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INSIDE MAGAZINE GROUP 1462-7035 ISSN What to bare his his bare to THE DEFINITIVE DEFINITIVE THE more inside more LISTINGS GUIDE LISTINGS interview inside interview interview inside interview writer writer Mrs Brown Mrs star in star Ringers Dead soul in his home city home his in soul MICHAEL MCINTYRE BACK IN THE CITY... returns to the the to returns Jess Jim Cartwright’s musical musical Cartwright’s Jim Geoff Thompson Geoff 2012 ISSUE 321 SEPTEMBER 321 ISSUE £1.80 .co.uk

whatsonlive hosts Style LIVE A/W12 A/W12 LIVE Birmingham Style hosts www. THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - September_24-7 Cover 23/08/2012 15:38 Page 1 Page 15:38 23/08/2012 Cover - September_24-7 Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 321 SEPTEMBER 2012 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS GRAND FP Sept_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:41 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

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September 2012

Editor: INSIDE: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Mrs Brown Editorial Assistants: Brian O’Faolain back in Birmingham p29 [email protected] 01743 281707

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News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Worcestershire to host its first ever film festival... Artrix in Bromsgrove is this month hosting a film roadshow in celebration of local film- makers. The one-day event on 29 September forms part of the Film Festival - the county’s first ever such event - and features screenings of locally produced films. Organisers of the Bromsgrove Film Roadshow are inviting film- makers from the area to pop along and net- work, something which it’s hoped will result in involvement in future film projects. People who used to work at, or who’ve visited, the forgotten cinemas of Bromsgrove and Droitwich are also requested to join in and share their memories. RAF museum launches new website After nine months in development, the new website of the award-winning Cosford Air Bettrys Jones Museum is officially ready for take-off. The new Skins actors to appear at RSC site allows visitors to interact with the muse- Following on from the success of previous Christmas shows Matilda The Musical, The Heart um’s full collection before visiting the Of Robin Hood and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, the Royal Shakespeare and Cosford venues. New features include a Company has announced that its festive production for 2012/13 will feature two stars from the rolling podcast series that will be linked directly cult British TV series Skins. Daniel Ryan and Bettrys Jones will take the lead roles in Tamsin to various aircraft within the museum’s collec- Oglesby’s adaptation of Russell Hoban’s The Mouse And His Child when it shows at the tion, virtual tours of aircraft, galleries Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 17 November to 12 January 2013. containing behind-the-scenes glimpses of An enchanting tale of escape, the search for freedom and reunited families, The Mouse And major openings, and a facility allowing visitors His Child is credited with having inspired all manner of fantastic stories about what really hap- to pin pages of interest, comment directly on pens in the toy box when nobody's looking, and focuses on the exploits of a clockwork collections and register their appreciation of mouse and his child. Discarded by children on Christmas Day, the pair find themselves very favourite aircraft and artefacts. lost and feeling very alone, and are desperate to return home to the safety of the toyshop... Directed by Paul Hunter, Co-Artistic Director of Told By An Idiot, The Mouse And His Child also stars David Charles, Denton, Chikura, Bart Soroczynski, Paapa Essiedu and Calum Finley. Trust secures artefacts from Vintage makeovers at HM Revenue and Customs Candy Cabaret Cast iron Coats of Arms that used to sit The Vintage Salon in Birmingham’s Custard above the doors of official customs houses Factory is to host a variety of workshops and are among a number of items recently makeover sessions this month to enable vin- acquired by the Ironbridge Gorge Museum tage enthusiasts to become a Burlesque pin- Trust. up for a day. Visitors to the 1950s-styled A senior curator from the Trust made a visit beauty salon and mini-diner can take their Cold War Exhibition at RAF, Cosford to London’s Somerset House in order to pick from a secure a number of historical artefacts from one-hour pin-up HM Revenue and Customs, which is looking modelling class Make a pig of yourself for for new homes for many items previously with Diablo Marie Curie charity treks used at its customs houses throughout the Rose or a four- Tickets are now available for an English UK. Now in the care of the Ironbridge Gorge hour Burlesque Medieval Pig Roast which has been organ- Museum Trust, the objects - including official workshop with ised to raise much-needed funds for Marie weights and measures, stamps and dies - either Frankie Curie charity treks in Borneo and the Sahara will be used in educational work with the Lynn or Deadly next year. The treks are in aid of a new hos- community. They will also feature in displays Nightshade. pice for the West Midlands, currently being around Ironbridge’s ten museums - including The Pin-Up built in Solihull. The event, which takes place the Academy takes at Ullenhall Village Hall on 27 October, con- Coalbrookdale place on both sists of a three-course meal with a medieval Museum of the 9th and theme, and is supported by entertainment Iron, which will 14th of from Dave Lewis, a fiddle folk musician from be undergoing September. For Leamington Spa and local folk trio Where’s an extensive further informa- Mary. Tickets are £12, and are available from refurbishment tion, visit [email protected], or by call- in the near www.lekeux- future. events.co.uk/ ing 0121 254 7800. Coalbrookdale Museum Of Iron Diablo Rose

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:20 Page 2

Floating forest to take to Midlands canals... A mobile artwork conceived by Birmingham Institute of Art & Design fellow Beth Derbyshire is to make its way along the canals of Birmingham and the Black Country, en route broadcasting recorded stories from people affected by the current conflict in Afghanistan. The artwork, entitled The Rootless Forest, sees one hundred trees up to three metres tall planted atop a converted canal hopper, with the continual motion of the boat on water representing stories of displacement and relocation. The featured trees - all native to the UK - have been donated by Walsall City Council and will be re-planted in Walsall Artboretum once the project is complete. For further information regarding the project, the route it will take and associated events, visit, www.therootlessforest.com Brindleyplace at night Visitor numbers reach a new high... The city of Birmingham attracted an additional seven hundred-and-forty thousand visitors last year, according to new figures released by industry research body Global Tourism Solutions. The report, which is produced annually to assess the economic impact of visitors to the UK’s major cities, also revealed that the amount of money spent by visitors to Birmingham last year hit £4.9billion, a figure which represented a two percent increase on 2010. Commenting on the increase, Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham’s visitor offer, and its impact on the city’s economy, continues to grow. Visitor numbers are at a six year peak, and visitor spend has seen more jobs created in a sector that has become a driver of local - and national - economic growth. American greats a first for “Birmingham is really upping its game as a visitor destination. The figures show that more people are choosing to spend their leisure time here - consistently and year on year. This is Worcestershire venue due in no small part to continued investment in our infrastructure, transport networks and The beautful surroundings of a former marketing of our diverse visitor economy around the world.” monastery situated deep in the Worcestershire countryside are to provide the setting for a unique concert featuring IN BRIEF The dark side of comedy... four of America’s greatest songwriters. The Comedy with a difference awaits visitors to Birmingham’s Electric intimate concert at Callow Great Hall of Tasty treats on Cinema next month, when comedians set about entertaining their Stanbrook on 25 September sees offer at mac audience in complete darkness! A unique experience presented Butch Hancock, Rachel Harrington, Krista by Dave’s A new market makes Detor and Lucy Schwartz come together in Comedy Festival and the Josh Widdicombe its debut at a celebratory event marking the end of their Udderbelly Festival, Birmingham’s respective 2012 tours. Comedy In The Dark fea- Midlands Arts Centre The concert will be tures four comedians - on later this month. The the first time the mag- this occasion Mark Olver, mac Food Market is a nificent venue, with its Ivo Graham, Joe Lycett new concept for the Pugin-designed vault- and Josh Widdicombe - venue, and is sched- ed ceiling and stained who’ll each take on the uled to take place glass windows, has challenge of performing once a month. been used for such a without the aid of lighting. Produce available from purpose. Having enjoyed great suc- the market will include cess at the homemade cakes, Fringe Festival, the event New Director of Artistic spices, traditional stops off at Birmingham’s sweets, artisan breads, Programming and Projects Electric Cinema on 11 sausages, deli goods, October as part of an announced... smoked meats, freshly eight-date tour. Birmingham’s Town Hall and Symphony Hall pressed juices, hand- has announced the appointment of Richard made chocolates and Hawley as Director of Artistic Programming macaroons. The mar- Professional Association of Alexander Teachers and Projects. ket takes place on the Richard, who takes up his new role in last Sunday of every November, is currently Director of Arts month between Alexander Technique Administration at London’s Southbank 10.30am and 3.30pm. Centre. Of his new post, Richard said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Town Hall and Symphony Hall at this exciting time, and I Lessons and Courses am very much looking forward to working In the Midlands with artists and audi- ences alike to further For locations and details please develop the vital con- telephone 01743 241478 tribution these two wonderful venues or email [email protected] make to Birmingham’s cultural life.” www.paat.org.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Jess Robinson magazine_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:19 Page 1

Jess Robinson on finding her voice in Jim Cartwright’s musical...

As one of the voices behind Dead Ringers, , Horrible Histories and numerous radio and TV ads, Jess Robinson has secured herself a fine reputation as a brilliant impressionist. Jess is now about to take on her dream role, playing Little Voice in the new touring production of Jim Cartwright’s much-heralded musical, which comes to Wolverhampton this month. What’s On caught up with her to find out more...

How did your role in Little Voice come the phone to my agent and said, “get me Voice and show me around your room?”. So about? seen for this, get me seen for this!”. After there I was, being this shy girl showing Jim I was doing a panto last year and heard one quite a lot of battling, they managed to get my record collection and describing what the of the celebrities being interviewed about me through the doors so I could do my bed was like and what the wallpaper was Little Voice. He was talking to a local thing. I got to meet Jim, executive producer like. It was something I hadn’t done before, journalist about doing the musical, and I Giuliano Crispini and Associate Producer and I’ve since found out that I was the only heard mention that Jim Cartwright, who Paul Taylor-Mills, and then I sang, went person they did that with. Giuliano said that wrote Little Voice, was directing it. My ears through a bit of the script and did a bit of Jim couldn’t believe how I’d read the script, pricked up immediately, and I secretly got on improvisation. Jim said, “can you be Little so wanted to see whether it was too good to

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Jess Robinson magazine_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:19 Page 2

be true. I guess he also wanted to find out a With Dead Ringers, do you get told who bit more about how I visualised the you’ve got to master, or is it a case of you interview... character. bringing new characters to the table? It’s a bit of both, really. Most of the time, Alice Cooper, Nirvana, the Electric Light And was it a musical that you were though, you’ll be told that they want to do a Orchestra and Lady Gaga. We do all sorts, already familiar with? sketch about Lady Gaga, and asked to make and kind of mash them up. Yes, I’d managed to get the role of Little sure that you learn how to do her by the Voice before, when I was working at The following day. You then go to your bedroom So has your involvement in the group Courtyard Theatre in Hereford. It’s quite an and get on with it. When I’ve naturally wanted been compromised by Little Voice? interesting pattern, really, as I was in a panto to impersonate people, it’s been a distinctive We were going to go to Edinburgh this year, and I heard the director saying “we’re going accent or tone of voice that’s swung it. It’s and then I got the part of Little Voice. But to do Little Voice.” I’ve always believed that I usually something that makes my ears prick. because the girls started out in musical can do things. If I have an inkling that it’s I always wanted to be, and trained as, a theatre and they’re both actors, they would within my ability, then I’ll give it a go. On this session singer. I got into Bristol University to never stand in the way of something like Little particular occasion, I just turned around and do a music degree, so I don’t think that many Voice, which is a dream part and regular said, “I can do that!”. I’d never done an other people approach it the same way as work and just the most exciting thing. impression before - apart from my mum me. For me, it’s all a tune; I hear it musically, Likewise, if one of the girls got a part, we’d and my teachers, that is. And they said, rather like an instrument. I don’t think John just take a little break. I’m doing gigs with “that’s great, Jess, you can come back in (Culshaw) or Deborah (Stevenson) approach them right up until rehearsals start, then we ten weeks and audition”. So I had ten weeks it in the same way. I’m sure that they’ve take a little break and pick it up again at to learn how to do the impressions. I’d seen probably got a better way of doing it. Christmas. the film and knew what I’d be needed to do. I worked really, really hard and managed to But hasn’t their route into the profession And if Little Voice leads to other big roles, get the job, and it was all through me just been more direct? is that going to leave you with a difficult saying, “I can do that!”. Yeah, Deborah’s route in was through choice to make? Opportunity Knocks, whereas I never saw There’s never any problem with too much You’re obviously very self-motivated... myself as an impressionist or an actress. My work, and I’ll cross that bridge when I come Yeah, getting that part really started me off. family are all performers and arty. My mum’s to it. But I’ll always have time for ‘my sisters’. There was someone in the cast who knew a piano teacher and my dad’s an artist, so I’d the producer of Dead Ringers and Spitting grown up with people struggling for money; I So what drives you most as an artist? Image, so I sent my voice tape to him, and didn’t intend to be an actress, because the To always be better than the last time. Also, after a couple of tries I managed to get into lifestyle’s too uncertain. But I can’t imagine to create more work, so one day I’m not Dead Ringers. That then set me up for doing doing anything else now. going to have to worry about how I’m going voice-overs. So I guess that I really owe Jim to pay the bills. It’s a really difficult time, and I and Little Voice a lot of commission, Is there anyone you’ve tried to master and feel very honoured to be working during the because if it wasn’t for this part, I probably can’t? recession. One of my friends said, “as soon wouldn’t have gone down this route. I tried to do Elvis Costello once, but I couldn’t as you become an actor, you’re entering a quite get his voice. I’d really like to master recession!”. That’s kind of true, but I’ve So what do you class as your first big some men; maybe someone like Russell noticed that there’s even less work to go break, Dead Ringers or Little Voice? Brand. Not just a parody, but I’d like to do round than usual at the moment. That’s a difficult one, but I guess it would some really convincing impressions. have to be Little Voice - even though it was What’s your proudest moment so far? in a tiny little theatre in Hereford, and was So do impressionists have an expiry date? I think it’s meeting Jim and having the actual only on for about a week. I loved the part I think impressions do, but impressionists writer of my favourite ever play offer me the so, so much, but hadn’t got enough out of it don’t. You have to keep current, and if you’re chance to perform the role again. That makes in such a short run. So I’ve always been approaching it from a comedic perspective, me feel extremely honoured and proud. I was absolutely dying to play the role again. you’ve got to find new things to say about told that I’d got the part on my birthday, and people. I don’t know whether I’m a fan of that was the best birthday present I’d ever Out of the voices you have to do in Little lynching people and saying unkind things had. Voice, which has been the hardest to about them. I like Little Voice because it’s a master? tribute to all those divas. It tries to recreate Who’s been your biggest inspiration My own, I suspect. At the end of the show I how they made the audience feel, and there’s professionally? have to sing in my own voice. Although I’ve a bit of the magic where they hold the That’s quite a difficult one. Kate Bush played done musical theatre and bits and bobs, I audience under their spell for a little while. a big role in my life, as she was the first don’t quite know what my own voice is, That’s the exciting part of doing it. It’s a real impression that I did that wasn’t of my family because if it’s a jazz song then I’ll sing in a tribute, and I think that Little Voice did this out or friends. I used to entertain people with kind of jazz voice, and if it’s classical then I of real love for the characters rather than to that. I guess Dawn French, Sarah Silverman sing in a classical voice. mock them. and Imelda Staunton have always inspired me, but then so has my mum. She’s always Where do you begin when you take on a Your career includes TV, radio, theatre and given me the confidence to be loud and to new character? music. If you had to lose one of those put myself out there. She always says, “oh, YouTube. I find as much footage as I can. I threads, which would it be? just ask. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” My download their album from itunes, and it’s a That’s so hard and I absolutely couldn’t mum has shown me how to be a bit pushy, lot of listening and repeating. I often record choose. The joy is having the versatility to be but in a nice way. a snippet of them, then I’ll record a snippet able to do all of those different things. Every of me, then I’ll compare and contrast. It’s all day is different, even if some of those days What are your professional hopes for the a bit anal and painstaking. Some of them are spent sitting on the sofa waiting for the future? are much easier than others. Julie Andrews phone to ring. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t an impressionist, was quite easy to master. I’d had classical as I’ve often had difficulty getting seen for training and I’d done my classical singing But surely all the voice-over work is a sitcoms and things because everybody exams when I was eighteen, and I guess great buffer. thinks that I just do impressions. So I’m because I already knew quite a bit about Yes, absolutely, and I adore doing voice- hoping in a roundabout way that being in her, I found her quite easy to copy. Edith overs, they’re such fun. I did all the voice- Little Voice will change that, and that doing Piaf was difficult for a while, and Shirley overs for Horrible Histories with John impressions this time round is going to serve Bassey was certainly hard to begin with, Culshaw. It’s been very exciting to be me in a slightly different way. because there’s a way of singing called involved with, and I’ve been educated at the ‘belting’, which I’d never done before. same time. Basically, this show gave me a quick education on how to do voices, and that’s You’re also in a band, the Segue Sisters. Can Jess Robinson stars in Little Voice at what I’ve done with my career since, in you tell us a bit about your musical trio? The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton We sing like The Andrews Sisters, with a kind every sense. from Mon 24 to Sat 29 September of 1940s vintage style, but perform songs by

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Style Birmingham Feature_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:18 Page 1 Style Birmingham Feature_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:18 Page 2

feature...

A very stylish city...

Home to Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, two of the country’s most fashionable department stores, Birmingham is nowadays recognised as one of the country’s top shopping destinations. In celebration of the city’s fashionable achievements, Style Birmingham this month showcases the very best of what the new season has to offer, with an industry-style catwalk taking place in the prestigious Mailbox - where two very stylish guests will be on hand to offer plenty of advice...

Actress Martine McCutcheon is hosting this returning to the shops to buy the looks for importance of looking good. “It even year’s Style Birmingham LIVE A/W12, the themselves. extends to what perfume I feel like wearing: region’s biggest fashion and shopping event And if you’re making a weekend of it, be if I want to be ultra-romantic and classic, I’ll - and the Love Actually star couldn’t be sure to head to The Mailbox on Friday 28 wear Chanel; if I want to be sexy, it’ll be Tom more pleased about it.“I’m a girl who September, where a team of fashion scouts Ford or Dolce & Gabbana. It all brings out absolutely loves all things fashion, beauty and photographers will be ‘Style Searching’ the essence of who I am that day. Most of and shopping,” says Martine, “so when I throughout the evening. The most fashion- my style icons are classics. I love Marilyn was offered the chance to host the show, I forward visitor will be given the chance to Monroe, Jane Birkin, Julie Christie, Kate snapped it up. No matter what your age or enjoy a £250 shopping spree at The Moss, and the beautiful Monica Bellucci. size, it’s important to feel comfortable in Mailbox! Making mistakes with your look is part of your own skin and be confident in your own As well as hosting the event, Martine, growing up. I can look back at outfits I wore style.” together with stylist Bradley Taylor, will be on in the past and laugh about them. When The new-look Style Birmingham LIVE A/W12 hand to answer questions and provide you’re in the public eye, you have no choice takes place at stylish shopping destination helpful tips and advice. but to have a sense of humour about these The Mailbox, where ticket-holders can enjoy “These days, I feel comfortable in my own things.” a sure-to-be-stunning ‘industry’-style catwalk skin,” says Martine. “In your thirties, you Style Birmingham LIVE A/W12 takes place show featuring the latest autumn/winter know who you are, you know what suits on Saturday 29 September. Catwalk tickets styles and collections from across the city’s you, and I know that my style has evolved. I can be purchased from theticketfactory.com top stores. don’t worry about being too cool, too funky, for £10, which includes a seat at the show There’ll also be plenty of store and centre- or co-ordinated from head to toe. I like to plus a stylish goody bag. Exclusive VIP based fashion and beauty events taking work a classic look with edgy accessories, tickets are £20 and include a premium place throughout the weekend, one of which or a splash of colour. I have a passion for catwalk seat at the show, a goody bag, a is The Show: Enchanted - a dark, eerie and jewellery, especially silver. I don’t feel pre-show glass of bubbly from the Harvey mysterious fairytale of fashion taking place ‘dressed’ until I’ve got the accessories right, Nichols’ Style bar and the opportunity to in the Bullring. Running throughout the even if that means absolutely minimal ones. redeem a £10 Bullring shopping voucher weekend in Lower West Mall, the event I’m an instinctive dresser: it has to feel right when £30 is spent anywhere in the city offers visitors the chance to be whisked for me to be happy.” centre retail area during the weekend of the away to a land of storybook fashion before As an actress, Martine is well aware of the show.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Geoff Thompson Online_Layout 1 28/08/2012 08:48 Page 1

As I get closer, the monster is dispersing. It’s so “ beautiful, and I can’t wait for it to come on. I’m very pleased that it’s here, and very pleased that it’s in .”

Geoff Thompson prepares to bare his soul in his home city...

The winner of a BAFTA for his short film Brown Paper Bag, writer Geoff Thompson’s sheer determination to better himself allowed him to overcome the fears which had dogged him from a young age. Now, those early-years anxieties are set to be laid bare, as he presents his semi-autobiographical play Fragile at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre this month. What’s On caught up with Geoff to find out about his incredible journey from factory floor sweeper to award-winning writer... Your skill base includes writing, martial individual; so if we act, the universe - or When did you decide that that was the arts teaching and mentoring. What do you natural energies - will respond. So I take route you needed to take in order to consider to be the most important autonomy and I set out to do what I want to make things happen? attribute you need to do what you do? do. I do the work and I get lots of assistance When I was younger, I had a massive I guess autonomy. You need to have along the way. But if I wait for people to drop creative ambition, but I hadn’t built an autonomy over your own life. I expect their hat, give me permission, or give me the infrastructure to outlet that creative energy. nothing from anybody. When I take nothing, money to do it, then nothing ever happens. In the culture that I was brought up in, I get assistance from everywhere, but the So I think the most important thing is to people didn’t write books, they didn’t moment I start expecting things from have autonomy over your own life, and become artists. So when I tried to do it, people, I project my power outwards. So I that’s what I teach people. To take their own people thought I was above myself, keep my power close, and I recognise that power back, decide what they want to do, pretentious, or just plain foolhardy. So I the universe is quite sensitive to each and go out and do it. had to set up my own template to do it, Geoff Thompson Online_Layout 1 28/08/2012 08:48 Page 2

but because I had this massive ambition and really frightened of the responsibility of no outlet, my energy turned in on me, I success, because I knew that it meant interview... became root-bound and suffered a lot of change, and everyone’s afraid of change. I depression. I later realised that if I was going had to expand myself, educate myself and What finally inspired you to put pen to to do something with my life, there was no accept that change was the only constant. As paper and write your debut book, Watch point waiting for permission, or looking for Ghandi said, ‘you must be the change that My Back? archetypes within my own culture, because I you want to see in the world’. Success I’d been colonised by my fears and I felt that knew I wouldn’t find any. So I started to go doesn’t just affect you, it affects your wife, it they were bullying me. I’d had a bad out and try things, to prove to myself that it affects your children and your peers. It affects depression, so I decided to sit down and could be done. I then decided that I’d write everything. So that was the fear. It was ‘will write all the things that I was afraid of. I sat about it, to show other people what I’d done, my wife like the new me?’ and ‘how will my down and wrote them as a pyramid. At the and to prove that it’s possible for an ordinary children cope with me in this new identity?’. bottom was the least fear and the top person to live an extraordinary life. One of the things they say is that when you represented the worst, and the worst fear was create a new reality, you have to destroy the the fear of violent confrontation. So I climbed Was your creativity not identified at old one. I wouldn’t say that’s entirely true, but this pyramid of fears and I eventually became school, and were there not people at that when you move out of one reality, a lot of a doorman to overcome them. But because level who were able to help you drive it? people don’t come with you, and that can be I’d been searching up until that point, and Back then, there wasn’t the facility for that to very painful. So the fear of change was the reading in order to understand why I was so happen in the comprehensive system - thing that I had to embrace, so I learned a afraid, I said that once I’d worked it out, I certainly not at the school I attended. We technique called ‘intercoursing’ with my fears. wanted to write about it and pass on the elixir were still in the post-war ‘train kids for the So when they rose up, I would immerse of what I’d learned. So that’s really where factory’ mentality. Cultural norms are very myself into them until the fear dissipated, and Watch My Back came from. I was working on strong, and there’s what Freud called the I came to realise that fear has no actual the doors, and in the day I was working in a Ego Ideal - we have a set of boundaries existence, other than in my own mind. factory as a floor sweeper. During breakfast, within our culture and it’s very difficult to I’d tell all the other lads what had happened break away from them without people Were these all theories with which you the night before, and one of the lads said, attacking you or disowning you. That was the were already familiar, or are they ‘you should write this down, it’s really good difficultly for me; going against everything something that you’ve become acquainted stuff’. So I got myself a notepad and I sat in that was implicitly taught. There was no with since your success? the toilets at the factory and wrote it as conspiracy to make things difficult for Geoff They’re just things that I did, and then later, honestly as I possibly could, with all my own Thompson, or other working-class people, it when I read about them, I thought ‘that’s fears and all my own doubts. I stripped away was just the way it was at that time. But I what I did, and it’s got a name’. It’s good to the ostentation, the paraphernalia and the innately knew that there were other have names for it because it builds a embellishment and just said, ‘this is what I possibilities for me, and I couldn¹t hang structure for you to pass on to other people. I saw’. When I went into this place, I saw that around waiting for other people; I had to go just did it blindly, really, because I was fed up everyone was afraid, but that some people out there and access them myself. of being bullied by my own fears, so I had learned to capture their fear, even in very decided to confront them. The poet Rooney difficult circumstances. Some people allowed So how did you set about making the called it ‘night travelling’ - we go out into the their fear to spill and damage people, and I change? night and we hunt down our fears. I’ve been was one of them, and other people took their First of all I had to expand myself doing it from a very early age, but reading fear and built great constructs with it. I intellectually, to see that it was possible to do books has helped me understand why I’ve recognised that it was a universal thing, and other things. Then I had to start using my done it and how I’ve done it. that some people were just better at creative imagination, to see myself in places managing it than others. that I wanted to be. In Islam they call that the Spirituality obviously plays a major part in three levels of dejean - to intellectually your life. Has this always been the case? Was the whole experience a cathartic expand the second self; to visually expand it; I was brought up in Catholicism but I didn’t process? and then to actually do it. Once you’ve really understand it. Even from an early age, I Yeah, it was great. It was like I was home. I’d created this new paradigm, anything became aware of the hypocrisies in the way wanted to write since I was at junior school. I becomes possible through that same that people practised religions, but it didn’t was a writer with nothing to write about, so infrastructure. So when I’d published the first put me off faith, because I always recognised actually finding something to write about was book and proved to myself that I could be an that any kind of religion could be a good great. It just flowed. It came out all on its author, I could go on to publish forty books infrastructure, and that it could be a good own, really. with that same belief. I could do Songs Of conduit for this kind of divine energy. But by Praise, or I could write for The Times. I could reading all of the different bibles and seeing How long did it take? then expand with that, because if you can that there was a common theme, it made me It took me a couple of months. I was writing it see that you made that one thing happen, realise that there’s a universal God. There are while I was at the factory and doing a couple then you believe that you can make anything about three hundred-and-fifty-five names for of hours at a time. My world then was so happen. But first of all, you have to break out it, and some people are prepared to kill for small that I didn’t even know anyone who of that old reality, and that’s the most difficult the name that they believe is true, but for me, owned a typewriter. If you owned a typewriter, thing. It’s not just about changing jobs, it’s when I’ve experienced God, it’s beyond you were posh. So it took me two years to about changing identity. name, it’s beyond form, it’s beyond religion. find someone who could type it out for me. I It’s a benign force that we can use for good then had to expand myself again and find out Although exciting, moving into the or for bad. It’s like electricity. If electricity kills how to get it published. I eventually picked unknown surely creates some level of someone, we don’t call it evil, and if a guy up the Writers And Artists’ Yearbook, which anxiety... comes round and fixes our light sockets, we tells you everything you need to know about Yeah, they call it the Jonah Complex, don’t call him a prophet. He’s just someone getting into print. I approached a few people because of the fear of success. Maslow said who knows what he’s doing with electricity. and they said, ‘thanks for calling, leave your that ‘at the very edge of our vision we are So I thought, if this energy’s out there, I want number in the bin’! Then someone said that exhilarated by our potential, but at the same to become an electrician, I want to be better they really liked it and they published it! time terrified into immobility by our own at using this energy. So that’s my context of potential’. It’s a real paradox, but you have to God. You would perhaps call it religion, and And did your life change almost instantly break through that. Sometimes, what we in the true sense of the word it would be with that? imagine is a lot more reassuring than what religion, because, in old Greek, religion There was a transition. I was still working as a we have to do. And that’s been my life, really comes from the word ‘ligare’, which means doorman when the book came out. I was - exploring my potential and hopefully ‘to reconnect man to God’, which is what I doing book signings and TV interviews, then, helping other people to do the same. want to do. But I’m not a dogmatist, I don’t by night, I was working the door. It took a follow any dogma. I can access God through while for me to catch up with myself, but from In your book, Hunting The Shadow, you a tree, which is what the old celts and the then on I didn’t stop writing. I wrote five offer advice on eliminating fear. So what’s Red Indians did. For me, it’s just an energy books the following year, then I wrote a play the biggest fear that you’ve ever that we’re in; it’s all around us, and I want to and got into the writers’ group at the Royal overcome? be a better servant to that energy. Court. I knew then that everything was My biggest fear was my own potential. I was possible. It took a while to break away from Geoff Thompson Online_Layout 1 28/08/2012 08:48 Page 3 Geoff Thompson Online_Layout 1 28/08/2012 08:48 Page 4

the doors and the factory mentality, but it’s So how did growing up in Coventry lay the been a pivotal force behind getting Romans just expanded extensively ever since. foundations for the person that you are to CAA. He took it to his agents and said, ‘I today? love this’. His agent cast it, and it’s in How has your interest in martial arts helped It’s such a hardy, honest, blunt, beautiful city. America now. you with your writing, and life in general? There’s not a lot of edit here. People say what I think looking back, okay I was an artist, and they see, but there’s a great poetry beneath it So how do you come back down to earth I was very connected to that part of my all which I love, and it’s evident in everything after hobnobbing with all these A-listers? personality, but I didn’t have any warrior that I write, whether it’s Brown Paper Bag or It becomes the new normal. You soon come archetype in place. I was too sensitive. I was Bouncer. They’re all about Coventry, and the to realise that they’re just ordinary, the same getting battered by the slings and arrows of more I’ve written about the city, the more I’ve as you. I guess I always knew that, but when life, and I was too sensitive to criticism. So loved it. I was at the BAFTAs, and sat opposite going on the tours and doing martial arts Johnny Depp or behind Thandie Newton, I helped me to develop a side of my You’ve got quite a few short films and a realised that they’re just ordinary people and personality that protected me against that. feature under your belt. Are there plans for they’re trembling before they go up for their Okay, you have to be sensitive to write and any more? awards. I did have to move my wife’s chair so make art, but at the same time you can’t be There are five features in development, and that she couldn’t see Johnny Depp, though. I so sensitive that you’re crushed every time two of them are heavily developed. They’re all said, ‘there’s no need to look, you’ve got somebody criticises you. You have to build a optioned, two by London companies, and are your own Johnny Depp here’. She asked me warrior archetype within yourself, and that’s in the process of being cast. I’m currently if I could cast Johnny in one of my films. I what the martial art has done for me. writing a film and a play for Michelle Collins, said, ‘not likely, not while he’s so good which I’m working on with a couple of looking!’. You’re about to present your play Fragile at directors, and I’ve written a novel called Red the Belgrade Theatre. Can you tell us a bit Mist, which is being converted into a feature Looking back, what’s been the highlight of about it? film. That’s being cast at the moment. Also, your career so far? It’s about a man who has an abuse outed Romans 12:20 has been written into a feature I think getting the first book published was upon him when he’s twelve, and that abuse film, which is being cast in America at the what transformed everything, and that was sends his life at a right-angle. So instead of moment and which we intend to shoot in such an amazing time. But winning the following the life he thinks he needs to follow, New York. That’s getting great feedback right BAFTA has to be the highlight. We’d been he ends up becoming cripplingly insecure. now, and we’re attracting an A-list cast. The nominated two years in a row, and we didn’t It’s about how he reads all the bibles and Belgrade has commissioned me to do a new get it the first time; we were so close. trains in these killer arts - obviously it’s semi- play as well, called Compilation. We’ve just autobiographical - so he can understand and finished a half-hour film called Counter You’ve obviously got that firm belief that dissolve his fears. He’s so traumatised by Backwards, which is in post-production at the anybody can do anything and become what happened to him that he can’t trust moment. It’s set in Coventry in the 1980s and anything. So how do you instill that in anybody, especially if they love him. He’s is about a girl called Michelle who’s raped at others? been told from an early age that if someone knifepoint. It’s about how she survived and You have to instill it intellectually first, and loves you, they will harm you. He doesn’t went on to capture her rapist. It’s quite brutal show them evidence of other people like even really trust the tape recorder that he’s but very empowering. So I guess there’s them who’ve done it. Once they’ve seen that talking into. He’s very articulate and he’s quite a lot going on at the moment... it’s been done by similar types, they start to incredibly cynical, but he still has this huge believe it possible. Next, you try to get them insecurity. He would like to talk to the person So does everything you write have a dark to place themselves visually in that situation, who abused him but he’s too scared, and undertone? and you show them what the gap is. You also he’d like to talk to the people who love him Yeah. My wife says I should write a comedy! try and get people to follow their natural bias. but he’s too fragile. He’d like to talk to God She says, ‘for goodness sake, write It may be that they want to be a writer when but he’s too angry. So through the four acts, something funny!’. I tend to do harsh films in fact they’re more aligned to becoming a and by talking to this tape recorder, he’s that have a certain beauty and poetry to director, or maybe being an artist. For me, professing his shame, his guilt, his anger and them. I’m hoping at some point I might be going into writing was a natural bias, it was his rage. Through this, he finds some peace. able to do some sort of romantic comedy for something I’ve always wanted to do. But for It’s a painful but enlightening process, but it’s Jennifer Anniston, but again my wife reckons some, the reality of what we want to do isn’t also beautiful and brutally honest. It’s an five minutes in and there’ll be a murder or a quite as reassuring as the fantasy. If you atonement. He’s getting out all the parts that rape! Yeah, there’s a lot of dark humour in come close to the reality, and you still love it, aren’t him, and leaving himself with the parts the stuff I write, but I feel there’s also then you know it’s a natural bias. Even then that are. He’s finding absolution through a something beautiful to it, and there’s also it’s about doing the work. Olympians work tape recorder. hope. Without that, it would be too Olympic hours. The top artists in the world depressing. give it their all. They totally immerse How important is it to show Fragile in your themselves, they marinate in it and that’s home city? If you could choose to cast any actor, who what a lot of people aren’t prepared to do. It’s one of those things you want to show in would you choose? Edinburgh or in America. You want to show it I really like Colin Farrell, and Daniel Day Finally, what’s your long-term goal? everywhere but home, because when you Lewis is probably the guy that I’d like to write Workwise, I’m aiming for an Oscar. I want to show it at home, your children are watching, something specifically for. Slightly different, I be on that stage and prove to myself that it your family is watching and your friends are know, but I’d like to write something for can be done. That then gives you a platform watching. But the only way to bring light to Spielberg. I’ve already got an idea that I’d like to tell kids that it’s achievable and that it can these things is to let them come home. So it’s to take to him. My aspirations have always be done. I took my BAFTA to the Cardinal entirely and exactly where it should be, and been really high. When we wrote Bouncer, we Wiseman School in Coventry and spoke to I’m absolutely delighted that the Belgrade had £10,000 to make it, and they said ‘who the kids. I said, ‘listen, I came to this school, has got the courage to show it. I’m thrilled do you want to sign?’. I said Ray Winstone, my mum cleaned at this school, I lived just that it’s here, but also quietly terrified. and everybody laughed and said, ‘we haven’t opposite this school. What does that mean to got the money to pay for his lunch, he’s on you?’. They replied, ‘it means that we can do So is the tension building as you get Hollywood fees!’ I said, ‘let’s ask him and see it too’. There’s nothing better than showing nearer to opening night? what he says’. So we did, and he ended up people what you can achieve and the lineage No. It’s interesting, but as we get closer, the doing it for free. It actually cost him money! of that, which says that you’re the same as tension has lessoned. It’s also that, as I get So I reckon if you aim high, and the material them. In my own self, it’s just to get closer to closer, the monster is dispersing. It’s so is right, you can get some of the best actors my source, closer to my God. I suppose you beautiful, and I can’t wait for it to come on. in the world. Again, though, for me, it’s about could call it absolution, being at one with I’m very pleased that it’s here, and very having a specific project for them rather than God. Whether it’ll happen in this one lifetime, pleased that it’s in Coventry. The people of contriving something especially for them. I’d I just don’t know. Coventry have been very good to me. It’s my also like to work with Tom Hardy. He’s been home city, and everything that I write about interested in some of my previous works, but has its genesis here. the timings have always been wrong, so I’d Geoff Thompson’s Fragile shows at really like to do something specifically for Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, from Tom. I’m also a big fan of Daniel Craig, who’s Sat 8 - Sat 22 September. Nik Kershaw_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:16 Page 1

I get sick of the thought of singing my old songs, but “ when you’re actually doing them it’s a different matter.”

Nik Kershaw talks about the 80’s and his new album...

12 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Nik Kershaw_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:16 Page 2

interview...

One-time funk guitarist Nik Kershaw spent a record-breaking fifty weeks in the charts in his golden year of 1984, and played his part in Live Aid the following year too. Nik appears in concert in Birmingham this month, so What’s On took the chance to catch up with the one-time teen idol...

In your forthcoming concert, you’re going to things to have in your set - they can be like I’m guilty of not paying very much attention, I play your first album, Human Racing, in its stepping stones. When people’s eyes are have to be honest! That said, there’s some entirety. Where did that idea come from? glazing over, you can chuck an old one in, and good stuff about. There’s a band called they’re back in the room again. It’s like sharing Everything Everything, and Ed Sheeran is Universal, who own the back catalogue to my - and everyone, including me, is fantastic. I really respect songwriters like Ed, old record label, MCA, called me at the end of back twenty-five years or so. Because of the not just people who can sing a bit. last year and told me that they were re- scale of my exposure in the ’80s, most people releasing Human Racing, and asked if I wanted Do you mourn the demise of shows like Top are always going to associate me with those to be involved in any way. I was keen to Of The Pops? songs, and I don’t have a problem with that. oversee the quality control and make sure it Well, it’s a very different business without it. It was done properly, so I said yes. The album What was it like to be part of Live Aid? was pivotal in my formative years, in my youth, was re-released at the start of this year. I’ve It was terrifying. You didn’t have a sound and in my career. Goodness knows how many also just released a new album, EI8HT, so I check, and you didn’t know if your gear was times I must have done it. And it was the one thought, why not put both albums in a live set. going to be on stage or whether it would be show and one chart everyone took notice of. It means it’s not just another ordinary gig. working! Fortunately, mine was - although Maybe with the exception of Jools Holland, I Looking back on the Human Racing album, some people weren’t so lucky! Being do miss the fact that there isn’t really a music is there a track that means more to you than surrounded by all your peers and your heroes, show on mainstream TV. any of the others? and the not insignificant matter of two billion And what do you think about TV talent people watching on TV, made it really nerve- I guess it would have to be Wouldn’t It Be shows like The Voice and The X Factor? wracking! Good - that was the first big hit, and it’s the one I think we’ve all had enough of them, haven’t song I’ve never really messed about with when Tell us about the new album, EI8HT. Which we? There are so many talented people out I play it live. It’s pretty much stayed as it was are your favourite tracks? there, but all the media wants to talk about is on the record. It got the ball rolling and it’s About eighteen months ago, I thought it was five or six X Factor contestants, some of whom been good to me ever since. about time I made a new album. The last one are, admittedly, very talented. And yes, X When you think back to the ’80s, how do was in 2006. I’m not sure what it is - hormones Factor has found some great people, who are you feel about that time? Is there anything maybe - but I just got an urge to do something still making music. It’s the monopoly they have you regret? for myself, to make another record. I like the on people’s attention that I have a problem first single, The Sky’s The Limit, I like Runaway, with. And what happens to the people on these My only minor regret was not enjoying it more and we’ve just done a remix of You’re The shows that don’t make it? What kind of support than I did, as it all went by in such a whirlwind - Best, which has turned out really well. system do they have for them? Not much of and a slightly stressful one at that! I look back one. on it with fondness, and with less Looking at today’s music scene, are there embarrassment than I used to. I suppose I’m a any performers that you particularly admire? Going back to the concert - as well as little bit embarrassed about what I looked like Human Racing and the new album, are we and how I behaved, but not the music. That likely to hear some of your other hits, such came quite naturally to me. It was all the other as The Riddle and Wide Boy? stuff. If someone stuck a camera in my face, I Don’t worry, I’ll be wheeling out all the big guns didn’t really know what to do. It’s a decade that - and you might hear some obscure album set me up for life, so I can’t look back on it with tracks too. It’s going to be a smorgasbord of anything other than respect and fondness. my career from the last thirty years. Do you ever get sick of singing your most well known songs from the 1980s? Nik plays Birmingham’s O2 Academy on I get sick of the thought of singing them, but Saturday 22 September. when you’re actually doing them it’s a His new album, EI8HT, is out now. different matter. I’ve got a respect for those songs, they’ve been very good to me. People want to hear them. They’re great

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Aiden Grimshaw Online_Layout 1 27/08/2012 10:23 Page 1

The theme running through the album is “ love, the questioning of love, relationships and what the point of it all is.”

Aiden Grimshaw talks about X Factor and his forthcoming tour... Aiden Grimshaw Online_Layout 1 27/08/2012 10:23 Page 2

interview...

It’s been a rollercoaster ride for X Factor contestant Aiden Grimshaw. Two years after being voted off the show in ninth place, his debut single entered the charts at number thirty-five, and his first album has just been released. Not only that, but the twenty-year-old boy from Blackpool is soon to hit the road with his first ever tour...

You appeared on the X Factor in 2010. Is No, not at all. It happened so quickly. I met that I wasn’t expecting, and now we’re just singing something you’ve always wanted to Jared Rodgers, the producer of the album, in trying to carry that through. November, and we had a finished and do? You’ve got a tour coming up - are you Yeah. I first started singing when I was about mastered album by February. It happened that looking forward to it? seven. The first single I bought was You Say It quickly. If we’d condensed the writing of the Best When You Say Nothing At All by Ronan tracks into days, we’d probably have had a Yes! The tour starts in September, and it’s Keating. I used to crack it out in my bedroom, finished album in a four or five week period. going to be slightly different to the X Factor thinking I was Ronan Keating and that it was a Everything was so fresh. I’d go out one night, Live tour. I’ve got a great band around me - surefire way for me to get a hand holding have an idea, write it down at about four in the three lads who are just amazing musicians - so partner. morning and take it into the studio the next I’m really looking forward to it. day. That’s when we’d write the songs. It was You also went to Theatre School and have What can we expect to see on the tour? pretty easy. Jared would do the beat and I’d do done a bit of acting. Is that something you’d Generally speaking, the whole sound of the the song. That was it! still like to persue? album is going to be different to what people Not at the moment. The opportunity I’ve got at Where did the inspiration for the tracks expect. The live versions should offer a little bit the moment is amazing, so I’d be a fool to come from? Are they based on life more than the recordings. Like I said, I’ve got write a massive novel and then to start messing experience? amazing musicians on stage with me, who’ll be with plays. I don’t want to be a jack of all trades able to emulate the sounds from the album Yeah, definitely. When you’re writing songs, and master of none. really well. I won’t be doing any of my X Factor you need to write things that are personal to tracks. That’s all behind me, and, quite frankly, you. The theme running through the album is How was the overall X Factor experience? some things are best left alone! It was very good. Well, it was amazing, actually. love, the questioning of love, relationships and It was mental, because I used to work at Pizza what the point of it all is. It’s sort of a generic What have you got planned once the tour Hut, and I look on the experience very kindly! base to start writing about something. I’m only finishes? Will you be back in the studio twenty, and it’s kind of the only thing I’ve done. working on more material? Is it a process you’d do again? You want to write about something you can No, I don’t think I could do it again. I took my I haven’t really thought about it yet. I’m writing relate to. gran to my first audition in , and it all the time. I had an idea last night, so I was was a fourteen-hour day. I thought she was What’s your favourite track on the album? up until about 5.30am, making weird voice going to pass out! I was pretty knackered too, notes on my phone. I’m not always in the That’s like asking a parent which is their to be fair. Plus, you have to do about three pre- mindset of “what’s the next song I’m going to favourite child! It’s weird having your own auditions before you get to see the judges. I write?”, but for now I’m just making sure I album out, but I don’t think I could pick a couldn’t go through that again, I’d get enjoy every day. I don’t really want to plan too particular song. There are four tracks on the impatient! I think once is enough. far ahead; I’ve been waiting for two years to be album that I really love, and the track that’s out doing this work! Is it fair to say you weren’t sure which at the moment, Curtain Call, is my current direction you wanted to take musically favourite. I wrote it in my bedroom after a Finally, where would you like to see yourself whilst on the show? drunken night, using a piano I bought for £50. in five years’ time? Yeah, I think so. I was eighteen, and as clever Your first single, Is This Love, reached the I don’t really know. Hopefully, I’ll get the chance as you think you are when you’re growing up, Top Forty. Were you happy with your first to do another album or another tour. Hopefully or as much as you think you might know, you’ll attempt at entering the charts? I can just carry on doing what I’m doing, never really be sure at that age. In the two because I’ve been having such a great time. I Certainly! It was only supposed to be a years since X Factor, I’ve changed so much. I don’t think I could go back to normality now. ‘remember me’ sort of vibe. Nobody in our think I’ve grown up a lot too. group expected it to really do anything, it was Your debut album, Misty Eyes, is out soon. more a case of putting it out there so that Aiden Grimshaw performs at You’ve written a good many of the tracks. people would think, “oh, that Aiden Grimshaw O2 Academy, Birmingham on Did you find it a challenge? lad is back”. Radio took it and it just kind of Wednesday 26 September. happened. It was an amazing response, one Music September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:23 Page 1 Music

Jesca Hoop The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 19 September Releasing third album The House That Jack Built on her own label earlier this year, Jesca releases a second song from the album Hospital (Win Your Love) two days before she plays Birmingham. Born in Northern California to Mormon parents, the tal- ented singer-songwriter broke away from her family to become a homesteader in the Californian wilder- ness. Gaining exposure on local radio station KCRW in 2003, she then went on to tour with acts such as Elbow and Polyphonic Spree before mov- ing to Manchester in 2009. Hear songs both old and new at this intimate show.

The Enid Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 7 September Maverick Sabre Formed in 1973, The Enid started recording at the O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 29 September; same time as punk rock emerged from the under- The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Mon 1 October ground. Despite the timing, and founder member Associated with genres such as soul, reggae fusion, post-dubstep, hip-hop and folk, Robert Godfrey’s assertion that their ironic takes on Irish-English singer-songwriter and rapper Maverick Sabre blends quality guitar playing classical music were just as anarchic as anything with eerie vocals to achieve a sound that’s very much his own. In a career that’s almost by the Sex Pistols, they didn’t quite fit the mould. as short as his hair, Maverick’s already scored numerous successes, including a contri- Latterly labelled as prog rock, they’ve always en- bution to the Professor Green club smash Jungle and a collaboration with Chase & Sta- joyed a crossover with heavier music genres. Cur- tus on Fire In Your Eyes Again. His 2011 debut EP, The Lost Words, marked him out as a rently recording new album Invicta, the band’s talent to watch out for, while his first studio album - this year’s Lonely Are The Brave - of- latest show sees them linking up with rockers fered ample evidence that he’s got what it takes to secure a long-term position for him- InMe, with support coming from Joykill. self in the UK’s musical firmament. Dexys Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 12 September Rebranded from Dexys Midnight Runners in 2003, Dexys is the brainchild of the fa- mously intense Kevin Rowland, and is a pop band with real soul. They’re very much on the comeback trail in 2012 with the release of One Day I’m Going To Soar, the first track of which they performed on Later With Jools Holland back in May. The new album ar- rives a staggering twenty-seven years after the release of their previous effort. This homecoming gig sees the Birmingham band playing the new album in its entirety, as well as old favourites such as Come On Eileen and Geno.

Twisted Wheel Kasbah, Coventry, Wed 19 September; O2 Acad- emy, Birmingham, Sun 30 September; The Sug- armill, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 1 October Manchester indie-rockers Twisted Wheel are this autumn making a comeback with a twenty-three- date UK tour. Kicking off in Coventry, the band that Liam Gallagher described as ‘a breath of fresh air’ once again bring their style of gritty rock’n’roll to the masses. Reminiscent of the early Jam, the boys describe themselves as a mixture of ’70s punk and ’60s rock and roll, with a pinch of Oasis thrown in for good measure.

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Music PREVIEWS

Dave Stewart Symphony Hall, Tues 4 September You know that you’ve made it big in the rough, tough world of the music industry when the iconic Bob Dylan takes time out from being a legendary troubadour to say a few words about you. -born Dave Stewart is a man in just such an enviable po- sition, with Dylan having described him as ‘an explosive musician and deft guitar player’ who ‘innately recognises the genius in other people and puts it into play without being manipulative’... Enough said, really, but we’ll carry on anyway - at least for long enough to mention that Dave is, of course, best known for his elec- tronic pop work with the Eurythmics, and that this particular gig is in support of his latest album, The Ringmaster General, released early this month. Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 13 September Feted worldwide for the high-energy nature of their live performances, Marillion first came to- gether in the late-1970s, producing four hit albums in their first decade. When original lead singer Fish opted out in 1988, Steve Hogarth took his place, the band continuing to chart well for another ten years or so. They’ve been more of a cult act since the twenty-first century dawned, swapping the full glare of the limelight for the benefit of having a fanbase so loyal that the boys could probably carry on touring until they’re all very old men, if they had a mind to. In 2008, they were ranked thirty-eighth in Classic Rock's Fifty Best Live Acts of All Time, and are touring to the Midlands in support of their latest album, Sounds That Can’t Be Made.

to previous release Someone Here Is Miss- Saregama - Celebrating ing, the band is now under new management and moving onto bigger and better things, in- The Legends cluding more tours and an increased number Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 5 September of festival slots. Howard James Kenny sup- Partikel ports. Roop Kumar Rathod, the voice behind popu- The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 15 September lar hits Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Sandese Aate This London-based trio of young gentlemen - Hain, Toh Chalun and Maula Mere Maula, is Duncan Eagles (saxophones), Max Luthert here joined by his wife Sunali Rathod in a (double bass) and Eric Ford (drums) - have show that pays tribute to the legendary Mohd certainly caused a stir since the release of Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar, Talat Mahmood and their eponymous debut album in late 2010. Noor Jehan. The concert sees the highly re- Honing their skills via Monday night jam ses- garded couple perform numerous classics, sions at a venue in Streatham, the boys have including Jo Waada Kiya (Taj Mahal), Itna Na garnered great praise for the high quality of Mujhse Tu Pyaar Badha (Chaaya), Aawaaz both their writing and musicianship. They’ve De Kahan Hai (Anmol Ghadi), Suhani Raat accompanied numerous famous names, too, (Dulari) and Madhuban Mein Radhika (Kohi- as well as receiving tuition from acclaimed noor). talents such as bassist Steve Watts and saxo- phonists Russell Van Den Berg and Morning- ton Lockett. The future looks bright... Richard Hawley HMV Institute, Birmingham, Sat 22 September Away from his work as a solo artist, Richard Hawley is best known for his time in the Brit- pop band Longpigs, and for spending some time with his mate in Pulp. As a solo performer, the guitarist and singer-song- writer has released seven albums, the latest of which is this year’s Standing At The Sky’s Edge, a work that’s been described as ‘chan- nelling elements of psychedelia, space rock Ian McNabb and ragas with heavy riffs and raw, visceral Cox’s Yard, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 23 Sep- guitar solos’. Charting at number three - tember; The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, The Pineapple Thief Richard’s highest ever entry - and receiving Fri 9 November more than its fair singer-songwriter Ian McNabb has The Robin, Bilston, Sun 16 September share of praise played with musicians as diverse as Ringo Warming up for the release of new album All across the board, Starr, Crazy Horse, Mike Scott of The Water- The Wars, The Pineapple Thief will this au- the album offers boys and Danny Thompson of folk legends tumn be busy touring the UK before heading irrefutable evi- Pentangle, but is best known as the frontman to with InMe in winter. Bruce Soord dence, were any and lead songwriter of The Icicle Works, who released three albums before deciding to to be needed, broke up in 1991. McNabb then revived the form a band, recruiting close musical friends that Hawley is an band name in 2006 for a series of UK con- Jon Sykes on bass, Wayne Higgins on gui- artist who’s very certs, and now returns to the fray with his tars, Matt O'Leary on keyboards and Keith much at the peak ninth album, Little Episodes, which he wrote Harrison on drums. With a positive response of his powers. over just a day and a half in November 2011.

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Music PREVIEWS B.O.B HMV Institute, Birmingham, Mon 24 September Also known as Bobby Ray Simmons, Ameri- can rapper, singer-songwriter and record pro- ducer B.o.B hit the big time in style with his debut single Nothin' On You, which reached number one in both the United States and the . Second single Airplanes took top spot in the UK as well (it reached number two in the States), while debut album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray took poll position in the US charts. B.o.B’s appearance in Birmingham this month comes in support of second album Strange Clouds, seventy-five thousand-plus copies of which were sold in the first week ‘Symphonica’ after its Springtime release. Check him out. LG Arena, Birmingham, Sun 16 - Mon 17 September Linking up with classical orchestras from across Europe to reinterpret not only a selection of his own material but also unexpected cover versions and traditional standards, George Michael’s 2011 Symphonica tour was enjoying huge success until a serious bout of pneumo- nia left the singer in an intensive care unit in an Austrian hospital. Now fully recovered, Michael is back on the road, with these two Birmingham dates replacing the ones he had to cancel last December. Unquestionably one of Britain’s best-known and most admired singer-songwriters, he continues to hold sway with a still-adoring public, despite a recent history littered with per- sonal controversy and way too many run-ins with the local constabulary. He’s come a long way since his mid-1980s glory days as one half of Wham!, but George has always managed to retain a keen understanding of what his fans want from him, and seems no less able to deliver now than he’s ever been.

Hancox - have made the kind of sensational splash it’s hard to ignore. Witness the fact Nik Kershaw that this gig is a complete and total sell-out. O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 22 September Roddy Woomble The boys’ success can hardly be considered Is it really possible that Nik Kershaw has a surprise, mind, given how deliciously origi- clocked up a half century and more on Planet Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 Septem- ber; The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 25 November nal and innovative they are. For those not al- Earth? Surely not! It seems like only yester- ready in the know, the fellas create hilarious day that the boy from Bristol was a fresh- Better known to thousands as Scottish rock musical sketches at lightning speed in front faced teen idol, sharing airtime and chart band Idlewild’s front man, Roddy Woomble is of a live audience, a fact that ensures each space with the likes of Duran Duran, Wham! also a celebrated solo songwriter and per- and every gig is an impressively unique expe- and Haircut 100. A one-time funk guitarist, former. Showcasing his brand of contempo- rience. If you’ve got tickets for this show, Nik spent a record-breaking fifty weeks in the rary folk as a solo artist, he released debut enjoy. If you haven’t, catch up with Rob and charts in his golden year of 1984, and played album My Secret Is My Silence in 2006. James as soon as you can. his part in Live Aid the following year too, as Working with musicians such as Kate Rusby, well as scoring mega-hits with songs like I his wife Ailidh Lennin and Idlewild guitarist Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and Rod Jones, Woomble produced an album Smoke Fairies Wouldn’t It Be Good. Oh, and he also wrote that reached the top spot in the UK folk Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, the Chesney Hawkes number one The One charts. He’s currently recording his third solo Wed 26 September And Only, just for good measure. Nik appears album, the follow-up to 2008’s Before The in Birmingham this month in the company of Ruin, recorded with Drever and McCusker, They may be old school friends from Sussex, his band, and is sure to be playing plenty of and is using this tour to test out his new ma- but these two artists have a sound that is dis- old 1980s favourites as well as numbers from terial. tinctly American. Having spent a year in New Orleans soaking up the sound of the blues, his latest album, 8. Read our interview with they returned to , discovered folk Nik Kershaw at www.whatsonlive.co.uk music and scored impressive gigs supporting Bryan Ferry and Richard Hawley. Proving their networking skills, they became the first Roachford UK act to release a single on Jack White’s The Jam House, Birmingham, label Third Man Records, and were asked to Thurs 13 September; The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 20 September support him on his 2012 solo tour. With his influences including artists such as Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, The Roots, D’An- Aiden Grimshaw gelo and Jill Scott, Andrew Roachford is the O2 Academy, Birmingham, force behind Roachford, the all-British Wed 26 September pop/soul group that made their name in the One of the best things to come out of Black- late 1980s with tracks such as Cuddly Toy pool, X Factor alumnus Aiden Samuel and Family Man. The first artists to sign a Grimshaw finished ninth on series seven of seven-album deal with Columbia Records, Abandoman the hit ITV1 talent show back in 2010. Quickly the band were the label’s biggest-selling UK The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 20 signed up by RCA Records, he’s been biding act for ten years. Their September; The Glee Club, Birmingham, his time ever since, and finally released his Sun 7 October latest album, Addictive, debut single, Is This Love, in June of this is a powerfully emotive With festivals such as Glastonbury, V, Besti- year. Having just released his debut album, and soulful offering that val, Latitude, Altitude and Rockness (not to which he describes as ‘intense’ and ‘a vague brilliantly showcases An- mention appearances at the Brits after-party narrative around a break-up’, Aiden is playing drew’s unique songwrit- and Daisy Lowe’s twenty-first birthday bash) the O2 as part of an eleven-date headlining ing style, and is widely nicely secured under their belts, it’s fair to tour. Read our interview with Aiden at considered to be his say Abandoman - comprising frontman Rob www.whatsonlive.co.uk edgiest sound to date. Broderick and multi-instrumentalist James

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Music September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:23 Page 7

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Music LISTINGS

For full listing information on gigs, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

SAT 1 SEP WED 5 SEP

MR BEN The Jam SAREGAMA 'CELEBRATING House, Birmingham THE LEGENDS' A hand- KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES picked selection of The Sugarmill, Stoke- songs to celebrate one on-Trent hundred years of Bolly- AN EVENING WITH RE- wood, Symphony Hall, TAKE THAT plus special Birmingham guest appearance by BRUCE COCKBURN The Peter Owen as Robbie Robin, Bilston Evesham Arts Centre OPM The Ironworks, Os- MOTOWN MAGIC The westry River Rooms, Stour- KEIRAN HALPIN Kitchen bridge Garden Cafe, B’ham TAKING HAYLEY The Ball- room, Birmingham SILENT FILTER FT. CLAUS- THUR 6 SEP TROPHOBIQUE 02 Acad- emy, Birmingham Aiden Grimshaw - O2 Academy, Birmingham MANIFEST LIVE FT. CITY ULI JON ROTH Warwick Cavern LIGHTZ, JIMMY DAVIS, PROMENADE CONCERT MARILLION Civic Hall, MATH The Slade MEZZOTONIC, LUKE THE MACCA BAND The Robin, Bilston \SAT 8 SEP WITH FLOWERS BAND Wolverhampton Rooms, Wolverhampton TRUTH, BACK TO BACK, Stratford Civic Hall RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- RAYMOND FROGGATT Ar- COVERT AND ARKWRIGHT THE JELLYBEAN REBEL- LION The Rainbow, NEOMANTIX PLUS PAPER TACULAR New Alexandra trix, Bromsgrove FT. BUGZY 02 Academy, BRYAN ADAMS EXPERI- TIGERS, AMFX, BREAKING Theatre, Birmingham JAMFOLK 25TH ANNIVER- Birmingham Birmingham THE SECRET YEAR, CON- ENCE Cox's Yard, Strat- SATELLITES The Slade SAM SALLON Cox's Yard, SARY CELEBRATION DESPERADO The Robin, ford-upon-Avon Rooms, Wolverhampton Stratford-upon-Avon Arena Theatre, Wolver- Bilston DUIT, ELEVENMILESBE- TWEEN, L.O.S.T., TRIVAX GYPSY FIRE Lichfield BLUE NATION, STUART ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S hampton THE QUO Cox's Yard, Garrick JONES & FRIENDS, JAMIE HEROES The Robin, Bil- MAETLOAF The Robin, Stratford-upon-Avon O2 Academy, Birming- ham ABBA REVIVAL The CROFT & DAVID GARSIDE ston Bilston GIANTESS The Sun- Range, Essington, The Yardbird Jazz Club, GERRY CROSS THE FOR THOSE ABOUT TO flower Lounge, Birming- Wolverhampton Birmingham MERSEY Artrix, Broms- ROCK Victoria Hall, Han- ham FRI 7 SEP HARMEET SINGH VIRDEE TOM HINGLEY, RORY grove ley, Stoke-on-Trent CLAUSTROPHOBIQUE, Symphony Hall, Birm- MCKEE & THE SHAM 69 The Assembly, ROCKIT FUEL Cox's Yard, NEW KILLER SHOES, WE DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO ingham BRIGHTSPARKS O2 Acad- Leamington Spa Stratford-upon-Avon WRITERS, RIDOLFI & DETROIT SOUL The Jam emy, Birmingham CATE LE BON Hare & PIAF: THE CONCERT Birm- SEARCHING SKYLINES O2 AC/DC The Robin, Bil- ston House CLAYSON SINGS BREL Hounds, Birmingham ingham Town Hall Academy, Birmingham CHARITY ROCK NIGHT Kitchen Garden Cafe, CHEEK MOUNTAIN THIEF THE FIVE IN ONE SHOW THE FAB BEATLES The KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS Solihull WITH INSOMNIA The Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bedworth Civic Hall Range, Essington, Slade Rooms, Wolver- ingham STAKEOUT, KEEP THE Wolverhampton Arts Complex RED BARATT TOUR Birm- hampton MON 10 SEP ROACHFORD The Jam CHANGE, SUNSET SKY- ingham Town Hall THE 7 TEEZ The River House, Birmingham LINE & EVERYBODY SUN 2 SEP MAWA & THE MELO-D Rooms, Stourbridge AEROSMITH UK Warwick LOOKS FAMOUS 02 Acad- Cox's Yard, Stratford- A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY SLEEPY SUN Hare & Cavern emy, Birmingham upon-Avon The Roadhouse, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham QUAYSIDE, THE MONEY FOR NOTHING - SCRIBERS, ONE NIGHT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTI- THE BILLY FURY YEARS ingham SUE DENIM 02 Academy, DIRE STRAITS TRIBUTE THE CAFE OR- STAND, CAMPUNAS, IN- VAL Birmingham Botan- Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, CHESTRA The Roses VADE THE ARMADA O2 ical Gardens GYPSY FIRE Lichfield Worcester Theatre, Tewksbury Academy, Birmingham MOSTLY AUTUMN The Garrick LEXICOMANE! 02 Acad- TUE 11 SEP Robin, Bilston 'MOTOWN' LEGENDS Nail- SAT 15 SEP THE BURNING CROWS cote Hall, Berkswell, emy, Birmingham THE ROLLIN' CLONES - The Slade Rooms, AMY WADGE & PETE FRI 14 SEP ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE Wolverhampton FROM SABBATH TO HELL RILEY The Robin, Bilston ATOMIC BLONDIE Hunt- Band 02 Academy, ROWBERRY HILL, ANDY Huntingdon Hall, WATER TOWER & LINCOLN THE ESTABLISHMENT ingdon Hall, Worcester FLYNN, JOE MORTON, Worcester Birmingham DURHAM Hare & ROCKET The Jam JOHNNY CASH ROAD- Warwick Cavern LUKE HUNTLEY, KIM LOW- THE ENID & INME Wulfrun Hounds, Birmingham House, Birmingham SHOW THE TOY HEARTS The INGS & THE GREENWOOD Hall, Wolverhampton The Swan The- THE MOONS Hare & THE ELVIS YEARS The atre, Worcester Ballroom, Birmingham The Yardbird Jazz Club, THE ESTABLISHMENT Hounds, Birmingham Grand Theatre, Wolver- THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN BIG UP THE 90'S The Birmingham Warwick Cavern hampton New Alexandra Theatre, River Rooms, Stour- EMMA SCOTT PRESENTS ROY ORBISON AND bridge KINGS OV LEON 02 Acad- RED METHOD, CHASING FRIENDS The Roses Birmingham emy, Birmingham MOTOWN SOUL SPECTAC- WED 12 SEP HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- HIGHS, SOMEONE ELSE, Theatre, Tewksbury THE CULT, THE MISSION & ULAR WITH SOLID SOUL LIN The Roses Theatre, FAKE OBSESSION, DAN SEALEY & ADAM Tewksbury KILLING JOKE 02 Acad- CAUGHT IN THE MOMENT BERRY Royal Shake- The Place, Oakengates CHRIS DIFFORD The emy, Birmingham Theatre, Telford TIM AMANN XTET Sym- O2 Academy, Birming- speare Theatre, Strat- Robin, Bilston ABSOLUTE PARTY War- THE MODFATHERS - TRIB- phony Hall, Birmingham ham ford-upon-Avon PLAINSONG Birmingham SWORN TO OATH The wick Castle ULTIMATE MADNESS VS UTE TO PAUL WELLER Town Hall MAETLOAF Cox's Yard, The Robin, Bilston Sugarmill, Stoke-on- MON 3 SEP ULTIMATE SPECIALS The GERRY CROSS THE Trent Stratford-upon-Avon River Rooms, Stour- LIGHTHOUSE The Edge MERSEY The Place, Oak- PARTIKEL The Hive, Arts Centre, Much Wen- KEVIN PAUL IS ELVIS The bridge engates Theatre, Telford Range, Essington, Shrewsbury ESCAPING VENDETTA The lock INCENDIA, FRANTIC EM- DEXYS Symphony Hall, Wolverhampton HALFWAY TO PARADISE - Ballroom, Birmingham EMMA SCOTT PRESENTS PIRE, INTERNAL CON- Birmingham OAYSIS & THE TOTAL THE BILLY FURY STORY PEARL JEM - TRIBUTE TO LEXICOMANEL, BEYOND FLICT, OBSESSED BY HUSKY & THE BRONZE STONE ROSES The As- Victoria Hall, Hanley, PEARL JAM 02 Acad- SEVENSIGNS, INSOLITO, CRUELTY AND HUSK The MEDAL Hare & Hounds, sembly, Leamington Stoke-on-Trent emy, Birmingham ENEMO J & EATEN BY Slade Rooms, Wolver- Birmingham Spa JOHNNY 2 BAD The hampton WOLVES O2 Academy, THE LAST CARNIVAL & Robin, Bilston Birmingham RODDY WOOMBLE The- DETROIT SOUL The Jam TOM STANFORD O2 Acad- atre Severn, Shrews- STARS IN YOUR EYES A TUES 4 SEP House, Birmingham emy, Birmingham bury two-hour show featur- MARTYR DE MONA, SUN 9 SEP CREAM OF CLAPTON The- ing four individual trib- DAVE STEWART Sym- WRAITH, BLACK WEDNES- THUR 13 SEP atre Severn, Shrews- utes from four vocalists phony Hall, Birming- DAY O2 Academy, Birm- bury paying homage to ingham MAGENTA & SUPPORT some of the worlds ham FROM ALAN REED The ROCKET The Jam BY LANTERN LIGHT XMY (EX MUSICAL biggest musical stars, Cox's Robin, Bilston RAYMOND FROGGATT The House, Birmingham Yard, Stratford-upon- YOUTH) The Range, Ess- Place, Oakengates The- AWAKE BY DESIGN WITH including Barbra ington, Wolverhampton IWRESTLEDABEARONCE Streisand, Michael Avo O2 Academy, B’ham atre, Telford SUPPORT FROM AFTER- www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Music September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:23 Page 9

LICHFIELD GUILDHALL SEPTEMBER Fri 14th & Sat 15th Sept Noon - 11pm each day

After the success of last year's event Lichfield Arts Oktoberfest returns to the Guildhall for a second slice of Bavarian culture, with a fine selection of German draught beers, wines, and food, with an array of English Real Ales. Live music each evening. Friday afternoon: £2 (up to 5pm), evening: £3 (after 5pm), full day: £4 Sat- urday afternoon: £2 (up to 5pm) Satur- day evening: £4 (after 5pm) Saturday full day: £5

Wed 21st Sept, 8.30pm TIM EDEY & BREN- DAN POWER Winner Best Duo & Musician of the Year (Tim Edey) – BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards 2012 The duo's powerful blend of passion and virtuosity is infectious. What sets them apart from most folk/Celtic acts is their free- wheeling approach to live performance. Tickets: £13/£12 concs /£11 members/ £7 students

OCTOBER Wed 3rd Oct, 8.30pm NANCY KERR & JAMES FAGAN Tickets: £14/£13 concs /£12 members/ £7 students

Fri 12th Oct, 8.30pm MADDY PRIOR WITH GILES LEWIN AND HANNAH JAMES Tickets: £16/£15 concs /£14 members/ £13 students

Fri 19th Oct, 8.30pm KATE ROBBINS Tickets: £12/£11 concs /£10 members/ £7 students

Fri 26th Oct, 8.30pm THE CLARE FREE BAND Tickets: £12/£11 concs /£10 members/ £7 students

For a programme or further information contact: Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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emy, Birmingham MALEFICE, SILENT Music LISTINGS SCREAMS & SPLINTER- TONE 02 Academy, For full listing information on gigs Birmingham THE BLUES BAND The including, times and dates, visit Roses Theatre, Tewks- www.whatsonlive.co.uk bury THE ESTABLISHMENT Warwick Cavern Buble, Tina Turner and CHRIS SMITH'S 5 STAR FLASH BACK TO THE Rod Stewart, Solihull SWING BAND Dudley EIGHTIES The River Arts Complex Concert Hall Rooms, Stourbridge GENO WASHINGTON Hare BEYOND THE BARRICADE THE RED LEMONS The & Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Jam House. B’ham KINGS OV LEON & KAISER ROLLING BACK THE UNDERGROUND HEROES MONKEY KILLERS The YEARS Solihull Arts The Sugarmill, Stoke- Slade Rooms, Wolver- Complex on-Trent hampton LEVI FRENCH TRIO Birm- THE BON JOVI EXPERI- FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO ingham Town Hall ENCE Theatre Severn, QUEEN The Public, West Shrewsbury Bromwich WED 19 SEP BEYOND BUBLE - JAMES COULD IT BE MAGIC - WILLIAMS The Range, TAKE THAT TRIBUTE The Essington, Wolver- ROLLING BACK THE Range, Essington, hampton Wolverhampton YEARS Solihull Arts AARON MOBBERLEY & Complex MARC O'REILLY The Sug- JESCA HOOP The Glee armill, Stoke-on-Trent Club, Birmingham SAT 22 SEP THE MOONS Kasbah, RICHARD STREET Lich- Coventry field Garrick GUNS 2 ROSES Cox's THE FEATURES The Ball- FAT FIGHTERS - TRIBUTE Yard, Stratford-upon- room, Birmingham TO THE FOO FIGHTERS Avon THE DECADES BAND The The Robin, Bilston 60'S BIG NIGHT OUT WITH River Rooms, Stour- THE MENZINGERS, THE THE MERSEYBEATS The- bridge FRONT BOTTOMS AND atre Severn, Shrews- EL-P The Rainbow ABOVE THEM Hare & bury Warehouse, Birming- Hounds, Birmingham THE FLOWER KINGS The ham TWISTED WHEEL Kasbah, Assembly, Leamington BLACK RUSSIAN, THE Coventry Spa TENNYSONS, TWELVE HEY SHOLAY The Yard- KID INK HMV Institute, CLAY FEET, THE NUCELAR bird Jazz Club, Birming- Birmingham WEASALS, SILICONE ham RICHARD HAWLEY HMV DAISY, STORMBORN, SO- Institute, Birmingham PHIE BOHANAN & LUKE THUR 20 SEP THE BON JOVI EXPERI- HUNTLEY O2 Academy, ENCE The River Rooms, Darren Hayes - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Stourbridge SOUL PATCH The Jam QUEEN ALIVE Warwick Severn, Shrewsbury Institute, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham House, Birmingham Cavern KATHRYN TICKELL The- KEN VANDERMARK TRIO & OCCOEUR & GLASS BUL- SUN 16 SEP CRYBABY & SYLVIA Hare NIK KERSHAW 02 Acad- atre Severn, Shrews- STEVE TROMANS QUAR- LET O2 Academy, Birm- & Hounds, Birmingham emy, Birmingham bury TET Birmingham Town ingham RAYMOND FROGGATT The ABANDOMAN The Slade STEREOTYPICAL BLUES IAN MCNABB Cox's Yard, Hall Roses Theatre, Tewks- Rooms, Wolverhampton TRAIN, NAKED REMEDY, Stratford-upon-Avon TRACER The Slade bury LARRY MILLER Warwick THE FUNK PUMPKINS & REBECCA SCHWARZ Rooms, Wolverhampton FRI 28 SEP GEORGE MICHAEL 'SYM- Cavern PAUL O’DELL 02 Acad- Kitchen Garden Cafe, SMOKE FAIRIES Hare & THE MAINE 02 Academy, PHONICA' LG Arena, emy, Birmingham Kings Heath, Birming- Hounds, Birmingham JOAN ARMATRADING The- Birmingham Birmingham ROD STEWART BY GARY ham PIERRE BENSUSAN VOICE OF THE HEART - atre Severn, Shrews- WET NUNS Hare & PEASE The Range, Ess- BRETT MCLAUGHLAN The Stafford Gatehouse bury Hounds, Birmingham KAREN CARPENTER Royal ington, Wolverhampton Yardbird Jazz Club, Theatre Spa Centre, Leaming- THE INTENTIONS The Jam THE MAKING, THE SECRET NO JACKET REQUIRED - Birmingham ULTRAVOX Symphony House, Birmingham YEAR, DIFFERENT CLASS ton Spa PHIL COLINS TRIBUTE Hall, Birmingham MARTIN CARTHY AND JODY HAS A HITLIST The & JUMP THE SHARK The The Robin, Bilston ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S Ballroom, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- DAVE SWARBRICK Hunt- RUBY TURNER Stafford MON 24 SEP HEROES Stafford Gate- ingdon Hall, Worcester ULTRA 90S The River hampton Gatehouse Theatre house Theatre Rooms, Stourbridge THE PINEAPPLE THIEF THE ULTIMATE OASIS The GORDON GILTRAP & AIDEN GRIMSHAW 02 Place, Oakengates The- B.O.B HMV Institute, THE SUBTERRANEANS The Robin, Bilston OLIVER WAKEMAN Hunt- Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Warwick Cavern VAMM The Hive, atre, Telford ingdon Hall, Worcester DAPPY 02 Academy, MIDLAND YOUTH JAZZ JOYCE MANOR The Rain- ARTHUR DOHERTY BAND Shrewsbury THE DE LANEROLLE bow, Birmingham Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse ARTMAGIC & LOUIS PETIT ORCHESTRA Solihull Arts BROTHERS IN CONCERT RAYMOND FROGGATT Complex JOE BROWN Solihull Arts Theatre The Yardbird Jazz Club, Solihull Arts Complex Complex Solihull Arts Complex MARC ALMOND Sym- Birmingham GINGER BAKER'S JAZZ SABRI ENSEMBLE Arena ERJA LYYTINEN & VIRGIL CONFUSION Warwick JOYCE MANOR, APOLO- phony Hall, Birmingham ALASDAIR ROBERTS Theatre, Wolverhamp- GIES, I HAVE NONE, & THE ACCELERATORS BEE GEES FEVER The Kitchen Garden Cafe, Arts Centre ton The Robin, Bilston ROACHFORD The Robin, BANGERS & PANDA Place, Oakengates The- Birmingham THE DU’MONTTS The WATCH The Rainbow, SHABANG! O2 Academy atre, Telford Bilston Public, West Bromwich SEALL, DARKNESS IS Birmingham THE LAST MASQUERADE MON 17 SEP BLINDING, ENDINGS AND THUR 27 SEP 02 Academy, Birming- ORIGINS O2 Academy, SUN 23 SEP TUES 25 SEP ham Birmingham ROY ORBISON AND UK BEE GEES Solihull Arts FRIENDS The Swan The- FU MANCHU 02 Acad- GUITAR MASTERS ANDY THEN JERICO 02 Acad- Complex atre, Worcester emy, Birmingham FRI 21 SEP MCKEE, PRESTON REED emy, Birmingham RACHEL SERMANNI The THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS GEORGE MICHAEL 'SYM- AND JOHN GOMM The DARREN HAYES Sym- Glee Club, Birmingham Solihull Arts Complex PHONICA' LG Arena, STUDIO UNPLUGGED Soli- Glee Club, Birmingham phony Hall, Birming- ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - ETHAN ASH & MATT SHEE- Birmingham ALSO EDEN, MR SO & SO ham JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE HAN The Glee Club, MILLENIUM EAGLE JAZZ hull Arts Complex TIM EDEY & BRENDEN & CRIMSON SKY The JOE BROOKS HMV Insti- The Robin, Bilston Birmingham BAND The Slade POWER Lichfield Guild- Robin, Bilston tute, Birmingham STEVE CRADDOCK Hare & FRED ZEPPELIN Cox's Rooms, Wolverhampton hall ANNEKE VAN GIERSBER- JIM LOCKEY & THE Hounds, Birmingham Yard, Stratford-upon- ROXY MAGIC Huntingdon GEN & MOJO FURY 02 SOLEMN SUN Hare & MIKILL PANE & URSA Avon TUES 18 SEP Hall, Worcester Academy, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham HMV Institute, Birming- ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW HATS OFF TO LED ZEPLIN MOTION CITY SOUND- ham AND THE LOW RIDERS Royal Spa Centre TRACK 02 Academy, MACHINE GUN Kelly HMV The Robin, Bilston DNTEL DNTEL HMV Insti- THE CARPET CRAWLERS Birmingham WED 26 SEP Institute, Birmingham YURIY GALKIN NONET tute, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse WRATHCHILD, GYPSY PIS- DEL CAMINO The Jam Symphony Hall, Birm- JOE BROUGHTON & KEVIN Theatre TOLEROS & NIGHTBLADE House, Birmingham ingham DEMPSEY The Roses ALEXANDER O'NEAL The FRED ZEPPELIN The The River Rooms, ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S VJK The Range, Essing- Theatre, Tewksbury Jam House, Birming- Robin, Bilston Stourbridge HEROES Cox's Yard, ton, Wolverhampton DYING FETUS 02 Acad- ham HALESTORM 02 Acad- THE GRIMETHORPE COL- Stratford-upon-Avon emy, Birmingham LIERY BAND Theatre WHILE SHE SLEEPS HMV STEVE CRADOCK Hare &

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AUTUMN PROGRAMME 2012 Friday 5 October, 7:30pm Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Henschel THE String Quartet Haydn, Beethoven EASY Tuesday 9 October, 7:30pm St Mary’s Church, Warwick Stile Antico The Rose In Flower WAY TO Wednesday 17 October, 7:30pm Kingsley School Hall, Leamington Aquinas BOOK Piano Trio Haydn, Saint-Saëns, Mendelssohn

Tuesday 6 November, 7:30pm YOUR St Mary’s Church, Warwick The York Waits with Deborah TICKETS Catterall (singer) Our King went forth Friday 9 November, 7:30pm ONLINE Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Maggini String Quartet Mozart, Mendelssohn

Thursday 15 November, 7:30pm Royal Spa Centre Studio Theatre Leamington A Blast with Fine Arts Brass

Tuesday 27 November, 7:30pm Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Hepplewhite Piano Trio and Chuen-An Chern (piano) Haydn, Brahms, Chopin

Friday 30 November, 7:30pm Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington The Revolutionary Drawing Room with Colin Lawson (clarinet) Hummel, Haydn, Mozart

Thursday 6 December, 7.30pm Holy Trinity Church, Leamington Ex Cathedra Christmas Concert whatsonlive.co.uk by Candlelight

Tuesday 11 December, 7.30pm St Mary’s Church, Warwick Choir of New The most comprehensive College Oxford what’s on listings website Christmas for Birmingham and Concert the West Midlands For full programme and to book visit www.leamingtonmusic.org 01926 776438 and www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

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HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS The Sugarmill, Stoke- Music Venues Box Office Music LISTINGS on-Trent TOM BAXTER HMV Insti- Birmingham Black Country THE SUGAR MILL, HANLEY For full listing information on gigs tute, Birmingham STOKE-ON-TRENT DENIM AND LEATHER The 02 ACADEMY CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON 01159 454 593 including, times and dates, visit 08444 77 2000 0870 320 7000 Slade Rooms, Wolver- TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS www.whatsonlive.co.uk hampton ADRIAN BOULT HALL DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01827 709618 0121 331 5901 01384 815577 AFTERNOON RAGA UN- VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY THE ASYLUM VEILED Symphony Hall, FOREST ARTS CENTRE, 0844 871 7649 DARK SIDE OF THE WALL Birmingham 0121 233 1109 WALSALL SAT 29 SEP Huntingdon Hall, STAFFORD GATEHOUSE RIVAL SONS Wulfrun THE BALLROOM, DALE END 01922 654555 01785 254653 Worcester Hall, Wolverhampton 0121 448 0797 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE THE COUNTERFEIT THE BARBER INSTITUTE 01902 572090 MAVERICK SABRE 02 MAN LIKE ME & OTHER Warwickshire STONES The Robin, Bil- 0121 414 7333 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH Academy, Birmingham TRIBE Sunflower THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON ston BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0121 533 7161 NORTHERN SOUL & MO- Lounge, Birmingham 01926 311311 DR TEETH BIG BAND War- 0121 780 3333 THE RANGE, ESSINGTON TOWN NIGHT EMMA SCOTT PRESENTS COX’S YARD, STRATFORD Dudley wick Cavern CBSO CENTRE 01922 404888 Concert Hall THE GRADES, MY PRE- 01789 404600 ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS The 0121 780 3333 ROBIN 2, BILSTON SERVER, BLACK STAR THE KASBAH, COVENTRY THE INTENTIONS The Roses Theatre, Tewks- CUSTARD FACTORY, 01902 401211 Jam House, Birming- NULLET & DELTORA O2 02476 554473 bury 0121 224 7777 STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Academy, Birmingham NAILCOTE HALL, ham P!NK MISS UNDERSTOOD FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 01384 812812 TEEDRA MOSES 02 Acad- JAM DRC The Range, BERKSWELL The River Rooms, Essington, Wolver- HARE & HOUNDS WULFRUN HALL, 02476 46 6174 emy, Birmingham Stourbridge 0121 444 2081 WOLVERHAMPTON JOAN ARMATRADING The- hampton 0870 320 7000 RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY ROXY MAGIC Cox's Yard, HMV INSTITUTE www.ricoharena.com atre Severn, Shrews- Stratford-upon-Avon 0844 248 5037 bury STRATFORD CIVIC HALL SECRET AFFAIR The As- SUN 30 SEP ISLAND BAR Shropshire 01789 207100 NORTHERN SOUL & MO- sembly, Leamington 0121 632 5296 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, TAYLOR JOHN’S HOUSE, TOWN NIGHT Dudley Spa THE JAM HOUSE MUCH WENLOCK Concert Hall COVENTRY GLENN MILLER ORCHES- 0121 200 3030 01952 728911 024 7623 0699 TRA Theatre Severn, LG ARENA THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY THE WARWICK CAVERN Shrewsbury 0844 338 8000 01743 234970 01926 494600 DRAGONFORCE Wulfrun NIA 0844 338 8000 THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY Hall, Wolverhampton THE RAINBOW 01691 679123 Worcestershire TWISTED WHEEL 02 0121 772 8174 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS, ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, Academy, Birmingham RED LION FOLK CLUB SOUTH SHROPSHIRE BROMSGROVE 01584 878141 KARNATAKA The Robin, 0121 441 6941 01527 577330 THEATRE SEVERN, Bilston THE ROADHOUSE HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 STEVE KING BIG BAND 0121 459 5660 THEATRE 01905 611427 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, Solihull Arts Complex THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER TELFORD 01952 382382 THE CRAFTED ACOUSTIC 0121 632 6756 01905 613336 TOUR FEAT. CHRIS WEM TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL PALACE THEATRE 0121 780 3333 01939 232299 WOODS, COLE STACEY, 01527 65203 THE FIRST SEVEN & THE GLEE CLUB THE RIVER ROOMS, 0871 472 0400 Staffordshire JAMIE CLAYTON Sun- STOURBRIDGE flower Lounge, Birming- THE YARDBIRD JAZZ CLUB LICHFIELD GUILDHALL 01384 397177 ham 0121 212 2524 01543 262223 Rival Sons - Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton

BARRY STEELE ... Roy Orbison & Friends “True Identikit Brilliance’ “Roy Orbison was in the Room’ THE STAGE THE SHROPSHIRE STAR

SAT 6 OCTOBER SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 0121 704 6962

THURS 11 OCTOBER BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 0247 637 6707 FRI 19 OCTOBER THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 WWW.BARRYSTEELE.COM

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PREVIEWS Orlando Generoso Classical Music The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 27 & Sat 29 - Sun 30 September In what’s believed to be its first staging since the early eighteenth century, Agosti- no Steffani's Orlando Generoso is here performed by The Musical And Amicable Society Baroque Orchestra. Described as a tale of , infatuation, obsession and love, this latest Barber opera follows the noble Orlando as he’s driven mad by his feelings and doubts. Mainly set in China, Steffani’s opera explores in detail the subject of human frailty, and is set against a poignant score. Countertenor Michal Czerniawski heads up the cast as Orlando, while soprano Elizabeth Cragg performs the role of his love interest, Angelica. Louise Alder, Catarina Sereno, Louise Innes, Marta Fontanais-Simmons, Nicholas Merryweather, Alexander Aldren and Jennifer Harper also star.

Photo courtesy of Chris Dunlop © Decca Celebrity Recital: Danielle De Niese Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 30 September Regarded as ‘opera’s coolest soprano’ by the New York Times Magazine, Australian-born Danielle De Niese’s singing prowess first came to prominence in 2005, when she appeared as Cleopatra in Giulio Cesare at the Glyndebourne Festival. Since then, Danielle has toured exten- sively, regularly appearing on some of the world’s most prestigious concert and opera stages. This Birmingham International Concert Season performance sees De Niese - accompanied by acclaimed English pianist Julius Drake - present an evening of romantic songs by Dowland, Grieg, Wolf, Poulenc and Bizet.

The Armed Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Man: A Mass Featuring Ivor Settlefield For Peace Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 27 September Symphony Hall, Acclaimed English conductor Ivor Settlefield here leads one of the Birmingham, UK’s most prestigious orchestras in what promises to be an evening Sun 16 September of classical excellence. Settlefield’s love of music began at the age of In recognition of three, when he began learning to play the violin. In his teens, he was Karl Jenkins’ contri- awarded scholarships to both the Royal Academy and the Royal Col- bution to British lege of Music, before completing his studies in Siena under the guid- classical music, ance of two of Russia’s greatest conductors, Ilya Musin and Valery Midlands concert Gergiev. This concert sees Settlefield direct the RPO - accompanied producers Sing Live by Duncan Riddell on violin and Laurence Davies on French Horn - UK here team up through a programme featuring works by Glinka, Mozart, Boccherini, with renowned per- Bruch and Beethoven. formers the Black Dyke Band to pres- ent a performance of the composer’s Nigel Kennedy highly regarded work. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 10 September Jazz meets classical in this unique concert, which sees violin virtuoso Nigel Kennedy perform works by Bach and Fats Waller. The world-famous musician begins a hom- age to the two musical greats with a per- formance of Bach for solo violin. For his own arrangements of Waller’s music, Nigel is joined on stage by Polish acoustic gui- tarist Jarek Smietana, drummer Krzysztof Dziedzic and bass player Yaron Stavi.

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Classical LISTINGS Classical For full listing information on classical Box Office

concerts, including times and dates, ABBEY CHURCH, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk SHREWSBURY WENDY WHYTE & BAR- JUBILEE ORGAN CONCERT 01743 232723 BARA MARSH (SOPRA- WITH DAME GILLIAN WEIR ADRIAN BOULT HALL, NOS) Sat 1 Sep, All Sat 15 Sep, Coventry B’HAM Saints Church, Allesley Cathedral 0121 331 5901 Village Hall, Coventry SING LIVE PERFORM KARL ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- JENKINS - THE ARMED 01527 577330 CERT WITH DAVID POUL- MAN Featuring Sing Live BIRMINGHAM TER Mon 3 Sep, Coven- UK, Black Dyke Band, CONSERVATOIRE try Cathedral Dr Nicholas J Childs 0121 331 5901/2 SIR JAMES GALWAY & (principal conductor) & THE ORCHESTRA OF ST Steven Roberts (con- BIRMINGHAM HIPPO- JOHN'S Featuring John ductor), Sun 16 Sep, DROME Lubbock (conductor). Symphony Hall, Birm- 0844 338 5000 Programme includes ingham Carducci Quartet BARBER INSTITUTE, works by Bach, Wed 5 CHANDOS SYMPHONY BIRMINGHAM Sep, Malvern Theatres ORCHESTRA Featuring DON GIOVANNI Mid CHOIR Charity gala con- Birmingham 0121 414 7333 CRYSTAL CONSORT Wed Michael Lloyd (conduc- Opera present cert supporting Solihull CHAPTER FIVE QUINTET BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 5 Sep, Abbey Church, tor). Programme Mozart’s tragic tale of Life Opportunities Sat 29 Sep, All Saints 0121 780 3333 Shrewsbury includes works by Cop- love, lust, betrayal and (SOLO), Sat 29 Sep, Church, Allesley Village ORGAN PROM WITH RAUL land, Schumann & revenge, Sat 22 Sep, Solihull Arts Complex Hall, Coventry CBSO CENTRE, RAMIREZ Sat 8 Sep, Vic- Shostakovich, Sun 16 Artrix, Bromsgrove GOLDEN JUBILEE GALA BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN: BIRMINGHAM toria Hall, Hanley, Sep, Malvern Theatres LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- CONCERT An internation- MUSIC BY MICHAEL 0121 780 3333 Stoke-on-Trent LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- CERT WITH KERRY BEAU- al evening of well- NYMAN Performed by COVENTRY CATHEDRAL TIM CAMPAIN ORGAN CERT WITH THOMAS MONT Mon 24 Sep, known music for choir, the Michael Nyman 02476 521200 CONCERT Sat 8 Sep, All TROTTER Programme Coventry Cathedral orchestras, soloists and Band, Sun 30 Sep, LICHFIELD GARRICK Saints Church, Allesley includes works by JS CITY OF BIRMINGHAM audience, Sat 29 Sep, Symphony Hall, Birm- 01543 412121 Village Hall, Coventry Bach, Anon, Hindemith, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Coventry Cathedral ingham PROMENADE CONCERT Ad Wammes, Thalben- Programme includes CARLO CURLEY ORGAN CELEBRITY RECITAL: ST LAURENCE’S CHURCH, WITH FLOWERS BAND Ball & Lefebure-Wely, works by Weber, Bruch CONCERT Sat 29 Sep, DANIELLE DE NIESE One LUDLOW Sun 9 Sep, Stratford Mon 17 Sep, Symphony & Tchaikovsky, Tues 25 Stafford Gatehouse of today’s most glam- 01584 872150 Civic Hall Hall, Birmingham Sep, Cheltenham Town Theatre orous operatic stars, SYMPHONY HALL, AN EVENING OF FINE DON GIOVANNI Co-Opera Hall CBSO BRUCH’S VIOLIN Danielle de Niese, BIRMINGHAM CHORAL & ORCHESTRAL Co. present a new pro- TOM EDWARDS ORGAN CONCERTO Featuring makes her first visit to 0121 780 3333 MUSIC TO CELEBRATE THE duction of Mozart's tale RECITAL Wed 26 Sep, Walter Weller (conduc- Birmingham. Pro- VICTORIA HALL NEW SEASON OF MUSIC & of lust, revenge, jeal- Abbey Church, Shrews- tor) & Yossif Ivanov gramme includes works STOKE-ON-TRENT ARTS Sun 9 Sep, Aling- ousy, murder and bury (violin). Programme to by Dowland, Grieg, 0844 871 7649 ton Hall, Shrewsbury deceit, Mon 17 Sep, ROYAL PHILHARMONIC include works by Wolf, Poulenc & Bizet, School The Grand Theatre, ORCHESTRA Featuring Weber, Bruch & Sun 30 Sep, Birming- WARWICK ARTS CENTRE NIGEL KENNEDY: BACH TO Wolverhampton Ivor Setterfield (conduc- Tchaikovsky, Sat 29 ham Town Hall 02476 524524 FATS WALLER The Brit LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- tor), Duncan Riddell Sep, Symphony Hall, Award-winning virtuoso CERT WITH PAUL LED- (violin) & Laurence presents an evening of DINGTON WRIGHT Mon Davies (french horn). back-to-back baroque & 17 Sep, Coventry Programme to include jazz, Mon 10 Sep, Sym- Cathedral works by Glinka, phony Hall, Birmingham THE MAGIC FLUTE Co- Mozart, Boccherini, LUNCHTIME ORGAN Opera Co. bring Bruch & Beethoven, RECITAL WITH MARCUS Mozart's mystical fairy Thurs 27 Sep, Theatre SEALY Mon 10 Sep, tale to life. Sung in Severn, Shrewsbury Coventry Cathedral Christopher Cowell's LONDON MOZART PLAY- PARSIFAL: BAYREUTH English translation, Tue ERS Programme FESTIVAL Live screening 18 Sep, The Grand The- includes works by Pur- of Wagner’s acclaimed atre, Wolverhampton cell, Vivaldi & Piazzolla, opera in three acts CBSO THE BIRMINGHAM Thurs 27 Sep, Ludlow which tells the story of BEETHOVEN CYCLE Fea- Assembly Rooms, the Arthurian Knight turing Andris Nelsons South Shropshire Parsifal and his search (conductor) & Baiba CBSO BRUCH'S VIOLIN for the Holy Grail, Tue Skride (violin), Wed 19 - CONCERTO Featuring 11 Sep, Warwick Arts Thurs 20 Sep, Sympho- Walter Weller (conduc- Centre, Coventry ny Hall, Shrewsbury tor) & Yossif Ivanov (vio- HOLLIE WHITTLES AND PILGRIM VOICES Wed 19 lin). Programme to RICHARD WALKER Clar- Sep, Abbey Church, include works by inet and Piano recital, Shrewsbury Weber, Bruch & Wed 12 Sep, Abbey ENDELLION STRING QUAR- Tchaikovsky, Thurs 27 Church, Shrewsbury TET Programme Sep, Symphony Hall, JIGSAW SOUND Large includes works by Birmingham mixed adult choir with Beethoven, Bartok & CBSO PLAYERS Thurs 27 over eighty voices, Haydn, Thurs 20 Sep, Sep, CBSO Centre, Thurs 13 Sep, Theatre Malvern Theatre Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury FIDELIO The New Lon- ARMONICO CONSORT: CBSO OPENING CONCERT: don Players present BAROQUE AROUND THE MAHLER'S RESURRECTION what’s considered to be CLOCK Old music written Featuring Andris Nel- one of the greatest into brand new, up-to- sons (conductor), Sarah works for the operatic date stories in English Fox (soprano), Mihoko stage, Sat 22 Sep, Lich- translation, Thurs 27 Fujimura (mezzo) & the field Garrick Sep, Bridge House The- CBSO Chorus. Pro- ALEXANDER NORMAN atre, Warwick gramme includes works ORGAN CONCERT Sat 22 ORLANDO GENEROSO The by Strauss & Mahler, Sep, All Saints Church, Musical and Amicable Sat 15 Sep, Symphony Allesley Village Hall, Society Baroque Hall, Birmingham Coventry Orchestra present SHREWSBURY SCHOOL ARTHUR BLISS ‘THE BEAT- Agostino Steffani's NEW ENTRANTS’ CONCERT ITUDES’ Presented by poignant opera that Sat 15 Sep, Alington the BBC Philharmonic explores human frailty, Hall, Shrewsbury Orchestra, the Thurs 27 - Sun 30 Sep, School Philharmonic Chorus, The Barber Institute, KATHERINE SMITH and featuring Paul Birmingham (FLUTE) & ASHLEY KAEDE Daniel (conductor) and CARDUCCI QUARTET Fri (PIANO) Sat 15 Sep, All Allan Clayton (tenor), 28 Sep, Artrix, Broms- Saints Church, Allesley Sat 22 Sep, Coventry grove Village Hall, Coventry Cathedral MORRISTON ORPHEUS

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Frankie Boyle Comedy Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 September; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun Box Office 23 September; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 25 October ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM Scottish funnyman Frankie has managed to 0844 871 3011 make it big on the telly despite his reputation ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE for peddling material which can often be spec- 01527 577330 tacularly tasteless and incredibly insulting. He BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL managed to cause uproar in the build-up to 02476 376707 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL London 2012, for example, by claiming that 0121 780 3333 Olympic star Rebecca Adlington looked like COX’S YARD "someone who's looking at themselves in the 01789 404600 back of a spoon". He’s also had a pop at THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM Jordan’s disabled son Harvey, among other 0121 333 2444 victims, and leaves no stone unturned in his DUDLEY CONCERT HALL 01384 815 577 efforts to ‘amuse’, disgust and shock. Printable GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM jokes include, “It's good they're holding the 0871 4720400 Olympics in the East HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, End of London. 0844 844 0044 Means the athletes HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER, will have to use extra 01905 611427 skill to work out THE JAM HOUSE, which gunshot is the BIRMINGHAM starting pistol”, and 0121 200 3030 “Nobody thought Mel KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM Gibson could play a Michael McIntyre 0121 443 4725 Scot, but look at him National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Fri 14 - Sat 15 September; LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM now! Alcoholic and a Mon 17 - Sat 22 September 0844 338 8000 racist!”. LUDLOW ASSEMBLY For some, the very sight of Michael McIntyre is enough to make ROOMS their blood pressure soar. For others, included among whom are 01584 878141 Tony Law those who ensure his tours are always a sell-out, he's one of the MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 The Place, Oakengates, Telford, funniest comedians of the modern era. His TV Comedy Roadshow and appearances as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent have ensured PALACE THEATRE, Sat 22 September REDDITCH that, like him or hate him, there's certainly no getting away from the With a reputation for fresh and innovative com- 01527 65203 man - and with DVDs of his stand-up shows having sold in excess edy, Tony Law is a well-established name on THE PUBLIC, WEST of two-and-a-half million copies, it's fair to assume he'll be popping BROMWICH the UK comedy circuit. His act has been up all over the place for many a year to come. 0121 533 7161 described as a blend of ‘self-conscious surre- REGENT THEATRE, STOKE- alism and booming insanity’, and sees him ON-TRENT adopting a style which is enjoyably self-depre- 0844 871 7649 Kevin Hart RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY catory. Oh, and if all else fails, he’s not averse National Indoor Arena, 0844 873 6565 to mimicking a tug-boat horn... Birmingham, Thurs 13 THE ROSE THEATRE, September KIDDERMINSTER 01562 743745 Jim Jeffries Philadelphia-born actor and ROYAL SPA CENTRE, comedian Kevin Hart has LEAMINGTON SPA Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, 01926 334418 been in more movies than Wed 5 September; Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Wed 12 September some laughter merchants THEATRE have got original gags, turn- 01785 254653 Boasting a brash confrontational style that ing up in such cinematic SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX seemingly goes down a treat in all manner of endeavours as Little 0121 704 6962 far-flung destinations around the world, Fockers, The 40 Year Old THE SLADE ROOMS, Australian-born Jim Jeffries is one of the WOLVERHAMPTON Virgin and Scary Movie 4. 0870 320 7000 fastest rising stars on the comedy circuit, An example of his line in SYMPHONY HALL, charming and delighting his audiences in humour is as follows: "Ever BIRMINGHAM equal measure. 0121 780 3333 argue with a female and, in TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY the middle of the argument, ROOMS you no longer feel safe 01827 709618 because of her actions? THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY She may start pacing back 01743 281281 and forth real fast, breathing VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, out her nose. You know STOKE-ON-TRENT what my girl do? When she 0844 871 7649 get mad, she start talking in WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 02476 524524 the third person. That's WEST BROMWICH TOWN scary as hell, because that's HALL her way of telling me that, 0121 596 4429 from this point on, she is WULFRUN HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON not responsible for none of 0870 320 7000 her actions." 28 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 14:56 Page 2

Wolverhampton JASON BYRNE Sat 15 Shrewsbury LAUGHING COWS Sep, New Alexandra JASON BYRNE Sat 22 Comedy LISTINGS COMEDY NIGHT HOSTED Theatre, Birmingham Sep, Victoria Hall, BY MC MAUREEN CANNON & BALL Sun 16 Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent For full listing information on comedy YOUNGER Wed 12 Sep, Sep, The Grand BARNSTORMERS COMEDY Kitchen Garden Cafe, Theatre, Sat 22 Sep, Solihull gigs including times and dates visit Birmingham Wolverhampton Arts Complex www.whatsonlive.co.uk DANIEL SLOSS, OWEN MARK WATSON, ANDREW COMEDY AT THE MET Sat O'NEILL & PAUL MAXWELL, LUCY PORTER, 22 Sep, Stafford DAVID WARD, TONY Telford TONKINSON Thurs 13 WENDY WASON, ERIC Gatehouse Theatre BURGESS, MARK MAIER FRANKIE BOYLE Thurs 6 - Sep, The Glee Club, LAMPAERT & JOEL DOM- TONY LAW The Place, AND ANDREW BIRD Fri 1 Sat 8 Sep, Civic Hall, Birmingham METT Sun 16 Sep, Oakengates Theatre, Sep, Highlight Comedy Wolverhampton JETHRO Thurs 13 Sep, Shrewsbury Fields Telford Club, Birmingham THE BOY WITH TAPE ON Stratford Civic Hall Forever, West Mid FRANKIE BOYLE Sun 23 Mark Watson DANIEL TOWNES, SUSAN HIS FACE Thurs 6 Sep, KEVIN HART Thurs 13 Showground, Sep, Symphony Hall, MURRAY AND KEITH Artrix, Bromsgrove Sep, National Indoor Shrewsbury Birmingham Theatre, Birmingham FARNAN Sat 1 Sep, The KUM N AVLOFF COMEDY Arena, Birmingham MICHAEL MCINTYRE Mon BIRMINGHAM COMEDY FRED MACAULAY Fri 28 Glee Club, Birmingham NIGHT Thurs 6 Sep, JETHRO Thurs 14 Sep, 17 - Sat 22 Sep, FESTIVAL PRESENTS... Sep, Huntingdon Hall, LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY Stourbridge Town Hall Malvern Theatre National Indoor Arena, FEATURING JOSH Worcester CLUB FEATURING BAR- THE STROKE COMEDY JASON BYRNE Fri 14 Birmingham WIDDICOMBE, HOLLY PAUL TONKINSON, BARA NICE & MANDY CLUB FEATURING THE Sep, Civic Hall, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY WALSH AND CHARLIE JONATHAN MAYOR, MAT MUDEN Wed 5 Sep, The NOISE NEXT DOOR & Wolverhampton NIGHT Tue 18 Sep, BAKER Wed 26 Sep, The REED & DAVID WHITNEY Public, West Bromwich STEPHEN GRANT Thurs 6 JOJO SMITH, GARY Royal Spa Centre, Glee Club, Birmingham Fri 28 - Sat 29 Sep, LAUGHTERHOUSE COME- Sep, The George Hotel, DELANEY, CHRIS Leamington Spa JO CAULFIELD Thurs 27 Highlight Comedy Club, DY SHOW Featuring Lichfield MCCAUSLAND & STUART JACK DEE Wed 19 Sep, Sep, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Sully O’Sullivan, Joe KAI HUMPHRIES, NATHAN GOLDSMITH Fri 14 Sep, Malvern Theatres ALAN DAVIES Thurs 27 THERE'S NO SUCH THING Lycett, Phil Nichol & CATON, ROGER Highlight Comedy Club, CRAIG HILL, JEN BRISTER Sep, New Alexandra AS NORMAL... (BUT Rob Rouse, Thurs 6 MONKHOUSE, TOM Birmingham & JOSEPH WILSON Thurs Theatre, Birmingham THERE IS SUCH THING AS Sep, Palace Theatre, WRIGGLESWORTH Thurs DANIEL SLOSS, OWEN 20 Sep, The Glee Club, MARK NELSON, YIANNI ME) A one-woman show Redditch 6 - Sat 8 Sep, The Glee O'NEILL, PAUL Birmingham AGISILAOU & BEN NORRIS fusing conversational KILL FOR A SEAT COMEDY Club, Birmingham TONKINSON AND ANDREW FRISKY & MANNISH Thu 27 - Sat 29 Sep, banter and quirky CLUB FEATURING JEN STAND-UP FOR EVESHAM BIRD Fri 14 - Sat 15 Thurs 20 Sep, Stafford The Glee Club, sketches, Fri 28 Sep, BRISTER Fri 7 Sep, mac, FEATURING DANIEL Sep, The Glee Club, Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham Lichfield Garrick Birmingham TOWNES, STUART BLACK, Birmingham PHIL COOL Thurs 20 BARNSTORMERS COMEDY THE LICHFIELD GARRICK THE LAUGHING SOLE FEA- DANNY WARD AND SALLY- MICHAEL MCINTYRE Fri Sep, Palace Theatre, NIGHT Line-up tbc, Fri COMEDY CLUB Sat 29 TURING MANDY MUDEN ANNE HAYWARD Fri 7 14 - Sat 15 Sep, Redditch 28 Sep, Belgrade Sep, Lichfield Garrick Wed 5 Sep, The Public, Sep, Evesham Arts National Indoor Arena, GORDON SOUTHERN, OTIZ Theatre, Coventry SEANN WALSH AND JOSH West Bromwich Centre Birmingham CANNELLONI, CHRIS THE PUBLIC'S COMEDY WIDDICOMBE Sat 29 JIM JEFFRIES Wed 5 FELIX DEXTER Fri 7 Sep, JOJO SMITH, PAUL MCCAUSLAND & TIERNAN SHOWCASE Patrick Sep, Evesham Arts Sep, Victoria Hall, The Drum, Birmingham GARVEY, GARY DELANEY DOUIEB Fri 21 - Sat 22 Monahan comperes an Centre Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent RUDI LICKWOOD, ALEX & STUART GOLDSMITH Sep, Highlight Comedy evening of comedy fea- PAUL TONKINSON, KAREN LAUGH OUT LOUD BOARDMAN, RICHARD Sat 15 Sep, Highlight Club, Birmingham turing Ray Peacock, BAILEY & RYAN GOUGH COMEDY CLUB FEATURING MORTON & JOE LYCETT Comedy Club, CRAIG HILL, SILKY, Kabir Singh and Lovdev Sun 30 Sep, The DAMION LARKIN, DAVE Fri 7 - Sat 8 Sep, Birmingham TAYLOR GLENN Fri 21 - Barpaga, Fri 28 Sep, Granville, Barford, JOHNS, CHRIS STOKES Highlight Comedy Club, JUICE COMEDY NIGHT Sat 22 Sep, The Glee The Public, West Warwickshire AND RICHARD SANDLING Birmingham FEATURING ANDY KIND Club, Birmingham Bromwich MARK WATSON Sun 30 Wed 5 Sep, The Place, JIM JEFFRIES Wed 12 Fri 14 Sep, Stafford ALUN COCHRANE Sat 22 ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN Fri Sep, Warwick Arts Oakengates Theatre, Sep, Civic Hall, Gatehouse Theatre Sep, Theatre Severn, 28 Sep, New Alexandra Centre, Coventry

BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Thurs 6th September Sat 8th September Sat 15th September THE BOY WITH VIRGIL & THE VIVA SANTANA TAPE ON HIS FACE ACCELERATORS AMAZING TRIBUTE TO MIME WITH NOISE. UP AND COMING BLUES- THE MUSIC OF CARLOS STAND-UP WITH ROCK BAND FROM SANTANA NO TALKING. BROMSGROVE

Sat 22nd September Sun 23rd September Wed 26th September DON GIOVANNI - KARNATAKA DANNY BHOY MID WALES OPERA INTELLIGENT, PERCEPTIVE POWERFUL AND HAUNTING & VERY FUNNY STUNNING VERSION OF ROCK BAND MOZART'S MASTERPIECE

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: L’Atalante (PG) // Chariots Of Fire (PG) // The Bourne Legacy (12A) // Your Sister’s Sister (15) // The Flowers Of War (15) // The Lodger (PG) // Shadow Dancer (15)

The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk For bookings & full details log onto www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Little Voice Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 24 - Sat 29 September Featuring songs from some of the world’s most iconic divas, includ- (Coronation Street), Ray Quinn (Dirty Dancing, X Factor, Dancing On ing Marilyn Monroe, Shirley Bassey and Judy Garland, this Olivier Ice winner) and Joe McGann (Calendar Girls, The Upper Hand, The Award-winning musical tells the story of a shy young girl with an Hanging Gale) star, with Jess Robinson as Little Voice and Duggie incredible talent for vocal impersonations who suddenly finds herself Brown (The Comedians) as Mr Boo. Read the interview with Jess catapulted into the limelight by a local talent scout. Beverley Callard Robinson on page 6.

Mrs Brown Rides Again National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Tues 4 - Sat 8 September Brendan O’Carroll’s back once again with the third part of his original trilogy. This time, Mrs Brown finds herself on the verge of being put in a home by her children. What’s the foul-mouthed matriarch to do but display a new lease of life in a desperate attempt to convince her offspring there’s life in the old dog yet? That’s easier said than done, however - particu- larly when faced with a son whose gay partner wants to give birth, a neighbour waiting for a heart bypass and a family secret that everybody seems to know except her!

Chicago Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 17 - Sat 22 September Chicago’s debauched glamour makes it a musical with a difference, and its jazz- tinged score and smouldering dance numbers give it a touch of old-Broadway style decadence. It’s an astonishingly accurate satire on the shallow, media-obsessed world of the twenty-first century, so it’s almost impossible to believe it was first con- ceived over forty years ago. It also has the considerable lure of choreography by Broadway legend Bob Fosse, and he’s the reason the show was re-conceived in 1996. Set in the Chicago of the roaring ’20s, the action takes place in a jailhouse, as two ambitious and sexy ‘cons battle it out to be the most notorious murderer, guaran- teeing them a ticket to celebrity when they win their appeals. Supposedly helping them to do this is slippery lawyer Billy Flynn who, on this occasion, is played by ex- Eastender Stefan Booth. Ali Bastian, Tupele Dorgu and Bernie Nolan also star.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 4 - Sat 8 September and Tim Rice's classic musical tells the story of a boy driven into slavery by his calculating brothers, who’re all envious of his coat of many colours. Joseph’s ability to predict the future from his dreams, however, ultimately frees him and wins him a place among the highest in the land... This long-time hit show is an ensemble tri- umph, with terrific energy put in by all con- cerned.

20th Century Boy - The Musical Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 14 - Sat 29 September Marc Bolan was one of glam rock's most iconic superstars until his life was tragically ended in a car crash in the Autumn of 1977. This high-energy musical, exploding onto the stage to coincide with the thirty-fifth anniversary of the T-Rex singer's demise, is packed to the prover- In The Night Garden Live bial rafters with the band’s classic 1970s hits, including Ride A White Swan, Metal Guru, Get It Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, On, I Love To Boogie, Children Of The Revolution, and, of course, the title track itself. Sun 9 - Sun 23 September Take an enjoyable journey into the magical world of In The Night Garden, where full- Sexton Blake Strikes Again! Forests sized costumed characters, music, puppetry Lichfield Garrick, Fri 14 September; Old Joint Old Rep, Birmingham, until Sat 15 September and panoramic projections all come together Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 12 October Performed in Catalan and English with sur- in a colourful and much talked about show. Splendid feats of derring-do, last-minute titles, Forests sees the Birmingham Reperto- This new live version has been especially escapes, narrow scrapes and fates worse ry Theatre join forces with internationally created in an all-weather, purpose-built show than death are all present and correct in this renowned director Calixto Bieito, dome which recreates the fantasy world affectionate homage to heroes and heroics. Internacional Teatre and the Royal Shake- inhabited by much-loved children's charac- When the British League of Underhanded speare Company to present an original play ters Igglepiggle, Makka Pakka and Upsy Scoundrels, Traitors, Extortionists And Rap- inspired by Shakespeare's references to Daisy... There's also a chance to come face- scallions holds Edwardian London to ran- forests throughout his work. Performed by to-face with your In The Night Garden som, it's time for Sexton Blake, The Prince of English and Catalan actors, the production favourite, courtesy of a post-show 'meet a the Penny Dreadfuls, to save the day! illustrates the way in which plays such as character' experience. Timon Of Athens, A Midsummer Night's Jamaica 50 Dream, King Lear, Macbeth and As You Like It have represent- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, ed forests as Fri 28 - Sat 29 September places for a get- A celebration to mark the fiftieth anniversary away, a punish- of Jamaican independence, Jamaica 50 ment or a sen- takes as its theme the story of the nation’s tence, and some- evolution, as recounted by its various heroes times for shelter and heroines. Touring to numerous Midlands and redemption venues, the show is being presented by too. Gazebo Theatre Company, is suitable for people aged eleven and older, and features the music of Bob Marley, the poetry of Miss Horrible Histories Lou, the adventures of Mary Seacole and the Birmingham Town Hall, oratory of Marcus Garvey. Tues 25 - Sat 29 September High-energy actors and 3D Bogglevision A Midsummer Night’s Dream special effects here combine in another Hor- The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, rible Histories presentation. This one covers Thurs 27 September - Sat 6 October The Terrible Tudors - focusing on the fate of Accessible language, likeable characters, Henry’s headless romantic liaisons, magical creatures and a wives and his series of comic capers with an ass combine punch-up with the to make this one of the Bard’s most popular Pope - and The works. Lysander and Demetrius both fancy Vile Victorians, dur- Hermia, Helena’s sitting on the shelf, Titania ing which audi- and Oberon are up to no good, and Puck’s ence members get got his finger in more pies than Mr Kipling. the chance to pre- Add a group of rude mechanicals and the pare for the recipe for success is guaranteed. Charge of the Light Brigade! www.whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:28 Page 5

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Theatre PREVIEWS Fragile Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 8 - Sat 22 September Containing strong language and themes of an adult nature, Fragile comprises a series of monologues charting one man's dramatic journey through the horrors of traumatic abuse to a place of self-discovery and ulti- mate redemption. The play is the work of BAFTA award-winning Coventry writer Geoff Thompson. Read the interview with Geoff on page 10.

Our Country’s Good Old Rep, Birmingham, Tues 25 - Sat 29 September Based on the true story of the first convict colony, the Olivier Award-winning Our Country's Good is set in in 1789. It finds an ambitious young lieutenant named Ralph doing his The Importance Of best to direct newly arrived convicts in the Restoration comedy . Not Being Earnest surprisingly, the convict cast is somewhat dispirited. Add to that the fact that there are only two copies of the script, there's opposition from sadistic officers and the leading lady faces Malvern Theatre, Tues 4 - Sat 8 September being hanged, and there’s little wonder that Ralph's got more than his fair share of problems This famous Oscar Wilde work is a rightly- to deal with. Casting for Our Country’s Good includes Damola Adelaja, Helen Bradbury, Laura adored piece of farce that’s stood both the Dos Santos, John Hollingworth, Lisa Kerr, Matthew Needham, Kathryn O’Reilly, Ciarán test of time and countless dire amateur pro- Owens, Ian Redford and Dominic Thorburn. ductions, rising unscathed to take its place at the very pinnacle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the attempts of Miss Havisham’s Expectations Elsie And Norm’s Macbeth Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in The Roses Theatre, Tewksbury, The Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, spite of the fact that Algernon is masquerad- Wed 19 September Fri 21 September; St Joseph’s Community ing as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in Centre, Rugeley, Sat 22 September; St order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add Linda Marlowe's new one-woman show fea- Michael’s Church Hall, Brereton, Stafford- the ingredient of the redoubtable Lady tures one of Charles Dickens' most iconic shire, Fri 28 September; Moreton Village Hall, Bracknell, and there’s little wonder that dis- female characters - Miss Havisham, from Staffordshire; Sat 29 September; Brocton Vil- lage Hall, Staffordshire, Fri 9 November aster looms large on Jack’s horizon. . The production draws This Middle Ground Theatre Company pro- on the text of the novel and presents a John Christopher Wood’s engaging and duction features Corrinne Wicks, Tom Butch- woman who has a real love-hate relationship funny play offers audiences the chance to er, Sarah Thomas, Jim Alexander, Sapphire with her creator, a man who she says liked enjoy a bit of Shakespeare with a very big Elia and Dave Gooderson. 'to play God with his female characters but twist indeed. Set in the living room of the had little understanding of them.' Trivial Pursuit-playing Elsie and Norm, it cen- tres around the couple’s attempts to bring a bit of culture into their lives via the staging of A Tender Thing their very own version of Macbeth. They’re Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, assisted in their efforts by a large toy panda Thurs 27 September - Sat 20 October in a kilt, who’s given the job of playing Ban- The words of Shakespeare’s Romeo and quo, and by Norm’s willingness to rewrite a Juliet are here woven together to tell a touch- line or two of Shakespeare’s script, just to ing tale of two lovers. Ben Power's thoughtful make it that little bit punchier! production is a celebration of the timeless- ness of Shakespeare’s language. Kathryn Hunter revisits the role that she created for Tea At Five the RSC at Northern Stage in 2009. Helena Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Kaut-Howson directs. Fri 14 - Sat 15 September A four-time Academy Award-winner, Kather- ine Hepburn was one of the twentieth centu- There Was An Old Lady Who ry’s greatest movie stars and the long-time off-screen partner of fellow Hollywood icon Swallowed A Fly Spencer Tracy. This highly regarded one- The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, woman show tells the story of Hepburn’s life, Sat 15 September from her days as the tomboyish beauty of This production is being advertised as 'the Bryn Mawr through numerous key moments perfect treat for anyone aged four to one in her glittering career to her more reflective hundred-and-four' - and far be it from us to later years, looking back nostalgically on a argue! The show brings to life one of the life well lived... world's best-loved nursery rhymes, in the Tea At Five was first presented at the 2012 process offering a feast of first-class games, Stratford-upon-Avon Fringe Festival, where it colourful animal characters and heartwarm- won awards for Best Solo Production and ing family fun. Best Actress. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 7

SEPTEMBER

LUDLOW PHOTOGRAPHIC FESTIVAL 2012 Sat 1 – Fri 28 Sept THE Presented by the Ludlow Photographic Club, bringing a wide range of photographic art to all. EASY Sunday 7th October, 7.30pm ANN BREEN Listen to her sing a selection of her hits and WAY TO with Ann's special blend of magic she will have THE CURIOUS INCIDENT you singing along to your hearts content. OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Friday 19th October, 7.30pm BOOK Thurs 6 Sept, 7pm Ballet Theatre UK presents Mark Haddon’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL celebrated novel YOUR adapted for stage by Join Ballet Theatre UK on a magical journey The National Theatre to the dark and twisting streets of old and streamed live to Dickensian London. our cinema screen. Tickets £15 / £14 Thursday 25th October, 7.30pm TICKETS LUDLOW ASSEMBLY HALFWAY TO PARADISE ROOMS BOOK FESTIVAL All lip curling, smouldering sexiness, Billy Fury Fri 7 - Sun 9 Sept was the British Elvis and the most complete ONLINE cool cat Rock 'n' Roller ever! Come and celebrate the magic of books through our free, Friday 26th October, 7.30pm food-themed weekend of words. THE SEARCHERS FREE This concert includes all their famous hits, plus many of their original album recordings, B- THE RECKLESS SHRIMP FESTIVAL sides and a selection of other well known favourites. Sat 15 - Sun 16 Sept A celebration of folk Saturday 27th October, 7.30pm and roots music including sets from JULIAN SMITH Butch Hancock, Julian Smith's distinctive soprano saxophone Krista Detor and sound has been heard all over the world - Lucy Schwartz. Don't miss out on this great evening of music. Tickets £60 (day) / £105 (weekend) Sunday 28th October, 11am & 2pm TWO WAY STREET CHRIS & PUI Thurs 13 Sept, 7.30pm Meet CBeebies' favourite double-act and have a An evening of hilarious giggle with them too in their fabulous new comedy duologues from Ludlow-based packed with fantastic songs, games and a few theatre company, surprises along the way. Appletree. Tickets £8 / £6 Wednesday 31st October, 7.30pm LONDON MOZART DOMINIC KIRWAN PLAYERS Don’t miss this fabulous night of music with Dominic, his live band, and all the hits, ‘Live Thurs 27 Sept, 7.30pm whatsonlive.co.uk and Personal’ on stage A concert exploring the seasons, directed by Chloe Hanslip. Thursday 1st November, 7.30pm Music by Purcell, Vivaldi and Piazzolla. STARS IN YOUR EYES The most comprehensive Tickets £18.50 / Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, £17.50 Tina Turner and Rod Stewart what’s on listings website A fantastic 2 hour show playing homage to for Birmingham and some of the worlds biggest musical stars. 1 Mill Street, Ludlow, the West Midlands Shropshire SY8 1AZ 01584 878141 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions including times and dates visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

which takes the audi- From ence on a dark journey SAT 1 SEP through schizophrenia and confusion, until Sat 1 Sep, Artrix, Broms- UNCLE ERIC'S HARD grove DAY'S NIGHT! Sixties FORESTS Birmingham musical that promises Repertory Theatre and comedy, nostalgia and Barcelona Internacional non-stop hits, until Mon Teatre present an origi- 1 Sep, New Vic The- nal play inspired by atre, Newcastle-under- Shakespeare's refer- Lyme ences to forests MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTH- throughout his work. ING The RSC present a The production forms vibrant new production part of the World that transposes Shake- Shakespeare Festival speare's tale of love 2012, until Sat 15 Sep, and deceit to an Indian Old Rep, Birmingham setting, until Sat 15 GLEEFEST! Wolverhamp- Sep, The Courtyard, ton Grand Theatre's Stratford-upon-Avon Youth Choir present a RICHARD III Roxana Sil- Glee-inspired musical bert directs a contem- extravaganza, Sat 1 porary version of Sep, The Grand The- The Diaries Of Adam And Eve - Shrewsbury School Shakespeare's expose atre, Wolverhampton of one of history's most BUDDY WAKEFIELD An Indoor Arena, Birming- Theatre members aged Week Commencing Company presents an infamous monarchs, evening of spoken ham five to sixteen present a evening of comedy until Sat 15 Sep, The word from the two-time THE IMPORTANCE OF devised performance MON 10 SEP duologues featuring Swan Theatre, Strat- individual World Poetry BEING EARNEST Middle based on the life and Duets, written by local ford-upon-Avon Slam Champion, Sat 1 Ground Theatre Com- works of Charles Dick- playwright David Tris- KING JOHN Maria Aberg Sep, mac, Birmingham pany presents Oscar ens, Sat 8 Sep, Crewe STOKE'S TOP TALENT The tram, Thurs 13 Sep, directs the RSC in a I AM HAMLET Rumchum Wilde’s wonderful com- Lyceum region's biggest talent Ludlow Assembly new version of Shake- Theatre Company pres- edy of mistaken identi- RUBY MAIHEM BUR- search returns! Mon 10 Rooms, speare's play about the ent a new one-act com- ty, Tue 4 - Sat 8 Sep, LESQUE LAUNCH NIGHT - Sat 15 Sep, Regent CALENDAR GIRLS Can- medieval monarch's edy thriller by Richard Malvern Theatres Live performances from Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent nock Chase Drama political struggle with James, Sat 1 Sep, Old SOUL MAN The Stephen Miss Rainbow Sparkles, THE GHOST WRITER The Society present an France, until Sat 15 Joint Stock Theatre, Joseph Theatre, Scar- Ava Bonham Garter, Nonentities present amateur production of Sep, The Swan The- Birmingham borough, presents Miss Cadillac Arrest, their version of David Tim Firth's acclaimed atre, Stratford-upon- THERE WAS AN OLD LADY Chris Monks' brand Miss Von Vamp and a Tristram’s farcical com- drama, Thurs 13 - Sat Avon WHO SWALLOWED A FLY new show, which takes stunning headline per- edy, Mon 10 - Sat 15 15 Sep, Prince Of TWELFTH NIGHT David The People's Theatre Verdi's masterpiece of formance from Kitty Sep, The Rose Theatre, Wales Centre, Cannock Farr directs Shake- Company bring one of love, lust and revenge Ribbons, Sat 8 Sep, Kidderminster THE IMPORTANCE OF speare's tale of mistak- the world's best loved from nineteenth century The Public, West NTI SHOWCASE NIGHT BEING EARNEST Oscar en identity, cross-dress- nursery rhymes to life, Italy to 1970s Leeds, Bromwich The actors and writers Wilde’s theatrical mas- ing and unrequited Sat 1 Sep, Bridge Wed 5 - Sat 15 Sep, FRAGILE Compelling of the NTI Workshop terpiece, which fuses love, until Sat 6 Oct, House Theatre, War- New Vic Theatre, New- new drama by Geoff Summer Cycle perform wordplay and comic Royal Shakespeare wick castle-under-Lyme Thompson, Sat 8 - Sat a showcase of their invention, Thurs 13 - Fri Theatre, Stratford-upon- THE RAILWAY CHILDREN A MURDER IS 22 Sep, Belgrade The- newly-created works, 14 Sep, Royal Spa Avon Heartbreak Productions ANNOUNCED The Nor- atre, Coventry Tues 11 Sep, Old Joint Centre, Leamington THE COMEDY OF ERRORS present their award- bury Players present an JOSEPHINE TEWSON A Stock Theatre, Birming- Spa Amir Nizar Zuabi directs winning adaptation of E amateur production of fun and irreverent ham SEXTON BLAKE STRIKES a new version of Nesbitt’s classic Edwar- the Agatha Christie evening of chat and RADIO TIMES Heart- AGAIN! The fictional Shakespeare's joyful dian tale, Sun 2 Sep, classic, Wed 5 - Sat 8 memories that reflect warming and fast-mov- detective returns to comedy of mistaken Shugborough Historic Sep, The Norbury The- the fifty-year career of ing musical starring save Edwardian Lon- identity, until Sat 6 Oct, Working Estate, atre, Droitwich one of Britain's much- Gary Wilmot and Sara don from a league of Royal Shakespeare Staffordshire THE CURIOUS INCIDENT loved comedy actress- Crowe, Tue 11 - Sat 15 British scoundrels, trai- Theatre, Stratford-upon- PRIDE AND PREJUDICE OF THE DOG IN THE es, Sat 8 Sep, Lichfield Sep, Malvern Theatres tors and extortionists, Avon Chapterhouse Theatre NIGHT-TIME A National Garrick THE SOUND OF MUSIC Fri 14 Sep, Lichfield THE TEMPEST David Farr Company present Jane Theatre Live production CALENDAR GIRLS Pre- Amateur production Garrick directs a new version of Austen's romantic clas- that sees Mark Had- sented by The Crescent presented by The Har- TEA AT FIVE Award-win- the Bard's final master- sic, Sun 2 Sep, Hamp- don's celebrated, multi- Theatre Company, Sat lequins, Tue 11 - Sat 15 ning one-woman play piece, until Sun 7 Oct, ton Court Castle, award-winning novel 8 - Sat 15 Sep, Cres- Sep, Palace Theatre, exploring the life of one Royal Shakespeare Leominster imaginatively adapted cent Theatre, Birming- Redditch of Hollywood’s greatest Theatre, Stratford-upon- BACHU NE BAATLIMA into a stage play for the ham DISPLACED WOW The- stars, Katharine Hep- Avon UTAARO (IMPOSSIBLE-TO- first time, Thurs 6 Sep, IN THE NIGHT GARDEN atre Company present burn, Fri 14 - Sat 15 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS CONTROL BACHU) Sun 2 Warwick Arts Centre, LIVE Family-centred the- an intimate piece of Sep, Old Joint Stock Presented by Blue Sep, The Drum, Birm- Coventry atrical experience pre- theatre influenced by Theatre, Birmingham Orange Arts, until Sat 1 ingham MISS SAIGON (SCHOOL'S sented within a pur- their experiences look- 20TH CENTURY BOY - THE Sep, The Blue Orange EDITION) Wolverhamp- pose-built touring the- ing at the lives of the MUSICAL New musical Theatre, Birmingham ton Youth Music The- atre. Made up of two homeless, Wed 12 Sep, based on the life of THE Week Commencing atre present their ver- state-of-the-art show Arena Theatre, Wolver- Marc Bolan, Fri 14 - Sat MUSICAL Gareth Gates MON 3 SEP sion of the classic love domes, the setting hampton 29 Sep, Belgrade The- and Jennifer Ellison star story, Sat 8 Sep, Arena recreates the magical DEATH OF A BEAUTY atre, Coventry in the multi-award-win- Theatre, Wolverhamp- world of the popular SALESWOMAN One- HOLMES ALONE A prom- ning musical, until Sat 1 JOSEPH AND THE AMAZ- ton BBC children's show, woman comedy written enade performance Sep, New Alexandra ING TECHNICOLOR AUSTEN’S WOMEN Thir- Sun 9 - Sun 23 Sep, and performed by Deb- presented by the Don't Theatre, Birmingham DREAMCOAT Tim Rice teen of Jane Austen’s Cannon Hill Park, Birm- bie Tracey, Wed 12 - Go Into The Cellar the- RELATIVELY SPEAKING and Andrew Lloyd most celebrated female ingham Thurs 13 Sep, The atre company, Sat 15 Felicity Kendall and Webber’s acclaimed characters are brought BORN TO DANCE The Drum, Birmingham Sep, Lichfield Garrick Jonathan Coy star in musical, Tue 4 - Sat 8 to life in this bold revis- Rochelle School of TIPTOE THROUGH THE CHILDREN'S THEATRE The Lindsay Posner’s pro- Sep, Theatre Severn, iting of the most excit- Dance present an TOMBSTONES The Lich- Norbury Players pres- duction of Alan Ayck- Shrewsbury ing moments from evening of song and field Players present ent an amateur produc- bourn’s acclaimed MRS BROWN RIDES Austen’s ‘two inches of dance to celebrate the Norman Robbins’ goth- tion, performed by drama, until Sat 1 Sep, AGAIN Brendan O'Car- ivory’, Sat 8 Sep, school’s twenty-fifth ic spoof, Wed 12 - Sat adults especially for Malvern Theatres roll and Mrs Brown's Bridge House Theatre, anniversary, Sun 9 Sep, 15 Sep, Lichfield Gar- children, Sat 15 Sep, THE MISSING PIECE boys return with a Warwick Solihull Arts Complex rick The Norbury Theatre, Adaptation of Davey brand new tour, Tue 4 - WHAT THE DICKENS? TWO WAY STREET Apple- Droitwich Anderson's Blackout, Sat 8 Sep, National Cheshire East Youth tree Theatre & Film SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE!

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 9

SEPT - NOV HIGHLIGHTS NEW STREET WEST BROMWICH B70 7PG

CALL BIRMINGHAM’S FOR YOUR MUSIC COMEDY JUICE COMEDY BROCHURE THE MET STUDIO TODAY PREMIER PUB SATURDAY 22 SEPTEMBER SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER THEATRE Fri 14 Sept STEVE HUGHES: Following their previous THE DU’MONTTS sell-outs, the Award Win- BIG ISSUES TOUR ning JUICE Comedy returns to The MET in Thurs 30 August, 8pm September! Headlining the show is accomplished comedian Andy Kind FOGHORN IMPROV: RIGHT 7.30pm, £12.00 UP YOUR STREET FRISKY AND MANNISH No scripts, no rehearsals, but GATEHOUSE THEATRE plenty of laughs, tears, and leaps Thu 20 Sept Stars from Waterloo Road perform in Australian comic and ex heavy metal into the unknown from Birming- Frisky and Mannish, their soul and R ‘n’ B band. The talented drummer, Steve Hughes embarks upon ham’s latest and loudest impro- pop experts and "fully duo will captivate you with their nostal- his eagerly-awaited debut tour. vised comedy sensation: blown superstars" (Time gic, new-age Motown vocals. FOGHORN IMPROV! Out), have taken their Starts 8pm (bar opens to serve food particular brand of pop Starts 7:30pm l £5 advance, 6pm) l £14 (£12 concession) £7.50 education all around the £7 on the door world and Now they’re coming to Stafford with their bestest bits. 8pm, £15.00, £13.00 concs COMEDY COMEDY Tue 11 September, 7.30pm MET COMEDY WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER FRIDAY 16 NOVEMBER THE MET STUDIO NTI ALEXEI SAYLE PIFF THE MAGIC PERFORMANCE Sat 22 Sept DRAGON: JURASSIC SHOWCASE Bringing you the After a month of slaving away very best in live comedy BARK from around the country, with quill and parchment, the The MET Studio has line actors and writers of the second ups to rival the biggest NTI Workshop Cycle present their comedy clubs in the UK. labours in a showcase night

8pm, £10.00 of new work. £5 RUBY TURNER GATEHOUSE THEATRE Piff the Magic Dragon embarks on his first major UK tour accompanied by Mr Sat 22 Sept Alexei Sayle returns to live performances with his first stand-up tour in over 16 Piffles the World’s First Million Dollar Chi- Fri 14 September, 7.30pm Ruby Turner is years. huahua.™ Sat 15 September, 2.30pm a national and interna- & 7.30pm tional treasure, having Starts 8pm (bar opens to serve food Starts 8pm (bar opens to serve food already been awarded 6pm) l £12 advance, £14 on the door 6pm) l £12 advance, £14 on the door TEA AT FIVE with the prestigious Gold Badge Award, for INDEFATIGABLE PRODUCTIONS her contribution to FILM THEATRE The tart-tongued, tomboyish Bryn British music. Mawr beauty - and the venerable 8.00pm, £17.50 stage and screen legend, SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER WEDNESDAY 21 NOVEMBER reflecting on her amazing life. PIERRE BENSUSAN An unforgettable trip down THE MET STUDIO A FRIGHT TO KALI THEATRE PRESENTS: REMEMBER! KABADDI, KABADDI, Broadway, Hollywood Boulevard, Wed 26 Sept and memory lane. By Satinder Chohan Pierre Bensusan is one of KABADDI £11 / £9 the most highly regarded A co-production with Pursued acoustic guitarist / By A Bear Productions composers in his field. His unique style has developed on his own terms, never Sundays 1-3pm & Last Wed being diluted by the pres- every month from 7:30pm sure to conform. 8pm, £12, £10 concs The return of The Public’s Horror film JAZZ IN THE BAR ALBERT LEE AND all-nighter! HOGAN’S HEROES Enjoy our live jazz sessions with GATEHOUSE THEATRE Have you got what it takes to undertake the ultimate endurance test – five horror A powerful new drama about sport, the best emerging talent in the Wed 26 Sept movies over the course of one night! nationality and belonging, - a haunting West Midlands. Pop along for a Albert Lee is one of the love story at its heart. 7.30pm – 7.30am l Admission only relaxed night of quality food, ale world’s finest guitar-play- and music. ers and Hogan's Heroes £17.50 l Admission + Pizza, £20 Starts 7:45pm l £10 (£8 concession) were formed by their FREE namesake Gerry Hogan over 20 years ago, specif- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE LATEST EVENTS ically to back Albert. This multi-talented band fea- tures some of the top VISIT WWW.THEPUBLIC.COM 8pm, £20 Tel: 0121 200 0946 musicians in the UK OR CALL THE PUBLIC BOX OFFICE ON 0121 533 7161 ALL MAJOR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARDS NOW ACCEPTED & 0845 680 1926 BOOKONLINE facebook.com/thepublicwestbromwich twitter.com/_the_public email:[email protected]. www.oldjointstocktheatre.co.uk Box Office 01785 254653 FUNDED BY www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk or on-line at: www.oxboffice.com

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Major solo tour from lister star, Tues 18 - Sat the acclaimed comedi- 22 Sep, Crewe Lyceum an, novelist, actor and ME, MY WIFE... AND HER broadcaster, Sat 15 NEXT DOOR! Marital Sep, Royal Spa Centre, comedy presented by Leamington Spa Harmony Productions, THERE WAS AN OLD LADY Fri 21 - Sat 22 Sep, The WHO SWALLOWED A FLY Drum, Birmingham A colourful show for LOST AND FOUND A com- children that brings the edy double-bill featur- classic nursery rhyme ing two world premiere to life, Sat 15 Sep, The productions of stand- Place, Oakengates The- alone but interconnect- atre ed plays by two THE BURLESQUE SHOW A renowned playwrights - performance of sophis- Jane Thornton (Lost) ticated tease, comedy, and John Godber magic and music, Sat (Found), Tue 18 - Sat 15 Sep, The Roses 22 Sep, New Vic The- Theatre, Tewksbury atre, Newcastle-under- SEETA - A SAGA An Eng- Lyme lish dance drama which BOUNCERS Watershed relates to Ramayana, Productions present the popular Indian epic, John Godber’s hit com- Sun 16 Sep, Solihull edy, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Miss Havishams Expectations Arts Complex Sep, Malvern Theatre BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH A ‘ALLO ‘ALLO All & Sundry THERE WAS AN OLD LADY AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN Joe McGann and Jess atre, Worcester performance by one of present a stage adapta- WHO SWALLOWED A FLY FRY Fri 21 Sep, Victoria Robinson star, Mon 24 - AN EVENING OF MEDI- England’s best known tion of the ‘rabble The People's Theatre Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on- Sat 29 Sep, The Grand UMSHIP WITH PHILIP performance poets, rouser comedy’ that Company bring one of Trent Theatre, Wolverhamp- SOLOMON Tue 25 Sep, Sun 16 Sep, Royal became an immediate the world's best loved BANE 2 & 3 : THE BEAST ton The Robin, Bilston Shakespeare Theatre, hit when it appeared on nursery rhymes to life, WITHIN & WELCOME TO CIRQUE DU CIEL A two- THE FALL OF THE HOUSE Stratford-upon-Avon TV screens in 1982, Wed 19 Sep, Palace SUNNYVIEW Follow the hour extravaganza of OF USHER Scene Pro- THREE BILLY PIGS New Tues 18 - Sat 22 Sep, Theatre, Redditch eponymous anti-hero acrobatics, modern ductions present their show from Noisy Oyster Crescent Theatre, Birm- THE DIARIES OF ADAM as he once again goes dance, martial arts and version of Edgar Allan that blends two much- ingham AND EVE A witty and about his business on original music, Mon 24 Poe's atmospheric tale, loved fairytales - The THE 39 STEPS Different modern adaptation of the mean streets of the - Wed 26 Sep, Theatre Tue 25 Sep, Arena The- Three Billy Goats Gruff Animal Theatre Group Mark Twain’s affection- city, down back alleys Severn, Shrewsbury atre, Wolverhampton & The Three Little Pigs, present a riproaring ate satire, Wed 19 Sep, and in abandoned POETRY BITES Featuring DR FAUSTUS Scene Pro- Sun 16 Sep, Theatre parody of Alfred Hitch- Ashton Theatre, warehouses, dealing local poet and novelist ductions present their Severn, Shrewsbury cock's legendary 1935 Shrewsbury School with foe after foe, Sat Christine Coleman and version of Christopher spy classic, Tue 18 - STORYTELLING CAFE 21 Sep, Bridge House Birmingham’s Poet Lau- Marlowe's thought-pro- Week Commencing Sat 22 Sep, Lichfield Christine Mahon per- Theatre, Warwick reate Jan Watts, Tues voking tale, Wed 26 Garrick forms Goosewing, Wed AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN 25 Sep, Kitchen Garden Sep, Arena Theatre, MON 17 SEP CALENDAR GIRLS Kidder- 19 Sep, Kitchen Garden FRY Sat 22 Sep, Royal Cafe, Birmingham Wolverhampton minster Operatic And Cafe, Kings Heath, Spa Centre, Leaming- LITTLE SHOP OF HOR- THE VAGINA MONO- Dramatic Society pres- Birmingham ton Spa RORS A smash-hit musi- LOGUES Based on Eve AN AUDIENCE WITH TONY ent an amateur produc- BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT ELSIE AND NORM'S MAC- cal comedy presented Ensler's Vagina Inter- BENN Mon 17 Sep, tion of the much-loved OUT A two-hour show of BETH Fed up with play- by Lichfield Garrick views. Not suitable for Birmingham Town Hall story concerning a laughter and song fea- ing Trivial Pursuit and Youth Theatre, Tue 25 - persons under fifteen, SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE! group of extraordinary turing Lizzie Wiggins, watching television re- Sat 29 Sep, Lichfield Wed 26 Sep, The Swan Mon 17 Sep, Theatre women who spark a Dandy, Giggetty, Ian runs, Elsie and Norm Garrick Theatre, Worcester Severn, Shrewsbury global phenomenon ‘Sludge' Lees & Peter decide to go for a bit of RETURN TO THE FORBID- BEYOND THE BARRICADE CHICAGO Award-winning when they pose semi- Lee, Thurs 20 Sep, culture and stage some DEN PLANET Futuristic Featuring West End & musical about the story naked for a charity cal- Lichfield Garrick Shakespeare in their liv- musical presented by Broadway favourites, of two women on Death endar, Tues 18 - Sat 22 DEREK ACORAH One of ing room. Presented by the Tudor Musical Com- including Miss Saigon, Row & their lawyer's Sep, The Rose Theatre, Britain's best known Opus Theatre, Sat 22 edy Society, Tue 25 - The Lion King, Phan- attempt to get them Kidderminster mediums provides an Sep, St Joseph’s Com- Sat 29 Sep, Sutton tom Of The Opera, back in the fast lane, NO SEX PLEASE, WE’RE evening of psychic munity Centre, Rugeley, Coldfield Town Hall , Mon 17 - Sat 22 Sep, BRITISH The Highbury entertainment, Fri 21 Staffordshire OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD Chess & Blood Broth- Regent Theatre, Hanley, Players present Antho- Sep, Lichfield Garrick AN AUDIENCE WITH SALLY Olivier Award-winning ers, Wed 26 Sep, Stoke-on-Trent ny Marriott and Paul ELSIE AND NORM'S MAC- MORGAN - PSYCHIC TO play based on a true Crewe Lyceum CRISSY ROCK - FROM Foot’s fast-paced com- BETH Fed up with play- THE STARS! Sun 23 Sep, story that centres on D-DAY DARLINGS: THE BENIDORM TO THE JUN- edy, Tues 18 - Sat 29 ing Trivial Pursuit and The Grand Theatre, Australia's first convict SONGS THAT WON THE GLE AND BACK An Sep, Highbury Little watching television re- Wolverhampton colony, Tue 25 - Sat 29 WAR Featuring popular evening with the Eng- Theatre, Sutton Cold- runs, Elsie and Norm KIT & MCCONNEL - A FINE Sep, Old Rep, Birming- and beautiful music lish actress and come- field decide to go for a bit of EVENING OF CABARET ham from the 1940s, includ- dian. Please note that ANIMAL FARM Guy Mas- culture and stage some Post-Edinburgh Fringe HORRIBLE HISTORIES ing The White Cliffs Of this show contains terson's solo perform- Shakespeare in their liv- programme of new Historical figures come Dover, We'll Meet Again adult humour, Mon 17 ance of George Orwell's ing room. Presented by cabaret songs explor- to life with two live and Goodnight Sweet- Sep, Royal Spa Centre, classic satire is brought Opus Theatre, Fri 21 ing contemporary stage shows for chil- heart, Thurs 27 Sep, Leamington Spa to the stage aided by Sep, Arena Theatre, events, scandals and dren - The Terrible The Roses Theatre, WHO’S AFRAID OF VIR- nothing more than a Wolverhampton the extraordinary Tudors and The Vile Tewksbury GINIA WOOLF? STAC wooden box, sound THAT’LL BE THE DAY vagaries of the human Victorians, Tue 25 - Sat A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S present an amateur effects and physical Rock'n'roll spectacular heart, Sat 22 Sep, 29 Sep, Birmingham DREAM Blue Orange production of Edward and vocal dexterity, combining music from Maidment Auditorium, Town Hall Theatre present Shake- Albee’s acclaimed play, Wed 19 Sep, Arena the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Shrewsbury School GREAT EXPECTATIONS speare's magical which explores a mar- Theatre, Wolverhamp- with wacky comedy Jack Ellis, Paula Wilcox shape-shifting play, riage dependent on ton routines, Fri 21 Sep, Week Commencing and Chris Ellison star in Thurs 27 Sep - Sat 6 hostile games to sur- MISS HAVISHAM'S EXPEC- Palace Theatre, Red- a new production of the Oct, The Blue Orange vive, Tue 18 - Sat 22 TATIONS Coinciding with ditch MON 24 SEP Dickens classic, Tues Theatre, Birmingham Sep, The Swan The- Dickens’ bicentenary, BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT 25 - Sat 29 Sep, JOHN CHALLIS: AN atre, Worcester Linda Marlowe presents OUT A two-hour show of Malvern Theatre EVENING WITH BOYCIE DEAD RINGER Ian Dick- a new solo show featur- laughter and song fea- THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SHAKESPEARE REVUE Enjoy an intimate ens Productions pres- ing one of his most turing Lizzie Wiggins, LITTLE VOICE Olivier Fusion of comic sketch- evening with John ent Charles Ross’ witty iconic female charac- Dandy, Giggetty, Ian Award-winning comedy es, music and excerpts Challis, one of the thriller. Tony Adams, ters, Wed 19 Sep, The ‘Sludge' Lees & Peter written and directed by from the Bard’s works. nation's greatest come- Keith Drinkel, Joanne Roses Theatre, Tewks- Lee, Fri 21 Sep, Solihull Jim Cartwright. Bever- A show for all ages, Tue dy actors, best known Heywood & David Cal- bury Arts Complex ley Callard, Ray Quinn, 25 Sep, The Swan The- as Boycie in BBC One’s

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 11

COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

TUESDAY 4 - SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

SPARKLING FAMILY MUSICAL starring Wed 12th September KEITH GERRY CROSS JACK THE MERSEY runner-uprunner-up inin thethe 7.30pm. Tickets £19 hit BBC series 'Any'Any DreamDream Thu 27th September Will Do' JOHN CHALLIS: AN EVENING WITH FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER BOYCIE 7.30pm. Tickets £15, / £13 concs CREAM OF Sat 29th September LITTLE HOWARD'S CLAPTON CREAM OF CLAPTON is a remarkable BIG SHOW and utterly authentic tribute to 2pm. Tickets £10 / £8 concs/ Eric Clapton, covering the songs Family of 4 £32 from his days in Cream and Derek and the Dominoes, Fri 5th October as well as his spectacular THE JOHNNY CASH solo career. ROADSHOW 7.30pm. Tickets £17.50 / £16 concs TUESDAY 18 - WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER Fri 12th October PSYCHIC & SCIENCE (15+) DEREK ACORAH & RICHARD FELIX 7.30pm. Tickets £19.50 / £18.50 concs

Thu 18th October The International smash hit SPIRIT OF THE DANCE is one of the most ROCK 'N' ROLL successful shows ever to come out of Ireland and has been seen by more PARADISE than million people in fif- 7pm. Tickets £17 / £15 concs teen countries around the world.

Sat 20th October THE JACKIE MONDAY 24 - WEDNESDAY 26 SEPTEMBER GENERATION 7.30pm. Tickets £15 / £13 concs

Wed 24th - Sat 27th October TADLOP PRESENTS CALAMITY JANE 7.30pm, Sat Mat 2.30pm The highly awaited and interna- tionally acclaimed, production of Tickets £10 - £14 'ShangHi' by Cirque Du Ciel, returns by overwhelming popular demand. Fri 2nd November A WHOLE LOTTA LED 7.30pm. Tickets £13 VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW MORE SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 12

Tacit Theatre's immersive production puts the audi- Theatre Box Office Theatre LISTINGS ence at the heart of Geof- frey Chaucer's classic For full listing information on theatre masterpiece, Fri 28 - Sat Birmingham OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY Warwickshire 29 Sep, Royal Spa Cen- 0121 552 2761 productions, including times and ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk tre, Leamington Spa 0844 871 3011 THE PUBLIC, WEST 024 7637 6707 JAMAICA 50 Gazebo The- BROMWICH BIRMINGHAM BELGRADE THEATRE, atre Company present a 0121 533 7161 HIPPODROME COVENTRY 024 7655 3055 Only Fools And Horses, ing television re-runs, Jamaican story told by 0844 338 5000 Thurs 27 Sep, The Place, Elsie and Norm decide to the heroes and heroines Shropshire BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, Oakengates Theatre, go for a bit of culture and BIRMINGHAM REP WARWICK 01926 776438 that lived it. Inspired by THE BELFREY, Telford stage some Shakespeare 0121 236 4455 the 50th anniversary of WELLINGTON THE DREAM FACTORY DOUBLE BOOKED Ginny in their living room. Pre- Jamaican Independence, THE BLUE ORANGE 01952 222277 01926 419555 Davis’ family comedy, sented by Opus Theatre, THEATRE Fri 28 - Sat 29 Sep, THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, ROYAL SHAKESPEARE described as ‘Bridget Fri 28 Sep, St Michael’s Arena Theatre, Wolver- 0121 212 2643 THEATRE, STRATFORD- Jones meets Outnum- Church Hall, Brereton MUCH WENLOCK hampton CRESCENT THEATRE 01952 728911 UPON-AVON bered’, Thurs 27 Sep, DIRTY DATING New come- CONFLICT - THE FIGHT FOR 0121 643 5858 0844 800 1110 The Dovehouse Theatre, dy from actress-turned- THE HIVE YOUR LIFE Damari Pro- DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 01743 234970 ROYAL SPA CENTRE Solihull writer Pauline Flemming, ductions present a new 0121 706 7139 LEAMINGTON METROPOLIS Playbox The- Fri 28 - Sat 29 Sep, The- LUDLOW ASSEMBLY stage play, written by Tre THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 01926 334418 atre’s new creation atre Severn, Shrewsbury ROOMS 01584 878141 Young and set in South WARWICK ARTS CENTRE brings Fritz Lang's 1927 MAC 0121 446 3232 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, London, which provides COVENTRY 02476 524524 masterpiece into the 21st an insight into gang cul- OLD JOINT STOCK TELFORD 01952 382382 THEATRE century in an explosive, ture, teenage violence, THEATRE SEVERN, 0121 200 0946 Worcestershire dynamic and multi-disci- infidelity, jealousy and SHREWSBURY plinary remix of the silent perseverance, Sat 29 OLD REP 0121 245 4455 01743 281281 ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, movie, Thurs 27 Sep - Sep, Crescent Theatre, SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX WEM TOWN HALL, WEM, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 Sun 7 Oct, The Dream Birmingham 0121 704 6962 NORTH SHROPSHIRE Factory, Warwick EMBRACED BURLESQUE 01939 232299 THE HIVE A TENDER THING Ben Pow- Fusion of Burlesque Black Country 01905 822866 ers weaves together the HUNTINGDON HALL, striptease, comedy and ARENA THEATRE Staffordshire words of Shakespeare's WORCESTER 01905 live music, Sat 29 Sep, WOLVERHAMPTON LICHFIELD GARRICK Romeo and Juliet in a 611427 Newhampton Arts Cen- 01902 321321 01543 412121 touching story of two Dirty Dating tre, Wolverhampton MALVERN THEATRE BLOXWICH THEATRE NEW VIC 01782 717962 older lovers, Thurs 27 ELSIE AND NORM'S MAC- 01684 892277 Sep - Sat 20 Oct, The THE WIDOWING OF MRS 01922 653183 PRINCE OF WALES BETH Fed up with playing NORBURY THEATRE, Swan Theatre, Stratford- HOLROYD DH Lawrence's DUDLEY CONCERT HALL CENTRE, CANNOCK Trivial Pursuit and watch- 01543 578762 DROITWICH upon-Avon passionate journey 01384 812812 ing television re-runs, REGENT THEATRE, STOKE 01905 770154 A NIGHT OF MUSICALS through the final days of FOREST ARTS CENTRE, Elsie and Norm decide to 0870 060 6649 PALACE THEATRE Michael Courtney sings a tempestuous marriage, WALSALL go for a bit of culture and REDDITCH 01527 65203 songs from some of the presenting a vivid portrait 01922 654555 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE stage some Shakespeare 01785 254653 ROSE THEATRE, world’s greatest shows, of life in a Midlands min- in their living room. Pre- GRAND THEATRE, STOKE REPERTORY 01562 743745 Fri 28 Sep, Palace The- ing village, Fri 28 Sep - sented by Opus Theatre, 01902 429212 THEATRE SWAN THEATRE, atre, Redditch Sat 13 Oct, New Vic The- NEWHAMPTON ARTS Sat 29 Sep, Moreton Vil- 01782 209784 WORCESTER ELSIE AND NORM'S MAC- atre, Newcastle-under- CENTRE lage Hall, Moreton, 01905 611427 BETH Fed up with playing Lyme Staffordshire 01902 572090 Trivial Pursuit and watch- THE CANTERBURY TALES

Fri 14 Sept, 8pm. Tickets: £9, £7 concs Fri 22 Sept, 7.30pm. Tickets: £9, £7 concs Jamfolk 50th SABRI anniversary celebration ENSEMBLE Jamfolk Performing SuDhwani, SaMPaD company offers a cocktail anD arena TheaTre of songs, stories, drama, skits, music with the hOT and SPicy Mento rythms of di FuSinG Funky Jazz caribbean fi we yuh wiTh inDian MuSic. FOR SEPTEMBER FOR appetite.

wed 19 Sept, 7.30pm. Tickets: £9, £7 concs Tue 25 Sept, 7.30pm. Tickets: £9, £7 concs Animal the fall of Farm the house Guy Masterson Guy Masterson’s of usher magnificent solo Scene Productions now performance of Orwell’s bring this atmospheric classic satire has to be tale to life on the stage. seen to be believed.

wed 26 Sept, 7.30pm. Tickets: £9, £7 concs Scene Productions present DR FAUSTUS Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and Box Office 01902 321 321 unlimited power, Dr Faustus makes a pact with the www.arenatheatre.info devil and in turn

SHOWS SHOWS relinquishes his soul

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 13

Theatre REVIEWS

Here are a few of the theatre productions we reviewed from last month. For further theatre reviews, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Richard III mac, Birmingham This was a rollicking Richard lll, with David Lee- Jones presenting the character not only as cunning but also quite loveable. He took the audience into his confidence, and it was actually possible to feel real empathy for him as his machiavellian plans went horribly awry. The all-male cast of Tom Mid- dler, Anthony Pinnock, Scott Smith, Giles Stoakley and Martin Tomms played all the other parts with relish, confidence and swift costume changes. The company has been performing both this pro- duction and Twelfth Night in open-air venues, many of which have been rural, providing access to Shakespeare for people who rarely have the oppor- Much Ado About Nothing tunity to enjoy the playwright’s works. The Courtyard, Stratford-upon-Avon Performing outside does bring its own problems, Arrive early for this production of Much Ado About Nothing, set in contemporary though. In Cannon Hill Park, this means having to Delhi, so as not to miss Dogberry organising the removal of washing from a tree cov- compete with the sound of geese, planes, and ered in dodgy electrics - ‘health and safety’, he mouths to the audience. When a pro- music from inside the adjacent Midlands Arts Cen- duction of Much Ado features Meera Syal as Beatrice, it’s fair to assume you’re in for tre, but this didn’t seem to faze the actors at all. a show that will major in humour, and this sparky and imaginative RSC offering does Their use of space was also commendable. The most important thing in any Shakespeare pro- not disappoint. Everyone toys with changing gender - a Shakespearean device used duction has to be the delivery of the lines. We have for fine comic effect. However, the shift in story at the wedding of Hero and Claudio is to believe that these well-known words are being truly stunning. This play is most certainly not about ‘nothing’, as it’s title falsely sug- spoken by the actors for the very first time. In this gests. India today shares some similar issues with Shakespeare’s England, particular- Richard lll, we were truly convinced - a fact which, ly around the issues of gender and social hierarchies, and these are sensitively allied to the sure hand of director Michael Dyer, explored by director Iqbal Khan. This is Khan’s debut production for the RSC, with no made for a production that was very much accessi- fewer than fourteen of the show’s twenty-one actors also appearing for the company ble to all. for the first time. Between them, they produce a superb and thoughtful night of truly Jan Watts IIIII innovative theatre. Catch it while you can. You’re in for a treat. Jan Watts IIIII

42 www.whatsonlive.co.uk www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Theatre September_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:29 Page 14

Theatre WEST END Casting announced for world premiere Former Hear’Say member Suzanne Shaw is joined by Nicola Stapleton, Charlie De’ath, Richard Mylan and Dan Walder in the world premiere of Baggage when it opens in Lon- don this month. Written by John Muirhead and Mike Charlesworth, it’s the story of two close male friends who’re reunited at a funeral and hope to repair their damaged relationship. Bag- gage shows at Lon- don’s Art Theatre from 6 September to 6 October. Suzanne Shaw Final curtain-call for Sweeney Todd ’s acclaimed musical Sweeney Todd gets its final curtain-call this month, being performed at the Adelphi The- atre for the last time on 22 September. Starring Michael Ball as the Demon Barber, Roger Rees Oscar-nominated actress Imelda Staunton as the devoted Mrs Loving, and under One-man’s relationship with the Bard unveiled at the Apollo... the directorship of A ninety-minute romp through all things to-face with the Bard’s works during his Jonathan Kent, this Shakespearean is promised in the West End formative years as an actor. much-heralded pro- this month, courtesy of Roger Rees’ one- First performed in Washington in 2007, and duction offers a fas- man show. What You Will sees the multi- resurrected for a brief run in Stratford-upon- cinating portrait of a award-winning actor draw on his vast experi- Avon in 2010, the show runs at Shaftesbury man driven to mad- ence as a member of the Royal Shakespeare Avenue’s Apollo Theatre for a three-week ness by injustice. Company to present a monologue about the period from 18 September. Michael Ball struggles and amusements of coming face-

STOMP Ambassadors CURIOUS INCIDENT OF MOUSETRAP St Martins ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS WEST END LISTINGS: Theatre, booking until THE DOG IN THE NIGHT- Theatre, booking until Haymarket Theatre 22 Dec 2013 TIME 21 Dec 2012 Royal, booking until 12 Cottesloe National The- Jan 2013 LES MISÉRABLES SWEENEY TODD - THE PHILADELPHIA, HERE I atre, booking until 27 PAUL MERTON: OUT OF MUSICALS Queen's Theatre book- DEMON BARBER OF FLEET COME! Donmar Ware- STREET Oct 2012 MY HEAD Vaudeville ing until 27 Apr 2013 Adelphi The- house, booking until 22 AMERICAN IDIOT Ham- atre,booking until 22 DAMNED BY DESPAIR Theatre Royal, booking LET IT BE Prince Of Sept 2012 1 Oct - 20 Oct 2012 mersmith Apollo The- Sept 2012 Olivier National Theatre, Wales Theatre 14 Sept WAR HORSE New Lon- atre, 3 Dec - 16 Dec THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- 2 Oct 2012 - 7 Nov ROGER REES - WHAT YOU 2012 - 19 Jan 2013 don Theatre, booking 2012 atre, booking until 3 2012 WILL Apollo Theatre,18 LION KING Lyceum The- until 26 Oct 2013 Sept 2012 - 6 Oct 2012 Mar 2013 DOCTORS DILEMMA Lyt- BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- atre, booking until 14 TOP HAT Aldwych The- telton National Theatre, WOMAN IN BLACK For- TAMING OF THE SHREW CAL Victoria Palace Apr 2013 Theatre, booking until atre, booking until 27 booking until 12 Sept tune Theatre, booking Shakespeare Globe 21 Dec 2013 MAMMA MIA! Novello Apr 2013 2012 until 14 Dec 2013 Theatre, booking until Theatre, 6 Sept 2012 - 13 Oct 2012 BLOOD BROTHERS VIVA FOREVER! Piccadilly HEDDA GABLER Old Vic 13 Apr 2013 TWELFTH NIGHT Apollo Phoenix Theatre book- Theatre, 27 Nov 2012 - Theatre, 5 Sept 2012 - COMEDY Theatre, 2 Nov 2012 - 3 ing until 27 Oct 2012 MATILDA THE MUSICAL 1 June 2013 10 Nov 2012 Cambridge Theatre, Feb 2013 BODYGUARD WE WILL ROCK YOU JUMPY Duke Of York’s Adelphi booking until 17 Feb 39 STEPS Criterion The- YES, PRIME MINISTER Dominion Theatre, Theatre, booking until 3 Theatre 6 Nov 2012 - 2013 atre, booking until 30 Trafalgar Studios, book- 27 Apr 2013 booking until 20 Oct Nov 2012 Mar 2013 PHANTOM OF THE OPERA 2012 ing until- 12 Jan 2013 CABARET Savoy Theatre Her Majesty's Theatre, WICKED Apollo Victoria 3 Oct 2012 - 19 Jan booking until 27 Apr Matilda The Musical - Cambridge Theatre 2013 Theatre, booking until 2013 27 Apr 2013 CHICAGO Garrick The- ROCK OF AGES Shaftes- atre booking until 1 bury Theatre, booking Sept 2012 until 17 Feb 2013 DRAMA DADDY LONG LEGS St ROOM ON THE BROOM BERENICE James Theatre 31 Oct Lyric Theatre, 21 Nov Donmar Warehouse, 27 2012 - 8 Dec 2012 2012 - 13 Jan 2013 Sept 2012 - 24 Nov GHOST THE MUSICAL SCROOGE THE MUSICAL 2012 Apollo Theatre, booking London Palladium The- BULLY BOY until 6 Oct 2012 atre, 24 Oct 2012 - 5 St James Theatre, 18 IDINA MENZEL IN CON- Jan 2013 Sept 2012 - 27 Oct CERT Piccadilly Theatre, SHREK THE MUSICAL 2012 booking 8 Oct 2012 - Drury Lane, Theatre CHANGELING Young Vic 14 Oct 2012 Royal, booking until 31 Theatre, 20 Nov 2012 - JERSEY BOYS Prince Mar 2013 15 Dec 2012 Edward Theatre, book- SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN CHARIOTS OF FIRE ing until 17 Feb 2013 PalaceTheatre, booking Gielgud Theatre, book- KISS ME KATE Old Vic until 23 Feb 2013 ing until 10 Nov 2012 Theatre, 20 Nov 2012 - SOUL SISTER Savoy The- CONSTELLATIONS 2 Mar 2013 atre, booking until 29 Duke Of York Theatre, 9 Sept 2012 Nov 2012 - 5 Jan 2013

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Dance September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:00 Page 1 Dance

Mandala Chamberlain Square, Birmingham, Fri 7 September Featuring the music of world-class artists Anoushka Shankar (daughter of Ravi) and Zakir Hussain, this one-off outdoor event brings the Midlands' celebrations for the London 2012 Festival to a close. Presented by Sampad, the event sees Birmingham's Town Hall illuminated with 3D projections and visual effects, while in front of the hall, established dance artist Devika Rao and rising star Aakash Odedra showcase their impressive talents, hopefully initiating some audience participation in the process. In the spirit of the Olympics, Mandala reflects the theme of journeying - not only hoping to awaken a mood of inspiration and celebration, but also to inspire the audience to salute the achievements of the past and renew their collective hopes for the future.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Opposites Attract Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 26 - Sat 29 September Launching its autumn season to a Midlands audience, Birmingham Royal Ballet here presents three criti- cally acclaimed modern works fus- ing ‘flair, energy and innovation’. First up is Jessica Lang’s Lyric Pieces. Commissioned by International Dance Festival Birmingham 2012 and Birmingham National Dance Theatre Company Of Jamaica Royal Ballet, the piece promises to Malvern Theatre, Mon 17 - Tues 18 September; New Alexandra be one of the company’s highlights Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 21 - Sat 22 September for 2012. David Bintley’s Take Five To help mark fifty years of Jamaican Independence, this internation- and Unsquare Dance - a celebration ally recognised troupe here capture the true spirit of Jamaica with a of the choreographer’s love of jazz diverse fusion of athleticism and creativity. The vibrant dance and and a homage to his musical hero music traditions of Africa and Europe are brought together in the Dave Brubeck - comes next, while company’s signature piece, Kumin (based on local rituals), while Hans van Manen’s Grosse Fuge - a Minutes And Seconds provides a more contemporary example of ritualised dance of raw power and present-day Jamaica. sexuality - completes the triple-bill. BRB - Gross Fuge 44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dance September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:00 Page 2

dance, Wed 26 Sep, LISTINGS The Roses Theatre, Dance Dance Tewksbury BIRMINGHAM ROYAL Box Office For full listing information on dance, BALLET: OPPOSITES including times and dates, visit ATTRACT A triple-bill of NEW ALEXANDRA www.whatsonlive.co.uk works, Wed 26 - Sat 29 THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM Sep, Birmingham 0844 871 3011 MANDALA Bringing the Dance Company pres- Hippodrome ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, London 2012 Festival ent an evening of URBAN TARAB Open BROMSGROVE to a close, Sampad Bharatanatyam dance, stage night, presented 01527 577330 present an outdoor Sun 23 Sep, Crescent by Pedralta World ARENA THEATRE performance that Theatre, Birmingham Fusion Belly Dance, WOLVERHAMPTON showcases the talents SHOBANA JEYASINGH - Sat 29 Sep, Old Joint 01902 321321 of established dance CLASSIC CUT A double- Stock Theatre, BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL artist Devika Rao and bill of breathtaking Birmingham 024 7637 6707 rising star Aakash BIRMINGHAM Odedra, Fri 7 Sep, Shobana Jeyasingh - The Roses Theatre, Tewksbury HIPPODROME Chamberlain Square, 0844 338 5000 Birmingham CRESCENT THEATRE, SPIRIT OF THE DANCE BIRMINGHAM Regarded as one of the 0121 643 5858 most successful shows THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM to come from the 0121 333 2444 Emerald Isle, this GRAND THEATRE award-winning per- WOLVERHAMPTON, English Youth Ballet: formance fuses Irish 01902 429212 dance with Latino LICHFIELD GARRICK Swan Lake rhythms of Flamenco 01543 412121 and Salsa, Tue 18 - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 19 Sep, Theatre MAC, BIRMINGHAM 0121 446 3232 Fri 21 - Sat 22 September Severn, Shrewsbury SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Since its formation in 1998, English Youth SWAN LAKE English Youth Ballet present a 0121 704 6962 Ballet has provided a platform for young brand new production STAFFORD GATEHOUSE dancers to perform in a professional environ- of the much-loved bal- THEATRE ment alongside principal dancers. Each year let set to Tchaikovsky’s 01785 254 653 the young company performs a traditional magical score, Fri 21 - THE ROSES THEATRE, repertoire to audiences across the UK, and Sat 22 Sep, The Grand TEWKSBURY 01684 295 074 this autumn sees the troupe premiere a new Theatre, Wolverhampton THEATRE SEVERN, production of Swan Lake to just four UK ven- NATIONAL DANCE SHREWSBURY ues. This latest version puts a particular THEATRE COMPANY OF 01743 281281 emphasis on the rivalry between the seduc- JAMAICA Fri 21 - Sat 22 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, tive Black Swan Odile and the vulnerable Sep, New Alexandra COVENTRY White Swan Odette, as they compete for the Theatre, Birmingham 02476 524524 CLASSICAL DANCE BY affections of the Prince. ANAYA BOLAR Chitraleka

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Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 7 SEPT

Anna Karenina CERT tbc TOP 5 Starring Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Domhnall FILM BOX OFFICE Gleeson, Ruth Wilson, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson Directed by Joe Wright (UK) There’s already huge Oscar buzz surrounding this umpteenth adaptation of Tolstoy’s political romance, courtesy of scripter Tom Stoppard. The director Joe Wright previously highlighted Keira Knightley in Pride 1 Ted (15) & Prejudice and Atonement, and the word is that she’s sensational here in the title role. There’s also talk of Jude Law skewering a third Oscar nomination for his performance as Alexei Karenin. Mr Taylor- Johnson, previously known as Aaron Johnson, changed his name in June after marrying the video artist Brave (3D) (12a) and filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood. 2

CERT 18 (116 mins) The Dark Knight Lawless 3 Rises (12a) Starring Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Guy Pearce, Noah Taylor Directed by John Hillcoat (USA) The Watch (15) Think moonshine, the Great Depression, Tommy 4 guns, amoral law enforcers and accents as thick as gumbo and you have the tenor of Lawless. Adapted from Matt Bondurant’s 2008 novel The The Dark Knight Wettest County in the World – based on the 5 Rises (12a) exploits of Bondurant’s grandfather and great- uncles – the film is as authentic, gritty and uncom- promising as they come. Anybody who’s seen John Hillcoat’s The Proposition or The Road will know what to expect: lashings of atmosphere, amazing cinematography and a whole lotta vio- lence. There are also some sterling performances, particularly from Tom Hardy as the stolid alpha male of the Bondurant clan, a sibling gang of moonshine bootleggers. There’s also an extraordi- nary turn from Guy Pearce as a sadistic, perfectly manicured lawman from Chicago, an individual From who chooses his words and methods of enforce- ment with chilling imagination. The music and FRI 7 screenplay by the Australian singer-songwriter Ted SEPT Nick Cave are also ace.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Film September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:12 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 7 Sept

Dredd CERT tbc Starring Karl Urban, Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Jason Cope, Domhnall Gleeson Directed by Pete Travis (UK) Get used to it: comic-book movies are here to stay. This 3D one is a dystopian thriller based on John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra’s 2000 AD title, previously filmed in 1995 with Sylvester Stallone. Dredd himself is a feared dispenser of justice in a future rid- dled by crime and dodgy new drugs. Dredd this time is played by Karl Urban, the New Zealand actor best known for playing Éomer in The Lord Of The Rings and Bones in the new Star Trek franchise.

That’s My Boy

When The Lights Went Out CERT tbc That’s My Boy CERT 15 (114 mins) Starring Starring Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Leighton Meester, Susan Sarandon, James Caan Directed by Sean Anders (USA) Directed by Pat Holden (UK) This time out Adam Sandler plays a former Haunted house movies are becoming as single dad whose parenting skills have not commonplace as flawed comic-book heroes. improved with time. When he turns up for This one is set in Yorkshire in 1974 and fol- his son’s wedding, chaos ensues. lows the Maynard family as they move into American critics said that even by Adam their dream house. Which sounds rather like Sandler standards this was dire and offen- last year’s Dream House, with Daniel Craig sive. That’s our Adam. Dredd and Rachel Weisz. Expect poltergeists.

48 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:13 Page 4

Released from Wed 12 Sept

The Sweeney CERT 15 (112 mins) Starring Ray Winstone, Ben Drew, Hayley Atwell, Steven Mackintosh, Damian Lewis Directed by Nick Love (UK) On paper, Ray Winstone would appear to be the perfect actor to resurrect John Thaw’s Jack Regan from the 1975 to 1978 TV series of the same name. But much of the charm of the series was the banter between Regan and fellow Flying Squad detective George Carter (Dennis Waterman). In addition, there was even a modicum of plausibility in amongst the car chases and tough guy antics. In the update, Regan has been turned into a foul-mouthed monster who beats up suspects and humps the boss’s wife. The casting of Ben Drew (aka the rapper Plan B) as Carter is a mistake, as he has zero pres- ence on screen and zero chemistry with Winstone. One might hope, then, that the plot would make up for these deficits, if only there were one. Instead, there’s a series of bullet points and two long, extended action sequences - an improbable shoot-out in Trafalgar Square (in which various monu- ments make for cheerful target practice) and a car chase round a mobile home lot. London looks pretty at night but there’s not a lot of momentum on the streets.

To Rome With Love Hope Springs CERT 12a (100 mins) CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Starring Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Steve Carell, Elisabeth Shue Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Jullendy Davis, Directed by David Frankel (USA) Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page Believe it or not, Meryl Streep is being Directed by Woody Allen (USA/Italy/Spain) tipped for an Oscar nomination for this. It’s If this romcom is as imaginative and exciting from the same director who steered her to The Sweeney as the title, we could be in trouble. Here, commercial success in The Devil Wears Woody introduces a number of characters Prada, and is a romantic comedy about a and their romantic dilemmas in the Eternal couple (Streep, Jones) who seek marriage ParaNorman CERT PG (93 mins) City. Incidentally, the director hasn’t starred counselling. With Steve Carell as the coun- Featuring the voices of Kodi Smit-McPhee, in one of his own films for six years. Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey sellor, the laughs seem almost guaranteed. Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, Elaine Stritch Directed by Sam Fell and Chris Butler (USA) Now Is Good CERT 12a (103 mins) This stop-motion animated cartoon may be Starring Dakota Fanning, Jeremy Irvine, populated with zombies, witches and ghosts, Paddy Considine, Olivia Williams, Kaya but don’t let that stop you in your tracks. It’s Scodelario Directed by Ol Parker (UK) produced by Laika, the animation studio that When you don’t have long to live, you have brought us Coraline (2009), a hypnotic, dark- to make the most of each day. Seventeen- ly comic and delightful- year-old Tessa Scott (Fanning) draws up a ly macabre entertain- bucket list of things she hopes to achieve, ment for children. Kids although falling for Adam (Irvine, from War relish these sorts of Horse) wasn’t one of them. Adapted from the things (think Roald To Rome With Love 2007 novel Before I Die by Jenny Downham. Dahl), so ParaNorman might be something Released from Weds 19 Sept rather special. Oh, and ParaNorman it’s in 3D.

Hysteria CERT 15 (99 mins) Premium Rush CERT 12a (91 mins) Starring Hugh Dancy, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Jonathan Pryce, Felicity Jones, Rupert Shannon, Dania Ramirez Directed by David Everett, Sheridan Smith Directed by Tanya Koepp (USA) Wexler (UK) Remember Speed? Well, replace the bus with In essence a romantic comedy, Hysteria is a fixie - a fixed-gear bicycle - and you have actually about the invention of the vibrator. something that promises to be every bit as The title refers to the name once given to the dynamic, but with two wheels. Gordon-Levitt condition of women suffering from nerves, (500 Days Of Summer, 50/50, The Dark cramps or insomnia, a mental state treated Knight Rises) is the bike messenger chased by doctors with the manual stimulation of the round New York by a corrupt cop. Director genital area. Set at the end of the nineteenth Koepp is better known as a scriptwriter - of century, the film certainly promises to be edu- Spider-Man, War Of The Worlds and Men In cational, however romantic or funny it might Now Is Good Black 3 fame. be. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Film September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:13 Page 5 GET YOUR FREE COPY DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH

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Released from Fri 28 Sept

Looper CERT 15 (118 mins) Starring Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano, Jeff Daniels, Piper Perabo Directed by Rian Johnson (USA) Haven’t seen Emily Blunt for a month? Never mind, the industrious British actress pops up again in this time-travelling sci-fi actioner. Set in 2072, the film is about a mob technique for rubbing out targets by sending them thir- ty years back in time - where they will meet their executioner. Expect extreme violence.

Looper

Resident Evil: Retribution CERT 12 Starring Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Kevin Durand, Sienna Guillory, Shawn Roberts, Li Bingbing Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson (USA/Germany) Once again, the earth is teeming with the Killing Them Softly flesh-eating Undead. For those who’ve seen any of the four previous Resident Evil titles - adapted from the Capcom survival horror Killing Them Softly CERT 15 Savages CERT tbc video game - they will know what to expect. Starring Brad Pitt, Richard Jenkins, James Starring Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron There are zombies, plagues, mutant crea- Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Scoot McNairy, Ben Johnson, John Travolta, Benicio Del Toro, tures and Milla Jovovich returning as the Salma Hayek Directed by Oliver Stone (USA) Mendelsohn, Sam Shepard gun-toting, high-kicking Alice. And like the Directed by Andrew Dominik Best friends Chon (Kitsch) and Ben (Taylor- last one, it’s in 3D. A crime thriller based on the novel Cogan's Johnson) share everything, including their Trade by George V Higgins, Killing Them lucrative trade in a strain of potent marijuana Softly was entered in the competition at and their girlfriend. Then their girlfriend is this year’s Cannes film festival. Although it kidnapped by a vicious Mexican gangster came away empty-handed, the movie is (Del Toro). Expect a lot of sex and brutal vio- already generating Oscar buzz. Pitt and lence (after all, Oliver Stone is at the helm). Gandolfini - who appeared together in The Mexican - are both being talked about as possible Oscar nominees. Dominik (anoth- er hopeful) previously directed Pitt in The Assassination Of Jesse James.

Resident Evil: Retribution Untouchable CERT tbc Starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Audrey The Campaign CERT 15 (85 mins) Fleurot Directed by Eric Toledano and Olivier Starring Nakache (France) Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis, Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, John Lithgow, Untouchable garnered an impressive nine Dan Aykroyd, Brian Cox Directed by Jay French Oscar (the Césars) nominations and Savages Roach (USA) is proving something of a box-office sensa- With the American elections kicking into high tion. In fact, in France, it was voted the cul- gear, this political farce couldn’t have wished tural event of 2011, with fifty-two percent of The House At The End Of for a more timely release. Ferrell and the votes. François Cluzet (Tell No One, Little The Street CERT 15 (101 mins) Galifianakis play rival candidates for a seat in White Lies) plays a disabled millionaire who Congress to represent a minor North befriends a poor black man from the ghetto. Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue, Max Thieriot, Gil Bellows Carolina district. The director brought us Directed by Mark Tonderai (USA) Meet The Parents/Fockers and the Austin Powers films, so it could be really funny. Beware the house at the end of the street. When a freshly divorced woman (Shue) and The Campaign her teenage daughter (Lawrence) move into their dream house (another dream house? - see When The Lights Went Out), they discov- er that the abode next door holds a grisly secret. And very odd things start to happen. But before you dismiss this chiller entirely, bear in mind that Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone, The Hunger Games) is a world-class actress, and the film promises to be a lot more unpredictable than its title might sug- Untouchable gest.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Film September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:13 Page 7

that it’s not at all as The Dark Knight Rises A-Z LISTINGS they’d been led to 12a Film believe. Showing at Christian Bale, Joseph Ludlow Assembly Gordon-Levitt and Tom All films are currently on general release Rooms, South Hardy star in the final unless otherwise stated. For full listing Shropshire, Wed 5 Sep film in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. information, including times and dates, The Bourne Legacy 12a Showing at OMH, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Jeremy Renner, Rachel Shrewsbury, until Sat 1 Weisz and Edward Sep; Ludlow Assembly Thurs 6 Sep Norton star in this latest 360 15 Rooms, South offering in the ‘Bourne’ Anthony Hopkins, Jude The Amazing Spider- Shropshire, Fri 14 - Tues Law, Rachel Weisz and franchise. Showing at Man 12a 18 Sep Ben Law star in Peter Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 7, Andrew Garfield, Emma Morgan’s dramatic thriller Sun 9 - Tues 11 Sep Departure Lounge Stone and Rhys Ifans The Bourne Legacy which weaves together Psychological thriller that star in a reboot of the Brave PG the various sexual uses the true stories of Spider-Man franchise Billy Connolly lends his apart by a murder. Hysteria 15 encounters of a number homeless people, some that takes us back to the voice to the acclaimed Showing at mac, See Preview Page 47 of different couples. of whom worked on the roots of Peter Parker’s animated action adven- Birmingham, Fri 14 - Mon Showing at Warwick Arts film, and condenses existence as an arachnid. ture, set in the mysteri- 17 Sep In Darkness 15 Centre, Coventry, until them into one man’s Showing at Ludlow ous and rugged A dramatisation of one Mon 3 Sept; mac, story. Showing at mac, Friends With Kids 15 Assembly Rooms, South Highlands of Scotland. man’s rescue of Jewish Birmingham, until Tue 4 Birmingham, Thurs 27 Jennifer Westfeldt and Shropshire, Sat 1 - Mon 3 On general release refugees in the Nazi- Sep; Light House Media Sep Maya Rudolph star as Sep occupied Polish city of Centre, Wolverhampton, best friends who decide The Campaign 15 The Discreet Charm Of Lvov. Showing at mac, until Wed 5 Sep; OMH, Anna Karenina 18 See Preview Page 49 to have a child together Birmingham, Mon 10 The Bourgeoisie 15 Shrewsbury, Fri 14 - See Preview Page 45 while keeping their rela- Sep Thurs 20 Sep Chariots Of Fire PG A surreal comedy which tionship platonic, so The true story of two centres on a group of they can avoid the toll In The Dark Half 15 A Dangerous Method 15 British track athletes at well-heeled socialites kids can take on roman- Compelling and chilling Michael Fassbender and the 1924 Summer who keep trying to have tic relationships. drama which centres Keira Knightley star in Olympics. Showing at dinner together, but are Showing at Ludlow around the sudden David Cronenberg’s Artrix, Bromsgrove, constantly thwarted by a Assembly Rooms, South death of a young boy drama/thriller exam- WATCH Tues 4 - Wed 5 Sep series of bizarre Shropshire, Wed 19 - whilst in the charge of ining the early days mishaps, misunderstand- Thurs 20 Sep his teenage babysitter. of psychotherapy THE FILM Circumstance 15 ings and diversions. Showing at mac, and the relationship Drama concerning a Showing at Ludlow Holy Motors 18 Birmingham, Tues 18 - between Sigmund wealthy Iranian family Assembly Rooms, South Leos Carax’s bizarre Thurs 20 Sep Freud and Carl TRAILERS AT and their struggles to Shropshire, Mon 24 Sep metaphysical journey Jung. Showing at contain a teenager’s between life, love and Joanna tbc mac, Birmingham, whatsonlive.co.uk growing sexual rebel- Dredd tbc death, featuring the Subtitled Polish film con- Mon 3 Sep lion and her brother’s See Preview Page 45 extraordinary French cerning an eight-year-old dangerous obsession. Eames: The Architect & actor Denis Lavant in a Jewish girl abandoned A Royal Affair 15 Showing at Light House variety of roles. Kylie as her mother is seized The Painter 12a Historical romantic Media Centre, Minogue also stars. On by the Gestapo. Documentary about drama concerning the Wolverhampton, Fri 14 - general release. Showing at mac, American husband and relationship between an The Angel’s Share 12a Thurs 20 Sep Birmingham, Fri 28 Sep wife team Charles and insane king, his young Comedy drama that sees Hope Springs 12a Ray Eames, considering wife and her physician. acclaimed British director The Curious Incident Of See Preview Page 47 Jour De Fete U the furniture they’re Showing at OMH, Ken Loach tackle The Dog In The Night- Jacques Tati’s heart- famous for and exploring The House At The End Shrewsbury, Mon 3 - Scotland’s underclass. time U warming tale of life in a their influence on signifi- Of The Street 15 Tues 4 Sep Showing at Warwick Arts National Theatre Live French village. Showing cant events in American See Preview Page 49 Centre, Coventry, until screening based on the at Artrix, Bromsgrove, About Ely (Darbareye life - from the develop- Mon 3 Sept best-selling novel by Hungarian Rhapsody: Sat 22 Sep Elly) tbc Mark Haddon. Luke ment of modernism to Persian mystery story the rise of the computer Queen Live In Budapest Killing Them Softly 15 Beautiful Boxer 15 Treadaway, Una Stubbs 12a that offers a revealing Believing he is a girl and Nicola Walker star. age. Showing at mac, See Preview Page 49 look at the Iranian mid- Birmingham, Wed 19 & Queen’s momentous trapped in a boy’s body, Showing at Ludlow L’Atlante PG dle-class and how a sim- Thurs 20 Sep concert movie comes to a Thai boy sets out to Assembly Rooms, South cinemas for the first time. Jean Vigo’s classic 1934 ple lie can open up a trail master the lethal, mascu- Shropshire; Wem Town F For Fake PG Showing at OMH, tale of family life on a of problems. Showing at line sport of boxing, to Hall, North Shropshire; Orson Welles documen- Shrewsbury, Thurs 20 & canal barge. Showing at Light House Media earn a living and achieve mac, Birmingham; The tary about fraud and fak- Sun 23 Sep Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun Centre, Wolverhampton, his ultimate goal of total Edge Arts Centre, Much ery. Showing at mac, 2 0 Mon 3 Sep Fri 28 Sep - Thurs 4 Oct femininity. Based on the Wenlock, South Birmingham, Sat 29 & The Hunter 15 true story of famous Shropshire Le Petit Nicolas PG Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry Sun 30 Sep Willem Dafoe stars in Muay Thai champion, Laurent Tirad directs a 15 Daniel Nettheim’s psy- model and actress Nong Damsels In Distress 12a dark and slightly absur- Documentary from Alison The Flowers Of War 15 chological drama that Thoom. Showing at mac, Whit Stillman’s romantic dist story about Klayman depicting her Subtitled historical tells the story of a mer- Birmingham, Fri 7 Sep comedy concerning a Nicholas, an eight-year- unprecedented access drama set in Nanjing cenary sent into the trio of girls who set out to old boy who lives a to artist and activist Ai during the 1937 Sino Tasmanian wilderness The Best Exotic change the male-domi- happy existence with his Weiwei. Klayman docu- Japanese war. Showing on a hunt for the last Marigold Hotel 12a nated environment of the mother, father and a ments the artist as he at Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tasmanian Tiger. Judy Dench, Maggie Seven Oaks college great bunch of friends in prepares for a series of Sun 16 - Mon 17 Sep Showing at Ludlow Smith, Penelope Wilton campus. Showing at The a French suburb. exhibitions and repeated- Assembly Rooms, South and Celia Imrie star as a Edge Arts Centre, Much Forgiveness Of Blood Showing at Light House ly clashes with the Shropshire, Tues 25 - group of retired Brits Wenlock, South 12a Media Centre, Chinese authorities. Wed 26 Sep who descend on a hotel Shropshire, Mon 17 Sep Subtitled film concerning Wolverhampton, Thurs 6 Showing at mac, in Udaipur, only to find an Albanian family torn - Wed 12 Sep Birmingham, Wed 5 &

TRE, WOLVERHAMPTON 0871 224 4007 Warwickshire Worcestershire CINEMA Box Office 01902 716055 OAKENGATES PICTURE ODEON, COVENTRY ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ODEON MERRY HILL, HOUSE 0871 224 4007 01527 577330 DUDLEY 0871 22 44007 01952 615607 Birmingham LIBRARY THEATRE ODEON, NUNEATON MALVERN THEATRE 0121 303 2868 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY WEM TOWN HALL AMC Broadway Plaza, Five 0871 224 4007 0845 287 2146 0871 220 1000 01939 232299 Ways 0121 450 6800 MAC 0121 446 3232 SHOWCASE, WALSALL SHOWCASE, COVENTRY WAREHOUSE, ODEON 0871 224 4007 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 220 1000 Staffordshire 0871 220 1000 KIDDERMINSTER 0871 200 2000 REEL Quinton 0121 421 01562 747773 APOLLO, STAFFORD APOLLO 4, LEAMINGTON CINEWORLD Solihull 5316 Shropshire 0871 220 6000 SPA 01926 427 448 VUE, WORCESTER 0871 200 2000 SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 OMH SHREWSBURY CINEWORLD, BURTON- ROYAL, LEAMINGTON SPA 0871 224 0240 ELECTRIC, B’ham VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 01743 281281 UPON-TRENT 0871 200 2000 01926 334418 Visit whatsonlive.co.uk 0121 643 7879 240 240 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY STOKE FILM THEATRE, WARWICK ARTS CENTRE for venue website EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 0871 200 2000 01782 411188 Black Country COVENTRY 02476 524524 details THE GIANT SCREEN AT MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH ODEON TAMWORTH MILLENNIUM POINT CINEWORLD WOLVERHAMP- 01746 761815 0871 224 4007 0121 202 2222 TON 0871 200 2000 ODEON TELFORD For full listing information, including times and dates, LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

52 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:13 Page 8

The Last Projectionist Marina Abramovic: The ParaNormanPG 23 Sep; Light House The Sweeney15 between King Edward 12a Artist Is Present15 See Preview Page 47 Media Centre, See Preview Page 47 VIII and American A fascinating history of Documentary that fol- Wolverhampton, Fri 21 - divorcee Wallis cinemas and their pro- lows the Serbian per- Ping PongPG Thurs 27 Sep Take This Waltz15 Simpson, follows a con- jectionists. Showing at formance artist as she Documentary following Michelle Williams and temporary romance Savagestbc Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat prepares for what may players as they prepare Seth Rogan star in between a married See Preview Page 49 29 Sep be the most important to compete in the Sarah Polley’s romantic woman and a Russian moment of her life - a eighty-plus age groups Searching For Sugar comedy which ques- security guard. Showing Lawless18 of the World Table tions how long-term major new retrospective Man 12a at Forest Arts Centre, See Preview Page 45 Tennis Championships. relationships affect love, at the Museum of Documentary that fol- Walsall, Thurs 27 Sep Showing at mac, sex and the way we look Modern Art.Showing at lows two South Africans The LodgerPG Birmingham, Tues 18 at ourselves. Showing at The Wedding Video15 Ludlow Assembly as they set out to discov- 1927 Hitchcock thriller Sep mac, Birmingham, Fri 14 Comedy written by Tim Rooms, South er what happened to with a new Nitin - Mon 17 Sep; Light Firth and starring Rufus Shropshire, Fri 21 - Sat their unlikely music hero, Sawhney score. Premium Rush12a House Media Centre, Hound, Lucy Punch, 22 Sep the mysterious 1970s Showing at Artrix, See Preview Page 47 Wolverhampton, Fri 21 - Robert Webb, Harriet rock’n’roller, Rodriguez. Bromsgrove, Thurs 20 - Marley15 Thurs 27 Sep Walter and Miriam Projectionist Pick18 Showing at mac, Fri 21 Sep Kevin Macdonald’s uplift- Margolyes. Showing at Re-issue of Birmingham, until Mon 3 That’s My Boy15 OMH, Shrewsbury, Fri 7 15 ing documentary explor- Looper Michaelangelo Sep & Fri 7 Sep See Preview Page 46 - Thurs 13 Sep; mac, See Preview Page 49 ing the life and times of Antonioni’s classic film iconic Jamaican musi- Birmingham, Sat 8 - based in the cold and Shadow Dancer15 To Rome With Love12a The Lost Boys15 cian, Bob Marley. Andrea Riseborough Thurs 13 Sep; Ludlow foggy industrial city of See Preview Page 47 Assembly Rooms, South Bloodsuckers wreak Showing at The Edge Ravenna, where a men- stars as an informant for havoc in a sleepy Arts Centre, Much M15 who spills the Tortoise In LoveU Shropshire, Fri 28 & Sat tally ill housewife, mar- 29 Sep coastal town in this cult Wenlock ried to the plant manag- beans in order to protect A feelgood romantic 1980s horror comedy, Nostalgia For The Light er, begins a relationship her son. Clive Owen comedy in the tradition When The Lights Went starring Jason Patric also stars. Showing at of Calendar Girls and 12a with her husband’s busi- Out tbc and Corey Haim as Light House Media Full Monty. Showing at Moving documentary ness associate in an See Preview Page 46 brothers whose lives are Centre, Wolverhampton, Ludlow Assembly about the driest place on effort to confront her iso- turned upside-down by until Thurs 6 Sept; mac, Rooms, South 15 Earth, Chile’s Atacama lation. Showing at mac, Your Sister’s Sister a gang of vampires. Birmingham, Fri 7 - Shropshire, Mon 10 - Emily Blunt, Rosemarie Desert. Screened as part Birmingham, Tues 4 & Showing at Electric Thurs 13 Sep; Artrix, Wed 12 Sep DeWitt and Mark of the West Midlands Wed 5 Sep Cinema, Birmingham, Fri Bromsgrove, Mon 24 - Duplass star in a come- Human Rights Film 14 Sep Resident Evil: Tues 25 & Fri 28 Sep Untouchabletbc dy-drama that follows Festival 2012.Showing Retribution12 See Preview Page 49 an escalating chain of 15 at mac, Birmingham, Magic Mike See Preview Page 49 Shut Up And Play The events as they gather a Wed 26 Sep War Horse12a Channing Tatum and Hits 15 comic momentum that’s Alex Pettyfer star in a Samsara12a Witness the visual docu- Jeremy Irvine, Emily Now Is Good12a both fresh and funny. comedy drama concern- Documentary filmed ment of LCD Watson and David See Preview Page 47 Showing at Ludlow ing a male stripper who over a five year period in Soundsystem's final Thewlis star in Steven Spielberg’s acclaimed Assembly Rooms, South takes it upon himself to PG twenty-five countries on ever gig, held at New Oliver war drama. Showing at Shropshire, Tues 4 - teach a young performer Digitally restored version five continents, exploring York's Madison Square Forest Arts Centre, Wed 5 Sep; Artrix, how to party, pick up of Lionel Bart’s highly the varied worlds of Garden on 2 April 2011. Walsall, Fri 14 Sep Bromsgrove, Wed 12 & women and make easy acclaimed musical. sacred grounds, disaster Showing at Electric Fri 14 Sep money. Showing at Showing at Light House zones, industrial com- Cinema, Birmingham, WE PG OMH, Shrewsbury, Wed plexes and natural won- Media Centre, Tues 4 & Wed 6 Sep Madonna’s passionate 5 - Thurs 6 Sep ders. Showing at mac, Wolverhampton, Tues 25 tale, based on the affair - Wed 26 Sep Birmingham, Fri 21 - Sun

DVD NEW RELEASES

The Hunger Games 12 Piranha 3DD 18 Adapted from Suzanne Horror sequel in which a Collins’ popular novel of species of violent pre- the same name. historic piranha continue Released 3 September to terrify a small town. David Hasselhoff stars. Released 3 September

Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 12 Romantic drama star- American Pie: ring Ewan McGregor The Reunion 15 and Emily Blunt. Teen comedy that fol- Released 3 September lows the characters from the original 1999 movie as they meet in their home town for a high school reunion. Released 10 September Avengers Assemble Jeff Who Lives At dedicated attempts of a The Cabin In The Safe 15 12 Home 15 dictator to stave off the Woods 15 Sci-fi action thriller co- Robert Downey Jnr, Jason Segal stars as a terrible threat of democ- Teen horror flick following written by Luc Besson Samuel L Jackson thirty-year-old bachelor racy. five college students as and starring Guy and Chris Hemsworth living at home with his Released 24 September they arrive at a remote Pearce. come together in an parents whose life is woodland cabin for a Albert Nobbs 15 Released 10 September ultimate gathering of transformed when he’s How I Spent My weekend of partying. Glenn Close stars as a the superheroes. enrolled by his brother to Summer Vacation 15 Released 24 September woman who, in order to Released 10 September help track down the lat- Mel Gibson stars as a scrape together a living ter’s possibly adulterous career criminal who in nineteenth century Silent House 15 wife. finds himself in a Ireland, poses as a male Husband-and-wife direc- Released 17 September Mexican jail and ends waiter. Based on the torial team Chris Kentis up being helped by a 15 short story by Irish novel- and Laura Lau direct this The Dictator nine-year-old boy. Peter ist George Moore. suspense horror remake Comedy written by and Stormare also stars. Released 3 September starring Elizabeth Olsen. starring Sacha Baron Released 24 September Released 17 September Cohen following the www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Visual Arts September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:33 Page 1

Exhibitions

Mark Power: Black Country Stories Until 15 September 2012

In Conversation Sunday 8 September, 2pm Join Mark Power, Emma Chetcuti and Deborah Robinson for an informal tour of the exhibition. Book your free place in advance on 01922 654400.

Street Until 15 September 2012

Good Sport Until 1 September 2012

Portfolio Until 1 September 2012

Harminder Judge: In This Strange House 8 September - 25 November 2012

Garman Ryan Collection and Exhibitions

Garman Ryan Collection on display all year round

Isabel Rawsthorne: Moving Bodies Until 8 September 2012

Make Room2 Interventions into the Garman Ryan Collection Until 22 September 2012

Free Regular Family Workshops

Baby Palace Friday 21 September, 10.30-11.30am, 12-1pm, 2-3pm

Events

Young People’s Days: Waiting for Damien Saturday 1 September, 11am-4pm Make your own Hirst inspired artwork to take home with you. Free, no need to book, just drop in!

54 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:33 Page 2 Visual Arts

Made In The Middle: Contemporary Craft From Across The Midlands Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, Sat 15 September - Sun 28 October Twenty-seven makers, specially selected by a panel of curators, are here brought together for the Midlands’ principal selling exhibition. Held every three years, the show is for the first time showcasing work by artists from both the East and West Midlands, and promotes all disciplines of craftmaking. Contributing artists include Maggie Smith, Amy Twigger Holroyd, Jannette Mathews, James and Tilla Waters, Anna Collette Hunt and Imogen Luddy. The show is part- nered by Craftspace and mac Birmingham. Maggie Smith: Willow Ware

Arefin And Arefin: The Graphic Design Of Tony Arefin Ikon, Birmingham, Wed 12 September - Sun 4 November Emerging in the late 1980s as one of the most important figures in the British art world, Pakistani- born Abed Mohammed Arefi’s creativity became hugely evident in the world of magazine publish- ing. Later changing his name to Tony Arefin, the artist worked for major players The Face, ID mag- azine and Bomb. As he gravitated more towards the art world, Arefin produced work for numerous institutions, and for seminal YBA exhibitions such The Lament For Icarus as Freeze (1988) and Modern Apprentice (1990), both organised by Damien Hurst. This exhibition, curated by James Langdon, explores the contri- Love And Death: Victorian Paintings From The Tate butions of the late and often overlooked designer, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Sat 8 September - Sun 13 January, 2013 and features works loaned by Arefin’s family. An exclusive exhibition comprising eleven of the most iconic paintings in the national collection, Love & Death features as its centrepiece John William Waterhouse’s The Lady Of Shalott (1888), one of Tate’s most famous and popular works, which rarely trav- els outside London. Two other paintings by Waterhouse also feature, alongside classical works by Frederic Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema which serve to illustrate the Victorian fascination with re-imagining life in Greece and Rome. Function III Lady Barber Gallery, Birmingham, 7 September - 25 November The urban landscape provides the theme for this, the third photographic competition to be held at Birmingham’s Barber Institute. A collaboration with Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, Function III provides a platform for students to showcase their creative tal- ent. Taking inspiration from the museum’s Cityscapes exhibition, students have drawn Our Sporting Life: The Science from the exquisite designs on the sixteenth and seventeenth century European coins and medals on display at the Barber in order to create larger, photographic and panoramic Of Sport Exhibition views of Birmingham. Winners of the competition will be announced in October. Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Sun 9 September Team GB’s gold medal-winning eight rowing boat from the 2000 Olympics is featured in this fascinating exhibition, which takes a look at how space-age materials and innovative designs play a part in record-breaking performances by the world’s greatest athletes. Also on display are world record-breaking running spikes from Olympic athlete David Moorcroft OBE and the banned Speedo high-performance swimming cos- tume. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Visual Arts September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:33 Page 3

BOYD & EVANS First Shakespeare Festival, PREVIEWS LISTINGS major survey exhibi- until Sun 9 Sept, Royal VisualArts VisualArts tion from artist-couple Shakespeare Theatre, Boyd & Evans, until Stratford-upon-Avon For full listing information on Visual Art Sun 9 Sep, Ikon MARK POWER: BLACK Ongoing exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, Gallery, Birmingham COUNTRY STORIES visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk GODS, GREEKS AND GOR- Multistory exhibition GONS Discover some of that questions percep- Harminder Judge: CRAFTSENSE Exhibition of artists, working in tex- the greatest stories tions of beauty and the that celebrates the links tiles, film and mixed ever told in an exhibi- importance of looking In This Strange House between eighteenth media, until Sun 2 Sep, tion that explores how good, until Sat 15 Sept, New Art Gallery, Walsall, Sat 8 September - century industry and Himley Hall & Park, different societies The New Art Gallery, Sun 25 November modern craft practices, Dudley interpret Greek cul- Walsall tures, until Sun 9 Sept, until Sat 1 Sep, Bilston FEMININITY IN VOGUE- TRANSIENT NATURE Religious iconography and occultism, Indian The Potteries Museum Craft Gallery DENISE RUSSELL Exhibition inspired by culture and popular Western culture are just & Art Gallery, Stoke- the British environment GOOD SPORT Paintings, Exhibition that showcas- on-Trent a few of the prominent influences evident in photographs, memora- es the vanity of the & the natural world, the works of award-winning contemporary bilia and installations female form, until Sun 2 GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE until Sat 15 Sept, artist Harminder Judge. This presentation, are here brought Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove Featuring an array of Willow Gallery, works in a variety of Oswestry, Shropshire comprising film, digital prints and sculptural together in a display STYLE AFRICA Exhibition materials, all inspired installation, draws on Odilon Redon’s illustra- that celebrates the pas- that explores the MARK VEALE: STILLHEADS sion and sense of com- by the colours gold, Exhibition of ephemeral tions for an Edward Bulwar-Lytton ghost changing traditions of silver and bronze, until munity often associated woven, embroidered, mixed media drawings story, a work which inspired Judge to co-cre- with sport, until Sat 1 Sun 9 Sep, Shire Hall captured in print, until printed and dyed cloth- Gallery, Stafford ate a storyboard with writer and fellow artist Sep, The New art ing and textiles, from Sat 15 Sep, New Vic Edward Wakefield. Gallery, Walsall the early twentieth cen- THE PLAYMAKER: Theatre, Newcastle- EXHIBITION BY BRONIA tury through to 2011, KOSUGE 1 -16 Debut under-Lyme SAWYER Carefully craft- until Sun 2 Sept, presentation from STREET Exhibition that ed works made from Birmingham Museum & Japanese artists provides a glimpse into paper that explore the Art Gallery Kosuge1-16 which the darker side of the draws on mac's history artist’s struggle with WAY OF THE WARRIOR: urban environment, to create an interactive dyslexia and her obses- THE SAMURAI Hands-on until Sat 15 Sep, The sion with being cre- exhibition that fuses New Art Gallery, Walsall exhibits and Samurai sculpture and pup- ative, until Sat 1 Sept, artefacts provide an MARION RICHARDSON Solihull Arts Complex petry, until Sun 9 Sep, insight into the world of mac, Birmingham EXHIBITION The former STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD: the revered Japanese Dudley Girl’s School art DARK AGE DISCOVERY warriors, until Mon 3 MONSTERS OF THE DEEP mistress showcases This exhibition, featur- Sep, Forge Mill Needle A unique CGI prehis- some of the outstand- ing over one hundred Museum, Redditch toric aquarium that ing work that she’s pro- shows the reptiles specially chosen arte- CLOUD NYLON duced with children which swam the Harminder Judge facts from the over the years, until Sat Retrospective exhibition Earth's seas millions of Staffordshire Hoard, featuring works by Nora 22 Sep, Dudley provides a unique years ago, when Museum & Art Gallery Fok, until Wed 5 Sep, dinosaurs roamed the opportunity to find out Worcester City Art DRAWN TO CRAFT Journey Into The Light about the world famous land, until Sun 9 Gallery & Museum Exhibition that show- discovery, until Sun 1 September, Herbert Art Coventry Cathedral, Sat 1 September - cases how the drawn Sep, The Potteries ISABEL RAWSTHORNE: Gallery & Museum, Sun 28 October line has inspired con- Museum & Art Gallery, MOVING BODIES Series Coventry Exploring the inspirational journey of some of temporary craftspeople, Stoke-on-Trent of abstract portraits OUR GAMES STORY the artists responsible for Coventry that explore dance and until Sat 22 Sept, SUMMER SHOWCASE Exhibition that cele- Bilston Craft Gallery Cathedral’s famous art treasures, Journey movement, many of brates Staffordshire Featuring vibrant jew- which were painted in MAUD AND THE DRAGON Into The Light features sketches, models and ellery by Michael Petit Olympians of the past, the rehearsal rooms at Exhibition exploring the design studies from the likes of Epstein, and bold ceramics by present and future, until Covent Garden, until local legend that tells of Maria Wojdat, until Sat 1 Sun 9 Sept, Shire Hall Sutherland and Piper. These are displayed Sat 8 Sep, The New a girl befriended by a Sep, Bilston Craft Gallery, Stafford alongside the masterpieces they represent, arts Gallery, Walsall dragon. This exhibition Gallery ALLOTMENT An innova- many of which are now recognised as high GROWING UP IN THE is supported by various tive programme that points in twentieth century art. INTERNATIONAL GARDEN NEW AGE family-friendly ‘dragon PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE sees mac's Arena activities’ throughout Autobiographical proj- Gallery divided into YEAR Showcase of pho- ect by Marjolaine the summer holidays, tographs of gardens, plots tended by inde- until Sat 22 Sep, Ryley that explores the pendent curators and Vanley Burke: By The Rivers plants, flowers and alternative world of Worcester City Art botany from the winning artists, until Sun 9 Sep, Gallery free school education mac, Birmingham Of Birminam and finalist photogra- and counter-culture, A JUDITH KERR RETRO- phers from the fourth mac, Birmingham, Sat 22 September until Sat 8 Sept, CURIOUS VISITORS: THE SPECTIVE Exhibition of IGPOTY competition, - Sun 18 November Wolverhampton Art ARTS COUNCIL COLLEC- original artwork from until Sat 1 Sep, Gallery TION Featuring contem- The Tiger Who Came Having photographed Handsworth’s Jackfield Tile Museum, porary sculpture, paint- To Tea, until Sat 29 Jamaican community since the mid-1960s, Ironbridge MAN OF NOTE Exhibition ings and photography, Sept, Wolverhampton Vanley Burke is well-placed to tell the story of that celebrates Harry until Sun 9 Sept, Aston FORMER GLORY The Eccleston's legacy as Art Gallery how lives and perceptions have changed Hall, Birmingham grandeur of buildings, an artist and printmak- CORE - A DIGITAL ART during the last half-century. the faded beauty of er, until Sat 8 Sept, LIVING WALLS New INSTALLATION Kurt Presented with his first camera at the age of clothing and personal Wolverhampton Art exhibition commis- Hentschlager’s instal- ten, Vanley creates images which reveal a items is the source of Gallery sioned for the World lation provides an inspiration for this group great compassion for his ‘own people’, as illustrated by his photograph of the Africa 01384 812745 STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, Liberation Day crowds gathered in Museums & Art Galleries DUDLEY MUSEUM SHUGBOROUGH Handsworth Park in 1977 (pictured). & ART GALLERY 01889 881388 Birmingham NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01384 815575 Warwickshire 0121 643 9099 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY WOLVERHAMPTON 0121 323 3776 RBSA GALLERY 0121236 01926 645500 4353 01902 716055 BARBER INSTITUTE HERBERT ART GALLERY THREE WHITE WALLS THE NEW ART GALLERY 0121 414 7333 COVENTRY 02476 832386 GALLERY WALSALL 01922 654400 BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & MEAD GALLERY WARWICK 0121 643 0078 RED HOUSE GLASS CONE ART GALLERY 0121 303 02476 524524 2834 01384 812750 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS Black Country WOLVERHAMPTON ART THE BURROWS GALLERY, 01926 742700 THE CUSTARD FACTORY BANTOCK HOUSE GALLERY 01902 552055 0121 224 7344 WOLVERHAMPTON Worcestershire 01902 552195 Staffordshire CASTLE GALLERIES WORCESTER CITY ART 0121 633 0015 BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & GALLERY 01905 25371 IKON GALLERY 01902 552507 ART GALLERY 01782 232323 0121 248 0708 BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS SHIREHALL GALLERY Visit whatsonlive.co.uk Vanley Burke MUSEUM, DUDLEY STAFFORD 01785 278345 for venue website details

56 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:33 Page 4

Museum that features early works from the Bram Stoker, until Mon 5 Sep - Sun 7 Oct, VisualArts LISTINGS more than one hun- '60s & '70s alongside 31 Dec, Nash’s House Solihull Arts Complex dred-and-thirty objects more recent pieces, & New Place, Stratford- ORIENTATION Textile not previously dis- until Sat 3 Nov, upon-Avon exhibition inspired by For full listing information on Visual Art played outside of Wolverhampton Art exhibitions, including times and dates, DINOSAURS UNCOVERED the culture of the Far London, until Sun 14 Gallery Unique exhibition fea- East, Fri 7 Sep - Sun 21 visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Oct, Birmingham MUSCLES, BALLS & turing life-size Oct, Forge Mill Needle Museum & Art Gallery BOWLS Exhibition that dinosaurs, real and Museum, Redditch insight into a weight- and traditional glass WOLVERHAMPTON RIOTS explores the history of replica fossils and PORTFOLIO Exhibition by less world of virtual engraving by members ONE YEAR ON Images sport in Shakespeare’s holographic video pre- Shelly Perkins featuring aquariums, until Sun of the Guild of Glass from CCTV, newspapers time, until Sun 4 Nov, sentations by wildlife an eclectic array of 30 Sep, Enginuity, Engravers. This exhibi- and social media pro- Nash’s House & New expert Chris Packham, works which come Ironbridge, Shropshire tion forms part of the vide the basis for Sally Place, Stratford-upon- until Sun 6 Jan, together to provide an Payen's exhibition that Avon Herbert Art Gallery & FLIGHT AND THE ARTIS- International Festival of insight into the magic charts the violence and Museum, Coventry TIC IMAGINATION Major Glass 201, until Sun 7 LIVING CITY Sarah of a child’s imagination, disorder that erupted on exhibition exploring Oct, Red House Glass Taylor Silverwood’s BACK TO THE FUTURE the secrets of elusive Wolverhampton's man's instinctive Cone, Stourbridge works examine the Exhibition that explores British wildlife and the streets during the sum- desire to fly. Works STAFFORDSHIRE & relationship between the world-renowned artist’s charming inter- mer of 2011, until Fri 19 from Leonardo de BEYOND A new exhibition humans and architec- glass collections and pretations of local Oct, Wolverhampton Art Vinci, Francisco Goya, of original artwork by ture through a series archives in the Dudley towns and villages, Sat Gallery Paul Nash, Peter Stafford couple Eleanor of drawings and text- Borough, demonstrat- 8 - Sat 29 Sep. Iapetus Lanyon & Hiraki Sawa and John Cathcart, until BROUGHT TO MIND An based pieces, until ing their importance to Gallery, Leamington all feature, until Sun Fri 12 Oct, Museum of exhibition of work by Sun 2 Dec, The Barber the region's contempo- Spa 30 Sep, Compton Cannock Chase, artists Margaret Jarvis Institute, Birmingham rary glass-makers and WREKIN ARTS PHOTO- Verney Gallery, Staffordshire and Richard Randall THE DIG! Exhibition designers, until Sun 27 GRAPHIC CLUB EXHIBI- presenting interpreta- Jan, Broadfield House Warwickshire GEOLOCATION A series of showcasing archaeo- TION Mon 10 Sep - Mon tions of the theme Glass Museum, CITYSCAPES An exhibi- photographs by Nate logical finds uncovered 15 Oct, The Place, ‘brought to mind’, until Kingswinford tion of the world in Larson and Marni so far, until Mon 31 Dec, Oakengates, Telford, Fri 19 Oct, miniature featuring Shindelman represent- Nash’s House & New ANGELA SCOTT EXHIBI- Shropshire Wolverhampton Art items from the most ing locations from Place, Stratford-upon- TION Talented water- Gallery YAEL BARTANA EXHIBI- circulated art medium - where a number of Avon colourist and oil painter TION Trilogy of films coins and medals, until selected tweets were GRAND DESIGNS A THE STORIES OF SHAKE- Angela Scott showcase based on the activities Sun 6 Oct, The Barber sent, until Fri 12 Oct, chance to view some of SPEARE Joint exhibition her landscapes, Sat 1 - of the Jewish Institute, Birmingham Light House Media the museum’s rarely from the Royal Sun 30 Sep, Weston Renaissance Movement seen masterpieces, until Park, Staffordshire JAMAICA 50 A partner- Centre, Wolverhampton Shakespeare Theatre in Poland, Tues 18 Sep Sat 20 Oct, Dudley ship between the PEDALS TO MEDALS A & the Shakespeare PAUL KI-KYDD EXHIBITION - Sun 4 November Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham Kingsway new exhibition celebrat- Birthplace Trust, until Featuring new and old THE OLYMPICS Exhibition Project, the Drum Arts ing the history and CELEBRATION A display Mon 31 Dec, Royal works using graphite, of paintings, sculpture, Centre and heroes of all kinds of of costumes in the Shakespeare Theatre, pastels and charcoal, ceramics and textiles, Birmingham Archives, competitive cycling, Servants' Quarters Stratford-upon-Avon Sat 1 - Sun 30 Sep, all inspired by the until Sun 7 Oct, until Sun 14 Oct, Costume Gallery, until DEAR SHAKESPEARE Artifex Gallery, Sutton Olympic Games and Birmingham Museum & Coventry Transport Sun 28 Oct, New display that show- Coldfield the Olympic Torch Art Gallery Museum Shugborough Historic cases a small but rare MICHAELA BROWN EXHI- Parade, Mon 24 Sep - Working Estate, Stafford 21ST CENTURY ENGRAVED PHARAOH: KING OF EGYPT collection of letters writ- BITION Series of Sat 30 Nov, The Willow GLASS A national exhibi- National touring exhibi- ANTONY DONALDSON ten by famous authors, abstract works from the Gallery, Oswestry, tion of contemporary tion from the British Exhibition featuring from Oscar Wilde to Solihull-born artist, Wed North Shropshire

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Festivals September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:09 Page 1

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58 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:09 Page 2 Festivals

The Reckless Shrimp Festival Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 15 - Sun 16 September Thirty talented acts from both sides of the Atlantic are promised at this brand new two-day indoor festival in the beautiful South Shropshire town of Ludlow. The event, which supports the Alzheimer’s Society, boasts an eclectic line-up, including the legendary Butch Hancock of Flatliners fame and acclaimed country singer Rachel Harrington, both of whom appear on both days. Among the many other noteable acts per- forming over the week- end are Kritsta Detor, Jim Moray, Martin Simpson, Amy Rainbow, Sean Taylor and Lucy Schwartz, the latter of whom has chosen Ludlow to make her first UK appearance. Lucy Schwartz

Bromyard Folk Festival Headliners Broadbridge Site, Bromyard, Herefordshire, Fri 7 - Sun 9 September The Wombats Ms Dynamite and This festival of traditional music annually offers a line-up of outstanding local, national and interna- Ocean Colour tional traditional folk musicians, performing in con- Scene duo certs, ceilidhs and displays. Featuring over one Shrewsbury Fields Forever hundred-and-seventy hours of entertainment in West Midland Showground, Fri 14 - Sun 16 September just one weekend of traditional music, song and Returning for a second year, this three-day festival presents an eclectic mix of musical dance, the event's Spiers & Boden entertainment, with lovers of indie, rock, alternative, electronic, dance and popular organisers proudly music all catered for. Amongst sixty-plus acts booked to appear over the weekend are describe it as 'the best headliners The Wombats, Ms Dynamite, The Sunshine Underground, and Simon and folk festival/cultural Oscar from Birmingham band Ocean Colour Scene. Sunday’s Jestival event, mean- event in the Welsh while, promises to be a big barrel of laughs, and features performances from Mark Border area'. The line- Watson, Andrew Maxwell, Lucy Porter, Eric Lampaert and Joel Dommett. up for 2012 features Spiers & Boden, The Mighty Doonans, The Copper Family and Vin Carfest Garbutt. Cholmondley Castle, Cheshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9 September Radio Two DJ and One Show presenter Moseley Folk Festival Chris Evans is the man behind this unique concept - one which he believes will fulfill Moseley Park & Pool, Birmingham, Fri 31 August - Sun 2 September his dream of ‘providing the perfect family festival’. Bringing together Chris’s pas- This genre-hopping festival sees some of folk’s sions for cars and music, Carfest features best-loved musicians perform alongside lesser a hill climb, numerous displays and an known contemporaries within the stunning setting auction for motoring enthusiasts. Music of Moseley Park. Post-punk rockers Echo And The fans are also in for a treat, with Texas, Bunnymen headline the opening night, and are Razorlight, Paloma Faith, The Magic joined by the Guillemots Numbers and The Proclaimers all con- and Beth Jeans Hougton firmed to appear. & The Hooves Of And if all that’s not enough, the event also Destiny. Other noteable offers an abundance of sideline shows to acts over the weekend keep you entertained, including air dis- include ‘troubadour of plays, arena shows, kid zones, RAF hot air the folk world’ Roy balloons, the Segway Racers, dancing Harper, Julian Cope, JCB diggers, a jousting display from Goodnight Lenin, Cara Knights Of The Damned, welly walling and Dillon and folk legends ice cream making. So much activity is sure Steeleye Span, who to build up an appetite, and there’ll be no close the festival on the shortage of cuisine on offer, with all dietary Sunday evening. Cara Dillon requirements catered for. Paloma Faith www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Festivals September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:09 Page 3

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Food Festivals The Fabulous Baker Brothers Ludlow Food Festival Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire, Fri 7 - Sun 9 September The historic town of Ludlow provides a per- fect setting for this annual event, which showcases the diversity and quality of the area’s gastronomic delights. Launched in 1995, the food festival fast became estab- lished as one of the country's foremost events of its kind, allowing visitors to indulge in an array of fine food and drink, enjoy demonstrations and talks from a host of pro- fessionals, and take part in some now- famous activities - including the challenge of following the Ludlow Sausage Trail, the Festival Loaf Trail and a Real Ale Trail.

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Stratford Food And Drink Festival to enter Various locations, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 22 - Sun 23 September Taking place in the streets of Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Stratford Food Festival 2012 promises a treasure trove of good things to eat and drink, as local producers, together with others from further afield, showcase a diverse range of culinary delights - including organic Leamington Food And Drink meat and vegetables, locally brewed ales, beers and ciders, artisan cheeses and award-win- ning ice creams. The Fabulous Baker Brothers feature too, alongside fellow celebrity chefs Festival Alan Coxon, Ben Bartlett and Franck Pontais. Royal Leamington Spa, Sat 8 - Sun 9 September Returning to the Pump Room Gardens for a fifth year, this popular celebration of the Abergavenny Food And Drink Festival region’s culinary offerings brings together an Various locations in and around Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Sat 15 - Sun 16 September abundance of food-themed attractions for all More than two hundred exhibitors from Wales, The Marches and further afield are expected at ages to enjoy. A free event, the festival fea- this well-regarded culinary festival. The packed programme of events kicks off with a master- tures over one hundred-and-thirty exhibitors, class on how to make the perfect pastry from ace baker Richard Bertinet, while a taste of as well as plenty of live entertainment and Israel is on the menu courtesy of creative duo Yotam Ottolenghi and Samu Tamimi - the team demonstrations. New for 2012 is the Live behind the acclaimed Ottolenghi restaurants and the authors of a brand new Jerusalem cook- Cookery Theatre from the Love Food book. A fusion of Indian spices is promised by Anand George from the award-winning Roadshow, and a Kids Make And Bake eatery Purple Poppadom. Together with his team, Anand will recreate some of the restaurant’s Cookery School, where youngsters can learn specialities in a pop-up eatery. The festival talks programme includes food anthropologist the art of making cupcakes and scones. Claudia Roden discussing with Andalucian-based travel writer Michael Jacobs her five-year The ever-popular Taste Trail makes a welcome immersion in the regional cuisines of Spain, and Michelin-starred chef Pierre Koffmann chat- return too, allowing visitors to eat at one of ting with influential food writer Matthew Fort about the heights of haute cuisine and his lifetime many of the town’s allocated restaurants for love of rustic country cooking. as little as £1. A Coffee Trail, along which visi- Other noteable attractions during the two-day festival include a Primo Grill Stage, featuring tors can sample a free coffee with any pur- street-food chef cook-offs, Rude Health rants at Speakers’ Corner, the Children’s Food chase at a participating coffee house, is a fur- Academy, a rolling programming of musical performance in The Dome, a wild and magical ther new addition to the festival. Party At The Castle, wine and beer tastings, and plenty of forays and walks. Leamington Food And Drink Festival

Welshpool Food Festival Glansevern Hall, Berriew, Welshpool, Sat 1 - Sun 2 September The visual splendour of Glansevern Hall makes it the perfect setting for this annual two-day festival - a celebration of what’s best about food and drink in Mid Wales and the borders. Now in its seventh year, the fam- ily-friendly event sees some of the region’s best known culinary experts taking part in demonstrations and masterclasses, while entertainment is provided by Four Tissimo and Appalachian step dancers Kickin’ Alice.

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A Place In The Sun NEC, Birmingham, Fri 28 - Sun 30 September The official exhibition show of Channel Four’s popular oversees travel point. Catering for a variety of budgets, the three-day show features series returns to the Midlands this month, complete with presenters properties from as little as £20,000 through to over £1million. And if Amanda Lamb, Jasmine Harman and Jonnie Irwin, all of whom will you’ve ever fancied being on TV yourself, or are serious about buying be on hand to share their experience and offer advice on buying a a home abroad, why not take the screen test with the team from property abroad. Whether it’s Spain, France, Portugal or further afield Freeform Productions? You never know, you might well find yourself that you’re interested in, A Place In The Sun is a perfect starting appearing in the next series of the programme...

Artsfest Various locations in Birmingham, Fri 7 - Sun 9 September Birmingham’s annual arts festival returns this month to showcase an array of artistic talent from the multitude of different genres on offer in the West Midlands. The weekend-long cul- tural event brings artists into the city to per- form at some of the region’s best-known ven- ues and landmarks, including Centenary Square, Victoria Square, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham Cathedral, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Highlight Comedy Club, mac, the CBSO Centre, the Crescent Theatre, the Old Joint Stock Theatre, and a host of pubs, restaurants and public spaces.

archive image Netherton Victorian Olympian Day Northfield Rd, Netherton, Wolverhampton, Sat 8 September Thirty market stalls, street performers, live music and theatre await visitors to Netherton’s fifth annual Victorianna Day. More than three thousand people attended last year’s one-day event, and it’s hoped that 2012’s packed programme will attract an even larger crowd, with morris dancers, glass-blowing demonstrations, Olympic displays and a Victorian funfair all on the agenda. The Eccentric Gents are set to provide plenty of amusement as they ride their penny farthings, take to their grounded hot air balloon and perform various Olympic scenes, while Queen Victoria and her lady-in-waiting will be on hand to greet visitors, strolling through the streets before taking up residency in a decorated throne room at Netherton Arts Centre. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 3 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 4

Events PREVIEWS Battle Of Britain Weekend RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Sat 15 - Sun 16 September Marking the most important event in Royal Airforce history, The Battle Of Britain Weekend offers a series of themed activities and demonstrations for aviation and World War Two enthusiasts to enjoy. Attractions include real-life working Merlin and Griffon engine demonstrations, a chance to see how a World War Two Emergency Operations Room functioned, wartime classroom ses- sions, children’s workshops and film show- ings, military vehicle displays and a Battle Of Britain Veteran Guests Q&A session. All of this, together with the museum’s static dis- play of seventy historic aircraft, ensures the weekend offers plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained. International Netball: England Vs Jamaica LG Arena, Birmingham, Fri 21 September As the UK continues to bask in the glory of its third-place finish at the London 2012 Olympics, the England netball team return to Birmingham’s LG Arena in a bid to retain their third-place world-ranking. Kicking off the first of a three-match series, they face fourth-ranked Jamaica. Nicknamed The Sunshine Girls, the Caribbean team are set to give England a real run for their money. In recent years there’s been a healthy rivalry between the two teams, with vital matches at the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 and the Singapore World Netball Championships 2011 both going England’s way, victories which on both occasions allowed head coach Anne Mayes’ side to secure bronze medals.

create their very own alter-ego. Each day will Designer Marquee Malvern Autumn Show see the best-dressed caped crusader award- ed with a box of Cadbury’s Heroes. Bridal Show Three Counties Showground, Malvern, The superhero event follows the return of the Sat 29 - Sun 30 September Westfield Merry Hill, Dudley, venue’s popular Heritage Weekend on 8 & 9 Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 September Celebrating the very best that autumn has to September, this year featuring various offer, this annual event boasts something for themed activities and providing visitors with This unique two-day event sees more than all tastes and ages. For food lovers, the chance to have their photo taken with a eighty exhibitors showcasing the latest styles Michelin-starred chef Jean-Christophe John Cadbury lookalike. Oh, and weather and trends associated with wedding plan- Novelli will be cooking up some delicious permitting, there’s also the opportunity to ning. Cakes, flowers, marquees, chairs, suit dishes (as well as offering top tips and enjoy a heritage walk-and-talk around the hire and mother-of-the-bride, cars, entertain- advice), while the Great British Bake Off historic Bournville Village. ment and favours are all included. A fashion commemorates the Diamond Jubilee by fea- show featuring the very latest designs is sure turing recipes from each decade of HRH’s to inspire brides-to-be, while a chance to win reign. The RHS Flower Show, Edible your very own designer dress from one of Gardens, Harvest Pavilion and various dis- the Midlands’ top plays are sure to prove popular with garden- boutiques is a ing enthusiasts, while youngsters are certain huge incentive to to be entertained via arena events and the make your way to numerous activities and workshops available Merry Hill. in the Discovery Zone. Admission to the show costs £5 and provides entry to the com- petition. Tickets are available by calling 01384 484602, or visit Treasure Days www.weddingconnectionsuk.co.uk Shugborough, Staffordshire, Sat 8 - Sun 9 September Explore parts of the late Earl Of Lichfield’s Beginners Burlesque ancestral home which are not usually open Workshop to the public, and take a look at some of the The Public, West Bromwich, property’s most prized artefacts, brought out Sun 30 September of storage for visitors to view. With the interest in Burlesque and vintage at Superheroes Weekend Themed treas- an all-time high, this day-long workshop pro- ure hunts, vides a perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to Cadbury World, Birmingham, strut their stuff with the Triple M Dance Sat 15 - Sun 16 September quizzes and craft activities Academy. No previous experience is neces- One of Cadbury World’s special themed should ensure sary for this regular event, which brings events for September, the Superheroes there’s plenty to together traditional and modern burlesque Weekend encourages visitors to follow in the keep the chil- dance routines. These women-only work- footsteps of the venue’s staff and dress as dren entertained shops are suitable for persons over eighteen, their favourite superhero - or, alternatively, to and engaged. and cost £27.50 for the day.

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September 9th 2012, 7.30pm Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School An Evening of Fine Choral and Orchestral music to celebrate the new Season of Music & Arts FREE Admission

September 15th 2012, 6.30pm Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School New Entrants Concert FREE Admission

September 19th 2012, 7.30pm Ashton Theatre, Shrewsbury School A Dyad Production The Diaries of Adam and Eve Adapted from Mark Twain by Elton Townend Jones Tickets £8/£7 Concessions from Darren Wood on 01743 280810

September 22nd 2012, 7.30pm Maidment Auditorium, Shrewsbury School Kit & McConnel (formerley Kit & the Widow) An Evening of fine comedy cabaret and theatre songs Tickets £10 from Darren Wood on 01743 280810 or www.wegottickets.com/ssma

Shrewsbury School, The Schools, Shrewsbury SY3 7BA For further Information contact Darren Wood on 01743 280810

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Events PREVIEWS Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 22 September Every year, thousands of visitors descend on beautiful and historic Ironbridge to visit its award-winning tourist attractions - including Blists Hill, Enginuity, Coalport China Museum and Jackfield Tile Museum - and this week- long annual event is designed to celebrate the Gorge’s status as a World Heritage Site. This year’s festival features numerous activi- ties suitable for all ages and tastes, including street performers, an outdoor market selling local crafts and produce, walks, talks, and music from local bands (including Jackfield band The Telfordaires, who are one of the top ten barbershop choruses in the UK). A Heritage And Craft event at the Maws Craft Centre brings festivities to a close, and includes portable steam engines, traditional craft demonstrations, family activities and a sure-to-be-spectacular firework display. Brad Pickett Dan Hardy Ultimate Fighting Championship Capital FM Arena, , Sat 29 September

A first for Nottingham, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) makes a welcome return to the UK this month, bringing with it a British bantamweight contender and a recent Ultimate Fighter Live contestant, along with numerous other participants. Newcastle’s Andy Ogle meets fellow TUF alumnus Akira Corassani of Sweden in a bout, while English bantamweight contender and two-time UFC Fight Of The Night winner Brad Pickett squares up to contender Yves Jabouin. The world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, the UFC annually stages more than thir- ty live events across the world, and regards its UK fans as its most passionate supporters.

Netherton Victorian-Olympics Day Saturday 8th September 2012 Northfield Road, Netherton, 9.30am to 6pm

I Queen Victoria and her Lady in Waiting I Victorian Fun Fair and Street Market I Carousel & Big Wheel I Kiddies Rides I Eccentric Gents I Morris Dancers I Street Entertainers I Black Country Fayre I Olympics Displays and lots more...

Stalls cost £25. to book a stall / get involved or for more info contact Netherton Arts Centre 01384 813943 The Savoy Centre 01384 818156 Event organised on behalf of The Netherton Regeneration Group

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 67 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 7

THE EASY WAY TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

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The most comprehensive what’s on listings website for Birmingham and the West Midlands

68 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 8

by one of the country's most creative photogra- Events LISTINGS phers, Brian Beaney, Sat 1 Sep, Ludlow For full listing information on Events Assembly Rooms, including times and dates visit, South Shropshire WALK AND TALK AT www.whatsonlive.co.uk WEOLEY Discover more about this ruined the different sports medieval manor house, around the museum, Week Commencing Sat 1 Sep, Weoley until Tue 4 Sep, Red Castle, Birmingham SAT 1 SEP House Glass Cone, EVENING SCENIC Stourbridge, Broadfield SPECIALS A scenic BRITAIN'S ULTIMATE House Glass Museum, evening ride with the SUMMER Take a journey Kingswinford & Dudley added option of tradi- back in time and dis- Museum & Art Gallery tional fish and chips, cover jousting, heroes KALABORATION A series Sat 1 Sep, Severn and horror, until Sun 2 of visual arts work- Valley Railway, Sep, Warwick Castle shops, exhibitions and Bridgnorth, Shropshire T-FEST lectures to celebrate Y Occupy, Voice FORSHALL FARM’S BEER the fiftieth anniversary It and The Roses pres- & MUSIC FESTIVAL ent a jam-packed festi- of Jamaican Family-friendly event val full of local British Independence, until featuring twelve hours music, an independent Sun 9 Sep, The Drum, of music from local youth film festival and Birmingham artists, a selection of workshops, until Sun 2 TEA TIME TOURS An real ales and delicious Sep, The Roses exclusive tour of the local food, Sat 1 Sep, Theatre, Tewksbury hall with a costumed Fordhall Farm, Market SHREWSBURY guide, followed by tea Drayton, Shropshire INTERNATIONAL STREET and cake in the tea- QUARRY FEST Four THEATRE FESTIVAl Held room. This event is suit- hours of live music in on four stage or circle able for parties of eight aid of Hope House areas in and around or more, and must be Hospice, Sat 1 Sep, the town centre, each pre-booked, until Sun The Quarry Park, hosting six shows per 28 Oct, Blakesley Hall, Shrewsbury Birmingham day, the festival’s per- NEWPORT NOCTURNE formers have been TITANIC TRAIL Follow the Britain’s original floodlit carefully selected from Titanic trail around the bike race returns to the a worldwide roster, until museum and discover streets of Newport. It’s Sun 2 Sep, various the city's links with the expected that this event locations around doomed ocean liner, will see several Team Shrewsbury until Mon 31 Dec, The GB members turn up to Newport Nocturne CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Potteries Museum & Art compete, Sat 1 Sep, CHAMPIONSHIP DOG Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire ent perspective, with Museum Newport High Street, SHOW until Sun 2 Sep, THE WITCHES OF TIGER TEA PARTY Take themed events through- TABLETOP SALE Hassle- Shropshire WARWICK Morbid spells along a picnic and your out the week, Sat 1 - Fri free way to sell surplus Stoneleigh Park, THE WRITING SQUAD: and the darkest witch- favourite toy to enjoy 7 Sep, Attingham Park, items and unwanted Warwickshire FOR YOUNG WRITERS IN RSPB NEST BOX craft games create an tea with ‘Hungry Tiger’ Shrewsbury gifts at this monthly WALSALL A writing WORKSHOP Make a atmosphere so malevo- before taking part in a ALL THINGS DAMSON A indoor sale, Sun 2 Sep, group for people aged home for your feath- lent and chilling that variety of themed craft two-week celebration of Ludlow Assembly eight to twelve who’re ered friends, until Sun 2 even seasoned scare- activities, Sat 1 Sep, damsons at Rooms, South interested in writing Sep, Trentham Monkey mongers will be terri- Wolverhampton Art Brockhampton, includ- Shropshire poems, plays, stories Forest, Stoke-on-Trent fied, until Mon 31 Dec, Gallery ing damson-picking, CELEBRITY CHEF DEMON- or songs, Sat 1 Sep, VW ACTION Witness all Warwick Castle GALLERY TOUR An infor- jams and pudding-mak- STRATION WITH JOHN The New Art Gallery, things VW, with racing, WEB OF LIFE A rare mal tour of the gallery, ing, walks and more... TORODE As part of the Walsall opportunity to see pre- where visitors can find Sat 1 - Fri 14 Sep, Lichfield Food Festival, RWYB, show’n’shine, THE DRAGON WHISPERER and much more... until viously hidden treas- out about the history of Brockhampton Estate, John demonstrates IS IN TOWN! Live story Sun 2 Sep, Santa Pod ures from the museum the building and Worcester some of his favourite performances and pup- Raceway, Northampton collection, until Mon 31 Wolverhampton’s EMMA VERNON - COMING dishes before taking pet-making with Agent BRIDGNORTH MUSIC & Dec, Nash's House & world-renowned collec- HOME TO HANBURY HALL questions from the Green, Sat 1 Sep, ARTS FESTIVAL until Sun New Place, Stratford- tions, Sat 1 Sep, Discover more about audience, Sun 2 Sep, Worcester City Art 2 Sep, Various upon-Avon Wolverhampton Art Emma Vernon (1755- Lichfield Garrick Gallery & Museum Locations in Bridgnorth, SHAKESPEARE'S STORIES Gallery 1818) and her life in CLASSIC VEHICLE SHOW UNWRAPPED An onstage Shropshire Explore themes of DEER PARK RIDES Sat 1 Portugal with her sec- From motorcycles to discussion and practi- SUMMER HOLIDAY home and identity on a - Sun 2 Sep, Attingham ond husband, William buses and cars to cal demonstration that GAMES & journey through the Park, Shrewsbury Sneyd, Sat 1 - Sun 30 trucks, this one-day takes a peek into the ENTERTAINMENT until work of international CROOME HARE KRISHNA Sep, Hanbury Hall, event features displays rehearsal room with Sun 2 Sep, Cadbury storyteller Jan Blake, FESTIVAL Food, dance, Droitwich of hundreds of classic members of the acting World, Birmingham until Mon 31 Dec, Hall's music, theatre, culture ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS vehicles, Sun 2 Sep, company and creative SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN Croft, Royal come together in a FAIR Sun 2 Sep, Castle Himley Hall & Park, team, Sat 1 Sep, Royal Daily family activities Shakespeare Theatre & family day of discovery, Square, Ludlow, South Dudley Shakespeare Theatre, throughout the school Shakespeare’s Sat 1 - Sun 2 Sep, Shropshire SUMMER SUNDAY FUN Stratford-upon-Avon Birthplace, Stratford- Croome Park, TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Try the Valley Lawn zip holidays, until Sun 2 BIRMINGHAM MIDLAND upon-Avon Worcestershire Sun 2 Sep, The Three wire, play traditional Sep, Shugborough PASTEL SOCIETY DEMON- Historic Working Estate, DEAR SHAKESPEARE New 1940S WEEKEND A Counties Showground, lawn games or walk the STRATION Learn about Staffordshire display showcasing a chance for visitors to Malvern nature and tree trail. All working in pastels, Sat MARVELLOUS small but rare collection explore vintage clothes, COUNTRY MUSIC this in addition to the 1 Sep, Royal MECHANISMS! Summer of letters written by listen to 1940s music FESTIVAL Sun 2 Sep, site’s regular attractions Birmingham Society Of Holiday activities. famous authors, from and take part in various Birmingham Botanical of the Knight's Maze, Artists Oscar Wilde to Bram 1940s activities and Gardens adventure playground Follow the family dis- SHAPESHIFTERS Stoker, until Mon 31 events, Sat 1 - Sun 2 DAHLIA SHOW Big, bold & junior assault course, covery trail around the SCULPTURE GROUP museum and explore Dec, Nash's House & Sep, Bantock House & and beautiful dahlias, in lakeside walk and, new DEMONSTRATION Watch some of history’s great- New Place, Stratford- Park, Wolverhampton association with for 2012!, Burma Shapeshifters as they est mechanisms, until upon-Avon SHEEP STEEPLECHASE Birmingham Dahlia Bridge treetop walkway demonstrate their Sun 2 Sep, Black RUN WHAT YA BRUNG Watch the lean, mean Society, Sun 2 Sep, and turret slide, Sun 2 stone-carving skills in Country Living PUBLIC TRACK DAY Sat 1 racing machines as Birmingham Botanical Sep, Eastnor Park, St Paul's Square, Sat 1 Museum, Dudley Sep, Santa Pod they compete to win a Gardens Herefordshire Sep, Royal Birmingham SPACE RACE Design and Raceway, Northampton rosette, Sat 1 - Sun 2 SUMMER SUNDAY: FAMI- PEAK PERFORMANCE Society Of Artists WEM CARNIVAL Family Sep, Hoo Farm Animal LY WORKSHOP Suitable TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB build a vehicle to navi- CELEBRITY CHEF DEMON- day featuring parades Kingdom, Telford, for under-eighteens, with maximum track gate a rugged 'Martian' STRATION WITH ANTHONY and afternoon fun in Shropshire Sun 2 Sep, Ikon time, fully prepped landscape, and enjoy WORRALL THOMPSON interactive shows all the carnival field, Sat 1 HERITAGE WEEKEND Sat Gallery, Birmingham track for serious enthu- Sat 1 Sep, Lichfield about space, until Sun Sep, Wem, North 1 - Sun 2 Sep, BLING YOUR BIKE siasts, Sun 2 Sep, Garrick Shropshire Tamworth Assembly SESSIONS Go home with Santa Pod Raceway, 2 Sep, Enginuity, MURDER MYSTERY Ironbridge, Shropshire BEYOND THE MOMENT OF Rooms the coolest bike on the Northampton DINNER Sat 1 Sep, LONDON 2012 TRAIL CAPTURE An illustrated FOR ONE WEEK ONLY See block!, Sun 2 Sep, 1805 HIRING FAYRE Shugborough Historic Follow the trail to find talk and demonstration Attingham from a differ- Coventry Transport Recreation of the tradi- Working Estate,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 69 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 9

Events LISTINGS

For full listing information on Events including times and dates visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

tional selling and buy- BUSFEST Full three-day ing of servants. On this themed event featuring occasion, Bus Fest Roadshow, Shugborough will be Cooking In A Camper on the lookout for contest, a show’n’shine housemaids, dairy- competition, funfair, cir- maids, footmen and cus skills workshops, labourers, Sun 2 Sep, and much more... Fri 7 Shugborough, - Sun 9 Sep, The Three Staffordshire Counties Showground, Malvern Week Commencing MUCH WENLOCK WALK- ING WEEKEND A debut MON 3 SEP event celebrating the recent Walker Are Welcome award, taking CONSERVATION TOUR OF in much of the area’s THE STAFFORDSHIRE stunning countryside, HOARD Wed 5 Sep, Fri 7 - Mon 10 Sep, In Birmingham Museum & and around Much Art Gallery Wenlock, South PRO RACER TEST & TUNE Shropshire www.much- Heritage Open Day - Dudley DAY Wed 5 Sep, Santa wenlockguide.info Pod Raceway, BOULTON'S BRUM - WALK opportunity to learn the and hair decorations, trade suppliers, Sat 8 - Sep, Attingham Park, Northampton AND TALK Discover the traditional skill of rag Sat 8 Sep, Walsall Sun 9 Sep, Shrewsbury CELLAR TOURS Guided secrets of the Soho rug making, Sat 8 Sep, Leather Museum Warwickshire Exhibition 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS tours of Aston’s cellars, area, Sat 8 Sep, Soho Shugborough Historic SCOOTER JAM BMX & Centre Look around the site’s which are usually House, Birmingham Working Estate, skate event, Sat 8 Sep, ARTSFEST Free arts fes- 1940s room and find closed to the public, EVENING SCENIC Staffordshire Redditch Skate Park tival, taking place in out about life during Wed 5 Sep, Aston Hall, SPECIALS A scenic SHAPESHIFTERS TOLKIEN GUIDED TOUR and around wartime, Sun 9 Sep, Birmingham evening ride with the SCULPTURE GROUP Discover the childhood Birmingham city centre Bantock House & Park, GUIDED TOUR OF added option of tradi- DEMONSTRATION Watch playground of Tolkien and featuring an eclec- Wolverhampton BORDESLEY ABBEY Learn tional fish and chips, Shapeshifters as they and learn about the tic array of performanc- ON THE BUSES A display more about the history Sat 8 Sep, Severn demonstrate their people and places who es, including musi- of historic commercial and destruction of this Valley Railway, stone-carving skills in influenced his later writ- cians, dancers, actors vehicles, as well as vin- historical venue, Thurs Kidderminster St Paul's Square, Sat 8 ing, Sat 8 Sep, and comedians. An tage bus rides and 6 Sep, Forge Mill HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat Sep, Royal Birmingham Sarehole Mill, annual event, Artsfest trade stands at the sta- Needle Museum, 8 Sep, Blakesley Hall, Society Of Artists Birmingham also includes numerous tion, Sun 9 Sep, Severn Redditch Birmingham BIRMINGHAM MIDLAND THE BIRMINGHAM HONEY workshops and demon- Valley Railway, FOOD & CRAFT MARKET HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat PASTEL SOCIETY DEMON- SHOW Find out about strations suitable for all Kidderminster Thurs 6 Sep, Castle 8 Sep, Packwood STRATION Learn about the art of beekeeping, ages, Sat 8 - Sun 9 MAD HATTER'S Square, Ludlow, South House, Solihull working in pastels, Sat make candles from Sep, Birmingham City SPONSORED ABSEIL Fun Shropshire HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat 8 Sep, Royal beeswax and buy local- Centre for the whole family, ORCHARD WALK Enjoy a 8 Sep, Croome Park, Birmingham Society Of ly produced honey, Sat ELEPHANT APPRECIATION with entertainers, face- ramble through Worcestershire Artists 8 - Sun 9 Sep, WEEKEND Sat 8 - Sun 9 painting, bouncy castle, Paradise Wood, Thurs HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat IN CONVERSATION: MARK Martineau Gardens, Sep, West Midland morris dancing and lots 6 Sep, Brockhampton 8 Sep, Hanbury Hall, POWER Join Mark Birmingham Safari Park, Bewdley, more... Sun 9 Sep, Estate, Worcester Droitwich Power with Emma HERITAGE OPEN DAYS - Nr Kidderminster Dudley Zoological MEET THE MILLER Find HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat Chetcuti from Multistory STEAMING EVENT Sat 8 - MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Gardens out how wheat turns 8 Sep, Croft Castle, Nr and Deborah Robinson Sun 9 Sep, Etruria WEEKEND Talks, demos SUNBEAM LOTUS DAY into flour using the Leominster from The New Art Industrial Museum, and tasters showcasing Gathering of Talbot waterwheel and mill- HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat Gallery for an informal Stoke-on-Trent a range of complemen- Sunbeam Lotus owners stones, Thurs 6 Sep, 8 Sep, Berrington Hall, tour of the Black HERITAGE WEEKEND tary and alternative & enthusiasts, with Sarehole Mill, Nr Leominster Country Stories exhibi- Delve into local history therapies and 'tools' to Concours D'elegance, Birmingham HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat tion, Sat 8 Sep, The and culture, meet bring 'balance' into your AGM & Engine HERITAGE OPEN DAY Free 8 Sep, Sunnycroft, New Art Gallery, Walsall dozens of specialist life, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Seo, Seminar, Sun 9 Sep, costumed guided tours, Shropshire DESIGNER DISHES ADULT local history groups Broadmeadow Holistic Heritage Motor Centre, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Sep, HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat WORKSHOP Join design- and enjoy a range of Centre, Church Gaydon, Warwickshire Museum of the 8 Sep, The Greyfriars, er/maker Anna Lorenz events, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Stretton, South HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sun Jewellery Quarter, Worcester to design and make Sep, Herbert Art Gallery Shropshire 9 Sep, Ford Green Hall, Birmingham HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat your own contemporary & Museum, Coventry TREASURE DAYS A spe- Stoke-on-Trent BRIDGNORTH BEER 8 Sep, Baddesley dish or bowl using met- HERITAGE WEEKEND Sat cial weekend enabling WORLDS APART: FESTIVAL Organised by Clinton, Warwickshire als, recycled materials 8 - Sun 9 Sep, Cadbury visitors to admire some PARALLEL LIVES Bridgnorth CAMRA, this HERITAGE OPEN DAY and traditional craft World, Birmingham of the estate’s hidden Celebrate Aston Hall annual event is a firm Featuring a guided tour techniques, Sat 8 Sep, GARDEN AND ALLOTMENT treasures, Sat 8 - Sun 9 and its links with the Taj favourite with real ale of the council chamber Museum of the FESTIVAL Featuring Sep, Shugborough Mahal in a day full of fans, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 and an opportunity to Jewellery Quarter, expert horticultural Historic Working Estate, crafts, food and more, Sep, Severn Valley see the mayoral badge, Birmingham advice, craft demon- Staffordshire Sun 9 Sep, Aston Hall, Railway, Bridgnorth, chain and mace, 8 Sep, BOULTON’S BRUM - WALK strations, food stalls, GALA BALL Organised in Birmingham Shropshire Dudley Council House & TALK Discover the and Shakespeare- partnership by the RAF VILLAGE LACEMAKERS FIA EUROPEAN FINALS HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat secrets of the Soho inspired entertainment, Benevolent Fund and Craft demonstration, Santa Pod’s flagship 8 Sep, Stourbridge area with a walking tour Sat 8 - Sun 9 Sep, the RAF Museum, with Sun 9 Sep, Moseley championship event, Town Hall of Soho followed by a Anne Hathaway's support from RAF Old Hall, attracting over two hun- HERITAGE OPEN DAY A late lunch at The Black Cottage, Stratford- Cosford, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Wolverhampton dred-and-fifty of day to celebrate local Eagle. This event forms upon-Avon Sep, RAF Cosford, Nr AMERICAN STYLE Europe’s top drag rac- heritage, organised by part of Heritage Open WYCHAVON OIL ENGINE Wolverhampton WRESTLING Sun 9 Sep, ing teams, Thurs 6 - the Redditch Local Days 2012, Sat 8 Sep, PRESERVATION SOCIETY AMULET ANTIQUE FAIR The River Rooms, Sun 9 Sep, Santa Pod History Society, Sat 8 Soho House, RALLY Sat 8 - Sun 9 Featuring a variety of Stourbridge Raceway, Northampton Sep, Forge Mill Needle Birmingham Sep, Avoncroft collectables, from gold ARMOUR DAY Sun 9 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS Museum, Redditch LEATHER JEWELLERY Museum, Bromsgrove and silver to coins and Sep, Eastnor Castle, GUIDED TOUR A special- HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat WORKSHOP WITH JOLENE HERITAGE OPEN stamps, postcards and Warwickshire ist guided tour enabling 8 Sep, Brockhampton SMITH This one-day WEEKEND Sat 8 - Sun 9 books, antique jew- CANDY CABARET PRES- visitors to discover Estate, Worcester event sees local silver- Sep, Museum of ellery, glass, ephemera, ENT PIN UP ACADEMY Weoley, the mason's ORIGINS OF MIDDLE smith Jolene Smith turn Cannock Chase porcelain, orientals, Sat Become a burlesque marks, and find how EARTH WALK Sat 8 Sep, her hand to all things INTERNATIONAL N GAUGE 8 - Sun 9 Sep, pin up in a day, Sun 9 the building was con- Sarehole Mill, leather, helping partici- SHOW A show for the Oswestry Showground, Sep, The Vintage structed, Fri 7 Sep, Birmingham pants to mould and railway modeller, with North Shropshire Salon, Custard Factory, Weoley Castle, RAG RUG MAKING FOR create their own jew- twenty-seven layouts CARRIAGE PARADE AND Birmingham Birmingham BEGINNERS A unique ellery, including on display, together HEAVY HORSE brooches, necklaces with thirty specialist DEMONSTRATION Sun 9

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Acorns Children’s Week Commencing Hospice, Birmingham, MON 10 SEP Sat 15 Sep, Birmingham City Centre SCOUTS AND GUIDES INDIAN SUMMER BAZAAR CAMPOVER Step back in A selection of vintage- time and enjoy this inspired stalls, crafts unique overnight expe- and jewellery, as well rience, Sat 15 Sep, as acoustic music and Warwick Castle the best of local inde- WOLVERHAMPTON pendent traders, Sun 9 ARTISTS AND CRAFTERS Sep, The Hive, FAIR Featuring over fifty Shrewsbury craftmakers showcas- AUTUMN TEA DANCE An ing their wares, includ- afternoon of ballroom ing glassmakers, jew- and sequence dancing ellers, wood workers in the studio, followed and sculptors, Sat 15 by high tea, Mon 10 Sep, Wulfrun Hall, Sep, Solihull Arts Wolverhampton Complex IF YOU GO DOWN IN THE LV=CC1 SOMERSET VS WOODS... Afternoon of WORCESTERSHIRE Tues fun activities designed 11 Sep, Worcestershire for families to do County Cricket Club, together, Sat 15 Sep, Worcester Moseley Old Hall, GARDEN PHOTOGRAPHY Wolverhampton A rare opportunity to EVESHAM PIE & ALE FES- hear artist Val Corbett TIVAL Sat 15 Sep, Evesham Town Centre talk about her work, her Midland Game Fair approach and tech- THE RECKLESS SHRIMP niques, Tue 11 Sep, FESTIVAL Weekend line- pliers, canapes and Mon 17 Sep, tour of the site with the Kingswinford Ludlow Assembly up includes Butch fizz, Sun 16 Sep, Bromsgrove Rugby Aston Hall managers, MAGICAL MINERALS AND Rooms, South Hancock, Fay Hield & Blakesley Hall, Club Wed 19 Sep, Aston FOSSIL FAIR This event, Shropshire The Hurricane Party, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH Hall, Birmingham aimed at collectors, NATIONAL HUNT AFTER- Martin Simpson, Jim BMW SHOW Featuring JONATHAN AND ANGIE FOOD & CRAFT MARKET offers a chance for NOON RACING Tues 11 Moray, Rachel modern, classic and SCOTT Lichfield Camera Thurs 20 Sep, Castle enthusiasts to meet Sep, Worcester Harrington and many modified BMWs, includ- Club present Jonathan Square, Ludlow, South some of the country’s Racecourse more..., Sat 15 - Sun 16 ing the new mini, Sun and Angie Scott as they Shropshire leading fossil dealers JOHN GOODWIN AUCTION Sep, Ludlow Assembly 16 Sep, Santa Pod return from their home MEET AUTHORS: JUDITH and purchase from an Tue 11 - Wed 12 Sep, Rooms, Ludlow, South Raceway, Northampton in Kenya, Africa, with CUTLER AND EDWARD amazing array of miner- The Three Counties Shropshire RETRO TRUCK SHOW superb images and sto- MARSTON Join husband al specimens, Sat 22 Showground, Malvern FOOD FAIR Featuring Family day featuring ries of their photo- and wife team Judith Sep, Dudley Museum & BRIGHTWELLS FESTIVAL local quality produce, trucks from 1965 to graphic expeditions and Edward as they Art Gallery OF THE HORSE Great Sat 15 - Sun 16 Sep, 1995, trade stands and and life with the Marsh present a lively, infor- OPEN COCKPITS EVENING Britain's biggest show Attingham Park, displays, food stands, a Lions, Tue 18 Sep, mal synopsis of their A selection of cockpits and sale of proven and Shrewsbury children’s fun area and Lichfield Garrick works. Thurs 20 Sep, will be open for close potential sport and per- MIDLAND GAME FAIR a model show inside RAMBLE ON THE RESERVE The Drop Forge, viewing, including the formance horses, Wed Something for every- the museum, Sun 16 Not suitable for Jewellery Quarter, Jet Provost, Belfast and 12 Sep, The Three one with world-class Sep, Heritage Motor pushchairs or young Birmingham Buccaneer, Sat 22 Sep, Counties Showground, clay pigeon shooting, Centre, Gaydon, children, Tue 18 Sep, THE OLYMPIC MURDER RAF Cosford, Malvern gundog competitions, Warwickshire Smetsow Valley, MYSTERY EVENING An Wolverhampton CIVIC SOCIETY LECTURE falconry displays, FALCONRY DAY JRCS Wolverhampton evening of murder and CHRIS UPTON'S MAGICAL Wed 12 Sep, Ludlow antiques, and over six Falconry return to DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG hilarity, Fri 21 Sep, MYSTERY TOUR Assembly Rooms, hundred trade stands, Charlecote to show PUBLIC DRIFT DAY Wed Walsall Leather Birmingham Historian South Shropshire Sat 15 - Sun 16 Sep, their amazing collection 19 Sep, Santa Pod Museum Chris Upton leads a LOCAL PRODUCE MARKET Weston Park, of birds of prey, Sun 16 Raceway, Northampton 2ND ANNUAL BEER FESTI- mystery tour around Thurs 13 Sep, Castle Staffordshire Sep, Charlecote Park, FELT HATS WORKSHOP VAL Sat 22 Sep, The Birmingham, revealing Square, Ludlow, South SUPERHEROES WEEKEND Warwickshire Learn how to make a National Brewery hidden facts and tales Shropshire Sat 15 - Sun 16 Sep, BONSAI DEMONSTRATION seamless felt hat with Centre, Burton-upon- about the city, Sat 22 APF EXHIBITION The Cadbury World, With help and advice experienced feltmaker Trent, Staffordshire Sep, Aston Hall, UK's largest exhibition Birmingham from the experts, Sun Chris Ryder, Wed 19 INTERNATIONAL NETBALL: Birmingham for the woodland, BATTLE OF BRITAIN 16 Sep, Birmingham Sep, Bilston Craft ENGLAND VS JAMAICA THE STORY GARDEN forestry, arboriculture WEEKEND Join RAF Botanical Gardens Gallery The England netball Introduce your family to and fencing industries, Cosford for a special 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS TASTE OF INDIA AND team return to the LG the stories of Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Sep, weekend to mark this Look around the site’s AFRO CARIBBEAN Arena in a bid to main- Shakespeare in a fun Ragley Hall, important event in 1940s room and find EVENING Wed 19 Sep, tain their number three and lively way where Warwickshire Royal Air Force history, out about life during Highbury Hall, world ranking against a everyone gets involved, RAG - RUGGING: ADULT Sat 15 - Sun 16 Sep, wartime Britain, Sun 16 Birmingham Jamaican side who cur- Sat 22 Sep, Royal WORKSHOP No previous RAF Cosford, Sep, Bantock House & SPOTLIGHT Take along rently reside fourth in Shakespeare Theatre, skills required, Fri 14 Wolverhampton Park, Wolverhampton your treasured items the most recent IFNA Stratford-upon-Avon Sep, Broadfield House CHEESE AND PICKLE SUMMER SUNDAY FUN and get them valued by standings, Fri 21 Sep, GHOST HUNT Glass Museum, FESTIVAL Sat 15 - Sun Try the Valley Lawn zip the museum’s experts, LG Arena, Birmingham Paranormal evening Kingswinford 16 Sep, Coughton wire, play traditional Wed 19 Sep, PEAK PERFORMANCE that brings to life the CANDY CABARET PRES- Court, Warwickshire lawn games or walk the Birmingham Museum & TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB history and hauntings ENT PIN UP ACADEMY ABERGAVENNY FOOD nature and tree trail in Art Gallery with maximum track of the historic Dudley Become a burlesque FESTIVAL Over two hun- addition to the site’s BAT WALK Enjoy looking time and prepped track monument, Sat 22 Sep, pin up in a day, Fri 14 dred stalls, master- regular attractions of out for bats with a bat for serious enthusiasts, Dudley Zoo & Castle Sep, The Vintage classes, tutored tast- the Knight's Maze, specialist, Wed 19 Sep, Fri 21 Sep, Santa Pod BOOK & CRAFT FAIR Sun Salon, Custard Factory, ings, talks, walks and adventure playground Weoley Castle, Raceway, Northampton 23 Sep, Castle Square, Birmingham forays, a true taste trail, junior assault cours Birmingham AUTUMN STEAM GALA Fri Ludlow, South RUN WHAT YA BRUNG children’s food acade- and lakeside walk. New ARTFORUM SUMMER 21 - Sun 23 Sep, Shropshire PUBLIC TRACK DAY Sat my, free chef demon- for 2012 is the Burma SPECIAL The gallery’s Severn Valley Railway, 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS 15 Sep, Santa Pod strations and much Bridge treetop walkway group for fourteen to Kidderminster Look around the site’s Raceway, Northampton more... Sat 15 - Sun 16 and turret slide, Sun 16 twenty-five-year-olds APPLE DAY Chance to 1940s room and find EVENING SCENIC Sep, Abergavenny Sep, Eastnor Park, with an interest in art, buy home-grown out about life during SPECIALS A scenic Town Centre Herefordshire creativity and galleries, apples from the wartime Britain, Sun 23 evening ride with the ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS Wed 19 Sep, orchards and talk to the Sep, Bantock House & FAIR Sun 16 Sep, added option of tradi- Week Commencing Wolverhampton Art experts, Sat 22 Sep, Park, Wolverhampton tional fish and chips, Castle Square, Ludlow Gallery Hanbury Hall, Droitwich FLEA FAIR Sun 23 Sep, Sat 15 Sep, Severn WEDDING FAYRE A MON 17 SEP WILDFLOWER COURSE - JEWELS ON THE CUT - The Three Counties Valley Railway, chance to see the USES OF PLANTS Led by GUIDED WALKS A Showground, Malvern Kidderminster Great Hall set up for a Assistant Ranger Nick leisurely stroll along the HARVEST FESTIVAL The MIDNIGHT WALK 10km wedding ceremony. BROMSGROVE ASTRO- Robinson, Wed 19 Sep, towpath, examining the annual harvest will be walk through the This one-day event fea- NOMICAL SOCIETY’S Carding Mill Valley & history of glassmaking celebrated in traditional streets of Birmingham tures a bridal fashion MONTHLY MEET The Shropshire Hills and the waterways, Sat fashion with a display to raise funds for show, exhibits from a Featuring guest speak- ASTON HALL EXCLUSIVE 22 Sep, Broadfield of produce and a range of wedding sup- er Dr Steve Barrett, An access-all-areas House Glass Museum, thanksgiving service, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 71 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 11

72 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 12

Events LISTINGS For full listing information on Events including times and dates visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Sun 23 Sep, Blists Hill, autumn, Sat 22 - Sun Ironbridge, Shropshire 23 Sep, Sunnycroft, CYCLAMEN SHOW A Wellington, Shropshire colourful autumn dis- WALSALL QUEEN’S play, before winter sets JUBILEE RUN Walsall in, Sun 23 Sep, Rotary Club’s annual Birmingham Botanical run, raising funds for Gardens local charities, Sun 23 TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR Sep, Walsall Arboretum Sun 23 Sep, NEC, CYCLETTA WARWICK- Birmingham SHIRE 2012 The UK's PHOTOGRAPHIC FESTIVAL leading series of BEGINNERS COURSE women-only bike rides, Learn how to use your hosted by family-friend- digital camera to take ly venues, Sun 23 Sep, great photographs, cre- Ragley Hall, ate digital images, and Warwickshire explore composition EXPLORE THE ARBORE- and image enhance- TUM Explore the beauti- ment, Sun 23 Sep, ful collection of trees Ludlow Assembly within the Eastnor Rooms, South grounds on a guided Falconry Day - Weoley Castle, Birmingham Shropshire trail, Sun 23 Sep, FITFEST AND RACE Sun Eastnor Castle, of three of the Heritage upon-Avon Tranter, Sat 29 Sep, JAPSHOW FINALE The 23 Sep, Ludlow Castle, Warwickshire Motor Centre's cars, Fri CHAUCER'S TALES After The Public, West finale event of the year South Shropshire 28 Sep, Heritage Motor his great success tour- Bromwich for Japanese car enthu- ORCHARD DAY Sun 23 Week Commencing Centre, Gaydon, ing with Beowulf, Peter BEGINNERS BURLESQUE siasts, featuring Jap Sep, Dudmaston Warwickshire Carrington-Porter WORKSHOP A unique drag series and more, Estate, Bridgnorth MON 24 SEP ABSEIL FOR ACORNS Join returns with his version day-long workshop to Sun 30 Sep, Santa Pod GAYDON AUTUMN CREAM Acorns Children’s of Chaucer's Tales, Sat learn more about the Raceway, Northampton TEA RUN The last gath- Hospice and raise 29 Sep, The Greyfriars, art of burlesque, Sun MY HAPPY EVER AFTER ering for the season LIVING SHAKESPEARE money for a good Worcester 30 Sep, The Public, WEDDING... One-day offers a scenic local Four-day course explor- cause, Fri 28 Sep, HARVEST FAIR & APPLE West Bromwich event featuring all drive culminating in a ing King John, Richard Brindleyplace, WEEKEND See the apple ART & CRAFT MARKET aspects of wedding cream tea at the muse- III and Twelfth Night, Birmingham press working and buy Sun 30 Sep, Castle planning, with guest um’s cafe, Sun 23 Sep, through lectures, per- NATIONAL HUNT AFTER- freshly pressed juice Square, Ludlow, South speakers, the latest Heritage Motor Centre, formance and discus- NOON RACING Fri 28 from Attingham’s Shropshire trends, live music and Gaydon, Warwickshire sion, Tue 25 - Fri 28 Sep, Worcester orchard, Sat 29 - Sun SEVERN HOSPICE the chance for brides to INVITED CHAMPIONSHIPS Sep, Shakespeare's Racecourse 30 Sep, Attingham CHARITY ZIP LINE This win some amazing END OF SEASON MEETING Birthplace, Stratford- BOWMAN ANTIQUES FAIR Park, Shrewsbury special event will see prizes... Sun 30 Sep, Sun 23 Sep, Shelsley upon-Avon Quality three-day event FAMILY PRODUCE SHOW participants ziplining Crowne Plaza Hotel, Walsh, Worcestershire THE LUDLOW PUDDING featuring thousands of Old-fashioned flower from the roof of the NEC Complex, SPOT AND STOP THAT EXPERIENCE A great day antiques and collecta- and produce show in National Cold War Birmingham ROT! Find out about the out for Foodies!, Wed ble items for purchase, the site’s walled gar- Exhibition, Sun 30 Sep, HERITAGE RUN Witness conservation of Soho 26 Sep, Ludlow as decoration, invest- den, Sat 29 Sep, RAF Cosford, 'history on the move' as House... Sun 23 Sep, Assembly Rooms, ment, or as a unique Attingham Park, Wolverhampton one hundred Land Soho House, South Shropshire gift, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Shrewsbury FALCONRY DAY See Rover vehicles, includ- Birmingham JOHN CHALLIS: AN Sep, Bingley Hall, MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW hawks, falcons and ing classic and present- ASHES & APPLES See EVENING WITH BOYCIE Stafford A celebration of food, owls take to the skies day models, take part cooking in the Victorian Enjoy an intimate A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE countryside, gardening over Weoley Castle, in a special run from kitchen and the press- evening with John Described as ‘the and nostalgia. Jean- Sun 30 Sep, Weoley Solihull to Gaydon, Sun ing of apples grown on Challis, one of the world's biggest over- Christophe Novelli will Castle, Birmingham 30 Sep, Heritage Motor site, Sat 22 - Sun 23 nation's greatest come- seas property exhibi- be in the Good Life ARCHITECTURE AT SOHO Centre, Gaydon, Sep, Charlecote Park, dy actors, best known tion’, Fri 28 - Sun 30 Pavillion cooking up HOUSE Event to cele- Warwickshire Warwickshire as Boycie in BBC Sep, NEC, Birmingham delicious dishes and brate World 1940’S CABARET An HARVEST WEEKEND Sat One’s Only Fools And WARWICK WORDS FESTI- offering top tips and Architecture Day, Sun evening of entertain- 22 - Sun 23 Sep, Horses, Thurs 27 Sep, VAL Annual celebration advice, Sat 29 - Sun 30 30 Sep, Soho House, ment featuring music Shugborough Historic The Place, Oakengates of literature and the Sep, The Three Birmingham and humour 1940s- Working Estate, Theatre, Telford, spoken word. This Counties Showground, 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS style, Sat 30 Sep, Staffordshire Shropshire year’s event will feature Malvern Look around the site’s Bantock House & MINIATURA - THE VALUATION DAY: FINE ART appearances from Alan FEEL GOOD - YOGA & 1940s room and find Museum, INTERNATIONAL DOLL'S & ANTIQUES Fielding Titchmarsh, MEDITATION WORKSHOP out about life during Wolverhampton HOUSE SHOW Featuring Auctioneers will be on Adharanand Finn & Workshop with experi- wartime Britain, Sun 30 RAGLEY HALL WEDDING over two hundred-and- hand to value your col- Roger McGough, Fri 28 enced teachers Adam Sep, Bantock House & SHOW Sun 30 Sep, fifty selected exhibitors, lectables, including Sep - Sun 7 Oct, vari- Dacey and Gary Park, Wolverhampton Ragley Hall, Warks Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sep, ceramics, jewellery, ous locations in and NEC, Birmingham clocks and watches around Warwick Autumn Classic - Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon PHOTOGRAPHING THE Thurs 27 Sep, Bantock SLAPSTICK AND CITY WEEKEND Take House & Museum, PANTOMIME CLASS Led inspiration from the Wolverhampton by an experienced urban environment to LUDLOW LOCAL PRODUCE drama practitioner, create panoramic views MARKET Thurs 27 Sep, these workshops - run and detailed close-ups Castle Square, Ludlow, over ten consecutive of the city in this week- South Shropshire Saturdays - focus on end workshop with CYCLE SHOW A series of the skills needed to be photographer Tom spectacular features, a pantomime star, Sat Flathers, Sat 22 - Sun including test tracks, 29 Sep - Sat 8 Dec, 23 Sep, The Barber aerial stunt displays Belgrade Theatre, Institute, Birmingham and an indoor triathlon, Coventry THE VP RACING FUELS to celebrate cycling as RUN WHAT YA BRUNG NATIONAL FINALS both a serious sport PUBLIC TRACK DAY Sat National drag racing and a pastime for all to 29 Sep, Santa Pod championship finals, enjoy, Thurs 27 - Sun Raceway, Northampton Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sep, 30 Sep, NEC, APPLE DAYS Listen to Santa Pod Raceway, Birmingham and observe traditional Northampton BONNETS UP DAYS An music and dancing as MICHAELMAS FAIR opportunity for the you learn all about the Celebrate the changing technically minded to English apple, Sat 29 - tastes and colours of get under the bonnets Sun 30 Sep, Mary Arden Farm, Stratford-

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 73 Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 13

Variety is the Life Of Spice..

Come out to play with a huge network of new friends. A warm welcome awaits you!

Wouldn’t you love to be invited to places you’ve always wanted to go. Get your FREE comprehensive join a thriving club of 3000 friends Events take place at locations information pack today call: in the West Midlands (and 15,000 across the West Midlands. Lots of our members are single and come 0121 353 6161 (24 hours) nationally!) who really know how along on there own, but we also email [email protected] to enjoy themselves? welcome couples and groups of or visit www.spicebham.com friends. There’s no hidden agenda Well here’s your chance. We’re a – we’re just one happy family of friendly, local action, adventure and friends. Members are all ages social group offering a wide variety (18–80!) and from all walks of life. of opportunities for our members to have fun together. The one unifying factor of anyone joining Spice is that they want to live There’s literally something for life to the full. everyone; be it the latest adrenaline pumping outdoor activities… Membership is equivalent to the weekends & holidays… sports nights… workshops on fascinating cost of just a pint of beer a week. subjects… or social nights including In fact, our money back promise So what will theatre, parties and ‘behind the means that satisfaction is you be doing scenes’ visits to all sorts of unusual guaranteed. tomorrow?

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do Events September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:04 Page 14

What our members are up to in September 2012 Saturday 1st September I New Members Mix and Mingle Friday 21st September I Solihull Pub Night I Antony Worrall Thompson - Live I Barn Dance and Supper I Ballroom Dance Masterclass - Waltz! Wednesday 12th September I Buxton Walking and Social W'end I Bike Adventure with Bike and BBQ! I Long Mynd and Wrekin Walking Weekend I Climbing the Longstone Pinnacle I Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Sailing Weekend around Malta and Gozo I Field Archery Day I Badminton For Fun - Wolverhampton I Spice Hits Town at the Jam House I Lichfield Proms + Chorley Easy Ramble I Badminton at NIA Saturday 22nd September I Rally Driving Lesson I Shootout and Party Food at the I Rally Driving Stage - Behind The Scenes Kiddies Playcentre! I Adventure Activities Camping Weekend I River Severn Paddling and Camping Weekend I Sutton Pub Night I Climbing the Longstone Pinnacle . I Scuba Taster Morning Experience I Dinner at Wolverhampton Races I Western Style Rifle Shooting Afternoon Thursday 13th September I Golf - Learn to Play in a Day I Helicopter Lesson Sunday 2nd September I Assay Office Tour I Pasta and Bread Making Workshop I Elizabeth I at Tutbury Castle I Boogie Woogie, Real Ale and Supper Cruise I Knowle Sound and Vision Quiz and Curry Sunday 23rd September I Get What You Want - Assertively I Roachford at the Jam House I John Torode - Live I Birmingham Museum - Tour of the Hoard I Midlands 3 Peaks Challenge for RSPCA Friday 14th September I Burlesque/Fan Dance Afternoon! I Navigation - in Four Simple Steps! I Caricature Drawing for Beginners I Picnic with Nel Gwyne at Tutbury Castle I An Evening Of Bat and Moth Delight I Chatsworth Behind the Scenes I SWAT Training Mission I Center Parcs Longleat Weekend I Glass Art Workshop I Segway Intro and Woodland Race at Garlands I Chill Out Bike Amble Weekend I Hatton Easy Ramble I Walk with Wolves - Bedford I Jane Austen in Bath Weekend I Shatterford and Upper Arley Ramble I Murder Mystery Evening and Buffet I Teamworks Karting and Burger Monday 3rd September I Passion Banquet Evening! I The Big Abseil - 200 Feet Straight Down I Sailing Weekend from Poole - Jurassic I Badminton For Fun - Worcester Coast and Weymouth Monday 24th September I Spice Book Club I Sea Kayaking with the Seals I Suffolk Coast and Villages Walking Weekend I Preview Evening (Sutton) Tuesday 4th September I Summer Camping Pods Walking Weekeend I Stadium Tour Warwickshire County Cricket Ground I Ten Pin Bowling (Broadway Plaza) Saturday 15th September Tuesday 25th September Wednesday 5th September I Alvecote Marina Easy Ramble I Birmingham By Boat - Soho Loop I Soirée Gastronomique in Leamington I Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Calendar Girls I Badminton For Fun - Wolverhampton I Caving at the Symonds Yat Caves Wednesday 26th September I Badminton at NIA I Indoor Skydiving I Beer and Skittles Night in Tamworth I Orient Express to Harrogate Autumn I Alexander O'Neal at the Jam House I Tamworth and Lichfield Pub Night Flower Show I Badminton For Fun - Wolverhampton I Orient Express to Harrogate and The I Badminton at NIA Thursday 6th September Royal Pump Rooms I Quiz I Saturday Cycle - North Warwickshire Cycleway I Earlswood Twilight Ramble + Supper I Saxophone for Beginners Thursday 27th September I Hadrians Wall Coast to Coast Cycling Break I Silver Jewellery Making Taster Course I Halesowen and Quinton Pub Night I Alan Davies - Life is a Pain I TV Dance Shows - Behind the Scenes Sunday 16th September I Red House Cone By Candlelight I Unihoc (Mixed Indoor Hockey) I Unihoc (Mixed Indoor Hockey) I Brocton and the Haywoods Moderate Ramble Friday 7th September I Charity Duck Race and Bird Walk Friday 28th September I Comedy Night At The Studio I I Beeches Bar and Grill Dinner Shuffle Dance Routine to "I Gotta Feeling!" I I I A Midsummers Night Dream Camping Afloat - The Lapworth Ring Hangliding - Tandem Experience by Air Tow I I I Creative Clay Weekend Zumba Dance Weekend - Isle of Wight Ironbridge Walk I I Drawing and Watercolour Weekend Learn to Horse Ride in a Day I I Eastbourne and Beachy Head Saturday 8th September Microlighting Experience Flight Walking Weekend I Outdoor Lazer Combat I Fort Belan Social Weekend and Rib Ride I BBC Birmingham Behind the Scenes I Paragliding - Tandem Experience I Mid Wales Cycle Weekend I Cupcake Decorating Workshop I Paragliding Day Course I Sailing Weekend around the Solent I Early Morning At Dudley Zoo I Ten Things Everyone Should Know About DIY I Flirting for Fun (at Lea Marston Hotel) I Wing Walking Experience Saturday 29th September I Symonds Yat Adventure Mission I White Water Rafting at Bala Monday 17th September I Abseiling for the Terrified I Acting for Beginners Workshop Sunday 9th September I Bromsgrove Pub Night I Jewellery Making with Beads (Was Bead Loft) I Knowle Locks Easy Ramble I Beginners Horse Trek Tuesday 18th September I Truffle Making Workshop at The Venue I Clay Pigeon Shooting I Wing Walking Experience I Croquet Party I Indoor Climbing at Redpoint I Go Ape in Cannock I Kings Heath Pub Night Sunday 30th September I Golf - Learn to Play in a Day (Warwickshire) I Henley in Arden Figure of 8 Ramble Wednesday 19th September I Adventure Trekking Day I Intro to EFT and Energy Connections I Amazing No11 by Double Decker I Introduction to Watercolour Painting Day I Badminton For Fun - Coventry I Bewdley + Arley Moderate Ramble I Posh Picnic and Polo I Badminton For Fun - Wolverhampton I Charity Spice Cake Club I Tandem Skydive from 12,000ft I Badminton at NIA I Horse Archery I Magic for Beginners I How to Sell Anything on Ebay Monday 10th September I Sutton Park Twilight Ramble I Inkberrow and the Lenches Ramble I Rock Climbing for the Terrified I Badminton For Fun - Worcester Thursday 20th September I Sailing - 5 Day Competent Crew or I Preview Evening (MAC) Day Skipper Course I Italian Dining with Chefs Demo at Filini I Trafford Centre Tower Abseil Tuesday 11th September I Warwick / Leamington Pub Night I Twycross Zoo Tour and Sunday Lunch I Ukulele for Fun I Drumming Experience for Beginners

...and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Classifieds - Sep_Layout 1 23/08/2012 14:54 Page 1 classifieds

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76 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Clubbing Gay - Sep_Layout 1 24/08/2012 16:13 Page 1 Clubbing

BIRMINGHAM AIR Heath Mill Lane, Digbeth, B9 4AL. Tel: 0121 766 6646 BAMBU Kottwall House, Wrottesley Street, B5 4BN Tel: 0121 6224124 BUSHWACKERS 103 Edmund St, B3 2HZ Tel: 0121 236 4994 FLARES NIGHTCLUB 55 Broad St, B15 1AY Tel: 0121 252 3100 GATECRASHER 183 Broad St, B15 1DA Tel: 0121 525 1300 02 ACADEMY 16-18 Horsefair, Bristol St, B1 1DB Tel: 0121 622 8250 REFLEX 36-37 Broad St, B1 2DY Tel: 0121 643 0444 SNOBS NIGHTCLUB 29 Paradise Circus, Queensway, B1 2BJ Tel: 0121 643 5551 Booty Luv BLACK COUNTRY OCEANA WOLVERHAMPTON Bilston Rd, Wolverhampton Tel: 0845 402 5290 SHROPSHIRE C:21 NIGHTCLUB 21 Abbey Foregate, The Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 BUTTERMARKET Howard Street, Shrewsbury Tel: 01743 281712 Historic Buttermarket Club to relaunch VELVET 13 Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury Howard Street, Shrewsbury - Fri 21 September SY1 2DJ Tel: 01743 281712 The Buttermarket in Shropshire’s county town of Shrewsbury is FEVER 19 - 21 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 1QU Tel: 01743 247508 set to open all of its three floors in September following a £2 mil- lion refurbishment. The historic grade 2 listed building is set to play host to THE OFFICE 27a Market Street, Oakengates TF2 6EN Tel:01952 616536 some high profile DJs, as well as, providing a much needed live music offer. Full details of the VIP PUSSYCATS NIGHT CLUB 17 Tan Bank, launch of The Buttermarket’s main floors are still being finalised but will include a live performance Wellington, TF2 6EJ Tel: 01952 224260 by The Loveable Rogues on Friday 21st September. The group have recently been signed to Simon SPIRIT NIGHTCLUB 18 Abbey Foregate, Cowell’s record label following a storming performance on this year’s Britain’s Got Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 Talent. On Saturday 22nd September dance duo Booty Luv will be performing live featuring some of their hits including ‘Boogie 2Nite’ and their new single. STAFFORDSHIRE For further info or tickets visit www.thebuttermarket.co.uk COURTURE & NOIRE ET BLANC 139 Newport Rd, Stafford, ST16 2EZ Tel: 01785 244755 LIQUID Brunswick St, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 Little Mix to perform at the Nightingale GAY NIGHTCLUBS 1DR Tel: 01782 284333 Nightingale Club, Birmingham, Sat 29 September BIRMINGHAM REFLEX 3-5 Brockley Square, Stoke-on- CLUB CHIC 28 Horsefair, B1 1DD. Trent ST1 5LY Tel: 01782 206170 Former X Factor favourites Little Mix are bringing their brand Tel: 0121 666 6808 of high-energy pop to Birmingham’s gay village late this TRINITY NIGHTCLUB Spinning School THE CORE Sherlock Street, B5 6NB Lane, Tamworth,ST1 1DR Tel: 01827 58772 month when they perform at the Nightingale Club. The British Tel: 0121 622 2797 four-piece, comprising Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Leigh- THE NIGHTINGALE Kent St, B5 6RD WARWICKSHIRE Anne Pinnock and Jade Thirlwall, shot to stardom last year Tel: 0121 622 1718 when they became the first group to win The X Factor in the THE VILLAGE INN & UNDERGROUND CAREYS NIGHTCLUB Hereford Place, 152 Hurst St, B5 6RY Tel: 0121 622 4742 Coventry CV1 3JZ Tel: 02476 227 397 hit ITV1 show’s eight-year history. The girls are performing at the Nightingale having recently released their new single, EVOLVE NIGHTCLUB 2 Spencer Street, BLACK COUNTRY Leamington Spa, Coventry CV31 3NF Tel: Wings. THE LION Birchills St, Walsall, WS2 8NG 01926 881449 Tel: 01922 610977 GORGEOUS Salop St Wolverhampton, JJ’S Skydome Leisure Park, Croft Rd, WV3 0SR Tel: 0844 357 8570 Coventry CV1 3AZ. Tel: 02476 555913 LIQUID & ENVY Leicester Road, SHROPSHIRE Nuneaton CV11 4B. Tel: 02476 344216 C21 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury. SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 271821 (MON ONLY) REFLEX Church St, Nuneaton, CV11 4BW Tel: 02476 344216 SPIRIT 22 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Tel: 01743 355055 (MON ONLY) WORCESTERSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE BUSHWACKERS Trinity St, Worcester THE FACTORY Bryan St, Hanley, Stoke- WR1 2PW Tel: 01905 26878 On-Trent, ST1 2AA Tel: 01782 478799 TRAMPS Angel Place, Worcester WR1 WARWICKSHIRE 3QN Tel: 019905 26936 RAINBOWS Short St, Coventry CV1. VELVET LOUNGE Angel Place, Worcester Tel: 02476 551738 WR1 3QN. Tel: 01905 619966 WORCESTERSHIRE VELVET CLUB Angel Row, Worcester, WR1 3QN Tel: 01905 20218

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 77 Books-TV September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 14:51 Page 1 Books TV

Victoria Pendleton: Between The Lines By Victoria Pendleton and Donald McRae As Olympic champion Victoria Pendleton prepares to make her exit from the competitive world of the velodrome, readers are here provid- ed with an insight into the life of one of Team GB’s greatest female suc- cesses. In 2005 Victoria became the first British woman in forty years to win gold at the cycling World Championships. This was followed by a gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, and another World Championship in 2008. The pinnacle of her career came at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where she took another gold. Between The Lines sees Victoria recalling the highs and lows of her fascinating career, and is widely considered to be the most honest and emotional book ever to be written by an Olympian. Jason Byrne BBC commissions Jason Byrne comedy In The Pleasure Groove Comedian Jason Byrne has confirmed that he’s been commis- Love, Death & Duran Duran sioned to write and appear in a new post-watershed comedy called Father Figure. The BBC in-house production will go into By John Taylor filming in early 2013, after having already received much acclaim as a comedy series on BBC Radio Two. Jason will play As bass guitarist for one of the biggest bands Tom, a married father of two who’s battling to be the best dad ever to come out of the Midlands, John Taylor he can possibly be. Speaking about the show, Jason said: "I’m boasted the ultimate ‘rock star’ lifestyle, enjoy- delighted to finally announce that we’ll be making a pilot of my ing fast cars, Vogue models and the company sitcom, Father Figure. It’s been a big dream of mine, but I never of some of the biggest names of the time, thought I’d get the chance to join the ranks of the television sit- including David Bowie, Bob Dylan and Andy com world!” Jason’s co-stars will include Pauline McLynn Warhol, to name but a few. But along with the (Father Ted), Michael Smiley (Luther) and Dermot Crowley high-profile lifestyle came numerous problems (Bleak House). which brought John to the very brink of self- destruction. This revealing autobiography is the story of those times - a tale of dreams fulfilled, lessons learned and New psychological thriller for ITV demons conquered. Told with humour and enormous honesty, it presents Two sixty-minute episodes of a new drama entitled The Poison a candid account of what life was really like as a 1980s superstar. Tree have been commissioned by ITV. Based on Erin Kelly’s captivating novel of the same name, The Poison Tree tells Scary Monsters And Super the story of translator Karen Clarke, a Creeps: In Search Of The woman whose life is haunted by past TOP 5 desires, betrayal and deception as she World’s Most Hideous Beasts BOOKS battles to protect her family. Up-and- By Dom Joly coming actress MyAnna Buring (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn) plays This book is the result of comedian Dom Karen. Ophelia Lovibond (Mr Popper’s Fifty Shades Of Grey Joly’s latest adventure, and this time it’s Penguins) and Matthew Goode (A Single not in the Australian jungle! Since being 1 EL James Man) also star. MyAnna Buring given a copy of Arthur C Clarke’s Mysterious World for his ninth birthday, Fifty Shades Darker Joly has developed an obsession with 2 EL James Second series of Unzipped announced for monster-hunting, and his latest travels the autumn have seen him take in various worldwide Fifty Shades Freed BBC Three has announced that it’s commissioned a second destinations to investigate alleged ‘crea- 3 EL James ture sightings’. The book contains tales of series of Unzipped - the chat show without boundaries that has Joly’s time in Redwood Curtain in North real appeal for young adults. Radio One DJ Greg James and Bared To You comedian Russell Kane will once again host proceedings, chat- Carolina, searching for the Sasquatch, of Sylvia Day his journey to Canada’s Lake Okanagan, 4 ting to weekly guests to try and uncover who the weirdest where he hoped to catch a glimpse of a celebrity in Britain really is - a title won by Holly Willoughby in Haven Of Obedience series one. Other guests from the first series included Christine thirty-foot snake-like creature called a 5 Marina Anderson Ogopogo, and of his visit to Hiroshima in Bleakley, Emily Attack, Kimberley Wyatt, Charlie Brookes and Japan, where he enlisted help in trying to Chelsea Healey. The second series of Unzipped comprises track down a Hibagon - a smelly caveman eight forty-five minute shows and is scheduled to air later this ape. year. 78 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:01 Page 1 Eating Out Restaurant honours Olympic Champion... Not only did sporting legend Usain Bolt ‘big up’ Birmingham during his recent stay in the city, he also inspired the Imran Restaurant to rename and revamp its signature Balti dish in his honour! The restaurant, located in the city’s world famous Balti Triangle, has created the ‘Birmingham Bolti’ in recognition of the fastest man in the world. Commenting on his new creation, Imran’s head chef said: “We wanted to honour the Jamaican team’s achievements with this dish. Essentially, it’s a Balti with a distinctively Jamaican twist - jerk chicken, rice and peas form the basis of this hot and spicy dish. We would love to welcome the team back to Birmingham to try it out sometime!” Bar Brasserie strikes gold One of Birmingham’s most popular Caribbean food producers has also got in on the act, creat- REVIEW grey curved booths beck- phones. We were spoilt for ing a giant pattie measuring fifty inches in diame- oned to us. choice when we saw the ter in celebration of the Jamaican team’s achieve- Over a glass of orange dessert menu. I had the Hogarths Hotel is this great ments. bellini, we looked at the roast peach - two halves of place in the Warwickshire ‘something to nibble on’ fresh peach topped with a Imran’s Mohammed Afzal Butt, head chef Talib Butt and countryside, a stone’s menu. Trouble is, we want- crunchy biscotti crumb Emma Gray from Marketing Birmingham throw from Junction Three ed to nibble on everything. and accompanied by a off the M42. It’s a beautiful So we did. At £2 each (or side of the most delightful country house surrounded five for £9), it’s great value. amaretto cream. My com- by thirty acres of parkland, Our highlights were the panion had the fresh egg and comes complete with potato frittata with tomato custard tart with jammy a sweeping drive that has jam; the cutest mini vin- stewed rhubarb. So good, cute bunny rabbits bounc- tage cheddar rarebit; I had to wrestle her for a ing around it! tomato flavour potato bite. Our meal, on a sunny The venue has struck gold straws which were like Wednesday evening, was by hiring Martin Blunos as potato chips; and an a truly memorable experi- its new Culinary Director. inventive crispy yam ball ence. Everything we ate Double-starred by with a light pepperdew, was cooked to a mouthwa- Michelin, two times over, A taste of France arrives in honey & sour cream dip. tering standard and served Martin is a charming Wherever possible, the in the style that’s synony- Birmingham’s Southside superstar chef with team source their ingredi- mous with Blunos’ talent. A Parisian brasserie for a new generation has absolutely no ego who is ents locally, and you can’t The most astounding thing opened on the corner of the Arcadian, near to the revelling in the experience get more local than Solihull were the prices. Haute cui- Birmingham Hippodrome. With an interior that of creating a brasserie honey. sine dishes from a Michelin fuses modern with traditional and boasts a menu for the 8 Bar and his Chef Blunos wanted to sur- chef at brasserie prices. sweeping zinc bar, the independently-owned Le own fine dining restaurant, prise us with the mains. It’s overwhelmingly good Truc offers a selection of cocktails, craft beers due to open in the autumn. What arrived were some value for money. I just wish and carefully selected wines, as well as a tradi- If you visit - and you must - wonderful lemon sole gou- we’d had a chance to try tional French-inspired menu. set aside three hours to jons, sitting on the plate more dishes, and the wine appreciate everything like giant quavers, sailing list too. So on that note, I Hogarths has to offer. No Speciality back on the menu... on the most beautifully shall be returning to visit would be complete flavoured bean francaise. Hogarths and falling back, Gourmet speciality the Coventry Godcake is to without a walk around its We were also served some like Alice, into a veritable make a re-appearance on the menu at the city’s English gardens. During spicy ‘balti’ sausages, pre- (of culinary Transport Museum, having not featured regularly our time there, couples sented in a Yorkshire pud- delights) - with cute bunny for many years. The triangular pastry parcel, filled were strolling around the ding - a dish that showcas- rabbits to welcome me to with a special sweet mincemeat, is being made gardens and ornamental es Blunos’ desire not only boot... Anita Champaneri to a traditional two hundred-year-old recipe by lakes, and through the to be inventive but also to baker Leigh Waite, and features a number of patio doors into the con- reflect the Midlands’ culi- Food: IIIII secret ingredi- temporary brasserie. nary landscape. We were Service: IIII I ents. The The greenery and beauty then offered something off Ambience: IIIII Transport of the outdoors is reflected the menu - a tin of sar- IIII I Museum is pro- in the decor and furnish- Overall value dines! A shiny retro-style IIII I viding the first ings within the hotel. The OVERALL tin of sardines placed on a outlet for brasserie is bright and airy, slate board, with the sar- Leigh’s gour- looking out over the ter- Hogarth’s Hotel dines on display and met offering, race, with floor-to-ceiling 4 Ashes Rd boasting a crisp supplying the windows giving it a light West Midlands Esquire’s Steven Prime, Leigh Waite, Provençale topping. So cakes via its Lord Mayor of Coventry Tim Sawdon, and bright feel. Lots of Solihull, B93 8QE wonderfully cool, it had us coffee house, Coventry Transport Museum Chief seating, too - the lime and Tel: 01564 779988 Esquires. Executive Gary Hall whipping out our camera www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Eating Out September_Layout 1 23/08/2012 15:01 Page 2

Restaurant REVIEWS Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on A hidden gem in Kinver restaurants, including opening times Dunsley Hall Hotel is situated on the out- and type of cuisine, visit: skirts of the quaint village of Kinver. It www.whatsonlive.co.uk regards itself as a luxury romantic hideaway, where customers can experience total relax- THE CHAMELEON Birmingham 1 Victoria Square, B1 ation - and I must say, I completely agree. 1BD We were welcomed into the hallway of the 0121 643 2233 building by head waiter Tom - who proved to AALTO RESTAURANT Hotel La Tour, Albert CHEZ JULES 5a Ethel be very helpful throughout the evening - and Street, Birmingham B5 St, B2 4BG 0121 633 shown into one of the elegant yet cosy 5JT 0121 718 8000 4664 lounges for a pre-meal drink. I could quite AL FRASH 186 CHI 61 Newhall St, B3 easily have sat there all night, as I felt Ladypool Road, 3RB 0121 233 3150 extremely relaxed sipping my chilled pinto Sparkbrook, B12 8JS CHUNG YING 16-18 0121 753 3120 grigio. Wrottersley Street, B5 Our delightful waitress Rosie showed us THE ASQUITH 11 4RT 0121 622 5669 Newhall Street, CHUNG YING through to the dining room, a space that Birmingham, B3 3NY GARDEN 17 Thorpe St, 0121 200 1588 was both elegant and in keeping with the B5 4AT 0121 666 6622 period of the house. The restaurant was ASHA’S 12-22 Newhall CITY CAFE GRILL nicely full for a midweek evening, creating a Street, B3 3LX 0121 200 Hylton Garden Inn, really lovely atmosphere. 2767 1 Brunswick Square, To start, I opted for the pork and chicken ter- AZZARI TOO 204 Brindleyplace, B1 2HW rine with a fruity chutney, which was Lightwoods Rd, B67 5AZ 0121 643 1003 0121 429 6621 absolutely delicious - chunky pieces of CIELO 6 Oozells BANK 4 Brindleyplace, meat with whole peppercorns that were sim- Square, Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 B1 2JB 0121 632 6882 ply bursting with flavour. The soft brioche BAR EPERNAY 171- COFFEE ROOM BAR bread that accompanied the terrine conclud- 172 Wharfside Street, the vanilla panna cotta with a strawberry & BISTRO Hurst St, B5 ed the dish perfectly. My partner had the The Mailbox, B1 1RL 4TD 0121 605 4343 tomato, red pepper and pesto soup, which, salad. The light, creamy and beautifully pre- 0121 632 1430 sented pudding was the perfect way to end COTE The Mailbox, B1 again, was simply delightful - full of flavour BAR ESTILO 10-114 1RX 0121 631 1587 and not too heavy. a three-course meal. Wharfside St, The As we didn’t really want to leave, we then Mailbox, B11RF RABBEAN 17 Thorp The main course that followed didn’t disap- 0121 643 3443 Street, B5 4AT point either; my dish of grilled chicken on a ordered a tea and coffee. They came 0121 622 5573 accompanied by a homemade fudge that BARNT GREEN INN bed of Mediterranean vegetables was beau- Kendal End Rd, Rednal CUCINA RUSTICA 24 tiful. The chicken was soft and moist, and was so amazing I think Dunsley Hall should B45 8PZ 0121 445 4949 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX package and sell it! easily the best cooked chicken I’ve ever had BARAJEE 265 Broad 0121 233 2277 in a restaurant. The whole dish was served The cost of the meal was £16.95 for three St, B1 2DS DEOLALI BAR with a light sauce that complemented the courses (two courses would’ve been 0121 643 6700 RESTAURANT £13.95), an absolute steal for food of this BELLA ITALIA 102 New 23A St Mary's Row, food perfectly. My partner had ordered the Moseley B13 8HW confit of duck with fondant potato and red standard. A full a la carte menu is also avail- St, B2 4HQ 0121 6431548 0121 442 2222 cabbage. Uncharacteristically (he doesn’t able Thursday to Saturday. Vicky Price THE BERLOIZ DEL VILLAGGIO normally share food), he allowed me to Unit 528, Middle Mall Food: IIIII Burlington Arcade, sample the duck, which was deliciously New St, B2 4JQ The Bullring B5 4BE moist and positively melted in my mouth. Service: IIIII 0121 633 1737 0121 643 1400 Both main courses were excellent. We Ambience: IIIII BLUE MANGO DUET CUISINE ordered two side dishes of glazed carrots Overall value IIIII Regency Wharf, Broad Unit 1, Fort Dunlop B24 9FD. 0121 748 and minted new potatoes. Both were fresh, OVERALL IIIII St, B1 2DS 0121 633 4422 1234 well cooked and flavoursome. BLUE GINGER 32 EDMUNDS 6 Brindley For dessert, I chose the chocolate torte, with Dunsley Hall Hotel Poplar Road, Kings place, B1 2 JB 0121 a thick chocolate mouse with orange and 39 Dunsley Road Heath, B14 7AD 633 4944 mint segments. The base was made of Kinver 0121 444 0999 HARJEES SPICES crushed biscuits and nuts, which comple- South Staffordshire BLUU Fleet St, Summer 512 Stratford Road, mented the smoothness of the chocolate DY7 6LU Row, B3 1JH Sparkhill, Birmingham, really well. I devoured it. My partner chose Tel : 01384 877077 0121 236 9013 B11 4AH BUONISSIMO 1 Albany 0121 773 6130 Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX THE HORSESHOE 0121 426 2444 BAR & RESTAURANT Selfridges’ latest addition makes a mighty fine pitstop BRANDED BULL 1214 Stratford Road, STEAKHOUSE B28 9BH 0121 777 2340 Newly opened in Selfridges Food Hall, By some miracle, we managed to squeeze 175 Broad Street, B15 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, 1DT. 0121 643 5968 Itihaas Brasserie is entrepreneur Raj Rana’s in the trio of kulfi ice cream for dessert - the B3 1JL 0121 212 3383 second restaurant. The eatery offers a more malai flavour was divine! BYZANTIUM 11 York JAMIES ITALIAN Road, Kings Heath, B14 casual dining experience, as well as Mumbai Excellent service and a bar-like atmosphere Middle Mall 7SA 0121 444 5444 Bullring Shopping make this a great pitstop for lunch or a light street food and lighter South Indian dishes. CAFE IKON 1 Oozells Centre, B5 4BE We let our waiter take the reins and order for bite. Alev Dervish Square, Brindleyplace, 0121 270 3610 us. We started off with dahi puri (£4.99); B1 2HS 0121 248 3226 III II THE JUNCTION small crispy wheat shells filled with chick- Food: CAFE ROUGE 212 High Street, peas, potatoes and a sweet yoghurt and Service: IIII I Brindleyplace, Broad Harborne, B17 9PT tamarind gravy. The warm spices of the dish Ambience: II III Street, B1 2HJ 0121 643 0121 428 2635 6556 were offset by the refreshing yoghurt. Next, a Overall value III II JUJU’S lamb tikka (£8.49), which, although spicy, OVERALL III II CAFE SOYA Unit 2, Canal Square, B16 8EH Upper Dean Street B5 0121 456 3384 went exceedingly well with the cool mint dip. 4SG 0121 622 3888 The star of the show followed - a tandoori Itihaas Brasserie JIMMY SPICES Selfridges Food Hall CARLUCCIO’S Regency Wharf, Broad half chicken, which was presented, wait for The Water’s Edge Bullring St, B1 2DS 0121643 it, hanging! My companion, although not a Brindleyplace B1 2HP 2111 paneer fan, was won over by the fragrant Birmingham 0121 633 9262 B5 4BP JIMMY SPICES 64-66 makhani paneer, whilst my main of lamb CELEBRITY INDIAN Station Rd, Solihull, rogan josh was buttery and rich. Both were 0121 212 3383 (Itihaas’ main restaurant 44 Broad St, B1 2HP B91 3RX 0121 709 £12.49 and served with rice and garlic naan. along Fleet Street, Birmingham) 0121 643 8969 2111

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KINNAREE THAI PUSHKAR 245 Broad 22 Waterfront Walk, B1 St, B1 2HQ. 0121 643 1SN. 0121 665 6568 7978 LA BASTILLE 220 THE RECTORY 50-54 Corporation St, B4 6QB St Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS 0121 236 1171 0121 605 1001 LASAN 3-4 Dakota RED PEPPERS 117 Buildings James St, St Wharfside St, B1 1RF Paul’s Square, B3 1SD 0121 643 4202 0121 212 3664 ROSE MURREE 94 -96 LAS IGUANAS Hagley Rd, Edgbaston, Arcadian Centre, Hurst B16 8LU 0121 456 4500 St, B5 4TD 0121 622 SABAI SABAI 25 4466 Woodbridge Rd, LA TASCA Regency Moseley, B13 8EH Wharf, B1 2DS 0121 0121 4494498 643 9888 SAFFRON 909 THE LOFT LOUNGE Wolverhampton Road, 143 Bromsgrove St, Oldbury B69 4RR B5 6RG 0121 622 2444 0121 552 1752 LOVES The SAN CARLO 4 Temple Glasshouse, Browning St, B2 5BN 0121 633 St, B16 8FL 0121 454 0251 5151 SHAH’S Unit 16, 1160 MANIC ORGANIC Warwick Road, Acocks 46 Poplar Road, B14 Green B27 6BP. 0121 7AG 0121 441 3802 707 8297 MAHARAJA 23/25 SHIMLA PINKS Hurst St, B5 4AS 215 Broad St, B15 1AY Fumo, Birmingham 0121 622 2641 0121 633 0366 MECHU 47 - 59 SHOGUN 01562 883040 BUTLERS Park St, THE INN AT Summer Row, B3 1JJ TEPPANYAKI The Black Country Shifnal, TF11 9BA GRINSHILL The High 0121 212 1661 Mailbox, 27 - 29 GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Ablewell St, Walsall 01952 460662 Street, Grinshill, Wharfside St, B1 1RD BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, METRO BAR 7 GRILL WS1 2EQ 01922 CASA NARANJO Shrewsbury, SY4 3BL 0121 632 1253 Wolverhampton, 01902 73 Cornwall St, B3 2 DF 640363 Barracks Passage, 01939 220410 0121 200 1911 SIMPSONS, 20 427555 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury THE HAYWARDS at Highfield Rd, KAMRAN BALTI’S 34 MILLER & CARTER BILASH 2 Cheapside, SY1 01743 588165 The Lion Hotel, Wyle Edgbaston B13 3DU High Street, Lye, Stour- 178-180 Wharfside St, Wolverhampton, WV1 Cop, Shrewsbury SY1 The Mailbox, B1 1RN 0121 454 3434 1TU 01902 427762 bridge DY9 8LF CASA RUIZ 45 High Street, Bridgnorth, 1UY 0121 643 7738 SPICE EXCHANGE, 01384 893030 THE BLUE BRICK WV16 4DX 01746 218 01743 353107 1845 Pershore Rd Broad Gauge Way, MADE IN THAI MINT Yew Tree Retail 084 KING & THAI Avenue Kings Norton, B30 3DJ Wolverhampton WV1 Darlington St, Park, Lane Rd, Broseley, Telford Yardley, B25 8YP 0121 451 1007 1AA 01902 875301 Wolverhampton WV1 CHEZ MAW Best Western Valley Hotel, TF12 5DL 01952 Tel: 0121 789 8908 STRADA 109-111 BRAVACCIOUS 4HW 01902 312512 Buildwas Rd, 882004 MIRAGE FUSION Wharfside St, The 4 Upper Green, MALABAR 7 Anchor Ironbridge, TF8 7DW LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve Broadway Casino, Mailbox B1 1XL Wolverhampton WV6 Rd, Walsall WS9 8PT 01952 432247 St, Ludlow, SY8 1DA Broadway Plaza 0121 643 7279 8QQ 01902 756052 01922 944 482 CROMWELLS 11 01584 872 325 Ladywood Middleway, SYRIANA CAFE CHAMPAGNE THE PIE FACTORY 50 Dogpole, Shrewsbury B16 8LP. 0121 456 5557 1 Constitution Hill, B19 253-255 Bilston Road, Hurst Lane, Tipton DY4 LA DOLCE VITA 35 SY1 1EN MOUNT FUJI The 3LG 0121 2369444 Wolverhampton WV2 9AB 0121 557 1402 Hills Lane, Shrewsbury 2JN 01902 458024 01743 361440 SY1 1QU 01743 249126 Bullring, B5 4BH THAI EDGE 7 Oozells RED FORT Fold St, 0121 633 9853 Sq, B1 2HL 0121 643 CATELLANI’S 6 School THE COTTAGE Tern LA LANTERNA Wolverhampton, WV1 Hill, Market Drayton OLD SPECKLED HEN 3993 St, Wolverhampton, WV1 The Old Vestry, St 4LP 01902 424440 TF9 3PX 01630 638984 Mere Green Road, TIN TIN CANTONESE, 4LR 01902 428928 Julian's Church, RISTORANTE Sutton Coldfield. B75 The Waters Edge, THE COWSHED DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Shrewsbury SY1 1UH ROMAGNA 4 Upper 5BL 0121 308 9410 Brindleyplace, B1 2HL Clive Farm Clive Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 01743 233552 Green, Tettenhall, LION & PHEASANT OLD JOINTSTOCK 0121 633 0888 Pattingham, WV6 7EN 01952 432250 01902 701888 Wolverhampton WV6 50 Wyle Cop PUB 4 Temple Row, B2 THE VAULTS Newhall 8QQ 01902 756052 DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s 5NY 0121 200 1892 Place, Newhall Hill, B1 CINNAMON COURT St Shrewsbury, SY1 Shrewsbury SY1 1XJ THE SPRINGHILL 01743 770345 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, 3JH 0121 212 9837 Bentley Mill Way, Walsall 1DZ 01743 344679 WS2 0BP Warstones Rd, Penn, B3 2DE 0121 200 2323 VMF - ASTON VILLA FENNELS 8 Market MAD JACKS 15 St 0121 568 6664 Wolverhampton WV4 FOOTBALL CLUB Villa Place, Shifnall TF11 Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, THE ORIENTAL The 4LB 01902 342530 SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 Mailbox, 128-130 Park, Trinity Rd, B6 THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, 9AZ 01952 463020 Walsall, WS1 2EU 01922 SIMON’S 520 Chester Wharfside St, B1 1RQ 6HE 0121 326 1570 THE MALTHOUSE 643215 Rd, Aldridge, Walsall, THE FEATHERS 0121 633 9988 ULYSSES 42a Bristol Brockton, Much The Wharfage, FARADAYS The WS9 0PU 0121 580 Ironbridge TF8 7NH. PASTA DE PIAZZA 11 Street, B5 7AA 0121 Wenlock TF13 6JR Waterfront, Brierley Hill, 9293 01902 433712 Brook Street, St Paul’s 622 3159 01746 785202 Dudley, DY5 1UR Square, B3 1SA THE WAREHOUSE THE SUMMERHOUSE THE MEADOW INN 01384 482 882 92 Gospel End Rd, THE FOX INN 46 High 0121 236 5858 CAFE 54-57 Allison St, Much Wenlock TF13 Buildwas Road, THE FAIRLAWNS AT Dudley DY3 4AN 01902 PEACHY KEENS 1741 Street, Digbeth, B5 6AD 01952 727292 Ironbridge TF8 7BJ 5TH ALDRIDGE 178 Little 676 102 01952 433193 Coventry Road, Yardley FRANK CAFE BAR 0121 633 0261 Aston Road, Aldridge, THORNESCROFT B26 1DS. 0121 764 165-167 Frankwell, MINH’S CHINESE Walsall WS9 0NU 01922 Bridgnorth Rd, 5519 WING WAH 278 Shrewsbury SY3 8LG 20 Bradford St, Shifnal 455122 Wolverhampton, WV6 PENNY BLACKS The Thimblemill Lane, B7 01743 354422 TF11 8AU 01952 5HD 0121 327 7879 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage 7EQ 01902 700 253 463323 Mailbox,132-134 Place, Walsall WS1 3NA THE GOLDEN CROSS Wharfside St, B1 1XL WOKTASTIC Paradise THE WOODMAN 01922 646164 14 Princess St, MR UNDERHILLS 0121 632 1460 Place, B3 3HJ 0121 Claverley, Staffordshire, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LP Dinham Weir, Ludlow 236 3130 FOUR STONES Wolverhampton WV5 PICCOLINO 9 Adam’s Hill,Clint, 01743 362507 Shropshire SY8 1EH Brindleyplace, B1 2HS WONGS 5-11 Fleet St, 7DG 01746 710 553 01584 874431 Stourbridge, DY9 9PS THE GOLDEN 0121 634 3055 B3 1JP 0121 212 1888 01562 883260 MOMENTS 50 Broad MORGANS PONTE DI LEGNO 44- YO! SUSHI Bullring, FRANZLS 151 Milcote St, Ludlow SY8 1NH 1 Bellstone,Shrewsbury 44a Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B5 4BP. Rd, Smethwick, B67 5BN Shropshire Tel:01584 878488 SY1 1HU 01743 239114 Moseley, B13 8EJ 0121 600 6712 0121 429 7920 THE MYTTON & 0121 449 8064 GRANARY BAR & ZIZZI 183 High St, FRENCH AFTAB 25 High St, GRILL Weston Park, MERMAID PUNJABI HAVELI 1558 Harborne B17 9QE CONNECTION Ironbridge TF8 7AD Weston-under-Lizard, Atcham, Shrewsbury, Stratford Rd, Hall 0121 428 4228 also at 3 Coventry St, 01952 432055 Nr Shifnal, TF11 8LE SY5 6QG 01743 Green, B28 9HA The Mailbox B1 1RL Stourbridge DY8 1EP ALBRIGHT HUSSEY 01952 852107 761220 0121 745 3636 0121 632 1333. 01384 390940 10 Poplar Rd, Solihull, Ellesmere Rd, HADLEY PARK THE OLD ORLETON PURNELL’S 55 FRENCH HEN Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF HOUSE Hadley Park, INN Holyhead Rd, Cornwall St, B3 2DH. B91 3AB 0121 704 Bromsgrove Rd, Clent, 01939 290 523 Telford TF1 6QJ Wellington, TF1 2HA 0121 212 9799 5030 Stourbridge DY9 9PY 01952 677269 01952 255011

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CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, Stratford- Restaurant LISTINGS Upon-Avon CV37 6BA 01789 267424 LA DOLCE VITA 19 CASTLE BALTI 11-13 Stafford St, Stone ST15 THE OLD RECTORY St. Johns, Warwick 8QW 01785 817 985 HOTEL & CV34 4NE 01926 RESTAURANT Lowe LODGE BALTI 71 493007 Hill Road, Wem, Birmingham Road, Shropshire SY4 5UA Lichfield WS14 0LQ CATALAN 6 Jury St , 01939 233233 01543 483334 Warwick CV34 4EW 01926 498 930 PARKWAY Unit 6 Corve MALABAR 1-2 Water St, Ludlow SY8 2PG Street, Stafford, ST16 THE CHURCH 01584 873 130 2AG 01785 227 500/600 STREET TOWN- HOUSE THE PEACH TREE 21 MARLOES 13 London 16 Church Street, Abbey Foregate, Road, Newcastle under Stratford-upon-Avon Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 CV37 6HB 01789 01743 355055 661983 262222 THE POUND AT LEE- THE MILL 1 Mill St, BOTWOOD Stone, ST15 8BA 01785 EGO 29 The Square, Leebotwood, Nr Church 818456 , CV8 1EF Stretton SY6 6ND THE NAVIGATION INN 01926 864463 01694 751477 Newport Road, Gnosall, FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Stafford ST20 0BN Victoria Terrace, RENAISSANCE, 29a Leamington Spa, Princess 01785 822327 CV31 3AB 01926 St,Shrewsbury, SY11LW OLD VICARAGE 2 Main 431999 01743 354289 St, Branston, Burton, ROMOLO Victoria DE14 3EX GEORGETOWN Avenue, shrewsbury 01283 533222 23 Sheep St, Stratford- Upon-Avon, CV37 6EF SY1 1HH 01743 233244 PASTICHE BISTRO Raffles, Warwickshire 01789 204445 ROYAL BENGAL 1 - 2 Mill Street, Stafford, TANDOORI 32-34 The ST16 2AJ 01782 263 THE GRANVILLE ROOFTOP THE BEAR AND MUG HOUSE Claines Broadway, Shifnal TF11 737 52, Wellesbourne Rd, RESTAURANT RAGGED STAFF Station Lane, Worcester WR3 8AZ 01952 460522 THE PEARL18 Market Barford, CV35 8DS Royal Shakespeare Rd, Worcester WR6 5JH 7RN 01905 456649 01886 833399 St, Kidsgrove, ST7 4AB 01926 624236 Theatre, Waterside, OLD RECTIFYING SARACENS Stratford-upon-Avon, Shrewsbury Rd, SY4 01782 788887 THE LORD LEYCES- BINDLES 55 Sidbury, HOUSE North Parade, CV37 6BB Worcester WR1 2HU 4AG 01939 210877 THE PEAR TREE TER 17-19 Jury St, Worcester WR1 3NN 01789 403449 01905 611120 01905 619622 SEBASTIANS 45 Swinfen, Nr. Lichfield, Warwick, CV34 4EJ SAFFRON GOLD BRAMBLINGS Hither Willow St, Oswestry WS14 9QR 01543 01926 491481 THE OLD RECTORY 481807 Market St, Westgate Green Lane, Redditch, Ipsley, Redditch, B98 SY11 1AQ 01691 MERCHANTS Swan House, Warwick CV34 B98 9BE 01527 406600 PORTOFINO 38-40 0AP 01527 517003 655444 Street, Warwick CV34 4DE 01926 402061 Marsh St Stoke-On-Trent, BROWNS 24 Quay St, TIN TINS Wellington 4BJ 01926 403833 PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, ST1 1JD THE SAXON MILL Worcester WR1 2JJ Road, Telford TF2 8AJ Worcester WR12LZ Tel: 01782 209444 NAILCOTE HALL Coventry Rd, Guys 01905 26263 01952 608688 Nailcote Lane, 01905 27770 THE RED ROOM Cliffe, Warwick CV34 CHESTERS 51 New St, TRAITORS GATE Berkswell, Coventry, RILEY’S The 7 Newcastle Road, 5YN 01926 492 255 Worcester, WR1 2DL Castle St, Water Lane, CV7 7DE 02476 Quadrant, Redditch Congleton CW12 4HN SIGNATURES AT THE 01905 611638 ShrewsburySY1 2BX 466174 B98 8AE 01527 60544 01260 297871 BELGRADE CROWN & SANDYS 01743 249152 NICOLINIS 14 The ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall THE SWAN HOTEL Belgrade Theatre, Main Rd, Ombersley, Rd, Aston Fields, THE WALLS Welsh 46 Greengate Street, Parade, Leamington Belgrade Square, WR9 0EW 01905 Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ Walls, Oswestry SY11 Stafford ST16 2JA Spa, CV32 4DW 01926 Coventry, CV1 1GS 620252 1AW 01691 670970 01527 889948 01785 258142 421620 02476 846762 FARTHINGS Bransford, THORNBURY HALL, QUEANS RESTAU- TAILORS 22 Market Gt Malvern WR6 5JD ROSEANNAS St. RASOI Lockwood Rd, RANT 15 Dormer Place, Warwick CV34 01886 833551 Andrews Drive, Droitwich, WR9 8AL Staffordshire Kingsley Holt, Stafford Place, Leamington Spa 4SL 01926 410590 THE FIG TREE 99 01905 779677 ST10 2DH 01538 750831 CV32 5AA THAI ELEPHANT Church Street, Gt NO 5 Gaol Mews, 01926 315522 20 Regent St, Malvern WR14 2AE SAFFRONS 15 New Stafford ST16 3AN WOLSELEY ARMS Leamington Spa, 01684 569909 St, Worcester WR1 01785 22 9900 Wolseley Bridge, Stafford THE ONE ELM 1 Guild ST17 0XS St, Stratford-Upon- Warwick CV32 5HQ FOUR SEASONS 61 2DP 01905 610505 BELLA ITALIA 20 01889 883179 Avon, CV37 6QZ 01926 886882 Lowesmoor, Worcester SINGAPORE 29 Friar Greengate St, 01789 404919 WR1 2RS 01905 2702 St, Worcester WR1 Stafford,ST16 2HS THE TREVELYAN FUSION BRASSERIE 2NA 01905 613005 01785 211968 OSCARS 39 Chandos Warwick Rd, Stratford- Warwickshire St, Leamington Spa, upon-Avon, CV37 ONR Hawbridge, Stoulton, SPICE CUISINE 39-41 CURRY KUTEER CV324RL 01926 01789 295252 Worcester WR7 4RJ Bromyard Terrace, 31 Greengate Street, 01905 840647 BLUE BISTRO 452807 WARWICK SPICE 24 Worcester WR2 5BW Stafford ST16 2HY 21 Spon St, Coventry, THE INN AT STONE- 01905 429786 PEEL’S Hampton Smith St, Warwick 01785 253279 CV1 3BA 024 7622 HALL Stonehall Manor, Hampton-in- CV34 4HS 01926 SPICE FUSION 17 St CHANDLERS 9274 Common, Worcester, Arden, Solihull, B92 491736 Andrews St, Droitwich, Corn Exchange, 7 SQUARE 7 Old WR5 3QG 01905 0EN 01675 446080 THE VINE INN 86 - 88 WR9 8DY 01905 Conduit St, Lichfield, Square, Warwick CV34 820462 West St, Warwick CV34 794188 WS13 6JU 01543 4RA 01926 411 755 PREZZO 1-3 High St, KING CHARLES II 6AW THAI GALLERY 26-32 416688 Warwick CV34 4AP King Charles House, NO. 9 CHURCH 07873 219005 Friar St, Worcester THE CORNER HOUSE 01926 475867 New St, Worcester WR1 STREET WR1 2LZ 01905 25451 Second Avenue, Stratford upon Avon, RAFFLES 57 Warwick ZIZZI 29 The Square, 2D 01905 22449 Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Burton-On-Trent DE14 Warwickshire CV37 Rd, Kenilworth, CV8 LITTLE VENICE 1 - 3 VALENTINO’S 43 01926 852980 2WF 6HB 01789 415522 1HN 01926 864 300 St Nicholas St, Foregate St, Worcester 01283 542321 Worcester WR1 1UW WR1 1EE 01905 ART KITCHEN 7 Swan THE RED LION Station 01905 726126 617773 ESSENCE OF THE St, Warwick CV34 4BJ Rd, Warwick CV35 Worcestershire ORIENT 27 Broad Eye, 01926 494303 8PE MASSALLA LOUNGE THE WILDMOOR OAK Top Road, Wildmoor, Stafford ST16 2QB AUBERGINE 32 Smith 01926 842291 35 Broad St, Worcester 01785 229988 ANAKARI 47 The WR1 3NH 01905 Bromsgrove B61 0RB St, Warwick CV34 4HS RESTAURANT 23 FOUR SEASONS Tythings, Worcester. WR1 729955 0121 453 2696 01926 400 086 34 Hamilton Terrace, Swinfen Hall Lichfield, 1JT 01905 21412 MONSOON 35 WYCH WAY INN THE ALMANACK Holly Walk Leamington WS14 9RE 01543 Foregate St, Worcester, Worcester Rd, Abbey End North, Spa, CV32 4LY 01926 ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel 481494 WR1 1EE 01905 Wychbold, WR9 7PA Kenilworth CV8 1QJ 422422 St, Worcester WR1 3QT THE GREEN ROOM 01926 353637 01905 731131 726333 01527 860130 ROBBIES 74 Smith St, Castle Dyke, Lichfield THE BLUEBELL 93 ASHLEYS 11 The WS13 6HR 01543 Warwick CV34 4HU High Street, Henley-in- 01926 400470 Tything, Worcester WR1 412121 Arden, Warwickshire, 1HD 01905 611747 To get your restaurant listed here ROSE & CROWN 30 JASMINE PEKING B95 5AT 01564 793049 BENEDICTOS 34 e: [email protected] Market Place, Warwick 21 High St, Eccleshall, BROWNS Earl St, Sidbury, Worcester WR1 CV34 4SH 01926 or call Jon Cartwright Stafford ST21 6BW Coventry CV1 5RU 2HZ 01905 21444 01785 851200 0247 622 1100 411117 on 01743 281703

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