Prince of Denmark: A Cage Fighter on Stage

The new Hamlet at Stratford is full-on muscular theatre: it is Hamlet as cage fighter, says Richard Lutz

From William Shakespeare to Orson Welles

Laurence Inman casts a critical eye on the art of Shakespeare.

Biking in Burma: Long Miles, Silent Temples and Those Dogs

Richard Lutz continues his trip by bike through Burma

Belgrade’s new play tells tale of sex, vodka and shattered dreams

Sons Without Fathers, which is a new adaptation of Chekhov’s first play – Platonov – will be on in April at The Belgrade Theatre

Student develops innovative business

An entrepreneurial student has launched his own business to help college leavers apply and prepare for university life.

2012: A Disaster Year For UK Butterflies

Washout 2012 was the worst year for UK butterflies on record with 52 out of the 56 species monitored suffering declines, a scientific study today revealed.

New Chairman of West Midlands Manufacturing Consortium has vision for growth

John Russell believes companies have a unique chance to take advantage of favourable exchange rates, a desire to buy ‘British’ and unrivalled investment

The Travelator: Curious Places – Steampunk aka the MAD Museum, Stratford-upon-Avon

With the school holidays here our travel columnist writes about a place that’s a bit closer to home than usual, and well worth visiting.

Gritting a thaw point with Walsall’s Labour Group

A decision by Walsall Council not to grit any roads on Saturday 23rd March has been described by Walsall’s Labour Group as “bizarre”.

Social Media & U

Hi, R U lstng? Cn U spk? R we comnctng? Richard Lutz tks ishu wth our uber conctd wrld

Aldridge netball team net top national place

Girls at Aldridge School are celebrating after netting a top place in the UK for the third year running.

Companies respond positively to Coventry University’s business-focused approach

The Faculty of Engineering and Computing at Coventry University held its first annual open day for business on Wednesday this week.

The Cyprus raid on banks makes putting money under the mattress seem a wise move

John Chubb won’t be vaulting over to Cyprus any time soon.

Wolves Uni to launch new regional office in Oman

The University of Wolverhampton is to launch a new regional office in Oman to build partnerships in the region and provide information and advice for potential students

University of Wolverhampton launches secondary academy

A West Midlands school has opened today as an academy under a new trust led by the University of Wolverhampton Social Enterprises Ltd.

Biking in Burma: The Lady, Big Changes and A Mystery Guest in Rangoon

How is it going in Burma these days? Richard Lutz has spent most of March in this country, now re-named Myanmar

The Budget – March 2013

Here’s a round up of some reactions to today’s budget speech by George Osborne

Iraq, Blair, Q, recording and catch up, horse racing, Grand prix, time travel and more

Laurence Inman likes a good moan from time to time. He’s on form here.

Odem-whinger

There’s only been one talking point at the Hawthorns this week, and Terry Wills comments on it.

Review: Heather Gardner

The idea is simple: take Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, rename it Heather Gardner and slap it down in the pre- Beatles ’60s Birmingham.

The Public wins Big Lottery Fund Grant

Today, Sandwell Arts Trust, the company responsible for managing The Public in West Bromwich, were awarded a grant of £95,358 from The Big Lottery Fund

First Open Day for Deaf learners to be held

The University of Wolverhampton is to host its first dedicated Open Day for Deaf and hearing-impaired learners this month.

Popping down the local turns into 62.5 mile challenge for Black Country friends

A quick trip down the pub has turned into the challenge of a lifetime for four novice runners from the Black Country.

The Travelator: Do you remember the first time? A first cruise to Cherbourg on the Queen Mary 2

Our travel columnist recalls her maiden voyage.

Coventry theatre graduates set to perform at National Student Drama Festival

A theatre company formed by Coventry University performing arts graduates has been selected to take part in this year’s National Student Drama Festival

Easter holiday activities at The Public

After record visitor numbers over February half-term, The Public in West Bromwich will once again be welcoming families from across the region to join them for a great day out this Easter.

Hundreds of apprenticeships up for grabs at Walsall jobs road show

Hundreds of teenagers flocked to a Walsall careers roadshow where they got the chance to sign up for apprenticeships.

Syria aid is ‘woefully inadequate’ says Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief says the international response to the crisis has been ‘woefully inadequate’ and highlights the ‘chaotic conditions’ and ‘immense suffering’ in makeshift camps

Throstles and Swans – Baggies 2 Swansea 1

Terry Wills talks about Albion’s win over Swansea.

Bankers, money and betting

Laurence Inman sees certain links ‘twixt the three.