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DANNYNNY MACMAC Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands IN THE MIDLANDSMIDLANDS WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S NOVEMBER ON 2017

Worcestershire ISSUE 383 NOVEMBER 2017 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On worcestershirewhatson.co.uko.uk PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

TamLEAF Tam Theatre bring show and play to Bromsgrove TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS

JuliaSTICK Donaldson’s MAN children’s classic visits Malvern FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWORCESTERSHIRE

ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK returns to the NEC (IFC) Worcestershire.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 11:34 Page 1 Contents November Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:29 Page 2

November 2017

Contents

The Hairy Bikers - cook up a treat at the BBC Good Food Show - page 49

Alison Moyet Patrick Monahan The Stick Man the list

stops off at Warwick Arts Centre headlines the Desi Central children’s favourite visits Your 16-page to promote new album Other Comedy Show at the Belgrade Malvern Theatres week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 23 page 30 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 22. Comedy 24. Theatre 40. Film 44. Visual Arts 47. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwickshire_Worcs November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:37 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

African arts celebrated in Midlands festival A holistic celebration of the arts, culture and artists of Africa is taking place in Birmingham this month. BASS2017: This Is Africa features performances by artists both from the continent itself and from the UK. Commenting on the month-long programme of events, organiser Ammo Talwar MBE, CEO of Punch Records, said: “We are proud of this year’s BASS presentation, our 12th installment of the series. The African arts scene is enjoying phenomenal success right now, and it’s great that we can focus on what’s happening in the present rather than just celebrate the achievements of past days. “The programme is varied and shines a deserved spotlight on a wide range of disciplines - from art to music through to comedy and debate - all done from a 21st century African perspective.” BASS2017: This Is Africa takes place at various venues across the city from Wednesday 1 to Saturday 25 November.

A life spent in the realm of Bourne’s blockbuster discover the world of Arendelle with Frozen. To be the first to introduce the Frozen story Madness for Suggs ballet Birmingham-bound live on ice, and to be entrusted with the Madness frontman Suggs is visiting the Mid- Matthew Bourne’s highly acclaimed ballet beloved Toy Story characters is incredible, lands with a brand new show in the spring. version of Cinderella is heading to the Mid- and we’re thrilled to be bringing these heart- After selling out his previous touring produc- lands on tour. warming tales to families across the globe.” tion, My Life Story, he makes a welcome re- The hit show, which is being produced by turn at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre Bourne’s company, New Adventures, sees the on Sunday 11 March. classic fairytale being reimagined as a World Worcestershire exhibition Suggs: What A King Cnut takes a lighthearted War Two romance. commemorates the Great look at a career that’s featured plenty of “Cinderella is one of my most heartfelt works War’s Charge at Huj memorable moments for the veteran per- and a personal favourite amongst my reimag- former, including experiencing vertigo on the ined classic stories,” says Matthew. “I’m Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery is host- roof of Buckingham Palace, nearly blowing thrilled to see another generation of the New ing a special exhibition to commemorate an the closing ceremony of the Olympics and Adventures company’s dancers take on this event which took place 100 years ago this watching his underpants fall to earth on beloved production.” month. David Bowie’s driveway. Cinderella shows at Birmingham Hippo- The Charge at Huj on 8 November 1917 in- Tickets for the show can be purchased at at- drome from Tuesday 6 to Saturday 10 Febru- volved a small cavalry force assembled from gtickets.com/birmingham or by phoning ary. Visit birminghamhippodrome.com or the Warwickshire Yeomanry and Worcester- 0844 871 3011. ring 0844 338 5000 to book tickets. shire Yeomanry. The soldiers charged a ridgeline to the south of the village of Huj, Palestine, where a Worlds Of Enchantment mixed force of German, Austrian and Turkish as Disney returns artillery and machine guns were positioned to stem the advance of the British 60th Divi- Life-sized animated characters from Cars and sion. For more information about the exhibi- live adaptations of Toy Story 3, The Little tion, visit ww1worcestershire.co.uk Mermaid and the Academy Award-winning Frozen will be among the highlights when Disney On Ice brings its Worlds Of Enchant- Virtuoso violinist turns to ment production to Birmingham’s Genting Gershwin in Malvern Arena next year (28 March - 1 April). Com- Nigel Kennedy performs twice at Malvern menting on the upcoming show, producers Theatre next month. The virtuoso violinist is Kenneth and Nicole Feld said: “Worlds Of En- presenting the UK premiere of a brand new chantment connects classic and new Disney project in which he reinterprets the work of stories. Audiences will be blown away in Ra- American composer George Gershwin. diator Springs when they encounter the un- Kennedy’s Malvern concerts, on Wednesday forgettable crew of animated cars, built ‘to 6 & Thursday 7 December, will also see him scale’ and live on ice. They will see their all- perform pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, as time favourites like The Little Mermaid and well as some of his own compositions. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire_Worcs November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:37 Page 2

First Word

The Snowman Ancient Rome brought visits the cathedral to life in RSC’s Stratford Coventry Cathedral will next shows month host screenings of two The thrilling world of Ancient Rome is being enchanting films accompanied vividly brought to life by the Royal Shakespeare by a live orchestra (Saturday 9 Company (RSC) this month. Playwright Mike December). Poulton, whose RSC adaptations of Hilary Man- A collection of top musicians tel’s Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies garnered will perform Howard Blake’s widespread critical acclaim, has penned stage famous soundtrack to Ray- versions of Robert Harris’ bestselling Cicero Tril- mond Briggs’ The Snowman, ogy. RSC Associate Artist Richard McCabe stars with Walking In The Air being as Cicero, with the Company’s Artistic Director, sung by a local child soloist. Gregory Doran, helming both plays - Conspirator They will also perform the (from 16 November) and Dictator (from 23 No- soundtrack to the Joanna Lum- vember). The plays are performed for a final time ley-narrated The Bear And The on 10 February. Piano, an exclusive animated film version of David Litch- field’s award-winning book. A rousing overture, an intro- Photo project introduces rapher and anthropologist Liz Hingley, questions duction to the orchestra and a the importance and impact of ownership, per- visit from the event’s very own Syrians to Coventry sonal experience and cultural concepts of Snowman add to the fun. An exhibition opening next month at Coventry’s beauty. The show is suitable for chil- Herbert Art Gallery & Museum has been created The Syrians featured in Hingley’s display have dren aged three-plus. with the intention of introducing recently arrived come to Coventry as part of a unique United Na- Syrians to the people of the city. tions programme. Sacred Things, showcasing the work of photog- The exhibition shows at the Herbert from 1 De- Stratford wassail cember to 11 February. set to celebrate Twelfth Night The Royal Shakespeare Com- A sleepover Santas needed for Midlands fundraiser pany is holding a Stratford- with Santa in Acorns Children’s Hospice is holding its 10th anniversary Santa Run at upon-Avon wassail on 6 Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park on Saturday 2 December. January to celebrate Twelfth the castle The ever-popular event will see hundreds of participants suit-up as Father Night. Warwick Castle is this Christmas to support the charity’s work with life-limited and life-threat- Choirs from across the Mid- Christmas inviting fam- ened West Midlands children. lands will sing traditional was- ilies to take advantage Entrants are given a free fancy-dress Santa suit and can take part in either sailing songs and carols, after of its special Santa a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll. which there will be a winter Sleepover package. The Entry is £20 for adults, £10 for under-16s and includes a Santa suit and a procession and special ceilidh. experience comprises medal. To sign up for the event, visit acorns.org.uk/santa, ring 01564 82 Roughly translated as ‘be in an overnight stay - in a 5000 or contact [email protected] good health’, wassailing is an Knight's Lodge, a English tradition, taking place Woodland Lodge or a on the Twelfth Night of Christ- luxurious Tower Suite - mas, which involves singing to and a ‘feast’ of events the health of apple trees in the and attractions, includ- hope that they might yield a ing Stories With Santa good harvest. and a Winter Wedding The RSC wassail will include in the Princess Tower. four specially commissioned There’s also an Elf arrangements by ex-Bellow- wake-up call in the head member and choral morning, which comes arranger Paul Sartin. complete with a gift for The event coincides with the every child. RSC’s staging of Shakespeare’s For more information, popular comedy, Twelfth visit warwickcastle- Night. For more information breaks.com visit rsc.org.uk/wassail

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First Word

Vince Hill joins in music museum’s celebrations Coventry-born singer Vince Hill is joining the celebrations this month as the city’s Music Museum marks its fourth birthday. Vince, whose solo recording career stretches back more than half a century, will be appearing at the Knights Wine Bar on Saturday 4 November as part of the museum’s Sounding Off series, in which curator Pete Chambers interviews local Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre sets record artists about their careers. for audience numbers The Coventry Belgrade Theatre’s audience numbers proud of the success we’ve achieved over the past Poetry comp to are now at their highest ever level, with more than year and would like to thank all our staff, support- raise funds for 176,000 tickets sold during the last financial year. ers and, most of all, audience members, who are in- local charities In 2016-17, the Belgrade produced and presented creasing their support so that ticket sales are the over 500 performances of 133 productions. Over highest numbers we’ve ever seen. As a registered Writers in the West Mid- 44% of the tickets sold for shows went to residents charity, all the money raised and earned through lands are being offered the of priority postcode areas. More then 40% were of- ticket sales and our commercial activities is rein- chance to get their poetry fered at a concessionary price to disabled patrons, vested in the work that we do, allowing us to con- published while raising children, the unemployed, senior citizens and Pass- tinue to produce excellent theatre productions and money to support two chari- port To Leisure holders. impact more lives through our community and edu- ties in Coventry and War- Commenting on the statistics, Joanna Reid, Execu- cation programme.” wickshire. Proceeds from tive Director of the Belgrade, said: “We’re hugely the poetry-writing project will be shared by Coventry Refugee & Migrant Centre Ghostly goings on at and Rugby’s Clever Fox New Warwickshire Press. The Write A Bridge visitor pass launched Kenilworth Castle in Poetry competition closes Warwickshire destination management organi- collection of new stories on 14 November. For full de- tails about the initiative, sation Shakespeare’s England has announced English Heritage has published a collection of new visit writeabridge.com. the launch of the region’s very first visitor pass. ghost stories - including one which is set in War- Valid at a total of 19 different local attractions, wickshire’s Kenilworth Castle. the new Explorer Pass has been created to offer The spinetingling tale has been written by award- Ragley Hall to visitors ‘exceptional value for money’. winning author Kamila Shamsie, who visited the host Classic Ibiza With options available for use over one, two or castle before penning her contribution to Eight three days, the pass can be purchased in ad- Ghosts: The English Heritage Book Of New Ghost Warwickshire’s Ragley Hall vance and then shown at the admission desk of Stories. “When I was 15, there was no historical fig- will next year host a concert each destination visited. ure who intrigued me more, and whom I read more featuring some of the Commenting on the new initiative, Helen Peters, about, than Elizabeth I,” says Kamila. “One of the biggest dance tracks from Chief Executive of Shakespeare’s England, said: most appealing parts of her story to an adolescent the last 20 years. “We want to encourage visitors to explore fur- was, of course, the love story with the Earl of Leices- Presented in association ther afield, seeing ter, in which Kenilworth Castle played such an im- with dance music pioneers attractions they portant role. So when I saw the name of Kenilworth Ministry of Sound, Classic may not have among all the English Ibiza takes place at the thought to visit, as Heritage properties I venue on Saturday 7 July. well as staying might use as a setting For further details about the longer to experi- for my ghost story, event and to book tickets, ence the very best there really wasn’t any visit classicibiza.co.uk or that our region has question of even look- call the event box office on to offer.” ing any further.” 01283 841601. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire_Worcs November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:37 Page 4 Ed Gamble DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:48 Page 1

“I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I? ”

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Ed Gamble DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:48 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid TAKING A GAMBLE rising standup star Ed Gamble is a good bet if you’re on the lookout for laughs...

After crashing into Warwick Arts Centre with were there to support the venues - people “Coldplay face” with his passion for heavy debut solo tour Stampede last year, rising coming for a night of comedy at their local metal. standup star Ed Gamble is back on the road arts centre rather than for a night of me. “This year the show is sort of about my with a Mammoth new creation that promises “And I’m proud of this show. I think it’s by far perception of myself versus other people’s to be even bigger and better than his last. the best one I’ve written so far - as it should perceptions of me, and there’s a lot about Ahead of its arrival in Coventry this month, be. I also really like the touring format of how I’ve attempted to recreate myself and we spoke to Ed to find out more about this doing it in two halves. Edinburgh is great for how it doesn’t really work. As for looking like ‘lumbering beast’ of a show, and what developing shows, but when you’ve only got a metal fan, the truth is, my face won’t exactly the deal is with massive animals. 75 minutes because of time constraints, it can physically allow me to grow a big beard, and “It does sound like I’m building up to some be overly tight, and that’s not how I work having long hair is just unmanageable. I’m kind of Lion King-type trilogy, doesn’t it?” he best as a comedian. I think it’s fun to loosen too fussy to be able to deal with the middle laughs. “But in truth I think it’s just down to it up, so the material’s really growing on the stage!” the fact that you have to come up with a title tour and I’m finding new avenues and more Some of his audience might well identify very early in the life of a show. When you’re room for chatting with the audience.” with his difficulties. Back before he was booking something in at the Fringe, you have Asking questions and interacting with touring independently, he spoke about to submit a title and a summary in February, audiences has been a feature of Ed’s live having discovered that his Edinburgh even though you’re not performing until work since his days as a comedy compère, audiences were generally “clean-shaven and August. I think for most comedians it means during which time he developed a knack for punctual”. Recently, though, he seems to that the thrust and thread of the show isn’t improvisation. Reviews have described him have attracted slightly more varied crowds, necessarily in place yet, so I generally just as being at his best ‘off-book’, but as he including some “tatted up” alternative types. come up with a word I think will stand out on explains, in a full standup show, there’s a In the West Midlands at least, it’s likely he’ll the programme. fine balance to be struck between rehearsed encounter a fair few serious metal fans, who “That said, with Mammoth, I do actually material and spontaneous responses. can look forward to hearing some of his have an explanation for the title, which I talk “I could go on and do a show without talking personal favourites in the show. about during the show. Also, I think I tried a to the audience at all quite easily, so it’s only “I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of bit to capture something of the energy of a big part of my show if the audience are up my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get each tour. So Stampede was quite a fast- for it. But I think it makes it feel more live absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I? I’m a big Iron paced onslaught of stuff, whereas Mammoth, and ‘in the moment’ if you make it a unique Maiden fan as well. But I also go slightly as ridiculous as it sounds, I like to imagine as evening - otherwise people might as well be deeper into stoner and doom stuff - High On being full of slower, high-impact jokes, a bit watching a video. Fire and Kyuss and Every Time I Die. But then like a mammoth walking.” “It’s interesting. I think once you hone your Clutch are my favourite band and they’re Though Mammoth is actually his fourth skills at improvising it doesn’t feel like you’re more rock’n’roll. standup show performed without his going ‘off-book’, because you know you can “We could talk about this for hours, though I podcasting partner Ray Peacock, it’s the first do it and produce something good out of it. think it might actually put some people off one to tour the UK with 100% new material, But I do like to have everything planned out coming! But I have hand-selected quite an Stampede having opened with what he in advance - and to be honest, sometimes you impressive audience walk-in playlist, so if describes as a kind of “greatest hits” of the write stuff where you can sell it better if you you do just want to come and hear some previous two offerings. Since going solo, Ed’s make it look more improvised than it actually absolutely slamming stuff, you can come and raised his profile with numerous TV gigs, is. So I would say there’s probably some listen to the music and then leave before I appearing on panel shows like Mock The tricksy stuff going on as well!” come on.” Week, as well as starring in Almost Royal and As with previous work, Ed’s latest show writing for Greg Davies’ Man Down. draws heavily on personal experience and “It’s really nice because it feels like this time observations on everyday life. In particular, Ed Gamble plays Warwick Arts Centre, there are people who are actually coming to this time he’s discussing the crisis of identity Coventry, on Sunday 26 November. see me and half-knowing what to expect. I provoked by attempting to reconcile his think with the last tour, a lot of the audience whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Jinkx Monsoon online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 10:06 Page 1

JINKX MONSOON

We caught up with actor Jerick Hoffer - better known as RuPaul’s Drag Race winner and international drag superstar Jinkx Monsoon, who’s touring to the Midlands this month with ‘bawdy, rowdy musical comedy’ The Vaudevillians...

How did you get the idea for Jinkx I went to college for theatre. It was a my notoriety and increase my visibility as a Monsoon, Jerick - and how did you first conservative-style university where you got a drag performer, and that would then play its get started with drag? degree in theatre with a conservative-style part in enhancing my work as an actor and education. When I started there, I thought I theatre artist, which it absolutely did. The I just turned 30 this September and started would give up drag to pursue a more serious two have kind of boosted each other drag at age15. Jinkx Monsoon is mostly based and legitimate acting throughout the five years since I went on on my own mother, with heavy influence career. Part way Drag Race. from the female comedians I admire the through my college experience, I still had a lot to offer with the work that I’d done as a most, like Jennifer Saunders, Lucile Ball, How have you found the experience of drag queen, so after I graduated, I started Madeline Con - and more modern references worldwide fame since winning? like Sarah Silverman and Maria Danford. I getting female roles in theatre - very drag- adjacent roles. I realised that it wasn’t I’m kind of shocked but in a good way - there really enjoy strong female characters, so something that I had to give up to be a are so many pockets of RuPaul’s Drag Race decided to create one for myself to play. legitimate actor; it was just a tool in my fans throughout the world! Every time I travel You were already an actor and performer toolbelt that helped me as an actor. Drag and to a new city and realise we have a following before joining Drag Race. What made you theatre kind of run hand-in-hand for me. there, it’s so awe-inspiring. Fifteen years ago decide to do the show? When I realised that, I thought to myself that when I started doing drag, I never thought Drag Race would be a great way to enhance that I’d be in the place that I’m in now. I get Jinkx Monsoon online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 10:06 Page 2

to travel internationally and put on shows in which was very much a cabaret fantasy colour we want and wear contacts if we don’t foreign cities. It’s kind of surreal that I have album. This new one is a ’90s garage band want to wear glasses. Just like we’re able to fans in Reykjavik, Amsterdam and Paris! throwback, with heavy influences from the dress ourselves every day in order to express area that we live in, in Seattle, which is ourselves, gender should just be another tool What’s been your biggest source of heavily influenced by the hip grunge in our toolbelt - one which allows us to inspiration? movement of the late ’90s and early 2000s. express ourselves in the way in which we see I try and keep an open mind in terms of The music is inspired by hero artists like ourselves on the inside. I think people would where my inspiration comes from. I get a lot Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and Portishead be happier if they realised that just because from television shows. I’m kind of picky - it’s rock-inspired and ’90s grunge-inspired. you’re born with a certain set of genitalia, it when it comes to TV, but so many comedians It’s modern but with the heavy influence of doesn’t mean you have to behave the way have been creating new and wonderful albums we bought in the 1990s. society tells you to behave based on that. things lately. I also love watching cult cartoons. Animation and drag run hand-in- Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate Are you still a fan of Drag Race? hand; both are over-the-top in the same way. with in the future? Absolutely. I keep up with it as an avid fan I think a drag queen is the only real-life artist A big coup for us on this album is working and still consider it my favourite television who can mimic cartoons and get away with with Amanda Palmer, a wonderful singer- show. it. I also play a lot of video games, and that songwriter who I absolutely worship. She’s What’s been your response to Season Nine helps with inspiration singing a duet with me on the album, as well of the show? as Fred Stainer from the B-52’s and a cabaret Describe your show The Vaudevillians and artist known as Lady Riso. In the future, we’d I loved it. Every season I feel they broaden the concept behind it... like to incorporate more comedians into our the scope of the kind of drag being The show’s something we’ve been doing for work; people like Maria Banford and Devon represented. I love that Drag Race is further years, but this is the first chance we’ve had to Green, amongst many others, who I keep a embracing and welcoming different types of bring it to the UK. It’s about two vaudeville note of. drag. They had their first trans-identified stars who’re frozen alive in the 1920s due to a trans-bodied person. The trans community freak avalanche accident. Thanks to global Your successor, Bianca Del Rio, is working and the drag community have always run climate change, we thaw out and try to pick on her second full-length feature film. Is hand-in-hand, and that representation is up our tour where we left off. We put on the this something we can expect from you? being allowed on television in a way that it’s same show we did in the 1920s, only to find I was trying my best to be part of that film, never been allowed before. that our most popular music has been but due to my work schedule with this tour, it Would you approach the show differently reappropriated by pop stars throughout the wasn’t possible. It was very much a kick in if you had the chance to do it all over last century. It features ragtime, Vaudeville- the pants for me and my comedy partner, again? style covers of pop songs but put in a Nick Sahoyer. He and I used to do a web historical context, as if they’d been written show together. We used Bianca doing her No, I wouldn’t tamper with it. I think for the 1920s. So Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is second full-length film as a kick in the pants, everything fell into place exactly the way it a song we wrote about the Suffragette so it was time for us to really lean in and was supposed to. But if I went back on as the movement; Toxic by Britney Spears is a write a script for me that’s based on our winner that I am, I would try to show how homage to our friend, Marie Curie. It’s all characters. We’re talking with producers much I’ve evolved as an artist. I’d also show very tongue-in-cheek. We like to call it a fever about an inevitable Moonsoon Season movie the kind of strength and confidence I’ve dream. - that’s the name of our web show. Maybe in gained since my season. I’d bring back 2018 we’ll buckle down and work with some everything people recognise in me from my You’re working with Richard Andriessen - producers to make a Jinkx Monsoon film original time on the show but also try to add aka Major Scales - on the show, but it’s not happen. to it. the only project you’ve worked on with him. What’s the appeal of working Gender neutrality is a big thing at the What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve together? moment... learned in the world of drag? We have a very similar sense of humour. We Jinkx is very much a female, but I myself, We all need to take moments to realise when went to college together, so that’s how we Jerick Hoffer, don’t adhere to one strict we’re wrong, and to adapt and evolve. I think met, then lived together for seven years. By gender. That’s mainly because I’m a male- a part of drag is being headstrong, confident being in close proximity to each other, we bodied person who identifies with the and assured in yourself. Part of being an really melted together our minds and our feminine side of the gender spectrum. I’ve artist is being adaptive and leaving room for sense of humour. When we’re on stage grown up with so many friends who’ve growth and evolution. We all need to take together, it’s like we share one mind. The redefined gender for themselves. Because of moments to realise we don’t know everything show is scripted, but we leave time for that, I’ve made a point in the last five years of and still have a lot to learn. improv and ad-libbing. Sometimes things tearing down the idea that there are two How does Jinkx like to spend her time happen on stage that have never happened genders, that that’s all there is, and that away from the spotlight? before - a complete fluke or something due to anything in between is invalid. I believe a technical malfunction, or someone from gender is just a social contract that society Smoking weed and playing video games the audience saying something. It’s at times created to make things simpler and more like those that we both often think the same understandable - but it doesn’t have any thing and voice the thought at the same time, bearing on reality. Each individual person Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales’ The making it look like it’s been scripted even has the ability to find themselves for though it hasn’t. It speaks volumes for how themselves. If we were taught that truth at a Vaudevillians shows at Stafford we work together and the common thread younger age, people wouldn’t feel so worried Gatehouse Theatre on Sunday 5 between us. We share a very similar comedic when hearing about gender norms. I’m trying November, Birmingham Hippodrome on brain. to tear down the idea that just because you’re Sunday 19 November, Leicester’s born with certain genitalia, you have to act, Y Theatre on Saturday 25 November and Tell us about the new album, The Ginger present and behave in a certain way, simply Nottingham’s Glee Club on Tuesday 5 Snapped? because our society tells us that that’s the December. It’s a bit of a departure from our last album, norm. In reality we can dye our hair any Food November Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:52 Page 1 Food November Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:52 Page 2

Food

A taste of Italy as restaurant group opens new premises in Stratford-upon-Avon One of the UK’s leading restaurant wines, beers and cocktails. groups has opened brand new premises Commenting on the new venue, ASK in Stratford-upon-Avon. Italian Managing Director Harry Heely Boasting indoor seating for up to 120 said: “Whether guests fancy a classic and additional outdoor space for al pizza, something spicy like our fresco dining, ASK Italian has also meatballs, or a dish that’s really quite launched a new autumn menu. special - such as our purple basil pesto Highlights include Tuscan bean soup, Genovese - they will find all our dishes pumpkin arancini, purple basil pesto are freshly prepared and served up in Genovese, a range of ‘show-stopping’ a relaxed atmosphere that showcases desserts and a selection of Italian our favourite bits of Italy.”

For starters, I chose Pork and (£3), but both starters and mains Apple Croquettes (£6.50). The are fairly substantial and don’t crispy crumb outer layer hid a really need accompaniments. creamy pork inner, comple- By this point we were both get- mented by a slightly smoky ting near to full, but we forced sweetcorn & garlic mayo, cut ourselves to try the Creme Brûlée through with thin slices of sharp (£6, with, my friend noted, a apple. A total winner, as was my wonderfully brittle, crunchy top) dining partner’s Salmon & Herb and a Passionfruit & Lemon Pos- Fishcake (£7.50), presented on a set with almond crumble smooth pea puree and with a (£5.50). Although both simple yummy soft and runny poached desserts, I especially enjoyed egg. This starter is also available transferring the hollowed-out in a larger size, and it was so contents of the latter’s passion- good that, after he’d devoured it, fruit into the zingy lemon con- my mate was left wondering if he coction. really should have opted for it as I was driving, but my companion a main. was very happy with his Argen- REVIEW: The George Townhouse But such regrets were forgotten tinian Malbec (£7.70 for a 250ml once he’d started his Fillet of glass), with smaller glasses of Impeccable service and good food in Pork (£16), sourced from the wine (from an extensive list) nearby Todenham Manor Farm. starting at £4.10. wonderfully unstuffy surroundings Cooked slightly pink, the meat Service was impeccable through- was succulently tender and out the evening: friendly, polite Shipston-on-Stour, that lovely joyed the table we were offered, served with black pudding, and aiming to make everyone town on the borders of the which had two softly padded crackling (perfect both in taste feel welcome and at ease. Cotswolds, is one of my favourite banquette-style seats facing each and in density), roasted apples haunts. To be honest, I don’t re- other with cushions to cuddle up and sautéed potatoes in a chive If you want to experience good ally need any more excuses to to. cream sauce. Pork can occasion- food in wonderfully unstuffy yet pay it a visit, but The George The menu is pretty large, with ally be a bit chewy, but, not warm surroundings, this is the Townhouse might just have around 10 options for both the being able to resist stealing a place to head for, by George! given me another one. starters and the mains. On first piece, I can testify that this was Jack Rolfe With its 18th century features, appearance, the choices seem meat that just melted in the The George offers accommoda- quite simple, with the likes of mouth. Food: nnnnn Service: tion, a bar and a number of dif- Chicken Caesar salad and a 7oz My Bacon Crusted Cod (£16.95) nnnnn Ambience: ferent dining spaces. On the beefburger among the came with rosemary-garlic pota- nnnnn Overall value night that my friend and I vis- options. You might be forgiven toes, wilted spinach and white nnnnn OVERALL ited, we were seated in The for thinking this is rudimentary butter sauce. The delicate taste nnnnn Pantry, The George’s main eating fare, but I’m pleased to report of the fish was offset by the salti- area. Dark wooden tables with that Head Chef Matthew Hiscoe The George Townhouse ness of the bacon crust, which 8 High Street mismatched (but high quality) has created dishes that are well also gave the dish a pleasing chairs and exposed brickwork put together, delightfully unpre- Shipston-on-Stour ‘rough’ texture. To up the veg- Warwickshire CV36 4AJ created a cosy and welcoming tentious and, above all, very etable stakes, we added a side Tel: 01608 661453 ambience. We particularly en- tasty. order of tender stem broccoli

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Food

Drink expo showcases best of Warwickshire A food and drink expo featuring over 200 businesses is taking place in War- wickshire this month. Held at Warwickshire Golf & Country Club on Wednesday 22 November, the event will see businesses large and small showcasing the region’s wide- ranging excellence in the food and drink sector. The expo will bring together the best of Warwickshire’s local producers, provid- ing the perfect opportunity to connect with potential suppliers. Leamington celebrates all things cheese The UK's best cheese traders are this month paying Leamington Spa a visit as part of Cheese Fest UK. Featuring melted raclette, halloumi fries, cheese wheels, mozzarella sticks, mac’n’cheese and plenty more, the event takes place at Leamington As- Kenilworth eatery retains its Michelin star in 2018 Guide sembly on 4 November. Warwickshire restaurant The Cross has retained its Michelin star for a fourth year running. The Kenilworth eatery is described by the 2018 Michelin Guide as a "smartly furnished pub with Midlands steak house eager, welcoming staff”. The guide continues: “Skilfully executed, classical cooking uses prime wins top award for a seasonal ingredients, and dishes not only look impressive but taste good too.” The award-winning restaurant is owned by Andreas Antona, who also owns the Michelin-starred third year running Simpsons restaurant in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Birmingham’s premier independent The Cross started out as an inn way back in the 19th century and was recently refurbished to reveal steak restaurant, Anderson’s Bar & its original features. It’s the only eatery in Warwickshire to boast Michelin-star status. Grill, has been named Restaurant Of The Year West Midlands for the third year running at the 2017 Food Awards Midlands restaurant’s latest menu reaches new heights England. With a strong commitment to offering Birmingham’s highest restaurant - Rofuto Sky British-reared, quality, rare breed beef, Bar, located at the top of the Park Regis Hotel the restaurant’s winning streak has on Broad Street - has added over 25 new dishes also seen them named ‘best steak to its menu, in celebration of a fantastic first house’ at the 2017 Midlands Food, year on the city’s food scene. Drink & Hospitality Awards. Sticking to its popular Japanese Izakaya concept, Rofuto’s new menu features sharer plates and tapas-style servings, as well as all the old favourites. The new-look menu includes a seafood sharer with whole grilled lobster, Pan Asian-inspired salads, teriyaki grilled salmon, tempura king prawns and a one-kilogramme Tomahawk steak, fresh from the charcoal- fuelled Robata grill. Rofuto’s General Manager, Anthony Trueman, commented: “We sit at the top of the Birmingham food & drink scene, both literally and figuratively, and we’re positive that these changes will ensure we continue to be a five- star destination for dinner and cocktails.”

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Gigs

Remi Harris Project Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Fri 24 November Playing an eclectic mix of original composi- tions, jazz standards and new arrangements of music from artists such as Django Rein- hardt, Jimi Hendrix and Wes Montgomery, The Remi Harris Project take gypsy swing characteristics and infuse them with influ- ences from jazz, blues, rock’n’roll, funk, world music and more.

Urban Folk Quartet Middle-Eastern melodies to afrobeat and north Indian rhythms. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 24 November That’s not to say, though, that they don’t The Urban Folk Quartet are like no other also tug their collective forelock in the direc- folk band. With Birmingham’s vibrant and tion of more traditional folk, describing diverse music scene having a significant in- their music as ‘drawing heavily on celtic fluence on their work, they dabble in all dance forms and traditional song’. Dreadzone kinds of sounds, from funk grooves and The Empire, Coventry, Sat 4 November Presenting an eclectic fusion of dub, reggae, techno, folk and rock music, Dreadzone Levellers Alison Moyet formed in 1993. During their early years, they The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 9 Novem- employed backing vocalists who included Wed 8 November ber; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 24 November Melanie Blatt, Denise van Outen and Alison With numerous top-10 albums and singles Goldfrapp. Their second album, 1995’s Sec- to their name (not to mention plenty of sell- ond Light, was championed by the legendary out concerts across Europe), Levellers con- John Peel, who cited it as one of his favourite tinue to hit all the right chords for a albums of all time. phenomenal cross-section of people, from Over 20 years on, the band’s magic remains 'crusties' to students through anarcho punks resolutely intact, with recently released and hippies. This Leamington date finds the album Dread Times being well received by Brighton-based folk-punk band airing songs old and new fans alike. from their most recent albums, as well as real rabble-rousers from the mists of time. Singer-songwriter Alison Moyet visits the Midlands following the release of latest JW Jones album Other. The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Mon 27 November “For me,” says the 56-year-old Moyet, “mak- Award-winning Canadian blues rock gui- ing a record at this age, lyrically, is a differ- tarist and singer-songwriter JW Jones re- ent proposition. Observation in most cases leased new album High Temperature in replaces emotion. The invisibility of middle- September. aged women rather thrills me and instead I The album recently won the ‘best self-pro- watch. Subject matter covers what you duced CD’ gong at the International Blues might expect from a pop album. Dyslexia, Challenge, and also made a Hot Shot Debut locked-out syndrome, diversity, Persephone, on the Billboard Top 10. doggedness and the internet.” whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical November Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:04 Page 1

ROYAL BIRMINGHAM

creatingCONSERVATOIRE an exciting new chapter for Birmingham’s music scene...

While Principal Julian Lloyd Webber gets to temporary aesthetic. sound, 360-degree projection, freely move- work establishing Birmingham Conservatoire Most haven’t been painted black, but this able seating, opposing fire exits and a sacrifi- as a world-class educational institution, the panelling is featured throughout the build- cial floor increase the possibilities for play. brand new £57million building it now calls ing, everywhere from carefully designed ‘box- It’s also anticipated that students will use the home is also set to serve as both a fantastic in-box’ classrooms to much larger concert space to capitalise on the collaborative op- performance venue and stylish socialising halls. Most of the décor has a much more nat- portunities opened up by the Conservatoire’s space for local people. ural feel, with bare concrete offset by light recent merger with the Birmingham School of As staff and students settle in, much of the timber. Out in the foyer, natural light pours Acting. The first public concerts to take place first term at the Conservatoire has been spent in from every direction - here you’ll also find here will be a set of opera extracts in Decem- ironing out the creases, including teething a comfy café serving sandwiches, snacks and ber. problems with its integrated tech. drinks. The conservatoire even has its own But creative invention will by no means be Demolition of the old Paradise Circus build- bespoke beer, a real ale specially brewed by restricted to The Lab. With top-of-the-range ing began with the Adrian Boult Hall in 2016, Wye Valley. Meyer sound systems linking every room in and over the summer, the Conservatoire was In total, there are five public performance the building, including recording studios and left without a permanent base. But the long spaces, the grand centrepiece of which is the editing facilities in the Parkside building wait will surely have been worth it. To the ca- 500-seater Concert Hall. It’s here that the across the road, the students’ imaginations sual observer, things already look and sound much talked-about Music Director of CBSO, seem to be the only limit. incredibly impressive, and as the new year the young and dynamic Mirga Gražinyt-Tyla, Already, the whole place thrums with activ- approaches, visitors can look forward to an will conduct the Conservatoire’s Royal Gala ity: downstairs, public spaces are packed exciting programme of concerts, ranging Opening Concert in March. While this will be with people, while behind the scenes, slots in from classical recitals to avant-garde experi- home to the sort of big, orchestral affairs one practice rooms are being claimed well in ad- ments and appearances from leading jazz might conventionally associate with classical vance using a brand new online booking sys- musicians. music, there’s also a 150-seat Recital Hall and tem. It’s vibrant, with leading professional The only permanent jazz space in any UK the even smaller-scale Organ Recital Room, musicians heading up departments as well as conservatoire, the Eastside Jazz Club is a wel- which, when completed, will house two or- teaching classes. Head of Percussion, for ex- come addition to Birmingham’s lively jazz gans as well as up to 100 listeners. Among ample, is Adrian Spillett, also Head of Per- scene, its first concert in October (featuring the more ingenious plans for the latter is a cussion at CBSO and the first percussionist to acclaimed saxophonist David Liebman) hav- series of short, early-evening concerts, giving be named the BBC Young Musician of the ing rapidly sold out. Intimate yet versatile, commuters the chance to skip the rush hour Year (in 1998). this cosy, 90 to 100-seater room is geared up traffic by enjoying a deal on a ticket and a A lively Learning & Participation programme for evening affairs, kitted out in sophisticated drink before they head home. is led by The Destroyers’ David Shrewsbury, black and hot pink with soft mood lighting. Meanwhile in The Lab, experiences will vary with students evidently eager to get involved Tables are set up for eating and drinking as wildly depending on the show. Seating up to in outreach work in local schools. well as enjoying the music, and food about 100, depending on the configuration, It might be early days, but this certainly feels promises to be of a high standard, with tried this black box studio could be used for any- like the beginning of an exciting new chapter and tasted sharing platters soon to be on thing from digital sound experiments to live for Birmingham’s music scene. offer. Textured wooden panels covering the art projects - an early off-the-wall example walls have been fitted for acoustic purposes, has involved one person playing a piano Full concert listings can be found online but also incidentally add to the sharp, con- while another poured paint into it. Surround- at bcu.ac.uk/conservatoire. 16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical November Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:41 Page 2

Classical

Passamezzo The Shakespeare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 27 November Specialising in the Elizabethan and Ja- cobean masque, Passamezzo devise and perform historical music, dance and spec- tacle for all occasions, tailoring their out- put to their audience’s needs. “We can provide anything from a small group of musicians to a stage full of lav- ishly costumed dancers and actors,” ex- plain the ensemble. “We delight in all aspects of musical life, from the intimacy of the lute song, to the brash raucousness of the broadside ballad; from the sacred part song, to the profane insanity of bed- lamite mad songs. Our programmes are carefully researched, with music fre- quently taken from manuscript sources, unearthing pieces that have lain hidden for centuries.” This month’s Stratford concert sees them presenting Old Christmas Returned, a se- lection of carols, ballads, consort music, The City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra lute songs, dance melodies and readings. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 17 November Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla takes charge of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra for this Orchestra of the Swan: ‘CBSO on tour’ ėCoventry stop-off. The concert is one of her first touring engagements as the Tamsin Waley-Cohen orchestra’s music director. The evening’s imaginative programme of work features two ro- mantic classics - Chopin’s dreamy Second Piano Concerto, with Polish pianist Rafal Plays Mozart Blechacz (pictured above), and Claude Debussy’s ravishing La Mer. Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Presented between the pair is Messiaen’s exquisite but rarely played Un Sourire (A Smile). Tues 21 November; Birmingham Town Hall, Speaking about her role with the CBSO, Mirga says: “I feel an incredible good will and en- Wed 22 November thusiasm from the orchestra and all of our supporters to go on this new journey together. It's very impressive, and of course that enthusiasm inspires me to give the same back.”

Ensemble DeNOTE Takács Quartet Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 17 November Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Thurs 16 November This latest presentation in the Bromsgrove Concerts season sees Ensemble DeNOTE fo- Making history by becoming the first string cusing on what they do best (and to an im- quartet to win the Wigmore Hall medal, pressively high standard, of course) - Takács are widely recognised as one of the namely, performing classical-era chamber world’s greatest ensembles, blending an impressive attention to detail with some music played on instruments from the same Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen breathtakingly fearless playing. time period. once again joins forces with the Stratford- Leamington-born violinist Edward Dusin- “Our basic configuration is clarinet, violin, based Orchestra Of The Swan, with whom berre returns to his home town with the viola, cello, fortepiano,” explain the ensem- she is an associate artist. quartet this month, performing a pro- ble, “from which quintets, quartets and trios Tamsin here plays two works by Mozart, gramme that features the following: by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and their con- both of which were written by the com- Mozart’s Quar- temporaries form our repertoire.” poser while he was still in his teens - his tet in D K575; The evening’s programme features: Mozart’s Symphony no15 in G major and his Violin Beethoven’s Clarinet Trio in E Flat 'Kegelstatt' K498; Concerto no4 in D major. Quartet in B flat Haydn’s Piano Sonata in E Flat, Hob. XV:49; The David Curtis-conducted concert also Op 18 No 6; and and Mozart’s Grand Quintetto, after the features Grieg’s Holberg Suite Op40 and Brahms Quartet Gran Partita K361 arranged by CFG Haydn’s Symphony no22 in E-flat major, in B flat Op 67. Schwencke (1805). The Philosopher. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Warwick Arts F/P November 2017.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:03 Page 1 Dance November - New Layout-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:37 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

BalletBoyz: Fourteen Days Lichfield Garrick, Sat 18 November Balletboyz’ male dancers combine muscle with grace to present a distinctive style that fuses energetic dance with music and film. This latest show presents new works created in the space of just 14 days by choreographers in- cluding Javier de Frutos and Craig Revel Hor- wood. The production also features the Russell Maliphant-choreographed Fallen, a work that won the National Dance Award for Best Mod- ern Choreography in 2013.

Leviathan Gamechanger Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 15 November Wed 22 November Be careful what you fish for... British Asian choreographer Subhash Viman Award-winning choreographer Gorania and his Morph Dance Company here James Wilton here reimagines semi- present a triple bill of thought-provoking work. nal novel Moby Dick. “Fly From explores the habits of resistance that Wilton takes on the lead role of Cap- linger in mind and body when trying to break tain Ahab, a man hell-bent on cap- free,” explains Subhash. “Metamorphic, mean- turing the legendary white whale of while, is a seriously playful work exploring the the title, and brilliantly leads a multiple identities of a modern man... troupe of highly talented dancers “The third piece, Three, bears witness to the through the increasingly choppy wa- stages of human life - from birth to the enlight- ters of Herman Melville’s epic story. ening freedom of youth and the inevitability of Wilton’s choreography is always dis- death.” tinctive, his productions powered by an energy the audience can almost reach out and touch. Leviathan is widely considered to be one of the choreographer’s best and most finely tuned works to date. In short, a whale of a tale that no self-respecting dance enthusiast can afford to miss...

Humanhood: Zero tising lights and virtuosic movement, the production features two dancers be- The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 16 November coming entangled through a ritualistic journey. Their performance seeks an- In a show that’s being described as ‘a swers to the question: if we start at visually and sonically mesmerising point zero, how would we look at reality dance performance’, Humanhood in- and experience life?... The show con- vites its audience into a dream-like tains partial nudity and is suitable for world of imagination and beauty. Bring- audience members aged 14 and older. ing together immersive sound, hypno-

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The Nutcracker Sir Peter Wright’s world famous production returns to the Hippodrome...

Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world famous production of The Nutcracker returns to Birmingham Hippodrome this Christmas. Audiences are invited to join Clara as she’s swept into an enchanting winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her magical Christmas tree and her handsome prince, with his army of toy soldiers, are an unforgettable delight. In this most festive of ballets, gigantic sets, lavish costumes, 60 dancers and a full orchestra combine to create the perfect treat for the entire family. Sir Peter Wright’s version of The Nutcracker, complete with exquisite designs by John Macfarlane, is widely considered to be one of the best in the world. Getting The Nutcracker on stage is a huge undertaking, with some impressive facts and figures racking up behind the scenes...

1. By the end of its 2016 season, Sir 3. The production has a flying goose that 7. Since The Nutcracker’s first perfor- Peter’s production had been performed a transports Clara to a magical land - it mance back in 1990, dancers playing the total of 519 times - 454 times at Birming- travels 20 metres across the stage at role of ‘snowflakes’ in the show have ham Hippodrome. The 500th perfor- every performance. This means that the made their way through over 720 cans of mance took place on Tuesday 29 goose has travelled over 6.4 miles at silver-sparkle body paint. November 2016. Birmingham Hippodrome since 1990. 8. The wigs department and BRB com- 2. Before the curtain goes up on the first 4. The Nutcracker features a huge trans- pany members use around 500 hairpins performance, hours of work have been formation scene, where a Christmas tree per show - that’s a staggering 259,500 undertaken behind the scenes. The sets, grows from 4m to 15m and a fireplace hairpins since 1990! props and lights for the show will travel grows to fill half of the stage. A crew of to the Hippodrome in five articulated around 50 people work backstage on the 9. The Nutcracker features over 45 wigs trucks from the Birmingham Royal Ballet production. and pieces of facial hair. stores in Dudley. When the sets arrive, work will begin on the ‘get-in’ and ‘fit- 5. 75kg of flame retardant artificial snow up’. This process takes approximately is used in the production. It’s imported Birmingham Royal Ballet: The three days. Another two days are usually from a specialist company in New York. Nutcracker shows at Birmingham required for technical and stage re- Hippodrome from Friday 24 November hearsals. 6. The production has over 200 costumes. until Wednesday 13 December.

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Comedy

Barbara Nice The Core, Solihull, Fri 10 November The ever-popular Janice Connolly returns as Stockport housewife Mrs Barbara Nice for another evening of fun and laughter. This latest family-friendly gig - entitled Raffle! and including the chance to win a prize from Barbara’s table - offers the per- fect opportunity to find out exactly why Janice has become such a significant player on the Midlands comedy circuit.

Katherine Ryan Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 10 November; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 2 February Having experienced motherhood, divorce and MTV, award-winning Canadian funny lady Katherine Ryan is well placed indeed to take a wry look at those aspects of life that make people angry and bitter. Sean Lock Alongside her comedy career, Katherine also takes occasional acting roles. The part of Wolverhampton Civic Hall, George in Channel Four’s Campus and Merc’s assistant in Episodes both feature on her CV. Wed 22 November She visits the Midlands this month with new standup show Glitter Room. Although Sean Lock is best known from the Channel Four panel game 8 Out Of 10 Cats, he's also picked up the odd gong or Jo Enright two for his standup, so a night in his com- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, pany is a surefire bet for a big barrel of Fri 10 November laughs. Birmingham-born actor and comedian Jo En- He’s visiting the Midlands this month right admits she’s happiest when she’s hiding with his latest touring show, Keep It Light. behind a character. Sean’s jokes include: “So “I like anonymity,” says Jo. “That’s the great what if Jesus turned water thing about being an actor; you can be in into wine? I turned a things without anybody recognising you.” whole student loan into Jo’s career so far has included appearances in vodka once. Your move, three of the UK’s most successful comedy se- Jesus...”. There’s also: ries - Phoenix Nights, I’m Alan Partridge and “I’m in therapy at the Life’s Too Short. moment. I don’t “Growing up, I didn’t actually know anyone need it, who performed comedy for a living, although I obviously, but I knew plenty of really funny people. When I got all these started playing the circuit, there were only a psychiatrist gift handful of women working at it full-time. That vouchers for said, the handful did include Hattie Hayridge, Christmas which Jo Brand and Linda Smith - so the bar was set my family had very high!” clubbed together Support on the night comes from Christopher for. What I wanted John Hall. was a crossbow...”

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The Desi Central Comedy Show Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 20 November “I guess I like to think that maybe I’m break- ing down stereotypes,” explains half-Iran- ian, half-Irish stand-up comic Patrick Monahan (pictured below), who’s headlin- ing this month’s Desi Central Comedy Show. “The comedians I most admire are the ones who can play to everybody. I think it’s im- portant to look for positive stuff in life. Fo- cusing on the bad stuff all the time would mean that the only people who’d come to my shows would be the ones who thought the end of the world was nigh!” Patrick is joined for the evening by Eshaan Akbar, Sindhu Vee and Omar Hamdi. Festival Of The Spoken Nerd Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 15 November Festival Of The Spoken Nerd brings together and the “recursion” into recursion’. stand-up mathematician Matt Parker, geeky Previous stage offerings have seen them songstress Helen Arney and experiments guy search for answers to intriguing questions Steve Mould for what’s described as ‘a com- such as: How can you use a parabola to set edy night for the fearlessly inquisitive’. stuff on fire? How does the angler fish make Making a welcome return with brand new love? and How dangerous can things get with show You Can’t Polish A Nerd, the popular just numbers? trio combine science, songs and spread- A quirky, informative and fun evening of full- sheets to ‘put the “oooh” into zoology, the frontal Nerdity is very much on the cards... “fun” into fundamental theorem of calculus

Mark Thomas Margaret Cho mac, Birmingham, Thurs 16 November The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mark Thomas is no ordinary comedian. Wed 29 November Hugely witty and as savage as a rabid dog “Fresh Off The Bloat is my sickest show to when it comes to putting hecklers in their date,” says American comedian Margaret place, he takes to the stage with the inten- Cho. “My grandmother said, ‘You look tion not only of making people laugh but bloated, as if you’ve been found dead in a also of exposing governmental and corpo- lake after several days of searching’. Kore- rate exploitation in its many and varied ans are the most savage of all the Asians. forms... Mark’s latest show is a speculation My new show is all about being fresh off on what the future might look like in the af- drugs and drinking and suicide and com- termath of recent political earthquakes. It ing back to life - finally fished out of the sees him collecting and examining his audi- River Styx. It’s meta. It’s magical. It’s me.” ence’s predictions, and then gambling on Margaret’s jokes include: “I am the their outcome. biggest fag hag. I love my gay male friends so much. When I was a little girl, I always wished I would be constantly sur- rounded by gorgeous guys. And I am. But I should have been more specific.” There’s also: “The last guy I went out with, he was just so - I don't know - hope- less. He said if I broke up with him, he would kill himself. And I broke up with him, but he's not dead yet. I want to call him up and be like, 'You know, what's the deal? I thought we had an agreement...'” whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical cal theatre performer to play the role of Dorothy Gale in Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage production of The Wizard Of Oz. Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November & Wed 31 January - Sat 3 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 24 - Sat 28 April; Bronté has since made a name for herself in numerous hit musicals, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June including Hairspray. Touring to the Midlands on the back of Olivier Award-winning West A West End performer best known from a television talent contest End success, Beautiful boasts a playlist of King’s most famous songs. takes the title role in this touring homage to the life and music of leg- Featured numbers include You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman, endary American singer-songwriter Carole King. Take Good Care Of My Baby, You’ve Got A Friend, So Far Away, It Bronté Barbé competed in the BBC One series Somewhere Over The Might As Well Rain Until September, Up On The Roof and Locomotion. Rainbow. The 2010 competition aimed to find an undiscovered musi-

Nativity! The Musical Bin Laden: Silent The REP, Birmingham, until Sun 12 November The One Man Show Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 November Birmingham Rep gets into the Christmas Lichfield Garrick, Fri 3 November With a coveted Olivier Award bearing witness spirit with this world-premiering stage musi- Royal Exchange-supported artists Knaïve to the quality of the work, the uber-talented cal based on the popular UK film franchise. Theatre are the ensemble behind this Pat Kinevan presents the story of the down- The show is written and directed by Debbie thought-provoking stagework, which sees on-his-luck Tino McGoldrick, a man whose Isitt, who also created the movies. solo performer Sam Redway providing a fresh marriage, children and “I’ve always believed that Nativity! would perspective on the world’s most notorious job have been re- placed by mental ill health, an alcohol addic- make a fantastic stage musical,” says Debbie. terrorist. tion and a homeless “It’s so full of joy, the children are so sweet Alongside its examination of the causes of existence on the and funny and the songs so catchy that it the Middle Eastern conflict, as well as the streets of Dublin. lends itself to being the perfect Christmas possible solutions, the production also pre- With his best days musical. sents a biography of Osama Bin Laden. And seemingly behind “The songs really do change the dynamic. It it’s very much to the producers’ credit that him, Tino delves into gives you much more insight into the charac- the show manages to do so in a way which is his past life via the ters and their backstories. And the emotions humorous, entertaining and impressively romantic world of are more intense, like with the love story be- neutral - leaving the audience with plenty of silent-screen legend tween Mr Maddens and Jennifer - it feels even space in which to form their own opinions Rudolph Valentino... bigger now because they’re singing duets.” about the ‘mastermind’ behind 9/11. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk TheatreB November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 2

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“If you are a kid, if you have kids, if you ever were a kid, go and see The Snow Dragon” Three Weeks Thu 21 Dec - Sun 7 Jan From £12.50 Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Legally Blonde Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 12 - Sat 17 March Based on the hit movie starring Reese With- erspoon, this critically acclaimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn't take no for an answer. So when her boyfriend Warner announces that he's dumping her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books and heads for Harvard Law School. X-Factor finalist and Eurovision Song Contest entrant Lucie Jones stars as Elle, with Rita Si- mons (Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale and Coronation Street) lending heavyweight support.

(SORRY) presents the timeless tale of a young married Our House couple struggling to eke out a living from the The REP, Birmingham, land despite the gathering storm clouds of Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 9 - Sun 11 November Wed 8 - Sat 11 November war in Europe... Job exploitation, crumbling friendship and Night Project Theatre are the ensemble be- An Olivier Award winner in the category of the prospect of the apocalypse are the themes hind the show, producing it in association best new musical, Tim Firth’s Our House is a being considered by REP Foundry graduate with Blue Orange Arts. raucous comedy inspired by and featuring Susie Sillett in this trio of highly charged the music of Madness. monologues exploring the experiences of Set in Camden Town in the mid-1980s, it tells young people in the 21st century. Real Magic the story of Joe Casey and his less-than-legal Fast earning herself a reputation as a writer MAC, Birmingham, Wed 22 - Fri 24 November attempts to treat his girlfriend Sarah to an with her finger on the pulse of modern times, evening in a brand new luxury apartment. “Our new performance creates a world of ab- Sillett uses the play to examine the world of But when the police turn up, Joe has to de- surd disconnection, struggle and comical the millennial, questioning why, despite hav- cide whether to go on the run or face the repetition,” explain Forced Entertainment ing had everything ‘handed to them on a music... And speaking of music, expect all performers Richard Lowdon and Claire Mar- plate’, they continue to complain about their the big Madness shall. “To the sound of looped applause and lot. hits, including canned laughter, a group of performers take The monologues are performed by Phoebe Baggy Trousers, part in an impossible illusion - part mind- Frances Brown. Originally commissioned by My Girl, Driving reading feat, part cabaret act, part chaotic Women And Theatre, the show is part of New In My Car, The game show - in which they endlessly revisit And Nurtured, a project promoting ‘unmiss- Wings Of A Dove, moments of defeat, hope and anticipation. able’ new works by ‘exciting local artists’. Night Boat To “Caught in a world of second chances and Cairo and all-time second guesses, variations and changes, dis- classic It Must Be tortions and transformations, Real Magic Love. Oh, and the takes the audience on a hallucinatory jour- title track too, of ney, creating a compelling performance course! about optimism, individual agency and the desire for change.” One Man, Two Guvnors Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 29 November - Sat 16 December Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small- The Hired Man time East End hood who’s now in Brighton to Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, collect £6,000 from his fiancée’s dad. But Mon 27 November - Sat 2 December Roscoe is really his sister Rachel, posing as Based on a Melvyn Bragg novel and featuring her own dead brother, who’s been killed by music by award-winning composer Howard her boyfriend, Stanley Stubbers. Goodall, this stage version of The Hired Man You keeping up?...

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Deathtrap New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham, Tues 7 - Sat 11 November A clever piece of theatre with more than a touch of Schaef- fer’s Sleuth about it, Ira Levin’s Deathtrap focuses on the con- niving Sidney, a playwright in- tent on plagiarising the work of unknown dramatist Clifford. Between them, they act out two terrible murders in front of Clif- ford’s wife - but is it all make- believe, or have they really performed the gruesome acts?... EastEnders favourite Jessie Wal- lace and longtime Holby City actor Paul Bradley star.

Grease Six friends on an annual camping trip tell The Vaudevillians ghost stories to one another in the woods, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, unaware of the fact that a malevolent entity Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 27 November - Sat 2 December Sun 5 November; Birmingham Hippodrome, is engaged in the stalking of its prey... Sun 19 November Dust off your leather jackets, pull on your bobby-socks and get ready for the most fun- Actor Jerick Hoffer here stars as alter-ego filled high-octane rock’n’roll party of them For Love Or Money Jinkx Monsoon in a show which, so far, has sold out an off-Broadway run, earned plau- all. Grease is the original high-school musi- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, cal, featuring all the unforgettable songs Tues 7 - Sat 11 November dits aplenty on an Australian tour and bagged critical acclaim like it’s going out of from the hit movie, including You’re The One Northern Broadsides’ new adaptation of 18th fashion at London’s Soho Theatre. That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer century comedy Turcaret is set in a small Jinkx will be familiar to loyal followers of US Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy Yorkshire town in the 1920s, where wily reality TV series RuPaul's Drag Race, a talent and Greased Lightnin’. widow Rose is busily entertaining the ad- show searching for America's next drag su- The cast includes Tom Parker from boy band vances of two dubious suitors. perstar. The Wanted, Over The Rainbow winner The first, Fuller, is a rich and morally corrupt She’s joined for The Vaudevillians by com- Danielle Hope and EastEnders and Strictly banker; the second, Arthur, a man intent on poser and musician Major Scales, otherwise Come Dancing favourite Louisa Lytton. taking as much money from Rose as he can. known as ‘the evil twin’ of Richard An- Two upwardly mobile servants, a bailiff, a driessen, the man who plays him. drunkard, a vamp and a second-hand clothes A ‘bawdy, rowdy musical comedy’, the show dealer further crank up the chaos. follows the fortunes of Kitty Witless and Dr Dan Von Dandy, vaudevillians frozen alive in Twelfth Night Antarctica during the 1920s. Having finally Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- thawed out thanks to global warming, the Avon, Thurs 2 November - Sat 24 February pair find that all of their music has been 2018 nicked by pesky pop artists... As with many Shakespearean comedies, Expect vintage cabaret with a twist of drag. Twelfth Night is based on a case of mistaken identity, with Viola disguising herself as a Nexus: Whispers boy and causing all manner of awkward ro- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, mantic shenanigans. Thurs 23 November However, the play’s continuing popularity A post-Halloween and pre-Christmas ‘dark can mainly be attributed to its comic sub- autumn night’ is the perfect time to check out plot, in which the merciless Sir Toby Belch this new tale of the supernatural, written and and his foolish companion Sir Andrew directed by Seamus O’Riordan-Fox. Aguecheek seek to humiliate the pompous The first in a trilogy, it explores the familiar Malvolio - and achieve their aim with more conventions of ‘terror’ in film, making use of than a little style... multimedia devices to bridge the gap be- Adrian Edmondson stars as Malvolio and is tween cinema and theatre. joined in the cast by Kara Tointon.

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Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Stick Man Malvern Theatre, Mon 6 - Tues 7 November; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 8 November; Birming- ham Town Hall, Tues 26 December - Fri 12 January “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my spine,” re- veals Julia Donaldson, the co-creator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely popular children’s book on which this show is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I love their production of Stick Man, and so do the audiences.” Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely do love the show, as a smash-hit season in the West End ably demonstrated. Featuring a trio of talented performers, the pro- duction brings together puppetry, songs, live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back to the family tree. Suitable for children aged three and older.

Leaf seeing the children’s reactions, not only in tific knowledge into a compelling narrative the UK but throughout the whole world. with dynamic interactive activities, engaging Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 5 November It just confirms that Peppa really is a world- audiences with climate change in a new and After previous shows Circles In The Sand and wide phenomenon.” refreshing way.” Curious both proved big hits with little chil- dren, the ever-inventive Tam Tam Theatre re- turn to Bromsgrove with yet another The Shark In The Park! Little Angel Theatre: Me... heartwarming offering. Inspired by nature Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 4 November Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, and the seasons, and focusing on the life Fri 10 November; mac, Birmingham, Nick Sharratt has illustrated over 250 books, Wed 15 - Thurs 30 November story of a very special leaf, the show has around one-sixth of which have been his Little Angel Theatre make a welcome return been created to appeal to children aged three own. One of these is the hugely successful with a production based on a book by much- and younger. The 25-minute production is fol- Shark In The Park!, a children’s story about a loved children’s author Emma Dodd. lowed by an interactive free-play session, young lad named Timothy who goes to his Bringing together live puppetry and perfor- during which participating youngsters are in- local park to try out his new telescope. While mance, the company recounts the story of a vited to explore the tactile world of Leaf. there, he thinks he spots a shark - and not tiny baby penguin who’s trying to find her just on one occasion either, but several times feet. But with stars shimmering in the sky, in several places! snow glistening on the ground, the wind The popularity of the book prompted Shar- rushing to and fro and the mountains tower- ratt to write and illustrate two follow-ups - ing high above, getting to grips with her new Shark In The Dark! and Shark In The Park On environment is no easy challenge. A Windy Day!. The 40-minute production is suitable for chil- All three stories are featured in this brand dren aged between two and six. new stage show from the highly rated Non- sense Room theatre company. The produc- tion is suitable for children aged two-plus.

Peppa Pig’s Adventure Where’s My Igloo Gone? New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 4 - Sun 5 November; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 8 - Thurs 9 November Sun 12 November If you’ve taken your little ones to any of the Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry previous Peppa Pig stage shows - and en- nights, fishing adventures - and the kind of joyed the experience of watching them hav- cold that makes the skin tingle - all feature in ing a fantastic time - you’ll already know that this story about a little girl who sets off in this latest production is well worth catching. search of help when her igloo starts to melt... “It seems hardly any time at all since we “We’re collaborating with experts in climate started on the first Peppa Pig live stage change and social psychology,” explain the show,” observes writer and director Richard show’s producers, the Birmingham-based Lewis. “It’s been an incredible experience Bone Ensemble, “so that we can weave scien-

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It was back when I did “ Hamlet at school that I first thought, ‘Oh, I’m doing Shakespeare now, I’m going to be an RSC actor’”

Ade Edmondson on making his RSC debut in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night

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by Heather Kincaid

Having cut his teeth at The Comedy Store nothing pseudo-avant-garde about this show, ‘Malvolia’ earlier this year, Edmondson has before going on to star in sitcom classic The although there will be lots of music, and been working on filling in some unexplained Young Ones, Ade Edmondson remains best director Chris Luscombe has chosen to gaps in Malvolio’s past. known as a comedian, one of the key players update the action by some 290-odd years. “I’ve injected more emotion into him by on the ’80s alternative comedy scene. But “It’s sort of a play about strange sexual inventing a time when Olivia was a child and despite this, he says, at heart he’s always exploration: you’ve got men dressed as he used to entertain her. Something has been an actor, harbouring since childhood women and women dressed as men, one man happened to him since to turn him into a bit the hope of one day joining the Royal openly declaring love for another man, and a of a grouch, but really he’s always been Shakespeare Company. woman looking rather sad when she realises desperately in love with her, and feels utterly In recent years, he’s had the chance to show that the man she’s been in love with is betrayed when he finds out that he’s been off proper chops, receiving praise for his actually a woman, and she sort of liked it. So tricked into thinking she loves him. It’s pretty performances in ‘serious’ TV dramas One Of we’ve set it around 1890, which is an era cruel, the joke that’s played on him, just for Us and War & Peace, as well as Bits Of Me Are when the idea of unexplored sexuality was being a kind of ‘little Hitler’ in the Falling Apart at Soho Theatre in 2016. Now, at quite a big thing. It’s the time of Oscar Wilde, household. We never see him exhibit last, he’s living up to what perhaps once and we’ve also taken inspiration from behaviour that deserves the kind of seemed a pipe dream, playing Malvolio in Victoria And Abdul for Feste the Fool - now punishment he receives.” Christopher Luscombe’s new production of he’s part of Olivia’s inner circle, which I think Although Edmondson is on Malvolio’s side Twelfth Night, which runs at the RST makes him more interesting.” now, he does admit he might not have been throughout the winter. Regular RSC visitors might remember as sympathetic to the character in his youth. “It was back when I did Hamlet at school that Luscombe’s 2014 festive double-bill of Love’s It’s certainly not an easy role to play, not I first thought, ‘Oh, I’m doing Shakespeare Labour’s Lost and Love’s Labour’s Won least because he is, for the most part, quite now, I’m going to be an RSC actor,” he (Much Ado About Nothing), which went on to unloveable, but also because he has to be explains. “It wasn’t that I decided against it - tour the UK to major critical acclaim. Both funny without having a sense of humour of it decided against me. I auditioned for drama featured lavish Edwardian design inspired by his own. Play it too much for laughs, and you schools and didn’t get into any, so I went to Warwick’s Charlecote Park, complete with risk missing the mark with his lack of self- university instead. And then, as I was trying seasonal décor including a massive awareness. As Ben Lawrence put it, he’s to get an acting career, I accidentally became Christmas tree. Also running over Christmas, perhaps “the greatest tragic character to have a comedian.” Twelfth Night looks set to continue the trend stumbled upon Shakespeare’s comic That said, for a short time at least, there was for sumptuous settings, reuniting Luscombe universe”. reason to believe he might have had a lucky with designer Simon Higlett. This time We know Ade Edmondson as a comic, but escape. Whether or not any of his fellow round, Higlett takes his cues for Orsino’s with the recent losses he’s suffered - not least students actually made it there before him, home from Lord Leighton’s House in of his best friend and former comedy partner he recalls discovering at college how Kensington, and for Olivia’s from Wightwick Rik Mayall - he’s perhaps a little more “pretentious” some of his contemporaries Manor near Wolverhampton. Meanwhile for inclined towards tragedy these days. Just this with similar ambitions seemed to be. the cast, the careful attention to detail has year, he published a children’s book about a offered unique opportunities for learning. “They were all so bloody avant-garde! But in girl dealing with grief, which he described as that sort of mimsy way. Not proper avant- “In some ways it’s been more like going to a being partly a way of processing his own. garde, just pretending to be. Doing nude repository of knowledge than joining a And while it might not be quite the same, versions of Edward II and stuff like that. I normal cast - you suddenly get access to a lot acting, he says, can also offer a kind of mean, does anyone really need a nude of things that you didn’t have before. So ‘personal catharsis’. version of Edward II?!” we’ve had day trips to country houses, and “I enjoy the emotional bits,” he smiles. lectures on letter-writing and manners and Happily for Edmondson, his experience of the way that people held themselves and joining the RSC for the first time at the age of didn’t touch each other in the 19th century.” 60 hasn’t reflected that early experience at Twelfth Night shows at the Royal all. The rest of the cast have all been warm Feste the Fool isn’t the only character to have Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- and welcoming, with many of them also acquired a bit of a backstory. While his take Avon, from Thursday 2 November to making their RSC debuts, including Kara might not be as radical a reimagining as the Saturday 24 February. Tointon as Olivia. There’s also decidedly National Theatre’s casting of Tamsin Greig as

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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 Hundred And One Dalmatians The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sat 13 January Birmingham Rep is going dotty for dogs this Christmas, courtesy of this brand new stage version of The Hundred And One Dalmatians. The REP’s Associate Director, Tessa Walker, takes the helm for the fes- tive-season family show, having previously directed the venue’s yule- tide productions of A Christmas Carol and The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe. Dodie Smith’s delightful tale has been transformed for the stage by Debbie Isitt, writer and director of the hugely popular Nativity! films. Isitt’s stage show, Nativity! The Musical, began its national tour at The REP last month, continuing into November (see Theatre section). Commenting on The REP’s 2017 Christmas offering, Tessa Walker said: “I’m delighted to be bringing to life the magic of The Hundred And One Dalmatians in our unforgettable production, which features won- derful puppets and new music. Debbie’s adaptation is packed with en- chantment and humour, and brings a thrilling new sense of adventure to the story, making it fun for families and friends of all ages.”

Raymond Briggs’ Aladdin Snow White And The Father Christmas Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 30 November - Seven Dwarfs Sat 6 January mac, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 30 December A perfect story for an evening of family Wed 29 November - Sun 7 January entertainment finds street youth Aladdin trying against all odds to win the hand of the beautiful princess - and being helped in his efforts by the mystical genie of the lamp... CBeebies Cat Sandion stars in this latest version of the classic Arabian Nights tale. She’s joined in the show by Sam Rabone (as Dame Widow Twankey) and Ben Thornton (as Wishy Washy), both of whom scored a massive festive hit in the Garrick’s Christmas 2016 adaptation of Sleeping Beauty. Everybody knows the story. The nasty old queen is less than keen on her younger and Raymond Briggs is best known for his story more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes about a little boy who makes friends with a refuge from her royal evilness by holing up snowman - but talented theatre company in the deep, dark forest with a household of Pins And Needles are doing plenty to pro- small but splendidly friendly miners... mote two of the author’s other less-famous The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic tales. of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- Having last Christmas presented an adapta- sion is always a surefire winner. Expect all tion of his picture book, The Bear, they’re this the usual elements, including a rouged-up month returning to mac with an equally well- Dame in colourful costumes, oodles of thigh- received version of another of his stories. slapping, singalongs aplenty, slapstick com- Suitable for children aged three and older, edy and even a few naughty jokes to make Father Christmas features songs, live music, sure the grown-ups don't feel too left out of playful puppetry, secret doors, hidden things. Shropshire's ‘favourite Dame’, Brad hatches and plenty of trademark Briggs hu- Fitt, once more dons the dress (and probably mour. Expect your children to be suitably en- steals the show!). chanted. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas pages November copy.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:11 Page 3 Christmas pages November copy.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:11 Page 4

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

Alice In Treasure Island Wonderland The New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Sat 18 November - Sat 27 January The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 20 November - Robert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas adventure has Sat 30 December delighted generations of bookworms, theatre- A timeless classic telling the lovers and movie-goers. So there’s every reason to magical and decidedly topsy- assume this latest incarnation will prove just as turvy story of a little girl who popular as any version that’s gone before. falls down a rabbit hole and dis- When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his pa- covers a weird world, Alice's Ad- pers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young ventures In Wonderland first Gem into the adventure of a lifetime, one which made its way onto the stage dur- will see her not only setting sail in search of buried ing its author Lewis Carroll’s treasure, but also spending time in the company of lifetime; in 1886, to be precise. a one-legged pirate with murder in mind... It’s since been adapted for the This brand new show, featuring swashbuckling theatre countless times and in sword fights, live music and puppetry, is adapted all manner of ways, including as and helmed by the New Vic’s Artistic Director, a ballet, a musical, an opera Theresa Heskins. and a traditional pantomime. With its cast of nonsensical and amusing characters, including Cinderella the White Rabbit, the Mad Hat- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, ter and the March Hare, it in- Wed 22 November - Sat 13 January variably makes for a great With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy Christmas show. godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slip- We’re Going On per, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being A Bear Hunt the most popular of all pantomimes. This year’s Belgrade Theatre version of the famous Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, fairytale features all the usual panto elements, in- Wed 29 November - Sun 7 Jan- uary cluding slapstick comedy, audience participation, stunning sets, breathtaking costumes and plenty Suitable for children aged two- of singing and dancing. plus, this latest adaptation of A Christmas Carol And also very much as usual, the show has been Michael Rosen and Helen Oxen- Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, written and directed by Mr Coventry Panto himself, bury’s popular picture book fol- Mon 27 November - Sun 4 February the inimitable Iain Lauchlan. lows the exciting adventures of Phil Davis has form when it comes to playing a family as they head out on an grumpy old men - so the role of Ebenezer Scrooge intrepid quest to find a bear. should fit him like a proverbial glove. In 2008, Catchy songs and interactive Davis starred in a critically acclaimed television scenes are combined with no play about the making of long-running BBC sitcom shortage of swishy swashy grass Steptoe And Son. The 64-year-old actor took the and oozy, squelchy mud, in a role of Wilfred Brambell, who’d played the part of high-energy show that seems irascible pensioner Albert Steptoe in the popular certain to keep youngsters well comedy series. and truly entertained. Whether there’s a whiff or several of Old Man Step- toe in Davis’s interpretation of Dickens’ legendary character remains to be seen. What does already seem certain, though, is that this RSC version of the famous cautionary tale will prove to be an ab- solute cracker of a Christmas show. As well as having the brilliant Davis taking the lead role, the production also sees the greatly admired Rachel Kavanaugh returning to the director’s chair. And as if that’s not enough, the adaptation has been written by one of the country’s foremost play- wrights, David Edgar, whose previous work for the RSC includes his multi-award-winning adaptation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Christmas pages November copy.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 15:11 Page 5

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

Magic Lantern Festival Frankfurt Christmas Kings Heath Park, Birmingham, Market Fri 24 November - Mon 1 January Birmingham City Centre, Thurs 16 As ‘illuminating’ Christmas experiences November - Sun 24 December go, this one scored a major hit when it This is the largest outdoor Christ- debuted last year. mas market in the country and sits The lakes, woodlands, gardens and at the centre of Birmingham’s fes- pathways of Kings Heath Park provide tive celebrations. | the perfect backdrop against which to Drawing crowds from across the enjoy a trail of life-sized and larger- city and further afield, the Frank- than-life lanterns, including a giant furt Markets feature a wide range recreation of Birmingham’s iconic li- of traditional handmade toys, art- brary. A food & drink area, a bar, Santa's work and items from across the Grotto and a handful of fairground rides world. also feature. There’s plenty of food and drink to sample too, including mulled Tiny Tots Trail of Treats wine, grilled sausages, vegetarian options, pretzels and German Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, beer. Carol singers, live music and Shropshire, Wed 22 November - a carousel further enhance the fes- Thurs 21 December tive magic. Now here’s a big attraction for a tiny tot to tackle... Blists Hill Victorian Town has created an ‘enchanting’ festive trail Illuminated Trail for the under-fives, complete with all Birmingham Botanical Gardens, manner of entertainment to enjoy along Wed 29 November - Mon 1 January the way. Birmingham Botanical Gardens is Highlights include a storytelling session this month being transformed into with Mrs Claus and a toy-making work- a ‘winter wonderland’, thanks to a shop. Visitors can also decorate a tree, Christmas light trail. stir a pudding and say a cheery hello to Glittering trees, giant crystals, a Father Christmas in his festive grotto. carol-singing cedar coppice and a flickering fire garden all feature on a jewel-coloured trail set to sea- Santa’s Winter Wonderland Santa Hunts sonal music. SnowDome, Tamworth, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Other festive attractions for visi- Sat 25 November - Sun 24 December Fri 17 November - Sun 31 December tors to enjoy at the Gardens in- This year’s all-new The rumour that’s flying like a magic reindeer clude vintage fairground rides, a Santa Show sees around the region is that Santa has been spotted larger-than-life Christmas tree and Mrs Claus, at the Black Country Living Museum. He seems a chance to meet Santa and his Francine the Fox- to be a little limelight-shy, mind - which is why elves. The trail is designed to ap- trotting Fairy, Elvis young visitors to the venue are being invited to peal to visitors of all ages. the Penguin and join festive costumed guides in a ‘fun-filled’ Santa's very own search to find him. Along the way, kids can solve Switching on the Jingle Belles Band magical clues, sprinkle dust on reindeer shoes looking to spread festive cheer by creating ‘the and even send letters up the chimney to Santa’s Christmas lights... best Christmas song ever’. workshop. A surprise gift awaits anybody who Here are just a few of the festive light Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one succeeds in finding the jolly-faced bearded one... switch-ons taking place across the element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s region. For more, visit snowy indoor attraction. Visitors can also ex- whatsonlive.co.uk plore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk BIRMINGHAM Thurs 16 Nov, Victoria through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of Square snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. COVENTRY Wed 22 Nov, Broadgate The less adventurous will be able to observe all SHREWSBURY Wed 15 Nov, The Square the action as they amble along the promenade STAFFORD Sat 18 Nov, Market Square walkway. WORCESTER Thurs 23 Nov, Worcester There’s even an animal village to visit, where High Street you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hi to some WOLVERHAMPTON Wed 22 Nov, Dudley of his furry friends. Street whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Sunset Boulevard DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:23 Page 1

Lights. Camera. Action! Danny Mac stars in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of the movie Sunset Boulevard, which stops off in Birmingham this month... Sunset Boulevard DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:23 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

“Look at this street. All cardboard, all hollow, she’s been out of work, abandoned by a once realistic sets is beautiful, but it doesn’t fully all phony. All done with mirrors. I like it adoring public. In her loneliness, she capture the dark side of the story the way this better than any street in the world.” manipulates Joe into moving in with her, first does. It’s like two parallel universes, showing So says the starry-eyed Betty Schaeffer as she offering him work on a script she’s written, you how the audience can just switch on and walks through a Paramount Pictures set in before emotionally blackmailing him into a off from what is a horrific reality for Norma. Billy Wilder’s iconic 1950 film, Sunset more disturbingly intense relationship. And there are lines in the show that parallel Boulevard. Artifice, fantasy and the blurring “As soon as I read the script, I thought, I that - there’s a bit where Joe says, ‘One day of boundaries between truth and fiction are know who Joe is and where he’s at. I can just this will end, it isn’t real.’ He’s talking about at the heart of this unsettling story, in both feel the frustration that he has, and I love his life and his world, but as he says it, I turn its original screen incarnation and in Andrew him for it, for every flaw that he has. He does round to the set and you can see that’s not Lloyd Webber’s later musical adaptation. a lot of breaking the fourth wall, but it’s not real either, so it works on so many levels.” And with the help of highly stylised set like he’s playing the audience. He’s a writer, Of course, Danny himself isn’t entirely in the design, director Nikolai Foster adds another and it feels almost like he’s typing the story dark about celebrity culture and everything layer to the story’s self-awareness in an out - as he tells it, you can imagine it in that comes with it. But unlike Norma, he’s innovative new production coming to courier type. It’s strange because when Joe someone who’s resisted its allure. His dance Birmingham Hippodrome this month. speaks to the audience, the lights are right on moves might have caused a stir in Strictly, It’s often said that cinema has something of a him, so I can’t see anyone. But I quite like the but he’s never been interested in pursuing dreamlike quality, and in Sunset Boulevard, idea of him just saying these words into a stardom. fading silent film star Norma Desmond is black hole and never really knowing if “I’ve been very fortunate in my career, but I proud of offering audiences “new ways to anyone is listening. When you think about it, think it’s been quite well-documented that dream”. But not everyone in the show is as that’s what all writers do, just hoping one the whole celebrity thing has never really sat enamoured of Hollywood make-believe as day someone will pick it up.” well with me. Doing Strictly was interesting Betty and Norma... As the down-and-out Working closely with designer Colin for me and I’m glad I did it, because I learned scriptwriter Joe Gillis, Danny Mac views the Richmond, Nikolai Foster has created a world a lot and had the best time of my life on it. glamour of the studios with an ironic, for his production in which the sense of But all I really want is to be an actor and do a disillusioned detachment, understanding unreality is heightened. Lights and cameras great job at that.” and acknowledging the dark side of the follow characters around and scene changes Happily, Sunset Boulevard is giving him screen while almost everyone else is dazzled are deliberately drawn attention to, rather plenty of room to stretch himself as a by its light. than disguised. In classic Hollywood style, performer. driving scenes combine projected footage “It’s such a fantastic story about the human “This has been such a brilliant creative with just a dashboard, seat and windscreen condition, especially in the world we live in process, definitely the most wonderful standing in for a whole car - the rest filled in now, where fame and celebrity are so big and experience I’ve had as an actor so far. It’s the with cheap wood stamped with ‘Property of bright and tragic,” he says. “It’s horrible. In first show I’ve been involved with where I’m Paramount’. the title song, I have to sing all these words proud of it to the point that I don’t feel like I that sum up the industry - ‘twisting, Meanwhile, Norma’s Beverley Hills mansion need other people to tell me it’s good. I really tempting, headline, jackpot, frenzied, brutal, is the only place where things are almost hope other people like it, of course, but I love ruthless and lethal’. I’ve spent quite a lot of naturalistic. While the outlandishness of it anyway because it feels like our baby. I lose time in LA over the last two or three years, both the house itself and her bizarre, myself in this show. I’ve never done that and even in 2017, it seems a lot like the place reclusive life within it seem like something before. It’s completely engulfing, walking on that’s been projected in this show.” from a film, the contrast between how scenes stage and becoming someone else. I don’t Sunset Boulevard follows the story of an play out here and what’s happening outside even think about Danny until the curtain accidental encounter which comes to change at once serves as a cruel reminder of the life comes down. Joe’s life forever. On the run from debt she’s been shut out from, and reflects her own inability or refusal to distinguish collectors, he parks his car in the driveway of Sunset Boulevard shows at Birmingham between what’s real and what’s not. a mysterious old mansion, which turns out to Hippodrome Monday 13 to Saturday 18 be the home of former screen queen Norma “I don’t think Sunset Boulevard’s ever been November. Desmond. Since the advent of the ‘talkies’, conceived like this before. Making grand,

Film November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:13 Page 2

Film

Justice League CERT tbc Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, JK Simmons, Amber Heard, Jesse Eisenberg Directed by Zack Snyder (USA) The very fate of the world is in the balance with the emergence of the immortal and really nasty Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds). So Batman (Affleck) turns to Wonder Woman (Gadot) to assemble a posse of metahumans to help save the day. After the commercial and critical disap- pointment of DC Films' Batman v Super- man: Dawn Of Justice (2016), the enormous success of Wonder Woman this year could give this Metahumans Assem- ble a viable box-office chance. After all, in the last decade movies about women have grossed $45.5million more on average than films about men. And there’s also Amy Adams as Lois Lane and Amber Heard as Mera, the wife of Aquaman, to inject a bit of distaff excitement. In 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 17 November CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in November... A Bad Moms Christmas CERT tbc Starring Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Cheryl Hines, Christine Baranski, Susan Sarandon Directed by Scott Moore and Jon Lucas (USA) ’Tis the season to be merry, drunk and re- ally off your face. Following on from the successful and braindead sitcom Bad Moms (2016), this sequel pitches the ma- ternal rebels into the face of the most de- manding domestic festive war zone of all - and to top it off, the girls all have their own mothers arriving for Krimble. Released Fri 3 November Murder On The Orient Express CERT tbc 78/52 CERT 15 (92mins) Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe (USA) Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer, Daisy Ridley The title refers to the 78 set-ups and 52 cuts Directed by Kenneth Branagh (USA) that make up the shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960). It is one of the There’s a murder on a train and Belgian ’tec most famous sequences in cinema history, Hercule Poirot has to work out who did it be- and the documentarian Alexandre O Philippe fore the killer strikes again. Branagh plays Poirot, which should be interesting, and the brings a wealth of fresh detail to what even cast is to die for, so to speak… cineastes thought they knew backwards. Released Fri 3 November Released Fri 3 November whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Film November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:13 Page 3

Film highlights released in November...

is a devilishly stylish black comedy that Suburbicon CERT 15 (104 mins) The Killing Of plugs directly into the heart of 1950s’ para- Starring Matt Damon, Julianne Moore, Oscar A Sacred Deer CERT tbc Isaac, Noah Jupe, Glenn Fleshler noia. Furthermore, one doesn’t know where Directed by George Clooney (USA) it’s going to take you, except up the garden Starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, Raffey Cassidy, Sunny Suljic, Alicia path, over the fence and into the deepest Pitched as “a great place to raise a family,” Silverstone Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos recesses of a deranged Burtonesque neigh- (Ireland/UK/USA) Suburbicon is a residential utopia for mid- bourhood. This is how black comedy dle-class America in the 1950s. Panic im- Something of a talking point at Cannes this should be played - with a straight face and mediately sets in as we admire the year, this psychological thriller-cum-horror a broad subversive leer. No surprises, then, manicured lawns, the identical driveways film is the second English-speaking feature that George Clooney and Grant Heslov col- and the mailman smiling like the cat that from the Greek enfant terrible Yorgos Lan- laborated on a screenplay by Joel and got the cream. It feels like Pleasantville thimos. Colin Farrell plays a cardiothoracic Ethan Coen. with a David Lynch mean streak. Without surgeon who takes a paternal interest in a wishing to give too much away, Suburbicon Released Fri 24 November troubled teenage boy, leading to all sorts of anguish. The critics loved it. Released Fri 3 November

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Son Of Bigfoot Only The Brave Paddington 2 CERT tbc CERT PG (92 mins) CERT 12a (133 mins) Starring Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Bren- dan Gleeson, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Directed by Ben Stassen and Jeremy Degruson Starring Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Peter Capaldi, Hugh Grant (France/Belgium) James Badge Dale, Taylor Kitsch, Jennifer Directed by Paul King (UK/France) Connelly Directed by Joseph Kosinski (USA) From the Belgian company that brought us A Following the phenomenal box-office success Turtle's Tale (2010), this comic cartoon fol- of the first film, the world’s second most pop- lows the quest of a young lad to find his fa- ular bear returns for another outing. ther. What the boy didn’t expect to discover This time Paddington is determined to find was that his dad is none other than a famous the thief who stole the present he had pro- big ape. Released Fri 3 November cured for his Aunt Lucy (voiced by Imelda Staunton). Released Fri 10 November

The brave in question are the firefighters who battled a particularly ferocious inferno in Arizona in June of 2013. Today, Arizonians still recoil at the memory of the Yarnell Hill Fire, the most deadly incident involving American firemen since 9/11. Released Fri 10 November 42 whatsonlive.co.uk Film November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:13 Page 4

Film

Professor Marston Ingrid Goes West Daddy’s Home 2CERT tbc And The Wonder Women CERT 15 (85mins) Starring Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, John Lith- Starring Aubrey Plaza, Elizabeth Olsen, Billy gow, Mel Gibson, Linda Cardellini, John Cena CERT 15 (108 mins) Magnussen, Wyatt Russell, Pom Klementieff, Directed by Sean Anders (USA) Starring Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall, Bella O'Shea Jackson Jr Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in a sequel? Heathcote, JJ Field, Oliver Platt, Connie Brit- Directed by Matt Spicer (USA) ton Directed by Angela Robinson (USA) Who would have thought. Here, the chalk- Beware the glare of and-cheese pops must confront their own ir- First we had the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, Instagram. Ingrid ritating fathers when they turn up for the now we have the creator of Wonder Woman. Thorburn (Plaza) is a festive season. Cf. A Bad Moms Christmas. However, unlike AA Milne, the private life of mentally unstable Released Wed 22 November the psychologist William Moulton Marston young woman ob- was anything but conventional, particularly sessed with social as his mistress had a thing for his wife… media. When she Released Fri 10 November gets a nonchalant re- The Star CERT tbc sponse from Insta- With the voices of Steven Yeun, Gina Ro- gram star Taylor driguez, Zachary Levi, Keegan-Michael Key, Kelly Clarkson, Kristin Chenoweth, Oprah Win- Sloane (Olsen), In- frey Directed by Timothy Reckart (USA) grid Goes West to befriend her. OMG! The Nativity is not Released Fri 17 November often portrayed from the viewpoint of an an- imal, but then this is a Thank You For Your Service cartoon. The Korean- CERT 15 (108 mins) American actor Steven Starring Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Joe Cole, Yeun (The Walking CERT 15 (102 mins) Amy Schumer, Beulah Koale, Keisha Castle- Dead) is the voice of Good Time Hughes Directed by Jason Hall (USA) Starring Robert Pattinson, Jennifer Jason Bo, a donkey who finds himself in a stable in Leigh, Ben Safdie, Barkhad Abdi Based on the non-fiction work by David December… In 3D. Directed by Ben Safdie and Josh Safdie (USA) Finkel, this drama follows the lives of three Released Fri 24 November You can’t have enough heists. This one, in- American soldiers as they try to adjust to evitably, goes awry and one of the robbers, civilian life after Iraq. Look out for the Lon- who is mentally challenged, is taken into don-born Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders) as Will, Battle Of The Sexes custody. So his brother sets off to free him. an actor building an enormous professional CERT 12a (121 mins) The critics loved it. momentum. Starring Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Andrea Released Fri 17 November Released Fri 10 November Riseborough, Sarah Silverman, Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Elisabeth Shue Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris (USA) Film Stars Don’t Die Fresh from her Oscar for playing Mia Dolan in In LiverpoolCERT 15 (106 mins) La La Land, Emma Stone is now in the frame Starring Annette Bening, Jamie Bell, Vanessa for another golden man for playing Billie Redgrave, Julie Walters, Kenneth Cranham, Jean King. The latter was the World Number Stephen Graham One of professional tennis, who won no less Directed by Paul McGuigan (UK) than 39 grand slams. But, wondered the male The Oscar buzz is deafening for this British tennis champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell), drama in which a young actor (Bell) falls for could she compete in a man’s world? So he an older woman, albeit a glamorous Holly- lured her into a match that was to make wood star called Gloria Grahame (Bening). sporting history. The husband-and-wife team Trophy CERT 15 (107 mins) Could this really be Ms Bening's turn to take of Dayton and Faris previously brought us Directed by Christina Clusiau and Shaul home the little gold man? She's already been Little Miss Sunshine and Ruby Sparks. But nominated four times. Schwarz (UK/Namibia/South Africa/Zim- babwe/USA) which is the better director? Released Fri 17 November Beware the 15 certificate. This is a documen- Released Fri 24 November tary that explores the intricacies of the wildlife hunting industry. And it isn’t all as straightforward as we’d like to think. Critically acclaimed, the film features the lat- est technology, including high-definition, lightweight cameras attached to drones, and asks many probing, painful questions. Released Fri 17 November

whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Visual Arts November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:38 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Crafts Of The Punjab Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 21 January An exhibition specially created for the Herbert and featuring items from the impressive collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum, Crafts Of The Punjab celebrates the delicate and detailed artistry of craftspeople from the re- gion. The display boasts an extensive range of arts and crafts from the second to the 19th century, and includes a num- ber of never-before-exhibited works. Among the featured items are exam- ples of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculpture, delicately carved ivories, elaborate musical instruments and gold-inlaid steel artefacts. An undoubted highlight of the show is the Golden Throne, made by a Muslim craftsman in Lahore for Ranjit Singh, the first Sikh Maharaja of the Punjab.

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Visual Arts

Samurai: Warriors Of Japan Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 21 January Oscar-nominated costumes from the 2003 Tom Cruise movie The Last Samurai are one of the highlights of this touring exhibition, stopping off in Shrewsbury until the new year. Bringing to life the story of the Samurai and their fall from power in Japan, the display also features a real suit of Samurai armour and a range of intriguing artefacts. Commenting on the show, Phil Scoggins, Inter- pretation Officer at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Whether you appreciate Japanese history and culture, are curious to ex- plore the world of the Samurai for the first time or are a fan of Tom Cruise movies, this exhibi- tion holds something of interest for all.”

Knights Of The Raj Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Sun 7 January The histories of Birmingham’s famous curry houses are explored in this new exhibition, which traces the origins of the city’s curry trade right back to the 1940s. The display includes furnished interiors, images, films and recorded histories. One of the stand-out artefacts is a booth from the interior of Koh-i-Noor, a restaurant which opened on Birmingham’s Horse Fair in the 1960s, making it one of the city’s oldest curry houses. Commenting on the exhibition, Rebecca Bridgman, Curator of Islamic & South Asian Art Michael Lyons: Full Circle at Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “The curry house institution, and the balti dish in Wolverhampton Art Gallery, particular, are profoundly rooted in Birmingham’s history. As the first wave of these Sat 4 November - Sun 28 January restaurants are vanishing or being demolished, it’s vitally important that their story is The title of Michael Lyons’ first major exhibi- preserved. We’re thrilled that the Koh-i-Noor restaurant booth will become a permanent tion in the Midlands reflects the fact that he’s part of the city’s history.” come ‘full circle’, returning to Wolverhampton half a century after studying at the city’s Col- lege of Art. Warhol To Walker: Nowadays an artist of international renown, Michael has continued to explore the eclectic Nine American Prints range of subjects that interested him back in From Pop To Today his student days in the Black Country - namely, the figure, mechanical objects, the stars, land- Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, Sat 4 November - Sat 6 January scapes, history and mythology. As well as sculpture and drawings, the show Works by Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschen- also includes a new film in which Michael dis- berg and Jim Dine are among the highlights cusses a career that has seen him create work of this exploration of great American print- in China, Canada and Mexico. making. Covering the period from the Pop Art era of the 1960s to the present day, the display features nine key works from the British Museum’s collection. Pieces from the Worcester City Collection are also included, highlighting the ways in which artists have pushed the boundaries of printmaking while exploring subjects as diverse as the Vietnam War, Bing Crosby, picnics and the universe.

Image credit: Andy Warhol, Campbell’s green pea soup, 1968, Colour screenprint, 1981,0620.37 © The Trustees of the British Museum

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Events previews from around the region Events

MCM Comic Con Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Sat 18 - Sun 19 November This well-established event is an absolute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to celebrity appearances. On this occasion, famous faces on show include Keith Allen - who starred in recently re- leased movie Kingsman: The Golden Circle - and Veronica Taylor, best known for Poke- mon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Slayers. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awesome show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”

Ludlow Medieval Birmingham International Christmas Fayre Tattoo 2017 Arena Birmingham, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November Ludlow Castle, Shropshire, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November Marching bands from Poland and the Sword-fighting soldiers, puppets Netherlands here join the Band of the aplenty and a medley of medieval Household Cavalry and the Band of The musicians all play their part in this Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, in what ever-popular event, which also fea- promises to be one of the Tattoo’s best ever tures 100 stall holders selling food, line-ups. drink and seasonal wares. The event culminates in a ‘spectacular Other attractions at this year’s fayre grand finale’ featuring the Massed Bands include storytelling, carol singing, and vocal soloist Captain Gary Chilton. falconry displays, a one-act nativity The Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour play, hands-on activities including and Escort then round things off with perfor- medieval word games and skittles, mances of Land Of Hope And Glory, The and the chance to visit St Nicholas Evening Hymn and The Lone Piper. in his festive den. Festive Gift Fair NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 November If you generally find your- self in a present-purchas- ing predicament at this time of year, a trip to the Festive Gift Fair might provide just the inspira- tion you’re looking for. Taking place over four days, the fair features hundreds of stalls offer- ing an eclectic selection of affordable gifts. Being stuck for ideas sim- ply isn’t an option! whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events November New.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:14 Page 3

Events

Antiques For Everyone Winter Fair Remember, NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 23 - Sun 26 November Remember the 5th With more than 200 dealers showcasing their wares, of November... Antiques For Everyone is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK, featuring items ranging in price from as little as THE VALE FIREWORKS Thurs 2 Nov, from 7pm, University of £10 right up to £100,000. Birmingham Visitors to this latest edition of the long-running show - and SIXWAYS BONFIRE AND who happen to have £3,500 to spare - can check out an eye- FIREWORKS DISPLAY Sat 4 Nov, catching model of an owl. Actually a jar and cover, it was from 5pm, Sixways Stadium, made at the Doulton Lambeth works in the late 19th century. Worcester For smaller budgets, an art deco-style silver Champagne EDGBASTON FIREWORKS Sat 4 bucket - designed for the Park Hotel, Grenoble, 1968 Winter Nov, from 5pm, Edgbaston Olympics - is up for grabs at £498. Half Price Stadium, Birmingham If you want to find out a bit more about collecting, be sure to WORCESTER BONFIRE & Ticket Offer FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from catch one or more of the celebrity talks. Two of the country’s visit 5.30pm, Pitchcroft Racecourse, most respected authorities on antiques, Judith Millar and antiquesforeveryone.co.uk Worcester Will Farmer, are in attendance to offer their advice. quote WINW017 WARWICK TOWN BONFIRE & There's also a special exhibition featuring examples from the FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from production lines of all three Derby porcelain factories, from or call 5pm, Warwickshire Racecourse the middle of the 18th century to the present day. 0844 581 0827 BONFIRE & FIREWORKS GALA Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Kenilworth Castle SHREWSBURY’S CHARITY FIREWORKS AND BONFIRE Gorgeous SPECTACULAR Sat 4 Nov, from Christmas Craft Fair 5.30pm, West Mid Showground, Shrewsbury Enginuity, Ironbridge, Sat 18 - Sun 19 November BLISTS HILL FIREWORKS NIGHT Held in association with the Shropshire Guild Sat 4 Nov, from 6pm, Blists Hill of Contemporary Craft, this popular event pro- Victorian Town, Ironbridge vides a showcase for the region’s creative tal- CONKERS FIREWORKS AND LASER ent. This year’s exhibitors include: Robert SHOW Sat 4 Nov, from 5pm, Shelton, who combines traditional design with Conkers, Rawdon Road, Moira a contemporary twist to create furniture of real WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE AND character; Sarah Piper Heap, working in silver FIREWORKS NIGHT Sat 4 Nov, and other natural materials to create jewellery from 5pm, Wolverhampton Racecourse and tableware; and Caroline Bennett, whose SOLIHULL FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, unique figurative and free-flowing sculptures from 5.30pm, Tudor Grange, are created to enhance both house and garden. Solihull HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 4.30pm, Himley Mind Body Spirit Hall, Dudley TAMWORTH'S FREE FIREWORK Wellbeing Festival EXTRAVAGANZA Sat 4 Nov, from NEC, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sun 5 November 6pm, Tamworth Castle Pleasure Grounds, Tamworth The Wellbeing Festival makes a welcome ALTON TOWERS RESORT ULTIMATE return to Birmingham, with the organisation FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Sat 4 behind the show, Mind Body Spirit, this year & Sun 5 Nov, shows start at celebrating its 40th anniversary. 7pm, Alton Towers Theme The three-day event offers ‘spiritual seekers’ Park, Staffordshire a safe place in which to commune and share WESTON PARK BONFIRE AND their ideas, beliefs and philosophies. FIREWORKS Sat 4 Nov, from 5.30pm, Weston Park, Shifnal 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 the Ceremony Space, an area in which visitors can focus on intimate ceremony-based experiences.

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events November New.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:14 Page 4

Events previews from around the region

The Frost Fair Ragley Hall, Alcester, Fri 24 - Sun 26 November A new addition to the region’s ever- expanding list of great Christmas- shopping events, the Frost Fair features a carefully selected array of crafts, gifts, unique and original presents and fine foods. There’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy too as you busily search for that perfect present for your elderly Aunty Maud. Choirs, roving musi- cians, a magician and Father Christmas himself all play their part in generating a suitably festive Ticket atmosphere. Offer Save 20% Warley National quote Model Railway BBC Good Food Show PAR10 Exhibition NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sun 3 December NEC, Birmingham, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events tin and Nadiya Hussain, all of whom will be cook- The organisers of this long-running calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a ing up a tastebud-tantalising treat or several. event - this month’s exhibition is packed programme of inspiration and entertain- Add into the mix oodles of tastings and hundreds the 50th edition of the show - have ment to the NEC. of exhibitors showcasing their wares - plus the certainly and very sensibly got an Continuing to attract the crème de la crème of TV brand new Big Family Cooking Showdown Live eye to the future, ensuring there’s personalities, this year’s show features, among event - and you’ve got yourself the makings of a plenty for youngsters to enjoy others, Mary Berry, The Hairy Bikers, Raymond delicious day out. across the two days. Blanc, Tom Kerridge, Michael Roux Jr, James Mar- The show features more than 90 layouts, numerous modelling demonstrations, 150-plus trade Lanternory of the popular visitor attraction... stands and a Decauville replica Lanternory takes place both early in the evening narrow gauge loco. The exhibition’s Tamworth Castle, Sat 18 November and later on at night. Slots from 5pm to 7.30pm centrepiece is a 14xx class 1450 This brand new event follows the exploits of a feature content suitable for younger visitors. from the Severn Valley Railway. young thief named Raike as he attempts to ac- By contrast, the 8pm to 9.30pm shows are quire treasures from the castle. His story un- aimed at an adult audience, providing a some- folds as visitors are treated to a lantern-lit tour what scarier twist on the tale! Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Worcester City Centre, Thurs 30 The Classic Motor Show November - Sun 3 December NEC, Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sun 12 November This year marks the 25th anniver- The biggest event of its kind, the Classic sary of Worcester’s hugely popular Motor Show this year boasts more than 2,500 festive celebration. vehicles covering an area of over one million The annual event is regarded as the square feet; or, to put it another way, a space leading themed street market in the the size of approximately 12 football pitches! West Midlands, attracting in excess Attractions at the three-day get-together in- of 100,000 visitors. clude a dedicated classic motorbike show, In addition to the 200 stalls which the always-popular autojumble - complete grace Worcester’s historic streets - with a range of mouthwatering 'show only' selling crafts, gifts and speciality offers - and one of the most high-profile clas- foods - the ever-popular fayre also sic car auctions in the UK. features an array of period enter- Numerous motoring celebrities, including tainment, from choirs and stilt- Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant walkers to a period carousel and Anstead, also contribute. barrel organ music. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Tim Firth - The Band DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:25 Page 1 Tim Firth - The Band DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:25 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Could It Be Magic? Tim Firth talks about hotly anticipated Take That musical The Band, which he’s hoping will Shine on the Regent Theatre stage this month...

We all know the feeling: a tune we remember stories. One involved a group of friends I “I think until they actually come to see it, it’s from our teenage years comes on, and we’re know, who went through a tragedy together. quite hard for people to imagine what this instantly transported back in time, as In their case, it actually brought them all story is. Even though the boys don’t have a memories of old haunts and old friends come much closer together, but it made me think single word of dialogue, every time they sing, flooding to our minds. Tapping into the about what might have happened if things it feels like they’re commenting on the story nostalgia that songs seem almost uniquely had gone the other way. or nudging the girls into action, almost like apt to spark, Tim Firth’s hotly anticipated “But ultimately they’re just five ordinary girls an old-fashioned Greek chorus. They’re a Take That musical, The Band, breaks with a at school, so whether you see yourself in one constant presence that keeps changing - tradition of jukebox-style biopics, instead of them or they remind you of someone you moving in and out of different roles. So at putting music lovers and listeners centre- know, everybody should recognise them. And one point they might be workers in an stage. Ahead of its arrival in Stoke-on-Trent, anyone can identify with the journey they go airport, and at another time they might step we asked him more about the story he on, whether or not they’ve been through out of a music video on TV. They must have describes as a perfect way for Take That to something similar. I think what a lot of 20 or 30 costume changes between them, and show fans how much their devotion means to people find moving about the show is not so they also move the set around and facilitate them. much the loss they deal with as the journey the changing of one scene to another, so “It must have been over 15 years ago that back to positivity and optimism, and being they’ve got loads to do.” Gary Barlow and I first discussed the idea of reminded of the value of friendship to help Interestingly, neither Take That nor its a musical, but at that point, I didn’t know us through tough times.” members are ever actually called by name, where to start with it,” says Firth. “I’d done Featuring the characters at two different usually simply dubbed “the band” or “the one musical with existing music by Madness, stages in their lives has required some special boys” by the characters. Even the title of the but that was because I’d felt there was a story considerations for the casting and rehearsal show can also refer to the wristbands the hiding in their lyrics. There’s got to be a process. girls wear to the concert, rather than directly reason for doing a musical that isn’t just to the group itself. “Even though some of the women have cashing in. completely changed from how they were at “Whenever I put the words Take That or Gary “It wasn’t until years later, when Gary said the age of 16, we have to believe that these or Robbie into the script, which I did a little he’d been approached by the BBC to do a are the same characters. Partly that’s to do bit at the start, the story absolutely threw talent show, that I hit on the idea of casting with casting, but it isn’t just a case of finding them back at me. It didn’t work. And that I the band in a fundamentally different role, lookalikes. In rehearsals, we’ve had the girls took to be it saying, ‘Look, this is a much and it changed everything. Now, instead of watching the women and vice versa, so that more universal story. This isn’t just about pretending the songs were written for the they pick up little traits and ways of speaking people who like Take That. It’s about music show, we have them performing the same from each other - even certain catchphrases.” and the power of song in its broadest sense.’ function in the lives of the characters that The TV talent show that prompted Firth to “Songs are unique in their ability to retain they would in real life - so they’re on the reconsider what might be done with a Take parts of our lives, like little treasure chests. radio, in the characters’ heads, at concerts or That musical was of course Let It Shine, with And regardless of what sort of thing you being sung along to by the girls.” winners Five To Five now appearing in the listen to, if you have music in your life, you’ll The story revolves around the lives of five show as the band. But as he explains, it’s not understand that and be able to enjoy this teenagers, all big fans of the same pop group. quite as straightforward as them simply story.” When they discover that the band will be playing Take That. performing in their hometown, they’re eager “While the series was still running, the press to attend together. But on the night of the gig, kept saying that they’d heard the boys The Band shows at the Regent Theatre, disaster strikes, ultimately causing the wouldn’t be the leads and were just going to Stoke-on-Trent, from Tuesday 28 friends to split apart. More than 20 years be backing singers, and all the time I was November to Saturday 9 December, and at later, however, the band reforms, leading the smiling to myself thinking, ‘Just wait, hold Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 1 characters to a reunion of their own. your nerve!’ to Saturday 12 May. “It’s partly based on two different true The List Cover November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:40 Page 1

50 whatsonlive.co.uk Margaret Cho online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 10:07 Page 1

MARGARET CHO Margaret Cho online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 10:07 Page 2

Bisexual comedian, actor and activist Margaret Cho visits Birmingham this month as part of her Fresh Off The Bloat tour. Here, she tells What’s On about her inspiration, ex- plains why the LGBT community is so important to her and outlines the numerous challenges that it still faces...

When did you first discover that you were use their own words against them and trip Lately there’s been more that’s centred funny? them up. It’s a little unfair on them because around my comedy. There are things that I’m still trying to figure that one out! I don’t you have a microphone and you’re going to have been developed from my standup. I’ve really know. I think that it wasn’t a need to be be louder than them. I think people get just developed a show called Highland. We funny or not be funny, it was just me wanting intimidated by me because I can come off as just wrapped up the pilot recently. We’ll see to be a bit like Joan Rivers. I saw her when I pretty ferocious, so I haven ’t had that bad a what’s going to happen with it, but it’s very was a kid and just really fell for her. I wanted time with hecklers. They get shutdown pretty good. It’s very true to life, and features a very to be just like her. I was really young; it was quickly, I think. different kind of Asian family that we haven’t right after I’d decided to be Wonder Woman. You’re bringing your tour to Birmingham seen before. When that didn’t seem likely , I decided to be this month. What can audiences expect? Is there a dream role or show you’d like to a comedian just like Joan instead. It’s a very topical show. It’s very much about act in? How did you first get into standup the bloated nature of our crazy politics. I I just want to focus on Highland. I’d like to comedy? don’t even know if it’s called politics complete the trajectory of the story. That’s I just started doing shows in San Francisco, anymore because it’s so insane! There’s a lot something I would love to do. where I’m from, and doing these different about Trump, the global impact he’s having, A significant element of your material AIDS fundraising events in the early ’90s. So the craziness of it all. A lot of stuff about addresses LGBT issues. Why are those that connected me very closely with the gay Hollywood and how to be an Asian-American issues so important to you? in a not-diverse world there. There’s a lot of community. There were so many different Well, I’m part of the community. I’m bisexual stuff about rape, about sexuality, gay rights. kinds of things that I was doing, but I was and we’re the forgotten sector of the LGBT There are so many things to revisit that I’ve really lucky because I was different in community. They don’t really pay attention to talked about in my standup before. It needs comedy. There weren’t many Asian-American us, but we’re here! That’s funny to me - the to be expanded. women doing comedy then, so it felt like I lack of understanding of the bisexual had a very special experience. The last time you performed in the UK community from both sides, both gay and Where do you find inspiration for your was in 2015. Are you excited to be making straight. Also, I grew up in the gay material? a return visit? community. I always knew th at I would be Everywhere. Right now it’s pretty crazy - a lot Yeah, I love it. I have a great time here. The political. It’s part of my life and part of my about Donald Trump and even the Harvey audiences are far more sophisticated because upbringing. It’s a very safe place for me to be, Weinstein scandal. We all have these varied they’re used to the best comedians doing a and a place I understand well. memories of sexual assault. I’ve talked about different show every year. So everyone comes What do you feel still needs to be it a lot in my standup. Whenever something back with new material. It’s always very achieved in terms of the LGBT community like that occurs, which I guess is a rare thing, exciting. My favourite people are Stephen K across the world? Amos and Paul Foot. I really enjoy seeing but whenever people are coming forward - Well, there’s got to be a stop to bans on them. They really typify the excellence of like with Bill Cosby or Jimmy Savile - you transgender people in the military. And this British comedy. realise a very public figure has been idea that you can somehow ban an entire protected. It’s very disheartening and brings Is there a difference between UK and community from using a bathroom. There are back a lot of bad memories of your own American audiences? so many crazy ideas that conservatives have experiences. There’s a lot of that in what I’m I think there is, because everybody is very about the transgender community - ideas doing in my shows. I’ve been talking about familiar with their comedians. They see them that it’s dangerous for people to believe. rape, abuse and healing in my work for a over and over, and in different ways across There’s been so much progress, but also a lot long time, so this has more of a topic to wrap the years, so they get to know them better. of ignorance and fear about who we are. around. There’s a kind of familiarity with their Do you see yourself as a role model for the What’s been your best show ever? comedians. So I come in and I’m different. community? It’s really challenging, but I love it. It was great to play at Radio City Music Hall. I don’t want to say that I’m a role model, but I I’ve done it many times in different Which other comedians do you most try. I’d like to be. That would be great. capacities. I’ve also been kicked out of Radio admire? Ultimately I’m just trying to be one small City Music Hall for smoking pot up there. There are lots. People like Sarah Silverman, voice of reason, trying to make a difference Apparently you’re not supposed to do that! I who’s a good friend of mine. Kathy Griffin’s and hopefully bring about change. was with someone very famous, much more also a good friend. There are so many great famous than me, and both she and I got comedians now who are very drilled. I love it. busted. I thought that because she was so You’re not only a comedian but an actor famous we were going to get away with it, but Margaret Cho brings her Fresh Off The too. How did that come about? no. I got to do my show there, but couldn’t Bloat comedy tour to Birmingham’s Glee use a dressing room because I got kicked out. I was always doing little things over the Club on Wednesday 29 November. years. I had my own TV show for a while in How do you deal with hecklers? Tickets are now available at the ’90s. So there was always something. I think you have to try and figure out how to livenation.co.uk The List Cover November Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:40 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Novemberovember 22017017 thelist

Russell Brand at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry - Wed 8 November

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 12 November Mon 13 to Sun 19 November Mon 20 to Sun 26 November Mon 27 to Thurs 30 November

Warwick King James I Festival Finding Joy at Belgrade Driving Miss Daisy at Andy Parsons at at Warwick Castle Theatre, Coventry Malvern Theatres Palace Theatre, Redditch Fri 3 - Sun 5 November Thurs 16 - Sat 18 November Mon 20 - Sat 25 November Tues 28 November

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Warwicks/Worcs Wed 1 - Sun 12 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:46 Page 1

thelist Coventry THE SLOW READERS Birmingham THE RPMS Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham Gigs FOSTER AND ALLEN Fri 3 CLUB Sat 4 Nov, O2 CRAIG DAVID PRESENTS Marr’s Bar, Worcester THIS IS MANCHESTER Sat Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Academy, Birmingham TS5 Sun 5 Nov, O2 HOLY MOLY AND THE 11 Nov, The Copper MOUNT KIMBIE Wed 1 Leamington Spa RIFFERSPOCK Sat 4 Nov, Academy, Birmingham CRACKERS Thurs 9 Nov, Rooms, Coventry Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- JACK LUKEMAN Fri 3 The Tin Music & Arts, GIRL RAY Sun 5 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Birm- BILLY BRAGG BRIDGES ingham Nov, MAC, Birmingham Coventry Hare & Hounds, Birm- ingham NOT WALLS Sat 11 Nov, SHELLY QUARMBY BAND LED ZEPPELIN Fri 3 Nov, WALK LIKE A MAN Sat 4 ingham SAMPA THE GREAT Thurs Birmingham Town Hall Wed 1 Nov, The Jam The River Rooms, Nov, Royal Spa Centre, A CELEBRATION OF JOHN 9 Nov, Hare & Hounds, MAZ MITRENKO Sat 11 House, Birmingham Stourbridge Leamington Spa DENVER Sun 5 Nov, The Birmingham Nov, Katie Fitzgeralds, BELLA HARDY Wed 1 TANKUS THE HENGE Fri 3 OH WONDER Sat 4 Nov, Roses Theatre, SOUND OF THE SIRENS Stourbridge Nov, MAC, Birmingham Nov, The Marr's Bar, O2 Institute, B’ham Tewekesbury Thurs 9 Nov, The Glee AND FINALLY... PHIL Club, Birmingham ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Worcester JOE BROWN Sat 4 Nov, BURY TOMORROW Sun 5 COLLINS Sat 11 Nov, Wed 1 Nov, Belgrade KING PLEASURE & THE Birmingham Town Hall Nov, Marr’s Bar, J HUS Thurs 9 Nov, O2 The Roses Theatre, Theatre, Coventry BISCUIT BOYS Fri 3 Nov, THE REGULARS Sat 4 Worcester Academy, Birmingham Tewkesbury CHANGING TRAX Wed 1 The Core Theatre, Soli- Nov, The Sunflower RAYMOND FROGGATT PAT METHENY Thurs 9 ELAINE PAIGE Sat 11 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- hull Lounge, Birmingham Sun 5 Nov, Artrix, Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- tre, Coventry JOHN COGHLAN'S QUO Fri EXOWAVES Sat 4 Nov, Bromsgrove tre, Coventry tre, Coventry MOTORHEAD - ACE OF 3 Nov, The Assembly, O2 Institute, B’ham AKALA Sun 5 Nov, O2 ELO EXPERIENCE Thurs 9 MY VITRIOL Sat 11 Nov, SPADES Thurs 2 Nov, Leamington Spa THE SUMMER OF LOVE Academy, Birmingham Nov, The Roses The- Kasbah, Coventry The River Rooms, 80S MANIA Fri 3 Nov, Sat 4 Nov, The Roses SYLVAN ESSO Mon 6 atre, Tewkesbury SUGGESTED FRIENDS Sat Stourbridge Belgrade Theatre, Theatre, Tewkesbury Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- THE WONDER STUFF 11 Nov, The Tin Music THE LEGENDS OF AMERI- Coventry OUJAMAFLIP Sat 4 Nov, ingham Thurs 9 Nov, The As- & Arts, Coventry CAN COUNTRY SHOW IDLE FRETS Fri 3 Nov, Number 8 Community GOLDFRAPP Mon 6 Nov, sembly, Leamington TOO MANY ZOOZ Sat 11 Thurs 2 Nov, The Core The Flapper, B’ham Arts, Pershore O2 Institute, B’ham Spa Nov, Kasbah, Coventry Theatre, Solihull GHOST VARIATIONS: THE QUADROPHONIA - THE ABC Mon 6 Nov, Sym- ITCH Thurs 9 Nov, The PURPLE RAIN Sat 11 THE MAGIC OF THE BEAT- STRANGEST DETECTIVE WHO TRIBUTE Sat 4 Nov, phony Hall, B’ham Assembly, Leamington Nov, The Assembly, LES Thurs 2 Nov, Bel- Spa STORY IN MUSIC Fri 3 The Roadhouse, Birm- THE KILLERS Mon 6 - Leamington Spa grade Theatre, Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove ingham Tues 7 Nov, Genting PETER KNIGHT'S NEWTON FAULKNER Sat Coventry CLEAN BANDIT Fri 3 Nov, ROCKIN' & ROLLING WITH Arena, Birmingham GIGSPANNER Thurs 9 11 Nov, O2 Institute, THE TOASTERS Thurs 2 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, O2 Academy, B’ham LAUGHTER Sat 4 Nov, IGORRR Tues 7 Nov, The Birmingham Nov, Marr’s Barr, Worcester THE SPITFIRES Fri 3 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Flapper, B’ham THE ICICLE WORKS Sat Worcester Coventry ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 10 O2 Academy, B’ham GOAT GIRL Tues 7 Nov, 11 Nov, O2 Academy, MIDGE URE, THE CHRIS- Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove BLUES REVUE Sat 4 Nov, CARPENTERS GOLD Sat 4 Hare & Hounds, Birm- Birmingham TIANS & ALTERED IMAGES The Assembly, Leam- Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove ingham MARKER STARLING & ELAINE PAGE Sat 11 Nov, Thurs 2 Nov, Birming- ington Spa MAGIC WANDS Sat 4 NICHOLAS KRGOVICH Fri Warwick Arts Centre, ham Town Hall BOYCE AVENUE Tues 7 10 Nov, The Tin Music JAMIROQUAI Sat 4 Nov, Nov, Kasbah, Coventry Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Coventry AJ TRACEY Thurs 2 Nov, & Arts, Coventry Arena Birmingham STARCRAWLER Sat 4 ingham MACKA B & THE ROYAL O2 Institute, B’ham MOSTACK Fri 10 Nov, O2 THE UPROARS Sat 4 Nov, Nov, The Actress & THE WINTER PASSING ROOTS Sat 11 - Sun 12 DOMINIC KIRWAN IN CON- Institute, B’ham The Night Owl, B’ham Bishop, Birmingham Wed 8 Nov, O2 Nov, The Assembly, CERT WITH LISA STANLEY STEVE AJAO Sat 4 Nov, Academy, Birmingham BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Fri Leamington Spa Thurs 2 Nov, Artrix, ROCKIN' & ROLLING WITH Katie Fitzgerald’s, 10 Nov, The Palace TENORS UN LIMITED - Bromsgrove LAUGHTER Sat 4 Nov, EMPLOYED TO SERVE Theatre, Redditch Belgrade Theatre, Stourbridge Wed 8 Nov, The Flap- VENICE TO VEGAS Sat 11 SIMON MCBRIDE BAND Coventry OASIS V THE STONE per, Birmingham MARK MORRIS Fri 10 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Thurs 2 Nov, Hunting- ROSES Sat 4 Nov, The Nov, Katie Fitzgeralds, MOTOWN DIVAS SHOW don Hall, Worcester FAUX FIGHTERS (FOO SEAN PAUL Wed 8 Nov, Stourbridge FIGHTERS TRIBUTE) Sat 4 River Rooms, Stour- Arena Birmingham WITH THE DREAMETTES 80S MANIA Fri 3 Nov, Nov, The Marr's Bar, bridge ALANIS MORISSETTE’S Sat 11 Nov, Nailcote Belgrade Theatre, OUR LAST NIGHT Wed 8 Worcester PASSCHENDAELE Sat 4 JAGGED LITTLE PILL – Hall, Warwickshire Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- LIVE ON STAGE Fri 10 Nov, Bedworth Civic ingham LOGICALTRAMP Sat 11 Hall Nov, The River Rooms, Nov, Huntingdon Hall, RIDE Wed 8 Nov, O2 In- Stourbridge Worcester THE TOP TEN BEATLES stitute, Birmingham Sat 4 Nov, Huntingdon SHOW OF HANDS: THE NANCY KERR Sat 11 Nov, Hall, Worcester SPEAK, BROTHER Wed 8 CATHEDRALS TOUR Fri 10 The Other Place, Strat- Nov, Hare & Hounds, Nov, Coventry Cathe- ford-upon-Avon CRADLE OF FILTH Sat 4 Birmingham dral Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- THE DECADES BAND Sat ingham THE LEVELLERS Wed 8 LITTLE STEVEN & THE 11 Nov, The River Nov, The Assembly, DISCIPLES OF SOUL Fri Rooms, Stourbridge KALEO Sat 4 Nov, O2 Leamington Spa 10 Nov, O2 Academy, Academy, Birmingham DUKE SPECIAL Sun 12 THE UNDERTONES Thurs Birmingham DREADZONE Sat 4 Nov, Nov, The Glee Club, 9 Nov, O2 Academy, TROJAN RECORDS TOUR Birmingham The Empire, Coventry Birmingham WITH PAMA RECORDS Fri THE MEMBRANES Sat 4 10 Nov, The Assembly, LONDON AFRICAN ALISON MOYET Thurs 9 GOSPEL CHOIR Sun 12 Nov, The Flapper, Birm- Nov, Symphony Hall, Leamington Spa ingham Nov, The Assembly, Birmingham SHOWADDYWADDY Fri 10 Leamington Spa LOBSTER SHACK 2 YEAR NATHAN CARTER Thurs 9 Nov, Malvern Theatres ANNIVERSARY Sat 4 - HITS FROM THE BLITZ Nov, Bedworth Civic THE LEYLINES Fri 10 Sun 12 Nov, Artrix, Sun 5 Nov, Hare & Nov, The Marr's Bar, Hounds, Birmingham THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Bromsgrove Thurs 9 Nov, The Worcester SOCIAL REPOSE Sun 5 THE GREEK BROTHERS Palace Theatre, Red- THOMAS RHETT Sat 11 Sun 12 Nov, The Tin Nancy Kerr - The Other Place, Stratford-upon-Avon Nov, O2 Academy, ditch Nov, O2 Academy, Music & Arts, Coventry 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Wed 1 - Sun 12 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:46 Page 2

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November

SARY Featuring the Philharmonic Or- Classical Music chestra, Birmingham University Singers, Daniela Rosina & Simon Carrington (conductors) & Guy John- REFORMATION SYMPHONY Featuring ston (cello), Sun 5 Nov, The Bramall, Jérémie Rhorer (conductor), & Birmingham Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Wed 1 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- BENJAMIN GROSVENOR PIANO CONCERT cludes works by J.S Bach, Saint- Programme includes works by Bach, Saëns, F. Pott & M. Dupré, Mon 6 Brahms, Dean, Berg & Ravel, Wed 1 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Nov, The Barber Institute, B’ham MIDDAY MUSIC WITH RENATA KONYIC- BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYM- SKA (PIANO) Featuring Holly Teague PHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael (soprano), Kaethe Uken (clarinet) & Seal (conductor). Programme in- Jonathan French (piano). Programme cludes works by Smetana & Janá ek, comprises Schubert’s Shepherd on Wed 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’hamč the Rock, Mon 6 Nov, Recital Hall, REICH’S SIX MARIMBAS Featuring Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Jonathan Bloxham (conductor), Yu- MARIA JOÃO PIRES (PIANO) Programme Tzu Kung (percussion), Eduardo Vas- includes works by Schubert & sallo (cello), Georgina Baker (voice) Mozart, Mon 6 Nov, Birmingham Living With The Lights On - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry & percussionists from CBSO & Birm- Town Hall ingham Conservartoire. Programme PIRES AND POPOVIC - PIANO DUOS Fea- (tenor), Felix Kemp (bass) & Orches- IVO GRAHAM, KATIE PRITCHARD, includes works by Reich, Ishii & turing Maria João Pires & Miloš tra Pro Anima, Sat 11 Nov, Coventry THOMAS RACKHAM & DANNY CLIVES Fri Civilotti, Thurs 2 Nov, CBSO Centre, Popovi . Programme incudes works Cathedral 3 Nov, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Birm- Birmingham by Schubertć & Beethoven, Tues 7 TENORS UNLIMITED: VENICE TO VEGAS ingham COMMUTER CONCERT FEATURING AL- Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Sat 11 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove TROY HAWKE, ABI ROBERTS & ROB MUL- BERT TIU (PIANO) Thurs 2 Nov, Birm- PALISANDER RECORDER QUARTET Pro- COVENTRY SAVOY OPERA: LAST NIGHT HOLLAND Fri 3 Nov, Katie Fitzgerald's, ingham Conservatoire gramme includes works by Tallis, Vi- OF THE PROMS Sat 11 Nov, St Stourbridge THE HALLÉ Featuring Sir Mark Elder valdi, Susato and Dowland, Tues 7 Nicholas Church, Warwick THE COMEDY HUT Acts tbc, Fri 3 Nov, (conductor) & Sergio Castelló López Nov, St Mary's Church, Warwick GRAND ORGAN GALA Featuring The Civic, Stourport-on-Severn, (clarinet). Programme includes works MARTINO TIRIMO (PIANO) Also featuring Stephen Bell (conductor) & Darius Worcs by Ravel, Debussy & Elgar, Thurs 2 Ben Sayevich (violin) & Daniel Vels Battiwalla (organ), Sun 12 Nov, Sym- NINA CONTI: IN YOUR FACE Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Fri 3 Nov, (cello). Programme includes works phony Hall, Birmingham Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent DAVID GORDON TRIO LUNCHTIME CON- by Mozart & Fauré, Tues 7 Nov, Royal CHANDOS: FOUR LAST SONGS Featuring AURIE STYLA CERT Thurs 2 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, The Birmingham Conservatoire Michael Lloyd (conductor) & Alison tre, Coventry Glee Club, Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Roddy (soprano). Programme in- JONNY AWSUM, GUZ KHAN, PETE OTWAY COLLABRO plus Philippa Hanna (sup- CHESTRA: RUSSIAN CLASSICS Featur- cludes works by Butterworth, R & COMIC TBC Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov, port) & Carly Paoli (special guest), ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) Strauss & Elgar/Payne, Sun 12 Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Thurs 2 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham & Sheku Kanneh-Mason (cello). Pro- Malvern Theatre CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- gramme includes works by Rach- PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES THE MAGGINI QUARTET Sun 12 Nov, HOTEL Sat 4 Nov, Wolverhampton CHESTRA: STAR WARS Featuring maninov, Shostakovich & Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Michael Seal (conductor,) & the Tchaikovsky, Wed 8 Nov, Symphony Grand Theatre CBSO Chorus, Fri 3 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham STEPHEN K AMOS - BREAD AND CIR- Hall, Birmingham ENGLISH CORNETT & SACKBUT ENSEM- CUSES Sat 4 Nov, The Old Rep The- KSENIJA SIDOROVA Lunchtime concert BLE: I FAGIOLINI - THE OTHER VESPERS atre, Birmingham which forms part of the Birmingham Featuring Robert Hollingworth (con- UPFRONT COMEDY Sat 4 Nov, MAC, International Piano Festival. Pro- ductor). Programme includes works Comedy Birmingham gramme includes works by Lon- by Viadana, Monteverdi & Giovanno JOEL DOMMETT Sat 4 Nov, Warwick donov, Kuyakov, Rachmaninov, Gabrieli, Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham ANGELOS & BARRY - THE NEW POWER Arts Centre, Coventry Voytenko & Schnittke, Fri 3 Nov, The Town Hall GENERATION Thurs 2 Nov, The Roses JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM Barber Institute, Birmingham GOLDBERG STRING TRIO Featuring Theatre, Tewkesbury & PAUL MYREHAUG Sat 4 Nov, Jon- DUDLEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPE- Matthew Truscott (violin), Robin Ire- MARLON DAVIS & DAVID HADINGHAM gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham TITION Featuring Michael Seal (con- land (viola) & Richard Lester (cello). FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH MARLON DAVIS, DAVID HADINGHAM, ductor) & Dudley International Programme comprises JS Bach’s ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 2 Nov, The JOHN SCOTT & COMIC TBC Competition Finalists, Sat 4 Nov, Goldberg Variations arranged for Glee Club, Birmingham Sat 4 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham string trio, Thurs 9 Nov, Royal Birm- ingham Conservatoire KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Fea- FEATURING DUNCAN OAKLEY, LINDSEY Line-up tbc Sat 4 Nov, Artrix, Broms- turing Zoe Beyers (soloist/director). COVENTRY SAVOY OPERA: LAST NIGHT SANTORO, TONY JAMESON & DAN SMITH grove Programme includes works by OF THE PROMS Fri 10 Nov, Binley (MC) Thurs 2 Nov, Stourbridge Town Mozart, Schubert, Kreisler, Elgar & Woods Village Hall, Coventry PHILL JUPITUS: JUPLICITY Sun 5 Nov, Hall Britten, Sat 4 Nov, Malvern Theatre CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry JASON BYRNE - THE MAN WITH THREE MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA: CHESTRA: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Fea- JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE BRAINS Fri 3 Nov, Birmingham Town MOZART’S REQUIEM Featuring the City turing Anthony Inglis (conductor), GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Sun 5 Nov Hall of Birmingham Choir, Adrian Lucas Ilona Domnich (soprano), David Butt Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (conductor), Tom Poster (piano), Philip (tenor) & Alexander Sitkovetsky PAUL CHOWDHRY: LIVE INNIT Fri 3 Nov ROB BRYDON: I AM STANDING UP Sun 5 Tereza Gevorgyan (soprano), Anna (violin), Sat 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Huntley (mezzo soprano), Oliver Birmingham JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM & PAUL JEWELLERY QUARTER COMEDY CLUB Johnston (tenor) & Morgan Pearse COVENTRY CATHEDRAL CHORUS: BACH’S MYREHAUG Fri 3 Nov, Jongleurs Com- Tues 7 Nov, The Rose Villa Tavern, (baritone), Sun 5 Nov, Symphony B MINOR MASS Also featuring Susan edy Club, Birmingham Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Hamilton (soprano), Simon Ponsford ED BYRNE - SPOILER ALERT Fri 3 Nov, THE COMEDY HUT Acts tbc, Tues 7 MUSIC IN THE BRAMALL: 5TH ANNIVER- (countertenor), Adam Tunnicliffe Bedworth Civic Hall

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thelist Nov, The Civic, Stourport-on-Severn 31 Oct - Sat 11 Nov, The Blue Orange & Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) star in ing the 1980s, Fri 10 Nov, Old Joint RUSSELL BRAND Wed 8 Nov, Warwick Theatre, Birmingham a new staging of the longest-running Stock Theatre, Birmingham Arts Centre, Coventry WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mis- thriller in Broadway history, Tues 7 - CALL ME DUSTY Heartfelt play cele- taken identity, complete with posh Sat 11 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, brating the music of Dusty Spring- BARBARA NICE & MAUREEN YOUNGER Birmingham Wed 8 Nov, Kitchen Garden Cafe, frocks and masks, Wed 1 Nov, field, Fri 10 - Sat 18 Nov, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome PETER PAN JM Barrie’s timeless tale of Hall Green Little Theatre, B’ham PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH Join Paul, the boy who refused to grow up, MACBLAIR The story of Tony Blair, told TOM STADE Wed 8 Nov, Artrix, Broms- Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, The Core The- grove Sam, Albert, Baby and two brand as a Shakespearean tragicomedy via new characters for an evening of atre, Solihull verse, rap and comedy, Sat 11 Nov, PATRICK MONAHAN, NICK PAGE stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, THE SORCERER Worcester Gilbert & Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham & DANNY WARD Fri 10 Nov, Wed 1 Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Sullivan Society presents its version The Bramall, Birmingham OLD HAUNTS Jonathan Goodwin NEW BLACK SHOWCASE 2017 The fifth of G&S’s comic opera, Tues 7 - 11 reprises his role as Montague MAE MARTIN - DOPE Fri 10 Nov, The such showcase, providing a platform Nov, The Rose Theatre, Kiddermin- Rhodes James in an ‘engagingly Glee Club, Birmingham for the voices of new writers from ster macabre’ stage play, Sat 11 Nov, KATHERINE RYAN’S GLITTER ROOM Fri Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL Palace Theatre, Redditch 10 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- backgrounds, Wed 1 - Fri 3 Nov, Olivier Award-winning West End THE MAGIC FLUTE OperaUpClose pre- try Belgrade Theatre, Coventry show telling the inspiring true story of sent a ‘bold new take’ on Mozart’s BARBARA NICE: RAFFLE! Fri 10 Nov, LIVING WITH THE LIGHTS ON Actors King’s remarkable rise to stardom, classic, Sat 11 Nov, Malvern Theatre The Core Theatre, Solihull Touring Company present a ‘touch- Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Birmingham Hip- podrome HOBSON'S CHOICE Presented by All & PHIL WANG Fri 10 Nov, Artrix, Broms- ing and utterly bonkers’ story about Sundry, Sat 11 - Sat 25 Nov, Crescent grove living life on the edge, Wed 1 - Sat 4 SEASONS GREETINGS St John’s Players Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry present an amateur staging of Alan PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, ANDY INTO THE SILENCE Covering nearly 100 Ayckbourn’s seasonal farce, Tues 7 - ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Fri 10 Nov, Sat 11 Nov, Swan Theatre, Worcester The Glee Club, Birmingham years of Anglo-Indian history and based on the life story of women’s THE DREAMBOYS Wed 8 Nov, Palace MATT FORDE - A SHOW HASTILY REWRIT- rights activist Sophia Duleep Singh, Theatre, Redditch TEN IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS - Wed 1 - Sat 4 Nov, The Bear Pit The- Kids shows AGAIN! Fri 10 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, ANTIGONE Actors Of Dionysus present atre, Stratford-upon-Avon a new adaptation of Sophocles’ Worcester THE SNOW QUEEN Artshouse Drama WNO - FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD tragedy, reimagined in a dystopian Club present a new version of Hans MAE MARTIN - DOPE Sat 11 Nov, War- Collage of stories told by the inmates landscape, Wed 8 Nov, Malvern The- Christian Andersen’s chilling adven- wick Arts Centre, Coventry of a claustrophobic Siberian prison, atres ture for children, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 Nov, STEVE SHANYASKI, DARIUS DAVIES Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- THE VALUE OF NOTHING More like an Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- & RUSSELL HICKS Sat 11 Nov, Jon- drome event than a play, this Laid Bare Avon gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham THE LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK Acclaimed show invites the audience to ‘interact, GRIMM TALES Dark tales from the PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, cabaret featuring male showgirls, glit- be active and take part’, Wed 8 Nov, Brothers Grimm, Thurs 2 - Sat 4 Nov, ANDY ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Sat ter, feathers and big-scale musical Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham The Dream Factory, Warwick 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham numbers, Thurs 2 Nov, Palace The- OUR HOUSE Deena Payne (Em- CRAFTY’S CREEPY CASTLE Arrive in RUDI LICKWOOD, SCOTT BENNETT, atre, Redditch merdale) & George Sampson your creepiest costume and join in GERRETT MILLERICK & PHIL ELLIS Sat TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare's tale of (Britain’s Got Talent) star in Tim the singalong adventure to find 11 Nov, The Comedy Loft, B’ham unrequited love, Thurs 2 Nov - Sat 24 Firth’s Olivier Award-winning musical, Crafty’s hidden treasure, Sat 4 Nov, Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre Wed 8 - Sat 11 Nov, Belgrade The- THE NOISE NEXT DOOR - UPROAR Sun Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 12 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- Stratford-upon-Avon atre, Coventry PEPPA PIG - LIVE! Join the fun with try WNO - EUGENE ONEGIN Tchaikovsky’s HAPPY DAYS Amateur staging pre- Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep, Danny best-loved opera, showcasing the sented by Coventry Youth Operetta Dog and Emily Elephant, Sat 4 - Sun battle between the yearnings of the Group (YOG), Wed 8 - Sat 11 Nov, 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birm- heart and social convention, Fri 3 The Albany Theatre, Coventry ingham Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome TEAM VIKING Tangram Theatre Com- LEAF Tam Tam Theatre present the life NEXT THING YOU KNOW Four New York- pany’s critically acclaimed comic ode Theatre story of a very special leaf. Suitable ers wake up from their invincible 20s to death and friendship, told through for children up to three years of age, to confront adulthood in ‘the city that storytelling, comic theatre and live MACBETH The Crescent Theatre Com- Sun 5 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove pany presents its version of Shake- never sleeps’, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, Old music, Thurs 9 Nov, Arena Theatre, STICK MAN Scamp Theatre stage speare’s bloodiest tale, until Sat 4 Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mis- INSTRUCTIONS FOR BORDER CROSSING Alex Scheffler's popular children's taken identity, complete with posh Political thriller written & performed NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Major new book of the same name, Mon 6 - frocks and masks, Sat 4 Nov, by Daniel Bye, Thurs 9 - Fri 10 Nov, stage adaptation based on the hit Tues 7 Nov, Malvern Theatres movie, until Sun 12 Nov, The REP, Birmingham Hippodrome Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry STICK MAN Scamp Theatre stage Birmingham UN-TAMED Quirky new play exploring (SORRY) Jenny Davis’ highly charged adaptation of Julia Donaldson and the trials and tribulations of female re- trilogy of monologues, exploring the LOOK BACK IN ANGER The Nonentities Alex Scheffler's popular children's lationships, Mon 6 Nov, Old Joint experiences of young people in the present an amateur staging of John book of the same name, Wed 8 Nov, Stock Theatre, Birmingham 21st century, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Nov, Osbourne’s ‘kitchen sink’ drama, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Mon 30 Oct - Sat 4 Nov, The Rose DUET FOR ONE Revival of Tom Kempin- The REP, Birmingham ALADDIN Birmingham Youth Theatre Theatre, Kidderminster ski’s award-winning play, taking a MIDDAY VARIETY Featuring Anita Har- celebrate their 30th anniversary with look at what happens when unex- ris & Freddie ‘Parrotface’ Davies, Fri A PRINCESS UNDONE Harriet Thorpe a pantomime for all the family, Thurs pected events lead you to revaluate 10 Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry (Ab Fab & The Brittas Empire) stars 9 - Sat 11 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, your life, Mon 6 - Sat 11 Nov, Malvern as Princess Margaret in a new play MEDUSA The story of a woman who Birmingham inspired by real-life events, Tues 31 Theatre exacts her revenge on the men that GRIMM TALES Dark tales from the Oct - Sat 4 Nov, Malvern Theatres THAT’LL BE THE DAY Featuring a new- destroyed her and the gods that Brothers Grimm, Sat 11 Nov, The line-up of smash hits spanning the cursed her, Fri 10 Nov, mac, B’ham CHARLES DICKENS' GHOST STORIES Dream Factory, Warwick Featuring two of Dickens’ most chill- ’50s, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s, Tues 7 Nov, KINGS CROSS (REMIX) One-man show WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? Journey ing tales of the supernatural - The Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa weaving together the hidden histories into a dazzling Arctic world of soaring Signalman & The Haunted Man, Tues DEATHTRAP Paul Bradley (Holby City) of LGBT communities in London dur- 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Wed 1 - Sun 12 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:46 Page 4

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November

snow geese, husky dogs and starry RAY MEARS: BORN TO BE WILD Join the nights, Sun 12 Nov, Warwick Arts intrepid explorer as he takes audi- Centre, Coventry ences on a journey into the wilder- MR MAKER AND THE SHAPES LIVE! ness, Tues 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Singing & dancing for Mini Makers Hall and their accompanying grown-ups, STEPHEN FRY LIVE! IN MYTHOS Event Sun 12 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, marking the launch of Stephen’s lat- Leamington Spa est book, in which he brings to life the gods, monsters and mortals of Ancient Greece, Tues 7 Nov, Sym- phony Hall, Birmingham MONTY DON: DOWN TO EARTH Join the Dance BBC television presenter as he talks about his life spent visiting gardens ANJALI DANCE COMPANY: GENIUS Two all over the world, Tues 7 Nov, War- dramatic explorations of genius: Gary wick Arts Centre, Coventry Clarke’s Beethoven and Lea Ander- MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF son’s Bloodsucker, Wed 1 Nov, Artrix, TWO HALVES Sun 12 Nov, Stratford Bromsgrove Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Vienna Festival GOK WAN: NAKED AND BARING ALL Gok Ballet present their production of the talks candidly about his rise to star- The National Pet Show - NEC, Birmingham classic fairy tale, set to Tchaikovsky’s dom, Sun 12 Nov, Birmingham Town magnificent score, Thurs 2 Nov, Bed- WARWICK KING JAMES I FESTIVAL FIREWORK FESTIVAL Hall Cele- Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, worth Civic Hall bration of the anniversary of King West Midland Safari and Leisure MAUREEN BELL: WORDS Leading book THE HEAD WRAP DIARIES Uchenna James I's visit to Warwick, Fri 3 - Sun Park, Bewdley historian Maureen investigates ‘read- Dance explore issues of femininity, 5 Nov, Warwick Castle CONTEMPORARY CRAFT MARKET ers across the centuries’ - who read Featur- beauty, culture and, most importantly, CAKE INTERNATIONAL what, when, where and how? Sun 12 Includes free ing a broad selection of quality hand- hair, Thurs 2 Nov, DanceXchange, Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove entry to Crafts For Christmas, The made products, including ceramics, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft jewellery, paintings, and craft items, podrome Show, and Art Materials Live, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov, mac, Birmingham FREEFALLING FOR 15 YEARS Birming- Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham WWE LIVE Tues 7 Nov, Arena Birming- ham Royal Ballet's Freefall Dance CRAFTY'S CREEPY CASTLE Go along in ham Company celebrates 15 years of per- Events your scariest Halloween costume and TRAM-DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join formance, Thurs 9 Nov, The Patrick join the singalong adventure to find the expert team to learn all about the Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome Crafty’s hidden treasure, Sat 4 Nov, history and workings of the trams in JINGLE ALL THE WAY Sparkling festival Belgrade Theatre, Coventry THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Theatre UK floral demo presented by Solihull the collection, once seen in every bring to life the story of Clara and her Flower Club, Wed 1 Nov, The Core FAWKES FEAST 2017 Exclusive black- town of the Black Country, Tues 7 adventures on Christmas Eve, Sat 11 Theatre, Solihull tie event with a Champagne recep- Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch tion followed by a private tour of the Dudley CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO THE NUTCRACKER Performed by Rus- house and a seven-course evening CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORK- BACKS As the nights draw in, experi- meal served in the Throckmorton sian National Ballet, Sun 12 Nov, The ence a tour of the Back to Backs by SHOP Wed 8 Nov - Fri 8 Dec, Kenil- Roses, Tewkesbury family dining room with an after-din- worth Castle the glow of candlelight, Thurs 2 Nov, ner speaker, Sat 4 Nov, Coughton Birmingham Back to Backs Court, Alcester CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT BACKS As the nights draw in, experi- FIREWORKS FRENZY Afternoon/ ence a tour of the Back to Backs by SHOW Includes free entry to Crafts evening featuring fireworks, live-ac- For Christmas, Art Materials Live and the glow of candlelight, Thurs 9 Nov, tion stunt displays, drifting, a huge Birmingham Back to Backs Talks Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 bonfire, a funfair, catering and bar fa- Nov, NEC, Birmingham cilities, plus family entertainment, Sat LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC HANS REY: RIDING HIGH Join the for- SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Those who love a 4 Nov, Santa Pod Raceway, Welling- MOTOR SHOW The biggest and best mer world champion as he takes au- handmade Christmas will delight in borough, Northants event of its kind in the UK, Fri 10 - diences on a journey through his everything this show has to offer, Sun 12 Nov, NEC, Birmingham 30-year career, Wed 1 Nov, Malvern BONFIRE NIGHT Visit Tamworth Castle Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, B’ham THE SOCIAL SECRETS OF FASHION A talk Theatre after dark for a ‘breathtaking’ firework CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Includes free display, Sat 4 Nov, Tamworth Castle on ‘power dressing’ in the Elizabeth AN AUDIENCE WITH KATIE PRICE Wed 1 entry to Art Materials Live, The Stitch- era, Sat 11 Nov, Shakespeare's Birth- Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, THE NATIONAL PET SHOW Sat 4 - Sun 5 ing, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show and place, Stratford Upon Avon Birmingham Nov, NEC, Birmingham Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 11 Nov, ARLENE! THE GLITZ. THE GLAMOUR. THE Nov, NEC, Birmingham ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A Birmingham Hippodrome GOSSIP The queen of dance reveals last chance to experience the venue’s ART MATERIALS LIVE Includes free CHARACTER WEEKEND Cadbury's most all about her 40 years in showbusi- rides and attractions before the 2017 entry to Crafts For Christmas, The colourful characters appear at regular ness, Thurs 2 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, season comes to an end, Sat 4 - Sun Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show intervals across the day!, Sat 11 - Leamington Spa 5 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire and Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun Sun 12 Nov, Cadbury World, B’ham AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN KEMP HERITAGE WEEKEND Take a stroll The 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BWIN GRAND SLAM OF DARTS Cross- Spandau Ballet star talks about his around beautiful Bournville Village as NATIONAL GRADUATE RECRUITMENT code event, with stars from both the private and professional life, Fri 3 you’re guided through the history of EXHIBITION Get your career on track, PDC and BDO systems competing Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham Cadbury's home town, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham across nine days, Sat 11 - Sun 19 AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES Fri 3 Nov, THE MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Malvern Theatre THE GUNPOWDER TREASON Weekend FESTIVAL A celebration of self-explo- dedicated to the Gunpowder Plot, in- SANTA SAFARI A four-mile self-drive sa- VOICES FOR THE VOICELESS Errollyn ration and self-expression featuring cluding a 35-minute family play deliv- fari and a visit to Santa, Sat 11 Nov - Wallen provides an insight into her music, yoga, meditation and life- ered by re-enactors Sir Robert Cecil's Sun 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and career, Sat 4 Nov, Birmingham Hip- changing workshops, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Men, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, Blakesley Leisure Park, Bewdley podrome Nov, NEC, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham

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56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:32 Page 2

thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November EDDI READER - PLUS DODGY ACOUSTIC Fri 17 18 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Gigs SPECIAL GUEST DAN Nov, The Empire, Classical WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- WHITEHOUSE Thurs 16 Coventry ETY Programme comprises Durufle’s Nov, Huntingdon Hall, MARTINE MCCUTCHEON RASCALTON Fri 17 Nov, Requiem & Dove’s For An Unknown Worcester Music Mon 13 Nov, Birming- The Tin Music & Arts, Soldier, Sat 18 Nov, Worcester ham Town Hall KIT HAWES AND AARON Coventry Cathedral CATLOW Thurs 16 Nov, TAKÁCS STRING QUARTET Featuring JON BODEN Mon 13 LITTLE MIX Fri 17 & Sat STRATFORD CHORAL SOCIETY Pro- The Marr's Bar, Edward Dusinberre & Károly Nov, Number 8 Com- 18 Nov, Genting gramme comprises C.P.E. Bach’s Worcester Schranz (violins), Geraldine Walther munity Arts, Pershore Arena, Birmingham (viola) & András Fejér (cello). Pro- Magnificat & Vivaldi’s Gloria, Sat 18 WOLF ALICE Thurs 16 Nov, Stratford Artshouse VAN MORRISON Mon 13 MONEY FOR NOTHING gramme comprises Mozart's Quartet Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, Symphony Hall, Sat 18 Nov, Artrix, in D K575, Beethoven's Quartet in B WIND ORCHESTRA FESTIVE GALA Fea- Birmingham Birmingham Bromsgrove flat Op 18 No 6 & Brahms' Quartet in turing the University of Warwick PENETRATION Thurs 16 Wind Orchestra, with Flute Choir, JAIMEO BROWN'S TRAN- GRIFF COLLINS Sat 18 B flat Op 67, Thurs 16 Nov, Royal Nov, O2 Academy, Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa Clarinet Choir & Feeling Saxy. Ella SCENDENCE Mon 13 Nov, Number 8 Com- Birmingham Newton and Paul McGrath conduct, Nov, Hare & Hounds, munity Arts. Pershore CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Sun 19 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Birmingham FOREVER AMY Thurs 16 NATHAN CARTER AND CHESTRA: BEETHOVEN & ELGAR Featur- Nov, The Assembly, ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla Coventry BLONDIE Mon 13 Nov, HIS BAND Sat 18 Nov, Leamington Spa (conductor), Vilde Frang (violin). STRATFORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Arena Birmingham The Palace Theatre, ė THE RAT PACK VEGAS Redditch Programme includes works by Mes- Featuring Dan Watson & Jon May- THE LEMON TWIGS Mon SPECTACULAR SHOW siaen, Elgar & Beethoven, Thurs 16 nard (conductors), Tim Bugg 13 Nov, O2 Institute, 80S MANIA Sat 18 Nov, Thurs 16 Nov, Strat- Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham (leader) & Abigail Davies (soloist). Birmingham The Core Theatre, Programme includes works by ford Artshouse, Strat- Solihull RUN THE JEWELS Tues ford-upon-Avon Beethoven, Dvorak & JS Bach, Sun 14 Nov, O2 Academy, RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS 19 Nov, Stratford Artshouse, Strat- MAREN MORRIS Fri 17 Birmingham Sat 18 Nov, The As- ford-upon-Avon Nov, O2 Institute, sembly, Leamington SHAWN KLUSH - THE Birmingham Spa ELVIS WORLD TOUR THE SUMMER OF LOVE Tues 14 Nov, Sym- THE URBAN FOLK QUAR- Fri 17 Nov, The Core phony Hall, B’ham TET Sat 18 Nov, War- Comedy Theatre, Solihull wick Arts Centre, DANIEL ROMANO Tues BUE NATION Fri 17 Nov, Coventry 14 Nov, The Tin Music EDDIE KADI Route 44, Birmingham Mon 13 Nov, The Glee & Arts, Coventry CRESCENDO "TOGETHER Club, Birmingham DREAMS OF FLEETWOOD IN HARMONY" Sat 18 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- TRUEHEIGHT Tues 14 JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS MAC Fri 17 Nov, The Nov, Albany Theatre, CHESTRA Featuring Rafal Blechacz Tues Nov, Hare & Hounds, River Rooms, Stour- Coventry (piano) & Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla (con- 14 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham ductor). Programme includes works JIM DAVIDSON: 40 YEARS ON bridge ARCADIA ROOTS Sat 18 Tues 14 DEAF HAVANA Tues 14 by Mozart, Chopin, Messiaen & De- BARRY STEEL AS ROY Nov, Katie Fitzgeralds, Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Nov, Kasbah, Coventry bussy, Fri 17 Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- ORBISON Fri 17 Nov, Stourbridge FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD Wed ALICE COOPER Tues 14 tre, Coventry The Palace Theatre, PERMAGEDDON Sat 18 15 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Nov, Arena B’ham BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Redditch Nov, The River Rooms, MARK THOMAS: A SHOW THAT GAM- - BEETHOVEN'S THIRD Featuring IIan THE LEMON TWIGS Tues THE WHITNEY EXPERI- Stourbridge BLES ON THE FUTURE Thurs 16 Nov, Volkov (conductor), Ilya Gringolts 14 Nov, O2 Institute, ENCE Fri 17 Nov, Strat- mac, Birmingham ROYAL BLOOD Sat 18 (violin) & Juliet Fraser (voice). Pro- Birmingham ford Artshouse, Nov, Arena B’ham gramme includes works by Cassan- JONGLEURS ON THE ROAD HOSTED BY NELLY Wed 15 Nov, O2 Stratford-upon-Avon THE BARRON KNIGHTS dra Miller, Salvatore Sciarrino, John MAUREEN YOUNGER AND STARRING Academy, Birmingham GEORGE EGG, JO ENRIGHT & JEFF INNO- PEARL JAM TRIBUTE Fri Sat 18 Nov, Hunting- Croft & Beethoven, Fri 17 Nov, Sym- CENT THE BLUES BAND Wed 17 Nov, O2 Academy, don Hall, Worcester phony Hall, Birmingham Thurs 16 Nov, The Core The- 15 Nov, The Core The- Birmingham atre, Solihull HAWKLORDS Sun 19 ENSEMBLE DENOTE Featuring Marcus atre, Solihull PHIL WANG THE CADILLAC THREE Fri Nov, The Marr's Bar, Barcham-Stevens (violin), Oliver Wil- Thurs 16 Nov, Warwick LADY MISERY Wed 15 17 Nov, O2 Academy, Worcester son (viola) Ruth Alford (cello), Jane Arts Centre, Coventry Nov, Artrix, Broms- Birmingham Booth (clarinet) & John Irving FROM THE JAM Sun 19 grove (fortepiano). Programme comprises FUNK NIGHT FEATURING Nov, O2 Institute, Mozart's Clarinet Trio in E flat 'Kegel- LUCIE SILVAS Wed 15 INCOGNITO, CIRCUS VIII Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, & TROPE WITH TOM statt' K498; Haydn's Piano Sonata in CHILDHOOD Sun 19 Birmingham MASON (DJ) Fri 17 Nov, E flat, Hob. XV1:49 & Mozart's Birmingham Town Hall Nov, Hare & Hounds, 'Grand Quintetto', after the 'Gran Par- ANDREW W.K. Wed 15 Birmingham tita' K361) arranged by: C.F.G. DEEP PURPLE Fri 17 Nov, O2 Academy, Schwencke (1805), Fri 17 Nov, Artrix, Nov, Arena Birming- TOM SPEIGHT Sun 19 Birmingham Bromsgrove ham Nov, The Sunflower WILL BLACK Wed 15 Lounge, Birmingham BAUDELAIRE IN SONG LECTURE RECITAL BOOTLEG BLONDIE Fri Nov, The Actress & Featuring Mary Bevan (soprano), 17 Nov, Huntingdon WEAVES Sun 19 Nov, Bishop, Birmingham Joseph Middleton (piano) & Profes- GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON Hall, Worcester Hare & Hounds, Birm- LADY MAISERY Wed 15 ingham sor Helen Abbott. Programme in- FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Nov, Artrix, Broms- MASSIVE HEAD TRAUMA cludes works by Rollinat, Debussy, ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 16 Nov, The DEPECHE MODE Sun 19 grove Fri 17 Nov, The Marr's Duparc & Bréville, Fri 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Bar, Worcester Nov, Arena B’ham DR HOOK Thurs 16 Nov, Barber Institute, Birmingham FUNNY WOMAN WITH NOREEN KHAN, JESS MORGAN Sun 19 Royal Spa Centre, SHALAMAR FEATURING COVENTRY SAVOY OPERA: LAST NIGHT ISMA ALMAS, SINDHU VEE & SHAZIA Nov, The Fleece Inn, Leamington Spa HOWARD HEWETT, JEF- OF THE PROMS Fri 17 Nov, Earlsdon MIRZA Thurs 16 Nov, The Glee CLub, FREY DANIEL AND CAR- nr Evesham Birmingham ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Methodist Church, Coventry OLYN GRIFFEY Fri 17 RHIANNON GIDDENS Thurs 16 Nov, Malvern SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF - PIANO Pro- JAMES COOK IN TOO MANY JAMESES Nov, The Copper Sun 19 Nov, Birming- Theatres gramme includes works by FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS Fri 17 Rooms, Coventry ham Town Hall Mendelssohn, Brahms & Bach, Sat Nov, MAC, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:32 Page 3

thelist NATHAN CATON, JULIAN DEANE, AND THE REST OF ME FLOATS New DAVID TSNOS & BARRY DODDS Fri 17 show all about the messy business of Nov, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton gender. Presented by Outbox The- EXTREMELY COMEDY Fri 17 Nov, Al- atre, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, The REP, bany Theatre, Coventry Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Birmingham MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Fri & Midland Operatic Society present 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham an amateur staging of the festive classic, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Nov ALISTAIR BARRIE MICKEY SHARMA & New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham DIANE SPENCER Sat 18 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham GUYS AND DOLLS The Arcadians pre- sent their version of one of the great- STEVE BUGEJA - SUMMER CAMP Sat 18 est musicals of all time, Tues 14 - Sat Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove 18 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Amateur staging MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Sat presented by Cradley Heath Amateur 18 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Operatic Society, Tues 14 - Sat 18 CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, LAUREN PATTISON, Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall LAURA LEXX & JOHN LYNN Sat 18 HUNTING OF THE SNARK Children’s the- Nov,The Comedy Loft, Birmingham atre show featuring ‘five high-energy ANDREW LAWRENCE: THE HAPPY ACCI- actors, lifelike puppets, fantastical Sunset Boulevard DENT TOUR Sat 18 Nov, Warwick Arts characters and lashings of daft hu- Centre, Coventry mour’, Wed 15 Nov, Bridge House Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 13 - Sat 18 November Theatre, Warwick JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE When debt-ridden young screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles into the GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Sat 18 ME... Presented by Little Angel The- Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham atre and featuring live puppetry, Wed fantasy world of Norma Desmond, a one-time silent-screen god- dess leading a reclusive life in her Sunset Boulevard mansion, he RICH HALL - HOEDOWN Sun 19 Nov, 15 - Thurs 30 Nov, MAC, B’ham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry FINDING JOY Fully masked theatre finds himself falling under her spell. Norma has a film script that JAMES ACASTER Sun 19 Nov, The Glee company Vamos present a life-affirm- she believes will reignite her career, and Joe could just be the man Club, Birmingham ing story of lost memories and dis- to help her make her dream become a reality... covered love, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 Nov, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning masterpiece is based on Belgrade Theatre, Coventry the hit Billy Wilder movie of the same name. The show stars Ria Jones, who understudied Glenn Close in the role of Norma - to great critical acclaim - in the West End, and Hollyoaks favourite Theatre and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Danny Mac.

TANJA ‘Dramatic’ exploration of immi- gration detention centres, starring WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? BARBARA Theatre Emily Ntshangase-Wood, a former BROWNSKIRT Featuring the bitter- WAKE UP & DEIRDREALIZE A ‘ridicu- Yarl’s Wood detainee, Mon 13 Nov, sweet world of prolific-but-failing MAC, Birmingham lous, outlandish, improvised, charac- ‘poet of the people’ Barbara Brown- ter romp, guaranteed to take you on PYAR ACTUALLY Sukh Ojla’s romantic skirt, Thurs 16 Nov, Old Joint Stock a thrilling rollercoaster ride’, Fri 17 comedy about love and second Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham chances, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, War- IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 LUKE JERMAY Critically acclaimed VAMPIRE’S ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Steve wick Arts Centre, Coventry CONSPIRATOR A story of power-politics show from the man who can ‘read Steinman’s classic rock musical con- in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ SUNSET BOULEVARD Compelling story your mind’, Thurs 16 Nov, Artrix, cert, complete with tongue-in-cheek best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory of romance and obsession, based on Bromsgrove story, guitar gods and ‘sexy vam- Doran directs. Thurs 16 Nov - Sat 10 Billy Wilder’s legendary film. Ria FREEZIN' Fizzog Productions present pettes’, Fri 17 Nov, The Roses, Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Jones stars, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, a Black Country panto set in 1910, Tewkesbury Birmingham Hippodrome upon-Avon Thurs 16 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand AUSTENTATIOUS Improvised comedy play paying homage to Jane Austen, Fri 17 Nov, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick SHADOWS IN THE CLOUD Theatre, cin- ema, painting and music are com- bined to provide a glimpse of the future, ‘where all boundaries between realities are fused’, Fri 17 Nov, War- wick Arts Center, Coventry MEDEA, WRITTEN IN RAGE Contempo- rary reimagining of the ancient Greek legend of passion and revenge. Per- formed as part of SHOUT Festival, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Nov, The REP, B’ham DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM YAM Comedy Queen of the Black Country Doreen Tipton sets out to challenge Darwin with her very own Theory of Evolution, Fri 17 - Sat 18 Nov, Swan Wake Up & Deirdrealize - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Worcester

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Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November

HOOT OWL: MASTER OF DISGUISE Origi- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, nal songs, colourful puppets, anima- Wed 15 - Thurs 16 Nov tion, ridiculousness and rapid PERFECT BLUE (18) Animation/Horror. costume changes abound in this new Starring Junko Iwao. Mockingbird show for young audiences, Sat 18 Cinema, Birmingham, Wed 15 - Thurs Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch 16 Nov SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC A THE FLORIDA PROJECT (18) Drama. screening of the movie, complete Starring Willem Dafoe, Bria Vinai. with subtitles so that everyone can Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 17 sing along, Sat 18 Nov, Royal Spa Nov Centre, Leamington Spa THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy Biography/Comedy. Starring Jason presents its annual showcase, Sun Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough. Mock- 19 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham ingbird Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 Nov) HAIRSPRAY (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- ring John Travolta, Queen Latifah. MCM Comic Con - NEC, Birmingham Talks MAC, Birmingham, Sat 18 Nov Raike, a young thief, as he attempts ness’, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov, NEC, ZIP & ZAP AND THE MARBLE GANG (U) A to acquire treasures from the castle. Birmingham Adventure/Comedy. Starring Javier The story is revealed in parts, as visi- MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2017 The UK’s MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF Gutiérrez, Raúl Rivas. Warwick Arts tor’s tour through the venue by biggest motorcycle show, Sat 18 - TWO HALVES Mon 13 Nov, Huntingdon Centre, Coventry, Sat 18 Nov lantern light, Sat 18 Nov, Tamworth Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Hall, Worcester Castle DRAG BECOMES HIM (15) Documen- DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Fea- JON RONSON: PSYCHOPATH NIGHT Jon tary/Biography. Starring Jinkx Mon- CROFT'S 1950S CHRISTMAS Revel in the turing live shows, carols, presents, recounts the adventure of a lifetime - soon. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, post-war festive spirit of the 1950s light shows, festive food, Father the funny, terrifying and utterly com- Sun 19 Nov and celebrate 60 years of the Na- Christmas and a daily ‘magnificent pelling events that led to his best- tional Trust, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov, fireworks display’, Sat 18 Nov - Sun selling book, The Psychopath Test, Croft Castle, Nr Leominster 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tues 14 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Another Tamworth Coventry Released from Fri 17 Nov, showing at ‘fun-filled celebration of geeky good- A ROPE OF WORDS Dr Rona Cran takes selected cinemas a look at the woman at the heart of FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL the movie Sunset Boulevard, and ex- (15) plores the transition from silent cin- ema to the talkies, Wed 15 Nov, GOOD TIME (15) Birmingham Hippodrome INGRID GOES WEST (15) IN CONVERSATION WITH ROBERT HARRIS JUSTICE LEAGUE (tbc) & MIKE POULTON Novelist Robert Har- TROPHY (15) ris and adaptor Mike Poulton discuss the writing process that’s currently bringing the Cicero trilogy to the RSC stage. In partnership with the Strat- ford Literary Festival, Thurs 16 Nov, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- Events ford-upon-Avon TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join DELUSIONS & OBSESSIVE LOVE An ex- the expert team to learn all about the ploration of the Billy Wilder film, Sun- history and workings of the trams in set Boulevard. Presented as part of the collection, once seen in every the SHOUT Festival, Thurs 16 Nov, town of the Black Country, Mon 13 Birmingham Hippodrome Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley NIMROD TOURS Climb on board the Nimrod and learn about its intelli- gence-gathering role in the Royal Air Film Force, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO THE PASS (15) Drama. Starring Russell BACKS Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham Tovey, Arinzé Kene. MAC, Birming- Back to Backs ham, Mon 13 Nov THE SKILLS SHOW The UK’s largest PINK FLAMINGOS (18) Comedy/Crime. skills and careers event, Thurs 16 - Starring Divine, David Lochary. Elec- Sat 18 Nov, NEC, Birmingham tric Cinema, Birmingham, Tues 14 BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Nov MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, KIKI Documentary. MAC, Birmingham, Birmingham City Centre Wed 15 Nov SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17 DROP EVERYTHING Documentary. The Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, latest 4K UltraHD ski movie. The Bra- Tamworth mall, Birmingham, Wed 15 Nov LANTERNORY Brand new storytelling FIREWORKS (tbc) Animation/Drama. concept that follows the exploits of

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NOVEMBER 2017

Wednesday 15 November Thursday 16 November Thursday 23 November LADY MAISERY LUKE JERMAY FRITZ LANG’S BOLD & INNOVATIVE FOLK MINDBLOWING MIND METROPOLIS (PG) MUSIC READER 90TH ANNIVERSARY SCREENING

Friday 24 November Sunday 26 November Thursday 30 November URBAN FOLK WI-FI WARS PAUL SINHA QUARTET INTERACTIVE COMEDY GAME RETURNS WITH SHOUT OUT GENRE-DEFYING FOLK SHOW TO MY EX MUSIC

COMING SOON: Anjali Dance, Dominic Kirwan, Ghost Variations, Barnstormers Comedy, Carpenters Gold, Leaf, Raymond Froggatt, Tom Stade, ELO Experience, Craig Morris, Tenors Unlimited, Hits From The Blitz, Foghorn Unscripted, Steve Bugeja, Money For Nothing, Sofie Hagen, The Night Watch, Ricky Cool, Phill Jupitus, Maureen Younger, Santa In Love, Take That Experience, Cara Dillon, Yianni Agisilaou,ba Forever, Ab Christmas Gothic...

Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer @artrixarts with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Free parking on-site

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:51 Page 2

thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November Thurs 23 Nov, Hare & ingdon Hall, Worcester Gigs Hounds, Birmingham BABAL Fri 24 Nov, The Classical Music Comedy ALANIS MORISSETTE’S Marr's Bar, Worcester THE SONGWRITING CIR- JAGGED LITTLE PILL – THE DIVINE COMEDY Fri THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME CONCERT THE DESI CENTRAL COMEDY SHOW FEAT. CLE SHOWCASE Mon 20 LIVE ON STAGE Thurs 23 24 Nov, O2 Institute, Programme includes works by N. de PATRICK MONAHAN, ESHAAN AKBAR, Nov, mac, Birmingham Nov, The Marr's Bar, Birmingham Grigny, J. P. Sweelinck, W. Herschel, SINDHU VEE & OMAR HAMDI Mon 20 Worcester L. Vierné, Wagner (arr. E. H. Lemare) THE LAFONTAINES Mon MISS MONEYPENNY'S Nov, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry & Holst (arr. T. Trotter), Mon 20 Nov, 20 Nov, O2 Academy, THE BACK TO AFRICA PRESENTS NIGHT AT THE TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Members of Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham ROOTS TOUR Thurs 23 PROMS Fri 24 Nov, Sym- Box of Frogs present their own inim- Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR phony Hall, B’ham TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN PLAYS MOZART itable brand of high-octane impro- ingham Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & Mon 20 Nov, Sym- A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANC- vised nonsense from audience David Curtis (conductor). Programme suggestions, Mon 20 Nov, The Blue phony Hall, B’ham SARKODIE Thurs 23 Nov, ING Sat 25 Nov, Albany includes works by Haydn, Grieg & Orange Theatre, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Theatre, Coventry WONK UNIT Mon 20 Nov, Mozart, Tues 21 Nov, Stratford YUNGEN Thurs 23 Nov, ROB BRYDON: I AM STANDING UP Tues Marr’s Bar, Worcester BETSY Sat 25 Nov, O2 Artshouse 21 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- O2 Institute, B’ham Institute, Birmingham ROBERT PLANT AND THE TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN PLAYS MOZART try GOLDIE Thurs 23 Nov, SENSATIONAL SPACE HAZEL O’CONNOR Sat 25 Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & Civic Hall, W’hampton SHIFTERS Mon 20 Nov, Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- David Curtis (conductor). Programme Wolverhampton Civic PVRIS Thurs 23 Nov, O2 tre. Coventry includes works by Haydn, Grieg & Hall Academy, Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE Mozart, Wed 22 Nov, Birmingham JAMES BLUNT Tues 21 THE ILLEGAL EAGLES BISCUIT BOYS Sat 25 Town Hall Nov, Arena Birmingham Thurs 23 Nov, The As- Nov, Huntingdon Hall, THE RAF IN CONCERT 2017 Wed 22 sembly, Leamington Worcester Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Spa BYE BYE BABY: OH WHAT AVESTA SAXOPHONE QUARTET Featuring FLEET FOXES Fri 24 Nov, A NIGHT! Sat 25 Nov, Josh Dean (soprano) & Louise Stan- Civic Hall, Wolverhamp- Evesham Arts Centre hope (alto), Isobel Matthews (tenor) ton TOO REX Sat 25 Nov, & Cameron Woodhead (baritone), CHRIS KENT & ANDREW RYAN BRYSON TILLER Fri 24 The Roadhouse, B’ham Thurs 23 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Wed 22 Leamington Spa Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, THE SNOWBALL PARTY Birmingham NIGHT WITH THE SOUN- MALVERN CONCERT CLUB: LEON MCCAW- SEAN LOCK - KEEP IT LIGHT Wed 22 SCRATCH PERVERTS Fri DATIONS Sat 25 Nov, LEY Programme includes works by Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton LUCY ROSE Tues 21 Nov, 24 Nov, Hare & Nailcote Hall, Warwick- Mozart, Schubert, Brahms & Chopin, ANDREW RYAN & CHRIS KENT Wed 22 The Glee Club, B’ham Hounds, Birmingham shire Thurs 23 Nov, Malvern Theatre Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAVID LE PAGE & FRIENDS LUNCHTIME WILL VARLEY Tues 21 JAGGED LITTLE PILL - A THE QUIK Sat 25 Nov, ED GAMBLE - MAMMOTH Thurs 23 Nov, CONCERT Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- TRIBUTE TO ALANIS Katie Fitzgeralds, Stour- Thurs 23 Nov, Warwick Arts The Glee Club, Birmingham Centre, Coventry ingham MORISSETTE Fri 24 Nov, bridge STEVE BUGEJA - SUMMER CAMP O2 Academy, B’ham SEAN SHIBE GUITAR CONCERT OMD Tues 21 Nov, Sym- MYSA GENERATION Sat Pro- Thurs 23 Nov, Warwick Arts Centre, phony Hall, B’ham LIZZIE AND THE BAN- 25 Nov, The Assembly, gramme includes J S Bach's Lute Coventry Suite No 2 in A minor BWV 997 & SHEES Fri 24 Nov, The Leamington Spa MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY OYSTERBAND Tues 21 Villa-Lobos' Selection of Etudes and Roadhouse, B’ham RICKY COOL & THE IN & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY Nov, Birmingham Town Preludes, Fri 24 Nov, The Barber In- THE SEX PISTOLS EXPERI- CROWD Sat 25 Nov, Ar- ROBINSON Thurs 23 Nov, The Glee Hall stitute, Birmingham ENCE + ED TUDOR-POLE trix, Bromsgrove Club, Birmingham BRY Wed 22 Nov, O2 CECIL ARONOWITZ ORCHESTRA Pro- Fri 24 Nov, The Assem- THE NIGHT WATCH - SOFIE HAGEN - DEAD BABY FROG Fri 24 Academy, Birmingham gramme includes works by Bartók, bly, Leamington Spa DRIVE THE COLD WINTER Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove KEITH SLATER'S 60S CEL- Hindemith & Walton, Fri 24 Nov, MODEL AEROPLANES Fri AWAY Sat 25 Nov, Artrix, EBRATION Wed 22 Nov, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire 24 Nov, The Actress & Bromsgrove The Core Theatre, Soli- NDR RADIOPHILHARMONIE HANOVER - Bishop, Birmingham JAMES ARTHUR Sat 25 hull BEETHOVEN AND BRAHMS Featuring THE URBAN FOLK QUAR- Nov, Genting Arena, BRYSON TILLER Wed 22 Andrew Manze (conductor) & Igor TET Fri 24 Nov, Artrix, Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, Levit (piano), Sat 25 Nov, Symphony Bromsgrove Birmingham BOURBON ALLEY Sat 25 Hall, Birmingham HEAVEN 17 Fri 24 Nov, Nov, The Marr's Bar, BRY Wed 22 Nov, O2 NOTORIOUS AT 20 - FAURE REQUIEM The Copper Rooms, Worcester Academy, Birmingham AND RUTTER MAGNIFICAT Sat 25 Nov, Coventry HOWARD JONES Sat 25 ALDOUS HARDING Wed Birmingham Town Hall Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- 22 Nov, O2 Institute, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring ingham Birmingham Daniele Rosina (conductor).Pro- MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, TOM CLARKE Sun 26 GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 24 MORGAN JAMES Wed 22 gramme includes works by Sibelius & Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Nov, Hare & Hounds, Grieg, Sat 25 Nov, The Bramall, Birm- ingham Birmingham ingham LUCY PORTER, CARL HUTCHINSON, ALBOROSIE & SHENGEN DOUG SEGAL & STUART GOLDSMITH Fri JOHN BRAMWELL Wed THE NIGHT WATCH: DRIVE THE COLD CLAN Sun 26 Nov, O2 24 Nov, Albany Theatre, Coventry 22 Nov, The Glee Club, WINTER AWAY Fusion of mediaeval, re- Institute, Birmingham Birmingham naissance & early baroque music, RAW COMEDY Fri 24 Nov, Evesham ALGIERS Sun 26 Nov, Sat 25 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove Arts Centre, Worcestershire JIM MORAY Wed 22 Nov, ALISON MOYET Fri 24 Hare & Hounds, Birm- The Red Lion Folk WIND BAND & SAXOPHONE CHOIR Sun MITCH BENN Fri 24 Nov, MAC, B’ham Nov, Warwick Arts Cen- ingham 26 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham Club, Birmingham KERRY GODLIMAN - STICK OR TWIST Fri tre, Coventry EMILY BARKER Sun 26 OPETH Wed 22 Nov, O2 MALVERN FESTIVAL CHORUS Featuring 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ENTER SHIKARI Fri 24 Nov, The Glee Club, soloists Emma Hall, James Oxley & Institute, Birmingham ALEX BOARDMAN & JONNY AWSUM Fri Nov, Arena Birmingham Birmingham Susanna Spicer. Programme includes BANANARAMA Thurs 23 24 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, THE REMI HARRIS PRO- SIXTIES GOLD Sun 26 works by Mozart & Haydn, Sun 26 Nov, Arena Birmingham Birmingham JECT Fri 24 Nov, Hunt- Nov, Symphony Hall, Nov, Malvern Theatre JONNY AWSUM & NICK PAGE THE TRAVELLING BAND Birmingham Sat 25 whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:51 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:51 Page 4

thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, B’ham tale, written and directed by Iain MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, Lauchlan, Wed 22 Nov - Sat 13 Jan, GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sat 25 Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham SILENT The challenging story of a THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEVIN GILDEA, homeless man who’s lost everything MIKE NEWALL & STEVE HARRIS Sat 25 he ever had, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Nov, Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry PHILL JUPITUS - JUPLICITY Sun 26 Nov, TOM'S MIDNIGHT GARDEN Stourbridge Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre Company presents its ver- sion of Philippa Pearce's classic ED GAMBLE - MAMMOTH Sun 26 Nov, story, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Nov, Stour- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry bridge Town Hall JASON MANFORD: WORK IN PROGRESS INVISIBLE FRIENDS Playbox Theatre re- Sun 26 Nov, Huntingdon Hall, vive Barney McElholm’s play about a Worcester girl who invents a fantasy friend and invites her to tea, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Nov, The Dream Factory, Warwick IMPERIUM PART II: DICTATOR A story of Driving Miss Daisy power-politics in the ancient Rome of Theatre Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero tril- Malvern Theatre, Mon 20 - Sat 25 November ogy. Gregory Doran directs Richard Recounting the story of an old Jewish woman and her challenging DRIVING MISS DAISY Dame Sian McCabe in the epic title role, Thurs relationship with her African-American chauffeur, Alfred Uhry’s Phillips and Derek Griffiths star in a 23 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, Swan Theatre, stage adaptation of the Academy Stratford-upon-Avon Pulitzer Prize-winning play is best known from its 1989 Academy Award-winning film of the same Award-winning movie adaptation starring Morgan Freeman, for MONOLOGUESLAM A selection of ac- name, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Nov, Malvern tors go head-to-head to perform for a which Jessica Tandy bagged a Best Actress Oscar. Dame Sian Theatre panel of industry professionals, in- Phillips takes top billing, with legendary children’s show presen- ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mon 20 Nov - cluding agents, casting directors and ter Derek Griffiths stepping into the Freeman role. Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, directors, Fri 24 Nov, The REP, B’ham Birmingham A STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR NED BOULTING’S BIKEOLOGY The best- HYDE Blackeyed Theatre present Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome interiors fair outside of London, bring- selling author presents brand new Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psy- A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Relive the ing together more than 200 specialist tales from life in the cycling lane... chological thriller, Fri 24 Nov, Bridge passion, indulge in the romance and dealers exhibiting the finest pieces, Tues 21 Nov, Malvern Theatre House Theatre, Warwick celebrate the greatest movie sound- Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, B’ham FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Presented by St THE GREAT BRITISH TAKE OFF Starring track of all time! Sat 25 Nov, Albany FROST FAIR Featuring a carefully se- Augustine’s Musical Theatre Com- Jon Culshaw & Bill Dare from BBC Theatre, Coventry lected array of crafts, gifts, unique pany, Tues 21- Sat 25 Nov, The Core Radio Four’s Dead Ringers, Fri 24 and original presents and fine foods, Theatre, Solihull Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Fri 24 - Sun 26 Nov, Ragley Hall, Al- SISTER ACT Presented by Redditch Spa cester Operatic Society, Tues 21 - Sat 25 STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christ- Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch presents its annual showcase, Sat 25 Talks mas-themed event featuring artistic UP 'N' UNDER John Godber’s story of Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham sculptures, Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, an inept pub team who reluctantly HOUSE SATIRE IN THE DOCK: RESTAGING SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH Kings Heath Park, Birmingham accept the help of a female coach, OF THE HONE TRIALS OF 1817 To mark ELEPHANTS The wildlife TV presenter CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR AND SANTA'S Tues 21 - Sun 26 Nov, Old Joint the 200th anniversary of the trials, shares animal stories and behind-the- GROTTO Featuring unique, local, Stock Theatre, Birmingham academics and students from the scenes tales of life in Kenya, Wed 22 homemade crafts, Sat 25 Nov, Selly LETTERS TO WINDSOR HOUSE Award- University of Warwick mount a staged Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Manor, Bournville, Birmingham winning musical duo Sh!t Theatre re-enactment of the courtroom drama DOUG SCOTT & SIR CHRIS BONINGTON: WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- ‘fuse songs, politics, dodgy landlords using verbatim testimony, Sat 25 Nov, CRAWLING OFF THE OGRE A must for all HIBITION The UK's premier model rail- and detective work’, Wed 22 Nov, Ballroom, Court House, Jury Street, adventure fans, Thurs 23 Nov, Birm- way event, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Leamington Spa ingham Town Hall Birmingham RUBY WAX: FRAZ- WIFI WARS Live comedy game show MATT HAIG: FATHER CHRISTMAS AND ME BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO ZLED Evening in which the entire audience play The bestselling author presents an in- Annual event featuring marching based on Ruby’s along, Sun 26 Nov, Artrix, Broms- teractive family event for children bands and impressive displays, and number one best grove aged seven-plus, Sat 25 Nov, Birm- culminating in a spectacular ‘grand fi- seller, A Mindful- ingham Town Hall nale’ including all the performers, Sat ness Guide For 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Arena Birmingham The Frazzled, CHRISTMAS AT COUGHTON Sat 25 Nov - Wed 22 Nov, Sun 3 Dec, Coughton Court, Alcester Warwick Arts Dance Centre, Coventry MEET SANTA In an experience unique Events to Birmingham this festive season, FORCED ENTERTAINMENT - REAL MAGIC THE NUTCRACKER Vienna Festival Bal- visitors are invited to go to the North Physical theatre performance taking let bring to life the story of Clara and BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Pole of the city in the Antarctic audiences on ‘a hallucinatory jour- her adventures on Christmas Eve, MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Grotto, meet the man himself and ney’, Wed 22 - Fri 24 Nov, mac, Birm- Thurs 23 Nov, Royal Spa Centre, Birmingham City Centre enjoy the cheeky Gentoo penguins in ingham Leamington Spa SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17 the exclusive setting of the ever-so- TRAVESTIES Here To There Produc- THE NUTCRACKER Sir Petere Wright’s Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, chilly Ice Adventure area, Sat 25 Nov tions presents its version of Tom enchanting version of this firm festive Tamworth - Sat 23 Dec, National Sea Life Cen- Stoppard’s award-winning play, Wed favourite returns to the Hippodrome tre, Birmingham 22 - Sat 25 Nov, Malvern Theatre this month, courtesy of Birmingham ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR CHRISTMAS FAIR Sun 26 Nov, Royal Ballet, Fri 24 Nov - Wed 13 The largest vetted art, antiques and CINDERELLA Classic rags-to-riches Stoneleigh Abbey

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:52 Page 1 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:52 Page 2

Monday 27 - Thursday 30 November

ingham BRUCE MOLSKY'S MOUN- Classical Music Theatre TAIN DRIFTERS Wed 29 Nov, The Red Lion Folk VEROMIKA TABAKOVA (PIANO) Also fea- IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 Club, Birmingham turing Ella de Villiers (flute), Joanne CONSPIRATOR A story of power-politics THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Sealey (piano) & Paul Lamstaes (sax- in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ Wed 29 Nov, Civic Hall, ophone). Programme includes works best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Wolverhampton by Ibert, Karg-Elert & Swerts, Mon 27 Doran directs. Thurs 16 Nov - Sat 10 Nov, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham MARK LANEGAN BAND Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Conservatoire Wed 29 Nov, Wulfrun upon-Avon Hall, Wolverhampton PASSAMEZZO Mon 27 Nov, The Shake- ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mon 20 Nov - speare Institute, Stratford-upon-Avon KOBRA AND THE LOTUS Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, Wed 29 Nov, The Slade JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON OR- Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhamp- CHESTRA:'A CELEBRATION OF THE MGM CINDERELLA Classic rags-to-riches ton FILM MUSICALS' tale, written and directed by Iain Featuring QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT Lauchlan, Wed 22 Nov - Sat 13 Jan, Louise Dear- Thurs 30 Nov, Arena Belgrade Theatre, Coventry man (special Birmingham IMPERIUM PART II: DICTATOR A story of guest) & Matt power-politics in the ancient Rome of BROKEN WITT REBELS Ford, Tues 28 Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero tril- Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Nov, Symphony ogy. Gregory Doran directs Richard Academy, Birmingham Hall, B’ham McCabe in the epic title role, Thurs Natty - Hare & Hounds, Birmingham FROM THE JAM Thurs 30 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- 23 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, Swan Theatre, Nov, The Assembly, CHESTRA: BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL Fea- SINACH WAYMAKER Tues Stratford-upon-Avon Leamington Spa turing Mirga Gražinyte -Tyla 28 Nov, O2 Institute, THE HIRED MAN Classic musical taking Gigs (conductor) & Rafał Blechacz (piano). Birmingham CADET Thurs 30 Nov, audiences on an early-20th century Programme includes works by O2 Institute, Birming- journey from the hard farmlands of LP Mon 27 Nov, O2 In- ROB HERON & THE TEA Mozart, Chopin & Beethoven, Thurs ham the north to the war-torn trenches of stitute, Birmingham PAD ORCHESTRA + 30 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham BRAVE SONS OF ELIJAH STILLIA Thurs 30 Nov, the Great War, Mon 27 Nov - Sat 2 CHRIS REA Mon 27 - BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: J S BACH – PERRY Tues 28 Nov, The Sunflower Lounge, Dec, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Wed 29 Nov, Sym- MASS IN B MINOR Also featuring Lon- Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham THE LION IN WINTER The Nonentities phony Hall, B’ham don Baroque Sinfonia, Paul Spicer BLAENAVON Thurs 30 present an amateur staging of James STONE SOUR Wed 29 (conductor), Sarah Fox (soprano), ROYAL THUNDER Mon 27 Nov, Mama Roux’s, Goldman’s historical drama, Mon 27 Nov, Arena Birmingham James Laing (countertenor,) Rob Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham Nov - Sat 2 Dec, The Rose Theatre (bass-baritone), Thurs 30 Nov, Birm- Birmingham TOMMY CASTRO & THE Kidderminster PAINKILLERS Wed 29 THINK FLOYD Thurs 30 ingham Town Hall RAG'N'BONE MAN Mon 27 Nov, The Robin, Bilston GREASE The original high school mu- Nov, The Robin, Bilston KODÁLY STRING QUARTET Featuring At- Nov, Civic Hall, Wolver- sical, starring Danielle Hope as THE MYSTERY LIGHTS tila Falvay & Fernec Bangó (violins), hampton ELECTRIC BOYS Wed 29 Sandy, Tom Parker as Danny and Nov, The Slade Rooms, Thurs 30 Nov, The As- János Fejérvári (viola) & György Éder EVERY TIME I DIE AND Louisa Lytton as Rizzo, Mon 27 Nov - Wolverhampton sembly, Leamington (cello).Programme comprises COMEBACK KID Sat 2 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Mon 27 Spa Haydn's Quartet in G Op 54 No 1, LOTTO BOYZZ Wed 29 Theatre Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Dohnány's Quartet No 2 in D flat & Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- JAMESON RAID Thurs 30 ingham Schumann's Quartet in A minor Op A CHRISTMAS CAROL David Edgar’s ingham Nov, The Asylum, JW JONES Mon 27 Nov, Hockley 41 No 1. Thurs 30 Nov, Royal Pump adaptation of Charles Dickens' festive The Marr's Bar, Worces- NASHVILLE SOUNDS IN Rooms, Leamington Spa classic. Phil Davies stars, Mon 27 ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 30 ter THE ROUND Wed 29 Nov - Sun 4 Feb, Royal Shakespeare Nov, Kitchen Garden Nov, O2 Academy, Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon JESCA HOOP Mon 27 Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham Nov, Hare & Hounds, ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Richard DAVE Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Birmingham JANE WEAVER Wed 29 Bean’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s Nov, Hare & Hounds, Institute, Birmingham comedy, Servant Of Two Masters, BEANS ON TOAST AND Comedy Birmingham URBAN INTRO Thurs 30 Wed 29 Nov - Sat 16 Dec, Old Joint SKINNY LISTER Tues 28 Nov, The Roadhouse, Stock Theatre, Birmingham Nov, The Glee Club, IAN FELICE Wed 29 Nov, JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS Mon Birmingham Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- 27 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Featur- ing catchy songs, interactive scenes THE SOLID GOLD ROCK 'N' ANDY PARSONS: BULLSH*T Tues 28 and plenty of hands-on adventure, ROLL SHOW 2017 Tues Nov, Palace Theatre, Redditch Wed 29 Nov - Sun 7 Jan, Warwick 28 Nov, New Alexandra ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN Wed 29 Nov, Arts Centre, Coventry Theatre, Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham NO SUCH THING AS A FISH Dan NORTHLANE Tues 28 MARGARET CHO Wed 29 Nov, The Glee Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, Nov, O2 Academy, Club, Birmingham Anna Ptaszynski and James Harkin Birmingham SNAP COMEDY FEATURING ISZI serve up their pick of ‘the most TALISK Tues 28 Nov, LAWRENCE, JOSH PUGH & DOUG SEGAL bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious The Fleece Inn, nr Eve- Thurs 30 Nov, Crescent Theatre, facts known to man’, Thurs 30 Nov, sham Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham JW JONES Tues 28 Nov, BEC HILL, SOL BERNSTIEN, ANDY ROBIN- FATHER CHRISTMAS Pins & Needles The Robin, Bilston SON & JARLATH REGAN Thurs 30 Nov, present Raymond Briggs’ classic fes- NATTY Tues 28 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham tive tale, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 30 Dec, MAC, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- PAUL SINHA - SHOUT OUT TO MY EX ingham Thurs 30 Nov, Artrix, Bromsgrove ALADDIN Fun-filled family pantomime starring CBeebies’ Cat Sandion as SLEEPTALKING Tues 28 JON RICHARDSON - OLD MAN Thurs 30 Princess Jasmine, Sam Rabone as Nov, The Glee Club, Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Birmingham Chris Rea - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dame Widow Twankey and Ben

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Warwicks/Worcs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:52 Page 3

thelist Monday 27 - Thursday 30 November Thornton as Wishy Washy, Thurs 30 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall TAWAI (U) Documentary. Starring Nov, Blists Hill, Telford, Shropshire Nov - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick DOUG SCOTT & SIR CHRIS BONINGTON: Bruce Parry, Ingrid Lewis. Foreign CANDLELIGHT COUGHTON Enjoy a tradi- THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS CRAWLING OFF THE OGRE A must for all language, subtitled. Malvern The- tional three-course Christmas meal in Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, adapted adventure fans, Thurs 23 Nov, Birm- atres, Thurs 30 Nov Coughton's kitchen café and experi- for the stage by Nativity! writer Deb- ingham Town Hall ence the house decorated for the bie Isitt, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 13 Jan, MATT HAIG: FATHER CHRISTMAS AND ME Throckmorton family's Christmas, The REP, Birmingham The bestselling author presents an in- Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Nov, Coughton teractive family event for children Court, Alcester aged seven-plus, Sat 25 Nov, Birm- Events CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS The trees ingham Town Hall and glasshouses are ‘playfully lit and AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKIN- BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS all aglow’, with a sparkling path wind- Dance SON Sir Michael talks about a career MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, ing its way through the gardens to during which he’s interviewed more Birmingham City Centre create ‘a magical after-dark experi- THE NUTCRACKER Performed by Birm- than 2,000 famous people, Mon 27 SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17 ence’, Wed 29 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, ingham Royal Ballet, Fri 24 Nov - Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Birmingham Botanical Gardens Wed 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippo- Tamworth BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW Featuring top drome MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christ- UK chefs cooking live, and a huge mas-themed event featuring artistic range of independent producers and sculptures, Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, big brands, Thurs 30 Nov - Sun 3 Film Kings Heath Park, Birmingham Dec, NEC, Birmingham ENGLAND ROSES FACE MALAWI QUEENS Talks INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: International netball, as England face Malawi, Wed 29 Nov, Genting Arena, GOK WAN: NAKED AND BEARING ALL TRUE ROMANCE (18) Crime/Drama. Birmingham Gok talks candidly about his rise to Starring Christian Slater, Patricia Ar- TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Unlock the stardom, Mon 20 Nov, Stafford Gate- quette. Mockingbird Cinema, Birm- secrets of a magical trail around the house Theatre ingham, Tues 28 Nov Victorian town. Join Mrs Claus at the SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH AMERICAN PSYCHO (18) Crime/Drama. fireside for milk & cookies (hot ELEPHANTS The wildlife TV presenter Starring Christian Bale, Jared Leto. chocolate for the grown-ups), a fes- shares animal stories and behind-the- Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Wed tive story and a stocking filled with scenes tales of life in Kenya, Wed 22 29 Nov chocolate coins, Wed 29 - Thurs 30

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Antiques For Everyone October 2017.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:32 Page 1 Arena Birmingham Peter Pan F/P .qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 11:38 Page 1