What's On Birmingham July 2015

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THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE BIRMINGHAM

’ What sOn www.whatsonlive.co.uk

ISSUE 355

JULY 2015

BRIAN C BRINGS TH ONLEY E

TO TOWN CIRCUS INTERVIEW INSIDE...

LOVE ME TENDER Mica Paris talks about new musical interview inside...

FOODIES DELIGHT with the return of Colmore Food Festival INSIDE: FILM COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS EVENTS FOOD & DRINK & MUCH MORE!

Mary J Blige GLOBAL SUPERSTAR AT THE GENTING ARENA

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Contents July Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2015 17:12 Page 1

July Editor: Davina Evans

2015

INSIDE:

davina@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281708

Barnum - the circus comes to Birmingham

Editorial Assistants: Brian O’Faolain brian@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281701

interview with Brian Conley p6

Lauren Foster lauren@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281707

Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714

Jamie Ryan jamie@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281720

Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse lei@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281703

Chris Horton chris@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker adrian.parker@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281714

Mica Paris

Managing Director: Paul Oliver

stars in new musical interview p8

paul@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281711

Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan martin@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton

Maxi Priest - reggae star headlines Simmer Down. More on page 43.

Accounts Administrator Julia Perry julia@whatsonlive.co.uk 01743 281717

Contributors: Graham Bostock: Theatre James Cameron-Wilson: Film; Eva Easthope, Jessica Aston, Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, Jan Watts, Simon Carter Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE

Tel: 01743 281777 e-mail: info@whatsonlive.co.uk

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News

A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

The wonders of the ocean on the big screen The mysterious wonders of the ocean are to be showcased for all to see when the Ocean Film Festival World Tour takes to the road this autumn. Featuring two hours of footage taken above and below the water’s surface, the films are described by the tour’s promoters as documenting ‘the beauty and power of the ocean’ and celebrating ‘the divers, surfers, swimmers and oceanographers who live for the sea’s salt spray, who chase the crests of the waves, and who marvel at the mysteries of the big blue’.

Impressive-sounding stuff...

The Ocean Film Festival World Tour stops off at: Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 2 September; Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, 17 September; Malvern Theatre, 27 October.

For further information, visit oceanfilmfestival.co.uk

New season line-up offers plenty of choice Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has released details of its autumn/winter line-up of shows, with highlights including the Birmingham Stage Company UK premiere of David Walliams’ best-selling children’s novel, Gangsta Granny.

The popular Midlands theatre will also be staging a new production of Moliere’s The Sisterhood and an Olivier Award-nominated play celebrating the legendary Judy Garland.

Also included in the line-up is a brand new yuletide comedy called Vampomime, which follows the hapless adventures of a theatre company run entirely by vampires.

Touring productions stopping off at the Belgrade include: The Smallest Show On Earth, starring Liza Goddard and Brian Capron (13 to 17 October); She Called Me Mother (7 November), with Cathy Tyson; and a revival production of Terrence Rattigan’s award-winning World War Two biopic, Flare Path (3 to 7 November). For full new-season listings, visit belgrade.co.uk

New Chief Exec for BRB Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) has announced the appointment of Jan Teo (pictured) as its new Chief Executive.

Jan, who takes up her position in September, replaces current CEO Christopher Barron, who’s stepping down 4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

A weekend of celebrations across the city Birmingham is this autumn set to host one of the biggest free events ever to take place in the city. Bringing together major arts organisations, Birmingham Weekender (25 to 27 September) is an outdoor event boasting a fusion of music, dance, theatre, art, literature, food and fashion. The weekend marks the opening of the newly transformed New Street Station and the much-anticipated John Lewis store - and also coincides with Style Birmingham Live and the Rugby World Cup. Commenting on the event, Roxana Silbert, Creative Director of Birmingham Weekender and Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre, said: “Birmingham is leading the way with this level of collaboration across the city’s arts and cultural organisations. We have relationships with some of the best national and international companies and artists in the world. Birmingham Weekender is an opportunity to showcase Birmingham as a regenerated city full of vibrancy and optimism. And for audiences it will be an amazing, surprising and inspiring couple of days out!” this month to explore new creative avenues.

Ms Teo joined BRB’s board in 2013 and the Company’s Finance & General Purposes Committee in 2014. She’s also Director of the Birmingham Museums Trust and has played an important role in both the annual Deutsche Bank Creative Awards and the Women In European Business Diversity Group. Commenting on her new appointment, Jan said: “I’m delighted to combine my corporate skills with a personal and lifelong passion for the arts and cultural pursuits, and am looking forward to working with the immensely talented and dedicated team at Birmingham Royal Ballet.”

For details of BRB’s autumn season, visit brb.org.uk

Truly scrumptious musical back in Brum A brand new staging of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is visiting the Birmingham Hippodrome in 2016. The West Yorkshire Playhouse production promises ‘sensational sets and stunning special effects’, presented alongside the Sherman brothers’ memorable score. Hit standards from the ever-popular musical include Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the show’s signature tune, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Speaking of his involvement in the production, West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining said: “Directing such an iconic show is a great opportunity, a thrilling challenge for any director. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a brilliant adventure story, filled with classic songs and scenes that hold so many memories for so many people. I can’t wait to bring the production to Birmingham.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 18 September 2016, with tickets priced from £23.50 to £50 on general sale from 10am Monday 6 July.

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A world of magic at Warwick Arts Centre A new interactive adventure for children aged four and older is being presented at Warwick Arts Centre over the Christmas period. The Lost Gift invites families to ‘step into a magical story that they walk through and help create’. The production features ‘a host of charming characters’ and runs at the venue from Sat 12 to Thurs 31 Dec. Lasting for forty-five minutes, the show will be presented at ten-minute intervals - from 10am to 6.40pm - every day except Christmas Day. Commenting on the production, Matt Burman, Head of Programme & Audience at Warwick Arts Centre, said: “We’re delighted to be producing this new Christmas adventure with local companies Highly Sprung and Vortex Creates. We’re looking forward to welcoming people of all ages, both old and new friends of the Arts Centre, to experience, together with family and friends, this very special event. This promises to be unlike anything you’ve seen or heard at the Arts Centre before...”

For further information and to book tickets, visit warwickartscentre.co.uk

Pixie Lott to star in Breakfast At Tiffany’s Pixie Lott is to star as Holly Golightly in a new staging of Breakfast At Tiffany's, which visits Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre in 2016.

The production is directed by Nikolai Foster, the new artistic director of Leicester's Curve Theatre, which is co-producing the show.

Commenting on her involvement, Pixie said: “I’m so excited to be playing Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s. I absolutely love Holly’s style and free spirit. She’s always been an icon to me and I can't wait to bring my own personality to the role. Alongside music, I've always wanted to be in a play, and getting the opportunity to be in one of my all-time favourites and to play this fabulous character is a dream come true.”

Breakfast At Tiffany's shows at New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 18 - Sat 23 April.

Brum theatre seeks art treasure Birmingham’s Old Rep Theatre is asking creative children aged twelve and younger to design an artistic masterpiece to tie in with its Christmas production of Treasure Island. The winning design, chosen by a celebrity judge, will then feature on the cover of the show’s official programme.

Gaynor Cheshire, CEO of the Old Rep, said: “We’d like to encourage children across the region to pick up their paint brushes, crayons, pens and channel their inner Van Gogh. Good luck to all those who enter we can’t wait to see the submissions!”

Entrants need to submit a picture of their fantasy Treasure Island to the Old Rep by Saturday 10 October. This can be done in one of two ways. Either post the artwork to Treasure Island Art Competition, The Old Rep, Station Street, Birmingham, B5 4DY, or scan the picture and email it totreasureislandart@oldreptheatre.co.uk.

Watch, try and join in... at Coventry festival A diverse range of arts-based activities and performances await visitors to Coventry’s second Festival Of Imagineers next month (3 to 8 August).

Taking place at various city centre venues - including the Coventry Cathedral Ruins, Millennium Place and Broadgate - the festival offers a series of free experiences for people to sample. There’s also an opportunity to explore hidden spaces and inventions across the city, including a visit underground to Coventry’s slipper baths.

Highlights of the festival include: Imagineer Productions’ new performance, Come Fly With Me; the regional premiere of Pif-Paf’s Planetary - a brand new piece of aerial theatre; Acrojou’s The Wheel House, a contemporary circus experience housed in a hand-built structure; and Godiva, in all her glory, aboard her cyclopedia.

For full festival events and times, visit imagineerproductions.co.uk

IN BRIEF Battle Of Evesham celebrations announced The seven hundredand-fiftieth anniversary of the Battle Of Evesham is to be celebrated with a packed programme of activities and talks next month.

On Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, Evesham’s Crown Meadow will come to life with battle reenactments, a medieval banquet theatre, a treasure hunt, ghost tours, workshops and war games.

For information on the full programme of events, visit battleofevesham.co.uk

Arcadian set to sway to Latin beats Birmingham’s Arcadian Centre is promising visitors a sizzling hot welcome this month when the Latin American Festival makes a welcome return (on 5 July).

The one-day event promises a real feast for the senses, courtesy of an imaginative programme of music and dance. Cuisine, crafts and culture from numerous Latin American nations also features.

Performers include the acclaimed Salsa Feugo Band (with Columbian singer Angelica Lopez), the Los De La Vega Latin Band, Carlos Paul and his band from Ecuador, and Expression Inca Dance Group from Peru, who’ll perform typical dances from the three regions of the country.

Commenting on the festival, Julia Chance, manager of Southside BID, which is supporting the event, said: “Southside plays host to many colourful and vibrant festivals throughout the year, and the Latin American Festival is definitely a highlight. It’s got bigger and better every year, and this year it promises to be an incredible spectacle for all the family.”

Chocolatey celebrations under wraps in Bournville Birmingham-based visitor attraction Cadbury World is planning to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary next month with a whole host of family-friendly activities. Although much of what’s planned is still under wraps, the award-winning venue has revealed that its team of talented chocolatiers will be putting their skills to the test to produce a mouthwatering range of show-stopping creations.

Visitors to the venue will also be given the chance to book their place on a ‘brand new exclusive experience’ later in the year.

Commenting on the forthcoming celebrations, Cadbury World marketing manager Diane Mitchell said: “Our twenty-fifth anniversary marks a really exciting time for us, and we’re delighted to be able to share that with all of our visitors.

There’s plenty to look forward to for the rest of 2015 and beyond, but it’s also been really nice to look back over previous years. There’s a lot to be proud of!”

We’ll keep you posted. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5

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interview

BRIAN CONLEY talks about bringing the circus to town in Barnum

“

Everyone knows I’m not a professional tightrope walker, so they all sit there with their hearts in their mouths.

”

What are the demands that come with playing Phineas Taylor Barnum, Brian?

It’s renowned for being one of the toughest musical theatre roles in the business because there are so many strands to it - the acting, the singing, the comedy, the circus skills.

There are many different things that need to be learned to enable you to play the part.

And, of course, you’re on stage all the time.

But it’s very rewarding to do. Sir Cameron Mackintosh doesn’t do anything by halves.

How long did it take you to master walking the tightrope?

It’s ongoing. It’s one of those things that you think you’ve mastered - and then it rears up and bites you on the bum. I’ve got better as the months have passed, but initially it took six months. I used to go two or three times a week to a circus school in Camden, where I’d start off on a low tightrope about a foot off the ground, which they call the cheese cutter. I ended up breaking my finger on that. Even at a low height you can still hurt yourself - but over time, you progress. The tightrope in the show is seven foot high and ten foot across, and there’s no safety net or wire attached to me.

So not an easy watch for the fainthearted...

Too true - and that’s how it should be.

Everyone knows I’m not a professional tightrope walker, so they all sit there with their hearts in their mouths. If I fall off, which I do, and then get back up and do it again, it always gets a bigger cheer. First time round it’s a bit ‘Oh yeah, that’s good’, but if I fall off a couple of times, it makes people think I’m doing it on purpose to get the reaction - but I can assure you I always try to get across.

Have you had to up your insurance premium?

No, I can’t get fully covered.

Did you have any reservations when Sir Cameron first approached you to play Barnum?

I knew it was going to be a tough gig. I’m not getting any younger, so it was something which, if I was going to do it, I had to do now.

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk .

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When What’s On recently spoke to Sir Cameron, he said this was probably your best performance since playing Jolson.

Would you agree with that?

Yes, I would. It’s in the same league as Jolson. You’re very much out there all the time. You’re leading the company; you’re telling the story of this man. Jolson was a showman, an entertainer, and that’s what Barnum is too.

And what characteristics, if any, do you share with Barnum?

I’m very much at ease talking to the audience, which Barnum does. I’ve always been an entertainer and always been capable of standing there on my own. You have to have a confidence in holding an audience.

Knowing what I now know about Barnum, he must’ve had a real charm because he duped banks as well as the public. A lot of the big adventures he had, he never even put the money in himself. He managed to persuade banks to put up the money so that he could carry on with his dreams Was the story of Barnum one that you were familiar with before you were approached to star in the show?

I was very aware that he was the first entrepreneur - but playing him and reading about him and the things that he did was a real eye-opener. The reason he came up with the three-ring circus, which was very clever, was that not everyone got to see the show the first time. Every little theatre in the world has got Barnum to thank for what he did, because they were quite seedy places in the early 1800s. His aim was to bring in the masses and family audiences. He made them all sorts of palaces. We have Barnum to thank for that. In a way he was the first spin doctor, the way he manipulated the press for his own means.

You have some big hitters on your CV - Jolson, Fagin and Edna Turnblad included. How does this compare in terms of personal achievements?

I saw it many years ago with Michael Crawford in the title role and was blown away by it.

Never did I think that one day I would play that part. It truly is the toughest gig I’ll ever have to do. There’s no other show where the end of the first half sees you walking across a tightwire, as well as being out there all of the time. It’s physically demanding and you’re very much steering, the captain of the ship.

How will you follow up playing a role like Barnum?

I don’t know, maybe I never will. I can’t plan it. Nothing’s ever planned. I would never have thought a couple of years ago that I’d be here playing Barnum. The same happened with Hairspray. I went to see the musical and thoroughly enjoyed it but never thought that one day I’d be playing Edna Turnblad. In this game we’re all selfemployed, so you take a job and see where it leads you. The only certainty after the Barnum tour finishes is me taking a very long holiday.”

What has being part of the Barnum team taught you about yourself?

That I could learn a new skill at fifty-three!

Prior to this, the most I’ve ever done is walk the dogs. I’ve learned that touring is tough.

Being away from home is tough, but it’s a wonderful honour to be part of this show, and to be headlining a production put on by Sir Cameron. Everyone aspires to work with him, and you know that the designers, the costumes, the orchestra are all at the very top level. Everyone wants to have working with Sir Cameron on their CV. You’re back at the Hippodrome. A bit of a homecoming?

Of course. It’s always nice to be back there. It is, without doubt, one of the greatest theatres in the country. I can absolutely vouch for that.

I’ve always loved performing at the Hippodrome. And I’m honoured to have starred there more times than any other artist since the theatre opened or so I’m told.

So you’ll be looking to have something named after you?

Oh, it would probably be a toilet.

You’ve been filming a brand new series for the BBC called TV That Made Me...

It will be out very shortly - probably when we’re in Birmingham, or in the next month or so. Each episode has a celebrity guest and they tell me about their favourite telly. Things they love watching. Things that inspired them. Things that they watched as a family.

Things that scared them. It’s a bit like Desert Island Discs but for television. For forty-five minutes we get lost in their world, show clips from what they liked to watch, and I dish out trivia information about that particular show.

Has it been fun to do?

A lot of fun. I got the pilot idea through at Christmas and knew straight away it was something I wanted to be involved in. The BBC are really pleased with it. We’re all looking forward to it being screened and seeing how it’s received. It’s a nostalgic look at television through the years, and every guest has a different point of view.

What were your favourite shows growing up?

I used to love watching Cilla Black. She used to be on on a Sunday night and I vividly remember watching her when I was a tiny little kid of about seven. I loved Watch With Mother with Andy Pandy, Bill And Ben and the Flower Pot Men. Then, when I was older, I’d love watching Captain Scarlet & The Mysterons and, later still, Colditz.

And do you have a guilty pleasure on TV today?

I watch X Factor every now and again because the kids love watching it. I never get into any series because I’m constantly flitting all over the place, so don’t have a regular schedule.

What are you looking to do after you’ve taken a holiday?

Who knows? I’ve never planned anything. You can’t.

You just see how it goes. I’ve got pantomime in Southend, so there’s something there at the end of the year. I guess in between I’ll be a dad for a while, which is something I enjoy. I’m looking forward to spending some time at home just pottering around.

No plans to go off and join the circus, then?

No. Been there, done that.

Brian Conley stars as Phineas T Barnum at the Birmingham Hippodrome, from Tues 7 July to Sat 1 August

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interview

“

My character, Sylvia, is very much like me, just with an American accent. It was all too much when I first read the script. She just mirrored me.

”

Love Me Tender is a brand new musical which, to a certain extent, sees you entering into the unknown. What drew you to the production?

The story. It’s so powerful. I guess it’s almost like Frankie And Johnny. It’s set in the ’50s in America at a time of segregation. My character, Sylvia, is very much like me, just with an American accent. It was all too much when I first read the script. She just mirrored me. Sylvia runs a bar and you get to see her during a twenty-four-hour period. You see what went on in the ’50s, in a bar owned by a black woman, at a time of segregation. And the music is all Elvis. It’s just a very powerful script - and although the subject matter is serious, it’s done in a way that makes you laugh and have fun.

How has the music of Elvis influenced you as an artist?

Elvis was my mother’s favourite. I remember being seven years old when he died. My mum was just bawling her eyes out for weeks. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with her. She’s obsessed with Elvis, so when I told her I was doing this play she was made up. I’ve done so much in the past twentyseven years in this business, but the minute I do this play with the music of Elvis, I’m the best thing since sliced bread as far as she’s concerned. I couldn’t do anything wrong right now.

By your own admission your voice is now as good as it’s ever been. How do you keep it in top condition?

The best way to keep your voice in good shape is just to keep singing. It’s like a muscle; you just have to keep using it and it just gets better and better with time. Mine gets a bit raspy and a bit seasoned, but I consider myself very blessed that I still have it. When you’re singing, you don’t try to control it, you allow yourself to be a channel for the energy. I know it will sound like a load of mumbo-jumbo to some people, but it really is true. You have to allow yourself to be led by the energy of the voice. If I was trying to control it, or if I was trained or something, 8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Mica Paris talks about finding herself in new musical...

Mica Paris shot to stardom in the late 1980s, with One Temptation and Where Is The Love featuring amongst her biggest hits. Since making her breakthrough, she’s successfully turned her hand to presenting, writing, acting and fundraising. This month she takes to the stage to star in Love Me Tender, a brand new musical from the producers of Hairspray, Legally Blonde and Jersey Boys. What’s On recently caught up with Mica to find out what audiences can expect.

I would probably lose that sense of what my voice is. I sometimes come off stage and think, ‘How did I do that?’ It’s almost like a cartoon, when you step out of your body, look at yourself and think, ‘Oh my gosh, was that me?’

Looking back over your career, what single piece of advice would you give to your seventeen-year-old self?

I’m not a person to look back. I don’t look back and I don’t look forward, I’m just in the moment. What advice I give to other people who’re young is that you have to really love this thing. You have to love it so much that it doesn’t matter if you have a hit or not. You have to love it so much that you don’t care if you’re famous or not. The only reason you should do it is for the love of the art. If you get the fame on top, that’s a bonus, but the beginning of it must be an absolute and total passion for it.

Your daughter’s in the business. Do you pass on your own experiences, or is it a case of letting her get on with it?

I don’t get involved at all. She comes to me when she needs me, and I’m there. I don’t want to get in the way of her progress. She must find her own thing and do it herself. I’m there when she crashes and that’s all you can do as a mother. You’re their rock and should be there when they need you, but you shouldn’t get involved in pushing them and telling them where to go. You have to leave them to get on with it. They love you for it in the end.

What do you think of the current state of the music industry?

I think we could sit here and go on about the glory days of the ’80s and ’90s, and how there was loads of money in the business back then.

Yes, there was - but most of the time the artists didn’t get to keep the money. That’s changed now, which is a good thing. The only downside is that it’s much harder for people to come through nowadays. People think the main way is through TV and reality programmes. I’m not talking about presenting, I’m talking about getting visibility to sell your music. You have to

be visible to have your music sell. Before, you could rely on your talent.

What do you class as your biggest achievement?

My children, really - my children are fabulous.

My biggest achievement outside of my children is that, after all these years, people still seem to like me somewhat, find me interesting and like my music. I think that’s a great achievement.

You’ve had some fantastic collaborations over the years with some really big names.

Which has been the most memorable for you?

Prince was great. He wrote me a great song for my second album. Chaka Khan has been really good to me over the last twenty-odd years too, and has given me a lot of love and support - as have Natalie Cole and Dionne Warwick. These are all people who, from day one until now, have always been supportive and given me a whole lot of love. I’m very fortunate to have been involved with that calibre of artist.

On your twitter page, you describe yourself as a survivor. Can you expand on that?

I was caught up in that crazy fame stuff. I’ve managed to survive with my faculties intact, I’ve raised a family and am still pretty much together.

You were recently honoured as an icon at Windsor Castle by the Duke of Edinburgh.

How was that experience?

It was very interesting. It was very weird being in the same room as Buzz Aldrin and all these incredible people. I was just like, ‘Am I an icon as well? That’s weird!’ So it was a bit strange but very sweet. The Duke’s great, and so was Sophie, Countess of Wessex. She’s lovely.

Believe it or not, she was a runner for me when I first put out my My One Temptation track. She was a runner at Capital Radio and looked after me. I didn’t even know that until I went to the Icon dinner. She came up and said, ‘Before I got married, I was your runner at Capital Radio’. That was so bizarre.

You’ve appeared on a couple of reality TV shows. Is that line of work something you’d do again?

The reality shows that I chose were quite good.

They weren’t embarrassing or humiliating, and I always try everything once. I did Strictly and realised I can’t dance. I tried it but you’ll never see me do that again. I’ve just done Celebrity Masterchef, which is credible as well, but that will be the last. It’s such a lot of work, thirteenhour days.

How are you gearing up for being back on the road?

I tour all the time with my band, but I haven’t done a play for twenty-one years. The last one I did was Mama I Want To Sing. I’m looking forward to being on tour with Love Me Tender because we get to stay in the towns for a week and I come home on the Sunday. My boyfriend and mother are amazing. I’m very lucky that I have this great, supportive network. The whole tour falls in the summer holidays, which is perfect. It’s all fallen into place, so there isn’t going to be any stress.

You’ve achieved a great deal as a musician, an author, actress, presenter, ambassador for women, campaigner and, obviously, as a mother. What’s left to achieve?

I’m on a road of discovery. I want to continue to make people feel great with what I do. If I died tomorrow, I’d feel like I’d done everything I wanted to do, but my modus operandi is always to do stuff that makes people feel good. That’s what music is; it’s uplifting. The world is pretty horrible at the moment, so it’s good to have something to cheer us up. So when you ask me what I want to do, I just want to continue to try and empower people, especially women, and to make people feel good.

Love Me Tender shows at New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from Mon 24 to Sat 29 August.

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Music Curtis Eller’s American Circus Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Tues 7 July

If this is your first experience of Curtis Eller's American Circus, you’re in for a stimulating and unusual evening. The band have variously been described as ‘brutish’, ‘inelegant’ and ‘specialising in gospel music for atheists and dance fads for amputees’.

The banjo-playing Eller very much leads from the front, presenting imaginative songs about subjects that range from pigeon racing to presidential assassinations. Plenty of diverse historical figures are referenced too, including Abraham Lincoln, Buster Keaton, Joe Louis and Elvis.

Modest Mouse The Institute, Birmingham, Sun 5 July

When it comes to producing albums, American indie rock band Modest Mouse have been as quiet as a, er, mouse for the better part of a decade. So to say that their recently released offering, Strangers To Ourselves, has been long-anticipated by their many and varied fans is probably a bit of an understatement.

This Birmingham gig forms part of a summertime concert schedule that also includes the London Calling and T In The Park festivals.

Mary J Blige Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 3 July

Raised on the mean streets of the Bronx and discovered as a teenager singing karaoke in her local mall, Mary J Blige was subsequently nurtured by Puff Daddy in the days before he became P Diddy. There was no need for Mary to develop the requisite hip-hop ‘attitude’, though. It was already there, in spades - and to such an extent that it sometimes threatened to all but overshadow her music.

Still a real talent in a pool of lesser pretenders, her powerful voice demands to be heard.

This Birmingham performance comes in support of her latest album, The London Sessions.

Kaiser Chiefs Warwick Castle, Fri 10 July

This is a band that needs no introduction - particularly since lead singer Ricky Wilson became a judge on BBC One’s The Voice. Primarily inspired by new wave and punk rock music of the late 1970s and 1980s, the band have released five original studio albums, including Employment (2005) - which reached number two on the UK album chart - and Education, Education, Education & War (2014). Having kicked off 2015 supporting one of the world’s biggest rock groups, Foo Fighters, in Brazil, the band have a busy few months ahead of them. Not only do they have a string of UK and US tour dates, they’re also currently working on their sixth studio album. The Kaiser Chiefs will be joined by Professor Green and Ella Eyre for the Friday line-up of this year’s Sounds In The Grounds.

Joanne Shaw Taylor The Robin, Bilston, Sat 25 July

Brummie-born British blues rock guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor reckons she’s always had a deep voice. And by the time she was thirteen, she’d started playing the electric guitar. It’s perhaps not surprising, then, that a few years later she decided to bring together her quality vocals and musicianship and go professional. This Bilston gig sees Joanne very much returning to her roots, as she recently explained to Blues In Britain. “My father used to bring me to the Robin to see international touring bands,” recalls Joanne. “I saw everyone here - John Hammond, Andrew Junior Boy Jones and a lot of the authentic American blues touring artists. So for me that was great.”

Joanne’s appearance comes in support of latest album The Dirty Truth. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 113

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‘MOTOWN’ LEGENDS PARTY

Fri 4 Sept £32.50 also appearing on Sat 7 Nov

with Soul Legend

Fri 11 Sept £37.50

‘MAMMA MIA’ PARTY with ‘Sensation’ an ABBA tribute A special tribute to

WHITNEY HOUSTON

Fri 18 Sept £32.50

with Nya King

Sat 3 Oct £49.50

PINK BALL AT THE HALL with 80’s Experience

THAT’S LIFE ‘Take That’ & ‘Westlife’ show

Sat 17 Oct £32.50

Sat 10 Oct £35.00

DISCO DIVA PARTY with Tameka Jackson as Diana Ross

HALLOWEEN DISCO

Sat 31 Oct £27.50

with DJ Ian Rogers

Sat 14 Nov ‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN £32.50

& SOUL DIVA PARTY with The Motellas

LENNON AND McCARTNEY

Sat 21 Nov £32.50

with The Lennon and McCartney Experience

Sat 28 Nov £35.00

70’S & 80’S PARTY NIGHT with Borderline

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE FROM OUR WEBSITE

TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT

NAILCOTE LANE, BERKSWELL, WARWICKSHIRE, CV7 7DE 12 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Music PREVIEWS Badly Drawn Boy Town Hall, Birmingham, Sat 25 July

Damon Gough's debut album, The Hour Of Bewilderbeast, made it clear he was a star in the making, winning him the Mercury Music Prize in the year 2000. Twelve months later he penned the score for Hugh Grant movie About A Boy and then followed up with two more critically acclaimed albums in Have You Fed The Fish? and One Plus One Is One. He’s appearing in Birmingham to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of The Hour Of Bewilderbeast and, accompanied by his band, will be performing the album in its entirety.

Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 19 July

Beres Hammond And Bunny Wailer

Jools Holland is - somewhat unfairly, it should be said - often viewed as little more than an arch-fan, albeit one with his finger firmly on the musical pulse and committed to bringing his more intriguing and exciting finds to his audience’s attention. His well-established BBC Two TV show has long been an eclectic mixture of styles and genres, encompassing music from across the world. His own talent on the piano is immense, and his attitude towards his famed Rhythm & Blues Orchestra friendly and egalitarian. The result is a joyous celebration of music - and a sound to which you can’t help but tap your feet.

O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 18 July

Two reggae giants for the price of one is the mouthwatering deal on offer here. One-time Zap Pow lead singer Beres Hammond scored a massive hit when he released his debut solo album, Soul Reggae, way back in 1976, going on to bask in the full glare of the limelight some two decades later while contracted to Elektra Records.

Bunny Wailer, meanwhile, is one of the Jamaican music scene’s elder statesmen and a founding member of The Wailers (along with childhood friends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh). As with Beres, Bunny released his debut solo album in 1976, since which time he’s cut a further twenty-nine, bagging three coveted Grammy Awards in the process.

Neil Diamond

Defeater

Genting Arena, Birmingham, Sat 11 & Sat 18 July

The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, Wed 8 July

Neil Diamond has been pumping out the hits for over fifty years, not only for himself but also for others. Indeed, such stellar names as Elvis, The Monkees, Deep Purple, Lulu and Cliff Richard all feature on the impressive list of artists who’ve benefited from the Brooklynborn performer’s incredible songwriting skills.

Neil’s enjoyed plenty of chart success as a performer too, with Sweet Caroline, Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever In Blue Jeans and Song Sung Blue among his best-known tracks.

In short, the man’s pretty much a living legend. This concert sees him performing the ever-popular classics alongside material from his most recent album, Melody Road.

Melodic-hardcore band Defeater hail from Massachusetts and have a penchant for what they describe as ‘taking creative liberties’ with the business of crafting songs. Their tendency to do so sets them apart from many of their contemporaries - as guitarist Jay Maas explained to Alternative Press Magazine: “There's a prevalent thing in this genre where if you're not doing what hardcore bands have been doing for the last twenty-five years almost verbatim, you're ****ing up.”

The band returns to the Midlands next month to appear in Cheltenham at the 2000 Trees festival.

Gren Bartley Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 18 July

Naomi Namz Elliott The Drum, Birmingham, Sat 18 July

Having already scored a success with debut single Rainbow and follow-up offering Escape, Neo-Soul artist Naomi Namz Elliott is here launching her first EP, Gold Rush.

Naomi’s been attracting plenty of attention in recent months - so much so, in fact, that The Drum is promising an evening that’ll not only be ‘unforgettable’ but also ‘the start of something big’.

“I just enjoy playing,” expert fingerstyle guitarist Gren Bartley recently told pennyblackmusic.co.uk, in explaining why he favours a challenging touring schedule. “It’s always nice to play in front of a large audience, but it’s not a problem if only a few punters turn up. My passion is writing, striving for the song which works.”

Gren performs at Artrix in support of recently released album Magnificent Creatures.

Camel Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 23 July

When seminal Canterbury rock band Camel first banged out a tune, Edward Heath was prime minister and the UK was getting to grips with decimalisation (we’re talking 1971 here). Long in the tooth and certainly not short on quality, they continue to serve up their trademark blend of progressive, symphonic and space rock, albeit with only guitarist/vocalist Andy Latimer remaining from the original line-up. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 13

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Music PREVIEWS

Music LISTINGS

FLEETWOOD MAC Genting Arena, B’ham

Forest Live

For full listing information on gigs, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

GOSPEL CENTRAL The Jam House, B’ham BIOHAZARD The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton AREA 11 O2 Academy, Birmingham PASADENA ROOF ORCHESTRA Palace Theatre, Redditch DEFEATER & NAPOLEON The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham THE ADVENTURES OF NELLIE BLY Lichfield Garrick

Cannock Chase, Staffordshire, Delamere Forest, Cheshire & Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire

The Forestry Commission’s Forest Live events may not be as well established as an old oak tree but they’ve certainly got some history behind them, having first taken place in 2001. The gigs are held in seven stunning forest locations across the country, a fact that guarantees a unique and memorable atmosphere. And although it wouldn’t be entirely accurate to coin a well-known phrase and say that you can’t see the wood for the, er, international artists, it’s certainly reasonable to say that the concerts have seen their fair share of ‘stars’ landing amid the flora and fauna. Previous ‘forest dwellers’ have included Status Quo, Blondie, Travis, Will Young, Elvis Costello and... well, way too many more A and B-list performers to mention.

In short, it’s an event offering great music, a unique atmosphere and the chance to spot the occasional woodland creature. Outdoor summertime concerts surely don’t get much better than that.

WED 1 JUL THE THREE DEGREES The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury WORCESTERSHIRE YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA Artrix, Bromsgrove BLACK GRAPE FEAT SHAUN RYDER The Assembly, Leamington Spa KATHRYN WILLIAMS Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham MIDNIGHT BONFIRES PLUS THE SHERPAS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham JULIE DEXTER The Jam House, Birmingham HIDDEN CHARMS The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham BURT BACHARACH LIVE IN CONCERT WITH FULL ORCHESTRA Symphony Hall, Birmingham

THU 2 JUL

Robert Plant And The Sensational Space Shifters Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Glos, Fri 10 July; Cannock Chase Forest, Rugeley, Staffs, Sat 11 July

Black Country boy and former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant is here joined on stage by his band, The Sensational Space Shifters. Every bit as comfortable performing as he is recording, the legendary sixtysix-year-old still knows how to leave audiences speechless with his impressive stage swagger, and scored a big hit last year with his album, Lullaby And... The Ceaseless Roar. Expect tracks from the album as well as other solo material and new interpretations of Zeppelin classics.

Tom Odell Delamere Forest, Cheshire, Sat 4 July; Cannock Chase Forest, Rugeley, Staffs, Sat 12 July

As with numerous other Forest Live performers, Tom Odell will probably have learned how to live off berries and know all the best places to hibernate for winter by the end of this month - the 2013 BRIT Award-winner is performing at not one, not two, but all seven of the Forestry Commission’s hugely popular woodland events! Shooting to fame with album The Long Way Down and stand-out single Another Love, Tom followed up his BRIT Awards Critics’ Choice gong in 2013 with the 2014 Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter Of The Year. His cover of The Beatles' Real Love was used as the audio track to last year’s hugely popular John Lewis Christmas advert.’.

14 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

FRANKIE VALLI AND THE FOUR SEASONS Genting Arena, Birmingham THE THREE DEGREES The Jam House, B’ham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Artrix, Bromsgrove SHAKATAK The Robin, Bilston WHERE I'M BOUND PLUS SEXTAPES & THIS MEMORY The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

FRI 3 JUL THE BEAT BROTHERS The Jam House, B’ham SHOWADDYWADDY Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent MARY J. BLIGE Barclaycard Arena, B’ham JIVE TALKIN' PERFORM THE BEE GEES The Swan Theatre, Worcester GOLDIE LOOKIN CHAIN The Institute, B’ham PAUL CARRACK The Robin, Bilston BANCO DE GAIA PLUS MANMADEMAN, DR TRIPPY & TIMOTHY ELLIS The Assembly, Leamington Spa 360 AND FRIENDS Hare & Hounds, Birmingham SLOW CLUB & EKKAH The Institute, Birmingham FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, Birmingham THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY Malvern Theatres HELLBOUND HEARTS The Marr's Bar, Worcester KATY ROSE BENNETT Ort Cafe, Birmingham THE WALL OF FLOYD Pink Floyd tribute, Palace Theatre, Redditch THE HAIR ROCK EXPERIENCE The Roadhouse, Birmingham PURIFY THE HORROR, ABSOLUTION, ASCARIS & BEAUTICIAN Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

ART THEMEN QUARTET (Birmimgham International Jazz Festival), The Barber Institute, Birmingham LUNCHTIME GUITAR CONCERT FEATURING FRANCES GRIFFIN & LEO TURNER Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

SAT 4 JUL THE BEAT BROTHERS The Jam House, B’ham KICK UP THE 80'S The Robin, Bilston FLEETWOOD MAC Genting Arena, B’ham WAKENIING THE HOLLOW, LET VENGANCE RISE, SILENT JACK & WHOA MAMA Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham TOM ODELL Delamere Forest, Cheshire THE STONES The Roadhouse, Birmingham BRIEFCASE BLUES SOUL BROTHERS Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire RESPUBLICA, RED LIGHT ROOM, HARMFOOL, TIDES APART & SEASONS O2 Academy, Birmingham REVOLVER, BELLA DIEM, LOOCA & HOPE STREET The Flapper, B’ham THE HURLING BOYS Irish Centre, Birmingham REBEL REBEL DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE The Marr's Bar, Worcester HECTOR COUTO, CUARTERO & DETLEF The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham TELSEN, SEMANTICS, TINNED ASTRONAUT & PRETENCE The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham SEA OF BEES The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham

SUN 5 JUL MODEST MOUSE The Institute, Birmingham ROD AND THE FACEZ The Roadhouse, B’ham THE NIC’S, BEAR MAKES NINJA, A BORN DISASTER Scruffy Murphys, B’ham BRIC-A-BRAC The Marr's Bar, Worcester LEON BRIDGES The Institute, Birmingham THE WONDER STUFF & THE TWANG Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton SHILLELAGH Irish Centre, Birmingham HANNAH ALDRIDGE Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham

TUE 7 JUL KARYN WHITE The Jam House, Birmingham CURTIS ELLER'S AMERICAN CIRCUS Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham ELIZA CARTHY AND THE WAYWARD BAND Lichfield Cathedral JON BODEN & SACCONI QUARTET Lichfield Cathedral

WED 8 JUL

THU 9 JUL BOOKENDS - TRIBUTE TO SIMON & GARFUNKEL The Robin, Bilston BETTE MIDLER Barclaycard Arena, B’ham CHEMICAL MOJO, ANGER RISING & WHOA MAMA The Flapper, B’ham THE OLI BROWN BAND The Assembly, Leamington Spa KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS The Jam House, Birmingham CHERYL, MIKE & JAY FORMERLY OF BUCKS FIZZ Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa

FRI 10 JUL PALOMA FAITH Cannock Chase Forest THE SUBTERRANEANS The Jam House, B’ham WE SAY YEAH Bedworth Civic Hall, Warwickshire ROBERT PLANT PRESENTS SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW AND THE LOW RIDERS Solihull Arts Complex THE COUNTERFEIT SIXTIES Evesham Arts Centre THE FRIDAY FOLK CONCERT Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Bromsgrove THE NEXTMEN Hare & Hounds, Birmingham CASH - JOHNNY CASH TRIBUTE The Roadhouse, Birmingham CHOIR WITH NO NAME BIRMINGHAM'S SUMMER SPECTACULAR mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham BOYS MAKE NOISE Artrix, Bromsgrove CHRONIXX & ZINCFENCE REDEMPTION WITH SPECIAL GUEST DRE ISLAND The Institute, B’ham CANNIBAL OX The Rainbow Venues, B’ham MILESTONE EXPRESS Irish Centre, B’ham AC/DC UK Malvern Theatres, Worcester MARY HINGE The Marr's Bar, Worcester BLAKE Palace Theatre, Redditch WEST COAST EAGLES, DEE D & THE JAMES GANG The River Rooms, Stourbridge THE SUPERSKAS The Robin, Bilston PADRAIG LALOR WITH HENRY MARTEN'S GHOST The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry

STRANGER IN DEATH, EVIL EMPIRE, RISING STRUGGLE & TOMB HAZARD Scruffy Murphys, B’ham SARAH LENKA (Birmingham International Jazz Festival), The Barber Institute, Birmingham

SAT 11 JUL NEIL DIAMOND Genting Arena, Birmingham THE JOHNNY CASH ROADSHOW Malvern Theatres, Worcester GUNS VS ROSES The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton ROBERT PLANT PRESENTS SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS Cannock Chase Forest THE FLOYD EFFECT Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa STIPE - R.E.M TRIBUTE The Roadhouse, Birmingham SHALAMAR FEATURING HOWARD HEWETT, JEFFREY DANIEL AND CAROLYN GRIFFEY The Robin, Bilston SPANDAU BALLET Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury BRENDON MANDERS, PIERRE & MERKAGE O2 Academy, Birmingham CLAY The Oobleck, Birmingham JUNGLE TING FEATURING BLADERUNNER, COOL HAND FLEX, TIM RYAN, CAUTIOUS, MC RANSKI, MARGA MC AND MC PM The Oobleck, B’ham GUY ORNADEL Hare & Hounds, Birmingham THE LEWIS BOULTON TRIO Huntingdon Hall, Worcester STAR OF THE SEA Irish Centre, BirminghamLOUISE PETIT Ort Cafe, Birmingham THE MAD GEESE, HISTORY OF SEX & BLANK PARODY The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham THE SATURDAY FOLK CONCERT Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, Bromsgrove THE LEWIS BOULTON TRIO The Swan Theatre, Worcester

SUN 12 JUL TOM ODELL Cannock Chase Forest BROLLY & FRIENDS 2015 IRISH CHARITY NIGHT Symphony Hall, Birmingham RIVAL STATE The Rainbow Venues, B’ham ROCK OF AGES EXPERIENCE The Robin, Bilston MCBUSTED Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury IRENE & TOM Irish Centre, Birmingham JOE SMITH AND THE HOLY ROLLERS Ort Cafe, Birmingham

MON 13 JUL CHRIS BARRON (SPIN DOCTORS) AND LACH (BBC RADIO 4'S THE LACH CHRONICLES) The Robin, Bilston ANVIL O2 Academy, Birmingham

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TUE 14 JUL ALL THINGS CONSIDERED & CIRCLE ON THE ROAD Crescent Theatre, Birmingham AFFIEJAM AND DAVID FREJA Symphony Hall, Birmingham BLOOD YOUTH, TRASH BOAT, BLACK ART, BLACK TIE & THE ROMANCE The Marr's Bar, Worcester

WED 15 JUL KEITH JAMES The Garden Kitchen Cafe, Birmingham MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER Birmingham Town Hall

THU 16 JUL ASWAD The Jam House, Birmingham AUSTINN The Asylum, Birmingham YOU KNOW THE DRILL, ELESSAR & ELEMENTS The Marr's Bar, Worcester SOLEY MOURNING The Robin, Bilston

FRI 17 JUL FRED ZEPPELIN The Robin, Bilston URBAN INTRO The Jam House, Birmingham MONEY FOR NOTHING (DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE) Artrix, Bromsgrove SCROOBIUS PIP (DJ SET) & ALTERNATIVE DUBSTEP ORCHESTRA Hare & Hounds, Birmingham LUNA AND THE MOONHOUNDS Kasbah, Coventry DICK GAUGHAN The Swan Theatre, Worcester STRANGER IN DEATH, EVIL EMPIRE, RISING STRUGGLE & TOMB HAZARD Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham THE SMYTHS The River Rooms, Stourbridge

SAT 18 JUL URBAN INTRO The Jam House, Birmingham JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO DAVID BOWIE The Robin, Bilston NEIL DIAMOND Genting Arena, Birmingham JAKE QUICKENDEN O2 Academy, Birmingham GREN BARTLEY Artrix, Bromsgrove GEHTIKA The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton BERES HAMMOND & BUNNY WAILER O2 Academy, Birmingham NAOMI NAMZ ELLIOTT The Drum, Birmingham UNDER THE COVERS Irish Centre, Birmingham THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC Ultimate tribute to ABBA and the Bee Gees, Malvern Theatres GREEN HAZE The Marr's Bar, Worcester JAMES BROUGH, ROBINPLAYSCHORDS & LEGENDS OF THE WHITNASH STATE CIRCUS Ort Cafe, Birmingham FINLEY QUAYE Alfie Bird’s, Birmingham

BEST FRIENDS The Sunflower Lounge, B’ham WITCHSORROW, RELENTLESS, GEVAUDAN & PELUGION Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

SUN 19 JUL LEE MEAD Bedworth Civic Hall, Warwickshire JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry MORPHEUS RISING + HION MAIDEN The Robin, Bilston JUST FLOYD The Robin, Bilston FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, Birmingham RENAI

MON 20 JUL

NICOLAS MCDONALD The Institute, Birmingham SIMPLY SOWETO Old Joint Stock, B’ham BLACK COUNTRY DAY LIVE MUSIC BASH WITH THE EMPTY CAN, CROOKED HOUSE & MANY MORE The Robin, Bilston MY FAVOURITE RUNNER UP, DEBUNK & PACIFIC VIEW The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

TUE 21 JUL THREE STEP MANOEUVRE The Jam House, Birmingham

WED 22 JUL LIL' JIMMY REED BAND The Robin, Bilston BARS & MELDOY The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham LAETITIA SADIER The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry SIMPLY SOWETO ENCHA Old Joint Stock, B’ham MIKE DIGNAM The Rainbow Venues, B’ham

THU 23 JUL THE FOUNDATIONS The Jam House, B’ham THE RHYTHM CLUB Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Pershore, Worcester (to 25th) ROCK AGAINST THE IDLE RICH Featuring Dispute Settlement Mechanism, Pravad Cabal & Huffy, The Vincent Vaga Band, Die Wrecked The Assembly, Leamington Spa CAMEL Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton FELL OUT BOY The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton THE FELICE BROTHERS & PIERCE BROTHERS The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham CURTIS ELLER'S AMERICAN CIRCUS The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry BARBARA DICKSON WITH NICK HOLLAND Stratford Artshouse, Stratfordupon-Avon

FRI 24 JUL ABBA THE SHOW Solihull

Arts Complex UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE The Jam House, Birmingham THE DRIFTERS Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton THE TREMBLING WILBURYS The Roadhouse, Birmingham THE STRAWBS The Robin, Bilston FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, Birmingham KATE DOUBLEDAY Ort Cafe, Birmingham ADAM BEYER & IDA ENBERG The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham EVANS THE DEATH The Tin Music And Arts, Coventry FRONTIER RUCKUS The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham SORANO SANTOS Jazzline free gig, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

SAT 25 JUL UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE The Jam House, Birmingham TAKE@THAT Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, Warwickshire OYE SANTANA The Roadhouse, Birmingham DESPERADO - THE VERY BEST OF THE EAGLES Artrix, Bromsgrove WHOLE LOTTA LED The Swan Theatre, Worcester THE PROCLAIMERS Malvern Theatres, Worcester BLOOD YOUTH & TRASH BOAT The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR & VIRGIL & THE ACCELERATORS The Robin, Bilston SLAUGHTER HORSE, VEXXEN, INTHROES, SECRETS OF MARIANA & SAMSARA O2 Academy, Birmingham OFF THE CUFF FEATURING DINOSAUR PILE-UP, &U&I, TANGLED HAIR, THEM WOLVES, TIGERCLUB, FRAUDS, SUNSHINE FRISBEE LASERBEAM, THE BROKEN OAK DUET, CONSTANT WAVES, LUDOVICO & FALLS The Flapper, Birmingham WILD IRISH Irish Centre, Birmingham STONE COLD KILLERS & CLOCKWORK RIFLE The Marr's Bar, Worcester INSTITUTES, BREEZE, BLOOM, BLOODSUGAR & MIDNIGHT CONVOY The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham BADLY DRAWN BOY Birmingham Town Hall

SUN 26 JUL THE PAPERBOYS Artrix, Bromsgrove THE SPRINGSTEEN SESSIONS - BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE The Robin, Bilston HUM KALAAM mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham THE BUS STATION, LOONIES, HUSBANDS N KNIVES & MORE The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham BLAKE & BRAZIL Irish

Mary Chapin Carpenter - Birmingham Town Hall

Centre, Birmingham

MON 27 JUL SOULFLY O2 Academy, Birmingham

TUE 28 JUL THE SONICS The Institute, Birmingham BLITZ KIDS The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham

WED 29 JUL THE PRETTY THINGS PEEPSHOW The Robin, Bilston THE AMERICAN STANDARD TOUR featuring The

Fender All-Star Band The Flapper, B’ham BROTHERS GROOVE The Jam House, B’ham

THU 30 JUL GUNS 2 ROSES The Robin, Bilston DEL CAMINO The Jam House, Birmingham THE ELO EXPERIENCE Malvern Theatres

FRI 31 JUL SUPREME QUEEN The Robin, Bilston GROUPER The Jam House, Birmingham

MOTOWN'S GREATEST HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham SOLSTAFIR The Institute, Birmingham THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS BAND The Marr's Bar, Worcester ROB BARRON TRIO Jazzline free gig, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ARTISAN Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury BEACH BABY The Rainbow Venues, B’ham THE FIVE HUNDRED, PELUGION, SOMA DARK & RUSTLUNG Scruffy Murphys, Birmingham

Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands Birmingham

Black Country

Staffordshire

02 ACADEMY 0121 622 8250 THE ACTRESS & BISHOP 0121 236 7426 ADRIAN BOULT HALL 0121 331 5901 THE ASYLUM 0121 233 1109 BARCLAYCARD ARENA 0121 780 4141 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0121 780 3333 CBSO CENTRE 0121 780 3333 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 GENTING ARENA 0121 780 4141 THE GLEE CLUB 0871 472 0400 HARE & HOUNDS 0121 444 2081 THE INSTITUTE 0121 643 0428 IRISH CENTRE 0121 622 2314 THE JAM HOUSE 0121 200 3030 THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE 0121 443 4725 THE RAINBOW 0121 772 8174 RED LION FOLK CLUB 0121472 4253 THE ROADHOUSE 0121 246 2273 ROUTE 44 0121 708 0108 SYMPHONY HALL 0121 780 3333 THE VICTORIA 0121 633 943

CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 815577 FOREST ARTS CENTRE 0845 111 2898 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01902 572090 ROBIN 2, BILSTON 01902 401211 SLADE ROOMS WOLVERHAMPTON

FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK 01538 386112 LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 01543 262223 THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY STOKE-ON-TRENT 01159 454 593 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS 01827 709618 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY 0870 060 6649

0870 320 7000

STAFFORD GATEHOUSE

STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL 01384 812812 WULFRUN HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON

Warwickshire

01785 254653

0870 320 7000

THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 01926 311311

Shropshire

THE KASBAH, COVENTRY 024 7655 4473

BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 01952 882210 THE BUTTERMARKET, SHREWSBURY 01743 355055 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, MUCH WENLOCK 01952 728911 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE SHREWSBURY 01743 361666 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 01743 234970 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS 01584 878141 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD 01952 382382 WEM TOWN HALL 01939 232299

NAILCOTE HALL, BERKSWELL 02476 46 6174 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL 01789 207100 THE TIN MUSIC & ARTS, COVENTRY 0247 655 9958

Worcestershire ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN THEATRE 01905 611427 MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER 01905 613336 THE RIVER ROOMS, STOURBRIDGE 01384 397177 For additional information and to find out What’s On at these venues.

Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

For full music listings in the West Midlands, visit. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15

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Classical Music PREVIEWS

Phoenix Singers Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, Sat 11 July

Comprising over one hundred-and-twenty members, Birmingham choir the Phoenix Singers perform for pleasure while at the same time raising money for charity.

Their latest concert, presented in aid of Alzheimer’s UK, features Fauré’s Requiem, numerous much-loved choral pieces including Zadok The Priest - and a selection of popular songs from the shows.

Stratford Symphony Orchestra Stratford Artshouse, Sun 12 July

Founded fifty years ago, the Stratfordupon-Avon Symphony Orchestra present programmes of tuneful music from the seventeenth through to the twentieth century.

Their programme for this summer concert comprises Elgar’s Froissart Overture, Glazunov’s Scenes de Ballet and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 3.

The concert is the culmination of a study weekend with a visiting professional.

Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 5 July

Richard Farnes here conducts the orchestra and chorus of Opera North as they present what’s been described as ‘the ultimate Romantic opera’. Sung in German with English surtitles, Wagner’s much-lauded work features a phantom ship, a satanic curse and ‘a love more powerful than death itself’. It’s also the piece with which the composer attempted to escape the poverty into which he’d fallen in his mid-twenties. The initial critical response to the opera was mixed, and Wagner failed to find the will to speak up for his creation. “I was in sufficiently ill humour to remain silent and leave The Flying Dutchman undefended,” said the composer several years later. Note that this concert is being presented without an interval.

Carducci Quartet Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 4 July

Performing more than ninety international concerts each year, Carducci is regarded as one of the most successful string quartets in the business. The Washington Post described their playing in a recent concert as displaying 'a deep and almost familial sense of unity... full of life and vitality... extravagantly beautiful...'

Featuring Matthew Denton and Michael Fleming on violins, Eoin Schmidt-Martin on viola and Emma Denton on cello, the quartet this month return to the region to perform as part of Symphony Hall’s Musical Picnic.

Michael Seal

Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By Candlelight Lichfield Cathedral, Thurs 9 July

Jeffrey Skidmore once again takes the baton to conduct Birmingham’s highly rated early music ensemble, this time in a concert which promises to transport the audience to ‘an enchanted world’.

The programme, presented by candlelight as dusk falls, moves seamlessly from seasonal favourites to ‘rare, rediscovered, contemporary and lighter repertoire, sprinkled with carefully chosen readings from across the ages’.

The concert also features the world premiere of a piece by Lichfield Festival’s composer-in-residence, David Matthews.

His new work has been inspired by the dawn chorus.

Sinfonia Of Birmingham St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove, Sat 11 July

Leading West Midlands chamber orchestra the Sinfonia of Birmingham has garnered an impressive reputation as a purveyor of what it refers to as ‘high-quality music for the community, from the community’.

This latest concert sees the orchestra presenting work by three legendary composers: Haydn's Symphony No. 101 in D major (known as The Clock because of the second movement’s 'ticking' rhythm); Dvořák's Violin Concerto, performed by the talented Jacqueline Martens, the West Midlands Young Musician of the Year 2008; and Mozart's ever-youthful Symphony No. 39. Michael Seal conducts.

16 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Jeffrey Skidmore

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Classical LISTINGS For full listing information on classical concerts, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ENO LIVE SCREENING: CARMEN ENO’s staging of Bizet’s passionate opera, Wed 1 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham & Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry MUSIC AT LUNCHTIME: TAKING A BOW WITH MICHAEL SEAL Wed 1 July, Guesten Hall, Avoncroft, Bromsgrove BURT BACHARACH LIVE IN CONCERT WITH FULL ORCHESTRA Wed 1 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO SCHOOLS CONCERT: BITE-SIZE CLASSICS Programme includes works

by Britten, Elgar, Mozart & Holst, Thurs 2 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS: THE ELLA FITZGERALD SONGBOOK Fri 3 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE MAGIC FLUTE A Lichfield Festival production of one of Mozart's bestloved operas, Fri 3 July, Lichfield Cathedral JONATHAN MCGOVERN, SONGS OF THE NIGHT Baritone Jonathan is joined by pianist James Baillieu. Programme includes works by Britten, Schubert & Tchaikovsky, Sat 4 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield CARDUCCI QUARTET Sat 4 July, Symphony Hall Cafe Bar, Birmingham GWILYM SIMCOCK with Wolfgang Muthspiel & Julian Arguelles, Sat 4 July, Lichfield Cathedral JULIAN LLOYD-WEBBER The renowned cellist is here joined by his wife Jiaxin for a programme featuring works by Faure, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rachmaninov, William Lloyd Webber, Philip Glass, Frank Bridge & JS Bach, Sat 4 July, Lichfield Cathedral

REDDITCH ORCHESTRA INDEPENDENCE DAY CONCERT Featuring Alex Webb (conductor) & Sue Beardsmore (compere). Programme includes works by Gershwin, Sousa & Copland, Sat 4 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove WAGNER'S THE FLYING DUTCHMAN Sun 5 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DANIEL PIORO (VIOLIN) Young Artist Recital, Mon 6 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield MICHAEL MORPURGO: THE MOZART QUESTION CONCERT Featuring Daniel Pioro on violin, Mon 6 July, Lichfield Garrick SEPTURA BRASS Programme includes works

by Brahms, Handel, Lassus and more...

Mon 6 July, Lichfield Cathedral LONDON KLEZMER QUARTET Featuring a programme of soulful Jewish music, Mon 6 July, Garrick Theatre, Birmingham SOH-YON KIM (VIOLIN) Young Artist Recital, Tues 7 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC FOR YOUTH Fiveday celebration of music-making, bringing together eight thousand performers from across the UK, Tues 7 - Sat 11 July, Birmingham Conservatoire MICHAEL PETROV Rising star Michael here performs works by Schubert, Sacher, Dutilleax and Schumann, with accompaniment from pianist Alexander Ullman, Wed 8 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield MUSIC AT LUNCHTIME: ALASTAIR MOSELEY & THE VIRR STRING QUARTET Programme includes works by

The Sacconi Quartet - Lichfield Garrick

Brahms & Finzi, Wed 8 July, New Guesten Hall, Avoncroft, Bromsgrove THE SACCONI QUARTET Celebrating the one hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the births of Sibelius and Nielsen, the Sacconi Quartet here perform their stunning Scandinavian repertoire, Wed 8 July, Swinfen Hall Hotel, Lichfield CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Lahav Shani (conductor) & Jennifer Pike (violin), Wed 8 July, Lichfield Cathedral AMY HARMAN (BASSOON) Principal Basoonist of the Philharmonic Orchestra, Amy here performs in the programme of Young Artist Recital Concerts, Thurs 9 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield AFTERNOON RECITAL WITH THE SACCONI QUARTET Programme includes works by Mozart, David Matthews and Beethoven, Thurs 9 July, St Michael's Church, Lichfield EX CATHEDRA SUMMER MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT Conducted by Jeffery Skidmore, Thurs 9 July, Lichfield Cathedral CHATHAMS SCHOOL Part of the Young Artist Series, four talented students from Chathams School present a diverse recital programme, Fri 10 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield THE SACCONI QUARTET: HEARTFELT A Sacconi Quartet digital production with sound, light and touch, combining an immersive, interactive musical performance with robotics and audience-responsive lighting, Fri 10 July, Lichfield Garrick BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY Programme includes works

by Mendelssohn & Puccini, Sat 11 July, Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, Birmingham YUANFAN YANG Young Artist Recital. Programme includes works

by David Matthews, Schumann, Chopin & Yuafan Yang, Sat 11 July, Wade Street Church, Lichfield ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT Programme includes Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & Telemann’s Violin Concerto ‘The Frogs’, Sat 11 July, Lichfield Cathedral SINFONIA OF BIRMINGHAM Programme includes works by Haydn, Dvorak & Mozart. Michael Seal conducts, Sat 11 July, St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove PHOENIX SINGERS Programme includes Faure’s Requiem & other choral favourites.

Mirga Grazinte-Tyla - Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Charity concert in aid of Alzheimer’s UK, Sat 11 July, Bramall Music Building, Birmingham STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Philip Meaden (Guest Conductor) & Diane Lucas (leader). Programme includes works

by Elgar, Glazunov & Dvorak, Sun 12 July, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon MUSIC AT LUNCHTIME: POOR WAND’RING ONES LIGHT OPERA FAVOURITES Featuring Bella Harris (soprano), Joanna Goldspink (mezzo), Tom Dalton-Cheetham (tenor) & Ben CuffinMunday (baritone),

Wed 15 July, New Guesten Hall, Avoncroft, Bromsgrove REBECCA NEWMAN Thurs 16 July, Lichfield Garrick JONATHAN KINGSTON PLAYS THE POULENC ORGAN CONCERTO Programme includes works

by Grieg, Poulenc & Richard Strauss, Sat 18 July, St John’s Church, Bromsgrove ST JOHN’S MUSICFEST 2015 Featuring the Orchestra of St John and Richard Jenkinson, Principal Cellist with the CBSO, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove GALA CONCERT: A BEETHOVEN CELEBRATION

Part of Bromsgrove Festival, Sun 19 July, St John’s Church, Bromsgrove CBSO SUMMER CONCERT Featuring Mirga Grazinte-Tyla (conductor).

Programme includes Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty; Barber’s Knoxville Summer Of 1915 & Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, Thurs 23 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA ACADEMY Programme includes works by Magnus Lindberg, Strauss & Brahms, Sun 26 July, Birmingham Town Hall

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Comedy Patrick Monahan

Comedy Box Office

mac, Birmingham, Thurs 30 July

Half-Iranian, half-Irish stand-up comic Patrick Monahan is no slouch when it comes to bringing up the subject of his own ethnicity on stage.

After all, he’s got a quality gag about spending all his holidays in customs, and he’s determined to use it!

“Iran has been in the news pretty much constantly since I was a kid,” says Patrick. “I guess I like to think that maybe I’m breaking down stereotypes about Iranians. I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve come up to me after a show and said that they didn’t expect Iranians to be funny.”

Jojo Smith Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Fri 17 - Sat 18 July

Blunt and aggressive material is one-time journalist Jojo Smith's stock-in-trade, with one reviewer having described her shows as 'an unrelenting stream of course filth'.

If that kind of humour happens to be your bag, then JoJo's the lady for you. Reviews have seen her described as 'a manic force', 'a rollicking good standup' and ‘the most dangerous woman in Britain'... Quietly falling asleep behind your beer at one of her gigs clearly isn't going to be an option.

Photo: Andy Hollingworth

Tom Deacon Old Joint Stock Pub, Birmingham, Mon 6 July; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Thurs 30 - Fri 31 July

Tom Deacon, wrote The Times, is a man ‘with looks, confidence, charm and great material.

Expect other comics to lynch him’.

A winner of the coveted Chortle Student Comedian Award, Tom was chosen by BBC Switch in 2008 to host daily entertainment show 5:19. Two years later he bagged his own Radio One Sunday night slot. When it comes to groundbreaking comedy, Tom’s isn’t a name you’d immediately mention. On the plus side, though, he’s a comic who knows absolutely the profile of his target audience - and also how to get them laughing...

18 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Adam Rowe Manford’s Comdey Club, Birmingham, Sat 25 July

Adam Rowe well remembers the day he died in Stockport (on stage, of course).”It was the day I got my A-Level results in 2010,” recalled the twenty-two-year-old Liverpudlian in a recent interview with The Skinny, “and I realised I wasn't going to university for another year. I decided to rant about my day and not do my material. I died on my arse and got gonged off. Awful.”

Fortunately for Adam, most of his gigs bear no resemblance to that one. Blending an affable persona with a quick wit and material that’s seen him likened to Jason Manford, he’s widely considered to be one of the most promising new acts on the UK comedy circuit.

Luisa Omielan The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 10 & Thurs 16 July

Luisa Omielan is likely to be a better-known name any day soon. She’s currently gaining plenty of media attention on account of the fact that she undresses on stage in her new show, Am I Right Ladies?!.

And let’s be honest - nothing garners publicity quite like a ‘striptease’.

“The audience very quickly forget I’m performing in a bra and Spanx and it becomes about the jokes,” observes Luisa in an article she recently penned for The Guardian. “We strip away all pretence surrounding body issues and get down to the bare facts. I love that I am a woman and I can get semi-naked to prove a point and then get on with being funny.”

ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 212 2643 THE COURTYARD, HEREFORD 01432 340555 THE DARK HORSE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 689 4372 THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM 0121 333 2444 EVESHAM ARTS CENTRE, WORCESTERSHIRE 01386 446944 THE GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 0871 4720400 JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 08700 111 960 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 MALVERN THEATRES, WORCESTERSHIRE 01684 892 277 MANFORD’S COMEDY CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 0121 643 9132 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM 0121 200 1892 ROSE VILLA TAVERN 0121 236 7910 SHOWCASE, COVENTRY 0871 220 1000 STATION PUB, SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 362 4961 SYMPHONY HALL, BIRMINGHAM 0121 345 0600

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Comedy LISTINGS For full listing information on comedy gigs including times and dates visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk LUCY PORTER & HAL CRUTTENDEN Thurs 2 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham PHIL WANG, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 2 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROGER D, MR CEE FEATURING JAMALI MADDIX Fri 3 July, The Drum, Birmingham MIKE WILKINSON, CHRISTIAN REILLY, WILL MARS & ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN Fri 3 - Sat 4 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham ALEX BOARDMAN, JAVIER JARQUIN, ANDREW RYAN & COMIC TBC Fri 3 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham JIMMY CARR Sat 4 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham NICK REVELL, FREDDY QUINNE, VINCE ATTA & PAUL MCMULLAN Sat 4 July, Coventry Showcase ALEX BOARDMAN, JAVIER JARQUIN, ANDREW RYAN & MARK SIMMONS Sat 4 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROUGH WORKS - NEW MATERIAL NIGHT Sun 5 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham TOM DEACON Mon 6 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham PHIL NICHOL & STELLA GRAHAM Tues 7 July, The Dark Horse Pub, Birmingham JEN BRISTER, MANDY MUDEN, HANNAH SYLVESTER & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 8 July, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham TOM STADE & MICK

FERRY Thurs 9 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham NICK DOODY & ANDREW WATTS Thurs 9 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham LUISA OMIELAN Fri 10 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham TOM STADE, JAMES DOWDESWELL, EDDY BRIMSON & ALLYSON SMITH Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, ERIC LAMPAERT, SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD & NICK DOODY Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham LOUDEEMY SOUP COMEDY NIGHT Mon 13 July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham GEIN'S FAMILY GIFT SHOP, MICHAEL J DOLAN & HARRIET DYER Tues 14 July, Rose Villa Tavern, Birmingham ALFIE MOORE & GAVIN WEBSTER Thurs 16 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham LUISA OMIELAN Thurs 16 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham CHRIS TURNER Thurs 16 July, Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ROB DEERING & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 16 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham STEVE HALL, GLENN MOORE & STEVE BUGEJA Fri 17 July, The Courtyard, Hereford ALFIE MOORE & CHRIS MARTIN Fri 17 July, Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire JOJO SMITH, BENNY BOOT, NICK PAGE & NICK WILTY Fri 17 - Sat 18 July, Jongleurs

Jarred Christmas - The Glee Club, Birmingham

Comedy Club, Birmingham TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ROB DEERING, JOSH HOWIE & BOBBY MAIR Fri 17 - Sat 18 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham ALFIE MOORE, GARETH BERLINER, WES ZAHURUK & PAUL T EYRES Sat 18 July, Coventry Showcase KEN DODD Sun 19 July, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 20 July, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham JUSTIN MOORHOUSE & MICK FERRY Thurs 23 July, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield STEPHEN CARLIN & GEORGE EGG Thurs 23 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham PAUL TONKINSON, JARRED CHRISTMAS & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 23 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham ANDREW RYAN & OMAR HAMDI Fri 24 July, Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire ED BYRNE Fri 24 July, Station Pub, Sutton Coldfield PAUL TONKINSON, JARRED CHRISTMAS, LAURA LEXX & PAUL F TAYLOR Fri 24 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD & KAI HUMPHRIES, PETE JOHANSSON & PHIL WALKER Fri 24 - Sat 25 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham MARK OLVER, ADAM ROWE & COMIC TBC Sat 25 July, Manford’s Comedy Club, Birmingham JARRED CHRISTMAS, LAURA LEXX, PAUL F TAYLOR & COMIC TBC Sat 25 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham SCOTT BENNETT, STEPHEN BAILEY, TOM BINNS & JOE BOR Sat 25 July, Coventry Showcase KEVIN DAY & PATRICK MORRIS Sat 25 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS Sun 26 July, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham PATRICK MONAHAN & JONNY AWSUM Thurs 30 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham ALUN COCHRAND & HAL CRUTTENDEN Thurs 30 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham PETER BRUSH, JONNY AWSUM, MICKEY D & ERICH MCELROY Fri 31 July, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham TOM DEACON, ANDY ASKINS, STEVE BUGEJA & SIMON BLIGH Fri 31 July, The Glee Club, Birmingham

Comedy PREVIEW

Alfie Moore mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 16 July; Evesham Arts Centre, Fri 17 July

Staunch Sheffield socialist Alfie Moore is a master raconteur and a very funny man. He was also a serving police officer in Humberside for eighteen years. Indeed, referencing his two careers, his website advises that ‘if you would like to see Alfie live’, your options are either to ‘catch him at one of his gigs’ or ‘drive to Scunthorpe and park on a double yellow line’. Alfie made it to week five of ITV’s Show Me The Funny back in 2011, and is a much-in-demand after-dinner speaker.

Jokes include: "I'm in a same-sex marriage... the sex is always the same."

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Theatre

Barnum

Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 July - Sat 1 August

This Cameron Mackintosh and Chichester Festival Theatre revival has done great business since debuting in 2013. And for long-in-the-tooth theatre-goers it will recall pleasant memories of thirty-plus years ago, when the show was the talk of the town.

Telling the story of ‘America's Greatest Showman’, Phineas T Barnum, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1980, with one-time

Carry On cast member Jim Dale taking the title role.

The West End version opened the following year, and established Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em star Michael Crawford as one of the UK’s brightest theatrical talents. Featuring hit numbers Come Follow The Band, The Colours Of My Life and There Is A Sucker Born Ev'ry Minute, this touring production stars Midlands favourite Brian Conley.

Volpone The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 3 July - Sat 12 September

Henry Goodman here takes the title role in one of the greatest of all Jacobean plays - a stylish example of playwright Ben Johnson at his very best.

Although Volpone seems to be on his last legs, he is, in truth, setting a trap for those about him who covet his fortune - not least among whom is his ‘faithful’ manservant, Mosca...

Former RSC Artistic Director Trevor Nunn returns to Stratford to helm this centuries-old satire, which ably illustrates that some things, including man’s avarice and lust, will never change.

Inala New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 27 - Wed 29 July When a group of talented musicians find their way into the public consciousness through a baked beans advert, it says a lot about the state of the world and the power of advertising.

Such was the case with South African singers Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Still, don’t be fooled - Ladysmith had been around a long time before they provided that memorable Heinz soundtrack, having recorded over forty albums and sold over six million records worldwide. They’re also much in evidence on Paul Simon’s Graceland album, using their Zulu harmonies and unique sound to provide some unusual and interesting additions to his music.

This latest presentation sees them collaborating with award-winning choreographer Mark Baldwin and nine world-class dancers - including talent from the Royal Ballet - to present a live storytelling experience that embraces an exhilarating fusion of South African and Western cultures. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21

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Theatre PREVIEWS Me At The Zoo The REP, Birmingham, Tues 7 - Wed 8 July

This first full-length play by Young REP graduate Grace Barrington focuses on the character of seventeen-year-old Charlie Bottle.

Unhappy with the impact that social media is having on best friend Amy, Charlie determines to do something about it - courtesy of a video camera, a fake competition and a brilliant plan... The publicity for Me At The Zoo describes the production as ‘a hilarious, fast-paced and thrilling exploration into the light and dark sides of social media’. So if you fancy checking out fresh young writing talent and are willing to run the risk that you may never again think about Facebook and Twitter in quite the same way, this is definitely the show for you.

Moscow State Circus Merry Hill Centre, Dudley, Wed 8 - Sun 12 July

The Diary Of A Nobody

The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the best-known circus in the world, based on over two hundred years of tradition. When animals became an unpopular aspect of circuses, this flexible family favourite adapted to survive by moving the emphasis to astonishing displays of human skill and endurance, many of which are evident in its latest production, Zhelaniy.

Based on a popular Russian folklore story, the show transports its audience to ‘a wondrous and mysterious enchanted garden’. The garden is a place where wishes are granted to the beautiful Zhenya, who finds herself surrounded by ‘a multitude of flying, back-flipping, juggling, wire-walking and roller-skating performers’.

Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 18 July, Stratford Artshouse Sun 19 July

The brothers George and Weedon Grossmith are the siblings behind this classic Victorian comic novel, which was originally published as an intermittent serial in Punch magazine in 1888. It tells the story of social-ladder climber Charles Pooter, along the way offering a lighthearted and thought-provoking study of the manners, customs and experiences of suburban Londoners of the late nineteenth century. For the purposes of this particular adaptation, however, the action has been moved into the modern age, an intriguing timeshift which serves to highlight the fact that, despite everything being profoundly different, nothing much has really changed...

Fish In The Sea Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 10 July; Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Sun 19 July

Random Improbability is the company behind this comedy, which is described as being about ‘love and sex and the terror of being left on the shelf’.

The show focuses on two characters Corisande and Dennis - as they prepare for a blind date. Corisande is professional, bookish and feminist; Dennis, rough and ready.

But is the date a disaster waiting to happen or a romantic encounter with a future?...

larity for a while courtesy of Kenneth Branagh’s Hollywood musical version.

Taking as its theme men’s preoccupation with the opposite sex, it’s a work which has much to offer in the way of chuckleworthy entertainment, a claim which can’t necessarily be made for all of the Bard’s comedies.

Eager to pursue loftier pastimes, four young lads decide to boot their wenching ways into touch for a whole year. As luck would have it, four young beauties unexpectedly arrive on the scene and put the boys’ resolve well and truly to the test!

This outdoor presentation comes courtesy of travelling theatre troupe Heartbreak Productions.

The Engagement Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 30 July

Mrs Warren’s Profession

This is a maiden voyage into theatreland for promising new company Fortitude, a local ensemble specialising in the creation of ‘innovative, engaging and visceral performance’... Described as ‘a lust triangle of suspense, intrigue and saucy wordplay’, The Engagement is a one-act costume-drama romp presented in rhyme and taking its inspiration from various sources, not least among which are Shakespeare’s comedies.

“Join the seemingly virtuous Miss Eustacia Purdue,” offers Fortitude, “as she attempts to retain her reputation in a world of vice, corruption and sordid back-alley fumblings.”

Sounds like an invitation that could well be worth taking up...

Malvern Theatre, Tues 28 July - Sat 1 August

Love’s Labour’s Lost Brueton Park, Solihull, Wed 22 July; Hill Close Gardens, Warwickshire, Tues 28 July

One of Shakespeare’s lesser performed works, Love’s Labour’s Lost gained in popu-

Considered to be one of George Bernard Shaw’s wittiest and most provocative plays, Mrs Warren's Profession uses the controversies of a mother/daughter relationship to explore the wider issues of Victorian society and its constraining morality.

The play, though written in 1894, was banned from performance until the arrival of the far racier 1920s.

Sue Holderness and Christopher Timothy star in this Cheltenham Everyman Theatre Company production.

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

JULY 2015

Wednesday 15th July

Friday 17th July

Saturday 18th July

CARMEN

MONEY FOR NOTHING

GREN BARTLEY

SUPERB TRIBUTE TO DIRE STRAITS

WIDELY ACCLAIMED MUSICIAN & LYRICIST

Saturday 25th July

Sunday 26th July

Mon 27th & Tue 28th July

DESPERADO

THE PAPERBOYS

THE CAT IN THE HAT

EAGLES TRIBUTE PRESENT THE SINGLES TOUR

MEXICAN FOLK MIXED WITH IRISH JIGS & BLUEGRASS

STAGE VERSION OF DR SEUSS’ CLASSIC BOOK

ENGLISH NATIONAL OPERA SCREENING

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Woman In Gold (PG) // Far From The Madding Crowd (12A) Age Of Adaline (12A) // A Royal Night Out (12A) // The Spongebob Movie (U) FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Everyman (NT Live) // Othello (RSC Live) // Aida (Opera Australia) Andre Rieu, Merchant Of Venice (RSC Live) // The Beaux’ Stratagem (NT Live) // Hamlet (NT Live) Romeo & Juliet (Royal Ballet) // Roger Waters’ The Wall // Coriolanus (NT Live)

Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk

www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ

24 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Free parking on-site

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Theatre PREVIEWS Beowulf Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 25 July

Based on the epic Old English poem of the same name, Beowulf follows the chronicles of the eponymous warrior, a man who’s hellbent on saving the Danes from the wicked monster known as Grendel.

This well-reviewed contemporary version of the Anglo-Saxon epic combines table-top and shadow puppetry, live music and poetry.

Othello Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Thurs 28 August

Dr Seuss’s The Cat In The Hat Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 27 - Tues 28 July

Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, this latest theatrical version of The Cat In The Hat has been designed to engage and (hopefully) delight youngsters aged three and older.

The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat that Sally and her brother have ever met - and what’s more, he’s got a fantastic talent for turning the rainiest of afternoons into the most amazing of adventures...

Emma

Shakespeare’s tragic tale of lost handkerchiefs, ruined reputations and mistreated wives has always been one of the theatre’s most powerful stories.

When the malevolent Iago believes himself to have been overlooked for promotion by Othello, his Machiavellian mind turns to thoughts of vengeance. Othello’s willingness to be led by the nose is all grist to Iago’s mill, and fatal consequences ensue...

Holby City's Hugh Quarshie returns to the RSC to play the title role, with Lucian Msamati as Iago and Joanna Vanderham as Desdemona.

Twelfth Night

Cyrano de Bergerac

Avoncroft, Bromsgrove, Sun 12 July; mac Arena, Birmingham, Sat 18 July; Whitbourne Hall, Birmingham Tues 21 July; Mary Arden’s Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 31 July

Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 4 - Sat 11 July; Saint Nicholas Place, Birmingham, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 July; Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birmingham, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July; Selly Manor, Birmingham, Tues 21 - Wed 22 July; Harvington Hall, Kidderminster, Sat 25 Sun 26 July

Zany funsters Oddsocks here add their unique brand of humour to Shakespeare’s famous comedy - which many would argue is already funny enough in its own right.

As with a number of Shakespearean works, Twelfth Night is based on a case of mistaken identity, with Viola disguising herself as a boy and causing all sorts of awkward romantic shenanigans. The play is made by the subplot, in which the merciless Sir Toby Belch and his foolish companion, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, seek to humiliate the pompous Malvolio - and achieve their ambition with more than a little style...

Edmond Rostand’s famous 1897 play tells the tale of the poet and soldier of the title, Cyrano de Bergerac, who’s desperate to win the love of the beautiful Lady Roxane.

His efforts to do so, however, are somewhat complicated by the fact he’s got a proboscis that's almost as big as the Eiffel Tower (that’s an exaggeration for effect, obviously, but you get the idea).

In The Night Garden Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, Sat 11 - Sat 25 July

Hanbury Hall, Worcestershire, Sat 18 July; Warley Woods, Birmingham,Thurs 30 July

Heartbreak Productions are the team behind this latest staging of Jane Austen’s comedy of manners. Exploring themes of class, dating and friendship, this outdoor adaptation presents Austen’s pastoral rom-com as a play within a play; one in which the lovable, meddling Emma tries to match up her friends and fails miserably.

The Flying Ship The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 17 - Sat 18 July

If your little ones are big fans of the top-rated CBeebies television series, they’re certain to be delighted by this live version. And it’s not only the kids who’re in love with the production. Audience surveys and parents' reviews on NightGardenLive.com reveal that, for nine out of ten adults, it’s a five-out-of-five theatrical experience!

Taking place in an all-weather, purpose-built inflatable showdome featuring numerous family-friendly facilities, the show uses fullsize costumes and magical puppets to bring to life Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends.

Popinjay Productions here present their first full-scale show, an adaptation of a muchloved Russian folk tale about a poor boy with a big imagination who dreams of adventure.

When the Tsar of Russia offers his daughter’s hand in marriage in exchange for a flying ship, Peter sets off on a quest that will change his world forever... www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25

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Theatre LISTINGS

Arts FESTIVALS

For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk From

WED 1 JULY

Asian Youth Theatre

July Festival Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 8 - Sun 19 July

Inspiring Curiosity: In Our Own Words is a two-week festival celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the invention of Theatre In Education at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry. The festival showcases a selection of new work made for and by young people. The event sees participants from the Belgrade come together to present a programme of six new works, produced in association with some of the UK’s top theatre practitioners.

A weekend of live performances brings the festival to an end, with the Belgrade participant groups being joined by visiting youth theatre companies from across the country.

Commenting on the event, Festival Producer and Belgrade Associate Director Justine Themen said: “The July Festival is all about showcasing the richness and diversity of theatre made by young people in the UK today. Much of the community theatre practised across the UK today exists because of Theatre In Education and the work of those early pioneers. The legacy of Theatre In Education continues to inspire much of the Belgrade’s work within the community, encouraging a whole new generation of young people to take an active interest in the world around them through drama.

“As the title suggests, Inspiring Curiosity: In Our Own Words aims to give a voice to the diverse experience of young people by exploring issues which impact directly upon their lives.”

Tickets for all events are priced according to a ‘pay what you can scheme’. All monies raised will go towards supporting the Belgrade’s work within the community.

For more information about the fiftieth anniversary of Theatre In Education and the year-long programme of celebration taking place at the Belgrade throughout 2015, visit www.inspiringcuriosity.co.uk

Birmingham Fest

Simply Soweto Encha

Various venues across Birmingham, Fri 17 July - Sun 2 August

Providing an opportunity for UK artists and companies to showcase their work, Birmingham Fest continues to grow as an independent, funding-free event.

The two-and-a-bit-week festival, which takes place at AE Harris, the Blue Orange Theatre, the Crescent and the Old Joint Stock, features theatre, dance, music, comedy, poetry, rehearsed readings, workshops and seminars.

Offering a taster of what’s coming up, a workshop hosted by Tracey Street on 18 July explores the skills needed to unlock creativity and imagination as an actor.

Other highlights include One Year Off by FRED Theatre - ‘a surreal comic dystopia told through the eyes of four people defined by football’ - and the return of Simply Soweto Encha (20 - 22 July), who last year won the event’s Show Of The Festival award. Hailing from South Africa, the highly rated ensemble fuse ‘infectious’ dance with both old and new school cappella arrangements. They are here presenting a brand new show.

For full listings of what’s happening where throughout the festival, visit birminghamfest.co.uk.

THE JEW OF MALTA Justin Audibert makes his RSC debut to direct Christopher Marlowe's subversive play, until Tue 8 Sept, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Polly Findlay directs Shakespeare's uncompromising play, until Wed 2 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon OTHELLO Holby City's Hugh Quarshie returns to the RSC to play Shakespeare's Othello.

Lucian Msamati features as Iago and Joanna Vanderham as Desdemona, until Fri 28 Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon DEAD SIMPLE Stage adaptation of Peter James' most famous and popular novel, until Sat 4 July, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE MOUSETRAP Touring production of Agatha Christie's famous thriller - the longest running show in the history of British theatre, until Sat 4 July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE HISTORY BOYS Sell A Door Theatre present a stage version of Alan Bennett’s funny and moving story about a group of talented yet unruly teenage boys taught by two eccentric teachers, until Sat 4 July, Malvern Theatres OKLAHOMA! New touring production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, starring Gary Wilmot as Ali Hakim, Belinda Lang as Aunt Eller, Ashley Day as Curly and Nic Greenshields as Jud Fry, until

Sat 4 July, Birmingham Hippodrome THE THRILL OF LOVE Second Thoughts Drama Group present the story of Ruth Ellis, Wed 1 Sat 4 July, The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon, South Shropshire OPPOSITION Presented

by BOA Year 10 Dance Pathway, this showcase explores a range of dance style pieces and choreographic tasks that the students have explored, Wed 1 Thurs 2 July, The Old Rep, Birmingham CARMEN LIVE Screening of ENO’s staging of Bizet’s passionate opera, Wed 1 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham JANE EYRE Chapterhouse Touring Theatre Company present a staging of Charlotte Bronte’s classic tale, Wed 1 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens DON'T LEAVE ME NOW BY BRIAN DANIEL Two rehearsed play readings of Brian Daniel’s play, which explores the impact of early-onset dementia on family life, Wed 1 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham ELMHURST SCHOOL OF DANCE Showcase of works from Elmhurst's students aged eleven to nineteen. Programme includes specially commissioned works by Birmingham-based contemporary choreographer/director Corey Baker, Carlos Pons Guerra and Birmingham Royal Ballet's Ruth Brill, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 July, The REP, Birmingham VOLPONE Former RSC Artistic Director Trevor Nunn returns to direct Henry Goodman in the title role of Jonson’s comic play, Fri 3 July Sat 12 Sept, The Swan

Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon FREEMAN DANCE SHOW Featuring over three hundred of Coventry's up-and-coming young dancers, taking to the stage with all-new choreography, costumes & music, Fri 3 - Sat 4 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE SITCOM TRIALS Short extracts of new sitcoms performed for you, the audience, to decide who’s crowned the Sitcom Champion 2015, Fri 3 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham CYRANO DE BERGERAC Presented by the Crescent Theatre Company, Sat 4 - Sat 11 July, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham BACK TO THE MUSICAL A musical theatre odyssey which promises to transport audiences from the 1920s to the modern day, Sat 4 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 6 JULY BARNUM Brian Conley stars in the Greatest Show On Earth in Cameron Mackintosh's blockbuster musical, Tue 7 July - Sat 1 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Worcester Repertory Company present a lighthearted interpretation of Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity, Tues 7 - Sun 19 July, The Commandery, Worcester ME AT THE ZOO First fulllength play by Young REP graduate Grace Barrington, Tue 7 - Wed 8 July, The REP, Birmingham MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Wed 8 - Sun 12 July, Merry Hill Centre, Dudley THE SHADOW ROADS Journey into the mind of a young soldier struggling with the memories of the horrors he’s experienced and the home he’s

The Jew Of Malta - The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk fighting to return to, Wed 8 - Sat 11 July, Playbox Theatre, Warwick THE IMPOSSIBLE LANGUAGE OF THE TIME A young man is shot dead in the street whilst being confronted by a police officer on his way home. A new play by award-winning playwright Chris O’Connell, exploring relationships between young people and protest, Wed 8; Sat 11 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) A GREEK CHORUS LINE Presented by BOA Year 10 Acting, Wed 8 Thurs 9 July, The Old Rep, Birmingham THE HEAD THAT WEARS A CROWN A celebration of the achievements of children & young people involved in the Learning & Performance Network, where one hundred young people from forty-seven schools come together to present scenes from Henry IV Parts I & II and Henry V, Wed 8 July, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Chapterhouse Theatre present an outdoor staging of Shakespeare’s heartwarming play, Wed 8 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens BROKEN Melody is creative in her exploration of the world, but when she submits geographical art as Maths coursework, her school puts its foot down, Belgrade Black Youth Theatre in association with Newcastle’s Gateway Studio present a play about challenging the system, Weds 8, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) OLD TIME MUSIC HALL Sketches, songs and laughter providing an evening of classic British entertainment, Thurs 9 - Fri 17 July, Hall Green Little Theatre, Acocks Green, Birmingham THE JUNGLE BOOK An in2theatre Production.

A new adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale for children, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 July, The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED) (REVISED) The Reduced Shakespeare Company present a fast-paced romp through the best of the Bard's works,

Thurs 9 July, Malvern Theatres SOMEWHERE TO BELONG This new collaboration between the Belgrade’s Youth Theatre group and Vamos Theatre presents a tale of the inner jihad of an Asian youth, Thurs 9; Sat 11 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) I BURN, I PINE, I PERISH Combinations of some of Shakespeare’s best loved poetry and the performers’ own work, telling the tale of two people who fall in love, Thurs 9; Sat 11; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, (Part of the July Festival) THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE Leamington & Warwick Academy of Dance present CS Lewis' classic tale, Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry GREYWING HOUSE Award-winning performer Mary Beth Morossa returns with her second solo show, in which she intertwines dark storytelling, poetry, cabaret and theatrical performance, Fri 10 Sat 11 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham OUR DAY OUT Company Theatre School present their version of Willy Russell’s celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up and being footloose, fourteen and free from school, Fri 10 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SLEEPING THROUGH THE ALARM Belgrade Senior Youth Theatre in association with Frantic Assembly present a play about the pressure of choices that affect the rest of your life, Fri 10, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) FISH IN THE SEA Random Improbability's comedy about love, sex and the terror of being left on the shelf, Fri 10 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove; (Part of BirminghamFest) CTRL-ALT-DELETE A play exploring the power and fragility of the mind, Fri 10 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) IN THE NIGHT GARDEN LIVE Showdome musical theatre experience for the whole family, presented within a purpose-built touring space. Made up of two state-of-the-art show domes, the setting

recreates the magical world of the popular BBC children's show, Sat 11 - Sat 25 July, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Oddsocks present a high-octane musical version of Shakespeare's witty battle of the sexes, Sat 11 July, Fillongley Lodge, Warwickshire AN EVENING OF DIRTY DANCING Choreographed, highly interactive celebration of the music from the iconic movie, Sat 11 July, Swan Theatre, Worcester TWELFTH NIGHT Oddsocks bring their own inimitable style to Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, transformation and deception, Sun 12 July, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove

Week Commencing

MON 13 JULY I BURN, I PINE, I PERISH Combinations of some of Shakespeare’s best loved poetry and the performers’ own work, telling the tale of two people who fall in love, Mon 13 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, (Part of the July Festival) SOMEWHERE TO BELONG This new collaboration between the Belgrade’s Youth Theatre group and Vamos Theatre presents a tale of the inner jihad of an Asian youth, Mon 13 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) CASTING Play about the trials and tribulations of putting on a performance of Hamlet when your main characters have run off together, Tues 14 - Sat 18 July, Malvern Theatres STICK MAN Scamp Theatre present a stage adaptation for youngsters, based on Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler’s popular children’s book, Wed 14 Thurs 16 July, Malvern Theatre SLEEPING THROUGH THE ALARM Belgrade Senior Youth Theatre in association with Frantic Assembly present a play about the pressure of choices that affect the rest of your life, Tues 14; Thurs 16 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) CTRL-ALT-DELETE A play exploring the power and fragility of the mind, Tues 14; Thurs 16 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) THE THIEVING MAGPIE Midland Opera presents a Rossini classic.

Sung in English, Wed

Scamp Theatre’s Stick Man - Malvern Theatre

15 - Sat 18 July, Crescent Theatre, B’ham GIRLS LIKE THAT Evan Placey’s urgent and explosive new play explores both gender equality and the devastating impact of bullying, Wed 15 - Sat 18 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham CYRANO DE BERGERAC Presented by the Crescent Theatre Company, Wed 15 - Thurs 16 July, Saint Nicholas' Place, Kings Norton, B’ham THE IMPOSSIBLE LANGUAGE OF THE TIME A young man is shot

dead in the street whilst being confronted by a police officer on his way home. A new play by award-winning playwright Chris O’Connell, exploring relationships between young people and protest, Wed 15 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival TEMPEST Presented by Rain Or Shine Theatre Company, Wed 15 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens ONE YEAR OFF A surreal comic dystopia told through the eyes of

four people defined by football, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE JUNGLE BOOK Palace Youth Theatre present an amateur version of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved children’s tale, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 July, Palace Theatre, Redditch FISH IN THE SEA Random Improbability's comedy about love, sex and the terror of being left on the shelf, Fri 17 Sun 19 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of Birm-

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk inghamFest) THE FLYING SHIP A fullscale production adapted from the Russian folk tale The Fool Of The World And The Flying Ship, Fri 17 - Sat 18 July, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon BROKEN Melody is creative in her exploration of the world, but when she submits geographical art as Maths coursework, her school puts its foot down, Belgrade Black Youth Theatre in association with Newcastle’s Gateway Studio present a play about challenging the system, Fri 17 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Part of July Festival) THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Mozart’s bestloved opera, offering a powerful insight into what it means to be human, Fri 17 July, Malvern Theatre FLEXUS DANCE COLLECTIVE: LIMITS Choreographed performance investigating psychological and social barri-

ers, Fri 17 July, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham CYRANO DE BERGERAC Presented by the Crescent Theatre Company, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July, Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Birmingham DIARY OF A NOBODY The classic literary tale of social climber Charles Pooter, presented in the modern day, Sat 18 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Oddsocks bring their own inimitable style to Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, transformation and deception, Sat 18 July, Mac Arena, B’ham MUSICALS DISCOVERED Night Project Theatre in association with Blue Orange Theatre present an evening of songs from smash-hit musicals, as well as new writings, Sat 18 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) EMMA Heartbreak Productions present a staging of Jane

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Austen’s comedy of manners, Sat 18 July, Hanbury Hall, B’ham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Oddsocks present a high-octane musical version of Shakespeare's witty battle of the sexes, Sun 19 July , mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham UNFOLD RE-WORKS Professional dance from well-known and traditional contemporary dance pieces, re-imagined into more-modern dance works. A Birminghamfest event, Sun 19 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham HERITAGE Rogueplay Theatre’s Young Rogues present a ‘blistering black comedy with music that explores the darker side of nationalism’. A Birminghamfest production, Sun 19 July, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham AMALGAMATION RDC Youth & ACE Youth join forces to present a showcase of their latest work. A Birminghamfest production, Sun 19 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham DIARY OF A NOBODY The classic literary tale of social climber Charles Pooter, presented in the modern day, Sun 19 July, Stratford Artshouse

Much Ado About Nothing - mac, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 20 JULY EAST IS EAST Pauline McLynn (Father Ted, Shameless and EastEnders) stars as Ella in Ayub Khan Din's semiautobiographical account of British Asian life in the 1970s, Mon 20 - Sat 25 July, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent THE SPEECH Damn

Cheek present a though-provoking play exploring the territory between truth and spin, Mon 20 & Wed 22 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE On The Floor Theatre Company present a unique and unusual production where animal transformations give way to interestingly associated monologues. A Birmingham-

fest production, Mon 20 - Tues 21 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham 2 UP, 2 DOWN, 1 BACK Five teenagers wake up in a void and are forced to play a deadly game to escape, Mon 20 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE RIPPER MURDERS Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are drawn into one of the darkest

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plots ever to shake the foundations of England, Tue 21 - Sat 25 July, Malvern Theatres THE DOOR Damn Cheek present a play in which two strangers realise they’re not strangers at all, Tues 21; Thurs 23 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) CYRANO DE BERGERAC Presented by the Crescent Theatre Company, Tue 21 - Wed 22 July, Selly Manor, Birmingham A POSITIVE LIFE Autin Dance Theatre present a brand new work of dance & physical theatre, inspired by the thirtieth anniversary of the discovery of the HIV virus. A Birminghamfest event, Tues 21 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE GRANDMOTHER Irritable Monkey present Nicholas Tuck’s tragicomedy, which examines the idea of unconditional love and how quickly it can be ripped apart. A Birminghamfest event, Tues 21 July, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Oddsocks bring their own inimitable style to Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identity, transformation and deception, Tue 21 July, Whitbourne Hall, Birmingham ALIENS LOVE UNDERPANTS Theatrical experience for youngsters based on the best selling children's book, Wed 22 - Fri 24 July, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre MERCHANT OF VENICE RSC Live screening of Shakespeare's uncompromising tragedy, Wed 22 July, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Heartbreak Productions present an outdoor version of one of Shakespeare's less-performed works, Wed 22 July, Brueton Park, Solihull NORMADS Far From The Norm transport audiences into the future of hip hop theatre. A Birminghamfest event, Wed 22 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE HIDEOUT Haste Theatre present a riotous collision of Greek mythology and the Kit Kat club, Thurs 23 & Fri 24 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham EXTREME Big Script presents an evening of short plays, Thurs 23 Fri 24 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) WAITING FOR GARBO The Company Of Legendary Children present James Piercy’s drama, set in New York City in 1990, where three teenagers sit in wait for a glimpse

of reclusive movie star Greta Garbo. A Birminghamfest production, Thurs 23 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Forge Production House Ltd present a fast-paced version of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, Thurs 23 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham BOBBY SOCKS AND BLUE JEANS Musical featuring hits from the 50s and 60s, Fri 24 July, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry IOLANTHE Award-winning touring theatre company Ilyria present an outdoor staging of Gilbert & Sullivan’s comic opera, Fri 24 July, Rose Bank Gardens, Malvern TWELFTH NIGHT The Lord Chamberlain's Men present Shakespeare's tale of mistaken identity, transformation and deception, Fri 24 July, Coughton Court, Warwickshire MEDEA Oakley Flanagan presents a company of young actors who bring a new version of Euripides’ classic tale of love and revenge to the stage, Fri 24 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Madcap Theatre combine comedy, music, dance, stage combat and physicality to present Shakespeare's classic comedy, Fri 24 July, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham THE STAR DOOR & MUSIC TO BREAK UP TO Jigsaw Collective present a double bill of works exploring a child’s perspective of death in a family and the trials & woes of going through a break up. A Birminghamfest event, Fri 24 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham FLICK & JULIE: POP UP PENNY PINCHERS Evening of comedy sketches & songs, Fri 24 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham D SE DANCE Bollywood Dreams Dance Company marks its tenth anniversary with a showcase of Bollywood magic, Sat 25 - Sun 26 July, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN A full screening of the Disney sensation, complete with on-screen lyrics to help audiences sing along with Anna and Elsa during the film, Sat 25 July, Solihull Arts Complex THE JUNGLE BOOK Chapterhouse Theatre Company present an outdoor production of Rudyard Kipling’s enchanting tale, Sat 25 July, Fort Dunlop, Birm-

ingham AN AUDIENCE WITH GORGEOUS GEORGE Alex Brockie Productions present a new bio-play about gender-bending persona and outrageous behaviour, Sat 25 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham (Part of BirminghamFest) BEOWULF Atomic Force & Barely Human Puppets present a contemporary version of the Anglo-Saxon epic, combining table-top and shadow puppetry, live music & poetry, Sat 25 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SHAAM-E-TARANNUM Semi-classical indian music and dance, including folk, bollywood, qawalli, sufi and more. Directed by Dr Ranjita Awasthi, Sat 25 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM A collaboration between the RSC and Garsington Opera, this abridged version of Shakespeare's magical play features Mendelssohn's enchanting music performed under the direction of conductor Douglas Boyd, Sun 26 July, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-uponAvon SONIA SABRI COMPANY: LOK VIRSA A rare chance to experience regional song, poetry, visual arts, calligraphy, music & dance from different parts of Pakistan, Sun 26 July, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 27 JULY RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS... A week-long performance-making adventure working with physical performance company Highly Sprung, Mon 27 - Fri 31 July, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry IN THE HEIGHTS LinManuel Miranda’s new hip-hop musical, which tells the story of three days in the life of Washington Heights, Mon 27 - Thurs 30 July, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham THE MORNING AFTER Sam wakes up not knowing what happened the night before... A new comedy from the writer of Head Girl, from last year’s Birmingham Fest, Mon 27 - Wed 29 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham DR SEUSS'S THE CAT IN THE HAT Lively and engaging theatre experience for young children aged three-plus, Mon 27 - Tue 28 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS A very curly musical tale starring Simon Webbe, Tues 28 July - Sun 2 Aug,Town Hall, B’ham MRS WARREN'S PROFESSION George Bernard Shaw’s period drama, presented by Everyman Theatre Cheltenham, Tue 28 July - Sat 1 Aug, Malvern Theatres DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS Michael Praed, Noel Sullivan, Carley Stenson and Mark Benton star in this national touring show, based on Frank Oz’s 1988 film, Tue 28 July Sat 1 Aug, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent LEAR ALONE TheatreOfTheQuarter present a thought-provoking reworking of the original play by award-winning playwright Frank Bramwell and using the words of William Shakespeare, Tues 28 & Thurs 30 July, St Paul’s Church, Jewellery Quarter, B’ham LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST Heartbreak Productions

present an outdoor version of one of Shakespeare's less-performed works, Tue 28 July, Hill Close Gardens, Warwick THE ENDURING ROMANCE OF CATHY AND HEATHCLIFF An unconventional reimagining of the classic romance, Tues 28 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham LEAR ALONE TheatreOfTheQuarter present a thought-provoking reworking of the original play by award-winning playwright Frank Bramwell and using the words of William Shakespeare, Wed 29 & Fri 31 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham EMMA Heartbreak Productions present a staging of Jane Austen’s comedy of manners, Thurs 30 July, Warley Woods, Birmingham THE ENGAGEMENT Fortitude Theatre presents a tale of love and despair, Thurs 30 July, Blue Orange Theatre, Birm-

ingham (Part of BirminghamFest) GRIMM UP NORTH Original comedy sketch show featuring songs, video, audience participation - and a spot of bingo!, Fri 31 July, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham TWELFTH NIGHT Oddsocks bring their madcap style to Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity, cross-dressing and unrequited love, Fri 31 July, Mary Arden's Farm, Stratfordupon-Avon A DRAGON’S TALE Magical story based on the legend of the Lambton Worm and told via puppets, changing scenery, music and sound effects, Fri 31 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove MAGIC RUSS: FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL 2015 Russ is joined by his cheeky friend Dave the Wonder Dog to delight audiences with magic and mayhem, Fri 31 July, Artrix, Bromsgrove

Theatre Box Office Birmingham ALEXANDRA THEATRE 0844 871 3011 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME 0844 338 5000 BIRMINGHAM REP 0121 236 4455 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE 0121 212 2643 CRESCENT THEATRE 0121 643 5858 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0121 706 7139 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 HALL GREEN LITTLE THEATRE 0121 707 1874 MAC 0121 446 3232 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE 0121 200 0946 OLD REP 0121 359 9444 SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962 SUTTON ARTS THEATRE,

SUTTON COLDFIELD 0121 355 5355

WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY 02476 524524

Warwickshire

Worcestershire

ALBANY THEATRE, COVENTRY 024 7601 6222 THE BEAR PIT, STRATFORDUPON-AVON 01789 403416 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 024 7637 6707 BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY 024 7655 3055 BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK 01926 776438 THE DREAM FACTORY 01926 419555 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 0844 800 1110 ROYAL SPA CENTRE LEAMINGTON 01926 334418

ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 THE HIVE 01905 822866 HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER 01905 611427 MALVERN THEATRE 01684 892277 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH 01905 770154 PALACE THEATRE REDDITCH 01527 65203 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427

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Theatre REVIEWS CONT...

Below are reviews of theatre productions we checked out last month.

For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Bruno is a perfectly normal nine-year-old boy who’s more interested in spending his time in playful fantasy than in the boring and restricted world of the adults around him. Set during World War Two, the story starts in Berlin, where Bruno lives with his father, mother and sister. But Bruno’s family are no ordinary lot. His father has been personally chosen

by Adolf Hitler to carry out what everyone refers to as ‘a very important job’. So the family pack up and move away, leaving Bruno very unhappy at having to leave his grandmother and friends behind in Berlin. It’s lonely and boring for him in his new home. The adults frequently refrain that life isn’t fair and that Bruno should accept his fate. He doesn’t.

Determined to fulfill his ambition and become an explorer, Bruno sneaks from the confines of the house and heads towards the rows and rows of drab huts where all the people wear striped pyjamas. His journey ends at a razor-wire fence, where he meets and befriends Shmuel. The boys try to meet every day. In doing so, their relationship develops beautifully as they find common ground...

Given the weight of the subjects tackled in this production, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas feels light - buoyed, as it is, by Bruno’s innocence and sincerity. The background horror is never directly presented and the boys’ ultimate fate is left to the imagination. John Boyne’s best-selling novel has here been brought to the stage by the Children’s Touring Partnership. The performance is suitable for adults and older children.

Ted Finlay n n n n

The Deranged Marriage Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

Ten years after its original outing, Rifco Arts' The Deranged Marriage more than proves its continued relevance. A colourful collision of Restoration comedy, Bollywood movies and contemporary drama, it tells the story of Sona who, thwarted in her own dreams, finally gives in to her family's wishes and consents to an arranged marriage.

A familiar Shakespearean structure makes up the show’s backbone, with multiple romances, buried histories and a generation clash drawn out through Sona's big fat wedding celebrations. Subplots seemingly unconnected to the less-than-promising central wedding echo Much Ado, while a beautiful balcony, warm-colour palette and secret engagement self-consciously recall Romeo And Juliet.

Fortunately, in this story, the older generation (with the exception of hilariously manipulative matriarch Aunty Lata) come to their senses before their children doom themselves to misery.

Along with the classic love versus duty conflict, the play deals with hot topics like sexual orientation and the struggle to start a career. The inclusion of love interest Tony's deaf friend feels a little contrived - his only real function is to provide a few extra jokes before disappearing altogether - but otherwise things gel together well.

What really makes this show, however, is Pravesh Kumar's sharp wit and some clever audience engagement, both perfectly delivered by an allround excellent cast. Dialogue falls down a little in more serious moments, but there's never long to wait for the next great gag to lift things up again.

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The King Dances And Carmina Burana Birmingham Hippodrome It’s not only a significant time in the history of Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB), which is marking its twenty-fifth anniversary, but also in the career of David Bintley, who’s been the company’s artistic director for twenty years. This celebratory season offers the birth of a new ballet by Bintley, one which coincidentally explores the birth of ballet itself.

The King Dances is loosely based on the night in 1653 when King Louis XIV famously created the Le Ballet De La Nuit. Dancing the role of Apollo, many say Louis was the creator of western ballet. An original production which lasted a long twelve hours, its essence is here captured by Bintley in just thirty-five minutes, divided into the four watches from the original work.

Bintley’s choreography is interesting. Representative of court dancing, it nonetheless features extremely complex and rapid footwork that comes with a distinctly modern edge. The staging is quite simplistic, the linear formations basic but extremely strong.

For some, Stephen Montague’s score will be too much. It’s not Tchaikovsky, that’s for sure, but it is beautifully engulfing - immersive for both dancer and audience. Rich and lavish crescendos oppose the minimal and peaceful breaks.

It may appear that this ballet isn’t as celebratory as some in the BRB repertoire - it isn’t a ballet in the sense most people imagine. For me, though, it is rather wonderful - constantly pushing at the boundaries of the art form. And I did most definitely sense a hint of what Bintley and BRB’s future works may look like.

Carmina Burana was the first ballet created for the company by David Bintley as artistic director. Symbolic of the modern edge Bintley brings to BRB, it’s rich in both passion and drive. Telling the story of three seminarians’ departure from faith, the production boasts exciting and imaginative choreography and design.

There’s absolutely no sign of this work dating. Instead, it matures and comes back stronger each time it’s performed.. Jamie Ryan n n n n

Absent Friends Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

This is prime Alan Ayckbourn territory. We’re in the suburban ’70s and six deeply unlovable and badly dressed characters are spending an enforced afternoon together in a desperate, old-friends attempt to cheer up poor Colin, whose perfect fiancé has recently drowned at sea. Judging by his chronically and relentlessly pious cheerfulness, it may have been suicide.

Five of the characters are definitely glass-half-empty types, and Colin’s glass is decidedly three quarters full. Nevertheless, all the depressives have to do to help while away his Saturday afternoon is not to mention death, drowning, the sea or relationships.

They fail miserably of course; enough to make you squirm.

Director Michael Cabot pushes Ayckbourn’s ‘types’ to the nervy edge of pantomime.

There’s just enough realism to recognise them amongst one’s own social circle, and enough exaggeration for them to be safely beyond it.

Ashley Cook’s Colin is played as such a nerdy ‘pain’ it’s no wonder no one has seen him for years. But he’s known them all a long time, which is dangerous stuff; for Colin has whole tins of beans to spill and tables are bound to be turned.

Kathryn Ritchie’s taciturn Evelyn is a woman reduced to a monosyllabic shell, and Catherine Harvey’s hostess, Diane - in her unflatteringly shapeless, shifting, chiffon, floor-length dress - is such a confessionalist no priest would want to sit next to her.

But the best-invented character in this London Classic Theatre touring production is John Dorney’s ‘John’. In orange cords and kipper tie, he’s a hopelessly uncomfortable nervous wreck who’s constantly on the move.

The show gets off to a surprisingly pedestrian start and Mr Ayckbourn might wince at the occasional lost opportunity. Not all his knives are pushed firmly home. It also takes time for the rhythm to settle, but the audience was biddable and generous.

I suspect, overall, the author would be more than content to sit back and watch yet another highly entertained audience enjoy a classic from his rich catalogue of remarkably well-observed plays.

Absent Friends shows at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from 3 to 5 September.

Chris Eldon Lee n n n n

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Theatre WEST END Long-running comedy to close in West End The team behind The 39 Steps has announced that the production is to close on 5 September.

The comic adaptation of John Buchanan’s classic thriller started out at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2005, spending a short period at the Tricycle Theatre before moving to The Criterion in September 2006.

Probably best known from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 movie adaptation, The 39 Steps follows handsome hero Richard Hannay as he battles to retain his stiff upper lip in the face of dastardly murders and lifethreatening encounters with double-crossing secret agents. There are some beautiful and mysterious women involved in the storyline too, so it's not all bad news for our intrepid hero! Four fearless actors play no fewer than one hundred-and-thirtynine roles in this real gem of a show.

To date, more than three million people have seen The 39 Steps worldwide - so if you want to catch it before its final curtain, you have only until early September to do so.

Beverley Knight to star as Grizabella Wolverhampton-born Beverley Knight has announced she’s to play Grizabella in the record-breaking Cats The Musical.

Knight, who’ll be following in the footsteps of Nicole Scherzinger and Kerry Ellis, will take on the role for a ten-week run at the London Palladium (from 23 October 2015 until 2 January 2016).

“To be asked to join the company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s historic show was so exciting and totally unexpected,” said Beverley. “Vocally I’m so different to the many incredible women who’ve sung the classic Memory over the years. To follow in their footsteps is something to truly relish! I’m really looking forward to transforming into Grizabella, with her fabulous costume and amazing make-up, and to playing the role at the London Palladium. Working with Andrew will be a real privilege.”

Based on TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, Cats The Musical returned to the West End in December last year, reuniting the original creative team of Director Trevor Nunn, Associate Director and Choreographer Gillian Lynne, Designer John Napier and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The show is based around one special night of the year when all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball. Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jellicle choice and announces which of them will go up to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, Cats received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it then played for twenty-one record-breaking years.

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Film From Fri 3 July

Amy CERT 15 (128 mins) Directed by Asif Kapadia (UK)

Asif Kapadia won ecstatic reviews for his Bafta-winning documentary Senna (about the Formula One numero uno Ayrton Senna). Now he focuses his attention on the career, life and death of Amy Winehouse, the London-born singer-songwriter. Again, the reviews have been exemplary - although Amy’s family are none too happy with the film.

From Fri 24 July

Inside Out CERT U (102 mins) Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan Directed by Pete Docter and Ronaldo Del Carmen (USA)

Magic Mike XXL CERT 15 (115 mins) Starring Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Andie MacDowell, Amber Heard, Elizabeth Banks, Jada Pinkett Smith Directed by Gregory Jacobs (USA)

Following the disappointing reception of Cars 2 and the lack of a feature in 2014, Pixar has bounced back with this highly original cartoon. Largely set inside the brain of an eleven-year-old girl, the film’s five protagonists are the emotions that dominate her actions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, each given its own voice. But there’s more to this set-up than meets the mind, as Joy and Sadness get lost! On the review gatherer website Rotten Tomatoes, the film was given a one hundred percent rating. In 3D.

The former male stripper ‘Magic Mike’ (Tatum) is back, this time to compete in a stripping convention in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - his last hurrah. Incidentally, Steven Soderbergh, who directed the original film, returns here as cinematographer.

Expect six packs galore.

Terminator Genisys

CERT 12a (126 mins)

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jason Clarke, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, Lee Byunghun, Matt Smith, JK Simmons Directed by Alan Taylor (USA)

The Governor of California is back. At least, Arnie, as T-800, is back in cybernetic mode.

This time John Connor is played by Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes) and finds himself fighting the Machines on two temporal fronts: from both the past and the future. The London-born Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen in Game Of Thrones) plays Sarah Connor. In case you’re guessing, this is the fifth instalment of the franchise started by James Cameron back in 1984. In 3D. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35

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Film NEW RELEASES Released from Fri 10 July

The Choir CERT PG (103 mins) Starring Dustin Hoffman, Kathy Bates, Debra Winger, Garrett Wareing, Eddie Izzard, Josh Lucas Directed by François Girard (USA)

A troublesome eleven-year-old orphan (Wareing) ends up at the National Boychoir Academy. However, even though he can sing well, he rebels against his privileged classmates and the school’s exacting choir master (Hoffman). The Canadian director François Girard previously directed the music-orientated films Thirty Two Short Films About Glenn Gould and The Red Violin. Formerly known as Boychoir.

From Fri 10 July

Love & Mercy CERT 12a (121 mins) Starring John Cusack, Paul Dano, Elizabeth Banks, Paul Giamatti, Jake Abel Directed by Bill Pohlad (USA)

Brian Wilson was the co-founder of The Beach Boys and this is his story. His younger self is played by Dano, his older persona by Cusack. It was not an easy life.

Released from Fri 17 July

Ant-Man CERT tbc Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña, Michael Douglas, Hayley Atwell Directed by Peyton Reed (USA)

Ready for a new franchise? Here comes AntMan - aka Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) - the latest superhero to scurry out of the Marvel Comics catalogue. Scott Lang is actually a conman who comes by a suit that enables him to shrink yet become incredibly strong.

With the new technology at his pincer tips he decides to reform his ways and join up with the entomologist Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) to save the world.

The Reunion CERT 15 tbc

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Seth MacFarlane’s Ted (2012) was arguably the most successful comedy to feature a teddy bear - ever (international gross: $550million). In this follow-up, Ted marries Tami-Lynn (Barth) and they decide to have a baby. But Ted, being just a stuffed toy, needs human spermatozoa to impregnate her. Enter John Bennett (Wahlberg), so to speak.

Self/Less CERT tbc Starring Ryan Reynolds, Ben Kingsley, Matthew Goode, Michelle Dockery, Natalie Martinez Directed by Tarsem Singh (USA)

Damian (Ryan Reynolds) is a healthy young man who, thanks to pioneering medical science, has the consciousness of a wealthy dying aristocratic transferred into his body.

Inevitably, though, there is a clash of interests… Bizarrely, Ryan Reynolds’ wife Blake Lively also played somebody trapped in a younger body in this year’s The Age Of Adaline.

Starring Anna Odell, Anders Berg, David Nordström Directed by Anna Odell (Sweden)

The school reunion in question is a twentyyear anniversary and Anna Odell, the class loser, had decided to air her grievances...

One would like to think that the writer-director-actress Anna Odell got a real kick out of making The Reunion. Unsuspecting filmgoers may be drawn to the Swedish film’s precarious fourth-wall playfulness, furrowing their brows in patient expectation. But, alas, the end result is at best little more than a parlour game, a soufflé-light experiment - at worst a self-indulgent whinge. One prays for a third act that will resolve this personal exploration of school bullying, but instead the plot just (literally) floats away.

Ted 2 CERT tbc Starring Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Barth, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman Directed by Seth MacFarlane (USA)

The Gallows CERT tbc Starring Cassidy Gifford, Pfeifer Brown, Ryan Shoos Directed by Travis Cluff and Chris Lofing (USA)

‘The Gallows’ is the name of a school play that, twenty years ago, ended in tragedy. To commemorate the calamity, the show is mounted in an anniversary production. Not a good idea… Another ‘found footage’ horror film.

True Story CERT 15 (99 mins) Starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones, Gretchen Mol, Connor Kikot Directed by Rupert Goold (USA)

Jonah Hill plays Michael Finkel, a journalist for The New York Times who is fired for fabri-

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cating a front-page story. He then discovers that a murderer, Christian Longo (James Franco), has adopted his identity and is now in prison. Unable to get work, Finkel decides to meet up with Longo, who agrees to tell his story in return for writing lessons.

Apparently, this is a true story. The man at the helm is the highly-acclaimed, Londonborn stage director Rupert Goold, making his film debut.

Released from Fri 17 July

The Legend Of Barney Thomson CERT tbc

Starring Emma Thompson, Robert Carlyle, Ray Winstone, Tom Courtenay, Ashley Jensen, Martin Compston Directed by Robert Carlyle (UK/Canada)

Unlike Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Glaswegian barber Barney Thomson stumbles into serial murder by accident. Following a somewhat low profile on the big screen in recent years, Robert Carlyle (the star of The Full Monty) comes back with a bang, making his directorial debut to boot.

From Thurs 30 July

Southpaw CERT 15 (124 mins) Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, Naomie Harris, Victor Ortiz, Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson, Tyrese Gibson Directed by Antoine Fuqua (USA)

With the Weinstein Company's Harvey Weinstein already predicting Oscar glory for Jake Gyllenhaal, Southpaw should have some thespian punch. Gyllenhaal plays Billy Hope, a boxer at the height of his career - but his wife (McAdams) pleads for him to quit...

Incidentally, the American Academy does like to hand out Oscars to actors playing boxers: think Robert De Niro, Hilary Swank and Christian Bale.

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation CERT tbc Starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Alec Baldwin Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (USA)

Christopher McQuarrie directed Tom Cruise in the smart and thrilling Jack Reacher, so let’s hope he repeats the trick for the fifth instalment in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Of course, it’s the team’s most impossible mission yet - to eliminate a rogue organisation every bit as efficient as they are themselves.

Filmed in Vienna, London, Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Southampton.

Beyond The Reach CERT 12a (91 mins) Starring Michael Douglas, Jeremy Irvine, Ronny Cox, Hanna Mangan-Lawrence Directed by Jean-Baptiste Léonetti (USA)

Maggie CERT 15 (95 mins) Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Abigail Breslin, Joely Richardson, Douglas M. Griffin, JD Evermore Directed by Henry Hobson (USA/Switzerland)

Maggie is played by Abigail Breslin, the child star who brightened up such movies as Little Miss Sunshine and My Sister's Keeper. But Breslin is now nineteen and plays a teenager infected by the Necroambulist virus, which turns good folk into zombies. However, Maggie’s father (Arnie) stays by her. Mr Schwarzenegger also co-produced.

Michael Douglas plays John Madec, a corporate shark who goes hunting in the Mojave Desert. But when he accidentally shoots a desert hobo, his reparation takes an unexpected and dangerous turn… Based on the 1972 novel Deathwatch by Robb White, the film was not reviewed kindly in the States.

Released from Fri 17 July

Hot Pursuit CERT 12a (87 mins) Starring Reese Witherspoon, Sofía Vergara, Matthew Del Negro, Michael Mosley, John Carroll Lynch, Richard T. Jones, Vincent Laresca Directed by Anne Fletcher (USA)

Reese Witherspoon may be small (5' 1½") but as San Antonio cop Rose Cooper she packs a large piece. And she has to use it when she’s assigned to protect a cartel informant (Laresca) and his wife (Vergara) across the back roads of Texas. Witherspoon, who’s recently made a name for herself in tough dramas, returns to comedy here but, sadly, to critical disdain. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37

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interview

SHREWSBURY

FOLK AN INSIGHT INTO ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS

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Seventeen years ago, husband-and-wife team Alan and Sandra Surtees decided to put their love of folk music to good use and create ‘the sort of festival that we would want to go to ourselves’.

In fact, it was music which had brought the couple together in the first place. Alan and Sandra met at Bromyard Festival some twenty-odd years ago - and, as Alan pointed out, it was ‘love at first hear’.

Starting life in Bridgnorth in 1997, Alan and Sandra’s folk music event moved to Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park nine years later and became the Shrewsbury Folk Festival. The move saw an immediate increase in its attendance by an impressive sixty percent. The following year saw the festival move again, this time to its current home at the West Mid Showground. What’s On recently met up with Festival Director Alan over a cup of coffee to discuss the festival’s past, present and future...

To what do you attribute the festival’s continued success, Alan?

I think it’s the diversity. I’ve had a lot of stick from the ‘old school’ who say ‘It’s not folk music’ or ‘It’s all got too big’. I think people want to ‘discover’ at festivals. They want to say to their mates, ‘Did you see the Carolina Chocolate Drops? Weren’t they bloody brilliant!’ It’s almost one-upmanship.

Recently, a bloke in a pub near to where I live came up to me and said, “You’re Alan Surtees, aren’t you? I bring all my mates who hate folk music to your festival and they go home loving it’. That’s what I want to do to people. I’m like a folk evangelist!

as well. We’ll have all of these wonderful artists getting together to rehearse side two of Abbey Road. It’s going to be great.

had to swap him into Sunday and persuade Callan to come on Monday. So the logistics can be a nightmare.

Purely personal choice - which artists would you choose to headline a Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

I’d bring Blackie And The Rodeo Kings back.

Then there’s a marvellous band called Tedeschi Trucks from America. They’re a husband-and-wife team. They’ve got a horn section, two drummers and are absolutely fabulous. I also want to get Daryl Scott, another American, but I’d like to get him with Tim O’Brien. Together they’re just magic.

Away from the music, what’s your favourite aspect of the festival?

I think the parade has really got me over the years. The biggest buzz I get out of it is watching people watching what we put on.

Personal artistic preferences will always play a part in programming a festival, but how easy or difficult is it to strike a balance between those personal preferences and ensuring the event has commercial appeal?

It’s not difficult because very often the two meet. Commercial appeal appeals to me, so that comes together. The great thing about a festival when you’ve got four days is that you can present all the traditional artists who’re in demand, you can put new and quirky things in, and you can still bring in bands like Bellowhead and Show Of Hands who draw big crowds. I don’t feel I’ve ever compromised the word ‘folk’. I may have put a rock’n’roll band on, but as far as I’m concerned rock’n’roll is folk music. It’s more about quality than genre. We had Molotov Jukebox on last year. Nothing to do with folk there were some acoustics there - but they’re punchy and we knew they’d get the party started. We try to build up to a crescendo each night, where it gets more vibrant and probably a little bit louder.

You’re feeding your hunger for American music there then, Alan...

Yeah, I’m thinking of doing an American Day for 2016, to get it out of my system. I was looking at a fantastic player yesterday, Texas Martha And The House Of Twang. They’re great.

The end of Bellowhead leaves a big gap in the festival market. Is there an upcoming band you’d like to champion who you think might fill that void?

I want to see Jon Boden and Sam Sweeney bring something together. I can understand a thirteen-piece band is going to be hard to keep together. They’re working on several things. Jon always has so many irons in the fire. Sam’s a pal, so we keep in touch. Things will evolve, I’m sure. Lots of things will come to the fore. Looking ahead, I’d like to get more involved in world music, and we are this year. We’re bringing artists over from India, Canada and Africa, so it really will be a multinational affair.

Which artist are you most looking forward to catching at this year’s festival?

Dawes from Los Angeles. They’ve got that lovely Laurel Canyon sound. Great music, very thoughtful words and they suit me down to the ground. I’m also looking forward to the Folk Slam on the Monday afternoon. It’s a pet project of mine and I’ve actually persuaded Richard Thompson to stay over and play in it

Where does your research for artists take you?

We go to Folk Alliance in the States every other year, and we went to the East Coast Music Awards last year. That’s where we met The Barra MacNeils and Ten Strings And A Goat Skin, who’re coming this year. I’ve seen La Bottine Souriante quite a few times and they’re just terrific. Sometimes we book them there and other times we just give them our card.

Who have you persistently tried to get to the festival without succeeding?

There are a few. Not many at the moment.

There are a number of American acts that I’d like to get. We’re working on it. There are three hundred folk festivals in the UK and, apart from Cambridge, I think we’re the only folk festival that spends money flying people over from America. You double up your costs if you fly someone like Blackie... over. They were a nightmare. They all came from different airports.

Were they your most expensive booking?

No. Probably Afro Celts, and for several reasons. The fee is high, and then you have to bring in a new sound desk for them. They want their own side of stage monitors. They want side fills, which gives them a feel for the auditorium. If you have a band like that, everything gets expensive.

How about the logistics of programming?

You can’t imagine how complicated the programming is, especially when I cock things up. We’ve got Gordie McKeeman and his Rhythm Boys coming this year. They’re a Canadian bluegrass group. He’s an East Coast Canadian who dances. He’s like this man with rubber legs and he’s absolutely brilliant. Anyway, I booked him in on the Saturday and he’s in Belgium Saturday. So I

Have you ever been starstruck?

Yes. Richard Thompson. I can’t talk to him because, to me, he’s God. I’ll make sure I chat to him this year, though.

Do you play an instrument?

Not very well. I would say yes, my wife would say no. I play a little bit of melodeon and a bit of guitar. I know the rudiments but I’m not very good. I wouldn’t dare play in public. It’s playing-in-my-bedroom stuff. I sing a bit of choral and I’m not too bad. Even John Jones turned round to me when I was on stage with him and said, “You’ve got a pretty good voice, Surtees”.

If you’d had the talent, would you have liked to be a musician?

Oh my God, yeah. I was talking to another promoter a couple of weeks ago who said, “You know why we do this, don’t you? It’s because we want to be them”. And that’s exactly right. I want to be that star on stage, but I haven’t got the talent to do it.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever made?

We had no communication radios the first year, so we had to run everywhere. Sandra lost half a stone in a weekend. We were dashing everywhere, but I learned a good lesson. When people run up to you and say, ‘We’ve got a problem’, take your time getting there because by the time you do, someone else will have sorted it. I still do that - and then if they don’t sort it, I will. There’s a fortnight of problem-solving leading up to the festival. I’m there a week before for the buildup and it’s great fun. You’ve got loads of stewards on site and we have sessions in the bar. They’re all your mates because they’ve been working with you for years. I think the comradeship of the build-up washes into the festival. We’ve got lots of lovely, smiley stewards because they enjoy being there with us.

Finally, what’s your long-term vision for the festival?

Not to grow it an awful lot because I think we’re maxed out on the showground site. But I’ll continue doing it until I drop. While I’m still loving it, I’ll carry on doing it. My mission is to make the festival as good as I can make it.

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Festivals

Kathryn Tickell & The Side

Cheltenham Festival Various venues around Cheltenham, Tues 30 June - Sat 11 July

“In Cheltenham seventy years ago, there was no greater act of looking to a post-war future than the establishment of a music festival,” says Meurig Bowen, the current festival director. “In this anniversary year of both the end of World War Two and the start of this festival, we take a look at the kind of music that was being written during the war and at its close - pieces by Britten, Copland, Messiaen, Poulenc, Shostakovich and Strauss that are as strikingly different as they are indisputably great.”

Another focus of this year’s festival is the city of Paris. “From the Montmartre of Satie to Claire Martin’s cabaret programme,” explains Meurig, “and from a Joan of Arc silent film to wartime Messiaen.”

Music’s close links with film are also explored. “Medieval music, Bernard Herrmann and Chopin are live accompaniments to three wonderfully different films,” continues the director.

And there’s plenty more besides, including blockbuster symphonies

by Mahler and Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn on period instruments, and in excess of twenty world premieres. Meurig is rightly proud of the festival’s diversity, and hopes visitors will find the 2015 line-up every bit as enticing as he himself does.

Coventry Godiva Festival War Memorial Park, Coventry, Fri 3 - Sun 5 July

London Klezmer Quartet

Lichfield Festival Various venues in Lichfield City Centre, Fri 3 - Sun 12 July

Lichfield Festival brings the best national and international artists and performers to the West Midlands each year for a summer celebration of classical music, dance, drama, film, jazz, literature, poetry, visual arts and world music.

Following the success of the pig parade in 2011, this year’s event kicks off with an elephant parade a procession of painted elephants and their keepers.

London Klezmer Quartet (Mon 6), Soh-Yon Kim (Tues 7) and BBC Big Band (Fri 10) all feature in the festival’s music line-up. Dance and theatre performances come from Tango Stories (Thurs 9), with Mark Watson (Tues 7) featuring on the comedy bill. For the full line-up and more information, visit lichfieldfestival.org

Maintaining its status as one of the biggest free, ticketless festivals in the country, Godiva this year hosts a diverse and impressive programme, with ska/reggae bands The Skints and Dreadzone performing on the Saturday night as well as urban acts, Big Narstie and Lady Leshurr.

Indie rock Liverpudlians The Wombats take top billing on the Saturday evening, while Embrace round off the festival with a selection of their crowdpleasing hits on the Sunday.

As well as its plethora of well-known names - Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Don Broco, The Beat and We Are The Ocean included - Godiva Festival also provides a platform on which local artists and bands can showcase their skills.

The event this year will also bring a Ceilidh Dance for the first time and also offers comedy acts, vintage markets, a silent disco, family field entertainment, licensed bars and food stalls.

The Wombats

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Festival PREVIEWS

Simmer Down Festival Handsworth Park, Birmingham, Sun 19 July

Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul

The fastest growing and most diverse festival in Birmingham, Simmer Down last year attracted more than twelve thousand people to the beautiful surroundings of Handsworth Park. The event is now in its sixth year and firmly established on the city's summer festivals calendar.

Solidly rooted in North Birmingham, Simmer Down is a free family fun day which celebrates the city's rich musical diversity. This year’s get-together is headlined by international reggae superstar Maxi Priest.

The festival’s attractions include live performances and numerous arts participation activities, taking place across several stages and marquees. There’s also an increasing number of fun activities for all the family to enjoy, including arts and education workshops, face painting, small rides and a community cricket match. A number of food stalls provide the opportunity to enjoy the wide selection of cuisine that’s readily available in Birmingham.

Moseley Park, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sun 12 July

This hugely popular open-air festival returns to Moseley Park with another three days of contemporary jazz, funk and soul music.

Headliners include Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter - who’ll be closing festivities on the Sunday night - and musical legends The Sugarhill Gang - best known for 1979 hit Rappers Delight, the first rap single to reach the top forty on the Billboard Hot 100. American composer and vibraphone player Roy Ayers takes the Saturday headline slot.

Craig Charles, The Pharcyde, Hackey Colliery Band, The James Hunter Six and The Mouse Outfit feat. Dr Syntax & Sparkz also feature in this year’s extensive line-up.

But it doesn’t stop there... For those wanting to party into the early hours, the nearby Hare & Hounds pub is hosting after-parties on the Friday and Saturday evenings. For more information, visit mostlyjazz.co.uk.

Maxi Priest

Festival At The Edge Stokes Barn, Much Wenlock, Shropshire, Fri 17 - Sun 19 July

Gregory Porter

Blues At The Fold

The beautiful setting of Wenlock Edge provides a perfect backdrop for this annual get-together, which features artists from across the globe. Recognised as one of the oldest events of its kind in England, Festival At The Edge launches major new storytelling endeavours and features performances from some of folk’s finest. Artists confirmed to appear in 2015 include British storytellers Hugh Lupton and Ruth Kirkpatrick and folk artists Steve Ashley and O’Hooley & Tidow. The Hut People, Pete Morton, Ange Hardy and Wilcox:Hulse also feature on the bill. Both day and weekend tickets are available, with an additional fee for camping.

For more information, visit festivalattheedge.org.

The Fold, Worcester, Sat 4 July

This Worcester-based community blues festival boasts a stellar line-up that features, among others, acoustic roots artist Jack Blackman, good-time blues band The King Biscuit Boys, Swampcandy, Slack Alice and Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde Band.

MADE Birmingham The Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham Sat 25 - Sun 26 July

The Metropolitan, Arts & Dance Event (MADE) features a world-class electronic musical line-up and combines it with some of Birmingham's best visual and street artists, designers, set builders, creatives and musicians. This year’s line-up includes Beardyman, Claude VonStroke, David Rodigan & Julio Bashmore and many more.

An additional day has been added to the programme this year and offers ‘a celebration of food, beverage and artistic talent from the Midlands and beyond’. Digbeth Dining Club, the award-winning street food event which has revolutionised the foodie scene in Birmingham, returns to host the food programming on the day. A number of independent breweries and distilleries will also be represented.

Other attractions include street art from Digbeth's City Of Colours, live music, spoken word and retro gaming. Tickets and more information can be found at madebirmingham.com

O’Hooley & Tidow

Warwick Folk

Billy Bragg

In and around Warwick School, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July

Now in its thirty-sixth year, this hugely popular festival continues to attract the creme de la creme of the folk world, with Billy Bragg, Lil’ Jimmy Reed Band, The Demon Barbers XL and Nancy Kerr & The Sweet Visitor Band all headlining in 2015. In addition to four days’worth of extensive music on its main stages, the event also features a programme of ceilidhs, workshops, talks, a family festival and impromptu acoustic sessions. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43

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Festivals Listings For full listing information on festivals, including dates and line-up, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

JULY CAMPER JAM Line-up to be announced, Fri 3 Sun 5 July, Weston Park, Staffordshire GODIVA FESTIVAL Lineup includes The Wombats, Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Embrace & The Beat, Fri 3 - Sun 5 July, War Memorial Park, Coventry BLUES AT THE FOLD Lineup includes Jack Blackman, The King Biscuit Boys, Swampcandy & Will ‘Harmonica’ Wilde Band, Sat 4 July, The Fold, Worcester LEAMINGTON SPA UKULELE FESTIVAL Lineup includes Lynda Styne & Red Hot Duo, Chonkinfeckle, Bitter Jug Stompers & Gabriela, Sat 4 July, Newbold Comyn Arms, Warwickshire BIRMINGHAM ROCKS FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Bad Flowers, Glassbullet, Wet Lettuce And The Magik Bean & The Shanklins, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Jul, O’Neills, Birmingham LLANGOLLEN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL EISTEDDFOD Line-up includes Rufus Wainwright, Alfie Boe, UB40’s Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue & Gareth Malone and his Voices choir, Mon 6 - Sun 12 July, Royal International Pavillion BUXTON FESTIVAL FRINGE Line-up includes Albion, City Of Manchester Orchestra, Basin Street Jazz and Blues & Dale Storr, Wed 8 - Sun 26 Jul, various venues around Buxton 2000 TREES FESTIVAL Line-up includes Deaf Havana, Idlewild, We Are The Ocean & The Subways, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Jul, Upcote Farm, Cheltenham BROMSGROVE FOLK FES-

TIVAL Line-up includes Artisan, Colum Sands, Hat Fitz and Cara & Anthony John Clarke, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 July, The Bowling Green, Bromsgrove NOISILY FESTIVAL Lineup includes Stephan Bodzin, Grouch, Boris Brejcha & Parasense, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Jul, Coney Woods, Leicester NAPTON MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes Jellyheads, The Session, Abba Chique & Vendettas, Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, Napton on the Hill, Warwickshire SOUNDS IN THE GROUNDS Line-up includes Kaiser Chiefs, Professor Green, Ella Eyre, Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra & Lucy O’Byrne, Fri 10 - Sat 11 July, Warwick Castle THE MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL FESTIVAL Lineup includes Roy Ayers, Gregory Porter, Craig Charles & Hackney Colliery Band, Fri 10 - Sun 12 July, Moseley Park, Birmingham PUNKS AGAINST CANCER Line-up to be announced, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Jul, The Hairy Dog, Derbyshire CORNBURY MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes Tom Jones, Razorlight, Roger Hodgson & The Fratellis, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Jul, Great Tew Estate, Oxfordshire BUXTON FESTIVAL Lineup includes English Chamber Orchestra, The Schubert Ensemble, The Fitzwilliam String Quartet & Maria Camahort Quintet, Fri 10 - Sun 26 Jul, various venues in Buxton, Derby THE BURTON REAL ALE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL A weekend of jazz music and a range of beers, ales, cider and food stalls, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Jul, National Brewery Centre, Burton

Rufus Wainwright Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

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ALIVE AT DELAPRE PARK Line-up includes Jessie J, Alfie Boe & McBusted, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Jul, Delapre Park, Northampton FESTIVAL AT THE EDGE Line-up includes O’Hooley & Tidow, Steve Ashley, The Hut People & Pete Morton, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Jul, Stokes Barn, Much Wenlock, Shropshire FESTIVAL 8 Line-up includes Alternative Dubstep Orchestra, Seas Of Mirth, Hallouminati & Rick Emsley, Fri 17 Sun 19 Jul, Cabourne Parva, Lincolnshire BUG JAM Line-up includes Neumonics, The Cheeky Keys, Jump The Gunn & Whiteroom, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Jul, Santa Pod Raceway, Northamptonshire L FEST Line-up includes Lucy Spraggan, O’Hooley & Tidow, The Tuts & Holloway, Fri 17 - Mon 20 July, Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire SPLENDOUR Line-up includes The Specials, James, Jess Glynne & Lawson, Sat 18 July, Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire SIMMER DOWN Line-up to be announced, Sun 19 Jul, Handsworth Park, Birmingham WARWICK FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Billy Bragg, Lil’ Jimmy Reed Band, The Demon Barbers XL & Nancy Kerr, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July, various venues around Warwick DEERSTOCK Line-up includes Ferocious Dog, Big Boy Bloater, Doggen All Star Band & Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jul, Newton, Nottinghamshire INDIETRACKS MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Go! Team, Cinerama, Martha & Tigercats, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Jul, Butterley Station, near Ripley, Derbyshire NOZSTOCK FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Wu Tang Clan, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Beardyman & London Elektricity, Fri 24 - Sun 26 July, Bromyard, Hereford MADE BIRMINGHAM Lineup includes Beardyman, Claude Von Stroke, David Rodigan & Julio Bashmore, Sat 25 July, The Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham Y-NOT FESTIVAL Line-up includes Snoop Dogg, Primal Scream, Basement Jaxx & Ocean Colour Scene, Fri 31 Jul - Sun 2 Aug, Mouldridge Lane, Derbyshire CARFEST NORTH Line-up includes Billy Ocean, Seasick Steve, Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott & Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Fri 31 Jul - Sun 2 Aug, Oulton Park Race Circuit, Cheshire

MADE Birmingham

AUGUST BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Line-up includes Within Temptation, Trivium, Rob Zombie & Black Label Society, Thurs 6 Sun 9 Aug, Catton Hall, Derbyshire BULLDOG BASH Line-up includes Permageddon, Easydread, TBone & Sky Valley Mistress, Thurs 6 - Sun 9 Aug, Shakespeare County Raceway, Stratfordupon-Avon STRAWBERRY FIELDS FESTIVAL Line-up includes Bombay Bicycle Club (DJ Set), Mistajam, Mark Knight & Jaguar Skills, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Aug, Cattow Farm, Leicester LAKEFEST Line-up to be announced, Fri 7 - Sat 9 Aug, Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury REWIND NORTH Line-up includes Soul II Soul, The Human League, The Boomtown Rats & Kim Wilde, Fri 7 - Sun 9 Aug, Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire FARMER PHIL’S FESTIVAL Line-up includes Dr Feelgood, Ferocious Dog, 3 Daft Monkeys & Talisman, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Aug, Gatten Farm, Shropshire BETLEY CONCERTS Lineup includes Tom Jones, Total Access Live & Collabro, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Jul, Betley Court Farm, Cheshire LICHFIELD FAKE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Bon Jovi Experience, Kazabian & Space Cowboy, Sat 15 Aug, Beacon Park, Lichfield THE NORTH SHROPSHIRE CAJUN AND ZYDECO BIG WEEKEND Line-up includes Jimmy Breaux, Randy Vidrine, Rough Chowder & The Hotfoot Specials, Fri 14 - Sun 16 Aug, Welshampton, North Shropshire THE GREEN MAN FESTIVAL Line-up includes St Vincent, Super Furry Animals, Hot Chip & Slowdrive, Thurs 20 Sun 23 Aug, Glanusk

Park, Brecon Beacons THE JUST SO FESTIVAL Line-up includes Seas Of Mirth, Formidable Vegetable Sound System, Patch and The Giant & Backyard Burners, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, Rode Hall Parkland, Cheshire WILDWOOD FESTIVAL Line-up includes Albany Down, The Band From County Hell, Big Boy Bloater and The Limits & Chantel McGregor, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, Tupholme Abbey Fields, Lincolnshire PERSHORE JAZZ FESTIVAL Line-up includes Kevin Grenfell’s Jazz Giants, John Hallam and Remi Jazz, Gypsy Fire, Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen, Fri 21 - Sun 23 Aug, Pershore College, Warwickshire V FESTIVAL Line-up includes Calvin Harris, Kasabian, Stereophonics & Sam Smith, Sat 22 - Sun 23 Aug, Weston Park, Staffordshire PRESTEIGNE FESTIVAL Line-up includes Fenella Humphreys, Matthew Taylor, Navarra Quartet & Nova Music Opera Thurs 27 Aug Tues 1 Sept, Powys CREAMFIELDS Line-up includes Avicii, Tiesto, Armin Van Buuren & The Chemical Brothers, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Daresbury, Cheshire BEERMAGEDDON Line-up includes Rannoch, Mpire Of Evil, Tyson Dog & Heavenwood, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Aug, Stoke Prior Country Club, Bromsgrove SHREWSBURY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Richard Thompson, La Bottine Souriante, Kate Rusby & Sharon Shannon, Fri 28 - Mon 31 Aug, West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury GREENBELT FESTIVAL Line-up includes Duke Special, Pascuala Ilabaca, King Porter Stomp & Worry Dolls, Fri 28 Aug - Mon 31 Aug, Boughton House, Northamptonshire FUSION FESTIVAL Lineup includes Justin

Bieber, McBusted, Rudimental & Tinie Tempah, Sat 29 - Sun 30 Aug, Cofton Park, Birmingham

SEPTEMBER MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Monkees, Spiritualized, Idlewild & Anna Calvi, Fri 4 - Sun 6 Sept, Moseley Park, Birmingham FESTIVAL NO.6 Line-up includes Grace Jones, Belle & Sebastian, DJ Harvey & The 2 Bears, Fri 4 - Mon 7 Sept, Portmeirion WELFEST ON THE MEADOW Line-up includes The Loose Covers, The Vooz, Souled Out 2 Funk & Matt Eaves, Sat 5 Sept, Synder Meadow, Warwickshire BELBROUGHTON BEER AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Sept, Hartle Lane, Worcestershire ONBOARD THE CRAFT FESTIVAL Line-up includes The Hawklords, Son of Man, Dr Hasbeen & Glow People, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Sept, Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club, Bromsgrove WHITWELL FESTIVAL OF MUSIC Line-up includes Eddie & The Hot Rods, Seven Little Sisters, Maelor Hughes & Black Thorn, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Sept, various locations around Banbury SHREWSBURY FIELDS FOREVER FESTIVAL Lineup to be announced, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Sept, location tbc, Shropshire BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up includes Breabach, Gerry Colvin Band, John Doyle & Sharon Shannon, Fri 11 - Sun 13 Sept, Bromyard WORCESTER MUSIC FESTIVAL Line-up to be announced, Fri 18 - Sun 20 Sept, various venues in Worcester

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A Great Day Out Aston Hall HERITAGE TOURS Unicorns, secret doors, cannon balls and maybe a ghost or two - these are just a few things to look out for on Aston Hall's new Heritage Tours.

New this year, the Birmingham Museums Trust’s Heritage Tours offer fresh, in-depth insights into the city’s historical treasures. Meanwhile, shorter Heritage Highlights Tours provide an interactive, family-friendly alternative to traditional talks, with a fun, informal approach allowing kids of all ages to get up close and personal with the past.

Built between 1618 and 1635, Aston Hall was originally home to Thomas Holte, a wealthy nobleman with a reputation for his terrible temper. Bringing the Jacobean world to life with fascinating facts and stories, the stunning mansion’s expert ambassadors take visitors on a journey that reveals the stark contrast between lavish family rooms and cramped servant quarters.

Objects to touch and smell paint vivid pictures of seventeenth-century life, from everyday cooking and hygiene to Civil War sieges. Learn how Renaissance people cleaned their teeth, or how different rooms smelled depending on which candles were used. Marvel at a magnificent table spread, including a lively-looking peacock pie, and sit yourself on the guests’ velvet-covered toilet.

While listening to tales of Thomas Holte’s cruelty, keep an eye out for the ghosts of unfortunate former inhabitants.

Towards the end, there's also a chance to discover the amazing inventions of James Watt Jr, Aston Hall’s last resident owner (from 18171848).

Other Birmingham Museums Trust venues introducing Heritage Tours include the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, the Tudor-era Blakesley Hall, Matthew Boulton's Soho House, and Sarehole Mill - a childhood haunt of JRR Tolkien.

For further information, visit, birminghammuseums.org.uk

“The tours will make every trip to our heritage sites extra special, and really bring a slice of the past to life” Robert Hayes, Birmingham Museums Trust’s Commercial Director

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A Great Day Out Drayton Manor Park THOMAS LAND Since launching at Drayton Manor Park in 2008, the much-loved Thomas Land has become one of the Midlands’ - and indeed the UK’s - most visited tourist attractions.

And now, with a £2.5million expansion bringing about a forty percent increase in its size, there’s even more fun in store for families.

Noticeably bigger and easier to navigate than before, Thomas Land is a fantastic experience, with more than enough excitement to fill an entire day. And with everything from a gentle carousel to a thrilling rollercoaster, there’s definitely something for all ages.

For devoted Thomas fans, the park is surely the most magical place on earth. And even those not so familiar with the famous blue engine couldn’t fail to enjoy themselves in this Thomas & Friends-themed world, brought to life by friendly and enthusiastic staff.

Along with long-standing favourites such as Harold The Helicopter, Bertie Bus and Cranky The Crane, there are three brand new rides for youngsters to enjoy, all situated outside an equally brand new Sodor Airport.

Captain’s Sea Adventure allows children to climb aboard the yellow rescue boat and set off on a journey of adventure across the waves.

Each boat is armed with water guns which can not only be used by the kids to soak one another but also to drench bystanders who’re daring enough to stand in the Splash Zone.

Toby’s Tram Express, meanwhile, allows youngsters to board the longsuffering character for the ride of a lifetime into the sky.

then douse fires with their very own hose.

Of course, the older rides remain hugely popular. The charming Winston’s Whistle Stop Tour takes you across Thomas Land with a bird’s eye view of the park.

Harold The Helicopter still delights as he takes children soaring into the sky, as does the newly sited Jeremy’s Jet Flying Academy.

Toddlers will adore driving Sodor’s classic cars, while for more thrillseeking children there’s the Troublesome Trucks rollercoaster and Cranky The Crane’s terrifying drop.

But the star of the show will always be Thomas himself. His ‘really useful’ journeys transport guests from Knapford Station across the park to Farmer McColl’s Farm, where another raft of activities awaits. These include Terence’s Driving School, Spencer’s Play Area and a Thomas & Friends exhibition featuring a delightful model railway.

The Fat Controller, otherwise known as Sir Topham Hat, also pops up regularly throughout the day with a host of specially created interactive songs.

With so much to do, it’s best to arrive early and take advantage of everything Thomas Land has to offer. There’s little doubt that children will want to return to the venue again and again.

The third new ride is Flynn’s Fire & Rescue, which sees children elevated aboard a platform on the loveable red engine, from where they can

For devoted e s, th Thomas fan the ly park is sure al most magic . rth place on ea

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e k r u B y Vanle

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interview

I

CAPTURING HISTORY ON FILM...

Photographer Vanley Burke has spent almost fifty years documenting the stories of the Windrush Generation and their children - the Caribbean migrants who arrived in the UK in 1948 aboard the Empire Windrush. An avid collector of items relating to the African Caribbean community, Vanley is this month exhibiting the entire contents of his Nechells flat at Birmingham’s Ikon Gallery.

What’s On recently caught up with the man often referred to as ‘the Godfather of Black British photography’...

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What inspired you to hand over the entire contents of your Birmingham flat to the Ikon, Vanley?

I was asked to put on an exhibition and, as I’m an artist, I therefore felt the need to respond. As well as being where I live, my flat is a place where I keep stuff that I’ve collected. I have my art from Africa as well as work that I’ve produced. I guess it’s pretty different from most other places where people reside. I’ve worked with Ikon before.

My first exhibition there was in 1983. It was titled Handsworth From Inside and featured photographs taken in Handsworth, so I didn’t hesitate when asked to do this.

What’s in the collection?

I’ve been taking photographs for nearly fifty years now and have also been collecting items relating to the African Caribbean community for a considerable period of that time. My archive in the Birmingham Central Library features material that’s quite similar to what I have here. I have a lot of vinyl records, a lot of CDs, videos, books, pamphlets and leaflets. The collection also includes threedimensional objects such as wall plaques, hangings and trinkets - things that the working class seem to decorate their front rooms with.

Which of the possessions in the collection are you most attached to?

Each piece is important. Each one is equally as vital. You never know if, in the future, someone is going to read the dissertation that looks at blackness in Britain and be inspired to do something great from that. Or maybe even pick up a little leaflet about someone who’s done a talk or something which might inspire them.

Has anyone ever fed back to you how you or your work has inspired them to go on and do something great?

All of the while. A woman said to me in the park, ‘I would like to thank you very much for the work that you’ve been doing because without it I wouldn’t be able to tell my story to my children’. A lot of people visit the archives and use the material for dissertations. We have many, many visits. In fact, when I was selecting some material for the show at Ikon, I saw a pile of posters that some reader had requested. For me, that justifies everything I do. People are using the archive. I’m told it’s one of the most popular archives in the city, and I also receive requests from all over England and abroad, as well publications, television - you name it.

You’ve been documenting the Windrush Generation since the 1960s. Which of the many momentous occasions that you’ve recorded has had the biggest impact on you personally?

I’m not sure which one, but I’m tempted to say the next one. Photographically, the one that’s stood the test of time, I suppose, would be African Liberation Day in Handsworth Park in 1977. It was a particularly large event and it was one of the first ones that I covered quite extensively.

Back to the very beginning... How did you first get into photography?

I was still living in Jamaica when I was given a camera by my mother. I was about ten

years old and it arrived in one of the many parcels she would send from England to family for Christmas, birthdays or any other special occasion. In this particular parcel was a Kodak Box Brownie 127. I was delighted. I became fascinated by the whole idea of the image and how it’s recorded.

You’ve captured individuals and communities in many other cities and towns across the UK and overseas. Why is Birmingham so appealing to you as a photographer?

I’ve always lived in Birmingham. I left Jamaica for Birmingham, and when I decided that I was going to document the lives and experiences of African Caribbean people as they struggled to establish themselves here, I thought the appearance of people in Birmingham was quite similar to those in Bristol or Leeds or London or anywhere else.

So I didn’t really feel the need to move to those cities to document as well. I thought I would do a better job if I stuck to a geographical area. Over the years I’ve photographed various things in London, Leeds and Bristol, but I’ve mainly concentrated on Birmingham and its community. I’ve photographed aspects of the Asian community, Sikhs, Muslims and so on.

I’ve captured some of the Vietnamese communities and Gambian communities and I’m particularly interested in migration and settlement.

As an artist you’re renowned for capturing your subjects at ease, whether in their own environment, at work, at play or in the community. What tip would you give to anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Get a good pair of shoes! I doubt anyone would want to follow in my footsteps, to be honest, because it hasn’t been easy.

Dedicating your life to documenting a group of people brings few rewards in terms of making a living. It’s pretty tough. In terms of taking photographs, I’d tell them to set themselves a goal and stick to it. I think the advice I’d give would depend on the individual. It’s hard to say ‘follow in my footsteps’ because I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.

It may not be that rewarding from a financial viewpoint, but surely it must’ve given you great satisfaction?

It’s extremely rewarding, but reaching a point where you’re satisfied requires you to crawl through a few minefields first. I feel history is a by-product of life. Whether we write it or not, history is going to be there. If we don’t write our own history, then it will be written for us - and we’ve never really trusted the traditional writers of history because they were the very people who enslaved us. How can you have someone who was previously enslaving you writing your history? I felt sacrifices had to be made. I knew I’d have to give up something and do it properly, setting a foundation for the whole idea of documenting our history as it unfolded here in England. That was my intention and, to a large extent, it still is.

You recently worked with SAMPAD South Asian Arts on their exhibition trail along the Stratford Road...

Yeah, I’m the photographer for that. I’ve also just come back from Canada, where I was involved in the Scotiabank Contact Photography Festival. It’s one of the world’s largest photo festivals, if not the largest.

There were over two hundred exhibitions featured, but ours was deemed the most significant, so we’re quite pleased with that.

My work’s also in the British photographic exhibition that’s showing in China at the moment. I’ve also worked in South Africa. I photographed Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. I spent six weeks there in 1990, six months in 1996, and returned again in 2002. Last year I was invited to put on an exhibition at the university of Johannesburg relating to migration and settlement.

During your time as a resident of Birmingham you’ll have seen a lot of change. What’s been the most significant?

I think the most significant perhaps would be New Street Station. But for me as a people watcher - a watcher of migration and settlement - I’m particularly intrigued by how migrants use areas like Handsworth. Prior to us, the African Caribbeans, there were others who came in. There was a Polish population and a Polish club in Handsworth when we arrived there, and then the Sikh community moved in shortly after us. Now we have a lot of people from eastern Europe and various other places. That’s the sort of cosmopolitan nature of people in Handsworth. It’s just wonderful.

In what way would you further like to build on your legacy to Birmingham’s black community?

My interest is just collecting material that makes art. By that I mean the hats - the sort that women wear to church - and clothes.

One thing I’m very much interested in at the moment is dissertations. I’m interested in dissertations with black people as the subject. It doesn’t have to be written by a black person, they just need to be the subject. So they’re one of the things I would like to concentrate on. Collecting books and magazines as well - perhaps some backdated magazines that might be out of print.

And how will the collection end?

I don’t know because it’s so important, is being used so widely and is respected within the community. I’ve had one or two academics who’ve said it’s a very valuable resource, so I feel the need to continue. The idea of taking it slightly more academic is, for me, an interesting one, not least because dissertations will probably occupy less space than some of the other objects I’ve collected.

What’s the difference between a hoarder and a collector?

With a collector you can see the corners of the room, with a hoarder you can’t.

At Home With Vanley Burke shows at Ikon Gallery, from Wed 22 July to Sun 27 September

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Visual Arts Fay Nicolson: Over And Over Pure Form Grand Union, Birmingham, until Sat 8 August

Notions of process, documentation, narrative and abstraction weave through Fay Nicolson’s practice. The artist’s final works exist as fragments of a wider aesthetic project. En route to her end product, she plays not only with the physicality of images but also with possibilities for formal and material transformation. Her works include a series of large-scale, rhythmic screen-prints which connect to textiles and the body.

Wendy Ramshaw’s Room Of Dreams Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 22 May 2016

Way Of The Warrior

A major new artwork by one of Britain’s most accomplished artist jewellers, Wendy Ramshaw’s Room Of Dreams is made up of many parts, from small jewels in frames to large, freestanding furniture. Each element of the room draws the viewer into a world of stories that are both ‘familiar and strange’.

“The dream is the room, and every one of its individual contents is in some sense a part of a dream,” explains Wendy. “A white wall is covered with frames, each of which contains a piece of jewellery, each inspired by a dream or dream-like situation - a series of stories and images waiting to be considered and discovered.

“Room Of Dreams has brought into existence so many imagined objects, gathering together so many thoughts in one place - ‘the room’. It has fulfilled and completed a dream for me.”

Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery, until Sat 5 September

This touring exhibition illustrates the development of personal arms and body armour across the past two thousand, five hundred years. It features armour worn by Liam McIntyre as Spartacus in the Starz television series and a selection of samurai armour from the 2003 Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai.

Running alongside the exhibition, Worcester City Art Gallery is giving away an official replica of the Spaniard helmet worn by Russell Crowe in Gladiator, with two costumes from the Oscar-winning movie also on display. The competition runs for the duration of the exhibition.

Anne Frank And You Millennium Point, Birmingham, until Wed 15 July

“We’re honoured to have been chosen by the Anne Frank Trust as the venue for this flagship exhibition,” says Neil Anderson, director of marketing, events and communications at Millennium Point. “We’re all familiar with the story of Anne, but this exhibition tells it in a very different and contemporary way - not only in the way it presents the story physically, but also via the comparisons it makes with current issues.”

As well as exploring Anne Frank’s story through use of photographs, videos and diary extracts, the exhibition features a life-size replica of her bedroom in the secret annexe and a range of interactive panels which explore the impact of prejudice in modern-day society.

“Millennium Point is a venue which is all about learning and creative thinking,” continues Neil. “I’ve no doubt this compelling and thought-provoking exhibition will capture the interest and curiosity of our visitors.” www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51

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VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS Further exhibitions

Portrait Salon Parkside Gallery, Birmingham, Mon 6 - Fri 31 July

The photographs featured here have been drawn from the four thousand, one hundred and thirty-three images last year rejected from the National Portrait Gallery’s Taylor Wessing Prize. One of the most prestigious photography competitions in the world, the Prize’s exhibition last year featured sixty photographs, with many high-quality images failing to make the cut.

This touring show provides an opportunity to view ‘the best of the rest’.

The Story Of Children’s Television From Review 1946 To Today Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, until Sun 13 September

There are few occasions when one gets to see as many grinning adult faces as this Herbert exhibition is able to inspire. It's irresistible; a rainbow-coloured trip down memory lane that's a joy for kids from one to seventy-one.

Which of the exhibits excites you most will depend on your age, but there's something here to make even the biggest cynic mistyeyed. Highlights include original animation cells, Grange Hill and Blue Peter scripts, paper parts illustrating Captain Pugwash's unique animation style, and an astonishing number of original puppets, from Muffin the Mule and Wonky Donkey to Morph and Jess the Cat. One room is dedicated to Midlandsbased company Ragdoll (responsible for Rosie And Jim, Brum and Teletubbies), and there are several interactive elements, including a card game, dress-up clothes, 'guess the theme tune', contemporary kids' apps, and a chance to share your memories.

The centrepiece, however, is a massive TV camera from around 1970, mounted on a ’50s stand. It's a thing of beauty. Today's digital cameras make it easy to forget the complexity of the equipment at our fingertips, and the thought of wrestling with something like this certainly offers pause for thought. Yet surrounded by so many weird and wonderful creations, it's impossible to doubt whether it was worth it. Reviewed by Heather Kincaid

For full listing information on Visual Art exhibitions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ANNA LORENZ NWA Sculptural and wallbased explorations developed from the Next Wave exhibition, held at the RBSA Gallery in May 2014 to support emerging artists, until Sat 4 July, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham TREVOR APPLESON: BIRMINGHAM Exhibition exploring self-representation as a counterpoint to the conventions of the traditional photographic portrait, until Sun 5 July, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham SAMARA SCOTT: SILKS New body of work which draws on the phenomenon of postinternet art, until Sat 11 July, Eastside Projects, Birmingham YOU AND ME HERE WE ARE Exhibition of original material including the artist’s film, The Most Smallest Heath In The Spaghetti Junction, until Sat 11 July, Eastside Projects, Birmingham FRIENDS’ EXHIBITION Showcase of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, drawing, paintings & printmaking, until Sat 11 July, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham OPEN 2015 Showcasing the work of local artists, until Sun 12 July, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa CRAZY ABOUT QUILTS Exhibition showcasing a rare collection of quilts, from the Victorian era to modern day, until Sun 12 July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch PAVEL BÜCHLER Exhibition of work utilising a wide range of media. This is the artist’s most comprehensive UK exhibition to date, until Sun 12 July, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham GAME OVER BY TRANSIENT-ART A fascinating exhibition which presents new artwork inspired by the visit of artists and designers to The Coffin Works, until Fri 24 July, Newman Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham SOLDIERS’ STORIES: BIRMINGHAM AND THE ROYAL WARWICKSHIRE REGIMENT 1914 - 1918 Exhibition which commemorates the centenary of the First World War and recounts the experiences of Birmingham men who served in the regiment

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between 1914 and 1918, using personal objects, medals and memorabilia, until Sun 26 July, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery NÁSTIO MOSQUITO A selection of the artist’s work at the fifty-sixth Biennale di Venezia, until Sun 26 July, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham JAMAICAN HIDDEN HISTORIES Exhibition showcasing historical, cultural & economic links between Jamaica and Britain, until Thurs 30 July, The Drum, Birmingham DAVID GEORGE RBSA A selection of oils and watercolours of recent travels to Cornwall, France, Cuba, Portugal, Ibiza and Wales, until Sat 8 Aug, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham FAY NICOLSON: OVER AND OVER PURE FORM Solo exhibition showcasing how the artist plays with the physicality of images and possibilities for formal and material transformation through repetition, until Sat 8 Aug, Grand Union, Birmingham ROB LECKEY ARBSA A display of harbours, boats, cities and landscapes using acrylic paint and inks, collage and mixed media, until Sat 15 Aug, RBSA, Birmingham GREEN FINGERED Solo exhibition by Gemma Marmalade, until Sat 29 Aug, BOM (Birmingham Open Media), Dudley Street, Birmingham MADE AT MAC: CERAMICS An exhibition of course participants’ work, until Mon 31 Aug, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham WAY OF THE WARRIOR Exhibition of arms and armour from historical movies, including Gladiator, Last Samurai & War Horse, until Sat 5 Sept, Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum LOVE IS ENOUGH: ANDY WARHOL AND WILLIAM MORRIS Exhibition bringing together significant and iconic works by both artists, including some rarely seen pieces, until Sun 6 Sept, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery FROM ‘RED’ ELLEN TO OSWALD MOSLEY Portraits of inter-war politicians by Edmund Knapp, until Sun 6 Sept, The Barber Institute, Birmingham SUSAN STOCKWELL: SEA MARKINGS Exhibition

inspired by the RSC’s summer 2015 season of plays and the world of sixteenth century Venice, until Sun 6 Sept, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon NAUTICAL CRAFT EXHIBITION Works by contemporary designer/makers created in response to the sea and coast, until Sat 12 Sept, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham THE STORY OF CHILDREN’S TELEVISION FROM 1946 TO TODAY Fascinating exhibition which takes a look at some of the shows and characters that have excited and delighted youngsters across the decades, until Sun 13 Sept, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry THE DAN PEARSON WILLIAM MORRIS MEADOW Dan Pearson’s commission will create a mown parterre (a formal garden) based on the designs of legendary English designer William Morris, until Sun 13 Sept, Compton Verney Gallery, Warwickshire LOVE, LIFE & LANDSCAPES Featuring German romantic prints & drawings from the Barber’s collection, until Sun 13 Sept, The Barber Institute, Birmingham THE ARTS AND CRAFTS HOUSE: THEN AND NOW Exhibition tracing the origins, legacy and enduring appeal of the historic arts & crafts movement and its fascination with the creation of the home, until Sun 13 Sept, Compton Verney, Warwickshire THE HART SILVERSMITHS: A LIVING TRADITION Exhibition which tells the story of the tradition, skill and way of life of the silversmith, until Sun 13 Sept, Compton Verney, Warwickshire THE MODERNIST FACE: SMITH, DOBSON & BRITISH PORTRAITURE 1920-60 A snapshot through the lens of Modernism, this latest Barber exhibition explores the work of two under-appreciated British artists, until Sun 27 Sept, The Barber Institute, Birmingham JACQUES NIMKI: SEEN/UNSEEN A new permanent installation featuring more than three hundred barely visible works referencing plant drawings, until Sun 27 Sept, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham HIDDEN STORIES An art installation created by local artist Matt Reeves and Ignite (Thinktank's Young People's Forum) until Wed 30 Sept, Thinktank at Millennium Point

THE HISTORY OF US: A STENCILLED (SORT OF) HISTORY OF THE HUMAN RACE, BY STREET ARTIST Spray-painted with stencils and offering an unconventional view of the past, this is our history as seen through the eyes of street artist Pahnl, until Sun 4 Oct, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry 9 EVENINGS: REDUX Fresh look at Billy Kluver’s seminal 1966 art, performance & technology programme, until Sat 17 Oct, Vivid Projects, Digbeth, Birmingham AN ENGLISHMAN ABROAD Exhibition examining the changing focus of pilgrims and the countries which their pilgrimages have taken them to, until Sat 31 Oct, Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery STILL WITH US: THE STORY OF YARDLEY PEOPLE IN WORLD WAR ONE An exhibition that celebrates the lives of some of the people in Yardley during World War One, until Sun 1 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham ART IN THE PARK: KERN BABY BY FAYE CLARIDGE This enigmatic new commission by artist Faye Claridge for the grounds at Compton Verney takes on the form of an exaggerated sculptural emblem of folklore, until Sun 13 Dec, Compton Verney, Warwickshire CHINESE COLLECTION REDISPLAY Consisting of over one hundred objects spanning over three thousand years, until Sun 13 Dec, Compton Verney Gallery, Warwickshire BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN THE INNER-CITY Display exploring the way in which ordinary Birmingham people have been represented in art during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, until Thurs 31 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery 20TH CENTURY BRITISH STUDIO CERAMICS A display of seventy-eight pieces of studio ceramics made by twentynine potters working in England and Wales during the twentieth century, until Thurs 31 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery INHERITING ROME Exhibition which uses money to explore and question our deep-seated familiarity with the Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun 24 Jan 2016, The Barber Institute, Birmingham WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS An installation made up of

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Showcase of end-ofyear work by Cannon Hill Art School Students, Sat 18 July Sun 6 Sept, mac Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham ALIEN INVASION Meet iconic lifesize characters from Star Wars: Chewbacca, Yoda and the Dark Lord himself, Darth Vader, Sat 18 July - Sun 6 Sept, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Worcestershire

The Modernist Face - The Barber Institute, Birmingham

many parts, from small jewels in frames to large, freestanding furniture, until Sun 22 May 2016, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery BEORMA (II) An exploration of the Birmingham art scene’s archives regarding the subject of gender, Fri 3 - Sat 25 July, Stryx, Birmingham ESTONIAN STREET ART Group show, Fri 3 Wed 29 July, Centrala

Gallery & Cafe, Birmingham

RBSA Gallery, Birmingham

PORTRAIT SALON Exhibition of photographs, Mon 6 - Fri 31 July, The Parkside Gallery, Birmingham

PORTRAIT PRIZE EXHIBITION This biennial event sees RBSA team up with the charity Changing Faces. Part of the exhibition shows how portraiture can reveal the richness and diversity of faces, Thurs 16 July - Sat 22 Aug, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham

PHILIP POTTER ARBSA Drawing inspiration from natural and synthetic forms, Philip here explores relationships to culture, landscape and body in this display of sculptures, Mon 6 July - Sat 29 Aug,

CANNON HILL ART SCHOOL SUMMER SHOW

WALKING THE RAINBOW: EARLY YEARS ACTIVITY SPACE Delve into a world of colourful possibilities, where the light sparkles and textures and materials inspire young imaginations to soar, Wed 22 July - Sun 6 Sept, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry AT HOME WITH VANLEY BURKE Exhibition showcasing the entire contents of the artist’s flat in Nechells, north-east Birmingham, Wed 22 July - Sun 27 Sept, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham TAKEHISA KOSUGI Exhibition featuring three of the artist’s sound installations, involving everyday materials and radio electronics, Wed 22 July - Sun 27 Sept,

Ikon, Birmingham SIR TERRY FROST R.A (1915-2003): A LEAMINGTON LAD This exhibition, in the year which marks the centenary of the artist’s birth, includes a

large number of works which haven’t been displayed before, Fri 24 July - Sun 11 Oct, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum

Museums & Art Galleries Birmingham

GRAND UNION 0121 643 9079

DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 01384 815575 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 716055 THE NEW ART GALLERY WALSALL 01922 654400 RED HOUSE GLASS CONE 01384 812750 WOLVERHAMPTON ART GALLERY 01902 552055

IKON GALLERY 0121 248 0708

Warwickshire

ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield 0121 323 3776 BARBER INSTITUTE 0121 414 7333 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 0121 303 2834 CASTLE GALLERIES 0121 248 8484

NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 0121 643 9099 RBSA GALLERY 0121 2364353 STRYX GALLERY, DIGBETH stryxarts@gmail.com THREE WHITE WALLS GALLERY 0121 200 3328

Black Country BANTOCK HOUSE WOLVERHAMPTON 01902 552195 BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY 01902 552507 BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS MUSEUM, DUDLEY 01384 812745

COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY 01926 645500 HERBERT ART GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 LANCHESTER GALLERY, COVENTRY 02476 887831 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK 02476 524524 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS 01926 742700 RUGBY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY 01788 533201

Worcestershire WORCESTER CITY ART GALLERY 01905 25371

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Events

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 July Antiques For Everyone offers the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture and collectables. Items for sale include Georgian and Victorian furniture, British and European works of art, and highly collectable pottery, porcelain and jewellery from the past three hundred years, with prices ranging from £10 to £100,000.

This particular show also features a superb collection of Derbyshire

Blue John, a form of fluorite which has a translucent appearance.

Colours range from dark purple and violet to light brown and honey yellow. The collection is the core of a unique sale on loan from Fellows Auctioneers prior to its auction in Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter in October. It features exceptional ornaments and items of jewellery, many of which were made in Birmingham by Matthew Boulton in the late eighteenth century.

Silverstone Classic Silverstone Circuit, Northampton, Fri 24 - Sun 26 July

Billed as ‘the world’s biggest classic motor-racing festival’, the Silverstone Classic is a real mecca for car enthusiasts, at the same time offering top-notch entertainment for families.

Renowned for attracting some of the biggest names in the industry, this year sees the event celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary. Highlights include more than twenty races, a performance from Status Quo, a display of over ten thousand classic cars, a giant wheel and vintage funfair, a huge shopping village and numerous ‘dynamic’ demonstrations.

Colmore Food Festival Victoria Square, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sat 4 July

Showcasing the excellent food and drink on offer in Birmingham’s commercial quarter (Colmore Business District), this two-day event features an eclectic programme of entertainment and edible delights. In addition to demonstrations from top chefs and mixologists, visitors can enjoy outdoor theatre performances and a magic show. Music comes courtesy of the Colmore Chorus and the Birmingham International Jazz & Blues Festival. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55

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Events PREVIEWS Birmingham Cocktail Weekend Various venue across Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sun 12 July

Showcasing some of the city’s finest cocktail venues, the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend offers the chance to try as many cocktails as take your fancy - some for just £4! The idea behind the event is simple - purchase an eticket online for just £6 and then exchange it for a wristband. The wristband provides access to over twenty venues - and to those all-important £4 cocktails.

The event also features a range of masterclasses and free tastings, as well as the chance to learn about the spirits that contribute to your favourite cocktails.

1940s Weekend Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July

This is the Black Country Living Museum’s largest ever 1940s weekend. The event offers visitors the chance to stroll through vintage memorabilia markets, meet 1940s characters and prepare for an evacuee lesson in St James’ school. Other attractions include wartime variety shows, austerity-busting ‘make do and mend’ workshops, fashion shows and street performers. There’s also the chance to experience air-raid scenarios and listen to some of Churchill’s most stirring speeches, performed live by a re-enactor.

Birmingham Beer Bash The Women Chainmakers’ Festival Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 11 July

Cradley Heath high street will be closed off for this Black Country Festival event, which celebrates the achievements of eight hundred women chainmakers who, via a tenweek strike at the beginning of the twentieth century, fought to establish a minimum wage for their labour. The strike was led by trade unionist Mary Macarthur, who founded the National Federation of Women Workers and later stood for Parliament as a Labour candidate. The festival’s line-up of entertainment includes comedy from The Fizzogs, period theatrical reenactments, a funfair and a chance to enjoy a variety of circus skills.

The Bond Co, Fazeley Street, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 July

A pure love for all things beer is what brought together the organisers behind the Birmingham Beer Bash. Opening its doors at a canalside location in Digbeth in 2013, the Bash has gone from strength to strength, in the process making a significant mark on the national beer landscape.

Highlights at this year’s adult-only event include more than forty breweries presenting over one hundred beers and ciders, and lots of local street food outlets serving a range of tasty cuisine to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Photo credit: Francis Clarke

Birmingham Music Bus Tour Victoria Square, Birmingham, Sun 12 July

The Big Art Show West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury, Fri 3 - Sun 5 July

Showcasing work from some of the best art and craft artists in Britain, aiming to make it the biggest art event of its kind in the West Midlands. Glass smiths, ceramicists, furniture designers, textile artists, sculptors, painters, metalworkers and jewellers will be among the 120 exhibitor line-up for 2015. As well as over 100 short animation films, Shropshire Photographic Society is holding its summer exhibition at The Big Art Show.

Birmingham’s contribution to the music scene comes under the spotlight on this sure-to-be-fascinating bus tour. Birmingham Music Archive founder Jez Collins is the man at the helm for a magical mystery tour that promises to spill the beans on Brummie bands including Black Sabbath, UB40 and Musical Youth. The tour lasts approximately one-and-a-half hours, starting and finishing at the city’s Victoria Square, next to the Council House.

weekend of entertainment boasting commendably broad appeal. Included in the event’s line-up of attractions is five arenasworth of music, ever-popular drag racing, ‘run what ya brung’ public track time, ‘show & shine’, comedy talent aplenty, hair-raising stunt displays (including the car-crushing mayhem of monster trucks), an interactive circus skills workshop for all the family, an autojumble and a funfair. If you’ve not been to the show before, make 2015 the year you check it out. As the above list makes evident, entertainment will most definitely not be in short supply!

Stratford River Festival Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 4 - Sun 5 July

The 2015 Stratford-upon-Avon River Festival features a host of entertainment for the local community to enjoy. A highlight of the twoday event is the illuminated boat display on the Saturday evening, which comes with the promise of a ‘spectacular firework display’.

Live music, a craft village, a climbing wall, stalls and market traders also feature, while street entertainment is on offer in the historic town centre itself.

Bug Jam 29 - VW Festival Santapod, Northampton, Fri 17 - Sun 19 July

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Events PREVIEWS Mela In The Midlands Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 25 July

Adding a spectacular dash of colour to the Midlands’ summertime events calendar are these hugely popular melas (a word which, in translation, means ‘a gathering’ or ‘a fair’).

The Belgrade Mela sees representatives from Coventry’s diverse South Asian communities coming together in celebration. The event’s ‘special guest star’ is Punjabi hitmaker Sukshinder Shinda. Commenting on the mela, artistic director Nasreen Akhtar Khan said: “To have secured the services of a name like Sukshinder Shinda is a huge coup for the theatre and for the city.

Sukshinder is fast becoming one of the biggest names in Punjabi music culture, with a Twitter following in excess of fifty-seven thousand and a dedicated fan base throughout the UK. Alongside Mr Shinda, we’ll also be showcasing a range of some of the best local South Asian talent, from classical dance right through to modern-day Bollywood and more.”

Blists Hill Country Fair Blists Hill Victorian Town, Nr Ironbridge, Shropshire, Mon 27 July - Sun 2 August

The atmosphere of a traditional Victorian country fair is this month being recreated at Blists Hill. Attractions include traditional games on the green with the town’s residents, the chance to be entertained by the Prince Albert Players, working-horse demonstrations and a whole host of games, including apple bobbing, musical chairs, sack races and a tug-of-war.

Demonstrations of country crafts, from rag rug making to woodwork skills, are also included.

Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk from

WED 1 JULY THE GRAND GARDEN TOUR Learn more about the history of the garden and its most recent additions, Wed 1 July, Ragley Hall, Warwickshire WIMBLEDON LIVE! Watch the on-court action while out and about in Brindleyplace, courtesy of a large outdoor screen in Central Square, until Mon 6 July, Brindleyplace, Birmingham MILLING SUNDAYS See the mill as it’s brought back to life to grind wheat into flour, and learn how the mill's machinery works, until Sun 19 July, Sarehole Mill, Birmingham HORRIBLE HISTORIES: WICKED WARWICK New for 2015, the Horrible Histories bring Wicked Warwick back to life, until Sun 6 Sept, Warwick Castle LEGO CITY DEEP SEA EXPLORERS Get handson and build a Lego

sea creature. Take part in other activities to become a real-life Lego City Deep Sea Explorer, until Mon 31 Aug, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ TOURS A chance to see Birmingham in all its glory, until Sun 27 Sept, Victoria Square, Birmingham GRANDSLAM MADNESS TOUR Fresh from a sellout tour, Madness kick off the British Grand Prix Weekend, Thurs 2 July, Silverstone Circuit, Northampton STRATFORD-UPON-AVON POETRY FESTIVAL Featuring an exciting line-up of events and special recitals. For the full programme and ticket bookings, visit www.shakespeare.org. uk/poetry-festival, Thurs 2 July - Sun 2 Aug Various locations in Stratford-upon-Avon TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Enjoy a picnic at the mill, with craft activities, songs and games, Fri 3 July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL

Showcasing the food and drink available in Birmingham’s commercial quarter, Fri 3 - Sat 4 July, Victoria Square, Birmingham CAMPER JAM Highlights include live bands, food village, children's activities and the ever-popular 'cooking in a camper' competition, Fri 3 - Sun 5 July, Weston Park, Staffordshire THE BIG ART SHOW Showcasing work from some of the best art & craft artists in Britain, Fri 3 - Sun 5 July, West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury 2015 FORMULA 1 BRITISH GRAND PRIX Fri 3 - Sun 5 July, Silverstone Circuit, Northampton AMERICAN REDWORK EMBROIDERY WITH JANE COBBETT Workshop where visitors can make a pretty floral sachet incorporating traditional hand embroidery stitches, Sat 4 July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch CRAZY VICTORIAN PATCHWORK WITH JANE COBBETT Create a unique piece of patchwork using luxury fabrics and decorated with fancy embroidery stitches, Sat 4 July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch RUN WHAT YA BRUNG

The chance to take your car or motorcycle out on the famous quarter-mile dragstrip and test its performance limits in a safe and legal environment, Sat 4 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton STAR-SPANGLED RAG RUGGING Create an American-inspired rag rug for your home.

Perfect for beginners to this traditional technique, Sat 4 July, Birmingham Back to

Backs AN INTRODUCTION TO BEEKEEPING Join Colin and Ian from Bournville Beekeepers, Sat 4 July, Selly Manor, B’ham STAFFORDSHIRE CYCLING FESTIVAL The second day of two-wheeled fun, incorporating a massparticipation cycle ride in the daytime, cycling activities for the family and a professional cycle race in the evening, Sat 4 July, Shugborough Historic

Working Estate, Staffordshire STEP BACK TO THE 1940S Popular event taking a lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain.

Attractions include costumed re-enactments, a 1940s Blackout Fair, displays of historic civilian & military vehicles, a wartime operations room and period memorabilia stands Sat 4 Sun 5 July, Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster

Horrible Histories: Wicked Warwick - Warwick Castle

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Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk HERITAGE WEEKEND Listen to informative talks about the Cadbury family before taking a stroll around the historic Bournville Village, Sat 4 - Sun 5 July, Cadbury World, Birmingham MASTERS FESTIVAL A two day celebration of the history of motorsport, Sat 4 - Sun 5 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit JAPSHOW The first major event for Japanese car fans, featuring RWYB competition, Jap Drag Series, FWD Drag Series, club displays, drifting, drag demos, Show’n’Shine and more, Sun 5 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton OUTER EYE-CATCHERS: DUNSTALL TOWER Explore inside the eyecatcher, opened at a certain time throughout the year, Sun 5 July Croome Park, Worcester BMC & LEYLAND SHOW Celebrate a host of British vehicles, manufactured by the British Motor Corporation, British Leyland and Rover. Also celebrating thirty years of the Montego, Sun 5 July, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire VINTAGE AND PVT The annual MAC Vintage meeting in association with the Vintage Sports Car Club, Sun 5 July, Shelsley Walsh, Worcester HOT HOT HOT! LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL Featuring music, dance and workshops, Sun 5

July, The Arcadian Centre, Birmingham

Week Commencing

MON 6 JULY SUMMER EVENING GARDEN PARTY Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the gardens, along with drinks and canapes, Fri 10 July, Charlecote Park, Warwickshire DRAGSTALGIA A weekend event dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era, Fri 10 - Sun 12 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM CLASSIC CAR BREAKFAST CLUB A chance to show off your classic car and/or motorcycle, Sat 11 July, Coventry Transport Museum MORGANS THRILL ON THE HILL Featuring hundreds of Morgan Cars, live music, trade stands and much more, Sat 11 July, Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire AN INTRODUCTION TO BAROQUE ART Curator Helen Hillyard gives a special lecture on Baroque Art, Sat 11 July, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery FUN REGATTA Sat 11 July, Stratford-uponAvon Boat Club SILVER PENDANT JEWELLERY WORKSHOP Join designer maker Louise Mary Muttitt and learn the skills and techniques of a silversmith in a creative oneday workshop, Sat 11

July, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham CHARACTER WEEKEND Get snapped with some of Cadbury's most colourful characters, including Caramel Bunny, Freddo, Creme Egg and Mr Cadbury's Parrot, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Cadbury World, Birmingham BLACK COUNTRY WEEKEND Embark on a discovery trail and uncover the proud industrial heritage of the region, or relax with a local real ale and a bag BCLM’s famous traditional fish and chips, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON SHOW Including a trio of new attractions alongside favourites Big Pete Monster Truck and Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Wolverhampton Racecourse NATIONAL CAR RACES THE BRITISH AUTOMOBILE Two days of racing, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit RAF DEFFORD WEEKEND Two days of music, museum displays, reenactors and much more... Part of the Croome's Hidden Heritage series, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Croome Park, Worcestershire NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGY WEEKEND: A ROMAN INVASION Two days of archaeology-themed fun for all the family, Sat 11 - Sun 12 July, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch BIRMINGHAM MUSIC BUS TOUR Chance to explore Birmingham’s contribution to the music scene, Sun 12

Summer holiday fun at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire

No Fit State Circus, performers at City of Wolverhampton Show

July, Victoria Square, Birmingham SOUTH STAFFS BONSAI SHOW Sun 12 July, Birmingham Botanical Gardens CHURCHILL FORGE OPEN DAY Visit one of the last surviving waterwheelpowered forges in the country, Sun 12 July, Churchill Forge Mill, Worcestershire TRIUMPH RAZOREDGE OC 40TH ANNIVERSARY Up to fifteen Triumph Razoredge Classics on display, Sun 12 July, Coventry Transport Museum FLYING POTTER Creative workshops with Eastnor Pottery, Sun 12 July, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire BREAKFAST CLUB Monthly social gathering open to all, Sun 12 July, Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire SUNNYHULL - FASHION, HEALTH AND BEAUTY Pop-up boutiques, beauty labs and fashion

tips, courtesy of Mell Square’s fashion and beauty retailers, Sun 12 July, Mell Square, Solihull

Week Commencing

MON 13 JULY HONDA RON HASLAM RACE SCHOOL The Ron Haslam Race School offers the experience of riding on an international racing circuit, Mon 13 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit BRINDLEYPLACE FILM FESTIVAL Free outdoor event, Mon 13 - Sun 19 July, Brindleyplace, Birmingham SIR MALCOLM SARGENT WITH ANDREW KEENER This distinguished recording producer takes a personal look at Sir Malcolm Sargent, the great conductor, organist and composer, Tues 14 July, The Elgar Birthplace Museum, Worcester HEAD GARDENER'S EVENING TOURS Join head gardener Mick Evans as he reveals the secrets of planting at Packwood, Wed 15 July, Packwood House, Solihull LOCAL HISTORY TALK NINETEENTH CENTURY ACCIDENTS A talk by local historian Jane Smith, Fri 17 July, Wolverhampton Art Gallery THE BURTON REAL ALE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL A weekend of jazz music, beer and food, Fri 17 Sat 18 July, National Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent CROOME'S DISCOVERY LOG BOOKS Join the journey of discovery around the park, using a log book, Fri 17 July Sun 6 Sept, Croome Park, Worcestershire ADULT WORKSHOP: CONTEMPORARY SCREENPRINTING Create designs and prints with

artist Karoline Rerrie, Sat 18 July, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery COUGHTON VILLAGE SUMMER FETE Traditional stalls, games and competitions, Sat 18 July, Coughton Court, Alcester, Warwickshire CLASSIC NOSTALGIA Annual event that attracts a very wide range of classic cars, not just competing on the hill but also on display, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July, Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire FASHION IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY Julia Lowe talks about the varying details of sixteenth century fashion, Sat 18 July, Selly Manor, Birmingham LARGE MODEL AIRCRAFT RALLY An air show in miniature - a must for any aviation enthusiast, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL: TOURNAMENT & JOUST! Magnificent knights compete for victory in this celebration of all things medieval, Sat 18 - Sun 19 July, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire GAMES THROUGH THE AGES Take a trip back in time to play some of the popular games of yesteryear, Sat 18 July Mon 31 Aug, Shakespeare's Birthplace; Mary Arden's Farm; Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens; Hall's Croft; Harvard House & The Museum of British Pewter - all in Stratfordupon-Avon SUMMER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Join the summer of fun at Cadbury World with a whole host of entertainers, Sat 18 July - Wed 2 Sept, Cadbury World, Birmingham SUMMER HOLIDAY

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

0121 427 2555 / 07805 115 998

enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

This voucher entitles the bearer to day admission to the Western Motorhome Show at the discounted rate of £13.00 for two adults on completion of your details. Normal price is £7.00. Please present the completed voucher at the paygate when purchasing your ticket. Only one voucher per couple. Maximum discount is £1.00. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk FAMILY ACTIVITIES Explore over two hundred cars whilst completing interactive family activities, Sat 18 July - Sun 6 Sept, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire PLAY LIKE AN EDWARDIAN Test your skill with an array of Edwardian and wartime fete games, Sat 18 July Sun 6 Sept, Croft Castle, Nr Leominster HORRIBLE HISTORIES: MEDIAEVAL MAYHEM Sat 18 July - Sun 6 Sept Sept, Warwick Castle SUMMER HOLIDAY AT MAD A chance to design a part of the MAD Marbles Wall, Sat 18 July - Mon 7 Sept, The MAD Museum, Stratford-upon-Avon SEVEN SECRET DOORS Discover the seven doors and what secrets lay behind them, Sat 18 July - Mon 7 Sept, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Staffordshire ANIMALS R MAGIC A fundraising event in aid of the Cinnamon Trust, bringing together many local animal charities.

Attractions include a dog show, dog agility, flyball and gundog demonstrations, ferret racing, alpacas and donkeys, Sun 19 July, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, Nr Bromsgrove OLD FORD RALLY Sun 19 July, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC Take along your favourite teddies for a picnic, with stories, fun and games from entertainer Jem, Sun 19 July, Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Herefordshire SUNNYHULL - FOOD AND DRINK EXTRAVAGANZA Grown-ups can kick back and relax in the al fresco dining area whilst little ones learn their way around the kitchen, Sun 19 July, Mell Square, Solihull

Week Commencing

MON 20 JULY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BACK TO BACKS The Back To Backs mice are playing hide and seek - find them all to win a prize, Tues 21 - Sun 26 July, Birmingham Back to Backs SUMMER HOLIDAYS LAND ROVER COLLECTION ACTIVITIES Explore the Land Rover Collection, with some fun activities to complete along the way, Tues 21 - Thurs 30

July, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire HONDA RON HASLAM RACE SCHOOL The Ron Haslam Race School offers the experience of riding on an international racing circuit, Wed 22 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit DECORATE A FLOWER POT WORKSHOP Wed 22 July, Museum of the Order of St John, Warwick SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT COVENTRY TRANSPORT MUSEUM Featuring a whole host of fun activities for all the family to enjoy, Wed 22 July - Fri 28 Aug, Coventry Transport Museum LOVE IS ENOUGH: DIGITAL POP Make your own photo portraits, Fri 24 July, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS: PLANT IT, GROW IT, EAT IT Decorate your very own plant pot, plant some seeds and take them home to watch them grow, Fri 24 July, Croome Park, Worcestershire 22ND MOPAR EURO NATIONALS The Ultimate American Muscle Car show with RWYB, a burnout competition, jet car and live evening entertainment, Fri 24 Sun 26 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton SILVERSTONE CLASSIC Billed as ‘the world’s biggest classic motorracing festival’, Fri 24 Sun 26 July, Silverstone Circuit, Northampton POP-UP POETRY WITH LOCAL POET LAUREATES Featuring a poetry walk and the chance to have a poem created for you, Sat 25 July, Croome Park, Worcestershire KIDS DISCOVER RAG RUGGING Join the crafty folk to learn how to make a mini rag rug, Sat 25 July, Birmingham Back to Backs THE BIG PICNIC Take a picnic basket to the annual Big Picnic, with free musical entertainment and activities for all the family. Stratfordupon-Avon residents (proof of address required) can enjoy free entry on the day, Sat 25 July, Anne Hathaway's Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon THE RILEY MOTOR CLUB 90TH ANNIVERSARY To celebrate this milestone, the club are bringing thirty classic Rileys to Millennium Place, Sat 25 July,

Coventry Transport Museum COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL Featuring cooking demonstrations, food and drink giveaways and entertainment across the weekend, Sat 25 - Sun 26 July, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton BRITISH TRUCK CHAMPIONSHIP & SUPPORT RACES Sat 25 Sun 26 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit AUDAX DIAMOND JUBILEE RALLY A weekend rally with camping - celebrating cars from the Rootes stable, Sat 25 Sun 26 July, Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire LACE WARS - JACOBITE REBELLION RE-ENACTMENT Skirmish re-enactments, drills and living history camp, Sat 25 Sun 26 July, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove WEEKEND ARCHAEOLOGISTS A chance to join in with the volunteers and community members in archeological activities including pot washing, sieving soil and generating theories about excavations, Sat 25 Sun 26 July, Brockhampton Estate, Nr Bromyard FESTIVAL OF BLACK COUNTRY VEHICLES Now in its thirteenth year, this is an annual gathering of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles, all built in the Black Country, Sun 26 July, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley LOK VIRSA - BEYOND BORDERS A one-day arts festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan, Sun 26 July, mac, Birmingham SUNNYHULL - KIDS DAY Fun for the whole family with a pop-up cinema, balloon modelling, hula hoop and face painting, Sun 26 July, Mell Square, Solihull

Heritage Weekends - Cadbury World, Birmingham

Backs FAMILY ART WORKSHOP: POPTASTIC PRINTING Inspired by Andy Warhol, the learning officers are on hand to help you make your very own vibrant and colourful prints, Wed 29 July, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery STORYTELLING WITH MARGARET BATESON-HILL Wed 29 July, Museum of the Order of St John, Warwick HONDA RON HASLAM

RACE SCHOOL The Ron Haslam Race School offers the experience of riding on an international racing circuit, Wed 29 July, Donington Park Racing Circuit LOVE IS ENOUGH: FAMILY FRIDAY Family-friendly tour of the new exhibition, with craft activities too, Fri 31 July, Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery OUTDOOR CINEMA: GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL A chance to watch a film against the back-

drop of the moated manor house, Fri 31 July, Baddesley Clinton, Warwick ULTIMATE STREET CAR The fastest, hottest, largest and loudest modified car festival in Europe, Fri 31 July Sun 2 Aug, Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton SUMMER ACTIVITY DAYS: HUNT FOR BUGS & MINI BEASTS Grab a bughunting kit and see what you can find, Fri 31 July, Croome Park, Worcester

Week Commencing

MON 27 JULY AN EVENING WITH BOYCOTT & AGGERS - THE SECOND INNINGS Mon 27 July, Symphony Hall, Birmingham RUN AWAY TO THE CIRCUS... A week-long performance-making adventure with physical performance company Highly Sprung, Mon 27 - Fri 31 July, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CRAFT AND WILDLIFE CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES Tues 28 July, Spetchley Park Gardens, Worcestershire HAPPY BIRTHDAY BACK TO BACKS The Back To Backs mice are playing hide and seek - find them all to win a prize, Tues 28 - Fri 31 July, Birmingham Back to

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Eating Out July region one.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2015 17:16 Page 1

Eating Out Celebrity chef brings the tastes and smells of Italy to Wolverhampton Gino D’Acampo is bringing his inimitable charm, wit and culinary skill to Wolverhampton Civic Hall in November. Gino’s Italian Escape Live On Stage delivers the tastes and smells of Mediterranean cuisine to Midlands audiences, with selected fans being invited to join him on stage. Tickets priced £26.95 are now on sale for the 3 November event.

Birmingham Independent Food Fair becomes a weekend event Last year’s Birmingham Independent Food Fair was such a huge success that a second day has been added to the 2015 event. Over four thousand hungry visitors are expected to descend on Millennium Point on Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 September to sample the produce of sixty local food and drink suppliers. Participating businesses include new restaurants, wine merchants, artisan delis, bakers and confectioners, street food traders and more. Visit birminghamindependentfoodfair.co.uk for more details.

The Mailbox welcomes a new Indian seafood restaurant A new restaurant offering diners the perfect blend of seafood and spice is opening its doors in Birmingham’s Mailbox this month. Vivaanta meaning ‘to live well’ - takes the place of the Kinaree Thai Restaurant in Holliday Wharf and is the creation of the team at West Bromwich’s Akash Balti. The menu not only includes a range of fish dishes but also caters for diners seeking more traditional Indian cuisine.

Amantia: A Spanish labour of love...

REVIEW This fairly new city centre Spanish restaurant is located on the trendy Bennett’s Hill, opposite The Briar Rose. The contrast of the clean whitewash exterior and the tall black gates is a classy European touch.

Opened this March by Madrid-born owner Marta and her husband and head chef, Andrea, Amantia is clearly a labour of love, from the considered menu to the stylised flourishes.

Receiving a warm welcome, we felt a grand sense of occasion, surrounded, as we were, by the opulent purple and grey decor, offset beautifully with dark wood furnishings and pretty, leafy plants.

We chose a variety of tapas, which arrived in a staggered fashion. First to the table was the manchego con mermeleda de pimiento - cheese served with homemade red pepper marmalade and fried Valencia almonds (£5.95) - and berenjenas con miel, lightly battered aubergine chips drizzled

with honey (£5.95). Now, I’m a huge cheese fan but faced with five large triangles of the stuff, dotted with just sauce and nuts, even my zeal faltered. We felt bemused by the lack of inventiveness. The unusual chips, however, were an absolute delight, marked by a moreish melt-in-themouth texture.

Unfortunately, the tortilla patata (£4.95), Spain’s classic potato and onion omelette, was too salty. I began pondering Amantia’s hit-and-miss tapas style. By the time our other dishes arrived, the restaurant had filled with chattering families and couples, all enjoying themselves. Marta confirmed the venue was full almost every night. The vast menu, including pasta and mains, as well as a white corner bar, means there’s something for everyone.

The turning point came after our tapas were mistakenly sent to a delighted neighbouring table. Our last tapas dishes were wonderful. The creamy mushroom croquettes (£5.95) were lip-smackingly good, the velvety filling

bursting from the tasty breaded shells. The sopa marinera (£7.95) - a fragrant mussel, monkfish, prawn and crab meat stew boasting earthy, delicate flavours - tasted as good as any coastal dish. We felt pleasantly satisfied.

As we rounded off with a standard vanilla cheesecake with strawberry coulis (£4.95), Marta discussed adding some Spanish-style hanging flower pots, a la Madrid. This is a great idea. More authentic Spanish touches, including a tad more care with the tapas, would undoubtedly ensure that Amantia was a truly original Spanish experience. More Marta and less ‘city chic’ would absolutely guarantee this.

Malaka Chowdhury Food: nnnnn Service: nnnnn Ambience: n n n n n Overall value n n n n n OVERALL n n n n n 9-10 Bennetts Hill Birmingham B2 5RS Tel: 0121 643 3647

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Eating Out July region one.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2015 17:16 Page 2

Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on restaurants, including opening times and type of cuisine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Birmingham AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel La Tour, Albert Street, Birmingham, B5 5JT 0121 718 8000 AIR RESTAURANT LG Arena, Bickenhill Rd 0844 338 0333 BALCONY BRASSERIE Selfridges on 4, The Bullring, B5 4BP BANK 4 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 BAR ESTILO 10-114 Wharfside St, The Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 643 3443 BARAJEE 265 Broad Street, B1 2DS 0121 643 6699 BELLA ITALIA 102 New Street, B2 4HQ 0121 643 1548 BERLIOZ Burlington Arcade, New St, B2 4JQ 0121 633 1737 BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar, Rd, Kings Heath, B14 7AD 0121 444 0999 BLUE MANGO Regency Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS 0121 633 4422 BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT AND BAR 24-26 Harborne Rd, B15 3AA 0121 454 6877 BUONISSIMO 1 Albany Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX 0121 426 2444 CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 CAFE SAFFRON Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, B69 4RR 0121 552 1752 CARLUCCIO’S The Water’s Edge, Brindleyplace, B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 CENTENARY BAR & BRASSERIE Broad Street, B1 2EP 0121 245 2080 CHI BAR & GRILL 61 Newhall Street, B3 3RB 0121 233 3150 CHIMICHANGA 41 Mill Lane Arcade, Touchwood, Solihull, B91 3GS 0121 704 0749 CHUNG YING 16-18 Wrottersley Street,

B5 4RT 0121 622 5669 CHUNG YING CENTRAL 126 Colmore Row, B3 3AP 0121 400 0888 CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 Thorpe St, B5 4AT 0121 666 6622 CIELO 6 Oozells Square, Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 632 6882 COAST TO COAST 9 Brindleyplace, Broad Street, B1 2HJ COTE The Mailbox, B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 CUCINA RUSTICA 24 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX 0121 233 2277 EASTZEAST 167 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1AY, 0121 643 4808 EDMUNDS 6 Brindley place, B1 2JB 0121 633 4944 FIESTA DEL ASADO 229 Hagley Road, Birmingham, B16 9RP 0121 445 9331 FLEET STREET KITCHEN Fleet Street, Islington Gates, B3 1JH 0121 236 0100 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 1JL 0121 212 3383 JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle Mall, Bullring Shopping Centre, B5 4BE 0121 270 3610 JIMMY SPICES Regency Wharf, Broad St, B1 2DS 0121 643 2111 LAS IGUANAS Arcadian Centre, Hurst St, B5 4TD 0121 622 4466 LASAN 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James St, St Paul’s Square, B3 1SD 0121 212 3664 THE LOFT LOUNGE 143 Bromsgrove St, B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 THE LOST & FOUND 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS 0121 643 9293 LOVES The Glasshouse, Browning St, B16 8FL 0121 454 5151 MECHU 47 - 59 Summer Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 1661 METRO BAR & GRILL 73 Cornwall St, B3 2DF 0121 200 1911

THE DINNER CLUB

MINT Yew Tree Retail Park, Stoney Lane Yardley, B25 8YP 0121 789 8908 MOUNT FUJI The Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 633 9853 NUVO BAR 11 Brindley Place, B1 2LP 0121 631 1600 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 THE ORIENTAL The Mailbox, 128-130 Wharfside St, B1 1RQ 0121 633 9988 PEACHY KEENS 1741 Coventry Road, B26 1DS 0121 764 5519 PENNY BLACKS The Mailbox, 132-134 Wharfside St, B1 1XL 0121 632 1460 PICCOLINO 9 Brindleyplace, B1 2HS 0121 634 3055 PITCHER & PIANO Brindleyplace, B1 2HP 0121 643 0214 POPPY RED Arcadian Centre, Birmingham, B5 4TD 0121 687 1200 PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall St, B3 2DH 0121 212 9799 PURNELL’S BISTO 11 Newhall Street, B3 3NY, 0121 2000 1588 RAJDOOT TANDOORI 78 79 George St, B31 1PY 0121 236 1116 THE RECTORY 50-54 St Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS 0121 605 1001 RED PEPPERS 117 Wharfside St, B1 1RF 0121 643 4202 SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad St, B15 1AY 0121 633 0366 SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield Rd, Edgbaston, B13 3DU 0121 454 3434 THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 2HL 0121 633 3049 STRADA 109-111 Wharfside St, The Mailbox, B1 1XL 0121 643 7279 TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, B16 9NY 0121 454 1930 THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 TURTLE BAY 81-91 John Bright Street, B1 1BL THE VAULTS Newhall Place, Newhall Hill, B1 3JH 0121 212 9837

(EST 86)

A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY

SINGLE?

For the more discerning unattached person, age 40+ Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls,theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad.

NOT A DATING AGENCY

01244 677030 (Day) / 01244 548816 (Eve/W-end)

www.thedinnerclubuk.com 66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

WAGAMAMA Brindley Place, Birmingham, B1 WATERS ON THE SQUARE Chad Square, Hawthorne Rd, Edgbaston, B15 3TQ

Warwickshire 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, Warwick, CV34 4RA 01926 411 755 NO. 9 CHURCH STREET Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6HB 01789 415522 AGRA PLACE 12 Abbey Green, Nuneaton, CV11 5DR 024 7635 0515 THE ALMANACK Abbey End North, Kenilworth, CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, Warwick, CV34 4HS 01926 400 086 THE BELL Alderminster, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 8NY 01789 450414 BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 7622 9274 CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6BA 01789 267424 CATALAN 6 Jury St , Warwick, CV34 4EW 01926 498 930 THE CHURCH STREET TOWNHOUSE 16 Church Street, Stratford-uponAvon, CV37 6HB 01789 262222 COOMBE ABBEY Brinklow Road, Coventry, CV3 2AB 024 7645 0450 CROSSED KHUKRIS GURKHA 115 Abbey Street, Nuneaton, CV11 5BX 024 7634 4488 EDWARD MOON 9 Chapel Street, Stratford-uponAvon, CV37 6EP 01789 267069 EGO 29 The Square, Kenilworth, CV8 1EF 01926 864463 THE ENCORE Bridge Street, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 6AB 01789 269462 FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, Henley in Arden, B95 5QR 01564 793783 FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria Terrace, Leamington Spa, CV31 3AB 01926 431999 HIGH PAVEMENT BAR & DINING 3 High Street, CV34 4AP 01926 494725 HELP OUT MILL Heather Rd, Shakerstone, Nuneaton, CV13 0BT 01530 260666 INDIA RED 25 Abbey Street, Nuneaton, CV11 5BX 024 7634 2090 LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans Nest, Bridgford, Stratford upon Avon, CV37 7LT 01789 264804 MALLORY COURT Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa, CV33 9QB, 01926 330214 MATRICARDIS 97 High St, Henley in Arden, B95 5AT 01564 792735 MERCHANTS Swan Street, Warwick, CV34 4BJ 01926 403833 NUMBER SIX Castle Street, Warwick, CV34 4BP 01926 497663 ONE ELM 1 Guild St, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 PREZZO 1-3 High St, Warwick, CV34 4AP 01926 475867

Marco’s New York Italian - Kenilworth

RESTAURANT 23 34 Hamilton Terrace, Holly Walk, Leamington Spa, CV32 4LY 01926 422422 RISTORANTE DA VINCI 50 Earlsdon Street, Coventry, CV5 6EJ 024 7671 3554 ROBBIE’S RESTAURANT 74 Smith Street, CV34 4HU 01926 400470 ROOFTOP RESTAURANT @ The RST, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB 01789 403449 SAFFRON GOLD Market St, Westgate House, Warwick, CV34 4DE 01926 402061 THE SAXON MILL Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, Warwick, CV34 5YN 01926 492 255 TAILORS 22 Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SL 01926 410590 THE TREVELYAN Warwick Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 ONR 01789 295252 THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West St, Warwick, CV34 6AW 07873 219005 WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith Street, CV34 4HS 01926 491736 ZIZZI 85-87 Regent Square House, Parade, Leamington Spa, CV32 4NL 01926 432532

Worcestershire ANAKARALI 47 The Tythings, Worcester, WR1 1JT 01905 21412 ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, Worcester, WR1 3QT 01905 731131 ANUPAM 85 Church Street, Malvern, WR14 2AE 01684 573814 BACCHUS 44 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0TA 01527 877557 BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HZ 01905 21444 BINDLES BAR & BRASSERIE 55 Sidbury, WR1 2HU 01905 611120 BRAMBLINGS Hither Green Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE 01527 406600 BRIDGE INN Plough Road, Droitwich, WR9 7NQ 01905 345874 CHADDESLEY RESTAURANT Brockencote Hall Hotel, Kidderminster, DY10 4PY 01562 777876

THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, Upper Colwall, Malvern, WR13 6DQ 01684 540276 CHESTERS 51 New St, Worcester, WR1 2DL 01905 611638 CROWN & SANDYS Main Rd, Ombersley, WR9 0EW 01905 62025 EWE AND LAMB Hanbury Road, Bromsgrove, B60 4DN 01527 871 929 THE FIG TREE 99 Church Street, Gt Malvern, WR14 2AE 01684 569909 FUSION BRASSERIE Hawbridge, Stoulton, Worcester, WR7 4RJ 01905 840647 THE INN AT STONEHALL Stonehall Common, Worcester, WR5 3QG 01905 820462 KING CHARLES II King Charles House, New St, Worcester, WR1 2D 01905 22449 L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 Graham Rd, Malvern, WR14 2HU 01684 572427 LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU 01562 744976 MAEKONG THAI 12 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, B61 7AE 01527 578888 MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 Broad St, Worcester, WR1 3NH 01905 729955 MUG HOUSE Claines Lane, Worcester, WR3 7RN 01905 456649 ON THE ROCKS 44 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, B61 7AE 01527 882412 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU 01562 60479 PORTWAY ITALIAN, Alcester Rd, Redditch, B48 7HT 01564 824794 ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ 01527 889948 SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New St, Worcester, WR1 2DP 01905 610505

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Great Theatre at the Grand!

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West Bromwich Operatic Society are extremely proud to present

Music by ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER Book & Lyrics by DON BLACK & CHRISTOPHER HAMPTON Based on the film by BILLY WILDER An amateur production by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd

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