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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands DANE BAPTISTE AT ARTRIX WORCESTERSHIREWHAT’S ONFEBRUARY 2020 Worcestershire ISSUE 410 FEBRUARY 2020 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On worcestershirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s iconic show returns to the Midlands TWITTER:@WHATSONWORCS

JACQUI & CHARLIE celebrate a century of song at Huntingdon Hall FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWORCESTERSHIRE

LYNGO THEATRE romp through the universe WORCESTERSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK at Bromsgrove venue Warwick Castle Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:16 Page 1 Contents February Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 15:35 Page 2

February 2020

Contents

Once The Musical - West End and Broadway hit visits Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre - page 24

Kacy & Clayton Reanimating History The Red Shoes the list

Carrying On at Coventry’s provocative new play opens at Matthew Bourne’s iconic show Your 16-page Tin Music & Arts Stratford’s Swan Theatre returns to the Midlands week-by-week listings guide page 15 feature page 16 feature page 32 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Gigs 22. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss, Sue Jones Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

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Entertainment news from around the region

New location for Warwick’s folk fest Warwick Folk Festival is this year moving closer to the town centre, taking place at Castle Park (a loca- tion adjacent to Warwick Castle) from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 July. Bringing together the local community for ‘a celebration of folk history, dance and general revelry’, the 2020 edition of the event will feature Will Pound and his band, the now-four-piece Show Of Hands, Canadian feelgood folk courtesy of Le Vent du Nord, Nancy Kerr, Seth Lakeman, and the three-time BBC Two Folk Award winners, The Young’uns.

Major financial boost for take up its new name on 15 April. Utilita has a The event, which runs at venues across the growing presence in the UK live events indus- town from 1 to 5 May, also features, among Historic Coventry Trust try, having partnered with a number of major others, Trio Shaham Erez Wallfisch, the Sac- Plans to restore three of Coventry’s prime music festivals in recent years. coni String Quartet with Tom Poster, Ensem- historic buildings have received a major ble 360 with James Gilchrist and violinist financial boost. Tamsin Little accompanied by Russian Historic Coventry Trust - the organisation pianist Andrey Gugnin (pictured). which will be responsible for restoring three The festival is this year celebrating the 250th timber-framed cottages in the city’s Priory anniversary of Beethoven’s birth. Row - has been awarded funding by the Architectural Heritage Fund. The AHF has given the Trust £500,000 as part of a cam- paign to regenerate and renew high streets and town centres in England.

Kinky Boots taking a walk from stage to screen Hit stage show Kinky Boots The Musical is to be screened in more than 600 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Tuesday 4 and Sunday 9 February. The stage production was filmed live for the cinema screen at the Adelphi The- atre, London, in November 2018 by Broad- wayHD, the US-based streaming service for live theatre. For more information and to Dates revealed for 2020 book tickets, visit KinkyBootsCinema.com Stratford River Festival Free family event the Stratford River Festival New name for Midlands makes a welcome return on 4 & 5 July. entertainment venue Programme announced Taking place on the town centre’s Recreation Arena Birmingham is set to be renamed for Leamington festival Ground, the 2020 edition of the popular Utilita Arena Birmingham as part of a major get-together features live music, dance, an Tasmin Little and Roderick Williams are new partnership with ‘Britain’s leading artisan craft market and, on the Saturday among the talented musicmakers who’ll be Smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) Energy evening, a spectacular firework display. For contributing to the 2020 Leamington Music provider’. The iconic city centre venue will more information, visit stratforward.co.uk Festival. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:24 Page 2

First Word

Harry Potter illustrator at The Albany... Award-winning Harry Potter illustrator Levi Pinfold will be talking about his art at a special event at Coventry’s Albany Theatre on Wednes- day 5 February. Revealing s ecrets hiding within the illus- trations and the fascinating stories behind them, Levi will be doing a live chat and on- stage drawing session, taking questions from the audience and participating in a post- show meet-and-greet.

Birmingham Royal Ballet all loved up at Coventry venue A brand new love affair gets under way this Saturday 15 February. Valentine’s weekend when Carlos Acosta makes Carlos will take to the stage in conversation with Stand up for his first public appearances as Birmingham This Morning’s doctor-in-residence Ranj Singh. Royal Ballet’s Director. The company and its internationally acclaimed women at Artrix BRB and the man selected to replace David Bint- orchestra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, will then Popular Birmingham come- ley look like a match made in heaven and come present A Valentine’s Celebration Of Music And dian Barbara Nice this month together at Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on Dance. takes top billing in a celebra- tion of International Women’s Day. Taking place at Artrix in A Midsummer Bromsgrove on Wednesday 26 Night’s Tease... February, Stand Up For Sassy and seductive inter- Women is hosted by Maureen national showgirl Ivy Paige, Younger and also features best known for her appear- Mercedes Benson and Kate ance on television’s The McCabe. To book tickets, visit Voice - is top-billing a artrix.co.uk ‘Valentine’s variety extrava- ganza’ in Stratford-upon- Avon this month. Featuring comedy, magic, burlesque, hula-hooping, singing and Fresh Air February at Compton Verney boylesque, A Midsummer Wrap up warm, pack a picnic and head to Compton Verney for two Night’s Tease - Valentine special open weekends this month (Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 and Sat- Special takes place at the urday 22 & Sunday 23 February). The venue’s Fresh Air February town’s Welcombe Hotel on Weekends feature family-friendly outdoor activities at the Forest Saturday 15 February. School and playground. There’s also the opportunity to try out a new history trail. Visit comptonverney.org.uk for more information. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Warwickshire February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:25 Page 3

First Word

Worcester theatre company tackling carbon emissions The UK’s leading mask theatre company has col- laborated with conservation charity Trees For Life to set up a tree grove in the Scottish Highlands. Worcester-based Vamos’ aim is to offset the car- bon emissions from the 23-venue tour of its new theatre production, Dead Good. The trees will help to re-wild the Caledonian For- est. Commenting on the initiative, Vamos’ Artistic Di- rector, Rachael Savage, said: “This particular pro- ject is something we are doing whilst we work on more long-term sustainability for the company. This isn’t a quick solution; we are fully aware trees take up to 20 years to mature, but this is a positive springboard for us. This interim move in- vests in a better future and supports invaluable reforestation in the Scottish Highlands.”

Worcestershire Worcestershire celebrating the 400th Elgar Festival town to host two anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage back in the spring new festivals... Worcestershire is this year hosting a series of events to mark the 400th The city of Worcester’s annual Forty-eight bands are set to anniversary of the transatlantic voyage of the Mayflower, the ship celebration of its most famous play in 48 hours as part of two which took the Pilgrim Fathers to America. The county has a strong son, composer Sir Edward brand new music festivals com- connection to the historic event, with one of the senior figures in the Elgar, makes a welcome return ing to Upton-upon-Severn this Pilgrims' ranks, Edward Winslow, having been born in Droitwich. in the spring. year. To check out what’s happening where as part of the celebration, visit Headlined by the English Sym- Organised by Upton48, the fes- mayflower400uk.org phony Orchestra, the Elgar tivals have been announced as Festival comprises a range of the Spring Fling, which will be concerts, guided Elgar tours & held from 13 to 15 March, and related workshops, street per- Oktoberfest, taking place from formances, exhibitions and 9 to 11 October. Sharing the slo- talks. gan ‘48 bands in 48 hours’, the This year’s festival takes place events will feature a wide at various venues across the range of live music presented city and beyond from 28 to 31 in a variety of locations across May. For more information, the town. visit elgarfestival.org Johnny Vegas, Leamington has Live At The Rialto Just The Tonic Johnny Vegas will this spring One of the UK’s best-known follow in the footsteps of fellow Full steam ahead in the Severn Valley comedy clubs launches at The big-name comics Sean Lock, The whistle, the heat, the rumble under your feet. Yes indeed, it’s Assembly in Leamington Spa Russell Kane and Jason Man- time once again to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells this month. The venue’s inau- ford by headlining Coventry’s of the golden age of steam, as the Severn Valley Railway reopens for gural Just The Tonic event on Live At The Rialto comedy business after a short break. Saturday 8 February features night, taking place on Friday 1 From Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 February, visitors can take a ride Andrew O’Neill, Guz Khan, May. between Bewdley and Bridgnorth, hopping on and off at five historic Matt Richardson and Reginald The comedian-turned-actor stations. The Manchester Model Tramway group will be displaying D Hunter. will be supported at the city’s their incredible layout at The Engine House, where you can also see Future contributors will in- Plaza venue by Paul McCaffrey, the latest interactive exhibits and displays. clude Daliso Chaponda, Diane Gareth Richards and Rob Mul- There will be no trains running from Kidderminster, though, due to Spencer, Gary Delaney, Hal holland. Tickets are available planned work on Falling Sands Viaduct. For more information, visit Cruttenden, Lou Conran and at rialtoreborn.co.uk svr.co.uk. Paul Foot. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:25 Page 4 Holes.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:16 Page 1

JS E P I G N

Louis Sachar’s 1998 young-adult novel, Holes, is a staple of the national curriculum and much loved by children and adults alike. Nottingham Playhouse’s new stage version is coming to a theatre near you...

“The play, like Louis Sachar’s award-winning to dig a hole, five foot deep and five foot wide, number of reasons. Firstly, as Louis Sachar novel, is about a teenager, Stanley Yelnats, as a reforming character-building exercise. himself said, everyone as a child has an who gets falsely accused of stealing an old Stanley quickly discovers that the warden obsession with digging a huge hole to see pair of sneakers,” explains Adam Penford, who runs the camp is hunting for something, how far they can get into the earth, maybe Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, the so he starts investigating. Holes is an epic even out the other side! So just that starting theatre behind a brand new stage adaptation mystery adventure story! premise is one that grabs people’s imagina- of the book. “Stanley is sent to Camp Green tions. “The novel was written in the late ’90s and Lake, which certainly isn’t green and no has been studied by schools ever since. I “Secondly, it’s a really gripping story, the longer has a lake. It’s a dried-up lake-bed and think people really engage with Holes for a book is certainly a page-turner - and on stage now very much like a desert. Every day he has

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by Lauren Cole

you really can’t wait to see how it moves step- already adapted it himself, but at that point it were so successful in Nottingham. Family by-step through the adventure. By final-cur- had only ever been staged in America. I man- shows do often require a large creative team, tain, all of the loose ends of the mystery wrap aged to get hold of his agent in New York, but to use as many different theatrical elements up neatly into a really satisfying conclusion. one of the big questions was how to actually as possible in a collaborative way to create an stage this: how can you dig holes on stage? engaging story. So we knew there’d have to be “Then, the other big appeal is the characters. We did a series of several workshops over 10 puppetry because the dangerous yellow-spot- Everyone is drawn to them; this motley crew years ago, followed by a small version at the ted lizard is a huge part of Holes. All the char- of very different, characterful, flawed and real Wimbledon Theatre Studio, and that went acters are terrified of the lizard, which can kill people. down really well. I was trying to sell Holes as with a single bite, so the audience really “Finally, the reason it works so well on the an idea to theatres and there was a lot of in- needs to believe in that or the stakes of the page - and this is something we’ve tried to terest. But I never quite managed to land it as story fall short. We needed a really good translate onto the stage - is that it has a a full-scale production. So of course, when I puppetry designer and director to achieve consistent sense of danger and suspense. was appointed artistic director at Nottingham that, so Matt was the absolutely perfect Sachar doesn’t patronise the reader. These Playhouse, I finally got to programme Holes person. Likewise, with the set design from boys are being forced to do manual labour in myself! We’ve been working on it for over 10 Simon, the story takes place in so many differ- the baking heat, and the adults who are years, and the version we put on at Notting- ent locations and so many different timelines supposed to be looking after them are ruth- ham was so successful that Fiery Angel, our that a really skilled designer was essential. In less and only out for themselves. Even the producers, picked it up and decided to tour the play, there’s 1860s Latvia, Greenlake in environment itself and the creatures sur- the Playhouse production around the UK.” the 1890s and Stanley’s present day, which is rounding them are deadly. There’s a real mid-’90s for us. We needed a very fluid set The popular film adaptation of Holes, starring sense of jeopardy, of life and death, and I design that could cross between the different Shia LeBeouf and Sigourney Weaver, was re- think that’s something children respond to timelines in an imaginative way. It’s a real leased back in 2003. What can fans expect because they’re very aware they’re not being collaborative team effort. Holes also has from the stage version? talked down to. plenty of music and choreography working “Lots of people are huge fans of that film, or alongside the other disciplines.” “Underneath it all, Holes really is a story of have only seen the film and never read the friendship. Stanley makes friends with Zero, Adam is most proud of the intense emotional book. There’s a lot to admire about the movie, who’s the boy in the camp who never speaks. response of audiences to the Nottingham especially the cast, but theatre definitely re- Everyone else presumes he’s either mute or Playhouse production: “The audience really quires the audience to use their imagination a stupid, but he turns out to probably be the buy into the world we’ve created on stage and little more. The geographical location is one brightest of them all. Watching their friend- really care about our characters. For example, of the most important parts of the story be- ship develop is really beautiful. It’s also about when Stanley and Zero are under threat at the cause it’s so evocative, but we can’t create the love between Stanley and his parents. end, the audience are gasping out loud and that naturalistically on stage. We have to use shouting out against the baddie - and are signifiers in the set, props and costume to “The other underlying narrative is this ques- even moved to tears by the positive ending. So transport people to the desert location or to tion of destiny, and whether you have control even though this is a very stripped-back the top of the mountain, God’s Thumb, and over the way your life turns out or not. What’s production that asks the audience to really back in time to the 1890s, when Green Lake very clever about it is that Louis doesn’t really work hard with their imaginations, it feels was a flourishing community with an actual answer that question by the end, so while the like we’ve really been able to get to the heart lake. The power of imagination is the power storyline itself is tied up neatly, it still leaves a of Sachar’s story, to the point where they feel of theatre. That’s the major difference. lot of questions for the reader. Stanley is kind like they’re actually in the middle of it them- of an anti-hero in the beginning; things hap- “Also, there are quite a large number of char- selves.” pen to him and he blames bad luck and his acters, so in our production you’ll see an actor ‘family curse’. Then, as the play goes on, he Adam admits that he’s envious of people who taking on five, six, seven or more different starts to take control of his own destiny and have yet to discover the delights of Holes: “If roles. There’s a huge pleasure in seeing the becomes much more empowered. In the end, you know the book or the film, then our same person transform from a 40-year-old Sachar does almost hint that there are some production is a real joy to relive. If you’re new camp warden to an 85-year-old Latvian pig things out of our control and there’s definitely to the story, then you’re in a really privileged breeder! I think asking the audience to invest some sort of magic in the world we live in.” position because it’s a truly gripping tale, in this journey and take a very active part in with so many twists and turns. I’m really envi- creating it very much fits Holes anyway. Sachar adapted Holes for the stage himself, ous of anyone encountering this story for the Sachar’s story is very much about believing in but the Nottingham Playhouse production first time!” has been a long time in the making - as Adam yourself, others and the world - and we ask explains: “I read the novel quite a few years our audience to believe in the production.” ago from a list of 100 that everyone should Other creatives who’ve worked on the show Holes runs at the Belgrade Theatre, read in their lifetime. Of course, I got through include Simon Kelly, who designed for the Coventry, from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 about three, but one I did read was Holes. So I acclaimed adaptation of Noughts And February, Malvern Festival Theatre from read it as an adult rather than a child and fell Crosses. The puppetry, meanwhile, is the Wednesday 4 to Saturday 7 March and in love with it very quickly. I thought how brainchild of War Horse’s Matthew Forbes. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from much of an amazing play it would make. Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May. When I looked into it, I saw that Sachar had “Undoubtedly our creative team is why we whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food February Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:12 Page 1 Food February Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:12 Page 2

Food

Stratford pub in finals of national competition A pub in Stratford-upon-Avon has reached the finals of the Publican Awards 2020, a national competition that rewards the ‘cream of the cream' in the UK pub industry. The Townhouse on Church Street, which is run by Henley-based pub operator & brewer Brakspear, has been shortlisted in the ‘best pub accommodation’ category. The winners will be announced next month.

Upmarket pizzeria to open in Worcester The owner of The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar in Worcester has announced that he will be opening an upmarket pizzeria in the city’s St Swithin’s Street. The pizza restaurant will replace former sandwich bar Petifrance and is inspired by Adam Giagnotti’s Italian heritage. The aim is for the pizzeria to open on 2 April, eight years to the day after The Olive Branch was launched. Stratford restaurant launches its new pre-theatre menu Resorts World to host Got tickets to see a show at the Royal Dishes are ‘seasonal, British and comforting’, exclusive dinner Shakespeare Theatre? If so, and you’re with diners able to choose between two courses A trio of local chefs are teaming up for planning on grabbing a bite to eat beforehand, at £19 per person or three at £24 per person. an exclusive guest dinner at Sky By The the nearby Woodsman could well be the place Menu options include grilled cornish mackerel Water - Resorts World Birmingham’s to head for. with charred gem lettuce, smoked cod roe and popular rooftop bar & restaurant. The award-winning restaurant has launched a hazelnuts (pictured), Jerusalem artichoke Matt Cheal, head chef of Cheal’s of pre-theatre menu, which is served between velouté & truffle mascarpone, and Earl Grey Henley, and Aaron Darnley and Darryl 5pm & 6.30pm Monday to Friday. brûlée. Collins, head chef and pastry chef respectively at Sky By The Water, will collaborate on a six-course dinner. Malmaison’s MalBox deli & bar now open in The Mailbox The event takes place on Sunday 16 February. Tickets cost £75 per person, A new deli & bar operated by Malmaison with a ‘welcome’ drink in the Secret has opened in Birmingham’s premier Winter Garden included in the price. luxury shopping & lifestyle destination. Adding to The Mailbox’s already impressive offering of drink & dine destinations, MalBox will serve up the best of Chez Mal in the Urban Room on Level 2. The new outlet offers a selection of cakes, pastries, salads, soups and baguettes alongside a choice of hot and cold drinks. MalBox opens from 9am until 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm on Saturdays, and from 10am until 4pm on Sundays. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Classical February Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:32 Page 1 Classical February Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:32 Page 2

Classical

CBSO: Walton’s Viola Concerto Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 27 February French violist Lise Berthaud is on a mission to find the dark heart of Walton’s smouldering Viola Concerto in this latest evening of exceptional musicmaking from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orches- tra. A part of the prestigious BBC Radio Three New Generation Artists Scheme, which allowed her to perform with all BBC orchestras and record a significant amount of repertoire both live and in the studio, Lise has gone on to become a truly outstanding figure on the international music scene. The concert’s programme also features Royal Philharmonic Orchestra John Foulds’ April - England and Ralph Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 26 February Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony. Since its formation in 1946, the RPO has the major commercial record companies. Associate Conductor Michael Seal takes operated under the directorship of some of The RPO’s Coventry programme features the helm. the world’s most respected conductors, Wagner’s Prelude & Liebestod from Tristan Rudolf Kempe and André Previn included. und Isolde, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No2 and Mahan Esfahani Based in the beautiful surroundings of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Chelsea’s Cadogan Hall, the orchestra is no This Warwick Arts Centre concert sees the In-The-Round stranger to the recording studio, regularly RPO joined by pianist Mariam Batsashvili Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 22 February laying down soundtracks for films and (pictured). The only harpsichordist enjoying a long partnership with many of ever to be a BBC New Generation Artist, Mahan Consone String Quartet Armonico Consort & Esfahani is eager to raise the profile and appeal of Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, Baroque Orchestra his genteel and often-de- Fri 28 February Malvern Theatres, Sat 8 February rided instrument of choice. But the BBC New Generation Artists Consone came Iranian musician is under no illusions together at the Royal College of Music in about how difficult a task it’s going to be: London with the express purpose of explor- “The harpsichord is like the posh, pretty ing Classical and Early Romantic repertoire boy in prison,” he told the Guardian on period instruments... recently. “He’s gonna get beaten on.” This Leamington gig, the fifth of the Esfahani’s Birmingham concert sees him monthly concerts in the International performing in the round, presenting a String Quartet Season, finds them present- programme that features works by, among ing a programme comprising works by others, Johann Sebastian Bach. Haydn, Beethoven and the 19th century French composer of English descent, Founded by organist and conductor George Onslow. Karolos String Trio Christopher Monks (pictured) in 2001, Armonico are one of the largest organisa- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 7 February tions of their kind in the UK. Using authen- A co-operative of nine of the UK's leading tic period instruments, the baroque consort chamber players, Karolos often play in regularly appear alongside some of the best smaller sub-groups... which is exactly solo musicians in the world. what they’re doing for this Bromsgrove This Malvern concert sees them performing Concerts presentation. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor. Violinist Harriet Mackenzie, Sarah-Jane One of the Baroque period's most cele- Bradley (viola) and cellist Graham Walker brated choral masterpieces, it was the com- are the trio here taking on the challenges poser’s final major work, completed of performing works by Mozart, around a year before he died. Beethoven and Stephen Dodgson. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS February Warwicks_Worcs (1).qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:36 Page 1

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Gigs

Lana Del Rey Resorts World Arena, Birmingham, Sat 29 February New York-born Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, more commonly known as Lana Del Rey, last year released her sixth studio album, Norman F*cking Rockwell, to widespread acclaim. The record picked up two Grammy nomina- tions and reached number one in the UK album charts. Fusing tragic romance with glamour - and in the process referencing plenty of pop culture, particularly 1950s and ’60s Americana - Rey’s previous offerings include Born To Die, Ultra- violence and Lust For Life, all of which also topped the charts.

Jacqui Dankworth & pianist-vocalist Charlie Wood for a unique concert of duets. Charlie Wood The show is a celebration of a century of Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Wed 26 February song inspired by great musical partnerships. Award-winning jazz vocalist Jacqui Featured numbers include Alone Together, Dankworth is here joined by acclaimed A Foggy Day and You’ve Got a Friend.

Kacy & Clayton The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Sat 8 February Captain Starfighter Anna Meredith “We were raised on cattle ranches where we And The Lockheeds Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 9 February learned how to play traditional country music The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Fri 28 February because that’s what everyone wanted to The band members of Captain Starfighter hear,” explain Kacy & Clayton. And The Lockheeds share a deep love of The Canadian duo’s new album, Carrying On, space rock, playing classic Robert Calvert- has been described as “a beautiful mix of era Hawkwind songs alongside a sprinkling Kacy’s crystalline vocals and Clayton’s inven- of solo work. Their name comes from tive, deep-groove country guitar”. Calvert’s Captain Lockheed And The It follows in the footsteps of previous records Starfighters album, a satirical concept Strange Country and The Siren’s Song. record released in 1974 and featuring a mix- ture of songs and comic spoken interludes.

The 1975 Arena Birmingham, Tues 25 February Comprising lead vocalist and rhythm gui- tarist Matthew Healy, lead guitarist Adam A former composer-in-residence with the Hann, bassist Ross MacDonald and drum- BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Anna mer George Daniel, The 1975 have enjoyed a Meredith brings second studio album FIBS phenomenal rise to fame over the past few to the Midlands as part of her latest UK band years. Indeed, their 2018 album, A Brief tour. Described as “technicolour maximal- Inquiry Into Online Relationships, was their ism boasting a visceral richness and unpar- third consecutive UK number one. alleled accessibility”, the record follows on The BRIT and Ivor Novello Award winners from her electronica-based debut offering, are set to release fourth album Notes On A Varmints, which won the Scottish Album of Conditional Form, on the 21st of this month. the Year award. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 The Whip.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:37 Page 1

Reanimating history Journalist and dramatist Juliet Gilkes Romero talks about The Whip, her provocative new play about the British abolition of slavery...

New play The Whip captures the ‘moment’ And why not focus on moral conundrums award to the slave owners in the Abolition when people of many different political much closer to home? Act. But actually, afterwards, the slaves were persuasions collide in 1830s London. This required to work an apprenticeship of up to “Abolition was delivered in Britain in 1834, Royal Shakespeare Company production seven years because it was considered that following an Act of Parliament in 1833,” says explores the concerns of different people in they needed to prepare for their freedom. dramatist Juliet Gilkes Romero, the woman Britain in the lead-up to the Slavery Abolition That meant they continued working for their behind the play. “Some 800,000 Caribbean Act of 1833. What’s the price of the slaves’ former owners for no pay, but the owners no slaves were freed following a compensation freedom? Who should shoulder that cost? longer felt responsible for their care because 16 whatsonlive.co.uk The Whip.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:37 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

the slaves were no longer their property. sary, and although it was certainly flawed, own experience of the dreadful, inhumane Britain achieved it. That really should be abuses on the plantations. In the play, Mercy “Following wide-scale protests across the admired in the context of the politics of the is working very closely with the chief whip to Caribbean, the apprenticeship scheme had to time. Britain was truly leading the way. The try and deliver this act. be abolished, and in 1838 slaves were finally Whip really focuses on this fraught, intense free. I think it’s relatively unknown that the “Another prominent woman is Horatia, who battle Britain has between morality and econ- act which passed in 1833 wasn’t quite the has fled working in the north and lost her omy. Britain really was leaping off a cliff not abolition of slavery it claimed to be. child from being crushed to death in a cotton knowing the financial repercussions, and mill. She represents that side of the British “The other thing that people will probably essentially mortgaged the future of genera- story. She ends up working in the home of the find surprising is the slavery compensation tions to come - a debt we only finished paying chief whip, and her interest is in the state of act itself. Money was borrowed - 40% of the five years ago. Britain’s factories and getting children out of government’s national budget - to pay off “While The Whip is a really important part of those working conditions, rather than being already-wealthy slave owners. It was £20mil- Black British history, it’s definitely a multi- concerned with the fate of slaves in a far-off lion at the time, which equates to between faceted story. What fascinated me about 1833 colony. So when these two women meet, £20billion and £23billion in today’s terms! was that so much else was going on in Britain they’re rivals in some way and have different Slave owners became fantastically rich. The besides Abolition. In 1832, the Reform Act political agendas, but they slowly begin to re- loan for this pay-off ended in 2015, so if you came about that meant men who weren’t alise the commonality in their causes. were working in and before that year, then landed gentry could vote. MPs didn’t get a that’s where some of your taxes were going. “Horatia and Mercy are examples of the early salary, so it just wasn’t an option for working For me, as a descendant of the slave trade, seeds of women’s suffrage. There’s a very men who weren’t part of the elite. The general I was astonished to find that out. I got access clear narrative when we think of the public really weren’t being represented in the to the actual Abolition Act from 1833 and the suffragettes paving the way for women to House of Commons. The 1830s is where all of transcripts from the actual debates from the vote, but their battle started way, way before this starts to collide, and that’s what The House of Commons. I’ve transferred a lot of then. While men certainly had the political Whip is all about. What happened in these the language that was used there and chan- voice in the 1830s, women have a very strong years is really revolutionary. The Factory Act nelled people’s real concerns into the play. voice in The Whip. So the piece is certainly stopped children of a certain age working for What really excites me as a journalist and as a also about the emancipation of women, and more than 10 hours, as back then children as dramatist is handing these untold stories over that definitely resonates today. I don’t think young as five were working in British cotton to the public. I wouldn’t say my writing is enough has changed, particularly if you look mills. So the piece isn’t just about the emanci- didactic; I’m exploring the handprint of the at the proportion of women in modern slav- pation of slaves in the Caribbean, but also the past on the present day, but through very ery, or the gender pay gap. Mercy and Horatia emancipation of working children and the human stories. I don’t want to be preachy, are both very strong, intelligent women who working-class in general.” and The Whip certainly isn’t like that at all. go about politics in different ways. I want my writing to pose lots of questions to Very individual, human stories are central to “The Whip is all about how important it is to the audience, rather than just telling them The Whip. Many of its characters are based on be heard. Another character is Edmund, a what to think.” real-life figures. young, escaped slave who Boyd has taken in Juliet was spurred on to write the play by the “The majority of the action takes place either and raised to be an English gentleman. So we general lack of knowledge Brits have regard- in the House of Commons itself, or in the also have his story, about what it means to ing all aspects of slavery... house of one of the politicians - the chief completely lose who you are; how it feels to whip, Boyd, whose job it is to drum up sup- be plucked from your home, your family, and “On reflection I’m surprised that schools port and deliver the Abolition Act through the suddenly have an English home instead. So weren’t required to cover the Slave Trade more Commons. He has a huge battle trying to the play explores many different identities - it was the largest mass deportation of people deliver this, as many of the house have their that Britons can relate to.” in history and Britain played a huge part. For own interests in cotton and the Slave Trade. me, this has always been a burning issue. As Juliet is certain The Whip has universal reso- We also meet Lord Maybourne - loosely based a writer, I like to approach my work from an nance: “This play speaks to so many different on Lord Melbourne, the then home secretary - unusual point of view, so when I came across aspects of British society, regardless of back- and explore his machinations on either side this idea of weighing up the worth of hun- ground. The Whip has a full 360-degree view of the debate. We also encounter opposition dreds of thousands of people’s freedom of 1830s Britain that resonates today and tells MPs led by a back-bencher who has slaves against what Britain could afford in monetary a powerful story that I hope opens up many and has been made head of the West India terms, it really caught my attention. Britain discussions. When I see theatre, I want to be Committee, which was a pressure group mak- had seen that the trade was both becoming set alight with passion and continue to debate ing sure slave owners were properly compen- unworkable and obviously morally wrong. well beyond the curtain falling - and I think sated for what they would get per head of They’d seen what had happened to the The Whip will do that.” slave. Many MPs in the Commons were either French in Haiti when their slaves rebelled, slave owners or had cotton factories in and they could see across the pond that Britain. America wasn’t coming to a compromise - a lack of compromise that eventually led to civil “Another character, Mercy, is based on Mary The Whip shows at the Swan Theatre, war, as the south was fantastically wealthy Prince, a runaway slave who came to Britain Stratford-Upon-Avon, from Saturday from the Slave Trade, while the industrial and became the first black woman to deliver a 1 February to Saturday 21 March. north wasn’t. The Abolition Bill was neces- petition to parliament. She spoke about her

whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 1

Award FINALISTS in each category announced! VOTE for your WINNER! Readers’ What’sOn Awards

Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 15,000 votes across the West Midlands region!Now it’s time for you to VOTE once more to choose your ultimate WINNER in each category! Here are the award shortlist finalists:

Midlands Large Theatre l Burn The Floor Best Pantomime in l Birmingham Hippodrome l Matthew Bourne: Romeo And Juliet The Midlands 2019/20 l Belgrade Theatre, Coventry l Matthew Bourne: Swan Lake l Aladdin - Stourbridge Town Hall l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l Aladdin - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Best Orchestra/Choir l The Alexandra, Birmingham l Cinderella - Lichfield Garrick l Birmingham Cathedral Choir l The REP, Birmingham l Dick Whittington - Wolves Grand l Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Sleeping Beauty - Regent Theatre l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent l Snow White - Hippodrome l CBSO Best Touring Musical l North Staffs Symphony Orchestra Best Pantomime Dame 2019/20 l Les Misérables l Andrew Ryan - Snow White, Best Classical/Operatic l Kinky Boots Birmingham Hippodrome Production l The Rocky Horror Show l Ben Humphrey - Snow White, l Birmingham Festival of Early Music l Blood Brothers Swan Theatre, Worcester l Birmingham Philharmonic: l Dirty Dancing l Brad Fitt - Aladdin, Movie Music Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Best Home-Produced Show l CBSO: Viennese New Year l Christian Patterson - Billionaire Boy - Belgrade Theatre Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: l l Sleeping Beauty, Regent Theatre l The Boy In The Dress - RSC The Planets l Ian Adams - Dick Whittington, Brassed Off - New Vic Theatre Welsh National Opera (WNO) l l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l The Snow Queen - The Old Rep Autumn Season l Wally Wombat - Aladdin, l The 39 Steps - New Vic Theatre Best Touring Theatre Play/Show Stourbridge Town Hall Best Dance Production Abigail's Party l Best Kids Show l Birmingham Royal Ballet: l An Inspector Calls l Dear Zoo Live! Beauty And The Beast l Educating Rita l Horrible Histories l Birmingham Royal Ballet: l The Girl On The Train l The Tiger Who Came To Tea The Nutcracker l The Mousetrap VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 2

#readersawards2020

l The Snowman Best Amateur Dramatic/Operatic Best Midlands Music Festival l The Worst Witch Group Production l Birmingham Pride l BMOS: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang l Download Festival Best Arts/Cultural Festival l Birmingham Ormiston Academy: l Godiva Festival l Birmingham Comedy Festival Lord Of The Flies l Shrewsbury Folk Festival l Birmingham Weekender l Coventry Musical Theatre Society: l Worcester Music Festival l Lichfield Arts' Fuse Festival Annie l Let’s Rock, Shrewsbury l Shrewsbury International l Get Your Wigle On: Grease Comedy Festival Best Midlands Food Festival l Lichfield Operatic Society: Avenue Q l The Big Feast, Newcastle-under-Lyme l Colmore Food Festival, Birmingham l Worcester Arts Festival Best Comedy Night l Foodies Festival, Birmingham l Comedy Carousel at l Lichfield Food Festival Best Exhibition The Glee Club, Birmingham l Ludlow Food Festival l Apollo 50 - The Potteries Museum l Comedy at Henry Tudor House l Shrewsbury Food Festival & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent l Funhouse Comedy - various l Dressed To The Nines - Best Street Food Vendor l Just The Tonic, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l Bournville Waffle Co l Laugh Out Loud Comedy - various l Home Of Metal Presents Black l Buddha Belly Sabbath: 50 Years - Birmingham Best Midlands Music Venue l Dick’s Smokehouse Museum & Art Gallery l Arena Birmingham l Patty Freaks l Leonardo da Vinci: A Life In Drawing - l Birmingham Town Hall l Urban Cheesecake Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l O2 Academy, Birmingham Best Midlands Market l Wildlife Photographer Of The Year - l Resorts World Arena, Birmingham l Beckett’s Farm, Birmingham Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, l Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Bullring Indoor Market, Birmingham Coventry & Wolverhampton Art Gallery l The Empire, Coventry l FarGo Village, Birmingham l The Market Hall, Shrewsbury l Moseley Arts Market, Birmingham

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM Best Music l Birmingham Lit Fest l Birmingham Museum Best Indoor Event Best Independent l Birmingham & Art Gallery Festival l BBC Good Food Restaurant Weekender l Cadbury World Best Arts/Theatre Show l Adams l Birmingham Pride l National Sealife British Athletics Indoor l Harborne Kitchen Venue l Birmingham & Solihull Best Food Centre l Championships l Original Patty Men l Blue Orange Theatre Jazz & Blues Festival l Thinktank Festival/Event l Crufts l Purnell’s l The Crescent Theatre l Moseley Folk & Arts l MCM Birmingham l Wing Wah Midlands Arts Centre Festival l BBC Good Food l Best Outdoor Comic Con l The Old Joint Stock l Mostly Jazz, Funk & Show Event l Strictly Come Dancing l The Old Rep Theatre Soul l Birmingham Cocktail Best Independent Solihull Summer Fest Weekend Live l l Birmingham Frankfurt Coffee Shop l Colmore Food Festival Best Music Venue Christmas Market l 3 Three's Coffee l Digbeth Dining Club Best Arts l Ice Skate Birmingham Best Gallery/ l Cherry Reds Cafe Bar l The Actress & Bishop l Foodies Festival at Festival l Great Birmingham Exhibition Venue l Damascena Coffee l The Glee Club Cannon Hill Park Run The Barber Institute House l Hare & Hounds l Arts & Science Fest l l Peaky Blinders Birmingham Museum l The Edwardian l The Jam House (University of B’ham) l Best Visitor Festival - Digbeth & Art Gallery Tearooms at BMAG l The Night Owl l Birmingham Comedy l Summer In Southside Festival Attraction l Coffin Works l Java Lounge IKON Gallery l Birmingham Int Dance l Birmingham Back to l Festival Backs l Midlands Arts Centre and choose your WINNER!

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Theatre Tokens Full Filler.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 17:48 Page 1 Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 4

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

Best Independent l Penn Tandoori Best Gallery/ Best Independent l National Memorial l Wellington Arts Bar/Pub l The Summerhouse, Exhibition Venue Restaurant Arboretum Festival Dudley l 1000 Trades l Compton Verney l Bolero Bar & Kitchen, Best Event Best Visitor l The Old Crown, l Coventry Music Worcester l Bonfire and Fireworks Digbeth WARWICKSHIRE Museum l Dine India, at Trentham Estate Attraction l The Jekyll and Hyde l Herbert Art Gallery Bromsgrove l Cathedral Illuminated l Attingham Park The Plough, Harborne l Leamington Spa Art l The Old Rectifying British Ironworks l Best Arts/Theatre at Lichfield Cathedral l l The Prince Of Wales, Gallery & Museum House, Worcester l Lichfield Proms in Centre, Oswestry Moseley Venue l Mead Gallery at l The Olive Branch Beacon Park l Ironbridge Museums Warwick Art Centre Mediterranean Bistro l Albany Theatre, l Scarefest at Alton l Park Hall Farm Coventry & Wine Bar, Worcs Towers l Severn Valley Railway, BLACK COUNTRY Ostlers at No.1, l Belgrade Theatre, Best Independent l l Staffordshire County Bridgnorth Coventry Restaurant Worcester Show Best Arts/Theatre l Criterion Theatre, l Café Vin Cinq, Rugby Best Event Venue Coventry l Cheals of Henley, STAFFORDSHIRE Best Independent l Chocolate Festival, l Royal Shakespeare Henley-in-Arden Restaurant Shrewsbury l Arena Theatre Theatre, Stratford Dough And Brew, l Shrewsbury Flower Dudley Town Hall l Best Arts/Theatre l 1709, The Brasserie l l Warwick Arts Centre Warwick Show Grand Theatre, l The Boat Inn, Lichfield l My Dhabba, Coventry Venue Shrewsbury Wacky Wolverhampton l l Hard Days Night, l Best Music Venue l The Cross, Kenilworth l Brewhouse Arts Races l Light House Media Newcastle under Lyme Centre Shropshire Centre, W’hampton l The Assembly, l Mackenzies, Lichfield l l Lichfield Garrick Oktoberfest l Stourbridge Town Hall Leamington Spa WORCESTERSHIRE l NOM Restaurant, l The Empire, Coventry l New Vic Theatre, Hanley l Telford Balloon and l The Kasbah, Coventry Newcastle-under-Lyme Kite Fiesta Best Music Venue Best Arts/Theatre l Regent Theatre, l Shakespeare Street, SHROPSHIRE l Brierley Civic Hall Stratford-Upon-Avon Venue Stoke-on-Trent l Dudley Town Hall Warwick Arts Centre, l Stafford Gatehouse Best Gallery/ l Artrix, Bromsgrove Newhampton Arts Coventry l Theatre Best Arts/Theatre l Huntingdon Hall, Exhibition Venue Centre, Wolves l Worcester Venue l Bear Steps Art Gallery, l The Robin, Bilston Best Music Venue Best Festival l Malvern Theatres l The Hive, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury l The Slade Rooms, l Eleven, Art In The Park, l Norbury Theatre, l Ludlow Assembly l Coalbrookdale Wolverhampton l Stoke-on-Trent Leamington Droitwich Rooms Gallery, Ironbridge l Lichfield Guildhall l Godiva Festival l Swan Theatre, l The Place, Telford l Shrewsbury Museum l The Sugarmill, Stoke l Leamington Food and Worcester l Theatre On The Steps & Art Gallery Best Visitor l The Underground, Drink Festival l Theatre Severn l Qube, Oswestry Attraction Stoke l Stratford River Festival Best Music Venue l Twenty Twenty l Victoria Hall, Hanley l Black Country Living l Stratford-upon-Avon Gallery, Much Wenlock l Drummonds Bar, Best Music Venue Museum Music Festival Worcester Best Music l Albert's Shed, l Dudley Canal & l Huntingdon Hall, Best Independent Tunnel Trust Worcester Festival Shrewsbury l Dudley Zoo Best Visitor l Albert's Shed, Restaurant l The Marr's Bar, l Lichfield Arts' Fuse RAF Cosford Museum Attraction Southwater l CSONS, Shrewsbury l Worcester Festival Wightwick Manor l The Buttermarket, l Dough and Oil, l l Coventry Music l Paradiddles Music Lichfield Blues & l Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Museum Cafe Bar, Worcester Jazz Festival The Queen’s Head, l Henry Tudor House, l Henry Tudor House, l Coventry Transport l l Lichfield Festival Best Event Bromsgrove Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Museum l Lichfield Festival Of l 1940s Evening - l Kenilworth Castle Folk l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Hundred House, BCLM Best Music Telford l Shakespeare’s l Staffs Fest l Black Country Boating Birthplace Trust Festival Best Music l Huntsman of Little Festival l Warwick Castle l Bromsgrove Folk Wenlock, Telford l Cosford Air Show Festival Best Arts Festival Festival l Big Feast, l Peaky Blinders Nights l Sunshine Festival l Farmer Phil’s Festival Stoke-on-Trent Best Independent at BCLM Best Event l Upton Blues Festival l Let’s Rock l Lichfield Festival Café l Wolverhampton l The Dragon Slayer - l Upton Jazz Festival Shrewsbury l Lichfield Literature l The Bird’s Nest Cafe, Literature Festival Warwick Castle l Worcester Music l Rock & Bowl Festival Festival Shrewsbury HSBC Let's Ride Festival l Shrewsbury Folk l Stafford Arts Festival Coventry l Festival l Crystal's Cupcakes, Best Gallery/ l Stoke Literary Festival Telford l Monster Jam - Best Event l Shropfest l The Furnace Kitchen, Exhibition Venue Ricoh Arena l Droitwich Spa Food The Motor Show - Best Food Coalbrookdale l Bilston Craft Gallery l Festival Best Food l Ginger & Co. Dudley Museum Ragley Hall l Eastnore Chilli Festival Festival l Festival Shrewsbury At The Archives l Stratford Literary l Enchanted Witley - l Great British Food Festival l Field to Fork l House Coffee Co. l Light House Witley Court Festival l Frestival, Shropshire Media Centre, l Worcester Festival l Lichfield Food Festival l Ludlow Food Festival Wolverhampton Best Food l Worcester Food l Stafford Cheese & Ale Owestry Food & Drink New Art Gallery, Festival Festival l l Festival/Event Festival Walsall l Stone Food & Drink l Coventry Food And Festival l Shrewsbury Food l Wolverhampton Best Visitor Drink Festival Festival Museum & Art Gallery Attraction l Tamworth Food Gusto l Digbeth Dining at Festival Coventry Cathedral l Avoncroft, VOTE Bromsgrove Best Arts Festival l Fargo’s Vegan Best Visitor Best Independent Festival, Coventry l Hanbury Hall l Church Stretton Arts and Gardens Attraction Festival Restaurant l Royal Leamington NOW! l Severn Valley Railway, l Alton Towers l Ludlow Fringe Festival l Bella, Wolverhampton Food & Drink Festival Bewdley l Drayton Manor l Oswestry Literary l The Cowshed l Warwick Food Festival l West Mid Safari Park Theme Park Festival l The Old Glasshouse, l Witley Court, l Lichfield Cathedral Shrewsbury Literary Dudley l Worcester l Monkey Forest Festival

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Max Raabe.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:52 Page 1

THE SOUNDS OF THE ROARING 20S Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester head to Birmingham on their first ever UK tour... Max Raabe.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:52 Page 2

Million-selling German crooner Max Raabe is since the mid-’90s we’ve had the same line- When did you know the Palast Orchester the debonair, white-tie-and-tails-wearing up. We’re a student band - an old one! was going to be more than just a hobby? front man of the critically acclaimed Palast What was it that first interested you in the After a year, we were invited to perform at a Orchester, who’ll be coming to Birmingham particular style of music which the orches- ball, playing in the foyer. People stood in this spring. tra play? front of our stage and asked us to play again Formed in Berlin in 1986, the orchestra per- and again. It was then that we realised we The music was always there when I was a form music of the 1920s and ’30s to audiences were on the right track. Then we did our first child. Each Sunday there were black-and- across the globe, along the way garnering concert, got some TV jobs and said to our- white films on TV - not only German and Aus- rave reviews and scooping glittering gongs selves, let’s continue for as long as people trian films from the 1920s and 1930s but also like they’re going out of fashion. want to hear us, and for as long as we want to movies from the United States, with Fred As- do it. And we’re still doing it! Fifty-seven-year-old Max has received numer- taire. There was always a scene where some- ous awards for his commitment to the music body was singing and a band was playing in a Where do you find all the original arrange- of the era, including an ECHO Classic award big hotel. ments from the ’20s & ’30s? for his interpretation of Mack The Knife. In my father’s record collection there was an The first ones we found in flea markets, then In November, the ensemble’s new MTV Un- instrumental song called Crazy About Hilde. we found a big old publishing company in plugged album went straight into the Top 10 It was funny and fast, but there was a melan- Berlin. in the German pop charts. choly sub-note in there by the saxophones A few years ago, we did a tour of the States, What’s On caught up with Max ahead of the and the vibrato of the trumpet. It was like lis- including a concert in Chicago. A couple of Palast Orchester’s Birmingham stop-off next tening through a pipe into another room, an- weeks beforehand, somebody said, ‘Do you month... other era. So I went to flea markets in the next know there’s a big library in Chicago with big town, Münster, and bought some of these The orchestra has been together for more original stock arrangements from the ’20s & 78 records - not only German but also some- than 30 years, Max - so why has it taken so ’30s?’ We went and found around 30 arrange- times English songs. long to tour to the UK? ments and just had to pay the copy for them. It felt like Christmas! Incredible! We have played some concerts, at the Cado- You started performing the songs as a gan Hall in London and Shepherd’s Bush Em- teenager. What was the reaction from How do you decide which material to per- pire, and had invitations to festivals like friends and family? form for each concert? Twinwood and the Secret Garden Party. We My parents were shocked. My friends, they We have more than 600 songs in our reper- had wonderful concerts and they were always loved it. We had a very active church, and toire. We mix it up with songs I compose and very successful. In spring, I have my second every family and friend went there. Once a play songs of the countries we’re travelling solo concert at Wigmore Hall in London - year there was a big party and they asked us through. When we have a tour through some- which is a wonderful concert hall - but it’s not to do some sketches or play some music - and where like Scandinavia, we do one pro- so easy for artists from Europe to go to your is- that was the first time I put on my father’s top gramme, then when we go to Japan, we sing land. I think you have incredible artists and hat and sang these songs. It was wonderful. some Japanese songs. Recently we had a con- musicians - maybe that’s the reason why. They loved it, and it was fun for me. I never cert in Milan and the programme had five Ital- thought I’d one day become a musician. How would you describe Max Raabe And ian songs. The Palast Orchester? You went on to study classical singing at One of the songs we’ll play in the United King- dom is I Won’t Dance, a wonderful arrange- We’re a 13-piece orchestra playing the music college in Berlin, where you and your ment from 1935 which we found in Chicago. of the 1920s and 1930s. We have four saxo- friends formed the orchestra... We have Noel Coward songs and some by Al phones, two trumpets, one trombone, rhythm I financed my study with that music but told Bowlly. We play it in the way it was played in section with sousaphone, double bass, nobody about it. One of my teachers came to the early 1930s, in the pre-swing era. drums, guitar, banjo and a violin player - me and said, ‘Another professor told me that she’s the only lady in the orchestra. This is by you sing songs from the ’20s and ’30s. Take How do you feel when you stand at the chance. Our first violin was played by the girl- care; it may ruin your voice and can be dan- front of the orchestra singing these songs? friend of one of our saxophone players. And gerous or difficult. I don’t like this idea that It makes me feel lucky because I always dis- when he left, we asked a student of ours to you sing other material.’ cover new colours and variations. My aim is to play for a concert and he said, ‘For one con- He was then at a concert we did and said, entertain the audience and transport them cert I will do that, but I have no time to come “You do it well, you don’t stress your voice, out of reality. The music was written to take with you to play concerts and stay in your you have a wonderful technique and I see you its audience away from their everyday prob- band’. But then we realised how wonderful it don’t mix it up. You have this classical way to lems, and I’m pleased to say that it still works is to have a woman in the orchestra. Our cur- sing and you have this ’20s light crooning today. rent violinist, Cecilia Crisafulli, has been with style of singing. Don’t do it too much, but it’s us for 13 years. okay with me.” So I didn’t have to be a waiter or a taxi driver during my studies; I could just Max Raabe And The Palast Orchester How many musicians have played in the earn money with music. perform at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, orchestra since it was founded in the mid- on Thursday 5 March. 1980s? There are still eight people from that time. But Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:39 Page 1

Sarah Keyworth Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 22 February; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 6 March Sarah Keyworth’s original premise for her new show, Pacific, was that she was turning into her dad. But then things moved on a bit. “It ended up being about how I, as a woman who likes to perceive herself as being slightly masculine, almost resents the feminine parts of herself. It’s about learning that I don’t have to be the biggest, strongest woman in the room. It’s like learning how to become a modern man.” Sarah is in a relationship with fellow comic Catherine Bohart. “In a misogynistic way, I like the idea of looking after my girlfriend,” she says, “but in reality, if my girlfriend left me for long, I’d starve!”

Alexei Sayle Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 28 & Sat 29 February Having long ago been in the vanguard of His regular appearances in cult BBC sitcom the alternative-comedy movement, Alexei The Young Ones then brought him to wider Sayle certainly knows how to work a crowd public attention. - particularly as most members of his audi- He's branched out considerably in more re- ence have been diehard fans of his stand- cent times, trying his hand at kids TV, docu- up for 40 long years. mentaries and even a bit of Shakespeare. Sayle shot to stardom in the late 1970s/early A big-screen appearance in the execrable ’80s, presenting a brash, loud and hugely Carry On Columbus is probably one ele- political act at the legendary Comedy Store. ment of his CV best forgotten, though...

Dom Joly Simon Brodkin John Shuttleworth Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 13 Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 26 February; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 5 Feb; Theatre February; The Place, Telford, Tues 18 The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 5 Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 13 Feb; Stafford February; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Thurs April Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 5 March; Artrix, 20 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Bromsgrove, Wed 11 March; The Roses Mon 2 March; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Former medical doctor Simon Brodkin is Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 12 March; Tues 3 March; Tamworth Assembly Rooms, perhaps best known as the creator of com- Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sat 18 April; Sat 15 March; Stourbridge Town Hall, Wed 8 edy character Lee Nelson, a bling-wearing Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, April; The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 24 April; New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Thurs 9 April Stella-swigging South London geezer. under-Lyme, Sat 25 April Simon has also hit the headlines for his From a launch- Midlands-based lovers of light comedy and unwavering commitment to the business of pad provided by understated but up-to-the-minute fashions being a top-quality prankster: he famously Trigger Happy here get the chance to enjoy another laugh- handed Prime Minister Theresa May her TV, Dom Joly has ter-filled evening in the company of P45 at the Conservative Party Conference. led an intriguing Sheffield’s raconteur par excellence. This latest tour sees him taking on perhaps and extraordi- The creation of actor Graham Fellows - a his trickiest task yet - going on stage as nary life. Some of one-time chartbuster with 1970s’ hit, Jilted himself. It’s a challenge he’s very much the highlights - John - Shuttleworth has been making his looking forward to meeting, though: well, highlights presence felt on the UK comedy circuit for “There’s no bigger buzz in the world than according to more than 30 years. turning up in a new city, making 2,000 Dom anyway - This latest show finds John a pale shadow people laugh and include world drinking, skiing down volca- of his former self. Years of strenuous DIY - then sleeping noes, holidaying in Chernobyl, trying to fly not to mention playing his organ while with about five of across the Grand Canyon strapped to an perched on a multi-pack of Diet Sprite with them afterwards. eight-foot rocket, and eating from Gillian no lumber support - has taken its toll... The only down- McKeith’s pants while imprisoned in the Expect classic songs, new stories, and the side is chlamy- Australian jungle... unmistakable pungent whiff of Deep Heat dia.” ...Some guys have all the luck. ointment... 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:39 Page 2

Comedy

Dane Baptiste Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 29 February; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 20 March; Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 29 March It’s certainly been a whirlwind few years for London-born funnyman Dane Baptiste. In 2014, he became the first ever black come- dian to be nominated for the ‘best new- comer’ award at the Edinburgh Fringe, a success he achieved with debut solo show Citizen Dane. In the ensuing years he’s established himself on the UK comedy circuit to excellent effect, his constant and industrious honing of his act earning him a loyal and ever-expanding fanbase. Jokes include: “Dubai is what would hap- pen if you gave a 12-year-old a trillion dollars to redecorate his bedroom.”

Phil Wang The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 9 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 16 February; Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 5 April Phil Wang’s first ever five minutes behind ing to get up in the mornings, Phil is one of the mic as a standup comedian were spent the newer kids on the comedy block and de- telling other people’s gags. “I thought scribes his style of humour as smart, cheeky standup was like karaoke with jokes,” he re- and always changing. calls. “Most of the material I used was stolen, Jokes include, “Dying is a lot like camping. I but I learned fast and immediately started don’t want to do it,” and “I’m white and Chi- writing my own material.” Inspired to be- nese. I’m both majorities, bitch. I’m Pepsi Brum Craic come a comedian by his desire to avoid hav- and Coke.” Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 20 February Jonny Awsum Jimeoin Making a welcome return for this second Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 9 February; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 3 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 19 February Brum Craic, James Cook (pictured) will once February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, again be hosting a show that’s designed to Fri 21 February Fancy a straightforward comedy night with a provide a high-profile platform for some of ‘If you can’t beat straight-talking - well, actually, a rambling - the comedy world’s most promising new them, join them’ master of mirth? If so, then the sublime acts. Callum Oakley and Lindsey Santoro seems to have been Jimeoin is the fella for you. are among those who will be strutting their the perspective A gimmick-free one-man comedy machine, hopefully laughter-worthy stuff on this par- taken by musical Jimeoin's proved he's got what it takes on all ticular occasion. comic Jonny manner of top TV programmes, including Awsum. Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Having served as a Jason Manford’s Comedy Rocks. barman at London’s Chuckle Club for He visits Stafford with his new touring show, eight long years, Jonny decided it was the appropriately titled Ramble On. high time he put down the pint glasses and picked up the microphone himself. Fame then came his way courtesy of Britain’s Got Talent, in which he per- formed This Is A Musical with Ant & Dec and The Triangle Song with David Wal- liams. Five-star reviews at Edinburgh and a starring role in panto followed, with Jonny now ticking off another first by heading out on his debut solo tour.

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Tony Law.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:06 Page 1

A law unto

Comedianhimself Tony Law is back with a brand new show...

Don't be fooled by the title of Tony Law's pany myself. So I have a closing song!" little bit political, but it’s not preaching.” new touring show - Identifies - because it As well as a musical finale, Identifies also As with all of Tony’s shows, Identifies has has very little to do with the on-trend sees Tony addressing politics for the first changed since it debuted last year. The topic of identity! time. content is pretty much the same, but the "I tried to do a show that was really noth- “My closing also features a bit of Brexit. I delivery and the pacing are different - ing about identity as best I could,” says wouldn’t say it was pro-Brexit, but it’s pro something which he attributes to a Tony, “’cos that’s just how I work, to be people who voted Brexit, which is a little change in musical taste. contrarian!" twist for me. It’s not saying one way or “The shows never seem to get too locked The Canadian-born Law came to London another, it’s saying something nice about down. If you hear a recording of this in the 1990s and established himself as an all of the people, whichever way they material when I first did it, it will sound inventive and idiosyncratic comedian. voted. It sounds quite naff but it comes the same, the words won’t be that differ- Part of a lineage that includes Spike Milli- across quite good. It’s just a way of ent for most of it, but there’ll be different gan, Monty Python and Eddie Izzard, acknowledging our brothers and sisters inflections and a different pace to it. It Tony presents shows that are perhaps best who have different opinions. That was the slowly morphs. described as flights of surreal and absurd idea behind it.” “This show was written while listening to fancy. Freewheeling but well-structured, Tackling a thorny subject without offend- Toto, Supertramp and Steely Dan. It has a they are peppered with grand ideas, ing either side required Tony to look bit of a vibe like that - a 1970s vibe. But stories about everyday incidents, contem- deeper into the reasons why people made since I’ve been touring it, [US alt-rock plations on time travel, occasional props their decisions. pre-grunge heroes] Pixies have taken over. and even the odd song. "That was hard to do because I had to Pixies seems about right because of the In fact, Identifies concludes with a brand learn about all the reasons why someone urgency with which I deliver the material. new composition written solely by the wanted to do Brexit - because I didn’t It’s like a fricking train... ch-ch-ch-ch... comedian. know. But I needed to find out all of their but then slow, and then fast and loud. "I trained myself to make sounds on a reasons, not do it half-arsed like most “Almost every show of mine seems to have guitar and have written my very first song! people do - patronisingly looking down a life of its own.” I’ve done music before, but I’ve always got their nose and saying, ‘they’re idiots, they real musicians involved. They’ve made don’t really know!’ I didn’t want to go Tony Law: Identifies is at The Glee Club the music after I’ve hummed the song and from that angle, so I dived into it and Birmingham, on Friday 14 February. then tried to make it into a thing. With really got my head around it. For tickets and more details, visit this one, I forced myself to learn enough “That’s a bit of a departure for me. It’s a glee.co.uk strumming sounds to be able to accom- Tony Law.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:06 Page 2 Once the Musical.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:25 Page 1

URBAN FAIRYTALE Runaway West End and Broadway hit Once The Musical focuses on the passionate love experienced by two musicians, not only for their craft but also for one another. A new touring production will next month be casting its spell over Midlands theatre-goers. What’s On met up with the stars of the show...

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Once the Musical.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:25 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Based on the 2006 cult feature film of the auditioned for the Broadway show and was line of work, you can always dig deeper into a same name, Once is about two lost souls - a then an understudy in the West End, I do role, get more out of it and give more to it. I Dublin street busker and a Czech musician - think I was too young. So it was the right deci- definitely relate to Girl’s personality more who unexpectedly fall in love. The musical sion to wait until now to take the lead. The than her circumstances. For example, I don’t follows the pair’s lives over a period of five cool thing about Guy is that he is the ‘any have a child and I’m not Eastern European, days. man’ or ‘everyman’ - and now I’ve seen so but I think I do relate to her optimistic out- many different versions of him, I can really look. She’s very positive and tries to be quite Once’s Celtic folk music and lyrics - written by make the part my own. The character in him- uplifting for others, even if she’s not feeling the stars of the film, Glen Hansard and self is almost nondescript, as it’s the pain and great herself - and that’s definitely something Markéta Irglová - have won Grammy, the journey in Once that’s perhaps more I try to do and the type of person I continue to Academy and Olivier awards. Complete with a important. He’s like a blank canvas.” aspire to be. book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh, Once also took With a background both as an actor and a “With Once, I’m playing a lead role as home the coveted Tony Award for best musi- musician (but very separately), Dan doesn’t opposed to covering it, like I did with Beauti- cal in 2012. consider himself the typical musical theatre ful: Carole King The Musical. I’m actually performer: “I come from my acting and my really glad that I did that fir So what has made this heartwarming show st, as being in the singer-songwriter background above anything ensemble and being a swing or understudy is such a resounding success? else, so I’ve had a real dual career in that way. a real rite of passage. You learn what it feels “I think it’s a combination,” says Emma I’ve managed to play music at quite a high like to be a part of the show but not front-and- Lucia, one of the stars of the touring produc- level and be in West End plays, so I’m very centre. Then I think you are even more appre- tion that’s next month visiting the Midlands. lucky in that sense. What I think is great ciative both of your big break and your other “The storyline itself is so naturalistic - so about Once is that it attracts people on both cast members too. It’s a big step up in terms much so that it appeals to all kinds of people sides of the coin: whether you’re a massive of pressure, but I feel so excited and lucky to of all ages and backgrounds. But also it’s the musical theatre fan or prefer plays, Once is a be playing a lead role at my age.” fact that all of the music is played by the show you’ll want to see. Moderate and hard- So why should Midlands theatre-goers go to actors on stage. It’s very unique in that core theatre-goers and musical theatre lovers see Once? Emma continues: “Markéta Irglová, sense.” alike will be captivated by it. Guy is literally who co-wrote the music, said that you can be my dream role. The part could’ve been written “The story itself is definitely something every- a complete stranger to someone but once you for me in a sense, because of my Celtic up- one can connect to,” adds Emma’s co-star, start making music together, it’s like your bringing and being an actor/musician.” Daniel Healy. “We’ve all had those crossroads souls merge. There’s something about that moments in life, those real chances or deci- Dan’s background in music includes a close unspoken connection - the way music brings sions that people often look back on and wish working relationship with Ronan Keating. people together regardless of background - they’d dealt with differently. Once is about that Once captures in the best possible way.” “I became good friends with Ronan when he that kind of moment. It’s a real urban fairy- played Guy in the West End and I was his “There are a lot of people out there who are tale: it's got great music with an Irish connec- understudy. I just saw him as this hugely genuinely inspired to chase their dream, tion, a genuine story about love and loss, and successful fella who was following a similar whatever that may be,” says Dan. “Once has a a narrative about dreams coming true.” path to me, and we became great mates. He lasting effect, which I also felt when I Dan has been involved with the show for heard one of my songs online and asked me if watched it myself. It really does encourage many years and feels a real affinity with his I’d do some writing for him. I ended up doing people to make sure they’re doing what they character, Guy: “I might have picked up a few six songs on one of his albums, and then a love. Art should be all about getting right out- tips being in the West End cast! I understud- slot opened up in his band about four-and-a- side your own headspace and being taken on ied the lead in that, so I’ve seen many differ- half years ago. So I’ve played with him ever an incredible journey - and, of course, for you ent incarnations. But I can honestly say that since then, touring the world and everything. then to reflect it onto your own life and expe- this is the best cast there’s been out of all of It's been really great! I’m still writing songs riences. It’s so humbling to see people so the versions I’ve seen or been involved with - with him now, including one for Netflix’s moved by this musical, especially when and that’s not including myself, by the way! Galapagos. But over and above all that, he’s a you’re just going out there to do a job you love This cast is so bloody talented! Everyone good pal, and hopefully he’ll come down to and giving absolutely everything you can. involved in Once is a joy to be around, and I see the show.” Once is a beautiful piece, besides being multi- think the audience will feel that reflected in award-winning, and this is your opportunity And what about Dan’s own music? the show. to see it in its best form yet!” “I’m absolutely still working on that, too. It “Guy is a really great part that everyone can has crossed my mind that, as soon as Once bring their own take to because he is so relat- Once The Musical shows at the Belgrade has settled down a bit and we’ve got into the able. I would say that he’s really the closest Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday 10 to rhythm of touring, I might slowly start putting character to myself that I’ve ever played. I’m a Saturday 14 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke- something together. I hope to have a new singer-songwriter who busked for years when on-Trent, from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 album finished by the time we stop touring!” I was young, so there are elements of Guy that March; Malvern Theatres from Monday 23 I’m so connected to. Just like Emma, I saw the Emma is returning to the role of Girl. to Saturday 28 March, and the Alexandra, show and realised that was the part I was Birmingham, from Monday 1 to Saturday 6 “It’s great to revisit the part because, in our meant to play. But at the time in my life I first June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:02 Page 1

Theatre Theatre from around the region

Peter Pan Goes Wrong The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sat 22 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 25 - Sat 29 February A play about a play that goes wrong isn’t a new idea by any means, Society in the Olivier Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, Mis- but it’s certainly a winning one, as the plaudits garnered by this chief Theatre Company here let loose those selfsame comic creations cheeky hit ably illustrate. One reviewer laughed so much he feared he on a production of JM Barrie’s children’s classic. The only trouble is, was going to hyperventilate, another admitted his funny bone had the bumbling thesps are more than a little accident-prone. So much been well and truly struck by the piece, while a third laughed and so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll manage to reach the cur- laughed until ‘the tears ran down’. tain call, let alone Neverland... Having first introduced audiences to the Cornley Polytechnic Drama

Asking For It Ten Times Table Home Of The Wriggler The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 15 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Mon 17 - Sat 22 February February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mention of Alan Ayckbourn and a list of bril- Wed 26 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 27 February liant observational comedies springs readily to mind. Ten Times Table, first performed in early 1977, is one of them. A cast of high-profile television actors here star in a story revolving around the Pendon Folk Festival committee, a calamitous ensem- ble led by the over-excitable Ray and coming complete with Marxist schoolteacher, mili- tary dog-breeder and octogenarian secretary. Robert Daws, best known as the team captain This critically acclaimed stage adaptation of in ITV’s gentle 1990s’ cricket comedy, Outside Birmingham’s ever-impressive Stan’s Cafe Irish author Louise O'Neill’s novel focuses on Edge, takes top billing. here make a welcome return with a story they the experiences of fictional main character and describe as a playful, kaleidoscopic soap- sexual-assault victim Emma O’Donovan. opera. The production is set in a far-distant “I’m incredibly proud of the book and its mes- post-oil future and finds four investigators sage,” says Louise, “which is why I was so ex- piecing together the interwoven stories of cited by the prospect of a stage adaptation. The families who once lived in the shadow of the prospect of this message getting as far and Longbridge car plant. wide as possible is incredible. Sexual violence Built from true stories and industrial history, is such an epidemic in our culture, an impor- the show sees its industrious performers tant and devastating issue that needs to be ad- turning dynamos to light the stage with car dressed and eradicated; and we’re not going to headlights, bringing to life dozens of hum- do that unless we face the issue head-on.” drum fragments of everyday moments.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:02 Page 2 Kay Mellor's Band of Gold.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 10:40 Page 1

BANDKay Mellor has adapted herOF hit 1990s television GOLD series for the stage...

Bringing Band Of Gold to the stage for the first acters and moments that made Band Of Gold other sex worker that the teenager had ‘pimp time, writer‐director Kay Mellor is promising such a sensation when it premiered on ITV. But problems’. “I never saw her again, but I started fans that they’re in for a treat: “They’ll get all the killer of young mother turned sex worker thinking, ‘What is it that drives a woman onto the joy and the suspense they had from the Gina won’t be the same, with Mellor teasing: “I the Lane to sell her body?’” television version,” says the creator of one of think people will be more satisfied than they It took eight years for her to get Band Of Gold the most‐watched shows in British TV history. were with the TV revelation.” onto TV, “fighting everybody and literally beg- “But it’s live theatre, so it has that excitement Leeds born Kay was originally inspired to write ging people to read the script. I was an un- to it because it’s unfolding in front of their very ‐ the hard hitting drama when, on the way to a known writer writing about sex workers in the eyes.” ‐ party, she and her husband drove through north of England, and who’s gonna put that on Kay has revised the plot of the first series for Lumb Lane in Bradford ‐ a notorious hangout television?” the stage version, adding in a few twists to for sex workers ‐ and were approached in their The fight paid off. The show wasn’t just a grip- keep it fresh and surprising: “It’s funny and it’s car by a young woman. “It was like someone ping crime drama, it was a phenomenon. More sad,” she says, “and audiences are going to be had hit me in the solar plexus,” Kay recalls, than 15 million viewers tuned in each week, fans told a big story not over six weeks but across “because she was so young - 14 or 15 - and my held Band Of Gold parties where they’d catch two hours, with a beginning, middle and end.” daughters weren’t much older than that.” the latest episode over wine and pizza, and Set in the early 1990s, just as the TV series was, Haunted by the encounter, Kay left the party bookies took bets on the identity of Gina’s killer the stage version brings back the iconic char- early to track down the girl but was told by an- before the big reveal at the end of the first series. Kay Mellor's Band of Gold.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 10:40 Page 2

Simon Button

Kay would go on to become one of the UK’s more than two decades on and I think we’re in After three years on Corrie, Shayne is excited most successful and revered dramatists, pen- a worse position than we were then,” she says. about going out on his firstever tour in a play. ning television shows including Playing The “There’s as much if not more poverty now. “I’m looking forward to how much I can learn Field, The Syndicate and Girlfriends. She also People are really struggling and more people from working with so many great actors - and turned her muchloved TV series, Fat Friends are visiting food banks.” of course with Kay. I used to watch The Syndi- (which aired from 2000 to 2005), into a hugely cate on TV and think, ‘I’d love to be in some- Rose is like the mother hen, ruling the Lane successful stage musical, which she also thing like that’, never imagining I’d even get to where the younger girls work. directed. meet Kay let alone work with her. It’s a massive “She’s very territorial and nobody is stepping privilege.” Band Of Gold remains a firm favourite with on her patch,” explains Gaynor, “but she’s a Mellor fans. She smiles about people in the To research the role of Carol, Emma Osman has good friend and the kind of person everyone street still yelling, ‘What’s happened to Carol?’ delved into documentaries about sex workers: would hope would have their back because in reference to Cathy Tyson’s feisty prostitute, “It’s interesting to see how, even though they she’s tough.” who takes Gina (Ruth Gemmell) under her have to be tough, they’re also very vulnerable - wing. “And I get in taxis and the driver goes, ‘I Laurie Brett plays Anita, “a workingclass sur- just everyday girls in extraordinary circum- love that Band Of Gold. Why don’t you write vivor who’ll do whatever it takes to get through stances,” notes the actress whose credits some more of it?’” life”. She rents out a room to the girls for a cut include Doctors and Snatch. “They’re so of their earnings. “She’s very multilayered and resilient. Carol constantly talks about not Twentytwo years on from the series finale, a really interesting person,” says Laurie, who’s wanting to be controlled, to be independent Kay has done just that opting for a stage best known from EastEnders and Waterloo and her own woman. She’s so scared of being version of the classic story with a brand new Road. She was a fan of the TV show when it abandoned. I really appreciate being given the cast, rather than trying to bring back original premiered: “It was extremely gritty and it still opportunity to do something so powerful, and stars Tyson, Geraldine James, Barbara Dickson is. Plus, it was an honest portrayal of women to play a character who’s so strong and feisty.” and Samantha Morton for a sequel. who weren’t victims. Yes, they were victims of Sacha Parkinson is equally thrilled to be play- “There’s nothing like sitting in an auditorium circumstance but not in terms of their everyday ing Gina, who is driven to prostitution after listening to your play and hearing people lives.” splitting from her abusive husband, Steve. laughing and applauding. It’s absolutely magi- Coronation Street and dinnerladies star Sacha was only three when Band Of Gold cal. It’s like a drug.” Andrew Dunn is Ian, a counsellor and client started and has made the decision not to watch After reworking Band Of Gold, she work- with all sorts of flaws. “He has this front as a the series. “That kind of mirrors Gina’s own shopped it twice and made big changes, but pillar of the community, but in the background experience of going into a world she doesn’t the anonymous feedback from the second there’s a lot of other stuff going on,” Ian know anything about,” says the former Corrie workshop was that everyone would pay to see explains. “That’s really interesting to play.” star, whose CV also includes The Mill and Mr it and everyone would recommend it to a Selfridge. “Getting to work with Kay is an The role marks a reunion for Ian and Kay Mel- friend. “That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, let’s take amazing opportunity. Band Of Gold has been lor, who starred as husband and wife in the this to the next stage’. her baby for years, so to be a part of her explor- play A Passionate Woman at Hull Truck ing it again is really special.” “I decided to set it in its original time period Theatre in 2010. “Kay was fantastic to work because actually nothing much has changed with, so I’m really looking forward to working Hollyoaks regular and Dancing On Ice finalist since then. If anything, things have become with her again. Band Of Gold was one of the Kieron Richardson is making his professional harder with austerity and Universal Credit. first dramas to have so many female characters stage debut as badboy Steve, who becomes a People just can’t get to the end of the week. at its centre, and the story is still relevant. prime suspect in Gina’s murder. Kieron has a There are more sex workers than there were 20 Prostitution may have diversified but it’s still strong connection to Band Of Gold - his father years ago people selling their bodies basically happening.” was an onset security guard for the TV show. to feed their kids or make ends meet. It’s more Fellow Coronation Street star and X-Factor As a youngster, Kieran would go along to the relevant to today than ever before. winner Shayne Ward is relishing the role of DCI set, where he would hang out in Carol’s house “We’ve assembled this brilliant new cast of Newall, the detective tasked with finding and ride around in the blue police van. great actors and some well-known faces, and it Gina’s killer. Newall was played by David “Watching them all work is one of the reasons I allows me to reinvent Band Of Gold for both Schofield in the TV original. Schofield was in got into acting in the first place,” he explains, its long-term fans and those coming to it for the his 40s at the time, whereas Ward is in his “so it’s kind of come full circle.” first time.” mid30s. His take on the DCI is as a younger man keen to make his mark: “He wants to be Gaynor Faye, who recently left Emmerdale to taken seriously, and although he’s a nice guy, be able to star in the play, takes over from Kay Mellor’s Band Of Gold shows at the he’s also now in charge of the investigation so Alexandra, Birmingham, from Monday 10 Geraldine James as Rose and agrees the Band wants to assert his authority.” to Saturday 15 February. Of Gold revival couldn’t be more timely: “It’s Dead Good online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:50 Page 1

DEADWorcester’s Vamos Theatre tour their newGOOD show around the Midlands...

Vamos Theatre’s new show, Dead Good, tells Vamos Theatre has an impressive reputation “The main reason we’re telling this story is to the story of a friendship between two men for tackling difficult subjects and creating ask how the dying teach us to live, and how who are staring death in the face. Both Bob shows which audiences love. The Worcester- do we live fully?” she says. “I never thought and Bernard have been told that they’re dying based company uses full masks to tell its sto- I’d do a show about death because I’m terri- - but the pair are determined to live life to the ries without words - and having turned the fied by it, but it’s been really good for me to full while they still can. spotlight on dementia, the health service and tackle this subject because I’ll talk about it Embarking on one last adventure, the two post-traumatic stress in the past, Artistic Di- now. And across all of the research I’ve done, men discover that coming close to death actu- rector Rachael Savage felt the time was right I’ve laughed more than I’ve cried.” ally makes life, love and friendship more pre- to investigate society’s attitudes towards life The original inspiration for Dead Good came cious. and death. from an audience member who also hap- Dead Good online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:50 Page 2

pened to be a GP with a specialist interest in dience all the more effectively because that they heard what the character was say- end-of-life care. Vamos’ characters are masked: “Full mask ing!” “She emailed me to say she had an idea for theatre draws people in. The actors have de- The show uses eight masks in total, all of the next show. When I first met her, I was tailed scripts, objectives, the same things as which have been carefully crafted by Russell thinking, ‘Death is the last thing I want to other actors, but when there’s the full mask Dean of Strangeface Masks to ensure the char- make a show about. But then I found out that on top, there’s a real clarity of thought. We acters can progress through the story. pull the audience in to us so that we’re con- we were completely on the same page about “With a mask, you’re playing with people’s necting with them intellectually. They’re encouraging people to talk about the subject, perceptions,” Russell explains. “If the charac- working out what’s going on, and through planning for a good death, asking if there can ter is going on a long journey in the show, you that we also have a really close connection to be such a thing as a ‘good death’, and getting need to put into the mask maybe three, four their heart, where we can make them feel. families to find out each other’s wishes.” or five different expressions. With the masks What I hope is that the feeling then bounces As part of her 18 months of research, Rachael for the two lead characters, I’ve put in sad- back to the brain so that we can make them visited hospices where she talked to staff car- ness, regret, optimism, grim determination think. ing for patients with terminal diagnoses. and melancholy. It’s not the full expression. “My belief is that Dead Good is an important It’s the photo you throw away when people “At Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, I story to tell. I hope audiences will take away met Dave, a patient living with prostate can- are between crying and laughing; that’s what the message that life is precious and that their cer. He told me about how being terminally ill you play around with. family and friends are precious. Love and had changed him, changed his relationships “When a mask first comes on stage, by having laughter are wonderful things and, without and changed his capacity to love. He’s just the suggestion of a smile or the suggestion of making it into a cliché, it’s important to get like a bottomless pit now in terms of his ca- tears, we embrace all of those possibilities. out there, live life and learn what’s impor- pacity to love. Then we start to project back onto it what we tant.” “Then I went to St Richard’s Hospice in think is appropriate at that moment. The Taking the part of Bob in Dead Good is Aron Worcester, which has a Men’s Space Group. mask isn’t changing, we’re projecting onto it. De Casmaker, who’s worked with Vamos in The men who attend it have the kind of It’s the audience who’re doing the work.” the past. The Canadian clown performer has friendships that you make when there’s no- Russell discusses the characters with Rachael honed his skills in Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría body else who can really understand what before making small maquettes for each one. and the hit international touring production, you’re going through. There, I met two chaps He then makes a video of the maquettes, Slava’s Snow Show. named Nick and Pete, who are phenomenally which he sends to Rachael before agreeing good friends, and that friendship is based not “Bob is one of the two men who go on this the final masks. With Bob and Bernard, he only on care and compassion for each other great adventure soon after they both find out needed to ensure they had distinct personali- but also humour. They giggle and laugh and they’re terminally ill,” explains Aron about ties: “The two men have an age gap between rib each other and take the mick all the time.” his character. “He’s somebody who’s had a them, and you really do need to accentuate very simple and joyful journey through life - Medical staff and patients helped Rachael de- that. With masks you are playing on stereo- until recently, that is, when he’s been diag- velop the story to ensure it remained authen- types because that’s the way our perception nosed with cancer of the prostate. tic. works. So if it’s an older guy, you have to put “That really put him into a position of ques- them into an older-person stereotype, with “We’ve invited Pete and Nick into the re- tioning his existence, so he moved from being grey hair and bags under their eyes. hearsal room, and their double act has in- with his wife and being a retired auto-me- formed the whole piece. I’ve shared every “With stereotyping, you’re playing into some- chanic to deciding he’s going to die alone. He script and rehearsal video with Nick, and he’s thing which isn’t really acceptable, but it’s the left his wife to seek solitude, but then he fed back on them. way the mask and the character is played meets this other man, Bernard, who doesn’t which makes the difference. Often the most “The way in which we see death portrayed on let him have that solitude and forces him to subtle and brilliant mask performances are television or by Hollywood is often drama- find joy in these fleeting moments. the ones where the mask sets out who the tised, and what I’ve really tried to do is to tell “I’m really excited about this project. The idea character is expected to be, but then the char- it as accurately as possible. We want to de- of finding the lightness in dark material really acter is developed into this extraordinary in- mystify death and take the fear out of it. We’re attracts me to the theatre. In this production dividual.” a death-denying society, and the show is try- we’re hitting head-on a very realistic view of ing to change that.” And the results certainly create some memo- death, and then finding the joy and the light- rable theatrical moments: “Mask theatre Rachael is sure Dead Good will build on the ness that comes from that. We want the audi- tends to shoot straight to the heart. It’s a very success of previous Vamos’ productions Find- ence to come out of the show with a sense of emotional experience which tends to go very ing Joy, A Brave Face, Nursing Lives and Much extreme elation and joy that will resonate far deep and stay with you. People will think Ado About Wenlock. beyond the walls of the theatre.” about the show for a long time afterwards.” “I think people expect to go away from one of Aron is a big fan of masked acting, which he our shows having laughed and cried and with believes helps to create a special link with Dead Good shows at Malvern Theatres on something to think about. I give a voice to Vamos’ audiences: “You have to be conscious Wednesday 5 February, The Bridge House people who often don’t have one, so our of the simplicity that you’re bringing to every Theatre, Warwick, on Thursday 6 Febru- shows have to be about things that I’m pas- moment, but at the same time it’s a very com- ary, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, on sionate about, and that I want to make people mon language. It’s non-verbal, but often we Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 February, think differently about.” will have an audience member after a show and the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Rachael believes these messages reach the au- saying they’re convinced the mask moved and Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March. Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 3

Theatre more theatre from around the region

The History Boys “Realistically the person who parents would want teaching their child would be Irwin, as Irwin would get you into university,” says Bennett. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 7 - Sat 22 February “However, sentimentally their hearts would be with Hector because “I think I’d always wanted to write something about a charismatic he’s the type of teacher everyone wants. Everybody always wishes schoolmaster, and that went back quite a long way,” says playwright they’d learned more poetry at school and had someone who would in- Alan Bennett in talking about his award-winning The History Boys. spire them like that. And it’s the fact that, in a way, I couldn’t resolve The story unfolds in a boys' school in northern England in the 1980s. this conflict in my head which made me write the play.” A young teacher named Irwin has been brought in to coach the pupils Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Redford and one-time Hi- for the Oxbridge exam - but fellow teacher Hector believes instead in De-Hi star Jeffrey Holland - fresh from a panto season at the Grand - learning for its own sake. take top billing.

In PurSUEt cancer becoming the strangest and most dys- new version, Henry Jekyll is a young, bold, functional of ‘families’. liberal and ambitious American senator The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Cornish company Pipeline have described who’s poised to run for the most powerful of- Mon 10 - Sat 15 February their production as a love letter to the NHS. fice in the land - the Presidency of the United Substance misuse and celebrity stalking are It’s certainly that alright, but it’s plenty more States. What could possibly go wrong?... the name of the game in Eleanor Higgins’ besides, not least a provocative study of an short-but-satisfying production, which organisation creaking under the strain of a picked up plenty of plaudits at last year’s reprehensible rise in racism and bigotry... Edinburgh Fringe. Voldemort And The Described as an LGBT ‘Fleabag meets Teenage Hogwarts Miranda’, the play features Higgins in the Musical Parody role of ‘Woman’, a self-proclaimed “really hot lesbian” who’s initially in denial about her Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 18 February - Sun 1 March alcoholism. Instead, she rationalises that life would be so very much better if only she Lessons in love and proper snake mainte- could date her idol, television’s Sue Perkins. nance were among those learned by the evil But one brief glimpse of her heroine in a Voldemort back in the days when he was just bookshop and one daring foray backstage at plain old Hogwarts teenager Tom Riddle... a TV studio later, Woman starts to realise This Harry Potter musical parody reveals that maybe the source of her trouble isn’t her young Tom’s fascinating story, from his time undeclared love for an already-partnered in a rock band to the experience of learning television star but rather the potent liquid Jekyll & Hyde how to kiss from a snake. It even reveals that sitting at the bottom of her glass... The Old Rep, Birmingham, he once had a Hufflepuff girlfriend... Wed 26 - Fri 28 February Henry Jekyll is not himself, not by a long Drip Drip Drip chalk, in this updated version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella. Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Forget all about the familiar version of the Thurs 27 February Victorian-era London-located gruesome The tiny but taboo-busting Pipeline Theatre gothic drama, in which Jekyll’s alter-ego, the here present a thought-provoking play that malevolent Mr Hyde, conducts his reign of sees a trainee nurse from Eritrea, a second- murderous mayhem in the prevailing dark- generation immigrant Muslim doctor and a ness of a thick pea-souper or several... In this discredited academic who’s being treated for

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 4 SIX.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:05 Page 1

THE QUEENDOM IS COMING... Divorced. Beheaded. Died... Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE! West End musical SIX is hitting the road...

From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, transfer to Broadway - with tours also near the end, where the queens realise com- SIX sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the planned for Australia, China, Japan, South peting is ridiculous and come together stage to tell their own versions of their lives. Korea and Canada. instead. There’s so much historical informa- This celebration of 21st century girl power tion to get across that there isn’t room for “This definitely isn’t a normal musical,” says sees the cast backed by the show’s all-female different side-stories - we’re all on the same Jodie Steele, whose character’s historical band, The Ladies In Waiting. path. It’s a very unique concept, for sure! counterpart is Catherine Howard. “It has only “The woman who I play, Catherine Howard, is SIX’s runaway success has shown no signs of one act and is definitely more like a concert widely known as the queen who nobody cares abating since it premiered as a student than usual - take a Girls Aloud gig and a about - and she’s Katherine with a ‘K’ in SIX. production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in musical and SIX is right in the middle! The The two most famous queens, Catherine of 2017. The musical was nominated for five 2019 running storyline is that we’re competing as Aragon and Anne Boleyn, refer to her in the Olivier Awards, continued to sell every avail- Henry VIII’s wives, fighting over who had it musical as the most forgettable of the three able seat in London’s West End and will soon worse. It’s all about the competition until SIX.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:05 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Catherines. People talk about Henry VIII’s six Henry really did love her and she really did Henry’s wives, but somehow we’ve changed wives, and when they get to Catherine love him. So her song is a ballad like those their fate for the youngsters and used their Howard, they characterise her simply as ‘the from Adele, and she wears white in her cos- tragic stories for something good. Teachers slut’ and move on. What SIX does really clev- tume to signify innocence. But then obviously message me thrilled with what we’re doing erly, though, is play on the fact that Katherine our show is pulling history into the future, so with SIX, as their pupils come to school after is the youngest queen - she was only 19 when Jane still has more of an edge to her than a seeing it brimming with excitement for beheaded - and makes her into a true pop Tudor queen would’ve been allowed. history and wanting to know more about princess: bright, bubbly, beautiful, covered in female historical figures overlooked in a “The latter queens aren’t as talkative and pink and enticing to everyone. She didn’t man’s world. Seeing history from a woman’s feisty as the first three. Anna of Cleves (Anne come from as good an educational back- point of view is so different. SIX is all over the of Cleves in history) is laid-back and doesn’t ground as the others, but she was just as world. It’s really unstoppable and doesn’t argue - but she’s also the biggest, badass smart. In Katherine’s section in SIX, she starts seem to be tiring!” boss-woman out of all six. Cleves can’t win by insulting all the others with such wit that it the contest of who had the worst time from The SIX cast album is the second highest- shows she shouldn’t be underestimated. Henry and she knows that. Henry decided streaming cast recording in the world. Why When her song begins, it’s quite sultry, but Anne was really ugly and didn’t want to be does Jodie think this is? then it slowly starts to go downhill... married to her, so she managed to play that to “The music is so current and plays on lots of “Katherine tells us about the various men her advantage, twist his arm and get loads of young people’s idioms while also using who treated her badly, so you get more of an money and a palace out of him. Her song is social-media slang. I think sometimes pop idea of the true tone of the song beneath the rap, like Lil’ Kim, and she wears red. doesn’t want to be too cheesy so doesn’t play glamour. She was abused and raped. In the “Then comes me as Katherine at number five - on that, but SIX really has fun with that idea choreography, the other five queens have channelling pretty-in-pink Ariana Grande. in the lyrics. It’s just so current, catchy and their hands all over me while I desperately try The survivor, Catherine Parr, dons blue and is cheeky! And it builds to this massive rock to pull them off, so it becomes very uncom- very quiet throughout the show, sitting back chorus at the end. People of all ages can’t fortable for the audience to watch. It’s an odd to watch the situation very much like Parr did help connecting with the show. Adults have a atmosphere at the end of the song because of in real life. She was an incredibly intelligent little laugh to themselves when they recognise the uncomfortable turn it takes. The audience woman who knew that to outlive Henry and how their teenagers speak, and the kids, don’t quite know what to do because we’ve not end up like the previous five queens, she teenagers and young adults themselves find it shocked them so much. I get the impression just needed to sit on the sideline and hold her relatable. In terms of the score as a whole and that some people feel very guilty that they tongue. Even though Parr was Catholic and the success of the album, because every song didn’t know about what had happened to fought against the new religion Henry created is so different, it’s like going to an ice cream Catherine Howard. Henry VIII and his male to divorce Aragon, she very much had to keep parlour and being able to get all the flavours: contemporaries - and male historians since - her opinions to herself after he took a liking to pop, rock, ballads, house. In that way, it’s like just passed her off as a promiscuous young her. She’s the calmest and sternest out of the the album is a compilation of strong women woman, and we believed it. We’re told she’s six, biding her time until her solo - an abso- in music. the one who slept her way to the top - and lutely huge Alicia Keys-esque song that unites that’s just not how it was at all because she “It’s funny and ironic, though, that in a show all the queens. really didn’t have a choice.” where it’s all about being equal, it’s so easy “Then we do the last three numbers as a for people to pick their favourites. People As with Katherine, each of the other queens group, flipping history on its head and saying come away loving the queen who ‘spoke’ to has her own very distinct personality. Each is how it would’ve been if these six very differ- them the most, and that’s fine. You can iden- assigned a colour and emulates a well-known ent but equally amazing women had lived tify with one person more than another, but music-industry female. nowadays.” that doesn’t mean you have to try and bring “Catherine of Aragon is the first queen and down the women you don’t relate to as much. In the end, SIX is all about female empower- married to Henry for the longest, so in the ment. The musical’s ethos even impacts on the cast show she wears gold and is very arrogant members’ off-stage relationships with one about that. She’s the most outspoken, com- “The queens finally come to realise that another: “I’ve been so lucky in my career; I’ve petitive and sassy. Music-wise she’s based on they’re all equal and there’s no need to fight done so much in my seven years as a profes- Beyonce. each other, which I think is so relevant to sional. I’ve covered, I’ve been an alternate now. Neither our obsession with social media “Anne Boleyn is the queen who came in standby and I’ve been a leading lady, but SIX and comparing ourselves to others, nor the whilst Catherine of Aragon was still there - is so special because every single person is so online trolling that comes out of it, are and the character seems the hot favourite equal. All shows say that it’s a ‘team effort’, healthy things. SIX is really fighting against with the youngsters. Boleyn has that Avril but I think with the manner in which the that. I think that SIX really is right up there in Levigne rock-chick vibe, and her colour is musical’s message makes its way into the very the women’s movement that’s happening at green. Her and Aragon argue throughout the dynamics of the cast, it’s even more the case the moment, showing that women can have a musical because they were the overlapping with SIX. We’re so supportive of each other, so say while supporting one another. Women queens who met and clearly didn’t like each I love living in and sharing SIX’s message. If having to sit on their opinions or do things other! Bobo [Boleyn] is very outspoken, confi- we just pick each other up rather than bring they don’t want has no place in our society. dent, quirky and has plenty of cheeky one- each other down, then wow, the world will be liners. I’d say she’s my favourite queen in the “There are plenty of boys and men who’re a better place to live in.” show. fans of SIX too, which is so, so important. In this movement of empowering women, we Jane Seymour is the total opposite of the first SIX shows at Wolverhampton Grand absolutely have to get males involved too, or two: she’s reserved and quiet, just like Sey- Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 we’ll never get where we want to go. We will mour was in real life. She’s the queen who March and Birmingham Hippodrome from never be able to change what happened to gave Henry his son, Edward, and then died. Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 July. The Cat and The Canary Online Feb.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:53 Page 1 The Cat and The Canary Online Feb.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:53 Page 2

When the cat prowls, the flock takes fright… Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw talks about her spooky role in a new touring production of The Cat And The Canary...

What’s The Cat And The Canary about, company of lovely actors who I really admire. obviously, but I get to visit these lovely places Tracy? around England, work in these gorgeous What attracted you to the project? Mr West was a millionaire who died quite some theatres and entertain people. That makes me I don’t think I’ve ever before had the chance to time ago. His solicitors have collected his feel alive. I’m such a theatre geek in the sense work on a piece that’s been updated because whole family together 20 years later to that I just get excited about the history and the of the reality of how we watch theatre and TV announce who he named as his heir. They all way they’re built and the tiles backstage. nowadays. Things are faster and not so arrive in the middle of nowhere in Devon, at obvious now. To do that work tastefully to a Audiences know you best for your the creepy old house where he used to live. His play written in the 1920s, and not just to television work… housekeeper still lives there, keeping the produce your average whodunnit, is quite I sort of fell into TV, but I still adore it. Because property just as it was when Mr West was alive. difficult. We want people to come along, watch I did Corrie for so long, I feel that television is There’s obviously a lot of tension between the the show and be enthralled. We have the most second nature to me, but there’s something family members about who is going to inherit amazing set. The action takes place in the big about theatre that just makes me feel alive. his money. Right at the beginning of the play, old house, so it’s got these fabulously eerie That’s why I took on this job - you have to work the heir is announced, but then the plot paintings with staring eyes! As an actor, your brain so much harder. I have to be so alive thickens as people start disappearing. getting this job makes me feel like I’m the cat every night; it really keeps me on my toes. Who do you play? who got the cream. What was it like to be part of Coronation My character is Annabelle West. She’s a People might think that because you’re a Street? successful writer who left the country a few well-known television face, you don’t have It was magic. Growing up, I used to spend a lot years ago but has now come back. She also to audition... of time with my great grandma watching the spent some time in the house with her There are periods where I think, “Maybe my show. I learned TV in Corrie. I love working grandfather years and years ago. The time’s up”. But the truth is that it’s absolutely with people I can learn from - admiring them psychological complexity of this piece really is right that I find myself sitting there with and constantly learning - and I worked with quite huge, especially for my character. another hundred people who look similar to the most amazing people on that show. I’d only The show has an impressive cast, too. What me. It keeps me really grounded, and I never just come out of drama school and was are they like to work with? take anything for granted. Then, when I get suddenly catapulted into a world I was They’re so talented. Britt Ekland is our that part and end up back on stage or TV, I feel unfamiliar with. I rolled with it and never ‘housekeeper’ - she’s just marvellous... And I like the luckiest person alive because I’m doing regretted it for a minute. It’s the most grew up listening to Marti Webb’s fantastic a job that I love. That’s what this business is prestigious programme I’ve ever worked on, voice. Ben Nealon from Soldier Soldier is like. There are a lot of knocks, but you and I’m thoroughly proud to have been a part brilliant, and so is Gary Webster from Minder. occasionally get a job that’s as stimulating as of it. Mark Jordon, who played my husband in this one. I’m really grateful. The Cat And The Canary shows at Malvern Casualty a few years ago, is a pleasure to work How do you feel about taking The Cat And Theatres from Monday 17 to Saturday 22 with again. It’s an absolute honour to be The Canary on tour around the UK? working on such a stimulating project with a February. I love going on tour. I miss my children, Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 5

more theatre from around the region

The Boy In The Dress Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon, Avon, until Sun 8 March David Walliams’ The Boy In The Dress - helmed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran - ticks all the boxes of the feelgood family musical: young protagonists, splen- didly choreographed scenes (including foot- ball playing and disco dancing), a lightweight but thoroughly engaging storyline, a timely message (about embracing difference) and a fantastically memorable score (by one of the world’s hottest songwriting partnerships - Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers). The show is fun, fast, lively, colourful, clever and utterly absorbing, with an energetic and confident cast who’ve evidently got the great- est of faith in their material and more than enough talent to maximise the magic.

The Strange Tale Of Revenge First Time Charlie Chaplin And Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Lichfield Garrick, Fri 7 February February; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Stan Laurel Mon 17 & Tues 18 February Edinburgh Fringe star Nathaniel Hall here presents a funny and frank autobiographical The REP, Birmingham, An MP with a charmed solo show about ‘staying positive in a Tues 25 - Sat 29 February life, a journalist with negative world’. A little known fact about silent-era Holly- an axe to grind, and a Nathaniel contracted HIV during his first wood movie star Charlie Chaplin and his dead body that brings ever sexual encounter, aged 16. fellow Englishman, Stan Laurel - who, of the two protagonists “At a time when I was trying to make sense of course, found fame as part of a double-act into close and my sexuality,” he recalls, “I was getting this with Oliver Hardy - is that they were both incendiary contact message that gay men just get AIDS and die members of the famous Fred Karno music- with one another... anyway, so what was the point. hall troupe that set sail for New York in 1910. Louise Jameson, best “The show is very funny. I think there’s Stan, who understudied Charlie on arrival in known to oldies who remember 1980s humour hidden in even the darkest places, the US, returned home shortly afterwards. television as the long-time love interest of and you’re never too far from a laugh in First His big break lay several years ahead of Jersey-based copper Jim Bergerac, is the Time. It also has him... Chaplin, by contrast, had become a woman at the helm of this well-reviewed fabulous storytelling, global name within five years of setting foot touring show. on American shores. some bad drag, In a show which, on its producers’ own audience participation admission, plays somewhat fast and loose The Ballad Of and moments of quiet with the truth, these two early-20th-century reflection, but it ends in funnymen are rightly celebrated for their Maria Marten a really hopeful place.” immense contribution to cinematic comedy. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, A post-show discussion will take place after Wed 26 - Sat 29 February the performance on the 26th. In Suffolk in the summer of 1827, Maria The Cat And The Canary Marten was the victim of what would become Malvern Theatres, Mon 17 - Sat 22 February known as The Red Barn Murder. Erstwhile sex symbol, former Mrs Peter Not only did news of the killing send Sellers and one-time ‘Bond girl’ Britt Ekland immediate shockwaves throughout the heads the cast of this famous murder- nation, but in the near-two centuries which mystery, a story that’s been adapted for the have followed, the story of Maria’s tragic cinema on three separate occasions, most demise has provided inspiration for famously with Bob Hope taking top billing. playwrights and filmmakers across the globe. When the descendants of the late Mr West But what about the woman at the centre of gather at a remote mansion to find out who the tragedy? What was her story? This will inherit his fortune, events take an ‘spinetingling’ new appraisal of events in the unexpected and deadly turn... red barn aims to find out... Presented by the Classic Theatre Company.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 6

Theatre for younger audiences... Theatre

Room On The Broom Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 3 & Tues 4 February Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, are the team behind this 'spell- binding' tale of a witch who makes the mis- take of thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own cat - on her broomstick without it snapping in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, things really start to hot up... Tall Stories is the highly rated company presenting this Olivier Award-nominated show for children aged three and older.

Puss In Boots launcher and The Three Billy take aim with a The REP, Birmingham, Fri 14 & Sat 15 February Goats Gruff smoke blaster, Smoke, mirrors, hid- The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 19 February then this is def- den trapdoors, a host Wondering what to do with your three-to- initely the show of puppets, a work- seven-year-olds during the half-term break? to check out. ing windmill and an Well, if you take them along to this ‘trip- avalanche of fruit & trapping musical adventure’, then not only nuts - oh, and a talk- will one of the holiday afternoons be What A Wonderful World ing cat - ensure that beautifully taken care of, there’s also every Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 16 & Mon 17 February this latest presenta- chance that they’ll have a thoroughly “Before anything new is made, it must first tion of the ever- smashing time. With songs and dances to be dreamed,” say Lyngo Theatre in enchanting tail - clap along to and not one but three billy explaining their new show. “From our moon- sorry, tale - of Puss In goats gruff taking perilous journeys across a base in the Sea of Tranquility, we get a great Boots will keep chil- rickety bridge in search of greener pastures, view of the earth, and it’s time to make a new dren well and truly what’s not to enjoy?... one just like we do every night! What shall entertained. CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch is the we put in tomorrow’s world? Snowballs and man coordinating the fur-filled fun for mog- flamingos, of course! So all aboard the gie-loving youngsters to enjoy. sleeper train as it takes us on our dream voyage. “We start with putting the stars in the sky Milkshake! LIVE and move through history, discovering fire all over again and finally arriving at the one- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 16 February; world tree, where we celebrate the new world The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Sat 22 Febru- ary; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 7 March that w e made all toge ther . Milkshake Monkey’s desire to put on a new “This is a truly amazing romp through the musical has hit the skids due to a nasty bout universe, where you can get your hands on of rampant stage fright - so thank heaven that Exciting Science the stuff of creation!” Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine and Stourbridge Town Hall, Wed 19 February all their friends are on hand to help out... If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been Designed to enlighten, educate and entertain to a previous live production, you’ll already children aged four and older, Exciting Sci- know what to expect from this particular ence promises plenty of ‘wiz, bang, pop and Milkshake! show. If not, get ready for an splurt’, as the show’s scientists carry out all event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- manner of fun and fact-filled live experi- loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- ments. So if you think your kids would enjoy pation and plenty of singing and dancing. seeing some boffins create a volcanic erup- tion, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Red Shoes New.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:18 Page 1

TheMatthew Bourne’s award-winningRed smash-hit Shoes returns to the Midlands...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Red Shoes New.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:19 Page 2

Three years after its original much-heralded sense of the film's strange, unsettling In another nod to the movie, the whole score run at Birmingham Hippodrome, Matthew atmosphere and delving deep into the for the production has been pieced together Bourne’s The Red Shoes is making a highly complex psychology of the characters. from works by legendary film composer anticipated return to the venue. Bernard Hermann - best known for his iconic Producing a stage version of the movie had soundtracks to The Twilight Zone and Alfred The production takes many of its cues from been on Matthew’s to-do list for quite some Hitchcock’s Psycho. the 1948 film of the same title, which found time. On rewatching the film, he was its own inspiration in Hans Christian surprised to find himself feeling more Celebrities across the globe have been lavish Andersen's fairytale about a pair of sympathetic towards the manipulative in their praise of Bourne’s sumptuous enchanted shoes that force their wearer to instructor than he had been in the past. production, with Liza Minnelli declaring: dance until she dies. The movie reworks “I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m in Andersen's warning against vanity into a tale love!” of all-consuming, almost Faustian ambition. Every duet, Emmerdale actor and Strictly Come Dancing Widely regarded as the greatest dance film 2019 winner Kelvin Fletcher has also heaped ever made, The Red Shoes centres on young every“ group number, praise on The Red Shoes. A novice when it ballerina and star in the making Vicky Page. comes to watching live ballet, Kelvin said of When Vicky falls for the company's you know exactly the production: “It just blew me away, it charismatic composer, Julian Craster, the really did. The first thing I did when the show jealous Lermontov forces her to choose what’s going on finished, I texted Oti (Mabuse) and said, you between love and her career, knowing full have to come and see this; it’s amazing!” well that for Vicky, dancing is as important as from the movement. life itself. It’s like watching The Red Shoes shows at Birmingham Bourne’s stunning adaptation reinvents the Hippodrome from Tuesday 11 to Saturday story live on stage, brilliantly capturing a dialogue. 15 February. Zizi Strallen ” In Bourne’s take on the story, Vicky has even more reason to be ambitious. A wartime orphan living with an increasingly distant aunt, the on-stage Vicky is far less privileged than the film Vicky. Like Matthew himself, she begins as something of an outsider, taking nothing for granted and being under no illusion about how hard she must work for every success. To have come so far perhaps makes the prospect of hanging up her ballet shoes all the more difficult to accept.

It’s such a The genius about powerful“ story and “ Matthew’s work Matthew tells it is that you could really beautifully. watch it a hundred It transports you. It’s times and every time sensational. It really is you’d discover a sensational. different layer. David Walliams ” Bruno Tonioli ”

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:41 Page 1

Dance previews from around the region

Richard Alston Dance Malvern Theatres, Tues 11 & Wed 12 February A choreographer who’s very much at the forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, Richard Alston takes inspira- tion directly from the music he uses. This month sees Alston’s highly rated company perform in Malvern for the 22nd and, sadly, last ever time; the en- semble is calling it a day after 25 years of impressive performances. The decision to shut up shop has been made as a result of the way in which the Arts Council funds its clients. “When you reapply [for a grant],” Gary Clarke Company: Wasteland Richard explains, “you have to present Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 27 & Fri 28 February a business plan and make changes to Following on from Coal, his show about the unconnected subjects in this sequel to Coal. what you’re doing. I felt that there was 1984/85 Miners Strike, Gary Clarke here turns “Rave was a subculture that came out of a lot of pressure on The Place, our his attention to the early 1990s, a time when oppression,” explains the Barnsley-born London home, to make some kind of the coal industry was in terminal decline. It choreographer. “The factories, warehouses change with the company, and instead was also a period when Britain’s illegal rave and mills were now home to new communi- to give money to younger choreogra- scene was flourishing. A raver himself, Gary ties. But rather than working, those commu- phers, who would then be touring.” has brought together the two at-first-glance- nities were dancing and playing music.”

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Dance

Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 27 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 21 March; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 27 March; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 7 June; The Place, Telford, Thurs 25 June There’s no Strictly Live tour for Giovanni Per- nice this year - the hugely popular danceman has been way too busy getting ready to hit the road with this brand new show of his own. A homage to the music and dances which have inspired him on his journey from competition dancer to one of Strictly’s biggest stars, This Is Me sees Giovanni bringing together his natural Italian charm with ‘beautiful choreography and a fabulous soundtrack’. He’s joined by a cast of professional dancers for what will be his fourth touring show.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 18 - Sat 29 February Birmingham Royal Ballet here presents a spend the daytime hours as a swan, return- spectacular production of a timeless clas- ing to human form only when night falls... sic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising A sumptuous visual feast, BRB’s show score, Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a presents an evening of ballet which is ideal beautiful princess who, caught under the not only for the seasoned dance-goer but wicked spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must also the first-time trier.

BLKDOG Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 11 February “I feel like I’m speaking on behalf of young people who are angry,” says choreographer Botis Seva in talking about his critically acclaimed show. “I don’t believe it’s just Autin Dance Theatre: me. I’m saying it for them, too.” Square One Co-produced by Sadler’s Wells London and Seva’s powerhouse company, Far From The Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Wed 12 February Norm, BLKDOG blends hip-hop dance with Joss Arnott Dance free-form antics to present a bleak, vital Project-based professional company Autin Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, and haunting commentary on the Dance Theatre make a welcome return with a Fri 14 February challenges of being a childlike adult and show that delves into its founder & choreogra- Joss Arnott’s shows are highly charged, an untamed artist. pher Johnny Autin’s own personal journeys visually stunning and technically brilliant - through mental, physical and spiritual changes. and this latest production promises more Presented as a ‘work in progress’, the 30-minute of the same. solo production, combining digital media and When Worlds Collide has been described dance theatre, is followed by a Q&A with Autin. as a powerful, exhilarating masterclass “We draw on contemporary social issues and featuring an original, cinematic music events to make work which is beautifully score and impressive lighting. crafted, accessible and relevant,” says Johnny. The bill also features Fuel - a work inspired “The company is gaining a reputation for creat- by the young company’s seemingly ing powerful performances, catapulting audi- boundless energy - and An Event - a piece ences into intense dance-worlds which we hope exploring how people feel in that moment will resonate with them long after they leave the between everything being fine and auditorium.” everything falling apart.

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Everything but the girl.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:51 Page 1 Everything but the girl.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:51 Page 2 Twenty years in dance... 2 Faced Dance Artistic Director Tamsin Fitzgerald talks about the company’s latest triple bill featuring an exciting new piece by choreographer Fleur Darkin...

Tell us about the title of the programme - dancers are still performing or have gone on to memories. Seeing the small difference that Everything [But The Girl]. What’s its build their own companies. I cast it based on dance made to children who had nothing was significance, Tamsin? the original choreography and have tried to very moving. I felt very emotional throughout We sat down as a team to all throw our pair up the skill level, individuality and style of the trip. It was totally inspiring. suggestions for names into the hat. We had a each dancer. It’s a tricky one when you create The company’s international reputation is very long chat about perceptions of the company, work on the individuality of a dancer rather important, and I know I’m extremely fortunate the type of work we do and the fact that often than create movement that any dancer could to have the opportunity to travel and tour to audiences think that the work is created by a do. It’s harder work to then recreate or different countries. Last year I was man or the company is run by a man. As reimagine a work on a new company, but it’s commissioned to create a new work and dance someone growing up in the ’90s, I often worked and I’d forgotten what an incredible film for UCCA Dune Art Museum in China. I listened to the group Everything But The Girl, piece it is. We’ve made some small changes have never seen a building like it - it’s and although the band was named after a shop and tweaks to the choreographic work. The completely space-age! It’s an incredible in Hull, something about the phrase resonated main change is that at certain tour dates we collection of curved white buildings carved for me. It’s our 20th anniversary, so we’re will have live musicians accompanying the into a dune on a beach in the coastal city of bringing Everything together to celebrate this work. Alex Baranowski has re-scored the work Qinhuangdao in China. We had a great time and [But The Girl] is a play on the fact that I so that it can be accompanied by some there and met some wonderful people. founded the company and have created 90% of incredible musicians. We’re working with We performed at the MTV Europe Awards in the work to date. So really it’s all about the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group on Lisbon and were subsequently invited to girl/woman…you just never physically see her. this element, and I think it’s going to be pretty audition for Madonna! At the time, I was special. thinking, “But we’re just a little youth dance Have you and Fleur Darkin worked together group from nowhere, so why does Madonna How does it feel to be celebrating 20 years before, and what is it about her work that want to work with us?” We didn’t get the gig, in the dance industry? inspired you to commission her to make a but boy, was I proud! piece for 2Faced Dance’s 20th anniversary? I think about all the other dance companies And I’m particularly proud of creating and I’ve never worked with Fleur before, but I’ve which are either still running or have folded, running our all-female choreography seen some of the work that she did for Scottish the companies that inspired me to start programme, The Bench, which was designed Dance Theatre. We commissioned Fleur dancing or who I yearned to be a part of, and I to encourage women to develop the necessary because she’s someone who works very think, ‘Wow, 20 years… that really is some shift in mindset to push past the glass ceiling differently from me. Her work is incredibly bloody brilliant achievement!’ From having no and create new work. We may not have theatrical and she’s someone who has funding to becoming an NPO, to employing a changed the world, but I think we made a challenged the status quo. She’s bright, team, to travelling round the world, to difference. talented and an incredibly generous person changing lives and to making all of that work who is also willing to work collaboratively. based in a place that has little cultural These are rare attributes but they appeal to me. landscape - it’s phenomenal, really. It’s really about the people who’ve been part of that She’s bold, and we like bold at 2Faced Dance. 2Faced Dance’s Everything (But The Girl) is journey, without whom I couldn’t have made it performed in the Patrick Studio at In ‘7.0’ are any of the original dancers work. Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 6 & performing? How did you cast both your Friday 7 February. pieces? What are the highlights of the company’s 20th anniversary? None of the original ‘7.0’ dancers are performing in the work, but all the original The trip to Haiti just after the earthquake, which inspired ‘7.0’, is one of my most vivid Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 1 Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 2

Film

Birds Of Prey: And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn CERT 15 Starring Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor DDirectedirected bbyy CCathyathy YYanan (USA)(USA) Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn was the best thing about the critically derided Suicide Squad (2016) and now, rightly, she gets a movie all to herself. Here, Harley has split up with her boyfriend the Joker (who could really do with his own movie) and teams up with the superheroes Black Canary and Huntress to help save a young girl with a price on her head, targeted by the awful, iron-fisted Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). In keeping with this new brand of female heroism, Birds Of Prey is directed by a woman, the Chinese-American Cathy Yan. And with Margot Robbie on board as producer, one hopes that this will do every bit as well as Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, although the film’s restrictive certificate will limit its demographic reach. Still, there’s already talk of a sequel, dubbed Gotham City Sirens. Released Fri 7 February EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in February...

Dolittle CERT PG (106 mins) Underwater CERT 15 (95 mins) Fantasy Island CERT tbc Starring Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Starring Robert Downey Jr, Starring Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Austin Stowell, Portia Doubleday, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jessie Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr, Michael Rooker Buckley, and the voices of Emma Thompson, Mamoudou Athie, TJ Miller Directed by Jeff Wadlow (USA) Rami Malek, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes Directed by William Eubank (USA) Directed by Stephen Gaghan (USA) Based on the cult TV series of 1977, this big– Hugh Lofting’s immortal children’s novel screen version adds a decided note of horror. about the veterinarian who can talk to ani- Here, the enigmatic Mr Roarke (Peña) facili- mals is back in a new live-action adapta- tates his clients’ wildest dreams on his tion. Robert Downey Jr follows in the remote tropical island, when those fantasies footsteps of Rex Harrison and Eddie Mur- suddenly turn pear-shaped. phy as the eccentric hermit with a gift for Released Fri 14 February zoological linguistics. The reported re-shoots don’t bode well, though. Released Fri 7 February

When an earthquake wrecks their subter- ranean laboratory, a crew of underwater researchers find themselves prey to crea- tures of the deep. No doubt the critters are furious about the plastic waste they’ve been exposed to… Released Fri 7 February whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 3

Film highlights released in February...

Emma CERT tbc Brahms: The Boy II CERT tbc Like A Boss CERT 15 (83 mins) Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Starring Katie Holmes, Ralph Ineson, Owain Starring Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Nighy, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Josh O'Connor Yeoman, Christopher Convery Salma Hayek, Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Directed by Autumn de Wilde (UK/USA) Directed by William Brent Bell (USA) Rothwell, Billy Porter Directed by Miguel Arteta (USA) Not surprisingly, this is a sequel to The Boy (2016), in which a nanny was expected to Two friends as different as chalk and cheddar babysit a porcelain doll called Brahms. Now set up a cosmetics firm together and immedi- a new family moves into the creepy Heelshire ately get into financial trouble… Expect the Mansion, where the youngest son discovers comedy to be on the broad side. that Brahms is still resident. You can’t keep a Released Fri 21 February good doll down… Released Fri 21 February Little Joe CERT 12a (105 mins) It’s been four years since we’ve seen a big- Starring Emily Beecham, Ben Whishaw, screen Jane Austen adaptation and 24 years CERT tbc Kerry Fox, Kit Connor, David Wilmot, The Call Of The Wild Lindsay Duncan since Gwyneth Paltrow played the rich, con- Starring Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Directed by Jessica Hausner niving and fanciful Emma Woodhouse on Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford (UK/Germany/Austria) film. Here, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch, Split, Directed by Chris Sanders (USA) Joe is the recipient of a special plant Glass) dons the bustles and bonnets in a pro- designed to bring pleasure, created by his duction directed by the New York photogra- mother, Alice, a corporate plant breeder. But pher Autumn de Wilde. the flower has other ideas… Emily Beecham Released Fri 14 February won the best actress award at Cannes last year for her part as Alice. Released Fri 21 February The Public CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, Taylor Schilling, Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Michael K. Williams, Jeffrey Another familiar American tale is brought Wright Directed by Emilio Estevez (USA) back to the big screen - again - with Harrison When a bitter cold front descends on Cincin- Ford as the outdoorsman who befriends nati, a group of homeless people occupy the Buck, the St Bernard/Scotch collie sold to public library. But in no time the sit-in freight haulers in the Yukon. Based on the becomes an opportunity for police aggression 1935 adaptation of the Jack London novel and political ascendancy. (which starred Clark Gable and Loretta Released Fri 14 February Young). Released Fri 21 February CERT 12a (126 mins) Sonic The Hedgehog CERT tbc Dark Waters Starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Starring James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Greed CERT 15 (104 mins) Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Bill Pullman Schwartz (as the voice of Sonic), Tika Sumpter, Directed by Todd Haynes (USA) Neal McDonought Starring Steve Coogan, David Mitchell, Directed by Jeff Fowler (USA) Isla Fisher, Ollie Locke, Sophie Cookson, Asa Butterfield Directed by Michael Winterbottom (UK) Filmed on the Greek island of Mykonos, Michael Winterbottom's latest satire focuses on a high street fashion mogul with more money than sense. But as Sir Richard Mc- Creadie (Coogan) begins to celebrate his 50th birthday, things start to go awry… Sonic is not a real hedgehog, of course, but a Released Fri 21 February super-fast extraterrestrial who arrives on Partly based on an article in The New York Earth to escape intergalactic profiteers. But Times Magazine, this legal thriller stars Mark then he’s hunted by a maniacal roboticist Ruffalo as a corporate lawyer who defends (Jim Carrey), who also wants to exploit his chemical companies against allegations of powers. Based on the Sega video game. pollution. But when he visits an affected Older readers may remember Jim Carrey from farm in West Virginia - close to where his such films as Dumb And Dumber and The grandmother lives - he can no longer turn a Truman Show. blind eye… Released Fri 14 February Released Fri 28 February 38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 4

Film

Parasite CERT 15 (132 mins) Starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam Directed by Bong Joon-ho (South Korea) Parasite is an odd beast, a black comedy that wants to be Yorgos Lanthimos by way of Park Chan-wook. It’s perhaps best that you know no more than that as the film’s impact rests on its ability to surprise. It is, though, deliciously crafted and is as dead- pan as a black skillet. A Seoul family struggles to make ends meet by construct- ing pizza boxes, a humiliating task as they’re not very good at it. Then a school friend of Ki-woo's suggests that he could make a little money in the holidays by tutoring the teenage daughter of a wealthy family he knows. It’s certainly a start and soon Ki-woo has got his sister a job as an art therapist in the same house- hold... It’s an artful conceit dexterously unfolded by the Korean director Bong Joon-ho, winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes last year on a unanimous vote. It also snared the Golden Globe award for best foreign-language film and has six Oscar nominations under its sash. Released Fri 7 February CRITIC’S CHOICE

Downhill CERT tbc The Invisible Man CERT tbc True History Of The Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Will Ferrell, Starring Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson- Kelly Gang CERT 18 (124mins) Miranda Otto, Zoë Chao, Zach Woods, Alex Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer Macqueen Directed by Leigh Whannell (Australia/USA) Starring George MacKay, Essie Davis, Nicholas Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (USA) Hoult, Thomasin McKenzie, Charlie Hunnam, Russell Crowe A remake of the Swedish masterpiece Force Directed by Justin Kurzel (Australia/UK) Majeure (2014), Downhill is the story of a The legendary outlaw and bushranger Ned family involved in an avalanche and of the Kelly goes on the run from the authorities in emotional consequences. While the original 1870s’ Australia. Based on the Booker Prize- was not without its streaks of black humour, winning novel by Peter Carey. the humour would seem to be more at the forefront here, which could be interesting. Released Fri 28 February Released Fri 28 February

When an abused wife inherits her late hus- band’s fortune, she suspects there is more to the set-up than the eye can see… In spite of the numerous adaptations of HG Wells’ 1897 classic, this is actually a reboot of James Whales’ 1933 film version. However, with the advances in CGI, this man should look gen- uinely invisible. Released Fri 28 February

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

Lindsey Mendick: The Yellow Wallpaper Eastside Projects, Birmingham, until Sat 11 April Ghostly ceramics crawling and sprawling into the gallery space tell Lindsey Mendick’s highly unusual story. Dropping out of art school and taking to her bed at her parents’ house following a nervous breakdown, she one night found herself wondering why there were six men dressed in black pacing the cul-de-sac on walkie talkies. When she told her mother what she had seen, her mum found the story impossible to believe, due to her daugh- ter’s mental state at the time. Not long afterwards, the media broke the story about the poisoning of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, who, it turned out, had been Lindsey’s neighbour... As well as responding to her experience that terrifying night, Lindsey’s new exhibition also references an 1892 gothic novella by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The Yellow Wallpaper tells the story of a young mother with postna- tal depression who is haunted by the garish wallpaper that appears to mutate from the walls of the room in which she is convalescing.

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Visual Arts

Mayflower 400 Exhibition Worcester Art Gallery & Museum, until Sat 21 November Given that one of the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed on the Mayflower from Plymouth in the UK to Plymouth, Massachusetts, was born and educated in Worcestershire, it’s hardly surprising that the county is here taking the opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the historic transatlantic voyage. Edward Winslow was born in Droitwich and educated at Worcester’s Kings School. He would go on to serve as governor at Plymouth Colony... Drawing on 17th century archaeology & costume and featuring a collection of indigenous American and Canadian objects, the exhibition shines a spotlight on stories of colonialism, taking a look at the European occupation of the Alaskan shores and seas in the years which followed the Mayflower’s voyage. Worcestershire is one of 11 locations in England which is this year working with local, national Cornwall As Crucible: Modernity And and international partners to commemorate the Internationalism in Mid-Century Britain 400th anniversary of the Mayflower. The Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, Wed 19 February - Sun 17 May Taking as its inspiration the Barber’s Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Kapow! recently acquired Constructivist sculpture Lanyon and Sandra Blow, the exhibition The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- - Russian artist Naum Gabo’s Linear examines the artists’ development of a Trent, Sat 8 February - Sun 27 February Construction In Space No1 - Cornwall As visual language that explored the bound- The influence on art & design of cartoon and Crucible considers the relationships and ary between representation and abstrac- comic-book superheroes, super heroines and networks that existed between artists who tion. super villains is explored in this brand new lived and worked in the county (and most The installation also investigates the im- exhibition. The show brings together painting, particularly in St Ives) during the mid-20th pact which the distinctive Cornish land- fashion, photography, costume design, ceramics century. scape had on the work of the artists and illustration. Work by artists Duggie Fields, Featuring works by, among others, residing in the region. Jason Atomic & Emma Rodgers features.

Quinn: A Journey Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Fri 14 February - Sun 31 May This thought-provoking multi-dimensional experience is a meditation on grief, loss, loneliness, the human search for meaning and the possibility of redemption through time and landscape. Comprising large-format photographs, moving-image pieces, ephemera and text vignettes, the work focuses on the character of William Henry Quinn, a young man who walks from the south west of England to the far north of Scotland during the period after the Second World War. Although presenting a fictional account, photographer, artist and writer Lottie Davies uses her installation to reference the real-world experiences of young men and women after they have

(Copyright Lottie Davies www.lottiedavies.com| www.whquinn.com) been exposed to extreme trauma. whatsonlive.co.uk 41 NEW Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:35 Page 1

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Events previews from around the region Events

Get Hands On With History Kenilworth Castle, Sat 15 - Sun 23 February Young visitors to Kenilworth this half term can discover what it was like to live, work and fight in a real-life castle. Little lords and ladies will have their skills put to the test with plenty of hands-on activities, in- cluding the challenges of sword fighting and shooting with a bow & arrow.

Race Retro 2020 edition of Race Retro. The event covers every discipline, from formula Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire racing to motorcycling, and includes two live Fri 21 - Sun 23 February rally stages across the weekend. Twenty-four thousand motorsport fans are set to World-class cars, motorsport legends and 250 descend on Stoneleigh Park this month for the specialist exhibitors also feature.

Adults Night: Medieval Festival Make And Play Valentine’s Special of Archery Engineers: Pixel Art Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham, Coventry Transport Museum, Wed 12 February Warwick Castle, Sat 15 - Sun 23 February Wed 19 and Wed 26 February The UK’s only Medieval Festival of Archery sees professional archers demonstrating their skills in daily shows and competitions. And for those who fancy getting interactive, a have-a-go archery option is also available.

Ever fancied visiting Legoland Discovery Centre Kids aged between two and eight but didn’t have any little ones in your life to take can here explore the patterns, along? Well, not to worry, because now you can contrasts and colours of pixel art, justifiably ‘go it alone’, courtesy of the venue’s a process which is used to make once-a-month adults-only event. characters for computer games. This month’s Valentine’s Special sees plenty of The sessions also provide young- prizes being put up for grabs throughout the sters with the chance to make their night. It also features workshop classes held by very own extraordinary-looking the venue’s Master Model Builders, providing creatures, the kind that could well Legoland enthusiasts with all manner of sure-to- have escaped from a computer be-useful tips and tricks. game! whatsonlive.co.uk 43 NEW Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:35 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Dragon Hunt Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 15 - Fri 21 February

Tamworth Castle’s resident dragon, Ruby, and her brother, Hafgrim, have gone missing while playing a game of hide & seek. And they’re probably going to stay horribly lost too, unless some young and enthusiastic half-term- holiday visitors are willing to put in the hard yards to help find visit event for anybody who loves exploring the Caravan, Camping & them!... The hunt is just one of great outdoors. numerous dragon-based activities Motorhome Show Visitors to the show can check out new leisure taking place at the castle this NEC, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sun 23 February vehicles and caravan holiday homes, browse month. Kids can also learn how to tents of all shapes and sizes, and pick up a wide With over 400 exhibitors all under one roof, the decorate the dragon’s den, iden- range of accessories and gadgets for their next Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is a must- tify dragon eggs and have a go at a big adventure. dragon-related craft activity.

The Classic Dirt Bike Show Half-term activities Telford International Centre, Shropshire, at the RSC Sat 15 & Sun 16 February Royal Shakespeare Company This annual off-road and road-racing show here venues, Stratford-upon-Avon, makes a welcome return and comes complete Mon 17 - Fri 21 February, check with an outdoor autojumble. rsc.org.uk for individual venues Star guests confirmed for the 2020 get-together The RSC is taking inspiration from include American World Trials 1979 champion its current production of David Bernie Schreiber and 1970 British 500cc Walliams’ The Boy In The Dress motocross champion Bryan Goss. this half term. From free craft workshops explor- ing the themes of the book, to learning the dances and songs from the show in special perfor- mance workshops, there's plenty for visitors to enjoy. Other highlights include back- stage theatre tours, playing dress- Discover The Pride up in the RSC’s dressing-up West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, cabinet, and the chance to check Sat 15 - Sun 23 February out a free The Boy In The Dress- West Midland Safari Park debuts its latest addi- inspired exhibition. tions to the pack this month, as seven new lion cubs make their first appearance on the safari drive-through. Visitors can also book an exclusive behind-the- scenes tour of the African Lion house and meet the pride of lions, including its youngest mem- bers.

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Events previews from around the region Events

The National Wedding Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 28 Feb - Sun 1 March For couples currently planning their big day, the National Wed- ding Show is a must-visit event. Boasting over 250 wedding specialists from across the coun- try - covering everything from photography and suit-making to jewellery and floral displays - there’s plenty of opportunity to tick off some of the items on your hefty planning list! Brides-to-be can also check out the latest bridal trends at the weekend’s catwalk shows, pick up useful hints & tips from numerous experts, and even try on a wedding dress or several, Become A Codebreaker able to learn about cracking codes by making with some exhibitors offering their very own codebreaking devices. Drop-in exclusive at-show discounts. Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, activities include making a cipher wheel to Sat 15 - Sun 23 February send & receive secret messages and having a go Codebreaking-themed activities are the order of on an Enigma-style machine to uncover a the day at Enginuity this half term, with visitors classified message.

February FUTURES Half Term British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warks Sat 15 February - Sun 1 March

Pirate And Princess Takeover Days Of Gore Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Fri 14 - Sun 23 February Tues 18 - Thurs 20 February Well shiver those timbers and straighten that Daily presentations about ‘the tiara - Alton Towers Resort is certainly the place gooey, gory and gruesome reali- to take your little pirates and princesses this ties of yesteryear’ promise to half-term holiday! keep youngsters well and truly The popular visitor attraction is hosting a range entertained at Avoncroft Museum of family-focused themed activities this month, this half-term holiday. including an action-packed production, a fancy- Themed around the exhibition The Car. The As well as providing fascinating dress parade and an interactive game show - Future. Me., FUTURES features activities aimed insights into the history of after which there’s a ‘fabulous’ party to enjoy! at encouraging children to investigate what the medieval medicine, hygiene, Away from the princess & pirate theme, visitors cars of their future might look like. execution and torture, the venue can check out Sharkbait Reef to see a variety of Little ones can make their very own futuristic is also laying on plenty of craft- amazing fish, splash around in the tropical sur- vehicle using recycled materials, and then light based activities, including gooey roundings of the Alton Towers Waterpark, and it up with LEDs. There’s a special family trail to feel boxes and the chance to enjoy a round of what’s being termed ‘extraordi- enjoy too, challenging visitors to find the miss- make your very own slime. nary’ golf. ing parts needed to fix the car.

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Come rain or shine... Check out some of the Midlands’ best attractions this half-term

National Sea Life Centre Birmingham Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HL The National Sea Life Centre is home to more than 2,000 crea- tures (including black-tip reef sharks, a giant green sea turtle and a colony of gentoo penguins), many of which have been rescued or successfully bred as part of the global Sea Life breeding initia- tive. The venue also features the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tun- nel, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the underwater residents. And in a UK first, 2020 will see two rescued Alaskan sea otters become resident in the attraction’s new multi-million-pound marine rescue facility. You can also: Help PJ Masks defeat the nighttime baddies this half-term holiday! Thinktank Science Museum Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG Birmingham's award-winning science museum offers a fun- packed day out for all the family to enjoy. From steam engines and talking robots to gurgling guts and a chocolate-wrapping machine, Thinktank features more than 200 hands-on science & technology displays and numerous historical collections. Highlights include MiniBrum, a new interactive gallery for under-eights, a new 4k planetarium and a science garden. There’s also an extensive programme of events and activ- ities to enjoy throughout the year. You can also: Get building at a weekend of Lego family work- shops, taking place 8 & 9 February.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums Ironbridge, nr Telford, Shropshire The World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge is home to 10 award- winning attractions. These include the recreated Victorian town of Blists Hill, fun science museum Enginuity, and the Jackfield Tile Museum, a venue that brings to life ‘the artistry of ceramic art’. An Annual Passport ticket allows visitors to enjoy daytime admission to all 10 attractions for 12 months. You can also: Try your hand at the Victorian tube lining tech- nique at Jackfield Tile Museum’s tile-decorating workshops on 17, 19 & 21 February. World of Wedgwood Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER Find out all about the Wedgwood brand and its rich 250-year heritage at World of Wedgwood. Featuring a V&A Museum collection, a factory tour, a contempo- rary tearoom, a restaurant and the Wedgwood Flagship retail store, the venue boasts a wide range of things to see and do. Explore the 240-acre Wedgwood Estate - with its open, land- scaped grounds, canals and beautiful woodlands - or maybe try your hand at the potter’s wheel in the Master Craft Studio. Or how about creating your very own piece of Wedgwood bone china tableware in the Decorating Studio... You can also: Make a Mother’s Day gift at hand & footprint- ing workshops during the half-term holiday.

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Cadbury World Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR Cadbury World is a wonder of chocolate delights and activities. Start your exploration of the venue in Aztec Jungle, travelling back over 1,000 years to the tropical rainforest of the Mayan Indians to discover the origin of the cocoa tree. Then visit Europe and find out about the arrival of cocoa in England, before moving on to Birmingham’s Bull Street, where John Cadbury opened his first shop. There's lots more to see and do on the Cadbury World adventure, including Purple Planet and the world's biggest Cadbury shop! You can also: Enjoy either breakfast or afternoon tea with Cadbury characters during weekends and school holidays. Shakespeare’s Family Homes Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Discover the people and places behind the world’s greatest story- teller by visiting his five family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon. These include: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the home in which he was born and grew up; the family home of his mother, Mary Arden; and the cottage in which his wife, Anne Hathaway, spent her childhood. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust also offers The Full Story tickets, which allow 12 months of unlimited visits to all five properties. You can find out more at shakespeare.org.uk You can also: Check out a brand new Shakespeare XR experi- ence at the Shakespeare’s New Place site.

Warwick Castle Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH Boasting more than 1,100 years of history, Warwick Castle has plenty to see and do. History buffs can explore the castle’s Great Hall, battlements, towers and turrets, while family-friendly enter- tainment comes in the form of a Horrible Histories maze, the Castle Dungeon experience and a number of daily shows and activities. Top tip - if you purchase your tickets online and it rains for one hour or more during your time at the castle, the venue will guarantee you a free return visit. You can also: Attend the UK’s only Medieval Festival of Archery, taking place at the castle this month. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Check page 43 for information. Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR Nestled away behind steel, concrete and roaring traffic in the busy heart of Birmingham is a lush oasis of calm that you may never have noticed. Featuring four large glasshouses boasting an air of Victorian grandeur, lively animal inhabitants and interac- tive children's areas set in 15 acres of landscaped greenery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also: Hire Gardens’ Explorer family backpacks from the reception desk every day during opening hours. Each backpack is bursting with creative activities and suit- able for all ages.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Ru Paul Drag Race Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:01 Page 1 The List Cover February Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:38 Page 1

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Februaryebruary 22020020 thelist

David Baddiel at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on Thursday 6 February and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, on Sunday 9 February

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

What’s On Sat 1 - Sun 9 February Mon 10 to Sun 16 February Mon 17 to Sun 23 February Mon 24 to Sat 29 February

Madam Butterfly at Mimi & The Mountain Dragon This Makes That With These at Giovanni Pernice at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry at Number 8, Pershore Coventry Transport Museum The Albany Theatre, Coventry Thurs 6 February Sat 15 February Tues 18 February Thurs 27 February

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 9 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:24 Page 1

thelist CODY KO & NOEL atre, Coventry THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Gigs MILLER: TINY MEAT OCTOBER DRIFT Sat 8 GANG - GLOBAL DOMINA- Feb, Dead Wax, Dig- CARAVAN PALACE Artrix, Bromsgrove tury in a new exhibition about health Sat 1 TION TOUR Thurs 6 Feb, beth, Birmingham and medicine, until Sat 14 Mar Feb, O2 Academy, O2 Academy, B’ham DRAWN FROM THE WOOD Robin Shaw Birmingham FOOL’S GOLD – PAMELA SCHILDERMAN MAN & THE ECHO Thurs tells a story of Hanbury Woods in STEEL PANTHER - HEAVY AND HAYLEY HARRISON Exhibition ex- CIRQUE DU SOUL WITH 6 Feb, Hare & Hounds, black-and-white drawings, until Sun 2 METAL RULES TOUR Sat ploring society’s consumerism and WILKINSON Sat 1 Feb, Birmingham Feb 8 Feb, O2 Academy, the impact it has on the environment, The Mill, Digbeth, NEW INTO SPRING 2020 WITH 5 CUBED ANTI-FLAG Thurs 6 Feb, Birmingham until Sat 14 Mar Birmingham ART Showcase of work produced in a The Mill, Digbeth, STUART WOOLFENDEN DUSKY Sat 8 Feb, Hare variety of paint and collage to create RUGBY COLLECTION: STILL LIFE Display Birmingham Sat 1 Feb, Dead Wax, & Hounds, B’ham colour and form that reflects nature, that draws together some of the still- COUNTRY SUPERSTARS - Digbeth, Birmingham people and atmosphere, Tues 4 Feb - life artworks in the Rugby Art Gallery DOLLY PARTON AND POUYA Sat 8 Feb, O2 Sun 1 Mar & Museum’s renowned collection, RUBY TURNER Sat 1 FRIENDS Thurs 6 Feb, Institute Birmingham until Sat 14 Mar Feb, Artrix, Broms- The Roses Theatre, SURINDER SHINDA Sat 8 grove Tewkesbury Feb, Birmingham Hip- The Herbert Art Gallery & WRONG JOVI Sat 1 Feb, DELAIN Thurs 6 Feb, podrome Museum The Marr’s Bar, O2 Institute, B’ham RACHAEL DADD Sat 8 Worcester Feb,The Cuban Em- EXPLORING ELIOT'S COVENTRY Exhibi- KIM PETRAS Fri 7 Feb, bassy, Birmingham tion marking the 200th anniversary of CREATURE LAB PRE- O2 Academy, B’ham SENTS THE COURTESY the birth of author George Eliot and LISA O’NEILL Fri 7 Feb, KACY & CLAYTON W/ GROUP Sat 1 Feb, The celebrating her connections with The Glee Club, B’ham ALEX REX Sat 8 Feb, Coventry, until Sun 26 Apr Tin Music And Arts, The Tin Music And Canal Basin, Coventry CLARE TEAL AND HER Arts, Canal Basin, NEW QUINN - A JOURNEY An installation SEXTET Fri 7 Feb, Royal Birmingham Museum & BRETT ELDREDGE Sat 1 Coventry by photographer, artist and writer Lot- Spa Centre, Leaming- Art Gallery Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- tie Davies, Fri 14 Feb - Sun 31 May ton Spa HEADSTICKS Sat 8 Feb, WHITWORTH WALLIS ARTIST IN RESI- ingham Katie Fitzgerald’s, NEW BEHIND CLOSED DOORS Installa- DENCE: LEANNE O'CONNOR ENTER THE DRAGON Fri Stourbridge tion by Catherine Howard featuring ASHANTI Sun 2 Feb, O2 Leanne's work responds to the 7 Feb, Hare & Hounds, more than 100 embellished textile Academy, Birmingham LIL DURK Sat 8 Feb, O2 stained-glass and metalwork collec- Birmingham moths, Sat 15 Feb - Sun 1 Mar DIY PRESENTS INDEPEN- Institute, Birmingham tion held within the Industrial gallery, JAMES TAYLOR QUARTET DENT VENUE WEEK - the Museum Collections Centre and NEW COVENTRY OPEN 2020 Exhibition Fri 7 Feb, Hare & SAMS TOWN Sat 8 Feb, DEMOB HAPPY Sun 2 Community History & Archives Ser- showcasing a wide range of talent Hounds, Birmingham The Marrs Bar, Feb, The Tin Music vice in Smethwick, until Mon 1 June from the West Midlands and Warwick- Worcestershire And Arts, Canal Basin, RONI SIZE + LTJ BUKEM shire, Sat 29 Feb - Sun 19 Apr LIONEL - A TRIBUTE TO DRESSED TO THE NINES Exhibition Coventry Fri 7 Feb, O2 Institute, about dressing up and going out, Birmingham LIONEL RICHIE Sat 8 UNCOVER X IVW: LAZY from around 1850 to the present day, Feb, The Alexandra, Worcester City Museum & Art DAYS Sun 2 Feb, The DOWN FOR THE COUNT: Birmingham until Fri 4 Sept Gallery Marr’s Bar, Worcester SWING THAT MUSIC Fri 7 DIMENSION Sat 8 Feb, GEORGIANS: THE PRIDE AND THE PREJU- Feb, The Roses The- YOUNG DRUMMER OF The Mill, Digbeth, DICE Delve into the age of the Geor- atre, Tewkesbury THE YEAR 2020 Sun 2 Birmingham gians, explore the characters and Feb, Artrix, Broms- ABBA MANIA Fri 7 Feb, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN stories of the age, see rarely dis- grove Belgrade Theatre, played Georgian artwork and beauti- Coventry Sat 8 Feb, Belgrade ful pieces of Georgian costume, plus THE WILDHEARTS | Theatre, Coventry BACKYARD BABIES Tues QUADROPHENIA NIGHT a first edition of Jane Austen’s Pride ANNA MEREDITH Sun 9 4 Feb, O2 Institute, FEATURING THE AT- And Prejudice, until Sat 28 Mar Feb, Warwick Arts Birmingham LANTICS Fri 7 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Centre, Coventry KNEECAP Tues 4 Dec, Worcester ASHANTI - LIVE IN CON- Other VISUAL ARTS Dead Wax, Digbeth, CERT Sun 9 Feb, O2 In- FASHIONING PEACE: LIFE AND LIBERTY Birmingham SPACE - 100 + SOLD! Fri 7 Feb, The Marr’s Bar, stitute Birmingham AFTER THE GREAT WAR EXHIBITION Ex- LINDSAY MARTIN & THE BIRMINGHAM REVOLUTIONS - POWER TO Worcester KELE Sun 9 Feb, Hare hibition exploring how the changes NOUVELLE HOUSE BAND THE PEOPLE Display exploring Birm- & Hounds, B’ham brought about through the Great War Tues 4 Feb, The Roses TRANSATLANTIC SES- ied history of ingham’s vibrant and var were reflected in clothing and fashion Theatre, Tewkesbury SIONS 2020 Fri 7 Feb, ONE NIGHT WITH ELVIS - protest and activism, until Fri 4 Sept from 1918 through to the Roaring Symphony Hall, Birm- LEE MEMPHIS KING Sun LIL DURK Wed 5 Feb, 20s, until Mon 12 Oct, Hartlebury ingham 9 Feb,The Alexandra, O2 Institute, B’ham Castle, Kidderminster THANK YOU FOR THE Birmingham Compton Verney Gallery, THE BAND CAMINO Wed NEW MOVING TO THE CITY Exhibition of MUSIC Fri 7 Feb,The SAM BAKER Sun 9 Feb, Warwick 5 Feb, O2 Institute, mosaic images featuring members of Alexandra, B’ham Huntingdon Hall, ARIEL SCHLESINGER: WAYS TO SAY Birmingham the local community who have Worcester GOODBYE Newly commissioned sculp- THE WORLD FAMOUS moved to Worcester, Mon 3 - Thurs SAM LEE Wed 5 Feb, ture in the park by Ariel Schlesinger ELVIS SHOW Fri 7 Feb - BETH HART Sun 9 Feb, 27 Feb, The Hive Worcester The Glee Club, B’ham that seeks to highlight the relation- Sat 8 Feb, Albany The- Symphony Hall, B’ham ship between people and nature, NEW TUDOR GRANGE ACADEMY A-LEVEL until Wed 30 Sept EXHIBITION Exhibition presented by A- level students at Tudor Grange Academy, Wed 5 Feb - Mon 2 Mar, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum The Core Theatre, Solihull JOHN HUNT EXHIBITION until Fri 7 Feb NEW GARDEN ART EXHIBITION Featuring CURIOUS CURES AND MARVELLOUS the work of more than 20 renowned MEDICINES Explore medical instru- UK painters and sculptors, Fri 7 - ments and packaging dating from the Thurs 13 February, Holloways, Suck- late Victorians to the mid-20th cen- ley, Worcestershire Transatlantic Sessions 2020 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 9 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:24 Page 2

Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 February

Ian Rae, Enescu, Mahler, Williams & Classical Elgar, Sun 9 Feb, The Bramall, Uni- versity of Birmingham ARMONICO CONSORT: BACH - MASS IN B MINOR Featuring Christopher Monks (director) & Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano), Sat 1 Feb, St Mary’s Comedy Church, Warwick ELEANOR TIERNAN, ADAM HESS, ROSIE GOLDMUND QUARTET Featuring Florian JONES & COMIC TBC Sat 1 Feb, The Schötz (violin), Pinchas Adt (violin), Glee Club, Birmingham Christoph Vandory (viola) and Raphael Paratore (cello). Programme SUKH OJLA Sat 1 Feb, The Glee Club, includes works by Haydn, Birmingham Mendelssohn, Dobrinka Tabakova CATHERINE BOHART Sun 2 Feb, War- and Debussy, Tues 4 Feb, Symphony wick Arts Centre, Coventry Hall, Birmingham JIMMY CARR Sun 2 Feb, Warwick Arts NICOLA BENEDETTI VIOLIN MASTER- Centre, Coventry CLASS Thurs 6 Feb, The Bradshaw JONNY AWSUM Mon 3 Feb, The Glee Hall, Royal Birmingham Conserva- Club, Birmingham Madam Butterfly - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry toire BRING YOUR OWN BABY COMEDY Wed 5 CBSO: NICOLA BENEDETTI Also featur- Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Feb, Town Hall, Stratford-upon-Avon ing Klaus Mäkelä (conductor). Pro- Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent Opera JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH Wed 5 Feb, gramme includes works by less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, present a new production of Puccini’s Birmingham Town Hall Tchaikovsky & Berlioz, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- heartbreaking tale. Sung in Italian Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DAVID BADDIEL Thurs 6 Feb, Hunting- drome with English surtitles, Sun 2 Feb, KAROLOS Featuring Harriet Mackenzie don Hall, Worcester JACK AND THE BEANSTALK Classic fam- Malvern Theatres (violin), Sarah-Jane Bradley (viola) & KOJO ANIM Thurs 6 Feb, The Alexan- ily panto, until Sun 2 Feb, Rugby The- THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO Odd- Graham Walker (cello). Programme dra, Birmingham atre socks present a brand new adapta- includes works by Beethoven, PHIL NICHOL PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere tion of a classic story, Sun 2 Feb, Stephen Dodgson & Mozart, Fri 7 WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 6 Feb, based on David Walliams' best-selling Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove The Glee Club, Birmingham book, with songs by Robbie Williams WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION Ama- and Guy Chambers, until Sun 8 Mar, STRAVINSKY’S CLARINET AND STRING PHIL NICHOL, ROBIN MORGAN & COMIC teur staging of Agatha Christie’s QUARTET Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Strat- Featuring Peter Campbell- TBC Fri 7 - Sat 8 Feb, The Glee Club, courtroom drama, Mon 3 - Sat 8 Feb, ford-upon-Avon Kelly & Bryony Morrison (violins), Birmingham Talisman Theatre, Coventry Christopher Yates (viola), Helen KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent Opera Edgar (cello) & Oliver Janes (clar- FERN BRADY Sat 8 Feb, The Glee formed tale of a nation in turmoil, present a new production of Puccini’s inet). Programme includes works by Club, Birmingham until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, heartbreaking tale. Sung in Italian Howells, Ravel & Stravinsky, Fri 7 HARRIET DYER Sat 8 Feb, Midlands Stratford-upon-Avon with English surtitles, Tues 4 Feb, Feb, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Arts Centre, Birmingham BLITHE SPIRIT Jennifer Saunders & The Alexandra, Birmingham ARMONICO CONSORT: BACH - MASS IN B COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Sat 8 Feb, Ar- Lisa Dillon star in a brand new stag- UTE LEMPER: RENDEZVOUS WITH MAR- MINOR Featuring Christopher Monks trix, Bromsgrove ing of Noel Coward’s sparkling com- LENE One-woman show in which Ute (director) & Elin Manahan Thomas MILTON JONES Sat 8 Feb, Warwick Arts edy, Mon 27 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Malvern tells the story of Marlene Dietrich, (soprano), Sat 8 Feb, Malvern The- Centre, Coventry Theatres singing songs from all chapters of the atres PHIL WANG Sun 9 Feb, The Old Rep JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- German performer's Berlin cabaret ENSEMBLE BURLETTA - FAREWELL TO Theatre, Birmingham COLOR DREAMCOAT Starring Britain’s years through to her Bacharach col- VIENNA: A NEW BEGINNING Featuring Got Talent 2019 finalist Mark McMul- laborations, Tues 4 Feb, The Old Rep DAVID BADDIEL Sun 9 Feb, Royal Shelley Levy (clarinet), Katalin lan as Joseph, Tues 28 Jan - Sat 1 Theatre, Birmingham Kertész & Lucy Hewson (violins), Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry VAMPIRE’S ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Musical Nichola Joy Blakey (viola) & Cressida upon-Avon THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SMACK AND sensation featuring ‘some of the Nash (cello). Programme includes SUKH OJLA Sun 9 Feb, Warwick Arts CRACK An ‘angry, funny, love song to greatest classic rock anthems of all works by Bach/Mozart, Gál, Horovitz Centre, Coventry a lost generation, inspired by the time’, Wed 5 Feb, The Alexandra, & Brahms, Sun 9 Feb, St John-in- JAYDE ADAMS Sun 9 Feb, Midlands playwright’s own experience of jail & Birmingham Bedwardine Church, Worcester Arts Centre, Birmingham rehab’, Wed 29 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, The DEAD GOOD Vamos Theatre’s highly THE GESUALDO SIX Programme in- REP, Birmingham praised production, ‘funny and cludes works by Tallis, Arvo Pärt, ASKING FOR IT UK stage premiere of poignant in equal measure’, Wed 5 Carlo Gesualdo, Christopher Tye, Louise O’Neill’s devastating novel Feb, Malvern Theatres Thomas Tallis & more... Sun 9 Feb, Theatre about sexual consent, Wed 29 Jan - Great Malvern Priory MACBETH Fast-paced adaptation of THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke Sat 15 Feb, The REP, Birmingham Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, stars as Rachel Marron in the much- CINDERELLA Presented by the power and revenge, Wed 5 - Fri 7 acclaimed romantic thriller, until Sat 1 Nuneaton Pantomime & Revue Soci- Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Feb, The Alexandra Theatre, ety, Thurs 30 Jan - Sat 1 Feb OLIVER! Dynamik Theatre Company Birmingham THE WHIP Provocative new play set in presents its version of Lionel Bart’s CHASE ME UP FARNDALE AVENUE London at the dawn of the 19th cen- iconic musical, Wed 5 - Sat 8 Feb, French farce presented by The tury. Politicians gather to abolish the Palace Theatre, Redditch Nonentities, until Sat 1 Feb, The Rose slave trade once and for all - but at A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Second Theatre, Kidderminster what cost?... Sat 1 Feb - Sat 21 Mar, Thoughts Drama Company present a LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES Christo- The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- contemporary staging of Shake- pher Hampton’s acclaimed tale of Avon speare’s famous comedy, this time sex, intrigue & betrayal in pre-revolu- THE GHOST LIGHT Birmingham Ormis- set in his home town and surround- BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- tionary France, until Sat 1 Feb, The ton Academy & The Old Rep come ings, Wed 5 - Sat 8 Feb, Bear Pit The- TRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (conduc- Loft Theatre, Leamington Spa together to tell the story of one family atre, Stratford-upon-Avon tor). Programme includes works by SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS through the generations, Sun 2 Feb, MADAM BUTTERFLY OperaUpClose whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 9 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:24 Page 3

Sunday 16 February 7.30pm Wednesday 19 February 1pm CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF The music of the Mamas and Papas A trip trapping musical adventure!

Thursday 20 February 7.30pm Tuesday 3 March 7.30pm DOM JOLY'S HOLIDAY SNAPS CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL TRIBUTE Travel and Comedy in the Danger Zone! Performed by The Fortunate Sons

Wednesday 4 March 7.30pm Thursday 5 March 7.30pm NICHOLAS CRANE: DON’T PANIC! OUR ISLAND STORY Author, geographer and cartographic expert The UK's only tribute to Dad's Army

As seen on TV

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 1 - 9 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:24 Page 4

thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 February presents a new English version of Puccini's heartbreaking tale, Thurs 6 Dance Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry SWAN LAKE Presented by the Russian DEAD GOOD Vamos Theatre’s highly State Ballet of Siberia, Sat 1 Feb, acclaimed production, ‘funny and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre poignant in equal measure’, Thurs 6 Feb, Bridge House Theatre, Warwick TO VARNAM... WITH LOVE Divya Kasturi Company fuse Bharatanatyam & A CHORUS LINE Presented by Music Contemporary to tell a story of love, Theatre Warwick, Wed 6 - Sat 8 Feb, devotion and commitment, Tues 4 Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry AN IMPROVISED MURDER Evening of EVERYTHING (BUT THE GIRL) New triple stories, laughter, games and death... bill from choreographers Tamsin Fri 7 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove Fitzgerald & Fleur Deakin, Thurs 6 - SINBAD THE SAILOR DOWN UNDER Fri 7 Feb, DanceXchange, Patrick Harlequinade present a fast-moving Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome seafaring pantomime adventure, Fri 7 - Sat 8 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull THE HISTORY BOYS In-house produc- tion of Alan Bennett’s classroom com- Talks edy, Fri 7 - Sat 22 Feb, DASH CAFÉ: GEORGE ELIOT’S RADICALS Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Bringing together actors, activists, MAGIC AL Evening of comedy magic, artists & audiences to explore ideas Everything (But The Girl) - Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome Sat 8 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch through conversation, film, perfor- MEMORIES OF A SNOW SCENE One-man mance & live music, Wed 5 Feb, War- Liam Neeson, Lesley Manville. Num- TRAIL FOR DOGS: BRING YOUR DOG TO show fusing old tech, funny stories wick Arts Centre, Coventry ber 8, Pershore, Wed 5 Feb; The BLAKESLEY HALL Explore the grounds and genuine interactions to explore SASHA DIGIULIAN: BEYOND THE COM- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 6 on this special dog-inspired trail the fine line between dwelling on the FORT ZONE Join Sasha as she shares Feb around the gardens, with treats for past and cherishing happy memories, her favourite climbing stories... Fri 7 JOJO RABBIT (12a) Comedy/Drama. your dog on the way, Sun 2 Feb, Sat 8 Feb, The Blue Orange Theatre, Feb, Malvern Theatres Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Thomasin McKenzie. Artrix, Broms- VICTORIAN STEWARD’S CHEMIST SHOP CIRQUE DU SOLEIL IN VIRTUAL REALITY grove, Fri 7 & Mon 10 Feb Take a peek inside and find out all Dive into the surreal world of the ac- THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- about the shop’s history, Tues 4 Feb, claimed circus troupe using unique Film PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- Worcester City Museum & Art Gallery VR theatre... Sat 8 - Sun 9 Feb, War- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. The GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTER wick Arts Centre, Coventry THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 7 - Celebrating the West Midlands’ in- CRONGTON KNIGHTS World premiere PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- Thurs 13 Feb dustry, diversity and creativity staging of Alex Wheatle's award-win- ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. Malvern SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) Animation/Ac- throughout time, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Feb, ning novel concerning ‘the friends Theatres, Fri 31 Jan - Thurs 6 Feb tion. With the voices of Rachel Bros- New Bingley Hall, Birmingham you'll never forget, and how lessons LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama. Starring nahan, Jarrett Bruno. The Roses HARRY POTTER NIGHT Celebrate every- learned the hard way can bring you Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson. Artrix, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 8 - Sun 9 one's favourite wizard with this Goblet closer together’, Sat 8 - Sat 22 Feb, Bromsgrove, Fri 31 Jan, Mon 3 & Feb Of Fire-inspired Harry Potter night, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Wed 5 Feb; Number 8, Pershore, Fri Thurs 6 Feb, The Hive, Worcester 31, Mon 3 - Wed 5 Feb HAROLD OFFEH IN SELFIE CHOREOGRA- PHY Afternoon workshop with chore- Kids Shows Events ographer Offeh, Fri 7 Feb, Digbeth, HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE Birmingham WHAT A MIX-UP Join in the fun, songs Show combining Hot Wheels’ iconic BIRMINGHAM SWING FESTIVAL'S GRAND and audience participation in popular jumps and stunts with epic crashing BALL Grab a seat in the circle to wit- plays for children aged from two to and smashing, until Sun 2 Feb, Arena ness a night of social swing dancing, nine, Sat 1 Feb, Swan Theatre, Birmingham performances and competitions, Sat Worcester LEGO CITY: REPORT FOR DUTY Com- 8 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall GULP! The Bone Ensemble presents a plete the build challenges and be- RAG RUG VALENTINES HEART Have a go magical story for children about car- come a LEGO City hero, until Sun 1 at crafting a traditional handmade ing for the world and its precious re- Mar, Legoland Discovery Centre, decoration with a romantic twist, Sat sources in an age of plastic and 1917 (15) Drama/War. Starring Dean- Birmingham 8 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs climate change, Sun 2 Feb, Warwick Charles Chapman, George MacKay. Arts Centre, Coventry The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri THE ARENACROSS TOUR 2020 ‘Seat- THOMAS & FRIENDS FEBRUARY HALF 31 Jan - Wed 5 Feb grabbing’ entertainment from some TERM Meet Thomas & Friends at Eu- ALL WRAPPED UP Oily Cart’s mis- of the world’s best indoor Motocross SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) Animation/Ac- rope’s only Thomas Land, Sat 8 - chievous, wintery show for under- racers and Freestyle MX stars, Fri 31 tion. With the voices of Rachel Bros- Sun 9 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme fives, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Feb, Warwick Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Resorts World Arena, nahan, Jarrett Bruno. Artrix, Park, Tamworth Arts Centre, Coventry Birmingham Bromsgrove, Sat 1 Feb LEGO WEEKEND WORKSHOPS Take part THE NAUGHTY FOX Immersive, multisen- PRIMROSE HOSPICE LANTERN WALK in a range of LEGO-themed activities sory journey of friendship and play for 2040 (PG) Documentary/History. Star- Primrose Hospice fundraising walk in the museum's bespoke LEGO little ones and their grown-ups, Fri 7 ring Damon Gameau, Eva Lazzaro. along a beautiful 1.5 mile route classroom, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Feb, Think- Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, Birming- The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sun around the grounds of Ragley, Sat 1 tank Science Museum, Birmingham ham 2, Tues 4 - Wed 5 Feb Feb, Ragley Hall, Alcester MR CADBURY'S PARROT MINI-EGG SHOW LUNA: A PLAY ABOUT THE MOON Story- THE TWO POPES (12a) PJ MASKS Help PJ Masks defeat the Help the lovable Mr Cadbury's Parrot telling, music, history and science Biography/Comedy. Starring Anthony nighttime baddies and restore the find the clues to discover who’s been combine in a tale for younger audi- Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce. The Roses venue to its peaceful state, Sat 1 Feb after his precious treats, Sat 8 Feb - ences, Sat 8 Feb, The Old Rep The- Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 3 Feb - Sun 1 Mar, National Sea Life Centre, Sun 29 Mar, Cadbury World, B’ham atre, Birmingham ORDINARY LOVE (12a) Drama. Starring Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:43 Page 1

February 2020 BROMSGROVE

Comedy Saturday 15 February JANEY GODLEY'S SOUP POT TOUR £18. Age 16+

Family Theatre Sunday 16 & Monday 17 February WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

£8 Adult, £5 Child

Workshop 26 February to 25 March DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS COURSE £75.00 per 5 week course including materials

Comedy Wednesday 26 February STAND UP FOR WOMEN

£15, £13 Over 60s/Students Age 16+

Music Thursday 27 February GEORGE AND ELTON: FAITH AND LOVE £20.50

Theatre Friday 28 February A ROCK 'N' ROLL SUICIDE

£10 Age 16+ box office: 01527 57733 I www.artrix.co.uk. I @artrixarts

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56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:43 Page 2

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 February The Swan Theatre, 15 Feb, Dead Wax, Centre, Coventry Gigs Worcester Digbeth, Birmingham Classical SAM AVERY Wed 12 - Thurs 13 Feb, JADE IMAGINE Thurs 13 GARETH GATES Sat 15 The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham KATYA AND THE COMEDY Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, Pizza Express Music NATHAN CATON PLUS COMEDY QUEENS Mon 10 Feb, Birmingham Live, Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON O2 Academy, B’ham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH GORDON GILTRAP Thurs FOYER FOLK: DAVE Thurs 13 Feb, The Glee Club, Birm- THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- AMIGO THE DEVIL Mon 13 Feb, Huntingdon ELLIS & BOO HOWARD ingham cludes works by J.S Bach, Schu- 10 Feb, The Cuban Hall, Worcester Sat 15 Feb, Number 8 LOL COMEDY CLUB Fri 14 Feb, Hunt- Embassy, Birmingham mann, Rachel Laurin, Ad Wammes & DAVID MCALMONT & Community Arts Cen- ingdon Hall, Worcester tre, Worcestershire Paul Dukas (arr. T. Trotter), Mon 10 EMILIA MÅRTENSSON ALEX WEBB Thurs 13 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham TONY LAW Fri 14 Feb, The Glee Club, Mon 10 Feb, Sym- Feb, Warwick Arts LOGICALTRAMP Sat 15 Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham Centre, Coventry Feb, Huntingdon Hall, ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Worcester SIBELIUS NO 1 Featuring Yan Pascal RAW COMEDY Fri 14 Feb, Evesham MABEL Tues 11 Feb, KANO Fri 14 Feb, O2 Tortelier (conductor) and Jean-Ef- Arts Centre, Worcestershire O2 Academy, B’ham Academy, Birmingham FRANKIE’S GUYS - A CEL- flam Bavouzet (piano). Programme NATHAN CATON, ELLIOT STEEL, TOM THE JERSEY BEATS - OH FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS EBRATION OF FRANKIE includes works by Bizet, Ravel, Anna VALLI & THE FOUR SEA- WRIGGLESWORTH & COMIC TBC Fri 14 - WHAT A NITE! Tues 11 Fri 14 Feb, Birming- Thorvaldsdottir and Sibelius, Tues 11 Sat 15 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham Feb, Albany Theatre, ham Town Hall SONS Sat 15 Feb,The Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Roses Theatre, PAUL SINHA Sat 15 Feb, Midlands Coventry LAUREN ZHANG PIANO CONCERT KODO: LEGACY Fri 14 Tewkesbury Pro- Arts Centre, Birmingham BRU-C Tues 11 Feb, O2 Feb, Warwick Arts gramme includes works by Institute, Birmingham Centre, Coventry STRONG ENOUGH - ULTI- Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Chopin & JANEY GODLEY Sat 15 Feb, Artrix, MATE TRIBUTE CONCERT Bromsgrove FRED DEAKIN PRESENTS Ravel, Wed 12 Feb, Warwick Hall, LEATHER & LACE Fri 14 TO CHER Sat 15 Feb, THE LASTERS Warwick School JACK TUCKER Sun 16 Feb, The Glee Tues 11 Feb, Artrix, Broms- Palace Theatre, Red- Feb, Birmingham Club, Birmingham grove ditch CBSO: SCHUBERT’S GREAT Featuring Town Hall the City of Birmingham Symphony TOM STADE Sun 16 Feb, The Glee PINK - BEAUTIFUL ULTIMATE ELTON AND LEGENDS OF AMERICAN Orchestra, Juango Mena (conduc- Club, Birmingham TRAUMA Fri 14 Feb, THE ROCKET BAND Sat COUNTRY SHOW tor) & Leila Josfowicz (violin). Pro- Tues The River Rooms, 15 Feb, Evesham Arts 11 Feb, Palace The- gramme includes works by Berg & Stourbridge Centre atre, Redditch Schubert, Thurs 13 Feb, Symphony JAMES BLUNT Fri 14 THANK ABBA FOR THE Hall, Birmingham BOWLING FOR SOUP Theatre Feb, Arena B’ham MUSIC Sat 15 Feb, Wed 12 Feb, O2 ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART IN FEVER + SPECIAL Bedworth Civic Hall THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS Immersive Academy, Birmingham BEUNOS AIRES Featuring David Le celebration set to a rock’n’roll GUESTS Sat 14 Feb, FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO Page (violin/director) & Eduardo MAE MULLER Wed 12 soundscape and featuring ‘bizarre The Sunflower QUEEN Sat 15 Feb, The Garcia (Bandoneon). Programme in- Feb, O2 Institute, and beautiful acts’, Mon 10 Feb, The Lounge, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- cludes works by Mozart, Piazolla & Birmingham Swan Theatre, Worcester BROKEN HANDS Fri 14 bridge Eduardo Garcia, Fri 14 Feb, Number THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC IN PURSUET New LGBT comedy/ Feb, Dead Wax, Dig- BRANDY THIEVES Sat 15 8, Pershore, Worcestershire ROCK SHOW Wed 12 drama described as ‘Fleabag meets beth, Birmingham Feb, Katie Fitzgerald’s, THE SIXTEEN: HANDEL’S ACIS AND Feb, Swan Theatre, Miranda’, Mon 10 - Sat 15 Feb, CARNIVAL MAGNIFICO : Stourbridge GALATEA Featuring Harry Christo- Worcester The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham VALENTINES SPECIAL SHARDS Sat 15 Feb, phers (conductor), Fri 14 Feb, Derby OYE SANTANA Wed 12 BAND OF GOLD World premiere based Fri 14 Feb, The Mill, Warwick Arts Centre, Cathedral Feb, Belgrade Theatre, on Kay Mellor's award-winning TV Digbeth, Birmingham Coventry MOONLIGHT SONATA BY CANDLELIGHT Coventry series of the same name, Mon 10 - JAH WOBBLE & THE IN- HRH METAL (WEEKEND Featuring Jonathan French (piano). Sat 15 Feb, The Alexandra, B’ham DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV Wed VADERS OF THE HEART EVENT) Sat 15 - Sun 16 Programme includes works by 12 Feb, O2 Institute, PILOT NIGHTS Work-in-progress pre- Fri 14 Feb, Hare & Feb, O2 Academy, Brahms, Liszt, Chopin, Debussy, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Gershwin & Mozart, Fri 14 Feb, sentations by ‘some of the UK’s Birmingham most exciting theatre makers’... Tues DAMO SUZUKI W/ RES- Coventry Cathedral HARRY WILLS Fri 14 DITZ Sun 16 Feb, Hare 11 Feb, The REP, Birmingham URRECTION MEN Wed Feb, Hare & Hounds, & Hounds, B’ham THE SIXTEEN: HANDEL’S ACIS AND 12 Feb, The Tin Music Birmingham GALATEA Featuring Harry Christo- TO MOVE IN TIME Tyrone Huggins’ And Arts, Canal Basin, QUERCUS Sun 16 Feb, one-man show walks a thin line be- QUEEN SYMPHONIC Sat phers (conductor), Sat 15 Feb, Col- Coventry Warwick Arts Centre, legiate Church Of St Mary, Warwick tween comic absurdity and melan- 15 Feb, Symphony Coventry cholia, Wed 12 & Thurs 13 Feb, The GRANNY’S ATTIC Wed Hall, Birmingham REP, Birmingham 12 Feb, The Red Lion FAIRPORT CONVENTION THE ANNUAL VALEN- Folk Club, B’ham Sun 16 Feb, Artrix, THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL AND TINES BALL 2020 Sat 15 Bromsgrove GRETEL New slant on the much-loved INHALER Thurs 13 Feb, Feb, O2 Institute, Brothers Grimm favourite, Wed 12 - O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham CALIFORNIAN DREAMIN Sun 16 Feb, The Core Sat 15 Feb, Patrick Studio, Birming- POLYPHIA Thurs 13 THE GOOD WATER Sat Theatre, Solihull ham Hippodrome Feb, The Mill, Digbeth, KEEPING UP APPEARANCES Comedy Birmingham UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK CHAMBER based on the hit TV sitcom, Wed 12 - SOUNDS OF THE 60S ORCHESTRA: PETER AND THE WOLF Sat 22 Feb, Priory Theatre, Kenil- WITH TONY BLACKBURN Concert performance alongside ‘ex- worth PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS citing’ interactive experiences for ERIC & ERN Ian Ashpitel & Jonty Thurs 13 Feb, Royal children of all ages, Sun 16 Feb, Stephens’ homage to one of Spa Centre, Leaming- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Britain’s most iconic comedy duos, ton Spa Thurs 13 Feb, Stratford Play House, ZAKK SABBATH Thurs Stratford-upon-Avon 13 Feb, O2 Institute, REVENGE Robin Hawdon's 'taut Birmingham Comedy thriller, full of twists & turns', Thurs 13 THE BEST OF FRANKI DALISO CHAPONDA Tues 11 Feb, The - Sat 15 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, VALLI & THE FOUR SEA- Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Coventry SONS Thurs 13 Feb, Quercus - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry RICH HALL Wed 12 Feb, Warwick Arts THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES: A MUSI- whatsonlive.co.uk 57 Assembly Leamington Spa Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 15:28 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:43 Page 4

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 February CAL COMEDY ABOUT CHARLES DARWIN René Dary. Foreign language, subti- Symphony Hall, Birmingham Presented by Tangram Theatre Com- Cabaret BRB: A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION OF tled. Malvern Theatres, Sun 16 Feb pany, Fri 14 Feb, Fownhope New MUSIC & DANCE Compered by This DE BATTRE MON COEUR S’EST ARRÊTÉ Memorial Hall, Nr Hereford TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY Morning’s Dr Ranj and featuring clas- (15) Crime/Drama. Starring Romain SINBAD THE SAILOR DOWN UNDER BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win sical extracts from Swan Lake, Giselle Duris, Aure Atika. Foreign language, Harlequinade present a fast-moving as Tina spins her cage of balls to a & Don Quixote, Sat 15 Feb, Warwick subtitled. Malvern Theatres, Sun 16 seafaring pantomime adventure, Fri high-energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs Arts Centre, Coventry Feb 14 - Sat 15 Feb, The Core Theatre, 13 Feb, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Solihull Birmingham GUY: A NEW MUSICAL Uplifting elec- MIDDAY VARIETY: VALENTINE SPECIAL tronic-pop musical about modern Featuring American vocal star Steve Talks Events V King (formerly of The Drifters), masculinity, body image and the AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON REEVE ADULT NIGHT Special event for adult hook-ups and downs of dating in the Scott Dee, Fiona Jessica Wilson, mu- sician Andy Eastwood and husband Spend an evening with Simon as he fans of LEGO - use the Centre’s facili- 21st century, Sun 16 Feb, The Old recounts tales from 15 years of travel- ties and enjoy some creative play Rep Theatre, Birmingham & wife comedy conjurors The Great Desmondo & Cherry, Fri 14 Feb, ling to the most remote and extreme sessions, Wed 12 Feb, Legoland Dis- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry corners of the globe, Wed 12 - Thurs covery Centre, Birmingham 13 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch FASCINATING AIDA Evening of cabaret LEGO LATES AT THINKTANK Late event Kids Shows with Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson & AN AUDIENCE WITH SIMON REEVE combining the Museum at Night ini- Liza Pulman, Fri 14 Feb, Malvern The- Spend an evening with Simon as he tiative with LEGO activities and chal- SHARK IN THE PARK A ‘fin-tastic’ family atres recounts tales from 15 years of travel- lenges. Ages 18+ only, Fri 14 Feb, musical bringing all three of Nick ling to the most remote and extreme Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham Sharratt’s books to the stage, Fri 14 BIG BAND BROADWAY Featuring Martin corners of the globe, Sat 15 Feb, & Shirlie Kemp, guest singers Rachel GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW Featur- Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry Stratford Play House, Stratford-upon- ing the largest and most varied Tucker & Matt Ford, Larry Blank (con- Avon FIRST STAGES: PUSS IN BOOTS CBee- ductor) and London Concert Orches- choice of shooting-related products bies presenter Patrick Lynch brings tra. Includes music from West Side anywhere in Europe, Fri 14 - Sun 16 the classic tale to life using puppetry, Story, Cabaret and A Chorus Line, Feb, NEC, Birmingham smoke & mirrors, and a hidden trap- Sun 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birming- FRESH AIR FEBRUARY WEEKENDS Fam- door... Fri 14 - Sat 15 Feb, The REP, ham Film ily-friendly outdoor activities, with Birmingham INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: plenty to explore throughout the PROFESSOR PEPPERPOT FAMILY MAGIC HARRIET (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- park, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Feb, Compton SHOW ‘Fantastical fun-filled show for ring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. Verney Art Gallery & Park, Warks all the family’, Sat 15 Feb, Palace Dance Number 8, Pershore, Tues 11 - Wed LIVING HISTORY IN WORCESTER Week- Theatre, Redditch 12 Feb BLKDOG Genre-deifying blend of hip- end of living history encampments, MIMI & THE MOUNTAIN DRAGON Skew- hop dance and free-form antics, Tues WAVES (15) Drama/Romance. Starring military displays, Tudor dancing and bald Theatre presents an adaptation 11 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- Taylor Russell, Kelvin Harrison Jr. The more, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Feb, Worcester of Michael Morpurgo’s heart-warming try Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 11 City Centre tale, Sat 15 Feb, Number 8, Pershore, & Thurs 13 Feb RICHARD ALSTON DANCE: FINAL EDITION FESTIVAL OF ARCHERY Encounter the Worcs Programme features Martin LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama. Starring centuries-old art form, Sat 15 - Sun Lawrance’s A Far Cry and Alston’s Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson. 23 Feb, Warwick Castle Voices And Light Footsteps, Mazur, Rugby Theatre, Fri 14 - Sat 15 Feb FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Enjoy per- Red Rum and Isthmus, Tues 11 - Wed 1917 (15) Drama/War. Starring Dean- forming shadow puppet theatre at 12 Feb, Malvern Theatres Charles Chapman, George MacKay. Shakespeare's New Place and dis- THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s tri- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 14, Sun 16 - cover pesky pests on a trail at Anne umphant adaptation of the classic Mon 17 Feb Hathaway's Cottage, Sat 15 - Sun 23 film returns to Birmingham Hippo- DOLITTLE (PG) Adventure/Comedy. Feb, Shakespeare's Homes, Stratford drome, having won two Olivier Starring Robert Downey Jr., Antonio Upon Avon Awards and dazzled audiences and THE AMAZING BUBBLEMAN Innovative Banderas. The Roses Theatre, DISCOVER THE PRIDE Meet the gor- critics across the UK and the US, showcase of the dynamics of bub- Tewkesbury, Fri 14 - Thurs 20, Sat 22 geous lion cubs, who will be going Tues 11 - Sat 15 Feb, Birmingham bles, combining comedy and audi- - Sun 23 Feb out onto the safari drive-through for Hippodrome ence participation... Sat 15 Feb, SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. the very first time, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Swan Theatre, Worcester TANGO FIRE Award-winning show in Starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honey- Feb, West Midland Safari and which six couples show off some of Leisure, Nr Kidderminster EVELYN AND THE YELLOW BIRDS The- wood. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, Sat the speediest footwork and tightest atre for younger audiences based on 15 Feb FEBRUARY HALF-TERM Immerse your- twirling in the business, Wed 12 Feb, Benji Davies’ bestselling book, Sat 15 STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER self in the sights, sounds and smells Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry (12A) Action/Adventure. Starring Car- of the golden age of steam, as SVR DANCE THE DECADES Presented by reopens for 2020, Sat 15 - Sun 23 BEASTLY BELLE Puppetry, film projec- rie Fisher, Mark Hamill. Number 8, Dubarrie School of Dance and Mas- Feb, Severn Valley Railway, Kidder- tions and an original musical score Pershore, Sat 15 Feb querade Musical Theatre, Wed 12 - minster collide to bring a new twist to an old STARDOG AND TURBO CAT (U) Anima- Thurs 15 Feb, The Core Theatre, Soli- tale, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Feb, Midlands tion/Comedy. With the voices of Luke FEBRUARY FROLICS & GIANT SNAKES hull Arts Centre, Birmingham Evans, Nick Frost. Artrix, Broms- The giant snakes return to Hatton by DANCE TO THE MUSIC Hosted by X-Fac- popular demand, albeit for one week ROALD DAHL & THE IMAGINATION SEEK- grove, Sat 15 Feb tor star & Dancing On Ice winner only, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Feb, Hatton Ad- ERS Family show inspired by the LES TONTONS FLINGUEURS (15) Com- Jake Quickenden and featuring venture Farm, Warwick works of Roald Dahl, Sun 16 Feb, edy/Action. Starring Lino Ventura, choreography by Strictly professional Swan Theatre, Worcester Bernard Blier. Foreign language, sub- FEBRUARY FUTURES HALF TERM Design Kristina Rihanoff, Fri 14 Feb, The titled. Malvern Theatres, Sat 15 Feb and make your car of the future using DISNEY'S ALADDIN JR. Sun 16 Feb, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury recycled materials, then light it up Norbury Theatre, Droitwitch DU RIFIFI CHEZ LES HOMMES (12) with LED headlights. Explore the mu- A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION OF MUSIC Crime/Thriller. Starring Jean Servais, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD Lyngo AND DANCE Featuring BRB’s orches- seum via the new family trail or visit Theatre present an interactive experi- Carl Möhner. Foreign language, sub- the exhibition, The Car. The Future. tra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and titled. Malvern Theatres, Sat 15 Feb ence for younger audiences, Sun 16 - classical extracts from Swan Lake, Me., Sat 15 Feb - Sun 1 Mar, British Mon 17 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove Giselle & Don Quixote, TOUCHEZ PAS AU GRISBI (15) Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warks Fri 14 Feb, Crime/Drama. 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thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 February BAGS OF LAUGHTER Featuring Shappi Classical Khorsandi, Hugh Dennis, Count Arthur Smith, Hardeep Singh Kholi, Simon Brodkin, Jo Enright, Geoff Music Whiting & Becky Brunning, Fri 21 DAME EMMA KIRKBY & DOWLAND Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham WORKS Featuring works by John JOHN KEARNS Fri 21 Feb, Midlands Dowland, John Danyel, Angelo No- Arts Centre, Birmingham tari & John Coprario, Tues 18 Feb, St MARK STEEL Fri 21 Feb, Abbey The- Mary’s Church, Warwick atre, Nuneaton CBSO: RESPIGHI’S ROMAN TRILOGY PAUL MCCAFFREY Fri 21 Feb, The Featuring the City of Birmingham The Counterfeit Stones - Artrix, Bromsgrove Glee Club, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Kazuki Ya- TREVOR WATTS AND DI- BAY: THE DAME SHIRLEY mada (conductor) & Vilde Frang (vi- TOM WARD, ANDY ROBINSON, THE RAY- Gigs ALOGUE WITH STRINGS BASSEY STORY Fri 21 olin). Programme includes works by MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & LAURA Thurs 20 Feb, Mid- Feb, Palace Theatre, Shostakovich & Respighi, Wed 19 - LEXX Fri 21 - Sat 22 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham MAX & HARVEY Mon 17 lands Arts Centre, Redditch Thurs 20 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birm- Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham THE COUNTERFEIT ingham GARRETT MILLERICK, RUSSELL HICKS, Birmingham DR. FEELGOOD Thurs 20 STONES Fri 21 Feb - FONTANELLA QUINTET: URBAN LOVE JUNIOR SIMPSON & DAVE LONGLEY Sat WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Feb, Swan Theatre, Sat 22 Feb, Artrix, SONGS Programme includes works 22 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Mon 17 Feb, Swan Worcester Bromsgrove by Dowland, Holborne, Purcell, SARAH KEYWORTH Sat 22 Feb, War- Theatre, Worcester GREAT BALLS OF FIRE PSYCHO DOLLZ Sat 22 Gershwin, Pete McGarr & Radio- wick Arts Centre, Coventry head, Thurs 20 Feb, Recital Hall, KING NUN + SPECIAL Thurs 20 Feb, Palace Feb, O2 Academy, COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Sat 22 Feb, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire GUESTS Mon 17 Feb, Theatre, Redditch Birmingham The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury The Sunflower CATAPULT CLUB FT. HOT DIRE STREETS Sat 22 MAHAN ESFAHANI IN-THE-ROUND Harp- JAYDE ADAMS Sun 23 Feb, Warwick Lounge, Birmingham LITTLE HANDS Fri 21 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, sichord concert. Programme in- Arts Centre, Coventry cludes works by Orlando Gibbons, ALDEN PATTERSON AND Feb, O2 Academy, Worcester Miroslav Srnka, W.F Bach, Elizabeth TOM STADE Sun 23 Feb, Artrix, DASHWOOD Tues 18 Birmingham AN EVENING OF GENESIS Maconchy & J.S Bach, Sat 22 Feb, Bromsgrove Feb, The Fleece Inn, X AMBASSADORS Fri 21 Sat 22 Feb, The Core Birmingham Town Hall Bretforton, Nr Eve- Feb, O2 Institute, Theatre, Solihull sham CATORES CONSORT An evening of var- Birmingham THE MAINE Sat 22 Feb, ied a cappella vocal music, Sat 22 GIRL RAY Tues 18 Feb, TWIN PEAKS Fri 21 Feb, O2 Institute, B’ham Feb, St John Baptist Church, Berk- Hare & Hounds, Birm- Hare & Hounds, Birm- FLOYD IN THE FLESH Sat swell, Nr Solihull ingham ingham 22 Feb, Palace The- CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: ELGAR'S JYELLOWL Tues 18 THE FUREYS Fri 21 Feb, atre, Redditch SYMPHONY NO.1 Featuring Kazuki Ya- Feb, Dead Wax, Dig- The Core Theatre, THE WEEKEND ANTHEMS mada (conductor). Programme in- beth, Birmingham Solihull FEATURING KILLER- cludes works by Takemitsu, R. HOT CHOCOLATE Wed HARICO + MASS HOUSE STREAM Sat 22 Feb, Strauss and Elgar, Sun 23 Feb, Sym- 19 Feb, The Jam Fri 21 Feb, The Sun- The River Rooms, phony Hall, Birmingham House, Birmingham flower Lounge, B’ham Stourbridge THE FRITH PIANO QUARTET Featuring THE CLASSIC ROCK FLEETMAC WOOD PRE- JACKSON LIVE IN CON- Benjamin Frith (piano), David Le SHOW 2020 Wed 19 SENTS SEA OF LOVE CERT Sat 22 Feb, Eve- Page (violin), Robin Ireland (viola) & Theatre Feb, Symphony Hall, DISCO - BIRMINGHAM sham Arts Centre Richard Jenkinson (cello). Pro- THE CAT AND THE CANARY Britt Ekland, Birmingham Fri 21 Feb, Hare & NEW RULES Sat 22 Feb, gramme includes works by Mozart & Mark Jordon, Tracy Shaw, Marti Hounds, Birmingham JOHN KIRKPATRICK Wed O2 Academy, B’ham Brahms, Sun 23 Feb, Huntingdon Webb, Gary Webster, Ben Nealon & 19 Feb, The Red Lion Hall, Worcester THE LITTLE MIX SHOW THE FEZZ Sat 22 Feb, Eric Carte star in a new version of Folk Club, B’ham Fri 21 Feb, Royal Spa The Marrs Bar, BOCHMANN STRING TRIO Programme Agatha Christie’s murder-mystery, HERMANS HERMITS Centre, Leamington Worcester includes works by Schubert, Mon 17 - Sat 22 Feb, Malvern The- Wed 19 Feb, Royal Spa Beethoven & Mozart, Sun 23 Feb, atres THE TINA TURNER EXPE- Spa Centre, Leaming- Shakespeare Institute, Stratford- MAX & HARVEY Fri 21 RIENCE Sat 22 Feb, HISTORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED A ton Spa upon-Avon Feb, O2 Institute, Bedworth Civic Hall multi-period show demonstrating CAGE THE ELEPHANT Birmingham how everything has a history - even SANCHEZ & BARRING- Thurs 20 Feb, O2 the most unexpected of subjects, MIDGE URE - VIENNA & TON LEVY Sat 22 Feb, Academy, Birmingham Tues 18 Feb, The Roses Theatre, VISAGE: THE 1980 TOUR O2 Academy, B’ham Comedy NAPALM DEATH Thurs Fri 21 Feb, Birming- Kidderminster THE REYTONS Sat 22 20 Feb, O2 Institute, ham Town Hall AN EVENING WITH VIC & BOB Mon 17 PETER PAN GOES WRONG Mischief Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham THE GIRL FROM TIGER Feb, The Alexandra, Birmingham Theatre present a 'riotous' spin on a Birmingham JAMALI MADDIX Mon 17 Feb, The timeless classic, Tues 18 - Sat 22 PALAYE ROYALE: THE Glee Club, Birmingham Feb, The Alexandra, Birmingham B*STARDS WORLD TOUR HOLES New stage show based on Sun 23 Feb, O2 Insti- JORDAN BROOKES Tues 18 Feb, The the award-winning comedy adven- tute, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ture, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Feb, Belgrade JIMEOIN Wed 19 Feb, Artrix, Broms- THE SENSATIONAL 60S Theatre, Coventry EXPERIENCE TOUR Sun grove CIRQUE BERSERK Combining contem- 23 Feb, Wolverhamp- CALLUM OAKLEY, LINDSAY SANTORO, porary cirque-style artistry with ton Grand Theatre DAN BAINES, DAVID BAWDEN & JAMES adrenaline-fuelled stunt action and COOK Thurs 20 Feb, Town Hall, Strat- ATIF ASLAM Sun 23 featuring an international troupe of ford-upon-Avon Feb, Arena B’ham over 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, THE SHERLOCKS Sun 23 TOM WARD & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH dancers, drummers and daredevil Feb, O2 Institute, ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 20 Feb, The stuntmen, Tues 18 - Sun 23 Feb, The Atif Aslam - Arena Birmingham Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham REP, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwicks/Worcs 17 - 23 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:50 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 17 - 23 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 11:50 Page 4

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 February VOLDEMORT AND THE TEENAGE HOG- SOOTY MAGIC SHOW Laugh-out-loud WARTS MUSICAL PARODY Brand new magic show, complete with a chance musical parody packed with ‘magic, to meet Richard Cadell & Sooty after- hormones and more than a few mur- wards, Tues 18 Feb, Palace Theatre, ders’, Tues 18 - Sun 1 March, The Redditch Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham EVELYN AND THE YELLOW BIRDS The- THE PILLOWMAN Amateur production atre for younger audiences based on based on Martin McDonagh’s ‘vi- Benji Davies’ bestselling book, Tues ciously funny tale’, Wed 19 - Sat 22 18 - Sat 22 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Feb, Criterion Theatre, Coventry Coventry HUMANS AT WORK Theatrical produc- THE STORM WHALE Show for younger tion bringing to life Coventry’s indus- audiences based on Benji Davies’ trial past, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Feb, bestselling children’s book, Tues 18 - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Sat 22 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, HOME OF THE WRIGGLER Kaleidoscopic Coventry soap opera from Birmingham-based RAPUNZEL Immersion Theatre present Stan’s Cafe, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Feb, a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the Vampire’s Rock - The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury The REP, Birmingham Brothers Grimm family favourite, Wed Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans. THE CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MO- THE LEGEND OF KING ARTHUR Adven- 19 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 20 Feb TORHOME SHOW 2020 The UK’s largest ture, drama, song, dance and com- THE THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF Trip- display of leisure vehicles, static holi- edy combine as The Phoenix Players trapping musical adventure, Wed 19 BOMBSHELL (15) Biography/Drama. day homes, lodges and tents, Tues bring to life the legendary tale of Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kid- man. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 21 & 18 - Sun 23 Feb, NEC, Birmingham ‘England’s greatest king’, Thurs 20 - HENRY MOON AND THE GREASY SPOON Mon 24 Feb; The Roses Theatre, SMETHWICK ENGINE STEAMING DAY See Sat 22 Feb, Stratford Play House, Rhubarb Theatre fuse puppetry, the- Tewkesbury, Sun 23 - Tues 25 & the world’s oldest working steam en- Stratford-upon-Avon atrical play, mask, dance, song and Thurs 27 Feb gine in all its glory, Wed 19 Feb, THE BARTERED BRIDE Opera Warwick laughter in a fantasy tale for younger Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham presents its version of Smetana’s audiences, Fri 21 Feb, The Hive, CATTLE HILL (PG) Animation. With the masterpiece, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Feb, Worcester voices of Marit Andreassen, Oda Os- MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - PIXEL ART voll Avatsmark. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ROALD DAHL & THE IMAGINATION SEEK- Pixel art is used to make characters Sat 22 Feb for computer games and provides VAMPIRE’S ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Musical ERS Family show inspired by the great subject matter for this Make & sensation featuring ‘some of the works of Roald Dahl, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Play Engineers session, Wed 19 Feb, greatest classic rock anthems of all Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Coventry Transport Museum time’, Fri 21 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Released from Fri 21 Feb, showing at Tewkesbury VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL Now in its selected cinemas fourth year, Verve is synonymous with THE ADDAMS FAMILY Amateur produc- BRAHMS: THE BOY II (tbc) a lively and celebratory approach to tion presented by Pershore Operatic Talks programming poetry of every kind, & Dramatic Youth Society, Fri 21 - Sat AN EVENING WITH ANN CLEEVES The GREED (15) Thurs 20 - Sun 23 Feb, Birmingham 22 Feb, Number 8, Pershore author of popular TV series Shetland LIKE A BOSS (15) & Vera talks about her books and Hippodrome TABLE MANNERS / LIVING TOGETHER & LITTLE JOE (12a) RACE RETRO Bringing together over ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN The adaptations, as well as her latest 24,000 motorsport fans, Fri 21 - Sun Bear Pit Theatre Company present bestseller, The Long Call, Tues 25 23 Feb, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth an amateur production of Alan Ayck- Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove bourn’s three-play comic master- WEDDING FAIR Experience the ele- piece, The Norman Conquests, Fri 21 Events gance and beauty of Compton Ver- Feb - Sat 14 March, The Bear Pit The- ney while planning your dream THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE - atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Film wedding, Sat 22 Feb, Compton Ver- SPRITE-BOTS Discover pixel art and INDEPENDENT LISTINGS ney Art Gallery & Park, Warwickshire BUBBLE SCHMEISIS Nick Cassen- design your own digital sprites using baum’s one-man show about identity, THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- ‘Scratch’. Then, have a go at building FRESH AIR FEBRUARY WEEKENDS Fam- home, and getting schmeised ture. With the voices of Donald a physical look-a-like Sprite-Junk-Bot, ily-friendly outdoor activities, with (washed) by old men, Sat 22 Feb, Glover, Seth Rogen. Abbey Theatre, using a specially designed challenge plenty to explore throughout the Brilley Village Hall, Nr Kington, Here- Nuneaton, Mon 17 Feb kit, Tues 18 Feb, Coventry Transport park, Sat 22 - Sun 23 Feb, Compton fordshire CATS (U) Comedy/Drama. Starring Museum Verney Art Gallery & Park, Warwick- shire PETER PANTIES Adult panto, Sat 22 Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench. Num- DAYS OF GORE Daily presentations Feb, Swan Theatre, Worcester ber 8, Pershore, Mon 17 - Tues 18 about the gooey, gory, gruesome TEACH REX Educational dinosaur show, Sun 23 Feb, FarGo Village, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE Amateur Feb truths of yesteryear, Tues 18 - Thurs Coventry production of Arthur Miller’s modern THE LEGO MOVIE 2 (U) Animation/Ad- 20 Feb, Avoncroft Museum, Broms- classic, Sat 22 - Sat 29 Feb, Rugby venture. With the voices of Chris grove, Worcestershire Theatre Pratt, Elizabeth Banks. Abbey The- LA BOHEME Ellen Kent’s brand new atre, Nuneaton, Tues 18 Feb production of Puccini’s romantic THE KEEPER (15) Biography/Drama. opera. Sung in Italian with English Starring David Kross, Freya Mavor. surtitles, Sun 23 Feb, Malvern The- Norbury Theatre, Droitwich, Wed 19 atres Feb DUMBO (U) Adventure/Family. Starring Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, Wed 19 Feb Kids Shows UNCUT GEMS (PG) Crime/Drama. Star- THE CURIOUS GARDEN Makeshift En- ring Adam Sandler, Julia Fox. The semble bring the award-winning chil- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 19 - dren’s book to life, Tues 18 Feb, Thurs 20 Feb Swan Theatre, Worcester KNIVES OUT (12a) Comedy/Crime. This Makes That With These - Coventry Transport Museum whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:26 Page 1 The List Warwicks/Worcs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:26 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Saturday 29 February NOVATINES Thurs 27 Wolverhampton HARVINGTON DUO Sat 29 Feb, Number Gigs Feb, O2 Institute, TECHNO BIBLE PRE- Classical 8, Pershore, Worcestershire Birmingham SENTS... WYLD LAUNCH COLLEGIUM WITH BEAUCHAMP SINFONI- LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH BOY & BEAR Mon 24 GEORGE AND ELTON: PARTY Fri 28 Feb, The ETTA Programme includes works by THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes Feb, O2 Institute, FAITH & LOVE Thurs 27 Mill, Digbeth, B’ham Beethoven & Vivaldi, Sat 29 Feb, St works by J.S Bach, Beethoven, Birmingham Feb, Artrix, Broms- Mary’s Church, Warwick EXAMPLE Sat 29 Feb, Mozart, Franz Lehár & Maurice Duru- grove THE MURDER CAPITAL O2 Academy, B’ham flé, Mon 24 Feb, Birmingham Town Mon 24 Feb, O2 Insti- EDITORS Thurs 27 Feb, JPEGMAFIA Sat 29 Feb, Hall tute, Birmingham Arena Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: IMMORTAL NEW YEARS DAY Tues Comedy O’HOOLEY & TIDOW STEREOPHONICS Sat 29 BELOVED Featuring Jason Lai (conduc- 25 Feb, O2 Academy, Thurs 27 Feb, Hunt- Feb, Arena B’ham tor) & Lauren Zhang (piano - pic- COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Mon 24 Feb, Birmingham ingdon Hall, Worcester tured). Programme includes works by Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- LANA DEL REY Sat 29 ME, MYSELF & I - BARRY Schumann, Beethoven & Xiaoran upon-Avon LENNON STELLA Fri 28 Feb, Resorts World STEELE Tues 25 Feb, Jiang, Tues 25 Feb, Stratford Play Feb, O2 Institute, Arena, Birmingham JOSIE LONG Tues 25 Feb, The Old Rep The Core Theatre, Birmingham House, Stratford-upon-Avon Theatre, Birmingham Solihull TRAVELIN’ MAN - THE SHANTI CELESTE (3- RICKY NELSON ROCK KOJO ANIM Wed 26 Feb, Malvern The- GOO GOO DOLLS Tues HOUR SET) Fri 28 Feb, AND ROLL SHOW Sat 29 atres 25 Feb, O2 Institute, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Feb, Huntingdon Hall, ALEX EDELMAN Wed 26 Feb, The Glee Birmingham ingham Worcester Club, Birmingham JOSIE DUNCAN AND KYLE GASS COMPANY Fri TEEDRA MOSES - 15TH BARBARA NICE, MERCEDES BENSON, KATE PABLO LAFUENTE Tues 28 Feb, The Asylum, ANNIVERSARY OF COM- MCCABE & MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 26 25 Feb, The Fleece Birmingham PLEX SIMPLICITY Sat 29 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove Inn, Bretforton, Nr Eve- CAPTAIN STARFIGHTER & Feb, O2 Institute, sham SPENCER JONES PLUS COMEDY THE LOCKHEADS Fri 28 Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs THE 1975 Tues 25 Feb, Feb, The Marr’s Bar, THE MISSION - THE 27 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham Arena Birmingham Worcester UNITED EUOPEAN PARTY ADAM ROWE Fri 28 Feb, The Glee Club, REBECCA FERGUSON MARK KINGSWOOD Fri TOUR Sat 29 Feb, O2 Birmingham Tues 25 Feb, Birming- 28 Feb, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham ham Town Hall Town Hall AHIR SHAH Fri 28 Feb, Huntingdon BAKERS REUNION WITH Hall, Worcester HOTEL LUX Tues 25 THE SCRIPT Fri 28 Feb, DECADENCE Sat 29 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Resorts World Arena, Feb, Hare & Hounds, TOM BINNS Fri 28 Feb, The Comedy Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Loft, Birmingham THE BOYS ARE BACK! CROONERS Fri 28 Feb, CLEARWATER ALEXEI SAYLE Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, Mid- 5IVE, A1, DAMAGE, 911 Palace Theatre, Red- CREEDANCE REVIVAL lands Arts Centre, Birmingham ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Fea- Tues 25 Feb, Sym- ditch Sat 29 Feb, Artrix, SPENCER JONES, TEZ ILYAS & DAVE turing Alexander Shelley (conductor) phony Hall, B’ham Bromsgrove JOHNS Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, The Glee A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL SUI- & Mariam Batsashvili (piano). Pro- Club, Birmingham THE DEAD SOUTH Tues CIDE Fri 28 Feb, Artrix, HEAVY DISCO SPECTAC- gramme includes works by Wagner, 25 Feb, O2 Academy, Bromsgrove ULAR Sat 29 Feb, Hare Liszt & Rimsky-Korsakov, Wed 26 Feb, MARLON DAVIS, HELEN BAUER, STUART Birmingham DUB FX Fri 28 Feb, The & Hounds, B’ham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry GOLDSMITH & BARRY DODDS Sat 29 Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham SAINT PHNX Tues 25 Mill, Digbeth, B’ham DR. DRE 2001 Sat 29 CBSO: WALTON’S VIOLA CONCERTO Fea- Feb, Hare & Hounds, SLATER & STENT THE Feb, Kasbah, Coventry turing the City of Birmingham Sym- SHAZIA MIRZA Sat 29 Feb, Stratford Birmingham TIMES THEY ARE CREST GLIDER Sat 29 phony Orchestra, Michael Seal Play House, Stratford-upon-Avon D’ONE Wed 26 Feb, O2 CHANGING Fri 28 Feb, Feb, O2 Institute, (conductor) & Lise Berthaud (viola). DANE BAPTISTE Sat 29 Feb, Artrix, Institute, Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- Birmingham Programme includes works by Bromsgrove Foulds, Walton & Vaughan Williams, ROVING CROWS Wed 26 ditch WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Sat Thurs 27 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham Feb, The Red Lion GENESIS CONNECTED Fri 29 Feb, Palace The- Folk Club, B’ham 28 Feb, The Roses atre, Redditch CBSO: A NIGHT ON BROADWAY Featuring Michael England (conductor) and JACQUI DANKWORTH & Theatre, Tewkesbury HIGHER ON MAIDEN Sat Theatre Alice Fearn, Scott Davies, Ashley Day CHARLIE WOOD Wed 26 TERRORVISION Fri 28 29 Feb, The Marrs Bar, PUNK ROCK ‘Gritty and witty production & Sophie Evans (vocalists). Pro- Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Feb, KK’s Steel Mill, Worcester exploring the pressures of adoles- gramme includes scores from Worcester cents preparing for a life in a world Chicago, Cabaret, West Side Story, that seems to have abandoned all GOD DAMN + SPECIAL Wicked and more... Fri 28 Feb, Sym- sense of morality, Mon 24 - Fri 28 Feb, GUESTS Wed 26 Feb, phony Hall, Birmingham The Sunflower Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton ORCHESTRA OF ST JOHN CHAMBER EN- Lounge, Birmingham MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING The Nonen- SEMBLE Programme includes works tities present an amateur production THE LUKA STATE Wed by Mozart, Malcolm Arnold & of Shakespeare’s comedy, Mon 24 - 26 Feb, The Actress & Beethoven, Fri 28 Feb, Artrix, Broms- Sat 29 Feb, The Rose Theatre, Kidder- Bishop, Birmingham grove minster CAVETOWN Thurs 27 CONSONE STRING QUARTET Programme THE SLIGHTLY ANNOYING ELEPHANT Feb, O2 Institute, includes works by Haydn, Onslow & Little Angel Theatre uses puppetry to Birmingham Beethoven, Fri 28 Feb, Royal Pump bring David Walliams' children's story SIOBHAN PHILLIPS LIVE Rooms, Leamington Spa to life, Tues 25 - Thurs 27 Feb, Bel- & UNPLUGGED Thurs 27 CBSO: A LONDON SYMPHONY Featuring grade Theatre, Coventry Feb, Palace Theatre, the City of Birmingham Symphony Or- JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR Redditch chestra, the CBSO Youth Chorus, the DREAMCOAT Starring Britain’s Got Tal- FOLK IN THE FOYER: CBSO Children’s Chorus & Michael ent 2019 finalist Mark McMullan as JULIE & STEVE WIGLEY Seal (conductor). Programme in- Joseph, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, Thurs 27 Feb, Eve- cludes works by Foulds, Gary Carpen- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre sham Arts Centre O’Hooley & Tidow - Huntingdon Hall, Worcester ter & Vaughan Williams, Sat 29 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham PETER PAN GOES WRONG Mischief The- whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwicks/Worcs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:26 Page 3

thelist Monday 24 - Saturday 29 February atre present a 'riotous' spin on a time- ing about on boats, Fri 28 Feb, The less classic, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, Core Theatre, Solihull Belgrade Theatre, Coventry A ROCK’N’ROLL SUICIDE Charting the THE STRANGE TALE OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN life of nearly-was-a-rock-star Gypsy & STAN LAUREL Nostalgic bio drama Lee Pistolero, AKA Lee Mark-Jones, paying homage to two men who Fri 28 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove changed the world of comedy for- THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING Chat, ever, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, The REP, comedy, songs and music combine Birmingham as Malcolm Stent and Keith Slater LADY CHATTERLEY’S LOVER Staging of contemplate how people’s lives have DH Lawrence’s sensual novel, con- changed over the years, Fri 28 Feb, taining material of an adult nature, Palace Theatre, Redditch Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, Malvern The- EDITH IN THE DARK Thriller by Phillip atres Meeks, Fri 28 Feb - Thurs 7 March, THE DEEP FREEZE OPTION ‘Comic, mov- Hall Green Little Theatre, Birmingham ing and thought-provoking’ piece GET THE SACK Fun, songs and audi- presented on a bare stage by four ac- ence participation all feature in popu- tors/singers, Wed 26 Feb, Bridge lar plays for kids aged between two House Theatre, Warwick and nine, Sat 29 Feb, Swan Theatre, STRANGERS ON A TRAIN SET Lipservice Worcester Theatre Company bring their unique HAMLET The Crescent Theatre Com- Giovanni Pernice - Albany Theatre, Coventry theatrical style to a show which pany present a ‘carefully cut version’ promises to appeal to crime aficiona- of Shakespeare’s searing tragedy, dos and narrow gauge railway enthu- Sat 29 Feb - Thurs 7 March, The Talks Events siasts alike, Wed 26 Feb, The Roses Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Theatre, Tewkesbury AN EVENING WITH ANN CLEEVES The THIS MAKES THAT WITH THESE | HOME OF THE WRIGGLER Kaleidoscopic author of popular TV series Shetland SPRITE-BOTS Discover pixel art and soap opera from Birmingham-based & Vera talks about her books and design your own digital sprites using Stan’s Cafe, Wed 26 Feb, Warwick Kids Theatre adaptations, as well as her latest ‘Scratch’, Tues 25 Feb, Coventry Arts Centre, Coventry bestseller, The Long Call, Tues 25 Transport Museum THE LITTLE PRINCE Inua Ellams’ Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove JEKYLL & HYDE Arrows & Traps The- retelling of the much-loved story fea- MAKE AND PLAY ENGINEERS - PIXEL ART atre give Robert Louis Stevenson's tures puppetry, music of North Pixel art is used to make characters gothic classic a modern twist, Wed African heritage and rich Afro-futuris- for computer games and provides 26 - Fri 28 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, tic aesthetic, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Feb, great subject matter for this Make & Birmingham Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Film Play Engineers session, Wed 26 Feb, Coventry Transport Museum YES, PRIME MINISTER STAC present an SARAH AND DUCK Magical adventure NEW FILMS ON GENERAL amateur show based on the popular for children fusing puppetry, story- RELEASE: WHAT CAREER LIVE? & WHAT UNIVER- TV series of the same name, Wed 26 telling and music, Sat 29 Feb, The Al- SITY LIVE? For students aged be- A HIDDEN LIFE (12a) Biography/Drama. - Sat 29 Feb, Swan Theatre, Worces- bany Theatre, Coventry tween 15 and 19, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, ter Starring August Diehl, Valerie Pach- NEC, Birmingham ner. Foreign language, subtitled. Ar- THE CARETAKER Harold Pinter’s comic BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL Brand trix, Bromsgrove, Fri 28 Feb masterpiece, Wed 26 Feb - Sat 7 Mar, new collection of short films, Fri 28 - The Loft Theatre Company, Leaming- Cabaret Sat 29 Feb, Malvern Theatres ton Spa NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: FASCINATING AIDA Evening of cabaret THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Meet FAUSTUS: THE DAMNED WOMAN Radical Released from Fri 28 Feb, showing at with 200-plus wedding specialists, in- with Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson & selected cinemas reimagining of Christopher Marlowe’s Liza Pulman, Sat 29 Feb, Birmingham cluding venue coordinators and provocative tale, told from a female Town Hall DARK WATERS (12a) award-winning photographers, Fri 28 perspective... Wed 26 Feb - Sat 7 DOWNHILL (tbc) Feb - Sun 1 Mar, NEC, Birmingham March, The REP, Birmingham THE INVISIBLE MAN (tbc) DRIP DRIP DRIP Pipeline Theatre tack- les the rise of racism and bigotry in Dance the NHS, Thurs 27 Feb, Midlands Arts SWAN LAKE Birmingham Royal Ballet Centre, Birmingham version of the classic romantic fable, TROJAN HORSE The story of a commu- set to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score, nity torn apart by racial division, Tues 18 - Tues 25 Feb, Birmingham ‘British values’ and the culture of Pre- Hippodrome vent, Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Feb, Warwick TWIST AND PULSE The Britain’s Got Arts Centre, Coventry Talent Champion of Champions OKLAHOMA! SOSage Factory Youth dance duo embark on their first ever Theatre present an amateur produc- UK tour, Wed 19 Feb, O2 Institute, tion of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Birmingham classic, Thurs 27 - Sat 29 Feb, The GIOVANNI PERNICE: THIS IS ME Brand Core Theatre, Solihull new show from the Strictly Come JACK (OFF) AND THE BEANSTALK UK Dancing favourite, Thurs 27 Feb, Al- comic Liam Mellor stars as hero Jack bany Theatre, Coventry alongside Jimmy Burton-Iles as WASTELAND Gary Clarke’s rave-in- Dame Got-The-Trotts in an adult-only spired story of northern life with the version of the festive favourite, Fri 28 coal industry in terminal decline, Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Feb, Birmingham THREE MEN IN A BOAT Ridiculous tale Hippodrome of men behaving badly while mess- The National Wedding Show - NEC, Birmingham 66 whatsonlive.co.uk The Woodsman Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 17:28 Page 1 BRB Swan Lake Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:26 Page 1