Mark Watson's 12-year-old son has just got a phone. His 70-year-old dad has been through the most frightening experience of his life. Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the Taskmaster star and multiple award-winner - now also famous as one-third of YouTube cult sensation No More Jockeys - returns. He'll consider the search for meaning that we're all on, with or without Google. There'll be a lot of jokes, and a show that's different every night...

From one of the most exciting emerging new stars in the UK’s live stand-up scene,1994 is Edinburgh native’s Connor Burns third solo hour. A prolific joke writer, his Scottish-level cynicism and self-deprecation punctuates a disarmingly relaxed persona and an intelligent, razor-sharp wit. Connor’s burgeoning reputation as “one to watch” was cemented at the 2023 Fringe when he sold out his entire run two months before the festival started.

Ceramics Open Studio Days SC832 Enjoy ceramics at your own pace in one of our Ceramics Open Studio Days. Explore your own projects and ideas in our fully equipped studio with a tutor on hand who can offer help and guidance if needed. What will you learn on this course? This one-day open studio is the perfect opportunity to spend a relaxing day being creative, exploring your own ideas and developing projects in our fully equipped ceramics studio. If you are an existing student at MAC, this is a chance to continue work on your individual project under the supervision of artist tutor Sue Dyer, who will be on hand to offer help and guidance as required. For less experienced students, you will have the chance to learn some basic techniques like thumb pots, coiling, and slab building, to begin working on a design of your choice. You will also have the opportunity to learn and apply some decorative techniques such as introducing textures and engraved patterns, coloured slip decoration, and glazing. Our fully equipped studio will give you access to various stoneware clays, pottery wheels, glazes, colour slips, all necessary tools, and firing kilns. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to students of all levels. The tutor will provide instruction and guidance tailored to your level, and advanced participants are welcome to work independently. This course may be accessible for people with disabilities. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Please contact us to discuss your specific accessibility needs. Do you need to bring anything? All equipment and materials are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. The course price includes all materials and firing of your work. Please note that there will be a clay and firing charge for any oversized work, please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Sue Dyer

Collage SC869 Discover the art of collage, the process of creating powerful new art images from existing materials. This course is taught by Hazel Pitt, a leading collage artist, graphic designer and member of Birmingham Collage Collective. What will you learn on this course? Collage is rooted in Art history, from the Cubist papier colles of Picasso and Braque, to the powerful and political work of Dada artist Hannah Hoch and Pop Artist Richard Hamilton. Collage can be an immediate art form but the success of the finished piece relies upon the artists choice of imagery, and the positioning. It is a sustainable art practice, re-using old images from printed photographs and magazines create new art works. The process of producing collage by hand can be very therapeutic, providing an immediate, raw aesthetic to the finished artwork. This course will cover: The art history of collage within contemporary context Using scale, proportion and geometry to maximise visual impact Using colour, texture and typography in your designs Use and refine craft skills in the creation of collage designs by hand The tutor will provide a variety of magazines and image rich books, giving you the opportunity to create a range of alternative visual outcomes. Different design formats will also be touched upon during the course. The class includes group tuition, handouts, and one-to-one support from the tutor. Guidance will be tailored to your level of experience to help you achieve your own personal aims. The tutor will encourage an atmosphere of communication and co-operation through interactions with others in the class. There will be time to view, reflect and constructively critique your own work and that of the other students in the class, all in a friendly and relaxed environment. The overall aim of the course is to help learners develop their own original style of producing art via the medium of collage. On completion of this course, you can expect to have produced two or more finished art works. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to students of all levels, no prior art experience is needed as full instruction will be given. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? All materials and equipment is provided, however, you are encouraged to bring along old magazines and unwanted books with pictures and illustrations. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs Who teaches this course? Hazel Pitt

Exposure 2: Digital Photography DM02 An ideal follow on from ‘Exposure 1’, this course will deepen your understanding of your camera and teach you to take better photographs in a range of genres. What will you learn on this course? This is a fun and friendly course which is an ideal follow on from ‘Exposure 1. This course provides an opportunity for you to unleash your creativity, have fun with your camera, and start creating pictures you want to keep, share, and maybe even print! You will be encouraged to continue or start a portfolio of your best shots or create a new body of work. You will learn how to take better landscape, travel, street photography and portrait images, and discover how to achieve special affects in camera rather than through post production in Photoshop. During this course, you will also have the opportunity to experience fine art nude photography and photograph a life model within a studio setting. You will also gain a deeper understanding of the various rules of composition. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to think creatively and to use your camera as a tool for expression. Using our desktop Apple MAC computers, you will also learn file management techniques and post production using Photoshop. During this course, you will also have the opportunity to experience fine art photography and photograph a life model within a studio setting. Each will, participants will be set a short weekly assignment to practice what they have learned that week. It is important to the success of the course that you have the time and motivation to complete the weekly assignments and to work on your own portfolio. An active element of each week is the downloading, discussing, and reviewing of each other’s images shot in response to the weekly challenge. The tutor encourages knowledge sharing and participation from all members of the group, creating a relaxed learning environment where you can freely ask questions. Some 1 to 1 support may be provided as required. Independent research, learning, and completion of practical weekly photography assignments between classes are encouraged. On completion of this course, you will have developed a critical eye and greater ability to select and proof your images. You will have a deeper understanding of the genres in photography and an improved confidence in the exploration of your camera. You should feel confident to be creative with your camera and to explore your own capabilities further. To view past participants work from Kate’s courses search #photosocial365, a hashtag dedicated to students homework. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to improvers, those who have attended Exposure 1, or people with a digital camera that have a good understanding of how aperture, shutter speed and ISO all work together and usually shoot in Manual Mode. It is ideally suited for people with DSLR, Bridge, Compact System Cameras, Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Cameras, or a compact camera for enthusiasts that has manual settings. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Bring along your camera, a tripod (if you have one), and wear appropriate clothing for going outside. It is also useful if you bring a copy of your camera manual. You can bring your own laptops or tablets if you prefer to use these for post-production instead of the Apple MACs provided, but please remember any cables you might need to connect your camera to your device. Please bring a 32GB USB stick or external hard drive to save your work each week. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Kate Green

Have you always wanted to write about your own life or someone else’s? Or are you already having a go and need some guidance? If so, then this is the course for you! What will you learn on this course? This six-week course is designed to build your confidence and help improve your creative writing skills, by drawing inspiration from life experiences, stories, and published text. The course will bring fun into creative writing and provide techniques for how to start a story and how to build, develop and improve your writing skills. You will review published texts in the life writing genre and, feeling inspired, will start creating your own writing. The course will use memory exercises and published texts to inspire writing, including group work and group discussions. The tutor’s approach is focused on building your confidence and finding enjoyment and pleasure in writing, embracing the drafting process. By the end of the course, you will acquire the skills to jump-start your own creative writing. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners and no previous experience in creative writing is required as full instruction with be given. The course is also suitable for anyone who lacks confidence in their writing or hasn’t written creatively for a while. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Please bring a notebook and a pen along with any preferred writing material. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Carol Preston

Life Drawing & Painting Studio Days for Improvers A fantastic opportunity for experienced students and artists to further their drawing and painting in response to an unclothed life model holding a whole day pose. What will you learn on this course? This is not a taught course but an opportunity for experienced students and artists to progress with their individual creative journey, while gaining confidence by relating to others in a conducive working environment. You will work directly from an unclothed professional life model who will hold a whole day pose set up by the artist tutor. We employ a range of different male and female models for our life drawing and painting courses. The artist tutor, while being available for general advice, will be teaching through demonstration, working on his own drawing and establishing an environment that enables all artists to benefit from shared concentration. One-to-one support is available to consolidate drawing skills including measurement, proportion, line, tone, colour, using art materials such as pencils, charcoal, pastels and paint. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to further your individual drawing and painting in response to a life model, gaining an insight into how the human form can be a fascinating ongoing topic for artistic study in its own right. You will be sharing a journey with artists over many centuries that have found it to be a useful discipline, complementing their other arts activities. These open studio sessions are beneficial to students wishing to supplement basic methods and techniques taught on other courses as well as those putting together a portfolio, artists wishing to resolve works for exhibition and art teachers seeking quality creative time for themselves. This class includes breaks. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to improver level students and anyone who is at a stage where they can work independently while benefitting from tutor led group concentration and support is welcome to attend. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? The Painting and Drawing studio is equipped with easels and drawing boards. Paper is provided that can be used during the lesson, and some basic art materials that may be borrowed on the day, such as pencils, erasers, sharpeners, brushes and paint. Please bring along additional art materials to work with. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs for this course. Who teaches this course? Paul Bartlett Quotes Working alongside other artists stimulates and provokes new ideas and ways of seeing and responding to the human form. The models we work with have the skill and professionalism to provide excellent opportunities to make complex works over extended periods. Using these sessions has enabled me to develop and extend my body of work well beyond my expectations. The positive and encouraging way the sessions are run has increased my self-confidence and developed my own sense of being an artist.

Zoe Lyons has kept herself busy in the last couple of years by having what can best be described as a monumental midlife crisis. It involved buying a sports car, having a brief marital separation and running a 100k ultra marathon which really didn’t end well. Along the way her hair decided the best thing to do was abandon ship. It ain’t easy being a middle aged woman: try doing it with a combover. Thankfully Zoe has been able to explore the funny side of all these twists and turns. It's time to sell the silly car and try and put the wheels back on her life. Zoe is the host of BBC2’s Lightning. She's known as a star of Live at the Apollo and a regular on Have I Got News for You (BBC1), QI (BBC2), and Mock the Week (BBC2). Other credits include Celebrity Antiques Road Trip (BBC2), Stand Up and Deliver (C4), House of Games (BBC2). Zoe is an immediately recognisable voice on Radio 4 as a regular on The News Quiz, Just a Minute, The Unbelievable Truth and The Now Show, and also co-hosts Frank Skinner’s show on Absolute Radio.

WiFi Wars returns with the live comedy game show where you all play along! Log in with your smartphone or tablet and compete in a range of games, puzzles and quizzes to win the show, and prizes!

Adult comedy with 3 comedians: - Aiden Marsh, Andy White and Andrew Bird Triple A Comedy is a funny night out for comedy lovers with 3 great comedians that will make tears run down your face.

After a shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Frozen Light presents: The Ancient Oak of Baldor A folk tale of love, loss and the interconnectedness of all things. The Ancient Oak stands strong in the Forest of Baldor, in the land of Earten. There it has stood for millenia, rooted deeply to both the land and people of the forest. On this day, at the cusp of winter, the people of Baldor are celebrating The Great Cracking of the Ancient Oak. Elspeth hoped this was the day that Lars would return. But when he doesn’t she is taken on an unexpected journey. One that she will never forget. Frozen Light welcomes you into their latest fantasy realm, where we discover that what truly nourishes us through the long nights is our capacity for love in all its different forms. A multi-sensory experience for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their companions, offering the chance to gather and experience the collective power of shared stories

Spend the day learning the ancient craft of felt making to create a decorative artwork. What will you learn on this course? This workshop will enable you to learn or revise a variety of felting techniques. During the session you will learn how to handle lengths of unspun wool and lay them correctly for felting. There will be an opportunity to identify various different fibres and explore their properties during the class too. You will also be able to add in various other fibres to create texture and further effects within the felt. Learn the best techniques for agitation of the fibres so that when you apply soap and water they will bond to form a strong piece of fabric. Penny is a textile artist with over 18 years of felt making experience and also has a drawing and painting background, so will work with you to create a picture or abstract piece that you will rinse and take home with you. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults 18+ years. It is open to beginners and improvers. You don’t need any previous experience of felt making as full instruction and guidance is given. Those with some experience will be able to improve their skills, technique and develop new designs. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. Dexterity in hands essential. The course includes periods of standing and working at a low table. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Please wear old clothes, bring a waterproof apron and waterproof bag to take your work home in. A notebook and pen, and any images for inspiration may also be useful. All materials and equipment are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Penny Dixon

Gimme the thrills, gimme the spills, gimme a man with a microphone in his hand and careless abandon in his heart. Gimme the winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Victoria Wood Prize, gimme Rob Copland trying his best despite everything. Directed by Ben Target (Lorenzo). ‘Rarely has an existential scream been this much fun' ★★★★ Guardian “Rob Copland’s new show is a sparkling hidden gem of an hour, anchored by an absurdly committed comic performance… On this night, at least, the standing ovation was immediate.” ★★★★★ Chortle “I can guarantee you’ve not seen a show like this before… It left me speechless” ★★★★★ A Youngish Perspective “Rob Copland has got himself the makings of a cult hit here with this high energy show” ★★★★ Wee Review

Nabil Abdulrashid is an award-winning comedian and writer. Nabil has come a long way since being a finalist and Alesha Dixon’s golden buzzer on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020. He is an acclaimed stand up who has performed comedy all over the UK, and across the world and is recognised for his sardonic intelligence and sharp eye for the absurdities of racial discourse.

Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors. Family Film screening starts with the short film Hooba! followed by Moana 2.

Having reassessed her life through the prism of an ADHD diagnosis in last year's funny and moving memoir, one of Britain's most beloved and most scatterbrained stand-ups lets you back into her mind (warning: it's cluttered in there). Among other things, this show will be a love-letter to letter-writing, a trip back through her early years as a comic and woman-about-town, and a whirlwind tour of a chaotic, hilarious brain. “She has plenty to say, and says it with pointedness and potency” Guardian “I laughed all the way through and left inspired” Funny Women

Nominated for Musician of the Year and for Best Album with Vagrant Stanzas at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2014, Martin's shows are intense, eclectic, spellbinding and deeply moving. There is no doubt that after 35 years as a professional musician Martin is better than ever. Widely acknowledged as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his interpretations of traditional songs are masterpieces of storytelling. Martin has been nominated an astounding 31 times in the 15 years of the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards -- more than any other performer -- with 12 nominations for Musician of The Year, which he has won twice. 2008 saw an incredible five nominations for 'Prodigal Son' and two wins, whilst in 2010 he had an unprecedented six nominations for his CD, True Stories and a win for Best Traditional Track, 'Sir Patrick Spens'. Whether playing American old-time music, blues, a Dylan song or his own material, Martin Simpson is unpredictable, individual and a guitarist of immense subtlety.

Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan (Alan Partridge, The Trip) plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.

 When a rogue U.S General triggers a nuclear attack, a surreal race takes place, seeing the Government and one eccentric scientist scramble to avert global destruction. This explosively funny satire is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci (The Thick of It, Veep) and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley (The Upstart Crow, The Play What I Wrote).

Genesis Visible Touch celebrates the entire legacy of Genesis, blending faithful homage with fresh interpretation. Led by Gary O'Toole—former vocalist and drummer for Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett—we bring a new dimension to Genesis music. Our shows offer an immersive experience that spans the band's timeless catalogue, reimagining classics with passion and artistry, and perhaps even a few solo gems from Genesis members. Join us as we explore Genesis's progressive roots and mainstream triumphs, capturing the heart of their legacy in our own unique voice.

After the collapse of the Beatles, a new generation of artists were posturing for top spot; leading to an avalanche of creation and some of the greatest songs in the history of popular music. Featuring the greatest songs from Carole King, Joni Mitchell, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, T-Rex, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, John Lennon, James Taylor,, Rod Stewart, The Carpenters and dozens more ... this new show celebrates the pinnacle of rock and roll music from the year that changed everything.

Nicole Mitchell joins Neil Charles and Mark Sanders at mac for the first date of a short national tour. Nicole concentrates exclusively on the flute as her instrument, but also introduces some electronics into her performances. She was a key figure in Chicago's AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Music) and now the most influential voice in the Afrofuturistic movement in jazz. Nicole and Mark have developed a strong partnership and have been playing together at various European festivals. Nei

We can’t wait to see you at the return of our BAM concerts! Bring your baby for a bounce with singer Sam Frankie Fox and multi-instrumentalist Ricardo Rocha. This warmly interactive performance for babies, families and friends celebrates music with a host of instruments, styles, gentle movements and stimulating sounds. A mix of familiar and new music comes to each months’ sessions, building on your babies’ previous interaction and giving them more chance to learn and to grow! Performances feature harp, diatonic accordion, a range of stringed instruments, songs in different languages and lots lots more. • Suitable for babies 0-18 months and their families and friends. • Performances are 30 minutes long. "A spellbinding experience. Totally engaging for babies and toddlers" Audience review.

Splat! is a physical comedy about Art and Creativity. Set in an artists studio, the show follows two aspiring artists - one dedicated and serious the other erratic and messy. The two characters attempt to complete their masterpieces whilst antagonising each other in the process. They take a journey through the history of visual art; experiencing the techniques of the great masters and movements before eventually realising that to achieve anything they must embrace their opposites and work together. The show explores themes of collaboration, play, dedication, spontaneity and letting go. The show features no language and is accessible for deaf audience

A fresh biography of Michelangelo, who is considered one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. This film explores his relationship with his contemporaries and his immense artistic practice that included painting, sculpture and architecture. The documentary coincides with a glorious new exhibition at the National Gallery of London.

Navigating bad advice and sympathetic head tilts, this ultimately uplifting one woman show explores the experiences of young widowed women, loss and why it’s okay to talk about death. Suria has lost her husband (she hasn’t misplaced him or anything - he’s dead.) Join her & the kids in Turkey, on what will become “the worst holiday ever.” A trip fraught with new challenges: navigating bad advice, sympathetic head tilts… and the ‘W’ word. Unfortunately, the turbulent dynamics of a newly fractured family aren’t the kind of baggage you can just stow away neatly in the overhead compartment…

Oddsocks will be taking to the road again in the summer of 2025 with another high-energy, feel-good, family theatre show. Shakespeare’s most magical, fast paced, hilarious comedy; “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed in Oddsocks’ inimitable irreverent and knockabout style with live music, comedy action and even some outrageous hunting dogs! Four lovers run off to the Athenian forest where mysterious woodland creatures play tricks on them with hilarious results and when a troupe of amateur actors decide to rehearse in a glade, the fairies intervention leads to bizarre and outrageous comedy. Don’t miss out – Catch the Dream! Reviews of past Oddsocks productions: “Without doubt the performance was among the best productions that I have seen” Jersey Evening Post “A thoroughly enjoyable night out. Once again, they’ve succeeded in making Shakespeare accessible.” “Many times the beauty and cadence of the bard’s lines ring out even amidst the comedic clamour.” “a magical combination of farce, physical theatre, silly sight gags, puppetry and, yes, the bard’s immortal prose.” The Reviews Hub

Join us for an informal BSL-interpreted guided tour with Dominique Nok, the curator of Marcia Michael’s exhibition The Family Album.

Mothers Who Make: Postal Art Workshop Sat 10 May | 11-12.30pm Pay what you choose, booking essential (children free, total capacity 24 with kids) Join MAC and Mothers Who Make Birmingham Hub for a workshop inspired by Su Richardson’s Postal Art Event, a 1970s grassroots initiative where women exchanged handmade artworks by post amidst the challenges of motherhood and societal expectations. During the workshop, you will make small, postable works to exchange with friends. Open to all.

With 5 Star reviews, thousands of fans across the UK and a new theatre show, This Is Floyd (formerly The Darkside Of Pink Floyd) celebrates the double anniversary of PULSE and Wish You Were Here albums on their 2025 tour. The band will continue a well-established tradition of attracting large audiences, old and young, highlighting the definitive versions of the iconic band’s classic and best loved songs. Join them on a captivating journey through the timeless classics that defined an era. From the ethereal echoes of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” to the haunting beauty of “Wish You Were Here,” the performances are meticulously crafted to honour Pink Floyd’s legacy. Including custom designed thematic light shows, spectacular laser effects and the iconic circular video screen. Sit back and enjoy a moving experience which will be truly unforgettable as they pay homage to one of the greatest bands in history.

Join us on this UK tour as Bhavik brings the heart of Indian music to stages nationwide. From soulful Bhajans to all the Bollywood classics you'll love singing along to, and the poetic beauty of Ghazals, this tour is a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and timeless melodies. The first half will take you on a heartfelt journey with a selection of cherished Bhajans, including tracks from Bhavik’s latest album ‘Sama’. As the evening unfolds, the second half will transform into a lively Mehfil of timeless Bollywood classics and Ghazals. With this being Bhavik’s final UK tour until 2027, it’s a special opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant traditions of Indian music in a truly memorable way.

This is all about being bad. It's a Disney cartoon that pits a willful toddler, Lilo (pronounced Lee-low), against a genetically engineered space creature (Stitch) programmed for maximum mischief. Thus the mawkish route beloved of Disney animators is well and truly blocked. OK, so it's a minor movie -- it doesn't have the budget or vision of a Monsters, Inc, and just because it's got water-colour backdrops doesn't make it Dumbo -- but what it does, it does with freshness and inventiveness, not to mention gags for the grown-ups.

I’m playing songs from my album It’s About Time. It’s part of the tour Seriously Underwhelmed where I’m traveling the country playing songs from my album. They sound like classic rock. The songs are killer.

Create a Kantha stitched iPad cover or similar item using recycled saris with surface decoration inspired by the rich colours and designs from India. What will you learn on this course? Inspired by MAC’s current exhibition the Offbeat Sari (INSERT INFO) give recycled fabrics a new purpose, while expanding your textile techniques. Taking inspiration from traditional paisley designs and the good luck door hanging known as a Toran (similar to bunting), learners will print, decorate and stitch a simple bag to hold an iPad or a similar item. Adorned with Indian elephants, shisha mirrors, tassels and cords learners will create their own unique piece inspired by India. You’ll learn new techniques including: • Printing • Machine and hand stitching • Attaching shisha mirrors • Handmade machine cords • Adding tassels. You will aim to have a completed item by the end of the workshop. Who is this course for? This one-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years and is open to beginners and improvers. You do not need any previous experience of textile making as full instruction and guidance is given. Those with previous textile experience will be able to develop their skills and learn new techniques. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Traditional Kantha cloth is made using recycled materials such as old saris. You are welcome to bring in scrap fabrics to use in your work, though we also have plenty! Please wear old clothes to work in. Are there any additional costs? Materials required for this course are included in the course fee, optional additional materials can be brought with you. Who teaches this course? Helen Lane

Always wanted to try ceramics? During this 2-day course you will learn hand building techniques including traditional coiling and slab building and produce a ceramic vessel, garden planter or sculpture. What will you learn on this course? Develop your skills through the use of traditional coiling or slab building techniques, to produce a ceramic vessel, garden planter or sculpture. You will have the opportunity to explore surface decoration through in-relief modelling, pattern and texture whilst working towards your finished outcome. Your own designs and ideas will be encouraged to enable you to find your personal working style. You will be guided through a number of tutor-led demonstrations and set tasks which will introduce particular tips and techniques. The course will cover the following skills and techniques: • how to successfully develop 2d designs into 3d objects • construction techniques • understanding of the materials and different stages of making • options for design, building, and quality of finish • in-relief modelling, imprinted texture and slip decoration Discuss ideas and intentions with the group and receive support in developing your own independent artistic style. The tutor will develop a guided programme of study with the group providing demonstrations and one-to-one support as required. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas, perhaps through sketched designs, and develop your own working style. Our fully equipped studio will give you access to various stoneware clays, glazes, all necessary tools and the firing kiln. On completion of this course you will have broadened your ceramics skills and learned new techniques for the realisation of your own design. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your last workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginner level students. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You don’t need to bring anything. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? The course price includes all materials and firing of your work unless the particular pieces you wish to work on are oversized when an additional charge will be made. Please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Emily-Kriste Wilcox

Learn how to sew a stunning handmade dress to wear this summer in this 2-day course. What will you learn on this course? During the course participants will: • Learn how to sew and adjust a dress from a commercial pattern • Understand the fittings techniques used in sewing your own clothes. • Continue to develop knowledge, precision and accuracy in sewing. A full health and safety briefing and hand-outs will be given at the beginning of the workshop. The tutor will give a small introduction about the class content and will give a step by step demonstration. After each step is demonstrated, the attendees are encouraged to sew that individual step alone. However, those who require additional support will be assisted by the tutor as and when questions or problem arise. Support will then be given as and when the attendee needs it. At the end of the course, you will have developed skills to make your own summer dress from a pattern. Who is this course for? This two-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. We suggest that participants have some previous sewing skills, and is open to beginners and improvers. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Participants will need to be able to control a sewing machine, use pins, scissors and an iron. Dexterity in hands essential. The course requires sitting at a machine or leaning over a table to cut fabric. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support Do you need to bring anything? A selection of essential sewing equipment will be provided. Please bring in one of the patterns detailed below and fabric of your choice. We encourage you to bring your own sewing kit consisting of hand sewing needles, thread, tape measure, stitch ripper, pins, scissors (large and small), pens, pencils, ruler, tailors chalk. If you own a sewing machine and prefer to use it you can have it PAT tested for a cost of £5 and bring it in to use during class. Please let us know in advance of the class so we can book with the technicians. You will need to pay at the Sales and Information desk prior to your course and testing will take place at the start of the first class. Are there any additional costs? Participants will need to provide: • Pick 1 of the following dress patterns: • The Barcelona Dress - Maven Sewing Patterns & Sustainable Haberdashery (mavenpatterns.co.uk) • The Rose Dress Sewing Pattern PDF - Etsy UK • Fabric (see the back of the pattern envelope for amounts) • Fusible interlining (Vilene) • Fastenings - concealed or open plastic zip, hook and eyes or buttons, etc. Who teaches this course? Sian Riley

Make and decorate a simple book and cloth bag to keep it in, inspired by the rich colours and designs from India. What will you learn on this course? Inspired by MAC’s current exhibition the Offbeat Sari (INSERT INFO) create two items in this one-day workshop. Using traditional carved wooden blocks brought back from Jaipur, learners will experiment printing on card, paper and fabric. Using your beautiful samples, you will learn simple stitched notebook making techniques. In the afternoon we will machine stitch a matching simple cloth bag to keep your book in, all adorned with hand stitched Indian Kantha stitch. You’ll learn new techniques including: • Block printing • Bookmaking • Machine and hand stitching • Indian Kantha stich You will aim to have two completed items by the end of the workshop. Who is this course for? This one-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years and is open to beginners and improvers. You do not need any previous experience of textile making as full instruction and guidance is given. Those with previous textile experience will be able to develop their skills and learn new techniques. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You are welcome to bring in scrap fabrics to use in your work, though we also have plenty! Please wear old clothes to work in. Are there any additional costs? Materials required for this course are included in the course fee, optional additional materials can be brought with you. Who teaches this course? Helen Lane

Update your wardrobe with a handmade skirt, perfect for the summer! Learn how to use a commercial summer skirt pattern and adjust it to your perfect fit in a fabric of your choice on this one-day workshop. What will you learn on this course? During the course participants will: • Learn how to sew and adjust a top from a commercial pattern • Understand the fittings techniques used in sewing your own clothes. • Continue to develop knowledge, precision and accuracy in sewing. A full health and safety briefing and hand-outs will be given at the beginning of the workshop. The tutor will give a small introduction about the class content and will give a step by step demonstration. After each step is demonstrated, the attendees are encouraged to sew that individual step alone. However, those who require additional support will be assisted by the tutor as and when questions or problem arise. Support will then be given as and when the attendee needs it. At the end of the course, you will have developed skills to make your own summer skirt from a pattern. Who is this course for? This one-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. We suggest that participants have some previous sewing skills, and is open to beginners and improvers. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Participants will need to be able to control a sewing machine, use pins, scissors and an iron. Dexterity in hands essential. The course requires sitting at a machine or leaning over a table to cut fabric. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? A selection of essential sewing equipment will be provided. Please bring in one of the patterns detailed below and fabric of your choice. We encourage you to bring your own sewing kit consisting of hand sewing needles, thread, tape measure, stitch ripper, pins, scissors (large and small), pens, pencils, ruler, tailors chalk. If you own a sewing machine and prefer to use it you can have it PAT tested for a cost of £5 and bring it in to use during class. Please let us know in advance of the class so we can book with the technicians. You will need to pay at the Sales and Information desk prior to your course and testing will take place at the start of the first class. Are there any additional costs? Participants will need to provide: • Pick 1 of the following skirt patterns: o Ava Skirt Sewing Pattern - Sew Over It o The Good Times Skirt o Vintage- inspired Circle Skirt • Fabric (see the back of the pattern envelope for amounts) • Fusible interlining (Vilene) • Fastenings - concealed or open plastic zip, hook and eyes or buttons, etc. Who teaches this course? Sian Riley

Focus on generating new material through creative, playful activities known as ‘song fishing’ on this one-day short course. What will you learn on this course? Dan Whitehouse’s ’Song Fishing' workshop is an immersive experience - all about generating raw material, writing new songs, casting our net wide for fresh ideas, titles, compelling first lines and song sketches. Working by ear, and improvisation, not music theory based, the method has been cited as a remedy for writer’s block by previous workshop attendees. Dan will be encouraging you to remove the magnifying glass and allow yourself to step out of your own way and engage with a series of games, designed to connect with your inner child and focus on the activities of writing as a playful experience, a kind of performance in itself. "All the ideas were refreshing, and just giving myself the time to devote to writing is pretty rare.” “Thank you for helping me get out of my skin.” “This was like trying to notate feelings, rather than theory” “I found it useful to let go of perfect chord progressions and focus on the bit that’s inspiring – writing songs” Dan Whitehouse is an award-winning singer-songwriter and community musician, committed to supporting to development of budding songwriters. Who is this course for? This course is open to adults 18+. No prior experience needed. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? All material is provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Dan Whitehouse

During this course you will explore various styles of Indian pottery as a basis for you own designs, inspired by the use decorative designs, terracotta sculpture and more contemporary work. What will you learn on this course? Traditional Indian pottery has developed over thousands of years, encompassing both functional and sculptural forms and covers a huge geographical range. From the oldest, most traditional form of terracotta pottery to the vivid colour of Blue Pottery from Jaipur there’s an enormous range to take inspiration from. We will also have an opportunity to view The Offbeat Sari exhibition (INSERT INFO) looking at the decorative designs incorporated within the textiles. We will explore basic techniques of hand building and decorative techniques, including slip decoration and impressed techniques. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas and the tutor will teach you how to translate these ideas into your own unique designs. Using the ceramics skills, you have learned you will choose the appropriate techniques to realise your design in clay. The course tutor will encourage you to develop your individual interests and styles and support you through to the completion of your project. Any work you produce on this course is yours to take home. Our fully equipped pottery studio will give you access to various stoneware clays, pottery wheel, glazes, coloured slips, all necessary tools and the firing kilns. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your last workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is for all levels including beginners and improvers/advanced practitioners seeking to develop and build on their skills working with an experienced tutor. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You don’t need to bring anything. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. The course price includes all materials and firing of your work. Who teaches this course? Sue Dyer

Acquire the skills and confidence to jump-start your creative writing with practical techniques to start a story and ways to improve the quality of your creative writing. What will you learn on this course? This day course will bring some fun into creative writing and provide techniques for how to start a story and techniques to improve creative writing. Carol’s approach is about building confidence and finding enjoyment as well as embracing the drafting process. The course will use memory exercises and published texts to inspire writing and might involve group work and group discussions. By the end of the day, everyone will have something finished or the confidence to write in their own style about their own life experiences, but with more informed techniques from the class to reflect, extend and continue with their work to develop it further. No matter if you’re an inspiring writer or want to get to grips with where to start, this course will offer something for you. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years who would like to build their confidence and improve their creative writing skills by drawing inspirations from life experiences, stories and published text. It is suitable for beginners. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? All course materials are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs for this course. Who teaches this course? Carol Preston

Learn a series of basic techniques in the art of wheel throwing such as clay preparation to creating cylinders & bowls and then progressing to other forms followed by glazing and firing your work. What will you learn on this course? On this course the tutor will demonstrate the key stages of wheel throwing and with your determination and enthusiasm you will create pieces with great satisfaction. Your initial learning will begin with the foundation of two main forms; the cylinder and the bowl. Most other forms can be learnt from those two forms. Another technique you will apply to your work is turning. We will be looking at producing both functional and also welcoming you to opening the doors to creating non-functional pieces that could possibly be used for more aesthetic reasons. If time permits you may be introduced to surface decoration with the use of various glaze colours which may then go on to be fired in the kiln. The tutor will encourage you to develop your skills and through repetition build your confidence, encouraging you to be selective about work that is retained for firing, so that you deepen your understanding of the art of wheelwork. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners with no previous experience as full instruction and guidance is given. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible and MAC does have accessible potter’s wheels. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Short sleeves and old trousers are recommended but clay washes off easily. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? The course price includes all materials and firing of your work unless the particular pieces you wish to work on are oversized when an additional charge will be made. Please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Serge Sanghera

Join us in MAC’s ceramic studio to learn a series of basic techniques in the art of wheel throwing, taking a ball of clay and transforming it to a beautiful form. What will you learn on this course? On this course the tutor will demonstrate the key stages of wheel throwing and with your determination and enthusiasm you will create pieces to great satisfaction. Your initial learning will begin with clay preparation and the foundation of two main forms; the cylinder and the bowl. Most other forms can be learnt from those two. Another technique you will apply to your work is turning. We will look at producing functional pieces and open the doors to creating non-functional pieces that serve an aesthetic purpose. If time permits you will be introduced to surface decoration with the use of various glaze colours which may then go on to be fired in the kiln. The tutor will encourage you to develop your skills and through repetition build your confidence, encouraging you to be selective about work that is retained for firing, so that you deepen your understanding of the art of wheelwork. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? The course is aimed at beginners aged 18+ years. You don’t need any previous experience of wheel throwing as full guidance will be given through all the stages. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible and MAC does have accessible potter’s wheels. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Short sleeves and old trousers are recommended but clay washes off easily. All materials and equipment are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. The course price includes all materials and firing of your work. Please note that there will be a clay and firing charge for any oversized work, please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Serge Sanghera

Celebrate the floral beauty of spring on this 2-day short course learning the basics of still life. What will you learn on this course? Explore the art of still life with a focus on spring flowers. Your tutor will take you through ways to approach still life using different mediums such as pencil, charcoal, acrylics and much more. Working from a variety of arrangements provided by the tutor, you will gain skills in mark marking, perspective and scale, shadow, tone, textures and colour. You will practice all of the skills and techniques you have learnt to bring different still life compositions to life and work with a variety of floral subject matter. The course will take place in our Garden Studio, where you will be surrounded by beautiful scents and flowers that will certainly inspire your creative process! Perhaps take a walk in gorgeous Cannon Hill park during your lunch break for further inspiration. You’ll finish with a number of works to take away and new skills in the art of still life. This is a relaxed, calming course which allows you to explore techniques and skills which will give you the confidence to develop your work even further. Who is this course for? This course is for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to all levels including beginners who have no prior drawing experience, and improvers who are looking to refine their skills. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Basic art materials will be provided but you may wish to bring your own preferred equipment such as brushes. Are there any additional costs? Any additional materials must be provided at your own expense. Who teaches this course? Lisa Broughton

Expand your knowledge, develop ideas based on quilting from other countries, and create some beautiful unique work, in this three-day course. What will you learn on this course? This course will not include long arms, paper piercing, buildings blocks, flying geese or log cabins; if you want to learn how to sew traditional English quilting, this is not the course for you! This course will concentrate on India Kantha quilts. Processes will include rust dyeing, ice dyeing, mono printing and block printing. Your course will include a guided visit to The Offbeat Sari, (INSERT DESCRIPTION) to gather design ideas and inspiration. You will learn new stiches appropriate to Kantha quilts and develop ideas inspired and influenced by a variety of works. Create a main item, such as a cushion cover, sample quilt, wall hanging, book or iPad cover, rice bag etc and plenty of other exciting pieces to use in your other projects at home or on other courses. Several dyeing and printing techniques will be taught at the first session, whilst the second session will include a brief history of the particular style of quilt. You will also plan and prepare your project, and learn the techniques involved. Your item will be completed in the third session. Who is this course for? This three-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years and is open to beginners and improvers. You do not need any previous experience of textile making as full instruction and guidance is given. Those with previous textile experience will be able to develop their skills and learn new techniques. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Traditional Kantha cloth is made using recycled materials such as old saris, sheets and covers. You are welcome to bring in scrap fabrics to use in your work, though we also have plenty! Please wear old clothes to work in. Are there any additional costs? Materials required for this course are included in the course fee, optional additional materials can be brought with you. Who teaches this course? Helen Lane

Indulge in indigo! Indigo is one of the oldest dyes used for colouring fabrics and is still used today to colour jeans. Come and spend a day experimenting with an indigo dye bath, using several interesting resist techniques to create unique samples. What will you learn on this course? Kick the day off experimenting with indigo dye baths and resist techniques to create beautiful blue fabric samples to take home. Your artist Tutor will introduce you to the work of contemporary textile artists, who adapt these traditional indigo techniques to produce beautiful work. In the afternoon, you will get the opportunity to be more experimental, using paper and fabrics to create beautiful patterns using different resists, including machine and hand stitch, and batik wax. Who is this course for? This course is for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to all levels. The course may be accessible for people with disabilities who can participate in practical art and craft activities. Students can be accompanied by a Carer or Support worker. Carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending a course to provide support. The room is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation and needs. This course involves working at low tables and good dexterity is needed in your hands. Do you need to bring anything? All materials will be supplied. However, you may wish to bring along your own fabric, lace, handmade paper, a white cotton t-shirt etc. (all clean, white or cream and undyed). Wear old clothes and bring an apron or something similar. Are there any additional costs? None Who teaches this course? Helen Lane

Always wanted to try ceramics? During this 2-day course you will learn hand building techniques including traditional coiling and slab building and produce a ceramic vessel, garden planter or sculpture. What will you learn on this course? Develop your skills through the use of traditional coiling or slab building techniques, to produce a ceramic vessel, garden planter or sculpture. You will have the opportunity to explore surface decoration through in-relief modelling, pattern and texture whilst working towards your finished outcome. Your own designs and ideas will be encouraged to enable you to find your personal working style. You will be guided through a number of tutor-led demonstrations and set tasks which will introduce particular tips and techniques. The course will cover the following skills and techniques: • how to successfully develop 2d designs into 3d objects • construction techniques • understanding of the materials and different stages of making • options for design, building, and quality of finish • in-relief modelling, imprinted texture and slip decoration Discuss ideas and intentions with the group and receive support in developing your own independent artistic style. The tutor will develop a guided programme of study with the group providing demonstrations and one-to-one support as required. You are encouraged to develop your own ideas, perhaps through sketched designs, and develop your own working style. Our fully equipped studio will give you access to various stoneware clays, glazes, all necessary tools and the firing kiln. On completion of this course you will have broadened your ceramics skills and learned new techniques for the realisation of your own design. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your last workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginner level students. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You don’t need to bring anything. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? The course price includes all materials and firing of your work unless the particular pieces you wish to work on are oversized when an additional charge will be made. Please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Emily-Kriste Wilcox

Learn basic making techniques in clay including coiling, throwing and slab pots. Take home a finished piece and an understanding of the art of clay and ceramics. What will you learn on this course? In this weekly class you will receive an introduction to ceramics and the hand-building techniques used. Your tutor will demonstrate a range of techniques throughout the course such as coiling, slab-building, throwing and press-moulding. There will also be demonstrations of different approaches to glazing to achieve a variety of surface effects, this will include dipping, pouring, spraying and the use of wax resist. You will have the opportunity to work with coloured slips which allows for a more controlled outcome. The tutor will give whole class demonstrations of the various techniques in the early stages of the course and then individual, specialist guidance will be given on your projects as and when it’s needed. You will be able to work at your own pace and are encouraged to work on individual projects of your own design. Further demonstrations of specific techniques can also be given to smaller numbers within the group or one-to-one upon request. Those learners with more experience will be able to self-direct their work and the tutor will offer guidance as and when it’s needed. Our fully equipped studio will give you access to various stoneware clays, pottery wheel, glazes, coloured slips, all necessary tools and the firing kiln. On completion of this course you will have gained a variety of practical ceramics skills and learned new techniques through the development of individual pieces or a collection of work. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to all levels. You don’t need any previous experience as full instruction and guidance is given. Those experienced in ceramics are welcome to work independently with tutor guidance and support given as needed. The course is accessible for people with disabilities as a support worker or a carer may assist. Carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending a course to provide support. The room is wheelchair accessible. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs. Do you need to bring anything? You don’t need to bring anything. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. The course price includes all materials and firing of your work. Who teaches this course? Emily-Kriste Wilcox

Kick-start your creative writing journey with author Carol Preston. Learn how to generate ideas by exploring writing techniques, and develop the confidence to continue your writing outside of class. What will you learn on this course? This course is designed to introduce you to the world of creative writing. The tutor will explain how to create material using writing techniques such as Free Writing and Clustering. By examining of the work of published writers you will learn about techniques such as: • Writers’ ‘hook’ • Use of place • Archetypes • Diary writing • Poetic writing • Film premise • Characterisation You will be encouraged to develop some of these techniques in your own writing and explore the idea that writing is a process for continued development. Through this exploration, the tutor aims to make you feel motivated to continue your work at home. The course may involve some group work and collaborative writing. Students will have the opportunity to share their work and receive feedback in a positive and supportive environment. By the end of the course everyone will have several pieces of their own writing along with hand-outs on the taught topics for further consideration and development. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners. Previous experience in creative writing is not required as full instruction will be given. This course is also suitable for anyone who lacks confidence in their writing or hasn’t written creatively for a while. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Please bring a notebook and a pen. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs apart from your preferred writing materials. Who teaches this course? Carol Preston

Are you a comedy aficionado? Do you love “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Are you a fan of comedy legends who started in improv, such as Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, and Keegan-Michael Key? Then this is the course for you! What will you learn on this course? This is an intensive beginners’ 2-day course to learn the core skills of improvised comedy. Discover the joy, freedom, and challenge of Improv. Learn to be more creative and playful in this low-pressure, high-enjoyment class that cultivates a fun, friendly, supportive and stress-free environment. Improv is not the same as stand-up; you are not alone on stage and it’s not about telling jokes. It’s about working together as a team with other improvisers to spontaneously create group stories, scenes & sketches. There’s no such thing as failure in improve! Over two days you’ll progress as a team while learning core improvisation skills like Spontaneity, Listening, Yes And Character, Scenes, Story, and Status. The course is run by Jon Trevor, founder and leader of Box of Frogs, director of the Birmingham Improv Festival. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners; no drama, acting, comedy or improv experience is required as full guidance is given. It is also open to writers, actors, and comedians looking to widen their skills, and to introverts who are wanting to gain more confidence! At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Please bring water and wear comfortable clothes. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Jon Trevor, Birmingham Improv

This 1-day course will teach you the fundamental principles of mosaic making to create a decorative piece for your garden or other outdoor space. What will you learn on this course? Welcome to the world of mosaics! Mosaic making is a wonderful hobby especially as it is an art form that you can use to decorate your garden or outdoor spaces. It can be quite daunting starting a new hobby but this course will show you just how easy it is. You will choose to make either: • Terracotta pot 19cm high • Outdoor piece of art or a door number on cement board 15cm x 20cm • Bird Bath 20cm Alternatively, you may bring an outdoor item from home to upcycle. This course will cover how to: • Create a design in preparation for making a mosaic • Use tile cutters to cut glass and ceramic tiles safely • Understand the different adhesives required for an indoor and outdoor mosaic • How to apply the correct adhesives • How to grout your finished mosaics • Understand what bases you can use for indoor/outdoor mosaics • Where to source your materials Your mosaics need 24 hours to dry so your tutor will grout your mosaics and have them ready for you within 7 days. You will be notified by the Sales and Events team as soon as they are ready for collection. Alternatively, you will be supplied with the grout and a link to a video on how to grout your mosaics at home. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to students of all levels; no prior experience is needed as full instruction will be given. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You don’t need to bring anything as all materials are provided. You may choose to bring images of mosaic decorations for inspiration but there will be images and examples for you to look at. You can bring an outdoor item of your own choosing to upcycle. Please ensure you are able to carry it safely into the studio and that it’s not over ambitious, as it would be nice for you to complete it on one day. Who teaches this course? Jacqui Grove

Learn the basics of stained glass leading on this one-day introductory course. What will you learn on this course? The history of leaded stained glass stretches back for thousands of years with the craft mostly associated with religious buildings. However, the art of stained glass is still very much alive today with contemporary artists. Learn traditional techniques of stained-glass including glass cutting, grinding, leading and soldering. A perfect way to try out this unique and impactful art form. You’ll produce a 6-8 panel measuring approx. 20 x 20 cm using a range of coloured glass and designs prepared by your Tutor. This course is perfect for those who want to try out the art of stained glass in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to all levels from beginners to those who have some previous experience working in glass. Full instruction and guidance is given by the tutor who will tailor the class to your needs. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. A high level of manual dexterity and tool handling is required. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. We recommend that you do not attend the course if you who are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. This is due to the toxicity of lead which will be in use in the studio Do you need to bring anything? All equipment and materials are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Vix Brown

Learn a series of basic techniques in the art of wheel throwing such as clay preparation to creating cylinders & bowls and then progressing to other forms followed by glazing and firing your work. What will you learn on this course? On this course the tutor will demonstrate the key stages of wheel throwing and with your determination and enthusiasm you will create pieces with great satisfaction. Your initial learning will begin with the foundation of two main forms; the cylinder and the bowl. Most other forms can be learnt from those two forms. Another technique you will apply to your work is turning. We will be looking at producing both functional and also welcoming you to opening the doors to creating non-functional pieces that could possibly be used for more aesthetic reasons. If time permits you may be introduced to surface decoration with the use of various glaze colours which may then go on to be fired in the kiln. The tutor will encourage you to develop your skills and through repetition build your confidence, encouraging you to be selective about work that is retained for firing, so that you deepen your understanding of the art of wheelwork. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to beginners with no previous experience as full instruction and guidance is given. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible and MAC does have accessible potter’s wheels. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Short sleeves and old trousers are recommended but clay washes off easily. All materials and equipment is provided. Are there any additional costs? The course price includes all materials and firing of your work unless the particular pieces you wish to work on are oversized when an additional charge will be made. Please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Serge Sanghera

Learn how to create a macramé wall hanging in this one-day course What will you learn on this course? Learn how to handle lengths of macramé cord and techniques required to form basic knots to make a macramé wall hanging. This is a day project which involves group discussion and tutorial at the beginning of the day followed by demonstrations. Learners will learn basic macramé knotting techniques step by step. You will make samples before going on to plan and work on a macramé wall hanging to take away at the end of the day. Depending on ability and experience you may wish to continue knotting at home. Learners will gain: • Knowledge of four basic macramé knots • Use of texture • Planning a design • The process of macramé and its historical context Students will follow step by step instructions as well as working on your own when you feel confident during the day. Who is this course for? This one-day course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years open to beginners and improvers. No previous knowledge of macramé is needed as you will be guided through the process step by step and full instruction and guidance is given. Those with previous macramé experience will be able to develop their skills to create a more complicated piece. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. This course involves working with arms in a lifted position and requires good manual, upper body and hand dexterity. There may also be long periods of standing during the course. The room is wheelchair accessible. A personal assistant or companion must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? You may bring in design sources to inspire your design and please wear old clothes to work in. If you have a piece of driftwood or stick you would like to use for the wall hanging please bring this. Are there any additional costs? Materials required for this course are included in the course fee, optional additional materials can be brought with you to embellish the design. Who teaches this course? Penny Dixon

Discover the art of printmaking through lino print inspired by repeat patterns and motif from the regions of South Asia. Learn a variety of intricate techniques and how to work with a printing press. What will you learn on this course? The course takes inspiration from fabric pieces in the ‘Offbeat Sari’ exhibition on display this summer (link). Tutor Haseebah Ali will support you to explore the patterns and designs typically found in sari fabric to create your own multi-colour reduction relief print. Experiment with lino printing and pattern motif before creating a three-colour lino print, adding gilding techniques to complete the work. You will leave with a beautiful print, or small series, to take home for display. You will be using a range of specialist equipment including lino tools, gilding sheets, print rollers, and working with oil and water-based inks. There will also be the opportunity to work with a small printing press. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to all levels including beginners who have no experience of printmaking. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. This course utilises cutting tools, fully instruction will be provided to minimise risks. Participants will need to have good manual dexterity. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? We recommend that you bring a sketchbook and a waterproof apron. If you have particularly sensitive skin, you may wish to use a barrier cream or bring thin latex gloves. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Haseebah Ali

Design and make your own collection of silver textured bangles. Learn how to cut, heat, pattern, solder and polish metal to create a unique piece of jewellery. What will you learn on this course? On this course you will learn to make silver stacking bangles based on a template the tutor provides. You will be introduced to jewellery making skills necessary to make your own stacking bangles in a few hours. The techniques may include: • saw piercing • filing • annealing • soldering • polishing • texturing Our fully equipped studio has workbenches, soldering hearth, pickle bath, rolling mill, pendant motors and a variety of hand tools including piercing saws, files, hammers and punches which the tutor will teach you to use safely and correctly. On completing the course, you will have gained confidence in basic bench skills, developed your fine motor skills and hand eye coordination, and have a piece of jewellery you have designed and made to wear or to give to friends and family. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+. It is open to beginners and improvers. You do not need to have any jewellery making experience to attend this course as full instruction is given. If you have some previous experience and would like to develop your skills, learn some new techniques and work on your own designs with the tutor’s support and guidance. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. A high level of manual dexterity and tool handling is required. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? All materials, tools and equipment are provided including a small piece of silver to make your bangles. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. Who teaches this course? Vanessa Miller

Join us in MAC’s ceramic studio to learn a series of basic techniques in the art of wheel throwing, taking a ball of clay and transforming it to a beautiful form. What will you learn on this course? On this course the tutor will demonstrate the key stages of wheel throwing and with your determination and enthusiasm you will create pieces to great satisfaction. Your initial learning will begin with clay preparation and the foundation of two main forms; the cylinder and the bowl. Most other forms can be learnt from those two. Another technique you will apply to your work is turning. We will look at producing functional pieces and open the doors to creating non-functional pieces that serve an aesthetic purpose. If time permits you will be introduced to surface decoration with the use of various glaze colours which may then go on to be fired in the kiln. The tutor will encourage you to develop your skills and through repetition build your confidence, encouraging you to be selective about work that is retained for firing, so that you deepen your understanding of the art of wheelwork. Please note that your work will need time to dry out and be fired twice in MAC’s kilns. Your work will be ready for collection up to 4 weeks after the date of your workshop. We will contact you when the work is ready. When you arrive at MAC please ask for an Art Studio Technician or a Duty Manager who will be happy to help you retrieve your piece from our secure pottery cages. By the nature of ceramics there is always a risk of technical failure, cracks or explosions for which we cannot be held responsible. Who is this course for? The course is aimed at beginners aged 18+ years. You don’t need any previous experience of wheel throwing as full guidance will be given through all the stages. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. You do need dexterity in your hands to work with clay. The room is wheelchair accessible and MAC does have accessible potter’s wheels. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? Short sleeves and old trousers are recommended but clay washes off easily. All materials and equipment are provided. Are there any additional costs? There are no additional costs. The course price includes all materials and firing of your work. Please note that there will be a clay and firing charge for any oversized work, please discuss with the tutor. Who teaches this course? Serge Sanghera

Harry Stachini is the comedian to watch in this new decade. Having established a reputation as an exciting young comedian with an impressive easy-going style. His warm and friendly stage presence comfortably leads us through hilarious and skilful storytelling, which is beyond his years.

Cat is a solitary animal, but as his home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

Create a beautifully decorated mirror taking inspiration from colours and patterns used in South Asian design. What will you learn on this course? This workshop is inspired by MAC’s current exhibition the Offbeat Sari (INSERT INFO) which showcases contemporary Indian design. Begin with a visit to the exhibition to gather ideas for your piece. You will then work to decorate a round board with a mirror at the centre, suitable for indoor hanging. Your tutor will provide a template design to follow and guide you through all the steps needed to create your finished work. This course will cover how to: • Create a design in preparation for making a mosaic • Use tile cutters to cut glass and ceramic tiles safely • Understand the adhesives required for an indoor mosaic • How to apply the correct adhesives • How to grout your finished mosaics • Understand what bases you can use for indoor mosaics • Where to source your materials Your mosaic needs to be grouted and will need 24 hours to dry. Hopefully this will be completed in class but could be finished at home or left to dry in our secure cages to collect at a later date. Who is this course for? This course is suitable for adults aged 18+ years. It is open to students of all levels; no prior experience is needed as full instruction will be given. At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your specific access needs. The room is wheelchair accessible. A support worker or carer may assist; carers must book a complimentary ticket if attending to provide support. Do you need to bring anything? All materials are provided. Who teaches this course? Jacqui Grove

Richard's first new stand up show in 6 years, about the momentous year where his bollock started feeling a bit weird and what that led to. In 2021 Richard Herring went to his GP to find out why his right ball seemed to be growing bigger. It turned out that he had testicular cancer and one month later he was lying in hospital waiting to have his murderous gonad removed. Would he survive? (No spoilers!). For a comedian who had done a whole show on male genitalia (Talking Cock) and written a book about toxic masculinity (The Problem With Men) this felt like some cruel trick of fate. With extra dates added in 2025 for his much-anticipated return to stand-up after six years, Richard talks bollocks and answers the question on everyone’s lips: Is a severed gonad in a jar a fitting prize to bring in for Taskmaster?

Thomas Giles Robinson is a British singer, bassist, radio presenter and long-time LGBT rights activist, best known for the hits "Glad to Be Gay", "2-4-6-8 Motorway", and "Don't Take No for an Answer", with his Tom Robinson Band. He later peaked at No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart with his solo single "War Baby".

Four Seasons is a theatrical love letter to nature for children and their families. Join our intrepid team of magical gardeners as they tend to the marvellous menagerie of flora and fauna at every stage of nature’s miraculous journey. We begin in Winter, where frost crunches underfoot, icy winds blow, and snow is softly falling all around. Much of nature seems to be asleep. But somewhere, preparations for something truly wonderful are underway. Four Seasons is a celebration of the wonder and weirdness of nature and our place within it, all set to an exciting score of seasonally inspired tracks including, of course,Vivaldi’s iconic piece.

running time 1 hour no interval Performer is a Drag King Recommended age is 18+ content warnings- audience participation, scenes of a sexual nature, strong language and use of haze. "This show aims to shatter the heteronormative binaries through which we view the natural world; a love letter to nature, combining stand up comedy, parody songs and drag in the form of a nature documentary".

Dead Belgian are a Liverpool-based band playing the music of Jacques Brel. They began life in 2007, inspired to share Brel's music with all who would listen.

Youre the pride of the police force. Your conviction rates are unbelievable. Youre so ruthless and unethical; some say youre like a criminal yourself. And theres no fate or consequence for you, just facts. But what happens when they both unexpectedly come calling one afternoon? One moment youre a detective sergeant and the next, a convicted murderer. Then due to an administration error, you end up in the very same maximum-security prison you sent most of your scalps to. So what then? As soon as the news of your arrival at the prison spreads, the riot starts and they come looking for you. As the prisoners begin their rampage, a fellow inmate, Connor hides you in his cell. Together you flee and hide from the gang in various parts of the prison as they frantically seek you out. But who is Connor and why is he protecting you exactly? The reason will soon become abundantly clear as your past life now comes back to haunt you.

By Steven Lee From the new Story Time series of family musicals by the creators of There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. For Jack and his little sister Molly, Easter is all about eggs. But how big can an egg get? And what wonderful surprises might there be inside? Based on the picture book by Steven Lee and performed with a magical mixture of live action, animation and puppetry, this scrumptious family musical is guaranteed to delight egg lovers, chocolate lovers and chocolate egg lovers alike! Perfect for ages 2-102!