artists and bands can showcase their skills, while up-and-coming Ellie Goulding comedians are encouraged to ply their wares in the site’s Fargo Village Tent.

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Festivals Splendour Festival Wollaton Park, Nottingham, Sat 19 July Established as Nottingham’s largest outdoor music event and taking place in a stunning set- ting, Splendour provides its thousands of visitors - of all ages - with the chance to enjoy music both from internationally renowned artists and local up- and-coming talent. Singer-songwriter Tom O’Dell has established quite a following since his debut album, Long Way Down, was released in June 2013, and here performs alongside Happy Mondays, Scouting For Girls, Foxes and The Beat. The Boomtown Rats, Reverend & The Makers and The Rifles appear on the Confetti Stage, while additional entertainment for younger visitors comes courtesy of a kids’ area and funfair.

Mr George’s Famous Last Words Fuse Festival Beacon Park, Lichfield, Fri 11 - Sun 13 July Organised by Lichfield Arts (the team behind the ever-popular Lichfield Folk Festival), this annual community event features a wide variety of arts-based activities. Since its debut more than ten years ago, Fuse has become one of the largest free community arts festivals in the Midlands, attracting thousands of people to Beacon Park to enjoy a diverse range of music performances, theatre skills, storytelling sessions and work- Happy Mondays shops, as well as to browse the festival market’s many and varied stalls. With its three entertainment marquees - Beacon Stage, Park Stage and Cafe Fuse - the festival is a veritable honeypot of talented local and not-so-local bands. Mister George’s Famous Burton Jazz Festival Last Words, a five-piece inspired by the likes of The Killers, Gaslight Anthem and Bruce National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Springsteen, kick off Friday’s proceedings on the Park Stage, while The Born Again Thurs 18 - Sat 19 July Beatles promise to replicate the ‘true sounds’ of the Fab Four in the Beacon Tent. The Chris Elliot Band, Wildfire Rock, the Annie Whitehead Band, The Assist, Wally Von With its unique setting in Burton’s National Zipper, The Arcadians and Radio Mary also contribute to the three-day event. Brewery Centre, this two-day festival delivers a feast of jazz presented by some of the finest per- formers in the genre. Acclaimed quartet Gypsy Fire and one of Europe’s finest jazz vocalists, Claire Martin, perform consecutively in the main marquee on the Saturday evening. Other notable names featured on the bill include Art Theman Quartet, Zoe Gilby Trio, Ollie Howell Quintet and Stuart McDonald and Organik Trio. Warwick Folk Festival Warwick Showground, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 July Now in its thirty-fifth year, Warwick Folk Festival continues to attract the creme de la creme of the folk world, with Richard Thompson, Breabach, Habadekuk and Gordie MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys all headlining in 2014. In addition to four days’-worth of extensive music on its main stages, the festival features a programme of ceilidhs, workshops and talks, dance, a crafts and music fair, a family festival and impromptu acoustic sessions. The accompanying Food & Real Ale And Cider Festival provides visitors with the chance to sam- ple an array of international cuisine. New Rope String Band Festival At The Edge Stoke Barns, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Fri 18 - Sun 20 July The beautiful setting of Wenlock Edge provides a perfect backdrop for this annual get- together, which features artists from across the globe. Recognised as one of the oldest events of its kind in , Festival At The Edge launches major new storytelling endeavours and features performances from some of folk’s finest. Artists confirmed to appear in 2014 include fiddle and melodian players Jess and Richard Arrowsmith, funky folksters Blackbeard’s Tea Party, French trio EnChante and multi-award-winning Anglo- Australian duo James Fagan and Nancy Kerr. Wonderful musicianship and side-splitting comedy comes courtesy of the New Rope String Band, while Canada’s Gail Nyoka, British/Indian storyteller Peter Chand and New Zealand’s self-confessed story-o-phile Richard Thompson and frock-o-holic Tanya Batt are amongst those with a delightful tale or two to tell. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Festivals July 2014.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:21 Page 5

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Apache Indian, Reggae LOUNGE ON THE FARM Jazz Orchestra & Craig Johnson & Hall and Listings Revolution & Musical Featuring Fun Lovin’ Milverton, Fri 15 - Sun Oates, Fri 29 - Sun 31 Festivals Youth, Sun 20 July, Criminals, Peter Hook 17 Aug, Pershore Aug, Capesthorne Hall, Handsworth Park, and the Light, DJ Yoda College, Worcestershire Cheshire For full listing information on festivals, Birmingham & Courtney Pine, Sat 2 THE MOIRA FURNACE FUSION FESTIVAL including dates and line-up, visit ROCK AND BLUES OLD Aug, Merton Farm, FOLK FESTIVAL Featuring Featuring Jessie J, SCHOOL WEEKENDER Barkby, Nr Leicester Blackbeard’s Tea Party, Pitbull, Lawson & www.whatsonlive.co.uk Featuring Toseland, BULLDOG BASH Other Roads, Lucy Dizzee Rascal, Sat 30 - Dean James, The Kate Eddie and the Hot Featuring Dirty DC, Ward, Something Nasty Sun 31 Aug, Cofton JULY Gee Band & King Rods, Pig Iron & Aynt Skynyrd, The In The Woodshed, Fri Park, Birmingham Edwards School Slaveout, Thurs 24 - Sat Kommitments, Half 15 - Sun 17 Aug, Moira CHELTENHAM MUSIC FES- Orchestra, Fri 11 - Sun 26 July, Coney Grey Deaf Clatch, Thurs 7 - Furnace Museum and SEPTEMBER TIVAL Featuring 13 July, Beacon Park, Showground, Sun 10 Aug, Monument Site, Brodsky Quartet, Lichfield Derbyshire Shakespeare County Derbyshire FESTIVAL NO.6 Featuring Buskaid Soweto Strings BROMSGROVE FOLK FES- WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Raceway, Stratford BAKEWELL MUSIC FESTI- Pet Shop Boys, Beck, & Nicola Benedetti, TIVAL Featuring Dougie Featuring Habadekuk, Upon Avon VAL Featuring Chas London Grammar, Wed 2 - Sun 13 July, Mclean, Richard John Tams and Barry Hodge’s Band, John Bonobo & Martha and Various venues Digance, Anthony John Coope, Gordie Featuring Megadeth, Coghlan’s Quo, Lucy the Vandellas, Fri 5 - LICHFIELD FESTIVAL Clarke & Mike Silver, Fri MacKeeman and his Down, Emperor & Ward & George Sun 7 Sept, 2014 line-up includes; 11 - Sun 13 July, The Rhythm Boys & Carcass, Thurs 7 - Sun Borowski, Fri 15 - Sun Portmeirion, North Brodsky, Catrin Finch & Bowling Green, Breabach, Thurs 24 - 10 Aug, Catton Park, 17 Aug, The Wales Seckou Keita, Benjamin Bromsgrove, Sun 27 July, various Derbyshire Showground, ONBOARD THE CRAFT Baker & Aquarelle Worcestershire venues around STRAWBERRY FIELDS Derbyshire FESTIVAL Featuring Pre- String Quartet, Fri 4 - WORKHOUSE FESTIVAL Warwickshire FESTIVAL Featuring LICHFIELD FAKE FESTIVAL Mad, Moulettes, Sat 13 July, Various Featuring Ash Reverend And The Featuring Supreme Leatheratm Harvey venues around Lichfield Mandrake, Bleedin Featuring Prodigy, Makers, Steve Lawler, Queen, Oasish & Bainbridge & Flutatious, NATIONAL FOREST FOLK Noses, Soul Preachers Chase & Status, David The Rifles & Catfish and Coldplace, Sat 16 Aug, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Sept, Stoke FESTIVAL Featuring & The Misty Blue Trio, Guetta & Knife Party, Fri the Bottlemen, Fri 8 - Beacon Park, Lichfield, Prior Country Club, Steeleye Span, Fri 11 - Mon 14 July, 25 - Sat 26 July, Long Sun 10 Aug, Cattow Staffordshire Bromsgrove Shooglenifty, The Llanfyllin, Powys Marston Airfield, Farm, Leicester SUMMER FESTIVAL WHITWELL FESTIVAL OF Mighty Doonans & The NOISILY FESTIVAL Stratford upon Avon FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Featuring Ms Dynamite, MUSIC Featuring Doctor Shee, Fri 4 - Sun 6 July, Featuring Max Cooper, DEERSTOCK Featuring Featuring The Orb, The Hannah Wants, DJ and the Medics, James Conkers, Leicestershire Slam, Gaudi & This Wicked Tongue, Blockheads, Ferocious Luck & Neat & Artful Warner Prophecies, GODIVA FESTIVAL Symphonix, Fri 11 - Cadets, Parasite, Dog & The Delray Dodger, Sat 16 Aug, Dirtbox Disco & I Set Featuring Happy Sun 13 July, Coney Bongolistic Intent, Fri Rockets, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Donington Park, Derby The Sea On Fire, Fri 5 - Mondays, Funeral For A Woods, Leicestershire 25 - Sun 27 July, Aug, Gatten Farm, SHAMBALA FESTIVAL Sun 7 Sept, Community Friend, We Are THE ROCK AND BIKE FEST Newton, Nottingham Shrewsbury Featuring Mulatu Centre, Whitwell, Scientists & Buzzcocks, Featuring White Coast SINGING STICKS FESTIVAL JUNCTION 16 Featuring Astatke, Collie Buddz, Derbyshire Fri 4 - Sun 6 July, Rebels, Chase The Ace, Featuring Los Monkeys Katherine Jenkins, Fri 8 Public Service STOURBRIDGE FOLK FES- Memorial Park, Snakecharmer & Evil Musica, Inta Africa, Dub - Sun 10 Aug, Betley Broadcasting, Cumbria TIVAL Featuring The Coventry Scarecrow, Thurs 17 - Didge & Super Roo, Fri Court Farm, Crewe, All Stars, By The Rivers Strawbs, Scott WIRELESS FESTIVAL Sun 20 July, Carnfield 25 - Sun 27 July, The Cheshire & Babyhead, Thur 21 - Matthews, Roberts & Featuring Kayne West, Hall, Derby Overstone Scout Camp, Featuring The Sun 24, Secret location Lakeman & The Outkast, Bruno Mars, BIRMINGHAM INTERNA- Northamptonshire Bad Shepherds, in The Midlands Stubble Brothers, Fri 5 - Drake, Fri 4 - Sun 6 TIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES INDIETRACKS MUSIC FES- Buzzcocks, Shed Featuring Sun 7 Sept, Red House July, Perry Park, FESTIVAL Featuring TIVAL Featuring Gruff Seven & Lightning Avicii, Deadmau5, Glass Cone, Birmingham Bratislava Hot Rhys, Allo Darlin’, Dean Seeds, Fri 8 - Sun 10 & Above Stourbridge STRATFORD RIVER FESTI- Serenaders, Bruce Wareham & Spearmint, Aug, Croft Farm and Beyond, Fri 22 - OAKFEST Featuring Bad VAL 2014 line-up to be Adams, Art Themen & Fri 25 - Sun 27 July, Waterpark, Tewkesbury Sun 24 Aug, Daresbury, Manners, From The announced, Sat 5 - Sun Electric Swing Circus, Butterley Station, RUGBY Cheshire Jam & The Troggs, Sat 6 July, Recreation Fri 18 - Sun 27 July, Derbyshire Featuring Dead BEERMAGEDDON 6 Sept, Hartshill Park, Ground, Stratford-upon- Various locations BAREFOOT FESTIVAL Frequency, White Men Featuring Lawnmower Telford, Shropshire Avon throughout Birmingham Featuring SuperEvolver, Can’t Funk, Soul Deth, Skreamer, The ZOO PROJECT Featuring BLUES AT THE FOLD L FEST Featuring Erin DC Fontana & Laurel Rhymaz & Paper Street, Starry Wisdom Cult & Groove Armada, Mr Featuring Steve McKeown, Never The Canyons, Fri 25 - Mon Sat 9 Aug, Whitehall Kambrium, Fri 22 - Sun Scruff, Ten Walls & Ben Morrison, Mumbo- Bride, D’lys, Jenny 28 July, Prestwold Hall, Recreational Grounds, 24 Aug, Stoke Prior UFO, Fri 12 - Sun 14 Jumbo, Wily Bo Walker Lockyer & Sounds Of Leicestershire Rugby, Warwickshire Country Club, Sept, Donington Park, and the Mescal Canyon Sirens, Fri 18 - Mon 21 LEICESTER MUSIC FESTI- OSFEST Featuring Bromsgrove Derbyshire Troubadours & The June, Uttoxeter VAL Featuring Professor Paloma Faith (DJ set), SHREWSBURY FOLK FES- SHREWSBURY FIELDS Blues Duo featuring Racecourse, Green, Tinie Tempah, The Hoosiers, From TIVAL Featuring FOREVER FESTIVAL Tommy Allen and Staffordshire Kool & The Gang, The Jam & The Bay Bellowhead, Seth Featuring Tinie Tempah, Johnny Hewit, Sat 5 HOLE IN THE WALL Blind Labrinth, Fri 25 - Sat 26 City Rollers, Sat 9 - Sun Lakeman, Blackie and Shed Seven, New York July, The Fold, Lemon, The Bookends, July, Welford Road 10 Aug, Oswestry the Rodeo Kings & Lau, Tourists & Blues Boy Worcester Mummy Mia! & The Stadium, Leicestershire Showground, Fri 22 - Mon 25 Aug, Dan Own, Fri 12 - Sun 2000TRESS FESTIVAL Quo AKA Four Rossis, CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTI- Shropshire West Midland 14 Sept, West Midland Featuring Frightened Fri 18 - Sun 20 July, VAL Featuring Van THE GREEN MAN FESTI- Showground, Showground, Rabbit, The Bronx, Kids Hopton Court, Morrison, Sinead VAL Featuring Beirut, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury In Glass Houses, Blood Kidderminster O’Connor, Newton First Aid Kit, Neutral T-LIVE Featuring Rick ROCK AND METAL CIRCUS Red Shoes, Thurs 10 - ALIVE AT DELAPRE PARK Faulkner & Ladysmith Milk Hotel & The Astley, Lawson, Go FESTIVAL Featuring Sat 12 July, Upcote Featuring Simple Black Mambazo, Thurs Waterboys, Thurs 14 - West & Union J, Fri 29 - Voodoo Six, Exit State, Farm, Cheltenham, Minds, Boyzone, 31 - Sun 3 Aug, Cherry Sun 17 Aug, Glanusk Sat 30 Aug, Telford Gehtika & Triaxis, Fri 12 Gloucestershire & Rick Hinton Hall Ground, Park, Powys Town Park, Shropshire - Sun 14 Sept, Sywell BREWOOD MUSIC FESTI- Astley, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Cambridge Featuring MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Aerodome, VAL Featuring Glenn July, Delapre Park, Justin Timberlake, The Featuring Johnny Marr, Northamptonshire Tilbrook, Laurence Northamptonshire Killers, Ed Sheeran & , Richard AUGUST BROMYARD FOLK FESTI- Jones, Toploader & By SPLENDOUR Featuring Paolo Nutini, Sat 16 - Thompson & Lau, Fri VAL Featuring The Rivers, Thurs 10 - Tom Odell, Happy Sun 17 Aug, Weston 29 - Sun 31 Aug, Oysterband, Vin Sun 13, Market Place, Mondays, Boomtown Y-NOT Featuring Dizzee Park, Staffordshire Moseley Park, Garbutt, The Old Dance Brewood, Staffordshire Rats & Reverend And Rascal, White Lies, ALT-FEST Featuring The Birmingham School & Whapweasel, NAPTON FESTIVAL The Makers, Sat 19 Frank Turner and The Cult, Gary Numan, WORCESTER MUSIC FES- Fri 12 - Sun 14 Sept, Featuring Grace Solero, July, Wollaton Park, Sleeping Souls & The Cradle Of Filth & Arch TIVAL Featuring The Various locations Voodoo Vegas, Nina Nottingham Fratellis, Fri 1 Aug - Sun Enemy, Fri 15 - Sun 17 Crooked Empire, around Bromyard Baker & The Fallows, ONE BEAT WEEKENDER 3 Aug, Mouldrige Lane, Aug, Boughton House, Skewwhiff, Cracked SNODFEST Featuring Fri 11 - Sat 12 July, Featuring Troumaca, Derbyshire Northamptonshire Actors & Point Zero, Fri Skewwhiff, Shatter Napton Village Hall Johnny Foreigner, CARFEST NORTH THE JUST SO FESTIVAL 29 - Sun 31, Various Effect, Ronin & Crazy Grounds, Warwickshire Dumb & Juice, Sat 19 - Featuring Jools Featuring Gabby Young locations around 88s, Sat 13 Sept, The MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK & Sun 20 July, Cannon Holland, Seasick Steve, and Other Animals, Worcester Park, Worcestershire SOUL FESTIVAL Hill Park, Birmingham & Eliza Perhaps Contraption, OFF THE TRACKS SUM- Featuring Mavis FOLK BY THE OAK Doolittle, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Mr Wilson’s Second MER FESTIVAL Featuring Staples, Earth Wind & Featuring Seth Aug, Oulton Park Race Liners & Kidnap Alice, The Orb, Ozric Fire Experience featur- Lakeman, Kathryn Circuit, Cheshire Fri 15 - Sun 17 Aug, Tentacles & OCTOBER ing Al McKay, Fun Tickell & The Side, NOZSTOCK Featuring Rode Hall Parkland, Treacherous Orchestra, Lovin’ Criminals & Josienne Clarke & Ben Roots Manuva, The Cheshire Fri 29 - Sun 31 Aug, DERBY FOLK FESTIVAL Omar Souleyman, Fri Walker, Sun 20 July, Heavy, The Skints & PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL Donington Park Featuring David Gibb, 11 - Sun 13 July, various venues around Molotov Jukebox, Fri 1 Featuring Adrian Cox Farmhouse, Derbyshire Elly Lucas & Cardboard Moseley Park, B’ham Nottingham - Sun 3 Aug, The Farm, Quartet, Alan Barnes, Fox, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Oct, FUSE FESTIVAL Featuring SIMMER DOWN FESTIVAL Bromyard, Bohem Ragtime Jazz Featuring Billy Ocean, Assembly Rooms, Tom Woodman Band, Featuring Steel Pulse, Worcestershire Band, Midland Youth Boomtown Rats, Holly Market Place, Derby

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50 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts July Region One.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 12:20 Page 2 Visual Arts

Fancy Pants Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 12 July - Sat 13 September This celebration of style from 1920 through to the end of the Second World War provides a show- case for the Museums Worcestershire costume collection. The exhibition features glamorous gowns, party pieces and ‘fashion on a ration’, and is accompanied by a range of associated activities and events designed for all the family to enjoy.

Aerofilm: Britain From Above Library of Birmingham, Tues 1 July - Sun 31 August The Aerofilms presentation complements an out- door exhibition which runs until 31 August. Curated by English Heritage, the library’s display draws on the archive of Aerofilms Ltd, the first commercial aerial photography firm. The images provide a unique insight into the development of Britain’s urban centres and rural As Exciting As We Can Make It landscapes between 1919 and 1953. Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Weds 2 July - Sun 31 August Presented as part of the Ikon’s fiftieth anniversary celebrations, As Exciting As We Can Make It surveys the gallery’s programme of work from the 1980s, a decade which saw Pop Europe! the rise of postmodernism in line with broader cultural shifts taking place under the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Thatcher government. The exhibition brings together paintings, sculpture, installation, Sat 5 July - Sat 7 February, 2015 film and photography, with highlights including Dennis Oppenheim’s Vibrating Forest Taking a look at artists working on the continent in (1982) - a piece made from welded steel, a candyfloss-maker and unfired fireworks - and a comparative aesthetic, Pop Europe! brings Charles Garrad’s Monsoon (1986), which sees a small South East Asian restaurant sub- together colourful Pop and Op Art with examples jected to theatrical effects of thunder and lightning in order to conjure up an evocative of Expressionist and Abstract art. The exhibition environment... The culture and politics of the 1980s is the focus of a related public pro- seeks to place Europe’s contribution to Pop Art in gramme that includes artists’ talks and film screenings. the context of the work being produced on both sides of the Atlantic, in Britain and America. Static: Still Life Reconsidered Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 26 July - Weds 31 December Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Howard Hodgkin, Henry Moore and Jim Dine are just some of the renowned artists whose work features in this new exhibition at the Waterhall Gallery. Comprising fifty artworks from Birmingham’s collection from the 1800s to the present day, Static brings together a broad range of disciplines and artistic responses, at the same time opening a discussion about the genre of still life in its broadest sense. Three new contemporary exhibits, Land Of Milk And Honey II - from the late West Bromwich artist Donald Rodney - and Snacks 4 and London Oyster Shells (from young artist Jess Flood-Paddock) are showcased in the (Flowers and a Jugs, 1947 by William Scott Julio le Parc, Longue March, 1976, Lithograph © The Artist exhibition. (c) 2014 William Scott Foundation) www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Visual Arts July Region One.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 12:20 Page 3

exhibition in celebration explores the secrets PREVIEWS LISTINGS of Compton Verney’s behind twelve props VisualArts VisualArts tenth anniversary, until from the RSC's fascinat- Sun 31 Aug, Compton ing prop store, until Sun For full listing information on Visual Art Verney Gallery, 21 Sep, Royal Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, Warwickshire Shakespeare Theatre, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk YOU - THE 12TH PLINTH Stratford-upon-Avon Stand on the empty LASTING IMPRESSIONS 12th plinth, strike a Third in a collaborative Grace Schwindt: SKYLIGHT LANDSCAPE BY National Portrait Gallery, pose and create a living series with the National PAUL NASH & DAVID London, until Sun 28 sculpture by becoming Portrait Gallery, London, Only A Free Individual Can PRENTICE until Sat 5 Sept, The Barber an artist’s model, inspir- until Sun 28 Sept, The July, Worcester City Art Institute, Birmingham ing a composition for a Barber Institute, Create A Free Society Gallery & Museum VAL PITCHFORD: ADVEN- new sculpture, until Birmingham SIGNIFICANT FEATURES A TURES IN PAINT Large Sun 31 Aug, Compton CONVERSATIONS A dis- Eastside Projects, Birmingham, Verney, Warwickshire until Sat 2 August collaborative project collection of paintings play which spans four from BA & MA students featuring both land- MADE AT MAC - CERAM- centuries of printmaking London-based German artist Grace Schwindt from the Architecture & scape & still life subject ICS Led by tutors Sue and features works by here revisits her childhood to recall discus- Art & Design courses at matter, until Thurs 31 Dyer and Wendy Rembrandt, Goya, sions she heard when surrounded by left- Birmingham City July, Artifex Gallery, Tournay, the exhibition Cezanne & Picasso, University, until Sat 5 Sutton Coldfield puts a spotlight on until Sun 5 Oct, The wing individuals in Frankfurt. July, School of Art ceramics and is set to Barber Institute, A feature-length film, Only A Free Individual WE WORKED AT THE Bournville, Birmingham PORCELAIN Photographic inspire audiences and Birmingham Can Create A Free Society features JUSTYNA PTAK: THE exhibition focusing on students alike, until Sun A RIVER RUNS THROUGH Schwindt’s interview with a leftwing activist HOUSE Collection of some of Royal 31 Aug, mac, IT Works on paper from influenced by the 1960s and ’70s political photographs & large Worcester’s many Birmingham the Barber’s collection, landscape, and is the product of an exten- transparencies which craftsmen and women, ROMAN EMPIRE: POWER until Sun 26 Oct, The sive rehearsal period with eleven dancers explore the relationship until Fri 1 Aug, The & PEOPLE The largest Barber Institute, between thought & Museum of Royal ever UK exhibition of Birmingham and a dramaturg. The film draws on thirty image, until Sat 12 July, Worcester Roman artefacts on costume-makers - crafting costumes using TOM, FRANK AND MAY Wolverhampton Art A TRIO OF ARTISTS An loan from the British Original material, uni- aluminium, cardboard, silk and velvet - Gallery exhibition featuring the Museum, until Sun 31 forms, handling activi- makes extensive use of post-production RICHARD MCLLWRAITH: work of artists Anne Aug, The Herbert ties and a short film video compositing, and is projected across a ABSTRACT PAINTINGS Hackett, Chris Tarplee Museum & Art Gallery, which demonstrates the Coventry large curtained set in the gallery, partly mir- 2012-14 until Sun 13 and Claire Sherwin, role played by the roring the shifting landscape of the film. July, Artrix, Bromsgrove until Sun 3 Aug, Red CORNELIA PARKER EXHIBI- Merry family during COVENTRY OPEN 2014 An House Glass Cone, TION The third in a World War One, until Fri inspiring showcase of Stourbridge series of five exhibitions 31 Oct, Blakesley Hall, creative talent, featuring HOME AWAY FROM HOME to be presented in Birmingham Illustrate new work by West Photographs, artefacts Ikon's Tower Room as SENSATIONAL CLAY ‘Fun The Drum, Birmingham, Midland & Warwickshire and oral history come part of the gallery's and thought-provoking Tues 22 July - Mon 1 September artists, until Sun 13 July, together in this exhibi- birthday celebrations, exhibition for all the Herbert Museum & Art tion, which captures the until Sun 31 Aug, Ikon family’, until Sat 1 Nov, This sure-to-be-eyecatching exhibition pro- Gallery, Coventry experiences of women Gallery, Birmingham Worcester City Art vides a showcase for the work of local artists WHO AM I? Exploring the migrating from Mirpur to IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- Gallery & Museum whose art consists of differing styles of illus- concept of citizenship, Birmingham in the TION OF RSC COSTUME SYMMETRY IN SCULP- tration. Among those featured is self-taught heritage and identity in 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, until Mon 1 Sep, Royal TURE Focusing on the illustrator Sonia Rana, who uses marker pens England today, until until Sun 3 Aug, Shakespeare Theatre, recent work of one of Mon 15 July, The Drum, Birmingham Museum & Stratford-upon-Avon the UK’s most exciting to create portraits, and Arnold Sebutinde, the Art Gallery founder of local graphite portrait business Birmingham COME CREATE Exhibition British Asian artists, DANIEL MEADOWS: EARLY to inspire visitors to Zarah Hussain, until Spontaneous Portraits. Kevin Bennett's ARTISTS’ STUDIO: SARAH TAYLOR SILVERWOOD PHOTOGRAPHIC WORKS explore and demon- Sun 2 Nov, Birmingham Dragonfly Experience, meanwhile, incorpo- Exhibition from Impressive works from strate their creativity Museum & Art Gallery rates high-colour, narrative-driven illustration Birmingham-based one of the most influen- through displays, TRUE TO LIFE? NEW PHO- from his self-published graphic novel, Battle artist Sarah Taylor tial figures to emerge hands-on interactives TOGRAPHY FROM THE Of The Dragonfly. Silverwood, whose from the new wave of and fun activities, until MIDDLE EAST Exhibition practice is grounded in British independent Sun 7 Sept, Thinktank, featuring a selection of drawing, narrative and photography in the Birmingham loaned photos from the landscape, until Sun 20 1970s, until Sun 17 EIGHT CENTURIES OF HIS- British and Victoria & July, New Art Gallery, Aug, Library of TORY Exhibition looking Albert Museums, until Walsall Birmingham at the life and times of Sun 2 Nov, Birmingham LARISSA SANSOUR: SUMMER SHOWCASE the Earls of Dudley, Museum & Art Gallery NATION ESTATE Featuring textiles, who lived at Himley BACK TO FRONT: 40 PER- Palestinian artist Larissa ceramics, homewares Hall, until Sun 7 Sept, MANENT COLLECTION Sansour presents an and delicate paper jew- Himley Hall & Park, GEMS Exhibition which iconic take on the politi- ellery, until Sat 16 Aug, Dudley celebrates the fortieth cal situation in Israel Bilston Craft Gallery 40 YEARS OF WATCHING anniversary of the and Palestine, until Sat A FIRST CLASS WATERING PAINT DRY Featuring the gallery’s Garman Ryan 26 July, Wolverhampton PLACE: 200 YEARS OF THE work of fine artist, car- collection, until Sat 16 Art Gallery ROYAL PUMP ROOMS until toonist and comedy Nov, New Art Gallery, HOLLY ANTRUM: A DIF- Mon 25 Aug, Royal writer Geoff Tristram, Walsall FUSE CITIZEN Solo exhi- Pump Rooms, until Sun 7 Sept, Himley WALSALL’S GREAT WAR bition comprising digital Leamington Spa Park & Hall, Dudley Exhibition marking the film & printmaking, until 400 YEARS OF THE SELFIE SECRET GARDEN CRAFT centenary of WWI and Sat 26 July, Grand Exploring how the mod- EXHIBITION Collection of the impact of the Home Union, Birmingham ern portrait developed jewellery, textiles and Front on Walsall, until RAINBOW BRIDGE - THE in England, from the ceramics exploring Sat 29 Nov, Walsall SILENT VOICES Exhibition Elizabethans to photo- fairytales and narratives, Local History Centre by Glenda Dolman, until graphs taken by Martin until Sat 13 Sep, RBSA FAITH AND FORTUNE Sat 26 July, Bilston Craft Parr in Sandwell in Gallery, Birmingham Exhibition exploring the Gallery 2010, until Sat 30 Aug, MARVELLOUS MACHINES: early histories of two of Wednesbury Museum & THE WONDERFUL WORLD the world’s great reli- JENNY RYRIE: WHITE Art Gallery WATER, WHITE LIGHT A OF ROWLAND EMETT The gions, until Sun 30 Nov, display of abstract PHOENIX: THE STORY OF largest ever display of The Barber Institute, paintIngs in water-based THE BRITISH HEAT RESIST- Emett’s work, telling the Birmingham media that respond to ING GLASS COMPANY story of the innovator’s THE JEWELLERY QUARTER the natural and mystical Showcase of works cel- life in Birmingham, until DURING THE FIRST energies of the sea and ebrating the Bilston- Sun 21 Sept, WORLD WAR Exhibition coastline, until Sat 26 based Phoenix compa- Birmingham Museum & of artefacts, images and July, RBSA Gallery, ny, until Sat 30 Aug, Art Gallery oral histories relating to Birmingham Bilston Craft Gallery IS THIS A DAGGER? AN the recruitment of sol- LASTING IMPRESSIONS: MOORE RODIN Works EXPLORATION OF RSC diers from the Jewellery 20TH CENTURY PORTRAIT from two major players PROPS Exhibition from Quarter, until Sun 14 PRINTS Third in a collab- in the world of modern Bristol-based Stand & Dec, Museum of the Elegance by Kevin Bennett orative series with the sculpture feature in this Stare Collective which Jewellery Quarter,

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PRINT BIENNIAL Open artist Brian Yale which Sept, Solihull Arts to meet the daily VisualArts LISTINGS exhibition comprising forms part of the Complex demands of the check- works using a variety of gallery’s commemora- SHARIF WAKED - CHIC point soldiers, who techniques, Wed 16 tion of the First World require Palestinians to For full listing information on Visual Art POINT: FASHION FOR July - Sat 23 Aug, War, Sat 26 July - Sat ISRAELI CHECKPOINTS demonstrate that they exhibitions, including times and dates, RBSA, Birmingham 29 Nov, Wolverhampton Palestinian artist Sharif are not carrying explo- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk FROM AMMUNITION TO Art Gallery Waked presents a sives or weapons, Wed ART: TRENCH ART FROM HERE AND NOW: OPEN glamorous fashion 30 July - Sat 20 Sept, Wolverhampton Art Birmingham providing a unique view THE FIRST WORLD WAR SUBMISSION EXHIBITION show, but with uniquely Display featuring deco- Tues 29 July - Sat 6 designed clothes made Gallery TRACED Permanent exhi- of the development of Britain’s urban centres rated shell cases, bition tracing the suc- carved sections of pro- cess of art & design in and rural landscapes of the 20th century, Tues 1 peller & rifle cartridges Museums & Art Galleries Wolverhampton, and created by servicemen, bringing together works July - Sun 31 Aug, Library of Birmingham civilians and prisoners Birmingham BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS Staffordshire by local artists from the of war from over twenty MUSEUM, DUDLEY ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield NEWCASTLE BOROUGH museum’s collection, NOEMIE GOUDAL: THE countries, Tues 15 July 01384 812745 until Wed 31 Dec, GEOMETRICAL DETERMI- 0121 323 3776 MUSEUM & ART GALLERY - Sun 14 Dec, Compton DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART BARBER INSTITUTE 01782 232323 Wolverhampton Art NATION OF THE SUNRISE Verney, Warwickshire GALLERY Gallery Solo exhibition from 0121 414 7333 THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & GILLIAN WEARING: WE 01384 815575 ART GALLERY, STOKE-ON- CRAFTSENSE Featuring French artist Noémie BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & Goudal, comprising new ARE HERE A single- ART GALLERY LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE TRENT 01782 232323 over one hundred of the WOLVERHAMPTON photographs & stere- screen video work fea- 0121 303 2834 SHIRE HALL GALLERY world-renowned Bilston turing people from the 01902 716055 STAFFORD 01785 278345 enamels, until Wed 31 osonic images, Thurs CASTLE GALLERIES West Midlands region THE NEW ART GALLERY STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, Dec, Bilston Craft 10 July - Sun 14 Sept, 0121 248 8484 The New Art Gallery, speaking various mono- WALSALL 01922 654400 SHUGBOROUGH Gallery GRAND UNION 01889 881388 Walsall logues as if from the 0121 643 9079 RED HOUSE GLASS CONE SENSING SCULPTURE grave, Fri 18 July - Sun 01384 812750 Featuring new sculp- DEALING WITH DREAMS: 12 Oct, New Art Gallery, IKON GALLERY THE GARMAN RYAN COL- 0121 248 0708 WOLVERHAMPTON ART Warwickshire tures alongside old Walsall GALLERY 01902 552055 favourites, until Wed 31 LECTION 40TH ANNIVER- NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY SARY Exhibition which SIAN MACFARLANE: WE 0121 643 9099 01926 645500 Dec, Wolverhampton ARE ILLUMINATED tells the stories of the Shropshire HERBERT ART GALLERY Art Gallery Exhibition which acts as RBSA GALLERY Garman Ryan collection 0121 2364353 BEAR STEPS GALLERY, COVENTRY 02476 832386 WOLVERHAMPTON PHO- a response to the from its conception to SHREWSBURY TOGRAPHIC SOCIETY artist’s research into the STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH MEAD GALLERY WARWICK the present day, with [email protected] 01743 344994 02476 524524 Exhibition which traces previously unseen history of fairs and car- THREE WHITE WALLS SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ROYAL PUMP ROOMS the rich and influential archive material and art- nivals, cinema and cele- history of photography bration in the Walsall GALLERY ART GALLERY 01926 742700 works, Thurs 10 July - 0121 200 3328 01743 258885 in Wolverhampton from Sun 16 Nov, The New area, from the 19th cen- RUGBY MUSEUM & ART TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, GALLERY 01788 533201 the mid-19th century to Art Gallery, Walsall tury to the present day, the present day, Tues 1 Mon 21 July - Sun 3 Black Country MUCH WENLOCK SUMMER SHOWCASE 01952 727952 - Thurs 31 July, Aug, New Art Gallery, BANTOCK HOUSE Worcestershire Selling exhibition featur- THE WILLOW GALLERY, Wolverhampton City Walsall WOLVERHAMPTON WORCESTER CITY ART Archives ing jewellery, ceramics, 01902 552195 OSWESTRY mosaic wall pieces & BRIAN YALE: FIRST 01691 657575 GALLERY 01905 25371 AEROFILMS: BRITAIN WORLD WAR BATTLEFIELD BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY textile works, Sat 12 01902 552507 FROM ABOVE July - Sun 31 Aug, Shire PAINTINGS Exhibition of Visit whatsonlive.co.uk Photographic exhibition Hall Gallery, Stafford work by Cradley-born for venue website details

For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 1 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 2 Events

Silverstone Classic Silverstone, Northampton, Fri 25 - Sun 27 July Billed as ‘the world’s biggest classic motor-racing festival’, the thousand cars compete in over twenty races, with ’90s GT Legends, Silverstone Classic is a real mecca for car enthusiasts, at the same Classic F3 and the Mustang Celebration amongst the new grids time offering top-notch entertainment for families. Renowned for announced for 2014. Other show highlights include aerobatic dis- attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, this year’s event plays, skydiving stunts, an off-road zone, an auction of classic cars, welcomes three-times Indianapolis 500 winner and four-times IndyCar bikes and automobiles, and stunt bike demonstrations. Champion Dario Franchitti (pictured) and Red Bull Racing Chief Californian boogie rock band Canned Heat and Lost In France singer Technical Officer Adrian Newey. The pair join Sir Jackie Stewart, feature in the line-up of live music. David Brabham and a host of other famous names in the Sticking to its ‘access all areas’ policy, the Silverstone Classic prom- ‘Silverstone50’ parades. ises a real value-for-money day out, with 2014 looking set to be the The spectacular weekend of non-stop on-track action sees over one ‘biggest and best’ show yet. Birmingham Beer Bash Bond Co, Digbeth, Birmingham, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 July An event conceived by a group of beer blog- gers and social media beer enthusiasts returns to Birmingham’s canalside this month. Taking place across three evenings (with a Saturday afternoon session thrown in for good measure), the Birmingham Beer Bash does exactly what it says on the tin, providing pun- ters with the chance to enjoy some of the best beer the Midlands has to offer. There are plen- ty of UK beers to enjoy too, not to mention an extensive selection of foreign brews. A special project to bring several historic beers back to life also comes to fruition, with the event showcasing six beers manufactured between 1833 and 1929. And beer historian Ron Pattinson is on hand to promote his recent book, which is aimed at encouraging home brewers to recreate vintage recipes. An array of edible delights, including street food to suit Moscow State Circus Beckett’s Farm, Alcester Rd, Birmingham, Weds 9 - Sun 13 July all tastes, also features, as Nicci Peet do beer and food-matching Photography The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the best-known circus in the world, based on over sessions. And for those two hundred years of tradition. When animals became an unpopular aspect of circuses, the wishing to discover and family favourite adapted to survive by moving the emphasis to astonishing displays of learn, the festival’s fringe human skill and endurance, many of which are evident in its latest show, Park Gorkogo. programme showcases talks Set in the mystical centre of Moscow’s cultural and artistic quarter, the show begins with from industry experts, estab- ‘superstar’ clown Val Defun welcoming audiences to ‘a place of romance where feats of lished brewers and new ‘human achievement’ are performed. Award-winning flying trapeze troupe Alievs White start-ups (and boasts plenty Birds, the rollerskating Veslovskis and the unique Yakovlev Vertical Pole Jugglers are just a of tastings too!). few of the performers worthy of your attention at this ever-popular show. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 3 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 4

Events PREVIEWS Truckfest Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Sat 5 - Sun 6 July Following the success of last year’s inaugu- ral event, Truckfest makes a welcome return to Malvern and promises two action-packed days of entertainment. A highlight of this year’s event is the appearance of America’s Lizard Lick couple, Liz and Ron Shirley. The duo join fellow celebrities, truck driver Mark Dixon and Coronation Street’s Michelle Keegan, on both days of the show. Main arena action includes JR Adams’ Bigfoot ®#10 going head-to-head with Nigel Morris’ Monster Truck Bigfoot ® #17 in the show’s UK v USA special. Recovery displays and jaw-dropping action from stunt bike team Broke FMX also feature, as do displays of trucks from Wales and the South West, ensuring this is an ideal event for the region’s ardent trucking enthusiasts. CBD Food Festival Victoria Square, Birmingham, Fri 18 - Sat 19 July Showcasing the ‘excellent food and drink offering’ available in Birmingham’s commercial quarter, Colmore Business District, this two-day event features an eclectic programme of entertainment and edible delights. In addition to demonstrations from top chefs, baristas and mixologists, visitors can enjoy outdoor theatre performances and a magic show, while music comes courtesy of Colmore Chorus and the Birmingham International Jazz and Blues Festival. The festival features plenty of old favourites, amongst which are the Michelin-starred Purnells restaurant, Nepalese venue Jojolapa, the Urban Coffee Company, the Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Hotel du Vin, Metro Bar & Grill and Opus At Cornwall Street. A warm welcome is also extended to some of the district’s newer venues, with contemporary Indian restaurant Isaacs, bar and deli The Bureau, oriental restaurant Chung Ying Central and craft beer and food experts Pure Bar & Kitchen each having a presence at this major event on Birmingham’s gastro calendar.

Cradley Heath Library. A Black Country enjoy a summer of circus skills and perform- Jane Austen Day weekend, featuring musical performances, ances but also to uncover some of the hid- Soho House, Birmingham, Sun 20 July live demonstrations and a hot metal trail, den treasures within the city. Step back in time and discover the romantic takes place at the Black Country Living world of Jane Austen in an event which Museum. A real ale festival offers the chance explores what life would’ve been like for the to sample some delightful brews at Dudley Eastnor Castle Country Show eighteenth century English novelist. Canal Trust. The American Dream, featuring Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Promenade drama performances, regency the sounds of the great American musicals, Sat 12 - Sun 13 July dance workshops and embroidery demon- is performed at Dudley Town Hall. Acclaimed medieval jousting team Knights strations are all presented in the stunning The main event, meanwhile, boasting an Of The Damned are one of the highlights at setting of Soho House. extensive programme of outdoor entertain- this brand new show. Organised by Oakleigh ment, takes place at Dudley’s Stone Square Fairs, the two-day event has all the elements on 12 July. For full details of what’s happen- of a perfect family day out. As well as the ing and where, visit www.blackcountryfesti- Knights, the programme also includes: Living val.co.uk History re-enactors A Moment In Time, offer- ing an insight into different periods through- out history; a traditional Punch & Judy show; Grand Medieval Joust cookery demonstrations from Masterchef Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, finalist Ondine Hartgroves; and practical Sat 12 - Sun 13 July horse demonstrations with horse whisperer Travel back in time and experience the Grant Bastin. pageantry of a medieval joust, as clashing Birds of prey flying displays, a goat show, knights on horseback compete in an action- displays of working gundogs, terrier racing, packed show at one of the Midlands’ largest traditional craft demonstrations, performanc- historic attractions. Providing an insight into es from Plonkers agricultural orchestra and life at the castle during medieval times, this the Companion Dog Show also feature. The day-long event offers plenty to keep visitors only thing that’s not guaranteed is the sun- Black Country Festival shine, so fingers crossed on that one! Various locations across the Black Country, entertained, including music, dance and fal- Sat 12 - Sun 14 July conry displays. A celebration on a grand scale, this debuting festival features numerous satellite events The Science Of Circus across the region, all of which have the Thinktank, Birmingham, Tues 29 July same aim in mind - to celebrate Black Ever wondered why jugglers love gravity, Country Day. Live music, comedy, food & how clowns use ‘the force’ like a Jedi, or drink and arts & craft events take centre- why unicyclists need to keep moving to stay stage at numerous locations. Here’s just a still? Well, this unique one-day event promis- taster of what’s on offer... es to provide the answers to these questions Fizzog Productions promise new comedy and more in an exploration of the thrills and sketches, a few old favourites and lots of spills of the circus. One of a series of five laughter at Brierley Hill. A taste of the Black Circus Academy presentations across Country - faggots and peas - is served up at Birmingham Museum sites, The Science Of Coseley Summerhill Community Centre and Circus offers visitors the chance not only to www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 5

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Events PREVIEWS 1940s Weekend Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 19 - Sun 20 July Spivs, canary girls and British and US troops take centre-stage at Dudley’s award-winning open-air museum this month, where visitors are invited to dress in costume and experi- ence the spirit of the 1940s. Make do and mend, home front kitchen and beauty tips all feature on the wartime agenda, while those thinking of getting spliced vintage-style are sure to be interested in the array of wedding dresses on display in the on-site chapel. A memorabilia market, period activities, and musical entertainment courtesy of vocalist Laura Bill are just a few of the other attrac- tions on offer over the weekend.

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 July As one of the UK’s largest fairs of its kind, Antiques For Everyone continues to attract a huge number of dealers from across the UK and abroad. They descend on Birmingham’s NEC to showcase an eclectic array of antiques and collectables, ranging from kitchenalia through to fine works of art worth in excess of £20,000. The high-profile event regularly features impressive displays of unusual items. An exhibition of amber - the world’s oldest antique, at between twenty and one hundred million-years-old - takes centre-stage at this summer’s event. Curated by world-renowned amber expert Vanessa Paterson, the collection is one of the biggest of its kind ever to be exhibited in the UK. Book lovers, meanwhile, are sure to be interested in an illustrated limited edition of A Camper Jam Midsummer Night’s Dream, marking the four hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of William Weston Park, Staffordshire, Shakespeare’s birth. Each book is individually numbered and signed by celebrated illustrator Fri 4 - Sun 6 July and artist Christian Birmingham, with just four hundred-and-fifty copies produced and The beautiful grounds of Weston Park pro- launched at the fair. vide the perfect setting for this popular annu- al event, which is aimed at owners and lovers of the VW Bus in all its models and Stratford Poetry Festival Heroes And Villains types. One of the most anticipated and high- ly regarded Volkswagen shows on the calen- Various venues in Stratford-upon-Avon, Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Weds 2 July - Sun 3 August Tues 29 - Thurs 31 July dar, the weekend-long Camper Jam this year includes live music tributes to Abba, The works of Dylan Thomas, Seamus Robin Hood and King Arthur are just two of Madonna and Michael Jackson, drumming Heaney and poets of the First World War fea- the historical characters who’re waiting to workshops, the K9 Dog Show, children’s ture heavily in this year’s version of the UK’s greet visitors at Bromsgrove’s award-winning entertainment with Rooobarb Krumble, longest-running poetry festival. Avoncroft Museum this month. The day’s Barefoot Chef’s Celebrity Barbie Challenge, Taking place at various venues across themed activities include the chance for Boomwhackers Workshop and the Onesie Shakespeare’s home town, the 2014 festival youngsters to find out how to be a highway- Party. promises something for ‘everyone to discov- man or woman, take part in ‘heroic’ activities er and enjoy’. Highlights include: a perform- and complete ance of The Pity Of War by Tread The the museum’s Boards Theatre Company; young people’s themed trail - poetry, themed around rivers, canals and all of which is thankful villages; a celebration of the work of offered in addi- Scottish poet Norman MacCaig; and Fern tion to the Hill And Other Dylan Thomas, performed by venue’s usual award-winning actor Guy Masterson. static attrac- A Poet’s War - exploring the subject of tions. Siegfried Sassoon and the Great War - and an evening with acclaimed folk singer and poet Mike Harding also feature. Dame Judi Dench brings the festival to a glittering close Cosford Food Festival with a selection of her favourite poems and RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton, anecdotes about her life in the theatre. Sat 26 - Sun 27 July Following the success of last year’s inaugu- Sooty’s Wacky Workshop ral event, which attracted in excess of six Cadbury World, Birmingham, thousand-five hundred visitors, Cosford Food Sat 5 - Sun 6 July Festival this month returns with yet more attractions to tantalise the tastebuds. The Taking time out from his CITV show to visit show features eighty-plus independent food Birmingham, Sooty is joined at Cadbury and drink retailers showcasing their wares, a World by friends Soo and Sweep. vast programme of food-related events, live In a fun-filled show that’s brimming with music and children’s craft activities. A £5 magic, music and mess, the chums find adult ticket to the show also allows access to themselves hoping that Sooty’s latest inven- the RAF Museum, home to over seventy his- tion, the Super Sonic Sootamatic, can save toric aircraft (including the world’s oldest the day... Spitfire and the mighty Vulcan bomber, to name but two).

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bread, cakes, honey, the Vintage Sports Car nique known as tube FIZZGOG PROODUCTIONS: LISTINGS smoked meats, hand Club, which is a special lining to decorate their ANOTHER ONE NIGHT Events dyed yarns, beer, draw for lovers of vin- very own tile to take STAND Forming part of plants and much more, tage racing cars the home, Tue 8 July, Black Country Day, Sat For full listing information on Events, Sat 5 July, The world over, Sun 6 July, Jackfield Tile Museum, 12 July, Brierley Hill including times and dates, visit Discovery Centre, Shelsey Walsh, Ironbridge Civic Hall www.whatsonlive.co.uk Craven Arms, South Worcestershire WARWICKSHIRE GLASS ENGRAVING ADULT Shropshire JAPSHOW The first SCHOOLS POETRY SLAM WORKSHOP Learn the HUMBLE PIE PUPPET major event for FINALS A Warwick basics of hand- form, Fri 4 July PANTOMIME Music, Japanese car fans with Words Summer event, engraved glass with from Compton Verney magic, mime and RWYB competition, Jap Tue 8 July, Bridge Charlotte Hughes Gallery, Warwickshire TUES 1 JULY Humble Pie’s famous Drag Series, FWD Drag House Theatre, FRIDAY TWILIGHT: HID- Martin and create a per- puppets... Sat 5 July, Series, club displays, Warwick DEN TREASURES IDENTI- sonalised glass to take Wonderland, Telford drifting, drag demos, MUSIC FOR YOUTH - home, Sat 12 July, DROITWICH SPA FESTIVAL FICATION EVENING Take Town Park, Shropshire Show’n’Shine and ROCK, POP & URBAN The Bilston Craft Gallery Highlights of 2014 along your heirlooms, GIFT MAKING more, Sun 6 July, Santa MFY National Festival CLUB LEGENDS CUP include Celebration of collectables & antiques WORKSHOPS Sat 5 July, Pod Raceway, celebrates its tenth year Unique six-a-side Local Food and Drink to be identified, Fri 4 Jackfield Tile Museum, Northampton in Birmingham with indoor football tourna- Dinner, with guest July, Potteries Museum Ironbridge, Shropshire SECOND HAND BOOK over 8,000 of the UK’s ment, Sat 12 July, LG speakers restauranteur & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD SALE Sun 6 July, most talented musi- Arena, Birmingham Mark Hix and food critic Trent FESTIVAL Featuring Sarehole Mill, cians, all aged 21 and OPERA GALA and Masterchef judge OVER THE FENCE A black tie games & activities for Birmingham under, performing all evening set amongst Charles Campion; Food Acclaimed Australian kids, balloon races, FAMILY ORIENTEERING styles of music in the Compton's Moore and Drink Festival, with film festival makes its bake-offs, live music, COMPETITION Chance to concert halls of the city, Rodin exhibition. The over 100 stalls; kids’ debut in Brum, featur- and an array of food & test your navigational Tues 8 - Sat 12 July, evening sees Diva cheese and cider festi- ing selected films drink from the show's skills, Sun 6 July, Birmingham Town Hall Opera, regarded as val; theatre performanc- exploring death, love & exhibitors, Sat 5 - Sun Severn Valley Country MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Britain's foremost es; jazz and classical desire, Fri 4 - Sat 5 6 July, Shugborough Park, Bridgnorth, Wed 9 - Sun 13 July, chamber opera compa- concerts; art displays & July, Films show at The Historic Working Estate, Shropshire Beckett's Farm, ny, perform Mozart's activities... until Sun 6 Edge in Cheapside & Staffordshire AWAKEN YOUR SENSES Alcester Rd, Don Giovanni within a July, Various venues The Custard Factory BUSHCRAFT CAMP OUT Mind, body, spirit event, Birmingham marquee set in the around Droitwich Theatre, Birmingham Enjoy a night under the Sun 6 July, Kings Heath COINAGE & COMMUNICA- LUDLOW SHAKESPEARE & LONGTON BEER FESTIVAL grounds, Sat 12 July, stars... Booking essen- Cricket Club, TION IN THE ROMAN Compton Verney ARTS FESTIVAL until Sun Featuring live music tial! Sat 5 - Sun 6 July, Birmingham EMPIRE A talk with Dr Gallery, Warwickshire 6 July, Ludlow Castle, and a huge range of Dudmaston Estate, WINDMILL SAILING Clare Rowan from the MINI VINTAGE TEA PARTY South Shropshire beers & ciders, Fri 4 - Bridgnorth, Shropshire Weather permitting. University of Warwick’s A range of activities TILE DECORATING Sun 6 July, Gladstone STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Specially trained volun- Department of Classics which tie in with the WORKSHOPS Drop-in Pottery Museum, Popular event taking a teers will be sailing and Ancient History, museum’s Fancy Pants sessions where partici- Stoke-on-Trent lighthearted journey Avoncroft’s windmill, Thurs 10 July, Herbert exhibition, including pants use the tech- CAMPER JAM Highlights back to wartime Britain. Sun 6 July, Avoncroft Art Gallery & Museum, cake decorating and nique known as tube include live bands, a Attractions include cos- Museum, Bromsgrove Coventry felt brooch-making, Sat lining to decorate their food village, children's tumed re-enactments, WISH YOU WERE HERE BREWOOD MUSIC FESTI- 12 July, Worcester City very own tile to take activities and the ever- 1940s Blackout Fair, History wardrobe VAL Showcase of young Art Gallery home, Tue 1 July, popular 'cooking in a displays of historic civil- demonstration of sea- performers spanning SUN, SEA & SAND Jackfield Tile Museum, camper' competition, ian & military vehicles, side clothing from the numerous musical gen- Themed event which Ironbridge, Shropshire Fri 4 - Sun 6 July a wartime operations eighteenth century res, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 ties in with the VALUATION DAY Free Weston Park, room and stands featur- onwards, Sun 6 July, July, various locations, Potteries’ current exhi- event facilitated by Staffordshire ing period memorabilia, Potteries Museum & Art Brewood, Stafford Fellows Auctioneers, RUN WHAT YA BRUNG bition. Expect donkey Sat 5 - Sun 6 July, Gallery FOLK CRUISE Live music rides, ice cream and Tues 1 July, Herbert Art Chance to take your Severn Valley Railway, TREE TRAIL Join on board the Sabrina, 1920s-styled bathers, Gallery & Museum, car or motorcycle out Kidderminster Himley’s senior park Fri 11 July, departs Sat 12 July, Potteries Coventry on the famous quarter- SOOTY’S WACKY WORK- warden for a walk Victoria Quay, Museum & Art Gallery, DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG mile dragstrip and test SHOP Brand new, exclu- around the grounds of Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent Chance to practise its performance limits in sive live show direct Himley Hall, discover- drifting in safe and a safe and legal envi- THE GREAT WAR An VINTAGE TEA PARTY Take from CITV, Sat 5 - Sun ing some of the trees legal conditions on ronment, Sat 5 July, evening of poetry & a stroll back to the 6 July, Cadbury World, on site. Pre-booking some of the Pod's thirty Santa Pod Raceway, music to commemorate ‘make do and mend’ Birmingham essential! Sun 6 July, acres of open tarmac, Northampton the centenary of World era of the 1940s with SUMMER FOOD & CRAFT Himley Hall, Dudley where there are begin- OPEN DAY Part of Black War One, Fri 11 July, various themed activi- FAIR Sat 5 - Sun 6 July, CAMERA FAIR The UK’s ners, intermediate and Country Festival cele- National Memorial ties & workshops, Sat Attingham Park, Nr largest independent advanced tracks open brations, Sat 5 July, Arboretum, 12 July, Cathedral Shrewsbury camera fair, featuring at the same time each Dudley Fire Station Staffordshire Close, Lichfield CHETWYND MEDIEVAL over one hundred DWYB day, Wed 2 July WWI CENTENARY AND D- WORLD WAR I POETRY WEAVER'S HOUSE OPEN FAIR Featuring all the tables and a wide Santa Pod Raceway DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY RECITAL EVENING Fri 11 DAY The Weaver’s pageant of medieval range of vendors, Sun Northampton COMMEMORATION July, National Memorial House shows visitors England, Sat 5 - Sun 6 6 July, Wolverhampton STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD Concert featuring the DRAGSTALGIA A week- what life as a medieval July, Chetwynd Park, Racecourse TOUR & VISIT TO CON- music of the time - end event dedicated to weaver would have Newport, Shropshire SERVATION STUDIO Wed including Glenn Miller, race cars, bikes and been like. Regular talks BMC & LEYLAND SHOW 2 July, Birmingham played by the superb Week Commencing hot rods from a bygone will be held inside the Celebrate a host of Museum Don Mather Big Band, era, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Weaver’s house, as British vehicles, manu- MON 7 JULY REAL ALE FESTIVAL vocalists and the July, Santa Pod well as spinning factured by the British Featuring sixty real Birmingham Military Raceway, Northampton demonstrations, Sat 12 Motor Corporation, ales, ciders & wines, Community Choir, Sat 5 MIDLAND MOTORHOME July, The Weaver's British Leyland and GO COMPOSE! Wed 2 - Sat 5 July, July, Old Rep, SALE Fri 11 - Sun 13 House, Coventry Rover. Also celebrating Composing project for Dudley Canal Trust Birmingham July, Stafford County LEAMINGTON SUMMER 30 years of the fourteen-to-eighteen- STRATFORD-UPON-AVON BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Showground CARNIVAL Sat 12 July, Montego, Sun 6 July, year-olds, Mon 7 July, POETRY FESTIVAL Wed 2 SIGHTSEEING TOUR Sat 5 Arboretum, Leamington Spa Heritage Motor Centre, Belgrade Theatre, July - Sat 2 Aug, vari- July, Starts Victoria Staffordshire DRAWING FROM ANTIQUI- Gaydon, Warwickshire Coventry ous locations Stratford- Square & ends TRIUMPH LIVE Launched TY Expand your skills BIRMINGHAM TOURS CONSERVATION WEEK upon-Avon Colmore Row, in 2010, Triumph Live under the guidance of MUSEUM HERITAGE BUS Series of events in sup- LICHFIELD FESTIVAL Birmingham has proved to be a big artist Frieda van de Enjoy a ride on the Big port of Barbary Annual celebration of CUSTARD FIND FOOD hit with UK bike fans. Poll, Sat 12 July, Brum Open Top Buz macaques in the wild, classical music, dance, MARKET Sat 5 July, The one-day event fea- Herbert Museum & Art and discover Mon 7 - Sun 13 July, drama, film, jazz, litera- Gibb Street, tures live bands, stunt Gallery, Coventry Birmingham’s unique Trentham Monkey ture & poetry, Fri 4 - Birmingham riding shows, factory WHEATON ASTON CARNI- Heritage Sites on the Forest, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 13 July, various BOYS BRIGADE 125TH tours, road and off-road VAL Celebrating the first Sunday of the Staffordshire locations throughout CELEBRATION Sat 5 July, demo rides, plus a hundredth anniversary month, Sun 6 July, BRINDLEYPLACE FILM Lichfield Birmingham Botanical wide variety of other of WWI, Sat 12 July, Aston Hall/Soho House, FESTIVAL Free outdoor UNDERSTANDING ART Gardens attractions, Sat 12 July, Wheaton Aston, Birmingham event screening TALK: MOORE RODIN Join BIRDS OF PREY EXPERI- Heritage Motor Centre, Staffordshire SUMMER SUNDAY FUN & Birmingham’s favourite Sebastiano Barassi, ENCE Sat 5 July, Gaydon, Warwickshire THE OFFICIAL BLACK CAR RALLY Sun 6 July, films, Mon 7 - Sun 13 Curator from The Henry Cannock Chase Visitor BLACK COUNTRY CELE- COUNTRY FESTIVAL MAIN Eastnor Castle, July, Central Square, Moore Foundation, as Centre BRATION DAY Featuring EVENT Featuring poets, Herefordshire Brindleyplace, he examines the shared FARMER'S MARKET All outdoor stalls, BBQ, buskers & themed VINTAGE AND POST VIN- Birmingham sculptural approach the stalls sell local food, traditional games & stalls, Sat 12 July, TAGE THOROUGHBRED TILE DECORATING that unites the work of drink, craft and pro- food, Sat 12 July, Stone Square, Dudley The ever-popular annu- WORKSHOPS Drop-in Henry Moore and duce. Including, Summerhill Community EVENING SCENIC al MAC Vintage meet- sessions where partici- Auguste Rodin, two sweets, apple juice, Centre, Coseley SPECIALS A scenic masters of the human ing in association with pants use the tech-

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ROSIE’S WALK & FESTI- LISTINGS VAL Charity walk fol- Events lowed by live entertain- ment & fun activities, For full listing information on Events, Sun 13 July, Aldridge including times and dates, visit Airport, Walsall www.whatsonlive.co.uk CIRCUS SKILLS WORK- SHOP Clown around evening ride, with the BLACK COUNTRY and have a go at jug- added option of a tradi- WEEKEND Sat 12 - Sun gling, stiltwalking, uni- tional fish and chip 13 July, Black Country cycling, tightrope-walk- supper, Sat 12 July, Living Museum, Dudley ing, plate-spinning & Severn Valley Railway, FLOWER FEAST WITH THE more... Sun 13 July, Kidderminster NGS Celebration of flow- Eastnor Castle, THE NEWPORT SHOW ers inspired by eigh- Herefordshire Annual event which this teenth century garden- year welcomes Aussie ing traditions, Sat 12 - Week Commencing daredevil The Kangaroo Sun 13 July, Hanbury MON 14 JULY Kid - and his equally Hall & Gardens, daring teenage son - Droitwich for an adrenaline- OSWESTRY FOOD & fuelled performance in DRINK FESTIVAL Popular MATTER HATTER’S TEA the main arena, Sat 12 annual event, Sat 12 - PARTY Mon 14 July, July, Chetwynd Park, Sun 13 July, various Birmingham Botanical Newport, Shropshire venues in and around Gardens HUMBLE PIE PUPPET Oswestry, North TILE DECORATING PANTOMIME Music, Shropshire WORKSHOPS Drop-in magic, mime and WENLOCK OLYMPIAN sessions where partici- Humble Pie’s famous GAMES Featuring com- pants use the tech- puppets... Sat 12 July, petitions in a variety of nique known as tube lining to decorate their Wonderland, Telford sporting disciplines, Sat Cosford Food Festival - RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Town Park, Shropshire 12 - Sun 20 July, Much very own tile to take THRILL ON THE HILL One Wenlock, Shropshire home, Tue 15 July, Coupe, Sat 19 July, AND ROMAN WEEKEND Emma Bridgewater of the UK’s largest SUNBEAM TIGER RALLY Jackfield Tile Museum, Coventry Transport Two days of fun archae- Factory, Stoke-on-Trent gatherings of Morgan Sun 13 July, Heritage Ironbridge, Shropshire Museum ology-themed activities S CLASS FEST 14 Sun 20 vehicles, Sat 12 July, Motor Centre, Gaydon, MEET ME AT BANTOCK VINTAGE RETRO FAIR for all the family, Sat 19 July, Heritage Motor Shelsey Walsh, Warwickshire Regular conversation Unique and original - Sun 20 July, Forge Centre, Gaydon, Worcestershire CANAL WALK Sun 13 club for people aged clothes, accessories, Mill Needle Museum, Warwickshire LEATHER BAG-MAKING July, Attingham Park, fifty years and over, homeware, jewellery Redditch BUTTERLY WALK Join the WORKSHOP Create a Shrewsbury Tues 15 July, Bantock and crafts for sale, Sat BROCKHAMPTON guided walk and leather messenger bag WARWICK THAI FESTIVAL House Museum 19 July, St Thomas' BOWMAN ARCHERY become part of the with Sarah Benson Offering a chance to DRESSING THE QUEEN Church Hall, SESSIONS Join the National Butterfly from the Identity Store, experience authentic See history brought to Stourbridge Brockhampton Survey, Sun 20 July, Sat 12 July, Walsall Thai culture, including life in this unique expe- VINTAGE SPORTS CAR Bowmen and put your Sarehole Mill, Leather Museum classical Thai dancing, rience, and meet RACES Sat 19 July archery skills to the Birmingham WILDFEST Featuring an a puppet show, boxing, Kenilworth's authenti- Donington Park test. Discover various BEGINNERS ORIENTEER- array of stalls, live sword-fighting, handi- cally costumed Queen SILVER PENDANT JEW- bows and find out how ING Fun activity suitable music, traditional craft crafts, fruit carving and Elizabeth I. Every ELLERY WORKSHOP they were used, Sat 19 for all ages, Sun 20 demonstrations & activ- massage, Sun 13 July, month, visitors will have Adult jewellery work- - Sun 20 July, July, Biddulph Grange, ities, Sat 12 July, Market Place, Warwick the opportunity to shop, Sat 19 July, Brockhampton Estate, Staffs Shropshire Wildlife BROCKHAMPTON watch 'Elizabeth' being Museum of Jewellery Worcester ANIMALS R MAGIC In aid Trust Visitor Centre, BOWMAN ARCHERY dressed, from under- Quarter, Birmingham IF YOU GO DOWN IN THE of the Cinnamon Trust, Shrewsbury SESSIONS Join the garments to the finish- SENSATIONAL CLAY DAY WOODS... Use sticks to Sun 20 July, Jinney FIREWORKS PROMS Brockhampton ing touches, Wed 16 Join potter Jon make a trail for you and Ring Craft Centre, SPECTACULAR Sat 12 Bowmen and put your July, Kenilworth Castle, Williams for a fun day your family to follow Bromsgrove July, Warwick Castle archery skills to the Warwickshire with clay, Sat 19 July, before making your CANNOCK CHASE 100 GRAND MEDIEVAL JOUST test. Discover various CURATOR’S TOUR Join Worcester City Art own catapult and hav- SPORTIVE Trio of rides Experience the bows and find out how exhibition curator Paul Gallery ing a go at firing it on which sees cyclists tra- pageantry of a they were used, Sun 13 Thompson for a fasci- 1940S WEEKEND Sat 19 - Moseley’s firing range, versing some of medieval joust as well July, Brockhampton nating tour around the Sun 20 July, Black Sat 19 - Sun 20 July, Staffordshire's most as falconry displays, Estate, Worcester exhibition, Fri 18 July, Country Living Moseley Old Hall, beautiful villages, sce- dance, entertainment SUNDAY TALK WITH Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Dudley Wolverhampton nic woodland, exciting from a jester and music CANON COCHRANE Museum, Coventry THE BIG ART SHOW A THE OWL EXPERIENCE climbs and stunning from the medieval min- SLIDEA Insight into the WARWICK LIONS CLUB fine art and high-end See owl conservation in countryside, Sun 20 strels, Sat 12 - Sun 13 man who was the vicar BEER FESTIVAL Fri 18 - craft show featuring action, with live owls to July, Shugborough July, Kenilworth Castle, of Yardley in the 1920s, Sat 19 July, Warwick sculptures, painters, admire and hold, Sat Historic Working Estate, Warwickshire Sun 13 July, Blakesley Racecourse metal workers, jew- 19 - Sun 20 July, Staffordshire FOOD FESTIVAL A brand Hall, Birmingham BUG JAM 28 - VW ellers, glass artists, Trentham Monkey SPIRITUAL WOLVERLEY new addition to the RACE FOR LIFE A 5km FESTIVAL The biggest ceramicists, furniture Forest, Staffordshire Holistic Event, Sun 20 Severn Valley Railway run around the park in and best VW festival designers & textiles, CLASSIC NOSTALGIA July, Wolverley calendar, Sat 12 - Sun aid of Cancer Research returns with VW Drag Sat 19 - Sun 20 July, Featuring a wide range Memorial Hall, 13 July, Severn Valley UK, Sun 13 July, Racing and RWYB, plus West Midland of competing cars from Kidderminster Railway, Kidderminster Himley Hall & Park, a huge music line-up in Showground, the ’50s and ’60s, with BUTTERFLY DISPLAY See BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Wolverhampton four arenas, a funfair, Shrewsbury Sir Stirling Moss close-up some of the SIGHTSEEING TOUR Sat LIVING HISTORY DAY & Show’n’Shine, COUNTRY FAIR Artisan- appearing as guest of UK’s most beautiful 12 - Sun 13 July, Starts KNIGHT SCHOOL sideshows, a huge themed fair for all the honour at Sunday’s butterflies. There’s also Victoria Square & ends Medieval family fun, trade village and more, family, Sat 19 - Sun 20 event. Sat 19 - Sun 20 a chance to make a big Colmore Row, Sun 13 July, Weoley Fri 18 - Sun 20 July, July, Emma July, Shelsey Walsh, bamboo butterfly with Birmingham Castle, Birmingham Santa Pod Raceway, Bridgewater Factory, Worcestershire local artworker Jim SUMMER GARDEN FUN SUMMER FUN DAY A Northampton Stoke-on-Trent NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY Morris, Sun 20 July, Enjoy a picnic amongst fundraiser day for Marie SUMMER CERAMIC DROP- HMC/MSCC AUTO SOLO WEEKEND: A ROMAN Sarehole Mill, the statues of the Great Curie featuring stalls, a IN WORKSHOPS Fri 18 Sat 19 July - Sun 20 INVASION! Sat 19 - Sun Birmingham Garden, Sat 12 - Sun bouncy castle, face July - Fri 22 August, July, Heritage Motor 20 July, Forge Mill TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC 13 July, New Place & painting, a Pimms tent Coalport China Centre, Gaydon, Needle Museum, Take along a Teddy Nash’s House, and much more. Music Museum, Ironbridge, Warwickshire Redditch Bear and a picnic and Stratford-upon-Avon entertainment comes Shropshire LARGE MODEL AIRCRAFT SUMMER HOLIDAY enjoy a range of teddy- INTERNATIONAL from The Severn Ukes, PEEP BEHIND THE RALLY An air show in FAMILY ACTIVITIES Sat themed activities, Sun SCENES FORMULA CARS & The Brickaleles, The Insight into the miniature, Sat 19 July - 19 July - Sun 31 20 July, Hanbury Hall, work that takes place to SUPPORT RACES Sat 12 Crown Ukes and Geoff Sun 20 July, RAF August, Blists Hill, Droitwich keep Severn Valley July - Sun 13 July, Rodgers, Sun 13 July, Cosford, Nr Ironbridge, Shropshire THE ORIGINS OF MIDDLE- Railway’s heritage Donington Park Isle Estate, Bicton, Nr Wolverhampton SUMMER HOLIDAY EARTH WALK A guided Shrewsbury trains running, Sat 19 BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ ACTIVITIES Sat 19 July - walk exploring the sur- ARTS AND CRAFTS July, Severn Valley WEEKEND Patchwork STAFFORD MORRIS SIGHTSEEING TOUR Sat Sun 31 August, roundings that inspired Demonstrations of tra- Railway, Kidderminster 19 - Sat 20 July, Starts Heritage Motor Centre, JRR Tolkien, Sun 20 exhibition by the local NISSAN 300ZX OWNERS Institches group, Sat 12 ditional dancing... Sun Victoria Square & ends Gaydon, Warwickshire July, Sarehole Mill, 13 July, Moseley Old CLUB Featuring seventy Colmore Row, SUMMER ACTIVITIES Sat Birmingham - Sun 13 July, Electric versions of this iconic Railway Museum Hall, Wolverhampton Birmingham 19 July - Tues 2 Sept, HEART OF ENGLAND BIKE Japanese Sports NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY RIDE Sun 20 July, In aid www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Events July Region One PO.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 20:47 Page 11

Craft Gallery SHOP A course which rooms and offers a Tues 29 July, LISTINGS WIND CHIME CRAFT caters for people aged chance to learn about Birmingham Canal, Events ACTIVITY Have a go at 16-plus which covers the Weston Park Owen Street, Tipton making a beaded wind- ensemble work, basic Foundation, the charita- HEROES & VILLAINS - For full listing information on Events, chime to take home for stage & acting tech- ble trust that owns and KING ARTHUR Attend a including times and dates, visit your garden, Thurs 24 niques, and how an maintains the venue, Knight School, take www.whatsonlive.co.uk July, Sarehole Mill, actor approaches work- Sun 27 July, Weston part in heroic activities, Birmingham ing with scripts, Sat 26 Park, Staffordshire and complete the quest of British Heart wear to the Potteries’ CRAFTY THURSDAYS Fun July, Old Joint Stock JAZZ @ THE DRUM to find all the clues on a Foundation, Packwood Seaside Exhibition, creative activities for Theatre, Birmingham WORKSHOP Sun 27 July, themed trail in the House, Warwickshire Tues 22 - Fri 25 July, families, Thurs 24 July, EVENING SCENIC The Drum, Birmingham museum grounds, Tue TREASURE HUNT Explore Potteries Museum & Art Blakesley Hall, SPECIALS A scenic AUDITIONING FOR DRAMA 29 - Thurs 31 July, the magical castle Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham evening ride, with the SCHOOLS WORKSHOP Avoncroft Museum, grounds and collect FAMILY PARK SAFARI STORYTELLING WEEK added option of a tradi- Find out the do's and Bromsgrove your sweetie treasure, Tractor-pulled trailer- Thurs 24 - Wed 30 July, tional fish and chip sup- dont's of auditioning for ALIENS V MONSTERS Sun 20 - Thurs 24 July, ride through the park, Hawkstone Park & per, Sat 26 July, Severn drama schools, Sun 27 Mask-making session Eastnor Castle, Mon 22 July - Tues 19 Follies, Weston-under- Valley Railway, July, Old Joint Stock for children, Wed 30 Herefordshire Aug, Charlecote Park, Redcastle, North Kidderminster Theatre, Birmingham July, Walsall Leather Shropshire Warwickshire Shropshire COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL WALSALL CLASSIC CAR & Museum TRAVEL THE ROADS The TRAILBLAZERS CHAMPI- Sat 26 - Sun 27 July, TRANSPORT SHOW GLASS ENGRAVING CHIL- ONSHIP A ten-day RAF Cosford, Nr Featuring over five hun- DREN’S WORKSHOP Wed Week Commencing first in a six-week pro- gramme of transport- equestrian extravagan- Wolverhampton dred vehicles, jumble & 30 July, Bilston Craft MON 21 JULY inspired family activities za featuring dedicated NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE trade stands, and chil- Gallery for the school holidays, showing, dressage, RACES Sat 26 - Sun 27 dren’s funfair, Sun 27 DIG FOR HISTORY Family Mon 22 July - Sun 31 combined training & July, Donington Park July, Walsall Arboretum fun day with crafts, AWESOME ART ADVEN- Aug, Coventry showjumping finals, CRAFTY BEASTS Watch BOUNCE & BOING! Get archaeology, Wed 30 TURE See if you’ve got Transport Museum Thurs 24 July - as Tudors demonstrate the school holidays off July, Aston Hall, what it takes to become TEDDY DAY Take your Sun 3 Aug, Stoneleigh a variety of skilled to a bouncing start with Birmingham a great garden detec- favourite teddy along to Park, Warwickshire tasks, using traditional the ultimate obstacle ROBOT BUILDING WORK- tive, Mon 21 July, enjoy trails, stories & SCHOOL HOLIDAY FRIDAY methods from course and bouncy SHOP Design & build Dudmaston Estate, more... Wed 23 July NATURE SESSIONS Join Shakespeare's time, castle, Sun 27 - Thurs your own robot in Bridgnorth, Shugborough Historic the site’s rangers and Sat 26 - Sun 27 July, 31 July, Eastnor Castle, teams ready to com- Shropshire Working Estate, get closer to nature Mary Arden’s Farm, Herefordshire pete against each SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIV- Staffordshire around the park, Fri 25 Stratford-upon-Avon other. Advance booking ITIES: SPINNERS Make a HANDS-ON WITH THE July, Severn Valley BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Week Commencing essential! Wed 30 July, superfast spinner toy JACKFIELD TILE MOULD Country Park, SIGHTSEEING TOUR Sat MON 28 JULY Forge Mill Needle and add an eye-melting Help the Ironbridge Bridgnorth, Shropshire 26 - Sun 27 July, Starts Museum, Redditch design to create an Gorge Archaeology MEET THE ARCHAEOLO- Victoria Square & ends 3D ANIMAL BEASTS Drop exciting kaleidoscope Volunteer Group cata- GISTS Meet members of Colmore Row, in and make a funky 3D effect, Mon 21 - Fri 25 logue a collection of the Coventry & District Birmingham ACTIVE AFTERNOONS Fun animal with Ruth July, Priory Visitor tiles moulds, Wed 23 Archaeological Society, ACTIVEFEST Celebrating activities for children, Radcliffe, Thurs 31 July, Centre, Coventry July, Coalbrookdale who’ll be talking about and showcasing the Mon 28 - Tues 29 July, Walsall Leather SUMMER CERAMIC DROP- Museum of Iron, their recent excavation very best in outdoor Moseley Old Hall, Museum IN WORKSHOPS Mon 21 Ironbridge, South in Broadwell. You can pursuits, sports, hob- Wolverhampton DRESSING UP AND - Fri 25 July, Coalport Shropshire even handle some of bies, crafts and volun- SPOON PAL PUPPETS DRESSING DOWN: China Museum, SUMMER FUN DAY the Roman artefacts teer opportunities, WORKSHOP Mon 28 July UNDERSTANDING CLOTH- Ironbridge, Shropshire Featuring children’s they've discovered!, Fri Activefest offers some- - Fri 1 Aug, Wedgwood ING IN THE ROMAN ESCAPE TO FRANCE TRAIL entertainment, face 25 - Sat 26 July, thing for all the family, Museum, Stoke-on- WORLD Join Mary Follow King Charles II’s painting & balloon Herbert Art Gallery & Sat 26 - Sun 27 July, Trent Harlow, Senior Lecturer escape from modelling, Wed 23 July, Museum, Coventry Shugborough Historic SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIV- in Ancient History at the Parliamentary soldiers Gladstone Pottery 21ST MOPAR EURO Working Estate, ITIES: PAPER PLANES University of Leicester, in a scaled-down ver- Museum, Stoke-on- NATIONALS The Ultimate Staffordshire Make a super-fast spin- as she discusses how sion where, using a Trent American Muscle Car ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN ner toy and add an to assess the relevant compass, you can find AWESOME ART ADVEN- show with RWYB, WONDERLAND Sat 26 - eye-melting design to evidence and dress of your way to an imagi- TURE See if you’ve got burnout competition, jet Sun 27 July, Blists Hill, create an exciting kalei- individuals in antiquity, nary France and safety, what it takes to become car and live evening Ironbridge, Shropshire doscope effect, Mon 28 Thurs 31 July, Herbert Mon 21 July - Sun 3 a great garden detec- entertainment, Fri 25 - 1940S EVENT Featuring July - Fri 1 Aug, Priory Art Gallery & Museum, Aug, Moseley Old Hall, tive, Wed 23 July, Sun 27 July, Santa Pod 1940s music, entertain- Visitor Centre, Coventry Coventry Wolverhampton Dudmaston Estate, Raceway, Northampton ment, costumes, and KNIGHTS AND CRAFTY THURSDAYS Fun EVENING OUTDOOR Bridgnorth, MAKE YOUR OWN RAG fun with the Victorian PRINCESSES Hands-on creative activities for SCREENING OF WAR Shropshire RUG HEART With craft Westerners re-enact- medieval fun, where children, Thurs 31 July, HORSE Tues 22 July, BUG HOTEL WORKSHOP specialist Jessie ment group, Sat 26 - young visitors can Blakesley Hall, National Memorial Make a bug hotel for Lindon, Sat 26 July, Sun 27 July, Red transform themselves Birmingham Arboretum, Burton- the mini-beasts in your Birmingham Back to House Glass Cone, into a courtly Lord or LIFE DRAWING WITH A upon-Trent garden, Wed 23 July, Backs Stourbridge Lady, with tips on DIFFERENCE: DEITIES AND CLAY CUP & SAUCER Sarehole Mill, ANNE HATHAWAY’S BIG LACE WARS - JACOBITE everything from curtsies DELIGHTS Draw from a WORKSHOP Children’s Birmingham PICNIC DAY Featuring REBELLION RE-ENACT- to combat, Mon 28 July clothed life model workshop where POOS FROM THE PAST! free entertainment and MENT Skirmish re-enact- - Fri 1 August, inspired by classical youngsters can demon- Join in an archaeologi- activities for all the fam- ments, drills, and living Kenilworth Castle, statuary and Roman strate their creative side cal dig with a differ- ily, with competitions history camp in the Warwickshire deities, Thurs 31 July, and make a decorative ence, Wed 23 - Thurs for the best-dressed museum ground, Sat FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS: Herbert Art Gallery & cup and saucer to take 24 July, Herbert Art teddy, races, craft activ- 26 - Sun 27 July, BUSY BEES Follow the Museum, Coventry home, Tues 22 July, Gallery & Museum, ities, fairy fun and chil- Avoncroft Museum, themed trail around the MINIATURE WORLD OF Bilston Craft Gallery Coventry dren’s gardening tips, Bromsgrove garden to collect your CASTLES AND COSTUME SPORTY PEG PEOPLE FAMILY ACTIVITY DAYS - Sat 26 July, Anne OLD FORD RALLY Sun 27 prize before taking part Create a magical castle WORKSHOP Make a ‘peg FLYING FRIENDS Follow Hathaway’s Cottage & July, Heritage Motor in a host of make-and- from scraptastic materi- person’ playing your the themed trail around Gardens, Stratford- Centre, Gaydon, take activities, Mon 28 al & clay, build towers, favourite sport and dec- the garden to collect upon-Avon Warwickshire July - Fri 1 Aug, turrets and castella- orated in your team your prize before taking VIP MUSIC FAIR Sat 26 FESTIVAL OF BLACK Hanbury Hall, Droitwich tions, and populate with colours, Tues 22 July, part in a host of make- July, The Dome/Zellig, COUNTRY VEHICLES The ROME-ING AROUND! people dressed in flow- Gladstone Pottery and-take activities, Wed Custard Factory, annual gathering of Programme of summer ing gowns, sparkly Museum, Stoke-on- 23 - Fri 25 July, Birmingham cars, motorcycles and holiday activities crowns & fighting Trent Hanbury Hall, Droitwich EERIE EVENINGS GHOST commercial vehicles inspired by the gallery’s armour, Thurs 31 July, GALLERY TALK: JOSEPH SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIV- EVENT Sat 26 July, built in the Black current Roman exhibi- Worcester City Art CHAMBERLAIN, A BIRM- ITY THURSDAYS Castle Dudley Zoo Country sees over one tion, Mon 28 - Thurs 31 Gallery INGHAM ICON Tues 22 tours with Lady DOULTON CLAY PITS hundred vehicles July, Herbert Art Gallery HEROES AND VILLAINS July, Birmingham Caroline, living history, OPEN DAY Informal parade around the & Museum, Coventry Watch on as Sir William Museum & Art Gallery have-a-go archery, events inspired by museum site, Sun 27 CIRCUS ACADEMY Tues Marshall, the greatest FESTIVAL OF BRITISH dressing up and vari- Doulton’s clay pits, with July, Black Country 29 July, Thinktank, knight in England, bat- ARCHAEOLOGY KIDS ous other activities, activities including Living Museum, Dudley Birmingham tles it out for prizes and WORKSHOP Tues 22 - Thurs 24 July, Ludlow walks and creative UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: BLACK COUNTRY VOY- glory. Pick your Thurs 24 July, Museum Castle, South workshops, Sat 26 July, BEHIND THE SCENES AGES IN TIPTON favourite knight and of Cannock Chase, Shropshire Saltwells Nature TOUR Revealing what Members of Ikon Youth cheer him on, Thurs 31 Staffs SUMMERY STAINED Reserve, Dudley goes on behind the Project lead practical July - Fri 1 Aug, SILLY SUNGLASSES GLASS WINDOWS WORK- LEEK & DISTRICT SHOW scenes of a stately workshops, including Goodrich Castle, CRAFT ACTIVITY Make a SHOP Children’s event, Sat 26 July, Leek, home, this unique tour painting, badge-making Herefordshire pair of sunglasses to Thurs 24 July, Bilston Staffordshire takes in some of the & zine-making, as well INTRO TO ACTING WORK- site's twenty-eight bed- as hosting public talks,

64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out July Region One .qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 12:14 Page 1 Eating Out Tasty tapas promised at independent festival Organisers of the forthcoming Birmingham Independent Food Fair have welcomed the Authentic Tapas Group as the event’s Restaurant Dining Sponsor. Currently operating the success- ful Don Diego in Sutton Coldfield - serving up genuine tapas dishes in authentic surroundings - the group will host the Don Diego Bar de Tapas in Millennium Point for the duration of the festival (13 Sept), and will hopefully bring with them a ray or two of Spanish sunshine as well as a taste of Espana.

Alfresco investment for Spirit of Mexico in Solihull historic venue they all sounded great. when we tasted the pas- REVIEW To start with, we had the sionfruit mojito and the Details have been released of the second-phase Chimi’s Combo (£10.50) - mango mojito. The spiced development of Anderson’s at The Bull’s Head in My parents were off on chorizo potato skins, rum was pretty potent too. Henley-in-Arden. A further investment of £20,000 their annual summer chicken wings, jalapeño For dessert we picked the will enable the countryside restaurant to acquire break to Mexico, meaning bullets and squid rings positively sinful churros - an outdoor dining area as an extension to its we were left in sunny served with a chipotle warm Mexican doughnut main restaurant, allowing patrons to dine alfresco Brum to reminisce about chilli sauce, sour cream rings dusted in cinnamon from the A La Carte menu. Located in the large the family holidays of our and fresh chives. All of it sugar with a sticky ‘Dulche grounds of The Bull’s youth - sun, sea, sand, tasted good. We also de Leche’ caramel sauce Head’s historic fourteenth burritos and tequila. ordered the piri piri and vanilla ice-cream. This century site, the extension So what better way to prawns - handsomely pre- sugar mountain was defi- will inject a sense of style rekindle our love of all sented and spiced to per- nitely a guilty pleasure. and freshness while things Mexican than by fection. We dined on a very hot remaining sympathetic to, saying a hopeful ‘ola, My other half had the and sunny Sunday and in keeping with, the amigo’ to the new Director, Daniel Anderson chicken chimichanga; a evening, so it was proba- venue’s history. Chimichanga in Solihull’s flour tortilla - fried golden bly quieter than usual, but Touchwood shopping cen- brown - with cheese, I bet it’s a good place to tre? This restaurant chain sautéed onions and pep- enjoy an informal big night Birmingham chef to represent UK has about twenty eateries pers. Comfort food at its out. And if you really want in major culinary competition nationwide and is very best - and massive too! to get into the Mexican much in the Americanised A Kenilworth chef is to represent the UK in the For my main I had a chick- spirit, gather together as style of TGI’s - as the world-renowned Bocuse d’Or international culi- en enchilada - a flour tor- big a party of people to cocktail menu ably illus- nary competition in France in 2015. tilla with cheese, sautéed take along as you can. At trates, every day is fiesta Michelin-starred chef Adam Bennett, a former onions and peppers which Chimichanga, 'the more' is day at Chimichanga! head chef at Simpsons in and cur- had been oven-baked with most definitely 'the merri- Chimichanga is an open rently chef director at The Cross in Kenilworth, a smoked chilli sauce and er'.. Anita Champaneri restaurant that’s big, bold sailed through the European heats in Stockholm melted cheese. The and vibrant in colour, with with a menu of Supreme of Swedish Coalfish and chunks of meat just melt- Food: n n n n n Aztec prints, orange-and- Seaweed Sauce and Mussel Ketchup, and ed away in the mouth. Service: n n n n n yellow furniture and cacti. I Ballotine of Swedish Pork with Braised Trotter Served on a skillet and Ambience: n n n n n was half-expecting the and Hock. Adam received a helping hand from garnished, it would satisfy Overall value n n n n n staff to be wearing som- Birmingham-based luxury tableware manufactur- the most jumbo of OVERALL n n n n n breros, ponchos and play- er Heritage Collection, which invested £50,000 appetites. ing maracas. Maybe they Chimichanga and many hours of work to create a number of And just because it was so do when it’s a full house? 41 Mill Lane Arcade unique tablepieces on which the chef served his moreish, we ordered extra All the Mexican favourites Solihull culinary delights. garnishes of sour cream, were there - fajitas, tor- B91 3GS Adam has also received backing from University chives and guacamole. tillas, enchiladas, burritos, Tel: 0121 704 0749 College Birmingham, which has spent a quarter The cocktail line-up was quesadillas and paella. It of a million pounds on a Bocuse d’Or develop- impressive. Our eyes lit up was a tough choice, as ment kitchen in which he can practise his dishes. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Eating Out July Region One .qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 12:14 Page 2

Place, B1 2LP 0121 631 THE VAULTS Newhall 01789 264804 01905 345874 Restaurant LISTINGS 1600 Place, Newhall Hill, MALLORY COURT Harbury BROWNS 24 Quay St, OPUS 54 Cornwall St, B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 Lane, Leamington Spa, Worcester WR1 2JJ B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 WAGAMAMA Brindley CV33 9QB, 01926 330214 01905 26263 For full listing information on restau- THE ORIENTAL The Place, birmingham B1 MATRICARDIS 97 High St, CHADDESLEY RESTAURANT rants, including opening times and Mailbox, 128-130 WATERS ON THE SQUARE Henley in Arden. 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B5 4BE CV32 4LY 01926 422422 Lowesmoor, Worcester Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 9799 Warwick CV34 4HS 0121 643 1400 RISTORANTE DA VINCI 50 WR1 2RS 01905 27026 643 3443 PURNELL’SBISTOR & GIN- 01926 400 086 EDMUNDS 6 Brindley Earlsdon Street, Coventry, FUSION BRASSERIE BARAJEE 265 Broad GER’S BAR 11 Newhall THE ALMANACK Abbey place, B1 2JB 0121 633 CV5 6EJ 024 7671 3554 Street, B1 2DS 0121 643 Street, B3 3NY, 0121 End North, Kenilworth Hawbridge, Stoulton, 4944 Worcester WR7 4RJ 6699 2000 1588 CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 ROBBIE’S RESTAURANT 74 FLEET STREET KITCHEN Smith Street, CV34 4HU 01905 840647 BELLA ITALIA 102 New RAJDOOT TANDOORI 78 - BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, Fleet Street, Islington 01926 400470 THE INN AT STONEHALL Street, B2 4HQ 0121 79 George St, B31 1PY Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT Stonehall Common, 643 1548 0121 236 1116 7622 9274 0100 @ The RST, Waterside, Worcester, WR5 3QG BERLIOZ Burlington THE RECTORY 50-54 St ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 BROWNS Earl St, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon, 01905820462 Arcade, New St, B2 4JQ Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS CV1 5RU 0247 622 1100 0121 633 1737 1JL 0121 212 3383 0121 605 1001 CV37 6BB 01789 403449 KING CHARLES II King JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, SAFFRON GOLD Market St, Charles House, New St, BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar, RED PEPPERS 117 Stratford-Upon-Avon Rd, Kings Heath, B14 Mall, Bullring Shopping Wharfside St, B1 1RF Westgate House, Worcester WR1 2D Centre, B5 4BE CV37 6BA Warwick CV34 4DE 01905 22449 7AD 0121 444 0999 0121 643 4202 01789 267424 0121 270 3610 01926 402061 L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 BLUE MANGO Regency SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, CASTLES JIMMY SPICES Regency 6 Castle Street, THE SAXON MILL Graham Rd, Malvern. Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 CV34 4QU 01926 495421 Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, WR14 2HU 01684 0121 633 4422 SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad 0121 643 2111 CATALAN 6 Jury St , Warwick CV34 5YN 572427 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT St, B15 1AY 0121 633 Warwick CV34 4EW LAS IGUANAS Arcadian 01926 492 255 LANGTREYS 89a High St, AND BAR 24-26 Harborne 0366 01926 498 930 Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD SIGNATURES @ The Bromsgrove. B61 8AQ Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454 SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield 0121 622 4466 THE CHURCH STREET Belgrade Theatre, 01527 878242 6877 Rd, Edgbaston B13 3DU TOWNHOUSE 16 Church LASAN 3-4 Dakota Coventry, CV1 1GS LITTLE VENICE 1 - 3 St BUONISSIMO 1 Albany 0121 454 3434 Street, Stratford-upon- Buildings, James St, St 02476 846762 Nicholas St, Worcester Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, Avon CV37 6HB 01789 Paul’s Square, B3 1SD TAILORS WR1 1UW 01905 0121 426 2444 Brindley Place, 262222 22 Market Place, 0121 212 3664 726126 CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells Birmingham B1 2HL Warwick CV34 4SL THE LOFT LOUNGE COOMBE ABBEY Brinklow Square, Brindleyplace, 0121 633 3049 01926 410590 LOTUS HOUSE 33 143 Bromsgrove St, Road, Coventry, CV3 2AB B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 THE TREVELYAN Warwick Ombersley St East, B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 STRADA 109-111 024 7645 0450 CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, Droitwich, WR9 8QX THE LOST & FOUND Wharfside St, The CROSSED KHUKRIS GURKHA Edge, Brindleyplace CV37 ONR 01905 770079 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS Mailbox B1 1XL 115 Abbey Street, B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 01789 295252 MAEKONG THAI 12 0121 643 9293 0121 643 7279 Nuneaton, CV11 5BX 024 CENTENARY BAR & 7634 4488 THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West Worcester Road, LOVES The Glasshouse, TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley BRASSERIE Broad Street, Road, Edgbaston, B16 EDWARD MOON 9 Chapel St, Warwick CV34 6AW Bromsgrove B61 7AE Browning St, B16 8FL 07873 219005 01527 578888 B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 0121 454 5151 9NY 0121 454 1930 Street, Stratford-upon- Avon, CV37 6EP 01789 WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 CHI BAR & GRILL 61 MECHU 47 - 59 Summer THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, Newhall Street, B3 3RB B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 267069 Street, CV34 4HS 01926 Broad St, Worcester Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 491736 WR1 3NH 01905 0121 233 3150 1661 TURTLE BAY 81-91 John EGO 29 The Square, Kenilworth, CV8 1EF ZIZZI 85-87 Regent 729955 CHIMICHANGA 41 Mill Lane METRO BAR & GRILL Bright Street, B1 1BL 73 01926 864463 Square House, Parade, MUG HOUSE Claines Arcade, Touchwood, Cornwall St B3 2DF Leamington Spa CV 32 Lane, Worcester WR3 Solihull, B91 3GS 0121 0121 200 1911 THE ENCORE Bridge Street Stratford 4NL 01926 432532 7RN 01905 456649 704 0749 MINT Yew Tree Retail upon Avon CV37 6AB ON THE ROCKS CHUNG YING Park, Stoney Lane 44 01789 269462 16-18 Wrottersley Street, Yardley, B25 8YP Worcestershire Worcester Road, B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 0121 789 8908 FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, Bromsgrove, B61 7AE 01527 882412 CHUNG YING CENTRAL 126 MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, Henley in Arden. B95 ANAKARI 47 The Tythings, Colmore Row, B3 3AP B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 5QR 01564 793783 Worcester. WR1 1JT PORTOFINO, 6 Worcester 01905 21412 Rd, Droitwich. WR9 8AD 0121 400 0888 NUVO BAR 11 Brindley FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria Turtle Bay Terrace, ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, 01905 794799 Leamington Spa, CV31 Worcester WR1 3QT PORTWAY ITALIAN, 3AB 01926 431999 01905 731131 Alcester Rd, Redditch. GEORGETOWN 23 Sheep ANUPAM 85 Church B48 7HT 01564 824794 St, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Street, Malvern. WR14 PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, CV37 6EF 01789 204445 2AE 01684 573814 Worcester WR12LZ GRANTS OF SHEEP ST 21-23 BACCHUS 44 Worcester 01905 27770 Sheep Street, Stratford- Road, Bromsgrove B61 RAJDOOT Cutnall Green, SINGLE? upon-Avon, CV37 6EF 0TA 01527 877557 Droitwich. WR9 0PW 01789 290 008 BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, 01299 851000 HIGH PAVEMENT BAR & DIN- Worcester WR1 2HZ ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, ING 3 High Street, CV34 01905 21444 Aston Fields, 4AP 01926 494725 BINDLES BAR & BRASSERIE Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ UK’s leading social events club are holding their HELP OUT MILL Heather 55 Sidbury, WR1 2HU 01527 889948 Rd, Shakerstone, 01905 611120 SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New Summer Ball, Sat 5th July Nuneaton. CV13 0BT BRAMBLINGS Hither Green St, Worcester WR1 2DP 01530 260666 Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE 01905 610505 at Cottons Hotel, Manchester Road, Knutsford, Cheshire INDIA RED 25 Abbey 01527 406600 Street, Nuneaton, CV11 BRIDGE INN Plough Road, 8pm Drinks Reception, 3 Course meal & all drinks 5BX 024 7634 2090 Droitwich WR9 7NQ Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie £68 JIMMY SPICES 64-66 balls, theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. accom also Station Rd, Solihull, B91 available 3RX 0121 709 2111 (01244) 677030 weekdays or 548816 eve/weekends LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans For full Restaurant listings Nest, Bridgford, Stratford visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk www.thedinnerclubuk.com upon Avon. CV37 7LT 66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk p75 (IBC) R1.qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 14:58 Page 1 Antiques For Everyone (FP-July).qxp_Layout 1 23/06/2014 14:00 Page 1