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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 372 DECEMBER 2016

Warwickshire ’ ONKATHERINE JENKINS WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk IN THE MIDLANDS

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

The Belgrade’s annual alternative pantomime p02 (IFC) Warks.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:10 Page 1

JAN - FEB 2017 HIGHLIGHTS

www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

13 JAN, 7.30PM, 25 JAN, 7.30PM, 14 JAN, 2PM FRANKENSTEIN &7.30PM, A brand new adaptation of THE JUNGLE BOOK Mary Shelley’s Gothic horror masterpiece fusing ensemble Rudyard Kipling’s “The storytelling, live music, Jungle Book” is getting the puppetry and stunning Oddsocks treatment! Enjoy theatricality the comical adventures of Calling Wolf-cubs Mowgli the man cub as he everywhere, battles to survive and become the leader of the pack.

29 JAN, 11AM & 2PM, 1 FEB, 7.30PM, THE BOY WHO BIT POLICE COPS PICASSO THE PRETEND MEN’s critically With storytelling, music and acclaimed, multi lots of chances to make your award-winning comedy own art, this hands-on and blockbuster delivers an hilarious family show intro- action packed hour of adren- duces one of the 20th century’s aline most fuelled physical comedy, inﬂuential artists through the cinematic style and eyes of a young boy. uncompromising facial hair

16 -17 FEB, 7.30PM, 25 FEB, 12PM & 3PM, MOTIONHOUSE - LAND OF THE SCATTERED DRAGON - This astonishing production ‘GWLAD Y explores our relationship DDRAIG’ with water, a fundamental force in our lives. Seven Encounter magical creatures, dancers delve into the mythical stories and majesty and savagery of spellbinding tales from water, plunging into an Wales in this exciting piece of ocean, tumbling down a puppet theatre inspired by waterfall and sliding on an folklore, legends and ancient avalanche to a frozen stories from the Welsh landscape of arctic beauty. book of fairy tales, The Mabinogion.

MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 Contents December Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:59 Page 2

December 2016

Contents

Marvel Universe Live - Superheroes assemble for all-action Midlands show page 45

Behind The Scenes Mrs Barbara Nice Illuminating! the list

Panto preparations at talks about her Christmas Magic Lantern Festival at Your 16-page Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre Cracker of a show... Birmingham Botanical Gardens week-by-week listings guide Feature page 8 Interview page 18 page 49 page 53

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4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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First Word

A Stompingly good spring programme at Warwick Arts

Global theatrical dance phenomenon Stomp heads up a diverse programme of entertainment at Warwick Arts Centre in the spring. The hit West End show takes its place in a line-up of productions that also includes choreographer Matthew Bourne’s Early Adventures, a new adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and the internationally renowned Cheek By Jowl’s version of Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Comedians Jimmy Carr, Stephen K Amos, Sue Perkins and Al Murray are among the solo performers who’ll be plying their trade at the Coventry venue. High-profile singers and musicians Ruby Turner, violinist Nicola Benedetti, Courtney Pine and Roberto Fonsec also feature. Commenting on the spring season, Warwick Arts Centre’s programme director, Julia Carruthers, said: “With household names, world-renowned performers and acclaimed companies bringing some of the very best shows to our stages, I’m sure our audiences will continue to be delighted with what they see, hear, learn and experience all under our roof!” For more information, visit warwickartscentre.co.uk

Dippy the Dinosaur heads Eighties pop stars in Celebrating 25 years of to the Midlands Coventry nostalgia show Sound Investment... The UK’s most famous dinosaur is heading A concert celebrating for the Midlands. the 25th anniversary The Natural History Museum’s (NHM) plas- of Birmingham ter-of-Paris model of a Diplodocus will spend Contemporary Music four months at Birmingham Museum & Art Group’s (BCMG) Gallery (BMAG) as part of a nationwide tour. Sound Investment The model, affectionately referred to as crowdfunding scheme Dippy, has been delighting visitors to the takes place this NHM since 1905 and has never before been month. Thomas Ades exhibited outside London. The Thomas Adès- The full skeleton in its displayed pose is an conducted event at the city’s CBSO Centre, impressive 21.3 metres long, 4.3 metres wide on Saturday 10 December, will feature sever- and 4.25 metres high. Pop superstars from the 1980s are being sent al Sound Investment pieces and the world Commenting on the exhibit, which arrives at to Coventry next year. premiere of a new work by Francisco Coll. BMAG on 17 May 2018, Dr Ellen McAdam, Legendary names including Tony Hadley Commenting on the celebrations, BCMG’s Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, (pictured), Paul Young, T’Pau, Nik Kershaw, artistic director, Stephan Meier, said: “Sound said: “I remember encountering Dippy on Bananarama, Kim Wilde, Jason Donovan, Investors share with BCMG a mercurial my first visit to London at the age of 11, Cutting Crew and Go West are set to appear enjoyment in seeing a new work develop and when I was fascinated equally by fossils and in revival gig StepBack at the city’s Ricoh an inherent sense of adventure. The bril- mummies. I’m thrilled that we’re now able to Arena on 14 October. liance of Sound Investment lies in its sim- bring the most famous dinosaur cast in “The ’80s was a magical decade for music,” plicity. In creating Sound Investment, my Britain to Birmingham.” says the venue’s managing director, Andy predecessors, Simon Clugston and Stephen Gibb, “and some of the top acts of that era Newbould, developed a model for engage- will be performing in front of a packed house ment and creative fundraising that was way and very much in a party atmosphere. We’ve ahead of its time, and which has been hosted some great UK and international admired and replicated in various forms artists over the past 11 years, but this is the worldwide. Most importantly, it has created first time we’ve staged this sort of ’80s event. an international BCMG family that extends It should be a really great night.” far beyond the concert platform. Our chal- Early bird tickets cost £45, including a book- lenge is to continue to stay ahead of the ing fee, and are available from stepbackcon- game, something we are very much looking cert.co.uk. General tickets will go on sale on forward to doing.” 1 March, priced at £50 plus booking fee.

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Entertainment news from around the region

Robbie at the Ricoh Pop icon and Midlands man Robbie Williams is making a welcome return to the region as part of a 2017 stadium tour. The Stoke-on-Trent-born superstar will take his Heavy Entertainment Show Tour to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena on 13 June, supported by Erasure. Robbie will also make history by being the first solo artist to headline the London Stadium at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, playing the 60,000-seat venue on 23 June.

Enter Shikari to headline Midlands Slam Dunk 2017 British rock band Enter Shikari will headline the 2017 Slam Dunk Festival in the Midlands. The talented four-piece, who are this year celebrating their 10th anniversary, made their first appearance at the festival in 2015 and will be performing ‘a very special exclusive UK festival set’. "Slam Dunk is a festival that we’ve been attending from the very start,” says band member Rou Reynolds. “It's grown into one of the most important festivals in alternative music, and it will be an New venue absolute honour to headline it in 2017. We’re going to be celebrating the 10-year anniversary of our announced for debut album, Take To The Skies, which feels totally mental in and of itself. The fact that we get to Coventry Pride reminisce and relive tracks we recorded so long ago, and which are still held dear by so many, is something I could never have anticipated back then, and it fills me with appreciation for everyone Coventry’s gay Pride event is moving who’s supported the band over the years.” to a new venue in 2017. Slam Dunk Festival Midlands takes place at the Genting Arena and NEC on 27 May. For tickets, visit The popular festival, which is being held on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 theticketfactory.com or call 0844 33 88 222. June, will take place in the city’s University Square. Organisers are promising live music and entertainment, commercial, Admission is After-dark family adventure in Stratford charity and information stalls and an open, friendly vibe. free for kids The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is this month hosting ‘an enchanting It's hoped that the new location will at arboretum after-dark adventure’ in Stratford-upon-Avon. make Pride less crowded and easier The Garden Of Curious A-Muse-ments, taking place at Shakespeare’s Arley Arboretum is to access, while at the same time New Place from 15 to 17 December, pays tribute to the playwright’s cre- doing its bit to bring maintaining the intimate communi- ativity and is described by organisers as ‘a magical interactive experi- ty atmosphere that its organisers are festive cheer to families ence for all the family’. aiming for. this Christmas by giv- Tickets cost £8 for adults, ing children free admis- £5 for children and £20 sion from 1 to 18 for families (two adults December. Music on the and up to four under-17s). And that’s not all... menu at For more information and Youngsters visiting the to book tickets, visit Pizza Express venue at weekends get musecatcher.org. Pizza Express is this month opening to meet Santa Claus, a pop-up live music venue in its tell him what they want Brindleyplace branch in for Christmas and Birmingham. receive a gift to take The new Pizza Express Jazz Club will One hundred years of Disney magic... host six live music performances away. over the first three weekends in The arboretum also fea- Mickey Mouse and a whole host of other famous cartoon characters take December, with BRIT Award winner tures a free kids’ to the ice at Birmingham’s Genting Arena next year, to celebrate a centu- Beverley Craven kickstarting the Christmas trail, a chal- ry of Walt Disney-inspired entertainment. season on the 2nd. lenging maze and an Disney On Ice: 100 Years Of Magic will feature over 50 characters from Also featuring is Motown Live Revue adventure playground. the company’s long and illustrious history, including Aladdin, Beauty (3 December), Mari Wilson (9 Dec), And The Beast, Pinocchio and The Lion King. Shakatak (10 Dec), Liane Carroll (16 Entrance into the venue Frozen’s Anna, Elsa and Olaf also feature. Dec) and Kiki Dee (17 Dec). for adults is £5 per per- For tickets and more information, son. For more informa- The production shows at the Genting Arena from 12 to 16 April. For tick- visit pizzaexpresslive.com/pizzaex- tion, visit arleyarbore- ets, ring 0844 33 88 222 (Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone com- press-live-birmingham tum.co.uk pany's access charge). whatsonlive.co.uk 5 FIRST WORD December Warwicks.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:03 Page 3

First Word

Venues announced for New Snow White Art West Midlands 2017 first edition at Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools antiques show are set to exhibit new work at four leading gal- leries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands will next year use Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac birmingham, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Worcester City Art Gallery to display the new work, which includes painting, installation, sculpture, photography, video, animation and digital artworks. The exhibition will show at each of the four venues from 18 February to 14 May. For more information, visit newartwestmidlands.co.uk A rare first-edition book, recounting the popular fairytale of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, looks set to be the star attraction at this Plenty of laughs Iconic truck makes festive visit to Brum month’s Antiques For in Leicester The iconic Coca-Cola truck is visiting Birmingham this month as part of Everyone Winter Fair in Birmingham. The 2017 Leicester Comedy its UK tour. The truck stops off in the city on Saturday 17 December, Published in 1937 and val- Festival will feature a providing families with the opportunity to explore a ‘magical winter ued at £28,500, the first edi- bumper 770 events, includ- wonderland’, and then, after dark, to enjoy a short Christmas animation features a high number ing performances by Jimmy tion screened onto the truck. of original signatures. Walt Carr, Johnny Vegas, Ken “Coca-Cola is synonymous with the Christmas season,” says Aedamar Disney himself signed the Dodd, Richard Herring, Howlett, marketing director for book, as did 51 of the 64 Stewart Lee and Sue Coca-Cola Great Britain, “and it’s original illustrators who Perkins. no secret that our much-loved worked on the classic movie Launching the official event truck tour marks the unofficial version of Snow White. brochure, festival founder countdown to Christmas.” The book is being exhibited and director Geoff Rowe For more information, visit coca- at the event by Paul Foster, said: “Following a truly cola.co.uk/stories/keep-on-truck- of London-based Foster depressing 2016 across the ing Books. “It’s one of those rare UK, we’ve made it our mis- books that pop up from time sion to lift people’s spirits. to time that are highly Join our celebrations sought after and everyone throughout February, as we Get jogging to spread some festive cheer wants to get hold of,” says present another festival Charity fundraisers can stretch their legs and get into the spirit of Paul. “The book has a per- bursting with laughs. Christmas over the first weekend of December, courtesy of two festive- fect storm of collectable fea- There’s a comedy show for themed ‘fun runs’ taking place in Birmingham. tures, such as it being a first every taste, the return of Acorns Children’s Hospice is hoping to raise much-needed funds when edition, having its original #UKPunday and the UK Pun they host a Santa Run around Birmingham’s Cannon Hill Park on dust jacket and the highly Championships, exclusive Saturday 3 December. unusual number of signa- interviews with top comedi- Participants will be given their very own fancy-dress Santa suits and tures. We’re expecting a lot ans and a host of unique can then enjoy a 5km Santa Run or a 2km Santa Stroll. of interest at the fair.” events to enjoy.” To sign up, visit acorns.org.uk/santa, call 01564 82 5000 or email Antiques For Everyone The festival takes place at [email protected]. Winter Fair takes place at various Leicester venues Meanwhile, Birmingham’s St Mary’s Hospice is calling on people to the NEC, Birmingham, from from 8 to 26 February. take part in its annual Jingle Bell Jog around Kings Heath Park on 1 to 4 December. For more information, visit Sunday 4 December. For more information, visit comedy-festival.co.uk The registration fee antiquesforeveryone.co.uk includes a Santa suit and bushy white beard for participants to wear while completing the 2km route. To find out more, visit careatchrist- mas.org. Sue Perkins

6 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD December Warwicks.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:03 Page 4 Behind the scenes Belgrade DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:57 Page 1

FEATURE

I ’ Pant tim!

What’s On recently paid a visit to Coventry to ﬁnd out what goes into the making of the Belgrade Theatre’s pantomime, Dick Whittington

You might be the first to heave a sigh of “I think we got the designs for our panto more that go into making a myriad of exasperation when Christmas adverts through in June this year,” says Tim Mur- wonderful worlds on stage. start appearing in November, or per- ley, Head of Scenic Arts at Belgrade Pro- Long-term Belgrade panto writer, director haps you're one of those who starts duction Services. “We always try to start and Dame Iain Lauchlan (returning for his singing in the supermarket aisles the on the Belgrade show as soon as possible, 22nd show this year) has pointed out that moment the carols are rolled out. But because you never quite know how much there are a large number of locations in whether the drawn-out festive seasons you're going to have to get through for all this year's choice of panto, Dick Whitting- of today are something to be cele- the others.” ton, which follows young Dick's journey brated or endured by the general pub- In addition to the Belgrade's own panto, from humble origins in Gloucestershire to lic, they're nothing compared to what the workshop has created sets for several the bustling city of London, then out on a happens at the Belgrade Theatre's sce- other Christmas shows of various scales ship over the ocean to the sun-drenched nic workshop, where Christmas begins and sizes this year, all produced or co- shores of Morocco. Plenty to keep the sce- in summer. produced by Coventry-based Imagine nic team busy, then! Like Santa's elves, an army of set-builders, Theatre. Between June and December, the “We've got a scene with the ship in the prop-makers and costume-creators work Red Lane building becomes a hive of ac- harbour which was quite a difficult one to hard most of the year round to make your tivity, with the team getting through do because we had to cut a lot of voids out Christmases more magical, expertly real- around 50 to 100 litres of paint and about of the cloth,” explains Murley. “We cut ising designs for pantomimes across the 100 kilos of glitter each year - that's not to pieces out so that the audience can see country. mention all the textiles, wood, metal and through and things can be layered up, but

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by Heather Kincaid

then of course you have to find a way of be up for grabs as a potential ingredient supporting the rest of the cloth and mak- in cooking up Dame Sarah's outlandish ing sure it drapes properly, which we do outfits. Stuffed crows and sea creatures by sliding a bit of netting into the voids. perch on brightly coloured hats, while “Later, the ship sinks while it's out on the rigidly constructed skirts envelop man- ocean, and we have a UV scene underwa- nequins and stands. Even the things you ter. There's always a UV scene in every don't see might surprise you; some of the Belgrade panto. For those, we use invisi- most unusual items used are those en- ble UV paint on the sets, so you can't see tirely hidden from the audience's view, it under normal lighting, but as soon as like the plastic corn-on-the-cobs wrapped you put the fluorescent lights on it, it all in yellow hair for one of Sarah's crazy comes to life.” wigs. Additional pieces of wooden scenery are Once everything is ready, the first things also used to decorate the stage, and a to be taken to the venue are the cloths, number of elaborate moving parts, such which can be hung up on a grid above the as the sinking ship and a shop that opens stage out of the way while other shows up, present an extra challenge. continue. The rest remains in storage containers at the workshop until the Luckily, while the British panto tradition panto's ready to begin, since there's far and its classic tales might be ages old, the too much of it to sit around at the theatre. methods used to bring them to life today are much more modern. Computer Aided But what about when it's all over? Well, Design technology and some impressive- one of the advantages of working for a looking equipment help make Tim and UK-wide producing company is that noth- his team's job a whole lot easier. The ing need be wasted - the sets for Dick jewel in the workshop's technological Whittington this year will all eventually crown is the £76,000 CNC (Computer Nu- move on to other theatres for use another merical Control) router machine, pur- day. chased by the theatre in April 2014 for “Nothing gets thrown away; panto sets cutting wooden scenery. can always be reused. Imagine Theatre do Once they've been cut out and painted, as about 16 pantos across the country every many as 100 individual pieces might be year, so they'll take the whole set after- fitted together to produce the scenes you wards, refurb it and hire it out to other see on stage - a little more interesting a venues. This year's show will be going to process than piecing together your aver- Inverness next.” age Christmas jigsaw puzzle! The show must go on, as they say, and And it's not just the static set that's made some must go on longer than others! It here. The workshop also houses the Bel- seems fitting that, like its title character, grade's prop and costume departments - Dick Whittington will soon be heading off both treasure troves of fascinating odds on an adventure of its own, with lots of and ends, particularly as panto season different locations to visit. sets in. In the prop room, you might catch a glimpse of a vicious-looking rat face, a Dick Whittington shows at the wolf or a half-finished giant foam octo- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry until pus. In the larger wig and costume area, Saturday 7 January meanwhile, almost any object seems to

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Food

REVIEW: CAU, Leamington Spa when I reached the point of being full, it still looked as A Buenos Aires-inspired night out in Warwickshire though I’d barely started! And I’d chosen the smallest option too - you can choose up to 600g - so unless you’re a serious car- nivore with an even more serious appetite, I’d recommend asking for a smaller cut - an option, the waitress informed me, that comes courtesy of the restaurant’s in-house butchery. For the record, the steaks range from £13.95 up to £39.95 for one of the three speciality cuts. Better yet, £87.95 buys you a feasting plate - 400g of each of the speciality cuts. I can’t imagine this is designed for one person - anyone who managed to eat it on their own should get a medal. We opted to split a dessert. Even though the unique cornflake ice- cream sundae jumped off the menu at us, we opted for a plate of the most more-ish churros I’ve ever tasted. The lovely, crisp, cinnamon-flavoured batter was accompanied by some delight- fully sticky chocolate sauce. Even though I was full after the steak, I still managed to eat my With 21 outlets in the UK, plus That said, the stylish design is its secret ingredients, it contains allotted half. I could probably one in Amsterdam, Argentinian part of the CAU experience and tomatoes, sugar, apples, peppers have managed the lot if my part- steakhouse chain CAU (Carne extends to the shiny bar area and aniseed. ner hadn’t already devoured her Argentina Unica, or ‘only and open-plan kitchen, so we I could have eaten these tapas- share. Argentinian meat’) is on a roll at embraced it. Our ability to go style treats all night. ‘Feasting’ And so our Argentinian dining the moment. And if the quality with the flow was doubtless on small plates is one of the experience came to an end - but of food and service at its aided by the excellent wines we options at CAU (prices range what an experience it had Leamington branch is anything selected from the drinks list, from £5.95 to £6.95), but steak is proved to be. CAU is certainly to go by, the company’s success which also contained a great virtually obligatory at an worth a return visit - the restau- story is likely to continue. range of beers, cocktails, milk- Argentinian restaurant - espe- rant is definitely delivering on The restaurant in Satchwell shakes and smoothies. cially when the prime cuts of its promise to provide a lively Court - which previously housed The drinks flowing, we kicked beef come from grass-fed cattle. Buenos Aires-inspired night out. a Superdry store - opened in off with a couple of wonderful My partner chose a 220g rump Steve Adams September. Its lively atmosphere appetisers - belly of pork tempu- steak that wasn’t only perfectly and contemporary food have ra and an Anticuchos skewer of lean but superbly - and slowly - Food: n n n n n proved a real hit with customers chorizo and red pepper. The per- cooked, ensuring it melted in the Service: n n n n n - a fact supported by the cheery fectly marinated meat of the lat- mouth. So too did her side order Ambience: n n n n n bustle we encountered on what ter - apparently a popular street of baked sweet potato, creatively Overall value n n n n n we’d expected to be a relatively food in Buenos Aires - was an served in slices with butter and OVERALL n n n n n quiet Monday night. instant hit, but was definitely herbs. trumped - if it’s still okay to use The cheeriness was reflected in I opted for one of the menu’s that word?! - by the meaty pork our wonderfully friendly wait- speciality cuts - an enormous belly that came encased in fabu- ress, who couldn’t have been 400g Tira de Ancho rib-eye, mar- CAU Leamington Spa lously fluffy light batter. Better 7 Satchwell Street more helpful in settling us in, inated in rich chimichurri and still, the tempura was taken into Leamington Spa even though I found our table nicknamed ‘the king of steaks’. orbit by the subtle sweetness of CV32 4QE position a mite too open-plan (I It was a quite stunning piece of the accompanying CAUchup Tel: 01926 336056 prefer a cosy corner). I instantly meat, fabulously tender and sauce. The sauce is made to a regretted not requesting one of enormous. And when I say enor- closely guarded recipe, but the the corrugated booths off to the mous, I mean enormous! Even side. chef did reveal that, along with whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD December - Region Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:57 Page 3

12 whatsonlive.co.uk FOOD December - Region Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:57 Page 4

Food

Thai restaurant ‘Best Oriental Establishment’ in annual food awards Popular Thai eatery Sabai Sabai has been named Best Oriental Establishment at the annual Food Awards England event. Winning the coveted title topped off a great 2016 for the restaurant chain, which has Birmingham branches in Harborne and Moseley and a new establishment in Stratford-upon- Avon. Earlier in the year, the husband-and-wife-owned eatery also won the Best Oriental Restaurant title at the Birmingham Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards. Food Awards England is now in its Solihull Indian street food venue offers dining third year. Based on a public vote, the initiative commends the talented experience with a difference individuals and businesses that ‘con- A new venue serving Indian street food has Commenting on the restaurant, its owner, stantly deliver high-quality dishes, opened in Solihull. Faheem Badur, said: “Eating out should be a produce and supplies, to ensure Indico Street Kitchen is located in Shirley’s fun experience, with the best quality of food, impeccable service to their cus- Parkgate Shopping Centre. It serves a menu service and ambience. What I am trying to tomers’. that includes dishes such as gol gappa (puffed recreate is a real sense of fun using the best of hollow pastry rounds filled with seasoned Indian culture, music, street food, street art potatoes and chilled, mint-flavoured water), and amazing cocktails.” and pav bhaji (a spicy blend of mashed vegeta- For more information, visit bles with a lightly battered toasted bun). indicostreetfood.co.uk

Midlands young chefs enjoy national success Two young Midlands chefs are celebrating after earning recognition for their phenomenal talent. Twenty-one-year-old Frances Attwood, who works at Simpsons restaurant in Edgbaston, Birmingham, has been named the British Culinary Federation’s Young Chef of the Year. Also enjoying success in the same competition was 23-year-old Kenilworth chef Andreas Doukanaris, who came third. Frances won the title by successfully competing against Andreas and 14 other young chefs from some of the New seafood eatery opens in old cinema building UK’s best restaurants. A brand new seafood restaurant has opened in sels and garlic prawns. The competition required the chefs to the building which once housed Birmingham’s The top floor of the venue is a state-of-the-art cook a three-course meal for two peo- Futurist Cinema. nightclub, which opens on Friday and Saturday ple in the space of two hours. Situated on John Bright Street near the New nights until 3am. Our congratulations go to both Alexandra Theatre, Lobster Peninsula boasts a Lobster Peninsula is open Monday to Thursday Frances and Andreas. It looks like the nine-strong kitchen team led by head chef from 12pm to 11pm (last orders at 10pm), Friday Midlands’ reputation for tasty and Saming Saetang, a Brummie of Thai origin. The and Saturday from midday to midnight, and imaginative cuisine is in the very new eatery’s menu includes lobster bisque and Sunday from 12pm to 10.30pm. safest of hands... lobster chowder, chilled oysters, steamed mus-

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Music - December - Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:00 Page 1

Gigs

The Coral Kasbah, Coventry, Mon 12 December After a five-year hiatus, The Coral released their eighth full-length studio album, Distance Inbetween, earlier this year. Their return sees the band joined by guitarist Paul Molloy, formerly of The Zutons. “Paul was in a band with my brother Ian,” says Coral lead singer James Skelly. “He fitted in and he respected the music. Although he was playing, he never stepped on the toes of what we’d already done, so that convinced us he was the right guy for the job.” Best known for their singles Dreaming Of You, In The Morning, Pass It On and Don’t Think You’re The First, the influential five-piece embark on a new UK tour following a headline performance at Liverpool Sound City this summer. Read the full interview with James at whatsonlive.co.uk

Pixies Seth Lakeman O2 Academy, Birmingham, Thurs 8 December Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 2 December; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 18 December Starting out in the 1990s alongside his brothers, Sam and Sean, Seth Lakeman boldly stepped into the solo spotlight in 2002. He immediately found an audience with debut album The Punch Bowl and bagged a Mercury Prize nomination with follow-up offering Kitty Jay. In between writing and recording albums, he’s played to audiences around the world, performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra, presented a show on BBC Radio Two and become a dad of twins. The award-winning folk singer, song- Placebo writer and multi-instrumentalist here Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Supporting their sophomore post-reunion Thurs 8 December album, Head Carrier, Pixies embark on a performs with his full band, following Alternative rock band Placebo, heading to highly anticipated world tour. the release of new album Ballads Of The Birmingham this month as part of a world The 12-track collection of the band's unique Broken Few. tour, are celebrating the 20th anniversary of mix of surrealism, psychedelia, dissonance the release of their platinum-selling, self- and surf rock was released in September to titled debut album. great critical acclaim. With best-known songs including Pure In addition, the band - Black Francis, Joey Morning and Every You, Every Me, and a cult Santiago and David Lovering - officially wel- fanbase that’s stood by them throughout, come bassist Paz Lenchantin to the perma- their career has seen them delve into the nent line-up. Lenchantin has been the band's genres of glam rock, goth rock, grunge and touring bassist since January 2014, and punk rock. played an integral part in the recording of The band promise a set list spanning their Head Carrier. whole back catalogue. Brian Molko teased: Best known for singles such as Where Is My “Let's just say there will be songs in the set Mind? and Here Comes Your Man, Pixies’ that I've sworn never to play again. I think lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extrater- it's time that we purposefully acknowledged restrials, surrealism, incest and biblical vio- what a lot of Placebo fans really want to lence. hear.” 14 whatsonlive.co.uk Music - December - Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 13:00 Page 2

Gig previews from around the region

Mi Luna Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 2 December

Mi Luna present an exciting fusion of music and dance, creating new har- monies that rise above the barriers of language, nationality, ethnicity and time. Their performance of Spanish early music with a modern twist evokes the atmosphere of a gypsy encampment, with virtuosic improvi- sations on recorders viol, flamenco and baroque guitars and percussion. Expect a unique and versatile pro- Heaton. gramme, suitable for all ages, back- Embrace To date, they’ve released six studio albums, grounds and venues. The Copper Rooms, Coventry, Sat 17 December including The Good Will Out (1998), This New Day (2006) and Embrace (2014). Alternative rock band Embrace comprise the Classics including Come Back To What You McNamara brothers - singer Danny and gui- Red Hot Chili Know, Gravity and Nature's Law are sure to tarist Richard - bassist Steve Firth, key- feature when the boys stop off in Coventry Peppers boardist Mickey Dale and drummer Mike Genting Arena, Birmingham, this month. Sat 10 - Sun 11 December With a reputation for outrageous on- stage antics, Red Hot Chili Peppers The Twang brilliantly blend rock with funk, Biffy Clyro O2 Academy, Birmingham, throwing in elements of punk, hip- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Wed 7 December Sat 17 December hop and psychedelic rock just for The Twang were signed in 2007 and hailed good measure. as Britain’s best new band by NME. Hailing Comprising Anthony Kiedis on from Quinton in Birmingham, Phil Etheridge vocals, Flea on bass, Chad Smith on and Jon Watkin came together musically drums and Josh Klinghoffer on gui- after meeting at Kidderminster College. tar, the band are touring in support Originally called Neon Twang, the band of their Danger Mouse-produced 11th enjoyed great success with their debut studio album, The Getaway. Mixed by album, Love It When I Feel Like This, reach- Nigel Godrich, it made the number- ing number three in the charts. They fol- one spot in 10 countries across lowed up with Jewellery Quarter (2009), Europe. 10:20 (2012) and Neontwang (2014). This is the ninth consecutive year they’ve presented a Christmas show. Finding stardom in 2007 with the album Puzzle, Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro have Madness since established themselves as one of the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, biggest bands on the music scene. Sat 17 December Puzzle was actually the group’s fourth album, so the boys were no overnight suc- Madness were one of the most prominent cess story. Indeed, it was only their decision bands of the 2 Tone Ska revival in the late to perform ‘more mainstream’ songs that 1970s and early 1980s. With hits like Baggy brought them to the attention of a wider Trousers, On The Wings Of A Dove and Our audience. House to recommend them, an evening with The three-piece have recently released sev- Suggs and the gang guarantees plenty of enth studio album Ellipsis, which shot great music and more than a little madcap straight to number one in the UK. mayhem.

For the complete gig guide visit whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical Warwickshire December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:58 Page 1

16 whatsonlive.co.uk Classical Warwickshire December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:58 Page 2

Classical Music

Ex Cathedra: An Elizabethan Christmas St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Tues 13 December Ex Cathedra Consort’s Leamington Music concert provides a unique opportunity for 21st century patrons to sample ‘the grandeur, the emotion and the deep beauty’ of a yuletide season in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. The profound spirituality that was so much a part of Christmas during the Elizabethan era inspired composers such as Byrd, Gibbons and Tallis to write some of the country’s most timeless sacred music, examples of which are here performed by the Consort. The programme includes Byrd’s Mass For Four Voices, Gibbons’ This Is The Record Of John and Tallis’s Videte Miraculum, as Katherine Jenkins: Celebration well as other pieces by all three composers. Sheppard’s Verbum Caro also fea- Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 22 December tures. “The live performance aspect is my favourite part of what I do, and I also happen to love Christmas,” says Katherine Jenkins in talking about her festive-season concert tour. “The show will feature traditional and popular Christmas music - and I also want to get everyone together to sing a little bit. I really want some community carol singing. I want to hear the voices of the audience and compare them as I make my way around the UK!” As well as a selection of seasonal music, the concert also includes songs from Katherine’s 11th and most recent album, Celebration, a collection created to mark a year that’s included the Queen’s 90th birthday, the Rio Olympics and Euro 2016.

K’antu Ensemble Orchestra Of The Lord Leycester Hospital, Warwick, Swan: Mozart & Ex Cathedra Fri 9 December Moravec “K'antu Ensemble is a breath of fresh air,” says Birmingham Conservatoire’s Lecturer in Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- Avon, Tues 6 December Armonico Consort: Composition, Howard Skempton, “early Handel’s Messiah music presented with beguiling virtuosity and As well as being held in high regard for Malvern Theatre, Sat 17 December inventiveness.” their performances of works by such Founded in 2012 by soprano Ruth Hopkins, legendary composers as Berlioz, Founded by organist and conductor the ensemble comprises multi-instrumental- Brahms, Mozart, Schumann, Strauss Christopher Monks in 2001, Armonico are ists and vocalists from across Europe and per- and Vaughan Williams, the Stratford- one of the largest organisations of their forms Renaissance and Baroque music from based Orchestra of the Swan are also kind in the UK. around the world. much admired for their championing of Using authentic period instruments, the “We explore the less-trodden territories of new music, having presented more baroque consort regularly perform with early music,” explains Ruth, “combining ele- than 70 world premieres. some of the best solo musicians in the ments of folk and world music with histori- As might therefore be expected, this lat- world. cally informed techniques. est concert sees them combining the This Malvern concert sees them taking on “The music of Spain and South America familiar with the new - and no doubt the challenge of Handel’s magnificent seemed like the obvious starting place - doing so to excellent effect. choral masterpiece, Messiah, a work hence the name K'antu, referring to an The ‘familiar’ in this case is Haydn’s which tells the story of Christ's Nativity, ancient style of Peruvian and Bolivian music Sinfonia Concertante in Bb - a show- Passion, Resurrection and Ascension. and dance.” piece for multiple soloists which spot- Hugely popular with classical music audi- The group here perform a concert in support lights solo virtuosos within the orches- ences, the oratorio has been performed in of their second album, Dancing And The tra - and Mozart’s Symphony no41, Britain every year since the mid-18th cen- Divine, presenting a programme which takes Jupiter K551. tury. Unquestionably the best-known sec- the carol as its starting point. The ‘new’ is the world premiere of tion of the work is the rousing Hallelujah Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Chorus, one of the most famous pieces of Moravec’s Concertante for violin, cello, Baroque choral music ever written. oboe & bassoon. David Curtis conducts.

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 1

Barbara Nice talks about her Christmas Cracker and explains why we all need to carry on laughing...

Fast becoming a staple feature of Birming- ham's festive offering, Barbara Nice is back again with a brand new, bumper Christmas show for the fifth year running. As December descends upon us, we caught up with the much-loved King's Heath housewife - played by local legend Janice Connolly - to find out what we can expect from this year's Christmas Cracker... “It's going to be a really good night out,” Connolly assures. “You name it, I've got it! I've got a ukulele band, mince pies and Barbara's famous raffle. I've got special guests including Lorraine Bowen, who was a semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent last year. It's great fun and a brilliant thing to do with friends. People always come out saying it's put them right in the mood for Christmas!” The continued success of Barbara's annual Christmas show in the city has sur- prised Connolly, but she's pleased as a festive spiced punch that people are still turning out in their droves to share an evening of silliness with her - and there'll be more of them this year than ever! “It was only supposed to be a one-off really, but people enjoyed it so much that I think it's become part of people's tradition now - it's as traditional as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! It started off as just the one night at mac, and now it's grown into a kind of little tour. I'm doing a few dates at mac and also one at the Ar- trix in Bromsgrove, and then there are shows in Manchester, Clitheroe and Brighton.” Naturally, Barbara is pretty big on Christ- mas, but for Connolly herself, it's the quiet time that comes just after the big day that's the real joy of the holiday season. “I don't mean to be miserable, but I do sometimes find Christmas Day itself can be a bit much. It's lovely when people get together and enjoy themselves, but there's such a lot to do, isn't there? I much prefer

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Barbara Nice DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:53 Page 2

those days in between Boxing Day and In the past, Connolly has commented on at The REP, and also when we took the New Year's Eve - those kind of lost days the negative attitudes towards Birming- show to London, which is great because where you haven't got to do anything, but ham that are present in much of the rest we're not particularly well known there.” your house looks great because your of the country, both in the north and the Nevertheless, Women In Theatre isn't, as Christmas tree's up, and you can watch all south. In recent years, however, huge re- the name might suggest, a project exclu- the stuff on telly that you've been wanting development and investment in the city, sively by and for women. Over the years, to see on catch-up, and you can just kind as well as a growing cultural output, has they've worked with many men, and even of breathe a bit. That's my favourite.” helped to really challenge those percep- addressed important male issues such as Of course, a Barbara is for life and not just tions. mental health and testicular cancer. But for Christmas, and 2016 has definitely “I was working with an actor from Walsall at its heart is a commitment to improving been a brilliant year for the King's Heath on a radio play recently, and he said he's diversity in our theatres, providing a plat- comic. As well as taking home the title of noticed that a lot more people are asking form for those whose voices might not Best Midlands Comedian in our own for his proper accent now - it's something otherwise be heard. What's On Readers' Awards, she was also people are seeking out and enjoying, per- With her theatre company known for tak- named as runner-up in the Midlands Com- haps partly because of things like Peaky ing on weighty issues, Connolly is acutely edy Awards, and has been busy in Birm- Blinders. Anybody that comes to Birming- aware of the many pressing problems in ingham and Salford recording a new ham for the first time immediately our society today. From the outside, the sitcom set to air on BBC Radio Two in changes their mind about it, and a lot of increasing hardship and division in our March. that is to do with what the powers-that-be world might make a comedian's job seem “Barbara was never one for rushing - she's are providing for people. It looks a lot bet- like a tough one, but for her, the difficul- been taking it very slowly, but I do think ter now, and there’s genuinely more to do. ties that we're facing only serve to make she's finally starting to get the recognition I went to the Royal Television Society laughter more important than ever. Awards at the Motorcycle Museum, and she deserves. The sitcom is about Bar- “I'm a big believer in comedy running side Steven Knight, who made Peaky Blinders, bara's life at home with her husband and by side with serious issues because I think was there. Now he's a great fella! And he her best friend, Mary. She and her hus- that, in life, often the times you laugh the said that, I think within the next two band Ken have both got a lot of time on most are after big, terrible events. I also years, they're looking to open a film stu- their hands, but Barbara's a get-up-and- think the working class are really good at dio at the NEC, so hopefully there should doer while Ken just wants to stay at home laughing, and I think we should continue be more and more really good stuff com- watching quiz shows, so it's about her sort to do that. A lot of that is maybe because ing this way.” of putting a firework under him! We people have had harder lives and they recorded four episodes to capacity audi- Outside of being Barbara, Connolly also know how to make the most of it when ences that really, really liked it, so I'm has a career as a theatre-maker, having they're in a bad situation. In the north hoping people will listen in and say to the run the well-regarded company Women In particularly you get a lot of comedy com- BBC, 'More of this please! More Barbara Theatre for an impressive 33 years. Their ing out of women working in the mills and Nice!'” latest project, Starting Out, premiered at shouting to each other and becoming It's now several years since Connolly came Birmingham REP in October, and was these big, matriarchal characters - that's to Birmingham, but to this day she still highly praised for its portrayal of the diffi- part of what's made things like Corona- nods to her northern origins in perform- culties faced by young women entering tion Street so successful. And I think it's ances outside the city. She’s Barbara from the world of work today. important. I think we've got to keep Stockport in some shows, Barbara from “About three years ago, to celebrate our laughing because it gives us strength, and King's Heath in others. 30th anniversary, we talked to women in also it's a way of connecting with people “I don't change a thing really, apart from Birmingham who’d also been doing their and making them feel less powerless.” the bus - it's a number 50 bus when I'm jobs for 30 years, and we created a set of doing King's Heath Barbara and a 192 if monologues based on those conversa- I'm doing Stockport Barbara. That's the tions. So this year, I thought it'd be really Barbara Nice’s Christmas Cracker shows only change. But she travels very well. good to talk to young women about their at Artrix, Bromsgrove, on Monday 12 Wherever I go, people come and tell me experiences of getting onto the career lad- der, because I think it's really tough for December and mac birmingham on that I'm just like their auntie or their mum Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December. - it's the same down south as well.” young people now. We got great feedback

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Comedy

25 Years Of Reeves & Mortimer: The Poignant Moments Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 9 December Reeves & Mortimer’s scheduled appearance in Birmingham last winter had to be postponed due to the latter’s need for a triple heart bypass operation, so it’s particularly nice to see them back in the Midlands this month. Vic and Bob first worked together over a quarter of a century ago. They shot to stardom courtesy of a brand of anarchic humour that blended surreal material with more traditional double-act fare such as corny jokes and violent slapstick. For a time in the 1990s they were pretty much the biggest names on the UK comedy circuit. Their TV work included shows such as The Smell Of Reeves & Mortimer and Shooting Stars - and even a remake of the cult 1960s television adventure series Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). “Playing in front of a living audience is where it all began for us,” says Bob Mortimer. “Some people feel most alive when they’re on fire or in Turkey, but for us the stage is where we thrive. I will ensure that Vic arrives at all dates smartly dressed and unarmed. I promise not to mention foot- ball, JLS or apricots during the performances. Should you choose to attend, be warned - I will not be wearing a toupé.”

Six of the best...

Mick Ferry Mickey Josh The Glee Club, Sharma Widdicombe Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sat 17 & Sat 31 mac, Birmingham, Civic Hall, December Sat 10 December Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 December Highly regarded not If life had worked Peddling a nice line only as a stand-up out differently for in exasperated, self- but also a compere, Mickey Sharma, the deprecating humour Mick has peddled tool of his trade when performing his cynical brand of would have been a live, Devon-raised funnyman Josh humour on BBC One’s Michael McIntyre’s cricket bat rather than a microphone. Widdicombe pumps out his cleverly crafted Comedy Roadshow. The Karachi-born funnyman was a promising gags at a brisk pace, hitting the mark with He’s also enjoyed the experience of ‘being a young cricketer with an ambition to play for the vast majority of his observational materi- film star’, having appeared in Ken Loach’s India, but a nasty head injury, sustained al. Palm D’Or-nominated movie, Looking For while practising his batting, hit his chosen This latest touring show, What Do I Do Now, Eric. career for six... has met with favourable reviews and sees He’s an old-style comedian in many ways, his One emergency operation later, Mickey’s Josh blending nostalgic recollections about dour manner a throwback to the days when sporting aspirations were in tatters, and a his childhood with a well-pitched rant at the blunt northern funnymen were ten-a-penny, long period of both recovery and depression modern world. while his humour is derived from a fairly pes- followed. But the Indian cricket team’s loss Widdicombe jokes include: “Hotdogs cause simistic outlook on life. has proved to be comedy’s gain, with Mickey bum cancer - that was the original slogan for “There's no message in this show”, he earning himself plenty of plaudits and admir- McDonald's before ‘I'm loving it’,” and, declared at one of his gigs. “There's no moral ers since launching his full-time stand-up “People say it’s better to have loved and lost lesson, there are just some jokes. And if you career four years ago. than never loved at all. But that’s not how need a comedian to tell you how to think and His Birmingham appearance this month sees losing things works. When you lose your treat other people, then you should take a him presenting his latest show, A Sharma phone, your first reaction isn't, “At least I ****ing hard look at yourself.” Sutra’s Tale. had a phone; it's better to have had a phone and lost a phone than never to have phoned at all.” 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:55 Page 2

Stephen K Amos The Old Rep, Birmingham, Sat 3 December Stephen K Amos returns to Birmingham this month with his latest touring show, World Famous, in which he reveals everything he’s learned from the cultures of the countries in which he’s performed his stand-up routine. His popularity both here and abroad are suitable reward for a comedian who sometimes wondered whether his big break would ever come. “I used to do a joke where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny Henry to die before I could get on television,” he says, referring to his belief that opportunities for black comedians are few and far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's very much basking in the televisual limelight these days. His success is no surprise, mind, given the quality of his material and his effortless ability to strike all the right chords with his ever-appreciative audience. Jokes include: “Christmases were terrible, not like nowadays when kids get everything. My sister got a miniature set of perfumes called ‘Ample’. It was tiny, but even I could see where my dad had scraped off the ‘S’.”

Ahir Shah Rudi Scott Stafford Gatehouse Lickwood Capurro Theatre, Sat 17 December Regent Theatre, Lichfield Garrick, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 15 December Oxbridge graduate Sat 31 December Ahir Shah is happy Outrageous and out- Nobody’s safe from to describe his act as spoken, gay comedi- becoming a target of a blend of ‘philo- an Scott Capurro cer- Rudi Lickwood’s sophical inquiry, tainly knows how to fast-paced humour, political vigour and provoke a response - least of all his wife, sweet gags’. as hefty numbers of complaints following who, he claims, has emasculated him, and He also realises that the path to comedy star- various television appearances ably testify. whose snoring and menstruating he hates. dom can be a long and arduous one: “Over Confident, catty, charismatic and His kids don’t escape unscathed either - but the course of the last decade,” he says, “my Californian, Scott has no qualms about using then if they were better at art and playing the status on the circuit has skyrocketed from material that might well offend a significant recorder, they wouldn’t give their dad quite ‘curiosity’ to ‘interloper’!” proportion of an unprepared audience. so much material to work with. Ahir’s latest touring show, Machines, not When he’s not in boundary-pushing mode Lickwood started out as an Eddie Murphy only went down a storm in Edinburgh last and talking about subjects like AIDS - which, impersonater back in the late 1980s, before summer but also, he enthusiastically reveals, according to his website, he’s avoided con- turning his considerable comic talent to the contains an absolutely cracking joke about tracting ‘by telling unsavory jokes in every business of stand-up. lizards. English-speaking country’ - his material Jokes include: “I’ve got a 26-year-old kid who The gig’s not without its serious moments - includes such humorous observations as, I found out about last year through the Child the comedian was caught up in the Paris “Scotland had oil, but it's running out Support Agency. They tracked me down and attacks last year and shares his experience of thanks to all that deep frying.” gave me a court summons for leaving the the devastation - but his natural optimism The gag was voted one of the top 10 at the scene of the accident.” and incisive delivery of his material ensure Edinburgh Fringe a couple of years back. Rudi appears at the Regent as part of the that a reason to smile is never too far away. venue’s Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club night.

For more comedy listings visit whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 1

FEATURE

Crime, Christmas and celebrity culture

John Partridge stars in Chicago at the New Alexandra Theatre

Chicago in the 1920s. These are violent, names stay in the press and ultimately get troubled times, where danger lurks in them let off for their crimes. It's a dream of shadows and gangsters run the show. It's a part. I get to flick the hair, shine the also the beginning of a burgeoning shoes, put on the tux, and get draped in celebrity culture, with the growth of Holly- feathers!” wood movies, popular music and a boom- Some things change while others stay the ing media industry combining to nurture a same. The internet and the explosion of re- new breed of megastars. Sensational sto- ality TV might have affected the way we in- ries sell, and journalists prowl the streets, teract with our celebrities today, not to sniffing out the juiciest morsels they can mention swelling their ranks enormously, find in the hope of making headlines... but ultimately, our culture is a continua- Living and working among them is Mau- tion of the one that Watkins saw emerging rine Dallas Watkins, a young reporter for close to a century ago. the Chicago Tribune. It's while covering “It's very topical now,” Partridge contin- two high-profile murders that she sees how ues. “Even when the musical was con- celebrity obsession is changing the way ceived back in 1975, I don't think we had that courts treat criminals, prompting her any idea of how celebrity culture would ex- to write a play based on her stories. plode. It's everywhere now - it's in people's Nearly 50 years later, the play would be homes, on television, in magazines and on transformed into what would become the social media. There's no getting away from longest-running American musical on it. I think that's part of the reason the show Broadway, outdone only by the British has this lasting appeal - the story is very ‘‘ Phantom Of The Opera. contemporary in its nature but it’s dealt It’s a dream of Forty-one years after its smash-hit US with in this old-school way.” a part. I get to debut, Chicago is undertaking a brand new Doing justice to the powerful story and its UK tour, arriving at Birmingham's New compelling characters is paramount in this flick the hair, Alexandra Theatre in time for Christmas. production, which has been stripped clean The production's fabulous cast includes of all the flashy and sometimes shallow ex- shine the shoes, EastEnders' John Partridge in the starring tras that are often part and parcel of large- role of slick, quick-talking lawyer Billy scale musicals. Flynn, a character he imagines might have put on the tux, “It's a very stark, minimal set that we have, carved a slightly different career were he which really focuses your attention on the around today... and get draped narrative and the storytelling of the show. “Billy is the King of Spin,” explains Par- There are no scene changes and no cos- in feathers! tridge. “I guess today's equivalent would tume changes, which is quite unusual for a be something like a PR Guru. It's his job to musical and quite brave. Often, shows rely raise the profiles of our two loveable mur- on sets and costumes, perhaps because ” deresses, Roxy and Velma, to ensure their they need to, whereas Chicago is so power- 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Chicago DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:54 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

ful that it doesn't need all the extras. It which I do not recommend!” he laughs. thing, especially at this stage in the tour.” does mean audiences have to really pay “It was scary. I came out of the Big Brother Partridge is no stranger to working during attention, though, because they're not house on the Friday, did all the press that the Christmas season. Over the last five being directed by the set. That's what went with that, and then I had my first re- years, he's appeared in various pan- makes it such a great piece for an actor - it hearsal on the Monday. When we opened tomimes, including Birmingham Hippo- means that we're in charge of taking the on the Wednesday, there were a lot of drome's Snow White And The Seven audience on the journey, rather than ex- grey-faced producers standing in the Dwarfs in 2013. ternal things doing that for you.” wings thinking, 'Oh my God, is he gonna “This is the first year in a while that I pull this off?' But fortunately musical the- Rest assured, however, that the show will won’t be slapping my thigh and mugging atre is in my blood. I went into Cats when still look and sound fantastic. It might not outrageously to the audience for laughs! I was 16 and I'm now 46, so it's something be conventionally flamboyant, but it's still I'm afraid working over Christmas is all I've done for a long time. And, I'm pleased undeniably stylish in its own way, packed part and parcel of being an actor - the hol- to say, it all came off. Funnily enough, I'm full of iconic musical numbers and incred- idays are our busy times, so we take our going to be going through another hair- ible choreography. vacations at other times of the year. But raising rehearsal period shortly - we finish “It's a very clever, highly stylised musical. all my family are going to come and watch Chicago on 31 December, and then my The choreography and the dialogue and the show on Boxing Day - if I've got to do next show, La Cage Aux Folles, opens in the songs are all woven seamlessly to- two shows on Boxing Day then they can Oxford on 5 January. It seems to be becom- gether so that everything is very fluid, and all come and see me!” ing what I'm known for!” there really is something for everybody. And while treading the boards instead of Of course, it may have helped that Par- The score is legendary - you couldn't ask flopping in front of the telly at the height tridge already had some familiarity with for a better one - and our band is ab- of the holiday season isn't for everyone, the role, having initially been offered it solutely exceptional. People often forget Partridge is looking forward to being back back in 2010. But since beginning this that Chicago has a jazz score, and in this here for another Christmas show, having year's tour, he's had plenty of time to get tour, we have an amazing 12-strong jazz thoroughly enjoyed his stint in the UK's to grips with Billy, continually learning, fi- band who’re very much part of the show. biggest and best panto. In my opinion, they're worth the ticket nessing and developing the part. “Every audience is different, and every price alone! We also have one of the sexi- “When I was first offered it in 2010, I town you visit has a different sort of feel. est ensembles of dancers that you’ll see turned it down because I didn't think I Some are harder than others, but others on stage this Christmas, trust me!” had the maturity, but when I knew the are on their feet the minute you come out show was coming round again, I actively With its clever script, intricate dancing on stage! I've always found the audiences threw my hat into the ring. Luckily they and stand-out musical numbers, you to be very warm and receptive in Birming- were very receptive and offered me the might think that such a complex and de- ham, so I'm glad to be coming back.” manding show would make hours of prac- part straight away. I've had a wonderful tice and rehearsal an essential, but for time doing it - it's a great company, we've Partridge, fresh from his stint on Celebrity really grown together, and we're all still Chicago runs at Birmingham's New Big Brother, time was a luxury not af- constantly finding new ways of playing it. Alexandra Theatre from Monday 12 to forded in this case. In Birmingham we're also going to be joined by Mica Paris, and it's always Saturday 31 December. “I actually only had three days' rehearsal, lovely to have a fresh viewpoint on some-

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:44 Page 1

Pantos Festive favourites from around the region

Dick Whittington Doctor Who and Torchwood star John Barrowman will be hoping the streets of the second city are paved with gold this Christmas, when he takes the title role in Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime production of Dick Whittington Joining John on stage this year, to star as King Rat, is Steve McFadden, best known as EastEnders bad boy Phil Mitchell. Support comes from The Krankies (as Councillor and Jimmy Krankie), Hippodrome favourite Matt Slack (as Idle Jack), West End star Jodie Prenger (as Fairy Bow Bells) and popular Midlands panto Dame, Andrew Ryan (as Sarah the Cook). The story of a young man who heads off on his travels in search of fame and fortune, Dick Whittington is one of the most popular of all pantomimes. It’s therefore no surprise to find that our eponymous hero’s journey sees him stopping off at not one, not two, but three theatres across the Midlands this Christmas. Dick Whittington shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from Mon 19 December - Sun 29 January As well as the Hippodrome, Dick’s also visiting the Coventry Belgrade, where the venue’s long-term panto writer, director and Dame, Iain Lauchlan, is returning for his 22nd show. Iain’s heading up a production that comes complete with ‘singalong songs, amazing sets and extravagant costumes’ - and which will no doubt be packed to its festive rafters with action, comedy and family fun. Dick Whittington shows at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 7 January Another well-established ‘king of Midlands pantomime’ is comedian Malcolm Stent, who, like Iain, has clocked up more years of writing and performing pantos than he probably cares to remember. In much the same way as Iain has made his indelible mark at the Belgrade, Malcolm has become a festive-season legend at The Core - formerly known as Solihull Arts Complex. His latest version of Dick Whittington features ‘action, adventure, secrets, songs, dancing, trickery, romance, swashbuckling sailors and rogue-ish rats aplenty’. In short, pretty much every ingredient you need for a barnstorming evening of pantomime magic. Dick Whittington shows at The Core, Solihull, from Fri 9 - Sat 31 December

Jack And The Beanstalk Robin Hood And The mirth at the Artix. Down the M5 in Tewkesbury, meanwhile, The Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Babes In The Wood Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December Roses’ version of the show has been written The Roses, Tewkesbury, Sat 3 December - by the ever-reliable Ben Crocker, whose pre- Sat 7 January; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 16 - Fri 23 December vious work for the theatre includes its last four pantomimes: Aladdin 2012; Jack And As if Robin Hood didn't already have enough The Beanstalk 2013; Beauty And The Beast on his plate, dealing with the evil Sheriff of 2014; and Cinderella 2015. Nottingham, wooing the delicious Maid Marion and wondering how to stop the colos- sal Friar Tuck from eating everything in his path, the festive season also finds him getting tangled up in the many and varied traditions of pantomime. When the dastardly sheriff hires a pair of If you’re up for a bit of fe-fi-fo-fumming this bungling baddies to put paid to his brother festive season, a trip to the Prince of Wales King Richard’s children - the ‘Babes’ of the Centre should be right up your beanstalk, title - he thinks his wickedness will secure with a talented cast of performers ensuring him the throne of England. But he’s reck- that not all encounters with grumpy, cash- oned without our dashing hero, a Santa’s counting ogres need end in tears. Sack-worth of audience participation and Keith de Winter gets all glammed up to star more corny gags than you could fit into a as Dame Dolly, with CBBC’s Shorelle Hopkin giant-size Christmas stocking. returning ‘by popular demand’ to perform As is usually the case, Midlands theatre com- some wand-waving magic as The Fairy. pany All & Sundry are the purveyors of panto 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 2

Fri 25 Nov - Mon 19 Dec Tue 7 - Tue 13 Dec -Sun 29 Jan Sat 11 Feb From £19 From £15.50 From £19.50

Wed 15 - Tue 7 Mar - Mon 29 May Sat 25 Feb Sat 29 Apr - S at 3 Jun From £16 From £25 From £15

The perfect Christmas Gift Vouchers make the perfect Christmas present so friends and family can see the show of their choice. birminghamhippodrome.com/giftvouchers

Or buy Memberships for great ticket sav- ings, priority booking, invitations to special events and more! Tue 6 - Mon 3 - Sat 10 Jun Sat 8 Jul birminghamhippodrome.com/giveandjoin From £17 From £15 Terms and conditions apply.

Everyone’s Welcome

0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 3

Pantos

Aladdin The Wolverhampton Grand is certainly on a roll when it comes to providing high-quality panto fare - and the venue's Christmas 2016 offering looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as any of its illustrious predecessors. X-Factor winner Joe McElderry takes the title role in a show that also sees internet sensation Doreen Tipton making her panto debut as the Lazy Empress Of China. Pantomime stalwart Lisa Riley stars as the Slave Of The Ring, with CBeebies' Mr Bloom - Ben Faulks - threatening to feel a collar or two as the Chief of Peking Police. Britain’s Got Talent soprano Lucy Kay appears in the role of Princess Jasmine, while illusionist Stefan Pejic plays the evil sorcerer Abanazar. Panto regular Ian Adams dons a plethora of glamorous outfits as Widow Twankey. Aladdin shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Sat 10 December to Sun 22 January Aladdin also manages to fly his magic carpet into Birmingham and Stratford this Christmas. He comes in to land in Brum at the Jewellery Quarter’s Blue Orange Theatre, where the Midland Academy of Musical Theatre are the ensemble charged with the task of recounting this most famous of Arabian Nights stories. Meanwhile over in ‘Shakespeare country’, a talented cast of West End performers will be looking to provide audiences with an Open Sesame to an evening of laugh-out-loud family fun. Aladdin also shows at The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, from Wed 7 to Fri 9 December and Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon from Wed 14 to Tues 27 December

Sleeping Beauty Sam Rabone - as the production’s Dame, Snow White And The Nurse Nelly - and a host of special effects, Seven Dwarfs Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 1 - Sat 31 December; including a fire-breathing dragon... The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, Wed 7 - Meanwhile, the star of this year’s panto at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, Sat 31 December; Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 Fri 16 - Fri 30 December December - Sun 8 January The Place might well arrive at the venue in a rather unusual way. By ostrich! Long-established comedian and entertainer Bernie Clifton - who's best known for ‘riding’ his faithful ostrich companion, Oswald - is appearing in the Shropshire theatre’s Christmas presentation alongside Wink Taylor from CITV’s The Sooty Show... And speaking of The Sooty Show, another of its stars, Chris Pizzey, is appearing as Silly Sleeping Beauty - Lichfield Garrick Billy in the Malvern Theatre version of the story. He’s joined by a top-billing Gillian The tragic tale of a young princess who’s Wright - aka EastEnders’ Jean Slater - tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger Channel Five’s Milkshake presenter Amy on a spinning wheel, causing her to sleep for Thompson and Casualty’s Rebecca Wheatley. 100 years, offers a great story around which Quinn Patrick dons the poorly applied rouge to build a pantomime production of real and comedy wig to play Nurse Nelly. quality. Everybody knows the story of Snow White And judging by the above venues’ previous Sleeping Beauty - The Place, Oakengates And The Seven Dwarfs, even if there are still yuletide offerings, the Garrick, The Place and a few people who haven't seen the golden- Malvern Theatre’s 2016 festive versions of the age Disney movie. The fact that it's a 24-carat popular fairytale are likely to provide some classic of a fairytale means that a pantomime truly top-notch family fun... stage version is always a surefire winner. In Lichfield, Cbeebies television favourite Expect all the usual elements, including Rebecca Keatley takes the role of Fairy rouged-up Dames and more slapstick come- Moonbeam, appearing alongside local lad dy than you could throw a custard pie at. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:45 Page 4

Festive favourites from around the region

Cinderella ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to star as Buttons in this ever-popular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan is pretty much a festive fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, as is his good pal Christian Patterson, who’s also making a welcome return. With its comical Ugly Sisters, match- making fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. And the Regent Theatre production isn’t the only incarnation of this legendary fairytale delighting Midlands audiences this Christmas... Cinderella shows at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent from Thurs 8 December to Sunday 8 January Theatre Severn’s version of the story features all the usual panto elements of comedy, singing, dancing, audience participation and ‘stunning’ sets and cos- Cinderella at Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent tumes. And also very much as usual, it stars the ever- popular Brad Fitt, on this occasion appearing ‘as you’ve never seen him before’... Cinderella shows at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 30 Nov - Sun 8 January Cinders is this year also putting some elbow grease into scrubbing the stage at the Swan Theatre in Worcestershire, courtesy of the well-regarded Worcester Theatre Company. Cinderella shows at Swan Theatre, Worcester from Mon 5 December to Sun 8 January Cinderellat at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Cinderella at Swan Theatre, Worcester

Aladdin: Franklin, The Monkees, James Brown, The ment by two popular Midlands theatres. Temptations and The Jackson Five. The Royal Spa Centre in Leamington is prom- The Wok’n’Roll Panto A recipe for success if ever there was one, so ising a show that features ‘spectacular Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, brace yourself for a fabulous festive feast of scenery, fabulous costumes, incredible spe- Thurs 8 December - Sun 8 January fun and frivolity. cial effects and bags of slapstick fun’ - not to mention a glamorous Dame with a turbo- charged hoover!... Beauty And The Beast Over at the Palace in Redditch, Dancing On Ice winner and EastEnders actor Sam Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 3 - Sat 31 December; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Attaway stars as the oafish and arrogant Mon 5 - Sat 31 December Gaston, with Emmerdale and Bad Girls When a young woman favourite Nicole Faraday lending support in is captured by a the role of Witch Guillotine. hideous beast, she finds herself facing a life of isolation in his mysterious palace. The Beast, too, is They’ve done it before and now they’re doing trapped - seemingly it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used forever - inside the strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime grotesquery of his with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so physical appearance, popular in previous years that the venue is the consequence of a spell cast upon him by giving the exact same treatment to its 2016 an evil witch. Only Beauty’s ability to look production. So... they’ve taken this famous beyond his ugliness and see the person with- Arabian Nights story, stirred in a few time- in can save him... honoured pantomime favourites, and then That’s pretty much the story outline of this seasoned liberally with all manner of rock- much-loved, age-old fairytale, which is this ’n’roll hits - including favourites from Aretha Christmas being given the pantomime treat-

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Theatre Check out these alternatives to the traditional panto...

The Tempest Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, until Sat 21 January Boasting strange beings with superhuman by an actor live on stage. powers, a thrilling fantasy plot and an “We had to really work at the vocabulary of underlying moral message about the tri- this digital stuff,” says Russell Beale. “As umph of reconciliation over revenge, The Prospero, I do have a relationship with Ariel Tempest is the most obviously spectacular of as a digital figure, but I think in the end it's Shakespeare’s works. important for the character to have a human This brand new production, starring Simon dimension - and especially in the big, emo- Russell Beale in the lead role of exiled Duke tional moments, like when Ariel asks if of Milan Prospero, is likely to be more visual- Prospero loves him, or when they say good- ly impressive than any version that’s gone bye. But for the rest of the play you've got before, thanks in no small measure to the Ariel showing off, which causes Prospero use of groundbreaking motion capture tech- great delight, and you can just enjoy the nology. sheer splendour of these extraordinary fig- This modern-day ‘device’ sees the shape- ures.” shifting spirit Ariel rendered as a digital pro- Read our online interview with Simon jection whose movements will be controlled Russell Beale at whatsonlive.co.uk

Crimes Against Christmas shows. For this particular theatrical offering, A Christmas Carol the ensemble are promising a ‘fast-moving, Lichfield Garrick, Fri 9 - Sat 31 December audience-led, made-up comedy romp’ The covetous sinning of the miserly Scrooge, New Old Friends, whose previous theatrical through the wonderful world of Charles the eternal hope offered by Tiny Tim, the endeavours have included the highly rated Dickens. ghostly visions of redemption; of all Charles Falcon’s Malteser, describe their latest offer- Preposterous names, ludicrous coincidences Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas Carol ing as an ‘anti-panto’ cross between an and crowd-rousing melodrama will “delight reigns supreme. Agatha Christie whodunnit, The Twelve Days and astound you,” claim Foghorn. And it's a As you might expect at this time of year, Of Christmas and The 39 Steps. claim about which they're so confident, Dickens’ Victorian-age cautionary tale is Produced in partnership with Lichfield they’re even willing to bet “a hundred gold much in evidence at theatres across the Garrick, Theatre Royal Bath and Natural sovereigns” that they'll be bang on the country - not least here in the Midlands, Theatre Company, the show sees a host of money... where it’s being performed at three popular characters invited to a party in a mysterious Given the company’s impressive collection of venues... house on a remote island. Once the guests five-star reviews, you would probably do At mac birmingham, the highly rated have gathered, curious and fatal things relat- well to politely decline that wager. Chapterhouse Theatre Company present a ed to Christmas begin to happen, with Lords version that comes complete with song, a-leaping to their deaths, lead-pipes ‘piping dance and a ‘magnificent’ original musical people’s heads in’, and the guest of honour The 39 Steps score... more than a little concerned about the pres- A Christmas Carol shows at mac, Birmingham Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, from Fri 9 to Sat 10 December ence of a rope in a nearby pear tree... Thurs 15 - Fri 23 December People who remember the various film ver- Coventry’s Albany Theatre, meanwhile, plays sions of John Buchan's classic spy thriller host to the award-winning Tread The Boards, will be hard-pressed to call any of them as they present their family-friendly take on 'humorous'. By contrast, the stage version of the much-loved Christmas classic... his much-loved yarn bagged the 2007 Olivier A Christmas Carol shows at Albany Theatre, Coventry, Mon 12 December to Mon 2 January Award for Best New Comedy - courtesy of some imaginative thinking on the part of its The Crescent Theatre’s ever-reliable in-house creative team. company is the other ensemble this month So why not catch up with handsome hero recounting the story of Scrooge’s spiritual Richard Hannay as he battles to remain awakening. impressively stiff-upper-lipped in the face of A Christmas Carol shows at The Crescent dastardly murders and life-threatening Theatre, Birmingham from Sat 3 to Sat 17 December encounters with double-crossing secret agents. Oh, and there are some beautiful and myste- What The Dickens?! rious women involved too, so it's not all bad Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 7 December news for our intrepid hero! Four fearless actors play no fewer than 150 Birmingham-based comedy improvisers roles in this real gem of a show. Foghorn Unscripted use suggestions from their audience and the power of their own imaginations to create and perform their A Christmas Carol at The Albany Theatre

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Christmas

Treasure Island The Snow Queen Stick Man

Treasure Island The Snow Queen himself. And as an extra-special treat, audience members can also have their photo New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Birmingham Rep, taken with the white-bearded giver of gifts, Fri 25 November - Sat 7 January until Sat 28 January so be sure to have your cameras and smart This latest theatrical version of Robert Louis The Snow Queen is ruler of all she surveys. phones at the ready.... Stevenson’s classic tale, a modern adapta- When she kidnaps young Kay, it’s left to his tion by Bryony Lavery, puts an interesting sister, Gerda, to save him from a bleak future spin on the author’s swashbuckling story, in the frostbitten wastelands... Stick Man with the chief protagonist being a girl rather The New Vic here give this Hans Christian than a boy. Andersen work a brand new treatment, pre- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until Sat 31 December When pirates ransack her grandmother’s senting a timeless tale that brings together inn, fearless Jim is drawn into the adventure ‘enchanting characters, original music and “Scamp Theatre send shivers down my of a lifetime - one which will see her not only breathtaking on-stage magic’. spine,” reveals Julia Donaldson, the co-cre- setting sail in search of buried treasure but This particular take on sibling love set ator (along with Alex Scheffler) of the hugely also spending time in the company of a one- against the snow-laden landscapes of the popular children’s book on which this show legged pirate with murder in mind... north has been directed with the intention of is based. “They’re so lively and innovative. I appealing to family members of all ages. love their production of Stick Man, and so do the audiences.” Zorro’s Christmas Julia’s not wrong - audiences most definitely Rapunzel And Her Witch do love the show, as a smash-hit season in Adventure the West End ably demonstrated. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 December Sun 4 & Mon 5 December Featuring a trio of talented performers, the production brings together puppetry, songs, If you’ve already sampled a Little English ‘Beautiful’ puppets, ‘magical’ transforma- live music and ‘funky moves’ to tell the story Theatre production, you’ll know just how tions and an innovative use of sign language of Stick Man’s desperate attempts to get back much fun they are. And there’s every reason are here combined by the highly rated Krazy to the family tree. Suitable for children aged to imagine this latest offering will follow Kat theatre company, an ensemble well three and older. suit. When Santa Claus crash-lands in the versed in the business of visual storytelling. scorching Mexican desert, the future of The 50-minute show, which is being publi- Christmas is on the line. Thank heaven, cised as ‘a tall tale of princes and pigtails, then, for the arrival of the one and only potions and pizzas’, has been created for Santa And The Pirates Zorro. A masked avenger, he’s on a mission children aged between three and seven. That Don’t Want Christmas not only to save Christmas but also to thwart The production is suitable for both deaf and the evil El Scorchio, who plans to marry the hearing audiences. Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, beautiful (take a deep breath...) Maria Tues 13 December Conchita Juanita Tortilla Bonita... CBeebies Spot Bots stars Callum Donnelly Santa’s New Sleigh and Robin Hatcher are the dynamic duo behind this brand new touring show. Wind In The Willows Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - Sat 24 December Santa’s getting ready for Christmas Eve and The OId Rep, Birmingham, needs to know who’s been naughty and When Theatre Severn regular Brad Fitt isn’t until Sat 31 December who’s been nice. Problem is, he’s lost his busy playing pantomime Dames - or, as he’s A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s naughty list. Enter some mainbrace-splicing doing this year, starring as Buttons in the much-loved riverside tale ably demonstrates pirates from the Good Ship Christmas Cheer, venue’s production of Cinderella - he enjoys the way in which one life can command the offering him the kind of helping hand he’d nothing more than replacing the panto wig full attention of three others! do well to accept - but then can he really with his playwright’s hat. Loyal Mole, faithful Ratty and steady old afford to trust a pirate?... Brad’s Santa's New Sleigh - here being pre- Badger simply don’t have time for any of Awash with familiar songs, this lively festive sented by Curve Theatre and suitable for two their own interests - they’re far too busy hav- offering also provides children with the to seven-year-olds - comes complete with fes- ing to look after their reckless and irrepress- chance to post their Dear Santa letters, not to tive-show favourites including audience par- ible friend, Mr Toad... mention pick up a post-show gift from the ticipation, singalong opportunities and a Presented by Scott Ritchie Productions and big man himself. special Christmas present from Santa Claus Birmingham Ormiston Academy.

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more festive fun across the region...

Where’s My Igloo Gone? What The Ladybird Heard The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Where’s My Igloo Gone? tiniest and quietest of creatures - namely, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice one very small ladybird... Arena Theatre, Tues 6 - Thurs 8 December; Fifty-five action-packed and musical minutes The Core, Solihull, Sat 17 - Sun 18 & Tues 20 - Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 18 December; Sat 24 December in length, this well-reviewed show is recom- Soaring snow geese, pet husky dogs, starry mended for children aged three and older. Blunderbus theatre company are past mas- nights, fishing adventures and the kind of ters at pitching their shows to perfection cold that makes the skin tingle are all fea- when it comes to delighting and entertaining tured in this Bone Ensemble story about a lit- The Witches children aged three to seven. And the tle girl who sets off in search of help when Dudley Little Theatre, Nottinghamshire-based ensemble are at it her igloo starts to melt... Thurs 8 - Sat 10 December again with this latest offering, in which a lit- “We’re collaborating with experts in climate Roald Dahl’s evil witches don’t look any dif- tle boy with a dream to be a world-class change and social psychology,” explain the ferent from human women - at least until magician encounters a real-life sorcerer. Birmingham-based theatre company, “so that you scratch the surface. When you do, it Music, puppetry and storytelling are all pres- we can weave scientific knowledge into a becomes apparent that they sport wigs to ent and correct in a 55-minute, interval-free compelling narrative with dynamic interac- conceal their bald heads, gloves to cover show that comes complete with all manner tive activities, engaging audiences with cli- their clawed hands, and find ‘pretty shoes’ a of ‘magical’ and Christmas-related surprises. mate change in a new and refreshing way.” far-from-comfortable fit for their toeless feet. What’s more, they’d love to squish and squelch all the wretched little children they Room On The Broom Dear Santa despise. Fingers crossed, then (not clawed The REP, Birmingham, ones, though!), that an unnamed seven-year- Thurs 22 December - Sun 8 January Lichfield Garrick, Tues 13 - Sat 24 December old boy and his Norwegian grandmother can Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the cre- stop the gruesome rotters in their tracks. ators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Presented with the intention of giving chil- Presented by Dudley Little Theatre. Bear Hunt, are the team behind this spell- dren aged two to seven both a fun introduc- binding tale. A witch makes the mistake of tion to theatre and an early yuletide treat, thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful Dear Santa tells the tale of Father Santa’s Polka Dot Pirate bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own Christmas’s attempts to sort out the most cat - on her broomstick without it snapping fantastic of festive gifts for a girl named Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 8 - Sat 24 December in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, Sarah. But it’s only with the intervention of things really start to hot up... his cheeky Elf that he finally manages to set- Imagine Theatre’s previous Father Christmas Presented by Tall Stories, this Olivier-nomi- tle on the perfect prezzie for her... adventures - Santa’s Dizzy Day and Santa’s nated show features ‘songs, laughs and scary Youngsters get the chance to meet-and-greet Rusty Robot - went down an absolute snow- fun’ for children aged three and older. Santa after the show. storm with their target audience. The Coventry-based company will be hoping that their latest addition to the series warms What The Ladybird Heard the cockles of just as many tiny hearts. Birmingham Town Hall, Tues 27 December - Audience participation and singalong fun Wed 11 January are much in evidence in a show that finds Given the success of numerous stage adapta- the Polka Dot Pirate lost at the North Pole. tions of Julia Donaldson’s hugely popular Created with two to six-year-olds in mind books, it’s a real no-brainer to mount one of and with a running time of approximately 35 her stories as a festive offering. Birmingham minutes, the production provides youngsters Town Hall has very wisely done just that, with the opportunity to give their Christmas presenting a stage version of the award-win- wish-list to the great man in person. ning picture book by Donaldson and Lydia Monks. When Hefty Hugh and Lanky Len set out to steal the farmer’s prize cow, they soon find that the best-laid plans of mice and crafty robbers can sometimes be undone by the

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 1 Raymond Gubbay (DPS).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:24 Page 2 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 1 Amplify single page.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:52 Page 2

FEATURE

AMPLIFY YOUR EXPERIENCE Get the most out of gigs and shows at Birmingham’s arenas

We've all been there; flustered, fed up and to a slightly older, more affluent audi- from Olly Murs to Cirque du Soleil. Sally's stuck at the back of a long line that seems ence,” says Sally, “but they're actually re- own top recommendation is the hotly an- to be going nowhere fast. Queueing has ally popular across everything from ticipated Sports Personality Of The Year almost become a quintessential part of Disney shows to Justin Bieber to Rod awards ceremony. Christmas - but what if it didn't have to Stewart. It might be that you want a more “The Sports Personality is a big one we've be? comfortable and convenient experience got coming up at the Genting Arena with a At Birmingham's Genting and Barclaycard when you've got a group of kids with you, super bespoke package. VIPs will come Arenas, there's an easy way to beat the or it might be that you want to avoid the into our newly refurbished restaurant, the Christmas crush, whether you're organis- queues and treat yourself or a loved one.” Lakeside Lounge, and enjoy a glass of ing a get-together or simply hunting for There are various ways to take advantage champagne and a three-course gourmet the perfect gift. of what Amplify has to offer. If it's just a meal. We've also got former Sports Per- Working with the NEC Group across its single event that's caught your eye, there's sonality Of The Year Steve Cram doing an two venues, Amplify deliver a range of no need to commit long-term, with vari- exclusive Q&A before the show. Once unique hospitality packages, offering not ous Freestyle packages available on an as- they're inside, they'll be seated right at only priority booking and a private mem- and-when basis. Nevertheless, there are the front overlooking all the VVIPs – peo- bers' entrance away from the crowds, but excellent reasons for signing up for an- ple like Andy Murray and David Beckham. also a whole host of extras that will make nual Club membership - around £500 plus Then we'll be putting on some after-show you the envy of everyone else attending. VAT guarantees priority booking and great entertainment as well, with a band and discounts and extras for all shows across more refreshments. I think the regular “The concept has been running at the NEC both venues throughout the year. tickets for Sports Personality Of The Year for about 30 years, starting out as the have now sold out, so this is a great op- Arena Club,” explains general manager Those looking for that extra level of lux- portunity for anyone who’s desperate to Sally Walder. “Then, in 2009, it was re- ury, meanwhile, can find it in Air member- go and is looking for that top-tier experi- branded as Amplify. We cover everything ship, described as the ‘crème de la crème’ ence.” from rock and pop to classical, and from of hospitality and particularly popular comedy to special events like Crufts and with business clients. Due to its exclusiv- Sports Personality Of The Year, with bene- ity, however, Air is currently sold out, Whoever you are and whatever your fits including premium tickets, car park with a waiting list for those hoping to sign needs, Amplify promises to make your passes, food and drink and access to our up! visit extra special. For full pricing and brand new and newly refurbished hospi- “When we've got huge names like Adele to find out more, visit amplify.co.uk tality areas before the shows.” or Take That,” explains Sally, “and there's That's not all, though. For each event, a high demand, sometimes only our Am- packages are carefully tailored to suit the plify members will be able to enjoy the VIP treatment. I think the big advantage, performance and its audience. A show for Courtesy of Amplify, What’s On is though, is how well looked-after all our families might incorporate face-painting giving away one pair of VIP tick- members are. For us, it's all about going and fun activities for kids, for example, ets, plus a hospitality package, to that extra mile, forming a rapport and while a high-end concert like Paul Simon Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour at making sure we do the very best for them or Sting will boast a glamorous cham- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, on every single visit.” pagne reception and some of the best on Sunday 22 January. seats in the house. Over the coming months, visitors should Visit whatsonlive.co.uk to find out “You might think, from the outside, that look out for what's on offer for everything more and to enter. hospitality packages would mainly appeal from Black Sabbath to Andre Rieu and

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 1

Roberts Revival RD-60 DAB Radio Q and A a Day: 5-year Journal Borg Dressing Gown £45 Marks & Spencer £180 House of Fraser £13.79 WH Smith

‘tis the Season Your ultimate gift guide for this Christmas, courtesy of What’s On

KitchenAid 150 Artisan 4.8L Stand Mixer £449.95 John Lewis

Bayswater bag in Oxblood Christmas Miniatures Candle Collection £950 Mulberry £66 Jo Malone Christmas Slogan Jumper £34 Topshop

Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer YSL Holiday Look Palette Collectors Edition Lulu Guinness Hard Sided 4W Medium Case £299.99 Boots £59 Exclusive to Selfridges £229.99 very.co.uk

36 whatsonlive.co.uk Christmas Gifts.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:56 Page 2

GoPro HERO5 Action Camcorder Kiehl’s Limited Edition Skincare gift set for men £349 currys.co.uk Chillsner beer chiller £17 root7.com £29.50 Selfridges

Micro Maxi Micro Deluxe Scooter Personalised Polar Bear Bookends by Bombus £119.99 John Lewis £50 notonthehighstreet.com Furby Connect £74.99 Toys R Us

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whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 1 Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 2

Film

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story CERT tbc Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen, Forest Whitaker, Riz Ahmed Directed by Gareth Edwards (USA) No, this is not a sequel to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but a free-standing episode in the so-called Star Wars universe. Here, Jyn Erso, a recruit for the Rebel Alliance (Birmingham’s very own Felicity Jones), is mobilised to steal the plans of the Death Star. But even with the aid of the intelligence officer Cassian Andor (Mexico's Diego Luna), the task proves to be more perilous than anybody could have imagined. The director, Gareth Edwards, is the Warwickshire-born filmmaker who conjured up the special effects for his first film - Monsters (2010) - on his laptop, before going on to helm the $160million reboot of Godzilla (2014). Expect your multiplex to be packed. Released Fri 16 December

CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in December...

Sully: Miracle On Chi-Raq CERT 15 (127 mins) The Hudson CERT 12a (96 mins) Starring Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Teyonah Parris, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, John Starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Cusack, Samuel L Jackson Linney, Anna Gunn, Ann Cusack Directed by Spike Lee (USA) Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) Classics’ scholars will be familiar with the The US Airways pilot Chesley 'Sully' tale of Aristophanes' Lysistrata, in which the Sullenberger (Tom Hanks) grabbed interna- women folk in ancient Greece withheld their tional headlines when he landed his dis- sexual favours until their men put down abled aircraft on the waters of the Hudson their weapons. Here, writer-director-producer River, saving the lives of everybody on board. Spike Lee transfers the action to the However, what happened afterwards did not Englewood neighbourhood of Chicago where paint ‘Sully’ in such a favourable light... gang violence has become a way of life. It’s Adapted from the book Highest Duty by the first film produced by Amazon Studios. Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow. Released Fri 2 December Released Fri 2 December Eat That Question CERT 15 (93 mins) Directed by Thorsten Schütte (France/Germany) Biographical documentaries have become all the rage. This one is about the late rock musician and songwriter Frank Zappa, who challenged both the political and musical norm. Expect some rude words. Released Fri 2 December

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Film

Molly Moon And The Incredible Book Of Hypnotism CERT U (96 mins) Starring Dominic Monaghan, Lesley Manville, Emily Watson, Joan Collins, Raffey Cassidy, Celia Imrie, Anne-Marie Duff Directed by Christopher N. Rowley (UK) Kids just love these long titles. This is an adaptation of Georgia Byng's 2002 novel and features Molly Moon, an orphan and child hypnotist. However, once she achieves a degree of fame and fortune, a nasty stranger holds her dog captive and demands that she helps him steal some loot. The American reviews were not charitable. Released Fri 2 December CRITIC’S CHOICE

Waialiki (the voice of Cravalho), the 16- Moana CERT tbc year-old daughter of a chieftain, who With the voices of Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i takes to the high seas in order to rescue Cravalho, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Rachel House, Jemaine her people. Along for the ride comes Clement, Alan Tudyk Directed by Ron none other than Maui, a Polynesia demi- Clements and John Musker (USA) god voiced by Dwayne Johnson. From the directing team that brought us The songs were co-written by the Pulitzer The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, Moana Prize-winning composer Lin-Manuel promises big old-fashioned values and Miranda, who previously wrote the music entertainment. This story, though, is a and lyrics for the Tony-winning musical total original and is credited to seven dif- In The Heights. ferent writers. Set within a mystical com- Released Fri 2 December munity in Polynesia, it features Moana

Bleed For This CERT 15 (117 mins) Office Christmas Party Starring Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey CERT 15 tbc Sagal, Ciarán Hinds, Ted Levine Starring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, TJ Directed by Ben Younger (USA) Miller, Jillian Bell, Courtney B Vance, Kate Hollywood does love its pugilism. After Jake McKinnon, Jennifer Aniston Directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck (USA) Gyllenhaal gave his all in Southpaw, now comes Miles Teller as former champ Vinny The details are irrelevant. This is a seasonal Pazienza, he who held world titles as light- American comedy in which grown men and weight, light middleweight and super mid- women behave like animals in the spirit of dleweight. Expect quite a lot of physical con- farce. The title says it all.. frontation. Released Wed 7 December Released Fri 2 December

The Unknown Girl CERT tbc Starring Adèle Haenel, Olivier Bonnaud, Jérémie Renier, Louka Minnella, Olivier Gourmet Directed by Luc Dardenne and Jean-Pierre Dardenne (Belgium/France) The Dardenne brothers continue their socio- political agenda with this drama about a doctor (Adèle Haenel) who sets about investigating why a patient was refused the surgery that might have saved her life. The Dardennes previously brought us the award-winning films L'Enfant, The Kid With A Bike and Two Days, One Night. Released Fri 2 December 40 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Dec GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 11:16 Page 4

Film releases in December

Birth Of A Nation The Eagle Huntress Collateral Beauty CERT tbc CERT 15 (120 mins) CERT U (87 mins) Starring Will Smith, Edward Norton, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, Starring Nate Parker, Armie Hammer, Colman Narrated by Daisy Ridley Kate Winslet, Helen Mirren Domingo, Aja Naomi King, Jackie Earle Haley, Directed by Otto Bell (UK/Mongolia/USA) Directed by David Frankel (USA) Gabrielle Union Directed by Nate Parker (USA/Canada) Strange as it may seem, Mongolia has Following a terrible tragedy, a New York produced some of the most engaging It’s quite a year for revolting slaves. After the advertising executive (Will Smith) finds that and haunting of documentaries (not African-American rebellion portrayed in Gary Love, Time and Death are irrevocably linked. least The Cave Of The Yellow Dog and Ross’s exquisite and harrowing Free State Of Expect some big questions and metaphysical The Story Of The Weeping Camel). This Jones we now have the true-life story of Nat musings. This could be a genuine turkey - or one, co-produced by the English Turner (Nate Parker). Parker also directed, a future cult. actress Daisy Ridley and the US docu- co-wrote and co-produced the drama, which Released Mon 26 December mentarian Morgan Spurlock, is the received the Grand Jury Prize at this year’s true story of a 13-year-old Mongolian Sundance festival. Oscar glory is expected to girl who attempts to become the first follow. female eagle hunter in her country. Released Fri 9 December Released Fri 16 December

Ballerina CERT U (89 mins) Starring Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Maddie Ziegler, Carly Rae Jepsen Directed by Eric Summer and Éric Warin (France/Canada) Félicie is a poor 11-year-old orphan girl from Brittany who finds her way to Monster Trucks Paris in 1879. There, she hopes to enrol CERT PG (105 mins) at the Grand Opera House to become a Starring Lucas Till, Jane Levy, Barry Pepper, ballerina, without really knowing what Amy Ryan, Rob Lowe, Danny Glover The Pass CERT 15 (87 mins) the arduous process entails. Then she Directed by Chris Wedge (USA/Canada) Starring Russell Tovey, Arinzé Kene, Lisa meets Victor, an aspiring young inven- In an effort to escape McGrillis, Nico Mirallegro tor, who believes that it is possible to the claustrophobia of Directed by Ben A Williams (UK) realise one’s dreams. The dance his small town, a high In the age of celebrity and the digital image, sequences employed motion capture school senior builds a one can never be too careful. Something that the better to realise the authenticity of monster truck out of the once happened between two aspiring foot- the moves. remnants of car scrap. ballers returns to haunt them years later. Released Mon 19 December And this is the really Expect some strong ‘adult’ themes. odd bit: an accident at a Released Fri 9 December local oil-drilling site unleashes a subterranean creature with a Passengers CERT 12a tbc need and talent for speed. Well, of course. In Snowden CERT 15 Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, 3D. Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Andy García Directed by Morten Tyldum Released Mon 26 December Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Tom (USA) Wilkinson, Rhys Ifans, Nicolas Cage Directed by Oliver Stone (USA/Germany) Don’t you hate it when you’re woken Not a film about the prematurely? For Why Him? CERT tbc Welsh mountain (or the two passengers on Starring James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey photographer) but the a spacecraft bound Deutch, Megan Mullally, Griffin Gluck, whistle-blower Edward Keegan-Michael Key for a distant Snowden. It was he who Directed by John Hamburg colony, a malfunc- (USA) leaked the NSA's illegal tion in the sleep surveillance techniques What are fathers like? A chamber wakes and was forced to up somewhat over-protective them up 90 years sticks and move to paterfamilias, Ned too early. And Moscow. Oliver Stone does like to court con- Fleming (Bryan Cranston) that’s an awful long time for two isolat- troversy and has made a number of brilliant visits his daughter at uni- ed strangers to get to know each films, but he can also be a self-conscious versity where she intro- other… Jennifer Lawrence was paid director who lets his style overwhelm his duces him to her new $20million for her part (against 30 per- subject. However, if this film is half as good boyfriend (James Franco). cent of the profit). The director previ- as the stunning, Oscar-winning documentary Ned takes an immediate dislike to the man, a ously brought us The Imitation Game. about Snowden, Citizenfour (2014), it will be profane, socially awkward character who In 3D. worth catching. also happens to be a billionaire… Released Wed 21 December Released Fri 9 December Released Mon 26 December whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Visual Arts December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 10:57 Page 1

Visual Arts

Roger Hiorns Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 7 December - Sun 5 March “You always have to think about materials and objects in terms of being malleable,” explains Birmingham-born artist Roger Hiorns. “You have to cut them off from what their established use is, to directly interfere with their world-ness. It becomes a process of human empowerment to re-use and re- propose the power of objects simply left lying in the street.” Roger transforms materials and readymades in order to focus on various aspects of modern life, often through current affairs. His work to date has involved growing vast amounts of copper sulphate crystals on objects ranging from car engines to domestic interiors. He’s also created paintings made from brain matter, injected jet engines with anti-depressant drugs to affect a robotic nervous system, and produced a video work in which choristers of Birmingham’s St Philip’s Cathedral sing Evensong while lying on their backs on the floor of the nave. “I believe that the artist’s role is to move things on,” explains Roger, “to hold up a truthful mirror in order that progress might continue. Frankly I’m suspicious of many of my contemporaries who make work that simply reflects the desires of collectors.”

Midpointness The Riches Beneath Us The Pastoral And AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Bilston Craft Gallery, Wolverhampton, The Sublime until Sat 17 December until Sat 31 December The Barber Institute, Birmingham, This new exhibition features a range of geo- until Sun 8 January logical objects drawn from a vast collection that was bequeathed to the city of Wolverhampton by Scottish geologist Doctor John Fraser in 1911. The objects on show all have a local connection. Highlights include an internationally renowned spider fossil - discovered near Coseley - and a fossilised leaf which fell from “Midpointness seeks to explore the dynamics a prehistoric tree. Both objects are over 300 of inner/outer dialogues between the work million years old. and the viewer,” explain the exhibition’s The show also features the tooth of a Watercolours, drawings and prints by curators, Andrew Bracey and Steve Dutton. Plesiosaur, a vicious predator from the Gainsborough, Turner and Constable all fea- “It opens up other potentials that an artist Jurassic age. ture in this remarkable exhibition, which might hope for when he/she explores the also features three impressive watercolours generative potential of the work of art.” by Birmingham-born artist David Cox, one of This evolving project, investigating the is pictured above. nature of the artist, the exhibition, the audi- Focusing on the work of British artists ence and the work of art, brings together between the late 18th and 19th centuries, the pieces by 27 UK and international artists. show presents contrasting images of the nat- As part of the evolution process, the show’s ural world, displaying vast, desolate, dra- curatorial control will at times be handed matic and sometimes terrifying landscapes over to the gallery’s staff and exhibition visi- alongside charming and familiar pastoral tors. scenes.

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Night In The Museum Made In The Middle Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 12 February Fri 2 December - Sun 5 February An exhibition presented to cele- This touring exhibition features brate the Arts Council Collection’s work by some of the best con- 70th anniversary, Night In The temporary craftmakers in the Museum features a selection of Midlands, bringing together works curated by leading British ceramics, jewellery, metalwork artist Ryan Gander. and textiles created by both new All of the included pieces, drawn and established artists. from the Council’s world-class Selected by an expert panel national collection of modern and through open entry, the items on contemporary British art, challenge show reflect the latest develop- visitors to rethink the role of the ments and trends in craft. curator, the art object and the spec- The exhibition is the eighth in tator. the Made In The Middle series The exhibition features the work of and provides visitors with an over 30 artists, including Gander ideal opportunity to purchase himself. locally produced work as Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Christmas gifts for family and is one of four ‘national partners’ friends. hosting exhibitions drawn from the Arts Council Collection over the coming three years.

Life Echo Birmingham Open Media, until Sat 28 January “Life Echo explores the links between sound, memory and wellbeing,” explains sound artist Justin Wiggan. “It started when I discovered that my wife had triple negative breast cancer, which obviously had a massive impact on our lives. I became aware of how much I was relying on recalling good memories to get me through this traumatic period, and I started analysing those memories. As a sound artist, I was curious about the connection between sound and memory, and wanted to investigate that further.” It wasn't long before Wiggan realised that his research might be able to impact positively on other people's lives as well. He therefore embarked on a residency at the John Taylor Hospice, interviewing patients and selecting five strong memories from each. From these, he created one- minute sound experiences, which were then given to the patients to access whenever they were feeling low. “We found that this not only had a massively positive effect on them,” explains Wiggan, “but also that it helped their families, both in terms of leaving a legacy and bridging a gap at a time when conversation is hard. When you see someone at a hospice, day in, day out, you often end up not talking about what's important and just discussing mun- dane things like medication, so this became a way for people to share emotions.”

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Events

Marvel Universe Live real game-changer for these web-slinging, cape-wearing, hammer- wielding world-savers. Movie-makers can now create stunning visu- Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 December als and special effects that regularly leave cinema-goers wide-eyed Having flown, leapt, jumped and powered their way off the comic and gobsmacked. book pages and onto cinema screens across the globe, Marvel’s leg- Little wonder, then, that Marvel is looking to further develop its prod- endary superheroes are now coming in to land at the Barclaycard uct by ‘going live’. Cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial Arena. stunts, martial arts and motorcycles all feature in a brand new tour- The Stan Lee-created universe, including star names like Spiderman, ing show that sees the aforementioned superheroes going into battle Iron Man, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America and Wolverine, has been against some of Marvel’s most sinister supervillains. delighting generations of fans since the early 1960s. But it’s been the Sounds as though a breathtaking couple of hours could well be on advent of high-quality computer-generated imagery that’s been the the cards...

Blists Hill Antiques For Everyone Victorian Christmas Winter Fair Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 Thurs 1 - Sun 4 December December The Birmingham Assay Office, where hall- Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on marks are applied, is making a significant offer at Shropshire’s Blists Hill muse- contribution to this month’s show. um this month, as residents busy A number of items from a beautiful range of themselves with preparations for silver - inspired by the arts & crafts move- Christmas. ment and manufactured in Birmingham in Visitors to the award-winning site can the late 19th and early 20th century - will be enjoy seasonal music from bands and on show at the fair in a special feature exhi- choirs, ride on a horse-drawn cart, bition. The items form part of the Assay experience some festive-style enter- Office’s private collection. tainment - including a mini-pan- The fair features displays of antique and tomime and a singalong with carol decorative furniture, treen, ceramics, singers - and partake in a spot of kitchenalia, silver, glass, jewellery and Christmas shopping in the town’s works of art, arms and armour, maps, dolls, numerous retail outlets. bears and an array of vintage and decorative And just in case all that’s not enough collectables. With more than 250 dealers to ensure your youngsters are happily showcasing their wares - and with items entertained, Father Christmas himself - ranging in price from as little as £10 right up along with his reindeer - will be on to £100,000 for the more serious collectors - hand to hear some last-minute gift this ever-popular event offers the perfect requests. opportunity to pick up some unusual gifts.

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FEATURE

ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM It’s been a long time since Birmingham experienced a white Christmas, but there is at least one place in the city where people can enjoy the delights of a winter wonderland. As in previous years, Ice Skate Birmingham is offering fun-seeking Midlanders the chance to pretend they’re Torvill or Dean by taking a yuletide spin across the ‘icy wastes’ of Centenary Square. The big observation wheel is back too, for anybody who fancies a bird’s-eye view of the second city this festive season. Lauren Cox gets her skates on to find out more...

The countdown to Christmas is now in full The big wheel swing, with Ice Skate Birmingham, located And speaking of the big wheel... why not in the city’s iconic Centenary Square, now take a ride right up to the top and enjoy officially open for business. beautiful views of Birmingham’s skyline and And there are plenty of reasons to visit the Centenary Square’s ‘winter wonderland’. ice rink, the Ice Lounge bar and the big The sights are pretty spectacular, whether wheel during the festive season. you’re taking a ride in the daytime or at Situated next to the Frankfurt Christmas night. Market & Craft Fair, Ice Skate Birmingham And make a special note in your diary for was opened by the city’s Lord Mayor - New Year’s Eve, when the big wheel, ice rink Councillor Carl Rice - and Father Christmas and Ice Lounge bar will all be open until himself. 1am, allowing you to skate your way into The Ice Lounge bar 2017. The ice rink What better way to relax after a 45-minute A great way to get into the festive spirit, the ice-skating session than with a hot choco- attraction is suitable for participants of all late & marshmallows, a glass of mulled wine ages and abilities, from ice-skating novices or cider. to professional-standard skaters. The Ice Lounge, located right next to the ice Skating aids in the shape of penguins can be rink and open both to skaters and non- purchased for beginners from the box office skaters, serves coffee, tea, wine, beer, pros- for £3. ecco and a selection of spirits. It's the per- Marshals are on the ice at all times to ensure fect place to unwind and watch others tak- that the rink is always a safe place to skate, ing a spin on the ice. so there’s no need to worry about falling You can also spectate from the viewing plat- over - after all, it's all part and parcel of the form outside the bar. fun and adds to the overall experience. With 600 square meters of iced surfaces, Ice Skate Birmingham can accommodate up to 300 people at any one time and is therefore Ice Skate Birmingham is open seven days ideal for large groups. Parties of more than a week from 10am to 10pm (closed 10 people who are looking to book for Christmas Day) and can be enjoyed until Christmas office outings, birthday celebra- 8 January. tions and social get-togethers can make use Prices for the ice rink range from £7 to of the discounted prices on offer for the ice £9.50. Tickets for the big wheel cost £5 rink and the big wheel. each

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more events from around the region

Santa’s Winter Clothes Show Live Wonderland NEC, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Tues 6 December SnowDome, Tamworth, until Sat 31 December 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 youngsters 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. There’s also an all-new Santa Show to enjoy, with the Big Man in Red making final prepara- A hot ticket for fashionistas tions for another ‘Christmas extravaganza’. everywhere, Clothes Show Live The less adventurous, meanwhile, can observe regularly attracts a plethora of the snow-related action as they amble along well-known celebrities from the the promenade walkway. There’s even an ani- worlds of music and TV - and mal village, where you can visit Santa’s rein- this year is no exception. deer and meet some of his furry friends. With appearances by TOWIE’s Joey Essex and Made In Chelsea’s Binky and Jamie con- Christmas In The Home atmosphere. firmed, 2016 promises to be a “The market will not only be showcasing food, bumper show. Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Sat 26 - Sun 27 November drink and products from authentic European In addition to showcasing wares Sat 3 - Sun 4, Sat 10 - Sun 11 stallholders,” says Shaun Davies, Leader of from hundreds of leading fash- and Sat 17 - Sat 24 December Telford & Wrekin Council, “it will also give a ion and beauty brands, the five- number of local businesses the opportunity to day event also features non-stop have a stall of their own at an event which is catwalk shows and live perform- likely to attract thousands of visitors.” ances by, among others, rising British music stars Charlotte OC and Daecolm. Shrewsbury Winter Festival Other attractions include a Q&A The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury Sat 10 - Sun 11 December session with fashion blogger Sarah Ashcroft - otherwise known as ‘that Pommie girl’ - The sights, sounds and smells of Christmases and TV favourite Mark Heyes’s past are very much in evidence at the Black Curves With Confidence work- Country Living Museum this month. shop. Visitors can step inside period cottages and Plenty to enjoy at this year’s houses to help costumed characters create ‘a show, then, which is sadly the host of fabulous festive recipes from Mrs last one to be held in Beeton’s Book of Household Management’. Birmingham. From 2017, the Helping to stir the sixpence into the Christmas event will be taking place in pudding, assisting with some ‘make do and Liverpool, as part of British mend’ decorations and crafting a spiced Style Collective. Shopping avenues filled with more than 170 orange pomander are among the other attrac- artisan producers, craftspeople and designers tions ensuring a hands-on experience for fami- ensure the Shrewsbury Winter Festival offers lies to enjoy. plenty of opportunity for visitors to get their Christmas shopping done. And there’s lots to Telford European enjoy at the event besides retail therapy, Christmas Market including family activities across the weekend and a programme of live music events. There’s Southwater, Telford, Thurs 1 - Fri 23 December even the chance to ‘get vocal’ yourself, by tak- Running daily throughout December until the ing part in a big festive singalong. 23rd, Telford’s European market features 32 There are numerous activities to enjoy outside traditional chalets, 70 percent of which will be the festival gates too, not least among which European, 30 percent local. are the Hobsons Ale and Festive Food trails. A funfair for younger visitors and performanc- The event is this year fundraising on behalf of es from local choirs and acoustic bands also the Shrewsbury Ark, a charity for homeless play their part in creating a suitably festive and vulnerable people. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:21 Page 5

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more events from around the region

Santa Safari Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Fri 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 in the run-up to Christmas (along with his elves and reindeer, of course), spreading plenty of festive cheer and handing out a special gift to every visiting child. Magic Lantern Festival tifully constructed lanterns and the natu- Birmingham Botanical Gardens, ral scenery, visitors to the festival can also Christmas At The Valley Fri 25 November - Mon 2 January catch up with Santa and his reindeer. Celebrating over 2,000 years of lantern fes- Other attractions include a 12-metre-wide Sandwell Park Farm, Sat 3 - Sat 24 December tivals, this ‘illuminating’ event sees visitors lantern scene - featuring penguins, snow- Given that it’s one of the Midlands’ most accessing the venue through a giant men, Christmas trees and baubles - and a popular visitor destinations, it’s perhaps a lantern entrance before following a special fairy-themed area, complete with a little surprising that this is Sandwell Park lantern-lit trail around the gardens. floating fairy, beautiful butterflies and Farm’s very first Christmas At The Valley. Aside from enjoying the collection of beau- thousands of bright and tiny lights. If the inaugural festival’s line-up is anything to go by, though, it’s unlikely to be the venue’s last such event, with organisers ensuring there’s plenty to make the experience one that will see families returning year Drayton’s Magical made mulled wine and festive food are after year. Attractions include Santa Claus in Christmas available for anybody who enjoys them- his grotto with a sackful of goodies to hand selves best on a full stomach. Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, out to young visitors, kids’ activities galore, a until Sat 31 December Christmas treasure hunt, the chance to sam- Real reindeer, an indoor ice rink, ple seasonal food and drink, and extra Victorian Christmas Christmas arts and crafts, live shows, car- events scheduled at the weekends. ols, presents, light shows, Santa Claus and Weekends And good ol’ St Nick’s even brought along his a ‘magnificent’ fireworks display - oh, and Compton Verney, Warwickshire, reindeer too, to delight children who’re keen snowfall over the Island of Sodor! - are Sat 3 - Sun 4 and Sat 10 - Sun 11 December to make some fabulous four-legged friends among the attractions giving Drayton this festive season. If you’re going to host a Victorian-style Manor Park & Zoo a decidedly festive feel Christmas, who better to have along for the this month. ride than Queen Victoria herself? Families can also catch a ride on Thomas Her Majesty is part and festive parcel of Carols in the Caverns The Tank Engine, dance along with The Compton Verney’s 2016 yuletide celebra- Dudley Canal & Fat Controller and all his Fungineer friends tions, explaining to visitors how the Tunnel Trust, Dudley, and sample the thrills and spills of a 15- Victorian era changed the way in which Sun 4, Sun 11 and Sun 18 December minute Polar Express In 4D experience. the country celebrates Christmas. As well as this fascinating brush with As Christmas expe- bygone royalty, the event also features a riences go, this festive food fair, craft demonstrations and one’s pretty unique, Tudor Christmas workshops, the chance to learn how to featuring a boat trip Blakesley Hall, Birmingham design and make Christmas cards and an around the Dudley Sat 10 December opportunity to say a yuletide hello to Canal Trust’s caverns and limestone mines. Historical reenactors, handbell ringers, Father Christmas and his reindeer. Along the way, an onboard choir sing a host costumed musicians and a talented choir Compton Verney’s ‘season to be jolly’ ends of festive favourites, including; Ding Dong, are all present and correct at this special with hymns and songs in the chapel, fol- Merrily On High; God Rest Ye Merry, one-day event. Visitors to the 17th century lowed by traditional Christmas tunes Gentlemen; Coventry Carol; and Silent Night. house can find out what domestic life underneath the portico. The trip through the tunnel network takes in would’ve been like for a well-to-do family, A sure-to-be-impressive fireworks display locations such as Cathedral Arch and the their friends, servants and visiting trades- brings proceedings to an end with a suit- famous Singing Cavern. men during the Christmas season. Home- ably big bang or several.

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more events from around the region

The Bear: Story Readings mac, Birmingham, Mon 12, Sat 17 and Sat 24 December Now here’s a novel and entirely admirable approach to introduc- ing young children to theatre. Cognisant of the fact that tiny tots and toddlers might find a great big polar bear just a little bit disconcerting, those clever people at mac birmingham have taken steps to stop the youngsters’ nerves from jangling while they’re watching the venue’s Christmas adaptation of Raymond Briggs’s The Bear. Prior to three performances of the show, a member of the cast will read the story aloud, so that children know what to expect when they settle down to enjoy the production. Moscow State Circus And who knows - if they’re really Star City, Birmingham, many of which are evident in its current produc- lucky, they might even catch a Tues 20 December - Sun 8 January tion, Zhelaniy. sneaky glimpse of the big, The Moscow State Circus is very possibly the Based on a popular Russian folklore story, the friendly bear himself... best-known circus in the world, based on over show transports its audience to ‘a wondrous 200 years of tradition. and mysterious enchanted garden’, where wish- When animals became an unpopular aspect of es are granted to the beautiful Zhenya, who circuses, this flexible family favourite adapted finds herself surrounded by ‘a multitude of fly- to survive by moving the emphasis to astonishing, back-flipping, juggling, wire-walking and ing displays of human skill and endurance - roller-skating performers’.

Santa’s Workshop Webb’s Ice Skating Coventry Transport Museum, Webbs Of Mon 19 - Wed 21 December Wychbold Garden Yuletide At Centre, until As well as the chance to check out numerous Mon 2 January Avoncroft work & leisure vehicles and stop off in the glit- Visitors to Webbs Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove tering Jaguar room, a yuletide visit to the Of Wychbold Tuesdays & Wednesdays between Coventry Transport Museum also provides visi- 6 & 21 December Garden Centre can tors with plenty of opportunity to get them- get their skates on Avoncroft’s historic buildings selves in the festive spirit. and have some fun are being transformed for the While Santa looks after his sleigh ride, children on the ice this festive season by the addition of can ‘get crafty’ in a mini Christmas workshop Christmas. period decorations. by making large paper stars, winter wands and The popular Yuletide visitors can help re- jingle sticks. There’s also a free Family Trail to Worcestershire enactors prepare for Christmas, enjoy, which sees participants following Santa venue is once again hosting a festive-season try seasonal craft activities and through the museum’s exhibitions, decorating ice-skating rink - and is letting it be known that enjoy festive music in the the venue’s Makaton Christmas tree as they go. this year’s version is bigger and better than ever Mission Church. Children of any age are welcome, but activities before. Meanwhile, on Fridays and are particularly suitable for youngsters aged Open seven days a week (excluding Christmas Saturdays between the 9th and four-plus. Day and Boxing Day), the rink comes complete the 23rd, younger visitors can with a lit-up roof, allowing families to skate join the Avoncroft Elves and whatever the weather. help Santa prepare for the big The popular attraction also provides skates that day. strap over normal shoes, to ensure that younger And speaking of Santa, he’ll be children and toddlers can have lots of fun on taking up residence in his Grotto the ice too. Sit-on and push-along aids are also and giving a gift to every child available. who pays him a visit.

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Your week to week listings guide December 2016 thelist

Stick Man at Warwick Arts Centre - until Saturday 31st December 31st Saturday until - Centre ArtsWarwick at Man Stick

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 11 December Mon 12 to Sun 18 December Mon 19 to Sun 25 December Mon 26 to Sat 31 December

Sean Lock at Warwick Arts Kate Rusby at Malvern Santa Safari at West Midlands Zorro’s Christmas Adventure at Centre, Coventry Theatres, Worcestershire Safari Park, Bewdley Artrix, Bromsgrove Wed 7 December Mon 12 December until Sat 24 December Thurs 29 December

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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December PANIC ROOM Fri 2 Dec, THE ULTIMATE PARTY THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs The Robin, Bilston ANIMAL NIGHT WITH RANG A TANG Sat 3 Dec, Herbert Art Gallery & ICONIC 80S Fri 2 Dec, The River Rooms, Nailcote Hall, Museum, Coventry MARTYN JOSEPH Thurs Visual Arts Stourbridge Berkswell, BRICK WONDERS Exhibition of over 70 1 Dec, Huntingdon Warwickshire THE 'TAKE THAT' models, including the Great Wall of Hall, Worcester Artrix, Bromsgrove SPECTACULAR WITH DUBCHERRY Sat 3 Dec, China and Niagara Falls, until Sun 15 ANDY MORTON’S JAZZ 'TAKE@THAT' Fri 2 Dec, The Night Owl, B’ham FINDING FRESH PATHS: 5 CUBED Jan 2017 BALLARDS Thurs 1 Dec, Nailcote Hall, SACK SABBATH Sat 3 Exhibition by a group of four mature, Kitchen Garden Cafe, contemporary artists who trained NEW MADE IN THE MIDDLE A recurring Berkswell, Dec, Route 44, B’ham touring exhibition highlighting some Birmingham together and exhibit regularly, until Warwickshire THE SENSATIONAL of the best contemporary craft & SCOTT MATTHEWS Thurs Sun 20 Nov ROD STEWART Fri 2 - Sat 'MOTOWN' PARTY WITH applied art from the Midlands. Part of 1 Dec, The Assembly, 3 Dec, Barclaycard THE BROTHERS OF SOUL BILLY BAKER: SUNRISE TO SUNSET Craftspace’s 30th anniversary pro- Leamington Spa Arena, Birmingham Sat 3 Dec, Nailcote Familiar places of beauty, with a gramme, Fri 2 Dec - Sun 5 Feb CBSO BENJAMIN BUDDY HOLLY & THE Hall, Berkswell, strong use of colour creating dream- GROSVENOR FEATURING CRICKETERS Fri 2 Dec, Warwickshire like, atmospheric and dramatic The Hive, Worcester ALPESH Thurs 1 Dec, Stratford Artshouse RHINO AND THE RANTERS imagery, until Tue 3 Jan THE HOP PROJECT Malvern Theatres A contemporary art JESSARAE Fri 2 Dec, Sat 3 Dec, Katie DR JOHN COOPER Birmingham Museum & exhibition touring Herefordshire, O2 Institute, B’ham Fitzgerald's, CLARKE & HUGH Art Gallery Worcestershire, Birmingham and the Stourbridge CORNWELl Thurs 1 Dec, DUA LIPA Fri 2 Dec, Black Country. The project's starting ULTIMATE 40 - UB40 EAST MEETS WEST O2 Institute, B’ham O2 Academy, B’ham Presenting the point in an exploration of the social TRIBUTE Sat 3 Dec, work of 16 emerging artists working and political implications of hop pro- GERRY COLVIN Sun 4 BACK TO THE 60’S PARTY The River Rooms, with moving image or photography, duction in the West Midlands, until Dec, Hare & Hounds, WITH REVOLVER Fri 2 Stourbridge until Fri 6 Jan Tue 13 Dec Birmingham Dec, Nailcote Hall, CELEBRATING GANESHA A touring exhi- Berkswell, BUFFALO SUMMER Sat 3 DR HOOK STARRING bition across seven venues around Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Warwickshire Dec, The Asylum, the UK. Part of the British Museum’s Museum DENNIS LOCORRIERE Birmingham Thurs 1 Dec, Civic Hall, MI LUNA Fri 2 Dec, National Programmes, until 8 Jan COLIN HITCHMOUGH DICTIONARY OF JIM BOB Sat 3 Dec, Wolverhampton Artrix, Bromsgrove HONOURING VC INDIAN SOLDIERS IN SILENCES The Rainbow Venues, A showcase of new works PILGRIMAGE FEAT WORLD WAR ONE Exhibition telling the KATIE MELUA Thurs 1 Birmingham alongside a selection of key pieces ROTUNDA OF WONDER, stories of South Asian soldiers of the Dec, Symphony Hall, from his portfolio, from the early SKA'D FOR LIFE & YOUNG FEEL MY BICEP Sat 3 British Indian Army who were award- Birmingham 1970s to the present day, until Sun 8 PILGRIMS Fri 2 Dec, Dec, The Rainbow ed the Victoria Cross during the First EMILY PORTMAN AND Jan Hare & Hounds, Venues, Birmingham World War, until Sat 28 Jan THE CORACLE BAND Birmingham THE MIGHTY YOUNG Sat BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN Warwick Arts Centre,Coventry Thurs 1 Dec, mac, WHISKEY MYERS Fri 2 3 Dec, The Sunflower THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People THE HUMAN DOCUMENT A new exhibi- Birmingham Dec, O2 Institute, Lounge, Birmingham explores the ways in which ordinary tion exploring artists’ enduring fasci- MC LARS + MEGA RAN + Birmingham STEVE GIBBONS Sun 4 Brummie folk have been represented nation with the work of a group of KOO KOO KANGA ROO Dec, Kitchen Garden in art during the 20th and 21st cen- photographers who were commis- Thurs 1 Dec, The JOE DOLMAN Fri 2 Dec, Cafe, Birmingham turies. Change In The Inner-City sioned by the Farm Security Rainbow Venues, The Assembly, focuses on the four inner-city wards Administration Programme (FSA) in Birmingham Leamington Spa ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN Depression-era America to docu- Sun 4 Dec, New of Ladywood - Nechells, Soho, Aston BEACH HEAD Thurs 1 UK GARAGE TAKEOVER ment the plight of rural workers, until Alexandra Theatre, and Ladywood, until Fri 31 Mar 2017 Dec, The Sunflower Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, The Sat 10 Dec Birmingham FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Lounge, Birmingham Assembly, Leamington Spa THE FABULOUS BORDEL- different faiths have influenced and FOLK IN THE FOYER: LOS Sun 4 Dec, The shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 Worcester City Museum & Art STEVE TILSTON Thurs 1 SONIA ˜INDIGO’ CLARKE Robin, Bilston NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM: RYAN GANDER Gallery Dec, Evesham Arts & LYNETTE WALTERS THE MOONS CURATES THE ARTS COUNCIL CRAFTED FOR YOU Exhibition of jew- Centre Fri 2 Dec, Blue Piano Sun 4 Dec, COLLECTION Restaurant And Bar, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Leading British artist ellery, glassware, ceramics and other FRIGHTENED RABBIT Birmingham ELIZA AND THE BEAR Ryan Gander’s selection of artworks handmade crafts. A great opportuni- Thurs 1 Dec, O2 SIMON SPILLETT Fri 2 Sun 4 Dec, O2 from the Arts Council Collection, Sat ty to buy unique Christmas gifts, until Institute, Birmingham Dec, Symphony Hall, Academy, Birmingham 26 Nov - Sun 12 Feb Sat 7 Jan THE SCRATCH BAND Birmingham CONNECTED HISTORIES: MUSLIMS IN NEW WORCESTER SOCIETY OF ARTISTS' Thurs 1 Dec, The KATE TEMPEST Sun 4 THE FIRST WORLD WAR A new exhibi- ANNUAL EXHIBITION An eclectic selec- Roadhouse, B’ham FRONTEERS Fri 2 Dec, Dec, O2 Institute, tion which explores the untold stories tion of art created by local artists, Sat The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham of more than 400,000 Muslim sol- THE SUBTERRANEANS 3 Dec - Sat 21 Jan Birmingham SCOTT MATTHEWS Sun 4 diers in the First World War, until Sun Fri 2 Dec - Sat 3 Dec, SETH LAKEMAN Fri 2 Dec, Glee Club, B’ham 5 Mar The Jam House, Other VISUAL ARTS Birmingham Dec, Birmingham Town SKABUCKS Sun 4 Dec, Hall Compton Verney Gallery, THE PLAY'S THE THING Family-friendly THE BOHEMIANS - A The Actress & Bishop, Warwick exhibition full of treasures from the NIGHT OF QUEEN Fri 2 THE BEAT Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham archives and the museum collection, Dec, The Assembly, The Slade Rooms, PICASSO ON PAPER Picasso was one SUNDAY CLASSICS Sun including rarely seen props, cos- Leamington Spa Wolverhampton 4 Dec, The Spotted of the most inventive and prolific tumes and original set designs, until INTO THE SHADOWS Fri 2 LISSIE Sat 3 Dec, O2 Dog, Birmingham printmakers of the 20th century. Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Institute, Birmingham Each technique - including etching, Stratford PRIMAL SCREAM lithography, aquatint and linocut - Worcester DARKSIDE - THE PINK Sun 4 Dec, O2 CONDUCT THE STORM inspired new directions in his work, Free-to- OASIS UK Fri 2 Dec, FLOYD SHOW Sat 3 Dec, Institute, Birmingham until Sun 11 Dec visit installation running in conjunc- The Empire, Coventry Wulfrun Hall, THE SAW DOCTORS Sun Wolverhampton QUEEN VICTORIA IN PARIS: tion with the theatre's Christmas DURAN (DURAN DURAN) 4 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, WATERCOLOURS FROM THE ROYAL show, The Tempest. Through ges- Fri 2 Dec, Route 44, THE BORN AGAIN Wolverhampton COLLECTION Forty-four watercolours tures and physical actions, Birmingham BEATLES Sat 3 Dec, SALTWOUNDS Sun 4 of Queen Victoria’s 1855 visit to visitors will be able to 'conduct the The Roadhouse, THE ELECTRIC SWING Dec, The Marr's Bar, Paris, some of which were given to storm', whip up waves and create Birmingham CIRCUS Fri 2 Dec, Worcester her as gifts, others which she later thunder and lightning, until Sat 21 Hare & Hounds, B’ham THE SMYTHS Sat 3 Dec, THE OLLIE WEST BAND commissioned herself, until Sun 11 Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, O2 Academy, B’ham Sun 4 Dec, The Tin Dec Stratford-upon-Avon JAWS Fri 2 Dec, The Rainbow Venues, THE SHIRES Sat 3 Dec, Music And Arts, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Coventry

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Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December

Featuring the Ex Cathedra Consort & Classical Music Baroque Orchestra. Jeffrey Skidmore conducts, Sun 4 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall ALISON BALSOM WITH THE ZURICH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA Programme includes works by Mozart, Hummel & Shostakovich, Thurs 1 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Comedy Gigs CBSO WITH BENJAMIN GROSVENOR Programme includes works by Dvorak, Brahms & Sibelius, Thurs 1 KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Dec, Malvern Theatre 1 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall HANDEL’S MESSIAH STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Thurs 1 Featuring the City of Birmingham Dec, mac, Birmingham Choir, Alison Roddy (soprano), Fri 2 MANILLA ROAD COMEDY Thurs 1 Dec, Dec, Symphony Hall The Victoria, Birmingham PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA MITCH BENN, CARL DONNELLY, ANGIE Programme comprises works by BELCHER & GEORGE ZACH Thurs 1 Dec, Tchaikovsky, Fri 2 Dec, The George Hotel, Lichfield Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ED GAMBLE, JIMMY MCGHIE, JOHN THE MIDLAND SINFONIA: CONCERT BY FOTHERGILL & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 1 CANDLELIGHT Programme includes Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Private Dick Whittington works by Mozart & Dvorak, Fri 2 Dec, GEOFF BOYZ, EDDIE BRIMSON, MATT St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, WELCOME & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 7 January Worcestershire Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, The Comedy Anybody who thinks Christmas theatre is only for the kids should get MI LUNA Spanish early music with a Loft, Birmingham themselves along to the Belgrade’s B2 and sample this film-noir modern twist, Fri 2 Dec, Artrix, JOHN SIMMIT, RUDI LICKWOOD, Bromsgrove spoof. The venue’s annual alternative pantomime this year features ANNETTE FAGON & ROGER D Fri 2 Dec, the adventures of a private investigator who’s in a tight spot, with a FLORENTINE ARTS ENSEMBLE: DAHL'S mac, Birmingham NORWEGIAN LANDSCAPE ‘dead dame’ in his office and a suitcase full of cash nowhere to be ANDREW BIRD, ED GAMBLE, JIMMY found. Programme includes works by Grieg, MCGHIE & JOHN FOTHERGILL Fri 2 - Sat Fri 2 Dec, The Barber Institute, 3 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham A talking cat, a mysterious mayor, a haphazard hypnotist and ‘an Birmingham avalanche of punishing puns and groan-worthy gags’ all play their RICH HALL Sat 3 Dec, Evesham Arts BRASS CLASSICS AT ADVENT Centre part in ensuring there’s plenty to enjoy in this hour-long production. Programme includes works by And as an added festive bonus, its short running time means there’s Mahler, Saint-Saens, Berlioz arr. STEPHEN K AMOS Sat 3 Dec, Old Rep Brand & Dvorak arr. Tarling, Fri 2 Theatre, Birmingham bags of opportunity to enjoy a post-show Christmas tipple. Dec, St Paul’s Church, Birmingham OTIZ CANNELLONI, RORY O'HANLON, BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY SINGERS AND LARRY DEAN & JAKE LAMBERT Sat 3 UNIVERSITY WOMEN'S CHOIR Dec, Coventry Showcase Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Live Theatre present a heartwarm- Featuring Simon Carrington (choir THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, ing coming-of-age story, Tues 29 director). Programme includes works Sun 4 Dec, mac, Birmingham Birmingham Nov - Sat 3 Dec, The REP, by Guerrero, Lully, Berlioz, Poulenc, THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- Birmingham Dove, Byrd, Legrenzi & Raminish, cal exploration of revenge, forgive- WHO KILLED SANTA CLAUS? Terence Fri 2 Dec, The Bramall, University Of ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 Feely’s seasonal thriller featuring Birmingham Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Kim Tiddy (The Bill, Hollyoaks), UNIVERSITY CHORUS Programme Theatre Stratford-upon-Avon Freya Copland (Emmerdale) and includes Vaughan Williams' In THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on David Callister (The Bill), Tues 29 Windsor Forest & George Shearing's Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Nov - Sat 3 Dec, Malvern Theatres Songs & Sonnets from Shakespeare, RELATIVELY SPEAKING The Crescent Theatre Company present an ama- Two Noble Kinsmen is attributed to THE FESTIVE FOOTSIE CLUB Featuring Sat 3 Dec, The Bramall, University Of John Fletcher & William femme fatales, quirky comedy and Birmingham teur production of Alan Ayckbourn’s comedy of mistaken identity, until Shakespeare and is best described ‘extraordinary performances to sur- DI XIAO PIANO RECITAL Sat 3 Dec, Holy Sat 3 Dec, Crescent Theatre, as a tragicomedy exploring the prise and delight...’ Thurs 1 Dec, Trinity Church, Sutton Coldfield Birmingham intoxication and strangeness of Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY love, until Tues 7 Feb, The Swan GEORGE'S MARVELLOUS MEDICINE The ORLANDO Little Earthquake direct ORCHESTRA - PROMS NIGHT Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham Stage Company pres- Sarah Ruhl's staging of Virginia SPECTACULAR Programme includes THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders Woolf's gender-bending novel, works by Puccini, Wagner, Walton, ents its acclaimed version of Roald Dahl's much-loved story, until Sat 3 Lustgarten’s visceral new play con- Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Dec, George John Williams & Beethoven, Sat 3 fronts the dangerous necessity of Cadbury Hall (University Of Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham compassion, in a world where it’s in Birmingham) STRATFORD CONCERT BAND: A CHRIST- short supply. Directed by RSC THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS An irrever- FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS MAS CONCERT Sat 3 Dec, Stratford Deputy Artistic Director Erica Adrian Berry’s acclaimed tale of a ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon-Avon ent and playful take on Kenneth Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan Grahame's classic children's story, young David Bowie obsessive, Fri 2 UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SYMPHONY Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until Sat 31 Dec, The Old Rep Dec, mac, Birmingham ORCHESTRA AND CHORUS Sun 4 Dec, Theatre, Birmingham THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic TINA TURNER: TEA LADY AND FRIENDS Warwick Arts Centre restoration comedy, set in the Character comedian Tracey Collins PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA STICK MAN Scamp Theatre present a topsy-turvy world of the carnival. stage adaptation for children, based returns to the OJS with a range of Programme includes works by Loveday Ingram returns to the RSC new characters in what promises to Dvorak & Shostakovich, Sun 4 Dec, on Julia Donaldson and Alex to direct, until Sat 11 Feb, The Scheffler's popular children's book, be a ‘high-octane and utterly hilari- The Bramall, University Of Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon ous show’, Fri 2 Dec, The Old Joint Birmingham until Sat 31 Dec, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby Stock Theatre, Birmingham THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SYMPHO- and Jonny, told through heart- TREASURE ISLAND Luke Players pres- NY ORCHESTRA Programme compris- DICK WHITTINGTON Written by and pounding music and sensationally starring Iain Lauchlan, until Sat 7 ent Phil Willmott’s adaptation of the es Verdi’s Requiem & Mahler’s sexy dancing, Mon 28 Nov - Sat 3 Robert Louis Stevenson classic, Fri 2 Jan, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Totenfeier, Sun 4 Dec, Warwick Arts Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - Sat 3 Dec, mac, Birmingham Centre, Coventry TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s BROKEN BISCUITS Paines Plough & TOAD OF TOAD HALL Nicky Cox EX CATHEDRA: A BRAZILIAN CHRISTMAS modern adaptation of Robert Louis

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thelist Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 December directs a new staging of Kenneth THE CHRISTMAS ICE RINK until Mon 2 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Featuring Grahame's classic book, Fri 2 - Sat Film Jan, Webbs Garden Centre, carol singing, costumed guided tours 10 Dec, The Bear Pit Theatre - The Droitwich Spa and a children's Christmas Lanterns United Reformed Church, Stratford- craft activity, Sat 3 Dec, Museum of INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page upon-Avon 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham A CHRISTMAS CAROL The Crescent Birmingham Botanical Gardens FROST FAYRE Sat 3 Dec, Coventry Theatre Company presents its ver- THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN (15) THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See Transport Museum sion of Charles Dickens’ festive tale, Mystery/Thriller. Starring Emily Blunt, Packwood dressed for Christmas by UK DRONE SHOW Europe's largest Sat 3 - Sat 17 Dec, Crescent Haley Bennett. Royal Spa Centre, professional artist Jennifer Collier, gathering of drones, drone racers, Theatre, Birmingham Leamington Spa, until Thurs 1 Dec until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, RC cars, robot fighting and con- CINDERELLA Traditional family pan- ARRIVAL (12a) Mystery/Thriller. Solihull sumer technology, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, tomime, Sat 3 - Tues 27 December, Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner. ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM An ice rink NEC, Birmingham Bedworth Civic Hall Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, until located near the Frankfurt Christmas VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Soak up the Thurs 1 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Festive family Market, until Sun 8 Jan, Centenary seasonal atmosphere and revel in Square, Birmingham traditional celebrations and entertain- entertainment featuring local per- NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15) ment, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Blists Hill, former Jamie Sheerman, Sat 3 - Sat Drama/Thriller. Starring Amy Adams, CHRISTMAS CRACKER EXPRESS Magical Ironbridge, Shropshire 31 Dec, Royal Spa Centre, Jake Gyllenhaal. Warwick Arts steam train journey along the Severn Leamington Spa Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 1 Dec Valley in the company of Father CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND Christmas, Thurs 1 Dec, Severn Santa stars in his very own show and PRIVATE DICK WHITTINGTON The THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Valley Railway, Bewdley has a gift for every child, Sat 3 - Sun Belgrade's alternative pantomime Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra 4 Dec, Cadbury World, B’ham this year takes on the guise of a WORKSHOP: CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Miller. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, film-noir spoof, loaded with so & GIFTS Thurs 1 Dec, Avoncroft SEASONAL MARKETS Be spoilt for until Thurs 1 Dec; Malvern Theatres, many bad jokes it's ri-dick-ulous! Museum, Bromsgrove choice by a variety of crafty and until Thurs 1 Dec; Warwick Arts Sat 3 - Sat 31 Dec, Belgrade BEJEWELLED INITIAL WORKSHOP Thurs yummy goodies, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Centre, Coventry, Fri 2 - Wed 7, Fri 9 1 Dec, Croome Park, Worcester Croome Park, Worcester Theatre, Coventry - Sun 11 Dec CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Make something ROBIN HOOD & THE BABES IN THE ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR PHILADELPHIA (12) Drama. Starring festive and fun to take home with WOOD This year’s panto promises Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Dec, NEC, B’ham Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington. you. There’s also a chance to meet non-stop music, dancing and laugh- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 1 Dec CHRISTMAS AT THE SHAKESPEARE Father Christmas over the weekend, ter, Sat 3 Dec - Sat 7 Jan, The FAMILY HOMES Celebrate four cen- QUEEN OF KATWE (PG) Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Croome Park, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury turies of Christmas traditions, Thurs 1 Biography/Drama. Starring Lupita Worcestershirere - Tues 6 Dec, Shakespeare's Nyong’o, David Oyelowo. Warwick Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon THE WINTER CHOCOLATE & PROSECCO Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 3 - Mon 5 FESTIVAL Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Fargo Dec CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES Village, Coventry Guided tours of the Hall exploring Dance Christmas throughout the ages. CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR With Victorian Pomander-making sessions and entertainment, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, THE NUTCRACKER - BRB Brimming NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Wassailing included as part of the Forge Mill Needle Museum, Redditch with festive energy, this ballet is the tour, Thurs 1 Dec - Thurs 22 Dec, VICTORIAN ADVENT WEEKEND Sat 3 - Released from Fri 2 December, perfect Christmas treat for the entire Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Sun 4 Dec, Anne Hathaway's showing at selected cinemas family, until Tue 13 Dec, CHRISTMAS FLORAL WORKSHOP Table- Cottage & Gardens, Stratford-upon- BLEED FOR THIS (15) Birmingham Hippodrome decoration workshop and festive Avon ECHOES & I IMAGINE A double bill of CHI-RAQ (15) afternoon tea, Fri 2 Dec, CHRISTMAS AT CHARLECOTE PARK Step works featuring Adita Mangaldas' EAT THAT QUESTION (15) Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- back in time to see Charlecote deco- upon-Avon rated for a traditional Victorian Echoes - an exhilarating, high- MOANA (15) octane dance experience which EASY KNIT CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Christmas, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, MOLLY MOON AND THE INCREDIBLE explores our relationships with our Make a woolly and cuddly Christmas Charlecote Park, Warwick BOOK OF HYPNOTISM (U) ancestors - and I Imagine - Aakash Tree decoration to take home, Fri 2 MUSIC AT CHARLECOTE THIS Odedra & Sabrina Mahfouz's beauti- SULLY (12a) Dec, Croome Park, Worcester CHRISTMAS Grab a mince pie and fully choreographed work exploring THE UNKNOWN GIRL (tbc) WINTER ART FAIR Showcasing afford- mulled wine and enjoy the live brass the imagined future and confines of able artworks, artist books and edi- band, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, Charlecote the skin, Wed 30 Nov - Thurs 1 Dec, tions, music and homemade refresh- Park, Warwick Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ments, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Dec, Eastside VICTORIAN ADVENT WEEKEND THE WOLF AND PETER Coisceim Projects, Birmingham Celebrate the start of advent the Dance Theatre present an energetic Events THE CLOTHES SHOW 2016 Fri 2 - Tues 6 Victorian way, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Dec, staging of the timeless story of Dec, NEC, Birmingham Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- courage and imagination, Fri 2 - Sat upon-Avon TUDOR CHRISTMAS FEASTS Experience FEMALE KING: THE LIFE & TIMES OF 3 Dec, DanceXchange, Birmingham the tastes of a Tudor Court HATSHEPSUT Three thousand years VICTORY CHRISTMAS FAYRE Join the Christmas, until Wed 21 Dec, Mary ago a remarkable individual took to wartime festivities, with local stall- Arden's Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon the throne of Egypt. In being a holders selling handmade gifts, presents, food and drink, Sat 3 - Sun 4 ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS KINGDOM See woman taking the throne, Hatshepsut defied over 1,000 years Dec, Upton House & Gardens, Father Christmas in his Grotto. Well- Warwickshire Talks behaved children will receive a of traditional male rule. This course, Golden Key to unlock his workshop, over two Saturdays, explores the life RAGLEY BY CANDLELIGHT Festive where they can then choose their and times of this remarkable woman, music from a local choir, mulled AN EVENING WITH ARCHERS ACTRESS Sat 3 Dec, Herbert Art Gallery & wine, mince pies and a guided walk SUNNY ORMONDE Sat 3 Dec, Artrix, own present, until Sat 24 Dec, Hatton Adventure World, Warwick Museum, Coventry around the candlelit State Rooms, Bromsgrove Sat 3 - Sun 11 Dec, Ragley Hall, CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON Learn the history of the craft and the Alcester Join the broadcaster and comedian front of a crackling fire in the Great Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide techniques needed to create your CHRISTMAS LIGHTS BUS TOUR Sun 4 as he talks about his debut novel, own wreath, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham Dec, Birmingham City Centre Holding, Sun 4 Dec, Symphony decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, Back to Backs VITALITY NETBALL INTERNATIONAL Hall, Birmingham Baddesley Clinton, Solihull BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS Get in the fes- SERIES Sun 4 Dec, Ricoh Arena, MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, tive spirit as traditional choirs sing Coventry Birmingham City Centre carols and live music, browse around POSTMAN PAT AND JESS THE CAT MEET the local craft markets and do some SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until AND GREET Sun 4 Dec, Resorts World, Christmas shopping, Sat 3 Dec, Birmingham Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Avoncroft Museum, Worcestershire Tamworth

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da thelist Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December Birmingham DEAD FREQUENCY Fri 9 Gigs ROY WOOD ROCK & ROLL Dec, The Empire, Classical Music Comedy Gigs BAND Thurs 8 Dec, The Coventry Robin, Bilston USED & ABUSED Fri 9 EDWINA HAYES Mon 5 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN Programme CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 6 Dec, Dec, The Rainbow Dec, Crescent Theatre, THE BOOTLEG BEATLES includes Haydn's Sinfonia The Dark Horse, Birmingham Thurs 8 Dec, Venues, Birmingham Birmimngham Concertante in Bb; Paul Moravec's SEAN LOCK Wed 7 Dec, Warwick Arts Symphony Hall, B’ham LILLI UNWIN Fri 9 Dec, MEMPHIS MAY FIRE, Concertante for violin, cello, oboe & Centre, Coventry UNCLE ACID & THE Symphony Hall, bassoon (world premiere) & Mozart's SILVERSTEIN & THE JOJO SMITH, PAUL MCCAFFERY, TOM DEADBEATS Thurs 8 Birmingham Symphony no. 41 'Jupiter' K551, DEVIL WEARS PRADA STADE & COMIC TBC Wed 7 Dec, The Dec, The Rainbow BIG COUNTRY Sat 10 Tues 6 Dec, Stratford Artshouse Mon 5 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Asylum, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham Dec, The Copper BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TRIO JOSH WIDDICOMBE Thurs 8 Dec, Civic THE FRATELLIS Thurs 8 Rooms, Coventry Programme includes works by Philip DANIEL DOCHERTY Mon Hall, Wolverhampton 5 Dec, Kasbah, Dec, O2 Institute, GORDON HENDRICKS IS Glass, Rachmaninov, Ravel, Roxanna GARY DELANEY, LLOYD GRIFFITH, DAVID Coventry Birmingham ELVIS Sat 10 Dec, Panufnik & Mendelssohn, Tues 6 Dec, Recital Hall, Birmingham MORGAN Thurs 8 Dec, The Bramall, REEF Thurs 8 Dec,The Artrix, Bromsgrove UNIVERSITY CAROL Conservatoire Birmingham SERVICE Mon 5 Dec, Assembly, Leamington LEVELLERS Sat 10 Dec, GAVIN WEBSTER, MATT REED, STEPHEN The Bramall, Spa O2 Academy, B’ham THE ENGLISH CONCERT: SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Featuring Mary Bevan (sopra- BAILEY & STEVE SHANYASKI Thurs 8 - Birmingham University THE DYLAN PROJECT JARZINO Sat 10 Dec, no) & Tim Mead (countertenor). Fri 9 Dec, The Comedy Loft, B’ham SLOWCOACHES Mon 5 Thurs 8 Dec, Nailcote Hall, Programme comprises Purcell’s PAUL MCCAFFERY, ANDY ASKINS, TOM Dec, The Sunflower Huntingdon Hall, Berkswell, Warwicks Suite From The Fairy Queen & STADE & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 - Sat 10 Lounge, Birmingham Worcester SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 10 Handel’s Suite From Giulio Cesare, Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham AGAINST ME! Tues 6 THE TWO PATS Thurs 8 Dec, The River Rooms, Tues 6 Dec, Malvern Theatre Dec, Katie Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge REEVES & MORTIMER Fri 9 Dec, Dec, O2 Academy, LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH Stourbridge Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Birmingham BLACK ROSE CADILLAC THE CHORISTERS OF WESTMINSTER KEN DODD FAULKNER Tues 6 - Wed PLACEBO Thurs 8 Dec, Sat 10 Dec, O2 ABBEY Featuring James O’Donnell Sat 10 Dec, Civic Hall, 7 Dec, The Jam House, Barclaycard Arena, Academy, Birmingham (conductor) & Thomas Trotter Wolverhampton Birmingham Birmingham HUMAN LEAGUE Sat 10 (organ), Wed 7 Dec, Symphony Hall, MICKEY SHARMA Sat 10 Dec, mac, EWAN MCLENNAN, PIXIES Thurs 8 Dec, Dec, Barclaycard Birmingham Birmingham JIMMY ALDRIDGE & SID O2 Academy, B’ham Arena, Birmingham CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY PADDY LENNOX, KAREN BAYLEY, MARC GOLDSMITH Tues 6 Dec, THE WHIPJACKS Thurs 8 WINTER MOUNTAIN Sat ORCHESTRA WITH NICOLA BENEDETTI LUCERO & TAMAR BROADBENT Sat 10 Kitchen Garden Cafe, Dec, The Marr's Bar, 10 Dec, Artrix, Featuring Omer Meir Wellber (con- Dec, Coventry Showcase Birmingham Worcester Bromsgrove ductor). Programme includes works THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky & ROACHFORD Tues 6 SON OF DAVE Thurs 8 THE FLOYD EFFECT Sat Sun 4 Dec, mac, Birmingham R. Strauss, Wed 7 Dec, Symphony Dec, The Robin, Bilston Dec, Newhampton Arts 10 Dec, The Assembly, Hall, Birmingham BULLET FOR MY Centre, Wolverhampton Leamington Spa CBSO CENTRE STAGE: WIND SERENADE VALENTINE Tues 6 Dec, LARKIN POE Fri 9 Dec, THE OVERTONES Sat 10 Programme includes works by O2 Academy, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham Dec, Symphony Hall, Hummel, Mozart & Dvorak arr. Birmingham Theatre BEANS ON TOAST Tues 6 JEAN GENIE - TRIBUTE TO Clements, Thurs 8 Dec, CBSO Dec, Hare & Hounds, DAVID BOWIE Fri 9 Dec, ABSOLUTE BOWIE Sat 10 Centre, Birmingham SISTER ACT Alexandra Burke stars in Birmingham The Roadhouse, B’ham Dec, O2 Academy, SOLIHULL MUSIC SERVICE CONCERT the hit show based on the Whoopi Birmingham THE QUIREBOYS Wed 7 ROBYN GORDON Fri 9 Thurs 8 Dec, The Core Theatre, Goldberg movie of the same name. Dec, The Assembly, Dec, O2 Institute, EASTWOOD Sat 10 Dec, Solihull Directed by Craig Revel Horwood, Leamington Spa Birmingham Katie Fitzgerald's, CBSO: WHITE CHRISTMAS Featuring Mon 5 - Sat 10 Dec, Malvern Stourbridge JAMES Wed 7 Dec, MIDGE URE Fri 9 Dec, Richard Balcombe (conductor) & Theatres Civic Hall, The Roses Theatre, RAT PACK SWINGING Graham Bickley, Mary Carewe, THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a Wolverhampton Tewkesbury CHRISTMAS SHOW Sat Emma Kershaw & Maurice Clarke brand new staging of Raymond ST AGNES FOUNTAIN MASSIVE HEAD TRAUMA 10 Dec, Albany (vocalists), Fri 9 Dec, Symphony Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- Wed 7 Dec, Fri 9 Dec, The Marr's Theatre, Coventry Hall, Birmingham ous wintry tale, Mon 5 - Sat 31 Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Bar, Worcester SUPER FURRY ANIMALS K’ANTU ENSEMBLE Fri 9 Dec, Lord mac, Birmingham Worcester Sat 10 Dec, O2 THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Leycester Hospital, Warwick BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Featuring Institute, Birmingham THE FRANKIE VALLI Fri 9 Dec, Civic Hall, STRATFORD FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Sam Attwater (EastEnders/Dancing STORY - JERSEY BOY Wolverhampton HELL BENT FOR PRIEST Programme comprises rock classics On Ice) as Gaston and Nicole FEAT: STEPHEN JAMES THE BOOZE BROTHERS Fri Sat 10 Dec, Route 44, & singalong anthems, Fri 9 Dec, Faraday (Emmerdale/ Bad Girls) as Wed 7 Dec, The Robin, 9 Dec, Nailcote Hall, Birmingham Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- Witch Guillotine, Mon 5 - Sat 31 Bilston Berkswell, Warwicks RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Avon Dec, Palace Theatre, Redditch MARTIN HARLEY Wed 7 'MAMMA MIA' PARTY Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, BCMG: SOUND INVESTMENT 25TH CINDERELLA Starring Lucy Jane Dec, Hare & Hounds, WITH BOOTLEG ABBA Fri Genting Arena, ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Featuring Quinlen in the lead role, Sam Birmingham 9 Dec, Nailcote Hall, Birmingham Thomas Ades (conductor) & Patrick as Buttons and Ben MARTHA TILSTON Wed 7 Berkswell, Warwicks STARSAILOR Sun 11 Elizabeth Atherton (soprano), Sat 10 Humphrey as the Fairy Godmother, Dec, The Red Lion Folk Dec, CBSO Centre, Birmingham ONE STOP BOOGIE Fri 9 Dec, The Assembly, Mon 5 Dec - Sun 8 Jan, Swan Club, Birmingham Dec, The River Rooms, Leamington Spa CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT WITH Theatre, Worcester BULLET FOR MY Stourbridge BELSHAZZAR’S FEAST LINDA TOLCHARD Sat 10 Dec, Christ ONCE UPON A TIME: THE STAR PROJ- VALENTINE PLAY THE Church, Malvern, Worcs ABBA FOREVER Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, The ECT Mark Nicholls’ original story POISON Wed 7 Dec, O2 Sat 10 Dec, Artrix, Fleece Inn, Evesham WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY starts after the famous Disney stars Academy, Birmingham Bromsgrove REUBEN JAMES TRIO & Programme comprises Handel’s have had their ‘happy ever after’, BIFFY CLYRO Wed 7 Messiah, Sat 10 Dec, Worcester THE BAD FLOWERS Fri 9 TROPE Sun 11 Dec, The Tues 6 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Dec, Barclaycard Cathedral Dec, Route 44, B’ham Glee Club, Birmingham THE FOOL AT JULE Christmas comedy Arena, Birmingham CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY FULLSHORE, ROOK THAT'LL BE THE DAY by Nick Wilkes - an alternative to STRATFORD JAZZ 30 Sun 11 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham CRUTCHES, THE BRAZEN CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun the festive season, Tues 6 - Sat 10 YEAR CELEBRATION Wed Fri 9 Dec, The Actress 11 Dec, Birmingham THE HILLS SINGERS: A CELEBRATION OF Dec, Swan Theatre, Worcester 7 Dec, Stratford & Bishop, Birmingham Town Hall CHRISTMAS Sun 11 Dec, The Coach Artshouse, Stratford- DICK WHITTINGTON AND THE PI-RATS OF WEIRD DREAMS Sun 11 House Theatre, Malvern upon-Avon JON PLEASED WIMMIN THE CARIBBEAN Tues 6 - Sun 11 Dec, Fri 9 Dec, Hare & Dec, The Sunflower Rugeley Rose Theatre, Rugeley THE AC30'S Wed 7 Dec, Hounds, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham The Roadhouse, WHAT THE DICKENS? Foghorn Unscripted present a series of

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Monday 5 - Sunday 11 December

improvised stories twisted by the NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP: TRADITIONAL audience, Wed 7 Dec, Artrix, WREATH MAKING Wed 7 Dec, Croome Dance Released from Fri 9 Dec, showing at Park, Worcester Bromsgrove selected cinemas CHRISTMAS EVENING TOUR A tour of PARADISE LOST Lost Dog present a OFFICE CHRISTMAS PARTY (tbc) one-man version of Milton's epic KEEP DANCING Brand new dance the house, beautifully dressed for poem, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Dec, show celebrating the world of BIRTH OF A NATION (15) Christmas, followed by a two-course Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Ballroom and Latin, featuring Robin THE PASS (15) supper, Wed 7 Dec, Packwood Windsor and other special celebrity House, Solihull ALADDIN Midland Academy of SNOWDEN (15) guests from Strictly Come Dancing, Musical Theatre presents its version LANTERN PARADE, Thurs 8 Dec, The Tues 6 - Sat 10 Dec, New Alexandra of the festive favourite, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Hive, Worcester Theatre, Birmingham Dec, The Blue Orange, Birmingham CHRISTMAS EVENINGS AT BADDESLEY SNOW WHITE Vienna Festival Ballet THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS Enjoy Christmas decorations by can- promise ‘a spellbinding ballet to Innovative new writing, absurd Events dlelight, followed by a three-course entertain and dazzle the whole fami- humour and an entire improvised festive supper, Fri 9 Dec, Baddesley ly’, Sat 10 Dec, Evesham Arts Clinton, Solihull scene come together in this Centre DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy ‘Christmas show with a difference’, the guaranteed snowfall over the BLACKOUT TOURS After-dark evening Wed 7 - Fri 9 Dec, Old Joint Stock Island of Sodar, meet Father tour, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Dec, Upton House Theatre, Birmingham Christmas and catch a ride on & Gardens, Warwickshire SANTA'S POLKA DOT Pirate Ian Talks Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton INSOMNIA59 Featuring the latest and Lauchlan's interactive festive show Manor Theme Park, Tamworth greatest in games, music and drone racing, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Dec, NEC, for children under the age of six. JOHNNY MARR: SET THE BOY FREE In TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT Birmingham Children can also give their letter to conversation with John Robb, The THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until - Santa in person, Thurs 8 - Sat 24 Smiths guitarist talks about his tran- Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, CHRISTMAS TRAIL Help Martin the Dec, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry sition from roaming the streets of Birmingham Mechanic get Santa back on the road so that he can deliver all his A CHRISTMAS CAROL Chapterhouse Manchester to constantly pushing SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids presents, Fri 9 - Fri 23 Dec, British Theatre bring Charles Dickens’ fes- musical boundaries, Fri 9 Dec, to Lapland to see Santa this Motor Museum, Warwickshire tive story to life via period costume, Birmingham Town Hall Christmas when they can visit him by FATHER CHRISTMAS' LIVING ROOM Sat song, dance and a ‘magnificent’ WARWICK MASTERCLASS: HOW TO BE boat in his underground grotto deep 10 Dec, Birmingham Back to Backs, original musical score, Fri 9 - Sat 10 A STAND-UP COMEDIAN With James in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Birmingham Dec, mac, Birmingham Cook, Sun 11 Dec, Warwick Arts Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Limestone Mines ALADDIN Ben Crocker’s version of Centre, Coventry TUDOR CHRISTMAS AT BLAKESLEY HALL the much-loved pantomime, Fri 9 - SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day See Blakesley Hall dressed for a Sat 17 Dec, Hall Green Little out for all the family, combining a Tudor Christmas and meet Tudor Theatre, Sutton Coldfield four-mile self-drive safari with a visit characters preparing for the Yuletide to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West festivities, Sat 10 Dec, Blakesley Hall, CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Birmingham comedy thriller that sees a host of Bewdley AN EVENING WITH SANTA Charity event characters invited to a party in a Film CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY to raise funds for the zoo's new Snow mysterious house on a remote Warm up in front of a crackling fire in the Great Leopard enclosure project, Sat 10 island, Fri 9 - Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide Dec, Dudley Zoological Gardens Garrick decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- STORKS (tbc) Animation/Comedy. Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Santa stars in his very own show and ture, secrets, songs, dance and With the voices of Kelsey Grammer, BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS has a gift for every child, Sat 10 - trickery are the order of the day in Andy Samberg, Jennifer Aniston. MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, Sun 11 Dec, Cadbury World, this festive favourite, written by and Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun 4 - Birmingham City Centre Birmingham starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm Wed 7 Dec LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION Stent, Fri 9 - Sat 31 Dec, The Core, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until General Championship Dog Show licensed Solihull LES INNOCENTES (15) Drama. Starring Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Lou de Laâge, Agata Buzek. Foreign Tamworth by the Kennel Club, Sat 10 - Sun 11 MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER Mr B language, subtitled. Warwick Arts MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page Dec, NEC, Birmingham continues his ongoing quest to Centre, Coventry, Tues 6 - Wed 7 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, CHRISTMAS CRAFTS WEEKEND Get cre- reconnect hip-hop with manners Dec Birmingham Botanical Gardens ative making decorations and and the Queen’s English, Sat 10 AWAY (tbc) Drama. Stars Timothy Christmas cards, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See Spall, Juno Temple. Roses Theatre, Dec, British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Birmingham Packwood dressed for Christmas by Tewkesbury, Wed 7 Dec professional artist Jennifer Collier, Warwickshire RAT PACK SWINGING CHRISTMAS TOP FIVE (15) Comedy/Romance. until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, CHRISTMAS AT CHARLECOTE PARK Step SHOW Featuring David Alacey, Des Starring Chris Rock, Rosario Solihull back in time to see Charlecote deco- Coleman and Paul Drakeley as Dawson. mac, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun rated for a traditional Victorian Frank, Sammy & Dean, Sat 10 Dec, Christmas, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Albany Theatre, Coventry THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (PG) to be had at the ice rink located near Adventure/Drama. Starring Elijah the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until Charlecote Park, Warwickshire JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Presented Wood, Ian McKellen. Electric Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Make something by Strongbox Theatre, Sat 10 Dec, Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 9 Dec Birmingham festive and fun to take home with The Hive, Worcester THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW NATIVITY TRAIL Follow the stars, you, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Croome ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- (15) Comedy/Musical. Starring Tim answering the Christmas questions Park, Worcester ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa Curry, Susan Sarandon. Warwick Arts as you go, before reaching the live 1940S CHRISTMAS CURIOSITY TRAIL Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 Dec Nativity scene in the barn buildings. Find out about the clever tricks and ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, Sat 10 LONG WAY NORTH (PG) You may even be lucky enough to traditions involved in a 1940s Dec - Sun 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Animation/Action. Warwick Arts see a new-born baby donkey, until Christmas, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Grand Theatre Centre, Coventry, Sat 10 Dec Sun 8 Jan, Bodenham Arboretum, Upton House & Gardens, Kidderminster Warwickshire WIFI WARS Live comedy game show DR STRANGE (tbc) Adventure/Fantasy. where audience participation is Stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel SEASONAL MASTERCLASS Christmas ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS WEEKEND Sat compulsory, Sun 11 Dec, mac, McAdams. Roses Theatre, table decorations with Mark Morrell, 10 - Sun 11 Dec, Harvington Hall, Birmingham Tewkesbury, Sat 10 - Mon 12 Dec Mon 5 Dec, Ragley Hall, Alcester Kidderminster SING-A-LONG-A FROZEN A full screen- NAPOLEON (PG) Biography/Drama. CHRISTMAS EVENINGS AT BADDESLEY MYTON HOSPICE SANTA DASH Setting ing of Disney's Frozen, with lyrics Starring Albert Dieudonné, Vladimir Enjoy Christmas decorations by can- off at 10am, Santas and reindeer on screen to help you sing along Roudenko. Silent film. Warwick Arts dlelight, followed by a three-course walk, jog or run a 5km wheelchair- during the film, Sun 11 Dec, Albany Centre, Coventry, Sun 11 Dec festive supper, Wed 7 Dec, friendly course, Sun 11 Dec, Royal Theatre, Coventry Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa

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thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December SHUFFLE Wed 14 Dec, BOB MARLEY Fri 16 Dec, BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Gigs Birmingham Town Hall The Assembly, Classical Music TRA featuring the City Of Birmingham SLOW CLUB Thurs 15 Leamington Spa Choir, Michael Lloyd (conductor) & Dec, Hare & Hounds, UNDER A BANNER WITH Alison Roddy (soprano). Programme ROCKET Mon 12 - Tues JOHN RUTTER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRA- Birmingham HEADSTICKS Fri 16 Dec, includes works by Stravinsky, 13 Dec, The Jam TION Featuring the Royal The Slade Rooms, Bernstein, Respighi & Tchaikovsky, House, Birmingham BAY CITY ROLLERS Thurs Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter Sun 18 Dec, The Bramall, University 15 Dec, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton THE CORAL Mon 12 Dec, (conductor), Elin Manahan Thomas Of Birmingham Wolverhampton THE WILDHEARTS Fri 16 (soprano), Melanie Marshall (mezzo- Kasbah, Coventry ASTARIA STRING QUARTET - FAMILY SCHOOLBOY Q Thurs 15 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, soprano), Andrew Lucas (organ), KATE RUSBY Mon 12 CHRISTMAS CONCERT Sun 18 Dec, Dec, O2 Institute, Wolverhampton Choristers of St Albans Cathedral & Dec, Malvern Theatres Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Birmingham SAX IN THE CITY: THE The Bach Choir, Mon 12 Dec, KULA SHAKER Mon 12 Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE LINDISFARNE STORY NOTEBENDERS Fri 16 Dec, O2 Institute, Thurs 15 Dec, The Dec, Symphony Hall, CBSO: ENIGMA VARIATIONS Featuring Birmingham Robin, Bilston Birmingham Vassily Sinaisky (conductor) & EX CATHEDRA: SANTA Behzod Abduraimov (piano). KORN & LIMP BIZKIT FESTIVE FAVOURITES LUCIA SERVICE Mon 12 Programme includes works by Comedy Gigs Thurs 15 Dec, WITH JESSICA HYNES Fri Dec, Birmingham Tchaikovsky, Saint-Saens & Elgar, Barclaycard Arena, 16 - Mon 19 Dec, Cathedral Tues 13 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER WHITE TYGER + WHITE EX CATHEDRA: AN ELIZABETHAN CHRIST- Mon 12 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove VICTORIAN MUSIC HALL MADNESS Sat 17 Dec, COAST REBELS Mon 12 MAS Featuring music by Byrd, CHRISTMAS Thurs 15 Barclaycard Arena, SEANN WALSH Tues 13 Dec, Artrix, Dec, The Robin, Bilston Gibbons & Tallis, Tues 13 Dec, St Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Bromsgrove Marys Church, Warwick JAMES TW Mon 12 Dec Worcester IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC JEREMY HARDY Wed 14 Dec, The The Sunflower Lounge, MESSIAN: LA NATIVITÉ DU SEIGNEUR NE-YO Thurs 15 Dec, ROCK DISCO Sat 17 Dec, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Birmingham Enjoy this testament to Olivier O2 Academy, B’ham Route 44, Birmingham JO ENRIGHT, CHARMIAN HUGHES ALI Messiaen’s faith, inspired by the birth THE MELLSTOCK BAND SWINGING 60'S MOTOWN WARWOOD & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed KICK THE CLOWN Thurs of Jesus, performed by members of Tues 13 Dec, PARTY WITH THE 14 Dec, Kitchen Garden Cafe, B’ham 15 Dec, The Marr's Bar, the Birmingham Conservatoire organ Huntingdon Hall, KRYSTALETTES Sat 17 Worcester department, Wed 14 Dec, St Chad’s MICK FERRY, ROB DEERING, MIKE Worcester Dec, Nailcote Hall, WAVES AGAINST TIDES Cathedral, Birmingham WILMOT & ANDY ROBINSON Wed 14 - THE DYLAN PROJECT Berkswell, Warwicks Sat 17 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham Thurs 15 Dec, The MIDLANDS HOSPITAL CHOIR: CHRIST- Tues 13 Dec, The EMBRACE Sat 17 Dec, Roadhouse, B’ham MAS-IS-A-COMING Featuring James ROB ROUSE, RAY PEACOCK, VINCE ATTA Robin, Bilston The Copper Rooms, RAVENS + HIGH KNUCKS Llewelyn Jones (conductor), Gemini & SEAN PERCIVAL Thurs 15 - Sat 17 NIKKI ROUS Tues 13 Coventry + THE WAITING Thurs Brass (Ensemble), Richard Dawson Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Dec, Arena Theatre, 15 Dec, The Tin Music BEAT GOES BANG Sat 17 (Organist), Kieran Jones (Soloist) & STEVE DAY, LAURA LEXX, OLA & RUSS Wolverhampton And Arts, Coventry Dec, Hare & Hounds, the Four Oaks Cluster Choir, Fri 16 PEERS Sat 17 Dec, Coventry MIST Tues 13 Dec, O2 Birmingham Dec, Birmingham Town Hall DEVILMENT Thurs 15 Showcase Institute, Birmingham Dec, The Slade Rooms, THE MOONS Sat 17 Dec, FESTIVE FAVOURITES WITH JESSICA BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER THE SAW DOCTORS Tues W’hampton Kasbah, Coventry HYNES Featuring Simon Halsey (con- Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, mac, B’ham 13 Dec, The Assembly, ductor), Jessica Hynes (presenter) & SETH LAKEMAN Thurs 15 DARK SIDE OF THE WALL TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Sun 18 Dec, Leamington Spa the CBSO Choruses, Fri 16 - Mon 19 Dec, Malvern Theatres Sat 17 Dec, The The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham BOB LOG III Tues 13 Roadhouse, B’ham Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham CLUTCH Fri 16 Dec, O2 Dec, Hare & Hounds, ARMONICO CONSORT: HANDEL’S MESSI- Institute, Birmingham THE SEARCHERS IN Birmingham CONCERT Sat 17 Dec, AH Directed by Christopher Monks, SOLID SOUL Fri 16 - Sat KING NO ONE Tues 13 Huntingdon Hall, Sat 17 Dec, Malvern Theatre 17 Dec, The Jam Dec, The Rainbow Worcester CHRISTMAS CHEER! Concert by the Theatre House, Birmingham Venues, Birmingham SOUL STRIPPER Sat 17 Choirs of Worcester Cathedral & FULLY LOADED & VON MADDY PRIOR & THE Dec, The Marr's Bar, Worcester Festival Choral Society, KRYSTAL ROXZ Fri 16 THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a CARNIVAL BAND Tues 13 Worcester Sat 17 Dec, Worcester Cathedral Dec, Route 44, B’ham brand new staging of Raymond Dec, The Roses THE TWANG Sat 17 Dec, STRATFORD FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- Theatre, Tewkesbury STATUS QUO Fri 16 Dec, O2 Academy, B’ham Programme comprises rock classics ous wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, Barclaycard Arena, & singalong anthems, Sat 17 Dec, JORJA SMITH Tues 13 METROPOLITAN BRASS mac, Birmingham Birmingham Stratford ArtsHouse, Stratford-upon- Dec, The Sunflower QUINTET Sat 17 Dec, CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS New SLADE Fri 16 Dec, The Avon Lounge, Birmingham Symphony Hall, B’ham comedy thriller that sees a host of Robin, Bilston STRATF0RD CHORAL SOCIETY: PRELUDE THE URBAN VOODOO HALLELUJAH! HANDEL’S characters invited to a party in a TO CHRISTMAS Sat 17 Dec, Holy MACHINE Wed 14 Dec, MARKS BROTHERS Fri 16 MESSIAH Sat 17 Dec, mysterious house on a remote Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon The Robin, Bilston Dec, Nailcote Hall, Malvern Theatres island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Berkswell, Warwicks TEWKESBURY TOWN BAND Sat 17 Dec, JASON DONOVAN Wed THE SELECTER & THE Garrick The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury 14 Dec, Malvern THE ULTIMATE 'BOY BEAT Sun 18 Dec, The DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- Theatres BANDS' SPECTACULAR Copper Rooms, THE CHOIR WITH NO NAME: BIG CHRIST- ture, secrets, songs, dance and WITH ULTIMATE BOY BACH DOUBLED Wed 14 Coventry MAS SINGALONG Sat 17 Dec, The trickery are the order of the day in BANDS Fri 16 Dec, Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Bramall, University Of Birmingham this festive favourite, written by and Nailcote Hall, THE DELRAY ROCKETS Worcester LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm Berkswell, Warwicks Sun 18 Dec, The JOOLS HOLLAND AND HIS Actress & Bishop, MAS CLASSICS Featuring Kevin Stent, until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS RHYTHM AND BLUES Birmingham Whately (special guest reader), Solihull Fri 16 Dec, The Marr's Adrian Lucas (conductor), Julia ORCHESTRA Wed 14 - MILLI MUNRO AS TINA TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s Bar, Worcester Doyle (soprano), City of Birmingham Thurs 15 Dec, TURNER! Sun 18 Dec, modern adaptation of Robert Louis Choir & the Fanfare Trumpeters from Symphony Hall, B’ham BEYOND THE BARRICADE The River Rooms, Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Fri 16 Dec, Malvern the Band of the Queen’s Division, Sat ALISON EVE Wed 14 Stourbridge until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, B’ham Theatres 17 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Red Lion Folk CAROLINE’S CROONERS CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s CHOIR OF CLARE COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE: Club, Birmingham T.REXMAS WITH T Sun 18 Dec, The Roses favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as REXTASY Fri 16 Dec, LULLABY MY JESUS Sat 17 Dec, St GALACTIC EMPIRE Wed Theatre, Tewkesbury Buttons, alongside panto favourite Huntingdon Hall Mark’s Church, Leamington Spa 14 Dec, The Assembly, SETH LAKEMAN Sun 18 Christian Patterson and Simon Worcester BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: NINE Leamington Spa Dec, Warwick Arts Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until Sun WRONGMASS Fri 16 LESSONS & CAROLS Featuring Paul THE CHRISTMAS SKA Centre, Coventry 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Dec, The Assembly, Spice (conductor) & Paul Carr PARTY FEATURING THE Trent Leamington Spa (organist). Sun 18 Dec, St Alban the NEVILLE STAPLE BAND, Martyr Church, Birmingham ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO TALISMAN & BUSTER LEGEND - THE MUSIC OF Festive show with a difference, fea-

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 12 - 18 Dec - Warwicks/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:26 Page 2

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 December

turing classic rock'n'roll hits from WOOD All & Sundry presents its Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, annual festive offering - complete James Brown, The Temptations, with corny gags, song, dance and The Jackson Five, and many plenty of audience participation, Fri more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford 16 - Fri 23 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Gatehouse Theatre A CHRISTMAS CAROL Tread The THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- Boards Theatre Company present a cal exploration of revenge, forgive- new version of Charles Dickens’ ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 festive tale, Fri 16 Dec - Mon 2 Jan, Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Albany Theatre, Coventry Stratford-upon-Avon BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Tread The ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- Boards present an intimate version ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa of the panto favourite, Fri 16 Dec - Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and Sun 8 Jan, The Attic Theatre, ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun Coventry 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER- Theatre ENDING NIGHTMARE An amalgama- I, CORINNE DADAT Fiction and docu- tion of bizarre, brave and beautiful mentary blend to paint a portrait of acts, all woven into an Alice In a woman who’s invisible to most, Horrorland-type story, driven by a Mon 12 - Tues 13 Dec, The REP, mainly original soundscape and Birmingham performed with a forked tongue CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John firmly in each cheek! Sat 17 Dec, Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn Star City, Birmingham in a brand new UK tour of Kander & THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE Brand Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul new adaptation of a timeless tale, Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, The Core, Morton, while Coronation Street star Solihull Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to Kate Rusby - Malvern Theatres Roxie Hart, Mon 12 - Sat 31 Dec, the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until New Alexandra Theatre, Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, Sat 17 - Birmingham Events Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, Sat 31 Dec, The Blue Orange Birmingham DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD Theatre, Birmingham GARDEN OF CURIOUS A-MUSE-MENTS David Wood’s adaptation of Roald DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? The Bone Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Dec, Dahl’s heart-warming story, Mon 12 the guaranteed snowfall over the Ensemble take audiences ‘on a Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford- Dec - Sun 1 Jan, The Coach House, Island of Sodar, meet Father magical journey through an Arctic upon-Avon Malvern Theatres world of soaring snow geese, pet Christmas and catch a ride on BLACKOUT TOURS After-dark tour, Fri ALICE’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND husky dogs and starry nights’, Sun Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton 16 - Sat 17 Dec, Upton House & Re-imaged production of Playbox 18 Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Gardens, Warwickshire Theatre’s family show, Tues 13 - TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT Thurs 15 Dec, The Dream Factory, THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until - SPARK YOUNG WRITERS GROUP Warwick Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Monthly writing group for young people, Sat 17 Dec, The Other Place, THE FOOL AT JULE Birmingham Christmas comedy Stratford-upon-Avon by Nick Wilkes - an alternative to Talks SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids the festive season, Tues 13 - Sat 17 to Lapland to see Santa this CHRISTMASES PAST Experience the Dec, Swan Theatre, Worcester ALANATOMY Alan Carr talks about Christmas when they can visit him by sights and sounds of the festive sea- his new memoir, a follow-up to his boat in his underground grotto deep son from the 17th century right DID WE MENTION THE FREE MINCE best-selling autobiography, Look in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 through to the 1940s, Sat 17 Dec, PIES? Comics and singers take a Who It Is! Note that a copy of Alan’s Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and Aston Hall, Birmingham lighthearted look at Christmas, book is included in the ticket price, Limestone Mines CAROLS AT WARWICK CASTLE Carols Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Dec, The Bear Pit Sat 17 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall led by the Choir of St Mary’s and Theatre - The United Reformed SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day Royal Spa Brass, Sat 17 Dec, Church, Stratford-upon-Avon out for all the family, combining a four-mile self-drive safari with a visit Warwick Castle THE 39 STEPS Award-winning, fast- to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West CHRISTMAS CRAFTS Make something paced whodunnit where over 150 Midland Safari and Leisure Park, festive and fun to take home with zany characters are played by a Bewdley you, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Dec, Croome cast of four, Thurs 15 - Fri 23 Dec, Film CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in Park, Worcestershire The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: front of a crackling fire in the Great 1940S CHRISTMAS CURIOSITY TRAIL ALADDIN Featuring a West End pro- Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide Find out about the clever tricks and fessional cast, spectacular scenery IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (U) decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, traditions involved in a 1940s and costumes, dazzling special Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Family/Fantasy. Starring James Christmas, Sat 17 - Mon 19 Dec, effects and plenty of audience par- Stewart, Donna Reed. Roses BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Upton House & Gardens, ticipation, Thurs 15 - Tues 27 Dec, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 12 Dec; MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, Warwickshire Stratford Artshouse Birmingham Cathedral, Sat 17 Dec Birmingham City Centre FATHER CHRISTMAS AND FRIENDS Sat SLEEPING BEAUTY Magical family NOCTURNAL ANIMALS (15) SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until 17 - Fri 23 Dec, EGO Arts Venue, show Starring Gillian Wright (Jean Drama/Thriller. Starring Amy Adams, Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Coventry Slater from EastEnders) alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Warwick Arts Tamworth CHRISTMAS AT CHARLECOTE PARK Step Channel Five’s Milkshake presenter Centre, Coventry, Mon 12 - Wed 14 MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page back in time to see Charlecote deco- Amy Thompson. Chris Pizzey from Dec 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, rated for a traditional Victorian The Basil Brush Show, Casualty’s SULLY (12a) Biography/Drama. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Christmas, Sat 17 - Fri 23 Dec, Rebecca Wheatley and Quinn Starring Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart. Charlecote Park, Warwick Patrick as Nurse Nelly, Thurs 15 THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 16 BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Dec - Sun 8 Jan, Malvern Theatres Packwood dressed for Christmas by - Thurs 22 Dec professional artist Jennifer Collier, Gary Lineker, Claire Balding and BEYOND THE BARRICADE Concert por- A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, Gabby Logan celebrating the biggest trayal of some of the greatest musi- Biography/Drama. Starring David Solihull sporting achievements of the year, cal songs in musical theatre, Fri 16 Sun 18 Dec, Genting Arena, Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Warwick ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun Dec, Malvern Theatres Birmingham Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 16 - Thurs to be had at the ice rink located near ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE 22 Dec whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 19 - 25 December - Warwicks & Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:02 Page 1

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 December characters invited to a party in a mys- Classical Music terious house on a remote island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Garrick DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adventure, SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST secrets, songs, dance and trickery AND BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR are the order of the day in this festive Featuring Marcus Huxley (musical favourite, written by and starring director), Jeremy Nicholas (presenter) & Thomas Trotter (organ), Mon 19 Midlands stalwart Malcolm Stent, Dec, Birmingham Town Hall until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, Solihull CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGALONG Featuring THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to Louise Dearman (special guest the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, singer), the London Concert Orchestra Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, until Sat & the London Concert Chorus, Mon 19 31 Dec, The Blue Orange Theatre, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John Partridge CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey stars as lawyer Billy Flynn in a brand Skidmore (conductor), Mon 19 - Thurs new UK tour of Kander & Ebb's 22 Dec, St Paul's Church, Birmingham smash-hit musical. Soul Queen Mica ANDRE RIEU Wed 21 Dec, Genting Paris stars as Mama Morton, while Arena, Birmingham Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as Roxie EX CATHEDRA FAMILY CONCERT: ANGELS Hart, until Sat 31 Dec, New STARS & KINGS James Arthur - O2 Institute, Birmingham Featuring Ex Cathedra, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s TIGRESS Wed 21 Dec, KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 23 Wed 21 Dec, St Paul's Church, B’ham modern adaptation of Robert Louis The Asylum, B’ham Dec, The Robin, KATHERINE JENKINS: CELEBRATION Gigs Stevenson’s swashbuckling classic, Bilston Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor) & THE TEMPER TRAP Wed until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Birmingham 21 Dec, O2 Institute, GREEN MATTHEWS the London Concert Orchestra, Thurs HEART & SOUL PARTY MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Birmingham PRESENTS - A MEDIEVAL 22 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham The world- WITH HARRY CHRISTMAS Fri 23 Dec, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: WHITE renowned circus present Zhelanly, an CAMBRIDGE Mon 19 DOM PIPKIN Wed 21 Huntingdon Hall, CHRISTMAS Featuring Laura Tebbutt & ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on Dec, Nailcote Hall, Dec, Blue Piano Worcester Tim Howar (guest singers), John Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, Star Berkswell, Warwicks Restaurant And Bar, City, Birmingham Birmingham THE REWIND 80's PARTY Rigby (conductor) & Capital Voices, Fri JAMES YORKSTON Mon 23 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magical NGOD BAND Fri 23 Dec, 19 Dec, Kitchen Wed 21 Dec, exploration of revenge, forgiveness, The Sunflower Route 44, Birmingham MOZART FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA: CAROLS Garden Cafe, B’ham love and magic, until Sat 21 Jan, Lounge, Birmingham SPACEHOPPERS Fri 23 BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Keri Fuge MICHAEL BUBLE - KAI Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Dec, Katie Fitzgerald's, (soprano) & Michael Bawtree (conduc- MCKENZIE Tues 20 JAMES ARTHUR Wed 21 tor), Sat 24 Dec, Symphony Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon Dec, O2 institute, Stourbridge Dec, The River Birmingham ALADDIN Magical pantomime adven- Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham THE WHITNEY HOUSTON DISCO DIVA SHOW WITH ture starring Joe McElderry, Lisa 'OLLY MURS & BRUNO DETROIT SOUL Thurs 22 NYA KING Fri 23 Dec, Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks and MARS' WITH ROBBIE - Fri 23 Dec, The Jam Nailcote Hall, ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, until Sun GLENN Tues 20 Dec, House, B’ham Berkswell, Warwicks 22 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand Nailcote Hall, ROD STEWART TRIBUTE - Theatre Berkswell, Warwicks GARRY PEASE Thurs 22 THE WONDER STUFF Fri Comedy Gigs SANTA IN LOVE The People’s Theatre Dec, Nailcote Hall, 23 Dec, O2 Institute, DIRTY OLD FOLKERS Company present a festive tale for Berkswell, Warwicks Birmingham Tues 20 Dec, Kitchen younger audiences, Mon 19 - Mon 20 JAYKAE Fri 23 Dec, O2 LUISA OMILEAN Mon 19 Dec, The Garden Cafe, B’ham THE STUBBLE BROTHERS Dec, Malvern Theatre Academy, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham ROY WOOD ROCKMAS Thurs 22 Dec, Katie CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Tues 20 Dec, CINDERELLA Amateur production pre- Tues 20 Dec, Fitzgerald's, LIQUOR AND POKER Fri The Dark Horse, Birmingham sented by The Norbury Players, Mon Symphony Hall, Stourbridge 23 Dec The River 19 - Thurs 22 Dec, Norbury Theatre, Birmingham THE HAIR ROCK Rooms, Stourbridge DANNY MCLOUGHLIN, STEVE HARRIS, ROGER MONKHOUSE & DARIUS DAVIES Droitwich D-RAN D-RAN Wed 21 EXPERIENCE Thurs 22 JASPER P7 CONNOR Fri Wed 21 - Fri 23 Dec, The Comedy DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John Dec, The River Dec, The Roadhouse, 23 Dec, The Marr's Loft, Birmingham Barrowman as Dick Whittington, Rooms, Stourbridge Birmingham Bar, Worcester EastEnders' bad lad Steve McFadden JAMIE KNIGHT & THE ANDY WILLIAMS GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, MARK HOOPLA BLUE, FLAMIN- as the evil King Rat, Jodie Prenger as MANUKA BAND Thurs CHRISTMAS OLVER & ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 22 Dec, GO FLAME, PAPER Fairy Bow Bells, legendary double 22 Dec, Huntingdon SPECTACULAR STARRING The Glee Club, Birmingham BUOYS & GRIM DISCO act The Krankies as Councillor & Hall, Worcester THE OSMONDS Fri 23 TANYALEE DAVIS, PIERRE HOLLINS, Wed 21 Dec, Hare & Jimmy Krankie, Matt Slack as Idle Dec, Birmingham BRENNAN REECE & SCOTT BENNETT Fri Hounds, Birmingham SANTAGEDDON Thurs 22 Jack and Andrew Ryan as Sarah the Town Hall 23 Dec, Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton MIKE SANCHEZ Wed 21 Dec, The River Cook, Mon 19 Dec - Sun 29 Jan, Dec, Huntingdon Hall, Rooms, Stourbridge WHITE CHRISTMAS Fri GEOFF NORCOTT, CARL DONNELLY, STEVE Birmingham Hippodrome Worcester NIGEL CLARK Thurs 22 23 Dec, Symphony GRIBBIN & COM IC TBC Fri 23 Dec, The Hall, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE Brand MAD JOCKS AND Dec, The Marr's Bar, new adaptation of a timeless tale, ENGLISHMEN Wed 21 Worcester ROD STEWART TRIBUTE - Tues 20 - Sat 24 Dec, The Core, GARRY PEASE Sat 24 Dec, The Red Lion LONDON MILITARY BAND Solihull Folk Club, Birmingham PRESENTS CHRISTMAS Dec, The River ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND FANTASIA Thurs 22 Rooms, Stourbridge 'LENNON AND Re-imagined staging of Lewis Dec, Number 8 THE STRAIGHT ACES Sat Theatre MCCARTNEY' WITH THE Carroll's fantastical tale, suitable for Community Arts 24 Dec, Katie LENNON AND audiences of all ages. Emily Quash Centre, Pershore Fitzgerald's, MCCARTNEY THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a directs, Tues 20 - Sat 31 Dec, The EXPERIENCE Stourbridge Wed 21 MADDY PRIOR & THE brand new staging of Raymond Dream Factory, Warwick Dec, Nailcote Hall, CARNIVAL BAND Thurs THE WEST COAST Briggs’ heartwarming and humorous Berkswell, Warwicks 22 Dec, Birmingham EAGLES Sat 24 Dec, wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, mac, MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- renowned circus present Zhelanly, an THE DESTROYERS Wed Town Hall The Roadhouse, Birmingham ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on 21 Dec, The Glee Birmingham CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS THE STONES Fri 23 Dec, New Russian folklore, Tues 20 Dec - Sun 8 Club, Birmingham The Roadhouse, comedy thriller that sees a host of Jan, Star City, Birmingham Birmingham 62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 19 - 25 December - Warwicks & Worcs ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 15:03 Page 2

Monday 19 - Sunday 25 December

THE ANDY WILLIAMS CHRISTMAS A STREET CAT NAMED BOB (12a) SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page EXTRAVAGANZA Featuring The Comedy/Drama. Starring Bob, Luke to Lapland to see Santa this 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, Osmonds, ventriloquist Steve Treadaway. Roses Theatre, Christmas when they can visit him by Birmingham Botanical Gardens Hewlett, singer Charlie Green Tewkesbury, Tues 20 - Thurs 22 Dec boat in his underground grotto deep THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See (Britain’s Got Talent) and The Moon FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND in the Dudley Caverns, until Fri 23 Packwood dressed for Christmas by River Singers & Dancers, Thurs 22 THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel and professional artist Jennifer Collier, Dec, Malvern Theatres Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Limestone Mines until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive staging Miller. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day Solihull of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale Fri 23 - Sat 24 Dec out for all the family, combining a ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun for younger audiences, Thurs 22 four-mile self-drive safari with a visit to be had at the ice rink located near Dec - Sun 8 Jan, The REP, to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West the Frankfurt Christmas Market, until Birmingham Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Sun 8 Jan, Centenary Square, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Bewdley CINDERELLA Amateur production Birmingham Released from Mon 19 Dec, showing presented by The Norbury Players, SANTA'S WORKSHOP Make large paper at selected cinemas Mon 26 - Wed 28 Dec, Norbury stars, winter wands and jingle sticks, Theatre, Droitwich BALLERINA (tbc) Mon 19 - Wed 21 Dec, Coventry PASSENGERS (tbc) Transport Museum SANTA HUNTS A fun-filled search for Santa, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Dec, Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Film CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS Events Santa stars in his very own show and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up in has a gift for every child, Tues 20 - front of a crackling fire in the Great Thurs 22 Dec, Cadbury World, DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Enjoy Hall, surrounded by natural yuletide Bournville, Birmingham the guaranteed snowfall over the HAPPY FEET (U) Animation/Comedy. decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, Island of Sodar, meet Father MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS Tues 20 Dec - With the voices of Elijah Wood, Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Christmas and catch a ride on Sun 8 Jan, Star City, Birmingham Brittany Murphy. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel super- Mon 19 Dec Manor Theme Park, Tamworth MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, heroes step off the silver screen and THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12a) Birmingham City Centre TAKE A STROLL TO THE NORTH POLE AT onto the stage, Thurs 22 - Fri 30 Dec, Drama/Romance. Starring Michael THE NATIONAL SEA LIFE CENTRE until - SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham Fassbender, Rachel Weisz. Roses Fri 23 Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Tues 27 Dec, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 19 - Wed Birmingham Tamworth NEC, Birmingham 21 Dec

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List 26 - 31 Dec - Warwicks/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:25 Page 1

thelist Monday 26 - Sunday 31 December Stourbridge Dec, The River Rooms, Gigs SKABUCKS Tues 27 Dec, Stourbridge Classical Theatre The Roadhouse, B’ham THE SOUND OF MUSICALS THE BEAR Pins & Needles present a THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS Thurs 29 Dec, Music brand new staging of Raymond Tues 27 Dec, The Jam Symphony Hall, B’ham RICHY AHMED Mon 26 Briggs’ heartwarming and humor- House, Birmingham B'SPOKE Fri 30 Dec, The Dec, The Rainbow LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS ous wintry tale, until Sat 31 Dec, Jam House, B’ham Venues, Birmingham GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed Featuring the London Concert mac, Birmingham 28 Dec, The Jam KILLERSTREAM Fri 30 Orchestra, Madeleine Pierard (sopra- THE BON JOVI CRIMES AGAINST CHRISTMAS House, Birmingham Dec, The River Rooms, no), Nicky Spence (tenor), Jonathan New EXPERIENCE Mon 26 Stourbridge Antoine (guest singer) & Hilary comedy thriller that sees a host of Dec, The River Rooms, THE TREVOR BURTON Davan Wetton (conductor), Tues 27 characters invited to a party in a Stourbridge CHRISTMAS SHOW Wed KICK UP THE 80'S Fri 30 mysterious house on a remote 28 Dec, The Dec, The Roadhouse, Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham SOULED OUT 2 FUNK island, until Sat 31 Dec, Lichfield Roadhouse, B’ham Birmingham MOZART FESTIVAL CHORUS: GLORIOUS Mon 26 Dec, The Garrick ABBA CLASSICS Wed 28 TAKE THE FIFTH Fri 30 HANDEL BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring Roadhouse, B’ham DICK WHITTINGTON Action, adven- Dec, Symphony Hall, Dec, The Marr's Bar, the Canzonetta Choir, Crispian- RUBIO, BIGGER THAN ture, secrets, songs, dance and Birmingham Worcester Steele Perkins (trumpet), Daisy SEATTLE, PARGETERS Brown (soprano) & Steven Devine trickery are the order of the day in REUNION1 Mon 26 Dec, DIRT BOX DISCO Wed 28 SOUL SURVIVORS Fri 30 (conductor), Thurs 29 Dec, this festive favourite, written by and Katie Fitzgerald's, Dec, The Asylum, Dec, The Robin, Bilston Symphony Hall, Birmingham starring Midlands stalwart Malcolm Stourbridge Birmingham THE DECADES BAND Sat LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: ZIMMER Stent, until Sat 31 Dec, The Core, TREVOR NELSON CLUB THE LIQUOR AND POKER 31 Dec, The River VS WILLIAMS Enjoy the best scores Solihull CLASSICS UK TOUR Mon BAND Wed 28 Dec, Rooms, Stourbridge from the two greatest film composers THE WIZARD OF OZ A festive stroll to 26 Dec, O2 Institute, Katie Fitzgerald's, THE TOM WALKER TRIO of the 20th Century, Fri 30 Dec, the Emerald City with Dorothy, Toto, Birmingham Stourbridge Sat 31 Dec, Blue Piano Symphony Hall, Birmingham Scarecrow, Tin Man & Lion, until HOUSE OF JEALOUS THE SEX PISTOLS Restaurant And Bar, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: NEW Sat 31 Dec, The Blue Orange LOVERS Mon 26 - Tues EXPERIENCE Thurs 29 Birmingham YEAR’S EVE GALA Featuring Adrian Theatre, Birmingham Dec, The Roadhouse, 27 Dec, Hare & BLUE SOCKS CEILIDH Dwyer (tenor), James Cleverton CHICAGO THE MUSICAL John Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham BAND Sat 31 Dec, The (baritone) & Anthony Inglis (conduc- Partridge stars as lawyer Billy Flynn STEVE GIBBONS Tues 27 FIRES THAT DIVIDE Thurs Fleece Inn, Evesham tor), Programme includes works by in a brand new UK tour of Kander & Dec, Hare & Hounds, 29 Dec, Katie NEW YEARS EVE ALL Debussy, Denza, Walton, Rossini, Ebb's smash-hit musical. Soul Birmingham Fitzgerald's, THINGS ROCK NIGHT Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Mascagni, Bizet Queen Mica Paris stars as Mama Stourbridge & Mussorgsky, Sat 31 Dec, GORDON HENDRICKS IS WITH DJ BEAR Sat 31 Morton, while Coronation Street star Symphony Hall, Birmingham ELVIS Tues 27 Dec, The WHITE TYGER + WHITE Dec, Route 44, Hayley Tamaddon takes the lead as River Rooms, COAST REBELS Thurs 29 Birmingham Roxie Hart, until Sat 31 Dec, New

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 26 - 31 Dec - Warwicks/Worcs VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:25 Page 2

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Garden Cafe, Birmingham TREASURE ISLAND Bryony Lavery’s MICK FERRY, ANDY ROBINSON, modern adaptation of Robert Louis MICHAEL LEGGE & COMIC TBC Sat 31 Stevenson’s swashbuckling clas- Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham sic, until Sat 7 Jan, The REP, Birmingham CINDERELLA Starring Stoke’s NEW FILMS ON GENERAL favourite son Jonathan Wilkes as RELEASE: Buttons, alongside panto favourite Christian Patterson and Simon Released from Mon 26 Dec, show- Nehan as the Ugly Sisters, until ing at selected cinemas Sun 8 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke- COLLATERAL BEAUTY (tbc) on-Trent MONSTER TRUCKS (PG) ROOM ON THE BROOM Festive stag- WHY HIM? (tbc) ing of Julia Donaldson’s magical tale for younger audiences, until Sun 8 Jan, The REP, Birmingham ALADDIN: THE WOK AND ROLL PANTO Festive show with a difference, fea- Events turing classic rock 'n' roll hits from Aretha Franklin, The Monkees, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKENDS James Brown, The Temptations, Santa stars in his very own show The Jackson Five, and many and has a gift for every child, until more... until Sun 8 Jan, Stafford Thurs 22 Dec, Cadbury World, Gatehouse Theatre Bournville MOSCOW STATE CIRCUS The world- SANTA BOAT TRIPS Why take the kids renowned circus present Zhelanly, to Lapland to see Santa this an ‘awe-inspiring’ show based on Christmas when they can visit him Russian folklore, until Sun 8 Jan, by boat in his underground grotto Star City, Birmingham deep in the Dudley Caverns, until THE TEMPEST Shakespeare's magi- Fri 23 Dec, Dudley Canal Tunnel cal exploration of revenge, forgive- and Limestone Mines ness, love and magic, until Sat 21 SANTA SAFARI A magical festive day Jan, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, out for all the family, combining a Stratford-upon-Avon four-mile self-drive safari with a visit ALADDIN Magical pantomime to see Santa, until Sat 24 Dec, West adventure starring Joe McElderry, Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Lisa Riley, Ian Adams, Ben Faulks Bewdley and ‘Lazy Cow’ Doreen Tipton, CHRISTMAS AT BADDESLEY Warm up until Sun 22 Jan, Wolverhampton in front of a crackling fire in the Grand Theatre Great Hall, surrounded by natural DICK WHITTINGTON Starring John yuletide decorations, until Tues 27 Dec, Baddesley Clinton, Solihull Barrowman as Dick Whittington, EastEnders' bad lad Steve BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS McFadden as the evil King Rat, MARKET until Thurs 29 Dec, Jodie Prenger as Fairy Bow Bells, Birmingham City Centre legendary double act The Krankies MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! Marvel as Councillor & Jimmy Krankie, superheroes step off the silver Matt Slack as Idle Jack and screen and onto the stage, until Fri Andrew Ryan as Sarah the Cook, 30 Dec, Barclaycard Arena, until Sun 29 Jan, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until WHAT THE LADYBIRD HEARD Stage Sat 31 Dec, The Snowdome, adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Tamworth Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard DRAYTON’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS adventure, Tues 27 Dec - Wed 11 Enjoy the guaranteed snowfall over Jan, Birmingham Town Hall the Island of Sodar, meet Father ZORRO'S CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE The Christmas and catch a ride on Little English Theatre present their Thomas, until Sat 31 Dec, Drayton 2016 Christmas show, Thurs 29 Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Dec, Artrix, Bromsgrove MAGIC LANTERN FESTIVAL See page 49 for details, until Mon 2 Jan, Birmingham Botanical Gardens THE THEATRE OF CHRISTMAS See Packwood dressed for Christmas Comedy Gigs by professional artist Jennifer Collier, until Fri 6 Jan, Packwood House, Solihull FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 28 Dec, The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Plenty of fun to be had at the ice rink located JOJO SMITH, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH near the Frankfurt Christmas ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs Market, until Sun 8 Jan, Centenary 29 Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Square, Birmingham RAY PEACOCK, STEPHEN BAILEY, IVAN TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Tues 27 Dec, BLACKENBURY & COMIC TBC Sat 31 NEC, Birmingham Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham BARBARA NICE Sat 31 Dec, Kitchen

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

Thurs 8 & Sun 11 December Monday 12 December Fri 16 – Fri 23 December THE NUTCRACKER BARBARA NICE’S ROBIN HOOD & THE GLORIOUS SCREENING CHRISTMAS CRACKER BABES IN THE WOOD FROM THE ROYAL BALLET A BUMPER SELECTION BOX ALL & SUNDRY’S OF SEASONAL FUN TRADITIONAL PANTO

Sunday 18 December Monday 19 December Sat 31 December WHERE’S MY NO MAN’S LAND NEW YEAR’S EVE IGLOO GONE? NT LIVE SCREENING WITH PARTY WITH BEAT A MAGICAL EXPERIENCE IAN MCKELLEN & BROTHERS FOR ALL THE FAMILY PATRICK STEWART

COMING SOON: Mi Luna, Sunny Ormonde, What The Dickens?!, Abba Forever, Winter Mountain, Seann Walsh, Zorro’s Christmas Adventure, Johnny Cash Roadshow, Justin Moorhouse, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, The Rat Pack with Anita Harris, Simon Weston, The Counterfeit Stones, John Otway, George Egg, T. Rextasy, The Blues Band...

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

66 whatsonlive.co.uk Albany Theatre (FP- December 16).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 12:11 Page 1 Belgrade (FP- December 16).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2016 16:43 Page 1