Solihull Arts Complex

Things are heating up at The Core this June, with a sizzling line-up of live music, side-splitting comedy, captivating theatre and big-screen cinema all under one roof.

Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo comes to the big screen at The Core on Wednesday 3 June. Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her face, but who was the woman behind the bright colours, the big brows and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of an icon and uncover the true story of her rebellious, passionate and turbulent life in this cinematic documentary from Exhibition on Screen.

Also on the big screen, don’t miss NT Live: The Playboy of the Western World on Wednesday 3 and Wednesday 24 June, starring Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton), Éanna Hardwicke (The Sixth Commandment) and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls). John Millington Synge’s riveting play of youth and self-discovery is a darkly funny tale full to the brim with secrets.

We’re thrilled to welcome one of the biggest groups of the Swinging Sixties to The Core Theatre on Friday 5 June - The Foundations. Featuring original lead guitarist and vocalist Alan Warner, this show will feature the band’s international chart-toppers like ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ and ‘Baby Now That I’ve Found You’.

On Saturday 6 June, audience favourites The Boogaloo Babes bring you Boogie Ride - an unforgettable musical experience that whisks the audience away on a journey through time. This showcase of iconic hits and evolving musical styles will be brought to life by a sensational live band!

On Tuesday 9 to Saturday 13 June, 9 to 5: The Musical is a laugh-out-loud comedy based on the iconic 1980 film, presented by Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society.

Join former forensics lecturer and police recruit trainer Jennifer Rees on Wednesday 17 June for Strange, But True Crime, exploring the world’s most shocking and hard-to-believe crimes!

Performed by The Bohemians on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June, Queen’s Greatest Hits takes you on a high-energy roller-coaster ride of a concert, featuring the back catalogue of one of the world’s most popular and iconic rock acts of all time.

Enjoy an evening with the creators of Talon, Lloyd & Anderson, with very special guest John Evans on Thursday 25 June. 48 years of history; one unforgettable night of stories, music and laughter.

On Friday 26 June, Club 80s Live will take you on a rollercoaster ride back through one of the greatest eras of music. Hits by Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Guns & Roses, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Erasure, Bon Jovi, Wham, Deacon Blue and many, many more are crammed into a non-stop, musical trip, back-combed to the time that fashion forgot!

Also on Friday 26 June in the Studio, monthly comedy club Funny to the Core is headlined by the hilarious Stephen Bailey. He’ll be joined by Joey Page, Alex Mitchell and Ryan Mold for an outstanding night of comedy talent.

View the full programme here.