Autumn entertainment programme has the 'WoW' factor
Released: 2 October 2007
A packed programme of events promises to keep Wolverhampton residents and visitors entertained right up to Christmas.
The city council’s latest What’s on Where (WoW) guide is out now and is bursting with information about the huge programme of music, theatre, films, exhibitions, activities and events on offer until the end of December.
Theatre-goers in particular are spoilt for choice, with a host of household names preparing to tread the boards. They include Tommy Steele as Doctor Doolittle, John Savident - former Coronation Street butcher Fred Elliott - in Hobson’s Choice and David Essex, who stars in Aspects of Love.
This year’s festive panto sees Leslie Grantham, Sam Kane and The Krankies star in Dick Whittington, and another highlight is the eagerly anticipated recreation of Lost Episodes from classic wartime comedy Dad’s Army; Captain Mainwaring will be leading his platoon onto the stage at the Grand Theatre next month.
A wide ranging programme of ballet, opera and dance, including the St Petersburg Ballet Theatre production of Swan Lake, will also be presented.
Proof that Wolverhampton is at the forefront of the regional music scene comes in the form of another stunning line-up at the Civic and Wulfrun Hall and the Little Civic. With big name acts such as Maximo Park; Seth Lakeman; The Proclaimers; Billy Ocean; Van Morrison; The Pigeon Detectives; Ian Brown and Wolverhampton’s very own Beverley Knight performing over the next three months, it is no surprise that the venues are enjoying their most successful year ever.
Meanwhile a long list of comedy legends are preparing to tickle Wolverhampton’s funny bone, including Ardal O’Hanlon; Ken Dodd; Jim Davidson; Stewart Lee; Alan Carr; Jimmy Carr and Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, who between them promise to keep audiences laughing until the New Year.
Movie-goers can enjoy a selection of blockbusters and classics from around the world at the Light House Media Centre, including Atonement (15), starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightly; As You Like It (12A); Year of the Dog (PG); A Beautiful Mind (PG); 2 Days in Paris (15) and the director’s cut of Alien (15), as part of the regular Film Club.
The Light House will also be hosting the ninth Deaffest, the deaf film and TV festival, as well as the ever-popular Flip Animation Festival.
Sports fans cannot afford to miss the inaugural Grand Slam of Darts, being broadcast live on ITV over nine days from Wolverhampton Civic Hall in November. The guide also includes full details of meetings at Wolverhampton Racecourse, plus a host of tribute bands offering great entertainment after the last race of the day.
Other highlights are provided by the city’s galleries and museums, where programmes include new exhibitions such as Sugar Coated Tears, Falling, Freianlage and Zoo at Wolverhampton Art Gallery; Breakout, Made in the Middle and Roundabout at Bilston Craft Gallery and Our Ancestors, Our Histories, Our Stories at Bantock House and Park, alongside a wide range of arts and crafts workshops for all the family.
Literature talks at venues across the city and further events are planned at Newhampton Arts Centre, Northycote Farm, National Trust properties and in Wolverhampton libraries - in addition to the continuing outdoor events programme which includes two of the city’s biggest bonfire and firework displays, at West Park and Bilston’s Hickman Park.
Wolverhampton is also gearing up to provide an amazing range of festive fun at this year’s Christmas Festival, which kicks off with the switch-on of the Christmas lights in the city centre on 14 November. In December, visitors will be able to enjoy a superb continental market, visit Santa’s grotto, see a reindeer parade through Dudley Street and enjoy a host of other Christmas events.
Emma Cleary, What’s on Where Wolverhampton co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted with our autumn line-up. This is one of our busiest What’s on Where guides ever and there is something for everyone.”
The free guide, which provides times, dates, locations and useful telephone numbers, is available from the Civic Centre in St Peter’s Square, the Visitor Information Centre in Queen Square and local libraries and community centres, plus a variety of leisure outlets throughout the Black County, Birmingham and Shropshire from today.
For more details about events, to join the mailing list or to download the on-line version of What's on Where Wolverhampton log on to Wolverhampton Entertains.
Issued by the press office.