Wolves & B/Country

Wolves Cover Online.qxp_Wolves & B/Country 25/11/2015 12:18 Page 1 THE MIDLANDS ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY ’ Whatwww.whatsonlive.co.uk sOnISSUE 360 DECEMBER 2015 MADONNA icon back in the Midlands more inside...

FESTIVE FUN for all the family at Black Country Living Museum

INSIDE: FILM COMEDY THEATRE LIVE MUSIC VISUAL ARTS EVENTS FOOD & DRINK & MUCH MORE!

NED’S ATOMIC DUSTBIN HEADLINE NEW FESTIVAL interview with Jonn Penney inside... p02 (IFC) R2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 17:04 Page 1 Contents December Region 2 .qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:23 Page 1

December 2015

Peter Pan - swashbuckling action awaits panto fans in Wolverhampton and Stoke, page 27

Clothes Show Live Jonn Penney Festive fun aplenty fashion extravaganza returns to Ned’s Atomic Dustbin headline awaits visitors to Tamworth’s the NEC page 57 new festival interview page 10 Snowdome page 57

INSIDE: 4. News 15. Music 24. Comedy 27. Theatre 45. Film 53. Visual Arts 57 Days Out 65. Food

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

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News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Celebrating fifty years of Asian programming Fifty years of Asian programming on the BBC is being celebrated at The Drum in Birmingham this month. A special comedy night at the Aston venue on Friday 11 December is hosted by BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show presenter, Tommy Sandhu. Guz Khan, Shaista Aziz, Aditi Mittal and newcomer Tez Ilyas are the mirth-makers charged with the challenge of providing a memorably side-splitting evening.

Image credit: Jakki Carey Regional showcase for regional artists Forty-three artists from five regional art schools are set to exhibit new work at four leading Additions to Strictly’s galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2016. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands is a Turning Point West star-studded line-up Midlands initiative. It will next year use Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, Georgia May Foote, Ainsley Harriott and Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Coventry’s Herbert Gallery & Museum to display the new Anita Rani are to join Strictly Come work, which includes paintings, photographs, sculptures, videos and conceptual pieces. Dancing’s Live Tour next year. Launching at The artists selected to display their work - five of whom will win cash prizes of £1,000 - have the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham from all graduated from one of the West Midlands’ art schools in the last five years. 22 to 24 January, the show is hosted by Wendy Law, Director of Turning Point West Midlands, commented: “There’s a diverse range Great British Bake Off’s Mel Giedroyc. of talent and work coming out of art schools and universities in the West Midlands. New Art Len Goodman, Craig Revel Horwood and West Midlands provides an important opportunity at a crucial point in the careers of these Bruno Tonioli are the judges. artists, enabling them to have their work displayed in highly respected galleries and to be The Saturdays’ Frankie Bridge will also join seen and enjoyed by a wide public.” the line-up after being unable to make last year’s tour. Of her involvement following the birth of her second Prestigious award for Team GB to take on Japan at child in August, Frankie said: “I’m Midlands theme park Barclaycard Arena thrilled to have been Drayton Manor Theme Park has enjoyed a Birmingham is to host Great Britain’s first- asked to join the 2016 major success at the prestigious Enjoy round tennis match in the 2016 Davis Cup. tour. It will be great to Staffordshire Tourism Awards. The tie takes place at the Barclaycard Arena get my dancing shoes The much-loved visitor attraction scooped from 4 to 6 March and sees the Aegon GB back on and be part half a dozen gongs at a special lunch cere- Davis Cup Team take on Japan. of the Strictly family mony in its Tower Suite last month. The Commenting on the fixture, GB team captain again. Roll on theme park won in the categories of Best Leon Smith said: “Birmingham is a city with January!” Tourism Event of the Year (for the launch of a great sporting history that’s hosted some its £2.5million Thomas Land expansion) and incredible Davis Cup ties in the past. Japan Access For All. It also picked up a silver will be a tough contest but I’m sure the Twenty-five years of award and was commended in two further Birmingham fans will get right behind us and categories. make as much noise as they can.” Disney On Ice... Colin Bryan, the theme park’s CEO, accept- An action-packed adventure celebrating ed a special Outstanding Contribution Award twenty-five years of Disney On Ice is coming on behalf of himself and his parents. The Contact centre opens in Stoke to the Midlands next year. award was in Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), the Disney On Ice Presents Silver Anniversary recognition of largest owner and operator of theatres in the Celebration invites audiences to enjoy ‘the all that the UK, has opened a contact centre in one of ultimate sightseeing holiday’. It features Bryan family its Midlands venues - Stoke-on-Trent’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and has done for Victoria Hall. Commenting on the develop- Donald and Daisy Duck as they visit the Staffordshire ment, Victoria Hall General Manager Andrew magical worlds of The Lion King, The Little during the sixty- Nicklin said: “We’re delighted that the con- Mermaid and Peter Pan. five years since tact centre is based here. It’s provided a Disney On Ice Presents Silver Anniversary Drayton Manor number of job opportunities for the area, Celebration visits Birmingham’s Genting first opened its which is something that’s very positive for Arena from 6 to 10 April. doors. Stoke-on-Trent.”

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Choir offers a triple dose of festive cheer Birmingham Bach Choir is marking Christmas with three festive appearances, all of which are in aid of charity. The popular choir is performing at St Peter’s Church in Harborne, Birmingham, on 5 December as part of Singing For Syrians, a nationwide initiative helping to support people whose lives have been torn apart by the ongoing conflict in their country. Christmas Carols At QEHB, meanwhile (Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham,15 December), finds choir members joined by the Midlands’ Military Choir. Proceeds from the event will go to the QEHB Charity fund to support injured service personnel. The choir is also performing Nine Lessons And Carols at St Paul’s in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter on 20 December. Monies raised from the service will be donated to doctors working in Aleppo, Syria.

Casting announced for Chicago Ex-EastEnder John Partridge is to star in a new touring production of Chicago, which stops off in the Midlands next year. John will be joined by Emmerdale's Hayley Tamaddon and X Factor winner Sam Bailey, who'll play Mama Morton. Based on real-life events in the Roaring ’20s, Chicago centres on the character of nightclub singer Roxie Hart (Tamaddon), who shoots her lover. Together with her cell block rival, double- murderess Velma Kelly, Roxie fights to stay off Death Row with the help of smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn (Partridge). Described by The Times as 'the sharpest, slickest show on the block', Chicago is based on the play by Maurine Dallas Watkins and features music and lyrics by the legendary John Kander and Fred Ebb. Local poet celebrated The recipient of numerous awards - including six Tonys, two Oliviers, one Grammy and, for its in the Potteries movie version, two Baftas and six Oscars - the show made its debut at London's Adelphi Staffordshire artist, writer and poet Arthur Theatre in 1997. It currently holds the record for the longest-running musical revival in New Berry is being celebrated at the Potteries York. Museum & Art Gallery this month with a multi-arts event entitled Jazz, Beer And Oatcakes. Dance festival launches at the House of Lords The special evening has been inspired by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome have launched the 2016 International Dance and will include excerpts from Arthur’s 1978 Festival Birmingham (IDFB) at a special reception at the House of Lords. broadcast, Obsessed By Oatcakes - a fanta- The launch event was hosted by the Bishop of Birmingham, The Right Reverend David sia of poetry, prose and Urquhart, in his capacity as a Trustee of Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre Trust. songs which he present- Commenting on next year’s festival, DanceXchange artistic director David Massingham said: ed with local radio pro- “IDFB’s exciting and diverse programme for 2016 will see more new commissions, and an ducer Arthur Wood. The incredible five world and six UK premieres.” event also includes jazz Fiona Allan, Birmingham Hippodrome’s new chief executive, added: “It’s an exciting time to music from local band have moved to the city of Birmingham and Birmingham Hippodrome, and I’m thrilled to be Fine And Dandy. involved in my first International Dance Festival. Headlining performances at Birmingham Jazz, Beer And Oatcakes Hippodrome include a mixed bill from Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (pictured below), Carlos takes place at the muse- Acosta’s classical farewell tour, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan and Ballet British um on 17 December. Columbia’s debut performance as part of IDFB. This stellar line-up, and more across the city, proves once again Birmingham attracts the very best in international dance to the city.” International Dance Festival Birmingham 2016 runs at various venues across the city from 1 to Canal festival dates 22 May. announced The fifth Maesbury Canal Festival takes place on 3 and 4 September next year - and to support the event, its organisers are presenting a pre-Christmas concert at Llanymynech Village Hall on Friday 4 December. The concert, A Super Selection Of Songs And Silent Cinema, features local a capella choir Nostalgia and songs by Flanders and Swann, performed by local duo Derry and Dickon Faux-Nightingale. “The other feature of our evening,” says festival committee chair Judith Richards, “will be the showing of the 1902 silent French film, A Trip To The Moon. And with seasonal mulled wine, accompanied by mince pies generously donated by Oswestry's Co-Op, we’re in for an entertaining evening.

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 5 From Benidorm with Love.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:31 Page 1 From Benidorm Best known for playing their respective roles of Kenneth and Liam in popular ITV1 sitcom Benidorm, Tony Maudsley and Adam Gillen this month arrive in the Midlands to star in two of the region’s biggest festive productions. Tony dons high heels and even higher hair as Edna Turnblad in a new touring production of Hairspray The Musical at Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre, while Adam heads for Neverland in Ella Hickson’s adaptation of Wendy And Peter Pan at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. What’s On recently met up with the boys from Benidorm to find out more...

Down in Baltimore... Which elements of your personality are you going to bring to the show? Edna is a larger-than-life character. What To Edna? Loyalty, I think. She's very loyal to excites you most about playing her, Tony? her family, and I am to mine. She's caring, What I didn't want to do was create a ‘tribute she stands up for what's right, and I think Edna’. I wanted to take her as far away from we're quite similar like that. She doesn't like a panto dame as I possibly could, so I took people being singled out and nor do I. I can't the character back to the bare bones and bear that. thought, 'Why is she like that? Why hasn't she left her house in so many years?’ Did it ever feel daunting to be following in I thought it'd be quite sad to be like that, but I the footsteps of Brian Conley and Michael needed to understand the journey of her get- Ball? ting to love herself again. Getting it right was Absolutely. They've both done it to great ac- a challenge, as I didn't want to be a cheap claim, haven't they? I didn't want to be crap laugh. I wanted people to love her, feel sorry and get slagged off for being the worst Edna for her and understand where she’s going. ever, so there was a pressure. Hairspray has its own fans who follow the show around, so Did you have any initial reservations? you really do want to get it right for them as Touring at my age isn’t the same as touring well as for yourself. when you're twenty, and this is a lengthy tour. I'm sort of taking a lot of responsibility as the Your repertoire features some very serious head of the company. On my other tour I was roles, do you have a preference? a chorus boy and had a brilliant time. Now It was my dad who said, 'Why don't you do there's a certain amount of responsibility that some comedy?'. I told him I didn't really get comes with the role. I'm leading a young to pick; things just came along. I was doing company who I’m sure will tempt me to stray some really serious, heavy French plays in at some point. I said to Claire Sweeney that I London, and my agent said there was an au- feel like we're their nan and granddad. For dition for Benidorm. I dashed across London a lot of the company this is their first in my lunch hour and rushed in for my gig, so on the first night, when we Benidorm audition. I literally had ten minutes heard the roar from the audience, it to do it, and when I ran in, I was out of breath was their first time. When they’re and feeling hot. The people who auditioned moved, I’m moved - you get flash- me said the reason I got it was because I was backs to your first show, which complaining about the heat. I think we all get can be overwhelming. seen because of what box we're in. At the minute I'm definitely in a comedy box. I don't How are you managing your get to do much serious stuff - although I did heels? get to do Ordinary Lives last year, which was The heels aren’t as bad as I quite a heavy programme; a hard drama. I'm thought they’d be. They're happy, though - I'm working and I'm enjoying about three inches, so it it. could've been worse. That said, with the big What’s in the pipeline post-Hairspray? wig and me being six Hopefully more Benidorm, and then there’s foot four even before the possibility of a transfer of Hairspray. Tak- heels, I could end up ing it into London would be lovely, and that's being just under what we're all hoping for. It's been a while - it seven foot. My favourite finished in 2006, so there's a whole new gen- pair of shoes that Edna eration waiting.”made. And actually, wears are her flat slippers - but if I had my way, she’d be wearing trainers! Hairspray The Musical shows at New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, from And the makeup? Mon 14 December to Sat 2 January I just sit back and think of England while some woman comes in and does it for me. I wouldn't have a clue. I'd look a mess, like a Wendy & Peter Pan shows at Royal Shake- prostitute. So I'm lucky that somebody speare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until comes in and does all that for me. Sun 31 January

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feature With Lov e... Meanwhile in Neverland... You’re very well known for playing Liam in Is this the first time you’ve performed in Benidorm. Has it been difficult to shake theatre through the festive period? What attracted you to Wendy And Peter out that rather wet character and be taken I can’t think of a play I’ve done that’s run over Pan, Adam? seriously? Christmas, so this will be a new experience. I I suppose the prospect of flying, but I don’t I haven’t had too much trouble, but think it’ll be really fun. We’re performing on get to do that unfortunately. I’ve always loved Benidorm’s been my first experience of Christmas Eve, so that will be a pretty special Peter Pan’s story. It’s always been my something being watched in a major way. I one - very magical - and then again on Box- favourite Disney production and is something think maybe it’s a bit too early to say that, but ing Day. You’ve got to work off your Christ- that I remember from my childhood. I really it’s always a bit of a thing when actors play a mas dinner! love Jonathan’s version of it. He’s got a really character in a TV show that people watch. It’s brilliant imagination and a wonderful flair for bound to have people forming a view of you, Your Benidorm sidekick Tony Maudsley is the magical, which is really exciting. but I’ve had lots of variety in my career so far. performing in Hairspray in Birmingham I’ve been lucky to do things like Soliders At over Christmas. Will you have a chance to It’s said that the show is closely based on War and Prisoners’ Wives. get together? the 2013 production of the same name. I really hope so, but we’ll both be on stage at What’s changed? Has Liam affected your personal life in any the same time, I’d imagine. It’s bigger - everything is just more wondrous way? and elaborate. It just seems more epic. I’m Now and again, but thankfully it’s never Have you seen Tony in a dress and heels not saying the first one wasn’t, but it’s always abuse. People are very friendly, and it doesn’t before? good to build on a very solid platform, and happen all the time. It happens more in Of course, many, many times. He’s never out that’s what Jonathan’s doing. Benidorm when I’m doing the show. Every- of them - it’s ridiculous! You can’t get him out one goes a bit crazy because, to them, of those sequins, he’s just obsessed... Tell us about Martin, the character you you’re just the person on the telly and not a play... human being with another life. It’s quite hard He’s the cabin boy on the pirate ship, but to shake off, and people act like you’re in he’s out of place in every way possible. He The Beatles out there, which is ridiculous. suffers from allergies. He has terrible Luckily, because I appear quite soft in the hayfever and doesn’t really fit into pirate life. show, people tend to be very gentle with me, He’s struggling to find his way through it, which I do appreciate. which is quite fun for me as an actor. I guess he’s more of a lost boy than a pirate, but he’s Your career spans TV and stage. Do you ended up being a working boy for Hook, have a preference? Smee and the gang. He’s not having a great I like both of them because they’re both act- time with it. ing, pretending and creating a world, which is exciting. I like the challenge of being more Is there a little bit of a love interest there? expansive on the stage, really stretching your Later on. I don’t want to ruin it for audiences, legs and spreading your wings. Then again, but someone magical comes into view. It’s a I like being tiny and intimate on telly. I like nice character journey. It’s also good that I them both for different reasons. get the privilege of being on the pirate ship but not being all piratey. Of the characters you’ve portrayed, which has required you to dig deepest Is that love interest a little flying charac- into yourself? ter? Prisoners’ Wives was quite tough. I’m not Yes, it’s Tinkerbell, which is wonderful. It’s an an unpleasant person, but the character unlikely pairing but seems to work. was awful to his mother and that wasn’t very nice. I found that particularly difficult Wendy And Peter Pan sees you making because, at the time, I was splitting my your RSC debut. How does it feel to be time between filming in Sheffield and living stepping out on such a prestigious stage? in Manchester with my mum. I would have It’s a real privilege, and it’s something I’ve to snap out of the role when I got home to wanted to be involved with. Such great work my mum. I had to remember I wasn’t in and all the best people in the industry work prison and she wasn’t smuggling drugs for there. On every level, it’s a brilliant, creative, me. Everything was alright and Corrie powerful machine, which it’s really exciting to would be on in a minute, so let’s just relax. be a part of. Did you always aspire to be an actor? If you were presented with the opportunity Yeah, I think I discovered what I wanted to to return to Stratford and perform again do when I was fourteen or fifteen. I knew it with the RSC in any of Shakespeare’s was where I felt happiest because I could works, which play or character would you control the attention coming my way, and choose? that was quite a satisfying thing to do. There are so many great, weird and wonder- Since then, I just got the bug. Some of my ful creations in the repertoire that I’d love to very good friends went off to RADA (Royal have a go at. One day, when I’m a little bit Academy of Dramatic Art) at eighteen, and I older, I’d like to play Richard III. knew I wanted to do that too. Luckily I got in. Going on all of these adventures with these fictional people is a real privilege. It’s a really exciting adventure to have. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 7 Fiona Allen feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 20:10 Page 1

Fiona Allan What’s On in conversation with Birmingham Hippodrome’s new Chief Executive...

8 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Fiona Allen feature.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 20:10 Page 2

Held in high regard for her work at two of the UK’s top producing houses - Cardiff’s Wales Millen- nium Centre and Curve in Leicester - Australian-born Fiona Allan recently became Birmingham Hippodrome’s first female Chief Executive. Fiona recently took time out from her busy schedule to talk to What’s On about her career in the arts, the role of women in theatre and her passion for dance. Oh, and she even revealed her guilty pleasure...

There’s been a significant rise in the num- Was it your profession that brought you to regularly here at the Hippodrome who I know ber of women taking top positions in the- the UK? will be open to conversations about us having atre, although not as many as might be I was working at the time as the chief execu- co-producing relationships. I think we’re a big hoped for. Why do you think this is? tive of the Sydney Film Festival, which is the enough player in this market to actually make We’re playing catch up with other countries in biggest event of its kind in Australia and a some of the artistic decisions and not just sit terms of the balance in top roles in the arts. major tourism moment for Sydney. I’d been in back and wait for work to come to us. You’ll find there are a lot more top roles in the role for a couple of years but was really producing theatres - but as far as presenting missing working in the performing arts. I’d Is that how you see your role? theatres go, I think I’m still the only female previously been with the Sydney Opera I certainly see my role as exploring those op- chief executive of a major theatre, and it really House, and I missed the tension of live per- tions, testing our own attitude to risk and find- is about time that changed. I don’t know why formance and the experience of dealing with ing circumstances where that makes sense. it’s the case, but I do believe that, to some ex- performers. I love dance, I missed it and tent, there’s an ‘old boys club’ mentality. It’s thought, ‘It’s time for an adventure’. So I put The Curve was very brave - they took those hard to penetrate that network and find a way my CV out there in the UK and I was ap- risks and it paid off… through it. pointed Artistic Director of the Wales Millen- Yes, but the Curve was always subsidised to nium Centre, where I spent seven years. do it. The Curve’s raison d'être is as a produc- How does the situation compare to Aus- ing theatre and that’s why the Arts Council tralia? Your passion for dance is well docu- gives it money - in order to create new pro- I’ve been here eleven years now, but my rec- mented. How do you foresee that tying in ductions. The Hippodrome is in a unique po- ollection of Australia was that there was more with your role at the Hippodrome? sition by not receiving subsidy from public parity at the top in the culture sector. I remem- It was one of the things that really drew me to bodies. The theatre doesn’t receive money ber attending my first meeting here in the UK, the role. Not only the theatre’s connections to from Birmingham City Council or the Arts where the only other woman in the room was resident companies BRB and DanceXchange, Council of England (although we work closely the person taking the minutes. I remember but also the Hippodrome’s own commitment with them on projects). That puts the pressure thinking it really odd - but what was even to programming dance and co-producing the on us to make our own books balance. more troubling was that it was only when I International Dance Festival. It just seemed There’s a wonderful freedom that comes with pointed it out to them that they realised. To like a really good fit for me. that, but it does mean less ability to take risks them, at that time, it was the norm. In my sometimes. early years in the UK, I was continually sur- How do you see the theatre’s relationship prised that having parity between the sexes with dance moving forward? Do you worry about the impact of those de- wasn’t seen as an issue. Even two years ago, I’m interested to explore the Hippodrome’s mands on your own creativity? I was interviewed by an all-male interview role in the creation of new dance and working No, I actually think it means you have to be committee to go on to a board in Leicester. with other companies in and around Birming- more creative. I’m really committed to audi- They asked what I would bring to the board. I ham, supporting younger artists and people ence development. I think there are still av- said diversity, as you clearly don’t have much coming through. I’d also like to look at how enues along which we can explore the female representation. The Australia I remem- we programme and build audience for inter- balance of the programming that the Hippo- ber was a bit more progressive than that. national dance. It’s still a challenge, but, be- drome does - especially looking at how to There would never have been an interview lieve me, the Hippodrome do it much better connect to audiences we’re currently not panel of all men. than most venues across the country. The reaching. That will open up an opportunity for theatre has consistently higher audiences, more creativity. What do you think should be done to bring but there are still seats that can be filled - and about a much-needed change? I’m evangelistic about dance. I think that if Do you like most genres of theatre? I hope that as women get more of these jobs people are exposed to it, they’ll find it’s not so Yeah, pretty much anything. I’ll give almost it’s seen as a realistic aspiration for young foreign and scary - it’s just a great and enter- anything a go. women, so that they can see it’s actually pos- taining thing to go and watch, with beautiful I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to sible. And that, in its own right, shows people dancing along to beautiful music. Peo- musicals - I like older musicals. I think West younger women that they should stick at it ple get a bit tongue-tied trying to attach Side Story is my favourite musical of all time. and work themselves up the food chain. I re- meaning to everything they’re seeing when it ally believe in mentoring and supporting peo- should really be about enjoying the moment. I So is there any kind of show you’d never ple on the way up. I’ve done that for a can walk through a contemporary art gallery go to? number of people who’ve worked alongside and enjoy it without having to understand Heavy metal music and tribute bands. They me, but that was regardless of their sex. what it all is. It’s about just enjoying the expe- really aren’t my cup of tea. I also struggle with We’re in a city like Birmingham and we rience. stand-up comedy. I know that probably should also be talking about youth and cul- I’m interested in looking at how the Hippo- makes me sound like I’m lacking a sense of tural diversity. I’d like to see more of both of drome can work with other major venues that humour, but, for me, it’s the expectation that those in cultural bodies. I don’t think that the present dance - places like Sadlers Wells, The kills it. You walk into somewhere expecting everyday face of Birmingham that I see on the Lowry, Wales Millennium Centre or Edinburgh someone to be really, really funny and that streets is reflected in the Hippodrome staff Festival Theatre who, like us, are doing well in you’ll have the best night ever. It’s very diffi- and audience, so there’s plenty of room for bringing in audiences for dance. I’d look at cult for someone to live up to that. Comedy is improvement there. how we could collaborate and create new never my first choice, let’s put it that way. dance that’s very audience accessible and Why choose a career in the arts? that appeals to a much broader audience. Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure? I was a musician in my initial trainings. I left Watching The Apprentice - and I do like to high school and did a degree in music. I was The Curve is very well established as a watch Coronation Street. I’m a member of a clarinetist, played with some contemporary producing venue, for which you should what we define as Corrie Club, which consists ensembles and orchestras and taught music. take a good amount of credit. How do you of a group of my friends who’re all over the Then I had this revelationary moment that it intend to transfer your skills to the Hippo- place. We tweet as we watch. We tweet each was no longer what I wanted to do. What I’d drome? others comments, live editorial of Coronation wanted to do for a very long time was work in I’m interested to explore how the theatre Street. That’s a bit sad, isn’t it?... arts management, but there was no such could have more of a role for new work or thing in Australia at the time. It was when I creating revivals of old musicals. There are Read our full interview with Fiona Allan online was about twenty-five that the very first good models out there with the Music and at whatsonlive.co.uk course started in Australia. I got into the first Lyrics Consortium, but there are also some intake and that changed my life. producing partners who we work with quite

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feature

The adrenaline generally gets “ me through, but these days I have to stick at it.” Jonn Penney talks about bringing new festival to Wolves...

Wolverhampton Civic Hall’s press officer, Jonn Penney, is best known as the frontman of 1990s alternative rock band Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, whose hits include Happy, Kill Your Television and Not Sleeping Around. This month, the Neds are launching and performing in their Kill Your Television Festival - a one- night indoor event that also features The Wedding Present, The Primitives and Eat. Lauren Foster recently met up with Jonn to talk about the new festival, the Neds and the Civic’s pending refurbishment...

Tell me about Kill Your Television Festival, before, so we’re really looking forward to What’s the story behind Ned’s Atomic Jonn? that, and we’ve only played with The Dustbin and how did the name come We’ve done a couple of all-day festivals Wedding Present once before, a couple of about? before. We thought they were great fun and years ago. We played half a tour with Eat. Ok, so you’ve got five spotty A-Level our crowd seemed to like them a lot. The first proper tour we did was supporting students from Halesowen. Most of us were Serendipity had it that we were asked to do The Wonder Stuff in 1989/90, and Eat were aware of each other, as we were all in our the last Saturday at the Civic before it closes the main support above us, so we got to own bands, but we weren’t friends. All our for refurbishment. I thought it would be really know them. We got on well, so it’ll be nice to bands split up almost simultaneously. I had nice to start up something new for the Neds. see them again and play with them. They some bizarre idea of myself as the frontman - Something that has our footprint on it, a real were popular with our crowd. God only knows why - who was going to get branding that’s recognisable to our fans and the coolest new band together. I put up hopefully has some legacy for the future. posters around college stating I was looking We’ve never played with The Primitives for band members. I think the fact we didn’t

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know each other was our blessing and our about writing new songs. When we were not really. But if people are massively into it, curse. We all had a competitive edge. It was writing stuff, I was a snotty young man who’d then great. If it helps people relax in the way almost as if we were trying to prove to each got the world against me, a girlfriend falling that a live gig does, or in the way that their other that we were worthy of being in the out with me and God knows what else going favourite album does, then great. Who am I room. That was incredibly healthy because on. All of that’s very easily transmitted at that to judge it? At least it’s people listening to it’s a built-in quality control. You weren’t age - but what is there to say when you’re music. Music is such a crucial part of life. going to come into the room with something forty-seven? substandard because you stood a chance of Nowadays, I’ve got a lot to sing about. Is it How has your experience of being in a the rest of them saying, ‘It’s rubbish, that is, because I’m having a midlife crisis? Could band helped with your job at The Civic? mate’. be. And if I’m having a midlife crisis, then It’s very easy for people in the music industry For me - and maybe this was my own okay - at least that’s something honest and to lose touch with the way that artists want to paranoia - I realised quite quickly that this raw. It’s something I’m not going to be represented. The Civic marketing leader bloke I fancied myself to be was manufacture in my mind. department is like a sausage machine; it probably the least gifted person in the room. We won’t go and play five or six new songs comes in, we process it, it goes out. My I knew I needed to up my game otherwise at a gig - we know our fans won’t want to experience, I guess, is always of that little the band would form and boot me out. What hear that. We’ll play one new song to them. guy on the shoulder asking, ‘Is this what the a great catalyst for creativity! We’ve taken our time about it, but to get to band want to be presented like? Am I being As for the name - when I was younger there the point where I’m comfortable in those true to what’s being dictated by them and was a radio programme called The Goon creative shoes again is a real privilege. what they’ve wanted? Am I looking after them Show, and one of its episodes was called properly?’. Ned’s Atomic Dustbin. It’s ridiculous, and I Which musicians influenced you and the With that in mind, I also realise there are thought, yeah we’ll run with that because no band? certain audiences for certain things. I think one else is going to have thought of it. So Oh, heaps and heaps. There wasn’t a great that probably makes me a bit more sensitive that’s what we did. And again, it’s been kind deal of common ground. For myself, I was in terms of who we should be targetting. I’ve of a blessing and a curse. A blessing unconsciously influenced by Simon and played a lot of venues that are three because every time someone asked what we Garfunkel. At a young age, I appreciated thousand capacity and I’ve played in a lot of were called, we’d say Ned’s Atomic Dustbin simple, catchy tunes. I want people to be different countries around the world, so I and they’d say ‘What?!’. So we’d say it again, able to sing our songs back to me. I wouldn’t have a yardstick. I know that the Civic is a and then they’d remember, and they’d want them to have to listen to it ten times phenomenal venue, and the reason I know remember how silly it was. An album and a before they could do that. In terms of that is because I’ve seen a few different ones half into our career, people were wondering musicians at the time, it would’ve been Echo in my time. When someone asks me what’s whether we were a serious band or a joke & The Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, so good about the Civic, I can honestly tell band. We were never really up ourselves and The Sisters Of Mercy - I was a goth for a them. desperate to be taken massively seriously, while. The Cure, too. but I do think some people probably took us The other band members - The Chameleons, The Civic’s closing soon for a refurb. How a little less seriously than we maybe The Jesus And Mary Chain, The Stranglers, will the venue be different when it deserved. Fields Of The Nephilim, New Model Army. reopens, and do you have an opening The Chameleons were the one band that we date? Twenty-eight years on, do you think you’ll all liked. The opening date is a little bit blurry, so I’m be able to replicate the kind of high- probably safer saying ‘to be confirmed’. energy performance with which you were How do you feel that changes to the music We’re popping another balcony into the associated back in your glory days? industry over the past twenty years have venue, so you’ll have another six hundred The last three months, I’ve been doing two impacted on creativity? people in the same vicinity. The room isn’t sessions a week in the gym and trying to eat Even working for a music venue for the last getting bigger, we’re just putting more seats healthily. The adrenaline generally gets me decade, I still don’t feel fully qualified to know into it. So there’ll be another six hundred through, but these days I have to stick at it. exactly what the music industry is currently pairs of eyes to look at from the stage, I’ve never done drugs, but I do like a drink - about. It surprises me that there’s as much creating more of a bear-pit atmosphere. but I’d never, ever go on stage with even an creativity out there as there is. It doesn’t When you walk into Civic Hall, on the ground ounce of alcohol in my system, because I seem to matter how many talent shows like floor or from the first balcony you’ll probably want to feel the fear. If you’re not afraid then The X Factor and The Voice are out there, see very, very little difference at all. That’s your adrenaline doesn’t kick in, and without there still always seems to be an opposite important because we don’t want to break that you’re not going to get through it. end of the spectrum, which is really what we’ve got. The stage will be made heartening. There still seem to be people out slightly bigger so that we can access some How do you feel that the band will appeal there who want to plough their own furrow. bigger productions. to a new and perhaps younger market? The Wulfrun Hall, meanwhile, is getting its Musically it’s rare I listen to one of our tracks What do you think about the rise of the first balcony - it’s never had one. We’re trying and cringe on account of it sounding dated. DJ? to make that room much less like a school Our fans are very loyal. They’ve probably This is a difficult one for me because the hall and a bit more comfortable for seated forced our songs down their children’s whole movement of the DJ is a complete audiences so that, again, we can hopefully throats, and those kids will have reacted in mystery to me. I’m no doubt ignorant of what offer a better range of productions. Both one of two ways, won’t they? They’ll either they’re about and what they strive for. And so rooms will still be able to have a full-on, say, ‘Get lost, there’s no way I’m coming’ or I should be, to a degree, because I’m forty- sweaty, hardcore rock’n’roll gig in them, just they’ll come along to the festival because seven years of age and it’s difficult to teach as they always have. That part won’t change. now they’re into us as well. I’d like to think old dogs new tricks. we could attract a younger audience, and I One of the other bands on the Stourbridge Any idea who’s going to play the opening think we’ve got a better chance of doing that scene back in the day was Pop Will Eat Itself. night when the Civic re-launches? if we’re on the radio. It’s only a niche section They were pioneers of amalgamating musical Nothing’s been confirmed yet, but we want to we’re likely to get to, but if, for instance, we styles and were probably pioneers of the DJ give it the right kind of opening. It’s not had something new on 6 Music, I think we’d scene. At the time, I didn’t appreciate that at necessarily going to have a vast name on the stand a chance of pulling people in. The all. I just loved the songs they came out with; first night, but we want a vast name pretty other thing about us is that once someone I didn’t recognise that a lot of it was stolen. I rapidly after the re-opening. has seen us live, that does seem to have a never minded listening to their records, but positive impact on them. my ‘creative being’ doesn’t understand what they were doing. I want to express what’s Kill Your Television Festival - featuring Ned’s Can we expect any new Neds material? going on in my mind - in my way and with my Atomic Dustbin, The Wedding Present, The Well, every year up until this year I’d have music. I don’t want to use someone else’s to Primitives and Eat - takes place at Civic Hall, said no - but this year, yes, finally, at last. do it. Wolverhampton on Sat 19 December. About six years ago, we had a conversation So do I understand the rise of the DJ? No, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Raymond Gubbay (DPS-DEC).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:11 Page 1 Raymond Gubbay (DPS-DEC).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:11 Page 2 Music December Region Two Davina.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:27 Page 1 Music December Region Two Davina.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:27 Page 2 Music

The Courteeners Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 3 December The last eighteen months has unquestionably been indie rock band The Courteeners most successful period since their inception in 2006. Not only have they bagged themselves a top-three album position with fourth studio offering Concrete Love (in August 2014), they’ve also enjoyed headline slots at Reading and Leeds and primetime appearances at Glastonbury, Isle Of Wight, T In The Park and V Festival. This Midlands show has been given a venue up- grade due to the high demand for tickets. Expect a lively performance from the boys.

Kagoule From The Jam The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, The Robin, Bilston, Fri 4 December; The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Thurs 17 December Thurs 3 December; The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 5 December Featuring The Jam’s very own Bruce Foxton (pictured), From The Jam visit the Midlands this month as part of their Sound Affects Tour II. The Sound Affects LP will be played in its Comprising three teenagers - Cai Burns, Lucy Hat- entirety, as well as a greatest hits set. ter and Lawrence English - Kagoule have been Expect to hear classic Jam songs - including Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, dubbed ‘the best new band in Britain’. Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World - performed alongside Their debut album, Urth, was released earlier this some live favourites and popular numbers from Bruce’s solo career. year and charted at number eight in the Official UK Album Vinyl Charts. Not only that, the album re- ceived rave reviews in Mojo, NME and Kerrang! and has been given an honourable inclusion in the Madonna Rough Trade Album Club. Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 16 December See them here first before they get big. Not surprisingly named by Time as one of the most powerful women of the past century, Madonna Louise Ciccone has been recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the best-selling female recording artist of all time, having sold in excess of a staggering three hundred million records worldwide. What’s more, in 2008, Billboard ranked her second only to The Beatles when it came to record sales. Her hits are plentiful, from Like A Virgin and Papa Don't Preach to Hung Up and 4 Minutes. And given her penchant for courting controversy as well as making chart-topping music, it’s fair to assume there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet.

The Jack Tars The Robin, Bilston, Wed 2 December Captain Sensible (The Damned), Slim Jim Phan- tom (Stray Cats), Chris Cheney (The Living End) and Mike Peters (The Alarm) are in no doubt about what they’re aiming to achieve as The Jack Tars. The talented rock’n’rollers describe themselves as ‘a band of brothers reincarnated from the souls of dead men’ who’re ‘destined to plunder the treas- ures of their collective past to create a new syn- ergy of rock and roll forged from the bones of punk, rockabilly and modern alternative rock.’ It’s always good to have an ambition in life... www.whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Music December Region Two Davina.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:27 Page 3

sat 5 december 7pm times square

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fri 11 december 7pm Joe seagar

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sat 12 december 7pm dan page

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fri 18 december 7pm amelia

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Fri 19 december 7pm andy mills

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Music PREVIEWS Caro Emerald Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 7 - Tues 8 December Since the release of her 2010 multi-platinum debut album, Deleted Scenes From The Cut- ting Room Floor, Caro Emerald has fash- ioned her own niche - a polished fusion of pop, jazz and swing. Her second album, The Shocking Miss Emerald (2013), entered the Official UK Albums Chart at number one and sold over two-and-a-half million records. Emerald is currently working on her third album, set to be released this winter. The first single - Quicksand - was released in April.

BBC Music Awards Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 10 December BBC One, Radio One and Radio Two here come together with some of the biggest UK and international artists to celebrate the best in popular music from the last twelve months. The event includes performances from Ellie Goulding, Rod Stewart, Hozier, Jess Glynne (pictured), Little Mix, Mumford & Sons, Jack Garratt, OMI and One Direction, with further acts still to be announced. Awards on the night include British Artist of the Year, International Artist of the Year and Song of the Year, plus a special award for a BBC Introducing artist. A brand new award - Live Per- Lianne Las Havas formance of the Year - will be given to the band or artist that’s delivered the stand-out live moment of 2015. Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton host. O2 Institute, Birmingham, Fri 4 December Lianne Las Havas made a huge break- through back in 2012 with the release of debut album Is Your Love Big Enough?, Hazel O’Connor Don Broco which peaked at number four in the UK Al- The Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 6 December Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, bums Chart. It went on to win album of the Coventry-born Hazel O’Connor was cata- Sat 12 December year at iTunes and also picked up Barclay- pulted to fame in hit Brit movie Breaking Having formed officially in 2008 after a num- card Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello Best Glass, for which she also sang the sound- ber of years spent playing not only together Album nominations. track. Her performance kickstarted a career but also in various other bands, vocalist Rob In 2014 Prince played a gig in her living room which has subsequently seen her enjoy Damiani, guitarist Simon Delaney and drum- in London and also chose her to perform with plenty more chart and screen success. mer Matt Donnelly have honed the art of him as featured vocalist on an episode of O’Connor’s current tour comes in celebration making rock music with a gloriously melodic Saturday Night Live. Need we say more? of Breaking Glass’ thirty-fifth anniversary. edge. Joined by new recruit Tom Doyle on This current UK tour comes in support of new bass, the quartet's first album is one of the album Blood, which was released in July this most adrenaline-fuelled, hook-heavy debuts year. Faithless of the year. Barclaycard Arena, Wed 2 December Faithless’s work defies easy classification. In- ternationally acclaimed and consistently popular in clubland, they produce a kind of music that ranges from insidious dance to swirling chill-out with a heart of darkness. The legendary dance act are playing this special Barclaycard Arena show - one of only four UK dates - to tie in with the release of their twentieth anniversary remix compilation, Faithless 2.0.

Kieran Halpin Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, St Agnes Fountain Fri 11 December Lichfield Guildhall, Staffs, Sat 5 December Singer-songwriter Kieran Halpin has St Agnes Fountain come together for one recorded seventeen albums, one live DVD month a year, heading out on a Christmas and published two songbooks, each contain- tour each December. They’ll here be performing fifty songs. As well as enjoying the adula- ing songs from their eighth studio album, tion of his legion of fans, he’s also greatly Christmas Is Not Far Away, as well as their admired by fellow performers, with the likes usual back-catalogue collection of of Vin Garbutt and Isle De Lange having cov- ‘rhythmedup’ carols and festive music. ered his songs.

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THE SURRENDERS, DIRTY MIGHTY WRAITH, ASH Wulfrun Hall, FRED ZEPPELIN Route LISTINGS JANE, THE PELOTONS & RUSTLUNG & SIGNS OF Wolverhampton 44, Birmingham Music THE EXHAILERS The FIRE Scruffy Murphys, THE TWILIGHT SAD O2 FLEETWOOD BAC The Flapper, Birmingham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham For full listing information on gigs, BETRAYAL The Sug- MARTIN CARTHY The EUREKA JAZZ QUARTET including times and dates, armill, Stoke-on-Trent SUN 6 DEC Red Lion Folk Club, Blue Piano Restaurant JEAN GENIE The Road- Birmingham And Bar, Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk house, Birmingham GARETH MALONE Sym- BELPHEGOR The Slade CHRIS BEAHAN Blue JOSEPH CAPRIATI The phony Hall, B’ham Rooms, Wolverhamp- Piano Restaurant And Rainbow Venues, Birm- HAZEL O'CONNOR The ton Bar, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham deTUE 1 DEC emy, Birmingham ingham RUMOURS OF FLEET- ETON MESSY The Rain- KAGOULE The Sunflower URBAN SOUL FAMILY MATT BERRY & THE MAY- WOOD MAC Victoria Hall, bow Venues, B’ham POLES O2 Institute, RONNIE SPECTOR Birm- Lounge, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent SAM COOMBES TRIO Birmingham ingham Town Hall ZOE RAHMAN TRIO Arena BLUE NOTES, THE SHER- MAXI JAZZ & THE E-TYPE Symphony Hall, B’ham THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN TROUBLEMAKER - OLLY Theatre, Wolverhamp- BET, WILDE & STATEThe BOYS O2 Institute, Birm- NORTHERN SOUL FRIDAY Prince Of Wales Centre, MURS TRIBUTE The ton Rainbow Venues, Birm- ingham WITH NEIL RUSHTON, Cannock Robin, Bilston JOHN OTWAY Hare & ingham JOSH PYE & SHAUN ROY WOOD ROCKMAS AUTUMN RUIN, LOST AT Hounds, Birmingham STAHLSARG, SHADOW THU 10 DEC PARKER Night Owl, 2015 Barclaycard HOME, PORTWAY & STUART MCCALLUM Hare FLAG & CACODAEMONIC Birmingham Arena, Birmingham THE SUBTERRANEANS NEVER HILL O2 Institute, & Hounds, Birmingham Scruffy Murphys, Birm- KODE9 & QUARTZ BURIAL GLITZ, BLITZ & 70S HITZ The Jam House, Birm- Birmingham FAULKNER The Jam ingham SET Hare & Hounds, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- ingham MOTIONLESS IN WHITE House, Birmingham Birmingham Trent UK SUBS The Rainbow The Asylum, B’ham ANDY ALLO The Rainbow ANY TROUBLE Hare & SAT 5 DEC ROY AYERS The Robin, Venues, Birmingham TAX THE HEAT, LEOGUN & Venues, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Bilston HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT COLD FIELDS The Rain- THE MOUSE OUTFIT The GORDON HENDRICKS IS ALABAMA 3 The The Robin, Bilston bow Venues, B’ham Oobleck, Birmingham ELVIS Theatre On The Oobleck, Birmingham BBC MUSIC AWARDS FEA- SAT 12 DEC TIM O'BRIEN Foxlowe FAT WHITE FAMILYThe Steps, Bridgnorth, MARTYN JOSEPH Hare & TURING ELLIE GOULDING, Arts Centre, Leek, Sugarmill, Stoke-on- South Shropshire SOLID SOUL The Jam Hounds, Birmingham HOZIER, JESS GLYNNE, Staffordshire Trent KILL THE ROMANTIC O2 House, Birmingham OUR WORLD BELOW, LITTLE MIX, MUMFORD & JACK GARRATT O2 Insti- FAULKNER The Jam Academy, Birmingham TIM BURGESS Night Owl, ERADIKATOR, SWAMP SONS, OMI, ONE DIREC- tute, Birmingham House, Birmingham DAN OWEN The Wight- Birmingham MONKEY, MOLOTOV TION & JACK GARRATT FAULKNER The Jam THE ZOE GREEN BAND man Theatre, Shrews- DAN PAGE Havana Re- SOULS, KONCEPT AND Genting Arena, B’ham House, Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham bury public, Shrewsbury MORE The Roadhouse, KINDRED THE FAMILY MARRY WATERSON & DAN OWEN The Wight- ROCKET The Jam BEE GEES FEVER Theatre Birmingham SOUL Hare & Hounds, DAVID A JAYCOCK man Theatre, Shrews- House, Birmingham On The Steps, Bridg- DECLAN NERNEY Irish Birmingham Kitchen Garden Cafe, bury FALLS, ENQUIRY, BEAR- north, South Shropshire Centre, Birmingham SPITTING FEATHERS, Birmingham THE PRODIGY & PUBLIC FOOT BEWARE, CAL LOWER THAN ATLANTIS CANARD DU JOUR MOTH HONEY, THE SHE MAKES WAR The ENEMY Barclaycard BANDA, RIGHT HAND LEFT O2 Institute, B’ham Kitchen Garden Cafe, SCRUBS & LUCY SHAW Sunflower Lounge, Arena, Birmingham HAND, ORCHARDS, PILES THE SMYTHS O2 Acad- Birmingham The Roadhouse, Birm- Birmingham OF CLOTHES & GEORGE emy, Birmingham ANDREW SOUTER, THE ingham FOZZY, NONPOINT & GADD The Flapper, DEF LEPPARD & WHITES- FLOWERS OF DESPAIR & BURNING NATION & ELST SUMO CYCO The Rain- Birmingham NAKE Genting Arena, DAVID LEACH Hare & PIZARRO O2 Academy, bow Venues, B’ham MOSTLY MOTOWN SATUR- Birmingham DAY WITH BEN DRUM- Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham THE BEAT The Slade WED 2 DEC MOND, TOM MASON & CJ RAMONE O2 Acad- Rooms, Wolverhamp- MAZZY Night Owl, Birm- MON 7 DEC emy, Birmingham ton FRED SKIDMORE TRIO ELECTRIC SIX O2 Acad- ingham FODEN'S BAND FESTIVAL DJANGO DJANGO O2 In- Katie Fitzgerald's, emy, Birmingham TIMES SQUARE Havana Drayton Centre, Market stitute, Birmingham Stourbridge FAITHLESS Barclaycard The Prodigy Republic, Shrewsbury Drayton, North Shrop- CARO EMERALD Sym- JOHN KIRKPATRICKWem Arena, Birmingham THE DEAD DAISIES The shire phony Hall, B’ham Town Hall, Shropshire SONIC GUN PRESENT FRI 4 DEC Slade Rooms, Wolver- TYGER OF PAN TANGThe AMINGTON BAND Tam- CHASTITY Hare & hampton Robin, Bilston worth Assembly STATUS QUO Barclaycard Hounds, Birmingham GORDON HENDRICKS IS DORJE The Rainbow FRI 11 DEC Rooms, Staffs Arena, Birmingham KING PLEASURE & THE KODALINE O2 Academy, ELVIS Theatre On The Venues, Birmingham ST. AGNES FOUNTAIN THE DOORS ALIVE O2 BISCUIT BOYS Lichfield Birmingham Steps, Bridgnorth, NATALIE BROWNCres- Lichfield Guildhall, Academy, Birmingham Guildhall, Staffs THE ROVING CROWS The Shropshire cent Theatre, B’ham Staffs STEREOPHONICS Genting BEYOND THE BARRICADE Red Lion Folk Club, DURAN DURAN Genting THE KAOS, KILKOVEC & PEARL JAM U.K. O2 Arena, Birmingham Prince Of Wales Centre, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham BLACK VELVET The Flap- Academy, Birmingham JOE SEAGAR Havana Re- BUGZY MALONE O2 Insti- NORTHERN SOUL FRIDAY per, Birmingham Cannock SCOUTING FOR GIRLS O2 public, Shrewsbury DON BROCO tute, Birmingham WITH MATT BLACKMORE, Wulfrun Academy, Birmingham THE BOOTLEG BEATLES FOOD FEATURING IAIN SOUL TIME STEVE & Hall, Wolverhampton KAGOULE The Sugarmill, TUE 8 DEC Civic Hall, Wolverhamp- LUKE JACKSON TRIO & BALLAMY & THOMAS LLOYD DAVIS Night Owl, Stoke-on-Trent ton ANNABELLE BARTRAM STRONEN mac, B’ham Birmingham CARO EMERALD Sym- NOTHING MORE O2 Insti- THE DARKNESS O2 The Brewhouse Arts THE JACK TARS The LEVELLERS Civic Hall, phony Hall, B’ham tute, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Centre, Burton-upon- Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton THE STORY SO FAR The TYRANNOSAURUS NEBU- CLUTCH Wulfrun Hall, Trent, Staffordshire THE AMAZONS The Sun THE ZOMBIES O2 Insti- Asylum, Birmingham LOUS, CHEMICAL MOJO, Wolverhampton NETSKY O2 Institute, tute, Birmingham THE SUBTERRANEANS ALMOST EASY, HOUND & SIKTH O2 Academy, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham LIANNE LA HAVAS O2 In- The Jam House, Birm- INCLOSURE The Rain- Birmingham METROPOLITAN BRASS SHURA The Oobleck, stitute, Birmingham ingham bow Venues, B’ham SOLID SOUL The Jam QUINTET Symphony Birmingham ROCKET The Jam THE ALBION CHRISTMAS SUPREME QUEEN The House, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham SUPERFOOD O2 Institute, House, Birmingham BAND mac, Birmingham Robin, Bilston SPACE The Slade SINATRA CENTENARY Birmingham THE REMI HARRIS PROJ- THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA REBEL REBEL (DAVID Rooms, Wolverhamp- Symphony Hall, B’ham BIG BRAVE The Rainbow ECT mac, Birmingham OF GREAT BRITAINVicto- BOWIE) & JULIE GUNN ton NOTHING BUT THE BEST: Venues, Birmingham FROM THE JAM The ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Route 44, Birmingham ORANGE GOBLIN The SINATRA 100 Victoria SILENT SCREAMS, THE Robin, Bilston THE RUTLES The Robin, THE TERRAPINS The Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Hall. Stoke-on-Trent BROWNING, CAPTURE THE DAN OWEN The Wight- Bilston Roadhouse, B’ham Trent TALON - THE BEST OF EA- CROWN & WALKING WITH man Theatre, Shrews- DEMOB HAPPY Hare & CARNIFEX, WITHIN THE BEE GEES FEVER Theatre GLES The Robin, Bilston STRANGERS The Rain- bury Hounds, Birmingham RUINS, FALLUJAH & On The Steps, Bridg- GILLES PETERSON bow Venues, B’ham NEW BLUES FOR PIANO JAMES BAY RADIO X Hare BORIS THE BLADE The north, South Shropshire & Hounds, Birmingham EZIO Kitchen Garden The Barber Institute, ROAD TRIP WITH CHRIS Rainbow Venues, Birm- HERMAN'S HERMITS Tam- FULLY LOADEDRoute 44, Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham MOYLES O2 Academy, ingham worth Assembly Birmingham ADDISON GROOVE Hare & Birmingham HOT SINCE 82, HEIDI & Rooms, Staffs MENTALLICA The Road- Hounds, Birmingham JAMES YORKSTON THU 3 DEC ANJA SCHNEIDER The GO WEST FEATURING SSEX PISTOLSS, CODE 46 Kitchen Garden Cafe, house, Birmingham Rainbow Venues, Birm- PETER COX & RICHARD WARWOUND, INDECENT ORANGE GOBLIN The & THE DREGS Route 44, Birmingham ingham DRUMMIE The Robin, ASSAULT & SICKPIG The Slade Rooms, Wolver- Birmingham TQD TOUR FEATURING Bilston hampton THE IAN SILK DUO FEA- Rainbow Venues, Birm- ROYAL T, DJ Q, FLAVA D WED 9 DEC CAROLS THAT COUNT WE CAME AS ROMANS O2 TURING SAM ROGERS ingham AND MORE The Rainbow Birmingham Town Hall NINA KRAVIZ, BODDIKA & Academy, Birmingham Blue Piano Restaurant THE SUBTERRANEANS Venues, Birmingham TREMONTI, MAN THE ADAM SHELTON The NAZARETH The Robin, And Bar, Birmingham The Jam House, Birm- THE FATHER TEDS Irish MIGHTY, THE RAVEN AGE Bilston CRITICAL SOUNDS FEA- ingham Rainbow Venues, Birm- Centre, Birmingham & WEARING SCARS O2 THE COURTEENERS Civic TURING MEFJUS, ENEI, FISH Birmingham Town ingham LOGAN D, MAJISTRATE, Institute, Birmingham DRUM GOT SOUL The Hall, Wolverhampton KASRA & MANTMAST The Hall SUB ZERO, NICKY BLACK- THE OVERTONES Sym- Drum, Birmingham CHUNK! NO, CAPTAIN Rainbow Venues, Birm- GNARWOLVES The Rain- MARKET, GUV, PLEASURE, phony Hall, B’ham GROAN, GENERAL, TEN CHUNK! O2 Institute, ingham bow Venues, B’ham ALPHA AND MORE O2 In- KIERAN HALPIN FOOT WIZARD & THORUN Birmingham SPACEMAN & BASKET O2 MIKE SANCHEZ The stitute, Birmingham Newhampton Arts Cen- Scruffy Murphys, Birm- GUY GARVEY O2 Acad Academy, Birmingham Robin, Bilston THE FACE OF RUIN, THE tre, Wolverhampton ingham

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PAT BRESLIN Irish Cen- THE BOOTLEG BEATLES GEKO O2 Institute, Birm- O2 Academy, B’ham Robin, Bilston DAZE The Robin, Bilston tre, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham ingham CHRIS BEVINGTON & MISTY’S BIG ADVENTURE THE SOUND OF MUSICALS THE FEARS The Sug- FRANKIE VALLI AND THE UNDER THE COVERS Irish FRIENDS AND REBECCA Hare & Hounds, B’ham Symphony Hall, B’ham armill, Stoke-on-Trent FOUR SEASONS The Centre, Birmingham DOWNES & HER BAND RICKY COOL AND THE IN THAT'LL BE THE DAY - THE Robin, Bilston NOTEBENDERS Sym- The Robin, Bilston SAT 26 DEC CROWD The Roadhouse, CHRISTMAS PARTY Birm- phony Hall, Birmingham CHRISTMAS CAROL SIN- B’ham ingham Town Hall WED 16 DEC CHRIS GEDDS (BELLE & GALONG Symphony Hall, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The AS EQUALS The Sug- VAULT OF EAGLES, SOEUR, SEBASTIAN DJ SET), DAVE Birmingham Robin, Bilston armill, Stoke-on-Trent DOWNARD & THEO The MADONNA Barclaycard HUTCHINSON & JOSH PYE RELEASE, BONSAI & AR- CAPTIAL GROOVE The Sunflower Lounge, Arena, Birmingham Night Owl, Birmingham CADIA The Sugarmill, Jam House, B’ham WED 30 DEC Birmingham THE ARISTOCRATS O2 In- STONE BROKEN The Stoke-on-Trent IVOR & LYNN'S CLASSIC THE CHARLATANS O2 stitute, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- GOSPEL CENTRAL The ROCK DISCO Route 44, THE SOUL SURVIVORS Academy, Birmingham THE RED LEMONS The hampton Jam House, B’ham Birmingham The Robin, Bilston NINE DART FINISH, SU- Jam House, B’ham DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Hare STEVE LAWLER, SKREAM, THE VERY BEST OF JAMES PERFICIALS & REASIDE THE ARTHUR DOHERTY & Hounds, Birmingham TUE 22 DEC DETLEF, ADAM SHELTON BOND Symphony Hall, The Flapper, B’ham BAND 2015 Stafford RHINO & THE RANTERS AND MORE The Rainbow Birmingham INTO THE SHADOWS Gatehouse Theatre Hare & Hounds, B’ham URBAN INTRO The Jam Venues, Birmingham DIRTBOX DISCO, THE Stafford Gatehouse URBAN VOODOO MACHINE PIVA Stafford Gate- House, Birmingham THE FULL SHA BANG Irish BRANDONS & THE OBNOX- The Robin, Bilston house CIRCUS JUNKIE REBELS Centre, Birmingham IOUS The Rainbow Ven- SUN 13 DEC JAWS Hare & Hounds, The Sugarmill, Stoke- SOUNDS OF THE SIXTIES ues, Birmingham Birmingham SAT 19 DEC on-Trent The Roadhouse, B’ham SKABUCKS The Road- SIMPLY RED Genting SLAVES O2 Institute, MOSTLY MOTOWN BOXING house, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham Birmingham DETROIT SOUL The Jam WED 23 DEC DAY PARTY WITH ROB DEL CAMINO The Jam THE SELECTER O2 Acad- BLINK 1&2 The Sug- House, Birmingham PERRENS, CHRIS WISE House, Birmingham emy, Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent ANDY MILLS Havana Re- URBAN INTRO The Jam AND MAZZY Night Owl, EXOWAVES The Sug- THE BURNING HELL The NELLY O2 Academy, public, Shrewsbury House, Birmingham Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent Rainbow Venues, Birm- Birmingham KYTV FESTIVAL WITH FRET AND FIDDLE Lich- ingham SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS NEDS ATOMIC DUSTBIN, field Guildhall, Staffs SUN 27 DEC THU 31 DEC JOHN COOPER CLARKE Birmingham Town Hall THE WEDDING PRESENT, FRED ZEPPELIN The TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY T.REXTASY The Robin, Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- THE MAD JOCKS & ENG- THE PRIMITIVES & EAT Robin, Bilston CASH - KEEP IT CASH The Bilston hampton LISHMEN Red Lion Folk The Civic Hal, Wolver- DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Robin, Bilston THE SUBTERRANEANS THAT'LL BE THE DAY - THE Club, Birmingham hampton Kitchen Garden Cafe, WEST COAST EAGLES The The Jam House, B’ham CHRISTMAS PARTY Victo- THE SUPERSKAS The Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham JOHN BEAR'S ROCK DISCO ria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent THU 17 DEC Slade Rooms, Wolver- WHITE CHRISTMAS Sym- DORCH The Slade PARTY Route 44, B’ham LUNA ROSSA The Robin, hampton phony Hall, Birmingham THE RED LEMONS The Rooms, Wolverhampton THE HAIR ROCK EXPERI- Bilston ALEXANDER O'NEAL - 30 GENERATIONS The Sug- Jam House, B’ham LITTLE JIMMY Irish Cen- ENCE The Roadhouse, TALON - THE BEST OF EA- YEARS OF SOUL Birming- armill, Stoke-on-Trent THE STONES Theatre On tre, Birmingham Birmingham GLES Prince Of Wales ham Town Hall YOUNG CULTURE SOUND The Steps, Bridgnorth AN EVENING WITH THE Centre, Cannock THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE & MAZZY Night Owl, FROM THE JAM The But- MON 28 DEC MAJOR TOMS Blue Piano RAE SREMMURD O2 Insti- VOICE CHOIR New Vic Birmingham termarket, Shrewsbury Restaurant And Bar, tute, Birmingham Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent SUNSHINE FRISBEE DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO AC JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS Birmingham IAN MCNABB Hare & ELO AGAIN The Robin, LASERBEAM Hare & / DC RHYTHM AND BLUES OR- The Robin, Bilston WILKINSON, KAMO & Hounds, Birmingham Bilston Hounds, Birmingham CHESTRA Symphony CROOKED, MATRIX & FU- LIVE BURLESQUE - THE TWANG O2 Acad- Hall, Birmingham TUE 29 DEC TUREBOUND, PROTO- CABARAMA The Glee emy, Birmingham SLADE UK The Road- THU 24 DEC TYPES, DJ SS & FULL Club, Birmingham CHRISTMAS WITH ALED DEFINITELY MIGHTBE, house, Birmingham KONTAKT O2 Institute, T R DALLAS Irish Centre, JONES Symphony Hall, THE UPBEAT BEATLES The ADORED & HAPPY MON- CHASING DEER O2 Acad- Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham emy, Birmingham CHRISTMAS WITH THE THE BENIDORM STYLIS- THE ANDY WILLIAMS TICS The Drum, B’ham NEALES Birmingham CHRISTMAS Civic Hall, Town Hall THE STONES The Road- Wolverhampton house, Birmingham MAHALIA, UNDERGROUND SLADE FEATURING DAVE HYENA, HIDDEN SKIES EMPIRE, LOOSE LIPS, HILL AND DON POWELL AND WOOD & NAILS The ROBYN GORDON & LUCY The Robin, Bilston SHAW The Rainbow THE WONDER STUFF O2 Rainbow Venues, Birm- Venues, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham ingham PHIL CAMPBELL O2 THE BIRMINGHAM MALE THE FULL SHA BANG Irish Academy, Birmingham CHOIR, SPIRIT OF CHRIST- Centre, Birmingham MAS Birmingham Town COCOON FEATURING SVEN MON 14 DEC Hall VATH, SUBB-AN, TIM GREEN & MARKUS FIX JOSE GONZALEZ O2 Insti- THE DYLAN PROJECT Hare & Hounds, B’ham The Rainbow Venues, tute, Birmingham Birmingham ONLY MEN ALOUD Birm- JEFFREY LEWIS & LOS BOLTS The Flapper, ADAM ADAM, VIC MUL- ingham Town Hall LAN, DAVE MOLLOY & THE BEAT BROTHERS The Birmingham BLACK STAR RIDERS Wul- JASON BANNER Night Jam House, B’ham Owl, Birmingham JAMIE CONNOLLY Cres- frun Hall, Wolverhamp- ton LAWLESS The Sugarmill, cent Theatre, B’ham Stoke-on-Trent GILBY CLARKE The FRI 18 DEC SCREAMING QUAYS, SPIT- Robin, Bilston TING FEATHERS, RAVENS HEY! HELLO! The Sug- THE STONES Theatre On & ELISON The Flapper, armill, Stoke-on-Trent The Steps, Bridgnorth, Birmingham THE UKULELE ORCHESTRA South Shropshire OF GREAT BRITAIN Sym- AMELIA Havana Repub- SUN 20 DEC phony Hall, Birmingham lic, Shrewsbury CHIC BONBONS PRESENT SHED SEVEN O2 Acad- ROY WOOD ROCK & ROLL AN EVENING OF BUR- emy, Birmingham BAND The Robin, Bilston LESQUE & CABARET The PRIEST UNLEASED, MS- HANS RAJ HANS Civic Glee Club, Birmingham FITZ & ABSOLUTION The Hall, Wolverhampton A CHRISTMAS CELEBRA- Asylum, Birmingham CLOUDBUSTING The TION BOURNVILLE GRAD- MAXIMO PARK O2 Insti- Roadhouse, B’ham UATES CHOIR Kitchen tute, Birmingham DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Garden Cafe, B’ham DETROIT SOUL The Jam Kitchen Garden Cafe, DOE PAORO O2 Acad- House, Birmingham Birmingham emy, Birmingham ALL ON A WINTER'S NIGHT BLACK WIDOWS, COL- WITH JOHNNY COPPIN ORADO LOUNGE, SUPER- Lichfield Guildhall, NAUT, THE NEW TUE 15 DEC Staffs SUBTERRANEANS & INDE- CENT ASSULT The Rain- THE BEAT BROTHERS The KICK UP THE 80'S The Robin, Bilston bow Venues, B’ham Jam House, B’ham MISTLETOE AND MUSI- SIMPLY RED Genting STOP STOP & WILDSIDE RIOT Route 44, B’ham CALS Stafford Gate- Arena, Birmingham house BLITZ 31 The Road- HELLS BELLS The Road- house, Birmingham house, Birmingham MON 21 DEC GHOST O2 Institute, THE ROY FORBES Trio Blue Piano Restaurant Birmingham UB40 AND STEEL PULSE And Bar, Birmingham

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feature Howard Skempton World premiere in Birmingham

A composer, pianist and accordionist, Howard Skempton teaches composition at the Birmingham Conservatoire. He also writes for the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. Howard’s latest work, which is being performed by BCMG this month, is a setting of Coleridge's epic poem, The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Heather Kincaid caught up with him to find out more...

Among the Midlands' most prolific com- might use the full text! What I eventually write for them, I can imagine the players and posers, Howard Skempton is best known for opted for was something in the middle. It's their personalities as well as the instruments.” his stripped-back, melodic and often short about two thirds of the poem, and probably Skempton's long-term relationship with works. Yet his latest commission - a setting of won't be much more than thirty-five minutes.” BCMG and the Birmingham Conservatoire Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poetic master- The Rime will be performed by Williams and makes him well-placed to offer a view of cre- piece, The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner - has members of the Birmingham Contemporary ative arts in the city. His is an optimistic per- taken Skempton in a rather different direction, Music Group alongside an assortment of new spective, observing the “sense that we can requiring him to find a new way of working, and established works by a very different do anything” which emerges from Birming- “beyond the comfort zone of a well-estab- composer, Dominic Muldowney. ham's unique combination of practicality and lished technique”. “Dominic is a composer I admire enor- free experimentation. “I can resist anything but a challenge,” mously,” says Skempton, “and one I think is “I have very interesting colleagues and stu- Skempton laughs, speaking of his composi- not properly appreciated in this country. He dents at the conservatoire with a wide range tion, which premieres at the CBSO Centre was Director of Music at the National Theatre, of styles and outlooks - probably wider than this month. “I think some composers are very and he has a very accessible, cabaret style you would find in London. Birmingham is clear on what they do and don't do, but I see which is essentially theatrical, but also very right in the heart of England, and there's a it as an adventure. You're exploring, and intelligent and original. The Rime is a more sense that it can look everywhere for inspira- you're properly equipped, but the territory is theatrical piece, but my music has always tion. But it's also small enough not to take unknown and you're discovering new things.” been very different. I write these little pieces anything for granted. What is encouraged at Like the Mariner's troubled voyage, Skemp- that tend to be lyrical and understated. I like the Conservatoire and what you find in Birm- ton's journey from concept to finished piece to think they draw the listener in, but there's a ingham generally is independence and an has been a long one, with twists and turns reticence and a quietness as well as a brevity entrepreneurial approach. There's a feeling and difficulties along the way. The commis- which I think is quite distinctive.” that even if the funds aren't there and times sion came about following a concert that Tying together the composers' contrasting are difficult, we'll still find a way to make Skempton and his friend, Maurice Millward, styles is a common inspiration: all the pieces things work, like with BCMG's sound invest- had both attended. So impressed was Mill- in this concert are settings of poetry de- ment scheme, which is a very early example ward with the baritone singer, Roderick scribed as “evocative” and “quintessentially of crowd-sourcing that goes back to the early Williams, that he immediately contacted English”. Joining the Rime on the programme ’90s. It's that sort of ingenuity which I think is Skempton to request a new piece for him to are Muldowney's settings of Shakespeare, one of Birmingham's great strengths.” perform. Edward Thomas, Auden and Betjeman, as “The biggest challenge with setting the Rime well as a new setting of AE Housman's is the scale of it, the way it just rolls on in this Smooth Between Sea And Land. irresistible, inexorable way,” Skempton ex- “There's a sort of flexibility and subtlety to plains. “Another problem is that it's already poems in the English language, a bit like the very musical, and everybody knows it so well weather and the landscape. Roderick as a spoken text that it's hard for a composer Williams is a wonderful actor as well as a to add anything new. I saw it as my first re- great singer, so I have no doubt that the dif- sponsibility to make it dramatic, to grip the ferent styles will complement each other and audience in the same way that a spoken per- the evening as a whole will make sense.” formance would, so I've had to work very As well as wanting to provide a “worthy vehi- hard on the rhythm and pace of the piece to cle” for Williams, Skempton also had specific capture something of that energy.” musicians in mind when writing the piece. Having settled on such a lengthy poem, the The small ensemble performing the Rime will first task was to decide how much of it to set. include two violins, a viola, cello, piano, horn Photo Credit: Clive Barda Millward selected some favourite verses and and double bass, the last of which was presented Skempton with a cut-down version added by Skempton to bring “weight” to the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group at about a third of the full length. sound, suggesting the impenetrable depths (BCMG) presents The Rime Of The Ancient “My plan for a long time was to set the whole of the sea. Mariner at the CBSO Centre, Birmingham, poem, but although it's a shame to have to “I've been writing for BCMG for almost twenty on Friday 4 December, alongside settings cut it, it would’ve been too long. I think Mau- years now, and the musicians are like a band of English poetry by Dominic Muldowney, rice was quite alarmed at the thought that I - they all know each other very well. When I who is also the concert’s conductor.

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PREVIEWS Andre Rieu Classical Music Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 16 December Often referred to as the King of Waltz, Dutch violinist Andre Rieu is the highest- charting classical instrumentalist of all time. He’s also the creator of the waltz- playing Johann Strauss Orchestra, for whom he conducts using his violin bow, mimicking the famous characteristics of Strauss himself. Rieu won the hearts of the British public in 2009 with the release of his album, Forever Vienna, which reached number one in the classical charts and number two in the pop charts. His concerts are well known for inspiring audience members to leave their seats and dance in the aisles, an activity which counts as something of a phenomenon at a classical music gig!

Ex Cathedra St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Tues 1 December; St Peter’s Collegiate Church, Wolverhamp- ton, Wed 2 December; Birmingham Town Hall, Sun 6 December; Birmingham Cathedral, Mon 7 December; St John’s Church, Hagley, Birmingham, Tues 8 December; Hereford Cathedral, Wed 16 December; St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Fri 18, Sat 19, Mon 21 & Tues 22 December What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by enjoying an evening with one of the country’s finest choral music ensembles? Christmas Festival Under the directorship of its founder, Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month making a sig- Symphony Hall, Birmingham nificant contribution to Midlands-based classical music lovers’ sense of festive cheer... Sat 12 December - Sat 2 January The choir’s atmospheric Christmas Music By Candlelight evenings blend seasonal favourites from around the globe and across the ages with a variety of readings... Even if Birmingham’s Symphony Hall isn’t The ensemble also performs Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, a work widely considered to be the literally decked with boughs of holly this most confident and optimistic statement of Christian belief in the choral repertoire... festive season, the popular venue is cer- And Ex Cathedra is also taking part in Santa Lucia, a traditional Swedish service of carols and tainly offering its patrons plenty by way of readings organised by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce. yuletide cheer in the run-up to Christmas. Aled Jones stops by on the 19th to host ‘a wonderful concert of music and carols’, Armonico Consort there’s a Christmas Carol Singalong to Phoenix warm up the vocal chords on the 21st, and Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 4 December the opportunity to experience all the magic If you’ve never heard Handel’s Messiah, you’ve missed one of Singers of Carols By Candlelight on the 22nd. music’s most uplifting experiences. St Mary’s Church, White Christmas, ‘a nostalgic show of all- The oratorio features a series of much-loved classics, including Shrewsbury, Sat 12 December time favourite festive songs and carols’, For Unto Us A Child Is Born and the legendary Hallelujah!. takes place on the 23rd, while Christmas Joining the Midlands-based, period instrument-playing Armonico The Phoenix Singers Eve Classics features an impressive contri- Consort to perform the work is Sir Willard White. And the here celebrate their bution from the majestic Symphony Hall Jamaican-born opera star is certainly looking forward to the fiftieth anniversary with organ. experience: “Singing with period instruments feels softer and a performance of fragile,” says Sir Willard. “Paradoxically, there is a profound invi- Bach’s Christmas Ora- tation to listen differently. And more care needs to be taken with torio. First performed the vocal presentation which I, as a singer, need to make.” in the 1730s, this beau- Read our online interview with Sir Willard at whatsonlive.co.uk tiful festive classic, written in six sections, tells the story of the birth of Jesus, complete with angels, shepherds and the gift-bearing Three Kings. Richard Walker (pictured) conducts.

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BIRMINGHAM PHILHAR- Hall, Birmingham CBSO: Festive Favourites LISTINGS MONIC ORCHESTRA: LON- EX CATHEDRA - CHRIST- Classical DON SYMPHONY Pro- MAS MUSIC BY CANDLE- With Alan Titchmarsh gramme includes works LIGHT Mon 21- Tues 22 Symphony Hall, Birmingham, by Rossini, Nielsen & Dec, St Paul's Church, Fri 18, Sun 20 & Mon 21 December For full listing information on classical Vaughan Williams, Sun Birmingham concerts, including times and dates, 13 Dec, Bramall Music MOZART FESTIVAL CHO- Alan Titchmarsh hosts this always-popular Building, Birmingham RUS: CAROLS BY CANDLE- concert, which sees the City Of Birmingham visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS LIGHT Also featuring the Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) presenting an MUSIC with the choir of Mozart Festival Chorus EX-CATHEDRA CHRIST- Dec, Birmingham Town St John's College, in full period costume, evening of classic carols and seasonal sto- MAS BY CANDLELIGHT Hall ries. Members of the audience are invited to Cambridge, Mon 14 Tues 22 Dec, Sympho- Featuring Jeffrey Skid- GARETH MALONE Join Dec, Symphony Hall, ny Hall, Birmingham get into the festive spirit by joining the more (conductor), Tues the nation’s favourite Birmingham WHITE CHRISTMAS Fea- CBSO’s famous choruses in a Christmas 1 Dec, St Chad’s choirmaster and his BIRMINGHAM BACH turing the London Con- singalong. Simon Halsey conducts. Church, Shrewsbury choir Voices for an all CHOIR: CHRISTMAS CAR- cert Orchestra, Capital EX-CATHEDRA: GAUDETE! new show, Sun 6 Dec, OLS AT QEHB Carols & Voices Choir, Jacinta Christmas music & Symphony Hall, B’ham festive favourites in aid Whyte & Tim Howar, readings from the 13th UNIVERSITY MUSIC SOCI- of injured service per- Wed 23 Dec, Sympho- to 18th centuries, Wed ETY PHILHARMONIC sonnel, Tues 15 Dec, ny Hall, Birmingham 2 Dec, St Peter’s ORCHESTRA Programme The Atrium, Queen Eliz- HANDEL’S MESSIAH Pre- Church, Wolverhamp- includes works by abeth Hospital, B’ham sented by Shropshire ton Brahms, Haydn & ANDRE RIEU Wed 16 Charity Concerts CBSO - BEETHOVEN'S Sibelius. Daniele Rosi- Dec, Genting Arena, Orchestra & Shrews- EROICA Programme na conducts. Sun 6 Birmingham bury School Communi- includes works by Rim- Dec, Bramall Music EX-CATHEDRA: GAUDETE! ty Choir. In aid of the sky-Korsakov, Scriabin Building, Birmingham Christmas music & Shrewsbury Ark, The & Beethoven, Wed 2 - SING CAROLS WITH THE readings from the 13th Hive Shrewsbury & Thurs 3 Dec, Sympho- CITY ORGANIST Featur- to 18th centuries, Wed Shrewsbury Abbey ny Hall, Birmingham ing Thomas Trotter & 16 Dec, Hereford Organ Appeal, Wed 23 THE BRODSKY QUARTET Metropolitan Brass. Cathedral Dec, The Abbey, Abbey Programme includes Jeremy Nicholas pres- CBSO FEAT. BAIBE SKRIDE Foregate, Shrewsbury works by Borodin, ents, Mon 7 Dec, Birm- (VIOLIN) Programme CHRISTMAS EVE CLAS- Shostakovich & ingham Town Hall includes works by Rim- SICS WITH THE LONDON Beethoven, Thurs 3 EX CATHEDRA - CHRIST- sky-Korsakov, CONCERT ORCHESTRA Dec, Ludlow Assembly MAS MUSIC BY CANDLE- Tchaikovsky & Sibelius, Also featuring Birming- Rooms, South Shrop- LIGHT Tues 8 Dec, St Wed 16 Dec, Sympho- ham Choral Union, shire John’s Church, Hagley, ny Hall, Birmingham Four Oaks Cluster CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Birmingham THE BIRMINGHAM Choir, James Edwards CHOIR - HANDEL’S MESSI- PASCAL AND AMI ROGÉ CANOLDIR MALE CHOIR: (tenor) & Julian Wilkins Birmingham Philharmonic AH Fri 4 Dec, Sympho- Programme includes SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS (organ), Thurs 24 Dec, ny Hall, Birmingham works by Fauré, Thurs 17 Dec, Birming- Symphony Hall, B’ham Orchestra CHAMBER CHOIRS AND Debussy, Schubert, ham Town Hall LONDON CONCERT Bramall Music Building, Birmingham, UNIVERSITY CAMERATA Mozart & Dvorák, Wed THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS ORCHESTRA: Sun 13 December Programme includes 9 Dec, The Barber Insti- Featuring The Abbey TCHAIKOVSKY SPECTACU- works by Tallis, Harvey, tute, Birmingham Founded in 1941, Birmingham Philharmonic Choir, The Salop Band, LAR Featuring Noriko Bennet, Mendelssohn, HELSINKI PHILHARMONIC The Mercia Academy Ogawa (piano) & Toby Orchestra typically perform between twelve Rheinberger & Faure, ORCHESTRA Programme and more, Fri 18 Dec, Purser (conductor), and fifteen concerts each year in the city Fri 4 Dec, Bramall comprises various Shrewsbury Abbey, Sun 27 Dec, Symphony and surrounding area. Music Building, B’ham works by Sibelius, Shropshire Hall, Birmingham This latest presentation features Vaughan ARMONICO CONSORT: Thurs 10 Dec, Sympho- EX CATHEDRA - CHRIST- MOZART FESTIVAL HANDEL’S MESSIAH Fea- ny Hall, Birmingham Williams’ A London Symphony. The work MAS MUSIC BY CANDLE- ORCHESTRA: THE FOUR turing William Towers AMY HARMAN AND TOM LIGHT Featuring Alexan- SEASONS BY CANDLE- was described by the composer’s friend, (Countertenor), Gillian POSTER Programme der Mason (organ), Fri LIGHT Featuring David George Butterworth, as “an idyll of grey Keith (soprano) Nathan includes works by JS 18 - Sat 19 Dec, St Juritz (director/violin) & skies and secluded byways - an aspect of Vale (tenor) & Sir Bach, Elgar, Saint- Paul's Church, B’ham Mary Bevan (soprano), London quite as familiar as any other: the Willard White (bass), Fri Saens, Reynaldo Hahn EX CATHEDRA - ANGELS Mon 28 Dec, Sympho- 4 Dec, Victoria Hall, & Dutilleux, Fri 11 Dec, STARS & KINGS Special ny Hall, Birmingham feeling of the music is remote, mystical”. Stoke-on-Trent The Barber Institute, The programme also features Nielsen’s Clar- selection of seasonal LONDON CONCERT BCMG: THE RIME OF THE Birmingham readings & ravishing ORCHESTRA: LAST NIGHT inet Concerto and Rossini’s Semiramide ANCIENT MARINER Fea- MIDLANDS HOSPITALS’ choral music, Sat 19 OF THE CHRISTMAS Overture. turing works by two CHOIR Conducted by Dec, St Paul's Church, PROMS Programme outstanding British James Llewelyn Jones, Birmingham (4pm) includes works by composers (see feature & raising funds for CLIC CHRISTMAS WITH ALED Humperdinck, Ravel, on page 21), Fri 4 Dec, Sargent, Fri 11 Dec, JONES Featuring a host Sousa, Tchaikovsky, CBSO Centre, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall of festive favourites, Sat Puccini, Denza, Bizet & CBSO NOTELETS: CHRIST- PHOENIX SINGERS: 19 Dec, Symphony Mascagni, Mon 28 Dec, MAS Featuring CBSO BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORA- Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham Wind Ensemble & TORIO A work in six THE FRONCYSYLLTE MALE LONDON CONCERT Catherine Arlidge (pre- parts celebrating the VOICE CHOIR Sat 19 ORCHESTRA: THE SOUND senter), Fri 4 & Sat 5 major feast days of the Dec, New Vic Theatre, OF MUSICALS Featuring Dec, CBSO Centre, Christmas period, Sat Stoke-on-Trent Summer Strallen, Kerry Birmingham 12 Dec, St Mary’s CAN’T SING (?) CHOIR & Ellis, Tim Howar & Gra- BPSO PROMS NIGHT Church, Shrewsbury U3A ORCHESTRA IN ham Bickley. Richard SPECTACULAR Sat 5 ACADEMIA MUSICA CHOIR CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL Balcombe conducts, Dec, Symphony Hall, FESTIVAL FOR CHRIST- Fifty piece orchestra Tues 29 Dec, Sympho- Birmingham MAS Programme from Cheshire, Sun 20 ny Hall, Birmingham UNIVERSITY CHORUS & includes works by Dec, Victoria Hall, LONDON CONCERT SYMPHONIC BRASS Pro- Poulenc, Howells, War- Stoke-on-Trent ORCHESTRA: THE VERY gramme includes works lock, Poston, Tavener & BIRMINGHAM BACH BEST OF JAMES BOND by Vaughan Williams, Dove, Sat 12 Dec, St CHOIR: NINE LESSONS & Featuring Louise Dear- Rutter & Purcell, Sat 5 Laurence’s Church, CAROLS Traditional man & Ricardo Afonso Dec, Bramall Music Ludlow, South Shrop- Christmas service, Sun (guest singers). Clive Building, Birmingham shire 20 Dec, St Paul’s Dunstall conducts, Wed The Brodsky Quartet BIRMINGHAM BACH HALESOWEN CHORAL Church, Jewellery 30 Dec, Symphony CHOIR: SINGING FOR SOCIETY: CHRISTMAS Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Quarter, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham SYRIANS Seasonal MUSIC BY CANDLELIGHT South Shropshire, Thurs 3 December CENTRE STAGE: A PALM LONDON CONCERT music & readings as Sat 12 Dec, St Mar- COURT CHRISTMAS PARTY ORCHESTRA: NEW YEAR'S This hugely admired quartet has performed part of the UK-wide ini- garet’s Church, Has- Featuring the Berkley EVE GALA Featuring more than two thousand concerts and tiative, Sat 5 Dec, St bury, Halesowen Salon Ensemble, Mon Ilona Domnich (sopra- released in excess of fifty recordings since Peter’s Church, Har- WURLITZER THEATRE 21 Dec, CBSO Centre, no), James Edwards borne, Birmingham ORGAN CONCERTS Sun Birmingham (tenor) & Alexander its formation in 1972. EX CATHEDRA: BACH 13 Dec, The Buttermar- The evening’s programme features: Borodin, CHRISTMAS CAROL SIN- Sitkovetsky (violin). CHRISTMAS ORATORIO ket, Shrewsbury GALONG Featuring the Anthony Inglis con- Scherzo in D major from Les Vendredis; Featuring Jeffrey Skid- CHRISTMAS WITH THE London Concert ducts, Thurs 31 Dec, Shostakovich, Quartet No. 5 in B flat major, more (conductor), Katie SALVATION ARMY Sun 13 Orchestra & London Symphony Hall, B’ham Op.92; and Beethoven, String Quartet No.13 Tretheway & Amy Dec, Symphony Hall, Concert Chorus, Mon Birmingham in B flat major, Op.130. Wood (soprano), Sun 6 21 Dec, Symphony www.whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Comedy Dec - Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:22 Page 1 Comedy

Comedy 42 Christmas Comedy Comedy Lichfield Garrick, Thursday 17 December Lichfield Garrick’s monthly comedy night Box Office boasts a decidedly festive feel on this occasion BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL (well it would, wouldn’t it?). Alongside the usual 0844 338 5000 gaggle of gags, there are singalongs, carols, CIVIC HALL, gifts and games to enjoy, not to mention (we’re WOLVERHAMPTON reliably informed) a suitably generous slice of 0870 320 7000 THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM Christmas cheer. Donning the tinsel and split- 0121 333 2444 ting your sides are festive funsters Gary FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, Delaney, Ben Van Der Velde and Tamar LEEK, STAFFS Broadbent. Patrons are encouraged to wear 01538 386112 THE GEORGE HOTEL, Christmas jumpers... LICHFIELD 07816 778709 THE GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM & HANLEY Markus Birdman 0871 472 0400 Faces, Wolverhampton, Saturday 19 December; HENRY TUDOR HOUSE, The George Hotel, Lichfield, SHREWSBURY Sunday 20 December 01743 361666 JONGLEURS COMEDY Vicar’s child Markus Birdman is a committed CLUB, BIRMINGHAM comedian, so much so that he feels comedy 0870 011 1960 should always be presented live, in a dingy KATIE FITZGERALD’S, club and to no more than two hundred people. STOURBRIDGE 01384 374410 With that kind of attitude, he may find it tricky to LICHFIELD GARRICK forge ahead with a television career - but then 01543 412 121 that’s absolutely fine by Markus. MAC, BIRMINGHAM “Stand-up isn’t a medium that translates well, if 0121 446 3232 at all, to TV,” he told broadwaybaby.com. NATIONAL BREWERY CENTRE, “There’s a misconception that a comedian just BURTON-UPON-TRENT wants to get on television as a stepping stone 01283 532 880 to play enormadomes. Many of us are very seri- STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ous about comedy as an art form and a means THEATRE 01785 619080 of creative expression, and find this model pret- Noel Fielding STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL ty uninspiring or even repellent. And I should Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Saturday 5 December 01384 812960 probably stop talking now before I commit SYMPHONY HALL, career suicide!” Phill Jupitus has described Noel Fielding as ‘a gothic George Best’ - BIRMINGHAM which could either be praise indeed or something else entirely. 0121 345 0600 Either way, Noel is a man who’s had very little trouble making his VICTORIA HALL, Markus Birdman STOKE-ON-TRENT mark since bursting on to the scene in the late 1990s. 0844 871 7677 He’s best known, of course, for his role as childlike eccentric Vince WULFRUN HALL, Noir in The Mighty Boosh - which he co-wrote with comedy partner WOLVERHAMPTON Julian Barratt - but he's also spent plenty of time working solo, and to 0870 320 7000 excellent effect.

Justin Moorhouse Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thursday 10 December Justin Moorhouse is “easily my favourite comedian”, says Jimmy Carr. This is either a good thing or a Charlie Baker bad thing, depending on The Glee Club, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, whether or not you’re a fan of Friday 11 December Mr Carr. Moorhouse is a real charmer A well-respected jazz singer, musician and who knows exactly how to actor, Charlie Baker is also an increasingly pop- work a crowd. He's been ular comedian and (on his own admission) Jack around for a fair old while now Black lookalike. An instantly likeable fella, he - experience is always a plus was once memorably described by The with a comedian - and Guardian as ‘Devon’s answer to Frank Sinatra’ offers an evening of (they were referring to his singing ability there, hugely enjoyable not his comedy). Baker isn’t the finished prod- adult-themed uct by any means - his material doesn’t always entertainment. stand up to close scrutiny - but he’s nonetheless got plenty to recommend him. A slightly more thoughtful approach to his comedy could really see him going places.

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ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri LISTINGS 18 Dec, Civic Hall, Comedy Wolverhampton JOSH WIDDICOMBE Fri 18 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, For full listing information on comedy Wolverhampton gigs including times and dates visit KEN DODD Fri 18 Dec, www.whatsonlive.co.uk Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent JOHN FOTHERGILL, VERY 10 Dec, Jongleurs STUDIO ROOM - LATE SPECIAL GUEST & COMIC Comedy Club, B’ham SHOW WITH GEOFF TBC Wed 2 Dec, The JUSTIN MOORHOUSE NORCOTT, ANDY Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 10 Dec, Stafford ROBINSON, MIKE WILMOT, JOSH WIDDICOMBE Gatehouse Theatre SOL BERNSTEIN & DAVE Thurs 3 Dec, Theatr ED BYRNE Thurs 10 Dec, TWENTYMAN Fri 18 Dec, Hafren, Powys Wulfrun Hall, The Glee Club, B’ham JOHN ROBERTSON, CRAIG Wolverhampton GARY DELANEY, PHIL MURRAY, CERYS NELMES, SUZI RUFFELL, PAUL JERROD, STUART YOM TOLSON & LOU MCCAFFREY, ANDY GOLDSMITH & KEVIN CONRAN Thurs 3 Dec, ASKINS & JARLATH MCCARTHY Fri 18 Dec Foxlowe Arts Centre, REGAN Thurs 10 - Sat The Glee Club, Hanley Leek, Staffordshire 12 Dec, The Glee Club, DAVID TSONOS, ISZI STAND UP COMEDY Birmingham LAWRENCE, STEPHEN SHOWCASE Thurs 3 Dec, SUZI RUFFELL, PAUL DODD, ELEANOR CONWAY mac, Birmingham MCCAFFERY, ANDY & DAVID ALFIE WARD Fri STEWART FRANCIS ASKINS & COMIC TBC 18 Dec, National Thurs 3 Dec, Fri 11 Dec, The Glee Brewery Centre, Symphony Hall, Club, Birmingham Burton-upon-Trent Birmingham CHARLIE BAKER, LLOYD PETE JOHANSSON, Ed Byrne KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY LANGFORD, ROBIN RICHARD MORTON, Lichfield Garrick, Wednesday 9 December; NIGHT Thurs 3 Dec, MORGAN & COMIC TBC BARRY DODDS & TOBY Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Thursday 10 December Stourbridge Town Hall Fri 11 Dec, The Glee HADOKE Fri 18 - Sat 19 ROB DEERING, ROGER Club, Hanley Dec, Jongleurs Mock The Week star Ed Byrne’s latest show - Outside, Looking In MONKHOUSE, PAUL STUDIO ROOM - LATE Comedy Club, - covers a wide range of subjects - from a recent gastric illness to MCMULLAN & PIERRE SHOW WITH JARLATH Birmingham the experience of being a parent. NOVELLIE Thurs 3 Dec, REGAN, SEAN PERCIVAL, COMEDY IN THE MET Sat “I didn't make a conscious effort to write a more personal show,” The George Hotel, PAUL MCCAFFERY & 19 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre says Ed, “but that was what came out when I started writing it. A Lichfield ANDY ASKINS Fri 11 - MICKEY SHARMA, NICK Sat 12 Dec, The Glee GEOFF NORCOTT, ANDY lot of comics may talk about the same stuff, but what makes it PAGE, CRAIG MURRAY & Club, Birmingham ROBINSON, MIKE WILMOT, mine is that what I'm saying is what I genuinely think on this sub- BARRY CASTAGNOLA RICHARD NORTON, SOL BERNSTEIN & COMIC ject, and I try to make it as funny as I can. I think we all mine our Thurs 3 - Sat 5 Dec, MANDY KNIGHT, PETE TBC Sat 19 Dec, The lives to some degree or other. Jongleurs Comedy JOHANSSON & NICK PAGE Glee Club, Birmingham “I'm aware, though, that my kids haven't given me permission to Club, Birmingham Fri 11 - Sat 12 Dec, STUDIO ROOM - LATE JEN BRISTER, PETE Jongleurs Comedy SHOW COMIC TBC Sat 19 talk about them and that there will come a point when I can't. FIRMAN, JOHN Club, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, John Bishop, for example, has stopped talking about his much FOTHERGILL & VERY PADDY MCGUINNESS Sat Birmingham older children on stage because people know who they are. SPECIAL GUEST Thurs 3 - 12 Dec, Civic Hall, DOREEN'S CHRISTMAS “I talk about my kids in pretty abstract terms because what I'm Sat 5 Dec, The Glee Wolverhampton CRACKER Sat 19 Dec, discussing is the act of parenting, and you can't talk about that Club, Birmingham CHRISTMAS COMEDY AT mac, Birmingham JAMES ACASTER MANFORD'S COMICS TBC THE LATE NIGHT WITH without mentioning your own children. And there isn't anything in Fri 4 Dec, The Glee Club, Sat 12 Dec, Players BOABBY ROASTER Sat 19 Outside, Looking In that would make them say at a later date, ‘I Birmingham Bar, Birmingham Dec, mac, Birmingham don't like this’.” ANNETTE FAGON, STUDIO ROOM - EARLY STUDIO ROOM - EARLY There’s a feminist slant to Ed’s new show, sparked by the come- JEFFERSON AND SHOW COMIC TBC Sat 12 SHOW COMIC TBC Sat 19 dian’s reflections on his early days in comedy. He admits to WHITFIELD & JASON Dec, The Glee Club, Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham being a little uncomfortable about some of the more laddish PATTERSON Fri 4 Dec, Birmingham The Drum, Birmingham STUDIO ROOM - SUNDAY MARKUS BIRDMAN, BEN material he used back then. JO ENRIGHT, JON FUN WITH SUZI RUFFELL VAN DER VELDE & GERRY “My comedy reflected my life at that time - single and enjoying WAGSTAFFE & ROB & COMIC TBC Sun 13 K Sat 19 Dec, Faces, myself. Most of it was fairly harmless - 'the difference between COLEMAN Fri 4 Dec, Dec, The Glee Club, Wolverhampton men and women' kind of thing. But some of the stuff about an ex- Katie Fitzgerald's, Birmingham THE LAUGHING SOLE - girlfriend I can see was a bit angry, and I wouldn't do it now.” Stourbridge KEN DODD Sun 13 Dec, COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS NOEL FIELDING Sat 5 Civic Hall, W’hampton COMPERED BY MRS Another subject which Ed discusses in his new show is transgen- Dec, Civic Hall, NICK PAGE, RICHARD BARBARA NICE Sun 20 derism. “It’s become such a big subject because of Caitlyn Wolverhampton MORTON, CURTIS Dec, mac, Birmingham Jenner (the former athlete Bruce Jenner, who transitioned earlier STAND UP COMEDY WALKER & WAYNE MARKUS BIRDMAN, IVAN this year). Some Twitter trolls were refusing to acknowledge her SHOWCASE Sat 5 Dec, DEAKIN Tue 15 - Wed 16 BRACKENBURY, JON as anything but Bruce. I thought it was interesting that it still mac, Birmingham Dec, Jongleurs PEARSON & LAURA LEXX Sun 20 Dec, The divides people. I call it the thorniest issue since Jesus was fitted STUDIO ROOM - LATE Comedy Club, B’ham SHOW WITH PETE TOM STADE Wed 16 Dec, George Hotel, Lichfield for a hat.” FIRMAN, JOHN Wulfrun Hall, BARBARA NICE'S In any spare time he has, Ed is a hill walker. When in Scotland, FOTHERGILL & COMICS Wolverhampton CHRISTMAS CRACKER he ‘bags’ Munros (peaks above three thousand feet - he's at sev- TBC Sat 5 Dec, The ANDY ROBINSON, MIKE Sun 20 Dec, mac, enty-five). When travelling around the British Isles, he collects Glee Club, Birmingham WILMOT, SOL BERNSTIEN Birmingham DARREN HARRIOT ‘county tops’ - the highest point in a county. “I've downloaded an COMEDY IN THE MET Sat & COMIC TBC Wed 16 5 Dec, Stafford Dec, The Glee Club, & COMIC TBC Sun 27 app for them,” he says with a laugh, “and have started making a Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, list of those I've done.” ROUGH WORKS Sun 6 MR B: THE GENTLEMAN Birmingham Ed's currently writing a sitcom set in an outdoors shop. So does Dec, The Glee Club, RHYMER Wed 16 Dec, ROY CHUBBY BROWN Tue he plan to introduce his two young sons to the pleasures of the Birmingham mac, Birmingham 29 Dec, Victoria Hall, great outdoors? “My wife, Claire, and I already have. So far they ED BYRNE Wed 9 Dec, NICK PAGE, RICHARD Stoke-on-Trent Lichfield Garrick MORTON, BARRY DODDS COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH love it - camping and canoeing, that sort of thing. As they're SUZI RUFFELL, PAUL & TOBY HADOKE Thurs ANDY ROBINSON, IAN growing up, it's hard to be apart from them when I'm on tour, and MCCAFFREY & COMIC TBC 17 Dec, Jongleurs COPPINGER & COMIC TBC I try not to be away for more than a couple of days at a time - but Wed 9 Dec, The Glee Comedy Club, Wed 30 Dec, The Glee one of the great things about my job is that it means I can spend Club, Birmingham Birmingham Club, Birmingham a lot of time with them when I'm home.” GARY DELANEY, ANDY GARY DELANEY, BEN VAN LLOYD GRIFFITH, TOM DER VELDE, TAMAR WRIGGLESWORTH, JIM So twenty years after first dipping his toes into the decidedly dan- ASKINS & MARK OLVER Wed 9 Dec, Henry BROADBENT, CHRIS SMALLMAN & CAREY gerous waters of stand-up comedy, does Ed still enjoy touring? Tudor House, PURCHASE & GEORGE MARX Thurs 31 Dec “Apart from the travel involved, which no comic likes, I love it. You Shrewsbury, Shropshire RIGDEN Thurs 17 Dec, The Glee Club, Hanley have people responding to something that you’ve written alone in ANDY PARSONS Thurs 10 Lichfield Garrick PAUL MCCAFFREY, ANDY your office, and the work comes alive in a room of people. I like Dec, Birmingham Town GEOFF NORCOTT, ANDY ROBINSON, MICKEY D & the television things I do, but nothing can beat a live comedy Hall ROBINSON, MIKE WILMOT COMIC TBC Thurs 31 RICHARD NORTON, & SOL BERNSTEIN Thurs Dec, The Glee Club, audience.” MANDY KNIGHT, QUINCY 17 - Fri 18 Dec, The Birmingham & DAVID LONGLEY Thurs Glee Club, Birmingham

For more comedy listings, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre December Region 2 New.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 16:24 Page 1 ""$# &!%$

Winter/Spring A new look for a New Year

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

Wed 17 - Sat 20 Feb Ashton Double Bill Wed 24 - Sat 27 Feb Romeo & Juliet

Tue 9 - Wed 17 - Wed 9 Mar - Sat 13 Feb Sat 27 Feb Sat 23 Apr From £18.50 From £10 From £25

International Dance Festival Birmingham Nederlands Carlos Acosta Cloud Gate Dance Dans Theater 2 Theatre of Taiwan

Tue 10 & Wed11May From £15

Ballet British Columbia

Tue 3 & Fri 6 & Fri 20 & Wed 4 May Sat 7 May Sat 21 May From £15 From £15 From £15 Mon 25 - Sat 30 Apr IDFB is an award winning biennial festival produced by DanceXchange in partnership with Birmingham Hippodrome, From £13.50 funded by Arts Council England and Birmingham City Council.

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p/min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre December Region 2 New.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 19:29 Page 2 Theatre

Peter Pan

Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 5 December - Sun 3 January; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 12 December - Sun 24 January JM Barrie's timeless tale of the boy who never grew up has long favourite panto duo. been a popular choice with theatres looking to provide a festive-sea- While Christian plays son family production. Captain Hook, And there’s certainly no bucking of that particular trend this Christ- Jonathan marks his mas, with two of the Midlands’ biggest venues offering audiences tenth year in festive

young and old the chance to enjoy an action-packed adventure in entertainment by Neverland. playing the con- At Wolverhampton Grand, long-in-the-tooth pantomime favourites niving pirate’s John ‘Nasty Nick’ Altman and the Chuckle Brothers ensure there’s comedy side- plenty of comedy to enjoy alongside all that splicing of mainbraces kick, Smee. and shivering of timbers. Meanwhile, at the Regent Theatre, Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson look set to further cement their status as Stoke-on-Trent’s

- S Dick Whittington Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 2 December - Sun 10 January Shrewsbury panto favourite Brad Fitt here dons a frock or several to star as Dolly the Cook in the ever-popular story of a young man who heads for London in search of fame and fortune. With the happy-go-lucky Dick finding himself involved in all sorts of adventures, and the dastardly King Rat up to no good, an evening of action, comedy and festive fun seems pretty much guaranteed.

Hairspray

New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 14 December - Sat 2 January

This new production of the smash-hit musical comedy stars Freya Sutton, Tony

Maudsley, Peter Duncan and Claire Sweeney. Set in 1962 and boasting a jukebox-worth of ’60s-style dance music and

'downtown' rhythm and blues, Hairspray tells the story of a chubby teenager who enjoys an overnight rise to stardom when she earns the chance to appear on a local TV dance show... The London production of Hairspray has been nominated for a record-setting eleven Laurence Olivier Awards, winning in three categories, including Best birminghamhippodrome.com New Musical. C www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Theatre December Region 2 New.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 16:25 Page 3

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Theatre PREVIEWS Jack And The Beanstalk Lichfield Garrick, Sat 5 December - Sun 3 January Up for a bit of fe-fi-fo-fumming this festive season? If so, a trip to the Lichfield Garrick should be right up your beanstalk, with a talented cast of performers proving that not every encounter with a rhyme-speaking ogre need end in tears. Ian Adams returns as writer, director and ‘Lichfield's favourite pantomime Dame’, on this occasion taking the role of Mary Trott.

WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk Aladdin to enter Birmingham Hippodrome, Sat 19 December - Sunday 31 January

Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow here makes his pantomime debut - and will no doubt be helped to settle right in by the guiding hand of panto veteran Julian Clary. Former Joseph star Lee Mead, meanwhile, takes on the role of Aladdin, while Matt Slack and Andrew Ryan play Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey respectively. Robin Hood & Marian Stunning 3D effects and a Santa’s sackworth of quality comedy - both mainstay ingredients in the Hippodrome’s winning recipe for pantomime fun - are also present and correct in 2015’s New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, blockbuster offering. Sat 21 November - Sat 30 January Theatre-goers whose ideal festive fare comes without custard pies and rouged-up dames few wand waves later and Cinderella's off to should make a bee-line for the New Vic The- Gangsta Granny the big bash too - but she's only got until atre - although the sight of ‘men wearing New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 7 - midnight to nab herself a handsome prince. tights’ is one traditional pantomime custom Sat 12 December; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Talk about pressure... we’re fairly sure will be in evidence. Trent, Wed 8 - Sat 11 June; New Alexandra Adapted and helmed by the theatre’s artistic Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 28 June - Sat 2 July director, Theresa Heskins, the show’s been The Lion, The Witch And created in celebration of the eight hundredth The ever-popular Birmingham Stage Compa- anniversary of Magna Carta. It comes com- ny make a welcome return for the festive The Wardrobe plete with ‘adventure, humour, swords, season with their adaptation of David Wal- The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 16 January archery, on-stage magic, original music and, liams’ best-selling book. This much-loved tale from the pen of CS of course, a happy ending!’. Ben’s no lover of Friday nights - and why the Lewis is rightly regarded as an all-time clas- heck would he be? After all, Friday nights sic of children's literature. It sees the lion-god mean having to stay at Granny’s house, Aslan coming to the aid of three youngsters where he’s not only bored senseless but also who’ve accidentally stumbled into his mysti- has to eat an unholy trinity of cabbage dish- cal world of Narnia. es - cabbage soup, cabbage pie and cab- Commenting on the show, The Rep’s Artistic bage cake. Director, Roxana Silbert, says: “The Lion, The But appearances can sometimes be decep- Witch And The Wardrobe is a classic story tive, and Ben soon finds out that there’s way that touches young and old, and this vivid more to his boring old Granny than ever he’d stage adaptation will bring a little bit of magic imagined... to the winter season.

Doreen’s Christmas Cracker mac, Birmingham, Sat 19 December; Rose Theatre, Kidderminster, Mon 21 - Tues 22 December In February 2012, Doreen’s Story - a five- minute mockumentary written by playwright Freezin David Tristram - went viral on the internet. Netherton Arts Centre, Dudley, The video, which satirised benefit Thurs 10 - Sat 12 December scroungers, starred actress Gill Jordan as Black Country-born Doreen. Black Country-based Fizzog are suitably This new production sees Tristram’s now- proud of their Midlands roots and urge any- infamous character body who enjoys a good laugh to get along Cinderella taking a look back to one of their productions. Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, over ‘an eventful year’, “Our shows are riotous, poignant and nostal- Sat 19 - Tues 29 December and offers audiences gic,” say Fizzog, “but most of all, hysterically Everybody's favourite fairytale finds kitchen yet another opportuni- funny.” maid Cinders being bullied by her not-so- ty to enjoy an evening This brand new pantomime is ‘set in a world good-to-look-at sisters and told to “scrub in the company of a before central heating’ and tells ‘the amazing harder” while they head for the posh-frock story of a girl with a special freezing power’... truly remarkable Ball. But the uglies have reckoned without comic creation. their put-upon sibling's Fairy Godmother. A www.whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Theatre December Region 2 New.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 16:25 Page 5

NEW SEASON HIGHLIGHTS JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Sat 30th Jan, 7.30pm THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO FLANDERS AND GATEHOUSE THEATRE SWAN 10 Dec 2015 – Tue16th February 2016 Join Tim FitzHigam and Duncan Walsh Atkins as 10 Jan 2016 HOW THE KOALA LEARNT they bring you the wit and Expect all the magic and slap- wordplay of ingenious com- stick fun of traditional panto TO HUG edy songsmiths, Flanders fused with the thrill of a concert as a talented cast of actor musi- Time: 2.30pm and Swann. cians play classic rock ‘n’ roll Tickets: £16 hits live on stage! Tickets from £13

Sat 6th Feb, 7.30pm NT LIVE: JANE EYRE 12+ Fri 19th February 2016 SHOWSTOPPER! GATEHOUSE THEATRE THE IMPROVISED BLONDIE - BOWIE TRIBUTE MUSICAL Tue 15 Dec Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Time: 7.30pm From Sondheim on a ski lift Bronte’s story of the trailblaz- or Cole Porter in Pound- ing Jane is as inspiring as ever. land, you suggest it and the This bold and dynamic produc- Showstoppers will sing it. tion uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfilment Tickets: £16 on her own terms. 7pm, £12.50 / £10 concs Sat 20th February 2016 THE ROY ORBISON STORY Mon 15th & Tue 16th Feb, 11.30am & THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS OF SHER-11+ Time: 7.30pm 2.30pm LOCK HOLMES THE MET STUDIO THE LOST THINGS Thurs 17 Dec A dark fairytale set in a fan- The Singular Exploits of Sher- tastical world, performed in lock Holmes features the great a unique dome structure. detective recounting highlights of his crime-busting career. Wed 24th February 2016 Tickets: £10 Child This show is an affectionate £12 Adult one-man homage to the ANDY KIRKPATRICK - world’s greatest detective. COLD MOUNTAIN 7.30pm, £10 / £8 concs Thu 3rd - Sat 5th Mar, Time: 7.30pm 7.30pm PIVA: 12 DAYS OF MUSIC AND MAY- TELL ME ON A HEM THE MET STUDIO SUNDAY Andrew Lloyd Webber and Thurs 25th February 2016 Don Black’s West End and Broadway Hit starring Jodie STEWART FRANCIS: PUN GENT Prenger. Time: 8.00pm Tickets: £21 - £27

7.30pm, £10 / £8 concs Sat 19th Mar, 7.30pm Fri 18 Dec MARK THOMAS - Combining seasonal 16th century music with winter tales, this Fri 26th February 2016 TRESPASS concert will ease you into the Christmas spirit. Renowned early Comedy with a mix of the- music group Piva is joining forces with storyteller Tom Hughes KEN DODD atre, activism, a dash of and together they will take you on a journey back to Tudor times to celebrate the yuletide season in true Elizabethan style. Time: 7.30pm journalism and a dollop of mayhem.

Tickets: £14 - £16 SANTA IN LOVE 2 - 6 THE MET STUDIO YEARS Sat 27th February 2016 Tue 22 - Thurs Mon 4th - Sat 9th Apr, 24 Dec ABBA ARRIVAL 7.30pm. Thurs 7th & This fun-filled family musical is Time: 7.30pm Sat 9th, 2.30pm complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christ- THE MOUSETRAP mas songs. Santa will even be Agatha Christie’s classic available to meet the little ones murder mystery starring after the show so don’t forget 22 & 23 Dec, 3pm and 6pm, to bring your camera and cap- 24 Dec, 11am and 3pm Louise Jameson £8.50 Wed 9th March 2016 ture the smiles! MAGNIFICENT MUSIC HALL Tickets: £11 - £28.50 TRÈS TRÈS CABARET 18+ Time: 2.30pm THE MET STUDIO Mon 18th Apr, 1.30pm & 6.30pm, Tues 19th Sun 27 Dec Apr 10am & 6.30pm Très Très Cabaret is back with a very special show for the THE CAT IN THE HAT festive season featuring the Fri 11th March 2016 hottest performers from the Based on Dr Seuss much international cabaret scene to AN AMERICAN LEGEND love book, perfect for young surprise and delight children you...Dress to impress and join CHUBBY CHECKER us for an evening of glitz, Tickets: £10 - £15.50 glamour and so much more. 8pm, £20 Time: 7.30pm Get your tickets now for the show that is yet again set to be the talk of the town. BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com BOOKONLINE LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, TWC GP 01040 Box Office 01785 619080 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk

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PREVIEWS Santa In Love Theatre Brewhouse Theatre, Burton-upon-Trent, Fri 18 December; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 22 - Thurs 24 December Noises Off Youngsters have plenty of questions to ask about Prince of Wales Centre, Cannock, Christmas. The People’s Theatre Company are Thurs 10 - Fri 11 December here setting out to provide an answer to perhaps Booker Prize-winning author Michael Frayn’s ‘farce the biggest one of all - what’s the one thing that about a farce’ became one of the biggest hits in Santa Claus secretly loves best? Broadway history when it opened there in 1983. “You’ll never guess,” advise the talented ensem- The show’s audience is effectively presented with ble, “so if you want to find out, then join Santa and two plays in one. The actors go onstage to per- his friends in this fun-filled family musical, com- DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS form in the play, Nothing On, and then come off- plete with games, giggles and all your favourite stage to appear in the real-life farce occurring Christmas songs.” 1& 2 December, 1.30pm & backstage. Sounds good to us... 6.30pm Box Clever Theatre presents Taking place during Nothing On’s final rehearsal A Christmas Carol and subsequent tour, things never go quite Tickets £8, Conc £6, Students & according to plan. While fights break out back- The Singing Ringing Tree Children £5 stage, on stage the actors are missing their cues, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, missing their footing and missing the point alto- Fri 4 - Sat 5 December 12 December, 8pm gether. Even the director ends up having to take a The Madhouse presents This fifty-minute Krazy Kat Theatre production is Luke Jackson & role in the show! suitable for children aged three to seven. Annabelle Bartram Presented by amateur theatre company Tower When a haughty princess’s self-centred behaviour Tickets £10 adv, Otd £12 Players. makes her ugly, a friendly prince who’s been turned into a bear tells her she will only regain her 18 December, 1.30pm & beauty if she changes her ways. Meanwhile, an 6.30pm evil troll plots to keep the prince and princess The People’s Theatre Company presents Santa In Love apart - and the magical, mysterious Singing Ring- Tickets £8.50 includes a present ing Tree finally lives up to its name... for each child

19 December, 10am - 1pm The Nutcracker Brewhouse Family Day Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sun 13 December Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm Tickets £10, Additional Children £5 festive favourite returns to the Hippodrome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. 21 December, 12.30pm Created in 1990 as a thank you to Birmingham for Literature At Lunchtime - Film & Talk Charles Dickens: its support of the company following its move to A Christmas Carol The Legend Of King Arthur the Midlands from London’s Sadler Wells, Wright’s Tickets £6 Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, production is seen by many as the finest interpre- tation of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmeris- BOOK NOW FOR 2016 Tues 8 December Although zany funsters Oddsocks are probably ing score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the 26 March, 7.15pm best known for their humorous takes on the works Lee Nelson: of William Shakespeare, they occasionally like to young Clara as she’s swept Suited And Booted shake things up a bit by looking for their inspira- up in a fantasy of soldiers, Tickets £20 tion elsewhere. giant rats, snow fairies, This is one such occasion. magic and mystery, before Magic, music, mirth, jousting knights - and an finally being transformed 8 April, 7.45pm into a beautiful ballerina. Mark Steel impressively gutsy Guinevere - are all present and correct in this high-energy production. The compa- A magical, must-see show for little princesses every- Tickets £15 ny are promoting the show as ‘an exciting, interactive and action-packed winter treat for all the fami- where. ly’. 19 May, 8pm Rob Beckett: Mouth Of The South Snow White Tickets £14 & £12 The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, Tues 8 December - Sun 3 January Everybody knows the story of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, even if there are still a few people who haven't seen the golden-age Disney movie. The fact that it's a twenty-four carat classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime stage version is a surefire winner. Expect all the usual elements, including glammed- up dames and more slapstick comedy than you could throw a custard pie at. Jeremy Edwards White Christmas stars as the Prince. Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 1 - Sat 5 December South Staffs Musical Theatre Company here present the stage version of the timeless Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye movie. A heartwarming musical featuring seventeen unfor- Brewhouse Arts Centre, Union Street, gettable Irving Berlin tunes - including, of course, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1AA the classic title song - the show focuses on a pair Box ofﬁce: 01283 508100. of war veterans who meet up with two beautiful www.brewhouse.co.uk sisters and decide to put on a Christmas show at an ailing ski lodge. An evening of yuletide cheer awaits...

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Thursday 3rd December at 8.00pm Friday 4th December at 10.30am & 1pm Tuesday 8th December at 7.30pm Saturday 5th December at 11am & 2pm

Arena Collaborative Theatremakers ACT COLLECTION

JAZZ AT THE ARENA ZOE RAHMAN TRIO

Krazy Kat Theatre THE SINGING RINGING TREE

Tickets £15, £13 conc. Tickets: £5 Tickets: £5

32 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December Region One.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 19:37 Page 8 Xtraordinary Xmas Alternative Christmas Shows in Birmingham and Beyond

Think Christmas is all cringey pop anthems, family obligations, stressful shopping trips and happy little elves? Oh no it isn't! For those more likely to be gnashing their teeth than wiping a tear at this season's sentimental TV ads, our round-up of alternative festive fare in and around Birmingham offers plenty of choice to cater for tastes ranging from the ‘Bah Humbug’ to the XXXmas, proving that Christmas isn't just for the kids.

WINTER FUNK age of one thousand (viewers are advised to mate setting, each specially selected by your Santa goes to Bollywood for a dance extrav- watch their necks for Vlad's attempts at ‘audi- host, Stage Door Johnny, to ‘set pulses rac- aganza, presented by students of Shiamak ence participation’). By introducing a human ing and tongues wagging’. Prepare for Davar's Indo-Jazz style. This unique fusion cast member, the vampires hope to put an delights and surprises by the Santa's sleigh- genre combines elements of modern and end to their frustrations by enacting a trans- load. contemporary dance with a strong ballet formation that will mirror the unhappy Beast's Old Joint Stock, Birmingham, grounding, performance-based visuals and - but will they pull it off? Wed 9 December jazz technique, taught to the latest Bolly- Conceived by Walker as a “darker counter- wood songs. Performers of all ages will point to the Belgrade's main house show” (a demonstrate their skills in this ‘spiritually more traditional take on Beauty And The CHRISTMAS CABARET uplifting’ showcase, guaranteed to bring a Beast), Vampomime is perfect for office par- Going all-out with its grown-up shows this new energy to the season. Fancy taking part ties or anyone looking for a night away from Christmas, the Birmingham REP presents one day? Classes run in Birmingham and the kids. Plus, at only an hour long, it leaves two evenings of glorious indulgence, with a Coventry, so it's easy to get involved. plenty of time for post-show drinks - just sumptuous festive feast in the Marmalade Birmingham Town Hall, make sure you're not one of them... restaurant followed by a brilliant cabaret Sun 29 November Read our interview with Nick Walker at show. Decorate your own tabletop Christmas whatsonlive.co.uk tree before tucking in to a tasty three-course meal and enjoying the performance, then BARBARA NICE: COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 5 December - Sat 2 January spend the evening sipping cocktails or Created by Janice Connolly of Phoenix mulled cider and strutting your stuff on the Nights fame, Mrs Barbara Nice is Stockport's dance floor, where the REP's own DJ will favourite housewife and mother of five. Her ERIC’S CHRISTMAS PARTY keep the party alive till 1am. ‘selection box of fun and frolics’ at the Old Eric’s been invited to a special Christmas Joint Stock promises to be life-affirming yet Party at Hanley’s top 60s nightspot, The The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 10 & Fri 18 December original, with no two Barbara Nice perform- Place. He’s never heard of it but, when he ances ever the same. Visit finds out that the guest list includes Pete mrsbarbaranice.co.uk to find out more about Townsend of The Who, Brian Poole of The DIRTY GROTTO (18+) her or to hear tunes from her ’70s punk band Tremeloes, Sandie Shaw, Keith Richards of A festive launch for the REP's new monthly days. The Rolling Stones, and other 60s pop icons Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, he can’t wait to go. Cabaret XXL nights, Dirty Grotto aims to Fri 4 - Sat 5 December Join Eric and his multi-talented band of please with an ‘unruly antidote to the season actors and musicians for a night of non-stop of enforced merriment and indulgence’. Each night boasts ‘a unique and fabulously funny VAMPOMIME comedy, inspired mayhem, and some of the greatest music of the 1960s. line-up’ as well as its own optional dress Finding a Christmas night out code, from Ancient Roman-inspired festivities that doesn't suck can be a New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 30 November - Sat 12 December in the Brumalia special, to naff jumpers for real pain in the neck, but The Christmas Gusset, and black tie and ball Talking Birds' Nick Walker gowns for The Unholy And The Ivy: Shut may just have nailed it. TARANTARA! TARANTARA! Your Dirty Grotto. Vampomime follows an Willing participants can win prizes for their undead theatre compa- Telling the tale of the tempestuous partnership between Victorian stage legends Gilbert costumes, bid for gifts in nightly auctions, or ny's best efforts to put on take a seat on Mother Christmas' grubby a panto - Beauty And and Sullivan, Tarantara! Tarantara! is an original play by Ian Taylor, performed by a small knee to tell her what they really want for The Beast, to be precise. Christmas. So come along, grab a drink from But the life of a thesp company ‘in the spirit of pantomime’. Featur- ing songs and excerpts from iconic G&S the Sweet Pussy Bar and prepare for an isn't easy for a vampire: evening of tinseled titillation! Find out more unable to tour, enduring operettas as well as other famous figures from the era, the play documents the highs about what to expect from each Dirty Grotto the stage lighting's night on the REP's website. painful glare and trying to and lows of their careers and private lives, The REP, Birmingham, rein in ‘upstart, tear-away’ nodding to Mike Leigh's hit film Topsy Turvy, which featured an appearance from Criterion Thurs 10 - Sat 19 vampires barely over the December patron Ron Cooke as Savoy Theatre owner Richard D'Oyly Carte. Criterion Theatre, Coventry, Sat 5 - Sat 12 December

THE FESTIVE FOOTSIE CLUB Set against the backdrop of the Old Joint Stock's Grade II listed grandeur, The Footsie Club returns for a seasonal special this December, adding a dose of seductive decadence to the Christmas festivities. Femmes fatales, offbeat humour and ‘extraordinary performances’ come up close and personal in the theatre's inti-

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Theatre LISTINGS For full listing information on theatre productions, including times and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Commencing TUES 1 DEC

GUYS AND DOLLS The award-winning Sophie Thompson and David Haig here headline a high- energy cast alongside Jamie Parker, until Sat 5 Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THE WIZARD OF OZ Popular musical telling how a young girl from Kansas has to make her way home from the magical land of Oz, until Sat 5 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster ERIC'S CHRISTMAS PARTY Join Eric and his multi-talented band of actors & musicians for an evening of non-stop comedy, inspired mayhem and great music from the 1960s, until Sat 12 Dec, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme THE NUTCRACKER - BRB A wonderful way to get into the Christmas spirit, until Sun 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome The Gruffalo’s Child - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry CINDERELLA Ben Crocker directs the much-loved rags-to-riches story, until Sat 2 Jan, Roses Theatre, THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE CS Lewis' ROBIN HOOD & MARIAN Theresa Heskins' staging of Tewkesbury timeless classic - a perfect festive treat, until Sat 16 the well-known Sherwood Forest adventure, featur- TREASURE ISLAND Scott Ritchie & BOA present an Jan, The REP, Birmingham ing on-stage magic and original music, until Sun 31 original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's LOVE FOR LOVE Selina Cadell makes her RSC direc- Jan, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme classic tale, until Sun 3 Jan, The Old Rep Theatre, torial debut with Congreve's restoration comedy, MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS Brand new family musical Birmingham where love for love is stronger than love for money, brought to the stage by the producers of We're DICK WHITTINGTON Presented by the Worcester until Fri 22 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Going On A Bear Hunt & The Tiger Who Came For Repertory Company, until Sun 3 Jan, Swan The- Avon Tea, Tues 1 Dec, Malvern Theatres atre, Worcester QUEEN ANNE Helen Edmundson's gripping new play A CHRISTMAS CAROL Box Clever Theatre present a THE GRUFFALO'S CHILD Tall Stories Theatre Company exploring the little-known story of a monarch brand new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ festive present Julia Donaldson & Alex Scheffler's award- caught between friendship and duty. Natalie Abra- tale, Tues 1 Dec, Brewhouse Theatre, Burton-upon- winning sequel, until Sun 3 Jan, Warwick Arts Cen- hami directs, until Sat 23 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Trent tre, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS A ghoulish BEAUTY AND THE BEAST An enchanting tale of heroic WENDY AND PETER PAN Join Wendy, Peter, Tink and showcase of work from The Roses Youth Theatre & adventure, true love, messy mayhem and festive fri- Captain Hook in Ella Hickson's acclaimed re-telling Youth Dance performers, Tues 1 Dec, Roses The- volity which promises to be the most beautiful and of JM Barrie's classic children's story, until Sun 31 atre, Tewkesbury beastly yet!, until Sat 9 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- WHITE CHRISTMAS South Staffs Musical Theatre Coventry Avon Company present an amateur staging of Irving

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Stourbridge Town Hall MARGE & JULES Spiritual enlightenment meets the Theatre LISTINGS darker stories of life as two women confess all, talking faith, life, after-life, semantics, erotics, and the For full listing information on theatre men they love, Sat 5 Dec, The Dream Factory, War- wick productions, including times and THE UNBUILT ROOM Performance-game exploring dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk how places create memories... and how memories create places, Sat 5 Dec, mac, Birmingham Berlin's romantic comedy, Tues 1 - Sat 5 Dec, WE THIS WAY New interactive performance commis- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre sioned by and developed at Battersea Arts Centre, CONFIRMATION This Fringe First award winner uses Sat 5 Dec, mac, Birmingham ‘an honourable dialogue with political extremism’ to AN EVENING WITH NOEL FIELDING Expect a magical highlight the way in which people tend only to see mix of Noel's unique brand of stand-up comedy, the evidence that proves them right, Tues 1 - Sat 5 live animation and music. Some of Fielding's best- Dec, The REP, Birmingham known TV characters (such as The Moon and Fan- YVETTE Presented by Dogpole Drama Company, tasy Man) also feature, Sat 5 Dec, Civic Hall, Wed 2 Dec, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- Wolverhampton hampton GRIMM TALES The Crescent Theatre Company pres- THE CONSTANT WIFE Birmingham School of Acting ent a brand new and immersive storytelling experi- presents its version of Somerset Maugham’s capti- ence by Carol Ann Duffy, adapted from the Broth- vating comedy of marriage & manners, Wed 2 - Sat ers Grimm, Sat 5 - Sat 19 Dec, Crescent Theatre, 5 Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham DICK WHITTINGTON Evolution Pantomimes return ALADDIN Action-packed family pantomime, Sat 5 - with this all-time festive favourite, Wed 2 Dec - Sun Sat 19 Dec, Sutton Arts Theatre, Birmingham 10 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Brand new version of this ogre of a panto, Sat 5 - Sun 27 Dec, Bedworth The Singular Exploits Of Sherlock Holmes - YVETTE Presented by Dogpole Drama Company, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Thurs 3 Dec, SpArC, Bishops Castle, South Shrop- Civic Hall VAMPOMIME Nick Walker’s fangtastic yuletide treat - shire Mon 7 Dec, Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock with added bite, Sat 5 Dec - Sat 2 Jan, Belgrade CINDERELLA: A FAIRYTALE Live storytelling and quirky GANGSTA GRANNY Birmingham Stage Company Theatre, Coventry visual styling come together in this unique re-telling bring a production of David Walliams' best-selling JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Ian Adams returns as Lich- of the classic fairytale of reversed fortunes, Thurs 3 book to the stage, Mon 7 - Sat 12 Dec, New field’s favourite panto dame, Sat 5 Dec- Sun 3 Jan, Dec - Sat 9 Jan, mac, Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Lichfield Garrick THE SINGING RINGING TREE Krazy Kat Theatre pres- THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE Mon 7 - Sat PETER PAN First Family Entertainment returns for ent a fast and funny family show featuring visual 12 Dec, Number 8 Community Arts Centre, Per- another sparkling panto adventure. Jonathan storytelling, puppetry and plenty of humour, shore Wilkes & Christian Patterson star, Sat 5 Dec - Sun 3 Fri 4 - Sat 5 Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Christmas pantomime Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent BARBARA NICE COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Join local starring Vernie Bennett and Lloyd Daniels, Mon 7 CINDERELLA Classic festive family entertainment, housewife Mrs Barbara Nice for a ‘seasonal selec- Dec - Sun 3 Jan, Palace Theatre, Redditch Sun 6 Dec, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhamp- tion box’ of fun & frolics, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Dec, Old Joint ACT COLLECTION Collection of highlights from ton Stock Theatre, Birmingham Arena's Collaborative Theatremakers development BRIEF ENCOUNTER Emma Rice's adaptation of Noel project, a local initiative aimed at engaging local Coward's haunting love story, Fri 4 - Sat 12 Dec, Week Commencing MON 7 DEC theatremakers across a wide range of disciplines, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Reformed Tue 8 Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Church, Stratford-upon-Avon THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR Presented by the ever- CHRISTMAS CONCERT Cannock Chase High School CINDERELLA Ballet Cymru present a choreographed zany Oddsocks, Tues 8 Dec, Ludlow Assembly production of the much-loved fairytale, Sat 5 Dec, presents an evening of music, drama and dance,

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Theatre LISTINGS

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

Rooms, South Shropshire SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Find out who’s the fairest one of all in this fun festive offering, Tue 8 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire THE FOOTSIE CLUB Evening of burlesque, variety & cabaret, Wed 9 Dec, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham (JACOB) MARLEY & ME Heart of Worcestershire Col- lege Performing Arts Students present a re-telling of Charles Dickens’ classic festive tale, Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove NOISES OFF Michael Frayn's award-winning ‘play Figs In Wigs, Dirty Grotto - The REP, Birmingham within a play’ is brought to life by the Tower Play- ers, Thurs 10 - Fri 11 Dec, Prince Of Wales Centre, OH, YES IT IS! Improvised Christmas panto featuring BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Fame Factory return with Cannock games and dames, all made up from audience their family-friendly production of a classic tale, DIRTY GROTTO Ten nights of alternative festive enter- suggestions on the night, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Dec, The Sun 13 Dec, Gregynog Hall, Nr Welshpool, Powys tainment featuring explicit content, with strong lan- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham SANTA'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER Join Dotty the Elf and guage, nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. Strict- LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Fun-packed traditional pan- Pompom the Penguin for a song-filled and interac- ly over-eighteens only, Thurs 10 - Sat 19 Dec, The tomime for all the family, directed by Dean Taylor tive visit to Santa’s home, Sun 13 - Mon 14 Dec, REP, Birmingham and Roy Palmer, Fri 11 - Sat 19 Dec, Hall Green Lit- Palace Theatre, Redditch JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Magical panto featuring tle Theatre, Birmingham CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Festive entertainment catchy songs, funky dancing, groan-worthy jokes & ALADDIN Traditional family pantomime, written by hosted by the OJS's resident Musical Theatre Com- plenty of audience participation, Thurs 10 - Sun 20 and starring Malcolm Stent, Fri 11 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, pany. Free event raising money for Macmillan Can- Dec, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Solihull Arts Complex cer Research, Sun 13 - Sun 20 Dec, Old Joint SANTA’S RUSTY ROBOT Iain Lauchlan’s festive show JACK AND THE BEANSTALK THE ROCK'N'ROLL PANTO Stock Theatre, Birmingham for younger audiences, packed with songs, fun and Unique festive experience featuring a ‘storming DICK WHITTINGTON A traditional family pantomime plenty of festive cheer, Thurs 10 - Thurs 24 Dec, line-up of classic rock’n’roll hits played live on presented by All & Sundry, Sun 13 - Sun 20 Dec, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry stage’, Fri 11 Dec - Sun 10 Jan, Stafford Gatehouse Artrix, Bromsgrove PETER PAN A magical show for all the family featur- Theatre ing Coronation Street’s Mark Moraghan as Captain SANTA’S NEW SLEIGH Festive fun for young children Hook, CBBC’s Hannah-Jane Fox as Mrs Darling & as Sprocket and Dibs attempt to solve the mystery Week Commencing MON 14 DEC Jessica Punch as Peter Pan, Thurs 10 Dec - Sun 3 surrounding Santa’s missing sleigh, Sat 12 - Thurs Jan, Malvern Theatres 24 Dec, Lichfield Garrick ANNE REID: I LOVE TO SING The star of Last Tango In PETER PAN Starring the Chuckle Brothers and John HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL New production of the Halifax presents an evening of songs and stories, Altman, Sat 12 Dec - Sun 24 Jan, Wolverhampton smash-hit musical comedy. Starring Freya Sutton, music and memories... Fri 11 Dec, Malvern Theatre, Grand Theatre Tony Maudsley, Peter Duncan and Claire Sweeney, Worcestershire Mon 14 Dec - Sat 2 Jan, New Alexandra Theatre,

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

Family ticket to Ice Skate Family tickets to We're Going Tickets to Ex Cathedra - Birmingham On A Bear Hunt Christmas Music By Candlelight

Closes Friday 4 December Closes Friday 11 December Closes Friday 11 December Tickets to Vampomime Family ticket to Cinderella Tickets to Macbeth

Closes Monday 30 November Closes Friday 11 December Closes Tuesday 19 January Tickets to Canadian Circus Tickets to Shen Yun Tickets to Tattoo Freeze

Closes Thursday 10 December Closes Friday 26 February Closes Friday 22 January Tickets to Chinese New Year Tickets to The Rocky Horror Tickets to The Monster Energy Extravaganza Show Arenacross Tour

Closes Friday 22 January Closes Monday 18 January Closes Friday 15 January Family Ticket to Aladdin Tickets to The Sound Of Music Tickets to Insomnia 56

Closes Thursday 7 January Closes Tuesday 12 January Closes Friday 4 December

To enter all competitions go to www.whatsonlive.co.uk http://whatsonlive.co.uk/birm-also followmuseum-and-art-gallery/san- us on Twitter for more great competitions ingham/event/birmingham- tas-grotto/210105#details 40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December Region One.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 15:17 Page 16

The Drum, Birmingham DOREEN’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER David Tristram’s Theatre LISTINGS comic creation, Doreen, reflects on the past year, Sat 19 Dec, mac, Birmingham For full listing information on theatre I’VE SEEN SANTA Magical new show especially for three-to-seven-year-olds, Sat 19 - Thurs 24 Dec, productions, including times and Solihull Arts Complex dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk CINDERELLA Magical festive fairytale presented by Polka Dot Pantomimes, Sat 19 - Sun 27 Dec, Strat- Birmingham ford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon THE TWITS Malvern Theatre Players present an ama- CINDERELLA A popular classic pantomime presented teur production of Roald Dahl’s revolting tale, Mon by PMA Productions, Sat 19 - Tue 29 Dec, Prince 14 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, The Coach House, Malvern Of Wales Centre, Cannock Theatre PETER PAN Take a magical trip to Neverland with the CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT Tue 15 - Fri 18 Dec Darling children, Sat 19 Dec - Sat 2 Jan, The Blue The Rose Theatre, Kidderminster Orange Theatre, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS CAROL Maverick Theatre present ALADDIN Starring Marti Pellow, Julian Clary, Lee Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story, Tues 15 - Mead, Matt Slack and Andrew Ryan, Sat 19 Dec - Wed 23 Dec, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birming- Sun 31 Jan, Birmingham Hippodrome ham MISTLETOE & MUSICALS Theatre1 and friends prom- WHAT THE DICKENS?! Foghorn Improv take audi- ises a feast of songs from contemporary musicals, ences on a journey to find love and fortune, Thurs washed down with Christmas favourites, Sun 20 17 Dec, Bramall Hall, Birmingham University Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre White Christmas - Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE SINGULAR EXPLOITS OF SHERLOCK HOLMES Don’t A CHRISTMAS CAROL Clive Francis recreates the first Go Into The Cellar present a one-man homage to ever public reading of Dickens’ most famous work, active screening of the much-loved film, Tues 22 the world’s greatest detective, Thurs 17 Dec, which made its debut at Town Hall in December Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall Stafford Gatehouse Theatre 1853, Sun 20 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall SANTA IN LOVE The People’s Theatre present a fun- THE THREE MUSKETEERS Playbox Theatre present a A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL A festive feast of carols and filled family musical complete with games, giggles swashbuckling seventeenth-century adventure fus- songs, comedy and spoken word, Sun 20 - Tue 22 and favourite festive songs, Tues 22 - Thurs 24 Dec, ing romance, treachery, cunning plots and deceit, Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Thurs 17 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, The Dream Factory, War- CINDERELLA Featuring a star-studded cast, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Sally Cookson’s fun- wick Bradley Walsh and Paul O'Grady, Sun 20 - Thurs 24 filled staging of Michael Rosen’s award-winning DID WE MENTION THE FREE MINCE PIES? Join The Dec, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham book, Tue 22 Dec - Wed 13 Jan, Birmingham Town Bear Pit for festive fun at their annual comedic con- DEAR SANTA Stage version of Rod Campbell’s clas- Hall cert, Fri 18 Dec, The Bear Pit Theatre - The United sic children’s book, filled with music, laughter and TRES TRES CABARET CHRISTMAS Sun 27 Dec, Stafford Reformed Church, Stratford-upon-Avon plenty of audience participation, Sun 20 - Sat 26 Gatehouse Theatre SANTA IN LOVE The People’s Theatre present a fun- Dec, (except Christmas day), Theatre Severn, CINDERELLA Sun 27 Dec - Sun 3 Jan, Albany The- filled family musical complete with games, giggles Shrewsbury atre, Coventry and favourite festive songs, Fri 18 Dec, The Brew- house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent ED DOOLAN: CHRISTMAS SHOW Join BBC WM’s Ed Week Commencing MON 21 DEC Week Commencing MON 28 DEC Doolan for an evening of music, comedy, guests and plenty of surprises, Fri 18 Dec, Symphony Hall, DOREEN’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER David Tristram’s THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD Join Sinbad the Birmingham comic creation, Doreen, reflects on the past year, Sailor and his twit of a brother, Binbag, as they set FIND ME Young Drum Drama Academy present Mon 21 - Tues 22 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- sail on a dangerous and thrilling journey, Tues 29 Olwen Wymark’s play, which seeks to investigate minster Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove the personality of a troubled young girl, Sat 19 Dec, SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN Join Elsa & Anna in an inter-

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Theatre REVIEWS

Below are reviews of theatre/dance productions we checked out last month. For further theatre reviews, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk A Murder Is Announced Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury We’re in the drawing room of Little Paddocks, in the charming village of Chipping Cleghorn, in the autumn of 1950. The house guests are studying a notice at the bottom of the personal column which states that, ‘A murder will take place on Friday October 29, at Little Paddocks, at 6.30pm’. “We’ll laugh about this in the morning,” the house guests conclude - but Miss Marple is more interested in posing the question, “Who’s going to be the victim?” The tweedy sleuth is played in this Middle Ground Theatre Company production by Judy Cornwell; Love For Love Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon broad of beam, with matching tan hat, shoes and gloves. Christie has given her a watching role in this Bawdy, bonkers and brilliant, Selina Cadell's take on William Congreve's Restoration story, and Cornwell plays her in a quiet, retiring, lis- classic Love For Love offers a fresh, dynamic glimpse into a lamentably neglected era tening manner - at least until the final showdown. of British stage history. The star of the show is Diane Fletcher, who plays Opting for a stylised vision of the late seventeenth century, Cadell emphasises contem- weekend hostess Letitia Blacklock. It is she who porary resonances, highlighting how the period's irreverent humour helped shape our gives pace and purpose to proceedings in a per- tastes today. We're promised satire in the prologue, and it's delivered by the bucket- formance so pivotal that you rather hope it’s not her load, with mockery of London manners and astrology, as well as jokes about Westmin- who ends up getting the bullet. ster that might have been written yesterday. Christie also treats us to a string of tricky clues to Unlike earlier Renaissance comedies, originally performed by all-male companies, which we must pay attention - a freshly oiled door, a Love For Love makes the presence of its female cast members felt, reflecting a time of vase of wilted violets and a faulty table lamp. increased permissiveness when women on stage were still an exciting novelty. To an But audiences love the familiar security of it all, and extent, the women steal this story: Angelica obviously dupes her male admirers, but the opportunity to pit their wits against such a perhaps more surprising than this is the refreshing frankness about female sexuality, clever author. And, as theatre managers love full and the gleeful celebration of women's mischief-making. houses, no one goes away disappointed. Rosalind Ebbutt's costumes draw parallels with our own time, dispensing with some of But I never did work out why the murder was the more elaborate period elements to emphasise colour and silhouettes. announced in advance... Chris Eldon Lee n n n Though twisted into a very twenty-first century side plait, Miss Prue's eye-catching pink hair suggests a flavour of the periwigs of the day, while the breeches and stockings A Murder Is Announced returns to the region to are replaced by plainer trousers and vivid tights and socks. play Lichfield Garrick from 23 - 27 February Also strikingly modern is the play's self-consciousness. Cadell exaggerates the inher- ent theatricality and breaking of the fourth wall with framing scenes that see cast and crew rushing to get ready, messing things up and larking about with the audience The Glass Menagerie before the play begins. The cast carry it off with aplomb: it's hard to single out stars among so much comic Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry talent, but the interplay between character double acts like Scandal and Tattle, Sir Determined for it not to be seen as too autobio- Sampson and Foresight, Mrs Frail and Mrs Foresight and, of course, the languid graphical, Tennessee Williams described The Glass Valentine and no-nonsense Angelica, is an utter delight. Menagerie as a “memory play” lacking authenticity Outrageously funny and uproarious good fun, this is laugh-out-loud English comedy at that could be “presented with unusual freedom of its finest. Heather Kincaid n n n n n convention”. Love For Love continues to show at The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Director Ellen McDougall takes the playwright at his Fri 22 January. word for this new production. A joint affair between rising theatre company Headlong, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman, there’s no indi- cation of its time period, and the action takes place Dara O’Briain Birmingham Hippodrome on a bare stage that’s little more than a black box. As host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, The Apprentice You’re Fired and The sparse surroundings mean there’s even greater Star Gazing Live, Dara O’Briain is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV. focus on the dialogue and performances. The four- Last month saw the charismatic, fast-talking and very, very funny comic bring new live strong cast truly shine in the spotlight, wonderfully show Crowd Tickler to Birmingham for three consecutive evenings. capturing the tragic-comic dynamic of a family in Although being a huge fan of Dara on television, I was yet to see him perform a stand- crisis. up routine - either on TV or in the flesh - so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. And while the story might be bleak, the performanc- That said, you don’t become the biggest-selling comedian at the Edinburgh Fringe Fes- es are anything but. tival without having a well-polished act and some equally impressive material, so I had Greta Scacchi is wonderfully manic as histrionic a strong inkling I was in for a real treat. mother Amanda. Tom Mothersdale is even better as The show’s first half leaned heavily on his badinage with the audience. He cleverly the laconic son and narrator. Erin Doherty as crip- used his fans’ suggestions to create a murder scene for a box-set drama. This resulted pled (emotionally more than physically) daughter in a ridiculous storyline - death by dildo attack - which he then proceeded to act out. Laura and Eric Kofi Abrefa as the long-awaited Dara’s topics for discussion included Birmingham’s notorious ‘pissy stairs’ and the ‘gentleman caller’ provide convincing support, refurbished New Street Station. He suggested that pop group Daft Punk came up with adding even more heart to the heartbreak. the design for the latter, and compared the advertising board to Sauron’s eye. This was For all the playwright’s arguments to the contrary, a brilliant touch that had the crowd in stitches. The Glass Menagerie is an emotionally ‘authentic’ The second half was every bit as side-splitting as the first. His routines were really play - and while it might have aged a little, it classy, showcasing both his wit and intelligence. remains a powerful reflection on the human condi- Dara held his extremely welcoming and hugely enthusiastic Birmingham audience in tion. the palm of his hand for a full two hours. Appropriately for a play based on memory, Head- I wholeheartedly recommend going to see him the next time he’s in town. No matter long’s production is definitely one that will linger. what your age, background or gender, I can guarantee you won’t leave disappointed. Steve Adams n n n n Lauren Foster n n n n n

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Released from Tues 1 Dec Christmas With The Coopers CERT 12a (107 mins) Starring Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Ed Helms, Diane Keaton, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried, Marisa Tomei, Olivia Wilde Directed by Jessie Nelson (USA) This sentimental comedy is unlikely to replace It’s A Wonderful Life in our festive hearts but it’s got a jolly good cast. The director Jessie Nelson was previously responsible for the tear-jerking Corrina, Corrina and I Am Sam and here points her camera at a typical American Christmas in which a lot can - and does - go wrong.

EDITOR’S CHOICE Star Wars: The Force Awakens CERT tbc Starring Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Max Von Sydow Directed by J.J. Abrams (USA) Christmas With The Coopers “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” Are we excited yet? In a year chock-a- block with blockbusters, this could be the mother of them all. Flaunting a budget of Sunset Song CERT 15 (133 mins) $200million, the seventh Star Wars epic takes up where Return Of The Jedi left off, al- beit with a thirty-year gap. Our new protagonist is Finn (John Boyega), a First Order Starring Agyness Deyn, Peter Mullan, Kevin Guthrie, stormtrooper who has redeemed himself and takes up the lightsabre from Luke Sky- Hugh Ross, Jack Greenlees Directed by Terence Davies (UK/Luxembourg) walker. The good news is that JJ Abrams is at the helm, a techno-savvy geek who is also a fan and who successfully re-booted the Star Trek franchise with Star Trek (2009). Many consider Terence Davies to be one of our But first he must overcome the poor press that greeted the last three SW films (1999- finest directors, so a new film of his is always 2005). Will he pull it off? John Williams, now eighty-three, returns to write the score. In something of an event. Here he’s taken Lewis 3D and IMAX. Released Thurs 17 December Grassic Gibbon's classic 1932 novel and shot it in Scotland, New Zealand and Luxembourg. The supermodel Agyness Deyn plays Chris Guthrie, a farmer’s daughter who comes of age in the years immediately prior to the First World War.

Sunset Song EDITOR’S CHOICE The Honourable Rebel Victor Frankenstein CERT 12a (110 mins) Starring Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Jessica Brown Findlay, Andrew Scott, Charles CERT PG (97 mins) Dance, Mark Gatiss Directed by Paul McGuigan (USA) Starring Dorothea Myer-Bennett, Daniel Donskoy, Last year’s I, Frankenstein seems so long ago… This version goes back to the begin- Laurence Kennedy Directed by Mike Fraser (UK) nings of the legend first envisioned by Mary Shelley in her 1818 novel. Here, the tale is Set during the Second World War, The Honourable told from the perspective of lab assistant Igor (Radcliffe), who teams up with the ambi- Rebel follows the real-life adventures of one Eliza- tious medical student of the title (McAvoy) in a quest to create artificial life. Of course, beth Montagu (Myer-Bennett). An actress, writer Ms Shelley never wrote about a lab flunky or a character called Igor. The hunchbacked and musician – and ‘film dialogue director’ – Mon- lab assistant was established by Universal Pictures in 1944 with their horror film House tagu turned her hand to espionage following a nar- Of Frankenstein - but he was, interestingly, called Daniel. row escape from the Gestapo. Narrated by Diana Released Thurs 3 December Rigg. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Film - Dec.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 14:47 Page 3

FilmNEW RELEASES

Krampus CERT 15 (98 mins) Starring Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell Directed by Michael Dougherty (USA) The director of this festive horror film describes his eponymous boogie man as the shadow of Santa Claus, a mischievous being whose role is to terrorise naughty children. The director also explains that the tone of his film is both scary and sentimental. Like our least favourite aunt.

FROM FRI 11 DEC ChemSex CERT 18 (81 mins) Directed by William Fairman Released Fri 11 Dec By The Sea CERT 15 tbc and Max Gogarty (UK) Starring Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Mélanie Laurent, Niels Arestrup, Melvil Poupaud, We’re not just talking Viagra here. Chemsex The Forbidden Room Richard Bohringer is the term used to describe the use of drugs Directed by Angelina Jolie (USA) in a sexual context. It’s a phenomenon that CERT 12a (119 mins) Written and directed by Angelina Jolie Pitt has particularly blighted the gay community, Starring Roy Dupuis, Clara Furey, Louis (as she is billed on the poster), this roman- as young men become increasingly depend- Negin, Udo Kier, Mathieu Amalric, Geraldine Chaplin Directed by Guy Maddin tic drama was filmed in Malta. Set in the ent on chemically fuelled group sex sessions and Evan Johnson (Canada) 1970s, it follows a husband and wife as which, apparently, can go on for days. This they reconsider their romantic options, British documentary uncovers some of the Let’s put it like this: the crew of a submarine only to be drawn into the colourful lives of secrets. trapped under water for months discovers a mysterious woodsman in their midst. It tran- the inhabitants of a seaside town. While spires that he is in search of someone called this has been tipped to be Angelina’s last Margot, a forest dweller kidnapped by wolf- screen appearance, rumours are circulat- men. Having said that, the actual narrative of ing that she is actually in line to star in Salt Guy Maddin and Evan John’s experimental 2 and Maleficent 2. film is the least important thing. It has been described as “deceptively an- Swung CERT 18 (85 mins) thropological” and Starring Elena Anaya, Owen McDonnell, Eliza- is a jumble of beth McGovern Directed by Colin Kennedy (UK)) episodes that, in their manufacture, A romantic drama set in the ‘swinging represent the ad- scene,’ Colin Kennedy’s Swung explores the vances of cinema, repercussions of casual carnality. Owen Mc- The Night Before CERT 15 (101 mins) but unfolded back- Donnell plays an unemployed man suffering Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, wards to the silent from penile dysfunction whose girlfriend Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell, era. For art house (Anaya), a journalist, embarks on a story Michael Shannon aficionados only. about underground Bacchanalian activities. Directed by Jonathan Levine (USA) Their relationship quickly shifts into another …Christmas, of course. Here, a trio of old gear… Expect some pretty strong sex scenes. friends continue their raunchy tradition of Hector CERT 15 (87 mins) raising hell on Christmas Eve – as it might Starring Peter Mullan, Keith Allen, Gina be their last chance. Isaac (Seth Rogen) is McKee, Stephen Tompkinson, Sarah Sole- about to become a father and Chris (An- mani, Ewan Stewart Ice And The Sky CERT U (89 mins) thony Mackie) is now famous, so things ain’t Directed by Jake Gavin (UK) Directed by Luc Jacquet (France) what they used to be. Expect some gross- Hector has made the motorway rest stops of out comedy. Britain his home. These homogeneous Luc Jacquet won a deserved Oscar for his palaces serve his anonymity well, where he documentary March of the Penguins (2005). can eat, wash and Selected to close think in peace. But this year’s Cannes his once-comfort- festival, his Ice and able past is catching the Sky follows the up with him... If one work of the French is to spend time at a glaciologist Claude Moto or Welcome Lorius who was the Break, Peter Mullan first to draw atten- is as good a com- tion to the threat of panion as any. global warming.

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Grandma CERT 15 (79 mins) Starring Lily Tomlin, Julia Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, Judy Greer, Laverne Cox, Sam Elliott Directed by Paul Weitz (USA) Lily Tomlin’s first starring role in a film for twenty-seven years, Grandma is drumming up some serious Oscar buzz (but first Tom- lin will have to outshine both Jennifer Lawrence and Saoirse Ronan). She plays Elle Reid, a broke and grieving lesbian poet who receives an unexpected visit from her eighteen-year-old pregnant granddaughter (Garner). With neither of them able to cough up the money for an abortion, they head off on the road together looking for the dosh…

FROM SAT 26 DEC Released from Fri 18 Dec In The Heart Of The Sea CERT 12a (122 mins) Starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson, Frank Dillane Directed by Ron Howard (USA) Sisters CERT 15 tbc Based on the eponymous non-fiction work by Nathaniel Philbrick, which won the 2000 Na- Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya tional Book Award, this promises to do for whales what Jaws did for sharks. In the winter of Rudolph, John Leguizamo, Ike Barinholtz, 1820, the New England whaling ship, Essex, was targeted by a mammoth sperm whale James Brolin, Dianne Wiest with vengeance on its mind. It’s a gruelling ordeal for the whalers, who are stranded thou- Directed by Jason Moore (USA) sands of miles from home. If you’re thinking ‘Moby Dick,’ you’d be right – Herman Melville Not to be confused with the Irving Berlin based his legendary novel on the incident. song (“There were never such devoted sisters…”), this is a comedy from the director of the original Pitch Perfect. Here, two sisters, as diverse as chalk and cheddar, decide to throw one last party at their childhood home, which their parents are about to sell. And you know what parties are like in American movies... The film was written especially for Fey and Poehler (who look nothing alike), who are best friends in real life.

Snoopy And Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie CERT U (93 mins) Featuring the voices of Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, John Leguizamo, Ike Barin- holtz, James Brolin, Dianne Wiest Directed by Steve Martino (USA) Charles M Schulz's beloved characters are back on screen for the first time in thirty-five years – and for the first time with the benefit of computer animation. This time Charlie Brown has a crush on a new girl in town – ‘the Little Red-Haired Girl’ – but must delve for new reserves of self-confidence to approach her. Meanwhile, Snoopy embarks on a novel about his alter-ego, the Flying Ace. FROM This is the fifth full-length Peanuts film. In SAT 26 3D. DEC Daddy’s Home CERT 12a (96 mins) Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Hannibal Buress, Paul Scheer, Thomas Haden Church Directed by Sean Anders (USA) The last time Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg teamed up was in The Other Guys (2010), which clocked up almost $120million in the US (although it did less well in ‘foreign’ territo- ries). Here, the guys are pitted against each other as Dad and Step-Dad, with Ferrell as Brad Taggart, the well-meaning, mild-mannered and straight-laced stepfather struggling to win the affections of his wife’s two kids. Then the biological father turns up (Wahlberg), the polar opposite of Brad... Sean Anders previously directed the Adam Sandler vehicle That’s My Boy, as well as Horrible Bosses 2.

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Carol 15 John Everett Millais. The Inna Vision Film School La Famille Belier 12a A-Z LISTINGS Carol Aird (Cate resultant affaire de cœur Night For the Béliers, their six- Film Blanchett) is a 1950s’ has been the subject of A series of shorts made teen-year-old daughter New York socialite with an much speculation, several by filmmakers with lived Paula is a vital member of All films are currently on general release adoring husband and a films, a few plays and an experiences of mental their eccentric clan. As the unless otherwise stated. For full listing young daughter, but who opera. This one is health. This mix of docu- only non-deaf member of information, including times and dates, nonetheless catches the scripted by none other mentaries, animations the family, she acts as than Emma Thompson. visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk romantic attention of and narratives addresses their ears and mouth. Therese Belivet (Rooney Dakota Fanning & Emma the stigma and triumphs Family life is thrown into Mara), a department store Thompson also star. of Africans and disarray, however, when Brave features Merida, an 45 Years 15 clerk. Expect Oscar nomi- Showing at Forest Arts Caribbeans with mental Paula discovers an un- aspiring archer and im- Kate and Geoff Mercer nations (at least). Based Centre, Walsall, Thurs health problems. Show- tapped gift for singing. petuous daughter of roy- (Charlotte Rampling & on Patricia Highsmith's 17 Dec ing at The Drum, Birm- Showing at The Court- alty. Merida makes a Tom Courtenay) are plan- 1952 semi-autobiographi- ingham, Thurs 3 Dec yard, Hereford, Mon14 - reckless choice that un- Focus 15 ning their forty-fifth wed- cal novel The Price Of Tues 15 & Thurs 17 Dec leashes unintended peril Will Smith plays Nicky ding anniversary when an Salt. Showing at mac, Inside Out U and forces her to spring Spurgeon, a conman who unexpected discovery Birmingham, Fri 11 - Largely set inside the The Life Of Riley 12a into action to set things adopts a young woman threatens to torpedo the Wed 23 Dec brain of an eleven-year- French comedy drama celebration, not to men- right. With the voices of to do his bidding, but then old girl, the film’s five pro- about a group of friends in tion the couple’s mar- Kelly Macdonald & Billy gets flutters in his heart… tagonists are the an amateur dramatic pro- riage. Both Ms Rampling Connolly. Showing at Ar- Carol The woman in question is emotions that dominate duction who discover that and Mr Courtenay won trix, Bromsgrove, Wed played by Margot Robbie, her actions: Joy, Fear, one of their friends is ter- best acting gongs at this 30 Dec she who got Leonardo Di- Anger, Disgust and Sad- minally ill. Showing at year’s Berlin Film Festival. Caprio all hot and both- ness, each given its own The Hive, Shrewsbury, Bridge Of Spies 12a Showing at Artrix, ered in The Wolf Of Wall voice. But there’s more to Shropshire, Wed 9 Dec This is the story of the Bromsgrove, Tues 1 - Street. Showing at Forest this set-up than meets the 1960 U2 incident, when Wed 2 & Fri 4 Dec; Arts Centre, Walsall, Fri mind, as Joy and Sad- Macbeth 15 an American spy plane Stourbridge Town Hall, 4 Dec ness get lost! Featuring A Scottish thane lusts for was shot down by the Mon 7 Dec; Warwick the voices of Amy Poehler power and, thanks to the Russians. Stars Tom The Good Dinosaur U Arts Centre, Coventry, & Phyllis Smith. Showing goading of his flaky wife Hanks & Mark Rylance. Not all dinosaurs are Mon 7 - Thurs 10 Dec Crimson Peak 15 at Warwick Arts Centre, and some premonitions, Showing at Warwick Arts human-chewing veloci- It sounds like something a Coventry, Mon 21 - Tues embarks on a path of Centre, Coventry, Fri 18 raptors. This one is a A Christmas Star U Brontë might have written 22 Dec considerable tragedy and - Thurs 24 Dec; Old young Apatosaurus who, Noelle O’Hanlon and her but is actually the product much blood-letting. Stars Market Hall, Shrews- having lost his father, then friends live in a quiet and of Guillermo del Toro, the Irrational Man 12a Michael Fassbender & bury, Shropshire, Fri 18 - loses his way after knock- peaceful village in Ireland. Mexican master of fan- Here, Joaquin Phoenix Marion Cotillard. Words Thurs 31 Dec; mac, ing himself out on a rock. However, their tranquil tasy. Here, Mia plays an alcoholic, uncon- by William Shakespeare. Birmingham, Sat 26 - He then befriends a country life is threatened Wasikowska (who once ventional philosophy pro- Showing at Wem Town Thurs 31 Dec human cave boy, whom when Pat McKerrod sets played Jane Eyre on film) fessor who embarks on Hall, North Shropshire, his eyes on their home for he calls ‘Spot’. Showing an irrational act in order to Tues 1 - Wed 2 dec; Burnt 12a marries Sir Thomas his new planned develop- at Old Market Hall, salvage his ego. Devotees Royal Spa Centre, Top chef Adam Jones Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), ment. What Pat doesn’t Shrewsbury, Shropshire, of Nietzsche may also get Leamington Spa, Thurs (Bradley Cooper) burnt and moves to his crum- know is that Noelle is no Fri 18 - Thurs 31 Dec; a kick out of Woody’s 10 - Sun 13 Dec; Artrix, his bridges behind him bling mansion in the north ordinary little girl. Born mac, Birmingham, Mon world view. Stars Jamie Bromsgrove, Sun 27 when he let his arrogance of nineteenth century under a Christmas Star, 28 - Wed 30 Dec Blackley & Joaquin Dec and irresponsible lifestyle England (Cumbria). she has a unique and Phoenix. Showing at The get in the way of his culi- There, she discovers that Hotel Transylvania 2 PG special gift that means Courtyard, Hereford, nary genius. Now he’s her new sister-in-law (Jes- You can’t escape Adam she can perform big mira- Tues 1 - Thurs 3 Dec fighting to win a third sica Chastain) is bent on Sandler these days - or cles. Stars Rob James- Michelin star for a Paris protecting the ominous cartoons. Here, Count Collier & Suranne Jones. The Lady In The Van 12a restaurant. But first he secrets of the house… Dracula (Sandler) at- Showing at Festival Film version of Alan Ben- must rediscover his inner Showing at mac, Birm- tempts to fine-tune the Drayton Centre, Market nett’s acclaimed play mojo in London. What’s ingham, until Thurs 3 blood-sucking skills of his Drayton, Shropshire, which was inspired by the not to like? Food. Bradley Dec; The Courtyard, half-human grandson, Mon 21 - Tues 22 Dec true story of a homeless Cooper. Sienna Miller… Hereford, Sun 20 - Wed Dennis. Featuring the woman who moved into a Alive U Showing at Warwick Arts 23 voices of Sandler & Andy Bedford van in the drive of Centre, Coventry, Sat 19 Samberg. Showing at Macbeth In this documentary, five The Dressmaker 12a Bennett’s Camden home. & Mon 21 - Wed 23 Dec The Courtyard, Here- HIV-positive gay men One thing’s for sure, Kate The film looks destined for spend a week preparing ford, Sun 20 Dec - Wed BAFTA glory with Dame Man from U.N.C.L.E. 12a Brooklyn 12a Winslet’s latest starring for their first solo para- 23 Dec; Ludlow Assem- Maggie Smith in the lead See DVD section opposite Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis vehicle won’t be for every- chute jump. The cama- bly Rooms, South role. Alex Jennings co- for more information. Stars Lacey, a girl from County one. Adapted from Ros- raderie inspired by the Shropshire, Tues 29 - stars. Showing at The Henry Cavill, Armie Ham- Wexford, who emigrates alie Ham's 2000 Gothic rigorous training and Wed 30 Dec Courtyard, Hereford, mer & Alicia Vikander. to Brooklyn in the 1950s, novel, it’s a madcap affair team-building exercises Tues 1 - Thurs 3 Dec; Showing at Royal Spa where she finds what it about rival dressmakers in The Hunger Games: encourages the men to mac, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Centre, Leamington means to be Irish. Ms the Australian Outback of Mockingjay - Part 2 12a share their feelings about Thurs 17 Dec; Warwick Spa, Tues 15 Dec Ronan got rave reviews at 1951. Judy Davis & Liam It’s all-out war as Katniss being seropositive: their Arts Centre, Coventry, the Toronto Film Festival Hemsworth also star. Everdeen rallies her loyal reactions to finding out, Fri 4 - Thurs 10 & Sat 26 The Martian 15 and looks like a new fron- Showing at Warwick Arts supporters to take down their thoughts about on- - Thurs 31 Dec; Wem During a manned mission trunner for an Oscar nom- Centre, Coventry, Fri 11 the despotic Capitol. The going treatments, and the Town Hall, North Shrop- to Mars, Astronaut Mark ination. Showing at - Thurs 17 & Mon 28 - fourth - and final - instal- ways they negotiate rela- shire, Fri 11, Tues 15 - Watney (Matt Damon) is Warwick Arts Centre, Wed 30 Dec; The Court- ment in the phenomenal tionships with men who Wed 16 Dec; Ludlow presumed dead after a Coventry, until Tues 1 yard, Hereford, Sun 13 - adaptation of Suzanne are not positive. Showing Assembly Rooms, South fierce storm and left be- Dec; Old Market Hall, Tues 15 & Thurs 17 Dec Collins’ best-selling trilogy. at The Hive, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri 11 - hind by his crew. But Wat- Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Jennifer Lawrence stars. Shropshire, Tues 1 Dec Effie Gray 12a Thurs 17 Dec; The ney has survived and Fri 4 - Thurs 10 Dec; Showing at Ludlow As- Back in the 1850s, ‘Effie,’ Roses Theatre, Tewkes- finds himself stranded The Roses Theatre, sembly Rooms, South Brave PG the wife of the eminent art bury, Sun 27 & Tues 29 and alone on the hostile Tewkesbury, Mon 21 & Shropshire, Sat 19 & Set in Scotland in a critic John Ruskin, met the Dec planet. With only meagre Wed 23 Dec Tues 22 Dec rugged and mythical time, Pre-Raphaelite painter supplies, he must draw

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

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upon his ingenuity, wit pretation. In this version, Garrett Hedlund.Show- Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Hall, Shrewsbury, Shrop- Ludlow Assembly and spirit to subsist and Holmes is retired and suf- ing at Warwick Arts Cen- Fri 11 - Thurs 17 Dec shire, until Thurs 3 Dec; Rooms, South Shrop- find a way to signal to fering from dementia but tre, Coventry, Mon 21 - Warwick Arts Centre, shire, Sun 6 - Mon 7 & Earth that he’s alive. Jes- still resolved to solve a Thurs 24 & Mon 28 - Sicario15 Coventry, Fri 11 - Thurs Wed 9 - Thurs 10 Dec; sica Chastain & Kristen fifty-year-old case. Based Wed 30 Dec; Wem Town An idealistic FBI agent 17 Dec; mac, Birming- The Roses Theatre, Wiig star.Showing at on the 2005 novel A Slight Hall, North Shropshire, (Emily Blunt) is enlisted to ham, Fri 18 - Thurs 24 Tewkesbury, Mon 14, Ludlow Assembly Trick Of The Mind by Mon 21 - Wed 23 Dec; track down a nameless Dec; The Roses The- Wed 18 & Fri 18 Dec Rooms,South Shrop- Mitch Cullin. Ian McKellen Ludlow Assembly drug lord operating on the atre, Tewkesbury, Sat 19, shire Tues 1 - Wed 2 & Laura Linney star. Rooms, South Shrop- US-Mexican border. Beni- Tues 22 & Sat 26 Dec; cio del Toro & Josh Brolin Dec Showing at Stourbridge shire, Wed 23 & Mon 28 Ludlow Assembly Suffragette Town Hall, Mon 21 Dec Dec; The Courtyard, also star.Showing at The Rooms, South Shrop- MinionsPG Hereford, Sat 26 - Wed Roses Theatre, Tewkes- shire, Sun 27 - Wed 30 The irritating little yellow 30 Dec bury, Thurs 3 Dec; Festi- Dec helpmates of the Despica- val Drayton Centre, ble Gru now have a movie Polar ExpressU Market Drayton, Fri 18 Steve Jobs15 to themselves. Having de- The film adaptation of the Dec Danny Boyle’s biopic of stroyed all the masters well-loved children's book the volatile and brilliant co- they’d previously served about a young boy's jour- founder of Apple Inc, star- (including Genghis Khan, ney to the North Pole on a ring Michael Fassbender Napoleon and Dracula), magical steam train, and Kate Winslet.Show- the minions set off to find where he meets Father ing at Warwick Arts Cen- someone equally evil to Christmas. With the tre, Coventry, until Sun 6 assist. So they attend a vil- voices of Tom Hanks & Dec; The Roses The- Taxi Tehran 15 lain’s convention and Mr Holmes Josh Eli.Showing at Ar- atre, Tewkesbury, Mon Following The Circle latch on to Scarlet Overkill The Muppets Christmas trix, Bromsgrove, Mon 28 & Wed 30 Dec; Artrix, (2000) and Crimson (Sandra Bullock), who’s CarolPG 21 Dec Bromsgrove, Wed 30 Gold (2003), Jafar planning to take over the The Muppet characters Dec Panahi was banned The Program 15 world.Showing at Stour- tell their version of the Sicario from making any more bridge Town Hall, Tues classic tale.Showing at If nothing else, Lance Suffragette12a films for twenty years 22 Dec The Hive, Shrewsbury, Armstrong was a terrific Spectre 12a The opener for this year’s (and from leaving Iran). Shropshire, Fri 4 Dec; inspirational speaker. Whilst the newly ap- London Film Festival, Suf- So he shot this drama in Miss You Already12a Royal Spa centre, Leam- He could look you pointed ‘M’ continues fragette focuses on the the back of a taxi while Toni Collette and Drew ington Spa, Thurs 17 straight in the eye and his ongoing battle with working women who driving around Tehran, Barrymore play lifelong Dec convince you he was political forces to keep fought for equal rights for recording his passen- mates whose friendship is telling the truth. Arm- the secret service above their sex in the early part gers’ confidential com- tested when one gets Pan PG strong not only con- water, a cryptic mes- of the twentieth century. ments and opinions. pregnant and the other Like its protagonist, the tracted stage three sage reveals ghosts Starting off in 1912, the Winner of the Golden gets cancer. Filmed in story of Peter Pan will metastatic testicular from James Bond’s film takes a fictitious wife Bear (best film) at this London and West York- never grow up. This edi- cancer, he also beat it - past. It becomes clear and mother, Maud Watts year’s Berlin Film Festi- shire.Showing at The tion reverts to Peter’s be- and then went on to win that a menacing organi- (Carey Mulligan), and val. Stars Jafar Panahi Courtyard, Hereford, Sat ginnings and explores the ‘Tour’ seven consec- sation named SPECTRE charts her involvement and Hana Saeidi. Show- 5 - Wed 9 Dec how he became the air- utive times. Stars Ben is at the bottom of the with key figures in the ing at Warwick Arts Cen- borne child that we all Foster and Chris O'- threat, and 007 is soon movement. Also starring Mr HolmesPG tre, Coventry, Wed 2 - know and love. The direc- Dowd. Showing at mac, embroiled in a globe- Helena Bonham Carter & thurs 3 Dec; mac, Birm- Just when you think tor, Joe Wright, previously Birmingham, until Tues 1 trotting mission to solve Brendan Gleeson Show-. they’ve tried every angle ingham, until Thurs 3 brought us Pride & Preju- Dec; The Roses The- its mystery. Daniel Craig ing at Stoke Film The- Dec on Sherlock Holmes, dice and Atonement. atre, Tewkesbury, Wed 9 and Léa Seydoux star. atre, Stoke-on-Trent, along comes a new inter- Stars Hugh Jackman & Dec; Old Market Hall, Showing at Old Market Tues 1 & Thurs 3 Dec;

DVD NEW RELEASES The Gift 15 Pixels 12a Simon and Robyn are a You’re not going to be- happily married couple lieve this, but the world is whose lives are turned under attack. This time, around with the arrival of aliens have taken excep- a friend from Simon’s tion to a time capsule past. The unwanted visi- sent into outer space - tor insists on bringing the and in particular to video- couple gifts, but their feeds of classic arcade meaning is not entirely games, which they inter- welcome... Stars Jason pret as a declaration of Bateman and Rebecca war. So, in keeping with Hall. the games, the aliens Released 7 Dec launch models - based on Pac-Man and it’s ilk - for their various assaults. Stars Adam Sandler and Kevin James. Released 7 Dec

Paper Towns 12a The story of the search for lead character The Bad Education Quentin’s next-door Movie 15 neighbour and first love, Alfie Wickers, the worst Margot, who loved mys- teacher ever to grace the teries so much that she British educational estab- became one. The Lon- lishment, decides to take don-born supermodel his class on a school trip Cara Delevingne plays to Cornwall after they’ve her. Also stars Nat Wolff. finished their GCSEs. Released 7 Dec Inevitably, mayhem en- sues. The Man from U.N.C.L.E. 12a Released 14 Dec Most cinemagoers will be too young to remember Robert Vaughn and David McCallum as Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, but they were jolly cool secret agents back in the 1960s. Guy Ritchie’s large-screen adaptation returns to the Cold War of the Swinging ’60s and has attracted a very sexy cast. Here, Solo and Kuryakin team up to stop a criminal organisation from swamping the globe with nuclear weapons. It may be a Hollywood movie, but the subject is as English as James Bond. And, incidentally, U.N.C.L.E. stands for the United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. We knew you’d want to know. Stars Henry Cavill, Armie Hammer and Alicia Vikander. Released 7 December

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Christmas Gifts DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 19:23 Page 1 ‘Tis the Season The festive season at What’s On Magazine is always a busy time of year, with the team working tirelessly to provide readers with information about what’s happening where in the run-up to, and during, the Christmas holiday. Despite our busy schedule, we’ve taken a couple of minutes to find the latest and greatest gifts available this year...

Something to treasure Betsy Benn Favourite Place Map Framed Print, £130.00, www.johnlewis.com

For the collectors Corgi Originals Chitty Chitty Bang Bang model, www.rewind-vintage-toys.com

For fun around the dinner

Christmas tableChallenges by FromLucy, £9.95, www.notonthehighstreet.com

Somewhere to keep the booze Reindeer Wine Rack by Array Collection, £23.00, www.notonthehighstreet.com

Gift wrapping with a difference Chipp’d Christmas Tree To keep the children occupied Video Stickers, Addictaball, from £7.99, £6.95, John Lewis www.firebox.com

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feature

Be part of the story Perfect for the party season Personalised Classic Novels, Yves Saint Laurent Kiss and £16.99, www.firebox.com Love Colour Collection, £284.00, www.selfridges.com

A well deserved break Purva Karma Four Hand Massage at the Belfry Club & Spa, £259 per person for a total of 120 mins, www.thebelfry.com

For the gym bunnies Fitbit Charge HR + Activity Wristband, £119.00, www.very.co.uk The ultimate classic Monopoly Birmingham Edi- tion, £24.99, www.toysrus.co.uk

To capture the memories For the foodies Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Bundle Cheese Baker with Cabernet (available in pink, white, blue Wine Jelly Chutney, £14.00, and yellow), £69.99, Argos Next

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The Clive Beardsmore Gift: Interventions In The Garman Ryan Galleries New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sunday 24 January Birmingham-based private collector Clive Beardsmore has donated in excess of two hundred works to the New Art Gallery, many of which can here be viewed as interventions into the Garman Ryan Collection. Highlights include works on paper by leading modern British artists such as Edward Bawden, John Bratby, Laura Knight, Graham Sutherland and Keith Vaughan, none of whom have previously been represented in the gallery’s collections.

Edward Bawden (1903 - 1989), Borough, 1967, lithograph

Christmas Craft Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, until Sun 3 January A Big Bang - The Origins Of The Pop Art Collection, Part 2 This always-popular annual exhibition offers visi- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 5 December - until August 2016 tors the perfect opportunity to make all their fes- Andy Warhol’s legendary 1968 Campbells Soup Can and the iconic maquette of a statue tive purchases in a one-stop shop. of King Kong - originally commissioned in 1972 for display in Birmingham’s Bull Ring - Included among the items on sale this year are take pride of place in this sure-to-be-popular exhibition of Pop Art. ‘stunning’ paintings and prints, beautiful mosaics, Attracting musicians, celebrities and leading figures of the day, the Pop Art movement of quirky clocks and the usual wide range of jew- the 1960s and ’70s was inspired by mass consumerism and popular culture. It continues ellery. Hand-knitted scarves, notebooks, ceramics to exert an influence even in today’s art world. Commenting on the exhibition, councillor and Christmas decorations are also available to John Reynolds, cabinet member for Economy, said: “A Big Bang explains why purchase. Wolverhampton Art Gallery is home to one of the largest and most significant collections of Pop Art outside London. These works are in regular demand by other galleries and travel as far afield as Europe and America. We’re fortunate that back in the 1960s, ’70s and up to the early 1980s, curators had the foresight to acquire these artworks at a time when they were still considered to be new and controversial. Thankfully, they found a home in Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Over more recent decades, the gallery has been able to build on this core collection and acquire other Pop works which further add to its significance.”

Salon Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Wed 23 December All works on display in this new contemporary art exhibition are available for purchase. The show provides visitors with the chance to invest in recently produced work by contemporary artists from the West Midlands and beyond. Prices start at £60. The exhibition features an impressive selection of paintings, prints, sculptures, books, Image courtesy of Amanda Anderson photographs and drawings. Colin Yates - Malala

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Jan, Shire Hall Gallery, Staffordshire VisualArts PREVIEWS VisualArts LISTINGS DUDLEY SOCIETY OF ARTISTS EXHIBITION Featuring works in a variety of media by members of the highly respected local art society, until Sat 9 Jan, Further exhibitions For full listing information on Visual Art Dudley Museum & Art Gallery exhibitions, including times and dates, MAT COLLISHAW Works in sculpture, photography, visit whatsonlive.co.uk film and installation which ably test the richness and breadth of the artist’s practice, until Sun 10 The Magical World Of Masks ARTISTS' STUDIO: JESSICA HOLT Sculptures that Jan, The New Art Gallery, Walsall explore the relationship between volume, mass, & Puppets surface and structure, until Tue 1 Dec, The New Art WHOSE GAZE IS IT ANYWAY? Exploring the history of Gallery, Walsall Arab pop culture through posters, notebooks, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, diaries, book covers, films and videos, until Sun 10 until Sat 17 January OF TIME AND THE RAILWAY BY ROBERT DAVIES A film Jan, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- “The Magical World Of Masks & Puppets is a about the railway line between Birmingham and Trent, Staffs Aberystwyth, filmed by Robert Davies from the dri- MADE AT MAC: PHOTOGRAPHY A showcase of work rich and varied exhibition which has some- ver's cab of the train, recorded weekly over twelve thing for everyone,” explains Dr Malcolm from two Kate Green-led courses, until Sun 10 Jan, months, until Sat 5 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery mac Birmingham Knight, Curator of the Scottish Mask & DENNIS MINCHIN RBSA Solo work featuring a series Puppet Centre. “It will appeal to art lovers, LOWRY & BERRY: OBSERVERS OF URBAN LIFE Works of still lives in oil, until Sat 5 Dec, RBSA Gallery, by distinguished artist LS Lowry and his local coun- enthusiasts and families alike. Puppetry is Birmingham terpart Arthur Berry are here brought together for arguably the oldest form of theatre, and this SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY Showcasing the work of the first time, until Sun 10 Jan, The Potteries exhibition is a visual chronicle of some of the Maggie Humphry and Michael Brown, until Sat 5 Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent history and traditions involved. It’s also a Dec, St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury 'DEFENCE THROUGH THE LENS' 100 YEARS OF DEFENCE means of demonstrating that puppets and DISPLAY SHOW One in a series of group exhibitions PHOTOGRAPHY Exhibition of the best work of pho- masks are very much living, breathing art and productions which have been designed ‘to tographers from the army, navy and Royal Air forms.” effect change upon the existing condition of Force, with images from conflicts from World War Eastside Projects’, until Sat 12 Dec, Eastside One to Iraq and Afghanistan, until Sun 10 Jan, Tina Woodward, Shropshire Council’s deputy Projects, Birmingham Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery Cabinet member responsible for museums, FLORE NOVE-JOSSERAND ‘CITY GROWTH BLUES’ A A TOUCH OF TEXTURE CRAFT EXHIBITION Exhibition of is equally enthused about the display: “This space created by artist Nove-Josserand, displaying jewellery made using alternative materials, includ- exhibition provides a rare opportunity to get a number of architectural hoardings through drawing leather, felt, cotton, wool, silk and velvet, until up close to objects of wonder. So if you’re a ing, painting, photographing and constructing, until Sat 16 Jan, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham puppet and mask collector or enthusiast, or Sat 12 Dec, Eastside Projects, Birmingham GUILD OF ENAMELLERS Enamels, jewellery, textiles, are looking for a visual arts exhibition that’s a JET ROTMANS - A TALE OF TWO CITIES - SHREWSBURY ceramics and wood work from local makers, until bit out of the ordinary with lots of educational AND ZUTPHEN (NETHERLANDS) Exhibition featuring Sat 16 Jan, The Willow Gallery, Oswestry, spin-offs, don’t pass up this rare opportuni- work in the form of Jet’s favourite medium, the Shropshire ty.” Artists' Book, until Sun 13 Dec, Shrewsbury THIS IS NOT A JOKE Exhibition that looks at how con- Museum & Art Gallery temporary artists use different facets of humour in ROBERT PERRY: THE FIELDS OF BATTLE 1914-1918 their work, until Sat 16 Jan, Wolverhampton Art Commemorating the centenary of World War One, Gallery until Fri 18 Dec, Museum Of Cannock Chase, Staffs OSWESTRY & DISTRICT SOCIETY OF ARTISTS Over forty Treasure! Discovering The LANDSCAPE WITH MACHINES Artworks by leading members exhibit works featuring landscape, por- contemporary artists such as Jeremy Deller and trait and abstract art, until Sat 16 Jan, The Willow Staffordshire Hoard Tony Cragg, shown alongside selected pieces from Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire Bilston Craft Gallery, the museum’s nationally designated collection of Tues 15 December - Wed 16 March THE MAGICAL WORLD OF MASKS AND PUPPETS Industrial Art, until Fri 18 Dec, Coalbrookdale Featuring masks from Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Gallery, Ironbridge, Shropshire Terry Herbert struck paydirt in 2009 when his Mexico and Italy, until Sun 17 Jan, Shrewsbury metal detector alerted him to potential JUNE RIDGWAY ARBSA A collection of new ceramic Museum & Art Gallery work, identifiable via the artist’s distinctive use of ‘buried treasure’ in a Hammerwich field. FIONA BANNER - SCROLL DOWN AND KEEP SCROLLING soft colour against lines of black, until Sat 19 Dec, Comprising a wide variety of text pieces, drawings, The treasure turned out to be three thou- RBSA Gallery, Birmingham sand, five hundred gold and silver objects sculptures and films, until Sun 17 Jan, Ikon Gallery, MISSING POST OFFICE UK Birmingham branch of Birmingham from Anglo-Saxon times... Missing Post Office UK by Japanese artist Saya TERMS OF ENGAGEMENT Portraits from the University The Staffordshire Hoard is now being cele- Kubota, until Wed 23 Dec, Ikon Gallery, of Birmingham, including works by Jacob Epstein, Birmingham brated in the Black Country via this special Tom Phillips, Humphrey Ocean and Jennifer show. Alongside a collection of replica CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION Featuring McRae, until Sun 17 Jan, The Barber Institute, pieces, Treasure! also features numerous works ranging from fine art and ceramics to jew- Birmingham ellery and glass work, until Wed 23 Dec, Qube display panels - explaining how the discovery MATHÉ SHEPHEARD ARBSA A semi-abstract approach Gallery, Oswestry, Shropshire was made - and a variety of interactive fea- that explores a variety of landscapes, including tures to enjoy. There are even some Anglo BIRMINGHAM URBAN SKETCHERS GROUP A selection skies, mountains, water, contours and textures, until Saxon clothes available for youngsters to of sketches showing the wide diversity of interpre- Sat 23 Jan, RBSA Gallery, B’ham dress up in. tations that artists put on the same subject. All sub- THE CLIVE BEARDSMORE GIFT The 2015 interventions jects are taken from views in and around into the Garman Ryan Collection is a selection from Birmingham, until Thurs 24 Dec, Harborne Art a substantial gift of artworks donated to the gallery Gallery, Birmingham until Sun 24 Jan, The New Art Gallery, Walsall MADE BY MAKERS DOZEN An eclectic mix of original EPSTEIN'S ROCK DRILL I TRANSFORMED BY WAR Rock arts and contemporary crafts by thirteen profes- Drill was destroyed by Epstein at the end of 1915 sional local artists and designer-makers, until Fri 25 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and reformed into the truncated Torso In Metal from Rock Drill, until Sun 24 Jan, The New Art Gallery, BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN THE INNER-CITY Walsall Display exploring the way in which ordinary ALEX DROZD: SMETHWICK GALTON BRIDGE/PORTRAIT OF Birmingham people have been represented in art A STATION Photographic exhibition of the landscape during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, until surrounding Smethwick Galton Bridge railway sta- Thurs 31 Dec, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery tion, until Sun 24 Jan, mac, Birmingham 20TH CENTURY BRITISH STUDIO CERAMICS A display of FLINCK IN FOCUS Marking the four hundredth seventy-eight pieces of studio ceramics made by anniversary of Govert Flinck’s birth, this exhibition twenty-nine potters working in England and Wales explores the under-appreciated artist, until Sun 24 during the twentieth century, until Thurs 31 Dec, Jan, The Barber Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery CASTING A FORTUNE: FROM CABINETS TO COFFINS NICKLIN UNSEEN An outdoor photographic exhibition EXHIBITION Exploring the history of Newman showing a changing Birmingham in the 1950s & Brothers, from its Victorian beginnings making cab- ’60s, until Thurs 31 Dec, Snow Hill Square, inet fittings to its rebirth in the 1960s as a company Birmingham connected to the royal household, until Fri 29 Jan, MADE @ THE CONE CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE until Sat 2 Newman Brothers Coffin Works, Birmingham Jan, Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge ANTONIO ROBERTS First solo exhibition, until Fri 29 TOM FROST: PRINTMAKER Solo exhibition of work by Jan, BOM (Birmingham Open Media) Tom Frost, until Sun 3 Jan, Shire Hall Gallery, CHRISTMAS SHOW Featuring 'Winter Curiosities', until Staffordshire Sun 31 Jan, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Much Wenlock, CHRISTMAS CRAFT Paintings and prints, mosaics, Shropshire quirky clocks, jewellery and ceramics, until Sun 3 54 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts December Region 2 .qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 19:34 Page 4

SOUND MATTERS; EXPLORING CRAFT AND SOUND A Craft Council touring exhibition - seven contemporary works from a range of creative disciplines, until Sat 6 Feb, Wolverhampton Art Gallery CONFECTED, BORROWED AND BLUE...AN INSTALLATION BY PAUL SCOTT Exhibition organised by the Holburne Museum, until Sun 7 Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent OLD WIVES’ TALES: MIGRATION JOURNEYS OF BANGLADESHI WOMEN TO THE UK Photographic exhibition which gives a unique insight into the lives of young Bangladeshi women who came to Birmingham between the 1960s and 1980s, until Sun 7 Feb, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery ENCHANTED DREAMS The first ever exhibition to be dedicated to Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Robert Hughes, until Sun 21 Feb, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery MINTON ARCHIVE An interactive exhibition of some of the museum’s Minton pieces, until Sun 27 Mar, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent MENTAL SPACES An ongoing project containing work produced by local artists affiliated to the Asylum Art Gallery, until Sat 2 Apr, Light House Media Centre, The Magical World Of Masks And Puppets - The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent 24 Dec, RBSA Gallery, Birmingham MINER’S TOOLS A range of equipment used over the years by miners to extract coal, until Sun 10 Apr, THE GREAT WAR Dramatic displays bringing to life ANDREW KINMONT ARBSA Andrew's experiences of The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent the period between 1914 and 1918, until Sun 11 working in the landscape are reflected in his body INHERITING ROME Exhibition which uses money to Nov 2018, Dudley Museum & Art Gallery of work, Mon 7 Dec - Sun 7 Feb, RBSA Gallery, explore and question our deep-seated familiarity FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH Outdoor First Birmingham with the Roman Empire’s imagery, until Sun 24 Apr, World War replica trench system installed next to CASTLE ARTISTS XMAS 2015 EXHIBITION Linocuts, The Barber Institute, Birmingham the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery in the city cen- watercolours, photographs, textiles and cards, Sat WENDY RAMSHAW’S ROOM OF DREAMS An installation tre. Giving visitors an atmospheric and thought-pro- 12 - Sun 13 Dec, The Public Hall, Bishops Castle, made up of many parts, from small jewels in frames voking understanding of the conditions experi- Shropshire to large, freestanding furniture, until Sun 22 May, enced by soldiers on the battlefields, until Sun 11 TREASURE! DISCOVERING THE STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Nov 2018, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Interactive exhibition telling the story of how the BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY IN 130 YEARS Stoke-on-Trent Staffordshire Hoard was found and saved for the The story of the Museum & Art Gallery, told via a EXPRESSIONS OF HUMAN FORM EXHIBITION Drawings, nation, Tues 15 Dec - Wed 16 Mar, Bilston Craft special anniversary exhibition, until Thurs 1 Sept paintings and sculptures by six RBSA members Gallery 2016, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and associates, Wed 2 Dec - Mon 4 January, JOAN SHARMA ARBSA A celebration of mothers, ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM OF MERCIA Featuring pieces Weston Park, Shifnal, Shropshire babies and mothers-to-be. Sculptures in stone and from the world-famous Staffordshire Hoard, until MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES EXHIBITION Work by wood, Mon 21 Dec - Sat 20 Feb, RBSA Gallery, Sat 1 Oct 2016, The Potteries Museum & Art RBSA members and associates, , Thurs 3 - Thurs Birmingham

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Santa’s Winter Wonderland SnowDome, Tamworth, until Thurs 31 December Snowdome’s all-new Santa Show is the highlight of the venue’s Santa’s Winter Wonderland attraction. It finds the big man in red ‘making final preparations for another Christmas extravaganza’. Suitable for all age groups, Santa’s Winter Wonderland provides plenty of festive fun for visitors to Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. A safe environment ensures visitors are able to play and slide in real snow as they explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe all the snow action as they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and discover some of his furry friends. Clothes Show Live NEC, Birmingham, Fri 4 - Tues 8 December A hot ticket for fashionistas everywhere, Clothes Show Live regularly attracts a plethora of well-known celebrities from the worlds of music and TV - and this year is no exception. Radio One presenters Gemma Cairney and Alice Levine both contribute, as does Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing. British singer-songwriter Rae Morris, pop sensation Charli XCX and exciting young music talent Ella Eyre will all be performing. In addition to showcasing wares from hundreds of leading fashion and beauty brands, the five-day event features non-stop cat- walk shows in the AlcatelOnetouch Fashion Theatre. New for 2015 are exclusive trend presentations, hosted by a celebrity stylist and giving visitors insights into which fashions are the must-haves for the autumn-winter season. BCLM Christmas In The Home Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Every weekend between 5 - 20 December The sights, sounds and smells of Christmases past are very much in evidence at the Black Country Living Museum this month. Visitors can step inside period cottages and houses - ranging from the Victorian era right up to the 1930s - to help costumed characters create ‘a host of fabulous festive recipes from Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management’. Helping to stir the sixpence into the Christmas pudding, assisting with some ‘make do and mend’ decorations and crafting a spiced orange pomander are among the other attractions ensuring a hands-on experience for families to enjoy. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Events December Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 21:05 Page 2

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Events PREVIEWS Santa Safaris Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 4 - Wed 23 December The North Pole’s most famous resident comes to North Shropshire this month, with Hawkstone Park Follies once again transformed into a Santa Safari experience. A trip through the site’s ‘illuminated woodland’ leads the way to a hillside grotto, where a Wishing Arch marks the entrance to a network of fairy-lit caverns and tunnels. It’s here that Santa will reside (along with his elves and reindeer, of course) in the run-up to Christmas, spreading plenty of festive cheer and handing out a present to every visiting child.

Blists Hill Victorian Christmas Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Fri 5 - Sat 6 December and Fri 12 - Sat 13 December Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill museum this month, as residents busy themselves with preparations for Christmas. Visitors to the award-winning site can enjoy seasonal music from bands and choirs, ride on a horse-drawn cart, experience some festive-style entertainment - including a mini-pantomime and a singalong with carol singers - and partake in a spot of Christmas shopping in the museum’s retail outlet. And just in case all that’s not enough to ensure your youngsters are happily entertained, Shrewsbury Christmas Father Christmas himself - together with his reindeer - will be on hand to hear some last- The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury minute gift requests. Sat 12 - Sun 13 December The festive fun comes thick and fast in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park at this special Carols In The Caverns Christmas lunch. event. Attractions include an ice rink, Visitors popping along just for a day out are Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, well catered for too. Alongside the venue’s Christmas storytelling, hands-on craft and Sun 13 and Sun 20 December food workshops, a nativity and singalong combination of rides in CBeebies Land, carol-singing sessions. There’s plenty of As Christmas experiences go, this one’s Mutiny Bay and Cloud Cuckoo Land, there’s local artisan food and drink to enjoy too, and pretty unique. It features a boat trip around also the chance to check out the Elves a wide range of locally handmade crafts to the Dudley Canal Trust’s caverns and lime- Emporium, where Santa’s little helpers are purchase, providing visitors with an ideal stone mines, during which an onboard choir busily assisting the man himself and his opportunity to get their Christmas shopping sing a host of festive favourites. good lady wife with preparations for wrapped up good and early. The trip through the tunnel network takes in Christmas. locations such as Cathedral Arch and the famous Singing Cavern. Ice Skate Birmingham Hot drinks and mince pies are available, with Insomnia 56 Centenary Square, Birmingham, other refreshments on sale on the canal tow- NEC, Birmingham, Fri 11 - Mon 14 December path before the trip. until Sun 10 January The UK’s biggest gaming festival has this Ice Skate Birmingham makes a welcome year relocated to Birmingham’s NEC, having return to the city centre this festive season. outgrown its previous home at the Ricoh As usual located in front of the Birmingham Arena in Coventry. Repertory Theatre, the popular visitor attrac- Insomnia Gaming Festival is a twenty-four- tion can hold up to three hundred people in hour event ‘combining all the best bits of one session. Younger or inexperienced skat- video-gaming’. ing enthusiasts can keep upright by using The show offers visitors the chance to play special Penguin Skating aids, which can be an impressive selection of both new and vin- booked online and in advance. tage games, and to watch their favourite The rink is once again overlooked by the online YouTube and Twitch stars as they par- Observation Wheel, offering passengers ticipate in live Q&A sessions and interactive superb views of surrounding Birmingham activities. landmarks. Special guests include the Diamond Minecart, Kwebbelkop, Jelly, the Gaming Christmas at Alton Towers Lemon and Master OV. Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust, Sun 13 and Sun 20 December Alton Towers Resort isn’t just for Christmas, y’know - although if you do happen to fancy a yuletide getaway, it may well be the place to head for this festive season. A Santa’s Sleepover in one of the popular visitor attraction’s Christmas-themed hotels comes complete with a pantomime version of Cinderella, a visit to Santa’s hideaway grotto and entrance to the theme park, not to mention breakfast and a traditional

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Events LISTINGS

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

From SUN 1 NOV

MOTORCYCLE LIVE The best products, bikes & services from leading companies across the globe, until Sun 6 Dec, NEC, Birmingham LIFE DRAWING CLASS WITH MARK WARNER Life drawing sessions with experienced artist Mark Warner, Head of Art at Shrewsbury High School, until Mon 7 Dec, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery ILLUMINATED GARDENS until Sun 13 Dec, Powis Castle and Garden GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS until Sun 20 Dec, Berrington Hall, Herefordshire ’TIS THE SEASON... Walk around the beautiful- ly lit grounds and visit traditionally decorated buildings, each with its own Christmas story, Tues 1 - Sun 20 Dec, Avoncroft Museum, Father Christmas at Blists Hill, Ironbridge Bromsgrove CHRISTMAS TRAIL until 3 Jan, Croome Park, Worcester BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARKET Santa comes to the Midlands... until Tues 22 Dec, Birmingham City Centre CHRISTMAS AT NATIONAL FOREST ADVENTURE Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose FARM See the farm transformed into a Winter - and a cherubic-faced Santa Claus taking Christmas gift orders Wonderland for a great family day out, until - from wide-eyed youngsters in his magical grotto. Yep, it’s that very Thurs 24 Dec, National Forest Adventure special time of year again, when your children’s list of hoped-for Farm, Burton-on-Trent presents leaves you stunned, staggered, stymied and reaching for SANTA SAFARI A themed Discovery Trail area with Santa's Grotto, in addition to access to the sherry. Our advice is to let Santa take the strain. the four-mile drive through safari and African Here’s a list of dates and places where the big red fellow can be Village. New for this year is Land Of The found ho-ho-ho-ing in his fabulous festive grotto... Living Dinosaurs, until Thurs 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and Leisure Park, SANTA'S GROTTO Visit Santa in his grotto Powis Castle and Garden Bewdley SANTA'S GROTTO and receive a surprise gift, Tue 1 - Thurs 24 Ideal for little ones. Visit CAR RALLIES AT COSFORD until Thurs 31 Dec, Dec, Dudley Zoological Gardens Santa and receive a small gift, Sat 5 - Sun RAF Cosford, Shropshire 6 Dec, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Sat 19 - Sun SANTA'S GROTTO AND ELF SCHOOL Become a SILENT FILM CINEMA Step back in time and 20 Dec, Birmingham Botanical Gardens fully fledged elf and help Santa prepare for see classic silent films from the likes of VISIT FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO his busiest time of year, until Thurs 24 Dec, Laurel & Hardy and Charlie Chaplin, Tues 1 - INTU Merry Hill, Dudley Sat 5 - Sun 20 Dec, Powis Castle and Thurs 31 Dec, Black Country Living THE SHROPSHIRE SANTA EXPERIENCE Garden, Welshpool, Powys Museum, Dudley Meet Father Christmas in his enchanting FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM Step TRADITIONAL STREET GAMES Tues 1 - Thurs 31 grotto, Tue 1 - Thurs 24 Dec through the magic wardrobe and join Dec, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Park Hall Farm, Oswestry Father Christmas and his elves, Sat 5 - Sun SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Santa is back!, IGLOO Santa lands in Bullring with an 6 Dec, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Sat 19 - Wed until Thurs 31 Dec, The Snowdome, immersive 360 digital experience, Tue 1 - 23 Dec Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Tamworth Thurs 24 Dec, The Bullring Shopping SANTA'S GROTTO Sun 6 Dec, Sat 12 - Sun 13 VICTORIAN SCHOOL LESSONS Tues 1 - Thurs Centre, Birmingham Dec, Gregynog Hall, Newtown, Powys 31 Dec, Black Country Living Museum, FATHER CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Fri 4 - FATHER CHRISTMAS GROTTO Visit Father Dudley Sat 5 Dec, Birmingham Back To Backs Christmas in his delightful grotto Sat 12 - SANTA AT THE SERVANTS' QUARTERS Visit Sun 13 & Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Chirk GO UNDERGROUND IN THE MINE Discover what Santa in the festively decorated Victorian Castle, Wrexham life was like for miners in the 1850s, Tues 1 - Servants’ Quarters, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Sat SANTA’S GROTTO Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec and Thurs 31 Dec, Black Country Living 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Sat 19 - Tue 22 Dec, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Three Spires Museum, Dudley Shugborough Historic Working Estate, Shopping Centre, Lichfield, Staffs TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Staffordshire SANTA TRAILS Help the servants make the Tuesday drop-in workshops are perfect for FATHER CHRISTMAS AT COURT 15 Take a tour Christmas pudding, decorate the castle making a few of your own ceramic master- of the traditionally decorated houses before and receive a surprise gift from Santa’s pieces, Tues 1 Dec, Jackfield Tile Museum, meeting the man himself, Sat 5 Dec, grotto, Sat 12 - Sun 13 & Sat 19 - Mon 21 Ironbridge Birmingham Back to Backs Dec, Tamworth Castle CHRISTMAS PUDDING DOORSTOP Make your- STORIES WITH SANTA Travel to Santa’s magi- CHRISTMAS GROTTO Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, self the perfect handmade gift or a treat, cal garden and workshop and solve the The British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry Tues 1 Dec, Erddig Hall, Wrexham puzzle trail before joining Santa in his grot- CHRISTMAS GROTTO PLUS CRAFT STALLS SEGTREK Segwaying trail around the to for stories and a special ‘Fun to Grow’ Sun 13 - Sun 20 Dec, Whittington Castle, grounds, Tues 1 Dec 2015 - Sat 31 Dec mini-garden kit, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, National Oswestry 2016, Chirk Castle, Wrexham Memorial Aboretum, Staffordshire TWILIGHT SANTA A chance to meet Father PUBLIC ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS FLOWER CHRISTMAS GROTTO Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, The Christmas in the Mansion and receive a DISPLAY AND HIGH TEA Tudor flower demon- British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry special gift, Mon 14 - Fri 18 Dec, Attingham stration accompanied by a talk on FATHER CHRISTMAS' GROTTO A chance to Park, Shrewsbury Elizabethan Christmas customs, Wed 2 Dec, visit Father Christmas for an early CHRISTMAS GROTTO Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire Christmas present, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, The British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry VINTAGE APRON WORKSHOP Wed 2 Dec,

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62 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Events December Region 2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 21:06 Page 7

Events LISTINGS Magical Christmas at Drayton Manor in Tamworth

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

Erddig Hall, Wrexham CHRISTMAS INDULGENT AFTERNOON TEA Wed 2 Dec, Himley Hall & Park, Wolverhampton CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Wed 2 - Fri 4 Dec, Biddulph Grange Garden, Stoke-on-Trent PIGG’S PLAYBARN CHRISTMAS CLUB Thurs 3 Dec, Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal, Shropshire HEART GARLAND WORKSHOP Thurs 3 Dec, Erddig Hall, Wrexham DONKEY SANCTUARY Meet the wonderful team of donkeys and discover their unique characters, Thurs 3 Dec, The Fort Shopping Park, Fort Dunlop HAMPTON LOADE AND TURLEY GREEN A five- mile riverside walk to Hampton Loade and through Turley Green, Thurs 3 Dec, Severn Valley Country Park, Bridgnorth, COOKERY CLUB Apley Cookery Club with Gilly SANTA SPECIALS All aboard Santa's magical Shropshire Clayton. Taste new food, discover culinary train journey through the Staffordshire coun- WINTER FESTIVAL Local products made by ideas and discuss delicious seasonal food, tryside, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Foxfield Railway, local people, Fri 4 Dec, Wem Town Hall, Sat 5 Dec, Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal, Stoke-on-Trent North Shropshire Shropshire SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a magical CAROLS IN THE GREAT HALL Fri 4 Dec, BRITISH UTILITY BREEDS ASSOCIATION SHOW festive sleepover at one of Alton Tower's Stokesay Castle, Ludlow, South Shropshire Sat 5 Dec, Staffordshire County Showground themed hotels, Sun 6 Dec, Alton Towers, Staffordshire GRAND UNION CHRISTMAS PARTY An evening of TUDOR BANQUET Dine like King Henry VIII, Sat DJs, tipples and dances, Fri 4 Dec, Grand 5 Dec, Tamworth Castle, Staffs CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Sun 6 Dec, Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire Union, Birmingham CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Sat 5 Dec, CAROLLING AT THE CASTLE - WITH THE Birmingham Botanical Gardens CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA Sun 6 Dec, Highbury Hall, Birmingham SHREWSBURY MUMMERS Including profession- CHRISTMAS WREATH WORKSHOP Sat 5 Dec, al actors, musicians, dancers and singers, Fri Fordhall Organic Farm, Market Drayton, PARROT SOCIETY SHOW Sun 6 Dec, 4 Dec, Stokesay Castle, Ludlow, South North Shropshire Staffordshire County Showground Shropshire UK DRONE SHOW All the latest aerial and ter- CHILDREN’S MEET-AND-GREET WITH ELIZABETH I MURDER MYSTERY DINNER EXPERIENCES restrial drone technology, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, AND CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS Sun 6 Dec, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Dec, Shugborough Historic NEC, Birmingham Tutbury Castle, Staffordshire Working Estate, Warwickshire CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time KICK ASS 10K RUN Sun 6 Dec, Weston Park, MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Including a screening of and take part in some seasonal activities, Sat Shropshire Polar Express in 4D and a chance to meet 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Black Country Living SANTA RUN A sponsored 5km run, Sun 6 Dec, Santa’s reindeers, Fri 4 - Sat 5 Dec, Drayton Museum, Dudley The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Manor Theme Park, Tamworth HOLLY WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOPS Sat 5 - MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Including Polar Express CHRISTMAS WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Fri 4 - Sun 6 Dec, National Memorial Aboretum, 4D and a chance to meet the reindeers, Sun Sat 5 Dec, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Staffordshire 6 - Mon 7 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Shropshire CHRISTMAS FOOD AND GIFT FAIR Sat 5 - Sun 6 Tamworth THE CLOTHES SHOW 2015 The UK's biggest Dec, National Memorial Aboretum, fashion and beauty event, Fri 4 - Tue 8 Dec, Staffordshire From MON 7 DEC NEC, Birmingham SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHTS Fri 4 - Sat 19 Dec, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Black Country Living National Brewery Centre, Burton-on-Trent Museum, Dudley SEVERN SINGERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Mon 7 SANTA SAFARI A magical adventure by Land STAR WARS PADAWAN TRAINING AT SELFRIDGES Dec, Severn Valley Country Park, Bridgnorth, Rover through the woodland to see Santa in Aspiring Padawans train with a Jedi Master, South Shropshire his hillside grotto, Fri 4 - Wed 23 Dec, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, The Bullring Shopping CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Mon 7 Dec, Hawkstone Park & Follies, North Shropshire Centre Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton 4X4 IN THE FOREST Join the rangers in your HEY CLAY! Supporting the BBC's Get Creative STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD & CONSERVATION TOUR 4x4 to explore Cannock Chase, Sat 5 Dec, campaign, Hey Clay encourages people to Behind-the-scenes tour of the Conservation Cannock Chase Forest, Staffordshire get creative with clay and throw their own Studio, Tues 8 Dec, Birmingham Museum pot, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Wedgwood Museum, EERIE EVENINGS GHOST EVENT A ghost hunt And Art Gallery around Dudley Castle, Sat 5 Dec, Dudley Stoke-on-Trent CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERTS Tues 8 Dec, Castle CHRISTMAS AT WEDGWOOD Write a special Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton message to Santa Claus by creating your JACOBEAN CHRISTMAS Sat 5 Dec, Aston Hall, TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tues 8 Birmingham very own Snow Crystal Christmas Wish, Sat Dec, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Wedgwood Museum, Stoke- ANTIQUES FAIR Sat 5 Dec, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire on-Trent South Shropshire CHRISTMAS CARVERY AT THE ENGINE HOUSE CHRISTMAS FOOD & CRAFT FAYRE Sat 5 - Sun 6 CHRISTMAS AT WINTERBOURNE With traditional A train journey from Kidderminster to Highley Dec, Weston Park, Shropshire decorations, carol singers, magic lantern for a carvery lunch, Tues 8 - Thurs 10 Dec, shows and an expanded craft stalls area, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Featuring Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Sat 5 Dec, Winterbourne House & Garden, Cadbury World’s Christmas pantomime The CAROLS IN SOUTHWATER Featuring the Birmingham Sleeping Beauty, Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Cadbury Jackfield Brass Band and Cosford Wives MISCHIEVOUS ELF Watch out for the cheeky elf World, Bournville Military Choir. Schools will be singing from doing the rounds at The Fort, Sat 5 Dec, The SANTA STEAM SPECIALS A train journey to 3.30pm, Thurs 10 Dec, Telford Town Park, Fort Shopping Park, Fort Dunlop, Arley to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, Shropshire Birmingham Sat 5 - Sun 6 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, MURDER MYSTERY DINNER EXPERIENCES Kidderminster FROZEN FAIR A day and evening full of festive Fri 11 - Sat 12 Dec, Shugborough Historic fun, Sat 5 Dec, Maws Craft Centre, Telford, VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Sat 5 - Sun 6 Working Estate, Staffordshire Shropshire Dec, Blists Hill, lronbridge, Shropshire WREATH-MAKING WORKSHOP Fri 11 Dec, Wem

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Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Black Country Living CHRISTMAS DECORATION MAKING Sat 19 - Sun Events LISTINGS Museum, Dudley 20 Dec, Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire TUDOR CHRISTMAS Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Hills, Church Stretton For full listing information on Events, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS Sat 19 - Sun including times and dates, visit CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Featuring 20 Dec, Chirk Castle, Wrexham www.whatsonlive.co.uk Cadbury World’s Christmas pantomime The SANTA SPECIALS Train journey through the Sleeping Beauty, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Staffordshire countryside,Sat 19 - Sun 20 Town Hall, North Shropshire Cadbury World, Birmingham Dec, Foxfield Railway, Stoke-on-Trent MURDER MYSTERY DINNER AND CHRISTMAS A WINTER LESS ORDINARY Showcasing a wide 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Sat 19 - Sun 20 PARTY DISCO Fri 11 Dec, Highbury Hall, range of independent art, music, fashion, Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Birmingham Birmingham crafts, performance and food, Sat 12 - Mon CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Featuring CHRISTMAS DINE & STAY Enjoy a dinner and 14 Dec, Digbeth, Birmingham Cadbury World’s Christmas pantomime The escape for a night away, Fri 11 - Sat 12 Dec, MERRY FISHMAS AND MERLIN’S MAGIC WAND Sleeping Beauty, Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Weston Park, Shropshire WINTER PARTY! Underwater Christmas trees Cadbury World, Birmingham BOWMAN ANTIQUES Selection of antiques, and a chance to meet the man himself in an CHRISTMAS AT WEDGWOOD Write a special curios, vintage, retro & collectables, Fri 11 - Antarctic grotto, Sat 12 - Wed 23 Dec, message to Santa Claus by creating your Sun 13 Dec, Stafford Bingley Hall National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham very own Snow Crystal Christmas Wish, Sat MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Featuring a screening of SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a magical 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Wedgwood Museum, The Polar Express in 4D and a chance to festive sleepover at one of Alton Tower's Stoke-on-Trent meet Santa’s reindeers, Fri 11 - Mon 14 Dec, themed hotels, Sun 13 Dec, Alton Towers, POULTRY SHOW Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Staffordshire Staffordshire County Showground INSOMNIA 56 The UK’s biggest gaming festi- CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sun 13 Dec SANTA STEAM SPECIALS A train journey to val, Fri 11 - Mon 14 Dec, NEC, Birmingham Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Arley to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, SUNNYCROFT CHRISTMAS Fri 11 - Tue 15 Dec, TOY FAIR Sun 13 Dec, Staffordshire County Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Shropshire Showground Kidderminster PRINCE AND PRINCESS AFTERNOON TEA CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS Sun 13 Dec, Dudley SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa Afternoon tea fit for a prince or princess, in Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines alongside the museum’s costumed guides, the company of a festive character, Sat 12 Sat 19 - Thu 24 Dec, Black Country Living Dec, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, From MON 14 DEC Museum, Dudley Stoke-on-Trent CAROLS AND SUNDAY LUNCH Sun 20 Dec, CAROLS IN THE TRENCHES An evening of carols Weston Park, Shropshire and readings set in the World War One CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT Mon 14 Dec, CHRISTMAS RAMBLE Head Gardener Martin trench system, concluded by a re-enactment Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton Gee talks about how the landscape has of the Christmas Truce in No Man’s Land, CHRISTMAS TOURS AND MAGIC LANTERN SHOW evolved over the centuries, Sun 20 Dec, Sat 12 Dec, The Staffordshire Regiment See how the Victorians celebrated Christmas Weston Park, Shropshire Museum with a festive magic lantern show, Mon 14 - CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS Sun 20 Dec, Dudley CAROLS IN THE BALLROOM Performed by Tues 15 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines Chester St Cecilia Singers, Sat 12 Dec, CHRISTMAS AT THE CASTLE Mon 14 - Thurs 24 Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool, Powys Dec, Chirk Castle, Wrexham From MON 21 DEC FROZEN ICE FESTIVAL Christmas tribute to TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tue 15 Disney film Frozen, Sat 12 Dec, The Potteries Dec, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, Museum and Art Galley, Stoke-on-Trent Shropshire CHRISTMAS QUEST A trip round Kings Walk FATHER CHRISTMAS AT COURT 15 Take a tour of THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Wed 16 Wood to find the tastes, sights, sounds and the traditionally decorated houses before Dec, Station Hotel, Dudley smells of Christmas in the past, Mon 21 - Tue meeting the man himself, Sat 12 Dec, CHRISTMAS TOURS AND POMANDER MAKING 22 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Back to Backs Wed 16 Dec, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham SANTA HERALDS Travel in the company of SHREWSBURY DOES CHRISTMAS 2015 Food and CHRISTMAS DINNER AND CAROL SERVICE Father Christmas, Mon 21 - Wed 23 Dec, crafts galore, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, The Wed 16 Dec, Highbury Hall, Birmingham Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Quarry Park, Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS INDULGENT AFTERNOON TEA TUESDAY TILE DECORATING WORKSHOP Tue 22 ASIAN BRIDE LIVE The two day bridal extrava- Wed 16 Dec, Himley Hall & Park, Dec, Jackfield Tile Museum, Ironbridge, ganza, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, NEC, Staffordshire Shropshire Birmingham THE ORIGINAL DUDLEY GHOST TOUR Thurs 17 SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience a magical CHRISTMAS TILE DECORATING WORKSHOPS Sat Dec, Station Hotel, Dudley festive sleepover at one Alton Tower's 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Jackfield Tile Museum, A SPOTLIGHT ON: CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES themed hotels, Wed 23 Dec, Alton Towers, Ironbridge, Shropshire With World War One writer Joss Musgrove Staffordshire VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Sat 12 - Sun Knibb, Thurs 17 Dec, National Memorial TORCHLIGHT AND GLUHWINE WALK A nighttime 13 Dec, Blists Hill, Ironbridge Aboretum, Staffordshire walk on the Long Mynd, Wed 23 Dec, MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS WEEKENDS See the cas- JAZZ, BEER AND OATCAKES Featuring local Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills, tle transformed for a medieval feast, Sat 12 - band Fine And Dandy, Thurs 17 Dec, The Church Stretton Sun 13 Dec, Chirk Castle, Wrexham Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- SANTA SPECIALS Train journey through the CHRISTMAS AT WEDGWOOD Write a special Trent Staffordshire countryside, Wed 23 - Thurs 24 message to Santa Claus by creating your MURDER MYSTERY DINNER EXPERIENCES Dec, Foxfield Railway, Staffs very own Snow Crystal Christmas Wish, Sat Thu 17 - Fri 18 Dec, Shugborough Historic SANTA STEAM SPECIALS A train journey to 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Wedgwood Museum, Working Estate, Staffordshire Arley to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, Stoke-on-Trent MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Featuring a screenign of Thurs 24 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, SANTA SPECIALS Train journey through the The Polar Express 4D and a chance to meet Kidderminster Staffordshire countryside, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Santa’s reindeers, Thurs 17 - Wed 23 Dec, CHRISTMAS OPENING Sat 26 - Thu 31 Dec, Dec, Foxfield Railway, Stoke-on-Trent Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Weston Park, Shropshire LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION Championship CHRISTMAS DINE & STAY Enjoy a dinner and FESTIVE SEASON SERVICE Sat 26 Dec 2015 - Dog Show, Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, NEC, escape for a night away, Fri 18 - Sat 19 Dec, Sun 3 Jan 2016, Severn Valley Railway, Birmingham Weston Park, Shropshire Kidderminster SANTA STEAM SPECIALS A train journey to SUNNYCROFT CHRISTMAS Fri 18 - Tues 22 Dec, TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR Sun 27 Dec, NEC, Arley to meet Father Christmas in his grotto, Sunnycroft, Wellington, Shropshire Birmingham Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, BREAKFAST & AFTERNOON TEA Fri 18 - Thu 24 MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Featuring a screening of Kidderminster Dec, Apley Farm Shop, Shifnal The Polar Express 4D and a chance to meet 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Sat 12 - Sun 13 CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 19 Dec, Santa’s reindeers, Sun 27 - Thurs 31 Dec, Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Wolverhampton Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Sat 12 - Sun 13 Dec, CANDLE-LIT CAROLS Sat 19 Dec, National NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA BANQUET AND DANCE Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Memorial Aboretum, Staffordshire Four-course banquet and festive disco, Thurs SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Sat 19 - Sun 20 Dec, 31 Dec, National Brewery Centre, with the museum’s costumed guides, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Staffordshire

64 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Eating Out December region two.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 18:47 Page 1 Eating Out Indians in The Quarry Pitching up in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park this month is Avalanche Tipi - a pop-up restaurant with a difference. The American Indian-style tipis will be festooned for Christmas, providing a unique venue for patrons’ yuletide festivities. The special dining event, which takes place on 11 and 12 December, offers a three-course lunch menu (Friday only) priced at £24.99 and a three-course evening menu on both dates, priced at £55. Although not strictly Christmas fare, there are some popular winter warmers to be had, including slow-braised Welsh beef, mushroom & spinach lasagne. Sticky toffee pudding and homemade meringue are available on the dessert menu. All evening bookings include a drink on arrival and the chance to enjoy a live music set from Ashmore Acoustics, playing a wide variety of contemporary classics. If you’d like to party a la tipi, there are no smoke signals needed - just call 01978 661449 or check avalanchetipis.co.uk for further details.

Lyons at the Gate There’s a brand new addition to Shrewsbury’s already eclectic food scene. The town’s former Traitors Gate restaurant last month underwent a £100,000 refurbishment, as new owners Adam and Kelly Lyons fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened Top marks for Netherstowe House their very own eatery. The Lyons’ Den specialises in gourmet burgers a world away from the every day, it’s somewhere made with freshly ground beef, locally sourced REVIEW often stodgy gnocchi I've for a special occasion - from Maynard’s Farm Shop. Varieties range from had elsewhere. My but there’s no doubt it’s a the traditional cheese burger to house specialities Whilst we had drinks and friend’s main of bread- truly superb restaurant. I such as the Shropshire burger and the epony- chose our main dishes, crumbed halloumi gave want to go back as soon mous Lyons Burger. Also on the menu are a selec- we were treated to home- me real food envy - I had as I can, to try out the tion of milkshakes, including one with a rum and made vegetable crisps in no idea it could be so steakhouse brasserie. I raisin flavour. the comfort of the lounge. gently cooked. already know I won’t be But The Lyons’ Den is no American diner. Owner Once meals were chosen, For dessert, we chose disappointed. Adam describes the fully licenced premises as we were taken through to peanut butter parfait and Ted Finlay having ‘a rustic style with an unpretentious menu’. the main restaurant, a light chocolate & cherry pud- Why not pop in for a bite and see what you think? yet intimate room. ding. Both were a triumph. Food: n n n n n To start, I chose scallops If I were to be extremely Service: n n n n n picky (and I mean with black pudding and a Ambience: n n n n n extremely), the salted pop- pea mousse. They were Overall value n n n n n corn on the peanut butter perfectly cooked and the OVERALL n n n n n best scallops I’d ever dish was a tad too bitter eaten. My friend chose the for our tastebuds. Netherstowe House, curried cauliflower, which My only regret with the Netherstowe Lane, came in a light batter. The chocolate & cherry pud- Lichfield, portion was so generous it ding was that I couldn't Staffordshire, couldn't be finished. finish the incredibly large WS13 6AY For mains, I opted for the serving. Tel: 01543 254270 purple potato gnocchi - Netherstowe House isn't also perfectly cooked and somewhere you would eat

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Restaurant LISTINGS Shropshire AFTAB 25 High St, For full listing information on restau- Ironbridge, TF8 7AD rants, including opening times and 01952 432055 ALBRIGHT HUSSEY type of cuisine, visit: www.whatson- Ellesmere Rd, live.co.uk Shrewsbury, SY4 3AF 01939 290 523 DY9 9PS 01562 883260 BISTRO JACQUES 77/77a Black Country FRANZLS 151 Milcote Rd, Mardol, Shrewsbury, SY1 Smethwick, B67 5BN 1PZ 01743 272586 ARBOUR LIGHTS 127-128 0121 429 7920 Lichfield Street, Walsall, BUTLERS Park St, Shifnal, FRENCH CONNECTION WS1 1SY 01922 613361 TF11 9BA 01952 460128 3 Coventry St, BANKS BISTRO Chapel CASA NARANJO Barracks Stourbridge, DY8 1EP Passage, Wyle Cop, Ash, Wolverhampton, 01384 390940 WV1 4EP 01902 238433 Shrewsbury, SY1 01743 FRENCH HEN Bromsgrove 588165 BELLA 82 Chapel Ash, Rd, Clent, Stourbridge, CASA RUIZ 45 High Street, Wolverhampton, 01902 DY9 9PY 01562 883040 427555 Bridgnorth, WV16 4DX GOLDEN MOMENTS 2-3 01746 218 084 BENGAL FUSION 174 High Ablewell St, Walsall, WS1 St, Lye, Stourbridge, DY9 2EQ 01922 640363 CHEZ MAW Best Western Valley Hotel, Buildwas 8LN. 01384 891111 THE HUNGRY BISTRO 81 BILASH 2 Cheapside, Rd, Ironbridge, TF8 7DW Lichfield Street, 01952 432247 Wolverhampton, WV1 Wolverhampton, WV1 1TU 01902 427762 1EQ 01902 546336 THE COTTAGE Tern Hill, Market Drayton, TF9 3PX THE BLUE BRICK LE BRASSERIE 5 Lower 01630 638984 Broad Gauge Way, Mill Street, Kidderminster, Wolverhampton, WV1 DY11 6UU 01562 CROMWELLS 11 Dogpole, 1AA 01902 875301 744976 Shrewsbury, SY1 1EN Moli Tea House, The Market Hall, Shrewsbury 01743 361440 BRAVACCIOUS 4 Upper MADE IN THAI Darlington 01743 281744 THE PLUME OF FEATHERS ST16 2HY DA VINCI’S 26 High St, Green, Wolverhampton, St, Wolverhampton, WV1 THE HAYWARDS at The Harley, Shrewsbury, SY5 01785 253279 4HW 01902 312512 Ironbridge, TF8 7AD WV6 8QQ 01902 Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, 6LP 01743 727360 ESSENCE OF THE ORIENT 756052 PARADISE BALTI 7 Lower 01952 432250 Shrewsbury, SY1 1UY PORTER HOUSE 15 St 27 Broad Eye, Stafford, CAFE CHAMPAGNE 253- Mill Street, Kidderminster, DORRINGTON OLD HALL 01743 353107 Mary’s St, Shrewsbury, ST16 2QB 01785 229988 255 Bilston Road, DY11 6UU 01562 60479 PERSIAN CUISINE Main HENRY TUDOR HOUSE FOUR SEASONS Swinfen Wolverhampton, WV2 Road, Dorrington, SY1 1EQ 01743 358870 THE PIE FACTORY 50 Hurst Barracks Passage, Hall, Lichfield, WS14 2JN 01902 458024 Lane, Tipton, DY4 9AB Shropshire SY5 7JD THE POUND AT LEEBOT- Shrewsbury, SY1 1XA 9RE 01543 481494 CASA CASITA Upper 0121 557 1402 01743 719100 WOOD Leebotwood, Nr 01743 361666 THE GREEN ROOM Castle Gornal, Dudley, DY3 1UP RED FORT Fold St, DRAPERS 10 St Mary’s St Church Stretton, SY6 HILL VALLEY HOTEL Dyke, Lichfield, WS13 01902 676754 Wolverhampton, WV1 Shrewsbury, SY1 1DZ 6ND 01694 751477 Tarporley Road, 6HR 01543 412121 CATELLANI’S 4LP 01902 424440 01743 344679 RENAISSANCE, 29a 6 School St, Whitchurch, SY13 4HA INDIAN VILLAGE Wolverhampton, WV1 RISTORANTE ROMAGNA 4 THE FEATHERS Brockton, Princess St, Shrewsbury, 0844 879 9049 8 Lombard St, Lichfield, 4LR 01902 428928 Upper Green, Tettenhall, Much Wenlock, TF13 SY11LW 01743 354289 THE INN AT GRINSHILL WS13 6DR 01543 Wolverhampton WV6 6JR 01746 785202 ROMOLO Victoria Avenue, CINNAMON COURT Bentley The High Street, 253415 Mill Way, Walsall, WS2 8QQ 01902 756052 Shrewsbury, SY1 1HH FENNELS 8 Market Place, Grinshill, Shrewsbury, INDICA Virage Park, 0BP 0121 568 6664 SAFFRON Wolverhampton 01743 233244 Shifna,l TF11 9AZ SY4 3BL 01939 220410 Cannoc, WS11 0HN Road, Oldbury, B69 4RR 01952 463020 THE COWSHED Clive KING & THAI Avenue Rd, SARACENS Shrewsbury 08712 070417 Farm Clive Rd, 0121 552 1752 THE FOX INN 46 High St, Broseley, Telford, TF12 Rd, SY4 4AG 01939 LA DOLCE VITA 19 Stafford Pattingham, WV6 7EN SIMON’S 520 Chester Rd, Much Wenlock, TF13 5DL 01952 882004 210877 St, Stone, ST15 8QW 01902 701888 Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 6AD 01952 727292 THE KNIGHTON HOTEL SEBASTIANS 45 Willow St, 01785 817 985 THE CROOKED HOUSE 0PU 0121 580 9293 FRANK CAFE BAR 129 Broad Street, Knighton, Oswestry, SY11 1AQ THE LODGE 24 Coppice Hill, Himley, SPICES Hollywell Rd, Frankwell, Shrewsbury, Powys, LD7 1BL 01547 01691 655444 Birmingham Road, DY3 4DA 01384 238583 Wednesbury, WS10 7PA SY3 8JX 01743 354422 520530 SHALIMAR 23 Abbey Shenstone, WS14 0LQ THE DITCH 1 Town Hill, 0121 502 0720 THE GOLDEN CROSS 14 LA DOLCE VITA 35 Hills Foregate, Shrewsbury, 01543 483334 Walsall, WS1 2EU 01922 THE SPRINGHILL Princess St, Shrewsbury, Lane, Shrewsbury, SY1 SY2 6AE 01743 366658 MALABAR 1-2 Water 643215 Warstones Rd, Penn, Wolverhampton, WV4 SY1 1LP 01743 362507 1QU 01743 249126 SHERAZ 79 Wyle Cop, Street, Stafford, ST16 DON SALVO 25 Darlington 4LB 01902 342530 GRANARY BAR & GRILL LA LANTERNA The Old Shrewsbury, SY1 1UT 2AG 01785 227 500/600 Street, Wolverhampton, Weston Park, Weston- 01743 242321 MARLOES 13 London WV1 4HW 01902 712819 THE SUMMERHOUSE 92 Vestry, St Julian's Gospel End Rd, Dudley, under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, Church, Shrewsbury THE SILVERTON the Old Road, Newcastle under DUNSLEY HALL Dunsley DY3 4AN 01902 676 102 TF11 8LE 01952 852107 SY1 1UH 01743 233552 Dairy, 9-10 Frankwell, Lyme, ST4 1LQ 01782 Rd, Kinver, DY7 6LU THE GLUTTON CLUB 165- LION & PHEASANT 50 661983 01384 877077 THORNESCROFT Shrewsbury SY3 8JY Bridgnorth Rd, 167 Frankwell, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, 01743 248000 THE MILL 1 Mill St, Stone, FARADAYS The Wolverhampton, WV6 Shrewsbury, SY3 8LG SY1 1XJ 01743 770345 ST15 8BA 01785 818456 Waterfront, Brierley Hill, TIN TINS Wellington Road, 7EQ 01902 700 253 01743 361672 THE LION QUAYS Moreton, Telford, TF2 8AJ THE NAVIGATION INN Dudley, DY5 1UR Oswestry, SY11 3EN 01384 482 882 THE WOODMAN Claverley, HADLEY PARK HOUSE 01952 608688 Newport Road, Gnosall, Wolverhampton, WV5 Hadley Park, Telford, TF1 01691 684300 Stafford, ST20 0BN FIVE RIVERS Vicarage THE WALLS Welsh Walls, 7DG 01746 710 553 6QJ 01952 677269 LOCH FYNE Talbot House, 01785 822327 Place, Walsall, WS1 3NA Oswestry, SY11 1AW Market Street, 01922 646164 HAVANA REPUBLIC 01691 670970 OLD VICARAGE 2 Main St, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LG 18 Abbey Foregate, ZIZZI RISORANTE 39-40 Branston, Burton, DE14 FOUR STONES Adam’s 01743 277140 3EX 01283 533222 Hill, Clint, Stourbridge, Shrewsbury, SY2 6AE High Street, Shrewsbury, LUDLOW KITCHEN SY1 1SF 01743 353232 PASCAL AT THE OLD VIC- Bromfield, Ludlow, SY2 ARAGE 2 Main Street, 2JR 01584 856020 Branston, Burton-upon- THE MALTHOUSE The Staffordshire Trent 01283 533222 Wharfage, Ironbridge, PASTICHE BISTRO 1 - 2 Mill TF8 7NH 01902 433712 NO 5 Gaol Mews, Stafford, Street, Stafford, ST16 2AJ (EST 86) ST16 3AN 01785 22 9900 MOMO·NO·KI T19 Abbey 01782 263 737 THE DINNER CLUB Foregate, Shrewsbury, 95 HIGH GREEN Cannock, THE PEAR TREE Swinfen, A RECIPE FOR FINE FOOD AND GOOD COMPANY WS11 1BH 01543 SY2 6AE 01743 281770 Nr. Lichfield, WS14 9QR 573905 MORGANS 1 Bellstone, 01543 481807 1709 THE BASSERIE 3-5 PORTOFINO 38-40 Marsh Shrewsbury, SY1 1HU Lombard St, Lichfield, SINGLE? 01743 231199 St Stoke-On-Trent, ST1 WS13 6DP 01543 257986 1JD 01782 209444 For the more discerning THE MYTTON & MERMAID BELLA ITALIA 20 Greengate THE RED ROOM 7 Atcham, Shrewsbury, St, Stafford, ST16 2HS unattached person, age 40+ Newcastle Road, SY5 6QG 01743 761220 01785 211968 THE OLD ORLETON INN Congleton, CW12 4HN Events weekly include dining out, dinner dances, black tie CHANDLERS Corn 01260 297871 Holyhead Rd, Wellington, Exchange, Conduit St, THORNBURY HALL, RASOI balls, theatre,t heatre, parties, parties, weekends weekends away away and and holidays holidays abroad. abroad. TF1 2HA 01952 255011 Lichfield, WS13 6JU Lockwood Rd, Kingsley THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL & 01543 416688 Holt, Stafford, ST10 2DH NOT A DATING AGENCY RESTAURANT Lowe Hill THE CORNER HOUSE 01538 750831 Road, Wem, Shropshire, Second Avenue,Burton- SY4 5UA 01939 233233 On-Trent, DE14 2WF WOLSELEY ARMS (Day) (Eve/W-end) 01244 677030 /01244 548816 01283 542321 Wolseley Bridge, THE PEACH TREE 21 Abbey Stafford, ST17 0XS Foregate, Shrewsbury, CURRY KUTEER 31 01889 883179 www.thedinnerclubuk.com SY2 6AE 01743 355055 Greengate Street, Stafford, 66 www.whatsonlive.co.uk p67 (IBC) R2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2015 16:57 Page 1

‘Shropshire’s NO.1 new years Party Venue’

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance STRICTLY LIMITED AVAILABILITY 3 courses just £34.95 including entrance into C:21 Nightclub & Havana Republic cocktail bar, until 4am!

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

*Terms & conditions apply grand_whatson FP DEC:Layout 1 20/11/2015 14:10 Page 1 Great Theatre at the Grand!

TUES 1 - SAT 5 DEC SAT 12 DEC 2015 - SUN 24 JAN FRI 29 JAN

SOUTH STAFFS MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY PROUDLY PRESENTS

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

SAT 30 JAN SUN 31 JAN TUES 2 - SAT 6 FEB

The National Theatre Production

J.B. Priestly’s Classic Thriller

Directed by Stephen Daldry

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

SUN 21 FEB WED 2 - SAT 5 MARCH TUE 15 - SAT 19 MARCH

Music by STEVEN MARGOSHES Lyrics by JAQUES LEVY Book by JOSE FERNADEZ Based on a concept by David DeSilva (Title song “Fame” written by Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore)

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with JOSEF WEINBERGER LTD. ON BEHALF OF MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL OF NEW YORK

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