Tom played by Ben Foulerton and cast members. Photo by Lucy Barriball. Tom’s Midnight Garden adapted by David Wood from Philipa Pearce’s Carnegie Medal-winning novel. Performed by Playbox at The Dream Factory, Warwick, from 4 – 7 June. Directed by Mary King. Review by Ann Evans. One of the best things about seeing a Playbox production at the Dream Factory is the uplifting feeling their performances always give you. These young performers, aged from tots to 19-year-olds put

L-R Brian Darnley and Graham Mason play Alan Bennett. Photo credit Chris Clarke. The Lady in The Van by Alan Bennett. Performed at The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from 6 – 13 June. Director Jo Knight. Review by Charles Essex. Alan Bennett’s description of a 15-year relationship with Miss Shepherd (Pamela Hickson), whose van gradually got closer and closer to his driveway until it finally ended up parking there permanently, was delivered with humour, tension and p

Our public House at the Belgrade. Our Public House, written by Barney Norris. Created and directed by Josephine Burton. Music and lyrics by Jonathan Walton. On at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, B2 Venue, from 4 – 6 June 2026. Review by Amanda Burden Long before Starbucks and Wetherspoons became entrenched in every city centre high street, the local boozer was something altogether more vital: a place to gather for a pint, a bit of a row, and the quiet national sport of over

Oddsocks Productions in rehearsals. Photo credit Charlie Mackenzie-Barrow. Oddsocks Productions presents Romeo and Juliet at the Belgrade Theatre, B2 Venue, from 8 – 10 June 2026. Preview A family feud divides the community! Violence stalks the streets. Who can see beyond the hate and dare to follow their heart? A pair of star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet! Oddsocks return with their new take on this well-loved classic, finding laughs and pathos in the most dramatic of

Rock of Ages at The Talisman. Photographer Robert Warner; post-production Mark Plastow. The Talisman Theatre is turning the volume up to eleven this summer as it presents the smash-hit musical Rock of Ages from Monday 22 June to Saturday 27 June, with performances each evening at 7.30pm. Rock of Ages arrives at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth in a riot of 80s rock, featuring the book by Chris D’Arienzo and arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp. Preview Known for its

Canley Parade. Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre. Coventry’s colourful Canley Parade, along with The Big Lunch, return on Saturday 6 June 2026 for a packed day of entertainment, food and activities for all. Bringing together residents, schools, artists, community groups, volunteers and local organisations, the annual event is one of the city's most vibrant community celebrations. Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 parade continues the tradition of cel

The Enormous Crocodile. Photo courtesy of the Roald Dahl Story Company. Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile – the musical. Presented by The Roald Dahl Story Company. As part of a major nationwide tour it will play at The Belgrade Theatre from 11 – 14 June 2026. Preview ‘For my lunch today I would like… a nice juicy little child!’ The Enormous Crocodile is weaving his way through the jungle in search of delicious little fingers and squidgy podgy knees... Only the other jungl

(l-r) Libby Lowe as Scaramouche, Natalie Van Spelde as Killer Queen and Wil Neale as Galileo. Photo by Martin Pulley. We Will Rock You at Rugby Theatre from 20-27 June 2026. Preview Don’t stop us now! A feel-good musical featuring Queen’s biggest hits is next up at Rugby Theatre, and tickets are selling fast. We Will Rock You is set in a dystopian future, where musical instruments are banned and rock music is dead. The evil Killer Queen has crushed creativity, and only compu

The Metro and Mini Show. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum will host a full schedule of ten classic and modern motoring shows throughout June and July. These will include the Banbury Run on 7 June, Classic & Vintage Commercial Show on 13 & 14 June, Aston Martin Owners Club Festival on 21 June, Ford Nationals on 28 June, Wythall BusFest on 4 July, National Metro & Mini Show on 5 July, BMC & Leyland Show on 12 July, Rootes Heritage Day and Old Ford Rally on 19

Jules Holland. Photo courtesy of the artist. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra with special star Roachford and guest, vocalists Ruby Turner, Louise Marshall and Sumudu Jayatilaka on Saturday 13 June at 7.30pm, Butterworth Hall, Warwick Arts Centre. Preview As the UK's most popular pianist and bandleader, Jools Holland OBE has performed and recorded with some of the most talented musicians and songwriters in the world, including Eric Clapton, the late George H

The Handlebards. Photo courtesy of the artists. This summer, The HandleBards bring you a wacky and wonderful Macbeth AND a fast-paced and farcical As You Like It to beautiful outdoor spaces across the UK. Written by William Shakespeare | Directed by Mark Collier Touring 21 May - 11 September 2026. As You Like it will be performed at Coventry Cathedral on the 11 July at 5pm. Preview The HandleBards are an intrepid four-strong troupe, and this summer they are making HBs his

The Lindy Hop Dance Company. Image credit The Lindy Hop Dance Company. Swinging at the Cotton Club, at The Cidermill Theatre, Chipping Camden, Saturday 30 May. Review by Charles Essex A combination of great musicianship, dancing and singing recreated the Roaring 20s and 30s at New Yorks’s most famous jazz venue, The Cotton Club. The 8-piece Harry Strutter Hot Rhythm Orchestra started the evening with a Duke Ellington number Jubilee Stomp. The Lindy Hop Dance Company burs

Our Public House coming to the Belgrade. Photo courtesy of the artists. Our Public House, written by Barney Norris. Created and directed by Josephine Burton. Music and lyrics by Jonathan Walton. On at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, B2 Venue, from 4 – 6 June 2026. Preview In a city just like yours, a whole community spoiled their ballots and cast no vote. Now, as a storm rages outside, landlady Sanjana, Scott the guitar-playing regular and some unexpected guests are stuck tog

Czech National Symphony Orchestra in rehearsals. Photo by Jan Maly. Boundary-breaking performances, familiar classics, seasonal favourites, and more are lined up for Warwick Arts Centre's 2026-2027 Orchestral Season. Kicking the season off is a return appearance from the inspiring Chineke! Orchestra (26 Nov 2026). Acclaimed Colombian conductor Tatiana Pérez-Hernández leads the orchestra through works by Stravinksy and Rodrigo, as well as lesser-known pieces by Adolphus Hail