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Wolves Cover Online.qxp_Wolves & B/Country 27/10/2015 15:38 Page 1 THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sOnISSUE 359 NOVEMBER 2015 LEE MEAD AN ENCHANTED EVENING IN THE MIDLANDS... interview inside...

BRAVE NEW WORLD Aldous Huxley’s vision of the future in Wolves

LORD OF THE FLIES new staging of William Golding’s dystopian novel

INSIDE: FILM COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS EVENTS FOOD & DRINK F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece at Arena Theatre & MUCH MORE! Belgrade (FP) OCT 2015.qxp_Layout 1 21/09/2015 20:59 Page 1 Contents November Region 2 .qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:16 Page 1

November 2015

Brave New World Aldous Huxley’s vision of the future in Wolves, page 33

The Grahams Lee Mead Antiques For Everyone Glory Bound at talks about Some Enchanted Winter Fair at the NEC Henry Tudor House page 11 Evening interview page 6 page 71

INSIDE: 4. News 11. Music 24. Comedy 29. Theatre 45. Dance 47. Film 67. Visual Arts 73. Days Out 81. Food

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Birmingham What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine What’s On Magazine

Publishing + Online Editor-in-Chief: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 WhatsOn Editorial: Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Chris Eldon Lee, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Helen Stallard, Clare Higgins, Offices: Wynner House, Kieran Johnson Managing Director: Paul Oliver, Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell, Chris Atherton Bromsgrove St, Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 Birmingham B5 6RG This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. and We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. 13-14 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News October Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 21:33 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Mailbox unveils latest transformation Birmingham premier lifestyle and retail desti- nation The Mailbox has unveiled its iconic Urban Room. Designed by Stirling Prize-win- ning architects Stanton Williams, the Urban Room ‘creates a beautiful space for shop- pers to enjoy during the day and an impres- sive destination for Birmingham’s events, exhibitions and social activities after retail hours’.

REP announces new season Truly scrumptious casting... A brand new version of hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang visits the Midlands next year, Three new plays will receive their stage pre- stopping off at both the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (from 30 March to 9 April) and the mieres next year as part of Birmingham (7 to 18 September). Repertory Theatre’s Spring/Summer 2016 The show comes complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects and, of course, season. the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score. Jonathan Coe’s The Rotters’ Club, Gareth joins Michelle Collins, Martin Kemp (pictured) and Phill Jupitus in the show Farr’s The Quiet House and Tom Wells’ Folk during its Stoke run, playing the lead character of Caractacus Potts, while Lee Mead takes on are part of a line-up that also includes a the role at the Hippodrome. ground-breaking new production of The Tickets can be booked via the theatres’ respective websites: atgtickets.com and birming- Government Inspector and a major revival of hamhippodrome.com. Alan Bennett’s Single Spies. “I’m proud to announce The REP’s new sea- son,” says Artistic Director Roxana Silbert. “It combines new work from local writers along- Bookfest events taking place in Shrewsbury - and continued to do so even after a fall at side exciting premieres, striking productions during November - visit shrewsburybook- the age of nineteen left him sixty-six percent of classics and bold new interpretations of fest.co.uk. disabled and suffering from vertigo and three of Shakespeare’s greatest works: Don epilepsy. stars as King Lear, John Alain this month appears at: Premier Suite, Heffernan and Anna Maxwell Martin lead in Elephant In The Room, Bar Sports, Cannock, 6 November; Macbeth, and experimental theatre company Bridgnorth Town Hall, 8 November; Sadler's Filter bring their take on Twelfth Night. in Shrewsbury Brewery Suite, Lye, Stourbridge, 9 November; and Ramada Park Hall Hotel, “I'm very proud to be working in partnership Artist Jill Impey’s sculpture of a full-size Wolverhampton, 11 November. with some of the finest artists and compa- female Indian elephant is this month return- nies in the country to deliver world class the- ing to Shrewsbury, the town in which it was atre to our audiences.” created. To book tickets for the Spring/Summer sea- The sculpture, which is made from donated Stars in the Forest son, ring 0121 236 4455 or visit Birmingham- furniture dowel jointed to a plywood base, is Simply Red will perform as part of the annual rep.co.uk. being exhibited in the studios of Participate Forest Live initiative in 2016. The band, who Contemporary Artspace - the venue which recently released new album Big Love, will former Shrewsbury College lecturer Jill used be playing hits such as Money’s Too Tight when building the model. Until late last (To Mention), Stars and Fairground in Kate Adie remembers... month it was on display in Powis Castle. ’s Delamere Forest (in Northwich) Broadcaster and author Kate Adie is this The Elephant In The Room Conversations on Saturday 2 July. month visiting Shrewsbury as part of the exhibition shows from 3 to 30 November. town’s Children’s Bookfest. Kate is best known for reporting from war zones across the world during her time as Spiderman in the Midlands chief news correspondent for the BBC. She’s visiting Shrewsbury Sixth Form College on A modern-day Spiderman famous for climb- 19 November to give a talk about how the ing one hundred-and-forty-five of the world's First World War changed women’s lives for tallest buildings with his bare hands is com- ever. ing to the Midlands this month. For more information and to book tickets for Frenchman Alain Robert began climbing the talk - one of numerous Children’s buildings when he was just twelve years old

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Bigger BBC in Brum The BBC Academy is expanding its role in Birmingham with a new digital team. The team’s task will be to come up with products to help deliver fresh, professional training to BBC staff and the wider broad- cast industry. Commenting on the expan- sion, Joe Godwin, Director of BBC Birmingham and BBC Academy, said: “Digital products are now a part of how we all learn, communicate and share ideas. Eventually the entire Academy will become searchable for everyone, bringing all the content, courses and expertise into one product for the first time. “The new site will enable a wide range of people to interact with the BBC’s services and training. It’s a fantastic showcase of the work the BBC Academy’s been doing here in Birmingham.” For more information, visit www..co.uk/careers.

European award for Tamworth theme park Drayton Manor Theme Park’s Ben 10: Ultimate Mission rollercoaster has received Music awards, a boost for the economy... a European Star Award for being one of It’s estimated that the regional economy will get a £2.46million boost when the BBC Music Europe’s best family rides. Awards make their debut in the city next month - taking place at Genting Arena on Thursday The awards celebrate the continent’s most 10 December. noteworthy theme parks, most innovative Hosted by Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton, the prestigious event will feature performances ideas and most spectacular coasters and from some of the music industries top names including Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, Little Mix, attractions. Mumford & Sons and One Direction. In the build up to the main event, the BBC Music team Commenting on the success, George will be running a series of outreach events across the city to inspire and encourage new and Bryan, Drayton Manor’s Company Director, aspiring artists. said: “We’re delighted to have been hon- oured with this fantastic award. It’s wonder- ful to gain recognition within the European Theme Park industry. It’s a real achievement Collaboration brings arts experience to local schools for the whole team, who work tirelessly to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has announced a long-term, ground-breaking collaboration ensure Drayton Manor is an amazing day with internationally acclaimed Hip Hop dance company Zoo Nation. The two companies will out for families.” come together to offer a professional arts experience to local schools ahead of opening the national tour of INTO THE HOODS: REMIXED at the Grand Theatre in February 2016. With significant support from Arts Connect, the Grand Theatre and ZooNation have created an outreach scheme that will provide opportunities for Key Stage 4 dance students across twelve schools to work with professional choreographers. The schools will develop and present their own School Showcase at the Grand Theatre in January 2016. Following the showcase, chosen dancers will then create a ‘curtain raiser’ routine, choreo- graphed by ZooNation to be performed on the Grand Theatre stage before the opening per- formance of INTO THE HOODS: REMIXED (25 to 27 January).

Small art promises to be a big draw A homecoming exhibition of micro-sculp- tures by internationally renowned artist Willard Wigan MBE will be displayed at Wolverhampton’s Light House Media Centre in the spring. Wednesfield-born Willard creates minute pieces of art which are displayed and viewed through purpose-made micro- scopes. Famous collectors of his work include Prince Charles and Sir Elton John. “When Willard took a previous exhibition to Birmingham,” says Light House Marketing & Noel Coward classic in Stoke Events Manager Julie Homfray, “it attracted A major revival of one of Noël Coward’s seven thousand people in two weeks. most famous plays is visiting Stoke-on-Trent Liverpool had fifteen thousand visitors in in the new year. A masterpiece of 1930s four weeks and Hamburg had one hundred- high comedy, Private Lives stars Tom and-twenty thousand in seven months. We Chambers (Top Hat, Strictly Come Dancing) believe this will bring in thousands of new and Laura Rogers (Tipping The Velvet, An visitors to Wolverhampton, and is a huge Ideal Husband). It shows at the Regent boost for our own local venue awareness Theatre from Monday 25 to Saturday 30 and fundraising.” January. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Lee Mead Interview DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 17:33 Page 1

interview

Lee Mead It’s brilliant. I get to be “ camp for twelve shows a week over Christmas”.

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Lee Mead Interview DPS.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 17:33 Page 2

Lee Mead shot to fame when he won BBC TV casting show Any Dream Will Do, a contest to find a new leading man for his 2007 West End revival of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Since then, Lee’s made steady progress with his career, appearing in numerous other West End winners as well as bagging himself a regular role in long- running TV series . Here, he talks to What’s On about his new touring show, Some Enchanted Evening, and his return to the Midlands next month to star in Birmingham Hippodrome’s blockbuster pantomime, . Lee will also appear in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Hippodrome next year. Lauren Foster recently caught with Lee to find out more...

Your tour - Some Enchanted Evening - people each week, for twelve weeks, you’re scenes and following different scripts each takes the audience back in time to the instantly recognised and can use that time. With a play or a musical you’re doing 1940s and ’50s. What draws you to this platform to do more things. I’ve been very the same thing every night, so it’s easy to slip type of music, Lee, as opposed to, for lucky to be able to do my own show, make into auto-pilot, which is a danger zone for any example, a genre like pop? records and appear in TV roles. For me, it actor. I think it’s about knowing there’s a new Growing up, I used to watch a lot of films like was always about having a career and audience every night who’re paying fifty-odd South Pacific and , so I working. I’m quite proud of the fact that I quid a ticket to come and see you. It’s wanted to tour a show featuring those sort of haven’t gone off the radar, which can often actually about being really present in the songs - but with a modern twist on the happen with a lot of people who win that type moment with whatever you’re saying or arrangements and the music itself. of show. singing. It’s easier said than done when you’re nine months into a run - you shouldn’t You’ve been working on your fourth album. Winning the show kick-started your career. be thinking about what sort of food you’re When will it be released and what can we Would you say it was your proudest going to have after the show is finished or expect? moment? anything like that! It’s coming out next Spring. It’s ten tracks and There’ve been a few. Getting the part in will feature songs from the tour I’m doing at Casualty was a great moment. Singing at You’re playing the lead role in Birmingham the moment - for example, Where Or When, Wembley to eighty thousand people was Hippodrome’s Aladdin. What’s the appeal Some Enchanted Evening and All The Things another, as was getting a record deal with with panto? You Are. It’s a real mix of numbers. There’s a Universal. And it was always a dream to sing It’s just so much fun - and camp as well. It’s song called I See You In My Dreams as well, at the Albert Hall, which I’ve now done three brilliant. I get to be camp for twelve shows a which is quite a sweet number. It’s taken a times. I used to see lots of shows there as a week over Christmas. There’s no other form while to record because I’m in during kid, but never in a million years did I think I’d of theatre where you get three generations of the week filming Casualty. It’s like doing two get to sing there - or to share with family. You get the kids, the parents and the full-time jobs. Ronnie Wood, Mick Hucknall and people like grandparents. There’s no musical or play that. I did a charity concert with them, which where you’d have that, so that’s quite special. Your Casualty co-star, Amanda Henderson, was pretty amazing. Some really great My daughter, Betsy, is five. She comes each who plays Robyn Miller, is on tour with moments. year and absolutely loves it. She sits through you. Tell us more... the whole thing, so I enjoy doing it for her. I’ve known Amanda for almost two years and With fame comes public attention. Both we’re really good friends, I didn’t initially your work and personal life have been At the Hippodrome this year, as in previous realise that she could sing. She was in the given a lot of press. What’s your coping pantomimes, you’re playing the ‘good guy’. film version of Les Miserables, and she did strategy for living in the public eye? Have you ever considered playing the Oliver! in the West End for two years as well. Don’t read anything that’s written. It’s as villain, or even a dame? She’s got a really cracking voice, and a nice simple as that. And if people approach me to Not a dame, not yet. I think they cast you as a tone - which a lot of female singers have got - talk about it, I politely say, ‘Look it’s obviously Dame when you’re in your fifties or older, so but there aren’t many female singers who personal’. It’s quite bizarre, to be honest; it’s maybe one day. But yes, it would be nice to have a strong belt. She can hit some really not normal. It comes with the job - but with play a bad character. That would be nice in a big notes, which is really nice. She’s doing my personal life, there has to be a line. It’s straight acting role as well, to play a really four or five numbers in the show and we do a important for all of us - yourself, the Queen or mean character and do something few numbers together. whoever - to have a part of ourselves that we completely different. As an actor, that’s what keep private. you look for - different roles and different What was it like joining a fast-moving TV challenges. It just hasn’t come along yet. series like Casualty? Did it take much You’ve appeared in numerous West End getting used to? shows. Which was your favourite? Finally, what’s in the pipeline for 2016? It did initially. I’d been a guest on the show I don’t really have a favourite. Every show’s There are talks about a third year in Casualty. prior to that and had also appeared in an different. I’ve been from Joseph to to I’m really happy there. It’s a big show, one of episode of a Sky TV series called Bedlam, so and enjoyed them all because the biggest on television. It’s not been I had some experience on camera but hadn’t they’re all so different, and I’ve been lucky confirmed yet, though; we’re talking contracts had a regular role. There was an initial enough to play very different parts. Chris in at the moment. I’ve got the fourth album adjustment to make - it’s obviously very was a GI and there were big coming out next Spring, with a few concerts. different to being on stage - but I really enjoy songs and big duets in the show. Then, in Then, hopefully, there’ll be a big tour at the it. It’s nice to balance out the work. Legally Blonde, I played Emmett Forrest, a end of next year and maybe a panto. If I’m slightly geeky lawyer guy who’s Elle’s friend. not filming next year in Casualty, it would be Going back to your Joseph days, you were He supports her, their friendship builds and nice to get into a big show again and do a the winner of the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do ends up blossoming into something else. It’s new musical, but it’s still too early to say casting series back in 2007. Does it still a very witty book and a very clever and funny anything for definite. feel like a dream? show. I’ve had a chance to appear in these I’m very blessed for that opportunity. It was a big, classic musicals like Miss Saigon but big show and I got to work with Andrew Lloyd also to experience a modern-day musical. It’s Lee brings Some Enchanted Evening to Webber. Joseph was a part I’d wanted to play hard to choose, really - I haven’t got a Lichfield Garrick on Sat 21 November. since I was a kid and the show gave me that favourite as such. Aladdin shows at Birmingham platform. There were ten million people a Hippodrome from Sat 19 December to week watching the show. It was the first of its Are there any big musical numbers you’ve Sun 31 January and Chitty Chitty Bang kind in terms of guys, so it was quite grown to dislike over time? Bang runs at the theatre from Wed 7 to groundbreaking. Going out to that many With TV or film you’re shooting different Sun 18 September.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 David Hasselhoff DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:46 Page 1

interview

David Hasselhoff talks about Last Night A DJ Saved My Life...

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It’s basically a fun, rock’n’roll, sing-along show

“Best known for hit US TV series Knight Rider and Baywatch, David Hasselhoff admits he’s lived” a crazy life. The man who’s nowadays affectionately referred to as The Hoff counts among his credits Guinness World Records for the highest reverse bungee jump and for being the most watched man on TV. He’s also had numerous well-publicised brushes with the demon drink, regularly plays Captain Hook in pantomime, has performed a concert on the Berlin Wall, and is this month bringing brand new musical Last Night A DJ Saved My Life to the Midlands. What’s On caught up with him to have a chat about all things Hoff...

Tell us about Last Night A DJ Saved My versions were the only versions that those message of Kit - which is a good message - Life, David... kids knew, because they weren’t around when so I said, “Hey, man, let’s drive the Knight It’s basically a fun, rock’n’roll, sing-along the songs were originally hits. We actually Rider car around the world and see if we can show which highlights the 1980s and ’90s took film from the 1980s - Rick Astley, bring the world together for a little bit”. In a dance music that brought Ibiza into the Samantha Fox, the Vengaboys, 2 Unlimited, way, it was just a gag, but now it’s become a limelight as the planet’s party island. It seems Katrina And The Waves - and showed it reality. We’re taking the car around the world like everyone in the UK and Europe gravitated between sets. Everybody would watch. on a promotional peace tour. You can google towards Ibiza during those two decades. People who were my age watched it because it online - it’s pretty amazing. During their late teenage years, people went they’d lived it; others watched it because they there to unwind and get off their heads - and were infatuated with what the ’80s was all If TV producers came to you having sometimes they got off a little too much on a about. decided to make a new series of either drug called Ecstasy. The story we’ve tapped Baywatch or Knight Rider, which show into is about a father who runs a nightclub. Is being in the show a lot of fun? would you choose to remake? He’s extremely happy with the club. He’s also Yeah, but more work than anything. Everyone I’d remake Knight Rider in a heartbeat. I happily married, has a daughter and plays the is having a lot more fun than me because I brought Knight Rider over to NBC; it was my outgoing, club entrepreneur. The mother just came from shooting the second season idea but they blew it, they screwed it up. They becomes a little disillusioned with the club of Hoff The Record, so they’re all two weeks did thirteen episodes and they didn’t have me scene. She has a child and wants to have ahead of me. I’m playing catch-up! My fun will in the show. They forgot about the key more of a domestic life, so she decides to come when I’ve got three or four shows under elements of the series - the hard humour and move away. He says he can’t. So he stays my belt, but right now I’m anxious - What the action. People hated it - especially true and runs the club. The show’s about his scene is this? Where am I going? What am I Knight Rider fans. The new audience didn’t estranged daughter, who he hasn’t seen for doing? The songs are easy because I do like it either. three years, who comes to visit him and tries concerts all the time. I come from way back I would love to do Knight Rider again. It was a to get an impression of him that’s different when Sammy Davis was my mentor, and I do fun show but it was also a really positive from the one her mother’s given her - that he’s a lot of rock shows. This is a very different influence in a lot of people’s lives. When just a party guy, a DJ. But actually he’s a experience, but I’ve got a very good cast you’re growing up, it’s important to have good guy who plays that role because he has behind me, a very supportive cast. I just come shows that are about heroes and about to. The show’s really about the daughter’s out and play David Hasselhoff, the owner of saving lives, not just about reality, fashion and coming of age, and about how nobody’s the club, and let them do all the work! who’s doing who in the hot tub. When we prepared for the teenage years. Parents don’t Hopefully it will turn out to be a fun evening. were producing it, we weren’t thinking about really know how to become parents and how making something that was going to last for to counsel their kids. Is something you’d like to thirty years, we were just thinking about how do more of in the future? to make a show about a talking car feel real. Does the story register with you in terms of Yes, but I’d also like to see more sunshine Everyone believed in the show, and most of your own experience of parenting? and spend a little more time in LA. I have a the people who were involved, the cast and Yeah, it’s a story about what I’ve seen in my new album I’m working on at the moment. I the crew, I’m still in touch with. It was a very life with my children - and about the seem to be doing a lot of theatre, which I special time. challenges I have raising my daughters and really love, but I’m anxious to get back to Los making sure they’re safe to go out and have a Angeles and have more of a base at home. It good time. I tell them the truth - that you can seems that things have taken off for me in the go down this route and have this sort of fun, last four or five years over here. I’ve enjoyed but at the end of this rainbow is danger. On going all over the world, but I have a craving the other hand, at the end of that rainbow to work from home and help my daughters over there is success and optimism. with their careers. They’re twenty-two and twenty-five. Hayley is championing the cause How did you get involved in the show? of plus-sized women. My other daughter is on The producers came to me and said, “Hey, Mr television in a show. It’s a really cornball show Hasselhoff, would you be interested?”, and I but she does it because she wants to help her said, “Yes, if we can get a story”. It’s fun to go career. She sings and she’s on Rich Kids Of and see Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You or Beverly Hills. They’re both very talented. They Rock Of Ages and sing along, but you’ve got still need their dad and I still need my to have a story that people can relate to. daughters, so I get quite homesick at times.

Do you think younger audience members What’s up next for The Hoff? will enjoy the show’s soundtrack? I think I’ll be pretty close to taking a big break I did a concert tour about two years ago after this tour. We’re going until February with called Celebrate The ’80s And ’90s With The this show, taking a break at Christmas to do Hoff. Everyone there knew who I was, which panto in . Then, in February, we was really bizarre because they were really shoot over to China and do a little work there. Last Night A DJ Saved My Life shows at young. They were singing songs from the ’80s They’ve built a Chinese Knight Rider car, the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from like they knew them - but of course they did which is really bizarre. They’ve built an electric Tues 17 to Sat 21 November. The show know them, because those numbers have all car like the Tesla and have designed it after also visits the Barclaycard Arena, been covered by everybody from Westlife to Kit! So we have this mutual love affair with Birmingham on Sat 16 January. the Spice Girls to One Direction. The cover these Chinese guys. They really got the

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Courtney Barnett Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 27 November Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Courtney is well known for her witty, rambling lyrics and deadpan singing style, both of which went down a storm when she played Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage this summer. With debut album Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit receiving widespread critical acclaim, expect big things from this hugely tal- ented twenty-seven-year-old.

The Grahams The Staves Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Tues 10 November Dynamic husband-and-wife Americana duo Alyssa and Doug Graham have spent nearly O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sun 1 November their entire lives exploring music together. Acoustic folk rock group The Staves comprise They’re currently touring in support of new album Glory Bound, which was helmed by three sisters from - Emily, Jessica and Grammy-nominated producer Wes Sharon at his 115 Recording studio in Oklahoma. Camilla. The trio appeared on Tom Jones’ 2010 “Our songs are pretty simple,” say the Grahams. “Just feel something. Have a good time. album Praise And Blame and then on Fionn Enjoy the music and listen to the echoes.” Regan's third album, 100 Acres Of Sycamore. In 2012 the band released debut album Dead & Born & Grown - performed with The Civil Wars - Mumford & Sons and supported Bon Iver on their tour of the US and Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 30 November Canada. Their second full-length album, If I Was, debuted at British rock band Mumford & Sons have released three studio albums since coming to- number fourteen on the Official UK Album Chart gether in 2007. Debut offering Sigh No More (2009) peaked at number two on the UK Al- when it was released in March this year. bums Chart and the US Billboard 200, while Babel (2012) and Wilder Mind (2015) both made number one on either side of the Atlantic. Indeed, the former became the fastest- selling rock album of the decade and led to a headline performance at Glastonbury in 2013. The band capped off an incredible summer with a huge British return show at the Reading Festival in August.

Snakecharmer The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 5 November Six of the UK's most esteemed and experienced rock musicians have joined forces to create Snakecharmer. Original Whitesnake members Micky Moody and Neil Murray have teamed up with Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder, Magnum), Adam Wakeman (Ozzy Osbourne) and Chris Ousey (Heartland), playing classic twin-guitar- based rock exactly as it should be played.

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Music PREVIEWS The Henry Girls Stafford Gatehouse, Wed 4 November These three sisters are one of the most talked-about folk/roots acts to come out of Ireland in the last decade. Not only are they renowned for their close-harmony vocals, they also play an impressive array of instru- ments, including the harp, fiddle, accordion, guitar, piano and ukulele. They’ve contributed backup vocals to Mary Black album Stories From The Steeples, and have also collaborated with Sessions Ameri- cana, Moya Brennan and Dónal Lunny, to name but a few. If you’re a fan of Traditional Irish, Americana or bluegrass, then this is the show for you.

Peter Knight’s Gigspanner The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 18 November, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham, Sun 22 November Gigspanner present a carefully curated and skilfully narrated programme of material that goes way beyond the folk genre’s usual boundaries. Modern in interpretation yet classical in its virtuosity, it’s music that continues to inspire audiences of all leanings. Lucy Rose The band here combine favourites from their back catalogue with tracks from new album Lay- The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, ers Of Ages, which features on the Telegraph’s Best Folk Albums Of 2015 list. Tues 17 November Twenty-six-year-old singer-songwriter Lucy hails from Warwickshire, cites Neil Young and Calan Bellowhead - That’s All Folks Joni Mitchell as her major influences and re- Newhampton Arts Centre, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, leased her debut album, Like I Used To, in Wolverhampton, Sat 21 November Wed 25 November 2012 (it peaked at number thirteen in the UK This eleven-piece group merge folk, jazz, charts). This latest tour is in support of sec- Calan have certainly found their musical funk, classical and world music influences ond album Work It Out. Check out our inter- niche, showcasing a unique instrumental with a twist of English music hall. Between view with Lucy at Whatsonlive.co.uk blend of accordion, fiddle, guitar, Welsh pipes, Welsh harp and the percussive sound them they play more than twenty instruments of the Welsh clogs. Taking a contemporary and have picked up numerous coveted approach, they awards in recognition of their quality. They’re breathe new life calling it a day after this tour, bringing down into old tradi- the curtain on twelve amazing years, so catch tions. them while you can. Expect a fast- paced and uplift- ing show from this fresh and vi- brant five-piece.

Albert Hammond Jr Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Thurs 19 November With The Beach Boys, Buddy Holly, John Imagine Dragons Lennon and The Velvet Underground cited as Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, his major influences, it’s fair to say Albert Fri 20 November Hammond Jr has learned his craft from the best. His father no doubt contributed to his Sarah McQuaid US chart phenomenon Imagine Dragons first education too, having himself enjoyed plenty exploded on to the global scene with their Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs, Sat 14 November of success in the singles charts during the huge hit Radioactive, following it up with It’s Sarah McQuaid is happy and proud to be an 1960s and ’70s, both as a songwriter and a Time, Demons and Top Of The World. In the Elixir Strings-endorsed artist, taking her place singer. process they sold over twenty-two million sin- alongside the likes of Richard Thompson and A member of indie rock band The Strokes, gles worldwide and four million copies of Newton Faulkner. Hammond Jr released his first solo album, debut album Night Visions. “I'm privileged to play a Yours To Keep, back in 2006, following up They here bring highly anticipated new beautiful custom-made with a second offering two years later. album Smoke guitar by Andy Man- This current tour + Mirrors to son,” says Sarah, who is in support of the stage, with released fourth solo third album Mo- support com- album Walking Into mentary Masters, ing from UK White earlier this year, released earlier and Aussie “and when I use these this year by Va- surfers Sunset strings I know they're grant Records. Sons. doing it justice.”

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Telford, Shropshire METALHEADZ featuring MusicGIG REVIEWS Music LISTINGS Lenzman, Doc Scott, Ant TC1, Cleveland For full listing information on gigs, Watkiss, Conspire and Jay Dubz, The Butter- including times and dates, market, Shrewsbury For further reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk GET HAPPY: THE JUDY GARLAND STORY Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The Demon Barbers PEEL & JOANNA KARSELIS FRITS WENTINK Hare & SUN 1 NOV Hare & Hounds, B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham BUDDY HOLLY AND THE DERADOORIAN The Rain- DUBCHERRY Hare & bow Venues, B’ham The opening notes of Green Day's Holi- CRICKETERS Wolver- Hounds, Birmingham hampton Grand Theatre ELIOT SUMNER The Rain- PINK - MISS UNDERSTOOD day ring out across Victoria Square, and THE STAVES O2 Institute, bow Venues, B’ham The River Rooms, Stour- a group of girls dressed in green skirts Birmingham bridge jump forward to start clanging sticks to- JESS GLYNNE O2 Acad- THU 5 NOV LIVE AND PICKING gether. Seconds in, the noise is joined by emy, Birmingham JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS Newhampton Arts Cen- the jingle of bells blended with accordion IO EARTH The Robin, Bil- RHYTHM & BLUES OR- tre, Wolverhampton music, as an older morris troupe starts up ston CHESTRA Regent The- TOP TEN BEATLES Lich- NAH The Sunflower atre, Stoke-on-Trent field Garrick, Staffs alongside them. This is The Demon Bar- Lounge, Birmingham bers' pre-show dance extravaganza, where local dancers come to MCALMONT & BUTLER BETH PRIOR Henry Tudor AND THE MAGIC NUMBERS SAT 7 NOV strut their stuff in place of a scheduled support act. House, Shrewsbury O2 Institute, B’ham TRU GROOVE If this all sounds a bit mental already, it's nothing compared to the THE HENRY GIRLS The Jam GOSPEL GOES CHARITY House, Birmingham anything-goes show that's to follow inside Town Hall. Named best live Kitchen Garden Cafe, 2015 - 10TH ANNIVER- Birmingham MICHAELA WYLDE Ha- act at the 2009 Radio 2 Folk Awards, The Demon Barbers are a dy- SARY CELEBRATION Birm- vana Republic, Shrews- BLACKLISTERS, THEM ingham Town Hall namic part of the contemporary folk mash-up movement, their WOLVES, FALSE GRAILS & bury DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE O2 NOTORIOUS BROTHERS strange fusions standing alongside those of bands like Bellowhead JIM ZORN Hare & Academy, Birmingham and False Lights. What makes this group unique, however, is that it's Hounds, Birmingham Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stour- YELAWOLF O2 Academy, bridge not all in the tunes themselves: their eclectic mix of morris, clog and DISORDER The Rainbow Birmingham Venues, Birmingham ANTARCTIC MONKEYS O2 hip hop dancing (sometimes all at once) is every bit as central to SOAK O2 Institute, Birm- Academy, Birmingham INVASION The Road- ingham their shows. house, Birmingham TOP TEN BEATLES Lich- KING PLEASURE AND THE field Garrick, Staffs The Disco at the Tavern tour brings together some of the country's MUSIC OF BENARES Ort BISCUIT BOYS The Jam oldest songs with original compositions and, on this occasion, even Cafe, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH CHRIS- House, Birmingham TIAN REILLY Lichfield a Grateful Dead tribute. Waistcoats and bowler hats paired with neon LEAVES EYES The Slade Guildhall, Staffs ties and shutter glasses visually set the tone for when fiddle and MON 2 NOV Rooms, Wolverhampton QUADROPHENIA NIGHT melodeon meet electric bass guitar and keyboard. Among the SNAKECHARMER The featuring The Atlantics JOE SATRIANI Symphony Robin, Bilston evening's highlights are the atmospheric Three Ravens, Bryony Grif- Hall, Birmingham and DJ Drew Stansall DAN ANDRIANO The Sug- (The Specials), O2 fith's soaring vocals on Sally Free and Easy and Bonny Boy and the PAUL ARMFIELD - FOUND armill, Stoke-on-Trent ska rhythms and frenzied chorus of Go Boys Go, as well as an aston- Kitchen Garden Cafe, Academy, Birmingham C DUNCAN The Sun- SECRET AFFAIR O2 Insti- ishingly slick sword dance that morris men and hip hop crew tear Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham DINOSAUR PILE-UP The tute, Birmingham through together. THE GARDEN Hare & ANDROMEDA O2 Insti- Rainbow Venues, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham What's perhaps most exciting about any Demon Barbers gig, how- ingham tute, Birmingham SWINDLE Hare & CROBOT The Slade ever, is how much fun the band themselves are obviously having. Hounds, Birmingham Their energy is infectious: no one knows how to throw a party like TUE 3 NOV Rooms, Wolverhampton THE ORDINARY BOYS The Damien Barber and his maverick team. Heather Kincaid nnnn BLACKBERRY SMOKE O2 FRI 6 NOV Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Academy, Birmingham HAPPY MONDAYS O2 Trent GRAVEYARD O2 Acad- Academy, Birmingham STRICTLY ABBA Theatre emy, Birmingham HEIDI & BRIAN Havana On The Steps, Bridg- James Bay HUGH CORNWELL Theatre Republic, Shrewsbury north, Shropshire Severn, Shrewsbury ABBA MANIA Tamworth O2 Academy, Birmingham THE NAKED BEATLES JACK GARRATT O2 Insti- Route 44, Birmingham Assembly Rooms, Staffs 3 DIVAS TRIBUTE The To say that twenty-five-year-old singer- tute, Birmingham IBEYI The Oobleck, THE PARLOTONES The Robin, Bilston songwriter James Bay has had a busy Birmingham Jam House, B’ham JAMES ZABIELA The ROXY MAGIC The Road- year would be an understatement. His BOBBY LONG Hare & Rainbow Venues, B’ham house, Birmingham debut studio album, The Chaos And Hounds, Birmingham DARLIA O2 Institute, BEE GEES FEVER The The Calm, went straight in at Number HAWKLORDS The Robin, Birmingham Rose Theatre, Kidder- One in the UK album charts - selling Bilston EAGLES OF DEATH METAL minster BENJI KIRKPATRICK AND O2 Institute, B’ham PREDITAH, SKEPTA, CAUSE over sixty-four thousand copies in the JANIE MITCHELL Kitchen & AFFECT, DJ TARGET, first week. His summer has been filled TRU GROOVE The Jam Garden Cafe, B’ham House, Birmingham BASSBOY, AD, C4 AND KIE with festival performances - including a CASPIAN & JO QUAIL The MR PRESIDENT Irish Cen- O2 Academy, B’ham daytime slot on Glastonbury’s famous Pyramid Stage - and he was Rainbow Venues, Birm- tre, Birmingham PERCUSSION SPECIAL even chosen as the winner of the BRIT Critics’ Choice award. ingham THE TOTAL STONE ROSES WITH GOGGIE IFILL AND The Roadhouse, B’ham BETHAN JONES Sym- It’s no surprise, then, that this entire tour has been a sell out. WED 4 NOV phony Hall, B’ham Wearing his signature hat, Bay arrived on stage to be greeted by an IAN PROWSE & AMSTER- DAM The Slade Rooms, COR GLANAETHWY Sym- army of screaming girls. WILL YOUNG Symphony phony Hall, B’ham Hall, Birmingham Wolverhampton Opening his set with Collide - his funkiest number off the album - the FLEETWOOD BAC The DAN SMITH & KRIS MOTLEY CRUE Genting ROCHELLE The Sun- artist showcased his impressive, husky vocals to the packed-out O2 Arena, Birmingham Robin, Bilston LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Tam- flower Lounge, B’ham Academy. MY BABY O2 Academy, TOP DRAWER SOUL DISCO He swiftly moved to Craving, a beat-driven ballad accompanied by Birmingham worth Assembly Rooms, Staffs Birchmeadow Centre, an electric guitar riff and heavily pounding drums. If You Ever Want THE HENRY GIRLS Broseley, Shropshire Stafford Gatehouse JOHNNY 2 BAD & SKA 4 To Be In Love and Get Out While You Can - Bay’s heaviest and most LIFE Irish Centre, B’ham STICKY JOE & CHESHIRE Theatre CAT Hare & Hounds, rock-influenced track - also featured in the early part of the set. ALAN REID & ROB VAN STOURPORT-ON-SEVERN Although he’s labelled as an indie/folk rock artist, Bay’s latest offer- BRASS BAND The Rose Birmingham SANTE The Red Lion KWAI & LORD BYRON ing showcases his ability to diversify. The slower, more soul-influ- Folk Club, Birmingham Theatre, Kidderminster DARK HOUDINI O2 Acad- Hare & Hounds, B’ham enced Move Together, Need The Sun To Break and Scars saw the THE SUNSHINE UNDER ARTHUR AND THE INVINCI- GROUND O2 Institute, emy, Birmingham audience singing along with every word. PIERA ONACKO TRIO Sym- BLES, THE DELTA RHYTHM The evening’s penultimate number was a cover of Alicia Keys’ If I Birmingham & AGAINST THE WHEEL MIKE ZITO & THE WHEEL phony Hall, B’ham Ain’t Got You. Bay’s take on the R&B classic was preferable to the THE VIRGINMARYS The The Rainbow Venues, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham original, his guitar solo partway through being nothing short of mes- THE STYLISTICS The Jam Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Trent IBIZA CARNIVAL PRES- merising. House, Birmingham ENTS CAFE MAMBO The HOT 8 BRASS BAND Hare SAMM HENSHAW & IZZY Best Fake Smile and Let It Go generated some of the best crowd re- BLUE O2 Institute, Birm- Rainbow Venues, Birm- actions, as did his most popular single, Hold Back The River, the & Hounds, Birmingham ingham DISSIDENT PROPHET, TOM ingham song with which Bay sensibly chose to close the show. NIBBS & EDDY The BILL PATRICK, JACK WICK- HAM & LEWIS OXLEY The Lauren Foster nnnn Woodbridge Inn, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music November Region Two.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 17:48 Page 7

Fri 6 november 7pm heidi & brian

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Sat 7 november 7pm michaela wylde

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Fri 13 november 7pm synergy

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Sat 14 november 7pm claire shaw

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Fri 20 november 7pm heidi browne & ‘’bootleg tom’’

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sat 21 november 7pm andy mills

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Fri 27 november 7pm michaela wylde

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Sat 28 november 7pm tocha

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SYNERGY Havana Re- THE RAMONAS, DEVILISH Robin, Bilston public, Shrewsbury PRESLEY, ROTUNDA & TUE 17 NOV ZERVAS & PEPPER The Music LISTINGS THE HOUGHTON WEAVERS ARMY OF SKANKS The Glee Club, Birmingham The Edge Arts Centre, Rainbow Venues, Birm- STEVE HARLEY & COCK- MARIA SCHNEIDER JAZZ Much Wenlock, Shrop- ingham NEY REBEL Symphony ORCHESTRA Symphony For full listing information on gigs, shire WAFF The Rainbow Ven- Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham including times and dates, BUDDY HOLLY AND THE ues, Birmingham EVERY TIME I DIE The THE QUIREBOYS The CRICKETERS Lichfield DEATH BY THY SHEPHERD Asylum, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Garrick, Staffs TOUR The Flapper, Birm- THE VACCINES Civic Hall, hampton BEE GEES FEVER Tam- ingham Wolverhampton BRANTLEY GILBERT O2 Rainbow Venues, Birm- ELLA EYRE O2 Academy, worth Assembly THE FATHER TEDS Irish LUCY ROSE The Sug- Institute, Birmingham ingham Birmingham Rooms, Staffs Centre, Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent BRAIDS The Oobleck, STRICTLY ABBA Theatre JULIA HOLTER The Glee DRESSED TO KILL - THE STRAIGHT ACES Katie STEELEYE SPAN Theatre Birmingham On The Steps, Bridg- Club, Birmingham TRIBUTE TO KISS The Fitzgerald’s, Stour- Severn, Shrewsbury SHARON SHANNON north, Shropshire GET ON UP! mac, Birm- Robin, BIlston bridge PETTER ELDH'S AMOK Kitchen Garden Cafe, AC/DC DIRTY DC The ingham THE ELO EXPERIENCE CLAIRE SHAW Havana AMOR mac, Birmingham Birmingham River Rooms, DUTCH UNCLES Hare & Prince Of Wales Centre, Republic, Shrewsbury CHERIE CURRIE OF THE METAL MASHUP The Stoubridge Hounds, Birmingham Cannock RUNAWAYS The Robin, Roadhouse, B’ham CHRIS CLEVERLEY Ort DEXTERS The Sugarmill, LA VIE EN ROSE Sym- r SUN 15 NOV Bilston ATTILA THE STOCKBRO- Cafe, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent phony Hall, B’ham WAVVES O2 Institute, KER PLUS HUMDRUM EX- CHRIS PEMBERTON IS SHOW OF HANDS Victoria THE RAF IN CONCERT Birmingham PRESS Katie SUN 8 NOV MICHAEL BUBLE Lichfield Hall, Stoke-on-Trent 2015 Symphony Hall, THE SOUNDS OF SIMON Fitzgerald’s, Stour- Garrick, Staffs FRUITMACHINE The Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, bridge QUILL Ludlow Assembly SAMANTHA FISH AND Woodbridge Inn, Coal- KING KING Theatre Sev- Birmingham Rooms, Shropshire LAURENCE JONES The port, Telford, Shropshire ern, Shrewsbury CHRIS ALDRIDGE AND FRI 20 NOV THE PROCLAIMERS New Robin, Bilston LIGHT YOU UP The Asy- MEGADETH & LAMB OF BEEBE The Jam House, Alexandra Theatre, DICK GAUGHAN The lum, Birmingham GOD O2 Academy, Birm- Birmingham THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- Birmingham Shrewsbury Coffee- RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- ingham HOWIE PAYNE Hare & ENCE The Robin, Bilston CATFISH AND THE BOT- house TACULAR Ludlow As- CORY HENRY & THE FUNK Hounds, Birmingham FALLEN & KNIGHTWISH TLEMEN O2 Academy, LONELY THE BRAVE O2 sembly Rooms, South APOSTLES Hare & Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Shropshire Hounds, Birmingham WED 18 NOV HEIDI BROWNE & BOOT- BARS AND MELODY O2 CADDY COOPER Kitchen SAM JACKSON O2 Acad- THE NICK ROSS ORCHES- LEG TOM Havana Re- Academy, Birmingham THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Garden Cafe, B’ham emy, Birmingham TRA: SOUNDS OF THE public, Shrewsbury FM & VEGA The River New Alexandra Theatre, LA PRIEST Hare & LTJ BUKEM Hare & GLENN MILLER ERA Lich- CHAS N DAVE Wulfrun Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham field Garrick, Staffs Hall, Wolverhampton TRACER The Slade FRANK TURNER & THE VIN GARBUTT The Loyal MAC The Rainbow SABBOTAGE & PRIEST UN- IMAGINE DRAGONS Bar- Rooms, Wolverhampton SLEEPING SOULS O2 Caledonian Corks, Venues, Birmingham LEASHED The Robin, Bil- claycard Arena, B’ham MARTY WILDE AND THE Academy, Birmingham Birmingham ston THE ELO EXPERIENCE Re- WILDCATS Lichfield Gar- STEAK NUMBER 8 The SAT 14 NOV THE WATCH PLAYS GENE- gent Theatre, Stoke-on- rick, Staffs Rainbow Venues, Birm- THU 12 NOV SIS : TWO SIDES LIVE The Trent CORKY LAING The Road- ingham SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Robin, Bilston ELVIS - THAT'S THE WAY IT house, Birmingham JOHN WILSON & THE THE ENEMY DJ SET The Symphony Hall, B’ham MAVERICK SABRE O2 WAS Civic Hall, Wolver- EMILY PORTMAN TRIO JOHN WILSON ORCHES- Oobleck, Birmingham THE SUBTERRANEANS Academy, Birmingham hampton Kitchen Garden Cafe, THEA GILMORE Wulfrun TRA Symphony Hall, The Jam House, B’ham FIDLAR, BULLY & VANT STEVE HARLEY & COCK Birmingham Hall, Wolverhampton Birmingham BOOTLEG BLONDIE The O2 Institute, B’ham THE WAILERS O2 Acad- CALLAGHAN Hare & CAST THE ENEMY O2 Institute, The Sugarmill, Roadhouse, B’ham ZERVAS & PEPPER Henry emy, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent EVERYTHING EVERYTHING Tudor House, Shrews- KREPT & KONAN O2 Insti- THE MOCKINJAYS NITIN SAWHNEY O2 Insti- The O2 Academy, B’ham bury tute, Birmingham tute, Birmingham MON 9 NOV Jam House, B’ham JACK AND JACK O2 GILMORE & ROBERTS B'SPOKE The Jam VAMPIRES ROCK ESKA mac, Birmingham New Academy, Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, House, Birmingham ABC Symphony Hall, GOSPEL CENTRAL The Alexandra Theatre, THE NAKED BEATLES The Birmingham BUZZCOCKS The Slade Birmingham Jam House, B’ham Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- TALON - THE BEST OF EA- Rooms, Wolverhampton WE ARE THE OCEAN The HANG THE BA****RD PETER KNIGHT'S The bridge GLES Theatre Severn, ABBAMANIA Lichfield Asylum, Birmingham GIGSPANNER The Hive, Slade Rooms, Wolver- TALIB KWELI O2 Institute, Shrewsbury Garrick, Staffs THE RED PAINTINGS The Shrewsbury hampton Birmingham JIMMY BUCKLEY Prince CHILDREN OF THE GRAVY Rainbow Venues, Birm- DAN ANDRIANO TIGERCUB The Sugarmill, O2 Insti- CAST The Slade Rooms, Of Wales Centre, Can- The Roadhouse, B’ham ingham Stoke-on-Trent tute, Birmingham Wolverhampton nock THE DRIVE O2 Academy, EX HEX The Oobleck, VINTAGE TROUBLE FIL CAMPBELL & TOM MC- O2 In- UK SALUTES FRANK! Lich- THE JAM’D The Road- Birmingham Birmingham FARLAND The Red Lion stitute, Birmingham field Garrick, Staffs house, Birmingham JAWS The Sugarmill, TWENTY ONE PILOTS O2 JAH WOBBLE'S INVADERS Folk Club, B’ham SARAH MCQUAID Lich- FRAN THE MAN Irish Cen- Stoke-on-Trent Institute, Birmingham OF THE HEART KIKO BUN O2 Institute, The field Guildhall, Staffs tre, Birmingham NERO O2 Institute, Birm- MARTYN JOSEPH Stafford Robin, Bilston MERCURY Regent The- Birmingham ingham Gatehouse Theatre YOUNGHUSBAND & atre, Stoke-on-Trent MON 16 NOV JOE BROWN Victoria Hall, MICROBABY The Wood- LAWSON O2 Academy, GRIMM GRIMM The Sun- JOEY BADA$$ O2 Insti- Stoke-on-Trent bridge Inn, Coalport, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham tute, Birmingham QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA - THE READY EDDIES The Telford ANGE HARDY Kitchen SHEELANAGIG Hare & FOSTER & ALLEN Prince 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF 'A Robin, Bilston EVA PLAYS DEAD The Garden Cafe, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham Of Wales Centre, Can- NIGHT AT THE OPERA' RAKETANON Hare & Asylum, Birmingham RADIATOR HOSPITAL Hare STEVE CLAYTON Katie nock Birmingham Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham BLAIR DUNLOP The & Hounds, Birmingham Fitzgerald’s, Stour- DAVE O'HIGGINS The WILL YOUNG Symphony HALFWAY TO PARADISE: Oobleck, Birmingham bridge Hive, Shrewsbury Hall, Birmingham THE FURY STORY SOMALI STARS F MAX- TUE 10 NOV SPECTACULAR CLASSICS THE GREAT VOICES OF Regent Theatre, Stoke- AMED BK & SAHARA FRI 13 NOV Symphony Hall, B’ham SOUL FT. THE WHISPERS on-Trent LLAYS The Drum, Birm- NELL BRYDEN O2 Insti- THE REAL THING The O2 Academy, B’ham ingham tute, Birmingham SHOWADDYWADDY For- Robin, Bilston THAT'LL BE THE DAY - THE THU 19 NOV SKERRYVORE Theatre KACEY MUSGRAVES O2 est Arts Centre, Walsall BEATY HEART & BREEZE CHRISTMAS PARTY The- Severn, Shrewsbury Institute, Birmingham THE STEREOPHONICS - THE DRIFTERS Regent The Sunflower Lounge, atre Severn, Shrews- SUNJAY Katie Fitzger- THE GRAHAMS Henry THE PHONICS Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent The River Birmingham bury ald’s, Stourbridge Tudor House, Shrews- HIDDEN CHARMS The Rooms, Stourbridge ARCANE ROOTS The Asy- PERIPHERY O2 Institute, DADDY G Hare & bury PENCILS FOR PISTOLS River Rooms, Stour- lum, Birmingham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham TITUS ANDRONICUS Hare bridge Katie Fitzgerald’s, WALTER HAWKINS CHOIR THE OMMA N CHAIN ROW TO BOAT Hare & & Hounds, Birmingham STEELEYE SPAN Birming- Stourbridge CELEBRATION - OH HAPPY SHOWCASE Crescent Hounds, Birmingham THE STYLISTICS Lichfield DIZZY LIZZY ham Town Hall The Road- DAY Birmingham Con- Theatre, Birmingham JIM WYNN SWING OR- Garrick, Staffs OF MONSTERS AND MEN house, Birmingham servatoire WALSALL JAZZ ORCHES- CHESTRA Hare & RAGA GARAGE Lichfield SACK SABBATH & CORAYA O2 Academy, B’ham PARTISANS Arena The- TRA Forest Arts Centre, Hounds, Birmingham Garrick, Staffs ALBERT HAMMOND JR. Route 44, Birmingham atre, Wolverhampton Walsall ANTI-SYSTEM & CON- PRIDES O2 Institute, SKINDRED Hare & Hounds, B’ham O2 Institute, AFFINITY 4 The Drum, THE MAGIC BAND The STANT STATE OF TERROR Birmingham DEL CAMINO The Jam Birmingham Birmingham Robin, Bilston The Rainbow Venues, SKINNY MOLLY The REEL NOTE House, Birmingham Irish Centre, A VISION OF ELVIS Tam- REVEREND & THE MAK- Birmingham Robin, Bilston THE SINATRA CENTENNIAL Birmingham worth Assembly ERS Wulfrun Hall, DAVE CLARKE The Rain- THE STEVE GIBBONS SHAM 69 CONCERT The Place, O2 Institute, Rooms, Staffs Wolverhampton bow Venues, B’ham BAND Kitchen Garden Oakengates Theatre, Birmingham DUCKTAILS Hare & JOHN JOSEPH BRILL The OASIS V THE STONE Cafe, Birmingham KATZENJAMMER Shropshire O2 Insti- Hounds, Birmingham Sunflower Lounge, ROSES The River KENT DUCHAINE The Jam KEYWEST Hare & tute, Birmingham RICHARD DORFMEISTER & Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge House, Birmingham GLITZ, BLITZ & 70S HITZ Hounds, Birmingham STEVE COBBY Hare & BLIND BOY PAXTON THE MATT MONRO STORY Birmingham Town Hall Hounds, Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, SAT 21 NOV THE SKA STUDS Tamworth Assembly WED 11 NOV Irish EVERYTHING EVERYTHING Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Rooms, Staffs FROM THE JAM - SOUND KADAVAR The Slade DJ SET The Oobleck, THE SUBTERRANEANS BAY CITY ROLLERS STAR- AFFECTS O2 Academy, Rooms, Wolverhampton Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham RING LES MCKEOWN The Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Music November Region Two Davina.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:30 Page 9

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GELO STARR The Jam Rooms, Stourbridge House, Birmingham THE DREAMING TREE Music LISTINGS THE FRANK SINATRA Newhampton Arts Cen- SHOW Crescent Theatre, tre, Wolverhampton Birmingham HIGHER ON MAIDEN For full listing information on gigs, MAD DOG MCREA The Route 44, Birmingham including times and dates, Robin, Bilston MICHAELA WYLDE Ha- visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk STEELEYE SPAN Prince vana Republic, Shrews- Of Wales Centre, Can- bury nock CELTIC WOMAN Sym- STILLMARILLION The MODESTEP O2 Academy, SAT 28 NOV phony Hall, B’ham Robin, Bilston Birmingham ABBAMANIA Wulfrun VANGOFFEY O2 Institute, GYPTIAN O2 Institute, UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE Hall, Wolverhampton Birmingham Birmingham The Jam House, B’ham FUSE ODG O2 Academy, JUST FLOYD The Robin, THE COURTEENERS Victo- MOTOWN PARTY NIGHT Birmingham Bilston ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent WITH BACK 2 MIAMI The MARILYN MANSON Civic PETER KNIGHT'S HATCHAM SOCIAL The Place, Oakengatges, Hall, Wolverhampton GIGSPANNER Kitchen Sunflower Lounge, Telford B’SPOKE The Jam Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham DARKSIDE - THE PINK House, Birmingham ELVIS PERKINS Hare & STRAY FROM THE PATH FLOYD SHOW Wulfrun SATAN The Asylum, Hounds, Birmingham The Asylum, B’ham Hall, Wolverhampton Birmingham DEEZ HUTS, NASTY, EX- THE MEN THAT WILL NOT FREE RADIO LIVE 2015 STRIKING MATCHES O2 PIRE, ASTROID BOYS & BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING Genting Arena, B’ham Institute, Birmingham LOUIE KNUXX The Rain- The Oobleck, B’ham THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Vic- SAINT RAYMOND O2 Insti- bow Venues, B’ham LEELA JAMES Hare & toria Hall, Stoke-on- The Waterboys - Symphony Hall, Birmingham tute, Birmingham SHILLELAGH Irish Cen- Trent Hounds, Birmingham BUSH TRIBUTE Theatre CHINA CRISIS The Robin, LEE MEAD Lichfield Gar- tre, Birmingham FOUR STAR MARY The JOE BROWN Birmingham rick, Staffs Town Hall On The Steps, Bridg- Bilston Slade Rooms, Wolver- north THREADED Kitchen Gar- TOO REX - TRIBUTE TO MON 23 NOV hampton RAGING SPEEDHORN The & T-REX Slade Rooms, Wolver- ULTRA 90S The River den Cafe, Birmingham HARRIET KRIJGH Birm- RED SHOES The Road- Rooms, Stourbridge, THE BLACKBYRDS Hare & The Roadhouse, B’ham house, Birmingham hampton GUTS FOR GLORY, FIRES ingham Town Hall BEARTOOTH O2 Acad- Shropshire Hounds, Birmingham THE MARTIN HARLEY EDDY MORTON Katie SOULED OUT TO FUNK ALTERED SKY, EVERYBODY THAT DIVIDE, PELUGION, Fitzgerald’s, Stour- emy, Birmingham FREE SUN RISING AND BAND Henry Tudor IDIOT & FRIEND Lichfield The Roadhouse, B’ham LOOKS FAMOUS & FAKE House, Shrewsbury bridge IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC THE ATTACK The Rain- SOUTHFALL O2 Acad- AKALA Newhampton Guildhall, Staffs emy, Birmingham BRIDGET KELLY O2 Insti- BRENDON MANDERS O2 ROCK DISCO Route 44, bow Venues, B’ham tute, Birmingham Arts Centre, Wolver- Birmingham THE VIBRATORS, COM- BON GIOVI The Robin, hampton Academy, Birmingham Bilston MATT CORBY O2 Insti- THE COUNTERFEIT KARIMA FRANCIS Ort PLETE DYSFUNCTION, THE PETEBOX The tute, Birmingham STONES The Robin, Bil- Cafe, Birmingham CODE 46 & THE VICTIMS Oobleck, Birmingham CLIFF & THE SHADZ The FRI 27 NOV ston TOCHA Havana Repub- The Rainbow Venues, Robin, Bilston lic, Shrewsbury Birmingham SACK SABBATH WITH PAUL WELLER Barclay- SOCA CENTRAL The MENTALLICA Civic Hall, GREY WOLF Kitchen Gar- Drum, Birmingham den Cafe, Birmingham card Arena, B’ham SUN 29 NOV MON 30 NOV Wolverhampton COURTNEY BARNETT Wul- WOBBLE Hare & THE COUNTERFEIT TEN FE, JUICE & CINEMA Hounds, Birmingham frun Hall, Wolverhamp- JOSH GROBAN Sym- THE WATERBOYS Sym- STONES Theatre Severn, Hare & Hounds, B’ham ADESSE VERSIONS Hare ton phony Hall, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham Shrewsbury WIDOWSPEAK Hare & & Hounds, Birmingham SLAYER O2 Academy, BLAKE & BRAZIL Irish CHINA CRISIS Henry DJ FORMAT & ABDOMINAL Hounds, Birmingham CREAM 9TH ANNIVER- Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Tudor House, Shrews- Hare & Hounds, B’ham SARY The Rainbow Ven- JASPER CARROTT STAND HUGH CORNWELL bury ANDY C The Rainbow TUE 24 NOV UP & ROCK Wyre Forest ues, Birmingham Foxlowe Arts Centre, EMAA-LEE SHEPHERD Venues, Birmingham RUSS YALLOP The Rain- APOCALYPTICA Wulfrun Glades Arena, Kidder- Leek, Staffs Crescent Theatre, Birm- PARANOID , ADAM bow Venues, B’ham Hall, Wolverhampton minster BRING ME THE HORIZON ingham SHELTON & TOM CRAVEN SOULED OUT 2 FUNK NEW ORDER Civic Hall, MARINA AND THE DIA- The O2 Academy, B’ham MUMFORD & SONS The Rainbow Venues, Roadhouse, B’ham Wolverhampton MONDS O2 Institute, GREEN JELLY The Slade Genting Arena, B’ham Birmingham ZEPPELIN 3 BEANS ON TOAST The Birmingham Katie Fitzger- Rooms, Wolverhampton ROB HERON & THE TEA- STEAK NUMBER EIGHT ald’s, Stourbridge Rainbow Venues, Birm- UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE AREA 11 O2 Institute, PAD ORCHESTRA Kitchen The Sugarmill, Stoke- THE RED SHOES - KATE ingham The Jam House, B’ham Birmingham Garden Cafe, B’ham on-Trent GHOSTPOET O2 Institute, THE FARM The Place, VANITY FARE AND EDISON Birmingham Oakengates Theatre, LIGHTHOUSE Theatre On CHARLOTTE CARPENTER Shropshire The Steps, Bridgnorth, The Sunflower Lounge, DODGY The Slade Shropshire Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton Music Venues Box Office Across The Midlands THE ROVING CROWS Irish THE NEON COLLECTIVE THE JAMES HUNTER SIX & Centre, Birmingham Newhampton Arts Cen- THE ATLANTIC PLAYERS SCORCHER Birmingham 0121 246 2273 01743 281744 Irish Centre, tre, Wolverhampton Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham 02 ACADEMY ROUTE 44 HENRY TUDOR HOUSE REFLECTIONS Festival 0121 622 8250 0121 708 0108 SHREWSBURY FLAT STANLEY Katie WED 25 NOV Drayton Centre, Market 01743 361666 Fitzgerald’s, Stour- THE ACTRESS & BISHOP THE SUNFLOWER LOUNGE Drayton, Shropshire 0121 632 6756 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY bridge BELLOWHEAD Civic Hall, 0121 236 7426 BILLY MITCHELL AND RAY SYMPHONY HALL 01743 234970 THE WEEKEND ANTHEMS Wolverhampton ALFIE BIRD’S LAIDLAW: THE LINDIS- 0121 270 6665 0121 780 3333 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS The River Rooms, SLAVES Wulfrun Hall, 01584 878141 FARNE STORY Tamworth THE ASYLUM Stourbridge Wolverhampton THEATRE SEVERN, Assembly Rooms, 0121 233 1109 Black Country CALAN Newhampton MEATWAVE The Sun- SHREWSBURY Staffs CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON Arts Centre, Wolver- flower Lounge, B’ham BARCLAYCARD ARENA 01743 281281 MAINLY MADNESS The 0121 780 4141 0870 320 7000 hampton THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, STEELEYE SPAN New Vic Robin, Bilston FOREST ARTS CENTRE BLACK COUNTRY COMMU- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL TELFORD Theatre, Newcastle- CHAD VALLEY O2 Acad- 0121 780 3333 01922 654555 NITY & BAD FLOWERS 01952 382382 under-Lyme emy, Birmingham NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE Route 44, Birmingham FLAPPER WEM TOWN HALL CHVRCHES O2 Academy, NICK HARPER The Glee 0121 236 2421 01902 572090 01939 232299 ANDY MILLS Havana Re- Birmingham Club, Birmingham GENTING ARENA ROBIN 2, BILSTON public, Shrewsbury RAY COOPER & ROWAN SLACK ALICE Ludlow 0121 780 4141 01902 401211 Staffordshire GODEL The Red Lion Brewery, South Shrop- THE GLEE CLUB SLADE ROOMS FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK SUN 22 NOV Folk Club, Birmingham 0871 472 0400 WOLVERHAMPTON shire 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 JAMES MORRISON O2 In- EVIL SCARECROW O2 In- HARE & HOUNDS ROCK 'N' ROLL PARADISE LICHFIELD GUILDHALL stitute, Birmingham 0121 444 2081 STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- stitute, Birmingham 01384 812812 01543 262223 SONDORGO mac, B’ham DAVE BUSBY THE INSTITUTE hampton The Wood- WULFRUN HALL, VIRGIL & THE ACCELERA- 0121 643 0428 THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY ZEBRAHEAD bridge Inn, Coalport, WOLVERHAMPTON STOKE-ON-TRENT O2 Acad- TORS The Robin, Bilston emy, Birmingham Telford IRISH CENTRE 0870 320 7000 01159 454 593 BLUE ROSE CODE Kitchen 0121 622 2314 BACKYARD BABIES The SARAH CRACKNELL The TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS Garden Cafe, B’ham THE JAM HOUSE Slade Rooms, Wolver- Oobleck, Birmingham Shropshire 01827 709618 BROTHERS GROOVE The 0121 200 3030 hampton TV SMITH The Rainbow BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY Jam House, B’ham THE KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE BRIT FLOYD Venues, Birmingham 01952 882210 0870 060 6649 Symphony LANDSHAPES Hare & 0121 443 4725 Hall, Birmingham THE BUDDY PRESLEY THE BUTTERMARKET, STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Hounds, Birmingham BAND The Roadhouse, THE OOBLECK SHREWSBURY 01785 619080 LAU The Glee Club, 0121 270 6665 01743 281712 Birmingham Birmingham THU 26 NOV MIKE MCGOLDRICK Irish THE RAINBOW THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, RICKY ROSS Birmingham 0121 772 8174 Centre, Birmingham MUCH WENLOCK For additional information Town Hall JUDAS PRIEST Civic Hall, 01952 728911 DANI NICHOLLS Katie Fit- RED LION FOLK CLUB and to find out What’s On BEN POOLE Lichfield Wolverhampton 0121472 4253 HAVANA REPUBLIC at these venues. Guildhall, Staffs THE TEAM FEATURING AN- gerald’s, Stourbridge SHREWSBURY THE REPLICAS The River THE ROADHOUSE Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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PREVIEWS L’ Arcadia, featuring Classical Music Ulrike Hofbauer Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School, Thurs 12 November High energy and highly rated, continental group L’Arcadia perform in a style which has been described as ‘combining the great pillars of European baroque and classical music with newly discovered for- gotten compositions’. The group, which includes the Shrews- bury-bred Katie Stephens, is joined for this concert by leading early music soprano Ulrike Hofbauer. Handel’s German Arias takes centre-stage in the programme, which also includes music that surrounded and influenced the composer.

Kodaly String Quartet Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 7 November The Kodaly Quartet have garnered an exceptional international reputation in recent years. They here present a pro- BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring Jennifer Pike gramme that includes two works by the Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 November Hungarian composer after whom they’re The BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Hanley, regularly visiting from its base in Salford’s named - Zoltan Kodaly. MediaCityUK. Alongside its Potteries appearances, it also performs an annual season of con- Alongside Kodaly’s Quartet No 2 and Inter- certs at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall and has most of its annual output broadcast on Radio mezzo, the quartet also perform: Haydn’s Three. Quartet Opus 76 No 4 The Sunrise; This latest Stoke-on-Trent visit sees the orchestra presenting the following programme: Vivaldi, Webern’s beautiful Langsamer Satz; and The Four Seasons; Tchaikovsky, Serenade For Strings; Kreisler, Liebeslied; and Elgar, Salut Beethoven’s last Quartet in F Opus 135. d'amour. Director and soloist is Jennifer Pike (pictured above).

Birmingham Bach Choir Stourbridge CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sat 21 November “Petite Messe Solennelle is the most beautifully tuneful, quasi- Chamber operatic of masses, and one of Rossini's great works,” says Orchestra Birmingham Bach Choir Chair Sarah Platt. St John’s United The choir is performing the piece to launch its new season. Reformed Church, “The work avoids the cloying sentimentality of other masses of Stourbridge, Sat 21 this period by simply showing the composer having a good November time,” continues Sarah, “and giving everyone performing and lis- Stourbridge’s well- tening a good time too.” regarded chamber The concert sees the choir, conducted by Paul Spicer, joined by orchestra here pres- BCMG: Longfordbrown Piano Duo James Longford and Lindy Tennent- ents an evening dedi- The Comedy Of Change Brown (pictured). cated to the music of CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Worcestershire-born Sun 15 November Edward Elgar. Centrepiece of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group’s concert is the com- (BCMG) latest concert showcases the poser’s famous Enig- world premiere of Melinda Maxwell’s Frac- ma Variations, includ- tures: Monk Unpacked, a piece inspired by ing the well-known the work of master jazz musician Thelonius Nimrod variation. Monk. The programme also Featuring alongside Maxwell’s latest com- features the evocative position is title work The Comedy Of Sea Pictures - a beau- Change. A ballet score by Julian Anderson, tiful work for mezzo the piece has been used by Rambert soprano and orchestra Dance Company and takes inspiration from - Serenade For Strings notions of change in nature. and the Pomp And The concert sees BCMG launching its new Circumstance March initiative, Audience Exchange, which offers No.4. Keith Horsfall visitors the opportunity to pull up a chair conducts. and discuss the repertoire over a drink with fellow audience members.

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ORCHESTRA Programme dedicated to the music G4: Christmas By LISTINGS includes works by JS of Elgar, Sat 21 Nov, St Classical Bach, Vivaldi & John’s United Candlelight Rameau, Sun 15 Nov, Reformed Church, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, The Barber Institute, Stourbridge Fri 27 November For full listing information on classical Birmingham THE LUDLOW ORCHESTRA CENTRAL Programme includes After scoring a hit on X Factor in 2004, G4 concerts, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ENSEMBLE Programme works by Thomas became one of the country’s biggest includes works by Payne, Beethoven, crossover classical groups. Brahms, Finzi, Saint- Haydn & Mozart, Sat 21 CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA Vinnitskaya (piano). Saëns & Shostakovich, Nov, Ludlow Assembly Their debut album went straight to number AN ALPINE SYMPHONY Programme includes one and sold more than two hundred-and- Sun 15 Nov, Birming- Rooms, South Shrop- Programme includes works by Ravel, ham Conservatoire shire forty-five thousand copies, making it the works by Nielsen, Lind- Tchaikovsky & RAF IN CONCERT Evening LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- fastest-selling record of that year. berg & Strauss, Sun 1 Shostakovich, Wed 11 of musical entertain- CERT WITH THOMAS Although they disbanded three years and Nov, Symphony Hall, Nov, Symphony Hall, ment to commemorate TROTTER Programme three albums later - citing as the reason Birmingham Birmingham seventy-five years since includes works by SALOP BAND ‘TEA AT THE ORCHESTRA OF THE the historic Battle of Mozart, Handel, Part, their need to pursue individual interests - PALM COURT’ A nostal- SWAN WITH TAMSIN they reunited in 2014 for their tenth Britain, Sun 15 Nov, Anderson, Ponchielli, gic afternoon recreating WALEY-COHEN AND DAVID Symphony Hall, B’ham Mon 23 Nov, Birming- anniversary and are this month releasing the Palm Court Tea LE PAGE Programme I PURITANI Welsh ham Town Hall their new album, G4 Christmas. Dances of the 1930s - includes works by Han- National Opera present RISING STARS WITH HAR- To support the release, the boys are per- 1950s at Birmingham’s del, Bach & Stravinsky, Bellini's English Civil RIET KRIJGH (CELLO) Grand Hotel, Sun 1 Wed 11 Nov, Birming- War drama containing a Also featuring Magda forming a series of shows in numerous Nov, Lion Hotel, ham Town Hall beautiful churches and cathedrals across cavalcade of great Amara on piano. Pro- Shrewsbury BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- opera moments, & star- gramme includes works the country, one of which is this candlelit VLADIMIR ASHKENAZY TOIRE CHAMBER CHOIR: ring acclaimed tenor by Mendelssohn, Mes- Birmingham gig. Expect Christmas classics CONDUCTS... Pro- SUN KING Featuring Jef- Barry Banks, Tues 17 siaen, Johanna Doderer and carols aplenty. gramme includes works frey Skidmore (conduc- Nov, Birmingham Hip- & Franck, Mon 23 Nov, by Sibelius, Chopin & tor), Sun King is a three podrome Birmingham Town Hall Rachmaninov, Tues 3 hundredth anniversary ORLANDO Welsh Nation- QUARTET LAB Pro- Nov, Symphony Hall, celebration of the life of al Opera present a new gramme includes works Birmingham Europe’s longest serv- production of Handel's by Kurtag, Bartok & BAIBA SKRIDE: SCHU- ing monarch, Louis XIV, poignant drama explor- Beethoven, Wed 25 MANN Programme Wed 11 Nov, St Alban ing the destructive side Nov, The Barber Insti- includes works by Wag- the Martyr, Highgate, of love. Rebecca tute, Birmingham ner, Schumann & Birmingham Evans, one of the coun- CBSO FRIDAY NIGHT Brahms, Thurs 5 Nov, THE STRINGCREDIBLES A try's finest sopranos, CLASSICS: JAMES BOND Symphony Hall, B’ham musical journey from sings the role of Angeli- Featuring Stephen Bell NATHANIEL VALLOIS (VIO- 1914 to 1918 featuring ca, Wed 18 Nov, Birm- (conductor) & Lance LIN) AND DAVID QUIGLEY the music of Elgar, ingham Hippodrome Ellington (piano), Fri 27 (PIANO) Programme Shostokovich and TCHAIKOVSKY'S FOURTH Nov, Symphony Hall, includes works by Bridge alongside read- Programme includes Birmingham Lekeu, Debussy arr. ings from Michael Mor- works by Schubert, THE BAND OF HER Heifetz & Milhaud, Fri 6 purgo’s War Horse and Beethoven & MAJESTY’S ROYAL Jonathan Antoine Nov, The Barber Insti- Marcia Williams’ Tchaikovsky, Wed 18 MARINES SCOTLAND & tute, Birmingham Archie’s War, Thurs 12 Nov, Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, BAIBA SKRIDE WITH CBSO Nov, CBSO Centre, Birmingham TOIRE WIND ORCHESTRA Wed 11 November MUSICIANS Programme Birmingham ORCHESTRAS, ENSEM- Programme includes “There’s only one way to express what comprises Mozart’s JOHN WILSON & THE BLES AND CHAMBER works by Dunn, Zehle, Quintets, Fri 6 Nov, JOHN WILSON ORCHES- MUSIC: COMPOSERS' Ellerby & Arnold arr. music gives me,” explains nineteen-year- Symphony Hall, B’ham TRA Celebrating the old tenor Jonathan Antoine. “It gives me a ORCHESTRA Thurs 19 McDermot, amongst BRITISH CARNATIC CHOIR genius of George Nov, Birmingham Con- others, Fri 27 Nov, Adri- purpose. It gives me point. When I sing, I GRAND PREMIERE Pre- Gershwin, Thurs 12 servatoire an Boult Hall, Birming- can just be me.” sented by ShruthiUK, Nov, Symphony Hall, BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- ham Conservatoire Jonathan shot to stardom in the 2012 this evening perform- Birmingham TOIRE STRING ORCHES- ALEXANDER ULLMAN series of Britain’s Got Talent and has been ance features children, KING EDWARD'S SCHOOL TRA Programme (PIANO) AND MICHAEL young adults and pro- AND KING EDWARD VI steadily building his career ever since. includes works by PETROV (CELLO) A rare fessionals from across HIGH SCHOOL ANNUAL opportunity to hear His recent success is in stark contrast to Elgar, Mozart & Tippett, the region, Sat 7 Nov, CONCERT Fri 13 Nov, Fri 20 Nov, Birmingham Alexander and Michael the life he knew before he was famous, Birmingham Conserva- The Barber Institute, Conservatoire perform together. This though - he suffered a nervous breakdown toire Birmingham BIRMINGHAM BACH lunchtime concert sees after enduring relentless jibes from school- HALESOWEN CHORAL FRONTIERS: REHNQVIST CHOIR Paul Spicer con- the duo perform works SOCIETY PERFORM HAN- IN BIRMINGHAM - ducts Rossini’s Petite by Bach & Rachmani- mates about his twenty-stone weight. DEL’S MESSIAH. Con- THALLEIN Fri 13 Nov, “The overarching result of Britain’s Got Tal- Messe Solennelle, Sat nov, Fri 27 Nov, The ducted by Stephen Birmingham Conserva- 21 Nov, CBSO Centre. Barber Institute, Birm- ent is that I’m now in a far better place,” Davis, Sat 7 Nov, St. toire Birmingham ingham says the -born singer. “I’d like to say Margaret’s Church, CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC to those people who bullied me in former Halesowen CLASSICS: LA VIE EN present Puccini's tale of WINDS & UNIVERSITY CBSO: A YOUNG PER- ROSE Featuring Richard love and treachery. WIND BAND Sat 28 Nov, times: You actively tried to make me SON'S GUIDE TO THE Balcombe (conductor), unhappy, but now I’m far happier than Sung in Italian with Bramall Music Building, ORCHESTRA Featuring Graham Bickley & Mary English surtitles, Sat 21 Birmingham you’ll ever be.” Michael Seal (conduc- Carewe (vocalists), Fri Nov, Regent Theatre, CBSO: MAHLER’S FIRST tor) & Catherine Arlidge 13 Nov, Symphony Stoke-on-Trent Programme includes (presenter). Programme Hall, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL works by Ives, Bern- comprises Britten’s SING WITH THE SPIRIT: CHORAL SOCIETY: O RADI- stein & Mahler, Sat 28 Young Person's Guide JOHN RUTTER AT 70 Lud- ANT DAWN Conducted Nov, Symphony Hall, to the Orchestra, Sun 8 low Choral Society, by Patrick Larley & fea- Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, together with the turing organist Kevin UNIVERSITY MUSIC SOCI- Birmingham Ellesmere Chamber Gill, Sat 21 Nov, St. ETY SYMPHONY ORCHES- LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- Choir, present Mass of Paul's Church, B’ham TRA Programme CERT WITH THOMAS the Children & other BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY includes works by Rosi- TROTTER Programme popular pieces by John SINGERS AND UNIVERSI- na, Berio, Walton, includes works from Rutter, Sat 14 Nov, St TY WOMEN'S CHOIR Fea- Berlioz & Weill, Sun 29 Mushel, Duruflé, Thal- Laurences Church, turing Simon Halsey Nov, Bramall Music ben-Ball, Slominsky, Ludlow, South Shrop- (conductor) & Jonathan Building, Birmingham Humperdinck & How- shire Clinch (organ), Sat 21 OLIVER SHE IN RECITAL ells, Mon 9 Nov, Birm- SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Nov, Bramall Music Programme comprises ingham Town Hall Evening of great clas- Building, Birmingham Carl Vine’s Sonata RICHARD JENKINSON sics, dazzling lasers & ORGAN PROM WITH DR No.1; Brahms’ Seven (CELLO) Programme special effects, Sat 14 TOM CORFIELD Also fea- Fantasies Op 116 & comprises works by J.S Nov, Symphony Hall, turing David Burrowes Mussorgsky’s Pictures Bach & Kodaly, Mon 9 Birmingham & the Barbara Walton At An Exhibition, Mon Nov, The Lion Hotel, WURLITZER THEATRE Singers, Sat 21 Nov, 30 Nov, Birmingham Shrewsbury ORGAN CONCERTS Sun Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Town Hall CBSO WINTER DREAMS 15 Nov, The Buttermar- Trent Featuring Ben Gernon ket, Shrewsbury STOURBRIDGE CHAMBER (conductor) & Anna UNIVERSITY BAROQUE ORCHESTRA Evening www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy Nov - Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 11:30 Page 1 Comedy

One Man Breaking Bad Comedy Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 25 November Miles Allen racked up over one million hits Box Office when he posted a YouTube video in which he ARENA THEATRE, appeared as a homeless man doing Breaking WOLVERHAMPTON Bad impressions in return for food. 01902 321321 Not surprisingly, he quickly realised he was on BARCLAYCARD ARENA to a good thing and set about creating a stage 0121 780 4141 BIRMINGHAM show. This is the result. Taking sixty minutes in HIPPODROME which to cover all 0121 345 0600 sixty episodes of BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL the hit AMC series, 0844 338 5000 he brilliantly CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON impersonates pret- 0870 320 7000 ty much all the THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM characters in the 0121 333 2444 show - and man- THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, MUCH WENLOCK, SOUTH ages to be impres- SHROPSHIRE sively funny while 01952 728911 doing so. Reeves & Mortimer FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK, STAFFS Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 20 November; 01538 386112 Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Mon 23 November THE GEORGE HOTEL, Stephen K Amos “Destiny has led us to this point in time,” says Vic Reeves in speak- LICHFIELD 07816 778709 Lichfield Garrick, Wed 11 November ing about his and Bob Mortimer’s first live tour for twenty long years. THE GLEE CLUB, "I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait “Now, finally, the diversion of Reeves & Mortimer can be revealed in BIRMINGHAM & HANLEY for Lenny Henry to die before I could get on tel- full extent through a cornucopia of preposterous doggerel etc.” 0871 472 0400 evision," says Stephen K Amos, referring to his Vic and Bob first worked together over a quarter of a century ago. JONGLEURS COMEDY CLUB, BIRMINGHAM belief that big breaks for black comedians are They shot to stardom courtesy of a brand of anarchic comedy that 0870 011 1960 few and far between. blended surreal material with more traditional double-act fare such KATIE FITZGERALD’S, Whatever the truth, there's little question that as corny jokes and violent slapstick. STOURBRIDGE Stephen's very much basking in the televisual For a time in the 1990s they were pretty much the biggest names on 01384 374410 limelight these days. His success is no surprise, the UK comedy circuit. Their TV work included memorable shows KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM mind, given the quality of his material and his such as The Smell Of Reeves & Mortimer and Shooting Stars - and 0121 443 4725 effortless ability to strike all the right chords with even a remake of the cult 1960s television adventure series, Randall LICHFIELD GARRICK his ever-appreciative audience. & Hopkirk (Deceased). 01543 412 121 “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us,” MAC, BIRMINGHAM says Bob Mortimer. “Some people feel most alive when they’re on 0121 446 3232 MITCHELL ARTS CENTRE, fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure STOKE-ON-TRENT that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise 01782 409307 not to mention football, JLS or apricots during the performances. NATIONAL BREWERY Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will not be wearing a CENTRE, BURTON-UPON-TRENT toupé.” 01283 532 880 THE OLD POST OFFICE, BURTON-UPON-TRENT Alan Davies 07955 392511 THE OLD REP THEATRE, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, BIRMINGHAM Wed 18 November 0121 359 9444 Alan Davies has been a high-profile THE SLADE ROOMS, WOLVERHAMPTON Patrick Monahan television face for more than twenty 0870 320 7000 Lichfield Garrick, Sat 14 November; years now, first coming to promi- STAFFORD GATEHOUSE The Glee Club, Hanley, Sat 28 November nence in BBC detective series THEATRE Jonathan Creek. Further and 01785 619080 Half-Iranian, half-Irish comedian Patrick STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Monahan is no slouch when it comes to bring- numerous TV credits have fol- 01384 812960 ing up the subject of his own ethnicity on stage lowed - perhaps most notably SYMPHONY HALL, QI - ensuring he's remained BIRMINGHAM - after all, he’s got a quality opening gag about 0121 345 0600 spending all his holidays in customs, and he’s very much in the public con- ciousness since his late- THEATRE SEVERN, not afraid to use it! SHREWSBURY “Iran has been in the news twentieth century glory 01743 281281 pretty much constantly since days. He's here returning THEATR HAFREN, POWYS 01686 614555 I was a kid,” says Monahan. to his first love of stand- up comedy, determined VICTORIA HALL, “I guess I like to think that STOKE-ON-TRENT maybe I’m breaking down to prove that all those 0844 871 7677 stereotypes about Iranians. years of telly exposure WULFRUN HALL, haven't robbed him of WOLVERHAMPTON I’ve lost count of the number 0870 320 7000 of people who’ve come up his razor-sharp wit and cutting-edge WV1 RESTAURANT, to me after a show and said WOLVERHAMPTON they didn’t expect an Iranian take on the world 0871 222 2220 to be funny.” around him.

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& COMIC TBC Thurs 19 LISTINGS Nov, The Glee Club, Comedy PREVIEWS Comedy Birmingham SHAPPI KHORSANDI Thurs 19 Nov, The For full listing information on comedy Brewhouse Arts Centre, gigs including times and dates visit Burton-Upon-Trent www.whatsonlive.co.uk GERRY K, TIM CLARK & SPECIAL GUEST Fri 20 HARRY ENFIELD AND 11 Nov, Lichfield Nov, WV1 Restaurant, PAUL WHITEHOUSE Sun Garrick Wolverhampton 1 Nov, Civic Hall, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR VIC REEVES & BOB Wolverhampton Wed 11 Nov, Theatre MORTIMER Fri 20 Nov, JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun Severn, Shrewsbury Symphony Hall, 1 Nov, Birmingham FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN Birmingham Town Hall NERD Thurs 12 Nov, ANDREW BIRD, MICKEY D, PATRICK MONAHAN, SOL Stafford Gatehouse JO CAULFIELD & PRINCE BERNSTEIN, DESI Theatre ABDI Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov CENTRAL & TEZ ILYAS RUBY WAX Thurs 12 The Glee Club, B’ham Sun 1 Nov, The Glee Nov, Stourbridge Town JUNIOR SIMPSON, SEAN Club, Birmingham Hall PERCIVAL, MARK OLVER & DANA ALEXANDER, SUSAN LUCY BEAUMONT, KATIE JOE BROMEHEAD Fri 20 - MURRAY & MAUREEN MULGREW & HAYLEY Sat 21 Nov, Jongleurs YOUNGER Wed 4 Nov, ELLIS Thurs 12 Nov, Comedy Club, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Theatre Severn, Birmingham Birmingham Shrewsbury ROB BECKETT Sat 21 GARY DELANEY, ANGELA DAVID O'DOHERTY Thurs Nov, The Edge Arts BARNES & SCOTT 12 Nov, mac, B’ham Centre, Much Wenlock, BENNETT Thurs 5 Nov, ROB DEERING, MARTIN South Shropshire Bramall Music Building, MOR & COMEDY JAY HANDLEY Sat 21 Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Nov, mac, Birmingham ROB DEERING, DANNY ROBINSON Thurs 12 HARRY ENFIELD AND WARD, BEN BRIGGS, Nov, The Glee Club, PAUL WHITEHOUSE Sun HARRY STACHINI & ANDY Birmingham 22 Nov, Victoria Hall, KIND Thurs 5 Nov, JIM DAVIDSON Thurs 12 Stoke-On-Trent Foxlowe Arts Centre, Nov, Lichfield Garrick VIC REEVES & BOB Leek, Staffordshire JOE LYCETT Thurs 12 - MORTIMER Mon 23 Nov, BEN NORRIS, GEORGE Fri 13 Nov, The Glee Barclaycard Arena, Dave Gorman EGG, JACK CAMPBELL & Club, Birmingham Birmingham Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Sun 29 November BRYAN LACEY Thurs 5 HENNING WEHN Fri 13 ONE MAN BREAKING BAD Dave Gorman's approach to stand-up comedy seems to be that, as Nov, The George Hotel, Nov, Theatr Hafren, Wed 25 Nov, Stafford Lichfield Powys Gatehouse Theatre long as there's some room for him to stand up in, he'll do some com- MIKE BUBBINS, CHRIS JOSH WIDDICOMBE Fri 13 NISH KUMAR Thurs 26 edy! Why else would this intrepid funnyman have made the decision MCCAUSLAND & COMEDY Nov, Stafford Nov, The Glee Club, a couple of years back to tour not only to two thousand-seat theatres CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham but also to thirty-seat village halls, a barn, the odd hotel function ROBINSON Thurs 5 Nov SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 13 DAVE GORMAN Thurs 26 room and even a railway dining car?! Dave is still touring - but is now The Glee Club, B’ham Nov, The Slade Rooms, Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham being a bit more selective about the quality of venue he’s visiting! FITZ OF LAUGHTER Wolverhampton COMICS TBC Thurs 5 JUNIOR SIMPSON & JOEL JAMALI MADDIX, DANA Nov, Katie Fitzgerald's, DOMMETT Fri 13 Nov, ALEXANDER & COMEDY Stourbridge Mitchell Arts Centre, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY Stoke-on-Trent ROBINSON Thurs 26 NIGHT Thurs 5 Nov, DARA O'BRIAIN Thurs 12 Nov, The Glee Club, Stourbridge Town Hall - Sat 14 Nov, Birmingham KEVIN BRIDGES Fri 6 Birmingham ADAM KAY Thurs 26 Nov, Barclaycard Hippodrome Nov, mac, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham TOPPING AND BUTCH, CHRISTIAN SCHULTE - JIMMY CARR Fri 6 Nov, CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, LOH, TAMAR BROADBENT, Symphony Hall, B’ham YIANI AGISILAOU & KEVIN RUSS MULLIGAN, BOBBY DAN CLARK Fri 6 Nov MCCARTHY Fri 13 - Sat FREEMAN & COMIC TBC The Glee Club, B’ham 14 Nov, Jongleurs Fri 27 Nov, National RUDI LICKWOOD, GLENDA Comedy Club, Brewery Centre, JAXON & JUNIOR BOOKER Birmingham Burton-Upon-Trent Fri 6 Nov, The Drum, ROB DEERING, MARTIN SARAH MILLICAN Fri 27 - Birmingham MOR, CHRIS KENT & DAVE Sat 28 Nov, Civic Hall, GEOFF NORCOTT, LUKE FULTON Fri 13 - Sat 14 Wolverhampton TOULSON & TOBY Nov, The Glee Club, GEOFF NORCOTT, JOJO HADOKE Fri 6 Nov, Birmingham SMITH, ROBERT WHITE & Jongleurs Comedy HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI JIM CAMPBELL Fri 27 - Club, Birmingham Sat 14 Nov, mac, Sat 28 Nov, Jongleurs MIKE BUBBINS, CHRIS Birmingham Comedy Club, MCCAUSLAND, ED JAMES ACASTER Sat 14 Birmingham GAMBLE & CARL Nov, Theatre Severn, JAMALI MADDIX, DANA DONNELLY Fri 6 - Sat 7 Shrewsbury ALEXANDER, JARRED Nov, The Glee Club, PATRICK MONAHAN, RUSS CHRISTMAS & TIM CLARK Birmingham MULLIGAN & RORY Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, The HARRY ENFIELD AND O'HANLON Sat 14 Nov, Glee Club, Birmingham PAUL WHITEHOUSE Sat 7 Lichfield Garrick NATHAN CATON, PATRICK Nov, Barclaycard SEAN HUGHES Sun 15 MONAHAN, IAN SMITH & Arena, Birmingham Nov, The Glee Club, LEE RIDLEY Sat 28 Nov ANDY KIND, AARON Birmingham The Glee Club, Hanley TWITCHEN, LIAM TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! JOHN SCOTT, JELLYBEAN PICKFORD, KATE MCCABE Mon 16 Nov, The Blue MARTINEZ, PATRICK Rob Beckett & PAUL SAVAGE Sat 7 Orange Theatre, DRAPER & SCOTT Nov, Arena Theatre, Birmingham BENNETTSat 28 Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shropshire, Wolverhampton ALAN DAVIES Wed 18 The Old Post Office, Sat 21 November SEAN HUGHES Sun 8 Nov, Theatre Severn, Burton-upon-Trent First tickling the nation’s collective funny bone in 2009, Rob Beckett’s Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DAVE GORMAN Sun 29 TV work includes 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice. Shrewsbury BILL BAILEY Wed 18 - Nov, Wulfrun Hall, JIM DAVIDSON Sun 8 Thurs 19 Nov, Civic Wolverhampton A high-tempo comedian who’s been described by one newspaper as Nov, Stafford Hall, Wolverhampton SARAH MILLICAN Sun 29 ‘little short of a revelation’, Rob claims his relationship with comedy Gatehouse Theatre PAM ANN Thurs 19 Nov, Nov, Civic Hall, began as a youngster when, as the middle child desperate for atten- JIM DAVIDSON Tues 10 New Alexandra Theatre, Wolverhampton tion, he set out to make his friends and family chuckle (or better still, Nov, New Alexandra Birmingham SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sun belly laugh). Theatre, Birmingham CHRIS RAMSEY Thurs 19 29 Nov, The Glee Club, NINA CONTI Wed 11 Nov, Nov, Theatre Severn, Birmingham Gags include: “You know you're working class when your TV’s bigger Birmingham Town Hall Shrewsbury than your bookcase”. STEPHEN K. AMOS Wed ANDREW BIRD, MICKEY D For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Lord of the flies DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:42 Page 1

feature Games Without Frontiers Regent’s Park Theatre’s Lord Of The Flies comes to the Birmingham REP

26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Lord of the flies DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 20:42 Page 2

William Golding’s dystopian novel, Lord Of The Flies, recounts the story of a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island who try to govern themselves. An outdoor stage adaptation of the story is this month being brought to The REP by London’s award-winning Regent’s Park Theatre. Here, Heather Kincaid talks to the show’s director, Timothy Sheader, about the play, Golding’s classic novel, and the challenges of shifting an outdoor production indoors...

Bags, suitcases and assorted laundry spill The play itself seems fairly unambiguous in productions. For an outdoor theatre director, out into the audience and over the its conclusions about where the responsibility there's plenty to consider - including the surrounding trees, belched indiscriminately for children's atrocities lies. The ‘beast’ that effect of natural changes in the light as day from the ragged, metal-toothed maw of an becomes a symbol of the boys' turns to night. This transformation ties in aeroplane's severed corpse. murderousness is born from the fevered neatly with Lord Of The Flies' story of descent The piled luggage is an incongruous splash imagination of the youngest character, who into savage chaos. Sheader believes that the of colour in an otherwise dull and forbidding discovers a dead soldier strung from a tree revival has benefited from scheduling later in set, a disconcerting reminder of the ordinary by his own parachute. This adult - a trained the season (the original production ran in lives its fictional owners left behind. killer - hangs like a grotesque spectre over May), with the deeper, earlier darkness Before an actor's foot has even graced the the kids as they act out a micro version of the rendering certain scenes even more chilling. stage, the heightened drama of this scene war they have been sent away from. Bearing Matinees, meanwhile, tend to be a little less anticipates the explosive impact of the show silent, passive witness to the carnage, as we scary, thus better suited to younger viewers. to follow: a well-timed, touring revival of might a lurid news broadcast, we the As artistic director of Regent's Park, Sheader Regent's Park's 2011 Lord Of The Flies, audience become complicit, too. brings the ‘helpful baggage’ of these visiting the Birmingham REP this month. considerations to every show, his uniquely With the original production having played in Despite its earlier achievements, there have privileged knowledge of the space informing the open-air theatre to rave reviews and inevitably been some changes to the programming decisions. widespread acclaim, its success was, production since 2011. “I look for big stories with an epic quality, according to director Timothy Sheader, a key “It's been edited, so it's shorter and tighter,” concerned with ideas and often with non- factor in the company's decision to begin says Sheader. “I think it's better. But the most naturalistic language. It's got to be robust touring its work. important thing is that the actors have enough to stand up to ambient noise and “There's such a lack of quality touring drama changed. They're different people with distractions. And popular - ‘populist’ is often today, particularly for young audiences. It's different backgrounds, so that affects how the seen as a shameful thing to say in theatre, noticeably diminished in my theatre-going story is told.” but I want to encourage as many different lifetime,” he laments. “I was really proud of types of people into the theatre as possible, this production as a piece of work for Led by Luke Ward-Wilkinson and Freddie because I think this is the perfect place for younger audiences, and that made me think Watkins as warring ‘chiefs’ Ralph and Jack, breaking down boundaries.” that four weeks perhaps wasn't quite enough the cast's professionalism is astonishing. to exploit it in this venue.” Performances crackle with a raw, electrifying From its contemporary resonances to its energy, their nuance, confidence and huge scale and ambition, Lord Of The Flies While the story might concern children, it's complexity belying the actors' years. It's rare certainly fits the bill. But will there be certainly not for the faint-hearted. Like William enough to come across a faultless cast, rarer noticeable differences when the play arrives Golding, Sheader is unflinching in his still to discover so much talent among actors on an indoor stage in Birmingham? portrayal of children's capacity for this inexperienced, but Sheader and his team “This production is designed for indoor committing, and falling victim to, atrocities. have managed the seemingly impossible task theatres. I was initially worried that the new This subject, he feels, could be more relevant of assembling the right lads for the job. set would look small on our stage here. [In now than ever. “It was really hard,” he confesses. “We met 2011], we used a real aeroplane that was “Unfortunately, I don't think this story goes three hundred-and-sixty boys. They had to be lifted in by crane. This is all scenic, so it can out of date. We're even more exposed to at least eighteen, and we're playing them as be flat-packed and put in a van. What we these kind of events today than people were about fourteen in our heads, which is older won't have are the trees, so for the backdrop in the 1950s [when Lord Of The Flies was than in the novel, but it's as young as they we'll have layers of painted cloths.” written]. Then, it was more of a ‘what if?’. could get away with. We had to consider Having studied in Birmingham, Sheader is Now, we've all seen terribly tragic examples height, physicality and the right mix of skills. looking forward to returning, noting its move of violence from and against children and They have to be strong and physically adept. towards a more creative, ‘European’ vibe in young people in the news - whether it's child Acting-wise they're so inexperienced that it recent years. soldiers in Africa, teenage girls running away mostly came down to intuition.” In late February, the play will also show at to Syria, or horrible youth gangs and murder It makes sense that such recent school- nearby Warwick Arts Centre. Perhaps this cases in disenfranchised pockets of our own leavers would instinctively recognise tour will pave the way for more Regent's Park country.” themselves and their classmates in the productions to visit the Midlands in the characters. Still, the sheer hard work involved future... Today, the devastation that opens this play in creating this show should not be will look uncomfortably familiar to anyone underestimated. with a television set or internet connection. Yet even surrounded by such horrors, Luckily, inclement weather hasn't been Sheader states that he does not support what something that cast or crew have particularly some have taken to be Golding's message - had to battle with during this run - though the notion of an innate evil in humanity that sometimes even this can be a blessing in inevitably manifests in the absence of law disguise. and order. With this in mind, I wonder “We only stop performances for health and whether there's a difference between safety reasons, not for the comfort of the directing an adaptation and working from an performers or the audience, so there's a tacit original script. agreement that we'll carry on. The best “I think it is different because you've always strategy is just to prepare everybody and got that original source material to hand. It's ensure the right call is made. And actually, Lord Of The Flies shows at Birmingham not that one doesn't trust the playwright or the production is made for all sorts of REP from Tues 3 to Sat 7 November, and changes their words, but going back to the weather. I imagine that the killing of Simon then at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, original text can help to understand their would look fantastic in the rain.” from Tues 23 to Sat 27 February. choices.” Weather isn't the only variable in open-air

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Autumn 2015 A new look for a new season

Tue 10 & I puritani Wed 11 Nov From £15 Bellini Orlando Handel NEW PRODUCTION

Mon 2 - Thu 12 - Tue 17 & Sat 7 Nov Sat 14 Nov Wed 18 Nov From £18 £23 From £16.50

Sweeney

Todd Thu 19 - Tue 9 - Wed 9 Mar - Sondheim Sat 21 Nov Sat 13 Feb Sat 23 Apr NEW PRODUCTION From £16.50 From £18.50 From £25

Fri 27 Nov - Sat 19 Dec - Sun 13 Dec Sun 31 Jan From £19 From £14

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p/min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre November Region 2 New.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 11:51 Page 2 Theatre

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 2 - Sat 7 November X Factor finalist Rachel Adedeji (starring as Mary Magdalene) joins and Jesus of Nazareth. leading musical theatre performers Glenn Carter and Tim Rogers in With hits like I Don’t Know How To Love Him, Hosanna, What’s The this new touring version of and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Buzz? and, of course, the title track itself to recommend it, the show phenomenal rock opera. remains one of the most visually startling in the history of musical The production was the legendary duo’s second collaboration and theatre. Read our interview with Glenn Carter at whatsonlive.co.uk highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot

A Murder Is Announced Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 11 - Sat 14 November; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 24 - Sat 28 November When the residents of Chipping Cleghorn read an advert in the local newspaper announcing that a murder will take place at the home of Letitia Blacklock, they gather at the house at the appointed time. The lights go out, a gun is fired - and the indomitable Miss Marple suddenly finds her- self with yet another baffling murder-mystery on her hands... Judy Cornwell - best known as lovable working-class housewife Daisy in popular 1990s sitcom Keeping Up Appearances - takes the starring role as Christie’s legendary spinster sleuth. The show is presented by the highly rated Middle Ground Theatre Company.

Beryl The REP, Birmingham, Tues 24 - Sat 28 November Five times world pursuit champion, thirteen times national pursuit champion and twice road-racing world champion, unsung sporting legend Beryl Burton was a truly remarkable woman, bagging cycling title after cycling title while at the same time managing to be both a wife and a mother. Maxine Peake’s critically acclaimed play celebrates the achievements of this record-breaking performer who, during her all-too-short lifetime, was awarded both an OBE and an MBE.

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NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE THE MET STUDIO Sun 8th Nov, 7.30pm MARTY WILDE AND Sat 7 Nov THE WILDCATS Enjoy an intimate evening with A fantastic evening awaits John Challis, one of the nation’s greatest comedy as Marty and the band actors, best known as Boycie entertain you on this stun- in BBC1’s Only Fools and ning musical roller coaster. Horses. In this brand new show the national treasure will reveal secrets from the set and 7.30pm, £15 Tickets: £20.50 his dazzling career.

JIM DAVIDSON Wed 11th Nov, 7.30pm GATEHOUSE THEATRE STEPHEN K AMOS - THE LAUGHTER Sun 8 Nov 16+ MASTER The people’s favourite and one of Britain’s greatest ever come- The maestro of feel-good dians, Jim Davidson OBE takes to the road with his brand new comedy is back! show Charlton Nil. Tickets: £17.00 7.30pm, £23.50/£21.50 concs

Thu 12th Nov, 7.30pm FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD: JIM DAVIDSON - JUST FOR GRAPHS CHARLTON NIL GATEHOUSE THEATRE Guaranteed to be an irreverent, outrageous and Thu 12 Nov truthful night. The science comedy phenom- enon returns with an all-new For one night only! show that’s off the chart! Join acclaimed stand-up mathe- Tickets: £23.50 matician Matt Parker, experi- ments maestro Steve Mould and geek songstress Helen 14+ Arney for graph-a-minute fun! Fri 13th Nov, 7.30pm 8.00pm, £15 / £13 concs BUDDY HOLLY AND THE CRICKETERS This breathtaking show has PAM AYRES rock 'n' rolled audiences GATEHOUSE THEATRE across the globe and is guaranteed to have every- Sun 22 Nov one singing and dancing in 40 years after she first appeared the aisles. on TV’s Opportunity Knocks Pam Ayres returns to the Gatehouse Tickets: £21.00 following the recent release of her latest book of poetry.

Sun 15th Nov, 7.30pm SOUNDS OF THE GLENN MILLER ERA 5.00pm, £21 Recapture the sounds of a bygone era as the Nick Ross Orchestra presents ‘an NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: unmissable evening of OF MICE AND MEN music and song’. GATEHOUSE THEATRE Tickets: £22.50

Wed 18th & Thu 19th Nov, 7.30pm BRUMMEGEM PALS

The story of best mates as 7.00pm, £12.50/£10 concs they enlist and serve together through the First Tue 24 Nov World War. Written by and The hit Broadway production Of Mice and Men, filmed on stage starring Malcom Stent and in New York by National Theatre Live. Starring Golden Globe win- Don Maclean. ner and Academy Award Nominee James Franco, and Tony Tickets: £19.50 Award nominee Chris O’Dowd.

ONE MAN BREAKING BAD Sat 21st Nov, 7.30pm GATEHOUSE THEATRE LEE MEAD - Wed 25 Nov SOME ENCHANTED Sixty awesome episodes, one EVENING awesome show, yo! Join us on a Lee brings this enchanting rip roaring ride through the great- era to life with haunting est television show ever made. melodies and lyrics from With over a million hits on You another time. Tube, Miles Allen breaks all six seasons into one exhilarating, Tickets: £26.00 uproarious performance.

7.30pm, £18.50

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com BOOKONLINE LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, Box Office 01785 619080 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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Theatre PREVIEWS The Winter’s Tale New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 3 - Sat 7 November One of Shakespeare’s later and lesser- known works, The Winter's Tale tells the story of Perdita, who, after being lost at sea as a baby, is rescued and brought up by an old shepherd. When she meets the king’s son, Florizel, love soon blossoms amid the rustic revelry... Conrad Nelson is at the helm of this latest version of the play, which is being presented by Northern Broadsides in partnership with Harrogate Theatre. WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Guys And Dolls to enter New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 24 November - Sat 5 December The award-winning Sophie Thompson and David Haig here headline a high-energy cast alongside Jamie Parker. Opening on a Broadway bustling with tourists and chorus girls, this legendary musical finds Nathan Detroit in dire need of some gambling money. Luckily for Nathan, he counts among his acquaintances Sky Masterson, one of the greatest gamblers in the country and a man who’ll bet on pretty much anything. “For a close relationship that can last us through all the years of our life,” says Sky, “no doll can take the place of aces back to back.” When Nathan bets Sky he can persuade Sarah Brown of the Save A Soul mission to go to The Great Gatsby Cuba with him, the stage is set for a warm-hearted tale of love and laughter. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 23 - Expect nifty dancing, high-stakes gambling, a little repenting and some truly fabulous Broad- Wed 25 November; Theatre Severn, Shrews- way numbers, including Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat. bury, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 January The hugely innovative Blackeyed Theatre is the company behind this new stage adapta- tion of F Scott Fitzgerald's literary master- Write Me A Murder La Merda piece. Set in the American Jazz Age of the The Grange Playhouse, Walsall, mac, Birmingham, Sun 8 - Mon 9 November Roaring Twenties, the story focuses on the Wed 18 - Sat 28 November If you like your performers to keep their quixotic passion of mysterious millionaire Jay Now in their sixty-fourth season, the Grange clothes on during a production, La Merda - Gatsby for the beautiful former debutante, Players remain as committed as ever to their which, translated, means Shit - is most defi- Daisy Buchanan. original remit - to encourage the local com- nitely not the show for you. In the process of recounting the tale - told munity's interest in drama and theatre Be warned, though - you will be missing an though the eyes of Gatsby's Long Island through a presentation of entertaining pro- award-winning hour of theatre that’s various- neighbour, Nick Carraway - Fitzgerald pres- ductions. ly been described as ‘mesmerising’, ‘com- ents not only the story of a delightfully deca- The company’s latest undertaking is pelling’ and ‘terrifying’. dent decade but also a cautionary tale about described as ‘a study in suspense’ and finds Silvia Gallerano is naked throughout as she the American Dream... Clive and David Rodingham inheriting the reveals her secrets and desires, not least family fortune. But when the brothers meet among which is a hatred of her own thighs businessman Charles and his wife Julie, a and a yearning for celebrity that’s so strong would-be thriller writer, it isn’t too long before she’d even eat faeces to achieve it... thoughts turn to murder...

Yvette The Edge Arts Centre, Wed 25 November; The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 28 November; Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Wed 2 December; SpArC, Bishop’s Castle, South Shropshire, Thurs 3 December Shrewsbury theatre ensemble Dogpole Drama Company here present a new play Macbeth based on the 1884 novella of the same title Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, by Guy de Maupassant. A Parisian drama Wed 25 - Sat 28 November based around the subjects of love and Having been spurred into action by the money, Yvette tells the story of a young con- prophesies of three supernatural women, vent girl and her bordello-owning mother, Macbeth’s ambition gets the better of him. who suddenly find themselves being enthusi- Merrily We Roll Along With his good lady wife egging him on, he astically pursued by two playboy bachelors... The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, embarks on a campaign of cold-blooded Sat 14 - Sun 15 November murder. Slaughtering first Duncan and then ’s musical tells the story his own best friend, Banquo, Macbeth of fictional Hollywood producer Franklin begins to lose his grip on sanity. He soon Shepard, a man who chose to leave behind decides that the only course of action open him his friends and songwriting career for a to him is to commit even more atrocities - shot at fame and fortune in Tinseltown. including the murder of women and chil- The production is presented by Voices In dren... The show is presented by Two Score Partnership, a local choir who last year Years And Ten, a company featuring, with enjoyed success with another popular Sond- only the odd exception, actors aged fifty and heim musical, Into The Woods. older.

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Saturday 7th November at 7.30pm Saturday 14th November at 8pm Wednesday 18th November at 7.30pm JAZZ AT THE ARENA JUICE PARTISANS COMEDY CLUB

Single Shoe Productions CRAZY GLUE

Tickets: £10 Tickets: £15, £13 concs. Tickets: £10, £8 concs.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Circus Of Horrors Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 20 November An off-kilter affair that bears more resem- blance to a freak show than any modern def- inition of a circus, the one-time Britain’s Got Talent finalists here present a world beyond political correctness and taste. With the per- formers dressed in a manner reminiscent of The Rocky Horror Show, there’s no denying the skill of those participating - or indeed the ensemble’s sheer ‘wow’ factor. This latest offering features ‘sword swallow- ers, demon dwarfs, death-defying aerialists and fire-limboing acrobats’. It climaxes in what’s being described by the company as ‘an awesome flaming apocalypse’.

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Brave New World to enter Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 3 - Sat 7 November Aldous Huxley’s most famous work, Brave New World has been ranked fifth by the Modern ’Allo ’Allo Library on its list of the one hundred best English-language novels of the twentieth century. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Set in London in AD 2540, it presents a vision of a future in which people are always happy, Wed 4 - Sat 7 November religion redundant, and war an atrocity of the dim-and-distant past. But behind the facade of ’Allo ’Allo is another in the long line of stage a benign world state promoting peace and contentment lie a number of uncomfortable reali- shows derived from classic television sit- ties - including the horrors of a genetically engineered class system... coms. Theatrical versions of The Vicar Of Dibley, Dad’s Army, Steptoe And Son, Por- ridge, Birds Of A Feather and Dinnerladies right - this is a spoof private-eye story! Fur- have all done the rounds in recent years. Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde ther evidence is provided by the names of its The show follows hapless World War Two Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, cast of supporting characters - The Fat Man cafe owner Rene Artois as he not only fends Wed 11 - Thurs 12 November (who’s lost a lot of weight), Gott and Himmel, off amorous waitresses and his ever- Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic gothic Lauren Barcardi and Betty Cleaner. The pur- demanding wife but also endeavours to novella tells the tale of a brilliant but obses- veyors of this evening of mirth are The New assist the escape of two British airmen. And sive scientist whose sadistic alter-ego wreaks Old Friends, highly regarded for their comic all while dealing with a visit from the Fuhrer... havoc across Victorian London. songwriting and happy to employ both pup- Presented by the Stafford Players. This dark, twisted tale about love, redemp- petry and slapstick routines in the name of tion and the seductive power of evil is here comedy. Promising to be ‘family-friendly’ and presented by the Birmingham-based Ambi- ‘fun-packed’, this is a show that’s well worth Brummegem Pals ent Night Productions, which previously investigating if you’re looking for an enjoy- Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, Shropshire, enjoyed success with its version of Willy Rus- ably silly night out at the theatre. Sat 7 November; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 13 sell’s hit 1970s comedy, Our Day Out. November; Lichfield Garrick, Wed 18 - Thurs Some of the show’s scenes contain strong 19 November violence and may not be suitable for young Sweeney Todd Popular Midlands comedians and long-time children. Parental discretion is advised. Birmingham Hippodrome, chums Malcolm Stent and Don Maclean Thurs 19 - Sat 21 November came together last year to write this thought- provoking story about two ordinary boys The hugely talented caught up in the horrors of the Great War. make a welcome return to the region with Seventeen-year-old best pals Jackie and this critically acclaimed version of Stephen Danny are looking for adventure. When war Sondheim’s Broadway hit. Described as a is declared, they sign up to one of Field Mar- musical thriller, the show follows the diaboli- shal Lord Kitchener’s Pals Battalions - and cal endeavours of demon barber Sweeney look ahead to a conflict that everybody imag- Todd and his pie-making accomplice, Mrs ined would be over by Christmas... Lovett, as they slice and bake their way through London. This James Brining version sees the blood- letting action transposed to the late 1970s.

The Falcon’s Malteser Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 10 November A show which plays around with a classic detective-novel title like The Maltese Falcon (The Falcon’s Malteser - geddit?) is nailing its colours pretty firmly to the mast. Yep, that’s

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Mon 16th November DOUG ALLAN: LIFE BEHIND THE LENS Time: 7.30pm

Thur 19th November THE SINATRA CENTENNIAL CONCERT Time: 7.30pm

Mon 23rd November NEIL SANDS CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Time: 2.00pm

Fri 27th November THE FARM Time: 8.00pm

Sat 28th November MOTOWN PARTY NIGHT WITH BACK 2 MIAMI Time: 7.30pm

Sun 24th January 2016 ODDSOCKS PRESENT THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR Time: 7.30pm

Tues 2nd February 2016 CIRCUS OF HORRORS Time: 7.30pm

Fri 5th February 2016 ALL STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING Time: 7.30pm

Fri 12th & Sat 13th February 2016 THE RETURN OF NEVERLAND Time: 7.30pm, Sat Mat 2.00pm

TWC GP 01039

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a two-hander concerning two strangers, both haunted LISTINGS by living ghosts, Wed 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Theatre Coventry For full listing information on theatre LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS, LEMONS A two-han- der which imagines a world where we're forced to say productions, including times and dates, less, Wed 4 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk ‘ALLO ‘ALLO Stafford Players present an amateur staging of David Croft & Jeremy Lloyd’s comedy, based on the popular TV series, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Nov, Stafford Gate- house Theatre Commencing SUN 1 NOV LES MISERABLES Amateur production presented by West Bromwich Operatic Society, Wed 4 - Sat 7 Nov, Lichfield GREAT EXPECTATIONS The Crescent Theatre Company Garrick presents its version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, until THE WIZARD OF OZ Get Your Wigle On present an ama- Sat 7 Nov, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham teur version of the much-loved musical, Wed 4 - Sun 8 SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET Pre- Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury sented by Blue Orange Arts in association with Night LOSERS Tit4Twat present a performance which blurs lines NOVEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Project Theatre, until Sat 7 Nov, The Blue Orange The- between interactive theatre, live art and cabaret, Thurs 5 atre, Birmingham Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry RELATIVELY SPEAKING Bear Pit Theatre Company present ONLY FOOLS & BOYCIE An intimate evening with actor 9-14 November, 7.30pm Alan Ayckbourn's comic masterpiece, until Sat 7 Nov, Saturday Matinee 2.30pm John Challis, Thurs 5 Nov, The Place, Oakengates The- Little Thetare Company presents The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed Church, atre, Telford The Flint Street Nativity Stratford-upon-Avon SOME PEOPLE TALK ABOUT VIOLENCE Barrel Organ explore Tickets £10 , Conc. £9 LOVE FOR LOVE Selina Cadell makes her RSC directorial what violence means and what it might look like. Show- debut with Congreve's restoration comedy, where love ing as part of Emerge Festival, Thurs 5 Nov, Warwick for love is stronger than love for money, until Fri 22 Jan, Arts Centre, Coventry The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon SPIRIT OF THE BLITZ: 75TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE 17 November, 1pm TREE FU TOM LIVE Children’s show starring the world's Special commemorative show celebrating the songs Chetham’s School of smallest superhero, direct from the smash-hit CBeebies and stars that kept Britain smiling through its darkest Music series, Sun 1 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent days, Thurs 5 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Tickets £10 , Students £5 HOW THE KOALA LEARNT TO HUG A charming tale about LET THE RIGHT ONE IN A stage adaptation by Jack Thorne, the magic of family and the importance of a nice warm based on the novel and film by John Ajvide Lindqvist, hug! Based on the book How The Koala Learnt To Hug, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Nov, Dream Factory, Warwick by Steven Lee, this charming production is back on tour ROCK 'N' ROLL TO BROADWAY Presented by Brownhills 19 November, 8pm for its fifth anniversary celebration, Sun 1 Nov, Artrix, Musical Theatre Company and featuring iconic musical Shappi Korsandi: Bromsgrove numbers from the past to the present, Thurs 5 - Sat 7 Because I’m Shappi DIVORCE PAPERS Following his huge success with Dolly Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock House in 2014, Jamaica’s king of comedy Oliver Tickets £14 , Conc. £12 GET HAPPY: THE JUDY GARLAND STORY Linder Productions Samuels is back with another blockbuster, Sun 1 Nov, present international musical theatre actress Sally Jones New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham in a celebration of the life story of the legendary Judy MILKSHAKE LIVE Starring Milkshake presenter Amy and Garland, Fri 6 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury some of the channel's favourite characters, this new A WULFRUN HOME An inclusive community cast of per- 28 November, 8pm show is sure to have children singing and dancing, Sun The Madhouse presents formers from Arty Party in Telford, WoW Theatre in Pete Riley & Shamona 1 Nov, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford Wolverhampton and children from local Wolverhampton HE HAD HAIRY HANDS Kill The Beast presents its critically schools use dance, theatre, film and storytelling to share Tickets £10 adv , Otd £12 acclaimed 1970s detective werewolf mystery, wrapped their ideas, thoughts and visions about home, Fri 6 Nov, up in an 'hilarious Hammer Horror', Mon 2 Nov, mac, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Birmingham PYGMALION London Contemporary Theatre presents its TEECHERS South Staffordshire College Performing Arts version of the story of phonetics expert Henry Higgins present an amateur staging of John Godber’s classroom and his social experiment - Eliza Doolittle, Fri 6 Nov, The 1& 2 December, 1.30pm & comedy, Mon 2 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury 6.30pm ALADDIN Timeless pantomime presented by Cannock MMORPG Improvised comedy with table top gaming Box Clever Theatre presents Wood and Gentleshaw Musical Society, Mon 2 - Thurs 5 where every show is different, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, A Christmas Carol Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Tickets £8 , Conc £6, Students & KING CHARLES III Robert Powell takes the lead in Mike STORIES FROM A CROWDED ROOM Earthfall presents its Children £5 Bartlett’s Olivier Award-winning future history play, Mon twenty-fifth anniversary production in which it explores 2 - Sat 7 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire (read the stories in motion through highly physical dance, live review at whatsonlive.co.uk) music, text and encircling film, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, mac, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Birmingham 12 December, 8pm Webber's iconic musical, starring Glenn Carter as Jesus, The Madhouse presents I AM JACK The Swan Youth Theatre present an amateur Luke Jackson & Tim Rogers as Judas Iscariot and X Factor finalist staging of William Douglas’ ‘gripping’ new play, explor- Annabelle Bartram Rachel Adedaji as Mary Magdalene, Mon 2 - Sat 7 Nov, ing the man behind the monster that was Jack The Rip- Tickets £10 adv , Otd £12 Birmingham Hippodrome per, Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester MY MOTHER SAID I NEVER SHOULD South Staffordshire THE ROADLESS TRIP Artsadmin present Sarah Woods' par- College Performing Arts present Charlotte Keatley’s play, ticipatory theatrical experience which fuses various cre- which explores the difficult relationships between moth- ative elements to explore and create a positive future, 18 December, 1.30pm & ers and daughters, Tues 3 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Sat 7 Nov, The REP, Birmingham 6.30pm LOST IN SPACES Award-winning writer, poet, performer CLICK.COM Rural Theatre Players present Paul Costello’s The People’s Theatre Company presents and rights activist Penny Pepper presents her highly Santa In Love comic romp through the joys and pitfalls of internet dat- anticipated one-woman show which interweaves the per- ing for ‘mature’ people, Sat 7 Nov, The Coach House, Tickets £8.50 includes a present sonal and the universal, drawing on long-kept journals for each child Malvern Theatre mixed with poetry, spoken word and music, Tues 3 Nov, OZZIE AND THE SECRET FOREST Fun, songs and audience Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton participation for two-to-nine-year-olds, Sat 7 Nov, The GOING GREEN Opus Theatre present David Tristram’s lat- Swan Theatre, Worcester est comedy, Tues 3 Nov, Bedworth Civic Hall SHE CALLED ME MOTHER Starring Cathy Tyson, directed IN THE MOTHERHOOD World premiere of Hayley Pepper's by Cara Nolan, Sat 7 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry new play, Tues 3 - Wed 4 Nov, The REP, Birmingham BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm Stent SEASON'S GREETINGS A comedy by Alan Ayckbourn about and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a moving story the misery and high jinks of an average family Christ- of two ordinary boys caught up in the horrors of the mas, Tues 3 - Fri 6 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Great War, Sat 7 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch BRAVE NEW WORLD A Touring Consortium Theatre Com- THE OWL WHO WAS AFRAID OF THE DARK A blend of live pany and Royal & Derngate Northampton production of music, puppetry and storytelling, based on the classic Aldous Huxley's fantasy of the future, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, children's book by Jill Tomlinson. Suitable for three-to- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre seven-year-olds, Sat 7 Nov, The Roses Theatre, Tewkes- FLARE PATH The stories of RAF bomber crews in World bury War Two and their sweethearts at home, waiting for their A TRANSLATION OF SHADOWS Stan's Cafe explore the role return, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry of a Benshi, a narrator of the first silent films to arrive in LORD OF THE FLIES Great Leap Forward present William Japan, Sat 7 Nov, Warwick Arts Shadows, Coventry Goulding's twentieth century classic, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, BABES IN THE WOOD Encore Academy give a modern The REP, Birmingham twist to a classic fairytale, Sat 7 Nov, Dovehouse The- CRAZY FOR YOU St Alphege Musical Production Society atre, Solihull Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, present an amateur production of the much-loved CRAZY GLUE Single Shoe Productions present a tragi- Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA Gershwin musical, Tues 3 - Sat 7 Nov, Solihull Arts Com- comedy about loss, inspired by Etgar Keret's short story, 01283 508100 plex Sat 7 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Box office: . ONLY FOOLS AND... BOYCIE An intimate evening with actor JOAN An earthy story of courage, conviction, hope, sur- www.brewhouse.co.uk John Challis, Wed 4 Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- vival and love, Sat 7 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ster THE BOY WHO BIT PICASSO With storytelling, music and GHOST OPERA Award-winning Fellswoop Theatre present lots of chances to make your own art, this hands-on

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Albany Theatre, Coventry ton Spa CYRANO DE BERGERAC Second Thoughts Drama TERRIERS Drama exploring the pressures placed on Theatre LISTINGS Group present an amateur production of Edmund young people by gang culture, Tues 17 Nov, The Rostand's classic tragi-comic story, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford For full listing information on theatre Nov, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed I PURITANI Welsh National Opera present Bellini's Church, Stratford-upon-Avon English Civil War drama, containing a cavalcade of productions, including times and VAMPIRES ROCK Thurs 12 Nov, New Alexandra The- great opera moments and starring acclaimed tenor dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk atre, Birmingham Barry Banks, Tues 17 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm drome family show introduces one of the twentieth centu- Stent and Don Maclean. A moving story of two ordi- MACBETH The Pantaloons Theatre Company put ry’s most influential artists through the eyes of a nary boys caught up in the horrors of the Great their own contemporary spin on Shakespeare's young boy. Be sure to wear some play-clothes War, Thurs 12 Nov, Stratford Artshouse most dangerous play, Tues 17 Nov, Artrix, Broms- because it’s going to get messy! Sat 7 Nov, War- DRACULA Bram Stoker’s classic tale of the vampire, grove wick Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 12 Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall BAREFACED Big Brum Theatre In Education present APPRENTICES: THE PREVIEW SHOW A brand new CINDERELLA Birmingham Youth Theatre present a Chris Cooper's tale of exploration and the remark- stage play written by Alexandra Johnson to mark new version of the classic rags-to-riches story, able courage of the young people that society has eighty years of the home of the Albany Theatre, Sat Thurs 12 - Sat 14 Nov, The Old Rep, Birmingham abandoned, Tues 17 Nov, mac, Birmingham 7 Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry PUBLIC ADDRESS: THE SOAP BOX TOUR Featuring an SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Tues 17 HOME FIRES BURNING A brand new series of short ensemble of spoken word artists whose unique Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham plays which explore the intrigue, excitement and voices hail from all corners of the UK, Fri 13 Nov, AN OAK TREE Tim Crouch's intricate story of loss and heartbreak of WWI. Directed by Ian Craddock, all mac, Birmingham suggestion, performed by two people - the play- works are penned by local writers from the Big THE SISSY'S PROGRESS Part installation, part dance- wright himself and a different second actor at each Script and performed by local actors, Sat 7 - Fri 13 theatre, part walking performance, The Sissy's performance, Tues 17 - Thurs 19 Nov, Warwick Arts Nov, The Mockingbird, Birmingham Progress engages the violence of city life and the Centre, Coventry HAUNTING JULIA Alan Ayckbourn’s haunting study of contradictions of gender politics. This performance SISTER ACT Solihull premiere presented by St grief, obsession & the supernatural, Sat 7 - Sat 14 forms part of SHOUT Festival, Fri 13 Nov, mac, Augustine's MTC, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, Solihull Nov, Oldbury Rep Birmingham Arts Complex CURIOUS A play with few words, described as a BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm CALAMITY JANE Redditch Operatic Society present laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a an amateur version of the classic musical comedy, the curiously inquisitive, Sun 8 Nov, Warwick Arts moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Centre, Coventry horrors of the Great War, Fri 13 Nov, Dudley Town LAST NIGHT A DJ SAVED MY LIFE A brand new musi- LA MERDA Cristian Ceresoli's critically acclaimed Hall cal starring David Hasselhoff, Tues 17 - Sat 21 Nov, play sees a 'young, ugly and literally naked’ Silvia ROMEO & JULIET Immersion Theatre present an Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Gallerano reveal her revolting secrets, Sun 8 - Mon ‘exhilarating adaptation’ of the greatest love story WENDY AND PETER PAN Join Wendy, Peter, Tink and 9 Nov, mac, Birmingham ever told, Fri 13 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Captain Hook in Ella Hickson's acclaimed re-telling DANGEROUS CORNER The Billesley Players present of JM Barrie's classic children's story, Tues 17 Nov - an amateur production of JB Priestley’s classic Sun 31 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Week Commencing MON 9 NOV thriller of secrets and lies, Fri 13 - Sat 14 Nov, Dove- upon-Avon house Theatre, Solihull HALFWAY TO PARADISE - THE BILLY FURY STORY Musi- SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Mon 9 BROKEN GLASS Arthur Miller's play tells a story of cal which charts the rise to fame of the shy young Nov, Dudley Town Hall love, guilt and personal tragedy while focusing on boy from Liverpool who became one of Britain's BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm Philip & Sylvia Gellburg, a New York couple living in best-loved rock stars. Timeless hits featured in the Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a Brooklyn in 1938, Fri 13 - Sat 21 Nov, Hall Green show include I Will, Jealousy, It's Only Make Believe moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Little Theatre, Birmingham and, of course, Halfway To Paradise, Wed 18 Nov, horrors of the Great War, Mon 9 - Tues 10 Nov, Soli- GLORILLA A primal comedy from French/English Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent hull Arts Complex comedy duo Spitz & Co, Sat 14 Nov, Artrix, Birm- CRAZY GLUE Single Shoe Productions present a THE MOUSETRAP Touring production of Agatha ingham tragicomedy about loss, inspired by Etgar Keret's Christie's famous thriller - the longest running show THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES A short story, Wed 18 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolver- in the history of British theatre, Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov, high-energy one-man show featuring a plethora of hampton Belgrade Theatre, Coventry dashing heroes, villainous rogues and vintage BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm THE FULL MONTY Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis thrills, Sat 14 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a Emerick, Rupert Hill, Martin Miller & Bobby BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Schofield star in Simon Beaufoy’s rip-roaring stag- Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a horrors of the Great War, Wed 18 - Thurs 19 Nov, ing of his classic film, Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov, Malvern moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Lichfield horrors of the Great War, Sat 14 Nov, Number 8 JEKYLL & HYDE A London’s Cockpit Theatre produc- MISS JULIE A young woman falls for her father's Community Arts Centre, Pershore tion based on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic valet, with severe consequences, Mon 9 - Sat 14 BROKEN Groundbreaking piece of theatre exploring novel, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Nov, The Blue Orange The- Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster the stories of seven women, each one highlighting atre, Birmingham SHAKESPEARE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL Four schools per- issues that cause emotional pain, Sat 14 Nov, Cres- HETTY FEATHER Jacqueline Wilson's tale of plucky form four different Shakespeare plays, Tues 10 Nov, cent Theatre, Birmingham Hetty Feather, brought to life by award-winning Palace Theatre, Redditch THE MIS CAST MUSICALS CONCERT A refreshing spin script writer Emma Reeves and Olivier Award-nomi- THE GLASS MENAGERIE Headlong present Tennessee on well-known musical theatre, presented in a way nated director Sally Cookson. Suitable for ages Williams' classic play concerning a frustrated moth- never before seen, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, The Old seven-plus, Wed 18 - Sun 22 Nov, Malvern Theatres er, a daughter lost in her imagination, and a son Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DAVID STARKEY - MAGNA CARTA Talk by the UK's lead- intent on rebellion, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Warwick MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG Voices In Partnership pres- ing constitutional historian, Thurs 19 Nov, Artrix, Arts Centre, Coventry ent Stephen Sondheim’s musical, which tells the Bromsgrove HAIRSPRAY Bilston Operatic Company present an fictional story of one-time Broadway composer CONTAINED Mind The Gap weave nine true stories amateur staging of the hit Broadway musical, Tues Franklin Shepard, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, The Place, about family & friendships, love & loss, the every- 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Oakengates Theatre, Telford day & the extraordinary, Thurs 19 - Fri 20 Nov, WAITING FOR GODOT London Classic Theatre pres- TWELFTH NIGHT The Crescent Theatre Company Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton ents the Samuel Beckett classic, Tues 10 - Sat 14 present Shakespeare’s popular comedy of mis- LORD ARTHUR SAVILE'S CRIME Based on a short story Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme chief, madness and infatuation, Sat 14 - Sat 28 Nov, by Oscar Wilde, adapted by Constance Cox and TAKIN’ OVER THE ASYLUM St John’s Players present The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham presented by St Luke's Drama Society, Thurs 19 - an amateur staging of Donna Franceschild’s cult WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Little Angel Theatre Sat 21 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock 1994 TV series starring David Tennant and Ken bring Michael Rosen's much-loved children's book SWEENEY TODD Welsh National Opera presents its Stott, Tues 10 - Sat 14 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worces- to life in a new puppetry production featuring music critically acclaimed version of Stephen Sondheim’s ter and lyrics by renowned singer-songwriter Barb broadway hit, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Nov, Birmingham THE FALCON'S MALTESER Film noir pastiche which fol- Jungr, Sat 14 - Sun 29 Nov, mac, Birmingham Hippodrome lows the adventures of hopelessly inept private IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE Frank Capra’s iconic film, POP GOES THE MUSICAL Walsall Youth Theatre show- detective Tim Diamond and his sharp-witted broth- retold as a radio play, Sun 15 Nov, Royal Spa Cen- case a collection of West End favourites, Thurs 19 - er, Nick, Tues 10 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhamp- tre, Leamington Spa Sat 21 Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall ton THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS The Britain's Got Talent DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Presented by Ambient Night Week Commencing MON 16 NOV finalists return to celebrate their twenty-first anniver- Productions. May not be suitable for young chil- sary, Fri 20 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury dren, Wed 11 - Thurs 12 Nov, Prince Of Wales Cen- THE RED CHAIR Clod Ensemble tell the surreal story THE OMMA N CHAIN SHOWCASE An evening of live of a man who couldn’t stop eating, Fri 20 Nov, All tre, Cannock entertainment showcasing performers with strong DARK AND LOVELY Selina Thompson discusses afro Stretton Village Hall, Church Stretton, South Shrop- connections to the region, Mon 16 Nov, The Cres- shire hair, its politics, its connotations, its history and cent Theatre, Birmingham what it tells us about being Black, British and BRUMMEGEM PALS A new play, written by Malcolm THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp Theatre present Stent and Don Maclean, Brummegem Pals is a female in the UK today, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, The a heart-warming adaptation of Julie Donaldson and REP, Birmingham moving story of two ordinary boys caught up in the Axel Scheffler's new bestselling book. Suitable for horrors of the Great War, Fri 20 Nov, Albany The- A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED Middle Ground Theatre ages three-plus, Mon 16 - Wed 18 Nov, Malvern Company Ltd presents a lavish new production of a atre, Coventry Theatres KNIGHTMARE LIVE Live stage adaptation of the cult classic Miss Marple mystery, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, ABSENT FRIENDS London Classic Theatre present Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury kids’ TV show. Hosted by Treguard (Paul Flannery), Alan Ayckbourn’s exploration of friendship, mar- and featuring teams guiding an audience member Amateur production presented by Coventry riage and what it ultimately means to be happy, Youth Operetta Group, Wed 11 - Sat 14 Nov, through the epic dungeon, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov, Mon 16 - Wed 18 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leaming- mac, Birmingham

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GUYS AND DOLLS Featuring Sophie Thompson & LISTINGS David Haig, Tues 24 Nov - Sat 5 Dec, New Alexan- Theatre dra Theatre, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 60S EXPERIENCE Wed 25 Nov, For full listing information on theatre Palace Theatre, Redditch productions, including times and THE SNOW DRAGON Tall Stories present the enchanti- ng tale of a young goat named Billy and his dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk encounter with the legendary Snow Dragon, Wed 25 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire DRIVE THROUGH THE MUSICALS Join the Arcadians as A TOUCH OF FANTASY Hilarious stories that will take they take you on a captivating journey, beginning you from the Ritz to Tiffany's, Wed 25 Nov, Prince with a magical introduction to the theme of musical Of Wales Centre, Cannock films and travelling through time from the 1920s YVETTE Presented by Dogpole Drama Company, right up to the present day, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov, The Wed 25 Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Shropshire TREASURE ISLAND Scott Ritchie & BOA present an CHOREOGRAPHY OF AN ARGUMENT AROUND A TABLE An original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's unpredictable and riotous performance that unpicks classic tale, Fri 20 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, The Old Rep what it is to be in an argument, and how we win Theatre, Birmingham and lose while our trousers are down, Wed 25 - Thurs 26 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE CS Lewis' Dickens Abridged - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury timeless classic - a perfect festive treat, Fri 20 Nov - MACBETH Two Score Years And Ten present their Sat 16 Jan, The REP, Birmingham version of Shakespeare’s darkest and most power- ing the triangles which often create complications TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present Puccini's tale of ful tragedy, Wed 25 - Sat 28 Nov, Ludlow Assembly within friendships, relationships, work and family, Fri love and treachery. Sung in Italian with English sur- Rooms, South Shropshire 27 - Sun 29 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birming- titles, Sat 21 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BEAUTY AND THE BEAST An enchanting tale of heroic ham CURIOUS A play with few words, described as a adventure, true love, messy mayhem and festive fri- BOUND TO SOAR Variety showcase presented by laugh-out-loud experience for the very young and volity, Wed 25 Nov - Sat 9 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, RSM Stage Academy, Sat 28 Nov, The Crescent the curiously inquisitive, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, Birm- Coventry Theatre, Birmingham ingham SALLY MORGAN: PSYCHIC SALLY ON THE ROAD Thurs APPLAUSE: A CABARET OF SONG & DANCE Sat 28 Nov, THE BUTCH MONOLOGUES Presented as part of Shout, 26 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Dovehouse Theatre, Solihull Birmingham’s annual queer arts festival, The Butch YVETTE Dogpole Drama Company present a new THE MANY DOORS OF FRANK FEELBAD Bootworks The- Monologues seeks to re-position ‘the negative, play by Paul Higgins, based on a novella by Mau- atre present an innovative work for small children, socially threatening concept of female masculinity’. passant, Thurs 26 Nov, Theatre On The Steps, featuring scavenger hunts, puzzles to solve and Topics explored in the collection include butch Bridgnorth, Shropshire maybe even some dub-step dancing, Sat 28 - Sun desire, bravado, vulnerability, butch sex and per- STRICTLY BALTI Travelling Light Theatre take a light- 29 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ceptions of the body, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, B’ham hearted but nonetheless thought-provoking look at PUSS IN BOOTS Lyngo Theatre use puppetry and its A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Telford Academy of Perform- the trials and tribulations of being a second-genera- inimitable styling to bring the 'classic furry tale' to ing Arts showcase various dance disciplines along- tion immigrant in the UK, Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, life, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, side extracts from musical theatre, Sat 21 Nov, The The REP, Birmingham Coventry Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Stourbridge Theatre LEARNED FRIENDS Ginny Davis’ new play, performed THE SCARECROWS' WEDDING Scamp Theatre present Company present an amateur version of Alan Ben- in the historic setting of Warwick’s former Crown a heart-warming adaptation of Julie Donaldson and nett’s stage play, which is, in turn, based on the Court, Sun 29 Nov, Warwick Crown Court Axel Scheffler's new bestselling book. Suitable for much-loved riverbank tale by Kenneth Grahame, ages 3+, Sat 21 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall NOTHING! Solo contemporary show where Paul THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD Tall Stories Theatre Company Week Commencing MON 30 NOV O’Donnell showcases his skills by singing, dancing present Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler's award- and generally clowning about. This show forms part winning sequel, Thurs 26 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, Warwick AN AUDIENCE WITH PAUL GASCOIGNE Listen to Gazza of the wider Shout Festival, Sat 21 Nov, The REP, Arts Centre, Coventry talk about his career highs and lows, Mon 30 Nov, Birmingham YVETTE Dogpole Drama Company present a new Civic Hall, Wolverhampton ALL TURN A one-woman show which takes a stroll play by Paul Higgins, based on a novella by Mau- MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS Brand new family musical down the memory lane of Mr Albert North, Sat 21 - passant, Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, The Hive, Shrewsbury brought to the stage by the producers of We’re Sun 22 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham JASPER CARROTT: STAND UP & ROCK! An evening of Going On A Bear Hunt and The Tiger Who Came To PEPPA PIG'S SURPRISE Peppa Pig, George and their music and laughter featuring The Bev Bevan Band, Tea, Mon 30 Nov - Tues 1 Dec, Malvern Theatre, friends return with a brand new live stage show, Sat Geoff Turton and Quill lead singer Joy, Fri 27 - Sat Worcestershire 21 - Sun 22 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- 28 Nov, Wyre Forest Glades Arena, Kidderminster THE WIZARD OF OZ The popular musical story of how ham SPRING AND PORT WINE The Luke Players present Bill a young girl from Kansas has to make her way BOUND TO SOAR Variety showcase presented by Naughton’s humorous and poignant family drama, home from the magical land of Oz, Mon 30 Nov - RSM Stage Academy, Sun 22 Nov, The Crescent Fri 27 - Sat 28 Nov, mac, Birmingham Sat 5 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Theatre, Birmingham THE 3 OF US Contemporary musical theatre explor- DICKENS ABRIDGED A singing, dancing love letter to the life & works of Charles Dickens, Sun 22 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 6 IMPOSSIBLE THINGS The story of the Three Theatre Box Office Grimshaws, a variety act at the top of their game, told in a relaxed cabaret style and featuring a Birmingham 01902 321321 Staffordshire THEATRE, revolving stage, conjuring, acrobats, live music and STRATFORD-UPON-AVON sound effects, Sun 22 Nov, Quatt Village Hall, ALEXANDRA THEATRE BLOXWICH THEATRE LICHFIELD GARRICK 01922 653183 0844 800 1110 Bridgnorth, Shropshire 0844 871 3011 01543 412121 ROYAL SPA CENTRE BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME DUDLEY CONCERT HALL NEW VIC, NEWCASTLE- LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 0844 338 5000 01384 812812 UNDER-LYME 01782 717962 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM REP FOREST ARTS CENTRE, PRINCE OF WALES Week Commencing MON 23 NOV COVENTRY 02476 524524 0121 236 4455 WALSALL CENTRE, CANNOCK 01922 654555 01543 578762 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE GREAT GATSBY Blackeyed Theatre Company per- REGENT THEATRE, STOKE form Stephen Sharkey's staging of F Scott Fitzger- 0121 212 2643 GRAND THEATRE, Worcestershire 01902 429212 0870 060 6649 ald's masterpiece, Mon 23 - Wed 25 Nov, Arena CRESCENT THEATRE ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, RUGELEY ROSE THEATRE Theatre, Wolverhampton 0121 643 5858 NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE BROMSGROVE 01902 572090 01889 584036 01527 577330 THE SMALLEST SHOW ON EARTH Liza Goddard & DOVEHOUSE THEATRE OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY STAFFORD GATEHOUSE THE HIVE Brian Capron star in a brand new musical comedy 0121 706 7139 01785 619080 inspired by the 1950s film starring Peter Sellers, 0121 552 2761 01905 822866 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE Mon 23 - Sat 28 Nov, Malvern Theatre, Worcester- HUNTINGDON HALL, HALL GREEN LITTLE 01782 209784 shire Shropshire WORCESTER THEATRE THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 01905 611427 VIRGINIA IRONSIDE: GROWING OLD DISGRACEFULLY 0121 707 1874 One-woman show which, according to The Scots- 01952 222277 Warwickshire MALVERN THEATRE MAC 0121 446 3232 man, offers a ‘life-affirming ramble through the joys THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK ALBANY THEATRE, 01684 892277 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE of being a sexagenarian’, Tues 24 Nov, Solihull Arts 01952 728911 COVENTRY NORBURY THEATRE, 0121 200 0946 Complex THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 024 7601 6222 DROITWICH HAY FEVER Amateur production of Noel Coward's OLD REP 0121 359 9444 01743 234970 BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 01905 770154 comedy of manners, presented by Warwick Univer- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 024 7637 6707 PALACE THEATRE sity Drama Society, Tues 24 - Fri 27 Nov, Warwick 0121 704 6962 ROOMS 01584 878141 BELGRADE THEATRE, REDDITCH 01527 65203 Arts Centre, Coventry SUTTON ARTS THEATRE, THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, COVENTRY ROSE THEATRE, A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED Middle Ground Theatre SUTTON COLDFIELD TELFORD 01952 382382 024 7655 3055 01562 743745 Company Ltd presents a lavish new production of a 0121 355 5355 BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, classic Miss Marple mystery, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Nov, THEATRE SEVERN, SWAN THEATRE, WARWICK 01926 776438 WORCESTER Wolverhampton Grand Theatre SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 01905 611427 BERYL Maxine Peake's critically acclaimed play cele- Black Country THE DREAM FACTORY 01926 419555 brating the life of unsung sporting legend Beryl Bur- ARENA THEATRE WEM TOWN HALL ton, Tues 24 - Sat 28 Nov, The REP, Birmingham WOLVERHAMPTON 01939 232299 ROYAL SHAKESPEARE

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre/dance productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Annie Birmingham Hippodrome IIf ever there was a perfect time to revive the classic seventies musical Annie then now is the time. A young company of actors deliver a stellar per- formance alongside a strong ensemble and a wickedly evil Miss Hannigan, wonderfully portrayed by Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood with the lat- ter revealing a feminine flair that surpasses all expectations. He executes his choreography with precision (naturally) and sings in fine voice during his solo Little Girls and Easy Street. Hairspray Malvern Theatre Opening the show with Maybe and It’s the Hard Knock Life, it’s clear to see that the company’s The National touring production of Hairspray, the Musical, has you smiling, cheering youngest members are talented and well rehearsed and toe-tapping in your seat from start to finish. This joyous story with a strong, seri- in their choreography, their harmonies perfectly ous message at its soul captivates with wonderful performances throughout. complimenting George Dyer’s musical direction. Set in Baltimore in 1962, it tells the story of a young girl who doesn’t fit the convention- Young Annie is played - in this performance - by al TV norms of slender but who won’t let that stop her from auditioning for her favourite Sophia Pettit whose strong voice and warming per- TV show. She soon realises that body size is not the only deterrent as she befriends sona shine throughout the production. A young the ‘negros’ in her regular school detention class. Through their shared love of danc- actress who should set her ambitions high, Pettit ing and 45s, they vow to take on the TV show and ultimately the system together. We commands attention when performing Tomorrow remember that America at this time was a society in which racism was rife. Segrega- and demonstrates vulnerability in the quest for her tion, although deemed unlawful, was not illegal and in 1962 was still being used as a parents. tool of humiliation. Lighting designer Ben Cracknell has created a terrif- The girl with the big heart (and girth) played by Freya Sutton has made the role of ic atmosphere across each scene complimenting Tracy Turnblad her own and is outstanding. The pairing of Benidorm’s hairdresser Colin Richmond’s set and costume design perfectly. Tony Maudsley and Blue Peter’s Peter Duncan as her parents Edna and Wilbur is Director Nikolai Foster has taken this classic Broad- comic genius right there! Claire Sweeney is sultry as vicious Velma Von Tussle and X- way musical and adapted in a new light whilst Factor’s Brenda Edwards’ solo is particularly mesmerising. Supported by an excellent keeping all the classic elements and performances cast, it is difficult to pick out individuals when standards are so high. true to their original making it a production that The producer tells us that theatre should both educate and entertain. In this produc- shines from start to finish. Kieran Johnson n n n n tion we enjoy the sequins, flips, vocals and comedy yet we hear the message of ‘inte- gration not segregation’ and on both counts to ‘just sit still would be a crime’. Brace yourselves for a bouffant-shaped journey of feel-good!. Clare Higgins n n n n n The Glenn Miller Story Hairspray returns to the region next month, running at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre from 14 December to 2 January. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Tommy Steele is seventy-eight. Although the years have diminished him as a song-and-dance man, the The REP, Birmingham ‘bubbly magnetism’ for which he’s best known Anita And Me remains undimmed. He’s here cast as legendary Anita And Me is a bittersweet coming of age story concerning two young girls growing band leader Glenn Miller, and is playing opposite a up in the fictional Black Country village of Tollington. woman who’s probably a third of his age. The Neglected and rejected by her parents, Anita is angry and defiant. Meena, on the other show’s set-up lets them get away with it - just. hand has a close relationship with her loving parents; but is in awe of Anita and sees The Glenn Miller Admiration Society is visiting RAF her bravado as rebelliousness and her life free from the constrains of family obliga- Twinwood. It was here, on 15 December 1944, that tions. Glenn boarded a transport plane that never reached Jalleh Alizadeh brings a vulnerability to Anita’s brashness and anger which helps us its destination. The Society decides to ‘do the show sympathise with her character as a victim of circumstances. Mandeep Dillon plays right here’, a device which covers Steele’s inability Meena with an naivety underlined by innocence rather than ignorance - awe-struck she to hold an American accent. may be, stupid she’s not. In fact she may be the true rebel as she rejects her family, The real star of the show is the superb band, frustrated by their expectations of her as a daughter and a good girl in favour for a authentically laying clarinets upon saxophones friendship with Anita. upon trumpets and trombones, just as Miller did Cultural and personal identity underlie the lives of those living in Tollington. Meena’s when he found the sound that made him famous. parents are Indian immigrants, she herself is first generation British and a true mix of In the first half of the show, they roar through a cultures - her Black Country dialect and love of pop music an obvious contrast to her repertoire of pre-Miller music. The second half is parents Indian accented English and love of Punjabi music. They are for all intents and more concert than play, as they perform the band purposes the only Asians in the village. leader’s most famous tunes exactly as he would’ve The community in which they live is accepting and open for the most part; personified demanded they be performed. in the character of Mrs Worrall, played with humour and tenderness by Janice Connolly. Glenn Miller’s story is slight and hugely predictable. The casual racism they experience on a daily basis is subtly underplayed and at times There’s a thin explanation of how Moonlight Sere- almost humorous. Meena’s parents are tolerant in that they view the perpetrators as nade was composed, a confirmation of how many silly, stupid and a minority. Ameet Chana, as Meena’s Dad, and Ayesha Dharker, as her gold discs he won, an account of how he got his Mum, are gentle and moral people who’s patience and understanding is truly tested in first booking for the Glenn Miller Orchestra before the second act when the racism becomes increasingly dark, threatening and violent. he’d actually formed it, and the tale of his big break A sound track of seventies classics run throughout the production alongside traditional in Boston. However, you could’ve squeezed all of Indian music with the two coming together in an hilarious Bhangra version of Cum On those story elements on to a postage stamp. The Feel The Noize by Slade. Many of Meena’s soliloquies are sung to keyboard accompa- show is definitely more a case of The Glenn Miller niment by her neighbour Hairy Ned; others are spoken as letters written to the agony Non-Story. But you can never keep a good man aunts for teenage girls, Jacky magazine’s Cathy and Claire. This Meena’s 'me time’ down. When Tommy whispered love song The gives us an insight into how she herself views her dilemmas, particularly when she Nearness Of You, I put down my pen and shed a realises that the friendship she rejected her family for cannot protect her from prejudice tear. Steele still loves being on stage - and audi- and violence. Although the music and humour tempers the themes of racism and ences will never stop loving him. domestic abuse, Anita And Me is at times uncomfortable but moreover it’s funny and Chris Eldon Lee n n n Ted Finlay n n n n moving - all-in-all a ‘Bostin’ production. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Theatre November Region One.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 10:56 Page 12

Theatre WEST END Adrian Lester at The Garrick... Birmingham-born actor Adrian Lester is to reprise the role of Ira Aldridge in the Ken- neth Branagh Theatre Company production of Red Velvet at the Garrick next year. Written by Lolita Chakrabarti, Red Velvet is set in Covent Garden in 1833. It follows the story of a young, black, American actor (Lester) who’s been asked to take over the role of Othello after the play’s lead collaps- es on stage. With public riots taking place on the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre? Of his decision to stage Chakrabarti’s play, Kenneth Branagh said: “Writing, direction and performance are exceptional in Red Velvet. I'm immensely proud to be presenting this work. I believe that Lolita has written an important and exhilarating play which, in its discussion of performance, politics and race, is as entertaining as it is illuminating.” Lester’s impressive acting credentials include Fences, Othello at the National Theatre, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. On TV he’s appeared in Hustle, Being Human and London Spy.

Aladdin to fly into the Prince Edward Theatre Tickets for Disney Theatrical’s production of Aladdin go on sale this month (23 November). The musical is currently enjoy- ing a successful run at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre. It will open at Prince Edward Theatre on 9 June, with previews from 27 May. The production is based on Disney’s 1992 animated movie version of the legendary Arabian Nights story. Featur- ing numerous familiar tunes - including the Oscar and Grammy Award-winning - the show also boasts a number of new songs. Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his West End debut, playing the genie of the lamp. Further casting is yet to be announced.

Lessons in how to survive, in the West End... People, Places And Things, Duncan Macmillan’s acclaimed play about surviving in the modern world, is to transfer to Wyndham’s Theatre next year. A collaboration between Headlong and the National Theatre, the highly acclaimed production - The Guardian described it as ‘vivid’ and ‘vibrant’ - enjoyed a sell-out season in the National’s Dorfman Theatre. The play tells the story of Emma, a woman who, having had the time of her life, is now in rehab. Her first port of call is to admit there’s a problem - but as far as she’s concerned, the problem isn’t with her, it’s with everyone and everything else. But when intoxication feels like the only way to survive the modern world, how can she ever sober up? People, Places And Things runs at Wyndham’s Theatre for a twelve- week period from 15 March.

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Win! To enter all competitions go to www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Tickets to MCM Birmingham Tickets to A Murder Is Family ticket to Dick Comic Con Announced Whittington

Closes Monday 9 November Closes Friday 6 November Closes Monday 30 November Tickets to Skate Birmingham Tickets to Hairspray Tickets to Guys And Dolls

Closes Thursday 12 November Closes Monday 7 December Closes Tuesday 17 November Tickets to Beryl An Arnie experience at the ICC Tickets to Gangsta Granny

Closes Tuesday 17 November Closes Monday 30 November Closes Monday 23 November Tickets to Last Night A DJ Tickets to The Lion, The Witch Tickets to Cinderella: Saved My Life And The Wardrobe A Fairytale

Closes Tuesday 10 November Closes Friday 13 November Closes Thursday 3 December Tickets to Of Mice And Men Family Ticket to Aladdin Tickets to The Snowman

Closes Friday 29 January Closes Thursday 7 January Closes Wednesday 13 January

To enter all competitions go to www.whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter for more great competitions

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feature Forty-one Years Funny

The Trocks are back in town...

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A moulting swan, a sleepwalking ballerina and a rock guitar-playing beggar woman: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo do classical dance like you've never seen it before...

Since its inception in 1974, the company has swap. Thankfully, most character changes Three years later, gained global renown for its unique and take place between acts - but it's not always he discovered his irreverent productions. Through the magic of that simple... voice and life-long make-up, costume and intensive training, “In Don Quixote I have a really fast change,” passion through sixteen men are transformed into a company explains Johnsey. “It's just a few minutes, so I dance classes; by the of (mostly) graceful ballerinas, performing run off stage and they start ripping the time he auditioned for excerpts from a range of familiar and not so costume straight off me! But it's all designed the Trocks, the artistic familiar stories, from Swan Lake to Patterns to be foolproof, so everything we need is put director, Tory Dobrin, saw only an In Space. The result is a hysterically funny in place, ready for those quick changes.” exceptionally talented seventeen-year- parody of the heightened drama, grandeur Yet looks aren't everything, of course. As if old, unaware of his complicated history. and gravity of traditional ballet, mixing sharp wit, faultless timing and the ability to In much the same way as the company's mischief with the profoundest respect for the sculpt a face with enviable perfection weren't fresh approach provides new opportunities form. enough, the Trocks are also highly skilled for performers, it can also help to open up “We like to pay tribute to the old style of ballerinas, capable of sliding seamlessly from ballet to wider audiences, challenging the ballet - that's the sort of style we make fun slapstick into virtuosic spectacle. They might perceptions of stuffiness or exclusivity that of,” says Chase Johnsey, a longstanding have fun on stage, but they take their training sometimes come with the territory. member of the company. “It can be very seriously, and that diligence more than “We really want to make it accessible and educational. With some of the more obscure pays off: their stunning performances are entertaining, and I think it's a great segue into pieces like Laurencia, we've been the first to proof positive that it's not only women who understanding and appreciating traditional bring those shows to New York, even though can dance en pointe. ballet,” says Poppe. “There are a lot of jokes it's a Russian classic.” “I've never wanted to work so hard before,” that are ballet-oriented, so it can appeal to Upon joining the Trocks, dancers are says Poppe. “I feel like I've found people that regular ballet-goers, but there are also plenty allocated male and female alter-egos, mainly I like to work with and I'm doing things I'm of jokes that are just for everybody.” Russian, which they develop through really passionate about.” Far from undermining it, the Trocks breathe classes, rehearsals and performances. He's clearly not the only one to feel a sense new life into ballet, defying expectations on “One of the things they look for when you of belonging here. Just a few minutes in the all sides and winning the respect of the wider audition for the Trocks is personality,” dancers' friendly and entertaining company ballet community. Little wonder, then, they've Johnsey continues. “Because there are only gives a distinct impression of real warmth developed a large cult following of fans ever fourteen to sixteen dancers in the and loyalty between them - it's not so much young and old right across the world - with company, one person coming or going camaraderie as family. There's more than one some avid enthusiasts even turning up to changes the feel of the whole show.” off-stage couple among them, and those who watch their shows in costume. The dancers' perfectly co-ordinated comedy sign up tend to stick around. Having been “The reaction is always good,” says Johnsey. takes the diva stereotype to extremes: when recruited at the tender age of seventeen, “Culturally, people respond differently - the the Trocks step out on stage, the room is Johnsey has now been dancing with the Japanese are very polite and reserved, for immediately dominated by their larger-than- Trocks for twelve years. example, whereas American and UK life personae, expressions exaggerated by “In ballet school they told me I would never audiences tend to be more rowdy. We prefer bold eyeshadow, thick lipstick and multi- be a professional ballet dancer,” he says, that because it's more obvious that we're layered lashes. with a wry smile. “Because I'm quite small, I doing a good job. But people seem to really “Getting to put on a face and a wig is so couldn't really lift the girls, so I only ever had enjoy the show and we're always well- different to just going out and performing,” a few little parts before I joined.” received wherever we go. We can hear the says Matthew Poppe, a more recent addition Then there's Philip Martin-Nielson, diagnosed kids laughing a mile off!” to the team. “When you put on the full with such severe autism at the age of three costume, you instantly feel much more in that his mother was urged to send him to a character.” specialist residential institution. Ignoring the Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo Speed and efficiency are essential to their advice, she instead enrolled him in perform at Birmingham Hippodrome on mid-show transformations: no mean feat gymnastics and sports groups which she Tues 10 and Wed 11 November. when successive roles require a gender hoped might improve his co-ordination.

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Scottish Dance Theatre: YAMA The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 26 - Fri 27 November Scottish Dance Theatre, Scotland’s national contemporary dance a possession ritual, in turn blurring the boundaries between the vege- company, visits the Midlands this month to perform Damien Jalet’s tal and animal world while centring on man’s vital need to rise. full-length work. Set to haunting score by Winter Family, YAMA’s received plenty of Inspired by the choreographer’s travels to Japan - and his encoun- critical acclaim since its 2014 premiere in Dundee. ters with a tribe of hermits known as yamabushis - YAMA explores A regular collaborator with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Jalet is responsible the pagan and animist rituals practised in the mountains of Tohoku. for some of the most revered productions of the last ten years, Staged on an abstract set, Jalet’s hypnotic choreography sees a tan- including the Olivier Award-winning Babel (2011) and a radical stag- gled ensemble of dancers oscillate between a moving sculpture and ing of Bolero at the Paris Opera (2013).

2Faced Dance: Dreaming In Code Richard Alston Dance Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 20 November Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 10 November This double-bill of works from award-winning choreographer Tamsin Fitzgerald and Eddie Ray for Frantic Assembly is per- A choreographer who’s very formed by one of the UK’s most innovative male dance ensem- much at the forefront of contem- bles. porary dance in the UK, Richard The Herefordshire-based 2Faced Dance Company was formed by Alston takes inspiration directly Fitzgerald in 1999, its stated mission being to inspire and increase from the music he uses. dance provision to young people and the wider community. Since This month sees his highly rated then, the company has performed at over one thousand venues company return to Theatre Severn across the UK and collaborated with numerous arts organisations, to perform a triple bill of works including Hofesh Shechter and DanceXchange. from its acclaimed repertoire... The company here performs a work that’s been described as Stronghold is a brand new piece ‘exhilarating, heartbreaking, devastating and joyful’. Dreaming In by Martin Laurence which, Code comprises Lucid Grounds and Milk Night. Both pieces use a described as ‘urgent and excit- combination of theatre, dance, film and music by Angus MacRae ing’, revisits the music of Julia and Tony-nominated composer Alex Baranowski to contemplate Wolfe. what the future could look like. Alston’s latest work, Mazur, is a dance for two friends performed to Chopin’s Mazurkas - music exhilarating, heartbreaking, through which the composer ‘‘ devastating and joyful expressed his longing for his ’’ homeland. Bringing the evening to a close, Brisk Singing is a revived piece for eight dancers which presents a joyful response to Jean-Philippe Rameau’s music from Les Boréades (1764). Image: Richard Alston’s Brisk Singing

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Dance continued...

Birmingham Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 27 November - Sun 13 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. Created in 1990 as a thank you to Birmingham for its support of the company following its move to the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Wright’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful ballerina. A magical, must-see show for little princesses everywhere…

Diversity: Up Close And Personal Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 November; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sun 15 November Since beating Susan Boyle in the live final of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009, this London-based dance troupe have taken the world by storm with their breathtaking range of routines, per- formed to an eclectic soundtrack which includes everything from hip-hop to classical. They return to the Midlands this month to present a show that’s based on the troupe’s ITV Special, which aired earlier this year, and which features exclusively choreographed rou- tines.

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

DIVERSITY - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL rary & Manipuri dance styles, as well The troupe’s most personal tour yet, as Dhol drumming, Sat 21 Nov, featuring choreographed routines Arena Theatre, Birmingham based on their ITV special, Fri 6 Nov, SONIA SABRI COMPANY: AKAAR Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Showcasing guest artists from the THE SNOW QUEEN Ballet Theatre UK region, alongside students from local present Hans Christian Andersen's groups & communities, Sun 22 Nov, classic fairytale ballet, Fri 6 Nov, The mac, Birmingham Swan Theatre, Worcester YAMA: SCOTTISH DANCE THEATRE RICHARD ALSTON DANCE Triple bill of Thurs 26 - Fri 27 Nov, The Patrick works featuring Martin Lawrance’s Centre, Birmingham Stronghold, Alston’s Mazur & Brisk THE NUTCRACKER BRB present Sir Singing, Tues 10 Nov, Theatre Peter Wright’s festive favourite, Fri 27 Severn, Shrewsbury Nov - Sun 13 Dec, Birmingham LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE Hippodrome CARLO Tues 10 - Wed 11 Nov, THE NUTCRACKER Out Of The Box Birmingham Hippodrome Youth Theatre present a creative DIVERSITY - UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL take on a classic Christmas tale, Sat Fri 13 - Sun 15 Nov, New Alexandra 28 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre, Birmingham THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL Celebrated The Little Match Girl - DanceXchange, Portuguese director and choreogra- Birmingham pher Arthur Pita here brings the fes- tive story of The Little Match Girl to life in a fusion of dance, song and original live music by Frank Moon, Sat 14 Nov, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome SAMPAD 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Featuring celebratory performances from renowned artists & luminaries, including Nahid Siddiqui, Chitraleka Bolar, Aakash Odedra & Soweto Kinch, Sun 15 Nov, mac, Birmingham 2FACED DANCE: DREAMING IN CODE Fri 20 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove DIWALI UTSAV Featuring Bollywood, Kathak, Punjabi Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, Gujarati Raas Garba, Punjabi Giddha, contempo-

46 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 1 Film

Released Fri 6 Nov

Brooklyn CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Emory Cohen, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Brid Brennan Directed by John Crowley (Ireland/UK/Canada) Colm Tóibín wrote the delicate, evocative 2009 novel of the title, and with a screenplay by Nick Hornby the adaptation should be in good hands. Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis Lacey, a girl from Ennis- corthy, County Wexford, who emigrates to Brook- lyn in the 1950s, where she finds what it means to be Irish. Ms Ronan got rave reviews at the Toronto Film Festival and looks like a new frontrunner for an Oscar nomination.

EDITOR’S CHOICE The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 2 CERT 12a tbc Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Eliza- beth Banks, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland Directed by Francis Lawrence (USA) Kill Your Friends CERT 18 It’s now all-out war as Katniss Everdeen rallies her loyal supporters to take down the Starring Nicholas Hoult, James Corden, Joseph despotic Capitol. The fourth - and final - instalment in the phenomenal adaptation of Mawle, Ed Skrein, Rosanna Arquette, Craig Roberts Suzanne Collins’ best-selling trilogy, this $125million behemoth should make a tasty Directed by Owen Harris (UK) mint at the box-office. And, if Lionsgate has its way, this won’t be the last we see of The At the height of the Britpop revolution in 1997, tal- Hunger Games franchise. In 3D. ent scout Steven Stelfox (Hoult) goes to extreme Released Thurs 19 November ends to find the next big thing - and to salvage his career. Scripted by John Niven, from his own novel.

The Runner CERT 15 (90 mins) Starring Nicolas Cage, Sarah Paulson, Connie Nielsen, Wendell Pierce, Peter Fonda Directed by Austin Stark (USA) EDITOR’S Politics, sexual scandal and the Deepwater Horizon CHOICE oil spill of 2010 collide in the life of Colin Pryce CERT 12a (141 mins) Bridge Of Spies (Cage), an idealistic Louisiana congressman whose Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda, Austin Stowell, Sebastian Koch, world is about to implode. The American reviews Eve Hewson Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) were not kind. Co-written by the Coen brothers and Britain’s Matt Charman (Suite Française), this is the story of the 1960 U2 incident, when an American spy plane was shot down by the Rus- sians. With the Cold War freezing up again in the international headlines, this is a ger- mane opportunity to explore relations between Moscow and Washington. Tom Hanks plays the lawyer James B Donovan, whose job it is to negotiate the release of Francis Gary Powers (Stowell), the pilot shot down in Soviet airspace. And talking of Tom Hanks, he’s received rave reviews for his performance, the fourth that he’s delivered for director Steven Spielberg. Interesting, too, that Eve Hewson, daughter of U2’s Bono, should be in a film about a U2. Released Fri 27 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 2

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 6 Nov

Burnt CERT 12a Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Alicia Vikander, Lily James, Jamie Dornan, Uma Thurman, Emma Thomp- son Directed by John Wells (USA) Top chef Adam Jones (Bradley Cooper) burnt his bridges behind him when he let his arrogance and irresponsible lifestyle get in the way of his culinary genius. Now he’s fighting to win a third Michelin star for a Paris restaurant. But first he must rediscover his inner mojo in London. What’s not to like? Food. Bradley Cooper. Sienna Miller...

FROM FRI NOV 20

Released from Fri 13 Nov The Dressmaker He Named Me Malala CERT 15 tbc CERT PG (87 mins) Starring Kate Winslet, Judy Davis, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving, Sarah Snook, Directed by Davis Guggenheim (United Arab Steve Jobs CERT 15 (122 mins) Emirates/USA) Caroline Goodall Starring Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse (Australia) Malala Yousafzai was just fifteen years old Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Water- when a representative of the Taliban shot her ston, Michael Stuhlbarg One thing’s for sure, Kate Winslet’s latest in the face at close range. Four years earlier Directed by Danny Boyle (USA) starring vehicle won’t be for everyone. she had started a blog detailing the need for This promises greatness. The writer of The Adapted from Rosalie Ham's 2000 Gothic female education in northwest Pakistan, Social Network (Aaron Sorkin), the director novel, it’s a madcap affair about rival among other things. of Slumdog Millionaire (Danny Boyle) and dressmakers in the Australian Outback of Since the shooting, Michael Fassbender. Add Kate Winslet in 1951. It’s an odd place, Dungatar, much after her recovery in support along with the subject matter of the like many isolated communities suffering a Birmingham hospi- volatile and brilliant co-founder of Apple Inc., from too much gossip, sunstroke and in- tal, she has become and Steve Jobs, the movie, should be a run- breeding. The police sergeant is a cross- the youngest-ever away success. dresser, one old woman is addicted to Nobel Prize laureate. American critics are hash brownies and Mr Pettyman (Shane Davis Guggenheim, already saying this Bourne) has fathered way too many of the who previously di- is the best thing local children. Then Tilly Dunnage rected the 2006 doc- Fassbender has (Winslet) breezes into town like Clint East- umentary An done since, um, wood and turns the place on its head. The Inconvenient Truth, Macbeth. Largely townsfolk think she’s a killer, but she’s just tells her story so far. based on Walter a brilliant seamstress with a crazy mother... Isaacson’s epony- Nobody does idiosyncrasy like the Aus- mous 2011 biogra- tralians, but Jocelyn Moorhouse rather Scouts Guide To phy, along with overplays her hand, goading her leading interviews con- ladies to devour the scenery whole. And The Zombie Apocalypse there’s some amazing scenery - along with CERT 15 (93 mins) ducted by Sorkin. a scene-stealing turn from Judy Davis as Starring Tye Sheridan, David Koechner, Logan an “eligible hag,” and equally selfless Miller, Halston Sage, Joey Morgan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Cloris Leachman The Lady In The Van turns from Kerry Fox and Alison Whyte. Directed by Christopher Landon (USA) CERT 12a (104 mins) Unfortunately, the comedy seldom hits its stride and the end result is a brave but un- It’s been three months since Arnold Starring Maggie Smith, Alex Jennings, Jim wieldy attempt at black farce. Schwarzenegger’s zombie drama Maggie Broadbent, Frances De La Tour, Roger Allam, died at the box-office, so maybe his son James Corden Directed by Nicholas Hytner (UK) Patrick will have better luck with this one. It Fathers And Daughters certainly sounds more fun. There’s a zombie The credentials bode well. A script by Alan break-out in a small California town and it’s Bennett, the director of The Madness Of King CERT 15 (116 mins) up to three boy scouts to try and save the George and The History Boys and, of course, Starring Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, day. Expect considerable gore, nudity and Dame Maggie herself. Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger, Quvenzhané Wal- lis, Jane Fonda, Octavia Spencer lots of naughty words. Inspired by the true story of a homeless Directed by Gabriele Muccino (USA) woman who moved Russell Crowe plays Jake Davis, a Pulitzer into a Bedford van in Prize-winning novelist struggling with a men- the drive of Alan Ben- tal breakdown after the death of his wife, nett’s Camden home, while trying to bring up his five-year-old the film looks destined daughter. Twenty-five years later, his daugh- for BAFTA glory. Based ter, Katie (Seyfried), tries to come to terms on Bennett’s 1999 play with her troubled childhood. of the same name. There may not be a dry eye in the house...

48 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film - Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 12:55 Page 3

Released from Fri 20 Nov

Love CERT 18 (118 mins) Starring Karl Glusman, Aomi Muyock, Klara Kristin Directed by Gaspar Noé (France) In spite of the title, there’s actually quite a lot of sex involved, hence the film’s 18 certifi- cate. Gaspar Noé is known for pushing the boundaries of cinema and here explores the carnal manifestations of romance, as wit- nessed through the drug-addled perspective of a Parisian film student. Expect hardcore grappling. In 3D, no less.

Released from Fri 27 Nov FROM FRI 27 NOV The Good Dinosaur CERT tbc Black Mass CERT 15 (123 mins) Featuring the voices of Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Sam Elliott, Anna Paquin, Steve Zahn, Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Jeffrey Wright, Frances McDormand Plemons, Peter Sarsgaard, Dakota Johnson Directed by Scott Cooper (USA) Directed by Peter Sohn (USA) Johnny Depp has received some of the best reviews of his career for this hard-hitting tale Not all dinosaurs are human-chewing veloci- of the Irish-American gangster Whitey Bulger. Bulger, the brother of a state senator, turned raptors. This one is a young Apatosaurus FBI informant when a Mafia family encroached on his own illegal dealings. Joel Edgerton, who, having lost his father, then loses his as FBI agent John Connolly, is also said to be sensational. Expect some pretty strong vio- way after knocking himself out on a rock. He lence. then befriends a human cave boy, whom he calls Spot... Another computer-animated production from Pixar, this will be the com- pany’s second cartoon released this year (after Inside Out). In 3D.

Shelter CERT 18 (106 mins) Starring Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Mackie, Rob Morgan, Amy Hargreaves, Bruce Altman Directed by Paul Bettany (USA) Marking the directorial debut of the actor Paul Bettany, Shelter stars Bettany’s wife Jennifer Connelly as Hannah, a homeless junkie on the streets of Manhattan. She then meets Tahir (Mackie), a Nigerian busker whose visa has expired and, together, they find a surprising connection… Expect some pretty strong sexual material. FROM FRI 27 NOV Carol CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, Kyle Chandler Directed by Todd Haynes (USA/UK/France) Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett) is a 1950s’ New York socialite with an adoring husband and a young daughter, but who nonetheless catches the romantic attention of Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a department store clerk. Expect Oscar nominations (at least). Based on Patricia Highsmith's 1952 semi-autobiographical novel The Price Of Salt.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Film A-Z November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:11 Page 1

bart in his feature film fêted Bathsheba Ever- seaside town. There, future where single peo- debut rips off the wigs dene, received rave re- she takes up the office ple must find a mate or FilmA-Z LISTINGS and wipes away the views. Showing at of Chief of Police and be turned into a beast - mascara to find the real Foxlowe Arts Centre, befriends an abused or crustacean. File it All films are currently on general release people behind the fig- Leek, Staffs, Tues 10 fourteen-year-old girl, under ‘Absurdist black unless otherwise stated. For full listing ureheads of East Lon- Nov who she then invites comedy’. Stars Colin information, including times and dates, don’s much-hyped into her home... When Farrell and Rachel alternative drag scene. Felicia's Journey 12a the film screened at Weisz. Showing at mac, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Filmed over six years A lonely middle-aged Cannes last year, it re- Birmingham, Fri 13 - and following six cult man spends all of his ceived a three-minute Tues 17 Nov; Stoke Film 52 Tuesdays 15 order to pursue his ro- stars as they swim time studying tapes of standing ovation. Stars Theatre, Tues 24 & Billie’s journey to inde- mantic dream, he has to against the tide (Jonny an eccentric TV chef. Bae Doona and Kim Thurs 26 Nov pendence starts with manoeuvre two alterna- Woo, Holestar, Scottee, Meanwhile, a young Sae-ron. Showing at the news that her mum tive worlds. Showing at Amber, Pia Arber and woman is making her mac, Birmingham, Thurs The Martian 12a is going to transition mac, Birmingham, Sat 7 John Sizzle), the film fol- way from Ireland to find 19 Nov During a manned mis- and live her life as a Nov lows the literal highs her boyfriend, who sion to Mars, astronaut man. Although Billie is moved to England. On Kingsman: The Se- Mark Watney is pre- Dark Horse 12a and graphic lows of this asked to move in with arrival, she makes an cret Service 15 sumed dead after a A documentary telling popular tribe, revealing her father, they decide early contact with the Based on Mark Millar fierce storm and left be- the inspirational true the personal struggles that every Tuesday will man, who recommends and Dave Gibbons’ hind by his crew. But story of a group of of each heroine. Show- be a sacred space be- a boarding room to her. comic book, The Secret Watney has survived friends from a working ing at mac, Birmingham, tween mother and Slowly, it’s revealed that Service, this spy adven- and finds himself men’s club who decide Sun 15 Nov daughter. Stars Tilda he has, in fact, be- ture unites director stranded and alone on to take on the elite Cobham-Hervey and Everest 12a friended and subse- Matthew Vaughn with the hostile planet. Stars ‘sport of kings’ and Del Herbert-Jane. Show- Featuring a mouthwater- quently abused more the scenarist Jane Gold- Matt Damon and Jes- breed themselves a ing at mac, Birmingham, ing cast that includes than a dozen young man for the fourth time sica Chastain. Showing racehorse. Showing at Tues 17 Nov Jason Clarke, Josh women. Stars Bob (cf. Stardust, Kick-Ass, at mac, Birmingham, Fri The Edge Arts Centre, Brolin, John Hawkes, Hoskins and Arsinée X-Men: First Class). 6 - Wed 11 Nov; Festival Alice's Journey 15 Much Wenlock, South Robin Wright and Emily Khanjian. Showing at Colin Firth plays a vet- Drayton Centre, Market Alice is a thirty-year-old Shropshire, Mon 2 Nov Watson. The actors play mac, Birmingham, Thurs eran secret agent who Drayton, Shropshire Sat sailor in love with Félix, The Divide 15 various characters in- 19 Nov takes on a young pro- 14 & Tues 17 Nov; Lud- who waits for her Inspired by bestselling volved in the 1996 tégé (Taron Egerton). low Assembly Rooms, ashore as she unex- Free Angela And All book The Spirit Level, Mount Everest disaster, Also stars Samuel L South Shropshire, Mon pectedly sets off as sec- Political Prisoners The Divide looks at how the most deadly expedi- Jackson. Showing at 30 Nov ond mechanic on the In this rarely presented the rising gap between tion (at the time) Forest Arts Centre, Wal- Fidelio, an old freighter. documentary, legendary Miss You Already 12a rich and poor has im- launched on the world’s sall, Fri 6 Nov On board, she discov- radical activist Angela Might this be a cult pacted on our societies. highest mountain. ers not only that she re- Davis speaks for the first Legend 15 weepie of the future? As many Western coun- Showing at Festival places a recently time about her 1970s Tom Hardy stars oppo- Could this be this year’s tries have become Drayton Centre, Market deceased mechanic, imprisonment as a ter- site Tom Hardy in this Beaches? Anyway, Toni richer, they’ve become Drayton, Shropshire, but also that the captain rorist and conspirator, a biographical thriller Collette and Drew Bar- unhappier, with fearful Mon 2 Nov; Ludlow As- is none other than her flash-point in the black about notorious twins rymore play lifelong communities, health sembly Rooms, South first great love, Gaël. liberation struggle that Ronald and Reginald mates whose friendship problems and declining Shropshire, Tues 3 - Stars Ariane Labed and made her a revolution- Kray. Based on John is tested when one gets social cohesion. Con- Wed 4 Nov; Roses The- Melvil Poupaud. Show- ary icon. Showing at Pearson’s 1972 book, pregnant and the other versely, more egalitarian atre, Tewkesbury, Mon 9 ing at mac, Birmingham, The Drum, Birmingham, The Profession Of Vio- gets cancer. Filmed in countries, such as Den- - Fri 13 Nov Tues 17 Nov Sun 15 Nov; mac, Birm- lence: The Rise And Fall London and West York- mark and Japan, have Exotica 18 ingham, Sun 15 Nov Of The Kray Twins. Also shire. Showing at mac, Birdman 15 healthier, happier and In the upscale Canadian stars Emily Browning. Birmingham, Fri 6 - Tues Michael Keaton plays better educated popula- strip club Exotica, Futuro Beach 15 Showing at Roses The- 10 Nov Riggan Thomson, an tions. Showing at Christina is the most When Brazilian lifeguard atre, Tewkesbury, Wed 4 actor once known for Foxlowe Arts Centre, popular dancer. She's Donato saves German - Sat 7 Nov; Warwick The New Girlfriend 15 playing the superhero Leek, Staffs, Wed 4 Nov visited nightly by the ob- biker Konrad from Arts Centre, Coventry, François Ozon’s humor- drowning, the pair im- ous psychological Birdman who is now on Doreen - The Movie sessive Francis, a de- until Thurs 5 Nov his uppers (Keaton him- mediately form a strong thriller stars Anais De- 15 pressed tax auditor. self, of course, played sexual bond. Their pas- A Little Chaos 12a moustier as Claire, a Doreen, the first person Meanwhile, her ex- Batman in two block- sionate affair intensifies, There just aren’t young woman whose ever to be diagnosed boyfriend - the club's busters). So in an at- and Donato decides to enough films about closest friend passes with Lazy Cow Syn- MC, Eric - still jealously tempt to revitalise his leave his mother and landscape gardeners. away, leaving behind drome, became an pines for her. Stars career, Riggan has writ- younger brother Ayrton This one pits Kate her a husband, David, overnight comedy sen- Bruce Greenwood and ten a play that he in- to start a new life with Winslet’s Sabine and a newborn baby. sation when her mono- Mia Kirschner. Showing tends to direct on Konrad in Berlin. Years against the designs of One day, Anais drops logue, Doreen’s Story, at mac, Bromsgrove, Broadway, with his girl- later, Ayrton arrives in André Le Nôtre, both of by David’s house unex- went viral on YouTube Wed 4 Nov friend in the lead. Berlin to demand an- whom are competing to pectedly, and finds him with over one million Things do not go Far From The swers. His unexpected win the prize of con- harbouring an unusual hits. Now, the movie smoothly. Also stars Madding Crowd 12a arrival forces all three structing a new fountain secret... Showing at aims to put this regional Stars Zach Galifianakis The last time Thomas men to confront their at the Palace of Ver- Foxlowe Arts Centre, treasure and the Black and Edward Norton. Hardy’s immortal 1874 past. Stars Wagner sailles. Alan Rickman Leek, Staffs, Tues 3 Nov Country well and truly Showing at The Hive, novel was adapted for Moura and Clemens plays King Louis XIV. on the map. Stars Gill Normal Shrewsbury, Fri 6 Nov the screen was courtesy Schick. Showing at Also stars Matthias Jordan. Showing at of the modern-day, mac, Birmingham, Mon Schoenaerts. Showing A creative documentary Book Of Life U Light House Media Cen- thinly disguised Tamara 16 Nov at Edge Arts Centre, based on original an- Originally entitled Day tre, Wolverhampton, Fri Drewe (2010), with Much Wenlock, South thropological research Of The Dead, this ani- 13 - Wed 18 Nov; Artrix, Gemma Arterton. A Girl At My Door 18 Shropshire, Mon 30 Nov on the relationship be- mated musical-adven- Bromsgrove, Tues 24 Thomas Vinterberg’s Following a personal tween migration, the sex ture concerns a Nov version is strictly of the scandal, police acad- The Lobster 15 industry and sex traffick- hopeless romantic with emy instructor Lee Contender for weirdest ing. The film brings the Dressed As A Girl 18 costumed variety, set in a guitar and two Young-nam is moved film of the year, The real-life stories of male, UK director Colin Roth- Victorian England. swords. However, in Carey Mulligan, as the from Seoul to a quiet Lobster is set in a near female and transgender

FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WAL- ODEON TELFORD ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire CINEMA Box Office SALL 01922 645 555 0871 224 4007 0871 224 4007 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE OMH SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 Shropshire 01743 281281 Warwickshire Birmingham SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 MALVERN THEATRE VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY WEM TOWN HALL ODEON COVENTRY 0845 287 2146 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham 0871 200 2000 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 240 240 THE NORBURY THEATRE, 0871 200 2000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, Staffordshire ODEON NUNEATON DROITWICH SPA CINEWORLD Solihull Black Country MUCH WENLOCK 0871 224 4007 08444 777 1000 0871 200 2000 CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON 01952 728 911 CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- SHOWCASE, COVENTRY TRENT 0871 200 2000 WAREHOUSE, ELECTRIC, B’ham 0871 200 2000 FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, 0871 220 1000 0121 643 7879 THE STAFFORD CINEMA, KIDDERMINSTER LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- MARKET DRAYTON VUE, LEAMINGTON SPA 01562 747773 EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 01630 654 444 STAFFORD 08712 240 240 716055 0207 438 9580 VUE, WORCESTER MILLENNIUM POINT THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY PICTURE HOUSE, STRAT- 0871 224 0240 0121 202 2222 ODEON MERRY HILL, DUD- 01743 234 970 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, FORD-UPON-AVON 0871 902 THE ROSE’S THEATRE, MAC 0121 446 3232 LEY 0871 22 44007 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS LEEK 01538 386 112 5741 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY 01584 878 141 STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 TEWKESBURY ODEON 0871 224 4007 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 01684 295 074 0871 220 1000 411188 COVENTRY 02476 524524 REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH 01746 761815

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migrants working in the iday set in London. Sicario 15 Stations Of The Suffragette 12a Taxi Tehran 15 sex industry to the Stars Sarah Gadon and An idealistic FBI agent Cross 15 Suffragette focuses on Following The Circle screen. Showing at The Emily Watson. Showing (Emily Blunt) is enlisted Divided into fourteen the working women (2000) and Crimson Drum, Birmingham, at Stourbridge Town to track down a name- chapters to mirror the who fought for equal Gold (2003), Jafar Thurs 12 Nov Hall, Mon 16 Nov less drug lord operating number of stages of rights for their sex in the Panahi was banned on the US-Mexican bor- Christ’s judgement up early part of the twenti- from making any more The Program 15 The Salt Of The Earth der. The film has re- to his burial, this is a eth century. Starting off films for twenty years If nothing else, Lance PG ceived ecstatic acclaim most unusual film. Win- in 1912, the film takes a (and from leaving Iran). Armstrong was a terrific A ravishing documen- and is being tipped for ner of the Best Script fictitious wife and So he shot this drama in inspirational speaker. tary portrait of Brazilian Oscar glory, with Ms award at Berlin, it fo- mother, Maud Watts, the back of a taxi while He could look you photographer Sebastiao Blunt a front-runner for cuses on fourteen-year- and charts her involve- driving around Tehran, straight in the eye and Salgado, perhaps most best actress. old Maria, who follows ment with key figures in recording his passen- convince you he was famous for his mid- Also stars Benicio del the aforementioned the movement. Stars gers’ confidential com- telling the truth. Arm- 1980s shots of Brazil’s Toro and Josh Brolin. fourteen stages in which Carey Mulligan and He- ments and opinions. strong not only con- biblically vast gold Showing at mac, Birm- to reach her nirvana per lena Bonham Carter. Winner of the Golden tracted stage three mines and their work- ingham, Fri 13 - Thurs the dictates of the fun- Showing at Light House Bear (best film) at this metastatic testicular ers. Wim Wenders and 19 Nov; Stoke Film The- damentalist Catholic Media Centre, Wolver- year’s Berlin Film Festi- cancer, but he beat it - Salgado’s son, Juliano, atre, Fri 20 - Sat 21 Nov community in which hampton, until Thurs 5 val. Stars Jafar Panahi and then went on to win have teamed up to tell she’s raised. Not sur- Nov; mac, Birmingham, and Hana Saeidi. Show- the ‘Tour’ seven consec- his life story - from his Spectre 12a prisingly, perhaps, the until Thurs 5 Nov; Old ing at mac, Birmingham, utive times. It’s a com- early years through to Whilst the newly ap- whole film was shot in Market Hall, Shrews- Sun 29 - Mon 30 Nov pelling narrative and, as his work on hostilities pointed ‘M’ continues fourteen takes. Stars bury, Shropshire, until Armstrong, the blue- and environmental ac- his ongoing battle with Lea van Acken and Thurs 5 Nov; Royal Spa A Walk In The Woods eyed Ben Foster is more tivism. Showing at political forces to keep Hanns Zischler. Show- Centre, Leamington 15 than up to the task. Foxlowe Arts Centre, the secret service above ing at The Hive, Shrews- Spa, Sun 22 Nov; Stoke It’s hard to imagine Bill More problematic is the Leek, Staffs, Tues 17 water, a cryptic mes- bury, Shropshire, Wed Film Theatre, Fri 27 & Bryson’s 1998 memoir act of compressing Nov sage reveals ghosts 25 Nov Sat 28 Nov; Festival being turned into a film, such a big story into from Bond’s past. It be- Drayton Centre, Market let alone having Robert less than two hours and The Second Best Ex- otic Marigold Hotel comes clear that a men- Still Alice 12a Drayton, Shropshire, Sat Redford play Bryson. bringing a freshness to acing organisation Julianne Moore is Alice The cuddly Bryson was PG 28 & Sun 29 Nov a tale so often told. Also named SPECTRE is at Howland, a linguistics in his mid-forties then Sequel in which the stars Chris O'Dowd. the bottom of the threat, professor who is de- Suite Française 15 and Redford is seventy- hapless Sonny Kapoor Showing at mac, Birm- and 007 is soon em- fined by her intellect, This tale focuses on Lu- eight now. The walk in (Dev Patel) has opened ingham, Fri 27 - Sat 28 broiled in a globetrot- her language and her cille Angellier, a young the woods was actually the new hostelry of the Nov ting mission to solve its articulation. Then, dur- wife in Nazi-occupied a two thousand, two title, in spite of his im- mystery. Stars Daniel ing a routine lecture at France who comes hundred-mile trek along A Royal Night Out 12a pending marriage. Still, Craig and Léa Seydoux. Columbia University, under the watchful gaze the Appalachian Trail, Quite what the Queen he has a new co-man- Showing at Light House she forgets the word of a German com- an amble that was has made of this fiction- ager, the dauntless Media Centre, Wolver- “lexicon.” For Alice, it is mander posted at the somewhat complicated alisation of the first flut- Muriel Donnelly (Maggie hampton, until Sun 1 the beginning of the home she shares with by the accompaniment ters of her heart is Smith). Nov; Festival Drayton end… Also stars Alec her domineering of Bryson’s dissolute anybody’s guess. Any- Also stars Judi Dench & Centre, Market Drayton, Baldwin and Kristen mother-in-law. Stars ‘former’ friend, Stephen way, it’s VE Day and the Bill Nighy. Showing at Shropshire, Fri 20 - Wed Stewart. Showing at Michelle Williams and Katz (Nick Nolte). Show- princesses Elizabeth Foxlowe Arts Centre, 25 Nov; Old Market Hall, Edge Arts Centre, Much Kristin Scott Thomas. ing at Artrix, Broms- and Margaret are al- Leek, Staffs, Tues 24 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Wenlock, South Shrop- Showing at Edge Arts grove, Sun 8 & Fri 27 lowed to mingle with the Nov Fri 27 - Mon 30 Nov shire, Mon 16 Nov Centre, Much Wenlock, Nov commoners to cele- Shropshire, Mon 9 Nov brate. Think Roman Hol-

DVD NEW RELEASES Manglehorn 12a Ant-Man 12a Al Pacino got terrific re- Ant-Man - aka Scott Lang views for this drama, in (Paul Rudd) - is the latest which he plays an eccen- superhero to scurry out tric, small-town locksmith of the Marvel Comics cat- in Texas still mourning an alogue. Scott Lang is ac- unresolved relationship tually a conman who from twenty years earlier. comes by a suit that en- Released 2 Nov ables him both to shrink and become incredibly strong. With the new technology at his pincer tips, he decides to re- form his ways and join up with the entomologist Hank Pym (Michael Dou- glas) to save the world. Released 23 Nov

Terminator Genisys 12a Arnie is back in cyber- netic mode as T-800. This time John Connor finds himself fighting the Ted 2 15 Machines on two tempo- In this eagerly antici- ral fronts: from both the pated follow-up, Ted mar- past and the future. Also ries Tami-Lynn and they stars Jason Clarke and decide to have a baby. Emilia Clarke. But Ted, being just a Released 2 Nov stuffed toy, needs human spermatozoa to impreg- nate her. Stars Mark Wahlberg and Seth Mac- Farlane. Fifty Shades Of Grey 18 Released 30 Nov Fifty Shades Of Grey has really become a mainstream phenomenon. The first volume of EL James’ ‘liter- ary’ trilogy was initially deemed smutty, even pornographic, but even so became something of a house- wives’ choice. In August of 2012, Amazon announced that it had sold more copies of the novel than the entire Harry Potter series put together. Pundits have suspected that part of the title’s success was due to its availability as an e-book, so that your mother could read it on public transport with impunity. Either way, a film version was inevitable, and here we have it. Expect blindfolds and spanking. Starring Dakota John- son and Jamie Dornan. Released 2 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Christmas Feature November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:04 Page 1 Christmas Feature November.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 18:04 Page 2 Get festive! There’s no shortage of opportunities for Midlanders (big and small) to get into the festive spirit this month and next. For starters, the region offers some of the best pantos in the land, complete with big-name stars of stage and screen. Then there’s ice skating in Birmingham, Trentham, Solihull and Shrewsbury, sledging in Tamworth, festive crafts at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Stourbridge’s Red House Glass Cone, and Santa visits, festive trails and themed markets galore! You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

A bumper treat awaits Midlands theatre-goers this Christmas, with a acclaimed production of Santa’s sackful of stars descending on the region. Wendy And Peter Pan With its long-held reputation for hosting the country’s biggest pan- features Benidorm actor tomime, the Birmingham Hippodrome this year presents Aladdin. Its Adam Gillen as pirate’s all-star cast features Wet, Wet, Wet frontman Marti Pellow, panto veter- cabin boy and Tink’s an Julian Clary, West End star Lee Mead and comic genius Matt Slack. love interest, Martin. Up the motorway at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, meanwhile, Elsewhere, the award- Julian Clary returns to Birmingham Hippodrome comedy legends the Chuckle Brothers promise plenty of laughs as winning Hairspray The Starky and Smee in the swashbuckling tale of Peter Pan. The Musical stops off at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre, a brand Chucklevision duo are joined by the ultimate Mr Nasty, John Altman - new production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe runs at the better known as EastEnders’ badboy Nick Cotton. Birmingham REP, and The Gruffalo’s Child enjoys an adventure at Moving north of the region, Stoke’s much-loved son Jonny Wilkes Warwick Arts Centre. And for those who like their festive tales makes his near-annual ‘festive pilgrimage’ to his home town, this year good’n’ghostly, a new version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol performing alongside regular sidekick Christian Patterson in another shows at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre. version of Peter Pan. A new kid on the block for 2015 is Cinderella, at the Barclaycard Arena. If panto’s not your thing, fear not, as there are plenty of festive alterna- Claiming to be the ‘world’s biggest pantomime’, the production fea- tives available. tures Bradley Walsh, Paul O’Grady, Dick & Dom and a cast of over one The RSC, for instance, is taking a more serious approach to JM hundred. For more information on festive offerings in the region, visit Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Ella Hickson’s whatsonlive.co.uk

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Festive shows opening this month...

Treasure Island Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 20 November - Sun 3 January

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story has delighted generation upon generation of readers, and over the years has inspired suf- ficient stage and film adaptations to fill a treasure chest (and a big one, at that!). When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Jim Hawkins into the adventure of a lifetime - one which will see him not only set- ting sail in search of buried treasure, but also spending time in the company of a one- legged pirate with murder in mind...

Wendy And Peter Pan Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 17 November - Sun 31 January

Second star to the right and straight on till morning - that's the way to Neverland. Fly away with the boy who wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled with adventure. Meet a real fairy, Wendy and the Lost Boys. Oh, and beware the wicked Captain Hook. And don’t for- get to listen out for the ‘tick tock’ of a very hungry croc. Instructions, instructions!... JM Barrie's classic tale is here adapted by Ella Hickson.

The Gruffalo’s Child Beauty And The Beast Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 26 November - Sun 3 January Wed 25 November - Sat 9 January

This musical adaptation is sure to be a hit When a young woman is captured by a hideous with kids. It finds the Gruffalo and his young- beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in ster embarking on yet another adventure in his mysterious palace. The Beast, too, is trapped, the deep, dark wood. seemingly forever, inside the grotesquery of his Despite her dad's warning to stay away from physical appearance, the consequence of a spell the wood, the Gruffalo's child decides it's cast upon him by an evil witch. time to go and explore, unworried by the leg- Only Beauty’s ability to look beyond his ugliness and see the person within can save him... end of the Big Bad Mouse... All of which would make for an absorbing evening of theatre even without adding in the Belgrade’s dose of high-quality panto magic! The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe Birmingham REP, Fri 20 November - Fri 16 January This much-loved tale from the pen of CS Lewis is rightly regarded as an all-time classic of children's literature. It sees the lion-god Aslan coming to the aid of three youngsters who’ve accidentally stumbled into his mystical world of Narnia. Commenting on the show, The Rep’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, says: “The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is a classic story that touches young and old, and this vivid stage adaptation will bring a little bit of magic to the winter season.

Cinderella Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 28 November - Sat 2 January

With its comical Ugly Sisters, metamorpho- sising pumpkin, matchmaking fairy godmoth- er, drop-dead gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. This latest incarnation of the legendary fairy- tale promises to be a delightfully jaw-drop- ping experience for sure-to-be-wide-eyed young audiences.

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Theatre, £18 (£14) Family tickets £58 CINDERELLA Mon 16 Nov - Sun 20 Dec, Town Hall, Sutton Coldfield, £10 - LISTINGS THE LOST GIFT Sat 12 Dec - Thurs 31 Festive show £16 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, WENDY & PETER PAN Tues 17 Nov - £8.50 - £21 £12 - £14 CINDERELLA Mon 16 Nov - Sun 27 Sun 31 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Dec, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Thurs 3 PETER PAN Starring The Chuckle Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, £6 - £65 upon-Avon, £15 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, Lichfield Garrick, Brothers and John Altman, Sat 12 Dec THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE Staffordshire, £12.50 - £24 - Sun 24 Jan, Grand Theatre, CINDERELLA Sat 19 Dec - Tues 29 WARDROBE Thurs 19 Nov - Sat 16 Wolverhampton, £17.00 - £31.50 Dec, Prince Of Wales Theatre, GRIMM TALES Sat 5 - Sat 19 Dec, Jan, The REP, Birmingham £7.50 - £35 Cannock, £14 - £48 Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, £8 - DICK WHITTINGTON Presented by All TREASURE ISLAND £15, Family tickets £36 & Sundry, Sun 13 - Sun 20 Dec, Artrix PETER PAN Sat 19 Dec - Sun 2 Jan, Presented by Scott Ritchie and BOA, Theatre, Bromsgrove, £14 - £15, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham £11 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Fri 20 Nov - Sun 3 Jan, Old Rep, Family tickets £43 - £47 - Sun 27 Dec, Bedworth Civic Hall, ALADDIN Starring Marti Pellow, Julian Birmingham, £15.95, Family tickets £55 Warwickshire HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL Mon 14 Clary, Lee Mead and Matt Slack, Sat ROBIN HOOD & MARIAN Sat 21 Nov - £9 - £14.50, Family tickets £45 Dec - Sat 2 Jan, New Alexandra 19 Dec - Sun 31 Jan, Birmingham Sat 30 Jan, New Vic Theatre, Theatre, Birmingham from £15 - £67.40 Hippodrome, £14 - £42 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Newcastle-under-Lyme, £16 - £23 - Sat 2 Jan, Royal Spa Centre, A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tues 15 Dec - WE’RE GOING ON A BEARHUNT Tues BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Wed 25 Nov Leamington, from £12.50 Wed 23 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, 22 Dec - Wed 13 Jan, Town Hall, - Sat 9 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham, £15 Birmingham £12 - £14 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 5 Dec Coventry £8.25 - £22.25 - Sun 3 Jan, Lichfield Garrick, Staffs, THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD Thurs 26 Nov £12.50 - £21.50, Family tickets £63 - Sun 3 Jan, Warwick Arts Centre, JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Starring Coventry, £14.50 Eternal’s Vernie Bennett and X CINDERELLA Sat 28 Nov - Sat 2 Jan, Factor’s Lloyd Daniels, Mon 7 Dec - Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, £11.50 - Sun 3 Jan, Palace Theatre, Redditch, £24.25 £18 - £65.25 ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Mon 30 SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN Nov - Sat 12 Dec, New Vic Theatre, DWARFS Tues 8 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, The Newcastle-under-Lyme, £16.00 - Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, £9.50 - £22.50 £17.50 ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY Mon 30 THE WITCHES Wed 9 Dec - Sun 10 Nov - Sat 3 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Jan, The Curve, , from £12 - Worcestershire, £12.95 - £17.95 £16 CINDERELLA Wed 2 Dec - Sat 5 Dec, SANTA’S RUSTY ROBOT Presented by Dovehouse Theatre, Birmingham, £9 - Imagine Theatre, Thurs 10 - Thurs 24 £11 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, £7.25 - £10.25 DICK WHITTINGTON Wed 2 Dec - Sun 10 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, ALADDIN Fri 11 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, £11.50 - £23 Solihull Arts Complex, £16 - £19 CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE Thurs 3 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Fri 11 Dec Dec - Sat 9 Jan, mac, Birmingham, - Sun 10 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse

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Red House Glass Cone High Street, Wordsley DY8 4AZ Tel: 01384 812750 SANTA @ THE CONE 12, 13, 19 - 23 DEC Tel 01384 815571 to book. THE NIGHT BEFORE FREE CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION Meet Santa, take a picture, SAT 7 NOV 2015 - JANUARY 2016 receive a gift, Unique handmade gifts and decorations make a craft and made by the Cone’s craft studio makers . follow our Christmas trail. CHRISTMAS CRAFT MARKET SAT 28 & SUN 29 NOVEMBER SAT 5 & SUN 6 DECEMBER FREE 10am – 4pm Unique handmade Christmas gifts from a variety of stalls and our own studio designer makers , CHILDREN plus seasonal entertainment, glass making £7.75 demonstrations and tasty treats for sale at the Red Cone Coffee House. BABES£5.25 IN ARMS NEW FOR THIS YEAR “Pop in and meet Santa and Mrs Claus

FAMILY CRAFTS £4.00 SAT 28 & SUN 29 NOV, SAT 5 & SUN 6 DEC Family fused glass decorations, age 5+ Tel 01384 815571 to pre book. Sessions at 10.30am, 11.30am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Enchanted Dreams DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 14:08 Page 1 Enchanted Dreams The Pre-Raphaelite Art of ER Hughes Heather Kincaid takes a stroll around BMAG’s newest exhibition with curator Victoria Osborne...

Colourful in art as in life, the Pre- The influence of his fellow Pre- and clearly defined details very difficult Raphaelite Brotherhood rank among Raphaelites is clear throughout the to achieve in the medium. Britain's most celebrated visual artists. artist's career. Among the works with ob- Their romanticism, fascination with myth vious lines of descent is Oh, What's That Enchanted Dreams' final room displays and fairytale, and blurring of the bound- In The Hollow (1893). Inspired by the artist’s famous Blue Phantasies, in- aries between fine and applied art are Christina Rossetti's poem, Amor Mundi, cluding the BMAG favourite, Night With characteristic of the era that produced the morbid image of a corpse wrapped Her Train of Stars (1912), here displayed them. in thorns echoes Millais' famous Ophe- for the first time alongside its compan- lia, as well as Burne-Jones' Briar Rose ion piece, Wings Of The Morning (1905). The Pre-Raphaelites' long-standing rela- series. Hughes also became a close In the latter, the young, angelic and tionship with the Birmingham Museum friend of William Holman-Hunt, whom he nude Dawn brightens the sky, sur- and Art Gallery, largely thanks to local served as studio assistant for many rounded by flocks of colourful birds, connections through Edward Burne- years. while the former shows a sombre, expe- Jones, has, over time, resulted in the rienced yet reassuringly maternal Night, gallery accumulating the world's largest “They had a very close and confidential clad in a sweeping robe and smiling Pre-Raphaelite collection. As such, it's relationship,” reveals Osborne. “To- down at her cherubic stars. hard to think of a better way to celebrate wards the end of Hunt's life, he lost his BMAG's one hundred-and-thirtieth an- sight to glaucoma – a real tragedy for a These are spinetingling paintings full of niversary this month than with an insight painter – so Hughes was actually paint- magic and mystery, and although they're into one of the movement's lesser-known ing for Hunt from his instructions for a Hughes' most familiar works, it's in- painters - Edward Robert Hughes. while. There are letters where he talks stantly apparent how little justice the about it, and you get a real sense of the many reproductions have done them. Until February 2016, BMAG is hosting weight of responsibility he felt in working Youthful, fairytale figures, like those in A Enchanted Dreams, the first ever full- for this man that he completely idolised. Witch (1902) and Midsummer Eve scale retrospective of Hughes' work. Al- Such was the bond of trust between (1908), convey a sense of freedom and though his paintings are well known them that Hughes' work for Hunt in- innocence. Yet at the same time, there's through reproductions, the originals are cluded finishing major pieces such as a haunting melancholy to the colour rarely displayed, due to the fragile nature The Lady Of Shalott and the final version contrasts, and not without reason: the of his preferred medium. of The Light Of The World.” ‘night-time’ theme is in part a represen- tation of death and mortality. Perhaps Curator Victoria Osborne explains: “Be- Among the exhibition's most moving surprisingly, though, Hughes' vision of cause watercolours are very delicate, pieces is a tender, chalk portrait of an death is gentle and kind - even comfort- they can't be exposed to light for long elderly Holman-Hunt, whose sad smile ing - as in Night and Valkyrie's Vigil periods, so even when a museum has a seems to hint at the difficulties he faced (1906), where the subject casts aside work by E R Hughes, chances are it in old age. her helmet and chainmail as if to mourn won't be on permanent display. That's her duties. why there's something really special Chalk was another medium in which about being able to bring all of these Hughes developed a distinctive style, It's a stunning end to a beautiful exhibi- works together for this exhibition.” perhaps most strikingly in his red chalk tion, marking a major milestone for representation of Fra Lippo Lippi, in- BMAG with a fresh perspective on a key Arranged chronologically, Enchanted spired by Robert Browning's poem. Hav- part of the gallery's history. Dreams aims to give an insight into the ing previously been viewed as man behind the work, showing portraits secondary to paintings and sculptures, of the artist and a selection of his inspira- drawings gained recognition as inde- tions as well as Hughes' own creations. pendent works of art during the second “One of the things we know about half of the nineteenth century. Hughes Hughes is that he was incredibly good portrait brings the renegade monk looking,” Osborne continues. “That's vividly to life with its almost photo- something that everybody talks about, graphic appearance, as though red- and there are lots of very striking photo- dened and bleached by exposure. graphs of him. That meant that he was in Nevertheless, it's Hughes' large-scale demand as a model – so we know that watercolours that remain his crowning he modelled for Rossetti and Simeon achievements, regularly taking pride of Solomon, as well as for his uncle, Arthur place at London's Royal Watercolour Hughes. He seems to have been a very Society during his liftetime. Combining popular character – there are lots of very watercolour and body colour, Hughes affectionate accounts of him.” created ambitious, often symbolic or narrative works, with sharp contrasts 64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Enchanted Dreams DPS Nov.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 14:08 Page 2

...a stunning end to a “ beautiful exhibition, marking a major mile- stone for BMAG with a fresh perspective on a key part of the gallery's history”

Enchanted Dreams: The Pre-Raphaelite Art Of ER Hughes continues to show at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery until Sunday 21 February 2016. Main image: ER Hughes Midsummer Eve

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Sound Matters Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 14 November - Sat 6 February The connections between craft and sound art are here explored through seven contemporary works from a range of creative disciplines. From using traditional processes - such as weav- ing and woodturning - to create new sound forms, to playing with shared technologies and revealing the sounds of materials, each of the included works demonstrates a different and imaginative approach.

Made By Makers Dozen Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Thurs 19 November - Fri 25 December This eclectic exhibition of original arts and con- temporary crafts features work by members of the venue’s Makers Dozen Studios. The studios, situated in the courtyard at the rear entrance of Wolverhampton Art Gallery, are home The Magical World Of Masks & Puppets to thirteen local professional artists and designer- Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sat 17 January makers. “The Magical World Of Masks & Puppets is a rich and varied exhibition which has some- The works on show, which range from glassblow- thing for everyone,” explains Dr Malcolm Knight, Curator of the Scottish Mask & Puppet ings and paintings to textiles and drawings, are all Centre. “It will appeal to art lovers, enthusiasts and families alike. Puppetry is arguably available to buy. the oldest form of theatre, and this exhibition is a visual chronicle of some of the history and traditions involved. It’s also a means of demonstrating that puppets and masks are very much living, breathing art forms.” Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member responsible for muse- ums, is equally enthused about the display: “This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to get up close to objects of wonder. So if you’re a puppet and mask collector or enthu- siast, or are looking for a visual arts exhibition that’s a bit out of the ordinary with lots of educational spin-offs, don’t pass up this rare opportunity.”

Tom Frost: Printmaker Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, Sat 14 November - Sun 3 January Contemporary British printmaker and illustrator Tom Frost here exhibits a collection of limited-edition screen prints exploring the natural British countryside. Alongside pieces highlighting his fascination for old matchboxes, stamps, folk art, tin toys and children's books, the display also includes pieces which range from striking school charts of butterflies and moths to wooden birds on wheels. To complement the show, Shire Hall has available a large selection of giftware and stationary which has been spe- cially created from the artist’s designs.

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DISPLAY SHOW One in a series of group exhibitions PREVIEWS LISTINGS and productions which have been designed ‘to VisualArts VisualArts effect change upon the existing condition of Eastside Projects’, until Sat 12 Dec, Eastside For full listing information on Visual Art Projects, Birmingham Further exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, FLORE NOVE-JOSSERAND ‘CITY GROWTH BLUES’ A visit whatsonlive.co.uk space created by artist Nove-Josserand, displaying a number of architectural hoardings through draw- Birmingham Museum & Art STILL WITH US: THE STORY OF YARDLEY PEOPLE IN ing, painting, photographing and constructing, until WORLD WAR ONE until Sun 1 Nov, Blakesley Hall, Sat 12 Dec, Eastside Projects, Birmingham Gallery in 130 Years Birmingham JET ROTMANS - A TALE OF TWO CITIES - SHREWSBURY Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, HELEN SNELL: BURNT OUT Digital laser and water jet AND ZUTPHEN (NETHERLANDS) The exhibition will until Thurs 1 September 2016 cutting techniques are here used to explore themes mainly feature work in the form of her favourite medium, the Artists' Book, until Sun 13 Dec, This special one hundred-and-thirtieth of imperialism, exploration, survival and the quest for knowledge, until Sun 1 Nov, Shire Hall Gallery, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery anniversary exhibition traces Birmingham Stafford LANDSCAPE WITH MACHINES Artworks by leading Museum & Art Gallery’s ‘rich past, its current BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND PASTEL SOCIETY Exhibition contemporary artists, such as Jeremy Deller and position as a much-loved city tourist gem in the showcase gallery, until Sun 1 Nov, Red Tony Cragg, shown alongside selected pieces from and the ambitious plans in the pipeline for House Glass Cone, Stourbridge the museum’s nationally designated collection of Industrial Art, until Fri 18 Dec, Coalbrookdale the future’. THE HOSPITAL IN THE OATFIELD Exhibition of ten Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire Commenting on the exhibition, Dr Ellen paintings by French artist Victor Tardieu, recently McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums acquired by the Florence Nightingale Museum, until ROBERT PERRY: THE FIELDS OF BATTLE 1914-1918 Trust, said: “The Museum & Art Gallery was Sun 1 Nov, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford Commemorating the centenary of World War One, until Fri 18 Dec, Museum Of Cannock Chase founded to improve the quality of GOOD MONEY: A CURRENCY COMPETITION FOR Birmingham’s manufactures, in the face of HANDSWORTH Local residents have been designing JUNE RIDGWAY ARBSA A collection of new ceramic work identifiable via the artist’s distinctive use of foreign competition, by showing the city’s their own currency and nominating local Handsworth ‘visionaries’ who will have their profiles soft colour against lines of black, until Sat 19 Dec, craftsmen the best in art and design. As an cast on the coins, until Sun 1 Nov, Soho House, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham educational charity, the Trust continues to Birmingham MISSING POST OFFICE UK Birmingham branch of use the city’s great collection to inspire the RBSA PRIZE FOR INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY, WIN- Missing Post Office UK by Japanese artist Saya people of Birmingham and visitors to the NERS & RUNNERS-UP Awarded each year to gradu- Kubota, until Wed 23 Dec, Ikon Gallery, city.” ates from Birmingham City University’s School of Birmingham Jewellery, until Mon 2 Nov, RBSA Gallery, BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN THE INNER-CITY Birmingham Display exploring the way in which ordinary RACE 50 EXHIBITION Race relations over the past 50 Birmingham people have been represented in art Matt Collishaw years - portraits of members of the public, commu- during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, until New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 10 January nity leaders, activists, political and religious figures Thurs 31 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and business leaders, until Fri 6 Nov, The Drum, 20TH CENTURY BRITISH STUDIO CERAMICS A display of Matt Collishaw’s reputation has been built on Birmingham seventy-eight pieces of studio ceramics made by a fascination with the darker side of human ICON Solo exhibition of work by Ian McIntyre which twenty-nine potters working in England and Wales nature. Among numerous other sources, he responds to the British Ceramics Biennial’s theme during the twentieth century, until Thurs 31 Dec, finds his inspiration via popular culture, of The Production Line, until Sat 7 Nov, Airspace Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery mythology and the slick vernacular of adver- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent NICKLIN UNSEEN An outdoor photographic exhibition tising - creating a world in which even the SOCIETY OF STAFFORDSHIRE ARTISTS Exhibition of showing a changing Birmingham in the 50’s & 60’s, most shocking of concepts becomes posi- society members’ work, until Sat 7 Nov, The until Thurs 31 Dec, Snow Hill Square, Birmingham tively alluring. Nicholson Museum & Art Gallery, Leek THE AGE OF INNOCENCE Works by William Hogarth & CODE AND CARPENTRY Interactive exhibition by Anna John Brett feature in this exhibition, which explores Horton and Sophie Bullock in partnership with the evolving imagery of children and childhood, Fierce Festival, until Sat 7 Nov, BOM (Birmingham until 10 Jan, The Barber Institute, Birmingham Open Media) WHOSE GAZE IS IT ANYWAY? Exploring the history of FRACTURE: WWI TO 21ST CENTURY HEALING A new Arab pop culture through posters, notebooks, digital installation, working in partnership with the diaries, book covers, film and video, until Sun 10 world-renowned RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Jan, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- Foundation Trust, until Mon 9 Nov, Qube Gallery, Trent Oswestry, North Shropshire MADE AT MAC: PHOTOGRAPHY A showcase of work STRING OF PEARLS: WOMBOURNE QUILTERS 30TH from two Kate Green-led courses, until Sun 10 Jan, ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION until Sat 14 Nov, Bilston mac Birmingham Craft Gallery LOWRY & BERRY: OBSERVERS OF URBAN LIFE Works MADE IN THE MIDLANDS Digital prints of the history by distinguished artist LS Lowry and his local coun- and remnants of Midlands manufacturing by Jim, terpart Arthur Berry are here brought together for until Sat 14 Nov, Wolverhampton Art Gallery the first time, until Sun 10 Jan, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE VOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS’ EXHBITION New community exhibi- 'DEFENCE THROUGH THE LENS' 100 YEARS OF DEFENCE tion featuring fantastic images taken by West PHOTOGRAPHY Exhibition of the best work of pho- Midlands Fire Service’s team of Volunteer tographers from the Army, Navy and Royal Air Photographers, until Fri 20 Nov, Birmingham Force, with images from conflicts beginning with Museum & Art Gallery World War I to Iraq and Afghanistan, to peacetime training, until Sun 10 Jan, Shrewsbury Museum & HIROSHIGE’S JAPAN: 53 STATIONS OF THE TOKAIDO Art Gallery ROAD Famous series from one of the great masters of Japanese landscape print, until Sat 21 Nov, A TOUCH OF TEXTURE CRAFT EXHIBITION Featuring Wolverhampton Art Gallery jewellery made using alternative materials including leather, felt, cotton, wool, silk and velvet, until Sat Terms Of Engagement JOHN HOPKINS ARBSA Display of studio and ‘plein 16 Jan, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham The Barber Institute, Birmingham, air’ watercolours, until Sat 21 Nov, RBSA Gallery, until Sunday 17 January Birmingham THIS IS NOT A JOKE Exhibition that looks at how some contemporary artists use different facets of SUE CAMPION RBA Exhibition of work in oil and pas- During the last one hundred years, some of humour, until 16 Jan, Wolverhampton Art Gallery the country’s most respected artists have tel until Sat 21 Nov, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock, Shropshire FIONA BANNER - SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP SCROLLING been commissioned by Birmingham Comprising a wide variety of text pieces, drawings, PAUL NEWMAN: STAGE Drawing, painting, perform- sculptures and films, until Sun 17 Jan, Ikon Gallery, University to portray and honour its chancel- ance & installation are here used to explore the Birmingham lors, vice chancellors and other leading fig- idea of an internal landscape with occasional refer- ures. ences to historical paintings sourced from artists’ JACQUES NIMKI: SEEN/UNSEEN A new permanent Comprising oil paintings, works on paper postcards, until 22 Nov, mac, Birmingham installation featuring more than three hundred bare- ly visible works referencing plant drawings, until and sculpture, this new exhibition takes a OF TIME AND THE RAILWAY BY ROBERT DAVIES A film Sun 17 Jan, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham look at the process of realising portraits of about the railway line between Birmingham and some of the university’s leading figures. Aberystwyth, filmed by Robert Davies from the dri- TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT Portraits from the University of Birmingham, including works by Jacob Epstein, The display includes work by numerous ver's cab of the train, recorded weekly over twelve months, until Sat 5 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery Tom Phillips, Humphrey Ocean and Jennifer prominent artists, including Jacob Epstein, McRae, until Sun 17 Jan, The Barber Institute, DENNIS MINCHIN RBSA Solo work featuring a series Tom Phillips, Humphrey Ocean and Jennifer Birmingham of still lives in oil, until Sat 5 Dec, RBSA Gallery, McRae. Birmingham ANTONIO ROBERTS First solo exhibition, until Sat 23 January, BOM (Birmingham Open Media)

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EPSTEIN'S ROCK DRILL I TRANSFORMED BY WAR Rock BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY IN 130 YEARS Drill was destroyed by Epstein at the end of 1915 The story of the Museum & Art Gallery in a special and reformed into the truncated Torso In Metal from anniversary exhibition, until Thurs 1 Sept 2016, Rock Drill, until Sun 24 Jan, The New Art Gallery, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Walsall ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM OF MERCIA Exhibition with FLINCK IN FOCUS Marking the 400th anniversary of pieces from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard, Govert Flinck’s birth, this exhibition explores this until Oct 2016, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, under-appreciated artist, until Sun 24 Jan, The Stoke-on-Trent Barber Institute, Birmingham THE GREAT WAR Exhibition featuring dramatic dis- THE CLIVE BEARDSMORE GIFT The 2015 interventions plays which bring to life the period between 1914 into the Garman Ryan Collection is a selection from and 1918, until Sun 11 Nov 2018, Dudley Museum a substantial gift of artworks donated to the gallery & Art Gallery by a private collector, Clive Beardsmore, until Sun FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH Outdoor First 24 Jan, The New Art Gallery, Walsall World War replica trench system installed next to CONFECTED, BORROWED AND BLUE...AN INSTALLATION the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in the city cen- BY PAUL SCOTT Exhibition organised by the tre. Giving visitors an atmospheric, thought-provok- Holburne Museum, until Sun 7 Feb, The Potteries ing understanding of the conditions experienced by Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent solders on the battlefields, until Sun 11 Nov 2018, ENCHANTED DREAMS The first ever exhibition to be The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent dedicated to Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Robert OSWESTRY & DISTRICT SOCIETY OF ARTISTS Over forty Landscape With Machines - Coalbrookdale Gallery, Hughes, until Sun 21 Feb, Birmingham Museum members exhibit works of landscape, portrait and Ironbridge, Shropshire And Art Gallery abstract art, Sat 31 Oct - Sat 28 Nov, The Willow Nov, Woodbridge Gallery, Birmingham WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS Biennial exhi- Gallery, Oswestry, North Shropshire bition with a diverse range of styles, mediums and GUILD OF ENAMELLERS Enamels, jewellery, textiles, DUDLEY SOCIETY OF ARTISTS EXHIBITION Featuring subject matter, until Sat 27 Feb, Wolverhampton Art ceramics and wood work from local makers. Sat 31 works in a variety of media by members of the Gallery Oct - Sat 16 Jan, The Willow Gallery, Oswestry, highly respected local art society, Sat 14 Nov - Sat 9 Jan, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery MINTON ARCHIVE An interactive exhibition of some of Shropshire the museum’s Minton pieces, until Sun 27 Mar, The MOUNTAINS AND MOORLANDS EXHIBITION Work SOUND MATTERS; EXPLORING CRAFT AND SOUND A Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent inspired by the British countryside featuring RBSA Craft Council touring exhibition - seven contempo- rary works from a range of creative disciplines, Sat MENTAL SPACES An ongoing project containing work artists, Mon 2 - Sat 14 Nov, RBSA Gallery, 14 Nov - Sat 6 Feb, Wolverhampton Art Gallery produced by local artists affiliated to the Asylum Art Birmingham Gallery, until Sat 2 Apr, Light House Media Centre, CRAFTED FOR YOU Annual exhibition of some of the BIRMINGHAM ART CIRCLE EXHIBITIONS The group Wolverhampton best craft makers in the Midlands, Sat 7 Nov - Sat 9 explore the theme of 'Movement' for this year's exhi- bition, Mon 16 - Sat 28 Nov, RBSA Gallery, MINER’S TOOLS A range of equipment used by min- Jan, Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery Birmingham ers over the years to extract coal, until Sun 10 Apr, MADE @ THE CONE CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE Sat 7 Nov The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent - Sat 2 Jan, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge MADE BY MAKERS DOZEN An eclectic mix of original arts and contemporary crafts by thirteen profes- INHERITING ROME Exhibition which uses money to CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION Featuring sional, local artists and designer-makers, Thurs 19 explore and question our deep-seated familiarity works ranging from fine art and ceramics to jew- Nov - Fri 25 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery with the Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun 24 ellery and glass work, Thurs 12 Nov - Wed 23 Dec, April, The Barber Institute, Birmingham Qube Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire MATHÉ SHEPHEARD ARBSA A semi-abstract approach that explores a variety of landscapes, including WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS An installation GALLERY 12 ANNUAL EXHIBITION A collective of artists skies, mountains, water, contours and textures, made up of many parts, from small jewels in frames based in and around Birmingham, comprising Mon 23 Nov - Sat 23 Jan, RBSA Gallery, to large, freestanding furniture, until Sun 22 May, painters, printmakers, photographers, decoupage Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery artists, jewellers and ceramicists, Fri 13 - Sun 15

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WIN TICKETS visit whatsonlive.co.uk to enter

TALES OF THE EXPECTED AND THE UNEXPECTED ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE

The perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture and collectables, Antiques For Everyone features Georgian and Victorian furniture, British and Euro- pean works of art, and highly collectable ceramics, porcelain and jewellery from the past three hundred years. Among the Winter Fair highlights is a Whitby Jet jewellery exhibition. The display tells the story of the world’s largest fashioned and rough Jet specimen collection of over two hundred pieces, most of which are being shown in public for the first time. Collections of antique dolls, miniature and decorative arts also feature. Below are a few of our favourite things, on show at this month’s fair at Birmingham’s NEC from 19 to 22 November.

WINTER FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

A rare George I Georgian Silver Come and see the world record breaking Whitby Jet gem- Tea Caddy. Made in London. stone measuring 6.5 m/21ft in length, presented by Date - 1716. The Coat of Arms W Hamond from the original Whitby Jet shop. is Buckley. Price: £3,500. Vintage items have become a hugely popular feature of the Exhibitor: JB Silverware. fair, with an eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery and home- ware available to purchase. Below exhibitor: Kitty Verity.

Original illustrations by Steve Hutton for a new, limited edition book of Peter Pan. Regency rosewood George IV Prices range from £2,000 to £3,500. Easy Chair London, circa 1829. Exhibitor: Art Of The Imagination. Price: £3,250. Visitors can meet the illustrator on the stand Exhibitor: Freshford Fine at the fair. Antiques.

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Christmas!

THURS 5 - SUN 8 NOVEMBER NEC, BIRMINGHAM 9.30AM - 5.30PM (SUN 5PM) KIDS GO FREE*

3 SHOWS FOR THE PRICE OF 1! ichfevents.co.uk 01425 277988 Tickets: Adults £10.50 in advance, £12.50 on the door Seniors £9.50 in advance, £11.50 on the door SAVE UP TO *Children under 16 FREE if accompanied by parent

THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SUGARCRAFT AND CAKE DECORATING SHOW! £2 OFF! EACH ADULT AND SENIOR TICKET Fri 6 - Sun 8 ...... ORDERED BY 5PM MON 2 NOV separate november entry fee neC, birmingham adults: £12, £14 on the door Seniors: £11, £13 on the door cakeinternational.co.uk Events November Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 19:50 Page 1 Events

READERS OFFER! SAVE £££’s 15% OFF advance tickets QUOTE PRESS15

BBC Good Food Show Winter NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 26 - Sun 29 November A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a packed programme of inspiration and enter- tainment to the NEC. Attracting the crème de la crème of TV personalities, this year’s show sees Paul Hollywood, Tom Kerridge (pictured above), Mary Berry, Michael Roux Jr and James Martin cooking up a treat or several in the Supertheatre. Add into the mix oodles of tastings and hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their wares and you’ve got yourself the makings of a delicious day out.

Magical Christmas Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire, Sat 21 November - Thurs 31 December According to Drayton Manor, there’s absolutely, er, ‘snow’ doubt about it... Christmas 2015 at the family-friendly visitor attraction is going to be a well and truly ‘magical’ experience. With Father Christmas himself in residence at the enchanted Castle Of Dreams and Europe’s only Thomas Land alive with festive cheer, the popular Staffordshire theme park seems intent on pulling out all the stops this yuletide season. So much so, in fact, that it’s even providing a snow shower three times a day! Other festive attractions include the Apocalypse tower drop doubling as a giant Christmas tree, a fifteen-minute 4D movie experience from The Polar Express, and a daily fireworks dis- play for the whole family to enjoy.

Shugborough Christmas Fair Shugborough Estate, Stafford, Fri 27 - Sun 29 November Shugborough’s magnificent Mansion House this month offers a warm fes- tive welcome to visitors, courtesy of its annual Christmas Fair. As usual the house boasts plenty of traditional yuletide splendour, with decorated trees and a three hundred-year-old chandelier (brought to life with hundreds of candles) featuring among the highlights. Outside, visitors can peruse a wide range of stalls selling arts, crafts and seasonal food.

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Events PREVIEWS Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Sat 28 - Sun 29 November Bone-crunching knights, giant puppets and a medley of medieval musicians all play their part in ensuring an entertaining experience for visitors to this ever-popular event - as do over one hundred stall holders selling food, drink and seasonal wares. There’s also the chance to visit Father Christmas in his magi- cal den, try on some armour, have a go at archery, enjoy falconry displays and take the opportunity to hold a bird of prey.

Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 13 - Sun 15 November The biggest event of its kind, the Classic Motor Show’s 2015 highlights include a display of one thousand, eight hundred cars, six hundred trade stands, and marquees manned by two hundred-and-fifty of the UK’s best motoring clubs. Visitors can head to the Restoration Theatre to find out how to restore a cherished classic, search for that elusive part in the always-popular autojumble and take a ride as a passenger in their ‘dream car’. Ice Skate Birmingham The event also features a dedicated Classic Motorbike show, complete with over three hun- Centenary Square, Birmingham, dred motorcycles, club displays, classic bike concours, stage interviews and a bike-jumble. Sat 14 November - Sun 10 January Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return to the city centre this month. As usual craftspeople - are available for purchase, as located in front of the Birmingham Repertory Birmingham Frankfurt are numerous edible delights. Theatre, the popular visitor attraction can Christmas Market This year’s exhibitors include: Emily Richard, hold up to three hundred people in one ses- Birmingham City Centre, who makes jewellery in precious metals; sion. Younger or inexperienced skating Thurs 12 November - Tues 22 December Paul Jaques, a sculp- enthusiasts can keep upright by using spe- tor whose work is This is the largest outdoor Christmas market cial Penguin Skating aids, which can be functional, sensual in the country and sits at the centre of booked online and in advance. and often contains Birmingham’s festive celebrations. The rink is once again overlooked by the amusing conceptual Drawing crowds from across the city and fur- Observation Wheel, offering passengers 'traps'; and Jen ther afield, the markets feature a wide range superb views of surrounding Birmingham Colquitt, who creates of traditional handmade toys, art, and items landmarks. decorative wall panels from throughout the world, as well as plenty in fine-quality porce- of food and drink, including German mulled lain clay. wine (Glutelin), grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German beer. Carols singers, live music and an ornate carousel also feature. MCM Comic Con Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Sat 21 - Sun 22 November American actor Lee Majors became one of Hollywood’s hottest properties in the 1970s when he starred as bionically-enhanced astronaut Steve Austin in hit television series The Six Million Dollar Man. Lee is one of numerous celebrities making guest appearances at this well-established show, which brings together a broad scope Shrewsbury Frost Fayre of popular-culture categories including The Greenhous West Mid Showground, movies, gaming, comics, anime, television Shrewsbury, Sat 14 - Sun 15 November shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. “We want this to be a really fun day out for families of all sizes and ages,” says Gorgeous Christmas Greenhous West Mid Showground manager Ian Bebbington, in talking about the Craft Fair Shrewsbury Frost Fayre. “We hope the event Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, will become a regular fixture to be enjoyed Sat 21 - Sun 22 November by the people of Shropshire and beyond.” Held in association with the Shropshire Guild Live music, a flea & antiques fair, a craft fair of Contemporary Craft, this popular event and a heavily discounted funfair all feature in provides a high-profile showcase for the a show which last year attracted an impres- region’s creative talent. sive fifteen thousand visitors. Furniture, ceramics, glassware, textiles, jew- ellery and metalwork - all handmade by local

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Events PREVIEWS Crafts For Christmas NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 5 - Sun 8 November This popular event for crafting enthusiasts at all levels brings together three distinct shows under one roof. With plenty of inspiration for a creative Christmas, the shows feature a huge array of craft materials and handmade gifts from hundreds of exhibitors. This year’s show- stopping attraction is the world’s largest knitted Christmas tree, standing at an impressive twenty-five-feet and created by Alison Murray and a volunteer team of seven hundred knitters. “I’m delighted to be exhibiting at Crafts For Christmas,” says Alison, who’s also display- ing a fairytale gingerbread house, complete with snowman, winter garden and life-sized Father Christmas. “The Christmas Tree has over five thousand rectangles sewn on to it, and I’m proud to say it’s already raised Winter Wonderland £17,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.” SnowDome, Tamworth, Fri 20 November - Thurs 31 December An all-new, adventure-packed stage show awaits festive-season visitors to this popular Staffordshire destination. Santa and his friends are making their final preparations for Christmas and time is running out - they need the help of Midlands-based youngsters to make everyone’s wishes come true... Suitable for children of all ages, the Winter Wonderland show is just part of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A safe envi- ronment ensures visitors are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe the snow action as they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village, where youngsters can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hello to some of his furry friends.

Birmingham HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN TRAIL Find the hidden pump- Events LISTINGS kins around the garden to solve the Halloween Celebrating Bonfire Night mystery, Sun 1 Nov, Powis Castle and Garden, For full listing information on Events, Powys including times and dates, visit FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Celebrating the theme park's sixty-fifth anniversary, with some of the rides www.whatsonlive.co.uk and attractions open until 9pm, Sun 1 Nov, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire ARCHERY LEADERS COURSE For anyone wishing to From SUN 1 NOV become qualified at leading archery groups, Sun 1 Nov, The Ackers, Birmingham HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Arrive in fancy dress for some ghoulish fun across the whole attraction, Sun DISCOVER & EXPLORE - AUTUMN ART CART Family 1 Nov, Cadbury World, Bournville, Birmingham 'drop in' and workshops sessions, suitable for fami- HALLOWEEN TRAIL A spooky family trail around the lies with children aged five and over, until Sun 1 grounds, Sun 1 Nov, Croft Castle, Worcestershire Nov, Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford AUTUMN WALK Walk through the park with head gar- DISNEY ON ICE: WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT Get ready dener Martin Gee and see the stunning autumnal to be swept away by your favourite Disney stories. colours, Sun 1 Nov, Weston Park, Shropshire Rev up for high-speed stunts as the crew of FIREWORKS AT BERRINGTON Berrington Hall hosts its Disney/Pixar’s Cars race across the ice. Dive into annual firework display, Sun 1 Nov, Berrington Hall, The Little Mermaid’s enchanted undersea kingdom Herefordshire and catch up with the Toy Story gang - the toys are GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND PLOT Celebrate bonfire FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A War Of The Worlds back in town! With sensational skating and special night with craft activities, quizzes and trails, Sun 1 fireworks display to celebrate the theme park's effects, don’t miss the chance to see a show you’ll Nov, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley Heath sixty-fifth anniversary, with some of the rides and never forget, until Sun 1 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, HALLOWEEN LASER SHOW AND FIREWORK DISPLAY attractions open until 9pm, Fri 30 Oct - Sun 1 Birmingham Sun 1 Nov, Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire Nov, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Staffordshire HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR Hair-raising fun on the CHOCOLATE INDULGENCE AFTERNOON TEA Afternoon GUNPOWDER, TREASON AND PLOT Celebrate bon- farm for children, Sun 1 Nov, National Forest tea for all chocolate lovers, Sun 1 Nov, Highbury fire night with craft activities, quizzes and trails, Adventure Farm, Burton Upon Trent Hall, Birmingham Sun 1 Nov, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley CANDLE DIPPING WORKSHOPS Fun drop-in work- MODEL RAILEX Over twelve rail layouts displaying a Heath shops - make a fabulously colourful candle, Sun 1 variety of models and much more, Sun 1 Nov, FIREWORK DISPLAY AND LASER SHOW Sun 1 Nov, Nov, Blists Hill, Shropshire National Brewery Centre, Staffordshire Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire GHOST SHIPS WORKSHOPS Sun 1 Nov, Enginuity ULTIMATE STANCE One-day indoor event displaying SILENT FIREWORKS A fireworks display with a dif- Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire slammed and stanced vehicles from all over the ference, with no bangers or loud noises. Ideal MYTHS AND FABLES Stroll through the canalside vil- UK, Sun 1 Nov, Telford International Centre, Telford, for little ones, Thurs 5 Nov, Birmingham lage and debunk some nineteenth century myths, Shropshire Botanical Gardens as the resident pharmacist and quack doctor sell HALLOWEEN AT HOOOOO Come and join Winnie the WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT you some questionable remedies, Sun 1 Nov, Black Witch for some scary activities such as pumpkin Thurs 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse Country Living Museum, Dudley carving, eyeball picking and even a bit of creepy BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT TRENTHAM Fri HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN AND PESKY PESTS FAMILY sand art, Sun 1 Nov, Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, 6 Nov, Trentham Estate, Staffordshire TRAILS An outdoor spotting trail for children, fol- Telford, Shropshire FIREWORKS AT ALTON TOWERS Fri 6 - Sun 8 Nov, lowed by the Pesky Pests trail around the Manor, HALLOWEEN TRAIL Solve the creepy clues to win a Alton Towers, Staffordshire Sun 1 Nov, Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton prize, Sun 1 Nov, Severn Valley Country Park, Nr SPECTACULAR FAMILY FIREWORKS Sat 7 Nov, Blists CREATING FRANKENSTEIN Have some Halloween fun Bridgnorth, Shropshire Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire in the grounds with a spooky trail, Sun 1 Nov, SCAREFEST Alton Towers has spectacularly FIREWORK FESTIVAL Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, West Berrington Hall, Herefordshire revamped its hugely popular Scarefest attraction Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley BRICK 2015 This haven for LEGO fans boasts for 2015, Sun 1 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire numerous interactive features, Sun 1 Nov, NEC,

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Events LISTINGS

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

OCTONAUTS TRAINING ACADEMY Enrol your little ones at the all-new academy and find out what it takes to become a member of the crew, Sun 1 - Sat 7 Nov, National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham FESTIVE RAG WREATH MAKING Sun 1 - Sat 28 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS Celebrating twenty- five years of the house, Sun 1 - Mon 30 Nov, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley Heath DISPLAY SHOW & FLORE NOVÉ-JOSSERAND Including works by Goshka Macuga, Amalia Pica, Christopher Williams and Flore Nové-Josserand, Sun 1 Nov - Sat 12 Dec, Eastside Projects, Birmingham YOUTH THEATRE How to devise and perform age- appropriate ghost stories. The senior group work on drama extracts from English classics, Sun 1 Nov - Sat 12 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham CAR RALLIES AT COSFORD Sun 1 Nov - Thurs 31 Dec, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Cake International, NEC, Birmingham LIFE DRAWING CLASS WITH MARK WARNER Life-drawing sessions with experienced artist Mark AUTUMN BANQUET A four-course meal filled with 2016, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Warner, Head of Art at Shrewsbury High School, local autumn produce, mulled cider and a farmyard PIGG’S PLAYBARN CHRISTMAS CLUB A Christmas Craft Mon 2 Nov - Mon 7 Dec, Shrewsbury Museum & fire-pit, Sat 7 Nov, Fordhall Organic Farm, Club making Christmas decorations and presents, Art Gallery Shropshire Thu 12 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, Shropshire GINO'S ITALIAN ESCAPE Tue 3 Nov, Civic Hall, THE STAFFORD ROUNDTABLE BONFIRE & FIREWORKS FESTIVE GIFT FAIR, Thurs 12 - Sun 15 Nov, NEC, Wolverhampton Hosted by Stafford FM. Family fun for all, Sat 7 Birmingham THE WORKS' CANTEEN An evening of poetry, lyrics, Nov, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs music and storytelling, Tue 3 Nov, Black Country Staffordshire 12 Nov - Tue 22 Dec, Birmingham City Centre Living Museum, Dudley SETTER AND POINTER SHOW Sat 7 Nov, BAVARIAN NIGHTS Celebrate in true Oktoberfest THREE COUNTIES BRUNCH NETWORKING MEETING Staffordshire County Showground style, Fri 13 Nov, National Brewery Centre, Providing a unique meeting place for you to make SHAKESPEARE TOUR OF STRATFORD Sat 7 Nov, Staffordshire new contacts and grow your business, Wed 4 Nov, The Falstaff Experience, Stratford-Upon-Avon FAWLTY TOWERS COMEDY DINING Combining fine The Dorothy Clive Garden, Shropshire DIWALI Discover the story of Diwali and celebrate food and classic comedy, Fri 13 Nov, THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Join the Dudley the colourful and vibrant Hindu Festival of Light New Meadow, Shropshire Ghost Tour around various haunted sites, Wed 4 with traditional music, dance and craft activities, Sat LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC MOTOR SHOW Fri 13 - Nov, Station Hotel, Dudley 7 Nov, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke- Sun 15 Nov, NEC, Birmingham AN EVENING WITH PAUL MCGRATH Former Ireland and on-Trent SHREWSBURY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Fri 13 - Sun 15 Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath reminisces about THE NATIONAL PET SHOW 2015 Hundreds of different Nov, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury his career, Thurs 5 Nov, Irish Centre, Birmingham animals, animal-action displays, informative talks MOUNTAINS AND MOORLANDS WITH SUSAN MULCOCK SILENT FIREWORKS A fireworks display with a differ- and demonstrations, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, Produce your own felted picture from your favourite ence, with no bangers or loud noises. Ideal for little Birmingham photograph, Sat 14 Nov, The Willow Gallery, ones, Thurs 5 Nov, Birmingham Botanical Gardens COUNT DUCKULA Live on stage for the very first time, Oswestry, North Shropshire PIGG’S PLAYBARN CHRISTMAS CLUB Make Christmas Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham DISCOVERING YOUR LANDSCAPE The North Staffs decorations and presents, Thurs 5 Nov, Apley Farm ANTIQUES FAIR Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, Staffordshire Group of the Geologists’ Association looks at the Shop, Shropshire County Showground evolution of geology maps of North Staffordshire, MONTHLY COOKING SESSION Learn some new recipes SCALE MODEL WORLD The largest event of its kind in Sat 14 Nov, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, using local seasonal produce, Thurs 5 Nov, the world, featuring over one hundred-and-eighty Stoke-on-Trent Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, traders, Sat 7 - Sun 8 Nov, Telford International DR. BUSKER, REAL ALE & SAUSAGES EVENING 2015 South Shropshire Centre, Shropshire An evening of speciality sausages, twelve local real WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT REMEMBRANCE SERVICE Sun 8 Nov, RAF Cosford, ales and live music, Sat 14 Nov, National Brewery Thurs 5 Nov, Wolverhampton Racecourse Shropshire Centre, Staffordshire CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY Paying tribute to railway per- NIGHT IN THE TRENCHES Experience a soldier’s life in Birmingham sonnel who lost their lives. Services on the con- the WWI trench system, Sat 14 Nov, The ART MATERIALS LIVE Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Nov, NEC, course at Kidderminster Station and on the platform Staffordshire Regiment Museum Birmingham at Bridgnorth, Sun 8 Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Nr COUNT DUCKULA Live on stage for the very first time. STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFTS Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Bewdley Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham Nov, NEC, Birmingham WWE LIVE 2014 Sun 8 Nov, Genting Arena, CHRISTMAS FAIR Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, Dudmaston BAVARIAN NIGHTS Celebrate in true Oktoberfest Birmingham Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire style, Fri 6 Nov, National Brewery Centre, REP WEDDING FAIR AUTUMN 2015 Sun 8 Nov, The SUNNYCROFT AT NIGHT Discover the house lit by can- Staffordshire REP, Birmingham dlelight, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Nov, Sunnycroft, FRIDAY TWILIGHT -BOLLYWOOD FILM NIGHT A screen- BREADMAKING WORKSHOP Sun 8 Nov, Fordhall Wellington, Shropshire ing the film, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Fri 6 Nov, Organic Farm, Shropshire SANTA SAFARI A themed Discovery Trail area with The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Santa's Grotto, a four-mile drive-through safari and MURDER MYSTERY DINNER EXPERIENCES African Village. New for this year is Land Of The Performed by the Creative Arts Theatre Company, Week Commencing MON 9 NOV Living Dinosaurs, Sat 14 Nov - Thurs 24 Dec, West Fri 6 Nov, Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley Staffordshire APPROACHES TO LANDSCAPE WITH TERESKA SHEPHERD ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Sat 14 Nov 2015 - Sun 10 THE NATIONAL GRADUATE RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION Fri Four Monday sessions for those who wish to Jan 2016, Centenary Square, Birmingham 6 - Sat 7 Nov, NEC, Birmingham explore a wide range of painting techniques, Mon 9 DEER FEEDING Sat 14 Nov 2015 - Sun 13 Mar 2016, THE STAFFORD STAMP FAIR Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, Nov, The Willow Gallery, Shropshire Attingham Park, Nr Shrewsbury Staffordshire County Showground BAKE AND MAKE Make your own Christmas treats FRIENDS CRAFT FAIR Hosted by the Friends of SAUSAGE & CIDER FESTIVAL Fri 6 - Sat 7 Nov, St and presents, Mon 9 Nov, Moseley Old Hall, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Sun 15 Nov, Mary's Church, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton Birmingham Botanical Gardens CAKE INTERNATIONAL The world's largest sugar craft, CONSERVATION CENTRE OPEN WEEK Exclusive behind- HIGHBURY HALL BY CANDLELIGHT Sun 15 Nov, cake decorating and baking show, Fri 6 - Sun 8 the-scenes access to aircraft conservation work, Highbury Hall, Moseley, Birmingham Nov, NEC, Birmingham and a chance to view the progress being made on CHRISTMAS CRAFT EVENT Sun 15 Nov, Whittington 4X4 IN THE FOREST Join the rangers in your 4x4 to many of the museum's current restoration projects, Castle, Oswestry, North Shropshire explore Cannock Chase, Sat 7 Nov, Cannock Mon 9 - Sat 14 Nov, RAF Cosford, Nr Wolverhampton Chase Forest, Staffordshire Week Commencing LINOCUT WORKSHOP WITH IAN PHILLIPS Sat 7 Nov, STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD & CONSERVATION TOUR MON 16 NOV The Willow Gallery, Shropshire Behind-the-scenes tour, Tue 10 Nov, Birmingham COOKERY CLUB Come & enjoy Apley Cookery Club Museum And Art Gallery OTTER WEEK Themed events and fundraising activi- with Gilly Clayton. Sat 7 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tue 10 Nov, ties to raise awareness for an otter conservation Shropshire Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire project, Mon 16 - Mon 23 Nov, National Sea Life MAD JACK'S 5 Join Shrewsbury Athletics Club on a DISCOVERY CENTRE SUPPER CLUB - ONE-OFF COOKERY Centre, Birmingham five-mile multi-terrain course, Sat 7 Nov, Attingham WORKSHOP Wed 11 Nov, Shropshire Hills Discovery TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tuesday drop- Park, Shropshire Centre, Craven Arms, Shropshire in workshops are perfect for making a few of your SCIENCE OF SOUND Wed 11 Nov 2015 - Fri 17 Jun own ceramic masterpieces, Tue 17 Nov,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Events November Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 21:29 Page 8

Events LISTINGS Birmingham International Tattoo - Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham

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

Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Join the Dudley Ghost Tour around various haunted sites, Wed 18 Nov, Station Hotel, Dudley EAT STREET SHREWSBURY The same day as the Christmas light switch-on in Shrewsbury. Lots of traders serving ‘amazing food and tasty drinks’, Wed 18 Nov, St Alkmunds Square, Shrewsbury AFTERNOON TEA IN HIMLEY HALL Wed 18 Nov, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley THE SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL OF VIENNA Wed 18 - Fri 20 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham PIGG’S PLAYBARN CHRISTMAS CLUB A Christmas Craft Club making Christmas decorations and presents, Thu 19 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, Shropshire THE SKILLS SHOW The nation’s largest skills and careers event, providing young people with oppor- tunities to discover what they're good at and what they enjoy. Plenty of interactive activities and hands-on experiences, Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR The largest Christmas cards and make your own, Sun 22 Nov, Sat 28 Nov, Selly Manor, Birmingham vetted art, antiques and interiors fair in the UK, Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley Heath CHRISTMAS CRAFT WORKSHOP Decorate a Christmas Thurs 19 - Sun 22 Nov, NEC, Birmingham UK POOL & SPA EXPO A UK Wet Leisure Event for the stocking or Santa bag to take home, Sat 28 Nov, CIVIL WAR TALK: SENT TO COVENTRY Fri 20 Nov, pool and spa industry, Sun 22 - Tue 24 Nov, NEC, Severn Valley Country Park, Nr Bridgnorth, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Birmingham Shropshire BAVARIAN NIGHTS Celebrate in true Oktoberfest FESTIVE FAYRE - ONE-OFF COOKERY WORKSHOP A style, Fri 20 Nov, National Brewery Centre, chance to get ahead with all your Christmas trim- Staffordshire Week Commencing MON 23 NOV mings, Sat 28 Nov, Shropshire Hills Discovery CHRISTMAS PUDDING EVENING Tuck in to six pud- Centre, Craven Arms, South Shropshire dings as you decide which should be crowned the APPROACHES TO LANDSCAPE WITH TERESKA SHEPHERD THE RACING PIGEON SHOW Including pigeon auctions winner, Fri 20 Nov, Powis Castle and Garden, Four Monday sessions for those who wish to and trade stands, Sat 28 Nov, Telford International Powys explore a wide range of painting techniques, Mon Centre, Shropshire SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 20 Nov - Thu 31 23 Nov, The Willow Gallery, Oswestry, North ENCHANTED WOODLAND Walk & Christmas fair, a spe- Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs Shropshire cial fundraising event for the garden, Sat 28 - Sun ENAMELLING TECHNIQUES WITH PAT THATCHER Learn CHRISTMAS AT NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE FARM 29 Nov, The Dorothy Clive Garden, North how to apply enamel powder and decorative media The farm is transformed in to a Winter Wonderland, Shropshire to copper and fuse it in a kiln, Sat 21 Nov, The Mon 23 Nov - Thu 24 Dec, National Forest BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO 2015 Sat 28 - Willow Gallery, Oswestry, North Shropshire Adventure Farm, Staffordshire Sun 29 Nov, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham WINTER CHILLI & CIDER FESTIVAL An all-day event MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENT CALENDAR Tue 24 Nov, LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Opportunity to with live music, food stalls, and competitions with a Erddig Hall, Wrexham purchase some unusual Christmas gifts, Sat 28 - hot and spicy kick, Sat 21 Nov, National Brewery TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tue 24 Nov, Sun 29 Nov, Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire Centre, Staffordshire Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, Sat 28 - WILDLIFE WATCH GROUP - WILDLIFE DECORATIONS GUY DAY’S HINTS & TIPS - CHRISTMAS Tue 24 - Thurs Sun 29 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Create some Christmas decorations and cards from 26 Nov, Weston Park, Staffordshire/Shropshire bor- CHRISTMAS WITH SYLVESTA THE JESTER Sat 28 - Sun wildlife materials, Sat 21 Nov, National Memorial der 29 Nov, Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire Aboretum, Staffordshire THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Join the Dudley FATHER CHRISTMAS' GROTTO Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, STIR UP SATURDAY Learn all about traditional Ghost Tour around various haunted sites, Wed 25 Powis Castle and Garden, Powys Christmas baking, Sat 21 Nov, Fordhall Organic Nov, Station Hotel, Dudley VOLUNTEER WEEKEND Work hard, socialise, make Farm, Market Drayton, Shropshire RAMBLE WITH THE RANGERS Join the ranger team for your mark and get mucky, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, CHRISTMAS SHOPPING DISCOUNT WEEKEND Enjoy a different walk each month in the castle's historic Fordhall Organic Farm, Market Drayton, Shropshire twenty percent off a range of locally made ceram- parkland. Walks are of differing lengths and difficul- SANTA SPECIALS Sat 28 - Sun 29 Nov, Foxfield ics, gifts and accessories, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, The ties, Wed 25 Nov, Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Railway, Staffordshire Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAYRE WEEKEND A variety of stall CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time and take CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ON Wed 25 Nov, holders, mulled wine and mince pies, Sat 28 - Sun part in some seasonal activities, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Trentham Estate, Staffordshire 29 Nov, Highbury Hall, Moseley, Birmingham Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley NOVEMBER MEMORIAL TALK: A SPOTLIGHT ON THE WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Christmas present ideas, FAULD EXPLOSION Valerie Hardy, author of Voices Exhibitors from the UK and abroad launch their lat- affordable handmade goods and locally produced From The Explosion, reveals stories of tragedy and est products and sell rare items, Sat 28 - Sun 29 food, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, Enginuity Museum, heroism from the Fauld explosion seventy-one Nov, NEC, Birmingham Ironbridge, Shropshire years ago, Thurs 26 Nov, National Memorial CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Pantomime ver- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Christmas pan- Aboretum, Staffordshire sion of The Sleeping Beauty. Santa stars in his own tomime version of The Sleeping Beauty. Santa stars PAPERCRAFT WREATH Create your own alternative to show, with a gift for every child, Sat 28 - Sun 29 in his own show, with a gift for every child, Sat 21 - a traditional Christmas wreath, Thurs 26 Nov, Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham Sun 22 Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham Erddig Hall, Nr Wrexham MOTORCYCLE LIVE The best products, bikes & servic- CRAFT & CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE Over fifty exhibitors, PIGG’S PLAYBARN CHRISTMAS CLUB A Christmas Craft es, from leading companies across the globe, Sat Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Club making Christmas decorations and presents, 28 Nov - Sun 6 Dec, NEC, Birmingham MAGICAL CHRISTMAS A magical christmas experi- Thu 26 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, Shropshire SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a magical festive ence including Polar Express 4D and meeting the BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Thurs 26 - Sun 29 sleepover at one Alton Towers’ themed hotels, Sun reindeers, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov Drayton Manor Nov, NEC, Birmingham 29 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire Theme Park. Tamworth, Staffs BAVARIAN NIGHTS Celebrate in true Oktoberfest CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time and take MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON A weekend-long cele- style, Fri 27 Nov, National Brewery Centre, part in some seasonal activities, Sun 29 Nov, Black bration of movies, comics, sci-fi, games, anime and Staffordshire Country Living Museum, Dudley collectables, Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, NEC, THE SHUGBOROUGH CHRISTMAS FAIR AND CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS FUN Festive songs, carols and other Birmingham MANSION HOUSE A Christmas shopping event with seasonal activities, Sun 29 Nov, Castle Bromwich ENGLISH WINTER FAIR Sat 21 - Sun 22 Nov, access to the Mansion House, Fri 27 - Sun 29 Nov, Hall Gardens, Birmingham Staffordshire County Showground Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Staffordshire SEDGLEY & GORNAL CANINE SHOW Sun 29 Nov, GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS See the interiors MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Including Polar Express 4D Staffordshire County Showground decorated for a fabulous masked ball and discover and meeting the reindeers, Fri 27 - Mon 30 Nov CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP A chance to festive Georgian traditions and entertainment, Sat Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs make a Christmas wreath to take home, Sun 29 21 Nov - Sun 20 Dec, Berrington Hall, Herefordshire ILLUMINATED GARDENS Fri 27 Nov - Sun 13 Dec, Nov, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire CHRISTMAS AT STOWE Carols, children's crafts, shop- Powis Castle and Garden, Powys SEDGLEY & GORNAL CANINE SHOW Sun 29 Nov, ping and a yuletide menu, Sat 21 Nov 2015 - Sun STARS IN YOUR SKIES - WEIRD COSMOLOGIES Staffordshire County Showground 10 Jan 2016, Stowe House Gardens, Staffordshire A session led by Dr Alan Longstaff. Hear how diffi- RECORD & CD FAIR Sun 29 Nov, Robin 2, Bilston, SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, Sun 22 culties with the Big Bang Theory have spawned Wolverhampton Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley other ideas about the universe, Sat 28 Nov, Carding DUDLEY TOY AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 29 Nov, The CHRISTMAS WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP Sun 22 Nov, Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Church Stretton, Station Hotel, Dudley Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, Shropshire Shropshire CHRISTMAS CARDS Find out about the history of CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AND SANTA’S GROTTO

80 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out November region two.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 19:59 Page 1 Eating Out World-class dining... Michelin-starred Birmingham city centre eatery Adam’s has been named the fourth best rated fine dining restaurant in the world by the 2015 Travellers’ Choice Restaurants Awards. Currently located on Bennett’s Hill, the restaurant was also rated the third best in Europe and, for the first time, the best in the UK. The awards are testament to the high standards of food and service provided by owner and chef Adam Stokes and his wife, Natasha. The restau- rant opened in 2013 and attained its Michelin star six months later. Adam and Natasha plan to relo- cate their business to New Oxford House on Waterloo Street, just off Colmore Row - a move which will see the restaurant’s capacity rise from twenty-five to thirty-eight covers.

Moli’s delectable dumplings... us very welcome and comment on the Puer REVIEW talked us through the Dark tea, which was rec- rather straightforward ommended by Angela. A Adam Stokes - chef and owner Although situated in menu of authentic smooth and earthy offer- Shrewsbury town centre, Chinese dumplings and ing, its distinctive flavour Curry Chef of the Year the Market Hall has always pure Chinese teas. Along ensured it perfectly com- For the second consecutive year, Mohammed struck me as something of with the menu of Beijing plemented the dumplings. Azad, executive chef at Shrewsbury’s Café Saffron, a hidden gem - dumplings, mushroom Overall, Moli brings a little has been named Curry Life magazine’s Curry Chef ensconced, as it is, in a dumplings and side salad, taste of China to of the Year. utilitarian 1960s block. Its there’s also a daily spe- Shrewsbury. Its location in Mohammed learned of his success at the maga- exterior, having recently cial. On the day we ate the Market Hall gives you zine’s prestigious annual awards ceremony, held been refurbished, is fresh there, it was surf’n’turf, a the feeling that you’re at London’s Lancaster Hotel and hosted by ITN and light, but it’s the interi- beef and prawn dumpling. experiencing authentic presenter Nina Hossain. or that holds the charac- We couldn’t decide what street food. With prices The team at Café Saffron, in Hill’s Lane, pride ter. we wanted, so we had all ranging from £3.50 for a themselves on an extensive menu which not only The market itself, located three to share! small portion (three boasts the nation’s favourites - chicken tikka on the first floor and popu- The dumpling wrappers dumplings) to £6.95 for a masala and chicken jalfrazi - but also features a lated by an eclectic mix of were of a perfect, even large one (seven range of exclusive dishes. These include chingri traders, is a cornucopia of thickness, giving them a dumplings), this was a murchi massalam (tiger prawns with pepper, chilli colour and sound. Stalls nice bite. The Beijing great lunchtime treat - and and spices) and the award-winning capsilla (a selling fresh produce, dumplings had finely bal- one I’ll be repeating in the fusion dish of chicken, garlic, chilli and honey). meats, cheeses, vegeta- anced flavours of ginger not too distant future... Given their continued success, it’s probably best bles, vintage clothing, and spring onion in a Moli is open Tuesday, to book early. housewares and contem- meaty pork ball. The Wednesday, Friday and porary art ensure there’s mushroom ones were Saturday 9am - 4pm. no shortage of ways to intense and bursting with Ted Finlay spend your coin. flavour. The surf’n’turf, But we were there for meanwhile, were wonder- Food: n n n n n lunch - and from among fully enhanced with the Service: n n n n n inclusion of that old the Market Hall’s eateries, Ambience: n n n n n Chinese favourite - oyster we searched out its Overall value n n n n n sauce. All the dumplings newest addition, Moli. OVERALL n n n n n Our visit to Moli came on are served with accompa- the back of word-of-mouth niments, including soy Moli, recommendations from sauce, Sichuan pepper The Market Hall, friends and acquaintanc- and chilli, so you can Claremont Street, es, so it was with both spice them up to your lik- Shrewsbury, hunger and anticipation ing. SY1 1QG that we took our seats. It wasn’t possible to taste Tel: 01743 351067 The owner, Angela, made all the teas, so I can only

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 81 Eating Out November region two.qxp_Layout 1 26/10/2015 19:59 Page 2

Restaurant LISTINGS Shropshire AFTAB 25 High St, For full listing information on restau- Ironbridge, TF8 7AD rants, including opening times and 01952 432055 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- Ellesmere Rd, live.co.uk Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF 01939 290 523 DY9 9PS 01562 883260 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a Black Country FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, Mardol, Shrewsbury, Smethwick, B67 5BN SY1 1PZ 01743 272586 ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 0121 429 7920 Lichfield Street, Walsall, BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, FRENCH CONNECTION WS1 1SY 01922 613361 TF11 9BA 01952 3 Coventry St, 460128 BANKS BISTRO Chapel Stourbridge, DY8 1EP CASA NARANJO Barracks Ash, Wolverhampton, 01384 390940 WV1 4EP 01902 238433 Passage, Wyle Cop, FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove Shrewsbury, SY1 01743 BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, Rd, Clent, Stourbridge, 588165 Wolverhampton, 01902 DY9 9PY 01562 883040 427555 CASA RUIZ 45 High GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 BENGAL FUSION 174 High Ablewell St, Walsall, 4DX 01746 218 084 St, Lye, Stourbridge, WS12EQ 01922 640363 CHEZ MAW Best Western DY9 8LN. 01384 891111 THE HUNGRY BISTRO 81 Valley Hotel, Buildwas BILASH 2 Cheapside, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW Wolverhampton, WV1 01952 432247 1TU 01902 427762 1EQ 01902 546336 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, THE BLUE BRICK LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Market Drayton, TF9 3PX Rocco, Wolverhampton Broad Gauge Way, Mill Street, 01630 638984 Wolverhampton, WV1 Kidderminster, DY11 18 Abbey Foregate, THE PLUME OF FEATHERS 01785 253279 1AA 01902 875301 6UU 01562 744976 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, SY1 1EN Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE Harley, Shrewsbury, SY5 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper MADE IN THAI Darlington 01743 281744 6LP 01743 727360 27 Broad Eye, Stafford, Green, Wolverhampton, St, Wolverhampton, WV1 01743 361440 THE HAYWARDS at The PORTER HOUSE 15 St ST16 2QB 01785 WV6 8QQ 01902 4HW 01902 312512 DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, 229988 756052 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 01952 432250 Shrewsbury, SY1 1UY SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- Mill Street, 01743 353107 Hall, Lichfield, WS14 255 Bilston Road, Kidderminster, DORRINGTON OLD HALL THE POUND AT LEEBOT- HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 9RE 01543 481494 Wolverhampton, WV2 DY11 6UU 01562 60479 PERSIAN CUISINE Main WOOD Leebotwood, Nr THE GREEN ROOM Castle 2JN 01902 458024 THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Road, Dorrington, Barracks Passage, Church Stretton, SY6 Lane, Tipton, DY4 9AB Shropshire SY5 7JD Shrewsbury, SY1 1XA 6ND 01694 751477 Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 CASA CASITA Upper 01743 361666 6HR 01543 412121 Gornal, Dudley, DY3 0121 557 1402 01743 719100 RENAISSANCE, 29a INDIAN VILLAGE 1UP 01902 676754 RED FORT Fold St, DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St HILL VALLEY HOTEL Princess St, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, WV1 Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ Tarporley Road, SY11LW 01743 354289 8 Lombard St, Lichfield, CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Whitchurch, SY13 4HA WS13 6DR 01543 4LP 01902 424440 01743 344679 ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, Wolverhampton, WV1 0844 879 9049 253415 4LR 01902 428928 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 THE FEATHERS Brockton, Shrewsbury, SY1 1HH THE INN AT GRINSHILL INDICA Virage Park, CINNAMON COURT Upper Green, Tettenhall, Much Wenlock, TF13 01743 233244 Bentley The High Street, Cannoc, WS11 0HN Mill Way, Walsall, WS2 Wolverhampton WV6 6JR 01746 785202 Grinshill, Shrewsbury, SARACENS Shrewsbury 08712 070417 0BP 0121 568 6664 8QQ 01902 756052 FENNELS 8 Market Place, SY4 3BL 01939 220410 Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford THE COWSHED Clive SAFFRON Wolverhampton Shifna,l TF11 9AZ 210877 KING & THAI Avenue Rd, St, Stone, ST15 8QW Farm Clive Rd, Road, Oldbury, B69 4RR 01952 463020 0121 552 1752 Broseley, Telford, TF12 SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, 01785 817 985 Pattingham, WV6 7EN THE FOX INN 46 High St, Oswestry, SY11 1AQ SIMON’S 5DL 01952 882004 THE LODGE 24 01902 701888 520 Chester Rd, Much Wenlock, TF13 01691 655444 THE KNIGHTON HOTEL Birmingham Road, THE CROOKED HOUSE Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 6AD 01952 727292 0PU 0121 580 9293 Broad Street, Knighton, SHALIMAR 23 Abbey Shenstone, WS14 0LQ Coppice Hill, Himley, FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Foregate, Shrewsbury, 01543 483334 DY3 4DA 01384 238583 SPICES Hollywell Rd, Powys, LD7 1BL 01547 Wednesbury, WS10 7PA Frankwell, Shrewsbury, 520530 SY2 6AE 01743 366658 MALABAR 1-2 Water THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, SY3 8JX 01743 354422 0121 502 0720 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Street, Stafford, ST16 Walsall, WS1 2EU THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 Shrewsbury, SY1 1UT 2AG 01785 227 500/600 01922 643215 THE SPRINGHILL Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 Warstones Rd, Penn, Princess St, Shrewsbury, 1QU 01743 249126 01743 242321 MARLOES 13 London DON SALVO 25 Darlington Wolverhampton, WV4 SY1 1LP 01743 362507 LA LANTERNA The Old THE SILVERTON the Old Road, Newcastle under Street, Wolverhampton, 4LB 01902 342530 GRANARY BAR & GRILL Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 WV1 4HW 01902 712819 Vestry, St Julian's Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 Weston Park, Weston- Church, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury SY3 8JY 661983 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley Gospel End Rd, Dudley, under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, SY1 1UH 01743 233552 01743 248000 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU DY3 4AN 01902 676 TF11 8LE 01952 LION & PHEASANT 50 ST15 8BA 01785 01384 877077 TIN TINS Wellington Road, 102 852107 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, Telford, TF2 8AJ 818456 FARADAYS The THORNESCROFT THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 THE NAVIGATION INN Waterfront, Brierley Hill, 01952 608688 Bridgnorth Rd, 167 Frankwell, THE LION QUAYS Newport Road, Gnosall, Dudley, DY5 1UR Moreton, THE WALLS Welsh Walls, Wolverhampton, WV6 Shrewsbury, SY3 8LG Stafford, ST20 0BN 01384 482 882 Oswestry, SY11 3EN Oswestry, SY11 1AW 7EQ 01902 700 253 01743 361672 01691 684300 01785 822327 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage 01691 670970 THE WOODMAN Claverley, HADLEY PARK HOUSE OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Place, Walsall, WS1 3NA LOCH FYNE Talbot House, ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 Wolverhampton, WV5 Hadley Park, Telford, Branston, Burton, DE14 01922 646164 Market Street, High Street, Shrewsbury, 7DG 01746 710 553 TF1 6QJ 01952 677269 Shrewsbury, SY1 1LG 3EX 01283 533222 FOUR STONES Adam’s SY1 1SF 01743 353232 HAVANA REPUBLIC 01743 277140 PASCAL AT THE OLD VIC- Hill, Clint, Stourbridge, LUDLOW KITCHEN ARAGE 2 Main Street, Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 Staffordshire Branston, Burton-upon- 2JR 01584 856020 Trent 01283 533222 NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford, THE MALTHOUSE The PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 Wharfage, Ironbridge, Street, Stafford, ST16 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock, (EST 86) TF8 7NH 01902 433712 2AJ 01782 263 737 WS11 1BH 01543 THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, THE DINNER CLUB MOMO·NO·KI T19 Abbey 573905 A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY Foregate, Shrewsbury, Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 01543 481807 SY2 6AE 01743 281770 Lombard St, Lichfield, MORGANS 1 Bellstone, PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh WS13 6DP 01543 St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 SINGLE? Shrewsbury, SY1 1HU 257986 1JD 01782 209444 01743 231199 BELLA ITALIA 20 Greengate For the more discerning THE RED ROOM 7 For the more discerning THE MYTTON & MERMAID St, Stafford, ST16 2HS Newcastle Road, unattached person, age 40+ Atcham, Shrewsbury, 01785 211968 SY5 6QG 01743 761220 Congleton, CW12 4HN CHANDLERS Corn 01260 297871 Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie THE OLD ORLETON INN Exchange, Conduit St, THORNBURY HALL, RASOI Holyhead Rd, Wellington, Lichfield, WS13 6JU balls,theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. Lockwood Rd, Kingsley TF1 2HA 01952 255011 01543 416688 Holt, Stafford, ST10 2DH THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL THE CORNER HOUSE 01538 750831 NOT A DATING AGENCY Second Avenue,Burton- & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill WOLSELEY ARMS Road, Wem, Shropshire, On-Trent, DE14 2WF 01283 542321 Wolseley Bridge, 01244 677030 (Day)/01244 548816 (Eve/W-end) SY4 5UA 01939 233233 Stafford, ST17 0XS CURRY KUTEER THE PEACH TREE 21 Abbey 31 01889 883179 Foregate, Shrewsbury, Greengate Street, www.thedinnerclubuk.com SY2 6AE 01743 355055 Stafford, ST16 2HY

82 www.whatsonlive.co.uk PT xmas 2015:Layout 1 21/09/2015 18:37 Page 1

‘Shropshire’s NO.1 Christmas Party Venue’

‘It’s simply the best’ ‘Nobody does it better’

limited availability limited availability Christmas Christmas Lunch Dinner Parties 2015 Parties 2015 from £14.95* from £19.95*

THE PEACH TREE CAFE BAR AND RESTAURANT 18-21 ABBEY FOREGATE, SHREWSBURY. SY2 6AE. • TEL: 01743 355055 WWW.THEPEACHTREE.CO.UK *PLEASE NOTE: A £15 PER PERSON NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO CONFIRM YOUR BOOKING

*Terms & conditions apply grand_whatson FP Nov:Layout 1 16/10/2015 11:03 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

TUES 3 - SAT 7 NOV TUES 10 - SAT 14 NOV TUE 24 - SAT 28 NOV

Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by JOHN WATERS

Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan | Music by Marc Shaiman Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LIMITEDon behalf of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL of New York.

TUES 1 - SAT 5 DEC SAT 12 DEC 2015 - SUN 24 JAN 2016 MON 18 JAN 2016

SOUTH STAFFS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS JIM DAVIDSON CHARLTON NIL

BASED UPON THE PARAMOUNT PICTURES FILM WRITTEN FOR THE SCREEN BY MORMAN KRASNA, NORMAN PANAMA AND MELVIN FRANK MUSIC AND LYRICS BY IRVING BERLIN BOOK BY DAVID IVES AND PAUL BLAKE ORIGINAL STAGE PRODUCTION BY ARRANGEMENT WITH R&H THEATRICALS EUROPE

FRI 29 JAN 2016 SAT 30 JAN 2016 SUN 31 JAN 2016

chris farlowe steve ellis (the voice of love affair) the fortunes new amen corner union gapuk alan mosca from freddie and the Dreamers

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Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk