THEATRE

Still Life at the Penguin Cafe by Birmingham Royal Ballet

There’s a triple bill by Birmingham Royal Ballet at Birmingham Hippodrome on 8-11 June starting with Still Life at the Penguin Cafe. It’s about a host of endangered animals who seek shelter from the storm in this beautifully choreographed production. If you fancy catching all three ballets then there’s Apollo and Interlinked. Go on, treat yourself!

Pen in date night with mum and take her to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at The Belgrade in Cov from 13-17 June. Also on this month there’s Much Ado About Nothing from the 19-21 June. In Stratford-upon-Avon there’s a new take on Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It, with nearly all actors over the age of 70. It’s on at the RSC from 17 June- 5 Aug.

If musicals are your thing head to Birmingham Hippodrome to catch Six from 20-25 June. It’s been a massive hit on the West End and Broadway and if you don’t know already, is about Henry VIII’s wives turning into pop princesses to tell their tales. Love it already? Yes. Elsewhere there’s 9 to 5 at Warwick Arts Centre from 15-17 June.

If you like your theatre outdoors make sure you catch one of Heartbreak Productions‘ shows at pretty Jephson Gardens in Leamington. There’s Sense & Sensibility, Machamlear and the stage adaptation of David Walliam’s book Bad Dad which is sure to be a hit with the kids. They’re on from 1-9 June.

COMEDY

Jonathan Van Ness Fun and Slutty Birmingham

Fabulous Queer Eye favourite Jonathan Van Ness is heading to the Symphony Hall with his hilarious show Fun & Slutty on 2 June. Bag tickets asap as they’re nearly gone! Jimmy Carr is at the same venue on 11 June while Russell Howard is at the Hippodrome on 29&30 June.

WORKSHOPS

Woman with brown hair taking part in life drawing class at Rugby Museum

Tried your hand at life drawing before? Here’s your chance. Rugby Art Gallery & Museum is holding a class on 2 June. At Warwick Arts Centre there’s an experimental painting and poetry workshop on 7 June, followed by a poetry workshop on 14 June. If jewellery is more your thing then check out the waist bead workshop on 28 June where you can make your own and learn more about their cultural significance.

plant based photography Warwick Arts Centre

Here’s something a bit different for the budding photographers – there’s a three week evening course at Warwick Arts Centre starting on 7 June about sustainable image making using plant-based techniques. You can never have too much art, so expect some pretty pics to adorn your walls by the time the sessions finish.

At Nuneaton’s Abbey Theatre there’s three workshops on 1 June – beginners yoga, chair yoga (which is recommended for those with limited mobility) and calligraphy. Or hey, make a day of it and try out all three.

EXHIBITIONS

Melati Suryodarmo grinding coal in Passionate Pilgrim at Ikon Gallery in Birmingham

At Ikon Gallery there’s Present to Presence, a performance with Indonesian and UK-based artists. It’s part of the ongoing exhibition with Passionate Pilgrim by Melati Suryodarmo – one of Indonesia’s coolest artists, known for her strenuous performances that last several hours. For reference on how strenuous – one of her recent events included grinding coal for 12 hours. Tired just thinking about it? Don’t worry you can sit down and enjoy from the sidelines. It also features guest performances by the likes of Kelvin Atmadibrata, Sinéad O’Donnell and Ratu R. Saraswati until 4 June.

Want to have a snoop behind the scenes at some local art studios? There’s Warwickshire Summer Art Weeks from 17 June-2 July. There’s more than 400 talented artists taking part, and specific trails if you fancy following one around our local towns and villages – pub stop optional but recommended. Along with seeing the artists at work there’s chance to buy some one-off pieces.

Migrating Dreams and Nightmares John Berger and Jean Mohr's A Seventh Man

Commonground at FarGo Village is has launched the Migrating Dreams and Nightmares exhibition with pictures and text from John Berger and Jean Mohr’s A Seventh Man, based around migration. It’s on for the next year so plenty of time to catch the exhibit, and make time to check out everything else FarGo has to offer from shops to street food.

MUSIC

Gwen Stefani is back (finally!) and playing gorgeous Warwick Castle on 23 June, with UB40 are on the following night. At Cov’s FarGo Village on 2 June there’s a live latin band so you can practice your salsa on the dancefloor (or just enjoy taking in the tunes with a glass of fizz). Food’s available too from some of the delectable joints on site – so possibly hangover free the next day? Who am I kidding.

Spandau Ballet frontman Tony Hadley will be performing at Warwick Arts Centre on 16 June while Elton John is at Utilita Arena on 8, 10&11 June followed by Peter Gabriel on 17 June. Rockers Kiss are at Resorts World Arena on 5 June if you fancy digging out your face paints and leather pants. In Cov at the HMV Empire there’s The Beat on 22 June and Electric Six on 29 June.

If you’re looking for a little retreat in with an awesome night out then Studley Castle has loads of awesome breaks including live music and comedy. They’re a steal too starting at £171pp for two nights.

UP, UP AND AWAY

Something for the whole family? Whether they’re nine or 90 the Midlands Air Festival is a blast. It’s held in the stunning grounds of the Ragley Hall Estate 2-4 June and will include funky shaped hot air balloons, helicopters, aerobatics and displays from (gasp!) The Red Arrows. Make sure you’re there in the morning or evening to catch the breath-taking mass descent of up to 100 hot air balloons taking to the skies at the same time.

OUTDOORS

Head down to Old Laurentian RFC in Rugby on 2 June where Pawprints Dog Rescue is holding its Fun Dog Show. There’s competitions all day, lots of stands, refreshments and a bar. Result. Your favourite Muddy editor (that’s me btw) will be working on the Lucas Helps Dogs stall at both events selling gorgeous dog collars for charity, so stop by and say hello – and don’t forget to bring your pooch!

Morag Myerscough’s Village colourful buildings Compton Verney Capability Brown

At Compton Verney there’s a bird walk and talk on 7 June where you can find out about some of the 100 species of birds who call the site home. There’s also an archeological secrets tour which starts from 20 June and runs on various dates until September. It’s all about the landscape’s varied history and there’s an in-depth look at the fun Morag Myerscough’s Village which was created there in recent years.

Mum and son looking at the flowers at Kenilworth Castle

There’s a gardener-led tour of Kenilworth Castle‘s gardens throughout June so you can find out more about the history and sights and sounds from the past in the stunning surrounds of the historic castle. I recommend popping over to Muddy-Award winning coffee shops Coffee on the Corner or Forrest for a spot of lunch after.

Head to BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC from 15-18 June to make all your horticultural dreams come true with show gardens, talks and advice, gardening competition and loads more – including the opportunity to buy some gorgeous plants.

FESTIVALS

We’ll be first in line at the Memorial Park when Cov institution Godiva Festival returns from 30 June-2 July. There’s a stellar line up this year including local boys The Enemy, joined by Rudimental, The Selecter and Spice Girl Melanie C. It’s going more family-friendly than ever before with a wild theme – think giant roaming dinosaurs, a dedicated ‘Serendipity Stage’, animal headdresses and face painting for little (or big) ones. If that doesn’t keep them entertained then a performance by Diversity should do it.

There’s a stellar line up at Festival on the Close ran by Rugby’s Macready Theatre from 25-29 June. Think BBC’s Concert Orchestra performing songs from musicals and hosted by radio royalty Ken Bruce, Horrible Histories live on stage, comedy from Seann Walsh and performances from the likes of Leamington dance theatre company Motionhouse. Sounds great, right?

Not a fan of camping out? Forest Live is a good shout, a choice of top acts performing with Cannock Chase as a gorgeous backdrop from 8-11 June. This year you can rock out to Jack Savoretti, Tom Grennan, Madness and Paul Weller before heading home for a blissful sleep in your own bed (tell me that isn’t tempting?).

Austentatious at the RSC Festival in Stratford-upon-Avon

There’s a huge line-up of big names at the RSC Festival until 4 June. Think comedy from the likes of Charlie Baker, Nina Conti, Rhys James, Ian Smith and Mark Watson. There’s also talks from Ed Miliband and Geoff Lloyd and comedy Austentatious. I think that’s everyone covered.

Cov’s hosting its first River Festival on 17&18 June at Millennium Place. There’ll be live music, theatre, DJs, crafts, dance, poetry and more, showcasing work from artists from across the city. It’s super family friendly too so perfect for an afternoon out with the kids. And the best bit? It’s free!

FOODIES

Are you plant-powered or know someone who is? Then you’re going to want to visit FarGo Village on 10&11 June for the Summer Vegan Festival. There’s loads to stock up on from cakes and cheeses to handmade gifts and items. You can take Fido along with you too because FarGo is pooch-friendly!

Nadiya Hussein at BBC Good Food Show in Birmingham

Ready, steady…..cook! At the NEC there’s big names like James Martin, Nadiya Hussain, Michel Roux and Ainsley Harriott at the BBC Good Food Show from 15-18 June. Get some inspo for those alfresco summer meals, or just stock up on all the cooking essentials on sale.

KIDS

Man in pirate fancy dress at Hatton Country World walking in front of group of children

Pirates have taken over at Hatton Adventure World, so on top of all the usually shenangians expect some swashbuckling fun from until 4 June. There’s live shows, epic pirate battles and best dressed competitions. Don’t forget the animal feeding, tractor safaris and laser combat too.

If Disney is more their thing then head to Resorts World Arena on 6 June for Disney 100 – The Concert, complete with full orchestra. One of those shows you’ll enjoy just as much as the kids. Or just me?

56 fabulous things to do in Warks & the West Mids this June

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