September issue 2018 (issue 72)

Birmingham g n i liv

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September 2018

AW18 STYLE SPECIAL

The Birmingham Stage Company FLIPPING FOR GOLD

ALISON HAMMOND Gymnast Dominick Cunningham

TALKING THIS MORNING, BIG BROTHER AND HER NEW ‘STRICTLY' TV GAME SHOW

ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS + BAKED IN BRICK + JOEL BLAKE + JON TREVOR

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EDITOR’S VIEW

A

fter the blazing hot record-breaking summer we’ve just enjoyed and endured in equal measure, it seems almost sacrilege to be thinking of autumn and winter. But that’s what we’re doing this month.

Autumn officially begins on 1 September, (and it’s only 115 days to Christmas, by the way!), and while the temperature gauge was soaring off the dial in June, July and August, our team was already getting ready for the cooler days and darker nights ahead.

First they’ve been casting their eyes on the catwalks to see what’s going to be ‘in’ this season.

Our Style pages present a great snapshot of the AW18 high street fashion trendsetters for both women and men. Our Homes writers meanwhile turned their attention to giving your living space a lighting makeover, whether modern, traditional or a bit of both. There’s nothing better for my money than settling down in front of the telly, lights dimmed, hot cuppa in hand, to watch the new series of Strictly!

And talking of Strictly… I’ll be tuning in earlier than usual on Saturday evenings to catch Brummies Alison Hammond and Joe Lycett presenting an all-new game show called The Time It Takes which airs immediately before. I caught up with Alison for this month’s cover interview and to say she was thrilled at the prospect of appearing with Joe in the primetime slot is an understatement.

Alison remembers fondly her time competing in Strictly if for no other reason than getting the chance to wear some “wicked frocks”. Yet despite capturing hearts on the dancefloor and becoming a viewers’ favourite on This Morning, Alison remains a hometown girl, still living just round the corner from her mum in Hall Green.

s n h o J d i Dav

visit www.brumliving.co.uk @brum_living

/bhamliving

Cover image:

Alison Hammond

EDITOR: David Johns david@brumliving.co.uk FEATURES EDITOR: Shelley Carter shelley@brumliving.co.uk DESIGNER: Tracy Duffy

CONTRIBUTORS: Rob Price, Sue Cooke, Lisa Melvin, Hywel Davies ACCOUNT MANAGER: Jane Morris jane@brumliving.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY: David Morphew, Andrew Llewellyn PUBLISHING DIRECTOR: Jonathan Carter

Rock Hopper Media Limited Burleigh House, 23 Tagwell Road, Droitwich WR9 7BN tel 01905 771110 © Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Birmingham Living is published monthly by Rock Hopper Media Ltd and printed by Buxton Press. Views and opinions expressed by authors and services and products offered by advertisers are not specifically endorsed by Rock Hopper Media Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part of the contents of Birmingham Living without written permission is strictly prohibited.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: The subscription rate (post paid) is £24 for one year (12 issues). Subscriptions 01905 771110 ISSN 2051-8560

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INSIDE

AW18 EDIT:

Leopard print heels and tassled loafers from Office

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12 16 20 22 32 42

Highlights

Alison Hammond

The zaniest woman on TV talks Big Brother, This Morning and her new game show

Neal Foster Creator of the best children’s theatre company in the country – right here in Brum

King of the Street Lee DeSanges, the award-winning founder of hit street food enterprise Baked in Brick

Food & Drink News, reviews, recipes from Brum’s restaurant scene, plus wines for late summer evenings

AW18 Style Edit Prints, quilting, checks… welcome to the hottest looks for the cold months ahead

Health Swim, cycle, run! Why anyone – regardless of age or ability – really must try triathlon

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CONTENTS

Best of the Rest

44 56 58 62 64 71 september 2018

Homes

How to give your home a great new look for the new season, just by changing the lighting

Motoring As good to drive as it looks? World Design Car of the Year, the new Range Rover Velar

Young, Gifted & Brummie Birmingham’s golden boy… European gymnastics champion Dominick Cunningham

Up Close WithÁ Jon Trevor, and his dream to turn Birmingham into the ‘Edinburgh Festival of Improv’

Business Grand designs with Associated Architects, plus news from the commercial community

Social Scene The pages that picture who’s been out and about networking in Birmingham this month

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NEWS

AWESOME ACROBATICS The breath-taking Cirque du Soleil is coming to Birmingham this autumn with OVO, a show it describes as a ‘celebration of nature and coexistence’. A multi-national cast of 50 performing artists – including the UK’s former European gymnastics champion and world bronze medallist Alanna Baker – will thrill crowds with their acrobatics from 3 to 7 October at Arena Birmingham. Tickets on sale via the Cirque du Soleil website or at www.livenation.co.uk.

BRINGING YOU THE BRIGHTEST AND MOST COLOURFUL STORIES FROM ACROSS THE CITY EACH MONTH

NEWS IT’S RUM O’CLOCK A rare timepiece containing the world’s oldest rum has sold for more than £14,600 at Fellows Auctioneers in Birmingham. The Speake-Marin titanium watch holds a capsule at the 11 hour mark containing 1780 Harewood Rum, which was certified by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest. Michael Jagiela, senior watch specialist at Fellows, said: “It is unusual to see such an outstanding timepiece come up for auction.”

@PatchDolanPhotography

THE REAL MCCOY Legendary jump jockey Sir AP McCoy will give a unique insight into what it takes to win 20 consecutive Champion Jockey titles at an exclusive ‘Evening With…’ run by Midlands Air Ambulance Charity at the Belfry Hotel. The event on 23 November is sponsored by Hayward Wright. More details: www.midlandsairambulance.com

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NEWS

STEM CELL BOOST

More than 10,000 people from the West Midlands registered to become stem cell donors in the past year, bringing the total number in the region to 112,664, according to new figures. The number is revealed in an annual review by the Anthony Nolan and NHS Stem Cell Registry which also shows the UK stem cell register now stands at 1.4 million. On the downside, young men are significantly under-represented on the register.

IN BRIEF MIGHTY MADE More than 12,000 electronic music fans gathered in Perry Park for the sell-out fifth edition of MADE Festival featuring performances from the likes of Dizzee Rascal, Andy C, Not3s, High Contrast, Yxng Bane, DJ EZ, Fisher and many more.

OUT WITH THE NEW The New Alexandra Theatre is reverting to its original name – The Alexandra – as part of a £650,000 autumn revamp and corporate rebrand.

The upgrade includes the historic Grand Circle and dressing rooms, plus a new logo and signage.

COMEDY CLASSIC

THE REIN EVENT It’s the event all horse lovers mark in their diaries – and this year’s Horse of the Year Show at the Genting Arena and NEC is set to be even more special as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Birmingham has been the show’s home for the last 16 years, and the event from 3 to 7 October will feature special anniversary displays for the 60,000 visitors, as well as hosting National Showing and Showjumping Championships.

A classic comedy set in

Birmingham’s Pakistani muslim community opens at the Royal Shakespeare’s Swan Theatre this month. The new version of Molière’s Tartuffe has been created by BAFTA and Emmy award-winning writers Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto (The Office, Goodness Gracious Me, The Kumars at No 42, Boomers). The title role marks the return to the RSC of stage and TV star Asif Khan, pictured. Tartuffe runs from 7 September until 23 February 2019.

LET’S FEED BRUM

Birmingham comedy star Shazia Mirza, pictured, is heading back to Brum to raise money for the city’s ROYAL OPENING homeless as part of an annual event hosted by Itihaas Restaurant. Joining fellow comedian Hardeep Princess Anne opened the Singh Kohli, who will be hosting the event, Shazia £14 million TouchBase Pears will perform at Itihaas’ Curry & Comedy night on centre in Selly Oak. Developed 21 September, raising money for local charity by disability charity, Sense, the Let’s Feed Brum. Shazia is currently touring centre offers specialist services the UK with her latest show, for people with complex With Love From St Tropez.

disabilities and facilities for the wider community.

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NEWS

PEAK PERFORMERS Owner of Henry Wong Harborne, Parm Rai, has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising more than £16,000 for Cancer Research. Parm and two friends reached the summit of Africa’s highest mountain in Tanzania following a seven-day hike.

“It was exhausting and the temperatures plummeted to minus 20 at night on the summit, so it was challenging,” said Parm. “Thank you to everyone who has sponsored and supported us.”

THE GRRREAT ESCAPE! Don’t be put off my this lot’s scary faces – they’ve been rated the top attraction in the region by TripAdvisor. Escape Live in the Jewellery Quarter sets groups of between two and six players a challenge to get out of a themed escape experience room within an hour. The venue, which includes Room 13, the Time Machine, Dr Wilson’s Office and The Lab experiences, has proved a huge hit this summer with kids, and parents, alike.

ONE KNIGHT ONLY… MAILBOX OPENINGS Two new independent retailers are making the Mailbox their home. Finest handmade leather shoes and boots and

British soul queen and Birmingham Living cover star, Beverley Knight, is coming home for a special ‘one night only’. Beverley is linking up with the Steve Bull Foundation and Cure Leukaemia to put on an evening hosted by Heart Breakfast presenter Ed James at the ICC on Saturday 6 October. Proceeds will be divided between the two Midlands-based charities.

Wolverhampton-born Beverley said: “When my friend Bully asked me to be a part of his fund-raising night, I said yes without hesitation.” More details: jacky@stevebullevents.com or Jackie@cureleukaemia.co.uk

popular, quality and high-end men’s fashion brands can be found at English Brands. Meanwhile, Burrows & Hare – shortlisted in the Drapers Independent Awards 2018, Best New Retailer category – brings its collection of premium clothing, grooming and lifestyle products for men. Mailbox head of marketing, David Pardoe, pictured, said: “I have no doubt the new stores will be a huge success in Birmingham.”

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GARDENS’ TV EXPERT TV gardening expert David Domoney is the new patron of Birmingham’s world famous Botanical Gardens. The horticulturalist and presenter on ITV1’s Love Your Garden and This Morning went to school at Moseley and grew up in Hall Green. He now lives in Stratford-upon-Avon.

David said: “There’s something truly magical about the Botanical Gardens. I visited them on school trips as a kid, so I have known their beauty for some time.” The Gardens has more than 110,000 visitors a year.

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NEWS

FESTIVALOF FUN A 10-day comedy extravaganza is coming to Brum.

Absolutely Fabulous actress Joanna Lumley and Brum’s own Guz Khan head the line-up for this year’s city-wide Birmingham Comedy Festival from 5 to 14 October. The festival sees more than 50 performances and also includes US comic and observer Rich Hall, Jimeoin, James Acaster and Infinite Monkey Cage’s Robin Ince.

There’s Improv, theatre, music, game shows… and more! Details: www.bhamcomfest.co.uk

GAMES RECORD Birmingham’s Symphony Hall was the scene of a new Guinness world record when Westfield Health British Transplant Games returned to the city for the first time in 18 years. The opening ceremony in Symphony Hall saw the largest gathering of organ transplant recipients – the 724 competitors beating the previous total of 438. The Games coincided with the announcement that Birmingham has won the inaugural Donor City Award.

KRACKING KARTERS It was full speed ahead as 38 young volunteers helped build downhill go karts at Bordesley Green. The kart project was set up by youth empowerment charity Pioneers Leading the Way, homes and building superstore Wickes, Perry Barr and social enterprise VIY (Volunteer It Yourself). As well as having fun, volunteers

NEW CONDUCTOR

gained accreditation in carpentry to help with

The Children’s Chorus of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra

their future employment opportunities.

has a new conductor. Ula Weber, pictured, has been involved with many

GOT ANY NEWS?

Email your news and pictures to editor@brumliving.co.uk

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of the CBSO’s Learning & Participation projects and is the regular conductor of SO Vocal, the CBSO’s 200-strong community choir. Ula also conducts Birmingham City Council Choir and performs with the renowned Ex-Cathedra choir. CBSO’s Children’s Chorus celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2019.

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COVER STORY

BIG GAME HUNTER ON THE EVE OF STARRING IN A NEW PRIME TIME BBC GAME SHOW,

BIRMINGHAM’S OWN IRREPRESSIBLE ALISON HAMMOND TALKS TO DAVID JOHNS ABOUT BIG BROTHER, STRICTLY, THIS MORNING, SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES – AND SCRUMPING FOR APPLES IN HALL GREEN

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COVER STORY

“

hy, retiring, a bit of a stay-at-home – and most definitely not a party animal. Sound like Big Brother housemate and zany This Morning presenter Alison Hammond to you? No, me neither! But these are the words that the lady herself uses to describe life when she is off-screen.

“I still live round the corner, five minutes away from my mum in Hall Green,” said Alison. “And I like doing dead ordinary things when I’m away from work – I just dropped my son off at the Snowdome and that’s more important and more fun than all the partying under the sun.”

On-screen it’s a different story of course, as no challenge, interview, or daredevil stunt is too mad for the effervescent Brummie. She’s carved out her own niche on This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, presenting some of the craziest live broadcasts and getting the most natural reactions from Hollywood’s normally difficult-to-interview guests. Alison’s natural ‘take me the way you find me’ approach is hard to resist, even for A-listers.

S

I FANCIED GEORGE

CLOONEY TO BITS BUT WAS SO

”

NERVOUS I ACCIDENTLY HIT HIM

WITH THE MICROPHONE BECAUSE I WAS SHAKING SO MUCH

NAILS IN THE JQ “This is who I am,” she explains. “I am a private person in real life but very outward going when I have an audience. I’ve been living with myself this way now for 43 years so I’m not going to change now.” Alison’s roots in Birmingham are hugely important – while other famous names from the city have moved away in search of success, she has stayed firmly in the place she loves.

“I grew up in Kingstanding and went to Cardinal Wiseman School. Then we moved to Hall Green, where I still live just round the corner from mum. I love Birmingham. I love everything about it. I would never leave it. I get my nails done in the Jewellery Quarter and get my hair done too. I remember the Bullring market, my mum would go there on Fridays to get fish for dinner.

Even now when I go to the Bullring, it still has the sense of the old market. Growing up I remember things like just playing out in the streets – kids can’t do that these days which is such a shame. And I used to love going apple scrumping.”

SELFIES AT BULLRING Alison was at the Bullring recently posing for selfies and signing autographs as part of a campaign by Yell.com calling on Brummies to support independent businesses in the area. She said: “It’s the independents that make Birmingham a great city. These days, with all the competition, it’s more important than ever that Brummies get behind and support small businesses and shop local.”

We were speaking to Alison during a break in filming of a new BBC game show called The Time It Takes which airs

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COVER STORY

immediately before the new series of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday evenings this autumn. Alison is the referee on the show which is hosted by fellow Brummie, comedian Joe Lycett. “It’s great working with Joe and having two Brummies on the show,” said Alison. “It’s a big deal because it is being broadcast each week right before Strictly, so a real Saturday night family prime slot.”

“

I LOVE BIRMINGHAM. I LOVE

I GET MY NAILS DONE IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER AND GET MY HAIR DONE TOO

STRICTLY FROCKS Taking part in Strictly in 2014 was among Alison’s TV highlights. “The press coverage you get on Strictly is unbelievable,” she says. “And it is such a lovely show.

The way everyone gets along is just how it is for real.

And the public gets to see you as a person – all your positives and all your insecurities. And the girls get to wear some amazing frocks!”

Despite becoming hugely popular with Strictly’s audience, Alison is clear about the opportunity that really changed her life. “Big Brother turned my life upside down,” she says. She appeared on the show’s third series, becoming the second housemate to be evicted. But even so, her personality made a big impression and she went on to appear in a host of TV programmes, including Celebrity Fit Club, Stars In Their Eyes, Ready Steady Cook, Loose Women, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Masterchef.

GEORGE SWOONEY On ITV she became This Morning’s showbiz reporter, interviewing a host of top stars in her own unique, madcap way. She convinced a bemused Britney Spears to try her new dance moves and Donny

september 2018

”

EVERYTHING ABOUT IT. I WOULD NEVER LEAVE IT.

Osmond to follow her lead and stuff his face with cream cakes. She also swooned under the spell of George Clooney. “I fancied him to bits and was so nervous. I accidently hit him with the microphone because I was shaking so much,” Alison recalls.

“I’ve done so many interviews now with so many famous people,” said Alison. “I can’t pick out one, they’ve all been highlights. I really enjoyed talking to them and I think they can see that and they respond accordingly.”

So, life just seems to get better and better for the girl from Brum. Any regrets? “One thing,” she admits. “I never went to university and so never got a degree. I would love to have a picture of me holding the diploma in the full gown and hat. I miss that…” And she adds with a laugh: “Maybe I’ll get an honorary degree one day? That’d be nice.”

For someone who is always smiling, it’s not surprising that there’s not much that upsets Alison. But she says: “I do get annoyed by people with bad manners. There is no excuse for rudeness. I also find it hard to understand why so many people appear to get angry for no real reason – stuff like road rage, you know… Life’s just too short.” I

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FEATURE

CHILD’S PLAY

SHELLEY CARTER CATCHES UP WITH BIRMINGHAM STAGE COMPANY FOUNDER NEAL FOSTER WHO TALKS HANGING AROUND STAGE DOORS, CELEBRATING 25 YEARS IN THE BUSINESS AND CADBURY’S CRÈME EGGS

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FEATURE

ver the last 25 years Birmingham Stage Company has built a reputation for being the best children’s theatre company in the country bar none. Responsible for bringing Horrible Histories to life well before it hit our TV screens, it has been ahead of the curve in kids’ theatre since its inception in 1992. The man behind the company is founder and actor/manager Neal Foster whose plucky move to launch a theatre without funding aged just 19 years paid off.

O

After studying drama for seven weeks at Warwick University, Neal realised the course wasn’t enough for him – it was dull – and promptly left. He was offered a place at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and in between finishing one course and starting the other, Neal set up his own theatre company mainly as a way of getting an Equity card. He put on some successful shows despite ‘not having a clue what he was doing’ or any funding and enjoyed the producing side much more than he imagined, so carried on with the company while he trained.

STAGE DOOR Post-graduation Neal wanted to start with Chekhov’s The Seagull and found a unique way of raising the money to put on the show. He waited outside stage doors and approached stars such as Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman, Peter O’Toole and Derek Jacobi among others and persuaded them to let him interview them on stage at the Young Vic and Playhouse Theatre as a way of raising funds. Remarkably, 13 of the brightest stars agreed which generated welcome media coverage for the company of which Derek Jacobi became a patron and raised vital funds.

Neal realised he needed a theatre in order to really get things started and began doing the rounds looking for a base. The Old Rep in Birmingham – a theatre that hadn’t had any professional shows in it for 20 years – fit the bill perfectly and happened to be in his home town. The company’s first production there was Terence Rattigan’s

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FEATURE

ONES TO WATCH While the Sun Shines followed by their first commercial success, a Christmas production of Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox which sold 17,500 tickets and made Neal think he was really onto something.

“It showed me that the company was viable,” he explains. Following a successful run of George’s Marvellous Medicine a promoter asked Neal if he’d consider touring which was a game changer for the company. He recalls: “It was 10 weeks with a £50,000 profit which was enormous for us then.” Touring the Christmas shows became the company’s main source of income. Today the company is based at the New Alexandra Theatre as the council handed the Old Rep over to Birmingham Ormiston Academy in 2014.

HIT SHOW Excelling at theatre for kids, the company decided to concentrate on that genre. Of its success Neal says: “I don’t have children, but I adore them. We never patronise or belittle and I put as much time and energy into the productions as I would an adult show. That mindset is what’s changed. The quality is so high.” He adds: “I often overspend on the design and I feel it pays off.”

Other companies have followed suit and there are a lot more people doing kids’ theatre now, all chasing the same books. Neal is in the fortunate position to have built such a reputation that means people often come to him, although he’s keen to point out that you can never rest on your laurels in theatre. He’s put on more Roald Dahl adaptations than any other company,

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Birmingham Stage Company has two forthcoming productions at the New Alexandra Theatre.

Awful Auntie (27 November to 1 December, 2018) and Tom Gates (12 to 16 March, 2019).

Visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-alexandratheatre-birmingham/

brought multiple David Walliams novels to life, Tom Gates – the series of books by Liz Pichon – opens in March and, of course, he brought Horrible Histories originally written by Terry Deary to the stage which has now been running for a staggering 13 years continuously. He says: “By the interval of the first Horrible Histories show I knew we had a hit.”

DAD KNOWS BEST It hasn’t all been plain sailing though and there have been challenges along the way. “Four or five times I thought it was all over, but my dad kept saying, ‘just keep your head down’.” Celebrating 25 years at Hampton Court Palace last year was ‘amazing’. Neal says: “I’ve never been particularly ambitious and I like being a creative not a manager.

We’ve four shows running in London, 15 productions this year in as far flung places as New Zealand and Australia and four people in the office.”

Neal quotes the creator of the original Cadburys Crème Egg, Robin Whitefield, when summing up his approach to creating great theatre. On hearing of the change to the chocolate used in the making of Crème Eggs, Robin said: “I’ve always thought if you’re making something for the enjoyment of other people, you should make it so you can’t make it any better.” I

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FOOD & DRINK

KING OF THE STREET

Former University College Birmingham lecturer, Lee DeSanges, is the award-winning founder of street food enterprise Baked in Brick, based in the Custard Factory Tell us about your cooking My story began using a hand-built wood-fired pizza oven and a shed at the bottom of my garden. Then I converted a classic Mini and fitted it with a wood oven on the back and BBQ under the bonnet for street food events, such as Digbeth Dining Club, where Baked in Brick really flourished. My cooking is rustic and artisan using old school methods, plus fire and smoke – and always good quality ingredients from good quality suppliers. I’m delighted to say that Baked in Brick has won Best Street Food and Pop Up, Best Dish, and Best of the Best at the British Street Food Awards How did you become a chef?

I’ve always loved cooking – I was the nerd in home economics with all his ingredients weighed out ready for the class. I think my love for food was born when I used to help my dad cook on a Sunday, he is Anglo-Indian so my Sundays were all about roasting spices and rolling chapties. I then went on to train at UCB. What do you eat when at home?

I love a good home cooked meal, roast beef Sunday lunch is my favourite.

Who’s the best chef in the world and why? And who’s the best in Brum?

I’m really loving Niklas Ekstedt in Sweden. I went there on a trip in January and was blown away by his restaurant and cooking over fire. Wow, best chef in Birmingham – that’s really tough!

There are so many! Luke Tipping, Brad Carter, Leo Kattou… But if I had to pick one it would be Matt Cheal, formerly head chef at Simpsons but now chef owner of Cheals of Henley. We went to college together and have stayed good friends ever since. His cooking style is refined and fresh while keeping to classic cuisine.

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Baked in Brick, Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham, B9 4AA. Tel: 0121 740 1256 www.bakedinbrick.co.uk

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CHEF’S CORNER

LEE’S BEEF SHORT RIB, CELERIAC REMOULADE & BUTTER BABY CARROTS, POMEGRANATE MOLASSES MEAT JUICE Ingredients: Serves 4 I 4 x beef short ribs For the marinade: I 600g red wine I 4 garlic cloves, minced I Sprig thyme I Sprig rosemary I 1 x white onion, cut into small dice I 3 x bay leaf

For the celeriac remoulade: I 1 x medium celeriac I 4 x tbsp good mayonnaise I 2 x tbsp crème fraiche I ½ lemon I Small handful chopped parsley I 1 x tsp Dijon mustard I 2 x tbsp pomegranate molasses

Method: Marinate the beef short ribs overnight in the red wine marinade. (This will tenderise the meat and add lots of flavour.)

Pre-heat a Grant Sous Vide water bath to 85C. Drain the beef from the marinade and place everything except the red wine in a vacuum pouch and seal. (Keep the red wine.) Sous vide for 12 hours. Drain off the meat juice.

Reduce the saved red wine by two-thirds. Add the meat juice and reduce to a nice consistency. Strain your sauce using muslin cloth, season to taste.

Add the pomegranate molasses.

Julienne the celeriac. Add all the other ingredients to make the remoulade.

Season to taste with salt and pepper plus the lemon juice.

Is the customer always right?

Hmmmmm! It’s all about perception and we all see things sometimes in a different light. All I know is we always deliver great customer service and try and meet our customers’ expectations of our food.

Share a cooking tip When following a recipe, always weigh out all the ingredients first and follow the recipe exactly.

What was your favourite food as a kid?

Cheese and ham toasties Food heaven and hell?

Heaven is Margherita pizza and hell is any chocolate with orange.

What’s the most unusual thing you’ve eaten?

Lemon flavoured ants!

If you weren’t a chef, what would you be?

An action stuntman.

What do you recommend from this evening’s menu?

Shire Meadows beef shin ragu and wild mushroom calzone with a Colston Bassett blue Stilton dip. This is the dish that won us Best Street Food Main Course at the European Street Food Awards. I

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SEASON’S EATINGS

Worcester Pearmain Pancakes THIS CLASSIC ENGLISH APPLE MAKES THE TASTIEST TOPPING FOR PANCAKES OR A COOL, CHILLED FOOL

orcester Pearmain is a classic English dessert apple, its pale green skin covered by large, bright red flushes. Crisp, juicy and sweet, in a good year you’ll taste the slight strawberry flavour for which this variety is renowned. Worcesters are harvested in September and October – the later, the better, as the apples will be sweeter. Perfect for stewing, they are to die for as a delicious topping for pancakes with a generous dollop of thick double cream. Simply scrumptious…

W

HOW TO MAKE

2kg peeled, cored, finely sliced Worcester Pearmain apples Caster sugar Water

METHOD: Put the sliced apples in a large pan and add a good tablespoon of sugar and two or three tablespoons of water – just to stop them catching on the bottom of the pan. Cook, covered, over a gentle heat, stirring often, until the apple pieces have completely dissolved and you have a thick, slightly translucent purée.

Add more caster sugar to taste – enough to achieve a purée that is still a little on the tart side but not unpleasantly so. You can always add sugar when you serve. Leave to cool completely, then store in the fridge in a jar or Tupperware container. It will keep for a couple of weeks.

SERVING SUGGESTION: Delicious as pancake topping – simply buy or make your own pancakes – or as a simple apple fool. Whip up an equal quantity of double or whipping cream and sweeten with a little icing or caster sugar. Lightly swirl the cream into the compote, keeping it rippled. Pile into glasses and chill before serving with a sweet, crumbly shortbread biscuit.

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NIBBLES and SHORTS

BIRMINGHAM HAS A LIVELY AND BUZZING BAR AND RESTAURANT SCENE. HERE, WE PRESENT OUR INSIDER GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR CITY’S EATERIES AND DRINKING DENS

STARS’ FAVOURITE RE-OPENS A bar and restaurant that was a hang-out for the likes of Ronnie Wood, Toyah Wilcox, Glenn Close and UB40 has reopened in Moseley four years after it closed. Situated in a converted coach house, Deolali is serving a new contemporary Indian-inspired menu as well as traditional dishes from its past. A street food terrace and indoor live kitchen is also planned over the coming months.

GASTRO PUB ON TAP

BELFRY RINGS CHANGES

SIMPSONS’ NEW BOSS Michelin-starred Simpsons of Edgbaston has confirmed Gianluca Austin-Rizzo as its new general manager. Originally from Puglia in southern Italy, Gianluca brings a wealth of experience from a successful career in the hospitality business. He describes his new position as a ‘dream role’.

Restaurant owner Andreas Antona said: “Gianluca is a fantastic addition to the team and will help maintain Simpsons’s status as one of Birmingham’s best.”

Award-winning Belfry Hotel & Resort has Solihull has welcomed its only appointed Chris Eigelaar as its new general independent gastro pub – Tap & manager. Originally from South Africa, he brings more than 20 years’ experience to the Belfry Tandoor, created by husband having worked in leading hotels and resorts and wife team Ajay and Shivani across the UK, including DoubleTree by Hilton, Kenth. The new open plan bar Locke Hotels, Sofitel and QHotels. The and 80-seater restaurant at Belfry was named as England’s Warwick Road – formerly the site leading resort at the recent of the Saddlers Arms – mixes a World Travel Awards. traditional pub with Indian A craft rum brand that rose from the ashes of a barn fire on a family farm in heritage and specialises in craft Eastcote, Solihull, is the toast of Britain. Katherine Jenner launched Burning Barn beers, cocktails and Indian food Rum after the blaze devastated her father-in-law’s toffee apple business. Growing including small plates, mixed grills demand and a listing with trade marketplace, the Great British Exchange, has seen and home-style curries Burning Barn step up production of its handcrafted Spiced and Smoked dark rums.

RUM RISES FROM ASHES

CELEBRITY CHEFS GET COOKING Award-winning chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Britain’s Best Home Cook star Chris Bavin and Bake Off contestant Selasi Gbormittah will be among celebrity guests cooking up a storm at Solihull Food & Drink Festival later this month. This year’s event will be the biggest yet with 150 food and drink stalls, demonstrations and family entertainment from 28 to 30 September. More details: http://events.solihullbid.co.uk/solihull-food-and-drink-festival-2018/

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COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

SEEDLIP GROVE MILK PUNCH t’s been a glorious summer and no doubt you’ve had one or two cocktails as you gently fried in the heatwave. Maybe it’s time to give your liver a little break without compromising on taste. So here’s a refreshing cocktail that’s also alcohol free! It uses the latest non-alcoholic spirit from Seedlip which also claims to be sugar, calorie and sweetener free too… so all is good.

I

ALL YOU NEED TO MIX IT UP BEAUTIFULLY First you need to make a Rooibos & Tumeric cordial: I 25g/2tbsp Rooibos Tea I Pinch ground Turmeric I 500g caster sugar I 250ml hot water

Add the ingredients to a bowl and stir well. Leave to infuse until cold. Strain and bottle.

NOW FOR THE COCKTAIL: (This recipe makes a big batch which you can bottle and store for up to a week. Amend the measurements if you want to try a small one first)

INGREDIENTS:

I 700ml Seedlip Grove 42 I 125ml almond milk I 125ml whole milk

I 190ml Rooibos & turmeric cordial I 60ml fresh lemon juice I 50ml grapefruit juice

METHOD: Bring almond and whole milk to a simmer over medium heat then pour into a large pitcher.

Separately mix Grove 42, cordial and juices.

Slowly add this mix to the milk and allow it to curdle. Leave for 30 minutes, then strain through a coffee filter. Serve 90ml over ice and garnish with a blood orange twist. www.seedlipdrinks.com

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FOOD & DRINK

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN…

AFTER THE RECORD HEATWAVE IT’S TIME TO CHILL OUT IN THE COOL OF THE LATE SUMMER EVENINGS WITH THE PERFECT GLASS OF

CABERNET FRANC. OUR EXPERT ROB PRICE SELECTS HIS FAVOURITES

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FOOD & DRINK

eady for a red wine that offers superb drinking in our late summer months?

Enough body for the slightly cooler evenings but with freshness that doesn’t need us curling up in front of a fire to appreciate?

This month I’m focusing on a grape variety that tends to hide is light (qualities) under a bushel. It rarely has a lead part in a West End play, tending to play a supporting role. But like a supporting actor it contributes significantly to the overall ensemble – and I think it’s capable of greater things. I remember the Cabernet Franc wine I tasted while visiting Hungary, and it is still in my top 10 of wines!

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FRAGRANT RED Let’s start with what to expect from most Cabernet Franc and where it’s grown. It’s a French grape grown in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux. The Loire Valley produces some excellent Cabernet Franc from regions such as Chinon and Bourgueil. Here it is fragrant, red fruits, some lovely leafiness, fresh and crisp. It’s a grape that reflects where it is grown.

In Bordeaux it rarely (with one notable exception) figures as the main grape in the blend, taming the aggression and power of Cabernet Sauvignon and adding freshness to Merlot-based wines. The one notable exception is Chateau Cheval-Blanc. This is a Saint Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classé A. The very best and highest classification a wine can achieve in Saint Emilion, and equivalent to the first growth Grand Cru Classé wines, such as Chateau Latour, or Lafitte.

Cabernet Franc contributes over 50 per cent to the blend, so shows when it’s grown in the right vineyard and treated well in the winery it does produce wines of the highest standard.

GREAT PLAIN As I mentioned earlier, another region that produces excellent Cabernet Franc is Hungary.

Around 140 miles south from Budapest across Hungary’s Great Plain following the river Danube, we find the marvellous wine region of Villány. It’s

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ROB’S

Clos des Cordeliers Cuvee Prestige Domaine Ratron 2014 Clos des Cordeliers is a small Loire valley producer in Saumur

Champigny – worth a visit if you’re in the area. They make one of

the best Cabernet Franc wines in the region. Their Cuvee Prestige

Domaine Ratron 2014 is simply stunning. Available from the Wine Society, £19.50.

Malatinszky’s Noblesse Cabernet Franc 2012

Leading wine expert and writer Jancis Robinson describes this

Cabernet Franc as “fresh and fragrant with good life, and some real richness, on the palate. Lovely stuff'” And I totally agree – as does Decanter magazine which awarded this wine a gold medal. From Mephisto wines, £24.99.

Bock’s Cabernet Franc 2014

Another great wine, full-bodied but with a freshness that stops it from being too overpowering. Available again from Mephisto wines, £15.

Chateau Cheval-Blanc, 2012

OK, so allow me to really push the boat out! A good vintage with a wonderful Indian summer allowed this Cheval-Blanc to achieve greatness with marvellous complexity, but also very fresh. Lay and Wheeler has this incredible wine for £428.

hilly here with vineyards making some of Hungary’s best red wines. One of the grapes grown is Cabernet Franc, producing arguably the finest Cabernet Franc wines you can find.

They are rich and complex but with an underlying fragrance and earthiness and are a delight to drink.

There are two outstanding producers, Malatinszky’s and Bock, each making superb wines from Cabernet Franc. As good as any other red wine you’ll taste…

South Africa is also producing some very good wines using Cabernet Franc. You’ll find a small selection available to buy from the Wine Society that are worth exploring. I Birmingham Wine School is an independent wine education company offering fun informal wine tasting events and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses in Birmingham, Warwick and Milton Keynes city centres. More information from Rob Price on 0121 270 7359 or visit www.birminghamwineschool.com

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME, HURST STREET, BIRMINGHAM, B5 4TB. TEL: 0844 338 9000 BIRMINGHAMHIPPODROME.COM

CIRCLE RESTAURANT n a recent trip to see Matilda the Musical, the thought of pleasing three generations aged from 10 to 80 years in the pre-theatre dining stakes brought us out in a cold sweat. Chinese would be the obvious choice in Southside, but that wouldn’t sate all of us, so we decided to give the Circle Restaurant at the Hippodrome a whirl.

First thing’s first, Grandma was delighted because Laurent Perrier – or LP as she likes to call it – was the house Champagne. We were on to a winner. The room felt civilised and unhurried unlike every other pretheatre experience we’ve had.

The menu was concise and appealing. A salmon fishcake was packed with salmon – I loathe it when a fishcake is mainly potato. This one was good. Pressed confit of chicken was basically a chicken terrine and tasted great with a fresh and zingy tomato and tarragon dressing. Courgette, feve (bit like a broad bean) and goat’s cheese salad came without a dressing, but when asked for one it was delivered promptly. It was nothing fancy, but perfectly nice. The children devoured some fresh bread with red pepper houmous and olives which they loved.

I let the children choose from the grown-up menu, but in honesty I should have insisted on the perfectly

O

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delicious sounding kids’ one. They ended up with burgers as big as their faces and although seriously tasty and a bit wacky served in bright pink buns, they left half of them. The fries that came with the burgers were good, but if you like a fat chip we urge you to order the triple-cooked version under the Plot Twist section of the menu – the best chips we’ve eaten in the city ever.

Pea and mint tortellini with an asparagus and spinach veloute tasted like summer. Fresh, vibrant and packed with good greens, it was super pleasing. As was the catch of the day which was sea bream served with salad nicoise, salsa verde and a technically tricky crispy egg in breadcrumbs which was perfectly oozing. All the flavours of the Med were singing and it just worked a treat.

Puds were a delight and the kids were in their element with jam sponge and custard and an incredible chocolate fudge sundae from the children’s menu. At £24.50 for two courses and the children’s menu £7.75 likewise, it’s as competitive as any restaurant in the immediate area and definitely superior in the pre-theatre experience not least because the table is yours for the interval, so there’s no scrum for drinks or the seat. We’ve bagged a table already for War Horse in the autumn. I

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BEST AUTUMN BREAKS

IF IT ALREADY SEEMS LIKE YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY WAS A DISTANT MEMORY, NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT GETAWAY utumn is an ideal time to take a mini break or long weekend and make the most of the last few rays of sunshine. European city breaks across Spain and Germany are only a short plane journey from Birmingham, or if you’d rather a break slightly further afield, the Middle East has some great options. If you’d like to stay close to home, Edinburgh and Belfast are worth considering for a UK break.

A

SUN, SEA & SANGRIA IN SPAIN Madrid – The summer heat in Madrid is intense, so a stay in autumn is more comfortable. Locals and tourists alike flock to the city’s public parks to enjoy the year-round sunny days. You can’t miss Retiro Park, a massive former royal garden that now has a boating lake and fountains. Foodies will revel in the La Latina neighbourhood which is famous for its tapas bars, so plan to sample plates of patatas bravas and gambas al ajillo from as many as you can.

Palma – Mallorca is fondly termed ‘the star of the Mediterranean’. Palma, its capital, with its pavement cafes, boulevards and grand architecture is the jewel in the crown. Palma is a fabulous place for shopping with its many boutiques and shopping

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streets of Placa Mayor, Placa Mercat and Placa Cort.

It is also provides a great base for exploring the rest of the island.

CULTURE, ARTS & BEER IN GERMANY Munich – Although best known for Oktoberfest, the Bavarian capital shouldn’t be ruled out as a city break destination worthy of a visit during the rest of the year too. Known as the ‘city of art and beer’, Munich boasts six major breweries – so enjoy a top tankard whenever you fancy.

Berlin – Since the fall of the wall, Berlin has fast become a cultural and creative centre of Europe.

Autumn is a great time to visit thanks to the city’s many beautiful gardens and parks. If you’re visiting closer to Christmas, the Berliner Weihnachtszeit is one of the most famous festive markets with local gifts and delicacies.

SCENERY, HISTORY & WHISKY IN THE UK Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital is perched atop Castle Rock and wrapped in rocky hills. The city is brimming with things to do and sights to visit. Head to Holyrood and venture up Arthur’s Seat before enjoying the view from Edinburgh Castle and

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whetting your whisky whistle on one of the city’s famous distillery tours. If you’re willing to push the boat out book into the Balmoral for the night, Edinburgh’s luxury railway hotel, and dine in the Michelin-star restaurant.

Belfast – Named the best place to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, Belfast has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years. Voyage into the past at the Titanic Belfast and learn all about one of the world’s most iconic ships. If you want to venture a little out of the city, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a geological marvel.

BEACHES, REEFS & SPICES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Marsa Alam – One of Egypt’s popular Red Sea destinations, offering miles of white sands, shimmering beaches and colour reefs. A perfect destination for divers, Marsa Alam has some of Egypt’s most unspoiled reefs with Elphinstone Reef being the best of the lot. Look out for reef sharks, giant turtles and spinner dolphins, as well as other marine wildlife galore.

Dubai – Old Dubai is charming, especially the preserved narrow streets of Al Bastakiya, now known as the Al Fahidi Historical District. Near here is Dubai Creek, a vibrant area where the city began, full of street art, local cafes and colourful bazaars. If you’re visiting for the first time take in the view from the Burj Khalifa’s 124th floor observation deck or visit the beautiful Jumeirah mosque. I

GETTING THERE

All destinations are directly accessible from Birmingham Airport by airlines including Emirates, Thomas Cook, Flybe, easyJet, Lufthansa, Ryanair and Jet2. Visit www.birminghamairport.co.uk for more travel inspiration and full range of destinations.

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BE BOLD

THE SUMMER OF 2018 MIGHT HAVE KNOCKED ’76 OFF ITS RECORD-

BREAKING PERCH, BUT WE’RE HAPPY TO BE MOVING INTO AUTUMN WITH A SARTORIAL SPRING IN OUR STEP. HERE’S OUR RUN-DOWN OF WHAT’S HOT FOR THIS SEASON’S COOLER MONTHS

AFTER DARK

Red boots, Office, Bullring

e admit it! We’re hankering after a bit of structure, some snuggly cashmere, sleeves and proper shoes – remember those? We’ve had dreams of donning quilted trousers and tweed – lots of tweed – striding effortlessly down Chanel’s autumnal vision at Paris Fashion Week which featured actual trees and fallen leaves. That’s what we’re after.

We’ve picked out three trends that will see you through ‘til spring looking chic.

Animal prints are always around in some form or other and this season is no exception. Do it subtly with the star knit from

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MARVELLOUS MIDI

Biba red leopard print midi skirt £70, House of Fraser, Corporation Street

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STYLE

JUMP TO IT

Animal jumper £10, Primark, Fort Shopping Park

HELLO WINTER

Rosaline coat £349, Hobbs, Grand Central

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ALL THE SPOTS

Animal print dress £38, Next, Bullring

SHE’S A STAR

Leopard star jumper £99, Hush, John Lewis, Grand Central

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Hush (pictured), a cute clutch or go all out head-to-toe fierceness a la Dolce and Gabbana. Dune has some great animal prints for your trotters that won’t break the bank too – the Delia heel is particularly nice and defies their £85 price tag.

Quilting has had a big outing on the catwalk with Mary Katrantzou and Chanel all showing some great examples.

While Chanel’s quilted trousers might add bulk right where you’d rather not have it, there are more wearable pieces that will see you through. Primark’s rainbow quilted jacket is a winner and will surely raise a smile even on the dullest of days.

Checks are always a firm winter favourite as is tweed. Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein are both triumphant in the tweed stakes. An oversized coat like the dreamy M&S version (pictured) or a teal wide leg trouser by River Island fit the bill on the High Street while Jonathan Anderson for Loewe will see you right if you’re feeling more like splashing some cash on an investment piece. His tweed suit with leather detail will be wearable forever. That’s a fact.

Also, don’t be afraid to mix trends and have fun. A cute checked skirt with an animal print jumper says, ‘I know who I am’. I

ZEBRA CHECK

Mono wow at Oasis, New Street

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BE SQUARED

All the checks at House of Fraser, Corporation Street

GROWN UP GLAMOUR

Motto heel £69, Office, Bullring

DREAM COAT

Limited Edition coat £99, M&S, Longbridge

SLEEK SILHOUETTE

Skirt £45, M&S, Longbridge

OUT OUT

Biba animal sequin blazer £110, House of Fraser, Corporation Street

WHITE OUT

Offshore Luxe chevron fur trimmed jacket £94,99, Superdry, Bullring

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SPOT THE ANIMAL

Delia heel £85, Dune, Bullring

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HEAD TO TOE

PURPLE PATCH

All the prints at River Island, Bullring

H! by Henry Holland jumper £40, Debenhams, Bullring

FIT FASHION

Fife trainer £45, Office, Bullring

CHECK MATE

Wide leg trousers £40, River Island, Bullring

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STYLE

THINK PINK

Coral animal jumper £13, Primark, Fort Shopping Park

BARGAIN BRILLIANCE

Coat £40, Primark, Fort Shopping Park

MIXING TRENDS

Print clashing at New Look, Fort Shopping Park

CROSS BODY

Melina leopard cross body bag £38, Oliver Bonas, Harborne High Street

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LAUNCH CONTROL BEAUTY

1

The heatwave meant skincare and make-up regimes

2

had to be adapted, but now we’re getting back to

normality we’ve been on the hunt for the best launches to slot into the autumn routine. Here’s what we found 1. Beautyblender Blender Defender £10, Selfridges

A soft case to protect your blender from getting grubby. This is long overdue and brilliant. And it’s in Birmingham Living colours!

2. Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash mascara £25, Harvey Nichols

The one thing we never leave the house without is mascara and this is a dream. One swipe for day does the trick perfectly while two swipes takes you to out-out territory. It seriously stays put too.

3

3. Frederic Malle Body Milks £60, Harrods

Super nourishing as well as gorgeous smelling, Frederic Malle’s body milks will

4

transform your shower from routine to luxury. They are pricey, but worth it.

4. Jo Malone Honeysuckle & Davana cologne, £94 for 100ml,

5

jomalone.co.uk

Launching on 1 September, expect a fragrance that’s woody, sweet and a little bit fruity. Apparently, it’s a winner when layered with Oud and Bergamot as well as alone. We haven’t tried layering it, but sounds interesting.

5. Vanderohe No1 Nourishing Face Serum £88 for 30ml, vanderohe.com

7

And nourishing it is. With 100 per cent pure and organic essential oils the serum feels lovely, absorbs wonderfully and leaves skin feeling super soft. While £88 isn’t exactly a steal, it lasts for ages and makes a real visible difference.

6. Dior face and body foundation £28, Selfridges

Forty shades and six undertones make this one of the most versatile foundations on the market. While it’s light, you can build-up covering by layering without sacrificing a glowing complexion.

6

7.Skin Republic Detox Charcoal + face mask sheet £5.49, Superdrug

We made a schoolboy error and got sunburned. Yes, we absolutely should have known better. This antioxidant-packed mask sorted our face out in 20 minutes. We’ve added it to our regular regime once a week. It’s a steal too.

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STYLE FOR MEN

STEP AWAY FROM THE SPEEDOS, SUMMER’S DONE. IT’S TIME TO COVER UP, SO LET’S DO IT IN STYLE

AUTUMN WINNERS THE NEW BLACK Wool cashmere Epsom coat £350, Jigsaw, Cannon Street

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STYLE FOR MEN

WRAP UP Tartan scarf, Topman, Bullring

SUPER SHEARLING Camel suede coat £85, River Island, Fort Shopping Park

DO THE DOUBLE Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant coat £140, Debenhams, Fort Shopping Park

MADE FOR WALKING Crane shearling lined boots £120, Dune, Bullring

very season catwalks are awash with outlandish pieces that are then watered down for public consumption. This season, menswear trends are incredibly wearable even before the diluting whether you’re Kanye West or Tom in accounts payable.

For instance, tartan as seen at Alexander McQueen and Christopher Bailey is completely do-able. Bag yourself an easy tartan shirt for instant cool. Just make sure it’s slouchy, not fitted. Shearling is always around and this season more than ever with Belstaff and Philipp Plein leading the pack. On the high street, River Island has a great shearling jacket (pictured) – the perfect length with just enough fluffiness on show.

Dune’s black boots with shearling turn down (pictured) are brilliant and a bit more subtle if that’s your thing.

Brown is having a moment too and provided you pick the right shade for you, it’s a winner. Team a cashmere crew neck sweater in brown with a great pair of classic jeans or go for a wool coat in an autumnal shade, either as an investment piece or on the high street, check out Jigsaw (pictured). I

BAG SOME TREWS Tartan trousers £35, River Island, Fort Shopping Park

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TARTAN ARMY Rookie twill shirt £49.99, Superdry, Bullring

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CLASSIC COAT Autograph camel coat £179, M&S, High Street

MAN ABOUT TOWN Trousers, top an shirt, TU Clothing, Sainsbury’s

CREW GOALS Lambs wool jumper £35, M&S, High Street

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SWIM, CYCLE, RUN!

THE TRIATHLON IS THE ULTIMATE CALORIE-BURNER… AND ANYONE CAN TAKE PART AND HAVE FUN, SAYS COMMITTED COMPETITOR LISA MELVIN ho can’t have been bursting with pride at the recent World Triathlon Series in Edmonton as the British girls dominated the event finishing in four of the top five places, including Vicky Holland romping home with the gold medal.

So has this inspired you to try triathlon? Maybe you think it’s just for awesome, elite athletes and don’t know where to start? Well, if you want to get your teeth into something new and exciting then the wonderful world of triathlons may be right up your street. It’s a great way to get active and, by taking on the three elements of swimming, cycling and running you can keep it fun and varied too.

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FRENCH CONNECTION Originating back in the 1920s and said to have

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been conceived in France, the modern triathlon as we know it was first raced in America in 1974. Athletes compete for a fastest overall course completion time, including timed transitions between the individual swim, cycle and run components. What’s really great about the sport is that it allows complete amateurs to compete side-by-side with elite professional athletes, creating an amazing, inspiring and exciting experience for all concerned.

On the outset, you might be thinking triathlons equal finely-tuned athletes racing with equipment that costs thousands of pounds, sporting beautifully honed and toned bodies, dressed in unforgiving rubber and Lycra. But actually the sport is accessible and open to absolutely everyone – the beauty is that while you have three disciplines to master, each one is really

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HEALTH

CALLING ALL NEWBIES HERE’S LISA’S TOP TIPS FOR A ‘NEWBIE’ RACING A SUPER SPRINT OR SPRINT EVENT IN A SWIMMING POOL

1

Enter a local race or venue that you are reasonably familiar with. If not, make sure you go to the race briefing and drive the cycle route

2

Don’t spend a fortune on the gear – you will need a swimming costume/trunks, goggles (a swimming cap will be provided), shorts, T-shirt or vest, safety pins, trainers, cycling helmet, sunglasses and a bike of any sort as long as it’s in good working order and is suitable for the road. You should also take a towel and a change of clothes and trainers.

3

Eat and drink plenty of water the day before you race. Don’t worry about ‘fuel’ for the actual race, such as gels, etc. Just eat a good breakfast and then maybe a banana an hour before.

achievable. (The chances are that at some stage you either swam or ran for your school or college anyway.)

FOR ALL AGES This is partly because the range of distances available means whatever your speed, background or ability, you can have a go.

What’s more, it’s not only a great way to get fit – the average triathlete burns off about 800 calories an hour – but to have fun, too. It’s for all ages, including mini triathlons for kids, and for all ambitions as you really are racing against yourself.

The Olympic distances are a 1.5km swim, followed by a 40km cycle, rounded off with a 10km run. But don't feel daunted – it really is for everybody and there are various events with much smaller distances with mini triathlons starting from 50m swim, 800m bike, 600m run. The cheap option is… cycle to the pool, swim, then run when you get home! I

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4 5 6

To keep yourself well-hydrated make sure you have a full water bottle on your bike.

Don’t do any intense training on your legs or arms for three to four days before you race.

When you arrive in transition from the swim, put your T-shirt and shorts on first (your race number should already be attached to your T-shirt) then your helmet (practice clipping and unclipping it beforehand or you may struggle and lose time).

7

Just before you finish the cycle phase, take on plenty of water so you are fully hydrated for the run.

8

Last but not least… remember to smile and enjoy your race, and wave furiously at your supporters.

For your first three or four events just have fun and get used to the whole experience – after that you can get a bit more serious!

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LIGHT UP

NIGHTS ARE BEGINNING TO DRAW IN AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THOSE LAMPS AND SHADES THAT SEEMED OK IN SUMMER WILL LOOK DECIDEDLY DINGY AND DATED. TIME TO MAKE A SWITCH…

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OFFICE LIFE Zuiver Shady table lamp £119, Cuckooland.com

ighting is often a bit of an afterthought in the design of your perfect room/home, but should be at the forefront. After all, great lighting – or not – can make or break the look.

Firstly, consider what you’ll be doing in each ‘zone’ of the space you’re designing. Obviously, a cosy corner for chilling requires different treatment to a work space that needs bright lights or a glamorous dinner party setting with a warm glow.

If you’re renovating a room extensively rather than merely decorating or adding a lamp or two, really give it some thought as you’re in the enviable position of being able to move fixed lights, add pendants and wall lights or even electric points at the same time.

Dimmer switches are your friend although make sure they fit your scheme and avoid white plastic. There are some fantastic options available. Also, don’t neglect bulbs. It goes without saying, go eco where possible, but pick a version that’s fit for purpose. LED bulbs are superior to ordinary bulbs in terms of eco-credentials, longevity and efficiency and come in a variety of guises.

We’ve pulled together a handful of this season’s brightest lights to get you started in the quest for a perfect scheme.

L

PURE GLAMOUR The right choice of lighting will turn your living space into a stunningly warm yet chic place to spend time, Houseology.com

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ALL ABOUT THE SHADE Voyager lighting, Dunelm

ANGLE FINDER Paul Smith edition two Anglepoise Type 75 desk lamp £170, Nest.co.uk

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PERFECT HARMONY Harmony large pendant above the Giorgio bedstead, John Lewis, Grand Central

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CHIC CHANDELIER Lene Bjerre Lucia chandelier £859, Houseology

CLEAN LINES

BLOCK COLOUR

Aqua blue Nautica £65, Kaigami

Raffia pendant £48, Oliver Bonas

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LIGHT BULB MOMENT Lightyears Calabash pendant light £223, Nest.co.uk

ALL GROWN UP Aidan chrome and crystal pendant £260, Laura Ashley

PENDANT POWER Laughton Pendant Light Blue £59, Cookes Furniture

PRINTS CHARMING Printed floral floor lamp £150 (due October), Oliver Bonas

FINISHING TOUCHES

PALM PHWOAR Coco floor lighting £180, Debenhams

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE WITH THESE

GORGEOUS ILLUMINATING PIECES WE LIKE SPIKE Mint Cactus vinyl lamp £89.99, Oli Olsen

TERRIFIC TRIPOD Zuiver Can tripod floor lamp £219, Cuckooland

OUTSIDE IN RV Astley Rigg table lamp £756, Houseology B COOL Seletti Caractere LED lamp £90, Amara

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PROPERTY THIS MONTH’S PICK OF TOP HOMES FOR SALE ON THE MARKET

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SIX OF THE BEST Kenwood House, Four Oaks Guide price: £2.85million Agent: Knight Frank, tel: 0121 200 2220

An extraordinary Grade II listed, six-bedroom family house with separate two-bedroom cottage, beautiful landscaped gardens – all set in a plot that extends over more than two acres. There’s loads of original features, including exposed ceiling beams, wood panelling in the reception rooms, detailed cornicing and fireplaces.

LOCK UP & LEAVE Foxhills, Barnt Green Guide price: From £299,950 Agent: Cala Homes, tel: 0121 516 4054 These lovely two-bedroom apartments in leafy Barnt Green are perfect for a ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle. Featuring open plan kitchen/living/dining area and a contemporary master bedroom with en suite and state-of-the-art security systems for added peace of mind.

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VICTORIAN VIBE

A cracking four-bedroom detached Victorian home set in more than 16 acres of beautiful Warwickshire countryside. Includes several superb reception rooms, beautiful master bedroom compete with dressing room and lovely en suite and a fully renovated two-storey coach house.

Seafield Lane, Alvechurch Guide price: £1.6million Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 746 6400

BEAMED BEAUTY Bentleys Lane, Coleshill Guide price: £925,000 Agent: Fine and Country, tel: 0121 746 6400 Situated in a superb location and surrounded by countryside, this is an awesome four/five-bedroom Grade II listed family home. Oozing character and charm, it’s been fully refurbished while retaining loads of original features, exposed wood and beautiful old beams.

BRICKS&BITS

From the industry’s movers and shakers to the latest groundbreaking developments… email your property news and pictures to shelley@brumliving.co.uk

WORLD CLASS CENTRE

MOVING ON UP

NEW HOMES BOOST

Ambitious plans are forging ahead for a “world

Birmingham-based property consultancy

A joint partnership with plans to deliver more

class” cultural site led by Birmingham Museums

Pennycuick Collins has announced two promotions

than 2,000 new homes in Birmingham has

Trust. Pool Way Shopping Centre, Yardley has

to its team. Laura Lock becomes senior property

opened an office in Colmore Row. Galliard Homes

been approved for regeneration by Birmingham

manager in the residential block management

and Apsley House Capital have taken 772 sq ft in

City Council and features a purpose-built centre

team and David Baker is senior building surveyor.

Imperial and Whitehall at The Grand for their

for heritage community arts and learning and

Between them, the pair has completed 23 years’

planning, land acquisition, property management

skills development.

service at the firm.

and sales and marketing teams.

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DEARLY BELOVED… Charlotte Road, Edgbaston Guide price: £349,000 Agent: James Laurence, tel: 0121 604 4060

If you’ve always craved living somewhere that’s totally different and unique, this could just be the answer to your prayers! What could be better than settling in at a converted church sat in a great part of town? For your money you get a two-bedroom, twobathroom duplex apartment with Gothic church features complemented by stylish, contemporary living.

Don’t miss Property of the Week on our Facebook page every Thursday www.facebook.com/bhamliving

september 2018

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MOTORING

CROWNING GLORY From secret Sixties’ prototype to luxurious leisure off-roader 50 years later. Sue Cooke meets the World Design Car of the Year – the new Range Rover Velar odenamed Velar, a new addition to the Range Rover family began life as a secret prototype in 1967. The name is derived from the Latin ‘velare’ meaning to veil or cover and was originally used to hide its identity. The intention was to develop a luxurious on-road Land Rover that would combine comfort with 4x4 capability to support a growing leisure market.

The Range Rover Velar sits between the Evoque and the Sport and more than 50 years later the 2019 model has a host of new enhancements. Built at the Lode Lane plant in Solihull, the Velar now includes a broader engine choice, the latest intelligent safety technology and more features such as air suspension and adaptive dynamics as options

C

DESIGN AWARD Earlier this year the Velar was crowned the most beautifully designed vehicle on the planet, winning the World Car Design of the Year title at the 2018 awards. As the man from Land Rover manoeuvred the mid-sized SUV onto my drive, I admit to a little stab of excitement. This 4x4 is pure extravagance, bringing a dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to my humble surroundings. That opulent feeling continued as I stepped up into the interior. The array of instrument dials, knobs and buttons sparkle under the ambient lighting.

Built for every occasion and every terrain there is a very long list of standard equipment which includes Hill Launch Assist, Gradient Release Control, Roll Stability Control and Low Traction Launch.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist uses the existing Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centring to steer the vehicle within its lane as it maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front.

On road the Velar feels so easy to drive, whether motorway cruising or negotiating urban traffic. It is built for the quality and comfort I need on yet another long journey to a car launch. The interior is

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enhanced with an airy cabin with the optional panoramic roof and extremely comfortable seats.

Now fitted as standard, all customers will benefit from a Rear Camera, Front and Rear Parking Aids and Driver Condition Monitor.

Other features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go that allows the driver to follow a vehicle to a smooth stop and resume from stationary when the driver prompts the system by tapping the accelerator pedal. The radar-based High-Speed Emergency Braking enables enhanced forward collision detection. The system is able to detect an imminent collision, alerting the driver and applying the brakes if the driver fails to respond.

which I road tested has a much larger fuel tank, from 63 litres to 82 litres, so fewer visits to the pumps.

The story of Land Rover’s magnificent offroader is told at the visitor attraction at the thriving Solihull manufacturing plant. ‘The Range Rover Story’ is an interactive exhibit created to celebrate more than half-a-century of the world’s most revered upmarket SUVs. As I watch the man collect the Range Rover Velar and manoeuvre the SUV off my drive, I feel bereft of an instant touch of glamour. I

FACTS AT A GLANCE Model: Range Rover Velar

EXHIBITION

Price: From £64,160 on the road

For this year, there is a new 3.0-litre, V6 diesel engine. Both diesel and petrol engines are equipped with particulate filters to further reduce CO2 emissions. The 2.0-litre petrol Ingenium engine

Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, four-cylinder twin turbocharged Performance: 0-60mph in 6.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 135mph CO2 emissions: 154g/km Combined fuel consumption: 48.7mpg

SHOWROOM Lancaster Land Rover, 823 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9NY. Tel: 0121 418 4091 www.lancaster.birmingham.landrover.co.uk september 2018

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YOUNG, GIFTED & BRUMMIE

Dominick Cunningham The European champion tells Shelley Carter he got into gymnastics because his mum thought he might kill himself and how he overcame two falls to win gold the very next day

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He explains: “It’s the hardest sport in the world and when you make a mistake you can’t dwell on it. The crowd were amazing.” As were his supportive team mates. It takes incredible strength – mental as well as physical – to come back the following day and nail a difficult floor routine to win individual gold, but these guys are tough. Gone are the days when people used to tease Dom about doing a ‘girls sport’.

These guys are super strong incredible athletes.

ou might have seen two very strong looking men in gymnastics gear throwing a few moves on top of a barge in the city centre last month. No, you weren’t dreaming. They were top British gymnasts, local lads and great pals, Joe Fraser and Dominick Cunningham all fresh from the European Championships with much to celebrate.

Yes, there were medals to be chuffed about – a gold for Dom after a stunning floor routine and silver for both gymnasts in the men’s team event – but when we caught up with Dom he was almost as excited about the World Cup coming back to Brum next year. Well, almost. He loves a home crowd you see.

Y

ROUSE THE CROWD At the European Champs in Glasgow, Dom roused the crowd at every stage using their energy to feed off. He even jumped into the crowd and did a bit of flossing with the kids. He enthuses: “I love it. I was jumping around, waving up at the fans. They came to support us and that’s all good.” And when Dom had a wobbly high bar routine in the men’s team event – he fell twice – he felt the crowd get right behind him.

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TEAM PLAYERS Joe, who we’re not ignoring by the way – he was the subject of our Young, Gifted & Brummie feature earlier in the year – has become a great friend of Dom. They both train at City of Birmingham and spend a lot of time together outside the gym, too. Dom describes him as ‘family’. The GB men’s team has a fantastic spirit. Dom says: “You need a certain chemistry which we have. You also need respect and to learn to adapt to one another. For instance, some of the team like an early night and a couple of us are up ‘til 1am, so we work it out and share rooms based on our preferred preparation.”

Dom’s mum took him to his first gymnastics session to try to channel his energy aged just five, but he says he wasn’t particularly good. He started competitions aged seven and got a bit better, but it wasn’t until he was 13 or 14 that he really began to see serious progression. Not that it’s all been plain sailing since. “There’ve been ups and downs. I’ve had injuries and given blood, sweat and tears literally to get here.”

FLIPPING AMAZING Dom loves his home town and gives back to local youngsters regularly which is important to him. He inspires kids by going into schools with his medals and visited Birmingham Children’s Hospital after the Commonwealth Games where he ended up back flipping down the ward!

The fact that the World Cup is being hosted in Birmingham in 2019 after the success of last year’s event in the city is a joy for Dom. He says: “To have the World Cup back in Birmingham, and for people to get the chance to see some of the best gymnasts in the world going headto-head again, is huge for gymnastics in the city. Taking part in this year’s World Cup in front of my home crowd was something I will never forget and it gave me the confidence to go on and perform at the Commonwealth Games and the European Championships.” I

WORLD CUP FEVER Tickets for the 2019 Gymnastics World Cup at Genting Arena are now on sale from www.gymnasticsworldcup.co.uk

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LIVE EGG CAM >>

Seven new-born chicks have become an Internet hit after notching up more than 12,000 clicks on a school website in just two weeks. Pupils at Solihull School’s junior school set up a webcam to live stream the moment the chicks hatched in their science room. It was part of an educational programme called Living Eggs designed to teach pupils about the life cycle of chickens. Head of Solihull’s junior school Mark Penney said: “It proved an extraordinary success.”

ART BUS

A Birmingham schoolgirl is getting ‘on the buses’ after her artwork won a nationwide competition run by National Express. Thirteen-year-old Emira Jaouadi’s colourful poster promoting Birmingham included landmarks such as the Library of Birmingham, Custard Factory and Victoria Square.

Emira, pictured, from Perry Common attends Al-Burhan Grammar School. Her winning design will now feature on

SCHOOL REPORT

the side of a National Express coach. “I hope it encourages more people to come and visit Birmingham,” she said.

FRINGE BENEFITS A Stechford youngster enjoyed a stint at this summer’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Reiss McLoughlin, pictured, was given the opportunity

by South & City College Birmingham to run the show, I Said Yes to Everything, for American vocal act Wrenne. Reiss, who has completed an RSL Level 3 in Musical Practitioners for Technology course, managed all backstage technical elements such as sound and lighting. He is now embarking on a three-year BA (Hons) Popular Music degree.

TOP MARKS FROM MILLIE Norfolk House Nursery at Harborne Road has received the Millie’s Mark award from the National Day Nurseries Association. The award is made to nurseries that go above and beyond the standard required in paediatric first-aid. Senior nursery manager Hayley Fox said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Millie’s Mark. This is a special achievement and shows how serious we are about ensuring children are safe when they are in our care.”

SAFETY FIRST: The Millie’s Mark mascot

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CHESS MASTERS Hallfield School pupil Rohan Pal triumphed at the British Chess Championships where he proved unbeatable, becoming the British Under 9 Chess Champion.

Ten-year-old Manvith Sandhu came second in the Under 11 category. Nick Thomas, Hallfield School’s chess coach, said: “Rohan was simply unstoppable – he is a very talented player. Manvith played fantastically well and in a field of 59 of Britain’s elite Under 11 players achieved a brilliant result.”

CHECK MATES: Hallfield’s talented chess players

SHINE ON

TEA FOR FORTY Post-16 students at Grace Academy Darlaston entertained 40 vulnerable adults in the area from the Phoenix Club for the disabled, West Midlands Amputee Group, Darlaston Town Hall Tea Dance and Mencap Service. The day, organised with Darlaston AllActive, saw guests dancing to golden oldies from the Voice Squad and a brass band as well as tucking into afternoon tea. Student Ellie Dabrowski said: “It was really fun seeing everyone have such a good time.”

Bromsgrove School pupil Alia Derriey has won the Most Outstanding Pupil/Shine Scholar 2018 award at the Shine Media Awards in London. The annual competition recognises secondary schools across the UK that produce a newspaper, magazine, podcast or website.

Alia’s entry was shortlisted for her work on the school’s Two Zero One magazine. Fellow pupil Anya Butler was also highly commended for her front cover artwork in the Best Illustration and Artwork category.

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CLOSE WITHÁ

JON TREVOR THE DIRECTOR OF BIRMINGHAM IMPROV FESTIVAL HAS A

VISION – TO MAKE THE CITY THE ‘EDINBURGH FESTIVAL OF IMPROV’. THE DREAM IS FAST BECOMING A REALITY… BEEN THERE, DONE THAT I’m an adopted son of the West Midlands, arriving in the early Nineties to run a touring theatre company. I then set up my own theatre company, creating a series of quirky shows, including A Brief History of Time – the Stage Show which toured nationally with the blessing of the late Stephen Hawking. Nine years ago I became fascinated with Improv as an art form and starting running a weekly drop-in to explore its potential. Out of it sprang a host of local performing companies and lots of shows, so there is now a strong Improv scene in Birmingham. I currently perform with three local groups – Box of Frogs who do Whose Line style games, Off Broad Street who improvise musicals, and Kneejerks who create scenes and stories from audience suggestions.

IT’S WHAT I DO In 2016, it felt like we had enough momentum to create a festival and so the Birmingham Improv Festival was born and I am its director. Year one was a modest event with nine shows over a single weekend at the Blue Orange Theatre in the Jewellery Quarter with the ambition of “putting Improv on the Birmingham map, and Birmingham on the Improv map”. It was a sell-out success and BIF 2017 was more ambitious with 19 shows over seven days and greater emphasis on local talent – our tag line was “Bigger, Better, Brummier”. A grant from the Arts Council meant we could attract Improv groups from all over the country. For BIF 2018 we are thrilled that Birmingham Rep has come on board as a partner to enable us to bring in some of the bigger companies. We have managed to get Showstopper!, an Olivier award-winning Improv troupe who create a full West End-style musical

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brand new every night, complete with songs, choreography, plot, characters and music.

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE? I have a vision of making Birmingham Improv Festival the ‘Edinburgh Festival of Improv’. An international event attracting performers and audiences from all round the world to experience the cream of Improv shows, while also discovering unknown gems.

BIGGEST SUCCESS As a small festival we continually punch above our weight.

The biggest success in our first year was luring famous improviser and local star Josie Lawrence to leave London and come and perform in our little 100-seater theatre.

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED You don’t have to do it all yourself. You can’t do it all yourself. You have to delegate.

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM As an ex-Londoner, I love that Birmingham is built on a human scale and that we are surrounded by countryside in all directions. And I love that dry Brummie sense of humour.

DOWNTIME I skydive for fun, it’s my hobby. I have just short of 2,000 skydives in my logbook! I Birmingham Improv Festival runs from 26 October to 3 November. Full details at http://birminghamimprovfestival.com/

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ASSOCIATED ARCHITECTS THE MAILBOX, HIPPODROME, CBSO CENTRE AND STUNNING BIRMINGHAM

UNIVERSITY MAIN LIBRARY ARE JUST FOUR OF THE OUTSTANDING PROJECTS DELIVERED BY THE RIBA AWARD-WINNING PRACTICE ifty years ago, three tutors from Birmingham School of Architecture set up in business together in small offices in the city’s Jewellery Quarter. Their aim was to bring freshness to Birmingham’s skyline, to do things differently and better than what had gone before or was on offer back then in 1968.

Fast forward half a century and Associated Architects now based in Severn Street Place has grown to become one of the region’s best known and most creative practices with a team of 74 working on projects across the UK.

F

LANDMARK DESIGNS In our own city, the practice has designed some of the best known and most inspiring landmarks, including the Mailbox, Birmingham City University’s Curzon and Parkside Building, Birmingham School of Art, Birmingham School of Jewellery, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Centre and, in 2016, the University of Birmingham’s stunning new £44million Main Library.

Associated’s work has earned a host of prestigious

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architecture accolades, including 25 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) awards.

The practice is also renowned for its commitment to completing projects that reduce energy consumption and waste and encourage recycling. Its Passivhaus designers have delivered some of the country’s most significant low energy schemes, including the UK’s largest non-domestic Passivhaus building, the Centre for Medicine at Leicester University, as well as England’s first homes to meet zero carbon criteria. Associated is now turning its attention to investing heavily in technology both in the design of buildings and in translating the vision in cutting-edge 3D modeling packages and Virtual Reality.

ANNIVERSARY ARTWORK While always looking forward, Associated took the opportunity to celebrate its 50th anniversary by commissioning a giant piece of artwork featuring a montage of the practice’s major projects, created by Birmingham illustrator Brumhaus and displayed at its offices.

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Hall and the RIBA award-winning £24million redevelopment of Birmingham Hippodrome, extending its position as the UK’s leading independent theatre. Other cultural projects include the CBSO Centre and rehearsal hall, the Lapworth Museum of Geology at Birmingham University – which houses 250,000 objects in the region’s finest collection – and the nationally famous BMAG Staffordshire Hoard Gallery of priceless AngloSaxon artifacts.

Much like the Mailbox before it, Birmingham University’s new Main Library has been described as a milestone building, heralding a new generation of libraries in UK higher education and blending dramatic design with state-of-the-art facilities for students and staff.

Associated believes in the importance of putting human experience first in its design commissions but also in staff development by supporting the local Schools of Architecture through visiting tutors across the Midlands.

The practice is current and past chairs of the British Council for Offices Regional Chapter and NextGen Committees, a body which encourages young professionals to become members of the BCO, promoting excellence in office building design. Three members of the practice are past presidents of the Birmingham Architectural Association, a charity promoting design standards.

HUGE CHANGES Associate director Steve Townsend explained: “We have worked in London, Chester, Leicester, Nottingham, Northampton and now also Leeds. But we will always be a Birmingham company – we like working in our home city and we are very proud of the work we have done here.

“Arguably the Mailbox and the redevelopment of the old Royal Mail sorting office site was the transformational project for the company. It opened up that part of the city and the connection through has led to the west side of the city being transformed. Equally, our work with Birmingham City University was the catalyst for the regeneration of Eastside and we have done many projects in the area.”

ARTS AND CULTURE Associated has especially strong links with Birmingham’s arts and culture organisations. Its contribution includes the restoration and refurbishment of the city’s iconic Grade 1 listed Town

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Associated’s director Matthew Goer said: “Fifty years is a huge landmark for any business to attain, especially an architectural practice that is exposed to the vagaries of the economic cycle and its impact on the construction sector. We have seen huge changes in those intervening years – 1968 to 2018. Changes socially, politically and economical, as well as those within our profession.

“The way buildings are commissioned, procured and designed, and who is involved in the process have all fundamentally changed since the heady days of the late 1960s.

The rapid advances in IT (and its seemingly ever-increasing cost) has had a profound influence on how we now work and what is expected of us.”

Steve Townsend added: “People don’t necessarily have the ability to read detailed architect drawings, but with Virtual Reality you can now stand in the building and see what it will look and feel like two or three years before it is actually built.”

Associated Architects are investing heavily in this technology, and the message is equally clear that they will invest just as deeply in making Birmingham an even greater city with greater buildings for the next 50 years… I

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ROAD TO MOROCCO

BUSINESS

NEWS

A new twice-weekly service is being launched from Birmingham Airport in October which connects the Midlands to the Moroccan city of Agadir. The flights will be operated by Air Arabia Maroc and airport acting aviation director, Tom Screen, said: “This new service to Agadir will be popular with holidaymakers seeking sun and great beaches anytime of the year.” Air Arabia Maroc is Morocco’s largest low-cost carrier.

OPENING STRIKE

Lane7, the boutique bowling firm, has opened its new Birmingham site in the Cube. As well as nine lanes, Lane7 has a UV-lit private karaoke booth, several arcades including retro games like Donkey Kong and Pacman, a ping-pong table, which can also be used for the ever-growingly popular beer-pong variation, and shuffleboard tables. Founder Tim Wilks said: “We’ve had a great reception from the Birmingham public.”

WOMAN OF THE YEAR Anjum Khan, director of Asian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), led a host of accolades for the Birmingham business community when she was named Woman of the Year at the English Asian Business awards. Wow Zone, run

by ABCC president Qasim Majid, took the Digital Business of the Year title. Paul Thandi, chief executive of the NEC Group, was named Corporate Leader of the Year. Awan Marketing chief executive, Nasir Awan, won International Business of the Year.

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PEDAL POWER Technology firm Altodigital of Kingswinford raised more than £1,500 for three charities after a three-man team took part in one of the country’s most challenging cycling events, the Aberdovey Bike Ride. The 105-mile endurance test was completed by Jamie Coombs, Adrian Chadwick and John Sixsmith and raised funds for local children’s charity Promise Dreams, Macmillan Cancer Support and St Christopher’s Hospice.

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CHEFS CLEAN UP No wonder Steve Barfield, Clare Pressick and Tina Dixon are looking pleased with themselves after John Taylor Hospice cleaned up with Birmingham City Council’s highest five-star food hygiene rating.

The catering team trio was awarded the rating after an unannounced spot check by inspectors.

Chefs Steve, Clare and Tina provide fresh food 365 days of the year for patients, their families, staff and other visitors and the hospice cafe.

MUCKY MARVELS

Where there was muck there was money as nine have-a-go heroes took the plunge in an extreme sport challenge for charity. The team from Big Cat Agency, Birmingham braved the Summer Wolf Run – a 10k obstacle race across woodland, thick mud and lakes. In an event billed as a test of mental and physical strength, the Big Cat guys and girls raised more than £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation.

STORE BAGS GUCCI The much-anticipated Gucci boutique has opened on Level 4 of Selfridges. The Italian designer brand joins the likes of Burberry, Christian Louboutin, Louis

HEALTH ACCOLADE The woman who created the first Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust of its kind, has been given a top university honour in recognition of her contribution to healthcare. Sarah-Jane Marsh, chief executive of Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, received an Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University to celebrate her impact on health services across the West Midlands

GLOBAL AID BID

and wider UK.

Vuitton, Tiffany and Jimmy Choo at the Birmingham store. General manager Sam Watts said: “There’s no better luxury destination in the city than Selfridges Birmingham and we’re excited to add Gucci to the roll-call of deluxe collections.”

ROOM TO GROW There’s no stopping the good news for the Edgbaston cocktail bar and boutique hotel. Hot on the heels of winning Best Boutique Hotel at the Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality awards, the Edgbaston has secured planning for an additional 14 new bedrooms. Work has started on the new wing next to the hotel at Highfield Road. The rooms are expected to open at the end of the year.

A business is using its travel accessory products to make a global impact by helping fund educational programmes for adults and children in deprived areas of the world. Birmingham-based Storyteller has raised nearly £3,000 this year. Products from the FlagMate range are designed to be journey keepsakes combining the simplicity of a souvenir and longevity of a journal. Ten per cent of each sale goes to helping those in need.

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BUSINESS

BUSINESS BITES

HARRY HONOURED

LEGAL EAGLES

Co-founder and CEO of the Wambiz private social network, Harry Jawanda, was named as Birmingham City University’s Alumni of the Year at a special ceremony. Wambiz is best known for specialising in apps for schools, colleges and universities which allow students to connect and communicate with their teachers and each other. Harry received the award from the university’s chancellor, Sir Lenny Henry, at Symphony Hall.

TV CRIME STARS Two Birmingham barristers hit TV screens when they appeared in a new BBC documentary which followed the prosecution of a criminal gang using drones to deliver drugs to UK prisons. Michelle Heeley QC and Antonie Muller, counsel with No5 Barristers’ Chambers, featured in the two-part The Prosecutors: Prisons, Drugs and Drones which was filmed over a year and aired on BBC2 last month.

A trio of bright graduates have become newly qualified solicitors at Thursfields. Priya Ohri, Charlotte Perry and Kirsty Underhill all joined the leading Midlands law firm as paralegals before enrolling on an intensive two-year trainee solicitor programme.

SIX OF THE BEST

A Midlands conservatory specialist is creating up to six jobs after expanding into a refurbished property in a deal sealed by John Truslove. Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions will have a total workforce of 20.

THE HACK PACK

A record 800 Deutsche Bank volunteers took part in a 24-hour Hackathon event in aid of Birmingham-based Cure Leukaemia to design prototypes for a mobile app to benefit blood cancer patients worldwide.

ON THE UP

Midlands law firm mfg Solicitors has announced promotions of seven legal specialists in a new period of expansion. Employment law expert Darryll Thomas is promoted to partner in the employment and HR services department. Residential property conveyancing lawyer Jane Morley also becomes a partner. Five lawyers have been promoted to associate level. mfg Solicitors has five main offices across Worcestershire and Shropshire.

TRIO JOINS AGENCY Multi-media Birmingham agency Voiceboxx appointed three new team members to meet growing business demand. The company, in Regent Place in the Jewellery Quarter, welcomed Caroline Durbin as PR director, Danni Curzon as client services manager and Laura Turner as PR manager.

MD James Hobday, said: “Business in the Midlands is booming and strengthening the team allows us to further our work in the region and beyond.”

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Three Church Road restaurant celebrates its birthday in style uests enjoyed a summer garden party held to celebrate the first birthday of Three Church Road restaurant and bistro. Set in St George’s Place, Edgbaston – a few minutes from St George’s Church and the likes of Simpsons, Edgbaston Boutique Hotel and the Highfield – the restaurant serves a contemporary menu with an ambience of quintessential English charm. Part of the Audley Village group, famed for stylish senior living, the garden party was an opportunity to showcase the rooms, meeting spaces and club spa that’s also open to non-residents. I

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1 Emma Stokes, Chrissie Wolfe, Ifraz Ahmed. 2 Katie Newbon, MIke Olley, Lorraine Olley. 3 Gary Newbon, Anita Champaneri, Ruth Barretto, Rob Diaper. 4 Olivier Briault, Jayne O’Malley. 5 Tom Mallens, Dionne Buckingham Brown. 6 Theodora Hand, Barrington Atkins. 7 Mario Flanagan, Ken Sheffield, Alex Eversgard. 8 Ollie Purdom, James Bovill, Chris Halpin, Asha Ghosh.

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RED CARPET LAUNCH FOR NEW ABBA FILM

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o celebrate the launch of Mamma Mia 2, the Electric Cinema in Station Street rolled out the red carpet and played host to an Abba party.

Guests and staff donned spandex and glitter to rewind time to the late 1970s when the group was at the height of its fame. The cinema was decorated with beach-themed accessories, a raffle was held for Birmingham charity Sifa Fireside and a competition for the best dressed. The evening was hosted by local performer and personality Ginny Lemon. I

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1 Sue Morris, Jayne Pinfold, Helen Young, Angie Terris. 2 Alison and Olivia Gillett.

Rebecca Shields.

3 Ellouise and Lisa Badger. 4 Victoria Wells,

5 Ruth and Lloyd Scarsbrook. 6 Michelle Keel, Tracy Robb. 7 Natalie Richardson-Hughes, Haylee Kimberley-Taylor.

8 Ella, Sybille and Rosie Finnegan. 9 Lorna McGlasher, Ginny Lemon.

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Photography by Designer Photography

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Möet & Chandon celebrated at Edgbaston Boutique Hotel event dgbaston Boutique Hotel invited Champagne lovers from across the region to the ‘party of the year’ with Möet & Chandon.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, canapés and a Möet moment to remember, with an impressive Champagne tower on display at 17:43 to mark the year the brand was established. I

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1 Sanjeeta Bains and friend, Jayne O'Malley. 2 Victoria Ball, Chrissie Wolfe, Raj Sanghera. 3 Sophie Canning and guests. 4 Amanda Plester, Amy Chim. 5 Natasha Kafumukache. 6 Daniel Bridgewater and guests. 7 Davina May and guests. 8 Adam Andrew Hayes, Harj Millington, Ruth Pipkin, Jasmine Caine and friend

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THE SECRET’S OUT AT HARVEY NICHOLS

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orporate guests and VIP customers enjoyed a stylish Secret Garden Party with a twist at Harvey Nichols Birmingham. The luxury store brought the outside in with a specially-themed decor that included fairy lights and potted plants throughout the Bar and Wine Shop, an ivy-clad archway and even a full-sized tree in the middle of the Brasserie. Guests enjoyed a welcome Edinburgh Gin cocktail and drinks throughout the evening, as well as canapĂŠs that showcased the newly launched menu.

Live music came from the Bandidos. I

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1 Jack Whitehurst, Richard Gunton, Michael Bolohs. 2 Shelly Harris, Shan Hutchinson.

4 Kesha and Scott Golbourne.

3 Isabel Perez Guerrero, Stefan Wesley.

5 Laura Davis, Laura Rose-Towler. 6 Rebecca Williams, Natalie Gribben. 7 Shivani and Savita Doal.

8 Tracey McAtamney, Lauren Coombes.

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Business community turns out in force to welcome Fruit du Mer ew general manager of Hotel du Vin Birmingham, Tom Gallimore, welcomed guests to the Bubble Lounge for the launch of the new summer menu. The city’s business community turned out in force to support the event. The new menu features a formidable Fruit du Mer platter and other fresh dishes. I

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1 John James, Gary Newbon. 2 Michele Wilby, Henrik Court, Katy Paddock. 3 Kirsty Nichols, Corabeth Pearsall, Pat Wright, Colleen Walton. 4 Conrad Brunton, Anita Champaneri. 5 Tom Gallimore, Claire Smith. 6 Richard Guy, Jaz Rohel. 7 Tom Gallimore, Sanjeeta Bains, Jas Sansi. 8 Colleen Walton, Bav Tamber, Abi Reed.

Photography by Jas Sansi

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HAWTHORNS HOSTS ‘EID’ CELEBRATIONS

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Feast of Breaking the Fast attended by business guests

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sian Business Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) celebrated Eid al-Fitr – the Feast of Breaking the Fast – at a networking event held at the Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion FC. More than 250 business people attended the evening to signify the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Guests also watched the semi-final of the World Cup between England and Croatia while enjoying food provided by Mahirs Experience. Capital Air Ambulance and NAC Consulting sponsored the event and delivered presentations, alongside ABCC patron Mazars. I

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1 Dr Haseena Lockhat, Naem Arif, Anjum Khan. 2 Gurjote Nandra, Prithpal Saimbi.

Claudia Esposito.

8 Safina Ahmed, Denitsa Sharankova, Haroon Qayum.

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3 Jonathan Leon, Dextar Harris. 4 Hardev Notta,

5 Sardul Dhesi, Mike Hopkins. 6 Doug Wright, Raaj Shamji. 7 Ifraz Ahmed, Qasim Majid, Anita Chumber.

Photography by Jas Sansi

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WHAT: Horse of the Year Show WHEN: 3 to 7 October WHERE: Genting Arena, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.hoys.co.uk One of the longest standing horse shows in the UK celebrates its 70th anniversary next month with another spectacular event. More than 60,000 visitors will cheer on 1,500 competitors across five days of equestrian entertainment, including the National Showing and Showjumping Championships.

WHAT: La Fille Mal Gardée WHEN: 26 to 29 September WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com The new season opens with Sir Frederick Ashton’s funniest, sunniest masterpiece. Choreographed by Sir Frederick and translated as ‘The Wayward Daughter’, this is a joyful mix of spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy and is great fun for audiences of all ages.

WHAT: Marcus Brigstocke: Devil May Care WHEN: 30 September WHERE: The Old Rep Theatre, tel: 0121 359 9444 www.oldreptheatre.co.uk Charming, hilarious and utterly refreshing… just some of the praise for this new stand-up show from the multi-award winning comedian. As we divide each other up into more and more unpleasant categories of evil, it is time to establish once and for all what is good and what is bad.

WHAT: Kylie WHEN: 21 September WHERE: Genting Arena, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com Kylie Minogue brings her extraordinary creativity as a live performer back to town and promises a brand new extravaganza for this production which will be centred around her new album Golden.

WHAT: Birmingham Cruise Show WHEN: 15 and 16 September WHERE: NEC, visit www.cruiseshow.co.uk/birmingham This free event is packed full of information and inspiration, bringing together the leading cruise lines, specialists and holiday providers. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn more about cruising, pick out a dream holiday and enjoy exclusive show-only special offers and deals.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Kate Sherman exhibition WHEN: 4 to 22 September WHERE: Reuben Colley Fine Art, tel: 0121 236 0920 www.reubencolleyfineart.co.uk Kate Sherman’s work was recently selected for the 250th Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and her eagerly-awaited exhibition, Forest, opens this month. Well worth a visit.

WHAT: Shania Twain WHEN: 24 September WHERE: Arena Birmingham, tel: 0844 338 8000 www.theticketfactory.com The multi-platinum, multiaward winning star is back in the UK for the first time in 13 years. With a string of hits including That Don’t Impress Me Much, You’re Still the One, and Man! I Feel like a Woman! this will be an unmissable performance.

WHAT: The Drifters WHEN: 12 September WHERE: Redditch Palace Theatre, tel: 01527 65203 www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk The legendary group are back on the road in the UK performing their classic hits from the last six decades. They’ve been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, performed for the President of the United States and been listed among the greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

WHAT: Taj Express WHEN: 11 to 15 September WHERE: Birmingham Hippodrome, tel: 0844 338 5000 www.birminghamhippodrome.com Bollywood comes to Birmingham in this spectacular new musical.

Following the story of one man’s passion and another man’s genius, this all-singing, all-dancing spectacular features the songs of Oscar winner A R Rahman, composer of Slumdog Millionaire.

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WHAT: EUROPE – Tour the Earth 2018 WHEN: 19 September WHERE: Birmingham O2 Institute, www.academymusicgroup.com/o2institutebirmingham The Swedish rockers have scheduled just nine UK dates as part of this tour of their new album Walk the Earth.

Support will come from Scottish blues rockers King King

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Tartuffe WHEN: Starts 7 September WHERE: Royal Shakespeare Theatre, tel: 01789 403493 www.rsc.org.uk Iqbal Khan directs a brand new version of Moliere’s provocative French classic, relocated to present-day Birmingham. Award-winning writers Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto create a sparkling new satire set in Birmingham’s Pakistani Muslim community.

WHAT: Alexandra Burke – The Truth is Tour WHEN: 18 September WHERE: Symphony Hall, box office: WHAT: Danny Baker – Good Time Charlie’s Back!!

WHEN: 17 September WHERE: Town Hall, box office: 0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Following the extraordinary success of what was meant to be his final tour, the Cradle To Grave tour, the irrepressible Danny Baker is giving it one last shot with a series of special one-night stands. It will be almost certainly your last chance… probably.

0121 345 0600 www.thsh.co.uk Is it really a decade since the singing sensation and star of Strictly won the X Factor?

This will be her first UK headline tour since 2010 and an amazing opportunity to enjoy her incredible soulful voice live.

WHAT: Whitney – Queen of the Night WHEN: 12 September WHERE: New Alexandra Theatre, tel: 0844 8713011 www.atgtickets.com/birmingham A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time. This award-winning production features a sensational line-up of musicians and a breathtaking performance in the spirit of Whitney.

WHAT: Faulty Towers the Dining Experience WHEN: 13 to 22 September WHERE: Birmingham Rep, tel: 0121 245 2066 www.uniquevenuesbirmingham.com This fantastic evening returns to the REP for its 21st birthday year.

Join Basil, Sybil and Manuel for a fully immersive experience as you become diners in the infamous 'Faulty' restaurant. Expect laughter, spontaneity and whole lot of hysterical audience participation.

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WHAT’S ON

WHAT: Disney On Ice presents Dream Big WHEN: 19 to 28 October

WHAT: Martin Mor: Adventure Comedian WHEN: 16 September WHERE: Mac Birmingham,

WHERE: Arena Birmingham,

tel: 0121 446 3232

www.disneyonice.co.uk

www.macarts.co.uk

Dream Big captures all the magic and adventure of Disney’s immortal tales through cutting-edge figure skating, eye-catching costumes and stunning set designs. High-flying jumps, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends; this is proper thrilling family fun.

Hear about hilarious close encounters with bears, crocodiles, sharks and tales of performing on six continents as one of the world’s most travelled and adventurous comedians pops into town.

WHAT: Retro Truck Show WHEN: 8 and 9 September WHERE: British Motor Museum, tel: 01926 641188 www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk Up to 400 modern and classic trucks gather for two days of unique entertainment for owners, drivers and enthusiasts with a laid back and relaxed vibe for fantastic family-friendly fun. Camping is also available with live entertainment and displays a plenty.

WHAT: Kylie’s ‘Gold’ Party with Victoria Jones WHEN: 28 September WHERE: Nailcote Hall, tel: 02476 466174 www.nailcotehall.co.uk As seen on BBC1’s the One And Only, Victoria Jones is fabulous as the mini pop legend and you’ll be dancing all night as this special tribute night celebrates her top chart hits.

WHAT: Outdoor Cinema – The Greatest Showman WHEN: 15 September WHERE: Birmingham Botanical Gardens, tel: 0121 454 1860 www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk Enjoy a cracking movie under the stars at these stunning gardens. Book a beanbag, deck chair or just bring a blanket! Then grab some popcorn and sit back and enjoy a proper luxurious outdoor cinema experience.

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IN THE CITY WITH JOEL BLAKE, AWARD-WINNING BUSINESSMAN TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m Joel Blake OBE, board member of Town Hall Symphony Hall, multi-award winning businessman, founder of diversity consultancy Cultiv8 Solutions and growing business lead for Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP).

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN? I’m based at Baskerville House, so I commute in by train, which takes 20 minutes, or by car if I am travelling across the region for that day.

HOW’S THE COMMUTE? By train it’s relatively easy. I don’t view e-mails until I get in, so I use this time to prepare for the day, either by listening to audio book or business/motivational videos. By car, again, I don’t listen to general radio. I’ll have some form of audio development CD on! It’s important to keep your mind clear and free from work first thing.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN? It’s the best. The friendly and supportive vibe of the city makes it easier to do business – people cherish the opportunity to build relationships. But, as a city, we do need to balance that with more inclusive support to ensure we engage and include those who feel marginalised and not a part of the ‘city centre’.

REBEL IN A SUIT:

‘Peppermint tea kinda guy’ and founder of diversity consultancy Cultiv8

Solutions and board

member of Town Hall

Symphony Hall

COFFEE BREAK? I’m a bit of a ‘rebel in a suit’, so one day you might find me in Starbucks, another in one of our fabulous independents like 200 Degrees, or just inviting people to the office and making them a cuppa myself! I’m a peppermint or green tea kinda guy for future reference…

LUNCHTIME? For something more professional, I may have lunch in Primitivo in the heart of Colmore BID, or for something more senior it may be Cielo or even Opus. But knowing me, I might even take them to an inner city spot for a bit of cultural experience – jerk chicken and Guinness punch over a chicken caesar salad and a glass of vino… no contest!

POWERWALKING? I tend to find peace where I can, but you can’t beat a stroll along one of our many canals.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY? Pigeon Park (if you know, you know), the eclectic mix of people reminds you of the diversity, the opportunity, but also the reality of Birmingham. It makes you reflect on what your own contribution to the city is and why. We have come so far as a city yet have so much to do for ALL our citizens AFTERWORK PINT? Pitcher and Piano for a brandy and apple juice, one ice cube.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER? We need to have a more honest conversation on what it means to be an inclusive city and how we leave a legacy that future generations are both proud of and are empowered to evolve. Birmingham is not just the city centre and the richness of diversity that we have ought to be something we celebrate and leverage, for the benefit of all.

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