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BLINDFOLDS, STILETTOS AND BALLET
What do tutus, pointe shoes and the Birmingham Royal Ballet's upcoming production of Carmina Burana have in common? The answer is: a whole heap less than you might previously have assumed. Introducing the big, bold world of Director, David Bintley, and his company of more than thirty dancers, with an even larger chorus. Being presented as a double bill along with Bintley's newest work - the King Dances - for its visual scale, passion and risqué themes, the BRB sees the evening as an ideal line up for first time ballet goers. And if an abundance of stilettos, a blindfold and a major lesson in the fickle nature of fate doesn't sound like a good night out to you, there's always the small matter of the world class dancing and a truly epic soundtrack to keep you occupied. At the Hippodrome from June 17 to 20 only. More information and tickets here.
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Venue: Veg Out Cafe & Restaurant, 46 Poplar Road, Kings Heath, B14 7AG; vegoutcafe.co.uk
Choice: Smoky roast sweet potato with buttered spring greens (part of a three course menu, £19.95) Chooser: Chef
We've known Veg Out as a top choice for Brum's veggie and vegan breakfasts for some time. What we now know is that the team is starting to seriously hold its own when it comes to supper, too. And it was the super smoky roast sweet potato served with lashings of buttered spring greens and a white wine and coriander sauce that had us high-fiving our waiter, the chef and - later - whole swathes of Kings Heath. Packed with contrasting textures, the comforting velvitiness of the potato juxtaposed with its fresh and crunchy surrounds is what really made this dish. Our starter - the spiced squash ravioli - was perfectly cooked and paired well with an almond sauce, but the addition of a parsnip and ginger puree was the only element of the evening which didn't fill us with unbridled veggie joy. BYO, Veg Out's monthly changing restaurant menu is available on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm.
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THE MODERNIST FACE OF THE BARBER
Aged 13, it was politely suggested to us that it may just be time to hang up our paintbrush for good. And our complete inability to create anything resembling art has left us rather impressed by the latest collaboration between the National Portrait Gallery and the Barber Institute. The Modernist Face: Smith, Dobson and British Portraiture, which opens tomorrow, has borrowed a recent set of work at the NPG as its starting point. Modernism – and how it treats the genre of portraiture – is the central theme for the Barber’s summer exhibition, which considers its subjects through the works of of late British artists, Sir Matthew Smith and Frank Dobson. With more than a few of the Bloomsbury Set featuring, be sure to catch Smith's striking oil on canvas, Angelica Garnett (pictured). The exhibition, which runs until September 27, is entirely free.
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COMEDIANS ATTACK THE MAC, REPEATEDLY
The sun might be the natural enemy of stuffy cellar stand-up but the warmer months also mean Edinburgh previews - and the Mac has a duo of funny folk every Thursday throughout June and July. Hal Cruttenden can take the seemingly mundane and give it an original, sometimes vicious twist. His routine on Facebook is a case in point; social media is hardly a new topic, but in Cruttendan’s caustic hands, it’s proof that you can give a fresh take on anything. He’s joined by one of the greats in Lucy Porter on July 2. James Acaster (pictured with inexplicable duck) and his unique brand of whimsy has seen him chalk up a raft of TV credits - be sure to catch him on June 11. Finally, for pure feelgood, do yourself a favour and book for Patrick Monohan and Jonny Awsum, July 30. You don’t need sunshine when you have these two. Tickets here.
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