BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET IS LOOKING FOR BIRMINGHAM BASED BOYS AND GIRLS TO PARTICIPATE IN A CHILDREN'S CHOIR FOR BRB'S NEW BALLET LUNA

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  BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET IS LOOKING FOR BIRMINGHAM BASED BOYS AND GIRLS TO PARTICIPATE IN A CHILDREN’S CHORUS FOR BRB’S BRAND-NEW BALLET LUNA
•  CHOSEN PARTICIPANTS WILL PERFORM IN THE PRODUCTION DURING ITS WORLD PREMIERE AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME THIS OCTOBER

• LUNA IS THE THIRD PART OF CARLOS ACOSTA’S BIRMINGHAM TRILOGY AND IS INSPIRED BY WOMEN OF THE CITY

The city’s acclaimed Birmingham Royal Ballet is looking for 30 Birmingham-based local boys and girls aged 8-10 to be part of Luna an exciting new ballet which will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome this October.

The company invite children with no formal training who enjoy singing and dancing to join them for one of a series of FREE informal one-hour workshops at BRB, located in Birmingham city centre, on Sunday 24 March.

The children’s chorus will act much like a Greek Chorus, tying together the different sections of the ballet, and working particularly closely with Dutch choreographer Wubkje Kuindersma and British choreographer Arielle Smith. Part of their role is to sing I am I Say and There is Silence, by UK composer Kate Whitley, which will be taught by members of Ex Cathedra’s Education and Participation team.

Luna is inspired by the pioneering and socially enterprising women of Birmingham who have contributed to the shape of the city that BRB call home and the final part of Carlos Acosta’s Birmingham Trilogy that includes City of a Thousand Trades and Black Sabbath - The Ballet.

Luna features a female-led international creative team including choreographers Iratxe Ansa (Spain); Wubkje Kuindersma (Netherlands); Seeta Patel (UK); Arielle Smith (UK); Thais Suárez (Cuba) and Music composed by Kate Whitley (UK). Costume Design by Imaan Ashraf, Projection Design by Hayley Egan and Lighting Design by Emma Jones.

Rebecca Brookes Acting Head of LEAP, BRB’s Learning, Engagement, Access & Participation department commented “The Chorus will provide a unique opportunity for children to work with Luna’s creatives and perform on stage alongside our acclaimed professional dancers whilst representing the young and diverse community of this great City.”

The workshops are open to children aged 8-11 years and applications are welcome from those with impaired mobility or in a wheelchair.

Taking part in the Chorus will require a significant commitment of time to the project, with 15 rehearsals and four public performances at Birmingham Hippodrome.

For further information on how to apply, plus the current draft rehearsal schedule, please go to

www.brb.org.uk/LunaChorus

Closing date for applications is 19 March; there are 30 places for each workshop and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Luna will receive its world premiere at Birmingham Hippodrome from 3-5 October before its London premiere at Sadler’s Wells from 23-24 October. For booking details please go to www.brb.org.uk

Local Government Association conference on culture, tourism and sport - 5th March 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I look forward to seeing many of you at our free online LGA Annual Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference on 5 March 2024. This year’s theme is ‘change and sustainability’, and we have an exciting programme with a range of notable speakers and interactive workshops including an introduction from the Secretary of State Rt Hon Lucy Frazer KC MP. We will be discussing how the national system of support and funding should be adapted and delegates will have the opportunity to shape the LGA’s lobbying engagement with Ministers and opposition parties and see how councils are delivering innovative projects on sustainability and promoting equality, diversity and inclusion throughout their local areas.

Over the next two years the CTS Board will take an in-depth look at a range of inequalities with the aim of sharing effective practice within the sector. This week we have also launched our call for evidence on supporting women and girls to be active. We welcome your case studies and evidence to help us share effective practice and inform our discussions with national stakeholders.

This month I published an article on Arts Professional in my capacity as chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport board about the need for the culture sector’s support, and the fundamental role the sector plays for our residents' wellbeing, providing employment and attracting visitors to our towns, cities and countryside. I also recorded a session for the Cultural Enterprise Podcast to talk about the current challenges facing our culture sector which will be available soon.

We are also delighted to join local government partners in a new National Alliance for Cultural Services, which will inform and influence the development of national policy for publicly funded culture. It is urging Government to provide a long-term, sustainable and multi-year funding settlement to local authorities ahead of the Budget, to protect continued investment in cultural provision. More detail on this new partnership is later on in the bulletin.

Do get in touch with the team if you would like to discuss any of our work at cts@local.gov.uk.

Kind regards,

Cllr Liz Green,

Chair of the Culture, Tourism and Sport Board

 

Tickets on sale 9am Friday 1 March

Tickets for this year's event are on sale from 9am on Friday 1 March. 20,000 Early Bird tickets are up for grabs. Last year they sold out in under an hour, so you'll need to be fast!

Get tickets on the Godiva Festival website Godiva Festival 2024 line-up The Verve's Richard Ashcroft will be taking the Friday night slot on the Main Stage, whilst pop phenomenon, Paloma Faith, is set to headline the Main Stage on Saturday. The legendary Beverley Knight will be closing the festival on Sunday 7 July. Other Main Stage artists include Eurovision's Sam Ryder, The Brand New Heavies, The Primitives, PBN and The Go! Team. See the line-up

Alice in Wonderland at Stourbridge Town Hall on Sunday 7 April 2024 at 2pm.

 

• Alice in Wonderland at Stourbridge Town Hall on Sunday 7 April 2024 at 2pm.

• Multi award-nominated Immersion Theatre - the team behind last year's smash hit The Jungle Book - bring their trademark energy to their biggest, funniest, and most spectacular family musical to date: Alice in Wonderland!
• Follow Alice and the White Rabbit as they set off on a colourful, topsy-turvy adventure and meet a host of outlandish characters including Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire cat and of course, the Mad-as a bat-Hatter!
• Children and adults alike are invited to join in the hilarity of seeing this classic story brought vividly to life in a show packed with comedy, music, audience interaction, and fun for the whole family!
• You’d be MAD to miss it! Click on the link below for booking details.

 

DB Halls

Brookes' Bar and Bistro, Dudley, Easter special offer

https://www.brookes-bistro.co.uk/

• KIDS EAT FOR £1!
• Every school holidays at Brooke's up to 2 children, 13 and under can enjoy a main meal for just £1, when an adult purchases a main meal. Valid Tuesday - Sunday for lunch or dinner. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment. 
• Terms and conditions apply - please contact us for details.

A CONTEMPORARY SETTING WITH RUSTIC CHARM

Brooke’s Bar and Bistro is a grade II* listed restaurant steeped in history, located in the heart of Dudley Town Centre. Its variety of tasty food and exciting range of drinks at affordable prices, means there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

More About Us >

Easter activities at Dudley Museums Service

 

• Plenty of Easter craft activities taking place across Dudley Museum's Service during the Easter school holidays.
• Events include: Diddy Dino's, Free guided tour, Dragon Challenge, Geology Talks on Fossil Fools, Art of Mythology at Dudley Museum at the Archives where there is free car parking
• Several glass fusion sessions at Red House Glass Cone and an Easter activity trail. Free car parking.
• The Red House Glass Cone has artisan craft studios on site where you can watch the skilled artists at work and view their handmade crafts for sale. Some offer classes where you can learn new skills. They are independently run, so do check their opening times before visiting.  
• To find out more visit the link below.

Dudley Museums Service

Easter holiday events at Stourbridge Glass Museum

 

• Several events taking place during the Easter holidays. Glass  Inspired Children's Collage Craft on Sat 23 March. Three group sessions 11am, 1pm and 3pm. All materials provided. Suitable for ages 5+. Disposable aprons provided. Please wear clothes you don't mind getting a little dirty.
• Easter Craft on Thurs 28 March. Drop in anytime between 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.30pm-3.30pm and create your own Egg-stra special light catcher to brighten up your home this Easter. Suitable for 5 years+. 
• Easter Egg Hunt on Fri 29 March. Drop in all day and hunt around the Museum to find all of our hidden Easter eggs. Answer correctly and win a chocolate prize! 
• Fused Glass Fish Workshop on Sat 6 April. Join glass artist Terri Malcolm for a fun and creative fused glass workshop for the whole family! Create your own colourful fish-shaped glass artwork using unique colourful glass. Suitable for children age 8+. Spaces are limited so book your spot today! Includes all materials and museum admission. Free museum admission for one accompanying adult per child under 18 attending the workshop. Finished artwork can be collected after one week to allow for kiln firing and packing. 
• Kids go free during Easter school holidays; accompanying adults pay museum admission.
• For booking details please click on the link below.

Stourbridge Glass Museum

Spring is in the air at Black Country Living Museum

 

• Visit from Saturday 23^rd March until Sunday 7^th April and put a spring in your step with holiday fun.
• The feather dusters are out, as historic characters are busy cleaning their homes and shops. You’ll discover homemade tips to try yourself, however, some of their methods are certainly questionable.
• With no electricity in Edwardian homes, discover how families washed their clothes without a washing machine, and find out for yourself what a ‘dolly tub’ is!
• Pop into the 1950s shops and discover the methods used for managing hair care and looking after your prized musical instruments.
• Meet the Museum’s historic characters, including the rag & bone man who is looking for treasure in unwanted goods.
• Plus, why not join in with the Easter choir practice, enjoy traditional street games and take part in the family discovery trail.
• Not only that, get your tastebuds ready as you try some seasonal treats from hot cross buns, simnel cake and even battered scotch eggs!
• Explore the Museum’s latest additions too, including the Industrial Quarter, Lea Road Infant Welfare Centre and the 1940s – 1960s high street.
• Not forgetting all the Museum’s usual favourites… take part in an Edwardian school lesson, go underground to experience life of an 1850s miner, enjoy all the fun at our historic fairground and see live metal working demonstrations.
• What’s more, pay for one day and get 12 months of free return visits! (t&cs)

 

Black Country Living Museum

Dudley Canal & Caverns - Alice in Easter Wonderland

 

• Alice and her Wonderland pals invite you to a splendid Easter escapade at Dudley Canal and Caverns! You’ll be amazed by the enchanting sights as you explore the underground world of the mysterious tunnels and caverns.
• Climb on-board and travel underground through our magically decorated Easter Wonderland from 29 March to 2 April. Boats run every 30 minutes from 10.30am to 4pm. £12.50 per person. Under 3's go free.
• Little Skippers in Wonderland craft event. When completing your trail around the site, don't forget out Little Skipper's Explorer Park is open every day of the holidays. Mon 25 March & Tue 26 March 10.30am to 12pm. Tickets for our Little Skipper's craft room are available for just £4 per child, adults go for £1 and under 3's are free.
• Don't be like the White Rabbit and end up being late to the party - book today to avoid disappointment! 
• Why not add to your visit and book a Mad Hatter's Tea Party in our Gongoozler Cafe Restaurant. A tasty treat of sandwiches, cakes, scones, jam and cream and of course jam tarts, served with lashings of tea (or coffee or a soft drink). 
• Please note pre-booking is essential for the Tea Party. Available throughout the Easter holidays. £17 for adults, £8.50 for children.  Call 0121 557 6265 or email info@dctt.org.uk to book.

   

Dudley Canal & Caverns

Illusionati - A Magical Conspiracy

 

• Legendary magician the Great Baldini follows magical clues to track down the sinister ILLUSIONATI – a sinister cabal of magicians controlling society through magical dark arts. Imagine Tommy Cooper trying to crack the da Vinci Code. 

• Friday 8 March, 6.30pm start at Glasshouse Arts Centre, Ruskin Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Stourbridge, DY8 4HF.

• To book via https://bookwhen.com/bctouring/e/ev-sr3u-20240308183000

 

Ruskin Glass Centre

Spring Fayre at Ruskin Glass Centre and Glasshouse College, Stourbridge

 

• Spring Fayre at Ruskin Glass Centre and Glasshouse College
• Saturday 2nd March 2024 10am to 4pm
• *Unique Craft Stalls *Children's Activities *Ruskin Glass Centre Artists & Makers *Handmade Gifts, perfect for Mother's Day *Organic food from our onsite cafe *Live performances
• FREE ENTRY AND CAR PARK at Ruskin Glass Centre, Wollaston Road, Stourbridge, DY8 4HF Tel: 01384 399419 

 

Ruskin Glass Centre

Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal. Now on sale

 

ANNOUNCING

Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal

An Evening of Music and Conversation

Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal
Thursday 17 October

Frontman and driving force of the eclectic American Rap/Rock outfit Fun Lovin’ Criminals, Huey Morgan is coming to Bilston Town Hall for one night only on Thursday 17 October.

Morgan is a cherished voice on national radio in the UK, where he hosts a mix of Hip Hop, Soul, Punk, Funk, Rock and everything in between to his listeners. A charismatic, authentic, passionate, and popular renegade himself, Huey’s groove is infectious. And now he’s heading out on his first solo tour – mixing music and chat - so fans can get up close and personal with Huey Morgan - The Fun Lovin' Criminal.

Ireland The Show 2024

 

Monday 4th March 2024

Artrix, Bromsgrove

Comedy, variety & music

Taking you to Ireland and back in one night.

This show will now be taking place at The Artrix, Bromsgrove. For more information click here. Tickets now on sale.

Now seen by a live audience of over 250,00 to nightly standing ovations and rave reviews, join us for 'Ireland: The Show'!

Featuring an all-star cast of the Emerald Isle's most talented singers and performers, accompanied by the fabulous Keltic Storm Band and world champion Gael Force Irish dancers from Kerry, Mayo and Clare. This unmissable show will take you on a journey through the decades of a globally loved culture.

The show, which has received high acclaim, will feature all the well-known ballads and singalongs like 'Dirty Old Town', 'The Town I Loved So Well', 'Tell Me Ma' and 'The Irish Rover', to name a small few.

Add to that a string of hilarious stories and jokes from our award-winning Tyrone comedian Gary Gamble, and topped off with energetic reels and jigs from our fiddling Derry maestro Richie Remo and the talented vocals of Donegal singer Elaine Boyle!

If it’s all things Irish you like, then this is the show for you.  Guaranteed to take you to Ireland and back in one night!

 “Riverdance meets Mrs Brown at an Irish hooley” - The Irish World.

“Superb from Start to finish and will have you clapping and singing all night long, this show is going to be a global success” - Stage Magazine

“Over 1,500 5 Star reviews”

Artrix, Bromsgrove

Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN

Monday 4th March 2024 7.30pm

Ticket price £25

Book tickets 

Antiques & Collectors Fair at Bantock House

Returns for its 10th year to Bantock House Museum, the hidden gem on the Finchfield Road, Wolverhampton WV3 9LQ.

Open this Sunday 3 March from 9am -3pm.

Entry £2. Under 16s free. Parking is free.

Core Theatre auditorium coming back in 2025

Solihull Council is hopeful that The Core Theatre auditorium will reopen in 2025 following more positive findings from the initial investigation works. 

The survey is continuing but the final technical report is expected soon and will allow officers to programme the necessary remedial works and confirm an expected opening date.

Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council, said:

“It is great news that we are aiming to get the auditorium up and running in 2025.

“We are of course really disappointed and sorry that the main theatre will not be available in 2024, but the team have been working hard to ensure that we find the necessary solutions to dealing with the problem that has affected so many buildings across the country.

“We still await the full technical report and its recommendations, but the early indications are that we will be able to get the issue with the roof resolved and we can once again host shows.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Artrix for their support over the last months and I’m glad we have been able to leave the venue fit and ready to stage future productions. Artrix was always recognised as a short-term solution, running until the end of this March.

“While the auditorium has been closed, we have been very busy developing an alternative programme of cultural activity in Solihull, using both the remainder of The Core building and other spaces in the borough. Already there has been some brilliant events at the Core, such as ‘Small is Beautiful’, a splendid two-night festival which celebrated and showcased work created by artists living and working in Solihull.

“The recent announcement that we have been successful in securing £307,000 from the West Midlands Combined Authority for cultural activity is absolutely fantastic and will turbo-charge our cultural offer this coming year. The money will be used to invest in and boost Solihull’s cultural programme for 2024.

“We will continue to develop our widely ranging cultural programme, using the spaces we have to maximum effect, and I’m excited about the new and creative things to come. This will ensure that we can continue to offer a range of cultural events in Solihull, for our valued Solihull audience.

“Please check The Core Theatre website to keep up to date with all the latest news on this.”

The rest of The Core building is open as usual and a programme of shows, events and activities will continue to be hosted in the Studio theatre, Courtyard Gallery, Encore Café Bar, Core Creatives, Solihull Connect and The Core Library.

Second major donation ensures future of new galleries at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

 

Donor Martin Cook with Head of Museums Worcestershire Philippa Tinsley

• Donor Martin Cook to donate a six-figure sum to fund gallery celebrating Worcester’s role in the international gloving trade
• Follows major donation by Professor Rolf Olsen in 2022
• Donation will also fund internship programme to support young people wishing to have a career in museums

 

A significant financial donation is being made to Worcestershire Heritage, Art and Museums charity by a Worcester philanthropist, to enable the development of a new gallery specifically to display the city’s collections of fine and decorative art, including its nationally significant gloving collection, one of the largest collections of its type in the world.

The donation will also nurture creative talent in the city by funding an internship programme for young people entering the museum profession and establishing a national art prize competition.

Martin Cook’s very generous gift follows on the heels of a large donation in 2022 by Professor Rolf Olsen. Together, these donations enable the exciting development of the first-floor galleries at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.

The new galleries will highlight Worcestershire as a place of inspiration for artists and will display the many significant artists who came to this part of England to work, such as John Singer Sargent, Paul Nash and Laura Knight. They will also celebrate Worcester’s strength as a centre for design education in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when it supported the city’s international porcelain and glove industries. At its core will be the new Shirley and Rolf Olsen Gallery, with a permanent display of Worcester’s outstanding collection of works by British Impressionist artists.

Mr. Cook’s donation will shine a light on Worcester’s role in the international gloving trade, displaying items from the manufacturing process alongside beautiful and elegant gloves by famous fashion designers such as Manolo Blahnik. Mr. Cook’s kind donation follows the tradition of earlier local philanthropists like Charles Wheeley-Lea whose donation helped to fund the building of the art gallery in the 19^th century. Mr. Cook is also keen to support emerging artists with an annual art competition.

Martin Cook lives in the United States but wishes to support the cultural heart of the city where he grew up and spent his formative years. He was inspired to make a donation to the Art Gallery & Museum when he read about Professor Olsen’s gift and shares the same enthusiasm and vision to enhance the cultural life of Worcester and hopes that others will follow suit.

Mr. Cook says: "I’m keen to play a part in Worcester’s cultural development and Professor Olsen’s ambitions struck a chord with me. My wish is to support the development of the Art Gallery & Museum, celebrate the rich heritage of the city I grew up in and build on Professor Olsen’s legacy. I encourage others to come forward to help to put Worcester on the map.”

Caroline Naisbitt, Chair of the Worcestershire Heritage, Art & Museums charity initially set up by Professor Olsen to support developments at the City Art Gallery & Museum, says: “We are extremely grateful to Martin for his very generous donation. This is precisely what Rolf had hoped for, that his donation would encourage others to come forward to support the Art Gallery and its collections, and in doing so reflect the aims of the charity of promoting opportunities for education and inclusion.”

Anyone who wishes to follow in Martin Cook’s and Professor Olsen’s footsteps and give a donation should contact Philippa Tinsley, Head of Museums Worcestershire on 01905 25371, email: Philippa.Tinsley@worcester.gov.uk

 

Warwickshire Local History Society

 

Wappenbury Camp c Greg Fitchett creative commons licence

Harvey Bloom antiquarian and Wappenbury Iron Age Fort

Warwickshire Local History Society (WLHS) continues its 2024 programme of evening talks on Tuesday 19th March with a double bill of talks on two contrasting subjects.

Held at the Primary School Hall, Aylesford School, Tapping Way, Warwick, CV34 6XR, the first talk, given by WLHS member David Howe, will focus on antiquarian author and rector of Whitchurch, Harvey Bloom. The second talk of the evening, given by WLHS member Colin Clay, will look at the use of LIDAR in investigating archaeological landscapes using the large iron age fort at Wappenbury as an example.

The talks will start at 7.30 pm with tea and coffee served from 7 pm.

There is no need to book and non-members can attend in return for a suggested voluntary donation of £3 for non members, refundable if they join the society on the day. The event is free for members.

For more information about the society and events please visit their website,

www.warwickshirehistory.org.uk. Facebook: @historysoc; X (previouslyTwitter):

@Warwickshistsoc

Get your Wolverhampton Pride 2024 tickets

Wolverhampton Pride 2024 returns to the city on Sunday 8 June, and tickets are now on sale. Denise Van Outen and Duncan James will headline the event which will feature a Pride Market, Pride Afterglow, Pride Plaza and a Pride Parade.

Get your tickets here.