Classical Music

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THE VAUDEVILLIANS AT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands STAFFORD GATEHOUSE STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S NOVEMBER ON 2017

Staffordshire ISSUE 383 NOVEMBER 2017 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On staffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

TakeTHE That BAND musical stops off at Stoke’s Regent Theatre TWITTER: @WHATSONSTAFFS

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festiveSNOWDOME family fun at popular Tamworth visitor attraction STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK Christmas in Stafford - November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 11:39 Page 1 Contents Novembers Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:54 Page 2

November 2017

Contents

Legally Blonde - feelgood musical promises plenty of laughs at the Wolverhampton Grand - more on page 26

Take That musical Jinkx Monsoon The Hairy Bikers the list

stops off at Stoke’s Regent RuPaul’s Drag Race star on tour cook up a treat at the Your 16-page Theatre as part of a UK tour with The Vaudevillians BBC Good Food Show week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 28 page 49 page 51 inside:

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

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:14 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Telford gets ready to mark 50 glorious years As Telford gears up to celebrate its half century in 2018, locals are being urged to get involved in the festivities, either by volunteering for an event or sponsor- ing and organising their own. Telford & Wrekin Council has already developed a wide-ranging programme of events to mark the anniversary, with numerous festivals and carnivals being added to the town’s more familiar schedule of annual events. The council is encouraging people across the borough to make a contribu- tion to the year-long birthday party, and is directing potential participants to the Telford50 Facebook group, where ideas to mark the milestone anniversary can be shared and discussed.

Iron support for Theatre Celebrate the Roaring 20s James And Ola - Severn this Christmas at historic Staffs house Uncensored and in Metal props from Shropshire’s British Iron- the Midlands works visitor attraction will greet pantomime Two of the biggest stars ever to emerge from audiences when they arrive at Shrewsbury’s Strictly Come Dancing will be stopping off in Theatre Severn this month. the Midlands next spring as part of a national The theatre has installed a special wishing tour. well as a means of generating funds for local James and Ola Jordan’s new show is an auto- charity Hope House, and has plans to create biographical production which the couple other effects using the Ironworks’ props. promise will be ‘full of passion, intensity and This year’s pantomime, Snow White, runs high-octane routines’. from Wednesday 29 November to Sunday 7 Commenting on James And Ola: Uncensored, January. the husband-and-wife dance stars said: “It’s Weston Park in Staffordshire is hosting a spe- great to be able to do our own tour, our way, cial Roaring 20s night next month (Saturday and to offer something totally different to any 9 December). other dance show. We want to perform a Central to the evening is a six-course tasting sexy, edgy interpretation of our life story, menu inspired by ‘the decade of decadence’. whilst still having all the sparkle and fun The venue’s Victorian library will be trans- people expect from us. And the best part is formed into a casino for the evening, giving that we get to dance together again!” guests the chance to take to the tables and try James And Ola: Uncensored visits Birming- their luck at blackjack and roulette. ham’s New Alexandra Theatre on 5 March. Commenting on the event, Weston Park Mar- keting Manager Andrea Webster said: “This is going to be a fun-filled night of pure elegance, where people can enjoy the very best of what was unquestionably one of the most influential periods of the 20th century. Throughout history, Weston Park has been the setting for wonderful celebrations. We know that the spirit of the 1920s was really embraced by the Bridgeman family when they lived at Weston, so we hope to give guests their own unique experience of this.” For more details, visit weston-park.com

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First Word

Dudley museum Christmas visitors ‘see the opens its doors light’ at Lichfield Cathedral The new Dudley Museum is now Lichfield Cathedral is inviting visitors to get into open for business. Located at Dudley Archives, the museum the Christmas spirit with the return of its award- was officially opened by the winning A Cathedral Illuminated, a display of spec- mayor of Dudley, Councillor tacular visuals projected across the iconic building. Dave Tyler. Guest of honour was This year’s theme, Star Of Wonder, Star Of Light, paralympic medallist and takes viewers on a Christmas journey around the grand-slam winner Jordanne whole Cathedral Close, leading to the West Front Whiley MBE. where the Nativity story is told via an array of im- The new museum boasts a dedi- ages and sounds. cated timeline - allowing people The experience then continues inside the cathe- to walk through the different periods of the borough’s history - dral, where visitors can enjoy a star installation, and a new Dudley Heroes the annual Christmas tree festival and readings at gallery, showcasing the great the crib. and the good from the borough, Commenting on the event, Adrian Dorber, Dean of including scientists, artists, Lichfield Cathedral, said: “It was wonderful to see writers and sports stars. so many people from across the region coming to last year’s A Cathedral Illuminated. Our plans this year are even bigger and bolder, as we look to share Shrewsbury’s ’80s the wonder of the Nativity story and celebrate this rock gig returns very special time of year on a spectacular scale.” Day-long ’80s party Let’s Rock A Cathedral Illuminated takes place from Monday Shrewsbury is returning for a 18 to Saturday 23 December. second year next summer. To find out more about this year’s Christmas jour- Attracting thousands of fans ney, visit the cathedral’s website. when it took place in the town for the first time in May, the show is next year being held on Saturday 14 July. Wolves return Shrewsbury winter festival back in the The 2018 lineup features a host for hit musical of much-loved ’80s icons, Quarry - complete with Santa selfies! including UB40, Kim Wilde, Jersey Boys Santa selfies and a bigger kids’ zone are among the highlights at next Midge Ure, Jason Donovan Popular musical Jersey month’s Shrewsbury Winter Festival, taking place in the town’s Quarry (pictured), Go West, From The Boys is returning to Park on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December. Jam, Imagination, Five Star, Wolverhampton Grand The fun gets underway even before the weekend begins, with pop-up Ava- China Crisis and Toyah. Theatre next summer. lanche Parties bringing together ‘a unique setting, fabulous food and great For more information, visit Telling the remarkable entertainment’ to create ‘the coolest Christmas party around’. letsrockshrewsbury.com true story of Frankie As for the festival itself, there are more than 170 artisan producers, crafts Valli And The Four people, designers, florists and clothing boutiques on site, with dozens of Seasons, the show is activities available to keep youngsters entertained too. Highlights include jam-packed with the hands-on crafts, circus skills, singalongs, gingerbread decorating, story- group’s hits, including telling and the chance to get up close and personal with lambs, donkeys Beggin’, Sherry, Walk and alpacas. For more information about the festival, visit shrews- Like A Man, December, burychristmas.co.uk 1963 (Oh What A Night), Big Girls Don’t Cry and Working My Way Back To You. The production visits the Grand from Tues- day 28 August to Satur- day 8 September. Tickets for the show are now on sale and can be purchased by calling 01902 42 92 12 or visiting grandthe- atre.co.uk. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:14 Page 3

First Word

Weeping Window ceramic poppies Madagascar to be displayed in Stoke-on-Trent musical magic Audiences will be invited to Stoke-on-Trent’s Middleport Pottery will next summer ‘go wild!’ at Birmingham’s display Weeping Window, an installation featuring New Alexandra Theatre next thousands of locally handcrafted ceramic poppies. summer, when brand new The poppies formed part of the famous 2014 Tower of stage show Madagascar - A London installation commemorating the centenary of the Musical Adventure stops off Great War. They will be on show at the award-winning venue at the venue (from Tuesday for six weeks - from 2 August to 16 September. 31 July to Saturday 4 Au- The installation is being displayed in Stoke to honour the gust). 13,000-plus Staffordshire men who gave their lives for their Based on the smash-hit ani- country during the First World War. mated movie, the show follows the exploits of Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Mel- Lost Tony Shropshire’s involvement in the Great man the Giraffe, Gloria the Hancock radio War explored through dance and poetry hip hip Hippo and the ever- plotting penguins as they scripts to make a Shropshire Council has received a £10,000 National Lottery grant from escape their home in New belated debut in the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for its In The Hands Of Boys project, York’s Central Park Zoo. Wolverhampton which commemorates the centenary of World War One. Tickets for the show can be Awarded through HLF’s First booked at selladoor.com Two long-lost Tony Hancock World War Then & Now radio scripts from the 1950s programme, the grant will be receive their belated pre- used to develop dance, poetry miere at Wolverhampton’s and photographic projects Light House Media Centre designed to share stories about this month (Saturday 4 No- Shropshire’s involvement in the vember). war. Billed as The Lost Hancocks, the much-anticipated performances take place alongside a screening of the Popular Staffordshire visitor attraction Disney returns to Birmingham-born come- signs the Armed Forces Covenant the Midlands dian’s final film, The Punch Drayton Manor Park has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which sup- Life-sized animated charac- And Judy Man. Commenting ports serving personnel, reservists, Cadet Force adult volunteers, service ters from Cars and live on the Light House event, leavers and veterans. adaptations of Toy Story 3, show producer Dave Freak, George Bryan, Company Director of the popular Staffordshire visitor at- The Little Mermaid and the whose Birmingham Comedy traction, put pen to paper alongside Colonel Richard Maybery QGM, Academy Award-winning Festival company is staging Deputy Commander at 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade. Frozen will be among the the production, said: “As Commenting on the momentous occasion, George said: “It was an hon- highlights when Disney On very little of his early work our to sign the covenant and officially announce our partnership with Ice brings its Worlds Of En- has survived, so much of the Armed Forces. Here at Drayton Manor Park, we are so grateful to chantment production to what people know about everyone who has fought for our country - which is why we offer free Birmingham’s Genting Hancock is based almost entry to both serving and non-serving members of the military.” Arena next year. The show solely on the later Hancock’s stops off at the venue from Half Hour radio and TV se- 28 March to 1 April. ries. But here we get an all- too-rare glimpse of a pre-superstar Hancock, in what would have been his first major leading role.”

6 whatsonlive.co.uk The Mailbox F/P November 2017.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:53 Page 1 Tim Firth - The Band DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:12 Page 1

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by Heather Kincaid

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Jinkx Monsoon online.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2017 10:06 Page 1

JINKX MONSOON

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

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

to travel internationally and put on shows in which was very much a cabaret fantasy colour we want and wear contacts if we don’t foreign cities. It’s kind of surreal that I have album. This new one is a ’90s garage band want to wear glasses. Just like we’re able to fans in Reykjavik, Amsterdam and Paris! throwback, with heavy influences from the dress ourselves every day in order to express area that we live in, in Seattle, which is ourselves, gender should just be another tool What’s been your biggest source of heavily influenced by the hip grunge in our toolbelt - one which allows us to inspiration? movement of the late ’90s and early 2000s. express ourselves in the way in which we see I try and keep an open mind in terms of The music is inspired by hero artists like ourselves on the inside. I think people would where my inspiration comes from. I get a lot Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and Portishead be happier if they realised that just because from television shows. I’m kind of picky - it’s rock-inspired and ’90s grunge-inspired. you’re born with a certain set of genitalia, it when it comes to TV, but so many comedians It’s modern but with the heavy influence of doesn’t mean you have to behave the way have been creating new and wonderful albums we bought in the 1990s. society tells you to behave based on that. things lately. I also love watching cult cartoons. Animation and drag run hand-in- Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate Are you still a fan of Drag Race? hand; both are over-the-top in the same way. with in the future? Absolutely. I keep up with it as an avid fan I think a drag queen is the only real-life artist A big coup for us on this album is working and still consider it my favourite television who can mimic cartoons and get away with with Amanda Palmer, a wonderful singer- show. it. I also play a lot of video games, and that songwriter who I absolutely worship. She’s What’s been your response to Season Nine helps with inspiration singing a duet with me on the album, as well of the show? as Fred Stainer from the B-52’s and a cabaret Describe your show The Vaudevillians and artist known as Lady Riso. In the future, we’d I loved it. Every season I feel they broaden the concept behind it... like to incorporate more comedians into our the scope of the kind of drag being The show’s something we’ve been doing for work; people like Maria Banford and Devon represented. I love that Drag Race is further years, but this is the first chance we’ve had to Green, amongst many others, who I keep a embracing and welcoming different types of bring it to the UK. It’s about two vaudeville note of. drag. They had their first trans-identified stars who’re frozen alive in the 1920s due to a trans-bodied person. The trans community freak avalanche accident. Thanks to global Your successor, Bianca Del Rio, is working and the drag community have always run climate change, we thaw out and try to pick on her second full-length feature film. Is hand-in-hand, and that representation is up our tour where we left off. We put on the this something we can expect from you? being allowed on television in a way that it’s same show we did in the 1920s, only to find I was trying my best to be part of that film, never been allowed before. that our most popular music has been but due to my work schedule with this tour, it Would you approach the show differently reappropriated by pop stars throughout the wasn’t possible. It was very much a kick in if you had the chance to do it all over last century. It features ragtime, Vaudeville- the pants for me and my comedy partner, again? style covers of pop songs but put in a Nick Sahoyer. He and I used to do a web historical context, as if they’d been written show together. We used Bianca doing her No, I wouldn’t tamper with it. I think for the 1920s. So Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is second full-length film as a kick in the pants, everything fell into place exactly the way it a song we wrote about the Suffragette so it was time for us to really lean in and was supposed to. But if I went back on as the movement; Toxic by Britney Spears is a write a script for me that’s based on our winner that I am, I would try to show how homage to our friend, Marie Curie. It’s all characters. We’re talking with producers much I’ve evolved as an artist. I’d also show very tongue-in-cheek. We like to call it a fever about an inevitable Moonsoon Season movie the kind of strength and confidence I’ve dream. - that’s the name of our web show. Maybe in gained since my season. I’d bring back 2018 we’ll buckle down and work with some everything people recognise in me from my You’re working with Richard Andriessen - producers to make a Jinkx Monsoon film original time on the show but also try to add aka Major Scales - on the show, but it’s not happen. to it. the only project you’ve worked on with him. What’s the appeal of working Gender neutrality is a big thing at the What’s been the hardest lesson you’ve together? moment... learned in the world of drag? We have a very similar sense of humour. We Jinkx is very much a female, but I myself, We all need to take moments to realise when went to college together, so that’s how we Jerick Hoffer, don’t adhere to one strict we’re wrong, and to adapt and evolve. I think met, then lived together for seven years. By gender. That’s mainly because I’m a male- a part of drag is being headstrong, confident being in close proximity to each other, we bodied person who identifies with the and assured in yourself. Part of being an really melted together our minds and our feminine side of the gender spectrum. I’ve artist is being adaptive and leaving room for sense of humour. When we’re on stage grown up with so many friends who’ve growth and evolution. We all need to take together, it’s like we share one mind. The redefined gender for themselves. Because of moments to realise we don’t know everything show is scripted, but we leave time for that, I’ve made a point in the last five years of and still have a lot to learn. improv and ad-libbing. Sometimes things tearing down the idea that there are two How does Jinkx like to spend her time happen on stage that have never happened genders, that that’s all there is, and that away from the spotlight? before - a complete fluke or something due to anything in between is invalid. I believe a technical malfunction, or someone from gender is just a social contract that society Smoking weed and playing video games the audience saying something. It’s at times created to make things simpler and more like those that we both often think the same understandable - but it doesn’t have any thing and voice the thought at the same time, bearing on reality. Each individual person Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales’ The making it look like it’s been scripted even has the ability to find themselves for though it hasn’t. It speaks volumes for how themselves. If we were taught that truth at a Vaudevillians shows at Stafford we work together and the common thread younger age, people wouldn’t feel so worried Gatehouse Theatre on Sunday 5 between us. We share a very similar comedic when hearing about gender norms. I’m trying November, Birmingham Hippodrome on brain. to tear down the idea that just because you’re Sunday 19 November, Leicester’s born with certain genitalia, you have to act, Y Theatre on Saturday 25 November and Tell us about the new album, The Ginger present and behave in a certain way, simply Nottingham’s Glee Club on Tuesday 5 Snapped? because our society tells us that that’s the December. It’s a bit of a departure from our last album, norm. In reality we can dye our hair any Food November Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:59 Page 1 Food November Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:59 Page 2

Food

Popular Shrewsbury restaurant launches new menus Independent Shrewsbury restaurant The Peach Tree has launched new afternoon and evening menus. The introduction of the new menus means the venue now serves food every day from 8am to 10pm. The a la carte menu - served from midday till 3pm and then from 6pm to 10pm - features paprika- spiced whitebait and a mushroom muffin, sharing boards including a charcuterie board and a fisher- man’s board, and main courses including a gourmet venison burger, homemade pie of the day and teriyaki salmon. The dessert menu features lemon curd bavarois, white chocolate brownie and cherry bakewell tart. The restaurant is now taking bookings for Christ- mas parties and Christmas Day. To book your table, visit thepeachtree.co.uk.

The bites were soft, full of and well-presented dishes, they flavour and served with a beauti- were devoured with great de- ful sweet-chilli sauce. The light. prawns were juicy and fresh, the If what we sampled on the accompanying sauce - compris- evening we visited is anything to ing garlic, chilli and lemon - ab- go by, The Station has certainly solutely delicious. perfected all areas of its menu, Next up - the meat! I chose the not just the meat. The main 28-day dry-aged t-bone sirloin menu features an array of meat steak, weighing in at a generous sharing boards, light bites and 500g. It was without doubt the traditional pub grub options most delicious piece of beef I’ve such as fish & chips, sausage & ever tasted. Cooked to absolute mash and steak, ale & mush- perfection and showcasing an room pie. REVIEW: The Station immense flavour, it boasted a I can’t recommend this gem of a beautiful melt-in-the-mouth sen- restaurant highly enough. The An unforgettable butchery & dining sation. Served with chips, mush- phenomenal food, friendly ser- experience in the Shropshire hills rooms and a grilled tomato, the vice and relaxed atmosphere steak was incredibly tasty. De- made for an unforgettable butch- spite its hefty weight, I could South Shropshire eatery The Sta- With a focus on top-quality pro- ery & dining experience. happily have eaten it all over tion recently introduced a brand duce from local farmers, The Sta- The Station is quite simply a again. new dining concept to the tion uses beef derived from meat eater’s paradise. I can’t county. Located in the Long Hereford or Angus cattle. Although The Station is best wait to return, to sample more of known for its beef, my partner Mynd hills, the family-run On arrival, we were politely the exquisite food they have on opted to indulge his love of lamb restaurant now provides its cus- greeted and shown to our table. offer. Lauren Foster by ordering 400g of the Barnsley tomers with the chance to com- We were impressed from the mo- chop. As with the beef, the lamb bine their dining experience with ment we walked in. The tradi- Food: was cooked to perfection, sea- nnnnn authentic butchery every Friday tional décor, allied with the low Service: soned nicely and boasted a phe- nnnnn night. lighting and chilled-out atmo- Ambience: nomenal flavour. We were nnnnn Aiming to celebrate the family’s sphere, made for a fantastic first Overall value seriously impressed. nnnnn heritage and knowledge of meat, impression. OVERALL nnnnn Despite feeling suitably full, for the butchery experience sees the We perused the mouthwatering the finale we shared the pecan The Station restaurant’s chefs help diners menu over a cold pint of lager choose the best cut of meat, tart with cream and the rasp- Marshbrook and some bread and butter. Church Stretton which they then cook according berry bakewell pie with vanilla To start, we shared the pork belly SY6 6QE to the customer’s preference. ice cream. Two extremely tasty bites and the garlic king prawns. Tel: 01694 781208 whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food November Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:59 Page 3 Food November Shrops_Staffs_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:59 Page 4

Food

Wolverhampton baker Little Dessert Shop makes Shrewsbury all the sweeter becomes cake maker Popular Midlands chain The Little Dessert Shop The Little Dessert Shop’s menu includes to the stars has opened a new premises in Shrewsbury. waffles, crepes, wafer baskets, cookie dough, A cake maker from Wolverhampton is Founded in Wolverhampton three years ago, sundaes, milkshakes, cakes, ice creams, living the sweet life after creating out- the chain already has eight shops across the gelatos, smoothies, mocktails, soda floats, fruit of-the-box cakes for a number of region, including premises in Stoke-on-Trent, platters, chocolate shots and plenty more. high-profile celebrities. Bloxwich, Dudley, Telford, West Bromwich, For more information on the new Shrewsbury Paz Singh Heer, who runs AB Cakes in Wednesfield and Stafford. eatery, visit littledessertshop.co.uk. Wolverhampton, has supplied inventive cakes to an array of sportsmen, musicians and actors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Anthony Joshua and Bugzy Malone. For more information about AB Cakes, visit ab- cakes.co.uk.

Local restaurants win coveted ‘best vegan menu’ award A restaurant chain which operates three venues in Staffordshire has won the ‘best vegan menu’ gong at the fifth annual PETA’s Vegan Food Awards. Loungers has more than 100 premises nationwide, including the Staffordshire trio of Verso Lounge in Stafford, Capello Lounge in Newcastle-under- Lyme and Faro Lounge in Lichfield. Demand for vegan food has never been Midlands restaurant’s latest menu reaches new heights higher, as more and more people turn to plant-based meals for the sake of Birmingham’s highest restaurant - Rofuto Sky Birmingham food & drink scene, both literally their health, the environment and Bar, located at the top of the Park Regis Hotel and figuratively, and we’re positive that these animal welfare. on Broad Street - has added over 25 new dishes changes will ensure we continue to be a five- to its menu, in celebration of a fantastic first star destination for dinner and cocktails.” year on the city’s food scene. Popular steak house Sticking to its popular Japanese Izakaya wins top award for a concept, Rofuto’s new menu features sharer plates and tapas-style servings, as well as all third year running the old favourites. The new-look menu includes Birmingham’s premier independent a seafood sharer with whole grilled lobster, Pan steak restaurant, Anderson’s Bar & Asian-inspired salads, teriyaki grilled salmon, Grill, has been named Restaurant Of tempura king prawns and a one-kilogramme The Year West Midlands for the third Tomahawk steak, fresh from the charcoal- year running at the 2017 Food Awards fuelled Robata grill. England. General Manager Anthony Trueman With a strong commitment to offering commented: “Rofuto’s reception so far has British-reared, quality, rare breed beef, been fantastic, and Birmingham has been so the restaurant’s winning streak has accommodating. With this first year of success also seen them named ‘best steak under our belt, we wanted to build on this with house’ at the 2017 Midlands Food, a revitalised menu, while still maintaining our Drink & Hospitality Awards. unparalleled service, great atmosphere and top-quality food. We sit at the top of the

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Gigs

Fleet Foxes Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 24 November Seattle-formed indie folk band Fleet Foxes came to prominence with the release of second EP Sun Giant and their self-titled debut album. The five-piece bring their refined lyrics and vocal harmonies to the Midlands this month as part of their first headline UK tour in six years.

Robert Plant able performing as he is recording, the 69- year-old ‘greatest voice in rock’ is appearing Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Mon 20 November in Wolverhampton in support of latest Duke Special album Carry Fire. Released last month, the Ex-Led Zeppelin frontman and a favourite Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, record features guest artists including Wed 22 November son of the Black Country, Robert Plant is Chrissie Hynde and Seth Lakeman, the latter here joined on stage by his band, The Sensa- Although sounding like a band, Duke Special of whom is supporting Plant and the band tional Space Shifters. Every bit as comfort- is in fact just Peter Wilson, singing and play- on this tour. ing his piano. Resembling Tim Minchin, with his long dreadlocks, his eyeliner and his hobo-chic outfits, Peter presents shows that T’Pau Newton Faulkner incorporate theatrical elements of vaudeville. The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Hailing from Belfast with a sound that’s every Fri 17 November Tues 14 November bit as hobo-chic as the clothes he wears, he Fronted by Carol Decker, T’pau burst onto returns to Henry Tudor House this month the music scene in 1987 with hit single Heart having sold out his last show there in 2015. & Soul, which reached number four in both the UK and US charts. The band visit Shrewsbury in celebration of the 30th anniversary of China In Your Hand, the classic number one for which they’re best known.

The Temperance Movement The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 9 November Based in London and Glasgow, The Temper- ance Movement are a five-piece band featur- English singer-songwriter Newton ing front man Phil Campbell, bassist Nick Faulkner’s penchant for tapping and hitting Fyffe, guitarists Paul Sayer and Matt White, his guitar has certainly helped him stand and drummer Simon Lea. out from the crowd - as has his undoubted Prior to forming the band, the fellas had talent as a musician. each played and performed with numerous Faulkner cites Del Amitri, Tom Waits, Stevie prominent names, including Deep Purple, Wonder, The Rolling Stones and James Jamiroquai, Ray Davies, The Waterboys, Jack Brown among the many and varied perform- Bruce and even James Brown. ers to have influenced his music. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Day Of The Dead F/P November 2017.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:04 Page 1 Classical November Wolves_Staffs_Shrops -2.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:56 Page 2

Classical

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 17 November Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra has been at the heart of the nation’s cultural life for many years, performing in towns and cities across the country. Powerhouse Principal Guest Conductor Ilan Volkov here picks up the baton for a performance of Beethoven’s Eroica Sym- phony. The celebrated work is hailed for the way in which, via two explosive chords, it created a world of limitless sonic possibility. The concert also features three new pieces, one of which will be receiving its world premiere.

Orchestra of the Swan: BBC Philharmonic Tamsin Waley-Cohen Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 10 November Plays Mozart Residing at the Beeb's Media City home in Manchester’s Salford Quays, the BBC Philhar- Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 22 November monic is no stranger to Stoke-on-Trent, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concert-goers with works from its impressive repertoire. This latest concert sees the internationally renowned orchestra being conducted for the first time by Diego Matheuz, with Jennifer Pike (pictured) returning as soloist. The programme features Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto and Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony.

City Of Birmingham Locrian Ensemble: Symphony Orchestra: Vivaldi By Candlelight Spectacular Classics Lichfield Garrick, Fri 17 November Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The elegance and grace of the Baroque is Sat 11 November here presented by one of the UK's best- The City of Birmingham Symphony Or- loved classical touring ensembles. chestra and the City of Birmingham Choir Performing while dressed in lavish period bring their musical talents to bear on a costume, the Locrian pay musical tribute to host of much-loved compositions, includ- Antonio Vivaldi by performing the Venetian ing Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and composer’s famous Four Seasons, a work Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. universally hailed for its depiction of 17th But wait, there’s more... Nessun Dorma, century Italian rural life. Rule Britannia!, Land Of Hope And Glory The Locrian’s programme also features the and all the explosive magic of the 1812 virtuoso Concerto For Two Violins, the Rus- Acclaimed violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen Overture are certain to have the audience tic Symphony and classics including once again joins forces with the Stratford- flag-waving in the aisles. And with fire- Pachelbel's Canon and Handel's Arrival Of based Orchestra Of The Swan, with whom works and lasers also contributing to the The Queen Of Sheba. she is an associate artist. spectacle, expect to be reminded of those Tamsin here plays two works by Mozart, balmy Summer Proms nights, when the both of which were written by the com- Champagne flowed freely and Christmas poser while he was still in his teens - his was but a distant expense on a faraway Symphony no15 in G major and his Violin horizon... Concerto no4 in D major. Anthony Inglis conducts, with contribu- The David Curtis-conducted concert also tions also coming from Ilona Domnich, features Grieg’s Holberg Suite Op40 and David Butt Philip (tenor) and Alexander Haydn’s Symphony no22 in E-flat major, Sitkovetsky (violin). The Philosopher. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 THSH F/P Nov.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:19 Page 1 Dance November - New Layout-2.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:37 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

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

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 BRB The Nutcracker DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:58 Page 1

Images credit: Andy Ross 20 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB The Nutcracker DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:58 Page 2

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

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

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

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Comedy

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

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

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

Mark Thomas Margaret Cho mac, Birmingham, Thurs 16 November The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mark Thomas is no ordinary comedian. Wed 29 November Hugely witty and as savage as a rabid dog “Fresh Off The Bloat is my sickest show to when it comes to putting hecklers in their date,” says American comedian Margaret place, he takes to the stage with the inten- Cho. “My grandmother said, ‘You look tion not only of making people laugh but bloated, as if you’ve been found dead in a also of exposing governmental and corpo- lake after several days of searching’. Kore- rate exploitation in its many and varied ans are the most savage of all the Asians. forms... Mark’s latest show is a speculation My new show is all about being fresh off on what the future might look like in the af- drugs and drinking and suicide and com- termath of recent political earthquakes. It ing back to life - finally fished out of the sees him collecting and examining his audi- River Styx. It’s meta. It’s magical. It’s me.” ence’s predictions, and then gambling on Margaret’s jokes include: “I am the their outcome. biggest fag hag. I love my gay male friends so much. When I was a little girl, I always wished I would be constantly sur- rounded by gorgeous guys. And I am. But I should have been more specific.” There’s also: “The last guy I went out with, he was just so - I don't know - hope- less. He said if I broke up with him, he would kill himself. And I broke up with him, but he's not dead yet. I want to call him up and be like, 'You know, what's the deal? I thought we had an agreement...'” whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Ed Gamble DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:24 Page 1

“I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I? ” Ed Gamble DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:24 Page 2

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

After crashing into Warwick Arts Centre with were there to support the venues - people “Coldplay face” with his passion for heavy debut solo tour Stampede last year, rising coming for a night of comedy at their local metal. standup star Ed Gamble is back on the road arts centre rather than for a night of me. “This year the show is sort of about my with a Mammoth new creation that promises “And I’m proud of this show. I think it’s by far perception of myself versus other people’s to be even bigger and better than his last. the best one I’ve written so far - as it should perceptions of me, and there’s a lot about Ahead of its arrival in Coventry this month, be. I also really like the touring format of how I’ve attempted to recreate myself and we spoke to Ed to find out more about this doing it in two halves. Edinburgh is great for how it doesn’t really work. As for looking like ‘lumbering beast’ of a show, and what developing shows, but when you’ve only got a metal fan, the truth is, my face won’t exactly the deal is with massive animals. 75 minutes because of time constraints, it can physically allow me to grow a big beard, and “It does sound like I’m building up to some be overly tight, and that’s not how I work having long hair is just unmanageable. I’m kind of Lion King-type trilogy, doesn’t it?” he best as a comedian. I think it’s fun to loosen too fussy to be able to deal with the middle laughs. “But in truth I think it’s just down to it up, so the material’s really growing on the stage!” the fact that you have to come up with a title tour and I’m finding new avenues and more Some of his audience might well identify very early in the life of a show. When you’re room for chatting with the audience.” with his difficulties. Back before he was booking something in at the Fringe, you have Asking questions and interacting with touring independently, he spoke about to submit a title and a summary in February, audiences has been a feature of Ed’s live having discovered that his Edinburgh even though you’re not performing until work since his days as a comedy compère, audiences were generally “clean-shaven and August. I think for most comedians it means during which time he developed a knack for punctual”. Recently, though, he seems to that the thrust and thread of the show isn’t improvisation. Reviews have described him have attracted slightly more varied crowds, necessarily in place yet, so I generally just as being at his best ‘off-book’, but as he including some “tatted up” alternative types. come up with a word I think will stand out on explains, in a full standup show, there’s a In the West Midlands at least, it’s likely he’ll the programme. fine balance to be struck between rehearsed encounter a fair few serious metal fans, who “That said, with Mammoth, I do actually material and spontaneous responses. can look forward to hearing some of his have an explanation for the title, which I talk “I could go on and do a show without talking personal favourites in the show. about during the show. Also, I think I tried a to the audience at all quite easily, so it’s only “I think if I didn’t include Sabbath as one of bit to capture something of the energy of a big part of my show if the audience are up my favourites in the West Midlands I’d get each tour. So Stampede was quite a fast- for it. But I think it makes it feel more live absolutely vilified, wouldn’t I? I’m a big Iron paced onslaught of stuff, whereas Mammoth, and ‘in the moment’ if you make it a unique Maiden fan as well. But I also go slightly as ridiculous as it sounds, I like to imagine as evening - otherwise people might as well be deeper into stoner and doom stuff - High On being full of slower, high-impact jokes, a bit watching a video. Fire and Kyuss and Every Time I Die. But then like a mammoth walking.” “It’s interesting. I think once you hone your Clutch are my favourite band and they’re Though Mammoth is actually his fourth skills at improvising it doesn’t feel like you’re more rock’n’roll. standup show performed without his going ‘off-book’, because you know you can “We could talk about this for hours, though I podcasting partner Ray Peacock, it’s the first do it and produce something good out of it. think it might actually put some people off one to tour the UK with 100% new material, But I do like to have everything planned out coming! But I have hand-selected quite an Stampede having opened with what he in advance - and to be honest, sometimes you impressive audience walk-in playlist, so if describes as a kind of “greatest hits” of the write stuff where you can sell it better if you you do just want to come and hear some previous two offerings. Since going solo, Ed’s make it look more improvised than it actually absolutely slamming stuff, you can come and raised his profile with numerous TV gigs, is. So I would say there’s probably some listen to the music and then leave before I appearing on panel shows like Mock The tricksy stuff going on as well!” come on.” Week, as well as starring in Almost Royal and As with previous work, Ed’s latest show writing for Greg Davies’ Man Down. draws heavily on personal experience and “It’s really nice because it feels like this time observations on everyday life. In particular, Ed Gamble plays Warwick Arts Centre, there are people who are actually coming to this time he’s discussing the crisis of identity Coventry, on Sunday 26 November. see me and half-knowing what to expect. I provoked by attempting to reconcile his think with the last tour, a lot of the audience Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

Unforgettable performances, powered by you 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. Where applicable, a 5% transaction charge may apply excluding cash sales in person.

Die Fledermaus Johann Strauss II From the House^ of the Dead Janácek Wed 1 - Mon 13 - Fri 24 Nov - Sat 4 Nov Sat 18 Nov Wed 13 Dec Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky From £18 From £18 From £19

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The Sleeping Beauty Tue 6 - Tue 13 - Tue 13 Mar Sat 10 Feb Sat 24 Feb From £15 From £19.50 From £16

The Patrick Centre atBirmingham Hippodrome

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

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Sunset Boulevard DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2017 10:23 Page 1

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

by Heather Kincaid

“Look at this street. All cardboard, all hollow, she’s been out of work, abandoned by a once realistic sets is beautiful, but it doesn’t fully all phony. All done with mirrors. I like it adoring public. In her loneliness, she capture the dark side of the story the way this better than any street in the world.” manipulates Joe into moving in with her, first does. It’s like two parallel universes, showing So says the starry-eyed Betty Schaeffer as she offering him work on a script she’s written, you how the audience can just switch on and walks through a Paramount Pictures set in before emotionally blackmailing him into a off from what is a horrific reality for Norma. Billy Wilder’s iconic 1950 film, Sunset more disturbingly intense relationship. And there are lines in the show that parallel Boulevard. Artifice, fantasy and the blurring “As soon as I read the script, I thought, I that - there’s a bit where Joe says, ‘One day of boundaries between truth and fiction are know who Joe is and where he’s at. I can just this will end, it isn’t real.’ He’s talking about at the heart of this unsettling story, in both feel the frustration that he has, and I love his life and his world, but as he says it, I turn its original screen incarnation and in Andrew him for it, for every flaw that he has. He does round to the set and you can see that’s not Lloyd Webber’s later musical adaptation. a lot of breaking the fourth wall, but it’s not real either, so it works on so many levels.” And with the help of highly stylised set like he’s playing the audience. He’s a writer, Of course, Danny himself isn’t entirely in the design, director Nikolai Foster adds another and it feels almost like he’s typing the story dark about celebrity culture and everything layer to the story’s self-awareness in an out - as he tells it, you can imagine it in that comes with it. But unlike Norma, he’s innovative new production coming to courier type. It’s strange because when Joe someone who’s resisted its allure. His dance Birmingham Hippodrome this month. speaks to the audience, the lights are right on moves might have caused a stir in Strictly, It’s often said that cinema has something of a him, so I can’t see anyone. But I quite like the but he’s never been interested in pursuing dreamlike quality, and in Sunset Boulevard, idea of him just saying these words into a stardom. fading silent film star Norma Desmond is black hole and never really knowing if “I’ve been very fortunate in my career, but I proud of offering audiences “new ways to anyone is listening. When you think about it, think it’s been quite well-documented that dream”. But not everyone in the show is as that’s what all writers do, just hoping one the whole celebrity thing has never really sat enamoured of Hollywood make-believe as day someone will pick it up.” well with me. Doing Strictly was interesting Betty and Norma... As the down-and-out Working closely with designer Colin for me and I’m glad I did it, because I learned scriptwriter Joe Gillis, Danny Mac views the Richmond, Nikolai Foster has created a world a lot and had the best time of my life on it. glamour of the studios with an ironic, for his production in which the sense of But all I really want is to be an actor and do a disillusioned detachment, understanding unreality is heightened. Lights and cameras great job at that.” and acknowledging the dark side of the follow characters around and scene changes Happily, Sunset Boulevard is giving him screen while almost everyone else is dazzled are deliberately drawn attention to, rather plenty of room to stretch himself as a by its light. than disguised. In classic Hollywood style, performer. driving scenes combine projected footage “It’s such a fantastic story about the human “This has been such a brilliant creative with just a dashboard, seat and windscreen condition, especially in the world we live in process, definitely the most wonderful standing in for a whole car - the rest filled in now, where fame and celebrity are so big and experience I’ve had as an actor so far. It’s the with cheap wood stamped with ‘Property of bright and tragic,” he says. “It’s horrible. In first show I’ve been involved with where I’m Paramount’. the title song, I have to sing all these words proud of it to the point that I don’t feel like I that sum up the industry - ‘twisting, Meanwhile, Norma’s Beverley Hills mansion need other people to tell me it’s good. I really tempting, headline, jackpot, frenzied, brutal, is the only place where things are almost hope other people like it, of course, but I love ruthless and lethal’. I’ve spent quite a lot of naturalistic. While the outlandishness of it anyway because it feels like our baby. I lose time in LA over the last two or three years, both the house itself and her bizarre, myself in this show. I’ve never done that and even in 2017, it seems a lot like the place reclusive life within it seem like something before. It’s completely engulfing, walking on that’s been projected in this show.” from a film, the contrast between how scenes stage and becoming someone else. I don’t Sunset Boulevard follows the story of an play out here and what’s happening outside even think about Danny until the curtain accidental encounter which comes to change at once serves as a cruel reminder of the life comes down. Joe’s life forever. On the run from debt she’s been shut out from, and reflects her own inability or refusal to distinguish collectors, he parks his car in the driveway of Sunset Boulevard shows at Birmingham between what’s real and what’s not. a mysterious old mansion, which turns out to Hippodrome Monday 13 to Saturday 18 be the home of former screen queen Norma “I don’t think Sunset Boulevard’s ever been November. Desmond. Since the advent of the ‘talkies’, conceived like this before. Making grand, Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 4 Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

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

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

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Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

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

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

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

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:06 Page 8 Twelfth Night DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 09:45 Page 1

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

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

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Twelfth Night DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 09:46 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

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

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

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

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

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

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

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

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Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

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

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

Film

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

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

Film highlights released in November...

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

CRITIC’S CHOICE

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

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

Film

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

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

Visual Arts previews from around the region

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

44 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:38 Page 2

Visual Arts

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

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

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events November New.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:14 Page 1

46 whatsonlive.co.uk Events November New.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 14:14 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

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

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

Events

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

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

Events previews from around the region

The Frost Fair Ragley Hall, Alcester, Fri 24 - Sun 26 November A new addition to the region’s ever- expanding list of great Christmas- shopping events, the Frost Fair features a carefully selected array of crafts, gifts, unique and original presents and fine foods. There’s plenty of entertainment to enjoy too as you busily search for that perfect present for your elderly Aunty Maud. Choirs, roving musicians, a magician and Father Christmas himself all play their part in generating a suitably festive Ticket atmosphere. Offer Save 20% Warley National quote Model Railway BBC Good Food Show PAR10 Exhibition NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sun 3 December NEC, Birmingham, Sat 25 - Sun 26 November A long-time favourite on the UK’s culinary events tin and Nadiya Hussain, all of whom will be cook- The organisers of this long-running calendar, the BBC Good Food Show brings a ing up a tastebud-tantalising treat or several. event - this month’s exhibition is packed programme of inspiration and entertain- Add into the mix oodles of tastings and hundreds the 50th edition of the show - have ment to the NEC. of exhibitors showcasing their wares - plus the certainly and very sensibly got an Continuing to attract the crème de la crème of TV brand new Big Family Cooking Showdown Live eye to the future, ensuring there’s personalities, this year’s show features, among event - and you’ve got yourself the makings of a plenty for youngsters to enjoy others, Mary Berry, The Hairy Bikers, Raymond delicious day out. across the two days. Blanc, Tom Kerridge, Michael Roux Jr, James Mar- The show features more than 90 layouts, numerous modelling demonstrations, 150-plus trade Lanternory of the popular visitor attraction... stands and a Decauville replica Lanternory takes place both early in the evening narrow gauge loco. The exhibition’s Tamworth Castle, Sat 18 November and later on at night. Slots from 5pm to 7.30pm centrepiece is a 14xx class 1450 This brand new event follows the exploits of a feature content suitable for younger visitors. from the Severn Valley Railway. young thief named Raike as he attempts to ac- By contrast, the 8pm to 9.30pm shows are quire treasures from the castle. His story un- aimed at an adult audience, providing a some- folds as visitors are treated to a lantern-lit tour what scarier twist on the tale! Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre Worcester City Centre, Thurs 30 The Classic Motor Show November - Sun 3 December NEC, Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sun 12 November This year marks the 25th anniver- The biggest event of its kind, the Classic sary of Worcester’s hugely popular Motor Show this year boasts more than 2,500 festive celebration. vehicles covering an area of over one million The annual event is regarded as the square feet; or, to put it another way, a space leading themed street market in the the size of approximately 12 football pitches! West Midlands, attracting in excess Attractions at the three-day get-together in- of 100,000 visitors. clude a dedicated classic motorbike show, In addition to the 200 stalls which the always-popular autojumble - complete grace Worcester’s historic streets - with a range of mouthwatering 'show only' selling crafts, gifts and speciality offers - and one of the most high-profile clas- foods - the ever-popular fayre also sic car auctions in the UK. features an array of period enter- Numerous motoring celebrities, including tainment, from choirs and stilt- Wheeler Dealers Mike Brewer and Ant walkers to a period carousel and Anstead, also contribute. barrel organ music. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover November Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:54 Page 1

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

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

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

When did you first discover that you were use their own words against them and trip Lately there’s been more that’s centred funny? them up. It’s a little unfair on them because around my comedy. There are things that I’m still trying to figure that one out! I don’t you have a microphone and you’re going to have been developed from my standup. I’ve really know. I think that it wasn’t a need to be be louder than them. I think people get just developed a show called Highland. We funny or not be funny, it was just me wanting intimidated by me because I can come off as just wrapped up the pilot recently. We’ll see to be a bit like Joan Rivers. I saw her when I pretty ferocious, so I haven ’t had that bad a what’s going to happen with it, but it’s very was a kid and just really fell for her. I wanted time with hecklers. They get shutdown pretty good. It’s very true to life, and features a very to be just like her. I was really young; it was quickly, I think. different kind of Asian family that we haven’t right after I’d decided to be Wonder Woman. You’re bringing your tour to Birmingham seen before. When that didn’t seem likely , I decided to be this month. What can audiences expect? Is there a dream role or show you’d like to a comedian just like Joan instead. It’s a very topical show. It’s very much about act in? How did you first get into standup the bloated nature of our crazy politics. I I just want to focus on Highland. I’d like to comedy? don’t even know if it’s called politics complete the trajectory of the story. That’s I just started doing shows in San Francisco, anymore because it’s so insane! There’s a lot something I would love to do. where I’m from, and doing these different about Trump, the global impact he’s having, A significant element of your material AIDS fundraising events in the early ’90s. So the craziness of it all. A lot of stuff about addresses LGBT issues. Why are those that connected me very closely with the gay Hollywood and how to be an Asian-American issues so important to you? in a not-diverse world there. There’s a lot of community. There were so many different Well, I’m part of the community. I’m bisexual stuff about rape, about sexuality, gay rights. kinds of things that I was doing, but I was and we’re the forgotten sector of the LGBT There are so many things to revisit that I’ve really lucky because I was different in community. They don’t really pay attention to talked about in my standup before. It needs comedy. There weren’t many Asian-American us, but we’re here! That’s funny to me - the to be expanded. women doing comedy then, so it felt like I lack of understanding of the bisexual had a very special experience. The last time you performed in the UK community from both sides, both gay and Where do you find inspiration for your was in 2015. Are you excited to be making straight. Also, I grew up in the gay material? a return visit? community. I always knew th at I would be Everywhere. Right now it’s pretty crazy - a lot Yeah, I love it. I have a great time here. The political. It’s part of my life and part of my about Donald Trump and even the Harvey audiences are far more sophisticated because upbringing. It’s a very safe place for me to be, Weinstein scandal. We all have these varied they’re used to the best comedians doing a and a place I understand well. memories of sexual assault. I’ve talked about different show every year. So everyone comes What do you feel still needs to be it a lot in my standup. Whenever something back with new material. It’s always very achieved in terms of the LGBT community like that occurs, which I guess is a rare thing, exciting. My favourite people are Stephen K across the world? Amos and Paul Foot. I really enjoy seeing but whenever people are coming forward - Well, there’s got to be a stop to bans on them. They really typify the excellence of like with Bill Cosby or Jimmy Savile - you transgender people in the military. And this British comedy. realise a very public figure has been idea that you can somehow ban an entire protected. It’s very disheartening and brings Is there a difference between UK and community from using a bathroom. There are back a lot of bad memories of your own American audiences? so many crazy ideas that conservatives have experiences. There’s a lot of that in what I’m I think there is, because everybody is very about the transgender community - ideas doing in my shows. I’ve been talking about familiar with their comedians. They see them that it’s dangerous for people to believe. rape, abuse and healing in my work for a over and over, and in different ways across There’s been so much progress, but also a lot long time, so this has more of a topic to wrap the years, so they get to know them better. of ignorance and fear about who we are. around. There’s a kind of familiarity with their Do you see yourself as a role model for the What’s been your best show ever? comedians. So I come in and I’m different. community? It’s really challenging, but I love it. It was great to play at Radio City Music Hall. I don’t want to say that I’m a role model, but I I’ve done it many times in different Which other comedians do you most try. I’d like to be. That would be great. capacities. I’ve also been kicked out of Radio admire? Ultimately I’m just trying to be one small City Music Hall for smoking pot up there. There are lots. People like Sarah Silverman, voice of reason, trying to make a difference Apparently you’re not supposed to do that! I who’s a good friend of mine. Kathy Griffin’s and hopefully bring about change. was with someone very famous, much more also a good friend. There are so many great famous than me, and both she and I got comedians now who are very drilled. I love it. busted. I thought that because she was so You’re not only a comedian but an actor famous we were going to get away with it, but Margaret Cho brings her Fresh Off The too. How did that come about? no. I got to do my show there, but couldn’t Bloat comedy tour to Birmingham’s Glee use a dressing room because I got kicked out. I was always doing little things over the Club on Wednesday 29 November. years. I had my own TV show for a while in How do you deal with hecklers? Tickets are now available at the ’90s. So there was always something. I think you have to try and figure out how to livenation.co.uk The List Cover November Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 15:54 Page 2

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

Rag’n’Bone Man at Civic Hall, Wolverhampton - Mon 27 November

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

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

Lee Nelson at Wulfrun Hall, Cilla The Musical at Regent Paul Zerdin at The Place, The Nutcracker at Brewhouse Wolverhampton Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Oakengates Theatre Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Fri 3 November Tues 14 - Sat 18 November Wed 22 November Wed 29 November

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thelist FLEETWOOD BAC Fri 3 Hounds, Birmingham THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs Nov, The Robin, Bil- MARTIN BARRE Sun 5 ston Nov, The Robin, Bil- WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS MOUNT KIMBIE Wed 1 JACK LUKEMAN Fri 3 ston Visual Arts EXHIBITION 2017 Annual exhibition of Nov, O2 Institute, Nov, mac, Birmingham SOCIAL REPOSE Sun 5 work featuring a diverse range of Birmingham GLASVILLE Fri 3 Nov, Nov, O2 Academy, styles, media and subject matter, until Bilston Craft Gallery BELLA HARDY Wed 1 O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham Sun 19 Nov FOSSIL FUELLED Exhibition featuring Nov, mac, Birmingham FREE AT LAST Fri 3 Nov, CRAIG DAVID PRESENTS objects from many of the town’s indus- Other VISUAL ARTS JANE WEAVER Wed 1 Route 44, Birmingham TS5 Sun 5 Nov, O2 tries, including cut steel jewellery, bicy- Nov, The Sugarmill, THE MANC LADS Fri 3 Academy, Birmingham LIVING MOMENTS An exhibition of paint- cles and the world famous Bilston Stoke-on-Trent Nov, Eleven, Sandy- TALON Sun 5 Nov, The- ings, textiles and ceramics by Mar- Enamels, until Sun 31 Dec ford, Stoke on Trent atre Severn, Shrews- garet Brothwell and Anne Mychalkiw. BEN POOLE Wed 1 Nov, The Robin, Bilston bury New Art Gallery - Walsall Using moments in their day-to-day IDLE FRETS Fri 3 Nov, lives as inspiration, until Sun 5 Nov, ANTI CLONE Wed 1 Nov, The Flapper, B’ham ALEC DANKWORTH BARBARA NICHOLLS - SEDIMENTARY Newcastle Borough Museum and Art The Asylum, B’ham KING KONG COMPANY Fri QUARTET Sun 5 Nov, FLOW Barbara Nicholls’ monumental Gallery, Newcastle-under-Lyme 3 Nov, The Actress & The Lion Hotel, watercolour works emerge by manipu- SWITCHFOOT Wed 1 Bishop, Birmingham Shrewsbury lating the behaviour of pigment in MADE IN THE MIDDLE Recurring touring Nov, O2 Institute, THE PAPERBOYS Sun 5 ever-increasing quantities of water, exhibition showcasing some of the Birmingham THE BIRTHDAY MAS- Nov, Lichfield Guildhall until Sun 19 Nov Midlands’ best contemporary craft and WILWOOD KIN Wed 1 SACRE Fri 3 Nov, The applied art, until Sat 25 Nov, The Brew- Slade Rooms, Wolver- KALA Sun 5 Nov, O2 SEVEN KINDS OF MAGIC Exhibition com- Nov, The Glee Club, house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent hampton Academy, Birmingham prising original illustrations by Quentin Birmingham Blake for seven books in which magic AGEING OF BRITISH GERONTOLOGY EXHI- RISE AGAINST Wed 1 CLEAN BANDIT Fri 3 SIMON MCBRIDE Mon 6 appears in different forms, including BITION Featuring photographic por- Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, The Robin, Bil- The Witches by Roald Dahl, until Sun traits of people who have led research Birmingham Birmingham ston and practice in the field of gerontology 10 Dec THE SPITFIRES Fri 3 RORY MCLEOD Mon 6 over the past 50 years. Created by THE STYLISTICS Thurs 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, Kitchen Garden ADAM GRÜNING Adam works with instal- artist, photographer and gerontologist Nov, Wolverhampton Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham lation, photography and video to ex- Sukey Parnell, until Fri 17 Nov, Keele Grand Theatre plore the relationship between University. Staffordshire ITCH Thurs 2 Nov, The THE WILLOWS Fri 3 SYLVAN ESSO Mon 6 authentic and inauthentic experience Slade Rooms, Wolver- Nov, Lichfield Guildhal Nov, O2 Institute, and notions of value and spectacle, FUNNY THINGS: CLICKING COMEDIANS hampton ASHLEY BEEDLE, K Birmingham until Sun 17 Dec PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION Steve Best’s many years on the comedy circuit ERIC GALES Thurs 2 KLASS, MICKY FINN AND GOLDFRAPP Mon 6 LEGACIES: JMW TURNER AND CONTEMPO- have allowed him to build trust with Nov, The Robin, Bil- THE FREESTYLERS Fri 3 Nov, O2 Institute, RARY ART PRACTICE Exhibition consider- some of the funniest people on earth. ston - Sat 4 Nov, Hare & Birmingham ing the ongoing legacy of JMW Turner This exclusive access has given him Hounds, Birminghaml ABC Mon 6 Nov, Sym- through the lens of contemporary art, FRANCOBOLLO Thurs 2 an opportunity to take hundreds of inti- Nov, The Sunflower JAMIROQUAI Sat 4 Nov, phony Hall, B’ham highlighting the enduring relevance of mate, deeply moving images - from Lounge, Birmingham Arena Birmingham THE KILLERS Mon 6 - his work for artists practising today, backstage to front of stage, from very THE SLOW READERS Tues 7 Nov, Genting until Sun 14 Jan new comedians and seasoned profes- LOGIC Thurs 2 Nov, O2 CLUB Sat 4 Nov, O2 Arena, Birmingham PEOPLE'S CHOICE Featuring the voting sionals to the downright famous, until Academy, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham public’s favourite works from the Per- Sun 5 Nov, Light House Media Centre, MIDGE URE, THE CHRIS- EMBRACE Tues 7 Nov, manent Collection, until Sun 25 Feb Wolverhampton TIANS & ALTERED IM- OH WONDER Sat 4 Nov, The Slade Rooms, O2 Institute, B’ham Wolverhampton 2018 ANTHONY HAMMOND Exhibition of work AGES - TOGETHER IN by the North Staffordshire-based artist, CONCERT Thurs 2 Nov, JOE BROWN Sat 4 Nov, IGORRR Tues 7 Nov, Potteries Museum & Art sculptor and craftsman, who works Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham Town Hall The Flapper, B’ham Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent predominantly on large-scale public AJ TRACEY Thurs 2 THE COUNTERFEIT BIBLEGIRL Tues 7 Nov, EMILIE TAYLOR - EDGELANDS Touring ex- art projects and is skilled in a number Nov, O2 Institute, STONES Sat 4 Nov, The Mama Roux’s, B’ham Birmingham hibition, featuring the work of contem- of green wood disciplines, until Mon 8 Robin, Bilston BOYCE AVENUE Tues 7 Jan, Newcastle Borough Museum and porary ceramics artist Emilie Taylor, BIGFOOT Thurs 2 Nov, THE REGULARS Sat 4 Nov, O2 Institute, Art Gallery, Newcastle-under-Lyme that explores the lives of young Eleven, Sandyford, Nov, The Sunflower Birmingham women who exist on the edge of soci- Stoke on Trent NEW CHRISTMAS ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHI- Lounge, Birmingham THE WINTER PASSING ety and womanhood, until Sun 12 Nov BITION Exhibition of local arts, crafts A CELEBRATION OF JOHN EXOWAVES Sat 4 Nov, Wed 8 Nov, O2 and gifts, Thurs 9 Nov - Sat 23 Dec, HEARTBEAT Installation promoting Warli DENVER Thurs 2 Nov, O2 Institute, B’ham Academy, Birmingham culture and including more than 30 Qube Gallery, Oswestry The Place, Oaken- INTO THE SHADOWS Sat EMPLOYED TO SERVE Warli paintings alongside film works, NEW B(U)Y ME! FOR CHRISTMAS Christ- gates Theatre, Telford 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, Wed 8 Nov, The Flap- sculptural pieces, clay and ceramic mas craft exhibition, Sat 11 Nov - Mon AN EVENING WITH ERNIE Shrewsbury per, Birmingham materials, objects and sound works. A 8 Jan, Newcastle Borough Museum HALTER, JAVIER COLON ROMEO'S DAUGHTER Sat SOME GUYS HAVE ALL collaboration between artists, artisans and Art Gallery, Newcastle-under-Lyme & MATT CUSSON Fri 3 and craftspeople from India and the 4 Nov, Eleven, Sandy- THE LUCK Wed 8 Nov, NEW DOCUMENTS, ALTERNATIVES (#1) An Nov, Henry Tudor UK, the show is presented in partner- ford, Stoke on Trent Stafford Gatehouse experimental group exhibition explor- House, Shrewsbury ship with the British Ceramics Biennial, CRADLE OF FILTH Sat 4 Theatre ing temporality, fixed-ness, transience KASAI MASAI Fri 3 Nov, until Sun 12 Nov Nov, O2 Institute, SEAN PAUL Wed 8 Nov, and changeability, Fri 17 Nov - Sat 16 New Vic Theatre, New- Birmingham Arena Birmingham Dec, AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent castle-under-Lyme Wolverhampton Art Gallery KALEO Sat 4 Nov, O2 BRIX & THE EXTRICATED NEW PICTURE THIS EXHIBITION Com- BURY TOMORROW Fri 3 RECENT ACQUISITIONS Exhibition featur- Academy, B’ham Wed 8 Nov, bined arts project integrating photog- Nov, The Sugarmill, ing: A series of colourful collages by Newhampton Arts raphy and life-writing, empowering Stoke-on-Trent MIDLANDS CALLING Sat Sonia Boyce which explore the politics young people to consider how they 4 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Centre, W’hampton U2 V SIMPLE MINDS Fri of black hair and black identity; Silver might achieve their ambitions in the fu- Wolverhampton BLACK STAR RIDERS 3 Nov, Newhampton Self Portrait by US artist Glenn Ligon, ture, Thurs 23 Nov - Thurs 14 Dec, Wed 8 Nov, Wulfrun Arts Centre, Wolver- LOBSTER SHACK 2 YEAR made from coal dust; and Go West Keele University, Staffordshire Hall, Wolverhampton Young Man by Keith Piper, until Sun 19 hampton ANNIVERSARY Sat 4 - Nov Sun 5 Nov, Hare & ISLAND Wed 8 Nov, 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Wed 1 - Sun 12 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:56 Page 2

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November

The Sunflower Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE ICICLE WORKS Sat Philip (tenor) & Alexander Sitkovet- Lounge, Birmingham ingham 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Classical sky (violin), Sat 11 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham OUR LAST NIGHT Wed 8 LITTLE STEVEN & THE Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, DISCIPLES OF SOUL Fri SECRET AFFAIR + THE Music HALESOWEN CHORAL SOCIETY: AUTUMN Birmingham 10 Nov, O2 Academy, CHORDS Sat 11 Nov, CONCERT Programme comprises Mozart’s Coronation Mass & Haydn’s SHALAMAR & SUPPORT - Birmingham The Robin, Bilston RICHTER ENSEMBLE: BEETHOVEN QUAR- Nelson Mass, Sat 11 Nov, St Mar- FRIENDS 35TH ANNIVER- KAGOULE Fri 10 Nov, WEST COAST EAGLES TETS Programme includes works by garet’s Church, Hasbury, Halesowen SARY TOUR Wed 8 Nov, The Actress & Bishop, Sat 11 Nov, The Road- Beethoven & Biber, Wed 1 Nov, Lich- The Robin, Bilston Birmingham house, Birmingham THE LUDLOW ORCHESTRA Featuring field Garrick Thomas Payne (conductor) & Claire RIDE Wed 8 Nov, O2 THE MARLEY EXPERI- HOTTER THAN HELL Sat REFORMATION SYMPHONY Featuring Tocknell (leader). Programme in- Institute, Birmingham ENCE Fri 10 Nov, The 11 Nov, Eleven, Jérémie Rhorer (conductor), & cludes works by Butterworth & Roadhouse, B’ham Sandyford, Stoke on ARCANE ROOTS Wed 8 Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Wed Vaughan Williams, Sat 11 Nov, Lud- Trent Nov, The Slade KING PARROT Fri 10 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- Rooms, Wolverhamp- Nov, The Sugarmill, DARKSIDE - THE PINK BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE SYM- shire ton Stoke-on-Trent FLOYD SHOW Sat 11 PHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael SHREWSBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Nov, Stafford Gate- SPEAK, BROTHER Wed 8 Seal (conductor). Programme in- Annual St Cecilia Weekend Concert house Theatre Nov, Hare & Hounds, cludes works by Smetana & which also features Shrewsbury Birmingham QUADROPHENIA NIGHT Janá ek, Wed 1 Nov, Symphony Community Choir, Shrewsbury PETER KNIGHT'S Sat 11 Nov, The Place, Hall, čB’ham Chapel Choir & Shrewsbury Wind Or- Oakengates Theatre, GIGSPANNER Wed 8 COLLABRO plus Philippa Hanna (sup- chestra, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Nov, Aling- Telford Nov, The Red Lion port) & Carly Paoli (special guest), ton Hall, Shrewsbury School Folk Club, Birmingham UK FOO FIGHTERS Sat Thurs 2 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham GRAND ORGAN GALA Featuring GRAVE PLEASURES Fri 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Stephen Bell (conductor) & Darius THE UNDERTONES Thurs 10 Nov, The Slade CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Birmingham Battiwalla (organ). Programme in- 9 Nov, O2 Academy, Rooms, Wolverhamp- CHESTRA: STAR WARS Featuring cludes works by Saint-Saens, Bach, Birmingham ton THE STRAY BIRDS Sun Michael Seal (conductor) & the Faure, Walton, Elgar, Handel, ALISON MOYET Thurs 9 12 Nov, The Wightman CBSO Chorus, Fri 3 Nov, Symphony LIONS OF DISSENT Fri Strauss, Mascagni, Mozart, Widor & Nov, Symphony Hall, Theatre, Shrewsbury Hall, Birmingham 10 Nov, Newhampton Parry, Sun 12 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ISLANDS IN THE STREAM Arts Centre, Wolver- DUDLEY INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPE- Birmingham LYNCH MOB Thurs 9 hampton Sun 12 Nov, Regent TITION Featuring Michael Seal (con- AVISON ENSEMBLE: ITALIAN CONNEC- Nov,The Slade Rooms, Theatre, Stoke-on- ductor) & Dudley International THE CHRIS BEVINGTON TIONS Programme includes works by Wolverhampton Trent Competition Finalists, Sat 4 Nov, ORGANISATION Fri 10 Matthew Locke, Purcell, Pasquini, FLO AKA FLOACIST OF Symphony Hall, Birmingham THE CARPENTERS STORY Nov, Eleven, Sandy- Corelli, Avison, Gabrielli, Geminiani, FLOETRY Sun 12 Nov, Thurs 9 Nov, Victoria ford, Stoke on Trent MOZART FESTIIVAL ORCHESTRA: Veracini & Handel, Sun 12 Nov, Lion The Slade Rooms, MOZART’S REQUIEM Hall, Stoke-on-Trent SUPERSONIC FESTIVAL X Sun 5 Nov, Sym- Hotel, Shrewsbury Wolverhampton phony Hall, Birmingham THE TEMPERANCE HARE & HOUNDS Fri 10 - MOVEMENT Thurs 9 Sat 11 Nov, Hare & HAWKLORDS Sun 12 MARIA JOÃO PIRES (PIANO) Pro- Nov, The Sugarmill, Hounds, Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bil- gramme includes works by Schubert ston & Mozart, Mon 6 Nov, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent THOMAS RHETT Sat 11 Town Hall Comedy THE PAT MCMANUS Nov, O2 Academy, DUKE SPECIAL Sun 12 BAND Thurs 9 Nov, The Birmingham Nov, The Glee Club, PIRES AND POPOVIC - PIANO DUOS Fea- Birmingham JIM DAVIDSON: 40 YEARS ON Wed 1 Robin, Bilston BILLY BRAGG BRIDGES turing Maria João Pires & Miloš Popovi . Programme incudes works Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre HOLY MOLY AND THE NOT WALLS Sat 11 Nov, NAKED SIX Sun 12 Nov, by Schubert & Beethoven, Tues 7 CRACKERS Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall Newhampton Arts ć MARLON DAVIS, TOM LUCY & MC LAURA Centre, Wolverhamp- Nov, Birmingham Town Hall LEXX Wed 1 Nov, Henry Tudor House, Hare & Hounds, Birm- JOHN ROSSALL’S THE ton CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Shrewsbury ingham GLITTERBAND Sat 11 CHESTRA: RUSSIAN CLASSICS Wed 8 SAMPA THE GREAT Nov, The Slade KYROS Sun 12 Nov, ANGELOS & BARRY - THE NEW POWER Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Thurs 9 Nov, Hare & Rooms, W’hampton Eleven, Sandyford, GENERATION Wed 1 Nov, Newhamp- Stoke on Trent ENGLISH CORNETT & SACKBUT ENSEM- ton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Hounds, Birmingham BLOODY KNEES Sat 11 BLE: I FAGIOLINI - THE OTHER VESPERS SOUND OF THE SIRENS Nov, The Sugarmill, THE TEMPERANCE MARLON DAVIS & DAVID HADINGHAM Featuring Robert Hollingworth (con- Thurs 9 Nov, The Glee Stoke-on-Trent MOVEMENT Sun 12 FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Nov, Newhampton ductor). Programme includes works ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 2 Nov, The Club, Birmingham NEWTON FAULKNER Sat Arts Centre, Wolver- by Viadana, Monteverdi & Giovanno Glee Club, Birmingham J HUS Thurs 9 Nov, O2 11 Nov, O2 Institute, hampton Gabrieli, Thurs 9 Nov, Birmingham JONNY AWSUM, STEVE SHANYASKI Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall FEATURING ADAM RILEY, TOM SHORT & GORDON HENDRICKS - GOLDBERG STRING TRIO Featuring BETHANY BLACK Thurs 2 Nov, Foxlowe THE ULTIMATE ELVIS Matthew Truscott (violin), Robin Ire- Arts Centre, Staffordshire TRIBUTE Fri 10 Nov, land (viola) & Richard Lester (cello). CHRISTIAN REILLY, TOM WRIG- The Place, Oaken- Programme comprises JS Bach’s GLESWORTH, SIMON WOZNAIK & SCOTT gates Theatre, Telford Goldberg Variations arranged for BENNETT Thurs 2 Nov, The George PANIC ROOM Fri 10 Nov, string trio, Thurs 9 Nov, Royal Birm- Hotel, Lichfield The Robin, Bilston ingham Conservatoire DUNCAN OAKLEY, LINDSEY SANTORO, ALEXANDER O’NEAL Fri BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Fea- TONY JAMESON & DAN SMITH (MC) 10 Nov, Theatre Sev- turing Diego Matheuz (conductor). Thurs 2 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall ern, Shrewsbury Programme includes works by RICH HALL - HOEDOWN Thurs 2 Nov, BAD TOUCH Fri 10 Nov, Bruch, Rossini & Tchaikovsky, Fri 10 Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton Foxlowe Arts Centre, Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Leek, Staffs CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- JASON BYRNE - THE MAN WITH THREE BRAINS Fri 3 Nov, Birmingham Town MOSTACK Fri 10 Nov, CHESTRA: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Hall O2 Institute, B’ham Featuring Anthony Inglis (conductor), Panic Room - The Robin, Bilston Ilona Domnich (soprano), David Butt JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM & PAUL SURGEON Fri 10 Nov,

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thelist MYREHAUG Fri 3 Nov, Jongleurs Com- Glee Club, Birmingham WNO - FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD Birmingham Hippodrome edy Club, Birmingham DANE BAPTISTE, RIK CARRANZA Collage of stories told by the inmates WUTHERING HEIGHTS Hotbuckle Pro- JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE FEATURING MIKE NEWALL & CHRIS PUR- of a claustrophobic Siberian prison, ductions presents a new staging of GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Fri 3 Nov, CHASE Fri 10 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Thurs 2 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- Emily Bronte’s gothic classic Sat 4 drome Civic Hall, Wolverhampton JO ENRIGHT - ERDINGTON GIRL Fri 10 Nov, Ellesmere College Arts Centre, AURIE STYLA Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, The Nov, Arena Theatre, W’hampton FINDING JOY Fully masked theatre North Shropshire company Vamos present a life-affirm- Glee Club, Birmingham PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, ANDY SHARK IN THE PARK! All three of Nick ing story of lost memories and dis- Sharratt’s Shark In The Park! books, JONNY AWSUM, GUZ KHAN, PETE OTWAY ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Fri 10 Nov, covered love, Thurs 2 - Fri 3 Nov, & COMIC TBC Fri 3 - Sun 5 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham adapted for the stage, Sat 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Stafford Gatehouse Theatre The Comedy Loft, Birmingham JOHN BISHOP - WINGING IT Fri 10 - Sun NINA CONTI: IN YOUR FACE Fri 3 Nov, 12 Nov, Arena Birmingham PEPPA PIG - LIVE! Join the fun with Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep, Danny STEVE SHANYASKI, DARIUS DAVIES Dog and Emily Elephant, Sat 4 - Sun JEREMY HARDY Fri 3 Nov, Festival & RUSSELL HICKS Sat 11 Nov, Jon- 5 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birm- Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham ingham North Shropshire PHIL NICHOL, DALISO CHAPONDA, THE VAUDEVILLIANS: JINKX MONSOON & LEE NELSON - SERIOUS JOKER Fri 3 Nov ANDY ASKINS & TOBIAS PERSSON Sat MAJOR SCALES RuPaul’s Drag Race Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton 11 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham winner Jinkx Monsoon stars in ‘a PHILL JUPITUS - JUPLICITY Sat 4 Nov, RUDI LICKWOOD, SCOTT BENNETT, bawdy, rowdy musical comedy’, Sun Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs GERRETT MILLERICK & PHIL ELLIS Sat 5 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES 11 Nov, The Comedy Loft, B’ham UN-TAMED Quirky new play exploring HOTEL Sat 4 Nov, Wolverhampton HENNING WEHN - WESTPHALIA IS NOT the trials and tribulations of female re- Grand Theatre AN OPTION Sun 12 Nov, Theatre Sev- lationships, Mon 6 Nov, Old Joint STEPHEN K AMOS - BREAD AND CIR- ern, Shrewsbury Stock Theatre, Birmingham CUSES Sat 4 Nov, The Old Rep The- DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM YAM atre, Birmingham Comedy Queen of the Black Country SINGIN' IN THE RAIN Thurs 2 - Sat 4 JOHN LYNN, TIM FITZHIGHAM Doreen Tipton sets out to challenge Nov, The Little Theatre Donnington, & PAUL MYREHAUG Sat 4 Nov, Jon- Darwin with her very own Theory of gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Theatre Telford Evolution, Mon 6 Nov, Stafford Gate- house Theatre MARLON DAVIS, DAVID HADINGHAM, TWELFTH NIGHT Shakespeare's tale of JOHN SCOTT & COMIC TBC AND THEN THERE WERE NONE Amateur unrequited love, Thurs 2 Nov - Sat 24 DEATHTRAP Paul Bradley (Holby City) Sat 4 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham staging presented by United National Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre & Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) star in Theatre, Tues 31 Oct - Sat 4 Nov, Stratford-upon-Avon a new staging of the longest-running JEREMY HARDY Sat 4 Nov, The Edge Stoke On Trent Repertory Theatre thriller in Broadway history, Tues 7 - Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South WNO - EUGENE ONEGIN Tchaikovsky’s CHARLES DICKENS' GHOST STORIES Sat 11 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Shropshire best-loved opera, showcasing the Featuring two of Dickens’ most chill- battle between the yearnings of the Birmingham ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 4 Nov, ing tales of the supernatural - The heart and social convention, Fri 3 SOUTH PACIFIC A Lichfield Operatic The Old Post Office, Burton-upon- Signalman & The Haunted Man, Tues Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome Society production, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Trent 31 Oct - Sat 11 Nov, The Blue Orange BEYOND THE BARRICADE A cast of past Nov, Lichfield Garrick MILTON JONES Theatre, Birmingham Sat 4 Nov, Civic Hall, principal performers from Les Miser- FOR LOVE OR MONEY Northern Broad- Wolverhampton MACBETH The Crescent Theatre Com- ables recreate original West sides present a new adaptation of pany presents its version of Shake- End/Broadway numbers, Fri 3 Nov, 18th century comedy Tucaret, Tues 7 speare’s bloodiest tale, until Sat 4 The Place, Oakengates Theatre, - Sat 11 Nov, New Vic Theatre, New- Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Shropshire castle-under-Lyme NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Major new BIN LADEN The world’s most notorious BREAKING THE CODE Stafford Players stage adaptation based on the hit terrorist tells his provocative story, Fri present the story of Alan Turing, Tues movie, until Sun 12 Nov, The REP, 3 Nov, Lichfield Garrick 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH Join Paul, Theatre WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mis- Sam, Albert, Baby and two brand ANTIGONE Actors Of Dionysus present taken identity, complete with posh new characters for an evening of a new adaptation of Sophocles’ frocks and masks, Wed 1 Nov, stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, tragedy, reimagined in a dystopian Birmingham Hippodrome Wed 3 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse The- landscape, Tues 7 Nov, Brewhouse FUNNY THINGS COMEDY CLUB FEAT. MAGIC CIRCLE Brother Wolf present a atre Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent BARBARA NICE, ORCHESTRA OF CHAOS & sinister two-handed mystery play, NEXT THING YOU KNOW Four New York- PSYCHIC SALLY An evening of medi- THE JOKE EXCHANGE Sun 5 Nov, The Wed 1 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse The- ers wake up from their invincible 20s umship, Tues 7 Nov, The Place, Oak- Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton atre to confront adulthood in ‘the city that engates Theatre, Telford, Shropshire JOSH PUGH, TANYA LEE DAVIS STORIES TO TELL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE never sleeps’, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Nov, Old BEAUTIFUL - THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL FEATURING NIGE & DAN NIGHTINGALE NIGHT A live late-night radio show for Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Olivier Award-winning West End Sun 5 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- those who can’t sleep, Wed 1 Nov, MATA HARI - FEMALE SPY Story of the show telling the inspiring true story of bury Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton most notorious female spy in history, King’s remarkable rise to stardom, ROB BRYDON: I AM STANDING UP Sun 5 CINDERELLA Amateur staging pre- inspired by her own words, Fri 3 - Sat Tues 7 - Sat 11 Nov, Birmingham Hip- Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham sented by Get Your Wigle On, Wed 1 4 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre podrome PAUL CHOWDHRY: LIVE INNIT Mon 6 - Sat 4 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- BARNUM Cabaret Theatre Company LIZ WEIR - ACROSS THE WATER TALES Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury bury present the story of Phineas Taylor FROM IRELAND AND BEYOND Story- Barnum, widely regarded as ‘the telling night for grown-ups, Wed 8 JOHN BISHOP - WINGING IT SCROOGE A West Bromwich Operatic Tues 7 Nov, greatest showman on earth’, Fri 3 - Nov, Brewhouse Arts Centre, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Society Youtheatre production, Wed 1 - Sat 4 Nov, Lichfield Garrick Sat 4 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Cen- Burton-upon-Trent PATRICK MONAHAN, NICK PAGE tre, Burton-upon-Trent THE VALUE OF NOTHING More like an & DANNY WARD STRICTLY WEST END PRESENTED BY Fri 10 Nov, WNO - DIE FLEDERMAUS A story of mis- event than a play, this Laid Bare The Bramall, Birmingham Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, Wed 1 - Sat 4 Nov, Prince Of Wales taken identity, complete with posh show invites the audience to ‘interact, MAE MARTIN - DOPE Fri 10 Nov, The Centre, Cannock frocks and masks, Sat 4 Nov, be active and take part’, Wed 8 Nov, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Wed 1 - Sun 12 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:56 Page 4

Wednesday 1 - Sunday 12 November

Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham the gods, monsters and mortals of BONFIRE NIGHT Visit Tamworth Castle PEPPA PIG - LIVE! Join the fun with THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY Ancient Greece, Tues 7 Nov, Sym- after dark for a ‘breathtaking’ firework Peppa, George, Suzy Sheep, Danny SPELLING BEE Six mid-pubescents vie phony Hall, Birmingham display, Sat 4 Nov, Tamworth Castle Dog and Emily Elephant, Wed 8 - for the spelling championship of a AN EVENING WITH TERRY WAITE The FIREWORK FESTIVAL Sat 4 - Sun 5 Nov, Thurs 9 Nov, Theatre Severn, lifetime, Sat 11 Nov, Lichfield Garrick humanitarian and author talks about West Midland Safari and Leisure Shrewsbury his life, Wed 8 Nov, Ludlow Assembly Park, Bewdley BEDROOM FARCE Shropshire Drama Rooms, South Shropshire THE NATIONAL PET SHOW Sat 4 - Sun 5 Company present Alan Ayckbourn’s GOK WAN: NAKED AND BARING ALL Gok Nov, NEC, Birmingham lighthearted comedy, Wed 8 - Sat 11 talks candidly about his rise to star- ULTIMATE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR A Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Dance dom, Sun 12 Nov, Birmingham Town last chance to experience the venue’s FORBIDDEN NIGHTS Circus artists pre- Hall rides and attractions before the 2017 sent ‘an electric fusion of daring rou- THE HEAD WRAP DIARIES Uchenna season comes to an end, Sat 4 - Sun tines, acrobatics and provocative Dance explore issues of femininity, 5 Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire choreography’, Thurs 9 Nov, The beauty, culture and, most importantly, HERITAGE WEEKEND Take a stroll Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, hair, Thurs 2 Nov, DanceXchange, around beautiful Bournville Village as Shropshire The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hip- you’re guided through the history of TEAM VIKING Tangram Theatre Com- podrome Cadbury's home town, Sat 4 - Sun 5 pany’s critically acclaimed comic ode A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Relive the Nov, Cadbury World, Birmingham to death and friendship, told through passion, indulge in the romance and AUTUMN FLAVOURS DINE & STAY storytelling, comic theatre and live celebrate the greatest movie sound- Savour the warm and comforting music, Thurs 9 Nov, Arena Theatre, track of all time, Sat 4 Nov, The flavours of autumn with this food Wolverhampton Place, Oakengates, Telford lovers dine-and-stay weekend, Sat 4 - ALADDIN Birmingham Youth Theatre THE NUTCRACKER Russian Ballet & Sun 5 Nov, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal celebrate their 30th anniversary with Opera House bring to life the story of ULTIMATE STANCE One-day indoor a pantomime for all the family, Thurs Clara and her adventures on Christ- event displaying slammed and 9 - Sat 11 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, mas Eve, Thurs 2 Nov, Stafford Gate- stanced vehicles from across the UK, Birmingham house Theatre Sun 5 Nov, Telford International Cen- MADE IN DAGENHAM THE MUSICAL Pre- FREEFALLING FOR 15 YEARS Birming- tre, Shropshire sented by Back Street Theatre Com- ham Royal Ballet's Freefall Dance BONFIRE & FIREWORKS Sun 5 Nov, We- pany, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Nov, Prince Of Company celebrates 15 years of per- ston Park, Nr Shifnal Wales Centre, Cannock formance, Thurs 9 Nov, The Patrick Events Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome MODEL RAILEX The seventh Burton MY DEAREST GIRLS - THE LETTERS BOOK Annual Model Railex Exhibition, or- DIWALI UTSAV - SITARON KE SANG Francesca Millican Slater’s warm and THE STITCHING, SEWING & HOBBYCRAFT ganised by the Burton Railway Soci- witty storytelling features live music Presented by Jaivant Patel Dance SHOW Includes free entry to Crafts ety, Sun 5 Nov, National Brewery and a touch of cabaret, Fri 10 Nov, and Arena Theatre, Sat 11 Nov, For Christmas, Art Materials Live and Centre, Burton upon Trent Bitterley Village Hall, Ludlow, South Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Shropshire Nov, NEC, Birmingham WWE LIVE Tues 7 Nov, Arena B’ham TEAM VIKING Tangram Theatre Com- SIMPLY CHRISTMAS Those who love a TRAM-DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join pany’s critically acclaimed comic ode handmade Christmas will delight in the expert team to learn all about the to death and friendship, told through everything this show has to offer, history and workings of the trams in storytelling, comic theatre and live Talks Thurs 2 - Sun 5 Nov, NEC, B’ham the collection, once seen in every town of the Black Country, Tues 7 music, Fri 10 Nov, Quatt Village Hall, CRAFTS FOR CHRISTMAS Includes free AN AUDIENCE WITH KATIE PRICE Nov, Black Country Living Museum, Nr Bridgnorth, South Shropshire Wed 1 entry to Art Materials Live, The Stitch- Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Dudley MEDUSA The story of a woman who ing, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show and Birmingham exacts her revenge on the men that Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun 5 LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC destroyed her and the gods that AN AUDIENCE WITH MARTIN KEMP The Nov, NEC, Birmingham MOTOR SHOW The biggest and best event of its kind in the UK, Fri 10 - cursed her, Fri 10 Nov, mac, B’ham Spandau Ballet star talks about his ART MATERIALS LIVE Includes free private and professional life, Fri 3 Sun 12 Nov, NEC, Birmingham ME Little Angel fuse puppetry, music entry to Crafts For Christmas, The Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham and theatre for younger audiences in Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Show CHARACTER WEEKEND Cadbury's most a touching tale about a baby penguin VOICES FOR THE VOICELESS Errollyn and Cake International, Thurs 2 - Sun colourful characters appear at regular finding her feet, Fri 10 Nov, Arena Wallen provides an insight into her 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham intervals across the day!, Sat 11 - Sun 12 Nov, Cadbury World, B’ham Theatre, Wolverhampton career, Sat 4 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- THE MIND BODY SPIRIT WELLBEING drome KINGS CROSS (REMIX) One-man show FESTIVAL A celebration of self-explo- SUNNYCROFT AT NIGHT Enjoy the weaving together the hidden histories BACK IN TIME Kath Reynolds presents ration and self-expression featuring house lit by candlelight, Sat 11 - Sun of LGBT communities in London dur- a series of talks which reflect a per- music, yoga, meditation and life- 12 Nov, Sunnycroft, Wellington, ing the 1980s, Fri 10 Nov, Old Joint sonal interest in people and social changing workshops, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Shropshire Stock Theatre, Birmingham history. Tues 7 Nov, Middleport Pot- Nov, NEC, Birmingham SCALE MODELWORLD Features compe- tery, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: VOODOO CAKE INTERNATIONAL Includes free titions and kit swaps, Sat 11 - Sun 12 VAUDEVIL ‘Bizarre, brave and beautiful RAY MEARS: BORN TO BE WILD Join the entry to Crafts For Christmas, The Nov, Telford International Centre, acts’, all woven into a sensational intrepid explorer as he takes audi- Stitching, Sewing & Hobbycraft Shropshire shock/horror story, Fri 10 Nov, ences on a journey into the wilder- Show, and Art Materials Live, Fri 3 - BWIN GRAND SLAM OF DARTS Sat 11 - Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ness, Tues 7 Nov, Birmingham Town Sun 5 Nov, NEC, Birmingham Sun 19 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhamp- Hall THE ADDAMS FAMILY Presented by HIMLEY BONFIRE & FIREWORKS The ton Curtain Call, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Nov, The JOHN MOTSON An audience with one largest local-authority fireworks dis- SANTA SAFARI A four-mile self-drive sa- Wightman Theatre, Shrewsbury of the UK’s best-known sports com- play in the country, set to this year’s fari and a visit to Santa, Sat 11 Nov - mentators, Tues 7 Nov, Festival Dray- HOBSON'S CHOICE Presented by All & theme of Girl Power, Sat 4 Nov, Him- Sun 24 Dec, West Midland Safari and ton, Market Drayton, North Sundry, Sat 11 - Sat 25 Nov, Crescent ley Hall & Park, Dudley Leisure Park, Bewdley Shropshire Theatre, Birmingham FIREWORKS NIGHT The townsfolk mark DINO DAY The T-Rex and Velociraptor STEPHEN FRY LIVE! IN MYTHOS Event MACBLAIR The story of Tony Blair, told Guy Fawkes’ foiled Gunpowder Plot are on the prowl, Sun 12 Nov, Na- marking the launch of Stephen’s lat- as a Shakespearean tragicomedy via with a family fireworks display, Sat 4 tional Forest Adventure Farm, Burton est book, in which he brings to life verse, rap and comedy, Sat 11 Nov, Nov, Blists Hill, Telford Upon Trent

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:24 Page 1 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:24 Page 2

thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November LUCIE SILVAS Wed 15 CAJUN DANCE NIGHT Gigs Nov, O2 Institute, WITH ELVIS FONTENOT Classical Comedy Birmingham Sat 18 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall MARTINE MCCUTCHEON ANDREW W.K. Wed 15 Music EDDIE KADI Mon 13 Nov, The Glee Mon 13 Nov, Birming- Nov, O2 Academy, ABSOLUTE BOWIE Sat Club, Birmingham Birmingham 18 Nov, O2 Academy, ham Town Hall RUSSELL BRAND Tues 14 Nov, Victoria Birmingham EHNES PLAYS BACH Wed 15 Nov, The BROKEN WITT REBELS ROY WOOD Wed 15 Barber Institute, Birmingham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Mon 13 Nov, The Nov, Theatre Severn, THE DOORS ALIVE Sat CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- Slade Rooms, Wolver- Shrewsbury 18 Nov, O2 Academy, CHESTRA: BEETHOVEN & ELGAR Featur- hampton Birmingham SOFT MACHINE Wed 15 ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla Nov, The Robin, Bil- VIPER - THE SOUND OF VAN MORRISON Mon 13 (conductor), Vilde ėFrang (violin). Nov, Symphony Hall, ston DRUM & BASS Sat 18 Programme includes works by Mes- Birmingham TOSELAND Wed 15 Nov, O2 Institute, siaen, Elgar & Beethoven, Thurs 16 Birmingham DECAPITATED Mon 13 Nov, The Sugarmill, Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Nov, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent TINNED ASTRONAUT Sat BBC SCOTTISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Stoke-on-Trent PURPLE RAIN Thurs 16 18 Nov, O2 Institute, - BEETHOVEN'S THIRD Featuring IIan Birmingham THE MAGIC BAND: Nov, Theatre Severn, Volkov (conductor), Ilya Gringolts FAREWELL TOUR Mon Shrewsbury DEMON Sat 18 Nov, (violin) & Juliet Fraser (voice). Pro- Eleven, Sandyford, gramme includes works by Cassan- 13 Nov, The Robin, Bil- WOLF ALICE Thurs 16 JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS Tues Stoke on Trent dra Miller, Salvatore Sciarrino, John ston Nov, O2 Academy, 14 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham LITTLE MIX Sat 18 Nov, Croft & Beethoven, Fri 17 Nov, Sym- CHINA CRISIS Mon 13 FESTIVAL OF THE SPOKEN NERD Wed Genting Arena, Birm- phony Hall, Birmingham Nov, Henry Tudor KING PARROT Thurs 16 15 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall House, Shrewsbury Nov, The Slade ingham MARK THOMAS: A SHOW THAT GAM- Rooms, W’hampton ROYAL BLOOD Sat 18 BLONDIE Mon 13 Nov, BLES ON THE FUTURE Thurs 16 Nov, Nov, Arena B’ham Arena Birmingham PENETRATION Thurs 16 mac, Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, COVENANT Sat 18 Nov, THE LEMON TWIGS Mon GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham 13 Nov, O2 Institute, FEATURING COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Birmingham THE RED SHOES - OUR DREADZONE Sat 18 ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 16 Nov, The THE STYLISTICS Tues KATE BUSH STORY! Nov, The Robin, Bil- Glee Club, Birmingham Thurs 16 Nov, The ston 14 Nov, Theatre Sev- FUNNY WOMAN WITH NOREEN KHAN, Robin, Bilston ern, Shrewsbury CHAOS IN THE CBD Sat ISMA ALMAS, SINDHU VEE & SHAZIA NEWTON FAULKNER MAREN MORRIS Fri 17 18 - Sun 19 Nov, Hare MIRZA Thurs 16 Nov, The Glee Club, Tues 14 Nov, The Nov, O2 Institute, & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- AN EVENING WITH LAU JAMES COOK IN TOO MANY JAMESES hampton CARDBOARD FOX Fri 17 Sun 19 Nov, Wem FEATURING SPECIAL GUESTS Fri 17 RUN THE JEWELS Tues Nov, The Hive, Town Hall, Shropshire Nov, MAC, Birmingham Shrewsbury 14 Nov, O2 Academy, JAMES HICKMAN & DAN ED BYRNE - SPOILER ALERT Fri 17 Nov Birmingham 999 Fri 17 Nov, Eleven, CASSIDY Sun 19 Nov, LOCRIAN ENSEMBLE: VIVALDI BY CAN- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Sandyford, Stoke on Tamworth Assembly DLELIGHT DAN OWEN Tues 14 Fri 17 Nov, Lichfield Gar- GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, Trent Rooms rick Nov, Theatre Severn, MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Fri Shrewsbury T'PAU Fri 17 Nov, The FRANK IERO & THE PA- BAUDELAIRE IN SONG LECTURE RECITAL 17 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Buttermarket, Shrews- TIENCE Sun 19 Nov, Featuring Mary Bevan (soprano), SHAWN KLUSH - THE LEE NELSON - SERIOUS JOKER Fri 17 bury The Slade Rooms, Joseph Middleton (piano) & Profes- ELVIS WORLD TOUR Nov, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall Tues 14 Nov, Sym- PEARL JAM TRIBUTE Fri Wolverhampton sor Helen Abbott. Programme in- PHILL JUPITUS - JUPLICITY Sat 18 phony Hall, B’ham 17 Nov, O2 Academy, FROM THE JAM Sun 19 cludes works by Rollinat, Debussy, Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much TRUEHEIGHT Tues 14 Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, Duparc & Bréville, Fri 17 Nov, The Barber Institute, Birmingham Wenlock, South Shropshire Nov, Hare & Hounds, DEEP PURPLE Fri 17 Birmingham ALISTAIR BARRIE, MICKEY SHARMA & Birmingham Nov, Arena B’ham STILLMARILLION Sun SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF - PIANO Pro- gramme includes works by DIANE SPENCER Sat 18 Nov, Jon- KIRVANA & PEARL SCAM THE REAL THING Fri 17 19 Nov, The Robin, Bil- Mendelssohn, Brahms & Bach, Sat gleurs Comedy Club, Birmingham Tues 14 Nov, The Nov, The Robin, Bil- ston 18 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall STEVE HARRIS, BRENNAN REECE, Slade Rooms, Wolver- ston DEPECHE MODE Sun 19 hampton EXPLORING BROOKMEYER AND HOLLEN- LARRY DEAN & DAMION LARKIN Sat 18 LITTLE MIX Fri 17 Nov, Nov, Arena B’ham BECK: BIG BAND Sat 18 Nov, The Bra- Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent ALICE COOPER Tues 14 Genting Arena, B’ham JACQUI DANKWORTH & Nov, Arena B’ham mall, Birmingham GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL TONKINSON, H.E.A.T Fri 17 Nov, The CHARLIE WOOD Sun 19 ORGAN PROMS Sat 18 Nov, Victoria MICKY P KERR & FUNMBI OMOTAYO Sat JON BODEN Tues 14 Slade Rooms, Wolver- Nov, Lichfield Guildhall Hall, Stoke-on-Trent 18 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Nov, Ludlow Assembly hampton RHIANNON GIDDENS Rooms, South Shrop- LUDLOW CHORAL SOCIETY: A LITTLE CHRIS MCCAUSLAND, LAUREN PATTI- WILD BOYS Fri 17 Nov, Sun 19 Nov, Birming- shire NIGHT MUSIC Featuring Steve SON, LAURA LEXX & JOHN LYNN Sat 18 Festival Drayton Cen- ham Town Hall Dunachie (piano) & Patrick Larley Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham NELLY Wed 15 Nov, O2 tre, Market Drayton JAKE BUGG Sun 19 (conductor). Programme includes LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB Academy, Birmingham Nov, Victoria Hall, LUVSTEP Fri 17 - Sat 18 works by Monteverdi, Mozart, Rach- Sat 18 Nov, Wolverhampton Art Stoke-on-Trent SOMEONE LIKE YOU - Nov, Hare & Hounds, maninov, Larley & Tavener, Sat 18 Gallery THE ADELE SONGBOOK Birmingham Nov, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Wed 15 Nov, Wolver- JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE INSANE CLOWN POSSE South Shropshire hampton Grand The- GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Sat 18 Sat 18 Nov, O2 Insti- atre ENGLISH TOURING OPERA: BACH’S B Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham tute, Birmingham MINOR MASS Sat 18 Nov, Lichfield JOHN SMITH Wed 15 ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Every Saturday PLANET DURAN Sat 18 Cathedral Nov, Henry Tudor four comedians to tickle your funny Nov, Route 44, Birm- House, Shrewsbury BRASS BAND & CHAMBER CHOIRS Sun bone! Sat 18 Nov, The Old Post Of- ingham 19 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham fice, Burton-upon-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:24 Page 3

thelist Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- upon-Avon Dance WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? BARBARA BROWNSKIRT Featuring the bitter- sweet world of prolific-but-failing PHOENIX DANCE THEATRE Three di- ‘poet of the people’ Barbara Brown- verse, emotional and sassy dances in skirt, Thurs 16 Nov, Old Joint Stock one ‘thrilling and thought-provoking’ Theatre, Birmingham performance, Tues 14 Nov, Malvern Theatre MATT MONRO - THE SINGER'S SINGER Matt’s daughter Michele and son ZERO Humanhood present a visually Matt Jnr tell the story of their father’s and sonically mesmerising perfor- life, Thurs 16 Nov, Dudley Town Hall mance of immersive sound, hypnotis- FREEZIN' Fizzog Productions present ing lights and virtuosic movement, a Black Country panto set in 1910, Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- Thurs 16 Nov, Wolverhampton Grand drome Theatre BALLETBOYZ: FOURTEEN DAYS Four WAKE UP & DEIRDREALIZE A ‘ridicu- brand new works and the return of an lous, outlandish, improvised, charac- audience favourite, Sat 18 Nov, Lich- ter romp, guaranteed to take you on field Garrick a thrilling rollercoaster ride’, Fri 17 THE NUTCRACKER Vienna Festival bal- Nov, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham let bring to life the story of Clara and ROB GEE: FORGET ME NOT - THE her adventures on Christmas Eve, Sunset Boulevard - Birmingham Hippodrome ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNIT Thought- Sat 18 Nov, Festival Drayton, Market provoking one-man comedy/poetry Drayton, North Shropshire DANIEL SLOSS - NOW Sun 19 Nov, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET Birmingham show which explores how we treat Civic Hall, Wolverhampton & Midland Operatic Society present and perceive people with dementia, an amateur staging of the festive JAMES ACASTER Sun 19 Nov, The Glee Fri 17 Nov, Habberley Village Hall, classic, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Nov Club, Birmingham Stiperstones, Nr Shrewsbury New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham WUTHERING HEIGHTS Hotbuckle Pro- Talks GUYS AND DOLLS The Arcadians pre- ductions presents a new staging of sent their version of one of the great- Emily Bronte’s gothic classic, Fri 17 est musicals of all time, Tues 14 - Sat A ROPE OF WORDS Dr Rona Cran takes Nov, SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, 18 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham a look at the woman at the heart of Theatre Shropshire the movie Sunset Boulevard, and ex- 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL Amateur staging MEDEA, WRITTEN IN RAGE Contempo- plores the transition from silent cin- presented by Cradley Heath Amateur TANJA ‘Dramatic’ exploration of immi- rary reimagining of the ancient Greek ema to the talkies, Wed 15 Nov, Operatic Society, Tues 14 - Sat 18 gration detention centres, starring legend of passion and revenge. Per- Birmingham Hippodrome Emily Ntshangase-Wood, a former Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall formed as part of SHOUT Festival, Fri ERASMUS DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE Yarl’s Wood detainee, Mon 13 Nov, AMERICAN IDIOT Amateur staging of 17 - Sat 18 Nov, The REP, B’ham 2017 Presented by Lichfield Science mac, Birmingham Green Day’s rock opera, Wed 15 Nov, ROB GEE: FORGET ME NOT - THE & Engineering Society, Thurs 16 Nov, The Wightman Theatre, AND THE REST OF ME FLOATS New ALZHEIMER’S WHODUNNIT Thought- Lichfield Garrick show all about the messy business of Shrewsbury provoking one-man comedy/poetry DELUSIONS & OBSESSIVE LOVE An ex- gender. Presented by Outbox The- TONY STOCKWELL Evening of psychic show which explores how we treat ploration of the Billy Wilder film, Sun- atre, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, The REP, mediumship, Wed 15 Nov, Festival and perceive people with dementia, set Boulevard. Presented as part of Birmingham Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Sat 18 Nov, Stoke St Milborough Vil- the SHOUT Festival, Thurs 16 Nov, North Shropshire THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR lage Hall, Ludlow, South Shropshire Birmingham Hippodrome HYDE A ‘thrilling’ adaptation of Robert A CHRISTMAS CAROL Presented by Eu- WHERE’S MY IGLOO GONE? Journey AN EVENING WITH GERVAISE PHINN Ger- Louis Stevenson’s dark psychologi- ropean Arts Company, Wed 15 Nov, into a dazzling Arctic world of soaring vaise tells tales from his life as a cal fantasy, Mon 13 - Tues 14 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury snow geese, husky dogs and starry teacher and school inspector, Sat 18 Lichfield Garrick PENGUIN BY LONG NOSE PUPPETS nights, Sat 18 Nov, Longner Village Nov, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, SUNSET BOULEVARD Compelling story Stage version of Polly Dunbar's Hall, Nr Shrewsbury Staffs of romance and obsession, based on award-winning book for children, TREASURE ISLAND A journey across Billy Wilder’s legendary film. Ria Wed 15 Nov, Newhampton Arts Cen- the high seas, filled with larger-than- Jones stars, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, tre, Wolverhampton life characters and swashbuckling Birmingham Hippodrome LUKE JERMAY Critically acclaimed sword fights, Sat 18 Nov - Sat 27 Jan, BETTY BLUE EYES Alan Bennett’s A Pri- show from the man who can ‘read New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- Film vate Function gets the musical com- your mind’, Wed 15 Nov, The Place, Lyme edy treatment in this touching tale of Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: 1940s Britain. Presented by Little THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR presents its annual showcase, Sun Theatre Company, Mon 13 - Sat 18 HYDE Blackeyed Theatre Company 19 Nov, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, present a ‘thrilling’ adaptation of THAT’LL BE THE DAY Featuring a new- FLATLINERS (15) Horror/Sci-Fi. Starring Burton-upon-Trent Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psy- line-up of smash hits spanning the Ellen Page, Diego Luna. Festival TIME CRITICAL Stan’s Cafe take a look chological fantasy, Wed 15 - Fri 17 ’50s, ’60s, ’70s & ’80s, Sun 19 Nov, Drayton Centre, North Shropshire, at 25 years of history, both the Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Mon 13 Nov world’s and their own, Tues 14 Nov, ME... Presented by Little Angel The- DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM YAM THEIR FINEST (12a) Comedy/Drama. Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton atre and featuring live puppetry, Wed Comedy Queen of the Black Country Starring Gemma Arterton, Sam CILLA THE MUSICAL Musical celebra- 15 - Thurs 30 Nov, mac, Birmingham Doreen Tipton sets out to challenge Claflin. The Edge Arts Centre, Much tion of the Liverpool teenager who IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 Darwin with her very own Theory of Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 13 went on to become one of Britain’s CONSPIRATOR A story of power-politics Evolution, Sun 19 - Mon 20 Nov, Nov best-loved entertainers, Tues 14 - Sat in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock LOVING VINCENT (15) Animation/Biog- 18 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory raphy. With the voices of Douglas Trent Doran directs. Thurs 16 Nov - Sat 10 Booth, Chris O'Dowd. Stoke Film

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 13 - 19 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:24 Page 4

Monday 13 - Sunday 19 November

Theatre, Tues 14 Nov Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 17 - Thu 23 Nov Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Birmingham BASE (15) Action/Drama. Starring BLADE RUNNER 2049 (15) Sci-Fi/Thriller. Tamworth Alexander Polli. Light House Media Starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford. LANTERNORY Brand new storytelling Centre, Wolverhampton, Tues 14 Nov Festival Drayton Centre, North Shrop- concept that follows the exploits of AFTER THE STORM (PG) Drama. Star- shire, Sat 18 Nov Raike, a young thief, as he attempts ring Hiroshi Abe, Yôko Maki. Foreign to acquire treasures from the castle. language, subtitled. Foxlowe Arts The story is revealed in parts, as visi- Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 14 Nov tor’s tour through the venue by lantern light, Sat 18 Nov, Tamworth INTO THE WOODS (PG) Castle Adventure/Comedy. Starring Anna Events Kendrick, Meryl Streep. The Hive, SHREWSBURY CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL Shrewsbury, Wed 15 Nov TRAM DRIVING EXPERIENCE DAY Join Celebration of chocolate featuring exhibitors, children's activities, demon- DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Fea- THE EXORCIST (18) Horror. Starring the expert team to learn all about the turing live shows, carols, presents, history and workings of the trams in strations and music, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow. Light Nov, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury light shows, festive food, Father House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- the collection, once seen in every Christmas and a daily ‘magnificent ton, Thurs 16 Nov town of the Black Country, Mon 13 CRAFT & CHRISTMAS FAYRE Featuring fireworks display’, Sat 18 Nov - Sun Nov, Black Country Living Museum, 50-plus stalls, including crafts, gifts 31 Dec, Drayton Manor Theme Park, BORN FREE (U) Adventure/Drama. Dudley and food exhibitors, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Starring Virginia McKenna, Bill Tamworth NIMROD TOURS Nov, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley Travers. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Thurs Climb on board the CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL The Red 16 Nov Nimrod and learn about its intelli- CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Featuring House Glass Cone's first Christmas gence-gathering role in the Royal Air more than 70 local artists, food pro- BRIMSTONE (18) Thriller/Western. Star- Tree Festival, raising money for Dud- Force, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Nov, RAF ducers and talented craftspeople, Sat ley Mind, the YMCA and Dudley ring Kit Harington, Dakota Fanning. Cosford, Shifnal 18 - Sun 19 Nov, Dudmaston Estate, Stoke Film Theatre, Thurs 16 Nov Alzheimer's Society, Sat 18 Nov - Sun CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO Bridgnorth, South Shropshire 7 Jan, Red House Glass Cone, Word- THE PARTY (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- BACKS Thurs 16 Nov, Birmingham MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Another sley, Stourbridge ring Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Back to Backs ‘fun-filled celebration of geeky good- XMAS ART & CRAFT GIFT MARKET Fea- Spall. Stoke Film Theatre, Fri 17 - Sat ness’, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Nov, NEC, 18 Nov BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS turing an eclectic selection of original MARKET Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, Birmingham art and craft items by local artists and MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Birmingham City Centre MOTORCYCLE LIVE 2017 The UK’s makers, Sun 19 Nov, Newhampton Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth biggest motorcycle show, Sat 18 - Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Branagh, Michelle Pfeiffer. Old Market SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Fri 17

whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:55 Page 1

COMING SOON...

7th Nov, 7.30pm Actors of Dionysus: Antigone

Tickets: £12, £10 conc, £5 student

8th Nov, 7pm Liz Weir: Across the Water Tales from Ireland and Beyond

Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

13th - 18th Nov, 7.30pm Sat Mat 2.30pm Little Theatre Company: Betty Blue Eyes Tickets: £12, £10 conc

16th Nov, 7-9pm Made in the Middle: Ceramics Workshop with Zoe Hillyard Tickets: £15 including materials

22nd Nov, 7pm Zest Theatre and Half Moon: What Once Was Ours

Tickets: £8, £5 conc

24th Nov, 7.30pm Into The Shadows The Unique Sound of The Shadows

Tickets: £12

25th Nov, 8pm Burton Town Hall Motown 60s & 70s Club Soul Tickets:TicTickets:kets: ££12,1 £72,adv ££101, 0£10 SSata totd MMatat

25th Nov, 8pm George Egg: DIY Chef

Tickets: £12, £10 conc

29th Nov, 7pm Vienna Festival Ballet presents The Nutcracker

Tickets: £18, £16 conc

Box ofﬁce: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:55 Page 2

thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November Civic Hall, Wolverhamp- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ton Classical Music ED GAMBLE - MAMMOTH Thurs 23 Nov, LES MCKEOWN BAY CITY The Glee Club, Birmingham ROLLERS Fri 24 Nov, THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME CONCERT MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY The Robin, Bilston Programme includes works by N. de & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY BRYSON TILLER Fri 24 Grigny, J. P. Sweelinck, W. Herschel, ROBINSON Thurs 23 Nov, The Glee Nov, O2 Academy, L. Vierné, Wagner (arr. E. H. Lemare) Club, Birmingham & Holst (arr. T. Trotter), Mon 20 Nov, Birmingham MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, Birmingham Town Hall SCRATCH PERVERTS Fri GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Fri 24 24 Nov, Hare & DNA: DELYTH & ANGARAD JENKINS Tra- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham ditional & new Welsh music on harp Hounds, Birmingham COMEDY WITH INGRID DAHLE & BREN- & fiddle, Mon 20 Nov, The Lion Hotel, JAGGED LITTLE PILL - A DAN BURNS COMPERED BY CHRIS PUR- Shrewsbury TRIBUTE TO ALANIS CHASE Fri 24 Nov, Wolverhampton Duke Special - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury MORISSETTE Fri 24 Nov, TAMSIN WALEY-COHEN PLAYS MOZART Grand Theatre Featuring Orchestra Of The Swan & O2 Academy, B’ham MITCH BENN Fri 24 Nov, mac, B’ham QUEEN Wed 22 Nov, The David Curtis (conductor). Programme LIZZIE AND THE BAN- Bramall, Birmingham includes works by Haydn, Grieg & GARY DELANEY Fri 24 Nov, The Place, Gigs SHEES Fri 24 Nov, The Mozart, Wed 22 Nov, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre, Telford SAMANTHA FISH Wed 22 Roadhouse, B’ham Town Hall THE LAFONTAINES Nov, The Robin, Bilston KERRY GODLIMAN - STICK OR TWIST Fri Mon KEITH JAMES Fri 24 Nov, THE RAF IN CONCERT 2017 Wed 22 24 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham 20 Nov, O2 Academy, BRY Wed 22 Nov, O2 Foxlowe Arts Centre, Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ALEX BOARDMAN & JONNY AWSUM Fri Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Leek JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR CECIL ARONOWITZ ORCHESTRA Pro- 24 Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, ALDOUS HARDING Wed ENTER SHIKARI Fri 24 gramme includes works by Bartók, Birmingham Mon 20 Nov, Sym- 22 Nov, O2 Institute, Nov, Arena Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham Birmingham Hindemith & Walton, Fri 24 Nov, PAUL CHOWDHURY Fri 24 Nov, Wulfrun SHAM 69 Fri 24 Nov, The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire THE SONGS OF LEONARD Hall, Wolverhampton JOHN BRAMWELL Wed Slade Rooms, Wolver- COHEN FODEN BRASS BAND WITH MATT FORD: JONNY AWSUM & NICK PAGE Sat 25 Mon 20 Nov, The 22 Nov, The Glee Club, hampton Robin, Bilston Birmingham MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS Fri 24 Nov, Nov, Jongleurs Comedy Club, B‘ham THE DIVINE COMEDY Fri Lichfield Cathedral ROBERT PLANT AND THE MICK FERRY, CARL DONNELLEY, JIM MORAY Wed 22 Nov, 24 Nov, O2 Institute, SENSATIONAL SPACE NDR RADIOPHILHARMONIE HANOVER - GUZ KHAN & SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Sat 25 The Red Lion Folk Birmingham SHIFTERS Mon 20 Nov, Club, Birmingham BEETHOVEN AND BRAHMS Featuring Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham PURE PURPLE Fri 24 Andrew Manze (conductor) & Igor Wolverhampton Civic THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, KEVIN GILDEA, OPETH Wed 22 Nov, O2 Nov, Eleven, Sandy- Levit (piano), Sat 25 Nov, Symphony Hall MIKE NEWALL & STEVE HARRIS Sat 25 Institute, Birmingham ford, Stoke on Trent Hall, Birmingham BLACK LIPS Mon 20 Nov, Nov, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham AS LIONS Wed 22 Nov, MIKE GARSON PLAYS NOTORIOUS AT 20 - FAURE REQUIEM Hare & Hounds, Birm- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Every Saturday The Sugarmill, Stoke- DAVID BOWIE'S ALADDIN AND RUTTER MAGNIFICAT Sat 25 Nov, ingham four comedians to tickle your funny on-Trent SANE Sat 25 Nov, O2 In- Birmingham Town Hall JAMES BLUNT Tues 21 bone! Sat 25 Nov, The Old Post Of- RICK WAKEMAN Wed 22 stitute, Birmingham Nov, Arena Birmingham SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring fice, Burton-upon-Trent Nov, New Vic Theatre, BETSY Sat 25 Nov, O2 Daniele Rosina (conductor).Pro- SKERRYVORE Tues 21 KERRY GODLIMAN - STICK OR TWIST Sat Newcastle-under-Lyme Institute, Birmingham gramme includes works by Sibelius & Nov, Hare & Hounds, 25 Nov, The Edge Arts Centre, Much BANANARAMA Thurs 23 Grieg, Sat 25 Nov, The Bramall, Birm- Birmingham LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat 25 Wenlock, South Shropshire Nov, Arena Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bilston ingham LUCY ROSE Tues 21 Nov, MATT RICHARDSON Sun 26 Nov, Henry EMILY BARKER Thurs 23 PETRO FRESA PIANO RECITAL Pro- The Glee Club, B’ham JAMES ARTHUR Sat 25 Tudor House, Shrewsbury Nov, Henry Tudor Nov, Genting Arena, gramme includes works by Debussy, WILL VARLEY Tues 21 House, Shrewsbury Birmingham Beethoven & Schumann, Sat 25 Nov, Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South ZODIAC MINDWARP AND MAGIC - A KIND OF ingham Shropshire THE LOVE REACTION QUEEN Sat 25 Nov, Vic- OMD Tues 21 Nov, Sym- Thurs 23 Nov, The toria Hall, Stoke-on- MILITARY WIVES: HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Theatre phony Hall, B’ham Robin, Bilston Trent Sat 25 Nov, Lichfield Cathedral OYSTERBAND Tues 21 SARKODIE Thurs 23 Nov, HOWARD JONES Sat 25 WIND BAND & SAXOPHONE CHOIR Sun IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 Nov, Birmingham Town O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- 26 Nov, The Bramall, Birmingham CONSPIRATOR Hall A story of power-politics MR BIG PLUS THE AN- ingham in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ TYGERS OF PAN TANG SWER & FASTER PUSSY- PAUL HEATON & JACQUI best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory Tues 21 Nov, The CAT Thurs 23 Nov, ABBOTT Sat 25 Nov, Doran directs. until Sat 10 Feb, The Robin, Bilston Wulfrun Hall, Wolver- Wolverhampton Civic Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon hampton GRAHAM BONNET BAND Hall Comedy ALICE IN WONDERLAND Mon 20 Nov - Tues 21 Nov, Eleven, YUNGEN Thurs 23 Nov, THE SCOPYONS Sat 25 Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, Sandyford, Stoke on O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, Eleven, Sandy- TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Members of Birmingham Trent Box of Frogs present their own inim- THE MOUSE OUTFIT ford, Stoke on Trent A CHRISTMAS CAROL Amateur staging DUKE SPECIAL itable brand of high-octane impro- Wed 22 Thurs 23 Nov, Hare & TOM CLARKE Sun 26 presented by Bilston Operatic Com- vised nonsense from audience Nov, Henry Tudor Hounds, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- pany, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Nov, Wolver- suggestions, Mon 20 Nov, The Blue House, Shrewsbury ingham hampton Grand Theatre THE TRAVELLING BAND Orange Theatre, Birmingham BRY Wed 22 Nov, O2 Thurs 23 Nov, Hare & CHINA CRISIS Sun 26 UP 'N' UNDER John Godber’s story of CHRIS KENT & ANDREW R YAN Wed 22 Academy, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Nov, The Robin, Bilston an inept pub team who reluctantly ac- Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham MORBID ANGEL cept the help of a female coach, Tues Wed 22 GOLDIE Thurs 23 Nov, EMILY BARKER Sun 26 JIMMY CARR - THE BEST OF, ULTIMATE 21 - Sun 26 Nov, Old Joint Stock The- Nov, The Slade Rooms, Civic Hall, Wolverhamp- Nov, The Glee Club, GOLD, GREATEST HITS TOUR Wed 22 atre, Birmingham Wolverhampton ton Birmingham Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent BRYSON TILLER CATS Amateur staging of the Tim Rice Wed 22 PVRIS Thurs 23 Nov, O2 SIXTIES GOLD Sun 26 SEAN LOCK - KEEP IT LIGHT Wed 22 & Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Nov, O2 Academy, Academy, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Tues 21 - Sat 25 Nov, Regent Theatre, FLEET FOXES Fri 24 Nov, Birmingham FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO ANDREW RYAN & CHRIS KENT Wed 22 Stoke-on-Trent whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:55 Page 3

Friday 3 November, 7.30pm BEYOND THE BARRICADE

Sunday 5 November, 3pm GRIMETHORPE COLLIERY BAND

Tuesday 7 November, 7.30pm PSYCHIC SALLY

Thursday 9 November, 7.30pm FORBIDDEN NIGHTS

Saturday 11 November, 7.30pm QUADROPHENIA NIGHT

Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm LUKE JERMAY

Thursday 16 November, 7.30pm A NEW FLAME

Wednesday 22 November, 8pm PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH

Friday 24 November, 8pm GARY DELANEY: THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT GARY

TWC GP 01224

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 20 - 26 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 16:55 Page 4

thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 November WHAT ONCE WAS OURS Immersive new MEEK'S CUTOFF (PG) Drama/Western. APLEY FARM SHOP CRAFT FAIR Featur- show about identity and belonging, Dance Starring Michelle Williams, Bruce ing local Shropshire crafters selling Wed 22 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Greenwood. The Hive, Shrewsbury, handmade crafts, including sta- Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Wed 22 Nov tionery, artwork, photographs, jew- GAMECHANGER Morph Dance Com- ellery and kitchenware, Sat 25 - Sun BRILLIANCE Celebration of progress pany present an evening of thought- PAN’S LABYRINTH (15) Drama/Fantasy. 26 Nov, Apley Farm Shop, Norton, Nr and change in a bright new world, provoking work that explores Starring Ivana Baquero, Ariadna Gil. Shifnal Wed 22 Nov, Talbot Theatre, personal experiences and social is- Light House Media Centre, Wolver- Whitchurch, North Shropshire sues, Wed 22 Nov, Arena Theatre, hampton, Thurs 23 Nov WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- PAUL ZERDIN: ALL MOUTH Join Paul, Wolverhampton THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12) HIBITION The UK's premier model railway event, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, Sam, Albert, Baby and two brand A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING Relive the Drama/Romance. Starring Michael Birmingham new characters for an evening of passion, indulge in the romance and Fassbender, Alicia Vikander. Forest stand-up comedy and ventriloquism, celebrate the greatest movie sound- Arts Centre, Walsall, Thurs 23 Nov SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa by boat Wed 22 Nov, The Place, Oakengates track of all time, Thurs 23 Nov, THE EXCEPTION (15) Drama/War. Star- in his underground grotto, deep in Theatre, Telford Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South ring Lily James, Jai Courtney. Ludlow the caverns, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Shropshire Assembly Rooms, Ludlow, South Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust THE NUTCRACKER Performed by Birm- Shropshire, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Nov NORTH POLE ADVENTURE Two-hour ingham Royal Ballet, Fri 24 Nov - THE DEATH OF STALIN (15) family journey to the North Pole to Wed 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippo- Biography/Comedy. Starring Jason meet Father Christmas and his drome Isaacs, Andrea Riseborough. Stoke friends, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, National Film Theatre, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Nov Forest Adventure Farm, Burton Upon Trent FILM STARS DON'T DIE IN LIVERPOOL (tbc) Biography/Drama. Starring SANTA EXPERIENCE Enjoy a very spe- Jamie Bell, Annette Bening. Old Mar- cial visit to Santa, complete with ‘a Talks ket Hall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, Fri generous present’, Sat 25 - Sun 26 24 - Thurs 30 Nov Nov, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry, North Shropshire GOK WAN: NAKED AND BEARING ALL VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) Gok talks candidly about his rise to Biography/Drama. Starring Judi LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE THE DREAMBOYS Thurs 23 Nov, Prince stardom, Mon 20 Nov, Stafford Gate- Dench, Adeel Akhtar. Light House Bone-crunching knights, giant pup- Of Wales Centre, Cannock house Theatre Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Sat pets and a medley of medieval musi- SABA DOUGLAS-HAMILTON: A LIFE WITH 25 - Sun 26 Nov cians all play their part in this NEXUS WHISPERS Vexed Theatre ex- ever-popular event - as do more than ELEPHANTS The wildlife TV presenter plore the familiar conventions of Ter- 100 stall holders selling food, drink shares animal stories and behind-the- ror in film, live on stage, Thurs 23 and seasonal wares, Sat 25 - Sun 26 scenes tales of life in Kenya, Wed 22 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Nov, Ludlow Castle, Shropshire Nov, Birmingham Town Hall BEDROOM FARCE Amateur staging of SANTA HUNTS DOUG SCOTT & SIR CHRIS BONINGTON: Events Enjoy a ‘fun-filled’ Alan Ayckbourn’s light-hearted com- search for Santa alongside the mu- CRAWLING OFF THE OGRE A must for all edy, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Nov, Bayston seum’s festive costumed guides, Sat adventure fans, Thurs 23 Nov, Birm- BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS Hill Memorial Hall, Shrewsbury 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Black Country Liv- ingham Town Hall MARKET FORCED ENTERTAINMENT - REAL MAGIC Thurs 16 Nov - Sun 24 Dec, ing Museum, Dudley MATT HAIG: FATHER CHRISTMAS AND ME Birmingham City Centre Physical theatre performance taking CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in The bestselling author presents an in- SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND audiences on ‘a hallucinatory jour- Fri 17 time and take part in some seasonal teractive family event for children ney’, Wed 22 - Fri 24 Nov, MAC, Birm- Nov - Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, activities, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Black aged seven-plus, Sat 25 Nov, Birm- ingham Tamworth Country Living Museum, Dudley ingham Town Hall THE PUSS IN BOOTS Presented by TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Unlock the BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL TATTOO Masque Theatre Company, Thurs 23 secrets to a ‘magical trail’ around the Annual event featuring marching - Fri 24 Nov, Mitchell Arts Centre, Victorian Town, Wed 22 - Thurs 23 bands and impressive displays, and Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Nov, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrop- culminating in a spectacular ‘grand fi- IMPERIUM PART II: DICTATOR A story of shire nale’ including all the performers, Sat power-politics in the ancient Rome of Film ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE WINTER FAIR 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Arena Birmingham Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero tril- The largest vetted art, antiques and FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO Sat ogy. Gregory Doran directs Richard INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: interiors fair outside of London, bring- 25 - Sun 26 Nov, Powis Castle and McCabe in the epic title role, Thurs ing together more than 200 specialist Garden, Welshpool, Powys 23 Nov - Sat 10 Feb, Swan Theatre, HAMPSTEAD (12a) Comedy/Drama. dealers exhibiting the finest pieces, Stratford-upon-Avon Starring Brendan Gleeson, Diane Thurs 23 - Sun 26 Nov, NEC, B’ham MEET SANTA In an experience unique Keaton. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon to Birmingham this festive season, COURTYARD LIGHTS SWITCH ON Gather MONOLOGUESLAM A selection of ac- 20 Nov visitors are invited to go to the North tors go head-to-head to perform for a in the Victorian factory courtyard to Pole of the city in the Antarctic panel of industry professionals, in- TAWAI (U) Documentary. Starring light the giant tree and celebrate the Bruce Parry, Ingrid Lewis. Foreign Grotto, meet the man himself and cluding agents, casting directors and countdown to Christmas with carols enjoy the cheeky Gentoo penguins in directors, Fri 24 Nov, The REP, B’ham language, subtitled. Ludlow Assem- and mince pies. Great offers and late- bly Rooms, Shropshire, Mon 20 Nov the exclusive setting of the ever-so- SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN UGLY night shopping also feature, Fri 24 chilly Ice Adventure area, Sat 25 Nov B******S Adult panto promising to be ANOTHER MOTHERS SON (12a) Drama. Nov, Emma Bridgewater Pottery - - Sat 23 Dec, National Sea Life Cen- ‘lewd, rude, crude, full of filth, sexual Starring Jenny Seagrove, John Han- Factory Outlet, Hanley, Stoke-on- tre, Birmingham nah. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Trent innuendo, smut and bad language’, SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Experience ‘a Wenlock, Shropshire, Mon 20 Nov SHREWSBURY FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE Fri 24 Nov, Festival Drayton, Market magical festive sleepover’ at one Drayton, North Shropshire CHURCHILL (PG) Biography/Drama. Including contributions from interna- Alton Tower's themed hotels, Sun 26 STAR STORM RSM Stage Academy Starring Brian Cox, Miranda Richard- tional authors, poets, storytellers and Nov, Alton Towers, Staffordshire presents its annual showcase, Sat 25 son. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, historians, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Nov, Vari- Staffs, Tues 21 Nov ous Locations around Shrewsbury STIR UP SUNDAY The traditional day Nov, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham for everyone in the family to take a MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL SHOW ME THE MONEY Playful investi- DAPHNE (PG) Comedy/Drama. Starring Christ- turn at stirring the Christmas pudding gation of making art in a time of aus- Emily Beecham, Geraldine James. mas-themed event featuring artistic and making a wish, Sun 26 Nov, terity, Sat 25 Nov, Arena Theatre, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South sculptures, Fri 24 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, Black Country Living Museum, Dud- Wolverhampton Shropshire, Tues 21 - Wed 22 Nov Kings Heath Park, Birmingham ley

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:05 Page 1

From the company that brought you THE GRUFFALO & THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE

##### Time Out Three Weeks The List “The perfect Christmas Show” The Stage For ages 3+ TUE 19 DEC - SUN 7 JAN 0844 338 5000* birminghamhippodrome.com Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome *Calls cost 4.5p per min plus your phone company's access charge.

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:05 Page 2

thelist Monday 27 - Thursday 30 November BEC HILL, SOL BERNSTIEN, ANDY ROBIN- Classical Music SON & JARLATH REGAN Thurs 30 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham VEROMIKA TABAKOVA (PIANO) Also fea- JON RICHARDSON - OLD MAN Thurs 30 turing Ella de Villiers (flute), Joanne Nov, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton Sealey (piano) & Paul Lamstaes (saxophone). Programme includes works by Ibert, Karg-Elert & Swerts, Mon 27 Nov, Recital Hall, Birmingham Con- servatoire JOHN WILSON & THE JOHN WILSON OR- CHESTRA: 'A CELEBRATION OF THE MGM FILM MUSICALS' Featuring Louise Dearman (special guest) & Matt Ford, Tues 28 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham SHREWSBURY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring soloist Vincent Barrella. Programme includes works by Rach- maninov, Beethoven & Verdi, Wed 29 Nov, Alington Hall, Shrewsbury Theatre Rag’n’Bone Man - Civic Hall, Wolverhampton CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- CHESTRA: BEETHOVEN’S PASTORAL Fea- NORTHLANE Tues 28 Cafe, Birmingham ALICE IN WONDERLAND until Sat 30 turing Mirga Gražinyte -Tyla Nov, O2 Academy, Dec, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham Gigs JANE WEAVER Wed 29 (conductor) & Rafał Blechacz (piano). Birmingham IMPERIUM: THE CICERO PLAYS, PART 1 Nov, Hare & Hounds, Programme includes works by CONSPIRATOR A story of power-politics LP Mon 27 Nov, O2 In- JW JONES Tues 28 Nov, Birmingham Mozart, Chopin & Beethoven, Thurs in the ancient Rome of Robert Harris’ stitute, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston 30 Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham IAN FELICE Wed 29 Nov, best-selling Cicero trilogy. Gregory COLIN BLUNSTONE WITH NATTY Tues 28 Nov, Hare & Hounds, B’ham Doran directs. until Sat 10 Feb, The HIS FULL BAND Mon 27 Hare & Hounds, B’ham BRUCE MOLSKY'S MOUN- Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon Nov, The Robin, Bilston SLEEPTALKING Tues 28 TAIN DRIFTERS Wed 29 THE HIRED MAN Classic musical taking ROYAL THUNDER Mon 27 Nov, The Glee Club, Nov, The Red Lion Folk audiences on an early-20th century Nov, Mama Roux’s, Birmingham Club, Birmingham journey from the hard farmlands of Birmingham SINACH WAYMAKER Tues THE ILLEGAL EAGLES the north to the war-torn trenches of RAG'N'BONE MAN Mon 27 28 Nov, O2 Institute, Wed 29 Nov, Civic Hall, the Great War, Mon 27 Nov - Sat 2 Nov, Civic Hall, Wolver- Birmingham Wolverhampton Dec, Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham hampton ROB HERON & THE TEA MARK LANEGAN BAND ERIC OF DOCK GREEN IN MIDWINTER EVERY TIME I DIE AND PAD ORCHESTRABRAVE Wed 29 Nov, Wulfrun MURDERS A murder, a Christmas COMEBACK KID Mon 27 SONS OF ELIJAH PERRY Hall, Wolverhampton BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: J S BACH – party, a comedy, Eric - and 20 of the Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Tues 28 Nov, Hare & QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT MASS IN B MINOR Also featuring Lon- 1960s’ greatest hits, Mon 27 Nov - ingham Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 30 Nov, Arena don Baroque Sinfonia, Paul Spicer Sat 9 Dec, New Vic Theatre, Newcas- tle-under-Lyme JESCA HOOP Mon 27 STONE SOUR Wed 29 Birmingham (conductor), Sarah Fox (soprano), Nov, Hare & Hounds, Nov, Arena Birmingham BROKEN WITT REBELS James Laing (countertenor,) Rob THE LION IN WINTER The Nonentities Birmingham TOMMY CASTRO & THE Thurs 30 Nov, O2 (bass-baritone), Thurs 30 Nov, Birm- present an amateur staging of James ingham Town Hall Goldman’s historical drama, Mon 27 CHRIS REA Mon 27 - PAINKILLERS Wed 29 Academy, Birmingham Nov - Sat 2 Dec, The Rose Theatre Wed 29 Nov, Sym- Nov, The Robin, Bilston KOBRA AND THE LOTUS Kidderminster phony Hall, B’ham ELECTRIC BOYS Wed 29 Wed 29 Nov, The Slade GREASE The original high school mu- BEANS ON TOAST AND Nov, The Slade Rooms, Rooms, Wolverhamp- sical, starring Danielle Hope as SKINNY LISTER Tues 28 Wolverhampton ton Sandy, Tom Parker as Danny and Nov, The Glee Club, Comedy LOTTO BOYZZ Wed 29 CADET Thurs 30 Nov, Louisa Lytton as Rizzo, Mon 27 Nov - Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- O2 Institute, B’ham JOE LYCETT: WORK IN PROGRESS Mon Sat 2 Dec, Wolverhampton Grand ingham THE SOLID GOLD ROCK 'N' STILLIA Thurs 30 Nov, 27 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Theatre ROLL SHOW 2017 Tues NASHVILLE SOUNDS IN The Sunflower Lounge, WINTER TALE Regional Voice present 28 Nov, New Alexandra THE ROUND Wed 29 Birmingham three spinetingling tales of the super- Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Kitchen Garden BLAENAVON Thurs 30 natural, including Dickens’ A Christ- Nov, Mama Roux’s, mas Carol, Tues 28 Nov, Arena Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton THINK FLOYD Thurs 30 THE BAND: TAKE THAT’S NEW MUSICAL Nov, The Robin, Bilston Tim Firth’s hit boyband musical, Tues JAMESON RAID Thurs 30 28 Nov - Sat 9 Dec, Regent Theatre, Nov, The Asylum, Stoke-on-Trent Hockley WILLIAM WALTON’S THE BEAR Mid Wales Opera ‘Small-Stages’ presents ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 30 ROY 'CHUBBY' BROWN Wed 29 Nov, its first ever micro-chamber perfor- Nov, O2 Academy, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham mance, Wed 29 Nov, Ludlow Assem- MARGARET CHO Wed 29 Nov, The Glee bly Rooms, South Shropshire DAVE Thurs 30 Nov, O2 Club, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS SNAP COMEDY FEATURING ISZI Brad Fitt returns as the Dame in this URBAN INTRO Thurs 30 LAWRENCE, JOSH PUGH & DOUG SEGAL festive family favourite, Wed 29 Nov - Nov, The Roadhouse, Thurs 30 Nov, Crescent Theatre, Sun 7 Jan, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Kobra And The Lotus - Birmingham Birmingham bury The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 27 - 30 November.qxp_Layout 1 23/10/2017 17:05 Page 3

thelist Monday 27 - Thursday 30 November ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Richard to life, Thurs 30 Nov, Arena Theatre, Bean’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s Wolverhampton comedy, Servant Of Two Masters, Wed 29 Nov - Sat 16 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ALADDIN Fun-filled family pantomime starring CBeebies’ Cat Sandion as Dance Princess Jasmine, Sam Rabone as Dame Widow Twankey and Ben THE NUTCRACKER Performed by Birm- Thornton as Wishy Washy, Thurs 30 ingham Royal Ballet, Fri 24 Nov - Nov - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Wed 13 Dec, Birmingham Hippo- drome THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, adapted for the stage by Nativity! writer Deb- bie Isitt, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 13 Jan, The REP, Birmingham NO SUCH THING AS A FISH Dan Schreiber, Andrew Hunter Murray, Anna Ptaszynski and James Harkin serve up their pick of ‘the most bizarre, extraordinary and hilarious BBC Good Food Show - NEC, Birmingham facts known to man’, Thurs 30 Nov, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Sun 31 Dec, The Snowdome, Tam- FATHER CHRISTMAS Pins & Needles Talks worth present Raymond Briggs’ classic fes- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christ- tive tale, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 30 Dec, AN EVENING WITH SIR MICHAEL PARKIN- mas-themed event featuring artistic Mac, Birmingham SON Sir Michael talks about a career sculptures, until Mon 1 Jan, Kings CHRIS EUBANK'S ONE-MAN SHOW Thurs during which he’s interviewed more Heath Park, Birmingham 30 Nov, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton YAATRA Presented by Jaivant Patel than 2,000 famous people, Mon 27 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Guy Masterson Dance, Wed 29 Nov, Arena Theatre, Nov, Birmingham Town Hall brings Dickens’ classic festive fable Wolverhampton

Film

INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE LOST CITY OF Z (12a) Adventure/Bi- ography. Starring Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson. The Edge Arts Cen- tre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- shire, Mon 27 Nov EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT (12a) Ad- venture/Drama. Starring Nilbio Torres, Jan Bijvoet. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Tues 28 Nov ENGLAND ROSES FACE MALAWI QUEENS FENCES (12A) Drama. Starring Denzel International netball, as England face Washington, Viola Davis. Foxlowe Malawi, Wed 29 Nov, Genting Arena, Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 28 Nov Birmingham TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Unlock the secrets of a magical trail around the Victorian town. Join Mrs Claus at the fireside for milk & cookies (hot chocolate for the grown-ups), a festive story and a stocking filled with chocolate coins, Wed 29 - Thurs 30 Nov, Blists Hill, Telford, Shropshire CHRISTMAS AT THE BOTANICS The trees and glasshouses are ‘playfully lit and all aglow’, with a sparkling path wind- ing its way through the gardens to create ‘a magical after-dark experience’, Wed 29 Nov - Mon 1 Jan, Events Birmingham Botanical Gardens BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW Featuring top BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS UK chefs cooking live, and a huge MARKET until Sun 24 Dec, Birming- range of independent producers and ham City Centre big brands, Thurs 30 Nov - Sun 3 SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND until Dec, NEC, Birmingham 66 whatsonlive.co.uk MCM Comic Con B'ham F/P .qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 11:38 Page 1 Stafford Gatehouse (FP) - November.qxp_Layout 1 20/10/2017 16:27 Page 1