Dutch prog rockers, Irish singers and Roman cardboard all hit Bromsgrove.

Growing up in North County Clare, Sharon Shannon’s talent was spotted and encouraged by her local music teacher. After a brief apprenticeship with Arcady, her friendship with Steve Wickham led to an invitation to join The Waterboys.

Her self-titled debut, recorded in 1990, with help from Hothouse Flowers member Liam O’Maonlai and U2’s Adam Clayton offered a glimpse of the Shannon to come, with pieces from Louisiana and Portugal sneaking into the spare mix. Since then she has pioneered an original perspective on Irish music, with bits of dub, reggae, calypso fitting organically into the sound.

Now she’s back on tour celebrating 21 years since her debut album, accompanied by multi-instrumentalist and singer Alan Connor and will be introducing some brand new material while playing her trademark Castganari accordion, whistle and fiddle.

Sharon Shannon with Alan Connor and support from Lisbee Stainton are at Artrix on Tuesday 11th November. Tickets cost £17.50

With their unique brand of progressive rock, Focus manifested themselves at the start of the seventies as the most successful and appreciated Dutch pop-rock export. Fronted by founding member Thijs Van Leer, and best known for their hits Hocus Pocus, House of The King and Sylvia, as well as their well-received albums the iconic Dutch music masters are back with their tenth album guaranteed to please their legions of fans.

Along with Thijs van Leer on vocals, flute and keyboards, back on drums is Pierre van der Linden, who joined the group on their second album Moving Waves in 1972. Bassist Bobby Jacobs, who comes from a well- acclaimed Dutch musical family and guitarist Menno Gootjes, who participated in Focus at an earlier stage, complete the band’s current line-up.

Focus are in concert on Wednesday 12th. Tickets cost £17.50

In 2000, director Ridley Scott brought you Gladiator; an epic film of bravery, honour and sacrifice. Now, fourteen years later, Susie Donkin and Pauline Morel bring Gloriator an awe-inspiring theatrical production of bravery, honour and costumes made of cardboard.

Russell Crowe may not be available and their budget is limited, but this talented duo are determined it will be a show you’ll never forget…

Spitz & Co present Gloriator in the Artrix Studio on Saturday 15th November at 7.30 pm. Tickets cost £12.00 (£10.00)

All tickets are available from the box office on 01527 577330 or on www.artrix.co.uk