00:01Let's take a look at the biggest events in Birmingham and the West Midlands this June
00:06with our What's On Guide. And we begin at the Birmingham Hippodrome where Miss Saigon returns
00:12as part of a major UK and Ireland tour. It's one of the most successful modern musicals known for
00:18its sweeping story, emotional scale and songs including the movie In My Mind, Last Night of
00:25the World and the American Dream. It's set during the final days of the Vietnam War and the story
00:31follows Kim, a young woman separated from the GI she loves. It's her journey of survival
00:37in the years that follow. For audiences here it's also a reminder of what the Hippodrome
00:42brings to the Midlands, large-scale touring theatre at West End Standard in one of the region's
00:48most beautiful and important venues. To the NEC now where the Big Bang Fair brings a very
00:54different kind of energy. The event is aimed at pupils in years 6 to 8 giving schools the
01:00chance to explore science, technology, engineering and maths through hands-on activities, experiments
01:06and workshops. The idea is to help young people see where those subjects can lead whether that's
01:12future study, future careers or simply a sense that science and engineering are part of everyday
01:18life. There's plenty of music in the mix as well. Barry Manilow comes to BP Pulse Live bringing a career
01:25that has made him a much loved figure for generations of fans. His work spans performing, composing,
01:32arranging and producing and his catalogue includes songs that many people have grown up with, returned to
01:39and passed on. And also, sadly, it's his last ever performance in Birmingham.
01:44We stay at BP Pulse Live for UB40 with special guests Maxi Priest and Aswad. UB40 are of course one
01:53of Birmingham's most recognisable music exports and for many people across the region they still feel
01:59like our local band. Organisers say the show will include classics from their catalogue alongside a few
02:05new tracks from a forthcoming studio album. Now, if jazz is more your thing, Wolverhampton has
02:11Jazz at Bank de Leon. The city centre event brings live jazz into a Caribbean-inspired setting. Expects a
02:19mix of classic jazz standards and contemporary soul influences. And if you're looking for something
02:25with family appeal, Dudley Zoo and Castle host the Festival of Change. It brings together wildlife,
02:30community and environmental themes in the historic setting of Dudley Castle's courtyard. The programme
02:37includes talks, storytelling, workshops, trails, demonstrations and conservation focused activities
02:45with an emphasis on small practical actions people can take for wildlife and the places they call home.
02:52So there we go, theatre, music, science, jazz, wildlife and community all coming up across the West Midlands.
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