FILM INSIDE: EVENTS COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS FOOD & DRINK & MUCH MORE! BE FESTIVAL BE DAVID BINTLEY DAVID together in Brum in together interview inside... interview

JOHN come artists European LEGEND

OUT ON TOUR... years twenty celebrates with Birmingham Royal Ballet Ballet Royal Birmingham with JUNE 2015 ISSUE 354 354 ISSUE sOn ’ .co.uk

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the empress of Soul at Symphony Hall Symphony at Soul of empress the gladys knight gladys www. BIRMINGHAM What THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Birmingham Cover Online.qxp_Birmingham Cover 27/05/2015 11:16 Page 1 Page 11:16 27/05/2015 Cover Online.qxp_Birmingham Cover Birmingham BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON ISSUE 354 JUNE 2015 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS @WHATSONBRUM WWW.WHATSONLIVE.CO.UK British Athletics (FP- June 15).qxp_Layout 1 21/05/2015 16:07 Page 1 Contents June Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 19:04 Page 1

June 2015

Editor: Davina Evans INSIDE: [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: The Boy In The Brian O’Faolain [email protected] Striped Pyjamas 01743 281701 interview with Lauren Foster [email protected] John Boyne p6 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Jamie Ryan [email protected] 01743 281720

Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703

Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Matthew Kelly Managing Director: makes his RSC debut Paul Oliver interview [email protected] p8 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell David Bintley celebrates twenty years with BRB - interview page 38 Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 TO GET THE VERY News p4 Contributors: LATEST LISTING Graham Bostock: Theatre INFORMATION, James Cameron-Wilson: Music p11 Transport Museum Film; Eva Easthope, VISIT: Jessica Aston, Patsy ready for relaunch p4 Moss, Jack Rolfe, Jan whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy p22 Watts, Simon Carter INCLUDING Head Office: BOOKING ONLINE 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Theatre p25 Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE The Midlands’ most Tel: 01743 281777 comprehensive e-mail: [email protected] p40 entertainment website Dance

Follow us on... Film/DVD p43 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is Festivals p47 produced without the use June 2015 of elemental chlorine. Birmingham Visual Arts p51 We endorse the recycling @whatsonbrum MTWTFSS of our magazine and Warwickshire would encourage you to 1234567 @whatsonwarwicks p55 pass it on to others to Events 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 read when you have Worcestershire finished with it. @whatsonworcs Eating Out p65 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 ’ 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 WhatsOn 29 30 MAGAZINE GROUP 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. News June Region one Davina.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:58 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Out and about with Unplugged Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has announced plans for its third Unplugged season. Launched in 2013, the week-long pro- gramme of events provides an opportunity for new and established audiences to wit- ness rehearsed readings from the Belgrade’s Autumn season of home-produced drama. The readings are presented at various ven- ues throughout Coventry and Warwickshire. New for 2015, the Belgrade is offering one local individual or organisation the chance to get up close and personal with the theatrical process, courtesy of an exclusive reading which will be performed at a venue of their choice. Upcoming productions covered in Unplugged include: Crush, a new musical comedy by Maureen Chadwick; The Silver Sword, based on Ian Serrallier’s children’s novel; Vampomime, a ‘fangtastic’ festive comedy written by a Coventry playwright; and Moliere’s The Sisterhood. Included among the venues which will be hosting readings as part of the event are Kenilworth Castle, Coombe Abbey Hotel, The Parkridge Centre at Brueton Park, The Merchants Inn in Rugby, and Coventry’s new Date announced for museum unveiling creative quarter, Fargo Village. Coventry’s much-loved Transport Museum is holding a grand relaunch event on Saturday 20 For further details, dates and times, visit bel- June (from 1pm ) to celebrate the completion of its £9million makeover. grade.co.uk/unplugged Financed by the European Regional Development Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund, the proj- ect to transform the museum has taken just fifteen months to complete, with twelve of the attraction’s fourteen exhibitions being revamped in spectacular style.The free-to-attend relaunch event features stunt shows and a unique ‘car catwalk’ show, taking place outside the museum. Further details can be found at transport-museum.com.

the Almeida Theatre and in the West End. Outdoor exhibition reflects The production focuses on the difficulties life on the Stratford Road faced by Prince Charles when he ascends to Sampad South Asian Arts have announced the throne following his mother’s death. plans for an exhibition trail which will offer a Powell, who’s fondly remembered for co- visual interpretation of ‘what it is to live and starring in BBC TV comedy series The work on Birmingham’s Stratford Road’. Detectives with Birmingham’s Jasper Carrott, The organisation’s My Route Exhibition Trail remains best known for his portrayal of Epic movie armour on will feature striking images by Vanley Burke Christ in Franco Zeffirelli’s highly acclaimed show in Worcester combined with sound installations by artist 1977 mini-series, Jesus Of Nazareth. In more Brian Duffy, best known for his collabora- recent times he’s starred as CEO Mark An exhibition featuring costumes from some tions with the Modified Toy Orchestra. Williams in Holby City. of the most popular historical movies ever The exhibition is the culmination of an eight- King Charles III shows at Birmingham made opens in Worcester City Museum & een-month heritage project led by Sampad Repertory Theatre from Friday 4 to Saturday Art Gallery this month. and supported by the National Lottery 19 September. Tickets are on sale now and Way Of The Warrior: Epic Movie Arms And through the Heritage Lottery Fund. Curator are available from the box office on 0121 236 Armour is a touring exhibition illustrating the Tasawar Bashir is working with Sampad to 4455 or by visiting birmingham-rep.co.uk development of personal arms and body select images and sounds related to the armour across the past two thousand, five immediate surroundings of each outdoor hundred years. It features armour worn by installation, in so doing providing a vivid Liam McIntyre as Spartacus in the Starz tele- insight into life on the Stratford Road from vision series and a selection of samurai the 1940s to the present day. armour from the 2003 Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai. Running alongside the exhibition, Worcester City Art Gallery is giving away an official Robert Powell gets regal replica of the Spaniard helmet worn by Robert Powell will take the title role in the Russell Crowe in Gladiator, with two cos- Olivier Award-winning King Charles III when tumes from the Oscar-winning movie also on it shows at Birmingham Repertory Theatre display. The competition runs for the dura- this autumn. tion of the exhibition. Mike Bartlett's future-history play visits Birmingham following sell-out runs at both

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Big laughs for little Acorns Shazia Mirza is to headline an East Meets West-themed fundraiser in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice this month. The 6 June event will see the Birmingham-born comedi- an draw on her home city’s cultural diversity to entertain the crowds. A showcase of food, fashion, music, dancing and comedy add to the evening’s entertainment. East Meets West takes place at CSN International Exhibition & Conference Centre on Highgate Road in Birmingham. For further information and to purchase tick- ets at £30 per head, email [email protected] or call 01564 825000. Exhibition celebrates Birmingham’s stars... The work and achievements of some of the city’s most celebrated personalities is being hon- oured by a Birmingham City University (BCU) photography exhibition. The Mr Birmingham exhibition, photographed and curated by BCU lecturer Emma Love, fea- tures portraits of numerous well-known ‘Brummie’ stars, including Trevor Francis, Jasper Carrott, Glynn Purnell (pictured) and UB40’s Astro. Commenting on her exhibition, Emma said: “I love Birmingham and am conscious that we Brummies are generally very humble people, all too often unable or unwilling to celebrate how great we are. I decided I wanted to change this, and to track down and take the portraits of men who, in a variety of ways, have achieved great things in the name of the city. “This wasn’t about promoting the personalities themselves but was, and always will be, about The search is on for Child the great city of Birmingham and the amazing, diverse people who’ve come from here. It’s a Executive Officer work of love and loyalty for a place I believe is the best city in the UK.” English Heritage has launched a nationwide A special private-view reception for the exhibition takes place on Thursday 11 June at search for its first ever Child Executive Millennium Point. Officer (CEO). The role has been created as The viewing will be followed by a BCU City Talk entitled What Birmingham Means To Me part of the English Heritage Kids’ Takeover (6.30pm, Cinema Screen, Millennium Point). The free-to-attend event will see a panel of season and will see the suitable candidate Birmingham stars sharing anecdotes about living, growing up and working in the city. lead a programme of events and activities To attend, register by visiting bcucitytalks.eventbrite.co.uk. at venues across the Midlands. The venues include Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, Witley Court in Worcestershire, Boscobel IN BRIEF Cinderella with a twist - Oh, yes it is! House in Shropshire and Goodrich Castle in Herefordshire. The role of the CEO will be While the majority of us are currently contemplating our summer Back to Ballroom... holidays, thoughts are already turning to Christmas over at the supported by a special Roundtable of six all in a good cause children who will help ‘spread the fun’ Barclaycard Arena. The Birmingham venue recently announced across their local sites. Closing date for West Midlands-based that it’s to host ‘the world’s biggest pantomime’ in December. A applications is 7 June. For further informa- charity The People’s fifty-foot-high castle will set the scene for a version of Cinderella tion on how to apply, visit Orchestra has that comes with a twist. The show will star an impressive cast of englishheritage.org.uk/kidstakeover announced plans for panto favourites, including Bradley Walsh as the loveable Buttons its first Midsummer and Paul O’Grady as the Fairy Godfather. Night’s Ball (on Aerial acrobatics, gospel choirs, Bollywood and street dancers Saturday 4 July). will also feature in Jon Conway’s production. Commenting of the Funding the charity’s show, Jon said: “Forget the traditional pantomime - this year steps-to-work pro- we’re mixing things up! It’s fantastic to be able to create a show gramme, which assists without the restrictions of the conventional theatres. Not only have unemployed members we introduced the largest ever pantomime staging and set, our of the community with cast of performers rival even some of the largest West End unique work experi- shows. I can guarantee no one will have seen a pantomime like ence opportunities, the this ever before!”Cinderella shows at Barclaycard Arena from 20 event promises to to 24 December, with a ten percent discount available on Early ‘bring ballroom back Bird tickets and family bundles purchased before 19 June. to Birmingham’. Visit theticketfactory.com for details. Accompanied by pro- Hippodrome appoints new fessional singers and the Broadway Dance Music museum thanks its visitors Chief Executive Centre, the seventy- Birmingham Hippodrome has announced piece orchestra will The Coventry Music Museum has been awarded a TripAdvisor that Fiona Allan will become its new Chief perform a range of Certificate Of Excellence in hospitality - an award given to estab- Executive in the autumn. Fiona will take Latin, swing and clas- lishments which consistently achieve great reviews on Trip over from current Chief Executive Stuart sic ballroom music. Advisor. Commenting on the award, Pete Chambers, Director Griffiths, who leaves next month to take up Tickets for the event at Curator of the museum, said: “There’s no greater seal of approval a new post with the Ambassador Theatre University Of than being recognised by your visitors. We can't thank them Group. Birmingham’s Great enough, and it only makes us strive to get even better. When we Fiona joins the Hippodrome from Leicester's Hall are priced at £60 opened the museum it was basically a box full of exhibits. Over Curve Theatre, where she's held the post of each, or £540 for a the last eighteen months, schools and clubs have visited, Chief Executive since 2011, before which table of ten. For further Alzheimer sufferers have remembered musical faces in the muse- time she was Artistic Director of Wales details, contact um, families have been brought by their dads, mums and broth- Millennium Centre. www.thepeoplesor- ers for birthday treats, and even cancer sufferers have made the A native Australian, Fiona started her career chestra.com or call trip. The public has really responded. We now know we’re far as Head of Programming at Sydney Opera 0121 569 2614. more than just a box of delights. Our legacy has begun and must House before being appointed CEO of be maintained.” Sydney Film Festival. For further information, visit covmm.co.uk www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 John Boyne interview (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 09:50 Page 1

interview John Boyne talks about The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas When Irish novelist John Boyne came up with the concept for a children’s novel based on the atrocities of the Holocaust, little could he have imagined the world-wide appeal of his work. A stage version of John’s story is currently being toured by the The Children’s Consortium, stopping off in Coventry this month.

This idea came into “ my head of these two boys at the fence, talking to each other. The whole story sprang from there. ”

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The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was your The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas has been It’s documented that from as young an age first book for children. Where did the story published in forty-seven languages. When as twelve you wanted to become a writer. come from? writing, do you find it necessary to consider How did you turn that aspiration into reality? I’d been quite a serious student of Holocaust- a book’s universal appeal? Right through my teenage years I was writing related literature for many years. It had been a Not really. Since then, pretty much every novel all the time. I was writing so many short stories. subject that I’d been very fascinated by and I’ve written has gone into about thirty It wasn’t one of those things where I was just had read very widely on, but I never thought I languages, so I just write the best book I can saying, ‘This is what I want to do’. I was actively would write about it myself. This idea came into write. I think if you write something good it will doing it. Then, when I was older and I left my head of these two boys at the fence, talking reach an audience - or at least publishers in university, I opted for a Masters in Creative to each other. The whole story sprang from different countries will feel it’s strong enough to Writing at the University of East Anglia. Michael there. All of that reading and research over the publish. I don’t really think in those commercial Bradbury was still teaching there at the time, years just led me to a place where I could terms, I just try and write a better book every and it was a great course to get on to. It really explore the subject in what I thought was an time. fed my ambitions. From there it was just a case original way. of keeping going, trying to write a novel, trying What’s been your involvement in Angus to get an agent, trying to get a publisher. I had it Marketed as a book for young readers, the Jackson’s stage adaptation? in my head that I wanted to be published by the nature and style of the narrative also lends A little bit less. I’ve had so much involvement time I was thirty. My first book came out when I itself to adult reading. Were you conscious with Boy In The Striped Pyjamas projects over was twenty-nine. I had just four months to of this when you started writing, or is it the years that I kind of stepped away from this spare before I hit that mark. something that became apparent once the one a little. I read the draft that Angus wrote and book neared completion? we met to discuss it. What I like is the fact that Your latest children’s novel, The Boy At The I wasn’t too conscious of it when I started. I was he’s adapted the novel rather than the movie. Top Of The Mountain, is due for release later a few chapters in when I thought that because It’s a completely fresh take on it. In some ways it this year. Set during the reign of the Nazis, it my protagonist was nine years old, this was makes more sense as a play because there are tells the story of nine-year-old boys. Is that, maybe a book for young people - but it didn’t very few characters in the novel and very few together with maybe the title, where its seem that important to me in terms of who its locations. I think the intimacy of the relationship similarities end in terms of The Boy In The audience were. However, when I presented it to with the audience, and between those two little Striped Pyjamas? my agent for the first time, I did say it was a boys, works quite well. Probably. I do seem to be fascinated by war. book for young people. I didn’t think it was My last children’s book, Stay Where You Are going to have an appeal outside of that, but it What’s the main consideration when writing And Then Leave, was set during the First World quickly became this crossover novel, which for children as opposed to adults? War. The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain is slightly surprised me. I’ve written four books for young people and I very much about brainwashing. It’s about a don’t try to change the language. I don’t try to child who starts out as a good kid but shows Did the depth of your knowledge suffice, or simplify it. The themes that I write about are as how easy it is to become corrupted. I think it’s did you have to dig deeper in terms of serious as the things I write about in adult the setting that I’m going to go back to time research to get everything you needed to novels. For me, it’s about taking a young and time again. There are so many stories that make the narrative more convincing? person, putting them in the centre of an adult can be told there. In a wartime setting you find I felt I had enough for the first draft and to just experience and seeing how they manage to so many aspects of human nature that you can let the story spring from that. Once I had that cope. I think that’s what’s more interesting for do a lot with as a writer. first draft completed, I knew all of the things that young people. I’ve been in lots of schools over I didn’t know, and that I therefore had to find the years, and they don’t want to be talked Thinking back to when you were nine, what out more about. I had to decide how faithful to down to. They don’t want stupid stories. They’re would have been your favourite book? the geography of the camps I wanted to be. I willing to be challenged with the serious Treasure Island, which is the book that Bruno wanted to keep it as a fable, as a work of subjects that my books cover - the Holocaust, carries with him all the time in The Boy In The fiction, but I went back to various sources the First World War, the death of a parent - and Striped Pyjamas. immediately after that first draft, including the talk about them and learn about them. It comes memoir that Rudolf Hoess wrote after he was down to, if you write a good book - no matter if Did you base Bruno on anyone in particular? captured and imprisoned before he was it’s for adults or for children - you just need to No. I knew that the Commandant from hanged. write something from the heart and hope it finds Auschwitz, for example, had brought his family that readership. to live there and that he had five children but I What was your initial reaction on hearing didn’t base Bruno on any of them. The same that Mike Harman wanted to turn the story Does your creative process always follow the with Shmuel - he’s just a representation of into a film? same route? children. Neither of them are based on real-life I met with Mark and we talked through it. He It does really. I move back and forth between people. seemed to have a good idea for how he adult and children’s books. Somehow that’s wanted to do it and I was happy to let him go good for me and it creates something. I write Your first collection of short stories, Beneath ahead. To be honest, I’ve had several of those the first draft in a relatively short space of time, The Earth, will be published in the autumn. meetings over the years. At the end of the maybe over six months. I just plough ahead and Tell us more... meeting, you think ‘That was a nice don’t go backwards at all. I just keep going until I’ve published quite a lot of short stories over conversation, but I’m sure it probably won’t go the end. I don’t plot out the books. I just start the years and last year won the Irish Book anywhere’. On that particular occasion, though, with a basic idea and let it build from there. It’s Award for the Short Story Of The Year. I thought it did go somewhere. I became quite involved pretty much the same process every time. it was time to put a collection together, so I’ve with the project and was very pleased with been working on quite a few different stories everything that Mark did. Being an author is a solitary profession. Do recently. They’re all relatively new. Some have you have someone who you usually bounce been published in magazines or anthologies, Could you ever have anticipated the ideas off? others are brand new. I’m a bit nervous about it enormity of its success? A lot of my closest friends are writers, and the because I’ve never published a story collection No. I thought it was going to be more writing community here in Dublin is quite a tight before. They have to have some unifying field successful than my previous novels - but that one. I certainly have friends of my own to them, and I’m trying to figure out the wouldn’t have been to hard, to be honest. generation, and we talk about books and structure in terms of the running order of the There was a good buzz about the book in the publishing and share drafts with each other. I stories. I’m certainly looking forward to them publishing industry leading up to its like the solitary nature of writing. I’m quite a being published. publication. It had sold into a lot of countries for solitary person and I quite like the peace and foreign rights and it felt like everything was in quiet of being alone at home and working. place for it to reach an audience. People were reading it in that early stage and were surprised Do you write every day? by the ending. I felt confident that it would be I certainly try to. I’m a morning person, so try to The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas shows at successful but I didn’t think it would do as well write between eight and noon as much as Belgrade Theatre, Coventry as it did. possible. That’s when I’m at my best. I never from Tues 16 - Sat 20 June write in the evening.

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interview Matthew Kelly Olivier Award-winning actor makes his RSC debut in Stratford... Having already proved his versatility as a performer, Matthew Kelly is currently appearing in three non-Shakespeare productions in the RSC’s summer season in Stratford. Matthew recently took time out from rehearsals to have a chat with What’s On...

Even if I’m having a bad time I “ don’t notice. I’m always a bit ‘Hello, birds! Hello, trees! Aren’t wehaving a lovely time?

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk ” Matthew Kelly interview (CA).qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 09:52 Page 2

A season in Stratford but no Shakespeare. I was still pursuing an acting career while all of play at The Crucible in Sheffield in the 1980s. Do you feel cheated? this was going on. At the same time as doing To come back to it, and to be working with No, not at all. I’ve done a lot of Shakespeare in mainstream telly on a Saturday night - where George Costigan - who I’d been at college with my time so I can probably manage. I see this you were seen by anything up to ten million - and to have the company of the actors who as a bit of a way in. If we do okay with this people - I would be doing one or two plays, were there, and to have the Birmingham Rep season then maybe they’ll have me back doing either on tour or in rep, where you’d probably behind it made for an extraordinary some Shakespeare, which would be wonderful. be seen by six thousand people at the most. I combination of events. We did it at To have the RSC on your CV is just the best could pursue my acting career at the same time Birmingham, then there was a year’s gap thing ever. It absolutely matters because it’s but almost practise my art in private. Then there before we did it again. It had quite a life. world renowned. came a point, about twelve years ago, when I Were you surprised by the Olivier? decided my heart wasn’t in presenting And if you could take your pick of any Not half! I was really shocked. I was up against anymore, so I stopped doing Stars In Their Shakespeare role, which would it be and Kenneth Branagh and Michael Sheen, who’d Eyes. I went back to what I knew best. People why? won every award going for his Caligula. And I were surprised by the move, saying, ‘I didn’t I don’t know. Every time I’ve done a role it’s the could see why, because it was fantastic. I know you could do that’. best thing I’ve ever done, so that’s tricky. I’ve reckoned I was a real outside shot. My only conscious decision was to leave the done four productions of Twelfth Night. I’ve shiny black floor shows, simply because I So does the award still take pride of place? played Andrew Aguecheek twice. I’ve played couldn’t do them anymore. Definitely. Awards are the best thing ever - but Malvolio and I’ve played Toby Belch. I love only when you’re winning. playing Toby, but I’d probably go back to You’ve always spoken highly of Stars In Malvolio because I don’t think I got it quite right Their Eyes... I recently read somewhere that you’ve last time. I’d love another go at it. Mauruccio in Why wouldn’t I? They were doing all the work shrunk in height. Has being tall ever affected Love’s Sacrifice is very much like Malvolio. and I was collecting all the money. I used to you psychologically - and what impact has take a wheelbarrow and get them to fill it up. ‘being shorter’ had on you? If you’d had a crystal ball back at the start of Then I’d get a little man to wheel it home at the Yeah, I always used to say I was six foot six but your career, which incarnation of Matthew end of the week. Marvellous! It was fantastic, I knew that was a lie. I knew I was six foot five. Kelly would have surprised you the most? but of course I’ve spent it all. I’m an actor and Then I had an accident when I was parachuting Would it have been the one who hosted light that’s what actors do. I had a fantastic time for Game For A Laugh. I broke my leg and entertainment shows or the award-winning while I was doing the show and I got looked became an inch shorter. When I started my classical theatre actor? after really well. I liked the people who came on career, they used to say, ‘Oh, you’re too tall’, I have no idea. Everything comes as a the show as well. They were really nice people or ‘We haven’t got any parts for policemen’, or complete surprise to me. What I do like more who I could empathise with because I knew ‘We haven’t got any costumes to fit’. Coming than anything else is finding myself in situations what it was like to be nervous. I got pleasure here to work for the RSC, I’ve been measured where I think, ‘What on earth are you doing?’. I helping them get over that. for the first time in many years. I now measure find playing in the dressing-up box a six foot two-and-a-half. I’m absolutely completely bizarre experience but one that I’ve How did you feel about the Facebook devastated because, for me, being really tall wanted to do from the age of six. I always campaign last year to get you back on Stars is special. wanted to be an actor. It excused my shocking In Their Eyes? behaviour and my appalling academic career, Obviously I was flattered. I thought it was lovely. What’s in the diary after your season in apart from the fact that I’ve since done an OU I think people remember things fondly, but Stratford? degree and a teaching qualification. Now I get that’s how it should remain - a fond memory. I Just before I came to the RSC, I was playing honorary degrees for nothing. They’re fantastic. don’t think people really want to go back to it. Ugly Sisters with my son in London. I think they I love stuff for nothing. It’s my favourite thing. Harry Hill did his thing and that’s what Harry might well reprise that in Manchester. Cross- does. I watched the not-live final and was dressing with your son over the festive period is These are achievements that have come completely fascinated by it. The attention to all shades of wrong but great fun. I’m also through choice and not pressure... detail about debunking it was an amazing thing hoping that Richard Bean’s first play, Toast - Choice is an interesting thing. I look at my CV and it did make me laugh. Of all the shows which showed at the Park Theatre in London - and it looks like I’ve made some really clever where it’s not about the presenter, that’s the is going to come back. moves in my career, but I don’t really feel like one. Those contestants seemed completely at I’ve made choices. Stuff comes up and you go, So you’re quite relaxed about the whole ease with it. They seemed to be having a lovely ‘Oh yeah, I’ll do that’. I wouldn’t have predicted work schedule thing? time. any of it, but I guess if I had to choose, the Yeah, why not? I’ll be picking up my pension most surprising would be the presenting. I If you had to compile a promotional video of next month. wouldn’t have seen myself doing that in a your career as an actor, whether in When you’re away from the entertainment million years. Usually presenters come at it television, theatre or on film, which business, how do you like to unwind? from a different angle. They’re either stand-up performances would you choose to best To be honest, I’m never away from it. I’ve been comedians or people who’ve started out in represent your talent? really jammy with my career and I never seem radio. They don’t normally come from the I think the most satisfying have been things like to stop. My older brother works behind the acting fraternity. What I do love is being in the Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, Of Mice And camera in Hollywood. He always thinks that company of actors. I think they’re fantastic Men, my time at the Everyman Theatre in every time a film comes to an end he’s never people - generous, spirited, kind, supportive, Liverpool, Funny Peculiar in the West End and going to work again, but he never stops. That willing... and bonkers. my time at college in Manchester, where me, said, he did have one year when nothing came Julie Walters, Pete Postlethwaite and Bill Nighy You made your name with Game For A in and he got really frightened. What would I do all grew up together. It was an amazing time. A Laugh and Stars In Their Eyes. How did your if that ever happened to me? Read. And sit photo of us from the 1970s is still on show at switch from light entertainment to classical down a lot... the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool. acting come about? As far as TV goes, it would be Cold Blood, in Have you ever contemplated following your I was doing a sitcom for London Television which I played a serial killer. That was a good brother behind the camera? many years ago and they asked me to go on a experience - quite a funny one, actually. Absolutely not. I have no interest in directing, thing called Punchlines. They asked me to be a Also, I’m always very thrilled with what I’m producing or writing. I only want to be in the celebrity. I was reluctant because I wasn’t one. doing at the time. Even if I’m having a bad time dressing-up box with my chums, drinking tea A friend of mine who was one of The Liver Birds I don’t notice. I’m always a bit ‘Hello, birds! and sharing anecdotes. Oh, and going to the said, ‘They obviously think you are, so take the Hello, trees! Aren’t we having a lovely time?’. pub after, which is my favourite. money and don’t be humble’. So I did. I found out I could do it and then got asked if I’d do You mentioned Of Mice And Men, for which Game For A Laugh. The producer said, ‘If I you won an Olivier Award. Looking back at Matthew Kelly stars in Love’s Sacrifice asked you to jump out of an aeroplane, would that particular performance, what would you (until 24 June), The Jew Of Malta (until 8 you?’, to which I replied ‘Yeah!’ - and so I got say were the factors that contributed to your September) and Volpone (3 July to 12 that job. That’s where the presenting started, success? September) at Swan Theatre, Stratford- eventually leading to Stars In Their Eyes. It was actually a revisiting of a part. I’d done the upon-Avon - rsc.org.uk for details.

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Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 The Drum, Birmingham, Sun 14 June “Music has great impact on people's feelings,” says Seun Kuti, the youngest son of Afrobeat founder and legend Fela Kuti. “Pop music today is all about ‘me, me, me’. Nobody is singing about ‘we’. But nothing can change if we don't look out for our brothers and sisters.” Seun is here joined by his father's funk-fuelled six- teen-piece orchestra, Egypt 80, for a concert that’s been described as ‘a powerhouse of latent protest music straight out of contemporary Africa’.

Fleetwood Mac Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 8 - Tues 9 June Rock legends Fleetwood Mac are back on the road and hoping to replicate the success of their 2013 sell-out tour. And with songbird Christine McVie making a welcome return following a sixteen-year absence, there’s every reason to imagine tickets will go like the Larry Carlton proverbial hotcakes. Expect all the hits from the various stages of their stellar career - The Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 16 June from the soul-searching blues of the 1960s Peter Green era, through the decade-defining magic of hit ’70s album Rumours, to the staggeringly successful supergroup days of the The four-time Grammy Award-winning, Gibson ES- 1980s. 335-playing Larry Carlton has managed to balance a successful solo career with session appearances for a whole host of much-admired bands and solo John Legend artists. Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 26 June Among those who’ve benefitted Ohio-born John Legend’s mantlepiece must be positively creaking under the weight of from his phenom- his numerous awards, pride of place among which must surely be his nine - yep, that’s enal guitar work right, nine - glittering Grammy gongs. Legend hits Birmingham this month on the back of are Steely Dan, platinum-selling success with the hit single All Of Me, and recognises that the song is his Joni Mitchell, first real crossover hit. “It’s just exposed me to fans who don’t listen to R&B radio,” the Michael Jackson, thirty-five-year-old star told The Independent last month. “Frankly, more white people!” Sammy Davis Jr, Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.

Zimbe! Town Hall, Birmingham, Sun 14 June The greatly admired City of Birmingham Choir is here joined by numerous other adult and children choirs to perform this forty-minute choral piece by Alexander L’Estrange, a man who’s widely consid- ered to be one of Britain’s most exciting com- posers. The music is described by the choir as ‘accessible, instantly likable and foot tappingly un- forgettable’, so should make for a lively night out. The concert also includes Songs And Sonnets From Shakespeare - by jazz maestro George Shearing - and the world premiere of John Bar- ber’s The Rain Queen.

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Sat 13 Jun SATURDAY NIGHT £37.50 FEVER PARTY with Stayin Alive Thu 18 Jun ROYAL ASCOT £79.50 LADIES DAY plus Disco Party with DJ Franco Fri 19 Jun CHARITY ROYAL £69.50 ASCOT DAY After Races Party with Addicted to 80’s Sat 20 Jun £49.50 MIDSUMMER BALL with Brothers Of Soul

Fri 26 Jun HEART & SOUL £32.50 PARTY with Harry Cambridge

Sat 4 July AMERICAN £32.50 INDEPENDENCE DAY PARTY with Briefcase Blues Brothers

Sat 25 July THE HOT £37.50 SUMMER PARTY with Take@That

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE FROM OUR WEBSITE TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT NAILCOTE LANE, BERKSWELL, WARWICKSHIRE, CV7 7DE

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Music PREVIEWS Gladys Knight Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 28 June Empress of Soul Gladys Knight shot to star- dom way back in the 1960s, becoming one of the biggest names on the legendary Mo- town record label as she enjoyed hit after soaraway hit with long-time singing group The Pips. Nearly a half century after joining Motown - and with forty albums and seven Grammy Awards to her name - her place in music his- tory is assured. Memorable numbers include Midnight Train To Georgia, Help Me Make It Through The Night, Licence To Kill (the offi- cial theme song to the James Bond film), The Way We Were, Baby Don’t Change Your Mind and You’re The Best Thing (That Ever Hap- pened To Me). She plays Symphony Hall as part of her first UK tour in six years.

Suzanne Vega Town Hall, Birmingham, Mon 22 June A sensitive, deeply personal artist, whose success presaged a wave of singer/songwriters, Suzanne Vega first reached international attention with the massive single Marlene On The Wall. Each of her following albums has seen her making plenty of musical developments, even if the themes have remained pretty much constant. Although unlikely to regain the levels of success she enjoyed in the late-1980s, mainly because there's so much competition these days, she remains a thoughtful and rewarding performer.

Counting Crows Gretchen Peters Bad Manners Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 10 June The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Sat 27 June The Copper Rooms, Coventry, Sun 14 June; The Robin, Bilston, Sat 20 June Seven-piece San Francisco rockers Counting “The problem with being a successful song- Crows are best known for Shrek 2’s feelgood writer,” says Gretchen Peters, “is that you Long in the tooth they may be, but English 2 hit, Accidently In Love, and 2002’s Big Yellow don’t have to tour - and in fact are discour- Tone ska wizards Bad Manners still com- Taxi. They’ve sold more than twenty million aged from the less lucrative job of playing mand a significant following around the albums worldwide since exploding on to the live in small clubs. Going out and playing is a globe. Very much a novelty act, courtesy in music scene back in the early 1990s, and are critical part of writing a song for me, to have it the main of the on-stage antics of bald- here presenting material from forthcoming live and breathe. It’s almost like they’re not headed frontman Buster Bloodvessel, they and seventh studio album Somewhere Under really done being written until you’ve lived in spent the early 1980s vying for chart posi- Wonderland. The album is the band’s first them for a while. There’s a spiritual aspect to tions with fellow ska revival bands Madness, original recording since Saturday Nights & performing. It’s the only time you’re com- The Specials and The Selecter. Hit albums in- Sunday Mornings in 2008. pletely in the moment. Writing is very cere- clude Gosh It's... Bad Manners, Loonee bral. In the studio there are lots of choices Tunes! and Ska’n’B. you have to make, but when you perform, it’s the only Zen moment. For me, that’s hugely important.” DIIV Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Tues 9 June After making his mark in a couple of Brooklyn bands, Zachary Cole Smith formed his own group and named it Dive. He then changed its name to DIIV, apparently out of respect for Dirk Ivens’ Dive - a 1990s Belgian electronic dance music project. Expect an evening of what Interview Maga- The Bohicas zine describe as ‘swirling, chiming music that Nas melds the Motorik and the psychedelic’. The Rainbow, Birmingham, Sat 6 June The Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 4 June Described by The Sunday Times as ‘chan- This forty-one-year-old son of jazz trumpeter nelling Marc Bolan, Led Zeppelin and Arctic Olu Dara has chalked up an impressive Monkeys to riveting effect’, the four-member twenty million album sales worldwide, with Bohicas are making a significant splash in nine solo albums and three compilations all the world of rock’n’roll. “We’re a rock band, having been certified double-platinum, plat- not Nicke lback,” explains frontman Dominic inum and gold. Emerging from the Queens- McGuinness, in talking about the band’s bridge neighbourhood of Long Island City, a sound to wow247.co.uk. “It’s not dead-eyed, hotbed of rap artists since the 1980s, Nas empty -souled music. It comes from the guts scored a major success with debut offering and is not meant to be dissected and under- Illmatic, an album which is widely considered stood.” to be one of the most influential hip-hop LPs Also performing are Dead Sea Skulls and of all time. Templevesta.

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Stourbridge MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS SAT 6 JUN 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk For full listing information on gigs, Barclaycard Arena, including times and dates, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk JOHN BARROWMAN Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham Bryan Ferry SLADE UK The Slade Symphony Hall, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton TALON - THE BEST OF EA- DETROIT SOUL The Jam This latest tour comes off the MON 1 JUN GLES The Swan Theatre, House, Birmingham Worcester back of Ferry’s most recent MANIC STREET PREACH- FROM THE JAM The THE LAFONTAINES Hare & album, Avonmore. He took to ERS Civic Hall, Wolver- Robin, Bilston Hounds, Birmingham the stage wearing an unassum- hampton ABBA MANIA Belgrade LUCAS D & THE GROOVE EARL SWEATSHIRT The Theatre, Coventry ing dark suit and open-collared GHETTO The Jam Institute, Birmingham CHRIS MAPP Symphony shirt; simple but certainly very House, Birmingham THE WEST END MEN Hall, Birmingham Bryan Ferry. ADMIRAL FALLOW & C Birmingham Town Hall BOTOWN: THE SOUL OF DUNCAN The Rainbow Although the first part of his ULI JON ROTH The BOLLYWOOD The Drum, Venues, Birmingham show mainly focused on the lat- Robin, Bilston Birmingham MERCILESS TERROR, THE MIRROR TRAP The DREAMING OF KATE est album, he very sensibly in- SODOMIZED CADAVER, Artrix, Sunflower Lounge, Bromsgrove terspersed the new songs with DAEMONA, KATALEPTIC & Birmingham THE VERY WORST OF THE previous solo work and Roxy CORPS MUTILIATION ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The TIGER LILLIES Hunting- Scruffy Murphys, Birm- Music numbers, in so doing en- River Rooms, Stour- don Hall, Worcester ingham suring he kept the old-school bridge THE SIMON AND GAR- fans well and truly energised. FRI 5 JUN FUNKEL STORY New Roxy highlights included Love Is TUE 2 JUN Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham A Drug, Avalon, Out Of The Blue and an impeccably extended instru- DINO BAPTISTE TRIO The 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER ROXY MAGIC The Road- Jam House, B’ham Barclaycard Arena, mental version of Tara. house, Birmingham STEELIN' THE BLUES Birmingham Ferry was backed by a ten-piece band who, although undoubtedly tal- THE BOHICAS The Rain- Kitchen Garden Cafe, TAKE @ THAT The Robin, ented, occasionally drowned out his soulful vocals. Not that this rela- bow Venues, B’ham Birmingham Bilston CONAN The Oobleck, tively minor complaint could really detract from the magic of the PALLBEARER, BAST & PEGGY SEEGER Artrix, Birmingham evening. GARGANJUA The Rain- Bromsgrove TALON - THE BEST OF EA- As always, Let’s Stick Together had the audience up on their feet to- bow Venues, B’ham JOE MCELDERRY Bed- GLES Bedworth Civic wards the end, with the fantastic Editions Of You proving equally pop- worth Civic Hall WED 3 JUN NAVI - KING OF POP Bel- Hall ular. grade Theatre, Coventry I FEEL GOOD Crescent I always tend to judge the success of a show on its final track. On this THE FUREYS Artrix, NIGHTS ON BROADWAY - Theatre, Birmingham occasion Ferry’s heartrending cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy Bromsgrove THE BEE GEES STORY JAWS The Institute, brilliantly tied the whole night together. LAURENCE JONES The Wolverhampton Grand Birmingham CHANEL-LEE EASY MEMO- Bryan Ferry remains the real deal. If I could be as stylish, classy and, Robin, Bilston Theatre THAT'LL BE THE DAY New RIAL CONCERT Birming- let’s face it, downright sexy as him when I reach sixty-nine, I’d be an DETROIT SOUL The Jam Alexandra Theatre, House, Birmingham ham Town Hall extremely happy man! Ryan Humphreys nnnn Birmingham DISCO THROUGH THE FULLY LOADEDRoute 44, BOOKA SHADE The Rain- DECADES WITH DJ IAN Birmingham bow Venues, B’ham ROGERS Nailcote Hall, BRING IT ALL BACK Berkswell, Warwickshire Palace Theatre, Red- Braebach DUB PISTOLS The ditch mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Oobleck, Birmingham YIS AYE Palace Theatre, Redditch With two Scottish Traditional Music Awards behind them, including the KARL LOXLEY Albany Theatre, Coventry SAM OSTLER, HARRY award for Best Live Act in 2013, Breabach's performance at mac MIDNIGHT MAGPIE PRES- ALEXANDER, DUCHESS, promised to be something special. To those familiar with the band, the ENT BIRDS OF PARADISE 2 NO TOMORROW & ABBI night of sheer exuberance they delivered will come as no surprise. Hare & Hounds, Birm- BAKER O2 Academy, The title of the group's latest album is Ùrlar, meaning ground or foun- ingham Birmingham HYPE, HAZARD, NICKY dation. As such, most of the music pertained to the group members' MOUNT KIMBIE Hare & Hounds, Birmingham BLACKMARKET AND MORE history, including tunes from their home towns and even a Canadian PETE BROWN’S NEW- The Rainbow Venues, folk song concerning the work of piper Calum MacCrimmon's ances- Birmingham YOUNG FATHERS Hare & GRASS CUTTERS Hunt- tors across the pond. ingdon Hall, Worcester THE LAFONTAINES Kas- Hounds, Birmingham bah, Coventry Genuine folk tunes were interspersed with sterling compositions from THE SWINGIN' AFFAIR Bel- SEEDY SONICS SUMMER PARTY The Rainbow TARA The Glee Club, MacCrimmon and double bass-player James Lindsay, seamlessly fus- grade Theatre, Coventry Birmingham ing the contemporary with the traditional - but at least as entertaining YOUNG GUNS The Slade Venues, Birmingham VOODOO SIOUX & THE SMOKESTACK The Marr’s as the music itself were the introductions and discussions (frequently Rooms, Wolverhampton Bar, Worcester CHARLIE DORE Kitchen FAKULTYRoute 44, Birm- about guitarist Ewan Robertson's suits) between the songs. ingham STORM THE PALACE, Garden Cafe, B’ham MOONBEARS & GUNTHER More than once, fiddle-player Megan Henderson donned her dancing BRAND NEW The Glee MATTHEW LONG Palace Theatre, Reddich PRAGUE The Tin Music & shoes to show off her footwork - and as complicated as it looked, it Club, Birmingham Arts, Coventry was often difficult to resist the urge to join in. But if listeners couldn't THE CARPENTERS STORY THE QUO AKA THE 4 ROSSIS The Roadhouse, LAMPA AND DJ MIKEY B dance, they were at least given the chance to participate in some of The Roses Theatre, Irish Centre, B’ham Tewkesbury Birmingham the singing - in Gaelic, naturally. ROZI PLAIN The Sun- ULTRA 90’S The River THERE & BACK AGAIN O2 Rooms, Stourbridge Not a bit of the energy the band opened with had dissipated by the Academy, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham end of the performance, and Breabach returned to the stage for a 90’S REWIND The Jam DAN WHITEHOUSE The SUN 7 JUN final, joyous number following a raucous and well-deserved encore. House, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Heather Kincaid nnnn ALL TVVINS The Rain- MOSTLY AUTUMN The bow Venues, B’ham Robin, Bilston GERRY KEARNEY Irish THU 4 JUN Centre, Birmingham SHARPE & KAKOURA War- MNOZIL BRASS Birming- wick Arts Centre, ham Town Hall Coventry THE MANFREDS Solihull THE SIMON AND GAR- Arts Complex FUNKEL STORY The 999 & THE LURKERS The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- Robin, Bilston bury CHERYL, MIKE & JAY - FRANK CARTER & THE FORMERLY OF BUCKS FIZZ RATTLESNAKE JAKE The RATTLESNAKES The Rain- Belgrade Theatre, Marr’s Bar, Worcester bow Venues, B’ham Coventry PAT BRENNAN AND DEAN FOLLAKZOID The Sun- RUSSELL WATSON MCCABE Irish Centre, flower Lounge, B’ham Wolverhampton Grand Birmingham FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND Theatre THE BORN AGAIN BEATLES The Marr’s Bar, Worcs NAS Institute, B’ham The River Rooms, For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music June Region One.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:50 Page 7

& MADE IN HEAVEN The ACOUSTIC Tribute Birmingham Funeral For A Friend - The Marr’s Bar, Worcester Oobleck, Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE MOVIELIFE O2 Acad- GOAT’S DON’T SHAVE & Birmingham emy, Birmingham THE WHITE ROOM Route CITY OF BIRMINGHAM GENESIS CONNECTED The 44, Birmingham CHOIR - ZIMBE! Birming- Roses Theatre, Tewkes- THE DRIFTERS De Mont- ham Town Hall bury fort Hall, Leicester SHAWN KLUSH - ELVIS MOTOWN AND SOUL SURF CITY The Tin Music WORLD TOUR Civic Hall, NIGHT Irish Centre, & Arts, Coventry Wolverhampton Birmingham TRACEY HANNA Irish SEUN KUTI & EGYPT 80 TRUEHEIGHTS, TYRAN- Centre, Birmingham The Drum, Birmingham NOSAURUS, NEBULOUS, PERRMAGEDDON 80’S ROCK AND METAL ALL MOTH HONEY, THE FIX & ROCK The River Rooms, DAYER The Roadhouse, FRANK O2 Academy, Stourbridge Birmingham Birmingham LISA STANLEY Irish Cen- MARK GRIST & MC MIXY SAT 13 JUN tre, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton SOLID SOUL The Jam MON 15 JUN THE UPBEAT BEATLES House, Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, OAS-IS The Marr’s Bar, ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The Worcester Worcester River Rooms, Stour- CONTAINMENT AND THE SEARCHERS Artrix, bridge FRIENDS Alfie Bird’s, Bromsgrove Birmingham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The TUE 16 JUN HYENA, BAD GRAMMAR, Robin, Bilston BYRON HARE & ELECTRIC THE OVERTONES Sym- LARRY CARLTON The The Rainbow Venues, phony Hall, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham JAH SHAKA SOUND The JAMES RILEY, ALEX RAID- Gardens INDIGO The Jam House, GUNNER’S LAW, ARAMAN- Rainbow Venues, Birm- Birmingham TUS & TINY ROCKETS MON 8 JUN FORD & ED GEATER Ort JUDY NIEMACK AND ingham Cafe, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- SOFT MACHINE The Route 44, Birmingham FLEETWOOD MAC TOIRE JAZZ ORCHESTRA Robin, Bilston MATTHEW LONG Albany Genting Arena, B’ham WED 10 JUN Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- PETER KNIGHT’S Theatre, Coventry JERMAINE B & GUESTS ingham GIGSPANNER The Roses GROUNDHOG DAZE The The Crescent Theatre, JOHN BARROWMAN De THE BLUES BAND - 35 Theatre, Tewkesbury Marr’s Bar, Worcester Birmingham Montfort Hall, Leicester YEARS AND BACK FOR THE BIG CHRIS BARBER VODUN, THORIA & ABAN- THE OVERTONES De GOSPEL CENTRAL The MORE Huntingdon Hall, BAND Malvern Theatres DONED LIFE The Tin Montfort Hall, Leicester Jam House, B’ham Worcester THE BURNING HELL The Music & Arts, Coventry ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The TOM HILL'S STRAITJACK- THE ELO EXPERIENCE De Tin Music & Arts, IRON SWAP & SYP River Rooms, Stour- ETS No1 Shakespeare Montfort Hall, Leicester Coventry Scruffy Murphys, Birm- bridge St, Stratford PARAMORE - MISERY ingham HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEM- BUSINESS (TRIBUTE Jah Shaka WED 17 JUN RENAI TUE 9 JUN BLE The Glee Club, BAND) The River Rooms, SAT 20 JUN THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN CHANTEL MCGREGOR The Birmingham Stourbridge FLEETWOOD MAC BLACK GRAPE FEAT Malvern Theatres Robin, Bilston DARKSIDE - THE PINK Genting Arena, B’ham SHAUN RYDER The FRI 12 JUN THE BEE GEES SATURDAY JOHN J PRESELEY, TABLE FLOYD SHOW Belgrade THE PIANO GUYS Sym- Robin, Bilston NIGHT FEVER PARTY WITH SCRAPS & CRAWLIN' Theatre, Coventry phony Hall, Birmingham COUNTING CROWS Civic TRUE ORDER & TRANS- STAYIN' ALIVE Nailcote HANDS Hare & Hounds, GROUPER The Jam ARIANA GRANDE Barclay- Hall, Wolverhampton MISSION The Robin, Bil- Hall, Berkswell, War- Birmingham House, Birmingham card Arena, B’ham LITTLE BARRIE The Rain- ston wickshire STANLEY ODD The Sun- THE MOODY BLUES bow Venues, B’ham CHINA SHOP BULL The THE REFLEX 80’S PARTY flower Lounge, B’ham Genting Arena, B’ham ANDREW JACKSON JIHAD Marr’s Bar, Worcester BAND Route 44, Birm- HAMILTON LOOMIS The THANK YOU FOR THE & HARD GIRLS The Rain- SOLID SOUL The Jam ingham Jam House, B’ham MUSIC Palace Theatre, bow Venues, B’ham House, Birmingham RHYTHM & BOOZE SUM- JASPER CARROTT: STAND Redditch THE CADBURY SISTERS MER MUSIC FESTIVAL UP & ROCK Malvern The- TOM ODELL Westonbirt THU 11 JUN The Glee Club, B’ham The Robin, Bilston atres Arboretum, Tetbury JUDIE TZUKE mac - Mid- MAJOR TOMS Hare & JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS THE ENID The Robin, Bil- lands Arts Centre, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham THU 18 JUN RHYTHM & BLUES OR- ston ingham TEWKESBURY TOWN CHESTRA Civic Hall, GUNNRUNNER The RUSSELL WATSON DURAN: THE TRIBUTE The BAND SUMMER PROMS Wolverhampton Robin, Bilston Malvern Theatres Roadhouse, B’ham The Roses Theatre, THE BROTHERS OF SOUL Ariana Grande JOE MCELDERRY Eve- TALON - THE BEST OF EA- THE BILLY FURY YEARS Tewkesbury Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, sham Arts Centre, CAPITAL GROOVE The GLES Solihull Arts Com- The Roses Theatre, JOE BROUGHTON’S CON- Warwickshire Worcester Jam House, B’ham plex Tewkesbury SERVATOIRE FOLK EN- BAD MANNERS The FAULKNER The Jam BRIDGET ST JOHN & ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK The WINSTON'S BIG BROTHER SEMBLE Huntingdon Robin, Bilston House, Birmingham MICHAEL CHAPMAN Assembly, Leamington PLUS THE RUBIKONS, THE Hall, Worcester BARBARA DICKSON BOO HEWERDINE Kitchen Kitchen Garden Cafe, Spa PELOTONES, THE KING'S FOTOMACHINE & FALTY DL Wolverhampton Grand Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham DECLAN SINNOTT WITH ACES & THE SECOND TRIP Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham Theatre DIIV Hare & Hounds, VICKIE KEATING Hare & O2 Academy, B’ham TINI & ENZO SIRAGUSA SPACEMENT APES The Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham MISS PEARL AND THE The Rainbow Venues, Slade Rooms, Wolver- BOXED IN & ZOLA BLOOD THE SUBS The Jam ROUGH DIAMONDS Hunt- Birmingham hampton The Rainbow Venues, House, Birmingham ingdon Hall, Worcester THE GOLDEN BOY The SATURDAY NIGHT BEE Birmingham QUEEN TRIBUTE BAND PALUCH, CHRIS CARSON Rainbow Venues, Birm- GEES The Roses The- Birmingham Botanical ingham atre, Tewkesbury TREVOR BURTON & MODS WATERLOO - THE BEST OF & SODS The Roadhouse, ABBA TRIBUTE SHOW Birmingham New Alexander Theatre, JILTED GENERATION Kas- Birmingham bah, Coventry Boo Hewerdine THE STYLE COUNCILLORS BARNESY The Glee Club, The Roadhouse, Birm- Birmingham GILBERT O’SULLIVAN New ingham PERMAGEDDON 80’S POP Alexandra Theatre, MONEY FOR ROPE The The River Rooms, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Stourbridge PIANO MAN Huntingdon Birmingham Hall, Worcester SWIM WITH SHARKS Irish SUN 14 JUN ROOM 94 The Rainbow Centre, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham MAETLOAF The River BAD MANNERS Student Rooms, Stourbridge Union Copper Rooms, FRI 19 JUN Coventry SUN 21 JUN THE SEARCHERS The ULTIMATE THUNDER & Roses Theatre, Tewkes- PURE PURPLE The LAYLA ZOE The Robin, bury Robin, Bilston Bilston THE ELVIS YEARS Wolver- DARKSIDE - THE PINK THE EAST POINTERS hampton Grand Theatre FLOYD SHOW Belgrade Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE GODFATHERS The Theatre, Coventry Birmingham Assembly, Leamington GROUPER The Jam FIVE STAR SWING: THE Spa House, Birmingham BIG BAND The Roses PAUL MCCARTNEY: AN AC/DC TRIBUTE - 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THE VAMPS Westonbirt House, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, Arboretum, Tetbury WEST COAST EAGLES + Wolverhampton Idina Menzel - Symphony Hall, Birmingham DEE D & THE JAMES GANG RAVE AGAINST RACISM MON 22 JUN The Robin, Bilston Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham PHIL BEER The Roses LATE NITE TUFF GUY The TAKE THAT WITH SPECIAL Theatre, Tewkesbury Rainbow Venues, Birm- GUEST ELLE HENDERSON THE MIGHTY WRAITH O2 ingham Genting Arena, B’ham Academy, Birmingham BENJAMIN YELLOWITZ IDINA MENZEL Sym- PRIMUS O2 Academy, The Sunflower Lounge, phony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham JONATHAN BYRD Kitchen SPITTING FEATHERS The LARRY MILLER The Garden Cafe, B’ham Roadhouse, B’ham Marr’s Bar, Worcester SUZANNE VEGA Birming- WILD IRISH Irish Centre, ham Town Hall FRI 26 JUN Birmingham ELVIS COSTELLO De THE DECADES BAND The Montfort Hall, Leicester THE NAKED BEATLES The River Rooms, Stour- Robin, Bilston bridge JOHN LEGEND Barclay- card Arena, B’ham SUN 28 JUN KILLER QUEEN Belgrade Theatre, Coventry NOFX & ALKALINE TRIO DAVID ARNOLD Sym- O2 Academy, B’ham phony Hall, Birmingham B'SPOKE The Jam House, Birmingham ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - Evlis Costello JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE Malvern Theatres ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The THE FOOD FIGHTERZ The River Rooms, Stour- River Rooms, Stour- bridge bridge HARDRIDE CLASSIC ROCK TUE 23 JUN Route 44, Birmingham NOFX YUNGEN, SECTION BOYZ, TAKE THAT WITH SPECIAL JHUS, MOSTACKS & MAGENTA The Robin, Bil- GUEST ELLE HENDERSON SNEAKBO The Institute, ston Genting Arena, B’ham Birmingham GLADYS KNIGHT Sym- KAST OFF KINKS Bel- HEART & SOUL PARTY phony Hall, Birmingham grade Theatre, Coven- WITH HARRY CAMBRIDGE SIMPLY DYLAN Kitchen try Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Garden Cafe, B’ham DEAD KENNEDYS O2 Warwickshire ALDEN PENNER (THE UNI- Academy, Birmingham ROY ORBISON & THE CORNS) & MICHAEL CERA MUSICALS ROCK! IV TRAVELLING WILBURYS The Rainbow Venues, Stratford Artshouse The Rose Theatre, Birmingham ROD CLEMENTS The Tewkesbury METAL EXTRAVAGANZA Roses Theatre, Tewkes- ORCHARD HILL O2 Acad- The Roadhouse, Birm- bury emy, Birmingham ingham BEN DRUMMOND & RAVE AGAINST RACISM DAVE MOYHINAN Irish ALEXANDRA JAYNE The Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham KING PLEASURE AND THE SARAH JANE SCOUTEN FAUX PALMS The BISCUIT BOYS Evesham The Marr’s Bar, Worces- Oobleck, Birmingham Arts Centre ter Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands WED 24 JUN MON 29 JUN THE FRANKIE VALLI TONY VISCONTI & WOODY Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire STORY - JERSEY BOY WOODMANSEY WITH CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES 02 ACADEMY FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK GLENN GREGORY PER- 0121 622 8250 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 The Robin, Bilston FORM DAVID BOWIE'S THE THE ACTRESS & BISHOP DUDLEY CONCERT HALL THE THREE DEGREES LICHFIELD GUILDHALL Bel- MAN WHO SOLD THE 0121 236 7426 01384 815577 01543 262223 grade Theatre, Coven- WORLD O2 Academy, ADRIAN BOULT HALL FOREST ARTS CENTRE THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY try 0845 111 2898 King Pleasure And Birmingham 0121 331 5901 STOKE-ON-TRENT THE CARPENTERS STORY The Biscuit Boys EDWINA HAYES Crescent THE ASYLUM NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01159 454 593 01902 572090 New Alexandra Theatre, Theatre, Birmingham 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS Birmingham THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN BIG SEAN The Institute, BARCLAYCARD ARENA ROBIN 2, BILSTON 01827 709618 GABBIDON The Jam 01902 401211 De Montfort Hall, Birmingham 0121 780 4141 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY House, Birmingham SLADE ROOMS Leicester MUSICCONNEX LIVE: BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0870 060 6649 ROBIN AND BINA WOLVERHAMPTON KINGS O’ LEON The SOUL CITY TOUR Hare & 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE WILLIAMSON Kitchen 0870 320 7000 Roadhouse, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 Garden Cafe, B’ham 0121 780 3333 STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL DJ PAUL KELLY Irish Cen- GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS The 01384 812812 THE PEATBOG FAERIES FLAPPER tre, Birmingham Oobleck, Birmingham WULFRUN HALL, Warwickshire 0121 236 2421 Malvern Theatres ROCK & ROLL NIGHT The WOLVERHAMPTON THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON River Rooms, Stour- GENTING ARENA 0870 320 7000 01926 311311 0121 780 4141 SAT 27 JUN bridge THE KASBAH, COVENTRY THE GLEE CLUB Shropshire 024 7655 4473 B'SPOKE The Jam 0871 472 0400 House, Birmingham TUE 30 JUN BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY NAILCOTE HALL, HARE & HOUNDS MAINLY MADNESS The 01952 882210 BERKSWELL FRANK SINATRA JNR AND 0121 444 2081 Robin, Bilston THE BUTTERMARKET, 02476 46 6174 ORCHESTRA Symphony THE INSTITUTE ROY ORBISON AND SHREWSBURY STRATFORD CIVIC HALL Hall, Birmingham 0121 643 0428 01743 355055 01789 207100 FRIENDS Belgrade The- DOOMTREE O2 Acad- IRISH CENTRE THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, atre, Coventry THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, emy, Birmingham 0121 622 2314 MUCH WENLOCK COVENTRY GRETCHEN PETERS The GRANT-LEE PHILLIPS The THE JAM HOUSE 01952 728911 0247 655 9958 The Peatbog Faeries Assembly, Leamington Tin Music & Arts, 0121 200 3030 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE Spa SHREWSBURY STEKPANNA WITH THE Coventry THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE Worcestershire NOFX & ALKALINE TRIO 01743 361666 RUSSIANS No1 Shake- 0121 443 4725 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE O2 Academy, B’ham THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY speare St, Stratford THE RAINBOW 01527 577330 LAST NIGHT OF THE SUM- 0121 772 8174 01743 234970 LADIES ROCK Albany HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN MER PROMS Symphony RED LION FOLK CLUB LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS THEATRE 01905 611427 Theatre, Coventry 01584 878141 Hall, Birmingham 0121472 4253 MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER THEATRE SEVERN, BEAR & KITE’S ROCK THE ROADHOUSE 01905 613336 THU 25 JUN 0121 246 2273 SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 DISCO Route 44, Birm- THE RIVER ROOMS, ingham ROUTE 44 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- TELFORD 01952 382382 STOURBRIDGE ARAMANTUS O2 Acad- 0121 708 0108 01384 397177 TACULAR New Alexandra WEM TOWN HALL Theatre, Birmingham emy, Birmingham SYMPHONY HALL 0121 780 3333 01939 232299 THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- ERIC MELVIN O2 Acad- For additional information SHOW Belgrade Theatre, emy, Birmingham THE VICTORIA and to find out What’s On 0121 633 943 Coventry JILTED GENERATION - at these venues. DEL CAMINO The Jam TRIBUTE TO THE PRODIGY Grant-Lee Phillips Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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PREVIEWS Midsummer Musical Classical Music Fantasy Opera Gala Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, Sat 20 June A wide-ranging programme of music is very much the order of the day in this sure- to-be-popular concert, which sees the Sin- fonia of Birmingham conducted by Michael Lloyd. As well as a selection of works by popular operatic composers such as Bizet and Verdi, the concert also provides a real change of gear via uplifting spirituals and an excursion into the world of musical the- atre. The Sinfonia is joined by soloists Jordene Thomas (soprano), Rose Rowley (mezzo- soprano), Thomas Luckett (tenor) and Byron Jackson (baritone).

Birmingham Bach Choir St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Sat 27 June “The selection we'll be performing in this concert,” explains Birmingham Bach Choir’s Sarah Platt, “ranges from the melodic and calming to highly dramatic and stirring, with French composer and organist Maurice Duruflé's incredibly mov- ing Requiem the centrepiece.” Alongside the Requiem, the choir is also performing Fauré's Cantique de Jean Racine, Langlais's Messe Solennelle and Laudes Organi, by Hungarian composer Kodály. “It’s a great way for us to conclude our very successful 2014/15 season,” contin- CBSO Summer Showcase ues Sarah. “Our audiences have been Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 25 June marvellous, with our last concert a com- plete sell-out. We also attracted record The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra has been entertaining Midlands classical music numbers to our Faure Requiem Come And enthusiasts for nearly a hundred years and remains in fine shape as it heads for its centenary Sing event, offered three successful tenor celebrations in 2020. This latest concert offers the CBSO’s eighty-three hugely talented musi- bursaries, and earned a five-star review for cians the chance to step into the limelight and show exactly why the orchestra has become so our Birmingham Cathedral Tercentenary highly regarded across the world. concert in March.” The programme includes: Strauss’ Suite in B flat major for 13 winds, Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C minor and Mussorgsky’s Pictures At An Exhibition. Revolutionaries Matosinhos String Quartet Chamber Music Festival Birmingham Town Hall, Mon 15 June Birmingham Conservatoire, The latest recital in the Echo Rising Stars series Wed 10 - Sun 14 June finds Portugal’s Matosinhos String Quartet show- Birmingham Conservatoire’s Chamber casing their impressive talent. The Echo series Music Festival presents concerts by the has been designed to provide a platform for venue’s Ensembles in Residence and its Europe’s outstanding young artists, all of whom students. The five-day event is this year have been hand-picked to perform by directors based around the theme of Revolutionaries of some of the continent’s leading concert halls. and includes works by both Beethoven The quartet were nominated for the Echo series and Schoenberg. Alongside pieces chosen by the Calouste Gulbenkina Foundation Lisbon because of the revolutionary spirit of their and Casa da Música Porto. Their programme composers, the festival also showcases features: Mozart’s String Quartet in E flat, works which stand out from the ordinary, Shostakovich’s String Quartet No 8, Vianna de Only Men Aloud or which represent a new development, a Motta’s Cenas nas Montanhas, and Ravel’s new combination of instruments or a new Solihull Arts Complex, Fri 26 June String Quartet in F. style. Long-time chart favourites like Mr Blue The Primrose Piano Quartet, The Odeion Sky, Here Comes The Sun and Ticket To String Quartet, The Schubert Ensemble Ride are here given the Only Men Aloud and the Eblana String Trio (pictured) are treatment. just a few of the artists performing at the Visiting the Midlands as part of their On festival. The Road tour, the Welsh eight-piece are certainly in fine fettle, having sold over a quarter of a million albums since winning the BBC's Last Choir Standing competition in 2008. Highlights of a career that’s most definitely on the up include performances in the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, two Royal Variety shows, the Ryder Cup opening concert and Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas Special.

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BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL an Enigma, Thurs 18 21 Jun, Symphony Hall, PREVIEWS 2015: MARK BEBBINGTON Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Classical Music Programme includes Birmingham Conserva- MUSIC CENTRE SUMMER works by Jacob, toire GALA Featuring the Uni- Williamson & Carwith- PAUL JACOBS IN RECITAL versity of Warwick Sym- en, Sun 14 Jun, Birm- Programme includes phony Orchestra, Cho- ingham Conservatoire works by Reger & J S rus, Wind Orchestra, BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Bach, Fri 19 Jun, Sym- Big Band & Brass Soci- MONIC ORCHESTRA: phony Hall, Birming- ety, Sun 21 Jun, War- RUSSIAN CLASSICS Pro- ham wick Arts Centre, gramme includes works SUMMER FESTIVAL VOIC- Coventry by Borodin, ES Programme includes CHORAL CONCERT BY EX Tchaikovsky & Rimsky- works by Faure, Britten, CATHEDRA ACADEMIES Korsakov, Sun 14 Jun, Vaughan Williams & An evening of summer Bramhall Music Build- Oliver Frost, Fri 19 Jun, music presented as ing, Birmingham The Barber Institute, part of Bromsgrove MATOSINHOS STRING Birmingham Festival, Tues 23 Jun, QUARTET Programme THE REMUS STRING Grafton Manor, Broms- includes works by QUARTET Featuring Ruta grove Mozart, Shostakovich, Labutyte & Dugyu Ince CBSO SUMMER SHOW- Vianna de Motta & (violins), Katharina von CASE Programme fea- Ravel, Mon 15 Jun, Colson (viola) & Daniel tures works by R Birmingham Town Hall O’Brien (cello). Pro- Strauss, Shostakovich, THALLEIN ENSEMBLE gramme comprises Reich, Cage & Mus- Programme comprises Schubert’s String Quar- sorgsky, Thurs 25 Jun, The Magic Flute the music of Xiaogang tet No.14, D810 ‘Death Symphony Hall, Birm- Ye, Mon 15 Jun, Recital and the Maiden’, Fri 19 ingham Hall, Birmingham Con- Jun, Birmingham Muse- ONLY MEN ALOUD Fri 26 Welsh National Opera servatoire um & Art Gallery June, Solihull Arts Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 10 - Sat 13 June LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- Complex Welsh National Opera’s latest visit to Birmingham sees the company CERT FEATURING PAUL TOIRE SYMPHONY LAST NIGHT OF THE SUM- JACOBS Mon 15 Jun, ORCHESTRA PRESENT staging three works. MER PROMS Sat 27 Jun, Birmingham Town Hall PETRUSHKA Featuring Symphony Hall, Birm- Richard Ayres’ new production of Peter Pan reaches deep into JM BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL Lionel Friend (conduc- ingham Barrie’s original story, conveying a sense of danger and a delightful Programme includes tor) & Liang Shan JUNIOR CONSERVATOIRE anarchy which have so often been underplayed in recent sanitised works by Bridge, How- (piano). Programme WIND ORCHESTRA & adaptations. ells, Holbrooke, Bowen includes works by CHORAL CONCERT Fea- & Ian Venables, Mon 15 Rachmaninov & Dominic Cooke’s version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, meanwhile, turing Jeffrey Snowdon, Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, Stravinsky, Fri 19 Jun, David Wynne & Alexan- benefits from some truly surreal staging, and features an angry lob- Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall dra Bickerton (conduc- ster, a newspaper-reading lion and a fish that’s also a bicycle. THE PRIMROSE PIANO BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL tors), Sat 27 Jun, Adri- Last but certainly not least in this imaginative summer season is a QUARTET Featuring TERCENTENARY Festival an Boult Hall, Birming- new production of Debussy’s Pelléas And Mélisande, a beautiful and Susanne Stanzeleit of Voices, Sat 20 Jun, ham Conservatoire Birmingham Town Hall troubling twentieth century masterpiece that’s well known and greatly (violin), Dorothea Vogel BIRMINGHAM BACH (viola), Andrew Fuller HARRIET EARIS & CLOVIS CHOIR Featuring Paul admired for its strange and dreamlike atmosphere. (cello) & John Thwaites PHILLIPS Celtic harp Spicer (conductor), (piano). Programme meets jazz guitar, Sat David Wynne (bari- includes works by 20 Jun, Christ Church, tione) & Claire Barnett- Andrew Payne & Malvern CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Jones (mezzo-sopra- Brahms, Tues 16 Jun, MIDSUMMER MUSICAL Classical LISTINGS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA no), Sat 27 Jun, St Recital Hall, Birming- FANTASY OPERA GALA Andris Nelsons con- Paul’s Church, The ham Conservatoire CONCERT Featuring ducts Schubert’s Sym- Jewellery Quarter, Birm- BRITISH PIANO FESTIVAL Michael Lloyd (conduc- phony No.8 (Unfin- ingham For full listing information on classical 2015 FEAT. MARK BEB- tor), Sinfonia of Birm- ished), 22’; Strauss’ ELIZABETH WATTS concerts, including times and dates, BINGTON & SOFIA SAR- ingham, Jordene Horn Concerto No2, 20’ (SOPRANO) & AUDREY MENTO Programme Thomas (soprano), visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk & Dvorak’s Symphony HYLAND (PIANO) Pro- includes works by Rose Rowley (mezzo- No.7m 38’, Thurs 11 gramme includes works Robert Matthew-Walker, soprano), Thomas LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- BIRTHDAY CONCERT Fea- Jun, Symphony Hall, by Finzi, Elaine Hugh- Ferguson, Ian Ven- Luckett (tenor) & Byron CERT FEATURING THOMAS turing Timothy English Birmingham Jones, Elizabeth ables, Vaughan Jackson (baritone), Sat TROTTER AND SIMON (conductor) & the Blue RUSSELL WATSON: UP Maconchy & Bridge, Williams & John Ire- 20 Jun, Adrian Boult GLEDHILL Mon 1 Jun, Coat Choral Society. CLOSE & PERSONAL Sun 28 Jun, Tardebigge land, Tues 16 Jun, Adri- Hall, Birmingham Con- Birmingham Town Hall Programme includes Thurs 11 Jun, Malvern Church, Bromsgrove an Boult Hall, Birming- servatoire ARMONICO CONSORT: THE works by Bach, Mozart, Theatre LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- ham Conservatoire DRESDEN PHILHARMONIC CORONATION OF KING Handel & Faure, Sun 7 THE WILL GREGORY CERT FEATURING THOMAS MUSIC AT LUNCHTIME: Programme includes HENRY VIII Programme Jun, Adrian Boult Hall, MOOG ENSEMBLE Part of TROTTER Programme FLANDERS & SWANN Beethoven’s Egmont includes works by Birmingham Capsule’s Supersonic comprises summer REVISITED The works of Overture, Fayrax & Taverner, Wed HEATH QUARTET Tues 9 Festival, Thurs 11 Jun, requests, Mon 29 Jun, Flanders & Swann and Mendelssohn’s Violin 3 Jun, Malvern Theatre Jun, Birmingham Town Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall Sir John Betjeman Concerto & Brahms’ THE TALLIS SCHOLARS Hall TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN, brought together by Symphony No 4, Sun perform Tallis, Allegri PERFORMANCE PLAT- CRAIG OGDEN AND SOME Michael Lunts, Wed 17 and Arvo Part, Thurs 4 FORM: YEN TING WANG SPANISH SUNSHINE Fea- Jun, New Guesten Hall, Jun, Symphony Hall, Programme includes turing David Curtis Avoncroft, Bromsgrove Birmingham works by Beethoven, (conductor). Pro- CBSO ANDRIS NELSONS' THE MERRY WIDOW Liszt & Bartok, Tues 9 gramme includes works FAREWELL CONCERT Pro- Classical Box Office Opera Warwick venture Jun, Recital Hall, Birm- by Villa-Lobos, Lovela- gramme includes New into the realms of glitz, ingham Conservatoire dy, Vivaldi & Albeniz arr. Work by Esenvalds & ADRIAN BOULT HALL, glamour and Hollywood WELSH NATIONAL OPERA: Chivers, Fri 12 Jun, CBSO CENTRE, Mahler’s Symphony No charm, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 THE MAGIC FLUTE A Stratford Artshouse BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM 3, Wed 17 - Thurs 18 Jun, Warwick Arts Cen- warm & witty produc- THE ODEION STRING 0121 331 5901 0121 780 3333 Jun, Symphony Hall, tre, Coventry tion fusing Mozart's QUARTET Programme ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ROYAL PUMP ROOMS Birmingham RAPHAEL WALLFISCH sublime music with includes works by 01527 577330 LEAMINGTON SPA CBSO CELLOS Spanish PLAYS JOHN IRELAND Dominic Cooke's surre- Haydn & Shostakovich, 01926 334418 surprises from the eight BARBER INSTITUTE, Programme includes al staging, Wed 10 - Fri Fri 12 Jun, Birmingham cellos of the CBSO - BIRMINGHAM ST MARY’S CHURCH, works by John Ireland, 12 Jun, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery including music by 0121 414 7333 WARWICK Stacy Garrop, John Ire- Hippodrome PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE Falla, Albéniz and Pau BIRMINGHAM 01926 403940 land arr. Forbes & PETER PAN Welsh Welsh National Opera Casals, Thurs 18 Jun, Vaughan Williams, Fri 5 National Opera present present a new produc- CONSERVATOIRE STRATFORD ARTSHOUSE CBSO Centre, Birming- Jun, Stratford the UK premiere of tion of Debussy's twen- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM 01789 207100 ham Artshouse Richard Ayres and tieth-century master- & ART GALLERY STRATFORD UPON AVON BRASS ENIGMA Featur- NOTELETS: UNDER THE Lavinia Greenlaw's new piece, Sat 13 Jun, 0121 348 8000 TOWN HALL ing Ian Porthouse, SEA Featuring the opera which brings the Birmingham Hippo- 01789 269332 Birmingham Conserva- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL CBSO String Ensem- danger, anarchy and drome toire Brass Band & Tre- 0121 780 3333 SYMPHONY HALL, ble, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jun, vibrancy of JM Barrie's MALVERN FESTIVAL CHO- degar Town Band. Pro- BRAMALL CONCERT HALL, BIRMINGHAM CBSO Centre, B’ham original story to the RUS New work for gramme includes Elgar BIRMINGHAM 0121 780 3333 CWBACH MALE CHOIR Sat stage, Thurs 11 Jun, soprano, chorus & arr. Eric Ball: Enigma 6 Jun, Malvern Theatre Birmingham Hippo- orquesta tipica, Sat 13 0121 414 3344 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE Variations & Philip LUCY AKEHURST’S 70TH drome Jun, Malvern Theatre 02476 524524 Sparke’s Variations on

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Charlie Baker Comedy Manford’s Comedy Club, Birmingham, Sat 27 June Box Office A well-respected jazz singer, musician and ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE actor, as well as an increasingly popular come- 01527 577330 dian and (on his own admission) Jack Black THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM lookalike, Charlie Baker is an instantly likeable 0121 333 2444 fella who’s been memorably described by The DUDLEY TOWN HALL Guardian as ‘Devon’s answer to Frank Sinatra’ 01384 812812 EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE, (they were referring to his singing ability there, WORCESTERSHIRE not his comedy). Baker isn’t the finished prod- 01386 446944 uct by any means - his material doesn’t always THE GLEE CLUB, stand up to close scrutiny - but he’s nonethe- BIRMINGHAM less got plenty to recommend him. A slightly 0871 4720400 JONGLEURS COMEDY more thoughtful approach to his comedy could CLUB, BIRMINGHAM really see him going places. 08700 111 960 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 MANFORD’S COMEDY CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 0121 643 9132 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 200 1892 PALACE THEATRE, REDDITCH 01527 65203 ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA Milton Jones 01926 334418 SHOWCASE, COVENTRY Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 5 June 0871 220 1000 With a style of humour that’s mainly based THE SLADE ROOMS, around puns and one-liners, Milton Jones has WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 established himself as one of Britain’s most in- Katherine Ryan STRATFORD ARTSHOUSE demand funnymen. Not only a comedian but Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 26 June 01789 207100 also a writer and actor, his stand-up bears testi- Having experienced motherhood, divorce and MTV, the award-win- SYMPHONY HALL, mony to his cutting-edge wit, not to mention his BIRMINGHAM ning Katherine Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look at those 0121 345 0600 taste for the surreal and the nonsensical. aspects of life that can make people angry and bitter. An evening in WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, her company should ably illustrate the fact that even the darkest of COVENTRY Mark Grist & MC Mixy subject matter has its funny side. 02476 524524 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 16 June One-time Peterborough-based school teacher Two Yanks Mark Grist waved farewell to a career in educa- tion to become a performance poet and minor And A Brit celebrity. The latter identity was achieved when The Drum, Birmingham, he won a rap battle against a seventeen-year- Fri 5 June old. The video of the contest subsequently went Geoff Schuman headlines an viral on YouTube. evening that promises plenty of Mark here appears alongside MC Mixy, who transatlantic laughs. Former school explores whether a master of ceremonies can teacher Schuman is widely consid- ever be accepted by Peterborough's poetry ered to be one of the leading Black community... comedians in Britain. He’s here Mark and Mixy perform together as ‘Dead joined by fast-and-furious New Poets’, combining their art forms to create a Yorker Tamika Campbell (pictured), unique fusion of hip-hop and poetry. whose fierce on-stage attitude has been likened to that of the late Joan Rivers. Sean G, meanwhile, has taken a not- always-easy route to career success. “I’ve spent the majority of my time hustling,” Sean tells jongleurs.com. “I’ve slept in ratty motels, been ducked by bookers for money and basically lived out of my car at times, but it’s a great adventure. My goal is to keep having fun and make the world laugh a little more.”

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Jun, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield Comedy LISTINGS PAUL SINHA & GEIN’S Comedy PREVIEW FAMILY WORKSHOP For full listing information on comedy Thurs 18 Jun, mac, gigs including times and dates visit Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk ROGER MONKHOUSE, JOHN HASTINGS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 18 Jun, The Glee Club, Birmingham JETHRO Fri 19 Jun The Palace Theatre, Redditch ROGER MONKHOUSE, JOHN HASTINGS, TIFFANY STEVENSON & REVEREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jun, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAN NIGHTINGALE, CAREY MARX, JOHN LYNN & ADDY VAN DER BORGH Fri 19 - Sat 20 Jun, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham KEN DODD Sat 20 Jun, Dudley Town Hall GARY DELANEY, CHRIS TURNER, JOHN LYNN & MARK OLVER Sat 20 Jun, Dan Nightingale Manford’s Comedy Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham, Fri 19 - Sat 20 June Club, Birmingham TIFF STEVENSON, TONY An evening of Dan Nightingale comedy has been likened to a night JAMESON, MARC LUCERO out on the beers with your best mate. & AMIR KHOSKOKHAN Sounds like a pretty good evening - assuming you like that sort of Sat 20 Jun, Coventry Showcase thing, of course. Reginald D Hunter - Warwick Arts Centre REGINALD D HUNTER In truth, there’s precious little not to like about Dan. At turns, he man- Thurs 25 Jun, Warwick ages to be a bit of a tragic figure, a hugely endearing top chum and CHRIS MARTIN PLUS SUP- COMEDY NIGHT Arts Centre, Coventry a fella who’s switched-on observations are profound enough to make PORT TBC Mon 1 Jun, Mon 8 Jun, The Blue ROB ROUSE & ANGELA The Old Joint Stock Orange Theatre, you think hard. His choice of material could maybe be a bit braver, BARNES Thurs 25 Jun but he’s nonetheless good value for money - and very much the kind Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham mac, Midlands Arts JOE LYCETT, CAIMH BARBARA NICE, Centre, Birmingham of comedian you’d contemplate catching again and again... MCDONNELL Thurs 4 MERCEDES BENSON & KEITH FARNAN, KATE Jun, mac, Midlands MAUREEN YOUNGER LUCAS, GORDON Arts Centre, Wed 10 Jun, Kitchen SOUTHERN & THE Birmingham Garden Cafe, RAYMOND AND MR ROB ROUSE, COMEDY Birmingham TIMPKINS REVUE Thurs CAROUSEL WITH ANDY JAMES ACASTER, STUART 25 - Sat 27 Jun, The ROBINSON & COMIC TBC GOLDSMITH Thurs 11 Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 4 Jun, Jun, mac, Midlands JIMMY CARR Fri 26 Jun, The Glee Club, Arts Centre, Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham Birmingham Coventry JETHRO Thurs 4 - Fri 5 ANDREW BIRD, CRAIG KATHERINE RYAN Fri 26 Jun, Evesham Arts HILL, COMEDY CAROUSEL Jun, Stratford Centre, Worcs WITH ANDY ROBINSON Artshouse, Stratford- MILTON JONES Fri 5 Jun, Thurs 11 Jun, The Glee upon-Avon Symphony Hall, Club, Birmingham TOM ALLEN & CARLEY Birmingham PAUL TONKINSON, SEAN SMALLMAN Fri 26 Jun LUCY BEAUMONT Fri 5 PERCIVAL, TOPPING AND The Palace Theatre, Jun, Royal Spa Centre, BUTCH (& ROGER Redditch Leamington Spa MONKHOUSE FRI ONLY) STAND UP COMEDY JOE BOR IS JASPER Fri 12 - Sat 13 Jun, SHOWCASE Fri 26 - Sat CROMWELL JONES Fri 5 Jongleurs Comedy 27 Jun, mac, Midlands Jun, The Palace Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Theatre, Redditch ANDREW BIRD, CRAIG Birmingham GEOFF SCHUMANN SEAN HILL, LLOYD GRIFFITH & TOM TOAL, BOBBY MAIR, G, TAMIKA CAMPBELL Fri MICK FERRY Fri 12 - Sat PETE CAIN & PHIL NICHOL 5 Jun ,The Drum, 13 Jun, The Glee Club, Fri 26 - Sat 27 Jun, Birmingham Birmingham Jongleurs Comedy JOE LYCETT, ROB ROUSE, SEAN LOCK Sat 13 Jun, Club, Birmingham BRENDON BURNS & KAI Evesham Arts Centre, KEVIN PRECIOUS & KEITH HUMPHRIES Fri 5 - Sat 6 Worcestershire FARNAN Sat 27 Jun, Jun, The Glee Club, BEN NORRIS, GEOFF Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham NORCOTT, SALLY ANNE SUZI RUFFELL, CHARLIE TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, HAYWOOD & BRENNAN BAKER, NICK DIXON & JOJO SUTHERLAND, JOHN REECE Sat 13 Jun, DAVE TWENTYMAN Sat MANN & JOE BOR Fri 5 - Manford’s Comedy 27 Jun, Manford’s Sat 6 Jun, Jongleurs Club, Birmingham Comedy Club, Comedy Club, SIMON BLIGH, DAVE Birmingham Birmingham TWENTYMAN, ANDREW MICKEY SHARMA, BARRY DODDS, RYAN & DYLAN GOTT RUSSELL HICKS, PENNELOR MELLOR & Sat 13 Jun, Coventry ANTHONY KING & LUCY DAVE TWENTYMAN Showcase FREDERICK Sat 27 Jun, Sat 6 Jun, Manford’s TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Coventry Showcase Comedy Club, Mon 15 Jun, The Blue SEYMOUR STIFFS Birmingham Orange Theatre, A darkly funny original RHODRI RHYS, CHRIS Birmingham one man show, Sat 27 BROOKER, SIMON MARK GRIST AND MC Jun, The Bear Pit CLAYTON & CHRIS BETTS MIXY Tues 16 Jun, Theatre, Stratford- Sat 6 Jun, Coventry Warwick Arts Centre, upon-Avon Showcase Coventry LOUDEEMY SOUP ZOE LYONS Thurs 18

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Oklahoma! Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 30 June - Sat 4 July Belinda Lang, Ashley Day, Gary Wilmot and Charlotte Wakefield star The show features some of the twentieth century’s most famous in this latest incarnation of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic. musical theatre numbers, including Oh What A Beautiful Morning, Set against the backdrop of America’s Western Frontier, Oklahoma! The Surrey With The Fringe On Top, People Will Say We're In Love, I tells the story of farm girl Laurey and the two rivals for her affections, Can’t Say No, and, of course, the title song itself. happy-go-lucky cowboy Curly and sinister farmhand Jud.

The Deranged Marriage Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 2 - Sat 6 June Pravesh Kumar’s play has been described as ‘a kind of Bol- lywood movie comes to Slough’. It focuses on the dramas which unfold around an arranged marriage - a union which in this case is desired by the older generation rather than the bride and groom. Kumar’s ten-year-old comedy has been updated for this new tour - and even provides the chance for a limited num- ber of audience members to join the groom’s family...

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 9 - Sat 13 June; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 16 - Sat 20 June The Children’s Touring Partnership have previously enjoyed great success with versions of Swallows And Amazons and Goodnight Mister Tom, so there’s every reason to look forward to this latest offering from the highly rated com- pany. Telling the heart-wrenching tale of an unlikely Second World War friend- ship between two innocent boys, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas is based on John Boyne’s best-selling novel of the same title. The story is told through the eyes of Bruno, a concentration camp commandant’s eight-year-old son. Bruno’s forbidden friendship with a Jewish boy on the other side of the camp fence not only takes him on a personal journey from innocence to revelation but also leads to startling and devastating consequences...

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, JUNE LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE 2015

Friday 5th June Saturday 6th June Saturday 6th June PEGGY SEEGER COLLIDOSCOPE BY DREAMING OF 80th BIRTHDAY TOUR WITH HANNAH GRAHAM KATE NEIL & CALUM MACCOLL A TRAGEDY MASKED BY A REMARKABLE TRIBUTE TO HOLLYWOOD FANTASY THE MUSIC OF KATE BUSH

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FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Force Majeure (15 ) // A Little Chaos (12A) // Woman In Gold (PG) Age Of Adaline (12A) // Far From The Madding Crowd (12A) // A Royal Night Out (12A) // The Spongebob Movie (U) // Minions (TBC) // Mr Holmes (12A)

FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Carmen (ENO) // Everyman (NT Live) // Othello (RSC Live) Andre Rieu, Merchant Of Venice (RSC Live) // The Beaux’ Stratagem (NT Live) // Aida (Opera Australia) Romeo & Juliet (Royal Ballet) // Roger Waters’ The Wall Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

   

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Theatre PREVIEWS Fiddler On The Roof New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 9 - Sat 13 June Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, the story of Fid- dler On The Roof centres on the character of Tevye - a father of five daughters - and his desperate attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions even as outside influ- ences encroach upon their lives. First produced for the stage in 1964, Fiddler is best known from its 1971 movie incarna- tion, starring Topol in the title role. Hit songs include Matchmaker, Matchmaker and the hugely famous If I Were A Rich Man. This particular staging is presented by the Birmingham and Midland Operatic Society (BMOS) pictured in rehearsal below.

Peter Pan Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 11 June This is one of three productions being presented by Welsh National Opera (WNO) at the Birmingham Hippodrome this summer. Composer Richard Ayres and librettist Lavinia Greenlaw’s new version of Peter Pan reaches Black Is The Colour deep into JM Barrie’s original story, conveying a sense of danger and a delightful anarchy which have so often been underplayed in recent sanitised adaptations. Of My Voice Promising an inventive production of pure Edwardian fantasy, WNO is billing the show as ‘an Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, ideal opportunity to introduce young family members aged eight and over to the magic of Fri 12 - Sat 13 June opera’. Following the untimely death of her father, Mena Bordeaux goes into self-imposed isola- are chosen to govern. But when one falls in tion for three days. Alone with her thoughts, Absent Friends love with a slave girl and the other orders a she reflects on a journey that’s seen her brutal massacre of the underclass, a bloody become a renowned jazz vocalist at the fore- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 8 - Sat 13 June rivalry ensues... front of the Civil Rights Movement... Based on the life of Nina Simone, Apphia Camp- Alan Ayckbourn will always be best known bell's one-woman show has enjoyed sell-out for his tales of bedhopping couples, dysfunc- success in both Edinburgh and New York. tional marriages and backfiring friendships, the most famous among which are 1970s offerings such as Absurd Person Singular, Season’s Greetings, Bedroom Farce and The Norman Conquests. Perhaps slightly less well known but very much in the same mould is this 1974 comedy, which sees unfulfilled housewife Diana’s well-intentioned tea party taking several turns for the worse before ultimately descending into complete chaos. London Classic Theatre are the ensemble behind this particular production. As You Like It Silence St John’s Church, Bromsgrove, Fri 12 June; mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Old Rep, Birmingham, Wed 17 - Sat 20 June Sat 27 June Birmingham School of Acting here present a Presented by the all-male Festival Players Moira Buffini play that’s been variously Theatre Company, Shakespeare’s highly lik- described as ‘an apocalyptic medieval come- able comedy revolves around the character dy-drama’ ‘Game Of Thrones meets a gen- of Rosalind, banished by her usurping uncle der-bending narrative of love and redemp- to the Forest Of Arden where her exiled tion’ and ‘a show in which boys turn out to father is already living. be girls, men are pigs and women in Revelling in the naturalness of their sur- trousers save the day’. roundings, Rosalind and her companions - Set a thousand years cousin Celia and Touchstone the fool - find a ago in the Dark Ages, happiness they hadn’t known existed. the play finds Britain The Coalition Kings being savaged by Viking The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, attacks during the reign Fri 12 - Sat 13 June of King Ethelred the Birmingham Repertory Opera’s darkly satiri- Unready. Silence, a cal tale of politics, conspiracy, war and young lord of Cumbria, assassination offers a thought-provoking is called to the palace to study of the many dangers that come with marry Ymma of Nor- both power and love. The city of Rome is ail- mandy... ing. In the wake of a rebellion, two emperors

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Theatre PREVIEWS Joanna Vanderham and Hugh Quarshie in rehearsal for Othello. Photo by Keith Pattison. Dead Simple New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 29 June - Sat 4 July The clock is ticking for Detective Superin- tendent Roy Grace as he investigates the disappearance of Michael Harrison, whose stag-night prank went horribly wrong. The clock is ticking for Harrison himself too; alone, buried alive and facing a terrifying death... Dead Simple is the most widely known work of bestselling author Peter James, a writer already familiar to Midlands audiences thanks to the recent stage adapta- tion of his novella, The Perfect Murder.

Othello Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 4 June - Thurs 28 August Shakespeare’s tragic tale of lost handkerchiefs, ruined reputations and mistreated wives has always been one of the theatre’s most powerful stories. When the malevolent Iago believes himself to have been overlooked for promotion by Othello, The Father his Machiavellian mind turns to thoughts of vengeance. Othello’s willingness to be led by the nose is all grist to Iago’s mill, and fatal consequences ensue... Malvern Theatre, Tues 16 - Sat 20 June Holby City's Hugh Quarshie returns to the RSC to play the title role, with Lucian Msamati as There’s plenty of humour in this highly Iago and Joanna Vanderham as Desdemona. praised offering from French playwright Flori- an Zeller, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy or always comfortable ride. Kenneth Cran- after discovering the lifeless body of his ham (pictured) stars My Father And Other neighbour’s dog, Christopher decides to as eighty-year-old Superheroes investigate the crime, and embarks on a jour- Andre, a man whose The Drum, Birmingham, Wed 24 June ney that will change his world forever... life is becoming ever more challenging as Finding out that he was going to become a he struggles with the dad, Nick Makoha revisited a childhood onset of dementia. spent in the company of Superman, Spider- Outnumbered’s Claire Man and Luke Skywalker. In the absence of Skinner co-stars as Nick’s own father, it had been these leg- Andre’s inscrutably endary superheroes who’d inadvertently pro- patient daughter, vided his blueprint for ‘how to be a good Anne. dad’. This highly physical piece sees Nick tell the story of his own personal journey - a journey which has not only taken him from his home The Boy Who Became country of Uganda to the United Kingdom, A Beetle Saudi Arabia and Kenya, but which has also seen him learn what it takes to truly become Persuasion mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, a hero. Sun 28 - Mon 29 June Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 9 June No fewer than one hundred young producers Hotbuckle Theatre Company here bring to from five Black Country primary schools life Jane Austen’s most personal novel. have contributed to the making of this show. Anne Elliot has spent eight years regretting Bringing together live music, a sprinkling of her decision to end her engagement to Fred- songs, ‘riotous action and thrilling transfor- erick Wentworth. When the now-wealthy mations’, The Boy Who Became A Beetle is Wentworth reenters her world, Anne wonders described as ‘a funny, messy and moving whether the fates have handed her a second new show for everyone who knows what it’s chance to secure a lifelong happiness. like to feel different’. But standing between her and the love she When Greg wakes up to find clacking pin- craves is Wentworth’s cold indifference cers on his head, a huge heavy shell on his towards her - and the fact that he’s courting back and six spindly legs with a mind of their another woman... own, he realises that his days of being just The Curious Incident Of The an ordinary young boy may well be a thing of the past... Dog In The Night-Time Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 6 June Image from workshop with Young Producers This National Theatre stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel bagged an impressive seven Olivier Awards in 2013 and has met with almost universal acclaim. At its centre is the character of fifteen-year- old Christopher, a boy who describes himself as “a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties”. Initially coming under suspicion

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NURSING LIVES Vamos Theatre present a full- Arts FESTIVALS Theatre LISTINGS mask production boast- ing visual inventive- For full listing information on theatre ness, evocative music productions, including times and dates, and song, physical the- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk atre and 1940s dance, Fri 5 - Sat 6 Jun, Swan Theatre, Worcester days of Rock’n’Roll in LITTLE RED Language From the ’50s, on through Alive! take young audi- MON 1 JUN the swinging ’60s and ences on a journey into into the taste-free days the deep, dark woods of the 1970s, Wed 3 with brave Little Red, THE MERCHANT OF Jun, New Alexandra exploring the secrets of VENICE Polly Findlay Theatre, Birmingham the forest, Sat 6 Jun, directs Shakespeare's THE SIEGE Inspired by The REP, Birmingham uncompromising play, the true story of a THE VERY WORST OF THE until Wed 2 Sep group of fighters who, TIGER LILLIES The Royal Shakespeare at the height of the sec- Grammy-nominated Theatre, Stratford- ond Intifada, took godfathers of alterna- upon-Avon refuge in the Church of tive cabaret celebrate THE JEW OF MALTA the Nativity, Thurs 4 - twenty-five years of Justin Audibert makes Sat 6 Jun, The REP, musical mayhem, Sat 6 his RSC debut to direct Birmingham Jun, Huntingdon Hall, BE Festival Christopher Marlowe's BUGSY MALONE Birming- Worcester subversive play, until ham Ormiston Acade- COLLIDOSCOPE The REP, Birmingham, 23 - 27 June Freshold Tue 8 Sep, The Swan my present Alan Park- Theatre's patchwork of Created in 2010 as a direct response to Birmingham’s need for more Theatre, Stratford- er's world-famous musi- poetry and live music, international work, BE Festival annually brings together artists from upon-Avon cal, Thurs 4 - Sat 6 telling the story of an COUGAR THE MUSICAL Jun,The Old Rep The- across Europe to showcase a diverse range of contemporary theatre. ordinary girl on an Raunchy & insightful atre, Birmingham extraordinary journey, The festival has grown in stature since its humble beginnings in Birm- musical about three VENUS AND ADONIS Sat 6 Jun, Artrix, ingham’s AE Harris Building, and is the brainchild of Miguel Oyarzun women of a certain age Birmingham Conserva- Bromsgrove and Isla Aguilar (pictured above). saying yes to life and toire present a double- NOAH - A MUSICAL “We were invited to attend a conference organised by the Arts Coun- learning that happiness bill of works by John ADVENTURE Saltmine lies within, until Sat 6 cil to look at how to improve diversity in the Midlands,” recalls Blow & Marc-Antoine Theatre Company pres- Jun, Belgrade Theatre, Charpentier, showcas- Miguel. “A recurring theme throughout the conference was the lack of ent a brand new family Coventry ing the musical, theatri- musical based on the international work visiting the region. So we suggested filling the void THE CURIOUS INCIDENT cal and operatic styles story of Noah and the with a festival. That same day people were coming up to us and say- OF THE DOG IN THE of England and France Ark, Sat 6 Jun, The ing it was a great idea, so we decided to give it a try. NIGHT-TIME Highly in the 1680s, Thurs 4 - Roses, Tewkesbury acclaimed National “We put out a call for submissions and received sixty-seven applica- Sat 6 Jun, Crescent CIRQUE DU HILARIOUS Theatre production Theatre, Birmingham tions from all around Europe. Then Birmingham City Council opened Award-winning based on Mark Had- OTHELLO Holby City's father/son duo Clive an application for emerging festivals. All of a sudden we just knew it don's award-winning Hugh Quarshie returns Webb & Danny Adams. was meant to be.” novel, until Sat 6 Jun, to the RSC to play Sun 7 Jun, Wolver- Asked to summarise what the BE Festival has done for Birmingham, Birmingham Hippo- Shakespeare's Othello. hampton Grand The- Isla and Miguel offer a modest response: “It’s about what the city has drome Lucian Msamati fea- atre JAMES AND THE GIANT tures as Iago and Joan- given to us, because it’s quite a feat for two Spanish people to run a DOT & ETHEL: GORILLA PEACH Blue Orange na Vanderham as Des- GARDENING Venture into theatre festival here in Birmingham. The city is very welcoming to Arts presents Roald demona, Thurs 4 Jun - the hidden world of strangers. We’ve always felt very supported, and that’s fantastic. Dahl's classic tale, until Fri 28 Aug, Royal gardens in a vibrant Sun 7 Jun, The Blue Shakespeare Theatre, and play-filled piece for Orange Theatre, Birm- Stratford-upon-Avon the under-sevens, their Below is a taster of what BE Festival audiences can expect ingham THE FAMOUS VICTORIES friends & families, Sun to see. For full listings, visit www.befestival.org LOVE'S SACRIFICE OF HENRY V First 7 Jun, mac - Midlands Matthew Dunster Encounters present a Arts Centre, B’ham makes his RSC debut performance for LOUISELIVE Join in the Locus Amoenus Tues 23 June directing John Ford's younger audiences fun as Youtube sensa- Spanish company Atresbandes present a ‘charming and comi- rarely performed which brings together tion Louise talks revenge tragedy, until cal’ show about how the struggle to reach paradise can stop the exciting moments through gems, modern Wed 24 Jun, The Swan from three great plays - people from appreciating the day-to-day experience of living... manners, cute daugh- Theatre, Stratford- Henry IV Parts I & II ters, friends & friend- Formed in Barcelona in 2008, Atresbandes comprises Mònica upon-Avon and Henry V. Suitable ship, lists, life land- Almirall Batet, Miquel Segovia Garrell and Albert Pérez Hidalgo. THE WOMAN IN BLACK for ages eight and marks and all things The trio are rapidly establishing a reputation as creators of Susan Hill’s thrilling upwards, Fri 5 Jun sparkly, Sun 7 Jun, theatrical experience, sharp and perceptive work. The Swan Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, Mon 1 - Sat 6 Jun, Stratford-upon-Avon Coventry Malvern Theatres HAPPINESS IN THE THE HOLLOW CROWN HOMELAND & THERE WE Writer, historian and Week Commencing Wed 24 June WERE HERE WE GO A Acrophobia journalist Dan Jones revival of two plays cre- German duo Liv Knoche and Tobias Willasch here present a presents the real story ated as part of Roger MON 8 JUN show mixing elements of circus, dance and theatre. Expect behind Shakespeare's Coward’s 1975 artist plenty of breathtaking trapeze work in a production that’s famous history plays, placement in Small ABSENT FRIENDS London Tue 2 Jun, Warwick Heath, Fri 5 Jun, East- described as ‘a delicious little tale about overcoming fear and Classic Theatre present Castle side Projects, Birming- Alan Ayckbourn's criti- the pleasure it brings’. APRIL IN PARIS Reform ham cally acclaimed obser- Theatre Company pres- ents John Godber’s Nursing Lives - Swan Theatre, Worcester Olivier Award-nominat- Correction Fri 26 June ed romantic comedy, This ‘beautifully poignant piece’ hails from the Czech Republic. Tue 2 Jun, Artrix, Bromsgrove It finds award-winning contemporary dance company THE DERANGED MAR- VerTeDance imagining a world where it’s impossible to RIAGE RIFCO & Watford progress, despite the very best of efforts to push forward. Palace Theatre present Pravesh Kumar's smash-hit show which Before Sat 27 June explores the value of tradition on modern The BE Next Youth Performance Group explores the subject of life, Tue 2 - Sat 6 Jun, what it takes to die for somebody else. This physical theatre Warwick Arts Centre, presentation, created in just seven days, features young people Coventry from across Birmingham, many of whom speak English as a THAT'LL BE THE DAY second language. A musical romp through the youthful

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Wed 10 - Sat 13 Jun, Albany Theatre, Coven- Theatre LISTINGS try PETER PAN Welsh For full listing information on theatre National Opera present the UK premiere of productions, including times and Richard Ayres and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Lavinia Greenlaw's new work, bringing to the vation of friendship, iconic story of idealist stage the danger, anar- marriage and what it George Bailey, Tue 9 - chy and vibrancy of JM means to be ultimately Wed 10 Jun, Malvern Barrie's original story, happy, Mon 8 - Sat 13 Theatres Thurs 11 Jun Birming- Jun, Belgrade Theatre, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF ham Hippodrome Coventry BMOS Musical Theatre HONK! The Old Joint PERSUASION Hotbuckle Company present an Stock Musical Theatre bring Jane Austen’s amateur version of the Company present their most personal novel to Tony Award-winning version of Stiles & the stage, Tues 9 Jun, musical, Tue 9 - Sat 13 Drewe's acclaimed The Roses, Tewkesbury Jun, New Alexandra musical, based on RIOT NOW A talk by film Theatre, Birmingham Hans Christian Ander- and music critic Joshua THE BOY IN THE STRIPED sen's classic children's Clover, Professor of PYJAMAS Presented by tale, Thurs 11 - Sat 13 English Literature at the Children's Touring Jun, Palace Theatre, The Jew Of Malta - The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon University of California, Partnership, Tue 9 - Sat Redditch WEST SIDE STORY Ama- about what we look at 13 Jun, Wolverhampton Henry IV Parts I & II and SEXUAL PERVERSITY IN activist, Michael Cash- teur production of the when we look at riots, Grand Theatre Henry V. Suitable for CHICAGO The Crescent man, whom he was much-loved musical Tue 9 Jun, Warwick Arts STARS & STRIPES Pre- ages eight and Theatre present David also threatening to kill, version of Romeo & Centre, Coventry sented by BOA Year 10 upwards, Fri 12 Jun, Mamet's play, which Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jun, Juliet, Thurs 11 - Sat 20 NOUGHTS AND CROSSES Musical Theatre stu- The Swan Theatre, examines the sex lives, The Old Joint Stock Jun, Sutton Arts The- Birmingham Metropoli- dents, Wed 10 - Thurs Stratford-upon-Avon talk, banter and argu- Theatre, Birmingham atre, Sutton Coldfield tan College present a 11 Jun, The Old Rep, BLACK IS THE COLOUR OF ment of two men and OLIVER! Presented by AS YOU LIKE IT Shake- modern-day tale of star- Birmingham MY VOICE ‘Compelling & two women in down- the Nuneaton Pan- speare's classic come- crossed lovers, set in THE MAGIC FLUTE Welsh heartbreaking’ story town Chicago in the tomime Revue Society, dy, presented by the an alternative world, National Opera present inspired by the life of 1970s, Sat 13 - Sat 20 Thurs 18 - Sat 20 Jun, all-male Festival Players Tue 9 Jun, The Blue a warm and witty pro- Nina Simone, Fri 12 - Jun, Crescent Theatre, Bedworth Civic Hall Theatre Company, Fri Orange Theatre, Birm- duction which fuses Sat 13 Jun, The Old Birmingham STRICTLY DANCE WEEK- 12 Jun, St John’s ingham Mozart's sublime music Joint Stock Theatre, BARRY CRYER - TWITTER END BBC Strictly Come Church, Bromsgrove NEW VENTURES IN THE- with Dominic Cooke's Birmingham TITTERS In yet another Dancing stars perform THE FAMOUS VICTORIES ATRE MAKING The surreal staging, Wed 10 THE COALITION KINGS farewell tour, Baz up close & personal, Fri OF HENRY V First launch pad for two new - Fri 12 Jun, Birming- Birmingham Repertory returns, having been 19 - Sun 21 Jun, Ches- Encounters present a theatre companies from ham Hippodrome Opera’s darkly satirical charged with persistent ford Grange Hotel, War- performance for Coventry, Tue 9 - Wed THE WITCHES OF EAST- tale of politics, conspir- joking - and asks for wickshire younger audiences 10 Jun, Belgrade The- WICK The Guildhall acy, war and assassina- twenty other shows to SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN which brings together atre, Coventry present an amateur tion offers a thought- be taken into consider- A full screening of the exciting moments from IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE production of the devil- provoking study of the ation, Sun 14 Jun, War- Disney sensation, com- three great plays - New staging of the ish musical comedy, many dangers that wick Arts Centre, plete with on-screen come with both power Coventry lyrics to help you sing and love, Fri 12 - Sat 13 along with Anna and Jun, The Blue Orange Elsa during the film, Sat Theatre, Birmingham Week Commencing 20 Jun, Royal Spa Cen- SUMMER FESTIVAL MON 15 JUN tre, Leamington Spa OPERA: ALBERT HERRING JAN PAGE - LITTLE Matthew Knight directs WORDS Join children’s Benjamin Britten’s only THE LION, THE WITCH writer Jan Page as she comic opera, Fri 12 - AND THE WARDROBE reveals the secrets Sun 14 Jun, The Barber Queensbridge Musical behind Grandpa In My Institute, Birmingham Theatre Society present Pocket, Sun 21 Jun, BLITHE SPIRIT A Bear Pit CS Lewis' classic tale, Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre Company Pro- Tue 16 - Sat 20 Jun, duction of Noel Cow- Solihull Arts Complex ard's comic play con- THE BOY IN THE STRIPED Week Commencing cerning socialite and PYJAMAS Presented by MON 22 JUN novelist Charles Con- the Children's Touring domine, Fri 12 - Sat 20 Partnership, Tue 16 - STICK MAN Scamp The- Jun, The Bear Pit The- Sat 20 Jun, Belgrade atre present a stage atre - The United Theatre, Coventry adaptation for children, Reformed Church, THE FATHER Intriguing based on Julia Donald- Stratford-upon-Avon and compelling black son and Alex Scheffler's LITTLE MALCOLM AND comedy starring Ken- popular children's HIS STRUGGLE AGAINST neth Cranham, Claire book, Mon 22 - Wed 24 THE EUNUCHS David Hal- Skinner and Colin Tier- Jun, Warwick Arts Cen- liwell's classic play ney, Tue 16 - Sat 20 tre, Coventry about youth and rebel- Jun, Malvern Theatres BE FESTIVAL Birming- lion, Fri 12 - Sat 20 Jun, NATURAL CAUSES The ham’s acclaimed festi- Hall Green Little The- Swan Theatre Amateur val celebrating the best atre, Birmingham Company present a of European theatre PELLÉAS AND MÉLISANDE black comedy at its returns to The REP. Welsh National Opera ‘blackest & best’, Tues Featuring over twenty present a new produc- 16 - Sat 20 Jun, Swan performances from tion of Debussy's twen- Theatre, Worcester Europe - plus live tieth century master- SILENCE Birmingham music, exhibitions, piece, Sat 13 Jun, School of Acting pres- workshops, discussions Birmingham Hippo- ent Moira Buffini’s and delicious food - drome award-winning drama, this vibrant festival sees A CABARET OF SONG & described as ‘Game of Birmingham staking a DANCE Presented by Thrones meets a gen- real claim to be the Applause, Sat 13 Jun, der-bending narrative of ‘theatre capital of Dovehouse Theatre, love & redemption’, Europe’, Mon 22 - Sun Birmingham Wed 17 - Sat 20 Jun, 28 Jun, The REP, Birm- TWELFTH NIGHT The The Old Rep, Birming- ingham Lord Chamberlain's ham LOCUS AMOENUS Atres- Men perform Shake- AT EASE tells of a man bandas present a speare’s romantic com- imprisoned for attempt- ‘charming comical edy, Sat 13 Jun, Pack- ed murder and his cor- piece’ which explores wood House, Warwick- respondence with actor, the journey to paradise. shire politician, and gay This performance forms

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part of BE Festival 2015 through gravity with the BEETLE Performance of The Stick Man - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (see page 31), Tues 23 help of some giant live music, songs, Jun, The REP, Birming- trampolines and a large riotous action and ham dose of humour. This thrilling transformations SHOW BE Festival performance forms part by one hundred young 2014 First Prize winner, of BE Festival 2015 people from five pri- Antonio Tagliarni, (see page 31), Wed 24 mary schools across returns to Birmingham Jun, Centenary Square, the Black Country, Fri to perform the full ver- Birmingham 26 Jun, Warwick Arts sion of his wonderful & BEST OF BRITISH An Centre, Coventry whacky, SHOW, Tues evening of British musi- MOUVMA! Using three 23 Jun, The REP, Birm- cal theatre presented actors, Collectif Corps ingham by BOA Year 12 Musi- Citoyen take audiences GREASE Amateur pro- cal Theatre students, back to the beginning, duction presented by Wed 24 - Thurs 25 Jun, to Tunisia, and ask Brit Youth Theatre, Tues The Old Rep, Birming- questions about politi- 23 - Fri 26 Jun, Cres- ham cal change, society & cent Theatre, Birming- HARD KNOCK LIFE Birm- the future. This per- ham ingham School of Act- formance forms part of DREAMBOATS AND ing fuse song, dance, BE Festival 2015 (see MINISKIRTS Sequel from storytelling & spoken page 31) Fri 26 Jun, the team that behind word to present a con- The REP, Birmingham Dreamboats And Petti- temporary telling of an HALFWAY TO PARADISE - coats. It's 1963 and The old tale, Annie, Thurs THE BILLY FURY STORY Beatles are coming... 25 Jun, mac - Midlands Musical which charts Tue 23 - Sat 27 Jun, Arts Centre, Birming- the rise to fame of a Wolverhampton Grand ham shy young boy from Theatre DEVORATION Théâtre du Liverpool who became FAWLTY TOWERS PART 3 Balèti present a hard one of Britain's best- Local company All & hitting & highly visual loved rock stars. Time- Sundry present their theatre piece exploring less hits featured in the latest adventures of our relationship with show include I Will, Basil and Sybil, Tue 23 violence, particularly Jealousy, It's Only Make fast paced physical the- the Black Country, Sun Jun - Sat 4 Jul, Wolver- - Sat 27 Jun, Artrix, how pain & pleasure Believe and, of course, atre show is striking, 28 - Mon 29 Jun, mac - hampton Grand The- Bromsgrove can merge together. Halfway To Paradise, poetic and poses ques- Midlands Arts Centre, atre THE BUSINESS OF MUR- This performance forms Sat 27 Jun, New tion about trust and dis- Birmingham THE HISTORY BOYS Stag- DER, Middle Ground part of BE Festival 2015 Alexandra Theatre, trust. This performance ing of Alan Bennett’s Theatre Company pres- (see page 31), Thurs 25 Birmingham forms part of BE Festi- Week Commencing much-acclaimed play. ents Richard Harris’s Jun, The REP, Birming- GAME Madcap three val 2015 (see page 31), Richard Hope, Kedar acclaimed psychologi- ham man circus theatre Sat 27 Jun, The REP, MON 29 JUN Williams-Stirling, Steven cal thriller. Robert TWELFTH NIGHT The show exploring how Birmingham Roberts & Christopher Gwilym, Paul Opacic & Lord Chamberlain’s video games shape our SEYMOUR STIFFS: THE LOVE ME TENDER Mica Ettridge star, Mon 29 Joanna Higson star, Men present an out- lives. This performance UNDERTAKER Described Paris, Shaun Jun - Sat 4 Jul, Malvern Tue 23 - Sat 27 Jun, door production of forms part of BE Festi- as a darkly funny and Williamson & Sian Theatres Malvern Theatres Shakespeare’s roman- val 2015 (see page 31), original one-man show, Reeves star in a brand THE SECOND BEST BED COLLAGE Spanish tic comedy, Thurs 25 Sat 27 Jun, The REP, Sat 27 Jun, The Bear new musical inspired Worcester Repertory troupe Bot Project pres- Jun, Hanbury Hall, Birmingham Pit Theatre, Stratford- by and featuring the Company present a ent a spectacular out- Worcestershire BROADWAY AND BEYOND upon-Avon music of Elvis Presley, one-woman play brim- door performance in TORTURED MIND German An uplifting celebration SCOTTISH FALSETTO Mon 29 - Tue 30 Jun, ming with humour and Centenary Square troupe InPulse present of the best of musical SOCK PUPPET THEATRE: Regent Theatre, Stoke- pathos, Tues 30 Jun, where, with the help of a topsy-turvy story theatre, Sat 27 Jun, MINGING DETECTIVES on-Trent (Read the inter- Huntingdon Hall, giant trampolines, the which follows the Bedworth Civic Hall The socks return with view with Mica on page Worcester ensemble will defy attempts of a psychia- AS YOU LIKE IT All-male brand new songs, 8). OKLAHOMA! New touring gravity - accompanied trist to treat his patients company The Festival sketches, socks and DEAD SIMPLE Stage production of Rodgers by a 'funky' soundtrack, through a series of cre- Players present the violence, Sat 27 Jun, adaptation of Peter & Hammerstein's Wed 24 Jun, The REP, ative games. This per- Bard's pastoral comedy The Old Joint Stock James' most famous Pulitzer Prize-winning Birmingham formance forms part of of love, laughter & lyri- Theatre, Birmingham and popular book, Mon musical, starring Gary ACROPHOBIA Nether- BE Festival 2015 (see cism, Sat 27 Jun, mac - THE BOY WHO BECAME A 29 Jun - Sat 4 Jul, New Wilmot as Ali Hakim, Alexandra Theatre, lands performers Liv & page 31), Thurs 25 Jun, Midlands Arts Centre, BEETLE Performance of Belinda Lang as Aunt Birmingham Tobi present a ‘deli- The REP, Birmingham Birmingham live music, songs, Eller, Ashley Day as THE MOUSETRAP Touring cious tale’ about over- ON THE EDGE Kepow #SOBREJULIETA A one- riotous action and Curly & Nic Green- production of Agatha coming fear and the Theatre Company pres- woman show craving to thrilling transformations shields as Jud Fry, Tue Christie's famous thriller pleasure it brings. This ent a comedy which be a dialogue and by one hundred young 30 Jun - Sat 4 Jul, - the longest running performance forms part explores those described as a love people from five pri- Birmingham Hippo- show in the history of of BE Festival 2015 moments in life - get- story and one of mary schools across drome British theatre, Mon 29 (see page 31), Wed 24 ting married, leaving excess. This perform- Jun, The REP, Birming- home, getting a job - ance forms part of BE ham when we’re on the Festival 2015 (see page TRANSLATING LOLA This edge...Thurs 25 Jun, 31), Sat 27 Jun, The performance piece Old Joint Stock The- REP, Birmingham Theatre Box Office transferred from a atre, Birmingham BEFORE BE Next Youth street encounter to the THE WHISTLE Square- Performance Group use Birmingham SUTTON COLDFIELD WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, stage, documenting head Productions pres- physical theatre to 0121 355 5355 COVENTRY 02476 524524 two women working in ent a solo production explore the notion of ALEXANDRA THEATRE the arena of sex and which draws on ideas ‘The hero cannot die’. 0844 871 3011 seduction. This per- from cinema, theatre & This performance forms BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Warwickshire Worcestershire formance forms part of circus, to play with part of BE Festival 2015 0844 338 5000 ALBANY THEATRE, ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BE Festival 2015 (see audience expectations. (see page 31), Sat 27 BIRMINGHAM REP COVENTRY BROMSGROVE page 31), Wed 24 Jun, This performance forms Jun, The REP, Birming- 0121 236 4455 024 7601 6222 01527 577330 The REP, Birmingham part of BE Festival 2015 ham THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE BEAR PIT, STRATFORD- THE HIVE O NO! Mad as a box of (see page 31), Thurs 25 QUINTETTO A perfect 0121 212 2643 UPON-AVON 01905 822866 01789 403416 frogs and determinedly Jun, The REP, Birming- analogy for a stage CRESCENT THEATRE HUNTINGDON HALL, optimistic, this new ham show as the protago- 0121 643 5858 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL WORCESTER show follows on from MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- nist explains the few 024 7637 6707 01905 611427 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE the success of Beating ING Stafford Festival teething problems he’s 0121 706 7139 BELGRADE THEATRE, MALVERN THEATRE McEnroe, which Shakespeare cele- having with the per- COVENTRY 01684 892277 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 received high praise brates its twenty-fifth formance due to the 024 7655 3055 NORBURY THEATRE, HALL GREEN LITTLE during its run at Edin- anniversary with Shake- financial crisis in Italy. BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, DROITWICH THEATRE burgh Fringe. This per- speare's tale of love & This performance forms WARWICK 01926 776438 01905 770154 formance forms part of deceit, Thurs 25 Jun - 0121 707 1874 part of BE Festival 2015 THE DREAM FACTORY PALACE THEATRE MAC 0121 446 3232 BE Festival 2015 (see Sat 11 Jul, Stafford (see page 31), Sat 27 01926 419555 REDDITCH 01527 65203 page 31), Wed 24 Jun, Castle Jun, The REP, Birming- OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE ROSE THEATRE, The REP, Birmingham THE DREAMBOYS The ham 0121 200 0946 THEATRE, 01562 743745 COLLAGE Bot Project UK’s top male glamour (DON’T) TRUST ME Fea- OLD REP 0121 359 9444 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON presents its award-win- show, Fri 26 Jun, New turing seven students SWAN THEATRE, SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0844 800 1110 ning piece - an outdoor Alexandra Theatre, from the mime depart- WORCESTER 0121 704 6962 ROYAL SPA CENTRE 01905 611427 performance which see Birmingham ment of Amsterdam LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 the ensemble jumping THE BOY WHO BECAME A Theatre School, this SUTTON ARTS THEATRE,

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Theatre REVIEWS CONT...

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 30 May

The Little Voice of the title is an introverted young woman (played Nancy Sullivan) who keeps to her bedroom. She lives with her relentlessly awful moth- er, Mari (Vicky Entwistle), a woman who’s been bat- tered by life (I was steamrollered by Entwistle’s big, loud and magnificently brash performance). When both women meet Ray (Chris Gascoyne), their lives change in ways they could never have imagined. Ray is a blagger and a bragger, a self- styled impresario who sees LV as his golden ticket, Twelve Angry Men Wolverhampton Grand Theatre her mother as a stepping stone. Christopher Haydon’s hot, sweaty, grainy production of Twelve Angry Men opens up a In this sea of desperation and bitterness, LV has a discussion about how jurors absorb information and then distort it with their own preju- sanctuary in her bedroom, escaping the world by dices. immersing herself in the record collection left to her The case is that of a sixteen-year-old boy accused of stabbing to death his own violent by her deceased father. She finds solace singing in father. The voice of the judge booms over the opening curtain, “First degree premedi- the style of Piaf, Minnelli, Bassey and Monroe, and tated murder with a mandatory death sentence needs a unanimous verdict. Good luck, hope, kindness and tentative love with Billy the tele- gentlemen. I don’t envy your job.” phone engineer. Leading the line is Juror 8, an architect, played by Jason Merrells. He has ‘reasonable The only other consideration LV gets is from her doubt’ about the boy’s guilt and - compelled to persuade the other eleven likewise - mother’s put-upon friend, Sadie (Joanna Brooks). unpicks the shoddily conducted court case for us. The witnesses were elderly. It was An almost mute character, as perhaps is the fate of dark. Did they hear right? everyone who knows Mari, Sadie brings a lovely, Considering he’s just joined the show, Merrells is utterly commanding. Playing ‘Mister understated humour to proceedings. Reasonable’, with occasional bursts of barely controlled indignation, he cunningly Ray and Mari are both selfish drunkards, desperate manipulates his fellow Americans. He reveals redneck tendencies and a Ku Klux Klan to escape their situation and prepared to do what- approach to race relations amongst the bullies, and he sows civilized uncertainties ever it may take. Neither are pleasant characters. within the minds of the professionals. When their hopes are dashed, their response is Also outstanding is Andrew Lancel’s belligerent, bigoted Juror 3, who’s mercilessly vicious. But the anthemic music and amazing voice driven to a guilty verdict by a pent-up anger about his own son’s behaviour. His per- of LV gives us all hope. The Rise And Fall Of Little sonal denouement is a moment of real conviction acting. Voice is a dark and disturbing story - a modern I loved the clackerty-clack of the passing elevated trains, and how the gathering storm fairytale for grown-ups. And as such, baddies and fuelled fraying tempers; and the ever-so-subtle way the stage gently revolved to con- witches get their comeuppanceTed Finlay and n n princesses n n get stantly vary our angle on proceedings. In a neat physical metaphor, as it slowly comes their prince charming. round, so do the jurors. The designer might have done more to concentrate the claustrophobia (the set is very Cougar The Musical open plan) but otherwise the production team gave the actors great service; providing real rain and dusky lighting, which added to the steamy, angst-ridden atmosphere. Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Chris Eldon Lee n n n n n Get out your feather boas and your best Pat Butch- er leopard print for a night of bulging biceps, empowering women and flashing dildos. Yes, that’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham what I said - flashing dildos! Be sure, though, not to make the mistake (as some audience members did Take an Englishman, a Frenchman and an American all intent on swindling as much on the opening night) of taking along your dad or cash as they can out of wealthy but vulnerable females and what have you got? grandparents - Cougar The Musical is truly not for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, that’s what. the fainthearted. Based on Frank Oz’s 1988 film starring Steve Martin and Michael Caine, this touring The story follows three mid-to-late-forties women version of the West End show is debuting at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre who’re all going through their own personal trials. before heading to venues across the country. Divorce, being a single parent and starting a new Set in Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera, the musical centres on serial conman career are all in the mix as we’re presented with Lawrence Jameson, perfectly played by Michael Praed. Suave, sophisticated and with common issues that older women face in 2015. an ego as big as the moon, Jameson’s sole aim is to while away the summer season The show’s ‘brawn’ comes in the shape of Barnaby swindling wealthy women. He’s assisted in his endeavours by his accomplice-in-crime, Hughes, whose six-pack was enormously distract- the bent French copper Andre Thibault - a role Mark Benton of Early Doors and Catter- ing to the females (and some males) in the audi- ick fame plays with real vigour. ence for a full ten minutes after his arrival on stage. Everything’s hunky dory until the arrival of small-time American crook Freddy Benson - His character of Buck completed the cast of four. wonderfully portrayed by former HearSay favourite Noel Sullivan - and a holidaying The show is packed with hilarious dialogue. Come- soap heiress (played by Carley Stenson)... dian and scriptwriter Donna Moore certainly came Although a little slow to get off the ground, Jerry Mitchell’s production has some great up trumps with the punchlines, all of which were comedy moments which are perfectly executed by the show’s principal characters. The exceptionally well delivered by all four characters. scene where Jameson introduces his self-imposed fiance - a cattle-breeding heiress The production also features some toe-tapping from Oklahoma - to his socially inadequate ‘brother’, Ruprecht, generates some real vocal numbers, tantalising choreography - and belly laughs. Phoebe Coupe as the whining, snorting and foot-stomping Jolene Oakes even a bit of audience participation for a lucky fella is a real hoot, while Sullivan’s portrayal of Ruprecht is nothing short of brilliant. in the front row! The ongoing courtship of Andre and British heiress Muriel Eubanks - played by Geral- Audience members could be heard in the interval dine Fitzgerald - also offers plenty to laugh about. saying the show was the best thing they’d seen in The show’s choreography somewhat passes you by. So too does its musical numbers. ages. Clearly Cougar The Musical is going to be a There are some fine ones in there, mainly due to Sullivan and Stenson’s adept vocals, very popular night out for ‘ladies of a certain age’ but nothing memorable. It’s most definitely the humour and the comic timing that makes who’re in need of some laugh-out-loud fun with the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels an evening of great entertainment. Indeed, the memory of girls. Jessica Aston n n n PatsyRuprecht’s Moss oh-so-manyn n n n faux pas will stay with me for quite some time to come. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels shows at Regent Theatre in from 28 July. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 12:01 Page 13

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Theatre WEST END X Factor star to make West End debut Matt Cardle is set to make his stage debut in hit West End musical Memphis. The former X Factor winner will join the cast next month, taking on the role of radio DJ Huey Calhoun. Matt will be starring opposite Beverley Knight, who’s extended her run in the lead role of Felicia Farrell until October. “I’m thrilled to be making my acting and West End debut in Mem- phis,” says Matt. “From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey. It’s no secret that I worked for many years before my breakthrough as a musician. I started my first band when I was twelve years old and spent at least fifteen years recording albums and sending demos to record companies before finally having my voice heard. It was the united love from family and friends, similar to that at the heart of the Memphis story, that saw me through. I’m truly honoured to be sharing the stage with the incredi- ble Beverley Knight. I’ve admired her work for such a long time and can’t wait to get started in the show.”

Matt Cardle and Beverley Knight

Celebrating Motown in the West End The songs, sounds and story of Motown will be celebrated in the West End next year when hit Broadway production Motown The Musical opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Based on Berry Gordy’s fascinating book, To Be Loved: The Music, The Magic, The Memories Of Motown, the show takes a look at how the legendary record label changed musical history and launched the careers of numerous well-known artists. With an eighteen-piece orchestra in tow, Motown The Musical fea- tures fifty iconic tracks, including My Girl, Dancing In The Streets, I Heard It Through The Grapevine and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough. The show has so far been nominated for four Tony Awards. Motown The Musical previews from 11 February 2016 and is currently taking bookings until 22 October.

Phil Daniels to join the cast of Les Miserables Former EastEnders actor Phil Daniels is this month joining the cast of Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre. Daniels, who’s also known for fea- turing on hit Blur single Parklife and starring in cult 1970s movie Quadrophenia, will play crooked innkeeper Monsieur Thénardier. He will be joined by the late Harry Secombe’s daughter, Katy, in the role of Madame Thénardier. Now in its record-breaking thirtieth year, Les Miserables is currently booking until 19 December. Tickets are priced from £12.50 to £67.50.

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interview David Bintley Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Director celebrates twenty years with the company...

Everything is a fantastic experience“ from the audience perspective, but you should see it backstage.”

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In 1995 David Bintley choreographed Carmina Burana, his first production as Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB). Twenty years later, David and the company are still going strong, regularly performing to enthusiastic audiences both here in the UK and across the globe. As part of its summer season, BRB this month revisits Bintley’s original work and also presents the world premiere of The King Dances. Jamie Ryan recently met David to find out more...

different productions we’ve put on over the Looking back over your time with BRB, years, like Cinderella and Beauty And The how would you say audience perceptions Beast. We’re even thinking of putting on have changed in terms of ballet? Aladdin because it has that pantomime, In 1995 you’d already got the beginning of Christmas-season feel to it. I think a large the dance effect. Dance was much more part of The Nutcracker’s success is simply open to the public at that time. I don’t think that all the Tchaikovsky ballets have such there’s been a huge amount of change great music. Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty between then and now. One hopes - and I and The Nutcracker are the world’s favourite won’t sugar-coat it - one hopes, one wishes, ballets, so it’s got to be a fact that people that one could sell everything. I always say love Tchaikovsky’s music. We’re permanently that in terms of this company, we don’t do a trying to persuade people that ballet can be bad show. We’re too good for that. anything and can appeal to anyone, but I We don’t get awards for The Nutcracker or suppose most people’s idea of ballet is Swan Sleeping Beauty or Swan Lake. We get Lake, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. awards for the things that people don’t come And with The Nutcracker, of course, you have and see - so our work is still cut out for us So, David, twenty years for you at BRB... the Christmas thing. I know of no other ballet there. We’re not selling enough tickets here Looking back over the last two decades, which is actually about Christmas - the toys, at the Hippodrome. We’ve been here twenty- what’s been your proudest moment with the fairies, the Christmas trees. So we get a five years and there are still too many people the company? big audience for that which isn’t really a in the city who haven’t seen us. So we’re still I couldn’t single out one moment because ballet audience. It’s an audience of families working hard at that. It’s not getting easier in there are so many fantastic things that we’ve going to see a show at Christmas. terms of support from the government and done. We’ve just been to Japan for my fourth local government because everybody’s got time as Director of BRB. Then we did a This new season sees the revival of their problems. Everybody’s been cut back. groundbreaking tour of South Africa after the Carmina Burana, the first work you So we’re now working more - but with the apartheid things were abolished. We were choreographed for the company as Artistic same amount of money we had ten years the first major company to go in there. Then Director. How does this version differ from ago. The big hole in our finances is the there’s Ballet Hoo! - a programme we did the original? Are there any changes or empty seats for those shows which aren’t the with Channel Four where we took a load of developments? big blockbusters. All I can say is that those kids who’d had a pretty raw deal in life and No, not really. As you say, it’s the first work I shows are great. They absolutely are. they performed Romeo And Juliet. Those are made for the company as Director and big landmark things. Then there’s the recent thankfully it was a big success. Every time we redevelopment of our facilities. We have bring it back I’m expecting it to have dated or fantastic facilities here again. And there are not to work, but it seems to be evergreen, just so many brilliant performances. And we which is a great relief. did the Ashton festival in New York in 2004 and blew away the competition. There really Technically, which is the most complex is just tons of stuff! piece of work you’ve created as Director of BRB? Was it a huge process to arrive at the final I’ve done some very big shows. Cinderella is programme for your twentieth anniversary a huge show - it’s very busy backstage and summer season? there’s an awful lot of magic in it. The same is We have one of the biggest active repertoires true of Aladdin. Magic usually involves a lot in the world and it’s incredibly of people working very hard, but obviously comprehensive. We have a fantastic heritage most of the things I do are challenging for the which goes back to the 1930s - right back to dancers. Carmina is a big show too. At the the beginning of modern British ballet, if you beginning it’s a totally empty, black space, like. At the same time we have the best from but we certainly fill that space up! There’s an America, we produce a lot of new work and awful lot of stuff hanging overhead that flies hopefully we’ll produce even more in the in. A lot of people see what happens on future. We have some big initiatives to try and stage, but some of the most challenging get more new work in. I believe we have the moments happen off stage, with all of the best productions of the classics in this crew running around and making the ‘magic’ country - and probably in the world in terms happen. of the versions of the classics produced by There’s a big technical challenge in my predecessors. Selecting a repertoire is The Nutcracker too, where the fireplace turns always a pleasant headache for me because and the tree grows. Everything is a fantastic there’s so much to choose from. We’re experience from the audience perspective, wanting to make new things all the time. but you should see it backstage. It’s even more incredible once you see the number The Nutcracker is an extremely popular of people required to make that change. element of the Christmas season at the Hippodrome. Why do you think the production continues to be so well loved? Birmingham Royal Ballet presents it This isn’t confined to Birmingham, it’s all over Summer Season at Birmingham the world. Christmas is largely The Hippodrome from Wed 17 to Sat 20 Nutcracker. We do try and vary it with the and Wed 24 to Sat 27 June.

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Northern Ballet Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 2 - Wed 3 June; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 16 - Wed 17 June Leeds-based Northern Ballet has developed a reputation for produc- the heart strings as it recounts the tale of a geisha girl who marries ing work that’s as much about storytelling as it is about dancing - a an American naval officer, only to find that he soon returns home and fact that’s very much in evidence in the two shows the company’s marries another. touring to the Midlands this month. The Elves And The Shoemaker, meanwhile, is a delightful tale of won- Madame Butterfly (Grand Theatre, 2 & 3 June and Regent Theatre, der and mystery, telling the story of a kind-hearted shoemaker who 16 & 17 June) and The Elves And The Shoemaker (Grand Theatre, gives his final pair of shoes - the only possession he has left in the 3 June and Regent Theatre, 17 June) are two classic tales which aim world - to a poor lady in need of help. to appeal not only to seasoned ballet-goers but also first-time atten- Northern Ballet describe this classic Brothers Grimm story as a per- dees and younger audience members. fect production through which to introduce youngsters to the magic Generally performed as an opera, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly pulls at of live ballet.

Frame(d) mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sun 21 June National Youth Dance Company (NYDC) brings together dance talent from across England to perform with Sadlers Wells’ internationally renowned Associate Artists. This new work by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoul revisits moments from the choreographer’s established catalogue of work. These include Babel(words), co-choreographed with Damien Jalet, Puz/zle, Loin and TeZukA, incorporating new ideas and move- ment material from the young dancers. Sidi Larbi Cherkaoul is the 2014/15 Artistic Director for NYDC and is one of the most prolific choreographers working today. Birmingham Royal Ballet Summer Season Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 17 - Sat 20 & Wed 24 - Sat 27 June Marking David Bintley’s twentieth year with BRB, the company this month presents the director’s 1995 version of Carmina Burana, performing the piece alongside the world premiere of The King Dances. They also present a revival of his full-length comedy, Sylvia. A large-scale production, Carmina Burana sees Bintley’s breathtaking cho- reography set to the emotionally charged choral music of Carl Orff, here performed by Royal Ballet Sinfonia in collaboration with Birmingham’s Ex Cathedra Choir. In The King Dances, Bintley reimagines the very beginnings of ballet - a time when men were regarded as the kings of dance. Sylvia, meanwhile, takes audiences on a humorous trip through time to learn valuable lessons about love.

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24 - Sat 27 Jun, Dance LISTINGS Birmingham Hippodrome INALA A Zulu ballet fea- For full listing information on dance, turing Ladysmith Black including times and dates, visit Mambazo, Sat 27 Jun, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Regent Theatre, Stoke- on-Trent ATÁVICO Cía Poliana MADAME BUTTERFLY Ballet, Tue 16 - Wed 17 Lima fuses physical WITH PERPETUUM Jun, Regent Theatre, theatre, dance and a MOBILE Northern Ballet Stoke-on-Trent haunting soundtrack to present a new adapta- ELVES AND THE explore how past vio- tion of Puccini's tale of SHOEMAKER Northern lent experiences stay a doomed love affair, Ballet present a won- with us, Thurs 25 Jun, Tue 2 - Wed 3 Jun, drous retelling of the The REP, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand famous Brothers Grimm TRISTISSIMO Italian per- Theatre story, Wed 17 Jun, formers C&C (Carlo ELVES AND THE Regent Theatre, Stoke- Massari & Chiara SHOEMAKER Northern on-Trent Taviani) present a Ballet present a won- CARMINA BURANA dance portrait of a cou- drous retelling of the Presented by ple who seek contact famous Brothers Grimm Birmingham Royal but repel each other’s story, Wed 3 Jun, Ballet, Wed 17 - Sat 20 every move, Thurs 25 Wolverhampton Grand Jun, Birmingham Jun, The REP, Theatre Hippodrome Birmingham JALEO FLAMENCO A FRAME (D) National Inala ATHLETES A choreo- fusion of vocals, explo- Youth Dance Company Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 27 June; New Alexandra Theatre, graphed work which sive footwork and gui- present a new work Birmingham, Mon 27 - Wed 29 July poses questions about tar playing, Sat 6 Jun, created by Sidi Larbi whether the competi- Wolverhampton Grand Cherkaoul, Sun 21 Jun, When a group of talented musicians - South African singers tion between man and Theatre mac - Midlands Arts Ladysmith Black Mambazo - find their way into the public conscious- machine is leading to CINDERELLA Ballet Centre, Birmingham ness through a baked beans advert, it says a lot about the state of alienation and destruc- Cymru present a chore- GREAT BIG DANCE OFF tion, Thurs 25 Jun, The the world and the power of advertising. ographed version of the National dance compe- REP, Birmingham Still, don’t be fooled - Ladysmith had been around for a long time much-loved fairytale, tition for primary and CORRECTION Award-win- Thurs 11 Jun, The secondary schools before they provided that memorable Heinz soundtrack, having ning Czech dance Roses, Tewkesbury across England, Mon recorded over forty albums and sold in excess of six million records troupe VerTeDance CAPTIVE Free dance 22 Jun, New Alexandra worldwide. They’re also much in evidence on Paul Simon’s present a poignant performance by Theatre, Birmingham piece about lack of Graceland album, using their Zulu harmonies and unique sound to Motionhouse & stu- SYLVIA - BRB David freedom and our power provide some unusual and interesting additions to his music. dents of Heart of Bintley’s time-hopping to make decisions, Fri Worcestershire College, comedy features music This latest presentation sees them collaborating with award-winning 26 Jun, The REP, Sat 13 Jun, Artrix, by Léo Delibes and a choreographer Mark Baldwin and nine world-class dancers - includ- Birmingham ing talent from the Royal Ballet - to present a live storytelling experi- Bromsgrove colourful cast of Gods MADAME BUTTERFLY and Goddesses, slave ence that embraces an ‘exhilarating’ fusion of South African and Presented by Northern girls and pirates, Wed Western cultures.

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Now Showing

The Goob CERT 18 (85 mins) Starring Liam Walpole, Sienna Guillory, Sean Harris, Oliver Kennedy Directed by Guy Myhill (UK) The Goob is as odd as its title might suggest. But within its almost surreal flights of oddity resides a disconcerting social realism. Maybe life really is this odd. ‘Goob’ is the name given to our protago- nist (Walpole), a skinny youth who steps off the bus in only his underpants and then heads home across the flat Norfolk landscape to move in with his mum (Guillory). She lives at the back of a road- side café with her new boyfriend who oversees mi- grant workers toiling in the fields nearby. As played by Sean Harris, the latter is a foul-mouthed tyrant who gives the impression that he might hit some- one at any given moment. In-between these bouts of unprovoked conflict, the writer-director Guy My- hill paints an Elysian Norfolk summer in which Goob and his friends frolic in the woods, pootle around on his scooter and dance to 1970s’ pop music. These are halcyon days, punctuated by the presence of the allegorical monster of an unknown evil. A deeply idiosyncratic and personal work, The Goob exhibits a highly original talent that recalls the fiercely individual work of Andrew Kotting and Philip Trevelyan and even Ken Loach. From Fri 12 June

Jurassic World CERT 12a (tbc) Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ty Simpkins, Nick Robinson, Irrfan Khan, Vi- cent D’Onofrio, Jake Johnson, Omar Sy Directed by Colin Trevorrow (USA) With a budget estimated to be in the $150-180million range (or higher), Jurassic World is the continuing story of the Costa Rica theme park, a somewhat different place than it was twenty-two years ago. However, in spite of everything now running smoothly, visitor rates have declined. So, in an effort to sex the place up, the Masrani Global Corporation decides to create a hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex. Of course, it’s all a terrible mis- take... Word has it that Steven Spielberg - along with the screenwriter Mark Protosevich - came up with a story idea for the film, but it was rejected. However, to honour Spielberg, director Trevorrow introduced sharks as scrummy morsels for the dinosaurs.

Released from Fri 5 June

Listen Up Philip CERT 15 (109 mins) Starring Jason Schwartzman, Elisabeth Moss, Krys- ten Ritter, Joséphine de La Baume, Jonathan Pryce Directed by Alex Ross Perry (USA)) Jason Schwartzman would seem ideal casting as a writer who has lost the will to publicise his second novel. Philip Lewis Friedman is then made an un- expected offer by his idol (Pryce)... The American critics loved it.

From Fri 19 June

Mr. Holmes CERT PG (104 mins) Starring Ian McKellen, Laura Linney, Hattie Morahan, Hiroyuki Sanada Directed by Bill Condon (UK/USA) Just when you think they’ve tried every angle on Sherlock Holmes, along comes a new interpretation. In this version, Holmes is retired and suffering from dementia but still re- solved to solve a fifty-year-old case. Based on the 2005 novel A Slight Trick Of The Mind by Mitch Cullin. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Film - June - Brian.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 16:16 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 5 June

Four Corners CERT 12a (119 mins) Starring Brendon Daniels, Jezzriel Skei, Lindiwe Matshikiza, Irshaad Ally Directed by Ian Gabriel (South Africa) For anybody who saw Chappie, it will come as no surprise that South Africa is an incredi- bly violent place. But for one human pawn in the cycle of death there is a peaceful outlet: chess. Thirteen-year-old Ricardo is some- thing of a prodigy, but he also knows that in chess you have to make a move - whether you like it or not... In the vein of City Of God, Boyz N The Hood and Blood In Blood Out, Ian Gabriel’s Four Corners is a kaleido- scopic, kinetic portrait of gang warfare set in the ghettos of a major city. Here, Gabriel ex- plores the tensions of a hundred-year vendetta between two Cape Town gangs calling themselves the Number 26s and 28s. Albeit essentially the same, the gangs are di- vided by nothing more than history and ha- tred. It is young Ricardo (Skei) who ends up in the crossfire of four disparate characters: a gang leader, an ex-con, a London doctor and a cop on the trail of a serial killer. Although much of Four Corners is quite con- fusing - not helped by the clash of the gangs’ secret language, the Tsotsitall di- alect, Cape Afrikaans and broken English - its cinematic verve and raw authenticity is of the highest order. From Fri 19 June Queen And Country The Longest Ride CERT 15 (115 mins) CERT 12a (128 mins) Starring Callum Turner, Vanessa Kirby, David Thewlis, Richard E. Grant, Caleb Landry Starring Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Jones, Tamsin Egerton Directed by John Boor- Jack Huston, Oona Chaplin, Alan Alda man (Ireland/France/Romania) Directed by George Tillman Jr (USA) At the age of eighty-two, the celebrated The romantic novelist Nicholas Sparks British director John Boorman brings us a has become a one-man franchise. The sequel to his 1987 drama Hope And Glory. Longest Ride is the tenth adaptation of a Here, it’s ten years after the events of the Sparks novel in sixteen years. Here, first film and Boorman’s alter ego Bill Rohan Clint’s son plays Luke Collins, a former (Turner) is called up for National Service in bull rider aiming to make a comeback the shadow of the Korean War. Still, an eight- when his life is complicated by the ro- mantic revelations of an old man (Alda). Insidious Chapter 3 CERT 15 (98 mins) een-year-old lad needs a girl… Starring Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Angus Sampson, Leigh Whannell, Lin Shaye Spy CERT 15 (120 mins) Directed by Leigh Whannell (USA) Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, As the second outing in this horror franchise Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart received a somewhat lukewarm reception, Directed by Paul Feig (USA) the film’s producers (also behind the Para- Director Paul Feig made a star of Melissa normal Activity films) have opted for a pre- McCarthy in Bridesmaids and The Heat and quel this time round. So the psychic Elise now casts her as CIA analyst Susan Cooper. Rainier (Shaye) finds herself reluctantly aid- When two of Susan’s colleagues are in trou- ing a teenage girl badgered by a malevolent ble she volunteers to go undercover so as to supernatural entity. Shiver our timbers. avert global catastrophe. Good ol’ Susan.

Survivor CERT 12a (97 mins) Starring Milla Jovovich, Pierce Brosnan, Dylan McDermott, Angela Bassett, Robert Forster Directed by James McTeigue (USA) Much like Angelina Jolie in Salt (2010), Milla Jovovich is an agent framed for crimes she didn’t commit and so is forced to go on the run while she clears her name. The differ- ence here is that the setting is London and Bulgaria and Pierce Brosnan plays a nasty assassin.

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Released from Fri 19 June

Entourage CERT 15 (tbc) Starring Kevin Connolly, Adrian Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven, Billy Bob Thornton Directed by Doug Ellin (USA) A big-screen continuation of the HBO TV se- ries of the same name, this sees Vincent Chase (Grenier) getting to make his directo- rial debut on a $100million blockbuster. Ex- pect a lot of star cameos (Mark Wahlberg, Liam Neeson, Jessica Alba, etc).

Accidental Love CERT 15 (101 mins) Starring Jessica Biel, Jake Gyllenhaal, Cather- ine Keener, James Marsden, Tracy Morgan, James Brolin Directed by Stephen Greene (aka David O. Russell) (USA) A waitress (Biel) is accidentally shot in the From Fri 26 June head with a nail gun and gradually under- goes a dramatic change in personality, not Slow West CERT 15 (83 mins) She’s Funny That Way to mention developing hypersexual behav- Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Michael Fassben- CERT 12a (94mins) iour... With films like Silver Linings Playbook der, Ben Mendelsohn, Caren Pistorius and American Hustle to his credit, David O Directed by John Maclean (UK/USA) Starring Owen Wilson, Imogen Poots, Russell has become one of America’s most Kathryn Hahn, Will Forte, Rhys Ifans, Jen- Slow West is a pocket-size Western with a in-demand filmmakers. However, after this nifer Aniston, Cybill Shepherd Directed by poetic heart. Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Jay film was delayed and completed without his Peter Bogdanovich (USA) Cavendish, a love-struck Scottish teenager involvement, he took his name off the cred- It sounds like the premise for a Woody who, in 1870, travels to Colorado in search its. Allen film: a married Broadway director of his true love, Rose (Pistorius). Along the (Owen Wilson) falls for a prostitute (Poots) way he hooks up with Silas (Michael Fass- and decides to make her a star. Meanwhile, bender), a bounty hunter who is both a his playwright (Forte) also falls for her... blessing and a curse. While Silas constantly The film should certainly help the career of saves Jay’s life, he also knows there’s a the London-born Poots. bounty on Rose’s head... While at times liv- ing up to its title, Slow West is also atmos- pheric and idiosyncratic enough to hold one’s interest for most of the time. As Silas, Minions CERT tbc executive producer Fassbender looks to the Featuring the voices of Adam Sandler, Dustin saddle born, while Smit-McPhee’s androgy- Hoffman, Method Man, Ellen Barkin, Steve Buscemi, Melonie Diaz, Dan Stevens nous Jay provides the innocence that the Directed by Pierre Coffin and Kyle Balda West is out to corrupt. It’s a visual treat as (USA) well (shot on location in New Zealand) and The irritating little yellow helpmates of the Released from Fri 26 June bristles with darkly comic detail. Despicable Gru now have a movie to them- selves. Having destroyed all the masters that they had previously served (including Everly CERT 18 (98 mins) Genghis Khan, Napoleon and Dracula), the Starring Salma Hayek, Hiroyuki Watanabe, minions set off to find someone equally evil Laura Cepeda Directed by Joe Lynch (USA) to assist. So they attend a villain’s conven- tion and latch on to Scarlet Overkill (Bul- Everly is a prostitute who informs on her ex, lock), who’s planning to take over the world. a mob boss, who promptly sends a gang of In 3D. hitmen around to her place. But Everly is more savvy than anybody had imagined and has her own way of dispensing justice... Ex- pect extreme violence and scenes of torture.

Knock, Knock CERT tbc Starring Keanu Reeves, Ignacia Allamand, Lorenza Izzo Directed by Eli Roth (USA) Who’s there? Apparently we’re talking about a couple of beautiful young women who take it upon themselves to terrorise an archi- tect working at home alone. The director Eli Roth was previously responsible for Cabin Fever, Hostel and Hostel: Part II. So, expect some gore.

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Supersonic Festival Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 June Since the inception of Supersonic Festival in 2003, Capsule have firmly established the event as one of the UK’s premier experimental music and arts festivals. For years they’ve filled Birmingham’s in- dustrial spaces with Supersonic Festival attendees, introducing emerging cultural spaces via a cocktail of music, film, art installations, food and more. And this year is no different. Birmingham Town Hall plays host to the Will Gre- gory Moog Ensemble’s opening concert on the Thursday evening. The Friday and Saturday fea- tures performances from The Pop Group, Gazelle Twin, The Bug vs Dylan Carlson and Liturgy. Aside from the music there’s an array of films, exhi- bitions, talks, presentations and special perform- ances to enjoy throughout the four days, as well as entertainment to keep younger visitors amused. For more information, visit .supersonicfestival.com. Tinariwen Lunar Festival Umberslade Estate, Warwickshire, Fri 5 - Sun 7 June After two successful years in 2013 and ’14, Lunar returns to Umberslade Estate for the third time. Set in the spiritual home of Nick Drake and based on sister festival Moseley Folk, this three-day event prides itself on creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. A variety of dance and craft workshops can be enjoyed throughout each day, and there’s also a separate family camping area... And on the subject of camping, both a ‘quieter’ camping field and luxury camping have been made available for this year, based on feedback from the 2014 event. Musically, the line-up boasts a strong collection of alternative rock, folk and world artists - Tinariwen (headliners), Wilko Johnson, Public Service Broadcasting, The Fall and Sun Ra Arkestra, to name but a few. The arrival of evening finds the festival offering more of a clubbing environment. Magic Liturgy Door, Swingamajig’s Speakeasy and Psychemagik’s Magik Forest Arabian Tent all play their part in keeping Lunar alive into the early hours. Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival Various venues in Lichfield City Centre, Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June Download Festival Donington Park, Castle Donington, Derby, Fri 12 - Sun 14 June Lichfield Arts here presents four days of the finest jazz and blues from some of the best national and Seen as the spiritual home of rock, Donington Park has played host to this major festival regional bands around. for more than ten years. Organised by Live Nation, Download regularly attracts the creme Kicking things off on the Thursday evening is The de la creme of rock, heavy metal and punk, with more than one hundred-and-forty acts Blues Band, performing at Lichfield Cathedral. Fri- this year scheduled to appear across three days and four main stages. day and Saturday features performances from, American heavy metal takes top billing, with Slipknot headlining the main stage on the among others, Jay Phelps Quartet, The Sleaze Friday. British rockers Muse take centre-stage on the Saturday, while Kiss close the festi- Brothers and Steve Ajao & Climax Blues Band. The val on the Sunday. Faith No More, Judas Priest, A Day To Remember, Motley Crue, Five Sunday, meanwhile, has been described as ‘a big, Finger Death Punch and Slash also feature in an impressive line-up. bold, beautiful, brassy day of jazz and funk’. For tickets and more information, visit lichfield- arts.org.uk.

Jay Phelps Quartet

Slipknot

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man, The King Biscuit venues in Buxton, Temptation, Trivium, The Chemical Brothers, Listings Boys, Swampcandy & Derby Rob Zombie & Black Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Festivals Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde BIRMINGHAM FEST Line- Label Society, Thurs 6 - Daresbury, Cheshire Band, Sat 4 July, The up to be announced, Fri Sun 9 Aug, Catton Hall, BEERMAGEDDON Line-up For full listing information on festivals, Fold, Worcester 17 July - Sun 2 Aug, Derbyshire includes Rannoch, LEAMINGTON SPA various locations BULLDOG BASH Line-up Mpire Of Evil, Tyson including dates and line-up, visit UKULELE FESTIVAL Line- throughout Birmingham includes Permageddon, Dog & Heavenwood, Fri www.whatsonlive.co.uk up includes Lynda ALIVE AT DELAPRE PARK Easydread, TBone & 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Stoke Styne & Red Hot Duo, Line-up includes Jessie Sky Valley Mistress, Prior Country Club, OF BRITAIN Line-up in- Chonkinfeckle, Bitter J, Alfie Boe & Mc- Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Aug, Bromsgrove JUNE cludes Paul Carrack, Jug Stompers & Busted, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Shakespeare County SHREWSBURY FOLK FES- Big Country, Show Of Gabriela, Sat 4 July, Jul, Delapre Park, Raceway, Stratford- TIVAL Line-up includes Hands & From The Newbold Comyn Arms, Northampton upon-Avon Richard Thompson, La ENGLISH HAYDN FESTIVAL Jam, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Warwickshire FESTIVAL 8 Line-up in- STRAWBERRY FIELDS Bottine Souriante, Kate Line-up includes The June, Uttoxeter Race- LLANGOLLEN INTERNA- cludes Alternative Dub- FESTIVAL Line-up to be Rusby & Sharon Shan- Sacconi String Quartet, course, Staffordshire TIONAL MUSICAL step Orchestra, Seas Of announced, Fri 7 - Sat 8 non, Fri 28 - Mon 31 The Chistophe Coin LINTON MUSIC FESTIVAL EISTEDDFOD Line-up in- Mirth, Hallouminati & Aug, Cattow Farm, Aug, West Midland Trio, The Salomon Line-up includes cludes Rufus Wain- Rick Emsley, Fri 17 - Leicester Showground, Shrews- String Quartet & The Snakechamer, Wilko wright, Alfie Boe, Sun 19 Jul, Cabourne LAKEFEST Line-up to be bury English Haydn Orches- Johnson, Andy Fair- UB40’s Ali Campbell, Parva, Lincolnshire announced, Fri 7 - Sat 9 GREENBELT FESTIVAL tra, Wed 3 - Sun 7 June, weather Low & The Low Astro and Mickey Virtue BUG JAM Line-up to be Aug, Croft Farm Water- Line-up includes Duke various locations in Riders & The Hoax, Fri & Gareth Malone and announced, Fri 17 - Sun park, Tewkesbury Special, Pascuala Il- Bridgnorth, Shropshire 19 - Sun 21 June, The his Voices choir, Mon 6 19 Jul, Santa Pod Race- REWIND NORTH Line-up abaca, King Porter THE GATE TO SOUTHWELL Alma Inn, Herefordshire - Sun 12 July, Royal In- way, Northamptonshire includes Soul II Soul, Stomp & Worry Dolls, FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up ALCESTER FOLK FESTIVAL ternational Pavillion L FEST Line-up includes The Human League, Fri 28 Aug - Mon 31 includes Billy Bragg, Line-up includes Lynne BUXTON FESTIVAL FRINGE Lucy Spraggan, O’Hoo- The Boomtown Rats & Aug, Boughton House, Clannad, The Urban Heraud, Pat Turner, Line-up includes Albion, ley & Tidow, The Tuts & Kim Wilde, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Northamptonshire Folk Quartet & Chris Derek Gifford & Les City Of Manchester Or- Holloway, Fri 17 - Mon Aug, Capesthorne Hall, FUSION FESTIVAL Line- Wood, Thurs 4 - Sun 7 Sullivan, Fri 19 - Sun 21 chestra, Basin Street 20 July, Uttoxeter Race- Cheshire up includes Justin June, Southwell, June, Holly-Bush, War- Jazz and Blues & Dale course, Staffordshire FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Bieber, McBusted, Rudi- Nottinghamshire wickshire Storr, Wed 8 - Sun 26 SPLENDOUR Line-up in- Line-up includes Dr mental & Tinie Tempah, WIRRAL FOLK FESTIVAL 100 ABOVE (LAINFEST) Jul, various venues cludes The Specials, Feelgood, Ferocious Sat 29 - Sun 30 Aug, Line-up includes Fair- Line-up includes Lucy around Buxton James, Jess Glynne & Dog, 3 Daft Monkeys & Cofton Park, Birming- port Convention, Cara Rose, Bipolar Sunshine, 2000TREES FESTIVAL Lawson, Sat 18 July, Talisman, Fri 14 - Sun ham Dillon Band, Richard Di- Amber Run & To Kill A Line-up includes Deaf Wollaton Park, Notting- 16 Aug, Gatten Farm, gance & The Houghton King, Fri 19 - Sun 21 Havana, Idlewild, We hamshire Shropshire Weavers, Thurs 4 - Sun June, Gopsall Hall Are The Ocean & The WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL BETLEY CONCERTS Line- SEPTEMBER 7 June, Whitby Sports Farm, Warwickshire Subways, Thurs 9 - Sat Line-up includes Billy up includes Tom Jones, & Social Club, Cheshire KINETON MUSIC FESTIVAL 11 Jul, Upcote Farm, Bragg, Lil’ Jimmy Reed Total Access Live & Col- BOURNE FESTIVAL Line- Line-up includes Hot Cheltenham Band, The Demon Bar- labro, Fri 14 - Sun 16 MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL up includes Violet Tubes, The Folly Broth- BROMSGROVE FOLK FES- bers XL & Nancy Kerr, Jul, Betley Court Farm, Line-up includes The Cities, The More I See ers, Neighbourhood TIVAL Line-up includes Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July, Cheshire Monkees, Spiritualized, & Festival Sons, Fri 5 - Cotch & The Har- Artisan, Colum Sands, various venues around LICHFIELD FAKE FESTIVAL Idlewild & Anna Calvi, Sun 7 Jun, Wellhead vesters, Sat 20 June, Hat Fitz and Cara & An- Warwick Line-up includes Bon Fri 4 - Sun 6 Sept, Field, Lincolnshire Kineton Sports and So- thony John Clarke, DEERSTOCK Line-up in- Jovi Experience, Kaz- Moseley Park, Birming- LUNAR FESTIVAL Line-up cial Club, Warwickshire Thurs 9 - Sun 12 July, cludes Ferocious Dog, abian & Space Cowboy, ham includes Tinariwen, LICHFIELD BLUES AND The Bowling Green, Big Boy Bloater, Sat 15 Aug, Beacon FESTIVAL NO.6 Line-up Wilko Johnson, Public JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up Bromsgrove Doggen All Star Band & Park, Lichfield includes Grace Jones, Service Broadcasting & includes The Blues NOISILY FESTIVAL Line- Funke and the Two THE GREEN MAN FESTI- Belle & Sebastian, DJ Sun Ra Arkestra, Fri 5 - Band, Jay Phelps Quar- up includes Stephan Tone Baby, Fri 24 - Sun VAL Line-up includes St Harvey & The 2 Bears, Sun 7 June, Umber- tet, Tommaso Starace Bodzin, Grouch, Boris 26 Jul, Newton, Notting- Vincent, Super Furry Fri 4 - Mon 7 Sept, Port- slade Farm Park, War- Quartet & Steve Ajao & Brejcha & Parasense, hamshire Animals, Hot Chip & meirion wickshire Climax Blues Band, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Jul, INDIETRACKS MUSIC FES- Slowdrive, Thurs 20 - WELFEST ON THE VALEFEST Line-up in- Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June, Coney Woods, Leices- TIVAL Line-up includes Sun 23 Aug, Glanusk MEADOW Line-up in- cludes Will And The various venues around ter The Go! Team, Cin- Park, Brecon Beacons cludes The Loose Cov- People, Dark Stares, Lichfield NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL erama, Martha & Tiger- THE JUST SO FESTIVAL ers, The Vooz, Souled Ghouls & The Uptone EXILE MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes Jelly- cats, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jul, Line-up includes Seas Out 2 Funk & Matt Girls, Sat 6 Jun, The Line-up includes The heads, The Session, Butterley Station, near Of Mirth, Formidable Eaves, Sat 5 Sept, Syn- Vale, Birmingham Roughneck Riot, Lil Abba Chique & Vendet- Ripley, Derbyshire Vegetable Sound Sys- der Meadow, Warwick- NO TOMORROW FESTIVAL Jim’s Li’l Squeeze, The tas, Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL tem, Patch and The shire Line-up includes John Hiveminds & The Rot- Napton on the Hill, War- Line-up includes The Giant & Backyard Burn- ONBOARD THE CRAFT Newman, Jessie Ware, ten Hill Gang, Fri 26 - wickshire Wu Tang Clan, Martha ers, Fri 21 - Sun 23 FESTIVAL Line-up in- James Bay & Bondax, Sun 28 Jun, Sabine SOUNDS IN THE GROUNDS Reeves and The Van- Aug, Rode Hall Park- cludes The Hawklords, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jun, Wol- Hay, Derbyshire Line-up includes Kaiser dellas, Beardyman & land, Cheshire Son of Man, Dr Has- laton Park, Notting- NATIONAL FOREST FOLK Chiefs, Professor London Elektricity, Fri WILDWOOD FESTIVAL been & Glow People, hamshire FESTIVAL Line-up in- Green, Ella Eyre, Royal 24 - Sun 26 July, Brom- Line-up includes Albany Fri 11 - Sat 12 Sept, SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL cludes The Poozies, Philharmonic Concert yard, Hereford Down, The Band From Stoke Prior Sports & Line-up includes Eter- The New Rope String Orchestra & Lucy MADE BIRMINGHAM Line- County Hell, Big Boy Country Club, Broms- nal Tapestry, Woven Band, Tim Edey & The O’Byrne, Fri 10 - Sat 11 up includes Beardy- Bloater and The Limits grove Skull, Wildbirds and Shee, Fri 26 - Sun 28 July, Warwick Castle man, Claude & Chantel McGregor, Fri WHITWELL FESTIVAL OF Peacedrums & Apos- Jun, Moira Miners’ Wel- THE MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK VonStroke, David Rodi- 21 - Sun 23 Aug, MUSIC Line-up includes tille, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 fare Hall, Leicestershire & SOUL FESTIVAL Line- gan & Julio Bashmore, Tupholme Abbey Eddie & The Hot Rods, Jun, Birmingham City UPTON JAZZ FESTIVAL up includes Roy Ayers, Sat 25 July, The Dig- Fields, Lincolnshire Seven Little Sisters, Centre Line-up includes Alan Gregory Porter, Craig beth Triangle, Birming- PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL Maelor Hughes & Black DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL Barnes, Old Hat Jazz Charles & Hackney Col- ham Line-up includes Kevin Thorn, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Line-up includes Muse, Band, Chris Pearce liery Band, Fri 10 - Sun Y-NOT FESTIVAL Line-up Grenfell’s Jazz Giants, Sept, various locations Slipknot, Kiss & Faith Quartet & Gypsy Fire, 12 July, Moseley Park, includes Snoop Dogg, John Hallam and Remi around Banbury No More, Fri 12 - Sun Thurs 25 - Sun 28 June, Birmingham Primal Scream, Base- Jazz, Gypsy Fire, Digby SHREWSBURY FIELDS 14 June, Donington The Riverside, Upton- PUNKS AGAINST CANCER ment Jaxx & Ocean Fairweather’s Half FOREVER FESTIVAL Line- Park Racing Circuit, upon-Severn Line-up to be an- Colour Scene, Fri 31 Jul Dozen, Fri 21 - Sun 23 up to be announced, Fri Derby nounced, Fri 10 - Sun - Sun 2 Aug, Aug, Pershore College, 11 - Sun 13 Sept, loca- LEAMINGTON PEACE FES- 12 Jul, The Hairy Dog, Mouldridge Lane, Der- Warwickshire tion tbc, Shropshire TIVAL Line-up to be an- JULY Derbyshire byshire V FESTIVAL Line-up in- BROMYARD FOLK FESTI- nounced, Sat 13 - Sun CORNBURY MUSIC FESTI- CARFEST NORTH Line-up cludes Calvin Harris, VAL Line-up includes 14 Jun, Leamington VAL Line-up includes includes Billy Ocean, Kasabian, Stereophon- Breabach, Gerry Colvin HOLI ONE FESTIVAL BIRM- CAMPER JAM Line-up to Tom Jones, Razorlight, Seasick Steve, Paul ics & Sam Smith, Sat 22 Band, John Doyle & INGHAM Line-up to be be announced, Fri 3 - Roger Hodgson & The Heaton and Jacqui Ab- - Sun 23 Aug, Weston Sharon Shannon, Fri 11 announced, Sat 13 Sun 5 July, Weston Fratellis, Fri 10 - Sun 12 bott & Sophie Ellis-Bex- Park, Staffordshire - Sun 13 Sept, Brom- June, The Rainbow Park, Staffordshire Jul, Great Tew Estate, tor, Fri 31 Jul - Sun 2 PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL yard Venues, Birmingham GODIVA FESTIVAL Line- Oxfordshire Aug, Oulton Park Race Line-up includes WORCESTER MUSIC FES- RUGFEST Line-up in- up includes The Wom- BUXTON FESTIVAL Line- Circuit, Cheshire Fenella Humphreys, TIVAL Line-up to be an- cludes The Christians, bats, Fun Lovin’ up includes English Matthew Taylor, Navarra nounced, Fri 18 - Sun Land Of The Giants, Criminals, Embrace & Chamber Orchestra, Quartet & Nova Music 20 Sept, various venues Will And The People & The Beat, Fri 3 - Sun 5 The Schubert Ensem- AUGUST Opera Thurs 27 Aug - in Worcester RSVP, Fri 19 - Sat 20 July, War Memorial ble, The Fitzwilliam Tues 1 Sept, Powys Jun, Wallingford Sports Park, Coventry String Quartet & Maria CREAMFIELDS Line-up Park, Oxfordshire BLUES AT THE FOLD Line- Camahort Quintet, Fri BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR includes Avicii, Tiesto, THE ACOUSTIC FESTIVAL up includes Jack Black- 10 - Sun 26 Jul, various Line-up includes Within Armin Van Buuren &

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Jamaica Hidden Histories The Drum, Birmingham, Thurs 25 June - Thurs 30 July “This project is about all those pages that have been ripped out regarding our cultural heritage,” says Lorna Holder, one of the organisers of Jamaica Hidden Histories. The well-reviewed exhibition, which is currently touring the UK, uncovers and showcases cultural and historical links between Britain and Jamaica. “It’s about all the stories that have been told and not always documented," continues Lorna, "and the documents that have been written and not always read. It’s about the many archives, films, photographs and artefacts relating to us that are hidden away in museums, galleries and within our homes. “Through this project, these are all brought to light for young people and elders from diverse commu- nities to con- nect with their own heritage. “This project will establish a legacy that future genera- tions can explore and expand upon.”

The Arts And Crafts House: The Modernist Face Then And Now The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 5 June - Sun 27 September Compton Verney, Warwickshire, The work of two undervalued British artists - sculptor Frank Dobson and painter Matthew Sat 27 June - Sun 13 September Smith - is explored in this Barber collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. The historic arts & crafts movement and its ‘fasci- The exhibition investigates the dynamic relationship between sitter and artist. It features nation with the creation of the home’ is investigat- work by numerous celebrated contributors to British culture, including author Roald ed in this new exhibition. Dahl, actress Jean Simmons, Bloomsbury elder statesman Sir Osbert Sitwell and textile Taking a look at the work and ideas of John designer Marian Dorn. Ruskin and William Morris, the display explores how subsequent generations of designers created new ways of living and working. A History Of Us: A The exhibition, which has been devised as a series of encounters between historic and con- Stencilled History Of temporary works, includes new commissions by Rosa Nguyen and landscape & garden designer The Human Race Dan Pearson. The Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, Sat 13 June - Sun 4 October Street artist Pahnl is the creative force behind this new exhibition. A ‘miniature history of humanity’ presented across a forty-four- metre display, A History Of Us is described as ‘witty, sometimes factual and often a little bit sub- versive’. The exhibition features ‘a riot of tiny, graphic people’ offering an unconventional view of the past, present and future, from primal prehistory through to the twenty- first century and beyond.

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featuring more than politicians by Edmund PREVIEWS LISTINGS three hundred barely Knapp, until Sun 6 VisualArts VisualArts visible works referenc- Sept, The Barber ing plant drawings, until Institute, Birmingham For full listing information on Visual Art Sun 12 July, Ikon SUSAN STOCKWELL: SEA Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, Gallery, Birmingham MARKINGS Exhibition visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk PAVEL BÜCHLER inspired by the RSC’s Exhibition of work utilis- summer 2015 season ing a wide range of of plays and the world 20th-century British Studio STANHOPE FORBES’S Kiko, the original media. This is the of sixteenth century ENGLAND The first time Nigerian method for artist’s most compre- Venice, until Sun 6 Ceramics this collection of works hair threading, until hensive UK exhibition Sept, Royal has been brought Tues 16 June, The to date, until Sun 12 Shakespeare Theatre, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, together for public Drum, Birmingham July, Ikon Gallery, Stratford-upon-Avon until Thurs 31 December viewing, until Sat 6 IMAGINING A UNIVERSITY Birmingham NAUTICAL CRAFT EXHIBI- Seventy-eight studio ceramics made by twenty- June, Worcester City Fifty years of the POP IN SPACE: WE TION Works by contem- Museum & Art Gallery nine potters are brought together for this new University of Warwick CHOOSE TO GO TO THE porary designer/makers exhibition of items collected by Birmingham- PROTON, UNITY, ENERGY, Art collection, until Sat MOON Exploring artists’ created in response to BLIZZARD An imposing 20 Jun, The Mead responses to the Space the sea and coast, until born architect Stanley Sellers (1933-2013). four-screen video instal- Gallery, Warwick Race during the Cold Sat 12 Sept, RBSA Included among its highlights are Bernard lation exploring sites University, Coventry War, until Sat 18 July, Gallery, Birmingham Leach’s rustic Leaping Salmon vase, Austrian- used by the Russian THE CURRENT SITUATION Wolverhampton Art THE STORY OF CHIL- born Lucie Rie’s brightly coloured modernist Space Agency and mili- A selection of five art- Gallery DREN’S TELEVISION bowls, and John Ward’s bold, geometric pots. tary, until Sat 6 June, works by artist Yara El- SOLDIERS’ STORIES: FROM 1946 TO TODAY Wolverhampton Art Sherbini which, BIRMINGHAM AND THE Fascinating exhibition Studio ceramics made by potters in the Gallery Midlands also feature, including a raku bowl by although diverse, fea- ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE which takes a look at FAITH & ACTION: QUAK- ture a common theme, REGIMENT 1914 - 1918 some of the shows and university lecturer and published author David ERS & THE FIRST WORLD until Sat 27 Jun, Exhibition which com- characters that have Jones. WAR Exhibition which Wolverhampton Art memorates the cente- excited and delighted uses original photo- Gallery nary of the First World youngsters across the graphs, film interviews THE JEWELLERY QUAR- War and recounts the decades, until Sun 13 Wish You Were Here? and artefacts to tell the TER DURING THE FIRST experiences of Sept, Herbert Art compelling stories of WORLD WAR Exhibition Birmingham men who Gallery & Museum, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Quaker men and of artefacts, images served in the regiment Coventry until Sun 28 June women during the and oral histories relat- between 1914 and AN ENGLISHMAN ABROAD An exhibition which celebrates the postcard 1914/18 conflict and its ing to the recruitment 1918, using personal Exhibition examining aftermath, until Sun 7 of soldiers from the objects, medals & the changing focus of as a form of art, Wish You Were Here? com- June, Birmingham memorabilia, until Sun prises work by over two hundred artists. All Jewellery Quarter, until pilgrims and the coun- Museum & Art Gallery Sat 27 June, The 26 July, Birmingham tries which their pilgrim- the postcards come from curator Jeremy CANALETTO: CELEBRAT- Jewellery Quarter, Museum & Art Gallery ages have taken them Cooper’s collection and are being presented ING BRITAIN Bringing Birmingham NÁSTIO MOSQUITO A to, until Sat 31 Oct, at mac prior to being donated to the British together the paintings GRAHAM LEONARD KING selection of the artist’s Worcester City Museum Museum’s prints & drawings department. & drawings which RBSA Featuring a selec- work at the fifty-sixth & Art Gallery Canaletto created tion of small & large Biennale di Venezia, ART IN THE PARK: KERN between 1746 and atmospheric land- until Sun 26 July, Ikon BABY BY FAYE CLARIDGE 1755, a period during scapes using acrylics Gallery, Birmingham This enigmatic new which he celebrated on wooden panel and GREEN FINGERED Solo commission by artist the achievements of paper, until Sat 27 exhibition by Gemma Faye Claridge for the British architecture and June, RBSA Gallery, Marmalade, until Sat 29 grounds at Compton engineering, until Sun 7 Birmingham Aug, BOM (Birmingham Verney takes on the June, Compton Verney, Open Media), Dudley form of an exaggerated Warwickshire ANNA LORENZ NWA Sculptural and wall- Street, Birmingham sculptural emblem of THE NON-CONFORMISTS: based explorations MADE AT MAC: CERAMICS folklore, until Sun 13 PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAR- developed from the An exhibition of course Dec, Compton Verney, TIN PARR Recording a Next Wave exhibition, participants’ work, until Warwickshire bygone age of Martin’s held at the RBSA Mon 31 Aug, mac - BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE own photographic Gallery in May 2014 to Midlands Arts Centre, AND CHANGE IN THE career, during which support emerging Birmingham INNER-CITY Display time his focus was very artists, until Sat 4 July, exploring the way in much on recording LOVE IS ENOUGH: ANDY RBSA Gallery, WARHOL AND WILLIAM which ordinary remnants from past Birmingham Birmingham people eras, until Sun 7 June, MORRIS Exhibition TREVOR APPLESON: bringing together signif- have been represented Compton Verney, in art during the twenti- Warwickshire BIRMINGHAM Exhibition icant and iconic works exploring self-represen- by both artists, includ- eth & twenty-first cen- PRIZE EXHIBITION Annual tation as a counterpoint ing some rarely seen turies, until Thurs 31 open exhibition featur- to the conventions of pieces, until Sun 6 Dec, Birmingham ing works from artists the traditional photo- Sept, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery across the region and graphic portrait, until Museum & Art Gallery 20TH CENTURY BRITISH beyond, until Sat 13 Sun 5 July, mac - FROM ‘RED’ ELLEN TO STUDIO CERAMICS June, RBSA Gallery, Midlands Arts Centre, A display of seventy- Birmingham OSWALD MOSLEY Birmingham Portraits of inter-war eight pieces of studio STEPHANIE REDFERN SAMARA SCOTT: SILKS New series of work New body of work based on natural histo- which draws on the ry & museum collec- phenomenon of post- tions using print and internet art, until Sat 11 Game Over textiles, until Sat 13 July, Eastside Projects, Newman Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham, June, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham Birmingham until Fri 24 July YOU AND ME HERE WE AIDEEN DORAN: IM BAU ARE Exhibition of origi- This fascinating exhibition presents new art- Exploring the city as a work inspired by the visit of artists and nal material including space for artistic, eco- the artist’s film, The designers to The Coffin Works. nomic & ideological Most Smallest Heath In The Birmingham museum is located in the production, until Sun The Spaghetti Junction, one-time Jewellery Quarter home of the 14 June, Grand Union, until Sat 11 July, Birmingham Newman Brothers, a company renowned for Eastside Projects, producing some of the world’s finest coffin DISSENTERS AND DREAM- Birmingham ERS Anti-authoritarian OPEN 2015 Showcasing furniture - including the fittings for the funer- art from the East and als of Churchill, Chamberlain and the Queen the work of local artists, West, until Tues 16 until Sun 12 July, Royal Mother. June, Centrala Gallery Pump Rooms, The artwork on show in Game Over & Cafe, Digbeth, Leamington Spa. Birmingham embraces ‘the nature and thematic of the JACQUES NIMKI: JULIANA KASUMU museum, juxtaposing history with contempo- SEEN/UNSEEN A new Game Over - Newman Brothers Coffin Works, Photographs of Irun rary examination’. permanent installation Birmignham. Photo credit: Jon Wilkes

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Roman Empire’s PAHNL A wry journey enduring appeal of the ROB LECKEY ARBSA A Trevor Appleson - mac, Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham imagery, until Sun 24 through the history of historic arts & crafts display of harbours, Jan 2016, The Barber the human race, star- movement and its fasci- boats, cities and land- Institute, Birmingham ring a riot of tiny, graph- nation with the creation scapes using acrylic ALL EARS Exhibition of ic people, Sat 16 Jun - of the home, Sat 27 paint and inks, collage new works responding Sun 4 Oct, Herbert Art June - Sun 13 Sept, and mixed-media, Mon to innovations in early Gallery & Museum, Compton Verney, 29 June - Sat 15 Aug, music technology, Mon Coventry Warwickshire RBSA, Birmingham 1 - Sun 14 Jun, WAY OF THE WARRIOR Millennium Point, Exhibition of arms & Birmingham armour from historical Museums & Art Galleries THE MODERNIST FACE: movies, including DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART SMITH, DOBSON & Gladiator, Last Samurai Birmingham GALLERY & War Horse, Sat 13 ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield BRITISH PORTRAITURE 01384 815575 1920-60 A snapshot June - Sat 5 Sept, 0121 323 3776 through the lens of Worcester City Art BARBER INSTITUTE LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE Modernism, this latest Gallery & Museum 0121 414 7333 WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 716055 Barber exhibition DAVID GEORGE RBSA A BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & explores the work of selection of oils and ART GALLERY THE NEW ART GALLERY two under-appreciated watercolours of recent 0121 303 2834 WALSALL 01922 654400 British artists, Fri 5 travels to Cornwall, CASTLE GALLERIES RED HOUSE GLASS CONE June - Sun 27 Sept, France, Cuba, Portugal, 0121 248 8484 01384 812750 The Barber Institute, Ibiza and Wales, Mon GRAND UNION WOLVERHAMPTON ART Birmingham 15 June - Sat 8 Aug, 0121 643 9079 GALLERY 01902 552055 A YEAR IN PICTURES A RBSA Gallery, IKON GALLERY Warwickshire Birmingham retrospective of BCU’s 0121 248 0708 COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY achievements over the FRIENDS’ EXHIBITION NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01926 645500 past academic year, Showcase of jewellery, 0121 643 9099 HERBERT ART GALLERY across all faculties, ceramics, textiles, draw- RBSA GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 captured in photo- ing, painting & print- 0121 2364353 LANCHESTER GALLERY, graphs, Mon 8 - Sat 27 making, Wed 17 June - STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH COVENTRY June, Parkside Gallery, Sat 11 July, RBSA [email protected] 02476 887831 Birmingham City Gallery, Birmingham University THREE WHITE WALLS MEAD GALLERY WARWICK THE HART SILVERSMITHS: GALLERY 02476 524524 LOVE, LIFE & LAND- A LIVING TRADITION 0121 200 3328 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS SCAPES Featuring Exhibition which tells 01926 742700 German romantic prints the story of the tradi- Black Country RUGBY MUSEUM & ART & drawings from the tion, skill and way of life GALLERY 01788 533201 Barber’s collection, Fri BANTOCK HOUSE of the silversmith, Sat WOLVERHAMPTON 12 June - Sun 13 Sept, 27 June - Sun 13 Sept, 01902 552195 ceramics made by Museum & Art Gallery The Barber Institute, Compton Verney, Worcestershire Birmingham BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY twenty-nine potters Warwickshire 01902 552507 WORCESTER CITY ART INHERITING ROME GALLERY 01905 25371 working in England and Exhibition which uses A HISTORY OF US: A THE ARTS AND CRAFTS BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS Wales during the twen- money to explore and STENCILLED (SORT OF) HOUSE: THEN AND NOW MUSEUM, DUDLEY tieth century, until Thurs question our deep-seat- HISTORY OF THE HUMAN Exhibition tracing the 01384 812745 31 Dec, Birmingham ed familiarity with the RACE, BY STREET ARTIST origins, legacy and

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Sainsbury’s British Championships Alexandra Stadium, Birmingham, Sun 7 June Olympic, European and Commonwealth long jump champion Greg World and former Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu is Rutherford is among the stars who’re joining the legendary Mo Farah another who’s taking part in the event. “Defending my title at the for this high-profile event. World Championships in Beijing is the main target for 2015,” says “It’s a World Championships year and I’m determined to win the only Christine, “but I want to run well in every race - especially on home major title that’s missing from my cabinet,” says Greg. “If I can beat soil in front of British fans. I’m excited to pull on my spikes and get my main rivals in Birmingham, it will set me up perfectly for the rest back out on the track.” of the year.” Aegon Classic Edgbaston Priory Club, Birmingham, Mon 15 - Sun 21 June Regularly attracting some of the world’s top female tennis play- ers, the Aegon Classic is a firm favourite in the British tennis calendar. Formerly known as the DFS Classic, the week-long event this year sees both world number three Simona Halep and reigning champion Ana Ivanovic taking part. Away from the tennis matches, the event hosts a tournament village that includes retail and BBQ marquees, an autograph area and a Mo t & Chandon Champagne Bar. Two special daysĕ also feature - a charity day, this year raising money for Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and the always ‘glamorous’ Ladies Day. Cheltenham Science Festival Various Locations around Cheltenham, Tues 2 - Sun 7 June Providing six days of debate and entertainment, the Cheltenham Science Festival offers visitors the chance to put their questions to some of the world’s leading thinkers - and even to conduct their own experiments. This year’s festival features over one hundred-and-sixty events, including talks by Brian Cox, Alice Roberts, Robert Winston and Wilko Johnson. Among the festival’s other highlights are a brand new Dino Zone - featur- ing a seven-metre skeleton of a Gorgosaurus - and an original DeLorean, ‘flown’ in to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of hit movie Back To The Future. Commenting on the event, Festival Director Jane Furze said: “We have a fantastic programme that engages scientists, science enthusiasts and any- one and everyone with a curious mind who wants to better understand how the world works and how science helps us to understand it.”

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Events PREVIEWS The Kenilworth Show Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Sat 6 June Organised by the Kenilworth & District Agricultural Society, this traditional country event has been taking place annually since 1944 and will once again feature a wide range of entertainments. A pageant of carriages, an extended country- side area and a food court are all new addi- tions for 2015. Old favourites such as a grand parade of livestock, numerous quad bike stunt displays and a variety of children’s attractions also feature.

Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power Cholmondeley Castle, Cheshire, Fri 12 - Sun 14 June The Cholmondeley Pageant Of Power is widely considered to be one of the UK’s most dynamic motorsport events, offering ‘an action-packed weekend for all the family’. The show includes an ‘over 1000bhp’ race, with more than one hundred-and-twenty of the country’s most valuable and iconic cars and bikes battling it out for a place on the podium. Other show highlights include the Vulcan taking to the skies with the Red Bull Matadors, and the first concours d’elegance, celebrating American muscle cars and ’80s poster supercars. Classical and rock music also feature in the show’s programme, with The Rick Parfitt Jnr Band and former X Factor contestants Tenors Of Rock both contributing. Expect power bal- lads and ultimate rock anthems aplenty. Blitz Hill Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, wanting to see the choices available, the In addition to the host of celebrities who’re Shropshire, Sat 20 June show offers visitors the opportunity to experi- on hand to share their knowledge - Mary Head back in time at Blists Hill to the start of ence the lifestyle firsthand. Enjoy the day, Berry, John Torode, James Martin, Antonio the twentieth century - and from there head pick up new ideas for home decoration and Carluccio and Gennaro Contaldo - the four- four decades into the future to enjoy this style - and don’t forget to sample the beauti- day event offers visitors an abundance of special 1940s-set event! ful home-cooked food available from the demonstrations, tastings, book signings and Blitz Hill presents an evening of World War Farmers’ Fayre.” shopping experiences to enjoy. Two-style entertainment, music and activities. The Summer Kitchen - hosted by local Visitors are invited to attend the event celebrity chef Marcus Bean - and the dressed in Shropshire Home Front period Supertheatre also feature. costume. Highlights include the chance to The show’s ultimate shopping experience, view a number of vintage vehicles and steam meanwhile, boasts plenty of well-known engines, learn how people made the most of brands, kitchen appliances and gadgets, a food rationing, meet wartime characters and Producers’ Village and a Good Food Bakes join the Home Guard for their drill. Heck, you & Cakes Village. can even try a spam fritter! The evening clos- Tickets to the show also provide access to es with a concert in the Ironworks. the BBC Gardeners’ World Live event. Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick Swashbuckle Pirates Warwick Castle, until Sun 6 September At The Herbert If you love the Horrible Histories series (and The Herbert Gallery, Coventry, Sat 6 June why the heck wouldn’t you?!), then brand Youngsters get their timbers well and truly new production Wicked Warwick - presented shivered at the Herbert this month - and in partnership with Birmingham Stage there may even be some splicing of the Company - is a show well worth catching. mainbrace going on too. This slice of high-energy medieval mayhem CBeebies Swashbuckle Pirates Cook and features ‘a crowd of weird and wonderful Line are on hand to take children on what’s characters plagued by poverty and pesti- World Of Park And Leisure been described as ‘a wild, high-seas adven- lence’... In short, it’s a truly horrible history of Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, ture’. And as an added attraction, there’s the Britain - with all the nasty bits left in! Fri 12 - Sun 14 June chance to get ‘up close and personal’ with This popular event features over fifty on-dis- the popular duo at the end of the thirty- play homes - complete with new concepts minute show. and ideas - presented by some of the UK’s major manufacturers. A wide range of related products and servic- BBC Good Food Show es is also available, as well as information NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 June about thousands of locations across the UK. Brimming with inspiration, handy tips and Commenting on the event, the show’s organ- sure-to-be-welcome advice on how to create isers said: “Whether it be downsizing, freeing the perfect summer menu, the BBC Good up capital, enjoying a rural location, becom- Food Show returns to the NEC to provide a ing part of a community again or simply food experience ‘like no other’.

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Events PREVIEWS 1940s Weekend Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Sat 27 - Sun 28 June An action-packed schedule like never before awaits visitors to this month’s vin- tage weekend at SVR. As well as running an intensive service of evacuation trains from Kidderminster to Worcester, this special wartime-themed event will see costumed re-enactors on hand to welcome visitors at both stations. An insight into period life is available via replica air-raid shelters, a 1940s house with resident family, a wartime wedding and displays of historic civilian and military vehicles. Aerial entertainment comes in the form of a Battle of Britain memorial flypast by a Dakota on Sunday, while a Banjo Band and various musical performers, stalls selling memorabilia and food stalls ensure there’s something for to enjoy. Droitwich Spa Food And Drink Festival Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, Sat 20 June Building on the success of its first two years, the Droitwich Spa Festival promises another ‘fan- tastic’ programme of gastronomic offerings, music and arts events. There is also a food and drink festival street market featuring up to one hundred-and-twenty stalls, a demonstration kitchen, junior bake off, children’s food trail and street entertainment throughout the day. There’s also a beer & cider festival (20 - 21 June) to enjoy, complete with a selection of ‘food to go’ stalls and an area for children that includes a bouncy castle. Other attractions taking place across the sixteen-day festival include a cheese & wine evening, literary events, a Baroque dinner, a jazz evening and a competition to find the best pie in Droitwich. Food writer and critic Tom Parker-Bowles opens this year's event. BBC MasterChef Charles Campion will be in attendance to offer tips and culinary advice. For a full itinerary of what’s happening throughout the event, visit droitwichspafestival.co.uk

offers the cheapest and Bewdley MG'S IN THE PARK nature with the LISTINGS most accessible track BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ Featuring a variety of Herefordshire Wildlife Events time in the UK. Run TOURS A chance to see models and historic MG Trust, Sun 7 Jun, What Ya Brung offers Birmingham in all its motor car marque, Eastnor Castle Deer For full listing information on Events, the chance to take your glory, the trip starting ranging from TAs, Park, Hereford including times and dates, visit car or motorcycle out and ending in Victoria MGAs, Midgets and LIFE OF SPICE Learn on the famous quarter- Square. Tours run every MGB/Cs through to a about the uses of spice www.whatsonlive.co.uk mile dragstrip and test Saturday and Sunday fabulous turn-out of the in Tudor times, Sun 7 its performance limits in to the end of newer MGF/TF convert- Jun, The Oak House Castle from a safe and legal envi- September - excluding ibles and the various Z Museum, Wednesbury NATURE FORCE Join the ronment, Sat 6 Jun, the first Sunday of the range saloons, includ- group of volunteers to MON 1 JUN Santa Pod Raceway, month, when a special ing the ZT260s, Sun 7 help carry out practical Week Commencing Northampton Museum Heritage Bus Jun, Cotswold Wildlife conservation, Tues 2 - SURVEY FORCE Help CROWNGATE LADIES DAY operates, Sat 6 Jun, Park MON 8 JUN Thurs 4 Jun, Brandon carry out the wildlife An afternoon of jump Victoria Square, HERITAGE RALLY A non- Marsh Nature Centre, surveys on the racing, Sat 6 Jun, Birmingham competitive social rally SEASONAL CRAFT: Warwickshire reserves, Mon 1 Jun, Worcester Racecourse TOLKIEN AND TUDORS for all classics cars - SUMMER BIRDS Craft HONDA RON HASLAM Brandon Marsh Nature SWASHBUCKLE PIRATES OPEN TOP BUZ TOURS starting and finishing at activity for adults, Mon RACE SCHOOL Ride on Centre, Warwickshire AT THE HERBERT Join Featuring a visit to the Heritage Motor 8 Jun, Solihull Arts an international racing MEDIEVAL HERBS CBeebies Swashbuckle Sarehole Mill and Centre, with a midway Complex circuit, Wed 3 Jun, DISPLAY See the pirates Cook and Line Blakesley Hall, the land stop-off at Cotswold THREE SYMPHONIES AND Donington Park Racing kitchen filled with herbs take a high seas adven- said to have inspired Wildlife Park, Sun 7 A REQUIEM A look at Circuit from the garden, Mon 1 ture, Sat 6 Jun, The Tolkien’s famous sto- Jun, Heritage Motor Mozart's last three sym- HONDA MOTORCYCLE Jun, Brockhampton Herbert Art Gallery, ries, Sun 7 Jun, Victoria Centre, Gaydon, phonies and his EXPERIENCE Wed 3 Jun, Estate, Worcestershire Coventry Square, Birmingham Warwickshire requiem. With Donald Donington Park Racing SEEING BENEATH THE THE KENILWORTH SHOW BRITISH SUPERKART WINDMILL SAILING Hunt, Tues 9 Jun, The Circuit SOIL See the results The Kenilworth Show GRAND PRIX The MSA Weather permitting, Elgar Birthplace STRICTLY 9 TO 5 Leading from the geophysical returns with old British Superkart GP is specially trained volun- Museum, members of the investigations which favourites and new unique in the world of teers will be sailing Worcestershire Midlands’ legal profes- took place earlier in the attractions, Sat 6 Jun, Superkarts, Sat 6 - Sun Avoncroft’s windmill, LIVE FLOWER DEMO BY sion jive, foxtrot and year, Mon 1 Jun, Stoneleigh Park, 7 Jun, Donington Park Sun 7 Jun, Avoncroft SOLIHULL FLOWER CLUB quickstep in aid of the Brockhampton Estate, Warwickshire Racing Circuit Museum, Bromsgrove Wed 10 Jun, Solihull Child Brain Injury Trust, Worcestershire STREET FAYRE Sat 6 Jun, INTERNATIONAL GT CROOME'S SUMMER Arts Complex Villa Park’s Holte Suite, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: Chedhams Yard, CHAMPIONSHIP The MARKET Explore the SIMON YATES: MY Fri 5 Jun, VMF - Aston WICKED WARWICK New Wellesbourne, Coventry championship heads to food and craft stalls, MOUNTAIN LIFE A talk Villa Football Club, for 2015, the Horrible FOOD FESTIVAL Silverstone for the third Sun 7 Jun, Croome lavishly illustrated with Birmingham Histories bring Wicked Returning for a second year, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jun, Park, Worcester images and video col- EVENING SCENIC Warwick back to life, year, the Food Festival Silverstone Circuit, CROOME'S OUTER EYE- lected on his great SPECIALS A scenic Mon 1 Jun - Sun 6 Sep, takes place at The Northampton CATCHERS: PANORAMA climbs, Wed 10 Jun, evening ride, with the Warwick Castle Engine House, the BEST OF BRITISH TOWER Explore inside Malvern Theatres added option of tradi- THE HOLLOW CROWN Visitor Centre at The first visit of the sea- the outer eye-catchers, DORNIER DO 17 TWO tional fish and chip Writer, historian and Highley. Prepare to son by the Avon Tyres which are only open at YEARS ON A lecture led supper, Sat 6 Jun, journalist, Dan Jones, have your tastebuds MSA British Hill Climb certain times of the by those involved two Severn Valley Railway, presents the real story tickled by a variety of Championship, Sat 6 - year, Sun 7 Jun, years ago when the Bewdley behind Shakespeare's locally sourced prod- Sun 7 Jun, Shelsley Croome Park, Dornier Do 17 was sal- RUN WHAT YA BRUNG famous history plays, ucts, Sat 6 - Sun 7 Jun, Walsh, Worcestershire Worcester vaged from the English Santa Pod Raceway in Tues 2 Jun, Warwick Severn Valley Railway, MINI WILDPLAY Explore Channel, Wed 10 Jun, Northamptonshire

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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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you, Sat 13 Jun, the first Sunday of the LISTINGS Croome Park, month, when a special Events Worcester Museum Heritage Bus MEDIEVAL DANCING Join operates, Sat 13 - Sun For full listing information on Events, in the medieval dancing 14 Jun, Victoria Square, including times and dates, visit on the patio, Sat 13 Birmingham Jun, Greyfriars House & AMERICAN CIVIL WAR www.whatsonlive.co.uk Garden, Worcester WEEKEND Drill, skirmish- YOUNG ARTISTS Learn es and living history RAF Cosford, Nr and DJ tents featuring new drawing, painting from one of the re- Wolverhampton famous names from the and sculpture skills, enactment groups, Sat BBC GARDENERS' WORLD Mod and Ska scene, a Sat 13 Jun, 13 - Sun 14 Jun, LIVE Gardening expert funfair and amuse- Wolverhampton Art Avoncroft Museum, Monty Don makes a ments, Fri 12 - Sun 14 Gallery Bromsgrove welcome return to the Jun, Santa Pod THE DUCK RACE A KNIGHT'S TALE Midlands this month to Raceway, Northampton Celebrate Father's Day Experience medieval dish out advice at the BE INSPIRED WITH EMILY by sponsoring a duck life in the knight's region’s top event for WARNER An experimen- in the annual duck race encampment, green-fingered types, tal workshop for artists down the River Arrow, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jun, Thurs 11 - Sun 14 Jun, and creative people. No Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jun, Forge Mill Needle NEC, Birmingham previous arts experi- Coughton Court, Museum, Redditch BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW ence is needed, nor are Warwickshire ANGLESEY SPRINT SUMMER! Thurs 11 - developed arts skills. CLASSIC AND VINTAGE Anglesey is a new Sun 14 Jun, NEC, Great for artists to try COMMERCIAL SHOW A event to the MAC and Birmingham new approaches, Sat colourful two-day show co-promoted with the THE CHOLMONDELEY 13 Jun, Solihull Arts featuring a diverse Chester Motor Club, PAGEANT OF POWER The Complex selection of pre-1985 Sat 13 - Sun 14 Jun, BBC Gardeners’ world Live - NEC, Birmingham pageant returns for its COVENTRY TRANSPORT classic and vintage lor- Shelsley Walsh, Celebrating one hun- (WTA) events in the eighth year, Fri 12 Jun - MUSEUM CLASSIC CAR ries and vehicles, Sat Worcestershire dred-and-fifty years of world, the Aegon Sun 14 Jun, BREAKFAST CLUB A 13 - Sun 14 Jun, THE MAD HATTER'S TEA Alice In Wonderland Classic brings together Cholmondeley Castle, chance to show off Heritage Motor Centre, PARTY Highbury Hall is with a Mad Hatter's Tea some of the best Cheshire your classic car and/or Gaydon, Warwickshire dressed up in an 'Alice Party, Sun 14 Jun, female players in the HERBERT LATES An motorcycle, Sat 13 Jun, MOTORSPORT VISION and Wonderland' Stoneleigh Abbey, game to compete evening of art, music, Coventry Transport RACING MSVR battle it theme, complete with Warwickshire ahead of Wimbledon, drinks, talks, perform- Museum out on the Grand Prix afternoon tea delights, BREAKFAST CLUB Mon 15 - Sun 21 Jun, ances and history, Fri SEEING BENEATH THE circuit, Sat 13 - Sun 14 Sun 14 Jun, Highbury Monthly social gather- Edgbaston Priory Club, 12 Jun, The Herbert Art SOIL See the results Jun, Silverstone Circuit, Hall, Birmingham ing open to all, Sun 14 Birmingham Gallery, Coventry from the geophysical Northampton GUINNESS WORLD Jun, Shelsley Walsh, COASTLINE CRAZY BWM SCOOTER SKA investigations which BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ RECORD ATTEMPTS An Worcestershire Interactive activities and RALLY Three days of fun took place earlier in the TOURS A chance to see attempt to break the fun talks highlight the with a Mod vibe. year, Sat 13 Jun, Birmingham in all its world record for the differences between the Featuring track action, Brockhampton Estate, Week Commencing glory, the trip starting largest parade of clas- types of creatures seen scooter racing and Worcestershire and ending in Victoria sic cars and the largest MON 15 JUN along the British coast- RWYB, Show & Shine, POP UP POETRY WITH Square. Tours run every parade of Jaguar cars, line and those in tropi- ride outs, a dealers’ LOCAL POET LAUREATES Saturday and Sunday Sun 14 Jun, Coventry AEGON CLASSIC One of cal waters, Mon 15 - market and autojumble. Featuring a poetry walk to the end of Transport Museum the top Women’s Sun 28 Jun, The Evening entertainment and the chance to have September - excluding MAD HATTER'S TEA Tennis Association National Sealife Centre, includes top live acts a poem created for

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VINTAGE AND HANDMADE Land Rover Show - Heritage Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire LISTINGS FAIR Sat 20 - Sun 21 Events Jun, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley For full listing information on Events, Heath including times and dates, visit RETRO SHOW A multi- marque event for fans www.whatsonlive.co.uk of retro vehicles, both four and two-wheel vari- Birmingham BLITZ HILL - A 1940'S eties, Sun 21 Jun, WHAT HO, ME HEARTIES EVENING ON THE HOME Santa Pod Raceway, Discover the animation FRONT Go dressed in Northampton process used to take 1940s outfits and expe- TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR Captain Pugwash from rience the food and Britain's biggest, featur- book to screen, Tues entertainment of the ing six hundred stalls of 16 Jun, The Herbert era. The evening will toys, trains and models, Gallery, Coventry close with a concert in Sun 21 Jun, NEC, AN EVENING WITH TED the impressive Birmingham SIMON Motorcycle leg- Ironworks, Sat 20 Jun, FATHER'S DAY - CAPTAIN end Ted launches his Blists Hill, Ironbridge, GEOFFREY'S DISCOVERY new book, Jupiter's Shropshire DAY Enjoy a day of tra- Travels In Camera, Wed DROITWICH SPA FOOD ditional sporting pur- 17 Jun, Coventry AND DRINK FESTIVAL suits and classic cars, Transport Museum Showcasing food & Sun 21 Jun, HEAD GARDENER'S drink from one hun- Cholmondeley Castle, EVENING TOURS dred-and-twenty local Cheshire Join head gardener producers, plus a GENTLEMAN'S TEA Treat Mick Evans as he demonstration kitchen dad to a special reveals the secrets of featuring local chefs, Father's Day afternoon planting at Packwood, Sat 20 Jun, Droitwich tea, Sun 21 Jun, Wed 17 Jun, Packwood Spa, Worcestershire Highbury Hall, House, Warwickshire STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Birmingham THE HILLS REVISITED Enjoy the power of sto- BANBURY RUN Featuring Sports and classic mid- rytelling in a ‘wild little over six hundred veter- summer run, Wed 17 corner’ of Birmingham, an and vintage Jun, Shelsley Walsh, Sat 20 Jun, Martineau machines, over one Worcestershire Gardens, Birmingham hundred autojumble WILDFLOWER WALK CIRCUS FUN DAY Take pitches and numerous Join the gardens team part in craft activities special-interest dis- for an informal walk and learn circus skills, plays. There’s also a Bromsgrove bining three dimension- Sat 27 - Sun 28 Jun, through the naturalised Sat 20 Jun, Selly chance to see the bikes FALCONRY AT EASTNOR al Suffolk puffs with but- Severn Valley Railway, grass areas and orna- Manor, Birmingham in all their glory before Treat dad to a special tons and beads. You Bewdley mental woodland, Wed MIDSUMMER'S EVE The they set off on their falconry day at Eastnor, will need to take a MUSEUMS ON AIR 17 Jun, Cholmondeley Tudors celebrate the annual ride around the Sun 21 Jun, Eastnor basic sewing kit, Sat 27 WEEKEND Coventry Castle, Cheshire longest and most magi- nearby countryside, Castle Deer Park, Jun, Forge Mill Needle Amateur Radio Society, SKETCH PAD DAY Free cal day of the year, Sat Sun 21 Jun, Heritage Herefordshire Museum, Redditch operating from the advice from local artist 20 - Sun 21 Jun, Mary Motor Centre, Gaydon, THE GENTLEMEN'S OPEN STUDIOS Sat 27 Herbert and linking to Audrey Silbert, Sat 20 Arden's Farm, Stratford- Warwickshire GENTLEMEN Discover Jun, Chedhams Yard, museums all over the Jun, Chedhams Yard, upon-Avon MEDIEVAL FATHER'S DAY - how to be the perfect Coventry world, Sat 27 - Sun 28 Coventry THE VINTAGE YEARS FES- FUN & FOOLS Meet gentleman by utilising RUN OR DYE A colourful Jun, The Herbert Art COVENTRY TRANSPORT TIVAL A celebration of jesters Baldwin the Fool the etiquette of yester- experience which raises Gallery & Museum, MUSEUM RELAUNCH A the life, styles, fashion, and Godfrey Pugh for a year, Sun 21 Jun, money for good caus- Coventry much-anticipated music and classic cars fun and foolish Father's Witley Court, es, Sat 27 Jun, SUMMER NATIONALS relaunch after a £9mil- of the ’40s and ’50s, Day, Sun 21 Jun, Worcestershire Cholmondeley Castle, National Drag Racing lion transformation, Sat Sat 20 - Sun 21 Jun, Kenilworth Castle, FAMILY FUN RACEDAY South Cheshire Championships, includ- 20 Jun, Coventry National Brewery Warwickshire Family racing, featuring LAND ROVER SHOW ing MSA 200mph Pro Transport Museum Centre, Burton-upon- THE AVENGER TRIATHLON special guest Peppa Celebrating all things Mods, drag bikes, jet RUN WHAT YA BRUNG Trent The Avenger's middle Pig, Sun 21 Jun, Land Rover, Sat 27 - car plus nostalgia Santa Pod Raceway in BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ distance triathlon, Sun Worcester Racecourse Sun 28 Jun, Heritage classes, Sat 27 - Sun Northamptonshire TOURS A chance to see 21 Jun, Ragley Hall, DRIVING SCHOOL A Motor Centre, Gaydon, 28 Jun, Santa Pod offers the cheapest and Birmingham in all its Warwickshire chance to receive theo- Warwickshire Race, Northampton most accessible track glory, the trip starting RETRO DAY A multi-mar- retical and practical BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ WALK FOR WHALES Join time in the UK. Run and ending in Victoria que event for fans of tuition and guidance TOURS A chance to see the Whale and Dolphin What Ya Brung offers Square. Tours run every retro vehicles, both four from experienced com- Birmingham in all its Conversation and Sea you the chance to take Saturday and Sunday and two-wheel varieties, petitors and instructors, glory, the trip starting Life's five-mile spon- your car or motorcycle to the end of Sun 21 Jun, Santa Pod Tues 23 Jun, Shelsley and ending in Victoria sored walk, Sun 28 out on the famous September - excluding Raceway, Northampton Walsh, Worcestershire Square. Tours run every Jun, National Sea Life quarter-mile dragstrip the first Sunday of the FREE ENTRY FOR DADS WATCH WIMBLEDON A Saturday and Sunday Centre, Birmingham and test its perform- month, when a special Free entry to the muse- large outdoor screen to the end of ASTON MARTIN RACES ance limits in a safe Museum Heritage Bus um for dads, plus wind- displaying all the action September - excluding Sun 28 Jun, Donington and legal environment, operates, Sat 20 - Sun mill sailing, Sun 21 Jun, from Wimbledon, Tues the first Sunday of the Park Racing Circuit Sat 20 Jun, Santa Pod 2 Jun, Victoria Square, Avoncroft Museum, 23 Jun - Mon 6 Jul, month, when a special AUSTIN DAY Celebrating Raceway, Northampton Birmingham Brindleyplace, Museum Heritage Bus local motoring heritage Birmingham operates, Sat 27 - Sun with vintage and classic PEAK PERFORMANCE 28 Jun, Victoria Square, cars from the 1900s to TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB Birmingham the 1940s, Sun 28 Jun, with maximum track MUD RUNNER OBLIVION Avoncroft Museum, time for serious enthu- A sixish mile gruelling Bromsgrove siasts. Car clubs, per- cross-country course SOS DAY A day of family formance specialists interspersed with ten fun and rescue displays and individuals all wel- different tests of from local emergency come, Fri 26 Jun, strength, endurance services. Get up close Santa Pod Raceway, and co-ordination, Sat to the fire engines and Northampton 27 - Sun 28 Jun, see rescue boats, 4x4 FABRIC LANDSCAPE Eastnor Castle Deer response group vehi- SCENES WITH JANE Park, Herefordshire cles and more, Sun 28 COBBETT Make a pieced STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Jun, Eastnor Castle countryside scene from Take a lighthearted Deer Park, fabric strip, beads and journey back to Herefordshire embroidery. Be sure to wartime Britain. SHEPHERD & WILLIAMS take along a basic Attractions include cos- ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS sewing kit, Sat 27 Jun, tumed re-enactments, a FAIR Find something Forge Mill Needle 1940s Blackout Fair, perfect to complement Museum, Redditch displays of historic civil- your home, wardrobe VINTAGE SUFFOLK PUFFS ian & military vehicles, or collection, Sun 28 AND YO-YOS WITH JANE a wartime operations Jun, Wolverhampton COBBETT Make fun vin- room and stands featur- Racecourse Blitz Hill - Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire tage-style gifts by com- ing period memorabilia,

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READ THE REVIEWS ONLINE whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:44 Page 1 Eating Out Birmingham theatre first to be awarded an AA rosette Birmingham Hippodrome is the first theatre in the UK to receive an AA rosette. The coveted accolade was awarded in recognition of the excellent level of skill, care and the quality of ingredients in evidence at the theatre’s Circle Restaurant. Head Chef Chris Bratt-Rose has been commend- ed for his expertise in producing high-end food in volume and under the constraint of ‘curtain-up’ time. The honour of an AA rosette is bestowed upon only ten percent of restaurants across the UK. The Circle Restaurant is located inside the Hippodrome Theatre and is open two hours before curtain-up. Visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com for more information.

Godfather of modern cuisine... Goats Cheese Arancini sive cocktail menu (rang- REVIEW Risotto Fritters, beautifully ing from £4.25 to £9.95), mild in flavour, cooked to which included everything Located in picturesque perfection and comple- from the classic mojito Kenilworth, this much- mented perfectly by a right through to the deli- anticipated addition to the zesty tomato and basil ciously indulgent Nutty town’s already thriving salsa. Cappucino - a mixture of Goodbye to Loves... restaurant scene specialis- My friend’s choice of garlic Amaretto-Disaronno, and lemon prawns on crème de coconut and Steve & Claire Love’s award-winning Loves es in providing visitors with toasted rustic bread was a double cream. restaurant is closing its doors after six years. ‘affordable sophistication’ triumph of great flavour In addition to the all-day The shock closure of the popular Birmingham in a relaxed and intimate and expert preparation. menu, Marco’s also offers eatery has been attributed to two factors: The end dining environment. This attention to detail con- an express lunch and of the lease on the premises and the owners’ Conveniently situated for tinued with the main Sunday lunch a la carte decision to focus their attention on a new venue in both business and pleas- course. Opting for a classic menu, priced at the very Warwickshire - Restaurant With Rooms - which it’s ure, the newly refurbished 10oz sirloin steak with lazy reasonable rate of £19.95 anticipated will open in Marco’s restaurant boasts fries and rocket accompa- for three courses. This, about twelve months’ time. an extensive menu of niment (£25.50), my initial combined with a sophisti- Commenting on the closure freshly prepared dishes. misgivings concerning cated cosmopolitan ambi- of Loves, Steve and Claire Italian classics such as price were swiftly put to ence, impeccable attention said: We’ve made some home-made anti-pasti, piz- bed as I enjoyed a gener- to detail, impressive drinks great friends and welcomed zas and a variety of fresh ously sized meal of superb menu and first-rate service so many of you to our fish and pasta dishes sit quality. across the board makes home here in Birmingham. alongside the best of New Choosing from the Italian- this little slice of the Big Fear not, this isn't the end.” York cuisine, including classic burgers, steaks, inspired menu, my friend Apple a more-than-wel- dogs, BBQ ribs and lazy opted for the organic come addition to rural fries. salmon, oven roasted with Warwickshire’s dining Entering the restaurant on gnocci, peas, rocket and scene. The Godfather of Bite Street Food Market comes a warm Spring evening, I basil. Yet another example modern cuisine strikes to Birmingham’s Fort Dunlop was immediately struck by of freshness and simplicity again! Katherine Ewing After a very successful season in East London last the understated glamour of executed with finesse. year, the Bite Street Food Collective has decided my surroundings. Funky To finish, I chose to indulge Food: n n n n n to set up its new digs in Birmingham’s trendy Fort feature walls, New York- myself with the chocolate Service: n n n n n Dunlop. inspired light fixtures, truffle cake and vanilla ice Ambience: n n n n n ‘Eats, beats and booze’ will be dished up on the splashings of chrome and cream. My friend opted for Overall value n n n n n last Friday of every month. Hungry foodies can a streamlined design con- the all-Italian Expresso OVERALL n n n n n sample the produce of traders like 12ft Tapas Box, cept which made expert Affogato - vanilla ice cream Marco’s New York Italian Catfood Cakes, Meatheads Meatballs and Vol use of a minimalist colour drowned in Caffe Musetti 212 Abbey End Street Food. scheme lent the venue an Expresso coffee in a shot Kenilworth Bite Street Food Collective’s Facebook page atmosphere of metropoli- of amaretto. Beautifully CV8 1ED comes with the warning, ‘This page will make you tan chic. flavoured, if a little rich in Tel: 01926 855957 hungry!’ Check it out if you want to whet your For starters (ranging from texture for my taste. appetite. www.facebook.com/bitestreetfood £5.25 to £7.95), I opted for Special mention must go to the restaurant’s impres- www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Eating Out June region one.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 15:45 Page 2

MINT Yew Tree Retail WAGAMAMA Brindley Restaurant LISTINGS Park, Stoney Lane Place, Birmingham, B1 Yardley, B25 8YP WATERS ON THE SQUARE 0121 789 8908 Chad Square, Hawthorne For full listing information on restau- MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, Rd, Edgbaston, B15 3TQ rants, including opening times and B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- NUVO BAR 11 Brindley Place, B1 2LP 0121 631 Warwickshire live.co.uk 1600 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 Warwick, CV34 4RA Birmingham CHUNG YING CENTRAL 126 01926 411 755 Colmore Row, B3 3AP THE ORIENTAL The Mailbox, 128-130 NO. 9 CHURCH STREET AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel 0121 400 0888 La Tour, Albert Street, Wharfside St, B1 1RQ Stratford upon Avon, Birmingham, B5 5JT CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 0121 633 9988 Warwickshire, CV37 6HB Thorpe St, B5 4AT 0121 718 8000 PEACHY KEENS 1741 01789 415522 0121 666 6622 AIR RESTAURANT LG Coventry Road, B26 AGRA PLACE 12 Abbey Arena, Bickenhill Rd CIELO 6 Oozells Square, 1DS 0121 764 5519 Green, Nuneaton, CV11 0844 338 0333 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB PENNY BLACKS 5DR 024 7635 0515 0121 632 6882 BALCONY BRASSERIE The Mailbox, 132-134 THE ALMANACK Abbey Selfridges on 4, The COAST TO COAST 9 Wharfside St, B1 1XL End North, Kenilworth, Bullring, B5 4BP Brindleyplace, Broad 0121 632 1460 CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 Street, B1 2HJ BANK 4 Brindleyplace, PICCOLINO AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 COTE The Mailbox, 9 Brindleyplace, B1 2HS Warwick, CV34 4HS B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 BAR ESTILO 10-114 0121 634 3055 01926 400 086 Wharfside St, The CUCINA RUSTICA 24 PITCHER & PIANO THE BELL Alderminster, Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX Brindleyplace, B1 2HP Stratford-upon-Avon, The Botanist - Birmingham 643 3443 0121 233 2277 0121 643 0214 CV37 8NY BARAJEE 265 Broad EASTZEAST 167 Broad POPPY RED Arcadian 01789 450414 PREZZO 1-3 High St, Brockencote Hall Hotel, Street, B1 2DS 0121 643 Street, Birmingham, B15 Centre, Birmingham, B5 BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, Warwick, CV34 4AP Kidderminster, DY10 4PY 6699 1AY, 0121 643 4808 4TD 0121 687 1200 Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 01926 475867 01562 777876 BELLA ITALIA 102 New EDMUNDS 6 Brindley PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall 7622 9274 RESTAURANT 23 34 THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, Street, B2 4HQ 0121 place, B1 2JB 0121 633 St, B3 2DH 0121 212 CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, Hamilton Terrace, Holly Upper Colwall, Malvern, 643 1548 4944 9799 Stratford-Upon-Avon, Walk, Leamington Spa, WR13 6DQ 01684 BERLIOZ Burlington FIESTA DEL ASADO 229 PURNELL’S BISTO 11 CV37 6BA 01789 267424 CV32 4LY 01926 422422 540276 Arcade, New St, B2 4JQ Hagley Road, Newhall Street, B3 3NY, CATALAN 6 Jury St , RISTORANTE DA VINCI 50 CHESTERS 51 New St, 0121 633 1737 Birmingham, B16 9RP 0121 2000 1588 Warwick, CV34 4EW Earlsdon Street, Coventry, Worcester, WR1 2DL BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar, 0121 445 9331 RAJDOOT TANDOORI 78 - 01926 498 930 CV5 6EJ 024 7671 3554 01905 611638 Rd, Kings Heath, B14 FLEET STREET KITCHEN 79 George St, B31 1PY THE CHURCH STREET ROBBIE’S RESTAURANT 74 CROWN & SANDYS 7AD 0121 444 0999 Fleet Street, Islington 0121 236 1116 TOWNHOUSE 16 Church Smith Street, CV34 4HU Main Rd, Ombersley, BLUE MANGO Regency Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236 THE RECTORY 50-54 St Street, Stratford-upon- 01926 400470 WR9 0EW 01905 62025 Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS 0100 Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS Avon, CV37 6HB 01789 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT EWE AND LAMB Hanbury 0121 633 4422 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 0121 605 1001 262222 @ The RST, Waterside, Road, Bromsgrove, B60 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT 1JL 0121 212 3383 RED PEPPERS 117 COOMBE ABBEY Brinklow Stratford-upon-Avon, 4DN 01527 871 929 AND BAR 24-26 Harborne JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle Wharfside St, B1 1RF Road, Coventry, CV3 2AB CV37 6BB 01789 403449 THE FIG TREE 99 Church Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454 Mall, Bullring Shopping 0121 643 4202 024 7645 0450 SAFFRON GOLD Market St, Street, Gt Malvern, WR14 6877 Centre, B5 4BE SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, CROSSED KHUKRIS GURKHA Westgate House, 2AE 01684 569909 0121 270 3610 BUONISSIMO 1 Albany B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 115 Abbey Street, Warwick, CV34 4DE FUSION BRASSERIE Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX JIMMY SPICES Regency SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad Nuneaton, CV11 5BX 024 01926 402061 Hawbridge, Stoulton, 0121 426 2444 Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS St, B15 1AY 0121 633 7634 4488 THE SAXON MILL Worcester, WR7 4RJ CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells 0121 643 2111 0366 EDWARD MOON 9 Chapel Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, 01905 840647 Square, Brindleyplace, LAS IGUANAS Arcadian SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield Street, Stratford-upon- Warwick, CV34 5YN THE INN AT STONEHALL B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD Rd, Edgbaston, B13 Avon, CV37 6EP 01789 01926 492 255 Stonehall Common, CAFE SAFFRON 0121 622 4466 3DU 0121 454 3434 267069 TAILORS 22 Market Place, Worcester, WR5 3QG Wolverhampton Road, LASAN 3-4 Dakota THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, EGO 29 The Square, Warwick, CV34 4SL 01905820462 Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Oldbury, B69 4RR Buildings, James St, St Brindley Place, 01926 410590 KING CHARLES II King Paul’s Square, B3 1SD 01926 864463 0121 552 1752 Birmingham, B1 2HL Charles House, New St, 0121 212 3664 THE TREVELYAN Warwick CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s 0121 633 3049 THE ENCORE Bridge Street, Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester, WR1 2D THE LOFT LOUNGE Edge, Brindleyplace, STRADA 109-111 Stratford upon Avon, CV37 ONR 01789 295252 01905 22449 143 Bromsgrove St, B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 Wharfside St, The CV37 6AB 01789 269462 B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 CENTENARY BAR & Mailbox, B1 1XL FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, St, Warwick, CV34 6AW Graham Rd, Malvern, THE LOST & FOUND BRASSERIE Broad Street, 0121 643 7279 Henley in Arden, B95 07873 219005 WR14 2HU 01684 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 5QR 01564 793783 572427 0121 643 9293 TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith CHI BAR & GRILL 61 Road, Edgbaston, B16 FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower LOVES The Glasshouse, Street, CV34 4HS 01926 Newhall Street, B3 3RB 9NY 0121 454 1930 Terrace, Leamington Spa, 491736 Mill Street, Browning St, B16 8FL CV31 3AB 01926 431999 0121 233 3150 THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, ZIZZI 85-87 Regent Kidderminster, DY11 0121 454 5151 HIGH PAVEMENT BAR & DIN- CHIMICHANGA 41 Mill Lane B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 Square House, Parade, 6UU 01562 744976 MECHU 47 - 59 Summer ING 3 High Street, CV34 Arcade, Touchwood, TURTLE BAY 81-91 John Leamington Spa, CV32 MAEKONG THAI 12 Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 4AP 01926 494725 Solihull, B91 3GS 0121 Bright Street, B1 1BL 4NL 01926 432532 Worcester Road, 704 0749 1661 HELP OUT MILL Heather Bromsgrove, B61 7AE METRO BAR & GRILL THE VAULTS Newhall CHUNG YING 73 Rd, Shakerstone, 01527 578888 Cornwall St, B3 2DF Place, Newhall Hill, 16-18 Wrottersley Street, Nuneaton, CV13 0BT Worcestershire MASSALLA LOUNGE 0121 200 1911 B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 35 01530 260666 Broad St, Worcester, INDIA RED 25 Abbey ANAKARALI 47 The Tythings, Worcester, WR1 WR1 3NH 01905 Street, Nuneaton, CV11 729955 5BX 024 7634 2090 1JT 01905 21412 ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, MUG HOUSE Claines LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans Lane, Worcester, WR3 Nest, Bridgford, Stratford Worcester, WR1 3QT (EST 86) 7RN 01905 456649 upon Avon, CV37 7LT 01905 731131 ON THE ROCKS 44 THE DINNER CLUB 01789 264804 ANUPAM 85 Church A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY Worcester Road, MALLORY COURT Harbury Street, Malvern, WR14 2AE 01684 573814 Bromsgrove, B61 7AE Lane, Leamington Spa, 01527 882412 CV33 9QB, 01926 330214 BACCHUS 44 Worcester SINGLE? PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower MATRICARDIS 97 High St, Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0TA 01527 877557 Mill Street, For the more discerning Henley in Arden, B95 5AT Kidderminster, 01564 792735 BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, DY11 6UU 01562 60479 unattached person, age 40+ Worcester, WR1 2HZ MERCHANTS Swan Street, PORTWAY ITALIAN, 01905 21444 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie Warwick, CV34 4BJ Alcester Rd, Redditch, 01926 403833 BINDLES BAR & BRASSERIE B48 7HT 01564 824794 balls,theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. NICOLINIS 14 The Parade, 55 Sidbury, WR1 2HU ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, Leamington Spa, CV32 01905 611120 Aston Fields, NOT A DATING AGENCY 4DW 01926 421620 BRAMBLINGS Hither Green Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ NUMBER SIX Castle Street, Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE 01527 889948 Warwick, CV34 4BP 01527 406600 (Day) (Eve/W-end) SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New 01244 677030 /01244 548816 01926 497663 BRIDGE INN Plough Road, St, Worcester, WR1 2DP ONE ELM 1 Guild St, Droitwich, WR9 7NQ 01905 610505 Stratford-Upon-Avon, 01905 345874 www.thedinnerclubuk.com CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 CHADDESLEY RESTAURANT

66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Barclaycard Arena F/P.qxp_Layout 1 22/05/2015 14:10 Page 1 grand_whatson FP June:Layout 1 22/05/2015 11:49 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

SAT 6 JUNE SUN 7 JUNE TUES 9 - SAT 13 JUNE

‘Spellbinding fusion of acoustic guitar, rhythm, songs, handclapping and ignitable dance’ The Guardian

SUN 14 JUNE SAT 20 JUNE TUES 23 - SAT 27 JUNE THE SEQUEL TO DREAMBOATS AND PETTICOATS BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

BOOK BY THE NEW ROCK N’ROLL LAURENCE MAURICE ’ MARKS & GRAN MUSICAL

MON 29 JUNE - SAT 4 JULY WED 22 - FRI 24 JULY SAT 25 JULY

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