Appeal against Crooked House rebuild

Plus: Blues win before special gig and canal kayaking

Dear Patchers — Welcome to your Tuesday briefing.

I hope everyone granted a four-day weekend enjoyed it regardless of faith background. I spent some of the weekend with Birmingham musical royalty, working on a feature for next week. And, of course, some of it stuffing myself with too much chocolate. Balance is important. Details on the feature forthcoming.

Until then, we have the latest twist in the Crooked House tale, notes on why Birmingham is becoming a technology hotspot, and what the critics thought of Stephen Knight’s latest TV offering. We also have musical theatre and sporting recommendations.

Until next time. Dan

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Brum in brief

🏚️Crooked House appeal: The owners of the Crooked House have appealed against an order to rebuild it brick by brick. In February, an enforcement was issued to rebuild the historic pub, dubbed Britain’s wonkiest inn, after it was destroyed in a headline-making fire last August. Now it will be down to a government planning inspector to decide if that should go ahead. The latest development follows recent input from restoration experts who say the rebuild will be, at best, complicated. Details here.

Photo credit: Margaret Darms

🔌Silicon Canal? While there are a few differences between West Coast California and the West Midlands, we’re still a growing technology hotspot according to the latest data. Last year the number of technology firms in the area grew by over 500 to 2,797 (up from 2,230 in 2022), according to figures from consultants RSM. Key sub sectors include software development and data businesses. All the numbers here. 

🎭Critics applaud This Town: Patient Brummies have waited weeks knowing that Peaky Blinders’ creator Stephen Knight’s This Town was making its way to their screens for Easter. The show follows families in Birmingham and Coventry as they start a band while also getting caught up in the social tension of the era. After the first two episodes aired this weekend, The Guardian gave the show four stars calling the it “bold” and “brilliant”. The Independent also awarded it four stars adding that “the show feels personal [to Knight]”. See BBC iPlayer for the latest episodes.

⚽Beleaguered Blues win: Birmingham City won for the first time under latest interim manager Gary Rowett, which was the club’s first three points in eight games. Dropping into the relegation places was on the cards until on-loan top scorer Jay Stansfield capitalised on a Preston defensive error mid-way through the second half. The vital win, which saw the club rise to 20th place, was watched by the second-highest St. Andrews attendance of the season. Fans were also treated to a one-off UB40 gig after the sporting action. More here.

🚣🏿‍♂️Canal paddle: For those who always wanted to navigate the waterways of Birmingham under their own arm power, you can try out kayaking or bellboating this coming Saturday. South Birmingham Paddle Club are inviting first-timers to try the sport at Selly Oak’s Whitehouse Wharf (opposite big Sainsbury’s) at 12.30 pm stating its suitable for all comers over the age of eight. Learn more via the event page.

🎤Musical premiere: This week, The Alex Theatre hosts the world premiere of Stock Aitken Waterman’s musical I Should Be So Lucky. Backdropped by Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley and Jason Donovan songs, it follows a star-crossed couple as they navigate wedding jitters and the risk of break-up. Tickets are available until Saturday.