Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-warwickshire-turns-out-for-olly-murs">Warwickshire turns out for Olly Murs</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1.jpg" alt="Olly Murs" class="wp-image-71540" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Olly-Murs-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pop star&nbsp;Olly Murs&nbsp;was given a very warm Warwickshire welcome on day three of his epic five-day challenge for UNICEF. The 41-year-old singer — and certified national treasure — is running, cycling and rowing all the way from Manchester to London to raise money for vulnerable children around the world.</p>



<p>Fans gathered outside The Royal Oak to cheer him on as he arrived in town, bringing his trademark energy, big smiles and enough charm to power the Midlands. Safe to say there was no&nbsp;<em>Troublemaker</em>&nbsp;behaviour here — unless you count causing a traffic jam of excited fans hoping for a selfie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bank-of-dave-hits-the-stage"><em>Bank of Dave</em> hits the stage</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Bank-of-Dave-The-Cast-of-Bank-of-Dave.jpg" alt="Bank of Dave" class="wp-image-71537" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Bank-of-Dave-The-Cast-of-Bank-of-Dave.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Bank-of-Dave-The-Cast-of-Bank-of-Dave-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Bank-of-Dave-The-Cast-of-Bank-of-Dave-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image Credit: Marc Brenner</figcaption></figure>



<p>Theatre buffs, assemble! Coventry-born West End star Rob Madge is bringing the remarkable story of <em>Bank of Dave</em> to the stage in a brand new musical. Inspired by the true story of Burnley minibus driver Dave Fishwick, who famously set up his own community bank after the 2008 financial crash, the tale has already become a bestselling book, documentary and two Netflix films. Now, it’s getting the jazz hands treatment. Madge’s fresh take tells the story through the eyes of the pub landlady, promising plenty of heart, humour and Northern grit along the way. Nab your <a href="https://bankofdavemusical.com/#booking" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickets</a> for the next performance at Leicester Curve Theatre, running until <strong>Sat 30 May</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-freedom-festival-returns-with-a-bang">Freedom festival returns with a bang </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics.jpg" alt="Acrobatics" class="wp-image-71536" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Acrobatics-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Hull is warming up for another gloriously buzzy edition of<a href="https://www.freedomfestival.online/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Freedom Festival </a>(<strong>Thurs 3 – Sun 6 Sept</strong>), with the first wave of acts now revealed — and it’s already looking wildly entertaining. Leading the charge is acclaimed Australian acrobatic troupe Gravity and Other Myths, bringing their jaw-dropping physical theatre to town this September. Expect everything from gravity-defying stunts at Hull Truck Theatre to a giant drumming puppet-DJ hybrid weaving through the city streets. Casual. With immersive performances, international acts and plenty of larger-than-life street theatre on the cards, Hull is set to be louder, livelier and more chaotic than ever — in the very best way.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-foodie-news-bigger-things-for-dough-amp-bew">Foodie news: bigger things for Dough &amp; Bew</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew.jpg" alt="Pizza at Dough &amp; Brew" class="wp-image-71534" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Dough-Brew-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Warwick&#8217;s<a href="https://www.doughandbrew.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Dough &amp; Brew</a> is clearly not in the mood to keep things small, with the popular pizza hotspot doubling its town centre footprint after snapping up the unit next door at Westgate House. The move will allow the much-loved restaurant to stretch out it&#8217;s dough-making ambitions, backed by a new long- term lease that signals serious confidence in its growing popularity. And frankly, we get the hype. From sourdough pizzas to packed-out tables, Dough &amp; Brew has become one of Warwick’s go-to foodie spots — and it looks like they’re only just getting started.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotted-mystery-film-crew-at-himley-hall">Spotted: mystery film crew at Himley Hall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Himley-Hall.jpg" alt="Himley Hall " class="wp-image-71533" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Himley-Hall.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Himley-Hall-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Himley-Hall-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2026/05/Himley-Hall-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Dudley locals had more than a quiet stroll through history interrupted this week as film crews rolled into <a href="https://www.himleyhallandpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Himley Hall and Park</a> for a mystery shoot. While nothing has been officially confirmed, rumours are swirling that the historic state could be doubling as a backdrop for long-running BBC drama <em>Silent Witness</em>. Save the starry eyes for Dave Caves though &#8211; he could be round the corner. With cameras rolling and curiosity levels soaring, locals were quick to play detectives themselves. For now, however, Himley Hall is keeping tight lipped, with details of the production still firmly under wraps. Watch this space — they might just need a few extras.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/muddy-chats-with-owners-of-the-wild-sauna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy talks all things hot and steamy with The Wild Sauna</a></li>



<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/travel-guides/rivals-style-cotswolds-travel-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Live the <em>Rivals</em> life in The Cotswolds: Where to eat, stay &amp; play</a></li>



<li><a href="https://london.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/chelsea-flower-show/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Everything you need to know: RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026</a></li>
</ul>


Film crews, famous faces and foodie favourites – this week’s local goss is hot

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