Diane Parkes Media

09/12/2025

A lovely introduction to theatre for little 'uns - Anansi the Spider at Birmingham Rep's small Door space: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/anansi-the-spider-at-birmingham-rep-review/

09/12/2025

You have to wonder what kind of brain can come up with the idea of mashing together two such random films as the 1986 Ozzie adventure Crocodile Dundee and the 1946 Christmas classic It’s a Wonderful Life to create a whole new musical.

If it sounds mad that’s because it is - but there’s often method in madness and this crazy combination actually works in creating a show which is hugely imaginative, funny and also heart-warming.

Want to know more? Full review here: https://www.whatsonlive.co.uk/birmingham/news/review-its-a-wonderful-knife-at-the-old-joint-stock-theatre/64382

05/12/2025

The Heath Bookshop Literature and Music Festival returns next April: It's back Literature and Music Festival returns next April. Get it in your diaries. https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/the-heath-bookshop-literature-and-music-festival-2026/

02/12/2025

Putting together a pantomime with professionals and students:

02/12/2025

Stratford-upon-Avon gears up for the release of Hamnet: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/hamnet-screening-qa-stratforduponavon-everyman-cinema/

01/12/2025

Bringing the classics to Brum and Coventry: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/concerto-budapest-symphony-orchestra-in-birmingham-and-coventry/

01/12/2025

The BOA Group's panto Cinderella is packed full of local and timely jokes:

24/11/2025

And here's my four star review for What's On Stage:

The world premiere play, featuring original songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, runs until 18 January

24/11/2025

'So many aspects of the show are brimming with imagination and fun that you could watch it again and again and see something new each time. It’s a Christmas gift that keeps on giving.'
review of Holmes and The 12 Days of Christmas at Birmingham Rep
Here's my full review: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/sherlock-holmes-and-the-12-days-of-christmas-at-birmingham-rep-319174/

16/11/2025

It is always a treat to be able to see the amazing pictures from the 'Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition on its touring exhibition and this year as much as ever.
https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/wildlife-photographer-of-the-year-exhibition-at-wolverhampton-art-gallery-318772/

12/11/2025

He's back! Elf The Musical opens at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Prepare for a madcap comedy with lots of lovely festive good cheer: 'a festive feast with lots of jokes' comes to with a show with larger-than-life characters, catchy tunes and a heartfelt message about love, generosity and the beauty of believing in Santa Claus.
Full review here: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/elf-the-musical-at-wolverhampton-grand-theatre-review/

02/11/2025

Taking to the stage in the hit musical Fiddler on the Roof is a dream come true for two local actors: https://www.weekendnotes.co.uk/fiddler-on-the-roof-at-birmingham-alexandra-theatre/