Brings Her Entry Level Human Tour to the Midlands

Shropshire Cover November 2018.qxp_Shropshire Cover 22/10/2018 12:06 Page 1

JORGIE PORTER TALKS FAME - Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands INTERVIEW INSIDE... SHROPSHIREWHAT’S NOVEMBERON 2018 Shropshire ISSUE 395 NOVEMBER 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On shropshirewhatson.co.uk

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

HAL CRUTTENDEN comedian brings his Chubster tour to Shropshire TWITTER:@WHATSONSHROPS

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MICHEL ROUX JR celebrity chef at the BBC Good Food Show SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:55 Page 1 Contents November Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 18:52 Page 2

November 2018

Contents

Calendar Girls - Gary Barlow & Tim Firth’s musical comedy comes to the Midlands... feature on page 8

Seth Lakeman Jen Brister Dracula the list

treads The Well Worn Path at acclaimed comedian visits the something to sink your teeth Your 16-page the Slade Rooms Midlands with new tour into at Wolverhampton Grand week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 21 page 24 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 39. Film 45. Visual Arts 47. Events

@whatsonwolves @whatsonstaffs @whatsonshrops Wolverhampton What’s On Magazine Staffordshire What’s On Magazine Shropshire What’s On Magazine

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Entertainment news from around the region

A Grand extension for Wolverhampton theatre A planning application is to be submitted by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to expand its premises in the city centre. Keith Williams Architects have drawn up plans to build a pop-up theatre next door to the venue, on the site of the former post office building. Commenting on the news: Grand Theatre CEO and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson said: “There is a vision to make Lichfield Street the arts hub of Wolverhampton city centre, and although the theatre already con- tributes massively to the local economy, there is so much more we can achieve in the community, for education and cultural enrich- ment.”

Wolverhampton to host vote. Drama company set to Commenting on the success, the New Vic’s prestigious art show Managing Director, Fiona Wallace, said: ‘cry God for Harry’... Wolverhampton has been selected as one of “We’re passionate about ensuring everyone Shropshire Drama Company (SDC) is cele- four cities to host the biggest touring exhibi- enjoys their visits to the New Vic, and this brating its 60th anniversary by presenting a tion of contemporary art in the UK. award is recognition of our hardworking staff production of Henry V, a play which they first Hayward Gallery Touring’s British Art Show 9 and volunteers, who strive to ensure our visi- performed 20 years ago. will stop off at Wolverhampton Art Gallery tors have the best experience possible.” Commenting on the forthcoming show, SDC and University of Wolverhampton School of spokesperson Neville Street said: “In addi- Art from February to May 2021. tion to the group of talented new people on The exhibition showcases a new generation board, some of the actors from 1998 are in the of British artists and is acknowledged as one forthcoming production. We hope that the of the country’s most important recurrent generous audiences we have received since displays of contemporary art. 1958 will continue to attend our productions for many more years to come.” SDC perform Henry V at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from Wednesday 7 to Satur- day 10 November.

Spring in your step at popular walking festival The team behind the annual Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival have launched their long-walks programme for the 2019 event. The popular festival, running from 4 to 12 May, features more than 50 free walks over nine days, including a number of themed walks ranging in length from two to 21 miles. New Vic crowned most To reserve a place or request a copy of the welcoming theatre programme, contact the Ironbridge Visitor Staffordshire’s New Vic Theatre has been Information Centre by email at tic@iron- named the West Midlands’ Most Welcoming bridge.org.uk or call 01952 433 424. Theatre 2018 in the UK Theatre Awards. For more details about the walks, visit iron- The ‘most welcoming’ category is the only bridgewalking.co.uk or email info@iron- award that’s decided via an entirely public bridgewalking.co.uk. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:02 Page 2

First Word

Line-up revealed for Let’s Rock Shrewsbury 2019 Popular one-day retro festival Let's Rock Shrewsbury will make a welcome return to the town next summer, complete with a high-profile line-up of performers. Contributors already con- firmed for 2019 include disco divas Sister Sledge (pictured), the Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, American songstress Belinda Carlisle, Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals, Kim Appleby (of Mel & Kim), Ches- Matthew Bourne to bring Romeo & Juliet to the Midlands ney Hawkes, Betty Boo, Matthew Bourne’s new production of Romeo And Juliet is coming to the Midlands as part of a UK Johnny Hates Jazz, Jaki Gra- tour. The show will see the title roles being played by six rising stars of Bourne’s dance company, ham, Captain Sensible and New Adventures, and two new dancers making their professional debuts. Sonia. Commenting on the production, Matthew said: “Romeo And Juliet will be a celebration of youthful A mystery headliner will be energy, talent and creativity both on and off-stage. As we enter our fourth decade as a company, I’m announced in December. For finding the development of young talent ever more important and fulfilling. I look forward to being more information and to book refreshed and inspired by what this team of young artists will bring to Shakespeare’s classic tale of tickets, visit letsrockshrews- tragic conflict and young love.” bury.com Matthew Bourne’s Romeo And Juliet will show at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 September.

Robert De Record year of charity fundraising for Niro’s waiting Shrewsbury’s annual folk festival Fancy Visitors to this year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival helped to raise a spending an record amount of cash for the event’s long-term charity partner. evening in Hope House, which supports children with life-limiting illnesses and the company their families, received more than £7,000 from this year’s four-day of one of the event, including a donation in excess of £2,000 from the festival’s or- It’s all about the world’s most ganisers. legendary Commenting on the news, Vanessa Thomas, the Major Gifts Manager swing at Telford actors? for Hope House, said: “We are so thrilled to continue our partnership theatre If so, you’ll be interested to with the festival. The record-breaking amount raised will pay for months of music therapy sessions at the hospice, helping some very Telford’s Oakengates Theatre know that Hollywood movie special children with life-threatening conditions to find fun and hap- is this month hosting ‘a spec- star Robert De Niro is visit- piness through making music.” tacular evening of vintage ing the Midlands this glamour and spellbinding en- month. Robert will be ap- tertainment’ inspired by the pearing at a black-tie dinner swing era. event which will also in- Taking place at the venue on clude an on-stage interview Saturday 17 November and with the man himself and featuring live music, cabaret, an auction of De Niro mem- burlesque and circus acts, The orabilia. Electro Swing Ball is also host- An Experience With Robert ing a vintage makeover ‘par- De Niro takes place at Birm- lour’, which will be onsite ingham’s International Con- from the early afternoon. For vention Centre on Tuesday more information, visit 27 November. theplacetelford.com For more information, visit eventbrite.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:02 Page 3

First Word

It’s Club Tropicana for Joe McElderry X Factor winner Joe McElderry will make a welcome return to the Wolver- hampton Grand Theatre next year to star in a brand new show. Joe, who was a big success at the venue last Christmas when he ap- peared in the pantomime production of Aladdin, will head the cast of Club Tropicana The Musical, ‘a summer adventure of love in the sun’ featuring a soundtrack of smash-hit pop classics performed live on stage. The production visits Wolverhampton from Monday 29 April to Saturday 4 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk

Shropshire woman Cathedral Illuminated returns to Lichfield The write stuff in set to go it alone Lichfield’s Cathedral Illuminated Shrewsbury across the Atlantic presentation is returning for a fourth year. International authors, award- After twice winning the What’s On Readers’ winning poets and leading Award for ‘best event in Staffordshire’, the writers all feature in the line- artistic collaboration Luxmuralis are back at up for the third annual the cathedral with a ‘spectacular new light & Shrewsbury Festival Of Liter- sound experience for all the family’. ature, taking place at venues As well as all-new projections around the across the town from 23 to 25 November. The founder of a charity which cathedral, the illuminations feature bespoke Contributors include ac- aims to inspire young people music from Luxmuralis composer David claimed novelist Manda Scott facing life-changing injury, ill- Harper. The ticket-only event also includes (pictured), mental health ness or trauma is set to take on readings of the Nativity and a chance to enjoy the Christmas Tree campaigner Rachel Kelly, a 3,000-mile fundraising chal- festival. Tickets for the event sell fast and are now on sale for 17, 18, 20, poet Matthew Francis and lenge next month. 21 and 22 December. Shropshire-based nature Kelda Wood, who set up Climb- writer, poet and broadcaster ing Out in 2010, is aiming to be- Paul Evans. come the first adaptive person Late-night Xmas Festival highlights include a ever to solo-row the Atlantic shopping dates... poetry slam, a writing work- as part of the Talisker Whisky Shrewsbury Market Hall is shop and a ‘human library’, Atlantic Challenge. She is hop- staging a string of late-night where the books literally tell ing to raise over £50,000 for her events in the lead-up to Christ- their own story. charity in the process. mas. For more information, visit Commenting on her fundrais- On Saturday 3 November and shrewsburylitfest.co.uk. ing adventure, Kelda said: “I’ve Saturday 1 December, the been on a huge journey myself market’s street food venues, since my own life-changing in- gin bar and pop-up wine, craft jury in 2002. I now want to sup- beer and cocktail bars will port others to find the same stay open until 10pm. confidence and self-belief that A selection of the market’s gift I’ve found through my journey - and homeware boutiques, artist and design studios, and pre-loved and that’s why I’m going to row bookshop Raven Books, will also be open into the evening. the Atlantic! There will be two late-night festive shopping events too, taking place For more information about the on Wednesday 14 November and Wednesday 12 December, when shop- charity and Kelda’s challenge, pers can browse the market’s stalls for gifts and enjoy a bite to eat visit climbingout.org.uk until 9pm. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:02 Page 4 Calendar Girls.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:58 Page 1

CalendarTim Firth and Gary Barlow’s award-winningGirls musical comedy heads to the Midlands

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Over a cuppa with three of the cast of Calendar Girls The Musical, Vicky Edwards discovers that Ruth Madoc is ‘perky,’ Fern Britton’s intuition sometimes malfunctions, Denise Welch can’t be doing with temper tantrums, and Gary Barlow and Tim Firth are to musical comedy what Mary Berry is to baking…

If Calendar Girls The Musical were a cake, the “And then I realised that my agent had been the genre. “The music expands the subject recipe would read something like this: Take working on it for the past six months, so I far bigger than the play ever was. It’s fabu- an inspirational true story, add one super-tal- thought I’d jolly well better go and do the au- lous, and audiences are in for a real treat. ented writer and one world famous pop star, dition! I expected them to want me to play The music makes it a wonderful, emotional and mix their expertise thoroughly. Once you Marie again, but they said they wanted me to journey, but it’s seamless; it slides into the have a perfect blend of warmth, humour, play the older woman this time, which is dialogue. It never feels like ‘here comes a poignancy and music, line a 12-inch diameter wonderful; Jessie has got some fantastic song’, and that makes it a very powerful cake tin with an accomplished production lines.” piece of theatre. I’m really on the boil about team and a cast featuring a clutch of our Based on a true story, Tim Firth’s film and his it!” finest actors and singers. Lace with a sublime subsequent award-winning play, Calendar But the show has even more to offer. Having supporting cast and rehearse well. Garnish Girls is a reworking of the award-winning and already raised huge amounts of money with a stunning set and gorgeous lights and critically acclaimed The Girls, which played through merchandise and bucket collections serve to rapturous applause up and down the to packed houses in the West End last year at each performance, the production will country. and is now returning home to Yorkshire to continue to benefit the charity Bloodwise - a Thrilled to be one of the girls (but keeping kick off a new UK & Ireland tour. fact of which the ladies are extremely proud. her kit firmly on - “I’m playing Marie, so no Loose Women’s Denise Welch stirs her tea Discussing the tour, which takes them all nips or noo for me!”), presenter and best- and reflects on why the story, in various in- over the UK, Ruth says she’s looking forward selling novelist Fern Britton cheerfully ad- carnations, has endured: “It’s about friend- to seeing new places and revisiting old mits that she almost missed out, initially ship and community, and I think we all relate friends: “I prefer touring to being in the West telling her agent that on instinct it wasn’t for to that. Celia, my character, has been off as End. I like the feel of companies; the family her. an air hostess and has always been looking orientation, which harks back to how it was “And then came the call saying that Gary Bar- for something more. When she comes back, when I started out 60 years ago. The kids and low would like to have a cup of coffee and a she realises that it was already there. As we the grandchildren will come in dribs and chat with me!” she exclaims, eyes bright and get older, we all realise that.” drabs. I’m a National Trust fan, so we’ll be ex- smile wide. “Suddenly I found myself in a The first question Denise asked when she ploring and will see lots of friends along the room reading the script, with Gary, Tim Firth was approached about appearing in Calendar way.” [writer], the producers and the casting direc- Girls was who else was in the show: “I’m too So is Ruth worried about disrobing on stage - tor. And boy, am I glad that they persisted! old and long in the tooth to be dealing with does ‘the Great British Take Off’ hold any “Never was I happier to be wrong about egos and temper tantrums. Thankfully we all fears? She waves any concerns aside: “We’ll something. Some people don’t like musicals get on, but second to the script, that was the have great big pineapples or whatever in because of all the bursting into song, but most important thing to me.” front of us, so the audience won’t see much. with this you hardly know that a song has The show attracts a hugely diverse audience - And besides,” she adds, with a naughty glint started until it’s halfway through. You’re to- so why do the ladies think that is? in her eye, “at 75, you really don’t care!” tally pulled along by your earholes, and the “It’s an incredibly human story,” says Fern songs really advance the story. Tim Firth is a Britten. “Life is all about loss, love, making a god! He wrote the play, the movie and the mess, making mistakes, clearing it up and musical - he’s like a Yorkshire Stephen Sond- Calendar Girls The Musical visits the atoning. It’s a terribly hackneyed phrase, but heim with the lyrics. As for Gary, he’s written Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from our show is life-affirming.” some incredible songs.” Tues 13 to Sat 17 November. “And it is a different proposition when you The show returns to the Midlands region Having previously starred in the stage play have music to the extent that we have,” says next year, stopping off at Birmingham version, Ruth Madoc is the old hand of the Ruth Madoc, who, as an experienced musical Hippodrome from 28 May to 8 June. assembled cast, but she wasn’t convinced theatre actress, knows a thing or two about about returning to the subject.

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Food

platter were spot on and acted as Tree has adopted an extremely a perfect taster for the food that laid-back approach to dining. was to follow. Lou explained that she wants Choosing from a mouthwatering people to feel like they’re pop- menu of tapas delights, for our ping over to a friend’s house for main course we opted for haggis tea, rather than feeling like and smokey bacon hash with they’re dining out in a restau- stilton butter, salt’n’chilli rant. She’s certainly achieved her chicken with siracha, pan-fried aim. The decor has a living room beef fillet with garlic oil, rocket, feel to it - there are even pictures parmesan and balsamic, beer on display from Lou and Martin’s battered halloumi with a green wedding day - and the service is chilli dip and patatas bravas. We informal and friendly. This ap- couldn’t whittle our favourites proach may not be everyone’s down to five, so we also had the cup of tea, but it certainly pan-fried tiger prawns with chilli worked for us. and garlic - an absolute essential We ended our evening with a trio whenever I order tapas. of desserts. We chose the lemon Every dish was beautiful! The posset, the cookie dough and the haggis dish was meaty and sticky toffee pudding. Hats off to strong-flavoured, the prawns the chef for all three! The lemon were cooked and seasoned to posset was smooth and creamy, perfection and the juicy steak the cookie dough - served warm provided a gorgeous melt-in-the- with vanilla ice cream - was mouth sensation. The beer batter naughty and sweet, and the on the halloumi was tasty and sticky toffee pudding was, again, light, with the green chilli dip up there with the nicest I’ve ever REVIEW: The New Olive Tree acting as the perfect accompani- tried. Phenomenal service and delicious tapas ment and the crispy chicken Lou and Martin have something showcasing subtle chilli and salt truly special going on here - The at family-run Staffordshire restaurant flavours. New Olive Tree is a real gem. The patatas bravas was, without From the quaint decor and the Located in the small Stafford- with fingers of warm artisan a doubt, the nicest I've had any- warm and downright phenome- shire town of Cheadle, The New breads, olives and feta - or the where, ever. Comprising sautéed nal service, to the delicious food Olive Tree is a family-run tapas Anti Pasti Board - a selection of potatoes, peppers, red onion, hot and chilled-out atmosphere, the bar serving delicious and au- continental meats, olives, feta, mojo sauce and feta cheese, it re- eatery was so good that our near- thentic Mediterranean dishes. olive oil and balsamic dip, hum- ally was ‘comfort-food heaven’ three-hour drive to get there and After winning the Best Indepen- mus and bread. The main course (with a kick!) and a welcome back was absolutely worthwhile. dent Restaurant In Staffordshire is then made up of any five tapas adaptation of the often-dull clas- I certainly wouldn’t think twice title in our 2018 What’s On Read- dishes of your choice from the sic. about making the journey again, ers’ Awards, it was certainly a nibbles, vegetarian, fish or meat not only for a second time but The combination of flavours pro- place we wanted to check out, to section. Dessert consists of any also a third, fourth or even a 10th vided by each dish was certainly see what all the fuss was about… three desserts of your choice time. Lauren Foster from the daily menu. up there with some of the nicest The menu is split into sections - I've enjoyed in a tapas restau- nibbles, paella and vegetarian, We felt that the Olive Tree Special rant. It’s clear to see why The Food: nnnnn fish and meat tapas. The restau- was fantastic value for money, so New Olive Tree was voted Best Service: nnnnn rant also boasts a ‘none of that opted for that. Independent Restaurant In Ambience: nnnnn foreign stuff’ section - which fea- To start, we chose the Anti Pasti Staffordshire by our readers! Overall value nnnnn tures a range of dishes including Board mentioned above and OVERALL nnnnn fillet steak, sausage & mash and During our visit, and despite added a side of aioli. The hum- having a full house to contend haddock & chips - a children’s mus and aioli were beautifully The New Olive Tree with (due to its popularity, ad- 88 High Street menu and an Olive Tree Special. creamy, the bread fluffy and vanced booking is essential on Cheadle The Olive Tree Special is aimed warm and the olive oil and bal- weekends), the owner, Lou, took Stoke-on-Trent at two people sharing and costs samic of a high quality. There time out on numerous occasions ST10 1AJ £50 for three courses. To start, was plenty of meat, olives and to come over and chat to us. Tel: 01538 422664 diners can choose from either feta, too - The New Olive Tree cer- the Trio of Dips - aioli, hummus tainly doesn’t skimp on its por- From the decor to the ambience and balsamic and olive oil served tion sizes. All elements on the and the service, The New Olive

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Christmas

BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR BIG PARTY! LUNCH PARTIES FROM £12.50! EVENINGS FROM £14.50! Call Steve on 01743 355055; email: [email protected] or BOOK ONLINE www.thepeachtree.co.uk The Peach Tree, 18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. SY2 6AE Food November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 16:04 Page 4

Food

Beatles-themed bar opens in Staffordshire Beatles superfan Mark Curran has opened a bar dedicated to the Fab Four. Located on Kings Street in Newcastle- under-Lyme, Hard Days Night serves a range of Beatles-inspired cocktails and features a selection of Beatles memorabilia and a replica of the Abbey Road pedestrian crossing. Craft beers, gins and food are also available. The new venue is open seven days a week.

CAMRA Winter Ales Fayre in Dudley Dudley’s Winter Ales Fayre takes place at the Town Hall from Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December. Presented by Dudley & South Staffs CAMRA, the event will feature more than 70 traditional real ales, cider, wine and hot & cold food. There will also be live entertainment on the Friday and Saturday.

Sass In The Kitchen at Shrewsbury pop-up Shrewsbury-based chef Antigone Mulford is this month hosting her Wrapchic brings Indian street food to Wolverhampton second pop-up event. The founder of Instagram blog Sass In An eatery specialising in fresh Indian street food has opened in Wolverhampton’s Mander Centre. The Kitchen, 25-year-old Antigone will Wrapchic serves naan wraps, tortillas and rice bowls filled with delights including chicken be presenting an Italian Venetian- Rajasthani, chicken Mughlai, fish Malabari and paneer Bhurji, all cooked by expert Indian chefs inspired menu of tapas-style small with authentic spices and aromatics. plates at Number 11 on 8 & 9 November. The restaurant has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available too, and also caters for The menu includes Aperol cocktails on customers who’re gluten and/or dairy-free. All meat is halal. Breakfast options are available, arrival, nduja arancini, Cicchetti, duck including fresh coffee provided by ChangePlease, the social enterprise that helps get homeless and porcini Polpette, pork belly with people into work and learning new skills. pickled radicchio, a trio of desserts and a number of other Venetian delicacies. Tickets cost £34 and can be purchased New Indian restaurant Blanc NRI opens in Staffordshire from Eventbrite. A new Indian restaurant has opened in the Staffordshire town of Stone. Blanc NRI - which stands for Not Really Indian - features a menu which boasts both traditional and modern Indian cuisine, including lobster moilee, Kumaragom duck roast, tilapia fillets in banana leaves and Goan fish curry. Businessman Husban Ahmed has invested £350,000 in the new venture. Blanc NRI is open 6pm to 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 6pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. For more information, visit blancnri.co.uk whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:56 Page 1

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Gigs

Seth Lakeman The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 15 November Starting out in the 1990s alongside brothers Sam and Sean, Seth Lakeman boldly stepped into the solo spotlight in 2002. He immediately found an audience with debut album The Punch Bowl, before going on to bag a Mercury Prize nomination for follow-up offering Kitty Jay. In between writing and recording albums, he’s played to audiences around the world, performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, become a dad of twins and toured with Robert Plant after featuring on his latest album, Carry Fire. Joined for this Wolverhampton gig by a new band line-up, the award-winning multi-in- Dan Owen the local musician. “I feel like this is what strumentalist will be performing both estab- I’ve been working for since I first picked up lished hits and tracks from his ninth studio Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 November a guitar at the age of eight. A lot has hap- album, The Well Worn Path. pened since then, and these songs cover After a sold-out gig at Theatre Severn for the some of the high and low points, both for mayor's charity concert, Dan Owen returns me and for some of those closest to me. I’m to the venue for his first full band show, in really grateful to everyone who’s been a part support of debut album Stay Awake With of the process, and I couldn't be more proud Me. “I like to think of it as a collection of of the result.” personal stories and experiences,” explains

Skindred The Little Unsaid The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, MAC Birmingham, Fri 16 November; Fri 16 November Oswestry Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Shropshire, Sat 17 November; Foxlowe Arts “For our latest album, we threw away the Centre, Leek, Fri 30 November Bad Manners rulebook,” says Skindred guitarist Mikey The Little Unsaid’s music embraces ele- The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Demus. “We pushed ourselves harder than ments of rock, folk, electronica, jazz and alt- Fri 16 November ever to create the biggest, baddest and most pop. Combining string and brass Long in the tooth they may be, but English 2 banging songs we could muster.” orchestration with beats, electronics, found Tone ska wizards Bad Manners still command The album in question, the band’s seventh sounds and songwriter John Elliott's haunt- a significant following around the globe. Very studio offering, is Big Tings, released earlier ing, androgynous vocals, the on-the-rise much a novelty act - courtesy, in the main, of this year to great critical acclaim. four-piece are one of the UK’s must-see live the on-stage antics of bald-headed frontman Hailing from Newport and fusing heavy acts. Buster Bloodvessel - they spent the early metal, alternative rock and reggae, the tal- They’ve spent the last year touring Europe, 1980s vying for chart positions with fellow ented four-piece will no doubt be putting presenting a live show that’s been hailed for ska revival bands Madness, The Specials and songs from the new album front and centre boasting ‘a thumping depth of passion’. The Selecter. Hit albums include Gosh It's... when they visit Stoke-on-Trent with their Bad Manners, Loonee Tunes! and Ska’n’B. current touring show, That’s My Jam. They’re visiting Shrewsbury this month as part of their Christmas tour. Oysterband The Robin, Bilston, Wed 21 November Six-piece folk outfit Oysterband celebrate four decades of a unique and fiercely independent career this year. Expect to hear some of their finest songs, including Put Out The Lights, When I’m Up (I Can’t Get Down), Blood Wedding and Everywhere I Go, as well as numerous others from their extensive back catalogue.

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Classical

Collegium Musicum 90 The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Sun 11 November With a well-established reputation for their performances of baroque and classical music, Collegium Musicum 90 boast a repertoire that ranges from chamber pieces to large-scale works for choir and orchestra. This Shropshire Music concert sees them exploring the work and influence of the legendary Arcangelo Corelli, an Italian composer and violinist who made a significant contribution to the development of music in the baroque era and beyond.

Halle Orchestra Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 16 November One of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, the Manchester-based Halle Orchestra is ad- mired around the globe for its extensive orchestral repertoire. This Victoria Hall concert sees the award-winning Jonathon Heyward (pictured) picking up the baton to conduct a programme that includes Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto. Also featured is music from two of Wagner’s most popular operas - The romantic Lohengrin and his only comedy, Die Meistersinger. The programme is completed by the prelude to Humperdinck’s Hansel Und Welsh National Opera Gretel. The pianist is Alexandra Dariescu. Birmingham Hippodrome, Wed 14 - Sat 17 November Spectacular Classics City of Birmingham Founded in Cardiff in 1943, Welsh Na- tional Opera (WNO) is a regular performer Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Symphony Orchestra in the Midlands, presenting seasons of Sat 10 November Symphony Hall, Birmingham, work at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The Birmingham’s foremost orchestra and num- Wed 14 November company is committed to producing ber one choir team up to present more clas- shows which are extremely accessible for sics than you can shake a conductor’s its audiences, whether they be opera- baton at. The City of Birmingham Sym- going regulars or people attending a per- phony Orchestra and the City of Birming- formance for the very first time. WNO’s ham Choir bring their musical talents to autumn season features two timeless clas- bear on a host of much-loved compositions, sics - Verdi’s La traviata and Rossini’s including Prokofiev’s Dance Of The Knights retelling of Cinderella, La Cenerentola. and Jenkins’ Benedictus from The Armed They are presented alongside David Man. Pountney’s War And Peace (pictured), a Nessun Dorma, Rule Britannia!, Land Of new production which WNO promises will Hope And Glory and all the explosive magic be as ambitious and epic in scale as Tol- of the 1812 Overture also feature, and are The CBSO here get their collective teeth into stoy’s famous novel itself. certain to have the audience flag-waving in Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, a piece which has be- the aisles come the end of the night. come one of the composer’s most popular works, despite the man himself being less than enamoured with his own creation. Also featured in the evening’s programme is Janá ek’s Taras Bulba and Prokofiev’s fairytale Firstč Violin Concerto, for which the orchestra is joined by renowned Russian-Italian violinist Sergej Krylov. Ris- ing star Stanislav Kochanovsky (pictured above) is the man with the baton.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Evelyn Glennie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:53 Page 1

Evelyn

GlennieByBy DDameame EvelynEvelyn GGlennie’slennie’s ownown admission,admission, composingcomposing thethe musicmusic forfor thethe RoyalRoyal ShakespeareShakespeare Company’sCompany’s productionproduction ofof TroilusTroilus AndAnd CressidaCressida hashas meantmeant steppingstepping outsideoutside herher comfortcomfort zone. Prior to the play opening in Stratford last month, What’s On chatted to the virtuoso percussionist to find out more... Evelyn Glennie DPS.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:53 Page 2

by Reggie White

How did your collaboration with the RSC decide what the sound of the character may It has taken me a while to get into this play, come about? be. That can really only happen once you see but now I absolutely love it. The play is hard I was simply asked out of the blue by the the actors in action during rehearsals and be to define, just like a lot of the music I play, so show’s director, Greg Doran, if I would con- part of the dialogue between the director and I see it as very contemporary - something that sider writing the music for Troilus And Cres- the whole team. There’s no way that music for is relevant to us all. It’s more about the indi- sida. this scenario can be written in isolation. vidual characters as opposed to the actual plot or location. No matter where a war is tak- What did you initially find attractive about More specifically, what was the most ing place, the same human emotions arise. the project, and has it fulfilled your challenging aspect of providing a sound- No matter where two people fall in love, the expectations? track for Troilus And Cressida? same human emotions arise, and so on. It’s a It took me a long time to accept the invitation I’m writing with just under a week before we play that taps into every emotion possible, to write the music because this was com- go into technical rehearsals, so a lot will still from funny to the horrible, quirky, mundane pletely out of my comfort zone. I had never have to be adjusted with the score as we ad- and serious. For me, as a composer, this is written for theatre before and have worked just to the theatre and set. But so far the most heaven! The casting is brilliant and inspira- very little in that kind of setting. However, I challenging aspect is to get cohesiveness be- tional. was immediately made welcome by the whole tween the characters from the Greek camp What do you hope that your soundtrack RSC team and was struck by the fact that they and those from the Trojan side. Percussion will add to the experience of watching wanted something different sound wise, and has a huge dynamic range and therefore we Shakespeare from an audience’s point of that Greg really wanted to make the music an have to achieve high energy in places but still view? integral and influential part of the play. I have allow the spoken word to come through; found the whole experience to be such a privi- working out the frequencies/soundscape that I hope that the audience will embrace the lege and a massive learning curve. It has to- can work with the spoken voice so as not to sound as an integral part of how a play has tally fulfilled my expectations. cancel the voice out. Many of the percussion been designed and interpreted; appreciating sounds I recorded with Dave Price in my stu- that all elements of a play are essential and Generally speaking, do you enjoy dio, and so we’re bringing them together with equal. Theatres are meant for each discipline Shakespeare plays? What are their pros the live percussion. A challenge is knowing to be displayed, and so it’s fantastic that Greg and cons from your point of view? how long musical passages will be, based on has given such a platform and emphasis to At school I found Shakespeare hard work, how an actor may recite something or how music. and I have never really embraced the plays long it takes them to move. They need to be What have you learned from the since, which was another reason why it took free to interpret what they do, and so the experience? me some time to accept being involved in this music score needs to be prepared to elongate project. I felt I could only write for something or shorten right on the spot. I have always been aware of the importance of that I enjoyed or could latch onto. However, teamwork, but this experience really has Your soundtrack has been described as since being involved and witnessing the heightened that. There are so many creative, satirical and futuristic. Did you produce whole rehearsal process from the beginning, I talented and extremely hard-working people the music to fit Greg Doran’s interpreta- have been totally converted! I even went to a who put a project like this together. The re- tion of the play, or did your ambitions for very local production near where I live and spect and value towards what each person the music define the path he decided to was hooked. I now see Shakespeare and his does is crucial, and I have very much felt in- take with the production? work in a totally new light and would eagerly cluded in the process. The ebb and flow of attend more productions in the future…and Both, really. Greg has been open right from embracing ideas means that you know the who knows, perhaps even compose for more! the start and has given me free range as to score will always be fluid, right up to the final I think the pros come from the vision of the what to do. He was clear that he wanted the performance. director, and in this case Greg is so embracing score to be percussive, dynamic and surpris- Would you contemplate future work with of the creativity of all involved, which makes ing. He wants the audience to physically feel the RSC, and if so, which other everything such an organic and ‘living’ pro- the music and soundscape, and for the stage Shakespeare play would you like to get cess. The challenges are more logistical, in to almost become an instrument. This has your teeth into musically? that there are so many elements to come to- opened up possibilities of having musicians gether. This means that the music score will come on stage to play, and for certain props, Absolutely, I would not wish for this to be a be constantly tweaked and balanced accord- such as the crates where the Greeks enter one-off. I would certainly be a lot more aware ing to the movements and projection of the from, to become things that can be struck. as to the working process and what is re- actors, how the set feels, lighting, sound ef- Even the motorbike sounds become part of quired. I would never have imagined embrac- fects and so on. It’s an exciting process. the soundscape. It’s still evolving, as we are ing Troilus And Cressida, but (thanks to still in the rehearsal process, so until the Greg’s incredible direction) here I am loving On a general level, what are the main music and musicians are on set with the ac- the actual play. Based on that, I would be challenges of producing music for theatre tors, so much more may change in the next completely open to any play! work as opposed to a concert performance two weeks. The main thing is that there is or an album? constant dialogue between all parties, both Embracing all elements of the set, costumes, on a creative level and of course while making sure that the aims are realistic and practical. voice projection, speed and feel of the actors’ Troilus And Cressida shows in the Royal movements, timings, balancing live playing What are your thoughts about Troilus And Shakespeare Theatre until Saturday 17 with recorded sounds and so on. Also, the Cressida, Shakespeare’s ‘most November. The play will also be music cues are more fragmented than writing testosterone-fuelled play’, being the RSC’s broadcast live into cinemas on for the concert platform or for an album. One first gender-balanced production? Wednesday 14 November. has to know each character in the play and Dance November 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 10:53 Page 1 Dance November 2018 .qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 10:53 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Emerald Storm Lichfield Garrick, Fri 2 November Performers from Lord Of The Dance, Riverdance and Ireland’s Call present this new Irish dance sensation - a show that features everything from ‘traditional soft-shoe choreog- raphy and explosive Irish tap routines to the sensual fire of salsa, the smooth coolness of jazz and the prim precision of ballroom’. Classic songs including Danny Boy also feature, as does contemporary acoustic music ‘in the style of Ed Sheeran’. For those who like a strong storyline to accompany their fix of dance, the show should prove to be a real winner, telling the tale of how mortals battle to save the mythological heaven of the Celtic Otherworld from utter destruction.

Ankusha And Other Mysteries MAC, Birmingham, Sun 4 Nov; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mon 26 November The highly rated Kamala Devam Company are very much in the business of seeking answers to unanswerable questions in this latest work: Does fate or free will have a greater hand in shaping the course of our lives? How do we define ourselves without limiting our potential? In a battle against ourselves, who will come out as victor? Run- ning for 100 minutes, the show features three classical and contemporary South Tom Dale Company: Asian dance solos, an explosive trio and a I INFINITE multi-award-winning dance film. It visits the Midlands as part of the com- MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 & Fri 2 November pany’s first ever UK tour. Part dance and part video installation, I Infinite explores the boundaries between artificial and real, digital and organic Hansel & Gretel worlds. A solo dance piece, the work is Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, presented in a white, digitally animated Fri 30 November & Sat 1 December environment around which the audience New York club styles of house, waacking and is free to move throughout the perform- vogue, presented alongside African and con- ance. temporary dance, ensure that this version of “The synergy between dance and the dig- Hansel & Gretel is like no other. A contempo- ital arts is the major artery pumping rary retelling by Uchenna Dance choreogra- through our practice,” explains choreog- pher and founder Vicki Igbokwe, the show rapher Tom Dale. “It’s woven into all our finds the famous fairytale siblings lost and programmes of work. The company’s vi- overwhelmed in the city (rather than in the sion, through its collaborations with the traditional setting of the forest). But can they digital arts, is to reimagine dance and in- outwit the adults and find their way back to spire the next generation of dance mak- their family?... ers.”

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Comedy

Ross Noble Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 11 November Geordie comic Ross Noble may not have hit the heights once expected of him, but he’s undoubtedly one of the UK’s most talented funnymen. He also has a nice line in surreal comedy, never gives an audience the same show twice, and boasts an impressive number of followers on Twitter. Ross heads for the Midlands this month with his new show El Hablador. Zoe Lyons Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 18 November High on confidence and blessed with a razor-sharp wit (always useful when you’re a comedian), Zoe Lyons creates funny routines based on astute observation of life’s absurdities. Her latest show takes a look at the impact of technology on people’s ability to stay human, and also at our increasingly evident desire to detach from community as we get older.

Dave Gorman Stephen K Amos Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 17 & Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 4 November; Sun 18 November; Symphony Hall, B’ham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 22 November; Aldersley Leisure Sat 26 January Village, Wolverhampton, Sun 25 November "I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to Dave Gorman's idea of stand-up comedy wait for Lenny Henry to die before I could seems to be that as long as there's room for get on television," says Stephen K Amos, him to stand up, he'll do some comedy! referring to his belief that big breaks for Ahir Shah Why else would this intrepid funnyman black comedians are few and far between. The REP, Birmingham, Fri 16 November; have made the decision a few years back to Whatever the truth, there's little question Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 25 play not only 2,000-seater theatres when that Stephen's very much basking in the November; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 9 February he headed out on tour but also 30-seat televisual lime- village halls, a barn and even a railway light these days. Ahir Shah is happy to describe his act as a dining car! Dave is His success is no blend of ‘philosophical inquiry, political still touring, but is surprise, mind, vigour and sweet gags’, and realises that the now being a bit given the quality path to comedy stardom can be a long and choosier about of his material arduous one. “Over the course of the last the venues! and his effortless decade,” he says, “my status on the circuit ability to strike all has skyrocketed from ‘curiosity’ to the right chords ‘interloper’!” Ahir’s latest touring show, with his ever-ap- Duffer, contemplates three subjects - ‘life preciative audi- and what comes after, death and what ence. comes before, and Bohemian Rhapsody’.

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Phil Nichol MAC, Birmingham, Sat 10 November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 11 November High-energy comedy blended with humor- ous storytelling is the name of the game when Phil Nicol comes to town. Canadian Phil's a real bare-all kind of comedian, who's happy to expose the peculiarities of his personality to anybody who fancies taking a peek - and all in the name of great comedy... What a guy!

Geoff Norcott The Core, Solihull, Fri 16 November Geoff Norcott is one of the sharpest tools in the comedy shed, presenting shows which blend observational humour with satire - and even the odd impression or several! Being a former teacher, plenty of Geoff’s gags relate to school experiences and the Jen Brister education system. He’s also made some- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 2 November; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 4 November; thing of a name for himself in the field of Glee Club, Birmingham, Tues 20 November sports-related humour, a niche that’s yielded him plenty of work both on Jen Brister is a busy woman. As well as mak- cause these days I have to make time even to television and radio. ing time and space to further develop her go to the toilet. stand-up career, she’s nowadays also busy “It’s Mama’s special time in the toilet… Sorry, being a mum. why are you in the toilet with me? No, put Hal Cruttenden “I remember having the time to watch a box the toilet paper down… Don’t put that in your set, or go for a long walk in the park, or even mouth… I don’t need you to hold my hand, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 7 November; meet a friend for coffee,” recalls Jen of her that’s just for your number twos not mine… Oakengates Theatre @The Place, Telford, Wed 14 November bygone days of freedom. “I look back at that Seriously, get that out of your mouth!” time like it was a golden era - and it was, be- Hal Cruttenden places great emphasis on cleverly constructed punchlines, and is always happy to ridicule himself if he thinks there’s a laugh to be gained by doing so. Chris Ramsey Phill Jupitus Alongside his stand-up, he’s also a success- Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, ful actor, appearing in numerous TV shows - William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Thurs 8 Fri 16 November November; Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, including EastEnders - and on film in The Thurs 22 November Well known for the unusual spelling of his Madness Of King George. Christian name, his memorable surname (an As well as being a highly rated stand-up His new touring show is called Chubster, a anglicised version of the original surname on the UK comedy circuit, Geordie boy title chosen by his daughters. Hal wants it Šeputis) and his well-padded Chris has also developed an impressive known that he is now on a diet... physique, Phill Jupitus is telly career, appearing on shows includ- an actor, performance ing 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Celebrity Juice and poet, cartoonist and South Shields-set sitcom Hebburn. Gags podcaster as well as a include: "My venue for the Edinburgh stand-up comedian. Festival is a He describes his latest portacabin; it's touring show, literally a porta- Juplicity, as ‘contain- cabin! I'm a ing adult themes and Geordie, in a situations, but portacabin. I delivered was going to childishly’. call the show Auf Wiederse- hen Pet Live".

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ZOE LYONS brings her Entry Level Human tour to the Midlands

Award-winning comedian Zoe Lyons returns to the Midlands this month with her new stand- up show, Entry Level Human. Zoe took time out from her busy schedule to talk to Midlands Zone about motivation, inspiration and her recent stint on television’s Celebrity MasterChef... Zoe Lyons for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:55 Page 2

What’s your earliest memory of being Apart from being funny, what would festival, and the atmosphere was electric. funny, Zoe? you say makes a good comic? What do you like to do when you’re not Oh, crikey! I think probably at primary In your bag of human skills, you need to being funny? school. I wasn’t a class clown in any shape be good at being on your own; you need to or form, but I did used to entertain the par- be able to entertain yourself. If you don’t I like to cook and to eat. I like to plan trips ents at the school gate. I would act out lit- have that skill, you’ll go nuts. You need to away, and I like scuba diving. The wife and tle stories in front of them. In class, I was learn to be grounded. It’s a competitive I are either planning trips, going on a trip as dull as ditchwater, so definitely wasn’t business and one based on showing off. or buying ridiculous stuff made out of the joker of the class. I suppose I just felt You need to be able to manage your ego neon print to go on trips. We also read up more comfortable in the company of the and keep it in check, otherwise it could fly about fish... parents. I always longed for a life of dinner off like a buzzard on amphetamines, so parties, even at the age of eight! you need to tether it like a robin in clogs. Talking of cooking, has your recent ex- You do need to have an ego, but it needs to perience on Celebrity MasterChef Who would you say has inspired you be proportionate in size. I guess you also changed you in any way? the most? need an inquisitive mind, be able to drive I’m definitely more adventurous in the It’s a mixture of people. I suppose when I and be good at using Google maps. That’s kitchen. I’ll give stuff a go that I wouldn’t was growing up it was the likes of Billy essential! have done before. I was typically one of Connolly and Victoria Wood. I still enjoy those people who would read a recipe, get watching Victoria’s stuff. She was such a Is there any subject matter that should halfway though and go, God, I don’t know warm writer and brought out some lovely be off-limits in comedy? how to do that. Now I’ll give it a go. characters. No, I don’t think anything is off-limits as long as it has a point and it’s done well. How do you put your new-found skills Can you tell us a bit about Entry Level But there are people who should be off- to use? Do you plan massive dinner par- Human? limits from doing comedy - for example, if ties for friends and family? It’s a new tour show that’s loosely based their skill level isn’t adequate enough to No, that’s the sad bit. Because I work on the idea of human nature and stupidity portray what they’re trying to say funnily. I nights, I’m normally sat eating a pot noo- - a rich scene these days for comedians, don’t talk about certain subjects because I dle with a teaspoon in a hotel room. So and I include myself in that. It’s a poke at just don’t have the skills to articulate them when I have a bit of time and I’m home human stupidness. My shows combine and deliver them properly. and it’s just me and my wife, I’ll try and being slightly topical with my own take on cook something different or new. I like to things, which veers towards stupidness Is there anything you’ve ever said on mix things up and not stick to recipes like and silliness. My shows aren’t aimed at stage that you’ve later regretted? most people do. changing the world; I just want to alter Probably ‘it’s lovely to be here’. You say and iron out people’s lives. that many times, but in your head you’re What would you have done as a job if thinking, I can’t wait to get in the car and you hadn’t become a comedian? What motivates you to get up on stage? leave this dump! No, not really! Joking Absolutely nothing that involved being in- Do you have a regular pre-show rou- apart, I don’t think I have, although I’ve side and wearing a suit. I think I’d have tine, and how do you wind down post- told some awful jokes, especially during liked to be a ski instructor, a landscape show? the first two years of my career. gardener, a forest ranger or a fisherman. Like a lot of performers, I like to have a little bit of space before I go on stage. I know What’s the best heckle you’ve ever re- You’ve been on the circuit for 14 years we’re not performing at the London Phil- ceived? now. How have attitudes changed to- harmonic or on a bazooka, but comedy The weirdest one I ever got was when wards female comedians during that does require a bit of head space. I don’t someone shouted at me, ‘What made you time? have any weird rituals. I used to have some choose those shoes?’ That stuck with me I’ve had audiences walk out and shout at little lucky ‘donks’ and things, but I lost so for years because it was just such an odd me, fold their arms saying that they’re not many of them that I decided they weren’t thing to say in what I thought was a really going to listen to a woman. D’you know all that lucky after all and I’m not supersti- good gig. what, though - it being harder initially has tious, so I got rid. probably made it better for us now. Female Have you ever walked off stage during a “Coming down’ post-show is the hard bit. I comedians had to work harder; we had to set? find it really difficult to go to sleep when come up with more diverse material be- I’ve been on stage. My adrenaline is up Oh yeah, I’ve cut the set short on occasion cause we were always judged so harshly. and seems to hang around for ages, so I and have endured an awful death - a terri- It wouldn’t matter if there were four blokes tend to watch a movie and have a cup of ble death that felt like it lasted four weeks who’d all done material about Star Wars - cocoa. I try not to have alcohol, as that’s when in reality it probably lasted 12 min- they wouldn’t be judged on that, but if you the worst thing. Post-show is very dull, to utes - when the audience have just stared were to get up on stage and say something be honest - not very rock’n’roll. at you like you’ve done something un- that was typically female, you were imme- speakable to their dinner, in a space where diately picked up on it. That’s now You’ve performed in Birmingham nu- the sound is quieter than silence. changed because of television - it’s a much merous times. Is there anything that more balanced environment nowadays. sets the city’s audiences apart from oth- Where’s the best place you’ve ever per- ers? formed? Zoe performs her new show, Entry I like playing in Birmingham. It’s very di- Crikey, they all vary, but I suppose it has to Level Human, at Nottingham Glee Club verse and you get a great mix, which is re- be Kilkenny. I played the festival there for on Thursday 8 November and then at ally lovely. the first time a few years ago. It was magi- Birmingham Glee Club on Sunday 18 cal, and they were such an energetic audi- November. ence. The whole town was there for the Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Rock Of Ages between a smalltown girl and a big-city rocker, and is packed to its proverbial rafters with classic 1980s numbers. So if you’re someone Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 13 - Sat 17 November; Regent for whom the decade of Glasnost, yuppies, Miami Vice and mullet Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 12 - Sat 16 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 11 - Sat 16 March; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, hair-dos took place against a soundtrack of pounding rock anthems, Tues 28 May - Sat 1 June. this is a show well worth catching. Former Coronation Street favourite Cinema-goers who caught the 2012 movie version of Rock Of Ages, Kevin ‘Curly Watts’ Kennedy stars, and is joined in the cast by one- starring Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, Russell Brand and Catherine Zeta- time Pop Idol contestant and Big Brother housemate Zoe Birkett when Jones, will know exactly what to expect from this feelgood musical. the show rocks into Birmingham this month. Casting will differ for For those who didn’t and therefore don’t, it focuses on the romance other Midlands dates.

Orange Polar Bear Beauty And The Beast: periences of the conscripts who lived and died in the trenches, and of the civilians The REP, Birmingham, A Musical Parody whose loved ones never returned home from Thurs 1 - Sat 10 November The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, the Front. Powerful visuals and inventive staging are Sat 24 November - Sun 2 December cleverly combined in this brand new produc- Fat Rascal Theatre show that there’s plenty Romeo And Juliet tion, co-written by award-winning play- more to the fairytale story of Beauty And The wrights Evan Placey and Sun-Duck Ko. Beast than meets the eye. Gender swapping The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sat 10 November Performed in English and Korean, the play the lead roles, the company present a high- tells the story of William and Jiyoung, two 15- energy musical parody that finds a castle- Widely regarded as Shakespeare’s fifth year-olds living on opposite sides of the dwelling she-beast hoping against hope that tragedy, this story of a forbidden and secret globe who are both trying to make their way a handsome young bookworm will fall for love tends to fair less well critically than the in an increasingly challenging and fast- her feminine charms - in spite of all her fur... rest of the playwright’s high-profile works. Its changing world. popularity is nonetheless ensured by its timeless themes and its regular appearance A Journey Through War as a study text on the National Curriculum. Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 5 - Sat 10 November On The Floor Theatre Company are the ensemble behind this thought-provoking new work, presented during the week leading up to the centenary anniversary of the First World War armistice. Combining literature from the time of the 1914-18 conflict with brand new writing, the show explores the ex-

22 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 2 Pinocchio Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:52 Page 1 Pinocchio Old Rep.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:52 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Festive fun with no strings attached! The highlight of The Old Rep Theatre’s festive season is family favourite Pinocchio - the much-loved story of a puppet who’s brought to life... What’s On recently spoke to director Alec Fellows-Bennett about the show and his ongoing love affair with The Old Rep...

Pinocchio is the walking, talking puppet who character learning what it means to be a went. In my early 20s I returned for a few countless generations have come to know human being. Pinocchio takes every new sit- roles, and I was always keen to get back. The and love - along with his chirruping side-kick uation at face value because it doesn’t under- Old Rep is probably my favourite theatre be- and his mischievous nose that grows and stand basic human concepts. For example, cause of its great history and all the people grows whenever he tells even the smallest of Pinocchio doesn’t realise the fox and the cat and companies who’ve worked and per- porky pies. are robbers, so when told one coin is worth formed there. So when they started produc- more than three, Pinocchio just assumes ing their own Christmas shows, I was keen to Director Alec Fellows-Bennett, who helms they’re telling the truth. Holly has such an in- get involved.” The Old Rep’s stage adaptation of Carlo Col- nocence about her - just like Pinocchio. She lodi’s classic story, thinks the tale perfectly This time around, however, Alec wanted to was just brilliant at portraying the charac- captures the spirit of Christmas: “I think that direct: “I very much go between being an ter’s growth.” it’s good for the festive season because it’s a actor and being a director. I want to direct very recognisable title. Actually, the story Alec is very keen to promote theatre as an in- things in which I’m very invested in the story isn’t going to be exactly what people expect clusive, social, family environment: “I don’t as a whole, and I like to act in things where a because everyone's so used to the Disney think anybody anywhere should ever think particular character really sparks my interest. film, and the original story differs from that a that they can’t take their child to the theatre. This is a brand spanking new adaptation little bit. For our signed and relaxed performances, written for The Old Rep, and I’ve worked with “Pinocchio is fundamentally not so much a hardly anything changes. It’s so lovely to the writer, Toby Hulse, before. It’s a play per- story about a puppet as a story about human- watch those in the audience who don’t need fect for the venue, and it has the perfect origi- ity, and about how our behaviour, traits and the signing just accepting the presence of nal music accompaniment too, written by conduct give us this quality. It’s about that feature as part of the performance. Steve Allan Jones to match the script.” whether it really matters that you’re made of Equally, the only changes made to the show Alec discovered his passion for directing wood when you exhibit the humanity and in- for the relaxed performance is that we may completely by chance - with a little help from nocence that Pinocchio does. I see this as re- remove certain loud noises or strobe lighting British stereotyping: “I ended up acting in ally fitting with the festive season, a time and similar things that could cause distress. America and, because I had an English ac- that’s so giving and celebratory, with 'good In the actual content of the performance, cent, I guess they assumed I knew what I was will to all men’. Plus, of course, it’s about nothing changes other than that we might talking about! I was asked by a company over puppets and bright, colourful theatre, with take some sections slightly slower to make there if I would direct their next production, toys that come to life. So for the little ones, sure everything is audible. which happened to be a Shakespeare - I it’s their Christmas presents coming to life in “It’s incredibly important to develop theatre guess that fact was very much on my side front of their eyes.” for families as a social thing. It’s not like the too! From there, I realised I liked the direct- cinema, where you sit in the dark so ab- Many of us think of Pinocchio as a puppet ing side of the theatre world. From that time sorbed in the film that it’s like there’s nobody dreaming of becoming a real boy. The Old onwards I’ve taken each project as it comes, else with you. Theatre is one of the few Rep’s version sees the part played by young getting a lot of satisfaction from either acting things that forces you to be a collective, actress Holly Sayer... or directing - providing the project has been forces you to be an audience and become a suitable, of course.” “When we put the casting call out, we didn’t collective group all interacting with and remake it specific to a gender, and it was Holly sponding to the same piece of work. I want who best fitted with our vision for the charac- this to be open to absolutely everybody.” ter. I wouldn’t say it’s an androgynous Pinoc- Alec is a very familiar face at The Old Rep chio either because Holly won’t be able to Pinocchio shows at The Old Rep Theatre, and has a long-standing relationship with the help bringing who she is to the role. We’re fo- Birmingham, from Sat 17 November to theatre: “The Old Rep was the home of Birm- cusing on Pinocchio being a non-human Sunday 30 December. ingham’s stage school, and that’s where I Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Bram Stoker’s Dracula Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 20 - Sat 24 November Dracula is best known from its many and varied cinematic incarnations - but as stage productions like The Woman In Black have ably illustrated, a well-presented work of theatre can be every bit as spinetingling as anything the big screen has to offer. This brand new version of Bram Stoker’s famous gothic horror story features ‘breath- taking illusions’, ‘spine chilling effects’ and a cast that includes veteran actress Cheryl Campbell, a familiar face from television series such as Call The Midwife and Peep Show. Better make sure you pack some bulbs of garlic and a wooden stake, just to be on the safe side...

Sherlock Holmes: talia than the average red-blooded male. Jinkx Monsoon & Who’d have thought, for example, that a The Sign Of Four fella’s meat and two veg could be trans- Major Scales Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 November; formed into the Loch Ness Monster or the Eif- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 7 November; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, fel Tower? Hefty heroes in the groin Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 17 November Thurs 29 November - Sat 1 December; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 23 - Fri 25 January department though the show’s stars may be, Following last year’s sell-out show, RuPaul’s they’re sensible enough to know that back- Drag Race favourite Jinkx Monsoon returns to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous creation row admirers might have problems seeing the Midlands alongside ‘lyrical genius’ Major makes a welcome return in one of the novel- the more subtle nuances of their genital acro- Scales, to showcase music from their upcom- ist’s most frequently adapted stories. batics. To address the situation, they tend to ing album. The new show sees music and The Sign Of Four finds Sherlock Holmes em- employ a video camera and a large screen, to mental health collide in what’s being de- broiled in a murky world of deception and ensure everyone can enjoy a piece of the ac- scribed as ‘a witty and biting look at the dark trickery, as he and his faithful companion, Dr tion. side of drag fame’. John Watson, attempt to locate their latest client’s missing father. The production is presented by the highly regarded Blackeyed Theatre and comes com- They Don’t Pay? plete with ‘original live music, stylish We Won’t Pay! theatricality and magical storytelling’. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Tues 6 - Sat 10 November After Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, this 1974 political satire is probably Italian playwright Dario Fo’s best-known work. This new adaptation by Deborah McAndrew sees the action transposed to Brexit Britain, where the unemployed and Wicked Wizard Of Fizzog debt-ridden Maggie re- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, alises that a riot at the Sat 17 November local supermarket offers This chuckleworthy parody of Wicked and her the perfect opportu- The Wizard Of Oz is presented by Black Puppetry Of The Penis nity to stock her empty Country favourites Fizzog. The company are cupboards... Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 November; suitably proud of their Midlands roots and The Swan Theatre, Worcester, Sat 17 Nov; Presented by urge anybody who enjoys a good laugh to get Prince Of Wales Centre, Sat 1 December Northern Broad- along to this latest production. “Our shows Puppetry Of The Penis entails its performers sides in collabo- are riotous, poignant and nostalgic,” say Fiz- finding far more ways to utilise their geni- ration with York Theatre zog, “but most of all, hysterically funny.” Royal.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 4 The Lovely Bones for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 10:14 Page 1

The Lovely Bones Alice Sebold’s world-famous novel premieres on the Birmingham REP’s stage... The Lovely Bones for online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 10:14 Page 2

“Your characters never really go away - of challenges. “I love it. I get to be the junior Still, in revisiting The Lovely Bones Sebold course you feel a fondness towards them.” writer to great writers. But the main thrill is must also revisit a very real trauma of her Novelist Alice Sebold has recently had reason to make it a theatrical-shaped piece of work own. In 1981, when she was a student, she to revisit the characters of The Lovely Bones, rather than a novel, and each one has was raped and beaten while walking home her 2002 globally best-selling novel about a different problems and different joys.” one evening. young girl, Susie Salmon, who watches her Lavery’s initial idea for staging this story was The novel is certainly not about her, but the family from heaven after she’s raped and to have very defined heaven and earth spaces attack was a spur. murdered by a serial killer. on different physical levels. But after “When people say ‘it’s autobiographical’ the For those who’ve never encountered the workshops with actors and the show’s first thing I say is ‘but I’m not dead’,” she novel, it might sound like grim reading. In director, Melly Still, they discovered that comments dryly. And while she fact, The Lovely Bones found a huge heaven could be everywhere - because “that’s acknowledges that, without that experience, audience due to its tenderly drawn portrait of the magic of theatre.” she might not have written The Lovely Bones, a family coming to terms with grief. Millions “The most wonderful thing about it is our she says that her true inspiration was “all of of readers felt a fondness of their own for Susie wanders through her family [on earth], those girls who never had a voice because Susie and the Salmon family. but of course they can’t see her,” explains they died, unlike myself.” Now, they’re coming to life onstage. Bryony Lavery. “So one feels incredible empathy She recalls how, in the Seventies - when the Lavery has adapted the novel, for the first with her, because she’s this child that’s being story is set - there seemed to be “so many theatrical version of The Lovely Bones ignored.” serial killers”, and so many young female anywhere in the world. This adds a degree of poignancy - but also, a victims. “And we were fascinated by serial What was her initial reaction to being asked degree of humour. This Susie has a very killers like Ted Bundy, but we didn’t really to turn this smash hit book into a stage play? familiar teenage stroppy exasperation with know anything about the women he killed. I her situation in the afterlife, and at her was very aware of this voiceless mass of “I think it was ‘yikes!’” laughs Lavery. “It’s family not listening to her. women – that was pretty much the not a straight narrative - it’s like loads of inspiration for me,” she says. paths through a rather beautiful and “That yields a lot of comedy and texture, disturbing forest. Which doesn’t make it easy because she’s so furious about it; she’s a Sexual violence is certainly not something to adapt at all…” wonderful pouty teenager at times,” Lavery we’ve done away in the intervening decades. says. And she adds that laughter is really But The Lovely Bones has also proved a Still, the playwright is no stranger to crafting necessary in this often dark story. timeless story, and one worth revisiting for stage versions of classic novels, from altogether more hopeful reasons. Brighton Rock to A Christmas Carol to 101 “You can’t hold your breath for two hours; Dalmatians – and she’d add The Lovely you need to open a steam valve and let There is something comforting in the Bones to their rank. “It is a classic. It always something out.” balanced structure of the story: not only do brings us comfort, because of its strength and the family on earth slowly come to some Working on dark material can be harrowing – its honesty and its toughness, actually.” acceptance of their grief - a process anyone but the process here has, in fact, proved to be who’s lost anyone will recognise - but in But what did the American writer think of her really rather good fun. Because of this, heaven, too, Susie must go on the same novel being turned into a play? Sebold has ended up being rather more journey of letting go. involved in the production than she had “I liked the idea - I think there are things you expected. “It’s not about murder; it’s about can do onstage that you can’t do in any other redemption,” agrees Lavery. “’The lovely medium,” says Sebold. She’s been reading Speaking warmly of pinging emails back and bones’ refers to the lovely new bones that drafts and offering feedback, but she’s happy forth across the Atlantic with Lavery, she grow around this reconfigured family. It’s a to cede control of the material. “I just trust says; “One of my favourite words is ‘moxie’, tough book – it doesn’t do ‘oh the murderer’s the people who are performing it and and she seems to have quite a bit of it…” going to get caught and everybody’s going to directing it – they know what happens to For Lavery, it’s not so common to be adapting be happy’ - but it's about reconstruction after words when you put them on stage, and I material where the original writer is still with terrible disasters. don’t.” us. But working with Sebold has been “And it’s about family - even if one of them is Plus, part of the appeal was that Sebold wonderful, she says. “I was quite daunted at in heaven.” couldn’t imagine quite how the story, which first, because Dickens and Graham Green moves seamlessly between heaven and earth, and people don’t send notes… but a writer’s Sebold still often hears from readers that the could actually be realised on stage. notes to another writer are always thrilling book provided solace when trying to come to and challenging.” terms with a death in the family, even if in “For me, it’s going to be amazing to see: how very different circumstances. do they have different levels, heaven and Is she looking forward to Sebold seeing it? earth, and the various places that are in the “Of course - because she sounds fun. But I’ll “That was a wonderfully unexpected result of novel? How do they make it real, but not too be as nervous as anything.” writing the book,” she says. “It’s like a play real? That’s one of the reasons why I think being written: you just can't predict where How does it feel for Sebold, handing over her theatre can be fascinating: there are lots of your work is going to go.” much-loved characters to someone else? imaginative recesses for the audience to fill.” “There are some authors who like a sense of The process of adaptation is something control where those things are concerned, The Lovely Bones shows at The REP, Lavery gets great satisfaction from - partly but I really enjoy seeing what other people Birmingham from Tuesday 30 October because of the need to solve these do with my stuff,” she says sanguinely. until Sat 10 November Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 5 Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 6

Theatre previews from around the region Theatre

The Full Monty Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 5 - Sat 10 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 19 - Sat 24 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Mon 4 - Sat 9 March When six men find themselves unemployed, dignity, hope and self-belief are suddenly in short supply. Until, that is, they take the plunge and become male strippers... This brand new stage version of the hit 1996 movie stars Hollyoaks’ Gary Lucy in the lead role of Gaz. He’s joined by, among others, Joe Gill, best known as Finn Barton in Em- merdale. “You meet all the characters in their sense of desperation,” says Joe. “That’s one of the best things about the play - they’re all doing this full monty strip for a reason. They’re not just thinking about having a laugh and getting their kit off; they’re all trying to get out of a tricky situation.”

life, Hamnet died three years before Shake- Tartuffe The Habit Of Art speare wrote Hamlet. With his life moving to- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, wards its end, the boy Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Selected dates until Sat 23 February Tues 6 - Sat 10 November; Malvern Theatres, pieces together a por- Tues 27 November - Sat 1 December trait of his famous fa- A comedy about faith, family and faking it, With his new opera, Death In Venice, Ben- ther, a man by whom this brand new version of Moliere’s 17th cen- jamin Britten knows he’s sailing pretty close he has been aban- tury masterpiece brings events bang up to to the wind. No wonder he turns for advice to doned as Shakespeare date. The story centres around the wealthy his former collaborator and friend, WH pursues a career in Pervaiz family. Living in modern-day Birm- Auden. But 25 years after they last met, can London’s theatre ingham, they have in their midst the charis- these two difficult men finally find a way to world... matic and devout Muslim cleric Tartuffe. But satisfy their unsettling creative impulses?... is their guest all that he seems - and will fam- A play about creativity, biography, sex and ily life ever be the same again?... death, Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art Still Alice scored a huge hit for the National Theatre Malvern Theatres, Tues 20 - Sat 24 November back in 2010. This new touring version stars Finding Joy Neuroscientist Lisa Genova’s bestselling Matthew Kelly and David Yelland. novel is here adapted for the stage, four years Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 November; Studio Theatre @The Other Place, after the release of the critically acclaimed Stratford-upon-Avon, Fri 9 & Sat 10 November; movie version, for which Julianne Moore won Coach House Theatre, Malvern, Tues 20 a best-actress Oscar. Telling the story of Har- November vard professor Alice Howland’s battle with A work of full mask early-onset Alzheimer’s, it stars Scottish ac- theatre based on tress Sharon Small - best known from BBC true stories, Vamos’ television’s Inspector Lynley Mysteries. Finding Joy has The show has garnered plenty of acclaim on been described as a its travels across the UK over the last couple funny and fearless of months. piece that’s posi- tively brimming Hamnet with visual inven- tiveness. When Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 November Danny decides to become his grandmother Joy’s carer, their new-found bond is some- With award-winning productions already what unexpected. Joy is creative, funny and gracing their CV, Dublin-based theatre com- losing her memory; Danny is rebellious and pany Dead Centre stop off in Shakespeare always getting into trouble. Yet bond the pair country with a well-reviewed show about the most certainly do. The question is, where will Stratford bard’s one and only son. Eleven their newly developed connection lead years of age when illness claimed his young them?... whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 7

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November-2.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 11:57 Page 8

theatre for younger audiences... Theatre

Awful Auntie Sleepyhead How To Hide A Lion Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 & Sat 10 Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 8 November Tues 27 November - Sat 1 December Nov; Smethwick Library, Birmingham, Sun 18 Nov; MAC Birmingham, Tues 20 November - Based on Helen Stephens’ magical book of Frights, fights and friendships are the order Sun 2 December the same name, this new stage production of the day in this lively adaptation of David promises young audiences a roaringly enjoy- Walliams’ much-loved story. At the centre of able 45 minutes. ‘Music, song, playful hu- the tale is a young girl named Stella. The sole mour, dazzling puppets and some rip-roaring heir to Saxby Hall, she finds herself in dan- jazz’ all feature, as a little girl named Iris ger of losing both her inheritance and her life helps to hide a lion from the townsfolk when she comes up against her thoroughly who’re hunting him. unpleasant Aunt Alberta... Produced by the team behind the hugely successful stage adaptation of Walliams’ Gangsta Granny, the Guess How Much show comes complete with a very old car, a very large owl, a very small ghost and plenty I Love You of opportunity to enjoy a jolly good chuckle. Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 3 November Little Angel Theatre make a welcome return to MAC with a show that features ‘a pinch of With highly praised productions of James circus and a large dollop of silliness’. Telling And The Giant Peach, Seussical and The the tale of a tired dad’s efforts to get his baby Quite Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl to go to sleep, and the tiny tot’s desire to stay And The Pussycat behind them, Selladoor awake and play with his friend Rabbit, the Family here present a theatre work inspired show has been created for youngsters aged by Sam McBratney and Anita Jeram’s best- between two and five. Its running time is 45 selling 1994 picture book. Combining pup- minutes. pets, live music and interactive play for children aged three and older, the show finds Little & Big Nutbrown Hare waking up to discover the delights and colours of each sea- Stick Man son. Lichfield Garrick, Sun 11 & Mon 12 November; Egg And Spoon Evesham Arts Centre, Worcestershire, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November The REP, Birmingham, Sat 17 November “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my Presented as part of First Stages, a Birming- spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- ham Rep programme of shows designed to ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely introduce young children to theatre, Egg And popular children’s book on which this show Spoon is performed by the Aberdeen-based is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I Lyngo Theatre. “The show is an interactive love their production of Stick Man, and so do romp through the seasons,” Lyngo explain, the audiences.” Featuring a trio of talented “where you come in and out of our magic cir- performers, the show brings together pup- cle and get to open all the gifts of nature. petry, songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to We'll run through the rain and the falling tell the story of Stick Man’s desperate at- leaves and sleep under the snow till spring tempts to get back to the family tree. Suitable wakes us up for the butterfly party.” for children aged three and older.

CBeebies Thumbelina Oskar’s Amazing Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 3 & Sun 4 November Adventure Justin Fletcher, Ben Faulks and Andy Day are Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, among the CBeebies stars taking part in a Thurs 22 - Sat 24 November brand new show that blends dance, action- Theatre Fideri Fidera are the talented com- packed comedy and 1960s-influenced music. pany behind this original play for young chil- Born inside a flower, the ever-so-tiny Thum- dren. Recounting the story of a puppy’s belina finds herself living in an oversized search for friendship in the wilderness of the world of woodland creatures and giant Alps, the show brings together music, song, plants, but without having a clue who she is storytelling, physical theatre, clowning and or where she’s come from. Maybe the bugs, puppetry. Each performance will be followed spiders, toads and mice at a nearby animal by a 10-minute playtime, where youngsters party can help shed some light on the subject in the audience can meet the performer and for her... play with the production’s animal puppets. whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Jorgie Porter Fame DPS.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:02 Page 1

Remember My Name 30 whatsonlive.co.uk Jorgie Porter Fame DPS.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:02 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

The new UK tour of smash-hit West Ender Fame The Musical dances into the Midlands this month. What’s On caught up with Jorgie Porter, who’s starring as ballet dancer Iris in the new production, to find out more...

One of the world’s best-loved musicals, Fame will be evident to the general public that it will encourage more people to consider explores the tumultuous teenage years of Jorgie herself has little in common with the going to ballet shows.” students at New York’s High School for the character she’s playing: “I want to change Jorgie is a firm believer in the universal Performing Arts. Many of us already know roles and be taken out of my comfort zone. qualities of Fame The Musical. Because the how the youngsters fair with the ups and Doing reality shows has been a really good plot deals with many issues close to the downs of life, thanks to the sensational 1980s thing for me in revealing to people who I hearts of young people, such as prejudice, pop-culture movie that inspired both the truly am. I think I’m very lucky in that way identity, sexuality and first love, she feels musical and a television series. But if you’re because it’s not an opportunity many people that the show is able to touch everyone - as yet unaware of the joys of Fame The get. It also shows all the different roles I can musical fans and sceptics alike. Musical - or maybe you just wish to play, and that I’m not typecast in any way. I experience them again - then this particular like the fact that I can go into any role and “These days adolescents are more involved in tour is not to be missed, as it marks the step out of myself, but also that the public tackling these issues head-on, and it’s production’s 30th anniversary. know me for me. Fame shows all different definitely interesting to see how a musical aspects of performance, and Iris is not the that originally came from a film made in the It would be understandable if the musical’s musical-theatre type; obviously I still sing in 1980s can still be so relevant now. It’s good past successes weighed heavily on the the production, because it’s a musical, but that the production shows these mature shoulders of the current cast, but for former she’s more calm and lady-like. I, on the other themes in relation to teenagers because I Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter, who’s set to hand, will be singing my heart out in the car, think it’s easy for adults to overlook the make her stage debut with this tour, the pretending I’m in a music video!” ability of young people to really have overriding feeling is one of sheer excitement: important things to say about them. So “I literally can’t wait for this to happen - this Jorgie loves the fact that she relates so closely although the musical is so much fun, it’s also will be my stage debut and I want it to start to the show as a whole: “I can definitely got a message behind it that can be relevant right now! I love Fame. I think it’s incredible, relate to Fame, from growing up in a dance to everyone.” and when I listen to every song I get college. You might think that the singing. goosebumps because it’s just such good dancing, constant performing and rehearsing It’s the rollercoaster ride of uncertainty that music. I’m super-excited - I really can’t that the Fame characters do in their day-to- Jorgie enjoys so much about being an actress. contain myself, to be honest!” day lives is quite far-fetched, but it really With that in mind, does she have any plans isn’t. If anything, people were swinging from for the future? Taking on the role of Iris in the musical the ceilings in college! The fact that I get to means that Jorgie will be returning to her play a role that’s in a production so close to “I love being on telly and on stage. I’m very ballet roots: “I was dancing from the age of me is so nice because I can put a bit of myself lucky that I’m about to get the opportunity to three and have trained in classical ballet for and my own memories in there.” do both. Future-wise, I don’t think you can almost all of my life. While I was in ever tell, and that’s why I love this job so Hollyoaks, the dancing element became more She also hopes that productions such as much. One minute I’m jumping out of an of a passion than a job, so I’m even more Fame, featuring elements of classical dance airplane in a jungle, the next I’m on a TV quiz excited to do a U-turn and get back to ballet or other dance genres, will help widen the show or hopping onto the stage to do ballet! in this role. It was my dream from when I was demographic at dance shows and put paid to I’m just happy to see what comes along, a kid, and not many people get to actually the misconception that straight ballet really.” fulfil that, so when the opportunity came productions are too high-brow. along I grabbed it. My career took me on a “Fame is a really good opportunity to show little journey somewhere else, but the fact off all sorts of dancing and performance I’ve been able to come back to this is Jorgie Porter stars in Fame The Musical through each of the character’s journeys and amazing. I’m just so excited!” at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, their different performance passions. There from Mon 19 to Sat 24 November; Theatre On the surface, Jorgie’s character in Fame really is something for everyone, and it’s an Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 28 January - Sat seems like the stereotypical ‘rich girl’ you see opportunity for audiences to sample different 2 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- in films and musicals; spoilt and stuck-up. bits and pieces of the performing arts in a fun Trent, Mon 15 - Sat 20 April; Malvern Thanks to recent reality TV appearances, it and relaxed atmosphere. So I definitely hope Theatres, Mon 9 - Sat 13 July

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 1 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 2

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

There’s plenty of opportunity for Midlanders to get into the festive spirit over the next few weeks. The region is hosting some of the best pantos and Christmas shows in the land, not to mention a wide range of other activities to enjoy - from checking out a magic lantern trail and searching for Santa to wrapping up your Christmas shopping at Birmingham’s splendidly festive German market. You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

The Wizard Of Oz The REP, Birmingham, Sat 24 November - Sun 13 January This classic story from the pen of L Frank Baum has been delighting children for over a century. A marvellous mix of magic, mayhem and munchkins, it tells the story of Dorothy Gale and her unexpected trip over the rainbow to the wonderful land of Oz. There, she meets the scarecrow, the tin man and a cowardly lion, heads off on a journey along the yellow brick road to find the Emerald City, and has more than one unpleasant encounter with the Wicked Witch of the West. If ever a ruby-slippered girl was in need of a wizard...

Sleeping Beauty Dick Whittington Mother Goose Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Lichfield Garrick, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 November - Sat 5 January Thurs 29 November - Sat 5 January Wed 28 November - Sun 6 January The story of a young man who heads for It may not be one of the most frequently London in search of fame and fortune is performed pantos, but Mother Goose one of the most popular of all pan- nonetheless has plenty going for it, includ- tomimes, not least because of the top ad- ing the opportunity to make all manner of ventures in which the happy-go-lucky eggstravagantly funny and Dick finds himself involved. With Sarah eggcruciatingly unfunny the Cook and King Rat both putting in an egg-related jokes. The appearance, and heady romance with the show stars delightful Alice also on the cards for Theatre young Dick, this is a show that promises Severn’s The tragic tale of a young princess who’s to be packed to its festive rafters with ac- favourite panto tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger tion, comedy and fun. Dame, Brad Fitt, on a spinning-wheel, causing her to fall CBeebies star Katrina Bryan joins return- in the role of asleep for 100 years, offers a great story ing panto favourites Sam Rabone and Ben Mother around which to build a pantomime produc- Thornton. Goose. tion of real quality. BBC Radio And Sleeping Beauty 2018 is likely to be just Shropshire’s that, given the Belgrade’s exemplary record Eric Smith when it comes to presenting top-notch panto also fea- magic. tures in the Indeed, we’re so confident you’ll be wide- cast. eyed with excitement that we’ll even bet our best antique spinning-wheel that the only person in the auditorium who won’t be wide awake will be the ever-so-sleepy title character herself! As is usual for the Belgrade panto, the show is written and directed by Iain Lauchlan (pictured). whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 3 Christmas pages November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:41 Page 4

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

Pinocchio Wilde Creatures The Old Rep Theatre, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Birmingham, Sat 17 November - Wed 28 November - Sun 30 December Sun 30 December “Wilde Creatures has four acting-musicians who’re The legendary tale of the extremely talented and manage to bring Oscar wooden child with a disap- Wilde’s stories to life in a very imaginative and pointing propensity for telling modern way.” porky pies - to the detriment of So says Toby Mitchell, the co-founder of Tall Sto- his fast-growing proboscis - is ries, the theatre company bringing this high-en- here presented as the Old Rep’s ergy celebration of Wilde’s classic fairytales to Christmas treat for families. Coventry this Christmas. Carved by lonely toymaker “There’s a seamlessness to the productions. Al- Geppetto, Pinocchio - accom- though the stories are complex and there are lots of panied by a trusty Cricket com- scene changes and props, we make it flow so that it panion - heads out on an doesn’t seem clunky. But that doesn’t mean it’s exciting journey, eager to dis- simple to achieve... We may look like swans from cover what it will require of the front, but you don’t realise how much furious him to become a real boy. But paddling is going on behind the scenes!” there’s plenty of danger lurking in wait for the adventurous friends, not least in the shape of the less-than-entirely-pleas- The Nutcracker ant puppet master, Mangia- Birmingham Hippodrome, fuoco... Fri 23 November - Thurs 13 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this The Wind In month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. The Willows Created in 1990, Wright’s production is seen by many as the finest interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- magnificent and mesmerising score. under-Lyme, Sat 17 November - Sat 26 January In true Christmas spirit, the story follows a young girl named Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of Artistic Director Theresa Hes- soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mys- kins’ stage adaptation of Ken- tery, before finally being transformed into a beau- neth Grahame’s much-loved tiful ballerina. riverside tale ably demon- A magical must-see show for little princesses strates the way in which one everywhere… life can command the full attention of three others! Mole, Badger and Ratty simply don’t have time for any of their own interests - they’re far too busy Rudolf having to look after their reck- MAC, Birmingham, less and irrepressible friend, Sat 17 November - Mon 31 December Toad... Puppetry, songs, laughter and fun are among the “The wit and charm of Kenneth family-friendly ingredients being promised by Pins Grahame’s novel is such a de- And Needles as they return to MAC to offer up an- light,” says Theresa Heskins. other festive feast of theatrical magic. Having previ- “No matter how many times I ously scored yuletide hits with their productions of read it, it makes me chuckle. Raymond Brigg's Father Christmas and The Bear, the And Toad’s zest for adventure talented company this year turn their attention to I’ve found utterly irresistible. Santa’s most famous reindeer. Bringing these characters to Rudolf has landed in a zoo, and her big red nose and New Vic audiences will be a joy flashy antlers are making her less than popular with and a privilege.” the other reindeer. The production features a large And as if that’s not bad enough, she also can’t quite cast, live music and ‘plenty of shake the feeling that she really should be some- cunning, courage and friend- where else, on some kind of big snowy adventure... ship’. Expect your children to be suitably enchanted.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

Frankfurt Christmas Market Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 15 November - Sun 23 December This is the largest outdoor Christ- mas market in the country and sits at the centre of Birmingham’s festive celebrations. Drawing crowds from across the city and further afield, the Frank- furt Markets feature a wide range of traditional handmade toys, artwork and items from across the world. There’s plenty of food and drink to sample too, including mulled Ice Skate Birmingham wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German Eastside Green, Birmingham, Thurs 15 November - Sun 27 January beer. Carol singers, live music and Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome return 300 people per session. Younger or inexperi- a carousel further enhance the fes- to the city centre this month. Year on year voted enced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by tive atmosphere. one of the best outdoor ice skating rinks in the using special penguin skating aids, which can UK, the popular visitor attraction can hold up to be booked online in advance. Cathedral Christmas Market Santa’s Winter Wonderland Santa Hunts Cathedral Square, Birmingham, SnowDome, Tamworth, Staffs, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Thurs 15 November - Sun 22 Fri 16 November - Mon 31 December Sat 24 November - Mon 24 December December The rumour that’s flying like a magic reindeer Brand new for this year and com- around the region is that Santa has been spotted ing complete with a Santa’s at the Black Country Living Museum. He seems Grotto, this outdoor market also to be a little limelight-shy, mind - which is why boasts one of the city’s biggest young visitors to the venue are being invited to Christmas trees. join festive costumed guides in a ‘fun-filled’ Commenting on the new attrac- search to find him. Along the way, kids can solve tion, Birmingham Cathedral Chief magical clues, sprinkle Executive Anna Pitt said: “Those dust on reindeer shoes who visit the cathedral this year, and even send letters up whether for worship, the market, the chimney to Santa’s carols or events, will find a very workshop. A surprise gift warm welcome.” awaits anybody who succeeds in finding the jolly- This year’s all-new Santa Show sees Santa want- faced bearded one... Switching on the ing to recount his favourite story - but finding Christmas lights... that his efforts are compromised by the unex- Magical Lantern Festival Here are just a few of the festive light pected arrival of some very famous faces... switch-ons taking place across the Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one Birmingham Botanical Gardens, region. For more, visit element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s Fri 23 November - Tues 1 January whatsonlive.co.uk snowy indoor attraction. Visitors can also ex- As Christmas experiences go, this one is particu- BIRMINGHAM Thurs 15 Nov, City Centre plore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk larly ‘illuminating’. COVENTRY Wed 21 Nov, Broadgate through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of The grandeur of the Botanical Gardens, with its snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. dense woodlands and winding pathways, pro- SHREWSBURY Wed 14 Nov, The Square The less adventurous will be able to observe all vides the perfect backdrop against which to STAFFORD Sat 17 Nov, Market Square the action as they amble along the promenade enjoy a trail of giant lanterns, including ones STOKE-ON-TRENT (HANLEY) Thurs 15 walkway. representing Santa and his reindeers. Nov, Hanley Town Hall There’s even an animal village to visit, where A food & drink area and an opportunity to buy WARWICK Thurs 29 Nov, Market Place you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hi to festival merchandise as a memento of the experi- WORCESTER Thurs 22 Nov, Worcester some of the big fella’s furry friends. ence also features. High Street whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 1 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 2

Film

Widows CERT 15 (128 mins) Starring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Jacki Weaver, Carrie Coon, Robert Duvall, Liam Neeson Directed by Steve McQueen (UK/USA) With just three films to his name, Steve McQueen has established himself as one of the leading lights of British cinema - and the recipient of a host of international honours. Here, the London-born former video artist has adapted Lynda La Plante's London-set TV series (1983-1985) to the big screen and has attracted an extraordinary cast. Following in the wake of the recent Racer And The Jailbird, Ocean's Eight, American Animals and King Of Thieves, Widows is a heist thriller, but with a difference. A botched robbery in Chicago leads to the death of its four perpetrators - and a huge hole in the lives of the men’s widows. And a terrible debt - something the women decide to settle in their own unique way. The reviews have been ecstatic. Released Tues 6 Nov EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in November...

Juliet, Naked CERT 15 (98 mins) The Nutcracker And Peterloo CERT 12a (153 mins) Starring Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, Chris O’ The Four Realms Starring Rory Kinnear, Maxine Peake, Pearce Dowd, Megan Dodds, Denise Gough, Phil Quigley, David Moorst, Alastair Mackenzie Davis Directed by Jesse Peretz (UK/USA) CERT PG (99 mins) Directed by Mike Leigh (UK) Starring Keira Knightley, Mackenzie Foy, Juliet’s not naked, of course, she’s a track on Misty Copeland, Helen Mirren, Morgan The Peterloo Massacre, in 1819, was one of the new album of American singer-song- Freeman, Matthew Macfadyen, Richard E the most shameful episodes in British his- writer Tucker Crowe (Hawke), beloved by Grant Directed by Lasse Hallström and Joe tory, when a gathering of over 60,000 peace- Johnston (USA) music fan Duncan Thomson (O’Dowd). She is ful demonstrators in Manchester was acoustic, though. But what’s really annoying dispersed by government troops, leading to is that Duncan’s girlfriend Annie (Byrne) gets several deaths and the serious injury of many to listen to it first… Based on the hilarious hundreds. novel by Nick Hornby. Released Fri 2 Nov Released Fri 2 Nov

Based on ETA Hoffmann's The Nutcracker And The Mouse King and also inspired by Tchaikovsky's ballet, this has Disney written all over it. Mackenzie Foy (Interstellar) plays the girl who has to deal with gingerbread soldiers and an army of mice. Helen Mirren plays Mother Ginger. In 3D. Released Fri 2 Nov Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 3 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:56 Page 4

Film highlights released in November... Film

Overlord CERT 18 (109 mins) The Girl In The Robin Hood CERT 12a (116 mins) Starring Jovan Adepo, Wyatt Russell, Jacob Spider’s Web CERT tbc Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Foxx, Ben Anderson, Dominic Applewhite, Pilou Asbæk, Mendelsohn, Eve Hewson, Tim Minchin, Jamie Bokeem Woodbine Starring Claire Foy, Sverrir Gudnason, LaKeith Dornan Directed by Otto Bathurst (USA) Directed by Julius Avery (USA) Stanfield, Sylvia Hoeks, Stephen Merchant, Claes Bang An outlaw and veteran of the Crusades teams Of course, Overlord is Directed by Fede Álvarez (USA/Sweden) up with a Moorish soldier to fight the corrup- the codename for the You just can’t keep Scandi noir away. Follow- tion of the English monarchy. Tim Minchin, invasion of Nor- ing the American remake of The Girl With of all people, plays Friar Tuck. Filmed in mandy during the The Dragon Tattoo with Daniel Craig, here Croatia. Second World War, comes the sequel to the remake. This time Released Wed 21 Nov but here there’s even the maverick hacker Lisbeth Salander is worse. When two played by Claire Foy, while the consummate American paratroop- Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Locke) fine- ers are caught behind tuned the adaptation. Expect plenty of cyber- enemy lines, they discover something far crime and corrupt politicians. more terrifying than German soldiers. Expect excessive violence. Released Wed 21 Nov Released Wed 7 Nov

The Grinch CERT PG (60 mins) Assassination Nation With the voices of Benedict Cumberbatch, CERT 18 (108 mins) Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Cameron Starring Odessa Young, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Seely, Angela Lansbury, Pharrell Williams Nef, Abra, Anika Noni Rose Directed by Sam Directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney Levinson (USA) (USA) There’s a data breach in the quintessentially The Grinch is back. Again. Following the fes- American town of Salem, Massachusetts, tive curmudgeon’s previous incarnations on and four high school students find them- TV and in the form of Jim Carrey, we now selves fighting for their lives. The black com- have the full-length animated version. For edy is the second directorial work from Sam those who don’t know, it’s based on the chil- Levinson, son of the Oscar-winning film- dren’s book by Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel) and maker Barry Levinson. Expect extreme vio- is about a misanthropic green thing that sets lence. out to ruin Christmas for the Whos. In 3D. Released Fri 23 Nov Released Fri 9 Nov

Fantastic Beasts: The custody, forcing Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Newt Scamander (Eddie Red- Crimes Of Grindewald mayne) to join forces to stop the dark wiz- Starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Water- ard’s dastardly plans. The film is the 10th ston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Jude Law, chapter in the so-called ‘Wizarding World Johnny Depp Directed by David Yates (UK/USA) franchise’ and is scripted by JK Rowling. In 3D. The thoroughly reprehensible Gellert Grindewald (Johnny Depp) has escaped Released Fri 16 Nov Suspiria CERT 18 (152 mins) Starring Dakota Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Mia Goth, Chloë Grace Moretz Directed by Luca Guadagnino (Italy/USA) A young American Mennonite joins a dance academy in Berlin and is plagued by un- speakable phenomena. The original Suspiria (1977) was one of the scariest horror films of all time, helped no end by its demonic soundtrack. Here, the director of the Oscar- winning Call Me By Your Name plunges headfirst into the fear and loathing. Note the 18 certificate. Released Fri 16 Nov Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:57 Page 5 Online Film November-2.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2018 09:57 Page 6

Film highlights released in November... Film

Nativity Rocks!CERT tbc Starring Simon Lipkin, Celia Imrie, Anna Chan- cellor, Helen George, Ruth Jones, Meera Syal, Hugh Dennis Directed by Debbie Isitt (UK) What we do know is that this is the fourth family comedy in the Nativity franchise created by Debbie Isitt. However, at the time of going to press no plot details were available, but there will be schoolchildren, rock’n’roll and a return to St Bernadette’s Catholic school in Coventry. Happy Christmas. Released Fri 23 Nov

CRITIC’S CHOICE

their 14-year-old son, Joe (Oxenbould) - starts Wildlife CERT 12a (104 mins) to come apart at the seams, echoed in the Starring Carey Mulligan, Jake Gyllenhaal, Ed raging wildfires in the nearby mountains. Oxenbould, Bill Camp Directed by Paul Dano (USA) Unlike many an actor cutting his directorial teeth, Dano resists the temptation to show Richard Ford is a quintessentially American off, instead laying out his tale in a punctil- writer and, in its way, this adaptation of his Nobody’s FoolCERT tbc iously straightforward manner. Thus we are 1990 novel is a quintessentially American Starring Tiffany Haddish, Tika Sumpter, Omari drawn into the interior lives of these ostensi- film. First-time director Paul Dano - the actor Hardwick, Amber Riley, Whoopi Goldberg bly ordinary souls, so that when they start Directed by Tyler Perry (USA) - captures the milieu perfectly and aestheti- lying to each other, the transgressions gen- cally, aided by first-class performances from Danica (Tika Sumpter) is on course to be- uinely rankle. It’s a compelling, deeply dis- his two leads as a couple who, in 1960, have come the first black woman to be promoted turbing piece. to vice-president of her company. Then her just moved to Great Falls in Montana (a Released Fri 9 Nov sister (Tiffany Haddish) is released from favourite Richard Ford location). There, their prison… Directed by the comedian and film- marriage - as witnessed through the eyes of maker Tyler Perry, who, in 2011, was the highest paid man in showbusiness (accord- ing to Forbes magazine). Disobedience CERT 15 (114 mins) Ralph Breaks The Internet Released Fri 23 Nov Starring Rachel Weisz, Rachel McAdams, CERT PG Alessandro Nivola, Anton Lesser, Bernice Ste- gers, Allan Corduner Directed by Sebastián With the voices of John C Reilly, Sarah Silver- Lelio (UK/Ireland/USA) man, Jane Lynch, Taraji P Henson, Gal Gadot, Creed II CERT tbc Kristen Bell, Kelly Macdonald Directed by Rich Starring Michael B Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Moore and Phil Johnston (USA) Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu, Dolph Following on from his exploits in Disney’s Lundgren, Brigitte Nielsen Directed by Steven ingenious Wreck-It-Ralph (2012), the arcade Caple Jr (USA) game villain embarks on a new adventure You just can’t beat nostalgia. Now that Ado- thanks to the discovery of a wi-fi router. It’s a nis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, is whole new world. Available in 3D and IMAX. crowned light heavyweight champion - Released Fri 30 Nov thanks to the guidance of Rocky Balboa - he finds himself defending his title against Vik- tor Drago, the son of Ivan Drago (Dolph The daughter of a rabbi in a North London Lundgren), who killed his father. This is the Orthodox Jewish community, Ronit Krushka eighth instalment in the Rocky franchise. (Rachel Weisz) now works as a photographer Released Fri 30 Nov in New York, having been shunned by her family. However, she returns to London to attend her father’s funeral, where ghosts from her past catch up with her. Based on the award-winning novel by Naomi Alderman, who grew up in an Orthodox Jewish environment herself. Released Fri 30 Nov

BMAG.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 10:18 Page 1 ©Kelly-Angela-Womens Identity Series Series Identity ©Kelly-Angela-Womens WOMEN. POWER. PROTEST. What’s On chats to Emalee Beddoes-Davis, Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art at Birmingham Museums Trust, about Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s new exhibition...

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How did Women Power Protest come continue to demand equal terms across the the sitters incredibly powerful. about, Emalee? intersections of gender, sexuality, race and Give an example of how local history - We proposed the concept of the exhibition as class. Looking to modern and contemporary Birmingham’s role in the suffrage part of the Arts Council Collection National artworks allows the exhibition to explore movement - is represented within the Partnership Programme, which Birmingham how women’s experiences have changed exhibition... Museums Trust is part of. The programme since 1918, and frame questions about the aims to make incredible artworks from the issues that still need to be addressed. As part of a weekend of celebratory women’s national Arts Council Collection accessible to events for the Women Power Protest The exhibition doesn’t shy away from more people across the country and increase exhibition, taking place from Friday 16 to difficult issues. What’s the most extreme engagement with contemporary art. The Sunday 18 November, a blue plaque will be example of this? exhibition follows other successful revealed in Birmingham Museum & Art partnership shows, including Coming Out There are a number of pieces which deal with Gallery on the Friday, commemorating and The Everyday And Extraordinary. difficult issues, but for me the most suffragette Bertha Ryland. In 1914, Bertha In 1918, the Representation of the People Act challenging is Apocalypse by Susan Coe. The entered the museum and attacked a painting made the first women in the UK eligible to piece is from a body of work by the artist as part of the militant campaign for women’s vote. Women Power Protest is part of a about a news story of a woman who was rights. programme of events and displays gang-raped in a bar in New York while a Women Power Protest is in homage to the commemorating this important date, and crowd of people watched and no one stopped suffrage movement, rather than a historical takes a more contemporary look at women’s or reported it. It speaks of the culture of exploration of the journey to suffrage. It rights. silence around sexual assault, which is only focuses on artworks exploring the activism As curator, I selected the artworks from a now beginning to be challenged in and experiences of modern and shortlist and have been working with mainstream culture. These issues are contemporary artists. A zine we are creating colleagues in our learning and outreach extremely important to explore, but we’re to accompany the exhibition draws more on teams to develop the exhibition. aware that for many this can be too troubling. Birmingham’s role in historic and We have arranged the exhibition so that contemporary activism, including an essay Can you give a brief overview of the Apocalypse and other graphically violent written by Dr Nicola Gauld about Bertha exhibition? pieces are placed in a way that can be Ryland, as well as artwork by Sarah Taylor- Women Power Protest will explore the avoided by visitors who feel the need to do Silverwood about campaigning group genius, activism, experiences and creativity so. Feminist Work For Change, among other acts of selected female artists in the Arts Council of creative activism. How are women from black and minority Collection and Birmingham’s collection. The The weekend will continue with an afternoon ethnic backgrounds represented? exhibition traces the suffragettes’ legacy of of performances in the exhibition space on activism, hope and dignity through a number A number of pieces explore the experiences Saturday 17 November, including spoken-

of poignant and powerful contemporary art of people of colour, including cotton.com by word poetry and music performed by exciting y pieces by artists including Susan Hiller, Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid Birmingham artists Amerah Saleh, Jasmine Lubaina Himid and Mary Kelly. and Maud Sulter’s As A Black Woman. Gardosi and Affie Jam. We strive to make our exhibitions as We’ll also be hosting a Women In Parliament The exhibition includes works by 55 representative as possible. Over a quarter of discussion event on this day. To female artists. What was the selection the artworks in the exhibition were created commemorate 100 years since women were criteria and who was involved in this? by women from BAME backgrounds, but we able to stand for parliament, there will be a y g The selection was made by myself, my recognise the historic bias in collections and panel discussion with four female MPs from predecessor Lisa Beauchamp, and Ann Jones, how this puts limits on the selections for Birmingham and Solihull, chaired by leading Curator of the Arts Council Collection. Our exhibitions like this. We have to continue to feminist campaigner Caroline Criado Perez. criteria were women artists who are known to strive to ensure female artists, and in There are more details on the website, be invested in issues related to women’s particular those from black and minority birminghammuseums.org.uk. rights. We worked with local people, ethnic backgrounds, are given the platform Finally, what lasting impression do you including the Precious Trust, Shelter and they deserve, so that exhibitions can hope visitors will take away from the Birmingham LGBTQ, to interpret these works continue to become more representative. Women Power Protest experience? and the themes of hope, dignity and activism We are actively increasing the representation which were inspired by the suffragettes. of BAME artists, designers and makers in The exhibition is an emotional rollercoaster Birmingham’s collection, and many of the of hope, beauty, tenderness, insecurity, fear, As a curator, what has the exhibition learning events and activities for Women anger, discomfort and pain. It shows not only taught you personally about women’s Power Protest aim to address the topic of the multiplicity of experiences of being a suffrage? representation as part of modern-day woman, but also the important artists who The 1918 Representation of the People Act women’s rights. are able to capture these experiences. I hope gave suffrage to all men over 21 and women the exhibition offers insight into the Do you have a favourite in the collection? over 30 who met property-based incredible resilience, talent and bravery of qualifications. Under these terms, I wouldn’t I love Claudette Jonson’s Trilogy series from women over the past century. have been given the right to vote. This year is the Arts Council Collection. Portraiture is one the anniversary of a momentous occasion for of the most interesting traditions in the women, but the limitations of the act are an history of British art, and Johnson’s work re- Women Power Protest shows at important reminder that while we should appropriates this with such knowing beauty Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from celebrate successes, it is essential that we and strength. I find the firm, serious Saturday 10 November until Sunday 31 expressions and relaxed body language of March

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Visual Arts

The First Casualty Of War Is Truth Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Shropshire, until Sun 2 December Forming part of Shropshire’s programme of commemorative events to honour and remember the lives of those who served in and were af- fected by the Great War, this thought-provoking exhibition examines how the 1914-18 conflict has been represented in the media. The show has been curated by a group of Shrop- shire artists and aims to expose truths obscured by time, loss and misinformation. Some of the included pieces have previously been exhibited at Shrewsbury’s St Chad’s Church and Theatre Severn.

Face Of Suffrage New Street Station, Birmingham, Thurs 15 November - Fri 14 December A unique art installation celebrating the show such a huge artwork in such an excit- Suffragette movement, Face Of Suffrage is ing public space,” says Helen. "The idea a giant mosaic comprising 3,500 photos of came from my personal experience as a fe- women from the West Midlands and be- male achieving my dream to be an artist, yond, including images of individuals in- and from my wish for women to become volved in the movement during the early more visible, as they have been so invisible 1900s. throughout art history, both in representa- In My Shoes: Art & The Self The 200 metre-square floor-based mosaic tion in portraiture and as artists in their Since The 1990s has been installed in New Street Station’s own right.” large concourse and is the work of artist This exhibition is complimented by a se- Helen Marshall, who’s previously created ries of photographs on show at the city’s similar projects across Britain to mark Birmingham Hippodrome. other historic occasions. Image: Maud Arncliffe-Sennett c 1908 “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to

Elizabeth Magill: Headland New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 20 January

“Although my work refers to landscape,” of her most recent works and seems cer- explains Elizabeth Magill, “it’s more like tain to secure her a whole new fan base. an exterior view, an attempt to create a set- PACCAR Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, ting or space to place things; a kind of de- Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sun 6 January posit of thoughts and observations within This Arts Council Collection national touring ex- the framework of a personal and painting hibition - featuring works by Hayley Newman, practice.” Sarah Lucas, Grayson Perry and Tracey Emin - Born in Canada and brought up in North- explores the ways in which UK-based artists ern Ireland, Elizabeth is one of her genera- have included them selves in their work since the tion's leading painters, first coming to the 1990s. Reflecting society’s ever-increasing inter- attention of the art world in the early est in self-expression, the show presents a wide 1990s. range of contemporary approaches across a This latest exhibition presents a selection number of different art forms. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 1

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Events Events previews from around the region

Remember, remember the 5th of November...

WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS NIGHT Fri 2 Nov, from 5pm, Wolverhampton Racecourse TAMWORTH'S BONFIRE NIGHT Sat 3 Nov, from 6pm, Tamworth Castle SIXWAYS BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 3 Nov, from 5pm, Sixways Stadium, Worcester BLISTS HILL FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 3 Nov, from 6pm, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge EDGBASTON FIREWORKS Sat 3 Nov, from 5.30pm, Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham BONFIRE NIGHT WITH A TUDOR Russia, with more than 1,000 performers taking TWIST Sat 3 Nov, Anne Birmingham International part in the show. Hathaway's Cottage & Tattoo 2018 The event would not be complete without the Gardens, Stratford-upon-Avon ever-popular closing ceremony, which features SOLIHULL FIREWORKS Sat 3 Nov, Arena Birmingham, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November from 4.30pm, Tudor Grange, the Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour and Celebrating its 30th year in style, Britain’s biggest Solihull Escort, the traditional Land Of Hope And Glory, indoor international tattoo showcases bands from HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS the Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper. across the United Kingdom, Poland, Austria and Sat 3 Nov, from 4.30pm, Himley Hall, Dudley SHREWSBURY’S CHARITY FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE SPECTACULAR Sat 3 Nov, from Ludlow Medieval Gorgeous Christmas Craft 4pm, West Mid Showground, Christmas Fayre And Food Fair Shrewsbury Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, CONKERS FIREWORKS AND LASER Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Sat 24 & Sun 25 November SHOW Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Conkers, Rawdon This year marks the 20th anniversary of Ludlow’s Road, Moira hugely popular Medieval Christmas Fayre. ALTON TOWERS RESORT ULTIMATE The event sees more than 100 stalls fill the castle FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Sat 3 grounds, selling seasonal wares and historical & Sun 4 Nov, Alton Towers goods & crafts throughout the weekend. Visitors Theme Park, Staffordshire can also enjoy a wide range of medieval games and WARWICK TOWN BONFIRE & entertainment, including jesters, interactive the- FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from atre and the epic Tournament of Knights. 4.30pm, Warwickshire Racecourse WESTON PARK BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS Sun 4 Nov, from 3pm, Weston Park, Shifnal Designer-makers from across the West Midlands head to Ironbridge this month for the 2018 Gor- BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS FIREWORKS Mon 5 geous Christmas Craft Fair. From one-off designer Nov, from 5pm, Birmingham pieces to affordable goods, the show features a Botanical Gardens wide variety of hand-made designs and individual artworks, all of which are available to purchase. Not only will visitors be able to stock up on Christ- mas gifts, they can also watch exhibitors demon- strating their craft and providing an insight into their work. Some of the region’s best food & drink providers are on hand too, offering tons of tasty treats for browsers who fancy taking a break from shopping and watching. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 3

Events

Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sun 4 November The Mind Body Spirit Wellbeing Festival makes a welcome return to Birmingham this month. The three-day event offers ‘spiritual seekers’ a safe place in which to commune and share their ideas, beliefs and philosophies. Attractions at this month’s show include a workshop programme presenting new ideas on relationships, awakening, inspired living, NLP, yoga, meditation, science and angels. New for this year is Nourish - providing top tips to enhance your nutritional wellbeing - and Oasis Of Sound, a meditational therapy experience created with a sound bath.

MCM Birmingham Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Fans of comics, movies, TV shows, cosplay and gaming can rejoice - ‘the ultimate pop- culture experience’ is back at the NEC! Check out interactive features, stroll around the Comic Village and catch up with your favourite stars when they participate in the Theatre Panels - events in which they’ll be taking questions from the audience and sharing plenty of behind-the-scenes gossip. Baby To Toddler Celebrity guests at this year’s exhibition in- NEC, Birmingham, clude Twin Peaks’ Sherilyn Fenn and The Sat 24 & Sun 25 November Walking Dead’s David Morrissey. From the organisers of The Baby Show comes this brand new one- stop-shop for parents and parents- Lancaster Insurance to-be. Classic Motor Show From buggies and car seats to toys and feeding accessories, the show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 9 - Sun 11 November provides everything you need for Covering over one million square feet and show- your little ones, and all under one casing more than 3,000 classic and vintage cars roof. And as the event is taking and motorbikes, the Classic Motor Show is the place in late November, visitors biggest event of its kind in the country. will also be able to take advantage Popular elements of the show include the auto- of numerous Black Friday deals. jumble area - where car fanatics can get their If you’ve got your youngsters in hands on a ton of parts and spares for their vehi- tow, fear not - the event has been cles - and the exhibition zone, bringing together created with the whole family in 500 specialist automotive exhibitors and traders mind. From the purpose-built offering a mix of products and services. changing area to the ‘non-stop fun’ Wheeler Dealers’ Mike Brewer and Ant Anstead of KidsZone, everything has been will also be putting in an appearance, along designed to make your day out as with a number of other celebrity guests. hassle-free as possible.

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events November.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 14:27 Page 4

A jam-packed November at the NEC

BBC Good Food Show NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 29 November - Sun 2 December A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events calendar, the BBC Good Food Show heads back to Birmingham with its winter edition, once again offering samples to try and items to buy. This year sees TV favourites Mary Berry, Michel Roux Jr and Paul Hollywood (amongst others) cooking up a storm live on stage across the weekend. Other attractions include book signings with star chefs and the chance to stock up on festive food & drink from the show’s 450-plus independent and artisan exhibitors.

Arts & Antiques BRICK Live For Everyone NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 November NEC, Birmingham, Hailed as the UK’s largest Lego exhibition, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 November BRICK Live features numerous popular displays Bringing together more than from previous years - including Star Wars, Duplo 200 specialist art and antique and Minecraft - alongside a new-for-2018 interac- dealers, Arts & Antiques For Ev- tive experience entitled Mythical Beasts. eryone is the largest and best- Enthusiasts can also access exclusive Lego established vetted art, interiors pieces for their collection at the show’s BRICK and antiques fair outside of Lane, whilst over in the race ramps and brick London. The show offers the pits, visitors can get hands-on by building their perfect opportunity for enthusi- very own creations. asts and collectors to browse, purchase and obtain information on a vast array of furniture Festive Gift Fair and collectables. A diversity of periods and styles NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 November crossing a variety of disciplines Now in its 23rd year, the Festive Gift Fair features features at this latest show, in- more than 320 stalls and boasts thousands of glo- cluding ceramics, glass, paint- rious gift ideas and colourful Christmas decora- ings, jewellery and both British tions. and continental furniture. Live bands, stilt walkers and pantomime characters are also on hand to entertain the crowds and further enhance the festive mood. And you’ll be able to stock up on an array of tasty Christmas treats in the foodie section, where award-winning and artisan companies will be ex- hibiting across the weekend. Oh, and a delightfully jocular fellow with a big white beard and a fat sack of prezzies is in atten- dance too - probably on the lookout for a nice glass of sherry and a delicious mince pie, we’d imagine...

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover November Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:35 Page 1 The List Cover November Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 09:55 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Novemberovember 22018018 thelist

Mimbre: The Exploded Circus at The Brewhouse Arts Centre - Wed 28 - Fri 30 November

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 November Mon 5 to Sun 11 November Mon 12 to Sun 18 November Mon 19 to Fri 30 November

Jake Morley at Shrewsbury’s Angelos Epithemiou - Levison Wood - LTJ Bukem - Henry Tudor House Katie Fitzgerald’s, Stourbridge Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Sun 4 November Sat 10 November Sun 18 November Fri 30 November

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 1-4 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:45 Page 1

thelist COPY Fri 2 Nov, O2 Nov, The Robin, Bil- THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs Academy, Birmingham ston FAT FREDDY’S DROP Fri LEWIS CAPALDI Sat 3 THE BOB DYLAN STORY Visual Arts, Sat 17 Nov - Sat 12 Jan 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Thurs 1 Nov, Victoria Birmingham ingham Visual Arts Hall, Stoke-on-Trent New Art Gallery - Walsall AIDAN MOFFAT & RM GLENN TILBROOK Sat 3 Wolverhampton Art Gallery SOUND OF THE SIRENS HUBBERT Fri 2 Nov, O2 Nov, The Brewhouse GRACE A WILLIAMS: INTERMISSION BP PORTRAIT AWARD 2018 Annual exhi- Thurs 1 Nov, Institute, Birmingham Arts Centre, Burton- Two-screen projection focused on the bition of contemporary painted por- Newhampton Arts upon-Trent gaze of two unknown black men traiture by artists of all ages from Centre, W’hampton TOYAH Fri 2 Nov, The whose enigmatic portraits appear on Slade Rooms, Wolver- TONY CHRISTIE Sat 3 across the world, until Fri 30 Nov BLACK MAGIC - LITTLE 19th century photographic slides hampton Nov, Wolverhampton JOURNEYS: MAKING MARKS WITH MEAN- MIX SHOW Thurs 1 Nov, found by the artist, until Sun 11 Nov Grand Theatre ING Featuring work by members of Sutton Coldfield Town HUGH CORNWELL ELEC- LILY WALES - BLUE STREAK Working Still Lively, a wide-ranging partner- Hall TRIC Fri 2 Nov, The FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS with photomontage, Birmingham- Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Sat 3 Nov, Birmingham ship that helps older people to cre- CELTIC COUNTRY WITH based artist Lily Wales creates 2D Trent Town Hall ate, share and celebrate their DOMINIC KIRWAN & and sculptural works that reference artworks, stories and ideas. The exhi- BRANDON MCPHEE THE SUPERSKAS Fri 2 SLAWOMIR Sat 3 Nov, the language of military weaponry, bition consists of drawings made by Thurs 1 Nov, Stafford Nov, Newhampton Arts O2 Academy, B’ham until Sun 9 Dec more than 100 people who re- Gatehouse Theatre Centre, W’hampton RAINBOW KITTEN SUR- sponded to the challenge to ‘have a GENESIS CONNECTED Fri PRISE Sat 3 Nov, O2 In- go at drawing’, until Sun 6 Jan NEW PURPLE CELEBRA- Newcastle Borough Museum TION Thurs 1 Nov, The- 2 Nov, Oakengates stitute, Birmingham JANE & LOUISE WILSON: UNDEAD SUN & Art Gallery atre Severn, Theatre at The Place, BOOTLEG ABBA Sat 3 Large-scale video installation inspired REVEAL Exhibition of art and photog- Shrewsbury Telford, Shropshire Nov, Sutton Coldfield by archive photographs, artefacts raphy created by service users in THANK ABBA FOR THE Town Hall and diary entries. It explores the im- BRUNO MARS: 24K adult community day services, which MUSIC Fri 2 Nov, pact of the First World War and the MAGIC Thurs 1 Nov, THE SMITHS LTD Sat 3 is part of North Staffordshire com- Stafford Gatehouse technological forces that it un- Wolverhampton Grand Nov, Newhampton Arts bined healthcare, until Sun 4 Nov Theatre leashed, Sat 27 Oct - Sun 20 Jan Theatre Centre, W’hampton RAYE Thurs 1 Nov, O2 THE SHEEPDOGS & THE KILLERSTREAM Sat 3 Potteries Museum & Art Academy, Birmingham GOOD WATER Fri 2 Nov, Nov, The River Rooms, Other VISUAL ARTS The Actress & Bishop, Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ELDER ISLAND Thurs 1 Stourbridge SHROPSHIRE MIND Celebrating the Birmingham NEW A WINTER WONDERLAND Display Nov, Hare & Hounds, SIGRID Sun 4 Nov, O2 creativity of people who use the ser- of ceramics, the shape, decoration Birmingham IVORY WAVE Fri 2 Nov, Academy, Birmingham vices at Shropshire Mind. All the and design of which has been in- O2 Institute, B’ham pieces on display have been pro- WISHBONE ASH Thurs 1 TIDE LINES Sun 4 Nov, spired by winter, Sat 10 Nov - Sun 17 WILL HAVEN Fri 2 Nov, duced by those who use art to ex- Nov, Eleven, Stoke-on- O2 Academy, B’ham Feb Trent The Asylum, B’ham press themselves, until Wed 14 Nov, JAKE MORLEY Sun 4 NEW SEASONS Exhibition by Stafford- Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery HEADIE ONE Thurs 1 CALIFORNIA DREAMERS Nov, Henry Tudor shire Artists referencing the four sea- Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov, The- CLAIRE SCOTT Showcase of landscape Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- House, Shrewsbury son of the year and showcasing work atre On The Steps, paintings, until Sat 17 Nov, Twenty ingham produced by the group within the last Bridgnorth, South HERE LIES MAN Sun 4 Twenty Gallery, Ludlow MUTUAL BENEFIT Thurs two years, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 24 Feb Shropshire Nov, Hare & Hounds, WINTER LANDSCAPES Mixed-media 1 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham AND FINALLY... PHIL show of painters, printmakers and Birmingham COLLINS Sat 3 Nov, GODSMACK Sun 4 Nov, Qube Gallery, Oswestry potters, featuring Zoë Taylor, Carol TOVE STYRKE Thurs 1 Forest Arts Centre, O2 Institute, B’ham NEW HOMEFRONT HEROINES Saunderson and Gary Groucutt, until Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Exhibition Walsall THE WATCH PLAYS GEN- exploring the lives and roles of Sat 24 Nov, Twenty Twenty Gallery, ingham VIVA LA COLDPLAY Sat 3 ESIS Sun 4 Nov, The women in World War One. Part of the Much Wenlock THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Nov, The Edge Arts Robin, Bilston Oswestry-wide Wilfred Owen Festival, THE WAR TO END ALL WARS: THE PEO- ENCE Thurs 1 Nov, Centre, Much Wen- NATTY 'MAN LIKE I' 10TH Thurs 1 - Fri 16 Nov PLE'S STORY EXHIBITION A specially Lichfield Garrick clock, South Shrop- ANNIVERSARY Sun 4 NEW CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS EX- commissioned exhibition to com- 5 SECONDS OF SUMMER shire Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- HIBITION Featuring locally made arts memorate the centenary of the end of Thurs 1 Nov, O2 ROCK BOTTOM - UFO ingham & crafts. A great place to pick up World War One, until Fri 14 Dec, Mu- Academy, Birmingham unique Christmas gifts, Mon 19 Nov - seum of Cannock Chase, Stafford- TRIBUTE Sat 3 Nov, CATFISH AND TOM FROM THE JAM - ALL Sat 22 Dec shire Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent WALKER Sun 4 Nov, Al- MOD CONS 40TH AN- VICE SQUAD, THE VIBRA- bert's Shed, Shrews- FOUR IN THE FRAME A display of art- NIVERSARY TOUR Thurs TORS & MENACE Sat 3 bury Weston Park, Shifnal work created by four local artists; 1 Nov, The Robin, Bil- Hazel Gillard, Jacqueline Bradley, ston NEW ABOVE AND BELOW - JOHN SCOTT Steve Millward & Alex Maczkowski, MARTIN Paintings and linocuts of min- until Fri 21 Dec, Himley Hall & Park, GERRY COLVIN BAND Fri ing and miners by John Scott Martin, Dudley 2 Nov, Lichfield Guild- Thurs 1 - Fri 30 Nov hall NEW CENTENARY OF THE END OF THE END OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR Display DIRTY DC Fri 2 Nov, The Willow Art Gallery, highlighting the contributions made Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Oswestry by thousands of local men and DR FEELGOOD Fri 2 Nov, The Robin, Bilston NEW WINTER OPEN EXHIBITION The women during the First World War, Shropshire Guild of Contemporary both at home and overseas, Wed 7 ULTIMATE COLDPLAY Fri Craft exhibits a wide range of work, Nov - Mon 31 Dec, Wolverhampton 2 Nov, The River including stained glass, ceramics, City Archives Rooms, Stourbridge furniture, jewellery, weaving and tex- NEW RURAL SURREALISM Exhibition KARINE POLWART Fri 2 tiles, Sat 17 Nov - Sat 12 Jan using the imagery of dreams, folklore Nov, Birmingham Town NEW AFFORDABLE ART Featuring an in- and fantasy in the tradition of painting Hall spiring and diverse selection of art- and print, Sat 24 Nov - Mon 31 Dec, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. work by members of the Borderland WAKENING THE HOLLOW Jake Morley - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 1-4 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:45 Page 2

Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 November

COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 3 Nov, Shrewsbury DAD'S ARMY RADIO HOUR Two actors Classical Music Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ORANGE POLAR BEAR New play giving play 25 characters in a new staging voice to a young generation trying to of three classic radio episodes based CBSO: DVORÁK'S CELLO CONCERTO Fea- find their place in a fast-changing on favourite scripts from the original turing Alexander Vedernikov (conduc- world, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, TV series, Sat 3 Nov, The Old Rep, tor) and Paul Watkins (cello). Birmingham Birmingham Programme includes works by Theatre THAT’LL BE THE DAY Rock’n’roll variety Beethoven, Dvo ák and AUSTENTATIOUS - THE IMPROVISED JANE MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Hit West End show, Sat 3 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Shostakovich, Thursř 1 Nov, Sym- musical telling the story of the man AUSTEN NOVEL Featuring a cast of phony Hall, Birmingham who broke barriers and fought quirky comedy performers, this im- ROMEO & JULIET The Crescent Theatre provised play is based on nothing Company present a fast-paced con- ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE against the odds to create something more than a title suggested by the temporary take on Shakespeare's fa- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring more than a record label, until Sat 3 audience, Fri 2 Nov, The REP, B’ham mous love story, Sat 3 - Sat 10 Nov, Michael Seal (conductor). Pro- Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Crescent Theatre, Birmingham gramme comprises Stravinsky’s The BEASTLY MONSTERS AND MONSTROUS Rite Of Spring, Thurs 1 Nov, Sym- BEASTS Original theatrical show in THE PITY OF WAR Celebration of the phony Hall, Birmingham which Alice Quartermain recounts life and work of Wilfred Owen, featur- several of her daring escapades from ing readings of Owen’s letters to his VIENNA TONKÜNSTLER: BEETHOVEN'S the Edwardian era, Fri 2 Nov, Shrews- mother, Sun 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, FIFTH Featuring Yutaka Sado (con- bury Museum & Art Gallery Shrewsbury ductor), and Angela Hewitt (piano). Programme includes works by Bern- WINTER TALES Three spine-tingling stein and Beethoven, Fri 2 Nov, Sym- tales for a winter's evening, including phony Hall, Birmingham Henry James' classic ghost story, The Turn Of The Screw, Fri 2 Nov, THE LUDLOW CONCERT ORCHESTRA Pro- TROILUS AND CRESSIDA Virtuoso per- The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham gramme includes works by cussionist Evelyn Glennie collabo- Beethoven, Dvorak & Mendelssohn, TIME TO REMEMBER SSAFA West Mid- rates with Artistic Director Gregory Sat 3 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, lands (Armed Forces Charity) present Doran to create a satirical, futuristic South Shropshire a theatrical performance that pays vision of a world resounding with the tribute to the ‘ladies left at home’ dur- BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR: rhythm of battle, until Sat 17 Nov, ing the Great War, Fri 2 Nov, Stour- REMEMBRANCE Featuring Birmingham Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- bridge Town Hall Canoldir Male Choir with the English ford-upon-Avon Association of Male Voice Choirs, JANE EYRE: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY One- TAMBURLAINE Michael Boyd directs a Sun 4 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall woman show in which Rebecca new staging of Christopher Mar- Vaughan embodies Jane - and sev- CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: LENINGRAD lowe’s famous play, until Sat 1 Dec, eral other characters - in an intimate SYMPHONY Featuring Michael Seal The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- study of love’s realities, Fri 2 Nov, Kids Shows (conductor). Programme includes Avon Lichfield Garrick works by Britten and Shostakovich, LITTLE HOWARD'S BIG SHOW FOR KIDS TARTUFFE New updated version of Sun 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham Following the success of their TV Moliere’s provocative French classic, show, real human Big Howard and until Sat 23 Feb, The Swan Theatre, animated six-year-old Little Howard Stratford-upon-Avon fuse interactive stand-up and anima- THE UNRETURNING Compelling new tion in a show for all the family, Thurs Comedy play by Anna Jordan which explores 1 Nov, MAC, Birmingham the profound effect that war has on THE SHOWSTOPPERS' KIDS SHOW Im- young lives, and asks - what does THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEITH FARNAN provised musical show which takes coming home really mean? Tues 30 FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH kids' ideas and turns them into musi- Oct - Fri 2 Nov, The Old Rep, B’ham ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 Nov The Glee cal adventures from scratch, Sat 3 Club, Birmingham BEAUTIFUL THING Razor-sharp depic- Nov, The REP, Birmingham tion of life on a post-war council es- TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, JEFF INNOCENT, GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU Pre- tate, Tues 30 Oct - Sat 3 Nov, New Vic THE AGONY AND THE ECSTASY OF STEVE JAKE BAKER & CARL JONES Thurs 1 sented by Selladoor Family, Sat 3 Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme JOBS Leave your iPhone at home, if Nov, The George Hotel, Lichfield you dare, and check out this 'funny, Nov, Birmingham Town Hall THE LOVELY BONES Stage premiere of ROY CHUBBY BROWN Thurs 1 Nov, thought-provoking and insightful Alice Sebold's coming-of-age tale, Oakengates Theatre at The Place, story, full of inconvenient truths.', Fri 2 Tues 30 Oct - Sat 10 Nov, The REP, Telford, Shropshire - Sat 3 Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Birmingham BAD GIRLS Hit musical based on the 1 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall PRIVATE PEACEFUL Starcross Youth award-winning television series, Wed Theatre present an amateur staging JEN BRISTER Fri 2 Nov, Stafford Gate- 31 Oct - Sat 3 Nov, Prince Of Wales house Theatre of Michael Morpurgo’s World War Centre, Cannock One play, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov, Arena LIAM PICKFORD, SULLY O'SULLIVAN, A BLACK COUNTRY NIGHT OUT Humour Theatre, Wolverhampton KAREN BAILEY & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 2 and music combine in this popular Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham PANGOTTIC: LONG SHOT An evening of show featuring Dandy, The Empty clowning, contraptions, comedy and THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEITH FARNAN, Can, OIlie Spencer, Joe Thomas & courage, as one man’s belief in the JOSH PUGH & SHANE MAUSS Fri 2 - Sat Wayne Beese, Thurs 1 Nov, Forest near-impossible is put to the test, Sat 3 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Walsall 3 Nov, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Bur- ALFIE MOORE Sat 3 Nov, Lichfield Gar- SARAJEVO BIG BANG Follow a cast of ton-upon-Trent rick characters and find out how we are SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSI- CHRIS WASHINGTON, STEVE SHANYASKI, all connected to the gunshot that CAL Brand new musical comedy cre- TUDUR OWEN & MANDY KNIGHT Sat 3 started The Great War, Thurs 1 Nov, ated from scratch at each CBEEBIES: THUMBELINA Unique stag- Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Quatt Village Hall, Bridgnorth, South performance with audience sugges- ing of the original Hans Christian An- Shropshire JOHN SIMMIT, DREW FRASER, FELICITY tions transformed on the spot into all- dersen tale, featuring music, dance ETHNIC & SIDEMAN Sat 3 Nov, MAC, TO HAVE TO SHOOT IRISHMEN A new singing, all-dancing productions, Sat and comedy for younger audiences, Birmingham play with songs by Lizzie Nunnery, 3 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, Regent Theatre, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov, Theatre Severn, Stoke-on-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 1-4 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:45 Page 3

thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 November AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON TERRIFYING TALES Discover spooky works, Sat 3 Nov, Llangollen Railway Dance (15) Horror/Comedy. Starring David Black Country legends and separate BONFIRE NIGHT Sat 3 Nov, Tamworth Naughton, Jenny Agutter. Ludlow As- folklore from fact, until Sun 4 Nov, Castle SILK ROAD Flamenco roots are sembly Rooms, Shrops, Fri 2 Nov Black Country Living Museum, Dud- FIREWORKS NIGHT Family fireworks blended with a unique, contemporary A QUIET PLACE (15) Horror/Mystery. ley style in this story of East meets West, and a fiery performance in the Iron- Starring Emily Blunt, John Krasinski. SPOOKY STOKESAY Enjoy ‘frightfully works by Scarlet Butterfly, Sat 3 Nov, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov, The Patrick Stu- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shrops, Fri fun craft activities’, until Sun 4 Nov, dio, Birmingham Hippodrome Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, 2 Nov Stokesay Castle. Nr Craven Arms, Shropshire TOM DALE COMPANY: I INFINITE Explo- THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Chris- South Shropshire ration of the boundaries between the tian Slater, Glenn Close. Stoke Film NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the artificial, real, digital and organic Theatre, Sat 3 Nov Nimrod and learn about its intelli- worlds, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Nov, MAC, gence-gathering role in the Royal Air Birmingham Force, until Sun 4 Nov, RAF Cosford, EMERALD STORM Fresh take on origi- NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Nr Wolverhampton nal Irish dance, featuring live music, Released from Fri 2 Nov, showing at FAMILY FUN DAY Take a family-friendly Fri 2 Nov, Lichfield Garrick selected cinemas guided tour of the Smith & Pepper ANKUSHA & OTHER MYSTERIES Via JULIET, NAKED (15) jewellery factory, Thurs 1 Nov, Mu- three distinctive classical & contem- MIRAI (PG) seum of The Jewellery Quarter, Birm- porary South Asian dance solos, Ka- ingham PETERLOO (12a) mala Devam Company seek answers THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Cele- to unanswerable questions... Sun 4 THE NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, brating heroes and heroines from all Nov, MAC, Birmingham REALMS (PG) jewellery, dressmaking and stitching walks of life, Sat 3 Nov, Himley Hall & enthusiasts, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Nov, Park, Dudley NEC, Birmingham HALLOWEEN PUMPKIN FLOAT Lots of SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY fun activities for families, including Events CHRISTMAS SHOW Retail show featur- star gazing with the Astronomy Soci- Talks ety and traditional fairground games, HUBBLE BUBBLE TRICK OR TREAT Do ing bespoke and unusual gifts, Thurs IN CONVERSATION WITH ALICE SEBOLD Sat 3 Nov, Hartlebury Castle, Kidder- you dare to explore the spooky cel- 1 - Sun 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham The award-winning author of The minster lars at Soho House? until Thurs 1 Lovely Bones discusses her wide- BRICKLIVE The ultimate weekend for Nov, Soho House, Birmingham Lego lovers, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Nov, THE NATIONAL PET SHOW Find out ranging career in a special event to more about your favourite pet and SCAREFEST NEC, Birmingham tie in with the stage adaptation of her Enjoy your favourite rides how to take care of them, Sat 3 - Sun novel, Thurs 1 Nov, The REP, Birm- in the dark, plus loads of extra enter- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ingham tainment, until Fri 2 Nov, Alton Tow- BACKS Hear stories about the people ers, Stoke-on-Trent who called Court 15 home for over ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A last chance to experience the HALLOWEEN HALF TERM & CRAFT DAYS 160 years, Fri 2 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs venue’s rides and attractions before See the hall dressed for Halloween, the 2018 season comes to an end, take part in Halloween-themed craft BONFIRE & FIREWORKS NIGHT Family- Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, Alton Towers, Film days and try the haunted house and friendly evening including a funfair, Staffordshire gruesome garden trails, until Fri 2 INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: food outlets, bars, music and enter- Nov, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham tainment, Fri 2 Nov, Wolverhampton FROST FAIR Wide selection of handmade crafts and Christmas gifts from THE RIDER (15) Drama/Western. Star- HAUNTED CASTLE Racecourse A week of ghostly Shropshire craftspeople, Sat 3 - Sun ring Brady Jandreau, Mooney. Stoke goings on at Tamworth Castle’s BACKSTAGE TOUR Journey behind the 4 Nov, Shropshire Hills Discovery Film Theatre, Thurs 1 Nov haunted spooktacular, until Fri 2 Nov, scenes at one of Britain's premier Centre, Craven Arms, South Shrop- FIRST MAN (12a) Biography/Drama. Tamworth Castle producing theatres, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov, shire Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. AIRFIX MAKE AND TAKE The REP, Birmingham Suitable for MAKING 'SNUGBOROUGH' Chance for Light House Media Centre, Wolver- seasoned model makers or Airfix GRADJOBS LIVE! The UK’s leading children to help create habitat piles hampton, Thurs 1 Nov novices, until Fri 2 Nov, RAF Cosford, graduate job fair, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Nov, and find out about the estate’s VENOM (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring Shifnal NEC, Birmingham wildlife, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Nov, Shugbor- Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams. Light MORE TREAT THAN TRICK Family Hal- MIND BODY SPIRIT Featuring inspira- ough Historic Working Estate, House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- loween activities and eerie entertain- tional speakers, musicians, artists Stafford ton, Thurs 1 Nov ment, until Fri 2 Nov, Drayton Manor and performers, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, MODEL RAILEX Featuring up to 14 visit- THE SHINING (15) Horror. Starring Jack Theme Park, Tamworth NEC, Birmingham ing layouts, Sun 4 Nov, National Nicholson, Shelley Duvall. Light SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Witches, wiz- BEST OF BRITISH FIREWORKS SPECTAC- Brewery Centre, Burton-upon-Trent House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- ards and werewolves abound!, until ULAR Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, Drayton WWI COMMEMORATION DAY Marking ton, Thurs 1 Nov Sun 4 Nov, West Midland Safari and Manor Theme Park, Tamworth the centenary of the armistice that PETER RABBIT (PG) Animation/Adven- Leisure Park, Bewdley CAKE INTERNATIONAL The UK's leading ended World War One, Sun 4 Nov, ture. Starring Domhnall Gleeson, HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR Join Der- cake decorating, sugarcraft & baking Birmingham Botanical Gardens James Corden. Forest Arts Centre, mot O'Scary for this spooktacular show, Fri 2 - Sun 4 Nov, NEC, B’ham GUNPOWDER PLOT Featuring craft ac- Walsall, Thurs 1 Nov showing, as Frankie Frankenstein, THE GIN TRAIN Gin-tasting experience tivities, quizzes and trails, Sun 4 Nov, KING OF THIEVES (15) Crime/Drama. Witchy Woo Woo and Wolfy the Wolf- with a festive twist, Sat 3 Nov, Severn Haden Hill House Museum, Cradley Starring Michael Caine, Michael man compete for this year's 'mystery Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kidder- Heath Gambon. Old Market Hall, Shrews- prize', until Sun 4 Nov, Cadbury minster THE CHAMPAGNE TRAIN Travel through bury, Thurs 1 Nov World, Birmingham MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL BONFIRE & FIRE- the Severn Valley in a luxurious 1936- SPOOKY SCIENCE WEEK A FANTASTIC WOMAN (15) Drama. Star- Featuring a WORKS Featuring The Knights of Mid- built first-class carriage (once hauled ring Daniela Vega, Francisco Reyes. host of family activities, until Sun 4 dle England, Sat 3 Nov, Pillaton Hall by the Flying Scotsman), Sun 4 Nov, Foreign language, subtitled. The Nov, Thinktank Science Museum, Farm, Penkridge, Staffs Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 Nov Birmingham RIDE THE ROCKET FIREWORK TRAIN Kidderminster OCTOBER HALF TERM MANDY (18) Horror/Thriller. Starring Family-friendly Enjoy an evening train journey to BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sun 4 Nov, We- Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough. half-term activities, until Sun 4 Nov, Carrog - and on the way back, stop ston Park, Nr Wolverhampton Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 2 Nov Sarehole Mill, Hall Green, B’ham off at Glyndyfrdwy Station for fire-

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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 November

FUNKEL STORY Thurs 8 Nov, O2 Academy, Rooms, Wolverhampton Gigs Nov, Stafford Gate- Birmingham Classical FREDDIE FARRELL, BRENDON BURNS & house Theatre NOUGHTY NINETIES Sat JACK CAMPBELL Fri 9 Nov, The Com- SHINEDOWN Mon 5 KLUB KIDS PRESENTS 10 Nov, The River edy Loft, B’ham Nov, O2 Academy, THE ROAST BATTLES Rooms, Stourbridge Music Birmingham TEZ ILYAS, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN & PETE Thurs 8 Nov, O2 RICHARD DIGANCE Sat MARTIN JAMES BARTLETT (PIANO) Pro- TECKMAN Fri 9 Nov, Katie Fitzger- THE STYLISTICS Mon 5 Academy, Birmingham 10 Nov, Birchmeadow gramme includes works by Mac- ald's, Stourbridge Nov, Theatre Severn, GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB Centre, Broseley, Dowell, Gershwin, Godowsky, Shrewsbury Barber & Wild, Tues 6 Nov, The MARK DOLAN, DANNY WARD & MICKY P Thurs 8 Nov, The Mill, Shropshire KERR Fri 9 Nov, Molineux Stadium, JOHNNY MARR Mon 5 Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Digbeth, Birmingham THE HIGH KINGS Sat 10 Wolverhampton Nov, O2 Institute, Conservatoire JUDIE TZUKE, BEVERLEY Nov, Birmingham Birmingham PHIL NICHOL Sat 10 Nov, MAC, B’ham CRAVEN & JULIE FORD- Town Hall CBSO: SYMPHONIC DANCES Featuring JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, JOE BOR, ABIGO- DEVILSKIN Mon 5 Nov, HAM Thurs 8 Nov, Elim Chan (conductor) and Jeremy SLEEPER Sat 10 Nov, LIAH SCHAMAUN & CHRIS MACARTHUR- O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall Denk (piano). Programme includes O2 Institute, B’ham works by Dukas, Mozart and Rach- BOYD Sat 10 Nov, The Glee Club, DANNY BRYANT Mon 5 OLD DOMINION Thurs 8 PHIL CAMPBELL & THE maninov, Thurs 8 Nov, Symphony Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bil- Nov, O2 Institute, BASTARD SONS + Hall, Birmingham ROB ROUSE, ROBERT WHITE, ROGER ston Birmingham LEADER OF DOWN Sat DUDLEY REMEMBERS Featuring MONKHOUSE & COMIC TBC Sat 10 Nov, JUST JACK Tues 6 Nov, MARTIN STEPHENSON & 10 Nov, The Sugarmill, Sovereign Brass, Lutley Community The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE DAINTEES Thurs 8 Stoke-on-Trent Choir, Dudley College Students and ANGELOS EPITHEMIOU (PICTURED), ingham Nov, Hare & Hounds, GIANT & THE GEORGES Reverend Sue Oliver. Ian Rawlings HARRIET DYER & LIAM PICKFORD Sat Birmingham AN EVENING WITH KING Sat 10 Nov, O2 Insti- comperes, Thurs 8 Nov, Dudley 10 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stour- CRIMSON Tues 6 Nov, THREATIN Thurs 8 Nov, tute, Birmingham Town Hall bridge Symphony Hall, Birm- The Asylum, B’ham THE BUSBY BABES Sat SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Featuring the ingham BARRY STEELE & 10 Nov, The Robin, Bil- City of Birmingham Symphony Or- MICHAEL SCHENKER FRIENDS AS THE ROY ston chestra, City of Birmingham Choir & FEST Tues 6 Nov, O2 ORBISON STORY Fri 9 BLACKBERRY SMOKE Anthony Inglis (conductor). Pro- Institute, Birmingham Nov, Oakengates The- Sat 10 Nov, O2 gramme includes works by GRYPHON Tues 6 Nov, atre at The Place, Academy, Birmingham Prokofiev, Orff, Grieg, Bizet, Verdi, The Robin, Bilston Telford, Shropshire Strauss, Ravel, Rossini, Jenkins, THE BON JOVI EXPERI- Tchaikovsky, Elgar, Handel & Wood, HAYLEY Tues 6 Nov, S-X Fri 9 Nov, O2 ENCE Sat 10 Nov, Oak- Sat 10 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham The Glee Club, B’ham Academy, Birmingham engates Theatre at REQUIEM FOR HUMANKIND Featuring FRIGS Wed 7 Nov, GORDON HENDRICKS- The Place, Telford Lichfield Cathedral Choral Founda- BOX OF FROGS Sun 11 Nov, The Glee Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE ULTIMATE ELVIS THE PRODIGY & PUBLIC tion & Chamber Choir with Darwin Club, Birmingham ingham TRIBUTE Fri 9 Nov, The- ENEMY Sat 10 Nov, atre On The Steps, Ensemble Chamber Orchestra, Sat MICKEY SHARMA, JAY SODAGAR, TOM BAXTER Wed 7 Arena Birmingham, Bridgnorth, South 10 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral SINDHU VEE & CHUCKLE SINGHS Sun Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Shropshire REMEMBRANCE CONCERT Celebration 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham KIRVANA & PEARL SCAM BLOXX + VISTAS + SAR- of music, art, readings & poetry, cul- PAUL TONKINSON, NOEL JAMES & DAN REED NETWORK Sat 10 Nov, The Slade COLINE Fri 9 Nov, The minating in Mozart’s Requiem con- SALLY-ANNE HAYWARD Sun 11 Nov, Wed 7 Nov, The Rooms, W’hampton Sugarmill, Stoke-on- ducted by the CBSO’s Michael Seal, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge Robin, Bilston Trent VITOR PEREIRA QUINTET Sun 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham JOE BAYLISS Wed 7 Sat 10 Nov, The Hive, THE MECHANICAL FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE Annual Nov, Newhampton Shrewsbury HEARTS Fri 9 Nov, event held in association with the Arts Centre, Wolver- Newhampton Arts Royal British Legion and Telford hampton Theatre Centre, W’hampton Christians Together, Sun 11 Nov, The FOUR OF DIAMONDS Place@ Oakengates Theatre, SUGGS: WHAT A KING CNUT Madness ARRESTED DEVELOP- Wed 7 Nov, O2 Insti- Telford, Shropshire frontman Suggs takes a lighthearted MENT Fri 9 Nov, Birm- look back at his career, Mon 5 Nov, tute, Birmingham COLLEGIUM MUSICUM 90 - THE CORELLI ingham Town Hall Stafford Gatehouse Theatre FIRST AID KIT Wed 7 PHENOMENON Featuring Simon THE CARPENTERS STORY Nov, O2 Academy, Standage & Catherine Martin (vio- A JOURNEY THROUGH WAR On The Fri 9 Nov, Victoria Hall, Birmingham INTO THE SHADOWS lins), Andrew Skidmore (cello) & Floor Theatre Company fuse famous Stoke-on-Trent Sun 11 Nov, Theatre Nicholas Parle (harpsichord). Pro- World War One literature with origi- KILLING JOKE Fri 9 Nov, Severn, Shrewsbury gramme includes works by Corelli, nal new writing to take audiences on O2 Institute, B’ham Geminiani, Visconti, Albinoni, Scar- a journey from 1914 to 1918, Mon 5 - LESS THAN JAKE & REEL Sat 10 Nov, The Blue Orange The- WITHIN TEMPTATION Fri latti & Montanari, Sun 11 Nov, The BIG FISH Sun 11 Nov, atre, Birmingham 9 Nov, O2 Academy, O2 Academy, B’ham Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury Birmingham THE FULL MONTY Simon Beaufoy’s DASHBOARD CONFES- award-winning stage play, starring TEENAGE FANCLUB Fri 9 SIONAL Sun 11 Nov, Gary Lucy, Mon 5 - Sat 10 Nov, Birm- MIC LOWRY Wed 7 Nov, - Sun 11 Nov, O2 Insti- The Mill, Digbeth, ingham Hippodrome O2 Institute, B’ham tute, Birmingham Birmingham Comedy THE THRILL OF LOVE The Nonentities SLAYER Wed 7 Nov, WHITNEY - QUEEN OF FIN TAYLOR Wed 7 Nov, The Glee THE UKULELE ORCHES- present a dramatisation of the true Arena Birmingham THE NIGHT Sat 10 Nov, Club, Birmingham TRA OF GREAT BRITAIN story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- IMPERICON NEVER SAY Sun 11 Nov, Birming- MARLON DAVIS, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN be hanged in Britain. Please note Trent DIE! TOUR 2018 Wed 7 ham Town Hall & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY that this production contains adult Nov, The Asylum, SOMEONE LIKE YOU - FOCUS FEAT. THIJS VAN ROBINSON Thurs 8 Nov, The Glee content, Mon 5 - Sat 10 Nov, The Birmingham THE ADELE SONGBOOK LEER Sun 11 Nov, The Club, Birmingham Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Sat 10 Nov, Forest Arts ERJA LYYTINEN & HER Robin, Bilston MARLON DAVIS, ABIGOLIAH SCHAMAUN, DIRTY DANCING The hit musical Centre, Walsall BAND Thurs 8 Nov, The LEON BRIDGES Sun 11 CHRIS MACARTHUR-BOYD & JOE BOR makes a welcome return! Mon 5 - Robin, Bilston ABSOLUTE BOWIE - 50 Nov, O2 Institute, Fri 9 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham Sat 10 Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, THE SIMON & GAR- YEARS OF BOWIE Sat 10 Birmingham SIMON EVANS Fri 9 Nov, The Slade Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 1-4 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:45 Page 5

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Staffs/Shrops 1-4 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:45 Page 6

thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 November SONS OF PITCHES Fast-paced medleys Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Nov, Old Joint Stock Street Station, Birmingham GISELLE Presented by Russian State and mind-bending mashups from the Theatre, Birmingham GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF A fusion of Ballet & Opera House, Sun 11 Nov, award-winning British vocal group, SCROOGE! The Manor Players present stand-up, live cooking and comedy Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Tues 6 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall a musical version of Charles Dickens’ lecture, Sun 11 Nov, Meole Brace DEEPAVALI, THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT THE FULL MONTY: THE MUSICAL Pre- A Christmas Carol, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Peace Memorial Hall, Shrewsbury Evening of South Asian dance in cel- sented by Bilston Operatic Company, Nov, The Roses, Kidderminster A GARLAND OF POPPIES Evening of ebration of Deepavali, more com- Tues 6 - Sat 10 Nov, Wolverhampton CITY OF ANGELS Presented by Back- songs, sketches and poems woven monly known as Diwali, Sun 11 Nov, Grand Theatre street Theatre Company, Thurs 8 - together to pay tribute to the men MAC, B’ham THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE Presented Sat 10 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, and women of the First World War, by Erdington Operatic Society, Tues 6 Cannock Sun 11 Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kid- - Sat 10 Nov, Sutton Coldfield Town SHERLOCK HOLMES: SIGN OF FOUR derminster Hall Blackeyed Theatre world-premiere Events THEY DON’T PAY? WE WON’T PAY! Dario their version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Fo’s fast and furious political satire famous tale, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Nov, FIREWORKS Mon 5 Nov, Birmingham on the plight of the working poor, Lichfield Garrick Kids Shows Botanical Gardens transported to Brexit Britain, Tues 6 - PUPPETRY OF THE PENIS ‘Australia's CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Sat 10 Nov, New Vic Theatre, New- greatest theatrical export’ celebrates OUCH! Rhubarb Theatre present a castle-under-Lyme brand new show fusing imagination, BACKS Hear stories about the people its 20th anniversary with a ‘greatest who called Court 15 home for over THE GAME Stafford Players present an bits’ tour, Fri 9 Nov, Theatre Severn, dance and music, Mon 5 Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- 160 years, Thurs 8 Nov, Birmingham amateur staging of Harold Brig- Shrewsbury Back to Backs house’s story of love, honour, class hampton CONFESSIONS OF A COCKNEY TEMPLE RAF STORIES TALKS - AYLA HOLDOM and football in the 1900s, Tues 6 - Sat DANCER Shane Shamnhu explores STICK MAN Scamp Theatre’s adapta- 10 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre tion of Julia Donaldson’s popular The first openly transgender pilot in the ways in which race, language, the British Armed Forces, Ayla shares JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES - THE identity and culture have defined him, book, Sun 11 - Mon 12 Nov, Lichfield Garrick stories about her life and career, GINGER SNAPPED Ru Paul’s Drag Race Fri 9 Nov, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Thurs 8 Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal star Jinkx Monsoon and lyrical genius Castle, Shropshire Major Scales take a witty look at the 38TH STOKE BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF A fusion of Over 100 traditional ales, ciders and dark side of Drag fame, Wed 7 Nov, stand-up, live cooking and comedy Stafford Gatehouse Theatre perries, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Nov, Spode lecture, Fri 9 Nov, Little Wenlock Vil- China Halls, Stoke-on-Trent DADMAN: THE BATH-TIME WARRIOR A lage Hall, Nr Telford, Shropshire Talks

story about surprise, shock, change NEIL OLIVER: THE STORY OF THE BRITISH POPPY FIELDS Poignant interior son et and the fireworks of love, Wed 7 Nov, ISLES IN 100 PLACES Wed 7 Nov, The- lumiere includes bespoke perfor- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton atre Severn, Shrewsbury mances by the Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 TONY STOCKWELL An evening of medi- DR JORDAN B PETERSON The University Nov, Lichfield Cathedral umship, Wed 7 Nov, The Place@ of Toronto professor discusses over- Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shrop- coming life’s biggest obstacles, Wed LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC shire 7 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham MOTOR SHOW The biggest event of its kind, the show this year boasts more HENRY V Shropshire Drama Company AN EVENING WITH NIGELLA LAWSON than 2,500 vehicles covering an area present Shakespeare’s famous his- Thurs 8 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham of over one million square feet, Fri 9 - tory play, Wed 7 - Sat 10 Nov, Theatre Sun 11 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury HEROES Amateur staging of Gerald THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE SHOW A COPACABANA Amateur staging by Sibleyras' play, adapted by Tom Stop- chance for enthusiasts to share their Tamworth Musical Theatre Company, pard, Fri 9 - Sat 17 Nov, Hall Green Dance passion for classic motorbikes, Fri 9 - Wed 7 - Sun 11 Nov, The Brewhouse Little Theatre, Birmingham Sun 11 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent THE KNOT Didy Veldman's latest NO KIDS Gender-bending musical dance creation centres on ritual, BACKSTAGE TOUR Journey behind the THE GIRL BEHIND THE GLASS Explo- cabaret questioning society’s attitude doubt, nerves and the sheer magic of scenes at one of Britain's premier ration of sexual violence, Thurs 8 to the idea of two dads, Sat 10 Nov, weddings - a production where the producing theatres, Sat 10 Nov, The Nov, MAC, Birmingham The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- bride, groom, best man and brides- REP, Birmingham FINDING JOY Vamos Theatre present a podrome maids are all world-class dancers THE GIN TRAIN Gin-tasting experience life-affirming story of lost memories STORIES ON A STRING Journey to the and audience members are the wed- - with a festive twist, Sat 10 Nov, Sev- and discovered love, Thurs 8 Nov, heart of the mysterious rain forest, ding guests, Thurs 8 Nov, The Patrick ern Valley Railway, Bewdley Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome with live Brazilian music, songs and CHARITY NEON DOG WALK Enjoy a SONS OF PITCHES Fast-paced medleys puppetry. For ages 6+, Sat 10 Nov, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Amateur stag- woodland walk with your four-legged and mind-bending mashups from the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton ing presented by the Judith Bibby friends, Sat 10 Nov, Bodenham Ar- award-winning British vocal group, GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF A fusion of Academy of Dance, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 boretum, Kidderminster Thurs 8 Nov, Theatre Severn, Nov, Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke- stand-up, live cooking and comedy FAMILY MAGIC WEEKENDS Enjoy live Shrewsbury on-Trent lecture, Sat 10 Nov, Chelmarsh Parish shows by magicians and ventrilo- THE DREAMBOYS Brand new show Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, Shropshire THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Rus- quists, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Nov, Cadbury from ‘the UK’s most famous girls’ THE LAST DAY Cannock Chase Arts sian State Ballet & Opera House, Sat World, Birmingham night out’, Thurs 8 Nov, The Place@ 10 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Council presentation fusing music, FIREWORK FESTIVAL WEEKEND Featur- Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shrop- song and drama to recreate the mov- shire ing late-night rides and music to ing story of the last day of the First bring the party alive, Sat 10 - Sun 11 SINCERELY, US Presented by Back- World War, Sun 11 Nov, Prince Of Nov, West Midland Safari and Leisure street Theatre Company, Thurs 8 - Fri Wales Centre, Cannock Park, Bewdley 9 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Can- HOMECOMINGS Large-scale prome- nock ARMISTICE DAY SERVICE Special ser- nade performance piece from Birm- vice of commemoration marking the THE STARS THAT REMAIN Drama explor- ingham Hippodrome's Musical 100th anniversary of the end of the ing the endurance and erosion of Theatre Youth Company and their Great War, Sun 11 Nov, Black Coun- love, the fragility of life and the emo- families, exploring the after-effects of try Living Museum, Dudley tional fallout triggered by addiction, Armistice Day, Sun 11 Nov, New

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st rd Thursday 8 November, 7.30pm 1 - 3 Nov, 10am - 3pm & 6pm - 8pm Sat Night the dreamboys Pangottic Half Term back by popular demand! Workshops £20.00 for 3 days including a ticket to see Pangottic: Long Shot Performance

3rd Nov, 7pm Friday 9 November, 7.30pm Pangottic Long Shot The Roy Orbison Story Tickets: £8

7th - 11th Nov, 7pm 2.30pm Sat Matinee Tamworth Musical Theatre Company: Copacabana Saturday 10 November, 7.30pm bon jovi experience Tickets: £12 / £10 (Wed and Sat Matinee)

21st Nov, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Tim Ralphs- Wednesday 14 November, 8.00pm Tickets:TRebrandingickets: ££12,12, ££1010 Beelzebub SSatat MMtt hal cruttenden Tickets: £7adv, £8.50 otd chubster 23rd Nov, 7.30pm Into The Shadows

Thursday 15 November, 7.30pm Tickets: £13 A Celebration of John Denver Starring Wayne Denton 27th Nov - 1st Dec, 7.30pm 2.30pm Sat Matinee Little Theatre Company Into The Woods

Tickets: £12, £11(Conc. and Sat Matinee) Saturday 17 November, 7.30pm electro swing ball 28th - 30th Nov, 7.30pm remixing the era 1.30pm Fri Matinee Mimbre: The Exploded Circus Tickets: Wed - Pay What You Think, Tuesday 20 November, 7.30pm Thu & Fri £10, £5(Fri Matinee) Rat Pack Christmas Show with special guests Don Maclean and Charley Toulan 6th Dec, 7.30pm Casson & Friends: Choreocracy Tickets: Pay What You Think Friday 30 November, 2.00pm Christmas Memories 11th Dec, 8pm Neil Sands and his wonderful West End cast Ivo Graham: Motion Sickness

Tickets: £12 Saturday 1 December, 7.00pm Box ofﬁce: Soul & Motown Party Night 01283 508100 with Sarah Collins BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA TWC GP 01374

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:48 Page 2

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 November Birmingham SKAM Fri 16 Nov, The AHIR SHAH Fri 16 Nov, The REP, Birm- Gigs EASY LIFE Thurs 15 Asylum, Birmingham Classical ingham Nov, Hare & Hounds, BAD MANNERS - THE ADAM ROWE Fri 16 Nov, The Slade EZRA COLLECTIVE Mon Birmingham CHRISTMAS TOUR Fri 16 Rooms, Wolverhampton 12 Nov, Hare & Nov, The Buttermar- Music Hounds, Birmingham MATTIEL Thurs 15 Nov, TEZ ILYAS, NEIL MCFARLANE, WILL DUG- O2 Institute, B’ham ket, Shrewsbury LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT Featuring GAN & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 16 Nov, HOTHOUSE FLOWERS THE TEA STREET BAND László Fassang (Organist). Pro- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Mon 12 Nov, Birming- SETH LAKEMAN Thurs + 10 O’CLOCK CHEMI- gramme includes works by Liszt, ham Town Hall 15 Nov, The Slade Dezs d’Antalffy, Bartók and L. Fas- THE JOHN HENDLEY MEMORIAL COM- Rooms, W’hampton CAL + THIEVES ASYLUM EDY AND FOLK MUSIC NIGHT Fri 16 ALEX CLARE - ACOUSTIC sang,ő Mon 12 Nov, Symphony Hall, Fri 16 Nov, The Sug- Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, TOUR Mon 12 Nov, O2 THE AUSTRALIAN PINK Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Institute, Birmingham FLOYD SHOW Thurs 15 CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY'S FIFTH Featuring Nov, Arena B’ham JAYWALKERS Sat 17 JOHN FOTHERGILL, TOM WARD, BARRY SAINT RAYMOND Mon Stanislav Kochanovsky (conductor) Nov, The Hive, DODDS & JACK GLEADOW Fri 16 - Sat 12 Nov, Newhampton A CELEBRATION OF JOHN and Sergej Krylov (violin). Pro- Shrewsbury 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Wolver- DENVER Thurs 15 Nov, gramme includes works by Janá ek, JIM MORAY Sat 17 Nov, hampton Oakengates Theatre at Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky, Wed č14 DALISO CHAPONDA, SEAN PERCIVAL, The Place, Telford Newhampton Arts Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham STEVE BUGEJA & DAMION LARKIN Sat TOM MISCH Mon 12 Centre, W’hampton 17 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- RICK ASTLEY Thurs 15 CBSO: CLASSIC FM HALL OF FAME Fea- Nov, O2 Academy, Trent Birmingham Nov, Genting Arena, turing Michael Seal (conductor), Birmingham John Suchet (presenter) and Julian THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, JOE SUTHER- JONAH MATRANGA AND Wilkins (organ). Programme in- LAND, PAUL PIRIE & JESSICA FOSTEKEW FRIENDS + OXYGEN THERAPY? + SPECIAL cludes works by Orff, Smetana, Sat 17 Nov, The Comedy Loft, B’ham THIEF + DEATH OF RATS GUESTS Thurs 15 Nov, Fauré, Elgar, Williams, Holst, Mon 12 Nov, The Sug- The Sugarmill, Stoke- DALISO CHAPONDA, THOMAS GREEN, Vaughan Williams, Sibelius, Mozart armill, Stoke-on-Trent on-Trent STEVE SHANYASKI & PETER BRUSH Sat and Prokofiev, Fri 16 Nov, Symphony THE SPITFIRES Thurs 15 17 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolver- RODDY WOOMBLE Tues Hall, Birmingham hampton 13 Nov, Newhampton Nov, Hare & Hounds, THE ONE LOVE BAND Sat THALLEIN ENSEMBLE Featuring Arts Centre, Wolver- Birmingham 17 Nov, The River TOM BINNS Sun 18 Nov, Station Pub, Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- hampton Rooms, Stourbridge Sutton Coldfield ESTRONS Thurs 15 gramme includes works by Dobrinka SOUNDS FAMILIAR Tues Nov, The Castle & Fal- BILLY OCEAN Sat 17 Tabakova, Joe Cutler, Emily Abdy & 13 Nov, Forest Arts con, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Maarten Benschop, Fri 16 Nov, The Centre, Walsall GORDON HENDRICKS IS Birmingham Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birmingham SEAMUS FOGARTY Tues ELVIS Fri 16 Nov, Oak- KENT DUCHAINE Sat 17 Conservatoire Theatre 13 Nov, Hare & engates Theatre at Nov, Lichfield Guildhall HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring SEX EDUCATION A show for anyone Hounds, Birmingham The Place, Telford JOOLS HOLLAND AND Jonathon Heyward (conductor) & who's wondered why they want what SOUNDS FAMILIAR Tues THE LITTLE UNSAID Fri HIS RHYTHM AND BLUES Alexandra Dariescu (soloist). Pro- they want, Mon 12 Nov, Old Joint 13 Nov, Forest Arts 16 Nov, MAC, B’ham ORCHESTRA Sat 17 gramme includes works by Stock Theatre, Birmingham Centre, Walsall MADONNA VS. CHER Fri Nov, Victoria Hall, Humperdinck, Tchaikovsky, Wagner A CHRISTMAS CAROL John O’Connor Stoke-on-Trent & Die Meistersinger, Fri 16 Nov, Vic- GARY NUMAN Tues 13 16 Nov, The Robin, Bil- faithfully recreates Dickens’ famous toria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Nov, Symphony Hall, ston performance of his best-loved ghost story, Mon 12 Nov, Theatre Severn, B’ham CULTURE CLUB Fri 16 THE BACH BOYS Featuring University Chamber Orchestra & Andrew Kirk- Shrewsbury THE PAT MCMANUS Nov, Arena B’ham man (director). Programme includes MACBETH Volcano Theatre adapta- BAND Tues 13 Nov, The THE JOHN HENDLEY works by JC Bach & CPE Bach, Sat tion of Shakespeare's classic Robin, Bilston MEMORIAL COMEDY AND 17 Nov, The Barber Institute, Univer- tragedy, Tues 13 - Wed 14 Nov, FOLK MUSIC NIGHT Fri CARVIN JONES Wed 14 sity of Birmingham Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Nov, The Robin, Bil- 16 Nov, Newhampton BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- ROCK OF AGES Smash-hit musical fea- ston Arts Centre, Wolver- METRIC Sat 17 Nov, O2 ETY: GRANT US PEACE Reflective turing classic rock anthems, big hair, hampton Institute, Birmingham MALFUNCTION Wed 14 music to commemorate the ending big dreams and some serious rock- MAXWELL AVENUE Fri Nov, The Red Lion BLEEDING HEARTS Sat of the First World War 100 years ago, ’n’roll debauchery. Danielle Hope, 16 Nov, O2 Institute, Folk Club, B’ham 17 Nov, Katie Fitzger- Sat 17 Nov, St George's Church, Sam Ferriday & Kevin Kennedy star, Birmingham THE ALGORITHM Wed ald’s, Stourbridge Edgbaston, Birmingham Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, The Alexandra AC/DC UK 14 Nov, The Asylum, Fri 16 Nov, MIGHTY VIPERS FEAT. BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY SINGERS & Theatre, Birmingham The River Rooms, Birmingham PANDA LASAGNE Sat 17 WOMEN’S CHOIR Featuring Simon CALENDER GIRLS - THE MUSICAL Gary Stourbridge TONIGHT ALIVE - 10 Nov, Albert's Shed Bar, Carrington & Patrick Barrett (con- Barlow & Tim Firth’s hit musical stars YEAR ANNIVERSARY THE WORLD FAMOUS Shrewsbury ductors). Programme includes works Fern Britton, Anna-Jane Casey, Sara ELVIS SHOW WITH ACOUSTIC PERFOR- ROBBIE MCINTOSH Sun by Roxanna Panufnik, Purcell, Biebl Crowe, Karen Dunbar, Ruth Madoc, CHRIS CONNOR MANCE Thurs 15 Nov, Fri 16 18 Nov, Henry Tudor & more... Sun 18 Nov, The Bramall, Rebecca Storm & Denise Welch, O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, Forest Arts Cen- House, Shrewsbury University of Birmingham Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, Regent The- tre, Walsall atre, Stoke-on-Trent PAUL DRAPER Thurs 15 SIMPLY SINATRA Sun 18 DR JOHN COOPER Nov, Newhampton Nov, Symphony Hall, WHITE CHRISTMAS Cradley Heath CLARKE Arts Centre, Wolver- Fri 16 Nov, Birmingham Amateur Operatic Society presents hampton Birmingham Town Hall Comedy its version of Irving Berlin’s festive HAWKLORDS Sun 18 FLORENCE + THE MA- classic, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, Stour- ONLY WAY IS THE 80’S Nov, The Robin, Bil- JOE LYCETT Mon 12 Nov, Symphony CHINE bridge Town Hall Thurs 15 Nov, Theatre Fri 16 Nov, ston Hall, Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury Genting Arena, B’ham OUR HOUSE Stoke Youth Theatre JESS GLYNNE Sun 18 HAL CRUTTENDEN Wed 14 Nov, Oak- ALBERT'S SHED (HERE Company present an amateur stag- THE ELECTRIC STRAWBS Nov, Genting Arena, engates Theatre at The Place, CASINO - CANDID - FREE ing of Tim Firth’s Madness musical, Thurs 15 Nov, The Birmingham Telford, Shropshire Tues 13 - Sat 17 Nov, Stoke Reper- Robin, Bilston GALAXY - SCOTT KELLY) JOHN FOTHERGILL, TOM WARD & COM- Fri 16 Nov, Albert's ASHTON LANE Sun 18 tory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent KOJEY RADICAL Thurs Nov, Henry Tudor EDY CAROUSEL FEAT. ANDY ROBINSON Shed, Shrewsbury AN EVENING OF ERIC AND ERN Homage 15 Nov, O2 Academy, House, Shrewsbury Thurs 15 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 12-18 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:48 Page 3

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thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 November to Morecambe & Wise featuring ren- FRINGE WIVES CLUB: GLITTERY CLIT- ditions of the duo’s best-loved com- TERY ‘Sequin-covered, Champagne- Kids Shows Events edy sketches, Wed 14 Nov, fuelled, cosmic feminist Wolverhampton Grand Theatre extravaganza’ that’s ‘guaranteed to FIRST STAGES: EGG AND SPOON An in- CONSERVATION CENTRE OPEN WEEK teractive romp through the seasons, THIRTY-ODD FEET BELOW BELGIUM A blow your mind and your pants!’, Fri 2018 Event providing visitors with ac- where young audiences can go in glimpse into the lives of two truly re- 16 - Sat 17 Nov, Old Joint Stock The- cess to aircraft in the museum’s con- and out of a magic circle and open markable people during the First atre, Birmingham servation hangar, Mon 12 - Sun 18 the gifts of nature, Sat 17 Nov, The World War, Wed 14 Nov, Brewhouse JOSEPH AND THE TECHNICOLOR DREAM- Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal REP, Birmingham Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent COAT Amateur staging presented by NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the WNO: LA TRAVIATA Welsh National Cabaret Theatre Company, Fri 16 - Nimrod and learn about its intelli- Opera presents its version of Verdi's Sat 17 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Cen- gence-gathering role in the Royal Air tragic love story, Wed 14 - Fri 16 Nov, tre, Burton-upon-Trent Force, Mon 12 - Sun 18 Nov, RAF Birmingham Hippodrome THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG A Black Talks Cosford, Shifnal DR JOHN COOPER CLARKE; LUCKIEST WNO: LA CENERENTOLA Welsh National Country fairytale, presented as a play FESTIVE GIFT FAIR One of the most MAN ALIVE TOUR Showcase of spoken Opera presents Rossini's delightful within a play, Sat 17 Nov, Wolver- popular Christmas shopping events word, Fri 16 Nov, Birmingham Town retelling of Cinderella - with a few hampton Grand Theatre in the UK, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Nov, Hall twists along the way, Thurs 15 Nov, AGENT OF INFLUENCE: THE SECRET LIFE NEC, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome OF PAMELA MORE One-woman play set A WILD NIGHT WITH TIGERS Local ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE The in pre-World War Two London and fol- wildlife photographer Andy Rouse largest and best-established vetted lowing the adventures of socialite and fuses tall tales and stand-up comedy, art, interiors and antiques fair outside columnist Lady Pamelo More, Sat 17 Fri 16 Nov, Festival Drayton, Market of London, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Nov, Nov, Cardington Village Hall, Nr Drayton, North Shropshire NEC, Birmingham Church Stretton, South Shropshire AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON REEVE The SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Santa WNO: WAR & PEACE Welsh National broadcaster and New York Times returns with a brand new show for Opera present David Poutney's ambi- bestselling author shares tales from 2018, Fri 16 Nov - Mon 31 Dec, The tious staging of Leo Tolstoy's epic more than 15 years of travels to the Snowdome, Tamworth most remote and extreme corners of novel, Sat 17 Nov, Birmingham Hip- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO the planet, Sat 17 Nov, Lichfield Gar- podrome BACKS Hear stories about the people rick THAT’LL BE THE DAY - THE CHRISTMAS JINKX MONSOON & MAJOR SCALES - THE who called Court 15 home for over SHOW Rock’n’roll variety show featur- GINGER SNAPPED Ru Paul’s Drag Race LEVISON WOOD - JOURNEYS THROUGH 160 years, Sat 17 Nov, Birmingham ing all your favourite Christmas clas- star Jinkx Monsoon and lyrical genius THE BADLANDS AND BEYOND Levison Back to Backs sics from the ’50s, ’60s & ’70s, Thurs shares tales from Major Scales take a witty look at the VICTORIAN PRINTING EXPERIENCE DAY 15 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand The- his recent journeys dark side of Drag fame, Sat 17 Nov, Find out more about traditional print- atre across some of the The Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hip- ing techniques and produce your most perilous AGENT OF INFLUENCE: THE SECRET LIFE podrome own print materials, Sat 17 Nov, Blists zones on earth, OF PAMELA MORE One-woman play set A CELEBRATION OF PEACE Music and Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Sun 18 Nov, Victo- in pre-World War Two London and fol- dance from around the world, pre- Shropshire ria Hall, Stoke-on- lowing the adventures of socialite and sented by Concord College, Sat 17 Trent CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Sat 17 - columnist Lady Pamelo More, Thurs Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury 15 Nov, Aston On Clun Village Hall, Sun 18 Nov, Cadbury World, B’ham Nr Craven Arms, South Shropshire THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Brand new MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2018 One of the adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s en- UK’s top shows for biking enthusi- WOMEN OF AKTION Bent Architect pre- chanting riverside tale, Sat 17 Nov - sent a barely considered view of the Dance asts, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, Birm- Sat 26 Jan, New Vic Theatre, New- ingham 1914-18 war, Thurs 15 Nov, Arena castle-under-Lyme FACE IN Candoco Dance Company Theatre, Wolverhampton present Yasmeen Godder’s new CHRISTMAS LAPLAND EXPERIENCE Meet POST New theatre show by Xavier de work, which invites audiences to con- and feed the herd of reindeer, then JANE EYRE Hotbuckle bring their ‘in- Sousa, inviting audiences to ‘join the ventiveness, humour and unique sider contemporary dance in ‘bold visit Father Christmas in his tradi- table, eat yummy Portuguese food, new ways’, Tues 13 Nov, Theatre Sev- tional Scandinavian-style grotto, Sat magic’ to Bronte’s compelling tale, drink potent Cachaça, get merry, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Nov, Theatre Sev- ern, Shrewsbury 17 Nov - Sun 23 Dec, Blithbury Rein- make new friends and challenge ex- deer Lodge, Rugeley, Staffs ern, Shrewsbury actly what makes a nation’, Sun 18 NORTH POLE ADVENTURE THE HAPPY APPLE St Lukes Dramatic Nov, MAC, Birmingham A ‘magical two-hour family Christmas journey to Society present a satire exploring the BE OUR GUEST Seasons Theatre Com- cynical world of advertising, Thurs 15 the North Pole to meet Father Christ- pany present a song-and-dance ex- mas and his friends’, Sat 17 Nov - - Sat 17 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, travaganza, Sun 18 Nov, Prince Of Cannock Mon 24 Dec, National Forest Adven- Wales Centre, Cannock ture Farm, Burton Upon Trent AGENT OF INFLUENCE: THE SECRET LIFE CINDERELLA Presented by Stageworks DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Fea- OF PAMELA MORE One-woman play set Academy, Sun 18 Nov, Forest Arts in pre-World War Two London and fol- turing live shows, carols, presents, Centre, Walsall FREEFALL - CHAIRS TOO Freefall Dance lowing the adventures of socialite and light shows, festive food, Father Company, Birmingham Royal Ballet’s columnist Lady Pamelo More, Fri 16 THAT’LL BE THE DAY - THE CHRISTMAS Christmas and a ‘magnificent’ fire- own company of highly gifted Nov, The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, SHOW Rock’n’roll variety featuring works display, plus so much more, dancers with learning disabilities, re- North Shropshire Christmas classics from the ’50s, ’60s Sat 17 Nov - Mon 31 Dec, Drayton and ’70s, Sun 18 Nov, Theatre Sev- turns to the Patrick Studio for its an- Manor Theme Park, Tamworth THUNDER ROAD Celebratory look at ern, Shrewsbury nual performance showcase, Thurs the voluntary sector, Fri 16 Nov, Hab- 15 Nov, The Patrick Studio, Birming- AGENT OF INFLUENCE: THE SECRET LIFE berley Village Hall, Pontesbury, ham Hippodrome Shropshire OF PAMELA MORE One-woman play set in pre-World War Two London and fol- DIWALI UTSAV - SITARON KE SANG IN PRAISE OF FOLLY Foppish Theatre lowing the adventures of socialite and Arena Theatre's Associate Artist perform a farce of all ages - present- columnist Lady Pamelo More, Sun 18 Jaivant Patel presents an uplifting ing 21st century views through an Nov, Stoke St Milborough Village evening of South Asian arts to cele- 18th century lens, Fri 16 Nov, The Hall, Ludlow, South Shropshire brate Diwali, Sat 17 Nov, Arena The- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham atre, Wolverhampton

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thelist THE FOUR TOPS AND Steps, Bridgnorth, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bramall, Uni- Gigs THE TEMPTATIONS South Shropshire Classical versity of Birmingham Thurs 22 Nov, Arena SLAVES Fri 23 Nov, O2 ORGAN PROMS Sat 24 Nov, Victoria SHEAFS Mon 19 Nov, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE AUSTRALIAN PINK Music ingham MORGAN JAMES - FROM CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: DREAM FLOYD SHOW Thurs 22 WHITE TO BLUE TOUR Fri BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL MONDAY OF GERONTIUS Also featuring Birm- ROGER TAYLOR'S QUEEN Nov, Victoria Hall, 23 Nov, O2 Institute, LUNCHTIME SERIES Featuring Kate ingham Philharmonic Orchestra, EXTRAVAGANZA Mon 19 Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Fawcett (director & baroque) & Mar- Adrian Lucas (conductor) & Kathryn Nov, Symphony Hall, YOU ME AT SIX Thurs 22 tin Perkins (director & harpsichord). Rudge, David Butt Philip & Morgan Birmingham FOREVER JACKSON Fri Programme includes works by JS Nov, O2 Academy, 23 Nov, Prince Of Pearse (soloists), Sun 25 Nov, Birm- UNKNOWN MORTAL OR- Bach, Couperin & Jeramiah Clark, Birmingham Wales Theatre, Can- ingham Town Hall CHESTRA Mon 19 Nov, Mon 19 Nov, St Philip’s Cathedral, JAYKAE Thurs 22 Nov, nock O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham INTO THE SHADOWS Fri COURTNEY BARNETT LUNCHTIME CONCERT: MAUREEN THE RAMONAS, HACK- 23 Nov, The Brew- Mon 19 Nov, O2 BRATHWAITE (SOPRANO) Also featur- SAW, THE WILD STRAYS, house Arts Centre, Comedy Academy, Birmingham ing Alec Hone (piano). Programme TINFISH & QUEEN MAN- Burton-upon-Trent includes works by Mozart, Rach- JEN BRISTER Tues 20 Nov, The Glee BAD TOUCH Mon 19 TIS Fri 23 Nov, The LARKINS + DIVENIRE + maninov, Strauss, Hold & Montsal- Club, Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bil- Sunflower Lounge, THE LOUNGE ACT Fri 23 vatge, Tues 20 Nov, The Bradshaw LARRY DEAN Tues 20 Nov, The Slade ston Birmingham Nov, The Sugarmill, Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Rooms, Wolverhampton JESSIE J Tues 20 Nov, SHAM 69 AND ANGELIC Stoke-on-Trent toire LARRY DEAN Wed 21 Nov, Henry O2 Academy, B’ham UPSTARTS Fri 23 Nov, THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS STRINGS CONCERT Music Centre con- Tudor House, Shrewsbury GHOST TOWN STEPPAS The Robin, Bilston Sat 24 Nov, Festival cert featuring Apollo Strings, CHRIS RAMSEY Thurs 22 Nov, Forest Tues 20 Nov, The STEWART MAC + SPE- Drayton Centre, Mar- Phoenix Strings, Capriccio strings & Arts Centre, Walsall Robin, Bilston CIAL GUESTS Fri 23 ket Drayton, North Beaux Electrix, Tues 20 Nov, Forest RAT PACK CHRISTMAS Nov, The Castle & Fal- Shropshire Arts Centre, Walsall PAUL MCCAFFREY PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON SHOW Tues 20 Nov, con, Birmingham JOE SOLO Sat 24 Nov, CBSO: FAITHFUL JOURNEY Featuring Thurs 22 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham Oakengates Theatre at DREADZONE Fri 23 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & The Place, Telford, Newhampton Arts Stourbridge Mary Bevan (soprano).ė Programme DAVE GORMAN Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Nov, Shropshire Symphony Hall, Birmingham Centre, W’hampton STILLMARILLION PER- includes works by Panufnik & CAVETOWN Wed 21 THE SKA45S Fri 23 Nov, FORM FISH ERA MARIL- Tchaikovsky, Wed 21 Nov, Sym- ADAM ROWE Fri 23 Nov, The Glee Nov, O2 Academy, The River Rooms, LION Sat 24 Nov, phony Hall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Birmingham Stourbridge Newhampton Arts RECITAL DOUBLE BILL Featuring Gen TOM WARD, SUSAN MURRAY, CATHER- ALFA MIST Wed 21 Nov, VICKERS BOVEY GUITAR Centre, W’hampton Li & Ryan Drucker (pianos). Pro- INE BOHART & TWO COMICS TBC Fri 23 Hare & Hounds, Birm- DUO: THE BEST PARKS BIG BIRMINGHAM SOUL gramme includes works by Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Beethoven, Debussy, Prokofiev & ingham IN BIRMINGHAM Fri 23 NIGHT: WIGAN CASINO TOM STADE, PAUL MCCAFFERY, JOHN Franck, Thurs 22 Nov, Birmingham PLACES + FACES Wed Nov, The Mac, B’ham REUNION Sat 24 Nov, SCOTT & DAVE LONGLEY Fri 23 - Sat 24 Town Hall 21 Nov, The Mill Dig- THE MEN THEY COULD- The Night Owl, Birm- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ingham THE ENRAG’D MUSICIAN: A PORTRAIT OF beth, Birmingham N'T HANG Fri 23 Nov, GAVIN WEBSTER, JULIAN DEANE & HANDEL’S VIOLINIST PIETRO ANTONIO MAXIMUM R&B WITH O2 Academy, B’ham FREE RADIO LIVE 2018 BARRY DODDS Sat 24 Nov, The Com- CASTRUCCI Featuring Iva Fleis- THE MANFREDS SUP- Sat 24 Nov, Genting edy Loft, Birmingham BRING ME THE HORIZON chhansová (baroque violin), Nikolay PORTED BY GEORGIE Arena, Birmingham Fri 23 Nov, Arena Ginov (baroque cello) & Luke Green THE INDIANS ARE COMING - DIWALI FAME Wed 21 Nov, Birmingham ONE STOP BOOGIE - 70S (harpsichord), Fri 23 Nov, The Bar- DHAMAKA Sun 25 Nov, The Slade Birmingham Town Hall MOGWAI + THE TWI- V 80S Sat 24 Nov, The ber Institute, University of B’ham Rooms, Wolverhampton OYSTERBAND Wed 21 River Rooms, Stour- LIGHT SAD Fri 23 Nov, CBSO: KREMERATA BALTICA Featuring GUZ KHAN, DANE BAPTISTE, BA- Nov, The Robin, Bil- bridge The Mill Digbeth, Birm- Gidon Kremer (violin / director). Pro- BATUNDE, DARREN HARRIOTT, QUINCY & ston ingham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat gramme includes works by Desyat- AURIE STYLA Sun 25 Nov, The Glee THE DEAD DAISIES Wed THE STAFFORDSHIRE 24 Nov, The Robin, Bil- nikov, Bach-Busoni, Weinberg & Club, Birmingham 21 Nov, O2 Institute, BAND Fri 23 Nov, For- ston Schubert, Sat 24 Nov, Birmingham Birmingham est Arts Centre, Wal- NOTHING BUT THIEVES Town Hall YOU WIN AGAIN Wed 21 sall Sat 24 Nov, O2 BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: BRILLIANT Nov, Prince Of Wales RALPH MCTELL Fri 23 Academy, Birmingham BACH Featuring Paul Spicer (conduc- Theatre, Cannock Nov, Birmingham THE JAPANESE HOUSE tor), Simon Ponsford (countertenor), Theatre BLANCMANGE Thurs 22 Town Hall Sat 24 Nov, O2 Insti- Daniel Auchincloss (tenor), Julian THE FULL MONTY Simon Beaufoy’s Nov, The Robin, Bil- tute, Birmingham Debreuil (bass), The Musical & Ami- STRICTLY ABBA Fri 23 award-winning stage play, starring ston PEACE cable Society Orchestra & Martyn Nov, Theatre On The Sat 24 Nov, O2 Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis Em- Institute, Birmingham Rawles (organ), Sat 24 Nov, St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham erick, Joe Gill, Kai Owen & James FAITH - THE GEORGE Redmond, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Nov, Re- MICHAEL LEGACY Sat RODERICK WILLIAMS (BARITONE) & gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent SUSIE ALLAN (PIANO) Programme in- 24 Nov, Sutton Cold- FAME THE MUSICAL The 30th anniver- field Town Hall cludes works by Elgar, Gurney, But- terworth, Finzi & Vaughan Williams, sary tour, starring Keith Jack, Mica BIG GIRLS DONT CRY Sat 24 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Paris and Jorgie Porter, Mon 19 - Sat Sat 24 Nov, Prince Of Rooms, South Shropshire 24 Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, Wales, Cannock Birmingham INSTRUMENTAL GALA CONCERT Featur- WALTER TROUT Sun 25 ing Alex Tighe (flute choir conduc- PSYCHIC SALLY 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Nov, The Robin, Bil- tor), Bedwyn Phillips (clarinet choir TOUR Tues 20 Nov, Festival Drayton ston conductor), Sabrino Ko, Benedict Centre, Market Drayton, North SILENT PLANET Sun 25 Goodall (string orchestra conduc- Shropshire Nov, The Asylum, tors). Programme includes works by DRACULA European premiere of a Oysterband - The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Elgar, Warlock & Holst, Sat 24 Nov, brand new stage adaptation of Bram 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 19-25 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 13:50 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 November

Stoker’s gothic horror story, Tues 20 - FEMALE HUMAN ANIMAL (15) CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Festive day Sat 24 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Kids Shows Mystery/Romance. Starring Chloe out with a chocolatey twist and the Theatre Aridjis, Marc Hosemann. MAC, Birm- chance to see Father Christmas in his SLEEPYHEAD Little Angel Theatre fuse ingham, Thurs 22 Nov very own stage show, Sat 24 - Sun 25 ‘magic, circus, a dollop of silliness UTØYA - JULY 22 tbc Drama/Thriller. Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham and plenty of laughs’ in a show for Starring Andrea Berntzen, Aleksander BABY TO TODDLER From the organisers young audiences, Tues 20 Nov - Sun Holmen. Foreign language, subtitled. of The Baby Show, Baby To Toddler 2 Dec, MAC, Birmingham Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 22 Nov is for parents and parents-to-be, Sat A SIMPLE FAVOR (15) Comedy/Crime. 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Starring Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively. WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 23 Nov HIBITION The 51st annual Warley THE RIDER (15) Drama/Western. Star- show and the 26th national event at HEART OF DARKNESS Joseph Conrad's Dance the NEC, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, classic story of lies and brutal greed, ring Brady Jandreau, Mooney. Lud- AUTUMN DANCE FESTIVAL 2018 Birmingham transported to a forsaken Europe and Mon 19 low Assembly Rooms, South presented as a tale for our time. Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Shropshire, Fri 23 Nov MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON The ulti- Think Apocalypse Now meets The THE NUTCRACKER BRB presents its an- mate pop-culture experience returns for a weekend of geeky goodness! Road meets Double Indemnity, Tues nual staging of Sir Peter Wright’s NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 20 - Sat 24 Nov, The REP, B’ham world famous festive production, Fri Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, NEC, B’ham 23 Nov - Thurs 13 Dec, Birmingham Released from Wed 21 Nov, showing CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME A celebration SWEENEY TODD Five Towers Theatre at selected cinemas present an amateur staging of Hippodrome of festive domestic bliss, complete Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning A DECADE OF DANCE Annual show from ROBIN HOOD (12a) with a selection of seasonal activities musical, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Nov, Stoke the Aimee Louise School of Dance, THE GIRL IN THE SPIDER'S WEB (tbc) to enjoy, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Crescent The- ASSASSINATION NATION (tbc) atre, Birmingham SANTA HUNTS A surprise gift awaits AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES Wed 21 NATIVITY ROCKS! (tbc) Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- anybody who succeeds in finding under-Lyme NOBODY'S FOOL (tbc) Father Christmas, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Black Country Living Museum, ONCE UPON A WEDNESDAY: TIM RALPHS, Dudley REBRANDING BEELZEBUB Storytelling for adults, as Tim presents innovative THE 2018 BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL re-imaginings of traditional tales, Wed Film Events TATTOO Britain’s biggest event of its 21 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: kind, featuring more than 1,000 per- NITRO CIRCUS YOU GOT THIS TOUR Fea- formers and culminating in a ‘spec- Burton-upon-Trent A STAR IS BORN (15) Drama/Music. turing Travis Pastrana and the best tacular grand finale’, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Starring Lady Gaga and Bradley DECLARATION Play examining the sub- athletes in FMX, BMX, Scooter and Nov, Arena Birmingham Cooper. Festival Drayton Centre, Mar- ject of having differences, and con- Inline, including multiple X Games ket Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri 23 CHRISTMAS MARKET Crafts, gifts and templating the faces we wear to fit in, medalists and several Nitro World Thurs 22 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolver- Nov food from local producers, Sat 24 - Games champions, Tues 20 Nov, Sun 25 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, Nor- hampton THE BROMLEY BOYS (PG) Comedy. Arena Birmingham ton, Shropshire Starring Martine McCutcheon, Alan THE BELIEVERS ARE BUT BROTHERS A CREATE CHRISTMAS Series of special Davies. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Featuring bold show exploring the smoke-and- courses to learn a new skill and also mirrors world of online extremism, 19 Nov more than 70 local artists, food pro- to tick off a few gifts on your shop- ducers and craftspeople, Sat 24 - anonymity and hate speech, Thurs 22 THE GUERNSEY LITERARY AND POTATO ping list, Tues 20 - Thurs 29 Nov, Sun 25 Nov, Dudmaston Estate, - Fri 23 Nov, The Patrick Studio, Birm- PEEL PIE SOCIETY (12a) Drama/History. Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire ingham Hippodrome Starring Jessica Brown Findlay, Tom Shropshire Courtenay. Edge Arts Centre, Much MEET SANTA Visit the North Pole of the JACK THE GIANT SHRINKER Masque REEL ROCK WORLD TOUR Collection of Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 19 city in the Antarctic Ice Cave, meet Theatre Company fuse magic and climbing and adventure movies from mayhem in Sue Waters’ festive show, Nov the man himself and check out the some of the world’s best adventure cheeky Gentoo penguins in the Ice Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Nov, Mitchell Arts DARKEST HOUR (PG) filmmakers, Fri 23 Nov, Crescent The- Adventure area, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 23 Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- atre, Birmingham Dec, National Sea Life Centre, B’ham man, Lily James. Forest Arts Centre, THE BROKEN TRUCE Stourbridge The- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO atre Company present a play by local Walsall, Tues 20 Nov WINTER WONDERLAND Visit Santa in BACKS Hear stories about the people his snow-capped log cabin, walk writer David Morris, commemorating WESTERN (PG) Drama. Starring Mein- who called Court 15 home for over through ice mountain, take a spin on the centenary of the World War One hard Neumann, Reinhardt Wetrek. 160 years, Fri 23 Nov, Birmingham the winter carousel and enjoy a armistice, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Nov, Foreign language, subtitled. Stoke Back to Backs sleigh ride, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 23 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall Film Theatre, Tues 20 Nov ARROWS OF TIME Celebration of the Wonderland, Telford, Shropshire SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN UGLY BAS- CUSTODY (15) Drama. Starring Léa 55th anniversary of the first broadcast SANTA TRAINS Visit Santa’s home at TARDS Rude, crude fun and frolics. Drucker, Denis Ménochet. Foreign of Dr Who, Fri 23 Nov, Thinktank Sci- the North Pole, meet his elves and The production is restricted to over- language, subtitled. Foxlowe Arts ence Museum, Birmingham reindeer, decorate gingerbread men 18s only, Fri 23 - Sat 24 Nov, The Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 20 Nov Wightman, Shrewsbury MAKE A WOODEN ELF WORKSHOP Get with Mrs Claus and then say hi to the THE WIFE (15) Drama. Starring Chris- into the festive spirit and create an elf big man himself in his grotto, Sat 24 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST: A MUSICAL tian Slater, Glenn Close. Wem Town decoration for your home or garden, Nov - Sun 23 Dec, Statfold Barn Rail- PARODY Fat Rascal Theatre explore Hall, North Shrops, Tues 20 & Thurs Sat 24 Nov, Attingham Park, Shrews- way, Tamworth whether fairytales really can come 22 Nov bury true - even when the princess doesn’t CHRISTMAS NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the VENOM (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring quite fit the slipper, Sat 24 Nov - Sun CREATE A CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH Sat stars and visit the live Nativity scene Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams. Festi- 2 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- 24 Nov, Birmingham Back to Backs in the farmyard barns, Sat 24 Nov - val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, inghan GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Tues 1 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, North Shropshire, Wed 21 Nov Kidderminster THE WIZARD OF OZ Follow the yellow Featuring designer-makers from THE LONELINESS OF THE LONG DISTANCE brick road to the Emerald City this across the West Midlands, plus local SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a RUNNER (12) Drama. Starring Michael Christmas, Sat 24 Nov - Sun 13 Jan, fine food producers and retailers, Sat magical festive sleepover at one Redgrave, Tom Courtenay. The Hive, The REP, Birmingham 24 - Sun 25 Nov, Enginuity Museum, Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 25 Shrewsbury, Wed 21 Nov Ironbridge, Shropshire Nov, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:14 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:14 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Friday 30 November EMANUEL SONUBI Fri 30 Nov, The Gigs Classical Comedy Loft, Birmingham CLEAN CUT KID Mon 26 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Music Birmingham QUATOUR AROD Featuring Jordan Vic- Theatre CHRISTINE AND THE toria & Alexandre Vu (violins), Tan- QUEENS Mon 26 Nov, guy Parisot (viola) & Samy Rachid WEST SIDE STORY A West Bromwich O2 Academy, B’ham (cello). Programme includes Haydn, Operatic Society production, presented to celebrate their 80th an- JAMIE ISAAC Mon 26 Webern, Benjamin Attahir & Schu- niversary and Leonard Bernstein's Nov, Hare & Hounds, mann, Mon 26 Nov, Birmingham centenary, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LAZULI Mon 26 Nov, CBSO: BUCHBINDER PLAYS BRAHMS A CHRISTMAS CAROL Patrick Barlow’s The Robin, Bilston Featuring Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & Rudolf Buchbinderė adaptation of Dickens’ festive ghost RALEIGH RITCHIE Mon (piano). Programme includes works story, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, The 26 Nov, O2 Institute, by Brahms & Tchaikovsky, Tues 27 Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE MOUNTAINTOP Award-winning LTJ Bukem - The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury CHILDREN OF ZEUS CASTALIAN QUARTET Featuring Sini Si- play taking an intimate look at the Tues 27 Nov, Hare & quieter moments in Dr Martin Luther O2 Institute, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham monen & Daniel Roberts (violin), Hounds, Birmingham Charlotte Bonneton (viola) & Christo- King's life, Tues 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, KIOKO Wed 28 Nov, O2 DAVE ONIONS Thurs 29 BERNIE TORME Tues 27 pher Graves (cello), Wed 28 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Nov, The Robin, Bil- The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- Stourbridge ston WAYWARD SONS + ham Conservatoire DOOMSDAY OUTLAW YEARS & YEARS Fri 30 MILES KANE Tues 27 ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Wed 28 Nov, The Sug- Nov, Arena B’ham Nov, O2 Institute, WIND & BRASS ENSEMBLES Pro- armill, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham RÜFÜS DU SOL + gramme includes works by Stravin- PAUL SMITH Tues 27 DAMANEK AND SOUTH- ICARUS + ZOLA BLOOD sky, Ruth Gipps, Anna Meredith & Nov, Mama Roux’s, ERN EMPIRE Thurs 29 Fri 30 Nov, The Mill Michael Daugherty, Thurs 29 Nov, Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bil- Digbeth, Birmingham The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- ston KATIE MELUA & GORI ham Conservatoire HUDSON TAYLOR Tues INTO THE WOODS Little Theatre Com- RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS WOMEN’S CHOIR Fri 30 27 Nov, O2 Institute, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE pany presents its version of Stephen Thurs 29 Nov, Birming- Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SYMPHONIC BRASS & BRASS BAND Sondheim’s classic musical, Tues 27 ham Town Hall Birmingham Featuring Amos Miller & Ian Port- MS. LAURYN HILL Tues Nov - Sat 1 Dec, The Brewhouse house (conductors). Programme in- 27 Nov, Arena B’ham THEA GILMORE: ACOUS- UB40 - LABOUR OF LOVE Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent TIC CHRISTMAS PARTY Fri 30 Nov, The River cludes works by Rautavaara, A KICK IN THE BAUBLES Tower Players MAGNUM Wed 28 Nov, Thurs 29 Nov, MAC, Rooms, Stourbridge Janacek & Tchaikovsky, Fri 30 Nov, presents its version of Gordon The Robin, Bilston Birmingham The Bradshaw Hall, Royal Birming- TESSERACT Fri 30 Nov, Steel’s Christmas comedy, Wed 28 - PAUL WALKER & KAREN ham Conservatoire THE BURNING HELL, O2 Institute, B’ham Fri 30 Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, PFEIFFER Wed 28 Nov, GROTBAGS & NINE DART CAPTAIN STINGRAY Fri Cannock The Red Lion Folk FINISH Thurs 29 Nov, 30 Nov, Albert's Shed THE EXPLODED CIRCUS All-female con- Club, Birmingham The Sunflower Bar, Shrewsbury temporary circus company Mimbre ARKELLS Wed 28 Nov, Lounge, Birmingham Comedy blend physicality and narrative to tell Hare & Hounds, Birm- LTJ BUKEM Fri 30 Nov, KIRAN LEONARD Thurs JASPER CARROTT & ALISTAIR MC- intimate stories about human con- ingham The Buttermarket, 29 Nov, Hare & Shrewsbury GOWAN Mon 26 - Tues 27 Nov New nections, Wed 28 - Fri 30 Nov, The PETE TONG & THE HER- Hounds, Birmingham Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- THE LITTLE UNSAID Fri ITAGE ORCHESTRA PER- KINDRED THE FAMILY JOE LYCETT Tues 27 Nov, Symphony upon-Trent FORM IBIZA CLASSICS 30 Nov, Foxlowe Arts SOUL & CONYA DOSS Hall, Birmingham CINDERELLA Festive rags-to-riches Wed 28 Nov, Arena Centre, Staffordshire Thurs 29 Nov, Hare & tale starring Wally Wombat & Andy Birmingham SCRUFFYFEST 2018! Fri TOM ALLEN Wed 28 Nov, Oakengates Hounds, Birmingham Monk, Wed 28 - Fri 30 Nov, Stour- 30 Nov, Scruffy Mur- Theatre at The Place, Telford, Shrop- SHAME Wed 28 Nov, bridge Town Hall AS IT IS Thurs 29 Nov, phys, Birmingham shire MOTHER GOOSE Brad Fitt returns to Damehood in what promises to be another egg-cellent production, Wed 28 Nov - Sun 6 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury MID WALES OPERA: A SPANISH HOUR Ravel’s exhilarating one-act bed- room farce, Thurs 29 Nov, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire SHERLOCK HOLMES: SIGN OF FOUR MIKE WILMOT & JIMMY MCGHIE PLUS Blackeyed Theatre world-premiere COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- their version of Arthur Conan Doyle’s SON Thurs 29 Nov, The Glee Club, famous tale, Thurs 29 Nov - Sat 1 Birmingham Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton CHRISTIAN REILY & KEITH CARTER OH! WHAT A LOVELY WAR Community Thurs 29 Nov, Station Hotel, Dudley production of Joan Littlewood’s fa- JOSH JONES, CRAIG MURRAY, SARAH mous musical, presented by Stoke CALLAGHAN & MIKE WILMOT Fri 30 Creative Learning, Thurs 29 Nov - Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Sat 1 Dec, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Years And Years - Arena Birmingham CHARLIE BAKER, ROGER MONKHOUSE, Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 26-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2018 15:14 Page 3

Monday 26 - Friday 30 November

OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS DICK WHITTINGTON Garrick panto favourites Sam Rabone and Ben 26 OCT Thornton are joined by CBeebies star Katrina Bryan, Thurs 29 Nov - Sat 5 Jan, Lichfield Garrick CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Nostalgic evening of Christmas songs & carols from Neil Sands and his West STARRING End cast, Fri 30 Nov, The BOBBY Place@Oakengates Theatre, DAVRO Telford, Shropshire THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL Physical comedy, live music and visual story- 26 OCT telling combine in a retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, Fri 30 Nov, The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, North Shropshire CASTLE PLAYER’S CHRISTMAS EXTRAV- AGANZA ‘Sketches, skits, song, Mimbre: The Exploded Circus I USED dance, silliness, merriment and a TO HEAR truckload of Christmas spirit!’, Fri 30 The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, FOOTSTEPS Nov, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Cas- Wed 28 - Fri 30 Nov tle, Shropshire If you fancy seeing a theatre work that’s more than a little un- 29 OCT usual, look no further than The Exploded Circus. A wordless presentation featuring an all-female cast of six, the remnants of a big-top tent caught in mid-air, and impressive displays of acro- Kids Show batics, aerial feats and masterful juggling, the production is set AWFUL AUNTIE David Walliams’ tale in a moment where an explosion has been frozen in time, with of frights, fights and friendship, Tues everything from circus ring to fairground horses suspended ROBIN WINDSOR 27 Nov - Sat 1 Dec, Alexandra The- above ground. The show is presented by London-based acro- THE FAREWELL atre, Birmingham batic company Mimbre and visits the Midlands as part of a tour TOUR to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the circus.

31 OCT Talks Johnny Flynn, Jessie Buckley. Edge MAC, Birmingham, Fri 30 Nov Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Mon 26 THE APPARITION (12a) Drama. Star- AN EVENING SHARED WITH JASPER Nov CARROTT & ALISTAIR MCGOWAN Mon ring Vincent Lindon, Galatéa Bel- 26 - Tues 27 Nov, New Vic Theatre, TOGETHER (12a) Drama. Starring lugi. Foreign language, subtitled. Newcastle-under-Lyme Sylvia Syms, Peter Bowles. Number Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Shrops, 8, Pershore, Worcs, Mon 26 - Tues Fri 30 Nov DRACULA BENEDICT ALLEN The adventurer/ex- 27 Nov THE BLOODY plorer tells of his recent adventure - THE FLORIDA PROJECT (15) Drama. TRUTH a solo expedition to Papua New UTOYA: JULY 22 (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring Brooklynn Prince, Bria Guinea, Tues 27 Nov, Birmingham Starring Andrea Berntzen, Alek- Vinaite. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri Town Hall sander Holmen. Foreign language, 30 Nov 2 NOV subtitled. MAC, Birmingham, Mon 26 & Wed 28 Nov MONTY PYTHON & THE HOLY GRAIL Dance (12a) Comedy/Fantasy. Starring Gra- ham Chapman, John Cleese. MAC, Events HANSEL & GRETEL Uchenna Dance Birmingham, Tues 27 Nov present a contemporary retelling of MEET SANTA Visit the North Pole of SWEET COUNTRY (15) Crime/Drama. JANE EYRE: the classic fairytale, combining New the city in the Antarctic Ice Cave, AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY York club styles of house, waacking Starring Bryan Brown, Luka Magde- meet the man himself and check out and vogue with African and contem- line Cole. Foxlowe Arts Centre, the cheeky Gentoo penguins in the porary dance, Fri 30 Nov - Sat 1 Leek, Staffs, Tues 27 Nov Ice Adventure area, until Sun 23 8 - 10 NOV Dec, The Patrick Studio, Birming- JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN (PG) Dec, National Sea Life Centre ham Hippodrome Comedy. Starring Rowan Atkinson, CERAMIC ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS Emma Thompson. Festival Drayton Brand new workshops for adults, Centre, Market Drayton, Shrops, Wed 28 Nov, Coalport China Mu- Tues 27 Nov seum, Telford, Shropshire Film THE TROUBLE WITH HARRY (PG) Com- REINDEER BY NIGHT Experience the edy/Mystery. Starring John magic of Blithbury Reindeer Lodge SHERLOCK INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: HOLMES - THE Forsythe, Shirley MacLaine. Mitchell in the nighttime, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 SIGN OF FOUR FIRST MAN (12a) Biography/Drama. Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 27 Nov, Blithbury Reindeer Lodge, Starring Ryan Gosling, Claire Foy. Nov Rugeley, Staffs Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 26 Nov; DISTANT VOICES, STILL LIVES (15) BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER Sam- BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Wem Town Hall, North Shrops, Mon Drama/Music. Starring Pete ples to try and products to buy as www.lichfieldgarrick.com 26 - Tues 27 Nov; Festival Drayton Postlethwaite, Freda Dowie. Num- the BBC Good Food Show makes a Centre, Market Drayton, Shrops, Fri ber 8, Pershore, Worcs, Wed 28 Nov welcome return, Thurs 29 Nov - Sun LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, 30 Nov LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR WIDOWS (15) Drama/Thriller. Starring 2 Dec, NEC, Birmingham BEAST (15) Drama/Mystery. Starring Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez. 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Dinner Parties What's On Ad.qxp_Layout 1 19/10/2018 11:47 Page 1

CHRISTMAS

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Don’t miss our fun-filled, family pantomime starring Shropshire's favourite Dame, the egg-cellent BRAD FITT. Early booking recommended! ★★★★★ ‘ THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!’ loveshrewsbury.com ‘BRAD FITT IS QUITE SIMPLY THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS’ What’s On Shropshire