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DIANA VICKERS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands AT THE NEW ALEX

BIRMINGHAM WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2017 Birmingham ISSUE 380 AUGUST 2017 ’

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

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theINSOMNIA61 UK’s biggest gaming festival returns to the NEC BIRMINGHAMWHATSON.CO.UK Contents August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:51 Page 1 Contents August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:45 Page 2

August 2017

Contents

UTSAV - celebrating the Year of South Asian Culture in the city ... feature on page 38

Diana Vickers Simon Amstell Miss Saigon the list

looking for love in Son Of A talks about his new approach to Smash-hit West End musical Your 16-page Preacher Man at the New Alex stand-up comedy continues at the Hippodrome week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 feature page 25 page 26 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 24. Comedy 26. Theatre 35. Film 41. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbirmingham Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Elly Yates-Roberts elly@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281733 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing,Lauren Cox, Lauren Cole Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:56 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Craig Charles set to DJ at Birmingham Weekender BBC Radio 6 Music presenter Craig Charles is one of the high-profile DJs confirmed to appear at next month’s Birmingham Weekender. Along with David Rodigan (1Xtra) and Don Letts (6 Music), Craig will be inviting members of the public to take part in the event’s Square Dance, produced in association with the Mose- ley Folk Festival and taking place in the city’s Victoria Square from 22 to 24 September. Commenting on the announcement, Moseley Folk’s Gerv Havill said: “Confirmation of such heavyweight headline DJs is fantastic news for Square Dance and Birmingham Weekender. What better way to spend your weekend than dancing on our huge dancefloor and enjoying these live DJ sets. And what’s more, it’s all absolutely free!” For more information, visit birminghamweekender.com

Directing courses for the Beach lovers heading for ing in everything from immersive dance deaf at Birmingham REP the Costa del Solihull! shows, new performance art installations, major club nights and late night cabaret. It A course for West Midlands-based deaf and Landlocked Midlanders desperate for that will be a hugely exciting week to be in Birm- disabled people who are interested in a ca- holiday feeling of sand between their toes ingham, with many of the artists giving us reer in directing has been launched by Birm- should head for Solihull this month - to sam- UK-exclusive performances, further cement- ingham Repertory Theatre and the Regional ple the Touchwood Shopping Centre’s ‘urban ing Fierce’s reputation as one of the most Theatre Young Director Scheme. beach’ attraction! daring, forward-thinking and youthful arts The free-to-attend Introduction To Directing The Costa del Solihull is available to enjoy organisations in the country." will include weekly workshops with profes- throughout the month and until 3 September, sional theatre directors and practitioners providing visitors with the chance to soak up from The REP and further afield. It will focus some summertime rays. Elite circus stars set to on the skills and resources individuals will Complete with spades, buckets and dazzle in Birmingham need in order to take work ‘from the page to deckchairs, the urban beach is a great place A ‘supergroup’ of elite street circus perform- the stage’, and to continue to develop their to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday experi- ers from Rajasthan is bringing a new all-ac- craft. ence without having to travel very far. tion show to Birmingham’s mac this month The first workshop takes place on Wednesday For further information, visit touchwoodsoli- (Sunday 6 August). 13 September, with the course running every hull.co.uk Circus Raj boasts a cast of dancers, illusion- week for 10 weeks. ists, aerialists, acrobats and rope walkers. Autumn arts bonanza in The performers are dedicated to achieving the company’s stated aim of taking ‘the an- Brum as Fierce returns cient, mystical and magical circus format to Birmingham’s well-established Fierce arts even greater heights’. For more information, festival will this year take place from 16 to 22 visit macbirmingham.co.uk October. Exploring themes as diverse as the rituals of clubbing, mental health, ‘fandom’ and fan art, activism, queer culture and climate change, the 2017 programme comprises 50 events - including five world premieres and 12 UK premieres - and features artists from 10 countries across four continents. Commenting on the event, Artistic Director Aaron Wright said: "It’s a fresh, exciting, radical programme for a young, diverse city, tak- 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:56 Page 2

First Word

Theatre launches its autumn season Strangers On A Train, The Sound Of Music and the Tony- nominated Bring It On: The Mu- sical are just some of the hit productions coming to Birming- ham’s New Alexandra Theatre as part of its autumn season. Also on the bill is Monty Python’s Spamalot, This Is Elvis and Fay Mellor’s brand new production of Fat Friends. Must-see family favourites include Miracle On 34th Street The Musical, David Walliams’ Awful Auntie and the acclaimed Shrek The Musical. For more information about the whole season and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com Willard Wigan miniature artworks on show in Birmingham Villa’s European Microscopic artworks by Wolverhampton-born artist Willard Wigan are this month going on display Cup heroes in at Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. charity fundraiser Willard Wigan MBE: In The Eye Of The Needle showcases 21 miniature works from the artist’s collection which sit within the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin. Members of Aston Villa’s leg- Showing from Friday 4 August to Saturday 28 October, the exhibition is being displayed in the mu- endary 1982 European Cup-winning team are getting back seum’s new commercial gallery space in the Smith & Pepper Tea Room. Micro-sculptures featured in together for a big charity the show include the world’s smallest pair of glasses on a pin head, Hatty McDaniels from Gone With fundraising dinner. The Wind and Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Fred Hammond. Players including Tony Morley (pictured), Gary Shaw and Gor- don Cowans will talk about the City sees season 35 years ago when the Midlands soul diva aiming to make club conquered Europe. The Light pantomime wishes come true in Proceeds from the event - which A new £20million nine- Brum this Christmas takes place at Chung Ying Cen- tral on Thursday 14 September - screen cinema and Midlands-born soul-singing superstar Beverley Knight will make her will go towards local children’s restaurant complex is pantomime debut at the Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas, star- charity free@last. to be built in Birming- ring as the Fairy Godmother in a spectacular version of Cinderella. Tickets cost £60 per person and ham’s Longbridge area. Beverley will be joined in the show by Strictly Come Dancing’s Danny can be booked online at ticket- The complex is part of Mac, Hippodrome panto favourite Matt Slack and one-time Hear’Say tailor.com a £1billion regenera- singer Suzanne Shaw. tion of the town centre, Ceri Dupree and Phil and will see cinema Randall take on the chain The Light screen- roles of The Ugly Sis- ing blockbuster and in- ters, with pantomime dependent movies, live veterans The Grum- opera, ballet, theatre bleweeds bringing and pop concerts. their own particular For more information, brand of humour to visit proceedings. lightcinemas.co.uk Cinderella runs at the Hippodrome from Tuesday 19 December to Sunday 28 January. To book tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:56 Page 3

First Word

Solihull’s summer New exhibition festival returns celebrates curry After the success of last year’s An exhibition recounting inaugural event, Solihull Sum- the untold stories of curry- mer Fest is making a welcome house pioneers is opening return this month, complete at Birmingham Museum & with a line-up of entertain- Art Gallery next month. ment that includes perform- The Knights Of The Raj ances by Peter Andre, Lulu, brings together rare photo- Gabrielle, Feeder and graphs, objects and oral his- Toploader. tories to explain the origins The festival also features a of the curry sector. kids’ picnic, a cheese & wine- The exhibition opens at the tasting event and an evening gallery on 23 September. Sundowner session, with Prosecco and nibbles to enjoy. Taking place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August, the event is raising money for local cancer support charity Help Harry Help Others. To purchase tickets, visit solihullsummerfest.co.uk.

Making a splash Paw Patrol to the rescue Mega Mela at at the Botanical in Birmingham Cannon Hill Park Gardens The hero pups of hit kids’ TV show Paw Patrol The diversity of the second Birmingham Botanical Gar- are touring to Birmingham with a new live city’s South Asian commu- dens is this month hosting show. nity is celebrated this month its first ever water slide. Airing on the Nickelodeon channel, the televi- when Big John’s Birming- The giant slide, which is sion series follows the adventures of a team of ham Mela takes place in 100 metres in length and rescue pups who save their town from every- Cannon Hill Park (Sunday 6 can be enjoyed for just £3, day emergencies. The live show, Race To The August). is available from Friday 18 Rescue, visits the city’s Barclaycard Arena on The free-to-attend event is to Sunday 20 August... Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 August. now in its 17th year and reg- Other summer holiday ularly attracts in excess of events at the Botanical 40,000 visitors. Gardens include a produc- Dig out your pink gladrags to take part in The 2017 edition of the festi- tion of Pride & Prejudice, a Breast Cancer Now’s flagship fundraiser val features performances teddy bears’ picnic and an by local, national and inter- Midlanders are being urged to dig out their pink gladrags this October, to Abba tribute night. national artists, funfair take part in Breast Cancer Now’s flagship fundraiser, Wear It Pink. For more informat rides, a sports area, an ion, visit Taking place on Friday 20 October, the event is calling on people to ditch Asian bazaar, craft stalls, birminghambotanicalgar- their everyday colours and pull on something pink instead. and catering units selling dens.org.uk The fundraiser, back for its 16th year, encourages supporters to hold traditional Asian food. events in their homes, schools and workplaces to raise money for Breast Cancer Now. The donations will go towards helping the charity achieve its aim of ensuring that, by the year 2050, nobody will die from breast cancer... To take part in the event, visit wearitpink.org. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:56 Page 4

by Lauren Cox

BOTTOMLESS IN BRUM The only thing better than a lazy lunch is a boozy brunch. Celebrate the most enjoyable meal of the day in style with one of the best bottomless brunches in Birmingham. We’ve handpicked some of the top bars and restaurants in which you can enjoy brunch with an added tipple or two - from Bellinis to Bloody Marys!

The Loft All Bar One Gas Street Social A choice of freshly baked Brunch, bubbles, then change the Brunch isn’t just for the weekend pastries, bacon & sausage world. For two hours on Sundays - at Gas Street Social you can ciabattas, salmon and scrambled between 10am and 4pm, enjoy have a boozy brunch every day of 13bottomless Prosecco, Ciroc Bloody Marys or eggs or a full English for two - the week! For two hours between 11am accompanied by unlimited Prosecco or Mimosas with your brunch. and 5pm on weekdays, and from 10am at Bloody Marys - is sure to cure any As well as the classic and traditional the weekend, add bottomless Bellinis hangover and get your weekend off to the options of a full English and eggs Benedict, (Prosecco with peach or strawberry purée) best possible start. royale and florentine, All Bar One also and Mimosas (Prosecco and orange juice) You can get this bottomless brunch offers something different. Try the Huevos to your brunch. Would you choose a between midday and 5pm, for two hours, Rancheros - a traditional Mexican breakfast chorizo hash with fried eggs or a full on Saturdays and Sundays at The Loft, with grilled tortilla, pico de gallo, black English on buttermilk pancakes with located in the heart of Birmingham’s bean salsa, eggs and avocado - or The maple syrup? Or how about the Gas Street Southside district. Hipster, with garlic portobello mushroom, Works, featuring award-winning sausage, Formerly The Loft Lounge, the bar fire-roasted peppers, beetroot chutney and thyme-roasted plum tomato, black recently got a brand spanking new look hummus. £25pp pudding, potato hash and more? after undergoing a huge refurbishment 12G-13G, The Water’s Edge, £18pp + main brunch item and rebrand. Check it out! £27pp Brindleyplace, Birmingham B1 2HL The Mailbox, 166-168 Wharfside St, 143 Bromsgrove St, Birmingham B5 6RG Birmingham B1 1RL

The Button Factory Harvey Nichols Urban - Church Street This Jewellery Quarter bar offers a If you’re after a luxurious and How do you like your eggs in the spectacularly different two or three- decadent brunch, then this one is morning? With bottomless course brunch with bottomless definitely for you. brunch, of course! To quote the Bellinis or Prosecco. The Middle Eastern- Treat yourself to unlimited Champagne with chalkboard outside the cafe (formerly Urban inspired feast is available on Saturdays from a choice of three dishes - available for two Coffee Company): ‘Brunch: (N) The socially 11am to 5pm in two-hour sittings. Starters hours on Sundays from 11am to 3pm. acceptable excuse to drink before noon’. So, include hummus with dukkah and flatbread Food options include Scottish oats porridge with that in mind, for two hours between and chicken wings with pomegranate with lavender honey, pancakes with 10am and 5pm on Saturday, or 11am and molasses. For the main event, choose Chantilly cream, devilled sardines on toast 4pm on Sunday, you can choose unlimited between buttermilk pancakes with various and smoked salmon with scrambled egg. Bloody Marys or Buck’s Fizz to accompany toppings, tandoori cauliflower, shakshuka- Whatever the occasion, Harvey Nichols your chosen brunch dish. Decide from baked eggs, a full English with parmesan offers the ultimate indulgent brunch. £50pp classics such as eggs Benedict, American hash browns and more. And it doesn’t end The Mailbox, 65 Wharfside St, pancakes with maple syrup, avocado smash, there! Dessert options include sticky toffee Birmingham B1 1RE a full English (vegan and vegetarian options pudding and poached rhubarb with vanilla included) and more. £22.50pp parfait and brandy snap. £30 - £35pp 30 Church St, Birmingham B3 2NP 25 Frederick St, Birmingham, B1 3HH

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Diana Vickers.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:57 Page 1

FEATURE JOINING THE LONELY HEARTS CLUB Diana Vickers talks about starring in brand new musical, Son Of A Preacher Man

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Diana Vickers.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:57 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

...if you love the music of the era and are a bit of ‘‘ a sucker for love, it’s the perfect place to go. New musical Son Of A Preacher Man chan- that be in the theatre or on TV, I just felt re- “When I auditioned,” I was in a room of 10 nels the Swinging ’60s music of Dusty Spring- ally happy! I was content with doing things people, including Warner and Craig, and it’s field and is named after her 1968 chart hit. with a group of other actors, rather than writ- very scary to have all eyes on you. I looked up As well as featuring Springfield’s sensational ing an album alone and gigging as a solo Warner before my audition, and it was quite smash-hit singles, this new production also artist. You’re by yourself a lot doing those daunting. He’s worked with loads of impor- boasts a star-studded cast. things. I felt like this was the right move for tant people, including on Broadway, and me. I needed to put all my eggs in one basket, done so many great things. Craig was so wel- The plot follows the story of three lovesick in- so I chose acting. Even before I went on The X coming and sweet but also really tested me. I dividuals from different generations. The trio Factor, I always wanted to be an actress. That had to take a regular scene and play it in seek solace at the original site of Soho’s leg- was my main goal.” order to seduce the pianist while singing one endary Preacher Man hang-out, a once-hap- of my songs. Then, with another scene, I had pening joint where youngsters with fresh Vickers’ stage debut came in a 2009 produc- to perform a monologue towards a music ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an tion of Jim Cartwright’s The Rise And Fall Of stand and pretend that I was attacking the aspiration for love would dance until they Little Voice, a show in which she imperson- music stand with a knife! It was absolutely dropped - or maybe seek love advice from the ated numerous music icons, including Dusty bonkers! Craig was doing it with me and he Preacher Man himself. Springfield. It was an experience that she firmly believes helped her bag her latest role. was fantastic - really fun and encouraging. It But those days are long gone, and it’s uncer- was a bit intimidating, but he was just so “It certainly made me so excited, especially tain whether the Preacher Man’s son can help lovely and welcoming. I think I’ll be on a bit when I got the script. Immediately I felt a these broken hearts. of a crazy ride with him. To be working with connection there! This is always so impor- Diana Vickers, who stars in the show, origi- such fantastic people and such a great team tant. I understand a lot about Dusty. She was nally came to the public’s attention in the certainly makes it more exciting.” described as ‘the great white lady of pop’, 2008 series of X Factor. She went on to storm and I knew about her success and her music. Vickers admits that she finds the theatre, film the UK charts with hit albums Songs From I went into the meeting with a lot more and television industries incredibly challeng- The Tainted Cherry Tree (2010) - which knowledge about her and what her sound ing. Even so, she continues to set new goals reached number one - and Music To Make was. In my audition, I felt like I was naturally for herself. When Son Of A Preacher Man has Boys Cry (2013). channelling her when I sang her music. I will concluded, she’ll have done three musicals in In Son Of A Preacher Man, she plays the probably have to pull out of that when I actu- the space of two years and would like to youngest of the three unlucky lovers, along- ally perform because I’m not actually meant delve into other waters. side Ian Reddington and Debra Stephenson. to be her, so I need to note that to myself.” “I’m just going to keep striving to move for- “It’s basically a musical about the Lonely The love affair between Vickers and the ward. I would maybe like to move onto a Hearts Club,” says Vickers. “Lonely hearts music of Springfield predates her acting ca- straight play or a bit of television - maybe who’ve been hurt and are trying to seek ad- reer. some comedy. But in this industry everything vice.” is so unpredictable, so you just take whatever “I’ve certainly gone through my eras in fash- comes your way.” For a few years, Vickers led two very different ion. I love the mini skirts and the really big, lives - one in the recording studio and on the bold, cute, patterned shift dresses. The gor- For now, though, all of her energies are fo- road, the other on stage and television. geous makeup with the big eyelashes is al- cused on Son Of A Preacher Man. “I guess theatre is a form of escapism,” she ways a winner. It’s not something I channel “It’s a show that takes you back to the Swing- explains. “I really loved doing gigs, it was so on a daily basis, but certainly for an event I ing ’60s - so if you love the music of the era much fun, but it’s a very different environ- would. Yesterday, my mum and I were play- and are a bit of a sucker for love, it’s the per- ment to theatre. At gigs it’s my own music - ing all the ’60s hits, so I feel like the music is fect place to go. It’s humorous, heartfelt, fun it’s just me. I transitioned into doing more very much around in my daily life. My mum and uplifting, with iconic music. So if you theatre and TV because I really love taking loves Dusty and used to play her music when like any or all of those things, please come on the role of another person and getting into we were younger. I remember when I was at and see the show!” their world.” school, we had a ’60s day and had to sing a Although it was a difficult decision for Vick- ’60s song, so we sang Dusty - I remember mum being so excited about that! From a ers, and one not taken lightly, she decided to Son Of A Preacher Man shows at the New very young age, I was very aware of Dusty’s make the move from pop princess to stage- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from 12 music.” and-screen performer a more permanent one, to 16 September and the Regent Theatre, believing it to be in the best interests of her Son Of A Preacher Man is written by world- Stoke-on-Trent, from 10 to 14 October. career and happiness. renowned lyricist Warner Brown and directed It then returns to the region in 2018, show- “After my second album, I had a decision to and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing ing at the Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre make about either going back into the studio favourite Craig Revel Horwood. This made for from 13 to 17 February, Malvern Theatre and writing another album or concentrating an audition that was not only exciting and from 20 to 24 February and Shrewsbury’s on my acting. I think I just always felt that nerve-wracking for Vickers but also a bit Theatre Severn from 13 to 17 March. every time I took on an acting role, whether bizarre.

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Food

Fixed prices introduced at Birmingham restaurant Opus Birmingham fine dining restaurant Opus has scrapped the individual prices on its à la carte menu and introduced a fixed price for two and three-course dining. Customers are now able to choose any dish from the full à la carte menu, with a two-course lunch or dinner costing £27.50 and a three-course meal £32.50. The vegetarian menu costs £25 for two courses and £30 for three. Available for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday, the menu includes roasted Cor- nish monkfish, breast of free-range duck and Eve- sham beetroot risotto. For menu information, visit opusrestaurant.co.uk

seasoned beautifully and the whole dish was an absolute joy to eat. Having successfully tackled the mountain of food presented to us, we were both ridiculously full and dessert certainly wasn’t needed. Even so, our waiter brought across one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, sutlac, for us to try. Rice pudding to you and me, it was deliciously creamy, perfectly replicating the flavour of a top-notch creme brûlée. Run by owner Kemal Guler, who also presides over Handsworth Wood-based restaurant Istanbul, Cappadocia is well worth a visit. From its tasty, authentic dishes REVIEW: Cappadocia perfection, the sucuk tasty and and friendly, attentive service to soft to the bite. The baba its big portions and laid-back at- Authentic Turkish cuisine in the heart of ghanoush was well made and mosphere, if you’re a fan of Turk- Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter among the nicest I’ve tasted. We ish cuisine this is definitely the were also presented with a shar- place for you! Formerly called Bistro Clock, pan fried with garlic butter, ing plate comprising patlican Lauren Foster Cappadocia is situated on Fred- onions, parsley and humous and soslu (a mixture of aubergine, peppers and onions, stewed in erick Street - just a few metres honey-glazed goat’s cheese) to Food: nnnnn tomato sauce), tabbouleh, cous- from the iconic Chamberlain grilled seafood, vegetarian Service: nnnnn cous, humous, olives and salad, clock in Birmingham’s historical dishes and pasta dishes, with a Ambience: nnnnn which was a really nice touch. Jewellery Quarter - and offers main focus on traditional char- Overall value nnnnn diners authentic Turkish cuisine, coal-grilled kebabs. For our main course, we shared OVERALL nnnnn seven days a week. To start, we ordered the pan- the Chef’s Special platter. This comprised a skewer of lamb Cappadocia Cappadocia’s menu is extensive fried king prawns sautéed with 33 Frederick Street and features everything from peppers, tomato sauce, garlic kebab, a skewer of chicken kebab, adana kofte, four chicken Hockley cold starters (which include vine and herbs, the sucuk (grilled Birmingham wings and four lamb ribs served leaves stuffed with rice and ker- spicy beef sausage) and a portion B1 3HH nels and Russian salad) and hot of bread and baba ghanoush. with bulgur, chips and salad. The Tel: 0121 212 0338 starters (including diced lamb The king prawns were cooked to tender chicken meat fell off the bone, the kebab elements were

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12 whatsonlive.co.uk Food August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:46 Page 4

Food

Popular chef launches Leamington’s food festival in new ‘best baker’ search new food & drink expo Now in its 10th year, the Leamington Food & Drink Festival returns to the town’s Royal Pump Gardens The UK’s largest indoor African and on Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 September. Caribbean food & drink expo will take Featuring over 150 exhibitors, the free event was place at the Quantum Exhibition Centre voted one of the best Autumn food & drink festivals in Digbeth, from 29 September to 1 Oc- in the UK by the Telegraph newspaper in 2013. tober. Last year’s event attracted 25,000 visitors across the Organised by Chef Lorenzo Richards, two days. Culture Cooking Expo recently enjoyed New for this year is a competition to find the town’s a VIP launch at his restaurant, The best amateur baker. The contest is being co- Wildmoor Oak, near Bromsgrove. launched by BID Leamington and award-winning The project will bring together restau- chocolate specialist Sweet As Cake Emporium. rants and celebrity chefs to help raise Home bakers of all ages are being challenged to put the profile of African and Caribbean their skills to the test, with ‘fabulous’ prizes up for cuisine. grabs. Jenny Hudson, chef director and founder of Sweet As Cake Emporium, will be one of the judges. New pub launches Hoping to top last year’s record crowd, the festival in Brindleyplace will showcase an action-packed programme featuring new attractions and established favourites. A new pub owned by the brand behind Highlights include the live cookery theatre, a BBQ popular Birmingham venue The masterclass, a make & bake kids cookery school and Botanist will this month open in the a taste trail. city’s Brindleyplace. New World Trading Company’s The Canal House will be located in the premises previously occupied by the James Brindley pub. It will stock more than 60 unique world ales. The venue will also boast an extensive cocktail menu and a ‘vibrant take on pub food that will centre around the ro- tisserie and succulent grilled meats, alongside a delicious deli section’. The Ivy to open in Brum World famous celebrity haunt The Ivy is set to open in Birmingham. The upmarket bar & brasserie will launch in early 2018 at 67-71 Temple Row, premises currently occupied by Louis Vuitton. Having been a firm fixture on London’s dining and social scene since being founded in 1917, The Ivy’s list of celebrity diners includes Madonna, Tom Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Simon Cow- ell and David & Victoria Beckham. Beckham-endorsed whisky arrives at Birmingham’s Cube The company behind a brand of whisky en- and homemade brown sauce and patatas dorsed by David Beckham has opened a new bravas. 36-seat rooftop bar in popular Birmingham visi- Commenting on the opening, Nick Temperley, tor destination The Cube. UK head of Reserve Brands at Diageo, the com- Situated on Level 25, next to Marco Pierre White pany that owns Haig Club Bar, said: “We’re re- Steakhouse Bar & Grill Birmingham, Haig Club ally excited to be working with The Cube Bar serves more than 20 whisky cocktails. Birmingham, creating this unique Haig Club- The venue also offers small plates and sharing man experience in a city where cocktail culture dishes, including black pudding bon bons - continues to grow and excite.” black pudding in crusted panko breadcrumbs - whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:48 Page 1 GIGS August Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:48 Page 2

Gigs

Céline Dion Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 3 August Best known for number one hit and Titanic theme tune My Heart Will Go On, five-time Grammy Award winner Céline Dion brings a live tour to the UK for the first time in eight years. Expect a multitude of smash hits from a 30-year career which has produced a stag- gering 250 million album sales.

GoGo Penguin critical acclaim following the release of their debut album, Fanfares. Their 2014 follow- mac, Birmingham, Sun 20 August up, v2.0, was named one of the Barclaycard Although predominantly an acoustic piano Mercury Prize Albums of the Year. In early trio, GoGo Penguin’s music draws from 2015, they signed a three-album deal with many areas of contemporary electronic Blue Note Records, releasing debut record music and jazz. The band received plenty of Man Made Object in February 2016.

Sam Outlaw Band Regina Spektor Parquet Courts Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Wed 30 August Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 5 August O2 Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 31 August Singer-songwriter Sam Outlaw had a success- Russian-born American singer-songwriter Comprising Andrew Savage, Austin Brown, ful advertising career in Southern California and pianist Regina Spektor began classical Sean Yeaton and Max Savage, Parquet before changing gear to pursue his passion piano training at the tender age of six. Courts are an American indie rock band for music. She self-released her first three records be- hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Since the release of 2015 debut offering Ange- fore signing to Sire Records, where she Well known on both the UK and interna- leno, Outlaw has enjoyed plenty of interna- began achieving mainstream recognition. tional festival circuits, the four-piece have tional acclaim, and is one of relatively few LA Spektor visits Birmingham in support of crit- enjoyed appearances at Latitude, Glaston- modern country singers to do so. ically acclaimed seventh album Remember bury, Bilbao BBK Live in Portugal and the He visits Birmingham on the back of new Us To Life. Lollapalooza and Pitchfork music festivals album Tenderheart, which debuted at num- in Chicago, to name but a few. ber three in the UK Country Albums Chart. The Flaming Lips Their fifth studio album, Human Perform- ance, was released earlier this year through The Rainbow, Birmingham, Sat 12 August Rough Trade. Psychedelic rock band The Flaming Lips formed in Oklahoma in 1983. Melodically, their sound contains multi-lay- ered, psychedelic rock arrangements; lyri- cally, their compositions feature elements of space rock. Best known for hit tracks The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song, Do You Realize?? and Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots Part 1, they visit Birmingham to appear in new open-air festival VMS Live Presents InnerCity, alongside support act Public Service Broadcasting. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:00 Page 1

FEATURE

Ocean Colour Scene

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Ocean Colour Scene.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:00 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Ocean Colour Scene frontman Simon Fowler chats to What’s On ahead of the band’s headline performance at new Birmingham festival Beyond The Tracks...

Ocean Colour Scene are headlining brand from the area, so there’s a hell of a lot of things like Speedy Gonzales by Pat Boone. new festival Beyond The Tracks next people we know in the city, and we have the My favourite early song was called Seven Lit- month. What can your audience expect Birmingham sensibility, I think. Not too tle Girls (Sitting In The Back Seat). Google it - from your Saturday evening performance? much of a show-off. it was probably dreadful. It was by a band We’ll be doing all the songs that people hope- called The Avons, and that was about 1960. It was my favourite record, and my brother and fully know. It’s the audience’s day out, isn’t You took the anniversary tour to Aus- I had an argument. I’d have been about five it? It’s the audience’s gig, so we’ll oblige. tralia, too. What was it like playing there and he’d have been seven, and he threw the for the first time? single across our lounge. It hit a chair leg and You’ll be sharing the stage with the likes We’re actually going back there at the end of shattered. That’s my earliest musical mem- of Maximo Park, The Coral and The the year. We’re doing Australia and New ory. Twang. Who are you most looking for- Zealand this time. We’ve been together for 28 ward to seeing? years, and how the hell we’d never played in What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Carl Barât is there, isn’t he? I’ve never met Australia before, I just don’t know. They were the music industry over the years? Carl, so I’m looking forward to meeting him. really, really welcoming, so basically we’re Steve knows him a bit. I know that he and going back and playing much bigger venues The way that records are now almost a by- Pete (Doherty) grew up listening to us, which because those gigs were only 800-capacity product that allows you to tour. You used to is quite amusing! So yeah, I’ll go and give venues and they sold out literally within an make an album - looking back at it, at ridicu- him some tips on taking drugs - like, “don’t hour. We had no idea that was going to hap- lous costs - and then you would tour to pro- take them, young Carl.” pen! mote that album. It’s the other way round now. Unless you’re a mega-selling, streaming person, I wouldn’t like to start a band now Why do you think Ocean Colour Scene The band are well known on the festival and have to work out what to do. Having said have managed to survive for so long? circuit. Do you have a favourite festival? that, I've never used a computer, I’ve never Oh blimey! I quite like the one at The crowd - our crowd. Also, we’ve never streamed - I don’t even know what that really Punchestown in Ireland - it used to be called been fashionable. If you’re fashionable, by means - so if I was a young person now, I’d Oxegen. That’s really nice - it’s at a race- the very nature of that statement, you’re have grown up with a different mentality. course and it’s got the poshest facilities of going to not be fashionable in a year, or Album art, album covers, who gives a toss any festival I’ve ever been to. Glastonbury I maybe even six months. We’ve never been about them anymore, but that used to be one always used to find terrifying, just because fashionable, we’ve always been a traditional of the things that made an album so special. it’s Glastonbury. It’s a bit like playing the Al- rock, blues, folk band who you either like or Opening it up on the bus home, reading the bert Hall - it’s the Albert Hall, however hard you don’t. People have stuck with us, and it’s credits. There’s none of that now. Christ, I’m you try to pretend it isn’t! I like festivals; I our crowd who’ve kept us together. We’re not sounding old, aren’t I?! think there’s a lot less pressure. We played at going to make an album that’s going into the a castle up near Chepstow last weekend, top 10 anymore, but we go and play to 12,500 What’s the most memorable performance which was nice. people, and I think we treasure that more now than chasing the charts. I don’t even of your career? know how they work now! I don’t know how Obviously supporting Oasis at Knebworth Last year you played a series of special you can have nine singles in the top 10! It’s was pretty special - and petrifying! One of my gigs around the UK to celebrate the 20th just nonsense. That means nothing to me at proudest moments was when we played the anniversary of your hit 1996 album, Mose- all. So we’ll play to our crowds and Ed Albert Hall in February ’97. There it was, our ley Shoals. The tour included dates at Sheeran can have 10 songs in the top five. name, up in lights at the Albert Hall, and I Moseley Park and Birmingham’s Irish walked in and thought, ‘Jesus Christ, we’ve Centre. What’s it like playing to a home done it!’ Another memorable moment was If you could go back in time to Ocean crowd? Do the shows feel more special? the first time we played the NEC. That was Colour Scene’s inception, is there any- They’ve always been lovely to us, Birming- pretty remarkable. thing you would do differently? ham. There’s always a word around that Birmingham is a dull audience, but I’ve never I’d write more, that’s all. I wouldn’t change What does the future hold for Ocean found that - ever. I think that comes from anything, really. There are probably argu- Colour Scene? people who’re in dull bands. We’ve always ments that we could’ve avoided, but that’s gone down great in Birmingham. This was the way life is. I wouldn’t change the fact that I need to write and we need to record an our launch pad. The Jug of Ale, as it was, in we struggled for seven years because that’s album! Moseley was our HQ, and the first time I met when we learned to do what we do, and Liam was down there. It’s always been spe- that’s when we learned to be a band. It does you good being punched in the face once or cial to us. Even before that, in my bands be- Ocean Colour Scene play the Saturday twice, so long as you don’t lose your teeth. fore that, the Irish Centre was always a great headline slot at Beyond The Tracks, which place, and before that, the Barrel Organ. takes place from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 When you were in a local band, you knew What’s your first musical memory? September at Eastside City Park, Digbeth, that once you arrived at the Barrel Organ, A load of old singles my older brother used to Birmingham. you’d made it! Next stop, the NEC! Birming- listen to that were like family heirlooms - ham’s always been special to us. We’re all whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:40 Page 1

INTERVIEW

lulu talks music, family & beauty secrets... Lulu.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:40 Page 2

When you have success at a young age - the pop star sort of thing - ‘‘ you think you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see that you’re not How do you keep your shows exciting excited. When they started to get excited, If a film were to be made about your for you and the audience? the guards slapped them down. life, who would you like to have” play First of all, I’ve only been with this band you? for around four years, and that’s helped If someone had told your 15-year-old Jennifer Lawrence. shake things up. They’re all younger than self that you had this life ahead of you, me, so there's a young energy, which I what would you have thought? Do you think today’s young female love. The great thing is that these guys are I would’ve said, ‘Are you having a laugh?’ bands and artists are under too much influenced by the same music that I was - because I’ve had such an amazing life! pressure to look good? and still am - but they have a new slant. How could a 15-year-old have predicted Yes! Now it's ‘world domination or the way my life was going to unfold? It’s nothing’, and that’s tremendous pressure. Where does your energy come from? been a rollercoaster. I thought I was going And you'll be dropped like a hot potato if I guess I was blessed with a lot of energy, to be a singing hairdresser who never left you don't sell a certain amount of records. and I think if you’re healthy you have a lot Glasgow! of energy. Some people love it, but some What are your ‘must haves’ in the would prefer you to shut up and sit down. Anything else you wish you’d known at makeup bag? It's all about how you use your energy for the beginning of your career? Good skin care. Thank God for TimeBomb. the positive. And as you get older, it’s I wish I’d known I could write songs. Before you put anything on your skin, it about pacing your energy - and for that, I has to be in the best condition it can be. do meditation and Chi Gong. In your experience, what gets easier as You have to make sure you’re hydrated you get older? internally and externally and make sure What was the first concert you ever Most things become easier because I live you get lots of sleep so your face looks like performed at? from a position of having gratitude. I've it's alive instead of dead. You've got to - as It was in a theatre or small hall, and I was become philosophical, and as tough as it opposed to a young person, where it very, very young. I sang Smoke Gets In is for me not to knee-jerk into a negative doesn't really matter because they always Your Eyes and forgot the words. I just place when things go wrong, I always look gorgeous. I have to have the right repeated the first verse and wanted to die, have a way of getting back and looking at stuff underneath: good foundation, the but nobody mentioned it afterwards. I acceptance of what is and what I can't right blusher and lots of eyelashes - and thought it was the worst thing I’d done in change. It doesn’t happen in a flash. It’s a my favourite thing is to try and get the J- my whole life. I was probably about six! I process, and I now have the support and Lo lips! Really, for me, she just kills it. remember that I had a sticky-out frock, the tools to process. That's what I try to do, those luscious lips! and I think I was so pleased with myself Everything is off before I go to bed. that the excitement affected my memory! And what gets tougher? Maintenance. It’s a bitch! There's a big Who’s given you the best advice about What was the first concert you went to? piece of acceptance in growing older. I your voice? I remember going to a really dirty club to look at myself and go, 'Oh my God!’ You I met Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas, and he see Alex Harvey (Shout) when I was just never really thought this would happen. asked if I made it a habit to warm up my about 13. I don't know if that was my first When you have success at a young age - voice, and if I did vocal exercises before a show. I wasn’t allowed to go to those the pop star sort of thing - you think show, which I didn't back then. I was places because I was so young, but my you’re invincible, so it’s a shock to see there with Maurice (Gibb), and Frank mother wangled it so I could go. I used to that you’re not. offered to teach me, but I never followed it sing in a band at the weekends, so the up because I was too shy. And then, of boys in the band had to look after me. If you, Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger course, I went off and hurt my voice, so Alex came backstage dressed in black went on stage together, who do you now I’m religious about looking after it. leather, with jet-black hair, and sang think would be the last one standing? So yes, Frank, I eventually took your Shout. It was the first time I’d ever heard I think that would be very difficult advice! it, and I went out the next day and bought because you hear endless praise about the record by The Isley Brothers. The rest Jagger doing his amazing run at the end of Is there anyone you'd still like to work is history. every gig The Stones play, and I don't see with or duet with? Macca giving up any time soon, so that Bruno Mars, Calvin Harris - and I'd love to In 1966, you were one of the first would be a very tough race. do something with Steven Tyler from female artists ever to play an Eastern Aerosmith. And so many more! bloc country. What was the experience What makes you really proud? like, considering you were only 17 or At the weekend, I was with my son and 18? my grandchildren. We were making I was with The Hollies and it was scary. It birthday cards and a poster for their mum, Lulu plays Solihull Summer Fest was cold, the place was very rundown and who was about to return from a few days on Saturday 26 August. there were bullet marks on buildings. away with her girlfriends. It was such a Other artists performing over the There was debris and a lot of poverty. It sweet moment, and I sat back and weekend include Peter Andre, Feeder, was also memorable because when we did thought, ‘Wow, didn’t Jordon do well, and The Pigeon Detectives and The Wonder the concerts, there were guards I get to share it!’. That was a proud Stuff. For more details, visit everywhere, watching the audience to moment. solihullsummerfest.co.uk make sure they didn't stand up or get Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:05 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 2

Festivals

Shrewsbury Folk Festival West Midland Showground, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Shrewsbury Folk has certainly made an im- pression on the region’s festival-goers - the well-established event was named Best Mid- lands Music Festival in this year’s What’s On Readers’ Awards. It took second place in the Best Shropshire Festival category too, so con- gratulations are definitely in order! A highlight of any folk fan’s calendar, this four-day fest brings together centuries of musical tradition in one setting. Steeped in history, the border town of Shrewsbury makes an ideal backdrop for the festival’s mash-up of modern, medieval and everything between, where grassroots cultures collide in dynamic fusion styles. Bring along the whole family for dance and workshops as well as live music. What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Line-up includes: The Young’uns, Best Midlands The Unthanks (pictured), Loudon Wainwright Festival 2017 III, The Transports, Jon Boden, Chris Difford, Oysterband, Le Vent du Nord, Sam Carter and Faith, Folk & Anarchy

Creamfields Farmer Phil’s Festival Brecon Jazz Festival Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, Gatten Farm, Ratlinghope, Shropshire, Various locations, Brecon, Wales, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Fri 11 - Sun 13 August Celebrating 20 years in 2017, Creamfields un- After a successful reinvention in 2016, Brecon leashes the energy of Cream’s Liverpool club Jazz continues with the smaller-scale, more nights in the open space of Halton’s Dares- collaborative and community-led approach bury Estate. Cutting-edge live acts unite with which transformed past difficulties into an world-class DJs in a hedonistic four-day opportunity for positive change. dance party. Since launching in Winchester, Expect headline performers, emerging talent, the brand has evolved into an international workshops and social and folk activities, all phenomenon, beloved of ravers, trailblazers curated by Brecon Jazz Club. and experimenters the world over. Line-up includes: Annette Gregory (pic- Line-up includes: Faithless (DJ set), Fatboy tured) & Friends, Atsuko Shimada Trio, Ger- Slim, Annie Mac, Chase & Status (DJ set), ard Cousins Project, Darius Brubeck Quartet, deadmau5, Disciples, Andy C, Duke Dumont, Nigel Price, Ross Stanley Trio and Danny Howard, Eric Prydz, DVBBS, Gorgon Launched in a corner of one of Farmer Phil’s Hannah Vivian-Byrne Trio City, Dusky, Hannah Wants, Idris Elba, Mista- fields near Shrewsbury, this boutique gather- jam, Wilkinson, Pendulum and Stormzy ing aims to offer something for everyone, covering rock, dance, acoustic folk and everything between. Camping for the full week, from 7 to 14 August, is included in the ticket price. A brilliant opportunity to enjoy a summer getaway with the family. Line-up includes: Ferocious Dog (pictured), The Quireboys, Rev. Peyton’s, Doctor & the Medics, The Urban Voodoo Machine, Gaz Brookfield & the Company of Thieves, Rusty Shackle, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Dooni- can, Talisman and Funke & the Two Tone Baby. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 3 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 4

Festivals

Lakefest Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire, Thurs 10 - Mon 14 August Priding itself on putting family first, Lake- fest's story began with a giant cider festival at Croft Farm Waterpark. Though expansion has led to a relocation to the beautiful East- nor Castle, it retains its friendly, West Coun- try vibe. This year, the festival goes Hawaiian, so bring your best beach-themed fancy dress and get ready for an eclectic line- up of music, BMX biking and more. Line-up includes: Feeder (pictured), Wilko Johnson, The Charlatans, Alabama 3, Aswad, Turin Brakes, Imelda May, Seth Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy and Roving Crows

Camper Calling Green Man Festival Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Thurs 17 - Sun 20 August Following a warmly received debut in 2016, Known for its ethical business model and Camper Calling returns to the stunning quality line-ups, Green Man has scooped up grounds of Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall for its numerous awards and accolades during its 15 second family-friendly outing. This year’s years in operation. Alongside an amazing event boasts a superb line-up of Britpop leg- array of folk, world, indie, electronic and ends and contemporary music stars, now psychedelic music, it also boasts literature, covering three nights instead of two! film, comedy, theatre, ceilidhs, all-night bon- Line-up includes: Cast (pictured), Reef, fires and secret gigs, all surrounded by the Space, The Ordinary Boys, Musical Youth, breathtaking beauty of the Brecon Beacons. Lucy Spraggan, Backbeat Soundsystem, Scott Music line-up includes: PJ Harvey (pic- Matthews, Afro Cluster, Barbarella’s Bang tured), Ryan Adams, The Shins, Kate Tem- Bang, BETSY, The Undercover Hippy, CC Sunshine Festival pest, Sleaford Mods, Ride, Shirley Collins, Smugglers, The Elephant Trees, Lakuta, The Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, Conor Oberst, Saint Etienne, British Sea Atlantic Players and Grafton Ash Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Sun 27 August Power, Alasdair Roberts Trio, Back with a fantastic mix of big-name pop Comedy line-up includes: Josie Long, Jarred acts and retro favourites, the heart of Eng- Christmas, Laura Lexx, Lolly Adefope and land’s ‘favourite family festival’ returns to Rob Deering Upton-upon-Severn for its eighth year. As well as featuring a line-up assembled to appeal to every generation, there’s also a disco, karaoke and a range of fun activities for kids. Fancy dress is encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed. Line-up includes: Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor (pictured), Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Heatwave, Modern Romance, Jaki Gra- ham, Sonia, The Wurzels and Union Gap (UK)

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 5 Festivals August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:06 Page 6

Festivals

V Festival Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August Featuring an impressive line-up of world- class performers in one epic, cross-country weekend, Virgin's V Festival was born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker hit on the idea of uniting musicians in two locations over two days. Chart-topping acts of all genres join a host of comedy talent on stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, visiting one on Saturday and the other on Sunday. Music line-up includes: Pink, Jay-Z, Ellie Goulding (pictured), Pete Tong & the Her- itage Orchestra, Stormzy, Raye, Jason Derulo, Nadia Rose, Dizzee Rascal, Clean Bandit, Ex- ample & DJ Wire, Pink, Craig David, Jess Glynne, George Ezra, Madness, Ella Eyre, Busted, Sean Paul, and The Vamps Comedy line-up includes: Joe Lycett, Joel Dommett, Lee Nelson and Seann Walsh

Pershore Jazz Festival Towersey Festival Beermageddon Pershore College, Avonbank, Pershore, Thame, Oxfordshire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 - Sun 20 August Worcestershire, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August From humble beginnings, Pershore College’s Billed as the best-kept secret in British metal, annual jazz festival has achieved UK-wide Beermageddon returns to showcase the ris- renown, showcasing formidable musical tal- ing stars of the UK's alternative music scene. ent on local, national and even international The music might be hard and heavy, but the levels. Though the event errs on the side of set-up is comfortable and civilised, with in- the traditional, young musicians and audi- door stages and facilities, hot food, afford- ences are encouraged to come along and able beers and free entry for under-14s share fresh ideas. who’re accompanied by any paying adult. A friendly, not-for-profit get-together run by a Beermageddon also boasts free camping. passionate and dedicated team. Line-up includes: Outright Resistance (pic- Line-up includes: Fret & Fiddle (pictured), tured), Totengefluster, Stahlsarg, Ace Of Jeff Barnhart’s Sweet & Hot, Clark Tracey Spades, Zephyra, Warlord, Godslave, Aklash, Sextet, Dorine de Wit’s Brit Band, Digby Fair- Folk spirit goes to the heart of Towersey Fes- Unlight, Wolfbastard, Acid Trial, Master’s weather’s Half Dozen, John Hallam’s Blue tival, which traces its roots back to 1965, Call and Krysthla, Scars Of Sense, Countless Three, New Orleans Heat, Slide by Slide, Gra- when local villagers united to buy a field Skies, Footprints In The Custard, Isarnos and ham Smith Shades of Jazz and Keith Nichols’ from wealthy landowners. Deep Throat Truama Washingtonian After raising funds to drain, plough and re- seed the area, they started an event which has gone on to become one of the UK’s finest folk festivals. In honour of its origins, profits are paid back into village facilities and local charities. Line-up includes: KT Tunstall (pictured), Newton Faulkner, Eliza Carthy & the Way- ward Band, Foy Vance, Jon Boden, Lindis- farne, Show of Hands, The Blockheads, The Demon Barbers XL, The Spooky Men’s Chorale, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Andy Cutting and Mawkin

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:44 Page 1

INTERVIEW

the overtones From pop and soul to doo-wop and crooning, there’s no denying the appeal of the UK’s ‘favourite’ five-piece vocal harmony group. Lauren Foster caught up with the band’s Timmy Matley ahead of their mid-month Shrewsbury Flower Show gig...

You’re playing Shrewsbury Flower Show list together. We’re really looking forward to your tea break... this month. What can your audience getting people on their feet - and for that time expect from your Saturday evening we’re on the stage, we want everyone to get It sounds a bit like a fairytale when you performance? up, forget all their cares and worries, and just describe it like that, but that’s what it is enjoy themselves. really. We’d been together four years as a We’ll be there, looking sharp. The shoes are group. We set up this small painting & shined and everything’s ready. I’m looking decorating company, just so we could get You were discovered by a Warner Bros forward to sitting down and sorting out the some cash-in-hand work, and basically got talent scout in London while singing in set list - we’re going to put a really strong set overheard singing. We were invited down to The Overtones.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:44 Page 2

by Lauren Foster

Warner Music, but it wasn’t just a ‘here’s a Your voice is an instrument and you have to You like to knit in your spare time. What’s five-album deal’ type of thing. We got invited really take care of it. I won’t be having a drink your most impressive piece of work? down and we got to sing for some of the guys leading up to the show. I’d say the main bulk there. Then they wanted to hear us on a of getting ready for a show is making sure I love to knit! I really haven’t moved on from record and see what we were like, so we I’ve packed the right suit, shoes, tie or scarves, but I know how to do the little recorded six songs - and that was like bowtie, and making sure I do a nice vocal stringy things at the end. I haven’t advanced another audition round - and then, after that, warm-up. more than that, but I like to do it in the we got offered the five-album deal. It was an winter. It’s actually really therapeutic. absolute whirlwind, but it’s so lovely waking What advice would you give to the young up every day and just doing a job that, musicians of today who’re trying to get What’s been the highlight of your career? ultimately, is the best job in the world. I’m themselves heard? Because I’m an Irishman living in the UK, getting paid to do something I love to do, and and because I was very proud to be up there, I think that’s all you can ask for in life. We got signed seven years ago, but even how people are being discovered has gone into it was when Gary Barlow asked us to do a 15- minute warm-up slot for the Diamond Jubilee How did you all originally meet? another realm since then. It was YouTube at the time. Since YouTube you’ve got people concert. We got to experience that whole We’re all from different parts of the UK, but being discovered on Instagram and all sorts moment of being on that amazing stage. We we all moved to London to fulfil our dreams, of networks. You’ve got to get your music out weren’t televised, but we were there with whatever that meant. There’s so much going there and put yourself out to wider something crazy like two million people at on in London in terms of music. I met the audiences, such as the internet. Also, being a Buckingham Palace, and we felt very proud lads when we were on the auditioning circuit. good singer is one thing, but you’ve also got to be there. We got invited to the palace Instead of auditioning for other groups, we to be a good entertainer. If you think of any of afterwards for a cocktail and it was lovely. decided to start our own. It was another four those living legends - your Stevie Wonder, Prince William and Kate were there, and they years before we got discovered, but you’ve your Chaka Khan, Céline Dion - these people were just wandering around. Not only that, got to put the work in. have had careers spanning decades because there was Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, they’re entertainers as well as great singers. Jessie J, Ed Sheeran - and this was going back There are five of you in the group. Do you Getting out there in front of people is also to when we first started. It was such a special generally have the same musical opinions important. There are some great open-mic day. I just remember feeling like I was when producing new material? nights around the country. Get out there, get walking on clouds and wondering how it had that experience and get rid of those nerves. all actually happened. All of us are actually into different styles of You can question yourself a lot when you’re music. The brilliant thing is that we all come starting out, but it’s a waste of time even Finally, what does the future hold for together, and I think that formula works. listening to that. Throw yourself into it The Overtones? These songs that we sing, they have a classic wholeheartedly and enjoy everything that Well listen, I’m a very, very keen gardener, feel to them, but we like to give them the you do. Overtones spin and make them feel a bit and I’m really excited to be at the Shrewsbury Flower Show. I love my garden! I post shots modern. The best way for us to get anything Which artist has inspired you the most? done is a show of hands - we always go with of it on my Twitter account. I’ve got a little the majority. We’re grown men and it’s a I went to see Stevie Wonder perform live veggie patch, a little seating area and a lovely lovely, natural way of working, which is three years ago and he was just incredible. flowerbed. It’s all very manageable - and full great. He’s just a music legend. All his music brings of beautiful colours at the moment; so bright people together, and he really believes in the and vibrant. What does the future hold for What’s your earliest musical memory? power of that. I feel that because of his The Overtones? We’ve got a really exciting music, my world is a better place. Stevie announcement coming in the next few I’d say when I first became aware that singing Wonder, for me, is such an inspiration. He’s weeks. I know that’s being really vague, but had emotion attached to it. My Auntie no spring chicken, but he can still sing it we’re hoping, as always, to be releasing new Janette, she’s a really lovely lady. When we exactly how he did in his 20s. music, to be on the road and to be enjoying were kids, you’ve got your traditional Irish what we do - it makes people really happy. songs and my Auntie Janette would get up What’s the strangest experience you’ve You know, since I’ve been diagnosed with and sing. She has a really good voice. I would had in terms of your fans? melanoma, I’m really, really taking care of my say I was six or seven, and the first time I health. The plan is to be healthy and happy. heard her sing - I still remember to this day - I feel like I could set up a Tunnock’s teacake it actually made me cry. I look back now and afternoon with, like, 200 people! Basically, I realise I was crying because it just moved me. tweeted that I really love Tunnock’s teacakes Whether music makes you laugh, cry, smile because they remind me of going round to my The Overtones play Shrewsbury Flower or dance, it’s always attached to emotions. nan’s when I was a kid. Now, every time we’re Show on Saturday 12 August. on tour, the fans give me Tunnock’s teacakes. Shrewsbury Flower Show takes place at What do you do to prepare yourself pre- It’s so sweet, and I really do enjoy them. It’s the town’s Quarry Park on Friday 11 & show? really thoughtful. Sometimes, people are so Saturday 12 August. Further information excited to see you that they either clam up or can be found on page 45 I do a vocal warm-up before the sound check they start crying, and it’s just the sweetest which will last around 15 minutes. I play it thing. We just give them a lovely hug. through my phone and the boys will join in. Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 1

Comedy

Milton Jones Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 30 August With a style of humour that’s mainly based around puns and one-liners, Milton Jones has established himself as one of Britain’s most in-demand funnymen. “If my comedy’s working well, I put a cartoon in people’s heads that surprises them,” explains Milton. “So you start off and they’re thinking one thing, then you surprise them by changing the ending as you go along. It’s not political or particularly edgy, it’s just daft. It’s a sort of verbal practical joke, but some people really hate that. Milton’s gags include: “Militant femi- nists - I take my hat off to them. They don't like that,” and “Recently, on a flight to America, all the way across my wife was going, ‘Why don't you get an upgrade, why don't you get an upgrade?’ “It took a bit of time, but in the end I got a better wife.”

Three of the best...

Paul Tonkinson Joe Bromehead Steve Hewlett Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Jongleurs Comedy Club, The Core, Solihull, Sat 5 August Birmingham, Fri 25 August Wed 16 August; Regent Theatre, The days when people delighted at the likes Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 19 August “Take a look at the video clips on my web- of Keith Harris fitting his hand up the bottom Time Out Comedy Award winner Paul has site,” urges Joe Bromehead. “And if you like of a curious-looking puppet and seemingly been a regular on the UK laughter circuit what I do, do tell me because, as all comedi- making it talk are long gone. since the 1990s. He’s perhaps best known ans are, I'm often crippled with self-doubt, Well, at least until recently they were. from The Big Breakfast and The Sunday seeking the approval of complete strangers in But now there’s one man in particular who’s Show. Regularly booked by the UK Armed order to fill some kind of void in my soul!” doing his bit to change the widely held view Forces, Paul was the first comic to perform in Joe’s feelings of self-doubt should certainly that ventriloquism acts are old hat, tired out Iraq after the war officially ended. He’s since be on the decline nowadays, given how many and alarmingly frayed at the edges... used his experi- of those ‘complete strangers’ - that’s his audi- That man is Steve Hewlett, ences there as ence we’re talking about there - offer him the Britain’s Got Talent finalist inspiration for approval he’s 2013, whose most popular his comedy. seeking when- puppet partners include “When I told my ever he plays a Chi Chi the dog, Pongo wife I'd spent gig. A cheeky the skunk and cheeky old much of the chappie with a geezer Arthur Lager. time lying on penchant for Expect to meet all three. the floor," he props-led com- The puppets of Simon Cow- says, "all I got in edy, Joe’s a real ell and Sinitta, which Steve response was rising star on used during his Britain’s Got 'well we all like the UK comedy Talent run, might also get the a lie down, don’t circuit and well hand-up-bottom treatment on we?'” worth a look. the night.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:10 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

is this?’ But fans should rest assured that, while the impetus behind his new show Simon might be different, his distinctive wry humour is still very much the same. “All the stand-up I’ve done so far has been Amstell deeply personal in that I go up on stage and say terribly embarrassing things that I’m worried about saying out loud. If anything, this asks What Is This? show goes even deeper, perhaps because I’m a bit older and it isn’t just constant anxiety. From writing and directing films to con- I’m having to deal with things like happiness verting to veganism, and from finding now... love to taking spiritual medicine in a “Being in a relationship is a complicated af- shamanic ritual, Simon Amstell has been fair. Where previous shows have dealt more on quite a journey since his Never Mind with being lonely, I think there’s a lot about The Buzzcocks days. Following the broad- intimacy here and being able to be in the mo- cast of his critically acclaimed directorial ment with another human being without debut on BBC Three, a new tour sees him worrying.” return to stand-up with a fresh outlook in- The path to contentment hasn’t only been by spired by his own personal and profes- way of investing in another human being, sional transformation. Ahead of its arrival however. In the depths of despair, Amstell in the Midlands in October, we asked him acted on a recommendation to travel to Peru to shed a little light on the huge question to take ayahuasca, an ancient psychoactive that its title poses - What is this? brew that many people - Amstell among them - swear has changed their lives. “I think this is a question that inevitably comes up at some point if what you do for a “I was so desperate for something to make the killing of animals has been outlawed and living is stand up on stage talking about me feel better - or just to make me feel some- young people look with horror on an older yourself,” he says. “At some point, you say, thing - that the only moment when I felt a bit generation coming to terms with its meat-eat- ‘What is this? What am I doing? What are any worried was when the shaman entered the ing past. So does he really think that’s where of us doing? Why are we alive?’ But I don’t room and I thought, ‘Oh no, what have I we’ll be in 50 years, or is the film over-opti- think it’s an answerable question. In the end, done? These men are wearing matching out- mistic? fits and I’m about to drink a vision-inducing I suppose the best you can say is, perhaps it “I don’t know. I think now all the informa- plant medicine that I haven’t researched doesn’t matter.” tion’s out there on the internet, it’s just going enough! But apart from that, I felt very well Known for his candid, almost confessional to get more and more awkward, so at some looked after, both by the shaman and by the style of comedy, Amstell is open about how point there has to be a shift. But there’s a medicine herself.” his stand-up career began in part as a way of quote I quite like from James Baldwin - ‘I seeking validation - a kind of defence against Anyone who’s seen his recent docu-drama, have to be optimistic because I’m alive.’” Carnage, will already be aware of his other his own anxieties. But with new work oppor- In between testing out material for his show, major lifestyle change of late. While he owns tunities opening up to him, and his life now Amstell’s also been working on a second film that veganism perhaps isn’t the most obvious moving in a more positive direction, is stand- (details of which remain tightly under wraps) subject for a sci-fi comedy, reviews have, per- up something he’ll continue to find time for? as well as writing his first book, Help, which haps surprisingly, been almost universally “It’s a question I asked myself, because I def- will combine past stand-up routines with positive. initely came to a place where I felt like I general musings on “how to be a person in didn’t need to have so much attention from “We did everything we could to make it as the world”. So once it’s published, is he wor- people any more. But what I realised was that funny as possible so that people wouldn’t ried that old Buzzcocks guests will be pop- I quite enjoyed being funny and making peo- feel annoyed, because on the surface, what ping up to read bits of it out to him? Fittingly, ple laugh, so now it comes from a place of you eat is quite a personal thing. But what we the genuine laugh this prompts feels pretty real curiosity and joy. While I thought as a discovered while making it was that we’d all validating. just been indoctrinated by nonsense charac- child that fame would make me safe, I dis- “Oh that’s funny! Yeah, that’s fine. I welcome ters like Captain Birdseye and Ronald Mc- covered that it’s actually connecting with it!” people that makes me feel okay in the world. Donald - not only into thinking that this is And I suppose all I’ve really wanted all along what we should be eating, but also that it’s fun. Like, if you want to be happy, here is a is the kind of intimacy that I was using stand- Simon Amstell’s What Is This? shows at Happy Meal. I felt very angry watching old up as a way of avoiding.” Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Satur- adverts from my childhood, like I’d been This newfound intimacy is something he’s day 7 October and Birmingham Town Hall tricked.” still settling into - on some level there’s a on Sunday 15 October kind of baffled wonder to his question, ‘What Set in 2067, the film imagines a future where

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Miss Saigon Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, “so it’s very cinematic and epic in scale. It’s quite brutal and gritty in places, and it feels very real.” Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 September Van Der Spuy makes a strong case for Miss Saigon being a more acces- If you’re a fan of Les Misérables, bag yourself a seat for Miss Saigon sible work than its famous cousin, Les Misérables. asap - just like Les Mis, it’s written by Alain Boublil and Claude- “It’s very relatable and much closer in terms of our history. People Michel Schönberg. know what the context is - they get who the characters are and why Focusing on an American GI and his romance with a young Viet- they’re there, without it needing to be explained. I also think that, namese woman, the story unfolds against the backdrop of the Ameri- even though it’s a period piece, it has a lot to say about where we are can evacuation of Saigon in 1975, at the end of the Vietnam War. in our world today. Sometimes looking at something through a “This new production is geared to an age where we’re seeing a lot of slightly different prism is good for people, and that’s why we need to cinema and glossy HBO-type shows,” explains Associate Director be telling these stories now.”

Mother’s Ruin: Brassed Off Murder In A Cabaret About Gin Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Bloodford Village Wed 23 August - Sat 2 September The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Thurs 31 August - Sunday 3 September This lively stage adaptation of the award-win- Murder-mystery company Big Adventures’ ning movie of the same name is the Grand Story and song combine in a theatrical latest offering includes a picnic from Mas- Theatre’s first in-house show for more than cabaret that stops off in 18th century London, terchef Simon Smith - a fun touch that says 40 years. the Australian bush, a few New York much about the ensemble’s imaginative ap- The lifeblood of Grimley’s community is speakeasies and the jungles of Peru. proach to their work. They’ve been in busi- threatened when its pit looks set for closure, At its heart is the story of gin, presented by ness for 17 years now, and are justifiably leaving 1,200 miners redundant. two of Australia’s rising cabaret stars via the proud of the fact that all of their clients have With the future of the colliery’s close-knit contribution of numerous characters, from re-booked them - an impressive record that brass band also shrouded in uncertainty, - sailors and barmaids to bootleggers and mas- speaks volumes for the quality and level of conductor Danny Ormondroyd is determined S ter distillers. professionalism they bring to their shows. to see that the ensemble continue to play, The show comes complete with music origi- This latest offering sees the peace and tran- and that they do so regardless of loyalties, nally performed by, among others, Amy quillity of Bloodford village shattered by the political pressure and other issues - namely, Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha Wain- murder of millionaire resident Charles Van the arrival of an attractive new flugelhorn wright, The Popes and The Pretenders. Mortem. player named Gloria Mullins... Hi-de-Hi’s It visits Birmingham direct from the Edin- It’s up to the audience to solve the case, so be Black Country-born Jeffrey Holland stars. burgh Fringe. sure to take along your thinking cap... birminghamhippodrome.com C 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 2

Until Tue 15 & A magical children’s show with puppets, Wed 9 - Sat 23 Sep Sat 12 Aug Wed 16 Aug From £30 music and stunning visual effects £10 £12

Part of Hip-hop meets The Wizard of Oz

Seeta Patel: Sun 24 Sep Wed 27 - Wed 27 - £12 Fri 29 Sep Sat 30 Sep Something Then, Something Now £12 From £10

Tue 3 - Mon 9 - Fri 13 Oct Sat 7 Oct Sat 14 Oct Instructions for Border Crossing £10 From £16 From £19.50 Written and performed by Daniel Bye

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person. Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Railway Children Malvern Theatre, Tues 22 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 September Edith Nesbitt's famous tale, best known from the 1971 film version, tells the gentle story of an Edwardian family whose life is unexpectedly turned upside-down. Days stretch endlessly for Bobbie, Peter and Phyllis in their new home of Three Chimneys, a house near a railway in a York- shire village. Mysteriously separated from their father, the children set about the business of carving out a new way of living for themselves. They pass their time by watching trains on the nearby railway line, waving to the passengers and enjoying the company of Albert Perks, the station porter. They also get to know an old gentleman who regularly takes the 9.15 train, but are unaware of the remarkable impact that he’s set to have on their future happiness...

Dracula: The Bloody Truth Trespass Salomé Birmingham Hippodrome, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 15 - Wed 16 August Tues 15 - Sat 19 August until Wed 6 September Audience members as young as eight could Casualty favourite Rebecca Wheatley takes Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, written in well be saying ‘fangs for the advice’ after top billing in this latest production of Welsh French and originally banned in England, re- watching this cautionary tale about the dan- playwright Emlyn Williams’ supernatural counts in a single act the biblical story of gers of vampires. tale. Herod Antipas’s daughter, Salomé. Presented by highly regarded theatre com- Christine’s belief that her husband’s unex- Sexually rejected by imprisoned prophet pany Le Navet Bete, it follows the desperate - pected death is simply a hiatus in their rela- Jokanaan (John the Baptist), her lust-driven and comic - attempts of Dracula’s nemesis, tionship sees her hiring an Italian medium to desire for vengeance sees her demanding his Professor Abraham Van Helsing, to warn the bring him back to life. head on a silver platter as reward for her per- audience not to tangle with the prince of the But the reassuring Saviello may not be all forming the dance of the seven veils... undead. that he seems to be... Wilde was incarcerated in Reading Gaol at Sound advice, we’d say, and delivered with Exploring some unusual aspects of the super- the time of his play’s Paris premiere in 1896; plenty of family-friendly laughs along the natural, theatre company Talking Scarlet it would be 35 years before it received its first way. It’s probably best to pack some garlic, warn that their production ‘may well have public performance in England. though - just in case... you looking carefully around your bedroom Presented by the RSC to mark the 50th an- before you reach out for the light switch’. niversary of the decriminalisation of homo- sexuality in England and Wales, the Strictly Eric production features nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 21 August - Sat 2 September New Vic favourite Eric Smith here makes a welcome return to the stage, this time to as- sist Arthur Strictly in organising the 1969 World Ballroom Championships in Black- pool... Actor David Graham’s delightfully dysfunc- The Secret Garden tional character has certainly earned his The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, place in the hearts of New Vic audiences Sat 5 - Sat 12 August down the years, having made his first ap- Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic children's pearance at the venue way back in 1999. And story centres on the character of young or- this latest comic adventure in the hugely pop- phan Mary Lennox. Sent from India to Eng- ular franchise looks certain to see Uncle Eric land at the age of 10 to live with her uncle, further ingratiate himself with the theatre- she finds herself residing in a bleak ancestral going Potteries public. manor in Yorkshire. A selection of memorable Swinging ’60s Life for Mary seems dull and boring - until, numbers should ensure that the evening pro- that is, she makes the startling discovery of a vides plenty of toe-tapping fun for Eric’s le- hidden garden... gion of dedicated fans to enjoy. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 4 Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Landscapes Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 9 - Sat 12 August Widely hailed as a truly mesmerising work of theatre, this 50-minute, non-verbal show is set inside a beautiful white dome and visits four lov- ingly realised landscapes - the desert, the rainforest, the ocean and Antarctica. It’s presented by the award-winning two-person 35-year-old Mimika Theatre company. Bringing together puppets, an original musical score and impressive visual effects, the show is a celebration of the atmosphere, rhythms, sounds and movements of the natural world. “Our work is always gentle and highly original,” explains Mimika. “Performances integrate movement, puppetry and unusual theatrical effects. We attempt to combine traditional and contemporary techniques to create an experience that’s rich in content and detail.” The show is suitable for children aged four to 11.

The Wiggles Big Show Ariel On The Cliff The Tiger Who Birmingham Town Hall, mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 August Came To Tea Wed 2 - Thurs 3 August Cloud Cuckoo Land describe their show as ‘a Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, “We love touring the UK,” says founding Wig- celebration of all things breezy’, bringing to- Fri 4 - Sun 6 August; Malvern Theatre, Thurs gle Anthony Field. “It's the favourite part of 24 - Sun 27 August; Belgrade Theatre, Coven- gether puppetry, sensory storytelling, origi- try, Wed 13 - Sat 16 September our year. We’re all looking forward to seeing nal acoustic music, movement interaction The tea-guzzling tiger is back in town, drop- our old friends, as well as meeting some new and ‘big deep breaths’. ping in on Sophie and her mum just as ones.” Standing front and centre of the production they’re settling down for an afternoon And friends certainly aren't in short supply is the daydreaming Ariel, perched at the top cuppa... for the Australian fab four, who've taken the of a cliff from where she introduces airborne Adapted by David Wood OBE from Judith children's entertainment world by storm over chums Buzz the Bee and Squawk the Seagull. Kerr’s 1968 book, this 55-minute show comes the last few years. But when her down-to-earth friend Pebble without an interval, features singalong songs Although they've only come to significant in- spots storm clouds on the horizon, the race is and boasts plenty of magic - not to mention a ternational attention relatively recently, The on to help Ariel’s pals return to the safety of big, stripey tiger, of course! Wiggles are actually more than a quarter of a their homes... A commission by the Royal Suitable for youngsters aged three and older. century old. Expect to get wiggling to classic Shakespeare Company and Birmingham’s hits such as Hot Potato, Do The Propeller! Stan's Cafe, the show is suitable for children and Rock-a-Bye Your Bear. aged between two and six. Half Moon Presents Three Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 15 August Dogs Don’t Do Ballet This collaboration between Yorkshire-based performers Wrongsemble and the long-estab- The Core, Solihull, Thurs 31 August lished Half Moon theatre company has been This big-hearted adventure is a late replace- designed as a pop-up show, allowing it to be ment for Dotty The Dragon, whose wings performed in all manner of venues and loca- have sadly been unable to fly her to the Mid- tions. lands this month. The production features a trio of fairytales - Based on the award-winning children's book Rumpelstiltskin, Goldilocks and Grimm’s by Anna Kemp and Sara Ogilvie, Dogs Don’t Three Wanderers - and brings together flam- Do Ballet tells the delightful story of Biff, a boyant performances, original singalong marvellous mutt who’d prefer to be wearing a songs, live music and impressively inventive tutu and dancing to Swan Lake than doing storytelling. typical dog things like scratching his fleas Suitable for kids aged between three and and weeing on lampposts. Music, songs and eight, the show lasts for 50 minutes (with no handcrafted puppets are cleverly combined interval) and is followed by an interactive in a show that’s described as ‘a perfect treat’ ‘meet the performers’ session. for children aged between three and seven.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:12 Page 6 BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 1

FEATURE Reach for the stars!

What’s On visits Birmingham’s Ormiston Academy to find out how dreams are made...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk BOA.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:40 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Ever pictured yourself treading the boards in come here is the amount of time they get to proving so popular that two new dedicated the West End? Or perhaps you’d prefer to spend on their chosen subject,” explains As- academies are now in the works. But as much dress stages than perform on them? Or maybe sistant Principal and Head of Performing Arts as anything, it’s the emphasis on things like you’re interested in operating the lights that Michael Penn. “In Keystage Four, they spend teamwork, independence and creativity that keep the stars shining? Whatever your tal- seven hours a week on their Pathway subject, leave students well-equipped for the world of ents, if you dream of a career in showbiz, and in Keystage Five, that goes up to 14 work, as well as ensuring they have a fantas- Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) might hours, which is more than any other place I tic learning experience. just be the place to start rehearsing. know of around here. Plus, there are the in- “Students here are really mature,” says Penn. Each year, young hopefuls aged between 14 dustry experts they get to work with, and the “They work really well together across all dif- and 19 join the school to study specialised shows they do. Our students have done cur- ferent disciplines, and you’ll see a creative GCSE and A-Level-equivalent Pathway tain-raisers for Matthew Bourne, and they’ve approach to all the subjects they have to do. courses in subjects ranging from dance to performed at Move It at London’s ExCel Cen- So even with core subjects like English and digital arts. Six years after the school first tre. maths, if you go into one of those lessons, opened, BOA is now beginning to claim big “It’s a slightly longer day. The students start you might see them using roleplay or video success stories, with former students embark- at 9am and finish at 4.15. But the school is recordings to learn the topics.” ing on their first jobs in the industry. Among usually open until quite late in the evening them is Musical Theatre Pathway alumnus because there’ll be students using the prac- Alexanda O’Reilly (pictured below), currently tice rooms and recording studio. They’ll be working on Mamma Mia! in the West End. doing the radio show or rehearsing for perfor- “I just started my contract in May, and it’s mances even after the day is over. This year, been going really well so far,” says O’Reilly. with the exception of exam period, there’s been a show on pretty much every week in one department or another. It’s non-stop!” Alex O’Reilly’s success isn’t unusual. Other musical theatre alumni have already gone on to bag roles in shows such as The Wind In The Willows and Matilda. And it’s testament to how much students value their time at the academy that when things take off, they tend to stay in touch. “We have a dedicated Alumni Association, which is growing at the moment,” Penn continues, “and we do encourage them to let us Amy Stutz know what they’re doing. This year, we’ve also had ex-students come in to do workshops with current students and talk to them “It’s completely different to studying at a about how to go onto the next stage. One of generic school because it’s so much more cre- them is doing artist recruitment and develop- ative and individual,” O’Reilly agrees. “One Alexanda O’Reilly ment in the music industry, and she had memory that always sticks in my mind was some amazing stories to tell about the people soon after I started, when someone was play- “The cast are great and I’m having the best she’d been working with.” ing a guitar in the cafe. Other people started time living in London!” joining in, till eventually pretty much the Students who decide that performing might whole school was there singing along!” After leaving school in 2014, O’Reilly earned not be for them often discover unexpected himself a full scholarship at Laine Theatre routes into the industry. Take Amy Stutz, for “I loved BOA!” Stutz gushes. “We all formed Arts. He wasted no time in gaining as much example - a prominent arts and lifestyle blog- really close bonds because we were in such experience as possible, training from 8.30am ger and communications assistant at Birm- an intense learning environment together. It to 6pm Monday to Friday, working on profes- ingham Hippodrome. was hard work, but I met some of my best sional events and training under top choreog- friends there, people who are now friends for “When I left, I went to study journalism,” ex- raphers like Matthew Flint, Andrew Wright life. People can’t really understand BOA un- plains Stutz. “I then continued blogging and and Stephen Mear. But while hard work, abil- less they go there, as people will be singing started reviewing all around the country, and ity and a bit of good luck certainly helped on the stairwell and tap dancing in the can- have even been flown out to Berlin to review him land such fantastic opportunities, he still teen!” shows twice! I think BOA helped in the sense feels that the support and education he re- that I got a 360-degree look at the industry. ceived at BOA played a big part in his making Working with professional directors and a success of them. learning the craft gave me an appreciation of To find out more about Birmingham “I learned so much while I was at BOA - there the way everything in theatre is created.” Ormiston Academy, visit their website: was a whole combination of things that really Stutz may have started out with a view to be- boa-academy.co.uk helped me to grow as a performer. The teach- coming a performer, but others are investigat- ers were brilliant, especially singing with Mr ing different options from the moment they Bannon.” enrol, with technical and digital arts courses “I think the key advantage for students who whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Reasons to be cheerful.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:43 Page 1

INTERVIEW Reasons to be cheerful.qxp_Layout 1 27/07/2017 09:43 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid Reasons to be Cheerful... The ultimate Ian Dury and The Blockheads musical makes its debut at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre

In 1981, a cheesed off Ian Dury penned the tour. We’re calling it the last ever tour of the rest of her team, however, she’s someone provocative Spasticus Autisticus in response Reasons To Be Cheerful, although in my heart who relishes a challenge. to the UN’s International Year of Disabled I don’t think it will be. I think right now, Persons. Himself disabled, Dury reacted in given the state of our world, we all need a “It’s funny! It is a bit bonkers, but you know, typical sardonic fashion to what he saw as reason to be cheerful.” I’ve also recently done an opera for the first patronising appeals from various charities. time, which is even more ridiculous. But it’s Best known for its radical approach to been really interesting to re-educate myself But while he might have had little time for accessibility, Graeae puts features like and re-learn how to feel music.” campaigns painting disabled people as signing, captioning and audio description at helpless victims, he was more than ready to the heart of its productions, making them Although she lost her hearing before the support those he deemed worthy - among part of the story for everyone to enjoy, Blockheads formed, Sealey was nevertheless them the groundbreaking performance instead of sidelining them as added extras. a big fan in her youth, owing partly to her company Graeae, which, nearly 40 years sister’s help - and even more to her dad’s after its founders met in Coventry, continues “Every Graeae show is different,” continues disapproval. Sealey. “We never add access on. It comes to be one of the most dynamic, innovative “On Top Of The Pops, Ian Dury always had a and exciting forces in British theatre today. from looking at the script, who the characters are and what we’re trying to say, and microphone in front of his mouth, which Years after Dury’s death, the company now thinking about what access brings to that. made it even harder to work out what he was pays tribute to its illustrious patron with a saying, but my sister was brilliant! She’d show that’s inspired by his music - and “In this show, a lot of the songs are really spend hours writing down the lyrics so that I heading for the Coventry Belgrade Theatre fast, and the lyrics often have names and could have access to music. But also my dad next month. places in them, which would have to be hated Ian Dury, so of course that made me finger-spelled if you signed them. Obviously like him even more.” Set in 1979 at the height of Ian Dury & The that doesn’t read very well in theatre, so we Blockheads’ fame, Reasons To Be Cheerful came up with this concept where Colin has With her memories of the punk era, Sealey follows the attempts of teenager Billy and his made a series of short films with the lyrics sees clear parallels between the time the play best mate Colin to get Billy’s terminally ill and images, so there are still pictorial is set and our own austerity Britain, pointing dad to a Blockheads gig for a “final, fantastic representations of the words for deaf people to things like pressure on public services, night out”. Along the way, there’s romance, who find reading English difficult. But reinforced class divisions and the music and mishaps galore as Billy’s crush, interestingly, we’ve actually had a lot of exploitation and dismissal of young people. Janine, joins the crew, the car breaks down hearing audience members saying that it’s These links perhaps go some way to en route, and the characters perform their brilliant having the lyrics in writing because explaining the show’s enduring, cross- own riotous renditions of Blockheads hits. In they hadn’t previously picked up on generational appeal. the words of Graeae’s Artistic Director, Jenny everything. Some of the songs are also signed “It’s been extraordinary. I remember the first Sealey, musical this may be, but conventional - signing is really embedded within the time we did it, all these men in suits arrived “musical featah” it is not. choreography - and also because Colin is and it seemed bizarre. But as soon as the deaf in the story, him and Billy sign to each music started, their ties were undone, their First staged in 2010, the show went on to tour other. again in 2012, after an excerpt featured at the jackets were off and they were drumming London Paralympics Opening Ceremony. “For blind audiences, we’ve got Pickles, who away - once a punk, always a punk, I Since then, concert versions have toured both uses a 1970s payphone to talk to the audience suppose! But I think a lot of the songs have nationally and internationally, but this new through their headsets - and throughout the real resonance again now, and what’s also production will be the first in a while, and play, other characters will come over and say been brilliant is that we’ve had a whole load may also be the last... hello. And because it’s live, if something goes of young people who’re on their phones really tits up on stage, they can also relay downloading the music as soon as they leave “The gang still loves doing it, but they’re what’s happened.” the theatre.” getting older now,” says Sealey. “It’s a very high-energy show, and I’m not sure how With Sealey having been deaf herself since Reasons To Be Cheerful shows at much longer they’ll be able to do it, so we the age of seven, directing a musical might Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre on decided we’d try one last time for a full UK not seem like the most obvious choice. Like Friday 8 & Saturday 9 September Birmingham Museums F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:19 Page 1 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 2

Film

A Ghost Story CERT 12a (92 mins) Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Will Old- ham, Sonia Acevedo Directed by David Lowery (USA) This year Casey Affleck won the Oscar for best actor. Here, he’s teamed up with double Oscar nominee Rooney Mara, with whom he previously co-starred in the 2013 crime drama Ain't Them Bodies Saints, reuniting them both with the writer-director David Lowery. A fiercely personal meditation on loss, grief and time itself, A Ghost Story is unlike any film you’ll see this year. And like most works of singularity, it is likely to divide viewers. Is it a profound, daring and cosmic-altering experience or a self-indulgent and preten- tious vanity project? Either way, one won’t forget the single take in which Rooney Mara devours the better part of a large pumpkin pie. Released Fri 11 August CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in August...

The Emoji Movie: Express Yourself CERT PG With the voices of TJ Miller, James Corden, Anna Faris, Maya Rudolph, Steven Wright, Christina Aguilera, Patrick Stewart Directed by Tony Leondis (USA) Set in the mysterious world of your mo- bile phone, this comedy from Sony Pic- tures Animation explores the emotional status quo of your regular emoji. Actually, there’s nothing regular about Gene, an emoji with a whole gamut of emotions. Of course, he just wants one fa- Valerian And The City Of cial expression like everybody else… A Thousand Planets Jumping into a parallel universe like CERT 12a (137 mins) those explored by such groundbreaking cartoons as Wreck-It-Ralph and Inside Starring Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke, Rutger Hauer Out, this has the potential to rock. Directed by Luc Besson (France) Released Fri 4 August Adapted from the sci-fi comic Valérian And Maudie CERT 12a (116 mins) Laureline, this big-budget French block- Starring Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke, Kari buster is set in the 28th century. There, a Matchett Directed by Aisling Walsh (Ireland/Canada) handsome pair of special operatives are dispatched to the multicultural metropolis of Maud Lewis was one of Canada’s foremost Alpha, populated by species from all over the folk artists, who recorded the Nova Scotia universe. But there’s a dark force there caus- landscapes of her childhood. But before then ing a right rumpus and threatening the very she was an arthritic cleaning lady beset by future of the cosmos. FYI: The original comic unsubstantiated local gossip. This is her was a major inspiration for Star Wars. story. Released Wed 2 August Released Fri 4 August whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Film August 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:09 Page 3

Film highlights released in August...

buzz for the film, which is helmed by Detroit CERT 15 (143 mins) Starring John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Kathryn Bigelow, the first female director Smith, Jason Mitchell, John Krasinski, An- ever to receive an Academy Award (for The thony Mackie, Jack Reynor Hurt Locker). Besides the incendiary sub- Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (USA) ject matter, further controversy should On 25 July in 1967, the Detroit police force arise from the fact that the two leading responded to a call stating that a group of characters are played by English actors, gunmen had been seen near the Algiers namely John Boyega and Will Poulter. Motel. The events that followed are chroni- Boyega, who was born in London, previ- cled in this drama focusing on the police ously played Finn in Star Wars: The Force brutality that fanned the flames of the no- Awakens. torious Detroit riots. There is already Oscar Released Fri 25 August

6 Days CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Jamie Bell, Abbie Cornish, Martin Shaw, Mark Strong, Emun Elliott, Tim Pigott- Smith Directed by Toa Fraser (UK) It was six days that placed the SAS at the centre of the global consciousness. When, in April of 1980, Arab gunmen stormed the Ira- nian Embassy in London, the British Army was forced to act with both tact and preci- sion. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 4 August

Atomic Blonde CERT 15 Starring Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Til Schweiger, Eddie Marsan, Sofia Boutella, Toby Jones Directed by David Leitch (USA) For Atomic Blonde read Lorraine Broughton (Theron), arguably the best female spy M16 has ever produced. It’s now the Cold War and in 1989 Broughton is dispatched to Berlin to investigate the murder of a fellow spy. Based on the 2012 graphic novel The Coldest City. Released Wed 9 August The Nut Job 2: England Is Mine Nutty By Nature CERT PG CERT 15 (94 mins) Featuring the voices of Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Maya Rudolph, Bobby Moynihan, Bobby Starring Jack Lowden, Jessica Brown Findlay, Cannavale, Peter Stormare, Jackie Chan Laurie Kynaston, Adam Lawrence, Jodie Directed by Cal Brunker Comer Directed by Mark Gill (UK) (SouthKorea/USA/Canada) The son of Irish Catholics from Dublin, Surly, the purple squirrel, must motivate the Steven grew up in Manchester and in the other animals of Liberty Park to stop the 1970s found himself out of work. He then mayor’s scheme to bulldoze their home to joined the punk band The Nosebleeds (as a make way for a dubious amusement park. vocalist) and went by his surname, Morris- Let’s just hope this is more endearing than sey. This is his story at the time - before he the crude and cacophonous first film. went on to form The Smiths. Released Fri 11 August Released Fri 4 August

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Film

Pawn Sacrifice CERT 12 (112 mins) Starring Tobey Maguire, Peter Sarsgaard, Liev Schreiber, Michael Stuhlbarg, Lily Rabe, Robin Weigert Directed by Edward Zwick (USA/Canada) Another film set during the Cold War, this one focuses on the chess champion Bobby Fischer (Tobey Maguire). Here, the grand- master challenges the Soviet Empire (and Boris Spassky) at a highly sensitive time for the two superpowers. Interestingly, production on the film was completed in December of 2013. Released Fri 11 August

Overdrive CERT 12a not above a bit of bad behaviour. Here, five Starring Scott Eastwood, Freddie Thorp, Rough Night CERT 15 (101 mins) Ana de Armas, Gaia Weiss, Simon Abkarian best friends from college reunite for a bache- Directed by Antonio Negret (France/USA) Starring Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, lorette weekend in Miami and accidentally Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, Zoë Kravitz, Demi The brothers Andrew and Garrett Foster Moore Directed by Lucia Aniello (USA) kill a male stripper. It’s played for laughs, of are car thieves and decide to try their course. In the tradition of Bridesmaids, Sisters, Bad hand in pastures new in the South of Moms, et al, here comes another American Released Fri 25 August France. But there they come to the atten- movie in which its female protagonists are tion of a local crime lord (Simon Abkar- ian), who decides to utilise their skills for his own ends… Released Fri 11 August Final PortraitCERT 15 (90 mins) American MadeCERT tbc Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie Hammer, Clé- Starring Tom Cruise, Sarah Wright, Domhnall The Dark Tower mence Poésy, Tony Shalhoub, James Faulkner, Gleeson, Jayma Mays, Jesse Plemons, Lola Sylvie Testud Directed by Stanley Tucci (UK) Directed by CERT 12a (95 mins) Kirke Doug Liman (USA) Starring Idris Elba, Matthew McConaughey, The American writer and art lover James Lord Inspired by the life of the TWA pilot Barry Tom Taylor, Katheryn Winnick, Jackie Earle (Armie Hammer) agrees to Seal, who became a drug smuggler, this Haley, Dennis Haysbert sit for his friend, the cele- should restore Tom Cruise’s standing with his Directed by Nikolaj Arcel (USA) brated Swiss painter Al- fans after the diabolic The Mummy. After all, A sort of Western-cum-fantasy-cum-horror berto Giacometti (Geoffrey director Doug Liman exhibited his knack for film-cum-sci fi adventure, The Dark Tower Rush). He’s told the por- action with The Bourne Identity and the enter- would appear to have something for every- trait will only take a few taining Cruise-starrer Edge Of Tomorrow. We one. Idris plays The Gunslinger, who’s on days to complete, but cre- live in hope. his way to an alternative dimension in ativity doesn’t always Released Fri 18 August pursuit of the eponymous structure. The work to a schedule… tower, you see, holds the secret to prevent- Released Fri 18 August ing the entrée of Hell. Based on the liter- Logan LuckyCERT tbc ary series by Stephen King. Starring Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Seth Released Fri 18 August The Hitman’s Bodyguard MacFarlane, Riley Keough, Katie Holmes, Katherine Waterston, Hilary Swank, Daniel CERT 15 (118 mins) Craig Directed by Steven Soderbergh (USA) Starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L Jackson, Gary Oldman, Salma Hayek, Élodie Yung, Three brothers called Logan set out to pull off Joaquim de Almeida, Richard E Grant an elaborate heist during the Coca-Cola 600 Directed by Patrick Hughes (USA) race at the Charlotte Michael Bryce (Reynolds) is considered to be Motor Speedway in North the best bodyguard in the world. He’s then Carolina. More impor- asked to escort the hitman Darius Kincaid tantly, the comedy marks (Jackson) from England to the International the return of director Court of Justice in The Hague. But Kincaid Steven Soderbergh after happens to be Bryce’s mortal enemy… It’s not he announced his retire- going to be easy. ment in 2013. Released Fri 18 August Released Fri 25 August

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FEATURE

The colours of

SouthUtsav and the many jewels Asia in its crown...

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by Heather Kincaid

called Brumpeeps,” explains Community En- gagement Co-ordinator Harpreet Kaur. “It started with us commissioning a photogra- pher to spend a few days in the library, taking pictures of visitors from all ages and backgrounds to be displayed in the exhibition. There’s also an element where people can take their own photographs, upload them to Twitter with #Brumpeeps, and see them instantly projected into the exhibition.” Incredible dancing, fabulous food, fascinat- influences with each other. Things are much Curated in collaboration with the British Li- ing stories and an upcycled elephant: as less monocultural and more multilingual brary, Connecting Stories delves into Britain’s India marks 70 years of independence in now, and it’s exciting to see how those influ- relationship with South Asia over the last 2017, Birmingham erupts in a colourful explo- ences are shaping the creation of new work, 400 years, beginning with the origins of the sion of music, food and live performance in whether it’s in dance, music, theatre or vi- East India Company. But within the context celebration of Utsav - The Year of South Asian sual arts.” of a bigger international picture, it also Culture. Interactive and community-led elements are homes in on specific local stories, from the Halfway through the year, Utsav (meaning helping to open up cultural experiences to time that Gandhi visited Selly Oak, to the festival or celebration in Sanskrit) is now well new audiences, allowing people to take own- 1970s Rock Against Racism concerts. underway, with big events like the Birming- ership of projects. Earlier this year, for exam- “I think to some extent we’re used to seeing ham Indian Film Festival and ZEE Mela now ple, local schoolchildren had the chance to things about the history of Britain and India behind us. But if you’ve yet to join the fun, design and decorate sculptures for Birming- over the last 100 years,” says Kaur, “but this don’t worry - the party continues with a se- ham Children’s Hospital’s Big Sleuth trail, is a really good opportunity for people of all ries of shows, festivals and exhibitions the follow-up to 2015’s Big Hoot, which this ages and backgrounds to find out how much throughout summer and autumn. year takes the endangered South East Asian further back that relationship goes, to really Chairing the Utsav committee and co-direct- Sun Bear as its inspiration. But the jewel in challenge our thinking and become more cu- ing this year’s South Asian-themed Birming- the Utsav crown looks set to be the return of rious about history. I hear a lot of debates ham Weekender is Sampad Artistic Director Birmingham Weekender, which begins with amongst young people today about the per- Piali Ray. the transformation of Victoria Square into a spectives that different histories are coming three-day, participatory dance experience. “The initial idea for Utsav came from Birm- from, who’s telling the stories and what gets ingham City Council after David Cameron “There will be dancing at all times from Fri- left out, so what we’re really hoping is that met with the Indian prime minister two years day afternoon until Sunday evening, with people will come and respond. We know that ago and named 2017 as the India-UK Year of professional dancers to help you learn the we haven’t told a complete story, so we want Culture,” she explains. “A lot of the UK is cel- routines,” says Ray. “We’ll be starting with people to write messages and tell us what’s ebrating that, but because we have such a di- warm-up yoga sessions from 9am, and then missing and what they think. verse South Asian population in there will be various different styles through- “Later in the year, we’re also going to be run- Birmingham, we decided to broaden it out out the day, from bhangra, hip-hop and con- ning free workshops on using archives, con- further.” temporary through to ballet, Bollywood and ducing oral histories and curating kathakali.” Comprised of several arts organisations and exhibitions. Part of the point of all this is that community groups, the Utsav committee has Later, the Colours Of Birmingham - Rangeeli we want to encourage people to think about been working to promote engagement with parade will combine dance, music and dhol leaving things in our archives, because the food, fashion, sports and history as well as drumming with flags and patang kites cre- more material we have from different sorts of the arts. News and events listings are up- ated by community groups, as well as the people, the better and more representative loaded to a dedicated Wordpress site, where amazing Harminder, a mechanical Indian the stories we’re able to tell in future will be.” anyone can request the inclusion of an event. elephant constructed from recycled materi- Crucially, while it focuses on celebrating als. Punjabi singing sensation Hans Raj Hans South Asian contributions to the city, the pro- will then perform a concert at Town Hall for ject also aims to highlight shared cultural the big Sunday finale. Birmingham Weekender takes place at heritage across all of Birmingham’s commu- Meanwhile, as part of its current Connecting various locations across the city from nities. Stories exhibition, the Library of Birmingham Friday 22 to Sunday 24 September “We want to make sure that Birmingham as a is taking participation a step further, encour- Connecting Cultures shows at the Library city connects with Utsav, and not just South aging people to share images, artefacts and Of Birmingham until Sat 4 November Asian communities,” says Ray. “Because this stories, as well as running a series of family To find out more about Utsav events is a very lively, vibrant city, there are all sorts fun days with performances, mehndi, face- across Birmingham visit utsavyearof- of offerings to choose from, and in the same painting and crafts. southasianculture2017.wordpress.com way as with fashion and food, there are a lot “One of the projects I’ve been working on is of artists now who are taking on and sharing whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts August - New Layout (2).qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:07 Page 1

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

More Real Than Life The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 24 September Early photographic studio portraiture is explored in this fascinating new exhibition, curated in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery and University of Birmingham MA Art History & Curating students. The display focuses on mid-19th century photographic developments, including the use of different techniques, backdrops, props, costumes and poses. The innovations enabled public figures, from Oscar Wilde through to Queen Victoria, to fashion and promote their own identities.

Connecting Stories: Our British Asian Heritage Library of Birmingham, until Sat 4 November The important role which South Asian culture has played in forming Britain and Birming- ham’s history and identity comes under the microscope in this partnership project from the Library of Birmingham and the British Library. Exploring Britain’s enduring connections with South Asia - from historical trading links to the impact of migration and settlement in the 20th and 21st centuries - the display comprises photographs, letters, posters, paintings, documents and ephemera. Highlights include a letter signed by Mahatma Gandhi pledging support during the Great War, and photographs showing protests and counter-protests in 1960s and ’70s Britain.

Dinosaur Art Mark Witton, the display explores the evo- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, lution of images created during the 1970s until Sun 8 October and ’80s, a period which has become Cutting-edge science and art merge in an known as ‘the dinosaur renaissance’. exhibition celebrating the work of four Accompanying the paintings are items palaeoartists, all of whom either have been from the collection of Victorian medic Dr or will be published by Titan Books. John Fraser, a Wolverhampton-based ama- Via its championing of the work of John teur collector who bequeathed his 9,000 Sibbick, Luis Rey, Robert Nicholls and fossils to the art gallery in 1911. Photo credit: Oscar Wilde by Napoleon Sarony, 1882 © National Portait Gallery, London

Draw New Mischief crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten Morland’s April 2016 cartoon of David Paccar Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris John- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Fri 15 September son’s skull. This free exhibition celebrates more than two The RSC has also commissioned five cartoon- centuries of political cartoons inspired by ists to create brand new works. Shakespeare. The cartoonists are using Shakespeare’s Presented to coincide with the RSC’s current Rome plays to respond to political events season of Rome-themed plays, Draw New which occur during the period that the exhi- Mischief showcases historical works from key bition is on show. political moments in time. The Company’s Rome season features pro- Featured contemporary cartoons include ductions of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopa- Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed tra, Titus Andronicus and Coriolanus. Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon as the star-

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FEATURE Glass For Good

Bruce Airhead

Featuring workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, shows and over 300 professional artists and performers, the International Festival Of Glass celebrates 50 years of studio glass worldwide... The International Festival of Glass is a real community event. open studios, storytelling, eurythmy and music. As well as celebrating Stourbridge’s heritage of industrial International and British glass artists will be demonstrating, glassmaking, it also acknowledges the development of the studio exhibiting, presenting and selling, while the drama and glass movement 50 years ago and highlights the current dynamism of the hot shops ensures that they are always among challenges and opportunities facing contemporary makers. the event’s most popular attractions. Over 300 professional artists and performers are taking part in Here, we take a look at some of the major elements of the this year’s festival. The event includes the prestigious British festival, and what visitors can expect to discover in Stourbridge’s Glass Biennale exhibition, participatory workshops, lectures, Glass Quarter over the August bank holiday weekend.

Jacque Pavlosky - 1467 Roundals Martin Janecky Heads Citrine by KeithCummings 2017

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Family fun Theme for 2017 Prizes Families can meet the Dudley glass re- This year’s theme of Glass For Good The British Glass Biennale has 10 cycling team at Red House Glass Cone celebrates the ways in which glass is awards, including the People’s Prize to find out where all the glass goes, making a positive difference to the and a young collectors prize. and can also explore the history of the world. Children can also vote for their Cone in the company of costumed in- The festival illustrates how glass is favourite piece and win a glass art- terpreters. There’s the chance for visi- being used creatively in therapeutic work to start their own collection. tors to decorate jam jars, try their hand contexts - such as working with mili- Entry to the Biennale post-festival is at fusing glass, have a go at engraving, tary veterans in Seattle - giving a voice free. The prize winners will be an- enjoy a storytelling afternoon, make a to victims of domestic violence or nounced at the exhibition’s closing giant, chalk stained-glass window and abuse, and supporting the survivors of party on 9 September. learn how to develop pin-hole pho- the Grenfell Tower disaster. tographs. A special ‘teenage market’, award-winning children’s entertain- Therapeutic use of glass Unique elements of the festival ment, traditional games and numerous craft activities further add to the fam- Blind and profoundly deaf artist Julie The UK’s last remaining maker of glass- ily-friendly line-up of fun. Coakley has developed a unique way eyes, Jost Haas, demonstrates his skills of creating 3D glass sculptural draw- at the festival, while Latvian Karlis Bo- ings containing over 100 individual el- gustovs unites glass art with skate- Hands-on attractions ements of glass. boarding, making glass skateboard Caroline Jariwala, one of the Creative Julie’s workshop will allow visitors to ramps and demonstrating how to use Black Country’s 100 Masters, creates a have a go at bending glass strings to them. Karlis is best known for his glass series of four new mosaics using a his- help her create a new glass sculpture... piano, which will be in evidence at the toric kaleidoscope of coloured waste The inspirational Hot Shop Heroes: festival. glass unearthed locally. Healing With Fire programme in the A mass-participation project celebrat- The windows will depict four of the US has been supporting some of Amer- ing the international Fused Glass com- main trades and resources of the Coal- ica’s wounded soldiers by teaching munity will see the creation of a huge bourn Brook Valley - coal mining, fire them to blow glass. Working in a hot- stretch of glass bunting, with a photo clay mining, glassmaking and the shop is known to provide physical gallery and a few words by each con- Stourbridge canal. benefits for people suffering from Post tributor. It’s hoped that the total length The Glass Hub, meanwhile, is bringing Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trau- of bunting might set a new world its Minimelt furnace from Wiltshire. It matic Brain Injury. Project leader Pa- record. will host a rolling programme of tricia Davidson shares her experience Heritage demonstrations with guest artists, as of the programme, and is accompa- well as offering visitors the opportu- nied by war veteran Michael Daley. In the Quarter’s brand new museum of nity to make their own unique glass Patricia and Michael are in town to glass at White House Cone, local histo- baubles... There are lots of workshops help launch a similar programme for rian Charles Hajdamach and Steve and drop-in sessions to enjoy too, pro- UK veterans... Piper unlock some of the secrets of the viding people with the chance to learn The festival also includes an exhibi- production of engraved glass and rock about glassblowing, stone carving, tion by young people with learning crystal. fused glass and glass engraving. difficulties and autism, illustrating the Also contributing to the heritage strand way in which working with glass helps of the festival is David Wilkinson, the them develop their skills, concentra- UK’s premier chandelier maker, who’ll World premiere tion and sense of self-esteem. be taking his audience on a journey Vitrescence: Becoming Glass into the world of ornamental lighting. Six heritage walks around Amblecote Standing 100ft high, the 18th century Finale performance and Wollaston reveal secrets of the hid- Redhouse ‘Glass Cone’ chimney is the Circus Raj, a ‘supergroup’ of elite den past, while Black Country racon- last of its kind in Europe. street circus performers hailing from teur Graham Fisher launches an In its cathedral-like interior, award- Rajasthan, ‘take the ancient, mystical update of his bestselling book, Jewels winning singer, composer and sound and magical circus format to even On The Cut. artist Andy Garbi stages a site-specific audiovisual event that celebrates and greater heights’. The show is performed at the Ruskin Glass Centre Exhibitions explores the nature of glass. Designed to react with the unique acoustics of on Monday 28 August at 7pm. The flagship British Glass Biennale is the structure, Vitrescence is part instal- the most prestigious selling show of lation and part performance. It features contemporary glass in the UK, with a state-of-the-art 7:1 surround-sound £100,000 in prizes awarded since its in- system, live-action glass work and in- The International Festival Of Glass ception in 2004. struments alongside manipulated takes place at the Glass Quarter in Work by 63 artists is included, reflect- choral voice, strings and the sounds of Stourbridge from Friday 25 ing the latest techniques, trends and glass blowers. The show lasts for ap- to Monday 28 August. topical issues. The Biennale is one of 17 proximately 45 minutes but is not suit- For further information, visit exhibitions in the festival, with over able for small children. Red House www.ifg.org.uk 285 professional artists represented. Glass Cone, Saturday 26 August.

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Events previews from around the region Events

What’s On Readers’ Awards Winner Best Event in Shropshire 2017

Shrewsbury Flower Show - full of fun, flowers and fireworks! Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 11 & Sat 12 August John Torode, garden designer and TV personality Joe Swift, celebrity The Shrewsbury Flower Show is one of the country’s premier horticul- gardener Penny Meadmore and Shropshire-based actor John Challis, tural festivals. best known as Boycie from BBC TV comedy series Only Fools And Recently winning the Best Shropshire Event category in the What's On Horses and The Green Green Grass. Readers' Awards, the show delivers a diverse programme of entertain- The London Community Gospel Choir and the Royal Signals Motorcy- ment for the whole family to enjoy. cle Display Team, The White Helmets, will also be in attendance at the Highlights of the two-day event include guest spots from celebrity event. chefs and gardeners, arena acts, showjumping, workshops, a chil- Commenting on this month’s show, Chairman of the Shropshire Horti- dren's area, competitions and impressive floral displays. cultural Society’s Arena Committee, Andrew Rhodes, said: “We’re de- Both days are brought to a close with a magnificent fireworks display. lighted to be able to offer our visitors something different this year. Top billing the 2017 edition of the show are The Overtones. The five- The Overtones have enjoyed a succession of major achievements, in- piece harmony group are promising to wow their Shropshire audience cluding performing in front of 250,000 people at the Queen’s Diamond with an eclectic mix of doo-wop, Motown, modern-day R&B and pop. Jubilee Concert, and we look forward to welcoming them to our show Guests appearing at this year’s Flower Show include MasterChef judge on Saturday the 12th.” whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Magic: Grand Prix NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Sun 13 August More than 3,000 gamers will be descending on Birmingham for this major event. Magic: The Gathering is a trading card game played in at least 70 countries. “Magic’s deep strategy, compelling worlds and rich visuals have drawn in 20 million players worldwide,” says show organiser Trevor Baker. “This diverse collection of people comes together to find com- mon ground in their shared love of the game.” The BMW Car Club National Festival British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire, Sun 13 August The largest gathering of its kind in Europe, this ever-popular festival Art In The Park Jephson Gardens, Royal Leamington Spa, Sat 5 - Sun 6 August features attractions including a Leamington’s Art In The Park festival is expected elephants, Wilhelmina, Haddie & Trilby, and to large motor sport display area, a to attract in excess of 5,000 visitors when it add some circus-related fun to proceedings. rolling road, family entertainment, makes a welcome return this month. Commenting on the festival, organiser Carole a Pirelli stand, Concours winners The 2017 edition of the event features exhibitions Sleight said: “With the range of art and activities and trade stands. of paintings, ceramics, textiles and sculpture, on offer, we know that visitors will get a huge with numerous bands presenting a feast of amount of value from the weekend and leave The British music. with many great memories, new skills and inspi- This year’s festival theme, The Three Graces, has rational ideas.” Showjumping been selected to celebrate Leamington’s historic National Championships Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Tall Tales: Cinderella Story Insomnia61 Tues 8 - Sun 13 August Tour And Craft NEC, Birmingham, Fri 25 - Mon 28 August The British Showjumping National Aston Hall, Birmingham, Fri 4 August The UK’s biggest gaming festival has settled Championships this month come to Warwickshire for the fourth With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy nicely into its new home at the NEC, having relo- time. godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charm- cated there a couple of years back after outgrow- The event is one of the summer ing, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass ing Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. highlights on the showjumping slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to A four-day event combining ‘all the best bits of calendar and features the presti- being the most popular of all fairytales. And video-gaming’, Insomnia61 features LAN gaming gious International Stairway young visitors to Aston Hall can this month enjoy halls, a huge exhibition hall, special guests League Final (Sunday 13 August), hearing all about Cinders’ search for love, cour- ‘doing cool interactive content’, large-scale eS- at the end of which the British tesy of this special interactive storytelling event. ports tournaments and a wide selection of activi- Showjumping National Champion Back by popular demand, Tall Tales offers visi- ties tailored to gamers of all ages. Special guests will be crowned. tors the chance to meet the girl herself, see her on this occasion include YouTube favourites Syn- The six-day event also features the kitchen, help equip her with everything she dicate, Yammy XOX and iBallisticSquid. Stoneleigh Horse Show, taking needs, try on her glass slipper, make a magic place for a third consecutive year, wand and join in the dancing at Prince Charm- and offers plenty of competitions, ing’s ball. indoor performances, hospitality The event is suitable for children aged between and shopping opportunities for three and eight, with each storytelling experience visitors to enjoy. lasting approximately 45 minutes. And just to make popping along an Spaces are limited, so pre-booking is essential. even more appealing idea, entry to the show is free. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events august.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:45 Page 5

Events

Oswestry Balloon Festival British Ironworks, Oswestry, North Shropshire, Sat 26 - Mon 28 August Oswestry is a town with more than its fair share of ballooning history, so it’s no surprise that there’s an annual festival to celebrate the fact. Weather permitting, there will be sunrise and late-afternoon flights on both days of the show. There’ll also be a spectacular evening 'glow', which will see tethered baskets power their burners to music, to light up the inflated balloons. A balloon race is scheduled for the Sunday of the festival. The event is raising funds for Wrexham’s Nightingale House Hospice, which provides a specialist palliative care service for patients with life-limiting illness, including many from Shropshire.

I Want I Want! Creative Car Factory Summer holiday fun at Stories Of 1975 at Coventry Transport Tamworth Castle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Museum From Norman fort to stately home to 21st Sun 20 August until Wed 30 August century museum, Tamworth Castle Get out your platform shoes, pull on your stands as a physical record of almost a flares and get ready to party like it’s 1975 at If you’re looking for ways to keep the kids oc- millennium's-worth of history. this one-day-only event. cupied this summer holiday, check out these The castle is currently home to unique Featuring items from the gallery and the Arts special workshops at Coventry Transport artefacts from the Staffordshire Hoard Council Collection, this ‘warm and welcom- Museum. There’s one taking place each and offers some fascinating insights into ing reminiscence session’ takes a look back week for six weeks - so that’s half a dozen the Anglo-Saxon era from which they to the flamboyant days of yesteryear, recall- days when you know your youngsters will be date. ing the 1970s through a celebration of the kept busy and entertained! Summer holiday visitors to the venue decade’s music, art and fashion. The workshops provide children with the can learn about Saxon battle tactics and A free drop-in session suitable for all ages, chance to design, create and try out their try their hand at archaeology (15 - 17 Au- Stories Of 1975 is also a dementia-friendly own fantasy car. They can then add their gust), as well as sampling life in me- event. favourite features to the museum’s full-size dieval times (22 - 24 August). car design. For those fancying something a bit more Participants can attend all six workshops - ‘magical’ in nature, a special trail pro- Festival Of Quilts each focusing on a different stage of car vides an opportunity to say hello to gal- NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 August manufacture - or join in for just a single session, during which they can make a car part lant knights, help make a giant’s Bringing together to take home. armour, discover a wishing tree and a unique blend of The workshops are suitable for children maybe even spot a mischievous pixie or exhibitors, gal- aged three-plus, but all ages are welcome to two (until 11 August). leries, practical attend. workshops and in- depth lectures, the Festival Of Quilts is Europe’s largest celebration of patchwork and quilting. Commenting on the show, Jonathan Burton, Portfolio Director, said: “The festival offers a truly inspirational showcase of quilt-making, with the finest skills on display. It’s a place for beginners through to professionals to share ideas, learn new skills and meet with others who’re equally passionate about the world of patchwork and quilting.”

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Events previews from around the region

Summer late openings Land Of Legends Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Mon 14 - Fri 18 August Every Friday during August Families visiting BCLM on any Friday in Au- This is just one of numerous gust will have even longer to immerse events organised by Avoncroft themselves in 300 years of Black Country for its summertime visitors. history, with the venue staying open until Providing ‘a week of folklore 8pm. Meet costumed characters, join in and local legends’, the presen- with street games and explore the mu- tation invites participants to ex- seum’s selection of shops and houses. plore the grounds in search of If you’ve never visited BCLM before, this is ‘the mythical beasts that dwell a great opportunity to become one of the within’. approximately 300,000 people who’re wel- Other Avoncroft attractions this comed through its gates every year. month include a traditional The venue has been open for 34 years now games challenge, summer and is the UK’s third most visited open-air building activities, a bake-off museum. themed week and an archaeo- Other attractions on the 26-acre site include logical dig. an underground mine, a fairground, a school and a pub, all offering visitors the chance to step back in time to a bygone era. Urban Safari The Roundhouse, St Vincents Street, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Wed 9 August & Fri 25 - Mon 28 August Blists Hill In Steam Birmingham’s historic Round- house building offers an ideal Blists Hill, Ironbridge Gorge, Sat 19 - Sun 20 August base from which to explore the Now here’s an event to be all steamed up about! city’s canal network - and Visitors across the two days can take advantage of a there’s no better way of doing rare opportunity to get up close and personal with an so than by booking yourself a array of Victorian steam-powered machines, all of place on the Urban Safari. which will be in their full working splendour. Participants get to travel on a Highlights include the venue’s replica of Trevithick’s heritage narrowboat into the 1802 Coalbrookdale locomotive and a 1903 Wallis & heart of the canal system, en- Steevens road roller named Billy. joying a towpath tour of the There’s also the Merry Weather fire pump and the local wildlife while learning Fielding oil engine to admire, with other attractions about numerous myths and leg- including portable and ploughing engines, the Blists ends associated with Birming- Hill Ironworks steam hammer and a number of guest ham. engines. The Classic The Western Motorcycle Festival Donington Park Racing Circuit, Motorhome Show Derby, Fri 4 - Sun 6 August Three Counties Showground, Worcestershire, This Donington favourite once Fri 18 - Sun 20 August again features appearances by Featuring four nights of camping and country & 1998 500cc British Grand Prix western music, The Western Motorhome Show is champion Simon Crafar, guest this month hosting more than 3,000 mo- starring at the event for the fifth torhomes, caravans, campervans and tents, in- year running. cluding 450 new and used outdoor leisure Festival regular Steve Parrish vehicles. Other attractions include the Lonestar makes a welcome return too, at Re-Enactment Group - providing living history an event that features parades, displays - hundreds of accessory stalls and nu- massive display areas and up to merous western entertainers, among them The 50 races across its three days. Dolly & Kenny Show, Boxcar Kelly & The Rail- roaders and Steve Cherelle as John Denver.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Venues DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:52 Page 1

Places to visit Enjoy the great outdoors this August!

Thinktank, Birmingham Blists Hill, Ironbridge Drayton Manor Theme Park

The Midlands is home to an abundance of enjoyable and exciting places to visit, catering for people of all ages and from all walks of life. Whatever you’re looking for to keep the kids entertained this summer, you’re sure to find somewhere and something that fits the bill. Our What’s On directory features just a small handful of some of the best places to visit across the region this summer. Check out whatsonlive.co.uk for more details...

MAC A huge range of theatre, music, comedy, plays toric aircraft are displayed in three wartime hangars Birmingham for children, dance, creative and craft courses, fam- on an active airfield. Shifnal, TF11 8UP ASTON HALL This 17th century red-brick mansion ily shows, film and free exhibitions on offer, Cannon SEVERN VALLEY COUNTRY PARK An oasis of calm and hosts many family activities throughout the season, Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH beauty on the banks of the River Severn, this Aston, Birmingham, B6 6JD MUSEUM OF THE JEWELLERY QUARTER The museum award-winning, 51-hectare country park is a place BBC BIRMINGHAM Go behind the scenes of some of tells the story of Birmingham’s renowned jewellery for quiet enjoyment of the countryside. Bridgnorth, your favourite TV shows with informative and enter- and metalworking heritage, Hockley, Birmingham, WV15 6NG taining tours, The Mailbox, Birmingham, B1 1RF B18 6HA SHREWSBURY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Housed BECKETT’S FARM Hosts a number of family events NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE Featuring over 1,000 within the town’s grade II Victorian Music Hall and throughout the year, including cookery classes for creatures and 60-plus displays, including a million- one of the country’s rare 13th century mansions, young and old, with a farm shop and restaurant on litre underwater tropical tank, Nemo's Kingdom, tur- featuring a broad range of artefacts alongside a site, Wythall, Birmingham B47 6AJ tle breeding and much more, Brindleyplace, rolling programme of contemporary art. Shrews- Birmingham, B1 2HL bury, SY1 1LH BIRMINGHAM BACK TO BACKS Restored 19th-century courtyard of working people’s houses, Hurst Street, RESORTS WORLD Boasting the largest casino in the TELFORD STEAM RAILWAY A heritage railway located Birmingham, B5 4TE UK, a shopping mall, restaurants and cinemas, at Horsehay and formed in 1976. The railway is op- Birmingham, B40 1NT erated by volunteers on Sundays and Bank Holi- BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Spanning 15 days. Telford, TF4 2NF acres, with four glasshouses hosting a variety of cli- SAREHOLE MILL A 250-year-old working watermill fa- mates, from tropical rainforest to arid desert, Edg- mous for its association with Lord Of The Rings au- THE BRITISH IRONWORK CENTRE Boasting a varied baston, Birmingham, B15 3TR thor JRR Tolkien, Hall Green, Birmingham, B13 collection of beautifully decorative metal items, 0BD some of which are faithful reproductions of iron- BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Explore over work no longer seen today. There’s also a collec- 40 galleries displaying various eras of art, with a di- THINKTANK SCIENCE MUSEUM Over 200 interactive exhibits on science and discovery, including a pro- tion of animal sculptures to admire. Oswestry, SY11 verse exhibition programme on offer, Chamberlain 4JH Square, Birmingham, B3 3DH gramme of workshops, shows and demonstrations, and a digital Planetarium, Millennium Point, Birm- THE QUARRY PARK Shrewsbury’s 29-acre parkland BLAKESLEY HALL Discover a fine Tudor house and ingham, B4 7XG hosts numerous events throughout the year, includ- beautiful gardens just a few miles from the heart of ing the Shrewsbury Flower Show 12-13 August, the city, Yardley, Birmingham, B25 8RN SY1 1RN CADBURY WORLD Discover the origins of everyone’s Shropshire favourite sweet treat, from the cocoa beans in the Aztec jungle to the making of Cadbury confec- ATTINGHAM PARK An elegant 18th century mansion Staffordshire tionery today, Bournville, Birmingham, B30 2LU house with Regency interiors. Set within an expan- CANNON HILL PARK Opened in 1873, the park is sive deer park, there are riverside walks, a wood- AERIAL EXTREME Ever fancied swinging about, high made up of 80 acres of formal parkland and 120 land sculpture trail and family events to enjoy. up in the trees? Now's your chance with Aerial Ex- acres of conservation and woodland plantation, Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP treme’s tree-mendous course at the Trentham Es- Moseley, Birmingham, B12 9QH CARDING MILL VALLEY Covering almost 5,000 acres, tate. All ages are guaranteed a bucketload of fun. How much can you handle? Trentham, ST12 9HR EASTSIDE PARK Birmingham’s first central city park with stunning views of the Shropshire and Welsh in over 130 years, situated only a stone’s throw hills. An important place for wildlife, geology and ALTON TOWERS Enjoy a mind-blowing mix of fantas- from the Bullring Shopping Centre and New Street archaeology. Church Stretton, SY6 6JG tic rides and attractions, offering unlimited fun for Station, Birmingham City Centre, B4 7AP CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE A Gothic castle - a product kids of all ages, families and thrill-seekers. Alton, ST10 4DB LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM A major cultural destina- of the early 19th century - that stands on a high rise tion, providing a dynamic mix of events, activities above a lake. The castle is surrounded by lawns, a BIDDULPH GRANGE COUNTRY PARK Originally part of a and performances, resources and access to expert variety of mature trees and gardens. Whitchurch, larger Biddulph Grange Estate, this is a 73-acre help for learning, information and culture, Cente- SY14 8AH wooded hillside site with a large lake, ponds and nary Square, Birmingham, B1 2EA IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS The Shropshire site of meadows, Stoke-on-Trent, ST8 7TZ LICKEY HILLS COUNTRY PARK Covering 524 acres, the the birth of the Industrial Revolution has been des- CENTRAL FOREST PARK Located in the heart of Stoke, park is a place for family fun, whether that be walk- ignated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, with 10 Central Forest Park is a green space providing fa- ing the dog, cycling, horse riding, or maybe just for award-winning museums. Ironbridge, TF8 7DQ cilities for walking, cycling, dog walking, informal the views and a cup of tea, Rednal, Birmingham, RAF COSFORD The museum houses one of the sports and skateboarding. Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 6BB B45 8ER largest aviation collections in the UK. Over 70 his- CHURNET VALLEY RAILWAY Take a journey back to 50 whatsonlive.co.uk Venues DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 17:52 Page 2

Coventry Transport Museum Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

Black Country Living Museum, Dudley

the classic days of railway travel on a rural line that KENILWORTH CASTLE A vast complex of ruined fortifi- with an important collection of Pre-Raphaelite and passes through beautiful countryside known as cations and palatial apartments spanning over five Arts & Crafts pictures and furnishings, Wolver- Staffordshire's ‘Little Switzerland’. Froghall, ST10 centuries, CV8 1NE hampton, WV6 8EE 2HA RAGLEY HALL Family entertainment, with an adven- WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY Explore more than DRAYTON MANOR THEME PARK A definite stop-off ture playground, 3D maze, boating and a wood- 300 years of art, including regular world class tour- venue for thrill-seekers, featuring, as it does, all land walk. Alcester, B49 5NJ ing exhibitions, Wolverhampton, WV1 1DU manner of white-knuckle rides. Also offers a range SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST Six unique proper- of rides that are somewhat less challenging. And ties - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Harvard House, with a zoo on site, it’s a venue that’s got plenty for Hall’s Croft, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Worcestershire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy. Tamworth, B78 Arden’s Farm & Shakespeare’s New Place. 3TW AVONCROFT MUSEUM A fascinating museum of his- STONELEIGH ABBEY Visitors to the Abbey can learn HANLEY PARK Hanley Park and the adjacent toric buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued about the house's history through a guided tour of from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt, tim- Cauldon Grounds are open to the public. Features the West Wing, CV8 2LF include three play areas: toddler, sensory and ad- ber by timber or brick by brick, on a beautiful open- venture (including aerial slide). Shelton, ST1 4DX STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM A unique opportunity to air site in the north of Worcestershire, Bromsgrove, watch hundreds of the world's most spectacular B60 4JR PEAK WILDLIFE PARK Large walk-throughs allow you butterflies flying around. Stratford-upon-Avon, BERRINGTON HALL Created by architect Henry Hol- to come face to face with exotic and endangered CV37 7LS animals from across three continents. Leek, ST13 land, the hall is one of a small number of his build- 7QR WARWICK CASTLE Experience over 1,000 years of ings to survive intact. As well as being able to history at Warwick Castle. Aside from visiting the explore the family rooms and servant quarters, THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Exhibits in- castle itself and looking at the battlements, towers, guests can take part in activities or relax by the clude the world’s greatest collection of Stafford- turrets and interiors, there are also jousting shows, lake, Nr Leominster, HR6 0DW shire ceramics, a World War Two Spitfire, the Horrible History show and Time Tower to keep BROCKHAMPTON ESTATE Set in 1,700 acres of estate, decorative arts and natural history, along with items you entertained. CV34 4QU from the Staffordshire Hoard. Hanley, ST1 3DW the romantic Manor House dates back to the late 14th century and is accessible via a small gate- THE WEDGWOOD MUSEUM The home of one of the house and over a moat, Nr Bromyard, WR6 5TB most interesting ceramic collections in the world. Wolverhampton The galleries tell the story of Josiah Wedgwood, his CROFT CASTLE Located deep in the heart of the family, and the company he founded over two cen- & Black Country Herefordshire countryside, surrounded by 1,500 turies ago. Stoke-on-Trent, ST12 9ER acres of historic woodland, farm and parkland. BANTOCK HOUSE MUSEUM Restored to its Edwardian Home to the Croft family for nearly 1,000 years, this glory, Bantock House sits within 43 acres of park- castle has many intriguing stories to uncover. Warwickshire land, with activities for all ages, Wolverhampton, Yarpole, Nr Leominster, HR6 9PW WV3 9LQ CROOME PARK Explore what remains of a secret BADDESLEY CLINTON A secluded estate set in the BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY A lively programme of wartime air base and discover how thousands of heart of the Forest of Arden. With guided talks, changing exhibitions featuring the best of contem- people lived and worked there during the 1940s. walks through the gardens and activities for chil- porary ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles, metal, Worcester, WR8 9DW dren such as pond dipping and garden trails. War- woodwork and more, Wolverhampton, WV14 7LU EASTNOR CASTLE DEER PARK Set within the dramatic wick, B93 ODQ BLACK COUNTRY LIVING MUSEUM A tribute to the tra- beauty of the Malvern Hills and surrounded by a BRITISH MOTOR MUSEUM The museum features the ditional skills and enterprise of the people that beautiful deer park, arboretum and lake. Ledbury world's greatest collection of classic, vintage and once lived in the heart of industrial Britain, Dudley, HR8 1RL veteran British cars. Gaydon, CV35 0BJ DY1 4SQ HAMPTON COURT CASTLE Originally formed by the CHARLECOTE PARK This grand 16th century country DUDLEY CANAL TUNNEL TRUST Guided boat trips merging of two manors, Hampton Court was re- house comes complete with deer park and is a through the tunnels, accompanied by videos, life- modelled in the 1830s/’40s. The castle and property of the National Trust. Warwick, CV35 9ER like reconstructions and stunning music and light grounds offer a great location for adventure and COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK Set in 160 acres of park- shows, Dudley, DY1 4SB events, Leominster, HR6 0PN land and gardens, Cotswold Wildlife Park now has DUDLEY CASTLE AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Home to HARTLEBURY CASTLE A Grade I listed building which one of the UK’s largest zoological collections. Bur- more than 1,300 animals, with up to 200 species. was built in the mid-13th century as a fortified ford, OX18 4JP At the heart of the site sits the ruins of an 11th cen- manor house. Kidderminster, DY11 7XZ COVENTRY MUSIC MUSEUM Activities to interest and tury castle, Dudley, DY1 4QF SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY A full-size standard-gauge delight youngsters, and a studio in which visitors HIMLEY HALL & PARK An 18th century building set in railway line which runs regular steam-hauled pas- can try their hand at composing and music-mak- 180 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped park- senger trains, for tourists and enthusiasts alike, being. CV2 4ED land, Dudley, DY3 4DF tween Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, a distance of 16 miles, Bewdley, DY12 1BG COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM The museum RED HOUSE GLASS CONE A heritage site with 225 houses the largest publicly owned collection of years of glass, industrial and social history within THE MALVERN HILLS A wide variety of walks, from British vehicles in the world. Now fully open after a its walls, Stourbridge, DY8 4AZ short and gently graded slopes to more strenuous £9.5million redevelopment programme. CV1 1JD options, WR14 3EY SANDWELL PARK FARM A fully restored working Vic- HATTON ADVENTURE WORLD An attraction for families torian farm with grazing meadows, a traditional WITLEY COURT One hundred years ago, Witley Court with children up to the age of 12. Hatton, CV35 8XA farmyard, walled kitchen gardens, Grade II listed was one of England’s great country houses, host- HERBERT ART GALLERY & MUSEUM A family-friendly buildings, a small museum and award-winning tea ing many extravagant parties. Today, it’s a spectac- museum, with activities that run throughout the rooms, West Bromwich, B71 4BG ular ruin, the result of a disastrous fire in 1937. Great Witley, WR6 6JT school holidays. Coventry, CV1 5QP WIGHTWICK MANOR & GARDENS A manor house filled

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Your week by week listings guide August 2017 thelist

Summer at Birmingham Museums

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

What’s On Tues 1 to Sun 6 August Mon 7 to Sun 13 August Mon 14 to Sun 20 August Mon 21 to Thurs 31 August

Regina Spektor at Goldilocks Story Tour & Craft Pink plays V Festival at Chapterhouse bring Symphony Hall at Aston Hall Weston Park Peter Pan to mac Sat 5 August Fri 11 August Sun 20 August Sat 26 August

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thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August THROUGHOUT AUGUST

tal fine art and printmaking, Thurs 24 Visual Arts Aug - Sat 30 Sept NEW NIGEL PRIDDEY RBSA A selection Birmingham Museum & of new watercolour landscapes in Art Gallery Nigel’s bold and distinctive style, Mon 28 Aug - Sat 7 Oct NEW INSPIRE 2017 Exhibition of art by children and young people, until Sat The Barber Institute 30 Sept WATER LILY POND - CLAUDE MONET The I WANT! I WANT!: ART & TECHNOLOGY A Japanese bridge over the water lily curated selection from the Arts Coun- pond in Monet’s garden at Giverny is cil Collection - with key loans from the subject of this spectacular paint- other major collections - that pre- ing, on loan from the Art Institute of sents the work of contemporary Chicago, until Sun 10 Sept artists using new technologies, until Sun 1 Oct I KNOW BUT I DON'T KNOW - MATTHEW PAGETT Artist-in-residence Matthew FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Don Carlos - O2 Academy, Birmingham Pagett was asked to respond to the different faiths have influenced and recent exhibition about early-20th shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 OLLIE HUGHES AS ROB- THE DECADES BAND Sat century New York artist George Bel- Gigs BIE WILLIAMS Fri 4 5 Aug, The River lows. He presents his findings in Aug, The River Rooms, Stourbridge BOM (B’ham Open Media) word and image as an academic cal- Rooms, Stourbridge SUNSHINE FRISBEE A WHITE HOUSE ON PARADISE STREET endar, until Sun 17 Sept IAIN MATTHEWS Wed 2 KING KRAB Fri 4 Aug, LASERBEAM Sat 5 Aug, Exhibition inspired by what may be Aug, Kitchen Garden ONLY LIGHT AND SHADOW This display The Roadhouse, Birm- Hare & Hounds, King’s the first Daguerreotype image made Cafe, Birmingham of examples from the Barber’s collec- ingham Heath, Birmingham in Birmingham, and potentially the tion places five of Goya’s enigmatic ASOMVEL Wed 2 Aug, first in England using the Daguerreo- works among those by other Spanish The Robin, Bilston WHITE TYGER Fri 4 Aug, MAETLOAF & THE NEVER Route 44, Birmingham NEVERLAND EXPRESS type process (invented in 1839 by artists - including Picasso and Miró - KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Sat 5 Aug, The Robin, Louis Daguerre, using silver-plated who also delved into ideas of light Wed 2 Aug, The Jam THE BEAT BROTHERS Fri Bilston copper), until Sat 19 Aug and shadow through subject matter House, Birmingham 4 - Sat 5 Aug, The Jam and printmaking, until Sun 22 Oct House, Birmingham SUNSHINE BLOOM, MAL- CELINE DION Thurs 3 Ikon Gallery ONE, CATCHING KILLERS Aug, Barclaycard REGINA SPEKTOR Sat 5 & SOLITAIRE Sat 5 Aug, JOHN STEZAKER - HORSE John's video, Other VISUAL ARTS Arena, Birmingham Aug, Symphony Hall, Horse, will be screened in Ikon’s Birmingham The Flapper, B’ham 100 VIEWS OF BIRMINGHAM Exhibition BELLEVUE DAYS Thurs 3 Tower Room. It consists of 3,600 im- THE CLAUSE Sat 5 Aug, of work by local printmaker Mike Alli- Aug, The Sunflower YES LAD Sat 5 Aug, O2 ages of various horses from a side Artrix, Bromsgrove son. Mike began work on the 100 Lounge, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham angle, taken from the front page of views project in December 2015, in- DON CARLOS Sat 5 Aug, HAMISH STUART Thurs THE SMITHS UTD Sat 5 the same racehorse catalogue over spired by Japanese printmaker Ando O2 Academy, B’ham 3 Aug, The Jam Aug, The Roadhouse, the past 30 years. Near-identical pic- Hiroshige's 100 famous views of Edo tures are projected at 23 frames per House, Birmingham Birmingham IMAGINAERUM Sun 6 (1856 - 1858), until Wed 27 Sept, Ga- Aug, The Robin, Bil- second, creating a shaking and flick- MORETALLICA Thurs 3 PROJECT SOUNDLOUNGE lerie Mayci, Moseley, Birmingham ston ering portrait of a horse, until Sun 3 Aug, The Robin, Bil- Sat 5 Aug, Birming- TOTALITY (2015) BY KATIE PATERSON Sept ston ham Town Hall SOUL CITY Sun 6 Aug, The artwork is a large rotating mirror The Roadhouse, Birm- ball that illuminates and sparkles with CALIBRE & DRS Fri 4 CANDID, GIANT PARTY & ingham mac, Birmingham over 10,000 images of the solar Aug, Hare & Hounds, MONDAY CLUB Sat 5 FUTUREMAKERS A summer-long pro- eclipse, until Sun 1 Oct, Thinktank at Birmingham Aug, The Sunflower AVERSIONS CROWN, Lounge, Birmingham VENOM PRISON, ABAN- gramme which aims to inspire the Millennium Point, Birmingham THE NAKED BEATLES Fri DONMENT & SAMSARA designers and makers of the future LOOKING UP, LOOKING DOWN: THE 4 Aug, The Robin, THE SIX ON FIRE Sat 5 Sun 6 Aug, The Flap- through acts of playing, making and EARTH, MOON, SUN AND BEYOND! Exhi- Bilston Aug, Route 44, B’ham per, Birmingham building. An exhibition of historical bition bringing together a selection of and contemporary examples of de- objects from Birmingham’s collection signing through play accompanies looking at how artists and scientists the residency programme, until Sun have explored the skies, until Sun 1 3 Sept Oct, Thinktank at Millennium Point ARTIST ROOMS: JENNY HOLZER Exhibi- CONNECTING STORIES: OUR BRITISH tion showcasing works by political ASIAN HERITAGE Exhibition exploring artist Jenny Holzer, until Sun 10 Sept Britain’s enduring connections with South Asia, from historical trading RBSA Gallery links stretching back 400 years to the NEW TIME FOR TEA - ANDREW MATHE- impact of migration and settlement in SON RBSA Selection of handmade the 20th and 21st centuries, until Sat teapots in stoneware and porcelain, 4 Nov, Library Of Birmingham Mon 14 Aug - Sat 30 Sept NEW IN THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE Exhibi- NEW METROPOLIS 2017: SPONSORED BY tion showcasing 21 miniature works MAGUIRE JACKSON Exhibition explor- from Willard Wigan’s collection which ing the physical aspects of a sit within the eye of a needle or on metropolis and the people who in- the head of a pin, Fri 4 Aug - Sun 29 habit, work in and visit it. Includes Oct, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- jewellery, ceramics, textiles, sculp- ter ture, drawing, painting, original digi- Regina Spektor - Symphony Hall, Birmingham

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:47 Page 2

Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August

romp, until Sat 9 Sept, The Swan Classical Music Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF GREAT & Schönberg’s legendary musical, BRITAIN Featuring Thomas Adés (con- until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- ductor). Programme includes works drome by Francisco Coll, Thomas Adés & Stravinsky, Fri 4 Aug, Symphony Hall, VENUS AND ADONIS Artistic Director Birmingham Gregory Doran revives his unique version of Shakespeare’s kaleido- NATIONAL SCOUT & GUIDE SYMPHONY scopic poem, using narration, music ORCHESTRA Programme includes and puppetry, until Fri 4 Aug, works by Vaughan Williams, Copland The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- & Walton, Fri 4 Aug, mac, B’ham Avon NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF THE DREAMING Musical version of A GREAT BRITAIN Featuring Natalia Luis- Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mon 31 Bassa (conductor). Programme in- July - Sat 5 Aug, Lichfield Garrick cludes works by Holst, Bizet, Sibelius, Prokofiev & Marquez, Sun 6 WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave Wil- Aug, Birmingham Town Hall letts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank Wild- horn’s musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In Won- derland & Through The Looking Glass, Mon 31 July - Sat 5 Aug, Comedy Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SIDE SHOW Musical about accep- ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE & COMEDY tance, love and embracing one’s Urja! - mac, Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs uniqueness, based on the true story sent an evening of dance and music ror. Starring Harvey Keitel, George 3 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham of two conjoined twins, Tues 1 - Fri 4 featuring a range of genres fused Clooney. Electric Cinema, Birming- Aug, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham ROBIN MORGAN, ANDY WHITE, TREVOR with Bollywood style, Sun 6 Aug, ham, Thurs 3 Aug CROOK & LUKE TOULSON Fri 4 - Sat 5 THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Heartbreak mac, Birmingham GENOCIDAL ORGAN (15) Animation/Sci- Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham Productions present an outdoor stag- Fi. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, ing of Shakespeare’s unconventional ALEX BOARDMAN, JAMES DOWDESWELL Thurs 3 Aug & JAMES GILL Fri 4 - Sat 5 Aug, Jon- love story, Thurs 3 Aug, Warley ENGLAND IS MINE (15) gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Woods, Smethwick Biography/Drama. Starring Jack Low- THE WILL Foppish Theatre present LUKE BENSON, JIM SMALLMAN, GEOFF Film den, Laurie Kynaston. Electric Cin- Marivaux’s classic comedy, which ex- INNOCENT & QUNICY Sat 5 Aug, The ema, Birmingham, from Fri 4 Aug Comedy Loft, Birmingham poses the price of true love, Fri 4 Aug, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: LA LA LAND (12a) Comedy/Drama. JOHN SIMMIT, SLIM, TAMEKA CAMPBELL Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. WEST END ON TOUR! Musical classics & VICTOR DANIEL Sat 5 Aug, mac, mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 Aug Birmingham from London's West End, with songs FIREMAN SAM: ALIEN ALERT (U) Anima- by Sondheim, Rodgers & Hammer- tion. With the voices of David Carling, IT COMES AT NIGHT (15) Horror/Mys- STEVE HEWLETT Sat 5 Aug, The Core stein, Cole Porter & Andrew Lloyd Su Douglas. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed tery. Starring Joel Edgerton, Riley Theatre, Solihull Webber, Fri 4 Aug, The Old Rep The- 2 - Thurs 3 Aug Keough. Electric Cinema, Birming- ham, from Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug atre, Birmingham SHOCK & GORE 2017 SHORT FILM SHOW- THE JUNGLE BOOK Katch 22 Theatre CASE (18) Horror. Electric Cinema, MOULIN ROUGE! (U) Musical/Romance. Productions present a staging of Birmingham, Tues 1 Aug Starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan Mc- Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved tale, Gregor. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 5 Aug Theatre MARTYRS (18) Horror. Starring Mor- Fri 4 Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull jana Alaoui, Mylène Jampanoï. For- DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL TITUS ANDRONICUS Bloody and brutal TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, eign language, subtitled. Introduction (U) Animation/Comedy. Starring Alicia play in which the decay of Rome dance and play to win as Tina spins from Alex Davis. Electric Cinema, Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott. mac, reaches violent depths, until Sat 2 her cage of balls to a high-energy Birmingham, Tues 1 Aug Birmingham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug ’80s soundtrack, Fri 4 Aug, Old Joint Sept, Royal Shakespeare THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE (12a) Biogra- THE DEATH OF LOUIS XIV (12a) Biogra- Stock Theatre, Birmingham Theatre,Stratford-upon-Avon phy/Drama. Starring Jessica Chas- phy/Drama. Starring Jean-Pierre SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, THE SECRET GARDEN Frances Hodg- tain, Johan Heldenbergh. Artrix, Léaud, Patrick d'Assumçao. Foreign written in French and originally son Burnett’s timeless tale for all the Bromsgrove, Tues 1 - Wed 2 Aug language, subtitled. mac, Birming- ham, Sat 5 - Wed 16 Aug banned in England, recounts in a sin- family, Sat 5 - Sat 12 Aug, The Blue QUATERMASS & THE PIT (12a) Orange Theatre, Birmingham gle act the biblical story of Herod An- Horror/Mystery. Starring James Don- tipas’s daughter, Salomé, until Wed 6 CIRCUS RAJ Featuring dancers, illu- ald, Andrew Keir. Electric Cinema, Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, sionists, aerialists and rope walkers, Birmingham, Wed 2 Aug NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Stratford-upon-Avon Sun 6 Aug, mac, Birmingham VERY BAD THINGS (18) Comedy/Crime. Released from Wed 2 Aug, showing ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Starring Christian Slater, Daniel Stern. at selected cinemas Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 2 VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOU- power, until Thurs 7 Sept, Royal Aug SAND PLANETS (12a) Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- TAXI DRIVER (18) Crime/Drama. Star- 6 DAYS (15) upon-Avon Dance ring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster. THE EMOJIMOVIE (U) JULIUS CAESAR A bloody story of con- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs spiracy and murder, noble intentions LET’S NACHO Showcase of work from 3 Aug ENGLAND IS MINE (15) and ignoble actions, until Sat 9 Sept, Bollywood Dreams Academy stu- JACOB EPSTEIN: REBEL ANGEL (15) Doc- LAND OF MINE (15) Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- dents, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, The Cres- umentary. Electric Cinema, Birming- MAUDIE (15) ford-upon-Avon cent Theatre, Birmingham ham, Thurs 3 Aug VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s comedy URJA! Aaja Nachie’s Let’s Dance pre- FROM DUSK TILL DAWN (18) Crime/Hor- whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Birmingham New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:48 Page 3

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham New 1- 6 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:48 Page 4

thelist Tuesday 1 - Sunday 6 August LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP As- Events semble your own individual Drawbot, a robot with pens for legs that will draw for you, Fri 28 July - Fri 1 Sept, AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY Meet in- Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery trepid adventurers and see artefacts gathered from their digs around the NO LIMITS 1000KM Gruelling 1,000km world, until Fri 4 Aug, Kenilworth Cas- race around the iconic circuit, Sat 29 tle July, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby OCTONAUTS OCTO-GLOW EXPLORERS A brand new deep-sea adventure TRADITIONAL GAMES CHALLENGE Mon where you can see the ocean in a 31 July - Fri 4 Aug, Avoncroft Mu- whole new light, until Sun 13 Aug, seum, Bromsgrove National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham SKI & SNOWBOARD CAMPS Mon 31 July - Fri 4 Aug, SnowDome, Tamworth ENCHANTED CASTLE Follow the trail and see what magical adventures you get to enjoy, Mon 31 July- Fri 11 Aug, Tamworth Castle, Staffs TECHLAB Create your own art hacks in the lab space, Mon 31 July - Mon 28 Dinosaur In The Wild - NEC, Birmingham Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery Learn about the history of the area, lunar-inspired tasting experience, Sat FLUTTERBY WITH BUTTERFLIES RSPB its buildings and businesses, Sat 5 5 Aug, Thinktank, Birmingham Sandwell explains how our butterflies DINOSAURS IN THE WILD Dramatic sto- Aug, Museum of the Jewellery Quar- ART IN THE PARK 2017 This year's flutterby, Tues 1 - Sun 6 Aug, rytelling and high-end digital graph- ter, Birmingham theme is The Three Graces, celebrat- Sandwell Valley Country Park ics and animatronics lie at the heart DESIGNING COMPUTER GAMES Learn- ing Leamington’s historic elephants, of this brand new show, until Wed 23 SECRET SPY TRAIL Self-guided experi- Play Foundation and Digital Native Sat 5 - Sun 6 Aug, Jephson Gardens, Aug, NEC, Birmingham ence searching the hangars, Tues 1 - team up in the gallery to provide a Leamington Spa Thurs 31 Aug, Royal Air Force Mu- COMPUTER GAME DESIGN Meet new live gaming session for anyone aged SCIENCE FUN DAY Learn about some of seum, Cosford and emerging designers, learn more six-plus, Sat 5 Aug, Birmingham Mu- the science experiments carried out about gaming and have a go at build- FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- seum And Art Gallery by the Lunar Men during the 18th ing and playing games! Until Wed 30 MAN BROTHERS Artist-led craft work- MORNING EXPLORERS An early-morn- century, Sun 6 Aug, Soho House, Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art shops, Wed 2 Aug, Newman Brothers ing museum experience catering for Birmingham Gallery Coffin Works, Birmingham families with children on the autistic CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKET Quality SUMMER HOLIDAYS WEEKEND PRO- VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour spectrum, Sat 5 Aug, Soho House, handmade products, including ce- GRAMME Family activities take place led by one of the award-winning Birmingham ramics, jewellery, paintings and craft on Saturdays and Sundays during guides, Wed 2 Aug, Newman Broth- GIN TASTING Including a talk about the items, Sun 6 Aug, mac, Birmingham the school holidays, until Fri 1 Sept, ers Coffin Works, Birmingham history of gin and a tutored tasting of CIRCUS RA J Fast-moving ‘extrava- Thinktank, Birmingham HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK Focus- six gins from small independent pro- ganza’ of intrigue, feats of daring, SUMMER HOLIDAYS It's a summer of ing on the architectural heritage of ducers, Sat 5 Aug, Old Joint Stock music, laughter and surprises, Sun 6 fun at Cadbury World, complete with Handsworth, Wed 2 Aug, Soho Theatre, Birmingham Aug, mac, Birmingham magicians and ventriloquists, until House, Handsworth RADICAL RUN The UK’s biggest chil- HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK A walk- Sun 3 Sept, Cadbury World, LITTLE SKIPPERS - WATERY WILDLIFE A dren’s obstacle course, Sat 5 Aug, ing tour focusing on the architectural Bournville, Birmingham 45-minute boat trip followed by things Sandwell Valley Country Park heritage of Handsworth, Sun 6 Aug, LET'S GET SPORTY! Discover how the to make and do, Wed 2 - Thurs 3 A TASTE OF SKYE UNDER THE MOON Soho House, Birmingham Black Country kept fit, as you race, Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Talisker Whisky present a unique jump and skip your way through DINOSAURS VS FAIRIES Kids’ trail some traditional sports! Until Sun 3 around the grounds of Himley Park, Sept, Black Country Living Museum, Thurs 3 Aug, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Dudley FIRE, FURNACE & STEAM Celebrate the CINDERELLA TOUR AND CRAFT Meet power and innovation behind the In- Cinders, see her kitchen, help equip dustrial Revolution with a variety of her with everything she needs, then events, workshops and trails across join in the dancing at Prince Charm- the museums, until Sun 3 Sept, Iron- ing’s ball, Fri 4 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- bridge Gorge Museum, Telford, ingham Shropshire MUSEUM MEMORY CAFÉ Monthly meet- THE EXTRAORDINARY LIVES OF EVERY- ups where people with dementia can DAY PEOPLE Visitors are invited to take part in museum-related activi- share their stories for the benefit of ties, Fri 4 Aug, Soho House, B’ham future generations, until Sat 30 Sept, Soho House, Handsworth, B’ham JINNEY RING BLUES AND BEER FESTIVAL Fri 4 - Sun 6 Aug, Jinney Ring Craft LUNARIES CRAFT GROUP A social Centre, Bromsgrove group of creatives who meet to chat and work on their own craft projects, CALLIGRAPHY CRAFT WORKSHOP Go until Thurs 2 Nov, Soho House, back in time and write with a feather Handsworth, Birmingham quill, learn calligraphy techniques with steel pen nibs, and make your CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 1 Help own crafty card, Sat 5 Aug, The Pen build a full-size car as well as minia- Museum, Birmingham ture ones, until Sat 29 July, Coventry Summer Fun at Thinktank @ Millennium Place Transport Museum JEWELLERY QUARTER HERITAGE WALK

whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW Birmingham 7 - 13 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:34 Page 1

thelist Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August Comedy Film

MERCEDES BENSON, MAUREEN INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: YOUNGER Wed 9 Aug, Kitchen Gar- KEDI (U) den Cafe, Birmingham Documentary. Starring Cats. Lots of cats. Electric Cinema, Birm- JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & ingham, Mon 7 Aug; mac, Birming- COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- ham, Fri 11 - Wed 16 Aug SON Thurs 10 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROCK DOG (PG) Animation/Music. With the voices of Luke Wilson, JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAVID MORGAN & Eddie Izzard. Artrix, Bromsgrove, IAN COGNITO Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Mon 7 & Thurs 10 Aug Glee Club, Birmingham THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) Drama. ROBIN MORGAN, THOMAS GREEN & Starring Jim Broadbent, Charlotte DAVID LONGLEY Sat 12 Aug, Jon- Rampling. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 7 gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham - Tues 8, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 Aug SCOTT BENNETT, ANDRE VINCENT, AFTER THE STORM (PG) Drama. Star- Flaming Lips headline Inner City Birmingham - The Rainbow Venues PIERRE HOLLINS & STEVE WILLIAMS ring Abe Hiroshi, Maki Yoko. Foreign Sat 12 Aug, The Comedy Loft, every Friday from June Sat 12 Aug, mac, language, subtitled. mac, Birming- Birmingham Gigs 3 to Aug 26 to enjoy Birmingham ham, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Aug free live music by BOSTIN’ BRASS Sat 12 GOODFELLAS (18) Crime/Drama. Star- some of the best local MICHAEL CHAPMAN Aug, Symphony Hall, ring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta. Elec- bands around, Fri 11 Mon 7 Aug, Kitchen Birmingham tric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 10 & Aug, Brindleyplace, Garden Cafe, B’ham Sun 13 Aug Birmingham CRIMSON STAR, BLANK Theatre RACHEL HARRINGTON PARODY, TYRAN- MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN (PG) Ad- GOODNIGHT LENIN Fri NOSAURUS NEBULOUS & venture/Thriller. Starring Roger Tues 8 Aug, Kitchen MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s 11 Aug, Hare & GUNS FOR GIRLS Sat 12 Moore, Christopher Lee. The Mock- Garden Cafe, B’ham acclaimed new production of Boublil Hounds, Birmingham Aug, The Sunflower ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 11 DEATH ANGEL Tues 8 & Schönberg’s legendary musical, UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri Lounge, Birmingham Aug Aug, The Slade until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- 11 Aug, The River Rooms, Wolverhamp- TWISTED FUNK Sat 12 podrome SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (12a) Drama/His- Rooms, Stourbridge Aug, Hare & Hounds, tory. Starring Gene Kelly, Debbie ton PETER AND THE WOLF Interactive mu- FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO Birmingham Reynolds. mac, Birmingham, Fri 11 GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed sical story for children aged between QUEEN Fri 11 Aug, The Aug 9 Aug, The Jam IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC four and seven. Followed by craft Robin, Bilston House, Birmingham ROCK NIGHT Sat 12 session, Mon 7 Aug, The Library Of LIVE AND LET DIE (PG) TAKE THAT TRIBUTE Fri Aug, Route 44, B’ham Birmingham Adventure/Thriller. Starring Roger TREMBLING BELLS Wed Moore, Yaphet Kotto. The Mocking- 11 Aug, Birmingham KILLERSTREAM Sat 12 9 Aug, Hare & LANDSCAPES Mimika Theatre fuse bird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 11 THE MARLEY EXPERI- Aug, The River Hounds, Birmingham puppetry with an original musical Aug ENCE Fri 11 Aug, Artrix, Rooms, Stourbridge APOLLO SOUL Thurs 10 score and visual effects to present Bromsgrove Aug, The Jam House, SKABUCKS Sat 12 Aug, ‘an intimate, magical experience for Birmingham DETROIT SOUL COLLEC- The Roadhouse, children’, Wed 9 - Sat 12 Aug, TIVE Fri 11 - Sat 12 Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome JOHN COGHLAN’S QUO NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Aug, The Jam House, Thurs 10 Aug, The ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 THE LION, THE WITCH & THE Released from Wed 9 Aug, showing Birmingham Robin, Bilston TRIBUTE Sat 12 Aug, WARDROBE Little Arden Theatre Com- at selected cinemas INNER CITY BIRMING- The Robin, Bilston pany present a new staging of the HIGHTAIL, DEVIL'S RE- ATOMIC BLONDE (tbc) HAM Sat 12 Aug, The children’s classic, Sat 12 Aug, The VOLVER & THEIA Fri 11 A PROMISE TO FORGET Rainbow Venues, Crescent Theatre. Birmingham A GHOST STORY (12a) Aug, Route 44, Birm- Sat 12 Aug, The Flap- Birmingham ingham per, Birmingham DISNEY ALADDIN JR. Amateur staging ANNABELLE: CREATION (15) PRABHAT & PULKIT The presented by Palace Youth Theatre, LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS NICOLA T AS BEYONCE LE DOULOS (12) next generation of In- Sat 12 Aug, Palace Theatre, Head to the Brindley- Sat 12 Aug, Artrix, OVERDRIVE (tbc) dian Classical musi- Redditch place bandstand at Bromsgrove cians based in the UK, PAWN SACRIFICE (12) The Water’s Edge PAW PATROL LIVE! Action-packed, high-energy musical bringing the TOM OF FINLAND (18) Nickelodeon characters to life, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Events

ROAD BIKE TRACK DAY Mon 7 Aug, Talks Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby TURNING THE INSIDE OUT URBAN SAFARI Travel on a Heritage Join Professor John Wigley of Birm- narrowboat into the heart of the ingham City University to uncover canal system, Mon 7 - Wed 9 Aug, the ‘hidden city’ of Birmingham - a The Roundhouse, Birmingham city of history, diversity, manufactur- TUDOR TIMES The castle comes alive ing, innovation and art, Wed 9 Aug, with the sights, sounds and smells of Birmingham Hippodrome Tudor England, Mon 7 - Fri 11 Aug, Michael Chapman - Kitchen Garden Cafe Kenilworth Castle 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Birmingham 7 - 13 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:35 Page 2

Monday 7 - Sunday 13 August

SPY SCHOOL You've saved politicians, the country’s premier horticultural you've saved The REP, but now... you events, the show features a diverse need to save the world! Mon 7 - Fri programme of attractions and enter- 11 Aug, The REP, Birmingham tainment for all the family to enjoy, in- BIG BUILD Summer building activities, cluding appearances by TV Mon 7 - Fri 11 Aug, Avoncroft Mu- personalities, celebrity chefs and seum, Bromsgrove singers, as well as spectacular arena acts, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Aug, The Quarry PORTRAIT STUDIO HACK WEEK Pete Park, Shrewsbury Ashton transforms the pop-up portrait studio to explore ancient methods of MAGIC GRAND PRIX One of the biggest image making, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Aug, open magic events in the world, Fri Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery 11 - Sun 13 Aug, NEC, B’ham FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- BATTLE PROMS PICNIC CONCERT Cele- MAN BROTHERS Artist-led craft work- brate 20 years of Britain’s premier shops for families, Tues 8 Aug, classical open-air concert series with Newman Brothers Coffin Works, music, Spitfire, cannons, cavalry & Birmingham fireworks, Sat 12 Aug, Ragley Hall, Al- cester DESIGN AND DECORATE A MINI SLEUTH BEAR Chance for young people and BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 12 adults to participate in The Big Sleuth Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome by working with a professional artist PORTRAIT STUDIO DROP-IN Join artist to design and decorate their own lim- Pete Ashton as he explains the me- ited-edition mini-bears, Wed 9 Aug, chanics of the ‘hacked’ studio, Sat 12 Goldilocks Story Tour & Craft The Core Theatre, Solihull Aug, Birmingham Museum And Art Aston Hall, Birmingham, Fri 11 August Gallery VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour This interactive event features a visit to the kitchen - where led by one of the award-winning RUN WHAT YOU BRING Public Track Goldilocks tasted the bears’ porridge - and the chance to discover guides, Wed 9 Aug, Newman Broth- Day, Sat 12 Aug, Santa Pod Race- ers Coffin Works, Birmingham way, Wellingborough, Northampton- the chairs and beds that she then tried out, little knowing to JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING shire whom they belonged... CLASSES Wed 9 Aug, Newman Broth- MSVR SPORTS CAR RACES Featuring The show is suitable for children aged between three and eight. ers Coffin Works, Birmingham Lotus, Caterham, Radical SR1 Cup Comprising a craft session and a 45-minute storytelling experi- BEHIND THE SCENES IN THE CONSERVA- and Trackday Trophy Series, Sat 12 ence, it takes place twice, at 11am and 1pm. Spaces are limited, so TION STORE Wed 9 Aug, Wightwick Aug, Donington Park Racing Circuit, pre-booking is essential. Manor, Wolverhampton Derby I SPY Work to stop a simulated cyber- PAW PATROL LIVE! Sat 12 - Sun 13 attack, Wed 9 Aug, RAF, Cosford Aug, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Turin Brakes, Renegade Brass Band, Erica, Colouring, Imelda May, Seth SHIPWRECKS AND TREASURE: MAD SCI- Festivals Lakeman, Badly Drawn Boy, Roving ENCE WORKSHOPS Fun with water, Crows, Paul Tarry And To Close, colour-changing metals, treasure BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up in- Thurs 10 - Mon 14 Aug, Eastnor Cas- pennies, shipwrecked boats and cludes: Amon Amarth, Blind tle Deer Park, Ledbury, Worcester- more, Wed 9 Aug, Forge Mill, Red- Guardian, Hatebreed, Municipal shire ditch Waste, Megadeth. Bloodstock Open Air is an English heavy metal festival INNER CITY BIRMINGHAM Featuring PRINCESS AND PIRATE TREASURE HUNT Neo-psychedelic extraordinaires The An opportunity for kids to dress up held annually at Catton Hall in Wal- ton-on-Trent, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Aug, Flaming Lips, Sat 12 Aug, The Rain- and find clues around the park, Thurs bow Venues, Birmingham 10 Aug, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Catton Hall, Walton-upon-Trent BULLDOG BASH WV1FEST Tribute act festival. Expect BAM: SUMMER SOUNDS Singer and Line-up includes Bessie & The Zincbuckets, Big Red & two days of crowd-surfing, chorus- theatre performer Sam Frankie Fox chanting, festival fun. Plus bars, food has teamed up with musician and The Grinners, The Dirty South ande, Thurs 10 - Sun 13 Aug, Shakespeare stands, a market, a children’s area, sound-explorer Ricardo Rocha to HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set and thrill rides! And it’s all family present a host of songs from around for a summer packed with time-travel- Country Raceway, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire friendly...Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, West the world, Thurs 10 Aug, mac, B’ham ling fun! Sat 12 - Sun 13 Aug, Kenil- Park, Wolverhampton worth Castle LAKEFEST Line-up Includes, Feeder, JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of WORCESTER FESTIVAL Sat 12 - Mon 28 baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of STEAM ON THE ROAD The very best of The Charlatans, Wilko Johnson, Kíla, Yak, Brooks Williams And Lightning Aug, Various playslocations in lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts steam on the road and rails, Sat 12 - Worcester & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, Sun 13 Aug, Severn Valley Railway, Express, Moses, Alabama 3, Aswad, Thurs 10 Aug, The Core Theatre, Kidderminster Solihull JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING THE FESTIVAL OF QUILTS Featuring cu- CLASSES Working with a selection of rated galleries and over 300 compa- silver sheet, wire and base metals, nies selling their wares, Thur 10 - Sun Sun 13 Aug, Newman Brothers Coffin 13 Aug, NEC, Birmingham Works, Birmingham GOLDILOCKS STORY TOUR AND CRAFT BNBF MIDLANDS CHAMPIONSHIPS The Head over to the kitchen where Midlands’ best natural bodybuilders Goldilocks tasted the bears’ porridge, battle it out, Sun 13 Aug, The Cres- see the chairs belonging to the bears cent Theatre, Birmingham and find the beds that Goldilocks DONINGTON 500 New event designed tried out, Fri 11 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- to introduce riders to the sport at little ingham expense, Sun 13 Aug, Donington SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW One of Park Racing Circuit, Derby Imelda May plays Lakefest at Eastnor Castle

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Birmingham 14 - 20 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:40 Page 1

thelist Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August Theatre Company present the Jane Classical Austen classic, Wed 16 Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG Music Rural touring ensemble Folksy The- atre present a musical adaptation of CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, CHESTRA Featuring Mirga Gražinyté- Wed 16 Aug, Martineau Gardens, Tyla (conductor) & Leila Josefowicz Birmingham (violin). Programme includes works by Beethoven & Stravinsky, Sun 20 BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham tions present an outdoor staging of David Walliams’ tale of love, loss and friendship, Thurs 17 Aug, Ragley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire THE FIRST KING OF ENGLAND... IN A Comedy DRESS Fun-packed family storytelling show featuring puppetry & music. Suitable for audiences aged three- COMEDY CLUB 4 KIDS Sat 12 Aug, plus, Fri 18 Aug, Artrix, Bromsgrove mac, Birmingham THE LOST WORLD Illyria present an DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL & COM- Too Many Zooz - O2 Institute, Birmingham outdoor staging of Sir Arthur Conan EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Doyle’s famous story of four intrepid THE REPLICAS Fri 18 GOGO PENGUIN Sun 20 Thurs 17 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham explorers, Sat 19 Aug, Coughton Aug, The River Aug, mac, B’ham Gigs KIDS ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS FAMILY Court, Alcester Rooms, Stourbridge STEEL PAN FUSION Sun FUN TO GLEE - WITH BARBARA NICE, TOO MANY ZOOZ Mon SOUL JUNCTION Fri 18 20 Aug, Hare & NEXT OF KIN, MY PARTY PACKAGE, IN- 14 Aug, O2 Institute, Aug, The Robin, Bil- Hounds, Kings Heath, FINITI & JAY FOREMAN Fri 18 Aug, The Birmingham ston Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham MATT WOOSEY WITH: MIRANDA LAMBERT Fri EDWINA HAYES Sun 20 DAVE TWENTYMAN, DAVE HILL, ANDRE Dance CHEWIE Mon 14 Aug, 18 Aug, Barclaycard Aug, Kitchen Garden VINCENT & COMIC TBC Fri 18 - Sat 19 Kitchen Garden Cafe, Arena, Birmingham Cafe, Kings Heath, Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham CATY WOMPUS Contemporary dance Birmingham BLANK PARODY Fri 18 Birmingham FREDDIE QUINNE, JULIAN DEANE, DAL- piece incorporating circus & parkour Aug, The Asylum, EDENBRIDGE Featuring ISO CHAPONDA & THE RAYMOND AND VO FLETCHER Wed 16 and set to an original bluegrass Birmingham Enemy of Reality, MR TIMPKINS REVIEW Fri 18 - Sat 19 Aug, Symphony Hall, score performed live, Thurs 17 Aug, Sound of Thunder, Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham ABBA TRIBUTE NIGHT mac, Birmingham Dakesis - Control the JO HARMAN Wed 16 Sat 19 Aug, Birming- JAMES REDMOND, RAY BADRAN & Storm, Darkest Obsid- Aug, The Jam House, ham Botanical Gar- STEVE HALL Sat 19 Aug, Jongleurs ian, A Clockwork Birmingham dens Comedy Club, Birmingham Opera & Fyresky, Sun DR FEELGOOD Thurs 17 SUSPICIOUSLY ELVIS Sat 20 Aug, The Robin, Aug, The Jam House, 19 Aug, The Robin, Bilston Film Birmingham Bilston DEFEATER Sun 20 Aug, KIKAGAKU MOYO Thurs THE PHONICS Sat 19 The Flapper, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 17 Aug, Hare & Aug, The Roadhouse, Theatre Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s REMODE Depeche THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. acclaimed new production of Boublil Mode tribute, Thurs 17 Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Aug, The Robin, Bil- Claflin. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 14 - until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hip- ston Thurs 17 Aug podrome LISTENER Thurs 17 CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS: THE FIRST EPIC THREE Half Moon fuse storytelling Aug, The Flapper, MOVIE (PG) Animation/Comedy. With and live music to present a trio of Birmingham the voices of Kevin Hart, Thomas fairytales, Tues 15 Aug, Artrix, Middleditch. mac, Birmingham, Fri DIIO - A TRIBUTE TO Bromsgrove 18 - Thurs 24 Aug RONNIE JAMES DIO Fri THE PRINCESS AND THE PIG Rural tour- 18 Aug, Route 44, BLACK BRITAIN ON FILM (12a) Docu- ing ensemble Folksy Theatre pre- Birmingham mentary. With Q&A. mac, Birming- sent a musical adaptation of ham, Wed 16 Aug DEXTA DAPS Fri 18 Aug, Jonathan Emmett’s tale for children, ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS (U) Docu- O2 Institute, B’ham Tues 15 Aug, Bishops Wood Centre, mentary/Music. Starring Elvis Pres- Stourport-on-Severn LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS ley, James Burton. The Mockingbird Head to the Brindley- TRESPASS Rebecca Wheatley, Judy Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 16 Aug place bandstand at Buxton, Michelle Morris & David Cal- HARRY POTTER (12a) Adventure/fan- The Water’s Edge lister star in Emlyn Williams’ super- tasy. An eight film marathon! Star- every Friday until Aug natural tale, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Aug, ring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. 26 to enjoy free live Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- music by some of the DRACULA: THE BLOODY TRUTH best local bands ham, Wed 16 Aug Brand new comedy-theatre show around, Fri 18 Aug, DESPICABLE ME 3 (U) Animation/Ad- transporting audiences from the Brindleyplace, Birm- venture. With the voices of Steve Transylvanian mountains to the sea- ingham Carell, Kristen Wiig. Artrix, Broms- side town of Whitby, Tues 15 - Wed grove, Wed 16 - Thurs 17 Aug ROCKET Fri 18 - Sat 19 16 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome Aug, The Jam House, THE DARJEELING LIMITED (PG) Com- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Chapterhouse Birmingham Miranda Lambert - Barclaycard Arena edy/Drama. Starring Owen Wilson,

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Monday 14 - Sunday 20 August

Adrien Brody. Electric Cinema, Birm- JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of ingham, Thurs 17 Aug baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of SISTER ACT - BACK IN THE HABIT (PG) lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts Comedy. Starring Whoopi Goldberg, & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, Kathy Najimy. Outdoor screening. Thurs 17 Aug, The Core Theatre, mac, Birmingham, Fri 18 Aug Solihull MAMMA MIA! (U) Family/Musical. Star- MEET THE ANIMALS ZooLab brings a ring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan. Ar- selection of animals to the museum. trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 18 Aug Live animal shows and handling opportunities throughout the day, Thurs MAUDIE (U) Drama. Starring Ethan 17 Aug, Thinktank, Birmingham Hawke, Sally Hawkins. mac, Birming- ham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Aug WATERSLIDE! Make a splash this summer with a 100m water slide, Fri 18 Aug, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BIRMINGHAM LIKEMIND Coffee and NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: conversation morning, Fri 18 Aug, Released from Wed 16 Aug, showing Saint Kitchen, Birmingham at selected cinemas CULTURALLY SENSITIVE MEMORY CAFÉ NAPPING PRINCESS (12a) The cafe supports individuals with Pride And Prejudice early to moderate dementia and their AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, Wed 16 August caregivers, family and friends, Fri 18 THE DARK TOWER (tbc) Aug, Soho House, Handsworth, Birm- Take a step back in time with Chapterhouse Theatre Company to FINAL PORTRAIT (15) ingham meet Elizabeth Bennet, Jane Austen's most loveable heroine. THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD (15) RAGLEY HALL INTERNATIONAL MODEL Brought to life by award-winning writer Laura Tuner, this brand AIR SHOW Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Ragley new adaptation is presented outdoors and marks the 200th an- THE ODYSSEY (tbc) Hall, Alcester niversary of Austen’s death. THE WESTERN MOTORHOME SHOW Fea- Pack a picnic and lose yourself in one of literature’s most unfor- turing over 3,000 motorhomes and gettable love stories. tents, plus country & western music, Events Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Three Counties Showground, Malvern LAND OF LEGENDS A week of folklore ling fun, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Aug, Kenil- Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, Thoresby Estate, and local legends, Mon 14 - Fri 18 FORGE EXPERIENCE DAY A hands-on worth Castle Nottinghamshire experience, learning how to forge. Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove EARTH: WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD? THE MOIRA FURNACE FOLK FESTIVAL Sat 19 Aug, Black Country Living Mu- SKI & SNOWBOARD CAMPS Mon 14 - Fri Visual journey across earth, sea and Line-up includes Paul Walker & Karen seum, Dudley 18 Aug, SnowDome, Tamworth sky via light & sound projections, Sat Pfeiffer, The Broadside Boys & Bear- GIN TASTING Gin masterclass featuring SHIVER ME TIMBERS! CHILDREN'S ART 19 - Mon 28 Aug, Lichfield Cathedral wood Bandits, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Aug, a talk about the history of gin and a AND CRAFT WORKSHOP Make a cut- RUN WHAT YOU BRING Public Track Moira Furnace Museum and Monu- tutored tasting of six gins from small throat cutlass, eye patch and brilliant Day, Sun 20 Aug, Santa Pod Race- ment Site, Swadlincote, Derbyshire independent producers, Sat 19 Aug, buccaneering hat! Suitable for chil- way, Wellingborough, Northampton PILGRIMAGE FEST Line up includes Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham dren aged between six and 10, Tues TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Young Pilgrims, Trope and Delta Au- SPECULATIVE CAMERAS WORKSHOP Britain’s biggest 15 Aug, Selly Manor, Birmingham Toy Fair, Sun 20 Aug, NEC, B’ham tumn with more to be announced Join artist Pete Ashton to hack cam- FALCONRY DISPLAY Tues 15 Aug, Birm- soon! Sat 19 Aug, mac, Bimringham eras and rethink photography, Sat 19 MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS The top ingham Botanical Gardens V FESTIVAL 2017 line-up includes: Aug, Birmingham Museum and Art UK Monster Truck Show, featuring a P!nk (pictured), Jay Z, Rudimental, TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Drop-in Gallery car-crushing showdown, caravan sessions, Tues 15 Aug, Jackfield Tile crushing and bus jumps, Sun 20 Pete Tong, Craig David, Ellie Gould- CALLIGRAPHY COLLAGES Explore the Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingbor- ing, Jess Glynne, Stormzy, George museum and learn calligraphy tech- Ezra, Emeli Sandé, Jason Derulo, CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set ough, niques to create your own collage, Madness and Dizzee Rascal, Sat 19 - sail with Greg Chapman in his swash- Sat 19 Aug, The Pen Museum, Birm- BUSES FESTIVAL Featuring up to 100 Sun 20 Aug, Weston Park, Staffs buckling pirates show, Tues 15 Aug, ingham restored, vintage and modern buses Forge Mill, Redditch VEGAN HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE EVENT and coaches, trade stands and more, Sun 20 Aug, British Motor Museum, SAXONS AT THE CASTLE Find out what Packed with stalls selling vegan Gaydon, Warwickshire life was like for Tamworth residents foods, goodies and lifestyle products, during the Saxon era, Tues 15 - Thurs plus info, films and inspirational talks, DUKERIES RALLY The circuit is trans- 17 Aug, Tamworth Castle Sat 19 Aug, Stourbridge Town Hall formed into a giant stage with tyre chicanes and off-road sections, Sun VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour BLISTS HILL IN STEAM Sat 19 - Sun 20 20 Aug, Donington Park Racing Cir- led by one of the award-winning Aug, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrop- cuit, Derby guides, Wed 16 Aug, Newman Broth- shire ers Coffin Works, Birmingham JEWELLERY AND SILVERSMITHING FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- CLASSES Working with a selection of MAN BROTHERS Artist-led craft work- silver sheet, wire and base metals, shops for families, Wed 16 Aug, Wed 19 Aug, Newman Brothers Cof- Newman Brothers Coffin Works, fin Works, Birmingham Festivals Birmingham RUN WHAT YOU BRING: SATURDAY NIGHT GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Line-up includes JESTER SKILLS! CHILDREN'S ART AND SPECIAL The classic public track day, PJ Harvey, Ryan Adams, Future Is- CRAFT WORKSHOP Learn juggling and but open till late plus camping! Sat lands & The Shins, Thurs 17 - Sun 20 diabolo skills, play traditional Tudor 19th Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Aug, Brecon Beacons games and make your own juggling Wellingborough, Northamptonshire balls and jester hat. Suitable for kids FLASHBACK FESTIVAL Line-up includes HANDS-ON HISTORY: MEDIEVAL Get set aged between six and 10, Thurs 17 Hue and Cry, The Human League, Al- for a summer packed with time-travel- Aug, Selly Manor, Bournville. B’ham tered Images, KT Tunstall and T'Pau, whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW Birmingham 21 - 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:35 Page 1 The List NEW Birmingham 21 - 27 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:35 Page 2

Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August

Stock Theatre, Birmingham Comedy TIME IN MOTION The National Youth Ballet of Great Britain present a series TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 21 Aug, of short dance works which take au- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham diences on a ‘compelling’ journey through time, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED & COM- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 24 Aug, The Glee Club, B’ham MURDER IN BLOODFORD VILLAGE New interactive murder-mystery show. JETHRO Fri 25 Aug, The Swan The- Ticket price includes a picnic by Mas- atre, Worcester terchef Simon Smith, Fri 25 - Mon 28 RUDI LICKWOOD, BARRY DODDS & JOE Aug, Lichfield Garrick BROMEHEAD Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, Jon- PETER PAN Chapterhouse Theatre gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Company present an all-new staging JOHN FOTHERGILL, MATT REED, BRIAN of JM Barrie’s magical adventure, Sat HIGGINS & ALEX BOARDMAN Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, mac, Birmingham 26 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham JARRED CHRISTMAS, IAN COGNITO, ROGER MONKHOUSE & ANDREW BIRD Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham KOJO, WHITE YARDIE, MR BLAIR & COMICS TBC Sun 27 Aug, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Mr Scruff - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Fri 25 Aug, the Robin, SAX IN THE CITY: THE Theatre Gigs Bilston NOTEBENDERS Sat 26 UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Aug, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s THE NUMBER 12 LOOKS Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, The acclaimed new production of Boublil LIKE YOU & HEXIS Mon Jam House, Birming- SUBLIME MUSIC Sat 26 & Schönberg’s legendary musical, 21 Aug, The Flapper, ham Aug, Hare & Hounds, until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- Birmingham THE THREE DEGREES Sat Birmingham drome Film CURTIS ELLER’S AMERI- 26 Aug, Albany The- BLACK BOMBERS, THE DE TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- atre, Coventry RELLAS & THE DREGS CAN CIRCUS Tues 22 sent an outdoor staging of Shake- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Aug, The Tin Music And DOORS ON FIRE Sat 26 Sat 26 Aug, Hare & speare's cross-dressing comedy, Arts, Canal Basin, Aug, Route 44, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham Tues 22 Aug, Martineau Gardens, Coventry OPEN MIC UK MUSIC DEVILFIRE Sat 26 Aug, Birmingham RED ROAD (18) Mystery/Thriller. Star- RYAN HAMILTON & THE COMPETITION Sat 26 O2 Academy, B’ham THE RAILWAY CHILDREN New stage ring Kate Dickie, Tony Curran. mac, TRAITORS Tues 22 Aug, Aug, NEC, Birmingham SOLIHULL SUMMER FES- production of E Nesbit’s much-loved Birmingham, Tues 22 Aug Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE KILLERZ One of the TIVAL Featuring Lulu, tale, Tues 22 - Sun 27 Aug, Malvern A WAY OF LIFE (15) Drama. Starring ingham UK's leading tribute Peter Andre, Gabrielle, Theatre Stephanie James, Brenda Blethyn. CIRCUS VIII Wed 23 acts to The Killers, Sat Toploader & Feeder, TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- mac, Birmingham, Wed 23 Aug Aug, The Jam House, 26 Aug, The Road- Sat 26 - Sun 27 Aug, sent an outdoor staging of Shake- TWIN TOWN (18) Comedy/Drama. Star- Birmingham house, Birmingham Tudor Grange Park, speare's cross-dressing comedy, ring Llyr Ifans, Rhys Ifans. Electric Solihull THE THREE DEGREES T-REXTASY Tribute to Wed 23 Aug, Bishops Wood Centre, Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Aug Thurs 24 Aug, The Jam Marc Bolan and his DEFINITELY MIGHT BE & Stourport-on-Severn HUNGER (15) Biography/Drama. Star- House, Birmingham band T-Rex, Sat 26 ADORED Sun 27 Aug, BRASSED OFF Jeffrey Holland stars in ring Michael Fassbender, Stuart Gra- The Robin, Bilston ARIEL ON THE CLIFF Aug, The Robin, Bilston Paul Allen & Mark Herman’s ‘funny ham. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 24 Thurs 24 Aug, mac, SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 26 WHITE TYGER Sun 27 and life-affirming’ tale of community Aug Birmingham Aug, The River Rooms, Aug, The River Rooms, spirit and triumph in the face of ad- THIS IS SPINAL TAP (12a) Stourbridge versity, Wed 23 Aug - Sat 2 Sept, KAKO Thurs 24 Aug, Stourbridge Comedy/Music. Starring Christopher Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Hare & Hounds, B’ham Guest, Michael McKean. Outdoor ARIEL ON THE CLIFF A celebration of all screening. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 CREEDENCE CLEARWATER things breezy, this gentle, warm show Aug REVIEW Thurs 24 Aug, for family audiences mixes original The Robin, Bilston THE EMOJI MOVIE: EXPRESS YOURSELF acoustic music with sensory story- (PG) Animation/Comedy. With the GROVE STREET FAMILIES telling, puppetry, movement interac- voices of T J Miller, Anna Farris. mac, Thurs 24 Aug, The tion and big, deep breaths, Thurs 24 Birmingham, Fri 25 - Thurs 31 Aug Flapper, Birmingham Aug, mac, Birmingham A GHOST STORY (PG) Drama/Fantasy. ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri TWELFTH NIGHT Folksy Theatre pre- Starring Caleb Couch, Sonia 25 Aug, The Road- sent an outdoor staging of Shake- Acevedo. mac, Birmingham, Fri 25 - house, Birmingham speare's cross-dressing comedy, Thurs 31 Aug MR SCRUFF Fri 25 Aug, Thurs 24 - Fri 25 Aug, Wightwick THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY (18) Hare & Hounds, Birm- Manor, Nr Wolverhampton Western. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eli ingham TINA TURNER’S STEAMY BINGO Laugh, Wallach. Electric Cinema, Birming- FRED ZEPPELIN & DIZZY dance and play to win as Tina spins ham, Sun 27 Aug LIZZY Tribute to Led her cage of balls to a high-energy Zeppelin & Thin Lizzy, ’80s soundtrack, Fri 25 Aug, Old Joint Devilfire - O2 Academy, Birmingham

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Monday 21 - Sunday 27 August

NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 45-minute boat trip followed by things LICHFIELD FOOD FESTIVAL Sat 26 - Mon Atomic Kitten, Kim Wilde, Sonia, to make and do, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 28 Aug, Lichfield Heatwave, The Wurzels and Union Released from Wed 26 July, showing Aug, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Gap, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Fish at selected cinemas RS OWNERS CLUB Sun 27 Aug, Don- IRON JOHN The Magical Travelling ington Park Racing Circuit, Derby Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn, AMERICAN MADE (tbc) Worcestershire Story Circus presents the story of a LITTLE RED Adaptation of the classic DETROIT (tbc) wild man in the forest who teaches a Brothers Grimm fairytale, Sun 27 GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up includes HOTEL SALVATION (PG) young prince the things he’ll need for Aug, The Trentham Estate, Stoke-on- Kate Rusby (pictured), Joyride, Will his quest, Thurs 24 Aug, Kenilworth Varley, 47 Soul, Aar Maanta, Alcuna LOGAN LUCKY (tbc) Trent Castle Wilds, Apo & The Apostles, Chris ROUGH NIGHT (15) CLASH OF KNIGHTS Four teams of HOLIDAY DÉCOPATCH WORKSHOP Try Duckett, Cc Smugglers and Clean knights battle it out for victory, Sun 27 Cut Kid, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, the craft of decoupage. Create - Mon 28 Aug, Kenilworth Castle unique objects by tearing bits of dé- Boughton House, Ketttering, copatch paper and using a glossy Northants varnish glue to decorate, Thurs 24 Events Aug, The Core Theatre, Solihull TO INFINITY AND BEYOND! Make a jet ROAD BIKE TRACK DAY Mon 21 - Wed pack from recycled materials, Thurs Festivals 23 Aug, Donington Park Racing Cir- 24 Aug, Selly Manor, Birmingham cuit, Derby CREAMFIELDS Line-up includes Tiesto, JUNIOR DRAG RACING FUN DAY Thurs Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong, Faithless, GREAT AVONCROFT BAKE-OFF Test your 24 Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Welling- Goldie, Richie Hawtin and Adam culinary skills during this bake-off- borough, Northampton Beyer, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Aug, Dares- themed week, Mon 21 - Fri 25 Aug, bury, Nr Liverpool Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove SLEEPING BEAUTY STORY TOUR AND CRAFT Join the king and queen for SHAMBALA FESTIVAL Line-up includes, SKI & SNOWBOARD CAMPS Mon 21 - Fri Aurora’s Christening party, see the The Correspondents, Featurecast, SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL 2017 25 Aug, SnowDome, Tamworth cradle the fairies cast their magic Electric Swing Circus, Freestylers & line-up includes Chris Difford, Jim AWESOME ANIMAL MESSY PAINTING - spells over, and the spindle that Sir Real, Sam & The Womp and Dutty Moray, Jon Boden, The Unthanks, CHILDREN'S ART AND CRAFT WORKSHOP caused Sleeping Beauty to fall Moonshine, Thurs 24 - Sun 27 Aug, Sam Carter, Oysterband, The Get super messy making amazing asleep, Fri 25 Aug, Aston Hall, Birm- Northamptonshire Young'uns, Loudon Wainwright III, Le animal pictures and prints using all ingham Vent du Nord, The Rhenigan Sisters CAMPER CALLING 2017 Line-up in- sorts of weird and wonderful meth- and The Transports, Fri 25 - Mon 28 THE GIRL WITHOUT HANDS Presented cludes The Lightning Seeds, Reef, ods. Suitable for kids aged two to Aug, West Midland Showground, by The Magical Travelling Story Cir- Cast, The Ordinary Boys, Space, Mu- five, Tues 22 Aug, Selly Manor, Birm- Shropshire cus and telling the tale of a girl’s at- sical Youth, Lucy Spraggan and ingham tempts to overcome a deal that her many more, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Ra- SHREWSBURY FAKE FESTIVAL Line-up CIRCUS Circus spectacular, with plate- father made with the devil, Fri 25 Aug, gley Hall, Alcester, Warwickshire includes Oasish, Guns2Roses, New2, spinning, juggling, clowns and more, Kenilworth Castle Skaburst and Salopia, Sat 26 Aug, BEERMAGEDDON Line-up includes Out- Tues 22 Aug, Birmingham Botanical The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury I WANT! I WANT! CURATOR TOUR (BSL) right Resistance, Totengefluster, God- Gardens Museum curators and experts guide slave, Zephyra, Warlord Uk and SOLIHULL SUMMER FESTIVAL Line-up JUNIOR WORKSHOP Create a metal you through the I Want! I Want! art & Stahlsarg, Fri 25 - Sun 27 Aug, Stoke includes Peter Andre, Lulu, Feeder, and enamel flower, Tues 22 Aug, technology exhibition, Fri 25 Aug, Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove Gabrielle, The Pigeon Detectives, Black Country Living Museum, Dud- Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery Toploader and Lemar, Sat 26 - Sun 27 SUNSHINE FESTIVAL Line-up includes ley Aug, Tudor Grange Park, Solihull AUGUST OPEN AFTERNOON Fri 25 Aug, Paul Young, Blue, Sophie Ellie-Bextor, TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Drop-in Museum Collection Centre, B’ham sessions, Tues 22 Aug, Jackfield Tile LATE-NIGHT OPENING WITH OVERSIZED Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire GAMES Fri 25 Aug, Black Country Liv- CONDENSED HISTORIES: PIRATES Set ing Museum, Dudley sail with Greg Chapman in his swash- THE BIG FEAST Free-to-view street buckling pirates show, Tues 22 Aug, shows, including a ‘fabulously Forge Mill, Redditch fiendish fox’ playing music, a hitman- MEDIEVAL LIVING HISTORY Discover turned-healer offering holistic ser- what life was like in medieval times, vices in a taxi, and a performance by Tues 22 - Thurs 24 Aug, Tamworth an urban astronaut suspended 20ft in Castle the air, Fri 25 - Sat 26 Aug, Stoke-on- TEDDY BEARS' PICNIC Featuring enter- Trent City Centre tainers, face painters and, of course, URBAN SAFARI Travel on a Heritage teddy bears! Wed 23 Aug, Birming- narrowboat into the heart of the canal ham Botanical Gardens system, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, The VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Factory tour Roundhouse, Birmingham led by one of the award-winning INSOMNIA61 The UK’s biggest gaming guides, Wed 23 Aug, Newman Broth- festival, Fri 25 - Mon 28 Aug, NEC, ers Coffin Works, Birmingham Birmingham FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- OPEN MIC UK MUSIC COMPETITION A MAN BROTHERS Artist-led craft work- chance for aspiring singers and musi- shops for families, Wed 23 Aug, cians to perform in front of music-in- Newman Brothers Coffin Works, dustry judges, Sat 26 Aug, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham CODING 101 Learn how to create code A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS! for virtual environments as well as Learn about zoomorphic calligraphy physical items, Wed 23 Aug, RAF, and calligrams, then create your own Cosford, Staffordshire quirky animal designs using steel LITTLE SKIPPERS - WATERY WILDLIFE A pen nibs and ink, Sat 26 Aug, The Pen Museum, Birmingham Gabrielle - Solihull Summer Festival whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Birmingham 28 - 31 August.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 16:39 Page 1

thelist Monday 28 - Thursday 31 August DINOSAUR WORLD A brand new, inter- Aug, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Gigs Theatre active show taking audiences into un- BIG AVONCROFT DIG Will you discover chartered territories to discover a a Roman mosaic, an English king or pre-historic world, Thurs 31 Aug - Fri LOATHE & HARBINGER Tues 29 Aug, MISS SAIGON a long lost building? Tues 29 Aug - Fri Cameron Mackintosh’s 1 Sept, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- The Flapper, Birmingham acclaimed new production of Boublil 1 Sep, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- Trent grove THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Wed 30 Aug, & Schönberg’s legendary musical, MOTHER'S RUIN: A CABARET ABOUT GIN The Jam House, Birmingham until Sat 23 Sept, Birmingham Hippo- STORYTELLING IN THE COURTYARD Folk- drome Hour-long theatrical cabaret featuring lore story of knights, chivalry, ro- SAM OUTLAW BAND Wed 30 Aug, Hare music originally performed by Amy mance and bravery, Wed 30 Aug, & Hounds, Birmingham Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha Aston Hall, Birmingham LATINMOTION PRESENTS DEL CAMINO Wainwright, The Popes, The Pre- VINTAGE TEA AND TOUR Go on a fac- Thurs 31 Aug, The Jam House, Birm- tenders and more... Thurs 31 Aug - tory tour led by one of the award-win- ingham Sun 3 Sept, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ning guides, Wed 30 Aug, Newman BOOTLEG RASCAL Thurs 31 Aug, The Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham DOGS DON’T DO BALLET Based on the award-winning children’s book by FAMILY WORKSHOPS INSPIRED BY NEW- PARQUET COURTS Thurs 31 Aug, O2 Anna Kemp & Sara Ogilvie, this feel- MAN BROTHERS Wed 30 Aug, Newman Institute, Birmingham good show for younger audiences Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham RYLEY WALKER Thurs 31 Aug, The features music, song, puppetry - and SANDWELL SUMMER PLAY A scheme Rainbow Venues, Birmingham a ballet-dancing dog! Thurs 31 Aug, for children with disabilities/SEN, in- THE BEACH BOYS BAND Thurs 31 Aug, The Core, Solihull cluding sports, crafts and days out, The Roadhouse, B’ham Wed 30 Aug, Jubilee Park, Tipton HANDSWORTH HERITAGE WALK A walking tour focusing on the architectural heritage of Handsworth, Wed 30 Aug, Comedy Events Soho House, Handsworth JUNGLE FEVER Whether it’s a troop of MILTON JONES Wed 30 Aug, Stafford MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY Enjoy the baboons, a pride of lions, a lounge of Gatehouse Theatre historic abbey and its grounds in a lizards or a sleuth of bears, enjoy arts DAVID HADDINGHAM & COMICS TBC new way this summer! Mon 28 Aug, & crafts sessions with a jungle theme, Thurs 31 Aug, Station Pub, Sutton Stoneleigh Abbey Thurs 31 Aug, The Core Theatre, Coldfield BANK HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Mon 28 Solihull

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