Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover

Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover June 2017 .qxp_Wolverhampton & Black Country Cover 22/05/2017 15:02 Page 1

RICKY GERVAIS AT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands BARCLAYCARD ARENA WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON JUNE 2017 Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 378 JUNE 2017 ’

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

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

‘deadADDAMS funny show’ FAMILY on tour... Feature inside... PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP

talksCANDICE about life sinceBROWN Bake Off Interview inside... TWITTER@WHATSONWOLVES WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK

intricateREMEMBER papercuts MEon show at Wolverhampton Art Gallery ARENA THEATRE F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 11:45 Page 1

Saturday 10th June at 8.00pm Monday 12th June at 7.30pm Tuesday 13th June at 7.30pm

Jazz at the Arena ARTSFEST ARTSFEST WOLVES ARE BEYOND THE PEOPLE TOO WATERS EDGE THE BAND

Tickets: £15 / £13 Conc. Tickets: £5 Tickets: £5

Friday 16th & Saturday 17th June Saturday 24th June at 7.30pm Wednesday 31st May at 7.30pm at 8.00pm & 10.30pm

ARTSFEST

14/48 UK presents SAMARPAN DIRTY WHITE A CELEBRATION OF 14/48 CLASSICAL INDIAN BOYS AND WOLVERHAMPTON DANCE PLAYLIST

Tickets: £7 / £5 Conc. Tickets: £10 / £8 Conc. Tickets: £5 Contents June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 17:40 Page 2

June 2017

Contents

Wonderland - take a tumble down the rabbit hole with brand new musical feature page 8

Rod Stewart Jodie Prenger Northern Ballet the list

music icon plays exclusive stars as Shirley Valentine on tour with Goldilocks & Your 16-page Shrewsbury concert in Willy Russell’s classic play The Three Bears week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 28 page 37 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 28. Theatre 39. Film 43. Visual Arts 47. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word June Wolves_Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:25 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Blists Hill to host steampunk festival Blists Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire will hold its first ever Steampunk Weekend Festi- val next month (Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 July). Steampunk is a subgenre of science fantasy that reimagines modern technology powered by 19th century steam. The Blists Hill event - The Town That Never Was - forms part of Ironbridge Gorge Museum’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Highlights of the festival include an exhibition of steampunk art, costumes and sculp- tures, a living history encampment, inflatable dinosaurs featuring in an interactive event, the chance for youngsters to track down fairies hidden in a garden and a craft area in which kids can make their own steampunk items. The Saturday evening sees Blists Hill trans- formed into a fantastical science-fiction Western World, complete with zombie out- breaks, shootouts and saloon-bar girls. For more information, visit ironbridge.org.uk

Manor in Wolverhampton. classes, live music, theatre and dance pro- Women chainmakers are William and Evelyn were one of the most en- ductions, along with a whole host of other at- on the march again! ergetic and creative couples of the late 19th tractions. Events take place at a variety of The Women Chainmakers’ Festival 2017 takes and early 20th century. venues, including galleries, theatres, halls, place in the Black Country town of Cradley Hosted in the new, purpose-built gallery pubs and churches. Heath next month (Saturday 1 July). space of The Malthouse, the exhibition fea- “Whether you want to be hands-on and get The event celebrates the achievements of 800 tures over 100 ceramics by William and 18 stuck in or relax and admire the work of oth- women chainmakers who, via a 10-week paintings by Evelyn, all loaned from the De ers, there’s something for everyone,” says strike at the beginning of the 20th century, Morgan Collection. Artsfest manager Neil Reading. “We’ve got fought to establish a minimum wage for their Commenting on the new display, John Wood, sessions to suit every budget - including labour. This year’s line-up of attractions in- Wightwick’s Conservation & Engagement loads of free and family events, as well as ex- cludes a parade, a funfair and a chance to Manager, said: “This is the first of a number clusive Artsfest discounts.” enjoy a variety of circus skills. of exhibitions celebrating the work of the De Artsfest runs from Thursday 8 to Friday 30 Morgans at Wightwick. We hope that, June. To check out what’s on offer, visit through our 10-year partnership with the De wlv.ac.uk/artsfest Morgan Foundation, our visitors will be inspired by the artistry and output of this re- markable couple, the wider arts & crafts Enjoy Wolverhampton movement and the society in which they Live! outdoor concert worked.” A free outdoor concert - featuring the chart- For further information about Wightwick topping Hoosiers and Toploader, X-Factor Manor & Gardens, visit star Lucy Spraggan and The Voice winner nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor or Kevin Simm - is taking place in Wolverhamp- telephone 01902 761400. ton’s Queen Square on Saturday 3 June. Organised by the Wolverhampton BID and De Morgan exhibition funded by city centre businesses, the day- Artsfest makes a return long Enjoy Wolverhampton Live! event also opens at Wightwick The University of Wolverhampton’s third features plenty of children’s entertainment, A new exhibition of ceramics and paintings Artsfest event is currently up and running. including CBeebies favourite Swashbuckler’s by William and Evelyn De Morgan has A celebration of the creative and cultural Cook And Line. For more information, visit opened at the National Trust’s Wightwick arts, the festival features workshops, master- enjoywolvermpton.com/wolverhamptonlive.

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First Word

Shakespeare with A huge Appetite for the a twist in arts in Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton this summer Midlands theatre-goers next month A programme of events designed to give get the chance to enjoy a new ver- people the chance to experience and be in- sion of Twelfth Night - complete with a soundtrack featuring the spired by the arts is this summer taking music of the legendary Ella Fitzger- place in Stoke-on-Trent for a fifth successive ald and Louis Armstrong. year. The production is one of two The Appetite 2017 programme includes Shakespeare plays being staged at Water Fools by ilotopie, a show performed the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre entirely on the lake at Central Forest Park, in July. The other, a new version of and outdoor circus extravaganza The Romeo And Juliet, includes songs Homecoming. There’s also The Big Feast by Hozier and Mumford And Sons. festival, presenting a weekend of street The shows are presented from shows for all the family to enjoy, from a fab- Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 July (Romeo And Juliet on the 12th, in- ulously fiendish fox playing music to a per- cluding a matinee performance). formance by an out-of-this-world urban For more information and tickets, astronaut. ring 01902 429212 or visit grandthe- To check out the full line-up of events, visit atre.co.uk. appetitestoke.co.uk

New show for Proms fun at Shropshire attraction Strictly stars Patriotic Brits can this month enjoy an evening of flag-waving fun at the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire, when the popular venue hosts a special Picnic Proms In The Park event on Saturday 10 June. The Wrexham Symphony Orchestra are the ensemble charged with the task of presenting an evening of pomp and circumstance. Their programme of classical favourites and familiar movie themes will be followed by an event-ending firework display. For more information, visit britishironworkcentre.co.uk Local snappers Strictly Come Dancing’s Na- in the frame talie Lowe, Louis Smith and Jay McGuiness are set to Wolverhampton Art Gallery is hold- swing, bop, jitterbug and ing a competition for local wildlife lindy hop their way back to photographers that will see the the 1950s this autumn, three eventual winners having their work displayed at the venue. when they bring a brand The gallery is running the competi- new show to the Midlands. tion to celebrate its blockbuster Rip It Up will see the tal- summer show, The Natural History ented trio performing dance Museum’s 52nd Wildlife Photogra- routines to a host of era- pher Of The Year Exhibition. defining pop and rock’n’roll “We’ve had a good response al- hits, including Why Do ready and are encouraging more Fools Fall In Love, La photographers to send us their best Bamba, Oh Carol, Heart- wildlife shots,” says Marguerite Nu- break Hotel and Good Golly Bands on the Beacon gent, gallery manager for arts & culture. “The three winners will see Miss Molly. A music festival that prides itself on being ‘the most innovative and their work on show here in the The show visits Birming- unique in the West Midlands’ is returning for a second year next gallery, as well as receiving tickets ham’s Symphony Hall on month. and tea for the exhibition.” Tuesday 19 September and Bands On The Beacon takes place at Barr Beacon Local Nature Re- The competition closing date is 9 Shrewsbury’s Theatre Sev- serve on Sunday 2 July and boasts over 30 live acts, including a num- June, and the winners will be noti- ern three days later, on Fri- ber of local up-and-coming performers. Other attractions at the fied in the week commencing 19 day the 22nd. festival include a host of activities for younger visitors to enjoy and June. For more information, visit For more information, visit the ‘Be Here’ Garden - a new element of the event designed to show- wolverhamptonart.org.uk RipItUpTheShow.com case acoustic acts in a traditional beer-garden setting. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Candice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:24 Page 1

FEATURE

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by Heather Kincaid

Book Deals & Delicious Bakes Bake Off’s Candice Brown is launching a new cook book - and turning up at two of the Midlands’ most mouthwatering food festivals!

“No-nonsense”, “easy to make” bakes are Those hoping to drop in on one of her at the show. Breads, olives, cakes, local on the menu for Great British Bake Off 2016 demos should expect an emphasis on wines, little jars of things - I love markets winner Candice Brown as she prepares to simple, traditional dishes, nostalgic flavours and food shows and finding gorgeous things launch her brand new cook book, Comfort: and accessible family fare, in line with the to eat and taste and buy!” Delicious Bakes And Family Treats, on recipes featured in her forthcoming book - And with exciting programmes lined up for Thursday 13 July. including toffee apple crumble, cornflake both festivals, who could blame her? Expect tart, triple layer berry cake, Christmas cake, But if you can’t wait that long to get stuck Michelin-starred chefs and local perfect roast chicken, black pudding into her recipes, then late this month, the restauranteurs, extensive markets with an sausage rolls, tattie scones, pork and apple brilliant baker will be offering a tantalising amazing range of traders, wine, gin and pasties and homemade pork scratchings. taste of what to expect at the hotly craft beer tasting and even edible science anticipated Foodies Festival in “I love baking and cooking really homely, experiments for the kids. Those looking to Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park, followed old-fashioned, comforting food and giving it pick up some top tips for their own cooking by an appearance at Shropshire’s Newport my own spin. I’m all about big flavours, will find them in abundance - but for Show in early July. slices and invoking memories and aspiring bakers like she once was, Brown nostalgia.” has this advice to offer; “I didn’t even think I would get on Bake Off, or then past week one, week two, and so Little wonder, then, that fellow chefs who “I don’t feel any more experienced than on,” she says of her bemusement at acing she admires include the late Keith Floyd and anyone else but my advice is to always just the challenges and wowing judges and Tom Kerridge, particularly the latter’s go for it, enjoy what you do, smile and, if it audiences alike on the hit BBC show. “Never “hearty, homely pub grub” and “infectious” goes wrong, don’t panic - just turn it into in a million years (did I think I would win)- I love for what he does. something else and say it was meant to look still don’t quite believe it!” like that or throw it away and don’t tell Brown’s own passion for cooking shines anyone. And hard work pays off! It’s so Since making the jump and giving up the through for all to see, and however busy she important to do something you love and feel day job to pursue her dream career, the becomes, she always tries to make time to good about it. Never feel you can’t do it or former teacher has had more than just a do a bit of baking just for her own benefit. allow anything to stand in your way. book to keep her busy. As well as honing her “I bake whenever I have a spare hour! I just cooking skills and earning money making “Baking shouldn’t be scary or difficult, and I love it and am always thinking about what I food, she’s also been contending with a think my book will show this. It’s been my could do or what ingredients I could use. I calendar chock-full of high-profile events. absolute pleasure testing and writing can’t go too long without creating a flour recipes that I encourage you to try, change “Every opportunity is a blessing - I loved tornado in the kitchen.” and make your own.” every second of the process and I’m loving On the other hand, if she was heading to an every second now! I’ve been to some event like Foodies Festival or Newport as a amazing events - Pride Of Britain, NTAs, visitor, she’d avoid the urge to whip up Sports Personality - and met some something in advance, preferring instead to incredible people - Fearne Cotton, Emma Candice Brown is at Birmingham’s Food- sample some mouthwatering morsels fresh and Geri from the Spice Girls, Sir Chris Hoy ies Festival in Cannon Hill Park on Sun- from the festival market. and Barbara Windsor.” day 25 June and at the Newport Show, Chetwynd Deer Park, on Saturday 8 July. “My basket would be empty so that I could fill it with all sorts of wonderful things I find

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FEATURE

WonderlandCuriouser and curiouser! Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn takes a tumble down the rabbit hole with his spectacular new musical

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by Heather Kincaid

It was in 1886 that the wacky world of she's middle-aged, a mother going something off the page and thinking Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first through a messy separation with her through how I can best tell the story. In the made it onto the stage, in an adaptation partner, as well as a schoolteacher with case of Wonderland, we’ve got nothing that the novel's author, Lewis Carroll ambitions of becoming a children's writer. really to copy, and that’s lovely. I don’t (otherwise known as Cambridge Much like the books then, it aims to think that any actor should ever copy mathematician Charles Dodgson), had a present a child's-eye view of the what’s been before, though of course if the hand in. complexities and contradictions of the material’s out there you’re going to have a grown-up world. sneaky look at what’s been done Within the writer's lifetime then, the topsy- previously! But apart from a performance turvy story and its cast of colourful “It all starts with the idea of the child by the Broadway cast at the Tony Awards, characters were already delighting within us all,” Wildhorn continues. “The there’s little else online - and I love that audiences in performance, and a mere 17 opening lyrics of my song, Finding because I can think through the character years later, they were being interpreted Wonderland, are ‘We move too fast; we myself and hopefully bring something new through the exciting new medium of film. miss so much’. And it’s true - there is a to it. Wonderland in all our lives if we could One of the latest companies to join the only take a breath and notice it. In this “It's always fun to play baddies, but you long and noble tradition of reinventing particular adventure, Alice has to rescue must find something in them that makes Alice is led by Broadway composer Frank her own child, and in doing so, she people like them a little bit. I'd like to Wildhorn, whose work on shows like rediscovers the child within herself.” think there’s a bit of all my comedy heroes Jekyll & Hyde, Victor/Victoria and Bonnie in my Queen of Hearts: Molly Sugden, & Clyde has earned him international “Frank's taken the Lewis Carroll story and Peggy Mount and Patricia Routledge, who acclaim. First performed in 2009, done something really exciting with it,” played Hyacinth 'Bouquet' Bucket in Wonderland has already enjoyed success adds Director Lotte Wakeham. “In the Keeping Up Appearances. She's a monster, in the States; now a reworked version with original, Alice doesn't really do very much but part of you can't help loving her!” a British cast is touring the UK. - she's essentially a tourist in Wonderland. We've looked at how we can make the While more than a century's-worth of Following a sneak preview of some of the heroine of our show go on a great, adaptations might have made the fabulous songs from the show, both cast energising adventure with her daughter characters familiar in other forms, the and creative team were on hand to tell us and the audience.” versions of them in Wonderland are unlike more about what audiences can expect any you've previously encountered. when the show visits the Midlands next Having conceived the show while living in month. New York, it's perhaps no surprise that One of the most obvious breaks from Wildhorn chose the city as the setting for tradition is the Mad Hatter, who will be “In the late ’90s, I was fortunate enough to its original stage outing. Just like in his played by a young woman, Natalie have three shows on Broadway,” says story to his children, Alice ends up back in McQueen. There's a good reason for this Wildhorn, “Jekyll & Hyde, The Scarlet Wonderland via the lift to her apartment. change. Instead of the mad old man we're Pimpernel and Civil War, and so I was used to, McQueen's Hatter is feisty, edgy living on the Upper West side in a big high- “For the UK tour, we’ve gone back to the and full of attitude. For her, getting to play rise building. I have two sons, and the original story,” says Wakeham, “and it will the part has been a dream come true. elevator up to our home was always be UK based, with a relevant look and broken. Eventually I was running out of sound. Since the source material is so “Alice In Wonderland is up there with The stories to tell my kids about why they quirky and quintessentially British, this Little Mermaid as one of my favourite couldn’t fix the elevator, and for some version of the show is exactly that, too.” films,” she gushes. “It's just completely reason I told them that if anyone did bonkers and I love it. “I've been inspired by the original manage to get on it, and take it all the way illustrations and other incarnations of the Frank Wildhorn hopes that audiences down through Macy’s department store, story,” explains Costume Designer Grace from eight to 80 will be just as entranced they'd eventually get to Wonderland.” Smart, “but I've also tried to give it a fresh by the magic of Wonderland as McQueen Wildhorn’s kids are by no means an angle. I’ve been looking at a lot of the UK’s has been, and wants everyone who comes unusual source of inspiration for him. A eccentric celebrities, so that we can keep along to fully immerse themselves in the previous family musical, Excalibur, came the British feel yet keep true to the original spirit of the show. about as an attempt to engage his children story.” “We're hoping the audience will come with the story of Camelot, which his For the cast, getting to put their own dressed up as the characters,” he laughs. parents had loved and taught to him, but stamp on roles completely new to UK “You should definitely encourage that!” which his own kids didn't seem to “get”. audiences, and with almost no precedent Departing somewhat from Carroll's vision, to turn to, has also been a thrill. the story of Wonderland taps into this parent-child dynamic and the idea of the “My job is to be creative,” says Wendi Wonderland shows at the Regent passing on of stories. Like the recent Tim Peters, who plays the Queen of Hearts. “I Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Mon 10 Burton films, it sees Alice return to don't like doing anything for too long, and to Sat 15 July and at the Wolverhampton Wonderland as an adult, only this time I just love the process of reading Grand Theatre from Mon 31 July to Sat 5 August.

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Food

Ooh la la! French cuisine coming to Kidderminster An independently owned French restaurant is opening in Kidderminster at the end of the month, bringing a Parisian-style dining experience to the town. Situated in the new Riverside Walk retail & leisure development, Bistrot Pierre offers great-value French food such as Confit de canard and the bestselling Boeuf bour- guignon maison. Commenting on the new eatery, its co-owner, Rob Beacham, said: “We’re investing almost £1million in our new premises, which will transform one of the premier locations at Riverside Walk into a beautifully styled French bistrot. We’re looking forward to bringing our delicious French bistrot cooking to Kidderminster. I’m confident we’ll grow a loyal customer base in the area thanks to our popular seasonal menus, which use the freshest ingredients and are carefully prepared by our talented chefs on a daily basis.”

quite often select when dining delicious. out. The scallops were cooked For the meal’s finale, we shared perfectly - sealed nicely on the the chocolate nemesis and the outside yet soft on the inside - pistachio and date pudding. The and the black pudding was of a pudding was tasty, moist and ac- decent quality. With the pea ele- companied by vanilla ice cream. ments giving the dish a real The chocolate nemesis was as freshness, it proved to be a very naughty as it sounds. Comprising tasty starter indeed. a chocolate, almost brownie-like, My partner chose the pigeon pudding, chocolate ganache, with chorizo, salad and a quail chocolate ice cream and choco- egg. As with the scallops, the pi- late pieces, it was a fantastic end geon was cooked to perfection, to our Harvey’s experience. the meaty chorizo and quail egg As well as the restaurant, Har- making ideal accompaniments. vey’s also boasts a cosy lounge The starters were certainly a tri- bar with table service - perfect umph - and with that in mind, for drinks before or after a meal, we were eager for our mains to or for a bottle of Prosecco or arrive. Thankfully, we didn’t have cocktails with friends. to wait long… If you’re a lover of tastefully pre- My British fish and shellfish sented, contemporary food made REVIEW: Harvey’s Of Fish Street, Shrewsbury bouillabaisse was bursting with with high-quality ingredients, flavour. Comprising gurnard, then definitely pay Harvey’s a New Shrewsbury restaurant lends a prawns, mussels and clams, this visit. is the perfect dish for fish fans! modern touch to historic part of town The service was fantastic, and The French seafood stew was alongside the tasty food and served with crusty sourdough modern surroundings certainly Shrewsbury’s Fish Street, one of The broad, welcoming smiles of and aioli and pepper sauces, made for a hugely enjoyable the town’s most stunning and the staff, allied to the venue’s which added extra texture and evening. Lauren Foster historic locations - boasting cob- crisp, fresh décor, ensured that dimension to the dish. bled paving and an abundance our first impression of the restau- of 16th century buildings - is now rant was a wholly positive one. Being a huge lamb fan, my part- Food: nnnnn also home to an exciting new We perused the menu over cold ner chose the Shropshire lamb Service: nnnnn eatery. Peronis (the perfect tipple for a rump and neck, served with fon- Ambience: nnnnn sunny midweek evening) and a dant potato, asparagus, peas, a Overall value nnnnn Harvey’s Of Fish Street’s ‘mis- baby aubergine and a Niçoise sion’ is to provide a professional generous helping of warm bread OVERALL nnnnn served with butter, olive oil and sauce. The shredded neck meat yet friendly restaurant service was beautifully cooked, nicely that specialises in seasonal, lo- balsamic vinegar. seasoned and showcased a melt- Harveys cally sourced and fresh food. To start, I opted for the scallops in-the-mouth texture. The rump 11 Fish Street Judging by our experience the served with black pudding, peas was soft to the bite and delivered Shrewsbury night we dined there, it’s a mis- and a pea puree. Scallops and a lovely flavour. The fondant po- SY1 1UR sion that’s most certainly been black pudding are two of my tato was perfect, the veg well Tel: 01743 344789 accomplished. favourite foods, so it’s a dish I cooked and seasoned, the sauce whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:14 Page 3 Food June Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:14 Page 4

Food

Food festival to make Wolverhampton debut The first Wolverhampton Festival of Food & Drink takes place next month (Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 July). The event is expected to feature 40 food & drink outlets and cooking displays by street food traders and local chefs. The line-up of attractions also includes live bands, comedians, a Champagne/Prosecco bar with music, a family area with an open-air cinema and traditional fairground games. Commenting on the inaugural event, City of Wolverhampton Council Strate- gic Director for Place, Tim Johnson, said: “Food and drink festivals are hugely popular these days, and we’re proud to be hosting one in the city this summer. It will be the flagship event for Shropshire food festival offering a feast for the tastebuds our visitor programme in July and will Up to 30,000 people will this month descend on Shrewsbury for the town’s annual food festival provide the ideal platform to showcase (Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 June), the biggest of its kind in the West Midlands. the city on a national scale.” The popular event, which has overtaken Ludlow Food Festival as the region’s premier celebration of fine food, boasts a glittering line-up that includes cookery and kitchen knife-using workshops, a Aussie wine-tasting music stage, an on-site animal area and a family stage. There’s also the chance to learn to forage, event in Shrewsbury develop bushcraft skills and check out a brand new craft area. Shropshire-based culinary wizards Chris Burt and Karl Martin will be in attendance, as will TV chef Sally Bee, best known from ITV1’s Shrewsbury eatery The Peach Tree is daytime magazine programme, Lorraine. hosting A Taste Of Australia wine-tast- Plenty to keep visitors occupied and entertained, then - so much so, in fact, that the event was re- ing evening on 6 July. cently selected by the Daily Mirror as England’s second most mouthwateringly attractive food festi- Ticket holders can enjoy a range of val. Australian premium wines accompanied by a selection of sharing plates created by the restaurant’s AA Rosette- winning culinary team. Wine specialist Little Dessert Shop opens its seventh Midlands franchise Simon Grayson will be on hand to The Little Dessert Shop has opened its seventh Midlands franchise. share his expert knowledge. Tickets The popular eatery’s intu Merry Hill branch will offer a wide range of sugary delights, including cost £30 per person. Call 01743 281751 sundaes, crepes, cakes, waffles and more than 40 flavours of ice cream, gelatos and sorbets. or pop into The Peach Tree to book. The shop is located on Merry Hill’s upper mall at Eat Central. Competition success for Brierley Hill chef Michelin-starred restaurant offers ‘golden ticket’ prize A young chef from Brierley Hill has Michelin-starred Birmingham restaurant Purnell’s is next come second in a competition designed month celebrating its 10th birthday with a special anniver- to enhance understanding of Peruvian sary menu - and you and a dining partner could be there to ingredients and recipes. enjoy the occasion, courtesy of a golden ticket prize draw. Nineteen-year-old Ryan Sharpe com- Purnell’s chef and owner, Glynn Purnell, is promising to peted against six other finalists in the give 15 lucky winners and their guests ‘the evening of a life- Young Chef Of The Year Peru competi- time’ on Friday 7 July, when the restaurant hosts an exclu- tion. He impressed the judges with a sive Champagne reception and 10-course menu. Peruvian menu that included sea bass, To be in with a chance of winning one of only 15 golden avocado & red onion ceviche and duck tickets, all you have to do is send a stamped addressed en- & root vegetable escabeche. velope to: Mr Purnell’s Golden Ticket Prize Draw, Purnell’s Ryan is currently in his first year of Restaurant, 55 Cornwall Street, Birmingham, B3 2DH. Culinary Arts Management studies at The closing date for entries is Thursday 15 June (at 5pm). the University College Birmingham. The 15 winners will receive their golden tickets the week beginning Monday 19 June. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS June STAFFS_SHROPS_WOLVES - COMPLETE.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:28 Page 1 GIGS June STAFFS_SHROPS_WOLVES - COMPLETE.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:28 Page 2

Gigs

Elton John Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 7 June A much-cherished national treasure, Sir Elton is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t take himself too seriously. The top chum of superstar celebrities the world over, he’s earned his stripes as a much-respected musician by reason of spending over four decades in the upper echelons of a notoriously unforgiving business. He this month returns to Birmingham for the 36th time, performing songs from his most recent album, Wonderful Crazy Nights, and hits from his stellar career.

Rod Stewart Williams - to achieve five platinum albums in the UK during the first 10 years of the 21st Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury, century. Visiting Shrewsbury for one of two Wed 7 June exclusive UK mainland concerts, Sir Rod’s Rod Stewart is one of the most successful show will include show-stopping classics artists in the history of recorded music. from across the decades, including Maggie As well as selling more than 200 million May, Da Ya Think I’m Sexy, Baby Jane, The Robbie Williams records worldwide, he was also one of only First Cut Is The Deepest and I Don’t Want To Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Tues 13 June two solo artists - the other being Robbie Talk About it. With 10 of his 11 studio albums reaching the Official Album Chart’s top spot and an entry in the Guinness Book Of World Records for Sunjay The East Pointers selling over one-and-a-half million tour tick- Stafford Gatehouse, Mon 5 June ets in a single day, Midlands-born Robbie Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 4 June needs no introduction. Whether with Take “Quite a few of these songs I have been Canadian folk group The East Pointers fea- That or as a solo artist, Williams is a power- singing and playing since I was about five tures guitarist Jake Charron, banjoist Koady house performer whose popularity has en- years old,” says Sunjay. “My dad taught me Chaisson and fiddler Tim Chaisson. dured despite the passing of time. Buddy Holly songs when I first started play- The band’s visit to Shrewsbury this month This month sees the still-shining star bring ing guitar. Pretty soon I realised that finger- comes fresh off the back of winning a Juno his highly anticipated stadium tour, The picking the guitar looked much better than ‘album of the year’ award for debut full- Heavy Entertainment Show, to the Mid- strumming. That was my introduction to the length offering Secret Victory. lands. blues.” Vintage Trouble The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sun 4 June The past few years have seen American rhythm and blues band Vintage Trouble open for The Rolling Stones at London’s Hyde Park, tour North America and Europe with The Who, and play sold-out headline shows across the world. Their live gigs feel like a sweet southern down-home revival mixed with a gritty, downtown edge. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Shrops_Staffs June NEW.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:27 Page 1

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Classical

Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By Candlelight St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 June; Birmingham Cathedral, Tues 20 June Jeffrey Skidmore once again picks up the baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly rated early music ensemble. Presented by candlelight as dusk falls, the concert brings together music and read- ings inspired both by birdsong and the summer season itself. The evening’s programme includes a new work by Alec Roth which has been com- missioned by Ex Cathedra.

CBSO: Mozart’s Idomeneo Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 24 June The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) once again goes to the opera, this Di Xiao: Moon, time to play its part in a gripping tragedy of war, fate and human love. Written by Mozart in Water And Dance 1870, the composition recounts the story of the king of Crete, Idomeneo, who makes a pact St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, with Poseidon, the god of the oceans, in order to survive the perils of a sea journey home South Shropshire, Fri 16 June from the Trojan War. But when Idomeneo finally reaches land, he realises that in order to keep his vow, he must endure the most profound of personal losses... CBSO music director Mirga Gražinyt-Tylagoes (pictured) conducts a work which is widely considered to be Mozart’s greatest choral opera.

Ensemble 360 New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wed 28 June With a fast-growing reputation for their ability to engage with different audiences and age groups, Ensemble 360 comprises 11 musicians of international standing who share the be- lief that concerts should be informal, friendly, relaxed and, where possible, performed ‘in the round’. Celebrated Chinese pianist Di Xiao is in no Their late-month New Vic appearance sees them presenting a programme that explores ‘a doubt about the professional ambition fascinating interplay of German and Russian traditions’. Highlights include Schumann’s which she holds closest to her heart. Fantasy, Beethoven’s duos, dramatic dance music from Prokofiev and Roslavets’ haunting “I want to become an international am- Viola Sonata. bassador for the piano,” she explains, “combining Chinese and Western reper- toire in the programming of my concerts, thereby creating a bridge between two cultures.” In her relatively short career, Xiao has certainly displayed a real flair for building that bridge, a fact emphatically evidenced by her programme for this particular concert. Works by Beethoven, Debussy and Ravel all feature, and are presented alongside pieces by three highly regarded Chinese composers.

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Festivals

The Acoustic Festival Of Britain Asparafest Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffs, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June Ashdown Farm, Badsey, Evesham, Standing out from the crowd of ever-louder tions, seated food tents and kids' play areas, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June electronic festivals, The Acoustic Festival Of it's the perfect way to spend a lazy weekend Celebrating the Vale of Evesham’s long- Britain marks a welcome return to the basics with the family. standing reputation for asparagus crops, of good-quality music. Stripped back, un- Line-up includes: Fairport Convention this not-for-profit food and music festival plugged performances are the focus of this (pictured below), Wishbone Ash, Nell Bry- combines renowned guests with community relaxed, friendly event. Beyond that, it's den, Hoosiers, Nick Harper, Seize The Day, spirit. Local and national music acts per- open to music of all genres. With five-star- Boy on a Dolphin, TV Smith, Ed Tudor Pole form alongside demos from award-winning rated camping infrastructure, glamping op- and The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Doonican. chefs, country crafts, vintage vehicles and family fun - including a specialist teen tent and appearances by children’s TV stars. Look out for opportunities to taste asparagus-themed food and drink, too. More competitively minded visitors can take part in the traditional asparagus-eating contest. Line-up includes: Dr Feelgood, 3 Daft Mon- keys, The Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Dooni- can, CBeebies’ Mr Bloom and Katy Ashworth (I Can Cook!), Felice Tocchini (Fusion Brasserie), Tom Court (Sticky Fig Catering) and Tom Sausage

Lichfield Blues & Jazz Supersonic Festival El Dorado Festival Lichfield Guildhall & other city centre venues, Custard Factory, Birmingham, Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Fri 2 - Sat 4 June Fri 16 - Sun 18 June Fri 30 June - Mon 3 July Having launched in 2015, this growing festi- The centuries-long search for the magical val is fast establishing itself as a firm fixture land of El Dorado ends here. in Lichfield’s cultural calendar. Taking place Nestled in the beautiful hills of Hereford- across multiple city centre venues, the long shire, this intimate, boutique festival is the weekend celebrates the best in local jazz brainchild of urban clubbing innovators and blues talent, as well as showcasing the Cirque du Soul, best known for creating best in quality musicianship from further weird and wacky wonderlands packed with afield. Concerts can be booked individually, musical variety. with an assortment of hands-on workshops From freak shows and fire breathers to a and lively street bands to enjoy alongside floating Treasure Island stage, expect the the main acts. unexpected in this exotic paradise, specially Line-up includes: Remi Harris Trio, Sticky After taking a year off in 2016, the UK’s pre- designed for playful, open-minded party- Wicket & his String Orchestra (pictured mier experimental arts and music festival is goers. below), Masai Blues, Emma Johnson Boogie back with a bang. Line-up includes: Artful Dodger (pictured Woogie Quartet, Callum Roxburgh Swing Or- Featuring a thrilling line-up of some of the below), Groove Armada, Jax Jones, Hot 8 chestra, Chris Gumbley & Anything Goes, most exciting, original and irreverent artists Brass Band, The Sugarhill Gang, Wolf & Chi, Baxter - Dunnett Big Band and Blast Off from Birmingham, Britain and beyond, the AJ Tracey, Dusky, Zak Abel, SG Lewis, Bon- multidisciplinary Supersonic is guaranteed dax, Shy FX, Solardo and Channel One to stimulate the senses and engage curiosity with a mix of music, film, discussions, hands-on workshops and exhibitions. Intelligent, unique and often unpredictable, it’s an absolute must for the adventurous festival-goer. Line-up includes: Anna Von Hausswolff, Arbouretum, Colin Stetson, Jenny Hval, Laura Cannell, Melt Banana, Oxbow, Princess Nokia, Raime, Zu and Ex-Easter Is- land Head Ensemble

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INTERVIEW

SHAUN RYDER

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The Happy Mondays frontman talks about why his sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll days are now a thing of the past...

Happy Mondays are playing Nozstock this like Dean Martin, or if you were into mod peared, so we ended up having to spend the summer. What can fans expect from this music, you couldn’t like funk. One thing next week in Brazil. I think we went on with headline performance? about us was that we all appreciated different A-Ha, and they put us and Guns ’n’ Roses in a I think we’re doing something from all the al- types of music. We would listen to Velvet Un- hotel miles away from everyone else, so that bums. It’s a ‘greatest hits’ sort of thing. We’re derground then The Snakes. In terms of our was pretty freaky. not going out yet doing the entire Squirrel influence, we basically stole from everywhere And G-Man Twenty Four Hour Party People and then tried to hide it. Do you have any regrets? album, but I’m sure sooner or later we will. I haven’t got many. I’ve got one or two. Obvi- Any particularly entertaining stories you’d ously spending 12 years in receivership was a The band’s groundbreaking album, Pill- like to share? bit of a bummer; I wouldn’t advise that to s’n’Thrills And Bellyaches, was released I can remember the 1960s better than I can anybody. That caused a lot of problems, as it back in 1990. Did you ever imagine that al- the 1990s, so that’ll tell you something. would when 100% of your income is getting most 30 years on, you’d still be headlining taken off you for 12 years. I should just have festivals? How does life on the road nowadays com- paid them the poxy 120 grand back in the You know, when I got into this business, I pare to, say, in the early 1990s? day, but I didn’t want to. That’s my biggest re- wanted to make a career out of it and do it for If someone had told me in the early ’90s how gret. When you write your own stuff and you a lifetime, so I didn’t imagine I’d be bailing easy it could be if you weren’t off your tits, I’d lose it all, you’ve got to stick it out - you can’t out and getting a normal, proper job - no one have told them to f*** off. It’s so easy now. I go bankrupt. It took a long time to get out of would’ve given me one anyway. I thought I’d mean, we’re all older, there’s no sex and that. Everything else, fine; I enjoyed getting be in it for life. drugs anymore, it’s just rock’n’roll. Even off my face when I was a kid - it’s what you though the workload is greater, it just fits in. I do innit. Paul Oakenfold produced Pills’n’Thrills go out and do what I want, when I want. It’s And Bellyaches. How did that come really easy. You were runner-up in the 10th series of about? I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!. Are Oakenfold at the time wasn’t a producer. He You’re very open now about being a fam- there any other reality TV shows that take was known for DJing in London and Ibiza. ily man. What’s the most important lesson your fancy? When I mentioned it to Tony and the man- you’ve passed on to your children? I did the other one where we went off in the ager at the time, Nathan, they started When I first had kids, I was pretty much a kid rainforest, although that was technically scratching their heads. The good thing was having kids. I was building a career, so I classed as a documentary. I get asked all the that we could’ve been making an album, an never saw them and had nothing to do with time to do that sort of stuff. In fact, another important album for the label, and if we’d them being brought up. Now I’m really lucky one has come in today, about me getting my asked for a not very well known DJ who’d because I get to do it again as an adult. My family involved in something. If the right one never produced before, they’d just have told girls love me; I’m just a great dad. I’m going comes around, I don’t mind - especially when us to f*** off. Factory Records thought about off in a minute to do the school run. I’ve got an album to promote. it and gave him a b-side. The DJs in the know flipped it over and started playing Oaken- How do you think your fanbase has grown Finally, what does the future hold for fold’s side. By the time we were ready to do over the years? Happy Mondays? the album, we’d convinced them that Oaken- The ages go from about 11 and 12 to about 70, Well, the thing about The Mondays is that fold was right for the job. and a lot of that is to do with mine and Bez’s there are six of us, and everyone has got a say dips into reality television. We both brought a in the band. It’s really difficult to organise. As Growing up in Manchester must’ve had a lot of new people in on it. You still get kids at Black Grape, it’s just me and Kermit, so when huge influence on your musical sound. uni discovering us, like I discovered Velvet we say, ‘Let’s go and make an album’, we can Can you tell us a bit about the Madchester Underground or whatever - although I didn’t just go and make one. When we’re with The scene? go to uni. Back in the day, there were a lot of Mondays, it’s really difficult. One lives in LA, Oh god! Do you know what, I don’t know kids at uni who were into us and who are one’s in Canada - they’re all doing their stuff whether it did have an influence on the now lawyers. We have a proper mixed bunch. and it’s more difficult. We’ll get a new album sound. The only sort of scene that’d been in together sooner or later, though. Manchester really, apart from Joy Division Were there any particularly memorable and The Smiths, was back in the ’60s with shows? The Hollies and stuff like that. The one thing Brazil was great! Years ago we did the Rock- Happy Mondays headline Nozstock that got us all together was that music was ing Rio thing - we took the rain with us; it ab- Festival, which takes place at Rowden really sort of gangy and clangy back in the solutely pissed it down. We should’ve been Paddocks, Bromyard, Herefordshire, late ’70s. If you liked punk rock, you couldn’t on with George Michael but our gear disap- from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July

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Jonny Awsum Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Wed 7 June If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, seems to have been the perspective taken by musical comic Jonny Awsum. Having served as a barman at London’s Chuckle Club for eight long years, Jonny decided it was high time he put down the pint glasses and picked up the micro- phone himself. Now a regular on the UK comedy circuit, he’s been the warm-up artist for ITV1 lunchtime series Loose Women and also featured in Cravendale's hugely popular ‘cats with thumbs’ advertising campaign, viewed more than a million times on YouTube. Jonny’s joined for this latest Henry Tudor House Comedy Club night by Josh Pugh and Mark Olver.

Joel Dommett Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 9 June “I absolutely love performing in small, intimate spaces,” says Joel Dommett, once the face of MTV - until he was sacked at the age of 27 for being ‘too old’. “I’d far rather do a small gig in front of 50 people, but be doing new stuff, than do old stuff in front of 5,000 people.” Joel’s extremely committed to the business of keeping his act fresh. “I’m working on Ricky Gervais: Humanity material pretty much all the time,” explains the one-time warm-up act for Justin Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 27 & Wed 28 June Bieber whose television work includes There’s no doubting that Ricky Gervais has travelled a long way since his days playing Skins, Live In Chelsea and Impractical Jok- bearded chubster David Brent in hit mockumentary The Office. Hollywood movies, an ap- ers UK. “In fact, I try to put in something pearance on The Simpsons and a couple of gigs presenting the Golden Globes offer ir- new every time I go on stage. If there’s refutable evidence that he’s made the big time. But even with all that success behind him, something new in there, it brightens up he still enjoys the high-pressure challenge of a live standup tour. This latest one is his first the whole set and gives it more energy and in seven years and sees him “moaning about everything in the world from the most privi- excitement.” leged position imaginable”.

Asperger’s Are Us The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sunday 25 June This Boston comedy troupe comprises four fellas who’re on the autism spectrum but whose humour most definitely isn’t defined by the fact. Oddball characters and clever wordplay are the meat and drink of their act, the troupe performing skits and monologues that reflect their thoughts, perspectives and offbeat sensibilities. “We're the first comedy troupe composed of autistic people,” the boys reveal. “We don’t poke fun at Asperger’s and we didn’t form to prove that autistic people can be funny. We formed for the same reason anyone does comedy - to make you laugh! Please don’t expect us to be anything like The Big Bang Theory or anything else that relies on making fun of people. Expect silly, deadpan sketches that appeal to Aspies and sympathetic others alike.”

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Comedy

Stewart Lee: Content Provider Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 21 June Shropshire-born Stewart Lee makes a welcome return to the Midlands with a brand new, critically acclaimed show. Stewart first shot to fame courtesy of his partnership with Richard Herring, and then later scored a massive international hit with the musical, Jerry Springer The Opera. His style of comedy won't make for the most comfortable ride, but he's thought-provoking, funny and memorable, so suffering the odd moment that makes you feel awkward is a small price to pay for a great night out. Stewart is married to fellow comedian Brid- get Christie, a woman whose career is very much in the ascendant... So is there an un- comfortable competitiveness in evidence between them, one wonders? “I was doing well before I even met Brid- get,” he insists, “when she was still dressing up as cheese rolls and bees and things. I don’t know where you’re getting these offen- sive questions from, to be honest...”

Deborah Frances-White Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tackling tough topics with intelligence and Thurs 8 June Sommore style, the New Jersey-born performer views Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 17 June her comedy as a form of self-expression. With descriptions of her ranging from ‘the “Comedy is an expressive art,” she explains, new Whoopi Goldberg with makeup on’ to “It's not what you say, it's how you say it ‘Joan Rivers with a deep tan’, queen of that counts.” urban US comedy Sommore has also been Sommore is joined on the night by Slim, hailed ‘a force to be reckoned with’ by no Kane Brown and Marlon Davis. Gina Yashere less a modern-day icon than Oprah Winfrey. comperes.

Katy Brand: I Was A Teenage Christian The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Thurs 8 June; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 16 June; mac, Birmingham, Sat 17 June Deborah Frances-White reckons her regular A familiar telly face on programmes such as Have I Got News For You podcasts are a worthwhile listen for any- and her very own Big Ass Show, Katy here contemplates her body who’s ever felt like they should be bet- self-imposed conversion and total immersion in evan- ter at feminism. And it would seem there are gelical Christianity at the tender age of 13. “I was plenty of people who’ve felt exactly that an obnoxious, self-important dick,” says way, the various episodes having racked up Katy, “but at least I knew I was going to between them an impressive two million- heaven. Now I’m not so sure...” plus downloads. The show met with mixed reviews in Edin- This latest installment, recorded in front of burgh last summer, with many critics sur- a live audience, sees Deborah joined by a prised by the understated delivery of some guest host for a discussion on topics that fairly undramatic material. On a more positive “all 21st century feminists agree on”. note, the Guardian described it as ‘an entertain- Along the way, they’ll be opening up about ing tale of a teenager’s search for herself, and the insecurities and fears that underlie their of the impulses that drive some of us into reli- ‘lofty principles’. gion’s comforting embrace’. whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Addams Family DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 17:17 Page 1

FEATURE

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by Heather Kincaid The Addams Family

America’s creepiest, kookiest clan arrive in the Midlands...

Their house may be a museum, but not matchmaker for this unconventional love them, but you never see them being mean or everyone is itching to go over there and see between Wednesday and Lucas, the normal horrible.” ’em: for the lovestruck Lucas Beineke and his and the ‘unnormal’, and he champions that “They think that they’re completely normal,” unwitting parents, the Addams Family’s way while in an unconventional love affair agrees Samantha Womack, who plays the of life is just mysterious, spooky and himself. I love that he gets the chance to bring ever-immaculate Morticia, “and that the altogether far too “ooky” for their tastes. Yet all the pieces together - one of my favourite outside world is just horrid and disintegrating romance is apt to overcome and blossom in parts is when he’s on the balcony watching into chaos, so they feel very proud of who the unlikeliest of circumstances, at least the Beinekes in Crazier Than You.” they are” within the realms of musical theatre… The innocence and wide-eyed wonder of the “And they’re not wrong, are they?” laughs Out on its first ever UK tour following a character is perfect for this role: Fester is Dennis. successful Broadway run, Andrew Lippa’s upbeat and optimistic enough to believe that Addams Family musical presents a brand new rules can be broken and stories changed; This is the crux of Lipper’s musical: though chapter in the story of America’s creepiest, generous and genuine enough to win the trust the Beinekes are initially unsure what to kookiest clan, with the sometime sadistic of anyone; and determined enough to make make of them, it’s through their encounter Wednesday now ‘all grown up’ and ready to sure everything goes to plan. with the Addams’ unconventional habits that take on the wider world. Pity the planet then, they’re eventually able to acknowledge and “With Fester, you can kind of see how he is but particularly the boy with the audacity to liberate their true ‘crazy’ selves from self- part of the family, but he resists the fall head over heels for her. inflicted repression. It’s a journey that we, as darkness,” Dennis adds. “I’ve tried to make viewers, are invited to go along on, too - With the hapless Lucas having already him quite silly and childlike.” there’s certainly something to be envied secretly proposed, a desperate attempt at a Silliness is an important feature of this show, about the Addams’ total openness and lack of civilised ‘meet the parents’ dinner party soon in everything from the madcap costumes and concern for what anyone else might think of descends into exactly the disaster you’d choreography of the undead extended family, them. expect. But all hope is not lost: with the help to the weird, witchy old Grandma who might of some long-dead ancestors shut out of the “They base their relationships on truth and not actually be anybody’s grandmother after family crypt, a fairy godmother of a sort is on honesty and nothing is taboo,” says Fletcher. all. But as Carrie Hope Fletcher, who’s hand to carry us out of the chaos - and he “The relationship that Morticia and Gomez enjoyed portraying Wednesday’s newfound comes in the rather unexpected form of Uncle have is so sexual and nothing’s held back womanhood, points out, as dysfunctional as Fester, played with undisguised delight by Les from the children.” the family might seem at first, beneath the Dennis. surface, they’re perhaps not as unusual as “I always like doing characters where I get to “When I spoke to the director while we were you’d think. try out a part of my personality that I might still at the beginning of rehearsals, he gave like to explore more if I was confident “The thing about the Addams Family is that me a key to the character by saying that Fester enough,” says Womack. “I love the fact that they never actually do anything malicious,” is almost like Puck [in A Midsummer Night’s Morticia doesn’t make small talk and is very she says. “They’ve always got that edge to Dream],” Dennis explains. “He’s the still and contained. I’m not like that. I have to

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continued...

fill the gaps - I’m a people pleaser, so there’s in the line where the bull says to the matador, and when I started doing auditions the something quite liberating about this.” ‘I hate you. Well done.’” character just came to me really easily. Sometimes you pick something that you “I wish I was as confident as Wednesday,” Having accrued a huge following of young really want to do and it just doesn’t come, but Fletcher admits. “They’re all so sure of who fans through her vlogging and writing as well I felt Morticia coming through like tendrils.” they are.” as her performances, Carrie Hope Fletcher will have the privilege of introducing whole For Fletcher, meanwhile, the whole thing has Ultimately, this serves to make them a much new audiences to the Addams Family. But as been a dream come true. stronger family unit - the love and loyalty they she can personally attest, there’s also plenty share is completely genuine. It’s also the “I sobbed before I went on stage the first in the show for existing Addams enthusiasts reason why the show has gone down such a night,” she laughs. “A few years ago, I got to enjoy. storm so far, for all it might seem an odd asked to do a concert with Andrew Lippa, choice for a Broadway musical. As much as it “I love The Addams Family. I was obsessed who gave me Pulled from The Addams Family taps into the eccentric humour of its sources, with the movies as a child, and I really enjoy to sing, and I just completely fell in love with there’s also an emotionally resonant side to all the dark, Burton-esque type stuff. Dark it. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t known there was this story that will strike a chord with any stories rarely get made into musicals, and I a musical before, so I bought the soundtrack family, however ordinary or crazy they might think that’s what makes this such a fun thing. and devoured everything I possibly could. be. There’s just so much to play with!” Then after the concert, I said to my agent, if there’s ever a whiff of it coming to the West “Parts of this story are so poignant, like in There’s a definite care and respect for the End, please, please make sure I’m first in line Happy Sad,” says Fletcher. “You’ve got this source material in all aspects of this show, to audition for Wednesday. And it happened, crazy family with all of these ridiculous from the array of musical styles tailored to unbelievably!” things going on, and then suddenly there’s each character, to the attention to detail in this amazing song about a father not knowing the design and performances, partly drawn how to watch his daughter grow up and pass from the original Charles Addams sketches. her on to another man. My dad watched the Having recently finished a long-running role The Addams Family shows at Birmingham show last night in an absolute state!” in EastEnders, Womack was initially reluctant Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Saturday “Andrew Lippa talked to us about devising to jump straight into a major touring show, 10 June, and then at the Wolverhampton the lyrics,” says Womack. “He explained how feeling that only something really special Grand Theatre from Tuesday 17 to it doesn’t all have to be happy and light. could tempt her. But after reading through the Saturday 21 October Sometimes you find the most beautiful script, she was immediately sold. answers in a place of pain and darkness, like “It’s so much more than I expected it to be,

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

BRB: Three Short Ballets Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 21 - Sat 24 June “Arcadia is a narrative piece,” explains Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Ruth Brill, who’s created the work for this BRB tril- ogy. “While not telling the full story of a single myth, it draws inspiration directly from Greek mythology. The characters are Pan, the nymphs and a chorus. I also wanted to evoke the landscape of Arcadia as a mountain- ous region of Greece, through the choreography for the chorus and through the designs.” Arcadia boasts a new score composed by renowned saxo- phonist John Harle, and is performed in a programme that also features two other one-act ballets: Le Baiser de la fée, a ‘beautiful interpretation’ of a classic Hans Christian An- dersen story; and Pineapple Poll, ‘a thoroughly English Gilbert & Sullivan tale’ set aboard the HMS Hot Cross Bun.

Northern Ballet: Goldilocks Breakin’ Convention & The Three Bears The REP, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sat 3 June Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 31 May; Touring festival Breakin’ Convention is the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 14 June brainchild of pioneering dancer, director and Leeds-based Northern Ballet has developed a poet Jonzi D. Uniting top international acts with reputation for producing work that’s as much local talent in various locations, it aims to put about storytelling as it is about dancing - a fact hip-hop on an equal footing with more estab- which is very much in evidence in its latest chil- lished art forms, offering a mix of professional dren’s production. development, youth and education projects in Goldilocks & The Three Bears follows on from addition to its world-renowned events. the company’s hugely successful CBeebies TV This year's show is headlined by South Africa's adaptations of The Ugly Duckling and Tortoise Soweto Skeleton Movers, Korean bboys Just And The Hare. Dance Productions and Canadian-Swedish Forty minutes in length, the show has been de- dance duo Tentacle Tribe. signed as an enjoyable and absorbing introduc- Also contributing are local groups Jigsaw Col- tion for young children to live ballet, music and lective, Rhythm Junkiez, Street Dance Academy, theatre. Broken Silence, Marshons and Nuvo Origin.

Plan B For Utopia The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 7 June The notion of utopia and the role which imagination and creativity can play in effecting change, both within the individual and society, is explored in this playful work of dance theatre. Presented by the Dundee-based Joan Clevillé Dance company, the show has been widely praised for its clever blending of the silly and the serious, mixing dance, theatre, storytelling and humour to excellent effect. The production also features a number of classic songs, including Some- where Over The Rainbow, When You Wish Upon A Star and What A Won- derful World. whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre June - New Layout 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:53 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Running Wild shoreline and ran away before the tidal wave hit, saving Amber's life in the process. It was this real-life story that provided the inspiration Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 6 - Sat 10 June for Michael Morpurgo’s delightful tale, here adapted for the stage by On Boxing Day 2004, well in excess of 200,000 people perished as The Children’s Touring Partnership. waves of up to 100ft engulfed the shores of South East Asia. Yet amaz- “What you want for children is for them to work things out for them- ingly, some survived the now-infamous tsunami. Among them was a selves,” says Michael. “In this particular case, I hope that they will go girl called Amber Owen, who’d been riding an elephant along the away asking questions about what's happening in the rainforest, beach whilst holidaying in Thailand with her family. Unnerved by the about planting palm trees and about what's happening to elephants. strange activity in the water, the elephant pulled away from the But it's not being thrust down their throat.”

The Tempest Blush Our Man In Havana Stafford Castle, Thurs 22 June - Sat 8 July mac, Birmingham, Tues 20 June Lichfield Garrick, Mon 26 - Wed 28 June Shakespeare’s last and most complete play, Wildly talented collective Snuff Box Theatre Hapless and Havana-based vacuum-cleaner The Tempest also represents the culmination certainly know how to score a theatrical hit; salesman Jim Wormold is leading a less than of his art, bringing together many of the their first four endeavours - Weald, Bitch ideal life; his wife has left him and his mate- themes that informed his greatest dramas. Boxer, The Altitude Brothers and The Obser- rialistic daughter, Milly, is seriously manipu- When a wild storm forces a royal ship onto vatory - were all suitably rewarded with glit- lative. So when MI6 offer him the chance to the rocks of an enchanted isle, the cast- tering gongs aplenty. Blush has proved increase his meagre income by indulging in a aways, separated from one another, find equally successful, claiming the Stage Edin- little espionage on the side, Jim takes their themselves slipping under the control of the burgh Award at last summer’s fringe festival. bait. But with no information to send to Lon- mysterious Prospero. Written by Snuff Box co-founder Charlotte don, he decides to fake his reports and invent Matters are further confused by the presence Josephine, it presents five candid stories a fictitious network of secret agents. Not sur- of supernatural spirit Ariel and the grotesque about revenge porn and its many victims. prisingly, it’s a decision that sees his life be- man-beast, Caliban... “Blush is written from a place of rage,” ex- coming ever more complicated... This outdoor production is set in the 1930s, a plains Charlotte. “Rage at the men who com- Creative Cow are the company bringing to life golden age both for luxury cruise liners and mit revenge porn, rage at the slow-moving Clive Francis’s lively stage adaptation of Gra- Hollywood glamour, but which also wel- legal system that should protect women and ham Greene’s hilarious, subversive and ever- comed in the dying days of vaudeville... rage at our archaic sex education in schools.” popular novel.

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre June - New Layout 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:53 Page 2 The Crucible DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2017 09:01 Page 1

FEATURE

The Crucible

Call The Midwife star Victoria Yeates discusses her role and the powerful political warnings in Arthur Miller’s seminal play

Collective outrage, corrupt officials, a the embittered teenage lover of her rather than coming to a reasoned, rational flagrant disregard for truth, scapegoating, adulterous husband. She told us more about judgement. At a time when the play seems silencing, extremism, seething resentments, the show ahead of its arrival at such a rich resource for contemporary social bitter division and a rising tide of tyrannical Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre this commentary, Rintoul has also lamented its populism: Arthur Miller once said that the month. recent removal from the secondary school popularity of his most famous play at a curriculum as part of Michael Gove’s new “I think it’s really interesting to look at how given time in any country was indicative of policy of focusing on British rather than hysteria catches,” says Yeates. “And just that nation’s own political state. American texts. look at all the things that Trump has said Originally written as a veiled attack on the that are completely untrue, yet people are “I suppose you could say that maybe it is McCarthyite ‘witch hunts’ of the 1940s and buying it - ‘alternative facts’, as they’re time for a change,” says Yeates, “but I do feel ’50s, The Crucible famously uses the sham calling it now. (The Crucible) is such an it’s a shame that it’s been taken off the trials of men and women accused of important text for people to read now, syllabus now, when it’s so relevant again. It’s witchcraft in late 17th century Salem as a because history is cyclical and we seem to an incredible and very layered play that can metaphor for the anti-Communist hysteria have reached that point again.” be applied to all kinds of situations, so it’s of Miller’s own time. But more than 60 years definitely one of those texts you can keep Describing The Crucible as “the ultimate after the play was first performed, it seems doing.” post-truth play” in an article for The to have a lot to say about the world we live Guardian, director Douglas Rintoul Rintoul’s big idea for his production hinges in now. highlights the way in which the story sees on a heightened, self-conscious theatricality, Fresh from her role as Sister Winifred in BBC unfounded claims and accusations given with Miller’s scripted directions projected One’s Call The Midwife, Victoria Yeates stars equal weight to real evidence by blinkered onto the set, and performers sitting around in a new touring production of the play as authorities determined to make the so- the stage to observe the action - perhaps Elizabeth Proctor, a woman denounced by called ‘facts’ fit a pre-existing worldview drawing attention to the idea of politics as a The Crucible DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2017 09:01 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

kind of performance, particularly relevant in “Progress is not an illusion; it happens, but the interesting things about doing this play. today’s personality-driven, mass media- it is slow and invariably disappointing.” But It definitely gives your acting muscles a filtered culture. for now, at least, this production of The workout!” Crucible can contribute towards important “It’s a kind of Brechtian approach which is Yeates might always have seen The Crucible conversations, and Yeates hopes that people supposed to remind you that you’re as “one of the best plays of the 20th will leave the theatre “having interesting watching a play. It’s all about prompting century”, but having now immersed herself discussions afterwards”. Meanwhile, for her political conversations. We’re also in the story from the point of view of the own part, it’s certainly been a fascinating presenting it in a very fast-paced way that pregnant wife he leaves behind, how does character and story to explore. doesn’t let up, so you’re sort of pulled into she feel about John Proctor’s ultimate the world of it, and you don’t really have “I’ve always wanted to play Elizabeth refusal to sign the false confession that time to think until the end. People who’ve Proctor. She’s a woman of many layers and might have saved his life? Is he right to come to see it have been on the edge of their contradictions, and I think it’s always insist on absolute honesty? Or is life, as seats the whole way through, and the interesting when the domestic arc of a play Reverend Hale insists, a gift worth more reason the director’s done that is because he is just as important as the wider political than any principle? really wanted people to feel the kind of aspect. Right from the beginning, her “Ooh, that’s hard, because it’s such a bemused astonishment that means you relationship with John (her husband) is very different time, isn’t it? I do think there’s an don’t act until it’s too late.” complex, and she goes on an incredible extent to which we’ve forgotten about the journey towards forgiveness, which makes it This inertia on behalf of those who see importance of integrity in our society, and a great part to develop as an actor.” through the lies and extremism is a his decision to surrender his life and keep perennial problem, perhaps more so today Fully inhabiting a world of mob rule, moral his integrity seems like an incredible choice. than ever before. In an increasingly panic, false testimony and mass-murder But then he is leaving his children behind! fragmented society, where the emphasis is sanctioned by the state makes for a real “I guess it raises an important question always on the individual rather than on emotional workout - not to mention the about where we draw the line, because I community and collective endeavour, it’s more personal side of the story that sees think we’re in a position now where that easy to see how a sense of powerlessness Elizabeth grappling with motherhood, line in the sand is becoming more and more and disillusionment has been able to set in. pregnancy and her husband’s infidelity. One blurred, and we allow things to spiral out of Nevertheless, Yeates remains confident that might imagine that Yeates’ work on the control because we just think that’s how change will eventually come. famously tear-jerking Call The Midwife things are. So it’s interesting to think about would have left her well-equipped for the “I feel optimistic. I think the more that it’s where our integrity is in terms of the play’s intensity, but the differences between discussed, the more people will start to act. decisions we make and being able to say no acting for stage and screen can be profound. And actually, loads of young people, the 16 to people and fight for what we deserve.” to 25-year-olds, are really switched on, “It requires a lot of stamina. When you’re Googling and fact-checking things, so I do filming, you might just cry for a few hours think there’s a progression already and then that’s it, but when you do a play, happening.” you have to get to that point every single The Crucible shows at Birmingham’s day, sometimes twice a day, which is very New Alexandra Theatre from To use the wise words of George Orwell, difficult and tiring. But I think that’s one of Monday 5 to Saturday 10 June. Salome DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2017 08:50 Page 1

FEATURE

SALOMÉThe RSC presents a contemporary take on Oscar Wilde’s poetic masterpiece Salome DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/05/2017 08:50 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Fifty years on from the decriminalisation of Salomé’s iconic dance - an erotic performance political - it feels like there’s a whole political homosexuality, Owen Horsley revisits Oscar requested by her father-in-law, King Herod, in world about to crumble. Herod seems so Wilde’s Salomé in a radical new RSC exchange for anything she asks of him. It’s a much like a modern politician, especially production. particularly unsettling scene which leads the when we live in a world with people like story to its violent climax, and one for which Trump. He has no filter, and that’s dangerous, On 25 May 1895, poet, playwright, novelist Wilde offers little written direction. and when you see him and hear him in the and internationally renowned wit Oscar play, you think, my God, this is a scary world Wilde was convicted of ‘gross indecency’ and “We’ve always seen the dance as a way of we’re in! He’s so emotionally volatile.” sentenced to two years’ hard labour. For Salomé sticking two fingers up at Herod - the years, Wilde had pursued same-sex love and way she leads him on and gives him what he This political angle is something being romance free from interference, but wants in order to get what she wants. But exploited much more openly in the National somewhat inevitably for someone so much in there’s also a moment in which the dance Theatre’s concurrent production of Salomé, the public eye, the draconian sexual morality becomes about Salomé revealing who she is - with Yaël Farber rewriting the play to tell the laws of his time eventually caught up with a moment of exposing herself and being story of a Middle Eastern uprising against him. vulnerable. From that moment on, she has all corrupt Roman leaders, with obvious the strength in the world.” overtones of this century’s Arab Spring. Along Though Wilde was never publicly ‘out’, as the with a Theatre Lab production at Hoxton Hall prosecution in his trial underlined, the tell- Of course, a dance requires music, and in February, Horsley’s take will be the third tale signs of his sexuality are inscribed Horsley found the ideal accompaniment for version of Salomé this year - surprising for a throughout his works in an array of his production in the songs of contemporary play so often overshadowed by Wilde’s more unspeakable desires, from the yearning of artist Mark Hadreas, better known as Perfume popular comedies. painter Basil Hallward for his beautiful model Genius. in The Picture Of Dorian Gray, to the dizzying “It’s crazy! It’s like buses - you wait for one for “I’ve been a fan for years and years, and it array of forbidden lusts alluded to in Salomé - hours and then two come along at once. I find was actually one of the first decisions I made. including incest, adultery, murder, it so interesting that plays just seem to have a There’s a kind of mythic view on gender and necrophilia, unrequited love for a social trend about them. But I love Yaël Farber’s sexuality in his lyrics that is to do with spirits, superior and desire for a celibate holy man, as work and her version is very different, so I’m essence and feeling, which I think is so clear well as subtle hints of homosexuality. looking forward to seeing how another in Wilde’s writing, too. director interprets the play.” It’s the latter that director Owen Horsley is “We’ve always tried to find a song that is an setting out to radically reimagine at the RSC’s Despite a longstanding personal connection extension of the person who’s been speaking Swan Theatre this season. Fifty years on from to its story, this year will mark the first time before, so it’s like the song adds to the feeling. the decriminalisation of Wilde’s ‘love that Horsley has ever seen the play performed on It’s also a wonderfully unsentimental play, so dare not speak its name’, the beautiful, stage. I think it works that we’ve just used little bits bloodthirsty princess at the centre of the story and that the songs are sometimes cut off by “I’ve never seen it, but it was in my house will be portrayed for the first time by a male the action.” when I was a kid and I remember reading it performer, Matthew Tennyson. when I was younger. I also remember going to For the dance itself, he’s chosen the “One of the things we wanted to do at the RSC the Met Museum in New York and seeing the “muscular, heavy” number, Grid, which was to honour this anniversary year, and that Regnault painting of Salomé. My mum loved “builds [and] goes on a journey”, reflecting led me to a way of viewing the play through a it and bought a print of it which still hangs in the importance of the moment for Salomé. gay lens,” Horsley explains. “In a sense, it’s the house, so Salomé is one of those figures also looking at where we are now, because I Redefining a classic role for the 21st century who has somehow always been present for think a lot of the arguments are now around required careful casting - a performer who me. Even though they’re done more, I feel like gender. We’re looking at it in terms of gender could not only fully inhabit the part, but who I know this play better than Wilde’s wittier fluidity and ambiguity, so while Matthew isn’t could also get to grips with Wilde’s language, comedies, and perhaps even know those playing it as a girl, we’re not changing things and successfully bridge the gap between plays better for doing this one.” like ‘she’ or ‘her’. We want to create a level of Ancient Rome, Victorian England and Britain While the ability to approach a text free from questioning in the audience.” today. the influence of earlier productions can be a This notion of gender as something slippery, “I’ve worked a lot in classical theatre, which gift for a director, attempting to stage the play constructed or even performed is highlighted is very heightened and rhythmic, but the text has given Horsley some insight into why it’s through a focus on heightened theatricality, in this play is very, very unique. It’s a play so infrequently put on. reflected in the style and design. that’s filled with poetry, love, desire and also “It’s a pretty tough play to do. It’s brilliant but a lot of rage and anger. It takes a certain level “I really wanted to embrace the idea of because it’s just one act, it lacks the form that of imagination, intelligence and wit to be able theatre, so the set is kind of an extension of other plays give you for free. You push the to deliver that, and Matthew Tennyson has the Swan. For example, we have a lovely ball off the hill and it just keeps rolling, so that in spades.” wooden door which feels like part of the stage you have to embrace that and enjoy the floor. I felt very strongly about creating a Salomé’s exploration of issues around gender process of doing something that seems to be space in which the language can live, because and power ties in neatly with the themes constantly spiralling out of control.” it’s so poetic and full of imagery that I think explored in Shakespeare plays like Antony & something that’s a bit starker helps the words Cleopatra, currently running at the Royal to come alive.” Shakespeare Theatre as part of an ongoing Rome season. Salomé shows at the RSC’s Swan Theatre Nowhere is the self-referential emphasis on from Friday 2 June until Wednesday artifice and acting more apparent than in “I also love Salomé because it’s so brilliantly 6 September Theatre June - New Layout 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:53 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Shirley Valentine Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 6 - Sat 10 June; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 10 - Sat 15 July; Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Mon 24 - Sat 29 July Willy Russell's classic play is a one-woman show about a Liverpool housewife who's had enough of her humdrum existence and dreams of pastures new. With a wall of her kitchen passing as her best friend and closest confidant, Shirley deter- mines to take control of her life while there's still time to effect significant change... Jodie Prenger, whose previous roles include Calamity Jane, the Lady of the Lake in Spa- malot and Nancy in Oliver! - the latter after winning BBC talent contest I’d Do Anything - stars in this major revival of the show, which last year celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Ursula Martinez: has so far seen her immersing herself in the Murdered By Murder worlds of pigeon fancying, championship Free Admission dog handling, Northern Soul dancing, beauty Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 9 June The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 June pageants and now funeral directors. Highly rated madcap duo LoveHard make a Ursula Martinez has been described as a per- Victoria’s new show, a lighthearted contem- welcome return to the Old Joint Stock. The formance provocateur - and anybody attend- plation on the subject of death, features her comedy comes thick and fast with these fel- ing this latest show will find it easy to see dad, daytime television antique dealer Mike las, so expect an impressively high laughter why. Baring all as she sets about gaining a Melody. After being diagnosed with a termi- count in this brand new, 1930s-set show. better understanding of the absurdity of nal illness, Mike allocated the job of planning When six old friends meet for a murder-mys- modern living, she shocks and surprises with his funeral to his daughter. But when he and tery party at the ominously named Drench- plenty of politically incorrect chat. She also Victoria then discovered that the doctors had blood Heights, it soon becomes apparent that builds a wall between herself and her audi- made a misdiagnosis, they decided to go what could’ve been the night of their lives ence using breezeblocks and cement, ex- ahead with the funeral anyway - on stage and might well turn out to be the night of their plains why she sometimes feels jealous of in front of a paying audience. deaths... Catherine Tate, rails against the need to do Eulogies, a congregation dressed in Black- admin and reveals she’s got a bit of a thing pool Football Club tangerine and a New Or- about anal hygiene. She’s not always a com- leans-style jazz procession all feature... Salomé fortable watch, but you’ll certainly leave the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- theatre knowing you’ve experienced some- A Black Country Fairytale Avon, Fri 2 June - Wed 6 September thing just that little bit different. The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, written in Fri 16 June: The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, French and originally banned in England, re- Sat 17 June counts in a single act the biblical story of Award-winning Midlands theatre company Herod Antipas’s daughter, Salomé. Fizzog Productions make a welcome return to Sexually rejected by imprisoned prophet the stage with a show they describe as ‘an- Jokanaan (John the Baptist), her lust-driven other non-traditional tale of fantasy, per- desire for vengeance sees her demanding his fected in a single afternoon’s rehearsal!’ head on a silver platter, as reward for her per- Comprising Sue Hawkins, Jacky Fellows and forming the dance of the seven veils... Deb Nicholls - and occasionally featuring Wilde was incarcerated in Reading Gaol guest performers - when his play premiered in Paris in 1896; it the company is best would be 35 more years before it received its known for stage pro- first public performance in England. Ugly Chief ductions 50 Shades Presented by the RSC to mark the 50th an- Of Fizzog and niversary of the decriminalisation of homo- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 6 June Freezin’, and for its sexuality in England and Wales, this Victoria Melody’s theatre work is inspired by creation of internet contemporary take on Wilde’s poetic master- ethnography, the systematic study of people sensations The piece features nudity and scenes of a sexual and cultures. Her unusual creative process Dancing Grannies. nature.

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Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

The Graduate Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Tues 13 - Sat 17 June In a tale well embedded in the cultural con- sciousness, the hapless Benjamin Braddock embarks on an ill-advised affair with the wife of his father’s boss - and then proceeds to complicate matters further by falling for her daughter... Terry Johnson’s witty play is an adaptation of the celebrated 1967 movie starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. Olivier Award-nominated Catherine McCor- mack, whose films include Braveheart and Spy Game, plays the luminously seductive Mrs Robinson.

The Murderer an admirable plan that will enable him to Around The World continue any affair he wishes, without the The Hive, Worcester, Tues 13 June; Arena unpleasant business of a husband’s suspi- In 80 Days Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 27 June cions or jealousy getting in his way. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, If you fancy enjoying a thought-provoking Fri 23 June - Sat 8 July evening of theatre while at the same time Jules Verne’s famous story follows the adven- lending your support to some fast-emerging tures of Phileas Fogg and his French valet, local talent, this could well be the show to Passepartout, as they attempt to circumnavi- catch. It’s presented by Clown Funeral, a gate the globe in only 80 days in order to win West Midlands ensemble whose work - bring- a £20,000 wager... This particular stage adap- ing together storytelling, physical theatre and tation of the 1873 novel is presented by the clowning - is inspired by ‘unusual stimuli’, in New Vic in association with Manchester’s this particular case a darkly comic poem by Royal Exchange Theatre. Luke Kennard. A three-hander presented in Edinburgh last summer with a revolving cast of five, the show is set in a world in which the rehabilita- tion of criminals is achieved via care in the community. Focusing on the relationship be- The Ramayana tween a murderer and her supervisor, who The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 June move into a flat together, the production fea- The spiritual and the secular are brought to- tures ‘surreal humour, subtle physical the- gether by the Young REP 18-25 Company in atre and noir-inspired scenes’. their new adaptation of an ancient Indian epic poem. Prince Rama, the earthly incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu, goes into a voluntary 14- year exile with his bride, Sita, and his brother, Prince Lakshman. But when Sita is abducted from their forest home by a 10- headed demon, the two princes set out on a As You Like It dangerous quest to save her - aided and abet- Maples Hayes Hall Gardens, Lichfield, ted in their efforts by an army of monkey Wed 21 - Sat 24 June people... Shakespeare’s highly likable comedy The Country Wife revolves around the character of Rosalind, banished by her usurping uncle to the Forest Ludlow Brewery, South Shropshire, Of Arden, where her exiled father is already Wed 14 - Thurs 22 June; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 24 June living. Revelling in the naturalness of their surroundings, Rosalind and her companions This fast-paced take on William Wycherley's - cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool - Restoration comedy is presented by Rooftop find a happiness they hadn’t known existed... Theatre. It focuses on the character of Harry This outdoor production is presented by Horner, a London playboy who’s developed Shakespeare In The Park. whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Theatre June - New Layout 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:53 Page 7 Theatre June - New Layout 2.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:53 Page 8

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region Theatre

Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 June; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 10 June; mac, Birmingham, Sun 18 - Tues 20 June Young fans of BAFTA award-winning CBee- bies programme Sarah & Duck are sure to cry fowl (geddit?) if you fail to take them along to this new live version of the show. Puppetry, storytelling and music are imagi- natively combined as seven-year-old Sarah and her somewhat manic companion set out on yet another adventure. This one sees them planning a birthday party for Scarf Lady, ably assisted in their endeavours by fabulous friends The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella. The show comes from the same stable as the Charlie And Lola series.

Ben & Holly’s tation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the tal- Reginald Rake, a scarecrow who’s deter- ented ensemble also perform Memories - A mined to stake his claim for Betty... Little Kingdom Musical Montage, a show which takes a look Scamp present this well-reviewed show on New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, back at some of their previous productions. the back of their critically acclaimed adapta- Wed 28 - Thurs 29 June; The Place, Oaken- tions of two other Donaldson and Scheffler gates Theatre, Shropshire, Sat 24 - Sun 25 June Don’t Dribble On books - Stick Man and Tiddler And Other Ter- rific Tales. The team behind Peppa Pig here present a The Dragon stage version of another of their splendid creations. Originally a BAFTA award-winning The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Sun 4 June television animation, it focuses on the adventures of fairy princess Holly and her best pal The late Paul Daniels was the high-profile Ben, a wingless elf who flies on the back of prestidigitator behind the marvellous mo- Gaston the Ladybird. In this particular show, ments of magic contained in this production, the two chums help Gaston clean up his a brand new stage adaptation of the book by messy cave, go on a trip into The Big World Steven Lee. with tooth-fairy Nanny Plum and plan a sur- Taking as its theme the importance of family, prise birthday party for King Thistle. Expect the show is a musical adventure about a tod- plenty of games, songs and laughter... dler named Tom who, as well as having an older brother, has a secret dragon and a drib- bling problem. When the young chap’s endless drooling drives a slobbery wedge between him and his sibling, it’s up to the dragon to try and re- solve the problem - with a little help from Kid Carpet’s Super Mega that aforementioned magic, of course... Rockin’ Rock Show mac, Birmingham, Sat 24 June The Scarecrows’ Wedding “I began making music with old keyboards, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 30 June toys, computers, a sellotaped-up broken elec- This heartwarming Scamp Theatre adapta- tric guitar and a punk-rock DIY attitude,” re- tion of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s veals Ed Patrick in talking about the origin of bestselling book tells the tale of two top his alter ego, Kid Carpet. The Little Mermaid Jnr scarecrows, Betty O’Barley and Harry O’Hay. With a good few kids’ shows behind him, the When the loved-up couple decide it’s time to Bristol-based performer here reveals every- The Old Rep, Birmingham, thing youngsters need to know if they fancy Thurs 15 - Sat 17 June tie the knot, Harry heads off in search of numerous wedding-day essentials. But there’s ‘rocking out big-time’. The award-winning Birmingham Youth The- trouble brewing back in the field. The Stories, games, songs and opportunities for atre take to the stage to celebrate their 30th farmer’s now without Harry, so replaces him audience participation all add to the fun. anniversary. As well as their hour-long adap- with the devilishly smooth but dangerous whatsonlive.co.uk 35 BE Festival DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 16:46 Page 1

FEATURE

36 whatsonlive.co.uk BE Festival DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 16:46 Page 2

by Peter Joshua BE FESTIVAL The soul of Europe in the heart of Birmingham...

Created in 2010 as a direct response to Birmingham’s need for more international work, BE Festival annually brings together artists from across Europe to showcase a diverse range of contemporary theatre. The event is the brainchild of Miguel Oyarzun and Isla Aguilar. “We were invited to attend a conference organised by the Arts Council to look at how to improve diversity in the Midlands,” recalls Miguel. “A recurring theme throughout the conference was the lack of international work visiting the region, so we suggested filling the void with a festival.” Asked to summarise what the BE Festival has done for Birmingham, Isla and Miguel offer a modest response: “It’s about what the city has given to us, because it’s quite a feat for two Spanish people to run a theatre festival here in Birmingham. The city is very welcoming to strangers. We’ve always felt very supported, and that’s fantastic.”

BE Festival 2017 highlights:

Asingleline Portraits And Short Stories Anatomia Pública (Public Anatomy) Frankfurt-based theatre & dance collective Dutch company Panama Pictures makes Man Drake / Tomeo Vergés Mamaza look to ‘re-constitute the red line’ use of ropes, trampolines and acrobatics to Man Drake’s traditionally playful approach by literally drawing a straight line between explore the relationships that bind together to their work is once again in evidence Birmingham’s Ladywood area and The Rep, families and different generations. here, as the company recounts a story of tracing the connection between the city and The piece features six male performers aged strange and fractured relationships in the its spaces for public arts. A line will run between 20 and 60, unpicks father-and-son aftermath of war. The piece is performed in through spaces such as parks, squares and relationships and traces the lines bridging an intense style that bridges physical the- high streets, as well as houses, restaurants youthful bravado with quiet vulnerability. atre and dance. and bars. Solitudes Revolt Athens Aerobics! A Ballet In 3 Acts Spain-based Kulunka Theatre Company’s Odc Ensemble/Vyrsodepseio Featuring seven dancers presenting a care- production explores the sense of disconnec- Three politically-minded cast members fully choreographed performance struc- tion that can accompany the experience of offer insights into post-crisis Greece. The tured across three distinct acts, Haptic reaching old age. As with Kulunka’s previ- company behind the show, Odc Ensemble, Tide’s production places aerobics in a dif- ous work, the cast wear masks which show provide a unique city guide to Athens, pre- ferent context. The company has been ‘striking, characterful expressions’. There’s senting through performance, video footage highly praised for its exploration of the con- no dialogue, meaning that body language and music ‘a multi-faceted window into the nections between documentary theatre, and movement become the key means by living and breathing reality of a place’. oral history and dance. which the characters’ relationships are ex- Odc Ensemble are an international, politi- plained. cally-orientated group whose work often in- corporates non-actors in public spaces.

BE Festival shows at The REP, Birmingham, from Tuesday 4 to Saturday 8 July. For more information, visit befestival.org

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A world of creativity to spark your imagination! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Friday 30 June - Sunday 2 July NEC, Birmingham 10am - 5pm (4.30pm Sun) KIDS GO FREE*

Knitting & Stitching, ceremonial Kimono DreSSing, PaPercraftS & carDmaKing elena coStella Yarn StuDio, JewellerY maKing & BeaDing JaPaneSe emBroiDererS uK, PatchworK & Quilting, worKShoPS & DemonStrationS

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// adults £8 in advance, £10 on the door Seniors £7 in advance, £9 on the door *children under 16 go free when accompanied by an adult (otherwise £4) SaVe Buy tickets on-line save www.ichfevents.co.uk each£2 aDult anDoff Senior Ticket Hotline ticKet if orDereD BY 01425 277988 5Pm mon 26 June Film June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:52 Page 2

Film

Wonder Woman CERT 12a CRITIC’S CHOICE Starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, Elena Anaya, Lucy Davis, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, David Thewlis Directed by Patty Jenkins (USA) Princess Diana (Gal Gadot) is actually an Amazon living on the island nation of The- myscira. When a military pilot (Chris Pine) is washed up on the beach, she learns of the horrors of the First World War and so decides to go to London to do her bit. The fourth instalment in the so-called DC Ex- tended Universe (the last was Suicide Squad), Wonder Woman adds a bit of femi- nine muscle. Of course, she did appear in Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice, but the new film is set considerably earlier in her heroic evolution. Good, too, to see the Soli- hull-born Lucy Davis (from The Office) in such stalwart company. In 3D. Released Thurs 1 June

Film highlights released in June...

Berlin Syndrome CERT 15 (116 mins) Starring Teresa Palmer, Max Riemelt, Matthias Habich Directed by Cate Shortland (Australia) Australia’s Cate Shortland doesn’t make films very often but they’re invariably exceptional. This one is based on the novel by Melanie Joosten and stars Teresa Palmer as an Ozzie backpacker whose one-night stand with a charis- matic German man culminates in her enforced captivity. Released Fri 9 June

Baywatch CERT 15 (116 mins) My Cousin Rachel Starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexan- dra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Priyanka CERT 12a (106 mins) Chopra Directed by Seth Gordon (USA) Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Claflin, Iain Glen, Holliday Grainger, Andrew Knott After the failure of CHiPS, Paramount has Directed by Roger Michell (UK/USA) rushed this latest TV-to-film adaptation into cinemas. The Rock is the new Hoff, a strap- Rachel Ashley is something else. Her cousin ping lifeguard who locks horns with a rival believes she murdered his guardian, but the six-packer on the Bay. This time it’s played more he gets to know her, the more he finds for laughs, although the bods will remain himself succumbing to her allure… Based on hot. the 1951 novel by Daphne du Maurier. Now showing Released Fri 9 June

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Film highlights released in June...

present-day version, Tom Cruise is our gun- The Mummy CERT 12a The Shack CERT 12a (132 mins) Starring Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, toting adventurer who discovers the tomb Starring Sam Worthington, Octavia Spencer, Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, Courtney B of Ahmanet, an Egyptian princess who was Tim McGraw, Aviv Alush, Radha Mitchell, Vance, Russell Crowe buried alive two thousand years ago. Now Alice Braga Directed by Alex Kurtzman (USA) she’s ready to wreak her revenge. Directed by Stuart Hazeldine (USA) The Mummy has had many incarnations. Russell Crowe plays Dr Jekyll, another mon- To Mackenzie Phillips (Sam Worthington), Universal Studios first unleashed the em- strous creation ready for his own spin-off the shack is a place of pain and the memo- balmed revenant in the form of Boris franchise as part of the Universal Monsters ries of a father who submitted his mother Karloff way back in 1932. Since then every- Shared Universe [sic]. Seriously. In 3D. and himself to regular beatings. It is perhaps body from Lon Chaney Jr to Christopher Lee Released Fri 9 June ironic, then, that now he’s a grown-up mar- has played the Bandaged One. In the new ried man with three children of his own, his youngest daughter has nicknamed God CRITIC’S CHOICE ‘Papa’. Then the shack takes on a whole new identity, producing emotions of untold intensity… You don’t come across a film like this every day. Not only is it profoundly old-fashioned but simply quite audacious. Based on the novel by William Paul Young, it attempts to open the eyes of its audience to a whole new perspective of life – and of faith. Unfortunately, its soporific pace does it no favours and only the most devout and broad- minded are likely to embrace its message of saintly forgiveness. Released Fri 9 June

Wilson CERT 15 (94 mins) Gifted CERT 12a (101 mins) Starring Woody Harrelson, Laura Dern, Isabella Starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Amara, Judy Greer, Cheryl Hines, Margo Mar- Duncan, Jenny Slate, Octavia Spencer, Glenn tindale Directed by Craig Johnson (USA) Plummert Directed by Marc Webb (USA) Adapted by Daniel Clowes from his own Films about child prodigies are usually de- graphic novel, Wilson is the story of a neu- cent value and this one features a seven-year- rotic and lonely divorcee who discovers that old with a rather good grasp of advanced he has a teenage daughter. All things being calculus. However, matters are complicated equal, this should be a gift of a part for when Mary’s grandmother (Lindsay Duncan) Woody Harrelson. hears of her abilities and decides to fight for Released Fri 9 June her custody. Released Fri 16 June

Churchill CERT PG (98 mins) Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richardson, John Slattery, James Purefoy, Ella Purnell, Julian Wadham Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky (UK) With six months to go before Gary Oldman unleashes his portrayal of the British Bulldog in Joe Wright’s Darkest Hour, we have Brian Cox chewing on the title role. A character study of the prime minister plagued by doubt, depression and foreboding, the film examines his 24 hours in office prior to D- Day. Released Fri 16 June

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Film

Rock Dog CERT PG (90 mins) With the voices of Luke Wilson, Eddie Iz- zard, JK Simmons, Lewis Black, Kenan Thompson, Matt Dillon Directed by Ash Brannon (China/USA) Based on the Chinese graphic novel Ti- betan Rock Dog, this cartoon is a co-production between the People’s Republic of China and the US. Luke Wilson is the voice of Bodi, a Tibetan Mastiff who is expected to follow the family tradition and become a guard dog. But all Bodi really wants is to be a rock star… In 3D. Released Fri 16 June

Hampstead CERT 12a (103 mins) Starring Diane Keaton, Brendan Gleeson, James Norton, Lesley Manville, Jason Watkins, Simon Callow not above a bit of bad behaviour. Here, five Directed by Joel Hopkins (UK) Rough Night CERT tbc best friends from college reunite for a bache- The character Diane Keaton plays is made Starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, lorette weekend in Miami and accidentally up, but Brendan Gleeson’s is very much a Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Demi Moore Directed by Lucia Aniello (USA) kill a male stripper. It’s played for laughs, of true-life phenomenon. He plays a varia- course. tion of Harry Hallowes, an eccentric indi- In the tradition of Bridesmaids, Sisters, Bad Released Fri 16 June vidual who lived for 20 years in a shed on Moms, et al, here comes another American Hampstead Heath. Then, when the devel- movie in which its female protagonists are opers moved in, he claimed his squatter’s rights. save the world from the clutches of an arro- Released Thurs 22 June The Book Of Henry CERT tbc Starring Naomi Watts, Jaeden Lieberher, Jacob gant former child star (Trey Parker). Then Gru Tremblay, Sarah Silverman, Lee Pace, Maddie discovers he has a twin brother, the utterly Transformers: Ziegler, Dean Norris charming Dru. Expect Minions. In 3D. Directed by Colin Trevorrow (USA) The Last KnightCERT tbc Released Fri 30 June Henry Carpenter is 11 years old and he’s writ- Starring Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Is- abela Moner, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gib- ten a plan-of-action in his book. His scheme is son, John Turturro, Laura Haddock, to rescue his neighbour Christine from the The House CERT 15 Anthony Hopkins Directed by Michael Bay clutches of her stepfather, the Police Commis- Starring Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mant- (USA) sioner (Dean Norris). Then Henry’s mother zoukas, Nick Kroll, Jeremy Renner Directed by Andrew J Cohen (USA) The fifth episode in the franchise based (Naomi Watts) finds the book… on the Hasbro toy, The Last Knight gives Having wiped out their daughter’s college Released Fri 23 June us more of the same. The most expensive fund, Scott and Kate decide to set up a casino instalment yet ($260million), the film sees in their basement to make the money back. Mark Wahlberg’s Cade Yeager team up It’s got to be better than gambling, right? with an Oxford professor (Anthony Hop- Released Fri 30 June kins) in order to find out why the Trans- formers keep on coming back to Earth. In 3D. Released Thurs 22 June

Despicable Me 3 CERT PG With the voices of Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Jenny Slate, Steve Coogan Directed by Pierre Coffin, Kyle Balda and Eric Guillon (USA) The once-aspiring Greatest Villain of All Time, Gru (voiced by Steve Carell) is now fighting to whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts June - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:55 Page 1

UNKNOWN LEGACY a selling exhibition of original paintings by Dr. Mohsen Keiany

1st – 31st July 2017 ‘Unknown Legacy’ is a collection of recent paintings by Dr. Mohsen Keiany based on his inspiration derived from the Persian poet, Hafiz Shirazi through a poetic journey.

‘I am very much into multi-culturalism. I believe my art can contribute not just to the aesthetic pleasure that people will experience but also enhance their understanding of diverse art traditions and the human condition.

My work covers a range that encapsulates spiritual contemplation; humans and the natural world; and human mythical suffering.’

Mohsen is a world renowned artist living in Birmingham and has exhibited his paintings in more than 70 shows throughout the United Kingdom and Internationally.

Mitchell Centre, Weeford Road, Sutton Coldfield, B75 6NA Telephone: 0121 3233776. www.artifex.co.uk Follow us on :CM Visual Arts June - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 12:55 Page 2

Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

Sheela Gowda Ikon, Birmingham, Fri 16 June - Sun 3 September Banglahor-based artist Sheela Gowda’s Ikon exhibition features sheets of flattened metal drums recycled into metal bowls. Called Bandlis, the bowls are used extensively in the Indian construction indus- try as a means of carrying con- crete slurry, sand and other building materials. Although the exhibition is a considered response to the gallery’s architecture, Gowda is careful to avoid referring to it as a site-specific piece. “The work may initially be inspired by the space in which it’s exhibited,” she explains, “but its elements could take on other variants in other spaces.”

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Birmingham @WHATSONBRUM Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

Artist Rooms: Jenny Holzer mac, Birmingham, until Sun 10 September Hailed as a pioneer of conceptual art, Jenny Holzer uses painting, projection and LED displays to produce highly political work that focuses on themes of violence, power, war, sex and money. The highlight of this new exhibition of her art is the towering Blue Purple Tilt, a work comprising seven double-sided vertical LED displays. The pieces included in the show have been drawn from the Artist Rooms collection of modern and contemporary art, which is shared with museums and galleries across the UK.

Remember Me: Charlotte Hodes Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 3 June - Sun 3 September A 12-metre-long frieze, consisting of 120 wall-mounted ceramic pieces, takes pride of place in Wolverhampton Art Gallery’s new Charlotte Hodes exhibition. The pieces have been arranged to create a single image that combines elegant historic patterns with contemporary and digital imagery. A collection of intricate papercuts and a table-top installation of over 350 plates also feature in the exhibition, which perfectly exemplifies the way in which Hodes’ work crosses the boundary between fine art and craft practice.

Only Light And Shadow ings that the artist was best able to articu- late his fears and observations about the The Barber Institute, Birmingham, world around him... Five of Goya’s most Fri 23 June - Sun 22 October enigmatic works take centre stage in this Francisco de Goya’s career coincided with new exhibition, which also features paint- a politically turbulent period in Spanish ings by numerous other Spanish artists, in- history - and it was through his masterful cluding Picasso and Miró. treatment of light and shadow in his paint-

Thresholds tour, Thresholds is the work of artist Mat Antarctica: Life In A Collishaw and photographic historian Pete The Waterhall Gallery, Birmingham, Hostile Land Sat 17 June - Sun 3 September James. It will be presented in the galley alongside a series of related events. Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, “Thresholds is a very different type of pho- Mon 5 June - Sun 17 September tography project,” explains Mike Best, A collection of prized historic exhibits and Board Director of Colmore BID, which is modern-day technology is brought together in supporting the enterprise. “It will provide this new interactive attraction. Designed to cel- a unique way to learn about the significant ebrate the wonders of the Antarctic continent, role Birmingham played at the very dawn the exhibition features a 360° virtual-reality ex- of photography.” perience of Halley VI, the UK’s second largest The virtual-reality art show celebrates the research facility in Antarctica. Other exhibition city’s contribution to the technology that highlights include original film footage, equip- revolutionised ‘the way we see, record, ment from Antarctic expeditions, an outfit represent and understand the visible and worn by a member of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s invisible world’. epic 1914/17 expedition and photos from cele- Showing in Birmingham prior to a short brated wildlife photographer Ben Osborne.

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Events previews from around the region Events

The Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycrafts Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 30 June - Sun 2 July An absolute dream for craft enthusiasts, this hugely popular event features talks and demonstrations, new product launches and plenty of inspiration for the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors. Attractions at the 2017 edition of the show include jewellery-making and beading workshops, papercrafts and cardmarking, and the chance to learn how to sew. Among the event’s contributors are multi- media textile artist Elena Costello, who designs hand-knit garments for yarn companies, and Stephanie Redfern and Sue Bibby, both of whom base their work on the natural world. Other highlights of the show include a collection of ceremonial kimonos and accessories, and a new exhibition from Stitch In The Middle - the Midlands-located members of the Contemporary Quilt Group.

Step Back To The 1940s Dinosaurs In The Wild Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 24 - Sun 25 June and Sat 1 - Sun 2 July Sat 24 June - Wed 23 August All aboard for a Severn Valley Railway train Dramatic storytelling and high-end digital journey back in time to the 1940s. graphics and animatronics lie at the heart The railway’s lighthearted homage to wartime of this brand new show. Britain features an impressive selection of The 70-minute experience combines attractions up and down the line. theatre, theme park fun and the very Visitors are encouraged to get dressed up and join latest scientific research to create an the event’s costumed re-enactors, with ‘Prime immersive adventure that’s ‘designed to Minister Winston Churchill’ and ‘King George VI’ make you feel as though you’re really both in attendance. there, in amongst the dinosaurs, in their Taking place across two weekends, the festival world, at their time’. includes firefighting reenactments, vintage bus The show has been created by the award- rides, musical entertainment, a wartime winning producers of the hit BBC TV newsreel, a vintage marketplace and a big band series, Walking With Dinosaurs. show featuring the Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra. “Your Dinosaurs In The Wild experience will be like stepping into the most unforgettable yet educational story ever,” they explain, “and we can promise a few The Cosford Air Show incredible surprises along the way. So get RAF Cosford, Sun 11 June yourself ready for the ultimate voyage of Regarded as one of the country’s top discovery!” aviation events, Cosford’s annual air show attracts thousands of visitors and features spectacular flying displays, military exhibitions and static aircraft displays. Highlights of this year’s event include celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The show also focuses on the UK’s involvement in space technology and includes numerous exhibits from several public displays. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 17:04 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Dragonboat Festival Brindleyplace, Birmingham, Sat 24 June This well-established annual fundraiser sees members of the READER city’s business community OFFER! competing for first place on Birmingham’s Fazeley Canal. 20% off for What’s On This year, the organisers have set readers - quote WB20 themselves the challenge of raising when booking online £100,000 for Birmingham-based The BBC Good Food Show blood cancer charity Cure Leukaemia. NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 June The one-day event features Brimming with inspiration, handy tips and very own Glynn Purnell - the four-day event numerous teams taking to the water sure-to-be-welcome advice on how to create also offers visitors an abundance of - in fancy dress - in traditional the perfect summer menu, the BBC Good Food demonstrations, tastings, book signings and Chinese longboats. Show returns to the NEC to provide a food shopping experiences to enjoy. The festival also boasts plenty of experience ‘like no other’. The BBC Good Food Kitchen and the entertainment away from the canal, In addition to the host of celebrities who’re on Supertheatre make a welcome return too. with Brindleyplace’s public squares hand to share their knowledge - including A ticket to the show also provides access to the being brought to life by traditional Michel Roux Jr (pictured), Mary Berry, James BBC Gardeners’ World Live event, taking place Chinese street entertainment and Martin, Nadiya Hussein and Birmingham’s at the NEC at the same time. numerous family-friendly activities.

Summer In Southside Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 17 - Sun 18 June Birmingham’s Southside district once again plays host to a selection of free outdoor events this month, with dance, music and theatre performances all featuring in the festival’s two- day programme. The theme for 2017 is ‘the great outdoors’, so visitors shouldn’t be surprised to see Farmer Giles in attendance, complete with five-bar gate and pearls of wisdom on all manner of subjects. Birmingham’s original mega-folk favourites The Destroyers are on hand too, bringing their unique brand of madcap energy and musical virtuosity to the Southside stage. Other attractions include Roots - a production centred on the experiences of two refugees living in the branches of a towering tree - A Country Fayre Picnic - an interactive storytelling adventure inspired by traditional folk tales - and Step Hop House, a quirky, colourful and energetic collision of dance and music.

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Your week by week listings guide June 2017 thelist

La Cage Aux Folles at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Tues 27 June - Sat 1 July

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 June Mon 12 to Sun 18 June Mon 19 to Sun 25 June Mon 26 to Fri 30 June

Shappi Khorsandi at International Model Air Show Shrewsbury Food Festival at Our Man In Havana at Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek at Weston Park Quarry Park Lichfield Garrick Sat 3 June Fri 16 - Sun 18 June Sat 24 - Sun 25 June Mon 26 - Wed 28 June

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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 June THROUGHOUT JUNE Gigs

of examples from the National Pup- CALE TYSON Thurs 1 Visual Arts petry Archive, until Sat 3 June, Ban- June, Hare & Hounds, tock House & Park, Wolverhampton Birmingham LAY OF THE LAND (AND OTHER SUCH Bilston Craft Gallery TAKE THAT Thurs 1 - Sat MYTHS) Solo exhibition by artist Victo- 3 June, Genting DISCOVER DINOSAURS A new family- ria Lucas, until Sat 3 June, AirSpace Arena, Birmingham friendly exhibition exploring the pre- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent THE SESSIONS - A LIVE historic world of the dinosaurs, until A TIME IT WAS BY PHIL LOACH Nostal- Sun 13 Aug RE-STAGING OF THE gic photographic exhibition by Phil BEATLES AT ABBEY ROAD Loach, a staff photographer for a STUDIOS Thurs 1 June, Newcastle Borough Museum range of local weekly newspapers, Barclaycard Arena, & Art Gallery until Sun 11 June, Himley Hall & Birmingham Park, Dudley OPEN ART AND CRAFT EXHIBITION 2017 HARVEY SUTHERLAND Featuring artwork from both profes- MARY FITZPATRICK The winner of the Thurs 1 June, Hare & sional and non-professional artists. Qube Open People’s Choice Prize Hounds, Birmingham Prizes will be presented to selected 2016, Mary will be exhibiting a selec- THE RONNIE SCOTT’S artists, and visitors will get to vote for tion of her more recent works, until STORY Thurs 1 June, their favourite piece of artwork, until Mon 12 June, Qube Gallery, Os- New Vic Theatre, New- Sun 4 June westry castle-under-Lyme TRENT VALLEY PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY The Hoosiers - Queen Square, Wolverhampton IAN PARKER & HIS BAND New Art Gallery - Walsall EXHIBITION 2017 A new collection of Thurs 1 June, The SOHEILA SOKHANVARI Soheila is an members' photographs, taken during Hounds, Birmingham MAZ MITRENKO Sat 3 Robin, Bilston Iranian-born artist whose multidisci- the past year and incorporating a BREAK STUFF Fri 2 June, Hare & Hounds, plinary work weaves layers of political wide range of subjects, including RISCAS, KING PURPLE, June, The Asylum, Birmingham histories with bizarre, humorous and wildlife, landscapes and portraits, THE REAL COOL & JUN- Birmingham JANE MCDONALD Sat 3 IOR WEEB Thurs 1 mysterious narratives that are then until Sun 18 June, Museum of Can- ED GEATER, LADY SAN- June, Wolverhampton June, The Sunflower left to the viewer’s own sensitivity to nock Chase ITY AND ANDREW Grand Theatre Lounge, Birmingham complete, until Sun 3 Sept FLOWER POWER An exhibition which SOUTER Fri 2 June, EMMA BLACKERY Sat 3 PEOPLE'S CHOICE Featuring the voting looks back at archive material docu- INTO THE ARK Fri 2 mac, Birmingham June, O2 Institute, June, O2 Institute, public’s favourite works from the Per- menting the many summer shows THE PAINS OF BEING Birmingham Birmingham manent Collection, until Sun 25 Feb held in and around Wolverhampton PURE AT HEART Fri 2 KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 3 2018 over the years, until Fri 30 June, THE BLUE COLLARS Fri 2 June, Newhampton June, The Roadhouse, Wolverhampton City Archives June, The Sugarmill, Arts Centre, Wolver- Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Potteries Museum & Art WILDLY BRITISH Artist Lauren van Hel- hampton GENERATIONS Sat 3 Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent mond reveals her love of both mak- ANDY MILLS Fri 2 June, FROM THE JAM Fri 2 June, The Sugarmill, ARNOLD BENNETT: IN LIFE AND ART Dip- ing and painting, entwined with a Havana Republic, June, The Robin, Bil- Stoke on Trent ping into the museum’s world-class fondness of old objects and animals, Shrewsbury ston until Sun 2 July, Shire Hall Gallery, WILL AND THE PEOPLE Arnold Bennett collections of artwork, LEO SAYER Fri 2 June, Stafford SARAH MOULE Fri 2 Sat 3 June, The Sun- personal possessions and clothing, Birmingham Town Hall June, Tamworth As- flower Lounge, B’ham photographs, documents and NEW EVERYONE WELCOME SHOW A 21 GRAMS, BETWEEN sembly Rooms, Staffs ephemera, this exhibition provides group exhibition will accompany the SUNJAY Sat 3 June, ANGELS AND IDOLS Fri 2 new perspectives on the man and his BVA Art Trail Weekend, Sat 3 June - UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Newhampton Arts June, Eleven, Stoke- life, until Sun 2 July Sat 1 July, The Willow Gallery, Os- Fri 2 - Sat 3 June, The Centre, W’hampton on-Trent westry Jam House, B’ham FAITH - THE GEORGE WRAPPED IN PLASTIC, NEW MEADOW ARTS - SYNTHETIC LAND- CLOUDBUSTING - A TRIB- MICHAEL LEGACY Sat 3 The Brewhouse Arts Centre, ST LUCIFER & VIEON Fri SCAPES A vibrant programme of con- UTE TO KATE BUSH Sat 3 June, Lichfield Garrick Burton-upon-Trent 2 June, The Flapper, temporary art, Sun 4 June - Mon 4 June, The Place, Oak- DERMOT HEGARTY Sun NEW BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE Birmingham Sept, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal engates Theatre, 4 June, Irish Centre, COLLEGE, END OF YEAR SHOW Mon 19 - VAN ROCKMAN, ROLLIN’ Shropshire NEW COLLAGE NOW An exhibition of Birmingham Sat 24 June SIXES & THE contemporary collage from 11 artists, ENJOY WOLVERHAMP- NEON WALTZ Sun 4 CAROUSELS Thurs 1 illustrating a wide range of styles and TON LIVE! Featuring June, Hare & Hounds, Wolverhampton Art Gallery June, The Flapper, techniques, Tues 13 June - Sat 8 The Hoosiers, Birmingham NEW YOUNG ARTISTS - MORETON COM- Birmingham Toploader, Kevin July, VAN Gallery, Shrewsbury VINTAGE TROUBLE Sun MUNITY SCHOOL Moreton Community JOHN SMYTHE Fri 2 Simm, Lucy Spraggan NEW MILLICENT KAYE CHILDREN'S ART 4 June, The Slade School is the seventh to take part in a June, Irish Centre, and CBeebies’ EXHIBITION This annual competition Rooms, W’hampton showcase which gives young artists Birmingham favourite Swashbuck- attracted a record 350 entries last lers - Cook and Line! THE MERSEY BEATLES the opportunity to see their work on CALLAGHAN Fri 2 June, year. Local primary school pupils are Sat 3 June, Queen Sun 4 June, Hare & display, Fri 9 - Fri 30 June The Glee Club, B’ham invited to create a piece of art on a Square, W’hampton Hounds, Birmingham NEW CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COL- particular theme, Thurs 15 June - JAH WOBBLE'S IN- THE JACKOBINS Sat 3 THAT'LL BE THE DAY Sun LEGE ART AND DESIGN END OF YEAR Mon 3 July, Qube Gallery, Oswestry VADERS OF THE HEART SHOW Exhibition of work from more June, O2 Academy, 4 June, Wolverhamp- NEW CAMERA CREATIONS Celebrating Fri 2 June, Hare & than 60 gifted art and photography Birmingham ton Grand Theatre the 35th anniversary of Wall Heath Hounds, Birmingham students from the City of Wolver- THE SMYTHS Sat 3 THE EAST POINTERS Camera Club and featuring land- FREE AT LAST Fri 2 hampton College, Wed 21 June - Sun June, O2 Academy, Sun 4 June, Henry scapes, portraits and wildlife, Sat 17 June, Route 44, Birm- 2 July Birmingham Tudor House, Shrews- June - Sun 3 Sept, Himley Hall & ingham Park, Dudley STAR OF THE SEA Sat 3 bury YOUNG PILGRIMS, FO- Other VISUAL ARTS June, Irish Centre, MOSTLY AUTUMN Sun 4 FOULAH & DISTRICTS Fri TOY THEATRE Exhibition charting the Birmingham June, The Robin, Bil- 2 June, Hare & history of toy theatre through a range ston 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 1 - 4 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:21 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 June

JUNIOR JESTERS #8 WITH MARKUS Thurs 1 June, Grand Theatre, Wolver- themed activities, workshops and Classical Music BIRDMAN & EDD HEDGES Sun 4 June, hampton demos across the Museum sites, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury SCORCH Story of first love told through until Sun 4 June, Ironbridge Gorge CBSO: BEETHOVEN’S SEVENTH Featuring SEVERN JESTERS Sun 4 June, Theatre the eyes of a gender-curious teen, Museums, Shropshire Michael Seal (conductor) & Tasmin Lit- Severn, Shrewsbury Thurs 1 - Fri 2 June, Old Joint Stock IN THE THICK OF IT: CHILDREN IN INDUS- tle (violin). Programme includes works IAIN LEE Sun 4 June, The Glee Club, Theatre, Birmingham TRY Take a walk in the well-worn by Britten, Walton & Beethoven, Thurs ALL SHOOK UP shoes of the Black Country’s working 1 June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Amateur production presented by Walsall Youth Theatre, children and experience the ups and BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE CHAMBER Thurs 1 - Sat 3 June, Forest Arts Cen- downs of their day-to-day lives, until CHOIR Conducted by Paul Spicer & tre, Walsall Sun 4 June, Black Country Living Mu- featuring Nicholas Morgan on organ, seum, Dudley JEKYLL THE RIPPER A macabre cabaret Thurs 1 June, Birmingham Conserva- WHITSUN WEEK AT DRAYTON MANOR toire Theatre of Victorian songs, weird skits and disturbing vignettes, Fri 2 June, White-knuckle rides, gentler rides AURORA ORCHESTRA Featuring Nicholas and plenty more to enjoy during the OLIVER! THE MUSICAL Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Collon (conductor) & Mary Bevan (so- The Crescent half-term holiday, until Sun 4 June, prano). Programme includes works by Theatre Company presents its ver- SHOW STOPPERS 2017 Starcross Youth Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tam- Richard Ayres & Brahms, Sun 4 June, sion of Dickens’ timeless tale, Sat 27 Theatre presents its annual show- worth Symphony Hall, Birmingham May - Sat 3 June, The Crescent The- case, Fri 2 - Sat 3 June, Arena The- atre, Birmingham atre, Wolverhampton PIRATE WEEK Grab your crew and HAYDN & MOZART KEYBOARD SONATAS jump aboard for a swashbuckling ad- THE WITCHES Sun 4 June, Lichfield Garrick, Stafford- New version of Roald SALOMÉ Owen Horsley directs Oscar venture, until Sun 4 June, National shire Dahl’s classic story, Sat 27 May - Sat Wilde's lyrical one-act drama, Fri 2 Sea Life Centre Birmingham 3 June, The Blue Orange Theatre, June - Wed 6 Sept, Royal Shake- Birmingham speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon UK GAMES EXPO Featuring all aspects of the gaming hobby, Fri 2 - Sun 4 DIRTY DANCING Mon 29 May - Sat 3 EAST OF THE SUN, WEST OF THE MOON June, NEC, Birmingham Comedy June, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Fetch Theatre presents a ‘spellbind- ENJOY WOLVERHAMPTON LIVE! The GREASE ing tale’ of adventure, mystery and Tom Parker from boyband biggest free summer event in the TOM BINNS, HAL CRUTTENDEN, PETE romance, featuring a magical white The Wanted makes his theatrical West Midlands is back, Sat 3 June, TECKMAN & KEVIN DEWSBURY Thurs 1 bear, a young girl and an anarchic debut as Danny in this staging of the Queen Square, Wolverhampton June, The George Hotel, Lichfield classic high-school musical. Over troll, Sat 3 June, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES WEEKEND SCOTT CAPURRO, IAN MOORE & COMEDY The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope Meet the knight, princess, jester, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON stars as Sandy, Mon 29 May - Sat 3 DON'T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON Musical squire and dragons. Enjoy story- Thurs 1 June, The Glee Club, B’ham June, Birmingham Hippodrome adventure about growing up and the importance of family, Sun 4 June, telling, games, sword fights, puppet KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Adapta- The Place, Oakengates Theatre, shows, and enter a costume parade 1 June, Stourbridge Town Hall tion of Michael Rosen and Helen Ox- for a chance to win a prize, Sun 4 enbury’s popular picture book, which Telford, Shropshire DUNCAN OAKLEY, TONY BURGESS, June, Chirk Castle, nr Wrexham follows a family as they head out on THAT’LL BE THE DAY Featuring classic WAYNE BEESE, HARVEY HAWKINS & an intrepid quest to find a bear, Tues hits from the 1950s through to the PIRATES AND FAIRIES AFTERNOON TEA GEORGE ZACH Thurs 1 June, Foxlowe 30 May - Sat 3 June, Belgrade The- ’80s, Sun 4 June, Grand Theatre, Enjoy a delicious homemade After- Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs atre, Coventry Wolverhampton noon Tea in the company of the scurvy pirates and magical fairies, SCOTT CAPURRO, IAN MOORE, JAMALI ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL MADDIX & ANDY ROBINSON Fri 2 June, Sun 4 June, The Potteries Museum & The story of mod favourites The The Glee Club, Birmingham Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Small Faces, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 CRAIG HILL, JOHN HASTINGS, IVO GRA- June, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent HAM & MANDY KNIGHT Fri 2 June, The MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Jason Film Comedy Loft, Birmingham Donovan stars in the smash-hit musi- AL MURRAY Fri 2 June, Lichfield Gar- cal inspired by the famous recording NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: rick session that brought together Elvis Festivals Released from Thurs 1 June, show- SUSAN MURRAY & TWO COMICS TBC Fri Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee ing at selected cinemas LICHFIELD BLUES & JAZZ FESTIVAL Re- 2 June, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Lewis & Cark Perkins, Tues 30 May - turns to Lichfield City Centre for 2017 Birmingham Sat 3 June, Theatre Severn, Shrews- WONDER WOMAN (tbc) bury with an explosive line up of new tal- MICKY FLANAGAN Thurs 1 - Sat 3 AFTER THE STORM (PG) ent and seasoned performers from June, Barclaycard Arena, B’ham ANNA OF THE FIVE TOWNS Arnold Ben- DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST (12a) near and far. Line-up includes Climax nett’s love story about a spirited SCOTT CAPURRO, IAN MOORE, JAMALI Blues Band, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, Lich- young woman, set against the back- DOUGH (15) MADDIX & ANDY ROBINSON Sat 3 June, field drop of the Potteries, until Sat 17 MY LIFE AS A COURGETTE (PG) The Glee Club, Birmingham June, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN NICO YEARWOOD, SMASH, KANE BROWN under-Lyme 2017 line-up includes: Fairport Con- & THANYIA MOORE Sat 3 June, The vention, Wishbone Ash, Nell Bryden, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Shake- Glee Club, Birmingham Hoosiers, Nick Harper, Seize The speare’s tragedy of love and power, Day, Boy On A Dolphin, Ed Tudor- CRAIG HILL, JOHN HASTINGS, IVO GRA- until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shake- Events Pole, Bar-Steward Sons Of Val Dooni- HAM & MANDY KNIGHT Sat 3 June, speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon can, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, Uttoxeter The Comedy Loft, Birmingham JULIUS CAESAR A bloody story of con- TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT Haf- Racecourse, Staffordshire SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sat 3 June, grim, the brother of Ruby, Tamworth spiracy and murder, noble intentions SHROPSHIRE HILLS ARTS WEEK Show- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs Castle’s resident dragon, has gone and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, casing the best art from the Shrop- missing - and it’s your job to help find SUSAN MURRAY & TWO COMICS TBC Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- shire Hills, open studios, joint shows him, until Fri 2 June, Tamworth Castle Sat 3 June, Jongleurs Comedy Club, ford-upon-Avon and an art trail, Sat 3 - Sun 11 June, Birmingham VICE VERSA ‘Side-splitting’ romp, lov- JURASSIC KINGDOM All-new outdoor Bishops Castle, Shropshire animatronic dinosaur experience, MR CEE, WILL-E, GERRY K & ARIELLE ingly ripped off from the Roman VALEFEST ValeFest is Europe's largest until Sun 4 June, Birmingham Botani- SOUMA Sat 3 June, mac, Birmingham comedies of Plautus, until Sat 9 Sept, student-run charity festival and will be The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- cal Gardens ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 3 June, The celebrating its 13th year this summer, Avon Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent, SUPERHEROES, SUPERPOWERS & SUPER Sat 3 June, The Vale, Birmingham Staffs JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP & ROCK DAYS OUT A week of superhero- whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5 - 11 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:18 Page 1

thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 June Classical Comedy Music WV1 COMEDY Tues 6 June, Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton LUNCHTIME ORGAN PROM WITH THOMAS JONNY AWSUM, JOSH PUGH & MARK TROTTER Featuring Crispian Steele- OLVER Wed 7 June, Henry Tudor Perkins (trumpet). Programme in- House, Shrewsbury cludes works by Handel, Haydn, BEN NORRIS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Mozart, Burt Bacharach & George ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 Gershwin, Mon 5 June, Symphony June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham KATY BRAND Thurs 8 June, The CBSO: SCHUBERT’S UNFINISHED Featur- Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford ing Nicholas Collon (conductor), El- speth Dutch, Michael Kidd, Jeremy BEN NORRIS, CHRIS KENT, ELEANOR Bushell & Mark Philips (horns). Pro- TIERNAN & JIM SMALLMAN Fri 9 June, gramme includes works by Sibelius, The Glee Club, Birmingham Schumann & Schubert, Thurs 8 June, CARL DONNELLY, CAREY MARX, MARK Symphony Hall, Birmingham SIMMONS & ANDY ASKINS Fri 9 June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Carrie Elkin - Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham BEN NORRIS, CHRIS KENT, ELEANOR KYSHONA ARMSTRONG DIAMOND Sat 10 June, TIERNAN & JIM SMALLMAN Sat 10 Gigs PLUS ROBERT LANE The Place, Oaken- June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Wed 7 June, Kitchen gates Theatre CARL DONNELLY, CAREY MARX, MARK Garden Cafe, B’ham SIMMONS & ANDY ASKINS Sat 10 THE GOON SAX & QUINN THE ORIGINAL BURNING June, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Mon 5 June, Hare & TERRY REID Wed 7 FLAMES Sat 10 June, Hounds, Birmingham June, The Robin, Bil- O2 Academy, B’ham JIMMY CARR Sat 10 June, Symphony ston Hall, Birmingham BILL RYDER JONES Mon HARMONOPOLY Sat 10 5 June, Hare & THE GLEDHILLS Thurs 8 June, The Brewhouse JOHN RYAN, GARY MEIKLE, SMUG Hounds, Birmingham June, Katie Fitzger- Arts Centre, Burton- ROBERTS Sat 10 June, Jongleurs ald's, Stourbridge upon-Trent Comedy Club, Birmingham GENO WASHINGTON AND THE RAM JAM BAND ROD STEWART TRIBUTE BURTON JOYCE Sat 10 CBSO CENTRE STAGE: CELLOS ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 10 June, Mon 5 June, New Vic NIGHT Thurs 8 June, June, Hare & Hounds, Programme to include works by De- The Old Post Office, Burton-upon- Theatre, Newcastle- The Huntsman, Birmingham bussy, Rossini, Sibelius & J Strauss II, Trent, Staffs under-Lyme Telford, Shropshire THE MAJOR TOMS Sat Fri 9 June, CBSO Centre, Birmingham SUNJAY Mon 5 June, BIRMINGHAM CONSER- 10 June, Hare & CELEBRATING THREE MASTERS BCMG Stafford Gatehouse VATOIRE FOLK ENSEM- Hounds, Birmingham closes its 16/17 season with a concert Theatre BLE Thurs 8 June, BLUES CLUB WITH PAUL celebrating three established masters of the British contemporary scene - Foxlowe Arts Centre, STEADMAN BAND Sat 10 Theatre CARRIE ELKIN Tues 6 Oliver Knussen, Colin Matthews & Leek, Staffs June, Hare & Hounds, June, Kitchen Garden Harrison Birtwistle, Sat 10 June, MIKE FLETCHER'S PI- Birmingham HICCUP PROJECT: MAY WE-GO-GO- Cafe, Birmingham CBSO Centre, Birmingham CASSO Thurs 8 June, ROUND Collision of fiercely energetic PIXX Tues 6 June, Hare THE FATHER TEDS Sat mac, Birmingham THE ORCHESTRA OF CLASSICAL OPERA - dance and comedic theatre, Mon 5 & Hounds, B’ham 10 June, Irish Centre, MOZART: APOLLO ET HYACINTHUS Fea- June, mac, Birmingham PHOENIX RISING Thurs Birmingham THE BOOTLEG BEATLES turing Ian Page (conductor), Sat 10 8 June, The Robin, Bil- TOSCA Blanche McIntyre directs Puc- Tues 2 June, Birming- THE BIG CHRIS BARBER June, Birmingham Town Hall ston cini’s visceral depiction of love and ham Town Hall BAND Sat 10 June, Vic- BETH ROWLEY Thurs 8 toria Hall, Stoke-on- THEA GILMORE Tues 6 June, The Sunflower Trent June, mac, B’ham Lounge, Birmingham RICHARD DIGANCE THE FINE AND DANDY Tues 6 THE ROD STEWART GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY June, Middleport Pot- STORY Fri 9 June, The TOUR Sat 10 June, tery, Burslem, Stoke- Place, Oakengates Birchmeadow Centre, on-Trent Theatre, Shropshire Broseley, Shropshire THE FRANKIE VALLI OASISH Fri 9 June, SMALL FAKERS Sat 10 STORY - JERSEY BOY Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent June, The Roadhouse, FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES Birmingham Tues 6 June, The RELAPSE WITH BREN- Robin, Bilston DAN TOWEY Fri 9 June, THE DOORS ALIVE Sat Hare & Hounds, Birm- 10 June, The Sug- ROD STEWART Wed 7 ingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent June, Greenhous Meadow, Shrewsbury NASHVILLE Fri 9 June, THE DIRTY DC - AC/DC Barclaycard Arena, TRIBUTE Sat 10 June, THE GOOD SINNERS Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Wed 7 June, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent THE DOORS ALIVE Fri 9 LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat June, The Robin, Bil- 10 June, Ludlow As- FROTH Wed 7 June, ston sembly Rooms, South Hare & Hounds, Birm- Shropshire ingham HEIDI BROWN Fri 9 June, Havana Repub- FAITH - THE GEORGE ELTON JOHN Wed 7 lic, Shrewsbury MICHAEL LEGACY Sat June, Genting Arena, 10 June, William Aston Birmingham A CELEBRATION OF NEIL The Crucible - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Hall, Wrexham 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5 - 11 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:18 Page 2

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 June

power in the midst of political terror, apocalypse, Fri 9 June, Arena The- Mon 5 June, Regent Theatre, Stoke- atre, Wolverhampton on-Trent THE ENCHANTED PIG University of Birm- THE CRUCIBLE Charlie Condou (Coro- ingham students present a staging of nation Street) and Victoria Yeates a brand new love story filled with (Call The Midwife) star in a new stag- mud, mischief and magic, Fri 9 - Sat ing of Arthur Miller's classic tale, Mon 10 June, The Barber Institute, B’ham 5 - Sat 10 June, New Alexandra The- DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? Performed atre, Birmingham and devised by Birmingham School ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Amateur of Acting, Fri 9 - Sun 11 June, mac, staging of Richard Bean’s English Birmingham adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s Com- STADIUM Theatre maker Mohamed El media dell’arte-style comedy play, Khatib explores why football inspires Mon 5 - Sat 10 June, The Rose The- passion like nothing else, Fri 9 - Sat atre, Kidderminster 17 June, The REP, Birmingham EVERY BRILLIANT THING A Paines AGATHA CRUSTY & THE VILLAGE HALL Plough and Pentabus Theatre pro- Derek Webb’s comedy, ‘packed full duction about depression and the of wit and intrigue’, Fri 9 - Sat 17 lengths we go to for those we love, June, Hall Green Little Theatre, Sut- Tues 6 June, mac, Birmingham ton Coldfield Cats DAZZLE THE MUSICAL Performed by ZACH & VIGGO THUNDERFLOP Series of Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre surreal and free-flowing vignettes Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 7 - Sat 10 June Group 4, Tues 6 - Fri 9 June, Stafford showcasing the depths of stupidity to Local theatre company Get Your Wigle On present their version of Gatehouse Theatre which this award-winning duo are the Andrew Lloyd Webber hit. A captivating adaptation of TS Eliot’s RUNNING WILD The Children’s Touring prepared to stoop, Sat 10 June, Old Partnership present a staging of Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, the show is widely credited with redefining the modern musical, paving the way for a seem- Michael Morpurgo’s story about love, SERIOUSLY DEAD Musical comedy play loss, loyalty and ‘living in the mo- starring Crissy Rock, Fraser Hines ingly relentless stream of blockbuster productions. Featured songs ment’, Tues 6 - Sat 10 June, Wolver- and Billy Pearce, Sun 11 June, The- include Mr Mistoffelees, The Rum-Tum-Tugger, Macavity, The Jelli- hampton Grand Theatre atre Severn, Shrewsbury cle Ball - and, of course, the show’s famous anthem, Memory. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Amateur staging SHEBADA CELEBRATES 10 YEARS Brand presented by the Trinity Players, Tues new comedy show featuring ‘Ja- 6 - Sat 10 June, Lichfield Garrick maica’s favourite roots-play actor’, accompanied by discussions with the Louise Fletcher. Ludlow Assembly THE ADDAMS FAMILY Samantha Wom- Keith ‘Shebada’ Ramsey, Sun 11 directors, producers and animators, Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 6 ack, Les Dennis and Carrie Hope June, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Sun 11 June, Arena Theatre, Wolver- June Fletcher star in a brand new show hampton I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12a) Documen- based on the cult TV series, Tues 6 - tary. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Sat 10 June, Birmingham Hippo- James Baldwin. Ludlow Assembly drome Rooms, South Shropshire, Tues 6 & THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA The Open air Thurs 8 June Repertory Players present an ama- Film THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. teur staging of David Hare’s version Theatre Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam of Federico Garcia’s comedic INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Claflin. Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- tragedy, Tues 6 - Sat 10 June, Stoke- BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- shire, Tues 6 & Thurs 8 June; Ludlow on-Trent Repertory Theatre tions present its staging of David Wal- Assembly Room, South Shropshire, LION (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring THE PAJAMA GAME Bournville Musical liams’ tale of love, loss & friendship, Sat 10 June Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman. Stour- Theatre Company present an ama- Sun 11 June, Bewdley Museum QEII THE PROMISE (12A) Drama/History. bridge Town Hall, Mon 5 June teur version of the timeless musical, Gardens, Bewdley Starring Oscar Isaac, Charlotte Le Tues 6 - Sat 10 June, The Crescent THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. Bon. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri Theatre, Birmingham Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte 9 - Thurs 15 June CATS Get Your Wigle On present an Rampling. Festival Drayton Centre, WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME? (15) Documen- amateur staging of Andrew Lloyd- Dance Market Drayton, Shropshire, Mon 5 tary. Starring Whitney Houston. Fol- Webber’s musical masterpiece, Wed June; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, lowed by a live satellite Q&A with 7 - Sat 10 June, Theatre Severn, South Shropshire, Mon 5 & Wed 7 PLAN B FOR UTOPIA director Nick Broomfield. Electric Cin- Shrewsbury June Joan Clevillé Dance fuse theatre, ema, Birmingham, Sun 11 June WAKE UP & DEIRDREALIZE Examination dance and storytelling to MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. of the constructs of fame, self-help explore how we choose to live our Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle and image, Thurs 8 June, Old Joint lives, Wed 7 June, The Patrick Cen- Williams. Edge Arts Centre, Much Stock Theatre, Birmingham tre, Birmingham Hippodrome Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 5 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: June IDIOT CHILD: WHAT IF THE PLANE FALLS Released from Fri 9 June, showing at OUT OF THE SKY A tender, playful and MONOCHROME (15) Drama/Thriller. selected cinemas unusual story about feelings - a show Starring Cosmo Jarvis, Jo Wood- BERLIN SYNDROME (15) for anyone who’s ever felt absolutely cock. Followed by directer Q&A. Talks FROM THE LAND OF THE MOON (15) dreadful, Fri 9 June, mac, B’ham Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 6 June MY COUSIN RACHEL (tbc) LOVEHARD: MURDERED BY MURDER WORLD WAR II TALK Aashique Iqbal ex- Brand new show which centres on a plores the expansion of the Royal In- SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With the THE MUMMY (tbc) murder-mystery party at the home of dian Air Force during the Second voices of Matthew McConaughey, THE SHACK (12a) Reese Witherspoon. Foxlowe Arts Lord and Lady Titan, Fri 9 June, Old World War, Thurs 8 June, University WILSON (15) Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham of Wolverhampton Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 6 June NO WOMAN’S LAND Humorous and MEET THE DIRECTORS Screening of ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST moving exploration of a post-war live-action and animated short films, (15) Drama. Starring Jack Nicholson,

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5 - 11 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:18 Page 3

thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 June June, The British Ironwork Centre, Events Oswestry, Shropshire SEVERN VALLEY TRAIL RUN A stunning PAWS IN THE PARK Bring your dog for off-road route through woodlands, a walk in Comer Wood and find out meadows and along the banks of the about the plans to improve access River Severn, Sun 11 June, Severn and revitalise existing routes across Valley Country Park, Bridgnorth, the area, Tues 6 June, Dudmaston Shropshire Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire RAF COSFORD AIR SHOW The Midlands’ STOKE-ON-TRENT LITERARY FESTIVAL premier air event features displays Featuring a diverse programme of from a variety of aircraft plus hun- authors, workshops and performers, dreds of exhibits, stalls, trade stands, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 June, Emma Bridge- military demonstrations and chil- water Pottery Factory, Stoke-on-Trent dren's entertainment, Sun 11 June, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton DEVA DUBS & RODS SHOW One of ‘the most chilled-out, laid back, warm and sunny car shows in the UK’, Fri 9 - Sun 11 June, West Midland Show- ground, Shrewsbury Festivals SEVERN HOSPICE COLOUR RUN Have ENGLISH HAYDN FESTIVAL This festival fun while raising money for Severn focuses on Joseph Haydn's life in Vi- Hospice, Sat 10 June, Telford Town enna, in particular the years leading Deva Dubs & Rods Show - West Midland Showground, Shropshire Park, Shropshire up to his death in 1809 and his GATE TO SOUTHWELL FOLK FESTIVAL - Sun 11 June, Southwell, Notting- NEON NIGHT FUN RUN Grab your glow friendship and influence on From its humble beginnings in 2007 hamshire sticks and run, dance, skip or walk Beethoven and Schubert. Line up in- as primarily an English folk music four miles, lighting up Stafford’s DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL British rock festi- cludes: Pavel Serbin, Steven Devine, and dance festival, Southwell has nighttime skies in the process, Sat 10 val. Line up includes Aerosmith, Sys- The Salomon String Quartet, Simon evolved into one of the leading and June, Stafford Standage & Christophe Coin, Wed 7 - tem Of A Down and Biffy Clyro, Fri 9 - most innovative folk events in the Sun 11 June, Donington Park Racing PROMS IN THE PARK Featuring Wrex- Sun 11 June, Bridgnorth, South country. Line up includes Jon Boden, Circuit, Derbyshire ham Symphony Orchestra, Sat 10 Shropshire Kate Rusby, Le Vent du Nord, Thurs 8

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 5 - 11 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:19 Page 4

WHAT’S ON AT THEATRE SEVERN...

SUNDAY 11 JUNE

SERIOUSLY DEAD life’s party never JUNE HIGHLIGHTS is an uplifting new ends. It simply musical comedy, moves to another guaranteed to location. make you feel that 4 JUNE even when your number is up…

HAYDEN & MOZART KEYBOARD SONATAS £20, £15 Students WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE

JAZZ DANCE COMPANY 17 JUNE DYNASTIES: THE SANDS OF TIME Join the JAZZ DANCE COMPANY as they delve into the archives of the past to explore great stories and iconic characters. A night of dance excellence for all the family with this fun, BETWEEN THE TWO upbeat and exhilarating show! £15.50, £12 Students

FRIDAY 16 JUNE

17JUNE life's party never ends. It simply moves to another location. Freud and Salvador Dali collide

FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS

£23.50, £22 Students STAND BY ME is the phenomenal musical history of one of the biggest selling bands of all time.

24 JUNE SATURDAY 17 JUNE

A CELEBRATION OF JOHN DENVER

STUFF £12.50, £10 Students

A magical journey through the musical career of John Denver, featuring popular hits such as Annie’s Song, Leaving on a Jet Plane, 26 - 28 JUNE Rocky Mountain High and title track Take Me Home Country Roads.

FRIDAY 23 JUNE

OUR MAN IN HAVANA DAVE JOHNS Much-loved and respected £21.50, £17.50 Students stand-up comic DAVE JOHNS recently earned huge acclaim for his role in Ken Loach’s 29 & 30 JUNE award-winning film I, Daniel Blake. Now see Dave live before he heads to the Edinburgh Festival

C H E C K T H E W E B S I T E F O R F U L L L I S T I N G S FANNY: A NEW MUSIC HALL £12, £10 Students

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com BOX OFFICE 01743 281 281 LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, BOOK ONLINE WWW.THEATRESEVERN.CO.UK LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR THEATRE SEVERN, FRANKWELL QUAY, SHREWSBURY SY3 8FT

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:17 Page 1

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 June SON Thurs 15 June, The Glee Club, Classical Music Birmingham JETHRO Thurs 15 June, Theatre Sev- SEONG-JIN CHO IN RECITAL Programme ern, Shrewsbury includes works by Mozart, Debussy & CHRISTIAN REILLY, ALEX HYLTON, CHRIS Chopin, Tues 13 June, Birmingham Town Hall BETTS & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 16 June, Lichfield Garrick PERFORMANCE PLATFORM FEAT. CHUN- CHIEH YEN (CELLO) Tues 13 June, ROGER MONKHOUSE, JOHN LYNN, SALLY- Recital Hall, Birmingham Conserva- ANNE HAYWARD & COMIC TBC Fri 16 toire June, The Glee Club, Birmingham THE PHOENIX SINGERS Wed 14 June, PAUL SINHA, ELLIE TAYLOR, MATT REED New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- & STEVE SHANYASKI Fri 16 June, The Lyme Comedy Loft, Birmingham STEVEN OSBORNE: TIPPETT Featuring ROGER MONKHOUSE, JOHN LYNN, SALLY- the City of Birmingham Symphony Or- ANNE HAYWARD & CRAIG MURRAY Sat chestra & Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla (con- 17 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham Martha Tilston - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ductor). Programme includes works PAUL SINHA, ELLIE TAYLOR, MATT REED by Stravinsky, Tippett & Beethoven, & STEVE SHANYASKI Sat 17 June, The GROUND STORM & FALL HUNTER AND THE BEAR Wed 14 June, Symphony Hall, B’ham Comedy Loft, Birmingham OF US Thurs 15 June, Sat 17 June, O2 Insti- Gigs EX CATHEDRA: SUMMER MUSIC BY CAN- RUSSELL KANE Sat 17 June, Burton The Flapper, B’ham tute, Birmingham DLELIGHT Fri 16 June, St. Alkmund's Town Hall, Staffs JESUS JONES Thurs 15 THE DREAMERS Sat 17 Church, Shrewsbury JONATHAN BYRD AND TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY ASKINS & June, The Jam House, June, The Place, Oak- ANNA VON HAUSSWOLFF Presents a per- PICKUP COWBOY Mon 12 DAVID WARD Sat 17 June, Jongleurs Birmingham engates Theatre, formance on the Town Hall’s 1834 June, The Hive Shrews- Comedy Club, Birmingham DEP LEPPARD Thurs 15 Shropshire organ in this opening performance of bury, Shropshire SOMMORE, SLIM, KANE BROWN AND June, The Robin, Bil- THE LITTLE MIX EXPERI- Supersonic Festival, Fri 16 June, Birm- KYLA LA GRANGE Mon ingham Town Hall MARLON DAVIS & GINA YASHERE Sat 17 ston ENCE Sat 17 June, The- 12 June, The Rainbow FESTIVAL VOICES Featuring Benedict June, Birmingham Town Hall STRICTLY ABBA Fri 16 atre Severn, Shropshire Venues, Digbeth Goodall (conductor). Programme in- POPE HEAD Sat 17 June, Ludlow As- June, Theatre On The BLUES CLUB WITH MID- EMMA STEVENS Mon 12 cludes works by Elgar, Gershwin arr. sembly rooms, South Shropshire Steps, Bridgnorth, NIGHT CITY SOUL BAND June, The Robin, Bil- Roderick Williams, Kosma arr. Andrew Shropshire Sat 17 June, Hare & KATY BRAND Sat 17 June, mac, ston Carter, Fri 16 June, The Barber Insti- B’ham MARTHA TILSTON Fri 16 Hounds, Birmingham tute, University of Birmingham ROBBIE WILLIAMS Tues CARL DONNELLY, RYAN MCDONNELL, June, Theatre Severn, DEGO (2000 BLACK) Sat ORGAN PROMS 13 June, Ricoh Arena, Sat 17 June, Victoria JOSH PUGH, MICHAEL LEGGE & DAMIAN Shropshire 17 June, Hare & Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Coventry LARKIN Sat 17 June, Regent Theatre, GEOFF RODGERS Fri 16 Hounds, Birmingham KINGS X Tues 13 June, 2017 BRANT INTERNATIONAL PIANO COM- Stoke-on-Trent June, Havana Repub- BON GIOVI Sat 17 June, PETITION Sat 17 June, The Barber Insti- The Slade Rooms, ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 17 June, The lic, Shrewsbury Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent tute of Fine Arts, Birmingham Wolverhampton Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent, SOME GUYS HAVE ALL OTIS GIBBS Sat 17 June, KRAFTWERK Tues 13 BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY Staffs THE LUCK - THE ROD Birchmeadow Centre, June, Symphony Hall, Featuring Loretta Hopkins (soprano), STEWART STORY Fri 16 Broseley, Shropshire Edward Harrison (tenor) & Wesley PAUL SINHA Sun 18 June, Ludlow As- Birmingham sembly rooms, South Shropshire June, Lichfield Garrick SWIM WITH SHARKS Sat Biggs (bass), Sat 17 June, Elgar Con- THE GOOD SINNERS Wed REVAR THE THIRD SUM- 17 June, Irish Centre, cert Hall, The Bramall, Birmingham HARUN WITH A VIEW Sat 17 June, 14 June, Eleven, Stoke- MER OF LOVE Fri 16 Birmingham LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE BEST Ludlow Assembly rooms, South on-Trent Shropshire June, Hare & Hounds, A CELEBRATION OF JOHN OF BOND Featuring Peter Harrison CANCER BATS AS BAT Birmigham DENVER Sat 17 June, (conductor) & Louise Dearman & SABBATH Wed 14 June, Oliver Topmsett (guest singers), Sat 17 DUB FX Fri 16 June, O2 Theatre Severn, O2 Academy, B’ham June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Shrewsbury CARL SINCLAIR BAND BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AND FINALLY... PHIL HUNTER & THE BEAR Sat Wed 14 June, The Jam Featuring Michael Lloyd (conductor). COLLINS Fri 16 June, 17 June, O2 Institute, Theatre House, Birmingham Programme includes works by Wag- Wolverhampton Grand Birmingham ner & Bruckner, Sun 18 June, Elgar MERCURY Wed 14 June, BEYOND THE WATERS EDGE Contempo- Theatre FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS Concert Hall, The Bramall, B’ham New Alexandra The- rary poetry from around the world in BARRY STEELE AS ROY Sat 17 June, Lichfield atre, Birmingham English translation. Performed by ORBISON Fri 16 June, Garrick three actor-musicians, with original THUNDERPUSSY Wed 14 New Alexandra The- ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Sat music, Mon 12 June, Arena Theatre, June, The Robin, Bil- atre, Birmingham 17 June, Regent The- Wolverhampton ston MOTOWN AND SOUL atre, Stoke on Trent Comedy THE BAND Quirky and humorous dis- THE ILLEGAL EAGLES NIGHT WITH DJ PAUL LOS ENDOS Sat 17 June, play of dance, theatre and circus, Thurs 15 June, New KELLY Fri 16 June, Irish The Robin, Bilston FOGHORN Wed 14 June, The Patrick Tues 13 June, Arena Theatre, Wolver- Alexandra Theatre, Centre, Birmingham Kavanagh, Birmingham hampton Birmingham CHASTITY BROWN & OTIS JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO GIBBS Sun 18 June, BETHANY BLACK, MAUREEN YOUNGER A GRAND MUSIC HALL Featuring Gill THE BIG SING Thurs 15 DAVID BOWIE Fri 16 Hare & Hounds, Birm- Wed 14 June, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Jordan, Don Maclean and Ian June, Forest Arts Cen- June, The River ingham Birmingham Adams, Wed 14 June, Grand The- tre, Walsall Rooms, Stourbridge PAT JORDAN & FINIAN'S TOM GREEN Wed 14 June, O2 Insti- atre, Wolverhampton HEATWAVE, ODYSSEY & HELLS BELLS Fri 16 RAINBOW Sun 18 June, tute, Birmingham THE VERA LYNN STORY: HER LIFE IN VOICE OF ROSE ROYCE, June, The Roadhouse, Irish Centre, B’ham WORDS & SONG Wed 14 June, The GWEN DICKEY Thurs 15 LAURENCE CLARK Wed 14 June, mac, Birmingham Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford June, Wolverhampton NANCY KERR & JAMES Birmingham THE RED LEMONS Fri 16 - Grand Theatre FAGAN Sun 18 June, ROGER MONKHOUSE, CRAIG MURRAY & THE COUNTRY WIFE Fruity Restoration Sat 17 June, The Jam The Hive Shrewsbury, comedy involving cross dressing and BLANK PARODY, UNDER- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- House, Birmingham Shropshire fine china, Wed 14 - Thurs 22 June, 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12 - 18 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:17 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 June

Ludlow Brewery, Ludlow, South Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Shropshire SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK: THE MIRROR MIRROR Oily Cart present an ROD STEWART STORY Theatrical pro- interactive show for children on the duction celebrating the career of one autistic spectrum and their carers, of rock’s greatest icons, Fri 16 June, Thurs 15 June, The Hive, Shrewsbury Lichfield Garrick THE SILENCE OF SNOW: THE LIFE OF A BLACK COUNTRY FAIRYTALE... AY IT! PATRICK HAMILTON Kinetic solo show The Fizzogs present a non-traditional portraying the life of one of the great tale of fantasy set in 1910, Fri 16 English writers of the inter-war years. June, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Written & performed by Mark Farrelly, RE:PRODUCTION Intimate work of the- Thurs 15 June, Old Joint Stock The- atre exploring the science behind atre, Birmingham women’s choices, Fri 16 - Sat 17 OUTSIDE EDGE Market Drayton Ama- June, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, teur Dramatics present a comedy Birmingham Kevin & Karen Dance - Symphony Hall, Birmingham about cricket, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 June, 14/48 WOLVERHAMPTON The world’s Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- quickest theatre festival, in which 14 AN EVENING OF BURLESQUE Reviving shire ton, North Shropshire new plays are written, directed and the classic variety artform for the 21st SARAH & DUCK’S BIG TOP BIRTHDAY URSULA MARTINEZ: FREE ADMISSION performed within a 48-hour timespan, century, Sat 17 June, New Alexandra Family-friendly theatre which brings The Olivier Award-winning perform- Fri 16 - Sat 17 June, Arena Theatre, Theatre, Birmingham the CBeebies’ favourites to the stage ance provocateur returns to her dirty Wolverhampton A BLACK COUNTRY FAIRYTALE... AY IT! for the very first time, Sun 18 - Tues soapbox, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 June, The BETWEEN THE TWO Rochi Rampal & The Fizzogs present a non-traditional 20 June, mac, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Daniel Tyler's story asks, where do tale of fantasy set in 1910, Sat 17 THE LITTLE MERMAID JR The award- we belong when the maps are re- June, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- winning Birmingham Youth Theatre drawn? Sat 17 June, Lichfield Garrick ster celebrates its 30th anniversary with a POPE HEAD Dark comedic drama ex- MENGELE Smokescreen Productions musical double-bill, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 ploring the life, art, sexuality, psyche present a powerful exposition of one June, The Old Rep, Birmingham Dance and philosophies of artist Francis of the most notorious war criminals of THE DREAMBOYS The UK's top male Bacon, Sat 17 - Sun 18 June, The Sit- all time, Sun 18 - Mon 19 June, The JOSS CARTER CONTEMPORARY DANCE glamour show, Fri 16 June, Regent ting Room, Ludlow, South Shropshire Sitting Room, Ludlow, South Shrop- Controversial and transgressive con-

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COMING SOON...

Thursday 8th June, 7.30pm 30th May, 1pm & 3pm M6 Theatre Company KATY BRAND One Little Word 3+ I WAS A TEENAGE CHRISTIAN TOUR Tickets: £6, Family £20

10th June, 12pm GEM Recitals Harmonopoly Barbershop Wednesday 14th June, 2.00pm Quartet THE VERA LYNN STORY Tickets: £5

17 June, 8pm Fri 2 JUNE 7pm At Burton Town Hall Russell Kane – ANDY MILLS Right Man, Wrong Age Saturday 17th June, 7.30pm Tickets: £17 THE DREAMERS ...... 20th June, 7:30pm SAT 3 JUNE 7pm Cave Collective HANNAH & BRIAN Scratch Night Tickets: £5 Thursday 22nd June, 7.30pm ...... DECLAN NERNEY FRI 9 JUNE 7pm 22nd June, 7:30pm Adaire to Dance HEIDI BROWN Icarus ...... Tickets: £10, £8 (Conc.),£5 (Students) Wednesday 28th June, 7.30pm SAT 10 JUNE 7pm THE DREAMBOYS 27th June - 1 July 7:30pm DAN PAGE plus 2:30pm Saturday Matinee Little Theatre Company ...... Avenue Q Tickets: £12, £10 (Conc.) Fri 16 JUNE 7pm Thursday 29th June, 7.30pm 7th July, 7:30pm CAMERON FORREST The Sleeping Trees ROMEO & JULIET ...... SCI-FI?

Tickets: £5 12+ SAT 17 JUNE 7pm

Wednesday 12th July, 7.30pm GEOFF RODGERS 8th July, 7:30pm ...... The Tony Farrell Big Band COUNTRY SUPERSTARS Big Band Evolution EXPERIENCE FRI 23 JUNE 7pm Tickets: £12, £10 (Conc.) JOE SEAGAR ...... 28th July, 8pm Thursday 31st August, 7.00pm Celebrating the life of David Bowie Absolute Bowie BLACK MAGIC - SAT 24 JUNE 7pm THE LITTLE MIX SHOW Tickets: £16, £18 (OTD) HANNAH & BRIAN ......

FRI 30 JUNE 7pm Box ofﬁce: Sunday 3rd Sptember, 2.00pm 01283 508100 THE THEO THE MOUSE SHOW PAUL HENSHAW BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

TWC GP 01221

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Monday 12- Sunday 18 June

temporary dance theatre which inves- Shropshire, Mon 12 June tigates diverse ideologies of the his- THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. torical and present day through ritual, Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam sacrificial rites and obsessive worship Claflin. Ludlow Assembly Room, of dogma, Tues 13 June, St Lau- Shropshire, Mon 12 & Wed 14 June rence’s Church, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire JACKIE (15) Action/Crime. Starring Na- talie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard. THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS Nar- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Tues 13 rative ballet company Northern Ballet June present this heartbreaking story through dance, Tues 13 - Wed 14 ENTER THE DRAGON (18) June, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Biography/Drama. Starring Bruce Lee, John Saxon. The Wightman, GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS Shrewsbury, Tues 13 June Northern Ballet present a brand new WEST SIDE STORY (PG) Drama/Musical. production for younger audiences, BBC Good Food Show - NEC, Birmingham Wed 14 June, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Starring Natalie Wood, George on-Trent Chakiris. Ludlow Assembly Room, work with the UK’s most vulnerable Comprising six races around a half- Shropshire, Tues 13 June COPPELIA Birmingham Royal Ballet under-fives, Tues 13 - Wed 14 June, mile course. All participants receive a present the timeless classic, which SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS Dudley Zoological Gardens free t-shirt and lunch, Sun 18 June, tells of the eccentric toymaker Dr (U) Comedy/Musical. Starring Jane BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW Featuring top The British Ironwork Centre, Os- Coppelius’ attempts to bring his Powell, Howard Keel. Mitchell Arts chefs and food experts, the latest westry, North Shropshire greatest creation, the doll Coppelia, centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 13 June culinary trends and topics, and a fan- to life, Tues 13 - Sat 17 June, Birm- AQUARIUS (18) Drama. Starring Sonia tastic selection of independent and ingham Hippodrome Braga, Maeve Jinkings. Foreign lan- artisan producers selling their wares DYNASTIES: THE SANDS OF TIME Jazz guage, subtitled. Ludlow Assembly alongside big-name brands, Thurs 15 dance company delve into the Room, Shropshire, Tues 13 & Thurs - Sun 18 June, NEC, Birmingham Festivals archives to explore great stories and 15 June BBC GARDENERS' WORLD LIVE Join the iconic characters, Wed 14 June, The- THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. nation’s favourite gardening experts, UKULELE FESTIVAL OF GREAT BRITAIN- atre Severn, Shrewsbury Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte including Monty Don and Alan Titch- Now in its 8th year, this is one of the CARMEN.MAQUIA & CLUB HAVANA : BAL- Rampling. Wem Town Hall, North marsh, explore the inspiring show ‘biggest and best ukulele festivals’ in LET HISPANICO Fusion of ballet and Shropshire, Tues 13 & Thurs 15 June gardens and visit the impressive floral the world. Line-up includes Abe La- contemporary dance, showcasing THE HANDMAIDEN (18) Drama/Mystery. marquee. Plus, every ticket includes grimas Jr, Ooks of Hazard, The Latin dancing at its very best, Thurs Starring Min-hee Kim, Jung-woo Ha. free entry to the BBC Good Food Ukulele Uff Trio & The Poor Boys Of 15 June, SpArC, Bishops Castle, Foreign language, subtitled. Ludlow Show, so you can enjoy the tastes Worcester, Fri 16 - Sun 18 June, North Shropshire Assembly Rooms, Shropshire, Wed and flavours of summer too, Thurs 15 Cheltenham Town Hall - Sun 18 June, NEC, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET FIRST 14 - Thurs 15 June NOCTURNE LIVE Line up includes: Max STEPS A feast of dance, music and SAFE PASSAGE (15) Drama. Foreign INTERNATIONAL MODEL AIR SHOW Richter, Jamie Cullum, Gregory costumes - a perfect introduction to language, subtitled. The Hive, Model aircraft enthusiasts from all Porter & Corinne Bailey Rae, Fri 16 - ballet, Fri 16 June, Birmingham Hip- Shrewsbury, Fri 16 June over the UK and Europe demonstrate Sun 18 June, Blenheim Palace, Ox- podrome their impressive flying skills, Fri 16 - fordshire MY COUSIN RACHEL (tbc) Drama/Mys- Sun 18 June, Weston Park, Shrop- KEVIN AND KAREN DANCE The Strictly tery. Starring Sam Claflin, Rachel shire SONIC ROCK SOLSTICE 15th anniver- duo embark on a sultry, hip-swinging Weisz. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, sary line-up includes Doctor and the journey through the waltz, cha cha, until Fri 16 - Thurs 29 June SHREWSBURY CARNIVAL & SHOW Fea- Medics, Heavy Metal Kids and Night foxtrot, tango and salsa, Sun 18 turing a full programme of arena en- of the Hawks, Fri 16 - Sun 18 June, June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham tertainment, trade and charity stalls, Stoke Prior Country Club, Broms- food from local producers and a fam- grove NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ily funfair, Sat 17 June, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury KINETON MUSIC FESTIVAL 2017 Set in Released from Fri 16 June, showing the beautiful countryside of south at selected cinemas FAMILY FUN DAY Featuring a climbing Warwickshire, and in sight of the his- wall, bouncy castle, zumba and Talks BY THE TIME IT GETS DARK (12a) toric Edgehill, Kineton Music Festival much more, Sat 17 June, Shropshire celebrates music, crafts, food & CHURCHILL (PG) Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN BELL Fri 16 friendship. Line up includes Abba South Shropshire June, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, DESTINATION UNKNOWN (12a) Chique, Copperhead Road, D-Day South Shropshire GIFTED (12a) THE VINTAGE YEARS FESTIVAL 2017 A Dolls & Barney Newman, Sat 17 celebration of the lifestyles, fashion, June, Kineton Sports & Social Club, NAILS (18) music and classic cars of the post- Little Kineton, Warwickshire ROCK DOG (U) war years, Sat 17 - Sun 18 June, Na- TENBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL Featuring ROUGH NIGHT (tbc) tional Brewery Centre, Mike Sanchez & His Band, Arcadia Burton-on-Trent Film WHITNEY: CAN I BE ME (15) Roots & Sticky Wicket, Sat 17 June, CREATE IT EVENTS Inspirational craft, Tenbury Wells HAMSTEAD (12a) hobby and art show featuring WOLVESFEST 2017 Situated in the se- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT Hochanda TV live, Sat 17 - Sun 18 cluded grounds of Wolverhampton (TBC) June, Telford International Centre, Rugby Club in a 1,000 capacity mar- Shropshire LION (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring quee, Wolvesfest showcases the best Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman. Edge Arts FESTIVAL OF BLACK COUNTRY VEHICLES in Birmingham & Black Country tal- Centre, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Wheeling into its 15th year, this an- ent, Sat 17 June, Wolverhampton Mon 12 June nual gathering of cars, motorcycles Rugby Club and commercial vehicles, all built in THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE (PG) Biogra- Events LUDLOW FRINGE FESTIVAL An inde- the Black Country, features more phy/Drama. Starring Jessica Chas- pendent arts, community and culture than 100 models, Sun 18 June, Black tain, Johan Heldenbergh. Festival BARNARDO’S BIG TODDLE 2017 Short, festival, Sat 17 June - Sun 2 July, Var- Country Living Museum, Dudley Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, sponsored walk for toddlers that ious venues, Ludlow, South Shrop- raises money for Barnardo’s vital PENNY FARTHING RACE SPECTACULAR shire whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 19 - 25 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:15 Page 1

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 June RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & Gigs Classical Music COMIC TBC Sat 24 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROB ROUSE, ALISTAIR WILLIAMS, GEOFF IDINA MENZEL Mon 19 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH THOMAS TROTTER BOYZ & MARTIN MOR Sat 24 June, The June, Symphony Hall, Programme tbc, Mon 19 June, Birmingham Town Hall Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham CHRISTOPHER PARK PIANO RECITAL Pro- IAN SMITH, ERICH MCELROY & COMIC MARK LANEGAN Mon 19 gramme includes works by Brahms, TBC Sat 24 June, Jongleurs Comedy June, O2 Institute, Chopin, Olga Neuwirth & Stravinsky, Club, Birmingham Birminghham Mon 19 June, Birmingham Town Hall ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 24 June, The JAMES HICKMAN AND EX CATHEDRA: SUMMER MUSIC BY CAN- Old Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent, DAN CASSIDY Tues 20 DLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore Staffs June, Kitchen Garden (conductor), Tues 20 June, Birming- ASPERGER’S ARE US LIVE! Sun 25 Cafe, Birmingham ham Cathedral June, The Glee Club, Birmingham CLIFF RICHARD Wed 21 EBLANA STRING TRIO Programme in- June, Walcot Hall, cludes works by Schubert & Britten, Shropshire Remi Harris Trio - Ludlow Brewery, South Shropshire Tues 20 June, Birmingham Conserva- THE GOOD SINNERS Wed toire 21 June, Eleven, Stoke- COUNTING COINS, FAITH - THE GEORGE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYM- on-Trent POLLEN & FRANTIC AC- MICHAEL LEGACY Sat 24 PHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael TION Sat 24 June, The - Sun 25 June, The KIEFER SUTHERLAND Seal (conductor) & I-Hsuan Peng Flapper, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- Wed 21 June, O2 Acad- (piano). Programme includes works bridge emy, Birmingham BLUES CLUB WITH BON- by Chloe Knibbs, Mozart & Mahler, Fri NYLOUISA KEENAHAN Sat THE KILKENNY'S Sun 25 23 June, Birmingham Town Hall LUCAS D & THE GROOVE THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS 24 June, Hare & June, Theatre Severn, GHETTO Wed 21 June, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: SPACE Sun 25 June, mac, birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Shrewsbury SPECTACULAR - STAR WARS & BEYOND The Jam House, B’ham THE DANIEL WAKEFORD MONAGHAN BROTHERS Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor), WHITNEY Wed 21 June, EXPERIENCE Sat 24 Sun 25 June, Irish Cen- Fri 23 - Sun 25 June, Symphony Hall, The Rainbow Venues, June, Hare & Hounds, tre, Birmingham Birmingham Digbeth, Birmingham Birmingham SIMPLY DYLAN Sun 25 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- JOHN VERITY BAND Wed Theatre THE SEARCHERS Sat 24 June, Kitchen Garden CHESTRA: MOZART IDOMENEO Featuring 21 June, The Robin, Mirga Gra inyte-Tyla (conductor) & June, Ludlow Assembly Cafe, Birmingham THE DREAMBOYS The UK's top male Bilston Ben Johnsonź (Idomeneo), Sat 24 Rooms, South Shrop- BANDFEST Sun 25 June, glamour show, Mon 19 June, Wolver- DECLAN NERNEY Thurs June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham shire Cordingley Hall, hampton Grand Theatre 22 June, The Place, BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR Featuring TEXAS MEDICINE Sat 24 Telford, Shropshire Oakengates Theatre, Martin Rawles (organist) & Paul Spicer June, Katie Fitzgerald's, Shropshire DARLINGSIDE Sun 25 (conductor). Programme includes Stourbridge June, Hare & Hounds, works by Mouton, Domenique, Phinot, ECHOES OF SPAIN Thurs RICK WAKEMAN Sat 24 Birmingham Poulenc, Duruflé, Pierre Villette & 22 June, Parkway June, Birmingham Fauré, Sat 24 June, St Philips Cathe- Restaurant, Ludlow, SHOW ME THE BODY Sun Town Hall dral, Birmingham South Shropshire 25 June, The Sunflower REMI HARRIS TRIO Sat Lounge, Birmingham PETER MYLETT Fri 23 24 June, Ludlow Brew- June, Irish Centre, LAURENCE JONES Sun ery, South Shropshire Birmingham 25 June, The Wight- THE STONES Sat 24 man, Shrewsbury THE SPACEHOPPERS Fri June, The Roadhouse, Comedy 23 June, Katie Fitzger- IAN HUNTER & THE RANT Birmingham BAND Sun 25 June, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty ald's, Stourbridge TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 SEMANTICS, FOX Town Hall, Birmingham Towers meets Noises Off in this YOLANDA BROWN Fri 23 June, The Blue Orange Theatre, award-winning West End comedy, CHAPEL, TELL ME I’M ANNETTE GREGORY June, mac, B’ham B’ham Mon 19 - Sat 24 June, The REP, Birm- PRETTY, BALABAN AND SINGS ELLA FITZGERALD THE SMITHS LTD Fri 23 MARK THOMAS Thurs 22 June, Ludlow ingham THE BALD ILLEAGLES Sat Sun 25 June, Ludlow June, The River Football Stadium, South Shropshire 24 June, The Sunflower Brewery, Ludlow, South RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET Rooms, Stourbridge Lounge, Birmingham Shropshire DANE BAPTISTE, STUART MITCHELL, THE Amateur production presented by IN2MINDS Fri 23 June, RAYMOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & South Staffordshire College, Tues 20 The Roadhouse, B’ham COMIC TBC Fri 23 June, The Glee June, Lichfield Garrick WHITE TYGER Fri 23 Club, Birmingham BLUSH Award-winning new play by June, The Robin, Bil- ROB ROUSE, ALISTAIR WILLIAMS, GEOFF Charlotte Josephine about revenge ston BOYZ & MARTIN MOR Fri 23 June, The porn and its many victims, Tues 20 JOE SEAGER Fri 23 June, Comedy Loft, Birmingham June, mac, Birmingham Havana Republic, DAVE JOHNS Fri 23 June, Theatre THE LITTLE CREEPERS One-woman Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury show exploring the trials and tribula- DIVENIRE & NATIVE KEN DODD Fri 23 June, Theatre Sev- tions of a teenage schizophrenic in KINGS Fri 23 June, The ern, Shrewsbury the 21st century, Tues 20 - Wed 21 June, mac, Birmingham Sugarmill, Stoke-on- JENNY ECLAIR Fri 23 June, Forest Arts Trent Centre, Walsall MY FAIR LADY Amateur staging by BMOS Musical Theatre Company, KORN AGAIN & STIFF COL HOWARTH Fri 23 June, The Sitting Tues 20 - Sat 24 June, New Alexan- BIZKIT Fri 23 June, O2 Room, Ludlow, South Shropshire Academy, Birmingham dra Theatre, Birmingham DREW TAYLOR & STEFFAN EVANS Fri 23 FAME Curtain Call Theatre Company BRASS & VOICE Sat 24 June, The Sitting Room, Ludlow, presents its version of the much- June, Forest Arts Cen- South Shropshire tre, Walsall loved musical, based on the ’80s TV Joe Seager - Havana Republic, Shrewsbury DANE BAPTISTE, STUART MITCHELL, THE 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 19 - 25 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:15 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 June

series of the same name, Wed 21 - Lichfield Garrick installation set in a boat, and Gandini Thurs 22 June, Theatre Severn, KID CARPET’S SUPER MEGA ROCKIN’ Film who’ll be performing a series choreo- Shrewsbury ROCK SHOW Theatre show for children graphed juggling vignettes set to classic rock’n’roll songs, Sat 24 June, GOODNIGHT MISTER TOM Amateur featuring stories, games, songs and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: staging of Michelle Magorian’s uplift- plenty of audience participation, Sat The Ironmarket, Newcastle-under- ing story, set in the build up to WWII, 24 June, mac, Birmingham Lyme Thurs 22 June - Sat 1 July, Theatre BEN AND HOLLY'S LITTLE KINGDOM Join LONG FORGOTTEN FIELDS (PG) On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Shrop- Ben, Holly and their friends for a mu- Drama/War. Starring Simon Arm- shire sical adventure packed with games, strong, Rebecca Birch. Edge Arts ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL songs and laughter, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- The story of mod favourites The June, The Place, Oakengates The- shire, Mon 19 June Small Faces, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 June, atre, Telford, Shropshire WHISKY GALORE (PG) Comedy. Star- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre A NIGHT AT THE MUSICALS West End ring Naomi Battrick, James Cosmo. THE RAMAYANA The Young Rep 18-25 and Broadway hits are intertwined on Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Company present an Indian tale of a rollercoaster ride through the world Mon 19 - Tues 20 June gods, lovers, battles - and monkeys, of showbiz, Sun 25 June, Theatre THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE (PG) Biogra- Thurs 22 - Sat 24 June, The REP, Severn, Shrewsbury phy/Drama. Starring Jessica Chas- ARMED FORCES DAY Featuring live mu- Birmingham NEW YORK! NEW YORK! School of The- tain, Johan Heldenbergh. Ludlow sical entertainment, action displays, PHEDRA Birmingham School of Acting atre Excellence presents numbers Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, children's adventure activities and a present Racine’s retelling of the clas- from Broadway shows, Sun 25 June, Mon 19 - Wed 21 June flypast, Sat 24 June, National Memo- sical French drama, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham HACKSAW RIDGE (15) rial Arboretum, Burton-on-Trent June, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Biography/Drama. Starring Andrew SOOTY'S BIRTHDAY BAKE OFF Sooty, APPILY EVER AFTER Frantic Fox The- Garfield, Sam Worthington. Foxlowe Sweep and Soo bake a chocolate atre present a debut show which Arts Centre, Leek, Tues 20 June cake with a sprinkle of Cadbury fuses original song and spoken word THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (15) magic, Sat 24 - Sun 25 June, Cad- to explore themes of app-addiction, Open air Comedy/Musical. Starring Tim Curry, bury World, Bournville disillusionment and sexual assault Susan Sarandon. Electric Cinema, STEP BACK TO THE 1940S A selection of within the gay community, Fri 23 Theatre Birmingham, Fri 23 June daytime attractions up and down the June, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- SWEET BEAN (PG) Drama. Starring line, Sat 24 - Sun 25 June, Severn ingham AS YOU LIKE IT Shakespeare’s tale of Kirin Kiki, Masatoshi Nagase. Foreign Valley Railway, Bewdley AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS Eight lovesick shepherds, gender-swap- language, subtitled. The Hive, DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Travel back in actors, 109 characters, six trains, six ping disguises, exiled dukes and Shrewsbury, Fri 23 June time and experience what life was like boats, four fights, two dances, one wrestling, presented in the great out- MINDHORN (15) Drama. Starring An- 67 million years ago, surrounded by storm, one circus act and one ele- doors by Shakespeare In The Park, drea Risenborough, Kenneth living dinosaurs in the wild, Sat 24 phant take centre stage in Theresa Wed 21 - Sat 24 June, Maple Hayes Branagh. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, June - Thurs 24 Aug, NEC, B’ham Heskins’ production of the Jules Hall Gardens, Lichfield Shropshire, Fri 23 June Verne classic, Fri 23 June - Sat 8 July, THE TEMPEST Stafford Festival Shake- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- THE STING (PG) Crime/Drama. Starring speare present an outdoor staging of Lyme Paul Newman, Robert Redford. Elec- The Bard’s final play. Stephen Beck- tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 25 TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal ett (Coronation Street), Richard Gib- June Festivals play in which the decay of Rome son (‘Allo ‘Allo), Zephryn Taitte and reaches violent depths, Fri 23 June - Grace Carter star, Thurs 22 June - Sat LUDLOW FRINGE FESTIVAL an inde- Sat 2 Sept, Royal Shakespeare The- 8 July, Stafford Castle NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: atre, Stratford-upon-Avon pendent Arts, Community and Cul- A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Join Released from Fri 23 June, showing ture festival, until Sun 2 July, various UNCLE BEN Comedy play about a sin- The Pantaloons for a unique take on at selected cinemas locations, Ludlow, South Shropshire gle father with a dysfunctional family, Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy, THE BOOK OF HENRY (tbc) BANDFEST Showcasing Telford’s best doing all he can to keep them to- Fri 23 June, Attingham Park, Shrews- bands, solos & duets, Sun 25 June, gether, Fri 23 - Sat 24 June, The Old bury THE GRADUATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY (15) Rep, Birmingham Cordingley Hall, Shropshire THE COUNTRY WIFE Fruity Restoration GIN FESTIVAL STOKE Filling the glori- comedy involving cross dressing and ous old Victoria Hall theatre with fine china, Sat 24 June, Theatre Sev- more than 100 gins, including exclu- ern, Shrewsbury Events sive gins available nowhere else, and Dance unlimited tonic supplied by Fever- MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER Mr B Tree, Fri 23 - Sat 24 June, Victoria continues his ongoing quest to re- BRB: THREE SHORT BALLETS Compris- ANTIQUES ROADSHOW BBC One’s Hall, Stoke-on-Trent connect hip-hop with manners, Sat ing Le Baiser de la fee, Pineapple ever-popular Sunday evening pro- SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL Food, 24 June, The Old Joint Stock The- Poll & Arcadia, Wed 21 - Sat 24 June, gramme visits the museum, Wed 21 drink and craft exhibitors alongside atre, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome June, Black Country Living Museum, cookery demonstrations, chef school, Dudley STUFF Cirque du Soleil’s lead clown, ICARUS Adaire To Dance present a free kids entertainment and music Sean Kempton, mixes comedy, new, full-length interpretation of the UNDER 5S FUN DAY Fun-filled five-hour line up all weekend, Sat 24 - Sun 25 mime, clowning and dance in an ab- well-known Greek myth, Thurs 22 event, Fri 23 June, Himley Hall & June, The Quarry Park, Shrewbsury surdist show about love, Sat 24 June, June, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Park, Dudley FOODIES FESTIVAL With the new and Burton-upon-Trent BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the exciting Healthy Living focus of the RHYTHM OF THE DANCE Featuring both rarely seen backstage areas of the festival, Grow Your Own, Creative traditional and current dance styles, theatre, as The REP invites you to be Summer Workshops and Cakes & Sat 24 June, Theatre Severn, Shrews- an audience member, set builder, Desserts Theatre, 2017 is set to be bury prosthetics maker or even an assis- the best year yet for Foodies Festival, SAMARPAN Jaivant Patel Dance pres- tant stage manager, Sat 24 June, The Fri 23 - Sun 25 June, Cannon Hill ent a celebration of classical Indian REP, Birmingham Park, Birmingham dance, Sat 24 June, Arena Theatre, THE HOMECOMING One day event fea- Wolverhampton turing Acrojou who’ll perform an art

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thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 June Gigs Classical Music Theatre

OUR MAN IN HAVANA CHRISTINA MARTIN Mon CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Based on Gra- CHESTRA 26 June, Kitchen Gar- Featuring Peter Donohoe ham Greene’s hilarious, subversive (piano). Programme comprises Schu- den Cafe, Birminghamr and ever-popular novel, Mon 26 - mann’s Piano Concerto, 31’, Wed 28 Wed 28 June, Lichfield Garrick ANNIE KEATING TRIO AND June, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JASPER CARROTT’S STAND UP & ROCK DANIELLE CAWDELL Tues ENSEMBLE 360 Programme to include 27 June, Kitchen Gar- Mon 26 - Wed 28 June, Theatre Sev- works by Prokofiev, Beethoven, Schu- ern, Shrewsbury den Cafe, Birmingham mann, Roslavets & Kapustin, Wed 28 THE MURDERER BY CLOWN FUNERAL THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS June, New Vic Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Luke Kennard’s darkly comic poem Tues 27 June, The Jam 0RCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTEN- House, Birmingham tells the story of the unusual relation- MENT Featuring William Christie (con- ship between a carer and murderer, DR. DOG Tues 27 June, ductor). Programme includes works and questions how easily we can for- The Rainbow Venues, by Campra, Fischer, Bach & Rameau, give someone, Tues 27 June, Arena Fri 30 June, Symphony Hall, B’ham Digbeth, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton CHRIS HOLMES MEAN SENSE AND SENSIBILITY Preview per- MAN Tues 27 June, The formance of the Crescent’s stage ver- Robin, Bilston sion of Jane Austen’s romantic novel, JACKSON BROWNE Tues Comedy Tues 27 - Thurs 29 June, Crescent 27 June, Symphony Theatre, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham JASPER CARROTT'S STAND UP & ROCK MADAM BUTTERFLY Welsh National THE GOOD SINNERS Wed Mon 26 - Wed 28 June, Theatre Sev- Opera present a classic, traditional 28 June, Eleven, Stoke ern, Shrewsbury staging of Puccini's powerful tale of on Trent Jack Lukeman - Kitchen Garden Cafe betrayal, Tues 27 - Fri 30 June, Birm- JOE LYCETT & PATRICK MONAHAN Tues ingham Hippodrome FLOGGING MOLLY Wed 29 June, Katie Fitzger- ELBOW Fri 30 June, De- 27 June, Ludlow Brewery, Ludlow, AVENUE Q Little Theatre Company 28 June, O2 Institute, ald's, Stourbridge lamere Forest, South Shropshire Birmingham present an amateur staging of the JACK LUKEMAN Thurs 29 Cheshire RITCHIE BLACKMORE'S Tony Award-winning musical, Tues 27 June, Kitchen Garden THAT'LL BE THE DAY Fri June - Sat 1 July, The Brewhouse RAINBOW Wed 28 June, Cafe, Birmingham 30 June, New Alexan- Genting Arena, B’ham Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY dra Theatre, B’ham SON OF TOWN HALL Wed LA CAGE AUX FOLLES John Partridge, CASH - KEEP IT CASH CABBAGE Fri 30 June, Adrian Zmed and Marti Webb star in 28 June, Kitchen Gar- Thurs 29 June, The O2 Institute, B’ham den Cafe, Birmingham a new touring production of the Robin, Bilston TINA TURNER TRIBUTE Fri smash-hit musical, Tues 27 June - CHANTEL MCGREGOR PAUPER KINGS Thurs 29 30 June, The Belfry, Sat 1 July, Wolverhampton Grand Wed 28 June, The June, O2 Institute, Wellington, Shropshire Theatre Robin, Bilston Birmingham FOREVER JACKSON Fri 30 EDUOARDO NIEBLA Wed ANGLES AND DEMONS Fri June, Prince Of Wales RICKY GERVAIS Tues 27 - Wed 28 28 June, Methodist 30 June, The Place, Centre, Cannock June, Barclaycard Arena, Birming- Church, Ludlow, South Oakengates Theatre, ham Shropshire DEFINITELY BRITPOP Fri Shropshire 30 June, The Road- ANDREW RYAN & JULIET MEYERS Wed 70'S PUNK SPECIAL - THE POPCAAN Fri 30 June, house, Birmingham 28 June, Ludlow Brewery, Ludlow, LURKERS & THE VIBRA- O2 Institute, B’ham South Shropshire TORS LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Fri 30 Thurs 29 June, ROB ROUSE, PAUL THORNE & COMEDY The Iron Road, B’ham JOE SEAGER Fri 30 June, June, The Robin, Bil- The Wightman Theatre, ston CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON DEL CAMINO Thurs 29 Shrewsbury Thurs 29 June, The Glee Club, June, The Jam House, PAUL HENSHAW Fri 30 B’ham Birmingham B'SPOKE Fri 30 June, June, Havana Repub- The Jam House, B’ham lic, Shrewsbury LARRY DEAN & LUKE GRAVES Thurs 29 THREE BLIND MICE Thurs June, Ludlow Brewery, Ludlow, South Shropshire ROB ROUSE, PAUL THORNE, RO CAMP- BELL & GEORGE ZACH Fri 30 June, The Glee Club, Birmingham MICKEY BARTLETT, ALLYSON JUNE SMITH, JOHN LYNN & SIMON BLIGH Fri 30 June, The Comedy Loft, B’ham COMEDY IN THE MET Fri 30 June, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre PRICE (STILL) INCLUDES BISCUITS Fri 30 June, The Sitting Room, Ludlow, South Shropshire PIERRE HOLLINS, SEAN PERCIVAL & JOE ROWNTREE Fri 30 June, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham TONY COWARDS Fri 30 June, The Sit- ting Room, Ludlow, South Shropshire THE KAGOOLS Fri 30 June, Ludlow Elbow - Delamere Forest, Cheshire Brewery, South Shropshire 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26 - 30 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:13 Page 2

Monday 26 - Friday 30 June

THE DREAMBOYS The UK's top male FANNY. A NEW MUSICHALL A new play glamour show, Wed 28 June, The by Carolyn Scott Jeffs which tells the Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, funny and tragic story of her friend, Shropshire Elsie, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 June, Lichfield OCTOPUS Post-Brexit satire exploring Garrick how it feels to be treated like a for- THAT’LL BE THE DAY Classic hits from eigner in your own land... and the the 1950s through to the ’80s, Fri 30 power of punk, Wed 28 June, mac, June, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Birmingham BACK TO SKOOL Surreal evening of in- DIE FLEDERMAUS Welsh National teractive theatre combining arts and Opera present a staging of Johan mischief - and ending with a proper Strauss' popular opera, Wed 28 June, school disco, Fri 30 June, Wulfruna Birmingham Hippodrome (MA) Building, University of Wolver- hampton THE TALES OF DR SEUSS Crazy tomfoolery for younger audiences which fuses music, rhyme and magical characters, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall SHEEP TALES Chris Eldon Lee & Sally La Cage Aux Folles Tongue present the story of shepherding; season by season and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 27 June - Sat 1 July decade by decade, Fri 30 June - Sat Jean Poiret’s hugely popular farce has been delighting audiences 1 July, The Wightman, Shrewsbury UNIVERSE Irish storyteller Clare Mur- across the world for over 40 years. Set in a Saint-Tropez night- phy merges deities, physics and cos- club, it tells the story of the venue’s gay manager, Georges, his ro- mology in a playful exploration of the mantic partner, Albin, and the problems that ensue when beginnings of the universe, Wed 28 Georges' son brings home his fiancée's ultra-conservative par- June, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Dance ents... COMEDY DOUBLE BILL: WHITE BOYS & West End leading lady Marti Webb joins former EastEnder John PLAYLIST A one-man genre-mashing, Partridge and TJ Hooker star Adrian Zmed in this new production word-rhyming, storytelling show RHYTHM OF THE DANCE about music and relationships, Wed Featuring both traditional and current of the Broadway and West End award 28 June, Tilstone Theatre, Wolver- dance styles, Fri 30 June, Lichfield winner. hampton Garrick THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF SUPER STAN Wed 28 June, Stafford Gate- house Theatre FROM RAGS TO RICHES Birmingham Talks Ormiston Academy presents an evening of singing, dancing and acting excerpts from stage and screen THE ECLECTIC POETRY PAGODA Eight musicals, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 June, poets and one MC guide audiences The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham through an afternoon of ‘wonderful wordsmithery’. May contain adult lan- BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM BAFTA guage and themes, Sun 25 June, Award-winning television animation, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton live on stage, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 June, New Alexandra Theatre, Birm- GERMAINE GREER: WOMEN FOR LIFE ON ingham EARTH Candid evening with the agenda-setting author, Thurs 29 DI AND VI AND ROSE Amelia Bullmore’s June, mac, Birmingham play explores friendship’s impact on life and life’s impact on friendship, DIAL MEDICINE FOR MURDER Join doc- Wed 28 - Fri 30 June, The Old Joint tors Harry Brünjes and Andrew Johns Stock Theatre, Birmingham as they delve into the murky world of two of history’s most infamous homi- ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks give a mu- cidal physicians, Fri 30 June, mac, sical mods & rockers twist to the Birmingham greatest love story ever told, Thurs 29 Sheep Tales June, The Place, Oakengates The- The Wightman, Shrewsbury, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July & atre, Telford, Shropshire Fri 14 - Sat 15 July This 60-minute lunchtime entertainment has been described by Film its performers, Sally Tonge and Chris Eldon Lee, as ‘the perfect show for anyone who’s ever worn wool’. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Sally and Chris’s patchwork of words and music presents the sea- JACKIE (15) Biography/Drama. Star- son-by-season, decade-by-decade story of shepherding, includ- ring Natalie Portman, Peter Sars- ing pieces about the severe winters of 1947 and 1963. There’s a gaard. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon description of the art of lambing to enjoy too, not to mention the 26 June chance to learn about the less-than-appealing art of castrating a 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) ram with your bare teeth. Comedy/Drama. Starring Annette Bening, Elle Fanning. Artrix, Broms- Fingers crossed that last item doesn’t put you off your lunch! grove, Mon 26 & Wed 28 June whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26 - 30 June.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2017 14:13 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 June

The Tales Of Dr Seuss Events Festivals Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July DUNSTALL CASTLE OPEN DAY Climb the BARN ON THE FARM FESTIVAL Line up steep staircase to the top of the tower includes Tom Odell, James Vincent, In a writing career spanning 60-plus years, American author to get views across the estate to the Lucy Rose & Amber Run, Thurs 29 Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr Seuss, produced some Rotunda and surrounding country- June - Sun 2 Jul, Over Farm, of the 20th century’s best-loved children’s stories, the most fa- side, Wed 28 June, Croome Park, Gloucestershire mous among which was The Cat In The Hat and How The Grinch Worcester ALSO FESTIVAL Line up includes Stole Christmas!. This lively homage to the great man’s work is THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT Gabby Young, Eckoes, Mad Apple presented by ‘some of Walsall's finest young talent’ and comes SHOW Featuring jewellery-making, Circus & Lubiana, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July, Park Farm, Compton Verney, complete with music, rhymes, ‘crazy tomfoolery’ and magical Dr beading workshops, papercrafts, cardmaking and the chance to sew, Warwickshire Seuss characters aplenty. Fri 30 June - Sun 2 Jul, NEC, B’ham

IN THIS CORNER OF THE WORLD (12a) NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE Animation/Drama. With the voices of Released from Fri 30 June, showing Non, Megumi Han. Foreign language, at selected cinemas subtitled. Electric Cinema, B’ham, Wed 28 June A MAN CALLED OVE (tbc) BABY DRIVER (15) Crime/Thriller. Star- ALL EYEZ ON ME (tbc) ring Ansel Elgort, Lily James. Electric ALONE IN BERLIN (12a) Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 30 June DESPICABLE ME 3 (tbc) SING (U) Animation/Comedy. With the THE HOUSE (15) voices of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon. Artrix, Broms- THE LAST WORD (tbc) grove, Fri 30 June KEDI (tbc)

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