sOn STOKE ’ DUDLEY TELFORD TELFORD WALSALL MALVERN REDDITCH STAFFORD STAFFORD COVENTRY INCLUDING INCLUDING

STRATFORD INSIDE:

WORCESTER BIRMINGHAM 3128 - 2053 ISSN MAGAZINE GROUP SHREWSBURY What talks about about talks THE DEFINITIVE DEFINITIVE THE to the stage the to WOLVERHAMPTON LISTINGS GUIDE LISTINGS Michael Michael on her return return her on interview inside interview interview inside interview Morpurgo Diane Keen Diane backing a winner... winner... a backing

DAVID TENNANT RETURNSTO THE REGION OCTOBER 2013 ISSUE 334 334 ISSUE £1.80 .co.uk .co.uk

whatsonlive interview inside... interview

www.

coming Alive with Alive coming THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - Oct LW_Layout 1 23/09/2013 15:00 Page 1 Page 15:00 23/09/2013 1 LW_Layout - Oct Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 334 OCTOBER 2013 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS grand_whatson FP Oct_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:31 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

MON 30 SEPTEMBER - SAT 5 OCTOBER TUES 8 - SAT 12 OCTOBER TUES 15 - SAT 19 OCTOBER South StaffS MuSical theatre coMpany proudly preSentS the rodgerS and haMMerStein claSSic

“Some excellent singing and acting performances” Express & Star Guys and Dolls 2011 “A cast of 40 hit the peaks of performance” Birmingham Mail The Sound of Music 2012

An amateur production Directed and Choreographed by CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD WITH DANIEL HILL ROBIN SEBASTIAN DIRECTED BY ROY MARSDEN

TUES 22 - SAT 26 OCTOBER MON 28 OCTOBER - SAT 2 NOVEMBER TUES 5 - SAT 9 NOVEMBER

By E R Braithwaite Adapted by Ayub Khan-Din

Starring The favourite musical set in the depths of the 1930s sees Annie, a fiery young orphan girl, MATTHEW seeking escape from her life in a miserable KELLY orphanage run by the tyrannical Miss Hannigan. and ANSU KABIA An amateur production

TUES 19 - SAT 23 NOVEMBER ALSO BOOKING TUES 26 - SAT 30 NOVEMBER SUN 13 OCTOBER THE UPBEAT BEATLES ##### ------‘WILL YOUNG’s SUN 10 NOVEMBER THE SENSATIONAL TRIUMPH. 60s EXPERIENCE Tomorrow does ------indeed belong to him’ MON 11 - TUES 12 NOVEMBER TIM WALKER - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH ELLEN KENT OPERA LA BOHEME & AIDA ------THURS 14 - SAT 16 NOVEMBER MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET ------SAT 7 DEC - SUN 19 JAN SLEEPING BEAUTY ------

MON 27 JANUARY - SAT 1 FEBRUARY STARRING PRISCILLA WILL YOUNG QUEEN OF THE DESERT SIOBHAN DILLON

Follow us on @WolvesGrand Like us on Facebook: Wolverhampton Grand

Box Office 01902 42 92 12 BOOK ONLINE AT www.grandtheatre.co.uk Contents- Oct_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:12 Page 1

October 2013

Editor: Davina Evans INSIDE: [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: War Horse Brian O’Faolain [email protected] National Theatre production 01743 281701 at the Hippodrome p31 Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Sales & Marketing: Jon Cartwright [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704

Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Managing Director: Paul Oliver [email protected] 01743 281711 Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan [email protected] 01743 281710

Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Cats Julia Perry Jessie J: Keeping it Alive in the Midlands - interview page 6 Andrew Lloyd Webber [email protected] 01743 281717 musical in Stoke p37 Website Development: Jim Pallett Contributors: TO GET THE VERY p4 Graham Bostock: Theatre LATEST LISTING News James Cameron-Wilson: Film; Anita Champaneri: INFORMATION, Eating Out; Music p15 Alev Dervish: Music VISIT: Eva Easthope, Kate whatsonlive.co.uk Evans, Jessica Matthews, Comedy p28 Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, INCLUDING Jan Watts, Reggie White BOOKING ONLINE Theatre p31 Head Office: 13-14 Abbey Foregate, The Midlands’ most Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE comprehensive p50 Tel: 01743 281777 entertainment website Dance e-mail: [email protected] Diane Keen p53 Follow us on... Film/DVD talks about her return to the stage p10 This publication is Visual Arts p59 printed on paper from a sustainable source and is twitter.com/whatsonlive October 2013 produced without the use p63 of elemental chlorine. Events MTWTFSS We endorse the recycling Like us on... 123456 of our magazine and p79 would encourage you to Eating Out 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 pass it on to others to read when you have 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 facebook.com/whatsonlive finished with it. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 What’sOn 28 29 30 31 All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless MAGAZINE GROUP otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. News October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:09 Page 1

News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Ironbridge Gorge wins coveted award The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has received a Gold Award for the sustainable way that it manages the World Heritage Site’s ten museums. The award has been given to the Trust by the Green Business Tourism Scheme, the world’s leading sus- tainable tourism accreditation scheme. Commenting on the success, Anna Brennand, Chief Executive of Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, said: “Over the last six years we have worked hard to change the way we operate, to ensure that we reduce our carbon footprint, and we’re delighted that all our efforts have been recognised with a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Achieving a Gold Award is wonderful, and demonstrates that we can operate our museums in a sustainable way, enhancing our visitors’ experience whilst minimising our impact on the environment.”

Spectacle to Illuminate Southside Birmingham’s Southside district can be seen in a different light this month, courtesy of a three-day interactive lightworks presentation called Illuminate (Fri 25 to Sun 27 October). The event’s fea- tured attractions include the Lanterns of Terracotta Warriors Exhibition. Inspired by the famous Terracota Army, these brightly coloured, lifesize figures will be presented in family groups in and around Hurst Street. Illuminate also features a three hundred-and-sixty-degree film igloo and a light-inspired live dance performance. All attractions will be presented just a short five-minute walk Birmingham arts weekend from the Birmingham Hippodrome theatre. pulls the crowds It’s estimated that around ninety-five thou- highlight the historical significance and give sand people attended last month's 4 Calling all Shropshire bands visitors an opportunity to explore and appreci- Squares Weekender in the heart of and choirs... ate a charismatic and distinct era of the early Birmingham. The free event, which featured twentieth century." All visitors are welcome to The organisers of next month’s Christmas a performance of As The World Tipped in drop in and explore the auditorium and in- lights switch-on in Shrewsbury are on the Victoria Square, was presented by house museum for free. The cinema is open lookout for choirs and bands who’d like to Birmingham Arts Partnership (BAP) in cele- Monday to Friday from 10am until 2pm, with make a contribution to the event. To take bration of the opening of the Library of full box office facilities. part, choirs and bands will need to be avail- Birmingham. Organisers have revealed that able to perform on 20 November between early indications suggest sixty-six per cent - 5pm and 8pm. Time slots and locations will two-thirds - of audiences made a special trip be allocated on a first come, first served into the city for the festival and to see the basis. To register for the event, email new library, spending an estimated £900,000 [email protected] or call over the course of three days. Local busi- 01743 257654. Registrations must be nesses reported a significant rise in takings received by 25 October. over the weekend - up by three hundred per cent in some instances. Art Deco cinema reopens The Regal Cinema after £750,000 refurb RAF Cosford competition The Regal Cinema in Worcestershire’s Tenbury Wells has reopened after a £750,000 refurbish- winner announced ment. The seventy-six-year-old venue is one of A civil servant from Ledbury in Herefordshire just a few surviving Art Deco cinemas in the has won the 2013 RAF Cosford Air Show Midlands, and boasts a singularly unique audi- Photographic Competition. Michael Brazier’s torium with a fully restored mural decoration. stunning shot of a Shorts Tucano training air- Commenting on the refurb, Regal Heritage craft in flight beat off stiff competition from Access Officer Sarah Fellows said, “Our over three hundred other entrants. To check restoration is only part of the aims of this major out his winning photo, visit www.cosfordair- As The World Tipped project. Of equal importance is the need to show.co.uk.

4 www.whatsonlive.co.uk News October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:09 Page 2

Henry VIII plate to feature amongst special display A pewter plate bearing the mark of a crowned ostrich feather, and believed to have been used during the Coronation ban- quet of Henry VIII, is just one of many items on show at the Autumn/Winter Antiques For Everyone this month. Part of a special dis- play from The Pewter Society, the presti- gious plate will feature alongside Charles Dickens’ celebrated gin punch jug, a plate used in the coronation banquet of George IV in 1820 and a beautiful Art Nouveau style vase produced for the Oscar-winning movie Titanic by Birmingham pewtering firm, AE Williams. Antiques For Everyone shows at Birmingham’s NEC from 31 October to 3 November A double success for Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre Legendary director Trevor Nunn is this autumn reviving in London a play originally produced by Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre.

Former Royal Shakespeare Company and Antony Sher Royal National Theatre Artistic Director Nunn directed Scenes From A Marriage on the Belgrade stage in 2008, and is giving the show a new lease of life at the West Antony Sher to appear in RSC new season End’s St James Theatre (until 9 November). Royal Shakespeare Theatre Associate Artist Antony Sher is to return to Stratford-upon-Avon Another play originally produced by the next year to perform in the opening production of the RSC’s summer season. The much- Belgrade, August Strindberg’s The Father, is acclaimed South African actor will take the role of Falstaff alongside Alex Hassell’s Prince Hal also reaching a new audience this autumn, and Paola Dionisotii’s Mistress Quickly in Henry IV Parts I and II, which shows at the Royal having been recorded as a BBC Radio Shakespeare Theatre (RST) from March to September. Jasper Britton will play the principal Three play. role of King Henry. Shakespeare’s early romantic comedy, The Two Gentlemen Of Verona (12 July to 4 September), completes the RST programme. Meanwhile, the Swan Theatre season opens with Jo Davies’ production of Thomas Middleton’s city comedy, The Roaring Girl (9 April to 30 September). The anonymously published Arden Of Faversham (30 April to 2 October), The Rape Of Lucrece (23 June to 4 July) and Maria Aberg’s production of The White Devil (30 July to 4 October) also feature at the Swan. The summer season of shows is Gregory Doran’s first full programme since taking over as Artistic Director of the RSC.

The Father IN BRIEF Free Radio announces new partnership Free Radio is gearing up for its Live 2013 concert at Bublé Brum-bound A onesie walk for Birmingham’s LG Arena next month by going into partnership The ever-popular Michael Bublé is returning St Mary’s Hospice with Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA). BOA is a creative, to Birmingham in Spring 2014. After playing digital and performing arts academy, and is the only free-to-attend This month’s ten sell-out shows at London’s O2 in the specialist institution of its kind outside London. It will assist with Birmingham Onesie summer, Bublé has now agreed dates for several aspects of the 30 November gig. Commenting on the new Walk is being dubbed concerts in the second city, Manchester and partnership, Free Radio CEO Phil Riley said: “BOA already has a ‘the most comfortable Glasgow, and will perform at Birmingham’s great reputation for producing students with the knowledge and event’ the city has ever NIA on 12 and 13 March. desire to succeed in their cho- staged. The five-mile sen fields. This opportunity to sponsored walk takes get involved with an event such place in aid of the as Free Radio Live can only be city’s St Mary’s beneficial to students who’re Hospice on Sunday 27 looking to forge a career in October, and both these industries.” For more starts and finishes at information, visit www.freera- Free Radio’s Sam Nixon and Mark the ICC in Broad dio.co.uk/live2013. Rhodes with BOA students Street. Organisers are hoping the event will set a new world record for the most people in Birmingham bags Best UK City To Visit title Matthew Bourne production onesies at one place at Birmingham has been named the Best UK City to visit by readers of one time - the current Group Leisure Magazine. Commenting on the award, Emma Gray, heading to the Hippodrome record is seven hun- Director of Marketing Services at Visit Birmingham, said: “It’s a Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures compa- dred. For more infor- tremendous accolade for Birmingham to be recognised as the Best ny is next year visiting Birmingham with its mation about how to UK City by the readers of Group Leisure Magazine - and further evi- brand new production of Lord Of The Flies. take part and help sup- dence of its popularity as a leisure The show, which is based on William port St Mary’s tourism destination, particularly Golding’s classic novel, unites Bourne and Hospice, visit within the group travel market. his New Adventures cast with Olivier Award- www.birminghamone- The city has attracted an eleven nominated choreographer Scott Ambler and sieswalk.org.uk. per cent increase in visitors over plenty of young talent from the West the last six years as people con- Midlands region. Lord Of The Flies runs at tinue to discover all it has to offer Birmingham Hippodrome from 14 to 17 - from its fantastic attractions and May. events to its famed hospitality.”

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 Jessie J feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:09 Page 1

I’ve controlled everything on this. The covers, I picked “ Rankin to do the photography. I chose my video director, wrote the treatment, selected the pictures that go in the sleeve, the track listing - it’s all me ”

Keeping it Alive Jessie J in the Midlands...

6 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Jessie J feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:09 Page 2

interview...

Since her breakthrough girl-power anthem, Do It Like A Dude, stormed the charts in 2010, Jessie J has maintained her status as one of the twenty-first century’s major music stars. Her credentials were further enhanced last year when she sang at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations alongside music legends Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John. With her days as a judge on BBC TV’s The Voice now behind her, Jessie is concentrating on her world tour and promoting her second album, the twenty-one-track Alive...

Were you nervous about the new album? I did the lyrics. I’ve worked with some from the little things no one knows about to Yeah. The first album is about ‘Why are you incredible people. I like working with people the big stuff, like shaving my hair for Comic here?’, but the second is, ‘Why should you in the studio because then you can get to Relief. I’ve always had a soft spot for stay here?’, and I was much more nervous know each other. In the studio, people see children who’re sick because, at one point in about that. With the second one, people me in a different way, and that’s really my life, I was in Great Ormond Street with a have preconceptions; they have songs that important. heart problem, so I can relate to it. I they really like, that they want to hear again. remember being there a lot for tests, and They have opinions of you, and they have You’re well known for being a team knowing that Baby Spice was in the building expectations of you. But I’ve actually player... and praying that she’d know I wanted to see enjoyed the experience much more than I It’s important. When I’m on my tour, I always her. thought I would. It’s nice to get to know your make a point of going out and saying thank voice again. It’s like being a chef and always you to everyone packing away. You’re not Your look has always been a really strong cooking the same meals, then branching out the star. It’s about something you’re all part of who you are, hasn’t it? into baking. It’s nice to feel you’re exploring doing together. You have to remember it’s At the moment, I have no stylist. I don’t want another piece of yourself. And I’m excited not all about you. to be a cartoon character anymore. I about pushing myself on stage. This second sometimes look back and think, ‘Whose idea album is much harder to sing than the first What other favourites do you have on the was that?’. I want to be normal, but with a one, but I like a challenge. new album? little extra something. I know my fashions There’s a song called Gold that’s about now. I do my homework, go shopping... The reaction to Wild, the first single from someone making me feel like gold, whether the new album, was incredible... it’s my fans, my family, my friends. There are No stylist!? Amazing! Particularly bearing in mind it a lot of songs for couples, but there’s one I’ve controlled everything on this. The wasn’t a normal single; it just came out on there called Excuse My Rude, which is covers, I picked Rankin to do the when the video came out. There was no pre- basically about someone who was in my life photography. I chose my video director, promo, no six-week build-up, yet it went top- but isn’t anymore. That’s the dirtiest track. wrote the treatment, selected the pictures five! I just wanted my fans to have I’m going to enjoy singing that one live! The that go in the sleeve, the track listing - it’s all something before everyone else got it. I album’s just really feelgood. A lot of the me. I’m a control freak! It’s my baby and I wanted to see the power of music without all songs are very feelgood. don’t like it when I’m not in control! the social media and press. It was a new way of doing it. I didn’t want the music Is that because you’re in a good place in stations to get it before the fans did. It took a your life? lot of convincing to get it through, but it went Yeah, it is. I’m in a really good place in my to number one in four countries, so the life. I feel like there’s nothing that I’m reaction was great. I couldn’t be happier. craving, and I think that’s always a very good thing. I feel very balanced at the What’s your favourite track on the new moment, which is great. album? It’s the same one as all the journalists liked, Why did you leave The Voice? actually. It’s called Daydreaming, and it’s a Forget the emotional side of things. They real ’80s throwback. Prince meets Whitney. sent me over the diary and they needed me Very feelgood. I’m really proud of the album, for forty-two days, and for forty of them I was but this particular song I wrote on my own, on tour. And I can’t be replaced on my tour - and it was about someone I liked and I I don’t think people would appreciate a wanted them to notice me. It was an lookalike coming out! I was gutted, really exaggeration of a real feeling I had. I said to gutted, but my tour is way more important, someone who listened to the album for the and I have to prioritise that. I’m looking first time the other day, ‘What words would forward to watching The Voice as a fan now, you use to describe it?’, and they said, to see it how other people see it. And I just ‘Positive, light, honest, anthemic’. They’re all hope they get people who put the same words that I really hope describe it. I feel like time and energy into it that we did. I’ve it really represents me. warmed up the chair, and I know I’m going to be a bit miffed not to be there when I’m Are there any sad songs? sitting watching it. There are a few which are quite emotional, but there’s one song on there that’s so sad I What was the Olympics performance like? don’t know if I’ll be able to sing it live. It’s It was amazing! I was the only person who called And I Miss Her, about a family performed twice, other than Emeli Sandé. As member who’s not very well. The song is I was walking up that catwalk, it was like I’d basically about when you have someone reached a key moment. It was the kind of you love who’s ill. It’s like they’re gone, even moment I’d watched people like Beyoncé though they’re still there, if that makes experience when I was fourteen or fifteen. I sense? It’s just very personal. was determined to enjoy every minute of it. I came off shaking with excitement. How much of the album did you write yourself? What have been your other highlights Everything. I was part of everything. Four since making your breakthrough? songs I wrote on my own; on the others, I Glastonbury always sticks out for me. I’d was with Claude Kelly. There’s a song on broken my foot, but the minute I stepped Jessie J will Do It Like A Dude at there called Breathe that I wrote with Sia in out, the sun came out. Then there’s all the Birmingham’s LG Arena on Fri 18 October. New York. She did the melody with me, and amazing charity stuff I’ve done this year,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 War Horse feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:58 Page 1

Although there were lots of stories about the First World War, all of them were from one side or the other. No one seemed to “ have told the story from a neutral position. So I thought the horse could tell the story.”

Michael Morpurgo explains how he backed a winner with War Horse

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk War Horse feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:58 Page 2

feature...

War Horse was described as ‘the theatrical event of the decade’ when it opened in the London West End in 2007, and proved to be so successful that a Steven Spielberg film version followed four years later. Now the National Theatre’s stage production is about to hit the road, galloping its way to the Birmingham Hippodrome mid-month. Here, Michael Morpurgo talks about his inspiration for War Horse and his delight at its success.

War Horse was published as a novel in Michael’s Imperial War Museum research happened, but I didn’t know it would do so 1982, eight years after Michael Morpurgo soon led to him contemplating writing a well. “I was so pleased when I got the phone first became a published author. His story based around the subject. call to say that it would go on to do another inspiration for the story had been found “Although there were lots of stories about season at the National. Apart from anything close to home, in the Devon village called the First World War, all of them were from else, I wanted to believe that the great Iddesleigh, where he still lives. one side or the other. No one seemed to National Theatre was doing theatre for “One day, I walked into our local pub, the have told the story from a neutral position. families. That was really important, and the Duke of York,” Michael recalls. “Sitting in So I thought the horse could tell the story. If kids were coming to the theatre in droves - front of the fire was an old gentleman and, I could write it well, maybe I could make it with their mums and their dads and their just making conversation, as you do at a persuasive enough quickly - before people grandparents - to come and see the show. bar, I said to him, ‘I hear you went to the started laughing. And because I’d seen this And every time I came, you could see them First World War as a young man’. He said, ‘I boy and this horse, it gave me the courage so engaged - everyone from the young to was seventeen. I was there with horses’, and to think that there was integrity there; this the very old. I was so surprised that it had he started talking about his time there. I later wasn’t sentimental stuff.” managed to come off so well, and there learned from his wife that this is something Once published, War Horse was shortlisted were all sorts of changes being made; he’d never talked about before, and I have for the Whitbread Prize. interesting changes - reshaping and no idea why he opened up to a complete “My publishers were quite hopeful,” recalls rewriting - so that it got sharper and sharper stranger in a pub, but he did. There was one Michael. “They thought it was an unusual all the time. But I honestly thought, ‘well particular thing he told me, which touched book, there wasn’t another book like it on that’s a lovely show - that doesn’t happen to me enormously and also resonated with the list, and they thought it could win. But it writers often’. Then I suddenly got this something another old soldier had told me didn’t win; it was runner-up. The chairman of phone call saying, ‘we’re going to the West (who had been in a cavalry regiment). Both the judges was the author Roald Dahl, and End’, and then I suddenly got a call to say, of them said that their best friend whilst they he called me over afterwards and said, ‘it’s a ‘oh we’re going to Broadway now’, and then were on the front line was their horse, good book, but children don’t like history’. ‘we’re going to Toronto’. And then we’re on because they could tell their horse stuff that “Anyway, I was very depressed, because it a tour of Australia, then the UK and Ireland. they never dared talk about with their was the first time I’d been shortlisted for Each time I kept thinking ‘no..?’. chums. Like their terror, and the horror of anything. My friend, Ted Hughes, rang me “And then the film version came along, of what they’d seen that day, and their longing the next day and said, ‘Michael, do you want course. I would love to say the film came for home. So this old bloke said to me ‘that to come out for the day?’, and we went about because of the book, but I know horse listened’. And I believed him.” fishing. We ended up in this little teashop, perfectly well the wonderful lady who started Michael remembers that a visit to a farm a and he said, ‘I read the book; it’s really it. Kathy Kennedy, Steven Spielberg’s few days later offered him confirmation of good. You shouldn’t worry about prizes; it’s producer, just happened to be walking past what the old man had told him. all nonsense. If you win it, it’s no good for the New London Theatre and thought the “There was this little boy called Billy, who you; if you don’t win it, it’s no good for you. show would be great to go and see with her didn’t talk. He had a stutter and he never It’s a fine book and you’ll write a finer one.’ daughter, who loves horses. So she goes in, talked at school. I walked into the yard one And I suppose that’s just about the best gets the last couple of tickets and sits down, evening and found Billy outside in the rain in thing you can say to any writer. then comes out of the theatre, phones his slippers. He was talking to the horse, “Anyway, heartened by that but discouraged Spielberg immediately, and within a year and stroking the horse, and telling the horse by everything else, the sales trickled on. It they’re shooting it. I mean, it’s unheard of, all the things he’d done that day. So I stayed sold a couple of translations, it went to really. And that, of course, has meant that there in the shadows and listened to him. I America, and was out of print within the play is now better known wherever it was extremely moved. “So, a couple of days eighteen months. It never sold more than goes. Interestingly, when it comes to the later, I rang up the Imperial War Museum in about fifteen hundred copies in a year, so I book, there are now forty-seven translations London and asked them if they knew how put it on my backlist.” of War Horse in different languages. So the many horses had left these islands to go to Years later, in 2007, when the novel had play and the film between them have the First World War. They said ‘we don’t been made into the National Theatre launched the book!” know exactly, but we think about a million’. I production which would go on to take the So what does Michael believe is the key to then asked them if they knew how many theatrical world by storm, Michael well War Horse being such a popular story? came back, and they did, because there are recalls visiting the theatre to watch it in “The play is about reconciliation,” he says. records - sixty-five thousand came back. I preview. “It was terrible. I was looking “It took two World Wars to get this to remember thinking, ‘hang on, that’s almost around at the people’s faces - people who happen, but at least we got there, and we all exactly the same number of men that died’. really knew what they were talking about - understand that this was the most terrible, Horses and men didn’t just die in the same and you could see this terrific tension terrible thing. “They said after the First World numbers, they died in the same way. I building up. All the bits were there and they War that it was a war to end all wars. But it thought, ‘they died on the wire, they died in were wonderful, but it was like a jigsaw turned out that it wasn’t, because the peace the mud, they were blown to bits, they were puzzle that didn’t seem to fit. It was too long that was created was too humiliating for the machine-gunned, they died of disease, they by twenty minutes, and so I didn’t sleep for Germans. The Nazis grew out of that poverty died of exhaustion, they probably died of two nights afterwards. I’m sure they didn’t and that humiliation, that starvation and all stress. They shared this thing, together. “And either, but instead of lying around moping, the rest of it. And it’s wonderful now that the then, in my research later on, I discovered which is what I did, they clearly got their act circle has been turned, and we have an that, at the end of the war, when it was all together. They worked their socks off for a opportunity to have a peaceful Europe. This over, having lived and suffered with the men, week and shook this thing into shape - so play kind of fits that moment perfectly. I they only brought back home what I call ‘the by the time the first night came along, it was guess what seems to have happened is that smart horses’: the officers’ horses. Because amazing. history has caught up with the story, and the there were so many of these horses, they “I had the director Sir Peter Hall behind me National Theatre took it on at just the right didn’t think it was worthwhile to bring them and the writer and director Mike Leigh in moment.” all back. It wasn’t cost-effective, so they front of me, and I knew this was the test. decided to sell them off to French butchers. They know theatre, these people. The National Theatre production of War Horse So these horses, which had gone through Afterwards, one of them couldn’t speak and shows at the Birmingham Hippodrome from all that - the soldiers had to watch them the other had tears running down his face. I being taken away and shot for meat.” knew then that something wonderful had Wed 16 October to Sat 9 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Diane Keen feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:56 Page 1

Diane Keen talks about her return to the stage...

Last year saw actress Diane Keen bid a fond farewell to BBC daytime soap Doctors, in which she’d starred as Julia Parsons since 2003. The departure freed her to return to the stage and fulfill a long-held desire to appear in Eve Ensler’s iconic production, The Vagina Monologues. What’s On recently caught up with Diane to talk about the show, the current state of British sitcoms - and her 1960s meeting with Judy Garland...

You’re currently in rehearsals for The a wonderful experience, but you become an Blessed, who, even though he was only in Vagina Monologues tour. How’s it going? actor to play a lot of different parts. I really one episode, was a great experience. When It’s a learning process at the moment. It’s yearned for that, so needed to get on with it. I joined Doctors, I thought I knew what I very wordy, so there’s a lot to take in and The ten years in Doctors went by really fast, needed to know about acting in television, remember, but I’m really looking forward to but I knew it was time to move on and do but after ten years in that show, I just came it. It’s a show that I’ve wanted to do for a other stuff. out so much wiser and smarter. But I got to very long time, but have never been able to the stage where I didn’t know where else I because of other commitments. So when it Was it a difficult decision to make? could take Julia. came up on this occasion, I just jumped at Very - based on the people who I was the chance to be a part of it. working with. They were like family, and I The Vagina Monologues has been love them all dearly. I worked with some performed by some of the industry’s Did you leave Doctors with the intention great actors, and where else do you get the biggest names. Do you think female of returning to the stage? chance to stay in one place, get paid for it, actors see it as a rite of passage? Not returning to the stage as such, but to do and work with lots of lovely actors, including That could be true, but I think it’s also the other stuff, to play other parts. Ten years of lots of iconic names whom I’d wanted to content of the show which draws actors. playing Julia was a great learning curve and work with in the past. People like Brian Obviously, it’s a great privilege to be 10 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Diane Keen feature_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:56 Page 2

interview...

following in the footsteps of the likes of There’s nowhere to hide when a camera is role. I guess it’s all swings and roundabouts. Meryl Streep and Kate Winslet, but I also looking at you. Don’t get me wrong, I get a see it as an opportunity to create new great buzz from being on stage, but you Is there a role on your bucket list that you footsteps, because each person will bring a have to be so much bigger. It needs a really want to play? completely different aspect to their different technique and different discipline to I suppose The Vagina Monologues was characters. Everyone will see the characters get your message across to your audience. always on my bucket list. I’d love to do in a different way, and as an actor you have Mamma Mia! too. I’d love to play the sexy a lot more leeway than you would in a Apart from Doctors, you’re very well friend. I think that would be a great role to normal play, where the script is a lot more remembered for your role in The Cuckoo play - and she’s got some great numbers, structured, the characters more defined, and Waltz. How would you compare the too. A lot of people wouldn’t be able to you have to work within those boundaries. In quality of modern-day sitcoms to those imagine me doing musical theatre, but I do The Vagina Monologues, you have a lot produced in the 1970s? sing and I can dance, so I don’t think I’d more freedom to take the characters almost It was the Golden Age for sitcoms, and have a problem pulling it together. Apart anywhere you want to, as long as you stick some great shows came out of that era. I do from that, I guess I’m open to suggestions. to the words that they say. So it changes all think The Cuckoo Waltz earned its place the time, and that’s why people come to see alongside shows like Dad’s Army, Rising You’ve got Doctors and Emmerdale under it on more than one occasion. Each time Damp, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum and The Good your belt, but would you ever consider a they’re seeing a different show. Life. It was a really special show, written by return to soapland? Geoffrey Lancashire - Sarah Lancashire’s Emmerdale was such a long time ago, in The show’s been doing the rounds for a dad. He had this extraordinary view on life 1972, I often forget that I did that. But I never number of years now - why do you think it which was very quirky. The characters were say never to anything... remains so popular? all completely mad in their own way, but I think there are certain iconic shows that will very grounded as well. It was the most What’s been the best piece of advice always draw in huge audiences. Shows like wonderful writing, and was a perfect job for about the acting profession you’ve ever Mamma Mia!, Calendar Girls and, of course, me. You don’t see sitcoms like that been given? The Vagina Monologues. With the latter, I anymore. It’s all Reality TV now, and how It’s something that Judy Garland once said think it’s pretty apparent why it has such a dull is that? You know what the outcome is to me. My agent took me to see Judy at the huge following. It’s because women know going to be, and the format is always the Talk Of The Town, towards the end of her what they’re going to see. They’re going to same. It’s almost like audiences are being career. My agent took me backstage to meet see three women talking about vaginas on brainwashed into accepting these shows, her in her dressing room. I was just this every level in lots of different ways and by which is a shame, because there must be young thing starting out and was very naive, using lots of different characters. These are writers out there who’re every bit as good as and my agent introduced me as a new the words of real women that we speak. the writers in the ’70s and ’80s. They just client. Judy took my hand in hers and she They’re not written by an author, they are need to be nurtured, but that’s not said to me, “I wish you all the luck in the real women and their experiences, some of happening. world. This is such a wonderful profession, which are very sad. There’s a pathos and you can have such a fantastic life as attached to them, but they’re also hilariously So do you think there’s a real lack of long as you keep your feet on the ground. funny. There’s so much light and shade in creativity in TV? Always remember that the main thing is the each monologue, and because each one There is as far as sitcoms are concerned, work.” I was so in awe at the time it sort of you do is a different person, you get to and those that do make it to TV are often floated across my head, but I’ve since portray all these great characters in one embarrassing to watch. They’re often not realised it is indeed all about the work. She’s play. As well as the emotion, there’s also lots funny, and certainly not very clever. The flip right. You can’t afford to get carried away of interaction with the audience, so which side to that is that there are certain aspects with all the trappings that can come with it. actress wouldn’t want to be a part of it? of TV, like drama, where there’s some There will be first nights and there will be wonderful stuff being produced. But that’s red carpets, but the next day you still have Do you think the monologues are anti- drama. The comedy side of things is to get up, do a job, and do it to the best of male? lacking. You can put a whole row of top your ability. You can’t lose sight of that for You’ll get some who say that, but what stand-up comics in a quiz show - how many one moment. You have to love this job, people forget is that these are real people’s of those are there? - and yes, it’s funny, but because it’s hard, it’s unforgiving and it’s full words. They’re not words that have come it’s not entertainment. Sure, there’s a place of people who aren’t very nice. There are a out of the head of one person. One person for it, but we also need situation comedy, lot of wonderful people too, but there are has put them into script form, but they’re where it’s been cleverly thought out, cleverly also those who’d rather see themselves real women’s words - real experiences. As written, well cast and well performed, which doing what you’re doing. an actor, you’re speaking on behalf of those was happening all the time in the 1970s. It’s women, which is quite a responsibility. almost as if producers are too scared to Finally, Diane, if you weren’t an actress, They’re not anti-male; what they are is commission sitcoms. It’s such a shame, what would you be? truthful, and they’re more about suppression because it was our forte. Now the Americans I love what I do, but if I wasn’t doing this than about being anti-male. In fact, there are seem to be taking over the sitcom market. then I’d be working in conservation of some a lot of men who go to see The Vagina sort. Probably in Africa, because that’s Monologues. I disagree with the perception Looking back over your career, is there where I come from. It’s my spiritual home, that it’s a ‘women’s show’. It’s a show for anything you wish you’d done differently? it’s where I grew up, and it’s in need of as everybody about a very personal part of the It’s hard to say. At the end of the day, you much love and attention as it can get - on all female body. do things that you want to do and you have levels. As for conservation, I get incredibly your reasons for doing them. I guess there angry and deeply concerned with what’s Your acting CV features stage, TV and are probably some things that I would’ve going on with our planet. I think we all have film. Do you have a preference? done differently, but at the moment I don’t our place in the bigger picture, and a role to It’s hard to say, really, but I love the know what they are. play in looking after it. discipline of working on film. I think it’s because it’s so subtle, and you have to be And have you ever turned down a role so honest. It doesn’t matter what comes out and later regretted it? Diane Keen appears with Terri Dwyer and of your mouth, but if you’re in a close-up Yes, I have. I was offered the role of Yvette in Hollie-Jay Bowes in Eve Ensler’s The Vagina and you’re not thinking it and feeling it, your ‘Allo ‘Allo, which Vicki Michelle ended up Monologues at De Montfort Hall, Leicester eyes will say something completely different doing. I was offered it at the very beginning. Wed 23 October; Palace Theatre, Redditch and your audience won’t believe you. The At the time it wasn’t a proper script, and I Sat 2 November; Theatre Severn, camera picks up the tiniest little thing. The couldn’t see where it was going. I looked at Shrewsbury Mon 11 November; Royal other side of that coin is that you can just it and declined, but I loved it when it came Concert Hall, Nottingham Thurs 14 look at somebody for a few seconds, without out. But then again, I loved the things that I November; New Alexandra Theatre, saying a word, and the audience know got to do because I didn’t do that, and I Birmingham Fri 22 November exactly what you’re thinking or feeling. wouldn’t have got to do them if I’d taken that

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Norman Pace feature (Belgrade)_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:28 Page 1

There has to come a time when you look sad “trying to be Billy and Johnny, especially when you’re drawing your pension. When to drop the dungarees was a discussion that we had at great length.” Norman Pace forever the Showman...

12 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Norman Pace feature (Belgrade)_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:28 Page 2

interview...

The face of Norman Pace was a familiar sight on television screens in the 1980s and ’90s, courtesy of his hugely popular comedy double-act with Gareth Hale. Since Hale and Pace went their separate ways, Dudley-born Norman has been involved in numerous stage shows, including Honk and the hit musical Chicago. This month sees him returning to the stage to star in Charlie Peace: His Amazing Life And Astounding Legend at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre. What’s On caught up with him to find out more... Charlie Peace’s criminal life has been studying we did a little comedy/singing act in national tours of Australia over the years. We romanticised in numerous novels and folk clubs - taking the mickey out of very thought the time was right to stop when we films. How does Michael Eaton’s stage serious folk singers. We hatched a plan that did. There has to come a time when you look version tell the tale of the celebrity villain? we’d do a couple of years teaching and then sad trying to be Billy and Johnny, especially The story is based around a Victorian see if we could make a career out of what when you’re drawing your pension. When to travelling show which, in this case, is set up was then our hobby. It all went a little bit drop the dungarees was a discussion that we in Coventry. A Victorian showman, played by further than we thought. had at great length. myself, and his wife Sarah used to park their mobile theatre in towns around the country. As a duo, your comedy was quite Out of all the sketches you produced, do They’d then stay there for four months, doing controversial. Was it always your intention you have a favourite? a different play every night - which is quite to shock? Yeah, there’s one called Svenska. It started a incredible, really. Michael’s picked up on this We wanted to do that because it was a very bit of an epidemic on television, with idea of the travelling show and has used it as good way to make our mark on the industry. advertisers nicking our idea. It was about a a backdrop for the story of Charles Peace. I’d say in retrospect that when our first sketch Yorkshire couple going on an exchange My character rings his bell every night, to get came out in 1988, it was quite shocking, but holiday to Sweden. They entered their chalet everyone seated, and then he starts to reveal now it looks quite tame. As long as you’re to find a Swedish couple completely naked. the story of this notorious criminal, who’s doing the stuff that you believe in and that Gareth played Bjorn Borg, and was played by Peter Duncan. Peace’s character makes you laugh, then you’re fine. As soon conveniently standing behind various things breaks out of the restrictions of the play to tell as you start doing stuff to please an like a standard lamp to cover his you his version of events; so there are lots of audience, you might get screwed a little bit. embarrassment. I really loved that. Also, my layers to the story. We mainly followed our own path, with help wife from Yorkshire, who’s sitting in the sauna from some very clever people. The other with her overcoat on, is played by a young It’s a musical-style play. Are you thing is that, unlike Smith And Jones, French Caroline Quentin, before she became comfortable with the singing? & Saunders and other contemporaries, we famous, so it’s a good ‘un. Also, our I’ve done quite a few over the years. I did were on ITV, and they had a different take on Yorkshire airline sketch went viral a couple of Chicago in the West End for a while, and I did what they wanted on their channel. We had to years ago, and that was another one that I the Honk tour, so I’m used to opening the have a bit more mass appeal than BBC Two remember with great affection. throat and letting stuff come out - performers, so we were a little less intellectual occasionally in tune, I hope! and a bit more smutty. Spitting Image was in As an actor, what’s been the most the same slot. That was very irreverent, and challenging role you’ve undertaken? Is there a humorous element to the role of kind of opened the door for us. Spitting It was a two-hander for Nottingham the Victorian showman you’re playing? Image would do a series, then we’d do a Playhouse called Satin’n’Steel. It was about a It’s quite a dark piece, really. When I series, and that ten o’clock Sunday night slot nightclub singer who got involved with a auditioned, apart from having to sight-read, became known for that kind of comedy. young girl, and they became a duo who which I haven’t done since I was a very reached the heights of performing at Butlins. young man, I had to give my version of the Looking back at those days, is there That was all-singing and all-dancing. I lost a show. They liked it that I took a lighter anything you wish you hadn’t done? stone-and-a-half in eight weeks. approach to things. So I’m going to try and There was one sketch which I was get a few gags out of it, where appropriate. uncomfortable with. It was about the furniture Do the majority of the roles you’re offered The showman has this constant battle with made from leftover body parts. I was always contain a comic element? Charlie Peace about who’s running the show; a bit uncomfortable with that, and the To quote a director who I worked with once, so there are moments when it would be producer and Mr Hale said, “come on, it’s “you try to cast as near to the part as you inappropriate to get a laugh out of it, but funny, let’s do it”. That’s the one that sticks can, so that the actors don’t really need to other moments when I’m allowed to. out in my mind. stretch themselves too much to give a convincing and good performance”. So since What’s been your biggest challenge in What’s your opinion of the current state of my speciality is comedy, they probably prefer creating this new character? comedy sketch shows in the UK? to give me a role with comedy in it. But you’re I’d say that it’s working within the layers of I’d like to see a few more of them, actually - always there to serve whatever piece you’re the production. All the musicians are also they seem to be out of style at the moment. doing. If it just happens to have comedy in it, actors, and everybody’s part of the travelling It’s all stand-up, but anything that takes the then that’s fine, but if I started to mess show, so we’re having to work in and out of genre forward is alright by me. Gareth and I around with anything that wasn’t meant to be the relationships we have with each other had ten good years doing sketch shows, with funny, I’d soon get my wrist slapped. when we’re not acting (in the play). It’s a play a series every year. We gave everything to it, within a play, in many senses, and that’s and then we made the very wise decision to Finally, is it true that we’re going to see been interesting - trying to think who that stop. you on the big screen soon? person is in relation to me. Am I his boss, or Yeah, I’ve been involved in a low-budget is he my son? All of this has to determine Was your decision to call it a day final? movie which is coming out in November. It’s how you react when you pass each other on It was final as far as doing sketch show called Breakfast With Jonny Wilkinson, and stage. Also, it’s strange with a new play television was concerned. As the years have celebrates England winning the Rugby World because there’s no history, so you don’t ticked by since we stopped doing it in 1999, I Cup. It’s the tenth anniversary of the win this know what people will make of it. That’s really think we’ve felt that the gap has become too year, and the movie’s being launched to exciting for an actor, because you’re the first wide. I think we would look like two sad old coincide with that. It’s amazing that we did it one ever to do it. men trying to recreate former glories, which for virtually nothing, and I’m delighted with we certainly have far too much dignity to the result. You started out as a teacher, so how did want to do. We’re still best friends and we still the transition into comedy/acting come work together; we’ve done a couple of plays about? and last year we did a farewell tour of Norman stars in Charlie Peace: His Amazing The first person I met at teacher-training Australia. They’re still showing our stuff on Life And Astounding Legend at Belgrade college was Gareth Hale. We shared a room the comedy channel out there, and it’s been Theatre, Coventry from Sat 26 October to when I was eighteen, and between our a wonderful market for us. We’ve done ten Sat 16 November

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 1 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 2 Music

Ellie Goulding Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Sun 6 October Fresh from joining Taylor Swift on stage at her Sta- ples Centre gig, Ellie Goulding has confirmed her status as Britain’s biggest export, making it to the top-ten in the US Billboard charts with Halcyon. The album went Platinum in the UK and has been re-released as Halcyon Days, complete with the in- clusion of her first UK number one, Burn. Setting tongues wagging with talk of romances with Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran, she’s already sold out this arena tour.

Laura Marling Arctic Monkeys Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 1 October LG Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 31 October Teaming up with Secret Cinema, an organisation that stages ‘immersive’ cinema experiences where By distilling the sounds of Franz Ferdinand, The Clash, The Strokes and The Libertines ‘the audience becomes part of the narrative’, Laura into a hybrid of swaggering indie rock and danceable neo-punk, Arctic Monkeys became was the star of the first ever Secret Music event. one of the biggest bands of the new millennium. Their 2006 offering, Whatever People Playing in an old building that was dressed to Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, became the fastest-selling debut album in British music evoke the faded grandeur of a 1920s hotel, she history. Four other studio albums have followed in its wake - Favourite Worst Nightmare sold out sixteen shows and earned rave reviews for (2007), Humbug (2009), Suck It And See (2011) and AM, the latter of which was released her performance. Touring to support her fourth last month to great critical acclaim. album, Once I Was An Eagle, she’s supported at this gig by Nick Mulvey. Bruno Mars National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, Fri 11 October Peter Gene Hernandez, more commonly known as Bruno Mars, is one of contemporary pop’s most gifted and compelling artists. He’s released two studio albums, Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010) and Unorthodox Jukebox (2012), the latter reaching the number one spot in both the Swiss and UK charts, and becoming the fastest selling album by a recording artist that year. With global sales currently certified at 40x platinum, and over fifty million singles sold worldwide, the fourteen-time Grammy Award nominee is a true superstar of the music industry.

Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 10 Oct; Solihull Arts Com- plex, Tues 15 Oct; Crewe Lyceum, Sun 18 May As the UK’s first and only professional touring taiko group, the Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers fuse thun- dering rhythms on huge taiko drums with layers of percussive soundscapes and the delicate sound of the shinobue bamboo flute, all of which is brought together in an impressive theatrical style. Since forming in 1994, the group established itself a solid reputation for their energetic performances and has an eclectic range of TV and radio shows under its belt, including the Brit Awards, BBC Last Night of the Proms, the Generation Game and a Bollywood film. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 3 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 4

Music PREVIEWS

The High Kings Solihull Arts Complex, Fri 11 October Brandishing the memorable motto ‘Folk’n’Roll’, Irish ballad group The High Kings are a multi-talented ensemble who manage between them to play a staggering thirteen different instruments. Finbarr Clancy, Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden all come from established musical pedigrees, and specialise in bringing a rous- ing acoustic flavour both to brand new songs and numerous old favourites. Five years after being formed by Celtic Woman manager Dave Kavanagh, the boys have established a solid fanbase not only in Ireland but also across Europe and in the United States. Daughter Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 17 October Although commonly labelled as a folk band, Ghostpoet Daughter only just manage to fit the mould. Playing the kind of music that’s both touching The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 21 October and heart-wrenchingly poetic, the three-piece Ghostpoet is a Brit rapper whose remarkable sound in trip-hop, dubstep and hip-hop has regularly sell out shows, and have been marked him out as one of the most distinct voices in British music today. He made his mark playlisted by Radio One, 6 Music and XFM. with Cash & Carry Me Home in early 2011, and later released debut album Peanut Butter Spearhead Elena Tonra’s lyrics are impres- Blues & Melancholy Jam, narrowly missing out to PJ Harvey for the 2011 Mercury Prize. His sively deep, covering subjects such as doubt second album, this year’s Some Say I So I Say Light, was warmly received, earning him slots and loneliness. By contrast, her fractured vo- at multiple festivals alongside this UK tour. cals are as light as a whisper of smoke. Catch them on their ascent to the big time. Rudimental Andy Fairweather Low And O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 17 October The Low Riders Scoring number ones with singles Feel The The Robin, Bilston, Fri 18 October Love and, more recently, Waiting All Night, Cardiff-born Andy Fairweather Low first estab- Rudimental recently shared a stage with Sir lished himself as a frontman with chart-top- Elton John and Snoop Lion at the Isle of ping ’60s group Amen Corner. Throughout Wight’s Bestival event. Widely admired for his career, his services as a vocalist and gui- their soul-infused songs and live instrumenta- tarist have been sought by a who’s who of tion, they’ve made it known they’d like to col- bands and musicians, either on a touring laborate with Beyonce, and have recorded basis or as a recording artist. Among this with Ed Sheeran and the Game. With a repu- highly impressive list are Jimi Hendrix, Roger tation for putting on a carnival-esque live Waters, Eric Clapton, David Crosby, Van Mor- show, there’s little wonder they’ve already rison, Jeff Beck, Phil Collins, Sheryl Crow, sold out most of the tour. Babyshambles Richard And Linda Thompson, Chris Rea, The Band, Bob Dylan and Jimmie Page. The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Check him out... Sat 12 October; O2 Academy, Birmingham, Mon 14 October Pete Doherty fronts this London band, which VV Brown has undergone several changes in its line-up The Institute, Birmingham, Sun 20 October since being formed back in 2004. Heavily in- fluenced by Britpop and punk, Babysham- Model, philanthropist, vintage storeowner, bles were initially viewed as a Doherty record-label founder and singer-songwriter, sideline, having been formed while he was VV Brown has no shortage of talent. And still involved with The Libertines, but regular she’s pretty confident about that talent too - chart success has seen them slowly develop so much so, in fact, that she’s even self- an identity all of their own. This first UK tour funded her keenly anticipated second album, since 2010 comprises twenty headlining Dervish Samson & Delilah, a decision she took after dates. Expect songs from recently released shelving previous album Lollipops & Politi- mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, cians in post-pro- third album, Sequel To The Prequel (which Mon 14 October; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, sees the band returning to their original Thurs 17 October duction and leaving sound) to feature heavily. Island Records. Having recently worked on the music for the Moving away from ITV series James Nesbitt’s Ireland, it’s fair to her pop sound to- say that County Sligo’s finest exports have wards something fully recovered from the trauma of finishing darker, more mature last in the 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. and electronic- Performing together since the late-1980s, the based, she idolises band specialise in traditional music, and have Bjork and aims to gained a reputation for their ability to harness put on ‘exhibition- extremely raw energy within the framework of style concerts’. She incredibly structured compositions. Dervish stops off at The In- became involved in political controversy in stitute during a six- 2012 when they opted out of scheduled per- show UK tour before formances in Israel after becoming aware that heading to Europe a cultural boycott was in place in the state. and the States. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 18:58 Page 5

FINALISTS LIVE EVERY SATURDAY STARTS 19 OCTOBER

As each finalist leaves the show you’ll get the opportunity to see them perform live and also meet them! No age restriction on any ticket - exclusive to the buttermarket LIMITED ‘X FACTOR SEASON (PART 1) TICKET’ - ON SALE SOON!

Advance Tickets or further info at www.thebuttermarket.co.uk Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 6

Music PREVIEWS

Chris Wood Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton; Sat 19 October; The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 10 November Well known for his championing of traditional English dance music, folk musician and com- poser Chris Wood presents a repertoire which includes French folk music and tradi- tional Québécois material. Chris’s appear- ances in the Midlands this autumn come in support of new album None The Wiser, the latest in a long line of releases which have led to him being hailed as one of Britain's most uncompromising and quietly effective singer-songwriters.

Paloma Faith Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 23 October A familiar presence on the London underground circuit for several years, the multi-talented Paloma Faith eventually broke into the mainstream thanks to her theatrical image and retro- soul sound. After turning down an opportunity to join Amy Winehouse's band, she began writ- ing and performing her own songs, and soon earned a reputation as one of London's most unique and flamboyant live acts. She appears at Warwick Arts Centre this month with the Guy Barker Orchestra, presenting a show that includes new orchestral arrangements of songs from her latest album, Fall To Grace.

Dreadzone Beatie Wolf Winston’s Big Brother The Slade Room, Wolverhampton, Thurs 10 Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, O2 Academy, Birmingham, Fri 18 October October; The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Fri Thurs 17 October 11 October Birmingham-based Winston’s Big Brother Hailed as the world’s first 3D interactive was formed when solo artist Gary Mason Presenting an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, album release, Beatie’s 8ight was released scoured the city for the best musicians, his techno, folk and rock music, Dreadzone on vinyl, digital download and CD, as well as search leading him to the respective doors of formed in 1993, during their early years em- via a 3D interactive app. Earning rave reviews Alex Lowe, Mark Flight and Jack Rosa. ploying backing vocalists who included from GQ and Monocle for her music and live Currently working on an album with ELO leg- Melanie Blatt, Denise van Outen and Alison performances, her captivating voice, accom- end Dave Scott-Morgan, and having just re- Goldfrapp. Their follow-up release, 1994’s plished guitar skills and undeniable stage leased their debut EP, the indie rock band cite Second Light, was vigorously championed by presence have certainly made the industry sit Oasis, Paul Weller and The Verve as influ- the legendary John Peel, who cited it as one up and take notice. Beatie cites a love of ences, and have even been compared to The of his favourite albums of all time. Shakespeare, William Blake and Leonard Beatles. They play Catapult Club at the 02 They visit the Midlands this month in support Cohen as the reason for the poetic nature of with Suga Mama, Regale, Inches From The of their seventh and latest album, Escapades, her lyrics, which often focus on themes of Ground and A Suitcase Full Of Owls. featuring Mick Jones from The Clash and love and loss. Lena Cullen on vocals. Deaf Havana Laura Mvula The Institute, Birmingham, Sat 19 October The Institute, Birmingham, Tues 8 October Formed in 2005, alternative rockers Deaf Ha- Causing a stir with her Nina Simone-esque vana self-released several albums before voice and strong personal style, this former signing a major label deal, and are here gig- receptionist at City of Birmingham Symphony ging in support of new album Old Souls. Fes- Orchestra was an immediate hit on Youtube. tival regulars, they played Reading and Leeds Shortlisted for Critics' Choice at the 2013 2013 and supported You Me At Six and The BRIT Awards, and finishing fourth in the Blackout. Citing as influences Jimmy Eat BBC's Sound Of 2013, the soul singer’s influ- World, Nirvana and Glassjaw, the band ences include Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill and changed their sound from post-hardcore to Jill Scott. Director of the Lichfield Community pop-punk before putting out 2011’s Fools Gospel Choir, Laura's music has been called And Worthless Liars, an album which sold an 'gospeldeila'. Her debut album, Sing To The impressive thirty-five thousand copies. Char- Moon, reached the top ten in the UK charts lie Simpson and Big Sixes support. Troumaca earlier this year. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 12 October Although exotically named after a West Indian village on the island of St Vincent, Troumaca actually hail from Birmingham. Garnering support from NME and BBC 6 Music’s Lauren Laverne, their sound is dubby but relaxed, and tinged with Caribbean gospel, soulful harmony and tropical escapism. Spearhead- ing, along with Peace and Swim Deep, a Birmingham musical renaissance, they’re here supported by Moral Panics and Scarlett Arcade.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 7

BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY AT THE NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL

AT NAILCOTE HALL

Fri 11th ADELLE TRIBUTE SHOW OCTOBERWITH 'HOMETOWN GLORY' WITH NATALIE ANNE £32.50

Sat 26th WITH OCTOBER ‘TAKE THAT THATS LIFE & WESTSHOW’ LIFE £35.00

Sat 9th HEART & SOUL PARTY NOVEMBER WITH HARRY CAMBRIDGE AMAZING TRIBUTE TO ‘LUTHER VANDROSS’ £29.50

Sat 23rd ‘SUPREME’ MOTOWN NOVEMBER AND DIVA PARTY WITH THE MOTELLAS toe tapping motown classic hits £32.50

Fri 29th ‘THE PETER KAY NOVEMBER COMEDY PARTY’ WITH LEE LARD £35.00 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, OCTOBER LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Sat 30th Thursday 10th Oct Saturday 12th Oct Monday 14th Oct NOVEMBER‘BORDERLINE’ A GREAT PARTY BAND BUDAPEST CAFÉ STAND – REFORM PEACOCK & ORCHESTRA THEATRE GAMBLE A ‘Triple Treat’, Blue Brothers, Tina Turner, 70’s and 80’s show. THE FINEST PURVEYORS FUNNY, SAD & OCCASIONALLY ELECTRIFYING STUPIDITY £35.00 OF BALKAN MUSIC NEAR-TRAGIC PLAY SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND ANNUAL EVENTS

Sat 5th THE PINK BALL AT THE HALL OCTOBER WITH ‘BROTHERS OF SOUL’ DRESS TO IMPRESS, WEAR P.P SOMETHING PINK Sunday 20th Oct Monday 21st Oct Wednesday 23rd Oct £49.50 £45.00 FOR 10 + ALBERT HERRING – EMILY BARKER CHELSEA HOTEL – EARTHFALL MID WALES OPERA WITH SUPPORT CHRIS-TT PHYSICAL THEATRE & DANCE Sat 5th ‘THE SNOW BALL’ BENJAMIN BRITTEN CLASSIC OCTOBER WITH MANHATTAN (formerley Smackee) P.P 'Songs from the Musicals' £45.00 £40.00 FOR 10 + NOW BOOKING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS 2013 FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Museum Hours (12A) The Great Beauty (15) Planes (U) // About Time (12A) TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk BOOKING HOTLINE 02476 466174 For bookings & full details log onto www.nailcotehall.co.uk www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE

20 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 8

SOULS, KADENCE, SUZIE DEAN FRIEDMANM Kitchen LISTINGS DOES IT AND ALIX MUSSO Garden Cafe, Birmingham Music Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, IMPERICON NEVER SAY DIE! Staffs TOUR 2013 Featuring Em- PROLE POSITION The Flap- mure, Carnifex, I Killed the For full listing information on gigs, per, Birmingham Prom Queen, Betraying including times and dates, ARTHUR DOHERTY BAND The Martyrs, Hundredth, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Stafford Gatehouse The- Northlane and Rise Of The atre Northstar, O2 Academy, ANDY IRVINE Newhampton Birmingham SO SOLID CREW The Insti- Arts Centre, W’ton ROMEO'S DAUGHTER O2 TUE 1 OCT tute, Birmingham SPEEDY SONICS The Rain- Academy, Birmingham DR TEETH BIG BAND The TONIGHT ALIVE The Insti- bow, Birmingham HAPPY CHICHESTER The In- Jam House, B’ham WHITE NOISE THEORY The stitute, Birmingham tute, Birmingham THE MANFREDS Huntingdon ZICO CHAIN & LONELY THE Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA Hall, Worcester The Asylum, B’ham BRAVE The Slade Rooms, DIAMOND HEAD & ULI JON LICHFIELD GUILDHALL Wolverhampton AMY WADGE AND PETE RILEY ROTH The Assembly, Leam- SAT 5 OCT TOUR The Marr's Bar, LAURA MARLING Symphony ington Spa OCTOBER Hall, Birmingham ROCKET The Jam House, Worcester THE PAT TRAVERS BAND The WISHBONE ASH FEATURING THE SOUTH Ex The Beautiful Robin, Bilston Birmingham Sun 6th Oct, 8pm South The Robin, Blston DEFINITELY MIGHT BE The ANDY POWELL The Robin, NO AGE Hare & Hounds, Bilston HEIGHTS O2 Academy, Bilston Slade Rooms, Wolver- Andy Cutting Birmingham hampton NICOLAS JAAR AND JOSHUA BLESSTHEFALL, GLASS LIGHT SHOW Warwick Arts Tickets: £12.50/£10.50 THE AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT CLOUD & OCEANS ATE BOTOWN The Institute, Members O2 Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Centre, Coventry ALASKA The Asylum, Birm- RM HUBBERT Hare & CLUB CLASSICS The Jam ingham RHIANNON GIDDENS AND Fri 11th Oct, 7.30pm House, Birmingham LEYLA MCCELLA FROM THE Hounds, Birmingham ALMOST EASY, REJUVENATE, TIM BOWES TRIO Artrix, ART BRUT Kasbah, Coven- THEIR SOULS FOR GOLD, CAROLINA CHOCOLATE Walsall Jazz try DROPS The Hive, Shrews- Bromsgrove AKHERON & ALL ENDS BE- IRON VOID, AMULET, SEABAS- Orchestra ALEX TAYLOR, TAYLOR MADE NEATH O2 Academy, Birm- bury and the & MATT SHEEHAN The THE PINK BALL AT THE HALL TARD, MAGE, MOGHUL, ingham OPIUM LORD, SPACE WITCH, Roadhouse, Birmingham SECOND CITY SOUL The WITH BROTHERS OF SOUL Steve Ajao THE YOUNGER, OF KINGS AND Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, CONAN, WITCHSORROW AND Quartet Roadhouse, B’ham BEAST The Asylum, Birm- CAPTAINS AND FRIDAY CLUB FRESHERS UK TOUR FT SU- Warks Tickets: £10/£8 Members The Flapper, Birmingham SALVATION PLUS FURY, ingham PERFOOD, THE WYTCHES, CHERRY SUEDE The Actress LEMON GARDEN, TALES, AB- MAXINE, BLOODSHAKE AND FORTRESS, BULLITSTORM Sun 20th Oct, 8pm SENT FRIENDS AND BUG The AND ZOMBIE EXTRAS O2 & Bishop, B’ham YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS The LISA MCHUGH WITH SUP- Actress & Bishop, Birming- Rainbow, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Steve Clayton ham SGT PEPPER'S LONELY PORT FROM LITTLE JIMMY and the 44’s HEARTS CLUB SHOW Hunt- Irish Centre, B’ham FRI 4 OCT MISTER NOTHING Featuring Tickets: £12.50/£10.50 ingdon Hall, Worcester Members WED 2 OCT MAXIMUM ZERO The Actress Mitchel Emms from BBC1's FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS The The Voice 2013, The Flap- & Bishop, Birmingham Fri 25th - Sun 27th Oct EVAROSE O2 Academy, Place, Oakengates The- per, B’ham Birmingham atre, Telford MARTIN CARTHY AND DAVE SWARBRICK Royal Spa ANDY CUTTING Lichfield Lichfield Festival KIRSTY MCGEE AND KATY DIAMOND HEAD & ULI JON Guildhall ROSE BENNETT Kitchen Gar- ROTH O2 Academy, Birm- Centre, Leamington Spa of Folk den Cafe, Birmingham ingham PEARL JAMMER The Road- FRANK HAMILTON The Insti- ROCKET The Jam House, house, B’ham MON 7 OCT KICK UP THE 80'S The tute, Birmingham Birmingham AN EVENING WITH PETULA DEAN FRIEDMAN Hunting- BON GIOVI The Roadhouse, Robin, Bilston UPROAR - PEACE, LOVE & CLARK Birmingham Town don Hall, Worcester Birmingham Hall GLORYHAMMER FEATURING SAM GRAY, EMMA STEVENS & UNITY The Institute Birm- ingham LUKA BLOOM – THE HEART- C. BOWES OF ALESTORM The OWEN MCGARRY The Insti- MAN TOUR Kitchen Garden Robin, Bilston tute, Birmingham NYA KING - A TRIBUTE TO Kimber’s Men, john Kirkpatrick, WHITNEY HOUSTON Artrix, Cafe, B’ham Meet on the Ledge, Les Barker, MY DARLING CLEMENTINE MILES KANE The Institute, WHEATUS The Slade Bromsgrove The Jigantics, Foolklaw and Hare & Hounds, B’ham B’ham Rooms, Wolverhampton DEVIL SOLD HIS SOUL The STEFAN GROSSMAN Hunt- THE MERCY HOUSE The Special guests P.I.G Marr's Bar, Worcester DANA FUCHS BAND, ERJA Slade Rooms, Wolver- ingdon Hall, Worcester Tickets: Full Festival Weekend SPECTOR Kasbah, Coventry LYYTINEN & HER BAND The hampton RONIN The Marr's Bar, Robin, Bilston £38, Full day tickets £12.50 - £17.50 RISE OF BIRMINGHAM FEA- Worcester THE COMMANDMENTS The River Rooms, Stourbridge BEN MONTAGUE O2 Acad- (concs available) TURING FREE SCHOOL, VIC- FINNTROLL BLODSVEPT OVER emy, Birmingham TORIES AT SEA, VICTOR AND EUROPE TOUR The Robin, SOUL FOOD SOUNDSYSTEM YOUTH MAN Library Of Bilston The Yardbird Jazz Club, NOVEMBER Birmingham SAM CARTER TRIO Warwick Birmingham TUE 8 OCT SCHOLARS WITH EVERYBODY Arts Centre, Coventry SHORT SHARP SHOCK, SELF- Fri 1st Nov, 8pm AHAB The Slade Rooms, LOOKS FAMOUS AND MIX- GLASVEGAS The Slade LESS, THE ATROCITY EXHIBIT Wolverhampton Rooms, Wolverhampton & FREEBASE The Asylum, Blast from TAPE SAINTS The Sugarmill, AN ACOUSTIC EVENING WITH FOXES O2 Academy, Birm- Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent AL STEWART Birmingham the Past WHILE & MATTHEWS BAND ingham THE NOTORIOUS BROTHERS Town Hall Tickets: £13, SAM SLATER'S NEARLY HOT Route 44, B’ham Theatre Severn, Shrews- LAURA MVULA The Institute, £11 Members CLUB FOUR Symphony Hall, ENCHANT CHOIR - LOVE IS bury Birmingham B’ham ENOUGH, BLACK JACK DAVEY BORN TO ROCK 'N' ROLL WITH A NIGHT TO REMEMBER FEA- Fri 8th Nov, 8pm THE TWANG Kasbah, Irish Centre, Birmingham MARTY WILDE Prince Of TURING PAPER LACE & THE Coventry ZOE RAHMAN Arena The- Wales Centre, Cannock IVY LEAGUE Lichfield Gar- Jez Lowe RUA MACMILLAN TRIO THE 2 TONICS Specials trib- atre, Wolverhampton The rick Tickets: £14.50, ute act, The River Rooms, RIBDONOR The Flapper, £12.50 Members Red Lion Folk Club, Birm- BLACK SPIDERS O2 Acad- Stourbridge Birmingham ingham emy, Birmingham THE RESTARTS, POLICE BAS- LETLIVE The Asylum, B‘ham Fri 10th Nov, 8pm SLAID CLEAVES Foxlowe THE SAM DRAISEY SESSIONS TARD, PISS ON AUTHORITY, FURNEY Hare & Hounds, Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs The Robin, Bilston DOMINIC J MARSHALL TRIO WRONGDOING, EPHEMERAL Birmingham The Dylan JAY-Z National Indoor FOETUS, INTERNAL ROT AND HOSPITALITY FT CAMO & The Spotted Dog, Birming- Arena, Birmingham Project FEAR INSIGHT The Asylum, KROOKED, HIGH CONTRAST, ham NADINE SHAH Hare & Tickets: £16, KIERAN GOSS Birmingham DANNY BYRD AND MORE... Stafford Gate- Hounds, Birmingham £14 Members RID & THE MAD GEESE The The Rainbow, Birmingham house Theatre LANDSHAPES (BELLA UNION) DALEY Actress & Bishop, Birming- Hare & Hounds, / DRAKELOW Hare & Fri 29th Nov, 8pm ham Birmingham SUN 6 OCT Hounds, B’ham JOE O'DONNELL'S SHKAYLA Sarah JOHNNY FLYNN & THE SUS- Warwick Arts Centre, JANE MCDONALD IN CON- SEX WIT The Institute, Birm- Gillespie THUR 3 OCT Coventry CERT New Alexandra The- ingham Tickets: £14.50, THE MANFREDS Solihull Arts atre, Birmingham ROY ORBISON AND FRIENDS LAURA CANTRELL & SAM £12.50 Members Complex CROSBY STILLS & NASH Na- New Alexandra Theatre, SEMPLE The Glee Club, FRAN THE MAN Irish Centre, tional Indoor Arena, Birm- For a programme or further information contact: Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham ingham Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU MADINA LAKE The Sug- ITCHYFEET The Jam House, ANN BREEN Prince Of Wales ELLIE GOULDING Civic Hall, armill, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 Centre, Cannock Wolverhampton NAVI - KING OF POP Michael THE PICTISH TRAIL The Tin THE SITUATION A BLUES SES- RECKLESS LOVE The Slade www.lichfieldarts.org.uk Jackson tribute. Bedworth Music And Arts, Coventry SION WITH DIRTY ROTTEN Rooms, Wolverhampton Civic Hall LIAM NOBLE QUINTET mac - You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 9

22 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 10

THE EDWIN STARR BAND The TONY HADLEY Symphony LISTINGS Robin, Bilston Hall, Birmingham Music RYAN KEEN The Institute BOOTHBY GRAFFOE LAMP, Birmingham Leamington Spa BRIGHT PHOEBUS REVISITED LAWSON O2 Academy, For full listing information on gigs Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham including, times and dates, visit Coventry SETH LAKEMAN The Robin, 5 www.whatsonlive.co.uk RISHOO CHOWDHURY, JAS- Bilston DEEP SINGH DEGUN & KAVI- MARC O'REILLY Hare & OCTOBER RAJ SINGH DHADYALLA Hounds, Birmingham Midlands Arts Centre, Hall, Wolverhampton Symphony Hall, Birming- CHRISTY MOORE Warwick Birmingham BRUNO MARS National In- ham Arts Centre, Coventry SAN FRANCISCO OPERA PHILIP HENRY & HANNAH door Arena, B’ham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE The SPECTOR Hare & Hounds, MEPHISTOPHELES MARTIN Henry Tudor DANIEL O'DONNELL Sym- Jam House, B’ham Birmingham House, Shrewsbury phony Hall, B’ham BOLDWOOD Foxlowe Arts CHRIS YOUNG ENSEMBLE Thurs 3 Oct, 6.30pm JEREMY PRICE/MARTIN UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE The Centre, Leek, Staffs The Jam House,, B’ham HATHAWAY QUINTET The Jam House, B’ham TROUMACA The Sugarmill, MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUM- Spotted Dog, B’ham ADELLE TRIBUTE SHOW WITH Stoke-on-Trent MERS Solihull Arts Com- 'HOMETOWN GLORY' NATALIE MILITARY BAND CONCERT plex ANNE Nailcote Hall, Berk- Solihull Arts Complex COLFAX, MIDNIGHT DOGS & WED 9 OCT sell, Warwickshire LONG DISTANCE Irish Centre, MARY'S RUIN The Road- A 60S NIGHT OUT FEATURING KATE NASH The Institute Birmingham house, B’ham THE FORTUNES & PAPER Birmingham BAD LUCK AND SUPERSTI- HANSU-TORI The Spotted LACE Solihull Arts Complex THE JIM JONES REVUE The TION Route 44, Birming- Dog, Birmingham THE HOLLIES Theatre Sev- Institute B’ham ham ern, Shrewsbury SLEEPING WITH SIRENS O2 THE RATTLIN DOORS The WED 16 OCT QUILL Lichfield Garrick Academy, B’ham Flapper, Birmingham Live streaming from San Franciso NADINE SHAH The Slade RALPH MCTELL - ONE MORE MC TRIGGA’S BIRTHDAY PAUL WELLER Civic Hall, with one of their most impressive Rooms, Wolverhampton FOR THE ROAD Artrix, BASH O2 Academy, Birm- Wolverhampton productions ever. Sung in Italian. THE QUIREBOYS O2 Acad- Bromsgrove ingham VOLBEAT O2 Academy, emy, Birmingham MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL ANNA LENA & THE ORCHIDS Birmingham PHILL JUPITUS AMY KAKOURA- SONGS FROM GUESTS Huntingdon Hall, Hare & Hounds, Birming- THE LAST CARNIVAL O2 A LEDGE Warwick Arts Cen- Worcester ham Academy, Birmingham Sat 12 Oct, 8pm tre, Coventry BEANS ON TOAST The Rain- MIDLANDS METAL CRUSADE LANTERNS ON THE LAKE bow, Birmingham WITH BREED 77 The Slade Hare & Hounds, B’ham HAWKLORDS The Robin, Bil- “You're Probably OFFICIAL RECEIVERS The Rooms, Wolverhampton BROTHER AND BONES The ston Wondering Why JIM PAGE Hare & Hounds, Marr's Bar, Worcester MALCOM STENT AND Institute, Birmingham JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO FRIENDS Huntingdon Hall, THE ORB The Slade Rooms, I've Asked You Birmingham Here..." Charac- SAN CISCO The Institute DAVID BOWIE The Robin, Worcester Birmingham Bilston ULTRA 90S The River DRENGE The Sugarmill, ter-based live Birmingham comedy show GOSPEL CENTRAL The Jam MICK COADY'S SYNERGY Rooms, Stourbridge Stoke-on-Trent from the superb House, Bham Symphony Hall, B’ham CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH Phill Jupitus. JACKIE OATES The Red Lion CHARLES BRADLEY & HIS EX- SUN 13 OCT Theatre Severn, Shrews- Folk Club, B’ham TRAORDINAIRES Hare & bury THE CARPET CRAWLERS Hounds, Birmingham THE STEVE KING BIG BAND THE GIANT KILLERS The Jam ROH LIVE Stafford Gatehouse The- FRED ZEPPELIN The River Solihull Arts Complex House, B’ham DON QUIXOTE atre Rooms, Stourbridge CARA DILLON Birmingham ROCK PROJECT GIG Forest JOE BROWN Theatre Sev- Town Hall Arts Centre, Walsall Wed 16 Oct, ern, Shrewsbury THE UPBEAT BEATLES The PETE COE The Red Lion 7.15pm THUR 10 OCT HIGHTOWER & THE GOOD Grand Theatre, Wolver- Folk Club, Birmingham THE GAME Live broadcast of THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- WATER The Actress & hampton The Institute, Birmingham Pepita’s classic SHOW Victoria Hall, Hanley, Bishop, Birmingham JOE BROWN Lichfield Gar- EXIT STATE The Asylum, rick ballet, from Stoke-on-Trent Covent Garden. MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUM- Birmingham ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THUR 17 OCT Directed by, and MERS Lichfield Garrick THE HIGH KINGS Solihull THE MELTING PARAISO U.F.O featuring, Carlos DREADZONE The Slade Arts Complex The Flapper, Birmingham THE DRIFTERS New Alexan- Rooms, Wolverhampton DEVON SPROULE AND MIKE LUKE CONCANNON (NIZLOPI) dra Theatre, Birmingham Acosta in the role GOLDIE LOOKIN' CHAIN O2 O'NEILL The Tin Music And AND JIMMY DAVIS The STEVEN WILSON (PORCUPINE of Basilio. Academy, B’ham Arts, Coventry Marr's Bar, Worcester TREE) Civic Hall, Wolver- THE HURLING BOYS Irish NEVER THE BRIDE The hampton BALLET CYMRU ONSLAUGHT SLAUGHTER- ROMEO AND JULIET FEST TOUR 2013 EXHUMER, Centre, Birmingham Robin, Bilston DAUGHTER Wulfrun Hall, E.T A: CHARITY EVENT Route THE WILL POUND BAND War- Wolverhampton MASTER AND OBZIDIAN The Fri 25 Oct, 7.30pm Institute Birmingham 44, Birmingham wick Arts Centre, Coventry ALTER BRIDGE, HALESTROM THE BUDAPEST CAFE OR- THE POWER OF LOVE Prince POLTERGEIST The Slade AND SHINEDOWN National An extraordinary Of Wales Centre, Cannock CHESTRA Artrix, Broms- Rooms, Wolverhampton Indoor Arena, Birmingham adaptation of NATION BLUE The Flapper, ETHAN ASH, EMILY EWING THE SENSATIONAL 60'S EXPE- grove Shakespeare’s Birmingham AND CARRICK The Yardbird RIENCE Featuring Mar- THE SUBS The Jam House, masterpiece.Intense Birmingham DREADZONE The Buttermar- Jazz Club, B’ham malade, Herman's Hermits, ket, Shrewsbury THE RAT PACK VEGAS SPEC- Chris Farlowe & Steve Ellis' fighting, passionate THE MARTIN BARRE BAND duets with dramatic, The Robin, Bilston WALSALL JAZZ ORCHESTRA TACULAR Prince Of Wales Love Affair, Theatre Sev- AND THE STEVE AJAO QUAR- Centre, Cannock ern, Shrewsury lyrical choreography DARDEN SMITH Hare & and fabulous costumes. Hounds, Birmingham TET Lichfield Gulidhall MGMT Civic Hall, Wolver- THE CAT EMPIRE The Insti- ALISON MOYET Warwick Arts MISTAJAM PRESENTS hampton tute, Birmingham SPEAKERBOX The Institute, IRENE & TOM Irish Centre, TICH The Institute B’ham NTLIVE ENCORE SCREENING Centre, Coventry FRANKENSTEIN BEANS ON TOAST The Tin Birmingham Birmingham RUDIMENTAL O2 Academy, HELLS BELLS The Road- VANCE JOY Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Music And Arts, Coventry Thurs 31 Oct and 22 Nov, 7pm LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The River house, Birmingham Birmingham ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG Rooms, Stourbridge OPERATION HARDCORE The AND HIS BAND Artrix, PASSENGER O2 Academy, Rainbow, Birmingham MON 14 OCT Bromsgrove Birmingham SIX TOWNS The Sugarmill, DERVISH Huntingdon Hall, ACTIVE CHILD Hare & Stoke-on-Trent BABYSHAMBLES O2 Acad- Worcester Hounds, Birmingham emy, Birmingham BUDDY HOLLY AND THE JULIAN SMITH Solihull Arts SAT 12 OCT TUNNG WITH SUPPORT FROM CRICKETERS Victoria Hall, Complex PINKUNOIZU Hare & Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent OFF THE WALL - THE SOUND BARBARA DICKSON Lichfield Hounds, Birmingham THE ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE A repeat of the sell-out 2011 OF PINK FLOYD Bedworth Garrick JOHNNY MARR Wulfrun Hall, The Robin, Bilston broadcasts with Benedict Cumberbatch Civic Hall THE POLICE ACADEMY The Wolverhampton HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT O2 and Johnny Lee Miller alternating the METHODEMIC, EAGLES BORN Roadhouse, Birmingham FOCUS FEATURING THIJS VAN Academy, Birmingham roles of Victor Frankenstein and his VULTURES, ENGLISH OF THE SATSANGI The Actress & LEER The Robin, Bilston HOPE AND SOCIAL The Tin creation. 31 October sees Cumberbatch SIXTH AND KRITICAL CHARGE Bishop, Birmingham SPLASHH The Institute Music And Arts, Coventry in title role; Miller in title role on 22 Nov. O2 Academy, Birmingham SEAN TAYLOR Royal Spa Birmingham BEATIE WOLFE Hare & CLUB CRIMINAL The Road- Centre, Leamington Spa DERVISH mac - Midlands Hounds, Birmingham house, Birmingham BABYSHAMBLES The As- Arts Centre, Bi’ham THE PLATINUM ROGUES The 1 Mill Street, Ludlow, sembly, Leamington Spa Jam House, Birmingham Shropshire SY8 1AZ LIAM NOBLE QUINTET The TUE 15 OCT FIELD HARMONICS, MIR- FRI 11 OCT Hive, Shrewsbury RORHALL & THE RETRO OTIS GIBBS Birchmeadow, DEEP PURPLE National In- SPANKEES The Actress & 01584 878141 JOE LONGTHORNE Wulfrun Broseley, Shropshire door Arena, B’ham Bishop, Birmingham www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 11

MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL DEAF HAVANA The Insti- THE COUNTERFEIT SIX- NORMAN WATT-ROY The LISTINGS GUESTS Theatre Severn, tute Birmingham TIES TRIBUTE SHOW Tam- Marr's Bar, Worcester Music Shrewsbury BARONESS PLUS ROYAL worth Assembly Rooms ULI JON ROTH The River THE HEELS The Yardbird THUNDER The Slade SOULSHAKE The Yard- Rooms, Stourbridge Jazz Club, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton bird Jazz Club, B’ham VV BROWN The Institute For full listing information on gigs TRIAXIS The Asylum, RABBIT FOOT Palace STAR OF THE SEA Irish Birmingham including, times and dates, visit Birmingham Theatre, Redditch Centre, Birmingham EAMMON MCCANN Irish DIZZY LIZZY Route 44, LOGICALTRAMP - SPIRIT PLASTIC FACTORY The Centre, Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham OF SUPERTRAMP Hunt- Flapper, Birmingham THE IMPOSSIBLE GENTLE- REVOLVER, THE VILLAGE ingdon Hall, Worcester FACE 4TH BIRTHDAY The MEN Arena Theatre, THE SOUNDS OF SIMON The Robin, Bilston GREEN MACHINE & MAD AMONG THE ECHOES Rainbow, Birmingham Wolverhampton Solihull Arts Complex MALA Hare & Hounds, ELIZABETH The Actress WITH SUPPORT FROM MY GREAT AFFLICTION RAMBLING ROSE Irish Birmingham & Bishop, Birmingham JOHNNY NORMAL AND SUN 20 OCT The Flapper, B’ham Centre, Birmingham WU REMEMBRANCE Hip THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS SPACEBUOY The Actress STEVE CLAYTON AND THE FUNK'D, SOL MORGAN, Hop DJs Double D and Solihull Arts Complex & Bishop, Birmingham ROACHFORD The Glee 44S Lichfield Guildhall GEORGIA TOWLER, COREY Psykhomantus cele- NAIMH MCGARVEY Irish ALVIN STARDUST The Club, Birmingham YOUNG & LYRIQE The brate Wu-Tang Clan, Centre, Birmingham Robin, Birmingham THE DRIFTERS Theatre MON 21 OCT Roadhouse, B’ham Hare & Hounds, B’ham DAVID MURRAY INFINITY THE MIGHTY DIAMONDS Severn, Shrewsbury NORDIC GIANTS Hare & WINSTON'S BIG BROTHER QUARTET CBSO Centre, The Institute B’ham HEAR THE PEOPLE SING BLUE The Institute, Birm- Hounds, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham ZEDD O2 Academy, Charity concert in aid of ingham SPACE The Institute, GUNNING FOR TAMAR The Birmingham ladies fighting breast JAMIE CULLUM Sym- FRI 18 OCT Birmingham Assembly, Leamington DETROIT SOUL The Jam cancer, Symphony Hall, phony Hall, Birmingham DAMIEN DEMPSEY The Spa House, Birmingham Birmingham NINA NESBITT The Insti- DR AND THE MEDICS The Institute Birmingham TERRESTRIAL, PARADIGM THE NOTEBENDERS Sym- JOHNNY GET THE GUN O2 tute Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- STEPBACK SESSIONS AND SPRING YARD The phony Hall, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham HIM Civic Hall, Wolver- hampton TOUR FEATURING DOC Sugarmill, Stoke-on- MATT RIDLEY TRIO WITH PUBLIC IMAGE LTD O2 hampton JESSIE J LG Arena, SCOTT, 4HERO, RANDALL, Trent SPECIAL GUEST JASON Academy, Birmingham TO KILL A KING The Birmingham BLADERUNNER, COOL- YARDE The Edge Arts CAMEL Wulfrun Hall, Slade Rooms, Wolver- EVERYTHING EVERYTHING HAND FLEX & DJ VAPOUR SAT 19 OCT Centre, Much Wenlock, Wolverhampton hampton The Institute, Birming- The Institute, Birming- Shropshire MICHAEL LAW: EASY TO EMILY BARKER & RED ham ham RAYMOND FROGGATT Ar- RAWK HEADBOOM The LOVE Huntingdon Hall, CLAY HALO Artrix, DETROIT SOUL The Jam STEVE CLAYTON AND THE trix, Bromsgrove Marr's Bar, Worcester Worcester Bromsgrove House, Birmingham 44S Symphony Hall, M PEOPLE Civic Hall, GOLDIE LOOKIN' CHAIN SPEAR OF DESTINY The GHOSTPOET The Glee THE MAGOOS The Road- Birmingham Wolverhampton Kasbah, Coventry Slade Rooms, Wolver- Club, Birmingham house, Birmingham ZERVAS & PEPPER The CHRIS WOOD Newhamp- THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- hampton THE ANSWER Wulfrun Glee Club, Birmingham ton Arts Centre, Wolver- SHOW Ludlow Assembly CHINA CRISIS The Robin, TUE 22 OCT Hall, Wolverhampton ATRIUM QUARTET WITH hampton Rooms, South Shrop- Bilston LLOYD COLE Huntingdon NICOLAS STAVY Artrix, BOWLING FOR SOUP O2 shire EEF BARZELAY (CLEM STEVE HACKETT - GENE- ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S V Hall, Worcester Bromsgrove Academy, Birmingham SNIDE) & CHRIS OTEPKA SIS REVISITED Sym- 80S GARETH GATES The As- ROY ORBISON AND QUADROPHENIA NIGHT The River Rooms, (HELIGOATS) Hare & phony Hall, Birmingham sembly, Leamington FRIENDS Stratford Civic FEATURING THE AT- Stourbridge Hounds, Birmingham THE WEDDING PRESENT THE ELO EXPERIENCE Spa Hall LANTICS AND DJ DREW JOE, JAGGED EDGE AND The Slade Rooms, THE KEITH THOMPSON RUSSIAN GUN DOGS Kas- STANSALL (THE SPE- Theatre Severn, 112 The Institute, Birm- Wolverhampton BLUES BAND The Marr's bah, Coventry CIALS) O2 Academy, Shrewsbury ingham FRANK VIGNOLA & VINNY SNOWBLIND - BLACK SAB- Bar, Worcester PERMISSION TO ROCK Birmingham THE GREGORY S DAVIES RANIOLO The Robin, Bil- BATH TRIBUTE ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW The River Rooms, DARK SIDE OF THE WALL Route 44, BAND Henry Tudor ston AND THE LOW RIDERS Stourbridge The Roadhouse, B’ham Shrewsbury House, Birmingham NORMAN WATT-ROY Hare

24 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Music October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:34 Page 12

& Hounds, Birmingham YEARS Lichfield Garrick THE NOSE Malvern The- Spa ALUNAGEORGE The Insti- INTO THE SHADOWS Lich- atres DELTA SLEEP, SUFFER LIKE tute Birmingham field Garrick LUTHER GROSVENOR The G DID AND MOUNT FUJI CATFISH AND THE BOT- THE ELO EXPERIENCE Marr's Bar, Worcester Flapper, Birmingham TLEMEN Hare & Hounds, Palace Theatre, Red- THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- Birmingham ditch ENCE The Robin, Bilston TUE 29 OCT MARK STEWART The As- GROUPER The Jam TRAVIS O2 Academy, sembly, Leamington House, Birmingham Birmingham IAN PARKER & HIS BAND Spa PABLO HELD TRIO Sym- THE LANCASHIRE HOT- The Robin, Bilston HAWKLORDS The Marr's phony Hall, Birmingham POTS O2 Academy, EUROS CHILDS Hare & Bar, Worcester MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham STEVE AJAO BLUES GI- GUESTS Wulfrun Hall, SOWETO KINCH Sym- JAKE BUGG O2 Acad- ANTS The Jam House, Wolverhampton phony Hall, Birmingham emy, Birmingham Birmingham ORANGE O2 Academy, MAETLOAF The River PORTICO QUARTET The STACEY KENT Solihull Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Complex TRIO VALORE PLUS SUP- IVOR & LYNN'S CLASSIC QUARTET FT. STAN SULZ- THE ZEPPELIN 3 The PORT Stafford Gate- ROCK DISCO Route 44, MANN The Spotted Dog, Roadhouse, Birming- house Theatre BIrmingham Birmingham ham THE DOORS ALIVE Hunt- THE BAY CITY ROLLERS FLOTSAM & JETSAM The OLLIE HOWELL QUINTET ingdon Hall, Worcester Prince Of Wales Centre, Slade Rooms, Wolver- Jake Bugg - O2 Academy, Birmingham The Spotted Dog, BROKEN WITT REBELS Cannock hampton B’ham AND LUMINANCE The GROUPER The Jam KIRSTEN MORRISON The RONIN The Actress & Rainbow, Birmingham House, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Bishop, Birmingham THE PINK FLOYD DIMEN- THE WEEKS The Institute, WED 30 OCT MEGSON The Red Lion WALTER TROUT The WED 23 OCT SION The Assembly, Birmingham Folk Club, Birmingham Robin, Bilston MICHAEL NYMAN Malvern JOHN WIZARDS Hare & VISTA CHINO The Insti- GOO GOO DOLLS The In- Leamington Spa SOLDIER, BLAKCAN, CAS- Theatres ARE YOU EXPERIENCED - SETTE DAYS & THE KALEI- Hounds, Birmingham tute, Birmingham stitute, Birmingham JOE BROWN The Swan THE DYLAN PROJECT SAVAGE MESSIAH The In- THE CULT Civic Hall, JIMI HENDRIX TRIBUTE DOSCOPES The Actress Theatre, Worcester The Marr's Bar, Worces- & Bishop, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham stitute, Birmingham Wolverhampton AN ENGLISHMAN, AND HADOUKEN The Slade LONDON GRAMMAR O2 ter THE FULL SHA BANG Irish IRISHMAN AND A WELSH- SOULED OUT 2 FUNK The Centre, BIrmingham THUR 31 OCT Rooms, Wolverhampton Academy, Birmingham MAN Old Joint Stock JOHN ANTHONY FELL THE DEBORAH BONHAM Roadhouse, B’ham PAUL DUNMALL mac - Theatre, Birmingham LLOYD COLE Wulfrun Symphony Hall, B’ham BAND TOYAH WILLCOX The Midlands Arts Centre, The Robin, Bilston PARADISE LOST Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton ADAMANTIUM HAL- FEROCIOUS DOG Hare & Robin, Bilston BIrmingham Hall, Wolverhampton CLEAN BANDIT O2 Acad- MOTORKILL & PARALET- JOE BROWN The Swan LOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA Hounds, Birmingham HATS OFF TO LED ZEPPE- Theatre Worcester The Marr's Bar, Worces- SOUL CARIBBEAN Birm- emy, BIrmingham ICA The Roadhouse, LIN Victoria Hall, Hanley, THE BLACKOUT WITH SUP- B’ham JACKSON LIVE IN CON- ter ingham Town Hall Stoke-on-Trent CERT Palace Theatre, DEL CAMINO The Jam PETER GRANT The Jam PORT FROM FRAMING BEYOND THE BARRICADE HAZEL O'CONNOR The HANLEY AND BLITZ KIDS Stafford Gatehouse Redditch House, Birmingham House, Birmingham Robin, Bilston SUEDE O2 Academy, BREABACH Theatre Sev- PALOMA FAITH WITH THE The Institute, Birming- Theatre EMMA'S IMAGINATION Birmingham ern, Shrewsbury GUY BARKER ORCHESTRA ham RATTLE SNAKE RIOTS The Glee Club, B’ham OZRIC TENTACLES Hare & THE BAD BLOOD TOUR: Warwick Arts Centre, ROCK ANTHEMS Artrix, Newhampton Arts Cen- WISHBONE ASH FEATUR- Bromsgrove tre, Wolverhampton Hounds, Birmingham BLOOD ON THE DANCE- Coventry ING ANDY POWELL Artrix, RANDOLPH MATTHEWS FLOOR The Asylum, GABBY YOUNG The Yard- THE 80'S PROJECT The ROCKTOBER FT BLUE ORI- Bromsgrove River Rooms, Stour- GIN AND DEAD AUDIO VOCE SOLO The Public, Birmingham bird Jazz Club, B’ham LEEE JOHN - IMAGINATION West Bromwich PROPAGANDA - HAL- MERRY HELL The Red bridge SOULS The Sugarmill, The Jam House, Birm- CLASSIC CLAPTON Prince Stoke-on-Trent ARCTIC MONKEYS LG LOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Lion Folk Club, B’ham ingham Arena, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham DEAF SCHOOL The Insti- Of Wales Centre, Can- LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Marr’s LENE LOVICH BAND & tute, Birmingham nock Bar, Worcester BEFORE THE STORY ENDS, GO PRIMITIVE, PUZZLES & SUN 27 OCT THUR 24 OCT IDLEHOUR The Actress & Music Venues Box Office Bishop, Birmingham MATTHEW FORD'S SWING ROY ORBISON AND MEET ON THE LEDGE 21ST FRIENDS Bedworth Civic LEGENDS Lichfield Gar- ANNIVERSARY CONCERT rick Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire Hall Stratford Civic Hall THE MONOCHROME SET LUCY SPRAGGAN The In- 02 ACADEMY CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK PAT BRESLIN Irish Cen- stitute, Birmingham 0121 622 8250 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 Hare & Hounds, B’ham tre, Birmingham LES AND THE LICKS The T-REXTASY Crewe THE ACTRESS & BISHOP DUDLEY CONCERT HALL LICHFIELD GUILDHALL THE HALF LIGHT The Lyceum 0121 236 7426 01384 815577 01543 262223 Jam House, B’ham Flapper, Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 60'S TOUCHSTONE & VON ADRIAN BOULT HALL FOREST ARTS CENTRE THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY THE LICHFIELD FESTIVAL 0121 331 5901 0845 111 2898 EXPERIENCE Malvern HERTZEN BROTHERS The STOKE-ON-TRENT OF FOLK Lichfield Guild- Robin, Bilston THE ASYLUM NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01159 454 593 Theatres 01902 572090 hall THE QUEEN EXTRAVA- 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS K**T & THE GANG, SCUM- GUS (ALT-J) DJ SET O2 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH FACE AND CHAINSAW GANZA O2 Academy, THE BARBER INSTITUTE 01827 709618 Academy, Birmingham 0121 414 7333 0121 533 7161 PENIS The Flapper, Birmingham VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY SPIRO Wem Town Hall, BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0870 060 6649 Birmingham THE FAMOUS CLASS O2 01902 401211 North Shropshire Academy, Birmingham 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ERIC BIBB The Robin, SLADE ROOMS SUSAN CADOGAN Hare & BOMBINO Warwick Arts CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 Bilston Hounds, Birmingham 0121 780 3333 WOLVERHAMPTON CHARLENE SORAIA The Centre, Coventry 0870 320 7000 BRING TO LIGHT The FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 Warwickshire Institute, Birmingham THE BLACK UMFOLOSI 5 STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Rainbow, Birmingham THE GLEE CLUB SUB FOCUS The Institute, Artrix, Bromsgrove 01384 812812 THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 0871 472 0400 01926 311311 Birmingham BUDDY AND THE KILLER WULFRUN HALL, HARE & HOUNDS RYAN KEEN The Sug- SAT 26 OCT Prince Of Wales Centre, WOLVERHAMPTON THE KASBAH, COVENTRY Cannock 0121 444 2081 0870 320 7000 024 7655 4473 armill, Stoke-on-Trent THE GRIMETHORPE COL- INSTITUTE FORTRESS The Marr's BROSS WELCH Irish Cen- NAILCOTE HALL, LIERY BAND Bedworth 0121 643 0428 Shropshire BERKSWELL Bar, Worcester tre, Birmingham Civic Hall IRISH CENTRE BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 02476 46 6174 ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S DICK GAUGHAN mac - THE FEELING O2 Acad- 0121 622 2314 01952 882210 STRATFORD CIVIC HALL HEROES Ludlow Assem- Midlands Arts Centre, emy, Birmingham Birmingham THE JAM HOUSE THE BUTTERMARKET, 01789 207100 bly Rooms, South 0121 200 3030 SHREWSBURY SHOWADDYWADDY The THE NIGHTINGALES Hare TAYLOR JOHN’S HOUSE, Shropshire LG ARENA 01743 355055 Place, Oakengates The- & Hounds, Birmingham COVENTRY VOODOO SIX & SACRED 0844 338 8000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, 024 7623 0699 atre, Telford IN DANTE’S ECLIPSE The MOTHER TONGUE O2 NIA MUCH WENLOCK MICHAEL CHAPMAN Ar- Slade Rooms, Wolver- 01952 728911 Academy, Birmingham trix, Bromsgrove 0844 338 8000 Worcestershire hampton HENRY TUDOR HOUSE KADAVAR The Slade NORTHERN SOUL AND THE RAINBOW ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Rooms, Wolverhampton 0121 772 8174 SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 MOTOWN NIGHT Dudley 01743 361666 THE APPLES The Yard- Town Hall MON 28 OCT RED LION FOLK CLUB HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN bird Jazz Club, B’ham 0121472 4253 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY THEATRE 01905 611427 TOM ODELL The Institute, 01743 234970 GORDON GILTRAP ALISON MOYET Sym- THE ROADHOUSE MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER Birmingham THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY phony Hall, Birmingham 0121 459 5660 01905 613336 Stafford Gatehouse MSFITZ The Asylum, 01691 679123 Theatre JAKE BUGG O2 Acad- ROUTE 44 THE RIVER ROOMS, Birmingham emy, Birmingham 0121 708 0108 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS "TAKE THAT" & "WEST- 01584 878141 STOURBRIDGE FRI 25 OCT MICHAEL NYMAN Birm- SYMPHONY HALL 01384 397177 LIFE" SHOW Nailcote ingham Town Hall 0121 780 3333 THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 FRED ZEPPELIN The Hall, Berkswell, War- SARA COLMAN Sym- THE VICTORIA wickshire 0121 633 9439 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, For additional information Slade Rooms, Wolver- phony Hall, Birmingham TELFORD 01952 382382 hampton THE PIGEON DETECTIVES MARK KOZELEK The As- THE YARDBIRD and to find out What’s On WEM TOWN HALL The Slade Rooms, 0121 212 2524 at these venues. ELVIS THROUGH THE sembly, Leamington 01939 232299 Wolverhampton Visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 ClassicalOctober_Layout123/09/201319:02Page1

PREVIEWS Thomas Trotter Classical Music Central Hall Methodist Church, Walsall, Sat 5 October; Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 6 October; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 14 October; Birmingham Town Hall, Mon 28 October One of Britain’s most acclaimed musi- cians, Thomas Trotter has performed with a host of revered conductors - Simon Rat- tle, Sir Charles Mackerras and Riccardo Chailly included. He’s also appeared alongside many of the world’s leading orchestras. A former pupil at Malvern Col- lege, Trotter was appointed Birmingham City Organist in 1983, and this month cele- brates thirty years in the prestigious role. An anniversary performance at the city’s Town Hall on 6 October marks the occa- sion, presenting an eclectic programme of classic works written for organ, twentieth- century light music, and an evocative new work by Judith Weir. Trotter’s Walsall programme on the 5th of the month, meanwhile, includes works by JS Bach, JC Bach and Schumann, in addi- tion to folk tunes and a new arrangement of Eric Coates’ Knightsbridge March.

Marcus Farnsworth Mark Anthony Turnage’s Greek Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 4 October Contemporary opera company Music Theatre Wales (MTW) here present their award-winning production of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s first opera. A provocative work, it premiered in 1988, the same year that MTW was formed. Making a huge impact on audiences, Greek instantly earned itself ‘contemporary classic’ status, going on to win an Outstanding Achievement in Opera TMA Theatre Award in 2011. Based on a play by Steven Berkoff, the work transports audiences into the seedy, boozy London East End world of Eddy and his family, and has been described as ‘an opera fizzing with high-voltage energy and raw emotion.’ This fully-staged new production by MTW doesn’t pull any punches, so much so that Turnage himself has described it as ‘amaz- ingly powerful’. The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, hails it as “razor-sharp, with rap and free jazz cutting into the urban angst and wistful lyricism”.

20th Century Classics: Britten Sinfonia Ligeti And Schoenberg With Paul Lewis CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sun 6 October Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School, Thurs 10 October Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) this month launches its new season One of the world’s most celebrated and with works by two of the twentieth century’s pioneering ensembles makes its way to finest composers. Shropshire this month. As Associate György Ligeti’s four-movement Chamber Con- Ensemble at the Barbican, the Britten Sin- certo is considered to be his greatest work, fonia is held in high esteem, not only for its and is here programmed alongside Arnold unique approach to concert programming Schoenberg’s Five Pieces For Orchestra but also for breaking the mould by not having a principal conductor or director. (ensemble version). Work from three up-and- Sophie Bevan coming young British composers, Alexander This Alington Hall concert sees the ensem- Goehr, Niccolò Castiglioni and Helen Grime, ble join forces with leading international also features. Beethoven: Missa Solemnis pianist and Alfred Brendal protégé, Paul Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Lewis. Classic works by Stravinsky, Anne Sat 12 October Clyne, Mozart, Nicholas Maw and Haydn Ex Cathedra and the City Of Birmingham all feature in the programme. Symphony Orchestra here join forces with a host of ‘first-rate’ soloists to perform one of Ludwig van Beethoven’s most profound works. Missa Solemnis took the Austrian composer four years to complete and is considered to be one of his greatest achievements. Beethoven stated his aim when composing Missa Solemnis “was to awaken and permanently instil religious feelings, not only in the singers, but also in the listeners”. This much-anticipated performance features Sophie Bevan (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (mezzo soprano), Andrew Tortise (tenor) and Rod- erick Williams (bass). Paul Lewis

26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk ClassicalOctober_Layout123/09/201319:02Page2

South Shropshire ditch ANDREW TYSON PIANO Debussy, Fri 25 Oct, LISTINGS THE ROCOCO VARIATIONS CBSO MENDELSSOHN IN CONCERT Programme Barber Institute, B’’ham Classical WITH RAPHAEL WALL- BIRMINGHAM: THE ITAL- includes works by JS CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR FISCH Programme IAN SYMPHONY Sat 19 Bach, Schumann, Newbridge Baptist For full listing information on classical includes works by Oct, Birmingham Town Dutilleux & Chopin, Church Fundraising concerts, including times and dates, Haydn, Tchaikovsky Hall Wed 23 Oct, Abbot- Concert, Sat 26 Oct, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk and Mozart, Tue 15 Oct, BIRMINGHAM ICKNIELD sholme School Chapel, Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- Stratford Civic Hall MALE VOICE CHOIR Fea- Rocester, Nr Uttoxeter ingham THE ENGLISH CONCERT ingham PERFORMANCE PLAT- turing special guests CBSO MENDELSSOHN IN ZRI PRESENTS BRAHMS & Programme includes TCHAIKOVSKY SYMPHONY FORM: PHILIP MARTIN Marie-Louise Allard & BIRMINGHAM: THE SCOT- THE GYPSY Reimagining works by Bach, Corelli ORCHESTRA OF MOSCOW Programme includes Bravura, Sat 19 Oct, TISH SYMPHONY Featur- of Brahms’ popular & Vivaldi, Tue 1 Oct, St RADIO Featuring works by Beethoven, Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- ing Edward Gardner Clarinet Quintet Op115, Mary's Church, Warwick Vladimir Fedoseyev, Chopin, Philip Martin, ingham (conductor) and Martin Sun 27 Oct, The Lion MAHLER'S FIRST SYM- Wed 9 Oct, Warwick Gershwin & Gottschalk, ORGAN PROM FEATURING Helmchen (piano), Hotel, Shrewsbury PHONY Featuring Nikolaj Arts Centre, Coventry Tues 15 Oct, Adrian PHILIP RUSHFORTH Thu 24 Oct, Birming- THE GREAT ENORMO Znaider (conductor) CBSO BEETHOVEN'S VIO- Boult Hall, Birmingham Organist at Chester ham Town Hall WITH MICHAEL ROSEN and Ingrid Fliter LIN CONCERTO Pro- RUDDIGORE Presented Cathedral, Sat 19 Oct, AGRIPPINA English Tour- Sun 27 Oct, Symphony (piano), Thurs 3 Oct, gramme includes works by Worcester Gilbert & Victoria Hall, Hanley, ing Opera present Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham by Mozart, Haydn and Sullivan Society, Tue 15 Stoke-on-Trent what's often regarded LUNCHTIME ORGAN CON- MEPHISTOPHELES An Beethoven, Wed 9 - - Sat 19 Oct, The Swan ACADEMY OF ANCIENT as Handel's 'first operat- CERT WITH THOMAS opera in prologue sang Thurs 10 Oct, Theatre, Worcester MUSIC Programme ic masterpiece'. Thurs TROTTER Programme in Italian, Thurs 3 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birm- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM includes works by 24 Oct, Malvern The- includes works by; Bux- Ludlow Assembly ingham SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Mozart & Haydn, Sun atres tehude, Hindemith, Rooms, South Shrop- DANNY ELFMAN'S MUSIC CARMEN AND BOLERO 20 Oct, Warwick Arts BCMS CHAMBER MUSIC Liszt, Whitlock and shire FROM THE FILMS OF TIM Presented by City Of Centre, Coventry SERIES Featuring Robin Saint-Saens, Mon 28 THE SIXTEEN Pro- BURTON Featuring the Birmingham Symphony ANDREW KING (TENOR), Ireland (viola) & John Oct, Birmingham Town gramme includes works BBC Concert Orches- Orchestra, Wed 16 Oct, ELIZABETH PALLETT (THE- Thwaites (piano). Pro- Hall by Allegri and Palestri- tra, Thurs 10 Oct, NIA, Symphony Hall, B’ham ORBO) & MARTIN gramme includes works MAXIM RYSANOV (VIOLA) na, Thurs 3 Oct, Coven- Birmingham THE ROCOCO VARIATIONS PERKINS (HARPSICHORD) by Mozart, Prokofiev & & FABIO BIDINI (PIANO) try Cathedral BRITTEN SINFONIA WITH WITH RAPHAEL WALL- Tues 22 Oct, Adrian Piazzola, Thurs 24 Oct, Programme includes THE LEO QUARTET Pro- PAUL LEWIS Thurs 10 FISCH Programme Boult Hall, Birmingham Adrian Boult Hall, works by Bach, gramme includes works Oct, Alington Hall, includes works by RAF IN CONCERT 2013 B’ham Mendelssohn & Schu- by Britten & Shrewsbury School Haydn, Tchaikovsky Wed 23 Oct, Symphony ROYAL NORTHERN COL- bert, Tues 29 Oct, Adri- Mendelssohn, Thurs 3 MANCHESTER CAMERATA and Mozart. Featuring Hall, Birmingham LEGE OF MUSIC Thurs 24 an Boult Hall, Birming- Oct, CBSO Centre, Programme include David Curtis (conduc- LA SERENISSIMA: HAN- Oct, Warwick Arts Cen- ham Birmingham works by Janacek, tor) and Raphael Wall- DEL AND THE ITALIANS tre, Coventry KERRY ANDREW AND DANISH STRING QUARTET Mozart & Haydn, Fri 11 fisch (cello), Wed 16 Featuring Adrian Chan- THE CORONATION OF POP- SOUND COLLECTIVE Pro- Programme includes Oct, Stafford Gate- Oct, B’ham Town Hall dler & Colin Scobie PEA English Touring gramme features Dvo- works by Haydn, house Theatre THE SIXTEEN Pro- (violins), Gareth Deats Opera present Mon- rak’s Birdlore, Wed 30 Beethoven & Nielsen, KITTY WHATELY & gramme includes works (cello), James John- teverdi's tale of love, Oct, Westminster The- as well as a selection of JOSEPH MIDDLETON by Britten, Byrd, Gib- stone (harpsichord), power, morality and atre, Keele University Scandinavian folk Lunchtime recital, Fri 11 bons, James MacMil- Programme includes corruption, Fri 25 Oct, CBSO RUSSIAN MASTERS music, Fri 4 Oct, Royal Oct, Barber Concert lan, Tallis & Tippett, works by Veracini, Malvern Theatres Programme includes Pump Rooms, Leam- Hall, Birmingham Wed 16 Oct, Barber Corelli, Handel, Cal- ULRICH HEINEN & MAL- works by Tchaikovsky, ington Spa STARS OF THE OPERA Concert Hall, Birming- dara, Carbonelli & COLM WILSON Pro- Shostakovich and ST KATHERINE’S CHURCH Featuring an eclectic ham Corelli, Wed 23 Oct, gramme includes works Rachmaninov, Thurs 31 CHOIR Fri 4 Oct, Coven- range of covers, from THE SCHUBERT ENSEM- Westminster Theatre, by Beethoven, Webern, Oct, Symphony Hall, try Cathedral Nessun Dorma to BLE Programme Keele University Colin Matthews & Birmingham MAGNIFICENT Bohemian Rhapsody, includes works by MENDELSSOHN Fri 4 Oct, Fri 11 Oct, Royal Spa Beethoven, Enescu & Malvern Theatres Centre, Leamington Dvorak, Thurs 17 Oct, AIDA Presented by Ellen Spa Malvern Theatres Kent and Amphitheatre AN AUDIENCE WITH K'ANTU Featuring Ruth Productions, Sat 5 Oct, JONATHAN VEIRA Fri 11 Hopkins, Thurs 17 Oct, Presents New Alexandra Theatre, Oct, Tamworth Assem- Symphony Hall, Birm- Birmingham bly Rooms ingham LONDON CONCERT BEETHOVEN'S MISSA CBSO PLAYERS Pro- AFTERNOON ORCHESTRA: CRAZY FOR SOLEMANIS Sat 12 Oct, gramme includes works GERSHWIN Sat 5 Oct, Symphony Hall, Birm- by Mozart, Beethoven & TEA DANCE Symphony Hall, B’ham ingham Francaix, Thurs 17 Oct, AN EVENING WITH QUATUOR VOCE Featur- CBSO Centre, Birming- Sunday 3rd November AND CONCERT THOMAS TROTTER Sat 5 ing works by Brahms ham in the Adams Ballroom Oct, Central Hall and Beethoven, Sun 13 COULL QUARTET Thurs 3.30pm - 5.30pm Methodist Church, Wal- Oct, Birmingham Town 17 Oct, Warwick Arts Lion Hotel, shrewsbury sall Hall Centre, Coventry scherzando string Quartet and the Linnet Piano trio ENCHANT CHOIR Sat 5 THE MIDLAND SINFONIA JON LILL Programme Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove Programme includes includes works by will play a selection of classical music including TWENTIETH CENTURY works by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Beethoven, Waltzes, tango and Foxtrots CLASSICS Programme Tchaikovsky & Brahms & Schumann, Tickets: £8 Adults, £4 Children includes works by Beethoven, Sat 12 Oct, Fri 18 Oct, György Ligeti and Artrix, Bromsgrove Malvern Theatres from the hoteland from [email protected] Arnold Schoenberg, DELMEGE QUARTET Pro- ATRIUM STRING QUARTET 01743353107 plus a full range of traditional teas Sun 5 Oct, CBSO Cen- gramme includes works Programme features www.thelionhotelshrewsbury.co.uk available to order from the hotel tre, Birmingham by Mozart & Haydn, works by Walton, THOMAS TROTTER'S 30TH Sun 13 Oct, Warwick Shostakovich & Elgar, ANNIVERSARY RECITAL Arts Centre, Coventry Fri 18 Oct, Artrix, Sun 6 Oct, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Bromsgrove Town Hall MONIC ORCHESTRA Pro- CLARE HAMMOND PIANO TENORS UN LIMITED Sun gramme includes works RECITAL Programme 6 Oct, Crewe Lyceum by Verdi & Wagner, Sun includes works by ASTARIA STRING QUAR- 13 Oct, Adrian Boult Mozart, Schubert, TET Programme Hall, Birmingham Robert Peate, Robin includes works by Jou- AUDLEY MALE VOICE Walker & David bert, Nyman, MacMillan CHOIR Sun 13 Oct, Matthews, Fri 18 Oct, & Walton, Sun 6 Oct, St Victoria Hall, Hanley, The Barber Institute, Oswald’s Chapel, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Worcester THOMAS TROTTER: BY BIRMINGHAM CONSERVA- ORGAN RECITAL WITH ROYAL APPOINTMENT TOIRE SYMPHONY DAVID SAINT Mon 7 Oct, Programme includes ORCHESTRA Featuring St Chad’s Cathedral, works by Walton, Michael Seal & Dağhan Birmingham Sweelinck, Four 16th Doğu. Programme PHILIP HANDY (CELLO) & Century Pieces, JC includes works by ROBERT MARKHAM Bach, Best and Weber. Erkin, Prokofiev, Mus- (PIANO) Programme Mon 14 Oct, Symphony sorgsky, & Ligeti, Fri 18 includes works by Hall, Birmingham Oct, Adrian Boult Hall, Bridge, Thomas Daish THE BOYAN ENSEMBLE OF Birmingham & Franck, Tues 8 Oct, KIEV Mon 14 Oct, Lud- BLAKE Sat 19 Oct, Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- low Assembly Rooms, Palace Theatre, Red-

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Comedy October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:48 Page 1 Comedy

Nina Conti: Dolly Mixtures Comedy Solihull Arts Complex, Sat 5 Oct; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 18 Oct Box Office Ventriloquism is dying a bit of a death nowa- days - and there are those who would happily ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM perform the last rites on this 'hand up a fluffy 0844 871 3011 toy and speak without moving your lips' style ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE of entertainment. That hasn't stopped award- 01527 577330 winning funnygirl Nina Conti from embracing BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL the age-old artform, though. In so doing, she’s 02476 376707 proved that there's life in the old music hall act BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL 0121 780 3333 yet, with a show that's both engagingly funny THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM and delightfully modern and original. Here, she 0121 333 2444 introduces us to her daughter, her handyman, DUDLEY CONCERT HALL her gran, her oldest friend and a stray dog. 01384 815 577 GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM 0871 4720400 HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, 0844 844 0044 David Baddiel: HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER, Fame Not The Musical 01905 611427 Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, Avon, Sun 27 October LEEK, STAFFS Although comedian, novelist and television 01538 386112 presenter David Baddiel first came to promi- KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, nence courtesy of his comedy double-act with Ed Byrne BIRMINGHAM 0121 443 4725 Rob Newman in The Mary Whitehouse The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Tues 22 October; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 25 October; De Montfort Hall, LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM Experience, it’s probably his partnership with Leicester, Thurs 31 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 12 0844 338 8000 Frank Skinner for which he’s best known. In November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 4 December; LUDLOW ASSEMBLY the Britpop era of the mid-1990s, Baddiel and Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 8 February; Civic Hall, ROOMS Skinner could do no wrong, achieving cult sta- Wolverhampton, Sat 22 February; Crewe Lyceum, Wed 19 March; 01584 878141 Bedworth Civic Hall, Sat 22 March MAC, BIRMINGHAM tus with their hit television series Fantasy 0121 446 3232 Football League and even enjoying a UK sin- If you fancy a good heckle, don't bother going to an Ed Byrne PALACE THEATRE, gles chart success with Three Lions, the show. Ed's style of delivery is so fast that any attempted witticisms REDDITCH England football team's official anthem for from the audience get drowned out in his veritable barrage of high- 01527 65203 THE PUBLIC, WEST Euro ’96. David’s making a welcome return to quality laughter-inducing material. A highly regarded master of BROMWICH the live circuit with this observational comedy, the Mock The Week star continues his quest 0121 533 7161 latest offering, his first to turn into a grumpy old man, whether he's talking about cake, his DRUMMONDS BAR, full show in fifteen cat, religion or fatherhood. Of late, Ed has joined forces with fellow WORCESTER 01905 28190 years, which sees him comedian Andy Parsons for a new series of World’s Most RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY examining ‘the New Dangerous Roads. 0844 873 6565 Lad/Token Jew/come- THE ROSES THEATRE dy rock’n'roller'/foot- TEWKESBURY ball singer-songwriter Stephen K Amos 01684 295074 Hereford Courtyard Theatre, Wed 9 October; Theatre Severn, ROYAL SPA CENTRE, persona’ with which LEAMINGTON SPA he's co-existed for the Shrewsbury, Thurs 10 October; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 01926 334418 16 October; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 27 November; last two decades. STAFFORD GATEHOUSE Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sat 15 February; Lichfield Garrick, THEATRE Wed 19 February 01785 254653 "I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny Henry to SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Paul Foot die before I could get on television," says Stephen K Amos, referring 0121 704 6962 THE SLADE ROOMS, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 11 Oct; to his belief that big breaks for black comedians are few and far WOLVERHAMPTON The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 30 Oct; between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's 0870 320 7000 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 8 Nov; The very much basking in the televisual limelight these days. His suc- THE GEORGE HOTEL, Met Studio, Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 16 Nov; cess is no surprise, mind, given the quality of his material and his BURSLEM, STAFFS Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 19 Nov 07763301081 effortless ability to strike all the right chords with his ever-apprecia- The task of describing exactly what Paul Foot TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY tive audience. ROOMS does has been likened to 'trying to strangle 01827 709618 mercury' - which gives a pretty good idea of THEATRE SEVERN, just how unique and off-the-wall this vastly SHREWSBURY underrated comedian actually is. A BBC New 01743 281281 Comedy Award and Daily Telegraph Open Mic VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, STOKE-ON-TRENT winner, Paul's TV credits include Never Mind 0844 871 7649 The Buzzcocks and Russell Howard's Good WARWICK ARTS CENTRE News. Not so much a teller of gags, Paul's 02476 524524 past routines have included such gems as WEST BROMWICH TOWN HALL recounting the woes of homophobic shire 0121 596 4429 horses at bygone summer fetes and narrating WULFRUN HALL, his own modern-day Greek tragedy around the WOLVERHAMPTON subjects of Hades, trifle, and parties across the 0870 320 7000 world.

28 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:48 Page 2

Arts Centre, B’ham by Mrs Barbara Nice DELANEY, TANYALEE GUESTS Fri 25 Oct, JOE LYCETT Thurs 10 aka Janice Conolly, DAVIS AND OTIZ Wulfrun Hall, Comedy LISTINGS Oct, The Glee Club, Sun 13 Oct, mac - CANNELLONI Fri 18 - Sat Wolverhampton Birmingham Midlands Arts Centre, 19 Oct, Highlight SEAN LOCK Fri 25 Oct, For full listing information on comedy ALEXAI SAYLE Thurs 10 Birmingham Comedy Club, B’ham Civic Hall, Oct, Stafford ED BYRNE Mon 14 Oct, REGINALD D HUNTER Sat Wolverhampton gigs including times and dates visit Gatehouse Theatre Dudley Town Hall 19 Oct, Warwick Arts JOHN FOTHERGILL, THE www.whatsonlive.co.uk DOC BROWN Thurs 10 RECKLESS COMEDY New Centre, Coventry NOISE NEXT DOOR, Oct, Wulfrun Hall, material night, Mon 14 - THE LUMBERJACKS DANNY MCLOUGHLIN & JASON MANFORD Tues 1 TANYALEE DAVIS Fri 4 - Wolverhampton Tues 15 Oct, LAMP, FEATURING STEWART WOUTER MEIJS Fri 25 - Oct, De Montfort Hall, Sat 5 Oct, The Glee DANIEL TOWNES, STEVE Leamington Spa FRANCIS, CRAIG Sat 26 Oct, The Glee Leicester Club, Birmingham GRIBBIN & BETHANY BILL BAILEY Mon 14 - CAMPBELL AND GLENN Club, Birmingham STEWART LEE Wed 2 HENNING WEHN Sat 5 BLACK Thurs 10 Oct, Tue 15 Oct, De Montfort WOOL Sat 19 Oct, The DALISO CHAPONDA, SAM Oct, Warwick Arts Oct, Crewe Lyceum The Glee Club, Hall, Leicester Place, Oakengates AVERY, COLE PARKER & Centre, Coventry NINA CONTI - DOLLY Birmingham LEAMINGTON COMEDY Theatre, Telford DAMIAN CLARK Fri 25 - DOC BROWN Wed 2 Oct, MIXTURES Sat 5 Oct, LINDA HARGREAVES - FESTIVAL Mon 14 - Sat TRACY MORGAN Sat 19 Sat 26 Oct, Jongleurs The Glee Club, B’ham Solihull Arts Complex RICE N PEAS N CAVIAR 19 Oct, various loca- Oct, Symphony Hall, Comedy Club, B’ham ADAM HILLS Wed 2 Oct, RUSSELL KANE Sat 5 Thurs 10 - Sat 12 Oct, tions, Leamington Spa Birmingham RORY O'HANLON, STEVE Wulfrun Hall, Oct, The Public, West The Lamp Tavern, PEACOCK AND GAMBLE LAUGH OUT LOUD HARRIS, ERIC LAMPAERT Wolverhampton Bromwich Birmingham Mon 14 Oct, Artrix, COMEDY CLUB WITH MC AND MICK FERRY Fri 25 - BILL BAILEY Wed 2 Oct, DOC BROWN Sat 5 Oct, JIMMY CARR Fri 11 Oct, Bromsgrove DAMION LARKIN Sat 19 Sat 26 Oct, Highlight Symphony Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, Civic Hall, W’hampton THE LUMBERJACKS Oct, Regent Theatre, Comedy Club, B’ham Birmingham Coventry ROB BECKETT Fri 11 Oct, FEATURING STEWART Stoke-on-Trent MILTON JONES Sat 26 ROB BECKETT Thurs 3 ROB DEERING & TONY The Met Studio, FRANCIS, CRAIG ANDREW LAWRENCE Sat Oct, Symphony Hall, Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove HENDRICKS Sat 5 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse CAMPBELL AND GLENN 19 Oct, Solihull Arts Birmingham MARKUS BIRDMAN, Jongleurs Comedy PAUL FOOT Fri 11 Oct, WOOL Tue 15 Oct, Complex AN AUDIENCE WITH GEOFF NORCOTT, Club, Birmingham The Slade Rooms, Artrix, Bromsgrove ROBERT NEWMAN'S NEW DOREEN Sat 26 Oct, MATTHEW BAYLIS AND MIRANDA KANE Sat 5 Wolverhampton PUN RUN Tue 15 Oct, THEORY OF EVOLUTION Dovehouse Theatre, COMPERE MARK ROUGH Oct, The Blue Orange ROISIN CONATY Fri 11 Royal Spa Centre, Sat 19 Oct, mac - Solihull Thurs 3 Oct, The Theatre, Birmingham Oct, The Glee Club, Leamington Spa Midlands Arts Centre, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY George Hotel, Lichfield ISHI KHAN-JACKSON Birmingham STEPHEN K AMOS Wed Birmingham NIGHT Sat 26 Oct, Artrix, LEE NELSON LIVE Thurs PRESENTS I AM HAPPY! AN AUDIENCE WITH 16 Oct, Wulfrun Hall, COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS Bromsgrove 3 Oct, The Place, Sat 5 Oct, The Blue DOREEN Presented by Wolverhampton Sat 19 Oct, Royal Spa COMEDY IN THE MET Sat Oakengates Theatre, Orange Theatre, The Flying Duck LEE HURST Wed 16 Oct, Centre, Leamington 26 Oct, The Met Studio, Telford Birmingham Theatre Company, Fri Royal Spa Centre, Spa Stafford Gatehouse DANIEL SLOSS Thurs 3 ROB BECKETT Sun 6 Oct, 11 Oct, The Public, Leamington Spa GINA YASHERE - LIVE! Sat STEWART LEE Sun 27 Oct, The Slade Rooms, Warwick Arts Centre, West Bromwich BOOTHBY GRAFFOE Wed 19 Oct, The Public, Oct, Symphony Hall, Wolverhampton Coventry MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL 16 Oct, LAMP, West Bromwich Birmingham KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY RUSSELL KANE Sun 6 GUESTS Fri 11 Oct, Leamington Spa AN AUDIENCE WITH DAVID BADDIEL: FAME NIGHT Thurs 3 Oct, Oct, The Roses Huntingdon Hall, PAT SHORTT Thurs 17 DOREEN Presented by NOT THE MUSICAL Sun Stourbridge Town Hall Theatre, Tewkesbury Worcester Oct, mac - Midlands The Flying Duck 27 Oct, Royal SHAPPI KHORSANDI ADAM HILLS Sun 6 Oct, DANIEL TOWNES, STEVE Arts Centre, Theatre Company, Sat Shakespeare Theatre, Thurs 3 Oct, The Glee Birmingham Town Hall GRIBBIN, BETHANY BLACK Birmingham 19 Oct, mac - Midlands Stratford-upon-Avon Club, Birmingham BARBARA NICE & GALS & TOM TOAL Fri 11 - Sat RICHARD HERRING Thurs Arts Centre, JOSH WIDDICOMBE Sun ANDY ASKINS & CRAIG Sun 6 Oct, The Glee 12 Oct, The Glee Club, 17 Oct, Royal Spa Birmingham 27 Oct, The Roses MURRAY Thurs 3 Oct, Club, Birmingham Birmingham Centre, Leamington ANDREW LAWRENCE Sat Theatre, Tewkesbury The Glee Club, MARK WATSON (Warwick DANE BAPTISTE, CHRIS Spa 19 Oct, Solihull Arts THE POMEDY SHOW An Birmingham Words performance) CAIRNS, THE NOISE NEXT LATE AND LOCAL Thurs Complex eclectic mix of JOHN SCOTT & STEVE Sun 6 Oct, Bridge DOOR & MARK MAIER Fri 17 Oct, LAMP - LEE MACK Sat 19 Oct, Jamaican poetry & ROYLE Thurs 3 Oct, The House Theatre, 11 - Sat 12 Oct, Leamington Live Art Royal Spa Centre, comedy, Sun 27 Oct, George Hotel, Burslem Warwick Jongleurs Comedy and Music Project Leamington Spa The Drum, Birmingham SEAN HUGHES Fri 4 Oct, HALF MOON COMEDY Club, Birmingham SEANN WALSH & MARLON ARDOL O'HANLON Sun 20 RECKLESS COMEDY New Wulfrun Hall, CLUB Mon 7 Oct, TIFFANY STEVENSON, DAVIS Thurs 17 Oct, Oct, Warwick Arts material night, Mon 28 Wolverhampton Crescent Theatre, BRIAN HIGGINS, PIERRE Royal Spa Centre, Centre, Coventry Oct, LAMP, Leamington TONY LAW Fri 4 Oct, The Birmingham HOLLINS, FERGUS CRAIG Leamington Spa JIMEOIN Sun 20 Oct, Spa Glee Club, Birmingham RUSSELL BRAND Mon 7 - (AND ANDREW MCBUR- ALEXEI SAYLE Thurs 17 Malvern Theatres AN AUDIENCE WITH AN AUDIENCE WITH Tue 8 Oct, Symphony NEY FRI ONLY) Fri 11 - Oct, The Hereford TONY LAW Sun 20 Oct, DOREEN Tue 29 Oct, DOREEN Presented by Hall, Birmingham Sat 12 Oct, Highlight Courtyard Theatre Theatre Severn, Lichfield Garrick The Flying Duck BARNSTORMERS COMEDY Comedy Club, RUDI LICKWOOD, THE Shrewsbury PAUL FOOT Wed 30 Oct, Theatre Company, Sat NIGHT Tue 8 Oct, Royal Birmingham NOISE NEXT DOOR, MARK MARCEL LUCONT Sun 20 The Glee Club, 5 Oct, Birchmeadow, Spa Centre, THE LOVELY MEN NELSON AND MATT PRICE Oct, Warwick Arts Birmingham Broseley, Telford Leamington Spa FEATURING JAMES COOK, Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Oct, Centre, Coventry RETURN OF THE GRUMPY JAMES MULLINGER Fri 4 ADAM KAY Tue 8 Oct, JONATHAN LEE, ANDY The Glee Club, RECKLESS COMEDY New OLD WOMEN: FIFTY Oct, Old Joint Stock The Glee Club, B’ham RICHARDSON AND DAN Birmingham material night, Mon 21 SHADES OF BEIGE Theatre, Birmingham GAVIN WEBSTER, DARREN SMITH Fri 11 Oct, mac - JIMMY CARR Fri 18 Oct, Oct, LAMP, Leamington Featuring Jenny Eclair, ROB DEERING, TONY HARRIOT, HANNA Midlands Arts Centre, Warwick Arts Centre, Spa Susie Blake and Kate HENDRICKS & JAMES SILVESTER & ANDREW Birmingham Coventry ED BYRNE Tues 22 Oct, Robbins, Wed 30 Oct, REDMOND Fri 4 Oct, MCBURNEY Tue 8 Oct, JIMEOIN Sat 12 Oct, JIM DAVIDSON Fri 18 Oakengates Theatre, Stafford Gatehouse Jongleurs Comedy Rose Villa Tavern, Crewe Lyceum Oct, New Alexandra Telford Theatre Club, Birmingham Birmingham JAMES ACASTER Sat 12 Theatre, Birmingham DANIEL SLOSS: STAND-UP, JACK DEE Wed 30 Oct, DAN MITCHELL Fri 4 Oct, TERRY CHRISTIAN Tue 8 Oct, Palace Theatre, GYLES BRANDRETH Fri 18 SUPPORT FROM KAI Warwick Arts Centre, Le Truc, The Arcadian, Oct, Kitchen Garden Redditch Oct, The Roses HUMPHERIES Tue 22 Coventry Birmingham Cafe, Kings Heath, IAN D MONTFORT Sat 12 Theatre, Tewkesbury Oct, The Glee Club, ALEXEI SAYLE Wed 30 COMEDY, BREAD AND A Birmingham Oct, Station Pub, JASON BYRNE Fri 18 Oct, Birmingham Oct, Warwick Arts CUPPA! With master UP AND BRUM-ING Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall JIMEOIN Wed 23 Oct, Centre, Coventry baker Albert Smith, Fri COMEDY SHOWCASE PHILL JUPITUS Sat 12 TERRY ALDERTON Fri 18 Hereford Courtyard JAMES CAMPBELL'S 4 Oct, Eastside HOSTED BY AARON Oct, Ludlow Assembly Oct, Royal Spa Centre, Theatre COMEDY 4 KIDS! Wed 30 Projects, Birmingham TWITCHEN Wed 9 Oct, Rooms, South Leamington Spa STEVE HUGHES Wed 23 Oct, Birmingham Town DAVID TRENT, ANDY Old Joint Stock Shropshire AN AUDIENCE WITH Oct The Glee Club, Hall WHITE & MC MR PAUL Theatre, Birmingham AN AUDIENCE WITH DOREEN Presented by Birmingham ARDAL O'HANLON Thurs SAVAGE Fri 4 Oct, The SHAZIA MIRZA, HANNAH DOREEN Presented by The Flying Duck ARDAL O'HANLON Thurs 31 Oct, The Place, Blue Orange Theatre, SILVESTER, ALLYSON The Flying Duck Theatre Company, Fri 24 Oct, Artrix, Oakengates Theatre, Birmingham SMITH AND MC MAUREEN Theatre Company, Sun 18 Oct, Stafford Bromsgrove Telford TOJU Fri 4 Oct, The YOUNGER Wed 9 Oct, 13 Oct, Highbury Gatehouse Theatre HAL CRUTTENDEN Thurs MILTON JONES Thurs 31 Drum, Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, Theatre Centre, Sutton NINA CONTI Fri 18 Oct, 24 Oct, The Glee Club, Oct, Crewe Lyceum LINDA HARGREAVES - Kings Heath, B’ham Coldfield Palace Theatre, Birmingham JARRED CHRISTMAS RICE N PEAS N CAVIAR Fri ROB BECKETT Thurs 10 LEE HURST Sun 13 Oct, Redditch JOHN FOTHERGILL, THE Thurs 31 Oct, The Glee 4 - Sat 5 Oct, The Lamp Oct, Solihull Arts Artrix, Bromsgrove MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL NOISE NEXT DOOR & Club, Birmingham Tavern, Birmingham Complex AN EVENING WITH BRIAN GUESTS Fri 18 Oct, DANNY MCLOUGHLIN GEOFF NORCOTT, KEVIN PATRICK MONAHAN, ROISIN CONATY Thurs 10 CONLEY Sun 13 Oct, Theatre Severn, Thurs 24 Oct, The Glee MCCARTHY, IAN MOORE DANNY WARD, MIKE Oct, The Met Studio, Crewe Lyceum Shrewsbury Club, Birmingham AND PRINCE ABDI Thurs WILSON & JARLATH Stafford Gatehouse BIRMINGHAM'S COMEDY SEAN PERCIVAL, KEITH ED BYRNE Fri 25 Oct, 31 Oct, The Glee Club, REGAN Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, STEPHEN K AMOS Thurs FESTIVAL WRAP PARTY! FARNAN WITH KOJO AND Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Highlight Comedy 10 Oct, Theatre Severn, Sun 13 Oct, The ANDREW BIRD Fri 18 - SEAN HUGHES Fri 25 ED BYRNE Thurs 31Oct, Club, Birmingham Shrewsbury Roadhouse, B’ham Sat 19 Oct, Jongleurs Oct, Theatre Severn, De Montfort Hall, JUNIOR SIMPSON, ANDY ROBIN INCE Thurs 10 THE ART OF COMEDY Comedy Club, B’ham Shrewsbury Leicester ASKINS, PETER WHITE & Oct, mac - Midlands One-off event chaired RHODRI RHYS, GARY MAX BOYCE & SPECIAL

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 1 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 2 Theatre

War Horse Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 16 October - Sat 9 November Described as ‘the theatrical event of the decade’ when it opened in praised for its effective use of lifesize horse puppets, and has picked the London West End, War Horse has continued to garner great up numerous coveted awards since premiering in 2007, including an praise in the ensuing years. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s hugely Olivier Award and five Tony Awards. The show’s not been to every- popular 1982 novel, it tells the story of a young man named Albert, body’s liking, however, with several of its critics feeling that, while the whose horse Joey is sold to the cavalry and shipped to France at the plot worked effectively as a children’s book, it lacked sufficient sub- beginning of the First World War. Joey’s subsequent adventures lead stance to carry an evening of theatre, particularly one endeavouring to him finding himself alone in a no man's land - but Albert is in no to present the atrocities of war. mood to give up on his beloved companion, and sets out to find him Read the interview with Michael Morpurgo on page 8 and take him home to Devon. The production has been widely

Fiddler On The Roof Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 15 - Sat 19 October Set in Tsarist Russia in 1905, the story of Fiddler On The Roof centres on the character of Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his desperate attempts to maintain his family and religious traditions even as outside influences encroach ever more profound- ly upon their lives. First produced for the stage in 1964, Fiddler is best known from its 1971 movie incarnation, starring Topol in the title role. Hit songs include Matchmaker, Matchmaker and the hugely famous If I Were A Rich Man. Paul Michael Glaser (pictured in rehearsal) takes the lead as Tevye in this Craig Revel Horwood production. rehearsal shot Read the interview with Paul at whatsonlive.co.uk Charlie Peace: His Amazing Life And Astounding Legend Belgrade Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 26 October - Sat 16 November A master of disguise, an accomplished musician and a man who was irresistibly attractive to women, Charlie Peace was the greatest celebrity villain of the Victorian age. He was also a man on the run, having murdered his lover’s husband. This new play is best described as a modern musical melodrama, and contemplates why, despite fear of crime, people are nevertheless fascinated by criminals. The pro- WIN duction contains strong language, scenes of violence and sexual references, and has TICKETS been deemed suitable for people aged fourteen-plus. whatsonlive.co.uk Read the interview with Norman Pace on page 12 to enter www.whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 3 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 4

Theatre PREVIEWS Cadfael: The Virgin In The Ice Lichfield Garrick, Tues 1 - Sat 5 October; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 29 Octo- ber - Sat 2 November If Middle Ground Theatre Company score a big hit with this stage adaptation of Shrop- shire-born writer Ellis Peters’ 1982 novel, they’ll certainly have no shortage of further source material from which to select future productions. All in all, Peters (real name Edith Pargeter) wrote no fewer than twenty novels featuring her famous twelfth century detective-monk, Brother Cadfael. The Virgin In The Ice was the sixth novel in the series, and finds the Shrewsbury Abbey-residing Cadfael embarking on a search for an orphaned boy, his sister, and a young nun. But it isn’t long before the Benedictine monk finds himself investigating a chilling and terri- ble murder... This brand new production cel- ebrates the centenary of Edith Pargeter’s birth. Richard II Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Thurs 10 October - Sat 16 November Richard II is where it all started. The hundred-year period which followed his reign saw the nation embroiled in bitter, brutal and bloody conflict, as England's nobility battled it out for supremacy. The play, which tells of the murderous monarch's struggle to impose his vanity- fuelled will on a divided court, is chronologically the first of the eight plays in Shakespeare's History Cycle. This latest production sees ex-Doctor Who David Tennant making his first return to Stratford since his highly acclaimed performance as Hamlet in 2008.

Women At The Edge Jekyll And Hyde Scrooge The Musical Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 7 October Thurs 31 October - Sat 9 November Mon 28 October - Sat 2 November Featuring as part of the Birmingham Comedy Dr Jekyll is not himself! Robert Louis Steven- The wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutch- Festival, Women At The Edge is presented son’s classic gothic novella is a dark, twisted ing, covetous old sinner is back, in one of by Reshape While Damp Productions, other- tale about love, redemption and the seduc- the country’s best-selling family shows. wise known as Naomi Paul and Jenny tive power of evil, and tells the story of a bril- Leslie Bricusse’s Scrooge The Musical broke Stokes. Bringing together two monologues liant but obsessive scientist whose sadistic all box office records when it premiered in presented in contrasting and humorous alter-ego wreaks havoc in Victorian London... Birmingham over twenty years ago. It is, of styles, the evening of comedy theatre also course, based on Charles Dickens’ timeless features plenty of songs, John Mattick on festive tale of the grumpy old misanthrope of guitar and, according to the show’s publicity, To Sir, With Love the title, who, by means of a late-night haunt- ‘Jewish stories, knitting tips, and free bis- Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, ing or four, is taught to love his fellow man. cuits’. Sell-out success at the Henley Fringe Tues 22 - Sat 26 October Tommy Steele stars as Ebenezer. 2013, Birmingham Fest 2013 and Edinburgh ER Braithwaite’s novel is best known from its shows in 2011 and 2012 offers plenty of evi- 1967 film version, which saw Hollywood dence that this is a show well worth catch- heavyweight Sidney Poitier crossing the ing. Atlantic to star as a black rookie teacher try- ing to make a difference in a rough East End school. Lulu co-starred as one of the stu- Sorry! No Coloureds, No dents, and enjoyed a massive hit with the Irish, No Dogs movie’s title track. The film version had a real Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 3 - Fri Swinging London feel about it; by contrast, 4 October; The Drum, Birmingham, this new stage adaptation is peppered with Fri 11 October songs and dance from the late-1940s. Racism, migration and the transatlantic slave Matthew Kelly leads an all-star cast in this trade are here explored by theatre company Touring Consortium Theatre Company pro- Gazebo, who bring together some of the duction. An Inspector Calls most powerful monologues from their Black Palace Theatre, Redditch, History series. Included in the evening is the Wed 9 - Fri 11 October story of Mary Prince, whose autobiography, JB Priestley’s classic work has been a huge dealing with the brutalities of slavery, was the hit all over the world, and anybody who’s first account of the life of a black woman to already been fortunate enough to catch a be published in the UK. There’s also the tale production of it will have no trouble under- of World War One hero Walter Tull - the first standing exactly why. When Inspector Goole person of Afro-Caribbean heritage to be com- calls unexpectedly on the prosperous Birling missioned as an infantry officer in the British family, his startling revelations not only shat- Army - and of Mary Seacole, who bravely ter the foundations of their lives but also tended to wounded soldiers on the battle- challenge them to examine their con- fields of the Crimean War. sciences. This particular production is pre- sented by All And Sundry. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 5 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 6

Theatre PREVIEWS Carnaby Street Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 7 - Sat 12 October; Malvern Theatre, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November There’s nothing complicated or unfamiliar about Carnaby Street. The show takes the well-peddled ‘wannabe rock star’ storyline, locates its action in London’s West End against the backdrop of the Swinging ’60s, and throws in a jukebox-worth of classic hits from the decade, including Roll Over Beethoven, Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Tired Of Waiting For You, You Really Got Me, Keep On Running and Sweets For My Sweet. Add into the mix a high-energy cast and you’ve got yourself one of those evenings that should see your hands and toes clapping and tapping respectively. And if you’re really lucky, there might even be some ‘dancing in WIN the aisles’ to be done... TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Twelve Angry Men to enter The REP, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sat 19 October; Malvern Theatres, Mon 28 Oct - Sat 2 Nov Best known from the 1957 movie starring Henry Fonda, Twelve Angry Men tells the story of one juror’s battle to save the life of a man on trial for the murder of his father. Initially a lone voice in the wilderness, Juror Eight is faced with the monumental challenge of persuading his eleven fellow jurors to spare the defendant’s life - a task made all the more difficult by the other men’s prejudices and preconceptions about the trial. The all-star cast features Martin Shaw (Inspector George Gently), Robert Vaughn (Hustle), Nick Moran (Harry Potter) and Jeff Fahey (Lost). Lizzy, Darcy And Jane Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 19 - Sun 20 October; and humorous explorations of dysfunctional mac- Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat marriages - as Arrivals And Departures ably Evita 9 - Sun 10 November illustrates. Major Quentin Sexton and his Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, MadCap Theatre here turn their attention to Strategic Simulated Distractional Unit are Mon 21 - Sat 26 October the business of celebrating Pride And Preju- poised at a London rail terminus and ready to Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third dice’s two hundredth anniversary by mount- pounce. The prey is a dangerous and elusive major collaboration opened to rave reviews ing a new version of Joanna Norland’s play. terrorist. But the real story is about Barry way back in the late 1970s, and has since Lizzy, Darcy And Jane finds a young Jane Hawkins, key witness and garrulous traffic garnered a reputation as one of the greatest Austin struggling to come to terms with the warden, and Ez Swain, the female soldier musicals ever to grace West End and Broad- demands of the society in which she lives. charged with the task of ‘minding’ him. way stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Disappointed in love, she takes refuge in her Brought together by circumstance, it soon Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan own imagination, and somewhat meanly becomes apparent that there’s more to both Peron, the show is packed to the rafters with condemns her imaginary friend Lizzy Bennet of them than meets the eye... memorable numbers, including On This to a miserable marriage to the insufferable Night Of A Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires Mr Collins. But Lizzy is way too wilful for her and, of course, the classic Don't Cry For Me creator, and refuses to give up her less-than- Seven Brides For Argentina. Marti Pellow, Madalena Alberto ideal relationship with the brooding Mr Seven Brothers and Mark Heenehan star. Read the review of Darcy... Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Mon 14 - Sat 19 Evita at whatsonlive.co.uk October; New Alexandra Theatre, Birming- ham, Mon 3 - Sat 8 February; The Grand The- atre, Wolverhampton, Mon 31 March - Sat 5 April; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 5 - Sat 10 May The story of seven macho, wild west kinda guys each huntin’ out a li’l lady fer hisself is best known, of course, in its 1954 MGM movie incarnation, starring the boom-voiced Howard Keel. And just like the film, the stage version features smash-hit songs such as Wonderful Wonderful Day, Spring Spring Spring, Goin’ Courtin’ and Sobbin’ Women. Arrivals And Departures Whispers In The Graveyard New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 10 - Sat 26 October Mon 14 - Sat 19 October Alan Ayckbourn will always be best known for Richard Conlon and Theresa Breslin’s play his 1970s suburban farces, with plays such focuses on the character of Solomon, a boy as Absurd Person Singular, Season’s Greet- who is bullied both by his teachers and his ings, Bedroom Farce and The Norman Con- parents. His refuge is the graveyard, and the quests continuing to be regularly mounted by shadow of a rowan tree. But when workmen amateur and professional companies alike. uproot the solitary tree, a strange and terrible But there’s plenty in Ayckbourn’s playwriting power is unleashed... canon besides tales of bedhopping couples www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 7 Theatre October_Layout 1 25/09/2013 14:49 Page 8

Theatre PREVIEWS Cats Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 28 October - Sat 2 November A spectacular and captivating adaptation of TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, this Andrew Lloyd Webber production has been performed in over three hundred cities in more than twenty countries around the world. It's also widely considered to be the show that redefined the modern musical, paving the way for a seemingly relentless stream of blockbuster hits - and giving star- ring roles to Elaine Page, Sarah Brightman and Brian Blessed in the process. All in all, then, one helluva theatrical experience...

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Daytona to enter Malvern Theatre, Mon 7 - Sat 12 October; The REP, Birmingham, Mon 21 - Sat 26 October Joe and Elli are a retired Jewish couple living in Brooklyn who love to dance. Their life is tran- quil and pleasantly low-key - until, that is, a knock at the door and the arrival of Billy, the brother Joe hasn’t seen for thirty years, shatters the serenity of their world. And even more dramatically, the story which Billy then recounts leaves the couple facing a profound and dis- turbing moral dilemma... Oliver Cotton’s brand new play stars the always brilliant Maureen Lipman, with Harry Shearer and John Bowe lending excellent support. Read the interview with Maureen Lipman at www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE

FESTIVAL OF LIGHT THE IMPOSSIBLE Sampad South Asian Arts + Arena Theatre GENTLEMEN Saturday 2 November at 7.30pm Sunday 20 October at 8pm

Anglo-American jazz supergroup The Impossible Gentlemen will perform music from their new album Internationally Recognised Aliens, as well as from their award-winning self-titled debut album. Tickets: £18 full price / £16 concessions THE TELL-TALE HEART Little Earthquake Friday 1 November at 8pm

A wealthy recluse and his private nurse live behind a barricade of bolted doors and black-out windows Come and celebrate Diwali, the festival of light, in this gripping tale of murder in the dark, adapted with an evening of divine South Asian dance and from Edgar Allan Poe’s short story. enchanting music. Tickets: £10 full price/ £8 concessions Tickets: £6

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 9

38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 10

best-loved rock stars, Fri 4 ory. A Fierce Festival event, Oct, New Alexandra The- Sun 6 Oct, Warwick Arts Theatre LISTINGS atre, Birmingham Centre, Coventry PAUL DANIELS - THE FIRST For full listing information on theatre pro- FAREWELL TOUR - FROM ductions including times and dates visit LEGEND TO LEG END Fri 4 Week Commencing www.whatsonlive.co.uk Oct, Crewe Lyceum MON 7 OCT MARK-ANTHONY TURNAGE'S GREEK Fully-staged new WOMEN AT THE EDGE Two From sented by the Swan The- production by Music The- funny women, two mono- atre Amateur Company, atre Wales, Fri 4 Oct, Birm- logues and several songs. TUE 1 OCT Tues 1 - Sat 5 Oct, The CALL ingham Town Hall Reshape While Damp Pro- ROISIN CONATY FOR YOUR Swan Theatre, Worcester BROCHURE BETRAYAL London Classic ductions presents original THE MET STUDIO HOPELESSLY DEVOTED Kate THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO Theatre presents Harold comedy written and per- TODAY Tempest's story about love THE GALAXY RADIO SHOW Pinter’s critically acclaimed formed by Naomi Paul and Thurs 10 Oct in all its extremes, until Sat Featuring Simon Jones as play, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Oct, Jenny Stokes (as Dolly Edinburgh Comedy Award Win- Arthur Dent, Wed 2 Oct, ner and star of BBC Three’s 5 Oct, The REP, B’ham Royal Spa Centre, Leam- Grip), Mon 7 Oct, Old Joint Impractical Jokers brings her GASLIGHT A New Vic pro- New Alexandra Theatre, ington Spa Stock Theatre, Birmingham new show Life hunter to duction of Patrick Hamil- Birmingham THREE WITCHES Children's THANKS FOR THE MEMORY Stafford. As seen on Have I Got THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF News For You (BBC1), Russell ton’s atmospheric thriller, show presented by Hoopla Impresario and Music Hall Howard’s Good News (BBC until Sat 5 Oct, New Vic MUSIC HALL & VARIETY A Productions Fri 4 - Sat 12 authority Duggie Chapman Three), Victoria Wood’s Angina Theatre, Newcastle-under- brand new variety show for Oct, Belgrade Theatre, shares his memories, from Monologues (Sky One), Dave’s 8pm, £12 One Night Stand (Dave). Lyme all ages, featuring Jimmy Coventry Music Hall to Variety, Mon Everyone in life is looking for something; to belong, to love, to for- FALLEN ANGELS Jenny Sea- Cricket & Sheps Banjo TWELVE ANGRY MEN Martin 7 Oct, Solihull Arts Com- get, and also keys. People spend a lot of time looking for their grove and Sara Crowe star Boys, Wed 2 Oct, Crewe Shaw stars in Reginald plex keys. Poxy things. in Noel Coward's comedy, Lyceum Rose's hard-hitting play, Fri DRACULA Blackeyed The- until Sat 5 Oct, The Grand BLOWERS & BAXTER: MEMO- 4 - Sat 19 Oct, Birmingham atre present a stage adap- ALEXEI SAYLE GATEHOUSE THEATRE Theatre, Wolverhampton RIES OF TEST MATCH SPE- Repertory Theatre tation of Bram Stoker's SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR CIAL Two of the titans of AIDA Presented by Ellen timeless gothic adventure, Thurs 10 Oct ME Brand new rock'n'roll cricket share tales from Kent and Amphitheatre Mon 7 - Wed 9 Oct, Arena The godfather of alternative musical that sees Dream- Test Match Special com- Productions, Sat 5 Oct, Theatre, Wolverhampton comedy with his first full-length mentary boxes all over the stand-up show in 17 years fol- boats & Petticoats meet New Alexandra Theatre, DAYTONA Maureen Lipman lowing two sold-out London Dirty Dancing, until Sat 5 world, Wed 2 Oct, Malvern Birmingham stars in Oliver Cotton's seasons. Oct, Theatre Severn, Theatres A WARNING TO THE CURIOUS poignant play, with two 'Fearlessly funny...thrills and Shrewsbury DEREK ACORAH THE ETERNAL RM Lloyd Parry performs love stories at its heart, surprises at every turn' **** 15+ Metro 51 SHADES OF MAGGIE SPIRITS TOUR Wed 2 Oct, the final installment of the Mon 7 - Sat 12 Oct, 'Splenetic and splendid' **** 8pm, £17 Spoof play based on the Solihull Arts Complex MR James trilogy, Sat 5 Malvern Theatres Guardian bestselling trilogy 50 STAND Reformed Theatre Oct, Lichfield Garrick FLAREPATH Amateur pro- Shades Of Grey, until Sat 5 present David Bown's trag- AN EVENING WITH SIR CHRIS duction by Nonentities, JANACEK, MOZART AND HAYDN GATEHOUSE THEATRE Oct, Malvern Theatres ic-comedy of manners, BONINGTON One of the Mon 7 - Sat 12 Oct, The ANYTHING GOES Alcester Wed 2 Oct, Arena Theatre, most successful ever exhi- Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- Fri 11 Oct Musical Theatre Company Wolverhampton bition leaders talks about ster The multi-award-winning French present Cole Porter's FORMBY A new play written sixty years of mountaineer- CARNABY STREET Real musi- pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet 1930s musical, until Sat 5 and performed by Ewan ing, including nineteen returns in a concerto double-bill cal story set against a – Mozart’s charming Piano Oct, Palace Theatre, Red- Wardrop which charts Himalayan experiences backdrop of London's Concerto no.17 and Haydn’s ditch George Formby’s rise from and tackling ranges West End in the 1960s. cheeky Piano Concerto in F. CADFAEL: THE VIRGIN IN THE awkward stable boy to one throughout the world, Sat 5 Verity Rushworth and Janáček’s Suite is a gorgeously 7.30pm, £15 / £13 concs / lyrical, folk-infused work for under 26s £5 / Under 18s £3 ICE Middle Ground Theatre of Britain’s biggest stars, Oct, Malvern Theatres Aaron Sidwell star, Mon 7 - string orchestra. Haydn’s emo- Company present Michael Wed 2 Oct, Forest Arts ISHI KHAN-JACKSON PRES- Sat 12 Oct, Regent The- tional Trauer or Mourning Symphony, will bring the programme to Lunney's version of Ellis Centre, Walsall ENTS I AM HAPPY! Join atre, Stoke-on-Trent a dramatic conclusion. Peter's classic medieval THE HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO laughter coach Ishi Khan- THE ILLUSIONISTS The KRAPP’S LAST TAPE murder mystery, THE GALAXY RADIO SHOW Jackson for her energetic, hand-picked cast of inter- THE MET STUDI0 until Sat 5 Oct, Lichfield Thurs 3 Oct, Malvern The- debut one-woman comedy nationally renowned illu- Garrick atres cabaret show as she sionists come together to Sat 12 Oct ONE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR explores the secrets to create a blockbuster stage Starring Last Of The Summer Forty years of Tim Rice Wine actor Tom Owen. It is the The story of the Coventry happiness, Sat 5 Oct, The show featuring a stunning 69 year-old Krapp’s birthday. He Blitz, until Sat 19 Oct, Bel- and Andrew Lloyd Web- Blue Orange Theatre, mix of outrageous and is preparing for his yearly ritual grade Theatre, Coventry ber's legendary rock clas- Birmingham unbelievable illusions, of recording his reflections on a sic is here celebrated with tape-recorder. First he listens to A MAD WORLD MY MASTERS SUPER SONIC 70S SHOW A many of which have never a tape of critical decisions made Sean Foley makes his RSC a special arena tour featur- six-piece live band with before been seen, Tue 8 on his 39th birthday. The 39 7.30pm, £15, £12 concs debut, directing Thomas ing Tim Minchin, Melanie C both male and female lead Oct, Civic Hall, Wolver- year-old Krapp has in turn lis- and Ben Forster, Thurs 3 tened to a tape he made when he was 27. By this means we Middleton's Jacobean 'city vocals, visuals, backdrop hampton come to know fragments of Krapp’s life comedy': an outrageously Oct, National Indoor Arena, and original chopper bikes, HOW TO CATCH A STAR Blun- wicked, brilliantly plotted Birmingham Sat 5 Oct, The Place, Oak- derbus present a new BEYOND THE BARRICADE farcical satire of lies and MEPHISTOPHELES Delayed engates Theatre, Telford show which fuses music, GATEHOUSE THEATRE lust, until Fri 25 Oct, The live screening from The FAME THE MUSICAL Amateur puppetry and storytelling Swan Theatre, Stratford- San Fransisco Opera production presented by for three-to-seven-year- Sat 26 Oct upon-Avon House, Thurs 3 Oct, Lud- Stage 2 Performing Arts olds, Tue 8 Oct, Malvern Back by overwhelming public TITUS ANDRONICUS Michael low Assembly Rooms, demand, Beyond the Barricade Academy, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Theatres returns with a brand new pro- Fentiman makes his RSC South Shropshire Oct, The Walker Theatre, THAT'LL BE THE DAY Rock- duction. debut directing Shake- PAUL DANIELS - THE FIRST Theatre Severn, Shrews- 'n'Roll spectacular combin- This production will include speare's early revenge FAREWELL TOUR - FROM bury ing music from the ’50s, songs from Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom Of The tragedy, until Sat 26 Oct, LEGEND TO LEG END Thurs 3 THE CONSTANT WIFE An ’60s & ’70s with wacky Opera, Jesus Christ Superstar, 7.30pm, £18.50 The Swan Theatre, Strat- Oct, Prince Of Wales Cen- amateur production by The comedy routines, Tue 8 Chess, Blood Brothers, The Jer- ford-upon-Avon tre, Cannock Crescent Theatre Compa- Oct, Royal Spa Centre, sey Boys and many more hit musical productions, climaxing with a spectacular finale from, of course, Les Miserables! CANDIDE RSC Writer-in-Res- SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, NO ny, Sat 5 - Sat 12 Oct, Leamington Spa idence Mark Ravenhill IRISH, NO DOGS A set of Crescent Theatre, Birming- ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR LITTLE BO PEEP responds to Voltaire's powerful monologues, in ham Amateur production of THE MET STUDIO novel in a new play, direct- celebration of Black Histo- FOUR STAGES OF CONVERSA- Alan Ayckbourn's festive ed by Lyndsey Turner, until ry Month, exploring racism, TION Fierce Festival event farce, Tue 8 - Sat 12 Oct, Mon 28 & Sat 26 Oct, The Swan The- migration and the transat- featuring Christer Lundahl The Swan Theatre, Tue 29 Oct atre, Stratford-upon-Avon lantic slave trade, Thurs 3 - Sing along to your favourite and Martina Seitl, a duo Worcester nursery rhymes; Ten Green DRACULA Blackeyed The- Fri 4 Oct, Arena Theatre, renowned for creating CAROUSEL An amateur pro- Bottles, Hickory Dickory Dock, atre present a stage adap- Wolverhampton immersive, participatory duction of the Rodgers & The Grand Old Duke of York tation of Bram Stoker's A PLEASING TERROR Per- and many, many more. Watch environments which often Hammerstein classic, Tue them come to life before your timeless gothic adventure, formance of two spine- involve intimate binaural 8 - Sat 12 Oct, The Grand eyes in Sea Legs Puppet The- Tue 1 Oct, The Roses The- chilling ghost stories recording, touch and pro- Theatre, Wolverhampton atre’s fabulous Tenth Anniver- atre, Tewkesbury (Canon Alberic's Scrap- sary show. Featuring magnifi- longed darkness, Sun 6 THE TURN OF THE SCREW cent puppets, fantastic NICHOLAS NICKLEBY Charles book & The Mezzotint) Oct, Warwick Arts Centre, Stoke Repertory Players scenery and of course lots of Mon 28, 1.30pm and 3.30pm Dickens’ great grandson, from the highly reputed Coventry present Henry James’ music and singing in a show Tue 29 11.30am and 1.30pm Gerald Dickens, presents a author MR James, Fri 4 specially created for children Tickets £7 / Family £24 BECAUSE OF LOVE Multi-dis- ghost story novella, Tues 8 aged 2-7 one-man show where he Oct, Lichfield Garrick ciplinary performance from - Sat 12 Oct, Stoke Reper- plays every character him- HALFWAY TO PARADISE - THE Franko B which fuses live tory Theatre self, Tues 1 Oct, Artrix, BILLY FURY STORY Musical presence, original music, HORRIBLE HISTORIES: RUTH- Bromsgrove which charts the rise to animation and video pro- LESS ROMANS Hold on tight BOOKONLINE CALENDAR GIRLS Tim Firth's fame of a shy young boy jection, lighting and as you're taken on a jaw- acclaimed drama, based from Liverpool who scenography to explore dropping journey into Box Office 01785 254653 on a true story, is here pre- became one of Britain's the sentimentality of mem- Roman Britain with Queen www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 11

40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:13 Page 12

MALCOLM STENT AND Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ty, Tues 15 - Sat 19 Oct, Wolverhampton LISTINGS FRIENDS New show of THE BUTTERFLY LION Stafford Gatehouse BEING HUMAN A dramat- Theatre laughter and song, Sat Gwen Taylor stars in a Theatre ic performance of poet- 12 Oct, Huntingdon stage adaptation of AN INSPECTOR CALLS A ry from around the For full listing information on theatre Hall, Worcester Michael Morpurgo's Lichfield Players Pro- world, presented by productions, including times and PAUL DANIELS - THE inspiring tale of endur- duction, Tue 15 - Sun three performers, with dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST FAREWELL TOUR - ing friendship Mon 14 - 20 Oct, Lichfield Gar- music, projections and FROM LEGEND TO LEG Sat 19 Oct, Malvern rick striking imagery, Fri 18 - END In his brand new Theatres HA HA HOLMES Comedy Sat 19 Oct, Belgrade Boudicca... Tue 8 - Sat Tamworth Assembly show, Paul performs a WHISPERS IN THE GRAVE- thriller from the Ha Ha Theatre, Coventry 19 Oct, Old Rep, Birm- Rooms selection of his YARD A Youth Theatre Boys. Joe Pasquale STOMP - MOVE BE BORN ingham HOPELESSLY DEVOTED favourite magic and a production based on stars, Wed 16 Oct, Lich- Hip-Hop horror show TIME OF MY LIFE Alan Kate Tempest's story number of new tricks Theresa Breslin's novel field Garrick presented by Street Ayckbourn’s humorous about love in all its never before seen in of the same name, Mon MISS JULIE UK Touring Click Dance Crew, Fri but truthful look at rela- extremes, Thurs 10 Oct, public, Sat 12 Oct, Bed- 14 - Sat 19 Oct, Hall Theatre present August 18 - Sat 19 Oct, Mitchell tionships, Tue 8 - Sat Arena Theatre, Wolver- worth Civic Hall Green Little Theatre, Strindberg’s classic tale Arts Centre, Stoke-on- 26 Oct, New Vic The- hampton KRAPP’S LAST TAPE Sat Birmingham of lust and class con- Trent atre, Newcastle-under BIG HITS ARTSADMIN 12 Oct, The Met, THE BEST OF BE FESTIVAL flict, Wed 16 Oct, JUSTIN LIVE Join Cbee- Lyme Associate Artist Stafford Gatehouse The chance to see Bridge House Theatre, bies superstar and chil- FRENCH CAN CAN A criti- GETINTHEBACK- Theatre three award-winning Warwick dren's favourite Justin cally acclaimed stage OFTHEVAN present a MARZY'S BORDELLO BUR- festival favourites, Tue THANKS FOR THE MEMO- Fletcher for an all- spectacular that cele- performance which lies LESQUE EVENING Sat 12 15 Oct, Birmingham RY Impresario and singing, all-dancing brates the elegance of between live art and Oct, The Marr's Bar, Repertory Theatre Music Hall authority extravaganza, Sat 19 Paris and the high-kick- theatre, Thurs 10 - Fri Worcester THE GOOD OLD DAYS OF Duggie Chapman Oct, Royal Spa Centre, ing glamour of the 11 Oct, Warwick Arts STATIK Action Transport MUSIC HALL & VARIETY A shares his memories, Leamington Spa city’s most famous Centre, Coventry Theatre present a funny brand new variety show from Music Hall to Vari- FARCICALS Two frivolous dance routine, Wed 9 ARRIVALS AND DEPAR- and energetic show for all ages, featuring ety, Wed 16 Oct, Prince little comedies of fun, Oct, Bedworth Civic TURES Alan Ayckbourn focusing on a regiment- Jimmy Cricket & Sheps Of Wales Centre, Can- infidelity, food fights, Hall brings his world pre- ed world and the chaos Banjo Boys, Tue 15 nock lust and loss of THE FREEDOM BIRD miere production direct caused when one per- Oct, Dudley Town Hall EUROPA A satiric and trousers, presented by Moby Duck Theatre use to the New Vic from his son can’t or won’t fit in, ALBERT HERRING Mid savagely comic snap- Stephen Joseph The- storytelling, puppetry, home theatre in Scar- Sat 12 Oct, Warwick Wales Opera present shot of European life, atre, Scarborough, Sat Sega & South Asian borough, Thurs 10 - Sat Arts Centre, Coventry their version of Ben- Wed 16 - Sat 19 Oct, 19 Oct, New Vic The- dance to tell a story of 26 Oct, New Vic The- EMIL AND THE DETEC- jamin Britten's depiction Birmingham Repertory atre, Newcastle-under- courage, determination, atre, Newcastle-under- TIVES Red Earth The- of village life, Tue 15 Theatre Lyme compassion and hope, Lyme atre & mac Birmingham Oct, Theatre Severn, THE POSITIVE HOUR War- THE COMPLETE WORKS RICHARD II Wed 9 Oct, Newhamp- David Ten- present an action- Shrewsbury wick University Drama OF WILLIAM SHAKE- ton Arts Centre, Wolver- nant returns to Stratford packed adventure for THE COMPLETE WORKS Society present April SPEARE (ABRIDGED) The hampton to take the lead in Gre- the whole family which OF WILLIAM SHAKE- De Angelis' play, which Reduced Shakespeare NORTH NORTH NORTH - gory Doran's new ver- centres around a crime SPEARE (ABRIDGED) The brings issues of gender Company present a NEW INTERNATIONAL sion of Shakespeare's on a slow train to Reduced Shakespeare and sexuality into a fast-paced romp ENCOUNTER North Pole powerful play of nobility Berlin, Sat 12 - Mon 14 Company present a new perspective, Wed through the best of The adventure fusing live and conflict, Thurs 10 Oct, mac - Midlands fast-paced romp 16 - Sat 19 Oct, War- Bard's works, Sat 19 music, storytelling, pro- Oct - Sat 16 Nov, Royal Arts Centre, Birming- through the best of The wick Arts Centre, Oct, New Alexandra jection and physical Shakespeare Theatre, ham Bard's works, Tue 15 Coventry Theatre, Birmingham theatre, presented by Stratford-upon-Avon 51 SHADES OF MAGGIE Oct, Royal Spa Centre, WAR HORSE Acclaimed SORA COOL JAWAYI FOOL NIE Theatre, Wed 9 SOCKS IN SPACE Pre- Spoof play based on Leamington Spa West End drama based Gurdip Kaur Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove sented by Scottish the bestselling trilogy 51 SHADES OF MAGGIE on the novel by Michael Chaufhary’s family THAT'LL BE THE DAY Falsetto Sock Puppet 50 Shades Of Grey, Spoof play based on Morpurgo, Wed 16 Oct comedy, performed in Rock'n'Roll spectacular Theatre, Fri 11 Oct, Old Sun 13 Oct, Theatre the bestselling trilogy - Sat 9 Nov, Birming- Punjabi, Sat 19 Oct, combining music from Joint Stock Theatre, Severn, Shrewsbury 50 Shades Of Grey, Tue ham Hippodrome The Drum, Birmingham the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s Birmingham OTHELLO - NATIONAL 15 - Wed 16 Oct, New LADY GOGO GOCH Birm- ANDY & MIKE'S TICK with wacky comedy SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, THEATRE LIVE Screening Alexandra Theatre, ingham-based Kindle TOCK TIME MACHINE Sat routines, Wed 9 - Thurs NO IRISH, NO DOGS A set of a major new produc- Birmingham Theatre present a show 19 Oct, Solihull Arts 10 Oct, Crewe Lyceum of powerful mono- tion of William Shake- EMIL AND THE DETEC- about Welshness, drag- Complex AN INSPECTOR CALLS All logues in celebration of speare's celebrated TIVES Red Earth The- ons and divas, Thurs HOW TO CATCH A STAR And Sundry present J B Black History Month play about the destruc- atre & mac Birmingham 17 Oct, mac - Midlands Blunderbus present a Priestley's most famous exploring racism, tive power of jealousy. present an action- Arts Centre, Birming- new show which fuses work, Wed 9 - Fri 11 migration and the Adrian Lester and Rory packed adventure for ham music, puppetry and Oct, Palace Theatre, transatlantic slave Kinnear star, Sun 13 the whole family which THE HOUSE Sofie Krog storytelling for three-to- Redditch trade, Fri 11 Oct, The Oct, Warwick Arts Cen- centres around a crime Teater, one of Europe’s seven-year-olds, Sat 19 JASON AND THE ARG- Drum, Wolverhampton tre, Coventry on a slow train to most exciting up-and- Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove ONAUTS The Courtyard ME MYSELF AND MISS Berlin, Tue 15 - Wed 16 coming theatre compa- LIZZY, DARCY AND JANE in Hereford present GIBBS Part-detective Oct, Arena Theatre, nies, present a comedy Presented by Madcap Mark Williams’ brand Week Commencing noir, part-lecture, part- Wolverhampton thriller for adults and Theatre in celebration new staging of the clas- personal biography, MON 14 OCT FIDDLER ON THE ROOF A teens, Thurs 17 Oct, of Pride And Prejudice's sic adventure, Wed 9 - Francesca investigates new production of one The Dream Factory, 200th anniversary, Sat Fri 11 Oct, Mitchell Arts the message on a post- THE 25TH ANNUAL PUT- of the world’s favourite Warwick 19 - Sun 20 Oct, Artrix, Centre, Stoke-on-Trent card sent one hundred NAM COUNTY SPELLING musicals, directed and LEND ME A TENOR A play Bromsgrove A CLOCKWORK ORANGE years ago, Fri 11 Oct, BEE Darren Day and choreographed by which fuses all the clas- BANK ON IT Theatre- Birmingham School of Ludlow Assembly Niki Evans feature in a Craig Revel Horwood. sic elements of farce, Rites present a site- Acting present their ver- Rooms, South Shrop- brand new tour of the Paul Michael Glaser Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Oct, specific promenade sion of Anthony shire Tony Award-winning stars, Tue 15 - Sat 19 Theatre Severn, experience which Burgess's 1962 novella, MALCOLM STENT AND musical based on the Oct, The Grand The- Shrewsbury explores resources that Wed 9 - Sat 12 Oct, FRIENDS New show of lives of six quirky ado- atre, Wolverhampton CITY OF ANGELS Birm- money can and cannot Crescent Theatre, Birm- laughter and song, Fri lescents who've entered RUDDIGORE Worcester ingham School of Act- buy. Suitable for chil- ingham 11 Oct, Lichfield Gar- into the 'Bee' - a com- Gilbert & Sullivan Soci- ing present their ver- dren aged five-plus, Sat THE WIZARD OF OZ TAD- rick petition in which con- ety present what's often sion of Larry Gelbart's 19 - Sat 26 Oct, Coven- LOP present an ama- FARCICALS Two frivolous testants are challenged regarded as the duo's Tony award-winning try City Centre Mystery teur production of L little comedies of fun, to spell a variety of finest work, combining musical, Thurs 17 - Sat Location Frank Baum’s classic infidelity, food fights, words, Mon 14 Oct, humour, love and hon- 19 Oct, Crescent The- DIRTY DUSTING Heart- story for children, Wed lust and loss of Crescent Theatre, Birm- our, and spinechilling atre, Birmingham warming comedy star- 9 - Sat 12 Oct, The trousers, presented by ingham Gothic horror, Tue 15 - GUYS AND DOLLS Thurs ring Crissy Rock, Pat Place, Oakengates The- Stephen Joseph The- SEVEN BRIDES FOR Sat 19 Oct, The Swan 17 - Sat 26 Oct, The Dunn, Leah Bell and atre, Telford atre, Scarborough, Fri SEVEN BROTHERS Star- Theatre, Worcester Rose Theatre, Kidder- Jason Jones, Sun 20 MIDDAY VARIETY Hosted 11 - Sat 12 Oct, New ring Sam Attwater as 1984 Headlong and minster Oct, Lichfield Garrick by top Midlands comic Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Adam Pontipee, Mon Nottingham Playhouse PILOT NIGHT An evening ANDY & MIKE'S TICK Malcolm Stent, Thurs under-Lyme 14 - Sat 19 Oct, Crewe Theatre Company pres- of new performance, Fri TOCK TIME MACHINE Sun 10 Oct, Belgrade The- MUSIC HALL MEMORIES Lyceum ent a new adaptation, 18 Oct, Birmingham 20 Oct, The Place, Oak- atre, Coventry An illustrated history of DREAMBOATS AND PETTI- created by Robert Icke Repertory Theatre engates Theatre, DRACULA Blackeyed variety stars of the COATS THE MUSICAL and Duncan Macmillan, FLOATING Lives Of Oth- Telford Theatre present Bram 1940s & ’50s, Sat 12 Featuring songs from Tue 15 - Sat 19 Oct, ers Theatre Company ALBERT HERRING Mid Stoker’s classic gothic Oct, Lichfield Garrick Roy Orbison, The Warwick Arts Centre, present the story of a Wales Opera present tale, Thurs 10 Oct, The- STAND Reformed The- Shadows, Eddie Coventry high-dependency their version of Ben- atre Severn, Shrews- atre present David Cochran, Billy Fury, GUYS AND DOLLS Ama- nurse, overworked and jamin Britten's depiction bury Bown's tragic-comedy Chuck Berry and many teur production pre- undervalued, in a story of village life, Sun 20 BARRY CRYER - TWITTER of manners, Sat 12 Oct, more... Mon 14 - Sat 19 sented by Stafford & about the NHS, Fri 18 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove TITTERS Thurs 10 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove Oct, Regent Theatre, District Operatic Socie- Oct, Arena Theatre, THE COMPLETE WORKS

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:14 Page 13

Much Wenlock Shropshire TF13 6NB TheThe EdgeEdge 01952 728911 ARTS CENTRE www.edgeartscentre.co.uk

Friday 4th October, 8pm

COMEDY AT THE EDGE JUSTIN MOORHOUSE - JUSTIN TIME Tickets: £15 Saturday 19th October, 8pm JAZZ AT THE EDGE MATT RIDLEY TRIO with special guest JASON YARDE Tickets: £10

Monday 21st October, 7pm DANCE AT THE EDGE OSILIGI MAASAI WARRIORS Tickets: £10 / £5

Tuesday 22nd October, 7pm NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE ENCORE HAMLET Tickets: £11 / £10

Thursday 31st October, 7pm NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE ENCORE FRANKENSTEIN I Tickets: £11 / £10

CINEMA AT THE EDGE OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (PG) • LINCOLN (12A) ROBOT AND FRANK (12A) • GOOD VIBRATIONS (15)

42 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:14 Page 14

Centre, Birmingham satirical misadventures ber’s acclaimed drama, around the forthcoming LISTINGS THE OSILIGI MAASAI in search of his missing starring Frances Wood feature film, Wed 30 Theatre WARRIORS Wed 23 Oct, nose are based on (BBC’s The Voice) as Oct, Dudley Town Hall The Walker Theatre, Gogol's comic story, Gail, Mon 28 - Wed 30 WHO'S BEEN SITTING IN For full listing information on theatre Theatre Severn, Sat 26 Oct, Malvern Oct, Crewe Lyceum MY CHAIR Puppet the- productions, including times and Shrewsbury Theatres THE ROCKY HORROR atre company Freehand dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk 60 GLORIOUS YEARS A WARNING TO THE CURI- SHOW Fortieth anniver- Theatre present a well- Jenny Wilkes hosts a OUS RM Lloyd Parry sary production of known tale, with por- fun-filled variety show performs the final Richard O'Brien's cult ridge, bears and one- OF WILLIAM SHAKE- of Ayub Khan-Din's featuring spectacular installment of the MR musical extravaganza, two-three chairs, Wed SPEARE (ABRIDGED) The (East Is East) adapta- costumes, class acts James trilogy, Sat 26 Mon 28 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, 30 Oct, The Public, Reduced Shakespeare tion of ER Braithwaite’s and a feast of entertain- Oct, Theatre Severn, The Grand Theatre, West Bromwich Company present a famous novel, Tue 22 - ment, Wed 23 Oct, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton BEST OF BRITISH Music, fast-paced romp Sat 26 Oct, The Grand Prince Of Wales Centre, APPLES AND SNAKES: CATS New production of comedy sketches and through the best of The Theatre, W’hampton Cannock PUBLIC ADDRESS Andrew Lloyd Webber's drama from across the Bard's works, Sun 20 ME AND MY GIRL Tue 22 CONFIRMATION A show Evening of brain-teas- smash-hit musical, Mon decades, Wed 30 Octo- Oct, Victoria Hall, Han- - Sat 26 Oct, Crewe about the gulf between ing entertainment fea- 28 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, ber Palace Theatre, ley, Stoke-on-Trent Lyceum beliefs that we can't talk turing five talented spo- Regent Theatre, Hanley, Redditch DOWN TO EARTH: AN ANYTHING GOES WODS across, written and per- ken word poets from Stoke-on-Trent MR BIG PLAYS JAZZ A EVENING WITH MONTY present an amateur formed by Chris Thor- five different regions, OUR HOUSE The Mad- unique children’s show DON Hear Monty speak production of Cole pe, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 Sat 26 Oct, mac - Mid- ness musical, Mon 28 featuring live illustration about his life and trav- Porter's celebrated Oct, Warwick Arts Cen- lands Arts Centre, Birm- Oct - Sat 2 Nov, Bel- from author and illustra- els, visiting gardens all musical, which centres tre, Coventry ingham grade Theatre, Coven- tor Ed Vere on a big over the world, Sun 20 on mistaken indentities, MALCOLM STENT AND AN EVENING WITH RAY try screen. Live jazz from Oct, Stafford Gate- long-lost loves, leggy FRIENDS New show of MEARS Sat 26 Oct, SCROOGE THE MUSICAL the Neil Cowley Trio house Theatre showgirls and hand- laughter and song, Malvern Theatres Mon 28 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, also features, Wed 30 some sailors, Tue 22 - Thurs 24 Oct, Palace CHARLIE PEACE: HIS New Alexandra Theatre, Oct, Birmingham Town Theatre, Redditch AMAZING LIFE AND Birmingham Hall Week Commencing Sat 26 Oct, The Swan Theatre, Worcester AGRIPPINA English Tour- ASTOUNDING LEGEND TWELVE ANGRY MEN Mar- PAUL DANIELS - THE MON 21 OCT CAROUSEL An amateur ing Opera present World premiere of a tin Shaw stars in Regi- FIRST FAREWELL TOUR - production of the what's often regarded new play from celebrat- nald Rose's hard-hitting FROM LEGEND TO LEG ed writer Michael DIRTY DUSTING Heart- Rodgers & Hammer- as Handel's 'first operat- play, Mon 28 Oct - Sat END Wed 30 Oct, Royal Eaton, Sat 26 Oct - Sat warming comedy star- stein classic, Tue 22 - ic masterpiece', Thurs 2 Nov, Malvern The- Spa Centre, Leaming- 16 Nov, Belgrade The- ring Crissy Rock, Pat Sat 26 Oct, Royal Spa 24 Oct, Malvern The- atres ton Spa atre, Coventry Dunn, Leah Bell and Centre, Leamington atres BANK ON IT Theatre- THE TALLEST HORSE ON HALLOWEEN FAMILY Jason Jones, Mon 21 Spa FISHHEAD Malvern- Rites present a site- EARTH Silly Boys The- SHOW OJS Musical The- Oct, The Place, Oaken- TREASURE ISLAND Mind based Reaction Theatre specific promenade atre present a tall tale atre Company present gates Theatre, Telford The Gap present an Makers present a con- experience which of equine adventure, a selection of songs HOPELESSLY DEVOTED innovative production temporary fairytale for explores resources Wed 30 Oct, Ludlow from the spookiest of Kate Tempest's story which sees modern-day the 'growing-up', Thurs which money can and Assembly Rooms, and fantasy worlds col- 24 Oct, mac - Midlands musicals, Sat 26 - Sun cannot buy. Suitable for South Shropshire about love in all its 27 Oct, Old Joint Stock extremes, Mon 21 Oct, lide, Tue 22 - Wed 23 Arts Centre children aged five-plus, THE FLYING MACHINE Oct, Arena Theatre, THAT'LL BE THE DAY Theatre, Birmingham Mon 28 Oct - Sat 2 Nov, HandMade Theatre’s Artrix, Bromsgrove HONOR BLACKMAN IN Wolverhampton Rock'n'Roll spectacular Coventry City Centre interactive performance EVITA Multi-award-win- CONVERSATION WITH TOMORROW'S PARTIES combining music from Mystery Location invites audience mem- ning hit musical by Tim RICHARD DIGBY DAY Cel- Forced Entertainment's the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s CENTRALLY HEATED bers to board a flying Rice and Andrew Lloyd- ebrated actress Honor latest performance with wacky comedy KNICKERS A compelling machine and become Webber. Marti Pellow Blackman looks back imagines a multitude of routines, Thurs 24 - Fri new production per- its crew, ‘flapping the stars... Mon 21 - Sat 26 over her illustrious hypothetical futures. 25 Oct, Stafford Gate- formed by legendary wings, working the con- Oct, Regent Theatre, career, her beginnings, Two performers house Theatre children’s poet Michael trols and steering the Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent her family and her rise wreathed in coloured PERSPECTIVES An Rosen, with songs, captain’s wheel!’ Wed DAYTONA Oliver Cotton's to stardom. Audiences lights, like a strange evening of one-act grooves and flights of 30 Oct, Arena Theatre, haunting, funny and will also be able to wit- fairground attraction, plays, Thurs 24 - Sat 26 musical fancy from The Wolverhampton poignant play, full of ness her singing a few mystery. Maureen Lip- speculate about what Oct, The Belfrey The- Homemade Orchestra, SUESSICAL JR Walsall tomorrow might bring, atre, Wellington, Shrop- of her favourite songs, Mon 28 Oct, Warwick man stars, Mon 21- Sat Sun 27 Oct, The Swan Youth Theatre present a 26 Oct, The REP, B’ham Tue 22 - Thurs 24 Oct, shire Arts Centre, Coventry musical extravaganza Warwick Arts Centre, THE CORONATION OF POP- Theatre, Worcester AN EVENING WITH RAY ANYTHING GOES SAOS MARTY MCDONALD'S featuring a host of Dr Coventry PEA English Touring MEARS Tue 29 Oct, present Cole Porter's FARM Join Marty, Pongo Seuss' creations, Wed THE ELIXIR OF LOVE Mid- Opera present Mon- Symphony Hall, B’ham celebrated musical, the Pig, Molly-Moo the 30 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, For- land Opera present teverdi's tale of love, THE THREE BILLY PIGS A which centres on mis- Cow and Sheena the est Arts Centre, Walsall Donizetti's frothy tale of power, morality and new show by Noisy taken indentities, long- Sheep for songs and POSTMAN PAT Thurs 31 romance, set on the corruption, Fri 25 Oct, Oyster which blends lost loves, leggy show- adventures in a live and Oct, Stafford Gate- sunny Italian Riviera. Malvern Theatres two classic fairy tales, girls and handsome interactive theatre show house Theatre Sung in Italian with FASCINATING AIDA Star- Tue 29 Oct, Symphony sailors, Mon 21 - Sat 26 for three-to-eight-year- FOGHORN IMPROV - English surtitles, Tue 22 ring Dillie Keane, Liza Hall, Birmingham Oct, Stourbridge Town olds, Sun 27 Oct, Artrix, MOST HAUNTED The Old - Sat 26 Oct, Crescent Pulman & Adele Ander- CADFAEL: THE VIRGIN IN Hall Bromsgrove Joint Stock Theatre Theatre, Birmingham son, Fri 25 Oct, Malvern THE ICE SECRET LOVE A senti- ANDY & MIKE'S TICK TOCK Middle Ground presents its very own 10 DECADENCE Inspired Theatres mental journey through TIME MACHINE Sun 27 Theatre Company pres- resident Improv Group, by material from The THE MERCHANT OF the life and music of Oct, Malvern Theatres ent Michael Lunney's Thurs 31 Oct, Old Joint REP’s archive, ten VENICE Worcester Doris Day, featuring TELL TALE HEARTS: version of Ellis Peter's Stock Theatre, B’ham schools rediscover the Repertory Company acclaimed singer and YUMM A dance theatre classic medieval mur- AN EVENING WITH JONTY hidden stories and present Shakespeare’s West End actress Clau- show celebrating all der-mystery, Tue 29 Oct HEARNDEN Thurs 31 secrets of Birmingham most complex and con- dia Morris, Tue 22 Oct, that’s messy at meal - Sat 2 Nov, Theatre Oct, Prince Of Wales and The REP, Wed 23 - troversial work, Fri 25 - Severn, Shrewsbury Centre, Redditch Lichfield Garrick Thurs 24 Oct, Birming- times! Sun 27 Oct, mac NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: Sat 26 Oct, Malvern - Midlands Arts Centre, RENT THE MUSICAL One BURT ‘N’ JOYCE Reform ham Repertory Theatre Theatres Productions present Theatre present Burt HAMLET Tue 22 Oct, The KINDERTRANSPORT Birmingham The LANDSCAPE II Solo work their version of and Joyce, a happy-go- Edge Arts Centre, Much Crescent Theatre Com- by Melanie Thompson Jonathan Larson’s Tony lucky couple about to Wenlock, Shropshire; pany present Diane Week Commencing which, using perform- Award-winning musical, have one of the most Artrix, Bromsgrove; Samuels' play, which ance, film and sound MON 28 OCT Tues 29 Oct - Sat 2 extraordinary days of mac - Midlands Arts examines the life - dur- art, sees three women Nov, Mitchell Arts Cen- their lives, Thurs 31 Centre, Birmingham; ing and after WWII - of separated by a hundred tre, Stoke-on-Trent Oct, The MET Studio, Warwick Arts Centre, a nine-year-old Jewish BANANAS IN PYJAMAS years start a conversa- THE GRAND GESTURE Stafford Gatehouse Coventry girl, Wed 23 - Sat 26 Mon 28 Oct, Royal Spa tion across time, Fri 25 Northern Broadsides Theatre JASON AND THE ARG- Oct, Belgrade Theatre, Centre, Leamington - Sat 26 Oct, Warwick are back, with a large SNOW WHITE: A PANTO ONAUTS Hereford's Coventry Spa Arts Centre, Coventry cast of charismatic, Presented by MCS Courtyard Theatre pres- MONKEY BARS Chris MACAMU Macamu is a ent a brand new theatri- THE TWIST New musical collective of musicians northern, actor-musi- Repertory Theatre Goode's unique show featuring songs from cians, in an evening of cal experience from sees a group of adult and puppeteers who Company, Thurs 31 Oct Mark Williams, best the ’50s and ’60s, Sat specialise in music for comic mayhem - com- - Sat 2 Nov, Old Rep, performers - playing 26 Oct, Palace Theatre, plete with a gypsy band known for his adapta- adults in adult situa- children, Mon 28 Oct, Birmingham Redditch and heavenly choir, Tue tion of Horrible Histo- tions - present a verba- Symphony Hall, B’ham JEKYLL AND HYDE A THE NOSE Live Met 29 Oct - Sat 9 Nov, New ries, Tue 22 - Wed 23 tim show using the spo- LITTLE BO PEEP Interac- stage adaptation of screening of Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Oct, Palace Theatre, ken word of a group of tive show for children Robert Louis Steven- Shostakovich's dazzling under-Lyme Redditch eight-to-ten-years-olds aged two to seven, son's gothic novel, opera, which sees POSTMAN PAT See Pat TO SIR, WITH LOVE The asked to talk about Mon 28 - Tues 29 Oct, Thurs 31 Oct - Sat 9 Paulo Szot reprise his and his friends live on Touring Consortium their lives, Wed 23 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse Nov, The Blue Orange acclaimed performance stage in an exciting Theatre Company pres- mac - Midlands Arts Theatre Theatre, Birmingham ent a new stage version as a bureaucrat whose TEECHERS John God- new story based

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:14 Page 15

Theatre REVIEWS

Here are a few of our favourite theatre productions we reviewed from last month. For further theatre reviews, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

People The REP, Birmingham Alan Bennett’s West End hit People started its national tour at Birmingham REP and was an appropriate opening production for the newly refur- bished and reopened theatre. Directed by Nicholas Hytner, it starred the glorious and stylish Sian Philips as Dorothy, the owner of a crumbling pile that seems to be heading for the National Trust. According to Dorothy, “people spoil things, and you don’t want them traipsing through one’s house”. Brigit Forsyth, as Dorothy’s melancholy ‘companion’, and Selina Cadell, as her strident Hedwig And The Angry Inch archdeacon sister, provided plenty of laughs, but it Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham was the arrival of the crew, to film a very suspect When Nigel Francis chose to bring his German-born production of Hedwig And The movie, that saw the humour reaching real heights. Angry Inch to the UK, fresh from a three-month run at Frankfurt’s Old English Theatre, The National Theatre production of People fits per- he said that the Old Joint Stock (OJS) Theatre was his first choice of venue - and one fectly into that great British tradition of theatre can certainly see why. A dark and cramped black box above the stylish OJS pub in which first makes you laugh and then makes you the centre of Birmingham’s business district, this theatre is the perfect setting for a think about the issues raised. An entertaining pro- story of a talented singer trying to hold it together while something bigger and flashier duction indeed. Jan Watts IIII I happens next door. For the uninitiated, Hedwig Robinson is the East Berlin singer-songwriter alter-ego of Hansel Robinson, created to allow Hansel to flee Communism and make a new life in the West with her lover, Luther. Hansel undergoes backstreet gender reassignment surgery and moves to America, only to be jilted by Luther. The show takes the form of a gig which has veered off-course, as Hedwig tells her story, all the while aware that, next door, her ex-writing partner and sometime-lover Tommy Gnosis is performing an arena-size gig to an adoring crowd. Curious and surprising, Hedwig And The Angry Inch never lets you settle back in your chair. The show treads a dizzying line between play, cabaret, gig and stand-up; devil- ishly coarse one moment, steeped in pathos the next. Hedwig’s story can be both hilarious and painful when performed with an assured touch, which Nigel Francis most certainly provided. Francis showed impressive vulnerability and equally impressive vocal strength, ably abetted by Sarah Moore as Yitzak, who stole the show (as she should) in the later stages. James Pursglove IIIII

Theatre Box Office

Birmingham OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY Warwickshire 0121 552 2761 ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL Three Tenors 0844 871 3011 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 024 7637 6707 0121 533 7161 Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY The West End came to Wolverhampton with a bang 0844 338 5000 Shropshire 024 7655 3055 BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK last month, as a talented cast of nine singers and THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 0121 236 4455 01926 776438 musicians performed some of the greatest hits from 01952 222277 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK numerous top musicals. They were led by a trio of 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 01952 728911 men who, in addition to starring in several other CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY stunning shows, have all played the lead in Andrew 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01743 234970 Lloyd Webber's blockbuster musical The Phantom DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE Of The Opera. This was entertainment designed to ROOMS 01584 878141 THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 thrill. THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY After a slightly disappointing opening to the show, MAC 0121 446 3232 01952 382382 02476 524524 Matthew Cammelle, Stephen John Davis (he OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY 0121 200 0946 01743 281281 appeared in the ten thousandth performance of Worcestershire Phantom) and Glyn Kerslake really got into their OLD REP 0121 245 4455 WEM TOWN HALL ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, stride, presenting songs which have delighted SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 01939 232299 0121 704 6962 BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 more than thirty thousand people since they began Staffordshire THE HIVE their tours. The real showstopper, though, turned 01905 822866 Black Country LICHFIELD GARRICK out to be a woman - Rebecca Caine, who received HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER ARENA THEATRE 01543 412121 01905 611427 a tremendous ovation for her rendition of the My WOLVERHAMPTON NEW VIC 01782 717962 MALVERN THEATRE Fair Lady number I Could Have Danced All Night. 01902 321321 PRINCE OF WALES 01684 892277 Before the interval, the entire cast - who sang to BLOXWICH THEATRE CENTRE, CANNOCK music provided by piano and cello - performed a 01922 653183 01543 578762 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH 01905 770154 superb selection from the world's most popular DUDLEY CONCERT HALL REGENT THEATRE, STOKE 0870 060 6649 PALACE THEATRE musical, Les Miserables. The show closed with 01384 812812 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE REDDITCH 01527 65203 songs from Phantom, the three unmasked phan- FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL 01922 654555 01785 254653 ROSE THEATRE, toms closing with The Music Of The Night. Anthony 01562 743745 GRAND THEATRE, STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE Gabriele was musical director of a cracking concert 01902 429212 01782 209784 SWAN THEATRE, WORCESTER 01905 611427 which benefitted greatly from some really impres- NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE sive lighting. Paul Marston IIII I 01902 572090

44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:14 Page 16

Theatre WEST END Extended West End booking for RSC musical Matilda The Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi- award-winning production Matilda The Musi- cal has extended its booking period to 21 December 2014. The much-acclaimed show transferred to the West End in November 2011 following a highly successful period in Stratford-upon-Avon. Directed by Matthew Warchus and featuring music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, Dennis Kelly’s version of the Roald Dahl classic tells the story of an ordi- nary young girl with extraordinary powers.

Ben Miller to star in new comedy Death In Paradise actor Ben Miller is return- ing to the West End later this year to star in a new political comedy from Dan Patterson and Colin Swash. Based around the much-publi- cised Parliamentary expenses scandal, The Duck House sees Miller take the lead as Robert Houston, a Labour backbencher Image from previous production who’ll do anything to save his seat. Ben will be joined by former X Factor finalist/actress Record-breaking sales for Cameron Mackintosh’s Miss Saigon Diana Vickers, who received much critical acclaim for her stage debut Cameron Mackintosh’s forthcoming produc- An epic love story, Miss Saigon tells the trag- in The Rise And Fall Of Little tion of Miss Saigon has recorded the largest ic tale of Kim, a young bar girl orphaned by Voice. Nancy Carroll, Debbie single day of sales in the history of the West war who falls in love with an American GI Chaze, James Musgrave End and Broadway, cashing in a whopping called Chris - but their romance is torn apart and Simon Shepherd also £4,402,371 on its first day of booking. Since by the fall of Saigon. Mackintosh’s new pro- feature. The Duck House its London debut twenty-five years ago, Alain duction of Miss Saigon shows at the Prince shows at the Vaudeville Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s epic Edward Theatre from 3 May 2014, with book- Theatre from 27 musical has played in three hundred cities in ings currently being taken up until 25 Octo- November (previews) fifteen different languages, winning numer- ber 2014. to 29 March. ous international awards along the way.

ROCK OF AGES Garrick DROWNED MAN: A HOLLY- MOUSETRAP St Martins WEST END LISTINGS: Theatre, booking until 2 WOOD FABLE Temple Theatre, booking until 3 COMEDY Nov 2013 Studios, booking until Jan 2015 39 STEPS Criterion The- SCOTTSBRO BOYS Young 31 Dec 2013 Edward Theatre, PRIDE Trafalgar Studio atre, booking until 29 Vic Theatre, 18 Oct - 23 EMIL AND THE DETEC- MUSICALS booking until 9 Mar 1Theatre, booking until Mar 2014 Nov 2013 TIVES Olivier National 9 Nov 2013 2014 BARKING IN ESSEX Wyn- AMERICAN PSYCHO SEUSSICAL Arts Theatre, Theatre, booking until LES MISÉRABLES PRINCE OF DENMARK dham’s Theatre, book- Almeida Theatre, 3 Dec 29 Nov - 5 Jan 2014 20 Feb 2014 Queen's Theatre, book- Ambassadors Theatre, ing until 4 Jan 2014 2013 - 25 Jan 2014 ing until 26 Apr 2014 STEVEN WARD Aldwych FROM MORNING TO MID- booking until 27 Nov BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- Theatre, 3 Dec 2013 - 1 NIGHT Lyttelton National 2013 LADY KILLERS Vaudeville LET IT BE Savoy The- Theatre, booking until CAL Victoria Palace Mar 2014 Theatre, 19 Nov 2013 - ROMEO & JULIET Ambas- atre, booking until 18 16 Nov 2014 Theatre, booking until Jan 2014 STOMP Ambassadors 15 Jan 2014 sador Theatre, 25 Sept 16 May 2015 Theatre, booking until GHOSTS Almeida The- - 29 Nov 2013 ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS LIGHT PRINCESS Haymarket Theatre BODYGUARD Adelphi 21 Dec 2014 atre, booking until 23 WAR HORSE New Lon- Lyttelton, National The- Royal, booking until 1 Theatre, booking until 8 THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- Nov 2013 don Theatre, booking atre, booking until 2 Mar 2014 Mar 2014 Jan 2014 atre, booking until 16 LET THE RIGHT ONE IN until 15 Feb 2014 BOOK OF MORMON Mar 2014 Royal Court Theatre WOMAN IN BLACK For- PAJAMA MAN Arts The- LION KING Lyceum The- atre, 15 Oct - 23 Nov Prince Of Wales The- atre, booking until 20 TOP HAT Aldwych The- Downstairs, 29 Nov - 31 tune Theatre, booking 2013 atre, booking until 8 Apr 2014 atre, booking until 26 Dec 2013 until 14 Dec 2013 Feb 2014 MAMMA MIA! Novello Oct 2013 CHARLIE AND THE Theatre, booking until 5 WE WILL ROCK YOU CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Apr 2014 Dominion Theatre, THE MUSICAL Drury MATILDA THE MUSICAL booking until 5 Apr Lane Royal, booking Cambridge Theatre, 2014 until 31 May 2014 booking until 21 Dec WICKED Apollo Victoria CIRCUS OF HORRORS 2014 Theatre, booking until 1 Lyric Theatre, 28 Oct MISS SAIGON Nov 2014. 2013 - 16 Dec 2013 Prince Edward Theatre, WIND IN THE WILLOWS COMMITMENTS Victoria from 3 May - 25 Oct Duchess Theatre, 11 Palace Theatre, book- 2014 Dec 2013 - 1 Feb 2014 ing until 26 Jan 2014 MONTY PYTHONS SPA- DIRTY DANCING MALOT Playhouse The- Piccadilly Theatre, atre, booking until 8 DRAMA booking until 22 Feb Feb 2014 2014 NUTCRACKER ON ICE CHIMERICA Harold Pinter FROM HERE TO ETERNITY - IMPERIAL ICE STARS Theatre, booking until London Palladium, 24 Shaftesbury Theatre, 19 Oct 2013 Oct 2013 - 3 Nov 2013 booking until 26 Apr CORIOLANUS Donmar ONCE Phoenix Theatre, 2014 Warehouse, booking 6 booking until 31 May I CAN’T SING! THE 2014 Dec 2013 - 8 Feb 2014 X FACTOR MUSICAL PHANTOM OF THE OPERA CURIOUS INCIDENT OF London Palladium The- Her Majesty's Theatre, THE DOG IN THE NIGHT- atre, 27 Feb 2014 - 26 booking until 26 Apr TIME Apollo Theatre, Mar 2014 2014 booking until 25 Oct JERSEY BOYS Prince 2014 The Lady Killers, Vaudeville Theatre

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Christmas Feature October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:11 Page 1

46 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Feature October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:11 Page 2 Looking ahead to Christmas! It may only be October, but theatres around the region are already busying themselves with preparations for the festive season. And, as always, there’s no shortage of big names winging their way to the Midlands to appear in some of the best pantos in the land... Christmas 2013 looks set to be another bumper season for panto in of Queen Passionella in Sleeping Beauty. Ceri will be joined by come- the Midlands, with many theatres reporting an increase in early box dian and panto favourite Joe Pasquale, as Muddles, and Lucy Evans, office ticket sales. With its long-held reputation for hosting the country’s who’ll play Princess Beauty. Moving north of the region, Stoke’s much- biggest panto, the Birmingham Hippodrome this year promises to loved son Jonny Wilkes returns to his home town for the festive sea- deliver a stylish version of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. Fashion son, to perform alongside his long-term sidekick Christian Patterson in guru Gok Wan will make his panto debut as The Man In The Mirror, another version of Snow White. If panto’s not your thing, fear not, as appearing as part of a star-studded line-up that also includes John there are plenty of festive alternatives available, including Ghost The Partridge as the Prince, Stephanie Beacham as the Wicked Queen, Musical at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre, Wendy And Peter Gary Wilmot as the Dame and Paul Zerdin as Muddles. Up the motor- Pan at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon, and A Christmas Carol at the way in Wolverhampton, the lovely Ceri Dupree will be donning a recently re-opened Birmingham REP. For information about all the plethora of glamorous outfits when he revisits his much-acclaimed role region’s festive events, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Snow White - Birmingham Hippodrome Festive show LISTINGS

TOM’S MIDNIGHT Starring Jonathan Wilkes Sat 7 Dec - Sun 19 Jan, Birmingham, £8.50 - GARDEN and Christian Patterson, The Grand Theatre, £10.50 Tues 3 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Wolverhampton, £16.50 - Presented by The PETER PAN Birmingham Stage Regent Theatre, £11.40 - £26.50 Starring Adam Woodyatt, Company, Wed 13 Nov - £32.40 WENDY AND PETER PAN Smee and Starkey, Sat Sat 25 Jan, Old Rep, MOTHER GOOSES Tues 10 Dec - Sun 2 Mar, 14 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Birmingham, £9 GOLDEN CHRISTMAS Royal Shakespeare Crewe Lyceum, £17.50 - THE HUNDRED AND ONE Wed 4 Dec - Sat 7 Dec, Company, Stratford- £21 Dudley Little Theatre, £7 upon-Avon £5 - £60 DALMATIANS GHOST Sat 23 Nov - Wed 1 Feb, RENT THE WIND IN THE Starring Dave Stewart New Vic Theatre, Wed 4 Dec - Sat 14 Dec, WILLOWS and Glen Ballard, Tues Newcastle-under-Lyne, The Old Joint Stock Presented by Pool Hayes 17 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, £14 - £21 Theatre, £15 Youth Theatre, Wed 11 New Alexandra Theatre, A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec - Sun 15 Dec, Arena Birmingham, £17.90 - MIRACLE ON 34TH Theatre, Wolverhampton, £48.90 Wed 27 Nov - Sat 4 Jan, STREET Sleeping Beauty - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton The REP, Birmingham, £5 - £10 Thurs 5 Dec - Sat 7 Dec, THE LION, THE WITCH & £7 - £35 New Alexandra Theatre, DICK WHITTINGTON THE WARDROBE JACK AND THE Birmingham, £28.90 - Thurs 12 Dec - Sun 22 Tues 17 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, BEANSTALK £38.90 Dec, Forest Arts Centre, Playbox Theatre, £8.50 - Walsall, £6 £21.50 Presented by Image SLEEPING BEAUTY Theatre, Wed 27 Nov - Starring Brad Fitt, Eric ALADDIN SNOW WHITE AND THE Sun 5 Jan, The Belgrade Smith and Adam Moss, Starring Asa Elliott, Phil SEVEN DWARFS Starring Theatre, £9.75 - £21.50 Thurs 5 Dec - Sun 12 Butler, Ian Billings, Jade John Partridge, Gok CHICAGO Jan, Theatre Severn, Chaston and Barry Wan, Stephanie Fri 29 Nov - Sat 11 Jan, Shrewsbury, £10 - £17.50 North, Thurs 12 Dec - Beacham, Gary Wilmot, Sun 5 Jan, The Place, Paul Zerdin and Matt The Curve, Leicester, SNOW WHITE AND THE £9.75 - £40 Oakengates, £9 - £16.50 Slack, Sun 19 Dec - Sun MAGIC MIRROR 2 Feb, The Hippodrome, ROOM ON THE BROOM Starring Joanne Malin, SNOW WHITE AND THE Birmingham, £14 - £39 A Tall Stories production, Fri 6 Dec - Sun 6 Jan, SEVERN DWARFS Sat 30 Nov - Sun 29 Dec, Lichfield Garrick, £12.50 - Starring Sue Holderness, WHAT THE LADYBIRD Warwick Arts Centre, £13 £22.50 Chris Pizzey and Olivia HEARD Birchenough, Thurs 12 Fri 20 Dec - Fri 10 Jan, HANSEL & GRETEL FANTASTIC MR FOX Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Malvern Birmingham Town Hall, Jack And The Beanstalk - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Presented by New Sat 7 Dec - Sat 21 Dec, Theatres, Worcester, £8.50 - £11.50 International Encounter, The Crescent Theatre, £8.95 - £22.50 Tues 3 Dec - Sat 14 Dec, Birmingham, £8 - £15 ALADDIN JACK & THE BEANSTALK Sun 22 Dec - Mon 30 mac, Birmingham, £10 - OH NO IT ISN’T! £13 Starring Malcolm Stent, Dec, Prince Of Wales Sat 7 Dec - Sat 28 Dec, Fri 13 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Centre, Cannock, £13.50 DICK WHITTINGTON The Belgrade, Coventry, Solihull Arts Complex, & HIS CAT £8 - £15.50 £14 - £17.50 SCROOGE Presented by Image Tues 3 Dec - Sat 28 Dec, ALADDIN Bedworth Civic Hall, SLEEPING BEAUTY Musical Theatre, Mon 23 Sat 7 Dec - Sat 4 Jan, £10.50 - £14.50 Fri 13 Dec - Sat 11 Jan, Dec - Tues 24 Dec, Royal Spa Centre, Stafford Gatehouse, Ludlow Assembly ALADDIN Leamington, £5 - £14 £13.50 - £17.50 Rooms, £10 Tues 3 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, ALADDIN Swan Theatre, THE ENCHANTED TALES SLEEPING BEAUTY Mon 9 Dec - Sun 5 Jan, Worcester, £10.75 - - THE SNOW QUEEN, Presented by Limelight, Palace Theatre, £15.75 RUMPLESTILSKIN AND Sat 30 Nov - Sat 4 Jan, Redditch, £14 - £18.50 ALI BABA Rose Theatre, Worcester, SNOW WHITE AND THE Sat 14 Dec - Sat 28 Dec, £12.50 SEVEN DWARFS SLEEPING BEAUTY Starring Joe Pasquale, Blue Orange Theatre,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Christmas Feature October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:11 Page 3

48 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Feature October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 19:11 Page 4

Christmas Parties from £19.95 Inc. buffet & disco Christmas Family Sunday Lunch Adults from £17.95, Children from £11.95 Sing-a-long Lunch £16.75 Inc. 3 course Christmas meal, raffle, bingo & hits from “the blitz” Christmas Day lunch Adults £62.50, Children £31.95 New Years Eve from £41.95 Inc. Gala Buffet & Disco

Celebrate Christmas in Style at The Great Barr Hotel For Bookings Telephone: 0800 373 853

Great Barr Hotel, Pear Tree Drive, Great Barr. B43 6HS Tel: 0121 357 1141

Full Christmas Brochure Available to download from www.thegreatbarrhotel.com

18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 01743 281 750 www.thepeachtree.co.uk

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Dance October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:59 Page 1 Dance

Penguin Cafe Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 October Birmingham Royal Ballet here launches its new season with a well-balanced triple-bill of Artistic Director David Bintley’s best-loved works. Opening the programme is Bintley’s Tombeaux, a passionate homage to classical ballet which also acts as a lament to his mentor, the great Frederick Ashton. Next up is the award-winning E=mc² - a breathtakingly pacy exploration of Einstein’s ‘Special Theory of Relativity’, danced to a specially commissioned score by Australian composer Matthew Hindon. Last but not least is one of Bintley’s best-known and most- acclaimed ballets, 1988’s ‘Still Life’ At The Penguin Cafe, a colourful production which takes a poignant look at man’s impact on the world. Focusing on a host of endangered animals seeking refuge from a storm, it features a morris-dancing flea, a ballroom-dancing ram, a sleepy rat and a woolly monkey! Broken Jugni Warwick Arts Centre, mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 11 October Coventry, Wed 2 - Fri 4 October; Theatre Severn, Birmingham-based Sonia Sabri Company is held in high Shrewsbury, Tues 8 October; regard for its ability to illuminate personal stories through Malvern Theatre, Tues 5 intricate movement, rhythm and rhyme, presenting Kathak November dance in a contemporary context. Described as ‘one of This brand new production is the company’s most inspirational productions of the year’, one of two specially devised Jugni promises ‘an explosion of dance, music and mean- pieces produced to celebrate ing, with soaring live vocals and percussion inspired by Motionhouse dance compa- Qawaali, and powerful contemporary choreography driven ny’s twenty-fifth anniversary. by the passion in folkloric dance styles’. Making its debut in Coventry, Broken fuses athletic dance with digital imagery and origi- nal music to examine man’s precarious relationship with the earth. In what’s described as ‘an adrenaline-fuelled spectacle’, the Leamington-based ensemble use two contrasting worlds - the caves of our ancient ancestors, and mod- ern apartments of glass and steel - to question our ambivalence to the world.

50 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Dance October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:59 Page 2

Birmingham play through radical & Theatre, Sat 26 Oct, Fri 1 Nov, The Patrick LISTINGS Hippodrome dance, live music and Theatre Severn, Centre, Birmingham Dance JUGNI The art of Kathak film, taking the audi- Shrewsbury Hippodrome is here celebrated, via a ence on a voyeuristic THE BLACK UMFOLOSI 5 For full listing information on dance, fusion of dance and journey through New Sun 27 Oct, Artrix, including times and dates, visit music, by Sonia Sabri York, Wed 23 Oct, Bromsgrove Dance www.whatsonlive.co.uk Company, Fri 11 Oct, Artrix, Bromsgrove SWAN LAKE Presented mac - Midlands Arts ONE NIGHT ONLY by The Russian State Box Office Centre, Birmingham Presented by the Viv Ballet & Orchestra of exploration of the BROKEN Brand new SONIA SABRI COMPANY: Kelly School of Dance Siberia, Sun 27 Oct, female form through ARENA THEATRE, show from EKALYA Tues 15 Oct, & Theatre, Wed 23 Oct, Theatre Severn, Motionhouse Dance, deeply affecting and WOLVERHAMPTON Wem Town Hall, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 01902 321321 Wed 2 - Fri 4 Oct, often darkly funny cho- Shropshire Shrewsbury THE NUTCRACKER reography, Sat 5 Oct, ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE Warwick Arts Centre, ESSENCE OF IRELAND AMINA KHAYYAM DANCE Russian State Ballet Birmingham Ormiston 01527 577330 Coventry Thurs 17 Oct, Palace CO. WITH ZEROCULTURE and Opera House pres- Academy PENGUIN CAFE Theatre, Redditch A Kathak interpretation ent one of the greatest BIRMINGHAM TE AMO Phoenix Dance Presented by KATHAKALI Classical of Federico Garcia classical ballets of all HIPPODROME Company present a Birmingham Royal dance drama of Kerala Lorca's classic play, time, Mon 28 Oct, 0844 338 5000 'funky & dynamic' Ballet, Thurs 3 - Sat 5 by The Kala Chethena Yerma, Thurs 24 Oct, Stafford Gatehouse DOVEHOUSE THEATRE dance production Oct, Birmingham Kathakali Company, mac - Midlands Arts Theatre 0121 706 7139 Hippodrome themed around love, Thurs 17 Oct, Arena Centre, Birmingham LYRIKAL FEARTA: THE LICHFIELD GARRICK ESSENCE OF IRELAND Sun 6 Oct, Solihull Arts Theatre, W’hampton THE NUTCRACKER LETTER & BROKEN 01543 412121 Complex Exploration of Irish PICTURES WE MAKE A Presented by Ballet LINEAGE A double-bill LUDLOW ASSEMBLY BROKEN Tues 8 Oct, myths through narra- double-bill by Theatre UK, Thurs 24 from Sadler's Wells ROOMS, SHROPSHIRE Theatre Severn, tion, Irish music & Irish Company Chameleon, Oct, Prince Of Wales Associate Artist Jonzi 01584 873229 Shrewsbury dancing, Thurs 3 Oct, Thurs 17 - Fri 18 Oct, Centre, Cannock D, Tue 29 - Wed 30 Oct, MAC, BIRMINGHAM SLEEPING BEAUTY ON ICE Royal Spa Centre, The Patrick Centre, NOODLES Presented by Warwick Arts Centre, 0121 446 3232 Leamington Spa Presented by The Birmingham NoFit State, Thurs 24 - Coventry NEW ALEXANDRA THE- THIS IS NOT A LOVE Imperial Ice Stars, Tues Hippodrome Sat 26 Oct, THE NUTCRACKER ATRE, BIRMINGHAM STORY 8 - Sat 12 Oct, New UK premiere of SLEEPING BEAUTY Warwick Arts Centre, Presented by Ballet 0121 230 9082 Alexandra Theatre, Gunilla Heilborn’s story Presented by Vienna Coventry Theatre UK, Wed 30 of two reluctant heroes, Birmingham ROYAL SPA CENTRE, Festival Ballet, Thurs 17 ROMEO & JULIET Oct, Solihull Arts LEAMINGTON SPA Thurs 3 - Fri 4 Oct, The THE SLEEPING BEAUTY - Sat 19 Oct, Lichfield Passionate ballet from Complex 01926 334418 Patrick Centre, BRB present their Garrick the award-winning ONCE IN A BLUE MOON acclaimed production SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX Birmingham DANCE EVOLUTION Pupils Ballet Cymru, Fri 25 Wriggle Dance Theatre of one of the most pop- 0121 704 6962 Hippodrome from Carabella Dance Oct, Ludlow Assembly present a fusion of ular fairytale ballets of STAFFORD GATEHOUSE KNIGHTS OF THE INVISI- Academy present a Rooms, South dance, live music and all time, Tue 8 Oct- Sat THEATRE BLE DanceXchange performance of song Shropshire audience interactivity, 12 Oct, Birmingham 01785 254653 present a collaboration and dance featuring AN EVENING OF DIRTY Thurs 31 Oct, Hippodrome THEATRE SEVERN, between Scottish music from today and DANCING A tribute show mac - Midlands Arts dance-theatre artist STILL CURRENT An SHREWSBURY yesterday, Sat 19 - Sun featuring great songs Centre, Birmingham 01743 281281 Iona Kewney and musi- evening of new works 20 Oct, Dovehouse and memorable danc- HOLD EVERYTHING DEAR from internationally cian Joseph Quimby, Theatre, Solihull ing, Sat 26 Oct, Themes of migration WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, acclaimed choreogra- COVENTRY Sat 5 Oct, The Patrick CHELSEA HOTEL Earthfall Lichfield Garrick and transience form the pher Russell Maliphant, 02476 524524 Centre, Birmingham present a series of sto- BORN TO DANCE basis of this relatively Thurs 10 - Fri 11 Oct, Hippodrome ries, some true and Presented by the Viv new work from Laïla The Patrick Centre, MONSTER BODY An some false, which inter- Kelly School of Dance Diallo, Thurs 31 Oct -

THE EASY WAY TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE

whatsonlive.co.uk

September 28th October 17th - 19th Artrix, Bromsgrove - 2.30* & 7.30 Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield 2.30* & 7.30 .artrix.co.uk 01527 577330 (Performance of Sleeping Beauty) The most comprehensive what’s on listings website lichfieldgarrick.com 01543 412121 October 5th for Birmingham and the West Midlands Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham - 7.30 October 25th eveshamartscentre.co.uk 01386-446944 The Place, Oakengates, Telford- 7.00 [email protected] 01952 382 382 October 15th Glyndwr University, Wrexham - 7.30 glyndwr.ac.uk 01978 290666 * Saturday Matinee

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 51 Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 1 Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 2

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

From WED 30 OCT

Thor: The Dark World CERT tbc Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris TOP 5 Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Rene Russo Directed by Alan Taylor (USA) FILM BOX OFFICE The stakes are raised for the Scandinavian hunk as he faces a threat older than the universe itself. This enemy is not only bent on wiping out the earth (which has had enough trouble in the cinema of late), but the universe itself. Let’s hope Thor’s hammer is in good shape. In spite of its intergalactic scope, the film Rush (15) actually started shooting in Surrey last year (at Shepperton Studios), before moving on to Stonehenge 1 and Iceland. In 3D. White House Down (12a) Captain Phillips 2 CERT 12a (134mins) Starring Tom Hanks, Catherine Justin And The Knights Keener, Max Martini, Yul 3 Of Valour(PG) Vazquez, Chris Mulkey Directed by Paul Greengrass (USA) Insidious: Chapter(15) 2 True story. Tom Hanks. The 4 director of the Bourne films. This has got to be big. Tom About Time(12a) Hanks plays the eponymous 5 Captain Richard Phillips, who was abducted by Somali pirates in 2009. It’s a tale ripped straight from the head- From lines, based on the book by FRI 18 Captain Phillips himself in col- OCT laboration with Stephan Talty. Oscar buzz is already buzzing. Rush

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 53 Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Released from Fri 4 Oct

How I Live Now CERT 15 (101mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Tom Holland, Anna Chancellor, George MacKay Directed by Kevin Macdonald (UK) Kevin Macdonald directed One Day In September, Touching The Void and The Last King Of Scotland, so any new film from him is cause for animation. How I Live Now is an adaptation of Meg Rosoff’s 2004 novel of the same name, and focuses on an American teenager (Ronan) who stays with cousins in the English countryside. Then her bucolic idyll is confounded by the outbreak of World War Three... Saoirse Ronan’s co-star George MacKay is also the romantic lead in Sunshine On Leith (see page 55).

The To Do List CERT 15 (105mins) Thanks For Sharing CERT 15 Starring Aubrey Plaza, Johnny Simmons, Bill (112mins) Hader, Scott Porter, Rachel Bilson, Starring Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Christopher Mintz-Plasse Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Gad, Joely Directed by Maggie Carey (USA) Richardson, Alecia Moore (aka P!nk), Shot for a minuscule £780,000, this saucy com- Patrick Fugit edy has caused something of a buzz in Directed by Stuart Blumberg (USA) America. The enumeration in question is a It’s no surprise that this romantic comedy- bucket list of sexual achievements our heroine drama isn’t being distributed by one of the Brandy Klark (Plaza, from TV’s Parks And Hollywood majors: its theme is sex addic- Recreation) feels she needs to sample before tion. Here, three friends battle their carnal attending college. Apparently, the screenplay dependence while attending a twelve-step by first-time director Carey is partly autobio- programme. It’ll be good to see Gwyneth graphical. back doing what she does best: acting in a grown-up drama.

until 24 Nov 2013 until 10 Nov 2013

54 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 4

Sunshine On Leith CERT PG (100mins) Starring Starring Peter Mullan, Jane Horrocks, George MacKay, Kevin Guthrie, Jason Flemyng, Antonia Thomas Directed by Dexter Fletcher (UK) Inspired by the album of the same name by The Proclaimers, Sunshine On Leith went from vinyl to CD to stage musical. The film version follows the story of two soldiers from Afghanistan who have to adjust to civilian life in Edinburgh. Listen out for The Proclaimers’ classic hit I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Emperor CERT 12a (105mins) Starring Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones, Eriko Hatsune, Masayoshi Haneda Directed by Peter Webber (USA/Japan) Opening with the bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, Emperor unfolds into a detective story and a love story as the Americans coordinate the peace process in a traumatised Japan. Tommy Lee Jones is America’s Supreme Commander General Douglas McArthur and, as one might expect, makes a commendable stab at the gruff, larger-than-life figure. As MacArthur’s right-hand man, Bonner Fellers (Matthew Fox, TV’s Lost) appears to have his own agenda, as he searches for his college sweetheart (Hatsune) within “the largest cre- matorium the world has ever known”. Under the direction of Peter Webber (The Girl With A Pearl Earring), the film looks terrific and is punctuated by some meaty lines of dialogue. Romeo And Juliet CERT tbc Baggage Claim CERT 12a (96mins) As a history lesson, though, it does suffer Starring Paula Patton, Adam Brody, Djimon more than its share of longueurs. Starring Hailee Steinfeld, Douglas Booth, Paul Giamatti, Damian Lewis, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Hounsou, Taye Diggs, Christina Milian, Ed Westwick, Lesley Manville, Stellan Derek Luke Directed by David E. Talbert Skarsgård, Natascha McElhone (USA) Directed by Carlo Carlei (UK) Determined not to be the last member of her There are two households both alike in dignity, family to be married, flight attendant Amanda in fair Verona where it all happens. Oh, you Moore (Patton) decides to use her airline con- know the story... What you need to know is that nections to hunt down Mr Right. She has just the screenplay credit goes to (Lord) Julian thirty days to beat her younger sister to the Fellowes, of Downton Abbey fame - although if altar, so she flies thirty thousand miles to con- memory serves, William Shakespeare had a nect with her perfect mate. The only flaw in hand in the writing, too... This is a traditional the premise of this romantic comedy is that version, filmed in fair Verona, with an American any stud in his right mind would’ve snatched as Juliet Capulet (Oscar nominee Hailee up Paula Patton aeons ago. Just take a look Steinfeld). Romeo is portrayed by the London- at her in Precious or Mission: Impossible - born Douglas Booth, best known for playing Ghost Protocol or 2 Guns. Released from Thurs 10 Oct Boy George in the BBC’s Worried About The Boy and ‘Pip’ in the Beeb’s Great Expectations. The Fifth Estate CERT tbc Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Brühl, Le Week-end CERT 15 (93mins) Anthony Mackie, David Thewlis, Alicia Starring Jeff Goldblum, Jim Broadbent, Vikander, Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney, Dan Directed by Lindsay Duncan, Olly Alexander Stevens Bill Condon Directed by Roger Michell (UK) (USA/UK/Belgium) Roger Michell is best known for Notting Hill, Following the documentary We Steal Secrets: but he’s directed some marvellously grown- The Story Of WikiLeaks (released in July), now up, small-scale dramas too: like The Mother comes the full-blown drama. Cumberbatch and Venus and the TV series The Buddha Of plays the editor-in-chief and founder Julian Suburbia. All these were scripted by Hanif Assange, with Daniel Brühl (Niki Lauda in Kureishi, with whom Michell is reunited on Rush) as its spokesman Daniel Domscheit- this comedy-drama about a couple who Berg. Assange himself has dismissed the film attempt to rejuvenate their marriage by visit- as “a hostile work,” while Cumberbatch has heaped praise on the eye-opening website. ing Paris. Once in the French capital, they Machete Kills CERT tbc bump into an old friend (Goldblum), who Expect Oscar nominations. Starring Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, acts as a catalyst for things to come. Sofía Vergara, Amber Heard, Lady Gaga, Antonio Banderas, Cuba Gooding Jr, Jessica Alba, Mel Gibson Directed by Robert Rodriguez (USA/Russia) Machete Kills must be the first film to go down in history as being a sequel to a film based on a fake trailer. The character of the knife-wielding Mexican avenger first appeared at the start of the ‘double-feature’ Grindhouse (2007) and then starred in his own film, the ludicrously bloody Machete (2010). Here, he’s recruited by the US president to tackle an arms dealer (Gibson) bent on activating worldwide anarchy (good for business, no doubt).

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 55 Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 5 Film Oct New_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:39 Page 6

Released from Fri 18 Oct

Turbo CERT U (98mins) With the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Paul Giamatti, Michael Peña, Snoop Dogg, Maya Rudolph, Michelle Rodriguez, Samuel L. Jackson Directed by David Soren (USA) Garden snails have had a pretty bad rap in movies to date, but all that is about to change. In this computer-animated ’toon from DreamWorks, Theo (Ryan Reynolds) is a gastropod mollusc who dreams of being the fastest snail in the world. And he wants to join the Indy 500. In 3D.

From TUES 15 OCT

Released from Fri 25 Oct Love, Marilyn CERT 12a (105mins) With Ellen Burstyn, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Lindsay Lohan, Uma Thurman, Ender’s Game CERT tbc Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood Directed by Liz Garbus (USA/France) Starring Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Like Father, Like Son Kingsley, Viola Davis, Hailee Steinfeld, Considering how many films have been CERT 12a (134mins) Abigail Breslin Directed by Gavin Hood (USA) made about Marilyn Monroe it would seem Starring Masaharu Fukuyama, Yōko Maki, Jun You’re not going to believe this. Our planet foolhardy to add another to the mix. But Kunimura Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda has been invaded by aliens. Again. In antici- this is completely different, as it tells her (Japan) pation of a follow-up attack, ‘The story in her own words. It was at the acting Through sheer hard work, Ryota Nonomiya International Fleet’ decides to train children guru Lee Strasberg’s house that two boxes feels he’s earned his perfect life: a successful for battles in the future and reckons that the were discovered containing previously business, a beautiful wife and a son he “strategically gifted” Ender Wiggin unseen documents: the letters, poems and adores. Then he receives a phone call from (Butterfield) has what it takes to be a diaries of Marilyn Monroe. The documen- the hospital where his son was born. There’d prospective hero. Based on the 1985 novel tarian Liz Garbus (Bobby Fischer Against been a mix-up, and his son, Keita, is not by Orson Scott Card. The World) decided to bring Marilyn’s inner actually his… Winner of the Jury Prize at this voice alive by filming a roster of leading year’s Cannes Film Festival. actresses interpreting her most private Cloudy With A Chance Of thoughts. Intercut with interviews, archive footage and a generous array of stills - CERT U (95mins) Meatballs 2 some famous, some little seen - the film With the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, brings alive the real Marilyn. It transpires James Caan, Andy Samberg, Neil Patrick Harris, Benjamin Bratt Directed by Cody that she was not only an insecure, ambi- Cameron and Kris Pearn (USA) tious and hard-working actress, but a thoughtful, even poetic creative force. This has got to boast one of the oddest titles of Perhaps most telling is the child-like hand any film since Blade Runner. Anyway, this is the with which she wrote down her thoughts, a inevitable sequel to the 2009 cartoon about a variety of calligraphic styles revealing a per- boy who found a way to turn water into food. son experimenting with how she wanted to Here, the lad has to be perceived. Above all, the film shows find a way to stop how the public Marilyn was an invention his contraption from constructed by a woman who was still creating mutant struggling to find out who she was right up food beasts, a Enough Said CERT 12a (93mins) until her premature death at thirty-six. For nasty side effect of Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James those who can’t make the cinema release, his invention. Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette, the film will be available on DVD on 28 Surreal. In 3D. Ben Falcone October. Directed by Nicole Holofcener (USA) Romance can be complicated. Actually, it’s always complicated in the movies. Here, a One Chance CERT tbc divorced woman (Louis-Dreyfus) finds out that Starring James Corden, Julie Walters, Colm Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa the man she’s pursuing is in fact the ex-hus- Meaney, Mackenzie Crook, Jemima Rooper, CERT tbc Alexandra Roach Starring Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll band of her new girlfriend (Keener). Tricky. Directed by David Frankel (UK) Gandolfini, who died in June, plays the object Directed by Jeff Tremaine (USA) of Ms Louis-Dreyfus’ romantic confusion. James Corden plays Paul Potts who, you Taking its cue from Borat, this comedy stars may recall, was the tenor who won the first Johnny Knoxville as the eighty-six-year-old series of Britain’s Got Talent, in 2007. And Irving Zisman, before you dismiss this as a cheap British who takes his rip-off of Reality TV, the director is the eight-year-old Hollywood filmmaker who steered Meryl grandson on a Streep through road trip round her paces in The the US. The rest Devil Wears Prada of the cast is real and Hope people reacting to Springs. Maybe Knoxville’s out- he’ll next direct Ms rageus pranks as Streep as Susan he stays in char- Boyle. acter. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Visual Arts October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:36 Page 1 GET YOUR FREE COPY DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR EVERY MONTH

...you just pay for the postage and packing! Yes, we know you’re wondering what the catch is. Well, there isn’t one! We’ve ripped up our subscription rates so that more of you can get the No.1 listings magazine in the Midlands delivered direct to your front door every month. And at just £2 an issue to cover the postage and packing, there’s never been a better time to get it delivered! It’s easy - just call our Subscription Hotline on 01743 281714 Simply pay the postage and packing cost of £2 per issue by debit or credit card!

All you need to do now is choose the regional edition you would like... Midlands What’s On Magazine or Birmingham What’s On; Worcestershire What’s On; Warwickshire What’s On; Shropshire What’s On; Staffordshire What’s On; Black Country What’s On

58 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:36 Page 2 Visual Arts

Ged Quinn New Art Gallery, Walsall, Wed 9 October - Sun 5 January Liverpool-born artist Ged Quinn is renowned for producing works which place contemporary images into idyllic scenes based on classical paintings. Focusing on Quinn’s work over the past four years, this major solo exhibition (his first since the Liverpool Biennial in 2008) comprises landscapes, portraits and still lives, all of which reference history, mythology and popular culture from across and through time. The exhibition fea- tures numerous paintings from private collections, presented alongside a new body of work created especially for this project.

Reference Works The Library of Birmingham, until Sun 29 December This major new exhibition has two claims to fame. Firstly, it’s the inaugural exhibition in the Discovery Gallery at the newly opened Library of Birmingham. Secondly, it’s the product of the largest and most important photography commission ever undertaken in the second city. Featuring photos by Michael Collins, Brian Griffin, Andrew Lacon and Stuart Whipps, Reference Works comprises visual responses to the old Central Library building and to the new Library of Birmingham, with each artist’s work focusing on a dif- ferent aspect of the project. Meanwhile, a complementary photographic exhibition chart- ing the history of Birmingham’s libraries is being presented as an outdoor display in Centenary Square, in front of the new library.

Credit: Ged Quinn, I Like to Know What I’m Being Shown, 2012, oil on linen, 200 x 148cm. Courtesy of the artist, Shalini-Rajeev Misra Collection and Stephen Friedman Gallery, London. © the artist. British Ceramics Biennial Millet To Manet China Hall, Spode Factory, Stoke-on-Trent; The The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Potteries Museum & Art until Sun 12 January Gallery & AirSpace Gallery, The late nineteenth century was a period of Stoke-on-Trent, until Sun 10 immense social and artistic change in France and November Europe, the development of industrial societies In addition to showcasing and the rapid growth of cities giving birth to what some of the UK’s best con- became known as the Modernism Movement. temporary ceramic artists, This exhibition is themed to coincide with the this third British Ceramics Barber’s loan of Manet’s masterpiece, Portrait Of Biennial also boasts an Madamoiselle Claus, and focuses on the artistic international flavour, featur- conflict of the time - particularly oppositions of the ing pieces created by over historical and traditional versus modernity, and the thirty Scandinavian artists. rural versus the urban. Paintings of landscapes, The prestigious Award exhi- genre scenes bition once again takes and historical place at The Potteries subjects all Museum & Art Gallery, while feature, dis- visitors to Spode’s China played along- Hall are invited to partake in side portraits the venue’s extensive pro- of some of gramme of hands-on activi- those who ties. The six-week festival played a piv- also features a collaborative otal role in contemporary art exhibition - French society with a ceramics feel - at of the time. AirSpace Gallery.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 59 Visual Arts October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:36 Page 3

and activities during the MISTY MOUNTAINS PREVIEWS LISTINGS course of the year, until Featuring selected pho- VisualArts VisualArts Sat 27 Oct, The New Art tographic works by Gallery, Walsall John Cockshaw, until For full listing information on Visual Art FOLLOW THE LINE: HA HA Sun 3 Nov, Sarehole Ongoing exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, AND BEYOND Ceramic Mill, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk and textile artist Karen QUENTIN BLAKE: AS Shapley’s latest exhibi- LARGE AS LIFE Featuring Devil’s In The Detail OUT OF THE DARKNESS GEORGE CAITLIN: AMERI- tion combines a wide fifty works produced by Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, The story of Black CAN INDIAN PORTRAITS range of materials - Blake for hospitals and Tues 1 October - Wed 30 April Country mining, from its Collection of colourful including ceramics, health centres here and Developed with the support of the Royal early days to its demise, portraits which docu- found objects and tex- abroad, until Sun 3 Nov, tiles - and presents a Herbert Art Gallery & National Institute of Blind People, and draw- until Sat 5 Oct, Dudley ment the Native Museum & Art Gallery American people’s way collection of woodland Museum, Coventry ing on the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust’s of life, until Sun 13 Oct, animals and their habi- HANDSWORTH CULTURE collection of rare nineteenth century wood CONTEMPORARY ART tat, until Sun 27 Oct, Featuring new works Birmingham Museum & SWAP WITH VANLEY engravings, this new exhibition champions Art Gallery Shire Hall Gallery, BURKE A series of acquired through the Art Stafford the skill and craftsmanship of the Victorian Fund Renew Scheme, GALACTIC CRAFT EXHIBI- intense portraits which trade catalogue engraver. Large-scale prints until Sat 5 Oct, TION Exhibition exploring ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE bear testament to the Wolverhampton Art the wonders of outer MIDLANDS Toys, automa- hugely diverse cultural and reproductions of the engravings make ta, jewellery, glass and identities of the area, the exhibition accessible to visitors who may Gallery space, until Sat 19 Oct, RBSA, Birmingham embroidery are here until Sun 3 Nov, be partially sighted, while at the same time ROOTS, OUR ORIGINS AND used to help relay sto- Birmingham Museum & demonstrating the extent of the engraver’s SENSE OF BELONGING NATURAL SELECTION ries, folklore and urban Art Gallery Portrayed in stitches by EXHIBITION myths of the Midlands, craft. Running Stitch, until Sat Contemporary, innova- HURVIN ANDERSON: until Sun 27 Oct, Shire REPORTING BACK The 5 Oct, Solihull Arts tive and traditional Hall Gallery, Stafford Complex works of art in a wide most comprehensive JACOB EPSTEIN AND range of media, until Sat exhibition to date of TIME PASSING III DAMIEN HIRST 19 Oct, Willow Gallery, until Sun Hurvin Anderson’s Exhibition of works 27 Oct, The New Art paintings, including which document Oswestry, North Shropshire Gallery, Walsall works produced shortly changes happening at after he graduated from different places in ON PARADE: THE REAL A PINT IN THE MUSEUM Exhibition which the Royal College of Art Birmingham over the DAD’S ARMY An exhibi- in 1998, until Sun 10 period of one year, with tion focusing on explores Worcester’s history through its pubs, Nov, Ikon Gallery, one photo taken each Bantock’s use as a Birmingham month, until Sat 5 Oct, radio control centre for publicans and regulars, NINA KONNEMANN EXHIBI- Wolverhampton Art the Home Guard during until Sun 2 Nov, Love And Hope TION Gallery WWII, until Sun 20 Oct, Worcester City Museum German artist Nina Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, & Art Gallery Könnemann uses pho- THE 8TH INTERNATIONAL Bantock House, Sat 12 - Sun 27 October Wolverhampton BEAUTY IS THE FIRST tography, film and ani- MINI PRINT EXHIBITION mation to convey her Birmingham artist Paul Horton has made Touring exhibition fea- OMG! New exhibition TEST: CONTEMPORARY CRAFT AND MATHEMATICS observations on human quite a name for himself in the world of con- turing two hundred showcasing the work of behaviour, especially Featuring works by small prints selected by recent art graduates, that happening in sub- temporary art. Often described as a modern- many leading makers, open competition, until including newspapers cultures, until Sun 10 day Lowry, his work depicts everyday life via including Ann Sutton, Sun 6 Oct, Leamington cast in glass, glass Nov, Ikon Gallery, Michael Brennand- an array of colourful characters and street Spa Art Gallery & feathers, bulbous black Birmingham scenes. Having already earned himself a Museum glass seed pods Wood and Peter Randall, until Sat 2 Nov, SONIC VISIONS Three of loyal following, Horton describes this exhibi- SOCIETY OF ARTISTS The enveloping a clear glass seed, and enormous Bilston Craft Gallery the Barber Institute’s tion at BMAG’s Waterhall Gallery as “the pin- sixty-sixth annual exhibi- best-loved paintings - as mirrored glass gates, RON MUECK: ARTIST nacle of my career to date”. The exhibition is tion of the Worcester you’ve never seen them until Sun 20 Oct, Red ROOMS Much-anticipat- a showcase for the artist’s more recent Society of Artists, with before... until Sun 10 many items for sale, House Glass Cone, ed exhibition featuring works, and features eighty new paintings in Stourbridge Nov, The Barber until Sat 12 Oct, numerous works from Institute, Birmingham oils, pastels and charcoals. Worcester City Museum GREEKS, GODS AND GOR- the museum’s Artist PAULINE BOTY: POP & Art Gallery GONS Family exhibition Rooms collection, as well as pieces from pri- ARTIST & WOMAN A REFLECTION Exhibition which explores the vate collections rarely vibrant display of paint- Curious Beasts: Animal Prints by Solihull Arts Forum ancient gods that have seen in the UK, until Sat ings, collages and (SAF), showcasing new made their home at From The British Museum Shugborough, until Fri 2 Nov, Wolverhampton ephemera which pro- paintings, sculpture, vides an overview of Compton Verney, Warwickshire, Sat 5 25 Oct, Shugborough, Art Gallery glass, textiles, ceramics Boty's career and her October - Sun 15 December Staffordshire & jewellery, until Sun 12 A SQUASH AND A position at the forefront Man’s enduring curiosity about the animal Oct, Solihull Arts ARTIST ROOM: DAMIEN SQUEEZE Exhibition of British Pop Art, until Complex HIRST A year-long exhi- which brings Julia Sat 16 Nov, world is here explored via beautiful and bition featuring sculp- Donaldson's much- bizarre imagery found in prints from the fif- GERALD DEWESBURY Wolverhampton Art EXHIBITION tures, paintings and loved children's stories Gallery teenth century through to the early-nine- until Sat 12 Oct, Twenty Twenty prints. The display is to life, until Sun 3 Nov, teenth century. All the prints come from the accompanied by a Birmingham Museum & HAZE AND FOG Film Gallery, Much Wenlock, installation which British Museum’s collection, and offer a fasci- South Shropshire series of inspired satel- Art Gallery lite exhibitions, events explores the collective nating record of early modern imagination FROM MORDOR TO THE conciousness of people and creativity. Featuring work by well-known artists including Albrecht Dürer, Francisco de ART GALLERY 01782 232323 Goya and George Stubbs, the exhibition Museums & Art Galleries SHIRE HALL GALLERY showcases pieces created through a variety STAFFORD 01785 278345 of different printmaking processes, including Birmingham THREE WHITE WALLS WALSALL 01922 654400 STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, SHUGBOROUGH engraving, woodcut, mezzotint, etching and GALLERY RED HOUSE GLASS CONE ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield 0121 643 0078 01889 881388 drypoint. 0121 323 3776 01384 812750 BARBER INSTITUTE WOLVERHAMPTON ART 0121 414 7333 Black Country GALLERY 01902 552055 Warwickshire BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART BANTOCK HOUSE COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY GALLERY 0121 303 2834 WOLVERHAMPTON Shropshire 01926 645500 01902 552195 HERBERT ART GALLERY THE BURROWS GALLERY, BEAR STEPS GALLERY, THE CUSTARD FACTORY BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 01902 552507 SHREWSBURY 0121 224 7344 01743 344994 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK CASTLE GALLERIES BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS 02476 524524 MUSEUM, DUDLEY TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, 0121 633 0015 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS 01384 812745 MUCH WENLOCK IKON GALLERY 01952 727952 01926 742700 0121 248 0708 DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY THE WILLOW GALLERY, NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01384 815575 OSWESTRY Worcestershire 0121 643 9099 01691 657575 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WORCESTER CITY ART PURPLE GALLERY WOLVERHAMPTON GALLERY 01905 25371 0121 459 0941 01902 716055 Staffordshire Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for RBSA GALLERY THE NEW ART GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & venue website details 0121 2364353

60 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 16:36 Page 4

projects, revealing the charts the story of bition of Nick Hedges’ PAINTINGS Sat 19 Oct - LISTINGS struggles of people liv- women’s history from photographic observa- Sat 16 Nov, Twenty VisualArts ing in some of the 1900 through to the tion of working life at Twenty Gallery, Much world’s most polluted 1950s, until Sun 5 Jan, Bilston Steelworks, Wenlock, Shropshire For full listing information on Visual Art areas, until Fri 20 Dec, Herbert Museum & Art Villiers, Unigate Dairy CASTLE HIGH ART exhibitions, including times and dates, Light House Media Gallery, Coventry and other companies Exhibition showcasing visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Centre, Wolverhampton REGENERATED The story between 1976 and examples of work by SENSING SCULPTURE of the Jewellery 1978, Fri 4 Oct - Tues 31 both young and mature Featuring new commis- Quarter’s Smith & Dec, Wolverhampton students from Castle living in the time the phy students at City Archives artist calls ‘magical Birmingham Institute of sions and previously un- Pepper jewellery factory, High School, Sat 19 Oct metropolises’, until Sat Art and Design, displayed works from featuring unique works A FANTASTICAL ANIMAL - Sat 30 Nov, Dudley 16 Nov, Eastside Birmingham City the Art Gallery’s collec- by Cathy Miles, Rajesh ALPHABET Exhibition Museum & Art Gallery Projects, Birmingham University, until Sun 24 tion, until Tues 31 Dec, Gogna and Miranda which draws inspiration RURAL LIFE A peek at life Wolverhampton Art Sharpe, until Sat 11 Jan, from Enid Marx’s Animal DEAR LYNDA An interna- Nov, The Barber in the rural communities Institute, Birmingham Gallery Museum of the Alphabet, a collection of of Warwick from 1800 to tional touring exhibition Jewellery Quarter, linocuts originally print- which considers the OUTSIDE IN: CENTRAL THE OTHER MR DARWIN the present day, Sat 19 The story of Alfred Birmingham ed in 1979, Sat 5 Oct - Oct - Sun 12 Jan, maverick British curator, Regional arm of a Sun 15 Dec, Compton writer, art historian and national art programme Russel Wallace, who MILLET TO MANET Leamington Spa Art was so nearly ‘the father Verney Gallery, patron Lynda Morris, focusing on margin- French prints from the Gallery of evolution’, until Tues Warwickshire until Sat 16 Nov, alised and outsider art, late-nineteenth century, WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIE- 31 Dec, Dudley AUTUMN EXHIBITION BY Eastside Projects, until Sun 15 Dec, until Sun 12 Jan, The TY OF ARTISTS Museum & Art Gallery SOLIHULL SOCIETY OF Birmingham Compton Verney, Barber Institute, Comprising work by Warwickshire PIT PROFILES Exploration Birmingham ARTISTS Mon 7 - Sat 12 ECHOES New interactive artists working in a vari- of the links between Oct, Solihull Arts exhibition celebrating CIRCUS EXHIBITION FIRST IMPRESSIONS ety of media, Sat 19 Oct coal mining and art, Complex - Sat 25 Jan, the lives of people in Exhibition which brings Exhibition which focus- until Tues 31 Dec, es on The Barber's col- CREATING CONVERSA- Wolverhampton Art Birmingham’s Digbeth together objects from Coalbrookdale Gallery, lection of works on TIONS Exhibition based Gallery and Highgate areas, across the permanent Ironbridge, Shropshire paper, showcasing on the award-winning until Sat 16 Nov, The collections, to tell the MADE AT THE CONE pieces by Dürer, Meet Me@WAG, which Edge, Cheapside, story of ‘the greatest CRAFTSENSE Exhibition Showcase of work from Piranesi, Rembrandt, combats loneliness by Birmingham show on earth’, until featuring over one hun- the Cone’s resident Sun 15 Dec, The dred of the world- Claude, Turner, Goya, bringing together older makers, featuring SIKH FORTRESS TURBAN: Potteries Museum & Art renowned Bilston enam- Whistler and other mas- people for in-depth con- demonstrations & inter- A BRITISH MUSEUM TOUR Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent els, until Tue 31 Dec, ters, until Sun 19 Jan, versations around col- active displays, Sat 26 Exhibition which unrav- Bilston Craft Gallery The Barber Institute, lection objects, Sat 12 Oct - Sun 1 Dec, Red els the stories of the MARX-LAMBERT COLLEC- Birmingham Oct - Sat 9 Nov, TION REDISPLAY WAR EFFORT Major new House Glass Cone, Sikh turban, until Sun IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- Wolverhampton Art Stourbridge 17 Nov, Herbert Exhibition of works by exhibition which focuses Gallery one of Britain’s foremost on the massive WWII TION OF RSC COSTUME ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM Museum & Art Gallery, Exhibition which draws THIRTY YEARS OF THE Coventry designers, until Sun 15 contribution made by OF MERCIA EXHIBITION Dec, Compton Verney, the British motor indus- on the RSC's rich her- WOLVERHAMPTON Atmospheric new dis- DAMIEN HIRST: HE TRIED Warwickshire try, until Sun 5 Jan, itage in creating special- EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD play featuring items TO INTERNALISE EVERY- ist costumes for the Exhibition of machine & LIQUID LAND: LEGACIES Coventry Transport from the Staffordshire THING 1992 - 1994 until Museum stage, until Mon 31 Mar, hand-embroidered tex- Hoard and other arte- Sat 23 Nov, The New Art OF OIL AND POWER BY Royal Shakespeare tile art, Sat 12 Oct - Sat RENA EFFENDI Exhibition KEEPING UP APPEAR- facts, from Sat 26 Oct, Gallery, Walsall Theatre, Stratford-upon- 9 Nov, Bilston Art The Potteries Museum which brings together ANCES: FASHION Avon Gallery FUNCTION IV Showcase work from several of THROUGH TWO WORLD & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- of works from photogra- Effendi’s photographic WARS Exhibition which BORN TO WORK An exhi- SUE CAMPION: NEW Trent

For more visual arts listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 1

$ ! 

,745  7128)0&)4 -40-1+,%0 Open 9am - 5.30pm (5pm Sun)

# ,4-560%54%*65 # "24.5,235 )'24%6-215%1(-*65 )021564%6-215 ! #     
  #    # )56-8)22(4-1. # 4-0%%+%;-1) # 
#     
    4%*6 ,)%64)

Buy tickets on-line www.ichf.co.uk Ticket Hotline 01425 277988  Tickets: Adults £10 in advance, £12 on the door 
 EACH ADULT AND SENIOR TICKET Seniors £9 in advance, £11 on the door ORDERD BY 5PM MON 4 NOV Children under 16 FREE if acc by parent

,)924/(=5/%4+)56 7+%4'4%*6%.))'24%6-1+%.-1+ ,29
4-  7128)0&)4  3)14-(%: %0  30 )3%4%6)  -'.)65(7/65<-1%(8%1')  )164:  < 216,)(224 )1-245<-1 %674(%:%0  30> 71(%:%0 30  *))  %(8%1')< 216,)(224 999'%.)-16)41%6-21%/'27.  Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 2

Events

Dive 2013 - International Sub-Aqua & Watersports Show NEC, Birmingham, Sat 26 - sun 27 October International Sub-Aqua & Watersports Show DIVE 2013 boasts Monty Hall. Monty has spent much of this year in prime international around three hundred exhibitors, not to mention in-hall pools, dozens locations filming his new TV series, Dive Mysteries, and is here joined of speakers, and all manner of diving-related features. Exhibitors at by extreme diver, author and filmmaker Andy Torbet and instructor- the event include manufacturers and retailers of diving equipment, trainer Mark Powell. training agencies, tourist boards, travel agents, dive boat retailers, Meanwhile, British cave-diver Chris Jewell, who recently led an expe- publishers and leisure clothing manufacturers. Among the top scuba dition to Mexico’s Huautla system, is on hand to treat DIVE 2013 divers attending this year’s show is TV presenter and marine biologist audiences to stories about his incredible seven-week adventure. Birmingham Literature # Festival Various Birmingham venues, Tues 3 - Sat 12 October Formerly the Birmingham Book Festival, this annual event gets a new name for 2013, to coincide with the recent opening of the Library of Birmingham. Along with the rebranding comes a new look and a new pro- gramme, with a host of big names booked to appear. UK Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy performs in celebration of National Poetry Day on 3 October, while writers Lionel Shriver, Will Self, Catherine O’Flynn, Jonathon Coe and Germaine Greer also feature, as does a rehearsed reading of Alan Bennett’s early and unproduced television play Denmark Hill (the Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Library’s Studio Theatre, 11 October). Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 29 October; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 1 November; Malvern Theatre, Sat 2 November Bringing something a little different to the fes- tival is Heart FM presenter and aspiring writer After spending the summer in London’s Regent Park, Australia’s acclaimed Dinosaur Zoo Rachel New. Always one for a challenge, has taken to the road for a UK tour, and this month makes its Midlands debut at Rachel has committed to producing a thirty Birmingham’s Town Hall. Bringing a plethora of prehistoric creatures to the stage, this thousand-word novella during the course of unique experience enables audiences ‘to interact with lifelike dinosaurs in an engaging live the ten-day festival. Stationed at the library for show’. Fronting Dinosaur Zoo is Lindsey Chaplin, who, dressed in bush-ranger gear, intro- the duration, Rachel will be at the mercy of duces Australia’s earliest inhabitants - from cute babies to teeth-gnashing giants - in a fun the public, who’re invited to get involved in and educational way. ‘Danger Zone’ seats enable more daring audience members to get her mammoth task by recommending ideas just that little bit closer to the action. And who knows, they may even get to meet the most for the storyline, naming the characters and recent addition to the show, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator - the making suggestions for plots and twists. most complete meat-eating dinosaur skeleton ever to be found in Australia. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 63 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 3 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 4

Events PREVIEWS

The Illusionists Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Tues 8 October Described as ‘the most important live magic show currently touring the world’, this much- acclaimed production enjoyed a sold-out season at Sydney’s Opera House, and fea- tures seven of the world’s top illusionists pre- senting mindbending acts of magic that include grand illusion, levitation and mind- reading. The show also offers audiences, for the first time ever in history, the chance to witness a full-view water torture escape, with escapologist Andrew Basso holding his breath for four minutes while attempting to escape his underwater cell.

Fierce Festival Various locations in Birmingham, and Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 4 - Sun 6 October Described as ‘a collision of many dialogues, ideas, slow-cooked ambitions and unexpected twists’, Fierce Festival is this year being presented as a weekend of one-off events. Highlights include culinary wizards Blanch & Shock serving a feast made with seasonal ingredients grown at Digbeth’s urban allotment, and performances by artists from Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Spain, Netherlands, France and Switzerland. A series of projects made with teenagers, and the continuation of Fierce Press Gang, the festival’s Grand Designs Live young people’s digital journalism project, also feature. NEC, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Sun 6 October The UK’s leading contemporary home show makes its annual visit to Birmingham this Bupa Great Birmingham Run Origins Of Middle Earth month, with design guru Kevin McCloud Birmingham City Centre, Sun 20 October Sarehole Mill, Birmingham, Sun 20 October once again presiding over proceedings. The biggest half marathon in the Midlands, If you’re a fan of The Lord Of The Rings and Kevin hosts various events in the show’s the Bupa Great Birmingham Run attracts The Hobbit but haven’t yet checked out this Grand Theatre, where guest speakers offer competitors from across the UK and around informative guided walk around the lost ham- tips and advice on a variety of homebuilding the world. The event offers the chance either let of Sarehole and the natural splendour of issues. This year’s event sees the return of to run to raise money or simply to complete Moseley Bog, then it’s fair to say you’re the popular Eco Trail, which helps visitors a personal challenge, and takes in some of missing a Gandalf-sized trick. The walk offers navigate their way round the show’s best the city’s most iconic sights, including the the chance to follow in the footsteps of the eco exhibitors - an absolute must for those Bullring, the Cadbury's factory and young JRR Tolkien, and learn about the peo- wanting to create a sustainable build. Other Edgbaston cricket ground. 'Bands on the ple and places that inspired him to write his highlights include the Grand Village, show- run' play live music to keep the runners moti- legendary stories. Be sure to book in casing the latest in innovation and environ- vated around the course, while the chance to advance, though, and also to wear the kind ment awareness, and the Live Kitchen be cheered home by thousands of support- of footwear you’d think suitable for walking Experience, featuring some of the biggest ers will surely offer an added impetus to tired through an area that has the word ‘bog’ in its names in the culinary world. competitors as the Broad Street finishing-line name! hoves into view. Wellington Literary Festival Various venues, Wellington, Shropshire, until Sat 19 October Wellington’s seventeenth Literary Festival looks set to be every bit as engaging as the previous sixteen. The 2013 programme of attractions includes guest speakers, award- winning authors, local poets, creative work- shops and competitions. Contributors to this year’s free event, which takes the theme of ‘powerful woman’, include Germaine Greer, International Autumn Carol Ann Duffy, Anthony Penrose, Steve Horse Trials Reagan, Jeff Phelps and Manda Scott. Wicked Wings Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 26 October - Sun 3 November Thurs 10 - Sun 13 October Half-term holiday fun certainly isn’t in short Weston Park’s stunning Capability Brown- supply at Enginuity this month. As well as designed parkland this month hosts one of discovering how to pull a ten-ton locomotive the region’s most prestigious equestrian by hand, generate electricity from flowing events, the International Autumn Horse water or build an earthquake-proof tower, Trials. Many famous faces, including Olympic visitors also get the chance to design and medal-winners, are expected to attend the build their very own spooky creature for trials, which cover a host of specialist disci- Halloween. Drop-in workshops take place plines, including cross country, show jump- daily from 10.30am to 3.45pm, and cost an ing and dressage. additional £1 per creature!

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 65 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 5 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 6

Events PREVIEWS

The Big Taste Mell Square. Solihull, Fri 4 - Sun 6 October Featuring an abundance of gastronomic delights and live entertainment, this ‘three- day al fresco food fiesta’ showcases the breadth and quality of Solihull’s dining and food retail options. While open-air kitchens allow some of the town’s most popular eater- ies to showcase their flair, an on-site fine food market provides shoppers with the chance to buy from the same suppliers as their favourite restaurants. New for 2013 is an interactive experience in the form of the Tour de Solihull. Hosted by the Smoothie Bike Company, this innovative combination of keeping fit and creating something special enables visitors of all ages to take to two wheels and use pedal power to mix up their very own fruit drinks. Cook-offs, cocktail- making and wine-tasting also feature during the weekend. Antiques For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 31 October - Sun 3 November Antiques For Everyone continues to be the UK’s largest vetted and datelined antiques and fine art fair, offering the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors to browse, pur- chase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture and collectables. Items for sale include Georgian and Victorian furniture, British and European works of art, and highly col- lectable pottery, porcelain and jewellery from the past three hundred years, with prices rang- ing from £10 to £100,000.

Visitors to the evening event are invited to dig out their spookiest fancy dress costume The Motorhome and enjoy some of the attractions on offer. And Caravan Show These include street theatre, fire-juggling, NEC, Birmingham, Tues 15 - Sun 20 October magic tricks, circus skills, psychics and mys- Flame And Thunder Show The very latest caravan, motorhome, holiday tics, ghostly tales and a fancy dress musical Santa Pod Raceway, Northampton, home, trailer tent and folding caravan mod- Sat 26 October parade. els are all present and correct at this always- Tyrone the T-Rex, a dinosaur which featured popular annual show. Visitors can choose in an episode of Dr Who, is one of the attrac- their model and get it delivered in the new tions on offer at this action-packed family year, right at the start of the touring season. day out. A regular on the Santa Pod calen- The show also offers advice on finance, dar, Flame And Thunder brings together insurance, security and the best tow cars on monster trucks, jet cars and drag cars on the the market, as well as the chance to pur- main track. Meanwhile, away from the circuit, chase products you’ll need for 2014, includ- entertainment’s provided courtesy of a ing awnings, porches, heaters, caravan human cannonball, a wall of death, a funfair, movers and satellite systems. helicopter pleasure flights, a pirate van, kids’ activities, a climbing wall and stunts from Poi Circus. And if all that’s not enough, there’s Ghostly Gaslight even a live music contribution from ’80s Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, heartthrob Chesney Hawkes. Stone Food & Drink Festival Shropshire, Sat 26 October Stone, Staffordshire, Fri 4 - Sun 6 October This popular annual event sees the amiable The Stone Food & Drink Festival attracted an characters of Blists Hill Victorian Town impressive nineteen thousand people last replaced by ghosts, ghouls and creepy- year, with organisers confident the 2013 ver- crawlies. As night falls and street lamps cast sion of the event will be attended by an even their shadows across the cobbled streets, greater number of foodies. And their confi- visitors are advised to keep their eyes and dence isn’t without good reason, with the ears open, as weird apparitions and spooky main festival site offering a host of new sounds take over the town’s shops, cottages attractions to enjoy. The most eye-catching and workplaces. addition to proceedings this year is Pop Up In The Park, a restaurant and piano bar pro- viding visitors with the chance to enjoy a fine dining experience. Oat Cuisine, meanwhile, is a celebration of the Staffordshire Oatcake Halloween Night and all things ‘oatie’. Other attractions at this Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, year’s event include the Gourmet Marquee Thurs 31 October and the Taste of Staffordshire marquee, while All manner of ghoulish attractions await visi- the Demonstration Kitchen, featuring free tors to the Black Country Living Museum this cookery demonstrations from top local chefs, month. Marking the pagan celebration of also makes a welcome return. Fairground Halloween, the award-winning venue will be rides and face-painting are on offer for the transformed into an eerie gas-lit village kids, and there are numerous live bands awash with little devils, ghosts and ghouls. playing throughout the weekend. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 67 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 7

68 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 8

building and Wolverhampton’s Events LISTINGS world-renowned collec- tions, Sat 6 Oct, For full listing information on Events, Wolverhampton Art including times and dates, visit Gallery GLORIOUS ASTON Learn www.whatsonlive.co.uk circus skills, meet some amazing animals, play for all your wedding with toys from the past from needs, Fri 4 - Sun 6 and find out about Oct, NEC, Birmingham TUES 1 OCT Aston Hall’s past as a THE TIMES CHELTENHAM Victorian museum, Sat LITERATURE FESTIVAL 6 Oct, Aston Hall, URBAN FLICKS City- Some of the top names Birmingham themed short films and in culture, politics and HARVEST FESTIVAL The animations with Kino sport come together for 1837 Darby Hand 10, Tues 1 Oct, The one of the country’s Chapel is brought to Barber Institute, most prestigious literary life, as a traditional Birmingham events. Derek Jacobi, Harvest Festival is re- LUNCHTIME TALK: A Ray Davies, Ian Hislop enacted, Sun 6 Oct, NIGHT IN THE LIFE OF AN and National Theatre Black Country Living AIR RAID WARDEN Director Nicholas Museum, Dudley Richard Stokes talks Hytner all feature, Fri 14 KATHERINE HOUSE 10K about life in the Black - Sun 13 Oct, various RUN Fun Run to raise County during the Blitz, venues, Cheltenham money for Katherine Tues 1 Oct, Bantock THE BIG DRAW Spend House Hospice. Gates House Museum, the day with members Stone Food & Drink Festival open at 9.30am. Last Wolverhampton of the Association of entries 10.30am, Sun 6 VENICE OF THE GREEKS Midland Artists (AMA). Stills & Nash star will the test, Fri 11 Oct, Hospice, Sat 12 Oct, Oct, Shugborough Evening lecture on the Take inspiration from be in-store to sign Coughton Court, Walsall Arboretum Historic Working Estate, History of Hellenism in their artworks and copies of his new auto- Warwickshire www.acorns.org.uk Staffordshire the City of Saint Mark. experiment with draw- biography, Wild Tales - MOONWATCH Discover AN INTRODUCTION TO A COUNTY FAIR Hosted by Professor ing techniques. Visit A Rock & Roll Life, Mon the sky at night as you CREATIVE SMARTPHONE Featuring rural craft Chryssa Maltezou, www.midlandartists.co. 7 Oct, Waterstones, stargaze in front of the PHOTOGRAPHY Join demonstrations and Thurs 3 Oct, The uk for more information New Street, park's historic mansion. internationally stalls, traditional music Barber Institute, about the AMA, Sat 5 Birmingham Shropshire renowned iphone pho- & entertainment, local Birmingham Oct, Leamington Spa THE ILLUSIONISTS A Astronomical Society tographer Nettie produce & heavy hors- DIESEL ENTHUSIASTS Art Gallery & Museum handpicked cast of will be on hand to lend Edwards for an exhila- es, Sun 6 Oct, County GALA Returning for a AUTUMN FOOD AND internationally you their telescopes rating and inspiring day Museum, Worcester second year with a full DRINK FAYRE Sat 5 Oct, renowned illusionists and share their knowl- of creative smartphone WELCOME BACK TO THE diesel-only timetable Becketts Farm, Wythall, come together to cre- edge, Fri 11 - Sun 13 photography, Sat 12 METRO OC Up to forty operating on all three Birmingham ate a blockbuster stage Oct, Attingham Park, Oct, Museum examples of the iconic days with a train serv- THRUST Special thirtieth show, Tue 8 Oct, Civic Shrewsbury ADULT WORKSHOP: LIFE British super mini will ice well into the anniversary day to cele- Hall, Wolverhampton APPLE MANIA A celebra- DRAWING (DYNAMIC be on display on evenings, Thurs 3 - Sat brate Richard Noble’s KNIT-NIGHT AT tion of the Great British POSES) Life-drawing Millennium Place, Sun 5 Oct, Severn Valley World Land Speed LOCKWORKS Evening of Apple. Lots of fun apple workshop with Anne 6 Oct, Coventry Railway, Kidderminster Record. The day offers knitting, crochet & chat activities and apple-tas- Brierley, Sat 12 Oct, Transport Museum SOUNDING THE RIVER A an opportunity for visi- Tue 8 Oct, Light House tic refreshments, Sat 12 Birmingham Museum & BIG BRUM HISTORY BUZ: night-time adventure to tors to meet Richard Media Centre, Oct, Chedham's Yard, Art Gallery TOLKIEN AND TUDORS close a year celebrating and other members of Wolverhampton Coventry SILVER PENDANT WORK- Hop on the Big Brum fifty years of mac, the Thrust2 Team, Sat 5 COVENTRY WOMEN IN DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG SHOP Join designer- Buz and discover Birmingham. This event Oct, Coventry Transport WARTIME LUNCHTIME Learn or practise drift- maker Louise Mary to Birmingham’s past, comprises an explo- Museum TALK Spend your ing in safe and legal create your own stylish Sun 6 Oct, Blakesley ration of light, sound MADE IN SHROPSHIRE lunchtime going back conditions on some of and contemporary pen- Hall & Sarehole Mill, and nature, as visitors FAIR Sat 5 Oct, Castle to the 1940s with this the Pod’s thirty acres of dants, Sat 12 Oct, Birmingham wind along the River Square, Ludlow, South talk about life for open tarmac. There are Museum of the ATTINGHAM ARCHERY Rea and through the Shropshire Coventry’s women dur- beginners, intermediate Jewellery Quarter, Sun 6 Oct, Attingham moonlit Cannon Hill JEWELLERY QUARTER ing World War II, led by and advanced tracks Birmingham Park, Shrewsbury Park, Thurs 3 - Sun 6 HERITAGE WALK Booking members of the open at the same time LOCAL HISTORY FAIR GREAT BRITISH WALKS: Oct, mac - Midlands essential as places are Coventry Women’s each DWYB day, Sat 12 Featuring stalls repre- POETRY IN MOTION Arts Centre, limited, Sat 5 Oct, Research Group. Free, Oct, Santa Pod senting historical Celebrate National Birmingham Museum of the but advanced booking Raceway groups and societies Poetry Day with a stroll WARWICK WORDS Jewellery Quarter, recommended, Wed 9 BIG DRAW WORKSHOP from in and around the around the grounds Festival of literature & Birmingham Oct, Coventry Transport Explore bold colour, local area, and family- and poems along the spoken word featuring MURDER MYSTERY Museum abstract patterns and friendly activities, Sat way, Sun 6 Oct, Kate Adie, Barry EVENING Pre-booking is LOCAL HISTORY TALK: architectural forms with 12 Oct, Wolverhampton Attingham Park, Norman, Peter Snow & essential. Sat 5 Oct, PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS cut paper and print, City Archives Shrewsbury Mark Watson, Thurs 3 - Avoncroft Museum, IN VICTORIAN WOLVER- inspired by the Hurvin ARTISTS ROOMS: TOUR ANTIQUE FAIR Featuring Sun 6 Oct, various Bromsgrove HAMPTON A talk by Anderson exhibition, OF THE BLACK COUNTRY over one hundred locations, Warwick MOTORCYCLE RIDER Frank Sharman about Sat 12 Oct, Ikon Take a free bus tour of stalls, with pieces to THE BIRMINGHAM LITER- SKILLS WORKSHOPS how local studios pho- Gallery, Birmingham three Black Country complement your ATURE FESTIVAL Two-day course tographed the people BASKET WEAVING WORK- museums and art gal- home, collection or Featuring a stellar line- designed for riders who of Wolverhampton in SHOP Sat 12 Oct, leries to see and hear wardrobe, Sun 6 Oct, up of over forty writers, want to enhance their Victorian times, Wed 9 Fordhall Organic Farm, about three very differ- Centennial Centre, Thurs 3 - Sat 12 Oct, skills, Sat 5 Oct, Oct, Wolverhampton Market Drayton, ent, but equally excit- Birmingham various locations in and Heritage Motor Centre, City Archives Shropshire ing, contemporary CACTUS SHOW around Birmingham Gaydon, Warwickshire HORSE OF THE YEAR DEER PARK SAFARI artists, Sat 12 Oct, Presented by The STONE FOOD & DRINK MOTORBIKES ANCIENT & SHOW Wed 9 - Sun 13 Tractor-pulled ride Wolverhampton Art British Cactus Society, FESTIVAL Sponsored by MODERN Feast of nos- Oct, LG Arena, through the parkland to Gallery Sun 6 Oct, Birmingham Taste of Staffordshire, talgia plus children’s Birmingham explore the deer during NEWCOMEN ENGINE The Botanical Gardens Fri 4 - Sun 6 Oct, vari- activities, Sat 5 - Sun 6 STOKE KITCHEN WITH rutting season, Sat 12 only full-sized working MEET MISS BYRNE Meet ous locations, Stone, Oct, Tudor House GINO D’ACAMPO Hell’s Oct, Charlecote Park, replica of the world's the Factory Inspector Staffordshire Heritage Centre, Kitchen-style battle Warwickshire first steam engine bil- from 1910 and find out GRAND DESIGNS LIVE Worcester which takes place BRIT ASIA TV MUSIC lows to life! Sat 12 - what it was like to work Based on the popular EXTREME PERFORMANCE under the watchful eye AWARDS World- Sun 13 Oct, Black at the Gladstone China Channel 4 TV series, Fri BIKE WEEKEND of celebrity chef Gino renowned awards Country Living Factory, Sat 6 - Sun 7 4 - Sun 6 Oct, NEC, Straightliners RWYB D’Acampo, Thurs 10 showcase, featuring Museum, Dudley Oct, Gladstone Pottery Birmingham and race series with a Oct, Britannia Stadium, unprecedented per- GREAT ELECTRIC TRAIN Museum, Stoke-on- THE BIG TASTE Three- round of the ACU drag Stoke-on-Trent formances by many A- SHOW New model rail- Trent day al fesco food fiesta, bike championships, INTERNATIONAL AUTUMN list artists and recognis- way event featuring Fri 4 - Sun 6 Oct, Mell HORSE TRIALS Thurs 10 ing the best of British over twenty-five top- Sat 5 - Sun 6 Oct, Week Commencing Square, Solihull Santa Pod Raceway, - Sun 13 Oct, Weston Asian music, Sat 12 quality layouts across MALVERN CARAVAN Northampton MON 7 OCT Park, Staffordshire Oct, National Indoor various scales, Sat 12 - SHOW Fri 4 - Sun 6 Oct, GALLERY TOUR An infor- WHO DUNNIT? Evening Arena, Birmingham Sun 13 Oct, Heritage Three Counties mal tour of the gallery of twists and turns, with ACORNS LANTERN WALK Motor Centre, Gaydon, Showground, Malvern visitors invited to put Warwickshire and chance to find out MEET GRAHAM NASH The 5km charity event in aid THE NATIONAL WEDDING about the history of the their detective skills to of Acorns Children’s ANTIQUE & COLLECTORS SHOW One-stop shop Hollies and Crosby,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 69 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 9

The Wellington Literary Festival

17th Annual Literary Festival NOW until FREE 19 October ADMISSION 2013

Guest appearances include: I Germaine Greer I Anthony Penrose I Ian McMillan I Award Winning Authors I Local Poets & Authors I Period Peformances I Creative Workshops and much much more

For further details or a copy of our full programme of events visit our website or call 01952 567697 www.wellington-shropshire.gov.uk/literary-festival

70 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 10

BIODYNAMIC WORKSHOP LISTINGS Sat 19 Oct, Forhall Events Farm, Market Drayton, Shropshire For full listing information on Events, ALL STAR SUPERSLAM including times and dates, visit WRESTLING Sat 19 Oct, Dudley Town Hall www.whatsonlive.co.uk SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL Public track FAIR Sat 12 - Sun 13 ment of the First World day with RWYB & Jet Oct, Uttoxeter War, Tues 15 Oct, Car, plus evening enter- Racecourse, Stafford Herbert Museum & Art tainment and camping, CLASSIC VEHICLE DAY Gallery, Coventry Sat 19 Oct, Santa Pod Opportunity to enjoy WALCOT HALL GRAND Raceway, Northampton the autumn colours BAZAAR GIFT FAIR Tues URBAN TARAB OPEN along the line as you 15 Oct, Walcot Hall, STAGE Belly-dancing get on and off at each Lydbury North, with a twist, Sat 19 Oct, of the stations to view Shropshire Old Joint Stock the displays of iconic THE MOTORHOME & Theatre, Birmingham vehicles, Sun 13 Oct, CARAVAN SHOW The HURVIN’S HANDSWORTH Severn Valley Railway, UK’s biggest and most Join Ben Waddington Kidderminster exciting motorhome from Birmingham’s Still GREAT BRITISH WALKS: and caravanning event, Walking Festival for a WALK ON THE WILD SIDE Tue 15 - Sun 20 Oct, ninety-minute tour of Take a walk on the wild NEC, Birmingham the Handsworth known side and discover the AUTUMN FLING TEA by Hurvin Anderson, secrets of Attingham's DANCE In aid of Sat 19 Oct, Ikon wildlife, Sun 13 Oct, Macmillan Cancer Caravan And Motorhome Show - NEC, Birmingham Gallery, Birmingham Attingham Park, Support, Wed 16 Oct, SPIROGRAPH ARTWORKS and test its perform- VAL Fri 25 - Sun 27 Oct, Shrewsbury Forest Arts Centre, Join artist Lesley ance limits in a safe Three Counties GTI FESTIVAL RWYB for Walsall Halliwell and find out and legal environment, Showground, Malvern water-cooled VWs, auto FROM PARK TO PLATE A more about her giant Sun 20 Oct, Santa Pod VINTAGE TEA PARTY Sat jumble, Show‘n’Shine, two-hour guided walk Week Commencing spirograph artworks, Raceway, Northampton 26 Oct, Bantock House plus club displays, Sun through the parkland, then try out her home- INTERNATIONAL RECORD MON 14 OCT Museum, 13 Oct, Santa Pod where you can learn made kit and experi- FAIR Sun 20 Oct, Wolverhampton Raceway, Northampton more about the park’s ment to create your National Motorcycle DIWALI Hindu Festival of PERFECT BRIDES animals and how the own geometric artwork, Museum SOCIAL MEDIA WORK- Light celebrations, Sat WEDDING FAYRE Sun 13 site is managed, Wed Sat 19 Oct, Bilston PARANORMAL/PSYCHIC SHOP Tues 22 Oct, Light 26 Oct, Phoenix Park, Oct, Nailcote Hall, 16 Oct, Charlecote Craft Gallery FAYRE Featuring psy- House Media Centre, Wolverhampton Berkswell, Park, Warwickshire LECTURE: THE GOLDEN chics, clairvoyants, Wolverhampton MURDER MYSTERY Warwickshire STOKE 33RD BEER AND AGE OF STEAM Hosted mediums, holistic thera- 60 GLORIOUS YEARS DINNER Dinner with a FLEA FAIR Sun 13 Oct, CIDER FESTIVAL by Tim Bryan, Sat 19 pies & gifts, Sun 20 Jenny Wilkes hosts a difference. For £29.95, The Three Counties Featuring up to two Oct, Heritage Motor Oct, Ford Green Hall, fun-filled variety show visitors receive a three- Showground, Malvern hundred beers, sixty Centre, Gaydon, Stoke-on-Trent containing spectacular course dinner with a BIRMINGHAM’S COMEDY ciders, bottled beers Warwickshire GREAT BRITISH WALKS: costumes, class acts glass of wine. Pre- FESTIVAL WRAP PARTY and country wines. OXJAM SHREWSBURY Sat THE ESTATE UNLOCKED and a feast of entertain- booking essential... Sat Get entertained with a Entertainment and food 19 Oct, various venues Chance to explore ment, Wed 23 Oct, 26 Oct, Shugborough staggering line-up of also available, Thurs 17 around Shrewsbury more of the estate, Sun Prince Of Wales Centre, Historic Working Estate, top comedians, musi- - Sat 19 Oct, Fenton GETTING IN A RUT WALK 20 Oct, Attingham Park, Cannock Stafford cians, bands, Manor Sports Complex, Take a walk through the Shrewsbury CURATORS TALK: RON AN EVENING WITH RAY Steampunk acts, bur- Stoke-on-Trent deer park at dusk with DEER PARK SAFARI MUECK A chance to MEARS Ray shares his lesque, stalls and more, MIDLANDS MODEL ENGI- our expert wardens and Tractor-pulled ride have a special tour of practical and resource- Sun 13 Oct, The NEERING EXHIBITION learn about our fallow through the parkland to the Ron Mueck: Artist ful bushcraft survival Roadhouse, Featuring over forty deer herd during the explore the deer during Room exhibition with skills, Sat 26 Oct, Birmingham leading specialist sup- rutting season, Sat 19 - rutting season, Sat 20 curator Margueritte Malvern Theatres SECOND SUNDAY TALK: pliers. This year’s event Sun 20 Oct, Attingham Oct, Charlecote Park, Nugent, Wed 23 Oct, BIG TIME AMERICAN THE WORKHOUSES OF celebrates the one hun- Park, Shrewsbury Warwickshire Wolverhampton Art WRESTLING All Star BIRMINGHAM BY CHRIS dred-and-fiftieth IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE ORIGINS OF MIDDLE Gallery Superslam offers an UPTON Sun 13 Oct, anniversary of Frank WOODS TODAY... Family EARTH - GUIDED WALK BOX OF LIGHT VARIETY explosive evening of Blakesley Hall, Horby with an impres- activity where visitors Sun 20 Oct, Sarehole SHOW An evening of top-drawer action for all Birmingham sive display, including a can learn about spiders Mill, Birmingham edification and enter- the family to enjoy! Sat THE 2OTH MALVERN never-before-exhibited and bats in Moseley’s HEAR THE PEOPLE SING A tainment featuring 26 Oct, Victoria Hall, CLASSIC CAR SHOW & Meccano Trike, Thurs woodland, Sat 19 - Sun charity concert in aid of acclaimed performer Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent AUTOJUMBLE Featuring 17 - Sun 20 Oct, 20 Oct, Moseley Old ladies fighting breast Professor Heard, who THE HALLOWEEN BALL heavy & light classic Warwickshire Exhibition Hall, Wolverhampton cancer, Sun 20 Oct, will provide a Featuring live music, a commercials, Sun 13 Centre, Leamington MEET MISS BYRNE Meet Symphony Hall, whistlestop history of bloodcurdling buffet, Oct, Three Counties Spa the Factory Inspector Birmingham lantern shows and gothic cinema and mid- Showground, Malvern LOCAL HISTORY TALK: from 1910 and find out BIRMINGHAM AND explain how they paved night ghost tour, Sat 26 WOLVERHAMPTON WORK- what it was like to work BEYOND Kino 10 and the the way for cinema, Fri Oct, The Dream HOUSES A talk by Chris Week Commencing at the Gladstone China Discovery Season’s 25 Oct, Birmingham Factory, Warwick Upton about Factory, Sat 19 - Sun Sunday Film Club pres- Library PROJECTED Designer MON 14 OCT Wolverhampton work- 20 Oct, Gladstone ent a magical food and DRINK AND DRAW Event Benjamin Redford houses and the founda- Pottery Museum, cinematic event remi- for young children, hosts a talk about his tions of the Stoke-on-Trent niscent of travel and inspired by the venue’s ingenious miniature FILM & TV QUIZ Chance Wolverhampton Free SPOOKY HALLOWEEN trips to the seaside, current Quentin Blake slide projector, which to put your film knowl- Library, whose evening TRAIL Find the creepy Sun 20 Oct, exhibition, Fri 25 Oct, has proved to be an edge to the test, Mon classes spawned the clues hidden around Birmingham Library Herbert Art Gallery & online sensation, Sat 14 Oct, The Light Technical College and, the castle grounds and BUPA GREAT RUN - Museum 26 Oct, Library of House Media Centre, eventually, the solve the challenge to BIRMINGHAM Join CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH Birmingham Wolverhampton University, Fri 18 Oct, win a terrible treat, Sat 18,000 people at the MAKING Join craft spe- PLAYWRIGHTING WORK- BIRMINGHAM: A CITY Wolverhampton Art 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, leading half marathon cialist Jessie Lindon SHOP FOR YOUNG PEO- MADE BY MIGRATION A Gallery Kenilworth Castle, in the Midlands. For and learn about the his- PLE Award-winning gallery tour with history A PINT IN THE MUSEUM Warwickshire runners of all abilities tory of the craft and the playwright Lorna curator Henrietta PUB QUIZ Fri 18 Oct, SCAREFEST Annual aged seventeen and techniques needed to French will use some of Lockhart, Tues 15 Oct, Worcester City Art event which, in addition over. Live music from create your very own the displays in the Birmingham Museum & Gallery & Museum to Alton Towers’ regular ‘bands on the run’ to Christmas wreath, Fri Industrial gallery to Art Gallery ART SPEAKING: VICTORI- rides, offers live shows keep you motivated 25 Oct, Back to Backs, inspire a short series of HERBERT ILLUMINATIONS AN ART Free audio- and an array of weird every step of the way, Birmingham playwriting workshops 100 Theatre Absolute's described tour of the and wonderful cos- Sun 20 Oct, DRINK AND DRAW: BIG for young people aged Julia Negus takes her Victorian gallery for tumed characters, Sat Birmingham City Centre DRAW Fri 25 Oct, twelve to sixteen, Sat audience on a journey people with visual 19 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, APPLE DAY Annual event Herbert Art Gallery & 26 Oct, Birmingham of research and collab- impairment, Fri 18 Oct, Alton Towers Resort, featuring Morris danc- Museum, Coventry Museum & Art Gallery orative creation as she Wolverhampton Art Alton, Staffordshire ing, have-a-go archery, WHOSE VOICES? Writing APPLE PRESSING Sat 26 speaks about the 100 Gallery RUN WHAT YA BRUNG plant sale and juice- workshop with writer-in- Oct, The Commandery, Project, which com- CARIBBEAN-STYLE DOMI- The chance to take tasting from the residence Jacqui Rowe, Worcester bines plays, textile NO TOURNAMENT Sat 19 your car or motorcycle Blakesley orchard, Sun Fri 25 Oct, The Barber INTRODUCTION TO PHO- installation and film to Oct, The New Art out on the famous 20 Oct, Blakesley Hall, Institute, Birmingham TOSHOP How to get the mark the commence- Gallery, Walsall quarter-mile dragstrip Birmingham AUTUMN QUILTS FESTI- best from your digital

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 71 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 11

Featuring Free radio • Pat collins Fun Fair Hot Food and snacks available admission (on tHe gate) adult - £6 / Junior / oaP - £3 / Family - £15 For more Information 0845 3582200 or www.event.sandwell.gov.uk

72 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 12

Half-term EVENTS LISTINGS Circus Of Fears - The Potteries, Stoke-on-Trent

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

photographs, Sat 26 Raceway, Northampton pumpkin to take home, Oct, Birmingham QUINCE DAY Featuring Sat 26 - Wed 30 Oct, Botanical Gardens recipes, tastings & gar- Moseley Old Hall, HALLOWEEN HORRORS dening tips galore, Sat Wolverhampton Featuring duelling 26 Oct, Greyfriars HALLOWEEN SELF-GUIDE dead, wanton witches, House & Garden, HALLOWEEN GHOST TOUR spooky seances and Worcestershire Hear tales of dark fireballs after dark, CIVIL WAR CAMP Living deeds, ghostly appari- Thurs 24 Oct - Sat 2 history event commem- tions and scary hap- Nov, Warwick Castle orating the nearby bat- penings, Sat 26 - Thurs HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACU- tle of Edgehill, Sat 26 - 31 Oct, Kenilworth LAR Family fun featuring Sun 27 Oct, Upton Castle, Warwickshire games, races, broom- House & Gardens, HALLOWEEN HALF-TERM stick-making, face Worcestershire TRAILS Sat 26 - Thurs painting, storytelling THE FEATHERS HOTEL 31 Oct, Attingham Park, and much more... Fri GHOST HUNT Sat 26 - Shrewsbury 25 - Sun 27 Oct, Croft Sun 27 Oct, The Bull GHOST TRAINS Take an Castle & Parkland, Nr Ring, Ludlow, South evening Ghost Train, if Leominster Shropshire you dare, for a thrilling HALLOWEEN AT HOO NEWCOMEN ENGINE The ride out into the coun- Featuring scary surpris- only full-sized working tryside from es in the Halloween replica of the world's Kidderminster and Barn, a pumpkin maze first steam engine bil- return, Sat 26 - Thurs for younger visitors, lows into life! Sat 26 - 31 Oct, Severn Valley pumpkin carving, a Sun 27 Oct, Black Railway, Kidderminster themed fancy dress Country Living TRICK OR TREAT NIGHTS competition and a Museum, Dudley SPOOKTACULAR Devil’s Derby Sheep HALLOWEEN GHOST Halloween horror nights Race everyday at 3pm, TOURS Eerie evening return to Avoncroft, with Fri 25 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, tour around the site’s all kinds of unimagin- Hoo Farm Animal castle and gatehouse, able terrors taking Kingdom, Telford where visitors can hear place in the darkened to discover what creepy quarter-mile dragstrip pumpkin to take home, GORE AND GRIME: HALF tales of dark deeds, surroundings of the crawlies are lurking in and test its perform- Sun 27 Oct, Croome TERM ACTIVITIES ghostly apparitions and museum’s grounds and the Back To Back hous- ance limits in a safe Park, Worcestershire Featuring fun family scary happenings, Sat buildings, Sat 26 - es, Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 and legal environment, HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK activities & hands-on 26 - Sun 27 Oct, Thurs 31 Oct, Avoncroft Nov, Back to Backs, Sun 27 Oct, Santa Pod Sun 27 Oct, Longton heritage, Fri 25 Oct - Kenilworth Castle, Museum, Bromsgrove Birmingham Raceway, Northampton Park (Queens Park) Sun 3 Nov, Black Warwickshire HAUNTING HALLOWEEN OCTOBER HALF-TERM: AUTUMN COLOURS AND Stoke-on-Trent Country Living CHILDREN'S HALLOWEEN AT THE MONKEY FOREST MONTH IN MINIATURE HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY THE 31ST MALVERN Museum, Dudley WEEKEND Spooky chills, Featuring Halloween Featuring a variety of DAY Explore the site’s CLASSIC & OFF ROAD GHOSTLY GASLIGHT The thrills and treats with a activities including engaging themed activ- gardens in all their MOTORCYCLE SHOW & friendly Victorians have ghostly trail through the spooky storytime and ities and miniature exhi- glory and follow the AUTOJUMBLE Sun 27 been replaced by park and the gooey tombola, Sat 26 bitions, Sat 26 Oct - spooky Halloween trail Oct, Three Counties creepy characters, so Hawkstone caves, Sat Oct - Fri 1 Nov, Sun 3 Nov, Heritage around the grounds, Showground, Malvern dress in your most 26 - Sun 27 Oct, Trentham Monkey Motor Centre, Gaydon, Sun 27 Oct, HALLOWEEN EVENT frightening costume to Hawkstone Park & Forest, Stoke-on-Trent Warwickshire Dudmaston Estate, Children’s activity fea- keep ghosts and Follies, North WICKED WINGS Design SPOOKY HALLOWEEN Bridgnorth, Shropshire turing Ford Green’s ghouls at bay! Sat 26 Shropshire & build your very own TRAIL Find the creepy THE GREAT ENORMO witch and spooky sto- Oct, Blists Hill, DIVE 2013 The UK’s spooky creature to flap clues hidden around WITH MICHAEL ROSEN ries. Participants are Ironbridge, Shropshire biggest event for & frighten your friends the castle grounds and Popular children’s invited to attend in GHOST TRAIN A night- divers, Sat 26 - Sun 27 and family, Sat 26 Oct - solve the challenge to writer Michael Rosen fancy dress and win a time ride featuring plen- Oct, NEC, Birmingham Sun 3 Nov, Enginuity, win a terrible treat! Sat (of We’re Going On A small prize, Sun 27 Oct, ty of spooky goings-on MIRROR MIRROR Ironbridge, Shropshire 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, Bear Hunt fame) pres- Ford Green Hall, Stoke- courtesy of ghosts, LANTERN WORKSHOPS SELF-GUIDED TRAIL Sat Witley Court, ents an interactive on-Trent ghouls and ghastly Free family workshopS 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, Worcestershire guide to the orchestra LARGE MODEL AIRCRAFT fiends. All visitors are where visitors will have Severn Valley Country O TREACHEROUS for children and fami- SHOW Family show fea- encouraged to attend the chance to create Park, Alveley, VILLAINS Follow clues to lies, Sun 27 Oct, turing over one hun- wearing fancy dress, their own lantern slides Shropshire find famous speeches Symphony Hall, dred large static radio Sat 26 Oct, Severn and experiment with MACBETH TRAIL Part of and see Shakespeare Birmingham controlled model air- Valley Railway, colour projection, Sat the October half-term Aloud! perform, Sat 26 GHOST WALKS Take a craft built by dedicated Kidderminster 26 - Sun 27 Oct, Library programme, Sat 26 Oct Oct - Sun 3 Nov, spooky walk around enthusiasts, Sun 27 SPOOK FEST Activities of Birmingham - Sun 3 Nov, Anne Shakespeare's the park and up to Oct, The Heritage include pumpkin carv- FAMILY FUN DAYS Hathaway's Cottage, Birthplace, Stratford- Hanbury Church and Motor Centre, Gaydon, ing, creepy crafts and Spooky outdoor trails Stratford-upon-Avon upon-Avon see if you encounter Warwickshire face-painting, Sat 26 with take-home activi- ALL HALLOWS BEAR WHERE ART THOU? any of Hanbury’s ANTIQUES & VINTAGE Oct, Chedham's Yard, ties, Sat 26 - Sun 27 Halloween-themed Follow a spooky ghosts along the way, FAIR Featuring quality Warwickshire Oct, Coughton Court, activities as part of the Shakespeare quote to Sun 27 Oct, Hanbury stalls with pieces to NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS Warwickshire October half-term pro- find a Halloween bear, Hall, Droitwich complement your A family fun event DISCOVER YOUR FAMILY gramme, Sat 26 Oct - Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, THE NATIONAL RESTORA- home, collection or involving a Halloween HISTORY WORKSHOP Sun 3 Nov, Mary Arden Nash's House & New TION SHOW For every- wardrobe, Sun 27 Oct, theme, Sat 26 Oct, Red Join Maggie Loughran, House, Stratford-upon- Place, Stratford-upon- one who has a passion National Motorcycle House Glass Cone, an expert in British Avon Avon for classic vehicles and Museum, Solihull Kidderminster geneology, for a lecture HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN WARTIME FAMILY ACTIVI- their upkeep, Sun 27 ORCHID SHOW Sun 27 CIRCUS OF FEAR Get to on how to trace your TRAIL Find the pump- TIES A series of themed Oct, Stoneleigh Park, Oct, Birmingham meet a host of scary ancestors. Light kins and spell the half-term events to Warwickshire Botanical Gardens circus characters, refreshments provided. spooky word to claim coincide with the muse- THE BIRMINGHAM ONESIE including a Twisted Sat 26 - Sun 27 Oct, your prize, Sat 26 Oct - um’s War Effort exhibi- WALK Charity event in Week Commencing Ringmaster and killer Back to Backs, Sun 3 Nov, Charlecote tion, Sat 26 Oct - Sun 3 aid of St Mary’s clown. There’s also an Birmingham Park, Warwickshire Nov, Coventry Hospice, Sun 27 Oct, MON 28 OCT opportunity to see a DEATH & BURIAL Special SPOOKY HALLOWEEN Transport Museum Birmingham city centre range of real animals guided tour highlighting TRAIL Find the creepy HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS www.birminghamhos- and get your face paint- the museum’s deathly clues hidden around Craft and trails full of pice.org.uk RAG RUGGING WORK- ed, Sat 26 Oct, The and chilling objects, Sat the castle grounds and haunting horrors, Sat GREAT BRITISH WALKS: SHOP Pre-booking Potteries Museum & Art 26 - Wed 30 Oct, The solve the challenge to 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, FAMILY ADVENTURES essential! Mon 28 Oct, Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Potteries Museum & Art win a terrible treat! Sat The Commandery, Sun 27 Oct, Attingham Coventry Transport FLAME & THUNDER SHOW Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent 26 Oct - Sun 3 Nov, Worcestershire Park, Shrewsbury Museum An action-packed fami- PUMPKIN TRAILS Arrive Stokesay Castle, South RUN WHAT YA BRUNG HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY FAMILY WORKSHOP: ly day of drag racing, dressed in your Shropshire The chance to take DAY Featuring spooky MUSICADOODLE-DO Part stunts and more, Sat 26 favourite spooky outfit CREEPY CRAWLY TRAIL your car or motorcycle activities aplenty and of Big Draw, Mon 28 Oct, Santa Pod and carve a wicked Join the terrifying trail out on the famous the chance to carve a Oct, Ikon, Birmingham

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 73 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 13

74 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 14

Half-term EVENTS LISTINGS

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

SPOOKY MOVIE MAKING have a sneak peek into Trent, Staffordshire Mon 28 - Tues 29 Oct, the site’s unseen Back PLAGUE AND PESTILENCE Appletree Film Theatre, To Back properties, HALF-TERM FUN Dress in Ludlow, South which are the National your scariest costume Shropshire Trust’s holiday cot- and see the plague- SPOOKY WALKS Enjoy a tages, Tues 29 Oct, infested hall in disarray self-guided walk around Back to Backs, before taking part in the grounds at night. Birmingham some of the fun make- But beware! Who DINOSAUR ZOO Direct and-take activities on knows what may be from Australia, Erth’s offer, Tues 29 Oct - Fri 1 prowling around at Dinosaur Zoo brings Nov, Blakesley Hall, Hallowe'en? prehistoric creatures to Birmingham Mon 28 - Wed 30 Oct, the stage. Observe and AUTUMN MAGIC Craft Attingham Park, interact with these activities for Halloween, Shrewsbury extraordinary lifelike Tues 29 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, TILE DECORATING dinosaurs. Suitable for Worcestershire County WORKSHOPS Drop-in ages 3-plus, Tue 29 Museum sessions where visitors Oct, Birmingham Town HALLOWEEN SPOOKY can use the tube lining Hall CRAFTS Make your own technique to produce a HALF TERM HALLOWEEN spooky crafts to take 6x6inch tile featuring FACE PAINTING Choose home, Tues 29 Oct - their own design and your favourite spooky Sat 2 Nov, Greyfriar’s choice of colours. Fired character or pattern, House & Garden, tiles can later be sent Tues 29 Oct, Gladstone Worcestershire 1940s Hair Workshop - Coventry Transport Museum home for a small extra Pottery Museum, Stoke- ROCK AND FOSSIL charge to cover on-Trent IDENTIFICATION Take the way, Thurs 30 - Fri the museum's village to museum’s stores, postage and packing, ONCE UPON A TIME along your rock and 31 Oct, Hanbury Hall, be in with a chance of encounter its scariest Mon 28 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, Storytelling session fol- fossil finds and have Droitwich winning a prize for best objects & take part in Jackfield Tile Museum, lowed by craft activities, them identified by resi- GHOST TRAIN A night- dressed adult or child, some of the special Ironbridge, Shropshire Tues 29 Oct, Bantock dent experts, Wed 30 time ride featuring plen- Thurs 31 Oct, Black activities on offer, Thurs GHOSTS & GHOULS CHAL- House Museum, Oct, Dudley Museum & ty of spooky goings-on Country Living 31 Oct, Birmingham LENGE FOR KIDS Let your Wolverhampton Art Gallery courtesy of ghosts, Museum, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery little horrors scare JOLLY JESTER JINGLES BRONZE MEDALS Family ghouls and ghastly ZOMBIE HUNT Halloween HALLOWEEN ACTIVITY themselves silly this Family workshops craft activity, Wed 30 fiends. All visitors are event at the site's Mead DAY Featuring spooky Halloween with creepy where participants can Oct, Museum of the encouraged to attend Gallery. There's even a activities aplenty and crafts, spooky activities venture into the world Jewellery Quarter, wearing fancy dress, chance to win a unique the chance to carve a and ghosthunting of circus, magic & per- Birmingham Thurs 31 Oct, Severn artist-made zombie doll. pumpkin to take home, galore, Mon 28 Oct - Fri formance, Tue 29 Oct, 1940S HAIR WORKSHOPS Valley Railway, Zombie Hunt will take Thurs 31 Oct, Croome 1 Nov, Kenilworth Solihull Arts Complex Hosted by professional Kidderminster place throughout the Park, Worcestershire Castle & Gardens LDN WRESTLING A fami- vintage stylist Sarah DEADLY MUSEUM day. It's free, with no LANTERN MAKING Get THE BIG DRAW Mon 28 ly-friendly entertainment Russell. Popular event, SECRETS Go behind the booking required Thurs creative and make a Oct - Fri 1 Nov, Blists show starring some of so early pre-booking scenes of the muse- 31 Oct, The Mead beautiful willow lantern, Hill, Ironbridge the exuberant stars of essential, Wed 30 Oct, um’s Natural History Gallery, Warwick Arts then join in the lantern THE BIG DRAW: POCKETS the British wrestling Coventry Transport department and discov- Centre, Coventry procession up the val- OF PLENTY A week-long scene. Boo the bad Museum er ten deadly secrets of COLLECTION CONVERSA- ley, Thurs 31 Oct, drop-in event inspired guys and cheer on your SHADOW FOREST WORK- the animals and plants TIONS Drop-in event Carding Mill Valley, by the Big Draw and favourites, as you get SHOP Wed 30 Oct, New stored there, Thurs 31 where visitors can han- Church Stretton, Quentin Blake's imagi- the opportunity to get Art Gallery, Walsall Oct, The Potteries dle items from the natu- Shropshire native book Angelica up close and personal BIG DRAW: LYDIA MONKS Museum & Art Gallery ral history, archeology FACE PAINTING Be trans- Sprocket, Mon 28 Oct - with the rip-roaring - WHAT THE LADYBIRD HALLOWEEN and social history col- formed into an amazing Fri 1 Nov, Herbert Art action, Tue 29 Oct, HEARD Join illustrator SPOOKTACULAR Thurs 31 lections, Thurs 31 Oct, character with face Gallery & Museum, Prince Of Wales Centre, Lydia Monks to read Oct, Shugborough Herbert Art Gallery & painter Hannah Pink, Coventry Redditch through some of the Historic Working Estate, Museum, Coventry Thurs 31 Oct, HALLOWEEN CERAMIC HALLOWEEN TRAIL books she’s best Stafford SCARY STORY-TELLING IN Birmingham Museum & WORKSHOP Create your Follow spooky clues to known for, including AN EVENING WITH JONTY THE WOODS Suitable for Art Gallery own colourful ceramic earn a sweet prize, Tue What The Ladybird HEARNDEN Thurs 31 ages 7-plus, Thurs 31 MAKE AND TAKE ACTIVITY monster or super-scary 29 - Thurs 31 Oct, Heard, Wed 30 Oct, Oct, Prince Of Wales Oct, Anne Hathaway's Thurs 31 Oct, Museum ghoul at clay modelling Stoneleigh Abbey, Birmingham Town Hall Centre, Cannock Cottage, Stratford- of the Jewellery drop-in workshops, Warwickshire BIG DRAW WORKSHOP HALLOWEEN GHOST upon-Avon Quarter, Birmingham Mon 28 Oct - Fri 1 Nov, TRICK OR TREAT HALF- Wed 30 Oct, Bantock TOURS Eerie evening HALLOWEEN SLEEPOVER GO WALKIES FOR GUIDE Coalport China TERM Tue 29 - Thurs 31 House Museum, tour around the site’s Family sleepover for DOGS A ghoulish charity Museum, Ironbridge Oct, Avoncroft Wolverhampton castle and gatehouse, those brave enough! walk for both humans REALLY WILD EVENTS Museum, Bromsgrove GHOST WALK Wed 30 where visitors can hear Activities include a tour, and their canine FOR CHILDREN Themed HALLOWEEN FAMILY Oct, Museum of the tales of dark deeds, evening meal, twilight friends, Thurs 31 Oct, activities for the school ACTIVITY DAYS Enjoy Jewellery Quarter, ghostly apparitions and walk and spooky sto- Trentham Gardens, holidays, Mon 28 Oct - spooky trails, hands-on Birmingham scary happenings, ries in the Gatehouse - Stoke-on-Trent Fri 1 Nov, Brandon activities and face- HALLOWEEN FUN DAY Thurs 31 Oct, plus a hearty breakfast HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES Marsh Nature Centre, painting, Tues 29 - Lots of scary fun, Kenilworth Castle, Thurs 31 Oct, Organised by the Coventry Thurs 31 Oct, Hanbury including a children’s Warwickshire Kenilworth Castle, friends of Fort Royal HALLOWEEN TRAIL Join Hall and Gardens, trail, crafts and story- GHOSTLY GREGYNOG Warwickshire Park and Commandery Rags the Raven for a Droitwich telling, Wed 30 Oct, Thurs 31 Oct, FASHION RECYCLING Gardens, additional trail through the site’s CIRCUS MASKS Make a Birmingham Botanical Gregynog, Nr WORKSHOP Take along activities throughout the woods and gardens, colourful mask inspired Gardens Newtown, Powys your worn out clothes day with the Wildlife Mon 28 Oct - Sun 3 by the museum’s HALLOWEEN TRAIL Join EVENING WALK Evening and give them a new Trust. Evening activities Nov, Upton House and Circus exhibition. Drop- the costumed guides walks around Stratford, lease of life using a vin- include a spooky fancy Gardens, Worcs in sessions, Tues 29 for tales of the darker ending at Hall's Croft tage Singer sewing dress competition and AN EVENING WITH RAY Oct - Fri 1 Nov, The side of the Abbey's his- with wine and hot machine, Thurs 31 Oct, a ghostly trail around MEARS Ray shares his Potteries Museum & Art tory, encompassing drinks, Thurs 31 Oct, Coventry Transport the park, Thurs 31 Oct, resourceful bushcraft Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent murder and madness, Hall's Croft, Stratford- Museum The Commandery, survival skills, Tue 29 HALLOWEEN GHOST Wed 30 Oct, Stoneleigh upon-Avon THE HAUNTED THEATRE Worcester Oct, Symphony Hall, TOURS Adult-only tour Abbey, Warwickshire HALLOWE'EN FANCY Ghost tour of the reput- FAMILY WORKSHOP: Birmingham with a Victorian theme HALLOWEEN FUN DAY DRESS PARTY An edly haunted Dream MUSICADOODLE-DO PUMPKIN CARVING Carve and storyline, present- Wed 30 Oct, Bilston evening of ghoulish fun Factory. Not for the faint Thurs 31 Oct, Ikon, your own spooky ed by accomplished Craft Gallery for children, Thurs 31 hearted! Thurs 31 Oct, Birmingham pumpkin in time for actors and a few inter- GHOST WALKS Take a Oct, Attingham Park, The Dream Factory, INTERNATIONAL DIRT BIKE Halloween, Tue 29 Oct, esting characters from spooky walk around the Shrewsbury Warwick SHOW Popular event on Attingham Park, yesteryear, Tues 29 - park and up to Hanbury HALLOWEEN NIGHT FUN HALLOWEEN NIGHT CELE- the off-road calendar, Shrewsbury Thurs 31 Oct, The Church - and see if you Pop along in fancy BRATIONS Dress up in Thurs 31 Oct - Sun 3 HIDDEN HOUSES A National Brewery encounter any of dress and join the your spookiest cos- Nov, Stoneleigh Park, unique opportunity to Centre, Burton-upon- Hanbury’s ghosts along musical parade through tumes and explore the Warwickshire

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 75 Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:40 Page 15

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE

7 days-a-week Meals & Parties

Wouldn’t you love to be invited to join a thriving club of 3000 friends in the West Midlands (and What Our Members are up to in October 2013

15,000 nationally!) who really know how to Tuesday 1 October H Toboggan and Fondue H Get the life you always enjoy themselves? Night wanted but were afraid to H Doctors Who Climbed ask! Everest! Sunday 6 October H Llangollen Luxury Walking Well here’s your chance. We’re a friendly, H Masonic Temple Visit Weekend local action, adventure and social group H Braunston to Flecknoe H Wednesday 2 October Oban, Highlands and Ramble Islands Walking Weekend offering a wide variety of opportunities for our H H Badminton For Fun - Kinver Edge Moderate H West End Outdoor Centre members to have fun together. Coventry Ramble Bunk Barn W'end H H Badminton For Fun - Mind Management There’s literally something for everyone; Wolverhampton Workshop Saturday 12 October H Nottingham City Walk be it the latest adrenaline pumping outdoor H Badminton at NIA H Abseiling for the Terrified H Tank Battle Experience H Ice Skating Fun Night H Barnt Green + Lickey Hills activities... weekends & holidays… H H Tamworth and Lichfield Ukulele for Fun Ramble sports nights… workshops on fascinating Pub Night Monday 7 October H Colour U Confident subjects… or social nights including Workshop Thursday 3 October H Badminton For Fun - H Deer Walk with a Ranger at theatre, parties and ‘behind the scenes’ Worcester H Halesowen and Quinton Bradgate Park visits to all sorts of unusual places you’ve Pub Night H Badminton at Barr Beacon H Flight Simulator Experience H always wanted to go. H La Scala Italian Dining Darts Night and Buffet H Flirting for Fun (at Lea H Experience Spice Book Club Marston Hotel) Events take place at locations across the H H Race Night with Fish and Tuesday 8 October Glastonbury Day with "The West Midlands. Lots of our members are single Chip Supper Professor" and come along on their own, but we also H Staffordshire Search and H Introduction to Short Tennis H Kayak River Adventure Day Rescue Talk H Solihull Pub Night H Stained Glass Workshop welcome couples and groups of friends. H Ten Pin Bowling (Broadway Friday 4 October Plaza) Sunday 13 October There’s no hidden agenda – we’re just one H Chippenham and Wiltshire H Beginners Horse Trek happy family of friends. Members are all ages Walking Weekend Wednesday 9 October H Burlesque Dance Afternoon! (18–80!) and from all walks of life. H Outdoor Digital H Badminton For Fun - H Photography Weekend Coventry Cinema Night H H Concorde Tour The one unifying factor of anyone joining Spice Sailing Weekend around H Badminton For Fun - Malta and Gozo H Dinghy Sailing For is that they want to live life to the full. Wolverhampton H Beginners Sailing Weekend around H Badminton at NIA the Solent H Eastnor Castle Heirs H Sutton Pub Night Tour and Lunch Membership is equivalent to the cost of just a pint H Salsa Dance Workshop Thursday 10 October H Pottery Workshop of beer a week. Saturday 5 October H SWAT Training Mission H Bellfoundry/ Bell Casting H Shugborough Easy Ramble In fact, our money back promise means that H Cannock Chase Moderate Experience Ramble H Curry and Quiz - Monday 14 October satisfaction is guaranteed. H Carriage Driving Experience Sutton Coldfield Day H Aqua Aerobics H Unihoc (Mixed Indoor H Get your FREE comprehensive H Dog Owner for a Day Badminton For Fun - Hockey) Worcester information pack today call: H Dowsing Workshop H Indoor Surfing - Bedford Friday 11 October Tuesday 15 October H Oil Painting in a Day - H Painting Autumn Butlins 70's Party Weekend H 51 Shades of Maggie H ¤ Creative Clay Weekend H Kings Heath Pub Night (24 hours) H 0121 353 6161 Overnight Forest H Experience Dinner Shuffle around the World - Stop 2: USA Wednesday 16 October H Saxophone for Beginners email [email protected] H Drawing and Watercolour H Badminton For Fun - H Scuba Taster Morning Weekend or visit www.spicebham.com Experience Wolverhampton

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do... and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Events October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 17:41 Page 16

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS LEISURE SOCIAL

Outdoor Pursuits Flying Walking

What Our Members are up to in October 2013

H Badminton at NIA H Smethwicks' Amazing Saturday 26 October H Beginners Break Dancing Canal Walk H Birmingham Museum Class H Space Opera Tea and Tour H Drumming Experience for H Beginners Sunday 20 October Chipping Campden Scenic Cotswolds Ramble H Funeral Home Talk and Tour H Ash End House Farm H Improve Your Laugh Life Experience H Lichfield Pub Treasure Trail H Intro to EFT and Energy H Indian Head Massage Connections Workshop (Arden Hotel) Thursday 17 October H Introduction to Sculpture H Medieval Jousting H Makeover or Boudoir H Cheltenham Local Meet H Moira + Donnisthorpe Photography Session H Horse Whisperer Monty Easy/Moderate Ramble H Motor Sports Roberts Live Pole Dancing with Pure Joy H Rock Weaseling Day H Lasan Indian Banquet Sunday 27 October H Private Dining with a Monday 21 October Celebrity Chef H H Mam Tor Ridge Ramble H American Pool Night and Warwick and Leamington Buffet H Watercolour Painting Pub Night Intro Day H Badminton For Fun - Worcester Friday 18 October H Bromsgrove Pub Night Monday 28 October H H Dorset Coast and Country Proof House Private Tour H Badminton For Fun - Walking W'end Worcester Wednesday 23 October H Ghostly Goings On and H Supper Jaguar Cars Visit H Badminton For Fun - H War Horse H Langdale Lake District Wolverhampton Walking Weekend H Badminton at NIA Tuesday 29 October H Museum Collections Centre H Curry and Quiz - Harborne Experience H Everyday Hairstyling Water Sports H Ghost Walk of Sutton and Makeup Lesson H Sailing Weekend around the Coldfield Solent H Kick Boxing For Beginners Wednesday 30 October H Skills for the Hills (Navigation Awards) H Badminton For Fun - Thursday 24 October H Spice Hits Town at the Wolverhampton Jam House H Ghost Hunting and Supper H Badminton at NIA H St Nicolas Place Evening H Unihoc (Mixed Indoor H Bewdley Evening Tour Hockey) Treasure Hunt H Trick Horse Riding H Quiz Friday 25 October Saturday 19 October Thursday 31 October H H Ballroom Dance Halloween Owl Encounter Evening H Ghostly and Grisly Masterclass - Cha Cha Cha Birmingham Walk H H Chinese Meal at Chung Murder Mystery Evening Ying Gardens and Buffet H H Lathkill Dale and Magpie Murder Mystery Sleepover Moderate Ramble in Derby H Pasta and Bread Making H Rolls Royce Heritage Trust Workshop Visit & Wacky Wild QUOTE visit: www.spicebham.com ‘WHATS ON’ AND GET A FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP What will you be doing tomorrow? Classifieds - Oct_Layout 1 23/09/2013 11:43 Page 1 classifieds

BirMiNGhaMs oNly 5* parlour aNd sauNa CluB opEN 7 days a WEEk til VEry latE

proud to be the finest parlour in West Midlands largest selection of the most stunning ladies Complimentary drinks from bar area Vip suites - spa area - sia security & Cleaners 2mins from City- free parking - atM

NEW! EVEry ChECk out our WEdNEsday

0121 233 2614 / www.libra-sauna.com. ChECk out our NEW WEBsitE for dEtails

39 summer hill road, Birmingham, B1 3rB @ librasauna

78 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:20 Page 2 Eating Out Good Food Guide additions announced... Two Birmingham restaurants feature among eight new Midlands additions to the esteemed Good Food Guide. The recently published 2014 edition now features Adam’s restaurant on Bennett’s Hill and Carters of Moseley. Other new entries across the region include Beef in Kenilworth, High Pavement in Warwick and The Inn at Wellend in Worcestershire. This brings the number of Midlands eateries featured in the guide to an impressive eighty-six, reflecting the high standard of cuisine on offer to Midlands-based diners.

Adam’s restaurant on Bennett’s Hill One-stop shop for Wolverhampton restaurant A popular Wolverhampton restaurant has recently launched an international menu. Well known for its Chinese buffet, Wing Wah’s on the Stafford Road now offers customers a variety of cuisines from around the world, with Mexican, Italian and Indian dishes all featuring. Seeking to become a Heavenly food for under a tenner ‘one-stop shop’ for diners with eclectic tastes, the two hundred-and-eighty-seater venue also pro- n't come to the home of and brownie for dessert. vides private dining rooms for meetings and par- REVIEW New Orleans cooking and But alas, we did not. These ties, and a karaoke room boasting the latest not try the jambalaya. A we'll try next time - and sound and plasma TV systems. For further infor- Church is cool again. Well, smokey, spicy Louisiana yes, there will be a next mation, visit www.wingwah.co.uk. in a way. An altogether dif- paella with crayfish, time. ferent place of worship, prawns and chorizo, the Real Cajun home cooking The Church Inn is the lat- cooling cucumber and is surely hard to find, even est enterprise to emerge pepper garnish cut in the French Quarter, but from the Soul Food through the incredible The Church is an absolute Project. depth of flavour. winner. Great cooking, an Joining for Sunday The rum and pineapple evolving menu, a focus on Service, we took a front moqueca, a Brazilian veg- comfort food with a south- row pew and watched the etable stew, had a com- ern twist, and mains for action unfold. Offering pletely different flavour. under a tenner means this Southern Louisiana-style Reminiscent of a mild is a must-visit venue. And dishes, the menu consist- coconut curry, this smooth amen to that. Alev Dervish ed of soul food classics and creamy dish was both Wing Wah launch event such as jambalaya and comforting and exotic. The Food: IIIII wings, as well as more chorizo and octopus salad Service: IIIII Book launch for Shropshire chef experimental specials - also proved to be a hit, Ambience: IIIII including snails, venison IIIII A Shropshire-based Thai chef has taken her evoking the same strong, Overall value and octopus. Inundated long-held passion for cooking to a new level with smokey, paprika flavours OVERALL IIIII with choice, and to please the launch of her very own cook book. Suree as the jambalaya. Had we my cheese-mad dining Coates, from Broseley’s The King And Thai benefitted from bottomless The Church companion, we eventually restaurant, launched Cook Thai at the recent stomachs, we could also 22 Great Hampton Street decided on the Mexican Ludlow Food Festival. The beautifully illustrated have eaten the chicken hot Birmingham cheese brûlée for starters - book provides readers with easy, step-by-step wings, nachos, quesadil- Shropshire a set cheese custard with instructions to creating Suree’s favourite dishes las, loaded burgers and B18 6AQ the delicate taste of chilli. in their very own homes. For further information, creole mini-beef pies, not Tel: 0121 291 5087 Onto the mains. We could- visit www.thekingandthai.co.uk. to mention the key lime pie www.whatsonlive.co.uk 79 Eating Out October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:20 Page 3

Restaurant REVIEWS Restaurant LISTINGS For full listing information on restaurants, including opening times and type of cui- sine, visit: www.whatsonlive.co.uk CHI 61 Newhall St, Pershore Road, Birmingham B3 3RB 0121 233 Cotteridge, Kings 3150 Norton B30 3AS 0121 AALTO RESTAURANT 459 2204 Hotel La Tour, Albert CHUNG YING Street, Birmingham B5 16-18 Wrottersley LA BASTILLE 220 5JT 0121 718 8000 Street, B5 4RT 0121 Corporation St, B4 622 5669 6QB 0121 236 1171 AIR RESTAURANT LG LAS IGUANAS Arena, Bickenhill Rd, CHUNG YING GARDEN 17 Arcadian 0844 338 0333 Thorpe St, B5 4AT Centre, Hurst St, B5 0121 666 6622 4TD 0121 622 4466 AL FRASH 186 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, B12 THE CHURCH 22 Great LA PLANCHA 113 8JS 0121 753 3120 Hampton Street, B18 Alcester Road, 6AQ 0121 291 5087 Moseley, Birmingham ASHA’S 12-22 Newhall CIELO 6 Oozells Square, B13 8DD 0121 449 Street, B3 3LX 0121 5430 200 2767 Brindleyplace, B1 2JB 0121 632 6882 LASAN 3-4 Dakota BANK 4 Brindleyplace, CITY CAFE GRILL Hylton Buildings, James St, St B1 2JB 0121 633 4466 Paul’s Square, B3 1SD BAR EPERNAY 171-172 Garden Inn, 1 Brunswick Square, 0121 212 3664 Wharfside Street, THE LOFT LOUNGE The Mailbox, B1 1RL Brindleyplace, B1 2HW 0121 643 1003 143 Bromsgrove St, 0121 632 1430 B5 6RG 0121 622 BAR ESTILO 10-114 COTE The Mailbox, B1 1RX 0121 631 1587 2444 Wharfside St, The THE LOST & FOUND Mailbox, B1 1RF 0121 CUCINA RUSTICA 24 Ludgate Hill, B3 1DX 8 Bennetts Hill, B2 5RS 643 3443 0121 643 9293 0121 233 2277 BARNT GREEN INN LOVES The Glasshouse, DEL VILLAGGIO Kendal End Rd, Rednal Browning St, B16 8FL Unit 528, Middle Mall, B45 8PZ 0121 445 0121 454 5151 4949 The Bullring. B5 4BE 0121 643 1400 MANIC ORGANIC BARAJEE 265 Broad St, 46 Poplar Road, DEOLALI BAR RESTAU- B1 2DS 0121 643 B14 7AG 0121 441 6700 RANT 3802 23A St Mary's Row, BELLA ITALIA 102 New MAHARAJA 23/25 Hurst St, B2 4HQ 0121 Moseley B13 8HW 0121 442 2222 St, B5 4AS 0121 622 6431548 2641 DESI IMLEES BERLIOZ Burlington MECHU 47 - 59 Summer Arcade, New St, B2 562-564 Moseley Road Balsall Heath Row, B3 1JJ 0121 212 4JQ 1661 0121 633 1737 Birmingham B12 9AD 0121 4494495 METRO BAR & GRILL 73 BLUE MANGO Regency Cornwall St B3 2DF DUET CUISINE Unit 1, Wharf, Broad St, B1 0121 200 1911 2DS Fort Dunlop. B24 9FD 0121 633 4422 0121 748 1234 MILLER & CARTER 178- 180 Wharfside St, The Five-star service at Warwick eatery... EDMUNDS BLUE GINGER 32 Poplar 6 Brindley Mailbox, B1 1RN With its lively and completely lemon sole, Cornish crab cakes, Road, Kings Heath, place, B1 2JB 0121 0121 643 7738 B14 7AD 0121 444 633 4944 MINT Yew Tree Retail unstuffy atmosphere, The mango and chilli salsa (£18.50) 0999 FAHRENHEIT GRILL Almanack is a very welcome was a perfect combination of Park, Stoney Lane BLUE PIANO RESTAURANT RESTAURANT 1 Norfolk Yardley, B25 8YP addition to Kenilworth’s drinking flavours. The sole was exactly the AND BAR 24-26 Rd, Edgbaston, B13 0121 789 8908 Harborne Rd, B15 3AA 3PS 01952 677269 and dining scene. Polished bare right size and well cooked, and MIRAGE FUSION wooden tables and cutlery in the crab cakes and the salsa 0121 454 6877 FLEET STREET KITCHEN Broadway Casino, brought the best out of each BLUU Fleet St, Summer Fleet Street, Broadway Plaza pots, rather than being laid, con- Row, B3 1JH 0121 236 Summerrow, B3 IJH other. A hit. Ladywood Middleway, tinue the relaxed feel. 9013 0121 236 010 B16 8LP 0121 456 Such informality might lead you To end, we sampled the summer BRANDED BULL STEAK- FUMO 1 Waterloo Street 5557 to expect a relatively simple fruit cheesecake with strawberry HOUSE 175 Broad B2 5PG 0121 643 9979 MOUNT FUJI The menu. But one look at the compote, which felt a little heavy, Street, B15 1DT 0121 THE GREEN ROOM CAFE Bullring, B5 4BH 0121 643 5968 starters, ranging from £5 to £9 and a passion fruit pannacotta, BAR Hurst St, B5 4TD 633 9853 BUONISSIMO 1 Albany 0121 605 4343 and including quail and squid, cardamom and pistachio tuile, MPW STEAKHOUSE 200 Rd, Harborne, B17 9JX HARJEES SPICES 512 Wharfside Street, The proves that this is an eatery that which was better - zingy and 0121 426 2444 Stratford Road, Cub, B1 1PR, 0121 likes to surprise. I opted for refreshing. BYZANTIUM 11 York Sparkhill B11 4AH 634 3433 chicken liver parfait (beautifully Service throughout the evening Road, Kings Heath, 0121 773 6130 NUVO 11 Brindleyplace, B14 7SA 0121 444 THE HORSESHOE BAR & B1 2LP 0121 631 1600 rich and creamy), with a suitably was friendly and attentive, and 5444 tart tomato chutney and toast produce is sourced locally wher- RESTAURANT 1214 OLD JOINTSTOCK PUB 4 CAFE OPUS 1 Oozells Stratford Road, B28 Temple Row, B2 5NY (excellent value at £5). My dining ever possible. There are numer- Square, Brindleyplace, 9BH 0121 777 2340 0121 200 1892 partner enjoyed a generous por- ous options for vegetarians, a pri- B1 2HS 0121 248 ITIHAAS 18 Fleet St, B3 3226 NATHANIEL’S RESTAU- tion of ham hock and parsley ter- vate dining area, and a good- 1JL 0121 212 3383 RANT 13 St Mary’s Row, CAFE ROUGE ITIHAAS BRASSERIE Moseley, Birmingham, rine, piccalilli and mini-toasts value fixed-price menu. This is Brindleyplace, Broad (£6.75), which also got the one Almanack that’s definitely Selfridges Food Hall, B13 8HW, 0121 449 Street, B1 2HJ 0121 Bullring, Birmingham 9618 worth visiting more than once a 643 6556 thumbs-up. B5 4BP 0121 212 3383 OLD SPECKLED HEN CAFE SOYA From the mains I chose herb year! Jack Rolfe Unit 2, JAMIE’S ITALIAN Middle Mere Green Road, Upper Dean Street B5 crusted cannon of Cornish lamb, Mall, Bullring Shopping Sutton Coldfield. B75 4SG 0121 622 3888 mini-moussaka, tempura cour- Food: IIII I Centre, B5 4BE 5BL 0121 308 9410 IIIII CARLUCCIO’S The 0121 270 3610 OPUS 54 Cornwall St, gette and salsa verde (£19.75, Service: Water’s Edge, JIMMY SPICES Regency B3 2DE 0121 200 Ambience: IIII I Brindleyplace which, steak apart, is the most Wharf, Broad St, B1 2323 expensive item on the mains). Overall value IIII I B1 2HP 0121 633 9262 2DS 0121 643 2111 THE ORIENTAL The The lamb was superb, flavour- OVERALL IIII I Mailbox, 128-130 CELEBRITY INDIAN JUJU’S Canal Square, some and tender, although I think B16 8EH 0121 456 Wharfside St, B1 1RQ 44 Broad St, B1 2HP 0121 633 9988 this dish would’ve been better The Almanack 0121 643 8969 3384 THE JUNCTION 212 High PASTA DE PIAZZA 11 without the moussaka. For me, it Abbey End North THE CHAMELEON 1 Brook Street, St Paul’s Victoria Square, B1 Street, Harborne, B17 conflicted with, rather than com- Kenilworth 9PT 0121 428 2635 Square, B3 1SA plemented, the rest of the food. 1BD 0121 643 2233 0121 236 5858 Warwickshire CHEZ JULES 5a Ethel St, KINNAREE THAI 22 My friend had no such quibbles, CV8 1QJ Waterfront Walk, B1 PEACHY KEENS 1741 B2 4BG 0121 633 Coventry Road, Yardley though. His pan-fried whole Tel: 01926 353637 4664 1SN. 0121 665 6568 LA BANCA 1986 B26 1DS 0121 764 80 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:20 Page 4

5519 Place, B3 3HJ 0121 236 PENNY BLACKS 3130 The Mailbox, 132-134 ZIZZI 183 High St, Wharfside St, B1 1XL Harborne B17 9QE 0121 632 1460 0121 428 4228 also at PICCOLINO The Mailbox B1 1RL 9 Brindleyplace, B1 2HS 0121 632 1333. 0121 634 3055 10 Poplar Rd, Solihull, PITCHER & PIANO B91 3AB 0121 704 Brindleyplace, B1 2HP 5030 0121 643 0214 ZORBAS 359-361 Olton PONTE DI LEGNO 44-44a Boulevard, Solihull B27 Woodbridge Rd, 7DP 0121 706 4709 Moseley, B13 8EJ 0121 449 8064 POPPY RED Arcadian Black Country Centre, Birmingham B5 ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 4TD 0121 687 1200 Lichfield Street, Walsall PUNJABI HAVELI 1558 WS1 1SY 01922 613361 Stratford Rd, Hall Green, BANKS BISTRO Chapel B28 9HA 0121 745 Ash, Wolverhampton 3636 WV1 4EP 01902 238433 PURNELL’S 55 Cornwall BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, St, B3 2DH 0121 212 Wolverhampton. 01902 9799 427555 PUSHKAR 245 Broad St, BENGAL FUSION 174 High B1 2HQ 0121 643 7978 St, Lye, Stourbridge DY9 THE RECTORY 50-54 St 8LN. 01384 891111 Paul’s Sq, B3 1QS BILASH 2 Cheapside, 0121 605 1001 Wolverhampton, WV1 RED PEPPERS 117 1TU 01902 427762 Genting Casino - Birmingham Wharfside St, B1 1RF THE BLUE BRICK 0121 643 4202 Broad Gauge Way, 6UU 01562 744976 Street, Bridgnorth, WV16 SY4 3BL 01939 220410 6ND 01694 751477 ROSE MURREE 94 -96 Wolverhampton WV1 4DX 01746 218 084 Hagley Rd, Edgbaston, 1AA 01902 875301 MADE IN THAI Darlington KING & THAI Avenue Rd, RENAISSANCE, 29a St, Wolverhampton WV1 CHEZ MAW Best Western Broseley, Telford TF12 Princess St, Shrewsbury, B16 8LU 0121 456 4500 BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper 4HW 01902 312512 Valley Hotel, Buildwas 5DL 01952 882004 SABAI SABAI Green, Wolverhampton SY11LW 01743 354289 Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW 25 Woodbridge Rd, WV6 8QQ 01902 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower THE KNIGHTON HOTEL ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, Mill Street, Kidderminster 01952 432247 Moseley, B13 8EH 756052 Broad Street, Knighton, shrewsbury SY1 1HH DY11 6UU 01562 60479 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, Powys LD7 1BL 01547 0121 4494498 CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- 01743 233244 THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Market Drayton TF9 3PX 520530 SAN CARLO 4 Temple St, 255 Bilston Road, SARACENS Shrewsbury Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB 01630 638984 B2 5BN 0121 633 0251 Wolverhampton WV2 LA BÉCASSE 17 Corve St, Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 0121 557 1402 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, Ludlow, SY8 1DA 01584 SHAH’S Unit 16, 1160 2JN 01902 458024 210877 RED FORT Fold St, Shrewsbury SY1 1EN 872 325 Warwick Road, Acocks CASA CASITA Upper SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, Wolverhampton, WV1 01743 361440 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills Green B27 6BP 0121 Gornal, Dudley. DY3 4LP 01902 424440 Oswestry SY11 1AQ 707 8297 1UP 01902 676754 DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Lane, Shrewsbury SY1 01691 655444 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD 1QU 01743 249126 SHIMLA PINKS 215 Broad CATELLANI’S 6 School St, Upper Green, Tettenhall, SHALIMAR 23 Abbey 01952 432250 LA LANTERNA The Old St, B15 1AY 0121 633 Wolverhampton, WV1 Wolverhampton WV6 Foregate, Shrewsbury DORRINGTON OLD HALL 0366 4LR 01902 428928 8QQ 01902 756052 Vestry, St Julian's SY2 6AE 01743 366658 PERSIAN CUISINE Main Church, Shrewsbury SIMPSONS, 20 Highfield CINNAMON COURT Bentley SAFFRON Wolverhampton Road, Dorrington, SY1 1UH 01743 233552 SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Rd, Edgbaston B13 3DU Mill Way, Walsall WS2 Road, Oldbury B69 4RR Shropshire SY5 7JD LION & PHEASANT 50 Shrewsbury SY1 1UT 0121 454 3434 0BP 0121 568 6664 0121 552 1752 01743 719100 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury 01743 242321 THE SLUG AND LETTUCE, THE COWSHED Clive SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 THE SILVERTON the Old Brindley Place, Farm Clive Rd, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ THE LION QUAYS Moreton, Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, Birmingham B1 2HL Pattingham, WV6 7EN 0PU 0121 580 9293 01743 344679 Oswestry SY11 3EN Shrewsbury SY3 8JY 0121 633 3049 01902 701888 SPICES Hollywell Rd, THE FEATHERS Brockton, 01691 684300 01743 248000 SPICE EXCHANGE, THE CROOKED HOUSE Wednesbury. WS10 7PA Much Wenlock TF13 LOCH FYNE Talbot House, TIN TINS Wellington 1845 Pershore Rd Coppice Hill, Himley DY3 0121 502 0720 6JR 01746 785202 Market Street, Road, Telford TF2 8AJ Kings Norton, B30 3DJ 4DA 01384 238583 THE SPRINGHILL Shrewsbury SY1 1LG 01952 608688 0121 451 1007 THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, Warstones Rd, Penn, FENNELS 8 Market Place, Shifnall TF11 9AZ 01743 277140 TRAITORS GATE Castle St, STRADA 109-111 Walsall, WS1 2EU Wolverhampton WV4 01952 463020 LUDLOW KITCHEN Water Lane, Shrewsbury Wharfside St, The 01922 643215 4LB 01902 342530 Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 SY1 2BX 01743 249152 Mailbox B1 1XL DON SALVO 25 Darlington THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 THE FOX INN 46 High St, 0121 643 7279 Street, Wolverhampton Gospel End Rd, Dudley Much Wenlock TF13 2JR 01584 856020 THE WALLS Welsh Walls, Oswestry SY11 1AW SYRIANA 1 Constitution WV1 4HW 01902 712819 DY3 4AN 01902 676 6AD 01952 727292 THE MALTHOUSE The 01691 670970 Hill, B19 3LG 0121 DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley 102 FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Wharfage, Ironbridge 2369444 Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU THORNESCROFT Frankwell, Shrewsbury TF8 7NH 01902 433712 ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 TGI FRIDAYS 180 Hagley 01384 877077 Bridgnorth Rd, SY3 8JX 01743 354422 MORGANS 1 Bellstone, High Street, Shrewsbury Road, Edgbaston, THE FAIRLAWNS AT Wolverhampton, WV6 THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 Shrewsbury SY1 1HU SY1 1SF 01743 353232 Birmingham B16 9NY ALDRIDGE 178 Little 7EQ 01902 700 253 Princess St, Shrewsbury, 01743 239114 0121 454 1930 Aston Road, Aldridge, THE WOODMAN Claverley, SY1 1LP 01743 362507 MR UNDERHILLS Dinham Walsall WS9 0NU 01922 Wolverhampton WV5 Staffordshire THAI EDGE 7 Oozells Sq, GRANARY BAR & GRILL Weir, Ludlow Shropshire 455122 7DG 01746 710 553 B1 2HL 0121 643 3993 Weston Park, Weston- SY8 1EH 01584 874431 NO 5 Gaol Mews, FARADAYS The TIN TIN CANTONESE, under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, THE MYTTON & MERMAID Stafford ST16 3AN Waterfront, Brierley Hill, The Waters Edge, TF11 8LE 01952 Atcham, Shrewsbury, 01785 22 9900 Dudley, DY5 1UR Shropshire Brindleyplace, B1 2HL 852107 SY5 6QG 01743 761220 01384 482 882 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock. 0121 633 0888 AFTAB 25 High St, THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- THE OLD ORLETON INN WS11 1BH 01543 FIVE RIVERS Vicarage Ironbridge TF8 7AD 167 Frankwell, Holyhead Rd, 573905 ULYSSES 42a Bristol Place, Walsall WS1 3NA 01952 432055 Shrewsbury SY3 8LG Wellington, TF1 2HA Street, B5 7AA 0121 01922 646164 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 622 3159 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY 01743 361672 01952 255011 Lombard St, Lichfield. FOUR STONES Adam’s THE VAULTS Newhall Ellesmere Rd, HADLEY PARK HOUSE THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL WS13 6DP 01543 Hill,Clint, Stourbridge, Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF Hadley Park, Telford TF1 257986 Place, Newhall Hill, DY9 9PS 01562 883260 & RESTAURANT Lowe Hill B1 3JH 0121 212 9837 01939 290 523 6QJ 01952 677269 Road, Wem, Shropshire BELLA ITALIA 20 FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, VMF - ASTON VILLA FOOT- BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a THE HAYWARDS at The SY4 5UA 01939 233233 Greengate St, Stafford, Smethwick, B67 5BN Mardol, Shrewsbury SY1 Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, ST16 2HS BALL CLUB Villa Park, 0121 429 7920 THE PEACH TREE 21 Trinity Rd, B6 6HE 0121 1PZ 01743 272586 Shrewsbury SY1 1UY 01785 211968 FRENCH CONNECTION Abbey Foregate, 326 1570 BUFFALO STEAK HOUSE 01743 353107 Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE CHANDLERS Corn 3 Coventry St, 125 Frankwell, Exchange, Conduit St, WAGAMAMA Brindley Stourbridge DY8 1EP HENRY TUDOR HOUSE 01743 355055 Shrewsbury SY3 8JX Lichfield, WS13 6JU Place, birmingham B1 01384 390940 Barracks Passage THE PLUME OF FEATHERS 01743 537523 Shrewsbury SY1 1XA 01543 416688 2HL 0121 643 7656 FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove Harley, Shrewsbury SY5 01743 361666 THE CORNER HOUSE THE WAREHOUSE CAFE Rd, Clent, Stourbridge BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, 6LP 01743 727360 TF11 9BA 01952 HILL VALLEY HOTEL Second Avenue, Burton- 54-57 Allison Street, DY9 9PY 01562 883040 PORTER HOUSE 15 St 460662 Tarporley Road, On-Trent DE14 2WF Digbeth, B5 5TH GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch SY13 4HA 01283 542321 0121 633 0261 Ablewell St, Walsall WS1 CASA NARANJO Barracks SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 WING WAH 278 2EQ 01922 640363 Passage, Wyle Cop, 0844 879 9049 CURRY KUTEER 31 THE POUND AT LEEBOT- Greengate Street, Thimblemill Lane, B7 LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower Shrewsbury SY1 01743 THE INN AT GRINSHILL WOOD Leebotwood, Nr Stafford ST16 2HY 5HD 0121 327 7879 Mill Street, 588165 The High Street, Church Stretton SY6 01785 253279 WOKTASTIC Paradise Kidderminster. DY11 CASA RUIZ 45 High Grinshill, Shrewsbury,

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 81 Eating Out October_Layout 1 23/09/2013 14:20 Page 5

01789 415543 LISTINGS GEORGETOWN 23 Sheep Restaurant St, Stratford-Upon-Avon, CV37 6EF 01789 204445 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT WOLSELEY ARMS HELP OUT MILL Heather 27 Broad Eye, Stafford Wolseley Bridge, Stafford Rd, Shakerstone, ST16 2QB 01785 ST17 0XS Nuneaton. CV13 0BT 229988 01889 883179 01530 260666 FOUR SEASONS Swinfen HIGH PAVEMENT 3 High Hall Lichfield, WS14 Warwickshire Street, Warwick, CV34 9RE 01543 481494 4AP 01926 494725 THE GREEN ROOM Castle 7 SQUARE 7 Old Square, HOGARTH’S HOTEL 4 Ashes Dyke, Lichfield WS13 Warwick CV34 4RA Rd, Solihull, B93 8QE 6HR 01543 412121 01926 411 755 01564 779988 INDIAN VILLAGE NO. 9 CHURCH STREET HORTONS 165 High Street, 8 Lombard St, Lichfield. Stratford upon Avon, Solihull B91 3ST 0121 WS13 6DR 01543 709 3177 253415 Warwickshire CV37 6HB 01789 415522 INDIA RED 1-2 Abbey St, INDICA Virage Park, THE ALMANAK Abbey Nuneaton. CV11 5BP Cannock. WS11 0HN 02476 342090 08712 070417 End North, Kenilworth, JIMMY SPICES 64-66 JASMINE PEKING 21 High CV8 1QJ 01926 353 637 Station Rd, Solihull, B91 St, Eccleshall, Stafford 3RX 0121 709 2111 ST21 6BW 01785 ART KITCHEN 7 Swan St, 851200 Warwick CV34 4BJ LE BISTRO PIERRE Swans Nest, Bridgford, Stratford LA DOLCE VITA 01926 494303 19 Stafford upon Avon. CV37 7LT St, Stone ST15 8QW AUBERGINE 32 Smith St, 01789 264804 01785 817 985 Warwick CV34 4HS MATRICARDIS 97 High St, THE LODGE 24 01926 400 086 High Pavement - Warwick Henley in Arden. B95 5AT Birmingham Road, THE ALMANACK Abbey 01564 792735 Shenstone. WS14 0LQ End North, Kenilworth Warwick CV34 4DE 01905 26263 MASSALLA LOUNGE 35 01543 483334 CV8 1QJ 01926 353637 MERCHANTS Swan Street, 01926 402061 THE CHASE INN Chase Rd, Broad St, Worcester MALABAR 1-2 Water Warwick CV34 4BJ THE SAXON MILL Upper Colwall, Malvern. WR1 3NH 01905 THE BLUEBELL 93 High 01926 403833 Street, Stafford, ST16 Street, Henley-in-Arden, Coventry Rd, Guys Cliffe, WR13 6DQ 01684 729955 NAYA 148 High St, Henley 2AG 01785 227 500/600 Warwickshire, B95 5AT Warwick CV34 5YN 540276 MUG HOUSE Claines in Arden. B95 5BS 01564 MARLOES 13 London 01564 793049 01926 492 255 CHESTERS 51 New St, Lane, Worcester WR3 793089 Road, Newcastle under BLUE BISTRO 21 Spon St, SIGNATURES @ The Worcester, WR1 2DL 7RN 01905 456649 Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 NAILCOTE HALL Nailcote Belgrade Theatre, 01905 611638 OLD RECTIFYING HOUSE Coventry, CV1 3BA 024 Lane, Berkswell, Coventry, 661983 Coventry, CV1 1GS CROWN & SANDYS North Parade, Worcester 7622 9274 CV7 7DE 02476 466174 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, BROWNS Earl St, Coventry 02476 846762 Main Rd, Ombersley, WR1 3NN 01905 ST15 8BA 01785 NICOLINIS 14 The Parade, TAILORS 22 Market Place, WR9 0EW 01905 620252 619622 CV1 5RU 0247 622 1100 Leamington Spa, CV32 818456 Warwick CV34 4SL ON THE ROCKS, CARLUCCIOS 13 Waterside, 4DW 01926 421620 EWE & LAMB Hanbury Rd, THE NAVIGATION INN Stratford-Upon-Avon 01926 410590 Bromsgrove. B60 4DN Worcester Rd, Newport Road, Gnosall, ONE ELM 1 Guild St, THAI ELEPHANT 01527 871929 Bromsgrove. B61 7AE CV37 6BA Stratford-Upon-Avon, Stafford ST20 0BN 01789 267424 20 Regent St, THE FIG TREE 99 Church 01527 882412 01785 822327 CV37 6QZ 01789 404919 CASTLES 6 Castle St, Leamington Spa, Street, Gt Malvern, WR14 PORTOFINO, 6 Worcester OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, OSCARS 39 Chandos St, Warwick CV32 5HQ 2AE 01684 569909 Rd, Droitwich. WR9 8AD Warwick. CV34 4BP Leamington Spa, CV32 Branston, Burton, DE14 01926 492525 01926 886882 FOUR SEASONS 61 01905 794799 3EX 01283 533222 4RL 01926452807 CATALAN 6 Jury St , THE TREVELYAN Warwick Lowesmoor, Worcester PORTWAY ITALIAN, PEEL’S Hampton Manor, PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill Warwick CV34 4EW Rd, Stratford-upon-Avon, WR1 2RS 01905 27026 Alcester Rd, Redditch. Hampton-in-Arden, Street, Stafford, ST16 01926 498 930 CV37 ONR FUSION BRASSERIE B48 7HT 01564 824794 2AJ 01782 263 737 Solihull, B92 0EN 01675 01789 295252 PUCCINI'S, 12 Friar St, THE CHURCH STREET 446080 Hawbridge, Stoulton, THE PEARL18 Market St, TOWNHOUSE 16 Church WARWICK SPICE 24 Smith Worcester WR7 4RJ Worcester WR12LZ PREZZO 1-3 High St, Kidsgrove, ST7 4AB Street, Stratford-upon- St, Warwick CV34 4HS 01905 840647 01905 27770 Warwick CV34 4AP 01782 788887 Avon CV37 6HB 01789 01926 491736 RAJDOOT Cutnall Green, 01926 475867 THE GARDENERS ARMS THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, 262222 THE VINE INN 86 - 88 West Vines Lane, Droitwich. Droitwich. WR9 0PW QUEANS RESTAURANT Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR EGO 29 The Square, 15 St, Warwick CV34 6AW WR9 8LU 01905 01299 851000 01543 481807 Kenilworth, CV8 1EF Dormer Place, 07873 219005 772936 RILY’S The Quadrant, PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh 01926 864463 Leamington Spa CV32 ZIZZI 85-87 Regent Redditch B98 8AE 5AA 01926 315522 THE GATE 36 Dodford Rd, St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 THE ENCORE Square House, Parade, Bournheath, 01527 60544 1JD 01782 209444 RESTAURANT 23 Bridge Street Stratford Leamington Spa CV 32 Bromsgrove ROSADOS’S 2 Finstall Rd, THE RED ROOM 7 34 Hamilton Terrace, Holly 4NL 01926 432532 B61 9JR 01527 878169 Aston Fields, upon Avon CV37 6AB Walk Leamington Spa, Newcastle Road, 01789 269462 ZORBA’S Olton Boulevard, THE INN AT STONEHALL Bromsgrove. B60 2DZ Congleton CW12 4HN CV32 4LY 01926 422422 FINEST CATCH B’ham Rd, Solihull. B27 7DP 0121 Stonehall Common, 01527 889948 01260 297871 ROBBIES 74 Smith St, Henley in Arden. B95 706 4709 Worcester, WR5 3QG SAFFRON BISTRO 15 New Warwick CV34 4HU THE SWAN HOTEL 46 5QR 01564 793783 01905820462 St, Worcester WR1 2DP Greengate Street, 01926 400470 FIVE RIVERS 20-22 Victoria 01926 852980 KING CHARLES II King 01905 610505 Stafford ST16 2JA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT Worcestershire Terrace, Charles House, New St, SINGAPORE 29 Friar St, 01785 258142 @ The RST, Waterside, Leamington Spa, CV31 ANAKARI 47 The Tythings, Worcester WR1 2D Worcester WR1 2NA Stratford-upon-Avon, THORNBURY HALL, RASOI 3AB 01926 431999 Worcester. WR1 1JT 01905 22449 01905 613005 Lockwood Rd, Kingsley CV37 6BB 01789 403449 THE FLAT CHICKEN 01905 21412 L’AMUSE BOUCHE 51 THAI GALLERY 26-32 Friar Holt, Stafford ST10 2DH 44 SAFFRON GOLD Market St, ANGEL CHEF 1 Angel St, Graham Rd, Malvern. St, Worcester WR1 2LZ 01538 750831 Guild Street, Stratford- upon-Avon, CV37 6QY Westgate House, Worcester WR1 3QT WR14 2HU 01684 01905 25451 01905 731131 572427 THAI LOTUS 147 ANUPAM 85 Church LANGTREYS 89a High St, Worcester Rd, Street, Malvern. WR14 Bromsgrove. B61 8AQ Bromsgrove. B61 7HN 2AE 01684 573814 01527 878242 01527 882606 (ESt 86) thE dINNEr cLub BACCHUS 44 Worcester LITTLE VENICE 1 - 3 St THAI RAMA Walwyn Rd, a rEcIpE for fINE food aNd Good compaNy Road, Bromsgrove B61 Nicholas St, Worcester Gt Malvern. WR13 6QX 0TA 01527 877557 WR1 1UW 01905 01684 541563 BENEDICTOS 34 Sidbury, 726126 THE WILDMOOR OAK Worcester WR1 2HZ LOTUS HOUSE 33 Top Road, Wildmoor, SINGLE? 01905 21444 Ombersley St, Droitwich. Bromsgrove B61 0RB 0121 453 2696 BINDLES 55 Sidbury, WR9 8QX 01905 For the more discerning Worcester. WR1 2HU 770079 THE WOOD NORTON unattached person, age 30-45 or 45+ 01905 611120 MAEKONG THAI 12 Worcester Road BRAMBLINGS Hither Green Worcester Rd, Evesham Worcestershire Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie balls, Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE Bromsgrove. B61 7AE WR11 4YB 01386 765611 theatre, parties, weekends away and holidays abroad. 01527 406600 01527 578888 THE BRIDGE INN Plough Not a datING aGENcy Rd, Tibberton, Droitwich. WR9 7NQ 01905 345874 To get your restaurant listed here THE BROOK INN Elcocks 01244 677030(day)/01244 548816(Eve/W-end) Bank, Redditch. B97 5UD e: [email protected] 01527 543209 or call Jon Cartwright BROWNS 24 Quay St, on 01743 281703 www.thedinnerclubuk.com Worcester WR1 2JJ

82 www.whatsonlive.co.uk (IBC) R1_Layout 1 23/09/2013 18:54 Page 1 Antiques for Everyone (FP-Oct)_Layout 1 23/09/2013 12:01 Page 1