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Relics of New Street – B’ham Heritage Week
Each September I endeavour to take part in at least one event happening as part of Birmingham Heritage Week. In the past I have attended guided tours of the Cathedral and the (no sadly closed) Electric Cinema. This year I booked onto an intriguing tour of Birmingham’s famous New Street that promised to unveil some the relics that you may miss as you walk down the famous thoroughfare. The tour guide was Ben Waddington, who you may be familiar with for his brilliant guide book to the city, 111 Places in Birmingham that you should not miss. Ben is a fantastic advert for Birmingham, very knowledgeable about the city, and…
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Black Sabbath The Ballet Makes A Triumphant Return To Birmingham
Black Sabbath The Ballet made a triumphant, emotional return to the Birmingham Hippodrome last night. The incredible, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s celebration of Heavy Metal and the classic form of dance is as unique and stunning as it was at its inception two years ago. But with the death of Ozzy Osbourne this Summer, the Ballet has taken on the role of the most wonderful, poignant, and somehow fitting tribute to the man, and to Black Sabbath, the Birmingham band who invented ‘Heavy Metal’. Act One And Two Act One is entitled Heavy Metal Ballet. The routines range from the frenetic bop that is Paranoid, to the more sensuous mood of…
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Why Relapse Isn’t A Failure: Understanding The Relapse Prevention Model
Introduction Relapse is one of the most misunderstood aspects of addiction recovery. Many people see it as a sign of failure, but in reality, relapse is a common part of the recovery journey. Addiction is a chronic condition, much like diabetes or hypertension, and setbacks are part of the long-term healing process. Instead of viewing relapse as failure, it should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen coping mechanisms and refine recovery strategies. The Relapse Prevention Model, developed by Dr. G. Alan Marlatt, provides a structured approach to understanding and managing relapse. This article explores why relapse isn’t failure, the science behind it, and how the Relapse Prevention Model can…
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Murder At Midnight Is Comedy Gold At The Rep
A missing woman. The family that Lock Stock forgot. A hapless policeman trying to solve a case and save his career, whilst not getting involved with a leggy blonde who may just be a killer. And Robbie Williams, lots of Robbie Williams. This is the premise for the utterly hilarious Murder at Midnight, a comedy thriller from Torben Betts that is currently showing at the Birmingham Rep and is one of the funniest things you will see in theatre in this, or any other year. Jason Durr is Johnny, a one eyed gangster masquerading as a pig farmer. He lives with his mother Shirley, who is all kinds of crazy…
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Happy Birthday Agatha Christie
Today is the Dame’s birthday. Agatha Christie was born 135 years ago today and her legacy remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. Not only are we waiting for The Seven Dials Mystery to be released on Netflix (hopefully later this year), but there is a new theatre production of Death on the Nile to look forward to. Agatha may have died as long ago as 1976, but the Queen of Crime is, quite literally everywhere. Television The much anticipated adaptation of The Seven Dials Mystery that has been produced by Netflix does not have a release date yet, but is set to start starring Mia McKenna-Bruce, Helena Bonham Carter and Martin…












