Harveen Mann - Swing - School Of Rock.WAV

At the Wolverhampton Grand this Sunday (5th May) the Dad's Army Radio Show will be taking to the stage and bringing 25 (or so) of the cast of the classic TV show to your ears. David Benson and Jack Lane are making the magic happen with scripts adapted from 3 of the shows from the small screen. The boys tell told me all about the show and shared an excerpt from the script to put you in the mood for the 2pm when the curtain rises!

Dad's Army Radio Show - David Benson And Jack Lane

Following their successful production of Jason Robert Brown’s 13 in 2013, MYK return to the Arena with the critically acclaimed Dogfight. Pasek and Paul’s musical adaptation of the 1991 film of the same name follows six young Marines on one final wild night of debauchery before their deployment to Vietnam. They hold a “dogfight” – a Marine tradition where every man sets out to find the ugliest girl he can and brings her to a party. Everyone puts in money, and the man with the ugliest date wins the pot. But when Private Eddie Birdlace meets Rose, the unassuming and idealistic waitress he enlists to win this cruel bet, she rewrites the rules of the game and opens his eyes to what really matters in life.

Dogfight - First Date Last Night Live

When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action!

Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with our underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in the brand new live stage show, Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure. Visit strange new worlds full of mysteries to unravel, with surprises around every corner this action packed interactive show features music and all your favourite characters live on stage for the very first time!

Octonauts - Cadet Luke

Richard lewis adapted the Octonauts for the stage and tells us how the show came to life. 

WED 15 APR - THU 16 APR
OCTONAUTS AND THE DEEP SEA VOLCANO ADVENTURE

When there’s trouble under the sea, the Octonauts dive into action!

Get ready to embark on an exciting new mission with our underwater adventure super heroes, Captain Barnacles, Kwazii and Peso, in the brand new live stage show, Octonauts and the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure. Visit strange new worlds full of mysteries to unravel, with surprises around every corner this action packed interactive show features music and all your favourite characters live on stage for the very first time!



Octonauts  - Richard Lewis

To tell us more about the Reduced Shakespeare Company production of The Complete History of Comedy (Abridged) we spoke to Andrew Hodges about the show on a crackly line from London!

THU 28 MAY
REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY - THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF COMEDY - ABRIDGED

Newbury Productions (UK) Ltd presents

REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY In THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF COMEDY (abridged)

Written and Directed by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor. They’ve skewered history, the Bible and the world’s most celebrated playwright, now the Reduced Shakespeare Company tackles the subject it was born to reduce. Following a hugely successful, critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2014 the Reduced Shakespeare Company will set out to reduce the UK to tears of laughter in Spring 2015. Tickets to The Complete History of Comedy (abridged) are far more affordable than tickets to an amusement park, but you’ll come away with the same feeling of nausea and motion sickness. From the high-brow to the low and everything in-between, the bad boys of abridgment leave no joke untold as they deconstruct the entire history of comedy in 90 rollicking minutes.

“Comic Gold” The Metro

"The Reduced Shakespeare Company have not lost their touch - or their remarkable energy." The Stage

"Playful and clever. There is an unmistakable joy in watching the company at work." The List

"Wonderfully hilarious!" Across The Arts

"These guys are hilarious. Everyone should see this show!" Freshair.org.uk

"The Reduced Shakespeare Company are back, doing what they do best." What's On Stage

"Good fun!" Jeremy Paxman "The trio deliver 90 minutes filled with laughter to a delighted audience." British Theater Guide

"Critic's Pick! Wit, creativity and lots of laughter." Fringe Biscuit

“A wild, wild ride! It’s funny. Really, really funny... And most of all, it’s really, really smart.” Cincinnati Enquirer

The Reduced Shakespeare Company - The Complete History Of Comedy (Abridged)

WBOS - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Review

We talk to the Hoff about his forthcoming appearance at The Grand and his new TV show Hoff The Record

TUE 17 NOV - SAT 21 NOV
LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE

"THE HOFF" - DAVID HASSELHOFF, iconic star of Baywatch and Knight Rider, plays an extrovert, party going DJ and night club owner in Ibiza.  His teenage daughter arrives to stay for the summer and he has to cope with being a single parent to a girl who wants to meet boys and live the party life.  Suddenly his motto is “do as I say, not as I did!” 

Underscoring this coming of age tale of love, laughter and friendship are a string of hits from the epic collection LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE. Hoff wants to Re-Light My fire with his daughter, she tells him, Papa Don’t Preach, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun after meeting a boy who tells her he’s Never Gonna Give You Up.  Concerned about the club, drink and drug culture of Ibiza, he makes a dramatic intervention telling her  Everything I do, I do it For You.

Ride on Time, back to a Saturday Night,  When Things Can Only Get Better and The Only Way Is Up along with the 80’s classics, like U Can't Touch This,  Karma Chameleon and Tainted Love.

Featuring the songs:

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper)
Whoa-We’re going To Ibiza (Venga boys)
Relight My Fire (Take That)
I Think We’re Alone Now (Tiffany)
Theme from S Express
Theme to Baywatch
Never Gonna Give You Up (Rick Astley)
The Power (Snap)
Papa Don’t Preach (Madonna)
Things Can only Get Better (D ream)
Spice Up Your Life, Wannabee (Spice girls Medley)
Believe (Cher)
Ain’t Nobody (Chaka Khan)
Can’t Touch This (M.C.Hammer)
Pump Up The Jam / Rhythm Is A Dancer / No Limits / Killer 90’s club medley
Let’s Talk About Sex Baby (Salt n Pepa)
Unbreak My Heart (Toni Braxton)

Hoff the Record - David Hasselhoff Stars in Last Night a DJ Saved My life

Chicago review

Hamlet - Review

Pat McFadden MP - Wolverhampton SE

West Midlands Police Cadets

Tought Enough to Care

4th Batallion Mercian Regiment

Steve Burnet - NIS Group

Mayor Cllr Craig Collingswood

Ghost Stories - Review

Tickets

Bat out of Hell - Review - Wolverhampton Grand

Robert Taylor chats about his Travel Blog

WED 30 SEP - SUN 11 OCT
SHREK THE MUSICAL

Based on the award-winning DreamWorks animation film, SHREK THE MUSICAL is this year’s must-see show for all the family.

 
Join our unlikely hero and his loyal steed Donkey as they embark on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental) Princess Fiona from a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got the biggest, brightest musical comedy around!
 
Featuring all new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer, SHREK THE MUSICAL brings all the much-loved DreamWorks characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza. Join the adventure!
Recommended for ages 5 and upwards The production is not suitable for children under 3, who cannot be admitted.

Gerard Carey - Lord Farquaad - Shrek

Bronté Barbé - Princess Fiona - Shrek

Carol talks to us about the rescheduled T'Pau gig at The Robin 2 in October 2015

Carol Decker

Muscom are looking for additional members to complete their casting for Fame at The Grand Theatre Wolverhampton in 2016 - the auditions take place on Tuesday 22nd of September and Chair Marcelle Rollings, Membership Secretary Kate Jordan and member Liam Sargeant tell us more about the show.

Muscom - Fame - Casting Call

Muscom member Liam sings a song from Fame which the society bring to Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre in March 2016

Liam Sargeant - I Wanna Make Magic

Tue 10 Nov - Sat 14 Nov 
HAIRSPRAY
In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, Tracy Turnblad is obsessed with The Corny Collins Show and one of its dancers, Link Larkin. Though rejected by producer Velma Von Tussle at auditions, when Tracey shows off some moves at the Sophomore Hop, Corny Collins gives her a place on the show. Tracey is soon launched to celebrity stardom overnight and meets a colourful array of characters. But she can’t stand that the show won’t allow integration and launches a campaign to make it happen.


This fantastic fun show is based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray and the songs include 1960’s style dance music and downtown rhythm and blues.

Good Morning Baltimore - Bilston Operatic Company - Hairspray

MON 26 OCT - SAT 31 OCT
BLOOD BROTHERS

STARRING MARTI PELLOW AS THE NARRATOR AND MAUREEN NOLAN AS MRS JOHNSTONE
 
Written by Willy Russell, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences. The superb score includes Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.
Few musicals have received quite such acclaim as the multi-award winning BLOOD BROTHERS, and Bill Kenwright’s production, having recently celebrated its 23rd phenomenal year in London, continues to enjoy standing ovations at every devastating performance. No wonder BLOOD BROTHERS is now ‘The musical for all time’.

‘A Triumphant evening... Unmissable and unbeatable’ The Spectator

‘DAZZLING’ Sunday Telegraph

‘Exhilarating...One of the best musicals ever written’ Sunday Times

Maureen Nolan - Blood Brothers - Grand Theatre

Sean Jones - Mickey - Blood Brothers

TUE 15 MAR - SAT 19 MAR
FAME

NODA award winning Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company (MUSCOM) are pleased to present the iconic Oscar winning film and TV series FAME – THE MUSICAL at the Grand Theatre in March 2016. The story follows students at the world famous High School for Performing Arts New York all of whom are aspiring stars. Share with them their ambitions, triumphs, romance and heartbreak and sadly where for some external pressure becomes too much. These kids long for "fame" and "want to make magic" and with "hard work" are determined to succeed and live forever! This high energy production with innovative dance routines and special effects must not be missed and the memorable music will leave you dancing in the aisles.

Muscom Interview And Liam Sings Can't Keep It Down

THU 31 MAR
IRELAND'S CALL

Critically acclaimed show Essence of Ireland takes on a new lease of theatrical life with IRELANDS CALL, a new and exciting musical adaptation of the show - direct from Ireland.
Inspired by true events and spanning three decades, Irelands Call follows the extraordinary journey of the strong-headed Sean Dempsey, who, at the end of WW2, leaves behind his childhood sweetheart, Cora, and his beloved homeland, Ireland, in search of a better life in the Big Apple.

Can their love survive the Atlantic Divide?  Will Sean be able to resist ‘Irelands call’ as he embarks on an adventure full of danger, tragedy and lost love? Only fate will tell…

An exhilarating mix of original scores and well-known songs such as Galway Girl, Isle of Hope Isle Of Tears, I Loved Her First, Tell Me Ma, Irish Rover, plus an ensemble of some of the most talented dancers in the world, IRELAND’S CALL is a powerful, explosive blend of energy, emotion and music which leaves audiences from around the world on an unforgettable high.

It is also a timeless celebration – a celebration of dreams, enduring love, the resilience of human spirit and of the powerful pull between one man and his homeland.


Ireland's Call - Ged Graham

We talk to Phil Harper the Director of The Unexpected Guest from Codsall Dramatic Society who are on stage in the Village Hall with their excellent production of this  Agatha Christie classic until the 5th of March 2016. 

Phil Harper - Codsall Dramatic Society

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

X-Factor winner Joe McElderry dons the coveted coat!

Having enjoyed sensational reviews, Bill Kenwright’s “Amazing”, “Superb”, “Wonderful” and “Brilliant” production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical continues to enjoy huge success across the country with standing ovations at every performance.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door To Me.

Joe was just 18 when he won the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009 and immediately went straight to number one on the UK Singles Charts with his debut single The Climb. He has since gone on to have three top ten albums, as well as notching up two more reality TV show victories, winning ITV’s Pop Star to Opera Star and Channel 4’s The Jump.

Joe McElderry - Joseph In Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

MON 13 JUN - SAT 18 JUN
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

STARRING DIANA VICKERS, NORMAN PACE, PAUL CATTERMOLE, RICHARD MEEK AND LIAM TAMNE!

Following the global cinema and TV release of the LIVE West End broadcast which hit No1 in the UK Box office charts, this new 2016 tour of Richard O’Brien’s classic continues to smash records in theatres across the country.

Bursting at the seams with timeless classics, including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and of course, the pelvic-thrusting Time Warp, Richard O’Brien’s ROCKY HORROR SHOW is a non-stop party!

Be warned, this show has rude parts!

DON’T DREAM IT BE IT!

Brad - Richard Meek -  Rocky Horror Show

Tim Gough and Sophie-Louise Johnson tell us about the production of The Wedding Singer

The Wedding Singer -  Sutton Arts Theatre

SAT 11 MAR
SEVEN DRUNKEN NIGHTS

Seven Drunken Nights brings to life the music of Ireland's favorite sons - 'The Dubliners'.

Telling the story of a career spanning 50 years and evoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, Jim McCann, Ciaran Bourke and John Sheahan, this hugely talented cast of musicians and singers bring the music of this iconic group to life.

A show that will have you singing and clapping along to such classics as The Wild Rover, The Black Velvet Band, The Irish Rover, Molly Malone, Finnegan’s Wake, McAlpines Fusileers, Raglan Road and of course The Seven Drunken Nights.

This celebration of the music of The Dubliners is a celebration of Irish music itself and a guaranteed evening of music, humour and ‘craic’.

Ged Graham - Seven Drunken Nights - Saturday 11th March 2017 - Grand Theatre

TUE 30 MAY - WED 31 MAY
NORTHERN BALLET - THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS

Divided by a barbed wire fence, Bruno doesn’t understand anything about where Shmuel lives, or who he is. To him, he’s just a new friend – a boy wearing a pair of striped pyjamas. As this unlikely friendship blossoms against the backdrop of the unthinkable events of World War II, Bruno’s childlike curiosity leads this poignant story to a devastating conclusion.

The UK’s foremost narrative ballet company, Northern Ballet, present this heartbreaking story through dance for the very first time.

Daniel De Andrade  - Choreographer - The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas - Northern Ballet

TUE 17 OCT - SAT 21 OCT
THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Starring Samantha Womack as Morticia Addams, Les Dennis as Uncle Fester and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Wednesday Addams.

Look who's moved into the neighbourhood! Everyone's favourite kooky family are now on stage in the UK premiere of this spectacular musical comedy from the writers of multi award-winning hit musical Jersey Boys, with music and lyrics by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She's fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family. With his cherished Morticia in the dark will Gomez manage to keep his daughter’s secret until the two families meet for a fateful dinner with hilarious consequences?

Join them, plus Uncle Fester, Lurch, Pugsley and more for a heart-warming story of love, family and friendship… with a twist! Featuring a live orchestra and extraordinary original score THE ADDAMS FAMILY is sure to entertain whether you are 12 or 312!

Oliver Ormson - Lucas Beineke - The Addams Family - Wolverhampton Grand

First Time
Fri 7 Feb, Studio

Can you remember your first time? Nathaniel can’t seem to forget his. To be fair, he has had it playing on repeat for the last 15 years.

Now the party is over, the balloons have all burst and he’s left living his best queer life: brunching on pills and Googling kangaroo vaginas, ancient condoms and human cesspits on a weekday morning... or is he?

Fresh from his critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe debut, award-winning HIV+ theatre-maker Nathaniel Hall, Dibby Theatre and Waterside Arts present this ‘hilarious’ and ‘heartbreaking’ autobiographical solo show about growing up positive in a negative world.

Join him as he blows the lid on the secret he’s been keeping all these years.

First Time - Nathaniel Hall  - Lichfield Garick - 7th Feb 20

5th October Update - Destination Wolverhampton And The Black Country

Interviews from The Milk Bar podcast - some recent clips and favourite interviews from over the years. For full shows visit www.themilkbarpodcast.com

The Milk Bar - Bitesize

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