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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands DANNY BHOY IN BROMSGROVE WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S SEPTEMBER ON 2017

Worcestershire ISSUE 381 SEPTEMBER 2017 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On worcestershirewhatson.co.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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SINGING OUT Midland Festival Chorus

WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK perform at Pershore Abbey (IFC) Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 12:05 Page 1 Contents September Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:12 Page 2

September 2017

Contents

Clash Of Drums as Midlanders sample the free Birmingham Weekender festival feature on page 32

Coriolanus Scummy Mummies Foodies delight! the list

concludes the RSC’s Rome comedy duo talk pelvic floors Leamington Food Festival Your 16-page season in Stratford-upon-Avon and play-dates at Artrix makes a welcome return week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 21 page 49 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 40. Film 43. Visual Arts 45. Events

fb.com/whatsonwarwickshire fb.com/whatsonworcestershire @whatsonwarwicks @whatsonworcs Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine Warwickshire What’s On Magazine Worcestershire What’s On Magazine

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Yvonne Kentfield [email protected] 01743 281706 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MEDIA GROUP Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Elly Yates-Roberts [email protected] 01743 281733 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwickshire_Worcs September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 14:55 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Life is a Cabaret for Will and Louise in Malvern Will Young will reprise the role of Emcee and Louise Redknapp will step into the lead part of Sally Bowles when a critically acclaimed production of hit musical Cabaret visits Malvern next month. Featuring ‘show-stopping choreography, daz- zling costumes and some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre’ - including Money Makes The World Go Round, Two Ladies and Maybe This Time - the show is helmed by Na- tional Theatre Artistic Director Rufus Norris and choreographed by the Olivier Award- winning Javier de Frutos. The production stops off at Malvern Theatre from 10 to 14 October.

A Shakespeare movie fest Warwickshire exhibition Wind of change at annual The Shakespeare Film Festival is returning to celebrates Quentin Blake Stratford music festival Stratford-upon-Avon from 21 to 23 September. Autumn visitors to Warwickshire’s Compton Stratford-upon-Avon’s Organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Verney Art Gallery can view the work of one annual music festival (26 Trust, the event features a series of outdoor of the world’s best-loved illustrators. September - 3 October) is screenings of contemporary films inspired by Quentin Blake: Inside Stories offers a unique heading in a new direc- the works of the bard. insight into some of the artist’s most popular tion with its programme Budding filmmakers can also take part in creations. for 2017. workshops about the art of filmmaking and The show features a huge range of Blake’s il- The eight-day event will, animation. lustrations, not only from the Roald Dahl from this year onwards, This year’s movie programme launches with books with which he’s most closely associ- place its primary focus a screening of Omkara - a Bollywood adapta- ated, but also from David Walliams’ The Boy on music for woodwind (and some brass). tion of Othello (with English subtitles), fol- In The Dress and Michael Rosen’s Sad Book. “It’s our ambition to become known as the lowed by Disney’s The Lion King, a family The exhibition shows at the venue from 21 national festival for lovers of the wind music film heavily influenced by Hamlet. October to 17 December. repertoire,” explain the event’s organisers, Visitors are invited to bring along a picnic “developing a wider audience for the genre and suitable seating. by programming wind music that is of great For more information and to book online, intrinsic value, alongside other attractive visit shakespeare.org.uk/filmfestival music.” For information about this year’s programme, visit stratfordmusicfestival.com Sleeping Beauty set to wake up in Leamington Temporary theatre to host Coventry-based Imagine arts centre productions Theatre will be performing Construction work is now under way on a a pantomime version of temporary theatre that will house Warwick Sleeping Beauty at Leam- Arts Centre productions while the building ington’s Royal Spa Centre undergoes a major redevelopment. this Christmas. The title Scheduled to open next month, the 280-seat role is being taken by local Goose Nest Theatre will be in operation for girl Chloe Fay. “I’m cer- nine months. tainly looking forward to playing a princess,” Commenting on the new venue, Warwick says Chloe (pictured). “It’s every girl’s dream Arts Centre’s Operations Director, Andrea to wear beautiful gowns, always have perfect Pulford, said: “The Goose Nest will allow us hair and be able to sing all the time without to continue our commitment to nurturing the anybody looking at you in a weird way!” creativity and talent of young performers on Sleeping Beauty runs at the Royal Spa Centre campus, as well as running a normal pro- from Saturday 2 to Sunday 31 December. gramme of events during this period.”

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First Word

New Leamington Music season Leamington Music’s 12th winter season, kicking off in October, will see 19 concerts of chamber and early music taking place over a six-month period. Proceedings get under way at the town’s Royal Pump Rooms on Fri- day 6 October, when the Anglo- Dutch Navarra Quartet return for the first time in nine years. Commenting on the forthcoming programme, Festival Director Richard Phillips said: “The season has the range of music that our audiences expect, and it’s good to be introducing four new groups to perform alongside ones that we already know and will be very pleased to see again.” Amateur company mark 80th birthday A residential amateur company based at the Rose Theatre in Kid- derminster are this year celebrat- ing their 80th anniversary by City ride around Coventry offers plenty of family fun presenting ‘a play for every Cycling enthusiasts and families who fancy enjoying a day out on their bikes are being invited to take decade’. part in the HSBC UK City Ride around Coventry this month. The Nonentities Society launch With plenty of free entertainment to enjoy on a traffic-free route around the city, the bike ride is one their celebration on 11 September of a number taking place across the country on Sunday 17 September. with a production of Noel Cow- For more information about the event and how to book your place, visit letsride.co.uk ard’s 1941 play, Blithe Spirit. Other plays featuring in the sea- son include Look Back In Anger, The Lion In Winter and No Sex Young musicians in Meditation at Coventry Cathedral Please, We’re British. Armonico team-up A collective mindfulness and compassion-based meditation is Touring film event A group of 12 young musicians set to take place at Coventry Cathedral next month. from Coventry is set to team up Returning for its fifth year, Mindfulness & Spiritual Intelligence visits The Hive with members of Armonico Con- is being held at the venue on Saturday 14 October. An interactive touring exhibition sort to produce a professional The event is run by The Flame Centre, a mindfulness, holistic is stopping off at The Hive in performance at Warwick Arts and wellness centre based in Coventry’s City Arcade. Worcester this month (1 - 21 Sep- Centre on Wednesday 1 Novem- For more information, visit the-flame.co.uk or drop into the of- tember). ber. fices at 14 City Arcade, CV1 3HW. Showcasing work by local film- The young musicians - aged be- makers aged between 16 and 24, tween 16 and 21 - have all come Playback covers a wide variety of through Positive Youth Founda- disciplines and mediums. tion’s Changing Trax project, Visitors stepping inside the exhi- which promotes music as a plat- bition space can choose which of form for self-expression. the featured three-minute films to Commenting on the project, Pos- watch by using the interactive dis- itive Youth Foundation’s Susie plays. The exhibi- Murphy said: “This isn’t just a tion is com- community project - it’s going to plemented be the real deal; a professionally by a series put-together performance that of free film- shows off the unbelievable talent making of this group of young Coventry events. people.”

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First Word

Thunderbirds Are Go in Leamington ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’ this month at Leamington Spa’s Vue Cinema, courtesy of the first ever International Thunderbirds Day. Taking place on 30 Septem- ber, the event will feature a showing of a never-before- nationally-screened episode of the hit TV series, followed by two brand new episodes of CITV’s Thunderbirds Are Go. Tickets are available by vis- iting myvue.com/film/thun- derbirds-are-fab. Star of The Voice to headline Halloween hair-raiser in Stratford Stratford Artshouse is offering visitors an evening of hair-raising Halloween revelry next month, with bur- Solihull’s HS2 lesque chanteuse and ‘Grand Duchess of Cabaret’ Miss Kiki DeVille headlining the event. plans take major Australian-born Kiki, who rose to prominence during season three of The Voice UK, will star at the venue in step forward A Midsummer Night’s Scream on Thursday 26 October. The show will feature magic, dancing, hula-hoop- ing, balloon-popping, sword-swallowing and escapology ‘from some of the UK’s leading cabaret stars’. Plans to create a HS2 Inter- For more information and to book tickets, visit stratfordartshouse.co.uk. change Station on the out- skirts of Solihull have taken a major step forward. Physical theatre New season of comedy in Evesham A formal request has been made to HS2 Ltd to upgrade pioneer visits the Evesham Arts Centre kickstarts a its current vision for a park- new season of its Raw Comedy Coventry Belgrade way-style facility on the 350- nights on Thursday 21 September. A pioneer of physical theatre acre site known as Arden The opening show features Cerys is bringing a brand new stage Cross. Nelmes (pictured) as MC, ‘Posh’ work to Coventry to mark the Commenting on the devel- Kevin Caswell-Jones, the energetic centenary of the Russian Rev- opment, West Midlands Winter Foenander, darkly comic olution. Mayor Andy Street said: Ben Briggs, Gloucester's own Italian-born Marcello Magni is "The West Midlands is Demitris Deech and New Zealan- presenting Faithful Ruslan - uniquely positioned to ben- der Matt Stellingwerf. The Story Of A Guard Dog at efit from this project. This For more information, visit Eve- the Belgrade Theatre from submission demonstrates shamArtsCentre.co.uk. Saturday 2 to Saturday 16 Sep- our ambition to make the tember. most of HS2.” The show is based on real-life All aboard the water buzz for Ricoh rugby events that followed the Join the run for death of Josef Stalin. It will Wasps rugby fans can this season get to the club’s home games at Coven- see Marcello presenting ‘a try’s Ricoh Arena by catching a water taxi. Parkinson’s... The Living Environment Trust has announced the return of its ‘water new physical language’, in Midlanders are being invited buzz’ to transport fans to matches. The Trust’s Coventrian Narrow Boat order to tell the story through to take part in a 5k fun run will pick up passengers from Coventry Canal Basin for a 90-minute the eyes of a dog. around the Birmingham cruise on the Coventry Canal, get- For more information, visit University campus to raise ting fans to the Ricoh with plenty of belgrade.co.uk. funds for research into time to spare before kick-off. Parkinson’s disease. Rugby enthusiasts will also be able The event takes place on to board the boat from the Hawkes- Saturday 21 October, with bury Junction near The Greyhound registration costing £18 per Inn. The ‘water buzz’ will make its adult (concessions are avail- first trip when Wasps take on Sale able). For more information, Sharks on Saturday 2 September. visit budsrun.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk Afternoon Tea Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 17:49 Page 2

TIMEWe all love a spot of quintessentially FOR British afternoon TEA... tea - so with that in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the most exciting places in which to get your high-tea fix.

Coombe Abbey Hotel Lorita’s Bakehouse Whittle's Restaurant Voted one of the ‘30 best places With everything being freshly Situated in the magnificent for afternoon tea’ by the made in the patisserie kitchen, surroundings of Binswood Hall, 13Telegraph, this four-star hotel’s who can resist a visit to Lorita’s? Whittle’s Restaurant is only a few Abbot’s Afternoon Tea is served in the The popular Bakehouse serves up a minutes’ walk from Leamington Spa’s elegant Garden Room restaurant. traditional afternoon tea featuring Regency shopping parade. It features three tiers of sandwiches, sandwiches, scones with jam & cream and The gothic Victorian hall is a relaxing cakes, pastries and freshly baked scones, a selection of cakes. Not only that, it also environment in which to enjoy a pot of tea with loose leaf tea of your choice. provides unlimited hot drinks, among and a scone. If you fancy something different, try the which are numerous speciality teas and a Alongside its traditional afternoon tea, Knight’s Afternoon Tea, featuring old Coco-Nana chocolate (that’s a hot Whittle’s also offers Prosecco, cocktail English favourites and a few sweet and chocolate with banana and coconut shot to and gin & tonic options. tasty treats, together with half a pint of you and me). 8am - 9pm Mon - Sat, 8am - 8pm Sun, Coombe Ale. 9am - 5pm Mon - Sat, 10am - 4pm Sun, from £16.95pp Various sittings daily, from £22.95pp £11.50pp Binswood Avenue, Leamington Spa, Brinklow Road, Binley, Warwickshire, 62 High Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8EX Warwickshire, CV32 5SE CV3 2AB

Chocolate Deli The Garden Tea Rooms RSC Rooftop Restaurant Situated in one of Worcester’s most Located within the grounds of From its position beside the River historic streets, this is the ideal historic Witley Court, the Garden Avon, the RSC’s Rooftop place in which to get your sweet fix. Tea Rooms boasts an acre of Restaurant offers stunning views As well as offering coffee and patisserie, delightful scenery to enjoy during your visit. across Stratford-upon-Avon. Chocolate Deli also features a hugely The venue’s afternoon tea, served with To make afternoon tea an extra special popular chocolate shop, complete with traditional vintage china and tiered cake experience, why not go a little wild, pay a £9 ready-to-purchase handmade chocolates and stands, features a pot of tea, homemade supplement and enjoy it with Champagne! truffles. scones with jam & double cream, and a The restaurant also provides a children’s With a variety of sandwiches, scones and choice of cake from the daily display. high tea for youngsters under the age of 12 sweet treats served on a three-tiered cake A selection of gluten-free and dairy-free (£7.50 for one/£14 for two). stand, afternoon tea in this chocoholic’s cakes is also available. A vegan option is available on request. paradise is definitely not to be missed. 11am - 5pm daily, £14.50 for two, From 11.30am every day (1.30pm - 3pm 9am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat, from £14pp Witley Court Gardens, Worcester Road, Sat), from £6.95pp 53 New Street, Worcester, WR1 2DL Great Witley, WR6 6JT The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Waterside, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6BB

whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Coriolanus DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:11 Page 1

coriolanus Sope Dirisu talks about taking the starring role in the action-packed finale to the RSC’s Rome season...

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Coriolanus DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:11 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Rather than going for something that looks like post-nuclear “fallout, we’re going to maintain the class divide. The difference“ between those who are privileged and those who aren’t will be clearly coded into the costumes

Populist uprisings, widening inequality and think that’s exactly what Coriolanus stands It’s not just the design that will provide a a polarisation between the polish of tradi- up to. He knows who he is and doesn’t see through-link across the season. As with pre- tional, tactical politicians and the frankness any reason to deflect from that for the benefit vious shows, audiences can expect a level of of a new breed of leftfield, unembellished of anybody else. involvement in the conversations taking leaders. Sound familiar? It’s actually the “On the other hand, I suppose Menenius is a place on stage. basis for a Shakespeare play set around 493- better representative of the politicians we “As a performer on a thrust stage, you have to 488 BC, in the early days of the Roman Em- have who will tell us what we want to hear have a lot of spatial awareness, making sure pire. while doing something completely different everyone can see your face and hear your As the RSC concludes its epic Rome season in the background. I think maybe in an ideal voice, but the joy of it is that the audience is by going back to the beginning of the saga in world you would have more Coriolanuses - your audience in the story, rather than using Coriolanus, we spoke to Sope Dirisu, who people who were honest about their views so a crowd of actors on stage. For the speeches plays the production’s titular hero - or per- you could elect them accordingly. But in in the Senate, we have this idea of the Scot- haps in this case, another term might be order for that to happen, everyone needs to tish Parliament or the UN, where everyone’s more fitting? be a lot more engaged in politics than they sat in a semicircle, in a similar formation to “He’s not a hero,” says Dirisu. “I would even currently are.” Roman amphitheatres, or the RST audito- call a character like Macbeth a hero, for ex- Things have taken a turn for the apocalyptic rium.” ample, because although things don’t turn in the Rome depicted by director Angus Jack- Returning to Stratford after starring in Peri- out great for him, it’s easy to understand his son and designer Robert Innes Hopkins, in cles as part of the RSC’s Open Stages project motivation and why what happens to him what promises to be a thrilling season finale. in 2013, Dirisu has seen his career blossom happens. But Coriolanus is different. He’s not It might seem odd to finish with the first over the last four years, encompassing roles sympathetic, which is possibly one of the rea- chapter of Shakespeare’s Roman story, but in Channel Four’s Utopia and Humans. Hav- sons why the play isn’t put on all that often.” there’s a method in their madness. ing studied Economics at the University of It’s 10 years since Coriolanus was last staged “The idea is that it’s a bit further on from Birmingham, he went through college still by the RSC - this despite its political potency Titus, which was basically set in the present uncertain about his future, until his RSC role and gripping plot. The play is action-packed day. We’re looking at a future where war has finally convinced him that acting might be right from the off, with an opening scene fea- ravaged the earth to the point where we’ve worth pursuing. It was, in his own words turing plebeian rebels marching on the Capi- reduced sovereignty to city-states rather than “the beginning of a journey”, on which Cori- tol to demand a fair share of the grain being countries, in much the same way as it was olanus is yet another step. But though he still kept there. As the smooth-talking, popular around 500 BC. It’s going to be a lot barer has friends in the area who he’ll be visiting Menenius attempts to defuse the situation, than the previous productions - I think Rob is from time to time, his plan for now is to make military top dog Caius Martius (later dubbed really excited to use the cavernous space of the most of the opportunity he’s been given. Coriolanus in honour of his victory at Corioli) the stage, and we’ll be using a lot of height “I think it was Judi Dench who described returns from battle, making no attempt to with different levels to help the audience feel Stratford as a bubble. It feels so far away disguise his complete contempt for the the size of the play and the arguments it puts from the outside world, which means you protesters. As cold and merciless in the city forward.” can come here and focus on your craft and on as he is on the battlefield, Martius is equally It’s a novel way of approaching the narrative Shakespeare and the company. For as long as despised by the people. Yet though his blunt- that calls attention to the cyclical nature of I’ve wanted to be an actor at the RSC, that ness, lack of compassion and smug superior- history, reinforcing the parallels between the sense of company and community has been ity are ultimately his ruin, there are some Classical world and our own time. It’s also in- really important to me, so I’m going to trea- qualities in him, thinks Dirisu, that deserve teresting to consider what might survive of a sure every moment of it.” to be emulated. culture after the civilisation that produced it “Politically, it’s a bit of a firestarter. In re- has crumbled. hearsals, we’ve been referring back to that “Rather than going for something that looks slip that Gordon Brown made when he called like post-nuclear fallout, we’re going to main- Coriolanus shows at the Royal Shake- someone a ‘bigoted woman’. And I mean, he tain the class divide. The difference between speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, wasn’t lying. But unfortunately, politics has those who are privileged and those who from Friday 15 September to Saturday turned into a popularity contest, rather than aren’t will be clearly coded into the cos- 14 October. a contest of principles or ideologies, and I tumes.” whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food September Warwicks_Worcs New.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:06 Page 1 Food September Warwicks_Worcs New.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:06 Page 2

Food

Leamington’s Millennium Balti named the West Midlands’ best restaurant Leamington’s Millennium Balti has been named ‘the best restaurant in the West Midlands’ at the English Curry Awards. A ceremony in Manchester last month saw the hugely popular eatery win out against the likes of Turmeric Gold in Coventry, Delhi 6 Fine Dining Restaurant in Sutton Coldfield, The Lloyds Indian Restaurant in Knowle, Solihull’s Janaki Indian Cuisine and the Stoke-on-Trent-based Pabna Restaurant. Commenting on the win, Millennium Balti’s Mohammed Abdul Ahad said: “This is wonderful news. We won despite some very tough competition and would like to thank all of our customers for their continuing support and loyalty.”

had mackerel, local heirloom balsamic, and apple & goose- tomato salad and watercress berry compote with raspberries, (£7.25). His silence said it all - an- clotted cream and pecan granola other perfectly cooked and tasty (each £5.95). starter. Both were perfectly good, but I I thought it would be hard to top sense puddings are not the focus my first course, but I was wrong. of the chef’s attention. However, My ginger and tamarind (yes, with the savoury courses being more tamarind!) duck, Thai so outstanding, we really didn’t omelette, spring roll, pickled mind that the afters were some- radish, bok choy and miso with what simple. black sesame dressing (£18.95) The Boot offers a wide selection was the best main I’ve enjoyed in of wines from around £16.50 a a very long while. The duck was bottle, and there are plenty of exemplary, tender and brimming fizz options available as well. REVIEW: The Boot Inn with flavour, and I must make Although the decor wasn’t espe- special mention of the spring cially to my taste (fake marble- Jovial atmosphere and amazing food roll, which had a beautifully style tables, paper napkins and with a difference at lively Lapworth pub creamy taste. So often duck can slightly ostentatious round- be chewy, but not this time! Was backed chairs), service was su- this the best duck dish I’ve ever was found, and within no time at perb and there was a (quite loud) Conveniently located between eaten? Quite possibly. Warwick and Solihull, The Boot all we were made to feel welcome buzz to the place. My friend opted for the gunpow- is a lively pub/restaurant in Lap- and comfortable. Is it the ideal setting for a roman- der chicken breast, roast worth. Whilst the menu is decid- tic meal? Maybe not (at points, it Initially I was tempted to try one aubergine masala, okra pakoras, edly modern British, the got so loud we couldn’t hear each of the sharing plates, such as the pickled cucumber and coriander difference here is that, under the other speak), but if you fancy antipasto board (£15.95) or the (£14.95). Chicken can sometimes direction of Head Chef Hash amazing food with a difference, a box baked camembert studded be a bit of a safe, unmemorable Chavda, there is a definite Indian jovial atmosphere and staff who with thyme and garlic with red addition to a menu, but this con- twist to most of the dishes. And know how to look after you, then onion jam (£10.50), which coction was something different. the place is all the better for it. make sure you hot foot it to The sounded fantastic. However, we More silence from my mate as he Boot. Jack Rolfe On the night I was reviewing, leapfrogged that section of the enjoyed every mouthful. The Boot was jam-packed with menu and dived straight into the All mains are served at the table Food: nnnnn locals having a drink, and virtu- starters. I chose grilled masala with seasoned ‘potatoes from the Service: nnnnn lamb chops (£8.95) with a tangy ally every table was full. This is pan’. We did have a side of green Ambience: nnnnn tamarind ketchup. The latter’s one popular hangout. Unfortu- beans, crumbled feta and Overall value nnnnn nately, proceedings got off to a sweet aniseed taste contrasted dukkha, which was great - but to OVERALL nnnnn slightly embarrassing start when wonderfully with the fuller be honest, the mains are large there was no record of my book- flavours of the meat. A crispy The Boot Inn enough without the need for ing. But hats off to Deputy Man- onion crumble gave the dish a Old Warwick Road sides. ager Joe, who dealt with the welcome variation in texture, as Lapworth Solihull sticky situation with friendly well as being a delight to eat. For dessert we chose strawber- ries, mascarpone and meringue B94 6JU professionalism. A table for two Full marks. My dining partner Tel: 01564 782464 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food September Warwicks_Worcs New.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:07 Page 3

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Food

Glynn Purnell's Friday Night Kitchen returns Friday Night Kitchen, Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell’s ever-popular live culinary event, is next month making a return at brand new venue The Vox in Birmingham’s Resorts World near the NEC (Friday 6 October). The evening features a three-course menu, created by Glynn himself, and live music from Sam Bailey and The Subterraneans. Diners will also receive a complimentary beer, glass of wine or cocktail on arrival. Tickets are available to purchase at gpfnk.co.uk/shop New Mediterranean restaurant opens in old Japanese street food and sushi in the heart of Worcester Coventry pub premises Japanese street food and sushi chain YO! has and temaki. Sweet treats include the ginza opened its first restaurant in Worcester. strawberry cake. A restaurant serving a Mediterranean- With seats for more than 90 people, YO! focuses YO!’s CEO, Robin Rowland, said: “We’re thrilled style menu has opened on the on providing authentic handcrafted dishes, all to be bringing YO! to the residents of Worcester. long-derelict site of a former pub in freshly prepared each day and served from the Situated on the high street, it’s the perfect Coventry. iconic ‘kaiten’ conveyor belt. lunch or dinner spot after enjoying a day of The Khamara Lounge, located in the The menu boasts a host of options, from the shopping in the city. premises previously occupied by Butts bestselling chicken katsu curry and beef “We can’t wait to meet the locals and start Retreat pub, serves a range of burgers, teriyaki to smaller bites like sashimi, sushi rolls sharing our delicious Japanese cuisine.” salads, moussaka and shawarma. The restaurant also boasts an extensive cocktail list, a ‘West End bar’ and a shisha lounge.

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust hosts fundraising beer festival in Coventry The 2017 edition of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s annual fundraising beer festival is taking place at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre in Coventry this month. Showcasing local real ales, ciders and a special-edition fruit beer, the event fea- tures live music, a pie bar, a free soft- drink bar for designated drivers and numerous games and craft stalls. The festival also includes the launch of New African-themed restaurant opens in the Midlands the Trust’s Malthouse Dormouse ale. African-themed Nakira Bar & Grill (formerly Lobster Peninsula) has opened in Birmingham Brewed by Windmill Hill, the beer has following a £100,000 investment. been inspired by the Trust’s summertime The restaurant is fully kitted out with a braai - a large South African barbecue grill - and will reintroduction of endangered hazel serve a range of African cuisine, offering a selection of game meats, springbok steak, ostrich dormice into a local woodland habitat... rump, alpaca and crocodile burgers and much more. Tickets for the Saturday 16 September Commenting on his investment, new owner Dexter Lasswell said: “I saw a gap in the market for event are priced at £5 and can be pur- an African-themed game & grill restaurant and thought it was too good an opportunity to miss. chased online at warwickshirewil- The venue is stunning, and I wanted to turn it into a place where people can enjoy a relaxed dlifetrust.org.uk/beerfestival African dining experience in elegant surroundings but without the high prices.”

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Gigs

John Legend Arena Birmingham, Wed 20 September Legend by name and a legend in his own life- time, this multi-platinum-selling Oscar, Golden Globe and 10-time Grammy Award- winning singer-songwriter has collaborated with some of the biggest names in modern music, including Jay Z, Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill. He visits the Midlands to promote fifth studio album Darkness And Light.

Kim Lowings And rary, original and traditional folk song. Having supported acts such as Martin Simp- The Greenwood son, Dave Swarbrick, Faustus and Belshaz- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 8 September zar's Feast, the band are touring in support Influenced by the likes of Beth Orton, Sandy of Wild & Wicked Youth, a new album fea- Denny and Kate Rusby, Kim Lowings and turing songs of the sea, soul searching and her collective of musicians play contempo- stories of murder, treachery, triumph, love The Neville Staple Band lost and love gained. The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Fri 22 September A much-loved member of the ska and two- New Found Glory Suzanne Vega tone movement, Jamaican-born ex-Specials O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 30 September Symphony Hall, Birmingham, star Neville Eugenton Staple formed his band Tues 26 September in 2004, releasing critically acclaimed album Best known for singles My Friends Over You This year marks the 30th anniversary of the The Rude Boy Returns shortly afterwards. and Vicious Love (featuring Paramore lead release of Suzanne Vega’s Solitude Stand- Since then, he’s relentlessly toured the UK, Hayley Williams), New Found Glory visit ing, and the 25th birthday of her ground- Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Birmingham this month as part of their 20th breaking album, 99.9F. Zealand, along the way performing in shows anniversary tour. Widely regarded as one of the most brilliant alongside Ranking Roger of The Beat and The pop punk heavyweights are renowned songwriters of her generation, and with Pauline Black of The Selecter. for their energetic live shows, and will be performing albums Sticks & Stones and Self more than seven million album sales to her Titled, as well as tracks off their latest offer- name, Vega visits Symphony Hall to perform ing, Makes Me Sick. both albums in their entirety.

Paul Draper O2 Institute, Birmingham, Saturday 23 September Ex-frontman of iconic ’90s band Mansun, Paul Draper has embarked on his first ever solo tour. His long-awaited debut solo album, Spooky Action, was released last month and is said to be the result of a decade of thinking, tinkering, writing, recording and focusing. Expect to hear work from EP ONE and EP TWO, which Paul released in 2016 as his first solo recordings, as well as material from Spooky Action. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical September Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 12:32 Page 1

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Classical

Midland Festival Chorus Pershore Abbey, Sat 23 September Midland Festival Chorus has moved around a fair bit since its inception in 1975, making its base at Worcester Cathe- dral in 2002 following periods of time spent at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall and Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre. The organisation boasts around 200 mem- bers and is led by inspirational conductor and musical director Michael Goldring - the man who kickstarted things 42 years ago. This autumn concert features two choral pieces - the Gloria by Vivaldi and the Mag- nificat by Giovanni Battista Pergolesi.

Orchestra Of The Swan: Mendelssohn’s Scottish Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tuesday 26 September As well as being held in high regard for their championing of new music - having presented more than 70 world premieres during their 21-year history - the Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan are also much admired for their performances of works by legendary composers. This latest concert features pieces by three famous names - Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds by Mozart, Concerto no1 for Flute and Strings (Malcolm Arnold) and Mendelssohn’s evocative third symphony, which takes the listener on a journey to the Scottish Highlands. Patrycja Pieczara (pictured) conducts.

Chineke! Orchestra Armonico Consort: Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Monteverdi Vespers Sat 16 September The Castalian Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick, Chineke! are challenging the status quo - and Sat 16 September; Malvern Theatre, String Quartet it’s certainly in need of some serious chal- Sat 23 September Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 29 September lenging. On a continent in which the majority of sym- This up-and-coming quartet kickstart the phony orchestras are mainly made up of new Bromsgrove Concerts season with a white and white-Asian players, this two-year- programme that features music by Haydn, old ensemble - the brainchild of double- Beethoven and Dutilleux. bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku - are Europe's first Formed in London in 2011, the ensemble professional orchestra comprising black and bagged first prize at the 2015 Lyon Interna- tional Chamber Music Competition, minority ethnic musicians. Founded by organist and conductor adding to a string of awards that speaks This is their first outing at Symphony Hall Christopher Monks in 2001, Armonico are volumes for their prodigious talent. and sees them presenting a programme that one of the largest organisations of their features: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Ballade kind in the UK. for Orchestra in A minor Op 33, 13’’; Using authentic period instruments, the Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor Op baroque consort regularly perform with 64, 26’ ’; and Elgar’s Enigma Variations, 29’’. some of the best solo musicians in the world. This latest concert sees them presenting a work which is widely considered to be a towering masterpiece of the early Baroque period, showcasing brilliant instrumental writing, opulent choruses and moving arias. Armonico are joined by members of the English Cornett & Sackbut Ensemble. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 BCMG DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:06 Page 1

water music Birmingham Contemporary Music Group celebrates its 30th birthday with a musical cruise along the city’s famous canal network... BCMG DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:06 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

As Stephan Meier comes to the end of his first Together, the trio have drawn on the distinc- for example.” year as artistic director of Birmingham Con- tive geography and architecture of the UK’s The anniversary will then culminate in a big temporary Music Group (BCMG), the ensem- second city to develop a truly collaborative indoor concert back at the CBSO Centre - also ble prepares to celebrate a much bigger music experience. free, although ticketed due to limited space, anniversary. Thirty years after it emerged “The canals were something I noticed very and donations towards the group’s work are from within the CBSO in 1987, its latest leader soon after I first came to Birmingham. But al- encouraged. marks his first commission with a special cel- though I had an idea for something around “It will be very lively, very special and simply ebratory concert open to everyone, com- the canals, there’s no way I could have fore- a unique opportunity to experience some- pletely free of charge. seen the form that it would take, especially thing that you might not have encountered On Sunday 10 September, the work of three since this is such an unusual way of working before. We hope that when we share our acclaimed composers will embark on a musi- for the composers. work outside, people will enjoy it and after- cal cruise along the city’s famous canal net- “When creating new pieces, composers like wards perhaps say, ‘Okay, well I’ve never work, with visitors invited to watch and to do their homework and then go into their been to the CBSO Centre before, but it’s not listen from its towpaths. Spread across three own space and spend time inside themselves far away - let’s have a look!’” separate narrowboats, BCMG musicians will working through ideas. In this case, I had to In addition to the Birmingham celebrations, perform the new works as they glide between convince them all to come and meet here and BCMG will also be performing at the Barbican Brindleyplace, Arena Birmingham (formerly get to know each other and see the place be- and Wilton’s Music Hall in London this the Barclaycard Arena) and the National Sea fore they started, to help them with the shar- month. Further ahead, as he prepares to lead Life Centre before uniting at the meeting ing and exchanging of ideas later. So when the group into a new chapter of its story, point of the Birmingham Main Line, Fazeley they all came here in March, we had a walk Meier hopes to continue in the vein in which and Worcester Canals. together around the canals to identify the he’s started, combining BCMG’s existing “BCMG is all about the new,” says Meier, best areas for the boats to travel and meet. strengths with a broader, international out- “and for me, the most delicate and challeng- “After our walk, we spent a couple of hours look and stronger presence on the world ing part of my task here is to identify what discussing it again, and what’s really nice is stage. will be new to this group. But I didn’t want to that they all liked the idea of dividing their “This is simply a starting point, but I think it just do something new for the sake of it; it musicians across the three boats. So it’s not shows the way forwards in terms of widening had to be something interesting and fun, not like, on one boat, ‘These are my musicians the focus and the repertoire with work from only for our musicians but also for our audi- playing my music and approaching from this around the world, while still connecting very ences and Sound Investors, all of whom con- side’. It’s all very joined together from the be- closely with BCMG’s history and allowing the tribute to the history of musicmaking here.” ginning. I couldn’t have predicted that, but I group to follow its own path.” With an eye-catching set-up that’s unique to think it’s brilliant!” the Birmingham landscape (as locals will This ‘spirit of sharing’ gets to the heart of proudly tell you, Brum boasts more canals what Meier is hoping to achieve with this in- Canal Serenade premieres at 4pm on than Venice), his first commission here, titled novative and ambitious public project, which Sunday 10 September and is followed by a Canal Serenade, certainly ticks those boxes. will be free to attend both during its Sunday concert at the CBSO Centre at 6pm. Joining the West Midlands’ own Richard afternoon premiere and later repeat perfor- It’s repeated at 2pm on Saturday 23 Baker will be Cypriot Yannis Kyriakides and mance as part of the Birmingham Weekender September as part of the Birmingham Czech Ond ej Adámek, jointly making their festival (itself a massive celebration of shared Weekender festival. Birminghamř debut. heritage, culture and creativity). Kids are also “Neither of them had ever had a composition invited to join the fun, with activities taking performed in Birmingham before, so it place from 1.30pm at the CBSO Centre ahead seemed like a good moment to introduce of the main event. them to audiences here. Ond ej in particular “Just as the composers will be sending their I knew would have not only theř craftsman- ideas swimming out on the water, so we want

ship for this project, but a certain visionary, children to set their own ideas swimming. ambitious intention with his music - he un- What they do will depend on them, but it’s

derstood what it would mean to have people all about having ideas that you can take out out on the canals singing in the open.” in the open - perhaps in the form of a parade, It will be very lively, very special and simply a “ “ unique opportunity to experience something that you might not have encountered before... Festivals September.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 16:07 Page 1

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Festivals

Beyond The Tracks Eastside City Park, Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sun 17 September

Brand new for 2017, Beyond The Tracks has already created a massive buzz on Birmingham’s music scene thanks to its incredible inaugural line-up. Taking place in the recently developed Eastside City Park, it unites some of the biggest names in UK music, from elec- tronic pioneers on the Friday to an all-out indie assault on the Saturday. Conve- niently located for transport links and boasting a fantastic afterparty at the O2 Institute, this is a festival firmly focused on bringing quality music to the city. Line-up includes: Orbital, Leftfield, Faithless (DJ set), Jagwar Ma, Ocean Colour Scene, Maxïmo Park, The Coral, The Twang, Editors, The Jesus & Mary Chain & Wild Beasts

Moseley Folk Festival Kenilworth Arts Festival Bromyard Folk Festival Moseley Park, Birmingham, Various venues, Kenilworth, Delahay Meadow, Bromyard, Worcestershire, Fri 1 - Sat 3 September Sunday 17 - Saturday 23 September Fri 8 - Sunday 10 September Tucked away behind Birmingham’s busy Marking its 50th event in 2017, Bromyard’s streets, the beautiful Moseley Park is one of much-loved celebration of traditional music the city's hidden gems, transformed each is now a well-established tradition in and of year into an enchanting escape by one of the itself. This year’s event promises over 170 Midlands' best-loved music festivals. hours of entertainment, with some of the Traditional folk & low-fi acoustic sets blend finest national and international folk musi- seamlessly with dreamy electropop, cians headlining a programme that also in- psychedelia and indie favourites against a cludes workshops, sing-arounds, ceilidhs, magical backdrop of bright hippie colours, dance displays and a traditional craft market. lush foliage and a beautiful lake. The perfect Line-up includes: Le Vent du Nord, Jamie way to see out the summer. Smith’s Mabon, The Mighty Doonans, Rusty Line-up includes: Laura Marling (pictured Shackle, Ímar, Crows, Daoiri Farrell, Kitty below), Amy MacDonald, Jose Gonzalez, Fair- Macfarlane, Granny’s Attic (pictured below) port Convention, Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby, and Northern Company The Magic Numbers, Roddy Woomble, Shov- els & Rope and Josienne Clark & Ben Walker Back for 2017 after last year’s warmly re- ceived debut, Kenilworth Arts Festival re- turns with a week-long celebration of music, literature, performance and visual art. Bringing together local talent with nationally acclaimed writers and artists, this vibrant and growing event offers something for ev- eryone, from its free family-friendly fiesta to eye-opening readings and talks. Line-up includes: Kit de Waal (pictured), Sarah Moss, Gwilym Simcock, John Smith, Alys Fowler, Brian Briggs, Paul Henry, Tree- top Flyers, Low Chimes, Motionhouse, Will Ashon, Galopede and Amadeus Long

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Comedy Sep 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:01 Page 1

Rob Brydon Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 28 September One of Britain's best-loved and most high- profile comedians, Rob Brydon has a beautifully understated style of comedy and an impressively creative imagination. His big break came with hit TV series Mar- ion And Geoff way back in the year 2000, since which time he’s established himself as a major player via all manner of TV chat shows, panel games, radio pro- grammes and movies. New touring show I Am Standing Up..., which he brings to the region this month, is his first for eight years, with tickets going like proverbial hotcakes. Highly rated jokes include: “My wife said ‘Rob, I’d love to have children.’ Now I’ll be honest - I wasn’t sure. Did I want to go through it all again? The lifting, the carry- ing, the mopping up of the spillages? And Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 September The Indians Are Coming that’s just when you’re making love trying This touring show features four of India’s most accomplished comedians. Headlining the to have the child.” gig is Inder Manocha, an Oxford graduate who worked in international relations and as a therapist before deciding to turn his hand to comedy. He’s joined by Hyde Panaser, Sukh Kaur Ojla and Mickey Sharma, the latter of whom is a familiar name on the Midlands standup scene. A one-time cricketer whose ambition to play for India was scuppered by a nasty head injury, Mickey swapped his cricket bat for a microphone and gag book five years ago. He’s been busily making a name for himself on the UK comedy circuit ever since.

John Bishop Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 13 September If you're an admirer of men who like to fly by the seat of their pants, you should check out John Bishop. John not so long ago left the comfort and Nick Helm security of a lucrative marketing job to mac, Birmingham, Wed 27 September; work full-time on forging a career in com- Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 27 October edy. A brave decision indeed, but one that’s certainly paid dividends - his shows have “This show is a call to arms to anyone become guaranteed sell-outs, including who feels hard done by and short- this latest Potteries performance. changed by this ugly new world,” ex- “I'm very much looking forward to getting plains Nick Helm. “Stop fearing the worst. back on the road,” says John. “There really It’s already happened. So instead of cry- is nothing like performing standup in front ing about it, why not crawl out of your of a live audience. I’ve called the new show homemade nuclear fallout shelters and Winging It because in some respects, hav- bear witness to some home truths about ing come to comedy relatively late, it some- life, love and how not to be a dick.” times feels like that’s what I'm doing in life! This is British Comedy Award winner But I'm enjoying every minute of it.” Nick’s first national tour and showcases John’s jokes include: “There are some mus- his unique blend of high-octane standup, cles I don’t think I need my personal trainer music and poetry. His jokes include: “I to find, as I won’t be using them at my age needed a password eight characters long, anyway,” and “Edinburgh is the only place so I picked Snow White And The Seven you can be sunburned and get trench foot Dwarves”. The gag won the Edinburgh on the same day.” Fringe award for best joke back in 2011. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy Sep 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:01 Page 2

Comedy

Stewart Lee Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 22 September Shropshire-born Stewart Lee makes a wel- come return to the Midlands with critically acclaimed touring show Content Provider. Stewart first shot to fame courtesy of his partnership with Richard Herring, and then later scored a massive international hit with the musical, Jerry Springer The Opera. His style of comedy won't make for the most comfortable ride, but he's thought-provok- ing, funny and memorable, so suffering the odd moment that makes you feel awkward is a small price to pay for a great night out. He’s married to fellow comedian Bridget Christie, a woman whose career is very much in the ascendant. So is there an un- comfortable competitiveness in evidence between them, one wonders? “I was doing well before I even met Brid- get,” he insists, “when she was still dress- ing up as cheese rolls and bees and things. I standup and very scummy stories!” don’t know where you’re getting these offen- Scummy Mummies The daughter of 1980s alternative comedy sive questions from, to be honest...” Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 19 September legend Jim Barclay, Ellie is fairly new to the “Our speciality is comedy for less-than-per- unforgiving world of standup, but has fect parents, so that means all parents!” quickly learned what becoming a successful says Ellie Gibson about Scummy Mummies, comedian entails. A long-time video-games her popular double act with Helen Thorn. journalist, she knows it’s crucial to keep “We have a fortnightly podcast, a weekly editing and refining her material. “You have blog and live comedy shows like this one, to tighten set-ups so they're as minimal as which cover a wide range of parenting top- possible,” she says, “and ditch jokes that ics - from pelvic floors and play-dates to fart- aren't working. It’s tough, but you have to be ing and fish fingers. Expect songs, sketches, able to kill your babies.”

Danny Bhoy The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Wed 6 Septem- ber; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 7 September; Core Theatre, Solihull, Fri 29 September; The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 30 September; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 17 October; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 28 October Tony Law There can surely be no greater pressure for a Scot- tish comedian than to be considered one of the Lichfield Garrick, Fri 15 September country’s brightest hopes since Billy Connolly. Zany alternative comedy is Canadian funny- Such is the cross which Danny Bhoy is currently man Tony Law's stock-in-trade, a fact which having to bear. So it’s just as well that he’s an in- means his audience is guaranteed an credibly talented guy, blending ironic wit, observa- evening of truly off-the-wall, boundary-de- tional humour and an appealingly laid-back style fying standup. to excellent effect. Whether he’s got what it takes to So if you like your comedians to be touched enjoy a career as long as the legendary Mr Con- with genius while at the same time prone to nolly’s, only time will tell, but there’s little doubt meander off-topic with gag-laden dialogues, that he’s become one of the most sought-after co- Tony is definitely the guy for you. medians on the circuit. He visits the Midlands this month with his He visits the Midlands this month and next with brand new touring show, Tony Law: Absur- his latest show, Make Something Great Again For dity For The Common People. Stronger Better Future Tomorrow Together. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Jane Eyre DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 16:40 Page 1

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Jane Eyre DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 16:40 Page 2

“I will be myself” Nadia Clifford stars in the acclaimed National Theatre production of Jane Eyre, which visits the Birmingham REP this month...

There’s a moment in the National Theatre’s going on in Jane’s head in those less ing Jane on her journey and often voicing her touring production of Jane Eyre with such dramatic moments. feelings and frustrations through a earth-shattering intensity that even the most “I also don’t think that I’d really picked up on combination of traditional, original and devoted Brontë scholar is liable to find the it as a feminist text before, although now I contemporary music. It’s particularly moving breath knocked clean out of her. What makes feel like that’s unavoidable - especially with in a deeply unsettling version of a familiar the freshness and immediacy of this scene all all the things going on in the world at the song that accompanies an account of the fire the more remarkable is that it hinges on one moment. Education is a really strong theme at Thornfield from housekeeper Mrs Fairfax. of the single most famous quotations from in the story, and that idea that everyone “Sally and I both felt strongly about the simi- the novel, when a tormented Jane finally should have the right to exercise their minds. larities between Jane and Bertha - both of snaps after weeks of mind games from Mr Over 170 years later, people are still having to them stand outside the accepted norms for Rochester. fight for those rights, so I think it’s quite women in society at that time, but also in “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me,” she powerful.” terms of how that’s dealt with. When Jane is says, furiously. “I am a free human being In the show, Jane’s complex inner life is rep- a child, she gets locked up in the Red Room with an independent will; which I now exert resented through conversations with herself, for not being able to control her emotions, to leave you.” played out literally with other members of and even though Bertha is obviously The explosive rage of actor Nadia Clifford in the cast standing in as her conflicting mentally unwell, that’s very similar to what this scene sets it apart from any previous thoughts and feelings. happens to her - she’s sexual and violent and nobody really knows how to deal with that, adaptation, and reflects director Sally Cook- “There’s a scene when Jane’s at school where so she’s locked away. For me, that’s the main son's decision to present the story as an her friend Helen tells her that as long as she reason why Jane refuses to live with impassioned bid for freedom, independence listens to the voice of her conscience, she’ll Rochester as his wife while Bertha is alive. and equal rights. never be truly alone, and it’s from then on- She feels very strongly that Bertha is his “It’s interesting because that was actually the wards that she starts having these internal rightful bride and doesn’t want to take that scene I did for my audition, and I think conversations. There are a lot of long, away from her, or be a part of the way she’s Sally’s attitude was very much, ‘go big or go internal monologues in the book, so I think being treated.” home’,” laughs Clifford. “Whenever I’d seen it’s quite a clever way of approaching those, it done before in other adaptations, I’d al- and because I’m on stage the whole time, it Marshall is the one original cast member who ways felt like the way it had been performed was great for me to have that support around has stayed on for the tour, and so was part of had never really rung true with the words me.” the development of its script. A leading director of devised theatre, Sally Cookson that were being said. What we’re seeing is Nor is it only Jane whose rights and freedom typically starts rehearsals with only the germ this anger that’s built up over her whole life, the production passionately advocates for. of an idea, which cast and creative team then and I think all of us at some point have had a Together with mezzo-soprano Melanie work together to transform into a show. massive argument with someone that’s been Marshall, whose sublime singing is woven Though the touring cast began with a the result of things being bottled up and ac- through the play, Cookson also shines a pre-written script, it’s clear to see they’ve cumulating over time. So I was tapping into spotlight on Rochester’s “lunatic” first wife, made the show their own. that, but I also felt that it had to be very Bertha Mason. specific. The way I’d describe it is that if she “We were definitely encouraged to play “She’s a much bigger presence in the play be- could, she’d laser him with her eyes.” around with things. We all went back to the cause we wanted to give her some dignity. original novel, and I know there were ideas Despite this, it’s actually the quieter mo- There’s a really nice moment where Bertha that myself and the current cast had that ments and the subtlety of feeling that have gives Jane back her wedding dress, and I Sally hadn’t thought about before. It’s been most struck Clifford since returning to the think we’ve given that a bit more tenderness quite unlike anything I’ve done previously.” novel in preparation for the part. and just held it a bit longer than in the “I love the book, but I first read it when I was original National Theatre production.” about 14, and at that time I was very Striking parallels are drawn between Bertha attracted to the high drama and emotion of and Jane throughout the show. Not only do Jane Eyre runs at the Birmingham REP it. Obviously revisiting it as an adult you no- they interact directly, but as the principal from Monday 4 to Saturday 16 September. tice different things, particularly what’s vocalist, Marshall is always present, shadow-

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Ray Quinn DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:08 Page 1

THE WEDDING SINGER Lauren Cole talks to former X Factor finalist Ray Quinn about his role in the smash-hit musical, which returns to the Midlands this month...

The stage musical version of hit rom-com Robbie thinks his luck has changed when he Quinn the youngest British male solo artist to movie The Wedding Singer is already part falls for kind-hearted Julia. There’s just one have a number one album before even releas- way through its UK tour and is proving to be problem, though - he’s booked to sing at her ing a single. a soaring success, receiving widespread wedding to bad boy Wall Street banker Glen. Not that the young man from Merseyside was praise and countless standing ovations. Playing the role of Glen in this awkward love new to fame. Prior to The X Factor and from Set in 1985, when greed is rife throughout the triangle is Ray Quinn, who’s perhaps best the tender age of 12, he’d starred as Anthony ranks of wannabe big-shot bankers on Wall known for finishing runner-up in the 2006 se- Murray in long-running Channel Four soap Street, a young man named Robbie Hart gets ries of The X Factor. Quinn quickly became a opera Brookside. His storyline, revolving jilted at the altar. Unfortunately for Robbie, national favourite on the back of his success around bullying and murder, had been met he’s a wedding singer, and faced with watch- in the show, with debut album Doing It My with critical acclaim. ing couple after couple happily tie the knot, Way (2007) storming to number one in the UK It’s hardly surprising, then, that Quinn re- he manages to make every wedding he at- charts. All in all, it sold over 330,000 copies turned to acting when his music career tends as big a car crash as his own. and went platinum within a week, making ground to a halt in the years after The X Fac- Ray Quinn DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:08 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

tor. He puts his break from the industry down album Dare To Dream. It’s different to the Broadway show - it stands to his inexperience. It was eight years before “All along I knew I had something I could fall alone. I’m so proud of it and definitely a keen he returned to the recording studio. back on, and that was starring in musicals. ’80s fan!” “I was very young at the time and even I’d been trained in musical theatre all my life, Despite clearly loving the role he’s playing, younger in terms of the music business - I so going into musicals wasn’t even a fallback and the musical as a whole, Quinn doesn’t didn’t understand it. For anyone out there in that sense - it was a natural progression. relate to the antics of his character, Glen, as trying to become an artist in their own right, For me, it was something huge that I could much as he does the ’80s vibe. rather than just a singer, you have to under- sink my teeth into. Getting West End produc- “Glen is ‘the wolf of Wall Street’. He’s the stand the industry a bit more than I did. The tions under my belt and going forward with greedy, cocky rat, so playing that role is fun team around you has to believe in the artist that career was always a dream of mine.” for me because he’s the bad boy, which is not you portray yourself as. It’s a very cutthroat The Wedding Singer is proving to be a thor- necessarily the road I chose for myself. It’s a business. You have to have a clear-cut plan of oughly enjoyable experience for Quinn, espe- very different role for me to play, and one what you want to do, and I think I’ve learnt cially since he’s a huge fan of the ’80s music that I’m really enjoying. Glen knows what he this slowly. So eight years after my first that features so heavily in the show. wants, and he intends to get it, no matter album, I was doing a bit more music “You could say it’s my guilty pleasure! who he hurts in the process. That’s typical of and writing again because I’d fi- There’s a huge band of brass, guitars, 1980s’ city greed - that need to make money nally found myself as the drums, pianos; you name it and we’ve and have a great lifestyle no matter what.” artist I wanted to be.” got it - even a triangle! There are ref- Although hoping to continue with his musi- Quinn focused almost en- erences to the era throughout the cal theatre career, Quinn also has more music tirely on musical theatre show, some original scores, and releases in the pipeline. for the eight years he was references to strong characters we “I’ve done straight plays and they’re not re- away from the recording remember from the decade, which ally for me. I would consider it, depending on studio. He’s returned to is really key. Nick Winston, our the role, but I like musicals. I like being phys- the genre in the two creative director, knew exactly ical, dancing, moving, sweating. I like to feel years since the re- what he was doing; he’s like I’m earning my money! The future for me lease of second pulled together a is definitely more musicals and more music. marvellous team I’m working on some at the moment, so try- and a fantastic ing to get that out there is another priority of production. mine.” For the time being, though, nothing will dis- tract him from the job in hand. “I’d draw parallels between The Wedding Singer and the likes of Dirty Dancing and Grease; it’s just the best night out when you come down to see the show! There’s fun, colour, ’80s references, great music, a great cast - you name it! There’s nothing much that’s missing as far as musicals go. There are so many classic musicals out there that pretty much everyone’s either seen or knows very well. So why not take the chance to see some- thing where you can be more open minded, and perhaps not entirely sure what you’re going to see? We’re really proud of the show and the cast, so it’s bound to be a great time. Plus, I’m in it, so why wouldn’t you come and see it?”

Ray Quinn stars alongside Cassie Compton, Ruth Madoc and Jon Robyns in The Wedding Singer at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, from Tuesday 12 to Saturday 16 September, and then at Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre from Tuesday 3 to Saturday 7 October. Theatre September Old.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 16:00 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region A staggeringly “ “superb smash-hit spectacle

Miss Saigon enforced evacuation... Cameron Mackintosh’s latest touring version of the hit musical makes Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 September for a truly thrilling night of theatre. To its eternal credit, it also res- On 30 April 1975, American soldiers fled Saigon, leaving the city to be onates truthfully and sensitively with the barely imaginable horrors of reclaimed by opposing native forces. But while thousands of Viet- the Vietnam War and its aftermath. namese celebrated the end of US occupation and the reunification of Yet as serious and often tragic as both the real and fictional elements their country under communist leadership, city dwellers who’d lived are, there’s also plenty in the show that offers straightforward, whole- among the Westerners felt devastated, left behind to face the harsh hearted and utterly astounding entertainment - from the sharp sense consequences of having been on the wrong side of the war. of humour and wide-ranging musical styles, to the exceptional perfor- It’s against this fraught and politically complex backdrop that Les mances and dazzling design. Miserables creators Alain Boublil and Claude Schönberg set their sec- A staggeringly superb smash-hit spectacle, a feast for the eyes, a ond most famous musical, Miss Saigon. heartwarming heartbreaker of a love story - Miss Saigon is all of the Inspired by the plot of classic Puccini opera Madame Butterfly, it tells above and plenty more. the moving tale of a doomed romance between American GI Chris and If you’ve seen it before, see it again. If you’ve not yet had the pleasure, Vietnamese barmaid Kim, young lovers who are cruelly divided by the book yourself a ticket now. Reviewed by Peter Joshua

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Whip Hand Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Fri 22 September - Sat 7 October Douglas Maxwell’s new play, premiered to great acclaim in Edinburgh last month, is a co- production by Birmingham Rep and Traverse Theatre Company in association with the Na- tional Theatre of Scotland. Tackling the themes of power, privilege, blood ties and the impact of an inescapable past, it focuses on Dougie, a man whose 50th birthday sees him dropping a bombshell that has pro- found repercussions for his family... “This is a brilliant play,” enthuses its director, Tessa Walker. “I love that it starts in a place so far from where it ends up, that it manages si- multaneously to be about the fractures in a family and about the state of a country, and that it's as funny and as heartfelt as it is mov- ing and unsettling. “To be working with three such wonderful the- atre companies to bring this play to life is a real privilege.”

Beauty For Ashes the mix a group of rude mechanicals and the The Games Afoot recipe for success is pretty much complete. The Old Rep, Birmingham, 16 September Try The Fish Presented by the critically acclaimed Pan- Jason’s mother believes in the power of The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, taloons Theatre Company. prayer and the impact it can have on the Fri 14 - Sun 16 July shaping of a person’s destiny. Rakish aristocrat and first-time detective Jason, for his part, is not so convinced. Charlie Montague is described by his creator, Finding Joy At a crossroads in his life, he knows there are Tom Taylor, as the gloriously inept love child Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 20 Septem- decisions he needs to make - decisions that of Agatha Christie and PG Wodehouse. ber; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 22 September; will have a far-reaching effect on those Taylor plays Montague in both The Game’s Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 25 Octo- ber; Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 26 & Fri 27 Octo- around him... Afoot and its companion piece, The Man ber; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 3 A contemplation on the difficulties that can With The Twisted Hip, two splendidly ridicu- November; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 17 exist between a mother and son, Beauty For lous murder-mysteries that transport the au- & Sat 18 November Ashes is presented by Creative Mouthpiece, a dience back to the days of chaise longues, A work of full mask theatre based on true sto- company committed to the use of theatre for smoking jackets and delightfully witty plays ries, Finding Joy has been described as a the purpose of ‘education and empower- by Noel Coward. funny and fearless piece that’s positively ment’. The bumbling detective has gone down a brimming with visual inventiveness. storm at Edinburgh, so expect a well-honed When Danny decides to become his grand- and impressively self-confident show. mother Joy’s carer, their new-found bond is The Great Gatsby somewhat unexpected. Joy is creative, funny and losing her memory; Danny is rebellious Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 9 - Sat 16 September A Midsummer and always getting into trouble. Yet bond the pair most certainly do. F Scott Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece, set Night’s Dream Less certain is where their newly developed in the American Jazz Age of the Roaring 20s, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, connection will eventually lead them... focuses on the quixotic passion of mysterious Thurs 7 - Sat 9 September millionaire Jay Gatsby for the beautiful for- Accessible language, likeable characters, ro- mer debutante, Daisy Buchanan. In the pro- mantic liaisons, magical creatures and a se- cess of recounting the tale - told through the ries of comical caperings with an ass are here eyes of Gatsby's Long Island neighbour, Nick combined to excellent effect in one of Shake- Carraway - Fitzgerald presents not only the speare’s most popular works. story of a delightfully decadent decade but Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Hermia, also a cautionary tale about the American Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania and Dream... Oberon are up to no good and Puck’s got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. Add into

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Flashdance Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 25 - Sat 30 September; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 4 - Fri 9 December Based on the popular ’80s movie of the same name, Flashdance features hit numbers Ma- niac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock And Roll and the Academy Award-winning What A Feeling. The show tells the story of 18-year- old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of winning a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. But will she get to achieve her ambition against all the odds?... Strictly Come Dancing cham- pion Joanne Clifton (pictured) and A1 heart- throb Ben Adams star.

Mr Darcy Loses The Plot ing relationship between two operatives Son Of A Preacher Man holed up in a Berlin apartment while await- Lichfield Garrick, Sat 23 September New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 12 - ing instructions... Imitating The Dog have Sat 16 September; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- The well-established Lip Service - aka Maggie been creating and touring original perfor- Trent, Tues 10 - Sat 14 October; Belgrade The- Fox and Sue Ryding - return to the region mance work for just short of 20 years, testing atre, Coventry, Tues 13 - Sat 17 February; with their latest comic offering. theatrical conventions in productions that Malvern Theatre, Tues 20 - Sat 24 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Maggie and Sue have been working together showcase high-end design and both techni- March for more than three decades now, presenting cal and thematic ambition. shows like Withering Looks - ‘an authentic This latest production has been selected as insight into the lives and works of those three part of the British Council Showcase 2017. Bronte sisters’ - and Inspector Norse - ‘a self- assembly Swedish crime thriller’. This time out, they’re marking the 200th an- niversary of Jane Austen’s death by spinning Reasons To Be Cheerful Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, a yarn in which the novelist is interrupted as Fri 8 - Sat 9 September she’s busying herself dreaming up the char- Years after Ian Dury’s death, groundbreaking acter of Mr Darcy. Unexpectedly left to his performance company Graeae pays loving own devises, Darcy embroiders his storyline tribute to him with a show inspired by his while his creator stitches her quilt... music. Set in 1979 at the height of Ian Dury & The Former X Factor favourite Diana Vickers stars Blockheads’ fame, Reasons To Be Cheerful alongside Ian Reddington and Debra follows the attempts of teenager Billy and his Stephenson in a show that features the best mate Colin to get Billy’s terminally ill Swinging ’60s music of Dusty Springfield. dad to a Blockheads gig for “a final, fantastic “I understand a lot about Dusty,” says Diana. night out”. Along the way, there’s romance, “She was described as ‘the great white lady music and mishaps galore, as Billy’s crush of pop’, and I knew about her success and Janine joins the crew, the car breaks down en her music. In my audition, I felt like I was route, and the characters perform their own naturally channelling her when I sang her riotous renditions of Blockheads hits. music.” Named after Springfield’s 1968 chart hit and Nocturnes directed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, the show follows the story of three lovesick Wed 27 September; mac, Birmingham, individuals from different generations. Sat 30 September The trio seek solace at the original site of “Nocturnes asks important questions about Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out - a truth, free will and how we understand once-happening joint where youngsters what’s real in this post-truth era,” explain would dance until they dropped. Imitating The Dog, the company behind the “It’s a show that takes you back to the Swing- production. A multimedia twist on a 1950s ing ’60s,” explains Diana, “so if you love the spy thriller, the show is set at the height of music of the era and are a bit of a sucker for the Cold War and focuses on the disintegrat- love, it’s the perfect place to go.”

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More theatre previews from around the region

Dido, Queen Of Carthage offering Solids & Liquids, Freeman is in- Our House spired by the true story of a black slave who Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, was put on trial in 19th century New York, Malvern Theatre, Mon 11 - Sat 16 September; Fri 15 September - Sat 28 October Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 8 - Sat 11 and whose case was the first in which ‘insan- November This is the work with which Shakespeare ity’ was raised as a defence. A Laurence Olivier Award winner in the cate- contemporary Christopher Marlowe kick- “Our aim is to turn conventional theatre on gory of best new musical, Tim Firth’s Our started a playwriting career that would see its head,” explain Strictly Arts, “creating and House is a raucous comedy inspired by and him produce Tamburlaine The Great, The Jew revisiting theatre that inspires all races, featuring the music of Madness. Of Malta, Doctor Faustus and Edward II. creeds and cultures to explore and embrace Set in Camden Town in the mid-1980s, it tells Short in length and rarely performed in mod- our differences or similarities. Infused by our the story of Joe Casey and his less-than-legal ern times, it tells the story of Trojan hero Ae- training at Birmingham School of Acting, attempts to treat his girlfriend Sarah to an neas and his efforts to find a new life and predominantly Afro-Caribbean and with evening in a brand new luxury apartment. identity in Europe following the defeat of his vastly different upbringings, we are the epit- But when the police turn up, Joe has to city. Dido, Queen of Carthage, offers help - ome of the arts unifying people from differ- decide whether to go on the run or face the but the waters are soon muddied when she ent backgrounds.” finds herself consumed by an uncontrollable music... And speaking of music, passion for Aeneas... expect all the big Kimberley Sykes takes the helm, having Madness hits, worked as associate director on the RSC’s re- including cent production of A Midsummer Night’s Baggy Trousers, Dream. Driving In My Car, The Wings Of Freeman A Dove and all-time classic It Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, 27 - 30 Septem- Must Be Love. ber; Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Mon 9 - Tues 10 October Birmingham-based Strictly Arts Theatre Com- pany’s follow-up to highly acclaimed debut

Theatre previews for younger audiences

Milkshake! Live The Sooty Show Big Howard’s Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 2 September; LOL-tastic Yukfest Sat 23 September; Stafford Gatehouse Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Theatre, Thurs 26 October Sun 29 October The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Sat 23 September Here taking youngsters on a journey through One of the 20th Although regularly seen in the company of the world’s favourite fairytales is, among century’s best- animated CBBC pal Little Howard, Howard others, Bob the Builder, Little Princess, loved chil- Read (aka Big Howard) does sometimes like Noddy, Fireman Sam and Shimmer & Shine. dren’s to venture out on his own. If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been characters He’s doing just that this very month, hitting to a previous live production, you’ll already makes a wel- the road with this hugely accessible hour’s- know what to expect. If not, get ready for an come return. worth of mirth. Suitable for youngsters aged event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- A simple glove five-plus, the show brings together standup loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- puppet created comedy, interactive digital animation, sound pation and plenty of singing and dancing. by Harry Cor- effects and jokes. bett almost 70 years ago, Sooty continues to go down a storm with generation after gener- ation of youngsters, impressively bucking the trend for far more sophistocated, high- tech entertainment. Richard Cadell’s the fella now operating Sooty and his longtime companions, Sweep and Soo, and is here joined by ‘special guest stars’ Butch and Ramsbottom. Expect magic, music, mayhem and audience participation.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Joli Vyann: Imbalance mac, Birmingham, Thurs 14 September Former stunt man and circus artist Jan Patzke and ex-gymnast and dancer Olivia Quayle form Joli Vyann, a company whose new fusion style blurs the boundaries be- tween dance and circus skills. Real-life couple Jan and Olivia here pre- sent the story of a relationship made dys- functional by the impact of digital-age technology. In the process they contem- plate what people’s obsessive dependence on their smart phones may be costing them in terms of human interaction.

Tap Factory Rip It Up: Dancing Radio 2’s Leo Green) for a production that pays loving tribute to the music and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 29 September; Through The 50s Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 15 October dance styles of the 1950s. Swing, bop, jit- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 19 terbug, lindy hop, jive and ballroom all September; William Aston Hall, Wrexham, feature as the trio of stars make their way Thurs 21 September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 22 September through some of the decade’s greatest songs, from the crooning magic of Nat Strictly champions Jay McGuiness and King Cole’s Unforgettable to the rock- Louis Smith are here joined by one of the ’n’roll energy of Elvis’s Hound Dog. show’s pros, Natalie Lowe (and BBC

A rhythm-based production described as ‘Tap Dogs meets Stomp’, Tap Factory has enjoyed huge success across Europe and in South Amer- ica. The show sees an array of internationally renowned dancers, gymnasts and acrobats cre- ating live music and choreography from all manner of ordinary objects, including oil bar- rels, trash bins and wood mallets. The production first toured the UK in 2014 and returns to the Midlands by popular demand.

BRB: Penguin Café Mixed Programme Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 27 - Sat 30 September This Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) triple Joplin’s iconic ragtime music. bill brings together three highly rated Last but certainly not least is ‘Still Life’ At works from across the decades. The Penguin Cafe (1988), a colourful pro- Kenneth MacMillan’s Concerto, created in duction from BRB director David Bintley 1966, exudes youthful energy, boasts vigor- which takes a poignant look at man’s im- ous choreography and is set to pact on the world. Focusing on a host of Shostakovich’s Second Piano Concerto. endangered animals seeking refuge from a Eight years later, the choreographer cre- storm, it features a morris-dancing flea, a ated Elite Syncopations, a piece combining ballroom-dancing ram, a sleepy rat and a comedic flair, riotous colour and Scott woolly monkey!

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Tango Moderno DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:35 Page 1 it takes two to tango

Strictly stars Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace talk about bringing their Tango Moderno tour to the Midlands... Tango Moderno DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/08/2017 11:35 Page 2

You’re bringing your Tango Moderno tour to years. Do you have a favourite dance style? F: Yeah, you need some mental therapy. Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre this V: I won Rear Of The Year as well. And so did V: Knowing that we have to perform, you can’t autumn. Can you tell us a little bit about Flavia. what to expect? really go crazy. Sometimes, even if a perfor- That came as a complete surprise! mance is at 7.30pm, we’ll meet there at 3pm be- F: This is our fourth show, and every time we F: cause we have nothing else to do. We just put a show together we want the audience to For the last couple of years it would be the Ar- spend the afternoon in the theatre, just getting see something not expected, not the same gentine tango. As you get older, it’s an increas- in the mood. thing that we’ve done before. It was very hard ingly comfortable style for the body. Latin and ballroom are great. Latin goes with being quite this time, as so much choreography, so many V: I don’t think they'd take us back! It’s been a stories and so many ideas have already been young and bubbly - skimpy outfits, holiday time and so on. Ballroom is beautiful and ele- while now and they’ve got all these beautiful done, but we decided to go down the modern young dancers. route, hence the title Tango Moderno. We gant, very classical, so I still enjoy doing that, thought we’d be a bit more up to date, have a but with the tango, there’s an element of it F: They have asked us back - every year they’ve bit more modern music that people will recog- which is incredibly natural - so now, for me, asked us back, which has been really lovely. I that is the most pleasurable style to do. It’s less nise from the radio and so on. We’ve set it in a don’t ever believe in going backwards, though. created, less ‘put together’ - you can dance it city that can be anywhere in the world, so it’s It was something that we did so solidly for anywhere, wear what you want; it’s less or- up to the audience to visualise where they seven years. It was kind of our life and that was chestrated. want that to be. The different thing with it is it - I don’t see the positive in going back. It’s that normally we’re characters within the story, like going back to an old job or something - it’s but this time we thought we’d take a step away You’ve been dance partners for over two probably never going to be as good. The from that and actually narrate the story. We decades now. How did that come about? dancers are different, it’s still a great show, have an urban poet who’s also going to be our V: I was doing really well in Italy. and I'm not saying that they’re any better or singer, and together with him, we’re going to any worse, but for us, it’s not the time that we help narrate. It’s not really one story, it’s going F: You should have stayed! were there, so I don’t think it would be the to be lots of small stories that start in Act One same experience. There are so many other and are finished off in Act Two. V: I should have stayed, you’re right! My mum and dad were always there for me. Every week things we want to do and achieve, and there they were driving five hours to take me to see wouldn’t be any benefit. We’ve always felt very Your previous production, The Last Tango, dance teachers for lessons and then driving lucky that they ask us back. was due to be your last. What made you de- five hours back. They did that for so many cide to produce and tour a brand new years, and then my long-term dance partner show? decided she didn’t want to carry on anymore. What would your dream project be? V: Our shows are big shows that literally take The best country in the world to do ballroom V: A film! Making a movie. We’re trying our months to put together. Every time we’re about and Latin dancing is England - in London - so hardest to make it happen. It would be the to attack a new one, we always say, ‘This is the my parents advised me to go to London. They cherry on the cake. It would be a nice way to last one, no more!’ because it’s so much hard do love me, don’t get me wrong, but it made move into something new. We’ve done TV, work. The pressure increases year by year be- sense. Where I'm from in South Italy, there we’ve done theatre, now we want to do film. cause people have seen it and people love it, so weren’t any good dance partners, so I would Not necessarily as performers or actors, but when the producer comes along - and of course have had to train one, and to do that from the just to be involved in some shape or form, as we do love what we do, don’t get me wrong - start would’ve taken so long. When I moved choreographers or directors or so on. and says, ‘I think you should do a new show’, here, I tried with three different partners, and we’re thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, we need to think then I found Flavia. We’re both Italian, the of something else to do that we haven’t done so dark look, the same height. I remember the You were dancers on BBC 1’s Strictly Come far’. We never said we were going to retire, but faces of our teachers when we did a trial. They Dancing for seven years. Would you ever we are quite successful, we do sell lots of tick- were mesmerised and said it was like a part- consider going back? ets, there are lots of people who love to come nership made in heaven. So that’s it, that’s V: I don’t think they'd take us back! It’s been a and see us, and even after a couple of months how it started. For many years then it was while now and they’ve got all these beautiful off, you think, ‘Oh my gosh, I miss that, I miss about getting better and better and competing being on stage’. It’s kind of like a drug. It’s in competition after competition. That’s how it young dancers. all began. something you’ve obviously loved and some- F: They have asked us back - every year they’ve thing you know, so it’s really hard to all of a asked us back, which has been really lovely. I sudden stop. We make people happy, we make With touring comes a lot of travelling, as don’t ever believe in going backwards, though. people cry - there are so many emotions that well as the mental and physical strain on It was something that we did so solidly for it’s very hard just to say, ‘That’s it’. We’re still your body. What coping mechanisms do seven years. It was kind of our life and that was quite young. you put in place to ensure you’re fit to it - I don’t see the positive in going back. It’s F: I think it’s easy to say when we’re in re- dance night after night? like going back to an old job or something - it’s hearsal and preparation for a show that we’re F: I think everyone is very different. Some peo- probably never going to be as good. The not going to do it again because there’s so ple will get up early and go to the gym, others dancers are different, it’s still a great show, much pressure and you just want to do a good rest more during the day. I have to have a bath and I'm not saying that they’re any better or job. The more shows you do, the more you after the show, that’s the first thing I do. It any worse, but for us, it’s not the time that we worry that the next one isn’t going to be as helps relax the muscles and helps me to fall were there, so I don’t think it would be the good, so you have to ask whether you want to asleep. You finish at 9/9.30pm, and by the time same experience. There are so many other put yourself through that again or move on to you’ve got back to the hotel, you’re really things we want to do and achieve, and there other things. awake - your adrenaline is pumping and wouldn’t be any benefit. We’ve always felt very there’s no way you can quickly relax and get to V: We push ourselves to the limit and perform lucky that they ask us back. sleep. I lie in the bath, have some food and every show and if it’s our last. It’s not easy - that really helps me to fall asleep eventually. we’re very hard on ourselves. Sports massages too, I have those regularly. You were UK Professional Ten Dance cham- You kind of learn to know what your body Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace star in pions from 2002 to 2006, World Argentine needs. Tango Moderno at the New Alexandra Tango Show champions in 2005 and 2006 Theatre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 19 V: Some of us like to go shopping. and UK Ballroom champions for several to Saturday 23 September. Birmingham Weekender New-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 18:10 Page 1 Birmingham Weekender New-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 18:10 Page 2

ART FOR ALL The region’s biggest arts festival returns...

Birmingham Weekender is a diverse family-friendly event which showcases both local and international artists. Highlights include Rangeeli - a colourful community parade taking place in the city centre - The Alternative Village Fete, based at the Bullring markets, and Clash Of Drums, a night- time feast of sound and fireworks on Eastside Green. Here, Festival Director Piali Ray OBE offers an insight into the event, its background and why people from across the Midlands should check out Birmingham Weekender 2017...

As a Festival Director, I’m delighted to There are all kinds of things happening, and Because Birmingham is a very lively, vibrant oversee the return of Birmingham one of the most exciting is that Victoria city, there are all sorts of cultural offerings Weekender, an ever-popular family-friendly Square will be transformed into a dance for people to choose from, and in the same festival celebrating the city’s diversity, its square, with dance at all times from Friday way as with fashion and food, there are a lot communities and its artists. afternoon until Sunday evening. The idea is of artists from different backgrounds who are to create a big, participatory family event, taking on and sharing influences with each The three-day event also welcomes where professional dancers will help you to other. Things are much less monocultural international performers from around the learn routines in all different styles: bhangra, and more multilingual now, and it’s exciting world to Birmingham, and plays a role within hip-hop, contemporary, ballet, Bollywood to see how those influences are shaping the Utsav, Birmingham’s Year of South Asian and more. Hopefully the event will introduce creation of new work, whether it’s in dance, Culture. Two years ago, David Cameron met you to some new genres too, like the Indian music, theatre or visual arts. We hope that with the Indian prime minister and named classical style, Kathakali. We’re also joined exploring that variety will be as much fun for 2017 as the India-UK Year of Culture. This is by big-name DJs Craig Charles, David audiences as it has been for artists and now being celebrated throughout the Rodigan and Don Letts, who perform free creators in the city. Enjoy! country. But because we have such a diverse gigs that are open to everyone. South Asian population here in Birmingham, we decided to broaden it out further. Sampad is leading on the Rangeeli Colours Of Birmingham Parade, in which more than Together with Graham Callister from 400 participants will walk down High Street Birmingham Hippodrome, I’ve been and New Street before finishing in Victoria programming and curating the festival - but Square. There will be lots of dancers and there are lots of other people working with us musicians, and people from the community too. These include Aaron from Fierce are joining in with kites and banners they’ve Festival, Tim Hodgson - an independent been making in workshops running ahead of producer who’s turning the market into a the event. We’ve also got a beautiful, village fête - and lots more besides, including mechanical Indian elephant called the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Harminder. Harminder has visited many Moseley Folk, Birmingham Hippodrome, different carnivals and parades throughout Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, BRB and the country, but this will be her first time in Piali Ray OBE, Birmingham Birmingham Opera Company. It really is a Birmingham. Weekender Festival Director joint effort.

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Birmingham Weekender New-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 18:10 Page 3 highlights Birmingham Weekender in association with Moseley Folk present Square Dance

Friday 22 - Sunday 24 Victoria Square FREE

Enjoy three days of music and dance in the heart of the city. Weekender organisers have built a giant wooden dancefloor in front of the Council House to get the people of Birmingham dancing together. In the daytime bring your friends and family and join in the dance classes and performances in the Square. Each evening live music and high-profile DJs keep the crowds entertained. Refreshments include gourmet street food, Purity ales and lagers, fine wines and fizz, artisan gin and rum punch.

Birmingham Museums Trust in collaboration with Artangel present

The Influence Machine by Tony Oursler

Friday 22 & Saturday 23 - 8-10pm St Philip’s Cathedral, Colmore Row FREE

Presenting a psycho-landscape of ethereal figures projected onto the cathedral, trees, walls and clouds of smoke, American artist Tony Oursler’s thought-provoking work tells stories of technological leaps in telecommunication, delving deep into the history of media.

The Influence Machine is from The Artangel Collection. It’s here presented as part of Arts Council Collection National Partners Programme supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, The Foyle Foundation, Arts Council England, Birmingham Museums Trust and Colmore Business District.

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Sampad and Birmingham Weekender present Rangeeli - Colours Of Birmingham Parade

Saturday 23 - 11am

Parade begins at High Street, moving down New Street to Victoria Square - FREE All the colours of Birmingham come to life in this spectacular parade. In the Rio Carnival tradition of storytelling, Rangeeli presents the story of the city. Co-designed with the citizens of Birmingham, the parade explores, celebrates and shares the heritage of the city with a South Asian twist - Utsav (festival) style! Participants make their way through the city centre from New Street with vibrant flags, hand-held puppets, masks, costumes and a colourful kaleidoscope of South Asian kites (called Patang). They are accompanied by Harminder, an amazing life-size mechanical elephant born from reclaimed bicycle parts, metal and other recycled materials. The Colours Of Birmingham Parade culminates at Square Dance on Victoria Square with a crescendo of sound - including dhol and Brazilian beats - and a display of exhilarating dance styles in the form of kathakali, Bollywood, bhangra, bharatanatyam and African and contemporary moves.

Birmingham Hippodrome presents Les Commandos Percu (France) and Deabru Beltzak (Spain) Clash Of Drums

Saturday 23 - 8.30pm - warm-up acts from 7.30pm

Eastside Green at Eastside City Park Book your FREE tickets at www.birminghamhippodrome.com/clash Out of nowhere, drummers with colourful faces and twirling drumsticks march towards each other, preparing for a confrontation of rhythm and light... The wild parade leads to the stage with a clash of drums. Light and fireworks fill the skies as the explosion of sound brings everyone together in an exciting spectacle! A highlight of Birmingham Weekender, Clash Of Drums promises an unforgettable evening of sound, fireworks and performance.

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Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents an Outbox Theatre production As A Tiger In The Jungle

Friday 22 - 7.45pm Saturday 23 - 2.45pm & 7.45pm

The REP, Centenary Square Tickets from £15 via www.birmingham- rep.co.uk

A unique theatrical circus experience comes to The REP as part of Birmingham Weekender. Using circus ceremony and spoken word, Renu Ghalan, Aman Tamang and Loan TP Hoang tell the story of how, against all odds, they survived childhood and created their own destiny. Birmingham Weekender and Fierce present An inspiring, authentic and heartwarming Tram-a-lama-ding-dong! Cabaret on the Metro! performance about life and circus. Recommended for ages 12+ Saturday 23 Pop-up performances on board the trams, 3-9pm Network Midland Metro between New Street and the Jewellery Quarter Tram ticket required; purchase on board

All aboard Brum's exciting new mode of travel, the Network West Midland Metro! Today, for your on-board entertainment, a trio of cabaret delights... Armed with her Casio keyboard, songstress Lorraine Bowen of The Crumble Song and Britain's Got Talent fame seduces her audience with her catchy pop hooks. Marvel at the entrancing, synchronised dance routines of the strange-but-true Figs In Wigs and laugh along with Birmingham's ‘First Lady of Comedy’, Mrs Barbara Nice (pic below), as she rolls out gags faster than the speed of a tram. All you need to partake is a ticket to ride!

Find full performance timetable at www.birminghamweekender.com

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Southside Producers in partnership Southside Producers in partnership with The Old Rep Theatre present with The Old Rep Theatre present Culture CatwalkCulture Catwalk

Saturday 23 Saturday& Sunday 23 24 &- 11am-5pm Sunday 24 - 11am- Bullring, next5pm to the bull statue FREE Bullring, next to the bull statue FREE Culture Catwalk shines a light on our community’sCulture finest creative Catwalk talent, shines capturing a light on our the vibrancy and diversity that makes community’s finest creative talent, Birmingham unique. Artists from across the city capturing the vibrancy and diversity take to the red carpet to sing, dance, glide, slide that makes Birmingham unique. and perform. Artists from across the city take to Back at Birmingham Weekender by popular the red carpet to sing, dance, glide, demand, Culture Catwalk is a celebration of slide and perform. everything that makes us Brummie! Follow @SSProducersBack in the at Birminghamrun-up to Weekender Weekender and by tell us what #BeingABrummiepopular demand, means Culture to you!Catwalk is If you’d like toa takecelebration to the Culture of everything Catwalk thatstage, visit www.birminghamweekender.commakes us Brummie! Follow to find out how to apply.@SSProducers in the run-up to Weekender and tell us what #BeingABrummie means to you!

Town Hall Symphony Hall present The Multi-Story Orchestra Beethoven’s Fifth

Friday 22 - 7pm & Saturday 23 - 5pm

North Car Park Level 1, Arena Birmingham (formerly Barclaycard Arena). Use pedestrian entrance on the corner of St Vincent St and King Edwards Rd Tickets £5, via www.thsh.co.uk or call 0121 780 3333

Come and be part of a dynamic take on one of Beethoven’s towering masterpieces, as The Multi- Story Orchestra make their Birmingham debut - in the unusual setting of a city-centre car park. Led by Christopher Stark, their approach to presenting live classical music in unexpected venues has been widely celebrated (“the response was ecstatic, and it deserved to be” - The New York Times). This performance includes one of their unique Living Programme Notes, where the whole Multi-Story Orchestra celebrate and explore the symphony with the audience.

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Trevor Pitt presents Fluid Festival at Minerva Works Saturday 23 - 3 - 11.30pm

Minerva Works, Fazeley Street Early Bird £15, On the door £20. Book via www.fluidfestival.org

This festival of new Queer sound and music features an extraordinary line-up of composers and experimental electronic musicians. Highlights include the rarely performed piece Gay Guerilla by Julius Eastman, led by Rolf Hind and Siwan Rhys, plus sets from Robin Buckley, CN Lester, Henry McPherson & Inkeri Kallio, Repeator, Daniel vs The World, Mx World, Rebekah Ubuntu, Michael Wolters & Paul Norman and Yfat Soul Zisso. Tickets & info at www.fluidfestival.org

Birmingham Royal Ballet present Ballet in the Bullring Saturday 23 - 1pm, 2.15pm, 3pm

Bullring Shopping Centre, by main entrance to Debenhams FREE

Birmingham Royal Ballet brings world-class dance to the Bullring with three performances of a classic pas de deux from The Nutcracker, one of the Company’s most popular and iconic productions. During the weekend, the Company also leads a ballet flashmob, including dancers from local dance schools and the community. To find out more and take part in the flashmob, sign up at brb.org.uk/weekender

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Town Hall Symphony Hall in association with Sampad Arts presents Hans Raj Hans - Birmingham Weekender Closing Concert Sunday 24 - 7.30pm

Town Hall Tickets £13 via www.thsh.co.uk or call 0121 780 3333

Hugely popular Punjabi singer Hans Raj Hans closes Birmingham Weekender 2017 with an uplifting evening of live song and music. Hans Raj is known for his charismatic performances, which have established him as a national treasure in his home country of India and endeared him to millions of fans throughout the world. One of the finest modern-day performers of Sufi songs, he’s gurbani, ghazals, Bollywood and classical. renowned as a folk-revivalist and passionate ambassador for He has collaborated with music legends such as Lata Sufi music. Mangeshkar and the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, as well as An exceptionally versatile and soulful vocalist, Hans Raj also distinguished composer AR Rahman. possesses a fluent ability to span a wealth of musical styles, Join Hans Raj and his line-up of gifted musicians for this joyful including popular Punjabi songs as well as folk, devotional, and memorable finale to Birmingham Weekender.

Birmingham Hippodrome presents Seeta Patel Something Then, Something Now Sunday 24 - 5pm

The Patrick Centre at Birmingham Hippodrome Tickets £12 (£8 conc) via www.birminghamhippodrome.com/seeta or call 0844 338 5000 (calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge)

Born and raised in the UK, Seeta Patel has been championing the Indian classical dance style of bharatanatyam for many years, under the guidance of Artistic Director Mavin Khoo. After two sell-out performances at Sadler’s Wells in 2014, the Home Live Art and Birmingham Weekender highly rated dance artist now brings her critically acclaimed solo present work to Birmingham. She is joined for the performance by an orchestra of Carnatic musicians.. Alternative Village Fete

Sunday 24 - 11am-4pm Bullring Open Market FREE

The Bullring has been at the heart of Birmingham city centre for more than 900 years, a focus for shopping, socialising and culture. For Weekender, the open market and rag market become The Alternative Village Fete - a one-off day filled with interactive performances, installations and quirky stalls, embracing the best bits of a traditional village fete but adding an alternative Brummie twist!

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Film

Victoria And Abdul received her first Oscar nomination (of The Limehouse Golem seven). Here, she plays an older version of CERT 15 (109 mins) CERT PG (112 mins) the monarch, who takes an exceptional in- Starring Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, terest in her young Indian servant Abdul Starring Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke, Douglas Adeel Akhtar, Tim Pigott-Smith, Simon Cal- Karim (Fazal). The screenplay is by Lee Booth, Daniel Mays, Sam Reid, Eddie Marsan low, Olivia Williams, Michael Gambon Directed by Juan Carlos Medina (UK) Directed by Stephen Frears (UK/USA) Hall, who scripted Billy Elliot, much of Pride And Prejudice and War Horse. The Judi Dench’s film career really kicked off Oscar buzz is already buzzing. when she played Queen Victoria in John Madden’s Mrs Brown in 1997, for which she Released Fri 15 September

A Victorian murder-mystery based on Peter Ackroyd’s 1994 novel Dan Leno And The Limehouse Golem, this is obviously tapping into the same fear generated by both The Woman In Black and the BBC’s Ripper Street. The former was scripted by Jane Goldman, who returns here to add a bit of class to proceedings. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 1 September

Patti Cake$ CERT 15 (109 mins) It CERT 15 (135 mins) Wind River CERT 15 (107 mins) Starring Danielle Macdonald, McCaul Lom- Starring Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Starring Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Gil bardi, Siddharth Dhananjay, Cathy Moriarty Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillis, Finn Birmingham, Jon Bernthal, Julia Jones Directed by Geremy Jasper (USA) Wolfhard Directed by Taylor Sheridan (USA) Directed by Andrés Muschietti (USA) A call-to-arms for the downtrodden, disad- An original thriller from Taylor Sheridan, the vantaged and overweight, this low-budget writer of Sicario and Hell Or High Water, drama was a huge success at this year’s Sun- Wind River is set in the wilds of Wyoming dance festival. and follows a US Fish & Wildlife Service The Australian actress Danielle Macdonald agent (Renner) as he investigates a murder plays Patricia ‘Dumbo’ Dumbrowski, a New on a Native American reservation. Expect Jersey nobody who decides to reinvent her- some pretty strong violence. self as a rapper called Patti Cake$. Expect Released Fri 8 September some pretty strong language. Released Fri 1 September

Stephen King’s 1986 novel was previously turned into a 1990 miniseries starring Tim Curry, but now gets its first big-screen treat- ment. As anybody who suffers from coulro- phobia will testify, clowns can be pretty scary. Here, seven kids combine forces to tackle the evil clown ‘Pennywise’ (Skars- gård), who’s been killing the children of Derry in Maine. Released Fri 8 September

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Film highlights released in September...

Goodbye Christopher Robin CERT PG (107 mins) Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald, Alex Lawther, Stephen Campbell Moore Directed by Simon Curtis (UK) Older readers might well be familiar with the name Christopher Robin, not to mention Win- nie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and the whole gang. Here, this terribly English film traces the cre- ation and then the success of the famous char- acters brought to life by AA Milne, based on the stuffed animals of his son, Christopher Robin. The director Simon Curtis previously brought us the much-loved My Week With Marilyn (2011) and Woman In Gold (2015). Released Fri 29 September

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Mother! CERT tbc Flatliners CERT tbc Kingsman: Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Starring Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, The Golden Circle CERT tbc Harris, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kristen Wiig, Domh- James Norton, Kiersey Clemons, Kiefer nall Gleeson Sutherland Directed by Niels Arden Oplev Starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Taron Directed by Darren Aronofsky (USA) (USA) Egerton, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Elton You never know with Darren Aronofsky. He’s Although this shares the name of the 1990 John, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges Directed by Matthew Vaughn (UK/USA) directed some real duds (The Fountain, thriller that starred Kiefer Sutherland and Noah), but has more often delivered the Julia Roberts, it’s actually a sequel, which is goods (Requiem For A Dream, The Wrestler, odd. Once again we have a group of medical Black Swan). Here his psychological thriller students experimenting with near-death ex- focuses on a couple living in an idyllic coun- periences, leading to an unhealthy pact try retreat whose relationship is tested with with the afterlife. The director helmed the the arrival of uninvited guests. original The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. Released Fri 15 September Released Fri 29 September

American Assassin CERT 18 (112 mins) Starring Dylan O'Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Shiva Negar, Taylor Kitsch, David Suchet Directed by Michael Cuesta (USA) CIA Black Ops recruit Mitch Rapp (Dylan The Special Relationship between the UK O'Brien, from The Maze Runner) gets a taste and the US comes in handy when the Kings- of radicalism first-hand when his girlfriend man headquarters is destroyed by a global is killed in a terrorist attack. He’s then taken foe calling itself ‘The Golden Circle.’ So the under the wing of Cold War veteran Stan agents of Kingsman join forces with the Hurley (Keaton) to help hunt down and ap- agents of Statesman, its American counter- prehend the perpetrators. Based on the 2010 part. Word has it that Elton John is playing a novel by Vince Flynn. camp, flamboyant rock star. Released Fri 15 September Released Wed 20 September

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Visual Arts previews from around the region Visual Arts

Picasso: Linocuts From The Fence And The Shadow The British Museum mac, Birmingham, Sat 23 September - Sun 26 November Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 9 September - Sun 3 December “This new series of paintings,” explains artist Sally Payen in talking about her latest exhibi- Age certainly didn’t compromise Pablo Pi- tion, “is the conjunction of how painting can casso’s prolific output - he continued to meet Greenham Common as a place - and in produce stunning works of art into his particular the women’s peace camp and 90s. Among them were the linocuts in- protests from the 1980s. It’s not a legacy project cluded in this exhibition, created when or an archival project; it’s a project about how the artist was in his late 70s and early 80s. that contested landscape touched my life back The works were acquired by the British then. Museum in 2014 and perfectly exemplify “No longer was it clean, neatly made-up not only Picasso’s vivid imagination but women, including housewives, mothers and also his desire to use expressive and ex- grandmothers, all safely at home. Some had perimental techniques. Featured pieces escaped with very loud voices. They were un- include Still Life Under The Lamp, washed, hairy, living rough, all ages and Jacqueline Reading and Nude Woman At classes and making a new mass movement.” The Spring. Alongside the examples of Sally’s exhibition is the inspiration for a mac linocut, the exhibition also features a se- Image Credit Pablo Picasso (1881–1973), Jacqueline Read- season of events, visual arts and workshops ex- lection of ceramics on loan from Leicester ing – 2nd plate, July 1964. © Succession Picasso/DACS, ploring the theme of ‘women & protest’. Arts & Museums Service. London 2017.

Wolverhampton Society Of Artists Exhibition 2017 Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 23 September - Sunday 19 November This annual show has a history stretching back to the Victorian era and is a popular fix- ture on the gallery’s exhibitions calendar. Championing homegrown talent, it showcases a diverse range of styles, media and subject matter, with much of the work available to purchase. An accompanying programme of activities and demonstrations, including an open studio weekend, artists’ talks and drawing sessions, take place on Sat- urdays during the exhibition’s run. Visit wsa- Pleasure Is A Weapon artists.com for further details about the Society. Grand Union, Birmingham, Fri 1 September - Saturday 18 November Artist Susie Green’s first UK solo exhibition cel- ebrates the body as a site for pleasure and poli- Portrait Of The Artist: tics, imaginatively reflecting her preoccupation Käthe Kollwitz with fetish and form. Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, The installation brings together sound, objects Wed 13 September - Sun 26 November and painted works to ‘probe at feelings and Best known for their depiction of the effects recollections surrounding both immediate and of poverty and war on the working class, remote sexual intimacy’. Käthe Kollwitz’s works continue to resonate A public programme of performances, screen- with art lovers across the world. ings and conversations accompanies the exhi- As the German artist evolved her style, she bition. shifted away from realism and embraced Ex- pressionism, and it’s with this modernist movement that she’s nowadays most closely associated. Showcasing around 40 pieces from the British Museum, as well as material from other UK public collections, the exhibition highlights the importance of Kollwitz’s work, in the process ably illustrating why she was considered one of the leading artists of the late 19th and early 20th cen- turies.

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Events previews from around the region Events

A Place In The Sun Live NEC, Birmingham, Fri 22 - Sun 24 September The official exhibition show of Channel Four’s popular oversees travel series returns to the Midlands. Programme presenters Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman, Jonnie Irwin and Laura Hamilton will all be on hand to share their experience and offer advice on buying a property abroad. Whether it’s the idea of finding somewhere in Spain, in France, in Portugal or even maybe further afield that’s floating your boat, A Place In The Sun is the perfect event from which to launch an exciting new travel adventure.

Midland Game Fair Telfood Feastival Weston Park, Shropshire, QEII Arena, Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Sat 16 - Sun 17 September Sat 2 - Sun 3 September If traditional country pursuits are your passion, the well-established Midland Game Fair will make for a rewarding weekend. The premier event of its kind in the country, the show features a wide range of rural attractions, from world-class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations. Gun dog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, fine arts and rural crafts also feature, as do hundreds of trade stands catering for a wide range of countryside shopping needs. Telfood Feastival makes a welcome return The fair welcomes the return of the hugely following the success of last summer’s in- popular Folk Roots Festival too, with augural event. performing artists including Mambo Jambo, Featuring over 100 food, drink and craft Occasional Orchestra and Doughboy Three. exhibitors, the family-friendly show offers youngsters the chance to get mucky in a hands-on cookery area, learn circus skills Trucking Live in a big top, handle creatures large and small in an ‘exotic zoo’ and have a go at Shropshire go-karting and, er, bug eating! Oswestry Showground, Sat 23 - Sun 24 September Widely considered to be the ‘friendli- est’ event of its kind in the UK, Trucking Live Shropshire features a line-up of main arena entertainment that includes stunt shows and truck parades. There’s also a display of hundreds of trucks to enjoy, as well as the region’s largest showcase of truck accessories and a number of fairground attrac- tions. A personal appearance by Red Dwarf and Coronation Street star Craig Charles further adds to the fun. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events September-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 12:57 Page 3 Events September-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 12:57 Page 4

Events previews from around the region Events

The Cycle Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 22 - Sun 24 September With cycling’s profile in the UK at an all-time high and the Velo Birmingham event taking place during the same weekend, there’s every reason to imagine The Cycle Show will beat its 2016 attendance figure of 29,000. Highlights include more than 250 bike companies showcasing their latest kit, a dedicated women's area, an Elite Cyclocross race around the NEC's surrounding woodlands and MTB/BMX competitions. Extreme Chilli Festival Brindleyplace, Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sat 16 September Temperatures are set to rise in Brindleyplace with the welcome re- turn of this popular festival. Ludlow Food Festival Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, Fri 8 - Sun 10 September The event is now in its seventh year A feast for the senses awaits visitors to this pop- all ages. and features numerous food stalls ular event in Shropshire’s renowned gastro- Numerous regular attractions, including a kids’ selling a wide range of chilli-influ- nomic hotspot. area with cookery lessons, are presented within enced street food. Now in its 15th year, the Ludlow Food Festival the castle grounds, while the show’s always- Live music and street performances features more than 180 artisan food producers, popular food trails take place out in the wider add to what should hopefully be a a host of top chefs and an abundance of demon- town. sizzlingly hot atmosphere! strations and activities catering for visitors of

Birmingham Cruise Show The Glamping Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 16 - Sun 17 September Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 September Europe’s biggest travel exhibition dedicated to A more luxurious form of camping, glamping has cruising, the Cruise Show features an impressive become increasingly popular during the last few array of destinations and cruise styles. years and is now a prominent part of the leisure So whether you’re an experienced ocean trav- industry. eller, a lover of laidback river cruises or com- This annual show presents a wide selection of pletely new to the pleasures of cruising, there’s pop-up, temporary and pre-pitched accommoda- every chance you’ll come away from the show Classic & tion solutions, including yurts, tipi and safari with some intriguing ideas for a new adventure. Retro Show tents. It also features contributions from experts, The event offers visitors the chance to meet with Himley Hall, nr Dudley, design demonstrations and, new for this year, all of the major and specialist cruise lines, gather Sat 3 September glamping business workshops with guru Kate impartial advice that won’t be found in the Static displays of saloons, sports, Morel. “I’ve seen the glamping industry develop brochures, and save thousands of pounds on ex- American, commercial and military beyond all recognition over the years,” says Kate, clusive show-only offers. vehicles, as well as classic motorcy- “and as more glampsites start up each year, it’s cles, are part and parcel of this obvious to me which will survive and which will popular show, which also features not. I’ll be asking questions that potential owners numerous trade and autojumble might not have considered and running through stands. Entertainment at this year’s the set-up process, focusing on subjects that will get-together is provided by locally be explored by the show as well as takeaways based vintage vocal harmony trio that can be applied in an ongoing way.” The Bluebird Belles. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events September-2.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 12:57 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Leamington Food & Drink Festival Royal Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, Sat 9 - Sun 10 September Given that 25,000 foodies visit and Check out our pick of the many over 150 producers and retailers FREE events and attractions on exhibit, it’s hardly surprising that offer as part of England’s largest Leamington’s Food & Drink Festival festival of history and culture... is the biggest event on the town’s A DAY IN THE LIFE OF MOSELEY OLD HALL calendar. Travel back in time with members of the “People travel from far and wide to Seales Knot and costumed characters, the festival, and its reputation who’ll be bringing to life the story of how Moseley Old Hall protected the grows every year,” says Stephanie future king of England, Charles Stuart, Kerr, Executive Director of the from Cromwell’s men. event’s organisers, BID Leamington. SAT 9 SEPTEMBER - MOSELEY OLD HALL, “The diverse range of local food and WOLVERHAMPTON, WV10 7HY drink is a big attraction, along with *********************************** a packed programme of cooking BELLRINGING IN STAFFORD Showcasing demonstrations, tastings and live the art of bellringing at St Mary’s entertainment.” Collegiate Church. Ascend the spiral staircase and learn about the history and heritage of the 10 bells. SAT 9 SEPTEMBER - STAFFORD ST MARY, ST Middle Earth Festival MARY’S PLACE, STAFFORD, ST16 2AP *********************************** Sarehole Mill, Birmingham, Sat 9 - Sun 10 September BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME Free heritage talk about the Hippodrome’s history If you’re a fan of The Lord Of The Rings and over the last 118 years - a period The Hobbit but haven’t yet checked out this covering two world wars, five monarchs family-friendly festival, then it’s fair to say and four facelifts. you’re missing a Gandalf-sized trick. SAT 9 SEPTEMBER - BIRMINGHAM First taking place in 1998, when it was HIPPODROME, HURST STREET, B5 4TB called Fun At The Mill, the event has proved *********************************** enormously popular with Tolkien enthusi- DISCOVER CHARLCOTE Discover over 800 asts both young and old. years of family history and enjoy Attractions at this year’s get-together in- stunning views along the River Avon. clude living history camps, medieval SAT 9 SEPTEMBER - CHARLCOTE PARK, traders, food stalls, weapon displays, chil- WARWICK, CV35 9ER dren’s activities and a costume pageant - not *********************************** to mention the chance to encounter all man- LORD HILLS COLUMN Ascend all 172 can- ner of characters from the famous fantasy tilevered spiral stairs of the tallest Doric novels, including hobbits, elves and orcs... column in England to access panoramic views of Shrewsbury and the rolling hills of Shropshire. Pre-booking is required - call Richard 1940s Supper And Hayes on 01743 244668 or email [email protected] Song Evening SUN 10 SEPTEMBER - LORD HILL’S COL- Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire, UMN, ST JOHN’S HILL, SHREWSBURY, Fri 29 September SY1 1JJ Blists Hill really is offering a ‘taste’ of *********************************** the 1940s with this supper & song THE CIVIL WAR STORY Discover why the event - as part of the evening, partici- Royalist army chose The Commandery pants get to sample a two-course as their headquarters, and find out about their preparations for battle with meal featuring spam hash, carrots, the Parliamentarians in the final clash of potato mash and pear crumble! the English Civil War. The venue is inviting visitors to dress SUN 10 SEPTEMBER - THE COMMANDERY, in their vintage best to enjoy the fes- SIDBURY, WORCESTER, WR1 2HU tivities, which also include a host of popular songs from the era. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Birmingham Conservatoire F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/07/2017 19:29 Page 1 The List Cover September Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 17:09 Page 2

Your week- by-week listings guide September 2017 thelist

The Railway Children at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Mon 11 to Sat 16 September

Music I Comedy I Theatre I Dance I Film I Events I Visual Arts I and more!

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 10 September Mon 11 to Sun 17 September Mon 18 to Sun 24 September Mon 25 to Sat 30 September

Summer holiday activities at Worcester Music Festival at Jay Rayner at Ed Byrne at The Roses the British Motor Museum various locations in the city Stratford Artshouse Theatre, Tewkesbury Until Sun 3 September Fri 15 - Sun 17 September Wed 20 September Mon 25 September

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 1

thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 September MONTROZE, BETTER GLENN Fri 8 Sep, Nail- THROUGHOUT SEPTEMBER Gigs DAYS, THE OVERCAST & cote Hall, Berkswell, SAFEGUARD Sun 3 Sep, Warwickshire The Flapper, B’ham Holt's contributions as a ‘public-spir- A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY SEBASTIAN TREE Fri 8 Visual Arts ited resident’, presented through a Fri 1 Sep, The Iron TENDER & SPILT MILK Sep, The Cuban Em- selection of the paintings he donated Road, Evesham SOCIETY Mon 4 Sep, bassy, Birmingham to the gallery and supplemented by The Sunflower THE CLAUSE Fri 1 Sep, A VISION OF ELVIS Fri 8 Artrix, Bromsgrove photographs and local-history ob- Lounge, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Sep, New Alexandra jects, Fri 29 Sep - Sun 7 Jan NEW SUE HAYDEN: UP CLOSE AND FAR THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS Theatre, Birmingham SIGNED, SEALED, DELIV- Bewdley-based Sue produces work Tues 5 Sep, O2 Insti- ERED Fri 1 Sep, Bel- JOE LONGTHORNE Fri 8 that’s based on the relationship be- Rugby Art Gallery & Museum tute, Birmingham tween texture, shape and light, Wed grade Theatre, Sep, Palace Theatre, NEW WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAKE IT 6 Sep - Sun 1 Oct Coventry THREE CANE WHALE Redditch OK? Touring exhibition exploring dam- Tues 5 Sep, The NOBLE JACKS Sat 9 age and repair, disease and THE CAST, PANA WAVES Roses Theatre, Sep, Artrix, Broms- Birmingham Museum & medicine, healing and restoration of & GUNK Fri 1 Sep, The Tewkesbury grove Art Gallery objects, individuals and communi- Sunflower Lounge, FASTER PUSSYCAT Tues I WANT! I WANT!: ART & TECHNOLOGY A ties, Sat 16 Sep - Sat 4 Nov Birmingham NOORAN SISTERS Sat 9 5 Sep, The Iron Road, curated selection from the Arts Coun- THE NAKED BEATLES Fri Sep, Barclaycard Evesham 1 Sep, Irish Centre, Arena, Birmingham cil Collection - with key loans from The Hive, Worcester other major collections - that pre- Birmingham THE SIMON AND GAR- EVERTIM, LIGHTBLUE & FUNKEL STORY Tues 5 sents the work of contemporary NEW PLAYBACK TOURING EXHIBITION THAT'S LIFE & THE JER- JAMES LEESE Sat 9 Sep, New Alexandra artists using new technologies, until Comprising over 200 bold and cre- SEY 4 Fri 1 Sep, The Sep, The Asylum Theatre, Birmingham Sun 1 Oct ative short films made by young artist River Rooms, Stour- Venue, Birmingham filmmakers, Fri 1 - Thurs 21 Sep bridge FAITH - THE GEORGE AN EVENING WITH EN- MICHAEL LEGACY Wed Compton Verney Gallery, NEW PRIDE ART A collection of works HVMM Sat 2 Sep, The GLISH JONES AND 6 Sep, Palace Theatre, Warwick celebrating LGBT-plus identities and Marr's Bar, Worcester IMANER Sat 9 Sep, aesthetics, produced by contempo- Redditch mac, Birmingham SEURAT TO RILEY: THE ART OF PERCEP- JUDY BLU & THE RB rary artists with a connection to WANNABE - THE SPICE TION Exhibition taking you on a fasci- BAND Sat 2 Sep, Blue THE DESTROYERS Sat 9 Worcestershire, Mon 18 - Fri 29 Sep GIRLS SHOW Thurs 7 nating and stimulating journey that Piano Restaurant And Sep, mac, Birmingham looks at the ways in which our visual Sep, Albany Theatre, Bar, Birmingham THE CARPENTERS STORY perceptions have been explored by Worcester City Museum & Art Coventry SENSATIONAL 70S V Sat 9 Sep, Bedworth artists, until Sun 1 Oct Gallery A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANC- INTO THE 80S Sat 2 Civic Hall ENQUIRING MINDS Featuring drawings ING Thurs 7 Sep, Bed- Sep, The River Forge Mill Needle Museum, by naturalist John Gould, land and worth Civic Hall TOTAL COMMITMENTS Rooms, Stourbridge Sat 9 Sep, Artrix, NEW NSPIRED BY MACHINERY Exhibi- cityscape watercolours by HH Lines WILL HEARD Thurs 7 JACKSON LIVE IN CON- Bromsgrove tion by the Westhope Group - a di- and local artefacts discovered by fa- Sep, O2 Institute, CERT Sat 2 Sep, Bel- verse ensemble of textile artists who mous archaeologist Pitt Rivers, until Birmingham THE MERSEY BEATLES grade Theatre, primarily work with lace techniques, Sat 11 Nov Sat 9 Sep, Palace The- Coventry MICKY MOODY AND ALI atre, Redditch Fri 8 Sep - Sun 22 Oct MAAS BAND Thurs 7 SPICE Sat 2 Sep, O2 Other VISUAL ARTS Sep, The River NEVER THE BRIDE Sat 9 Institute, Birmingham Herbert Art Gallery & OUR PLACE HERE - MATERIALS, MAK- Rooms, Stourbridge Sep, The Roadhouse, INGS AND MEMORIES Exhibition of THE 1990'S Sat 2 Sep, Birmingham Museum, Coventry THE DOWLING POOLE work created as part of Culture The Roadhouse, Birm- NEW PICASSO: LINOCUTS FROM THE Thurs 7 Sep, The WITHOUT FLIGHT Sat 9 Coventry’s citywide community arts ingham BRITISH MUSEUM Marr's Bar, Worcester Sep, The Marr's Bar, Exhibition featuring project, until Tues 5 Sep, Coventry ANTHEM: THE ULTIMATE Worcester BEYOND THE BARRICADE some of Picasso’s most important Transport Museum QUEEN CONCERT SHOW Thurs 7 Sep, Lichfield ELVANA Sat 9 Sep, O2 works in linocut, presented alongside THE PLAY'S THE THING Family-friendly Sat 2 Sep, The Roses Garrick Academy, Birmingham a selection of ceramics on loan from RSC exhibition full of treasures from Theatre, Tewkesbury Leicester Arts & Museums Service, THE ELO EXPERIENCE ELECTRIC CIRCUS & the archives and the museum collec- BACK :N: BLACK Sat 2 Sat 9 Sep - Sun 3 Dec Thurs 7 - Fri 8 Sep, CULT FICTION Sat 9 tion, including rarely seen props, Sep, The Iron Road, The Core Theatre, Sep, Route 44, B’ham Leamington Spa Art Gallery & costumes and original set designs, Evesham until Sun 10 Sep, The Swan Theatre Solihull JOE LONGTHORNE Sat 9 Museum VICTORS Sat 2 Sep, Stratford TAPESTRY Fri 8 Sep, Al- Sep, New Alexandra DRAWN FROM LIFE: PEOPLE ON PAPER Kasbah, Coventry bany Theatre, Coven- Theatre, Birmingham Exhibition featuring works from the DRAW NEW MISCHIEF Exhibition ex- GUNS 2 ROSES Sat 2 try BRASS BAND GALA 2017 Arts Council Collection by LS Lowry, ploring 250 years of Shakespeare Sep, The Assembly, Sun 10 Sep, Sym- Peter Blake, Elisabeth Frink, Barbara and political cartoons, until Fri 15 THE SMYTHS Fri 8 Sep, Leamington Spa phony Hall, B’ham Hepworth, Lucian Freud, David Hock- Sep, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, The Empire, Coventry SABBOTAGE & THE ney and many other significant Stratford-Upon-Avon DIZZY LIZZY Fri 8 Sep, THE LINDSAY MARTIN SYKKO DOLLZ Sat 2 artists, until Sun 17 Sep NEW RITA THORN - ATMOSPHERE EARTH Route 44, Birmingham TRIO Sun 10 Sep, The Sep, Route 44, B’ham OCEAN Roses Theatre, SPOTLIGHT DISPLAY - PAMELA SCHIL- Collection of work by Rita D-RAN D-RAN Fri 8 Sep, A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY Tewkesbury DERMAN Schilderman’s project chal- Thorn celebrating the natural world The River Rooms, Sun 3 Sep, The Robin, lenges the traditional self-portrait by through acrylic inks and mixed Stourbridge NICK PARKER Sun 10 using forensic identifiers - a media, Fri 1 Sep - Sun 5 Nov, Eve- Bilston Sep, The Marr's Bar, KIM LOWINGS AND THE thumbprint, hair, teeth, retina and sham Arts Centre SOLITAIRE - TRIBUTE TO Worcester GREENWOOD Fri 8 Sep, DNA - in order to present an alterna- NEW AQUA THE CARPENTERS Sun 3 Photography exhibition Artrix, Bromsgrove PAUL MORTON Sun 10 tive visual perspective of the self featuring a selection of large archival Sep, The Roadhouse, Sep, Artrix, Broms- through the lens of criminological sci- prints and a screen-based display of Birmingham PIANO MAN - THE MUSIC grove OF BILLY JOEL Fri 8 ence, until Sun 17 Sep images providing an insight into the BEACH FOSSILS Sun 3 Sep, Evesham Arts LOWKEY Sun 10 Sep, NEW THE BENEVOLENT DESPOT: ALDER- AQUA world, Fri 8 Sep - Tues 3 Oct, Sep, Hare & Hounds, Centre, Evesham O2 Institute, B’ham MAN ALFRED HOLT (1858 - 1943) AND Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- Birmingham Avon 'OLLY MURS & BRUNO THE FOUNDATION OF LEAMINGTON ART ALVVAYS Sun 3 Sep, MARS' WITH ROBBIE GALLERY The story of Alderman Alfred O2 Institute, B’ham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 September

RICH WILSON, LARRY DEAN, STEVE LON- Classical Music GLEY & COMIC TBC Fri 8 Sep, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham ADAM BLOOM, STEVE BUGEJA, REV- EVENING WITH KARL LOXLEY Join the EREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III & star of The Voice as he sings songs CERYS NELMES Sat 9 Sep, The Glee from the classical musicals - includ- Club, Birmingham ing Bring Him Home from Les Mis- érables and The Music Of The Night NICK PAGE, JAMES ALDERSON, CHRIS from The Phantom Of The Opera, Sat BETTS Sat 9 Sep, Jongleurs Comedy 2 Sep, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- Club, Birmingham upon-Avon THE SIXTEEN: CHORAL PILGRIMAGE Pro- gramme includes various works by Poulenc & Palestrina, Sat 9 Sep, Tewkesbury Abbey Theatre CHANDOS: THE YOUNG MUSICIAN SHOW- CASE Featuring Michael Lloyd (con- DINOSAUR WORLD A brand new, inter- ductor) & Roberto Ruisi (violin). active show taking audiences into un- Programme includes works by chartered territories to discover a Nielsen, Sibelius & Britten, Sun 10 pre-historic world, until Fri 1 Sep, Re- Sep, Malvern Theatre gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BRASSED OFF Jeffrey Holland stars in this ‘funny and life-affirming’ tale of community spirit and triumph in the face of adversity, until Sat 2 Sep, Comedy Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Billionaire Boy GUYS AND DOLLS Malvern Theatres Young Company presents an ama- Bridge House Theatre, Warwick, Sat 9 September JOE PASQUALE Fri 1 Sep, Lichfield Gar- teur staging of Frank Loesser’s cele- rick Although Heartbreak Productions are best known for their out- brated musical comedy, until Sat 2 DAMIAN CLARK, MICHAEL FABBRI, Sep, Malvern Theatres door presentations of Shakespeare plays, the company also tours JAMES COOK & PHIL CHAPMAN Fri 1 a selection of other stage works, one of which is this adaptation MOTHER'S RUIN: A CABARET ABOUT GIN Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham Hour-long theatrical cabaret featuring of David Walliams’ bestselling children’s book. KANE BROWN, LEO KEARSE Fri 1 Sep, music originally performed by Amy Heartbreak have impressive form when it comes to Walliams’ Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham Winehouse, Nina Simone, Martha work, having previously presented critically acclaimed, under- STEVE HARRIS, ADAM STAUNTON & Wainwright, The Popes, The Pre- the-stars versions of Ratburger and Mr Stink. COMIC TBC Fri 1 Sep, The Comedy tenders and more... until Sun 3 Sep, For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells the tale of how Mr Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Loft, Birmingham Spud made and lost his billions, and how his son, Joe, became SALOMÉ Oscar Wilde’s lyrical drama, DAMIAN CLARK, MICHAEL FABBRI, the richest boy in the world... Suitable for children aged seven JAMES COOK & PHIL CHAPMAN Sat 2 written in French and originally Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham banned in England, recounts in a sin- and older. gle act the biblical story of Herod An- KANE BROWN & LEO KEARSE Sat 2 Sep, tipas’s daughter, Salomé, until Wed 6 Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham bling bunch of hopeless British po- acclaimed show featuring a huge Sep, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, licemen, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Sep, Malvern projection screen, original photos, STEVE HARRIS, ADAM STAUNTON, ROB Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre film footage and a live band perform- ROUSE & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Sep, The GOODNIGHT MR TOM Staging of ing a string of the duo’s classic hits, Comedy Loft, Birmingham A STEADY RAIN Amateur staging of Michelle Magorium’s uplifting Peter Huff’s dark psychological Tues 5 Sep, New Alexandra Theatre, OWEN BENJAMIN Tues 5 Sep, The Glee wartime tale, until Sat 9 Sep, Sutton drama, Sat 2 - Sat 9 Sep, Criterion Birmingham Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Sutton Coldfield Theatre, Coventry NORTHANGER ABBEY Heartbreak Pro- ROBERT WEBB Wed 6 Sep, The Glee VICE VERSA Phil Porter’s comedy FAITHFUL RUSLAN - THE STORY OF A ductions present a staging of Jane Club, Birmingham romp, until Sat 9 Sep, Swan Theatre, GUARD DOG Play based on the cult Austen’s classic tale of faux friend- Stratford-upon-Avon novel by Georgi Vladimov, telling its ships and real romance, Tues 5 Sep, MISS SAIGON Cameron Mackintosh’s story through the eyes of a dog, Sat 2 Bridge House Theatre, Warwick acclaimed new production of Boublil - Sat 16 Sep, Belgrade Theatre, THE WHIP HAND Explosive new play & Schönberg’s legendary musical, Coventry about power, privilege, blood ties and until Sat 23 Sep, Birmingham Hippo- ‘our inescapable past’... Tues 5 - Sat drome 16 Sep, The REP, Birmingham MARK THOMPSON’S SPECTACULAR SCI- THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s top male ENCE SHOW Brand new show explor- strip show, Wed 6 Sep, New Alexan- ing the strange and magical dra Theatre, Birmingham properties of matter, and featuring ex- MURDER ON THE TERRACE Heartbreak ploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex- Productions present a farcical romp generating dustbins, dancing paste, DANNY BHOY Thurs 7 Sep, Artrix, described as ‘part Downton Abbey, vanishing beakers and exploding Bromsgrove part Agatha Christie’... Wed 6 Sep, Pringles tubes, Fri 1 Sep, The Core, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs 7 Solihull Sep, Stourbridge Town Hall JANE EYRE Critically acclaimed PRIVATE LIVES Noel Coward’s popular THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE The Na- and enduring stage comedy, Wed 6 - ADAM BLOOM, STEVE BUGEJA, REV- reimagining of Charlotte Bronte’s tional Gilbert & Sullivan Society pre- Sat 9 Sep, Malvern Theatre EREND OBADIAH STEPPENWOLFE III & sent G&S’s famous farcical romp, masterpiece, Mon 4 - Sat 16 Sep, The RUMOURS Neil Simon farce about four CERYS NELMES Fri 8 Sep, The Glee complete with swashbuckling pirates, REP, Birmingham couples who gather for an anniver- Club, Birmingham a dotty Major General and a bum- THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Much- sary party, Wed 6 - Sat 16 Sep, Priory

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 3

SEPTEMBER 2017

Saturday 16 September Wednesday 20 September Thurs 21 & Fri Sat 22 Sept NORTHERN SOUL JOHN CHALLIS FINDING JOY LIVE WITH THE EDWIN STARR PRESENTS ONLY FOOLS & HEARTWARMING VAMOS OCTOBER BAND & LORRAINE SILVER BOYCIE PRODUCTION CONCERTS

Friday 6 October at 7.30 Royal Pump Rooms Leamington NAVARRA STRING QUARTET Haydn, Shostakovich, Schubert ...... Sat 23 September Sun 24 September Sat 30 September Tuesday 10 October at 7.30 St Mary’s Church Warwick PURPLE ZEPPELIN JEREMY HARDY MITCH BENN EX CATHEDRA THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE WELCOME RETURN OF A PRESENTS DON’T FEAR THE Monteverdi: In search of 1610 TO DEEP PURPLE & COMIC GENIUS REAPER LED ZEPPELIN ...... Saturday 28 October at 5.00 & 7.30 St Mary’s Church Warwick RAPHAEL WALLFISCH Bach’s Six Cello Suites ...... NOVEMBER CONCERTS COMING SOON: NT Live: Yerma, Danny Bhoy, Kim Lowings & The Greenwood, Noble Jacks, Total Commitments, Paul Morton, Richard Digance, The Manfreds, Tuesday 7 November at 7.30 Paul Foot,The Shirley Bassey Story, Scummy Mummies, Simon & Garfunkel Story, St Mary’s Church Warwick Roving Crows, Counterfeit Sixties, Vienna Festival Ballet, Robin Ince, Simon Day, PALISANDER RECORDER Ellie Taylor, Led Hendrix, Barnstormers, John Illsley, Hairy Maclary… QUARTET Journey to the New World Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer @artrixarts with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or ...... download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre Thursday 16 November at 7.30 Royal Pump Rooms Leamington www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 TAKÁCS STRING QUARTET Free parking on-site Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms

...... Thursday 23 November at 7.30 Royal Spa Centre Leamington AVESTA SAXOPHONE QUARTET 2017 Leamington Music Prize Winners ...... Thursday 30 November at 7.30 Royal Pump Rooms Leamington KODÁLY STRING QUARTET Haydn, Dohnányi, Schumann ...... CHRISTMAS CCONCERTS

Tuesday 5 December at 7.30 Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick THE MELLSTOCK BAND When Icicles Hang ...... Tuesday 12 December at 7.30 St Mary’s Church, Warwick THE YORK WAITS Goday my Lord Sir Christemas ...... Thursday 21 December at 7.30 St Mark’s Church, Leamington THE CARICE SINGERS O Holy Night ......

For tickets and full details of these concerts plus nine more in the New Year, visit www.leamingtonmusic.org Also book tickets on 01926 334418 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 4

thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 September Theatre, Kenilworth Ronald Harwood’s powerful and THE SECRET GARDEN Heartbreak Pro- comical play, Sat 9 - Sat 16 Sep, Old- ductions presents its version of the bury Rep classic children’s tale, Thurs 7 Sep, SHAKESPEARE’S WILL One-woman Bridge House Theatre, Warwick show, performed by Sally Hyde THE HISTORY BOYS The Norbury Play- Lomax, which is set immediately after ers present an amateur staging of the Bard’s funeral, Sun 10 Sep, Old Alan Bennett’s award-winning play, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Sep, Norbury Theatre, Droitwich KINGDOM COME Conceived & created by Gemma Brockis & Wendy Hub- bard, this 1960s-based play is set at Film the ‘bitter end of one political order and in the struggle towards some- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: thing new’, Thurs 7 - Sat 30 Sep, Stu- dio Theatre @ The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon BRIDESMAIDS (12a) Comedy/Ro- THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Heartbreak mance. Starring Kristen Wiig, Rose Productions presents its version of Byrne. Outdoor screening. mac, Shakespeare’s unconventional love Birmingham, Fri 1 Sep story, Fri 8 Sep, Bridge House The- THE RED TURTLE (PG) Animation/Fan- atre, Warwick tasy. With the voices of Emmanuel REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL Graeae Garijo, Tom Hudson. mac, Birming- Theatre Company pays tribute to its ham, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Sep illustrious founder, Ian Dury, with a FINAL PORTRAIT (15) Biography/Com- show inspired by his music, Fri 8 - edy. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie Sat 9 Sep, Belgrade Theatre, Coven- Hammer. mac, Birmingham, Fri 1 - try Wed 6 Sep BILLIONAIRE BOY Heartbreak Produc- THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) tions present David Walliams’ charm- Horror/Thriller. Starring Bill Nighy, Olivia Cooke. Electric Cinema, Birm- ing tale of love, loss and friendship, Heartbreak Productions: Taming Of The Shrew - Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Sat 9 Sep, Bridge House Theatre, ingham, Fri 1 - Thurs 7 Sep Warwick DUNKIRK (12a) Drama/History. Starring Sep Museum, Bromsgrove, Fri 8 Sep THE GREAT GATSBY The Crescent The- Fionn Whitehead, Damien Bonnard. LAND OF MINE (tbc) Drama/History. CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. atre Company presents Stephen Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Starring Roland Møller, Louis Hof- Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- Sharkey's stage version of Scott Thurs 7 Sep; Royal Spa Centre, mann. Foreign language, subtitled. son. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 8 Sep Fitzgerald’s novel, which delves into Leamington Spa, Fri 8 - Thurs 14 Sep mac, Birmingham, Sat 2 - Thurs 7 RAVING IRAN (tbc) a world of breathtaking glamour and GOD'S OWN COUNTRY (15) Sep Documentary/Music. The Mocking- decadent excess, Sat 9 - Sat 16 Sep, Biography/Comedy. Starring Josh GOOD MORNING VIETNAM (15) Biogra- bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 9 Sep Crescent Theatre, Birmingham O’Connor, Alec Secareanu. Electric phy/Comedy. Starring Robin IT (15) Drama/Horror. Starring Bill EQUALLY DIVIDED Amateur staging of Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Thurs 7 Williams, Forest Whitaker. Electric Skarsgård, Finn Wolfhard. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 3 Sep Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Thurs 21 THE LION KING (U) Animation/Adven- Sep ture. With the voices of Matthew WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? (PG) Ani- Broderick, Jeremy Irons. Outdoor mation/Adventure. Starring Bob showing. Priory Park, Malvern, Sun 3 Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd. Electric Sep Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 10 Sep PLANET OF THE APES TRILOGY (12) Ac- tion/Sci-Fi. Starring Andy Serkis. The Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 3 Sep NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: THE BEGUILED (12) Drama. Starring Released from Fri 1 Sep, showing at Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst. Royal selected cinemas Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sun 3 - GOD'S OWN COUNTRY (15) Wed 6 Sep MOON DOGS (15) LADY MACBETH (12) Drama. Starring Florence Pugh, Cosmo Jarvis. Artrix, PATTI CAKE$ (15) Bromsgrove, Mon 4 - Tues 5 Sep STRATTON (15) FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS (18) THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) Adventure/Comedy. Starring Johnny UNA (15) Depp, Benicio Del Toro. Electric Cin- ema, Birmingham, Thurs 7 Sep FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE WITH DOCU- Released from Fri 8 Sep, showing at MENTARY SCREENING (15) Documen- selected cinemas tary/Music. Starring Fleetwood Mac. INSYRIATED (15) The Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- IT (15) ham, Fri 8 Sep WIND RIVER (15) THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. THE VAULT (15) Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Reasons To Be Cheerful - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Claflin. Outdoor showing Avoncroft INSYRIATED (15) whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 5 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs New 1- 10 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:49 Page 6

thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 September wider world, until Wed 13 Dec, Events Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon LET'S MAKE ROBOTS WORKSHOP This AFTER HOURS When the crowds have hands-on, creative workshop shows left and the buildings are quiet, try you how to assemble your own indi- something different, from dance to vidual drawbot, a robot with pens for book-binding or learning about his- legs that will draw for you, until Fri 1 torical fashion and Shakespeare’s re- Sep, Birmingham Museum And Art lationship with cheese, until Sat 16 Gallery Dec, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Strat- ford Upon Avon SUMMER HOLIDAYS WEEKDAY PRO- GRAMME Until Fri 1 Sep, Thinktank at METHOD IN THE MADNESS: UNDER- Millennium Point, Birmingham STANDING OURSELVES THEN & NOW New exhibition exploring medicine in MAD SCIENCE SUMMER CAMP until Fri 1 the life of William Shakespeare’s son- Sep, Warwickshire University SU, in-law, the physician John Hall, until Coventry Sun 31 Dec, Hall's Croft, Stratford- WARS OF THE ROSES LIVE Epic new upon-Avon live-action show, complete with per- BECOME A FLOWER EXPLORER Help 'Ca- ilous stunt riders, fearless jousting pability' Brown find the perfect flow- and state-of-the-art special effects! ers on a family-friendly outdoor trail Creative Car Factory Workshops - Coventry Transport Museum Until Sun 3 Sep, Warwick Castle around the parkland, with a prize at and exclusive gins that you won’t find region’s finest producers, Sat 9 - Sun SUMMER HOLIDAYS ACTIVITIES Explore the end, until Sun 3 Sep, Croome anywhere else, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Sep, The 10 Sep, Tamworth Castle the new exhibition, become a treas- Park, Worcester ure hunter and seek out some of the Custard Factory, Digbeth, B’ham MIDDLE EARTH FESTIVAL See the Victo- CREATIVE CAR FACTORY: WEEK 6 Have a hidden treasures! until Sun 3 Sep, CREATIVE CAR FACTORY TRAIL Manufac- rian mill in full working order with the go at weaving a seat cover, creating a British Motor Museum, Gaydon turing-themed trail, Sat 2 Sep, Coven- volunteer millers, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Sep, car ‘horn’, lights and other essentials try Transport Museum Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birming- BUSY BEE TRAIL Find all the bees and your car might need to become a ham win a prize, until Sun 3 Sep, Sarehole fabulous Factory Car, until Sat 2 Sep, CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKET Market Mill Hall Green, Birmingham Coventry Transport Museum showcasing local designer makers’ URBAN SAFARI AT ROUNDHOUSE BIRM- quality handmade products, includ- INGHAM Travel on a Heritage narrow- BUG CRAFT Purchase your bug craft BIG AVONCROFT DIG Help excavate ing ceramics, jewellery, paintings, boat into the heart of the canal kit and get creative at the art tables, treasures and important artefacts. and craft items, Sun 3 Sep, mac, system, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Sep, The until Sun 3 Sep, Sarehole Mill, Birm- Will you discover a Roman mosaic, Birmingham Roundhouse, Birmingham ingham an English king or a long-lost build- CARS AND COFFEE BREAKFAST CLUB ing? until Fri 1 Sep, Avoncroft Mu- CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Featuring over LEAMINGTON FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Take your classic car and join other seum, Bromsgrove 800 vehicles and trade and autojum- Now in its tenth year, this free to at- ble stands, Sun 3 Sep, Himley Hall & tend event promises an ‘exciting ac- classics in a display of beautiful cars MUSEUM MEMORY CAFÉ Monthly meet- Park, Dudley tion-packed programme’ over two from years gone by, until Sat 7 Oct, ups where people with dementia and days, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Sep, Royal Coventry Transport Museum their carer/family member/friend can THRIVE FESTIVAL Birmingham’s first Pump Room Gardens, Leamington take part in museum-related activi- one-day urban wellbeing festival, Sun CARTISTS: REIMAGINING THE CAR Trans- Spa form a car into a work of art, until Sun ties, Fri 1 Sep, Soho House, B’ham 3 Sep, The Bond Complex, Digbeth, Birmingham 29 Oct, Coventry Transport Museum SUGAR TEDDY BEAR MODELLING Step- SHAKESPEARE BIRTHPLACE TRUST RE- by-step class showing how to model DUNSTALL CASTLE OPEN DAY Wed 6 SEARCH CONVERSATIONS An opportu- a teddy bear from gum paste, Fri 1 Sep, Croome Park, Worcester nity to find out more about the Sep The Custard Factory Digbeth, PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Step inside the , , Festivals Shakespeare and Stratford-upon- Birmingham murky underworld of the Peaky Blind- Avon-related research taking place at GIN FESTIVAL Featuring over 100 dif- ers as you discover their dark history, MOSELEY FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- the Shakespeare Centre and in the ferent gins to try, including brand new Fri 8 - Sat 9 Sep, Black Country Liv- ing Museum, Dudley cludes Laura Marling, Amy Macdon- ald, Seth Lakeman, Fairport LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL Award-win- Convention, Kate Rusby, The Magic ning foodies event featuring famous Numbers & Jose Gonzalez, Fri 1 - ale & sausage trails, cookery demon- Sun 3 Sep, Moseley Park, B’ham strations, hands-on workshops and much more... Fri 8 - Sun 10 Sep, Lud- OFF THE TRACKS SUMMER FESTIVAL low Castle, South Shropshire Line-up includes Peatbog Faeries, Dub Pistols, Arthur Brown, Misty In AN UNEXPECTED... BIRTHDAY Celebra- Roots & more... Fri 1 - Sun 3 Sep, tion of the 80th anniversary of The Donington Park Farmhouse, Castle Hobbit, complete with live music and Donington, Derbyshire plenty of ale, Sat 9 Sep, Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, Birmingham ONBOARD THE CRAFT FESTIVAL 3 days of space rock prog & blues with Ter- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Discover minal Cheesecake, The Bernie Torme the world behind the curtain and Band, Deepshade, Dr Hasbeen and learn about the amazing story of the more... Fri 8 - Sat 9 Sep, Stoke Prior Hippodrome, Sat 9 Sep, Birmingham Sports & Country Club, Stoke Prior, Hippodrome Bromsgrove, Worcestershire BOURNVILLE HERITAGE OPEN DAY Visit BROMYARD FOLK FESTIVAL Line-up in- historic Bournville, where a hub of cludes Le Vent du Nord, The Mighty heritage sites will be open for free, Doonans, Crows & Granny’s Attic, Fri Sat 9 Sep, Selly Manor, Bournville, 8 - Sun 10 Sep, Bromyard, Hereford- Birmingham shire TAMWORTH FOOD GUSTO FESTIVAL A Le Vent du Nord - Bromyard Folk Festival taste of something different from the whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW Warwick & Worcs 11 - 17 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:47 Page 1

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 September OUR HOUSE Olivier Award-winning Classical Madness musical starring Em- merdale star Deena Payne and Britain’s Got Talent’s George Samp- Music son, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Sep, Malvern Theatre CHINEKE! ORCHESTRA Featuring Rod- MURDER IN A PLAY Malvern Theatre erick Cox (conductor) & Tai Murray Players present Simon Brett’s play (violin). Programme includes works within a play, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Sep, by Coleridge-Taylor, Mendelssohn & Malvern Theatre Elgar, Sat 16 Sep, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BLITHE SPIRIT The Nonentities pre- sent an amateur staging of Noel ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE OR- Coward’s supernatural comedy, CHESTRA Monteverdi 450 Tour Ves- Mon 11 - Sat 16 Sep, The Rose The- pers of 1610. Christopher Monks atre, Kidderminster directs, Sat 16 Sep, St Mary’s Church, Warwick SON OF A PREACHER MAN Diana Vick- ers, Debra Stephenson & Ian Red- TOSCA Russian State Opera presents dington star in a touching new Puccini’s much-loved work. Sung in musical featuring the greatest hits of Italian with English surtitles, Sun 17 Dusty Springfield, Tues 12 - Sat 16 Sep, Malvern Theatre Sep, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham The Roving Crows - Evesham Arts Centre THE CLASS PROJECT Rebecca Atkin- Hounds, Birmingham SUPREME QUEEN Sat 16 son-Lord presents a show about be- longing, tribes, families and ‘the STARMAN - THE STORY Sep, Palace Theatre, Gigs place you belong because you were OF DAVID BOWIE Fri 15 Redditch born there’, Wed 13 Sep, mac, Birm- Sep, The Core The- KRAFTY KUTS AND Comedy PONS AELIUS Tues 12 ingham Sep, Kitchen Garden atre, Solihull PLUMP DJS Sat 16 Sep, THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA Family Cafe, Birmingham HOT DUB TIME MACHINE Hare & Hounds, Birm- INDER MANOCHA, MICKEY SHARMA, show based on Judith Kerr’s chil- Fri 15 Sep, O2 Insti- ingham HYDE PANASER & SUKH KAUR OJLA ROOM 94 Tues 12 Sep, dren’s book of the same name and tute, Birmingham WALKWAY Sat 16 Sep, Mon 11 Sep, Belgrade Theatre, The Rainbow Venues, packed with ‘oodles of magic, singa- The Iron Road, Eve- Coventry Digbeth, Birmingham USTAD RAHAT FATEH ALI long songs and clumsy chaos’, Wed sham TONY LAW, JESSICA FOSTEKEW, A NIGHT OF AMY Wed KHAN - THE TRIBUTE 13 - Sat 16 Sep, Belgrade Theatre, MATTHEW COLLINS & CHRIS PURCHASE 13 Sep, O2 Institute, TOUR Fri 15 Sep, Sym- IMAR Sat 16 Sep, The Coventry phony Hall, B’ham Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Fri 15 Sep, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVAL Sudden Nr Evesham ZOE LYONS, KAI HUMPHRIES, MARK VO FLETCHER Wed 13 THE BUTTERS ALIENS - Impulse Theatre present an amateur MAIER & KAE KURD Fri 15 Sep, The Sep, Symphony Hall, Fri 15 Sep, O2 Insti- THE ROVING CROWS Sat staging of Alan Ayckbourn’s play Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham tute, Birmingham 16 Sep, Evesham Arts about an amateur production of The Centre, Worcestershire NICK PAGE, MARK SIMMONS, TROY FRET AND FIDDLE Thurs SHANTI CELESTE Fri 15 Beggar’s Opera that’s going off the HAWKE & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Fri 15 14, Sep, mac, B’ham Sep, Hare & Hounds, THE EDWIN STARR BAND rails, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Sep, Abbey Birmingham Sat 16 Sep, Artrix, Sep, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Theatre, Nuneaton BARNHART & HUXLEY - Bromsgrove ZOE LYONS, KAI HUMPHRIES, MARK JAZZ & JOKES Thurs 14 THE UPBEAT BEATLES Fri THE HISTORY BOYS The Norbury Play- MAIER & KAE KURD Sat 16 Sep, The Sep, The Core The- 15 Sep, Huntingdon IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC ers present an amateur staging of Glee Club, Birmingham atre, Solihull Hall, Worcester ROCK NIGHT Sat 16 Alan Bennett’s award-winning play, Sep, Route 44, Birm- KAREN BAYLEY, STUART MITCHELL & Thurs 14 - Sat 16 Sep, Norbury The- THE BLUES CARAVAN THE MANFREDS Fri 15 ingham RICHARD MASSARA Sat 16 Sep, Jon- atre, Droitwich 2017 Thurs 14 Sep, Sep, Artrix, Broms- gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham The Iron Road, Eve- grove MOSTLY AUTUMN Sat 16 MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS Songs from the greatest West End and sham THE BEAT (STARRING Sep, The Assembly, GARY DELANEY Sat 16 Sep, Stour- Broadway shows, starring Jai Mc- DAVE WAKELING) Fri 15 Leamington Spa bridge Town Hall SKYWALKER & COAST Dowall (winner of Britain’s Got Tal- Sep, O2 Academy, KILLERSTREAM Sat 16 TO COAST Thurs 14 ent) and Michael Courtney, Fri 15 Birmingham Sep, The River Sep, The Sunflower Sep, Palace Theatre, Redditch Lounge, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 'MO- Rooms, Stourbridge NOBBO Our Star Theatre Company TOWN' PARTY WITH THE 80'S MANIA Sat 16 Sep, PINACT Thurs 14 Sep, presents a double-bill of one-act BROTHERS OF SOUL Fri Malvern Theatres Theatre The Flapper, B’ham comedies written by Herefordshire- 15 Sep, Nailcote Hall, THE BIG CHRIS BARBER PETER BRUNTNELL THE RAILWAY CHILDREN New stage based playwright David Pollard, Fri Berkswell, Warwick- BAND Sat 16 Sep, Thurs 14 Sep, Kitchen production bringing E Nesbit’s clas- 15 Sep, Malvern Theatre shire Huntingdon Hall, Garden Cafe, B’ham sic tale to life, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Sep, DIDO, QUEEN OF CARTHAGE Kimberley ANNETTE GREGORY Worcester ABSOLUTE BLONDIE Sykes delves into Christopher Mar- SINGS & CELEBRATES Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Thurs 14 Sep, The CATS IN SPACE Sat 16 lowe's darkly humorous tale of poli- ELLA FITZGERALD 100 Robin, Wolverhampton Sep, O2 Academy, tics, identity and happiness... Fri 15 YEARS Fri 15 Sep, Birmingham Sep - Sat 28 Oct, The Swan Theatre, RICHARD DIGANCE THE Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Stratford-upon-Avon THE DAME SHIRLEY TOUR Thurs 14 Sep, BASSEY STORY Sun 17 CORIOLANUS Angus Jackson directs THE VELVETS Sat 16 Artrix, Bromsgrove Sep, Artrix, Broms- Shakespeare’s full-throttle war play, Sep, O2 Academy, grove taking audiences back to the emer- NEIL SEDAKA Thurs 14 Birmingham Sep, Symphony Hall, THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - gence of the republic of Rome, Fri BANFI, BRYDE & DANIEL Birmingham KATE BUSH TRIBUTE 15 Sep - Sat 14 Oct, Royal Shake- JOHN MARSDEN Sat 16 Sun 17 Sep, The River speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon GENO WASHINGTON AND Sep, The Sunflower Rooms, Stourbridge THE MAN WHO LIKED ORDER All & THE RAM JAM BAND Fri Lounge, Birmingham 15 Sep, Hare & Sundry present Mike Richardson’s 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwick & Worcs 11 - 17 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:47 Page 2

Monday 11 - Sunday 17 September

psychological thriller, Fri 15 - Sat 16 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove Talks CULT FIGURE: KENNETH WILLIAMS Cele- bration of the late Carry On star fea- LICENCED TO RHYME Monthly spoken turing some of the most hilarious and word event mixing poetry, prose and, poignant stories and anecdotes he occasionally, music, Mon 11 Sep, Ar- shared throughout his life, Sat 16 trix, Bromsgrove Sep, Lichfield Garrick HERITAGE TALK - BEATRICE CADBURY SING-A-LONG-A ROCKY HORROR PICTURE Author Fiona Joseph tells the com- SHOW Take part in the campest cult pelling true story of the Cadbury classic of all time, Sat 16 Sep, The heiress who gave away her fortune to Roses, Tewkesbury Bournville workers in pursuit of a BEAUTY FOR ASHES Creative Mouth- fairer society. Part of the Birmingham piece play about a difficult Heritage Festival, Wed 13 Sep, Selly mother/son relationship, Sat 16 Sep, Manor, Bournville, Birmingham The Old Rep, Birmingham THE GAME'S AFOOT TRY THE FISH (AND THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED HIP) Ac- claimed Edinburgh Festival show fea- turing Wodehousian witticisms, farce Film The Man Who Liked Order and highly quotable one-liners, Sat Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 - Sat 16 September 16 Sep, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Semi-professional theatre group All & Sundry have previously DA-BANGG: THE TOUR Bollywood DENNIS SKINNER: NATURE OF THE BEAST staged productions of high-profile plays including The Glass megastar Salman Khan headlines the (tbc) Documentary/Biography. The Menagerie, Calendar Girls and An Inspector Calls, so it’s perhaps most ‘slick & superior Bollywood Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, a bit of a departure for them to be presenting Mike Richardson’s stage show to date’, Sat 16 Sep, Bar- Mon 11 Sep far less well-known work. The action revolves around a man claycard Arena, Birmingham CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. named John Bradshaw, a loner whose neatly ordered world is Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- suddenly compromised by the arrival of a young woman called son. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 11 - Tues 12 Sep Sarah. Despite his antisocial tendencies, Bradshaw finds himself DAVID GILMOUR: LIVE AT POMPEII (12a) warming to his new friend - but when she starts to ask questions Music. Starring David Gilmour. Elec- about his past, he begins to wonder whether his trust in her has tric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 13 been dangerously misplaced... Sep; mac, Birmingham, Wed 13 Sep; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 13 Sep THE JUNGLE BUNCH (U) Wellingborough, Northamptonshire MAUDIE (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- THE VILLAINESS (tbc) GIN TASTING Gin masterclass includ- ring Sally Hawkins, Ethan Hawke. VICTORIA AND ABDUL (PG) ing a perfectly made G&T, a talk Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, through the history of gin and a tu- Fri 15 - Sun 17 Sep tored tasting of six gins from small in- THE LAST WORD (15) Comedy/Drama. dependent producers, Sat 16 Sep, Starring Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham WHEN WE ARE MARRIED Amateur stag- Seyfried. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 Events BIRMINGHAM CRUISE SHOW Europe’s ing of JB Priestley’s comedy, Sat 16 - Sep largest event of its kind with over 28 Sat 23 Sep, Rugby Theatre ADELE TRIBUTE WITH DOCUMENTARY cruise liners and partners exhibiting, THE DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY STORY In- SCREENING (tbc) Documentary/Music. EXTREME CHILLI FESTIVAL Live music, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Sep, NEC, B’ham ternational impersonator Paula Ran- The Mockingbird Cinema, Birming- street performances and plenty of URBAN SAFARI AT ROUNDHOUSE BIRM- dell celebrates Dame Shirley’s 80th ham, Sat 16 Sep chilli-inspired food, drink and gifts, Fri INGHAM A rare chance to travel on a birthday, Sun 17 Sep, Artrix, Broms- SING-A-LONG-A ROCKY HORROR PICTURE 15 - Sat 16 Sep, Brindleyplace, Birm- Heritage narrowboat into the heart of grove SHOW (tbc) Comedy/Musical. Starring ingham the canal system, Sun 17 Sep, The MAD ABOUT THE MUSICALS Songs from Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon. The PEAKY BLINDERS NIGHT Step inside the Roundhouse, Birmingham West End & Broadway shows, star- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 16 murky underworld of the Peaky Blind- BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Unlock the ring Jai McDowall (winner of Britain’s Sep ers as you discover their dark history, secrets of Witley's partying past. Got Talent) and Michael Courtney, FULL METAL JACKET (12a) Drama/War. Fri 15 - Sat 16 Sep, Black Country Over-16s only, Sun 17 Sep, Witley Sun 17 Sep, Swan Theatre, Worcs Starring Matthew Modine, R. Lee Living Museum, Dudley Court, Worcestershire Ermey. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, EVENING HOUSE TOURS 2017 Sat 16 Sun 17 Sep Sep, Packwood House, Solihull MAMMA MIA (PG) Comedy/Musical. SAVING SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHPLACE: Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Bros- THE 170TH ANNIVERSARY Discover how Festivals Dance nan. Outdoor showing. Priory Park, Charles Dickens spearheaded the Malvern, Sun 17 Sep campaign to save Shakespeare's BEYOND THE TRACKS Line-up includes BRB - STUDIO TO STAGE Hour-long, in- Birthplace for the nation, Sat 16 Sep, Orbital, Ocean Colour Scene, Left- depth introduction to the world of bal- Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford field & The Editors, Fri 15 - Sun 17 let, demystifying the language, the Upon Avon Sep, Eastside City Park, Birmingham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: artistry and the practicalities of all the RUN WHAT YA BRUNG Take your car or KENILWORTH ARTS FESTIVAL Line-up in- leaps and lifts! With ballet master Do- Released from Fri 15 Sep, showing at motorcycle out on the quarter-mile cludes Treetop Flyers, Kizzy Craw- minic Antonucci, Wed 13 - Thurs 14 selected cinemas dragstrip and test its performance ford, Strange Labyrinths & The Rude Sep, Birmingham Hippodrome AMERICAN ASSASSIN (18) limits in a safe and legal environment, Mechanicals Band, Sun 17 - Sat 23 Sat 16 Sep, Santa Pod Raceway, Sep, various venues, Kenilworth MOTHER (tbc)

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 September Spa Gatehouse Theatre MIKE SKINNER & MURK- Classical MARK NELSON, KEVIN MCCARTHY, AGE PRESENT TONGA Fri GEORGE EGG & CAREY MARX Sat 23 22 Sep, Hare & Music Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham DANNY DEEGAN, OLA Sat 23 Sep, Jon- THE BON JOVI EXPERI- TRIO APACHES Featuring Matthew gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham ENCE Fri 22 Sep, The Trusler (violin), Thomas Carroll PAUL FOOT Sat 23 Sep, Artrix, Broms- River Rooms, Stour- (cello) & Ashley Wass (piano). Pro- grove bridge gramme includes works by Saint- HEAVY BEAT BRASS Saëns, Sally Beamish & Brahms, BAND Fri 22 Sep, Hare Thurs 21 Sep, Malvern Theatre & Hounds, B’ham CBSO: HAYDN THE CREATION Featuring THE ELO ENCOUNTER Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Theatre Sat 23 Sep, The Marr's Lydia Teuscherė (soprano), Thomas Bar, Worcester Hobbs (tenor), Matthew Brook MOZART VS MACHINE A high-octane PAUL DRAPER Sat 23 (bass) & the CBSO Chorus, Thurs mash-up of Mozart opera, electronic Sep, O2 Institute, 21 - Sat 23 Sep, Symphony Hall, sound and video, bringing some of Birmingham Birmingham history’s most iconic artists together G-DRAGON Sat 23 Sep, PORPORA’S L’AGRIPPINA Nicola Por- in a theatrical sci-fi-gameshow en- Genting Arena, B’ham pora’s 1708 opera is here revived for counter, Tues 19 Sep, mac, B’ham the first time since its premiere. The THE DAME SHIRLEY A JUDGEMENT IN STONE Brand new production features Daisy Evans & staging of Ruth Rendell’s best-sell- BASSEY STORY Sat 23 Andrew Kirkman (directors) & the Sep, Dovehouse The- ing novel, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Sep, Bel- Baroque Orchestra - Musical & Ami- grade Theatre, Coventry atre, Olton, Solihull cable Society, Thurs 21 - Sun 24 WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE? Worcester AWJ TRIO Sat 23 Sep, Sep, The Barber Institute, B’ham mac, Birmingham Repertory Company present the SACCONI STRING QUARTET Featuring mystery of Agatha Christie’s 11 lost Neville Staple Band - The Assembly, Leamington Spa SIMON AND GARFUNKEL: Mark Padmore (tenor) & Freddie days, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Sep, Swan THROUGH THE YEARS Brown (piano). Programme includes Lounge, Birmingham Theatre, Worcester Sat 23 Sep, Bedworth works by Finzi, Alec Roth & Vaughan A PANDEMONIUM OF POE Evening of Gigs TURNOVER Fri 22 Sep, Civic Hall Williams, Sun 24 Sep, Great Malvern eerie entertainment featuring an O2 Institute, B’ham Priory, Worcestershire ANDY JAMES & ANGEL original theatrical anthology of a se- ELIO PACE PERFORMS WANNABE - THE SPICE VIVALDI Sat 23 Sep, lection of Edgar Allan Poe's ‘finest THE BILLY JOEL SONG- GIRLS SHOW Fri 22 O2 Academy, B’ham feats of fear-filled fiction’, Wed 20 BOOK Mon 18 Sep, Sep, The Swan The- NE-YO Sat 23 Sep, O2 Sep, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Malvern Theatres atre, Worcester Academy, Birmingham ingham RAINBOW GIRLS Tues HYMNS FOR ROBOTS Fri MFC CONCERT 2017 Sat Comedy JOHN CHALLIS: ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE 19 Sep, Kitchen Gar- 22 Sep, Belgrade The- 23 Sep, Pershore An intimate evening with one of the den Cafe, Birmingham atre, Coventry Abbey, Worcestershire TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 18 Sep, nation’s favourite comedy actors, JON GOMM Tues 19 MACHINE GUN KELLY Fri The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham YOUNG GUNS Sat 23 Wed 20 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove Sep, The Assembly, 22 Sep, O2 Academy, Sep, The Asylum, THE SCUMMY MUMMIES SHOW Tues THAT'LL BE THE DAY Nostalgia, laughs Leamington Spa Birmingham Birmingham 19 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove and rock’n’roll, Wed 20 Sep, Palace CHARLY BLISS Wed 20 KILLIN BAUDELAIRE Fri PURPLE ZEPPELIN Sat PAUL ZERDIN Wed 20 Sep, Lichfield Theatre, Redditch Sep, The Sunflower 22 Sep, The Iron 23 Sep, Artrix, Broms- Garrick PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH Brand new Lounge, Birmingham Road, Evesham grove TOM STADE Wed 20 Sep, The Glee show featuring the ventriloquist’s RYAN MCMULLAN Wed DIRE STREETS Fri 22 SWINGING 60'S MO- Club, Birmingham army of (in)famous puppets, Wed 20 20 Sep, Hare & Sep, The Roses The- TOWN PARTY WITH THE CARLY SMALLMAN, SIMON LOMAS & Sep, Lichfield Garrick Hounds, Birmingham atre, Tewkesbury KRYSTALETTES Sat 23 ANDY WHITE Thurs 21 Sep, Crescent FINDING JOY Masked theatrical com- MIRANDA SYKES Wed THE FACES EXPERIENCE Sep, Nailcote Hall, Theatre, Birmingham pany Vamos explore the subject of 20 Sep, The Red Lion Fri 22 Sep, The Road- Berkswell, Warwick- RAW COMEDY Thurs 21 Sep, Eve- dementia ‘through humour and hu- Folk Club, Birmingham house, Birmingham shire sham Arts Centre manity’, Wed 20 Sep, The Roses, THAT'LL BE THE DAY Tewkesbury TELSEN & ELECTRIC PURE PURPLE Sat 23 TOM STADE Fri 22 Sep, Huntingdon Wed 20 Sep, Palace SOUP Fri 22 Sep, Sep, Route 44, B’ham Hall, Worcester GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY Scratchworks Theatre, Redditch Route 44, Birmingham Theatre Company present the story BORN IN THE EIGHTIES ROBERT NEWMAN Fri 22 Sep, mac, JOHN LEGEND Wed 20 of four forgotten females as they NEVILLE STAPLE BAND Sat 23 Sep, The River Birmingham Sep, Barclaycard Fri 22 Sep, The As- Rooms, Stourbridge leave behind their kitchen-sink lives Arena, Birmingham sembly, Leamington BARBARA NICE Fri 22 Sep, Stafford and embark on ‘a madcap adven- Gatehouse Theatre MASSMATIKS & YOUTH ture of mischief and mayhem’, Wed 20 Sep, Bridge House Theatre, War- KILLED IT Wed 20 Sep, MARK NELSON, KEVIN MCCARTHY, wick The Flapper, B’ham GEORGE EGG & CAREY MARX Fri 22 Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham NELL GWYNN GRAHAM MACKENZIE Kidderminster Operatic & Dramatic Society present an ama- Thurs 21 Sep, The RHYS JAMES, STEPHEN GRANT FEATUR- teur staging of Jessica Swale’s Fleece Inn, Bretforton, ING TUDOR OWEN & COMIC TBC (FRI), bawdy comedy, Wed 20 - Sat 23 Nr Evesham TUDOR OWEN & JEFF INNOCENT (SAT) Fri 22 - Sat 23 Sep, The Comedy Sep, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- AND FINALLY... PHIL Loft, Birmingham ster COLLINS Thurs 21 Sep, FORMULA X A show that promises to The Swan Theatre, PADDY LENNOX, STEVE HARRIS, PETER be ‘a thrilling spectacle, taking audi- Worcester BRUSH & BEN VAN DER VELDE Fri 22 Sep, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton ences to the heart of motorsport’, BABY STRANGE Thurs Wed 20 - Sat 30 Sep, Playbox The- Young Guns - The Asylum, Birminghan STEWART LEE Fri 22 Sep, Stafford 21 Sep, The Sunflower atre, The Dream Factory, Warwick whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwickshire/Worcs 18 - 24 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:45 Page 3

TUE 10 OCT , 7.30pm NOT ABOUT HEROES This production won a Best Actor accolade at the Wales Theatre Awards for Daniel Llewelyn Williams, who reprises his role here as Sassoon. The show is on the first part of a world tour com- memorating the centenary of both the meeting depicted in the play, and of the Armistice. The show is presented by acclaimed Welsh com- pany Flying Bridge and Olivier Award winning producers Seabright Productions.ver acknowl- edge. But who is in control?

SAT 14 NOV , 11am & 2pm PETER AND THE WOLF Peter and Grandad have gone camping for the weekend. Grandad says stick to the campsite but Peter has other ideas… Join Peter on a hilarious adventure through the fields and forest as he discovers new sounds and noises. Featuring animal antics of singing birds, waddling ducks, sneaky cats, and a rock- ing wolf. With new music lovingly inspired by Prokofiev’s classic, this is Peter and the Wolf as you’ve never seen it before.

WED 15 NOV, 5pm THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK All aboard! The ship is departing! All children, ani- mals and silly people welcome! The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds. Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly origi- nal, ultra-modern adaptation inspired by his much loved classic poem. MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwickshire/Worcs 18 - 24 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:45 Page 4

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 September A DANGEROUS WOMAN Brand new ‘wandering show’ inspired by TS El- show telling the story of one woman's liot’s The Hollow Men. This event struggle to carve her own path in a forms part of the Birmingham Week- family of six females, Thurs 21 - Sat ender event. See page 32 for more 23 Sep, The REP, B’ham details, Sat 23 Sep, Birmingham City CRAIG MORRIS An evening of medi- Centre umship, Thurs 21 Sep, Bedworth MONSKI MOUSE'S BABY DISCO DANCE Civic Hall HALL Morning of family fun as DJ FINDING JOY Masked theatrical com- Mumma Monski Mouse spins a host pany Vamos explore the subject of of tunes for younger audiences, Sat dementia ‘through humour & human- 23 Sep, Birmingham Town Hall ity’, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Sep, Artrix, TOGETHER IN HARMONY Crescendo Bromsgrove Musical Theatre present a showcase THE MAN WHO LIKED ORDER All & of Broadway and West End hits, Sun Sundry present Mike Richardson’s 24 Sep, The Core Theatre, Solihull psychological thriller, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Sep, Palace Theatre, Redditch QUARTET Bear Pit Theatre Company present an amateur production of Ron Harwood's play about ageing Dance opera singers, Fri 22 - Sat 30 Sep, Tango Moderno - New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham The Bear Pit Theatre, The United Re- RIP IT UP: DANCING THROUGH THE 50S formed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon Jay McGuiness, Natalie Lowe and YOTAM OTTOLENGHI & HELEN GOH Hammer. Royal Spa Centre, Leam- BIRMINGHAM IS FUNNY: ROB KEMP IN Louis Smith swing, bop, jitterbug, Yotam Ottolenghi talks about his in- ington Spa, Sat 23 - Thurs 28 Sep THE ELVIS DEAD Cult classic horror lindy hop, jive and ballroom dance spirations, his cooking philosophy ANCESTRAL VOICES: SPIRIT IS ETERNAL movie Evil Dead 2 reinterpreted their way through ‘the greatest songs and his eagerly-awaited cookbook, (tbc) Documentary. With Q&A. The through the songs of Elvis, Fri 22 from the greatest decade of music’, written with long-time friend and col- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Sep, mac, Birmingham Tues 19 Sep, Symphony Hall, Birm- laborator Helen Goh, Fri 22 Sep, Sat 23 Sep HYMNS FOR ROBOTS Inspired by Delia ingham Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- Derbyshire, Noctium explores the TANGO MODERNO Strictly stars Vincent Avon story of the BBC Radiophonic Work- Simone and Flavia Cacace fuse ball- MUSIC & POETRY: A COMPOSER’S PER- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: shop and its unaccredited pioneer of room, Latin and Argentine tango in a SPECTIVE Illustrated talk by distin- Released from Fri 22 Sep, showing at electronic sound, Fri 22 Sep, Bel- ‘hot’ new stage spectacular, Tues 19 - guished composer Alec Roth, Sat 23 selected cinemas grade Theatre, Coventry Sat 23 Sep, New Alexandra Theatre, Sep, Malvern Theatre KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE (tbc) Birmingham AS A TIGER IN THE JUNGLE Theatrical LUCY MANGAN: WORDS The Guardian BORG VS MCENROE (tbc) experience fusing circus, ceremony TORO: BEAUTY & THE BULL Gender- columnist discusses her writing, Sun and spoken word... Fri 22 - Sat 23 questioning take on the fairytale of 24 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove Sep, The REP, Birmingham Beauty And The Beast, set in a DUET FOR ONE Intensely moving look dystopian South American land- at what happens when unexpected scape, Fri 22 Sep, DanceXchange, Events events lead people to revaluate their The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- AN EXPERIENCE WITH ARNOLD lives. Jemma Redgrave and Oliver podrome Film SCHWARZENEGGER Thurs 21 Sep, Cotton star in this revival of Tom DAKSHA SHETH DANCE COMPANY: SARI INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel, Kempinski's award-winning play, Fri Bridging the gap between contempo- Birmingham 22 Sep - Sat 7 Oct, The REP, B’ham rary and traditional Indian dance, in- RETRO GAMES NIGHT Monthly event MR DARCY LOSES THE PLOT Jane ternationally renowned dancer and THE LAST WORD (15) Comedy/Drama. hosted by The Big Comfy Book Austen is busy dreaming up Darcy - a choreographer Daksha Sheth pre- Starring Shirley MacLaine, Amanda Shop, Thurs 21 Sep, Fargo Village, proud, lip-curling, handsome creation sents a new show celebrating an item Seyfried. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 18 Coventry in very tight pants... Sat 23 Sep, Lich- of clothing intrinsically intertwined Sep with Indian culture, Sat 23 - Sun 24 field Garrick A GHOST STORY (12a) Drama/Fantasy. ART RAVE Techno rave in association Sep, mac, Birmingham with Birmingham Weekender and cel- STADIUM: THE MOVIE Free, live capture Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara. ebrating art across the city, Fri 22 of The REP’s recent production, Sta- SOMETHING THEN, SOMETHING NOW Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sep, Birmingham Museum And Art dium, in which the thrill of football is Seeta Patel presents her critically ac- Tues 19 - Thurs 21 Sep claimed solo work, Sun 24 Sep, Birm- Gallery told through the drama of theatre, Sat OXIDE GHOSTS: THE BRASS EYE TAPES ingham Hippodrome 23 Sep, Electric Cinema, B’ham (18) Documentary. Starring Chris Mor- A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE Featuring over 150 exhibitors from all over the FIRST STAGES: NO KIDDING Interactive ris. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, world, this exhibition of the Channel4 and playful show with a serious mes- Thurs 21 Sep TV show of the same name offers sage about friendship, co-operation INSIDE PEACE Documentary/Crime. Di- plenty of inspiration to help guide you and being aware of each other's feel- Talks rected by Cynthia Fitzpatrick. mac, through the buying process and find- ings, Sat 23 Sep, The REP, B’ham Birmingham, Thurs 21 Sep AN EVENING WITH THE FLYING SCOTS- ing your ideal property abroad, Fri 22 CINEBRA: A HISTORY OF HORROR Hybrid MAN An illustrated talk by filmmaker MAMMA MIA (PG) Comedy/Musical. - Sun 24 Sep, NEC, Birmingham horror musical comedy featuring live David Parker, Tues 19 Sep, Malvern Starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Bros- THE CYCLE SHOW The UK’s largest cy- scares and ‘unforgettable’ songs, Sat Theatre nan. This is a sing-a-long showing. cling exhibition with the very latest 23 Sep, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, Thurs 21 bikes & accessories under one roof, Birmingham JAY RAYNER: THE TEN (FOOD) COM- Sep MANDMENTS The Guardian’s foodie Fri 22 - Sun 24 Sep, NEC, B’ham MILKSHAKE! LIVE Brand new live show columnist talks about his search for (500) DAYS OF SUMMER (12) Com- BIRMINGHAM WEEKENDER featuring songs, stories and lots of the culinary land, his dining hell and edy/Drama. The Mockingbird Cin- Fri 22The - Sun city’s 24 audience participation, Sat 23 Sep, his appalling restaurant experiences, ema, Birmingham, Fri 22 Sep Sep,biggest Various arts fe locationsstival, throughout Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Sat 20 Sep, Stratford Artshouse, FINAL PORTRAIT (15) Biography/Com- Birmingham PEREGRINUS KTO Theatre present a Stratford-upon-Avon edy. Starring Geoffrey Rush, Armie

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Warwick/Worcs 25 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:43 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwick/Worcs 25 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:43 Page 2

thelist Monday 25 - Sat 30 September lins), Charlotte Bonneton (violas) & Classical Music Chrisopher Graves (cello), Fri 29 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH CBSO CENTRE STAGE WOODWIND Fea- THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- turing Veronika Klírova (flute), Rainer cludes works by T. Susato (arr. Trot- Gibbons, Emmet Byrne & Rachael ter), Locklair, CPE Bach, Pankhurst (oboes), Oliver Janes & Jo Mendelssohn & Stanford, Mon 25 Patton (clarinets), Mark O’Brien (bass Sep, Victoria Square, Birmingham clarinet), Margaret Cookhorn (bas- soon), Hetty Snell (cello). Programme ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: includes works by Barber, Françaix, MENDELSSOHN’S SCOTTISH Featuring Janá ek & Dvorák, Fri 29 Sep, CBSO Diane Clark (flute), Victoria Brawn Centre,č Birmingham (oboe), Sally Harrop (clarinet), Philip Brookes (bassoon), Francesca ANNELIEN VAN WAUWE, PAVEL Moore-Bridger (horn) & Patrycja KOLESNIKOV WITH TAMSIN WALEY- Pieczara (conductor). Programme in- COHEN Programme includes works by cludes works by Malcolm Arnold, Beethoven, Chopin, Stravinsky & Mozart & Mendelssohn, Tues 26 Sep, Ravel, Sat 30 Sep, Stratford Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon Avon The Ruts DC - The Assembly, Leamington Spa PAVEL KOLESNIKOV PIANO CONCERT MIRGA CONDUCTS MAHLER'S FOURTH Programme comprises Chopin: Im- CLIVE GREGSON Thurs 30 Sep, Albany The- Featuring the City of Birmingham promptu no.1 Op 29, Fantasie Im- 28 Sep, Evesham Arts atre, Coventry Symphony Orchestra, Mirga promptu, Fantasie in F minor, Valse in Gigs C sharp minor & 4 Mazurkas, Grande Centre, Worcs PATSY CLINE AND Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) Marie- valse brillante in E flat major, Op 18, THE HARTS, SAVE STATE FRIENDS Sat 30 Sep, Christineė Zupancic (flute), Xavier de MR JUKES Mon 25 Sep, Sat 30 Sep, Stratford Artshouse, & THE CELLARS Thurs 28 The Core Theatre, Soli- Maistre (harp), Wed 27 Sep Sym- O2 Institute, B’ham Stratford-upon-Avon Sep, The Sunflower hull phony Hall, Birmingham SARAH CLOSE Mon 25 MASTERS OF THE BAROQUE Programme Lounge, Birmingham GIRL POWER Sat 30 Sep, RODERICK WILLIAMS EVENING SONG Sep, O2 Institute, Birm- includes works by Schütz, Boyce, DR HOOK STARRING DEN- Belgrade Theatre, RECITAL Featuring Susie Allan (piano). ingham Bach & Handel, Sat 30 Sep, All NIS LOCORRIERE Thurs Coventry Programme includes works by THE BLACK ANGELS Tues Vaughan Williams, Butterworth, Gur- Saints’ Church, Leamington Spa 28 Sep, Malvern The- THE LITTLE MIX EXPERI- 26 Sep, O2 Institute, ney and works inspired by Schubert’s WWI THE ARMED MAN: A MASS FOR atres ENCE Sat 30 Sep, Bel- Birmingham Die S höne Müllerin, Wed 27 Sep, PEACE Featuring ELGAR Cello Con- WATERPARKS Fri 29 Sep, grade Theatre, THE QUO EXPERIENCE Stratfordć Artshouse, Stratford-upon- certo with BBC Young Musician Win- O2 Academy, B’ham Coventry Tues 26 Sep, Belgrade Avon, ner Laura Van der Heijden: Theatre, Coventry KILLER QUEEN Fri 29 WITHOUT GRACE Sat 30 Worcestershire Centenary Chorus, Sep, Belgrade Theatre, Sep, O2 Academy, FREDO Tues 26 Sep, O2 250 young voices marking the cente- Coventry Birmingham Institute, B’ham nary of the Great War; Orchestra of TYREE COOPER, MARK THE JAMES TAYLOR the Swan conducted by Neil Ferris, THE BREW Tues 26 Sep, ARCHER & JOCK LEE Fri QUARTET Sat 30 Sep, Sat 30 Sep, Worcester Cathedral The Robin, Bilston 29 Sep, Hare & The Roses Theatre, SUZANNE VEGA Tues 26 Hounds, Birmingham Tewkesbury Sep, Symphony Hall, MOXIE Fri 29 Sep, Hare CHAS N DAVE Sat 30 Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham Sep, The Assembly, AQUILO Tues 26 Sep, TALON - THE BEST OF EA- Leamington Spa Comedy O2 Academy, B’ham GLES Fri 29 Sep, The THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- A LEGEND OF WALES Roses Theatre, Tewkes- TIES TRIBUTE SHOW Sat ED BYRNE Mon 25 Sep, Roses The- Wed 27 Sep, mac, bury 30 Sep, Artrix, Broms- atre, Tewkesbury Birmingham WHALEBONE Fri 29 Sep, grove NICK HELM Wed 27 Sep, mac, B’ham SOMEONE LIKE YOU - THE The Edge, Digbeth, THE AUSTRALIAN PINK ROB BRYDON Thurs 28 Sep, Sym- ADELE SONGBOOK Wed Birmingham FLOYD SHOW Sat 30 phony Hall, Birmingham 27 Sep, Belgrade The- THE RUTS DC Fri 29 Sep, Sep, Barclaycard GILDAS STRING QUARTET Featuring DANNY BHOY Fri 29 Sep, The Core atre, Coventry The Assembly, Leam- Arena, Birmingham Jack McNeill (clarinet). Programme Theatre, Solihull TOM HICKOX Wed 27 includes works by Mozart, Schubert ington Spa VOODOO VEGAS Sat 30 MILTON JONES Fri 29 Sep, Dudley Sep, The Glee Club, & Howells, Thurs 28 Sep, Stratford FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 29 Sep, The Iron Road, Town Hall Birmingham Evesham Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon Sep, The Marr's Bar, JONNY AWSUM, IMRAN YUSUF, CARL TRASH BOAT Wed 27 LEON MCCAWLEY (PIANO) Also featur- Worcester LUKE DANIELS Sat 30 HUTCHINSON & PAUL F TAYLOR Fri 29 Sep, O2 Institute, Birm- ing Orchestra of the Swan Wind Prin- VOODOO ROOM - HEN- Sep, Mac, Birmingham Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham ingham cipals. Programme includes works by DRIX & CREAM Fri 29 NEW FOUND GLORY Sat Schumann, Mozart, Rachmaninov, KANE BROWN, DALISO CHAPONDA, MYJO & CLAIRE MARTIN Sep, Huntingdon Hall, 30 Sep, O2 Academy, Ravel & Poulenc, Thurs 28 Sep, Strat- ROBERT WHITE & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Fri Thurs 28 Sep, The Core Worcester Birmingham ford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon 29 - Sat 30 Sep, The Comedy Loft, Theatre, Solihull 80'S MANIA Fri 29 Sep, CREEDENCE CLEARWATER GALLIARD WIND QUINTET Fri 29 Sep, Birmingham FASTLOVE: A TRIBUTE TO Palace Theatre, Red- REVIEW Sat 30 Sep, The Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- DANNY BHOY Sat 30 Sep, The Old Rep GEORGE MICHAEL Thurs ditch Roadhouse, B’ham Avon Theatre, Birmingham 28 Sep, Royal Spa MADNESS TRIBUTE Fri 29 LITTLE BARRIE Sat 30 Centre, Leamington VAN KUIJK STRING QUARTET Pro- JONNY AWSUM, IMRAN YUSUF, CARL Sep, The Belfry, Sutton Sep, The Actress & Spa gramme comprises Mendelssohn’s HUTCHINSON & PAUL F TAYLOR Sat 30 Coldfield Bishop, Birmingham String Quartet Op 44 No2, Fri 29 Sep, Sep, The Glee Club, Birmingham GREATEST LOVE OF ALL - ALL THEM WITCHES Sat NOUGHTY NINETIES Sat Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- WHITNEY HOUSTON JOJO SUTHERLAND, KEVIN GILEDA, 30 Sep, O2 Institute, 30 Sep, The River Avon SHOW Thurs 28 Sep, DAVID LONGLEY Sat 30 Sep, Jongleurs Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge Palace Theatre, Red- CASTALIAN STRING QUARTET Featuring Comedy Club, Birmingham ditch THE 80S SINGALONG Sat Sini Simonen & Daniel Roberts (vio- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Warwick/Worcs 25 - 30 September.qxp_Layout 1 25/08/2017 16:43 Page 3

thelist Monday 25 - Sat 30 September NOCTURNES Imitating The Dog put a minster Theatre multimedia twist on a 1950s Cold War NOCTURNES Imitating The Dog put a Talks spy thriller, Wed 27 Sep, Bridge multimedia twist on a 1950s Cold War House Theatre, Warwick MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Musical spy thriller, Sat 30 Sep, mac, B’ham VOICES OF 1919 Readings from re- journey through the past six decades, FREEMAN Play Inspired by the true THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS: A FOLK cently published anthology Voices Of featuring hits by Judy Garland, Con- story of a black man put on trial in OPERA Brand new musical adaptation 1919, featuring the words of 20 con- nie Francis, Buddy Holly, Cliff 19th century New York whose case of Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale, temporary poets, Thurs 28 Sep, Richard, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra was the first in America to use ‘insan- Sat 30 Sep, Huntingdon Hall, Malvern Theatre and many more, Mon 25 - Tues 26 ity’ as a defence, Wed 27 - Sat 30 Worcester Sep, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Sep, The Core Theatre, Solihull SKYLIGHT David Hare’s witty, poignant FLASHDANCE Strictly champion Joan THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Much- and deeply political play sees a Clifton and A1 heartthrob Ben Adams acclaimed show featuring a huge struggling but committed star in a new staging of the much-ac- projection screen, original photos, schoolteacher in London’s East End Film claimed musical, Mon 25 - Sat 30 film footage and a live band perform- being unexpectedly visited in her Sep, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ing a string of the duo’s classic hits, cold and shabby flat by two figures Thurs 28 Sep, Artrix, Bromsgrove INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: HOW THE OTHER HALF LOVES Robert from her past, Sat 30 Sep - Sat 7 Oct, MY COUSIN RACHEL (12a) Drama/Mys- Daws, Caroline Langrishe, Matthew GRATIANO Sequel to The Merchant Of Crescent Theatre, Birmingham tery. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Cottle, Sara Crowe, Charlie Brooks Venice exploring the politics of preju- THE CRUCIBLE Arthur Miller’s ac- Claflin. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 25 - and Leon Ockenden star in Alan Ay- dice in the 20th century, Fri 29 Sep, claimed story, inspired by the Salem Tues 26 & Fri 29 Sep ckbourn’s tale of matrimonial Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham witchcraft trials, Sat 30 Sep - Sat 7 mishaps, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Sep, THAT'LL BE THE DAY Nostalgia, laughs Oct, Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth LEON (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Malvern Theatres and rock’n’roll, Thurs 28 Sep, Bed- Jean Reno, Gary Oldman. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 27 Sep THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Much- worth Civic Hall acclaimed show featuring a huge BOBBY SOCKS AND BLUE JEANS Show BLACK SABBATH: THE END OF THE END projection screen, original photos, featuring over 40 smash hits from the (15) Music. Starring Black Sabbath. film footage and a live band perform- ’50s and ’60s. Impressionist Kytsun Dance Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs ing a string of the duo’s classic hits, Wolfe brings to life stars including 28 Sep; Electric Cinema, Birming- Tues 26 Sep, Malvern Theatres Elvis, John Lennon, Roy Orbison and GROOVE ON DOWN THE ROAD Leading ham, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 Sep CULT FIGURE: KENNETH WILLIAMS Cele- Mick Jagger, Thurs 28 Sep, Belgrade UK hip-hop dance company ZooNa- THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM (15) bration of the late Carry On star fea- Theatre, Coventry tion present a new adaptation of their Horror/Thriller. Starring Bill Nighy, critically acclaimed production, Wed turing some of the most hilarious and THE DREAMBOYS The UK’s top male Olivia Cooke. Royal Spa Centre, 27 - Fri 29 Sep, Birmingham Hippo- poignant stories and anecdotes he strip show, Fri 29 Sep, Royal Spa Leamington Spa, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Sep; drome shared throughout his life, Tues 26 - Centre, Leamington Spa PHOENIX NIGHTS APPRECIATION NIGHT BRB: PENGUIN CAFE MIXED PROGRAMME Wed 27 Sep, Old Joint Stock Theatre, ABSURDLY FABULOUS: THE IMPROVISED (15) Comedy. Starring Peter Kay, Birmingham Royal Ballet present a Birmingham EPISODE Feature-length show inspired Dave Spikey. The Mockingbird Cin- triple bill of works featuring joyous MAN TO MAN Manfred Karge's story of by the hit ’90s sitcom, Fri 29 Sep, ema, Birmingham, Sat 30 Sep dancing, ragtime music and animals Ella, a woman forced to adopt the mac, Birmingham identity of her dead husband in order sheltering from a storm, Wed 27 - Sat A LOOK AT LIFE WITH MALCOLM STENT 30 Sep, Birmingham Hippodrome NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: to survive in Nazi Germany, Tues 26 - Evening of Brummie humour with Released from Fri 29 Sep, showing at Sat 30 Sep, The REP, Birmingham one of the Midlands’ favourite per- selected cinemas ROCK OF AGES Lichfield Garrick Youth formers, Fri 29 Sep, Palace Theatre, Theatre present an amateur staging Redditch GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN (PG) of the ‘hilarious musical’ featuring I KNEW YOU Lorna Laidlaw (Doctors) FLATLINERS (15) songs from the 1980s, Tues 26 - Sat stars in the highly anticipated second 30 Sep, Lichfield Garrick play from Birmingham-born writer MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS Musical and performer, Steven Camden, aka journey through the past six decades, Polarbear, Fri 29 Sep - Sat 7 Oct, The featuring hits by Judy Garland, Con- REP, Birmingham Events nie Francis, Buddy Holly, Cliff JOHN CHALLIS: ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE Richard, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra An intimate evening with one of the THE GRAND SEASON OPENER Tues 26 and many more, Wed 27 Sep, Palace nation’s favourite comedy actors, Sat Sep, Warwick Racecourse Theatre, Redditch 30 Sep, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- 1940S SUPPER & SONG EVENING First in a series of nostalgic music hall evenings, Fri 29 Sep, Blists Hill, Iron- bridge, Shropshire OUTLANDS 2Faced Dance present a triple bill of contemporary work by THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW The ulti- India and the UK’s ‘most up-and- mate event to get you started with coming female choreographers’, Fri your wedding planning, from bridal 29 Sep, mac, Birmingham boutiques & florists to jewellers & photographers... Fri 29 Sep - Sun 1 THE NUTCRACKER SUITE & BALLET Oct, NEC, Birmingham ETUDES English Youth Ballet present a double bill of classics, Fri 29 - Sat 30 GIN TASTING Gin masterclass includ- Sep, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre ing a perfectly made G&T, a talk through the history of gin and a tu- THE SANDMAN Chantry Dance Com- tored tasting of six gins from small in- pany present a new full-length con- dependent producers, Sat 30 Sep, temporary ballet based on the Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham popular folklore figure of The Sand- man - the bringer of dreams, Sat 30 Sep, The Swan Theatre, Worcester

66 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB F/P September 2017.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 11:33 Page 1 Birmingham Museums F/P.qxp_Layout 1 24/08/2017 11:59 Page 1