What: Family spring events
Where: National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas
When: Throughout spring
Spring into life at the National Memorial Arboretum with a packed programme of free fun activities and events for the whole family to enjoy. With more than 150-acres of woodland and gardens, and more than 400 fascinating memorials, the Arboretum is a space where everyone can explore and discover with family and friends.
From the Stick Man trail, which is available on a daily basis, Easter and May school holiday activities, returning family favourite Armed Forces Weekend (June 24-25) to a brand-new event, the Great Garden Party (April 29-May 1 and May 6-8), featuring fun garden party themed activities designed for visitors of all ages, the Arboretum’s free family friendly spring events will give lots of opportunities to get outdoors, and create special memories with your family and friends. The Arboretum, which is free to enter, is open from 10am to 4pm daily, parking charges apply, though advance booking is recommended on event days to guarantee entry. For more details visit www.thenma.org.uk
National Memorial Arboretum
What: Lichfield Camera Club spring exhibition
Where: The Hub at St. Mary’s, Lichfield
When: March 7 to April 1
Lichfield Camera Club’s Spring Exhibition is currently on at The Hub at St. Mary’s in the centre of Lichfield. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view nearly 100 images from all genres of photography.
For any artist, the ability to share your work with the widest possible audience is both exciting and very important. The internet, through social media and various photo sharing websites, has transformed this process; however, there is nothing quite like the experience of viewing a physical, full size, carefully mounted image at your leisure, giving yourself time to enjoy the subtleties of composition, light and to reflect on the creativity of the artist. This is an experience you can enjoy at the Lichfield Camera Club Spring Exhibition.
Richard Moore from Lichfield Camera Club says: “Due to the pandemic, this will be our first photography exhibition in the Lichfield area for almost three years and our members are looking forward to sharing their best images.” The exhibition is open Tuesday to Friday 9.30am-4pm, and Saturday 9.30am-3.30pm. For more details visit www.thehubstmarys.co.uk
Lichfield Camera Club
What: Of Mice and Men
Where: Birmingham REP
When: March 18 to April 8
George and Lennie are migrants with a dream; a dream of a better life, a place where they can belong, where Lennie feels safe and George can be somebody. But this is the Great Depression, not many dreams come true in a time where a few have plenty but most have nothing. When the friends take a job on Curley’s farm, tragedy unfolds leading to a heart-breaking decision.
John Steinbeck’s classic novel is more than 80 years old, but with themes of economic migration, racism and prejudice, it remains a parable for our times.
A story of enduring friendship, this new production from Rep Associate Director and Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony Director, Iqbal Khan, focuses a 2023 lens on Steinbeck’s affecting tale of the crumbling American dream. For more details visit www.birmingham-rep.co.uk
Of Mice and Men
What: Annie
Where: The Alexandra, Birmingham
When: April 3 to 15
The smash-hit production of Annie comes to Birmingham for Easter 2023, direct from London’s West End. This glorious revival stars Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan.
Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Her luck soon changes when she’s chosen to spend a fairytale Christmas with famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Meanwhile, spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search for her true family…
With unforgettable songs such as It’s The Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, I Don’t Need Anything But You and Tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it! For more details visit www.atgtickets.com/birmingham
Annie
What: Matricks Illusion
Where: Lichfield Garrick
When: April 7
From the live grand final of Britain’s Got Talent 2022 to working alongside the likes of Westlife, Adam Lambert, Ashley Banjo and KSI, Matricks Illusion have the ability to astonish and baffle in equal measure. And now they’re bringing their incredible show to Lichfield for one night only this April.
Master Illusionist Alexander Jesson is a born showman who captures the imagination of every audience and commands a special stage presence like no other. In 2004, Alexander and his sister Emily began to create the show, Matricks, and have come a long way since, perplexing millions with their original set pieces, dynamic soundtrack and powerful performances.
Using elements of danger, comedy and charm, they manage to bewilder audiences time after time. However, what makes Matricks truly dynamic is the contrast between stylish set pieces, fast-paced magic and illusion with dance using current music and special effects. The show is designed to balance comedy and lightheartedness with curiosity, mystery and thrill for all the family.
For more details visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com
Matricks Illusion
What: Titanic The Musical
Where: Birmingham Hippodrome
When: April 18 to 22
In the final hours of April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic, on her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, collided with an iceberg and ‘the unsinkable ship’ slowly sank. It was one of the most tragic disasters of the 20th Century, and some 1,517 men, women and children lost their lives. Based on real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stunning and stirring production focusing on the hopes, dreams and aspirations of her passengers.
With music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and a book by Peter Stone, the pair have collectively won an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, an Olivier Award and three Tony awards. The original Broadway production of Titanic The Musical won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. This stunning production celebrates the 10th anniversary of its London premiere where it won sweeping critical acclaim across the board. For more details visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com
Titanic The Musical
