Adrian all set to take historic Black Country heroes on tour
Figures from history brought to life in family show – free at public libraries in the school holidays
A local history enthusiast will be bringing the past vividly to life over the coming weeks and months, and families from across the Black Country are invited to the free shows, where they can have fun while they learn about our proud history.
Adrian Johnson’s Black Country Heroes Family Show will visit a number of Sandwell Libraries across the autumn and winter holidays, making it the perfect opportunity to keep the kids entertained while school is out.
“The most brave, kind and amazing historic characters from around the Black Country are recalled and retold in a one hour show that is touring to five public libraries in Sandwell,” Adrian told the Bugle. “And one very special Café in Dudley.
“This free, interactive, storytelling show includes jumping competitions, yo-yo spinning, songs, colouring-in, snowball games and finding out about the Black Country’s World Stand Jump Champion, the Black Country giant who served a king, and an inventive, brave young lad from Sandwell that really did light up and steam power the world!” Adrian explained: “These three Black Country Heroes: Walter Parsons, Joseph Darby and William Murdoch have positively obsessed me for more than eleven years of research and retelling at regional festivals, schools and museums in Smethwick, Netherton and
Handsworth. And now, finally, I’m pulling much of it together for this first Autumn and Wintertime tour.”
Joe Darby was the Dudley man who broke dozens of records for his incredible jumping feats, usually from a standing position and often using weights to swing himself into the air, to great heights and across huge distances.
Walter Parsons was born in West Bromwich in 1600, grew to a height of well over seven feet, and after being spotted by the Earl of Buckingham, was offered the job of being bodyguard to King James I.
William Murdock was an engineer and inventor who walked from his native Scotland to Boulton and Watt’s Soho works in Smethwick, so keen was he to work with them.
He invented the oscillating steam cyclinder engine and was a pioneer of gas lighting.
The show is set to bring to life the three incredible characters that Adrian describes as ‘bostin good fun’ to hear about. To really immerse themselves in the experience, audience members are encouraged to have a go at trying out some of their incredible deeds and actions.
Sandwell Library service are hosting the initial, free, Autumn and Winter tour as part of their all-year-round programme of events, and everyone is invited to come and enjoy a warm welcome and some simple fun in their local community library.
Julie Mckirdy, Senior Supervisor for Smethwick Town Libraries within Sandwell Libraries and Archives said:
“Adrian has entertained our readers with all kinds of shows and we really look forward to sharing his new show with everyone that can join us for one or more of his free appearances across Sandwell Libraries this Autumn and Winter.”
Over October half term, the show will appear at the following venues. All are free to enter:
Tuesday 25 October – Thimblemill Library, Thimblemill Rd, Smethwick.
Starting at 2.30pm, one-hour show. Tickets are free, but to book call 0121 569 4943.
Wednesday 26 October – Cradley Heath Library, Upper High Street, Cradley Heath.
Start 2.30pm, one-hour
show. Call 0121 569 4926.
Thursday 27 October – Smethwick Library, High Street, Smethwick.
Start 2.30pm, one-hour show. Call 0121 569 4940. Christmas Holiday week: Tuesday 20 December – Central Library, West Bromwich, 316 High Street, West Bromwich.
Start 2pm, one-hour show. Call 0121 569 4904.
Wednesday 21 December – The Albion Ltd Café, 15 Stone Street, Dudley.
Start 2pm, one-hour show. Call 01384 380827.
Thursday 22 December – Bleakhouse Library, Bleakhouse Road, Oldbury.
Start 2.30pm, one-hour show. Call 0121 569 4923.
You should contact any of the venues by phone or in person, to reserve your place.