Staffordshire Cover February 2018.qxp_Staffordshire Cover 22/01/2018 15:28 Page 1

STEPHEN BAILEY - CAN’T THINK STRAIGHT Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands AT STAFFORD GATEHOUSE STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S FEBRUARY ON 2018

Staffordshire ISSUE 386 FEBRUARY 2018 ’ 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

HairsprayBUBBLEGUM at the Regent FUN feature inside... WTE:@WHATSONSTAFFSTWITTER:

Indie-popFICKLE band FRIENDS stop off at The Sugarmill in Stoke FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

ALTON TOWERS swashbuckling fun aplenty for the half-term holiday STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 18/01/2018 17:31 Page 1

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Eastgate Street, Stafford, ST16 2LT

MOON RIVER AND ME- JIMMY OSMOND FRI 2 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £30.50 V.I.P. ‘MEET AND GREET’ PACKAGE £75.50 ONLY THROUGH THE BOX OFFICE

PURPLE ZEPPELIN: THE ULTIMATE ROCK TRIBUTE

SAT 3 FEBRUARY, 8PM £20.00

JOE BROWN

THURS 15 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £25.50

FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS

TUES 20 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM £14.50

DEAR ZOO

WED 21 & THURS 22 FEBRUARY, 11AM & 2PM £14.50, FAMILY £52.00

JIMEOIN - ‘RIDICULOUS’ 16+

WED 21 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM TICKETS £17.50

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF 15+

THURS 22 FEBRUARY, 7.00PM ADULTS £13.00 CONCS £10.50

View the full listings at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Box office 01785 619080 Contents February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:48 Page 2

February 2018

Contents

Hairspray - bubblegum fun aplenty as hit musical returns to the Midlands feature on page 8

The Brew Stewart Lee Princesses & Pirates the list

modern rockers bring a touch of thought-provoking comedy family-focused half-term fun Your 16-page psychedelia to the Slade Rooms at Theatre Severn at Alton Towers week-by-week listings guide page 15 page 20 page 47 page 53 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 39. Film 42. Visual Arts 44. 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, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

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Entertainment news from around the region

Folk festival’s Room For All project looking to inspire future generations Hundreds of Midlands schoolchildren are learning new music and dance skills in an education project being delivered by one of the country’s leading folk festivals. Professional dancers are presenting workshops at four Shrop- shire schools this spring, as part of Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s Room For All project. The initiative aims to promote cultural di- versity and introduce a new audience to different music and dance traditions. Commenting, project manager Joy Lamont said: “Students are being given a fantastic opportunity to explore and learn about showing respect, kindness, compassion, understanding and tol- erance of those with different faiths, beliefs and from different cultures. Promoting cultural diversity and understanding through the arts is very important, and Room For All is providing high-quality and multicultural arts activities to schools and young people that wouldn’t otherwise be available to them.”

Huge ‘Man Engine’ to pay Mik Artistik’s Ego Trip Cake Boy to headline a visit to Ironbridge Gorge heading to Shropshire Newport festival of food Talented Leeds three- Great British Bake Off favourite Liam Charles piece Mik Artistik’s Ego is to appear at the Newport Show’s Festival Trip are performing in Of Food on 14 July. Shrewsbury next month. The 20-year-old drama student, whose run Described as a mix of on the hit Channel Four programme saw him John Shuttleworth, John being dubbed Cake Boy, will give two 45- Cooper Clarke and Jake minute presentations in the show’s food the- Thackray, the band blend rock’n’roll with dry atre. West Yorkshire wit, and count among their Commenting on the news, Show President influences Reeves & Mortimer, Half Man Half Tony Asson said: “We’re delighted to have Biscuit and The Fall. been able to secure the first visit to Shrop- They perform at Morris Hall, Bellstone in shire from Liam, Shrewsbury, on Saturday 17 March. who is very much one of the rising stars of Shropshire walk launched the food world by visitor attraction following his ap- pearance on the A brand new mass-participation challenge Great British walk is being held in Shropshire next month Bake Off.” (Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 March). Starting and finishing at Shropshire Hills Dis- covery Centre, Grow Cook Learn’s 80km route A Telford Easter panto? The largest mechanical puppet ever con- will take walkers through the very best of Oh yes there is!... structed in Britain will visit Blists Hill Victo- Shropshire’s undiscovered landscape and Christmas is coming early for Shropshire- rian Town at Ironbridge Gorge on 14 April. some of its hidden market towns. based lovers of pantomime, courtesy of a The Man Engine crawls at 4m high and Commenting on the event, the Discovery special show written to celebrate Telford’s ‘transforms’ to stand at 11.2m high, powered Centre’s manager, Grant Wilson, said: “We’re 50th anniversary. by Volvo’s L220 wheeled-loader. hugely proud to launch this event, which will Pantomania runs at the town’s Oakengates The team behind the Man Engine, Golden enable us to continue with our charitable Theatre from Thursday 29 March to Thursday Tree Productions, are creating a bespoke vi- mission whilst helping to position the Discov- 5 April (excluding Easter Sunday, 1 April). sual, theatrical and aural experience for the ery Centre as a base for walking in the Shrop- The show will feature lots of audience partic- Blists Hill stop-off, highlighting the area’s shire Hills.” ipation, ‘stunning’ costumes and sets, status as the birthplace of the Industrial Rev- For more information and to put your name unique comedy routines and a script packed olution. forward, contact the centre on 01588 676060. with humorous references to Telford. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:31 Page 2

First Word

John Lennon’s Ladies lead the way at the Monkey-Trail bike Wolverhampton Grand up for auction Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s next show to be A motorcycle that once be- produced in-house will be Amanda Whitting- longed to John Lennon is up for ton’s Ladies’ Day. auction at the National Motorcy- The production - showing at the venue from Fri- cle Museum in Solihull on Sun- day 13 to Saturday 28 July - follows on from last day 4 March. summer’s successful run of Brassed Off, which Lennon used the Monkey-Trail was also produced in-house. bike XUC 91H as a fun way of getting around his Tittenhurst Commenting on the news, the Grand’s Chief Ex- Park estate in Surrey, where he ecutive & Artistic Director, Adrian Jackson, said: lived from 1969 to 1971. It’s esti- “Brassed Off re-established the Grand’s place in mated that the bike will sell for the producing world of theatre, brought high lev- more than £30,000. els of positive publicity to the city of Wolver- hampton and continued positive work and involvement with the local community. I’m over- Volunteers wanted! joyed that we can continue to produce new the- The National atre, and this production of Ladies’ Day for 2018 Trust is look- will be a thrilling project for all involved.” ing for vol- The show is being produced in association with unteers to Wolverhampton Racecourse. help out at historic properties in Shropshire. The conservation charity wants Hit Take That musical heading to the Black Country next year people from all walks of life to help across a variety of roles. Tim Firth’s hit musical featuring the songs of Produced by, among others, Take That stars Gary These include a mansion guide Take That will visit Wolverhampton Grand The- Barlow, Howard Donald, Mark Owen and Robbie at Attingham Park, helping in atre next year. Williams, The Band stops off in Wolverhampton the garden at Benthall Hall or The Band tells the story of five 16-year-old boy- from 26 February to 2 March 2019. Tickets are on lending a hand in the Shrop- band-loving friends who’re reunited as sale now and can be purchased by calling 01902 shire Hills as a weekend Duty fortysomething women and decide to try and 42 92 12 or by visiting grandtheatre.co.uk Ranger. The Trust is also looking for vol- meet their long-time heroes. unteers to help at its properties across the rest of the Midlands. For more information, visit na- tionaltrust.org.uk/volunteer Nirvana Music Forging Ahead with fundraising at the Behind Bars at Black Country Living Museum Shrews prison The Black Country Living Museum has launched a campaign to raise the final £1.9million needed for its £21.7million Forging Ahead devel- Lottery grant aids Shrewsbury Prison is this opment project - and thanks to a Midlands-based charitable founda- Black Country month hosting a celebra- tion, it’s off to an excellent start... tion of the music of Nir- history project The Patrick Foundation of Kings Norton in Birmingham has pledged a vana, to kickstart its 2018 A major new photography and gift of £500,000 towards the ambitious project - which will see the mu- season of Music Behind oral history project about the seum expand by a third - plus a donation of five vintage vehicles from Bars events. Black Country has been the Patrick Collection. The foundation’s gift also includes an annual The Friday 16 February awarded an £85,200 National donation of £30,000 per year for the next 10 years. Lottery grant. concert is being pre- Commenting on the news, Museum Director Andrew Lovett said: Titled Living Memory, the proj- sented by tribute band In “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive such a generous donation from the ect will work with communities Vitro. For more informa- Patrick Foundation to- and groups across the region to tion, visit shrews- wards our exciting explore and celebrate their buryprison.com/musicbe unique photographic collec- project for the mu- hindbars tions. It will also record oral his- seum, its visitors and tories based around the life the wider community. stories and memories repre- I personally can’t wait sented in the collections. to see the vintage vehi- You can follow the Living Mem- cles help bring our ory project on Twitter @Live- new 1940s-to-’60s Mem_Project and Facebook. town to life.”

whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:31 Page 3

First Word

Fame The Musical turns 30 Working 9 To 5... and visits Shrewsbury Hit Dolly Parton musical 9 To A 2018/19 30th anniversary tour of Fame The 5 is the latest show to be Musical will finish with a six-day run at Shrews- given the Bridgnorth Musical bury’s Theatre Severn. Theatre Company treatment. The award-winning show visits the venue from The production runs at Bridg- 28 January to 2 February 2019. north Leisure Centre from Commenting on the news, Theatre Severn Mar- Tuesday 20 to Saturday 24 keting Officer Beki Poole said: “We’re incredibly February. excited to be offering another classic musical for audiences across Shropshire to enjoy next Amateur group January. This new tour will be celebrating 30 still going strong years since its premiere on Broadway, and we’re Award-winning musical soci- delighted to be one of the theatres selected to ety TADLOP (Telford & Dis- celebrate this momentous occasion.” trict Light Operatic Players) will be bringing a taste of the 1960s to Shropshire when George Ezra to Shrewsbury to host its first Steampunk they present their version of play Midlands Spectacular festival next month hit musical Made In Dagen- ham at Oakengates Theatre Shrewsbury’s inaugural Steampunk Spectacular takes place on Satur- Forest Live dates (28 & 29 April). George Ezra will appear at two day 24 & Sunday 25 March. Midlands venues this year as Highlights of the event include a steampunk market at St Mary’s part of Forest Live, the sum- Church, live music, teapot racing, a costume parade, historic walking Dancing diggers mer concert series organised tours covering numerous Victorian aspects of Shrewsbury, a chance to to star in Staffs by the Forestry Commission. experience Coleham Pumping Station in all its steam-filled splendour, The JCB Dancing Diggers - One of the biggest-selling and contributions from dancers, magicians and musicians. often described as a down- male artists of the decade, to-earth version of the Red Ezra will perform at Weston- Arrows - have been an- birt Arboretum, near Tetbury, nounced as the main arena Gloucestershire, on Sunday 17 attraction at this year’s June and then in Cannock Staffordshire County Show, Chase Forest, near Rugeley, taking place at the Stafford- Staffordshire, on Sunday 1 shire County Showground on July. 30 & 31 May. For more information, visit Commenting on the news, forestry.gov.uk/music Richard Williams, Chief Ex- ecutive of the Staffordshire & Tamworth to host Birmingham Agricultural So- ciety, said: “The legendary literature festival Diggers limit their appear- This year’s Tamworth LitFest ances to three or four shows is taking place next month. per year, so we really are Described by its organisers as pleased that Staffordshire ‘a gathering of the written County Show is one of them word in all its forms, includ- in 2018.” ing books, comics, graphic novels, television and film’, the nine-day festival features poetry and story nights, New year celebrations, Chinese style! events based around women’s If you just can’t get enough of new year celebrations, check out the fiction and crime & thriller show visiting Oakengates Theatre in Telford on Sunday 11 February. writing, and an evening of Touring across the country to celebrate the biggest festive event on the comedy in the company of Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year Extravaganza comprises a host of Dudley-born poet, humourist performing arts presentations. Displays of contortion, lion dancing, and singer Rob Barratt. daring stunts, energetic kung fu displays and the ancient magic of For further information, visit Face Changing all feature in a production packed with action and tamlitfest.wordpress.com colour. To find out more, visit theplacetelford.com 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolverhampton February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:31 Page 4 Hairspray.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:50 Page 1

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Hairspray.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:50 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid Bubblegum fun...... but there’s more to Hairspray than meets the eye

It’s 1962 and in Tracy Turnblad’s Baltimore about watching it and wanting to be part of it and encourages her to do the kinds of moves hometown, massive hairdos, dancing the one day!” that get her onto The Corny Collins Show. twist and Corny Collins’ daytime dance show He’s really supportive and helps to give her But there are also more uncomfortable are the hottest tickets in teen culture. In some the confidence to go for it. Also, when he parallels. In the show, Tracy and her mother ways, life for this starry-eyed girl starts out as falls in love with Penny, having a mixed-race are mocked and taunted for their size, while big and bright and breezy as a bubblegum couple becomes a really central part of the in the racially segregated 1960s, black balloon - but there’s trouble bubbling just show. Actually, when you think about it, the dancers like Tracy’s friend Seaweed can only beneath the surface. As Tracy grows up and show is kind of all about me!” perform on certain days, away from their wakes up to the everyday injustices in her white friends and peers. Today, such Yet what makes Hairspray such a delight is neighbourhood, it looks as though her discrimination is illegal, yet even now, actors the fact that, as Rebecca Mendoza puts it, it’s bubble might be set to burst. of colour regularly decry the relative lack of told in such a fun, lighthearted way. There Shimmying and shaking into Wolverhampton opportunities available in some areas of the may be an important message at its core, but Grand this month (and Stoke’s Regent industry. it’s so well wrapped up in a whirlwind of Theatre in the summer), much-loved musical vibrant 1960s colour, witty dialogue, “I kind of got lucky with my first role as a kid, Hairspray arrives against a backdrop of irresistible tunes and spectacular so I haven’t really faced the same struggles online echo chambers and political change choreography, that it never once feels that a lot of people do,” says Layton that make its revelations - as well as its preachy, and is guaranteed to win over even Williams, who plays Seaweed. “But even cheerily optimistic message of strength in those who aren’t already sold. then, I remember people making a big deal unity - seem both more relevant and more about the fact that I was playing Billy Elliot, “I was pretty much the exact opposite of appealing than ever. When Tracy gets the and not really understanding why at the Rebecca before I auditioned,” confesses Matt chance to audition for The Corny Collins time. Generally I feel that, as long as a role Rixon, who plays Tracy’s larger-than-life Show, the harsh realities of prejudice and isn’t specific to a certain sex or race, then mother, Edna. “I was aware of the show, but I discrimination intrude on her rosy, cosy there’s no reason why you can’t have a whole hardly knew anything about it. And it did world, demanding to be confronted. range of different actors playing it.” surprise me. It’s so clever and well-written - As she says herself in a line that might have really concise and comical. Also, structurally Elsewhere, the pressure on girls and women been lifted from one of countless newspaper it’s genius. It’s designed to get you on your to look a certain way has, if anything, only pieces over the last couple of years: “I think feet by the end, and it never fails to do so. I increased. There’s still a profound lack of I’ve kind of been in a bubble… thinking that can start off in a terrible mood, but by the leading roles available to women who don’t fairness was just gonna happen. It’s not. end of the show I always feel much better.” fit a standard mould, particularly in People like me are gonna have to get up off musicals, which can make it hard for actors Above all, the joy of experiencing Hairspray their father’s laps and fight for it.” playing Tracy to progress in their careers. live is sharing in its warm, inclusive spirit: “It’s sad, but I don’t think things have really it’s like arriving at a massive party where “We see so much body shaming all the time changed that much,” says Rebecca Mendoza, everyone’s invited. In the end, it’s just the now,” says Rebecca, “and all the airbrushing who makes her professional stage debut as story of a bunch of kids who want to dance that’s happening on TV or in modelling. So I the show’s plucky young protagonist. “We together - and before too long, you’re going to think it’s really important for young girls might not be doing the same things now as want to join in as well. particularly to see things like this. As long as we were in the ’60s, but we’re still fighting you’re fit and you can keep up and do the “It’s about being allowed to be whoever you the same problems, just in a different form.” moves, there’s no reason why someone who’s are,” says Matt, “whatever body shape or Much like her character, self-avowed a couple of sizes bigger can’t have a starring colour or anything else. We should all be Hairspray megafan Mendoza has had the role in a musical. Also, I think it’s lovely that allowed the freedom to just be ourselves, and chance to live out her dream on this tour by Tracy ends up with the good-looking guy - in Hairspray, for two-and-a-half hours, starring in her favourite show. people need to see that if they like someone, everyone can be.” it’s okay to go for it without belittling or “I knew it inside-out!” she laughs. “I’ve Take note, Hollywood - in Tracy’s own words, trying to change themselves.” followed the show for years and years, and “People who are different, their time is it’s been my dream role since I was tiny. The Luckily, Tracy is more than equal to the coming.” last time I saw it was in Liverpool when I challenge of standing up for what’s right, went for four nights in the run, and willing to risk her reputation and even prison interestingly, it worked out that the first night to support her friends. After all, it’s largely Hairspray shows at Wolverhampton was exactly seven years ago to the day before thanks to them that she was able to get her Grand Theatre from Mon 26 February to our own opening night in Cardiff. We found big break in the first place… Saturday 3 March, and at the Regent out because my sister had a Facebook “Meeting Seaweed is a real turning point for Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Tues 12 - timehop message where I’d been talking Tracy,” says Layton. “He doesn’t judge her Sat 16 June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Abba Revival Dinner Show.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:24 Page 1

tHe PeacH tree & HaVana rePuBLic

SATURDAY 10 FEBRUARY 3 COURSE DINNER & SHOW VIP SEATED PACKAGES £34.95 per person including a glass of Prosecco Discounts for Parties of 10+ Discounts for Parties of 10+ BOOK: 01743 355055 OR BOOK: 01743 355055 OR www.thepeachtree.co.uk www.havanarepublic.co.uk Food February Wolves Shrops Staffs-Latest.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:12 Page 2

Food

Thai restaurant opens its fourth Midlands venue The award-winning Sabai Sabai Dykins and her partner, Torquil has opened its fourth Thai Chidwick, the first Sabai Sabai restaurant in the Midlands, its restaurant opened in Moseley, third in Birmingham. with Jureerat’s Thai mum as the The new eatery is housed in a head chef. city centre-located Grade II This was followed in 2011 by a listed building that was formerly second eatery, in Harborne, and the home of Legal & General then a third in Stratford-upon- Assurance Society Limited. Avon in 2016. Founded 14 years ago by Jureerat

to a good start! To accompany it, we chose an- The menu comprised a From The other dish from the grill - Bacon, Grill section, small plates, large Bacon, Bacon. This comprised a plates, sharing plates and a perfectly cooked bacon chop, the small gluten-free and vegan sec- nicest bacon jam I've ever tasted, tion. some crunchy crackling, a pineapple salsa, fried eggs and To start, we chose the ham hock hand-cut chips. The pineapple and roasted leek terrine and the salsa was a necessity, breaking golden battered squid. up the deliciously salty tastes A firm favourite, the beautifully from the other elements of the cooked squid was served in light dish - a safe but winning flavour breadcrumbs with a creamy gar- combination. lic aioli. The portion size, for us, was spot on. If you’re a big eater, Following another Sharp’s, we then this is certainly a place to ordered dessert. I opted for the head for. The ham hock terrine, chocolate & orange cheesecake. also of an impressive size, was Combining a silky-smooth tex- served with red onion mar- ture with subtle chocolate and malade and toasted ciabatta. It orange flavours, it was a great was fantastic. way to end the evening. My partner went for the sticky St Nicholas’ beef is sourced from REVIEW St Nicholas Bar & Grill toffee pudding, his all-time assured farms in the counties of favourite dessert. Hearty portions of tasty grub in Devon & Cornwall. It’s hand- Shrewsbury town centre picked and matured on the bone Overall, if you like big, hearty for between seven and 12 days, portions of nicely cooked grub, Located in the heart of Shrews- Just a two-minute walk from so we thought it was only right then St Nicholas is the place for bury, within a converted old Shrewsbury train station, the we sampled some during our you. The friendly service, stylish church, St Nicholas is home to a restaurant is convenient for peo- visit. The Grill’s mixed grill com- interior and tasty food certainly restaurant, a venue bar and five ple from outside the town as well prised 115g rump cap, lamb cas- made for an enjoyable evening’s boutique hotel rooms. as residents. soulet, chorizo and pork dining. Lauren Foster The ground floor restaurant Opening the venue in 2017, the sausages, lemon and thyme Food: nnnnn serves a wide array of breakfast, owners of St Nicholas Bar & Grill grilled chicken, fried eggs and Service: nnnnn lunchtime and evening meals. pride themselves on providing hand-cut chips. The beef was Ambience: nnnnn The second floor bar is open on no-nonsense food, specialising cooked perfectly, seasoned Overall value nnnnn weekends to the public and is in wholesome ingredients from a nicely and tasted delicious. The OVERALL nnnnn available for private hire, wed- small number of hand-picked sausages (all four of them!) were dings, parties and events. The suppliers... a tasty addition to the grill. The whole baby chicken was juicy third floor is home to newly fin- St Nicholas Bar & Grill Having been shown to our table and succulent, while the lamb ished luxury hotel rooms, each of 24 Castle Street by the restaurant manager, we cassoulet, served with minted which incorporates many of the Shrewsbury kickstarted our dining experi- dumplings, was rich and flavour- original architectural features of ence with two cold pints of SY1 2BQ the building. some. Priced at £15.95, the grill Tel: 01743 588 110 Sharp’s lager. The night was off was exceptional value for money.

whatsonlive.co.uk 11

Peach Tree Full Page February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:35 Page 1 WEDNESDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2018

Romantic Dinner + Live Music in Havana 2 courses £24.50 3 courses £28.50 Reservations from 5.30pm until10pm A non-refundable £10 deposit is required per person PLUS Valentine’s Afternoon Teas from 2pm-5pm £12.50 per person RESERVEBOOKING ESSENTIAL! Pop in or call 01743 355055 TODAY!OR BOOK ONLINE: www.thepeachtree.co.uk Food February Wolves Shrops Staffs-Latest.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 18:12 Page 4

Food

Wolverhampton festival set to celebrate all things cheese ‘The UK's best cheese traders’, Cheese Fest UK, have announced that they’ll be bringing their much-loved festival to Wolverhampton this year. Featuring melted raclette, halloumi fries, cheese wheels, mozzarella sticks, mac’n’cheese and much more, the show also provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about which wines and beers go best with which cheese. The date and venue for the event will be announced soon.

Turners At 69 closes Birmingham restaurant Turners At 69 has announced its closure with immediate effect. The popular eatery held a Michelin star from 2009 to 2017, but lost it last year when head chef Richard Turner changed his approach, replacing elaborate £80 to £90 tasting menus with a more casual style of food. In a statement, Richard said: "The restaurant has enjoyed many wonderful years on the Birmingham dining scene. I would like to apologise Treat Yourself at Shropshire’s new dessert restaurant to anyone who’ll be disappointed by the closure and extend a heartfelt The latest addition to the eclectic restaurant The new diner also provides 'lunch on the go' thanks to everyone who has supported scene in Shrewsbury’s Abbey Foregate comes in options, offering sandwiches, pies, pasties and Turners At 69 over the years." the form of new dessert shop Treat Yourself. baked potatoes with a host of 'meal deals' to Sister eatery to The Peach Tree, Havana take out. Republic and Momo’s, Treat Yourself serves a Treat Yourself is open daily during the week, Pieminister create variety of waffles, sundaes, ice creams, from 7.30am for coffees and snacks right milkshakes, cakes, tarts and much more, both through until 11pm... so why not treat yourself! first vegan pie to eat in and take away. After nearly a year of mixing, Pizza & Prosecco festival stops off in Wolverhampton rolling and baking, pie- The Pizza & Prosecco Festival making visits Wolverhampton this month company as part of an extensive UK tour. Pieminister have created their first Taking place at Starworks vegan pie. Warehouse on Saturday 17 ‘Kevin’ is made with British chestnut February, the special Valentine’s mushrooms, tomato and red wine with edition includes speed dating, 20 baby onions, red quinoa and thyme. different proseccos - including a The pie, which is registered with the variety of sparkling cocktails - Vegan Society and carries their trusted and plenty of delicious home- trademark, is available for Midlands cooked pizza from local traders vegans to try out in Pieminister’s including Doughboys, Ffwrnes Birmingham and Nottingham and The Original Goodfillas. restaurants. whatsonlive.co.uk 13 GIGS February Shrops_Wolves_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:48 Page 1

14 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS February Shrops_Wolves_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:48 Page 2

Gigs

Fickle Friends The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 28 February Having played over 350 live shows, been playlisted regularly on Radio One with a string of singles including Brooklyn, Glue and Hello Hello, Fickle Friends have estab- lished themselves as the essential new British indie-pop band of 2018. Their soon to be released debut album, You Are Someone Else, is out on Polydor Records in March. This Stoke-on-Trent date is part of a massive 18-date headline tour in support of the highly anticipated release.

Wille And The Bandits reached number two in the UK blues charts, The Robin, Bilston, Thurs 15 February; Henry performed at the London Olympics and Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 18 February played countless sets at major music festi- Counting blues, rock, Latin and folk among vals, including Glastonbury and BoomTown the styles of music they play, the Cornwall- Fair. The Brew based Wille And The Bandits have toured “Describing our music is always hard,” says their huge and eclectic sound with the likes frontman Wille Edwards. “We get compared The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, to all sorts of artists, so it’s maybe best if Sat 17 February of Deep Purple, Joe Bonamassa, The John people make up their own minds.” Having toured with the likes of ZZ Top and Butler Trio and Status Quo. They’ve also Lynyrd Skynyrd, and played alongside Jeff Beck, Joe Bonamassa and Joe Satriani, it’s no wonder The Brews’ albums have charted right The Ennis Sisters Inheaven across Europe. Most recent offering Shake The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 25 February Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, The Tree was released in 2016 and showcases Fri 16 February their own brand of modern rock with psyche- Comprising Maureen, Teresa and Karen, The Hailing from south east London and cer- delic touches. Ennis Sisters are world-renowned songbirds. Latest album Stages sees them returning to tainly ones to watch out for, Inheaven gener- their roots, singing contemporary folk songs ate a sound which has been described as ‘an with a traditional Irish Newfoundland twist. amp-pulverising noise that updates the post-punk template for a new generation’. The band bring their shoegaze, punk and Fisherman’s Friends dream-pop sounds to the Midlands this Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, month as part of an 11-date UK tour. Tues 20 February Comprising brothers John and Jeremy Brown, writer and moustachioed MC Jon Cleave, potter Billy Hawkins, smallholder John ‘Lefty’ Lethbridge, builder John Mc- Donnell, fisherman Jason Nicholas and film- maker Toby Lobb, Fisherman’s Friends were the first traditional folk act to land a top-10 album in the UK. For over 25 years they’ve met on the Platt in their native Port Isaac to raise money for charity, singing the tradi- tional songs of the sea.

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Classical

BBC Philharmonic Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 23 February Residing at the Corporation's Manchester home of Media City in Salford Quays, the BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concert- goers with works from its impressive repertoire. This latest concert sees Israelean conduc- tor Ilan Volkov picking up the baton to present a programme that features Rach- maninov’s Second Symphony, Ravel’s Mother Goose and Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. The concert is part of the 2018 Stoke-on-Trent Festival.

Eugene Onegin Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 8 February This coming-of-age story about the sexual awakening of central character Tatyana is here presented by highly rated company OperaUpClose. The talented ensemble bagged the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Opera and have since been garnering plaudits like they’re going out of fashion. Expect a youthful, high-energy and thoroughly exuberant chamber version of Tchaikovsky's much-acclaimed work, transposed on this occasion to the early 1960s.

Czech Philharmonic: Roderick Williams And Palisander Recorder Dvorak’s New World The English Song Ensemble Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 14 February The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 February Wed 14 February Shropshire Music Trust’s latest concert The Czech Philharmonic make their first features an all-female ensemble whose visit to Symphony Hall since the death of star is most definitely in the ascendant. their celebrated conductor Ji í B lohlávek, Palisander use recorders ranging in size a man whose numerous exhilaratingř ě perfor- from six inches to six feet tall. They pre- mances at the venue have become the stuff sent a repertoire spanning 900 years that of legend. includes traditional music from the The orchestra are best known for playing British Isles, sparkling baroque concertos, the music of Antonín Dvorák, and on occa- contemporary sounds and new composi- sion in their early days were even con- tions. ducted by the man himself. The composer’s New World piece, his ninth and final sym- phony, is most definitely in the safest of hands, with Tomáš Netopil directing and Alisa Weilerstein (pictured) on cello. Outstanding British baritone Roderick Williams here joins forces with Stratford- upon-Avon’s Orchestra of the Swan to pre- sent a programme comprising compositions by Vaughan Williams, Gerald Finzi and John Ireland. Patrycja Pieczara, one of Poland’s most out- standing young conductors and a rising in- ternational star, is the lady with the baton. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Tim Vine DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 10:59 Page 1

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Tim Vine DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 10:59 Page 2

TIM VINE one of the UK’s top punmakers talks about milking it with wordplay

With Sunset Milk Idiot, the name of his new are probably best the first time or couple of wrong about it. Sometimes there are jokes pun-packed touring show, Tim Vine has done times you hear them.” that I’ve done one way round and it turns out something a bit different. The former star of One thing Tim is most unlikely to do prior to they work better in reverse.” BBC sitcom Not Going Out and a Guinness his tour is pop into his nearest comedy club Tim admits he’d like to do a bit more acting at World Record holder for most jokes told in an and check out the latest offerings of similar some point. As well as Not Going Out and hour, Tim is confident that, try as you might, wordplaying stand-ups. “Me and Milton Tim Vine Travels In Time, he made a brief you won’t be able to find a clever bit of Jones have chats about this sort of thing cameo appearance in Neighbours back in wordplay anywhere in that title. because we hone similar areas, but there’s a 2009. “I was at the Melbourne Comedy “Lots of comedy acts have no puns in their slight wariness about seeing each other’s Festival at the time - I didn’t take the trip all shows but a pun in their title, while I quite show because sometimes it can be a bit the way over there just for one line!” enjoy the fact that I have loads of puns in this uncomfortable waiting to hear a joke that you For now, though, he’s preparing to get in show but none in the title,” says the man might also have. Having said that, I did see amongst his UK fans and make them laugh whose previous shows have had puntabulous his show recently and there weren’t any (albeit with the occasional groan thrown in). names such as Punslinger, The Joke-Amotive moments when I screamed, ‘No! I’m going to Touring, of course, has its ups and downs. and the amusingly elaborate Tim Timinee have to chop that!’” “The upside is that I tour with my gang - John Tim Timinee Tim Tim To You. As with most comedians, when a tour Archer and my tour manager, Andrew “The title of the new show is just describing approaches, there’s a distinct need to put Jobbins - and the three of us have a great what’s on the poster: there’s a bit of a sunset other projects to one side and get on with time. If you’re driving around and staying in colour, and there’s an idiot with some milk writing the new live show. Just before Tim hit hotels, it does help when you’re all very good bottles on his head. The title made us laugh the nation’s roads, the BBC broadcast the friends. If you didn’t like those people, it because the photographer, my tour manager latest instalment of his Tim Vine Travels In wouldn’t be very nice. Generally, when you’re and myself had spent so much time thinking Time comedy, the filming of which took up a on tour, audiences come along because they of a pun for it.” solid period towards the end of 2017. Once already know the kind of thing you do and that programme was in the bag, it gave him While much of contemporary comedy they like it - so when you walk on, you’re the chance to put the hours in on concocting features some sort of autobiographical already in credit a bit. Still, that always some quality gags. element, top punmakers such as Tim are amazes me. I look through a crack in the quite simply on a perpetual hunt for the “Most days I will think of a joke, but I’ll not curtain, see people coming in and I think, finest jokes they can dream up. But once you wake up every morning and immediately ‘Who are these people and why have they have a full hour-plus of gags, there are other start comfort-rocking and yelling out come to see me!?’ The downside of touring is challenges to putting a show together, such different words at the wall. Things will just that it’s very tiring, but I head that off at the as the order you tell those jokes in. occur to me as I’m pottering around, but pass nowadays by having Sundays and “There’s a vague science to this, but you when I’m getting ready for a tour, I have to Mondays off. One of the catchphrases that I certainly make sure there are good ones at make a more concerted effort. So when I see chuck out there in the van is ‘I could live like the beginning and at the end. I finish with a the first dates of a tour looming, suddenly I this’. But, you know, it’s not a bad life.” song, so rather than bringing the house get into a frame of mind where I’m looking down, I try to bring the floor up. My support for things, or I’ll book a room and just write act, John Archer, will do the first half, then all day. And then I try them out on an I’ll do an hour or so, and then maybe the audience. If a joke isn’t going down as well as Tim Vine performs Sunset Milk Idiot at audience will want me to do some jokes I’ve you’d hoped, you try and tinker with it, but Birmingham Town Hall on Friday 16 and done before. I’m happy to do that, but jokes eventually you just have to admit that you’re Saturday 17 February.

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Comedy

Tom Wrigglesworth The Bramall, University of Birmingham, Thurs 15 February Whimsical storytelling and twisted logic, stylishly wrapped in some elegant flourishes of language, are the lifeblood of Chortle Award-winner Tom Wrigglesworth’s highly rated act. Yorkshire-born Tom scored a big hit in Edinburgh a couple of years back, since which time he’s been ploughing all the usual comedy furrows, particularly those available on BBC Radio Four. Likened by the Guardian to Mark Thomas in the way he crusades for social justice, ‘albeit in a more homely fashion’, Tom is here joined by Andy Askins and Freddy Quinne for The Bramall’s latest comedy night.

Stephen Bailey Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 9 February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 17 February; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 3 March; Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 8 March Bobby Mair Potty-mouthed comedian Stephen Bailey may not be a household name but he’s cer- Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Fri 9 February; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 17 February; Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs 1 March; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri tainly coming up fast on the tracks. 9 March; Stafford Gatehouse, Sat 10 March; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 17 March Having supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny “He's either going to be a huge international comedy star,” says Jimmy Carr of Canadian co- Éclair on sell-out UK tours, he’s now hitting median Bobby Mair, “or the funniest homeless man ever.” the road with his own show, Can’t Think Right about now the safe money’s on Mair becoming massive. A third cousin of Justin Straight. Describing himself as a ‘working- Bieber, Bobby bagged the best newcomer gong at the Canadian Comedy Awards and is class, ginger, gay, northern comic’, Stephen nowadays a familiar face on all manner of UK TV comedy shows. has a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. He also “I'm like a sober finger in the ass,” says Bobby in describing his comedy style, “a little un- freely admits to loving a conspiracy theory - comfortable at first, but after a while you'll get into it. I’m on the dark side, but I don’t class preferably one involving a celebrity and a myself as a dark comedian - I’m just somebody who loves jokes.” cucumber... Read the interview with Stephen online at whatsonlive.co.uk Mark Steel New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 19 February “I started doing stand-up in 1982, around the circuit of bizarre gigs,” recalls highly regarded writer and comedian Mark Steel. “I’d go on after jugglers and escapologists and people that banged nails into their ear. “Since then, I’ve spoken at lots of demonstra- tions, union meetings, protests and benefits - and yet capitalism still seems to rule the world. Maybe I’m a jinx!” A well-established performer on the UK com- edy circuit, Mark’s CV includes the BAFTA- nominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC Two, BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio Four’s News Quiz. He visits the Potteries with his latest touring show, Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright.

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Phil Wang Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 February; The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 22 February; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 24 February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 4 March Phil Wang’s first ever five minutes behind the mic as a standup comedian were spent telling other people’s gags. “I thought standup was like karaoke with jokes,” he re- calls. “Most of the material I used was stolen, but I learned fast and immediately started writing my own material.” Inspired to become a comedian by his desire to avoid having to get up in the mornings, Phil describes his style of humour as smart, cheeky but always changing.

Lefty Scum Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 February; MAC, Birmingham, Tues 27 February “We welcome people of all political persua- ferred to by comedian pal Nish Kumar as ‘the sions,” say Lefty Scum, “but we will probably David Bowie of standup’. Nish used the de- take the piss out of you if you’re a Tory!” scription on account of the 35-year-old Coming together for an evening of music, hu- comic’s impressive capacity for reinventing mour and revolutionary socialism are British herself. Comedy Award nominees Jonny & The Bap- Josie’s jokes include: “When I was a kid, I Stewart Lee tists and acclaimed protest musician Grace asked my mum what a couple was and she Stratford Arts House, Tues 20 February; Petrie. They’re joined by Edinburgh Comedy said, ‘Oh, two or three”. And she wonders Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Weds 21 Award nominee Josie Long, a woman once re- why her marriage didn’t work out...” February Shropshire-born Stewart Lee makes a wel- come return to the Midlands with critically acclaimed touring show Content Provider. Sean Lock Stewart first shot to fame courtesy of his partnership with Richard Herring, and then Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 February later scored a massive international hit with the musical, Jerry Springer The Opera. Although Sean Lock is best known from the Chan- His style of comedy won't make for the most nel Four panel game 8 Out Of 10 Cats, on which he comfortable ride, but he's thought-provok- appeared as a team captain for 10 years, he's also ing, funny and memorable, so suffering the picked up the odd gong or two for his stand-up, so a odd moment that makes you feel awkward night in his company is always a surefire bet for a is a small price to pay for a great night out. big barrel of laughs. He’s visiting Birmingham this month with his latest touring show, Keep It Light. Jokes include: “So what if Jesus turned water into wine? I turned a whole student loan into Vodka once. Your move, Jesus...” and “I’m in therapy at the mo- ment. I don’t need it, obviously, but I got all these psychiatrist gift vouchers for Christmas which my family clubbed to- gether for. What I wanted was a cross- bow...”

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Stephen Bailey.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 15:00 Page 1

Stephen Bailey

Potty-mouthed comedian Stephen Bailey Is there a place and time where you’re societal sphere that we don’t feel equal. Gay may not be a household name, but he’s cer- most creative? people still feel on the fringes and not fully tainly coming up fast on the tracks. Having Every time when I want my brain to shut off! accepted. We still don’t feel comfortable supported Katherine Ryan and Jenny Éclair Last year, I wrote my Edinburgh Fringe show holding hands with our partner in the street. on sell-out UK tours, he’s now hitting the whilst I was on holiday in July, and I was per- I may have a white straight man telling me road with his own show, Can’t Think Straight. forming it in August. It was very last minute, it’s fine to be gay now - thank you for that in- Describing himself as ‘a working-class, gin- but it was brilliant. It’s this tour show I’m sight, Richard Hammond - but it won’t be ger, gay, northern comic’, Stephen has a doing now. I find that when I’m supposed to until someone feels safe to hold their part- black belt in Tae Kwon-Do. He also freely ad- be switched off is when I’m actually at my ner’s hand in the street, without actually mits to loving a conspiracy theory - prefer- best - everywhere that you don’t have a thinking about it, that people will be able to ably one involving a celebrity and a notepad or your phone to make notes - like stop marching and talking about it. I’ve tried cucumber... when I’m on the toilet, or in the shower, or to write articles for the Guardian or the Metro when I’m in the pool on holiday. You can and they just won’t take them. But if the arti- cles were about race or feminism, they abso- When did you decide you were funny? guarantee that the minute my phone dies, I’ll come up with about 10 brilliant ideas, and I’ll lutely would. Once again it’s straight people Well, I still don’t know if I’ve figured that out, have to recite them in my head until I get a telling us that everything’s fine for us now to be honest. I was quite a shy person, but phone charger. and we don’t need to feel that way. when I moved to London, I decided I had to come out of my shell because I didn’t know anyone there at the time. So I joined a cre- You’re heading out on your first solo tour. What makes you ‘everyone’s gay best ative writing course. Someone there said that What excites you the most about this, and friend’? I should do stand-up comedy because they what are your concerns? I don’t know! That was a quote about me in a thought I was quite funny when one-to-one. Let me tell you, my bowels haven’t been the review. When I’m on stage I’m very sassy and So that’s how that happened. same since I agreed to this tour. I’m very ex- very roasty. I’m surprised people leave my cited because the show went really well at shows even wanting to be my best friend. I think sometimes, especially with girls and When and where was your first ever com- the Edinburgh Fringe and when I supported gays, I go after straight men so much that I edy gig? Katherine Ryan. I keep thinking that it’s going to be great, but I’m concerned about think maybe people like the flip of power or It was in 2011 in a room above a pub in Le- whether anybody is going to come. something. For someone who can’t think icester Square. It only had 20 people in, but it straight, I can talk straight. I’m very straight- was so small that 20 people meant it had sold talking. I hate doing the things that people out. I just did a lot of material comparing my The tour is called Can’t Think Straight. think a gay best friend loves. I don’t want to housemate’s vagina to a Sunday roast. It Why can’t you? sit and do your makeup, I don’t want to go went really well. Because I don’t know what straight people shopping. I certainly don’t want to talk about are thinking nowadays. Let’s look at politics, your troubles. I want to talk about mine, and Who was the funniest person you knew for example. Straight people are in charge I don’t want to be your sidekick. growing up? and it’s not working out for me. I think be- hind every straight person, there’s a brilliant Oh, it still is my mum. She’s ridiculous. She What’s been your most memorable gig? gay best friend and they make great deci- comes out with lots of ‘mum-isms’. The stuff sions. So I think they need to run the world if Well, the best gig I’ve done, being a Manch- about her in my show, I don’t have to edit it. I they’re ever given the opportunity to. ester boy, was when I opened for Katherine just say it as it is. Ryan at The Lowry in Salford. I was able to do proper local material about growing up in the Your comedy provides a platform from Who’s been your biggest inspiration? area. It was brilliant because there were so which you can talk about LGBT rights. If many people. The reaction was great because That’s a tough question! When I was growing you could influence any one piece of LGBT it made me feel like I could do it forever. That up, I watched Popstars: The Rivals and saw legislation, which would it be? was a nice feeling. But the opposite was my Girls Aloud go from little chubby chavs to Oh my god, that’s a tough question! Do you fourth ever gig, where I was really nervous. pop princesses. I wanted that to happen to know what I’d like? My friend said this to me I’d drunk three bottles of wine before I went me. So yeah, Girls Aloud. the other day. With a lot of things in the law, on stage, thinking it would calm my nerves. It we’ve pretty much got equality. It’s just in the was at this prestigious venue in London, the Stephen Bailey.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 15:00 Page 2

Comedy Café. I walked on stage and fell into If you weren’t a comedian, what would the microphone, which fell into the audience. you be? By the time I’d reset the stage, I had, like, a Well, I worked at Sainsbury’s for six years, so minute left of my set! I’d probably still be there. I really loved it there. How important is celebrity and fame? I always joke about being famous, but I just Finally, what wise piece of advice would want to be successful. Last year I managed to you offer to someone hoping to follow a book two holidays thanks to being a come- similar career path to yourself? dian. That was brilliant; it meant I was living Don’t do it - there’s more money in finance. I a normal life from doing my dream job. I would say that, one, you have to really, really want to have a mortgage, so that means I love it. When you’re sat on a train station have to save up through my job, but comedy platform by yourself, it’s not fun. And is so expensive to do. I don’t need to be fa- two, buy a decent travel pillow. mous per se, but the TV stuff I do helps me You’re always on trains, so top up my bank account. I absolutely have no make it as comfortable as dream to be a celebrity, but I enjoy doing a possible! mix of it all, just because it means one day I can have that mortgage. Stephen Bailey visits the Gatehouse, What’s your guilty pleasure? Stafford, on Friday 9 Soaps. I love Coronation Street, EastEnders February; Guildhall, and Emmerdale when I know there’s going to Derby, on Saturday 10 be a good storyline. I think it’s real life some- February; Warwick times. For instance, someone got shot in Arts Centre, Coven- Coronation Street the other week and died. try, on Saturday 17 They’d kept it so secret that you weren’t pre- February; The Brew- pared for it, and I was like, “Holy fuck balls!” dog, Leicester, on I couldn’t sleep that night because I was Friday 23 February; thinking how he must’ve felt, because he did- Slade Rooms, n’t die straight away. They set the car on fire, Wolverhampton, so he died from that. How awful! on Thursday 8 March and Glee Club, Birming- What’s been your worst ever heckle? ham, on Friday I’m really lucky, I don’t really get heckled. I 30 March. think because I get so mouthy, people get scared. The two I have had were both a bit weird. I was in Edinburgh, and whenever I do a comedy club, I like to see who’s in my audi- ence so that I can figure out how far I can go. When I asked, “Where’s my gays?” some voice from the back of the room shouted, “Dead! Like they should be!” I just didn’t know what to say. The other time was in Birmingham when I’d just walked on stage. Before I’d even had the chance to open my mouth, someone shouted, “Gay as fuck!” How gay is fuck?... But yeah, I don’t normally get heckled. Vamos Theatre.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 10:58 Page 1 Putting On A Brave Face

The artistic director of Vamos Theatre, Rachael Savage, talks about the company’s latest production

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by Jenny Ell

With a tour of a new production each year, Guardian newspaper, was about a young ex- work absolutely needs to be realistic, telling a Worcestershire-based full mask wordless military man whose parents didn’t know he story in a theatrical way means a few rules theatre company Vamos open A Brave Face at had a problem until they found him in the need to be bent - otherwise the piece the London Mime Festival in February, prior wheelie bin at 3am. It’s stories like this one becomes a documentary. to an extensive UK and European tour. that provide pictures in Savage’s head, The incredible number of venues being causing questions to be raised. “I’m a really The show tackles the emotional subject of visited on the show’s tour is testament to visual person, and as soon as I see a post-traumatic stress and has been over two Vamos’s nationwide following. Savage frightened, terrified young man hiding in a years in the making, in collaboration with particularly enjoys performing close to home: wheelie bin, I know that it would make a British war veterans and their extended “We always sell out at the Worcester Swan good full mask scene.” support networks. Theatre, and it’s wonderful playing to our Vamos held a mask-making residency at Help home crowd.” As artistic director and writer/director of A For Heroes, working with four ex-military Brave Face, Rachael Savage’s CV is certainly She recalls performing at The Torch in people living with PTS. “I was inspired by the impressive. Even prior to her setting up Milford Haven, Wales, for the first time, when men’s work ethic - fast and efficient, listening Vamos over a decade ago, she worked for there were only about 12 people in the hard and taking orders. They worked so Trestle (the world’s leading full mask theatre audience - and one of those was the theatre’s diligently, and then I realised that they were company at the time) as a performer, artistic director! However, they loved the military.” assistant director and director of the Trestle show so much that they pleaded with the Young People’s Theatre, before leaving when Their fragility made Savage want to do more board to allow Vamos to return, even though they stopped doing full mask theatre - her research with them. One man in particular the theatre lost money first time round. The passion since the age of 12. Vamos gave has read through every version of the show, company’s shows there have sold out ever Savage the ability to put into practice helping and supporting Vamos over the last since. everything that she had learned and to year. “I’ve been humbled by his honesty and Last year saw Vamos become a National establish her own company brand, looking generosity in sharing his fears, traumas, Portfolio Organisation, a status that ensures in-depth at social and political subject matter hopes and, ultimately, his journey.” regular funding from the Arts Council. “Now rather than solely playing for laughs. You would’ve thought that writing and that we have this secure footing, over the With her enthusiasm radiating throughout directing a wordless show would bring with it next four years we look forward to building our conversation, Savage clearly loves the additional challenges, but Savage doesn’t see more exciting partnerships with venues and variety that her job provides. “I even enjoy it that way. For her, it’s just exciting. “You get working with new artists.” looking at the management accounts!” she to give a voice to people who don’t have one,” Three Cirque du Soleil clowns worked with gushes. From directing and devising in the she enthuses. the company last year, and Savage is excited rehearsal room, to performing and running Because there’s no dialogue, the show’s about the prospect of more people wanting to training courses for non-art professionals, music is a massively important factor. Having be a part of Vamos. there’s no doubt that Vamos is a ‘passion once auditioned Savage for a job at Trestle project’ for Savage: “I love working with Constantly watching the news, Savage is Theatre Company, composer and script people who relate to the ethos of our work always searching for new production ideas. consultant Janie Armour is now a regular and the way in which we communicate She mentions her interest in the plight of creative within the Vamos family. “I’ve without words.” refugees and the UK’s current small island worked with Janie on every single show in attitude with Brexit going forward. She also She also feels that her time performing as Joy, different companies I’ve been with. It’s the recalls a recent news story about Africa’s a dementia sufferer, in the company’s best gift to receive Janie’s interpretation population being set to double by 2050, and Finding Joy production, has enabled her to musically.” the huge impact such an enormous increase empathise more with the actors. “Getting Having tackled dementia in Finding Joy and will have on the rest of the world. “I’m behind one of those horrible pieces of sweaty now PTS in A Brave Face, Savage feels a huge interested in big global themes such as PTS plastic makes you realise what you can and responsibility when exploring subjects that and dementia but also in the individual can’t do, and makes you an actor’s director.” really impact on people’s lives. “It’s what I stories of people who want a voice.” New production A Brave Face came about feel most anxious about - not letting people when the artistic director of the Mercury down.” Theatre Colchester, Daniel Buckroyd, A series of workshops with invited audiences A Brave Face shows at Warwick Arts approached Vamos about working on a co- lead up to the premiere of a new production. Centre, Coventry, on Wed 22 February; production. Due to Colchester being a For A Brave Face, army veterans and people Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South military garrison town, this gave Savage an with PTS have been invited into the rehearsal Shropshire, Fri 9 March; New Vic Theatre, angle to research. Pretty quickly the topic of room. One veteran in particular has provided Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 12 March; post-traumatic stress (PTS) came to the the kind of straight-talking, no-nonsense MAC, Birmingham, Wed 14 March; Arena forefront. “I wasn’t very aware of PTS before, approach that’s essential to ensuring the Theatre, Wolverhampton, 15 & 16 March; and to be honest, it wasn’t something that I material is accurate. “‘Well you wouldn’t do Malvern Theatre, Thurs 29 - Fri 30 March; knew I cared about until I started reading that, that’s stupid!’ has now become a Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 & stories about people affected.” regular phrase in the rehearsal room!” smiles Thurs 26 April; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 27 One of the first stories Savage read, in the Savage. She also notes that although the April

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Shrek The Musical it. Pretty much retelling the story of the first movie, it peddles a line in humour that calls to mind both the surrealist Pythons and an evening New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sun 25 February of festive-season pantomime fare. The popularity of this family-friendly West Ender hardly comes as a There are plenty of new songs to enjoy too, presented alongside cult surprise. After all, Dreamworks’ animated Shrek movies, inspired by Shrek anthem I’m A Believer, originally a chart-topping hit for The cartoonist William Steig's 1990 book, were absolutely huge. It was Monkees way back in 1966/67. only ever going to be a matter of time before everybody’s favourite All in all, then, a feelgood show that pretty much touches all the swamp-residing ogre made a big splash away from the silver screen. bases for its young target audience, at the same time offering plenty to After a tentative Broadway start, the production was revised for its keep the adults amused. subsequent US tour and West End residency - and is all the better for In other words, bag yourself a ticket now.

Crimes Under The Sun The play is set in the year 1663, with the ac- The Winslow Boy Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, 28 February; tion unfolding backstage in a Restoration The REP, Birmingham, Lichfield Garrick, Sat 17 March playhouse. When Charles II allows women on Wed 21 February - Sat 3 March When a scandal-inducing femme fatale mys- stage for the first time, four actresses sud- teriously loses her life at a secluded island denly find themselves becoming household hotel just off the English coast, suspicion in- names. But behind the scenes, as the friend- evitably falls on the other guests - but per- ship between them develops, so too does the haps not everybody on the idyllic island has rivalry... been accounted for... Four actors play multiple characters in this lively new production inspired by the stories of Agatha Christie, the genre of film noir and The actor who played the villainous Rob the movies of Alfred Hitchcock. Presented by Titchener in Radio Four’s The Archers ap- the award-winning New Old Friends. pears in this brand new version of Terence Rattigan’s classic family drama. Timothy Watson hit the headlines when he Playhouse Creatures starred as Rob in The Archers’ controversial New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, storyline about domestic abuse. Fri 2 - Sat 24 February He appears in The Winslow Boy alongside ‘Bawdy comedy, theatrical flair and emo- Tessa Peake-Jones (BBC 1’s Only Fools And tional poignancy’ are the key ingredients of Horses, ITV’s Grantchester) and Aden Gillett this 1993 feminist offering from April De An- (BBC 1’s The House Of Elliot). gelis. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February-2-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:29 Page 2 Theatre February-2-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:29 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Mamma Mia! sent and correct in this blockbuster offering. Abba boys Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were both involved in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 6 - Sat 24 February the development of the show, while Anni-Frid Lyngstad - she’s the This legendary show is of course a nicely contrived vehicle for the dark one - contributed in a financial capacity. chart-topping music of 1970s Super Troupers Abba. A 2008 movie version received a thumbs up from many if not most of The Swedish Fab Four scored mega-hit after mega-hit with catchy Mamma Mia!’s adoring fans - despite former James Bond star Pierce numbers like Waterloo, Dancing Queen, The Name Of The Game, The Brosnan having been given, rather unwisely, a Licence to Sing... Winner Takes It All and Take A Chance On Me - all of which are pre-

Kanada The Strange Case Of Brief Encounter The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde The REP, Birmingham, Fri 2 - Sat 17 February Tues 6 - Sat 10 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 14 - Fri 16 February Dr Jekyll is not himself! Robert Louis Steven- son’s gothic novella is a dark, twisted tale of love, redemption and the seductive power of evil. A bonafide literary classic, it tells the story of a brilliant but obsessive scientist whose sadistic alter-ego wreaks havoc and Ten years after its 2008 premiere, Kneehigh mayhem on the cobbled streets of Victorian Theatre’s spectacular stage adaptation of London... Blackeyed Theatre are the highly Brief Encounter returns to the venue where it rated company behind this latest incarnation all started. of the famous fog-bound fantasy. Much like the 1945 David Lean film that inspired it - in which the thrill of an illicit trip to the pictures is what kicks off the quiet romance between the separately married Alec and Laura - the production feels like a love letter to the magic of the cinema. “On a really practical level,” says writer and A brand new play telling the story of two Jew- ish prisoners in the Second World War Nazi director Emma Rice, “it used to have an concentration camp of Auschwitz, Kanada is interval but doesn’t now, so it runs more like being presented by the Old Joint Stock in as- a film. I remember rewatching the film after sociation with Lying Lips Theatre Company. I’d made it and thinking there was something The play has been written in honour of the extraordinary about following this journey Holocaust survivors, one of whom, Zigi Ship- from beginning to end without getting off - a per, will be attending the opening night. bit like being on a train.”

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February-2-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:29 Page 4 David Baddiel Rewritten version.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2018 09:27 Page 1 David Baddiel Rewritten version.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2018 09:27 Page 2

by Jenny Ell

DAVIDtalks family, Frank Skinner, andBADDIEL fantasy football...

David Baddiel can turn his hand to virtually just liked the fame part,” he explains. scored a massive TV hit with their Fantasy anything. As well as being a much-loved Football League show. They even recorded a My Family: Not The Sitcom was incredibly comedian, he’s had great success as a chart-topping song called Three Lions - the successful at the Menier Chocolate Factory novelist, screenwriter and TV presenter. official ‘anthem’ of the England football team and in the West End back in 2016, earning He’s now going back to stand-up, to take his during the Euro 96 championships. David an Olivier Award nomination. If you Olivier Award-nominated one-man show - My were fortunate enough to have caught the So after all these years, are they still close Family: Not The Sitcom - on tour around the show in London, you’d be forgiven for friends? “Frank lives in my road!” laughs UK. assuming that you’d already seen everything David. “He lives 10 doors down from me. He’s As its title suggests, the show is a comedy it has to offer. Not so, however. The show has always doing that! It’s a very expensive form based on stories about his family - or, more evolved significantly over the last couple of of stalking!” specifically, about his parents - and his own years, not least because David has gleaned Given the success the pair enjoyed in the experiences of growing up in the 1970s. more information about his parents - some past, would they ever contemplate teaming “My mum was mental,” says David, “an from people who’ve been to see him perform. up again? “We talked about doing Fantasy extreme personality - obsessive, sexual and “Even the niece of the person my mum had Football at the last World Cup but decided very interested in golf because she had a an affair with has come to see the show,” he against it in the end. It turned out to be the long-term, fantastical, crazy, ‘in the moment’ says. “Three times!” right decision because England played so affair with a golfing memorabilia salesman. On a more serious note, David hopes that badly. Not ideal for a comedy show whereby She died in 2014, and at her funeral a lot of anybody attending the show who, like you pin the response of the audience on how people were telling me that my mother was himself, has a close relative with dementia, well England are going to do!” wonderful. That gave me a sense that no one will feel more comfortable talking about the really knew her - it’s just something people David may have many a string to his bow in a illness afterwards. “I want people to know say at funerals. My mum was wonderful, but professional sense, but he struggles to decide it’s alright to talk about it, and it’s alright to not in that way!” which of them he enjoys the most. “I think laugh about it.” I’m just one thing, really, and that’s a David’s dad suffers from dementia. “He’s a David hasn’t been on tour since 2013, when storyteller. Everything I do is storytelling in complete nutcase and a very sweary and he travelled the length and breadth of the different forms. And I’m weirdly happy with cantankerous man!” country with his show Fame: Not The Musical everything I’ve done. My aim when I’m on Despite such brutally honest assessments of (there’s a definite theme in evidence in the stage is to be as much like I actually am as his parents, the New York-born comedian titles of his stand-up gigs!). Although he possible. It’s not much different to coming clearly retains an enormous fondness for enjoys touring, he admits to finding it quite a round to my house for a chat!” both of them. Even so, the more he reveals, lonely experience nowadays. “In the very old the more evident it becomes that home life days, I used to tour with Rob Newman and do was a far from ideal experience for him and shows with Frank Skinner - that would be David Baddiel brings My Family: Not The his brothers. His parents certainly didn’t stop more of a laugh!” Sitcom to New Alexandra Theatre, living their own lives once they had children - And speaking of Frank Skinner... It’s via his Birmingham, on Wednesday 28 February; and when David became well known, television work with the West Bromwich-born Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, on although his mum attended his every gig, she funnyman that David achieved real celebrity. Wednesday 28 March; and Dudley Town didn’t really engage with the material. “She Back in the ‘lad era’ of the 1990s, the pair Hall on Thursday 19 April. Theatre February-2-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:29 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Jersey Boys Don't Cry, Sherry and December 1963 (Oh, What A Night). This massive jukebox musical tells their story. Taking a documentary- Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 6 - Sat 17 February; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 28 August - Sat 8 September style format, the show is structured as four ‘seasons’, each being nar- rated by a different member of the band. Rockin’ and rollin’ New Jersey boys Frankie Valli And The Four Sea- The Tony, Olivier and Grammy award-winning production is visiting sons scored some truly massive hits during the mid-1960s, with best- the Midlands as part of a UK tour. known numbers including Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby, Big Girls

Great Expectations A Pandemonium Of Poe Black Men Walking Malvern Theatre, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 February Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 February Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 7 - Sat 10 February A not-to-be-missed evening of fear-filled fic- tion for fans of Edgar Allen Poe, Don’t Go Into Black Men Walking is the first nationally The Cellar’s latest touring production has touring play to emerge from the Revolution been garnering plenty of positive reviews on Mix initiative - a three-year movement spear- its travels during the last few months. heading the largest ever countrywide delivery The sinister Dr Trevellyan is the host for an of Black British stories. evening visit to the Sanitorium, where a jour- Produced by Eclipse Theatre - the UK’s fore- ney into the deepest recesses of the human most Black-led national production company psyche awaits... - in collaboration with the Royal Exchange, the show focuses on regular Saturday morn- ing walking companions Thomas, Matthew Translunar Paradise and Richard, three men who, on one particu- lar ramble, ‘find themselves forced to walk Great Expectations is perhaps one of Charles Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Dickens' most popular novels, and is cer- Tues 27 February backwards through two thousand years be- fore they can move forwards’. tainly one of his best known. The award-winning Theatre Ad Infinitum Following an encounter with the terrifying make a welcome return to Warwick Arts Cen- convict Magwitch, a young lad named Pip tre with this poignant and life-affirming tale, finds himself embarking on an adventure told without words. that leads him not only to the big city, but When Rose passes away, her husband also to encounters with the chilling Estella, William finds himself rejecting the reality of the manipulative Jaggers, and the tragic and his grief in favour of fantasy and past memo- mysterious Miss Havisham... ries. As his bereavement weighs him down, Olivier Award-winning actress Nichola Rose returns from beyond the grave to per- McAuliffe stars. form one final act of enduring love...

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whatsonlive.co.uk 29 A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2018 09:29 Page 1

THE C WORD Bryony Kimmings’ candid musical shakes up conversations around cancer A Pacifist's Guide to the War on Cancer.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2018 09:29 Page 2

Following its 2016 premiere, Bryony Kimmings’ innovative musical, A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer, hits the road again this year, fully reimagined for a brief UK tour, with Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre its only Midlands date. We spoke to Kimmings about the revamped version of the show and her unusual treatment of its subject matter.

We’ve all heard the story: Character X lives an And she was like, ‘Oh my God, nobody’s will change the on-stage dynamic, making unremarkable life until disaster strikes in the actually asked me that before.’ Everyone had the show, in Kimmings’ own words, much form of a cancer diagnosis. What follows will just been skirting round it until then.” more truthful. Meanwhile, most other stories be either a tragic tale of hopeless struggle were picked out for their broader political Such polite silence around sickness is not and death, designed to milk our tear ducts resonance. unusual. Even when we do address the issue, for all they’re worth, or a life-affirming, it’s often with platitudes that tend to shut “I think people should do cancer however ‘inspirational’ story of unexpected triumph down dialogue and preclude the possibility they want, but that ‘I’m a survivor’ narrative in the face of adversity. Either way, it’s going that things might not be okay - something is something we hear all the time, so I was to be an epic struggle - a sort of good that only becomes more pronounced after the much more interested in people who were (healthy) vs bad (sick) battle to the end - and experience ends. like, ‘Cancer’s s**t, I can’t afford it,’ or one that will come to define the patient at its ‘Cancer’s s**t because in the black heart. “I think that thing of battling and fighting community nobody talks about it.’ There’s and winning or losing doesn’t give space for Despite the prevalence of narratives around also Jenny, whose husband left her during the fact that you change and become a cancer in the media, there’s a kind of shallow her breast cancer treatment, because, of different person. Nobody ever acknowledges homogeneity to most. But Bryony Kimmings course, misogyny doesn’t stop when you get that post-cancer you’re kind of a wreck - like doesn’t think things have to be this way. ill. If anything it gets worse. you lose your breasts or your relationship Having previously developed shows themed breaks down or whatever. People are just “There are so many different representations. around depression, STIs and childhood like, ‘You don’t have cancer anymore, you Middle-class cancer is different to working- sexualisation, she’s no stranger to tearing up can stop talking about it.’ class cancer. People-with-no-friends cancer taboos around tough topics, and this play is is different to cancer for people with family no exception. Today, cancer may be “Obviously you can’t cure cancer with a around them. One of my favourite scenes at everywhere in every sense, but the frankness theatre show, but you can certainly have an the moment is when Gia, this really poor that A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer honest, open dialogue about it instead of one black woman from Detroit who’s only being promises still feels surprisingly rare and which is like, ‘You’ll be fine.’ That just ends treated because she’s on a trial, walks in on refreshing. the conversation: you’re saying that for you five white women sharing their problems and to feel okay about it, I as the person with “Everything you usually hear about cancer is is like, ‘Let me give you some perspective on cancer just have to be quiet.” like, ‘We must fight it,’ or ‘We must smash it what cancer’s really like.” to bits,’” says Kimmings. “And I just felt like, Around seven different stories from real-life All this might sound a little doom and gloom, well, not only do I not believe in war, I also patients have made it into the show, but in its way, it’s actually oddly uplifting. don’t believe that if you get breast cancer, it’s including that of the producer who inspired Featuring colourful tumours and musical possible for you to just punch yourself in the it. Among them is Lara Veitch - the numbers ranging from slow ballads to disco t**s. It’s your own body and you can’t fight production’s only patient-performer - who floor-fillers, it aims to have audiences yourself, so I started asking where that has the extremely rare condition LFS (Li- laughing and singing along. More language comes from and how it affects Fraumeni Syndrome), meaning she has no importantly, it affords both characters and people. And then what happens when we tumour suppressant genes. Still in her 20s, viewers the freedom to be normal human don’t talk about it like that.” she’s already had six different kinds of beings. As Kimmings’ co-writer, Brian Lobel, cancer, making her one of the most The initial idea for the show came out of a rather brilliantly says in talks to cancer invaluable contributors to the ‘guide’, and is meeting with theatre company Complicite, patients, ‘I hope you’re as mediocre at the jokingly described by Kimmings as ‘Super who had invited her to pitch them some end of this experience as you were at the Cancer Girl’. ideas. Producer Judith Dimant seemed beginning’. disinterested in her proposals - until During the original run, neither Veitch nor Kimmings made the bold move of asking if Kimmings actually featured in the show - one she’d like to make a show about her illness. undergoing another round of cancer treatment, the other looking after her “She had a bald head and was flinching A Pacifist’s Guide To The War On Cancer severely ill son, an intense and terrifying every time I coughed anywhere near her, so shows at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, period during which the two ended up eventually I just said, ‘Do you have cancer?’ from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 bonding. This time, their joint appearance February. Theatre February-2-3.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:29 Page 7

Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Mirror Mirror Teletubbies: Big Hugs Penguins Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, Fri 2 Febru- New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, The REP, Birmingham, ary; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 4 February; Wed 7 - Thurs 8 February Thurs 1 - Sat 10 February MAC, Birmingham, Sun 11 February Despite having been around for many a year, Friendship, fun, identity and the ever-chang- The ever-popular Red Earth Theatre here pre- the world famous Teletubbies are here ap- ing meaning of family are among the themes sent a brand new version of the timeless tale pearing in their first ever theatre show cre- being explored in this brand new theatre & of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, com- ated especially for little ones. dance production. plete with ‘beautiful puppets, captivating Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po continue Inspired by a true story reported in the New storytelling and mesmerising sign lan- to enchant and delight pre-school youngsters York Times, the show focuses on two male guage’... A leading company in the develop- a full 20 years after making their television Chinstrap penguins named Roy and Silo. ment of inclusive touring theatre, Red Earth debut on BBC Two. Living alongside other penguin pairs in Cen- regularly take shows to small-scale, rural and Brand new songs and the popular supporting tral Park Zoo, they determine to try and hatch community venues across the country. characters of Tubby Phone, Noo-noo and Sun a rock in place of an egg - a decision that sees Baby also feature. them embarking on a most unexpected ad- venture... Milkshake Live Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 17 February; The Place, Oakengates, Telford, Wed 21 February; Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 22 Febru- ary; Malvern Theatre, Sun 25 February; Prince Of Wales, Cannock, Wed 3 April; Regent The- atre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 6 April Here taking youngsters on a journey through the world’s favourite fairytales is, among oth- ers, Bob the Builder, Little Princess, Noddy, Fireman Sam and Shimmer & Shine. If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been The Gingerbread Man to a previous live production, you’ll already Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, know what to expect. If not, get ready for an Tues 20 - Thurs 22 February The Jungle Book event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- For those not in the know, this terrific tale loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- tells the story of a cheeky gingerbread man Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 17 February; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 21 February; pation and plenty of singing and dancing. who sets off on the biggest adventure of his The Old Rep, Birmingham, Fri 23 February life. Out of the kitchen, through the town and Made universally popular by the classic Walt across the fields he goes, all the way to the Disney movie, Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book Little Mochi Man river... Fingers crossed he manages to avoid the sly old fox en route! tells the story of a young boy named Mowgli Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, who’s been raised in the jungle by a family of Sat 24 February Hiccup Theatre are confident that they’ve wolves. His friends, Baloo the bear and managed to cook up a real winner of a show Bagheera the panther, are determined to save with this latest production, bringing together him from the evil intentions of Shere Khan ‘delicious’ original live music, ‘tasty’ story- the tiger. But keeping Mowgli safe is no walk telling and ‘dollops’ of fun. in the jungle, as his two pals soon find out... The company’s previous work includes well- reviewed versions of Rumpelstiltskin and The Owl And The Pussycat.

Dear Zoo When little Mochi Man decides to run away after being bullied because of his small size, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 8 & Fri 9 February; The Core, Solihull, Mon 19 & Tues he finds himself embroiled in an adventure 20 February; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, 21 - that will take him from the snowy mountains 22 February; Lichfield Garrick, Wed 4 April; of Hokkaido to the hustle and bustle of Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri 6 - Sat 7 April Tokyo... First published in 1982, Rod Campbell’s lift- The traditions of Shogatsu - Japanese New the-flap book has delighted generations of Year celebrations - along with ‘origami’ pup- children and accumulated in excess of eight pets, animation and music provide the inspi- million sales worldwide. ration for this lively show, a production This first-ever stage version of the story fea- which is being publicised as ‘the perfect in- tures child-friendly puppets, music and lots troduction to Japan for young children’. of audience participation.

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whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Fairytales in Dance.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:28 Page 1

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Fairytales in Dance.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:28 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Magical Moments Birmingham Hippodrome presents fairy tales in dance

With the new year now in full swing, the But while traditional fairytale interpretations round Sound by Paul Groothius. panto season has come to an end - but at like Petipa’s have lost none of their power Having kicked off its tour at Sadler’s Wells in Birmingham Hippodrome, the fairytale magic and popularity over the years, the stories are December, the show concludes the 30th an- lives on, courtesy of a series of enchanting also a source of fascination for high-profile niversary celebrations of Bourne’s New Ad- dance shows. contemporary choreographers such as ventures company, 20 years after it premiered Ever since the 19th century, fairytales have Matthew Bourne. Following the huge success in the West End. of his production of The Red Shoes in Birm- been a staple source of subject matter for Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella shows at ingham last year, Bourne this month brings dance shows; the fascination with folk tales Birmingham Hippodrome from 6 to 10 his beloved take on Cinderella back to Brum. and fantasy that swept the worlds of art and February. literature was very much mirrored in the bal- Heading to the Hippodrome as part of a let of the time. Today, more than a century wider UK tour, the hugely popular and hotly Finally, looking further ahead to April, the after they were first performed, classics like anticipated Birmingham run will see Red award-winning Metro-Boulet-Dodo will be Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty continue to Shoes stars Cordelia Braithwaite and Ashley joining forces with Open Theatre Company delight audiences around the world, remain- Shaw again sharing the lead role. In this for an imaginative reworking of Hansel And ing a vital part of any ballet company’s reper- thrillingly evocative reworking, the action of Gretel. In this lively and original production, toire. the story is relocated to a London torn apart a flustered storyteller is joined by a mis- This is certainly the case for Birmingham by World War Two. For Cinderella and her chievous mocking bird as he follows the title Royal Ballet. A company with an outstanding dashing RAF pilot Harry (Will Bozier, Andrew characters deep into the forest, encountering reputation for visual storytelling, BRB this Monaghan and Dominic North), a chance the Wicked Witch and her eccentric chefs month revives the opulence of the Imperial meeting results in a magical few hours to- along the way. But as characters interrupt his Russian Ballet in its ‘matchless’ production gether - just long enough for the young cou- narrative to tell their own version of this pe- of Sleeping Beauty. ple to fall in love before being parted by the culiar adventure, we soon discover that all is horrors of the Blitz. not exactly as it seems... Live music, mes- In this spectacular show, Tchaikovsky’s merising design and a quirky sense of hu- sparkling score is performed live by the ac- “Cinderella is one of my most heartfelt works mour combine to make this an ideal treat for claimed Royal Ballet Sinfonia, while Marius and a personal favourite amongst my re- all the family. Petipa’s original choreography is reinter- imagined classic stories,” says Matthew preted by virtuoso dancers. Dazzling specta- Bourne of the production. “I’m delighted to This exciting new show, produced by Birm- cle is combined with the timeless tale of a have brought together this cast of current star ingham Hippodrome, features performers sleeping princess, a fairy curse and an adven- performers, experienced New Adventures vet- drawn from Because We Can Can Can, the turing prince in what’s been described as a erans and exciting young talent. I’m thrilled venue’s disabled arts company that works version with ‘no equal in the ballet world to see another generation of Company with Open Theatre Co to support emerging today’. A great introduction to ballet, it’s an dancers take on this beloved production.” performers with learning disabilities, some of ideal choice for a family outing. Featuring sumptuous Olivier Award-winning whom appear in the production. Produced by Peter Wright and designed sets by Lez Brotherston and lighting by Neil The Twisted Tale Of Hansel And Gretel by Philip Prowse, Sleeping Beauty shows Austin, this lavish retelling is performed to a shows at Birmingham Hippodrome from at Birmingham Hippodrome from 13 to 24 specially commissioned recording of 4 to 8 April, with relaxed performances on February, with a relaxed performance on Prokofiev’s magnificent score, played by a Friday the 6th and Saturday the 7th. Tuesday the 20th. 60-piece orchestra and presented in Sur-

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

#JeSuis The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 15 & Fri 16 February Birmingham-born choreographer Aakash Odedra’s latest work is a reflection on the feelings of those who perform it, a group of Turkish dancers frustrated by the media’s ongoing misinterpretations of their motherland. Engaging with the hugely pertinent is- sues of displacement, refuge and political and geographical instability, the work portrays the experience of living in a homeland ‘that doesn’t know the mean- ing of “home” anymore’, and where safety, peace and freedom can no longer be taken for granted... A rising star of contemporary British dance, Odedra has previously worked with some of the most high-profile chore- ographers in the business, including Akram Khan, Sidi Larbi and Russel Maliphant.

Richard Alston This month sees his highly rated company Joss Arnott Triple Bill return to the region with a triple-bill featur- Dance Company ing a brand new work performed to Schu- MAC, Birmingham, Wed 7 February Malvern Theatre, Tues 27 & Wed 28 February mann’s Carnaval and a new piece by Martin Highly charged and visually stunning, Joss A choreographer who’s very much at the Lawrance. Completing the bill is Gypsy Mix- Arnott’s shows present dance that explodes forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, ture, a popular work from the Alston reper- with power and technical brilliance. And Richard Alston takes inspiration directly toire, performed to the infectious music of this current production in no way lets the from the music he uses. Romanian and Macedonian gypsy bands. side down... A triple bill created in collaboration with some of the industry’s finest dancers, com- Sonia Sabri Company: posers and designers, the show features two brand new dance works - A Movement Virago In 3 and RUSH. The Old Rep, Birmingham, The company’s award-winning V completes Thurs 15 February the programme. A solo work exploring the “We’ve always tried to create something rare and contorted beauty of the human which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” body, the piece here features live music for says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that the very first time. we’ve presented something that’s very new and very different. We’ve been at the fore- front of creating new ideas, and that’s ex- actly what we intend to continue doing.” Sabri’s belief in the need to push the boundaries of dance is reflected in this groundbreaking dance-digital solo produc- tion, an exploration of the perceptions and misconceptions surrounding the subject of female body image. The dancer’s unique ‘urban Kathak’ lan- guage is here brought together with mo- tion-triggered digital art and a sound score combining spoken word and music, creat- ing a show which Sabri describes as “un- compromising, thought-provoking and humorous”. whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Macbeth DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:25 Page 1

The vicious pursuit “ of power to fill a void will always be relevant - the Macbeths are everywhere in every age, because they are a part of us

36 whatsonlive.co.uk ” Macbeth DPS.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 11:25 Page 2

Double, double toil and trouble Following on from acclaimed productions of Dracula and The Odyssey, Mark Bruce Company this month brings its haunting re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth to DanceXchange. We caught up with Mark to find out more...

Why Shakespeare’s Macbeth? the right time in their careers to pursue this bearing on whether I pursue it or not - Macbeth hits you fast, cuts through to the vocabulary. I feel that there’s a time when whether it’s an established narrative or bone and, for me, is the least ambiguous of you’re ready to do a production, and you something I’ve written myself. With Macbeth, Shakespeare's plays. Its darkness opens our can’t really contrive that. I had a combination of dancers I already nightmares; we recognise fundamental traits knew and some new ones. I held an audition, How have you approached the text? inside ourselves and the consequences of for which we had over 650 applicants. From acting upon them. The vicious pursuit of The Macbeths are mere playthings of the evil that, I took three dancers. They needed to be power to fill a void will always be relevant - they set free, and in the madness and strong dramatically and in contemporary and the Macbeths are everywhere in every age, emptiness that ensues, they become but classical technique. because they are a part of us. walking shadows - or, as in my adaptation, simply clowns of sound and fury. Your music choice for Macbeth is classical When did you first discover Macbeth? My approach has been quite simple, so that I and doesn't involve any of your own composition, unlike many of your other I first read it as a teenager. Returning to it can really explore the text, get deeply into the productions... now, the images, the atmosphere it evokes, characters and the world in which it’s set. haven’t changed. Its power lies in a relentless The music of Arvo Pärt was a fundamental Are you influenced by other artists? tale of supernatural horror told with a beauty decision in realising a through-line for and symbolism that reaches to the tragic Influences always begin subconsciously, and Macbeth. I was instantly drawn to how it state of the ‘other’. often it’s only in retrospect that I identify captures something deep inside us. It can be The supernatural is always present in them. I don’t expect to completely sparse, refined - and for me, Macbeth is a Macbeth, bending our own thoughts and understand why an influence has imposed refined play. Like Arvo Pärt’s music, there’s perceptions as well as those of the itself. I do think I've been affected by the so much going on with every line, every protagonists. It infects us, always one step films of David Cronenberg for this suggestion. This enables our imagination to ahead, and Macbeth’s decisions are made in production: pace, economic shot selection, transcend to the state of what’s inside the the world of a nightmare, as if there’s no his film Eastern Promises especially. The protagonists, what they’re missing, the state separation between thought and action. brooding atmosphere, the colour, the of their souls. I felt the combination of the Murder is done and descent is rapid. darkness seem to marry with the world I saw subject matter and this music created Macbeth taking place in. Compared to a something beautiful and tragic. And these Why now? production like The Odyssey, in which there two elements were the basis of my It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I had was a myriad of influences, Macbeth is far interpretation of Macbeth. a vision of Macbeth’s world and some of the leaner. It’s written for the stage. cast in mind. It was the same with Dracula Mark Bruce Company performs Macbeth How do you choose your dancers? and The Odyssey. The choreographic at DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, language of Macbeth is very specific and Sometimes I’ll have particular dancers in Birmingham Hippodrome, on Thurs 8 & detailed, and I felt I had the right dancers at mind for a production, and this will have a Fri 9 February.

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Film

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Black Panther CERT tbc Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Andy Serkis Directed by Ryan Googler (USA)

It’s all so melodramatic. Anything that happens in the Marvel Uni- agent Everett K Ross (Martin Freeman), and special forces within his verse is always catastrophic or dystopian or cataclysmic - or all three. own country, to avert catastrophe. While not strictly endowed with This edition - the 18th Marvel spectacular - sees T'Challa (Chadwick superhero powers, T'Challa does possess a formidable intellect as Boseman) return to his African nation on the death of his father, the well as some pretty good martial arts skills, which should help. The King of Wakanda. However, as T'Challa - aka Black Panther - takes his director, Ryan Googler, previously brought us the critically acclaimed rightful seat on his father’s throne, factions in his country rise up to Fruitvale Station (2013) and Creed (2015). depose him. So, in order to prevent a world war, T'Challa calls on CIA Released Tues 13 February

Film highlights released in February...

Journey’s End CERT 12a (108 mins) Phantom Thread Starring Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, Toby CERT 15 (130 mins) Jones, Tom Sturridge, Stephen Graham, Paul Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Lesley Manville, Bettany Directed by Saul Dibb (UK) Vicky Krieps, Camilla Rutherford, Gina McKee In light of the explicit nature of more recent Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (USA) war films, it is refreshing to encounter the Daniel Day-Lewis is Reynolds Woodcock, an mental mutilation of war rather than the obsessive, controlling couturier in 1950s’ physical. Saul Dibb is a competent if some- London, and the actor commands the screen times journeyman director, but he has se- with his customary presence. It’s a painstak- cured some first-rate acting from his cast, ingly crafted drama, reflecting the attention particularly Paul Bettany. Based on the 1928 Lies We Tell CERT 15 (110 mins) to detail which Woodcock lavishes on his cre- play by RC Sherriff, the drama is set in the Starring Gabriel Byrne, Sibylla Deen, Mark ations for the rich and famous. However, it is trenches of the First World War. Addy, Jan Uddin, Harvey Keitel a film that one tends to admire rather than Directed by Mitu Misra (UK) Released Fri 2 February engage with, but one cannot deny its noble Gabriel Byrne plays the chauffeur for an power and originality. American gangster (Keitel) who has to Released Fri 2 February eradicate all trace of his employer’s mis- tress (Sibylla Deen), both the cousin and ex-wife of a notable Muslim gangster. Unfortunately, Byrne is woefully miscast as the lowly, long-suffering dogsbody, while the Muslims are drawn as stereo- types. Nothing rings remotely true. Released Fri 2 February

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Film highlights released in February...

The Shape Of Water lishment figure who looks down on anybody or anything that doesn’t fit in with his narrow CERT 15 (123 mins) view of what is all-American. As played by Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Michael Shannon, he is a suitably despicable Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones, Michael figure, constantly crunching on cheap candy Stuhlbarg, Octavia Spencer (when he’s not swigging on the hard stuff). Directed by Guillermo del Toro (USA/Canada) But none of the stereotypes here stick to the It’s not every day that you come across a ro- expected norm. It’s hard not to supress a gig- mantic sci-fi fantasy steeped in nostalgia and gle when a thick-set Russian thug, chowing menace. Perhaps the most original film we down on a slice of butter cake, asks for a are likely to see all year, this nonetheless re- glass of milk to go with it. But what is The calls a number of unique classics, from Shape Of Water? It’s a hopelessly romantic Amélie to Beauty And The Beast via The adult fairytale which reminds us not to fear Creature From The Black Lagoon and Splash. what we don’t understand. It’s a timely piece, The first shock is to see the Dulwich-born too, albeit set in Maryland in the early 1960s, Sally Hawkins surrounded by a slew of when Mister Ed was on television and racism heavyweight American character actors, all was still a way of life. Yet, no sooner do we of whom play to their strengths. think we’ve got the film clocked, than the di- In the opening voice-over, the benign, con- rector, Guillermo del Toro, throws us a curve- sidered tones of Richard Jenkins tell us of ball. It’s sweet and funny, yes, but it’s got “the princess without voice” and “the mon- extremely sharp teeth. ster who tries to destroy it all.” The monster Released Wed 14 February is Colonel Strickland, a cold-blooded estab- CRITIC’S CHOICE

Roman J Israel, Esq Fifty Shades Freed The Mercy CERT 12a (102 mins) CERT 12a (122 mins) CERT tbc Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger, Arielle Kebbel, Luke Grimes, Rita Ora Directed by James Foley (USA) Just when Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey have finally tied the knot, ghosts from the couple’s past emerge to darken their do- mestic bliss. At last, the final chapter in the Fifty Shades Of Grey trilogy. Released Fri 9 February Starring Colin Firth, Rachel Weisz, David Thewlis, Ken Stott, Jonathan Bailey Directed by James Marsh (UK) Starring Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Colin Firth plays Donald Crowhurst, the ama- Carmen Ejogo, Amari Cheatom Directed by Dan Gilroy (USA) teur sailor who competed in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race in 1968. However, An idealistic defence attorney in the cut- Crowhurst was not entirely honest about his throat criminal court system of Los Angeles, attempt to navigate his way around the Roman finds himself at a dramatic cross- world’s oceans. roads in his career. For his part, Denzel re- ceived his ninth Golden Globe nomination. Released Fri 9 February Released Fri 2 February The 15:17 To Paris Winchester CERT tbc CERT 15 (94 mins) Starring Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Starring Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Snook, Angus Sampson Directed by The Spencer Stone, Judy Greer, Jenna Fischer Spierig Brothers (Australia/USA) Directed by Clint Eastwood (USA) Dame Helen stars as the heiress of the Sadler, Skarlatos and Stone play themselves Winchester Repeating Arms Company who in this re-telling of the terrorist attack on the believes she is being haunted by the gunshot Thalys train to Paris in August of 2015. Clint victims of the rifle. From the siblings who Eastwood, now 87, directs the real-life brought us Jigsaw (2018). thriller. Released Fri 2 February Released Fri 9 February 40 whatsonlive.co.uk Film February - DOWNSAVE.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 12:14 Page 4

Film

Tad The Lost Explorer And The Secret Of King Midas CERT U (85 mins) With the voices of Kerry Shale, Ariel Winter, Bruce Mackinnon, Cheech Marin Directed by Enrique Gato and David Alonso (Spain) An animated spoof of Indiana Jones from Spain, this is actually a sequel, in which the awkward archaeologist Tad Jones must res- cue his would-be girlfriend from the clutches of a greedy millionaire. In 3D. Released Fri 9 February

Lady Bird CERT 15 (94 mins) grim portrayal of a disintegrating marriage Loveless CERT 15 (122 mins) Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy and the domestic unit as battlefield. On the Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Starring Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin, radio, there’s talk of Armageddon, and later Beanie Feldstein Matvey Novikov, Marina Vasilyeva, Andris Directed by Greta Gerwig (USA) Keišs Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev (Russia) the horrors of the Ukrainian conflict. His pro- tagonists, when not trading insults, are glued As character studies goes, this nuanced por- Andrey Zvyagintsev's last film, Leviathan to their mobile phones. trait of a young woman learning to walk in an (2014), was powerful, pervasive, poetic and Zvyagintsev would seem to be trading in his adult world is as truthful, funny and moving shocking. With Loveless, the director still ex- country’s propensity for gloom, and bran- as any we’ve seen. As an actress, Greta Ger- erts a mastery of his form and wallows in the dishing it with nationalistic pride. You have wig can tend towards the mannered, but her bleak wintry landscape of Moscow and its en- been warned. skill as a writer and debutant director is com- virons. He’s also lured starkly naturalistic pletely free of artifice. Her film is one we will performances from his cast in order to paint a Released Fri 9 February want to re-visit, if only to savour its discreet period milieu (2002), understated humour and marvellous performances. I, Tonya CERT 15 (119 mins) Released Wed 14 February Starring Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Alli- son Janney, Julianne Nicholson, Bobby Can- navale, Mckenna Grace Directed by Craig Gillespie (USA) Father FiguresCERT 15 (113 mins) The Tonya in question is the figure skater Starring Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, JK Simmons, Tonya Harding, who was famously involved June Squibb, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close Directed by Lawrence Sher (USA) in an attack on her rival and Olympic team- mate Nancy Kerrigan. Twin brothers Owen Wilson and Ed Helms hit For her role as Tonya, Margot Robbie was the road on a quest to find their father, after nominated for a Golden Globe. discovering that he is still alive. The Ameri- can critics were not amused. Released Tues 20 February Released Wed 14 February Finding Your Feet CERT 12a (111 mins) Starring Imelda Staunton, Timothy Spall, Celia Imrie, David Hayman, John Sessions, Joanna Lumley Directed by Richard Loncraine (UK/Canada/Australia/USA) Sandra (Staunton) moves in with her estranged sister Bif (Imrie) when she discovers that her husband has been cheating on her. But Bif, darling, is so not her and lives on an inner-city council estate. Needs must… Released Fri 23 February

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

New Art West Midlands Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 16 February - Sun 6 May; Airspace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 23 February - Sat 31 March; Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Sat 24 February - Sun 13 May Recent graduates from the region’s six art schools have the chance to see their work professionally exhibited this month when New Art West Midlands (NAWM) returns with its annual showcase. Now in its sixth year, the exhibition forms part of the NAWM organisation’s wider mission to develop new talent and promote engagement with visual arts. “The idea is that this is a multi-site exhibition rather than a tour,” says Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery curator Lisa Beauchamp, “so there will be different artists presenting work at each of the galleries. Each venue curates their own exhibition, so they will all be communicating different themes and ideas through the work of the artists they show. “Part of that will be based on what we feel is going to resonate with and appeal to our audiences, which are quite different in each location. For example, Airspace is a dedicated contemporary art space that only has one exhibition at a time, whereas in Birmingham, we’ve got lots of things going on at once and all sorts of different visitors, from families to art students and from people who are already really engaged with art to people who may never have come into a gallery Image credit: Olivia Peake before. So all of that contributes to the choices we make.”

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Visual Arts

Clangers, Bagpuss & Co. Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 10 February - Sun 29 April This new exhibition is set to bring back nostal- gic childhood memories for fans of TV favourites Pogles’ Wood, Noggin The Nog and Ivor The Engine. Clangers, Bagpuss & Co, a touring show from the V&A Museum of Childhood, pays homage to the creations of Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin, who started collaborating on children’s television programmes back in the 1950s.

The Dekkan Trap MAC, Birmingham, Sat 17 February - Sun 22 April Mumbai-based artist Sahej Rahal works across performance, video, installation and sculpture to develop complex narrative-based installa- tions. Taking influences from subjects as diverse as philosophy and science fiction, Sahej this month brings his latest sculptural and film work Photo credit: The Dunara Castle at Iona by FCB Cadell (1871 - 1935) courtesy of the © Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation to Birmingham, and will continue to evolve the exhibition during its MAC residency. The Rhythm Of Light: Scottish Colourists From The Fleming Collection Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 16 February - Sun 13 May Comprising works on loan from the prestigious Fleming Collection, The Rhythm Of Light features paintings pro- duced by a quartet of artists collectively known as the Scottish Colourists. SJ Peploe, JD Fergusson, FCB Cadell and Leslie Hunter each responded to the rev- olutionary impact of modern French art - from Manet to Matisse - to produce vi- brant images of cityscapes, still lifes and

landscapes, all of which reveal a shared Photo courtesy of the artist and Chatterjee & Lai, Mumbai preoccupation with light, rhythm and Photo credit: The Feathered Hat, c.1915 by FCB Cadell (1871 - colour. 1935) courtesy of the © Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation Sacred Things Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 11 February LEGO: Brick History tic construction pieces is here celebrated This thought-provoking exhibition has been cre- via an exhibition that brings history to life ated with the intention of introducing recently Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Fri 9 February - Sun 15 April at a relatable, human level. arrived Syrians to the people of Coventry. Lego models on show include representa- Showcasing the work of photographer and an- Although for the majority of people Lego tions of key figures from Mozart to Martin thropologist Liz Hingley, Sacred Things ques- bricks are simply a toy with which to keep Luther King, presentations of scientific dis- tions the importance and impact of ownership, small children entertained, for some coveries from the Big Bang to DNA, and personal experience and cultural concepts of they’re a challenging and enjoyable mod- constructions acknowledging major beauty. The Syrians featured in Hingley’s dis- elling medium. achievements, from the creation of mobile play have come to Coventry as part of a unique The potential of these hugely popular plas- phones to man landing on the moon. United Nations programme. whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 12:02 Page 1

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Events previews from around the region Events

Race Retro Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Fri 23 - Sun 25 February Now in its 16th year, Race Retro showcases every motorsport discipline, including formula and circuit racing, rallying, hill climbs, touring cars, motorcy- cling, sports and GT cars. The show also offers visitors the chance to purchase parts, spares, helmets and clothing, not to mention new racing or rally cars in a special auction. Highlight of the 2018 event is a 40th-anniversary cel- ebration of the ground-effects era, the centrepiece of which is the Lotus 79 that took Mario Andretti to the world championships. The car was the first to take on the ground-effects technology (way back in 1978), and is featured at the show alongside numerous other iconic cars of the same era. Among them is the Williams FW07, which saw Alan Jones win the cham- pionship in 1980, and the Ralt 3 in which Martin Brundle raced against Ayrton Senna in British F3.

Star Cars British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February “We have an exciting two weeks of interactive family-friendly activities planned,” says British Motor Museum’s Emma Rawl- inson, in talking about the venue’s Star Car event. “There’ll be plenty to keep everyone entertained, whatever the weather!” Highlights include the opportunity to meet Thunderbirds’ Parker or Lady Penelope on a special family tour, and the chance to make a Star Car to take home - creative kids can choose from templates of FAB1, Tomb Raider or Shaun the Sheep's Land Rover. Large Lego bricks are available for under-fives to enjoy, along with a self-guided trail designed to enable visitors of all ages to explore the Star Cars as a family.

Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show NEC, Birmingham, Tues 20 - Sun 25 February Attracting huge crowds and promising to be bigger and better than ever, the Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show features hundreds of exhibitors. As well as showcasing all the latest products, the show also of- fers buying tips, holiday advice and a packed programme of events and entertainment. New for 2018 is the Holiday Park Experience, complete with climbing wall, play area and bushcraft classes. Other features include a top dog arena, the Discovery Theatre - offering a programme of contributions by inspirational and in- formative speakers, including Birmingham’s very own celebrity chef, Rustie Lee - live cookery demonstrations and taster towing & motorhome manoeuvring tuition. The show is being opened by Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who’ll be sharing stories of his worldwide adventures as well as highlight- ing the benefits of spending time in the great outdoors in terms of overall health and wellbeing. whatsonlive.co.uk 45 Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 12:02 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Pirate and Princess The National Takeover Wedding Show Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire, NEC, Birmingham, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February Fri 23 - Sun 25 February Well shiver those timbers and Promising a one-stop shop for all a straighten that tiara - Alton Towers Re- bride and groom’s wedding needs, sort is certainly the place to take your The National Wedding Show pro- little pirates and princesses this half- vides a platform for retailers to term holiday! showcase both the trendy and the The popular visitor attraction is hosting traditional, and features an unri- a range of family-focused themed activ- valled selection of wedding ities this month, including a disco, a dresses. treasure hunt, meet-and-greets with The 2018 show includes the chance CBeebies Land characters and the to get creative with free DIY wed- chance to learn some essential pirate ding workshops at the Inspiration skills (we’re confident this won’t in- Lab, top tips on fashion, health clude making people walk the plank!). and beauty on the Style Stage, ad- Away from the princess & pirate theme, vice from industry experts on the visitors can check out Sharkbait Reef to Hitched Wedding Planning Plat- see a variety of amazing fish, splash form, and an opportunity to check around in the tropical surroundings of out a selection of ‘delectable cre- the Alton Towers Waterpark, and enjoy ations’ from top cakemakers at the a round of what’s being termed ‘ex- Inspired Bakes Gallery. traordinary’ golf.

British Athletics Indoor Championships 2018 Arena Birmingham, Sat 17 & Sun 18 February With the prestigious honour of being crowned British champion up for grabs, not to mention the need to impress ahead of next month’s IAAF World Indoor Championships (1 - 4 March, also at the Arena), this is cer- tainly a high-stakes weekend for the compet- ing athletes. The event is this year debuting in Birming- ham, having previously been held in Sheffield. The British Dragon Hunt Shooting Show Tamworth Castle, Sun 18 - Sat 24 February NEC, Birmingham, Fri 16 - Sun 18 February As half-term activities go, Tamworth Castle’s is a The jewel in the crown of the shoot- pretty unusual one. Dragon-finding! ing-show calendar, this two-day The castle’s resident fire-breather, Ruby, invited get-together offers visitors the her mischievous brother Hafgrim to stay with her. chance to check out a vast range of Problem is, Hafgrim thought it’d be a jolly good guns, ammunition, reloading laugh to hide from his sister, and now seems to equipment and shooting associa- have gotten himself well and truly lost. Hence the tions and schools. need for some serious dragon-finding activity! Highlights include a historical Participants need to stay on their guard, mind, as arms collection, gunsmith & en- the ne’er-do-well dragoncatcher is up to his old graving demonstrations and nu- tricks again, beguiling visitors into helping cap- merous arena displays. ture Ruby and Hafgrim. You have been warned... whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 12:02 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Augmented Reality Thomas & Friends Drayton Manor Theme Park, Dinosaur World Staffordshire, Sat 10 - Sun 25 February Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Mon 19 - Fri 23 February Thomas the Tank Engine fans are Ironbridge Gorge’s Enginuity venue is certainly well catered for at Dray- going dino-crazy this half-term. ton Manor Park this half-term. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, visi- The Staffordshire visitor attraction tors can immerse themselves in an Aug- is home to Europe’s only Thomas mented Reality world in which they will Land and will be running numer- magically appear on a big screen, seem- ous rides during the holiday pe- ingly surrounded by dinosaurs! riod, including Harold Helicopter Other dinosaur-related half-term attrac- Tours, Bertie Bus and Cranky tions include workshops in which young- Crane. sters can learn how to make Pterodactyl Among the venue’s other half-term Fliers using brightly coloured craft materi- highlights are selected family als. favourite rides around the park A Dig Up A Dinosaur sand-pit, meanwhile, (not including the thrill rides), live provides budding archaeologists with the shows with the Fat Controller and chance to search for hidden artefacts. friends, and the chance to check out the 15-acre zoo, complete with recently arrived Red Pandas Tika and Pema. Behind The Scenes Coventry Transport Museum, Sat 17 - Fri 23 February Half-term at the Science and the arts combine at Royal Shakespeare Coventry Transport Museum this Company half-term when visitors to the Various RSC venues, Stratford- venue’s Learning Centre get the upon-Avon, Mon 19 - Fri 23 February chance to make spectroscopes, thermometers and bugs. Other holiday-week attractions include a chance to experiment with different types of fluids, use different materials to make a car collage and learn some ingenious engineering in order to make boxes with just a single piece of The Royal Shakespeare Company paper. (RSC) is offering so much by way of activities to enjoy this half-term holiday that it might make sense to spend the whole week in Stratford! Shropshire Kids Festival Highlights of the RSC’s family- Telford International Centre, friendly programme include the Sat 24 & Sun 25 February chance for children of different “We're celebrating our first year in Telford in ages to create their very own short- style,” say the organisers of this action-packed ened version of Macbeth. There’s event for youngsters of all ages. “We're going also a special workshop in which to make the International Centre into one huge kids can learn how to use their play park for children to enjoy, with so much voices, and a behind-the-scenes going on that your kids will have an amazing look at how theatrical bruises, cuts day filled with fun activities and giggles while and scars are created. at the same time discovering new talents. Our The line-up also features a story- Shropshire Kidsfest really is a great day out for telling session and a day of free the whole family. We have something to suit all craft activities. the little ones, and great food and drink for the If ever a legendary theatre com- adults to enjoy, not to mention live music pany had all the half-term bases throughout both days.” covered... whatsonlive.co.uk 49 New Readers Awards.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 20:45 Page 1

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

Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 10,000 votes across the West Midlands region!Now it’s time for you to VOTE once more to choose your ultimate WINNER in each category! Here are the award shortlist finalists:

THEATRE: Midlands Large Theatre l Rosie K Dance THEATRE: Best Festive Show l Birmingham Hippodrome l Vamos Theatre l 101 Dalmatians - l New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham The REP, Birmingham l Regent Theatre, Hanley l A Christmas Carol - THEATRE: Best Home-Produced Show l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford The RSC, Stratford-upon-Avon In The Midlands l The REP, Birmingham l Alice In Wonderland - l 101 Dalmatians - l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Old Rep, Birmingham The REP, Birmingham l Stick Man - Birmingham Town Hall l Alice In Wonderland - The Old Rep THEATRE: Midlands Arts Centre l The Lion, The Witch And The l Brassed Off - Grand Theatre l Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stoke Wardrobe - Crescent Theatre, l The Dreaming - Lichfield Garrick l MAC, Birmingham Birmingham l The Nativity - The REP, Birmingham & Newhampton Arts Centre, l Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Wolverhampton THEATRE: Best Kids Show l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Disney On Ice: Passport To Adventure l Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry THEATRE: Best Pantomime In l Gangsta Granny The Midlands 2017/18 l Stick Man Aladdin - Lichfield Garrick THEATRE: Best Touring Musical l l The Snowman l Cinderella - Birmingham Hippodrome l Billy Elliot l We're Going On A Bear Hunt l Jack And The Beanstalk - l Hairspray Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THEATRE: Best Amateur l Miss Saigon l Sleeping Beauty - The Addams Family Dramatic/Operatic Group l Swan Theatre, Worcester l The Jersey Boys l Birmingham & Midland Operatic l Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs - Society (BMOS) Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury l Get Your Wigle On, Shrewsbury THEATRE: Best Touring Play l Mad Cows Productions, Shrewsbury l Curious Incident Of The Dog THEATRE: Best Panto Dame l Old Joint Stock Musical In The Nighttime l Ben Humphrey - Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Company l Finding Joy - Vamos Theatre Swan Theatre, Worcester l West Bromwich Operatic Society l Jane Eyre (National Theatre) l Brad Fitt - Snow White 1And The (WBOS) l Shirley Valentine Seven Dwarfs at Theatre Severn, l The Play That Goes Wrong Shrewsbury THEATRE: Best Amateur Production Ceri Dupree & David Dale - Cinderella l l BMOS: Miracle On 34th Street - at Birmingham Hippodrome New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham THEATRE: Best Touring Company Ian Adams - Jack And The Beanstalk l l Bilston Operatic Company: l Fizzogs at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre A Christmas Carol - l Highly Sprung l Sam Rabone - Aladdin at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Lichfield Garrick l Motionhouse l Get Your Wigle On: Hairspray - l Pentabus Theatre Severn VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

50 whatsonlive.co.uk New Readers Awards.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 20:45 Page 2

#readersawards2018

l Mad Cow Productions: Present Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery Best Midlands Musician Laughter - Theatre Severn, l New Art West Midlands - l Dan Owen Shrewsbury various venues l Laura Mvula l OJS Company - Bonnie & Clyde l Quentin Blake: Inside Stories - l Jack Blackman Compton Verney, Warwickshire l Scott Matthews l Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017 DANCE: Best Production l Soweto Kinch - Wolverhampton Art Gallery l Balletboyz: Fourteen Days l Birmingham Royal Ballet: Aladdin Best Midlands Live Band l Birmingham Royal Ballet: Best Independent Cinema l Black Sabbath The Nutcracker l Artrix - Bromsgrove l Ocean Colour Scene l Breakin’ Convention - The REP l Electric Cinema - Birmingham l The Ronaldos l Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes l Light House Media Centre - l The Specials Wolverhampton l UB40 l Old Market Hall - Shrewsbury CLASSICAL (inc Opera): l Red Carpet Cinema - Burton Best Midlands Chef Best Production l Adam Stokes (Adams, Birmingham)) l BCMG@30 - COMEDY: Best Midlands l Andrea Birch (New Inn, Baschurch, CBSO Centre,Birmingham Comedian North Shropshire) l Birmingham Bach Choir: Handel's l Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Birmingham) Messiah - Wolverhampton Grand l Barbara Nice Greg Davies l Josh Crouch (CSONS, Shrewsbury) l CBSO Spectacular Classics - l l Luke Tipping (Simpsons, Birmingham) Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Joe Lycett Jonny Cole l Eugene Onegin - Welsh National l Opera @ Birmingham Hippodrome l The Fizzogs Best Midlands Food Festival l Ex Cathedra: Summer Music By l Colmore Food Festival - Birmingham Candlelight - Birmingham Cathedral COMEDY: Best Midlands l Foodies Festival Birmingham l The Sixteen: Glory To The Christ Child Comedy Night l Lichfield Food Festival Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Blue Giraffe Wolverhampton l Ludlow Food Festival l Comedy Carousel at l Shrewsbury Food Festival CLASSICAL: The Glee Club - Birmingham Best Orchestra/Choir l Comedy at Henry Tudor House, Best Midlands Street Food Vendor Shrewsbury l Birmingham Cathedral Choir l Bournville Waffle Co Comedy 42 - Lichfield Garrick l Birmingham Contemporary l l Buddha Belly Music Group l Fitz of Laughter (Stourbridge) l Vegan Grindhouse Funhouse Comedy - Birmingham & l Birmingham Gay Symphony l l Victorian Creperie Orchestra West Midlands l The Meat Shack l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l CBSO Best Midlands Music Venue Best Midlands Retail (Large: 1000+ capacity) Shopping Centre ARTS: Best Midlands Arts/ l Arena Birmingham l Bullring - Birmingham Cultural Festival l Civic Hall, Wolverhampton l Grand Central - Birmingham Genting Arena, Birmingham l Artsfest Wolverhampton l l intu Merry Hill - Brierley Hill O2 Academy, Birmingham l Birmingham Comedy Festival l l Telford Shopping Centre Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Birmingham Weekender l l Touchwood - Solihull l Lichfield Arts' Fuse Festival l Worcester Festival Best Midlands Music Festival Midlands Entertainment Personal- l Godiva Festival l Birmingham Pride ity of the Year Award l Lichfield Festival l Beverley Knight ARTS: Best Exhibition l Moseley Folk Festival l Doreen Tipton l Brick Wonders - l Shrewsbury Folk Festival l Frank Skinner Wolverhampton Art Gallery l Swingamajig, Birmingham l Joe Lycett l I Want! I Want! - l Julie Walters and choose your WINNER!

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 New Readers Awards.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 20:45 Page 3

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM BLACK COUNTRY WARWICKSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE SHROPSHIRE

Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue l Theatre On The Steps l MAC Birmingham l Arena Theatre l Belgrade Theatre, l Artrix, Bromsgrove l Lichfield Garrick l Theatre Severn l New Alexandra l Forest Arts Centre Coventry l Huntingdon Hall, l New Vic Theatre, l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Old Joint Stock l Grand Theatre l Bear Pitt Theatre, Worcester Newcastle-under-Lyme The Place, Telford l The Old Rep l Light House Media Stratford-upon-Avon l Malvern Theatres l Prince of Wales, l Swan Theatre, The Wightman, l The REP Centre l Royal Shakespeare l Cannock l Worcester l Stourbridge Town Hall Theatre, Stratford l Regent Theatre, Shrewsbury Royal Spa Centre, l The Rose Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Best Music Venue l Best Music Venue Best Music Venue Leamington Spa Kidderminster l Stafford Gatehouse l The Glee Club l Warwick Arts Centre l Palace Theatre, Red- Theatre l Albert's Shed, l Brierley Civic Hall Hare & Hounds ditch Shrewsbury l Newhampton Arts l Best Music Venue l Henry Tudor House, l MAC, Birmingham Centre Best Music Venue l The Jam House Best Music Venue l Lichfield Guildhall Shrewsbury l The Robin l Shakespeare Street, l The Sunflower l Huntingdon Hall, l Eleven, l The Buttermarket, l The Slade Rooms Stratford-Upon-Avon Lounge Worcester Stoke-on-Trent Shrewsbury l Wolverhampton Civic l The Assembly, l The Sugarmill, Stoke l The Hive, Shrewsbury l O2 Academy Hall Leamington Spa l The Boar's Head, Kidderminster l Victoria Hall, Hanley l The Wightman, l The Big Comfy The Hop Pole Inn, Best Festival Best Visitor Bookshop, Coventry l Best Festival Shrewsbury Tin Music & Arts, Bromsgrove Birmingham Comedy Attraction l l Lichfield Arts' Fuse Best Festival l Coventry l The Marr's Bar, l Birmingham l Black Country Living Worcester Festival l Farmer Phil’s Festival l Warwick Arts Centre Weekender Museum l The Queen's Head, l Lichfield Festival l Ludlow Food Festival Lichfield Food Festival l Moseley Folk l Dudley Canal & Best Festival Bromsgrove l l Shrewsbury Tamworth Arts Festival l Mostly Jazz, Funk & Tunnel Trust l The Iron Road, Eve- l Chocolate Festival l Godiva Festival l V Festival Soul l Dudley Zoo sham l Shrewsbury Folk l Leamington Food and l RAF Cosford Museum l SHOUT Festival Drink Festival Festival l Wightwick Manor Best Festival Best Visitor Stratford-upon-Avon l Shrewsbury Food l l Droitwich Spa Attraction Best Visitor Best Event Music Festival Food Festival Festival l Alton Towers Attraction l Stratford River Festival l Malvern Food Festival l 1940s Evening - Black l Cannock Chase Best Visitor l Warwick Folk Festival l Worcester Festival l Birmingham Back to Country Living Visitor Centre l Worcester Music Fest Attraction Backs Museum Best Visitor l Drayton Manor l Upton Upon Severn l Attingham Park l Birmingham Botanical l Artsfest W’hampton Theme Park Attraction Jazz Festival l British Ironworks Gardens l Black Country l Lichfield Cathedral l Charlecote Park l Asparafest, Evesham Centre, Oswestry l Birmingham Museum Boating Festival l National Memorial l Compton Verney l Dana Prison Tours & Art Gallery l Cosford Air Show Arboretum l Coventry Transport Best Visitor l Ironbridge Museums l Cadbury World l Dudley Beer Festival l Tamworth Castle Museum l Severn Valley Railway, l Thinktank Shakespeare’s Attraction Best Gallery/ l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove Best Event Bridgnorth Birthplace Trust l Exhibition Venue Hanbury Hall l Bonfire & Fireworks Warwick Castle l Best Outdoor l and Gardens at Trentham Estate Best Event l Bilston Craft Gallery l 1940s Evening at Event Dudley Museum Best Event l Severn Valley Railway, l Lichfield Proms at l Blists Hill & Art Gallery Bewdley Beacon Park l Birmingham Frankfurt l 1960s Vintage Day at l West Mid Safari Park l Scarefest at l The Big Busk l Light House Christmas Market Compton Verney Witley Court l Oktoberfest Media Centre l Alton Towers l Birmingham Pride l Art In The Park l Arley Arboretum l St. George's Day at l Ludlow Food Festival l New Art Gallery, British Showjumping l Christmas at l l Eastnor Castle Tamworth Castle l Shrewsbury Flower Walsall Championships Birmingham Botanical l The Cathedral Show l Wolverhampton Gardens l Godiva Festival Best Independent Illuminated - Lichfield Museum & Art Gallery Best Gallery/ l Digbeth Dining Club l War of the Roses Live Cathedral at Warwick Castle Restaurant l Summer in Southside Exhibition Venue Best Independent Ostlers at No.1, l Best Independent Bear Steps Art Best Gallery/ Worcester l Restaurant Gallery, Shrewsbury Best Indoor Event l The Old Rectifying Café Bella Restaurant, Exhibition Venue l House, Worcester l 15 On The Corner, l Coalbrookdale l BBC Good Food Wolverhampton l Compton Verney Gallery, Ironbridge l The Olive Branch, Lichfield Il Michaelangelo, l Coventry Music Show l Worcester l Little Green Frog l Shrewsbury Museum l Birmingham Cocktail Brierley Hill Museum l The Orangery, Cafe, Lichfield & Art Gallery l Herbert Art Gallery Weekend l Indigo Restaurant, Redditch l Snug Coffee and Tea l Twenty Twenty Wolverhampton l Leamington Spa Art l Harry Potter and the l Venture In, Ombersley Emporium, Rugeley Gallery, Much Wenlock Mad O'Rourkes Pie Gallery & Museum Philosopher's Stone l l The Royal Oak, l The Apple Tree, l Van, The Market Hall, l Mead Gallery In Concert Factory, Dudley Evesham Barton Marina Shrewsbury l MCM Birmingham l The Bilash, l The Lounge of Comic Con Wolverhampton Best Independent Best Independent Lichfield Best Independent l Strictly Come Restaurant Café Café Dancing Live Best Independent l Coffee No.1, Pershore Best Independent l Edward Moon, l The Bird’s Nest Cafe, Cafe Stratford-Upon-Avon l G&Tea, Worcester Restaurant Lorita's Bakehouse, l Mackenzies, Lichfield Shrewsbury Best Gallery/ l Cozy Coffee, Dudley l Fleur De Lys, l Bromsgrove l 1709, The Brasserie l Ginger & Co, l Gluttons For Henley-in-Arden Exhibition Venue Mac & Jac's Cafe-Deli, Shrewsbury Nourishment l La Coppola, l l Olive Tree Restaurant l The Barber Institute Worcester l Netherstowe House l The Winding House l Madame Clarkes, Leamington Spa The Shambles Cafe, Tea Rooms, B-north l Birmingham Museum Wolverhampton l Lambs Restaurant, l l Christopher’s British & Art Gallery Bewdley Bistro, Tamworth l Liar, Liar, Oswestry l The Old School Tea Stratford-Upon-Avon l Word Of Mouth, l Crystals Cupcakes, l MAC Birmingham Rooms, W’hampton l Vintner, IKON Gallery Evesham Telford l l Zuri, Wolverhampton Stratford-Upon-Avon l Thinktank Museum

52 whatsonlive.co.uk Penguins.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 17:10 Page 1 GETTING IN A FLAP!

Steve Ball talks to What’s On about Penguins, a new LGBT-friendly show about two ‘gay’ penguins that’s coming to the Birmingham Rep this month... Penguins.qxp_Layout 1 25/01/2018 17:10 Page 2

Why Penguins, Steve? choreographed by Carlos Pons Guerra, relate to. As they grow up, children will I’ve always been fascinated by the true founder of DeNada Dance Theatre, who’s meet, work and live alongside people story of Roy and Silo, two chinstrap created lots of cutting-edge dance, who’re different to them, and as they watch penguins at New York City’s Central Park much of which has explored LGBT themes. Penguins they’ll be transported to a world Zoo, who bonded as a couple and tried to where difference isn’t questioned; it just is. hatch a rock as if it were an egg. On No one questions the two male penguins Who’s the show for? noticing this, the zookeeper gave them a who fall in love, and no one questions their spare egg from another couple that It’s for everyone, but it’s been made with desire to have a child. It’s very timely subsequently hatched. The baby penguin, young children aged from three to seven in because the government has confirmed Tango, and her two dads achieved celebrity mind. It’s a family show, though, so will that from September 2019, all schools in status when the story was told in the New appeal to adult s too. England will be required by law to teach York Times in May 2004. It caught my Relationship & Sex Education which must include reference to same-sex imagination as being a story that could be Why is the show important? brought to life on stage. relationships. First of all, it’s gong to be a great piece of dance theatre that will entertain and Who’s making the show? captivate audiences. But it’s also a When is Penguins on and how do we get tickets to see it? It’s an international collaboration. We have celebration of different types of families a director from Northern Ireland, a French and provides a safe space to explore and Catch it at The REP from 1 to 10 February. designer and a Spanish choreographer. celebrate family relationships and diversity. For tickets, call The REP’s box office on Penguins is directed by Paul Bosco There are very few examples of theatre for 0121 236 4 455 or book online at McEneaney, founder and artistic director of children that offer these opportunities in a birmingham-rep.co.uk Belfast children's theatre company Cahoots way that’s child-friendly in its simplicity and focus on story. Ultimately, this NI, who’ve gained an inte rnational Steve Ball is Associate Director at the production is about love within a family, reputation for creating magical theatrical Birmingham Repertory Theatre and which is something all children should experiences for young audiences. It’s Birmingham Hippodrome The List Cover February Staffs_Shrops_Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 15:14 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Februaryebruary 22018018 thelist

Beyond The Petticoat at Black Country Living Museum - Sat 17 - Sun 25 February

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 February Mon 5 to Sun 11 February Mon 12 to Sun 18 February Mon 19 to Wed 28 February

Nine Below Zero at Henry Bill Bailey at Victoria Hall, Pizza & Prosecco Festival at Chinese New Year of the Dog in Tudor House, Shrewsbury Stoke-on-Trent Starworks Warehouse, Wolves The Potteries Sun 4 February Wed 7 & Thurs 8 February Sat 17 February Sun 25 February

whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves Thurs 1 - Sun 4 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:55 Page 1

thelist SHADOW CITY DANIEL CAESAR Sat 3 THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Gigs SOUNDSYSTEM & Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- SALARY BOY Fri 2 Feb, ingham NATHAN CARTER Thurs sacred messages that the included Hare & Hounds, Birm- ANDY BROWN Sat 3 1 Feb, The Place, Oak- works convey, until Sun 4 Feb ingham Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- Visual Arts engates Theatre, MODERN DAY DELILAHS ingham APNA HERITAGE ARCHIVE EXHIBITION Telford Over a period of two years, Black Fri 2 Feb, Hare & LUKE RAINSFORD Sat 3 New Art Gallery - Walsall JOHN SMITH Thurs 1 Country Visual Arts has brought to- Hounds, Birmingham Feb, The Asylum, Feb, The Sugarmill, NEW ARTIST ROOMS: VIJA CELMINS Se- gether a collection of 2,000 pho- THE DEAD BOYS Fri 2 Birmingham lection of works by acclaimed Lat- tographs exploring Punjabi migration Stoke-on-Trent Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- THE BHANGRA SHOW- vian-American artist Vija Celmins, Fri to Wolverhampton between the SLEEPTALKING Thurs 1 ingham DOWN Sat 3 Feb, 2 Feb - Sun 6 May 1960s and 1980s, until Sun 4 Mar Feb, The Sunflower THE LEN PRICE 3 + THE Genting Arena, B’ham NEW WILDERNESS Showcase of paint- NEW DIASPORA PAVILION Showcasing Lounge, Birmingham DEEP SIX Fri 2 Feb, PURPLE ZEPPELIN Sat 3 ings, drawings, photographs and the work of 19 artists whose practices BITE THE BUFFALO Thurs The Flapper, B’ham Feb, Stafford Gate- filmworks by a group of artists whose respond to the concept of diaspora 1 Feb, Hare & Hounds, HI-ON MAIDEN Fri 2 house Theatre work engages with the natural world during the 57th Venice Biennale at Birmingham Feb, Eleven, Sandy- THE SENSATIONAL 60'S and our innate need for solitude, Palazzo Pisani a Santa Marina in LADY GAGA Thurs 1 ford, Stoke on Trent EXPERIENCE Sat 3 Feb, peace and open space. Part of a sea- Venice, Sat 10 Feb - Sun 29 Apr Feb, Genting Arena, DARKSIDE - THE PINK Wolverhampton Grand son of exhibitions exploring the Birmingham theme of wilderness, Fri 2 Feb - Sun FLOYD SHOW Fri 2 Feb, Theatre Other VISUAL ARTS GO WEST Thurs 1 Feb, 6 May Mitchell Arts Centre, THE SYKKO DOLLZ & ENJOYMENT OF COLOUR - A RETROSPEC- Prince Of Wales Cen- Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent DEAD RENEGADES Sat 3 NEW MIKE NELSON: LIONHEART Exhibi- TIVE BY RITA BANKS Exhibition about tre, Cannock tion consisting of junk materials RODNEY BRANIGAN Fri 2 Feb, Route 44, B’ham the enjoyment of painting and the THE DAMNED Thurs 1 painstakingly collected from specific Feb, Lichfield Guildhall PAUL CARRACK Sat 3 pleasure it gives, both to the artist Feb, O2 Academy, locations by the artist, and assem- MOTORKILL Fri 2 Feb, Feb, Symphony Hall, and the viewer, until Fri 23 Feb, Mu- Birmingham bled to create a fictional drifter’s seum of Cannock Chase, Staffs Route 44, Birmingham Birmingham camp, complete with skins, traps, THE AMAZONS Thurs 1 BURMA VETERANS: UNFORGETTABLE DEFINITELY MIGHTBE & GAZ BROOKFIELD AND darts, trophies and beer cans, Fri 2 Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- Photographic exhibition by Wendy ADORED Fri 2 Feb, The THE COMPANY OF Feb - Sun 3 June ingham Aldiss paying tribute to the British River Rooms, Stour- THIEVES Sat 3 Feb, O2 and Allied forces who fought in THE BOWIE EXPERIENCE bridge Institute, Birmingham Newcastle Borough Museum Thurs 1 Feb, Regent Burma during World War Two, until CABBAGE + THE MUSED (MUSE TRIBUTE) & Art Gallery Theatre, Stoke-on- Sun 25 Feb, National Memorial Ar- RHYTHM METHOD + Sat 3 Feb, O2 Trent NEW THE ADAM & EVE PROJECT Exhibi- boretum, Alrewas REAL LIFE ENTERTAIN- Academy, Birmingham tion by a group of 13 leading artists POLICE DOG HOGAN GLANCES: A SERIES OF WORKS BY COLIN MENT Fri 2 Feb, The THE SPITFIRES Sat 3 based in and around Derbyshire and Thurs 1 Feb, MAC, SELF Series of works by Colin Self - a Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Feb, Newhampton Arts Staffordshire, until Sun 25 Feb Birmingham significant figure in British art history, Trent Centre, W’hampton until Tues 27 Feb, Weston Park, Nr MOTÖRHEADACHE Thurs SIGNED SEALED DELIV- MACKA B AND THE Potteries Museum & Art Shifnal 1 Feb, The Robin, Bil- ERED - A TRIBUTE TO ROOTS RAGGA BAND Sat Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent ston CLAUDE CAHUN: BENEATH THIS MASK STEVIE WONDER Sat 3 3 Feb, The Robin, Bil- VICTORIA Featuring a selection of cos- This Hayward Touring exhibition fea- HIGHLY SUSPECT Fri 2 Feb, Regent Theatre, ston tumes from ITV drama series Victoria, tures the work of French female pho- Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- Stoke-on-Trent NATHAN CARTER Sun 4 including the Coronation gown and tographer Claude Cahun ingham CHRIS QUINN IN CON- robe and wedding dress. The exhibi- Feb, New Alexandra (1894-1954), whose practice investi- THE STYLE COUNCIL- CERT Sat 3 Feb, Eaton tion is supplemented with items from Theatre, Birmingham gates gender and identity, until Sat LORS, Fri 2 Feb, The Constantine Village the museum’s own collections, until SHAKE THE CHAINS Sun 17 Mar, Keele University, Staffordshire Robin, Bilston Hall, Nr Shrewsbury Sun 8 Apr 4 Feb, Birmingham BATTLEFIELD BLOOMS EXHIBITION Exhi- LAKHOTA Fri 2 Feb, MALEEK BERRY Sat 3 MINI MUSEUM Reflecting all the collec- Town Hall bition presented by VAN to coincide Newhampton Arts Feb, O2 Academy, tions held by the museum, this fam- MELVYN HANCOX Sun 4 with the performance premiere of the Centre, Wolverhamp- Birmingham ily-friendly exhibition will be asking musical, Poppyfields. The exhibition Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, ton ALLISTER WHITEHEAD, visitors what their favourite objects commemorates the end of the First Stourbridge CATAPULT CLUB FEAT. JON DASILVA, TOMISLAV are and how they would like to see World War, until Sat 31 Mar, Theatre CROWDED SCOUSE Sun ROOKIE Fri 2 Feb, O2 & PHIL GIFFORD Sat 3 them displayed, until Sun 3 June Severn, Shrewsbury 4 Feb, The Robin, Bil- Academy, Birmingham Feb, Hare & Hounds, FOSSIL FUELLED Exhibition featuring Birmingham ston Shrewsbury Museum & Art objects from many of the town’s in- Gallery dustries, including cut steel jewellery, NEW LEGO - BRICK HISTORY Walk bicycles and the world famous Bil- through history in bricks, as Lego en- ston Enamels, until Mon 31 Dec, Bil- thusiast Warren Elsmore returns with ston Craft Gallery his touring exhibition, Fri 9 Feb - Sun NEW MARK WARNER Winner of the 15 Apr Qube Open People’s Choice Prize 2017, Mark exhibits some of his most The Willow Art Gallery, recent landscapes, Thurs 1 Feb - Oswestry Mon 5 Mar, Qube Gallery, Oswestry NEW YEAR OPEN EXHIBITION 2018 NEW NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS Mixed- Showcasing work by established, media exhibition including painting, new and emerging artists, until Sat 24 sculpture, digital and sound installa- Feb tions, assemblage, photography & prints by 28 selected artists, all of Wolverhampton Art Gallery whom are recent graduates from the region’s six university art schools, Fri STILL LIFE AND THE SACRED Exhibition 23 Feb - Sat 31 Mar, AirSpace exploring ‘the secret beauty and hid- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent den stories’ behind the spiritual and Go West - Prince of Wales Centre. Cannock 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves Thurs 1 - Sun 4 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 14:55 Page 2

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 February

ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 3 Feb, The Shropshire bly Rooms, South Shropshire, Thurs Classical Music Old Post Office, Burton-on-Trent WHERE’S A MY IGLOO GONE? Participa- 1 Feb; Light House Media Centre, SEVERN JESTERS #56 Sun 4 Feb, The- tory show featuring live music & Wolverhampton, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb RACHMANINOV'S SECOND Featuring atre Severn, Shrewsbury song, Fri 2 - Sat 3 Feb, Arena The- WONDER (PG) Drama/Family. Starring Kazuki Yamada (conductor) & Dejan atre, Wolverhampton Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson. Wem Lazi (piano). Programme includes JUNIOR JESTERS #10 Sun 4 Feb, The- town Hall, North Shropshire, Thurs 1 works by Glinka, Beethoven & Rach- atre Severn, Shrewsbury WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black ć Feb maninov, Thurs 1 Feb, Symphony Country theatre favourites Fizzog pre- Hall, Birmingham sent their version of The Wizard Of JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Oz, Fri 2 - Sat 10 Feb, Theatre On (PG) Action/Adventure. Starring CELEBRITY RECITAL: PETER DONOHOE The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan. Festi- (PIANO) Programme comprises five shire val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Mozart Sonatas, Thurs 1 Feb, Con- North Shropshire, Fri 2 Feb cert Hall, Royal Birmingham Conser- Theatre vatoire NO SEX PLEASE WE'RE BRITISH Amateur THE CLAN (15) Biography/Crime. Star- ring Guillermo Francella, Peter Lan- CBSO PRE-CONCERT SHOWCASE FEAT. staging presented by the Nonentities, zani. Foreign language, subtitled. ROMAN KOSYAKOV, DEJAN LAZI & XI- Mon 29 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, The Rose The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 Feb AOFEN SONG (PIANOS) Programmeć in- Theatre, Kidderminster cludes works by Haydn, THE LATE MARILYN MONROE Biographi- MOUNTAIN (PG) Documentary. Ludlow Rachmaninov, Glinka, Beethoven, cal drama based on the final day of Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Gershwin/Earl Wild & Fazil Say, Thurs one of the most iconic movie stars of Sat 3 Feb 1 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham all time, Tues 30 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, The HOSTILES (15) Drama/Western. Star- HALLE ORCHESTRA: SPANISH FIESTA Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham ring Christian Bale, Timothée Chala- Programme includes works by Bizet, THE LADYKILLERS The Lichfield Play- met. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Rodrigo, Piazzolla, Chabrier, De Falla ers present an amateur staging of BRIEF ENCOUNTER Emma Rice's stag- Shropshire, Sat 3 Feb & Ravel, Fri 2 Feb, Victoria Hall, Graham Lineham’s classic black ing of Noel Coward's haunting love BACK TO THE FUTURE TRILOGY (PG) Stoke-on-Trent comedy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat 3 Feb, story, Fri 2 - Sat 17 Feb, The REP, Comedy/Sci-Fi. Starring Michael J. JUNIOR ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Fox, Christopher Lloyd. The Mocking- MUSIC Sat 3 Feb, Festival Drayton TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Com- PLAYHOUSE CREATURES A vivacious bird Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 4 Feb Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- pany present John Godber's classic comedy set backstage in a Restora- shire classroom comedy, Wed 31 Jan - Sat tion playhouse, Fri 2 - Sat 24 Feb, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: EX CATHEDRA: MOZART’S WOMEN Fea- 3 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- Released from Fri 2 Feb, showing at turing Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor) Lyme BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL selected cinemas & Carolyn Sampson, Elizabeth The inspiring story of Carole King’s FORGET ME NOT - THE ALZHEIMER’S Cragg, Elizabeth Adams & Katie remarkable rise to stardom, until Sat WHODUNNIT Rob Gee’s award-win- DEN OF THIEVES (tbc) Trethewey (sopranos), Sun 4 Feb, 3 Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome ning one-man show explores how we JOURNEY'S END (12a) Symphony Hall, Birmingham PSYCHIC SALLY: KISSES TO HEAVEN perceive people with dementia, Sat 3 PHANTOM THREAD (15) Feb, Meole Brace Parish Memorial TOUR Thurs 1 Feb, Dudley Town Hall ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ (12a) Hall, Shrewsbury THAT'LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostal- WINCHESTER (tbc) gia, laughs & comic sketches, Thurs MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW Fusion 1 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent of old-time music and percussion step-dance of the American country Comedy POPPYFIELDS: THE MUSICAL Dramatic tradition, Sat 3 Feb, Chelmarsh love story centred on four characters GEOFF NORCOTT, PAUL MCCAFFERY & Parish Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, South who play out their lives against the COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- Shropshire backdrop of a world at war, Thurs 1 - Events SON Thurs 1 Feb, The Glee Club, Sat 3 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrews- THE M.M.O.R.P.G SHOW Return of the Birmingham bury much-acclaimed show, combining CHURNET VALLEY WINTER STEAM GALA TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANTHONY KING, improvised comedy with tabletop 2018 A fond farewell to what has PENGUINS Unique and engaging LIAM JEAVONS, ADAM BEARDSMORE & gaming, Sat 3 - Sun 4 Feb, Old Joint been a popular visitor to the line over show for children about friendship, BARRY DODDS Thurs 1 Feb, Foxlowe Stock Theatre, Birmingham the autumn and winter - former GWR fun, identity and the ever-changing Arts Centre, Staffs 42XX no. 4277 "Hercules", Sat 3 - Sun meaning of family, Thurs 1 - Sat 10 4 Feb, Churnet Valley Railway, STEVE HALL, NATHAN CATON, DEMITRIS Feb, The REP, Birmingham Staffordshire DEECH & SULLY O'SULLIVAN Thurs 1 ON WINGS Two-hander fusing comedy Feb, The George Hotel, Lichfield SNOWDROPS AT CHIRK CASTLE Chase with a love story. Written by and star- away those winter blues with a beau- KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Film ring Jacob Lovick & Vita Fox, Fri 2 tiful walk around Chirk Castle's 1 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham award-winning gardens and Pleasure JIM DAVIDSON Thurs 1 Feb, Wolver- MIRACULOUS MEDICINE SHOW Fusion THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, Ground Wood, complete with a car- hampton Grand Theatre of old-time music and percussion MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring pet of delicate snowdrops, Sat 3 Feb Frances McDormand, Woody Harrel- KATHERINE RYAN Fri 2 Feb, Symphony step-dance of the American country - Fri 9 Mar, Chirk Castle, Wrexham son. Light House Media Centre, Hall, Birmingham tradition, Fri 2 Feb, Silvester Horne SUNDAY TALK: 'THE GREAT BIRMINGHAM Wolverhampton, until Thurs 1 Feb; Institute, Church Stretton, South SQUABBLE' Fascinating glimpse into SCOTT CAPURRO Fri 2 Feb, The Glee Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 2 - Shropshire the history of Tudor and Stuart Birm- Club, Birmingham Thurs 8 Feb MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre ingham and Yardley, Sun 4 Feb, SUZI RUFFELL, GEOFF NORCOTT, ANDY fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign DARKEST HOUR (PG) Blakesley Hall, Birmingham ROBINSON & PAUL MCCAFFERY Fri 2 - Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- language in a mischievous take on DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- Sat 3 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham man, Lily James. MAC, Birmingham, the ever-popular tale of Snow White, LIES Learn more about coding with STEVE BUGEJA Sat 3 Feb, Stafford until Thurs 1 Feb; Old Market Hall, Fri 2 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, your kids at these brand new work- Gatehouse Theatre Shrewsbury, until Thurs 1 Feb; Light Staffs shops, Sun 4 Feb, Enginuity Mu- House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- JUNIOR SIMPSON, ALLYSON JUNE FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS seum. Ironbridge, Shropshire SMITH, JARLETH REGAN & PETE OTWAY ton, Fri 2 - Thurs 8 Feb Adrian Berry’s acclaimed one-man SPRING FAIR The UK’s definitive desti- Sat 3 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) show, telling the tale of a young nation for the home & gift industry, Biography/Comedy. Starring James DESIREE BURCH, EDDIE BRYANT & David Bowie obsessive, Fri 2 Feb, Sun 4 - Thurs 8 Feb, NEC, B’ham SPUDDZ Sat 3 Feb, MAC, B’ham Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Franco, Dave Franco. Ludlow Assem-

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thelist BYE BYE BABY Fri 9 Feb, ARQ: ALISON RAYNER GARRETT MILLERICK, ANDRE VINCENT, Gigs Lichfield Garrick QUINTET Sat 10 Feb, Classical STEVE HARRIS & JAKE LAMBERT Sat 10 TANTZ Fri 9 Feb, Tam- The Hive Shrewsbury Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham NATALIE IMBRUGLIA worth Assembly KRYWALD & FARRER Sat Music MILTON JONES Sun 11 Feb, New Mon 5 Feb, Birming- Rooms, Staffs 10 Feb, Hare & Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ham Town Hall ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE Hounds, Birmingham MIDDAY MUSIC Featuring Richard JOSH PUGH & JO D'ARCY Sun 11 Feb, Ward (trumpet), Joanne Sealey & JESCA HOOP Mon 5 Fri 9 Feb, The Robin, VUUR Sat 10 Feb, The The Glee Club, Birmingham Zlyin Llang (pianos). Programme in- Feb, Newhampton Bilston Asylum, Birmingham cludes works by Ketting, Gershwin, VENUS VS MARS Sun 11 Feb, The Arts Centre, Wolver- COLOSSUS YETI Fri 9 BOXSTOCK - CIGAR BOX Thomas Pilsbury, Debussy & Rach- Glee Club, Birmingham hampton Feb, O2 Institute, GUITAR FESTIVAL 2018 maninov, Mon 5 Feb, Recital Hall, THE CLASSIC ROCK Birmingham Sat 10 Feb, The Slade Birmingham Conservatoire SHOW Mon 5 Feb, The- Rooms, W’hampton KENDRICK LAMAR Fri 9 ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTEN- atre Severn, Shrews- Feb, Genting Arena, SON OF MAN WITH SUP- MENT Featuring Marin Alsop (con- bury Birmingham PORT FROM LONG ductor) & Nicola Benedetti (violin), Theatre STRUNG CREATURES Sat SEAN WEBSTER BAND FLOYD IN THE FLESH Fri Tues 6 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham KANADA Brand new play telling the 10 Feb, Eleven, Mon 5 Feb, The Robin, 9 Feb, The Brewhouse story of two Jewish prisoners in the Sandyford, Stoke-on- GARNIER ORGAN RECITAL Featuring Bilston Arts Centre, Burton- Second World War concentration Trent Henry Fairs & Daniel Moult, Tues 6 LIVE DEAD ’69 Tues 6 upon-Trent Feb, Elgar Concert Hall, The Bra- camp of Auschwitz, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Feb, The Robin, Bil- KANE'D + NASTY HIGH CHRIS WOOD Sat 10 mall, University of Birmingham Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Feb, Newhampton ston Fri 9 Feb, Eleven, LEND ME A TENOR Players Production Arts Centre, Wolver- CBSO: PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION RED TAIL RING Tues 6 Stoke-on-Trent 3 present an amateur staging of Ken hampton Featuring Constantinos Carydis Feb, Kitchen Garden MOTOWN'S GREATEST (conductor) & Javier Perianes Ludwig’s madcap comedy, Tues 6 - Cafe, Birmingham HITS - HOW SWEET IT IS JEZ LOWE Sat 10 Feb, (piano). Programme includes works Sat 10 Feb, Stoke Repertory The- Lichfield Guildhall MICHALE GRAVES (EX- Fri 9 Feb, Theatre Sev- by Skalkotttas, Falla & Mussorgsky, atre, Stoke-on-Trent MISFITS) Tues 6 Feb, ern, Shrewsbury THE COUNTERFEIT Wed 7 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham JERSEY BOYS The story of Frankie The Asylum, B’ham KENT DUCHAINE Fri 9 STONES Sat 10 Feb, CBSO OPERA GALA Featuring Stephen Valli & The Four Seasons, Tues 6 - The Robin, Bilston WHILE SHE SLEEPS Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, Bell (conductor), Natalya Romaniw Sat 17 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Tues 6 Feb, O2 Insti- Stourbridge KEYWEST Sat 10 Feb, (soprano), Madeleine Shaw (mezzo on-Trent tute, Birmingham SPRING KING + WEIRDS O2 Institute, B’ham soprano), Noah Stewart (tenor) & MAMMA MIA! The sensational feel- Simon Thorpe (bass). Programme ZARA MCFARLANE Wed + CALVA LOUISE Fri 9 TRANSATLANTIC SES- good musical returns to the Mid- includes works by Saint-Saens, Puc- 7 Feb, Hare & Feb, The Sugarmill, SIONS Sat 10 Feb, lands, Tues 6 - Sat 24 Feb, cini, Donizetti, Rossini, Ponchielli, Hounds, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Hall, Birm- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Bizet, Wagner, Gounod & Verdi, Fri 9 ingham CHOPPING CHILLIES A cobbler and a HOLLIE COOK Wed 7 THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Feb, O2 Academy, KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Fri THE BLINDERS Sat 10 cook concoct a transcontinental en- SIGLO DE ORO Programme weaves to- Birmingham 9 - Sat 10 Feb, Lich- Feb, The Sugarmill, chantment as tragedy and chance field Garrick Stoke-on-Trent gether a musical history from the Re- entwine, Wed 7 Feb, Arena Theatre, FAIRPORT CONVENTION formation and Counter-reformation Wolverhampton WINTER TOUR 2018 THE BOB DYLAN STORY SERPENTYNE Sun 11 with works by Josquin, Tye, Shep- Wed 7 Feb, New Vic Sat 10 Feb, Lichfield Feb, The Robin, Bil- pard, Byrd, Palestrina & Victoria, Fri Theatre, Newcastle- Garrick ston 9 Feb, The Barber Institute, B’ham under-Lyme FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE SECRET SPHERE Sun 11 PALISANDER RECORDER ENSEMBLE Fri DANNY GILES, BRETT TO GEORGE MICHAEL Feb, Eleven, Sandy- 9 Feb, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury HUTCHISON AND RED Sat 10 Feb, The Place, ford, Stoke-on-Trent BUTLER Wed 7 Feb, Oakengates Theatre, GOLDEN VOID + DOM- The Robin, Bilston Telford MENGANG Sun 11 Feb, FAIRPORT CONVENTION POP DIVAS LIVE Sat 10 The Flapper, B’ham Wed 7 Feb, Lichfield Feb, Theatre Severn, ERASURE Sun 11 Feb, Comedy Garrick Shrewsbury O2 Academy, B’ham CABARET & COMEDY Tues 6 Feb, For- THE WORD ALIVE + JERSEY BOYS TOUCH DEFINITIVE ELVIS EXPE- est Arts Centre, Walsall CONTINENTS Wed 7 TOUR Sat 10 Feb, Re- RIENCE Sun 11 Feb, JIM DAVIDSON Tues 6 Feb, Theatre Feb, The Flapper, gent Theatre, Stoke- The Prince Of Wales Severn, Shrewsbury Birmingham on-Trent Centre, Cannock RICHARD HERRING Wed 7 Feb, Station ANVIL Wed 7 Feb, Pub, Sutton Coldfield EUGENE ONEGIN OperaUpClose pre- Eleven, Stoke on Trent CARL DONNELLY, ANDY ASKINS & DAN sent a new English version of NOBLE JACKS Thurs 8 NIGHTINGALE Wed 7 Feb, Henry Tchaikovsky’s romantic and thought- Feb, Tamworth Assem- Tudor House, Shrewsbury provoking opera, Thurs 8 Feb, The- bly Rooms, Staffs atre Severn, Shrewsbury BILL BAILEY: LARKS IN TRANSIT Wed 7 JHENÉ AIKO Thurs 8 - Thurs 8 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke- WILDE WITHOUT THE BOY/THE BALLAD Feb, O2 Institute, on-Trent OF READING GAOL A glimpse into the Birmingham humbled, bruised, loving soul of AHIR SHAH Thurs 8 Feb, The REP, THE MAVERICKS Oscar Wilde, Thurs 8 Feb, Arena Thurs Birmingham 8 Feb, Symphony Hall, Theatre, Wolverhampton Birmingham STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 9 Feb, Stafford AN EVENING WITH DEREK ACORAH Fri 9 Gatehouse Theatre ELO AGAIN Thurs 8 Feb, Feb, The Place, Oakengates The- The Place, Oaken- PATRICK MONAHAN Fri 9 Feb, The atre, Telford gates Theatre, Telford Glee Club, Birmingham SO MANY REASONS Show exploring HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT JOE LYCETT, TOM PARRY, MIKE BUBBINS, the unique influence our mothers Thurs 8 Feb, The RACHEL PARRIS & DANNY CLIVES Fri 9 have on how we understand the Robin, Bilston Feb, MAC, Birmingham world, Fri 9 Feb, Arena Theatre, Jez Lowe - Lichfield Guildhall Wolverhampton 56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 5 - 11 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 15:16 Page 2

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 February

PANDEMONIUM OF POE Don’t Go Into MIRROR MIRROR Red Earth Theatre SOUTH PACIFIC (U) Musical/Romance. Shrewsbury, Sun 11 Feb The Cellar present an evening of fuse puppetry, storytelling and sign Starring Rossano Brazzi, Mitzi COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With eerie entertainment featuring some of language in a mischievous take on Gaynor. Dementia friendly film show- the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Poe’s finest fear-filled fiction, Sat 10 the ever-popular tale of Snow White, ing. Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- García Bernal. Old Market Hall, Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Sun 11 Feb, MAC, Birmingham shire, Mon 5 Feb Shrewsbury, Sun 11 - Sat 24 Feb OUTSIDE THE BOX: A LIVE SHOW ABOUT THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale HOSTILES (15) Drama/Western. Star- DEATH Performer, celebrant and Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and ring Christian Bale, Timothée Chala- award-winning burial-ground owner a ‘charming’ original score in a met. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Liz Rothschild presents a highly origi- retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s clas- Shropshire, Mon 5 - Tues 6 & Thurs 8 NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: nal show featuring mercurial tales sic tale, Sun 11 Feb, Ellesmere Col- Feb Released from Fri 9 Feb, showing at and miraculous truths from life’s ‘fin- lege Arts Centre, North Shropshire, DUNKIRK (12A) Drama/History. Star- selected cinemas ishing line’, Sat 10 Feb, Chapel Lawn SY12 9AB ring Fionn Whitehead, Barry FIFTY SHADES FREED (18) Village Hall, Chapel Lawn, South Keoghan. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, LOVELESS (15) Shropshire, SY7 0BW Staffs, Tues 6 Feb HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) TAD THE LOST EXPLORER AND THE SE- CRET OF KING MIDAS (U) Biography/Drama. Starring Taraji P. Dance Henson, Octavia Spencer. Stafford THE 15:17 TO PARIS (15) CINDERELLA New Adventures present Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 6 Feb THE MERCY (12a) Matthew Bourne’s interpretation of BREATHE (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- the classic fairytale, hailed as one of ring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy. the company’s most popular and Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, beloved productions, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Tues 6 & Thurs 8 Feb Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome LIFE, ANIMATED (PG) Events JOSS ARNOTT DANCE: TRIPLE BILL Fea- Documentary/Animation. Starring turing two brand new dance works - Jonathan Freeman, Gilbert Gottfried. CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO A Movement In 3 and RUSH - along- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, BACKS Fri 9 Feb, Birmingham Back to side the company's internationally Wed 7 Feb Backs award-winning solo, V, which features MOUNTAIN (PG) Documentary. Ludlow FRIDAY TWILIGHT - VICTORIAN MURDER live music for the very first time, Wed Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, MYSTERY Who was Prince Clay- 7 Feb, MAC, Birmingham Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb bourne of Stokie-Coburg and why Kids Theatre MACBETH The award-winning Mark JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE was he killed?, Fri 9 Feb, The Potter- TELETUBBIES LIVE The iconic, Teletub- Bruce Company present a striking (PG) Action/Adventure. Starring ies Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- bies star in their first ever theatre dance theatre adaptation of Shake- Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan. Lud- Trent speare’s famous tragedy, Thurs 8 - show, Wed 7 - Thurs 8 Feb, New low Assembly Rooms, South Shrop- SNOWDROPS AT SUNNYCROFT Special Fri 9 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birm- Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham shire, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Feb talk about the snowdrops of Shrop- ingham Hippodrome DEAR ZOO Puppetry and audience par- FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL shire, followed by a guided walk ticipation are the order of the day in (15) Biography/Drama. Starring around the garden to check out the this new staging for children, based Jamie Bell, Annette Bening. Light different varieties, Fri 9 Feb, Sunny- on the book of the same name, Thurs House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- croft, Wellington, Shropshire 8 - Fri 9 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrews- ton, Fri 9 - Wed 14 Feb 100 COCKPITS AND CABS Rare chance bury DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Star- to get a closer look inside 100 cock- THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale ring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. MAC, pits and vehicles from the collection, Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and Birmingham, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb Fri 9 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shifnal an original score in a retelling of Ken- THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama. RAG RUG VALENTINES HEART Have a go neth Grahame’s classic tale, Fri 9 Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. at crafting a traditional handmade Feb, Alveley Parish Memorial Hall, Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 9 - decoration with a romantic twist, Sat Bridgnorth, South Shropshire, WV15 Thurs 15 Feb 10 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs 6JT DARKEST HOUR (PG) VICTORIAN VALENTINE WEEKEND See THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Box Tale Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- the townsfolk at Blists Hill Victorian Soup fuse puppetry, storytelling and man, Lily James. Ludlow Assembly Town preparing for the romantic day a ‘charming’ original score in a POINT OF ECHOES bgroup and China Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 9 - in their cottages, demonstrating retelling of Kenneth Grahame’s clas- Plate present a theatre/dance piece Thurs 15 Feb crafts such as decoupage and card- sic tale, Sat 10 Feb, SpArC Theatre, about love, death and the supernatu- making, Sat 10 - Sun 11 Feb, Blists MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Bishops Castle, Shropshire, SY9 5AY ral, Sat 10 Feb, Foxlowe Arts Centre, Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire Leek, Staffs Drama/Mystery. Starring Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz. Light THOMAS & FRIENDS Meet Thomas and House Media Centre, Wolverhampton all his friends at Europe's only Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb Thomas Land, Sat 10 - Sun 25 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Tam- JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- worth, Staffs ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Light Film House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- PIRATE AND PRINCESS WEEK Featuring ton, Fri 9 - Thurs 15 Feb a treasure hunt, meet-and-greets with CBeebies Land characters, an essen- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- tial pirate skills school and a disco VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- with fancy dress parade, Sat 10 - Sun Biography/Drama. Starring Judi son, Hugh Jackman. Festival Drayton 25 Feb, Alton Towers, Staffordshire Dench, Ali Fazal. Stourbridge Town Centre, Market Drayton, North Shrop- Hall, Mon 5 Feb shire, Sat 10 Feb DIGITAL ENGINEERING FOR KIDS & FAMI- LIES Learn more about coding with DENIAL (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- TOM OF FINLAND (18) your kids at these brand new work- RED RIDING HOOD AND THE WOLF New ring Rachel Weisz, Tom Wilkinson. Biography/Drama. Starring Jakob Of- shops, Sun 11 Feb, Enginuity Mu- spin on a classic story about two mis- Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, tebro, Werner Daehn. Foreign lan- seum, Ironbridge, Shropshire fits who just want to fit in... Sat 10 South Shropshire, Mon 5 Feb guage, subtitled. Old Market Hall, Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 12 - 18 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 19:44 Page 1

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

9 FEB

BYE BYE BABY Friday 9 February, 7.30pm

£24.50 DEREK ACORAH

9-10 FEB

Friday 16 February, 7.30pm THE STORY OF THE BEACH BOYS THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - KATE BUSH TRIBUTE £15.00

10 FEB Saturday 17 February, 7.30pm BACK TO BACHARACH

THE BOB DYLAN STORY Thursday 8 March, 7.30pm £22.50 GRIFF RHYS JONES 21 FEB

Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm HORRIBLE HISTORIES- MORE PURPLE ZEPPELIN BEST OF BARMY BRITAIN £14.00, £12.00 Child

22 FEB Wednesday 14 March, 7.00pm VIENNA FESTIVAL BALLET PRESENTS THE SLEEPING BEAUTY

MILKSHAKE! LIVE Saturday 17 March, 7.30pm £17 .00, £15.00 U16’s THE TINA TURNER 24 FEB EXPERIENCE SHOW

Thursday 22 March, 2pm & 7.30pm CROONERS SWINGING MY WAY TO LOVE £25.00

2 MAR

Friday 23 March, 7.30pm CIRCUS OF HORRORS QUILL FEATURING BEV BEVAN £22.00

BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 www.lichfieldgarrick.com LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, TWC GP 01227 LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 12 - 18 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:27 Page 2

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February Feb, The River Rooms, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Gigs Stourbridge THE ATARIS Sat 17 Feb, Classical MUSICAL & AMICABLE SOCIETY: BACH & THE STORY OF THE The Asylum, B’ham VIVALDI CONCERTOS Featuring Ro a BRIDGES Mon 12 Feb, BEACH BOYS Fri 16 Feb, BLUR 2 VS PULP'D Sat Music Bene, Robin Bigwood, Steven ź The Sunflower The Place, Oaken- 17 Feb, Eleven, Stoke- Devine & Martin Perks (harpsi- Lounge, Birmingham gates Theatre, Telford on-Trent LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT - THOMAS chords), Sat 17 Feb, Concert Hall, TROTTER Programme includes works Royal Birmingham Conservatoire MAX & HARVEY Mon 12 KING 810 Fri 16 Feb, THE COUNTERFEIT by D. Buxtehude, JS Bach, Elgar & Feb, O2 Academy, The Asylum, B’ham STONES Sat 17 Feb, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE Wagner, Mon 12 Feb, Victoria Hall, Birmingham THE SEX PISTOLS EXPE- Lichfield Garrick EARLY MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONCERT Stoke-on-Trent Sun 18 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birm- NICK HAKIM Mon 12 RIENCE Fri 16 Feb, THE BREW Sat 17 Feb, GAMELAN ENSEMBLE Dr Andy Chan- ingham Conservatoire Feb, Hare & Hounds, Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent The Slade Rooms, ning directs a lunchtime concert fea- Birmingham CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT Wolverhampton turing traditional music from TO THE MAN IN BLACK) ALIEN ANT FARM Mon BACK TO BACHARACH Indonesia, Mon 12 Feb, The Dome, Fri 16 Feb, O2 12 Feb, O2 Institute, Sat 17 Feb, The Place, The Bramall, Universiry of B’ham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Oakengates Theatre, CZECH PHILHARMONIC - DVORÁK’S NEW Comedy ELKIE BROOKS Fri 16 Telford INHEAVEN Tues 13 Feb, WORLD SYMPHONY Featuring the Feb, Victoria Hall, Newhampton Arts THE LEGENDS OF AMERI- Czech Philharmonic, Tomáš Netopil TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY ASKINS & Stoke-on-Trent Centre, W’hampton CAN COUNTRY Sat 17 (conductor) & Alisa Weilerstein FREDDY QUINNE Thurs 15 Feb, The IRON & WINE Tues 13 LIVE AND PICKING Fri 16 Feb, Prince Of Wales (cello). Programme includes works Bramall, Birmingham Feb, Symphony Hall, Feb. Newhampton Centre, Cannock by Mozart & Dvo ák, Wed 14 Feb, LOU CONRAN Thurs 15 Feb, MAC, Birmingham Arts Centre, Wolver- THE BAD FLOWERS Sat Symphony Hall, Birminghamř Birmingham hampton LUTHER Tues 13 Feb, 17 Feb, The Asylum, RODERICK WILLIAMS AND ENGLISH ADAM HESS & GLENN MOORE Fri 16 The Robin, Bilston DEAD! Fri 16 Feb, The Birmingham SONG Featuring Orchestra Of The Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Swan & Patrycja Pieczara (conduc- WILLY MASON Tues 13 THE PINK FLOYD SHOW STEVE WILLIAMS, TOM LUCY, JOHN Trent tor). Programme includes works by Feb, Hare & Hounds, Sat 17 Feb, Theatre FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Fri 16 Feb, Vaughan Williams, Finzi & Ireland, Birmingham THE PINK FLOYD SHOW On The Steps, Bridg- The Glee Club, Birmingham Fri 16 Feb, Theatre On north, South Shrop- Wed 14 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall REBECCA FERGUSON JOSIE LONG, JONNY & THE BAPTISTS The Steps, Bridgnorth, shire CBSO: GRIEG’S PIANO CONCERTO Fea- Tues 13 Feb, Birming- AND GRACE PETRIE Fri 16 Feb, Arena South Shropshire turing the City Of Birmingham Sym- ham Town Hall CURVED AIR + BLANK Theatre, Wolverhampton THE BLINDERS Fri 16 MANUSKRIPT Sun 18 phony Orchestra, Michael Seal BOWLING FOR SOUP TOM LUCY, STEVE WILLIAMS, JOHN Feb, The Sunflower Feb, The Robin, Bil- (conductor) & Freddy Kempf (piano). Tues 13 Feb, O2 FOTHERGILL & KAE KURD Sat 17 Feb, Lounge, Birmingham ston Programme includes works by Bax, Academy, Birmingham Grieg & Elgar, Thurs 15 Feb, Sym- The Glee Club, Birmingham KISS GB Sat 17 Feb, THE ORIELLES Sun 18 THE ROCKET MAN Thurs phony Hall, Birmingham JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, GARY DELANEY, The Sugarmill, Stoke- Feb, Hare & Hounds, 15 Feb, Victoria Hall, SCOTT BENNETT, LINDSEY SANTORO & on-Trent Birmingham BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL Stoke-on-Trent RECORDER & EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL WAYNE BEESE Sat 17 Feb, Brierley Hill THE YEAR PUNK EX- THE CHRIS BEVINGTON DREAM STATE + CHAP- Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Feb, Royal Birm- Civic Hall, Dudley PLODED 2 Sat 17 Feb, ORGANISATION Sun 18 TER & VERSE Thurs 15 ingham Conservatoire LOL COMEDY CLUB Sat 17 Feb, Regent The Robin, Bilston Feb, Lichfield Guildhall Feb, The Sugarmill, ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA: Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent QUILL WITH BEV BEVAN TRIP Sun 18 Feb, Katie Stoke-on-Trent SYMPHONIC ROCK Fri 16 Feb, Sym- SHAPPI KHORSANDI Sun 18 Feb, The- Sat 17 Feb, Ludlow Fitzgerald's, Stour- MICA PARIS SINGS ELLA phony Hall, Birmingham atre Severn, Shrewsbury Assembly Rooms, bridge FITZGERALD LIVE! DAN LAURIN (RECORDER) & ANNA PAR- Ludlow, South Shrop- WILLE AND THE BANDITS Thurs 15 Feb, The ADISO (HARPSICHORD) Fri 16 Feb, shire Sun 18 Feb, Henry Jam House, B’ham Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- HRH METAL: WEEKEND Tudor House, Shrews- COL3TRANE Thurs 15 servatoire TICKET Sat 17 Feb, O2 bury Feb, Hare & Hounds, LONDON HANDEL PLAYERS: BAROQUE Academy, Birmingham PAUL CARRACK Sun 18 Birmingham REBELLION Featuring Mary Collins & $UICIDEBOY$ Sat 17 Feb, Symphony Hall, DERMOT KENNEDY Steven Player (baroque dancers), Fri Feb, O2 Institute, Birmingham Thurs 15 Feb, O2 Insti- 16 Feb, Recital Hall, Birmingham tute, Birmingham Conservatoire POP STARS 2018 Thurs CAROLIN WIDMANN VIOLIN CONCERT 15 Feb, Forest Arts Programme includes works by Pas- Centre, Walsall cal Dusapin, Hans Abrahamsen, Sal- ANDREW O'NEILL Sun 18 Feb, MAC, DON BROCO Thurs 15 vatore Sciarrino & Michael Zev Birmingham Feb, O2 Academy, Gordon, Fri 16 Feb, The Barber Insti- Birmingham tute, Birmingham WILLE AND THE BANDITS ORGAN PROM Sat 17 Feb, Victoria Thurs 15 Feb, The Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Robin, Bilston NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Featuring Theatre THE SCRIPT Thurs 15 Daniele Rosina (director) & Lydia Feb, Genting Arena, Haynes (voice), Sat 17 Feb, The Bar- METAMORPHOSIS Splendid Produc- Birmingham ber Institute, Birmingham tions present Franz Kafka's chilling THE LEGENDS OF AMERI- CBSO: CARMINA BURANA Featuring story of dislocation, mutation and CAN COUNTRY Thurs 15 Michael Seal (conductor), Freddy isolation, Mon 12 Feb, MAC, B’ham Feb, The Place, Oak- Kempf (piano), Fflur Wyn (soprano), TEECHERS Blackeyed Theatre Com- engates Theatre, Oliver Johnston (tenor), Leigh Mel- pany present John Godber's classic Telford rose (baritone), the CBSO Chorus & classroom comedy, Tues 13 - Thurs CBSO Children's Chorus. Pro- 15 Feb, Arena Theatre, W’hampton CHANGING MAN VS. THE gramme includes works by Bax, POLICE FORCE Fri 16 Mica Paris Sings Ella - The Jam House, Birmingham Grieg & Orff, Sat 17 Feb, Symphony HAYFEVER Noel Coward’s celebrated whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 12 - 18 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:27 Page 3

COMING SOON...

1st Feb, 7pm Catch Up Film Club: Baby Driver (15)

Tickets: £6

2nd & 3rd Feb, 8pm Aynsley Lister

Tickets: £10 adv, £12 otd

9th Feb, 7pm Floyd in the Flesh

Tickets: £12 adv, £14 otd

10th Feb, 1pm Louise White: The Dead Sea Tickets:TiTickets:ckets: ££12, 1£6,2, ££10£2010 FamilySSatat MMtt of 4

14th Feb, 7.30pm Once upon a Wednesday: Christine Genders – LOVE

Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

20th - 24th Feb, 7.30pm 2.30 Thu & Sat Mat Burton Amateur Stage Entertainers: Cinderella Tickets: £12, £11 conc, £40 family

1st Mar, 7.30pm California Dreamers

Tickets: £20, £18 conc

2nd Mar, 8pm Simon Evans: Genius

Tickets: £14

7th Mar, 8pm Flickbook Theatre: Casket Case

Tickets: £5

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 Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 12 - 18 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:27 Page 4

thelist Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February comedy, Tues 13 Feb - Sat 17 Mar, Feb, Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Kidderminster, DY14 0TP THE LITTLE LOVE CABARET Ultimate heartthrobs, full-on odd obsessions and wildly mixed-up emotions com- bine in a ‘heartwarming, fun-filled and, at times, completely absurd Dance cabaret’, Wed 14 Feb, Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton BRB: THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Birming- FIRST ENCOUNTERS WITH SHAKESPEARE ham Royal Ballet version of the - JULIUS CAESAR Accessible version of Tchaikovsky classic, Tues 13 - Sat 24 Shakespeare’s tale of friendship and Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome betrayal, ideal as an introduction to VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company present the playwright’s work, Wed 14 Feb, a dance-digital solo production ex- Airfix Make And Take - RAF Cosford, Shropshire New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- ploring light vs dark and real vs fairy- Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 - SNOWDROP SEASON Enjoy a walk Lyme tale versions of female existence, Thurs 22 Feb through the Dingle and spot the earli- THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL & MR Thurs 15 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. est signs of spring, Sat 17 - Sun 18 HYDE Birmingham Blackeyed Theatre presents its Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Feb, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, #JESUIS A company of Turkish version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Light House Media Centre, Wolver- South Shropshire dark psychological fantasy, Wed 14 - dancers explore the media’s presen- hampton, Fri 16 - Thurs 22 Feb AIRFIX MAKE AND TAKE Suitable for Fri 16 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrews- tation of their country, Thurs 15 - Fri seasoned model makers or those bury 16 Feb, The Patrick Centre, Birming- COCO (U) Animation/Adventure. With the voices of Anthony Gonzalez, Gael new to Airfix, Sat 17 - Fri 23 Feb, RAF SISTER ACT ham Hippodrome Amateur staging pre- García Bernal. Ludlow Assembly Cosford, Shifnal sented by Get Your Wigle On, Wed Rooms, South Shropshire, Sat 17 & FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE GEORGIANS 14 - Sat 17 Feb, Theatre Severn, Mon 19 Feb TRAIL Follow the family trail around Shrewsbury STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12A) Ad- the gardens and learn about the tra- THE LAST FIVE YEARS An emotionally venture/Fantasy. Starring Daisy Rid- ditions of the era, the language of the powered and intimate musical about Film ley, John Boyega. Old Market Hall, fan and how flowers were used as the five-year relationship of two New Shrewsbury, Sun 18 - Sun 25 Feb symbols of affection, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Yorkers, Cathy and Jamie, who fall in Feb, Berrington Hall, Nr Leominster and out of love over the course of five INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT BLISTS years, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Feb, Old NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (PG) Adven- HILL Try your hand at Intaglio print- Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham ture/Biography. Starring Peter O'- Released from Tues 13 Feb, showing ing, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Blists Hill, SHREK THE MUSICAL Join Shrek and Toole, Alec Guinness. Edge Arts at selected cinemas Ironbridge, Shropshire Donkey as they embark on a quest to Centre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- BLACK PANTHER (tbc) ENCHANTING FAIRY TRAIL Discover rescue Princess Fiona from a fire- shire, Mon 12 Feb beautiful, enchanted, miniature breathing, love-sick dragon, Wed 14 - THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) ERIC CLAPTON: A LIFE IN 12 BARS (15) houses created from Bodenham’s Sun 25 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, FATHER FIGURES (15) Documentary. Starring Eric Clapton, own wood, Sat 17 Feb - Sun 25 Mar, Birmingham Bobby Whitlock. Ludlow Assembly LADY BIRD (15) Bodenham Arboretum, Kidderminster THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA & Rooms, South Shropshire, Mon 12 & CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT ENGINUITY BLOOD BROTHERS Split Mask Theatre Wed 14 Feb Immerse yourself in an Augmented present two very different plays, JAILHOUSE ROCK (U) Drama/Musical. Reality world, where dinosaurs 'roam' Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Feb, Prince Of Starring Elvis Presley, Judy Tyler. around Enginuity, Sat 17 - Sun 25 Wales Theatre, Cannock Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Events Feb, Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of Shropshire, Tues 13 Feb Shropshire Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which GOD’S OWN COUNTRY (15) Drama/Ro- TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Over 500 stalls BEYOND THE PETTICOAT Marking the centres on family relationships and mance. Starring Josh O'Connor, Alec packed with all kinds of collectable 100th anniversary of women getting lies... Thurs 15 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Secareanu. Foxlowe Arts Centre, toys, trains and models for sale, Sun their first voting rights, with hands-on REP, Birmingham Leek, Staffs, Tues 13 Feb 11 Feb, NEC, Birmingham activities and powerful characters FIRST STEPS, A CHILD'S SLEEPING STRONGER (15) Biography/Drama. CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO bringing women’s history to life, Sat BEAUTY Hour-long interactive show for Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana BACKS Wed 14 Feb, Birmingham 17 - Sun 25 Feb, Black Country Living children aged three-plus, performed Maslany. Wem Town Hall, North Back to Backs Museum, Dudley by Birmingham Royal Ballet, Fri 16 Shropshire, Tues 13 & Thurs 15 Feb A VERY VICTORIAN LADY A rare oppor- Feb, Birmingham Hippodrome THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION THE SALESMAN (12) Drama/Thriller. Showcasing a huge range of national tunity to see original Victorian clothes THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre Starring Taraneh Alidoosti, Shahab franchise opportunities for anyone and accessories ‘in action’, Sun 18 brings its trademark style and energy Hosseini. Foreign language, subti- looking to run their own business, Fri Feb, The Potteries Museum & Art to what they're describing as their tled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 16 16 - Sat 17 Feb, NEC, Birmingham Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent 'wildest show yet’. There's even a Feb CHINESE NEW YEAR 2018 Free perfor- chance to meet the characters after- BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW The UK’s mances, market stalls, fairground wards, Sat 17 Feb, Theatre Severn, THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, flagship shooting event, featuring rides and Asian street food, Sun 18 Shrewsbury MISSOURI (15) Crime/Drama. Starring leading manufacturers, distributors, Frances McDormand, Woody Harrel- retailers and shooting organisations, Feb, Arcadian Centre, Birmingham JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Children’s son. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South Fri 16 - Sun 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham CHSI STITCHES Europe’s largest and show featuring audience participa- Shropshire, Fri 16 - Mon 19 Feb most influential dedicated trade show tion, an enormous beanstalk, bags of PIZZA & PROSECCO FESTIVAL Pizza for the art, craft, needlecraft and gold and a smelly old giant, Sat 17 PHANTOM THREAD (15) Drama/Ro- traders serve up slices all day long hobby sector, Sun 18 - Tues 20 Feb, Feb, Wem Town Hall, North Shrop- mance. Starring Vicky Krieps, Daniel Sat 17 Feb, Starworks Warehouse, NEC, Birmingham shire Day-Lewis. MAC, Birmingham, Fri 16 Wolverhampton - Thurs 22 Feb; Light House Media TAMWORTH CASTLE DRAGON HUNT Can JACK AND THE BEANS TALK Children’s THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Telford’s Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 16 - you help find a rather mischievous show featuring audience participa- annual off-road and road-racing Thurs 22 Feb dragon who’s gotten a bit lost?, Sun tion, an enormous beanstalk, bags of show, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Feb, Telford In- 18 - Sat 24 Feb, Tamworth Castle, gold and a smelly old giant, Sat 17 JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- ternational Centre, Shropshire ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Old Staffs whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 19 - 25 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:25 Page 1 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 19 - 25 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:25 Page 2

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February Feb, O2 Academy, The Place, Oaken- TEZ IIYAS, JOE BOR & CHRIS PURCHASE Gigs Birmingham gates Theatre, Telford Classical Fri 23 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand THE JOHNNY CASH LOUIS SCHWIZGEBEL Theatre THE LITTLE MIX EXPERI- ROADSHOW Thurs 22 Sat 24 Feb, Ludlow Music LLOYD GRIFFITH Fri 23 Feb, The Glee ENCE Mon 19 Feb, Vic- Feb, The Place, Oak- Assembly Rooms, Club, Birmingham toria Hall, engates Theatre, Ludlow, South Shrop- UNIVERSITY OF CAMERATA Featuring GLENN WOOL, DAN NIGHTINGALE, ALIS- Stoke-on-Trent Telford shire David Rice, Peter Gortner & Au- TAIR BARRIE & ELEANOR TIERNAN Fri gustina Kapoti, Tues 20 Feb, The IRIT Mon 19 Feb, The DESERT MOUNTAIN CHAPLIN-WICKWAR Sat 23 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham Dome, The Bramall, Birmingham Glee Club, B’ham TRIBES Fri 23 Feb, The 24 Feb, Birchmeadow COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 24 Feb, Sunflower Lounge, Centre, Broseley HUW WATKINS AND CLARE HAMMOND HELL IS FOR HEROES Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham An evening of British contemporary Mon 19 Feb, O2 Insti- GREEN DATE Sat 24 piano music as part of the Univer- tute, Birmingham ICONS OF THE 80S Fri 23 Feb, Eleven, Sandy- Feb, Symphony Hall, ford, Stoke-on-Trent sity's CrossCurrents new music festi- FRANZ FERDINAND Tues Birmingham val. Programme includes works by 20 Feb, O2 Academy, U2UK Sat 24 Feb, acclaimed composers Alexander Birmingham SYNTHETIC RECIPE Fri Foxlowe Arts Centre, Goehr, Robin Holloway and Michael Theatre 23 Feb, The Slade Leek, Staffs JUDIE TZUKE Tues 20 Berkeley, Wed 21 Feb, The Barber FROM IBIZA TO THE NORFOLK BROADS Rooms, W’hampton Feb, New Vic Theatre, THE COUNTERFEIT Institute, Birmingham Adrian Berry’s acclaimed one-man Newcastle-under-Lyme THE SKA45'S Fri 23 Feb, STONES Sat 24 Feb, CBSO: ROMEO AND JULIET Featuring show, telling the tale of a young The River Rooms, Regent Theatre, FISHERMAN'S FRIENDS Leo McFall (conductor) & Paul Lewis David Bowie obsessive, Tues 20 Stourbridge Stoke-on-Trent Tues 20 Feb, Theatre (piano). Programme includes works Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury DETROIT MAGIC Fri 23 IMAGINE DRAGONS Sat by Brahms & Prokofiev, Thurs 22 Feb, Stafford Gate- 24 Feb, Genting Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham ANVIL Tues 20 Feb, house Theatre Arena, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston BBC PHILHARMONIC: RUSSIAN ROMAN- THE GODFATHERS Fri 23 RONI SIZE - NEW FORMS TICS Programme includes works by THE TEMPERANCE Feb, Hare & Hounds, LIVE Sat 24 Feb, O2 In- Ravel, Tchaikovsky & Rachmaninov, MOVEMENT Birmingham stitute, Birmingham Fri 23 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- WITH NAKED SIX Wed Trent 21 Feb, O2 Institute, THE BLOCKHEADS Fri 23 FALSE LIGHTS Sat 24 Birmingham Feb, The Robin, Bil- Feb, Lichfield Guildhall LIGETI QUARTET Featuring Mandhira ston De Saram & Patrick Dawkins (vio- SEAL Wed 21 Feb, OUT OF TIME Sat 24 lins), Richard Jones (viola) & Val Symphony Hall, Birm- THANK ABBA FOR THE Feb, Newhampton Welbanks (cello). Programme in- ingham MUSIC Fri 23 Feb, The- Arts Centre, Wolver- atre Severn, Shrews- hampton cludes works by John Zorn & Schnit- DUKE SPECIAL Wed 21 bury tke, Fri 23 Feb, The Barber Institute, Feb, The Glee Club, REACH OUT TO MOTOWN Birmingham Birmingham DETROIT MAGIC Fri 23 Sat 24 Feb, The Robin, Feb, Stafford Gate- Bilston CATHEDRAL GROUPS CHOIRS FESTIVAL DAPPY Wed 21 Feb, house Theatre PERFORMANCE Sat 24 Feb, Sym- O2 Academy, B’ham THE PINK FLOYD SHOW phony Hall, Birmingham DAVE SHARP Fri 23 Feb, Sat 24 Feb, Theatre 9 TO 5 Bridgnorth Musical Theatre AUSTINN Wed 21 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, On The Steps, Bridg- CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: MAHLER’S Company present an amateur stag- O2 Academy, B’ham Stourbridge north, Shropshire SIXTH Featuring Jac van Steen (con- ing of the Dolly Parton musical, Tues BARRY STEELE & ductor), Sun 25 Feb, Symphony 20 - Sat 24 Feb, Bridgnorth Leisure THE PINK FLOYD SHOW JAMIE LENMAN Sun 25 FRIENDS AS THE ROY Hall, Birmingham Centre, Bridgnorth, South Shrop- Fri 23 Feb, Theatre On Feb, O2 Institute, ORBISON STORY Thurs shire The Steps, Bridgnorth, Birmingham 22 Feb, Theatre Sev- South Shropshire HIGH JINX Fast-paced show fusing ern, Shrewsbury THE JAMES BOND CON- magic, escapology and circus tricks, THE MAN UPSTAIRS Sat CERT SPECTACULAR Sun WILEY Thurs 22 Feb, Wed 21 Feb, Stourbridge Town Hall 24 Feb, Kitchen Gar- 25 Feb, Victoria Hall, O2 Institute, B’ham den Cafe, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent Comedy MENTAL Moving and personal story THE LYNNES Thurs 22 about one son's relationship with his THE BLUES BAND Sat 24 THE ENNIS SISTERS & PAUL CHOWDHRY Mon 19 Feb, Sym- Feb, The Hive, mother and her mental health, Wed Feb, Stafford Gate- DAVE GUNNING Sun 25 phony Hall, Birmingham Shrewsbury 21 - Fri 23 Feb, Old Joint Stock The- house Theatre Feb, The Hive, MILTON JONES Mon 19 Feb, Theatre atre, Birmingham IAN PARKER & HIS BAND THAT MANCHESTER Shrewsbury Severn, Shrewsbury Thurs 22 Feb, The WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND Amateur NIGHT Sat 24 Feb, The FROM THE BLUE HILLS TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 Feb, Robin, Bilston production of Andrew Lloyd Web- Slade Rooms, Wolver- Sun 25 Feb, Ludlow The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham ber’s musical, set in America’s Deep SAM DAISY BAND Thurs hampton Assembly, Rooms, PHIL WANG Wed 21 Feb, Henry Tudor South, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Feb, Forest 22 Feb, The Robin, Bil- SOUL & MOTOWN PARTY South Shropshire House, Shrewsbury Arts Centre, Walsall ston NIGHT WITH SARAH THE X FACTOR LIVE JIMEOIN Wed 21 Feb, Stafford Gate- THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa Peake- JESSARAE Thurs 22 COLLINS Sat 24 Feb, TOUR 2018 Sun 25 Feb, house Theatre Jones and Aden Gillett star in a Genting Arena, Birm- STEWART LEE major revival of Terence Rattigan's ingham Wed 21 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury compelling tale of honesty and hon- THE CHICAGO BLUES our, Wed 21 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The PHIL WANG BROTHERS Sun 25 Feb, Thurs 22 Feb, The Slade REP, Birmingham Rooms, Wolverhampton Theatre Severn, HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy, told Shrewsbury DAN NIGHTINGALE, GLENN WOOL & through the eyes of those who came COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- DAN REED & DANNY after him, Thurs 22 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, SON VAUGHN, SNAKE OIL & Thurs 22 Feb, The Glee Club, The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Birmingham HARMONY TOUR, Sun LUKE JERMAY Spend an evening with 25 Feb, The Robin, Bil- PAUL CHOWDHRY Fri 23 Feb, Dudley the ‘original’ Mentalist and ston Town Hall quintessential magician, Fri 23 Feb, BARBARA NICE: RAFFLE! Fri 23 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Fisherman’s Friends - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The REP, Birmingham POPSTARS The Viv Kelly Youth The- whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves 19 - 25 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:25 Page 3

thelist atre Group present a tongue-in-cheek Theatre, Birmingham KIDS Morgan & West mix brain-bust- homage to the films, fashion and Kids Theatre CAPTAIN FLINN AND THE PIRATE DI- ing illusion with old-fashioned tom- music of the 1990s, Fri 23 - Sat 24 NOSAURS: THE MAGIC CUTLASS Action- foolery, Sun 25 Feb, MAC, B’ham Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-danc- packed theatrical experience for JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- ing celebration of the world’s younger audiences, complete with COLOR DREAMCOAT Amateur youth favourite fairytales, Wed 21 Feb, The live music, puppetry and dastardly di- staging of the Andrew Lloyd Web- Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford nosaurs, Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Feb, Re- ber/Tim Rice musical, Fri 23 - Sun 25 HORRIBLE HISTORIES - MORE BEST OF gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dance Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton BARMY BRITAIN History with the nasty PETER PAN M3 Studios presents its MAY CONTAIN FOOD - MAY CONTAIN YOU CROONERS Big band swing and bits left in, Wed 21 Feb, Lichfield Gar- version of JM Barrie’s classic tale, rick Award-winning dance theatre com- crooner classics from the likes of Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Feb, Prince of pany Protein presents an immersive Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy DEAR ZOO Puppetry and audience par- Wales Theatre, Cannock show exploring our relationship with Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Tony Bennett ticipation are the order of the day in CARTOON CIRCUS LIVE Children’s show food, Fri 23 Feb, Clungunford Parish and Nat King Cole, Sat 24 Feb, Lich- this new staging for children, based featuring some of Britain’s funniest Hall, Near Craven Arms, South field Garrick on the book of the same name, Wed clowns, slapstick comedy, magic, illu- Shropshire 21 - Thurs 22 Feb, Stafford Gate- sions, puppets, prizes and surprises, house Theatre Fri 23 Feb, Cornbow Hall, Halesowen LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD Little Angel THE JUNGLE BOOK Immersion Theatre Theatre put a new spin on the much- brings its trademark style and energy loved fairytale, Wed 21 - Sun 25 Feb, to what they're describing as their MAC, Birmingham 'wildest show yet’. There's even a MILKSHAKE LIVE! All-singing, all-danc- chance to meet the characters after- ing celebration of the world’s wards, Fri 23 Feb, The Old Rep The- favourite fairytales, Thurs 22 Feb. atre, Birmingham THE ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN OF THE Lichfield Garrick LOST WAVES - HIDDEN GEMS LITTLE MOCHI MAN Join Little Mochi Vaudeville-esque show using song, LEAPING FROG Natural history adven- Man as he embarks on an adventure storytelling and a multitude of 'inter- ture for children following the journey across the snowy mountains of galactic time detective expressions', of a jaunty wood frog who unsuspect- Hokkaido, Sat 24 Feb, The Patrick Sat 24 - Sun 25 Feb, Old Joint Stock ingly leaps from Little Pond into Big Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham Pond, Thurs 22 Feb, The Old Rep MORGAN & WEST'S - MORE MAGIC FOR

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Monday 19 - Sunday 25 February

Shropshire, Fri 23 - Wed 28 Feb Film THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 23 - I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (12a) Documen- Wed 28 Feb tary. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) James Baldwin. The Hive, Shrews- Comedy/Drama. Starring Joanna bury, Mon 19 Feb Lumley, Celia Imrie. Light House DUNKIRK (12A) Drama/History. Star- Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 ring Fionn Whitehead, Barry - Wed 28 Feb Keoghan. Edge Arts Centre, Much ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD (15) Bi- Wenlock, South Shropshire, Mon 19 ography/Crime. Starring Mark Feb Wahlberg, Michelle Williams. Light THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US (12a) Ac- House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- tion/Adventure. Starring Idris Elba, ton, Sat 24 - Wed 28 Feb Kate Winslet. Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 19 Feb BLACK BIRD FILM FESTIVAL A short film festival that will screen a selection of NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: short films. Arena Theatre, Wolver- Released from Tues 20 Feb, showing hampton, Mon 19 Feb at selected cinemas FERDINAND (PG) Animation/Adventure. I, TONYA (15) Celebrate Chinese New Year Of The Dog at The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke With the voices of Kate McKinnon, Released from Fri 23 Feb, showing at & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent engates Theatre, Telford David Tennant. Wem Town Hall, North selected cinemas Shropshire, Mon 19 - Wed 21 Feb; LITTLE SKIPPERS - WONDERFUL WATER ANIMAL MANIA Mobile zoo featuring Ludlow Assembly Rooms, South DARK RIVER (tbc) School holiday activities and boat lizards, snakes, chinchillas, hedge- Shropshire, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Feb; FINDING YOUR FEET (12a) trip, Tues 20 - Fri 23 Feb, Dudley hogs, giant bunnies, tortoises, creepy Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- Canal and Tunnel Trust crawlies and more!, Fri 23 Feb, ton, North Shropshire, Tues 20 Feb CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MOTORHOME Blakesley Hall, Birmingham VICTORIA & ABDUL (PG) SHOW 2018 The biggest indoor dis- THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Try, buy, Biography/Drama. Starring Judi play of motorhomes, campervans, book and hire everything you need Dench, Ali Fazal. Foxlowe Arts Cen- Events caravans, caravan holiday homes & for your special day at the UK’s tre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 20 Feb lodges, trailer tents & tents in the UK, biggest & best wedding event. With PALACE OF CURIOSITIES Meet the Mar- Tues 20 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, B’ham hundreds of wedding specialists, cus Island Mermaid, Mon 19 Feb, FROM PUDDING LANE TO PIE CORNER from bridal boutiques and florists to The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, jewellers and photographers, this is Stoke-on-Trent Lighthearted family-friendly short drama. Samuel Pepys visits the ultimate wedding shopping expe- CRAFTY'S CREEPY CASTLE Join the sin- Blakesley Hall and recounts his expe- rience, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, NEC, galong adventure to find Crafty’s hid- rience of London ablaze, Wed 21 Birmingham den treasure, Mon 19 Feb, The Old Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham Rep Theatre, Birmingham CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE RAF IN FEBRUARY HALF TERM FUN Including AIRFIX Free talk focusing on recent arts and crafts, Mon 19 Feb, Birming- and yet-to-be-announced Airfix tool- ham Botanical Gardens ing, Wed 21 Feb, RAF Cosford, Shif- CREATE ANOTHER WORLD AT JACKFIELD nal Have a go at tubelining a ceramic tile CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON with your own design, Mon 19 - Fri 23 THEIR FINEST (12) Comedy/Drama. SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materi- Feb, Jackfield Tile Museum, Iron- als to create and decorate your own Starring Sam Claflin, Gemma Arter- bridge, Shropshire ton. Forest Arts Centre, Walsall, Tues 17th century London buildings. Add DIY DRIVE-IN CINEMA Flatpack Ensem- 20 Feb some flames and some final touches, ble present a family-friendly event then add them to the large collage of THE MIDWIFE (12) Drama. Starring aimed at toddlers and their carers. the London skyline that’s displayed Catherine Deneuve, Catherine Frot. Help build cars using scrap and craft on the windows of the visitor centre, THE DESTINATION WEDDING & HONEY- The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed 21 Feb materials before settling down and Thurs 22 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham MOON SHOW The essential event to plan your perfect wedding and hon- THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) watching an array of animations from FAMILY FUN DAY Family-friendly eymoon abroad, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Feb, Adventure/Drama. Starring Neel Flatpack's Colour Box Touring Shots guided tour of the Smith & Pepper NEC, Birmingham Sethi, Bill Murray. Foxlowe Arts Cen- Programme, Tues 20 Feb, MAC, jewellery factory, followed by a craft tre, Leek, Staffs, Thurs 22 Feb Birmingham activity in the Education Space, Thurs CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- CREATE THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON 22 Feb, Museum of the Jewellery BACKS Sat 24 Feb, Birmingham Back phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- SKYLINE Use a variety of craft materi- Quarter, Birmingham to Backs son, Hugh Jackman. Wem Town hall, als to create and decorate your own 999 EMERGENCY DAY Does your little SNOWDROP SEASON Enjoy a walk North Shropshire, Fri 23 & Tues 27 17th century London buildings. Add one love playing pretend police? Are through the Dingle and spot the earli- Feb some flames and some final touches, they a fan of Fireman Sam? Emer- est signs of spring, Sat 24 - Sun 25 LOVELESS (PG) Drama. Starring then add them to the large collage of gency vehicles will be on display out- Feb, Dudmaston Estate, Bridgnorth, Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin. For- the London skyline that’s displayed side the museum, with hands-on South Shropshire on the windows of the visitor centre, eign language, subtitled. Light House activities taking place all day, Thurs CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE DOG Featur- Tues 20 Feb, Blakesley Hall, B’ham Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Fri 23 22 Feb, Soho House, Birmingham ing Chinese craft workshops, Can- - Wed 28 Feb CRAFT ACTIVITY - CUP AND BALL TOY ALL-STAR SUPERSLAM WRESTLING 2018 tonese opera, firecrackers, acrobatics DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Star- Make your own version of the game Larger-than-life characters from all and much more, Sun 25 Feb, The ring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. Lud- to take home and play, Tues 20 - corners of the world do battle inside Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, low Assembly Rooms, South Thurs 22 Feb, The Potteries Museum the ring, Fri 23 Feb, The Place, Oak- Stoke-on-Trent

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Shrops/Staffs/Wolves Dav 26 - 28 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2018 16:24 Page 1

thelist Monday 26 - Wednesday 28 February this popular musical packed full of one-liners about hot flushes and Comedy memory loss, Tues 27 Feb, Theatre LEFTY SCUM Tues 27 Feb, MAC, Severn, Shrewsbury Birmingham DAVID BADDIEL - MY FAMILY: NOT THE NOREEN KHAN, JUDI LOVE, SINDHU VEE SITCOM Show about memory, age- & SUKH KAUR OJLA Wed 28 Feb, The ing, infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, Glee Club, Birmingham moral policing on social media, golf and gay cats... Wed 28 Feb, New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham PSYCHIC SALLY: KISSES TO Theatre HEAVEN TOUR Wed 28 Feb, HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars a Prince Of Wales Motormouth Maybelle in the smash- Theatre, Can- hit musical comedy, Mon 26 Feb - nock Fickle Friends - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Sat 3 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CRIMES UNDER THE SUN New Old 27 Feb, MAC, B’ham 28 Feb, The Jam Friends present a comedy thriller set DANGEROUS OBSESSION The Nonenti- Gigs MORRISSEY Tues 27 House, Birmingham in a secluded island hotel just off the ties present an amateur staging of Feb, Genting Arena, K2 Wed 28 Feb, O2 In- English coast, Wed 28 Feb, Arena PLAYBOI CARTI Mon 26 NJ Crisp’s psychological thriller, Mon Birmingham stitute, Birmingham Theatre, Wolverhampton Feb, O2 Academy, 26 Feb - Sat 3 Mar, The Rose The- Birmingham MARTIN HARLEY & ALLAN REED & THE atre, Kidderminster AN ACT OF KINDNESS Award-winning DANIEL KIMBRO Tues 27 DAUGHTERS OF EXPEDI- play exploring gender pressure and MIKE DAWES Mon 26 THESE BRIDGES New Vic Youth The- Feb, Henry Tudor ENCY Wed 28 Feb, its impact on our identity Wed 28 Feb, The Glee Club, atre Production exploring a fearful House, Shrewsbury Eleven, Stoke-on-Trent Feb - Thurs 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Birmingham future and showing that, if we stick NORTH SEA GAS Tues JD MCPHERSON Wed 28 Theatre, Birmingham THE FRONT BOTTOMS together, we may just survive it all, 27 Feb, Kitchen Gar- Feb, Hare & Hounds, Mon 26 Feb, O2 Insti- Tues 27 Feb, New Vic Theatre, New- den Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham tute, Birmingham castle-under-Lyme FICKLE FRIENDS Wed HAK BAKER Wed 28 FIZZY BLOOD Tues 27 28 Feb, The Sugarmill, Feb, Hare & Hounds, Feb, The Sunflower Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Film Lounge, Birmingham THE ENNIS SISTERS & PETE KENT Wed 28 LITTLE CAESER Tues 27 DAVE GUNNING Wed 28 Feb, The Robin, Bil- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Feb, The Robin, Bil- Feb, MAC, B’ham ston ston LOGAN LUCKY (12a) Comedy/Crime. HOT CHOCOLATE Wed Starring Channing Tatum, Adam JUSTIN WIGGAN Tues Driver. Edge Arts Centre, Much Wen- lock, South Shropshire, Mon 26 Feb THE PARTY (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- ring Patricia Clarkson, Bruno Ganz. MENOPAUSE: THE MUSICAL Cheryl Fer- Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Staffs, gison, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca Tues 27 Feb Wheatley and Hilary O’Neil star in

David Baddiel - My Family: Not The Sitcom New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 28 February; Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton, Wed 28 March; Dudley Town Hall, Thurs 19 April Although comedian, novelist and television presenter David Bad- diel first came to prominence courtesy of his comedy double-act with Rob Newman in The Mary Whitehouse Experience, it’s prob- ably his partnership with Frank Skinner for which he’s best Tamás Pálfalvi - Birmingham Town Hall known. In the Britpop era of the mid-1990s, Baddiel and Skinner Enescu, Péter Eötvös University of B’ham could do no wrong, achieving cult status Classical & Pablo de Sarasate, CBSO: TCHAIKOVSKY’S with their hit television series Fantasy Mon 26 Feb, Birming- FIRST PIANO CONCERTO Football League and even enjoying a UK ham Town Hall Featuring Joana Mall- singles chart success with Three Lions, Music HARMONIA BAND Fea- witz (conductor) & turing Daniele Rosina Gabriela Montero the England football team's official an- TAMÁS PÁLFALVI IN (conductor). Pro- (piano). Programme them for Euro ’96. He’s making a welcome RECITAL Also featuring gramme comprises includes works by return to the live circuit with this latest of- Marcell Szabò (piano). Mozart’s Serenade Kodály, Tchaikovsky & fering, which sees him taking a trip down Programme includes No.10 in B-flat, K361, Mendelssohn, Wed 28 memory lane to recount tales from his works by Eino Tam- Mon 26 Feb, The Feb, Symphony Hall, berg, Dmitri Dome, The Bramall, Birmingham childhood days. Shostakovich, George 66 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB F/P February.qxp_Layout 1 18/01/2018 17:12 Page 1 Birminghan Conservatoire F/P February.qxp_Layout 1 19/01/2018 10:54 Page 1