First Word Birmingham August.qxp_Layout 1 22/07/2019 18:39 Page 3
First Word
Henry VIII’s SIX wives to visit Brum Smash-hit West Ender SIX is coming to the Midlands. Nominated for five 2019 OIivier Awards, the show sees the six wives of Henry VIII take to the mic to tell their personal stories, ‘remixing 500 years of historical heartbreak into a 75-minute celebration of 21st century girl power’. The yet-to-be-announced cast will be backed by the show’s allfemale band, The Ladies In Waiting. SIX runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25 July 2020.
West Midlands parks compete for national title Twenty-four parks in the West Midlands are vying for the title of UK’s Best Park. And they need your vote! You can vote for your favourite park until noon on Monday 19 August by visiting fieldsintrust.org/best-park/west-midlands
Ladywood leisure
Critically acclaimed docu-drama to visit Birmingham this autumn A critically acclaimed docu-drama, which ‘uncovers the truth’ behind the controversial 2014 UK government inquiry into alleged extremism in Birmingham schools, is visiting the city’s Midlands Arts Centre (MAC) in the autumn. Drawing on more than 200 hours of interviews conducted with teachers, students, parents and governors, Trojan Horse is written by Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead, who said: “When we first started researching the subject, we thought we were going to be writing about an event that had happened in the past. But it soon became clear that the trauma Trojan Horse caused has not left the city. So much is still left unresolved for the people it most affected.” The production visits MAC from 19 to 21 November.
East Meets West photo competition
Birmingham’s newest leisure centre has opened in Ladywood. The state-of-the-art facility includes a 130-station gym packed with the latest fitness equipment, a 25-metre swimming pool, sauna & steam room, and dedicated areas for free weights and swimming lessons. The centre also has a cafe for people wanting to enjoy a post-exercise chill-out. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk
Birmingham Museums Trust and China West Midlands 2020 have launched a competition encouraging photographers to explore the West Midlands and capture moments where the cultures of East and West collide. The competition, which is now under way and runs until Sunday 20 October, will see 25 winning photographs being displayed at Birmingham’s Museum of the Jewellery Quarter next year. For full entry criteria, visit chinawestmidlands.com/photo-competition
Operation Mindfall A leading global provider of experiential entertainment has launched a brand new citywide adventure in Birmingham. Operation Mindfall is the latest innovation from Escape Hunt and sees players using augmented reality and geolocation technology as they take to the streets to try and save the world. The game is open to teams of between two and four players. For more information, visit escapehunt.com
CircusMASH at top visitor attraction
Resorts World Birmingham is welcoming back local circus favourites for a summer series of weekly family-fun sessions, all for free. Taking place every Friday in August, CircusMASH is hosting Summer Circus School, providing participants with the opportunity to learn a variety of circus skills. For more information about the circus school - and other circusrelated events taking place at the venue this month - visit resortsworldbirmingham.co.uk