Shropshire Cover August 2019.qxp_Shropshire Cover 22/07/2019 16:07 Page 1

GRACE PETRIEIE RETURNSRETURNS TOTO Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands SHREWSBURY FOLKFOLK FESTIVALFESTIVAL SHROPSHIREWHAT’S AUGUSTON 2019 Shropshire ISSUE 404 AUGUST 2019019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On shropshirewhatson.co.uko.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

LIFE IS A CABARET John Partridge on starring in the legendary Broadway musical TWITTER:@WHATSONSHROPS

TEATIME TIGER... Judith Kerr’s much-loved tale comes to Telford’s The Place FACEBOOK:@WHATSONSHROPSHIRE

UNDERCOVER HIPPY take to the stage at Farmer Phil’s music festival SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Salop Music Centre FP.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 09:45 Page 1 Contents August Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:25 Page 2

August 2019

Contents

Heartbeat Of Home - high-octane international production dances into Wolverhampton - page 26

John Torode Grace Petrie 10 reasons to visit... the list

TV favourite shares top tips at talks politics, musical why you should check out Your 16-page Shrewsbury Flower Show influences and Donald Trump... Ironbridge during the holidays week-by-week listings guide feature page 12 feature page 22 page 38 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 19. Festivals 24. Theatre 33. Film 36. Visual Arts 41. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Ellie Hutchings ellie @whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281706 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Jack Rolfe, Patsy Moss, Ella Mansfield Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolves_Shrops August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 19:10 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

The final frontier Lichfield Cathedral’s Great Exhibition is this year cele- brating the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing with a show that reveals ‘the universe, galaxies, space, creation and light’. Space: God, The Universe And Everything is a stunning visual spectacle created by the award-winning Luxmu- ralis artistic collaboration. The exhibition features inter- nal Son-et-Lumiere, artworks and sound & light installa- tions. It’s available to view on selected dates between 8 & 26 August.

Silverware Central for some of the Company’s dancers in a special Dudley welcomes public performance of a much-loved ballet. Shropshire Festivals? This year’s project focuses on Swan Lake, Reggie, its first ever Events organiser Shropshire Festivals has with a presentation of the production taking Dudley Zoo has welcomed its first ever been shortlisted for two coveted awards. place at Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday Linne’s two-toed sloth - a three-year-old male The company, whose events include Shrews- 23 February. named Reggie who’s joined the zoo from bury Food Festival, Shropshire Kids Festival, Amazon World Zoo Park on the . Field To Fork and Shropshire Oktoberfest, Commenting on the new arrival, curator has been nominated for the LUX Life Global Richard Brown said: “This is a species we’ve Hospitality Awards and in the Midlands Best wanted as part of our expanding animal col- Rural Tourism Business category of the Rural lection for many years, so it’s great we’ve Business Awards. been able to welcome Reggie. Company founder Beth Heath has also been “We know he’ll be a very popular addition shortlisted as a regional finalist for the with our visitors. Hopefully in the future he Female Entrepreneur award at the FL will be joined by a female so that we can be National Awards & Summit. in a position to breed.” We wish Beth and her team all the best and cross our fingers there’ll be silverware aplenty heading to Shropshire! A bridge with no name... A footbridge in Telford is in need of a name - Family-friendly digital and members of the general public are being invited to choose their favourite option from detox day at Hawkstone a shortlist of possibilities. A brand new family event is coming to Shrop- The footbridge opened last year, with 200 shire this month. school children given the challenge of com- Boots And Roots is a ‘digital detox’ day out, ing up with a selection of names, from which where families can get involved in activities people can now choose a winner. including den-building, crafts, messy play, To cast your vote, visit telford.gov.uk/foot- gardening, cooking, sports and plenty more. bridgevote. Voting closes on 30 August. Making dreams come true Family-friendly caterers will also be onsite, Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) is once again offering ‘great home-cooked food at easy- running its large-scale performance project, going prices’. Dreams. The event takes place at Haughton Farm, just The initiative offers ballet students of all ages outside Shrewsbury, on Sunday 19 August. the chance to perform on stage alongside 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 19:10 Page 2

First Word

Knife Angel statue coming home to Shropshire Telford’s Southwater Square will next spring play host to the Knife Angel, a 27ft sculp- ture made by artist Alfie Bradley at the British Iron- work Centre near Oswestry in Shropshire. The sculpture, comprising tens of thousands of knives confiscated by or surrendered to police forces across the country, has been described by its creator as “a monument against violence and aggres- sion”.

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

Top Trumps at Shrewsbury Wacky Races back in 2020 the motor show Wacky Races is making a return to Shrewsbury in 2020. This year’s Lancaster In- The inaugural event earlier this year proved so successful that its surance Classic Motor organisers had no hesitation in firming up their long-held intention of Show at Birmingham’s hosting a follow-up event. Christmas Slade NEC is taking as its theme It will take place on Sunday 24 May next year. The local band who sang the iconic card game of The 2019 event saw 35 soapboxes designed by businesses, families everybody’s favourite Christ- Top Trumps. and individuals taking part in some crazy racing in the town’s Quarry mas song are playing Birming- Motoring enthusiasts will Park. An impressive 12,000 people turned out to enjoy a day of fun in ham’s O2 Institute2 this festive be able to enjoy the game the sun. season (22 December). in a number of ways as Black Country glam-rockers they explore the show’s Slade scored a massive hit in various displays. 1973 with Merry Christmas Commenting on the news, Everybody, a song that Show Director Lee Masters remains so popular it gener- said: “We’re hoping every- ates an estimated £500,000 one involved in the show, per year in royalties. but especially the vehicle Indeed, vocalist Noddy Holder clubs, will be just as ex- has even referred to it as his cited by the Top Trumps pension scheme! theme as we are.” The show takes place at the NEC from 8 to 10 November. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 19:10 Page 3

First Word

Big feast of arts fun in the Potteries Stoke-on-Trent’s biggest outdoor arts festival, The Big Feast, once more takes over the streets of the city centre on Friday 23 & Saturday 24 August. Following the success of last year’s get-together, which saw nearly 20,000 people enjoy a variety of arts presentations, the event is returning in 2019 with a jam-packed pro- gramme of entertainment - from cutting-edge circus and dance to musical walkabout acts and interac- tive shows.

West Midlands Outdoor Cluedo in Wolverhampton Light House cinema parks compete for A giant outdoor version of the popular board game Cluedo will be fundraiser ball... national title taking place across Wolverhampton on Saturday 7 September. The Black Country’s only indepen- Set in the fictitious town of Millingham, CluedUpp is a new game Twenty-four parks in the West dent cinema, Wolverhampton’s that unfolds virtually - via an award-winning app - and sees teams Light House, is holding a Midlands are vying for the title of ‘detectives’ being tasked with ‘cracking the case’ by tracking of UK’s Best Park. Fundraiser Ball on Friday 6 down witnesses and eliminating suspects. September. And they need your vote! The game is entirely self-guided on the day, and it’s expected that You can vote for your favourite The venue, which is a registered more than 100 detective teams will take part - so book your ticket charity, is raising funds to support park until noon on Monday 19 asap at cluedupp.com August by visiting fieldsin- the #LoveLightHouse campaign, trust.org/best-park/west-mid- set up to enable the continuation lands of its programme of films and Birmingham Weekender returns events. Birmingham Weekender is returning with three days of free perfor- The Ball is being held in Light Soap star set to mances in Digbeth from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 October. House’s covered Victorian court- A collaboration between individual artists and regional arts organ- yard and features drinks on get nasty in isations, the event is being organised by Culture Central - a ‘collec- arrival, a two-course meal and Stafford panto tive voice’ for arts & culture in the city - and aims to ‘shine a light entertainment throughout the EastEnders and Coronation on Birmingham’s rich arts and cultural offer’. evening. Street actor Ian Reddington Commenting on the festival, Culture Central’s Director, Steve Ball, For more information, email will star as Captain Hook in said: “We will be programming innovative works and new commis- [email protected] or ring Stafford Gatehouse’s 2019/20 sions, all with the aim of highlighting the fantastic wealth of artists 01902 716055. pantomime production of Peter and cultural organisations - of all sizes - that exist in our city, as The deadline for booking tables is Pan. well as encouraging family audiences to visit Digbeth for what will Wednesday 14 August. Commenting on the news, Ian be an unforgettable festival experience.” said: “This will be my fourth Broadway Brunch pantomime. I love doing them. at the Bohemian Do not consider yourself an actor until you’ve done a pan- A show which promises to take its tomime! They are strange but audience on a musical journey fabulous pieces, and the best through some of Broadway's most parts are always villains, so I’m famous songs returns to Wolver- delighted to be playing Captain hampton’s Bohemian venue on Hook!” Sunday 25 August. Peter Pan opens at the Gate- The Broadway Brunch will also house on Friday 13 December include the chance to enjoy bot- and runs until Sunday 5 Jan- tomless pizzas, dough balls, chips, uary. bellinis and mocktails. For more information, visit the Broadway Brunch’s Facebook page. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 19:10 Page 4 Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:20 Page 1

Come to the Cabaret!

The landmark musical visits the Midlands next month, with West End star John Partridge taking on the iconic role of Emcee. What’s On spoke to the former EastEnders actor and MasterChef winner to find out more...

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Cabaret.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:21 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food August Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:45 Page 1 Food August Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 12:45 Page 2

Food

brought welcome bursts of colour to the plate. The meat itself was cooked well and featured crispy skin - always a plus in my book! The lamb was cooked to absolute perfection, showcased a melt-in- the-mouth texture and was accompanied by a sizeable portion of jersey royals, braised gem lettuce, peas, smoked bacon and turnips. I didn’t get much from the lamb jus, but all in all it was a beautiful dish, and one that I’d certainly recommend. The quality of the produce at The Clive Arms really does shine through - and as well as being downright delicious, every dish presented to us was visually stunning. There’s a cheese menu (customers can order a three, four or five-cheese platter with REVIEW: The Clive Arms accompaniments) as well as a full dessert menu. After catching Fresh, quality produce at ‘farm to fork’ Ludlow favourite a glimpse on a neighbouring table of two delectable-looking Previously known as The Clive ment we arrived. As well as the sauce. The stunning beer-pickled options, we thought we’d follow Restaurant with Rooms, The rear courtyard, there are tables onions and the tasty black suit. The first of the two was Clive Arms, just west of Ludlow, and chairs on the grass to the pudding hash gave the dish named Red Velvet and featured a has recently reopened following front of the restaurant. added substance. tasty mix of nicely cooked micro an extensive refurbishment. We visited on a sunny evening, Across the other side of the table sponge pieces, creamy ruby The popular venue boasts fresh, so not surprisingly every spot was the ravioli dish, which just chocolate shards and a butter- new open-plan dining and bar was taken. Inside, a variety of topped it for me - in fact, it was cream sorbet. The second dish areas, an additional three seating options were available, probably my favourite dish of the was a coffee soufflé served with bedrooms and an impressive from comfy tub chairs in canary evening. The soft and ever-so- biscotti and salted caramel ice outdoor eating terrace. The new yellow to deep blue leather moreish ravioli sat atop a spiced cream. Although I would’ve liked layout includes a main 40-cover upholstered booths. tomato fondue. A creamy and the soufflé to boast a more restaurant, with further dining We started the evening’s strong-flavoured langoustine intense coffee flavour, it was opportunities offered in the proceedings with two cold pints bisque and salty samphire added devoured nevertheless. extended bar area, snug and of Staropramen whilst perusing an extra touch of magic. The I thoroughly recommend a jaunt lounge. the all-day menu and the pasta itself was cooked perfectly, into the countryside to visit The The menus, which comprise evening à la carte menu, which as was the mouthwatering crab & Clive Arms - the friendly service, breakfast, lunchtime, dinner and featured four starters and four scallop concoction. The flavour stylish interior and high-quality cheese - feature food predomi- main courses. combination was one of dreams. and flavoursome food certainly nantly from the estate’s own To begin, we opted for the cider I could have eaten it three times make for a very enjoyable experi- farms and Walled Garden. The poached pig cheeks and the crab over! ence indeed. Lauren Foster chef also makes the most of the & scallop ravioli. Served along- For my main course, I ordered Food: nnnnn inn’s sister business, Ludlow side beer-pickled onions, black rump and neck of lamb (sourced Service: nnnnn Farmshop, which houses an pudding hash, crispy bacon and from the farm), while my partner Ambience: nnnnn array of artisan producers, cider sauce, the pig cheeks were chose guinea fowl supreme. The Overall value nnnnn including a bakery, dairy and divine. Cooked nicely and show- latter was served with butter OVERALL nnnnn butcher. casing a sweet flavour, the meat poached potatoes, watercress My partner and I were welcomed perfectly matched its accompani- purée, heirloom carrots and The Clive Arms into the aesthetically pleasing ments. The crispy bacon added a tarragon sauce. The carrots and Bromfield Road venue with open arms and made welcome salty flavour, to balance purée not only added a sense of Ludlow SY8 2JR to feel welcome from the mo- out the sweetness from the cider freshness to the dish but also Tel: 01584 856565 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 John Torode.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 15:30 Page 1

The master of all chefs...

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

by Lauren Cole

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

Australian chef John Torode has lived in the so that’s a long time to work in a kitchen. The sources, and I don’t wish to take that away UK for many years, becoming a household break is nice. It means I can take my time to from anyone, but I think every so often we name as a judge on MasterChef. This month, pass on a bit of knowledge to other people, like could think, ‘I probably don’t need that’. I’m as he takes Shropshire down under, as he cooks at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I think guilty as everybody else of overeating, so it’s up a storm headlining the Food Hall stage at passing on that knowledge is more important something we all need to think about.” Shrewsbury Flower Show. now than ever. Getting people involved and The biggest mistake we make when cooking, excited about cooking is key.” “The Flower Show is full of variety,” says John. says John, is over-complicating our food: “The “Once you’ve entered, you can just wander There’s still a lot of confusion in John’s mind best dishes are those that are simple. Anything past the cookery demonstrations and get about why we don’t champion our own that’s difficult to consume is because people something extra out of it aside from the produce here in the UK: “You guys are really have made it far too complicated with far too horticultural aspect of the show. I think it’s a rubbish at talking about your own produce! many flavours, which then all clash. A piece of great event!” When I came to the UK, I was keen to discover fish with a little bit of rosemary and a glass of all about your food. I was so impressed with all wine is all you need sometimes. Food is the So what can we expect from John’s demos? the meats you have, particularly rare breeds. I same as art or music in that respect. If you “I’ll just be going back to the real basics of how was shocked when I spoke to farmers and they tried to mix every genre of music together, and why we cook. Plus, how the world is told me that you guys rarely use the stuff and from classical to punk to grime and reggae, changing and how food is changing with that. often buy it from elsewhere. I just never got it. then put them all into one song, you would I want to go back to the basic ingredients and You have great crabs in , oysters in Scot- hurt everyone’s ears. It’s the same with food. help people discover how to treat them. land, fish in the North East - you’ve got lovely Putting too many different things on one plate kippers and smoked haddock, some of the best simply doesn’t work and is often a little bit “There’ll also be a little bit of Asian inspiration smoking and curing of meats and fish - and frightening too. I think a lot of people are in there, as that’s really in keeping with just the most brilliant strawberries in the scared of cooking because they think good modern cooking and what a lot of us are world! Your raspberries are incredible too, and food has to be complicated.” wanting to cook. I want people to understand the asparagus grown here is definitely the best Anyone looking to be a success in their own how to make good food that everyone wants to in the whole world. You guys are just terrible at kitchen can start by learning five particular eat without the fuss.” shouting about it, and now here I am, an skills, says John... Not surprisingly, food is a huge driving force in Aussie, doing it for you!” “Go back to basics, start right at the beginning John’s life: “I started cooking when I was Quality over quantity is John’s food motto: “My and get a good foundation. There are five basic really, really young. I cooked with my grand- advice is to buy quality rather than just going things people should know: how to make a mother when I was about six, and I’ve just for the cheapest option, cook it well and then really good stew, which can then be turned learnt and developed from there. I started eat smaller quantities of the meat, to share the into a pie or a ragu for pasta, as that teaches cooking professionally when I was 17, doing an cost out a bit more. For example, if you buy a you how to flavour properly and is really versa- apprenticeship in Australia. I like how cooking quality steak, it can easily be shared between tile; how to roast a joint of meat, whether that inspires travel and happiness and gets people two people rather than just being for one. I be chicken or otherwise, and then you can smiling. I love having a barbie outside, or a think the more we think about what goes in slowly add in the side dishes; how to make a nice warm roast on a winter’s day. I just love our mouths, the more conscious we will be of great tomato sauce, which can then be used how food gives people a sense of calm and food quality in general. Food consciousness for pasta, pizza bases, put over a piece of fish, such a good feeling. That’s what really inspires really fascinates me. We wouldn’t pour chemi- served with a piece of meat or turned spicy me: food is a great language within itself.” cals and acids all over our hands, but we don’t with some chillies or BBQ flavouring; how to seem to think about the consequences of Although John loves food as much as he ever make a sponge pudding; and last of all, every- putting similar stuff into our stomachs. People did, his days of cooking in restaurants are now one should know about custard because that look after their skin with all kinds of products behind him: “I’m old! Anyone who’s a chef one basic technique can become ice cream, a and then go to the shop to buy the worst kind knows that you spend your time doing ‘all-day- filling for a tart, or it can just be served over of processed junk in the world to eat. It’s ers’ - starting at 7am in the morning and finish- your sponge pudding. If you know those five madness. We don’t seem to consider what we ing at midnight. When you’re a parent, you things, you’ve grasped the basics of cooking. put inside our bodies as much as what affects can’t do those sorts of hours anymore because Then you can really start to change and build the outside. I definitely think it’s something we you’d never get to see your family, and it’s on those techniques. You can become very, all need to think about more. completely exhausting. I still cook every single very good at many different dishes just by day, so I haven’t stepped away from the stove “I don’t think meats are just an environmental using those five things as a starting point.” in that regard; I just don’t cook in restaurants issue. I’m not a politician and won’t be stand- anymore. But that doesn’t mean that I won’t do ing on my soapbox talking about scientific it again. proof of environmental damage, but the fact is, John Torode takes to the stage in the Food “Being behind the stove all the time is really as a nation, we eat too much, full stop. It’s not Hall at Shrewsbury Flower Show on Friday hard work. I mean, I was cooking profession- just an issue with meat. We eat too much and 9 & Saturday 10 August. To see the full ally for 33 years before I stepped away from it, we waste far too much, too. We’re a nation who programme or to book tickets, visit is very fortunate indeed to have so many re- shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Dog Friendly Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:43 Page 1 Dog Friendly Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 11:43 Page 2

by Abi Whitehouse it’s a dog’s life Here are just some of the positively pawfect venues that you and your furry friend(s) could visit this summer...

The Unicorn Inn This family-run pub and B&B is situated in the Shropshire market town of Ludlow. Bursting with character and boasting oak floors and a huge fireplace, it’s the perfect spot to stop off when exploring the surrounding region. The highly commended venue has three dining areas to choose from, each with its own individual charm. There’s also an outside seating and garden area overlooking the river - perfect for warm summer days and balmy summer evenings. 66 Corve Street, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1DU

The Peach Tree The Peach Tree is located opposite the historic Abbey Church and just a short walk from Shrewsbury’s town centre. The restaurant serves food all day every day, offering everything from coffee & cake to an evening à la carte menu. Customers can take advantage of the venue’s popular outdoor seating area. And there’s no need to worry about your pooch - blankets and treats are available on request! 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY2 6AE

The Gate Plume of Feathers The Gate Inn is a Owned by actor Neil Morrissey, Plume traditional English of Feathers sits next to the canal in the pub located just a village of Barlaston, just a short drive short drive from from Trentham Gardens. Tamworth’s town The gastropub’s menu features a wide centre and offering range of homemade dishes, all of good pub grub and which make use of fresh local an impressive produce. The bar offers several ales to selection of drinks. try out, including some of Neil’s very The sun-trap beer own beers! garden and kids’ Station Road, Barlaston, play area means the Staffordshire, ST12 9DH whole family can enjoy a visit. The pub even holds The Vine an annual dog show to raise funds Located on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, The Vine is for a local dog a country pub with plenty of rustic charm and a great re-homing charity. garden to match. If that’s not dog- The venue caters for all needs, with a range of menus to friendly, we don’t suit a variety of dietary requirements. know what is! Taking great pride in being a dog-friendly hostelry, The Vine will provide your furry companions with a bowl of Amington, water and, if they’re lucky, maybe even a treat or two! Tamworth, B77 3BY High Street, Wombourne, Wolverhampton, WV5 9DT

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

HOME OF METAL

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

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

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

by Lauren Foster

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Festivals August (Wolves).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:32 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August (Wolves).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:32 Page 2

Festivals

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals August (Wolves).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:32 Page 3

20 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August (Wolves).qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:32 Page 4

Festivals

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

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

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

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

by Lauren Foster

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

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 2 Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:20 Page 1

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

Birmingham welcomes stand-up legend, “I feel like we’re at a time when half of the UK tive statement across borders. I spent a few actor and political activist Eddie Izzard next and half of the US have decided to return to months in Paris and also in Germany and month. Fans of Eddie’s alternative comedy 1930s’ politics, so I’ve taken a word from started doing the show in French and German revel in the stream-of-conciousness style that another language and used it in a very before going into English. I also want to often results in surreal and fantastical side- positive way because I’m very against the perform in as many countries as possible, splitting moments. The show he’s presenting, whole Trump and Brexit hate towards foreign- especially seeing as when I started in Wunderbar, is most likely his final comedy ers. So I’ve done this show in English, French stand-up there were a lot of places I couldn’t hurrah before he embarks on a career in and German - improvising in all languages as perform because of the Iron Curtain.” politics. well - because I just wanted to make a posi- Eddie Izzard.qxp_Layout 1 23/07/2019 09:21 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The Wunderbar tour has already been to character work that I loved. But overall, feminine or calling them masculine for not Australia, New Zealand, parts of Europe and Python was really the bedrock of my liking heels and makeup. When I came out as the United States. influences. My stand-up really is based on a transgender in 1985, I’d known since I was narrator I’ve developed that talks to the four - so since 1967. By then I just wanted to “I want to stand to be an MP, so I wanted to audience, and then doing these little sketches express myself and be honest about who I make sure this show had a comprehensive that I think are quite Python-esque.” was. I’m under the impression that this kind span of time and goes all the way from the Big of thing must be genetic, must be coded into Bang up to the present day. My fear of the Eddie finds it interesting to compare the who you are as a person. You don’t just get up universe is there, so I’ve got my own feeling average age of his audiences in different one Tuesday and decide that’s who you are; about how the universe works - and how I countries: “I don’t think audiences have you’ve always been that way. We’re not choos- understand it - in the show too. I’m not sure if changed that much over the years in Britain. ing a different lifestyle, we’re just expressing my thinking about the universe is 100% I think we’ve always been pretty switched on, what’s inside us. Some women like to throw correct, but who knows!” and I always assume the intelligence of the on heels and a skirt, and I do too! I remember audience. I also don’t think I appeal to a more Wunderbar doesn’t need to change much thinking when I was a kid that I loved skirts mainstream audience, so people who come to from country to country, as Eddie firmly just as much as girls did, but I also had all my my shows know I’m going to take them in a believes that his humour translates well into a boy’s stuff. pretty weird direction. So my audiences have number of different countries and languages. grown through word of mouth about my “I think that’s perhaps why I’m so keen on “Humour is a human quality that’s the same strange comedy. I think there’s been less of women’s football. I just love how the sport is all the world round. There’s a mainstream this kind of comedy in Central and Eastern full of athletically strong women who, at sense of humour, where comedians talk about Europe, but as younger generations are some points in history, would’ve been called sports stars or take the piss out of people on coming through they’re watching more stuff strange and masculine but now are out there television, brand names in the shops, politi- in English, so the age of my audience is backing themselves and giving their opinions. cal people, that kind of thing. Sometimes different over there, and up into Russia also. It’s now the 21st century and we need more those jokes can’t change country because, The audience is slightly older in Britain examples like women’s football, where apart from the obvious language change, the because they grew up with that Monty Python colour, race, sexuality doesn’t matter; it’s all references to politicians, TV, everyday things, style of comedy. I think it’s interesting about who you are as a person and what you would have to change too. Obviously my because it seems to be that whenever you add to your community. I think they’re a great humour is more alternative, so anyone across start to be popular in a country, that audience example to us all.” the world who has a kind of humour where follows you through.” Charity work is close to Eddie’s heart, but the they like things like Monty Python will like Eddie believes that the state of the nation’s Mandela Marathons were also about inspiring my stuff too. Then you’ve just got to make politics is to blame for the recent rise in the average Joe to get out there and do them- sure your references all match up. homophobia: “In the UK, America and other selves and others some good... “For example, you can talk about KitKats countries across Europe, there’s been this rise “When I thought about doing the Mandela because they’re sold in most places around in the far right like there was back in the ’30s. Marathons it was because I really wanted to the world. If your punchline somehow ends We can see Donald Trump being racist and raise money for a good cause and also to up being something to do with KitKats, you sexist daily. Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson inspire people. I think I look like a pretty perhaps wouldn’t have to change things. You seem to be the best of friends with Trump in average guy. David Beckham looks amazing could say, “I hit him with a KitKat”. But that regard. The politics of the country seems and has amazing fitness, so people almost maybe you wouldn’t be able to say, “I hit him to have given people permission to go back to expect him to be able to do amazing things. with a Curly Wurly” outside of the UK, unless hatred again. We seem to be going back- But people look at me and think, ‘Well, that’s you explained what a Curly Wurly was as part wards, and that’s something we must all fight just a guy!’ I can put a look together and do a of your show. I think I’ve got the hang of against. bit of comedy, but I don’t look like David making my humour quite universal; I just “I ran my 27 marathons in memory of the 27 Beckham. So I’ve had people come to me and have to check my references. If you talk about years Nelson Mandela served in prison in say that they’ve been inspired by what I’ve human sacrifice, everyone around the world South Africa. Of course, I ran with my painted done, and that really is an honour.” is going to know what you’re talking about. nails and, when I came back to the UK, a I’d say 85 to 90% of subjects can travel to For now, touring Wunderbar is Eddie’s focus, friend asked me to go into the school his different countries.” and he would encourage anyone who is, or daughter was at. In the classroom, children of thinks they might be, a fan of his unique style Eddie got his first laugh in front of an eight or nine were engaging in conversation to go along and see the show: “I mean, I see it audience at the age of 12. He abandoned about LGBTQ communities, racism and every night and I still find it funny! Plus, I plans to solely pursue a career in drama and sexism. It’s unfortunate that the simplicity of think this could be my last tour before I go off instead decided to focus on comedy. using hatred to control politics and hate being into politics, so catch me while you can - more powerful than love in politics is on the especially if you’ve seen my stuff before and “Monty Python would really be the central rise at the moment. We need to fight this with liked it.” influence on my career. I wanted to do sketch every breath in our bodies.” comedy originally but I couldn’t really get that going. Then Billy Connolly and Richard Pryor But Eddie also thinks there are some brilliant came through as stand-up icons. Billy really examples of progress being made: “I think Eddie Izzard plays the Alexandra Theatre, had this way of talking to a massive audience we’re at a turning point, where we’re not Birmingham, from Tuesday 17 to Saturday as if it was one on one. Richard had this great judging women for not wanting to look overly 21 September Theatre August Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 10:13 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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

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

by Lauren Cole

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Simon Button & Lauren Cole

Shake your body!

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

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

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

Film

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

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

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in August...

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

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

Film

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

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

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

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

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

Film highlights released in August...

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

EDITOR’S CHOICE

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

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

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

Visual Arts previews from around the region

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

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

Visual Arts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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

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

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

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

Places to visit ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS THIS AUGUST!

National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge The Midlands is home to an abundance of enjoyable and exciting places to visit, catering for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whatever you’re looking for to keep the kids entertained this summer, you’re sure to find somewhere and something that fits the bill. Our What’s On directory features just a selection of the best places to visit across the region this summer.

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

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

Your week- by-week listings guide August 2019 thelist

The Big Feast in Stoke-on-Trent city centre: Friday 23 & Saturday 24 August

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

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

Farmer Phil’s Music Festival at Summer tile decorating at International Festival Of Glass Justin Moorhouse at Gatten Farm, South Shropshire Jackfield Tile Museum at Red House Glass Cone The Brewhouse Arts Centre Fri 9 - Sun 11 August Throughout August Fri 23 - Mon 26 August Fri 30 August

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 1

thelist Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham THROUGHOUT AUGUST Classical THE ELO ENCOUNTER Sat 3 Aug, The THE BOSCOBEL QUARTET Featuring Crescent Theatre, Birmingham ‘inclusion’. Fri 2 Aug - Mon 30 Sept Sophie Barber & Iona Davies (vio- THIRD QUADRANT Sat 3 Aug, Foxlowe Visual Arts lins), Kate Fawcett (viola) & Kinga Arts Centre, Staffordshire The Willow Art Gallery, Gáborjáni (cello). Programme in- New Art Gallery - Walsall Oswestry NIRVANA TRIBUTE Sat 3 Aug, Eleven, cludes works by Haydn & Schubert, Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent KATHLEEN RYAN Installations feature a NEW AUTUMN OPEN EXHIBITION 2019 Sat 3 Aug, St Laurence’s Church, EGO FRIENDLY Sat 3 Aug, Albert’s variety of materials, from cast iron Work showcasing different styles Ludlow, South Shropshire Shed, Shrewsbury and precious stones to found ob- across a wide range of disciplines, PROMS AT THE ARBORETUM Uplifting jects, including bowling balls, until Sat 31 Aug - Sat 19 Oct live performances set to the back- SITHU AYE WITH Sun Sun 22 Sept drop of the Arboretum at dusk, Sat 3 4 Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham SCULPTURE IN FOCUS The trail posi- Wolverhampton Art Gallery Aug, National Memorial Arboretum, HYSTERIA (DEF LEPPARD) Sun 4 Aug, tions a key piece of contemporary MATERIALS AND MAKING Exhibition fea- Alrewas The Robin, Bilston sculpture from the Permanent Collec- turing a selection of sculpture, ce- NATIONAL YOUTH BRASS BAND OF SAGE FRANCIS & B.DOLAN ARE EPIC tion within each of the 10 themed col- ramics, glass, metalware and GREAT BRITAIN Sat 3 Aug, Victoria BEARD MEN Sun 4 Aug, The Hare & lection rooms, until Sun 22 Dec decorative art items from the art Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Hounds, Birmingham gallery’s collection, until Sun 1 Sept Himley Hall & Park, Dudley PAINTED LADIES: AN EXCHANGE OF NEW GARY TILYARD EXHIBITION Sat 24 IDEAS Display of 20th century paint- Comedy Aug - Sun 29 Sept ings depicting women painted by Gigs both female and male artists, until PAUL MYREHAUG, COMEDY CAROUSEL Sun 1 Sept NED DOHENY Thurs 1 Aug, The Hare WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Newcastle Borough Museum PICK OF THE POPS New exhibition in- & Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 1 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham & Art Gallery cludes works by famous Pop artists THE MUMFORD AND SONS EXPERIENCE GORDON SOUTHERN, SAM AVERY, OUT OF THIS WORLD- SPACE RACE TOYS such as Pauline Boty and Andy Thurs 1 Aug, The Robin, Bilston RICHARD MASSARA & HAYLEY ELLIS Touring exhibition looking at toys Warhol, alongside a selection of THE REAL THING Thurs 1 Aug, The Thurs 1 Aug, The George Hotel, from the ’60s and ’70s which were in- rarely-seen pieces, until Sun 1 Sept, Jam House, Birmingham Lichfield fluenced by the space race, until Sun Wolverhampton Art Gallery GORDON SOUTHERN, PAUL MYREHAUG, 1 Sept GRUESOME, ABSOLUTION, VIOLATED WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR FLESH Fri 2 Aug, The Flapper, B’ham ANDREA HUBERT & AURIE STYLA Fri 2 - Annual exhibition, developed & pro- Sat 3 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham duced by the Natural History Mu- SOUZA Fri 2 Aug, The Sugarmill, Potteries Museum & Art MICK FERRY, JULIET MYERS, ANDREW seum, which is visiting Stoke-on-Trent Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ROBINSON & PETE OTWAY Sat 3 Aug, Wolverhampton as part of a world- DEFINITELY MAYBE & ADORED Fri 2 The Comedy Loft, Birmingham SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE.... wide tour and for the first time show- Aug, The River Rooms, Stourbridge Exhibition featuring a display of tof- casing the full collection of 100 fee, sweets and chocolate packaging JOHNNY 2 BAD Fri 2 Aug, The Robin, images and 45 digital shots, until Sun Bilston from the last century, until Sun 8 Sept 1 Sept SETTLING; EXPLORING HUMAN MIGRA- THE PRIMITIVES Fri 2 Aug, O2 Theatre Academy, Birmingham TION Exhibition showcasing the pic- Other VISUAL ARTS ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss tures and stories of those who have RAVE FOR DANNY Fri 2 Aug, The Hare COAST & COUNTRY Hannigan in a new version of the moved to the city from around the Landscapes and & Hounds, Birmingham seascapes by contemporary British much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until world, from the recent past to the LUCINDA WILLIAMS Fri 2 Aug, Birm- Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- present day, until Sun 22 Sept artists from Dorset to the Shetland Is- lands, until Sat 10 Aug, Twenty ingham Town Hall drome MY FAVOURITE RECORD Exhibition of Twenty Gallery, Ludlow MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran images of a group of vinyl record VAN SUMMER EXHIBITION Selected directs a new version of Shake- lovers, each with their favourite speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs record. Using their own words, they work from members of VAN, until Tues 10 Sept, University Centre, 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- explain their choices, until Sun 29 atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Sept Shrewsbury BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of APOLLO 50: COMMEMORATING THE 50TH Shakespeare's romantic comedy, ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MANNED AWARDS EXHIBITION Featuring the 2018 Awards’ winners and com- until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare LUNAR LANDING Multimedia exhibition Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon featuring models and memorabilia mended entries, until Tues 10 Sept, Shake- telling the epic story of the Apollo Jackfield Tile Museum, Telford speare's comedy of gender and ma- programme, until Sun 3 Nov DRAWN OF THE DEAD Selection of SHOP FRONT HEROES Fri 2 Aug, Al- terialism is turned on its head, until Charlie Adlard's original works from bert’s Shed, Shrewsbury the Walking Dead comic series, pre- Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare HAND OF DIMES Fri 2 Aug, Eleven, Qube Gallery, Oswestry sented alongside immersive, set Theatre. Stratford-upon-Avon Sandyford, Stoke-on-Trent NEW THE BIG HOUSE Installation by piece installations created by sculp- THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Australian artists Catherine Blamey tor Andrew Bryden, until Sun 3 Nov, ERADIKATOR Sat 3 Aug, O2 Institute, restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, and Kate Shone, both of whom have Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- family history in Shropshire. Their NEW VICTORIOUS EXHIBITION Exhibition SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 3 Aug, The River ford-upon-Avon work - of copper repousse and celebrating the 200th anniversary of Rooms, Stourbridge VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- stained glass - explores the topic of the birth of Queen Victoria, Thurs 1 SPENCER JAMES Sat 3 Aug, Theatre sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration illegitimacy, the rights of servant Aug - Thurs 26 Sept, Weston Park, Nr Severn, Shrewsbury tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan women and the epigenetic trauma Shifnal, Shropshire Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- arising from the stigma of being ille- THE TONES Sat 3 Aug, Tamworth As- NEW ST IVES & BEYOND - CURATED EX- Avon gitimate in Victorian England, Thurs 1 sembly Rooms HIBITION Mixed show curated by SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK Cele- - Sat 31 Aug BLACK COUNTRY BEATLES Sat 3 Aug, Richard Selby, director of the Redfern bration of the life and career of Rod The Robin, Bilston NEW QUBE OPEN 2019 Display of short- Gallery, Sat 17 Aug - Sat 14 Sept, Stewart, Fri 2 Aug, The Roses The- listed entries to this year’s Open exhi- Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow THE FAUNA / ALL THESE SQUARES / THE atre, Tewkesbury bition, the theme of which is COMMON / DOMINIC EDWARD Sat 3 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August

ANNIE JR Get Your Wigle On present val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, an amateur staging of the much- North Shropshire, Sat 3 Aug loved family musical, Fri 2 Aug, The- THE KID WHO WOULD BE KING (PG) atre Severn, Shrewsbury Comedy/Drama. Starring Louis Ash- GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- bourne Serkis, Denise Gough. Lud- tions present an outdoor staging of low Assembly Rooms, South David Walliams' bestselling tale, Fri 2 Shropshire, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug Aug, Hartlebury Castle, Kiddermin- ster NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: THE HOUSE OF MIRRORS & HEARTS Contemporary musical about a dys- Released from Thurs 1 Aug, showing functional family haunted by their at selected cinemas past, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Aug, Arena Theatre, FAST & FURIOUS: HOBBS & SHAW (tbc) Wolverhampton THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (PG) CIRCUS RAJ Featuring acrobats, aerial- ANIMALS (15) ists, contortionists, a fakir, dancers, musicians, stiltwalkers and costumed BALANCE, NOT SYMMETRY (15) characters, Sun 4 Aug, Midlands Arts CHARMING (PG) Centre, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented by Three Inch Fools, Sun 4 Aug, The Proms at the Arboretum - National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas Dye House, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Events Maltings WW2 IN THE CASTLE Try your hand at Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Dudley firefighting, learn about war-time LEGO CITY Enjoy character appear- SUMMER TREASURE HUNT Follow the communications, have a go at de- ances and new building activities, ex- clues and find a pirate treasure chest coding secret messages and meet plore what a city of the future would in the garden, until Sun 1 Sept, Kids Shows the billeting officer, until Thurs 1 Aug, look like and build an awesome cre- Blakesley Hall, Birmingham IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Igglepiggle, Tamworth Castle ation or several, until Sun 1 Sept, SUMMER OF FUN Featuring a host of Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends LITTLE SKIPPERS: WATERY WILDLIFE A Legoland Discovery Centre, B’ham events, shows, activities and meet & are back in a brand new live show - 45-minute boat trip followed by THE BLACK COUNTRY AT PLAY Celebra- greets, until Sun 1 Sept, Drayton Igglepiggle’s Busy Day!, Wed 31 July things to make and do, until Thurs 1 tion of games and toys from child- Manor Theme Park, Tamworth - Sun 4 Aug, The REP, Birmingham Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust hood to adulthood, until Sun 1 Sept, FAMILY FUN - KNIGHTS, DRAGON AND GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- KIDZ CLUB Discover ‘amazing’ rides, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust PRINCESS TRAINING With the aid of a tions present an outdoor staging of endangered animals and be ready to FREDDO'S TREASURE TROVE Ahoy me dragon’s map, activities and activity David Walliams' bestselling tale, Sat 3 face your VertiGo, until Thurs 1 Aug, hearties! Cadbury’s Freddo has pack, explore the hidden gems, Aug, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffs donned his captain’s hat to show nooks and crannies of the castle SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS youngsters what it takes to become a whilst learning about its fascinating Take inspiration from some of the pirate on the seven seas, until Sun 1 history, until Sun 1 Sept, Ludlow Cas- classic designs at the museum to Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham tle, South Shropshire Dance create your own ceramic master- SUMMER OF SPITFIRE Attractions in- GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Uncover RHYTHM OF THE DANCE A flamboyant piece, until Fri 2 Aug, Jackfield Tile clude cockpit tours of the world’s old- myths and legends, take part in hero festival of flailing feet and fiddles, the Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire est Spitfire Mk 1, daily storytelling sword school and junior jousting, show presents dance, music, songs D-DAY CHALLENGE Take part in a spe- sessions and the chance to grab a until Sun 1 Sept, Stokesay Castle, Nr and culture from across the ages, cial challenge to mark the 75th an- Spitfire selfie, complete with props Craven Arms, South Shropshire from pre-Celtic times through to the niversary of the D-Day landings, until and costumes, until Sun 1 Sept, RAF SPACE RANGERS: ALIEN RESCUE New modern day, Sat 3 Aug, Regent The- Tues 20 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton interactive experience for the summer atre, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton HISTORIC HEROES Uncover inspiring holidays, until Mon 2 Sept, National GET HANDS-ON WITH HISTORY Whether stories and follow in the footsteps of Forest Adventure Farm, Burton Upon it’s learning to sword fight, shooting Black Country heroes, until Sun 1 Trent with a bow & arrow, or transforming Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Film into a little lord or lady, there’s plenty INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: of hands-on fun to keep the kids en- DIEGO MARADONA (12a) Documen- tertained, until Sat 24 Aug, Kenilworth tary/Biography. Old Market Hall, Castle Shrewsbury, until Sat 3 Aug PICTURE THIS! FAMILY DRAWING TOUR FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS (12a) Com- Series of special interactive drawing edy/Drama. Starring James Purefoy, tours for the whole family, until Tues Daniel Mays. Ludlow Assembly 27 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 2 - Sat DESTINATION SPACE: THE MOON Family 3 Aug show to mark the 50th anniversary of YESTERDAY (U) Comedy/Fantasy. Star- the first moon landing, until Fri 30 ring Himesh Patel, Lily James. Wem Aug, Thinktank Science Museum, Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 2 - Birmingham Sat 3 Aug SUMMER EVENTS FOR ADULTS Guided TOY STORY 4 (PG) Animation/Adven- tours by Lady Caroline, who remem- ture. With the voices of Tom Hanks, bers the goings-on in the castle dur- Tim Allen. Old Market Hall, Shrews- ing the Tudor period and beyond, bury, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Aug until Fri 30 Aug, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL (12a) Action/Adventure. Starring Chris SUMMER SMILES Drop-in art sessions Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson. Festi- for all the family, until Sat 31 Aug, Summer Of Spitfire - RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 3

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 4

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August MOON LANDING MAIZE MAZE Find and mals, Thurs 1 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, West solve space-themed puzzles to help Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- the lunar crew fix their spacecraft and wdley, Nr Kidderminster return home safely, until Mon 2 Sept, TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR National Forest Adventure Farm, Bur- Interactive telling of Cinderella. Help ton Upon Trent equip Cinders with everything she PIRATES AND MERMAIDS Join ‘the ulti- needs, then join in the dancing at mate underwater adventure’, until Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 2 Aug, Sun 8 Sept, National Sea Life Centre, Aston Hall, Birmingham Birmingham NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn RETURN TO THE FAIRY BALL Trail and about the nature around you, Fri 2 scavenger hunt in preparation for Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- Arley Arboretum's annual Fairy Ball, ingham until Sun 8 Sept, Arley Arboretum, FALCONRY DAY Meet and have a go at Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster handling Shropshire Falconry’s birds THE FALCONER'S QUEST Up to 70 high- of prey, Fri 2 Aug, Hawkstone Park & flying birds of prey take to the skies Follies, Shrewsbury in a display of aerial acrobatics, until BEETLEJUICE Tim Burton’s hit movie, Sun 3 Nov, Warwick Castle presented as part of the zoo’s film TEACH REX Learn about the evolution festival, Fri 2 Aug, Dudley Zoological of science surrounding the Tyran- Gardens, Dudley nosaurus Rex with the help of ‘some SUMMER LATES Enjoy summer fun for A day out at West Midland very special T-Rex guests’, Thurs 1 a fiver every Friday evening this Aug, The Hangar, Wolverhampton month, Fri 2 - Fri 30 Aug, Black Coun- West Midlands Safari Park, Thurs 1 August - Sun 1 September FAMILY PRINT MAKING WORKSHOP try Living Museum, Dudley Get ‘up close and personal’ with animals from around the world Have a go at drypoint printing, Thurs PROMS AT THE ARBORETUM Live perfor- on ’s four-mile drive-through experience. 1 Aug, Black Country Living Museum, mances set against the backdrop of Not only are there giraffes and lions, elephants and ostriches to Dudley the Arboretum at dusk, Sat 3 Aug, SUMMER NIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL The National Memorial Arboretum, Alre- encounter at the popular visitor attraction, there’s also a festival comes to Kenilworth as part was, Staffs discovery trail that’s home to a number of species, and the chance of its 2019 tour, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Aug, HELP MAKE A CARTOON CARICATURE to enjoy a variety of talks and shows. Kenilworth Castle Join cartoonist Malcolm Whittall to Away from the animals, the safari park features the UK’s largest THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Europe’s pre- help create some ‘wild and wacky’ animatronic dinosaur attraction, an Ice Age experience and Boj’s mier patchwork & quilting show fea- family portraits inspired by the exhibi- Giggly Park. tures displays of textile art and tion, Faces Of Change: Nature's The venue this month brings back its Summer Nights late thousands of quilts from all over the Champions, Sat 3 Aug, Attingham world, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Aug, NEC, Park, Shrewsbury openings (from 1 August to 1 September) and will be staying open until 7.30pm. For further information, visit wmsp.co.uk Birmingham THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT Horror NIMROD TOURS Step on board the movie presented as part of the zoo’s Nimrod XV249 and learn about its in- film festival, Sat 3 Aug, Dudley Zoo- Beauty and the Mermaid Princess for NATIONAL METRO & MINI SHOW Show telligence-gathering role in the Royal logical GardensNationNatio an ‘enchanting indoor picnic packed dedicated to two iconic marques and Air Force, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 Aug, RAF DAY OF DANCE Morris dancing troupes with fun and games, story time, danc- celebrating 60 years of the Mini, Sun Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton from all over the country descend on ing and singalong songs for boys 4 Aug, British Motor Museum, Gay- SUMMER NIGHTS Extended opening the Severn Valley Railway for a day of and girls’, Sat 3 Aug, Theatre Severn, don, Warwickshire hours means there’s even more time dance, Sat 3 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- Shrewsbury to experience the four-mile safari way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster NOT ANOTHER COMIC CON Featuring drive-through and encounter the ani- PRINCESS PICNIC PARTY Join Princess special guests, panels, competitions and a raffle, with proceeds going to Festivals Birmingham Children's Hospital, Sat 110 ABOVE FESTIVAL Line up includes 3 Aug, Aston University Guild Of Stu- Swim Deep, Mystery Jets and Pale dents, Birmingham Waves, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Aug, Gospall CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL One of Hall Farm, Leicestershire Europe’s biggest celebrations of mo- DRUNKEN MONKEY ROCK FESTIVAL Line torcycling through the decades, Sat 3 up includes Coda, Creedence Clear- - Sun 4 Aug, Donington Park, Castle water Review and Sam's Town, Fri 2 - Donington Sun 4 Aug, Wellan Road, nr Upton, INTRODUCTION TO CANAL ART Julie Worcestershire Tonkin, one of the UK's leading canal COOMBE WEEKENDER Line up includes artists, teaches the traditions of folk The Libertines, Tom Grennan and canal art, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Black Circa Waves, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Country Living Museum, Dudley Coombe Abbey, Coventry ROYALS AND ROUNDHEADS Immerse yourself in the 17th century as the English Civil War is reenacted, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- minster Food & Drink ART IN THE PARK 2019 Showcase of SHROPSHIRE FOOD FAIR Featuring local for-sale art, with live demonstrations food & drink suppliers showcasing from Midlands artists and craftspeo- their products, Sat 3 Aug, Shropshire ple, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Aug, Jephson Gar- Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, Moon Landing Maize Maze - National Forest Adventure Farn, Burton-upon-Trent dens, Royal Leamington Spa South Shropshire

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 5

thelist THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by Folksy Theatre, Sun 11 Aug, Bid- Comedy dulph Grange Garden, Stoke-on- MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS & COM- Trent EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 8 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham MATT REED, TANYALEE DAVIS, STEVE HARRIS & DAMIAN CLARK Fri 9 - Sat 10 Kids Shows Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham MADAGASCAR: A MUSICAL ADVENTURE DAVE LONGLEY, CHRIS STOKES, PAUL JNR Join Alex the Lion, Marty the PIRIE & SAM AVERY Sat 10 Aug, The Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Comedy Loft, Birmingham Hippo and, of course, those hilari- ous, plotting penguins as they bound onto the stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime! Fri 9 - Sat 10 Theatre Aug, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham SPECIAL DELIVERY Show without ANNIE Jodie Prenger stars as Miss words fusing puppetry and silliness, Hannigan in a new version of the The Korgis - Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury Fri 9 - Sat 10 Aug, Midlands Arts much-loved rags-to-riches tale, until Centre, Birmingham THE INTERPRETERS Fri 9 RELLA Sat 10 Aug, The Sun 11 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- MR MAGNOLIA Folksy Theatre present Aug, The Night Owl, Sunflower Lounge, drome Gigs an outdoor staging of Quentin Birmingham Birmingham MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Blake’s much-loved adventure, Sat AFTER THE BURIEL, GERMEIN Fri 9 Aug, T.REXTASY Sat 10 Aug, directs a new version of Shake- 10 Aug, Biddulph Grange Gardens, FSTS, GHOST IRIS Mon Scruffy Murphys, Birm- The Robin, Bilston speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs Staffordshire 5 Aug, The Flapper, 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, ingham CARAVAN + LONG Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Family DIARY OF A MADMAN + STRUNG CREATURES Sat show packed with oodles of magic, SKEGGSS Mon 5 Aug, RENEGADES OF RAGE Fri 10 Aug, Eleven, AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of singalong songs and clumsy chaos, The Sunflower 9 Aug, Eleven, Sandy- Sandyford, Stoke-on- Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Aug, The Place, Lounge, Birmingham ford, Stoke-on-Trent Trent until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Telford, Shropshire Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon CHAPTER 13 Mon 5 JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO AESTHETICS + S.T. MR MAGNOLIA Folksy Theatre present Aug, O2 Institute, Fri 9 Aug, The Robin, MANVILLE + JESSIE THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- an outdoor staging of Quentin Birmingham Bilston REED Sat 10 Aug, The speare's comedy of gender and ma- Blake’s much-loved adventure, Sun terialism is turned on its head, until JOE DOLMAN + WILL BIFFY MCCLYRO Fri 9 Cuban Embassy, 11 Aug, Dorothy Clive Garden, Mar- Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- NAISBITT + ELLIE Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham ket Drayton, North Shropshire atre. Stratford-upon-Avon POOLE Tues 6 Aug, The Birmingham THE TEXELS Sat 10 Sunflower Lounge, THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken MICHALE GRAVES Fri 9 Aug, Albert’s Shed, Birmingham restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, Aug, The Mill, Digbeth, Shrewsbury The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- JESSICA LYNN Wed 7 Birmingham HEY PABLO! Sat 10 Talks ford-upon-Avon Aug, The Hare & BEAUTIFUL TRAUMA - Aug, The Flapper, CELESTE BARBER - CHALLENGE AC- Hounds, Birmingham VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- PINK Fri 9 Aug, The Birmingham CEPTED Join the comedian and so- sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration THE KATE BUSH SONG- River Rooms, Stour- JAKE AND THE JESTERS cial media star as she talks about tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan BOOK WITH DEL PALMER bridge Sat 10 Aug, Ludlow some of her most famous images Wed 7 Aug, Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- and the stalkers, fans and comments SUPERCAT Sat 10 Aug, Brewery, South Shrop- Newhampton Arts Avon that get under her skin, Thurs 8 Aug, O2 Academy, B’ham shire Centre, W’hampton PERCY VERE’S ROCKETS AND ROBOTS Birmingham Town Hall PHIL HARRISON - THE ARETHA: QUEEN OF Family show featuring a mad inven- TWELVE TWELVE + P.E.T KORGIS Sun 11 Aug, SOUL Sat 10 Aug, The tor, a rebellious robot and even rock- + THE EARNEST SPEARS Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Night Owl, B’ham ets taking flight!, Mon 5 Aug, The + THE MARILYNS Wed bury 7 Aug, The Sunflower THE HOUSE & GARAGE Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Cabaret PRETTY VILE + KICK Lounge, Birmingham ORCHESTRA Sat 10 Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent THE CLOWN + PELICAAN THE DREAMBOYS ‘The UK’s most- fa- Aug, Digbeth Arena, EVENING OF NEW MUSICAL THEATRE THE BROKEN ORCHES- + SPIT + NAOMI JAN- mous girls’ night out’, Sat 10 Aug, Birmingham Five new works of musical theatre by TRA Thurs 8 Aug, The DIO Sun 11 Aug, The Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent writers from the West Midlands, Tues Hare & Hounds, Birm- DARK SIDE OF THE Sunflower Lounge, 6 Aug, Arena Theatre, W’hampton ingham MOON Sat 10 Aug, Birmingham Newhampton Arts A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Out- CYDONIA KNIGHTS - THE PAT MCMANUS Centre, W’hampton door staging presented by The Lord TRIBUTE TO MUSE Thurs BAND Sun 11 Aug, The Chamberlain’s Men, Tues 6 Aug, 8 Aug, The Robin, Bil- A$TROBOY$ + MAYDAY Robin, Bilston Shrewsbury Castle Film ston + CONOR COLEY + INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Presented FEED ME MILK + HIT YESTERDAY (12a) Comedy/Fantasy. THE FLOOR + DAN PE- by Three Inch Fools, Tues 6 Aug, Powis Castle, Powys Starring Himesh Patel, Lily James. PLOW & MATT MASON + Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, JEN NORTH Thurs 8 AS YOU LIKE IT Outdoor performance Tues 6 & Thurs 7 Aug; Festival Dray- Aug, The Sunflower presented by Rain Or Shine Theatre ton Centre, Market Drayton, North Lounge, Birmingham Company, Fri 9 Aug, Severn Valley Shropshire, Fri 9 Aug Country Park, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET (PG) Ani- Thurs 8 Aug, The Sug- mation/Adventure. With the voices of armill, Stoke-on-Trent BARON STERNLOOK’S IMPROV MUSICAL John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman. For- EFFERVESCENT Fri 9 Improvised musical featuring ‘made- est Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 6 Aug Aug, Albert’s Shed, up songs, gripping drama & outra- geous silliness’, Sat 10 Aug, Arena GOLDFINGER (PG) Action/Adventure. Shrewsbury Starring Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe. Jessica Lynn - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1-11 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:51 Page 6

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 August

Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, ZOO CLUB Activities themed around Tues 6 Aug animals, wildlife, nature and for THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2 (U) Anima- children aged between eight and 14, tion/Adventure. With the voices of Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Aug, Drayton Manor Patton Oswalt, Lake Bell. Festival Theme Park, Tamworth Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, CLAY MAN IN THE MOON Make your North Shropshire, Tues 6 Aug own clay man or woman who lives on THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (U) Animation/Ad- the moon, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 Aug, The venture. With the voices of Chris Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Han- Pratt, Elizabeth Banks. Forest Arts ley, Stoke-on-Trent Centre, Walsall, Wed 7 Aug CREATIVE KIDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES ALADDIN (U) Adventure/Comedy. Star- Programme of events perfect for chil- ring Will Smith, Naomi Scott. Mitchell dren who like to be creative, every Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 7 Tuesday & Wednesday throughout Aug the school holidays, Tues 6 - Wed 28 Aug, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, PATRICK (PG) Family. Starring Sam Burton-upon-Trent Fletcher, Beattie Edmondson. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs 8 Aug YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS' AND CURA- TORS' CLUB Take part in a holiday club THE QUEEN'S CORGI (PG) exploring the past, Wed 7 Aug, Black Animation/Comedy. With the voices Country Living Museum, Dudley of Julie Walters, Matt Lucas. Wem Staffordshire Cycling Festival - Newcastle-under-Lyme Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 9 KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN Aug DAY Treat your very own knights and whole family to enjoy, Fri 9 - Sat 10 princesses to a day of royal activity, Aug, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Festivals RED JOAN (12a) Biography/Drama. Wed 7 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- Starring Judi Dench, Sophie Jack- ULTIMATE STREET CAR ‘The largest, minster loudest, hottest and fastest modified Line up in- son. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South cludes Sabaton, Parkway Drive and Shropshire, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Aug REPTILE ROADSHOW A morning ses- car festival in Europe’, Fri 9 - Sun 11 sion with Simon Airey and his furry Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingbor- Scorpions, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- friends, Wed 7 Aug, Wem Town Hall, ough Catton Hall, Walton-On-Trent, Der- ture. With the voices of Donald byshire North Shropshire HELP MAKE A CARTOON CARICATURE Glover, Seth Rogen. Old Market Hall, LAKEFEST Line up includes Kaiser Shrewsbury, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Aug LITTLE SKIPPERS: FABULOUS FOSSILS A Join cartoonist Malcolm Whittall to 45-minute boat trip followed by things help create some ‘wild and wacky’ Chiefs, Happy Mondays and James, YULI (15) Biography/Drama. Starring to make and do, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 family portraits inspired by the exhibi- Thurs 8 - Sun 11 Aug, Eastnor Castle, Carlos Acosta, Santiago Alfonso. Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust tion Faces Of Change: Nature's Ledbury Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Champions, Sat 10 Aug, Attingham FARMER PHIL'S MUSIC FESTIVAL Line Shropshire, Sat 10 Aug UNICORN RIDES Join the unicorn- themed pony rides through the en- Park, Shrewsbury up includes Lindisfarne, The Neville PEPPA PIG: FESTIVAL OF FUN (U) Anima- chanted woodland in the grounds of ASTON ALIVE: A TASTE OF HISTORY Ex- Staple Band and Slim Chance, Fri 9 - tion/Family. Ludlow Assembly the Arboretum, Wed 7 - Mon 26 Aug, perience a taste of Aston Hall’s past Sun 11 Aug, Gatten Farm, Rat- Rooms, South Shropshire, Sun 11 Arley Arboretum, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- through the history of food and drink, tlinghope, South Shropshire Aug minster Sat 10 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham DRAGON SLAYER Featuring displays of CONVOY IN THE PARK ‘The UK’s NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: fearless horseback fire-jousting, ‘per- biggest celebration of all things truck- ilous’ stunt riding and a ‘dazzling’ ing’, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Aug, Donington Released from Fri 9 Aug, showing at confrontation between Guy and his Park, Castle Donington selected cinemas nemesis, the fire-breathing dragon, STEAM ON THE ROAD Weekend show- THE ART OF RACING IN THE RAIN (PG) Wed 7 - Mon 26 Aug, Warwick Castle casing ‘the very best of steam on the BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A) NATURE DAY: LIVE BUGS! Get up close road and steam on the rails’, Sat 10 - PLAYMOBIL: THE MOVIE (U) with all manner of creepy crawlies as Sun 11 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Sarehole Mill invites you to see the Bewdley Bug Lady. Take part in river dipping SUMMER FESTIVAL Event featuring and finding insects and wildlife food & drink, hand-crafted artisan around the venue, Thurs 8 Aug, Sare- products, street food, live music and Events hole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham children’s entertainment, Sat 10 - Sun SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS FUN IN THE KITCHEN FAMILY EVENT Dis- 11 Aug, World of Wedgwood, Stoke- Take inspiration from some of the cover cookery through the ages and on-Trent classic designs at the museum to have a go at making some historic STAFFORDSHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL Cy- create your own ceramic master- food fit for a feast, Thurs 8 Aug, Harv- cling experience for the whole family, STATFOLD BARN FESTIVAL Brand new piece, Mon 5 - Fri 9 Aug, Jackfield ington Hall, Kidderminster Sun 11 Aug, Newcastle Under Lyme, for 2019, this Staffordshire-based Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire TALL TALES: GOLDILOCKS Interactive Staffordshire family festival will encompass every- thing we love about the British sum- DEER PARK SAFARI Find out about At- telling of the famous story, Fri 9 Aug, THE NATIONAL BMW FESTIVAL Featuring Aston Hall, Birmingham mertime festival vibe, Fri 9 - Sun 11 tingham's deer and take a tractor & more than 1,000 BMWs. Organised Aug, Statfold Barn Railway, Tamworth trailer safari ride to see if you can FRIDAY TWILIGHT - DEATH BY CHOCO- by the BMW Car Club UK, Sun 11 spot them, Tues 6 Aug, Attingham LATE Mr Cadbury and Mr Wonka are Aug, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Park, Shrewsbury about to launch their new chocolate Warwickshire bar...until a family death causes the LUDLOW MAGNALONGA Eight to 10- launch to be postponed, Fri 9 Aug, mile walk through unspoilt country- Food & Drink The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, side with ‘some of the best food & STAFFORDSHIRE VEGAN FESTIVAL A va- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent drink from Ludlow and across the riety of vegan foods, clothing, house- SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of Welsh Marches’, Sun 11 Aug, Shrop- hold, and beauty products available, the country’s premier horticultural shire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Sat 10 Aug, Kings Hall, Stoke-on- festivals, featuring a diverse pro- Arms, South Shropshire Trent gramme of entertainment for the whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:53 Page 1

COMING SOON

SAT 31 AUG

Tues and Wed over August 10am - 3.30pm. Age 7-11 Creative Kids Summer Activities Tickets. £20 per day/disc. available

THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN Fri over August 10am - 12pm Age 0-5 FRI 13 SEPT Family Fundays

Tickets: £5 child, Adults go FREE

30 August, 7.30pm. 14+ Justin Moorhouse: Northern Joker

Tickets: £14 / £5 unwaged SOMEONE LIKE YOU NOW BOOOKING...

SAT 21 SEPT 10 - 14 September, 7.30pm Sat Mat, 2.30pm Mellow Dramatics - Here We Go Again

Tickets: £12 / £10

4 - 6 October, 11am & 1.30pm We're Going On A Bear Hunt LEE MEAD: MY STORY Tickets: £10 SUN 29 SEPT 18 October, 7.30pm Derek Acorah ‘The Eternal Life’ Tour

Tickets: £21

25 October, 7pm RESPECT: THE ARETHA Vienna Festival Ballet - FRANKLIN SONGBOOK Snow White

FRI 11 & SAT 12 OCT Tickets: £18.50 / £16.50 conc.

27 October, 3pm Curly Tales: Jackie & The Beanstalk

Tickets: £6

30 October, 1.30pm THE THREE MUSKETEERS Marty Macdonald’s Toy Machine SUN 13 OCT Tickets: £8.50 Adult / £7.50 Child Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk RIGHT PLACE, WRONG TIME Brewhouse Arts Centre BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent www.lichfieldgarrick.com Staffordshire DE14 1AA LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:53 Page 2

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Classical restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- Music ford-upon-Avon VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced ver- MARTIN FOISSET ORGAN RECITAL Pro- sion of Thomas Otway’s restoration gramme includes works by L.J.A tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Lefébure-Wély, Vierne, Widor, Franck Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- & Saint-Saëns, Sat 17 Aug, St Lau- Avon rence’s Church, Ludlow, South GREASE THE MUSICAL Nikolai Foster's Shropshire brand new production stars Peter GOT TO SING CHOIR: THIS IS US! Back Andre & Ore Oduba who both play by popular demand, a wall of sound Teen Angel at selected shows, Tues awaits you as Got 2 Sing Choirs 13 - Sat 24 Aug, Birmingham Hippo- from across the Midlands proudly drome presents ‘This is Us!’ - a spectacular PRIVATE LIVES Heartbreak Produc- concert of roof-raising popular songs tions present an outdoor staging of with an audience participation finale, Noel Coward's celebrated comedy, Louis Coupe - Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury Sun 18 Aug, Symphony Hall, B’ham Wed 14 Aug, Church Stretton NCO: DREAM, FANTASY, NIGHTMARE School, South Shropshire TONY MCCAROLL Fri 16 ston Featuring Caroline Hobbs Smith THE ADDAMS FAMILY Amateur staging Aug, The Night Owl, Gigs THE VCR, CHARM OF- (Conductor) and National Children's performed by the Gatehouse The- Birmingham FENSIVE & HONEY FAC- Orchestras of Great Britain Under 12 atre Summer School, Wed 14 - Sat THE BLACK SEEDS Tue RHINO AND THE TORY Sat 17 Aug, The Orchestra. Programme includes 17 Aug, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 13 Aug, The Glee RANTERS (FINAL SHOW) Sunflower Lounge, works by Mussorgsky, THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by Club, Birmingham Fri 16 Aug, The Hare & Birmingham Humperdinck, Shostakovich, Her- rmann & Williams, Sun 18 Aug, Folksy Theatre, Fri 16 Aug, The MINAMI DEUTSCH Tues Hounds, Birmingham 58 BLUES BAND Sat 17 Birmingham Town Hall Dorothy Clive Garden, Clive, North 13 Aug, The Hare & BLIND IN BIRMINGHAM Aug, Tamworth As- Shropshire Hounds, Birmingham Fri 16 Aug, Route 44, sembly Rooms WUTHERING HEIGHTS Chapterhouse Birmingham RAKETKANON Wed 14 THE BRYAN ADAMS EX- Theatre Company present an out- Aug, The Hare & DEFINITELY MIGHTBE Fri PERIENCE Sat 17 Aug, door staging of Emily Bronte’s Hounds, Birmingham 16 Aug, The Sugarmill, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Comedy haunting tale, Sat 17 Aug, Hawk- SECRET RULE Wed 14 Stoke-on-Trent THE REGGULITES Sat 17 ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON & stone Park & Follies, Weston-under- Aug, The Robin, Bil- THE STEREOTONICS Fri Aug, The Night Owl, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Redcastle, North Shropshire ston 16 Aug, Eleven, Stoke- Birmingham SON Thurs 15 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham THANK YOU SCIENTIST, on-Trent, Staffs LOUIS COUPE Sun 18 EFFIGY FOR SLEEP, THE BEAUTIFUL WAYS Aug, Albert’s Shed, BARBARA NICE'S SUMMER SPECIAL Fri ARCHETYPE Thurs 15 Sat 17 Aug, Albert’s Shrewsbury 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Aug, The Flapper, ingham Shed, Shrewsbury DANNY WRIGHT Sun 18 Film Birmingham SPICE FOREVER Sat 17 Aug, The Asylum, ANDREW BIRD, JUNIOR SIMPSON, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: PRAM Thurs 15 Aug, BARRY DODDS & ABIGOLIAH SCAMAUN Aug, The River Birmingham TOY STORY 4 (U) Animation/Adventure. The Hare & Hounds, Fri 16 - Sat 17 Aug, The Glee Club, Rooms, Stourbridge JOHN LENNON UK Sun With the voices of Tom Hanks, Tim Birmingham Birmingham TOMMY HUNT WITH THE 18 Aug, The Robin, Allen. Festival Drayton Centre, Market ALMOST EASY Thurs 15 SIGNATURES Sat 17 Bilston TEZ ILYAS, SAM AVERY, STEVE HARRIS & Drayton, North Shropshire, Mon 12 Aug, The Hare & Aug, The Robin, Bil- PIERRE HOLLINS Sat 17 Aug, The Aug Hounds, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE QUEEN'S CORGI (U) Animation/Com- MÖTLEY CRÜDE & POI- ANDREW BIRD, DANNY SUTCLIFFE, edy. With the voices of Rusty Shackle- SON Thurs 15 Aug, The ADAM STAUNTON & CARL JONES Sat 17 ford, Jo Wyatt. Wem Town Hall, North Robin, Bilston Aug, The Slade Rooms, Wolver- Shropshire, Mon 12 - Tues 13 Aug hampton JULIET FALLS & THE THE WIZARD OF OZ (U) Adventure/Family. NAVETTES Fri 16 Aug, TEZ ILYAS, DAVEY ASH, TONY BURGESS Starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan. Albert’s Shed, Shrews- & DAMION LARKIN Sat 17 Aug, Regent Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South bury Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Shropshire, Tues 13 Aug FLASH - TRIBUTE TO SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE QUEEN Fri 16 Aug, The (PG) Animation/Action. With the voices River Rooms, Stour- of Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson. bridge Theatre Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 14 Aug THE SPECIALS LTD Fri MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran 16 Aug, The Robin, directs a new version of Shake- THE FLOOD (15) Drama. Starring Lena Bilston speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs Headey, Iain Glen. Festival Drayton GIANT & THE GEORGES 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- + ED STRONG + AAR- Stratford-upon-Avon shire, Fri 16 Aug RON ARMSTRONG-CRAD- AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of BORDER (15) Drama/Fantasy. Starring DOCK Fri 16 Aug, The Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Eva Melander, Eero Milonoff. Foreign Actress & Bishop, until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare language, subtitled. Ludlow Assembly Birmingham Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 16 Aug BLACK ANGUS (ACDC) THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE MOVIE - ROT- AND SACK SABBATH Fri speare's comedy of gender and ma- TEN ROMANS (PG) Comedy. Starring 16 Aug, The Slade terialism is turned on its head, until Nick Frost, Kim Cattrall. Old Market Rooms, W’hampton Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Aug DEFINITELY MAYBE & The Stereotonics - Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent atre. Stratford-upon-Avon whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:53 Page 3

family comedy family 14+

the tiger who came to tea rob beckett: work in progress stick man Sat 10 & Sun 11 Aug @ Mon 23 Sept @ 8.00pm Sat 28 Sept @ 1.30pm & 4pm 11.30am and 2.30pm Sun 29 Sept @ 11am & 1.30pm

dance music comedy 14+

swan lake islands in the stream Clinton Baptiste in The Wed 2 Oct @ 7.30pm Thurs 3 Oct @ 7.30pm Paranormalist Returns Tues 8 Oct @ 7.30pm

sport music music

an evening with aggers the ultimate eagles the drifters

TWC GP 01454 Wed 9 Oct @ 7.30pm Thurs 10 Oct @ 7.30pm Fri 11 Oct @ 7.30pm

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:53 Page 4

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 August THE CURRENT WAR (12a) YOUNG ARCHAEOLOGISTS' AND CURA- Biography/Drama. Starring Tom Hol- TORS' CLUB Holiday club exploring the land, Benedict Cumberbatch. Old past, Wed 14 Aug, Black Country Liv- Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - ing Museum, Dudley Thurs 22 Aug SLIME WORKSHOP Make your very own gooey slime to take home, Wed NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 14 Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham Released from Wed 14 Aug, showing at selected cinemas LITTLE SKIPPERS: CANAL LIFE A 45- minute boat trip followed by things to ONCE UPON A TIME IN… HOLLYWOOD make and do, Wed 14 - Thurs 15 (18) Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD (PG) COASTER CLUB Become a ride de- GOOD BOYS (15) signer for the day, learn all about how TRANSIT (tbc) Drayton Manor's rides work and enjoy some exclusive ride time, Thurs UGLYDOLLS (U) 15 Aug, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth CASTLE TOURS Take a guided walk Events around the 11th century castle, Thurs 15 Aug, Dudley Castle WATCH THE BIRDIE An old-fashioned TUNNEL TEDS Bring along your furry photographer from the silent-movie friend for a ted-tastic day of bear- era poses volunteers for portraits on themed fun on and around the canal, a vintage paper moon, Mon 12 Aug, Fri 16 Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Trust Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent TALE TALES: RAPUNZEL FAMILY STORY- PLAY IN A WEEK - SHADOWS OF NEVER- TELLING TOUR Interactive telling of the LAND Puppetry workshop using phys- much-loved fairytale, Fri 16 Aug, ical theatre, light and shadow to Aston Hall, Birmingham capture some of the images inspired by JM Barrie's Peter Pan, Mon 12 - THE MURDER OF ALBERT BECKER Thurs 15 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury There's been a murder at the Back to Backs - can you help solve the mys- SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Just So Festival - Rode Hall Parkland, Cheshire tery? Fri 16 Aug, Birmingham Back to Take inspiration from some of the Backs Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Champions, Sun 18 Aug, Attingham classic designs at the museum to Park, Shrewsbury create your own ceramic master- NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn TUSKER'S COLOUR RUN Get as messy piece, Mon 12 - Fri 16 Aug, Jackfield about the nature around you, Fri 16 as can be on this 3.5K charity ROYALTY, CELEBRITY AND THE PRESS Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- fundraising colour run around the Enjoy an afternoon tea and find out ingham Onny Meadows, Sat 17 Aug, Shrop- about the relationship between the MAGICFEST BIRMINGHAM Players come shire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven press and some of our most pho- together to play Magic: The Gather- Arms, South Shropshire tographed figures, Sun 18 Aug, The ing, ‘the world’s most popular trading THE BEWONDERMENT MACHINE The Be- Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Han- card game’, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, wonderment Machine is an artist-built ley, Stoke-on-Trent NEC, Birmingham cycle-powered carousel, ‘a kinetic THE WESTERN MOTORHOME SHOW One public sculpture and a magical jour- of the UK’s largest annual country & ney for small children’, Sat 17 - Sun western festivals, Fri 16 - Sun 18 Aug, 18 Aug, Midlands Arts Centre, Birm- Festivals Three Counties Showground, ingham JUST SO FESTIVAL The multi award- Malvern MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS Sat 17 - winning Just So is dedicated solely to DEER PARK SAFARI Find out all about THE MONSTER Following last year’s Sun 18 Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, children and their families, offering Attingham's deer and take a tractor & sell-out weekend, The Monster re- Wellingborough astonishing arts, unique experiences trailer safari ride to see if you can turns for another knock-out event, Fri VINTAGE AND HANDMADE FESTIVAL Fea- and the chance to see the best in spot them, Tues 13 Aug, Attingham 16 - Tues 20 Aug, NEC, Birmingham turing all things retro vintage and new outdoor arts each year, Fri 16 - Park, Shrewsbury Sun 18 Aug, Rode Hall Parkland, ARE WE ALIEN? Two alien visitors use one-off handcrafted pieces, Sat 17 - Scholar Green, Cheshire COASTER CLUB Become a ride de- humour, physical theatre and impro- Sun 18 Aug, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolver- signer for the day, learn all about how vised games to make friends and hampton Drayton Manor's rides work and prompt the question ‘are we alien?’ MÜLLER GRAND PRIX BIRMINGHAM enjoy some exclusive ride time, Tues Sat 17 Aug, The Potteries Museum & Bringing the very best athletes in the 13 Aug, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent world to the Midlands for one jam- Tamworth Food & Drink F.A.B. THE STORY OF THUNDERBIRDS packed afternoon of top-quality ath- GIN & JAZZ CLUB Start your weekend CRAFT ACTIVITY: SPACE ROCKET HATS Talk by Andrew Lound tracing the his- letics, Sun 18 Aug, Alexander off the right way; with a gin cocktail in Get creative with a range of materials tory of the iconic Thunderbirds TV se- Stadium, Birmingham and make a rocket hat ready to blast hand, listening to the best live jazz ries. Complete with music, rare 'MORRIS GANG' DANCING Blists Hill Mor- off to the moon, Tues 13 - Thurs 15 around at mac's new Gin and Jazz images and models, Sat 17 Aug, The ris Gang entertain the crowds with Aug, The Potteries Museum & Art Club, Fri 16 Aug, Midlands Arts Cen- Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Han- traditional dances, Sun 18 Aug, Blists Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent tre, Birmingham ley, Stoke-on-Trent Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge STORE STORIES: A BEHIND THE SCENES DR EAMERS' – GIN TASTING Join Dr CRAFT ACTIVITY: BALLOON ALIENS What HELP MAKE A CARTOON CARICATURE TOUR Enjoy a rare opportunity to see Eamers' Emporium founder Jordan do aliens look like? Get creative and Join cartoonist Malcolm Whittall to parts of Attingham usually not open Lunn for an excellent evening of gin design your own alien creation using help create some ‘wild and wacky’ to the public, Wed 14 Aug, Attingham tasting, Sat 17 Aug, Black Country balloons and coloured paper, Sat 17 family portraits inspired by the exhibi- Park, Shrewsbury Living Museum, Dudley Aug, The Potteries Museum & Art tion Faces Of Change: Nature's

whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:58 Page 1

thelist BEESE Sat 24 Aug, Brierley Hill Civic ingham Town Hall Hall, Dudley SAM & MARK LIVE! Children’s TV roy- SEAN MEO, ADAM STAUNTON, ALLYSON alty Sam & Mark, as seen on CBBC’s JUNE SMITH & BARRY CASTAGNOLA Sat Big Friday Wind-Up and Copycats, 24 Aug, The Comedy Loft, B’ham take to the road with a brand new live COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 24 Aug, show, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Aug, Mid- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre lands Arts Centre, Birmingham KANE BROWN, NICO YEARWOOD, SPE- CIAL P, FUNMBI OMOTAYO & JUNIOR BOOKER Sun 25 Aug, The Glee Club, Talks Birmingham WOLVES FANCAST LIVE Join the gang as they discuss all the latest goings- on at Molineux, Fri 23 Aug, Arena Theatre Theatre, Wolverhampton A COMEDY OF ERIC'S Blackadder meets Carry On in a night of comedy featuring the greatest hits of the Film 1960s, Mon 19 - Sat 31 Aug, New Vic Theatre. Newcastle-under-Lyme INDEPENDENT LISTINGS STAN AND OLLIE (PG) Biography/Com- SINGIN' IN THE RAIN The Alexandra Theatre's Stage Experience show- edy. Starring Steve Coogan, John C. Reilly. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, British Sea Power - Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton cases the talents of young West Mid- lands performers in a major Tues 20 Aug BLAZE BAILEY Sat 24 Aug, Eleven, production supported by a profes- THE QUEEN'S CORGI (U) Gigs Stoke-on-Trent sional creative team, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Animation/Comedy. With the voices THE COLOUR SIX Sat 24 Aug, The Aug, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham of Rusty Shackleford, Jo Wyatt. Festi- BRITISH SEA POWER Wed 21 Aug, World Bar, Resorts World, B’ham THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- North Shropshire, Tues 20 Aug SKABUCKS Sat 24 Aug, The Castle & Folksy Theatre and featuring live hampton Falcon, Birmingham music, audience interaction and SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE SKINNY MOLLY FEATURING MIKE ESTES ‘downright silliness!’, Thurs 22 - Fri (PG) Animation/Action. With the SONIC BOOM Sun 25 Aug, Albert’s Wed 21 Aug, The Robin, Bilston 23 Aug, Wightwick Manor, Wolver- voices of Shameik Moore, Jake John- Shed, Shrewsbury TECH N9NE Wed 21 Aug, O2 Institute, hampton son. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Wed DEFINITELY MIGHT BE + ADORED Sun Birmingham THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Presented by 21 Aug 25 Aug, The Robin, Bilston REMODE - TRIBUTE TO DEPECHE MODE Folksy Theatre, Sat 24 Aug, Mar- UGLYDOLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. GENE GENIE & THE LEMON SQUEEZERS Thurs 22 Aug, The Robin, Bilston tineau Gardens, Edgbaston, B’ham With the voices of Kelly Clarkson, Sun 25 Aug, The River Rooms, Stour- BILLY LIAR Ambient Productions pre- Nick Jonas. Mitchell Arts Centre, ANDERSON .PAAK & THE FREE NATION- bridge Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 21 Aug ALS Thurs 22 Aug, O2 Academy, sents its version of Keith Water- Birmingham house’s fantasy drama, Sat 24 Aug, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON: THE HID- Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock DEN WORLD (PG) Animation/Action. HARD GRAFT Fri 23 Aug, The World With the voices of Jay Baruchel, Bar, Resorts World, Birmingham Classical Music AS YOU LIKE IT Outdoor performance presented by Rain Or Shine Theatre America Ferrera. Forest Arts Centre, FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 23 Aug, The Robin, CBSO: ELGAR'S CELLO CONCERTO Fea- Company, Sun 25 Aug, Wenlock Pri- Walsall, Thurs 22 Aug Bilston turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- ory, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- ANNA (15) Action/Thriller. Starring THE MAJOR TOMS Fri 23 Aug, The tor) and Sheku Kanneh-Masonė shire Sasha Luss, Helen Mirren. Festival Night Owl, Birmingham (soloist). Programme includes works Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, by Howell, Elgar, Knussen and Wein- North Shropshire, Fri 23 Aug TRUMAN DINOSAUR + VELVET TIDES + berg, Wed 21 Aug, Symphony Hall, THE NEW RIGHTEOUS MOOD + SLEEPY Birmingham EVERYBODY KNOWS (15) Crime/Drama. HEADS Fri 23 Aug, The Sunflower Kids Shows Starring Penélope Cruz, Javier Bar- Lounge, Birmingham CBSO: MIGRA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S dem. Foreign language, subtitled. FOURTH Featuring Mirga Gražinyt - TABBY MCTAT Julia Donaldson & Axel A BAND CALLED MALICE Fri 23 Aug, Scheffler's heart-warming tale of Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Tyla (conductor) and Lina ė Shropshire, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug The River Rooms, Stourbridge Dambrauskaite (soprano). Pro- friendship & loyalty, interwoven with PANKAJ UDHAS Fri 23 Aug, Symphony gramme includes works by Ravel, original songs and a sprinkling of BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12a) Biogra- Hall, Birmingham Stravinsky and Mahler, Sun 25 Aug, magic, Tues 20 - Sun 25 Aug, Birm- phy/Comedy. Starring Viveik Kalra, ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Sat 23 Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent CELEBRATING PHIL LYNOTTS 70TH A Comedy Of Eric’s BIRTHDAY - TWO DAY CONVENTION Fri New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 19 - Sat 31 August 23 - Sat 24 Aug, The Actress & Comedy Bishop, Birmingham STEVE SHANYASKI PLUS COMEDY New Vic favourite Eric Smith here makes a welcome return to the stage. This time he travels 400 years back in time to meet his an- BON GIOVI Sat 24 Aug, The Robin, Bil- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & ston COMIC TBC Thurs 22 Aug, The Glee cestor, Edric the Smith, in a show that’s been described as Black- Club, Birmingham adder meets Carry On... THE ESTATES + THE CHASE + SHEMP + THE NEW CONSISTENT Sat 24 Aug, The GARY DELANEY Fri 23 Aug, Foxlowe Actor David Graham’s delightfully dysfunctional character has Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Arts Centre, Staffordshire certainly earned his place in the hearts of New Vic audiences MARTHA REEVES AND THE VANDELLAS STEVE SHANYASKI, CAREY MARX & down the years, having made his first appearance at the venue Sat 24 Aug, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on- COMIC TBC Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug, The way back in 1999. Glee Club, Birmingham Trent A selection of memorable Swinging ’60s numbers should ensure STRING BAND BOOGIE Sat 24 Aug, JONATHAN PIE, JO ENRIGHT, THE RAY- the evening provides plenty of toe-tapping fun. Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolves MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVIEW, WAYNE 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 17:58 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 August

Nikita Mehta. Old Market Hall, KNIGHTS & PRINCESSES FAMILY FUN Shrewsbury, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Aug DAY Treat your very own knights and THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE 2 (tbc) Anima- princesses to a day of royal activity, tion/Adventure. With the voices of Wed 21 Aug, Harvington Hall, Kidder- Awkwafina, Tiffany Haddish. Fri 23 - minster Thurs 29 Aug; Old Market Hall, LITTLE SKIPPERS: WATERY WILDLIFE A Shrewsbury, Fri 23 - Thurs 29 Aug 45-minute boat trip followed by things THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- to make and do, Wed 21 - Thurs 22 ture. With the voices of Donald Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Glover, Seth Rogen. Wem Town Hall, JUNIOR DRAG RACING FUN DAY Featur- North Shropshire, Fri 23 - Sat 24, ing junior dragsters, demonstration Tues 27 & Thurs 29 Aug vehicles, car-crushing monster trucks THE WHITE CROW (12a) and stunts, monster truck rides and Biography/Drama. Starring Oleg other family activities, Thurs 22 Aug, Ivenko, Ralph Fiennes. Ludlow As- Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough sembly Rooms, South Shropshire, MUSIC TECH AND DJ SKILLS FOR GIRLS Sat 24 Aug Opportunity to learn specific skills CAPTAIN MARVEL (12a) Adventure/Sci- around listening for sound quality, Fi. Starring Brie Larson, Samuel L. timing and rhythm. Become familiar Jackson. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, with digital and acoustic sound, re- South Shropshire, Sat 24 - Sun 25 lated tech equipment and DJing, Fri Aug 23 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury TALL TALES: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST STORY TOUR Interactive telling of the NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: much-loved fairytale, Fri 23 Aug, Released from Wed 21 Aug, showing Aston Hall, Birmingham at selected cinemas THE BIG FEAST 2019 Featuring the ANGEL HAS FALLEN (tbc) event’s most jam-packed programme CRAWL (15) yet, including two UK premieres and performances by local, national and PAIN AND GLORY (15) Kate Rusby - Shrewsbury Folk Festival international acts, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Aug, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre der Stadium, Birmingham CAMPER CALLING Line-up includes HAVE-A-GO ARCHERY Try your hand at Skunk Anansie, The Fratellis (pic- archery with a qualified instructor, Sat tured) and Ash, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, 24 - Mon 26 Aug, Shugborough His- Ragley Hall, Alcester Events toric Working Estate, Stafford SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Take inspiration from some of the classic designs at the museum to create your own ceramic master- Festivals piece, Mon 19 - Fri 23 Aug, Jackfield CREAMFIELDS Line-up includes Calvin Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire Harris, Swedish House Mafia and The DEER PARK SAFARI Find out all about SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Chemical Brothers, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Scouting For Girls, Boyzlife and Attingham's deer and take a tractor & Aug, Daresbury, Hills Lane, Cheshire trailer safari ride to see if you can Busted, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Fish SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up spot them, Tues 20 Aug, Attingham Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn includes Kate Rusby, Skerryvore and Park, Shrewsbury BEERMAGEDDON FESTIVAL Line-up in- Grace Petrie, Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, BUILD IT! WORKSHOP Design, build, cludes Face Up!, Kambrium and Left PRODUCT EARTH EXPO 2019 The UK’s West Midland Showground, Shrews- create and experiment with making For Red, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Aug, Stoke only hemp, CBD & cannabis event bury buildings and structures on lots of dif- Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove that highlights the complete business ferent scales, Tues 20 Aug, The Hive, eco-system of the plant, its many va- Shrewsbury rieties, derivatives and uses, Fri 23 - ZOO CLUB Activities themed around Sun 25 Aug, Stoneleigh Park, Kenil- animals, wildlife, nature and zoos for worth children aged between eight and 14 INSOMNIA65 See your favourite YouTu- years, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Dray- bers from across the globe, play ton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth some of the latest games, experience MURDER AT THE CASTLE There’s been virtual reality, relive the past in the a murder at the castle. Use your in- retro zone, and try a new level of vestigative skills to find the culprit, gaming in the tabletop zone, Fri 23 - Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Aug, Tamworth Mon 26 Aug, NEC, Birmingham Castle INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF GLASS CRAFT ACTIVITY: FLYING HELMETS Pre- Festival celebrating and showcasing tend to be a pilot and make your very the skill and innovation of the glass own flying helmet, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 industry and makers, both historic Aug, The Potteries Museum & Art and contemporary, local and interna- Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent tional, Fri 23 - Mon 26 Aug, Red PEPPA PIG MEET AND GREET Peppa Pig House Glass Cone, Wordsley, Stour- and George make personal appear- bridge ances at intervals throughout the day, MÜLLER BRITISH ATHLETICS CHAMPI- Wed 21 Aug, Birmingham Botanical ONSHIPS The best in Britain go head Gardens to head, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Aug, Alexan- International Festival Of Glass - Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:19 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:19 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August THE RONALDOS Sat 31 Aug, Havan Re- Classical public, Shrewsbury SCHILLER/HUMPHREYS PIANO DUET Programme includes works by Mozart, Hindemith, Schubert, Ravel & Comedy Brahms, Sat 31 Aug, St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, South Shropshire DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- SON Thurs 29 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Gigs JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Fri 30 Aug, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- BODEGA / WORKING MENS CLUB Wed Trent 28 Aug, The Hare & hounds, B’ham DANA ALEXANDER, LUKE TOULSON, ONCE AND FUTURE BAND Wed 28 Aug, SIMON WOZNIAK & MIKE NEWALL Fri 30 Castle & Falcon, Birmingham - Sat 31 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham GEOFF TATE - OPERATION MINDCRIME CHRISTIAN REILLY, DANNY CLIVES, OTIZ Wed 28 Aug, The Robin, Bilston CANNELLONI & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 31 ELIZA MAY Thurs 29 Aug, The Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SOULSEARCH LIVE Thurs 29 Aug, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- hampton Theatre Justin Moorhouse - The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent DANNY VAUGHN Thurs 29 Aug, Eleven, MEASURE FOR MEASURE Greg Doran Stoke-on-Trent directs a new version of Shake- Castle, Nr Craven Arms, South speare’s ‘problem play’, until Thurs IAN PARKER & AYNSLEY LISTER Thurs Shropshire 29 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Dance 29 Aug, The Robin, Bilston A DRAGON'S TALE Magical story based Stratford-upon-Avon WONDERLANDS National Youth Ballet MACHINE GUN KELLY Fri 30 Aug, O2 on the legend of the Lambton Worm AS YOU LIKE IT Riotous version of present a programme of original Institute, Birmingham and told using puppetry, changing Shakespeare's romantic comedy, scenery, music and sound effects. works, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Aug, The ANDY CROSBY - ROCKETMAN Fri 30 until Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Suitable for children aged four-plus, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Aug, The River Rooms, Stourbridge Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 29 Aug, The Hive, Shrewsbury HEARTBEAT OF HOME High-octane BEANS + MAKE YOU MELT + GWYNNE THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Shake- dance & music extravaganza fusing Fri 30 Aug, The Sunflower Lounge, speare's comedy of gender and ma- cultures from around the world, Thurs Birmingham terialism is turned on its head, until 29 - Sat 31 Aug, Wolverhampton SUE / MALLAVORA / HIGH KNUCKS Fri 30 Sat 31 Aug, Royal Shakespeare The- Grand Theatre Aug, The Flapper, Birmingham atre. Stratford-upon-Avon DANNY VAUGHN Fri 30 Aug, The THE PROVOKED WIFE Outspoken Asylum, Birmingham restoration romp, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Theatre Stratford, Strat- Film CARTOON VIOLENCE Fri 30 Aug, ford-upon-Avon INDEPENDENT LISTINGS Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury VENICE PRESERVED Fast-paced version MOANA (PG) Animation/Adventure. BRAVADO Fri 30 Aug, Eleven, Stoke- of Thomas Otway’s restoration With the voices of Auli'i Cravalho, on-Trent tragedy, until Sat 7 Sept, The Swan Dwayne Johnson. The Lichfield Gar- CLARION Sat 31 Aug, O2 Academy, Theatre Stratford, Stratford-upon- rick, Fri 30 Aug GANGSTA GRANNY Heartbreak Produc- Birmingham Avon AT ETERNITY'S GATE (12A) tions present an outdoor staging of WAYNE MARTIN BAND Sat 31 Aug, THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN Samantha Biography/Drama. Starring Willem David Walliams' bestselling tale, Sat Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury Womack takes the lead in an adapta- Dafoe, Rupert Friend. Ludlow Assem- 31 Aug, Bodymoor Heath Lane, tion of Paula Hawkins' gripping novel, bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 30 LAURA JANE GRACE AND THE DEVOUR- Kingsbury, Sutton Coldfield ING MOTHERS & FRANK LERO AND THE Mon 26 - Sat 31 Aug, New Alexandra Aug FUTURE VIOLENTS Sat 31 Aug, O2 In- Theatre, Birmingham stitute, Birmingham WEST SIDE STORY Youth production ROBERT OWENS Sat 31 Aug, The Hare reimagining one of the most iconic & Hounds, Birmingham musicals of all time, Thurs 29 - Sat 31 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome THE SOUND OF SPRINGSTEEN Sat 31 Aug, Lichfield Garrick THE BEACH BOYS TRIBUTE SHOW Sat 31 Aug, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Kids Shows South Shropshire MR MAGNOLIA Folksy Theatre present THE SMALL FAKERS Sat 31 Aug, an outdoor staging of Quentin The Night Owl, Birmingham Blake’s much-loved adventure, Tues RAINBOW RISING Sat 31 Aug, 27 Aug, Chirk Castle, Wrexham The Robin, Bilston ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT LET THERE BE DC Sat 31 Aug, Based on the classic children’s book Route 44, Birmingham of the same name, Wed 28 Aug, Mid- AMINGTON BAND Sat 31 Aug, lands Arts Centre, Birmingham Tamworth Assembly Rooms AS YOU LIKE IT Outdoor performance THE UB40 EXPERIENCE Sat 31 Aug, presented by Rain Or Shine Theatre Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Company, Thurs 29 Aug, Stokesay The Ronaldos - Havana Republic, Shrewsbury whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-31 August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:19 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 August PAVAROTTI (12a) Documentary/Biogra- trailer safari ride to see if you can phy. Starring Spike Lee, Princess spot them, Tues 27 Aug, Attingham Diana. Festival Drayton Centre, Mar- Park, Shrewsbury ket Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 30 MOVE IT WORKSHOP Design, build, Aug create and experiment with making THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- vehicles and things that move, Tues ture. With the voices of Donald 27 Aug, The Hive Shrewsbury, Glover, Seth Rogen. Festival Drayton Shrewsbury Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- CLAY DINOSAURS Make your favourite shire, Fri 30 Aug - Mon 2 Sept dinosaur from clay and add texture to it with different dried pasta, Tues 27 - NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Thurs 29 Aug, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Released from Fri 30 Aug, showing at selected cinemas TEDDY BEARS PICNIC If you go down to the Gardens today, you’re sure of a THE INFORMER (15) big surprise... Wed 28 Aug, Birming- A MILLION LITTLE PIECES (15) ham Botanical Gardens THE MUSTANG (15) FAMILY WILDLIFE DAY Family day MY SPY (tbc) based around the popular wildlife school programme, Wed 28 Aug, At- tingham Park, Shrewsbury CASTLE TOURS Enjoy a walk around Events the 11th century castle, Wed 28 Aug, Dudley Castle SUMMER TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS LITTLE SKIPPERS: FABULOUS FOSSILS A Take inspiration from some of the 45-minute boat trip followed by things classic designs at the museum to to make and do, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 create your own ceramic master- Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust piece, Mon 26 - Fri 30 Aug, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge TALL TALES: CINDERELLA STORY TOUR An interactive telling of Cinderella. Pirates And Mermaids DEER PARK SAFARI Find out all about Help equip Cinders with everything National Sealife Centre, Birmingham, until Sun 8 September Attingham's deer and take a tractor & Avast, me hearties, it’s time to get yer timbers well’n’truly shivered by visiting the Sea Life Centre, joining a team, hunting for buried treasure and picking up a prize if you find all the booty! And that’s not all... Visitors can also meet the Sea Life mermaids, learn how to tie knots like a real pirate or speak in a mermaid’s language, colour a pirate hat or mermaid crown, and have their photo taken with a pirate and/or a mermaid. And when they’ve finally had enough of all that fun, they can grit their teeth, grasp the nettle, take the bull by the horns and yes, walk the dreaded plank (but luckily not end up in Davy Jones’ Locker!)...

she needs, then join in the dancing at Prince Charming’s ball, Fri 30 Aug, Aston Hall, Birmingham Festivals NATURE EXPLORERS Explore and learn MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line up in- about the nature around you, Fri 30 cludes Don McLean, Jake Bugg and Aug, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birm- The Zutons (pictured), Fri 30 Aug - ingham Sun 1 Sept, Moseley Park, B’ham FALCONRY DAY Meet and have a go at handling Shropshire Falconry’s birds of prey, Fri 30 Aug, Hawkstone Park & Follies, Shrewsbury HELP MAKE A CARTOON CARICATURE Join cartoonist Malcolm Whittall to help create some ‘wild and wacky’ family portraits inspired by the exhibi- tion Faces Of Change: Nature's Champions, Sat 31 Aug, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Classic vehicles from yesteryear at stations along the line, Sat 31 Aug, Severn Valley Rail- way, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster BACK TO THE 80'S AND 90'S FESTIVAL INTERSTELLAR A unique show cele- 2019 Line up includes Tony Hadley, brating the 50th anniversary of the Venga Boys and Heather Small, Fri 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing, Sat 31 30 Aug - Sun 1 Sept, Cattows Farm, Aug, Lichfield Cathedral Heather, Leicestershire

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Proms & Prosecco Full.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 16:42 Page 1 Theatre Severn Full August 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 09:44 Page 1