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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands Warwickshire ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sISSUE On 364 APRIL 2016 PIXIE LOTT interview inside...

inside:

theYourlist 16-page week by week listings guide

Celebrating Stratford’s ‘Famous Son’ feature inside... Tom Jones (FP- April 16).qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 09:33 Page 1 Contents April Warwickshire/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:18 Page 1

April 2016

Contents

A Machine They Secretly Built - Proto-type Theater at Warwick Arts page 32

Pixie Lott The Young’uns Mary Portas the list

talks about playing the lead North East folk trio talk about joins the line-up at Stratford Your 16-page in Breakfast At Tiffanys their winning streak Literary Festival week-by-week listings guide page 22 page 25 page 49 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 26. Comedy 30. Theatre 38. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

Editorial Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 ’ Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 MAGAZINE GROUP Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Adam Jaremko, Kathryn Ewing, David Vincent, Steve Adams Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD April Worcs/Warwick Only.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:50 Page 1

First Word

Phill Jupitus to join Chitty cast at the Hippodrome Comedian Phill Jupitus and West End starlet Carrie Hope Fletcher will join Lee Mead and Michelle Collins in the star-studded cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang when it flies into Birmingham Hippodrome in September. The hit musical also features ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects and, of course, a memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, which includes such classics as Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song itself. The show runs at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 18 September. Tickets are available from £23.50 and can be booked at birminghamhippodrome.com or by calling 0844 338 5000.

Orchestra Of The Swan join New Artistic bpopLIVE in Brum David Tennant on the Beeb Director at BCMG Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) has appointed Stephan Meier as its new Artistic Director. Stephan is currently the Artistic Director of Hanover’s Das Neue Ensemble. He will join BCMG in August. A live, star-studded event in front of 15,000 Commenting on his new people at Birmingham’s Genting Arena is role, Stephan said: one of three special EU Referendum festivals “Birmingham announced by the Grassroots Movement. Contemporary Music The festival, featuring some of Britain's Group is one of the hottest artists - as well as speeches from Stratford-upon-Avon’s Orchestra of the Swan will this world’s finest new music leading personalities and politicians who month take part in a celebrity Shakespeare performance to ensembles, admired for support leaving the EU - will be the first of its commemorate the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s its joyous, uncompromis- kind in the UK. death. ing championing of the Branded BpopLive, the event will bring The orchestra will join former Dr Who actor David Tennant music of today. It is, together a broad audience, united by a love and a star-studded cast for a unique two-hour gala per- therefore, a privilege to of great music, to raise awareness of the formance on Shakespeare’s birthday (23 April). The show be its next Artistic importance of the EU Referendum in the UK. will be broadcast live on BBC Two and screened live from Director, and to be asked Now that the date for the Referendum has Picture House Cinemas nationally. to lead a new phase in been set for 23 June, the relevance of Commenting on their involvement, Orchestra of the Swan’s the ensemble’s life.” BpopLive has never been clearer, especially director, David Curtis, said: “This fabulous opportunity in terms of engaging younger voters. will be one of four broadcasts during Shakespeare’s birth- Contributors include Sigma, Sigala, Phats & day week featuring the orchestra on BBC Two, Radio Three Small, DJ Luck & MC Neat and Electric Swing and Radio Four. In a year when we have tours to Mexico Circus, with more to be announced. and Istanbul, new CDs with Raphael Wallfisch and Peter bpopLIVE comes to Genting Arena on Donohoe, and sell-out concerts in Stratford ArtsHouse and Sunday 8 May. Birmingham Town Hall, this is further raising our national and international profile.”

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Entertainment news from around the region

Stornaway at Big names announced the RSC for Birmingham Pride Indie folk band Stornoway will play The organisers of Birmingham’s annual gay Pride the RSC this summer. celebration are aiming to make the 20th festival Hailing from Oxford, the group fea- one to remember. tures singer, lyricist and guitarist Brian Briggs, keyboard player Jon The 2016 event takes place over the Spring Bank Ouin, bassist Oli Steadman and his Holiday weekend of 28 & 29 May. It will feature live brother Rob on drums. performances from, among many others, Erasure’s The 10 July Stratford-upon-Avon Andy Bell, Grammy-nominated Lisa Stansfield gig will see the boys performing (pictured), Vengaboys and chart-topping headlin- tracks from their third and latest ers Katy B, MNEK and Fleur East. album, Bonxie.. The festival also features a dance arena, cabaret marquee, funfair and women’s arena, in addition to a host of community stalls and refreshments. This year’s Carnival Parade is taking ‘A Generation of Pride’ as its theme. Commenting on the event, Birmingham Pride Festival Director Lawrence Barton said: “We're expecting a record turnout, attracting people from throughout the UK. And, with over 100 artists and DJs performing during the weekend, there’s definitely something for everyone to enjoy.” For full Live action in details, visit: birminghampride.com Kenilworth The world’s biggest kit car show is visiting Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 1 & 2 May. New and beautiful at BBC show The National Kit Car Motor Show That’s features more than 4,000 kit cars, Entertainment! BBC Gardeners’ World Live is looking for emerging talent in garden numerous new launches, a host of design to create fun and attractive borders for this year’s show. live-action events and have-a-go Musical theatre The selected creations will feature in the Beautiful Borders and brand opportunities, and live music to favourite Ruthie new Edible Borders elements of the event. Beautiful Borders has a lit- enjoy on the Sunday night. Henshall is heading to erary theme for 2016, while Edible Borders takes a 5-a-day theme. For more information, visit: Birmingham this sum- www.nationalkitcarshow.co.uk Commenting on the competition, 2015 Beautiful Borders Gold Medal mer with a brand new winner Lisa Niemy, of Beautiful Borders Garden Design, Guildford, song & dance produc- said: “After a lifetime of watching others produce stunning borders at tion. garden shows and on TV, it’s fabulous to turn your hand to designing Ruthie, who’s starred in and building a border at a show. A rollercoaster of challenges, it’s numerous West End helped kick-start our business and really put us on the map.” and Broadway shows, Applications are open until 8 April. Each accepted Beautiful and including Chicago, Miss Edible Borders applicant will be given £50-worth of National Garden Saigon, Les Miserables, Gift Vouchers to contribute towards plants for their border at the Cats and Crazy For You, show. will visit the New For more information and an applica- Alexandra Theatre with tion form, contact: That’s Entertainment!, a Imogen.Bodimeade@river- More Electro celebration of big hits streetevents.co.uk. Swing in Digbeth from the 1940s and ’50s BBC Gardeners’ World Live takes that features the music The Electro Swing lovers and vin- place at Birmingham’s NEC from 16 to of Lerner & Loewe, tage connoisseurs are being urged 19 June. to take to the streets and party in Rodgers & style when the Swingamajig festival Hammerstein, Irving arrives at Birmingham’s Rainbow Berlin and Cole Porter. venues on 1 May. The show runs at the Birmingham band added to The unique event, now in its fourth venue from 19 to 23 July. year, brings the ‘sounds and styles Splendour Festival line-up of the 1920s up to date with a Birmingham band UB40 have been added to the line-up for this year’s modern twist’. To check out who’s appearing at Splendour Festival. this year’s festival, visit swingama- The all-day summer music event takes place at Nottingham's Wollaton jig.co.uk Park on Saturday 23 July. Other acts also announced for the festival include Jess Glynne, The Human League, The Darkness, Jamie Lawson, Turin Brakes, The Fratellis, The Rifles, Stiff Little Fingers, Louis Berry, These Your Children and Eyre Llew.

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First Word

The Other Place New folk re-opens its festival for doors Birmingham The Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) iconic A brand new Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon studio folk festival will make its theatre, The Other Place, has debut at the city’s Town Hall reopened. in May. After a 12-month building proj- Imagined Isle brings togeth- ect, the venue now includes a er a line-up of nationally 200-seat flexible studio the- and internationally atre, two new rehearsal rooms, renowned artists with a and a new home for the RSC’s selection of local and emerg- 40,000-piece Costume Store. ing musicians. Visitors have access to the Performers include The Store for the first time via a Songs Of Nick Drake, Kate new theatre tour. Rusby (pictured), The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and Eric Bibb. Commenting on the event, Richard Hawley, Head of Artistic Programming at the city’s Town Hall and Fourth outing All Saints back on the road with Symphony Hall, said: “We’re delighted to be announcing for Soul Red Flag tour Imagined Isle as a new festi- Acoustic Pop group All Saints will visit Birmingham’s 02 Academy in the val for Birmingham. Working closely with artists This year’s Soul Acoustic autumn (14 October) as part of their first full UK headline tour in over and in partnership with tour, which visits 15 years. many promoters, we’ve Birmingham’s Glee Club on The group are hitting the road in support of Red Flag, their first curated a wonderful line-up 28 April, will feature an all- album in 10 years, which is released on 8 April. of exceptional talent, both female line-up in honour of In a statement about the autumn established and emerging, women’s contribution to tour, All Saints said: “Playing live is with many performers com- music. our favourite thing to do as a band ing from the West Midlands. Now in its fourth year, the and we can’t wait to perform all our While we still have a few developmental tour is a cel- hits plus some new tracks from Red events to announce, please ebration of songwriting, Flag. It’s incredible to think our last do join us for an unforget- singing and performance. proper tour was over 15 years ago. So table weekend of music from Confirmed artists for 2016 we’ve been waiting for this moment folk origins that will capture include one-time X Factor for a very long time. We can’t wait to hearts and imaginations.” finalist Misha B. get out there and see everyone." Tickets for the festival are “We’re proud to be rolling now on sale at: out Year Four of Soul thsh.co.uk/imagined-isle- Acoustic”, says Ammo Birthday celebrations 2016 Talwa, CEO of Punch, the music & arts development at Symphony Hall agency behind the tour. Birmingham’s Symphony Hall is this month celebrating its 25th “Live music, and the oppor- anniversary with a special concert - and anyone aged 25 or under is tunity to perform in such a invited to attend the event free of charge. pure style, has always been Taking place on 15 April, The Next 25 features the City of Birmingham a vital component of the Symphony Orchestra and three talented musicians who’re celebrating black music market. I’m their 25th birthdays in 2016 - Lukas pleased to see that some of Geniušas, Jamie Phillips (pictured) and the artists we’ve champi- Ryan Latimer. oned previously have gone The concert programme comprises per- from strength to strength.” formances of Stravinsky’s Firebird, Grieg’s Piano Concerto and a new commission by Latimer. Tickets for people 25 and under must be reserved at the Symphony Hall Box Office ahead of the event, and ID must be shown. Over 25s who wish to purchase tickets to the concert can do so at: thsh.co.uk/SH25

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FEATURE

“TAKE HIM AND CUT HIM OUT IN LITTLE STARS” RSC curator Andy Horn on a new art commission celebrating Shakespeare’s legacy

As Stratford prepares to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, metalwork artist Steven Follen is undertaking an impressive commission for the RSC's newly restored Swan Wing. Consisting of more than 2,000 stainless steel stars to be suspended from the ceiling, For All Time is the company's largest ever site-specific art commission, and will be unveiled to the public as part of the Shakespeare celebrations on 23 April. “The idea was to have something very dramatic that visitors would immediately respond to when they walked into that space,” says RSC curator Andy Horn. “It was quite an open brief: the theme was around ‘time’, which is something that Shakespeare deals with a lot in his plays - particularly the idea of ageing and time being short.”

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by Heather Kincaid

Time is obviously a key consideration in reflect- could have a real impact and not get lost in ing on a legacy that spans four centuries. The there. I was aware of Steven's work from various title of the piece is taken not from Shakespeare, other site-specific installations that he'd done, but from a poem by his contemporary, Ben Jon- including a couple of projects for the National son. Written in tribute to the “Sweet Swan of Trust, and although those were on a smaller Avon” following his death in 1616, the poem pro- scale, I felt that there was real potential there.” nounces that Shakespeare was “not of an age, Among the reasons Follen's proposal stood out but for all time” - a claim for which the celebra- was its responsiveness to the architecture of the tions and artistic responses continuing today space. Thanks to a £2.8million Heritage Lottery seem to serve as proof. Fund grant, the Swan Wing has been undergoing Nevertheless, Follen's work picks up on several major restoration work in recent months, and recurring images and ideas in Shakespeare's will reopen in two stages over the course of this own writing, too. Stars, both in the literal sense, year. and in the sense of fate or divine decree, feature “Steven's proposal picked up on a lot of the ar- prominently in several works, and one of the key chitectural language of the building, particularly quotations that inspired his design is taken from in the 1930s section,” says Horn. “So you've got the story of those “star-cross'd lovers”, Romeo this round stairwell, and the curve of the space is and Juliet: echoed in the curve of the frame and the ceiling, “When he shall die, which has a star-shaped pattern on it. In the Take him and cut him out in little stars, Scott foyer, there's a lovely folded metal detail, And he shall make the face of heaven so fine which is something he was very aware of as That all the world will be in love with night someone who works with metal. And then again And pay no worship to the garish sun.” there are little stars - and flower-like patterns in The majority of Follen's stars will hang in such a the Victorian fireplace in the original part of the way as to form a huge, three-metre tall face look- building. As the design developed, it picked up ing down on visitors from the stairwell of the on other elements, too: the frame the stars hang Swan Wing foyer, as if realising the picture from is in a grid shape, for example, and if you painted by Juliet's words. look at the windows in the space, they also have “We wanted a face that could represent any- a grid from the leaded work in them, so there are body,” says Horn, “so it's not based on any spe- lots of connections all around the hallway it will cific person. We chose quite an ambiguous, hang in.” androgynous face, so it could be male or fe- The reopening of the Swan Wing's ‘public male.” spaces’ - that is, the bar and foyer - has been According to the website of the London Metro- timed to coincide with the 400th anniversary politan University where Follen teaches, the and the unveiling of Follen's artwork on 23 April. “three-dimensional artwork will have an ethe- Meanwhile, the Ferguson Room - the old reading real quality to it, reflecting light and moving gen- room and gallery space - will be opened up in tly in the air”. June, complete with a new exhibition called The Additional stars will hang around the face, Play's The Thing. Showcasing an array of treas- roughly mirroring the positions of the constella- ures from the RSC archive alongside interactive tions on Shakespeare's birthday. digital exhibits, this hands-on glimpse into the “The components, which are these small, hand- art of theatre-making will allow visitors to try on folded stainless steel stars, are being made and costumes, get creative as set designers, experi- connected to the wires they'll hang from off- ence the feeling of standing on stage, and learn site,” says Horn, “but the actual piece will be put how specialist sound effects are produced ‘be- together here, so what you'll see is this face hind the scenes’. emerging as the stars are hung. The whole thing The completion of ongoing development work has been designed on a grid with quite a compli- and the relaunch of The Other Place will ulti- cated CAD programme, and each star is num- mately leave the RSC with more space than ever bered so we'll know exactly what location it for projects of this kind, and the potential for fu- needs to be in. Steven will be working systemati- ture art commissions remains open. cally from one end to the other, and there will be “Obviously we have limited foyer space,” says a couple of assistants helping, but it's time-con- Horn, “but it's been a really good process, and suming, so that's the big challenge.” I'm sure we would be up for it if the opportunity Proposals from other shortlisted artists were con- to do something like this arose again.” sidered, but Follen's ideas, as well as his previous work, seemed a natural fit for the commission. “Architecturally it's a very strong space with a For All Time opens along with the Swan Wing gothic style and lots of things going on in it,” public spaces as part of the Shakespeare Day Horn explains, “so we needed something that celebrations on 23 April.

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Food

Midlands food festival offers a ‘bigger day out’

The Great British Food Festival is visiting demos, artisan bars, and even more tasty two Midlands venues this summer, stop- street food and top producers. New for ping off at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire, on this year at Ragley is a separate craft & 11 & 12 June and Shugborough Estate in gift stall marquee, so hopefully there’ll Staffordshire on 9 & 10 July. be more choice for everyone and a bigger “The festival's gone down great in the day out.” area,” says organiser Daniel Maycock, To find out more about the festival and “and we’ve been adding more things to to book tickets, visit www.greatbritish- our line-up for this year, including a foodfestival.com/stonyhurst. BBQ demo area, ‘cooking from a camper’

REVIEW: The Cross at Kenilworth gonberries, kale, and a Laphroaig sauce. And if that A meal laced with wonderful touches... sounds a mouthful, well it was - and an incredible zinging one at that. The variety of flavours and textures crashed into each other but instantly became lifelong friends at the perfect dinner party. Our evening was rounded off with two fabulous desserts. My praline soufflé beautifully com- bined the lightest of textures with a nutty praline sauce and rich chocolate sorbet. My partner’s caramel poached pear, speared with a miniature cone of ginger ice cream, was as tasty as it was inspired, the stem ginger in the ice cream an extraordinar- ily wonderful touch. From its relaxed atmosphere and In my experience, high hopes Longobardi, who placed third in soup and scallop ravioli. The for- genuinely friendly service to are often a precursor to disap- the 2015 UK Restaurant Manager mer came with saffron rouille undeniably superb food - easily pointment - Coventry City’s Of The Year competition. and utterly divine crab on toast - some of the best I’ve ever tasted recent demise after topping The converted pub is a mix of somehow smooth, creamy and - a meal at The Cross is laced League One before Christmas new and old, featuring a con- meaty all at once. The latter was with wonderful touches. And being the latest case in point - temporary bar area and dining a stupendous mix of perfect ravi- while the prices certainly reflect but it’s hard not to have positive section with views of the open oli, sea vegetables and a won- it (main dishes range from £24 to preconceptions when you’re vis- kitchen, as well as a traditional derful smoked fish cream sauce. £32), this is one occasion where iting Warwickshire’s only wood-panelled restaurant that Two fish-inspired dishes in, and the hype is more than justified. Michelin-starred restaurant. has the look and feel of a we were hooked. Steve Adams The Cross has held that accolade Scottish hunting lodge (but After we devoured an unordered for the past two years, ever since without any associated stuffi- bonus dish of chicken liver par- Food: n n n n n being taken over by Andreas ness). fait with pickled vegetables and Service: n n n n n Antona, whose other restaurants The service is a million miles sourdough toast - for which the Ambience: n n n n n include the similarly Michelin- from stuffy too. Our waitress was expression ‘melt in the mouth’ Overall value n n n n n approved Simpsons (which friendly, efficient and without a might have been invented - we OVERALL n n n n n began life in Kenilworth but is hint of pretence, even when tackled our mains. My partner now in Edgbaston). The eatery is ‘introducing’ the courses as they chose the best cod I’ve ever tast- a testament to the skills of head were served. Speaking of which ed, beautifully presented with chef - and fellow Sky Blues fan - (and not before time), we debat- (and augmented by) mussel The Cross at Kenilworth, Adam Bennett (who last year ed long and hard before making risotto and fennel fondant. 16 New Street, made the finals of the presti- our difficult choices. So much Meanwhile, I opted to maintain Kenilworth, gious Bocuse d’Or chef’s sounded so good from the imagi- the room’s Highland theme with Warwickshire, Olympics) and his staff, which native starters menu. We eventu- venison fillet, served with hag- CV8 2EZ includes manager Giuseppe ally plumped for Cornish crab gis, potato terrine, parsnips, lin- Tel: 01926 853 840

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Food

Midlands chef worth his Salt

A Warwickshire chef has achieved a crowdfunding target of £100,000 in order to open his own restaurant. Paul Foster left his position at Mallory Court hotel in Leamington Spa so that he could open Salt, an eatery he hopes to make ‘cool’ and ‘different’. Paul achieved his crowdfunding target only 17 hours before the project was due to end.

Alison Hammond to host food awards Friday Night Kitchen back on the menu Brummie TV presenter Alison Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell will be Glynn. “I’m looking forward to hearing about Hammond is to host this summer’s joined by X Factor winner Sam Bailey when he her favourite food, so I can think up some deli- inaugural Birmingham Food, Drink & opens the doors of his Friday Night Kitchen at cious recipes for everyone on the night. I’m Hospitality Awards. Best known from Villa Park’s Holte Suite in the autumn (7 delighted with the way the event has grown ITV1’s This Morning show, Alison will October). Sam and other celebrities will be over the last two years, and proud to have host the awards ceremony at assisting Glynn with the cooking in what helped raise such a phenomenal figure for Edgbaston Stadium on Monday 6 promises to be a fun-filled live show. Glynn’s Cure Leukaemia. I can promise that it will be June. previous two Friday Night Kitchens have raised another night full of fun, laughs, amazing Commenting on the forthcoming over £100,000 for Cure Leukaemia, a charity music and, of course, great food!” engagement, Alison said: “I’m for which the chef is a trustee. For more information, visit delighted to be taking the helm of “I can’t wait to welcome Sam and other guests www.pietanic.co.uk/ these awards. I love Birmingham and to my Friday Night Kitchen this October,” says we’ve never had it so good when it comes to going out to great places for fabulous food and drink. I’m looking forward to celebrating the best of the A little bit of India opens in Chinatown best in the city.” Birmingham’s Chinatown has a brand new eatery - a premium fine-dining Indian restau- Pop up restaurant at rant! Six Eight Kafe James Dahl is situated in The Arcadian Centre and is the first restaurant to be opened by local A food company specialising in tak- businessman Mohammed Husban Ahmed. ing its diners on a nostalgic journey “It’s been my dream to open a restaurant for inspired by cuisine from the prohibi- years,” says Husban, “and I’ve put my heart tion era is hosting two pop-up restau- and soul into creating a very sophisticated rants in Birmingham this month. place in which to dine, enjoy an evening of fine A Lost Society is the brainchild of food and experience excellent customer serv- Josh Porter and Jade Hollingworth, ice. I know The Arcadian is known for its whose stated aim is “to educate, Chinese restaurants, but I wanted to put a little excite and evoke memories for all our bit of India in there too.” guests”. For information about James Dahl, visit: Josh and Jade’s restaurants pop up at thearcadian.co.uk/food-drink-entertainment Six Eight Kafe on 9 & 23 April.

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Gigs

Muse Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 2 April Since their debut in 1994, Muse have released seven studio albums - including Absolution (2003), Black Holes And Revelations (2006) and The 2nd Law (2012) - selling upwards of 17 million copies worldwide. Seventh album Drones topped the UK charts for two weeks last June. The talented three-piece, comprising Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme and Dominic Howard, have also won numerous awards for their work, including two BRITs, two Grammys and eight NME gongs. Renowned for their exceptional live performances, the band’s Drones World Tour sees them performing for the first time ‘in the round’, from the middle of the arena. This stage design and configuration gives fans a true 360-degree audio/visual sensory experience.

Alice Zawadzki Noel Gallagher’s High The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 22 April Flying Birds Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 29 April Last year saw ex-Oasis member Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds complete a worldwide tour that included a sell-out round of UK arena shows and headline performances at major summer festivals, including T In The Park and Latitude. The band’s album, Chasing Yesterday, went straight to number one in the Official UK Album Charts and has received huge critical acclaim. The boys are back on the road alongside Super Furry Animals, who take the support slot on this new UK tour.

Gregory Porter Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sun 24 April Alice Zawadzki is a musician of many tale- Brooklyn-based vocalist and songwriter nts. Not only is she a phenomenal vocalist, Gregory Porter has been called ‘one of the most captivating voices in contemporary she’s also a violinist, a songwriter, a compos jazz’. Not bad for a fella who didn’t follow his dream of becoming a professional musician er and an improviser. Her journey into jazz until he was nearly 40 - a step he took to ful- fill his dying mother’s wish for him. started at just 12 years of age. By the time she A move from Southern California to New was 15, she was a backing vocalist for Lillian York kickstarted his success story, with his album, Liquid Spirit, bagging a coveted Boutté. Alice has since brought her ‘distinc Grammy Award. In the UK alone, the album is certified gold and has shown plenty of tive and individual presence’ to most major staying power in the Official Album Charts. venues and festivals in the UK. Porter has performed with such greats as Martin Gaye, Nat Cole and Donny Hathaway.

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Gig previews from around the region

Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 20 April

Jeff Lynne’s ELO received rave reviews from the critics. As well as embarking on this 10-date UK tour, Genting Arena, Birmingham, the band have also announced that they’ll Having racked up over 20 years of Sat 16 - Sun 17 April be playing Glastonbury’s famous Legends musicmaking, not only together but With a unique sound blending rock, pop slot, which has featured the likes of Dolly with the likes of Seth Lakeman, Cara and classical, ELO have produced 26 UK Top Parton and Lionel Richie in recent years. Dillon, Levellers, Kate Rusby and 40 singles and sold over 50 million records As with ELO’s previous chart-topping Show Of Hands, partners Kathryn throughout their career. Alone In The albums, Jeff Lynne continues to serve as the Roberts and Sean Lakeman have firmly Universe - the band’s first album in 15 years group’s producer, songwriter, arranger, lead established themselves as pillars of the - was released last November and has singer and guitarist. modern British folk scene. So much so, in fact, that the pair have been nominated for Best Duo in the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards 2016. Talon The Cat Empire Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 14 April; O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 2 April Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 30 April For over a decade, Australian ska/jazz band Kath Bloom The Cat Empire (below left) have been show- Talon here present a brand new production The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, casing their trademark high-energy live gigs Wed 27 April of their award-winning Best Of Eagles. around the world. The first half of the show takes an in-depth This month, the six-piece return to the UK in look at the ‘early Eagles roots’ before mak- support of their new album, Rising With The ing the journey from Hell Freezes Over to the Sun, which was released in March. critically acclaimed Long Road Out Of Eden. The second half celebrates the band’s ‘greatest hits'. After 19 successful years together, Talon have certainly fulfilled their mission to ‘faithfully recreate the music of the Eagles with honesty, respect and reverence”.

The daughter of world-renowned Betty Wright oboist Robert Bloom, Kath was born The Drum, Birmingham, Sat 9 April and raised in Connecticut, where she trained as a cellist. With a career spanning over four decades, In 1976, Bloom recorded multiple Betty Wright (above right) is arguably one of albums of fragile, simple folk and the most talented vocalists of her genera- blues melodies with avant-garde gui- tion. She rose to fame when just 17 years tarist Loren MazzaCane Connors. old, following the release of her most Catch her perform in Coventry this famous song, Clean Up Woman. month, wearing a belt of harmonicas Tonight Is The Night, She’s Got Papers On that she switches to match the chords Me and No Pain, No Gain also feature in her of each song. repertoire of classics.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Warwicks/Worc April - Region 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:26 Page 1

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Classical Music

Ex Cathedra: Tamsin Waley-Cohen Shakespeare Odes Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, And Tchaikovsky Fri 22 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 24 Stratford Artshouse, Tues 12 April; April; Hereford Cathedral, Fri 6 May; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 13 April St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 7 May Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley- Cohen once again joins forces with the This latest Ex Cathedra presentation sees Stratford-based Orchestra Of The Swan, the talented early music ensemble turn- for whom she is an Associate Artist. ing its attention to Shakespeare, in a con- Described by The Guardian as a per- cert performed in recognition of the 400th former of ‘fearless intensity’, Tamsin anniversary of the bard’s death. here plays Tchaikovsky’s Violin Presented in partnership with the Concerto, a piece which was consid- Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the ered unplayable at the time it was com- Shakespeare Institute and in association posed. with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the The concert also features Mozart’s concert features a staged, period-instru- Symphony no25 in G minor and, to ment performance of actor David maintain the Orchestra Of The Swan’s Garrick’s 1769 Shakespeare Ode, with season of Shakespeare-connected music by Thomas Arne (Rule Britannia). work, Shostakovich’s Hamlet Suite. The evening also includes a new Ode, written by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, which has been composed for Ex Cathedra and a ‘broken consort’ of instruments by Sally Beamish. Bruckner Orchestra Linz Emma Johnson Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 26 April And Friends Under the baton of veteran chief conductor Malvern Theatre, Thurs 28 April Dennis Russell Davies, this long-established orchestra hails from Anton Bruckner’s home town (Linz) and has garnered a worldwide reputation for performing the composer’s work with a level of unparalleled insight. This latest concert is one which any Bruckner admirer will want to catch, featuring, as it does, his impressively original Sixth Symphony. Nigel Kennedy’s New The evening also provides a rare chance to Four Seasons And hear Melvyn Tan - one of the world’s greatest Dedications advocates of historically informed performance - playing a modern piano in Beethoven’s Malvern Theatre, Sat 16 April Fourth Concerto. Perhaps in an attempt to distract himself from the feelings of utter misery that are part and parcel of supporting Aston Villa, maverick violinist Nigel Kennedy has headed out on tour with an acoustic version of his groundbreaking Four Seasons. Alongside his rendition of this Vivaldi favourite, the concert also sees him performing his own eclectic Dedications. World-class clarinet soloist Emma and her versatile wind and string group here team up with Malvern favourites the Carducci String Quartet to round off the Forum Theatre’s 2015/16 Concert Club season. The programme features Weber’s Clarinet Quintet in B flat, Op.34, Mozart’s Horn Quintet in E flat, K.407 and Schubert’s Octet in F, D.803.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Slam Dunk (FP- Apr 16).qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:12 Page 1 Festivals DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:10 Page 1

SUMMER FESTIVAL Guide

As another summer sets in, we're already looking forward to the warm weekends of the 2016 festival season, promising pop parties, metal mayhem, indie extravaganzas and some folking good fun, along with (mostly) jazz, funk and blues. Over the winter, we asked you to vote for the best venues and events across the region, and now the polls have closed, we can officially reveal a handful of the finalists. Here are your favourite music festivals, plus a few more to watch out for in the coming months.

Slam Dunk Festival Moseley Folk Festival Shrewsbury Folk Festival NEC, Birmingham, Sun 29 May Moseley Park, Birmingham, West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Sun 4 September Fri 26 - Mon 29 August With rainbow colours, floral stages and Long recognised as a hand-made crafts filling the stunning sur- key date in any roundings of Moseley Park, our next top fi- folkie's calendar, this nalist is a festival of a rather different four-day festival character. Tucked away from busy city streets takes the last top in an eleven-acre woodland glade, Moseley spot in our festival Folk feels a world away from the bustle of category as voted for central Birmingham, with a laid-back, fam- by you. The pictur- ily-friendly atmosphere offering the perfect esque, historical town of Shrewsbury, where way to unwind at the end of the summer. the West Midlands meets the Welsh and Nominally a folk festival, it incorporates a North West borders, provides the perfect set- huge array of styles and genres, program- ting for a festival focused on unearthing tra- ming top quality performers from both tradi- ditions from diverse cultures. Just don't be Showcasing the best in contemporary emo, tional and contemporary music scenes. fooled into thinking it's old-fashioned: as punk and ska, the three-stop touring festival medieval instruments meet modern effects this year moves its Midlands date from The 2016 line-up is yet to be announced, but and global grassroots cultures collide to form Wolverhampton to the NEC. Associated with expect accomplished artists ranging from the dynamic fusion styles, folk is fast becoming the Leeds-based club nights and indie record unsigned to the internationally successful. one of the most innovative musical genres label of the same name, Slam Dunk Festival today. As mainstream music becomes in- celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, creasingly industry-dominated, it's also meaning that attendees in 2016 can expect to where you'll find some of the most passion- experience the biggest and best Slam Dunk ate protest songs. Falling during the school party to date. Over 50 artists will play across holidays, Shrewsbury Folk offers something seven stages, alongside DJ sets, exclusive for all the family, with dancing, music work- signings and a riotous afterparty to round shops and children's activities. It's also been things off. known to broadcast performances live online, so even those at home can join the fun. 2016 Line-up Includes: Panic! at the Disco, Of Mice & Men, New Found Glory, Mallory 2016 Line-up Includes: Eliza Carthy & the Knox, Yellowcard, Shikari Sounds System, Wayward Band, The Levellers, Show of Mayday Parade, The King Blues and The Hands, Treacherous Orchestra, Lady Maisery Story So Far and A Day's Work – a folk opera by Mick Ryan

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Festivals DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 14:10 Page 2

Download Festival V Festival Mostly Jazz, Funk & Donington Park, Leicestershire, Weston Park, Staffordshire, Soul Festival Fri 10 - Sun 12 June Fri 19 - Sun 21 August Moseley Park, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 July Bringing together the biggest artists from across all genres, Virgin's V Festival has, over the last 20 years, blossomed into one of the UK's biggest and best-known music events. Born in 1996 when Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker put forward the idea of playing in two outdoor venues over two days, V Festival is unique in taking place in two separate locations simultaneously. Chart-topping acts take With top billing consistently taken by some to stages in Staffordshire and Chelmsford, of the biggest names in rock and metal, it's visiting one on Saturday and the other on not hard to see why Download Festival made Sunday. it into our Readers' Awards finals. Conceived as a follow-up to Donington Park's previous 2016 Line-up Includes: Rihanna, Justin Monsters of Rock Festival, Download makes Bieber, David Guetta, Sia, Faithless, Kaiser Brought to you by the masterminds behind its 14th outing this year, owing its name Chiefs, Bastille, Little Mix, Jess Glynne, Jake Moseley Folk and the Lunar Festival, Mostly partly to its pioneering use of technology to Bugg, Years & Years, Rita Ora and Tini Tem- Jazz, Funk and Soul does exactly what it says connect with audiences and build a commu- pah on the tin. World-class artists come together nity around the event. But while it's cutting with the leading lights of the local jazz scene edge on one hand, its genre of choice is also in a laid-back, family-friendly event that cele- steeped in local history. Emerging against a brates the city's cultural heritage. Like its sis- backdrop of thumping, grinding machinery ter festival Moseley Folk, it's also located in in the country's industrial heart, early heavy the gorgeous Moseley Park. metal acts have left an unmistakable legacy in the Midlands, and as long as Download continues, they'll always have a home here. 2016 Line-up Includes: De La Soul, Craig Charles' Funk & Soul Show 2016 Line-up Includes: Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Rammstein, Korn, Megadeth, Deftones, Nightwish, Alien Ant Farm, Kill- switch Engage, Atreyu, Billy Talent, Jane's Addiction and Disturbed

Lunar Festival Godiva Festival MADE Birmingham Umberslade Estate, Tanworth-in-Arden, War Memorial Park, Coventry, Digbeth Triangle, Birmingham, Sat 30 July Fri 3 - Sun 5 June Fri 1 - Sun 3 July Combining live music with visual street art The third in the Moseley Folk/Mostly and design, the Metropolitan Arts & Dance Jazz/Lunar trio, the Lunar Festival takes Event celebrates the contemporary art and place in a different setting to its sister festi- culture scene in the UK's second city. Cutting- vals, this time in the gorgeous grounds of edge electronic acts and live DJ sets find their Tanworth-in-Arden's Umberslade Estate. Ex- ideal home at this adults-only festival in Dig- pect an eclectic mix of music, local ales, beth, the city's dynamic youth culture quar- cabaret, all manner of creative workshops ter. (from ska aerobics to guerilla archaeology), and general malarkey. 2016 Line-up Includes: Rudimental, 2016 Line-up Includes: Super Furry Ani- Stormzy and Andy C mals, Mercury Rev, Television, Badly Drawn Boy, The Zombies, Matt Berry and the May- poles, Bentley Rhythm Ace and Martin One of Coventry's greatest cultural assets, the Carthy. Godiva Festival claims the title of the UK's biggest free music festival, attracting ever- growing audiences and a diverse array of performers. Over the years, its line-ups have covered big Britpop bands, emerging indie talents, ’80s electronic pop, familiar ska and two-tone favourites and even international acts.

2016 Line-up Includes: The Charlatans, Mystery Jets, Space and The Boomtown Rats

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FEATURE Pixie Lott

As musician Pixie Lott prepares to play Holly Golightly in director Nikolai Foster’s new 1940s-set touring production of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, she explains why she’s returning to acting after an absence of 12 years - and how her portrayal of Holly is far-removed from Audrey Hepburn’s…

“I realised the other day that I actually have that famous black-and-white photo of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s on a coaster next to my bed for my cup of tea,” laughs Pixie Lott. “I’ve had it there for ages, long before I found out I’d be playing Holly on stage. It was obviously meant to be!” In a temporary departure from her career as a singer/songwriter, Pixie is taking on the iconic role of the free-spirited, guitar-playing, cat-loving party girl in the touring production of Richard Green- berg’s new play. However, she’s keen to stress that this iteration of Holly is truer to the character as she’s portrayed in Truman Capote’s original 1958 novella, rather than in the better-known big-screen version. In fact, Pixie hasn’t even watched the film since being cast in the play, as she ‘didn’t want to get too caught up in it’. “Our play still has all those wonderful characters, the different personalities that make up New York, just as Capote brilliantly wrote them,” Bromley- born Pixie, 25, explains. “When you think about it, the story was incredibly ahead of its time, which is what makes it still so relevant today, a genuine modern classic. “This really is the dream role for me to take on for my first play. I feel incredibly lucky. Of course people will make comparisons with Audrey Hepburn, but I would never try to replicate an icon like her, as she was a one-off, truly unique. I hope audiences feel I bring my own interpretation and per- sonality to the role. My Holly is free-spirited and has lots of energy, and we also see glimpses of the secrets of her past. But she’s a survivor. She makes it through.” Capote himself was famously against casting Hep- burn as Golightly, instead wanting Marilyn Monroe for the role, but her agent advised her against playing ‘a lady of the evening’. Did Pixie have any reservations about playing such an iconic and con- troversial character? “Not at all,” she smiles. “After all, Holly isn’t actually a prostitute, but an ‘Ameri- can geisha’, as Truman Capote described her. Once you get to know her in the play, she’s both fabulous and very endearing.” Some may say that playing Holly Golightly is quite a departure for Pixie, who, after all, is best known for a string of chart-topping hits including Mama

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Pixie Lott DPS AW.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:47 Page 2

by Jeremy Mark

Do and All About Tonight. As a teenager, she did in to explore parts of the UK and Ireland that I’ve fact train as an actress at Italia Conti Academy of never visited before, and also to get to know places Theatre Arts, appearing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang which I already love even better.” at the London Palladium before moving into Like Holly Golightly, though, Pixie is a self-con- music. So why has she decided to make a return to fessed scatterbrain, short-sighted (in the novel, the stage? “I’ve always believed in being as Holly’s famous sunglasses apparently had pre- rounded a performer as possible, and it’s always scription lenses) and she’s equally as untidy. “I’m good to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I “If my a really messy person, so my dressing room will be

did that when I took part in Strictly Come Dancing ‘‘ fairly chaotic. Lots of make-up and clothes, maybe in 2014. I learned ballroom and Latin from scratch, dressing- a candle and some pictures from the 1940s. If any- which I really loved, and this year it’s been really one complains about the mess, I’ll just blame it on amazing to focus on acting. I’ll still be working on room is Holly!”

my own music alongside the play, and in the two breaks I have from the tour. I’ve been writing new messy, I’ll songs at every opportunity I can, and hope to have just blame new music ready towards the end of the year, with ‘‘ a little teaser or two in the summer.” it on Holly Pixie set herself a further challenge for this role: learning how to play the guitar. “I’d always wanted Golightly to learn, and the play has given me the perfect ex- cuse. It was really hard, though!” As a nod to the film, she performs Henry Mancini’s Oscar-winning Moon River. “It’s such a timeless song,” she says, “so beautiful. And it appears at a very intimate moment in the play, it sits really well.” Pixie also performs what she describes as “a little hillbilly ballad” which reflects Holly’s past, but this is by no means a musical version of the story. “It’s a play with music. There are songs from the era and a new score written by Grant Olding which scoots in and out throughout the performance. It brilliantly evokes the 1940s.” Playing opposite Pixie as her confidant, ‘Fred’, is actor Matt Barber, who played Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey. “We get on brilliantly, but I Breakfast at Tiffany’s shows haven’t yet dared to tell him that I didn’t watch at New Alexandra Theatre, Downton!” she admits. And, of course, there’s also Birmingham from Holly’s feline pet, Cat. “I’m still getting used to the Mon 18 to Sat 23 April cat,” she says. “I’m more of a dog person really, so I’m not familiar with being with cats or how to hold a cat. Thankfully, I’m not allergic to them.” The play’s New York setting hugely appeals to the actress. “It’s one of my favourite cities in the world. I actually went and checked out the Tiffany’s store, which is at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, the last time I was in New York. It was stunning! I’ve always been a fan of Tiffany’s, but I’ve never done the whole ‘coffee and Danish’ thing outside the store. I’d say I’m more of a tea and toast kind of girl!” Holly Golightly’s 1940s look is intrinsic to the play’s authenticity, and something that definitely excites style-fan Pixie. “Holly has lots of costume changes, and wearing actual, fabulous vintage pieces and accessories from the era really helps me with her character. They’re not custom-made Givenchy gowns like Audrey’s, which would be incredible, but they’re the next best thing. I love ex- perimenting with the way I look, with different hairdos and make-up, and this is so far removed from my usual get-ups.” Life on the road is something that Pixie has become used to as a musician. “I’m actually looking forward to spending time in cities where, ordinar- ily on a music tour, I would only get to be for one night, maybe two. The play will give me the chance

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 The Young'uns Single page.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:46 Page 1

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FEATURE by David Vincent

The Young’uns The North East folk trio find themselves on a winning streak...

There's nothing like a good award to boost a “In the past, songs have been inspired by biggest band, with 21 nominations and eight career - just ask Teesside's The Young'uns. history,” says Eagle, “of where we’re from, of wins, they seemed unbeatable. After a decade plying their trade at festivals the landscape, and we talk about things in “People kept telling us we were the under- and around the folk clubs of the North East, the past. But we became more inspired by dog - and I think we felt we were the under- the now not-so-young trio are one of the things now. We approach folk music as sto- dog - but I’m sure a lot of other [nominated] biggest acts in the folk/acoustic world, ries and songs and anecdotes. Every gig is people felt that way about themselves too. It thanks (in part) to their Best Group win at about storytelling, so our songwriting has was a complete surprise to win.” become more sophisticated. We’re talking the BBC Radio Two Folk Awards. Re-nominated for the BBC Radio Two Folk about things that are actually in the now. We “People do put their trust in these things, Awards Best Group this year, The Young’uns know what we like, we’re more unabashed, they do hold weight,” says singer and accor- are no longer the outsiders, as they find we know who we are.” dion player David Eagle of their gong. “We themselves up against Londoners Stick In always felt that people enjoyed us live, but Eagle cites The Biscuits Of Bull Lane and The Wheel, Dublin’s Lynched and Leveret, didn’t think there was much interest in us Lovely Cup Of Tea, penned in the wake of featuring Andy Cutting and Bellowhead's from the industry, but the BBC award soldier David Rigby’s 2013 murder in Wool- Sam Sweeney - who've both won the Musi- showed different.” wich, as two songs that borrow from folk cian Of The Year award. music traditions yet are utterly contempo- The Young'uns career started by chance as “Stick The Wheel we heard quite early on. rary: “The English Defence League came to 16-year-old school pals David, Sean Cooney They had this really interesting, raw EP. I re- protest at Bull Lanes Mosque, in York, and (vocals) and Michael Hughes (vocals, guitar) ally liked it. A lot of people are talking about they were greeted with biscuits and tea! popped out for a spot of underage drinking, them - you hear a lot about them. Lynched That’s a story! That’s a folk song!” and accidentally stumbled into a folk club. seem to have risen in the past few months Intrigued by the sing-arounds - where indi- Across 2014's Never Forget and 2015's An- and sound brilliant. And Leveret are an ab- viduals kick-start a traditional song, unac- other Man's Ground, they’ve also explored solutely brilliant band as well. They have companied, with everyone then joining in - such issues as honour killings (The Streets such a rapport - great musicianship.” Of Lahore), Channel Four's Benefits Street they returned, and elder regulars eventually Asked what he reckons The Young’uns (You Won't Find Me On Benefits Street) and asked “the young'uns” if they’d like to par- chances are of retaining the award, Eagle re- war. ticipate. A couple of years later, they be- sponds by discussing how impossible it is to came a band. Of their rise in popularity, Eagle says: “A lot rank the nominees when all are arguably at “I say we’ve been together for 10 years, but of things came together in a six-month pe- the top of their game. riod over 2014/15. We did a session for BBC the first two to three years we were rub- “They’re all very different,” he says. “You’ve Radio Two which bought a lot of new people bish!” recalls Eagle with a hearty laugh. always got to realise that when someone to our shows, then did The Unthanks sup- “July 2005 was the first gig, but we were very says you’re the best group, you’re not. It’d be port in February 2015, which a lot of people different to who we are now. It’s crazy to see ridiculous. You’re not really the best.” how we’ve developed. There wasn’t the came to see, and then there was the BBC same reliance on YouTube and the internet Radio Two Folk Awards and the win. It was a back in 2005, so no-one saw us play. I combination of all of those things - that’s when we started to get a lot of people com- played triangle, penny whistle, kazoo, and The Young’uns play Theatre Severn, ing to our gigs who’d not seen us before.” we did unaccompanied things.” Shrewsbury on Monday 18 April, and From wobbly early appearances, the friends The Beeb win came as a shock for the three Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre have gained confidence - firstly as perform- folkateers, as they were up against the on Thursday 28 April ers, more recently as songwriters. mighty, all-conquering Bellowhead. Folk’s

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Comedy davina.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:02 Page 1

Comedy

Rob Delaney: Meat The REP, Birmingham, Sat 23 April American comic Rob Delaney was once voted the funniest person on Twitter. He bagged the accolade from Comedy Central for his line in gleefully juve- nile and sometimes overtly sexual offerings. At this point, we could reproduce his rude’n’crude musing on whether the contents of Catwoman’s lit- ter tray acts like an aphrodisiac on Batman - but we won’t. More palatable Twitter fare includes, “As far as I’m concerned, the scariest thing to come out of the Muslim world is algebra”, and “WiFi at my uncle's funeral is a ****ing joke...” Rob’s visiting the Midlands this month with his latest stand-up show, Meat. He’s touring on the back of a hugely successful year during which he co- starred in two series of hit Channel Four comedy show Catastrophe.

Four of the best...

Julian Rob Danny Clary: Beckett: Buckler Mouth Of Arena Theatre, The Joy Of Wolverhampton, Mincing The South Thurs 14 April New Alexandra The Place, Oakengates, More than once Theatre, likened in style to Birmingham, Shropshire, Sat 2 Wed 27 April April; Stafford the legendary Tony Gatehouse Theatre, Hancock, Danny Sat 16 April Julian Clary’s win- Buckler started out ning line in ‘saucy postcard’ humour and First tickling the nation’s collective funny as a magician working the shop floor of innuendo disguises an intelligent sarcasm bone in 2009, Rob Beckett’s TV work Harrods, his talent for conjuring securing that digs fun at both himself and his audi- includes 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice. him invitations to perform at numerous ence. A perennial favourite in the stand-up A high-tempo comedian who’s been celebrity bashes. Appearances at private comedy world, his forays into TV haven’t described by one newspaper as ‘a little short functions for the likes of Liam Gallagher, always been as successful - a long-ago gag at of a revelation’, Rob claims his relationship Bruce Willis and the Sultan of Brunei all fea- the expense of Norman Lamont saw him with comedy began as a youngster. “I was ture on his impressive CV. blacklisted by television producers for some the middle child and desperate for atten- Nowadays a regular performer on the stand- considerable time. tion,” he explains, “so I decided to try and up circuit, Danny is a solid rather than spec- Julian’s here making a welcome return to the get it by making my friends and family tacular purveyor of mirth, but his light Midlands with his latest touring show, The chuckle - or better still, belly laugh.” touch, easy manner and intriguing dress Joy Of Mincing, an offering which his website Gags include, “You know you're working- sense ensure that an evening in his company promises will be ‘a masterclass in camp com- class when your TV’s bigger than your book- is very definitely an evening well spent. edy’. case,” and “My girlfriend worries about me cheating on a night out. I say to her, ‘Why would I have a burger when I’ve got steak at home?’ The only problem is, when you’re drunk, burgers are well nice.”

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The All-Star Stand Up Tour Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 April; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 13 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 4 May Four highly rated comedians for the price of one is the mouthwatering prospect on offer here. Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas is joined by ‘king of the one-liners’ Gary Delaney, ‘master of stand-up satire’ Sean Hughes and Magicians star Pete Firman, a man once described by Time Out as ‘more magical than Dumbledore on a good day’. Four comedians, four styles of comedy - and therefore, no doubt, a suitably wide range of amused responses from the sure-to-be- appreciative audience. Expect to hear chuck- les, giggles, belly laughs and ribs being mer- cilessly tickled (although we’re not entirely sure what that last one actually sounds like)...

Jamie On the rise... ing Sarah Millican, Rob Beckett and many Wood: more now-established comedians. Oh No! Adam Jaremko takes a look at Most clubs will be contacted by a per- what makes someone a comedian? former for a gig request; they normally pro- mac, Birmingham, vide a video clip and some text about Fri 8 April The comedians you see on TV, on tour and themselves. If they’re interesting enough, “O No! is a psyche- in comedy clubs every week all started out they’ll be invited along to do a five or 10- delic ride and a at the same point - standing on stage for minute set. This is what’s called an ‘open wonky homage to the very first time, trying to make strangers spot’ - a chance to perform and impress the woman laugh. Years later, they’re still doing the both the audience and the venue staff/ damned for destroying the Beatles,” explains same, but the rooms are grander, audi- management. If that goes well, it’s on to a Jamie Wood in talking about his latest tour- ences bigger and they even get their own ‘half spot’, normally 15 minutes on stage ing production. “The show borrows Yoko bottled water. with a fee to cover travel and performance. If THAT goes well, then it’s on to the big Ono’s art instructions to ask whether falling But what makes someone a comedian? in love is always catastrophic. In my family, time - but all in good time, of course. Being funny is the obvious starting point, Yoko was deeply distrusted for the effect It’s refreshing and reassuring to see that but the fact that they even got up on stage - she'd had on John. I love Yoko Ono's art, I the comedy industry has a system that’s and their willingness to continue to do so - love her seemingly endless positivity and it thorough, fair and works. There’s a journey is what makes them real comedians. Oh, makes me laugh. “This is basically a show for all comics to take, and Michael and being funny. Did I mention that? about reckless optimism, avant-garde art - McIntrye is a good example of someone and what we might yet have to learn from When they start out, they’ll travel the who’s travelled it. He first played the Glee the hippies!” country and perform for free just for the in 2003, had his first paid spot in 2004 and chance to make progress and to grace the was on TV with his own show in 2009. stages their heroes once did. UK clubs such There are plenty of funny people out there, as The Stand, Komedia and the Glee Clubs but it takes a lot to become a comedian - so continue to witness the progression of here’s to the stars on the rise! tomorrow’s stars. The Glee, for example, still has a paper file of ‘act reviews’ featur-

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 1 Shakespeare 400 DPS.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:43 Page 2

It’s all about the Bard Stratford celebrates its ‘Famous Son’

Every April the 23rd, Shakespeare's home- At 10.30am on Saturday the 23rd, the Birth- Strange. There'll also be opportunities to town bursts into life as theatre enthusiasts day Parade kicks off at Shakespeare's Birth- meet the artists and ask them all your burn- come together to celebrate his life and works. place, led by the Head Boy of Shakespeare's ing questions, or to participate in a self- In case the buzz has passed you by, 2016 is a alma mater, King Edward VI School. From guided tour of Stratford devised by Stan's bit of a big year for the Bard, marking the there, a colourful procession travels through Café, using speech bubbles at eight locations 400th anniversary of his death. As such, this town, ending at Holy Trinity, where Shake- as instructions to act out mini dramas. year's celebrations look set to be the most speare is buried. The birthday itself culminates in an exclu- spectacular yet, with a weekend full of work- At the Royal Shakespeare theatres, part of sive, balloted event inside the theatre, broad- shops, tours, live shows, screenings, con- the newly refurbished Swan Wing is un- cast live on BBC2 and in select cinemas. With certs, visual art and more. veiled, complete with an original artwork by a stellar guest list including David Tennant, In the build-up to the big day, on Tuesday the Steven Follen. Comprised of over 2,000 stain- Judi Dench and Ian McKellen, the variety bill 19th, tenor Joseph Calleja and soprano Angel less steel stars, For All Time is the RSC's features ballet, opera, hip-hop, scenes from Blue perform operatic classics inspired by largest ever site-specific art commission. Shakespeare and more, and ends with a free, Shakespeare's works in a gala concert at Holy Meanwhile, in the Paccar Room, an exhibi- public fireworks display outside. Trinity Church. tion called Well Said! displays Shakespeare Don't stay out too late though: there's more The same day, Stratford Picturehouse begins quotes selected by actors and artists, includ- to come! For those up early enough on Sun- a Shakespeare-themed film festival by ing playwright Tanika Gupta, Hamlet star day morning, a Shakespeare-themed service, screening Michael Elliot's 1963 version of As Paapa Essiedu and rapper Doc Brown. broadcast on Radio Four, takes place at Holy You Like It. Home to the RSC's costume store, the re- Trinity, with music from Orchestra of the Swan. This is also the day of the Shakespeare On Friday the 22nd, Margaret Drabble, Stan- cently relaunched Other Place will also be Marathon and Half-Marathon. ley Wells and Michael Wood discuss Shake- open for Page To Stage Tours. speare's family and friends in a special Outside, visitors can enjoy live music and Meanwhile, at the Birthplace, New York rap- birthday lecture at The Shakespeare Centre, sonnets on the ferry, or get stuck in to work- per Devon Glover embarks on a marathon of ending with a poetry reading from Wendy shops on stage fighting, dance and voice his own as he races through all 154 of Shake- Cope. That evening at Holy Trinity, Ex Cathe- work. Active Storytelling workshops engage speare's sonnets. dra perform Garrick's Shakespeare Ode, set with current RSC productions, while in There'll be plenty more as the month and by Thomas Arne, alongside a brand new ode Blood, Guts And Gore, make-up artists create year continue - this is just a flavour of what's with words by Carol Ann Duffy and music by realistic cuts and bruises. on offer for the main event. Sally Beamish. Featuring period instruments, At 2 and 4pm, Mimbre present a 30-minute Of course, Stratford's not the only town to be this concert goes on to tour the Midlands. acrobatic performance called Wondrous celebrating...

A sample of what’s happening elsewhere in the Midlands...

AN ELIZABETHAN TRAVELLING THE- OUR SHAKESPEARE EXHIBITION A SHAKESPEARE’S WILL Performed by SHAKE UP SHAKESPEARE FAMILY DAY ATRE COMPANY Looking at how free exhibition of Shakespeare-re- Rain Or Shine Theatre on Sat 2 Fun and interactive family day for Shakespeare’s plays were per- lated items from around the world, April, Severn Valley Country Park, children and their parents which formed at the time, Sat 23 Apr, Fri 22 April - Sat 2 September, Bridgnorth and Love Lee Produc- brings two of the Bard’s best- The Potteries Museum & Art Library of Birmingham tions on Wed 27 - Sat 30 April, known plays to life, Sat 23 April, Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent EX CATHEDRA SHAKESPEARE The Wightman, Shrewsbury The REP, Birmingham FROM BARD TO VERSE The original MASQUE CONCERT A reconstruction SHREWSBURY SHAKESPEARE DAY HENRY V Antic Disposition pres- music of Shakespeare’s plays per- of Thomas Arne’s An Ode To Music, songs and combat from ents its critically acclaimed pro- formed by The Night Watch, Sat Shakespeare, Fri 22 April, Holy Shakespeare’s time are just some duction as part of a UK cathedral 30 April, Palace Theatre, Redditch Trinity Church, Stratford-upon- of what’s on offer here, Sat 23 tour, Thurs 28 April, Worcester Avon April, The Square, Shrewsbury Cathedral

For more Shakespeare 400 events, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre

Mary Poppins Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 23 April Zizzi Strallen here takes the lead in Julian Fellowes’ reworking of the much-loved family musical. PL Travers’ popular fictional character has been a global superstar since Julie Andrews brought her to life in Walt Disney’s hugely successful 1964 movie. Not surprisingly, the success of the film led to a stage version, albeit some 40 years later - and Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s award-winning musical has been doing great business in theatres across the world ever since. The show’s timeless score includes the songs Jolly Holiday, Step In Time, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Feed The Birds. New songs and additional music and lyrics are provided by the Olivier Award- winning British team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Read more about Mary Poppins at whatsonlive.co.uk

The Rotters’ Club 1970s to 2010, it compares and contrasts the Island. A spirited girl, Anne soon makes a lives of a group of Bangladeshi bachelors, big impression - and not only on the siblings Birmingham REP, Sat 2 - Sat 9 April living together in a cramped house in who’ve adopted her... Birmingham, with the experiences of an This particular production is brought to the extended Asian family who’re living in a sim- stage by Redhead Reach. ilarly cramped house in the same area. Although their respective experiences seem starkly different, it soon becomes clear that The Dishonoured they have far more in common than at first mac, Birmingham, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April; meets the eye... Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 4 - Sat 7 May Kali Theatre’s reputation for creating inspir- Diary Of A Madman ing, award-winning theatre based around challenging and thought-provoking issues is Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, further enhanced by this powerful new pro- The REP’s one-time associate director, Thurs 7 - Fri 8 April duction. Gwenda Hughes, returns to the venue to This acclaimed one-man show finds low- Described by the company as ‘a compelling helm Richard Cameron’s adaptation of ranking Russian civil servant Poprishchin political thriller’, The Dishonoured takes Jonathan Coe’s well-regarded novel. moving from obsession to psychosis... place in a world of espionage and secret Set in Birmingham during the 1970s, it fol- Gogol’s dark comedy, exploring the experi- agents - a world in which a highly decorated lows the fortunes of five teenagers as they ences of a man driven to insanity by govern- war hero suddenly finds himself unexpected- struggle to grow up in the shadow of a rapid- ment bureaucracy and hierarchy, is here per- ly out of his depth... ly changing and increasingly troubled socie- formed by award-winning actor Robert ty. Bowman and directed by Olivier Award nom- The 9 April performance is preceded by an In inee Sinéad Rushe. Conversation session with Jonathan Coe and Richard Cameron, during which the pair will discuss the production and their careers. Anne Of Green Gables Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Bangla Brummies Fri 15 - Sat 16 April The Drum, Birmingham, Sun 24 April The central character in Lucy Maude Montgomery’s 1908 novel, Anne Shirley is Murad Khan’s sparky new offering has been mistakenly sent to live with a middle-aged described as a play blending satire, dreams brother and sister on Green Gables farm in and fantasies. Spanning 40 years, from the the Canadian province of Prince Edward

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Theatre previews from around the region

WIN! TICKETS To enter, visit whatsonlive.co.uk The Importance Of Being Earnest Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 28 April - Sat 7 May This famous Oscar Wilde work is a rightly-adored piece of farce that has stood both the test of time and countless dire amateur productions, rising unscathed to take its place at the very pinna- cle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the attempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is mas- querading as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the redoubtable Lady Bracknell, and there’s little wonder that disas- ter looms large on Jack’s hori- zon.

Annie The Musical The heart-warming rags-to-riches tale of a little girl who finds herself transported from a Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, New York orphanage to the luxurious world Mon 4 - Sat 9 April of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show fea- Birds Of A Feather actress Lesley Joseph stars tures plenty of memorable songs, including as the far-from-pleasant Miss Hannigan in It's A Hard Knock Life and the legendary this latest version of the oft-touring Broadway Tomorrow. hit.

Heartbeat Shadowlands New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, until Malvern Theatres, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April All Our Cost Sat 2 April; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April; Wolverhampton Grand Birdsong Productions here joins forces with The Old Rep, Birmingham, Theatre, Tue 5 - Sat 9 July Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre to pres- Wed 20 - Fri 22 April ent William Nicholson’s powerful biographi- The relationship between the- cal drama - best known, of course, from its atre and history, in particular 1993 film version starring Anthony Hopkins with regard to The Holocaust, is and Debra Winger. At its centre is the story of the shared theme of All Our the late-flowering love between Oxford aca- Cost’s three plays, each of which demic CS Lewis and American poet Joy is presented on a different night. Davidman, a relationship which would ulti- Performed by Birmingham mately lead to Lewis profoundly questioning Ormiston Academy’s Acting his devoutly held Christian faith... Pathway, the productions are: Ghetto, which analyses the role The long arm of the law is much in evidence of theatre within the Jewish in the Midlands this month, courtesy of this community in the Vilna ghetto; brand new stage version of ITV1’s long-run- The Investigation, a verbatim ning rural police drama. play retold through physical the- The hugely popular 1960s-set television series atre; and The Merchant Of Vilna, ran from 1992 to 2010, regularly drawing an adaptation of Shakespeare’s viewing figures in excess of 10 million. Merchant Of Venice, reflecting This new touring version, which stars mem- how the Jewish community bers of the TV cast and boasts a brand new might have used art to comment script, is making its world premiere at the on their situation. New Alex.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, until Sat 9 April Jason Manford, Michelle Collins and Phill Jupitus star in a new touring production which sees everybody's favourite flying car make a welcome return to the Midlands. Complete with ‘sensational’ sets, ‘stunning’ special effects, the Sherman Brothers’ memorable score and a high-energy cast, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is the story of eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Manford) who creates an amazing flying car to take his family to the fictional country of Vulgaria. But all is not well in the European barony, where the sinister Baron Bomburst has decided to make children illegal... Truly Scrumptious, Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain and the Oscar-nominated title song feature among the show’s best-known musical numbers.

Menopause The Musical The Ladykillers A Machine They’re The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Secretly Building Thurs 14 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Thurs 14 - Fri 15 April Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Trent, Sun 24 April; New Alexandra Theatre, Wed 27 April Birmingham, Tues 26 April; Belgrade Theatre, Based on the iconic Ealing comedy, this Coventry, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 April easy-to-follow story concerns a dear old lady (Mrs Wilberforce) who, well known to the local constabulary for reporting unsubstanti- ated crimes, unwittingly becomes an acces- sory to a brilliantly conceived heist when she rents a room to a small-time crook posing as a musician named Professor Marcus. Marcus then proceeds to bring his gang of criminal misfits, disguised as a quartet, into Mrs Wilberforce’s home, to finalise the details of their plan... The multi-disciplinary Proto-type Theater get seriously topical with this thought- provoking show, which takes a look at the insidious machine of surveillance. “This show is about how we got to the point where our governments are spying on us and how that’s changing who we are,” says Proto-type. “It charts a course from the Top Secret secrets of World War One intelligence rehearsal image through to 9/11, the erosion of privacy, Female TV stars ‘of a certain age’ are much Edward Snowden and the terror of a future in evidence in this well-reviewed show, with that might already be upon us...” Linda Nolan, EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison The Debt Collectors and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley taking top Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 8 - Sat 9 billing. April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 12 April When four menopausal women meet in a John Godber's popular comedy features two department store, conversation quickly turns out-of-work actors who’re so desperate for to the one thing they all have in common - cash that they take a job they absolutely the menopause. Cue innumerable one-liners loathe - as debt collectors. Nonetheless, on subjects including forgetfulness, mood they're good at what they do, and when all's swings, wrinkles, night sweats and uncon- said and done, the job does have its perks... trollable chocolate binges... Presented by Reform Theatre Company.

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A new look for Spring 2016

Until Mon 25 - Tue 24 - Sat 23 Apr Sat 30 Apr Sat 28 May From £25 From £13.50 From £20

Thu 16 - Sat 18 Jun The Taming of the Shrew

Wed 22 - Sat 25 Jun Mon30 May Thu 16 - Tue 28 Jun- -Sat 4 Jun Shakespeare Sat 25 Jun Sat 3 Sep From £20 Triple Bill From £10 From £28

Nederlands Carlos Acosta Cloud Gate Dance Dance: Sampled Ballet BC Theatre of Taiwan

Tue 3 & Thu 5 - Tue 10 & Tue 17 & Fri 20 & Wed 4 May Sat 7 May Wed11May Wed18May Sat 21 May From £15 From £15 From £15 £15 From £15

Produced by DanceXchange in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome, funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min. plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre April.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:36 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Calamity Jane The Mousetrap Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Mon 4 - Sat 9 April; Regent Tues 19 - Sat 23 April Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 11 - Wed 13 April

Boasting songs such as The Not only has everyone heard of The Mousetrap, Deadwood Stage, Black Hills Of everyone has seen it too - haven't they? Okay, Dakota, Windy City and Secret maybe not, but as the show recently celebrated Love, Calamity Jane tells the its 60th year in the West End, it's fair to say its story of the Wild West’s most capacity to put bums on seats is absolutely notorious female outlaw, along beyond doubt. The world's longest running the way offering an all-in com- show, the famous Agatha Christie play has been bination of music, comedy, performed over 25,000 times. Its touring version drama and dance. here makes a welcome return to the Midlands. The famous ’50s film version, starring Doris Day and Howard Keel, remains one of the best- regarded Hollywood musicals of its era. This particular production is brought to the stage by Stafford A Black Country Night Out Best Of BE Festival Operatics. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 April; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 19 April; Kidderminster Town Hall, Fri 15 April; Aston Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 3 May; The Wood, Sutton Coldfield, Thurs 21 April; Lichfield Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 5 May Our Gracie Garrick, Thurs 28 April; Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, Fri 29 April; Solihull Arts Complex, Highly acclaimed for its daring and innovative New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Thurs 5 May programme of theatre, dance, circus, live music, under-Lyme, Wed 6 - Sat 23 April This show is almost as old as the Black Country visual arts, talks and workshops, BE Festival itself and has matured just as beautifully! takes place in Birmingham every June. This new play by Philip Bringing a fresh look to proceedings, the 2016 This touring ‘best of’ production showcases Goulding sees the New Vic col- version features some of the region’s most ‘bril- three of the event’s most popular pieces. laborating with Oldham liantly talented’ acts - including Jonny Cole, The featured presentations are: #sobrejulieta by Coliseum Theatre to tell the who’s earning himself quite a reputation for his Grumelot, a stripped-back, one-woman take on story of the legendary Gracie musical parodies of Romeo And Juliet; The Whistle by Squarehead Fields, a working-class woman modern local life. Productions, a show packed to its proverbial fr om Rochdale who became Joining Jonny is rafters with ‘deft circus skills’; and Beating one of Britain’s best-loved Dandy and The Quintetto by Tida, an interactive comedy, dance female entertainers - and in the Fizzogs, while music and physical theatre piece dealing with the reali- process was declared an enemy from The Ronaldos ties of shoestring-budget entertainment. of the Third Reich by Adolf promises to get peo- Hitler! ple well and truly The show combines Gracie’s rocking in the aisles. Paul Zerdin own words with some of her Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 12 April most well-known songs. Former Coronation Street, Comedian and ventriloquist Zerdin, a three- Casualty and Dinnerladies star 3 Days And 3 Minutes times contributor to the Royal Variety Sue Devaney takes the title With Larry Performance, here returns to the Midlands with role. a show that’s defi- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 April; nitely not suitable Malvern Theatres, Fri 29 - Sat 30 April for children. “They Chris Mellor’s affectionate tribute to one-time might be cute little Generation Game host Larry Grayson focuses on puppets,” Paul says the three days leading up to his final perform- of his numerous ance - the Royal Variety Show of 1994. The three characters, “but days were spent trying to get together three min- leave the kids at utes’-worth of material for the production - an home!” undertaking which saw Grayson employ the Just to confirm, the assistance of a spiritual healer... show is suitable for Mellor’s play features plenty of Larry’s best audience members Photo credit: Joel Chester Fildes comic material and has been developed with the aged 14 and over. assistance of the late comedian’s family.

For full theatre listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk

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Theatre Kids shows this month...

The Cat In The Hat

Disney On Ice The Girl Who Fell In Love With The Moon Stig Of The Dump Elf The Musical The Wizard Of Oz mac, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sat 2 April; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 7 April Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 17 April Wed 13 - Sat 16 April This classic story from the pen of L Frank Stig wears rabbit skins, has his own lan- Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre showcase Baum has been delighting children for over a guage and uses empty tin cans for a chim- their talents in this new musical version of century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem ney. Barney has scuffed shoes, grazed knees Will Ferrell’s big-screen festive favourite, Elf. and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy and dirty fingernails. Together, they’re set for For those not already in the know, the story Gale and her unexpected trip over the rain- a magical adventure... follows the adventures of Buddy, an orphan bow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she London Contemporary Theatre present this boy who grows up in the North Pole with meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cow- timeless children’s classic for a whole new Santa and his elves. Buddy thinks he’s an elf ardly lion, heads off on a journey along the generation of youngsters. too, but his enormous size and inability to yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, make toys tells an altogether different story... and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the Disney On Ice - Silver James And The West. Anniversary Giant Peach If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a Genting Arena, Birmingham, wizard... Wed 6 - Sun 10 April The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Mon 25 - Tues 26 April This action-packed adventure, celebrating a Three Keepers Roald Dahl’s classic yarn tells the story of a quarter-century of Disney On Ice, invites Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 5 April audiences to enjoy ‘the ultimate sightseeing young orphan boy named James who’s sent holiday’. to live with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. If you’re looking for a relatively short but The anniversary show sees Goofy, Mickey Two of the most horrid aunts in the whole of imaginatively entertaining night out, this and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Daisy England, the wicked pair make his life an could well be the show for you. A 55-minute visiting the magical African domain of The utter misery. Then, one day, James meets a silent comedy blending physical theatre, Lion King and the underwater kingdom of mystical old man who gives him a bag that original music, dance and slapstick, Three The Little Mermaid. There's also the chance contains the strongest magic the world has Keepers is set on Flounder Rock Lighthouse, to join Peter Pan on his journey from London ever known. When the put-upon young lad where wise old Tom, uptight Dick and wet- to Neverland. accidentally spills the contents of the bag behind-the-ears ’Arry have only the seagulls Fans of Frozen, meanwhile, will no doubt be near an old peach tree, the most wondrous for company. It’s a peaceful existence - until, delighted by a stop-off in the wintry world of things start to happen - and an opportunity that is, the storm of the century strikes... Arendelle, where princesses Anna and Elsa to escape his unhappy existence opens up to 'Let It Go' with Kristoff and the huggable James in a weird and wonderful way he snowman, Olaf. could never have imagined... My Pet Monster And Me The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 9 April The Cat In The Hat The Girl Who Fell In Love The highly regarded Blunderbus Theatre are the ensemble behind this brand new show Lichfield Garrick, Mon 18 - Tues 19 April With The Moon blending puppetry, music and song. It tells mac, Birmingham, Sat 9 April Based on the much-loved book by Dr Seuss, the story of a little girl named Sophie, whose this latest theatrical version of The Cat In Humanity's eternal fascination with the skies wish for a friend with whom to share her The Hat has been designed to engage and is the subject of the ever-inventive Human down-on-the-farm adventures is answered in (hopefully) delight youngsters aged three Zoo’s latest high-energy offering. A giddy the shape of ‘a cuddly, toothy, burpy, baby and older. patchwork of puppetry, poetry, movement monster’. The only trouble is, the little crea- The Cat In The Hat is the funniest, most mis- and live music, the production has earned ture just keeps on growing... chievous cat that Sally and her brother have some rave reviews during its time on the ever met - and what’s more, he’s got a fantas- road, and perfectly showcases the company’s tic talent for turning the rainiest of after- dynamic and visually inventive approach to noons into the most amazing of adventures... theatre.

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For more theatre previews visit whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film April - GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 11:38 Page 1

Film

The Jungle Book CERT PG Starring Neel Sethi as Mowgli, with the voices of Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) Following the enormous success of Disney’s live-action adaptations of their animated classics Alice in Wonderland, Sleeping Beauty (Maleficent) and Cinderella, The Jungle Book is destined for great things. The voice cast alone is a thing of wonder. Here, Mowgli is played by the twelve-year-old New York-born American-Indian Neel Sethi, while Kipling’s famous animal characters are ren- dered in CGI. Bill Murray is Baloo the bump- tious bear, Ben Kingsley the black panther Bagheera and Idris Elba the predatory tiger Shere Khan. As in the original 1967 cartoon, there will be songs to accompany the action, including new numbers composed by the original songwriter Richard M. Sherman (now eighty-seven), as well as some of the old favourites, such as Baloo’s ‘The Bare Necessities.' In 3D, too. Released Fri 15 April

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in April...

Dheepan CERT 15 (115 mins) The Huntsman: Starring Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Kalieaswari Winter’s War CERT 12a tbc Srinivasan, Claudine Vinasithamby Starring Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Directed by Jacques Audiard (France) Emily Blunt, Jessica Chastain, Nick Frost, Arguably the most highly-acclaimed director Sam Claflin, Rob Brydon working in French cinema today, Jacques Directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan (USA/UK) Audiard invariably delivers credible and per- This is an odd one. Following the success of tinent dramas that explore the world we live Snow White and the Huntsman (worldwide in. Here, he focuses on Dheepan, a Tamil gross: $396 million), Universal Pictures have Tiger fighter who flees to Paris for political ushered up a sequel-cum-prequel – but with- asylum with a fake identity. Winner of the out Snow White. Here, it’s the hunky woods- Palm d’Or at last year’s Cannes festival. man (Chris Hemsworth) who takes centre Released Fri 8 Apr Hardcore Henry CERT 15 tbc stage as two princesses declare war on each other and amass enormous armies to do their Starring Sharlto Copley, Danila Kozlovsky, Haley Bennett, Andrei business. Not to be confused with Captain Dementiev, Tim Roth America: The Winter Soldier. In 3D. Directed by Ilya Naishuller (Russia/USA) Released Fri 8 April Filmed entirely from the viewpoint of the eponymous protagonist, this Russian-American actioner takes no prisoners. Henry remembers nothing of his past life, but knows that he is a target and discovers that he has had a cybernetic make-over that makes him pretty damn dangerous to his adver- saries. Expect some pretty strong violence, drug use and nudity. Released Fri 8 April

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Film releases in April

CRITIC’S CHOICE Eddie the Eagle CERT PG (106 mins) Starring Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Mark Benton, Keith Allen, Tim McInnerny Directed by Dexter Fletcher (UK/USA/Germany) With lashings of comedy, this is the true story of Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, a young Englishman who was determined to become an Olympic skier – against improbable odds. Taron Egerton previously played ‘Eggsy’ in Kingsman: The Secret Service and ‘Mad Teddy’ in Legend. Released Fri 1 April

delicate disposition. It follows 36 hours Son of Saul CERT 15 (107 mins) in the life of Saul Ausländer (Röhrig) Starring Géza Röhrig, Levente Molnár, Urs whose job in Auschwitz is to burn the Rechn, Sándor Zsótér bodies of his own Jewish-Hungarian com- Directed by László Nemes (Hungary) patriots. Then he comes across the Son of Saul started its glittering trail of corpse of a boy, a child he believes to be accolades at last year’s Cannes Film his son… The last Hungarian film to win Festival, where it won the Grand Prix. an Oscar was István Szabó's Mephisto in Along the way it picked up umpteen 1981. gongs for best foreign language film, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars. Its Released Fri 29 April subject, though, is not for those with a

Midnight Special Nasty Baby CERT 15 (101mins) CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Kristen Wiig, Sebastián Silva, Tunde Adebimpe, Reg E. Cathey, Mark Margolis Starring Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton, Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Sam Shepard, Directed by Sebastián Silva Jaeden Lieberher (Chile/USA/France) Directed by Jeff Nicholls (USA) Fans of Kristen Wiig will be surprised to find When both the government and an extreme her in a Chilean-American drama, but we say religious sect find out that the eight-year-old good on her. She plays the friend of a gay Alton (Jaeden Lieberher) has supernatural couple of immigrants living in Brooklyn who powers, his father (Michael Shannon) is des- decide to have a baby. She agrees to carry it perate to protect him. So father and son – but outside forces conspire to destroy their and later the boy’s mother – hide out before world, not least a threat of deportation and a meddlesome forces can have their own way. particularly homophobic neighbour… Shannon and the director Jeff Nicholls previ- The Man Who Knew Infinity Released Fri 8 April ously collaborated on the films Shotgun CERT 12a (109 mins) Stories, Take Shelter and Mud. Starring Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Toby Jones, Released Fri 8 April Stephen Fry, Jeremy Northam, Kevin McNally Directed by Matt Brown (UK) This is a must for those who adored A Beautiful Mind and Good Will Hunting. Srinivasa Ramanujan (Dev Patel) is a young man who, after an impoverished childhood in Madras, managed to secure a place at Trinity College in Cambridge. He later went on to lead the field in mathematical analysis, number theory, infinite series and continued fractions. Gosh. Released Fri 8 April

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Film

Criminal CERT 15 (113 mins) Louder Than Bombs Captain America: Civil War Starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, Tommy CERT 15 (109 mins) CERT 12a tbc Lee Jones, Alice Eve, Gal Gadot, Ryan Starring Gabriel Byrne, Jesse Eisenberg, Starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Reynolds Directed by Ariel Vromen (USA/UK) Isabelle Huppert, Amy Ryan, David Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony In an age of mind transplants, the memories, Strathairn, Rachel Brosnahan Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Directed by Joachim Trier Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth skills and secrets of a deceased CIA agent are (Norway/France/Denmark) Olsen, Paul Rudd Directed by Anthony Russo implanted in the body of a former Death Row and Joe Russo (USA) In spite of its provenance, this is actu- inmate. It’s a dangerous move but with the ally a drama filmed in New York, in It looked like Avengers: Age of Ultron was clock ticking it may be the only solution to which a family struggles to come to going to be the biggest box-office behemoth foil a monstrous plot. Ryan Reynold’s last terms with its differences. Long of 2015 until Star Wars and Jurassic World film about a mind transplant was in estranged from his father, Jonah Reed came along. Nonetheless, it did make a tidy Self/less, released here last July. (Eisenberg) returns to his old home in $1,405,413,868 worldwide. Now we have Released Fri 15 April order to celebrate an exhibition of his Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow late mother’s work, a series of war and Ant-Man teaming up for another colli- photographs. However, it seems that sion course at the multiplex with the first each member of the Reed family has two superheroes, thanks to new government different memories of the woman they rules, failing to see eye-to-eye. A perfect called wife and mother. time, then, for a new arch-enemy to step into the breach… It’s all too much. In 3D, of Released Fri 22 April course. Released Fri 29 April Miles Ahead CERT 15 tbc Starring Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Emayatzy Corinealdi, LaKeith Lee Stanfield, Michael Stuhlbarg Directed by Don Cheadle (USA) Eye in the Sky CERT 15 (102 mins) For a while last year Don Cheadle was Starring Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan mooted as a serious contender for an Rickman, Barkhad Abdi, Jeremy Northam, Iain Oscar nomination for his role as the Glen Directed by Gavin Hood (UK) jazz musician Miles Davis. But then the Striding across the same moral minefield as OscarsSoWhite controversy kicked in. last year’s Good Kill with Ethan Hawke, this Still, Cheadle as first-time director was British drama stars Dame Helen as a colonel praised for his approach to film biogra- forced to weigh up the consequences of a phy, creating a free-flowing style in drone strike in Kenya. The target is a group keeping with his subject’s music. Ewan Demolition CERT 15 (101 mins) of terrorists planning a McGregor plays an unscrupulous jour- Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris major suicide attack, nalist attempting to get the inside skin- Cooper, Judah LewisDirected by Jean-Marc but then a nine-year- ny on the reclusive trumpeter, band- Vallée (USA) old girl is seen entering leader and composer. Jake Gyllenhaal would seem to favour the kill zone. The film Released Fri 22 April Quebec-born film directors. After working marks Alan Rickman’s with Denis Villeneuve on Prisoners and last appearance in front Enemy, he now teams up with Jean-Marc of the camera. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild) on this Released Fri 15 April drama. He plays a successful investment CERT 15 (112 mins) banker who completely loses his grip after Starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin his wife is killed in a car crash. Then, when CERT 15 (92 mins) Freeman, Alfred Molina, Billy Bob Bastille Day Thornton Directed by Glenn Ficarra and he starts to write a stream of self-incriminat- Starring Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Charlotte John Requa (USA) ing letters to a vending machine company, Le Bon, Eriq Ebouaney, Kelly Reilly, José the firm’s customer service rep (Naomi Garcia Directed by James Watkins (USA) One doesn’t usually associate Afghanistan with belly laughs but, Watts) takes up his cause… Not to be confused with a French Revolution hey, this is Fey. The actress plays Kim Released Fri 29 April romp, this is actually an American actioner Baker, the television correspondent shot in London and Paris. With the threat of whose brief excursion to Afghanistan a terrorist attack, a con man and a former turned into something entirely more CIA agent team up to pool their resources. serious – and occasionally hilarious. With Idris Elba in the driving seat this It’s based on Baker’s own memoir The should be good value, while the director Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in James Watkins previously brought us the Afghanistan and Pakistan (2011). The chilling Eden Lake and The Woman in Black. directors previously brought us Crazy, Released Fri 22 April Stupid, Love and Focus (also with Margot Robbie). And we dig the title. Released Fri 22 April

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Visual Arts

Dan Flavin: It Is What It Is And Ain’t Nothing Else Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 13 April - Tues 26 June Taking its title from the artist's own descrip- tion of his work, this major exhibition presents a series of fluorescent light works. Associated with the 20th century Abstract Expressionist movement, Dan Flavin is one of America's most important post-war artists. Flavin rejected notions of symbolism and spirituality in art, sharing with Donald Judd an interest in work that refers to nothing but its own presence, often with an emphasis on industrial materials and intense colour. Steering clear of conventional, chronologi- cally ordered retrospectives, this exhibition instead makes use of the varied spaces inside the gallery to faithfully replicate Flavin's “sit- uational” approach, focusing on how each piece interacts with its environment. “I wanted it to feel as if Dan Flavin had been here and responded characteristically to the nature of the space,” explains Ikon director Jonathan Watkins, “so it will be quite an enveloping experience for the audience. It's an exhibition that will look beautiful, but that will be quite provocative and raise a lot of questions about art.”

Grayson Perry: The Vanity Prem Sahib Solo Big Ceramics Of Small Differences Exhibition Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sat 28 May Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Grand Union, Birmingham, Challenging expectations of the clay object Fri 22 April - Sun 3 July Fri 22 April - Thurs 23 June while celebrating the drive, creativity and skill involved in creating large-scale ceram- Turner Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry With a title inspired jointly by the ics, this visually arresting exhibition brings here takes his inspiration not only from his gallery's own name and the idea of together monumental pieces by eight con- own 2012 television documentary series, All coming together, this installation by temporary artists. Featured ceramicists In The Best Possible Taste, but also from Prem Sahib focuses on the use of include Felicity Aylieff, who explores con- William Hogarth’s A Rake’s Progress - a materials, bringing objects made from temporary translations of traditional Chinese series of canvases depicting eighteenth cen- wood, metal, tiles, rubber and resin techniques to produce giant pots and vases, tury society which the artist produced in the into choreographed conversation. and Clare Twomey, who makes extensive use early 1730s. Sahib's predominantly sculptural of clay in her multi-component installations Charting the story of class mobility and work is informed by the atmosphere and site-specific works. examining the influence of social class on of queer meeting places and encoun- aesthetic taste, the exhibition comprises ters in physical environments, many of the characters, incidents and whether social, sexual or confronta- objects that Perry encountered while making tional. his BAFTA award-winning documentary A short story by Huw Lemmey called series. Using these characters to weave a nar- Dank And Rare accompanies the exhi- rative, the artist has produced a social com- bition, and a limited edition print will mentary which focuses on the minutiae of be available in the shop. contemporary taste, in so doing paying due homage to Hogarth’s collection of 18th century paintings.

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Barbara Walker: Shock And Awe The Humble Vessel mac, Birmingham, Sat 23 April - Sun 3 July New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 29 April - Sun 24 July Developed in collaboration with the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, this major new commission from acclaimed Birmingham artist Barbara Walker examines the many Ships, seas and difficult journeys contributions of black servicemen and women to British war efforts from 1914 to the across the waves have long been a present day. Acknowledging an absence of representation over the last 100 years, favourite subject among artists, Shock And Awe alludes to Britain's imperial past as well as the physical and psycho- used to represent diverse themes logical impact of war and ideas. on soldiers returning Developed by Pakistani curator Aziz to civilian life. Sohail, this evocative exhibition In this series of explores what sea crossings might large-scale drawings, mean for artists and audiences Walker highlights the today, in a world where perilous work of the British voyages are often undertaken by West Indies refugees desperately fleeing con- Regiment and the flict. A newly commissioned film King's African Rifles, from Fazal Rizvi explores multiple as well as the key narratives around the sea, shifting role played by between fiction and reality. Other women in the featured artists include Eric Caribbean and West Ravilious, William Scott, Sarah India Regiments dur- Taylor Silverwood, Dayanita Singh ing World War Two. and Bob and Roberta Smith.

For more visual arts listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events April - 1.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:11 Page 1

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Events

Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 April Last year celebrating its 30th anniversary, Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. The show features displays of antique and decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery, arms and armour, maps, dolls, bears and an array of vintage and decorative collectables. With more than 230 dealers showcasing their wares - and with items ranging in price from as little as £10 right up to £100,000 - this ever-popular event offers the perfect opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts and mix the antique with the modern. Commenting on the show, Mary Claire Boyd, the Fair’s Director, said: “We’re always seek- ing out new exhibits and new stories to excite visitors to the fair and to inspire them with fresh ideas. The addition of contemporary pieces and 20th century specialists ensure that the fair reflects the latest trends.”

St George’s Day Flatpack Film Festival Who Do You Think You Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 23 April Various venues across Birmingham, Are? Live Tues 19 - Sun 24 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 April Birmingham Conservatoire, Adrian Boult Hall, the Electric Cinema and the Old Rep Theatre are just some of the venues selected to host this year’s 10th anniversary Flatpack Festival. The popular event has built its reputation on presenting a package of entertainment that brings together animation, music, artists’ film, archive discoveries, off- beat shorts for kids and live cinema. This year’s highlights include the presentation of new live scores to Carl The world’s largest family history show is Theodor Dreyer’s landmark 1932 movie, this year celebrating its 10th anniversary. Vampyr, and FW Murnau’s Faust Who Do You Think You Are? Live brings (1926). There’s also a showing of the together some of the most renowned experts Harold Lloyd classic, Girl Shy (1924), in family history, all of whom will be on and a project offering its audience the hand to help visitors with ongoing research chance to experience a film while or offer advice about how to start an investi- blindfolded, with only the soundtrack gation into a family tree. There’s the chance to sample a taste of and whispered narration by a group of The show also features Antiques Roadshow Medieval Britain at Tamworth Castle this schoolchildren offering clues as to the favourite Eric Knowles, who’ll be helping to month, as the venue celebrates Saint film’s content. identify and date family treasures, and One George’s Day. Show presenter Anita Ranie, who’ll take Attractions include weapons and armour audiences behind the scenes of the hit TV demonstrations throughout the day, a special series. medieval jousting tournament, a living histo- Other attractions include a packed pro- ry encampment, children’s medieval activi- gramme of workshops, treasure hunts for ties and numerous street entertainers plying children, a replica Spitfire plane from World their trades. Within the castle, medieval War Two and a specialist military area to households prepare laundry and armour, commemorate ancestors involved in conflict. while Lady Freville offers a selection of The show’s Education Zone area features a games and activities for all the family to roadshow to commemorate the centenary of enjoy. the Battle of the Somme.

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more events from around the region

Events

May Day Bank Holiday Fun Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs, Sat 30 April - Sun 2 May The brand new Tamarin Trail - comprising eight enclosures housing a variety of tamarins and mar- mosets - is just one of the attractions for visitors to enjoy at Drayton Manor Park this May Day bank holiday. As well as the trail, the venue also features the ever-popular Thomas Land and a wealth of enjoyable rides, including Flynn’s Fire And Rescue, Captain’s Sea Adventure and Toby’s Tram Express. Thrill seekers are well catered for too, A Day At The Lake courtesy of (among other white- Rudyard Lake, Staffordshire, and features a series of arts-based presenta- knuckle attractions) Shockwave, Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May tions on and around the lake, including a Apocalypse and Maelstrom. Across the May Bank Holiday, Rudyard Lake performance by the City of Birmingham in Staffordshire will be reimagined as it was Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. in the late 1800s - a period of time which saw On the shore, circus sideshows, marching Shrewsbury thousands of day-trippers visit the location to bands, and a helter skelter are just some of Bookfest relax and enjoy a range of outdoor arts and the highlights from the jam-packed programme. You may even spot some real life Various venues across entertainments. This weekend event is being Shrewsbury, produced by Cheshire company Wild Rumpus mermaids... Fri 29 April - Mon 2 May Former Children’s Laureate Jacqueline Wilson and comedian- turned-author Julian Clary top the Homebuilding And The Fast Show bill at this year’s festival. The high- Renovating Show Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, profile pair are joined at the event Sun 10 April NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 April by, among others, Charlie And Lola author Lauren Child, Clarice This is the biggest event of its kind in the UK, Bean novelist Vicki Archer, screen- bringing together self-build specialists, tal- writer Frank Cottrell Boyce and ented renovators and a host of leading performance poet, comedian and brands. New for 2016 are one-hour work- musician John Hegley. shops - providing visitors with the chance to The festival also features Shaun chat to the experts - and a Kitchen Design & the Sheep model-making work- Planning feature, with experienced kitchen shops, a chance for Star Wars fans studio owners on hand to offer free consulta- to learn to draw some of their tions. Seminars, masterclasses, a home secu- favourite characters, and a draw- rity advice centre, design consultations and ing and storytelling event for DIY demonstrations are among the event’s younger children with Hugless already established features. Douglas creator David Melling

The first ‘performance and modified car’ event on the 2016 calendar, The Fast Show features club stand displays, Run What Ya Brung, FWD and JDS drag racing, drifting, stunt displays, jet car, a trade village and funfair rides. The show’s organisers reckon they’re pretty much offering ‘something for everyone’, whether your car is about ‘show’ or ‘go’, a modified hot-hatch, a retro classic or a supercar.

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more events from around the region

Events

Horrible Histories Maze: The Dana Get Lost In Time! Prison Tours Warwick Castle, Warwickshire The Dana Prison, Shrewsbury The long-ago past is brought to life in this brand HM Prison Shrewsbury was built new attraction. The multi-sensory maze features in 1877, close to the site where moving walls, interactive puzzles and plenty of Thomas Telford built the Dana Horrible Histories’ ‘foul facts and crazy cartoons’. Gaol in 1793. Visitors to the maze are challenged to reorder the This tour provides the opportuni- muddle that the mischievous Rattus Rattus has ty to explore the history of one of made of time - and then to find their way out Shrewsbury’s most famous again. buildings, within the walls of Commenting on the new attraction, Horrible which seven people were execut- Histories’ author, Terry Deary, said: “The history ed by hanging between 1902 and in my books is horrible. But to experience it live in 1961. Warwick’s maze will be most horrible of all. I may Visitors taking the tour can find not have the nerve to do it myself unless I’m wear- out what it was like for convicts ing one of the castle’s suits of armour!” entering prison for the first time, check out the solitary confine- ment and condemned-man cells, walk the wings and step inside the execution room, where sen- Stratford-upon-Avon Harlem Globetrotters tences were carried out. Literary Festival Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Sat 30 April Various locations Sun 24 April - Sun 1 May The Harlem Globetrotters have been playing exhibition basketball games for the best part of a century, participating in more than 20,000 matches in 100-plus countries. Regular visitors to the UK and the Midlands, the fellas are well worth a look. This year’s touring show boasts a star-studded roster featuring Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi- Meccanuity Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard and Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, Cheese Chisholm - not to mention female Sat 30 April - Mon 2 May stars TNT Maddox and Sweet J Ekworomadu. Slam-dunkin' magic is a guarantee. This popular event, facilitated by the Telford & Ironbridge Meccano Society, features an impressive array of large and Shropshire Kids Festival small models for enthusiasts The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury, young and old to enjoy. As well Sat 23 - Sun 24 April as marvelling at displays of giant Stratford Literary Festival is one of the most ‘Education through fun’ lies at the heart of cranes, steam engines, pattern- significant get-togethers of its kind in the UK. this high-energy weekend for kids of all ages. drawing machines, fairground Offering a fusion of celebrity-author events, There’s entertainment available for babies rides and clocks, visitors can debates and workshops, this year’s festival and toddlers, and plenty of arts & crafts also construct their own models takes the theme of ‘legacies, memories and events and workshops for older children, all using the abundance of available great classics - from Charlotte Brontë to . of which have been designed to allow young- Meccano parts Agatha Christie and from Gruffalos to Peter sters to get hands-on while they learn. Rabbit’. “Education is about expanding the world of Familiar names taking part in the event youngsters,” say the event’s organisers, “and include Julia Donaldson, John McCarthy, we will be doing that through play, science, Howard Jacobson and Mary Portas (pictured). drama, engineering, technology and much DJ Paul Gambaccini makes a contribution more!” too, not only discussing his career but also giving an account of his harrowing year spent under investigation by Operation Yewtree. For a full festival line-up, visit www.stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk See thelist for all your events listings

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Tickets to Bring On Tickets to Superbike Tickets to Save The Last The Bollywood World Championship Dance For Me

Closes Friday 15 April Closes Friday 20 May Closes Monday 9 May Tickets to Folk at The REP Tickets to Breakfast At Tiffany’s Tickets to Slam Dunk Festival

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Your week to week listings guide April 2016 thelist DisneyOn Ice Silver Anniversary Tour at Genting Arena, 6-10 April

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 3 April Mon 4 to Sun 10 April Mon 11 to Sun 17 April Mon 18 to Sun 24 April Mon 25 to Sat 30 April

Chris Ramsey at Jack Garratt at WWE Live: Wrestlemania Bring on the Bollywood Katy B at The Assembly, Bedworth Civic Hall O2 Institute Revenge at Barclaycard at Belgrade Theatre Leamington Spa Sun 3 April Fri 8 April Arena Sat 23 - Sat 30 April Fri 29 April Sat 16 April

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thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April THROUGHOUT APRIL schools, until Sun 10 Apr, mac, Visual Arts Birmingham; until Sun 24 April, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry and until Sun 15 May, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery NEW! DAVID CONSTANTINE: URBAN KORABRA BY GAVIN JANTJES Dramatic SHADOWS - 5PM & EVERYTHING AFTER paintings by Gavin Jantjes, on dis- David is a contemporary play as part of a collaboration with abstract/portrait painter from the Black Artists & Modernism proj- Worcestershire. His new body of ect, until Sun 21 August. work focuses on the re-emergence CECILY BROWN Brown’s Be Nice To of the bearded man in popular cul- The Big Blue Sea is shown alongside ture, Wed 27 Apr - Sun 22 May a display of work by Edgar Degas. Birmingham Museum & On loan from a private collector, until Art Gallery Sun 19 June BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN NEW! GRAYSON PERRY: THE VANITY OF THE INNER-CITY Exploring the ways in SMALL DIFFERENCES Series of six Ali Bain & Phil Cunningham, Lichfield Cathedral, Fri 8 April which ordinary Brummie folk have large-scale tapestries by Turner been represented in art during the Prize-winning artist Grayson Perry THE CAT EMPIRE Sat 2 Worcester 20th and 21st centuries, until Thurs exploring the British fascination with Gigs Apr, O2 Institute, MARK PADMORE AND 31 Mar. taste and class, Fri 22 Apr - Sun 3 Birmingham July PAUL LEWIS Sun 3 Apr, WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS DURAN (DURAN DURAN) Birmingham Town Hall Installation made up of many parts, NEW! MAKING A MASTERPIECE YEARS & YEARS Fri 1 Sat 2 Apr, Artrix, EDDI READER Sun 3 Apr, from small jewels in frames to large, Exploring the creative process Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Bromsgrove The Glee Club, freestanding furniture, until Sun 1 undertaken by artist Graham Birmingham DAVID HAMILTON'S ROCK Birmingham May. Sutherland to design the monumen- THE SIMON AND tal tapestry which hangs behind the 'N' ROLL BACK THE LITTLE MIX Sun 3 Apr, NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 GARFUNKEL STORY altar of Coventry Cathedral, Fri 22 YEARS Sat 2 Apr, Royal Genting Arena, Exhibition of works by graduates Fri 1 Apr, Palace Apr - Sun 3 July, Herbert Art Gallery Spa Centre, Birmingham from various West Midlands art Theatre, Redditch & Museum Leamington Spa schools, until Sun 15 May and until ADELE Fri 1 - Sat 2 Apr, ELIZA SHADDAD Sun 3 THE SURRENDERS Sat 2 Sun 10 Apr. Also showing at mac, Genting Arena, Apr, The Sunflower Forge Mill Needle Museum, Apr, O2 Academy, Birmingham, Wolverhampton Art Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Redditch Birmingham Gallery & Herbert Art Gallery, THE BESNARD LAKES Fri THE GALLEONS Sun 3 SEW SMALL! Explore the world in GUNS OR ROSES Sat 2 Coventry 1 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, Hare & Hounds, miniature with the Miniature Apr, The Marr's Bar, HUNDREDS AND THOUSANDS An exhibi- Birmingham Birmingham Needlework Society International, Worcester tion of work by young West Midlands until Sun 24 April. DEAD PLUS YOUTH MAN, RAYMOND FROGGATT & SARTAAJ LIVE students and tutors, until Sun 10 Apr A PROMISE TO FORGET & HIS BAND Sun 3 Apr, NEW! TANGENT TEXTILES: WARRIORS Outstanding poet and BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY LED BY LANTERNS SUP- The Roses Theatre, Exhibition inspired by warriors from singer from India, Sat 2 IN 130 YEARS The story of the PORT Fri 1 Apr, The Tewkesbury the ancient world, Thurs 28 Apr - Apr, Symphony Hall, Museum & Art Gallery, told via a spe- Asylum, Birmingham Sun 5 June Birmingham CHARLIE MUCKLOW Sun cial anniversary exhibition, until FRANKIE'S GUYS Fri 1 3 Apr, The Tin Music RICK ROSS Sat 2 Apr, Thurs 1 Sept The Hive, Worcester Apr, The Swan Theatre, And Arts, Coventry O2 Academy, NEW! LOOKING Exhibition of drawings Worcester Compton Verney Gallery, Birmingham FEAR OF MEN Mon 4 and paintings by Angela Landels, NOTHING BUT THIEVES Apr, Hare & Hounds, Warwick LUKE DANIELS - REVOLVE Sat 16 Apr - Thurs 5 May Fri 1 Apr, O2 Institute, Birmingham SHAKESPEARE IN ART: TEMPESTS, & ROTATE: THE NEW! PUBLIC ART STUDENTS SHOW Birmingham TYRANTS AND TRAGEDY Exhibition POLYPHON CHRONICLES JIM JONES AND THE Performance art, painting, sound reimagining Shakespeare’s works THE MODFATHERS Fri 1 Sat 2 Apr, Artrix, RIGHTEOUS MIND installations and information art by through a unique series of multi- Apr, The River Rooms, Bromsgrove Tue 5 Apr, Hare & University of Worcester Art & Design media encounters, until Sun 19 June. Stourbridge Hounds, Birmingham and Fine Art students, Sat 23 Apr - BETTER THAN NEVER + JULIE DEXTER Tue 5 Apr, BOYDELL'S VISION Exhibition tracing Sun 1 May THE RAY MITTEN BAND & COAST TO COAST the history of John Boydell’s famous THE BOURBON ALLEY Sat 2 Apr, The Asylum, The Jam House, Shakespeare Gallery, which opened Leamington Spa Art Gallery & BAND Fri 1 Apr, The Birmingham Birmingham Marrs Bar, Worcester in 1789 on London’s Pall Mall, until Museum BIG UPS Sat 2 Apr, The THE NECKS AND JAMES Sun 19 June. THROUGH THE SHOP WINDOW Discover FRED ZEPPELIN - Sunflower Lounge, MCVINNIE: THE SECRET LIFE OF ORGANS Tue 5 Herbert Art Gallery & what shopping was like in Royal TRIBUTE BAND TO LED Birmingham Leamington Spa from the 1880s to ZEPPELIN Fri 1 Apr, The Apr, Birmingham Town Museum, Coventry THE SHEEPDOGS Sat 2 the 1980s, until Sun 17 Apr. Roadhouse, Hall DEGAS' DANCERS Edgar Degas’ Apr, The Rainbow NEW! SIMON LEWTY: THE SIGNIFICANCE Birmingham MATT & KIM Wed 6 Apr, famous painting, Two Dancers On A Venues, Birmingham OF WRITING Exhibition including early THE BIG CHRIS BARBER O2 Academy, Stage, is displayed alongside three SPEEDOMETER Sat 2 works by Lewty, dating back to the BAND Fri 1 Apr, The Birmingham other works by the artist, until Sun 19 Apr, Hare & Hounds, 1970s, alongside his recent work, Fri Roses Theatre, THE SIMON AND June. Birmingham 29 Apr - Sun 10 July, Leamington Tewkesbury GARFUNKEL STORY Wed COURTAULDS IN COVENTRY Selection JOURNEYMAN Sat 2 Apr, Spa Art Gallery & Museum JOHN LAW'S NEW 6 Apr, Solihull Arts of items from the Herbert’s collection Katie Fitzgerald's, CONGREGATION Fri 1 Complex relating to the Courtaulds company Stourbridge Worcester City Museum & Art Apr, Symphony Hall, RICK ASTLEY and its links with Coventry, until Sun Wed 6 Apr, Gallery Birmingham KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 2 Symphony Hall, 19 June. Apr, The River Rooms, THIS GREEN EARTH Malvern-based PIGHEAD + IN DEMISE + Birmingham WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR Stourbridge artist Bridget Macdonald’s land- HUMAN WASTE + KREPT & KONAN 2015 Featuring 100 amazing images, Wed 6 scapes, exhibited alongside works SPAWNED FROM HATE Fri HOTTER THAN HELL - from fascinating animal behaviour to Apr, O2 Institute, by great historic painters, Claude 1 Apr, Scruffy Murphys, TRIBUTE TO KISS breathtaking wild landscapes, until Birmingham Lorrain, Samuel Palmer and Peter Birmingham Sat 2 Apr, The Sun 10 Apr. Roadhouse, AUSTINN Wed 6 Apr, Paul Rubens, until Sat 25 June MUSE Sat 2 Apr, NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS 2016 Birmingham The Asylum, DIVIDED LOYALTIES Exhibition explor- Barclaycard Arena, Exhibition of works by graduates Birmingham ing Worcestershire’s heroes and Birmingham THE STRAIGHT ACES Sat from various West Midlands art THE VRYLL SOCIETY Wed rebels, until Sat 29 Oct. 2 Apr, The Marrs Bar,

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Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April

6 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Apr, The Assembly, The Tin Music And The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Leamington Spa Arts, Coventry Classical Music JUNIOR SIMPSON, LOU CONRAN, MARTIN CARTHY Wed 6 TELEMAN Fri 8 Apr, The THE KING PRESLEY DAMIAN CLARK & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, Apr, Kitchen Garden Rainbow Venues, LIVES On Sat 9 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham MARK PADMORE (TENOR) & PAUL LEWIS Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham Solihull Arts Complex (PIANO) Programme includes works by ADAM ROWE, DAN MITCHELL, RICHARD THE TERRORSAURS + SEBASTIAN TREE Fri 8 BETTY WRIGHT Sat 9 Beethoven & Schubert, Sun 3 Apr, MORTON & ANDY FURY Sat 2 Apr, JACK O'BONES + Apr, O2 Institute, Apr, The Drum, Birmingham Town Hall Coventry Showcase COLORADO LOUNGE + Birmingham Birmingham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH CHRIS RAMSEY: ALL GROWED UP Sun 3 DEATH SEX BLOOD BATH HARVEY SUTHERLAND SOUL II SOUL Sat 9 Apr, KONSTANTIN VOLOSTNOV Moscow Apr, Bedworth Civic Hall + KHAOS THEORY Wed Fri 8 Apr, Hare & The Assembly, organist Konstantin Volostnov is well 6 Apr, The Sunflower MARK STEEL - WHO DO I THINK I AM? Hounds, Birmingham Leamington Spa known for his recitals throughout Lounge, Birmingham Sun 3 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Russia and Europe. Here he performs JOHNNY KOWALSKI AND JAY JAMES AND LAUREN CHRIS RAMSEY: ALL GROWED UP Thurs BRIAN FALLON & THE works by JS Bach, A.G Ritter, THE SEXY WEIRDOS Fri MURRAY Sat 9 Apr, 7 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington CROWES Thurs 7 Apr, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Vierne & 8 Apr, Hare & Hounds, Bedworth Civic Hall Spa O2 Institute, Dianov, Mon 4 Apr, Birmingham Town Birmingham A GUY CALLED GERALD Birmingham Hall ANDREW BIRD, ANDRE VINCENT PLUS THE SIMON AND & NIGHTMARES ON WAX COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ZIBRA Thurs 7 Apr, The THE NECKS AND JAMES MCVINNIE: THE GARFUNKEL STORY Fri 8 Sat 9 Apr, Hare & ROBINSON Thurs 7 Apr, The Glee Club, Sunflower Lounge, SECRET LIVES OF ORGANS Music by Apr, The Swan Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Tom Jenkinson, Philip Glass and The Theatre, Worcester VIX AND HER MSCHIEFS Necks, performed on Birmingham BRENDAN RILEY & GWILUM ARGOS Thurs BRAINSTORM Thurs 7 ALY BAIN & PHIL Sat 9 Apr, Katie Town Hall’s magnificent organ, Tues 5 7 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall Apr, O2 Academy, CUNNINGHAM Fri 8 Apr, Fitzgerald's, Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham LIchfield Cathedral Stourbridge ANDREW LAWRENCE - UNCENSORED Fri 8 ART MEETS MUSIC Featuring Orchestra Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington THE KVB Thurs 7 Apr, BLANCK MASS / SUR- SIGALA Sat 9 Apr, Of The Swan & members of the Spa Hare & Hounds, PRISE ATTACKS Kasbah, Coventry Stratford Decorative & Fine Arts Birmingham PROMOTIONS NO.42 Fri JOE LYCETT Fri 8 Apr, Stratford UNDERGROUND OCEAN Society. Nicola Moorby (Turner DAVID HAMILTON’S 8 Apr, The Marr's Bar, Artshouse Sat 9 Apr, The Marr's Specialist) talks about Turner and his ROCK‘N’ROLL BACK THE Worcester ANDREW BIRD, STEPHEN BAILEY, Bar, Worcester ‘Stratford Sketches’ and Dobrinka YEARS Thurs 7 Apr, ANDRE VINCENT & GARETH RICHARDS Fri DIRTY STERLING Fri 8 Tabakova (OOTS award-winning com- The Swan Theatre, JAMIE CROFT Sat 9 Apr, 8 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham Apr, The Rainbow poser) presents excerpts from her Worcester Ort Cafe, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham work inspired by the sketches, Tues 5 TEZ, TOBY HADOKE, STUART MITCHELL & KATIE'S ORGANIC JAM DRAGSTER Sat 9 Apr, ANDY ASKINS Fri 8 - Sat 9 Apr, BALLS DEEP (ALBUM The Rainbow Venues, Apr, Stratford Artshouse, Stratford- NIGHT Thurs 7 Apr, LAUNCH) Fri 8 Apr, The upon-Avon Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Katie Fitzgerald's, Birmingham Roadhouse, EMMA JOHNSON Programme compris- NATHAN CATON, JOE BROMEHEAD, Stourbridge OCEANS ATE ALASKA Birmingham es Finzi Clarinet Concerto alongside & ANTHONY J BROWN Fri 8 Apr Katie THE BROKEN OAK DUET Sat 9 Apr, The Asylum Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge THE BON JOVI Venue, Birmingham orchestral works by Vaughan (ALBUM LAUNCH) Thurs EXPERIENCE Fri 8 Apr, Williams, Ireland and Britten, Wed 6 SHAZIA MIRZA - THE KARDASHIANS MADE 7 Apr, The Marrs Bar, The River Rooms, THE COMMANDMENTS Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester ME DO IT Sat 9 Apr, The Old Rep Worcester Sat 9 Apr, The River Stourbridge DAME MITSUKO UCHIDA IN RECITAL Theatre, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge JAYWALKERS Thurs 7 UB4T Fri 8 Apr, The Programme includes works by MATT FORDE - GET THE POLITICAL PARTY Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, Robin, Bilston REBEL REBEL: DAVID Schubert & Beethoven, Thurs 7 Apr, STARTED Sat 9 Apr, Royal Spa Centre, Stourbridge BOWIE TRIBUTE Sat 9 Birmingham Town Hall Leamington Spa SOME GUYS HAVE ALL Apr, Route 44, NEVER THE BRIDE Thurs I GOT GERSHWIN THE LUCK Fri 8 Apr, Birmingham Award winning singer ANDREW BIRD, GARETH RICHARDS, 7 Apr, The The Roses Theatre, Robert Habermann presents a unique ANDRE VINCENT & STEPHEN BAILEY Sat Roadhouse, B’ham Tewkesbury ANNETTE GREGORY Sat look at the great American songwriter 9 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROBERT HAWKINS + 9 Apr, The Tin Music George Gershwin, from his birth to his HIGHER ON MAIDEN Fri And Arts, Coventry MICKEY SHARMA, TONY JAMESON, GEORGE WILSON + MEG 8 Apr, Route 44, untimely death at the age of 37, Thurs ROBERT WHITE & ALLYSON J SMITH Sat YATES Thurs 7 Apr, Birmingham THE KING - ELVIS 7 Apr, Evesham Arts Centre 9 Apr, Coventry Showcase Route 44, Birmingham PRESLEY LIVES ON Sat SPUNK VOLCANO & THE LAST NIGHT OF ROTARY PROMS Sat 9 BUDDY HOLLY'S WINTER 9 Apr, Solihull Arts Apr Symphony Hall, Birmingham ERUPTIONS / SKURVI / Complex DANCE PARTY Fri 8 Apr, BORN TO DESTRUCT / THE RELAXED CONCERT featuring James Palace Theatre, VINCENT AND THE LUCY WARD, THE Rowney, Little Jim & Orchestra of the Theatre Redditch ONEPOTTS Fri 8 Apr, TEACUPS + MORE Sat 9 Swan, Sun 10 Apr, Birmingham Town MICHAEL BOLTON Fri 8 The Flapper, Apr, The Fleece Inn, Hall MARY POPPINS The supercalifragilistic Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Evesham international hit arrives in Brum as Birmingham PVRIS Sat 9 Apr, O2 NATASHA WATTS Sun part of a UK tour, until Sat 23 Apr, MUMBO JUMBO Fri 8 Institute, Birmingham 10 Apr, Hare & Birmingham Hippodrome Hounds, Birmingham Comedy Gigs Apr, Palace Theatre, THE SUPERSKAS Sat 9 DON QUIXOTE James Fenton's staging Redditch Apr, O2 Academy, FROM THE JAM - of Cervantes' comic novel - a work SOUNDS AFFECTS TOUR regarded as one of the foundation JACK GARRATT Fri 8 Birmingham MARK WATSON - I'M NOT HERE Fri 1 Apr, II Sun 10 Apr, The stones of modern fiction, until Sat 21 Apr, O2 Institute, THE HOLLIES Sat 9 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham Empire, Coventry May, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Malvern Theatres ALFIE MOORE, ROB ROUSE, KAREN BETH SHERBURN Sun upon-Avon UKULELE ORCHESTRA OF BAILEY & SCOTT BENNETT Fri 1 Apr, THE PRIMITIVES Sat 9 10 Apr, Hare & HAMLET Simon Godwin directs Paapa GREAT BRITAIN: THE Apr, The Empire, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton GIGASECOND TOUR Fri 8 Hounds, Birmingham Essiedu as Hamlet in Shakespeare's Coventry JUNIOR SIMPSON, DAMIAN CLARK, DAVID Apr, Royal Spa Centre, GLASVILLE Sun 10 Apr, searing tragedy, until Sat 13 Aug, WARD & SAM AVERY Fri 1 Apr, Leamington Spa THE KING ELVIS PRES- O2 Institute, B’ham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- LEY LIVES ON Sat 9 Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham upon-Avon URBAN FOLK QUARTET THE RAILSPLITTERS Apr, Solihull Arts ROB ROUSE, KAREN BAILEY, VINCE ATTA & Fri 8 Apr, mac, Sun 10 Apr, Kitchen DOCTOR FAUSTUS Maria Aberg returns Complex SCOTT BENNETT Fri 1 Apr, Abbey Birmimgham Garden Cafe, B’ham to the RSC to direct Marlowe's notori- THE ELO EXPERIENCE Theatre, Nuneaton ous tale of vanity, greed and damna- ZOE GILBY QUARTET Fri THE ROD STEWART Sat 9 Apr, Artrix, JETHRO - 40 YEARS THE JOKER Fri 1 Apr, tion, until Thurs 4 Aug, The Swan 8 Apr, Symphony Hall, EXPERIENCE Sun 10 Bromsgrove Malvern Theatres Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham Apr, The River Rooms, THE HOLLIES Sat 9 Apr, LEE NELSON - SUITED AND BOOTED Sat 2 THE PERFECT MURDER Award-winning MODS VS ROCKERS Fri Stourbridge Malvern Theatres Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch actors Shane Richie and Jessie 8 Apr, Artrix, JOSH WOODS Sun 10 Wallace star together on stage for the JAZZANGELSTAR PRES- JARRED CHRISTMAS, JOHN MOLONEY, Bromsgrove Apr, The Tin Music very first time in the ingenious and ENTS: ANNETTE And Arts, Coventry JEN BRISTER & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Apr, LAURENCE JONES Fri 8 GREGORY Sat 9 Apr, critically acclaimed theatrical version whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List 1-10 April - Warwicks & Worc.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 12:49 Page 3

thelist Friday 1 - Sunday 10 April of Peter James’ No.1 bestselling A DRAGON'S TALE Magical story based THE DANISH GIRL (15) Period drama, DECORATE YOUR OWN SHAKESPEARE thriller, Tues 29 March Sat 2 Apr, on the legend of Lambton Worm, based on the novel by David EGGS Get into the Easter spirit and Belgrade Theatre, Coventry told through puppets, changing Ebershoff, about an early recipient of decorate your Easter egg like a char- STONES IN HIS POCKETS Two actors scenery, music and sound effects, gender reassignment surgery in the acter from Shakespeare's plays, Fri 1 play a vast array of eccentric and lov- Thurs 7 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex early 1930s. Stars Eddie Redmayne - Mon 4 Apr, Mary Arden's Farm, able characters in Marie Jones’ THE LITTLE MERMAID Wing-It Theatre & Alicia Vikander. Fri 1 - Tues 5 & Stratford-upon-Avon award-winning comedy, Thurs 31 present an amateur version of Hans Thurs 7 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre VICTORIAN BAKING Learn how to bake Mar - Sat 2 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Christian Andersen's much-loved GRANDMA (15) A broke and grieving the old-fashioned way, and taste Coventry story, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Apr, Albany lesbian poet receives an unexpected some recipes for yourself. Dress up THE FIREBIRD Multistory Theatre Theatre, Coventry visit from her eighteen-year-old preg- as a Victorian and discover more Company present a magical re- PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS Non-sexual nant granddaughter. With neither of about the characters who once lived telling of the classic Russian tale, Fri show that features full-frontal male them able to cough up the money for in the cottage, Fri 1 - Mon 4 Apr, 1 Apr, The Hive, Worcester nudity. Suitable for adults only! Fri 8 an abortion, they head off on the Anne Hathaway's Cottage & road together looking for the dosh… Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon MY PET MONSTER AND ME Apr, Bedworth Civic Hall Stars Lily Tomlin & Julia Garner. Mon WHAT NOT TO WEAR...TUDOR STYLE! Blunderbuss Theatre bring to life the SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK (THE 4 - Tues 5 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre story of Sophie Bucket, a young girl ROD STEWART STORY) Brand new the- Find out what your outfit said about who spends her time alone and day- atrical production celebrating the JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE (15) Oscar- you in Tudor times. Dress up a man- dreaming, wishing she had a friend career of one of rock’s greatest nominated documentarian Amy Berg nequin to rock the runway, or rum- with whom she could share her icons, Fri 8 Apr, Roses Theatre, examines Janice Joplin’s life story mage through the dressing-up box adventures. A tale especially for little Tewkesbury through archival footage, reminiscent and turn yourself into a Tudor, Fri 1 - interviews with friends and family and Mon 4 Apr, Hall's Croft, Stratford- monsters and their grown-ups, Fri 1 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Starring Anne Apr, Solihull Arts Complex rare personal letters. Thurs 7 Apr, upon-Avon Hegerty from ITV's The Chase, Keith Warwick Arts Centre MADAM BUTTERFLY MET Opera pres- Chegwin and Basil Brush, Sat 9 Apr, MAD EASTER EGG HUNT Take part in ents its version of Puccini's tragic Palace Theatre, Redditch THE ONES BELOW (15) A wealthy cou- this treasure hunt by pressing but- opera, Sat 2 Apr, Malvern Theatres ple, Kate and Justin, are expecting tons, turning handles and looking in the birth of their first child when they and around the exhibits in the muse- THE ROTTERS CLUB Jonathan Coe's befriend the new occupants in the um to find the hidden eggs, Fri 1 - award-winning novel is here adapted Talks apartment below. As it happens, the Mon 4 Apr, The MAD Museum, for the stage by Richard Cameron. new couple are also expecting, Stratford-upon-Avon Set against the backdrop of an ever- although their take on parenthood changing Birmingham in the 1970s, MARZIPAN MASTERPIECES IN CONVERSATION WITH JONATHAN COE would appear to be diametrically Have a go at designing one of the The Rotter's Club is inspired by Coe's & RICHARD CAMERON Presented by opposed to Kate and Justin’s. And personal experiences growing up in Tudors' favourite foods - marzipan. Writing West Midlands and recorded so a new tension enters all their See some extravagant designs the Midlands, Sat 2 - Sat 9 Apr, The for broadcast on BBC Radio 3's Arts lives... Stars Clémence Poésy & REP, Birmingham Tudors used, and make your own and Ideas Programme, Jonathan David Morrissey. Fri 8 - Sun 10 Apr, marzipan fruits, tiles and figures, Fri 1 MRS CROP AND HER HAIRDRESSING Coe, the author of The Rotters’ Club, Warwick Arts Centre - Mon 4 Apr, Harvard House & The SHOP Fun, songs and audience par- and Richard Cameron who has MARGUERITE (15) Paris, 1920s. Museum of British Pewter, Stratford- ticipation for two-to-nine-year-olds, adapted it for the stage, discuss their Marguerite Dumont is a wealthy upon-Avon Sat 2 Apr, The Swan Theatre, new production careers to date, Sat baroness who loves music, particu- Worcester 9 Apr, The REP, Birmingham AUTO-SCIENCE LIVE Free family-friend- larly opera, and adores performing ly activities bringing automotive engi- ALL OUR YESTERDAYS Timeless THE UK’S WORST SERIAL KILLERS for her dearest friends. However, her neering and the science behind it to Theatre present a musical journey Legendary retired murder squad voice is actually jaw-droppingly life, Fri 1 - Sun 10 Apr, British Motor through six decades, Mon 4 - Tues 5 detective Trevor Marriott presents a awful, yet has remained blissfully Museum, Gaydon Apr, Solihull Arts Complex brand new touring show which tells unaware of this fact as both her REHEARSAL FOR MURDER Agatha the stories behind some of the UK’s friends and husband have kept her Christie thriller starring Robert Daws, worst serial killers, from the late fantasy of her talent alive. The prob- Amy Robbins, Robert Duncan, Susan Victorian period up to the present lem starts when she decides to per- Penhaligon and Ben Nealon, Mon 4 - day, Sat 9 Apr, Huntingdon Hall, form to a real audience in Paris. Sat 9 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Worcester Stars Catherine Frot & André Birmingham Marcon. Foregin language - subtitled. Fri 8 - Sun 10 Apr, Warwick Arts THREE KEEPERS A silent comedy for Centre all the family about duty, bravery and biscuits, presented by WinterWalker, Film Tue 5 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: END OF THE RAINBOW Lisa Maxwell INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Released from Fri 1 April, showing at stars as Judy Garland as she makes THE BIG SHORT (15) In 2008, Wall selected cinemas. her explosive comeback in London in Street guru Michael Burry realises EDDIE THE EAGLE (PG) 1968. Gary Wilmot and Sam Attwater that a number of subprime home also star, Tue 5 - Sat 9 Apr, Malvern loans are in danger of defaulting. VICTORIA (15) Theatres Burry bets against the housing mar- DHEEPAN (15) HAIRSPRAY Presented by Vocalize ket by throwing more than $1 billion HARDCORE HENRY (18) of his investors' money into credit Performing Arts Academy, Wed 6 - THE HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR (tbc) Thurs 7 Apr, Palace Theatre, default swaps. His actions attract the attention of banker Jared Vennett, THE MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY (12a) CROOME'S EASTER EGG HUNT TRAIL Redditch Follow the clues to help unravel the hedge-fund specialist Mark Baum MIDNIGHT SPECIAL (12a) COVENTRY GANG SHOW Featuring an and other greedy opportunists. mystery of the lost eggs, Fri 1 - Sun abundance of comedy sketches and Together, these men make a fortune 10 Apr, Croome Park, Worcestershire musical numbers, including songs by taking full advantage of the EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Fri 1 - Sun from Blood Brothers, West Side impending economic collapse in Events 10 Apr, Hatton Adventure World, Story, and Disney classics America. Stars Steve Carell & Warwick Pocahontas and Hercules, Wed 6 - Christian Bale. Fri 1 Apr, Artrix, EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Fri 1 - Sun Sat 9 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, THE GADGET SHOW LIVE The UK’s Bromsgrove 17 Apr, West Midland Safari and Coventry largest consumer tech show, Thurs THE LADY IN THE VAN (12a) Inspired by Leisure Park, Bewdley, ANATOMY OF THE PIANO 31 March - Sun 3 Apr, NEC, B’ham Part piano the true story of a homeless woman Worcestershire recital, part fantasy lecture, pianist SHAKESPEARE'S TAVERN Meet the fami- who moved into a Bedford van in the EASTER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Will Pickvance brings his sell-out ly of innkeepers going about their drive of Alan Bennett’s Camden Enjoy live shows from the resident Edinburgh Fringe show of virtuosity, daily lives running the tavern's drink- home. Stars Maggie Smith & Alex magicians and ventriloquists, with dissection and charmingly surreal ing parlour and lodging rooms, Fri 1 Jennings. Fri 1 - Sun 3 Apr, Warwick giggles and games for the whole humour to the Midlands, Thurs 7 Apr, - Mon 4 Apr, Shakespeare's Arts Centre, Coventry family, Fri 1 - Sun 17 Apr, Cadbury The Roses, Tewkesbury Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon World, Bournville

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Events continued...

WALLED GARDEN Britain's largest walled garden opens its doors again. With new paths and planting schemes, there are restored green- houses, vibrant border planting, a ‘blooming’ rose garden and working Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa vegetable plots, Fri 1 Apr - Sun 30 Oct, Croome Park, Worcestershire Friday 29 April, 7.30pm MEDIEVAL MAYHEM Sylvesta the jester Guarneri Piano Trio brings his jester school to Mozart - Dvorak - Mendelssohn Brockhampton to inspire and train the next generation of fools. With musical accompaniments from the Ledbury Waytes, who share their love of ancient music and style, Sat 2 Apr, Brockhampton Estate, Worcestershire TRAINS, TRAMS AND EASTER FUN Sat 2 - Sun 3 Apr, Severn Valley Saturday 30 April, 12 noon Railway, Kidderminster London Haydn Quartet ARCHERY LESSONS WITH REALLY RURAL An Archery GB-qualified instructor will Haydn - Myslivicek - Haydn show you how to shoot a 'Recurve Bow', Sun 3 Apr, Croome Park, Worcestershire Saturday...... 30 April, 7.30pm NMM FRIENDS CLASSIC BIKE TOURS Martinu String Quartet Sun 3 Apr, National Motorcycle Dvorak - Janacek - Tausky - Martinu Museum, Solihull FLASH DANCE: CHILDREN'S MOVEMENT WORKSHOP A multi-sensory movement Sunday...... 1 May at 12 noon workshop to encourage children to Guarneri Piano Trio explore how to dance, play and inter- act using lights, projections and Janacek - Martinu - Smetana - Dvorak - Suk reflections in a creative fun way, Tues 5 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove LEGO CITIES Make miniature lego cities Sunday...... 1 May, 7.30pm with the Create Build Learn team, Martinu Piano Trio Tues 5 Apr, Forge Mill Needle Haydn - Suk - Martinu - Dvorak Museum, Worcestershire ROALD DAHL ANNIVERSARY Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Roald Dahl’s Monday 2 May, 12.30pm birth in whizz-popping fashion, Tues 5 ...... - Thurs 7 Apr, Avoncroft Museum, Martinu String Quartet Bromsgrove Petr Jirikovsky piano MINIATURE GARDENS DROP-IN ACTIVITY Haydn - Janacek - Martinu Create your own miniature garden with the help of 'Tiny Trowels', Wed 6 Apr, Forge Mill Needle Museum, Worcestershire Monday...... 2 May, 7.30pm SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN THE PARK AND Ensemble 360 GARDEN In a guided walk around the Beethoven - Fucik - Martinu - Janacek estate, find out what's happening with the livestock, spring bulbs and much more, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Apr, Tuesday...... 3 May, 12 noon Charlecote Park, Warwickshire Ensemble 360 String Trio WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? LIVE The world’s largest family history Simon Wallfisch show here celebrates its 10th anniver- Schubert - Klein - Haas - Ullmann - Krasa sary, Thurs 7 - Sat 9 Apr, NEC, Birmingham ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE SPRING FAIR Holy...... Trinity Church, Leamington Spa Special exhibitions, celebrity talks and Tuesday 3 May, 7pm over 250 dealers, Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Martinu String Quartet Apr, NEC, Birmingham Simon Wallfisch baritone CLASSIC VIRGINS EXPERIENCE DAY Experts deliver guidance on the theo- Gemma Rosefield cello ry of classic car ownership and pres- Mozart - Mendelssohn - Sylvie Bodorova - ent workshops based on basic main- Schubert Quintet in C D956 tenance sessions, Sat 9 Apr, British Motor Museum, Gaydon RAG RUG WORKSHOP Have a go at making your own cushion and enjoy some delicious rations of tea and cake, Sat 9 Apr, Upton House & Gardens, Warwickshire THE ANTIQUE AND COLLECTORS FAIR Sat 9 - Sun 10 Apr, British Motor Museum, Gaydon THE GRUB CLUB A two-day food and To Book Call 01926 334418 drink special. A mix of bakers, grow- www.royalspacentreandtownhall.co.uk ers, grillers and brewers, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Apr, Fargo Village, Coventry www.leamingtonmusic.org

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List 11 - 17 April - Warwicks & Worcs Only VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 16:41 Page 1

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April works by Rossini, Bizet, Rodrigo & Classical Music more... Sat 16 Apr, St Laurence Gigs Church, Alvechurch, Worcestershire ALCESTER MALE VOICE CHOIR Featuring G4 BACK FOR GOOD UK TOUR Mon 11 WITH THE DEAD + an eclectic programme of works, Apr, Birmingham Town Hall BEASTMAKER Mon 11 including Bridge Over Troubled Apr, O2 Institute, DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Tue 12 Water, The Prayer (Wagner), The Birmingham Apr Symphony Hall, Birmingham Peacemakers, Rule the World, THE BODY & FULL OF BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE REPER- Sine Nomine, Love Changes HELL Mon 11 Apr, The TOIRE ORCHESTRA Featuring Daniele Everything, The Lord’s Prayer, We Rainbow Venues, Rosina (conductor) & Elsabe Reath Are The Champions, Sun 17 Apr, Birmingham (viola). Programme includes Chris Birmingham Town Hall ROLO TOMASSI Mon 11 Cresswell’s New Work; Forsyth’s Apr, The Sunflower Concerto for Viola & Orchestra in G Lounge, Birmingham minor & Brahms’ Symphony No,2 in D major, Op.73, Tues 12 Apr, Adrian Comedy Gigs HANS ZIMMER Tue 12 Boult Hall, Birmingham Apr, Barclaycard Arena, Conservatoire Birmingham THE ALL-STAR STAND-UP TOUR TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN AND BRY Tue 12 Apr, O2 Wed 13 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall TCHAIKOVSKY Featuring Orchestra of Institute, Birmingham TOM STADE - YOU'RE WELCOME the Swan & David Curtis (conductor). Eliza And The Bear, O2 Institute, Wed 13 April Thurs 14 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE VIEW Tue 12 Apr, Programme includes works by Palace Theatre, Fri 15 Apr, Route 44, O2 Academy, Mozart, Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky, ANDREW O'NEILL, STEVE SHANYASKI Redditch Birmingham Birmingham Tue 12 Apr, Stratford Artshouse PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY THE CAVERN BEATLES MOSAIC Fri 15 Apr, ROBINSON Thurs 14 Apr, The Glee THE BELLRAYS Tue 12 GERARD MCCHRYSTAL (SAXOPHONE) Thurs 14 Apr, Symphony Hall, Club, Birmingham Apr, Hare & Hounds, INTERFUSE Tues 12 Apr, Adrian Boult The Roses Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 15 - Sat 16 Tewkesbury LUNA KISS Sat 16 Apr, Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch FEAST OF FIDDLES Tue CBSO: BRUCKNER'S NINTH Featuring REAL ZEKS +TBC + The Assembly, 12 Apr, Huntingdon James Feddeck (conductor) & ANDREW O'NEILL, CHARLIE BAKER, JORDON FITZGERALD Leamington Spa Hall, Worcester Michael Collins (clarinet), Wed 13 STEVE SHANASKI & ANDREW STANLEY Thurs 14 Apr, Route 44, FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND JEFF LYNNES ELO Sat 16 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Fri 15 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham - Sun 17 Apr, Genting Birmingham Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Apr, TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN AND GENESIS CONNECTED Fri Arena, Birmingham O2 Institute, TCHAIKOVSKY Featuring Orchestra of JAMES ALDERSON, TIM FITZHIGHAM 15 Apr, Artrix, Birmingham MIKE DIGNAM Sat 16 the Swan & David Curtis (conductor). & IVO GRAHAM Fri 15 - Sat 16 Apr, Bromsgrove THE CHICAGO BLUES Apr, O2 Institute, Programme includes works by Jongleurs Comedy Club, BROTHERS Wed 13 Apr, INTO THE SHADOWS Fri Birmingham Mozart, Shostakovich & Tchaikovsky, Birmingham New Alexandra 15 Apr, Dovehouse NEWTON FAULKNER Sat Wed 13 Apr, Stratford Artshouse GEIN'S FAMILY GIFTSHOP'S TROPHY Theatre, Solihull Theatre, Birmingham 16 Apr, O2 Institute, IMPROVISATION FESTIVAL A mini festi- COLLECTION Fri 15 Apr, mac, ELIZA AND THE BEAR NERINA PALLOT Fri 15 Birmingham val providing a platform to showcase Birmingham Wed 13 Apr, Apr, O2 Institute, SURF'S UP Sat 16 Apr, classical students, highlighting where ROMESH RANGANATHAN - IRRATIONAL O2 Institute, Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove they collaborate with the jazz depart- Sat 16 Apr, Evesham Arts Centre ment, Wed 13 - Fri 15 Apr, various Birmingham GAVIN JAMES Fri 15 Apr, CAST Sat 16 Apr, O2 locations within Birmingham UNDERCOVER HIPPY The Assembly, Academy, Birmingham Leamington Spa Conservatoire Wed 13 Apr, Hare & WOLFMOTHER Sat 16 COMPLETELY BRAHMS Featuring Pavel Hounds, Birmingham ANDY SMITH PRESENTS Apr, O2 Academy, Fischer (violin) & John Thwaites FEAST OF FIDDLES Wed THE DOCUMENT Fri 15 Birmingham (piano). Programme comprises 13 Apr, The Roses Apr, Hare & Hounds, THE MURMUR Sat 16 Brahms’ Violin Sonata No.1 in G, Theatre, Tewkesbury Birmingham Apr Katie Fitzgerald's, Op78 & Violin Sonata No,2 in A, Op STAN WEBB’S CHICKEN GEOFF EALES Wed 13 Stourbridge 100, Fri 15 Apr, Recital Hall, SHACK & THE JOHNNY Apr, Stratford THE UPBEAT BEATLES Sat Birmingham Conservatoire Artshouse MARS BLUES BAND Fri 15 Apr, Huntingdon 16 Apr, Huntingdon ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART, HIS JEZ LOWE Wed 13 Apr, Hall, Worcester Hall, Worcester FRIENDS, ADMIRERS & RIVALS... VIOLIN The Fleece Inn, CONCERTOS Featuring David Le Page MOON SUGAR Fri 15 Apr, PAT MCMANUS BAND Sat Evesham (violin) & Anthony Negus (conduc- KEN DODD Sat 16 Apr, New Alexandra The Rainbow Venues, 16 Apr, The Marr's Bar, NIGHT Thurs 14 Apr, tor). Programme includes works by Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Worcester Mozart & Haydn, Fri 15 Apr BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT mac, Birmingham THE ELO EXPERIENCE Sat Sat 16 TV SMITH Fri 15 Apr, Number 8 Community Arts Centre, 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER 16 Apr, The Swan Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Katie Fitzgerald's, Pershore Thurs 14 Apr, Genting ANDREW O'NEILL, ANDREW STANLEY, Stourbridge Theatre, Worcester NIGEL KENNEDY’S NEW FOUR SEASONS CHARLIE BAKER & STEVE SHANYASKI Arena, Birmingham THE 80'S PROJECT Sat THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS AND DEDICATIONS Following his daz- BELLOWHEAD Thurs 14 16 Apr The River Sat 16 Apr, The Glee Club, Fri 15 Apr, The Marr's zling collaborations with the Oxford Apr, Symphony Hall, Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham Bar, Worcester Philharmonic in 2015, maverick of Birmingham EDDY BRIMSON, JOE BOR, MICHAEL STEVE GIBBONS & DAVE DANIEL KEMISH Sun 17 the violin Nigel Kennedy is back with ALXNDR Thurs 14 Apr, FABBRI & EDD HEDGES Sat 16 Apr, SCOTT MORGAN Fri 15 Apr, The Marr's Bar, a stunning transformation of Vivaldi’s O2 Academy, Coventry Showcase Apr, mac, Birmingham Worcester The Four Seasons alongside his own Birmingham eclectic Dedications. Only the unex- THE FESTIVALS THE ADELE EXPERIENCE PATENT PENDING Thurs pected is guaranteed in an evening EXPERIENCE Fri 15 Apr, (HOMETOWN GLORY) 14 Apr, O2 Academy, of flare and dynamic improvisation The River Rooms, FEATURING NATALIE ANNE Birmingham from a violinist whose fearless musi- Stourbridge Sun 17 Apr, The River Theatre DARK CIRCUS Thurs 14 Rooms, Stourbridge cality continues to revolutionise clas- SHAI HULUD Fri 15 Apr, sical performance, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Apr, Hare & Hounds, AC THOMAS Sun 17 Apr, The Asylum Venue, Apr, Malvern Theatres SHADOWLANDS Stephen Boxer, Birmingham The Tin Music And Birmingham Amanda Ryan and Denis Lill star in DANA IMMANUEL & THE Arts, Coventry CBSO: DISNEY FROZEN IN CONCERT SPILT MILK SOCIETY + Featuring Simon Lee (conductor) & William Nicholson’s powerful drama, STOLEN BAND Thurs 14 DESOLATED / RESTRICT HALF ASLEEP + SUNDAY CBSO Chorus, Sat 16 Apr, Mon 11- Sat 16 Apr, Malvern Apr, Kitchen Garden Sun 17 Apr, SERVICE Fri 15 Apr, O2 Symphony Hall, Birmingham Theatres Cafe, Birmingham The Flapper, Institute, Birmingham MUDDY COWS Amateur production of TALON - THE BEST OF Birmingham A SPANISH EVENING WITH THE ENIGMA THE TOM WALKER TRIO John Godber’s rugby-based comedy, EAGLES Thurs 14 Apr, STRING QUARTET Programme includes

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Friday 15th April, 7:30pm Liza Pulman Sings Hollywood The singing star of the award winning FASCINATING AIDA in concert with Joseph Atkins & His Orchestra.

A journey through the world of movies in a cavalcade of all time clasic Hollywood songs.

Friday 6th May, 7:30pm Show of Hands ‘Long Way Home’ Tour 2016 Featuring material from the new studio album alongside their trademark, anthemic, acoustic classics.

“One of the great English bands “– Peter Gabriel.

Friday 13th May, 8pm Shazia Mirza ‘The Kardashians Made Me Do It’ Revered, applauded, loved and reviled Shazia Mirza is an award- winning comedian and columnist. With several TV appearances, her laconic one-liners represent something quite unique in modern comedy.

Friday 20th May, 7:30pm Sherry Babys Jersey Boys Tribute Show Oh What A Night! - The Sherry Babys present their tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, the subject of the top Worldwide musical - The Jersey Boys.

April 2016 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE

Friday 8th April Thursday 14th April Wednesday 20th April MODS VS ROCKERS TOM STADE KATHRYN ROBERTS THE QUIK BEATS VS UNCOMPROMISING & SEAN LAKEMAN THE DELRAY ROCKETS HUMOUR & INSATIABLE MIS- WITH KITTY MACFARLANE CHIEF

Friday 22nd April Tuesday 26th April Friday 29th April HUNTER & THE THE IMPORTANCE U2UK BEAR OF BEING EARNEST AMAZING TRIBUTE TO THE POWERFUL BLEND OF ROCK, OSCAR WILDE’S MUSIC OF U2 FOLK & COUNTRY MASTERPIECE FROM THE PANTALOONS

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Dad’s Army (PG) // The Peanuts Movie (U) // Spotlight (15) // Room (15) // The Revenant (115) // Hail, Caesar! (12A) Eddie The Eagle (PG) // Labyrinth (U) // Trumbo (15) // Youth (U)

FORTHCOMING SCREENINGS: Giselle (Royal Ballet Live) // Frankenstein (Royal Ballet Live) // Andre Rieu’s Maastricht Concert // Cymbeline (RSC) Hamlet (RSC) // King Lear (RSC) // Giselle (Royal Ballet Live)

Download the Artrix brochure on www.artrix.co.uk @artrixarts www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 @artrix arts centre Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 April Centre, Leamimgton Spa; Fri 15 & Talks Sun 17, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE LAST DIAMOND (15) A heist thriller about Simon (Attal), a thief released CROOME'S LOST TAPESTRIES TALK on parole who accepts to carry out Which Earl of Coventry became a the biggest job of his life: to steal the trendsetter? Who sold the tapestries Florentine Diamond - a 137 carat and why? Where are they now? gem worth 55 million dollars. Matters Learn the answers to these questions get complicated as Julia (Bejo) has and find out more about Croome's been put in charge of the auction tapestries, Tues 12 Apr, Croome and romance gets in the way. Stars Park, Worcestershire Bérénice Bejo & Yvan Attal. Foreign CELEBRATING SHAKESPEARE Andrew language - subtitle. Fri 15 - Sun 17 Dickson, author of The Rough Guide Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry to Shakespeare and Worlds Elsewhere: Journeys Around Shakespeare’s Globe, talks about NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Shakespeare production across the Released Fri 15 April, showing at world, Wed 13 Apr, The Hive, selected cinemas. Worcester CRIMINAL(15) CHARLECOTE LIBRARY BOOK TALK EYE IN THE SKY (15) Uncover one of the hidden gems of THE JUNGLE BOOK (15) Charlecote - the library and its Shadowlands, Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire, Mon 11 - Sat 16 April books, Wed 13 Apr, Charlecote Park, Warwickshire Mon 11 - Sat 16 Apr, The Rose hours of the best blues, Motown, Theatre, Kidderminster soul and comedy from both of the AN EVENING WITH LEMM SISSAY Captivating spoken word & poetry HEARTBEAT ITV's popular Sunday Blues Brothers movies, Wed 13 Apr, from the award-winning playwright & Events evening police drama makes its New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham popular broadcaster, Thurs 14 Apr, stage debut. Set in rural Yorkshire in PRIVATE LIVES Second Thoughts The Drum, Birmingham the 1960s, Heartbeat on stage fea- Drama Group present an amateur EARLY YEARS: GO MESSY Farmyard- tures a brand new script, video production of Noel Coward's intimate inspired messy play time, Wed 13 footage and a 'clever set'. Steven comedy, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Apr, The Apr, Coventry Transport Museum Blakeley & David Lonsdale star, Mon Bear Pit Theatre - The United THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & 11 - Sat 16 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, Reformed Church, Stratford-upon- RENOVATING SHOW Four days of Coventry Avon Film unlimited inspiration with hundreds of MALC STENT IN THE AFTERNOON Music, MIDDAY VARIETY: BOB BROLLEY & exhibitors on hand to dish out mirth and stories that’ll take you back FRIENDS - A TASTE OF IRELAND INDEPENDENT CINEMAS: advise. The UK’s largest event of its in time, Tue 12 Apr, Solihull Arts Versatile entertainer Bob Brolly kind, the show also features an array IN THE HEART OF THE SEA (15) In 1820, Complex returns with his heart-warming blend of must-see masterclasses for self- crewmen aboard the New England of Irish, country and traditional sing- build enthusiasts, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 THE DEBT COLLECTORS Reform Theatre vessel Essex face a harrowing battle a-longs. Featuring his trusty band Apr, NEC, Birmingham present John Godber's new comedy for survival when a whale of mam- and special guest instrumental duo STRATFORD LITERARY FESTIVAL about two out-of-work actors who fall moth size and strength attacks with Andante, Thurs 14 Apr, Belgrade Exciting mixture of debate, ideas, into the world of debt recovery, Tue force, crippling their ship and leaving Theatre, Coventry celebrity author events, workshops & 12 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove them adrift in the ocean. Starring humour. Featured events include a FOLK Tom Wells' hilarious and not-so- Chris Hemsworth & Ben Whishaw. fun & interactive show which sees holy story of hope, coming together Mon 11 Apr, Stourbridge Town Hall and finding your feet when your children’s author Julia Donaldson act ROOM (12a) Bed, lamp, skylight, world is turned upside down, Thurs out her stories and sing her songs rug… These are the things that five- 14 - Sat 30 Apr, The REP, B’ham aloingside a cast of five, Thurs 14 year-old Jack’s physical world are Apr - Sun 1 May, Stratford Town THE SECOND BEST BED Worcester comprised of. He may have been Centre Repertory Company presents a one- trapped in an 11-square-foot room WWE LIVE WWE superstars and woman play about Anne Hathaway since his birth, but he doesn’t see it divas, all under one roof, Sat 16 Apr, on the night of husband William that way, as the world outside the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Shakespeare's funeral, Fri 15 Apr, room doesn’t exist for him. Stars Brie THE CHAIRS A rare opportunity to see Palace Theatre, Redditch Larson & Jacob Tremblay. Mon 11 - CARS THROUGH THE LENS A one-day a live performance of this ground- A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Thurs 14 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, course guiding you through the tech- breaking absurdist play. Performed Featuring some of the funniest come- Coventry niques of professional photography, by Extant, the UK’s leading blind and Sat 16 - Sun 17 Apr, British Motor dy acts from the Black Country, THE WITCH (15) Set in the 1630s, The visually impaired theatre company, Museum, Gaydon including Jonny Cole, Dandy and Witch is an award-winning Canadian Tue 12 - Wed 13 Apr, mac, Fizzog. Music from The Ronaldos horror film that would appear to be WEDDING FAIR Hosted by Sew On Birmingham also features, Fri 15 Apr, something of an original. Living on And Sew On. A weekend dedicated HERITAGE The Belgrade Acting Out Kidderminster Town Hall the edge of the New England wilder- to small businesses from Coventry & Company present Dafydd James' FIRST STAGES: RUMPELSTILTSKIN Big ness, a Puritan family battles with the Warwickshire, sharing all things wed- blistering black comedy which Brum Theatre presents a new version loss of their infant son when darker ding related, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Apr, explores the darker side of national- of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy- forces start to emerge from them Fargo Village, Coventry ism, Tue 12 - Thurs 14 Apr, Belgrade tale, Sat 16 Apr, The REP, there woods. Stars Anya Taylor-Joy & BIG FISH LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE Theatre, Coventry Birmingham Ralph Ineson. Mon 11, Wed 13 - Sun 17 Apr, The Rainbow Venues, Thurs 14 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, COPACABANA The Peterbrook Players DISNEY FROZEN IN CONCERT Enjoy the Birmingham Coventry present an amateur production of the award-winning film as Birmingham’s CROOME ENCOUNTERS: CROOME FOR Barry Manilow musical, Tue 12 - Sat own world class orchestra and cho- SPOTLIGHT (15) The spotlight is on SALE It’s 1948 and Croome Court is 16 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex rus bring to life the incredible score. Catholic priests in Boston back in up for sale. Follow the actors around TWELFTH NIGHT Riotous gig meets Featuring Simon Lee (conductor), the 2001. ‘Spotlight’ was the name of a the court as they attempt to sell it by Shakespeare in Filter's innovative City of Birmingham Symphony special investigative unit within The revealing its fascinating history, Sun staging of The Bard's tale of satire, Orchestra & CBSO Chorus, Sat 16 Boston Globe and the film reveals 17 Apr, Croome Park, Worcestershire more about the mechanics of top-tier romance and mistaken identity, Tue Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GTI SPRING FESTIVAL RWYB event for American journalism than it does 12 - Sat 16 Apr, The REP, MY FRIEND Peter Hookhitch presents watercooled VWs with show’n’shine, about the corruption of the Catholic Birmingham a family-friendly folk musical for all clubs, an autojumble and more, Sun church. Stars Mark Ruffalo & Michael THE CHICAGO BLUES BROTHERS New those who seek big adventures in lit- 17 Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, Keaton. Mon 11 Apr, Royal Spa stage production featuring over two tle places, Sun 17 Apr, mac, B’ham Northants

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April minor, Op34, Fri 22 Apr, Recital Hall, Classical Music Birmingham Conservatoire EX CATHEDRA: SHAKESPEARE’S ODES Narrated by Samuel West & featuring LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Sun 24 THOMAS TROTTER Also featuring the Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Conservatoire Choir, Programme includes works by BIRMINHAM PHILHARMONIC CONCERTO Joubert, Howells & Parry, PRIZE FINAL 2016 Featuring the Mon 18 Apr, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Seal (conductor), Michael G4 BACK FOR GOOD UK TOUR Tue 19 Webb (clarinet), Yuting Guo (piano), Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Yu-Cheng Chen (marimba). SHAKESPEARE 400 GALA CONCERT Programme includes works by John Featuring world-renowned tenor Foulds, Gerald Finzi, Franz Liszt, Joseph Calleja & soprano Angel Blue, Keiko Abe & Hector Berlioz, Sun 24 Tue 19 Apr, Holy Trinity Church, Apr, Adran Boult Hall, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon Conservatoire Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 20 April CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring Lahav Shani (conductor). Programme MARLON WILLIAMS Solihull Arts Complex comprises Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Gigs Thurs 21 Apr Hare & TROYE SIVAN Sat 23 Apr Juliet Overture: Bernstein’s West Side Hounds, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Story - Symphonic Dances & Comedy Gigs COUNTERFEIT Thurs 21 Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, Wed BENJAMIN APPL Mon 18 BUTCHER BABIES Sat 23 Apr, O2 Institute, Bham 20 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Apr, Birmingham Town Apr O2 Academy, CBSO CENTRE STAGE: CELLOS THE PAUL THORNE, IAN MOORE PLUS Hall THREE BLIND MICE Birmingham AMERICAS! Programme includes COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Thurs 21 Apr, ELVIS TRILOGIES - ONE HIGH TYDE Tue 19 Apr, works by Villa Lobos, Piazzolla, ROBINSON Thurs 21 Apr, The Glee Katie Fitzgerald's, DAY SPECTACULAR Sat The Sunflower Lounge, Gershwin & selections from Club, Birmingham Stourbridge 23 Apr, Albany Theatre, Birmingham Gerhswin’s West Side story, Thurs 21 SHIP OF FOOLS WITH COMPERE ALAN MIKE PETERS SPIRIT OF Coventry BUDDY HOLLY - A Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SEAMAN Fri 22 Apr, Palace Theatre, ‘86 Thurs 21 Apr, The THE BONNEVILLES Sat LEGEND REBORN ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: IMMORTAL Redditch Marr's Bar, Worcester 23 Apr The Assembly, Wed 20 Apr, Belgrade SHAKESPEARE Featuring Tamsin NATHAN CATON, PAUL THORNE, IAN LOGIC Fri 22 Apr O2 Leamington Spa Theatre, Coventry Waley-Cohen (violin) & David Curtis MOORE & KATE LUCAS Fri 22 Apr, The Institute, Birmingham KATHRYN ROBERTS AND BARS & MELODY + (conductor). Programme includes Glee Club, Birmingham ALIEN UNCOVERED SEAN LAKEMAN SUPREME MOTOWN & works by Vaughan Williams & CARL DONNELLY, JOJO SMITH, MARK SOUL DIVA PARTY WITH Sat 23 Apr, Bedworth Wed 20 Apr, Artrix, Dobrinka Tabakova, Thurs 21 Apr, NELSON & FREDDIE FARRELL Fri 22 - THE MOTELLAS Civic Hall Bromsgrove Fri 22 Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon- Sat 23 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Apr, Nailcote Hall, MARTIN STEPHENSON THE BEAT Sat 23 Apr, Avon Birmingham Berkswell, The Rainbow Venues, Wed 20 Apr, CBSO SHAKESPEARE IN FILM Featuring ED BYRNE: OUTSIDE, LOOKING IN Sat 23 Warwickshire Birmingham Solihull Arts Complex Robert Ziegler (Conductor). Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove OLLY MURS TRIBUTE Fri JERRY LEE ROCKS WITH Programme includes Shostakovich's TIFF STEVENSON - MAD MAN Sat 23 Apr, 22 Apr The Belfry, FURY Sat 23 Apr Hamlet Ball at the Palace, Duel and The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Huntingdon Hall, Death of Hamlet; Walton's Richard III THE JAMES HUNTER SIX Worcester Prelude, Warbeck's Shakespeare in MARK STEEL - WHO DO I THINK I AM? Love; Doyle's Henry V: St Crispin's Sat 23 Apr, Evesham Arts Centre Fri 22 Apr, O2 Institute, OASIS V THE STONE Day, Rota's Romeo and Juliet: A Time Birmingham ROSES + CHASING ROB DELANEY: MEAT Sat 23 Apr, for Us & Rozsa's Julius Caesar: Now HUNTER AND THE BEAR YESTERDAY- NOEL The REP, Birmingham Be Still, Fri 22 Apr, Symphony Hall, Fri 22 Apr, Artrix, GALLAGHER'S HIGH PATRICK MONAHAN Birmingham Sat 23 Apr, The Bromsgrove FLYING BIRDS Tribute Drum, Birmingham ASTARIA STRING QUARTET Featuring THE SOLID SILVER 60S Sat 23 Apr, NATHAN CATON, KATE LUCAS, IAN MOORE HAWKWIND Wed 20 Apr, Shulah Oliver & Kelly McCusker (vio- SHOW Fri 22 Apr, The River Rooms, & PAUL THORNE Sat 23 Apr, The Glee The Assembly, lins), Kate Bickerdike (viola) & Sean Birmingham Town Hall Stourbridge Club, Birmingham Leamington Spa Gilde (cello). Programme includes ALICE ZAWADZKI Fri 22 GREGORY PORTER Sun JAMES COOK - READY, STEADY, JAMES THE SPITFIRES Wed 20 works by Mendelssohn, Schubert & Apr, The Glee Club, 24 Apr, Symphony Sat 23 Apr, mac, Birmingham Apr Hare & Hounds, Dvorak, Fri 22 Apr, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Worcester BARRY DODDS, LOU CONRAN, ANDREW THE LOVELY EGGS + FAMILY TIES + ARRON RYAN & TOM LUCY Sat 23 Apr, CODE 46 Wed 20 Apr, OKINAWA PICTURE SHOW ERSKINE + QUARRY + Coventry Showcase Hare & Hounds, DEMAREO + MYLES Sun 24 Apr, Hare & Birmingham MANDERS Fri 22 Apr, Hounds, Birmingham NAO + DEMO TAPED O2 Institute, B’ham THE FLATLINERS Sun 24 Wed 20 Apr, KINGS AND CAPTAINS Fri Apr, O2 Academy, O2 Institute, 22 Apr Katie Birmingham Theatre Birmingham Fitzgerald's, BELLA DEANIE Sun 24 ISLA GRANT Scottish Stourbridge Apr, The Tin Music And THE DEVIL INSIDE Music Theatre contemporary country WILKO JOHNSON Fri 22 Arts, Coventry Wales, in a co-promotion with singer, Wed 20 Apr, Apr, The Assembly, BILLY OCEAN Sun 24 Scottish Opera, present a gritty, glit- Solihull Arts Complex Leamington Spa Apr, The Assembly, tery, Faustian folktale, set firmly in the HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD LULU Fri 22 Apr Leamington Spa 21st century, Mon 18 Apr, The REP, Thurs 21 Apr, EX CATHEDRA: SHAKESPEARE’S ODES Malvern Theatres Birmingham O2 Academy, Narrated by Samuel West & featuring GILES BRANDRETH: WORD POWER! Join Birmingham A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Fri 22 Fri 22 Apr The River Apr, Holy Trinity Church, Stratford- the Edinburgh Fringe award winner KINGS OF COOL WITH Rooms, Stourbridge upon-Avon for a magic carpet ride around the MATT FORD Thus 21 awesome world of words, Mon 18 COMPLETELY BRAHMS Featuring The Apr, Solihull Arts CHAS N DAVE Sat 23 Apr, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Complex Apr The Assembly, Gildas Quartet, Anton Clarke-Butler Leamington Spa (clarinet) & Tingting Yao & Daniel SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME A nostal- BEN HAENOW Thurs 21 Tong (pianos). Programme comprises gic, feelgood show, taking you back AND FINALLY... PHIL Apr O2 Institute, Brahms’ Clarinet Sonata No 1 in G, through the music of the early ’60s. COLLINS Sat 23 Apr, Birmingham Op78 & Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F Starring Antony Costa from boyband

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Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April

young English girl in New York in the ABOUT SHAKESPEARE Wed 27 Apr, heady days of the 1980s, Sun 24 Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Avon Birmingham BANGLA BRUMMIES Murad Khan’s new comedy looks at the lives of Asian immigrants in Birmingham. Performed in English, Sun 24 Apr, Film The Drum, Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE WITCH (15) Set in the 1630s, The Dance Witch is an award-winning Canadian horror film that would appear to be something of an original. Living on STRICTLY'S PASHA - IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU the edge of the New England wilder- The Strictly Star hits the road once ness, a Puritan family battles with the again with a brand new show where loss of their infant son when darker he'll be joined by his spectacular forces start to emerge from them Graeme Of Thrones. Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Sat 23 April dancers and guests, including Anya there woods. Stars Anya Taylor-Joy & Blue, Mon 18 - Sat 23 Apr, Malvern looks at the Holocaust and the rela- Garnis, Wed 20 Apr, Malvern Ralph Ineson. Mon 18 Apr, Warwick Theatres tionship between theatre and history, Theatres Arts Centre, Coventry THE SUNSHINE BOYS Neil Simon's play Fri 22 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, BLACK MOUNTAIN POETS (12a) Claire tells the story of two feuding former Birmingham and Lisa are sisters and lorry thieves. vaudeville performers who are per- GRAEME OF THRONES An original and Escaping from their most recent suaded to reunite for a television unauthorised parody on the interna- failed robbery they wind up pretend- special, Mon 18 - Sat 23 Apr, tional phenomenon that is Game Of ing to be ‘beat poets’ at a Welsh Talisman Theatre, Coventry Thrones, Sat 23 Apr, Malvern poetry retreat. While there, they both BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S The classic Theatres fall for the smouldering charms of tale of Holly Golightly, starring Pixie I GOT GERSHWIN! Award-winning Richard, make a mess of putting up Lott in the title role, Mon 18 - Sat 23 singer Robert Habermann’s new tents and hear lots of bad poetry. Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, show presents a unique look at the Stars Alice Lowe & Dolly Wells. Tues Birmingham great American songwriter, from his 19 - Thurs 21 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ANNIE An amateur staging of the fam- birth to his untimely death at the age ily classic, presented by Studley of 37, Sat 23 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove SPOTLIGHT (15) The spotlight is on Operatic Society, Tue 19 - Sat 23 Apr, INTO THE BREACH Mark Carey's WWII Catholic priests in Boston back in Palace Theatre, Redditch story paints a vivid portrait of village 2001. ‘Spotlight’ was the name of a life, with all 17 colourful characters special investigative unit within The DALLOWAY Dyad Productions present Boston Globe and the film reveals an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s cel- played by Carey himself, Sat 23 Apr, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United more about the mechanics of top-tier ebrated map of hearts, minds and Talks American journalism than it does memories..., Wed 20 Apr, mac, Reformed Church, Stratford-upon- Avon about the corruption of the Catholic Birmingham church. Stars Mark Ruffalo & Michael DORIAN GRAY Tin Robot Theatre pres- STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD DOUBLE BILL A AN EVENING WITH GERVASE PHINN In Keaton. Thurs 21 Apr, Artrix, ent a radical adaptation of Oscar double-bill of plays inspired by the aid of Kidderminster & Bromsgrove Staffordshire Hoard, featuring: Worcestershire Prostate Cancer Wilde's masterpiece, Wed 20 - Sat 23 ROOM (12a) Bed, lamp, skylight, Apr, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Tranklements, Caroline Horton's Support Group, Fri 22 Apr, funny solo performance about home, Kidderminster Town Hall rug… These are the things that five- Birmingham year-old Jack’s physical world are underdogs and the Midlands spirit; WAR HORSE: ONLY REMEMBERED THE INVESTIGATION Part of and Gold - a one-woman show from comprised of. He may have been Birmingham Ormiston Academy's Michael Morpurgo tells the powerful trapped in an 11-square-foot room REP Foundry graduate Francesca and deeply-moving story of Albert & Acting Pathway season of plays that Millican-Slater using story-telling, since his birth, but he doesn’t see it looks at the Holocaust and the rela- Joey, Fri 22 Apr, The Roses Theatre, that way, as the world outside the power-point, lyricism and possibly Tewkesbury tionship between theatre and history, some classic gold tracks. Includes a room doesn’t exist for him. Stars Brie SILLY SPRING STORIES Pop along and Thurs 21 Apr, The Old Rep Theatre, viewing of actual items from the col- Larson & Jacob Tremblay. Fri 22 & listen to Gavin Young - famed for his Birmingham lection, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, The REP, Sun 24 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove energetic, enthusiastic & theatrical THE DISHONOURED Kali Theatre pres- Birmingham THE ANGELIC CONVERSATION (12a) ent a compelling political thriller telling of rare tales, Sat 23 April, Derek Jarman’s The Angelic BRING ON THE BOLLYWOOD City and Palace Theatre, Redditch about surviving in a world of deceit country, old and new collide at Conversation is a lyrical visualisation ELAINE FEINSTEIN: BROMSGROVE and violence, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Apr, Colonel Pawar’s ancestral home - the of the love sonnets of William WORDS Evening with the acclaimed mac, Birmingham shabby and un-chic Lakshman Villa. Shakespeare. Judi Dench’s recites biographer of Pushkin and Ted MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda Confined within these walls, his wife the poems. Stars Paul Higgins & Hughes. Part of Bromsgrove Words, Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) pines for the cultural polish of Kate Dickie. Stars Judi Dench & Paul Sun 24 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) London, New York or Paris!, Sat 23 - Reynolds. Fri 22 - Sat 23 & Mon 25 star in a brand new musical parody, Sat 30 Apr, Belgrade Theatre, PAUL GAMBACCINI: A YEAR UNDER Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Apr, Belgrade Coventry OPERATION YEW TREE Sun 24 Apr, Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- Theatre, Coventry TELL ME ON A SUNDAY Jodie Prenger NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Avon THE MERCHANT OF VILNA Part of stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Released Fri 22 April, showing at Birmingham Ormiston Academy's Don Black’s one-woman musical JOHN TORODE: MY KIND OF FOOD Sun selected cinemas. Acting Pathway season of plays that charting the misadventures of a 24 Apr, Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon BASTILLE DAY (15) PROFESSOR ALICE ROBERTS TALKS JANE GOT A GUN (tbc) ABOUT THE CELTS Mon 25 Apr, LOUDER THAN BOMBS (tbc) Children Of Eden Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- MILES AHEAD (tbc) Avon The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Tues 19 - Sat 23 April SING STREET (12A) NEW VOICES: THRILLERS Debut writers WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT (15) Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society present Stephen Schwartz’s Andy Maslen & Jane Isaac talk about joyous Biblical show, telling the story of the Creation through to the their debut thriller novels, Wed 27 THE PEARL BUTTON (tbc) Apr, Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford- Great Flood and Noah’s Ark. Schwartz is the man responsible for hit RISEN (12a) upon-Avon West End musical Wicked, so expect a memorable score. ROCK THE KASBAH (tbc) MICHAEL ROSEN: WHAT’S SO SPECIAL

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 April TWISTED BARREL BREWERY TOURS Events 2016 Meet the team behind Twisted Barrel Ale on this exclusive tour. Learn how the brewing process DAFFODIL SOCIETY NATIONAL SHOW works and sample ales and food, Sat 2016 The Daffodil Society return with 23 Apr, Fargo Village, Coventry a show packed full of hundreds of ST. GEORGE'S DAY AT TAMWORTH exhibits, new varieties and expert CASTLE Medieval living history in the advice, Mon 18 - Tues 19 Apr, castle and re-enactments in the cas- Coughton Court, Warwickshire tle grounds, Sat 23 Apr, Tamworth UNCOVERED BIRMINGHAM Whether Castle you’re into wines, cocktails, or are SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY simply looking for some inspiration CELEBRATIONS Live street entertain- for your drinks offering, this event ment across the town and a has something for everyone, Tues 19 Shakespeare show broadcast live Apr, New Bingley Hall, Birmingham from the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, ELIZABETHAN & EARLY STUART followed by spectacular fireworks, CLOTHING, AN ILLUSTRATED TALK IN THE Sat 23 Apr, Stratford Town Centre NEW GUESTEN HALL Learn about what ST GEORGE’S DAY Remember people wore in the late 16th and England’s patron saint with a day at early 17th centuries. Thus talk is Avoncroft, complete with knights and accompanied by a wide selection of dragons, Sat 23 Apr, Avoncroft reproductions of period costumes for Museum, Bromsgrove visitors to handle, Thurs 21 Apr, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove SILK PAINTING WORKSHOP Led by silk painter Clive Garner, participants will ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION be able to create their own designs RECRUITMENT EXHIBITION Meet and complete a unique silk painting recruiters from the industry’s top for themselves, Sat 23 Apr, employers and get one-to-one Selly Manor, Birmingham St George’s Weekend, Kenilworth Castle, Sat 23 - Sun 24 April advice, Fri 22 - Sat 23 Apr, NEC, Birmingham SHAKE UP SHAKESPEARE FAMILY DAY ST GEORGE'S WEEKEND Hands-on fun Penguin Conservation in support of Rehearse and perform plays, with BIG BANG CAMPER & BUS SHOW and games, including a battle with a Sphenisco, Sun 24 Apr, Cotswold costumes, props and sound, Sat 23 mighty dragon to save a fair maiden, Wildlife Park The first and friendliest VW show on Apr, The REP, Birmingham the calendar. Despite high-octane Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, Kenilworth MORRIS MINOR OWNERS CLUB 40TH racing and two music arenas, the Castle ANNIVERSARY Up to 70 vehicles on festival remains as laid-back and PENGUIN WEEK Learn all about pen- display outside the museum, Sun 24 family-friendly as ever, Fri 22 - Sat 23 guin leader Alf and his other pals. Apr, Coventry Transport Museum Apr, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants Get involved in numerous activities CROOME ENCOUNTERS Follow actors and celebrate World Penguin Day on around the court and learn about the the 25th, Sat 23 Apr - Mon 2 May, incredible changes that Capability National Sea Life Centre, Brown made, Sun 24 Apr, Birmingham Croome Park, Worcestershire SPRING CRAFT FAYRE Featuring a variety of stalls selling various crafts, including prints, pottery, jewellery and candles, Sun 24 Apr, Highbury Hall, Birmingham SPETCHLEY SPECIALIST PLANT FAIR THE BIRMINGHAM COMICS FESTIVAL Thousands of plants for sale, includ- Featuring the creators of 2000AD, ing rare and new varieties seldom The Beano, Marvel, DC and Image, PETER KAY'S DANCE FOR LIFE Award- available in garden centres, Sun 24 Sat 23 Apr, Edgbaston Stadium, Apr, Spetchley Park Gardens, winning comedian Peter Kay hosts a Birmingham series of ambitious fundraising SONNET RAP MARATHON Sun 24 Apr, Worcestershire 'dance-athon parties', with all profits THE 36TH CAROLE NASH INTERNATIONAL Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- DOGS UNITE! Sponsored dog walk to going to Cancer Research UK, Sat CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW A flag- upon-Avon support guide dogs, Sun 24 Apr, ship event on the classic motorcy- 23 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, WORLD PENGUIN DAY Fun activities to The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Birmingham cling calendar, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Apr, Bromsgrove Staffordshire County Showground help raise awareness for Humboldt

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thelist Monday 25 April - Sun 1 May ELEKTRA Met Opera Live screening of Classical Music Strauss’ blazing tragedy about an ancient Greek princess hell-bent on revenge, Sat 30 Apr, NICHOLAS MORRIS ORGAN RECITAL Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry; Programme includes works by Alain, Malvern Theatre, Worcetershire Durufle, Landmann & Reger, Mon 25 FROM BARD TO VERSE Early music duo Apr, St Chad’s Cathedral, The Night Watch present a special Birmingham celebration of the music in William ARMONICO CONSORT & BAROQUE Shakespeare’s plays, to mark the PLAYERS Featuring Nicola Benedetti 400th anniversary his death, Sat 30 (solo violin) & Christopher Monks Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch (director). Programme includes ROBIN BIGWOOD CONCERT Programme works by Vivaldi & Mozart, Mon 25 includes works by Handel, Couperin, Apr, Collegiate Church of St Mary, JS Bach, Rameau & Vivaldi, Sat 30 Warwick Apr The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury BRUCKNER LINZ ORCHESTRA Featuring Dennis Russell Davies & Melvyn Tan

(piano). Programme includes works by Beethoven & Bruckner, Tue 26 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Genting Arena, Birmingham, Fri 29 April Comedy Gigs YU CHENG CHEN PERCUSSION RECITAL THE YOUNG'UNS Thurs SHOWADDYWADDY Sat Featuring 2-You Duo, Yu-Cheng Chen MITCH BENN: DON'T BELIEVE A WORD 28 Apr, Warwick Arts 30 Apr, New Alexandra & Shih-Han Lee (percussion). Gigs TOUR Tues 26 Apr, Stourbridge Town Centre, Coventry Theatre, Birmingham Programme includes works by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic, Zenakis, Hall MELLOW PEACHES, TINDERSTICKS Sat 30 KIP MOORE Mon 25 Apr, Askell Masson, Ivan Trevino, JULIAN CLARY - THE JOY OF MINCING SMALL CHANGES & CAR- Apr, Warwick Arts O2 Institute, Donatoni & Jesse Monkman, Tues 26 Wed 27 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, OLINE SEVERN Thurs 28 Centre, Coventry Birmingham Apr, Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Apr, The Roadhouse, KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Sat MAX RAPTOR Mon 25 CBSO: MAHLER'S FOURTH Featuring ROMESH RANGANATHAN - IRRATIONAL Birmingham 30 Apr, Solihull Arts Apr, The Marrs Bar, llan Volkov (conductor), Alexandre Wed 27 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, ASHESTOANGELS Thurs Complex Worcester Tharaud (piano), Sarah Tynan Coventry 28 Apr, The Rainbow JIVE TALKIN' Sat 30 Apr, (soprano). Programme includes BROKEN HANDS Mon 25 CARL DONNELLY - JIVE ASS HONKY Venues, Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove works by Debussy, Haydn & Mahler, Apr, Hare & Hounds, FEATURING ADAM HESS Thurs 28 Apr, DIXIE CHICKS Fri 29 Apr, Wed 27 Apr, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TALON: THE ACOUSTIC The Mockingbird, Birmingham Barclaycard Arena, COLLECTION Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham MACKLEMORE & RYAN DAVID TRENT, TOM DEACON PLUS Birmingham Royal Spa Centre, CBSO: ABRAHAMSEN & MAHLER LEWIS Tue 26 Apr, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH Leamington Spa Featuring llan Volkov (conductor), Barclaycard Arena, ROBINSON Thurs 28 Apr, The Glee FLYING BIRDS Fri 29 Apr, Alexandre Tharaud (piano) & Sarah Birmingham BLOODY CEREMONY Sat Club, Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham 30 Apr, The Rainbow Tynan (soprano). Programme SHAKEY GRAVES Tue 26 DAVID MORGAN BLAMMO! Fri 29 Apr, THE CARPENTERS STORY Venues, Birmingham includes works by Debussy, Hans Apr, O2 Institute, Abrahamsen & Mahler, Thurs 28 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex Fri 29 Apr, New UK FEDS ONE WEEK B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham BEN NORRIS, ERIC LAMPAERT, TOM Alexandra Theatre, STAND AND THE STRIKE METHOD MAN & REDMAN DEACON & PETER WHITE Fri 29 Apr, Birmingham Sat 30 Apr, O2 Institute, EMMA JOHNSON AND FRIENDS Tue 26 Apr, The Glee Club, Birmingham YOLANDA BROWN AND Birmingham Featurign The Carducci String, Alec O2 Institute, B’ham Frank-Gemmill (horn), Philip Gibbon SEAN PERCIVAL, ROGER MONKHOUSE, SPECIAL GUEST MICA GLAM 45 Sat 30 Apr, KORPIKLAANI Tue 26 (bassoon) & Chris West (double bas- JOE BROMEHEAD & JOE ROWNTREE Fri PARIS Fri 29 Apr, The Roadhouse, B’ham Apr, O2 Academy, Malvern Theatres soon). Programme includes works by 29 - Sat 30 Apr, Jongleurs Comedy Birmingham MILLIE MANDERS Sat 30 Weber, Mozart & Schubert, Thurs 28 Club, Birmingham SHOWADDYWADDY Fri Apr, The Actress & Apr, Malvern Theatres ROGER DAVIES Tue 26 RUSSELL KANE - RIGHT MAN, WRONG 29 Apr, Palace Theatre, Bishop, Birmingham Apr, The Roses Redditch CBSO BRASS Featuring the 10-piece AGE Sat 30 Apr, Birmingham Town Theatre, Tewkesbury THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN CBSO Brass ensemble with Hall U2UK Fri 29 Apr, Artrix, Sat 30 Apr, Percussion students from AN EVENING WITH THE DEBRA STEPHENSON: NIGHT OF ONE Bromsgrove The Assembly, Birmingham Conservatoire. RUBETTES Wed 27 Apr, HUNDRED VOICES Sat 30 Apr, Palace AQUILO Fri 29 Apr, O2 Leamington Spa Programme includes Britten's Fanfare Royal Spa Centre, Theatre, Redditch Institute, Birmingham THE RAT PACK VEGAS for St Edmundsbury; Arnold's Leamington Spa ERIC LAMPAERT, BEN NORRIS, TOM KATY B Fri 29 Apr, The SPECTACULAR Sat 30 Fantasy for Horn, Bliss' Fanfare WE ARE SCIENTISTS Wed DEACON & PETER WHITE Sat 30 Apr, Assembly, Leamington Apr, Evesham Arts Homage to Shakespeare; Howells' 27 Apr, O2 Institute, The Glee Club, Birmingham Spa Centre Paean & Walton's 3 Movements from Birmingham Henry V Suite & Movements from CHRISTIAN REILY, SCOTT BENNETT, DIZZY LIZZY Fri 29 Apr, JOHN MCCUSKER BAND KATH BLOOM + Facade, Fri 29 Apr, Symphony Hall, DYLAN GOTT & JOHN TATUM Katie Fitzgerald's, Sat 30 Apr, Huntingdon SPLINTERED MAN + Birmingham Sat 30 Apr, Coventry Showcase Stourbridge Hall, Worcester CAPT. LOVELACE Wed 27 TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present Apr, The Tin Music And LIZZIE AND THE RHINO AND THE RANTERS Puccini's tale of love and treachery. Arts, Coventry BANSHEES Fri 29 Apr, Sat 30 Apr, Katie Sung in Italian with English surtitles, The Marr's Bar, Fitzgerald's, MAC MILLER Thurs 28 Fri 29 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, Worcester Stourbridge Apr, O2 Institute, Bham Coventry Theatre MONTPARNASSE Fri 29 BUDDY HOLLY & THE SPEAR OF DESTINY Apr, Palace Theatre, CRICKETERS Sat 30 Apr, Thurs 28 Apr, Hare & KEITH BARRY: BRAIN HAKER Ireland’s Redditch Malvern Theatres Hounds, Birmingham biggest touring entertainment star THE DECADES BAND Fri ARCADIA ROOTS Sat 30 JOHNNY COPPIN Thurs uses a combination of mind control, 29 Apr, The River Apr, The Marr's Bar, 28 Apr, Evesham Arts deception, mentalism and hypnotism Rooms, Stourbridge Worcester Centre to hack into the brains of the audi- A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PERMAGEDDON Sat 30 ence, Mon 25 Apr, New Alexandra SOUL ACOUSTIC Thurs DENVER Fri 29 Apr, The Apr, The River Rooms, Theatre, Birmingham 28 Apr, The Glee Club, Roses Theatre, Stourbridge LET IT BE Birmingham Concert-style show featur- Tewkesbury ICONIC EYE Sat 30 Apr, ing over forty of the Fab Four’s great- THE TWO PATS Thurs 28 BRYAN ADAMS Sat 30 O2 Academy, est hits, Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr, Apr, Katie Fitzgerald's, Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Stourbridge Birmingham 64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 25 April - 1 May - Warwicks & Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 13:50 Page 2

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thelist Mon 25 April - Sun 1 May Shakespeare's three Henry VI plays, special investigative unit within The Fri 29 - Sat 30 Apr, The Dream Boston Globe and the film reveals Factory, Warwick more about the mechanics of top-tier CYMBELINE Melly Still directs American journalism than it does Shakespeare's rarely performed about the corruption of the Catholic romance, Fri 29 Apr - Fri 12 Aug, church. Stars Mark Ruffalo & Michael Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Keaton. From Fri 29 Apr, Warwick Stratford-upon-Avon Arts Centre, Coventry DEBRA STEPHENSON: NIGHT OF ONE VICTORIA (15) Four young Berliners HUNDRED VOICES The star of Dead meet Victoria, a young Spanish Ringers The Impressions Show, woman newly moved to Berlin, out- Newzoids and Coronation Street side a club, and romance kicks in. takes to the stage for an evening of They stumble through the night, comedy, music and impressions, Sat drinking, dancing, flirting, until they 30 Apr, Palace Theatre, Redditch are forced to commit a crime and events spiral out of control. Stars Laia Costa & Frederick Lau. Foreign language - subtitled. From Fri 29 Apr, Dance Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: TAP FACTORY Described as ‘Tap Dogs Released Fri 29 April, showing at meets Stomp’, this rhythm-based selected cinemas. production sees an array of interna- CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR (tbc) tionally renowned exponents of DEMOLATION (15) dance, gymnastics and acrobatics Round And Round The Garden, The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 26 - Sat 30 April take to the stage to showcase their SON OF SAUL (tbc) FLARE PATH Terrence Rattigan's FERAL Tortoise In A Nutshell present skills, Thurs 28 Apr, Palace Theatre, See Film section for previews on p38 evocative portrait of life in wartime an innovative piece of visual theatre Redditch Britain. Graham Seed stars as which creates and destroys a world Swanson and Charlie G Hawkins in front of the audience’s eyes, Wed (EastEnders) as Percy, Mon 25 - Sat 27 Apr, mac, Birmingham Events 30 Apr, The REP, Birmingham GREAT SCOTT! Gonzo Moose present THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST an anarchic comedy on an epic HERITAGE SKILLS WORKSHOP: BASKET Oscar Wilde's comic masterpiece, scale, Wed 27 Apr, The Roses WEAVING Try your hand at this presented by The Pantaloons, Tue 26 Theatre, Tewkesbury ancient craft and make two function- Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove A MACHINE THEY'RE SECRETLY al, attractive items for your home, BUILDING Proto-type Theater combine Tues 26 Apr, Avoncroft Museum, original text and classified intelli- Bromsgrove gence documents to vent their frus- CHARLECOTE LIBRARY BOOK TALK tration at the insidious machine of Uncover one of the hidden gems of surveillance, Wed 27 Apr, Warwick Charlecote - the library and its Arts Centre, Coventry books, Wed 27 Apr, Charlecote Park, HENRY V Antic Disposition presents Warwickshire its critically acclaimed production as Film EARLY YEARS: GO MESSY Farmyard- part of a UK cathedral tour to com- inspired messy play time, Wed 27 memorate the 400th anniversary of INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Apr, Coventry Transport Museum Shakespeare’s death, Thurs 28 Apr, ROOTS TO SHOOTS An evening of short 2016 BETWAY PREMIER LEAGUE DARTS Worcester Cathedral films from local, regional, national Thurs 28 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Linda THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and international film makers. Tues Birmingham Blue Orange Arts presents its version Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) 26 Apr, The Tin Music & Arts, THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Family of Oscar Wilde's classic comedy of and Cheryl Fergison (EastEnders) Coventry show featuring 'incredible ball han- manners, Thurs 28 Apr - Sat 7 May, star in a brand new musical parody, ANOMALISA (15) David Thewlis pro- dling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, The Blue Orange Theatre, Tues 26 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, vides the voice of a self-help author trick shots, comedy and fan interac- Birmingham Birmingham who views everybody as identical tion’, Sat 30 Apr, Barclaycard Arena, POETRY SLAM A war of words involv- TOSCA Ellen Kent Opera present until meeting a highly original woman Birmingham ing Middle Schools from Puccini's tale of love and treachery. in a Cincinnati hotel. A stop-motion Worcestershire, Tues 26 Apr, Palace Sung in Italian with English surtitles, cartoon based on Charlie Kaufman’s Theatre, Redditch Fri 29 Apr, Warwick Arts Centre, 2005 play of the same name, Coventry Anomalisa has been getting rave THE BEANFIELD Breach Theatre fuse reviews ever since if premiered at the documentary footage with new writ- CALLING FOR HELP! - NEXT PAGE Telluride Film Festival last ing in a multimedia show about state PRODUCTIONS A new interactive com- September. Tues 26 - Thurs 28 Apr, violence and national heritage, Tue edy by the writers of Invisible, Fri 29 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry 26 - Wed 27 Apr, The REP, Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham 3 DAYS AND 3 MINUTES WITH LARRY A THE REVENANT (15) Inspired by true events and filmed in the frozen wilds FAME Presented by Solihull On new play by Chris Mellor telling of of Alberta and British Columbia. Stage. Featuring songs such as I the backstage events in the three Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hugh Want To Make Magic, Hard Work and days leading up to Larry Grayson’s Glass, an 1820s’ frontiersman who Dancin’ On The Sidewalk, Tue 26 - final performance, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Apr, was left for dead after being mauled Sat 30 Apr, Solihull Arts Complex Malvern Theatres by a bear. Incensed by his abandon- RED Amateur production of John ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN ment, Glass dreams of revenge – but EXCALIBUR PAPER CRAFTING FAIR Logan’s award-winning play, explor- Emmerdale's Natasha Gray and first must find the will to survive in Papercrafting and Stamping Show, ing the relationship between an artist Kevin Pallister star in Alan unhospitable terrain. Stars Leonardo Sat 30 Apr, National Motorcycle and his creations, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Apr, Ayckbourn's farce exploring the lies DiCaprio & Tom Hardy. Wed 27 & Fri Museum, Solihull and deception simmering beneath The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster 29 Apr, Artrix, Bromsgrove PIRATE WEEKEND Pirates invade the surface of family relationships, GAMES & THRONES: HENRY VI A com- SPOTLIGHT (15) The spotlight is on Cadbury World for a weekend of Tue 26 - Sat 30 Apr, Belgrade pany of 36 young actors present an Catholic priests in Boston back in swashbuckling fun, Sat 30 Apr - Mon Theatre, Coventry ambitious adaptation of 2001. ‘Spotlight’ was the name of a 2 May, Cadbury World, Bournville 66 whatsonlive.co.uk p67 (IBC) R2.qxp_Layout 1 18/03/2016 13:00 Page 1 grand_whatson FP April:Layout 1 16/03/2016 17:15 Page 1

Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 9 - TUE 10 MAY WED 11 MAY THU 12 MAY

A CELEBRATION OF JOHN DENVER

SAT 14 MAY TUE 17 - SAT 21 MAY TUE 24 - SAT 28 MAY

BOOK BY RICHARD BEAN MUSIC BY DAVID ARNOLD LYRICS BY RICHARD THOMAS

Based on the Wooley/Karlsen/Number 9 Motion Picture. Financed by the BBC, BMS Film Finance. BFI and Lip Sync Productions. Directed by Nigel Cole. Screenplay by William Ivory

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd

TUE 31 MAY THU 2 JUN MON 13 - SAT 18 JUN

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 Book online at www.grandtheatre.co.uk