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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL AT THE QUARRY PARK

ISSUE 377 MAY 2017

SHROPSHIREWHAT’S ONMAY 2017 Shropshire ’

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

inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

withLET’S Tony ROCKHadley and friends in Shrewsbury PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP

HORRIBLE BarmyHISTORIES Britain visits TWITTER@WHATSONSHROPS SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK

LUDLOW FOOD aSPRING bonanza FESTIVAL in South Shropshire (IFC) Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 12:30 Page 1 Contents May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:53 Page 2

May 2017

Contents

Running Wild - Michael Morpurgo’s adventure story, let loose at the Grand feature page 8

The Noise Next Door Million Dollar Quartet BRB Triple Bill the list

Comedy quartet create Jason Donovan stars in Tony Royal Ballet tour to Your 16-page ‘a superior kind of chaos’ Award-winning musical Shropshire venue week-by-week listings guide page 22 page 29 page 35 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 24 Theatre 36. Film 38. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 MAGAZINE GROUP Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word May Wolves_Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:54 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

RSC’s hit show Matilda The Musical set to tour The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-win- ning production of Matilda The Musical is heading out on its first ever UK and Ireland tour next year. Adapted from one of Roald Dahl’s best-loved books, the stage musical - complete with music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin - has been delighting West End audiences for six years. A staggering 6.5 million people worldwide have so far seen productions of the critically ac- claimed show, which has visited more than 50 cities and bagged an impressive 85 interna- tional awards. Beginning its tour at Leicester’s Curve Theatre, the production will stop off at Birmingham Hippodrome from 3 July to 8 September 2018. For more information, visit birminghamhippo- drome.com

tor, Iain Burnside, said: “Ludlow is the per- On yer bike! in Wolves Staffordshire theatre to fect home for this rich feast of music, per- set sail for Treasure Island formed by world-class singers. Favourite Wolverhampton is next month celebrating the 75th anniversary of Britain’s first ever The New Vic Theatre will be setting sail for songs can be heard next to exciting new road race, an event which was organised and Treasure Island this Christmas. repertoire. Whatever your musical tastes, you championed by the city’s cycle racer and bike The Robert Louis Stevenson classic has been will be welcome in Ludlow to hear music builder, Percy Stallard. selected as the Staffordshire venue’s festive afresh and make new friends.” Despite opposition at the time from the Na- family show. It will run at the theatre from To check out the programme of events, visit tional Cyclists’ Union, Percy organised the Saturday 18 November to Saturday 27 Janu- ludlowenglishsongweekend.com historic 59-mile race for 40 cyclists, who rode ary. from Llangollen to Wolverhampton on 7 June Commenting on the announcement, the New Spandau star in world 1942. Vic’s Artistic Director, Theresa Heskins, said: To celebrate the landmark occasion, the City “The heart-thuddingly exciting fights, the record-busting attempt Archives in the restored Molineux Hotel is drama of climbing a ship’s rigging, the lure of Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena will this hosting a special event on Saturday 3 June. buried treasure and the danger of an island Christmas host a festive family show that’s Scores of restored Stallard bikes, a Sunbeam populated by pirates will all be brought to bidding to enter the record books. and other Wolverhampton-made cycles will vivid life in front of and around our audience. The company behind Peter Pan - Christmas be on show, presented alongside memora- What an adventure we’re going on!” In Neverland is hoping the production will be bilia connected to Percy and the ground- Tickets for Treasure Island are now on sale confirmed by Guinness World Records as the breaking race. and can be booked at newvictheatre.org.uk world’s biggest Christmas show. or by telephoning 01782 717962. Starring Bradley Walsh and Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp, the production features numer- ous ‘stunning’ special effects, including a Ludlow weekend of song lifesize Jolly Roger galleon which will ‘sail’ offers ‘rich feast of music’ around the arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall. An event focusing on The show also includes a team of BMX stunt British vocal music is riders, six ‘thrilling’ aerial mermaids, a ‘crazy making a welcome return collection’ of trapeze and trampoline stunt- this month. men and ‘the biggest, scariest animatronic The Ludlow English Song crocodile you’ve ever seen’. Weekend takes place at Peter Pan - Christmas In Neverland runs at the town’s St Laurence’s the Barclaycard Arena from 20 to 24 Decem- Church and in Ludlow Assembly Rooms from ber. Tickets are now available from ticketfac- Friday 19 to Sunday 21 May. tory.com or by calling 0844 33 88 222. Commenting on the event, its Artistic Direc-

4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word May Wolves_Shrops NEW.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:54 Page 2

First Word

Tale of revenge at Shropshire venue The country estate of Walcot Hall in Lydbury North, Shropshire, will next month open its doors to ‘passion, drama and darkly glorious music’ when it hosts a production of Verdi’s highly acclaimed , Rigoletto. Presented in the venue’s beautifully decorated ballroom on 9 & 10 June, the pre-Raphaelite-inspired produc- tion is performed by Opera A La Carte and tells a tragic story of vengeance and sacrifice. Commenting on the event, Lucinda Parish, co-owner of Walcot Hall, said: “It’s going to be a magical The Overtones to headline Shrewsbury’s flower show weekend suited to seasoned opera- goers and initiates alike. Gates open Organisers of the award-winning Shrewsbury Flower Show have announced that The Overtones are at 5.30pm so that everyone can enjoy to perform at this year's event. the grounds and gardens, as well as Taking to the stage on the Saturday evening of the show, the much-acclaimed five-piece harmony set up picnics. We have a drinks re- group are promising to wow audiences with their eclectic mix of doo-wop, Motown, modern-day R&B ception in the main hall, before in- and pop. dulging in an evening of Shrewsbury Flower Show annually attracts thousands of visitors to the town's picturesque Quarry entertainment which starts at 7.30pm. During the interval, there’s Park. Delivering a diverse programme of entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, the two-day the option of a two-course dinner or event includes guest appearances by celebrity chefs and gardeners, workshops, a children's area, im- a picnic in the grounds.” pressive floral displays, competitions and fireworks shows. This year’s arena entertainment includes performances by the Royal Signals’ motorcycle display team The White Helmets, sheep dog and duck demonstrations and birds of prey flying displays. Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place on Friday 11 & Sat 12 August. For more information and tickets, visit shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk or call 01743 234050.

Shropshire initiative Craig Charles welcomes all brings Funk & More than 30 Shrop- shire artists utilising a Soul to range of media will Shrewsbury next month invite Popular actor and DJ Craig members of the general Charles is visiting Shropshire this public into their work- month with his highly rated Funk & spaces. Soul Club. The Coronation Street, The Shrewsbury Open Robot Wars and Red Dwarf star stops Studio initiative is mak- off at Shrewsbury’s Buttermarket on ing a return after a two- Friday 19 May. Gig-goers can expect a year break. Taking mixture of tracks which have usually place across the first Take That musical tours to the region been covered and remixed by cur- rent leading bands and DJs. two weekends in June, A new musical produced by and featuring the music of Take That is the event provides visi- touring to the Midlands in the autumn. tors with the chance to The Tim Firth-written show, The Band, will stop off at the Regent The- enjoy the talent of atre, Stoke-on-Trent, from 28 November to 9 December. It will then re- some of the county’s turn to the Midlands in 2018, showing at the Birmingham Hippodrome most well-regarded from 1 to 12 May. professional artists. The production explores the experience of five young women who, For more information, having grown up adoring a boyband, decide in their 40s to try and visit shrewsburyopen- studios.co.uk meet their heroes. The Band will be played by Five To Five, the group who won BBC talent contest Let It Shine. For more information about the show and to book tickets, visit the- bandmusical.com, atgtickets.com or birminghamhippodrome.com whatsonlive.co.uk 5 By the water Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:10 Page 1 By the water Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:10 Page 2

By the water

What better way to spend the lazy days of a hopefully glorious English summer than by settling back near the water’s edge with an ice-cold beer, soaking up the sunshine and chilling out in tranquil surroundings? Check out our selection of great local venues in which to do those very things...

The Boathouse Plum Pudding The Woodbridge Inn Located by the , this popular The delightful village of Armitage is the A mile downstream from the world’s first outdoor spot boasts extensive views setting for this authentic Italian eatery. Ironbridge is The Woodbridge Inn, with its across Shrewsbury’s lush Quarry Park, With benches lined up along the canal, Plum extensive lawns leading down to the River and is a perfect setting from which to Pudding promises a warm welcome to all, Severn. The interior of this historic venue watch the boats and ducks go by. whether you’re stopping off for light features lots of interesting nooks and One of the town’s most historic pubs, The refreshments or wanting to sample an crannies, while outside in the south- Boathouse is the go-to destination in the authentic taste of Italy. facing gardens, visitors can enjoy a summer months, with its outdoor terrace Ranging from piattini (Italian tapas) through spectacular view of the Ironbridge and its the perfect place to soak up the sunshine to mains of fish, meat and pasta - and not lush surroundings. A menu of classic while enjoying a G&T. Serving pub forgetting the scrummy desserts of tiramisu, British dishes is complemented by ‘more classics with a twist, the venue also hosts zabaglione and lemoncello - there’s sure to be exotic’ offerings. It’s worth noting that the its very own annual gin festival, which something to tempt your palate while you venue has featured in the Good Pub Guide this year takes place on 26 August. enjoy a summer’s day at the canalside. for the past three years and the Michelin New Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Rugeley Road, Armitage, Staffordshire, Pub Guide for the last two... SY3 8JQ WS15 4AZ Coalport, Telford, Shropshire, TF8 7JF

The Mytton & Mermaid Hotel and sounds of the nearby Minster Pool and of this charming and historic town. A great place to rest those weary legs after a Cathedral. 10 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Telford, TF8 7AW stroll around the majestic grounds of nearby Described as British/Mediterranean, the Attingham Park, the Mytton & Mermaid Hotel menu at Ego offers mouthwatering flavours The Waterfront is a grade II listed building which stands on reminiscent of holidays abroad, including gambas al pil pil and moules marinieres as The Waterfront is one of ’s most the banks of the River Severn, approximately popular pubs - and why wouldn’t it be, given four miles from the centre of Shrewsbury. starters, and Moroccan lamb tagine and Greek salad with lemon chicken for mains. its close proximity to the cinema, the high- A popular destination for weddings and profile New Art Gallery and the attractive New Minster House, Bird Street, Lichfield, special occasions, this former coaching inn ‘water feature’ of the canal? WS13 6PW has charm in abundance and boasts three AA Relaxed, easygoing and hospitable, the stars for its quality food and service. venue prides itself on providing comfort food Atcham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY5 6QG The White Hart that’s ‘big on flavour, big on the plate and A relaxed cafe bar by day and a modern big on value’. A great stop-off for weary Ego Restaurant British restaurant by night, The White Hart lunchtime shoppers and chilled-out evening Technically, Ego doesn’t boast an outside overlooks the River Severn at Ironbridge, diners alike, The Waterfront has a special area, but what it does have are bifolding albeit from the other side of the main road. deal on food every day of the week. doors which open up to reveal an al fresco That said, the outdoor area is popular, 4 Waterfront North Leisure, Walsall, feel, allowing customers to enjoy the sights pleasant and the ideal place to stop off for WS2 8DH some R&R while exploring the many delights whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Running Wild DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:28 Page 1

FEATURE

wild thing Michael Morpurgo's Running Wild is let loose at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

It was one of the worst natural disasters in time before a story ever starts, often in a The gender-swap isn't the only major change recorded history: in December 2004, writer's childhood,” he says, describing his the show has undergone since its inception: somewhere between 230,000 and 280,000 love of stories like The Elephant's Child and it's first outing was actually as a promenade people perished as waves of up to 100ft high The Jungle Book when he was growing up. performance by Chichester Festival Theatre in engulfed the shores of South East Asia during “Good writers have a way of blocking the way the Cass Sculpture Park. Bringing the show the infamous Boxing Day tsunami. Yet for other writers to follow, and I felt like (The indoors has resulted in a whole new design, amazingly, some survived – among them, a Jungle Book) had blocked the story of a boy's as well changes to the action for various girl called Amber Owen who had been riding adventures in the jungle, which everyone practical and aesthetic reasons. an elephant along the beach whilst wants to write. But when I discovered this “In Chichester we didn't have a set at all holidaying in Thailand with her family. piece in the news, I thought, 'Stuff you, because the actual environment was our set, Unnerved by the strange activity in the water, Kipling – I'm going to write this story!'” and one of the things that really excited me the elephant pulled away from the shoreline In the months following, details were slowly when I arrived was this enormous steel whale and ran away before the tidal wave hit, saving forgotten and changed: Morpurgo's novel in the background of where we chose to do Amber's life in the process. actually follows the story of a boy called Will, the tsunami scene,” explains the show's It was this real-life story that provided the who finds himself being carried into the original director Dale Rooks. “When we go inspiration for Michael Morpurgo's Running depths of the Indonesian jungle. It wasn't indoors, we'll have to be inventive with that Wild, first published in 2009 and now coming until an earlier version of the show began to again and find a way to make it work.” to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in the form be publicised that the real-life Amber Owen “(At Regent's Park) we had these huge of a spectacular stage adaptation. But as realised her story had inspired a book and got bamboos on three revolves, but we were Morpurgo himself explains, the seeds of the in contact with the theatre. In a nod to this worried that an elephant on a revolve in an idea were actually sown much earlier. revelation, the new production visiting indoor theatre might look like a circus Wolverhampton this year will instead feature “The beginning of a story happens a long elephant, so we've completely changed it,” a girl called Lilly.

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Running Wild DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:28 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

says current director Timothy Sheader. “The design now is the detritus of the tsunami which will be a constant reminder that this girl is not just having fun running through the jungle – she has survived one of the worst tragedies in our lifetime, and is looking for her family. So we'll be creating the canopy of the jungle with doors and wheels and bits of car, and using lamposts that light up green and bits of electric cable for the jungle vines.” “What's been hugely gratifying and very exciting is that the project keeps reinventing itself. We've had to keep thinking of new ways to tell the story,” adds playwright Samuel Adamson. But the biggest visual feast and the real stars of the show will come in the form of the incredible animals populating the jungle landscape, brought to life through the puppetry magic of War Horse's Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié. “I was a self-confessed elephant nut as a kid,” recalls Olié. “My bed was half-covered in elephant cuddly toys, so being asked to do a show about an elephant was fantastically exciting!” Scale was one of the biggest challenges faced by the designers: the puppet needed to be puppet and directing you to do the same.” ecological effects of the poorly regulated palm both visually impressive and practical, strong oil industry, with high demand for the It's the strength of the connection that this enough to bear the weight of a child but light versatile product as an ingredient in breathtaking attention to detail fosters enough not to put undue strain on the household goods having put many species, between the audience and the animals that puppeteers over multiple performances. On including orangutans, at risk. But while got Virginia McKenna interested in the tour, they've also had to be creative with her concerns about the environment and human project. An actor best known for her starring entrances – in some theatres, there's no room and animal welfare all play a part in the story, role in the film adaptation of Joy Adamson's for Oona to be squeezed in backstage, so she viewers shouldn't expect a dry lecture. Born Free, McKenna is also a prominent has to make her way in through the wildlife campaigner and co-founder of the “The message isn't nearly as important to me auditorium instead! Born Free Foundation, a charity that works to as the story,” says Morpurgo. “I hope that While Running Wild is a very different sort of draw attention to the plight of animals in certain things come through, but I do not sit show to War Horse, fans of the production captivity, as well as those mistreated or down to write something in order to promote and of Handspring Puppet Company's work hunted by people in the wild. a particular message. What you want for certainly won't be disappointed – Oona is just children is for them to work things out for “It actually all started because of an elephant as startlingly lifelike as her equine cousin, themselves, and in this particular case, I hope and not a lion as many people think. It was and she also shares the limelight with a that they will go away asking questions about the death of an elephant at London Zoo in family of friendly orangutans as well as a what's happening in the rainforest, about 1968 that was the catalyst,” she says. terrifying tiger prowling the forest floor. In planting palm trees and about what's “(Running Wild) is such a wonderful story order to achieve the realism for which happening to elephants. But it's not being because it turns on what animals feel and Handspring's work has become famous, thrust down your throat.” think. So many of us today have this 'us and puppeteers are carefully trained to move them' attitude towards animals, but we are “It's got a message, but it's also a rollicking together as one organism, as well as being animals too. Through this young girl who adventure,” Adamson agrees. taught how to imbue their puppets with goes off into the forest, we get to see all the distinct characters and feelings. things we have missed and been insensitive “Breath is key – it's the main emotional to, and also how much there's still time for us indicator,” says Olié, explaining how it can be to learn.” Running Wild shows at used to show whether an animal is excited, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from On tour, the production will be working with frightened or calm. “Focus is also important – Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 June, and is rec- the charity to help promote its message of what is the character interested in? There's ommended for children aged six-plus better treatment for animals worldwide. The also the issue of where the puppeteers' own (and grown-ups story also calls attention to the devastating focus is. They should always be looking at the

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:57 Page 1

10 whatsonlive.co.uk Food May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:57 Page 2

Food

Long Mynd hills restaurant brings brand new dining concept to South Shropshire foodies A South Shropshire eatery is introducing a ity produce from incredible local farmers,” ex- brand new dining concept to the county. plains The Station's owner, Richard Davies. The Station restaurant, located in the Long “We love to use beef derived from mainly Mynd hills, is providing its patrons with the Hereford or Angus cattle, as we find that it chance to combine dining with authentic gives us the best fat content and flavour. Only butchery every Friday night. grain-fed beef can guarantee the very best Diners can go up to the butcher’s counter, quality Flat Iron steak, which we’ve become choose their piece of meat and decide how renowned for. Having owned a meat company they want it cooked. and restaurant, we’re able to serve the very “Sourcing our meat couldn’t be more steeped best quality meat, some of which is unrivalled in techniques of old, with a focus on top-qual- around the world.”

squid was absolutely divine. I eat For dessert, I ordered the pop- squid a lot, and I can safely say corn panna cotta served with this was some of the tastiest I’ve salted caramel ice cream. Unfor- ever had. The creamy shallot tunately the panna cotta wasn’t mayo served as the perfect ac- really to my taste; the ice cream, companiment - I could’ve eaten however, was delicious, and the the dish three times over. presentation spot on. To start, I opted for the seared My partner opted for the dough- mackerel served with pickled nuts served with maple ice cream beetroot, candied walnut and and cinnamon-and-apple com- fennel. The strong flavour of the pote. We both agreed that we fish was complemented by the would’ve preferred the dough- equally strong taste delivered by nuts filled, but again, this was a the fennel and beetroot. The can- personal preference and cer- died walnut provided a sweet tainly not a criticism of the chefs contrast, giving the dish an - they clearly know their stuff! extra-flavour dimension. If you’re a lover of tastefully pre- My partner opted for the sented, contemporary food made pudding scotch egg served with with high-quality ingredients, spiced . You can’t beat a then Townhouse is the place for good, homemade scotch egg, and you. this one was certainly up there REVIEW: Townhouse The service was fantastic and, with the tastiest. alongside the tasty food and styl- Oswestry restaurant proves a worthy For my main, I chose one of my ish surroundings, certainly made favourites, the crispy pork belly. for a very enjoyable evening. What’s On Readers’ Award winner The meat was tender, full of We’ll definitely be returning to flavour and cooked to absolute the venue in the future - a very Shropshire is home to an abun- restaurant areas, a separate bar perfection. The creamed spinach worthy winner of Best Independ- dance of high-quality eateries, area and a large garden, Town- and cauliflower accompaniments ent Restaurant In North Shrop- one of which is Oswestry’s Town- house boasts a fusion of tradi- complemented the pork nicely, shire indeed. Lauren Foster house. tional and modern styling that as did the sweet shallot sauce. And with the venue having re- certainly makes an excellent first The 14oz ribeye steak with sherry impression. Food: nnnnn cently won the Best Independent garlic butter ordered by my part- Service: nnnnn Restaurant In North Shropshire We were politely greeted, shown ner was served with triple Ambience: nnnnn category in our What’s On Read- over to our table and taken cooked chips, grilled tomato and Overall value nnnnn ers’ Awards, what better time to through both the drink options mushroom. The steak was phe- OVERALL nnnnn pay the team a visit and sample and the specials for the evening. nomenal; it was cooked perfectly some of the delicious food they Whilst perusing the menu, we and provided a real melt-in-the- Townhouse have on offer? shared some salt-and-pepper mouth sensation. We were really 35 Willow Street Located inside a stunning Geor- squid with burnt shallot mayon- impressed. Why hadn’t we vis- Oswestry gian property and featuring two naise from the ‘nibbles and ited this place sooner?... SY11 1AQ snacks’ section of the menu. The Tel: 01691 659499 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Peach Tree Full Page (New).qxp_Layout 1 22/03/2017 20:14 Page 1

3 OF SHREWSBURY’S BEST RESTAURANTS!

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A warm welcome awaits you in all of our venues, whether you’re enjoying a pre-dinner drink in Havana Republic - our Cuban inspired bar, dining in one of our three excellent restaurants, or partying the night away in C:21 bar and club.

Cafe Bar & Restaurant Ramen Noodle Bar Bar & Restaurant BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO BOOK ONLNE OR MORE INFO www.thepeachtree.co.uk www.momonoki.co.uk www.havanarepublic.co.uk

18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6AE. Tel: 01743 355055 All located opposite the historic and beautiful Shrewsbury Abbey! Food May Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:57 Page 4

Food

Gin emporium opens in Wolverhampton The owners of Wolverhampton’s Grain Store are inviting city residents to try out the recently opened ‘weird and wonderful new world’ of their Gin emporium and kitchen. “You can enjoy working your way through over 30 different specimens of juniper and botanicals,” says the venue’s Kelly Davis. “Over the sum- mer you'll be able to relax and un- wind on the stunning terrace, which features its very own bar, festoon lighting and unique seating areas. The kitchen delivers a range of inno- vative world cuisine blended with tra- ditional classics to ensure there’s something for everyone. “Coming into the weekend, the tempo will increase with a brand new Shoreditch-inspired Friday Club, starting from 5pm every week. On Sat- Popular Shrewsbury restaurant receives AA Rosette urdays, our resident DJ will be bring- ing you the best in chilled house, Shrewsbury’s Peach Tree restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette for culinary excellence. disco and funk, making it the perfect The independent cafe bar is renowned for serving British and European classics with a twist. social hub for all occasions.” This latest accolade for the popular venue follows hot on the heels of a glowing review by the Ob- server’s restaurant critic, Jay Rayner. Commenting on the success, Executive Head Chef Chris Burt said: “This award is a testament to our Foodies paradise at wonderful kitchen and front-of-house team, and just goes to show that hard work, commitment Weston Park and patience pay off.” The Great British Food Festival is this month visiting Weston Park on the Historic Ludlow hotel set to become cheese and wine bar Shropshire-Staffordshire border for the very first time. A historic Shropshire hotel once visited by Vice Admiral Lord Nelson is set to be converted into a The popular event, which stops off in restaurant, bar and shop for fine wines and cheeses. various locations throughout the Ludlow’s black-and-white timber-framed Angel Hotel was built in 1555 and is now owned by Mar- summer, will feature an artisan food tyn and Jayne Emsen, who’ve made a change-of-use application to Shropshire Council. market comprising more than 70 The couple, who also run the town’s Smoke House, Deli & Chicchetti Bar, intend to offer premium stalls, numerous food challenges and wines and cheeses, quality wines, and cheese and wine tasting ‘in a Dickensian-style setting’. competitions, live music, children’s entertainment and cookery classes, foraging walks and plenty of food Finger-lickin’ chicken on Walsall waterfront demonstrations from top chefs, in- With outlets already in Birmingham and , a cluding BBC’s Great British Bake Off third branch of chicken eatery Piri Fino has now opened in Luis Troyana (pictured) and this Walsall. year’s runner-up Val Stones. The new restaurant & cocktail bar is located in a landmark The festival 19th century boatyard cottage at the heart of the multi-mil- takes place at lion pound Walsall Waterfront regeneration scheme. Weston Park Commenting on his new venue, franchisee Sandeep Rana over the said: “This is authentic Portuguese piri-piri grilled chicken, spring bank as opposed to the Southern African version, and customers holiday week- will quickly taste, appreciate and understand the differ- end, from Sat- ence. I bought into the Piri Fino brand literally on the bite urday 27 to of a burger - the 100% natural ingredients and extra care Monday 29 taken with flavours sat really well with me. After that first May. amazing taste, I knew it was the best food on the market.” whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Glynn Purnell DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2017 09:58 Page 1

FEATURE Glynn Purnell DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2017 09:58 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Glynn Purnell The Yummy Brummie on living his childhood dream

Ten thousand pounds prize money, 30 block of butter, there's an extent to which “I think Birmingham's always had a diverse episodes, 16 competing couples, two judges it’s always a safe bet. No matter how much food culture, with things like the Balti and just one Yummy Brummie – it's a recipe of it might fill their screens, people seem to Triangle, but it was never really one that that 7wonder is hoping will impress when it love looking at amazing food. people would travel to experience. Twenty serves up a second helping of My Kitchen years ago, for us to be twinned with Lyon, “Food is just everything, isn't it? Whether Rules UK on . which is the home of gastronomy in France, you're eating a sandwich or dining out in a it was quite striking. When I opened Jessica's Last year’s debut season saw the Aussie Michelin-star restaurant, it's something in 2003, almost all the restaurants were import led by chefs Prue Leith and Michael that's always on the agenda. It's connected chains. I like to think I've contributed quite Caines, but with the brand new Bake-Off to every occasion - weddings, birthdays, heavily to the fact that it's become a food piling plenty on Prue's plate, the company even funerals. It's subjective as well, so what destination.” seized the chance to shake things up by you like and what other people like are handing over to Dublin's Rachel Allen and completely different, and I think that makes Amazingly, it's been almost 10 years since Birmingham's own inimitable Glynn Purnell. for good television. And whenever you see Purnell left behind what he’d built up at As filming for the series prepares to start people making food, it makes you hungry - Jessica's to set up on his own. Now, with his here in the city, we spoke to the local legend especially nowadays with the big screens in name above the door of two highly about life in the limelight and claiming HD, where you can see every drop of juice.” successful restaurants and emblazoned on Birmingham's place on the culinary map. the uniforms of ranks of staff, he's living his With two restaurants to run as well as three childhood dream. There's not much left to “I've met Rachel a few times at the Good young kids at home, adding TV to the mix check off the list - though he jokes he might Food Show,” says Glynn, “and she's been to isn't always easy, but the chef is careful not consider running for Mayor - my Bistro for a few cocktails before - to bite off more than he can chew. but with two major anniversaries this year - probably a few too many, as you do - but “It's all about having a balance of doing for the Bistro on 7 September and Purnell's we've never worked together before. We just enough to keep people interested, and on 7 July - there are certainly some had a training session yesterday and making time to stay focused on the celebrations to look forward to. apparently we work really well on screen restaurant. I’ve been able to set up shoots on together. She's lovely - obviously the better “This year the Bistro is five years old, and I my days off, and a lot of the show is filmed looking of the duo!” think the average independent restaurant in Birmingham, which is fantastic, because lasts for three to four years, so to have kept it For the benefit of those who've yet to sample it's obviously the centre of the universe. But going this long is very positive. We'll its delights, My Kitchen Rules is a kind of I probably turn down more TV than I do. It probably have a bit of a party there with marriage of MasterChef and Come Dine With seems like I do a lot, but I think that's just some regulars, and maybe a special menu Me. Taking part in pairs, contestants are because I'm loud and people remember me running for the week. For Purnell's, I've got given fixed budgets and time constraints more - and maybe partly because I drone on something really fun planned, but all I can within which to plan their meals and prep in a Brummie accent!” say at the moment is that whether you're their homes for visitors. Recurring and guest It’s largely thanks to Purnell’s influence that Mrs Jones living in a one-bedroom judges are then served home-cooked meals the Birmingham food scene has undergone maisonette or whether you're a lord or lady, as if eating in a restaurant. In addition to the such a radical shift in recent years. With six you'll have just as much chance of coming to quality of the food, couples are also judged Michelin-star restaurants - more than any eat here on the anniversary night!” on presentation, service and décor - which other UK city outside London - as well as Purnell says should be even more thriving indie coffee shops and street food, “glamorous” and “spectacular” this year. My Kitchen Rules UK airs on Channel 4 it’s certainly a far cry from the ‘culinary later this year and is still looking for con- While developing a cooking show might desert’ that national papers were describing testants. To apply, visit 7wonder.co.uk seem like entering a market as saturated as a when he started out. Gigs - Staffs_Shrops_Wolves MAY.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:34 Page 1 Gigs - Staffs_Shrops_Wolves MAY.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:34 Page 2

Gigs

Chris Wood Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 28 May Traditional English dance music enthusiast Chris Wood is a folk musician and composer who plays fiddle, viola and guitar. He’s col- laborated with a long list of artists, most re- cently Dizraeli, Billy Bragg, and Eliza and Martin Carthy in Simon Emerson’s Imagined Village. His eagerly awaited new , So Much to Defend, will be officially launched at Cam- bridge Folk Festival this summer.

The Undercover Hippy After seven years on the drum & bass cir- cuit, he swapped the decks for an acoustic The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Sat 13 May guitar and became a solo act. Billy Rowan (aka The Undercover Hippy) He’s here touring latest album Truth & Fic- brings together acoustic guitar, soulful vo- tion to Wolverhampton, accompanied by a cals, infectious reggae rhythms and the lyri- full live band combining keys, drums, bass, cal delivery of an MC. congas and backing vocals. Iron Maiden Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sun 21 May Ruby Turner Hayseed Dixie Pioneers of the new wave of British heavy Prince Of Wales Theatre, , The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 6 May metal, Iron Maiden achieved initial success Sun 28 May during the early 1980s. Although they’ve produced some pretty un- Ruby’s major break came in the mid-1980s Thirty-eight later - comprising 16 forgettable and comically crude songs, in- when she was asked to join Culture Club at studio albums, 11 live albums, four EPs and cluding I'm Keeping Your Poop In A Jar and the height of their fame. The soul, gospel seven compilations - the band are still con- She Was Skinny When I Met Her, Hayseed and r&b singer has released 17 albums of tinuing to impress their loyal fan base and Dixie are probably best known for their rol- her own and also contributed to releases by selling out arena tours. licking rockgrass covers. the likes of Brian Ferry, UB40, Steve Win- “The whole band is really enjoying this Co-founder, guitarist and frontman John wood and Mick Jagger. She’s also one of the tour,” says founder and bass player Steve Wheeler names Motorhead’s Ace Of Spades main singers in Jools Holland's R&B Orches- Harris, “and although we love playing festi- as his favourite, but it’s the music of AC/DC tra, featuring on numerous tracks on his al- vals and stadiums, it’s terrific to return to with which they’re most closely associated. bums. the intimacy and atmosphere of arenas. The Kiss, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and Queen songs from The Book Of Souls album and are others to have received the Hayseed the new Maya-themed Eddies and stage sets Martin Simpson Dixie treatment. have gone down really well, and fan reac- Having played over 1,000 gigs in 30-plus The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 7 May tion has been amazing. And we know our countries, it’s fair to say they’re a much- fans appreciate us playing a lot of the older In the late 1980s, guitarist Martin Simpson loved act, so bag yourself a ticket asap. songs too, which we will continue to do.” waved a fond farewell to his successful ca- reer on the British folk circuit to start a new life in the States. While there, he improved his blues technique and worked with some famous names. He’s now back home on this side of the pond, where he’s best known for his work alongside the likes of June Tabor, Steeleye Span, The Albion Band and Richard Thompson. A virtuoso guitarist, Simpson’s exploration of the innovatory always gives his audience something to chew on. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical & Gigs Shrops May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:32 Page 1 Classical & Gigs Shrops May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:32 Page 2

Classical

The Halle Orchestra feat. Joseph Moog Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 12 May Since its first concert in 1858, the Man- chester-based Halle has been a real force to be reckoned with. The orchestra is renowned for its affinity with English music - particularly the works of Elgar and Delius. Stephen Bell here conducts a programme that includes Sibelius’s Karelia Suite, Valse Triste and Finlandia, and Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a selection from Peer Gynt. The concert further benefits from the talents of rising-star pianist Joseph Moog (pictured below).

The Opera Boys Lichfield Garrick, Sat 20 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 25 May Crossover artists are big business nowadays, so there’s little wonder that The Opera Boys are enjoying such a successful career. They’re significantly assisted along the way, of course, by a remarkable talent; their classically trained voices combine in a powerhouse of vocal harmony to deliver a winning blend of opera, pop and everything in between. Repertoire favourites include Nessun Dorma and Time To Say Goodbye, along with show- stoppers from musicals including Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera and Jersey Boys.

Sacconi Quartet Kosmos Ensemble The Bramall, University of Concord College, Shropshire, Sat 27 May Birmingham, Thurs 4 May ‘Entrancing dance rhythms, soulful improvisation and gypsy passion’ - all delivered with ‘inimitable panache and virtuoso technique’ - is the intoxicating mix being offered by the hugely talented Kosmos En- semble in this Shropshire Music concert. Each a highly regarded soloist in their own right, Harriet MacKenzie (violin), Meg Hamilton (viola) and Milos Milivojevic (accordion) draw from a reper- toire that features tango, gypsy, Balkan and Japan- ese music, along the way referencing classical composers including Brahms, Dvorak and Sarasate. Chanteuse Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 11 May Blessing concerts with infectious energy and enthusiasm is the stock This Midlands-based female vocal group in trade of the award-winning Sac- are happy to turn their talents to all man- coni Quartet. Formed at the begin- ner of musical challenges, presenting ning of the millennium, the everything from intricate chamber pieces foursome have been widely praised to show-stopping smash hits. for their imaginative approach. A first ever international concert series in They’re currently the quartet-in-as- France and second prize in the Llan- sociation at the Royal College of gollen International Eisteddfod ladies’ Music and associate artist at the choir competition has seen their reputa- Bristol Old Vic. tion grow at a breakneck speed. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 p18.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 18:52 Page 1

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Enter Shikari Lauren Foster talks to lead vocalist Rou Reynolds ahead of the band’s anniversary gig at Slam Dunk Festival

Your performing at Slamdunk as part of you’d be headlining the UK’s biggest I think it’s mainly just become more your tenth anniversary tour. What can festival? diverse. It started off as much more of a audiences expect? narrow, ‘underground scene’-orientated Absolutely not. Back then, it was just on following. But it’s since blossomed to For the first time in our lives and for a band our bucket list to play shows outside, to include people from all walks of life, all that relentlessly looks forward, we’ll be simply be on at a festival. After playing ages and backgrounds. I think this pausing for breath, celebrating our history every small, sweaty and dark venue on the basically follows or shadows the and looking at how we got to where we are UK circuit, playing outside felt like such a progression of our music as it’s become today. We’re allowing ourselves a few luxury. I remember that being our only more diverse, with wider influences. months of nostalgia as we revisit our first ambition - a somewhat quaint one, in release, . We’ll be playing retrospect. Now, though, it feels right. Last year, Enter Shikari embarked on every track from the album, which means a We’re more than ready. We’re insatiable. their biggest headline tour to date, few songs will be getting their first ever playing numerous arena-style venues. airing live! In more recent years, you’ve worked Do you prefer performing bigger shows closely alongside Hospital Records in Take To The Skies reached number four or smaller, more intimate gigs? releasing drum & bass remixes. How did in the UK album chart, selling almost this come about? My preference is always to play outside, in 30,000 copies in its first week. Were you and often against the elements. It feels Hospital Records has been my favourite surprised that the album was so well more primitive and raw that way. But really, drum & bass label since I was about 16, received? I get asked this question all the time and buying records and getting into DJing for I’m honestly not fussy. I enjoy playing We’d been feeling a slow and steady surge the first time. We’d worked with a few anywhere; the environment isn’t important of support for a while, as more and more artists on their label who’d done remixes of as long as it provides a backdrop for human people began to take notice of us, but I our tracks here and there. And it felt like connection. Give me a mic, toss me down a can’t say we anticipated the album with The Mindsweep we had the perfect well and I’ll sing my heart out if anyone’s charting. The chart was such a foreign album - in all its diversity - to be reworked down there to join me. Give me a stage in concept to us anyway, coming from such a and remixed in its entirety. It turned out a the middle of a swamp and I’ll wrestle an DIY punk background, so it really blew us few of the producers on the label were fans alligator for their enjoyment. away. I remember it really feeling like an of ours as well, so it felt like a really natural incursion on pop music by the and worthwhile project to do. underground. It felt like a success for the whole scene. With that in mind, how do you think Enter Shikari play Slam Dunk Festival your fan base has evolved over the at the NEC, Birmingham on Saturday Similarly, could you have ever imagined, years? 27 May when you started out back in 2003, that

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Festivals

Mello Festival a chilled and welcoming atmosphere that Staffs Fest will appeal to audiences of all ages. Throckmorton Airfield, , This year sees the event expand across three Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire, Fri 26 - Sun 28 May Fri 26 - Sun 28 May stages, with an improved range of food Following a successful launch in 2016, Mello stalls including veggie options. Beginning as a small-scale blues festival in Festival returns to Throckmorton Airfield Stafford, this great-value-for-money event with an eclectic mix of indie, folk, jazz and 2017 line-up includes: Hawkwind, Lucy has expanded year on year to encompass an dance music. Spraggan, Goldie Lookin' Chain, Dreadzone, exciting array of rock, reggae, soul and Spotting a gap in the market for a large- Bez (Happy Mondays), Space, Republica, Al- blues acts. In addition to enjoying live, loud scale festival championing ‘real’ music in tered Images, Johnny Hates Jazz, The Alarm, and local music, visitors can take a stroll Worcestershire, the organisers aim to create Electric Swing Circus (pictured). through the nearby woods, enjoy a guided tour of the farm on Farmer Ray's tractor trailer, or vote for the winner of the Star Of Staffs competition, open to budding musi- cians aged 14 to 18. All tickets include free onsite camping, but rooms are also available in the farmhouse B&B for those who prefer their indoor comforts. 2017 line-up includes: The Bad Rats, The Shine, Bloke, Rockdogs, Barrelhouse Jukes, Black Rose Cadillac, Used Blues, Cold Flame, Slyder, Ged Wilson, Chelsea Cole- man, Voodoo Stone, Gabbidon Band, Judy Emeline, Rainbreakers and Bobby KP Woods

Bearded Theory Slam Dunk Festival Let’s Rock Catton Park, South , Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 27 May Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 27 May Thurs 25 - Sun 28 May Take a trip back in time with some of the Taking place in the grounds of Catton Hall in biggest acts of the ’80s. Leading the way for the heart of the National Forest, the nine- quality, family-friendly festivals since 2009, year-old Bearded Theory has been rapidly this blast from the past is suitable for all gaining a reputation as one of the UK's best ages, whether you're looking to relive your independent festivals. Ever expanding to youth or hearing old pop classics for the first meet demand, the multi-award-winning time. event features fantastic acts spread across 2017 line-up includes: Billy Ocean, ABC, six stages, including a dance tent, a cinema, Tony Hadley (pictured), Heaven 17, Nick and a comedy and cabaret area, as well as a Heyward, Nik Kershaw, T'Pau, The Real superb Children's Village, top-notch facili- Thing, Altered Images, Brother Beyond and ties and an award-winning bar with afford- Jaki Graham ably priced drinks. 2017 line-up includes: Skunk Anansie (pic- Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, tured) & Slaves, New Model Army, Madness, punk and ska, this three-stop touring festi- Glasvegas, The Selecter, Cast, Foy Vance, val last year moved its Midlands date from The Fall, Reverend & the Makers, Kissmet Wolverhampton to the NEC, allowing for and Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman easy access from across the country. Linked to the Leeds-based club nights and indie of the same name, Slam Dunk takes place over the May bank holiday weekend and boasts more than 40 acts across multiple stages, as well as DJ sets, ex- clusive signings and a riotous afterparty to round things off. 2017 line-up includes: Enter Shikari, Don Broco, Bowling For Soup (pictured), Neck- deep, Less Than Jake, Reel Big Fish, Deaf Havana, Beartooth, Tonight Alive and We Are The Ocean

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Richard Herring Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 13 May Richard Herring has developed a reputa- tion as one of the UK’s most inventive and original comedians, cleverly using his real-life trials and tribulations to inform his high-quality line in comic patter. And he’s certainly not a man to shirk big, controversial or risque subjects when it comes to his comedy shows. Previous tours have seen him ponder religion (Christ On A Bike), politics (Hitler Mous- tache) and penises (Talking Cock). This latest offering is a compilation of, as he himself puts it, "the least worst stuff" from his previous one-man shows. For newcomers to his work, it offers a great opportunity to enjoy a whistlestop tour of 20-plus years of laughter-making; for seasoned admirers, it’s a not-to-be- missed chance to get reacquainted with some 24-carat comedy gold.

Micky Flanagan: An’ Another Fing Pam Ann Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 May, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 June Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 31 May An ever-rising star on the UK comedy circuit, Micky Flanagan has made all the usual stop- Camp, kitsch and oh so rude, air hostess offs for TV-friendly funnymen, lending his talents to telly favourites including Mock The Pam Ann has been flying her comedy flag Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow. - courtesy of Australian comedienne Caro- His latest tour, kickstarting this very month, is one of two major undertakings in 2017. The line Reid - since the 1990s, storming to other sees him returning to television with new series The Micky Flanagan Detours, a show global success on a level that's seen her in which he ‘declutters his mind of the big questions that keep people up at night’. tour with Cher, crew private jets for Sir Gags include: “I've worked out what an ambience is - it's a night out without poor people,” Elton John and win the approval of no and “I went to Prague last year with the wife. She said after two days, ‘Are you enjoying less a legend than Madonna. yourself?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I’ve just paid £15 for two coffees’.” She flies in to the Midlands this month with a touring show to celebrate her 20th anniversary. Jokes include: “EasyJet are Hilarity Charity Gala like minicab drivers. ‘How much to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 18 May Prague?’ ‘I’ll do it for a tenner.’” This returning Central Youth Theatre (CYT) fundraiser is once again compèred by Daniel Kitson. The show also fea- tures Romesh Ranganathan and Josh Widdicombe. Other comedians will be added to the line-up in the days leading up to the show. This is the fourth event of its kind to be organised by CYT, Wolverhampton’s leading youth theatre since 1983.

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Comedy

The Noise Next Door The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 5 May Praised for presenting their audiences with ‘a superior kind of chaos’, The Noise Next Door is a quartet - previously a quintet - of improvising comedians who’ve been garner- ing critical praise for a good few years now. Previous on-stage endeavours have in- cluded a mini-musical embracing the un- comfortable bedfellows of pantomime, folk music and death-metal, and a surreal ad- venture in which the Magic Roundabout’s Zebedee leads the forces of good against Darth Vader, who’s holed up in Worcester Cathedral. Check ’em out.

Bourgeois & Maurice duo are promising a Hippodrome debut awash with ‘glorious’ costumes, impressive Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 27 May visuals, songs including the classic Musical satirists Bourgeois & Maurice (aka Everybody’s At A Chemsex Party Except Me, cabaret performers Liv Morris and George and ‘some things’ that will hopefully light Heyworth) reckon their latest show is, in up! common with a Kanye gig, a ‘feast for the An utterly scathing and joyfully cynical take eyes’ - but with a smaller budget and bigger on ‘our post-modern, post-gender, post- egos. After smashing the Edinburgh Fringe Brexit world’, this is a show that’s witty, last summer, the London-based dynamic topical and definitely worth a look.

Jon Richardson: The Old Man Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 4 May; Warwick Arts Centre, , Fri 5 - Sat 6 May; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 10 May He's been referred to as an OCD-afflicted, grumpy young Omid Djalili man, a description which will certainly strike chords with anybody who's ever caught Jon Richardson's hugely enter- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 5 May; taining act. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 13 May Having become both a husband and a father since his last Award-winning funnyman Omid Djalili is tour - his wife is fellow comedian Lucy Beaumont - probably one of the most subversive come- Richardson has plenty of fresh subject matter with which to dians on the UK comedy circuit. make merry. But although the show draws on his new cir- This latest touring show sees him adopting cumstances, it remains at heart a set about life's idiosyn- his usual - and highly successful - scatter- crasies. gun approach to the business of being Richardson’s very much an established talent nowadays funny. Gags about Donald Trump, tried-and- and offers an evening of genuinely funny comedy. Indeed, tested impressions of Godzilla and admis- seasoned professional and one-time Bullseye host Jim sions about some of his biggest ever Bowen has even threatened to “smack his arse if he gets foot-in-mouth clangers feature among the any funnier”. highlights. Jon can't say he hasn't been warned... whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre May - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:08 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Funny Girl The show made a global star of Barbra Streisand and boasts iconic songs People and Don’t Rain On My Parade. Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May; Barnes, who originally understudied Smith to great critical acclaim Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 24 - Sat 29 July when the production was playing the last This massively successful touring version of the hit musical sees the year, has described the show as “a bit relentless - like rapid machine Olivier Award-winning Sheridan Smith and Natasha J Barnes sharing gun fire in the form of musical theatre”. the lead role. Smith stars at the Hippodrome this month, Barnes top- One-time winner Darius Campbell takes the bills at the Grand in July. main supporting role of Fanny’s con-artist second husband, Nick Arn- Telling the story of Broadway star and comedian Fanny Brice, Funny stein, when the show visits the Grand in the summer. The part is Girl was written over 50 years ago and debuted on Broadway in 1963. played by Chris Peluso at the Birmingham Hippodrome this month.

Daniel Bye: Going Viral “I juggle with comedy and tragedy, rough- following the death of their daughter, secu- ness and polish, truth and lies,” explains rity guard Morris and his long-suffering wife, mac, Birmingham, Sat 20 May Daniel. “I wrestle down big ideas about the Jean, win £2million on the lottery. But in- world until they're small enough for us all to stead of transforming their lives for the bet- swallow. ter, the money drives yet another wedge “I want you to laugh, cry, gasp and change between the bickering couple... the world - because we’re all part of history, and that means we can all change it.” A Womb Of One’s Own The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Lucky Sods Wed 10 May Orange Theatre, Birmingham, This thought-provoking reflection on the sub- Tues 9 - Sat 13 May ject of unwanted pregnancy sees all four of John Godber’s talent for taking big themes its performers playing the lead role. and presenting them in an accessible, down- Eighteen-year-old student Babygirl is deter- Daniel Bye blends storytelling, comedy and to-earth manner has seen him become one of mined to cast off the strait-jacketing effect of performance lecture to examine the ways in the UK’s most successful playwrights over a strict Catholic upbringing. But when she which the modern-day, high-definition world the last two decades. This mid-1990s offering finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, it soon has made everybody ‘more connected, more is a perfect example of a creative force oper- becomes apparent that there’s more to being vulnerable and more human - but not equally ating at the very peak of his powers. independent than just having fun... so’... With their marriage resembling a war zone

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m¡longa The power and beauty of Argentinean tango.

Tue 16 - Fri 26 & Sat 20 May Tue 23 May Sat 27 May From £17 From £18 From £15

Half-Term Treat Mon 29 May Thu 1 & Bourgeois & Maurice: How to save Sat 27 May - S at 3 Jun Smother Fri 2 Jun the world without really trying £17 From £15 201 Dance Company £15

PerformanceRelaxed Tue 6 - Tue 13 - Mon 3 - Mon 3 Jul Sat 10 Jun Sat 17 Jun Sat 8 Jul From £17 From £16 From £20

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre May - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 18:26 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Wedding Singer New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 23 - Sat 27 May; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 - Sat 16 September; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 3 - Sat 7 October Based on the 1998 Adam Sandler/Drew Bar- rymore movie of the same name, this musical homage to the 1980s sees wedding singer Robbie Hart plunged into the depths of de- spair after his girlfriend dumps him at the altar. Enter his pal, Julia, whose support seems to be Robbie’s only lifeline in an other- wise miserable existence. But will he realise that his sweet-natured friend is actually the love of his life?... Well-known television faces Ray Quinn, Cassie Compton, Roxanne Pallett and Ruth Madoc star alongside musical-the- atre favourite Jon Robyns.

La Strada Vice Versa (or The Decline And Fall Of La Cage Aux Folles The REP, Birmingham, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May General Braggadocio Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 16 - Sat 20 A brand new stage adaptation of Federico At The Hands Of His May; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues Fellini’s 1954 movie masterpiece, this Coven- Canny Servant Dexter 27 June - Sat 1 July try Belgrade Theatre touring version of La And Terence The Jean Poiret’s hugely popular farce has Strada follows the journey of Gelsomina, a Monkey). Two other been delighting audiences across the young woman who’s effectively sold by her plays by Porter (pic- world for over 40 years. Set in a Saint- mother to a brutal and hard-drinking street tured) have previously been presented at the Tropez nightclub, it tells the story of the performer. When the ill-matched pair come RSC - A Mad World My Masters in 2013 and venue’s gay manager, Georges, his ro- across an itinerant circus, Gelsomina finds 2014’s highly acclaimed The Christmas Truce, mantic partner, Albin, and the problems herself faced with a stark choice that will de- performed to mark the centenary of World that ensue when Georges' son brings cide the course of her future... War One. home his fiancée's ultra-conservative par- Olivier Award nominee Sally Cookson directs. ents... Ventoux West End leading lady Marti Webb joins former EastEnder John Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Partridge and TJ Hooker Tues 18 - Fri 19 May; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 20 May star Adrian Zmed in this new produc- ‘Breathtaking’ video accompaniment pro- tion of the Broad- vides the backdrop to this dramatic story of a way and West End memorable race up Ventoux, the most fear- award some mountain encountered on the Tour de winner. France. The protagonists are Lance Arm- strong and Marco Pantani, whose drug-fu- elled race there in the year 2000 was one of the greatest the sport of cycling had ever Vice Versa seen. A well-reviewed show, this, so expect a Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tour de France tour de force... Thurs 11 May - Sat 9 September With productions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus comprising the RSC’s Royal Shakespeare Theatre season, it’s perhaps not surprising to find that the Company’s adjacent Swan The- atre is also getting in on the Rome-related act. Phil Porter’s new play has been inspired by the comedies of Plautus and bears a full title that very handily explains its basic plot:

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FEATURE My Country...

Rufus Norris takes on Brexit in a new touring play

How does a self-professed ‘national’ arts strong protest vote that was the result.” institution begin to represent a nation Crucially, though, the finished show would bitterly divided? It's a question that's been not simply be a way of “explaining” the rest plaguing National Theatre Artistic Director of the country to regular visitors to the Rufus Norris, who, together with Poet theatre's London Southbank home, but Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, has attempted to would also tour around the UK, holding up a condense a plethora of views and voices on mirror to fragmented communities and the UK's most contentious subject into a polarised opinions wherever it went. It's as single 90-minute play. part of this tour that the production this Almost a year on from the shock results of month comes to Coventry’s Warwick Arts Britain's EU referendum, it feels as though Centre and the Birmingham Repertory everyone - from scientists to celebrities, Theatre. politicians to pollsters and traditional The project began with a group of journalists to Twitterati - is still scrabbling interviewers from a range of theatre and to respond. Unlike most, however, Norris community-based backgrounds heading out has resisted the temptation to air his to harvest opinions on their home turf. A own views on the matter - at least on total of 80 interviews were then hurriedly stage. Rather than analysing or transcribed and cut down into manageable proselytising, his My Country: A chunks ready to be given to the cast. Work In Progress is instead an extended listening project, “We did give the interviewers a list of composed primarily of a series questions to ask, but it was up to the person of interviews conducted with to respond in the way they felt most ordinary people from across pertinent,” Norris explains. “So in Leicester, the UK. immigration was a big theme, whereas in the North East, the fishing industry and “After the referendum, I farming subsidies became prevalent topics. felt very strongly that we In Northern Ireland, we thought Derry needed to have a would be an interesting place to talk about response,” says Norris, borders and nationalism.” “but also that the response should be led Contributors were then selected, with a view by listening to people to what Carol Ann Duffy has described as rather than us saying, “human music”. 'This is what we think’. Already, there was too much “What she meant by that was people talking of a London voice in the with passion from a position of experience. whole build-up to the So the woman in Leicester who talks in what referendum, and the rejection might be described as racist terms is talking of that was reflected in the very from the position of someone who has seen Rufus Norris DPS.qxp_Layout 1 27/04/2017 10:02 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

her community change beyond recognition the material collected, Norris hit on the idea north and south to balance it out. In the in a very short space of time, while the man of a personified Britannia, calling a end, we settled on the North East and South talking about the fishing industry in the conference of her regions in an attempt to West, but if there's a follow-up, it will North East remembers Amble Harbour being solve the complex problems facing them. obviously go to the areas we didn't visit this five boats deep, where now there are hardly Each featured region acts as a mouthpiece time.” any boats at all. for its people, literally voicing their In a sense, the impossibility of reflecting the concerns. Added to the interviews are “When somebody's talking about what entire country in a single show is like a elements of in-character ‘banter’ between they've read on their Facebook news or in microcosm of Norris' job at large - though so the different regions, as well as more poetic their little echo chamber - whether it's the far he's shown no sign of shrinking from the sections penned by Duffy. Guardian or the Daily Mail - it's not that challenge. interesting to listen to. This is human music As Poet Laureate, Duffy was an obvious “We're massively stepping up our because it's based in rich experience.” choice as Norris’s collaborator, finding nationwide work, which is really important herself in a similar position to him as a It's not the first time Norris has used because there are a lot of people who feel, in national representative of her art. But there verbatim interviews in a production - his quite a justified way, that London receives were other considerations, too. critically acclaimed musical, London Road, too much of the national budget in terms of famously employed a similar device back in “She lives in Manchester, so she's not a arts provision. It's really important that 2011. Nevertheless, from a director's London voice, and I knew it needed to be a institutions like this get out and about a lot perspective, creating My Country has been writer who was going to respond to and be more, whether through co-productions or an altogether different experience. very interested in what people had to say. cinema broadcasts. Also, it's a very pressured time when you're “Making London Road was a longer process. “We've also got various productions coming putting a show like this together in a short From the first time (writer) Alecky Blythe up that I feel speak in different ways to the period of time, so it needed somebody with a went into Ipswich to the night we opened issues of the time, and I think we will cool head. We'd worked together before, so I the show was probably about four years. continue to try to participate in the national knew we'd get on very well.” Also, to a degree, that had a story. This isn't debate as much as possible. We’ve got a story; it's a political moment. There can be Not every part of the country gets a look in. another long-term verbatim piece that we're no answers. We can't put something on London may have been a conscious developing, but let's see how it pans out. I'm stage that says, 'And they all lived happily exclusion, but on top of this, time and keeping a close eye on that Scottish ever after,' or 'It's a tragedy,' because we resources made limitations necessary, situation!” don't know. Article 50's only just been meaning that neither the North West (home delivered, so it will be another 10 years to Duffy) nor the West Midlands (Norris before we really have a sense of what this originally hails from Worcestershire and has moment means and whether any of the worked extensively in Birmingham) are My Country; A Work in Progress shows at frustrations people expressed will be featured. Birmingham REP from Tuesday 16 to addressed.” Saturday 20 May and then Warwick Arts “We started with people in England, Centre, Coventry from Thursday 25 to This partly explains the subtitle - it's not just Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and Saturday 27 May the country, but also the play itself that after that we looked at how we could could be said to be ‘A Work In Progress’. diversify it. The East Midlands was our first Searching for a structure on which to hang location in England, so we felt we had to go Theatre May - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:09 Page 5 Theatre May - New Layout.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:09 Page 6

Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

Million Dollar Quartet Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June Jason Donovan stars in a Tony Award-win- ning West End musical that’s set to leave Midlands audiences ‘all shook up’ when it visits Shrewsbury this month. Inspired by real events, Million Dollar Quar- tet tells the story of how Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley were brought together for an impromptu jam session in Memphis in 1956. The show includes more than 20 legendary rock’n’roll hits, including Blue Suede Shoes, Hound Dog, I Walk The Line and Great Balls Of Fire.

All Or Nothing Anna Of The Five Towns Relatively Speaking Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, May; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 30 Fri 26 May - Sat 17 June Tues 16 - Sat 20 May May - Sat 3 June; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Thurs 22- Sat 24 June The 150th anniversary of the birth of Stoke- Mention Alan Ayckbourn and a list of bril- on-Trent author Arnold Bennett is here cele- liant observational comedies springs readily brated with a new adaptation of one of his to mind - a fact which makes this particular best-loved stories. Set against the backdrop work of special interest; it was with Rela- of the Potteries, his 1902 novel tells the story tively Speaking that the playwright’s excep- of a young woman’s battle for independence, tional qualities first became evident to a in violation of the constraints imposed upon wider audience. A major West End hit in the her by the strictly controlling Methodist early 1970s, the play follows the high-farce Church and her dictatorial father. involvements of Ginny and Philip, her mar- ried lover, his wife, and Ginny’s new love, Greg. Not surprisingly, confusion abounds! This new show follows in the footsteps of other recent ’60s jukebox musicals about The Beatles and The Kinks. It tells the story of Romeo & Juliet mod favourites the Small Faces from the per- Lichfield Garrick, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 May; spective of a middle-aged and beer-swilling Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 20 - Steve Marriott, the band’s original singer. Thurs 22 June; The Place, Oakengates, Although surviving in their original incarna- Telford, Thurs 29 June; mac, Birmingham, Sat 15 - Sun 16 July tion for only four years, the Small Faces made a significant splash on the music Shakespeare’s ‘fifth tragedy’, as it’s often scene, enjoying chart hits including Whatcha called, is a classic tale of love, loss and re- Gonna Do About It, Tin Soldier, Lazy Sunday, Hopeless Romantics demption. Here Comes The Nice, Itchycoo Park and the In a city torn apart by civil war, two young Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 31 May show’s title track. When Marriott left, they people are destined to find the kind of love The highly regarded Reform Theatre once replaced him with Rod Stewart and dropped about which most others can only dream... again collaborate with Nick Lane, having pre- the word Small from their name, but it’s the Not that the finer points of Romeo & Juliet are viously presented well-reviewed productions musical output from those early years which likely to be overly important in this particular of his comedies My Favourite Summer and has secured the band their iconic status. production, given the fact that it’s zany fun- Me & Me Dad. This latest offering focuses on sters Oddsocks who’re at the helm! ‘non-elective celibate’ Alan, a man whose Expect plenty of mad- love life is very much dead-on-arrival. When cap mayhem and his judgmental parents invite him and his ro- laughter in a produc- mantically successful sisters to an anniver- tion that gives the sary dinner, Alan decides to take drastic world’s most famous action to avoid looking like a loser, asking love story an imagina- work-experience girl Zoe to pose as his girl- tive mods & rockers- friend for the night... inspired overhaul.

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Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region Theatre

Horrible Histories: The Best Of Barmy Britain The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Wed 3 May; Lichfield Garrick, Mon 15 - Tues 16 May If you love the Horrible Histories series - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then The Best Of Barmy Britain is a show that’s definitely well worth catching. Alongside providing answers to such search- ing questions as ‘what would happen if a Viking moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the show also invites its audience to escape the clutches of Burke and Hare, move to the groove with the partying Queen Victoria and prepare to do battle in the First World War. In short, and as its publicity says, it’s ‘a truly horrible history of Britain - with all the nasty bits left in!’

The Very Hungry The Elves And The Big Howard’s Caterpillar Shoemaker LOL-tastic Yukfest Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 22 May; Artrix, , Sun 21 May mac, Birmingham, Sat 27 May Malvern Theatre, Wed 24 - Thurs 25 May; Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 27 May Full House Theatre is the company behind Howard Read (aka Big Howard) last appeared this lively show for children aged four and at mac with his animated CBBC pal Little Eric Carle’s 1969 book, The Very Hungry older. Howard, who was busily attempting to avoid Caterpillar, has been translated into more Lovable retired shoemaker Geoff is getting on being tragically rubbed out by ‘the pencil of than 60 languages, selling in excess of 52 mil- a bit and struggling to remember the high- death’. lion copies. lights of his many years spent working in the Big H has now hit the road with another This stage version of Carle’s much-loved tale shoe shop. But when a visit to the bottom of hour’s-worth of mirth. Suitable for young- is presented alongside three other popular his garden brings him into contact with two sters aged five-plus, the show brings together children’s stories by the same author - The magical friends, he starts to recall his life. He stand-up comedy, interactiv Artist Who Painted A Blue Horse, Mister Sea- e digital anima- also realises that he can finally give his wife horse and The Very Lonely Firefly. The show tion, sound effects and jokes. the only thing she’s ever wanted - and just in features no fewer than 75 ‘lovable’ puppets. And - we’re warned - it may also contain the time for her 90th birthday, too. word ‘elk’. Best brace yourself!... Ulla’s Odyssey Don’t Dribble On Dough! mac, Birmingham, Sun 7 May The Dragon Warwick Arts Centre, Homer’s Odyssey provides the inspiration for Coventry, Sun 28 May The Core, , Sat 27 May this family-friendly nautical adventure from An exploration of the The late Paul Daniels was the high-profile OperaUpClose. The talented ensemble, who way in which ‘life can prestidigitator behind the marvellous mo- burst onto the scene in 2009, bagged the 2011 be filled with colour ments of magic contained in this production, Olivier Award for Best Opera and have since and beauty when we a brand new stage adaptation of the book by been garnering plaudits like they’re going step outside the beige Steven Lee. out of fashion. Premiering in 2015, Ulla’s world we know’, Dough! tells the story of a Taking as its theme the importance of family, Odyssey follows the attempts of a 14-year-old girl named Franky. While making a delivery the show is a musical adventure about a tod- girl to become the to an unfamiliar place, she encounters a dler named Tom who, as well as having an youngest person to sail baker who shows her how ‘fantastic things older brother, has a secret dragon and a drib- the world single-hand- can be done with ordinary stuff’. bling problem. edly. Her spectacular “And what could be more ordinary than the When the young chap’s endless drooling ambition is made all the dough that makes our everyday staples?” drives a slobbery wedge between him and his trickier by her en-route asks Olivia Furber, the creator of this dy- sibling, it’s up to the dragon to try and re- encounters with danger- namic show for children aged three-plus. solve the problem - with a little help from ous sea creatures and “Familiar to all cultures, dough creates the some of that aforementioned magic, of robotic customs offi- loaves, naan bread, croissants, dumplings course... cials. Suitable for chil- and chapattis that remind us of home.” dren aged seven-plus. whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Matilda DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:14 Page 1

FEATURE

Being Outrageous! Photo credit: Manuel Harlan credit: Photo

Matilda: The Musical comes to the Birmingham Hippodrome

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by Heather Kincaid

Almost seven years after its celebrated debut For all this emphasis on his collaborator's “As a director, Matthew seems to be obsessed at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Matilda: work, Kelly's own contributions have been with putting a piece of theatrical magic in The Musical has evolved into an international equally as vital, from creating brand new every scene,” says Ptaszynski, “whether it's phenomenon, holding the joint record for the characters like Mrs Wormwood's ballroom the dummy falling from the roof or the swings most Olivier Awards ever won by a single pro- dancing partner Rodolpho (a favourite with or the school gates.” duction. Yet remarkably, despite multiple per- Roald Dahl's widow, Felicity), to a whole new “One of the parts I really love is Bruce formances overseas, the show has never plot strand based around a story that Matilda Bogtrotter's burp,” adds Kelly, “because it's toured its home country - until now. tells to the librarian, Mrs Phelps. just pure theatre. It's basically just a light In the West End, the show continues to draw “In the West End,” says Ptaszynski, “there are moving around the stage, but people are en- excited crowds of kids and grown-ups alike, just piles of dead musicals with great scores thralled. In Stratford, we had discussions but next year, families and Roald Dahl fans that have failed because of the script, yet this about things like a balloon blowing up or across the country will have the chance to ex- guy who claims to know nothing about musi- those guys that blow smoke into bubbles, but perience its magic for the very first time. cals comes in and realises immediately that it in the end, we couldn't do any of that crazy Ahead of its arrival at Birmingham Hippo- needed more than just the linear narrative of stuff because of the thrust stage. An illusion drome in July 2018, we asked playwright Den- the book to turn Matilda into the show it is.” relies on everyone looking the same way, and nis Kelly and executive producer André Of course, it helped to be taking cues from an if you can see round the back, it's not gonna Ptaszynski to explain why Matilda has been undisputed master storyteller... work. In the end, I think that gave it a slightly such a roaring success. homemade feel, which fits in well with the “I never really had to think about what Dahl's Dahl story. Even though we could have done “We all love things that are dark and funny voice was or anything like that because it's so more in the West End, I like that the original and which really make you feel something, ingrained in you as a kid,” says Kelly. “At the RSC show is still running through the produc- and Matilda has all of those things,” says time, I didn't really know Matilda. I'd read tion even now.” Ptaszynski. “I think Dahl, Tim (Minchin, com- other Dahl books, but I'm a bit older than the poser & lyricist) and Dennis all come from a generation that grew up with Matilda, so it very similar comic-dramatic world. There's a wasn't until I was already working on the Matilda: The Musical shows at darkness and a sharpness to the material that script in a café one day that I realised how Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday we all recognise.” much it means to people. I remember the 3 July – Saturday 8 September 2018 “For me,” says Kelly, “I think it's mostly the waiter asked me what I was writing, and music. The songs are consistently brilliant when I told him, he just went mental! He throughout. Way back in the mists of time, started quoting from it and telling me how it before Tim was on board, they asked me was his favourite book and how it had in- whether I'd be interested in writing lyrics. I spired him. In that moment, I suddenly thought I'd give it a go, but if they were rub- thought, 'Why did I agree to this?!' But you bish, I didn't want to do it because I really can't write with too much of a sense of re- wanted this show to work. So when he came sponsibility because that's not what Dahl's along, initially I still had this residual feeling doing. He's writing with relish about burps that I might have been able to do it, but as and mud and all of that, which to me feels soon as I saw what he was writing, I knew it very free, so I didn't want to be a slave to it.” was way better than anything I could have Completing the creative trio at the heart of the done!” show's success is director Matthew Warchus.

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DOUBLE CELEBRATION OF HIP-HOP IN BRUM

There can be little doubt that the 2010s have This year’s programme kicks off with a free established art forms, offering a mix of ushered in a golden age of hip-hop. Where Welcome Jam & Launch Party exploring professional development, youth and much of mainstream music now seems Birmingham’s contributions to global hip- education projects in addition to its world- toothless in the face of rising global unrest hop culture. Hosted by Juice Aleem and DJ renowned events. and division, this is a genre that continues to Silence, the event will feature leading This year's show is headlined by South respond dynamically to the contemporary speakers and performers, including Prit, Africa's Soweto Skeleton Movers, Korean political climate. Nucleo, T-Kid, Boogie Frantik, PoeOne, Link, bboys Just Dance Productions and Canadian- But it's not just the high-profile stars IMD, Bubbles and Sic-Nis. Swedish dance duo Tentacle Tribe. breaking the charts and scooping up Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a Inspired by the action of jumping on and off prestigious accolades who are making waves. mix of free and paid-for workshops on moving trains, commuters in Johannesburg's On a grassroots level, there's a wealth of graffiti, dance, poetry and more, as well as Soweto township developed a dance style talent reconnecting with the genre's learning all about the genre in a range of known as ‘isparapara’ in the 1950s, later countercultural origins, expanding its reach talks. transformed into the famed Pantsula style by through dance, visual art, film and theatre B-Side 2017 also boasts the first ever FluxCon, adding elements of tap. Uniting seven of alongside the more familiar mix of music and a mini convention celebrating the best of Korea's finest bboys, Just Dance have won spoken word. comics, indie games, animation and sci-fi multiple competitions, touring their From its birthplace on the streets of NYC, hip- concerning the black experience. distinctive blend of Korean culture with hop has evolved into an international Performances include The Holiday, a genre- contemporary choreography all around the phenomenon, with diverse performers blending commission by internationally world. breaking ground around the world, including acclaimed artist Benji Reid. Live street art Finally, Montreal-based duo Tentacle Tribe a burgeoning crop right here in the West will fill the Hippodrome foyer and create unique works by combining Midlands. It's fitting, then, that Britain's surrounding streets in the brand new Graff conceptual hip-hop with influences from a second city is set for its biggest ever Jam, headed by New York’s legendary T-Kid range of earthly creatures. Since 2005, celebration of hip-hop this summer, with the with Graffitiartist.com. There’ll also be top- they've collaborated with numerous return of Birmingham Hippodrome’s B-Side quality DJ and MC sets from Lady Sanity, acclaimed companies, ranging from Cirque Festival and the arrival of Jonzi D’s Breakin' Quartz, Strange U, DJ Latifah, DJ Nucleo and du Soleil to Bboyizm. Convention at Birmingham REP. more. These exciting acts are joined by local groups After attracting 5,000 visitors, 70 performers Those looking to show their skills will have Jigsaw Collective, Rhythm Junkiez, Street and 150 street dance competitors to plenty of opportunities to do so, with Dance Academy, Broken Silence, Marshons Southside last year, B-Side is back for its explosive rap and dance contests running all and Nuvo Origin. second outing from 19 to 21 May. Produced in weekend. partnership with leading lights of the local Stopping off in Birmingham on 2 & 3 June, B-Side Festival is at Birmingham scene, Break Mission, Juice Aleem, Mickael touring festival Breakin’ Convention is the Hippodrome from Friday 19 to ‘Marso’ Riviere and GraffitiArtist.com, this brainchild of pioneering dancer, director and Sunday 21 May. exciting addition to Birmingham’s cultural poet Jonzi D. Uniting top international acts Breakin’ Convention runs at Birmingham calendar focuses on celebrating and with local talent in various locations, it aims Repertory Theatre on Friday developing homegrown talent. to put hip-hop on an equal footing with more 2 & Saturday 3 June

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Ballet Black DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 25 - Fri 26 May Ballet Black comprises British and interna- tional dancers of black and Asian descent, and takes an impressively daring approach to its work. Under the guidance of highly rated artistic director Cassa Pancho, the company here presents a winning blend of classical and contemporary dance. The programme begins with Captured, a four-hander set to a Shostakovich string quartet... The second piece, featuring the music of Debussy, is an abstract work by celebrated British choreographer Michael Corder... The bill is completed by the award-winning Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s alternative ver- sion of Little Red Riding Hood.

Birmingham Royal Ballet ACE Dance: TEN Triple Bill Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 24 May Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Humanity’s universal stories are placed under the mi- Fri 5 - Sat 6 May croscope by Jose Agudo, whose new work strikes an Birmingham Royal Ballet stops off in overarching tone that’s both epic and poetic. In the Shrewsbury as part of a short tour, present- process, the choreographer brings ‘hints of Flamenco ing a ‘sparkling’ triple bill designed to cele- movement to the contemporary vocabulary under- brate the diversity of classical ballet. pinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African Kickstarting the programme is Kenneth style’. MacMillan’s Solitaire, set to composer Mal- “Ten will build on the themes of spiritual dedication colm Arnold’s English Dances and explor- and striving,” explains ACE. “Ultimately this piece will ing the imagination of a girl who dreams up be about humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 - playmates for herself. the universal symbol of completion.” Hans van Manen’s 5 Tangos, meanwhile, is a Latin-inspired work showcasing the fiery music of Astor Piazzolla. The programme is completed by Pineapple Poll, a Gilbert & Sullivan-inspired affair in 2Faced Dance: Run which a ‘gaggle of girls’ fall in love with the Theatre Hafren, Newtown, Powys, dashing captain of HMS Hot Cross Bun. Thurs 4 May; Malvern Theatre, Tues 9 May As part of the journey towards its stated aim of becoming ‘a world- wide leader in the production of breathtaking, physical and inspira- tional dance’, Herefordshire-based 2Faced Dance Company here ex- plores ‘the darker side of humanity’. The show features an all-male en- semble of dancers performing a triple bill of works. Choreography is by newcomer Rebecca Evans and the well-established Tamsin Fitzger- ald and Lenka Vagnerová.

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Film

Alien: Covenant CERT tbc CRITIC’S CHOICE Starring Michael Fassbender, Katherine Wa- terston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demián Bichir, Ejogo, James Franco, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce Directed by Ridley Scott (USA/UK) Ridley Scott sucks us back into deep space for his third stab at the franchise he cre- ated way back in 1979. Actually a sequel to Prometheus, the pre- quel he directed in 2012, the new film fol- lows the crew of the colony ship Covenant as it lands on a remote, undiscovered Eden. But there lies the android David (Michael Fassbender, reprising his role from Prometheus), as well as something alto- gether more alien and terrifying. The film is the second in a proposed tril- ogy preceding the time frame of the first Alien film. Released Fri 12 May

Film highlights released in May...

Jawbone CERT 15 (91 mins) Starring Johnny Harris, Ray Winstone, Michael Smiley, Ian McShane Directed by Thomas Q. Napper (UK) With nowhere else to go, former ama- teur boxer Jimmy McCabe (Harris) re- turns to the ring to do what he does best… Harris, best known for his roles in London To Brighton and Monsters: Dark Continent, wrote the screenplay himself - à la Stallone - and was trained for his part by none other than Barry McGuigan. Released Fri 12 May

Colossal CERT 15 (109 mins) Mindhorn CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Starring Julian Barratt, Simon Farnaby, Essie Stevens, Austin Stowell, Tim Blake Nelson Davis, Russell Tovey, Andrea Riseborough, Directed by Nacho Vigalondo (Canada/Spain) Steve Coogan Directed by Sean Foley (UK) The monster attacking Seoul in South Korea Richard Thorncroft used to be Mindhorn, the is indeed humongous, but what’s it got to do TV detective who could see the truth with the with Gloria? This is what Gloria (Anne Hath- help of his robotic eye. But Richard is now a away) has to find out, as she tries to get her washed-up actor when the police approach life back on track after losing her job and her him to negotiate with a serial killer who will boyfriend in New York. The comedy is di- only talk to ‘Mindhorn.’ It’s played for rected by Nacho Vigalondo, who’s made his laughs, obviously. reputation with sci-fi and horror. Released Fri 5 May Released Fri 19 May 36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film may.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 15:12 Page 2

Film highlights released in May...

her fiancé Frantz Hoffmeister, a violinist Frantz CERT 12a (114 mins) Starring Pierre Niney, Paula Bear, Ernst who was killed in the battle of Verdun. She Stötzner, Marie Gruber, Johann von Bülow, is surprised, then, to find red roses placed Cyrielle Clair there by an unknown hand. After making Directed by François Ozon (France/Germany) enquiries, she discovers that the floral If ever a film were pertinent to our times, it donor is a Frenchman, who is staying in is François Ozon's Frantz. Set in Germany town… in the aftermath of the First World War, François Ozon, one of the great auteurs of Ozon’s story of both acceptance and dis- contemporary French cinema, here delivers crimination shows a country bruised, hu- perhaps his finest film to date, a magnifi- miliated and fiercely resentful of its cent period romance that is at once enig- neighbour, France. matic, mischievous and profoundly In the sleepy medieval town of Quedlin- moving. burg, the beautiful Anna visits the grave of Released Fri 12 May

Pirates Of The Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge CERT 12a tbc Starring Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Geof- frey Rush, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scode- lario, Kevin McNally Directed by Joachim Rønning and Espen Sandberg (USA) Jack Sparrow’s old rival, the undead Salazar (Javier Bardem), decides to rid the High Seas of all brigands. Expect ghosts, witches and much supernatural tomfoolery. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 26 May

Snatched CERT tbc Spark CERT tbc Starring Amy Schumer, Goldie Hawn, Joan Cu- With the voices of Jace Norman, Jessica Biel, sack, Ike Barinholtz, Óscar Jaenada, Wanda Susan Sarandon, Patrick Stewart, Hilary Sykes Directed by Jonathan Levine (USA) Swank Directed by Aaron Woodley (Canada/South Korea/USA) Emily and Linda have little in common, other than the fact Emily is Linda’s daughter. How- Spark is a teenage monkey and he’s not half ever, when Emily’s boyfriend dumps her, she bad at space travel. So he and his friends sees little recourse but to invite her mother head to Planet Bana in the hope of rescuing it on her pre-booked jungle adventure. Expect from the unscrupulous General Zhong. In 3D. embarrassment. Released Mon 29 May Released Fri 19 May

The Other Side Of Hope CERT 12a (100 mins) Starring Sherwan Haji, Sakari Kuosmanen, Kati Outinen, Tommi Korpela Directed by Aki Kaurismäki (Finland/Germany) There’s little hope for Khaled, a refugee from Syria who’s just arrived in Helsinki. Nor for Wikström, who's just opened his first restau- rant… It’s important to know that Aki Kauris- mäki, Finland’s most famous director, trades in deadpan humour and a , melancholy wit. Released Fri 26 May

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Room Here & Now Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 6 May - Sat 24 June mac, Birmingham, until Sun 4 June Comprising works by a number of international women artists, this thought-provok- The art of tapestry weaving is alive and well, ing exhibition reflects the multiple and often concurrent meanings and functions of as this first major curated exhibition of work ‘the room’. The featured installations, sculptures and photographs, all works which for over 20 years ably demonstrates. have been produced between the 1970s and the present day, envisage the room in a A touring show from the National Centre For variety of ways - as an erotically charged or psychological space, and also in terms of Craft & Design, Here & Now showcases the its structural and aesthetic properties. ways in which the narrative heritage of the medium is used to engage with contempo- rary political, aesthetic and personal issues. In the process, the exhibition aims to em- phasise the artform’s ongoing relevance in the modern world.

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

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Visual Arts

Rachel Goodyear Face To Face: Portraits The New Art Gallery, Walsall, Through Time Fri 26 May - Sun 3 September Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Manchester-based Rachel until Sun 4 June Goodyear has developed her repu- This fascinating exhibition brings together tation as an artist via a drawing- works loaned from numerous sources, includ- based practice that hints at the ing the Arts Council Collection and the Na- world of the unconscious mind. tional Portrait Gallery. Indeed, the latter has Using old magazines, books and contributed no fewer than 10 works of art. anonymous photographs as her Featuring snapshots of ordinary people as well inspiration, she creates charac- as portraits of Henry VIII, Marilyn Monroe, ters which she then either locates and Princess Diana, Face To Face within claustrophobic spaces or explores the centuries-old fascination with sets against heavy and brooding capturing one’s own image. washes of ink and watercolour... The display comprises paintings, photographs, Rachel has created an immersive sculptures and interactive activities. installation for her Walsall exhi- bition. Incorporating projected animations and sound, the new work enables the viewer to enter an environment which the artist describes as ‘both alluring and fearful whilst hovering between the familiar and the surreal’. The installation is accompanied by a collection of her drawings.

Last chance to see...

New Art West Midlands Boyle’s three-metre-long metal sculp- tures. The sculptures are made of indus- Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, trial steel strap overlaid with a feminine Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 14 lace print and formed into three-dimen- May sional funnels and circles. Thirty-one artists from six regional art Megan Evans (pictured below - left and schools are currently exhibiting new work right), meanwhile, uses make-up to paint at four leading galleries as part of New her portraits of women undergoing cos- Art West Midlands 2017. metic surgery. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, Many of the works on show take themes New Art West Midlands includes paint- connected to science and biology. Numer- ing, installation, sculpture, photography, ous other pieces focus on the subjects of A Dutch Window video, animation and digital artworks. globalisation, migration and belonging. Image credit (centre): Damian Massey. Grand Union, Birmingham, Highlights of the show include Yazmin Fri 5 May - Sat 22 July Seecum Cheung’s current project, of which this exhibition is the latest installment, explores the rise of right-wing Nationalism within Eu- rope. An award-winning artist working prima- rily with the moving image, Cheung has conducted a series of interviews to track the political shifts occurring across the continent. In the process, she’s engaged with leading spe- cialists in the field of right-wing radicalism, human rights organisations and activist refugee groups. The ‘chapter’ of her work being presented in Birmingham this month takes as its subject matter this year’s national elections in the Netherlands, France and Germany. whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Places to visit (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:40 Page 1

40 whatsonlive.co.uk Places to visit (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:40 Page 2

whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Places to visit (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:40 Page 3 explore the midlands

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, you’re sure to find somewhere and something that fits the bill. Our What’s On directory features a selection of some of the best places to visit across the region this summer. Have fun!

Birmingham

You may also like...

• Aston Hall • BBC Birmingham • Birmingham Back To Backs • Birmingham Museum & Birmingham Botanical Gardens National Sea Life Centre Thinktank Science Museum Art Gallery Set over 15 acres of luscious lawns The centre features more than 1,000 Museum attractions include over • Cadbury World and foliage, Birmingham Botanical creatures and 60-plus displays - 200 interactive exhibits on science • Cannon Hill Park Gardens features four glasshouses, including a million-litre underwater and discovery, as well as a • Library of Birmingham gardens, a playground and tearoom. tropical tank and a brand new programme of workshops, shows • Wonderful World of Trains and Planes Westbourne Rd, B15 3TR Octopus Hideout exhibit. and demonstrations. birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Brindleyplace, B1 2HL Curzon St, B4 7XG visitsealife.com/birmingham birminghammuseums.org.uk/thinktank

Shropshire

You may also like...

• Attingham Park • Dudmaston Estate • Hawkstone Park & Follies • Ludlow Castle • Park Hall Farm Blists Hill Victorian Town British Ironworks Centre Telford Town Park • Shrewsbury Museum & One of 10 award-winning museums This family-run centre boasts a Sitting next to the town’s Southwater Art Gallery that make up the Ironbridge Gorge varied collection of beautifully development, the park offers • Shropshire Hills Museum Trust, Blists Hill offers the decorative metal items, some of multiple play areas, fishing pools, Discovery Centre chance to step back in time to the which are faithful reproductions of bike hire, nature trails and extensive • Weston Park days of Queen Victoria. ironwork no longer seen today. grassed areas. • Wroxeter Roman City Madeley, TF7 5DU Oswestry, SY11 4JH Telford, TF3 4EP ironbridge.org.uk britishironworkcentre.co.uk telfordtownpark.co.uk

Staffordshire

You may also like...

• Alton Towers • Beacon Park • Cannock Chase Forest • Drayton Manor • Lower Drayton Farm Tamworth Castle Gladstone Pottery Museum Lichfield Cathedral • Middleport Pottery Step back in time through 900 years Located in a Victorian pottery Boasting over 1,300 years of history • Samuel Johnson of history at Tamworth Castle. factory, the museum offers a and recently voted third best Birthplace Wander the chambers and hallways fascinating insight into the history of cathedral in the UK, Lichfield • Shugborough Estate and get a real sense of how its Stoke-on-Trent, famous the world Cathedral is currently hosting a • Trentham Gardens previous residents spent their time in over for the quality of its pottery. Turner exhibition. • World of Wedgwood the castle. Stoke-on-Trent ST3 1PQ 19A The Close, WS13 7LD Tamworth B79 7NA stokemuseums.org.uk lichfield-cathedral.org tamworthcastle.co.uk

42 whatsonlive.co.uk Places to visit (1).qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:40 Page 4

Warwickshire

You may also like...

• British Motor Museum • Coventry Cathedral • Fargo Village • Hatton Adventure World • Kenilworth Castle Coventry Transport Museum Warwick Castle Compton Verney • National Motorcycle Home to the largest publicly owned Playing host to more than 1,000 One hundred-and-twenty acres of Museum collection of British vehicles in the years of history, magic, myth and stunning parkland and lake • Ragley Hall world. Discover fascinating stories of adventure, the castle this summer surround an award-winning art • Shakespeare’s Birthplace Coventry and its people through the features the brand new War Of The gallery. There’s also an on-site • Stratford Butterfly Farm rise and fall of its biggest industry. Roses Live! attraction. adventure playground for kids. • Stoneleigh Abbey • The MAD Museum Coventry CV1 1JD Warwick, CV34 4QU Warwick, CV35 9HZ transport-museum.com warwick-castle.com comptonverney.org.uk

Wolverhampton & Black Country

You may also like...

• Bantock House • Craft Gallery • Canal Trust • Dudley Zoo & Castle • RAF Museum Cosford Wolverhampton Art Gallery Black Country Living Museum • Northycote Farm & Over 70 historic aircraft are here This free-to-visit gallery has over 300 Visitors can explore period shops Country Park displayed in three wartime hangars years of art to explore. The popular and houses and discover what it was • Red House Glass Cone on an active airfield. The collection LEGO exhibition, Brick Wonders, like to live and work in one of the • Walsall Arboretum spans nearly 80 years of aviation features until July. world’s most industrialised • Wightwick Manor • Wolves Museum history. Lichfield St, W’hampton WV1 1DU landscapes. Lyssander Ave, Cosford, TF11 8UP wolverhamptonart.org.uk Rd, Dudley DY1 4SQ rafmuseum.org.uk/cosford bclm.co.uk

Worcestershire

You may also like...

• Croome Park • Forge Mill Needle Museum • Harvington Hall • Museum of Royal Avoncroft Museum The Commandery Arley Arboretum Worcester Set in 19 acres of Worcestershire A beautiful building that’s most The Arboretum offers plenty to enjoy • countryside, this independent famous for being the Royalist for visitors of all ages. Attractions • West Midlands Safari museum features buildings spanning headquarters during the deciding include an Italian garden with Park a 700-year period. conflict of the , the fountain, dinosaur and fairy trails • Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Battle of Worcester in 1651. and a maze. • Witley Court & Gardens B60 4JR Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU Upper Arley, Nr Bewdley, DY12 1SQ avoncroft.org.uk worcestershire.gov.uk/museums arleyarboretum.co.uk

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Events previews from around the region Events

The Baby Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May Sleep-deprived new parents would do well to call on their reserves of energy and get along to this popular show. Widely considered to be the UK’s leading pregnancy and parenting event, The Baby Show brings together leading retail- ers and brands, includes one-to-one demon- strations and provides the opportunity to ‘touch, feel and compare’ items, enabling shop- pers to make an informed decision about their purchases. The show also offers free advice on topics such as sleeping, breastfeeding and weaning, and comes complete with a host of facilities to help you have a hassle-free day. We’re fairly sure that if your baby could talk, they’d advise you to attend...

This Morning Live Ludlow Food NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 May Spring Festival This brand new lifestyle show, inspired Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May by ITV1’s This Morning programme, fea- This annual festival ably illustrates why tures appearances by Phillip Schofield Ludlow is one of the country’s most rep- and Holly Willoughby (pictured), the pre- utable foodie towns. senters of the popular daytime television The two-day event features more than series. 200 alongside an array of food The event also boasts numerous lifestyle stalls, with vendors offering delectable elements, including fashion & style, food delights ranging from artisan flours to & drink, home, gardening, pets, beauty, charcuterie, award-winning cakes, gour- and health & wellbeing. met sausage rolls and local cheeses. Commenting on the four-day show, The Marches Transport Festival and a Emma Gormley, ITV Daytime Managing wealth of musical entertainment com- Director, said: “With our fantastic pre- plete the weekend’s programme of at- senting talent and the wonderful mix of tractions. content that we'll be taking on the road, this event promises to delight fans of the show across the country.” Tudor Weekend Blakesley Hall, Birmingham, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May Visitors to Blakesley Hall get the chance to participate in Tudor games and danc- ing, or try their hand at writing with a quill pen, at this family-friendly event. Tudor reenactors entertain and educate throughout the weekend, presenting Shakespeare's Richard III and battle scenes from Henry V, as well as demon- strating a range of sure-to-be-impres- sive sword-fighting techniques. Tudor-style cooking is also on the agenda, while a number of Tudor char- acters will be showing off their textile skills. Sounds like a step back in time that could be well worth taking...

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MEETING POINT: corner of Colmore Row & Waterloo Street, Victoria Square TOUR TIMES: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm

CONTACT: 0121 427 2555 / 07805 115 998 [email protected]

AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

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Events previews from around the region Events

Telford Kite Festival Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Sun 7 May One of the premier groups of its kind in the UK - the Midlands Kite Flyers Association - is coordinating this free-to-attend day of high- flying fun. As well as enjoying colourful kite displays, visitors can also get handy tips and design ideas from experts, to help them build their own kite in a special workshop. READER Kite-making sessions for kids will OFFER! be taking place at Telford Shopping Centre in the run-up to 20% off for What’s On the event. Readers when quoting WHATSON20 Jurassic Kingdom: when booking Wool@J13 Where Dinosaurs Come To Life Lower Drayton Farm, , Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sat 20 May - Sun 4 June Sat 13 - Sun 14 May

Monstrously good fun is on the cards for As visitors explore the gardens, they’ll dinosaur-loving visitors to this brand new uncover life-sized replica dinosaurs, including touring event. both Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops. Featuring more than 30 impressive An education marquee, hosting a number of installations of animated dinosaurs with on-screen dinosaur documentaries, ensures electronic moving parts, the show is being that youngsters can learn as well as enjoy, marketed as ‘a truly awesome educational and while a special excavation scene provides entertaining Jurassic experience’. And there’s children with the chance to dig up dinosaur every reason to imagine it will be exactly bones. To book, visit jurassickingdom.uk that...

Dragon Hunt Color Obstacle Rush Tamworth Castle, Sat 27 May - Fri 2 June Wolverhampton Racecourse, Sat 27 May

Two dragons for the price of one is the spring- This brand new wool and yarn time holiday treat for families visiting Tamworth festival is taking place on a 600- Castle this half term. acre farm just one mile from As well as resident dragon Ruby, the venue is Junction 13 of the M6 - hence the also playing host to Hafgrim, her mischief-mak- event’s name. ing brother, who’s got himself lost somewhere The festival is being organised by within the castle and its grounds. Visitors are Staffordshire-based wool artist invited to help find him, along the way partici- Ingrid Wagner in collaboration pating in a selection of dragon-friendly activi- with Val James, who runs a ties... Best be vigilant, though - the evil ‘dragon successful farm attraction. This multicoloured event became hugely popu- catcher’ is on the prowl and will stop at nothing “We want to offer visitors a great lar across Scandinavia following its Finland to capture Ruby or Hafgrim. What a rotter! experience,” says Ingrid. “Overall, launch in 2014. Expanding into the US and Eu- we’ve had a great response from rope the following year, it combines ‘the fun of exhibitors, so the shopping colour powdered runs, the thrill of an obstacle experience really will be buzzing. course and the atmosphere of a music festival’. We have bagots and baguettes, Obstacles in the 2017 edition of the show in- llamas and lattes, doe-eyed clude inflatables - some with colour stations in- donkeys, a gaggle of geese and side them - a sponge ball ocean, space-hopper even a rescued reptile - and that’s racing and water balloon fights. The event also before we even get to the features 20 music zones, positioned at locations Hebrideans and a Jacob or two!” around the course, and a special chill-out area.

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Events previews from around the region Events

Shropshire Kids Festival The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May ‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of this high-energy weekend, with plenty of arts & crafts events and workshops allowing children to get hands-on while they learn. Other attractions include a 75m water slide, a helter-skelter and a go-kart track, the chance to play a host of sports and take part in jujitsu, karate and yoga sessions. There’s an inflatable obstacle course too, and ‘wacky races’ with water balloons and space hoppers. A circus skills tent, kids cookery classes and a ‘not to be missed’ foam party further add to the fun.

Harry Potter And The Twister, Operation and Mousetrap - enjoy a performance of memorable jukebox hits by a Staffordshire Philosopher's Stone™ local musical theatre group. and roll back the In Concert years with a glass of sparkling Babycham or County Show Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Mon 15 May Blue Nun wine. Staffordshire County Showground, Visitors are encouraged to get into the Swing- Wed 31 May - Thurs 1 June The present-day passion for Potter shows no ing ’60s spirit of things by attending the Staffordshire’s annual two-day county sign of abating, particularly after the stage event in era-appropriate fancy dress. show makes a welcome return, production of The Cursed Child bagged a complete with its usual eclectic mix of record-breaking nine prizes at last month’s attractions and entertainment. Olivier Awards. Red By Night The main-ring programme of events This latest touring attraction for fans of JK features displays from the Bolddog Rowling’s wizarding world features a high- Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Lings Motorcycle Display Team, Sat 20 May definition screening of the very first Potter vintage machinery and livestock movie. It’s accompanied by a live Royal Phil- Flying sparks, clanging hammers and rising parades, show jumping and young harmonic Concert Orchestra performance of smoke are much in evidence at this special farmers floats. Highlights elsewhere at the film’s score, composed by the legendary Black Country Living Museum event. the Showground include falconry, John Williams. The Dudley visitor attraction’s annual Night sheepdog and duck displays, donkey At The Museum celebration this year brings rides, craft and antique fairs and a to life the history of the region via a package cookery theatre & food hall. of entertainment that includes theatre per- formances, poetry, music and storytelling. There’s also the chance to see the Endurance steam engine in action. Plenty of traditional War Of The food and drink should ensure the sound of Roses Live! rumbling stomachs isn’t added to the mu- Warwick Castle, seum’s cacophony of industrial noises. Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June Branded by Warwick Castle as a heart- pumping, fist-thumping, live-action horseback battle with jaw-dropping special effects, War Of The Roses Live! invites visitors to pledge their Museums At Night: allegiance either to King Henry VI from 1960s Party the House of Lancaster, or to the House Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 20 May of York as it challenges for the English throne. Enginuity’s contribution to this year’s na- The show takes place on selected dates tionwide Museums At Night festival sees the between this month and September. popular Ironbridge Gorge attraction hosting a free-entry 1960s party. The event features the chance to play popu- lar board games of the time - including whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover May Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 14:39 Page 1 The List Cover May Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 17:59 Page 2

Your week by week listings guide May 2017 thelist

Let’s Rock Shrewsbury at The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury - Saturday 27 May

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

What’s On Mon 1 to Sun 7 May Mon 8 to Sun 14 May Mon 15 to Fri 21 May Mon 23 to Wed 31 May

Tia McGraff at Henry Tudor Evita at Wolverhampton Chinese State Circus at The Ruby Turner at the Prince of House, Shrewsbury Grand Theatre Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Wales Centre, Cannock Sun 7 May Tues 9 - Sat 13 May Wed 17 - Sun 21 May Sun 28 May

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thelist Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May O2 Academy, B’ham May, The Sugarmill, THROUGHOUT MAY Gigs QUILL Fri 5 May, The Stoke-on-Trent Robin, Wolverhampton UK GUNS N' ROSES Sat JOY IN THE EVERYDAY Solo exhibition 6 May, The Slade STEVE HACKETT Mon 1 SKINNY LISTER Fri 5 by artist Kanj Nicholas, until Tues 9 Rooms, Wolverhamp- Visual Arts May, Symphony Hall, May, Hare & Hounds, May, Bantock House & Park, Wolver- ton Birmingham Birmingham hampton ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 Bilston Craft Gallery SHORTSTRAW Tues 2 WHILE SHE SLEEPS Fri 5 TOY THEATRE This exhibition charts TRIBUTE Sat 6 May, DISCOVER DINOSAURS A new family- May, O2 Institute, May, The Sugarmill, the history of toy theatre through a The River Rooms, friendly exhibition exploring the pre- Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent range of examples from the National historic world of the dinosaurs, until JOSE JAMES Tues 2 DUETS FOR DJANGO Fri Puppetry Archive, until Sat 3 June, CLEAN CUT KID Sat 6 Sun 13 Aug May, The Glee Club, 5 May, Lichfield Gar- Bantock House & Park, Wolverhamp- May, O2 Institute, ton Birmingham rick, Staffordshire New Art Gallery - Walsall Birmingham RAT BOY Tues 2 May, THE MAGIC GANG Fri 5 WILDLY BRITISH Artist Lauren van Hel- VIVA LA Sat NEW JOANNE MASDING A solo exhibi- mond reveals her love of both mak- O2 Institute, B’ham May, O2 Academy, tion of new work by Birmingham- Birmingham 6 May, Theatre On The ing and painting, entwined with a MARIANAS TRENCH based artist Joanne Masding, Fri 5 Steps, Bridgnorth, fondness of old objects and animals, Tues 2 May, O2 Insti- ANDY FAIRWEATHER May - Sun 30 July Shropshire until Sun 2 July, Shire Hall Gallery, ture, Birmingham LOW AND THE LOW RID- NEW SOHEILA SOKHANVARI Soheila is Stafford ERS Fri 5 May, The SYNERGY Sat 6 May, VICKY SPEEDBOAT, FULL- an Iranian-born artist whose multidis- Brewhouse Arts Cen- Havana Republic Bar ABSTRACT PAINTINGS: MARTIN LEWIS SHORE & INSOMNIACS ciplinary work weaves layers of politi- tre, Staffordshire and Restaurant, Solo exhibition featuring a selection Tues 2 May, The Sun- cal histories with bizarre, humorous Shrewsbury of Martin's most recent works, until flower Lounge, B’ham WILL JOSEPH COOK Fri and mysterious narratives that are Mon 8 May, Qube Gallery, Oswestry 5 May, O2 Institute, UNDER A BANNER Sat 6 then left to the viewer’s own sensitiv- THE GOOD SINNERS May, Newhampton ANGELA HARDING Birmingham ity to complete, Fri 26 May - Sun 3 Showcase of new Wed 3 May, Eleven, Arts Centre, Wolver- Sept work by artist Angela Harding, until Stoke-on-Trent CHERISH + MIZZ PINK hampton Sat 13 May, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Fri 5 May, The River LADIES OF THE BLUES Much Wenlock Rooms, Stourbridge FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat Potteries Museum & Art Wed 3 May, Hare & 6 May, O2 Institute, Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent SPRING OPEN EXHIBITION The Feisty Hounds, Birmingham TAKE THAT Fri 5 - Sat 6 Birmingham Felters and Pumed Gainc – A Fifth May, Genting Arena, SAYWECANFLY Wed 3 ANN SUTTON: ON THE GRID Touring ex- Branch, until Sat 27 May, The Willow Birmingham TIA MCGRAFF Sun 7 May, O2 Academy, hibition bringing the work of Ann Sut- Gallery, Oswestry May, Henry Tudor ton back to her Stoke-on-Trent roots Birmingham THE VERVE EXPERIENCE House, Shrewsbury TWO VIEWPOINTS Exhibition of work Sat 6 May, O2 Acad- and showcasing a new body of work THE MAGIC GANG Wed 3 by equestrian artists Alison Wilson emy, Birmingham HANDS OF FIRE Sun 7 inspired by her travels, until Sun 27 May, The Sugarmill, and Glynis Mills, Sat 29 Apr - Tues 30 May, Theatre Severn, Aug Stoke-on-Trent MORGAN HERITAGE & Shrewsbury May, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal ETANA Sat 6 May, O2 SEAFRET Wed 3 May, Shrewsbury Museum & Art NEW CURIOSITY: THE VISUAL FIELD OF Academy, Birmingham THE ROBERT CRAY BAND O2 Institute, B’ham Sun 7 May, Birming- Gallery INQUIRY EXHIBITION Society of UNDEROATH Sat 6 May, Staffordshire Artists present a group NEVER 42 Wed 3 May, ham Town Hall RHYME AROUND THE WORLD Featuring O2 Institute, B’ham exhibition illustrating the visual cu- The Robin, Wolver- THE JOHN OTWAY BIG artwork by much-loved, bestselling riosity of the artist, Wed 3 May - Wed hampton SETTING SONS Sat 6 BAND Sun 7 May, The and acclaimed illustrators, including May, The Flapper, 7 June, Keele University HARP AND A MONKEY Robin, Wolverhampton Robert Ingpen, Shirley Hughes, Axel Birmingham Scheffler, Emily Gravett, Mini Grey, NEW SECRET SEVERN ART TRAIL WEEK- Wed 3 May, The Red HAYSEED DIXIE Sun 7 CHRIS JAGGER & THE Jessica Ahlberg and Polly Dunbar, END A weekend of art in the Iron- Lion Folk Club, B’ham May, The Slade KRONIES Sat 6 May, until Sun 7 May bridge Gorge. A trail from UK SUBS Thurs 4 May, Rooms, Wolverhamp- Ludlow Brewery, Coalbrookdale to Jackfield, showcas- The Robin, Wolver- ton South Shropshire ing the art of Secret Severn's hampton HOOPS Sun 7 May The Brewhouse Arts Centre, artists at many different locations. For EXPLOSIVE LIGHT OR- ANDREW COMBS Thurs Hare & Hounds, Birm- Burton-upon-Trent trail map and details, visit secretsev- CHESTRA Sat 6 May, 4 May, The Glee Club, ingham BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COL- ern.co.uk, Fri 5 - Sun 7 May, Iron- The Robin, Wolver- Birmingham NANCY KERR AND THE LEGE, PHOTO CANOPY 2 Mon 1 - Sat 20 bridge Gorge hampton THE KING BLUES Thurs SWEET VISITOR BAND May NEW LAY OF THE LAND (AND OTHER HUEY MORGAN FUN 4 May, The Slade Sun 7 May, Lichfield SUCH MYTHS) Solo exhibition by artist LOVIN' CRIMINALS BURTON AND SOUTH DERBYSHIRE COL- Rooms, Wolverhamp- Guildhall LEGE, DEGREE SHOW Mon 29 May - Sat Victoria Lucas, Fri 5 May - Fri 2 June, FRONTMAN Sat 6 May, ton MARTIN SIMPSON Sun 7 10 June AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Hare & Hounds, Birm- ELLA FITZGERALD AT 100 May, The Hive Shrews- NEW MARY FITZPATRICK Winner of the ingham WITH MARTIN TAYLOR & bury Wolverhampton Art Gallery Qube Open People’s Choice Prize HAYSEED DIXIE Sat 6 ALISON BURNS Thurs 4 2016, Mary will be exhibiting a selec- BRICK WONDERS Exhibition of over 70 May, New Vic Theatre, tion of her more recent works, Thurs amazing models, including the Great Newcastle-under- 11 May - Mon 12 June, Qube Gallery, Wall of China and Niagara Falls, until Lyme, Staffs Tues 4 July Oswestry MAXIMO PARK Fri 5 NEW JOY BELLINGHAM - SOLO EXHIBI- BACK TO BLACK A Black History Month May, O2 Institute, TION A selection of landscape paint- exhibition of artwork by contempo- Birmingham rary Black British artists, until Sun 31 ings in watercolour, acrylics, oil, oil BREAK & DLR Fri 5 May, Dec pastels and photography, Sun 14 - Sat 27 May, The Bear Steps Gallery, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Other VISUAL ARTS NEW ELLESMERE ART EXHIBITION Exhi- DAVID LIVE - THE DAVID FRANS WESSELMAN Exhibition of etch- bition featuring works by more than BOWIE TRIBUTE SHOW ings, woodcuts and stained glass, 75 nationally renowned artists and Fri 5 May, Eleven, until Sat 6 May, Silk Top Hat Gallery, sculptors, Wed 31 May - Sun 4 June, Stoke-on-Trent Ludlow Ellesmere College THE BRAZEN Fri 5 May, Tia McGraff - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Shrops 1 - 7 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:12 Page 2

Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May Classical Music Comedy

PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: KONAN DAVID TRENT, NICK DIXON & COMEDY TANAKA Programme includes works CAROUSEL WITH ANDY RICHARDSON by Mozart, Ravel, Lieberman & Wed 3 May, The Glee Club, B’ham Chopin, Tues 2 May, Recital Hall, ALAN HUDSON, JULIAN DEANE, LENNY Birmingham Conservatoire SHERMAN, JAY ISLAAM & LOU CONRAN PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: NAFIS Thurs 4 May, Foxlowe Arts Centre, UMERKULOVA Tues 2 May, Recital Hall, Leek, Staffs Birmingham Conservatoire ANGELA BARNES, IAN D. MONTFORT, RUSSELL WATSON & HIS ORCHESTRA JACK BARRY & JAMES ALDERSON Thurs Wed 3 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham 4 May, The George Hotel, Lichfield SACCONI QUARTET Thurs 4 May, The KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Bramall, Birmingham 4 May, Stourbridge Town Hall CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- JON RICHARDSON Thurs 4 May, Birm- CHESTRA Featuring Ben Gernon (con- ingham Hippodrome ductor) & Alison Balsom (trumpet). RON VAUDRY, ANDY WILKY, JO ENRIGHT, Programme includes works by STEPHEN DODD & ANGIE BELCHER Ursula Queen Of The Jungle Beethoven, Haydn & Dvorak, Thurs 4 Thurs 4 May, Ashmore Inn, Wolver- The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury, Wed 3 - Sat 6 May May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham hampton ENSEMBLE PHOENIX MUNICH: REQUIEM TOM TAYLOR, NICK DIXON, RON VAUDRY This new one-woman show tells the true story of a Kensington debu- FOR A PINK MOON An Elizabethan trib- & MATT GREEN Fri 5 May, The Glee tante who ended up living amongst the head-hunting Naga natives of ute to Nick Drake, Thurs 4 May, The Club, Birmingham North East India. Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury RUDI LICKWOOD, MARK NELSON, LEO “Ursula went out East to do a little anthropology,” explains the play’s THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSIC SERVICES KEARSE & SAM AVERY Fri 5 May, The writer, Chris Eldon Lee, “but she ended up organising the Nagas to TUBA QUARTET Featuring Michael Comedy Loft, Birmingham Howley & Lewis Musson (Eupho- ward off the threat of a Japanese invasion of India. In doing so, she nium), Jonathan Truscott & Jonathan ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, BARRY DODDS & became the only combatant female officer in the British Army. This Gawn (tuba), Fri 5 May, The Barber BEN BRIGGS Fri 5 May, Jongleurs wasn’t the ‘done thing’, of course, so she’s been lost in army records Comedy Club, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham ever since as a ‘typist’. And so the legend of the ‘Naga Queen’ was OMID DJALILI HESS' QUINTET FOR CONTRABASSOON Fri 5 May, Symphony born - a legend which became a strip cartoon in Girl Magazine.” Hall, Birmingham Featuring Margaret Cookhorn (Con- The production stars Joanna Purslow, who appeared at the Wight- trabassoon), Jane Wright & Katherine ANDY WILKY, KEITH CARTER & ADAM Gittings (violins), Christopher Yates STAUNTON Fri 5 May, Katie Fitzger- man venue last year in a hugely successful production of Shake- (viola), Helen Edgar (Cello) & Julian ald's, Stourbridge speare’s Will. The show is here receiving its premiere prior to being Atkinson (Double Bass). Programme THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Fri 5 May, The performed at the Edinburgh Festival and in India. includes Hess' Quintet for contrabas- Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton soon and strings Op.63 & Dvorak's Quintet in G, Op.77, Fri 5 May, CBSO NICK DIXON, RON VAUDRY, MATT GREEN novel, Tues 2 May, The Old Rep, Centre, Birmingham & COMIC TBC Sat 6 May, The Glee ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Iqbal Khan Club, Birmingham (Much Ado About Nothing, Othello) Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE POPS OR- returns to the RSC to direct Shake- 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL CHESTRA Featuring Christopher RUDI LICKWOOD, MARK NELSON, LEO Amateur produc- KEARSE & SAM AVERY Sat 6 May, The speare’s tragedy of love and power. tion presented by Musical Houlding (conductor) & Eric McElroy Part of the RSC’s Rome season, (piano), Fri 5 May, Birmingham Town Comedy Loft, Birmingham Theatre Company, Tues 2 - Sat 6 Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Shakespeare May, Lichfield Garrick Hall ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, BARRY DODDS & Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon SHEKU KANNEH MASON (CELLO) & ISATA BEN BRIGGS Sat 6 May, Jongleurs THE VERDICT Powerful bestselling JULIUS CAESAR Shakespeare’s bloody at inspired a KANNEH MASON (PIANO) Programme Comedy Club, Birmingham courtroom thriller th story of conspiracy and murder, multi-Academy Award-nominated includes works by Beethoven & GARY DELANEY Sat 6 May, The Old noble intentions and ignoble actions. film, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, Wolverhamp- Shostakovich, Fri 5 May, Recital Hall, Rep Theatre, Birmingham Part of the RSC’s Rome season, until ton Grand Theatre Birmingham Conservatoire JOHN SIMMIT, CURTIS WALKER, THANYIA Sat 9 Sep, Royal Shakespeare The- DISCO INFERNO The Arcadians present CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ORCHESTRA Fea- MOORE & LATEEF LOVEJOY Sat 6 May, atre, Stratford-upon-Avon the story of ambitious and talented turing Ben Gernon (conductor) & Ali- mac, Birmingham SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Dress up as hopeful Jack Flash, a man with a son Balsom (trumpet). Programme your favourite character and experi- 'burning' desire to make it in the includes works by Beethoven, Barker ence Disney’s most popular ani- music business at any cost, Tues 2 - & Dvorak, Sat 6 May, Symphony Hall, mated film in a whole new light, Mon Birmingham Sat 6 May, The Crescent Theatre, 1 May, Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham THE CELTIC TENORS Sun 7 May, Theatre THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Award- DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS THE MU- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre winning West End smash hit de- SICAL Nostalgic musical featuring TO SIR, WITH LOVE New staging of ER scribed as Fawlty Towers meets classic tracks from Roy Orbison, The Braithwaite's powerful story, adapted Noises Off, Mon 1 - Sat 6 May, Re- Shadows, Eddie Cochran, Billy Fury, for the stage by the writer of East Is gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Chuck Berry and many more, Tues 2 East, Ayub Khan-Din, until Sat 6 May, SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC - Sat 6 May, New Alexandra Theatre, The REP, Birmingham Screening of the classic Julie An- Birmingham DIAL M FOR MURDER Frederick Knott’s drews musical in full-screen techni- SPAMALOT Musical Theatre Stafford erotic tale of betrayal, passion and colour, complete with lyric subtitles present an amateur staging of Monty murder is best known from its 1954 so you can sing along, Tues 2 May, Python’s spoof on the legend of King Alfred Hitchcock-directed film version Birmingham Hippodrome Arthur and the Knights of the Round THE BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC CON- starring Ray Milland and Grace Kelly, GREAT EXPECTATIONS Birmingham Table, Tues 2 - Sat 6 May, Stafford CERTO COMPETITION FINAL Sun 7 May, until Sat 20 May, New Vic Theatre, Ormiston Academy present an ama- Gatehouse Theatre The Bramall, Birmingham Newcastle-under-Lyme teur staging of Dickens’ penultimate whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Shrops 1 - 7 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:12 Page 3

thelist Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE BEST OF Theatre, Telford, Shropshire shaped by our choices, Fri 5 May, BARMY BRITAIN The horrible history of ANYONE FOR BREAKFAST? Amateur mac, Birmingham Dance Britain - with all the nasty bits left in, staging of Derek Benfield’s much- QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE A ‘glori- Wed 3 May, The Place, Oakengates loved farce, Thurs 4 - Sat 13 May, ous, uplifting celebration of the ur- ALICE IN WONDERLAND Ballet Theatre Theatre, Telford Sutton Arts Centre, Sutton Coldfield gent necessity to be your true self’, UK present a choreographed per- BETWEEN THE TWO Rochi Rampal & PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS Non-sexual Fri 5 - Sat 6 May, The Old Joint Stock formance of Lewis Carroll’s classic Daniel Tyler's story asks, where do show featuring the ancient art of geni- Theatre, Birmingham children’s tale, Thurs 4 May, Prince of we belong when the maps are re- tal origami, Fri 5 May, The Place, THE TRIALS OF GALILEO Icarus Theatre Wales Centre, Cannock drawn?, Wed 3 - Thurs 4 May, The Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shrop- Collective present a ‘one-man roller- BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET TRIPLE REP, Birmingham shire coaster’ focusing on the events sur- BILL Three works highlighting the di- URSULA, QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE An MOBY DICK Birmingham Ormiston rounding Galileo’s heresy trial in versity of classical ballet: Kenneth ‘almighty girl's-own adventure’ telling Academy present an amateur staging 1633, Sat 6 May, Theatre Severn, MacMillan’s Solitaire; Hans van the true story of BBC correspondent of Herman Melville’s classic tale, Fri 5 Shrewsbury Manen’s 5 Tangos; and the G&S-in- Mark Tully’s remarkable aunt, Wed 3 - May, The Old Rep, Birmingham FORGET ME NOT: THE ALZHEIMER’S spired Pineapple Poll, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Sat 6 May, The Wightman Theatre, WHODUNNIT A one-man comedy po- May, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury WONDER WOMAN; THE NAKED TRUTH Notnow Collective address family, etry theatre show about how we treat JUMPROV DEBUT SHOW Ninety-minute parenthood and work-home subjects and perceive people with dementia, show completely made up on the in a challenging, highly visual and im- Sat 6 May, mac, Birmingham spot and featuring classic improv mersive way, Fri 5 May, Newhampton THE LARAMIE PROJECT Iconic play, games, Thurs 4 May, Old Joint Stock Arts Centre, Wolverhampton rarely performed in the UK, about the Film Theatre, Birmingham AT THE MOUNTAINS OF MADNESS Icarus gay hate crime that shocked the 1984 Birmingham Ormiston Academy Theatre Collective draw audiences world and led to the US's Matthew INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: present an amateur staging of into the unknown world of the Antarc- Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, George Orwell’s dystopian novel, tic, where they stumble upon the hor- Sat 6 - Sat 20 May, Crescent Theatre, THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. Thurs 4 May, The Old Rep, B’ham rors that lie beyond The Mountains of Birmingham Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit Madness, Fri 5 May, Theatre Severn, ULLA’S ODYSSEY OperaUpClose pres- Rampling. Warwick Arts Centre, West End show using huge projec- Shrewsbury ent a nautical fantasy fusing puppetry Coventry, until Thurs 4 May; Light tion photos and original film footage and live music, Sun 7 May, mac, House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- IN TENTS AND PURPOSES Humorous, ton, until Thurs 4 May to celebrate the iconic American duo, time-hopping story exploring whether Birmingham Thurs 4 May, The Place, Oakengates our lives are predetermined or BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG)

A musical brew of laugther and witchcraft!

9 July, 6.30pm Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Tel: 01332 258328 15 - 16 July, 7.30pm Mac, Birmingham Tel: 01214 463232 21 - 22 July, 7.00pm Nottingham Castle Tel: 01158 077900 28 - 29 July, 7.30pm Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford Tel: 01332 258328 Full tour dates at www.oddsocks.co.uk

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Monday 1 - Sunday 7 May

Fantasy/Musical. Starring Emma Wat- seum, Dudley son, Dan Stevens. Old Market Hall, TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Drop-in Shrewsbury, until Thurs 4 May; Wem event where visitors can learn the tile Town Hall, North Shropshire, until decorating technique known as ‘tube Thurs 4 May; Festival Drayton Centre, lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’ to create their Market Drayton, Fri 5 May own tile to take home, Tues 2 May, THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Shropshire Friday 26th May, 7.30pm Claflin. Light House Media Centre, BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the DELBOY AND RODNEY Wolverhampton, until Thurs 4 May; rarely seen backstage areas of the SITCOM EXPERIENCE Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 5 - theatre, as The REP invites you to be THE COMEDY DINNER SHOW Thurs 11 May an audience member, set builder, MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Ma- prosthetics maker or assistant stage hershala Ali, Shariff Earp. Foxlowe manager, Thurs 4 May, The REP, Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 2 May Birmingham Saturday 27th May, 2.00pm MULHOLLAND DRIVE (15) GUNG-HO! Thrill-seekers will hit MARTY MACDONALD’S Mystery/Thriller. Starring Justin Ther- speeds of up to 40mph on Europe’s TOY MACHINE oux, Naomi Watts. Stoke Film The- tallest inflatable slide, which has been atre, Tues 2 May transformed for the world’s biggest TRESPASS AGAINST US (15) inflatable obstacle course’s return to the Midlands, Sat 6 May, Cofton Park, Crime/Drama. Starring Michael Fass- Saturday 3rd June, 7.30pm bender, Brendan Gleeson. Ludlow Birmingham Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, CANCER RESEARCH RACE FOR LIFE: CLOUDBUSTING Tues 2 - Wed 3 May PRETTY MUDDY Sat 6 May, Weston TAXI (15) Action/Comedy. Starring Park, Staffs Queen Latifah, Jimmy Fallon. The R.M.S TITANIC: MADE IN THE MIDLANDS Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Join Titanic expert Andrew Lound as Trent, Thurs 4 May he explores the role played by the Sunday 4th June, 2.00pm I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12a) Documen- people and the varied industries of DON’T DRIBBLE ON THE DRAGON tary. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, the Midlands in the life of the most fa- James Baldwin. Stoke Film Theatre, mous ship in the world, Sat 6 May, Thurs 4 May The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent FREE FIRE (15) Crime/Thriller. Starring Thursday 8th June, 7.30pm Sharlto Copley, Brie Larson. Stoke STAFFORDSHIRE PLATE RACEDAY Sat 6 Film Theatre, Fri 5 - Sat 6 May May, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffs KATY BRAND JUNIOR HERITAGE SKILLS WORKSHOPS I WAS A TEENAGE CHRISTIAN TOUR Take part in a range of hands-on tra- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ditional art & craft activities, and find out about the rich manufacturing her- Released from Fri 5 May, showing at itage of the Black Country, Sat 6 May, selected cinemas Black Country Living Museum, Dud- Friday 9th June,7.30pm ley A DOG’S PURPOSE (PG) SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK VE DAY CELEBRATION Collect your ra- HARMONIUM (15) tion book and use the coupons to MINDHORN (15) join in with a variety of events and ac- SLEEPLESS (15) tivities to celebrate VE Day. Free entry, small charges for some activi- UNLOCKED (15) Saturday 10th June,7.30pm ties, Sat 6 May, Museum of Cannock WHISKY GALORE! (PG) Chase A CELEBRATION OF NEIL DIAMOND SOOTY'S BIRTHDAY BAKE OFF Direct from the hit CITV series, Sooty, Sweep and Soo bake a chocolate cake with a sprinkle of Cadbury Events magic, Sat 6 - Sun 7 May, Cadbury Wednesday 14th June, 2.00pm World, Bournville THE VERA LYNN STORY DINO DAY Look on as T-Rex and Ve- TELFORD KITE FESTIVAL Join members lociraptor prowl around the farm, of the Midlands Kite Fliers and fly Mon 1 May, National Forest Adven- your kite in the park, Sun 7 May, ture Farm, Burton-on-Trent Telford Town Park, Shropshire STAFFORD MORRIS MEN Traditional TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore 550 Saturday 17th June, 7.30pm Morris Dancing for May Day, Mon 1 stands filled with all kinds of collecta- THE DREAMERS May, Moseley Old Hall, Nr Wolver- bles from the UK’s leading dealers, hampton Sun 7 May, NEC, Birmingham COSTUMED TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE Ex- MUDDY PUDDLES Join Ben Faulks, aka plore the elegant Georgian home of CBeebies’ Mr Bloom to find out what Birmingham's foremost industrialist could be beneath the surface of a , Mon 1 May, Soho common or garden puddle. Chil- House, Birmingham dren’s event which forms part of Shrewsbury Bookfest, Sun 7 May, MAY DAY AT THE MUSEUM Watch as Shrewsbury High School Prep, Old TWC GP 01220 Maypole dancers weave their magic, Roman Rd, Shrewsbury Mon 1 May, Black Country Living Mu-

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thelist Monday 8 - Sunday 14 May WOMEN IN ROCK Wed 10 Symphony Hall, B’ham Gigs May, Eleven, Stoke-on- IMAGINED ISLE Fri 12 - Classical Music Comedy Trent Sun 14 May Birming- SIMON MAYOR AND THE ham Town Hall KING OF POP Mon 8 THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN MANDOLINQUENTS Wed ANDY HAMILTON Wed 10 May, Stafford May, New Alexandra THE FESTIVALS EXPERI- CONCERT Programme includes works 10 May, New Vic The- Gatehouse Theatre Theatre, Birmingham ENCE Sat 13 May, The by Vaughan Williams, Wammes, atre, Newcastle-under- River Rooms, Stour- JON RICHARDSON Wed 10 May, The J HUS Mon 8 May, O2 Hollins, Locklair & Widor, Mon 8 May, Lyme bridge Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall THE DOVETAIL TRIO & BARBARA NICE, MAUREEN YOUNGER THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY ULSTER ORCHESTRA Featuring Rafael THE PARROTS Mon 8 NINEBARROW Wed 10 Wed 10 May, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Sat 13 May, The Slade Payare (conductor) & Alina Ibragi- May, Hare & Hounds, May, The Red Lion Folk Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhamp- mova (violin). Programme includes Birmingham Club, Birmingham ton works by Brahms & Sibelius, Mon 8 JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN & DEVON ALLMAN WITH HIS NEIL SANDS' MUSIC & JUDAS Sat 13 May, The May, Birmingham Town Hall COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY BAND Mon 8 May, The MEMORIES Thurs 11 RICHARDSON Thurs 11 May, The Glee Sugarmill, Stoke-on- BEATRICE RANA PERFORMS BACH’S Robin, Wolverhampton May, The Place, Oaken- Club, Birmingham Trent GOLDBERG VARIATIONS Tues 9 May, ASH MAMMAL Mon 8 gates Theatre, Shrop- SCREAMING QUAYS Sat Birmingham Town Hall MARK THOMAS Thurs 11 May, Station May, The Sunflower shire Pub, Sutton Coldfield 13 May, O2 Academy, ALEXAI KISELIOV (PIANO) & ANDREY Lounge, Birmingham 3 DAFT MONKEYS Thurs Birmingham IVANOV (PIANO) Programme com- BARBARA NICE, TONY HAWKE & DARREN THE RIFLES Mon 8 May, 11 May, Hare & HARRIOTT CKY Sat 13 May, O2 prises Rachmaninov’s Sonata for Fri 12 May, The Edge Arts The Glee Club, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Cello & Piano in G minor Op.19, Tues Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- C DUNCAN Mon 8 May, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE - THE 9 May, Lyttleton Lecture Theatre, shire ROCK 4 SPON - THE NEW Hare & Hounds, B’ham NEIL DIAMOND STORY Birmingham & Midland Institute SAINTS, BAD FLOWERS, JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN, Thurs 11 May, The LLOYD LANGFORD & CARLY SMALLMAN BONFIRE RADICALS Mon SHYYNE, SCIATTICA & JT CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Robin, Bilston Fri 12 May, The Glee Club, B’ham 8 May, Kitchen Garden VALENTINE Sat 13 May, CHESTRA Featuring John Wilson (con- Cafe, Birmingham BOO HEWERDINE BAND The Robin, Wolver- ductor), Rachel Kelly (Mezzo RICH WILSON, DAMIAN CLARK, STEVE Thurs 11 May, Kitchen LANKUM Mon 8 May, hampton soprano) & Neal Davies (baritone). BUGEJA & COMIC TBC Fri 12 May, The Garden Cafe, B’ham Programme includes works by Comedy Loft, Birmingham mac, Birmingham THE CRIBS Sat 13 May, HE IS LEGEND Thurs 11 Vaughan Williams & Bax, Wed 10 KATATONIA Tues 9 May, O2 Institute, B’ham ANDY ZALTZMAN Fri 12 May, The Glee May, O2 Academy, May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, THE JAPANESE HOUSE Birmingham CHANTEUSE CHAMBER CHOIR Thurs 11 Wolverhampton Sat 13 May, O2 Insti- ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 12 May, The PROCOL HARUM Thurs May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MIKE DENVER Tues 9 tute, Birmingham Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford 11 May, Birmingham BRAHMS SEXTET Featuring Caroline May, The Place, Oaken- TIPITINA IN CONCERT Sat REGINALD D HUNTER Fri 12 May, New Town Hall Simon & Gabriel Dyker (violins), gates Theatre, Shrop- 13 May, Wem Town Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham CHARLOTTE CHURCH'S Catherine Bower & Amy Thomas (vi- shire Hall, North Shropshire HARRIET KEMSLEY & KATE LUCAS Fri 12 LATE NIGHT POP DUN- olas), Eduardo Vassallo & Helen NAPALM DEATH Tues 9 May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre GEON Fri 12 May, O2 In- BRANDON ALLEN QUAR- Edgar (cellos), Programme com- May, O2 Institute, Birm- stitute, Birmingham TET PLAYS GENE AM- prises Brahms' String Sextet in B flat, JOHN HASTINGS, JARLATH REGAN, ingham MONS Sat 13 May, The Op.18, Thurs 11 May, CBSO Centre, LLOYD LANGFORD & CARLY SMALLMAN ELHAE Fri 12 May, O2 AN EVENING WITH IAN Hive, Shrewsbury Birmingham Sat 13 May, The Glee Club, B’ham Institute, Birmingham MCCULLOCH Tues 9 FAMILY CEILIDH WITH HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring Stephen RICH WILSON, DAMIAN CLARK, STEVE FAILURE IS AN OPTION Fri May, The Robin, Bilston RABSCALLION Sat 13 Bell (conductor) & Joshua Ellicott BUGEJA & COMIC TBC Sat 13 May, The 12 May, O2 Academy, DAN WALSH Wed 10 May, Birmingham Town (tenor). Programme includes works Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham Hall May, The Hive, Shrews- by Suppé, Josef Strauss & Lehar, Fri JOHN LYNN, JULIET MEYERS & SIMON HAT FITZ AND CARA Fri bury, Shropshire FAIRPORT CONVENTION 12 May, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent BLIGH Sat 13 May, Jongleurs Com- 12 May, SpArC, Bish- THE ONE HUNDRED Wed Sat 13 May, Birming- MICHAEL TSALKA FORTEPIANO edy Club, Birmingham ops Castle, South 10 May, The Asylum, ham Town Hall Lunchtime concert featuring works Shropshire RICHARD HERRING Sat 13 May, The- Birmingham ROBIN NOLAN TRIO Sun by CPE Bach, WF Bach, Mozart, atre Severn, Shrewsbury THE STARS FROM THE THE GOOD SINNERS Wed 14 May, Theatre Sev- Cherubini & Beethoven, Fri 12 May, COMMITMENTS Fri 12 ANDY PARSONS Sat 13 May, The Old 10 May, Eleven, Stoke- ern, Shrewsbury, The Barber Institute, Birmingham May, The Robin, Bilston Rep Theatre, Birmingham on-Trent Shropshire ORGAN PROMS Sat 13 May, Victoria DESI CENTRAL, PRINCE ABID, GUZ KHAN, THE JIVE ACES Fri 12 MR PUNCH PERFORMS Hall, Stoke-on-Trent THE KITCHEN COLLEC- SINDHU VEE, ESHANN AKBAR & PATRICK May, Lichfield Guild- MARILLION Sun 14 May, TIVE, KHALIQ, FLYING ANT LUDLOW ORCHESTRA Featuring soloist MONAHAN Sun 14 May, The Glee hallb The Robin, Wolver- DAY + MIDNIGHT RUN- Liang Shan. Programme includes Club, Birmingham AWAY Wed 10 May, The DJ FORMAT & ABDOMI- hampton works by Wagner, Rachmaninov & LEE NELSON Sun 14 May, Theatre Robin, Wolverhampton NAL Fri 12 May, Hare & JON BODEN Sun 14 May, Brahms, Sat 13 May, Ludlow Assem- Hounds, Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury MARK LEWANDOWSKI Birmingham Town Hall bly Rooms, South Shropshire Wed 10 May, The Edge ADAM ANT Fri 12 May, ORCHESTRA PRO ANIMA Featuring Arts Centre, Much Michael Bochmann MBE. Pro- Wenlock, South Shrop- gramme includes works by Mozart, shire Vivaldi, Telemann, Bach, Dvorak, VO FLETCHER Wed 10 Bottesini, Strauss, Warlock & May, Symphony Hall, Grainger, Sun 14 May, The Roses, Birmingham BEANS ON TOAST Wed CARDUCCI STRING QUARTET III Special 10 May, The Giffard performance promising a fascinating Arms, Wolverhampton insight into the complex character of Beethoven’s world, Sun 14 May, THE FUREYS’ Wed 10 Concord College, Acton Burnell, ENGLISH COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR COM- May Ludlow Assembly Shropshire PETITION Sun 14 May, Foxlowe Arts Rooms, South Shrop- Centre, Leek, Staffordshire shire Katatonia - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

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Severn, Shrewsbury A WOMB OF ONE’S OWN Ambitious four- SPEARE Groove to the Othello Rap, in- Theatre EVITA Emma Hatton (Wicked) stars as hander in which four different ac- dulge in Titus Andronicus - The Eva Peron in Tim Rice & Andrew tresses play Babygirl and an absurd Cooking Show, and try to keep up Lloyd Webber’s smash-hit musical, cast of characters, Wed 10 May, Old with Hamlet backwards, Fri 12 - Sat WOMAN IN WHITE Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May, Wolverhampton Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 13 May, Theatre On The Steps, Bridg- The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Grand Theatre THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Stage north, South Shropshire SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL Alexandra adaptation of Judith Kerr's much- BRIAN CONLEY: THE GREATEST ENTER- Burke takes the lead in a new pro- loved picture book for children, Wed TAINER (IN HIS PRICE RANGE) All-new duction based on the hit movie of the 10 - Thurs 11 May, Lichfield Garrick show featuring brand new comedy, same name, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Re- 9 TO 5 Amateur production presented sketches & songs, Sat 13 May, New gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent by students of the Wolverhampton Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham LA STRADA Sally Cookson's stage Musical Theatre, Wed 10 - Sat 13 THE STARSHIP OSIRIS Award-winning adaptation of Federico Fellini's Oscar- May, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton intergalactic comedy farce from Willis winning movie masterpiece, Mon 8 - AM I DEAD YET? A show asking what & Vere, Sat 13 May, Old Joint Stock Sat 13 May, The REP, Birmingham happens when we die, how we think Theatre, Birmingham NOT DEAD ENOUGH Bill Ward and about dying and whether some of us JUST LIKE THAT! ‘All-encapsulating’ Laura Whitmore star in Peter James’ might be brought back, Thurs 11 - celebration of Tommy Cooper, Sat 13 thriller, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May, Theatre Sat 13 May, The REP, Birmingham May, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Severn, Shrewsbury Sheridan Smith takes the lead in the touring production of the VICE VERSA ‘Side-splitting’ romp, lov- THE DEATH SHOW Lucy Nicholls & An- MEET FRED Hijinx Theatre present ‘an much-loved musical, Mon 8 - Sat 13 ingly ripped off from the Roman tonia Beck invite audiences to cele- innovative production with an urgent May, Birmingham Hippodrome comedies of Plautus, Thurs 11 May - brate their own mortality, stick two human story at its heart’. Suitable for Sat 9 Sept, The Swan Theatre, Strat- fingers up at the Grim Reaper and audience members aged 14-plus, LUCKY SODS John Godber’s candid ford-upon-Avon discover why talking about death is black comedy about a couple who Tues 9 May, mac, Birmingham I AM JOAN One-woman show about incredibly life-affirming, Sun 14 May, have nothing on a Friday and are mil- mac, Birmingham I WANT LOVE (PART 1) Hannah Ring- lionaires on a Saturday, Tues 9 - Sat trauma, resilience and self-belief, Fri ham's story of a break up and a 13 May, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham 12 May, mac, Birmingham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit search for new love, Tues 9 - Wed 10 ALL IS WELL New writing exploring the West End show using huge projec- May, The REP, Birmingham OLIVER! Amateur production pre- tion photos and original film footage sented by the Tudor Musical Comedy true cost of nuclear power, Fri 12 - FOOTLOOSE Amateur production pre- Sat 13 May, mac, Birmingham to celebrate the iconic American duo, Society, Tues 9 - Sat 13 May, Sutton Sun 14 May, Wolverhampton Grand sented by Shrewsbury College’s Coldfield Town Hall THE COMPLETE WORKS OF SHAKE- HQPA, Tues 9 - Fri 12 May, Theatre Theatre

17 - 18 May, 7.30pm Lichfield Garrick Tel: 01543 412121 20 - 22 June, 7.30pm Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Tel: 02476 553055 29 June, 7.30pm Oakengates Theatre, Telford Tel: 01952 382382 15 - 16 July, 7.30pm Mac, Birmingham Tel: 01214 463232 28 - 29 July, 7.30pm Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford Tel: 01332 258328 Full tour dates at www.oddsocks.co.uk

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58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 8 - 14 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:22 Page 4

Monday 8 - Sunday 14 May

days of ‘fabulous’ walks and events, Fri 12 - Sun 14 May, Whitchurch Her- Dance itage Centre AUDIENCE WITH IAN WAITE & NATALIE BODYPOWER EXPO 2017 The biggest LOWE Strictly’s favourite couple are indoor fitness expo in the world, Fri COMING SOON... back with a bang after their first suc- 12 - Sun 14 May, NEC, Birmingham cessful UK tour, Tues 9 May, Lichfield HANDICRAFT WEEKEND Focus on the 5 May, 8pm Garrick hand-made parts of the collection, Andy Fairweather-Low from lace to embroidery, Fri 12 - Mon & The Low Riders 15 May, Sunnycroft, Telford Tickets: £20 MATCHROOM BOXING - THE HOMECOM- ING Kal Yafai makes the first defence of his WBA World Super-Flyweight 6 May, 7pm Stephanie Parrott’s Midland Youth Ballet title, Sat 13 May, Barclaycard Arena, Swan Lake Birmingham Tickets: £10 INDEPENDENT BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL Showcasing the very best of Birming- ham’s independent restaurants, bars, 16- 20 May, 7.30pm pubs, street food traders, retailers, 2.30pm Sat Mat The Mellow Dramatics artists, designers and producers, Sat Gypsy 13 May, The Bond Complex, B’ham REUNION Ana Morales Flamenco Co Tickets: £12, £10 Tues & Sat Mat & Flamenco Edition ’17 present an MAGICAL LANDS Selly Manor is trans- evening of passionate flamenco, Wed formed into magical kingdoms from 10 - Thurs 11 May, DanceXchange, classic stories and fairytales. Meet 22 May, 11am & 2.30pm Snow White, Peter Pan, Cinderella Hubbub Theatre The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- Kessoku ReMix! podrome and Jack and his beanstalk. Visit the School of Wizardry, enjoy storytelling Tickets: £XX.XX ASIAN SPRING 2017 Lively celebration sessions and a ‘magical’ trail, Sat 13 of South Asian dance, Sun 14 May, May, Selly Manor, Birmingham Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, 23 & 24 May, 7pm Birmingham WOOL@J13 A celebration of all things 2pm Wed Mat woolly, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, Lower Burton & South Derbyshire College Drayton Farm, Stafford Rock of Ages Tickets: £7, £5 (Conc.) MARCHES TRANSPORT FESTIVAL The 32nd festival of its kind takes place Talks alongside the eighth Ludlow Spring 26 May & 2 June, 7.30pm Festival, Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, Ludlow The Burton Musical Theatre Company Castle, South Shropshire Summer Concert AN AUDIENCE WITH ALLAN LAMB An SHROPSHIRE KIDS FESTIVAL A week- Tickets: £10 evening with the ex-Northampton- end of fun for youngsters of all ages, shire and England cricketer, Thurs 11 Sat 13 - Sun 14 May, The Quarry 30 May, 1pm & 3pm May, The Bramall, University of Birm- Park, Shrewsbury M6 Theatre Company ingham One Little Word NATIONAL FOREST WALKING FESTIVAL PROFESSOR BRIAN COX LIVE ‘A daz- Featuring a programme of varied Tickets: £6, £20 (Family) zling journey through space and walks exploring this ever changing time, delving into high science and landscape. Walks available for all freewheeling on the edges of the tastes and abilities, Sat 13 - Thurs 25 3 June, 8pm known cosmos’, Fri 12 May, Barclay- May, The National Forest, Swadlin- Joel Dommett LIVE card Arena, Birmingham cote, Derbyshire SOLD OUT PUGFEST BIRMINGHAM The UK’s Tickets: £15 biggest pug festival returns to Birm- ingham for a Jurassic Pug charity fundraising event, Sun 14 May, Paw- 5 May 8pm At Burton Town Hall Events Pounders Dog Daycare Centre, Birm- Russell Kane – ingham Right Man, Wrong Age WWE LIVE WWE stars live in action, JANE AUSTEN AFTERNOON TEA: ROMP Tickets: £20 Wed 10 May, Genting Arena, B’ham THROUGH THE REGENCY Discover both AN AUDIENCE WITH ALLAN LAMB An the high spots and low points during evening with the ex-Northampton- the ‘most colourful’ period of our na- Box office: shire and England cricketer, Thurs 11 tion’s history, Sun 14 May, The Pot- May, The Bramall, Birmingham teries Museum & Art Gallery, 01283 508100 Stoke-on-Trent BAMMA 29 Mixed martial arts promo- LLANGOLLEN MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTI- BOOK ONLINE AT tion, Fri 12 May, Genting Arena, Birm- www.brewhouse.co.uk ingham VAL Featuring stalls offering alterna- tive therapies, psychic readings, HANDICRAFTS WEEKEND Fri 12 May, mediumship and more, Sun 14 May, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Sunnycroft, Telford, Shropshire Royal International Pavilion, Llan- Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent, LUDLOW SPRING FESTIVAL Featuring gollen Staffordshire DE14 1AA more than 180 local food & drink pro- FINE FOOD & ARTISAN FAIR Sun 14 ducers and suppliers, Fri 12 - Sun 14 May, World Of Wedgwood, Stoke-on- May, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire Trent WHITCHURCH WALKING FESTIVAL Three

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW SHROPS 15 - 21 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:30 Page 1

thelist Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May EMILY SMITH & JAMIE Birmingham Hal Methodist Church, Walsall Gigs MCCLENNAN Fri 19 May, BRIAN POOLE & THE Classical Music INTRICATE WEB: THE CHAMBER MUSIC Theatre Severn, TREMELOES Sat 20 May, OF LIZ JOHNSON Sat 20 May, CBSO Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Centre, Birmingham LOWLY Mon 15 May, RAVI SHANKAR’S SUKANYA Ravi EVERYTHING FITZ Fri 19 Shrewsbury Hare & Hounds, B’ham Shankar’s only opera, a mythical love NATHAN LAUBE IN CONCERT Sat 20 May, SpArC, Bishops GEHTIKA Sat 20 May, O2 story told through music & dance, May, St Chad’s Cathedral, B’ham GAVIN DEGRAW Mon 15 Castle, South Shrop- Academy, Birmingham Mon 15 May, Symphony Hall, B’ham May, O2 Institute, Birm- shire ingham SACK SABBATH Sat 20 GUANGZHOU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ELVIS BY JASON DALE Fri May, Eleven, Stoke-on- PERFORMS THE FIREBIRD Featuring HARRY POTTER AND THE 19 May, Eleven, Stoke- Trent Long Lu (conductor), Jian Wang PHILOSOPHER'S STONE IN on-Trent CONCERT Mon 15 May, THE MEHARIS Sat 20 (cello) & Lei Jia (sheng). Programme Comedy ALMA Fri 19 May, The Barclaycard Arena, May, Katie Fitzgerald's, includes works by Britten, Ye Xiao- Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Birmingham Stourbridge gang, Zhao Lin & Stravinsky, Tues 16 COMEDY IN THE MET Mon 15 May, Trent May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham JOHN DOYLE Tues 16 U2-2 Sat 20 May, The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre OLLIE HUGHES AS ROBBIE MARTIN JAMES BARTLETT PIANO CON- May, Kitchen Garden Robin, Wolverhampton TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 15 May, WILLIAMS Fri 19 May, CERT Programme includes works by J Cafe, Birmingham OUT OF TIME Sat 20 The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham The River Rooms, S Bach, Enrique Granados May, Newhampton Arts SHAWN SMITH Tues 16 Stourbridge Goyescas; Ginastera, Schumann, NATHAN CATON, SOFIE HAGEN & COM- May, The Sunflower Centre, Wolverhampton EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON THE VAMPS Fri 19 May, Vladimir Horowitz & Morton Gould, Lounge, Birmingham Thurs 18 May, The Glee Club, B‘ham Genting Arena, B’ham ECAUSE TO EFFECT Sat Wed 17 May, The Barber Institute, NATIVES Wed 17 May, 20 May, The Slade Birmingham JENNY ECLAIR Thurs 18 May, Dudley LEFTFIELD Fri 19 May, Rooms, Wolverhamp- O2 Academy, B’ham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Town Hall O2 Institute, B’ham ton NATALIE IMBRUGLIA Wed CHESTRA: SYMPHONIC DANCES Featur- PANIC ROOM Fri 19 May, 17 May, O2 Institute, HAZEL ENGLISH Sun 21 ing Karina Canellakis (conductor) & The Robin, Bilston Birmingham May, Hare & Hounds, Cedric Tiberghien (piano). Pro- ALEXANDER O'NEAL Fri Birmingham THE GOOD SINNERS Wed gramme includes works by Franck, 19 May, New Alexandra 17 May, Eleven, Stoke- ALBANY DOWN Sun 21 Saint-Saens & Rachmaninov, Wed 17 Theatre, Birmingham on-Trent May, The Robin, Bilston May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO MISFIRES Wed 17 May, LITTLE BROTHER ELI Sun SUZANNE FISCHER (SOPRANO) & QUEEN Fri 19 May, The- Hare & Hounds, B’ham 21 May, Lichfield Guild- PANARETOS KYRIATZIDIS (PIANO) Pro- atre Severn, Shrews- hall gramme includes works by Schubert, EVAN DANDO Wed 17 bury Hugo Wolf, Mendelssohn, Berlioz, May, The Slade Rooms, MONSTER MAGNET Sun THE BIG CHRIS BARBER Debussy & Walton, Fri 19 May, The Wolverhampton 21 May, O2 Academy, BAND Fri 19 May, Lich- Barber Institute, Birmingham Birmingham MICKY FLANAGAN Thurs 18 - Sat 20 DEAN FRIEDMAN Wed 17 field Garrick, Lichfied CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: UNDER May, The Robin, SIMPLE MINDS Sun 21 May, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham TRANSMISSION (JOY DI- THE SITAR WITH CITIZEN KHAN Featur- Wolverhampton May, Symphony Hall, HILARITY CHARITY GALA Thurs 18 May, VISION TRIBUTE) Fri 19 ing Michael Seal (conductor), Adil Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre JON GOMM Wed 17 May, May, Newhampton Arts Ray (presenter) & Surinder Sandhu Hare & Hounds, B’ham Centre, Wolverhampton SOUND OF THE SIRENS (Musical Director), Fri 19 May, Sym- NATHAN CATON, ERIC LAMPAERT, CHRIS Sun 21 May, The Sun- phony Hall, Birmingham MCCAUSLAND & CLINT EDWARDS Fri 19 WHEATUS Wed 17 May, DURAN DURAN EXPERI- flower Lounge, B’ham May, The Glee Club, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham ENCE Sat 20 May, The- RODERICK WILLIAMS: EARTH AND AIR IRON MAIDEN Sun 21 KING OF POP Thurs 18 atre On The Steps, AND RAIN Also featuring Iain Burnside ROSS NOBLE, JEFF INNOCENT, VINCE May, Barclaycard May, The Place, Oaken- Bridgnorth, Shropshire on piano. Programme includes works ATTA & SCOTT BENNETT Fri 19 May, Arena, Birmingham by Somervell, Bennett & Finzi, Fri 19 The Comedy Loft, Birmingham gates Theatre, Shrop- SOUL PARTY NIGHT WITH May, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, shire SOUL CITY Sat 20 May, WHISKEY MYERS Sun 21 RICH HALL Fri 19 May, Stourbridge May, O2 Institute, Birm- South Shropshire STEVE RODGERS & HIS The Place, Oakengates Town Hall ingham BAND Thurs 18 May, Theatre, Shropshire PATRICK MONAHAN, DARREN HARRIOT, The Robin, Bilston IVORY WAVE & SOCIAL EZIO Sun 21 May, The FAYE TRACEY & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 19 Wightman Theatre, CASSIA, EMBER WEIR & STATE Sat 20 May, The May, Lichfield Garrick Shrewsbury THE AMERICAS Thurs 18 Sunflower Lounge, JO ENRIGHT, DUNCAN OAKLEY, WAYNE May, The Sunflower BEESE PLUS COMICS TBC Sat 20 May, Lounge, Birmingham David Lloyd, Dudley THE BIG WOLF BAND KABARET ANI MRU-MRU Sat 20 May, Thurs 18 May, The The Bramall, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham NATHAN CATON, ERIC LAMPAERT, CHRIS ARIANA GRANDE Thurs MCCAUSLAND & CLINT EDWARDS Sat 18 May, Genting Arena, 20 May, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, JEFF INNOCENT, JANE WEAVER Thurs 18 VINCE ATTA & SCOTT BENNETT Sat 20 May, Hare & Hounds, May, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham TROY HAWKE, STEVE SHANYASKI & MADISON VIOLET Thurs THE OPERA BOYS Sat 20 May, Lichfield RORY O'HANLON Sat 20 May, Jon- 18 May, Kitchen Gar- Garrick gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham den Cafe, Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: BELSHAZ- REGINALD D HUNTER Sat 20 May, ROGER HODGSON Thurs ZAR’S FEAST Featuring Michael Seal Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 18 May, Symphony (conductor), Sat 20 May, Symphony MARK MAIER, PETE PHILLIPSON, CHRIS Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham CAIRNS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 20 May, KATHRYN TICKELL AND THE LICHFIELD LIGHTHOUSE COMPANY Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE SIDE Thurs 18 May, An evening of sea shanties & songs Ezio - The Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury BRIDGET CHRISTIE Sun 21 May, The mac, Birmingham from the seas, Sat 20 May, Central REP, Birmingham 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW SHROPS 15 - 21 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:30 Page 2

Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May

16 - Sat 20 May, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Theatre LA CAGE AUX FOLLES John Partridge, Adrian Zmed and Marti Webb star in ARCADIA Amateur production of Tom a new touring production of the Stoppard’s play, which considers the smash-hit Broadway musical, Tues 16 relationship between past and pres- - Sat 20 May, Birmingham Hippo- ent, order and disorder, certainty and drome uncertainty, Mon 15 - Sat 20 May, At- tfield Theatre, Oswestry, North Shrop- MY COUNTRY: A WORK IN PROGRESS A shire National Theatre nationwide listening project in which people give their HORRIBLE HISTORIES: THE BEST OF views of the country and town they BARMY BRITAIN The horrible history of live in, their lives, their futures and the Britain, with all the nasty bits left in, EU referendum, Tues 16 - Sat 20 Mon 15 - Tues 16 May, Lichfield Gar- May, The REP, Birmingham rick SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, NO IRISH, NO THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit DOGS Gazebo Theatre revisits one of West End show using huge projec- its most powerful plays, an explo- tion photos and original film footage ration of racism and migration, Wed to celebrate the iconic American duo, 17 May, The Place, Oakengates The- Tues 16 May, Theatre Severn, atre, Telford, Shropshire Shrewsbury THE FOOTSIE CLUB Featuring ‘the My Country; A Work In Progress - The REP, Birmingham WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S LONG LOST cream of the UK cabaret scene’. FIRST PLAY (ABRIDGED) The Reduced CHESHIRE CATS Amateur staging of Hosted by Stage Door Johnny, Wed Shakespeare Company present a Gail Young’s comedy, Thurs 18 - Sat 17 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Dance ‘barnstormingly irreverent celebration 20 May, The Little Theatre, Donning- Birmingham of our cultural heritage’, Tues 16 May, ton, Shropshire B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL Enjoy the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ONCE ON THIS LAND South Stafford- HOME CHAT Noel Coward’s early play best from national and international shire College & Momentum Perform- about middle-class values and con- ing Arts present a contemporary artists, plus Birmingham’s finest hip- ventional morality, Thurs 18 - Sat 20 hop talent, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, Birm- staging of The Little Mermaid, Wed May, The Old Rep, Birmingham 17 - Thurs 18 May, Lichfield Garrick ingham Hippodrome TINA T’URNER TEA LADY & AUDREY ROMEO & JULIET Oddsocks give a mu- HEARTBURN Join award-winning musi- sical Mods & Rockers twist to the cal comedian Tracey Collins as she greatest love story ever told, Wed 17 performs a double bill featuring two - Thurs 18 May, Lichfield Garrick iconic stars, Fri 19 May, Old Joint TOMMY New staging of the iconic Stock Theatre, Birmingham rock musical, featuring music and BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Musi- lyrics by Pete Townshend, Wed 17 - cal adventure for children, featuring Sat 27 May, The REP, Birmingham elves, princesses, games, songs and UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON RICHARD CARPENTER’S CLOSE TO YOU laughter, Fri 19 - Sat 20 May, Regent DRAMA DEPARTMENT: DOUBLE BILL Fea- An epic concert of catchy tunes and Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent turing If I Said You Had A Beautiful harrowing psychological trauma from Body Would You Hold It Against Me? LADIES IN LAVENDER Amateur staging the smiliest piano player in pop-rock - a physical experiment featuring of the heartwarming story, Fri 19 - Sat history, Thurs 18 May, Old Joint Newton’s third law - and Search For 27 May, Hall Green Little Theatre, Stock Theatre, Birmingham Identity - an exploration of identities Birmingham Talks via a journey through physical the- UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON VENTOUX A restaging of the epic Tour atre, Tues 16 May, Arena Theatre, TRIPLE BILL Featuring Miss Julie, We de France battle between Lance Arm- Wolverhampton Are Such Things As Dreams Are strong and Marco Pantani on the AN EVENING WITH BOYCOTT & AGGERS Made Of and Seven Jewish Children, RELATIVELY SPEAKING Alan Ayck- fearsome Mont Ventoux, Sat 20 May, Jonathan Agnew and Geoffrey Boy- Thurs 18 May, Arena Theatre, Wolver- bourn’s classic farce of mistaken Lichfield Garrick cott celebrate the 40th anniversary of hampton identity and misunderstanding, Tues SCORCHED Told from the armchair of a the latter’s 100th hundred, Sat 20 care home and using new writing, May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre physical theatre, period music, pup- petry and projection to create a haz- ardous journey of remembrance, Sat 20 May, Ellesmere College Arts Cen- tre, Ellesmere, North Shropshire Film DANIEL BYE: GOING VIRAL Unique sto- rytelling, playful comedy and per- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: formance lecture come together to tell ‘a fantastical tale from the front line of an epidemic’, Sat 20 May, A (12a) mac, Birmingham Biography/Drama. Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Edge Arts WHY ME Blue Mountain theatre pres- Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- ent an inspirational story about three shire, Mon 15 May powerful Black women who turn their lives around to create the lives they ANOTHER MOTHER’S SON (tbc) Drama. deserve, Sun 21 May, Alexandra The- Starring Jenny Seagrove, John Han- atre, Birmingham nah. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 15 - Tues 16 May; Scorched - Ellesmere College Arts Centre, North Shropshire Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 16 & Thurs 18 May whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW SHROPS 15 - 21 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 16:30 Page 3

thelist Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May THE SALESMAN (12a) Drama/Thriller. THE HANDMAIDEN (18) Drama/Mystery. SNATCHED (tbc) event that features all the lifestyle ele- Starring Taraneh Alidoosti, Shahab Starring Min-hee Kim, Jung-woo Ha. THE SECRET SCRIPTURE (12a) ments associated with the award-win- Hosseini. Foreign language, subti- Foreign language, subtitled. Old Mar- ning TV show, Thurs 18 - Sun 21 May, tled. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South ket Hall, Shrewsbury, Mon 15 - Thurs NEC, Birmingham Shropshire, Mon 15 - Wed 17 May 18 May; Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 19 - OPEN COCKPIT EVENINGS A wide range NERUDA (12) Biography/Crime. Star- Sat 20 May Events of aircraft are available for close view- ring Gael García Bernal, Luis THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. ing, including transport aircraft, jet Gnecco. Foreign language, subtitled. Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte fighters and unique research air- Stoke Film Theatre, Tues 16 May Rampling. Old Market Hall, Shrews- TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Drop-in frames, Fri 19 - Sat 20 May, RAF Cos- bury, Fri 19 - Thurs 25 May event where visitors can learn the tile ford PATERSON (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- decorating technique known as ‘tube ring Adam Driver, Golshifteh Fara- BIG (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring lining’ or ‘slip-trailing’ to create their hani. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 22 Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins. mac, own tile to take home, Tues 16 May, May; Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Birmingham, Sat 20 May Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Staffs, 30 May GOING IN STYLE (12a) Comedy/Crime. Shropshire LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Music. Star- Starring Joey King, Ann-Margret. Fes- LADIES SEASONAL STYLE EVENT Per- ring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. tival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, sonal stylist Beth Goodrham shares Stourbridge Town Hall, Tues 16 May North Shropshire, Sat 20 May her fashion essentials for the summer BUNCH OF KUNST (18) LETTERS FROM BAGHDAD (PG) Docu- season, Wed 17 May, Birmingham Documentary/Biography. Starring An- mentary. mac, Birmingham, Sun 21 & Botanical Gardens drew Fearn, Sleaford Mods. Stoke Tues 23 May CHINESE STATE CIRCUS: DYNASTY Wed Film Theatre, Thurs 18 May 17 - Sun 21 May, The Quarry Park, MAD TO BE NORMAL (15) Shrewsbury LUDLOW ENGLISH SONG WEEKEND Biography/Drama. Starring David Unique music festival that also fea- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: SPRING DIESEL FESTIVAL Featuring vis- Tennant, Michael Gambon. Festival iting heritage and modern diesel lo- tures discussions and a film screen- Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, comotives, home-fleet action, ing, Fri 19 - Sun 21 May, Ludlow North Shropshire, Fri 19 May Released from Fri 19 May, showing at evening running and one or two sur- Town Centre, South Shropshire HIGH SOCIETY (12a) Comedy/Musical. selected cinemas prises, Thurs 18 May, Severn Valley THE BABY SHOW The UK's biggest Starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly. COLOSSAL (15) Railway, Kidderminster pregnancy and parenting event, pro- Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri THIS MORNING LIVE Join Phillip viding a family-friendly shopping ex- 19 May KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD perience and a unique opportunity to (12a) Schofield and Holly Willoughby at an

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Monday 15 - Sunday 21 May

hear from a selection of leading baby IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS... and childcare experts, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Monthly weekend of outdoor fun to May, NEC, Birmingham tick off more things on your list of 50 B-SIDE HIP-HOP FESTIVAL Immerse things to do before you’re 11 and 3/4, yourself in dance and music perform- Sat 20 May, Moseley Old Hall, Nr ances, and see graffiti art being cre- Wolverhampton ated before your eyes - all to a MUSIC LIVE AFTER RACING Enjoy a full soundtrack from live DJs, Fri 19 - Sun day of racing followed by an exclu- 21 May, Birmingham Hippodrome sive music performance, Sat 20 May, EXPLORE RAG RUGGING: PLAITING Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffs WORKSHOP Find out how to create WHITCHURCH FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL rugs using the plaiting technique, Sat Celebration of local and regional food 20 May, Birmingham Back to Backs and drink, Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, RED BY NIGHT Experience the indus- Whitchurch trial might of the Black Country via TELFORD FANZONE Hang out with live demonstrations and hard-hitting friends, browse merchandise stalls, street theatre, Sat 20 May, Black buy autographs, meet actors in the Country Living Museum, Dudley photo studio and come in Cosplay, Chinese State Circus - Quarry Park, Shrewsbury THE TENTH ANNUAL DUCK RACE Race a Sat 20 - Sun 21 May, Telford Interna- duck along the stream in Carding Mill tional Centre, Shropshire story walk through the dingle and INFLATABLE 5K OBSTACLE RUN Pit your Valley. There are prizes for every HERITAGE WEEKEND AT CADBURY around the big pool, with lighthearted wits against 10 giant inflatable obsta- race, Sat 20 May, Carding Mill Valley WORLD Featuring three guided walks tales and woodland trivia along the cles that will let you flip, bounce and & The Shropshire Hills around the village, Sat 20 - Sun 21 way, Sun 21 May, Dudmaston Estate, boing your way around a 5k course, FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY Hands-on ex- May, Cadbury World, Bournville Bridgnorth, South Shropshire Sun 21 May, Wolverhampton Race- perience of blacksmithing, Sat 20 JURASSIC KINGDOM All-new anima- MACMILLAN CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Per- course May, Black Country Living Museum, tronic outdoor dinosaur experience, fect day out for enthusiasts, while at MIXED TRACTION DAY Ride on a num- Dudley Sat 20 May - Sun 4 June, Birming- the same time raising funds for ber of steam and diesel trains operat- SHREWSBURY FLEA MARKET Sat 20 ham Botanical Gardens Macmillan Cancer Support in Shrop- ing along the line, Sun 21 May, May, West Mid Showground, Shrews- STORYTELLING: SPRINGTIME TALES Join shire, Sun 21 May, Eaton Manor Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster bury the resident storyteller on a guided Country Estate, Church Stretton, Shropshire

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thelist Monday 22 - Wed 31 May HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- Shrewsbury THE BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Gigs LIN Fri 26 May, Theatre JACK HARRIS & KITTY Classical Music STRING ORCHESTRA Featuring Julian On The Steps, Bridg- MACFARLANE Sat 27 Lloyd Webber & Mike Seal (conduc- north, South Shrop- tors), Yue Yu (viola), Henry Fairs May, The Hive, Shrews- LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH IMELDA MAY Mon 22 shire (organ) & Nick Bailey (host). Pro- bury THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- May, Symphony Hall, gramme includes works by Widor, NORTHERN SOUL LIVE Fri cludes works by Buxtenhude, Elgar, Birmingham RAJASTHAN HERITAGE Bruch, Howells, Elgar, Jackson, 26 May, Theatre Sev- BAND Sat 27 May, Messiaen, L. Anderson & RON SEXSMITH BAND Vaughan Wilson, Saint-Saens & Arne, ern, Shrewsbury Newhampton Arts Cen- Mendelssohn, Mon 22 May, Birming- Mon 22 May, The Sun 28 May, Birmingham Town Hall SHOW OF HANDS WITH tre, Wolverhampton ham Town Hall Robin, Wolverhampton MIRANDA SYKES Fri 26 SLADE CONVENTION Sun EDGAR MOREAU IN RECITAL Also featur- HARDLINE Tues 23 May, May, Birchmeadow 28 May, The Robin, Bil- ing Pierre-Yves Hodique (piano). Pro- The Robin, W’hampton Centre, Broseley, ston gramme includes works by LEO SAYER Tues 23 May, Shropshire Beethoven, Poulenc, Schumann, Eric CHRIS WOOD Sun 28 Comedy Lichfield Garrick Tanguy & Schnittke, Mon 22 May, DR FEELGOOD AND EDDIE May, Henry Tudor Birmingham Town Hall AVIV GEFFEN Tues 23 AND THE HOT RODS Fri House, Shrewsbury AL MURRAY Mon 22 May, The REP, May, O2 Institute, Birm- 26 May, The Robin, Bil- JENNIFER PIKE PLAYS MOZART Pro- ANASTACIA Sun 28 May, Birmingham ingham ston gramme includes works by Haydn, Symphony Hall, B’ham RORY BREMNER Wed 24 May, Lich- TOM CHAPLIN Tues 23 THE VINYL REPRISAL Mozart & Schubert, Wed 24 May, DREAMS OF FLEETWOOD field Garrick May, Symphony Hall, Fri 26 May, The Sun- Birmingham Town Hall MAC Sun 28 May, The REGINALD D HUNTER Wed 24 May, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham JENNIFER PIKE PLAYS MOZART Featur- River Rooms, Stour- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DAPHNE'S FLIGHT MALA Fri 26 May, Hare ing Franz Anton Krager (conductor). Tues bridge TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, MANDY MUDEN, 23 May, mac, B’ham & Hounds, Birmingham Programme includes works by KISS Sun 28 May, Bar- Mozart, Haydn//Mozart & Schubert, PETE TECKMAN & DAVE BRYON Wed 24 SHAKIN' STEVENS Fri 26 LADY MAISERY Tues 23 claycard Arena, B’ham Wed 24 May, Birmingham Town Hall May, Tower Brewery, Burton-upon- May, mac, Birmingham May, Birmingham Town Trent, Staffordshire Hall RUBY TURNER Sun 28 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE PRES- THE GOOD SINNERS Wed May, Prince Of Wales ENTS SIR JAMES & LADY JEANNE GAL- NOREEN KHAN, SUKH OJLA, SINDHU V & THE SPECIALS AND 24 May, Eleven, Stoke- Centre, Cannock WAY Programme comprises SHAISTA AZIZ Thurs 25 May, Wolver- TOOTS AND THE MAYTALS on-Trent Briccialdi’s The Carnival of Venice & hampton Art Gallery Fri 26 May, NEC, B’ham MARIKA HACKMAN Mon JULIE BYRNE Wed 24 29 May, The Rainbow Borne’s Carmen Fantasy, Wed 24 May, Hare & Hounds, BRINGING ON BACK THE Venues, Birmingham May, Birmingham Town Hall 60'S Fri 26 May, Prince Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Of Wales Centre, Can- JUSTIN CURRIE Tues 30 SHUGGIE OTIS Wed 24 CHESTRA: DVORAK’S CELLO CONCERTO nock May, The Slade Rooms, May, Hare & Hounds, Wolverhampton Featuring Gustavo Gimeno (conduc- Birmingham SOUL'D OUT Sat 27 May, tor). Programme includes works by THE GOOD SINNERS Wed The Robin, W’hampton Mozart, Dvörak & Schumann, Wed THE GROWLERS Wed 24 31 May, Eleven, Stoke- 24 - Thurs 25 May, Symphony Hall, May, O2 Academy, GURDAS MAAN Sat 27 on-Trent Birmingham May, Barclaycard Birmingham ERIC GALES Wed 31 Arena, Birmingham OPERA BOYS Thurs 25 May, Theatre DECLAN MCKENNA Wed May, The Robin, Bilston ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT & COM- 24 May, O2 Institute, CHRONIXX Sat 27 May, Severn, Shrewsbury EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON COASTS Wed 31 May, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham Thurs 25 May, The Glee Club, B’ham NASHVILLE IN THE BLACK ROSE Sat 27 May, ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT, JULIAN FLYTE Wed 31 May, The ROUND Wed 24 May, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent DEANE & BETHANY BLACK Fri 26 May, Sunflower Lounge, The Hive, Shrewsbury The Glee Club, Birmingham THE FLAKY TARTS Sat 27 Birmingham CHRIS MAPP'S GONI- May, Birchmeadow DALISO CHAPONDA, BARRY DODDS, HALEY REINHART Wed MOBLAST SPECIAL GUEST Centre, Broseley, STEPHEN BAILEY & ROGER MONKHOUSE 31 May, The Glee Club, ANNIE MAHTANI Wed 24 Shropshire Fri 26 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Birmingham May, mac, Birmingham THE SEARCHERS Sat 27 JOE BROMEHEAD, DAVID WHITNEY & HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- May, Theatre Severn, ROBERT WHITE Fri 26 May, Jongleurs LIN Thurs 25 May, The- BY GEORGE! MICHAEL LUNTS PIANO Comedy Club, Birmingham atre Severn, RECITAL Thurs 25 May, Wolverhamp- RICH HALL Fri 26 May, Stafford Gate- Shrewsbury ton Grand Theatre house Theatre BRENT COBB Thurs 25 BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring May, Hare & Hounds, Sakari Oramo (conductor), Steven Birmingham Osborne (piano) & Cynthia Millar RYLEY WALKER Thurs 25 (ondes martenot). Programme com- May, Newhampton Arts prises Messiaen’s L’Ascension & Tu- Centre, Wolverhampton rangalïla-symphonie, Fri 26 May, Symphony Hall, Birmingham FOGHORN STRINGBAND Thurs 25 May, The THE MARIO LANZA OPERA PRIZE Adjudi- Wightman Theatre, cated by Sir Thomas Allen, Sat 27 Shrewsbury May, Recital Hall, Birmingham Con- servatoire ADAM HESS, RHYS JAMES Fri 26 May, TWIN WILD Thursi 25 The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton May, The Sugarmill, KOSMOS ENSEMBLE Featuring Harriet Stoke-on-Trent MacKenzie (violin), Meg Hamilton JUNIOR SIMPSON, JOSH HOWIE, ESHAAN (viola) & Milos Milivojevic (accor- AKBAR & WAYNE BEESE Fri 26 May, CROWDED Thurs dian). Programme fuses Tango, The Lamp Tavern, Dudley 25 May, The Robin, Bil- Gypsy, Balkan & Japanese music ref- ston DARREN HARRIOTT & BEC HILL Fri 26 erencing classical composers such May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre NATHAN CARTER Thurs as Brahms, Dvorak & Sarasate, Sat PABLO SERSKI Fri 26 May, The Old 25 May, Prince Of 27 May, Concord College, Acton Bur- Post Office, Burton-upon-Trent Wales Centre, Cannock Ruby Turner - Prince of Wales. Cannock nell, Shropshire

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ALLYSON SMITH, MIKE WILMOT, JULIAN tongue-in-cheek production in which DEANE & BETHANY BLACK Sat 27 May, a psychiatrist decides to make every The Glee Club, Birmingham decision by following options given to DALISO CHAPONDA, BARRY DODDS, him by the dice, Wed 24 May, Theatre STEPHEN BAILEY & ROGER MONKHOUSE Severn, Shrewsbury Sat 27 May, The Comedy Loft, B’ham HOW EVA VON SCHNIPPISCH WON WWII JOE BROMEHEAD, DAVID WHITNEY & ‘A joyful night of hilarious anti-fascist ROBERT WHITE Sat 27 May, Jongleurs feminist propaganda’, performed as Comedy Club, Birmingham part of the venue’s Cabaret Festival, Wed 24 May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, ANDY PARSONS Sun 28 May, Theatre Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury GIRLS LIKE THAT AND WE LOST ELIJAH STAND UP FOR REFUGEES Line up in- Stafford Gatehouse Youth Group cludes Joe Lycett, Nish Kumar, Robin present two one-act plays, Wed 24 - Ince, Jo Enright, Mrs Barbara Nice Sat 27 May, Stafford Gatehouse The- Hosted by Tiernan Douieb, Wed 31 atre May, The REP, Birmingham FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Tinker’s Farm PAM ANN Wed 31 May, Birmingham Opera present an amateur staging of Town Hall the award-winning musical, Wed 24 - Sat 27 May, Stourbridge Town Hall INTO THE WOODS Stratford Musical Theatre Company present an innova- tive re-imagining of Stephen Sond- The Woman In Black Theatre heim’s hit musical, Wed 24 - Sat 27 May, Stratford Artshouse Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 22 - Sat 27 May THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Chil- JULIE MADLY DEEPLY Charming yet Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the Susan Hill novel, The Woman dren’s show featuring a menagerie of cheeky cabaret taking a look at ‘fame In Black is a classic ghost story first performed in 1989. It’s since be- 75 puppets and bringing to life Eric and famedom’. Fascinating Aida’s come one of the West End's most successful plays. Solicitor Arthur Carle’s storybooks, 22 May, Stafford Sarah-Louise Young stars, Thurs 25 Gatehouse Theatre May, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Kipp believes that his family have somehow been cursed by a mysteri- ous woman in black. In an attempt to tell his story, and to exorcise the THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stephen Malla- LEGALLY BLONDE Amateur production tratt's stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s presented by Birmingham Youth On evil curse which he’s convinced hangs over him, he hires a young acclaimed ghost story, Mon 22 - Sat Stage, Thurs 25 - Sat 27 May, The actor to assist him in recounting his experiences... 27 May, Wolverhampton Grand The- Old Rep, Birmingham atre LA POULE PLOMBÉE: JE REGRETTE! The GREASE Tom Parker from boyband story of La Poule Plombée, a French The Wanted makes his theatrical singer tortured by jealousy and unre- MR MAKER AND THE SHAPES LIVE! DIRTY DANCING The classic story of debut as Danny in this half-term stag- quited love. Performed as part of the CBeebies favourite featuring song, Baby and Johnny, two fiercely inde- ing of the classic high-school musi- venue’s Cabaret Festival, Fri 26 May, dance and audience participation, pendent young spirits from different cal. Over The Rainbow winner Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Sat 27 May, Lichfield Garrick worlds, who come together to experi- Danielle Hope stars as Sandy, Mon THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Chil- ence the most challenging and tri- DELBOY AND RODNEY SITCOM EXPERI- umphant summer of their lives, Mon 22 - Sat 27 May, Regent Theatre, ENCE The Laughlines cast perform a dren’s show featuring a menagerie of Stoke-on-Trent 75 puppets and bringing to life Eric 29 May - Sat 3 June, New Alexandra live situation comedy dining experi- Theatre, Birmingham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Hit ence - complete with a two-course Carle’s storybooks, Sat 27 May, West End show using huge projec- meal, Fri 26 May, The Place, Oaken- Birmingham Town Hall tion photos and original film footage gates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire BIG HOWARD’S LOL-TASTIC YUKFEST to celebrate the iconic American duo, JOAN An earthy story of ‘courage, Featuring stand-up, interactive digital Tues 23 May, Birmingham Hippo- conviction and hope’, this is Joan of animation, sound effects, jokes and drome Arc - possibly the world's first drag ‘lots and lots and lots of clever non- DAUGHTERS OF THE CURRY REVOLUTION king... Fri 26 - Sat 27 May, The REP, sense’. Suitable for children aged 5 Intimate performance, limited to 10 Birmingham plus, Sat 27 May, mac, Birmingham people, in which host Afreena dis- ANNA OF THE FIVE TOWNS New adapta- DUSTY LIMITS: GRIN Performance re- cusses what it means to be her dad’s tion of Arnold Bennett’s absorbing sulting from over a decade of collab- daughter in the context of anti-immi- love story, set against a backdrop of oration between two of the UK's most gration rhetoric, Tues 23 May, life in the Potteries, Fri 26 May - Sat celebrated cabaret artists, Dusty Lim- Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- 17 June, New Vic Theatre, Newcas- its and Michael Roulston, Sat 27 May, hampton tle-under-Lyme Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham TANK Breach Theatre explore the vio- MORGAN AND WEST’S MAGIC SHOW FOR THE WITCHES New version of Roald lence of language, the power of cul- KIDS The time-travelling magicians Dahl’s classic story, Sat 27 May - Sat ture - and what happens when you present a ‘jaw-dropping, heart-stop- 3 June, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham inject a cetacean with LSD, Tues 23 - ping, brain-busting magic extrava- OLIVER! THE MUSICAL Presented by Thurs 25 May, The REP, Birmingham ganza’ for children aged five to 10, the Crescent Theatre Company, Sat THE WEDDING SINGER Musical based Sat 27 May, Theatre Severn, Shrews- 27 May - Sat 3 June, The Crescent on the 1998 film of the same name bury Theatre, Birmingham and starring former X Factor finalists GREASE Tom Parker from boyband MARTY MACDONALD'S TOY MACHINE THERE AND BACK AGAIN: AN ODYSSEY The Wanted makes his theatrical Ray Quinn and Cassie Compton, Em- Children’s show featuring the voices Ulysses and his companions head merdale's Roxanne Pallet, comedy debut as Danny in this half-term stag- of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher and out on a fantastic voyage while ing of the classic high-school musi- veteran Ruth Madoc and musical the- Nicole Davis as Pongo the Pig and Patrick Lynch plays with sand, atre favourite Jon Robyns, Tues 23 - cal. Over The Rainbow winner Molly-Moo the Cow, Sat 27 May, The stones, boats, bowls, fire and water, Danielle Hope stars as Sandy, Mon Sat 27 May, New Alexandra Theatre, Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Sun 28 - Mon 29 May, Stafford Gate- Birmingham 29 May - Sat 3 June, Birmingham Shropshire house Theatre Hippodrome THE SIX-SIDED MAN Darkly comic, whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW SHROPS 22 - 31 May.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2017 18:42 Page 3

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theDOGS DON’T DO BALLETlist Blunderbus dered runs, the thrill of an obstacle Castle, nr Leominster MAY HIGHLIGHTS present a feelgood show for chil- course and the atmosphere of a THE SECRET GARDEN FAMILY TRAIL Fol- dren, based on Anna Kemp and music festival, Sat 27 May, Wolver- low the trail around the manor house Sara Ogilvie’s bestselling book, Tues hampton Racecourse and orchards, and join Mr Dennett 10 & 11 MAY 30 May, mac, Birmingham TAMEFEST Showcasing the spectacu- for some gardening, Sat 27 May - ALL OR NOTHING: THE MOD MUSICAL lar heritage of the Tame Valley Wet- Sun 4 June, Brockhampton Estate, Following in the footsteps of other lands, Sat 27 May, Tamworth Castle, Herefordshire ’60s jukebox musicals about The Staffordshire WHITSUN WEEK AT DRAYTON MANOR Beatles and The Kinks, All Or Noth- WEAVER WANDER 2017 CAR RALLY Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Drayton THE TIGER ing tells the story of mod favourites WHO CAME Charity car run for classic cars, Sat Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs TO TEA 3+ The Small Faces, Tues 30 May - Sat 27 May, The British Ironwork Centre, 3 June, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- PIRATE WEEK Grab your crew and LIVE ON STAGE Oswestry, North Shropshire £14, £11.50 Groups Trent jump aboard for a swashbuckling SHROPSHIRE COUNTRY SHOW Celebra- adventure, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET Jason tion of the rural community, Sat 27 National Sea Life Centre, Birming- Donovan stars in the smash-hit musi- May, West Midland Showground, ham 15 & 16 MAY cal inspired by the famous recording Shrewsbury WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE! Epic live- HORRIBLE session that brought together HISTORIES: rock’n’roll icons Elvis Presley, COTSWOLD OUTDOOR CAMPING WEEK- action show, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 THE BEST END Featuring a range of family activ- June, Warwick Castle OF BARMY Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis & Carl BRITAIN Perkins, Tues 30 May - Sat 3 June, ities, Sat 27 May, Attingham Park, CIVIL WAR GARRISON Watch as Stoke- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury say is taken over by Civil War sol- HOPELESS ROMANTICS Reform The- APLEY FARM SHOP CRAFT FAIR Local diers and their families, as they set Shropshire crafters sell handmade up camp in the castle grounds, Sun £10.00 - £48.00 atre Company explore dating in the modern age, Wed 31 May, Arena crafts, including stationery, art, pho- 28 - Mon 29 May, Stokesay Castle, Theatre, Wolverhampton tography, jewellery and kitchenware, Ludlow, South Shropshire Sat 27 May, Apley Farm Shop, Shif- ELIZABETHAN LIVING HISTORY EVENT 17 & 18 MAY nal Reenactors and historians transport THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OF BBQ One you back in time to the Tudor Age, ODDSOCKS presents of the UK’s largest competitive BBQ Sun 28 - Mon 29 May, Harvington ROMEO events, with teams from all around Hall, Kidderminster & JULIET Dance the world trying to become the VINTAGE EASTNOR Nostalgic family- Grand BBQ Champion 2017, Sat 27 - TEN - ACE DANCE Full-length dance fun day featuring steam engines, a Sun 28 May, National Brewery Cen- tea tent, giant garden games, model production inspired by global migra- tre, Burton-on-Trent £10.00 - £19.50 tion, Mon 22 May, Forest Arts Centre, steam engine rides, a vintage Walsall SANDON SPRING FAIR A celebration of carousel and chair swing, Sun 28 - food, craft and family fun in the Mon 29 May, Eastnor Castle Deer TRIPLE BILL FT. RED RIDING HOOD Bal- 20 MAY beautiful grounds of Staffordshire's Park, Herefordshire let Black show blending the classical Sandon Hall, Sat 27 - Sun 28 May, APLEY FARM SHOP CRAFT FAIR Local and the contemporary, Thurs 25 - Fri Sandon Hall, Stafford 26 May, DanceXchange, The Patrick Shropshire crafters sell handmade Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome GET GEOCACHING Explore Attingham crafts, including stationery, art, pho- as you hunt for hidden geocaches tography, jewellery and kitchenware, MILONGA Celebrated choreographer around the grounds, Sat 27 - Sun 28 Mon 29 May, Apley Farm Shop, Shif- Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and a cast of May, Attingham Park, Shropshire nal THE OPERA BOYS Argentinian tango dancers, contem- £20.00 porary dancers and live musicians THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Sat MAKE SOME WILD ART Hunt around for present a ‘fascinating’ exploration of 27 - Mon 29 May, Weston Park, natural materials to make your wild tango, Fri 26 - Sat 27 May, Birming- Shropshire art masterpiece, Mon 29 May, Dud- maston Estate, Shropshire 25 MAY ham Hippodrome TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS Nar- Help Ruby, Tamworth Castle’s resi- FAMILY MEDIEVAL ENTERTAINMENT The rative ballet company Northern Ballet dent dragon, find her mischievous Freemen of Gwent will be in resi- present this heartbreaking story brother, Hafgrim, Sat 27 May - Fri 2 dence, bringing the castle to me- through dance, Tues 30 - Wed 31 June, Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire dieval life, Mon 29 May, Ludlow May, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre IN THE THICK OF IT: CHILDREN IN IN- Castle, South Shropshire BYE BYE BABY GOLDILOCKS & THE THREE BEARS DUSTRY Take a walk in the well-worn COSTUMED TOUR OF SOHO HOUSE Ex- shoes of the Black Country’s work- plore the elegant Georgian home of £22 Northern Ballet present a brand new ballet for younger audiences, Wed ing children and experience the ups Birmingham's foremost industrialist, 31 May, Wolverhampton Grand The- and downs of their day-to-day lives, Matthew Boulton, Mon 29 May, Soho atre Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Black House, Birmingham 27 MAY Country Living Museum, Dudley THE GREAT BIG TREE CLIMB Climb to HISTORIC HEROES-THEMED ACTIVITIES the top of the tallest trees at Dud- & WORKSHOPS Sat 27 May - Sun 4 maston and look out on the estate June, Ironbridge Gorge Museum, from above, Tues 30 May, Dudmas- Events Shropshire ton Estate, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire MISTER MAKER & SUPERHEROES, SUPERPOWERS & RED FAIRY BOOK TRAIL AND CRAFT Fol- THE SHAPES LIVE! SUPER DAYS OUT A week of super- low the trail around the mill grounds 1920S MUSIC HALL EVENING Fri 26 £13 - £15.50 hero-themed activities, workshops to find all the fairy doors, Tues 30 - May, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrop- and demos, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 Wed 31 May, Sarehole Mill, B’ham shire June, Ironbridge Gorge Museum, PICTURE THIS - FAMILY DRAWING TOUR BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 THE VAPER EXPO Europe’s biggest Shropshire Tap into your inner artist with this in- and best vape event, Fri 26 - Sun 28 www.lichfieldgarrick.com THE MAGICIAN'S NEPHEW TRAIL Step teractive drawing exploration of May, NEC, Birmingham into the magical world of CS Lewis, Aston Hall, Wed 31 May, Aston Hall, LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, COLOUR OBSTACLE RUSH Unique event brought to life in the grounds of Birmingham LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR combining the fun of colour pow- Croft, Sat 27 May - Sun 4 June, Croft

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