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OUT & ABOUT


Romance is in the air at Stratford Butterfly Farm
The Glasswing Butterfly. Photo courtesy of Stratford Butterfly Farm. As the half term holiday (14 – 22 February) falls over Valentine’s weekend, Stratford Butterfly Farm is inviting families to enjoy the magical experience of wandering through the tropical rainforest filled with colourful butterflies. With fish-filled pools, waterfalls and lush plants and blooms, the popular family attraction is the perfect place to share a moment of wonder. Being one of the most romantic set


Full casting announced for RSC's Hamlet tour
Full casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s forthcoming touring production of Hamlet. The production, originally directed by Rupert Goold and directed on tour by Sophie Drake , visits eight venues in England in 2026 with a new cast, after originally opening in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon in 2025. These are: Truro, Bradford, Norwich, Nottingham, Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne, York and Canterbury between 24 February – 25 April


BBC Radio 4's Dead Ringers 25th Anniversary - Tour extension 2026
Dead Ringers. Photo by Steve Ullathorne. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, BBC Radio 4’s legendary, multi-award-winning topical satire show Dead Ringers is hitting the road with a full UK tour for the first time. Due to phenomenal demand, extra shows have been added from 27 January, including an extra date in London, at the Palladium. Featuring much-loved long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, and Duncan Wisbey, the live show promises a hilarious


Playbox Theatre Announces a Landmark 40th Anniversary Season
Playbox celebrate their 40th Anniversary Season. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre. Playbox Theatre celebrate their 40th Anniversary Season — A Year of Unmissable, Live-Only Events at The Dream Factory in Warwick. Playbox Theatre — long recognised as one of Europe’s most adventurous and imaginative theatres for young people — launches its 40th Anniversary Season with a bold promise: every production will be a one-off theatrical event that can only be experienced live. What be


Leading the way to Crufts 2026
Utility and Toy will be highlighted on the Saturday. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. Tickets are now on sale for the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, brought to us by The Royal Kennel Club, and taking place at the Birmingham NEC from Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026. You may have noticed the ‘Royal’ prefix to the Kennel Club’s name. This is because King Charles recognised The Kennel Club’s 150 years of dedicated service to dogs back in April 2023. In November 20


Anansi The Spider
Anansi The Spider. Photo by Helen Murray. Anansi The Spider, Presented by the Birmingham REP and Unicorn Theatre, at The Door, Birmingham Rep until 11 January 2026. Suitable for 4 – 8 years and their families. Created by Justin Audibert, Directed by Robin Belfield. Preview. The greatest tales ever spun… Sit under the canopy of the banyan tree and experience the laugh-out-loud West African and Caribbean tales of the infamous Anansi! People say that in a time long, long ago,


Barry Potter Toy Fair - today!
Barry Potter will be welcoming toy collectors today. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. The Barry Potter Toy Fair takes place today 27 December 2025 at The Birmingham NEC Preview Whether you’re a serious toy collector, or you’re in a nostalgic mood and want to look back at the toys from your childhood, then the Barry Potter Toy Fair today at the Birmingham NEC is an event you won’t want to miss. Collector Barry has been running his toy fair shows since the early 2000s, br


The Archers are going live on stage!
The Archers: Live at 75. Photo courtesy of the BBC. BBC Radio 4’s long-running drama ‘The Archers’ celebrates 75th anniversary and steps out of the studio for a new live theatrical experience. The Archers: Live at 75 will be touring the UK from June–November 2026. Preview First airing on 1st January 1951, BBC Radio 4’s The Archers is the world’s longest-running drama. Today Fane is delighted to announce that the programme will mark its 75th anniversary in 2026 with a national


Goldilocks and the Four Bears
Goldilocks and the Four Bears community pantomime presented by The Henley in Arden Drama Society (HADS) at Henley Memorial Hall from 18 – 21 December 2025. Directed by Laurence Marshall. Review by Ashley Hayward This was my first visit to the annual Henley in Arden pantomime and on arrival you could tell from the warm welcoming atmosphere that it was eagerly awaited by the local community. It was a complete sell out and HADS had even laid on an additional performance to meet


Warwick Arts Centre announces Spring & Summer 2026 line-up
Fantastic line up coming to Warwick Arts Centre in 2026. Warwick Arts Centre has announced its expansive Spring/Summer 2026 season line-up which includes Mo Gilligan, Ruby Wax, Vitamin String Quartet, Haircut 100, Zog, Hamza Yassin and many more... Preview Amongst those heading to the popular Coventry arts space are such familiar faces as Mo Gilligan (7 Feb 2026), I'm A Celebrity... disruptor Ruby Wax (21 Jun 2026), No Such Thing As A Fish co-host Dan Schreiber (15 Mar 2026


A tasty day out at the Winter Good Food Show
Noor and Jeed of Lime Meadows Catering tell of the benefits of Matcha. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. The recent Winter Good Food Show at the Birmingham NEC certainly drew in the crowds. Around 127,000 visitors packed the halls for the four-day shopping extravaganza, finding inspiration with new products, top brands and award-winning food and drinks. As always there was a great line up of well-known chefs giving talks and demonstrations in the live theatre and signing t


A Pop Culture Extravaganza!
Father and daughter get dressed up for the show. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photographer. If you went along to the MCM Comic Con show at the Birmingham NEC last weekend (28 – 30 November) I think you will agree that it was an outstanding event. This year was the biggest MCM Birmingham ever, with the show’s footprint at the NEC almost doubling and 55,000 attendees coming through the doors over the three days! Saw this fella! Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photographer. The show was a r


Stratford Butterfly Farm set to sparkle!
The Blue Morpho Butterfly. Photo courtesy of Stratford Butterfly Farm. This festive season, Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm is set to sparkle with an extraordinary sight, an abundance of dazzling ‘Blue Morpho’ butterflies. Known for their iridescent, shimmering wings, the Blue Morpho is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful butterfly species in the world! Visitors will be able to experience them in greater numbers than ever throughout the Christmas period. From mid-Dec


Who will be at the MCM Comic Con?
See amazing Cosplay characters. Photo by Rob Tysall Pro Photography. This weekend it’s the MCM Comic Con show at Birmingham NEC and once again it promises to be packed full of all manner of entertainment. With guests from the world of film, television, gaming, comics, anime. Amongst the line-up will be four Dr Who’s: Peter Davison, Paul McGann, Sylvester McCoy and Colin Baker. Other famous names include Doug Naylor, writer, director and co-creator of Red Dwarf (Friday/Saturd


The People's Takeover at Warwick Arts Centre
People's Day. Photo courtesy of Warwick Arts Centre. The People’s Takeover at Warwick Arts Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7FD On Saturday 29 November 2025, 11.30am – 4.30pm. Admission free. Preview The people of Coventry will take over Warwick Arts Centre for a day of discovery. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a series of workshops, performances, readings and more from some of Coventry's most talented creatives from 11.30am to 4.30pm. Expect music, dance, storyt


London Comic Con Winter at Olympia
Some of the Summer Show's Cosplay winners. Photo courtesy of London Comic Con. London Comic Con, Winter, at Olympia London on 15-16 November from 9am – 6pm each day. Preview The UK's favourite Comic Con takes place at Olympia, London on 15-16 November, bringing you a fabulous line-up of stars from TV and film, unique merchandise, a spectacular Cosplay line-up of superheros, comic and film characters, and so much more! The Olympia 2-day show has some big names this winter so w


Beauty and The Beast at The Albany
This Christmas, a brand new creative team brings a dazzling festive production to The Albany Theatre: Beauty And The Beast from Saturday 6 December 2025 - Sunday 4 January 2026. Preview Inspired by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve’s original 18th-century fairy tale and newly adapted by award winning writer Theresa Heskins, this enchanting production promises to be bigger, bolder, and more magical than ever before. The show runs from Saturday 6 December 2025 - Sunday


British Motor Museum scoops two Famtastic Awards
Some of the BMM team with their awards. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum has scooped two awards in the Famtastic Awards 2025 which were announced on 31 October at The Village Hotel in Blackpool. Judged by a panel of events industry specialists, the awards celebrate and recognise the top agents and venues nationwide. The Museum has been awarded Independent Venue of the Year and Unique Venue of the Year. Home to the world’s largest collection of historic Brit


NorthYorkshire Moors Railway announces Christmas experiences
Santa Express at NYMR. Photo courtesy of North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced an array of festive experiences for a magical winter along the heritage line as the Railway 200 celebration year comes to an end, marking the bicentenary of the birth of the modern railway in the UK. From history lovers and railway enthusiasts to families looking for something special this Christmas, this season promises something exciting for all vi


British Motor Museum shortlisted in Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards
The British Motor Museum has been selected as one of three finalists in the Museums & Collections category in this year’s Royal Automobile Club Historic Awards. The annual Awards recognise outstanding achievements within the British historic motoring and motorsport world. The judges had an impressive and diverse list of candidates across all 8 categories to scrutinise and will announce the results at a glittering Historic Awards dinner and ceremony on 20 November at the Royal


Have a Halloween ride in Harry Potter car!
Museum Curator Cat Boxall with the Harry Potter Ford Anglia. Photo courtesy of the BMM. This Halloween the British Motor Museum is inviting visitors to hop in the Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for an unforgettable ride around the Museum grounds! On 31 October dressing up as a favourite, witch, wizard or magical character is highly encouraged for visitors to get fully immersed in this magical experience. What’s more, Museum staff will be handing out


Visit the Cotswolds Distillery
Cotswolds Distillery Visitors' Centre. Photo courtesy of Margaret Mather. ‘If you build it, they will come,’ and they have, by their thousands. Whisky lovers from all over the world descend on a small village called Stourton, near Shipston-on-Stour in the picturesque Cotswold countryside to marvel at, and taste, the delightful whisky and gin. Driving through the Cotswolds, you can’t help but admire the quaint stone cottages and wonder at the beauty of the honey-coloured stone


Take a trip back in time
Currently on at Warwick Arts Centre. In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, Mead Gallery, Warwick Arts Centre, from Monday 29 September to...


Great British Model Railway Show
See impressive layouts. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum will host the Great British Model Railway Show on Saturday 25...


Brainiac Live! Explodes into Birmingham this Christmas
Brainiac Live! at the Palace Theatre. Photo courtesy of Brainiac. Brainiac Live! At Birmingham Town Hall from 27 – 30 December 2025....


Preparing for the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Stephen, Charlotte and Alex with OWL. Photo courtesy of the BMM. Racing driver and broadcaster, Alex Brundle, and presenter Charlotte...


The Miniatura Show is back at Stoneleigh
Tower by Petite Properties. Photo by Rob Tysall. This weekend – 13 and 14 September 2025 there's a fabulous celebration of all things...


Jags at Gaydon
Jags at Gaydon. Photo courtesy of BMM. This year ‘Jaguars at Gaydon’ will celebrate 50 years of the Jaguar XJS when it takes place at the...


Our Day Out at The Priory
At the Priory Theatre in September. Our Day Out, by Willy Russell, at the Priory Theatre, Kenilworth from 5-13 September. Directed by Bev...


The DR1VR Show returns to the British Motor Museum
Enjoy the DR1VR Show. Photo courtesy of BMM. The DR1VR show is returning to the British Motor Museum on Sunday 14 September for its...


Behind the scenes war drama is Mikron's best play
Hush Hush cast, (L-R) Catherine Warnock, James McLean, Georgina Liley, Robert Took. Photo © Robling Photography. Hush Hush! Written by...


Get ready for an explosive Bank Holiday Weekend
Exciting tank displays. Photo by Rob Tysall. Tanks, Trucks & Firepower Show, taking place on 23, 24 and 25 August, 10am-5pm daily,...


Don't miss the Retro Truck Show at Gaydon
A line up of retro trucks. Photo courtesy of British Motor Museum. On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September the British Motor Museum will...


Playbox Theatre share their skills with Japanese students in Tokyo
Introductions. Photo courtesy of Playbox Theatre. Warwickshire’s internationally renowned Playbox Theatre recently returned from a...


Lorries large and small at Gaydon
A Fleet of Knowles Transport. Photo by Rob Tysall. The Gaydon show held at the British Motor Museum over the weekend of 14-15 June saw...


Richard Thompson OBE opens Warwick Folk Festival
Richard Thompson OBE. Photo courtesy of Warwick Folk Festival. Singer, songwriter, guitarist Richard Thompson OBE opened the main Warwick...


Take Ten - and More
Square by Helen Ashbourne. How many ways can a one-word subject be interpreted by a group of individual photographers? That is the...


Happy 40th Stratford Butterfly Farm!
Founder and Director Clive Farrell (centre) with some of his team. Photo by Rob Tysall. It was a day of celebrations on Friday 18 July at...


Stratford Butterfly Farm at 40!
Clive Farrell and the Butterfly Farm's General Manager Richard Lamb. Photo courtesy of the Butterfly Farm. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly...


The Angry Boater sails into Stratford
Angry Boater. Photo courtesy of the artist. Angry Boater, at the Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Wednesday 16 July. One night...


BMM and Panivox awarded LaunchPad grant!
Touch screen storytelling. Photo courtesy of the BMM. The British Motor Museum, in collaboration with Panivox, is proud to announce it...


The Two Gentlemen of Verona and family activities at the RSC
The cast of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Photo (c) RSC. The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. Directed by Joanna Bowman at...


Talisman Theatre joins town-wide celebrations fit for a queen!
Made in 48 Hours. (L-R) Sam Harris, Elysia Sully. Photo by James Harris. The Talisman Theatre is joining town-wide celebrations marking...


Midsummer Fairies
A Midsummer Night's Dream. Photo by Manuel Harlan A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare. On at The Bridge Theatre, London...


Mikron Theatre's Operation Beach Hut at a venue near you!
L-R: Catherine Warnock, Georgina Liley, James McLean and Rob Took. Photos by Jobling Photography. Operation Beach Hut written by Harvey...


Albany Theatre present the First Draft Festival
The Albany Theatre's First Draft Festival takes place on Saturday 21 June starting 12 pm and Sunday 22 June starting 11am. Ticket price...


Celebrate Stratford Butterfly Farm's 40th anniversary
Clive Farrell releasing butterflies. Photo courtesy of Stratford Butterfly Farm. Stratford-upon-Avon Butterfly Farm will proudly...


Warwick Folk Festival returns this summer with legendary headliners!
Le Vent Du Nord Show 2024. Photo courtesy of the artist. The 45th Warwick Folk Festival returns to Castle Park in Warwick from Thursday...


75th Anniversary of Vintage Motor Cycle Club Banbury Run
The oldest machine in this year’s event, 1897 Leon Bollee Voiturette, ridden by Jacqueline Bickerstaff. Photo credit Peter Wileman...


Enjoy a prehistoric playground at Hatton
Photo courtesy of Hatton Adventure World. Junior Jurassic’s will be invading Hatton Adventure World this Whitsun Half Term as its animal...
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