Theatregoers will be treated to open-air productions of classic tales whilst surrounded by flourishing flowers at Birmingham Botanical Gardens this summer. July marked the start of theatre season for the gardens, which will run until the end of August. The Edgbaston-based Botanical Gardens will be showcasing three magnificent shows, produced by popular touring theatre companies in August including Jungle Book, Treasure Island and Hamlet.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company will be returning after their successful performances of Sherlock Holmes and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in July. The popular Shakespearian play sold-out after selling over 700 tickets. This month the Lincoln-based theatre group will be staging a wild performance of Jungle Book. Visitors will be wowed as well-loved characters and animals are brought to life during this family-friendly musical, taking place Wednesday 6th August.

Pirates will be setting sail to the gardens shortly after, as Gloucester-based Rain and Shine Theatre present a captivating production of Treasure Island on Wednesday 13th August. Guests will be able to watch as the mystery of the buried treasure unfolds in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens.

Young actors will also be given the chance to shine this summer as Base Tikes bring their adaptation of Hamlet to 15-acre gardens. The local theatre group will be providing a modern twist to the well-known classic as they round off the theatre season on Wednesday 20th August.

James Wheeler, chief executive of Birmingham Botanical Gardens said: “The gardens provide a wonderful space for theatre productions. Our plants and flowers are now flourishing in the summer heat, and their beautiful colours and fragrances will provide the perfect backdrop for theatre productions.”

“Guests can bring their own picnics whilst watching the lively performances and The Pavilion Cafe will be serving up hot and cold drinks, as well as some tasty treats during the shows. The weather is really heating up, so it’s the perfect time to get out in the sun and be entertained by some very talented actors.”

Productions of Jungle Book, Treasure Island and Hamlet will start at 7.30pm at various dates in August.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk/events

The Antiques for Everyone summer fair is one of the most important events in Britain for art, decorative, art deco and period furniture as well as stunning pottery, porcelain and glass including stunning examples of vintage and decorative collectables, jewellery, silver, maps, treen, fine art, armoury and militaria with many unique items on sale for the first time.

Items on sale range in price from £10 to over £100,000 and are independently vetted by a huge team of industry experts, so you can buy with confidence from around 250 friendly exhibitors. BBC expert, Judith Miller will be holding daily talks and will be on hand to offer advice as well as manning her own stand.

Among the many attractions is a stunning display of amber, the world’s oldest antique as it will be between 20 and 100 million years old. Curated by Vanessa Paterson, a world renowned amber expert, it will be one of the biggest displays of amber to be exhibited in the UK. Amber was once known as “the gold of the north” and many examples of amber found on Britain’s shores will be on display.

For book lovers another exciting first is the launch of a beautifully illustrated, limited edition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream by exhibitor Books Illustrated to mark the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. Each book is to be individually numbered and signed by the celebrated illustrator and artist, Christian Birmingham. Just 450 copies are being produced and launched at the fair.

Admission: £15.00, including free car parking.

In Advance: £12.00 for Adults and Senior Citizens

Public Open Times: -Thurs – Sat 11am-6pm / Sun 11am-5pm

For more information visit www.antiquesforeveryone.co.uk

Winner of 90 international awards, Wicked has been casting its magical spell over audiences of all ages across the world for a decade, and flies into Birmingham in July 2014!

www.birminghamhippodrome.com

The Cornish comedy legend is back large as life and on tour with his very own unique brand of irresistible West Country tales for a fun-filled night of adult comedy.

www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Polo Club set to sparkle for Ladies Day 2014

This annual event at the Dallas Burston Polo Club in Southam near Leamington is one of the most prestigious social events on the sporting calendar and sees women from across the West Midlands don their finery for the occasion. As well as polo tournaments and exhibition matches there are fashion shows and attractions throughout the day.

‘Quintessential Milliner’ Victoria Grant will be on hand to demonstrate how to wear this season’s latest trends while Chanel are sponsoring a prize for the most fabulous hat. There’s also flower arranging demonstrations by Chelsea Flower Show’s Florist of the Year Sarah Horne and an insight into the world of champagne by Virginie Tattinger, heiress of the famous French Tattinger dynasty.

And finally a rare pink diamond valued at more than £13,000 will be the focal point of the charity auction hosted by TV personality Will Farmer from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow with all proceeds going to Birmingham-based charity Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.

Corporate tickets cost just £60 and include a three-course Sunday lunch and VIP access to the clubhouse with a goody bag featuring gifts from Bentley Birmingham, Tustains Jewellers and Clements & Church. There are also afternoon tea packages available from £40 which include a champagne tea in the pavilion overlooking the polo fields.

Tel 01926 11 111 or visit www.dbpoloclub.com/

The iconic country singer is bringing a slice of the deep-south to Birmingham. Dolly fans, get ready for an opportunity like none other!

www.theticketfactory.com

The sixth annual Aston Heritage Day celebrates everything amazing about Aston! Thirteen different venues will be opening their doors and offering a range of activities, for free. Some of the venues taking part include Aston Hall, Aston Villa FC and Aston Fire Station.

www.bmag.org.uk

Malmaison Birmingham and Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer are hosting this special event in aid of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. Includes drinks reception, two-course lunch and fashion and beauty demonstrations by Harvey Nichols. And, of course, live racing at the bar.

www.malmaison.com

The NatWest T20 Blast tournament continues at Edgbaston with newly-named Birmingham Bears taking on the steely Steelbacks. Great entertainment guaranteed.

www.edgbaston.com

Two very special events at the Hall to celebrate Royal Ascot. Both days give you the chance to enjoy champagne reception on the Terrace, excellent buffet lunch and live big screen TV coverage. Followed by after-race party and disco.

www.nailcotehall.co.uk