http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/ Read our Life and Leisure section for a Birmingham guide to whats on in the city and across the West Midlands. Birmingham theatre, music, art, restaurants and more. en-gb Trinity Mirror 2013 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:06:50 GMT Birmingham Post no Read our Life and Leisure section for a Birmingham guide to whats on in the city and across the West Midlands. Birmingham theatre, music, art, restaurants and more. Birmingham guide, what's on in Birmingham, what's on in the West Midlands, Birmingham theatre http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/rush-have-no-intention-of-slowing-down-65233-33366679/ Rock legends Rush were finally ushered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month. Steve Adams talks to frontman Geddy Lee about the band's long and successful career.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/rush-have-no-intention-of-slowing-down-65233-33366679/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-titus-andronicus-rsc-swan-theatre-stratford-upon-avon-65233-33378287/ Sitting through Shakespeare’s bloodiest play was always going to be an uncomfortable experience but with recent headlines at the forefront of my mind this performance made shocking and disturbing viewing.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 09:14:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-titus-andronicus-rsc-swan-theatre-stratford-upon-avon-65233-33378287/ Stage true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/birmingham-art/2013/05/24/home-is-where-the-art-is-for-bengal-born-gerry-judah-65233-33361440/ Artist Gerry Judah has been reinvigorated - by going home for the first time in more than half a century. Graham Young reports.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/birmingham-art/2013/05/24/home-is-where-the-art-is-for-bengal-born-gerry-judah-65233-33361440/ Birmingham Art true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/omid-djalili-on-his-time-taking-part-in-splash-65233-33361449/ Comedian Omid Djalili tells Roz Laws about the benefits of making a splash on TV.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/omid-djalili-on-his-time-taking-part-in-splash-65233-33361449/ Stage true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/24/visit-a-bounty-of-public-gardens-in-the-west-midlands-65233-33361461/ With the gardening season underway, get a bit of inspiration for your own back yard by visiting a bounty of public gardens open in the region.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/24/visit-a-bounty-of-public-gardens-in-the-west-midlands-65233-33361461/ Post Features true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/motoring/2013/05/24/s-stands-for-special-in-new-audi-diesel-65233-33361534/ New Q5 model packs a mighty punch, as Edward Stephens discovers.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/motoring/2013/05/24/s-stands-for-special-in-new-audi-diesel-65233-33361534/ Motoring true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/24/a-flavour-of-droitwich-spa-s-rich-history-65233-33361538/ Droitwich was once a town which was well worth its salt. Chris Upton reports.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/24/a-flavour-of-droitwich-spa-s-rich-history-65233-33361538/ Post Features true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/andris-nelsons-still-has-special-relationship-with-cbso-65233-33366604/ CBSO artistic director Andris Nelsons has taken up a new position in the US. He talks to Christopher Morley about the challenges ahead on either side of the Atlantic.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/andris-nelsons-still-has-special-relationship-with-cbso-65233-33366604/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/birmingham-royal-ballet-dancer-kit-holder-prepares-for-special-dance-65233-33366720/ As Birmingham Royal Ballet launches its summer season in its home city, Roz Laws meets a local dancer preparing for a special date.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/birmingham-royal-ballet-dancer-kit-holder-prepares-for-special-dance-65233-33366720/ Stage true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/travel-reviews/2013/05/24/take-plunge-on-portaventura-s-new-waterslide-65233-33366756/ You'd think being able to boast you're home to Europe's tallest rollercoaster with the highest drop would be enough.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/travel-reviews/2013/05/24/take-plunge-on-portaventura-s-new-waterslide-65233-33366756/ Travel Reviews true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-cbso-variations-on-america-at-symphony-hall-65233-33366608/ A 200-year-old anniversary deserves special celebrations, so what finer for the British American Business Council than a concert in one of the world's finest concert halls, played by our internationally acclaimed CBSO.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-cbso-variations-on-america-at-symphony-hall-65233-33366608/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-freiburg-baroque-orchestra-at-birmingham-town-hall-65233-33366617/ Listened to on the radio, this would have been an almost thoroughly enjoyable concert; watched live in performance it emerged as mildly embarrassing.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-freiburg-baroque-orchestra-at-birmingham-town-hall-65233-33366617/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-birmingham-contemporary-music-group-at-cbso-centre-65233-33366619/ This "Illuminating Britten" concert grouped a series of short works by the composer and those whose work he admired, influenced or aided.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-birmingham-contemporary-music-group-at-cbso-centre-65233-33366619/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-l-orchestra-de-la-suisse-romande-at-symphony-hall-65233-33366674/ There are orchestras in central Europe stuffed with ego and totally devoid of personality (trust me, I've heard them).

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-l-orchestra-de-la-suisse-romande-at-symphony-hall-65233-33366674/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-orchestra-of-the-swan-at-birmingham-town-hall-65233-33366676/ One of the hallmarks of the Orchestra of the Swan's success is the gift of collaboration.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 24 May 2013 04:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/24/review-orchestra-of-the-swan-at-birmingham-town-hall-65233-33366676/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/birmingham-art/2013/05/23/grand-union-art-gallery-celebrates-birthday-with-100-000-grant-65233-33373228/ The Grand Union contemporary gallery and artists' studio in Birmingham is celebrating its third birthday with a £100,000 grant from Arts Council England.

]]> Birmingham Post Thu, 23 May 2013 08:54:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/birmingham-art/2013/05/23/grand-union-art-gallery-celebrates-birthday-with-100-000-grant-65233-33373228/ Birmingham Art true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/23/jazz-diary-65233-33361459/ * If you want to hear what young British jazz sounds like in 2012, the easiest way to find out is to get to a Roller Trio gig.

]]> Birmingham Post Thu, 23 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/23/jazz-diary-65233-33361459/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/restaurants-birmingham-midlands/2013/05/22/hat-trick-of-awards-for-simpsons-chefs-65233-33363500/ Chefs from Simpsons restaurant in Birmingham have claimed a large slice of the honours at one of the culinary industry’s top awards.

]]> Birmingham Post Wed, 22 May 2013 06:10:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/restaurants-birmingham-midlands/2013/05/22/hat-trick-of-awards-for-simpsons-chefs-65233-33363500/ Restaurants Birmingham & Midlands true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/film-news/2013/05/21/film-review-epic-3d-65233-33361239/ Based on the children's book The Leaf Men And The Brave Good Bugs by William Joyce, Epic is a charming fable that could, with clever parental persuasion, inspire the youngest generation to swap their video games for an invigorating spot of housework.

]]> Birmingham Post Tue, 21 May 2013 08:20:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/film-news/2013/05/21/film-review-epic-3d-65233-33361239/ Film true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/restaurants-birmingham-midlands/2013/05/17/michelin-starred-restaurant-turners-marked-down-by-hygiene-inspectors-65233-33346057/ A Michelin-starred restaurant in Birmingham has been ordered to make “major improvements” to its hygiene standards.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 14:40:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/restaurants-birmingham-midlands/2013/05/17/michelin-starred-restaurant-turners-marked-down-by-hygiene-inspectors-65233-33346057/ Restaurants Birmingham & Midlands true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/reviews/2013/05/17/steve-hackett-at-birmingham-symphony-hall-65233-33346021/ The Kinks once sang ‘give the people want they want’ – and it’s clearly an adage that Steve Hackett believes in.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 14:11:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/reviews/2013/05/17/steve-hackett-at-birmingham-symphony-hall-65233-33346021/ Reviews true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/film-news/2013/05/17/movie-review-the-great-gatsby-65233-33345570/ OPENING in 1922 and based on the 1925 novel by American author F Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby has already been adapted for the silverscreen three times.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/film-news/2013/05/17/movie-review-the-great-gatsby-65233-33345570/ Film true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/christian-aid-week-malawi-s-painful-road-to-realising-potential-65233-33340652/ Once labelled the bread basket of southern Africa, Malawi was the continent's agricultural success story. But today, people are queueing for food in a country that's carpeted with cornfields. To mark Christian Aid Week Mary Griffin visits south east Africa to find out why.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/christian-aid-week-malawi-s-painful-road-to-realising-potential-65233-33340652/ Post Features true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/adopted-brummie-leonard-lord-and-how-he-gave-the-world-the-mini-65233-33340719/ A new book is aiming to lift the lid on Leonard Lord, the man who ran Longbridge in the wake of Herbert Austin, but who remains an unsung hero of 20th century industry. Enda Mullen reports.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/adopted-brummie-leonard-lord-and-how-he-gave-the-world-the-mini-65233-33340719/ Post Features true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/birmingham-war-hero-kept-his-silence-on-saving-hundreds-of-lives-65233-33334278/ Birmingham businessman Charles Horton helped to save many lives as a stretcher bearer in the First World War. Zoe Chamberlain talks to his granddaughter about a new book on his memoirs.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/birmingham-war-hero-kept-his-silence-on-saving-hundreds-of-lives-65233-33334278/ Post Features true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/sandi-toksvig-watches-as-the-world-twitters-on-with-no-manners-65233-33335122/ Multi-talented Sandi Toksvig tells Roz Laws about rude people, war and her hatred of sport.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/theatre-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/sandi-toksvig-watches-as-the-world-twitters-on-with-no-manners-65233-33335122/ Stage true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/our-forefathers-were-electric-conductors-65233-33335137/ The Baltic region has become a hot bed for talented conductors. Christopher Morley talks to Estonian maestro Neeme Jarvi about why the region has produced so much musical mastery.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/our-forefathers-were-electric-conductors-65233-33335137/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/enigmatic-composer-carl-davis-premieres-new-soundtrack-at-symphony-hall-65233-33335147/ Enigmatic composer and conductor Carl Davis prepares to premiere the new soundtrack to Harold Lloyd's famous film The Freshman at Symphony Hall tomorrow. Here he describes what it is about Harold that he finds so fascinating.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/enigmatic-composer-carl-davis-premieres-new-soundtrack-at-symphony-hall-65233-33335147/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/alison-moyet-i-ll-never-sell-my-soul-for-a-record-deal-65233-33335171/ Singer Alison Moyet was first thrust into the spotlight in the 80s with Yazoo. She talks to Sarah Probert about her proudest moment and why she is a reluctant celebrity.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/birmingham-culture/music-in-birmingham/2013/05/17/alison-moyet-i-ll-never-sell-my-soul-for-a-record-deal-65233-33335171/ Music true http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/landmark-inn-was-the-inspiration-for-writer-s-dark-tale-65233-33335268/ A former Worcestershire pub became the setting for a historical novel. Chris Upton reports.

]]> Birmingham Post Fri, 17 May 2013 05:00:00 GMT http://www.birminghampost.net/life-leisure-birmingham-guide/postfeatures/2013/05/17/landmark-inn-was-the-inspiration-for-writer-s-dark-tale-65233-33335268/ Post Features true