Express & Star

Paramore, Stick Man, Tattoo Freeze and more: What's on this weekend in the Midlands and Shropshire

After something to keep you entertained this weekend? From rock bands, to tattoo conventions, war stories, kids' shows, jazz concerts and pantomimes - there's loads to choose from.

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What's on this weekend

FRIDAY

War Stories with Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan - Main Auditorium, Lichfield Garrick

Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan

Husband and wife team Peter Snow and Ann MacMillan present a fascinating, illustrated account of ordinary people swept up by the horror of war.

Their eponymous book on which the talk is based draws on 30 true stories about men and women who’ve made their mark on wartime history.

The 31 stories from history since the 18th century include that of Edward Seager who was an officer in the Charge of the Light Brigade, Christine Skarbek, a spy and saboteur during the Second World War, Benedict Arnold, a US turncoat in the War of Independence and Madeleine de Lancey who nursed her dying husband after the Battle of Waterloo.

The most recent War Story is that of Ahmad Terkawi, a Syrian chemist who managed to escape from Homs with his family and survived a terrifying tourney on foot, boat and bus to arrive in Sweden in 2015.

Tickets cost £20

For more information, click here

One Night Of Elvis with Lee 'Memphis' King - Robin 2, Bilston

Lee Memphis King.

Lee Memphis King, Europe’s most successful Elvis Presley tribute artist, is set to arrive at Bilston's Robin 2 this weekend.

Over the last 10 years as Lee has toured his ‘One Night of Elvis’ he has picked up numerous accolades and has headlined and sold out some of the most prestigious venues across the UK and beyond.

In August 2016 he completed a sell out concert tour of Israel, performing to over 8000 fans.

In this latest production, Lee Memphis King portrays Elvis Presley at his peak celebrating the iconic Vegas Years from 1969 to 1977.

Tickets cost £17.50 in advance at £18.50 on the door.

For more information, click here

Stick Man - Birmingham Town Hall

The Stick Man

Scamp Theatre’s delightful adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s hugely popular children’s book Stick Man is coming to Birmingham this weekend.

The award-winning production features a trio of actors, and is packed full of puppetry, live music, songs and dance throughout.

Tickets start from £8.50.

For more information, click here

Centre Stage: CBSO String Ensemble - CBSO Centre, Birmingham

Centre Stage: CBSO String Ensemble

Centre Stage is returning to the CBSO Centre this weekend.

Centre Stage is the CBSO's series of informal lunchtime chamber music concerts held at their administrative and rehearsal home, CBSO Centre.

The concerts also regularly feature international soloists who are visiting Birmingham for main-season concerto appearances at Symphony Hall.

Tickets cost £10

For more information, click here

Jazzlines Free Gigs: Reed Bass - Symphony Hall Cafe Bar, Birmingham

Jazzlines Free Gigs: Reed Bass

Jazzlines present Reed Bass this weekend in a thrilling Birmingham show.

Charismatic bass player Reed’s playing is influenced by the soulful American virtuoso Marcus Miller.

Enjoy mesmerising instrumental and vocal numbers with a fusion of jazz, blues and gospel, from a band that reflects the musical heritage of Birmingham.

This event is free to attend.

For more information, click here

The Wizard Of Oz - Auditorium, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

Oddsocks Productions are bringing another classic adventure to life with their production of The Wizard Of Oz.

Join Dorothy. the Scarecrow, Lion and Tin Man as they travel through the weird and wonderful land of Oz, encountering Wet Witches, Flying Monkeys, Poisonous Poppies and a multitude of Munchkins along the way.

Tickets start from £13.

For more information, click here

Jack And The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Jack and The Beanstalk

Jack And The Beanstalk continues it's extensive run at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre this weekend.

The line-up includes singer Gareth Gates as Jack, veteran dame Ian Adams as his long suffering mother and self-confessed lazy cow Doreen Tipton.

Read more:

Jack and the Beanstalk, Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton - review with pictures

Jack and the Beanstalk: The cast talk as the Countdown begins for Wolverhampton Grand panto - with video

Jack And The Beanstalk: Wolverhampton Grand reveal giant panto in new photos

Jack and The Beanstalk has arrived in Wolverhampton - test your knowledge with our quiz

Top pantomimes and Christmas shows in the Midlands and Shropshire

Last year’s panto saw more than 60,000 people visit the theatre, smashing all former box office records and grossing £100,000 more than the previous year’s production of Peter Pan.

Tickets start from £16.

For more information, click here

SATURDAY

Tattoo Freeze - Telford International Centre

Tattoo Freeze

Now happening over two days, convention Tattoo Freeze returns to Telford International Centre.

The Saturday of the event focuses solely on tattooing, with over 200 artists covering a range of differing styles offering walk-up sessions.

The Skin Deep Tattoo Competitions will begin on Saturday and continue over the weekend.

Your Tattoo Freeze ticket gives you unlimited access for both days including access to sister show Camper Mart where VW Campers are displayed.

Tickets cost £15 for an adult weekend pass.

For more information, click here

The Modfathers - Robin 2, Bilston

The Modfathers

Relive The Jam years, the mellow tones of The Style Council and the classic hits of Weller's solo career with The Modfathers.

The Modfathers have performed extensively throughout the UK and Europe leaving audiences amazed at the uncanny resemblance in vocals, appearance, and movement that Tony Brown has to Paul Weller.

Tickets cost £10 in advance and £12 on the door.

For more information, click here

Musical Picnic - Symphony Hall Cafe Bar, Birmingham

Musical Picnic

Musical Picnic returns to Birmingham with an array of talent.

Birmingham's Symphony Hall welcomes Colombian guitarist and vocalist Camilo Zenjura, joined by Swedish/Chilean percussionist Leandro ‘Lele’ Mancini.

Musical Picnics is just one of the many ways we connect over 15,000 young people and adults every year to the wonderful world of music, through fun and interactive events.

This event is free to attend.

For more information and tickets, click here

Let's Face The Music And Dance - Auditorium, Oakengates Theatre, Telford

LFTMAD

Lets Face the Music and Dance is set to bring smiles to the faces of the audience at Telford's Oakengates Theatre.

The show is a showcase from Tip Toes Dance Academy.

Tickets starts from £9.50.

For more information, click here

S-X: Show #1 - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton

S-X

S-X is set to blow the roof off Wolverhampton's Slade Rooms this weekend.

S-X has been a pioneer in music production having produced for the likes of Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, Skepta and more.

In early 2017, S-X endeavoured into adding his vocals to his productions and began pursuing music as a full-time artist.

Tickets cost £10.13

For more information, click here

Jack And The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Jack and The Beanstalk

Jack And The Beanstalk continues it's extensive run at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre this weekend.

The line-up includes singer Gareth Gates as Jack, veteran dame Ian Adams as his long suffering mother and self-confessed lazy cow Doreen Tipton.

Last year’s panto saw more than 60,000 people visit the theatre, smashing all former box office records and grossing £100,000 more than the previous year’s production of Peter Pan.

Tickets start from £16.

For more information, click here

SUNDAY

Paramore - Genting Arena, Birmingham

Paramore

Grammy award-winning rock band Paramore are set to rock the Genting Arena this weekend/

From 2005’s gold-certified debut, All We Know Is Falling, through to 2013's smash Paramore, the band has had a truly remarkable run of critically acclaimed albums and singles since coming together in 2004.

2017 saw the band release fifth full-length album After Laughter, which features hit singles Hard Times, Told You So and Fake Happy.

Tickets start from £42.38.

For more information, click here

Bravado: A Tribute To Rush - Robin 2, Bilston

Bravado

Bravado: A Tribute to Rush are set to wow Bilston's Robin 2 this weekend.

Rush fans at a Bravado show can expect to hear a 2 to 3 hour selection from the following ever-expanding list of tracks largely taken from the classic Terry Brown period.

Tickets cost £10 in advance and £12 on the door.

For more information, click here

Tattoo Freeze - Telford International Centre

Tattoo Freeze

Now happening over two days, convention Tattoo Freeze returns to Telford International Centre.

Sunday focuses on both tattoo artistry and entertainment - with fun available for all the family.

Entertainment includes Katie Dee burlesque, robot building workshop, circus workshops, bmx workshops, caricatures, nake charming, a Scalextric rally challenge, felt and fibre workshops, body painting and more.

An array of stalls will be available selling everything from clothes to taxidermy, jewellery to booze and more.

Your Tattoo Freeze ticket gives you unlimited access for both days including access to sister show Camper Mart where VW Campers are displayed.

Tickets cost £15 for an adult weekend pass.

For more information, click here

Jack And The Beanstalk - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

Gareth Gates as Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk

Jack And The Beanstalk continues it's extensive run at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre this weekend.

The line-up includes singer Gareth Gates as Jack, veteran dame Ian Adams as his long suffering mother and self-confessed lazy cow Doreen Tipton.

Last year’s panto saw more than 60,000 people visit the theatre, smashing all former box office records and grossing £100,000 more than the previous year’s production of Peter Pan.

Tickets start from £16.

For more information, click here