Here’s your bumper guide to the next two weeks in Shrewsbury, with all the events, gigs, shows and exhibitions you don’t want to miss. Pictured: Shrewsbury Krazy Races is careering into the Quarry on Sunday, May 26th.
Events
Shropshire author, Christopher Sloan, will be launching his second novel ‘Seven Days’ at Shrewsbury Library on Saturday, May 18th between 10am and 2pm. Pop in to meet him and have your copy signed. From 1.30pm – 3pm the Library is holding its Lego Club.
Move for mental health at the I Can Dance 70s Disco Workshop in the Quarry on Saturday, May 18th from 10am – 11am. They want as many people as possible to join this en masse disco which is raising funds for Shropshire Mental Health Support.
There will be lots of Shropshire produce on offer at the Shrewsbury Farmers Market with their May Fair on May 18th, 9am – 3.30pm.
There’s a free Spotlight Talk at the SM&AG on May 21st from volunteer, Margaret, in the Roman Gallery. It will be an examination of the prominent Hadrianic Inscription that would have stood over Viroconium’s forum. 12pm – 12.20pm – just pop in, no booking is required.
There’s another chance to catch Richard Ireland’s talk on Crime and Punishment in 19th Century Shropshire on May 21st at Shropshire Archives, 11.15am – 3pm.
The Shropshire County Agricultural Show comes to the DMOS People West Mid Showground on May 25th. There’s lots in store this year - the Countryside Arena has returned to the show after an absence of many years, the Village Green and the light horses are back, and there’s a kids zone, dog show and stalls. There will be plenty of livestock and tractors on show, and entertainment running throughout the day in the main arena.
Attingham Park is launching a new Minibeast Battle Trail from May 25th – June 2nd and they have a Bee Friendly Weekend May 25th – 27th with family activities in the Bee Dome.
Cromwell’s Tap House has a Sausage ‘n’ Cider event May 24th – 26th with 30 different ciders and 15 different sausages to try! Free entry and live music.
Don’t miss Shrewsbury Krazy Races on May 26th! Cheer on the wacky and outrageous soapbox downhill racers in the Quarry who are taking on a steeper hill this year. There will also be food stalls, cars, and activities.
There is an open garden event at Severn Hospice's Bicton site on Sunday, May 26th from 10am to 4pm. There will be a craft fair, storytelling, and a children’s trail. Entry costs £3.50 and under 16s are free.
The SM&AG still has their storytime trail ‘The World of Peter Rabbit’ until June 30th. £6 per child.
Theatre, Performance & Comedy
There aren’t many tickets left to see Sir Bradley Wiggins at Theatre Severn on May 17th. The Tour De France and Olympic Medallist will discuss his career, what brought him to cycling and everything in between.
Live in the House is hosting Mad Jack’s Comedy Club at The Morris Hall on May 22nd. The host and MC for the evening - Barbara Nice - introduces double headliners Rob Deering and Josh Jones. Tickets are £15 plus booking fee.
The Magic of Terry Pratchett is presented by author and comedian Marc Burrows at the Walker Theatre on May 18th.
In his 40s, a surprising career shift turned middle-aged Alfie Moore from street cop to BBC radio star. But when TV fame beckoned could he grasp it or was he past it? Find out in his show on May 18th at Theatre Severn.
Wilde’s comic masterpiece, The Importance Of Being Earnest, gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners at the Walker Theatre on May 19th.
National Theatre Live present an encore of NYE (15) on screen at the Walker Theatre on May 20th and 21st. Michael Sheen plays Nye Bevan in a surreal and spectacular journey through the life and legacy of the man who transformed Britain's welfare state and created the NHS.
Fresh on the heels of his critically acclaimed memoirs, Nailing It, Rich Hall returns with new rants, knife-edge observations, thrilling musical interludes and an ever-formidable knack for laughs on the fly on May 22nd at Theatre Severn.
A few tickets remain for Julian Clary with A Fistful of Clary at Theatre Severn on May 23rd and 24th. The show takes a Western theme with the usual dose of camp comedy from Clary.
Old Market Hall Screenings
Ordinary Angels (12A) – May 17th – 23rd
Based on the remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels centres on Sharon, a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small town Kentucky, who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed, a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters.
Bob Marley: One Love (12A) – May 20th & 23rd
Celebrating the life and music of reggae icon Bob Marley, who inspired generations through his message of love and unity. Discover his powerful story of overcoming adversity and the journey behind his revolutionary music in this moving biopic.
The Winter's Tale – Royal Opera House Live – May 22nd
A co-production between The Royal Ballet and the National Ballet of Canada. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, The Winter's Tale is an award-winning modern ballet classic, packed with emotional turmoil heightened by Joby Talbot’s compelling score and Bob Crowley’s atmospheric designs.
Made in England – May 24th – 26th
A personal and moving look into the life and work of filmmakers Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. Presented by Martin Scorsese, the documentary features a collection of rare archival material that delves into their decade-long collaboration.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG) – May 25th – June 1st
After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains, Po, the Dragon Warrior is called upon by destiny to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace. However, he must quickly find and train a new successor before a powerful sorceress re-summons all master villains.
Concerts
St Chad’s Concert in the Round on May 17th welcomes students from Chetham’s School of Music at 12.30pm. Free of charge with lunch in the hall afterwards.
Ross Wilson aka Blue Rose Code writes songs straight from – and to - the heart. They address universal themes of love, loss, hope and faith in a deeply personal way and seamlessly blend folk, Americana, jazz, soul and pop influences into something truly unique. He’s playing at the Walker Theatre on May 17th.
Liana Storey will give a piano recital at St Alkmund’s Church on May 19th at 3pm. Expect Beethoven, Chopin and Rachmaninoff at this free event.
Dean Friedman in Concert at the Buttermarket on May 19th. Friedman will perform solo, on guitar and keyboard, featuring songs from throughout his four-decade career, including familiar, radio hits and fan favourites, drawn from his eight studio albums.
Enjoy A Night at the Opera by Candlelight on May 23rd May at Shrewsbury Abbey. London Concertante presents an evening at the opera with an array of the finest opera arias and overtures, performing works from Puccini, Verdi, Rossini, and Mozart.
SY.gigs present Tara Clerkin Trio + Haress at St Alkmund’s Church on May 23rd. Tara Clerkin Trio borrow jazz, electronica, psychedelia and minimalism to paint beautiful soundscapes, supported by Haress from Bishops Castle.
Shrewsbury School’s 3rd and 4th form musicians have a Junior Music Showcase in the Maidment Auditorium on May 24th. Tickets are free.
The London Tango Quintet are playing at the Blackburn Theatre at Prestfelde School on May 24th. This Shropshire Music Trust 40th Anniversary Concert will feature the music of Piazzolla, Troilo and other giants of Argentinian tango, as well as music from the Baroque to the contemporary.
One of the most exciting new folk duos to come out of the UK, Good Habits, are performing at The Hive on May 24th. Made up of Bonnie Schwarz (cello and vocals) and Pete Shaw (accordion), the pair mix virtuosic musicianship and vocal harmony with storytelling, drawing on their diverse musical tastes and weaving them into an action-packed narrative of folky goodness.
Chris Quinn is delivering two hours of acoustic guitar at St Alkmund’s Church on May 25th at 12pm.
Lost in Music delivers One Night at the Disco at Theatre Severn on May 25th. Live on stage they will perform the music of Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sister Sledge and Chic.
The Drifters are back on tour in the UK performing all their classic hits including Saturday Night at the Movies, You’re More Than A Number, Come on Over to My Place, Under the Boardwalk, Kissin’ In The Back Row and more. They are heading to Theatre Severn on May 26th.
Gigs & Nights Out
The Uptown Monotones play Albert’s Shed on May 24th
Friday, May 17th
- Fleetwood Mac’s Greatest Hits starring Fleeting Rumours at the Buttermarket. Doors open 6.30pm
- DJ: Freshwest at Oil from 7pm
- Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Francis brings his band to Albert’s Shed from 8pm
Saturday, May 18th
- Big 80s Outdoor Terrace Party with Erasured playing Erasure’s hits at the Buttermarket from 3pm
- Meat Loaf’s hits from tribute MaetLive at the Buttermarket. Doors open at 7pm
- Bobcat Billy’s Moonshine Mission at Albert’s Shed from 9pm
- Red Heathers at Oil from 10pm
Friday, May 24th
- Smokestack Delux featuring Tim Daley and Izzy Ali-MacLachlan are performing at Moreish Worldfoods in the Market Hall. Arrive at 6pm for dinner and a show or 7pm for the show only.
- In the Air Tonight – a tribute to Phil Collins and Genesis at the Buttermarket. Doors open at 6pm
- The Ruffnecks are playing in the Buttermarket cellars at 9.45pm
- DJ: Riser Gainz at Oil from 7pm
- The Uptown Monotones (pictured above) play Albert’s Shed from 9pm
Saturday, May 25th
- Groovy 90’s indie from The Motel 6 at Albert’s Shed from 9pm
- Rumbi Tauro with a blend of R&B and soul at Oil from 10pm
- It’s Bongo’s Bingo at the Buttermarket (limited tickets remain)
Exhibitions
Beyond Boundaries is a collaborative exhibition including ceramics, abstract and traditional paining, printing and mixed-media. Nine artists, mostly from Shropshire, will be exhibiting their work at Footprint Gallery, Jackfield from May 22nd - June 2nd and there will be a preview event on May 22nd, from 4pm to 8pm. Footprint Gallery is next door to the Jackfield Tile Museum and is open from 10am to 4pm every day.
John Finn has opened an exhibition at the Bear Steps Art Gallery. Read about the Shropshire artist’s inspiring story of his struggles since birth with deafness and blindness in our interview HERE. Until May 25th.
In the main hall there’s the Printmakers Pushing the Boundaries exhibition until May 25th.
You can still catch…
- The Spring Open Exhibition at Mrs Jones Art Shop & Gallery has been extended until May 18th
- The Mount: Opening a window on the Darwins’ legacy at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery until May 19th.
- The Austin Variations, by contemporary artist Vicky Roden at SM&AG on the balcony. Until June 30th.
- VAN @ 25 Exhibition at The Parade Shops until June 30th.
Further Afield
World-class music is promised at The Whittington Festival May 16th – 19th. This year sees the involvement of violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason, pianist Sophia Rahman (Artistic Director of the festival) and a host of young musicians, many of whom are enjoying solo careers with UK and international major ensembles and orchestras. That’s at Whittington Church (St John’s Church, Whittington, Oswestry SY11 4DH).
Weston Park is hosting the Great British Dog Walk on May 19th - one of 13 similar walks around the UK in aid of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Take part in either a 3km or 7km sponsored dog walk, or join in have-a-go dog agility and other fun games. Visitors can also explore the 1,000 acres of parkland and exhibitions of Weston Park with their Great British Dog Walk tickets. Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the day. Under 16s are free.
