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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 375 MARCH 2017

RUSSELL HOWARD AT THE GENTING ARENA ’

WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On birminghamwhatson.co.uk

inside:

Yourth 16-pageelist week by week listings guide (IFC) Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 09:52 Page 1 Contents March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:06 Page 2

March 2017

Contents

Swingamajig - the Midlands most distinctive music festival returns to Digbeth feature on page 28

Emeli Sandé Natalie Cutler Dance:Sampled the list

Long Live The Angels at brings comedy, music and Fiona Allan talks tangos, Your 16-page the O2 Academy political incorrectness to mac stomps, pirouettes and shuffles week-by-week listings guide Interview page 17 page 20 page 34 page 51

inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

@whatsonbrum fb.com/whatsonbirmingham @whatsonbirmingham Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham What’s On Magazine Birmingham 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 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD March B'ham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:10 Page 1

First Word

Top female artists set to star at Cheltenham Jazz Festival 2017 This year’s Cheltenham Jazz Festival will fea- ture star turns from top female vocalists Laura Mvula, Mica , Earl, Camilla George and Meshell Ndegeocello, to name but a few. The well-established annual event returns next month to present a programme that brings together classic and contemporary jazz, blues, soul and pop with a range of world premieres, festival commissions and unique collaborations. Other performers making a welcome contri- bution to the event include Gregory Porter, Ben Folds, Jamie Cullum, Rick Wakeman Jack Savoretti, Will Young and Paul Carrack. The festival is hosted in a tented village in Cheltenham’s Montpellier Gardens and takes place from 26 April to 1 May. For more information and to book tickets, visit cheltenhamfestivals.com/jazz

Birmingham Legoland Birmingham hospice fun with Thomas and his awaits. The day’s entertainment includes the chance given the green light to host its first ever to meet Sir Topham’s mischievous sidekicks Rusty & Dusty, balloon modelling with Birmingham’s council has given the go- Dance-athon Twistina and Twistopher, and the opportuni- ahead to a planning application to establish Birmingham’s St Mary’s Hospice is hosting ty to enjoy Thomas story readings in the a Legoland Discovery Centre at the city’s its first ever dance-athon this month - and is Imagination Station. Barclaycard Arena. looking for people who’d like to take part. The new venue will include a 4D cinema, The dance-athon will last for six hours, with numerous rides and several interactive Lego- participants encouraged to dress in the hos- themed attractions. City council planning pice’s colours of pink and purple. Slamdunk favourites back officers believe the discovery centre will “Dancing is a fantastic way of keeping active for a record fourth year ‘reinforce and promote Birmingham's role as and enjoying yourself,” says Lucy Watkins, a centre for tourism, culture and events’. Events Manager at St Mary’s, “and by signing Slam Dunk Festival favourites Zebrahead are up to take part, you’ll also be supporting a making a record-breaking return to the great local cause. Whether you’re a dancing event. The American punk-rap party outfit’s Lichfield blues festival amateur or a dancing queen, we hope to see 2017 appearance will mean they’ve per- you on the dancefloor!” formed at the festival for more consecutive gets its very own Wizzard The dance-athon takes place at St Mary’s years than any other band. “We’re damn excited to be coming back for Midlands music legend Roy Wood has Parish Centre, Harborne, on Saturday 4 the fourth straight year,” says Zebrahead’s expressed his delight at becoming the new March from 4pm. Ben Osmundson. “It’s the one festival where patron of the Lichfield Blues & Jazz Festival. For more information or to sign up to partici- everyone feels like family and friends, and “My career as a writer, musician and per- pate, visit birminghamhospice.org.uk we can't wait to have a drink with all of former since the 1960s has provided me with you!” many of the highlights of my life,” said the Slam Dunk Festival takes place at the one-time Wizzard star, “and it’s great that A day out for Thomas the Genting Arena and NEC on 27 May. festivals like this one continue to help and For tickets, visit theticketfactory.com or call develop local talent, as well as giving local Tank Engine fans 0844 33 88 222. audiences the chance to see performers from Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine can enjoy a the national circuit on day out with their hero this month (4 & 5 their doorstep.” March). The festival is this year Vintage Trains is celebrating its 50th anniver- taking place from 2 to 4 sary by running a steam-hauled rail tour June. from Birmingham Snow Hill Station to For more information, visit Oxfordshire's Railway Centre, where an lichfieldarts.org.uk action-packed programme of family-friendly

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Entertainment news from around the region

Boost for CBSO’s Hit musical Sunset educational Boulevard returns to programme Birmingham Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award-winning musi- cal Sunset Boulevard is returning to the in the autumn. The Tony Award winner, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, is being presented by Leicester’s Curve theatre and will star Ria Jones (pictured) as faded silent-screen god- dess Norma Desmond. Welsh singer Ria was Glenn Close’s West End understudy in the role last year, receiving rave A philanthropic couple from reviews and standing ovations when she took Herefordshire have gifted £250,000 over the part after the Hollywood star had fall- to the City of Birmingham en ill. Symphony Orchestra in order to Sunset Boulevard runs at the Hippodrome support its extensive educational from Monday 13 to Saturday 18 November. programme over the next five years. Clive and Sylvia Richards’ gift has been made in celebration of the appointment of the orchestra’s new Music Director, Mirga Gražinyt - Tyla. ė Young Arts Council’s £120,000 grant keeps The money will contribute to the cost of around 30 concerts per year Birmingham Ikon local community initiative afloat for young people, an extensive pro- actor bags role Ikon Gallery’s canal boat is to be transformed into a floating arts gramme of musical activities in centre, thanks to a £120,000 grant from Arts Council . schools, and the orchestra’s work in Indo-British The money will fund the Birmingham venue’s Looping The Loop with talented young musicians. Shakespearean Commenting on the gift, Clive tour. An artistic and creative programme shaped by local people, Richards - who works as a serial epic the initiative is designed to create better access to art and culture entrepreneur in the City of - in the Ladywood district where the gallery is located. said: “My wife and I are delighted to Commenting on the investment, Ikon’s Deputy Director, Ian Hyde, support Mirga in the music educa- said: “The funding will enable us to build on our reputation for tion of young people in the greater taking contemporary art to communities via the canals and water- Birmingham area. Undoubtedly Mirga will captivate and inspire all ways of the . We believe that working with residents the young people who come into in our local community, which is one of the most diverse districts orbit as she already does with her in Birmingham, will help support our mission to engage a wide older admirers.” audience with all that we do.” A young Birmingham actor Brum gig for is to appear in an interna- university lecturer tional movie inspired by Cirque’s tales of the forest, Shakespeare’s Titus A Birmingham University lecturer is Andronicus. told in the city... this month performing at a popular Twenty-one-year-old The world famous Cirque du Soleil make a welcome return to city centre eatery with his newly Birmingham this month. formed band. Antonio Aakeel is the only Ashley Allen has amassed more British actor in the Indo- The Québec-based entertainment company are visiting the city’s than 15 years of experience in the British co-production The Genting Arena with their signature production, Varekai: Tales Of performing arts industry, working, Hungry, a film that was The Forest. recording and playing with big- given the green light last The spectacular show reimagines the Greek myth of Icarus, who name musicians including Gregory year as part of the 400th perished after flying too close to the sun. Porter, Aynsley Lister, Julie Dexter The production shows at the Genting Arena from Wednesday 1 to and Omar. anniversary commemora- His Ashley Allen Quintet performs at tions of Shakespeare’s Sunday 5 March. Bar Opus on Saturday 4 March. death. “The film is every bit a Shakespearean epic,” says Antonio, “and what a great way to commemorate his legacy. We’re all very proud of the movie, and India has been the perfect setting to translate this story for a contemporary audience.”

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The changing face of Brum

With the introduction of Grand Central and the demolition of Central Library and Paradise Forum, Birmingham’s skyline has seen plenty of changes in the past couple of years. Now plans have been put in place to rejuvenate the Southside area of the city. Lauren Cox finds out more...

A multi-million pound project will see a 40ft Chinese culture in Birmingham and an icon “Together with the recent announcement of traditional Chinese arch and dragon-embell- that will be celebrated for years to come.” a £70million plan to redevelop Smallbrook ished plinths installed in a new public , Southside Square will give a Earlier this year, Mr Wong and the Chinese square in the south side of Birmingham city new heart and stronger identity to Festival Committee celebrated a record- centre. The vibrant space will be fit for out- Chinatown, as well as extending the benefits breaking year for Chinese New Year celebra- door performances, festivals and markets, of the New Street Station redevelopment with tions in Birmingham. With a new and and will unite Chinatown for the first time. improved pedestrian and cycle links.” improved public space hopefully on its way, Championed by the Southside Business celebrations in years to come are surely set to The council’s planning committee has Improvement District (BID), the Chinese grow even more. approved plans to demolish the section from community, the Hippodrome theatre and Holloway Circus to Hurst Street, including Chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham City Council, the pedestrianised the concrete bridge link, and replace it with Fiona Allan, said: “This will be an exciting Southside Square is intended to transform a nine-storey block with shops and offices and new creative space where local commu- the area around Hurst Street, Ladywell Walk and a 26-storey apartment block. nities can gather for cultural experiences as and Thorp Street. performers, participants and audiences. We While Snobs nightclub on the corner of Hurst Paul Garry, chairman of Southside BID, said: look forward to enhancing our performance Street will be unaffected, the remaining sec- “We anticipate the square will provide a safe programme in this space as we grow our fes- tion up to Debenhams will be renovated with and welcoming environment for all visitors tivals and our community projects for an additional two storeys and reclad in glass. and residents to enjoy, and we’re working increasingly diverse audiences." Iain MacSween, development manager at hard with our partners to make this project a The Chinatown improvements from the CEG, said: “The decision to approve these reality.” Southside Link Project are the latest poten- applications will enable the delivery of a Funding for the development of Southside tial developments to be announced in the vibrant, attractive development which will Square will be sought from the Greater district. The Commercial Estates Group (CEG) regenerate this prominent location, creating Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise is looking to regenerate Smallbrook new job opportunities, homes, retail and Partnership’s Enterprise Zone, recent nearby Queensway, with plans in place for one of leisure space close to the city centre. It will residential schemes and local businesses. Birmingham’s tallest residential buildings also open up Hurst Street views and provide and the demolition of the Ringway Centre. a new, iconic, landmark building.” James Wong, chairman of the Chinese Festival Committee and director of Chung Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy An estimated 500 jobs will be created during Ying Group, said: “This new space enables said: “This square is an important stage in the construction phase, and once the offices, us to showcase the fantastic arts and culture ongoing plans to transform the south side of bars and shops open, a further 1,100 perma- we have here. The Chinese arch is something the city centre, delivering better public nent jobs. we have been working to achieve for a long spaces and an improved quality of life for time, creating a permanent celebration of residents and visitors.

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FEATURE

Going Greek

Jodie Prenger talks about playing Shirley Valentine in a new version of Willy Russell’s iconic play...

Ever fallen so in love with a foreign country that you've been tempted to stay forever? In Willy Russell's much-loved story, Shirley Valentine, a middle-aged housewife swaps her humdrum life in Liverpool for paradise on the sunny shores of Greece after a friend unexpectedly invites her out on holiday. The 1989 film version starring Pauline Collins has firmly established a place in the nation's hearts, but slightly less well known and widely seen is the original stage version that inspired it. Unusually for Russell, the stage show takes the form of a long monologue, where a solo performer recounts Shirley's entire journey in character. Thirty years after the show made its stage debut, I'd Do Anything star Jodie Prenger brings it back to life at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre this month. “As a character, I'd put Shirley Valentine right up there with icons,” says Prenger. “When Willy Russell created her, I think she became the heart of every woman around the UK, so it's an absolute joy to play a role like this. And also she's so brave - I think it's extraordinary to have the strength to leave everything she knows behind. It sounds like a bit of a cliché, but she really does 'discover herself'. I think it's quite an endearing quality for someone to question what their life has been and what they've done with it, and she really does that.”

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by Heather Kincaid

Like many, Prenger had her first Educating Rita) also remains a hands-on unsatisfying job, will be able to encounter with Shirley through the film member of the team, and director Glen understand Shirley's gnawing frustrations adaptation. Though the character and Walford has the benefit of just as much and desire for an escape. Not wanting to story are much the same in either experience with the show as does the return from a favourite holiday is medium, the way it's told makes a huge writer, having both commissioned and probably also something that most of us difference, especially for the actor leading directed the original stage production. can identify with. the production. “It was originally written as a play. Glen “I think we've also all had jobs where we “I've never seen it on stage before, which I Walford commissioned Willy to write a go in nine-to-five and we'd all much think is a good thing, but of course I've musical, and he turned up with this one- rather be sat on the beach drinking wine seen the film, and I'm always quite woman play which has become really by the sea. I remember when we went to shocked when people say they haven't. embedded in the history of theatre - so no the Maldives - we were on a private island, On stage, the vision and the story and the pressure for me! Willy's been really which was lovely, and it was definitely premise is all taken up by one person, so involved in this production, but then the hard to drag me back then. So I think you have to really be there in the moment. show is his baby. And it's the same with there's a bit of Shirley Valentine in every You can't just sit on a chair and tell the Glen. They're both very proud of it, and single person out there. Or at least I hope story - you have to make sure the I'm very proud to get to hold it - I feel like there is, because she's just glorious, she audience can see all these scenes and the I'm holding it with my mittens on, really is.” parts of Shirley's journey playing out.” protecting it. I think it's so admirable As well as starring in Tell Me On A when the people who’ve created these Luckily, Prenger has plenty of experience Sunday, Spamalot and Calamity Jane at shows stay part of them for so long, and I to draw on here, having previously the New Alex, Prenger also recently think that's what keeps them special and appeared in Tell Me On A Sunday, which appeared as Fairy Bow Bells in keeps the strength in them year after showed at the New Alex in April 2016. But Birmingham Hippodrome's Christmas year.” in this particular case, she says, it's the panto, Dick Whittington. And she's nature of the character and the scale of Decades after the story was written, looking forward to returning to the city. her journey of self-discovery that allows attitudes to marriage, relationships and Coming back to a familiar place with a the show to easily fill the space in larger women generally have changed a great few friendly faces to call on helps break venues, despite its one-woman cast. deal, and Shirley's pre-holiday life spent up the loneliness of touring solo. talking to the walls and cooking egg and “I think it goes back to Shirley Valentine “I always love going to Birmingham - the chips for an unappreciative husband are being this big, iconic role. She's got a shopping's great and it's got a real kind of probably far less typical today than they huge, epic story to tell and goes on a real buzz about it, which is always nice, once were. Nevertheless, thinks Prenger, adventure, and that makes you want to especially when you're going somewhere she's still as easy to identify with as ever. listen to her. She's a great explorer who on your own. I've done quite a lot of gets to live out her dream. She says herself “The thing is, when you watch it, she shows in the city, and it was lovely to hear that she's a mother, she's a wife, she's never actually hates Joe. I think they do the reaction about Shirley Valentine while Shirley Valentine, and the way that she still love each other, and that's why I was doing the panto at the Hippodrome says it makes you feel like Shirley they've stayed together for so long, even if over Christmas. And it'll be nice to meet Valentine could be Super Woman.” they don't always say it. They've just up with some people I know there started drifting apart, haven't they? I because I do sometimes get lonely doing a Of course, although she takes the think we've all experienced relationships one-woman show, so I'm more than limelight up on stage, Prenger isn't going like that - where someone does things that grateful to anyone who pops over for a to be entirely unsupported. There's also get on your bloody nerves and sometimes chat.” plenty of help to be had from the crew they drive you mad, but deep down you and creative team, including designer love 'em and you just get on with it. You Amy Yardley. see echoes of that throughout history - it's Shirley Valentine shows at the New “I don't want to give too much away but just something that goes on and on.” Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon the set really is extraordinary. It's got a And it's not just relationships either; there 6 - Sat 11 March; Belgrade Theatre, kind of nostalgic quality, especially when are plenty of other ways of getting stuck Coventry, Tues 6 - Sat 10 June; Theatre she ventures out to Greece - it's really in a rut. Anyone who's ever found Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 10 - Sat 15 beautiful and picturesque.” themselves in any sort of dead-end July Creator Willy Russell (Blood Brothers, situation, whether in love or simply in an

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 FOOD March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 15:59 Page 1 FOOD March Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 15:59 Page 2

Food

Owners of iconic London restaurant on the lookout for premises in Birmingham A company which owns a popular Cruise, Angelina Jolie, Simon Cowell, and celebrity haunt in London has confirmed David and . that it plans to open a new restaurant in The Ivy Collection group also has four Birmingham. other restaurants in the capital and one Located in the West End, the Ivy in Bristol. Collection group’s flagship venue, The The company is known to be looking for Ivy, is celebrating its centenary this year. a suitable premises in Birmingham, with The restaurant’s long list of modern-day the intention of bringing ‘the familiar lux- celebrity diners includes Madonna, Tom ury of The Ivy’ to the second city.

Being greedy, we also ordered very tasty and a great end to the the smoked salmon served with evening. oyster mayonnaise and pickled In addition to its everyday veg off the Valentine’s menu. It menu, The Loft serves a wide proved to be another tasty dish range of Saturday and Sunday made with top-quality ingredi- brunch options, including pas- ents, with all the flavours work- tries, ciabattas and a full ing well together. English, all of which are avail- Next up, the mains. We were able till 5pm. Bottomless brunch spoilt for choice! From land is also available upon request. plates, sea plates and field They also have beef, chicken, plates to flat bread pizzas, the pork belly and vegetarian menu had it all. After much Sunday lunches available for deliberation we opted for the £19.50 for two people - a reason- grilled lamb fillets served with able price tag for the quality of courgette, stuffed slow-roasted the food. tomatoes and caper butter, and The Loft is perfect for groups of the braised pork served with friends and couples alike. With celeriac, roasted apple sauce DJs and live music to enjoy, as and crackling bites. well as a stunning outdoor Both dishes were fantastic. The space, it’s somewhere I’ll cer- pork was cooked to perfection, tainly be returning to in the REVIEW: The Loft, Birmingham providing a melt-in-the-mouth future. sensation, and was beautifully If you’re a lover of relaxed din- complemented by the dish’s Relaxed dining in Southside... ing, reasonably priced dishes other elements. We particularly and high-quality ingredients, welcomed the addition of the Located in the heart of enjoyed one of The Loft’s this place is for you. The service crackling bites. Every meat-eater Birmingham’s Southside district intriguing cocktails. I opted for a was fantastic, and that, along- loves crackling, right? Similarly, and having recently undergone a Molly Cavalli - a pornstar martini side the tasty food, chilled-out the lamb was cooked well and huge refurbishment and with a salted caramel twist. atmosphere and stylish sur- seasoned nicely. The caper but- rebrand, The Loft (formerly The Served in a takeaway coffee cup roundings, certainly made for a ter was a really tasty addition to Loft Lounge) prides itself on with half a passion fruit, it was very enjoyable evening. the dish, providing small, salty bringing traditional British fare - extremely tasty. Lauren Foster accompanied with speciality The bartender clearly knows his bursts of flavour. spirits, cocktails and craft beers - stuff. Following a delicious and comi- Food: to the bustling city centre. cally named Suck And Swallow n n n n n From the Nibbles section of the Service: cocktail (presented in a plastic n n n n n On arrival at the venue, we were menu, we chose the satay-glazed Ambience: bag with a chupa chups lolly), n n n n n politely greeted and shown over chicken wings and the chipotle, Overall value we managed to squeeze in n n n n n to our table - a cosy little alcove garlic and honey-glazed beef OVERALL n n n n n in the dimly lit bar area. ribs. The ribs were some of the dessert, despite being suitably The venue’s friendly and wel- nicest I’ve ever tasted. The meat full. From their Valentine’s coming atmosphere, allied to its was cooked to absolute perfec- menu, I opted for the dark impressively stylish look, made tion and fell off the bone. The chocolate and fig tart, served The Loft for a positive first impression. sauce had a slight kick and with ice cream. My partner chose 143 Bromsgrove Street So far, so good! boasted a sticky, strong and deli- the ever-so-naughty double Southside chocolate brownie sundae with Birmingham Whilst perusing the menu, and cious flavour. The wings were whipped cream, salted caramel B5 6RG upon recommendation from our also cooked really nicely, with a sauce, vanilla ice cream and Tel: 0121 622 2444 friendly and attentive waiter, I generous coating of satay sauce. pecans. Both were very filling, whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Coffee single.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:33 Page 1

FEATURE Fancy a coffee? Coffee culture in Birmingham is positively booming. From artisan roasteries to quirky cafes, the city is full of hidden gems catering with passion and skill to the increasing demand and desire for high-quality coffee. What’s On has handpicked some of Brum’s best independent coffee shops for you to try out.

Quarter Horse Coffee 200 Degrees Yorks Bakery Cafe

Quarter Horse Coffee 200 Degrees Yorks Bakery Cafe The delicious aroma of roasting coffee Located in the heart of Birmingham’s At Yorks Cafe and Coffee Roasters, beans completely fills the air in this commercial district, the new coffee great quality Birmingham coffee is stylish and minimalistic cafe and shop from 200 Degrees - small batch roasted on site. This beautifully roastery. You can listen to the gentle coffee roasters based in Nottingham - decorated gem of a cafe hosts live jazz hum of the roaster and see the process is already proving to be extremely nights every Monday and serves up a in action while you sip on the great- popular. variety of craft beers, wine and tasting coffee. Recently named as one The coffee gurus at the cafe share their cocktails. Yorks also has an Espresso of Britain’s best coffee shops by the expertise at the in-store Barista School. Bar on and is getting editor of Caffeine magazine, Chloe Learn how to be a barista, how to brew ready to open more cafes and expand Callow, Quarter Horse distributes their the perfect coffee at home or how to its coffee-roasting business. freshly roasted coffee to a variety of create the best eye-catching latte art. 29/30 Stephenson St, B2 4BH & 16a venues all around Birmingham. 21 Colmore Row, B3 2BH Colmore Row, B2 5HU 88-90 Bristol St, B5 7AH

Six Eight Kafé velvet hot chocolates made with raw high-quality speciality coffee and tea. As Back in 2011, this cafe was opened by four cacao, beets and maple syrup on the though working in a coffee laboratory, passionate coffee lovers who have since menu, Madcup is the place to be if you're expert baristas at Faculty use a variety of set the bar high for other independent after a perfect health kick. methods and tools such as AeroPress, V60 coffee shops in Birmingham. Six Eight is 20 Alcester Rd S, Kings Heath, B14 7PU pour-overs and sand timers to ensure that now a legendary cafe firmly established each cup is brewed and poured to within the city’s coffee scene. Regular live Tilt perfection. 14 Piccadilly Arcade, B2 4HD music, art and poetry events take place at You can enjoy a game of pinball with your the Temple Row site, accompanied by cup of great-tasting speciality coffee or craft beer and award-winning coffee. glass of craft beer at this alternative and Urban Emporiums 6/8 Temple Row, B2 5HG & Floor 2, relaxed coffee bar. What could be better? Formally Urban Coffee Company, Urban is Millennium Point, Curzon St, B4 7XG Tilt choose guest roasters from all over the a veteran of coffee scene world to showcase the best seasonal in Birmingham. As well as serving great Madcup coffees so that you’ll always get great- coffee at both Urban Emporiums, a This new and trendy cafe is bringing some tasting coffee. bottomless brunch with all-you-can-drink Australian coffee culture to Birmingham. 2 City Arcade, Union St, B2 4TX Bucks Fizz and Bloody Marys is on offer The all-white modern cafe, complete with every at the Church Street coffee quirky finishing touches, offers Faculty shop. We like the sound of that! 30 Church St, B3 2NP & The Big Peg, something a little different alongside its Nestled away in the historic Piccadilly Warstone Ln, Jewellery Quarter, B18 regular coffee. With rose-infused matcha Arcade, close to New Street Station, is a 6NF lattes, golden turmeric lattes and pink small and intimate cafe with a focus on Coffee single.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:33 Page 2

by Lauren Cox

The new kid on the block...

Damascena Coffee House A new branch of Moseley’s award-winning coffee house, delicatessen and bakery has recently opened in and is already proving to be a big hit. Serving Turkish, strong Arabic and Arabian spiced coffee, the venue offers a real taste of the Middle East and North Africa. Follow the road to Damascena - meaning Damascus rose - and enjoy the stunning decor and wide range of delicious Syrian- inspired food, from meze platters with falafel and hummus to fattoush salads and freshly baked flatbreads. 5-7 Temple Row West, Birmingham, B2 5NY and 133 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8JP

whatsonlive.co.uk 13 Food Festivals Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:25 Page 1 Food Festivals Birmingham.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:25 Page 2

food, glorious food...

Food festivals are becoming as much a staple of the British summer as Pimms, strawberries and Wimbledon. We all love eating alfresco (don’t we?), so what better way to sample locally grown produce and freshly made dishes than by attending one or more of the many food festivals taking place across the Midlands in the coming months...

BIRMINGHAM VIVA! VEGAN FESTIVAL With over 150 COLMORE FOOD FESTIVAL Bringing the finest hospi- gian High Street to become one of the Midlands’ stalls, talks throughout the day, cookery demos tality venues of the Colmore Business District to- biggest and busiest food festivals, Fri 6 - Sun 8 Oc- and lots of other activities, Sat 15 April, Macdonald gether for one weekend, Fri 30 June - Sat 1 July, tober, Westbridge Park, Stone, Staffordshire Burlington Hotel, Birmingham Colmore Row, Birmingham HAMPER LLANGOLLEN 2017 Voted by the Telegraph BRUM’S BIG FAT PIZZA FESTIVAL The annual festival THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Artisan food mar- national newspaper as one of the top 10 food festi- dedicated entirely to pizza makes a welcome re- ket, food challenges and competitions, live music, vals in the UK, Sat 14 - Sun 15 October, Llangollen turn, Sat 29 April, No.21 Digbeth, Birmingham children’s entertainment, foodie demonstrations Pavilion EASTNOR CHILLI FESTIVAL Now in its 6th year, with all and so much more, Sat 8 - Sun 9 July, Kelmarsh things chilli to try and buy, Sun 30 April - Mon 1 Hall, Northampton May, Eastnor Castle COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL COSFORD FOOD FESTIVAL LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL (SPRING) Proving that Lud- Featuring a tasty line-up of over 80 local producers Don’t forget the Street Food... low doesn’t do things by halves, the Spring Festival and serving up ‘the very best food and drink the is a celebration of all things British, packing a Midlands has to offer’, Sat 22 - Sun 23 July, RAF DIGBETH DINING CLUB Now open on both Friday and slightly different punch to its older counterpart, Sat Museum Cosford Saturday nights, the award-winning food event 13 - Sun 14 May, Ludlow Castle KENILWORTH FOOD FESTIVAL Hosting the region’s showcases the very best of street food vendors, THE GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL Artisan food mar- very best food and drink vendors, with over 40 Every Friday and Saturday night, Mama Roux’s and ket, food challenges and competitions, live music, stalls selling tasty goodies to savour on-site or to Spotlight, Digbeth, Birmingham children’s entertainment, foodie demonstrations take home, Sun 30 July, Abbey Fields, Kenilworth HAWKER YARD Inspired by the hawker culture of and so much more, Sat 27 - Mon 29 May, Weston WORCESTER FOODIE FESTIVAL Following the great Asia, Hawker Yard is a unique space where the Park, Staffordshire success of last year’s event, the festival returns stars of Birmingham’s food and drink scene come WARWICK FOOD FESTIVAL Back for the third year and ‘bigger and better’, with over 70 stalls offering deli- together and collaborate, Every Friday evening and celebrating all things local to Warwick, Sun 28 May, cious food and drink from local businesses, Sat 5 - Saturday, Pershore Street, Birmingham Market Square, Warwick Sun 6 August, Worcester KINGS HEATH STREETFOOD MARKET Bringing together THE GREAT MALVERN FOOD FESTIVAL Over 60 stalls of LICHFIELD FOOD FESTIVAL Following the roaring suc- 15 of the country’s hottest streetfood traders, live locally produced food, drink and crafts. The BBC’s cess of last year's edition, the Three Spires Shop- music and a craft ale bar to create a truly unique Cooking Food Theatre features demonstrations, ping Centre once again plays host to ‘a fantastic dining experience, Village Square, Kingsheath, talks and displays, Mon 29 May, Great Malvern Pri- weekend of edible delights’, Sat 26 - Mon 28 Au- Birmingham ory gust, Lichfield Town Centre MAC FOOD MARKET A host of Birmingham's street ASPARAFEST Celebrating all things asparagus and NANTWICH FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Boasting over food favourites take over mac with freshly made featuring a winning combination of music, food, fun 200 traders spread between two indoor gourmet treats, Last Sunday of every month, mac, Birming- activities and attractions, Fri 2 - Sun 4 June, Ash- market halls, and street food vendors from across ham down Farm, Evesham the globe, Fri 1 - Sun 3 September, Nantwich Town NO. 21 DIGBETH Launched this very year, No. 21 of- Centre BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW SUMMER Bringing the best fers street food, arts, pop-ups, music and a bou- food, drink and culinary experts from the BBC to TELFOOD FEASTIVAL More than 130 of the region’s tique market, Every Friday night, 21 Milk Street, Birmingham, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 June, NEC, Birm- best food, drink and craft producers descend on Birmingham ingham Telford’s Southwater development for a second year, Sat 2 - Sun 3 September, QEII Arena, Telford, DROITWICH SPA FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL With approx- Shropshire imately 100 producers hailing from Droitwich and within a 30-mile radius, Sat 17 June, The Lido Park, ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Droitwich Spa Now in its 10th year, the festival yet again features an action-packed programme, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Sep- ELLESMERE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Showcasing im- tember, Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington pressive varieties of top-quality produce from local and regional producers, suppliers and restaurants, MOLD FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL Recognised as one Sat 17 - Sun 18 June, Ellesmere, Shropshire of the best and most successful festivals in Wales, Mold attracts more than 13,000 visitors and 120 SHREWSBURY FOOD FESTIVAL Returning for another food and drink producers every year, Sat 16 - Sun year, Shrewsbury Food Festival features hundreds 17 September, Mold, Wales of artisan food, drink and craft producers showcas- ing Shropshire’s fine food and drink, Sat 24 - Sun STONE FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL The festival has 25 June, The Quarry Park, Shrewsbury grown from humble beginnings in the town’s Geor-

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Gigs Gig previews from around the region

Emeli Sandé O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sun 19 March

Recording artist and songwriter Emeli Sandé first came to promi- nence when she featured on rapper Chipmunk’s 2009 track, Diamond Rings. Having since established her- self as one of the UK’s most revered artists, she returns to the stage this month in support of the critically nated for a Mercury Music Prize - as was sec- acclaimed Long Live The Angels, an ond in 2010 album described as ‘a mesmerising O2 Institute, Birmingham, Tues 14 March and fourth album in journey’ through the last four years Singer-songwriter Laura is one of the most 2013. of Sandé’s extraordinary life. talented and prolific young musicians of her Voted Best British Female Solo Artist at the generation. She came to prominence back in 2011 Brit Awards, she’s now back on the Amy Macdonald 2008 with the release of her debut offering, road in support of her highly anticipated Alas, I Cannot Swim. The album was nomi- sixth album, . Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 30 March

Ten Fé Slaves Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Sun 12 March The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham, Mon 27 March Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan met at a Featuring Laurie Vincent on guitar, bass and party and shortly afterwards became busk- vocals and Isaac Holman on drums and ing partners on the London Underground, vocals, English punk duo Slaves peaked at performing classic covers on District line number eight in the charts with their trains. Mercury Music Prize-nominated debut “It was early rock ’n’ roll, early Beatles - the album, Are You Satisfied. bootleg stuff, when they were at the Cavern. Their second offering, Take Control, fared Twenty-nine-year-old singer-song- Some people now are ashamed of playing even better, reaching number six in the writer Amy Macdonald has released covers, but our sets were full of them.” charts in its first week. three and sold over five mil- The pair visit Birmingham following the lion records worldwide - including 1.5 release of their debut album, Hit The Light, million here in the UK. She’s per- which fuses intricate contemporary elec- formed to over three million people tronics and the band’s signature mix of The Weeknd across the world and spent last sum- Americana, baggy and soulful Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, mer splitting her time between vocals. Mon 13 March recording in the studio and headlin- Grammy Award-winning and multi-plat- ing festivals across Europe. inum-selling music artist The Weeknd Macdonald rose to fame back in 2007 released three nine-track mixtapes to great with the release of her debut album, acclaim in 2011 - House Of Balloons, This Is The Life, and has since won Thursday and Echoes Of Silence. A compila- plenty of silverware, including the tion album, Trilogy, followed in 2012, 2011 Echo Award for Best released under both Republic Records and International Rock/Pop Female. his own label, OX. See her at Symphony Hall as she He’s visiting Birmingham as part of his first embarks on her first tour in four ever world tour, Starboy: Legend Of The years. Fall.

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Classical Music

Gala Piano All-Nighter , Fri 3 - Sat 4 March Comprising 12 hours of piano music, this Birmingham Conservatoire event features contributions from, among others, , Alistair McGowan, Peter Donohoe, Dr Anna Scott, Antony Hewitt and ‘a mystery special guest’. The evening kicks off with Hungarian vir- tuoso pianist Gergely Bogányi performing Chopin's Nocturnes. Proceedings are brought to a close on the Saturday morn- ing with a performance of Messiaen’s Dieu Parmi Nous on the famous Town Hall Organ. The event begins at 7.30pm on Friday the 3rd and finishes at 7.30am on the morning of the 4th.

Nigel Kennedy And Friends Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 11 March Perhaps in an attempt to distract himself from the frustrations that are part and parcel of supporting Aston Villa Football Club, maverick violinist Nigel Kennedy has headed out on I Fagiolini tour with this special gala celebration show. The concert sees him performing a wide-rang- ing repertoire that features new works and greatest hits, world music, jazz, classical and a The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Wed 22 March selection of music from composers as diverse as Bach and Jimi Hendrix. British vocal ensemble I Fagiolini present about 50 concerts each year, from the BBC Proms and major European festivals to Birmingham BCMG: Oliver Knussen further-afield performances in the US, the Far East and Africa. Philharmonic Orchestra Conducts Since forming over 30 years ago, the The Bramall, Birmingham University, CBSO Centre, Birmingham, Sun 5 March group have earned themselves a reputa- Sun 26 March “I've worked with Oliver Knussen quite a tion for presenting music in unusual Birmingham Phil’s latest concert sees bit,” explains Helen Grime in an interview ways, their joyfully anarchic approach soprano Alison Roddy joining the with compositiontoday.com. “He’s such a helping to break down barriers between orchestra for a programme of three fantastic musician and, apart from the fact contemporary audiences and early music. works conducted by music director that he’s a great composer, he's got a bril- This latest presentation sees them cele- Michael Lloyd. liant ear. He's also very clever but not intel- brating the 450th anniversary of the birth Mozart’s Exsultate, jubilate, written in lectually intimidating. His music has been of Monteverdi, in whose works they spe- 1773, is a religious solo motet which, an important influence on me.” cialise. The concert features what the although produced for a famous castrato One of the UK’s leading young composers, ensemble describe as ‘a ravishing selec- whom the composer greatly admired, is Grime is here once again seeing her work tion’ of the 17th century Italian compos- really a concerto for soprano voice... conducted by the talented Knussen and per- er’s music. Brahms’ Variations On A Theme By formed by Birmingham Contemporary Haydn is commonly referred to as the ‘St Music Group. Anthony’ variations. It’s based on a The ensemble first performed one of her theme from the first of a set of six diverti- works - the three-movement A Cold Spring - menti which, at the time of composition, eight years ago. were thought to be by Haydn but are now Her Sound Investment Piano Concerto is credited to his pupil, Ignace Pleyel... receiving its world premiere in this concert, The programme is completed by which also includes tributes to composers Mahler’s Symphony No 4 in G major, a who’ve had a significant influence on her work written at the end of the 19th centu- music. ry that finds its inspiration in folk poetry.

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Comedy

Natalie Cutler: Not Yet Suffragette Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 19 March; mac, Birmingham, Thurs 23 March The tampon tax, public breast-feeding, marriage, child birth and the gender pay gap are among the subjects being given a thorough airing by Natalie Cutler in her one-woman show - an hour’s-worth of performance that brings together comedy, music, dance and political incorrectness. “It’s a show about how far we’ve not come and the reasons why,” explains Natalie. “Women are still being asked the same questions and told the same things - ‘How come you’re not married? How come you don’t have a baby? You should dress like this, don’t dress like that’. They’re all the same issues that were there 100 years ago. But there are plenty of people in the world trying to address inequality - my show doesn’t pretend to have any answers, it simply takes a look at where we’ve travelled over the last century. “I’m very much a satirical comedian and believe in the old adage of ‘first make an audience laugh, then make them think’. With this show, it was very important to me that I included material on subjects that weren’t commonly known about. For instance, I have a whole section based around the fact that there are currently 17 women serving life sentences in El Salvador because of miscarriage. Abortion is illegal in the country, and miscarriage is considered to be abortion and the woman’s fault.” So is Natalie welcoming of men in her audience? “Absolutely. It’s feminist comedy, but I don’t spend the hour bashing men. A lot of guys who see the show don’t get it. And why would they? They don’t have the issues. The ones who do respond to it tend to be younger, and a lot of them absolutely see where I’m coming from.”

Six of the best...

Russell Stuart Tom Allen & Howard Goldsmith Suzi Ruffell Genting Arena, Henry Tudor House, Edge Arts Centre, Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock, Fri 17 - Sat 18 March Thurs 9 March Fri 17 March; Brewhouse Arts According to his “Whether cheering Centre, Burton-on- mother, reveals up a distressed child, Trent, Sat 18 March Russell Howard, his helping prevent a Two talented comedi- comic style calls to riot, or genuinely ans for the price of mind a child telling saving another one is the deal on people about his day at the zoo. human's actual life, I’m excellent in a crisis,” offer here, with Tom and Suzi each taking an And in fairness, Mrs H’s assessment is a pret- says Stuart Goldsmith. “When the chips hour of the show and performing their ty accurate one. aren't down, however, it's a very different Edinburgh Fringe routines. Well known for the BBC Three TV series story.” Allen is a master of camp comedy. Often Russell Howard's Good News, the Bristol- Goldsmith says this sixth solo show is about likened in style to legendary raconteurs born funnyman is here making a return to ‘embracing anxiety, conquering indecision Kenneth Williams and Frankie Howard, he the live stage for the first time in three years, and getting tasered’. It focuses on the also doffs his comedian’s cap in the direction taking on the challenge of his biggest global always-rich subject matter of being middle- of McIntyre and Izzard. This latest show is tour to date. aged, the experience of parenting and the his eighth solo offering and derives much of Gags include: “Have people always been this challenges of leaving the city for a life in the its material from experiences which hap- angry? I've got a funny idea that before the countryside. pened in his childhood... internet, people were just writing ‘f*** you’ His jokes include: “My friend Kim is on every Ruffell looks back to her own formative years and attaching it to pigeons,” and “I lost my single dating website. She refers to them all for her inspiration too. Gay, quirky and virginity under a bridge. I was having sex as the ‘husband directory’, but behind her delightfully self-deprecating, she’s certainly with this poor girl and I was trying my best, back we call it the Screwfix catalogue.” making good progress in the world of stand- but I was like at a World Cup - just up comedy, presenting an unquestionably pleased to be there.” likeable persona as she waxes lyrical about her mother’s fashion sense and her father’s ‘dodgy’ jobs. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy March.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:17 Page 2

Comedy previews from around the region

Count Arthur Strong: The Sound Of Mucus Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 8 March; Malvern Theatres, Fri 24 March After years of success on BBC Radio Four and at the Edinburgh Fringe, Count Arthur Strong - or ‘the Count’, as he’s otherwise known - finally made it onto the nation’s television screens in 2013, starring in a sitcom that was co-written by the character’s creator, Steve Delaney, and the man behind Father Ted, Graham Linehan. A third series of the show is due to be screened this month. “Isn't it wonderful,” says Arthur, “that you can just turn on the telly after a hard day at the abattoir and there I am, smiling back at you, in my own programme again and again.” If you’ve not yet enjoyed a live performance by the Doncaster-born doyen of light entertainment, this tour is an excellent opportunity to do so. Entitled The Sound Of Mucus, the new show pays tribute to one of the best musicals Arthur can remember. Not that the former variety star is blessed with much of a memory, mind you. And as for his battery of befuddlements and propensity for mirthful malapropisms - well let’s just say that they provide exceptionally effective starting points for some truly top-grade comedy. “With each live show I’ve done, I’ve found out a little bit more about Arthur,” explains Steve Delaney in talking about the character he created. “If I watch footage from the early days, he looks like the bones of some- thing, but he’s definitely continued to develop, and that’s very important. Simply reproducing what I’ve done before would neither be as much fun nor as interesting.”

Tony Law: Jasper Carrott and Hal Royal Spa Centre, Alistair McGowan Cruttenden Leamington Spa, Thurs 16 March Belgrade Theatre, Mon 13 - Thurs 16 March; The Bramall, The Place, Oakengates, Telford, 25 - 27 March Birmingham, Zany alternative Thurs 16 March Midlands laughter legends Jasper and comedy is Canadian Given that he’s so Alistair are stopping off at plenty of the funnyman Tony much more than ‘just region’s theatres and comedy venues during Law's stock-in-trade, another stand-up’, the course of their long-running tour. a fact which means Hal Cruttenden Jasper’s been plying his trade for many a his audience is guar- must’ve been delight- decade now, with career highs including anteed an evening of truly off-the-wall, ed when wrote of him: numerous television series and a chartbust- boundary-defying stand-up. ‘He’s naturally funny, but he’s evolving into ing mid-’70s hit with hugely amusing song So if you like your comedians to be touched something more challenging and provocative Funky Moped. with genius while at the same time prone to than some jolly-faced follower in the foot- -born Alistair has followed in meander off-topic with gag-laden dialogues, steps of Michael McIntyre’. the footsteps of Mike Yarwood and Phil Cool Tony is definitely the fella for you. Alongside his comedy, Hal’s also an oft-seen to become one of the country’s most revered If, on the other hand, surreal comedy really actor, having appeared in TV shows includ- impressionists. He’s also worked extensively isn’t your thing, you may well be hard- ing EastEnders and Kavanagh QC, and on in the theatre, appearing in shows including pressed to get into the spirit of the evening. film in Mrs Dalloway and The Madness Of Little Shop Of Horrors, for which he received Previous shows have seen Tony chat to his King George. an Olivier Award nomination. audience about a lizard-moose who can see As a comic, he places great emphasis on the future, and channel the spirit of a late cleverly constructed punchlines, and is and little-known comedian whose act always happy to ridicule himself in the name involved him impersonating RAF fly-pasts. of comedy. Quite what Mr Law will choose to focus on Hal is here joined by fellow funnymen Alan during his Leamington show is anyone’s Hudson and compere-for-the-evening Paddy guess. Lennox. He’s appearing at the Bramall as part of the venue’s monthly comedy night.

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Billy Elliot ing the Midlands as part of its first ever UK tour. “Billy Elliot tells two different stories about trying to overcome adver- Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 March - Sat 29 April sity,” says Scott Garnham, who plays Billy's older brother and local Based on the hit movie of the same name, Billy Elliot is set in the strike ringleader, Tony. “One is about a little boy trying to escape his north east of England against the backdrop of the historic 1980s min- environment, the other is about the strike. And where one succeeds, ers' strike. the other fails spectacularly. Billy wants to be a dancer but feels that he must keep his ambition “When we take the show to places near mining communities, I feel secret, to avoid the disapproval of his struggling family... like they really get what we're trying to say with our story. In The award-winning show - it’s bagged 10 Tonys and five Olivier Sunderland, you could see fully-grown men crying in the audience Awards - features the iconic music of Sir Elton John and is here visit- when we talked about how there'd be no pits left in 10 years’ time.”

The Commitments Pink Mist Oyster Boy New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, The REP, Birmingham, Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 12 March; The Old Mon 13 - Sat 18 March Thurs 23 - Sat 25 March Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 24 March Roddy Doyle’s smash-hit musical adaptation Pink Mist is a military term for the blood All-female physical-theatre company Haste of his own bestselling novel follows on from spray that hangs in the air following an are the award-winning creatives behind this the Bafta-bagging movie version that attack by a sniper or the explosion of a road- bittersweet tale about the trials of love. chalked up a huge international success way side bomb. It’s a dramatic title for an equally Blending physical storytelling, clowning, live back in the early 1990s. dramatic work of theatre, originally written singing, dancing and puppetry, the show As with book and film, the stage show finds by Owen Sheers for radio broadcast. tells the story of Italian ice-cream seller Jim, working-class music fan Jimmy Rabbitte Arthur, Hads and Taff played at war with a his whirlwind 1950s romance with Alice, and inspiring an unlikely bunch of amateur youthful enthusiasm when in the school the way in which their lives are turned musicians and friends to become the finest playground - but now, barely out of their upside-down by the arrival of their first soul band Dublin has ever produced. teens and posted to Afghanistan, they find child, a boy born with a head that’s shaped Along the way, the band treats the audience that the realities of conflict are an altogether like an oyster to more than 20 gold-star soul classics, different experience... shell. including: Night Train; Try A Little Inspired by 30 interviews with returned ser- Running for Tenderness; River Deep, Mountain High; In vicemen, Pink Mist reflects on the physical approximately The Midnight Hour; Papa Was A Rolling and psychological aftershocks of war - and 60 minutes, the Stone; Mustang Sally; and I Heard It Through the price paid not only by the soldiers them- show is suitable The Grapevine. selves but also by the families they leave for audience The cast is headed by Kevin Kennedy, best behind. members aged known for playing the character of Curly The production visits Birmingham following eight-plus. Watts in Coronation Street. an acclaimed run at Bristol Old Vic.

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FEATURE

The Road To Huntsville

Stephanie Ridings’ one-woman show explores the subject of finding love on Death Row...

How far would you go to find the man of been incarcerated as it is writing to going to Texas to be with someone!” your dreams? Coming to Warwick Arts someone who's going to be executed, But despite not joining the ranks of the Centre this month, Stephanie Ridings' The which doesn't happen in this country.” women who find love through letter- Road to Huntsville explores the Ridings set about researching - digging writing, Ridings did eventually find the fascinating phenomenon of women around in blogs and internet forums, funding to travel out to Texas and visit the falling in love with the men they write to watching films and reading books to find Huntsville prison after which the show is on death row. You might think a out more. What she discovered surprised named. Opened in 1849, Huntsville is whirlwind romance based purely on her; once these women found their prison both the oldest state prison in Texas and letters to a prisoner sounds a little far- pen pals, it wasn't all that hard to home to America's busiest execution fetched, but according to Ridings, at least, understand how quickly they might fall, chamber. She and her videographer it's more common than you might think... even if they hadn't initially set out looking weren't able to get too close to the facility “There are a lot of websites where you can for love. For all the modern wonders of (you can see them skirting around the find someone to write to,” she says, “and instant communication, these are lonely perimeter in a series of video blogs on her you can be very specific - about sexuality, times for many people. In a world of YouTube channel), but they did get the gender, what they're in prison for, how constant distraction, the appeal of “an chance to speak to former prison warden long they're gonna be in prison - it's all old-fashioned courtship with pen and Jim Willett, who oversaw 89 executions catered for. Some of them actually get paper” is easy to see, particularly when over the course of his career. married, though there's no actual physical you're corresponding with someone “He was a really great guy - really funny contact - it's all done by proxy or through offering you their absolute and undivided and lovely, and you couldn't have asked the bulletproof glass.” attention. for a nicer person. But, I don't know, West Midlands-based writer and The wealth of information available both something about him just made you feel performer Ridings first took interest in the online and elsewhere meant that Ridings like he was damaged by his experience. It subject after coming across a television was able to start work on her show wasn't just doing all those executions and documentary. Instantly hooked, she was without ever making contact with any of having to take that home with him, but as drawn to look deeper into the lives and these long-distance lovers. Of course, the warden, he also lived right outside the experiences of these women, and what it there were ethical considerations to factor walls of the prison, and his house was on was that might lead them to pursue such in as well. the other side of the death house, so he'd unconventional relationships - brought his kids up that close to it.” “It didn't feel right to just crash into particularly the British women writing to somebody's life and then disappear once The pair also made some time to take a men in American prisons. I'd made the show. There are real look around the town more generally, and “The thing that really interested me was concerns about exploiting people for get a feel for the attitudes of local people the fact that they're three or four things like this. And there was nothing towards what happens in their thousand miles away, and that question of that I couldn't find out from what was neighbourhood. Huntsville is a small city whether you can actually be in love with already in the public domain, so I didn't in the east of Texas with a population of someone just through letters. Also, it isn't see what the purpose of that would be. just under 40,000. A quarter of that so much about writing to a man who's Also, I didn't want to end up actually population is made up of people behind

whatsonlive.co.uk Stephanie Ridings DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2017 12:27 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

bars, and the majority of the other interested and what happens after each the only time she's taken on hard-hitting residents are employed by the Texas incident, and how my other half subject matter. Her last play at The REP, Department of Criminal Justice, leading to responds. In Edinburgh, people really Unknown Male, explored the effects of a Huntsville being labelled as a ‘company wanted to know how much of it was true, train-track suicide on the driver. More town’. but we like to leave audiences to make recently, she's been working on a project their own minds up.” called Dylan's Parents, which deals with “People in that part of Texas are very the aftermath of a horrific crime from the conservative in their beliefs. We were It's not the first time Ridings has created perspective of the perpetrator's family. quite cautious about telling people why and performed a solo show - her previous we were there, so we only referred to the piece, Me, Mum & Dusty Springfield, Originally from Liverpool, Ridings has prison quite generically, but even the toured to rave reviews - but in recent years now lived in the West Midlands for six receptionist at our hotel was like, 'If you she's focused more on writing plays for years, having first moved in when her behave like a dog, you get put down like a other people to perform. This medium partner started work at Warwick Arts dog'. And that was very much the sort of seemed to suit the story better, but wasn't Centre. Since then, she's quickly made a attitude among the people we spoke to. without its perils. Such an intense and name for herself in the local arts and We were having dinner on the last night soul-searching show is bound to make theatre scene, being accepted onto The and there was a man there who thought huge demands on any performer, REP's inaugural Foundry programme, as that the UK was overrun by the Taliban particularly when they're up on stage well as Writing West Midlands' Room 204 and that we were all living in constant alone. scheme. fear. Of course, we were very typically “It just felt like this was a more interesting “Moving here was one of the best things British and polite about telling him that it way to present the story - it wasn't enough I've ever done for my career. After we was nothing like that, but there’s a real just to write a play about a woman who came to the area I felt like things sort of narrow-mindedness there. It was falls in love with a man on death row. In progressed much better, and I've been pretty strange, but it was a really great the early days it was difficult, and I took meeting really great friends and experience.” measures to make sure it wasn't affecting colleagues in the arts. Everyone's very Presented as a confessional-style solo me in my life - I suppose that's just about welcoming and there's a really nice feel. performance, the show blends detail of how you warm up and warm down at the Also there's always something going on Ridings' real experiences with a beginning and end of the show. I think the somewhere, and there's something for fictionalised narrative. Since the dividing rest of the team were quite worried that it everyone, whether it's big commercial line between the two is never made would affect me a lot, because there's a lot theatre or something more tailored, so I explicit, the show has elicited a variety of of my real life in there, and there are some can't champion the West Midlands responses from critics and audiences quite tricky things that I talk about which enough.” based on what they assume to be true and did actually happen. But at the same time, invented. I think there's something quite liberating about it. You just have to be mindful to “I speak directly to the audience, and it's The Road To Huntsville shows at take care of yourself.” almost like I'm sort of reliving it in that Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on moment, so it goes through how I get Experience probably helps. It's also not Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 March

whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:18 Page 2

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men redux

Fri 3 & Mon 27 & Sat 4 Mar Tue 28 Mar £15 £16

m¡longa The power and beauty of Argentinean tango.

Tue 16 - Tue 7 Mar - Fri 26 & Sat 20 May Sat 29 Apr Sat 27 May From £17 From £25 From £15

Coppélia

Mon 29 May Tue 6 - Tue 13 - - S at 3 Jun Sat 10 Jun Sat 17 Jun From £15 From £17 From £16

Jon Richardson - The Old Man Joel Dommett - Live 2017 Thu 4 May £20.50 Sat 6 May £18.50

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre March.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:19 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

One Love: The Bob Marley Musical The REP, Birmingham, Fri 10 March - Sat 15 April This new musical about the legendary Bob Marley is here receiving its UK premiere. Focusing on the period of the musician’s life that saw him propelled from rising reggae star to global icon, the show features Marley’s greatest hits, including No Woman No Cry, Exodus and Jamming, all of which are performed live by the cast. “Birmingham is a natural place for the show’s UK premiere,” says Marley’s daugh- ter, Cedella. “With its mix of cultures, it’s a city where my father performed to audiences that were captivated by his presence. “I have no doubt that telling the story through music to a new generation in Birmingham will be part of his continuing legacy.”

The Virgin Marias The Hypocrite Not Dead Enough The , Birmingham, Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 4 March Fri 31 March - Sat 29 April Mon 27 March - Sat 1 April Birmingham School of Acting graduate EastEnders’ Shane Richie and Strictly Come Nathalie Bazán’s revenge play is inspired by Dancing’s Laura Whitmore (pictured) spear- the true story of sisters Delfina and Maria de head this new stage adaptation of Peter Jesús González, brothel owners who, in mur- James’s ingenious novel. With more than 17 dering the prostitutes they recruited, became million copies of his books sold worldwide, the most infamous sibling serial killers in James’s reputation as a talented crime-fic- history. The production is presented by Lying tion author was further enhanced last year Lips, a theatre company which Nathalie when he received the coveted Diamond established in 2014. Suitable for audience Dagger, crime writing’s highest honour. members aged 14-plus, the show contains This latest stage adaptation of the novelist’s full nudity, smoking of herbal or e-cigarettes, work sees Detective Superintendent Roy stroboscopic lighting effects and violent Grace digging deep into a chilling murder scenes. Quite a night out, then... Award-winning playwright Richard Bean - case - and quickly finding out that not every- he of One Man, Two Guvnors fame - is the thing is quite as it seems to be... impressive talent behind this ‘riotous new Olivier Award winner Ian Talbot directs. Wonderwoman: comedy’, here being co-produced by the The Naked Truth Royal Shakespeare Company and Hull Truck Theatre. Set in the spring of 1842, its central mac, Birmingham, Fri 17 March character is the governor of Hull, Sir John “How do we discuss sex in front of the sand- Hotham, a man charged by Parliament with pit, write a thriller inside a playpen and the task of denying King Charles I entry into arrange a hot date whilst playing Lego?” ask the city. Croatian artists and long-term Birmingham “The reason the play is called The residents Tina Hofman and Kristina Gavran. Hypocrite,” explains Richard, “is that Sir “To work or not to work? That is the ques- John told some people that he was for tion. Our ambition didn’t disappear when we Parliament, and others that he supported the had kids. It is ever-present, and often in con- king. He was tasked by Parliament with flict. Can we soothe our babies and our securing Hull’s arsenal but later turned to ambition?...” the king's side, refusing to supply the Tina and Kristina present Wonderwoman via Parliamentarian Thomas Fairfax with pow- Notnow Collective, a company they co- der and munitions.” founded in order to contemplate the subjects The production stars Game Of Thrones’ Mark of family, parenthood and work-home bal- Addy (pictured) as Sir John and longtime tel- ance in a ‘challenging, highly visual and evision favourite Caroline Quentin as his immersive way’. wife, Lady Sarah Hotham.

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FEATURE

“Nobody is gonna rain on my parade” Natasha J Barnes talks about starring in Funny Girl on tour

What's the use of being a sensation if you never get the opportunity to show it? In and Isobel Lennart's iconic 1963 musical, Funny Girl, the unconventional Fanny Brice makes it big against the odds, thanks to a winning combination of hard work, determination and a lucky break. She's not the only one. When leading lady Sheridan Smith was forced to take time out from performing in the show's West End run last year, understudy Natasha Barnes was called upon at short notice to step up to the plate. Audiences who'd booked tickets in the hope of seeing Smith went in sceptical - Sheridan's shoes are undeniably hard to fill - but almost every one of them came out converted. As Fanny Brice would have it, Barnes was just an untried bagel on a plate full of onion rolls - all it took for people to be blown away by her was for someone to give her a chance. “I've understudied for a few things before, and for whatever reason you don't always get to play the part,” says Barnes. “So just having the opportunity to go on is amazing, but even though I'd done all the work in the rehearsals, I'm not sure how prepared I actually was. On the first night, I was just surprised I got through it, and then when everyone stood at the end, it was one of the best moments of my life. It was what I've wanted ever since I was little, and to see that people were really enjoying it was really special. I'm still grateful for it now.” The reviews were gushing, declaring her in no uncertain terms as good as Smith, and heralding her as a bright new star in the musical theatre firmament. So well did her performances go down that as the production embarks on a UK-wide tour in

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by Heather Kincaid

2017, Smith and Barnes will share the role larger than life. She's a very strong that's been a shock. There's the between them, alternating performances woman, a real fireball and quite ahead of enormously demanding schedule, too. at different venues. To some extent, the her time. She's also very funny and really Fortunately, the West End run has left pair each make the role their own, but wears her heart on her sleeve. She doesn't Barnes much better prepared for this whomever they see leading the show, hide anything. So it's all about trying to be year's tour, furnishing her with the audiences are guaranteed a real treat. as open and as full of light as you can be.” wisdom and experience to ensure she doesn't burn out when she hits the road. “I think my take really came out of the That aside, in many ways the part might West End run. When I first started out, I have been tailor-made for Barnes. The “It's a bit like driving a car, when you're did quite a close representation of what parallels between her own and Fanny's learning how to make the engine run as Sheridan did, until over time the journeys to success have not escaped smoothly as possible so that you don't character sort of became mine. The tour is comment so far. It's also a fantastic part stall it or blow it out or overheat it by just a chance for both of us to bring what for an emerging talent in terms of putting it through too much. After the first we did in London to the rest of the showcasing great range, with Fanny night, when I woke up the next morning, I country, while still keeping it fresh and growing steadily older and wiser as the felt like I'd been hit by a bus! I was so making sure it's just as special as the first play progresses. The story covers several tired and couldn't imagine how I was time round.” years of Brice's life, from her teens going to do it for eight shows a week - through to her thirties, with Barnes falling that's something you have to learn to Of course, Smith's isn't the only right in the middle of the range. manage quite quickly. But I think you performance Barnes has had to live up to. have to do a few shows, get it wrong a few For many, the show will be forever “I did worry about it a bit at first, whether times, maybe work a bit too hard or be a associated with Barbra Streisand, who or not I could play someone older than bit under-energised until you can get to originally played the part both on stage me. But it's a really well-fleshed-out part, that sweet spot where you can give it 110% and screen. It's partly this, thinks Barnes, and you do get a sense of moving through but not exhaust yourself so much that you that's kept directors from taking it up time with her - it's something that can't do it the next day. I mean, on a again for decades - prior to last year's run, happens very naturally with each song. matinee day you're singing nearly 28 it had been an incredible 50 years since The show picks up with the older Fanny songs, which is huge for anybody, so it's Funny Girl last showed in the West End. sitting at her dressing table, and then just about pacing yourself and treating it shoots back to show her at age 15. And “When you have somebody as iconic as like a marathon rather than a sprint.” luckily, from that point on, it’s straight Streisand, you really have to find the right through until the end of the show, so This will be the young performer's first person to follow them. I think Sheridan is there's not too much jumping around in time touring, and she's certainly looking one of the greatest female comedians of time. I have to say that the first 20 minutes forward to the fresh sights and new our generation, so it was very much her of the show are a bit of a sprint because experiences her visits to the Midlands and work that was the starting point for this when she's younger, you have to be much elsewhere will bring. production. But it’s interesting that it's more energetic and use your body a lot.” made a comeback now, because it’s being “I've never done the living-out-of-a- referenced in a lot of things, and also it's a For Barnes, who can remember singing suitcase thing before. I'm actually really time when you have all sorts of people, songs from the show at the age of six or looking forward to being on the road like Amy Schumer, really getting their seven, Funny Girl has been the because I get very into my work. I think moment to celebrate the funny in being opportunity of a lifetime, and something it's a lot easier to get fully inside a show or female. I think it's great that as actresses for which she feels she's been preparing a role when you don't have the we have more opportunities now to take for almost as long as she can remember. distractions of everyday life around you. centre stage and play roles that are a bit But also I'm looking forward to seeing a “I think I first watched the film with my silly.” bit of my country, especially Scotland and nan on a Sunday afternoon. At the time, I all the places I haven't been to, including Then there's the fact that the story is semi- was really young, and all I thought then Stoke. I keep looking up things to do - it biographical, inspired by the true story of was, 'God, that lady's got a good voice'. feels a little bit like being Alice in the real-life theatrical gamechanger Fanny The film and the show do have some Wonderland.” Brice who, in the early 20th century, had differences, though - a lot of the book was to fight against preconceptions of what a rewritten, and they've worked quite female performer should and shouldn't closely with the estate of Fanny Brice and Funny Girl - starring Natasha J Barnes - be. the original writers. I think it feels a lot shows at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- more modern now - it snaps along at quite “She's a funny old character to play Trent, from 28 March to 1 April, and at a fast pace, whereas the film was quite because she was a real person. You don't the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre long.” want to do an impression but there are from 24 to 29 July. certain things you have to honour in the Naturally, being lauded as the next big It visits Birmingham Hippodrome from performance - like she was known for thing in musicals has taken some getting 8 to 13 May, with Sheridan Smith in the really big facial expressions and for being used to, and it's not just the publicity lead role of Fanny Brice

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 28 March - Sat 1 April X Factor winner Joe McElderry takes the title role in a show that marked Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s arrival in the world of musical theatre. Fun, frothy and offering great entertainment for anybody who fancies the kind of night out that lets you leave your brain at home, it tells the story of a young man (Joseph) who sees the future in dreams. When he tells his 11 brothers that he’s had a dream in which he’s seen them all bowing down to him, his siblings are far from impressed - and they’re even less happy with Joseph when their dad gives him a coat of many colours... Terrific energy from an ensemble cast, spec- tacular sets and excellent music make for a great night out.

Ghost The Thing That Came Beryl Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, From Over There New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mon 20 - Sat 25 March Fri 3 - Sat 18 March Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 17 March Five times world pursuit champion, 13 times This is a new stage version of the award-win- Visual gags, verbal wit, giant puppetry, slimy national pursuit champion and twice road- ning film starring Patrick Swayzee, Demi fungus and parasitic space worms are all racing world champion, unsung sporting leg- Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. For those not present and correct in a show that features end Beryl Burton was a truly remarkable in the know, it tells the story of a ghost three actors in 15 roles and takes its inspira- woman, bagging cycling title after cycling named Sam who, caught between this world tion from numerous 1950s horror movies. title while at the same time managing to be and the next, desperately attempts to com- As legendary adventurers Scott and both a wife and a mother. municate with his girlfriend Molly and warn Amundsen begin their 1912 race across Maxine Peake’s critically acclaimed play cel- her that she’s in mortal danger from his mur- Antarctica, hapless explorer Captain ebrates the achievements of this record- derer. Reginald Cranston accidentally lands on the breaking performer, a woman who, during A timeless tale about the power of love that wrong side of the continent. To add to his her all-too-short lifetime, was awarded both beautifully blends the genres of romance and troubles, he soon finds himself investigating an OBE and an MBE. comedy, Ghost features The Righteous the crash-site of a meteor - unaware of the Brothers’ Unchained Melody and numerous danger that awaits not just himself and his songs co-written by Eurythmics’ Dave team but the whole of the planet... Stewart. This 75-minute show is presented by the criti- Happy Hour The show stars Carolyn Maitland as Molly, cally acclaimed Gonzo Moose, a company The , Birmingham, Wed 1 March Jacqui Dubois as Oda Mai Brown, Sam which specialises in producing ‘rip-roaring Ferriday as Carl and Andy Moss as Sam. comedy adventures’. Tmesis Theatre’s impressively choreo- graphed stagework explores the modern-day obsession with being happy, contemplating Invincible the question of whether people’s emotions Lichfield Garrick, Tues 21 - Sat 25 March can be bought and sold like commodities. On Level Three of the Happiness This Alan Ayckbourn-style comedy from the Corporation, the workers must achieve their highly rated Torben Betts presents a sharp- quota of smiley faces before lunchtime. edged take on one of British theatre’s most Failure to do so will see floor supervisor well-trodden yet rewarding driving forces - Adam taking a one-way trip to Level 20... the country’s long-established class system. A commission from Liverpool’s Unity With the recession biting hard, Emily and Theatre, Tmesis’s Oliver decide to downsize, relocating them- new production selves and their bourgeois London lifestyle to combines the a small town in the north of England. company’s trade- When the newly arrived couple invite their mark physicality working-class neighbours Dawn and Alan with comedy, round for a drink, an evening of extreme music and text. social awkwardness ensues...

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theatre for younger audiences...

Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live! The First Hippo On The Moon White

Mr Bloom’s Nursery Live! a seriously, er, raptor-ous response from its Petits theatre company, whose previous young audience. After all, they’ve branded stage successes have included Captain Flinn Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Mon 20 - Tues Jurassic Adventures ‘the most exciting family And The Pirate Dinosaurs and Adventures In 21 March; Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 22 March; New Alexandra Theatre, show since time began’, so the weight of Wonderland. Expect a ‘fantastical’ adventure Birmingham, Wed 19 April expectation is already as heavy as a tyran- featuring puppetry, music, mayhem and a This first ever live touring show reflects the nosaur. giant space race to the moon... growing popularity of CBeebies’ hit televi- Set on a magical island where anything sion series. might happen, the show features a ‘fun Ben Faulks takes the role of the title charac- script’, impressively sized dinosaurs aplenty Gangsta Granny ter, a friendly gardener who invites young and the occasional moment of mild peril. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, children to visit his allotment, feed his trusty Wed 22 - Sun 26 March machine - the Compostarium - and get to The ever-popular Birmingham Stage know the Veggies, his puppet vegetables. Chicken Licken Company make a welcome return with their There are plenty of songs to enjoy too, Lichfield Garrick, Sat 11 March critically acclaimed adaptation of David including This Is My Allotment, Meet The Dynamic New Animation (DNA) have been Walliams’ best-selling book. Veggies and The Compo Song, as well as the touring this show for more than a decade - Ben’s no lover of Friday nights - and why chance to help Mr Bloom prepare his allot- evidence, were any needed, of its enduring would he be? After all, Friday night means ment for a royal visit. popularity with generations of children. having to stay at Granny’s house, where he’s The one-person production uses shadow and not only bored senseless but also has to eat rod puppetry to present a trilogy of classic an unholy trinity of cabbage dishes - cab- WOW! Said The Owl tales from Ladybird books - Chicken Licken, bage soup, cabbage pie and cabbage cake. mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 - Sun 12 March The Little Red Hen and The Fox And The But experiences can sometimes be deceptive, The long-in-the-tooth Little Angel Theatre Hen. Starting out as a baking demonstration, and Ben soon finds out that there’s way company is the ensemble behind this stage the show rapidly evolves into the story of a more to his boring old Granny than ever he’d adaptation of the acclaimed children’s book growing chick and her encounters with a imagined... by award-winning author Tim Hopgood. hungry fox. Little Angel have been delighting and excit- “We present visually stimulating, accessible ing children’s imaginations since 1961, so are and entertaining performances,” explain White extremely well-versed in the business of cap- DNA. “We want to encourage audiences of Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, tivating young audiences with inspiring sto- all ages to live happier, healthier and more Sat 11 - Mon 13 March ries and innovative theatre. They place pup- productive lives, to do so with a strong sense Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels petry at the heart of pretty much everything of wellbeing and empowerment, and to have garnered an impressive reputation for they do, and Wow! Said The Owl is certainly actively participate in all aspects of society.” the innovative quality of their children’s no exception to that rarely broken rule. shows - and this seven-year-old offering For anybody not in the know, Hopgood’s makes it easy to see why. story focuses on the efforts of a little owl to The First Hippo Cotton and Wrinkle are two friends whose stay awake and see what daylight brings. On The Moon relationship tugs its forelock in the direction But will the warm pink glow of dawn and the of Estragon and Vladimir, the famous tramps myriad colours of a stunning rainbow be Malvern Theatre, Mon 6 - Tues 7 March; from Samuel Beckett’s Waiting For Godot. able to match the beauty of the nighttime Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 25 - Sun 26 March; mac, Birmingham, And also in keeping with Godot, the play has stars?... Tues 18 April; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, an absurdist quality that makes it both The show is suitable for children aged two to Thurs 1 - Sun 4 June absorbing and memorable. five. David Walliams is fast developing a Roald The friends live in an orderly world full of Dahl-style reputation for the quality of his birdsong and birdhouses, where everything children’s stories. Indeed, the Britain’s Got is white. But when the colour red makes an Jurassic Adventures Talent judge has had his books translated unexpected appearance, Cotton and Wrinkle The Place, Oakengates, Shropshire, into 40-plus languages, selling more than are faced with the very real prospect of need- Sun 19 March four million copies in the UK alone. This new ing to embrace change... It’s fair to say that World On Stage, the com- adaptation of his explosively funny space A quirky introduction to the magic of colour pany behind this lively production for chil- adventure for children aged three and older and the concept of transformation, White is dren aged three and older, will be hoping for is being presented by the award-winning Les suitable for children aged two to four.

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FEATURE

GETTING INTO THE SWING OF THINGS The Midlands' most distinctive music festival returns to Digbeth next month, bringing a contemporary twist to the sounds of the 1920s...

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by Heather Kincaid

Once a year for one day only, a spectacular celebration of vintage culture descends onto the streets of Digbeth in a riot of sound and colour. Set against the fading Victorian grandeur of Birmingham's industrial heartland, Swingamajig may well be the Midlands' most distinctive music festival, where the fin de siècle collides head-on with the fabulous ’50s and futuristic electronic sounds. Amid old factories, warehouses and railway arches, you'll find swing bands and strobe lights, burlesque and drum’n’bass, frock coats and funky beats, gypsy jazz and jungle DJs, spread out across seven different stages all decked out in deliciously decadent style. From the outside, this curious fusion of musical sounds and styles might seem mysterious - it's not immediately obvious continues. “Maybe on first glance you the latest changes including the how all these different ingredients ended might think you have to be part of a relocation and rather intriguing up in a pot together. So how can 'scene' to come, but you don't at all - you transformation of the ‘rough and ready’ Swingamajig best be described? With just have to enjoy doing something a little Arch Stage into the Cave Of Curiosities (at seven wildly contrasting stages and more bit different. I think of all the events we the moment, details of this than seventy acts from across the play, Swingamajig has got the friendliest transformation are still ‘top secret’). spectrum of music and performance, it's crowd, and I'm not just saying that There's also the brand new Swingamajig not easy - even for founders, curators and because it's our event! Everyone's so Bazaar, an eclectic 'market meets funfair' Birmingham-based music sensation lovely that if you lose your friends you'll which is accessible separately from the Electric Swing Circus. have five more within seconds. My parents festival site, meaning you won't need to come and have a great time and they're buy a ticket to pop down and do some “It's something we've been talking about well into their 60s, but you'll also get 18- shopping before the show begins mid- quite a lot as a team,” says ESC's effusive year-olds coming straight out of college. afternoon. guitarist Tom Hyland. “There isn't really a It’s inclusive - as long as you come to have “The Swingamajig Bazaar is a combined single word that can link a 16-piece swing a good time, you’re in safe hands.” band to a jungle DJ, yet the people that go craft vintage market, and that will open in to Swingamajig definitely get the Launched in 2013, the festival was the morning. We've also got Digbeth connection. The festival is a mixture of originally born out of ESC's speakeasy- Dining Club doing the food. I'm a bit of a vintage and remix, but it's also - I inspired Hot Club de Swing nights at The foodie myself, so we do take food very think that's the important thing. It's the Hare & Hounds in King's Heath. As those seriously - it's all locally sourced, ethically big colours and the performance and the regular events increasingly sold out, produced, pretty top-notch quality. In the extravagance that are really important to Hyland and his bandmates soon realised afternoon, we've got Circus MASH coming us.” there was scope to scale the idea up down to do some aerial games, there'll be considerably. balloon modelling for the kids, and we This unique showbiz aesthetic and may even be organising a Scalextric race. I “It started as an electro-swing street party, attitude of hedonistic decadence define think often when I've had the most fun at but it's much broader than that now. It's a Swingamajig, and thanks in part to the events, it's been thanks to the stuff in chance for people to dress up, go wild and physical accessibility of its central between the main performances, so we do all sorts of things, whether it's music or location, the variety, eclecticism and like to have treasure hunts and lots of dance classes or cabaret.” eccentricity of the event is mirrored in the little silly things and extras to help to composition of its audience. Four years after making its debut, animate the space.” “It's a very broad demographic,” he Swingamajig continues to expand, with

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testament to the commitment of Hyland and his team. Swingamajig isn’t the only thing Hyland has kept busy with - Electric Swing Circus are known for their hectic live schedule ‘‘It's amazing, it really is - I get to and are just coming off the heels of their sophomore release, It Flew By. run a festival, and when you see “We've spent two years writing and recording it, so it's been a bit of a labour three or four thousand people of love. We're predominantly a live band, but when you take the same songs you've all having fun and exploring, been performing and record them in a studio, they can often sound a bit lifeless. that's brilliant! That's the problem we've been up against, so we've been experimenting with lots of different techniques to try to work out how to translate that energy we have on stage onto a recording. I think we recorded our single Empires about four There’s also the addition of an afterparty UK Number One. And then there's loads of times in the end, but we're really happy in the nearby Spotlight Venues to keep very strong cabaret this year - we've” got with the results now. I think it's been a big things moving until the early hours. Joe Black, Betsy Rose, Vicky Butterfly, step forward for us, and it's been very well Missy Malone. These are all top-level, received so far.” “Swingamajig has stayed open until 6am international performers.” in the past, but this year we’ve decided to In addition to managing the festival, change things up a bit and instead host an Other music acts confirmed so far include writing their own material and touring as afterparty from 2am down the road at electronic DJ duo The Freestylers, ‘cheeky a band, the group also somehow find time Spotlight. If you’re the type who likes to gypsy party’ group Mr Tea And The to produce music on their own Ragtime party till the sun comes up, that’s Minions, jazz-bass fusion act C@ in the . definitely gonna be the place to be! H@, rockabilly band Sharna Mae And The Birmingham’s own City Of Colours will be Mayhems, the Jim Wynn Swing Orchestra, “It’s really difficult, but we keep working curating one of the stages, we’ll be and of course Electric Swing Circus very hard. I don't take time off - I'm in the curating another and we might even have themselves. office during the week and then out on a third.” the road at the weekend, and there are “It helps being in a live touring band rehearsals as well. But if you're doing The music is just another reason to want when programming the festival because what you love, you don't mind. And it's to experience the event in all its off-the- as a starting point we often pick the acts amazing, it really is - I get to run a festival, wall, colourfully chaotic glory. This year's that we've seen out and about on the and when you see three or four thousand headline acts include genre-blending road. There's a strong community of people all having fun and exploring, dance duo and returning Swingamajig musicians, DJs and performers, and it’s that's brilliant!” favourites The Correspondents, as well as great to be able to get together every year festival newcomers Sam And The Womp, for Swingamajig Festival. We also get sent whose single Bom Bom topped the UK tons of demos and videos throughout the charts in 2012. year; we listen to them all - we’re always Swingamajig takes place in Digbeth on the lookout for fresh new talent.” “We've only just announced the first part Triangle, Birmingham, on Sunday 30 of the line-up. The Correspondents are Tempted yet? If you’re planning on April from 2pm one of my favourite acts - they put on a heading over to enjoy some music and great stage show with fantastic energy. It's soak up the atmosphere, you’re advised to also a really big thing for us to have an act book ahead. The festival often sells out, like Sam And The Womp, who’ve had a with its continued success being a

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Dance Dance previews from around the region

Rosie Kay Dance Company: MK Ultra The REP, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Sat 18 March A world premiere, this DanceXchange-pre- sented work is the latest offering from Rosie Kay’s highly regarded local ensem- ble. The piece has been inspired by ‘the bizarre realm of pop culture, mind-control con- spiracies and Illuminati imagery’. Commenting on the show, artistic director Rosie said: “MK Ultra is the result of three years of intense research which has taken me through the world of surveillance, state police, torture and brainwashing, through to pop culture, mainstream media and celebrity breakdowns, all the way back to politics and a comment on the post-cultur- ism state we are now in. “At a time when everything is fake, or at least we don’t trust what’s real anymore, MK Ultra looks at what this world really feels like, and what effect it’s having on us, whether we know it or not.”

Sonia Sabri Company: Vienna Festival Ballet: Material Men: Redux Virago Cinderella Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 27 - Tues 28 March mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 March; Arena Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 7 March; Theatre, Wolverhampton, Wed 29 March The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed Innovative choreographer Shobana 8 March; Bedworth Civic Hall, Thurs 30 Jeyasingh here combines powerful dance “We’ve always tried to create something March; Evesham Arts Centre, Mon 17 April; which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 23 April and potent imagery to explore the shared says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that history and personal stories of virtuoso we’ve presented something that’s very new dancers Sooraj Subramaniam and Shailesh and very different. We’ve been at the fore- Bahoran. front of creating new ideas, and that’s exact- “Material Men has two stories which con- ly what we intend to continue doing.” nect,” explains Shobana to Sabri’s belief in the need to push the bound- londondance.com. “One is the story of aries of dance is reflected in this dance-digi- indentured labour, whereby well over a mil- tal solo production, an exploration of the lion Indians were transported to replace the perceptions and misconceptions surround- emancipated slaves and generally supply ing the subject of female body image. cheap labour for the colonial planters of tea, The dancer’s unique ‘urban kathak’ lan- rubber and sugar. The other is the story of guage is here brought together with motion- With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking two young men whose history lies in colo- triggered digital art and a sound score com- fairy godmother, drop-dead gorgeous Prince nial migration but who journey towards each bining spoken word and music, creating a Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot- other despite differing techniques of hip-hop show which Sabri describes as “uncompro- only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably and Bharatha Natyam.” mising, thought-provoking and humorous”. lay claim to being the most popular of all The work features a commissioned score by fairytales. Its rich subject matter certainly acclaimed proved to be fertile ground for the brilliance Australian com- of Gioachino Rossini, whose early 19th cen- poser Elena Kats- tury take on the story is widely considered to Chernin, per- be one of his greatest operatic achievements. formed live on This particular celebration of the piece is stage by the long- brought to the stage by Vienna Festival established Smith Ballet, for whom the music has been special- Quartet. It also ly arranged. includes an evoca- Featuring a talented array of young dancers, tive film featuring the company typically spends eight months historic texts and of the year performing works from its exten- archive photo- sive repertoire in venues across the UK. graphic material. whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Dance Sampled DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:16 Page 1

FEATURE

DANCE: SAMPLED Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive Fiona Allan talks about introducing dance to new audiences

Think dance isn't for you? Think again. If stomps, pirouettes, shimmies, shuffles has received some Arts Council money to you've shaken off your curiosity and shied and waltzes into Birmingham this month. help get things off the ground, away from physical performance in the commissioning, experimenting with new “The idea is for people to have a really past, Birmingham Hippodrome's Dance: ideas and paying for artists to tour. What's great-value first-time encounter with Sampled programme offers you the on offer at the Hippodrome, however, dance,” she explains. “It's only £15 for chance to discover everything you ever won't be identical to versions of the show adults and even less for children, so it's wanted to know about live dance shows elsewhere. Teaming up with other venues probably the best-value show you can see but were too afraid to find out first hand. and sharing international acts helps to at the Hippodrome all year. If you don't limit the cost of bringing them into the Originally developed by Sadler's Wells as think you like dance, or if you've not come country, but other aspects of the a kind of appetiser for the season ahead, across much dance before, you get the programme will be specially tailored to the project has now been rolled out to chance to see a whole range of different Birmingham audiences. partner-venues Birmingham Hippodrome styles all at once.” and the Lowry in Salford as a way of “It has some common elements with It's no accident that the trio of theatres developing new audiences for dance what's going on at Sadler's Wells and at who have partnered up are probably the across the country. Hippodrome Chief the Lowry, like the tango artists and also leading exponents of live dance in the UK. Executive and self-professed dance Iron Skulls, who are a sort of crazy Unusually for a largely commercial evangelist Fiona Allan told us more about Catalan hip-hop crew from Barcelona. I've theatre like the Hippodrome, the project what to expect when the show tangos, seen a bit of their show already, and they

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by Heather Kincaid

are completely anarchic - they have such worry - you're not alone. Even ardent was a person I'd never heard of, but the an amazing energy that I think they're enthusiasts like Allan had to start place was just filled with teenagers when going to be a fantastic finale to the somewhere. But as Dance: Sampled aims he arrived. We also did our first hip-hop programme. But then the British acts are to demonstrate, taking the initial plunge festival with Break Mission last year. I more specific to the venue. So obviously can change your perception of the think we had about 5,000 people coming here we've got Birmingham Royal Ballet, medium forever. in for that, and that audience looked and then the other big name that we have completely different to a typical panto “I grew up loving theatre because I liked exclusively in Birmingham is the Aakash audience. Or even just recently, we had having a story, and I felt safer with that. Odedra Company. Aakash is a really some children's craft activities in the That's probably why the most popular brilliant kathak choreographer who was Patrick Centre for Chinese New Year, and dance shows are the big ballets like Swan born in Birmingham and is best known as the people who came through on that day Lake and Cinderella, which have a a solo artist, but we've actually really looked like the people of fairytale story that everyone can follow commissioned him to do some work for Birmingham, and particularly of this quite easily. I think people get a bit put off other dancers because we want to see how neighbourhood.” by dance where there’s no narrative we can help him develop as a because they're worried that they won't This isn't the first time the Hippodrome choreographer. So he's going to be understand it. But quite often, it doesn't has hosted a Dance: Sampled show. Last creating a new piece with some dancers need to mean anything or to be any more year, the event made its Birmingham from Istanbul, and I'm really interested to than a celebration of the human body and debut as part of IDFB 2016. The show was see how that turns out.” music and the wonderful things that these well-received, if a little overshadowed by In addition to this, an extra pre- athletes can do. There are other art forms the huge number of events taking place performance showcase will see a huge like circus where you don't need it to have throughout the festival. As such, this year, array of local groups and dancers fill the a beginning, a middle and an end, so I there are high hopes it will prove bigger, foyers with short excerpts and interactive think it's just a case of getting people to better and more popular than before. sessions. Better still, this part of the event relax into it a bit and to have the courage “The response from the audience that is completely free and open to anyone, and the confidence to just enjoy it for came was incredible! We had people with or without a ticket for the main what it is.” saying that they'd never realised dance event. Changing attitudes towards dance is just was so cool - and for me, that's all you “It's going to be like a sort of dance part of Allan's wider goals to improve need really. But because we had five or six festival that takes over the building, with diversity and develop new audiences, an other dance performances taking place lots going on all at once, and we're hoping ambition that she’s made a focus since here for the festival, I think perhaps it was that it will work on two levels: it's great taking up her position at the theatre in difficult for us to give it our singular added value for the people who've already October 2015. And while demonstrable attention and to attract as big an audience bought a ticket, but it's also a chance for successes so far are something the as we'd have liked. This year, we've been anyone who isn't seeing the show to come Hippodrome should be proud of, as far as able to put a lot more of our energy and in, explore and try things out. Up in the she's concerned, there's still some way to resources into it.” restaurant on Level Three we'll be having go. It's not just audiences who've been hip-hop battles, on Level One there'll be a “I think we're only really at the start of the enthusiastic either - the response from stick dance demonstration, and the foyer journey, and we've got so much more to dancers looking to participate has been on Level Two is going to be set up with do in that regard. One of the big fantastic. Allan hopes that in the future Xbox dance games. challenges is that our theatre programme there'll be more opportunities for local “It's also a chance for us to work with is booked years in advance, so when I companies to join the main-stage local companies and young people that arrived here the bulk of the shows had programme. But above all else, Dance: we’re partners with or that we want to already been programmed up to 2019, Sampled is a chance to highlight the huge work with, and to showcase them to a which means it's very hard to find the diversity of styles and shows available at broader audience. So for example, we've room in our main programme to be the theatre throughout the year. And with worked with Break Mission, a local street- putting on things that might have a such a wide array of acts appearing (not dance outfit, on the B-Side Festival, and broader or different audience appeal. But to mention things to join in with yourself), they'll be doing a hip-hop show on the we are trying to find every slot that we can you're virtually guaranteed to find stalls level. We've also got Aced Up, which to experiment a bit. something here to suit your tastes. is a national portfolio company, doing an “Last year, we had Dan TDM, who is a excerpt, and Adam Rutherford will be YouTuber who specialises in Minecraft. bringing his youth dance company.” He came in one day and did some Dance: Sampled takes place at If you've found the idea of watching a demonstrations, and it sold out almost Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 3 dance show daunting in the past, don't instantly. I'm not his demographic so this and Saturday 4 March

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

Tickets to RAF Cosford Air Show Tickets to Blood Brothers Tickets to

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Tickets to Superheroes at the Tickets to The Ugly Duckling & Tickets to The Diary of a Symphony Other Stories Hounslow Girl

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36 whatsonlive.co.uk Film - March 2017.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:20 Page 2

Film

Beauty And The Beast CERT PG tbc Starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen, , Gugu Mbatha-Raw Directed by Bill Condon (USA) In the tradition of Maleficent and Cinderella, Disney have turned another of their cartoon classics into a live-action showpiece. This one will feature songs from the 1991 film (including Be Our Guest and the title number), as well as new material penned by Tim Rice and the original composer Alan Menken. The story, in case you’ve forgotten, is of a beautiful young woman (Watson) who is taken prisoner by a Beast (Stevens) who can only shed his grotesque appearance when he is loved for who he is. Not to be confused with the French film of the same name (starring Léa Seydoux) that was released in the UK last November. In 3D. Released Fri 17 March CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in March...

Logan CERT 15 - tbc Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Richard E Grant, Boyd Holbrook, Stephen Merchant Directed by James Mangold (USA) This could be interesting: a film set on the Mexican border in the near future. Hugh Jackman is back as Wolverine and is nursing an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) when a young mutant turns up with dark forces in pursuit. Released Fri 3 March

Trespass Against Us CERT 15 (100 mins) Starring Michael Fassbender, Brendan Gleeson, Lyndsey Marshal, Killian Scott, Rory Fist Fight CERT 15 (91 mins) Kinnear, Sean Harris Directed by Adam Smith (UK/USA) Starring Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Tracy Morgan, Jillian Bell, Christina Hendricks, Dennis Michael Fassbender is Chad Cutler, an Irish Haysbert Directed by Richie Keen (USA) ne'er-do-well trapped in a cycle of crime that Boys will be boys - or in this case, school is a way of life for his extended family. Then, teachers. When one teacher gets a colleague against his father’s wishes, Chad looks for a fired, the latter challenges him to an after- way out… Adam Smith previously directed school fisticuffs. A loose remake of the little- the concert film Don’t Think (2012) featuring known teen comedy Three O'Clock High The Chemical Brothers, the electronica duo (1987). who supply the music here. Released Fri 3 March Released Fri 3 March whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film - March 2017.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:20 Page 3

Film

Viceroy’s House CERT 12a (106 mins) Starring Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Manish Dayal, Huma Qureshi, Michael Gambon, Om Puri Directed by Gurinder Chadha (UK/India) With Hugh Bonneville top-billed as Lord Mountbatten, this is a sort of Upstairs, Downstairs set during the Partition of India. Beneath him, in the Viceroy’s House, a mul- titude of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh servants toil away as the storm clouds gather. Released Fri 3 March

CRITIC’S CHOICE

or are in awe. All this changes when Elle CERT 18 (131 mins) Michèle is raped in her own home by an Starring Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, unknown assailant in a ski mask. She Anne Consigny, Charles Berling, Virginie Efira Directed by Paul Verhoeven refuses to report the incident to the (//Belgium) police and sets about planning her own For her role as the head of a successful unique brand of retribution. video game company, Isabelle Huppert Winner of the Golden Globe for best for- was nominated for her first Oscar, after a eign language film, Elle is directed by total of 120 films. She is Michèle Leblanc, Paul Verhoeven, best known for the con- who feels detached from her son and is troversial Basic Instinct and Showgirls. resentful of her mother, while in the Released Fri 10 March workplace her colleagues either fear her

Kong: Skull Island CERT 12a tbc The Time Of Their Lives Starring Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson, CERT tbc John Goodman, Brie Larson, Jing Tian, Toby Starring Joan Collins, Pauline Collins, Franco Kebbell Nero, Ronald Pickup, Siân Reeves, Joely Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (USA) Richardson Directed by Roger Goldby (UK) A sequel to Peter Jackson’s reboot of the King Another comedy aimed at the grey pound Kong story, Skull Island follows a 1970s’ with a cast sprung fighting from their moth- expedition into the uncharted terrain of a balls. Joan Collins plays a former movie star Pacific island. There resides our favourite who decides to break out of her London giant gorilla as well as creatures never seen retirement home in order to attend the funer- on the big screen before… In 3D. al of her ex-husband on the French island of Released Fri 10 March Île de Ré. Incidentally, Ms Collins is now 83. Released Fri 10 March

Rules Don’t Apply CERT 12a (127 mins) Starring Warren Beatty, Lily Collins, Alden Ehrenreich, Annette Bening, Matthew Broderick, Candice Bergen Directed by Warren Beatty (USA) Howard Hughes (Beatty) applies strict rules to his staff: nobody in his employ is allowed to dally with an actress. But then Hughes’ driver Frank (Ehrenreich) meets the gorgeous Baptist virgin Marla Mabrey (Collins) who is on the brink of appearing in the movies… Released Fri 10 March

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Film releases in March

The Salesman Power Rangers Ghost In The Shell CERT tbc CERT 12a (124 mins) CERT tbc Starring Scarlett Starring Shahab Starring Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Johansson, Michael Pitt, Hosseini, Taraneh Scott, RJ Cyler, Becky G, Bryan Pilou Asbæk, Chin Han, Alidoosti Directed by Cranston, Elizabeth Banks Juliette Binoche, Takeshi Asghar Farhadi Directed by Dean Israelite (USA) Kitano (Iran/France) Directed by Rupert A reboot of the Power Rangers fran- Sanders (USA) Nominated for an chise (which began as a TV series), the Oscar for best foreign Like Cinderella and film follows a group of high school stu- language film, The Salesman is the story of a Beauty And The Beast, dents that, imbued with superhuman couple whose lives take a downturn when Ghost In The Shell is a live-action adaptation powers, sets off to save the world. It all they move into a new apartment. An unex- of a cartoon, itself based on the manga sounds terribly original. pected visitor to the flat turns out to be look- comic. Here, Scarlett Johansson plays a ing for a prostitute… From the director of the Released Fri 24 March counter-cyberterrorist known as The Major, highly acclaimed About Elly, A Separation who happens to be a cyborg. It’s her job to and The Past. pinpoint and bring down a diabolical com- puter hacker. Great cast. Released Fri 17 March Released Fri 31 March Get Out CERT 12a tbc Smurfs: The Lost Village Starring Daniel Kaluuya, CERT PG Allison Williams, With the voices of Demi Catherine Keener, Lovato, Mandy Patinkin, Bradley Whitford, Caleb Jack McBrayer, Julia Landry Jones Roberts Directed by Jordan Peele Life CERT tbc Directed by Kelly Asbury (USA) (USA) Starring Jake Time to get out, indeed. Gyllenhaal, The Smurfs are back, When a black man visits his white girl- Rebecca Ferguson, you’ll be glad to hear. friend’s family estate in Alabama, he discov- Ryan Reynolds, Hiroyuki Sanada This time Smurfette and ers that a number of black residents there Directed by Daniel her friends embark on a journey through the have gone missing. Strangely, this violent Espinosa (USA/UK) Forbidden Forest to find the biggest secret in horror film marks the directorial debut of the Not to be confused with the Robert Smurf history. Wow. From the director of comedian Jordan Peele. Pattinson film of 2015 or the Eddie Shrek 2 and Gnomeo & Juliet. Expect some Released Fri 17 March Murphy comedy of 1999 of the same saucy humour. In 3D. name, this is a thriller that looks at the Released Fri 31 March discovery of life on Mars. A crew CHiPs CERT 15 (101 mins) aboard the International Space Station Starring Dax Shepard, Michael Peña, Vincent encounter an alien organism from a Free Fire CERT 15 (91 mins) D'Onofrio, Adam Brody, Kristen Bell space probe and are alarmed by its Starring Brie Larson, Cillian Murphy, Jack Directed by Dax Shepard (USA) capacity to grow… Reynor, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley, Sam Here’s a novel idea: a movie based on a TV Riley Directed by Ben Wheatley (UK) Released Fri 24 March series. ‘ChiPs’ are California Highway patrol It’s 1978 in Boston and two rival gangs arrive officers and Jon Baker (Shepard) and Ponch in a warehouse for an arms transaction and Poncherello (Peña) find their paths muddied The Lost City Of Z all hell breaks loose. The name to note here when they come across a brutal ex-cop who’s is that of the film’s writer-director Ben CERT 15 (141 mins) moved into large-scale car theft. The original Wheatley, who’s going from strength to series starred Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada Starring Charlie strength with such titles as Kill List, Hunnam, Robert and ran from 1977 to 1983. Pattinson, Sienna Sightseers and High Rise. Expect some pretty Released Fri 24 March Miller, Tom Holland, strong violence. Angus Macfadyen Directed by James Released Fri 31 March Gray (USA) Based on the eponymous book by James Grann, this historical drama follows the quest of Colonel Percy Fawcett (Hunnam) to find a lost civili- sation in the Amazon. Set during 1925, the film was shot in Santa Marta, Colombia, and received very favourable reviews from the critics. Released Fri 24 March

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Visual Arts

Jean Painlevé Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 15 March - Sun 4 June Twentieth century French filmmaker, scien- tist and inventor Jean Painlevé was a man with a fiercely burning desire to be creative. Having studied biology at the Sorbonne, he embarked on a career producing a body of film work that would become known as ‘sci- entific-poetic cinema’. His movies, focusing on subjects as diverse as astronomy and pigeons, not only explored science in a serious way but also boasted a surrealist-inspired quality that rendered them unclassifiable. Painlevé was best known for his marine-life movies, endowing ocean-based creatures such as sea horses and skeleton shrimps with a selection of human traits. This first ever solo exhibition of the filmmak- er’s work, presenting a number of seminal movies alongside a selection of photographs and jewellery, effectively exemplifies Painlevé’s lifelong desire to make science accessible.

David Cox And His Brennand-Wood, whose 40-year career is cel- their form. In so doing, she prompts the ebrated in this new exhibition. viewer to respond in a new and perhaps sur- Contemporaries Michael’s recent work boasts what he prising way to everyday items with which Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, describes as “an almost hallucinogenic qual- they’re already familiar. until Sat 3 June ity”, drawing the viewer into a different The contribution world. The pieces perfectly evidence the of Birmingham- artist’s interest in abstraction. “I like to see Magnum Photos: born landscape what can be done optically with rhythm and artist David Cox to colour,” explains Michael. “But it’s impor- Evolution Explored the great age of tant that the abstraction isn’t just about play- The Square & St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, British water- ing with pattern. It has to have a meaning.” until Sun 23 April colour painting is explored in this brand new Alongside a number of retrospective pieces, Shrewsbury’s most famous son, the 19th cen- show. the exhibition also features nine new, spe- tury naturalist and geologist Charles Darwin, Bringing together the painter’s work with cially commissioned works, via which is the inspiration behind this special exhibi- pieces by better-known contemporaries Michael explores the ‘seeds’ of his own cre- tion, which has been curated by world- Turner and Constable, the exhibition draws ativity. famous photography agency Magnum heavily on the museum’s extensive collection A short film featuring the artist in his studio Photos. of Cox paintings. documents his making of some of the new “The exhibition looks at Magnum's archive New work by recent graduates is presented pieces. through the prism of evolution,” says the alongside the exhibition as part of New Art agency’s Emily Graham. “As Magnum moves West Midlands 2017 (see opposite page). into its 70th year, the exhibition will display The pieces are accompanied by a selection of Tumbleweed powerful historic and contemporary photo- works from the Worcester City collection graphs exploring Darwin's legacy in modern which have been acquired through the The Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 4 June society.” Contemporary Art Society. New Art West Midlands 2016 entrant Hannah Honeywill here presents a work in response to the Barber’s collection. Michael Brennand-Wood: Her new sculpture takes as its starting point Seeds Of Memory the intricately ornamented and gilded his- Wolverhampton Art Gallery, toric picture frames that surround many of Sat 11 March - Sun 7 May the venue’s paintings. Eye-catching, wall-hung, part-sculpture, A rising star on the UK art scene whose work part-textile pieces are the speciality of inter- has been heavily influenced by ideas and nationally renowned textile artist Michael concepts within queer theory, Honeywill takes objects that already exist and alters 40 whatsonlive.co.uk Visual Arts March (2).qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:21 Page 2

New Art West Midlands 2017 Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 14 May Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools are currently exhibit- ing new work at four leading galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands is using Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac Birmingham, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Coventry’s Herbert Gallery & Museum to display the new work, which includes painting, installa- tion, sculpture, photography, video, animation and digital artworks. Highlights of the show include Yazmin Boyle’s three-metre-long metal sculptures. The sculptures are made of industrial steel strap overlaid with a feminine lace print and formed into three-dimen- sional funnels and circles. Amy Inston’s film, meanwhile, brings together images of Hollywood glamour and the American Dream with footage of the real domestic life of her working-class Birmingham family. Many of the works on show take themes connected to science and biology, while numerous other pieces focus on the subjects of glob- alisation, migration and belonging. The exhibition is the first initiative of the rebranded New Art West Midlands network, formerly known as Turning Point West Midlands.

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Events

International Craft & Hobby Fair shows catwalk show, meet a multitude of fabrics, threads and textile groups, societies and artists - all on hand to share their expertise - NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 March (except for Cake and brush up on their techniques via numerous free workshops and International, Fri 17 - Sun 19 March) demonstrations. Cake International is this year once again linking up with three other Sewing For Pleasure is another show promising visitors the opportu- well-established NEC shows. nity to refine their craft by attending hands-on workshops. The popu- The popular sugarcraft, cake decorating and baking show joins forces lar event is this year being marketed as ‘the ultimate stitchers’ para- with Fashion & Embroidery, Sewing For Pleasure and Hobbycrafts. dise’ and also includes a collection of costumes from Tom Hooper’s Highlights of the 2017 Cake International event include a display of four-time Oscar-winning film, The King’s Speech. entries from the world’s biggest cake competition, industry experts And be sure to visit the Hobbycrafts element of the show too. The revealing the newest ‘cake art’ trends, and a selection of stalls selling event features the Birmingham heat of the Nation’s Fastest Knitter must-have baking and sugarcraft essentials. competition, a dedicated miniatures and dollhouse area, and a Fashion & Embroidery enthusiasts, meanwhile, can enjoy a special chance for children to have a go at making some sand art.

MCM Comic Con Birmingham NEC, Birmingham, Sat 18 - Sun 19 March Cult-television fans attending this month’s MCM (Movies, Comics & Media) Comic Con event can get their collars felt by 1970s TV tecs Starsky & Hutch, otherwise known as actors Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul. The crimefighting duo are joined by Antonio Fargas, who played streetwise informant Huggy Bear in the iconic cop series, and will be signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Soul, Michael Glaser and Fargas will be in attendance on both days of the show. In addition to this holy trinity of guests and numerous other well-known names, the show’s line-up features indie writers and artists filling the Comic Village, robot wars, a Steampunk Emporium with workshops and talks, a KidsZone, eSports competitions, panel discus- sions, a costume-repair desk and the Cosplay Masquerade finale. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awesome show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”

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more events from around the region

Crufts NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 March

The highlight of the events calen- dar for dog lovers everywhere, Crufts offers the opportunity to partake in the world’s greatest canine get-together. With more than 22,000 dogs competing for the Best In Show title, a packed arena programme, celebrations of dog heroes who’ve made a differ- ence and more than 400 trade stands around which to browse, this is an event that the whole YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships family can enjoy. In fact, it's fair to say that dog lovers would have to Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Tues 7 - Sun 12 March be, er, barking mad not to attend... A host of badminton’s Rio Olympics stars tion include reigning and six-time champion descend on Birmingham this month to com- Lin Dan and world number one Lee Chong pete for the coveted Yonex title. Wei. Wenlock Olympian Now in its 107th year, Yonex is one of the The pair’s last Birmingham encounter took sport’s five ‘majors’, as well as being its oldest place in the 2012 final, from which Chong Wei Live Arts Festival and most prestigious competition. was forced to withdraw with a shoulder injury. The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Sat 11 - Sun 12 and Sat Players to watch out for at the 2017 competi- 18 - Sun 19 March

Celebrate Mothers’ Day Amazing Brain at Blists Hill Victorian Town Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry Wed 8 March Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sun 26 March The wonders of the human brain are explained Mum is definitely the word at Blists Hill on the and celebrated by scientists from the last Sunday of the month, when the popular University of Warwick during this fascinating Shropshire visitor attraction hosts a Victorian- four-hour event. style Mother’s Day event. Amazing Brain is taking place as part of the second annual Museums & Wellbeing Week, Admission to the venue is free throughout the An event that will be celebrating an initiative set up by a consortium of muse- day for all mums who’re accompanied by its 40th anniversary in a couple of ums to raise awareness of the work they do in another full-paying adult. years’ time, this popular arts festi- the area of health. The Blists Hill line-up of Mothering Sunday val features competitive classes in Commenting on the project, Helen Chatterjee, attractions includes a family trail around the dance, music and speech & drama chair and co-founder of the consortium, the town and two ‘make your own floral rosette’ for children and young people National Alliance For Museums, Health & drop-in workshops. Visitors can also explore aged 18 and under. Wellbeing, said: “The museums sector is mak- the venue’s shops and cottages, buy a slice of It was inspired by the Wenlock ing an important contribution to public health traditional Simnel Cake from the bakery or Olympian Games, an event first through new programmes targeting a host of colour-in a Victorian-style Mother’s Day card. held in 1850 and a forerunner of health & social care service users. It’s impor- A decadent the modern Olympics. The Games tant to convey this to commissioners and other Victorian High are still held in Much Wenlock health & social care professionals, as well as Tea is also avail- every summer. more widely to policy makers, so that we can able at an extra The winners of each arts festival ensure museums are recognised as a vital com- cost but needs category will receive a Wenlock munity asset.” to be pre- Olympian medal as a reward for booked. their success.

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more events from around the region

Shakespeare Week Shakespeare’s Family Homes, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 20 - Sun 26 March A weekend of special events on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th rounds off this seven-day national cele- bration of Stratford’s leg- endary bard. Taking place annually and designed to give Arts & Science Festival 2017 an investigation into how music helps people primary school children ‘a make sense of the world around them, and a cele- Various Birmingham locations, bration of mechanical engineer James Watt, a key great first encounter’ with Mon 13 - Sun 19 March Shakespeare, the event figure in the Industrial Revolution who lived in Comprising a diverse array of concerts, screenings, includes plenty of hands-on Birmingham for a significant part of his life. performances, exhibitions, workshops, talks and family activities to enjoy. Commenting on the event, the festival’s Laura lectures, the ’s annual Highlights include mask-mak- Milner said: “This is our biggest year yet, and we’re festival offers something to excite the curiosity of ing and pop-up puppet-mak- venturing off campus and into the city for many of just about anyone. ing workshops, the chance our events. We’re delighted to be working with the Highlights for 2017 include Dr Alice Roberts for kids to make their own likes of mac Birmingham, Grand Union, explaining how trees can help scientists to unpick Tudor instrument, and per- Birmingham Open Media, Ikon Gallery and the the secrets of archaeological sites, a programme of formances by a number of Electric Cinema as we celebrate research and col- screenings and talks devoted to Homer’s Odyssey, visiting dance troupes. laboration in Birmingham.”

Birmingham Twitter advert@WHATSONBRUM in blue Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS

whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Birmingham Botanical Gardens DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:35 Page 1

FEATURE

AN OASIS OF CALM IN THE CITY Heather Kincaid explores the delights of Birmingham Botanical Gardens

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Birmingham Botanical Gardens DPS.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 17:35 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Nestled away behind steel, concrete and and tables chart plants' journeys from amazed by the rainbow colours of the roaring traffic in the busy heart of tropics to tabletops, forests to fridges and Himalayan monal and magnificent Birmingham, there's a lush oasis of calm far-off soils to spice racks and macaw, and follow the quick, darting that you might well have never noticed. supermarket shelves. Elsewhere, you can movements of chattering finches. Near the Featuring four large glasshouses with an follow the evolutionary timeline of plants, educational Growing Schools Garden, air of Victorian grandeur, lively animal from early single-celled bacteria through meanwhile, you can get up close and inhabitants and interactive children's algae, moss and lichen to curling ferns personal with strutting peacocks and areas set in 15 acres of landscaped and finally the complex species that we noisy chickens. Keep an eye out and you greenery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens see today. might even be lucky enough to spot some is the perfect place to escape the noise amazing native wildlife, ranging from Look out for special Easter-themed events and bustle of the city without the need to beautiful butterflies to woodpeckers. coming up over the school holidays, when trek out to the countryside. kids will not only have the chance to take Kids need to burn off some steam? The Going straight into the glasshouses, you'll part in craft activities and an Easter Children's Playground's got you covered. instantly find yourself in the hot, humid bonnet parade, but also to find out all You'll find it right near the picturesque climate of plants from the South American about the cocoa plants used to make the Teulon Cottage gardens and a trio of and Indonesian rainforests - perfect for tasty chocolate for their Easter eggs. historical gardens, laid out in Roman, warming up from Britain's chilly winter Medieval and Tudor styles. As you leave the glasshouses, you can weather. In this Tropical habitat, you'll stop off at the café for a refreshing drink On the other hand, if you're looking for discover a dazzlingly diverse array of or a bite to eat, but if the weather's good some chill-out time for yourself, you can species, ranging from the tasty to the outside, why not pack a picnic and enjoy take a moment to relax to the soothing toxic, from the Giant Reed and the big- it on the rolling lawns, surrounded by sounds of running waterfalls at the based Elephant's Foot to the small but proud pines, leafy shrubs and spectacular Memory Pool, or disappear down mighty Dwarf Cavendish banana. Moving giant redwoods. sheltered paths to find secluded, tranquil on through the equally rich Sub-Tropical seating at the heart of the Bamboo Maze. house will lead you into the temperate Over the summer, you'll also be able to Mediterranean area, a real feast for the step back in time with classic Austen and Whether you're looking for a breath of senses. Upon entering, you'll be Brönte stories, brought to life through fresh air, a quick getaway from the daily immediately hit by a heady floral open-air performances in the Garden's grind, or a fun family day out with fragrance in a room awash with the vivid natural amphitheatre. And on fine days, activities for the kids, Birmingham colours of bright, beautiful blooms. you might even get to catch an outdoor Botanical Gardens has plenty for everyone Finally, in the Arid section, you'll film screening. to discover. encounter huge, prickly cacti and sturdy succulents, tough enough to withstand Don't forget to stop and say hello to the harsh conditions of the Central Casper the friendly cockatoo, and to look The Gardens are open every day American desert. in on his lovebird neighbours near the (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing glasshouses and café. But these can't Day) from 10am to 5pm, extending to Along the way, there are opportunities to quite claim the title of the Garden's most 6pm or 7pm in the summer. learn about how plants are used in our spectacular birds. Over at the Lawn Tickets cost £7.50 for adults, £5.25 for day-to-day lives. Ever wondered where the Aviary, you'll see brilliant flashes of blue children and concessions, and £22 for a ingredients for your snacks, soaps or even in the fabulous feathers of azure-winged family of two adults and up to three stationery come from? Information signs magpies, spreo starlings and tragopan, be concessions.

Coming soon! Birmingham Botanical Gardens is to host Jurassic Kingdom: Where Dinosaurs Come To Life from 20 May to 4 June. This event will feature more than 30 animatronic life-sized dinosaurs - including an 18 metre-long Tryannosaurus Rex - lurking across the gardens.

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Your week to week listings guide March 2017 thelist

Cirque du Soleil: Varekai at Genting Arena, Birmingham - Wed 1 - Sun 5 March 5 Sun - 1 Wed - Birmingham Arena, Genting Varekaiat Soleil: du Cirque

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 5 March Mon 6 to Sun 12 March Mon 13 to Sun 19 March Mon 20 to Fri 31 March

Lady Leshurr at O2 Institute, Billy Elliot at Birmingham Russell Howard at Genting Arena, Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham at New Alexandra Theatre Thurs 2 March Tues 7 March - Sat 29 April Fri 17 - Sat 18 March Tues 28 March - Sat 1 April

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thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 March THROUGHOUT MARCH BOB DRAKE, NATURE Institute, B’ham Gigs CENTRE & KATEGOES Fri LASHARVU Sat 4 Mar, 3 Mar, Ort Cafe, B’ham Pizza Express Live, and Ingres, until Sun 7 May TRANSMISSION (JOY Birmingham Visual Arts TWO FIGURES IN A ROOM One of BLUE OCTOBER Wed 1 DIVISION TRIBUTE) & KING KING Sat 4 Mar, Bacon’s finest works, on loan to the Mar, O2 Institute, RAMONED Fri 3 Mar, The Robin, Bilston gallery from the Sainsbury Centre for Birmingham Birmingham Museum & The Roadhouse, the Visual Arts at the University of SCORPZ Wed 1 Mar, Birmingham ELO AGAIN Sat 4 Mar, Art Gallery East Anglia, until Sun 26 Mar Hare & Hounds, Lichfield Garrick, TRASH TALK Fri 3 Mar, BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN Birmingham Staffordshire NEW GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE IN The Flapper, B’ham THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People BYZANTIUM Discover Byzantium - the TALL SHIPS Wed 1 Mar, THE FATHER TEDS Sat 4 DECADE Fri 3 Mar, The explores the ways in which ordinary once-great empire whose glittering Hare & Hounds, Mar, Irish Centre, Asylum, Birmingham Brummie folk have been represented capital was the city of Constantinople Birmingham Birmingham in art during the 20th and 21st cen- (today’s Istanbul) - through this DE LA SOUL Fri 3 Mar, SWAMPMEAT FAMILY turies. Change In The Inner-City HANNAH JOHNSON AND intriguing exploration of its coinage O2 Institute, B’ham BAND Sat 4 Mar, The focuses on four inner-city wards - THE BROKEN HEARTS and economy, Thurs 16 - Sun 18 Mar TRU GROOVE Fri 3 - Sat Night Owl, Birmingham Nechells, Soho, Aston and Wed 1 Mar, The Jam 4 Mar, The Jam House, Ladywood, until Fri 31 Mar House, Birmingham SOULED OUT 2 FUNK Sat mac, Birmingham Birmingham 4 Mar, The Roadhouse, BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT ANNISOKAY, GRIEVER & A BEYOND THE DOOR: THE KOESTLER MIKE STEWART Birmingham Birmingham Big Art Project is com- PROMISE TO FORGET EXHIBITION FOR THE WEST MIDLANDS LAWRENCE Fri 3 Mar, missioning a major new work of pub- Wed 1 Mar, The TOOTHLESS Sat 4 Mar, An exhibition of artwork, writing and Dovehouse Theatre, lic art for the city. The exhibition of Flapper, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham music from prisons, secure hospitals Solihull shortlisted artists’ proposals is here CHRIS WOOD Wed 1 KEHLANI Sat 4 Mar, O2 and by people on community sen- on the final leg of its tour. This is the Mar, Kitchen Garden THE SENSATIONAL 60'S Institute, Birmingham tences in the West Midlands. last chance to see the models and Cafe, Birmingham EXPERIENCE Curated by young people from Fri 3 Mar, New SURF'S UP: SMILE Sat 4 have your say, until Sun 23 Apr JIM CAUSLEY Wed 1 Walsall Youth Service, until Sun 26 Alexandra Theatre, Mar, Artrix, FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how Mar, The Red Lion Folk Mar Birmingham Bromsgrove different faiths have influenced and Club, Birmingham THE BARRON KNIGHTS KIRVANA (NIRVANA shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb 2019 STEVIE NIMMO TRIO BOM (B’ham Open Media) Fri 3 Mar, Lichfield TRIBUTE BAND) Sat 4 Wed 1 Mar, The Robin, GENECRAFT: ART IN THE BIOGENETIC Garrick, Staffordshire Mar, The Slade Rooms, Centrala Gallery, Digbeth Bilston Wolverhampton AGE A collaborative artwork by artist LET'S TWIST AGAIN Fri 3 SEVENTEEN A group exhibition of COSMO PYKE Wed 1 Gina Czarnecki and professor of clin- Mar, The Core Theatre, MALARKEY Sat 4 Mar, work by Russian female artists Olga Mar, The Sunflower ical sciences John Hunt, using Solihull The Sunflower Lounge, Grotova, Nika Neelova and Yelena Czarnecki’s daughters’ skin cells, Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham Popova, until Sat 25 Mar LOS PACAMINOS FEAT until Sat 13 May ELBOW Wed 1 - Thurs 2 PAUL YOUNG Fri 3 Mar, YOUNG CULTURE Mar, O2 Academy, The Robin, Bilston COLLECTIVE Sun 5 Mar, Ikon Gallery Other VISUAL ARTS Birmingham The Actress & Bishop, FRAN THE MAN Fri 3 NEW OLIVER BEER New work from TIM PEAKE'S PHOTOS FROM SPACE LADY LESHURR Thurs 2 Birmingham Mar, Irish Centre, British artist Oliver Beer. A number of Celebrating Tim Peake's mission to Mar, O2 Institute, Birmingham BLAZE BAYLEY Sun 5 recent works have involved a selec- the International Space Station, the Birmingham Mar, The Roadhouse, tion of vessels, to create unique MAGIC DOOR Fri 3 Mar, images in this exhibition show POLAR, GIANTS, TO THE Birmingham musical instruments as installations, remarkable landscapes on Earth Lab 11, Birmingham WIND & MY ONLY Thurs VIN GARBUTT Sun 5 Wed 15 Mar - Sun 4 June taken from space, and life on board 2 Mar, The Flapper, WHITNEY HOUSTON LIVE Mar, Kitchen Garden the space station, until Sun 5 Mar, Birmingham EXPERIENCE Cafe, Birmingham RBSA Gallery Thinktank at Millennium Point, FT. NYA KING Fri 3 Mar, LOOSE ENDS Thurs 2 LUKAS GRAHAM Sun 5 NEW LOVE ART, BUY ART, MAKE ART Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove Mar, The Jam House, Mar, O2 Academy, Postcards screen-printed in Karoline TURNING POINT New exhibition by stu- Birmingham WOOD AND NAILS Fri 3 Birmingham Rerrie Summer 2016 Workshop, dents from Tudor Grange Academy Mar, The Sunflower LAUREL ARNELL-CULLEN Thurs 2 - Sat 11 Mar Sixth Form, until Mon 6 Mar, The Lounge, Birmingham PAT JORDAN & FINIAN'S Thurs 2 Mar, Ort Cafe, RAINBOW Sun 5 Mar, NEW THOMAS ASHBY RBSA An exhibi- Core Theatre, Solihull Birmingham IDA NIELSEN Fri 3 Mar, Irish Centre, B’ham tion of paintings contrasting the dra- HAND AND MIND An exhibition and Pizza Express Live, TRAGEDY: A METAL matic shoreline of South West Cork series of performances testing con- Birmingham WITH CONFIDENCE Sun (Sherkin Island) with the gentle and nections between the realms of TRIBUTE TO THE BEE 5 Mar, The Asylum, DEEKLINE Fri 3 Mar, lush landscape around the village of speech and gesture, until Sat 25 Mar, GEES & BEYOND Thurs 2 Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Tysoe, Warwickshire, Mon 6 Mar - Grand Union, Birmingham Mar, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham MAN & THE ECHO Sun 5 Sat 6 May KRISTINA CRANFELD: IN THIS PERFECT THE JIVE ACES Thurs 2 Mar, The Sunflower HOSTILE Sat 4 Mar, O2 NEW OPEN ALL MEDIA Popular open BRITISH LANDSCAPE... A solo exhibi- Mar, The Core Theatre, Lounge, Birmingham exhibition which attracts entries from tion by Uzbekistan-born, London- Solihull across the UK. Works include jew- based artist and filmmaker Kristina THE ORWELLS Thurs 2 ellery, ceramics, textiles, drawing, Cranfeld. Kristina’s work is presented Mar, Hare & Hounds, painting and printmaking, Thurs 16 through films, installations and pho- Birmingham Mar - Sat 8 Apr tographs, until Sat 8 Apr, Ort Gallery, TWIN WILD Thurs 2 Mar, NEW DEREK WILLIAMS RBSA FRSA Balsall Heath Hare & Hounds, (1932 - 2009) Derek was a highly gift- PRODUCTION SHOW: Birmingham ed and skilled painter who captured BUILDING/DEVELOPING/TESTING AND THE ELO EXPERIENCE the spirit of the moment and brought NIGHTMARE ON BAME STREET Includes Thurs 2 Mar, New his subjects to life, Mon 20 Mar - Sat - solo exhibitions, generative per- Alexandra Theatre, 6 May formances, artists’ tests for a major Birmingham NEW PETER WAREING RBSA Colourful public art commission, a new pro- duction display system, a set of use- GOLDSANDS Fri 3 Mar, pottery illustrated with images based O2 Academy, B’ham on found objects, Mon 27 Mar - Sat 6 ful editions and proposals, concepts May and prototypes as events and work- PROPAGANDA Fri 3 Mar, shops, until Sat 22 Apr, Eastside O2 Academy, B’ham The Barber Institute Projects, Birmingham VANT Fri 3 Mar, O2 NEW DISTRACTED ANECDOTE Exhibition Institute, Birmingham COPYING THE MASTERS Display explor- comprising a mass of small hand- ing the reasons for the popularity of HEAVY BEAT BRASS made and urban-discovered compo- printed and drawn copies, bringing BAND Fri 3 Mar, Hare & nents, Fri 3 - Sat 11 Mar, Stryx together works by Dürer, Hogarth Hounds, Birmingham Gallery, Digbeth Elbow - O2 Academy, Birmingham

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Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 March Classical Music Comedy Gigs CBSO: BRITISH CLASSICS Featuring John Wilson (conductor) & CRAIG HILL, LIAM PICKFORD & DIANE Roderick Williams (baritone). SPENCER Fri 3 Mar, Jongleurs Programme includes works by Comedy Club, Birmingham Walton, Elgar, Wood, Farnon, RACHEL PA RRIS Fri 3 Mar, Artrix, Coates, Ireland, German & Vaughan Bromsgrove Williams, Wed 1 Mar, Symphony PAUL MCCAFFREY, JOSH HOWIE, PETE Hall, Birmingham OTWAY & COMIC TBC Fri 3 Mar, The FRENCH HORN RECITAL WITH JAVIER Comedy Loft, Birmingham BONET Also featuring Joanne Sealey GEORGE EGG Fri 3 Mar, The Core (piano). Programme includes works Theatre, Solihull by Schubert, Weber, Dukas, ROB DEERING, KEITH FARNAN, LAURA Schumann, Sarasate, Piazzola & LEXX & COMIC TBC Sat 4 Mar, The Monti, Thurs 2 Mar, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Conservatoire CRAIG HILL, LIAM PICKFORD & DIANE OLIVER KNUSSEN CONDUCTS GRIME SPENCER Sat 4 Mar, Jongleurs BCMG premiere Helen Grime's Comedy Club, Birmingham Piano Concert alongside works by CROFT AND PEARCE Sat 4 Mar, Artrix, Carter, Boulez and Maxwell Davies, Bromsgrove Fri 3 Mar, CBSO Centre, B‘ham PAUL MCCAFFREY, JOSH HOWIE, PETE GALA PIANO ALL-NIGHTER 12 hours of OTWAY & COMIC TBC Sat 4 - Fri 3 Mar, piano music, featuring Simon The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Callow, Alistair McGowan, Gergely Boganyi, Peter Donohoe, Dr. Anna STUART GOLDSMITH Sun 5 Mar, The Scott, Antony Hewitt and many Glee Club, Birmingham more... Fri 3 - Sat 4 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Amédée Theatre The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 11 March Playwright, director and comedian Sean Foley, whose previous stage WAITING FOR GODOT Presented by productions include The Play What I Wrote and The Ladykillers, is Different Animal, Tues 28 Feb - Thurs the man behind this new adaptation of Eugene Ionesco’s 1954 work. 2 Mar, Lichfield Garrick A leading figure in French avant-garde theatre, Ionesco is best known THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION for his absurdist plays, many of which reflect on the insignificance of The Crescent Theatre Company human existence. presents its version of Agatha Amédée, his first full-length offering, features a frustrated playwright Christie’s most celebrated courtroom drama, Sat 25 Feb - Sat 4 Mar, and his switchboard-operator wife. Struggling to make ends meet in Crescent Theatre, Birmingham a dilapidated London apartment (Foley’s adaptation switches the SISTER ACT THE MUSICAL Alexandra action from Paris), the couple are becoming ever more concerned Burke takes the lead in Craig Revel about the problem in their other room - a corpse that’s causing Horwood’s staging of the smash-hit mushrooms to sprout all over the apartment... musical comedy, Mon 27 Feb - Sat 4 Roxana Silbert directs this Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre production which stars Black Country-born actress Josie Lawrence AMÉDÉE British playwright, director (pictured), alongside Trevor Fox. BEL CANTO: THE SONGS OF DONIZETTI and comedian Sean Foley (The Play & BELLINI Featuring Sarah-Jane What I Wrote, The Ladykillers) brings Brandon (soprano), Stephanie Eugene Ionesco's surreal comedy to Marshall (mezzo-soprano) & Gary life in his sharp and finely tuned new SPILLIKIN Pipeline use theatre to of Hancock’s Half Hour, Fri 3 Mar, Matthewman (piano). Programme adaptation. Josie Lawrence and explore big questions of love, death The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Trevor Cox star, Roxana Silbert includes works by Donizetti & and technology, Thurs 2 Mar, Arena JULIUS CAESAR Angus Jackson Bellini, Fri 3 Mar, The Barber directs... Tues 28 Feb - Sat 11 Mar, Theatre, Wolverhampton The REP, Birmingham directs Shakespeare’s epic and Institute, Birmingham A MACHINE THEY'RE SECRETLY BUILDING thrilling tragedy as the politics of spin SNOW IN MIDSUMMER YEOMAN OF THE GUARD Presented by A contemporary Proto-type Theater vent their frustra- and betrayal turn bloody and brutal, re-imagining of one of the most the City of Birmingham Symphony tion at the insidious machine of sur- Fri 3 Mar - Sat 9 Sep, Royal famous classical Chinese dramas, Orchestra and featuring the veillance, Thurs 2 - Fri 3 Mar, mac, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- until Sat 25 Mar, The Swan Theatre, University of Birmingham Voices, Birmingham upon-Avon Stratford-upon-Avon John Wilston (conductor), Sarah PA/NG New night celebrating the best PRESENT LAUGHTER Associate artist VAMPIRE'S ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN Fox (Elsie Maynard), Heather Shipp in local emerging artists and span- Vanessa Comer directs Noel (Phoebe), Benjamin Hulett (Colonel Steve Steinman returns as Barron ning music, live art, performance and Coward's classic comedy, Fri 3 - Sat Fairfax), Simon Butteriss (Jack Von Rockula in an all-new saga, Wed digital art. Playwright, poet & screen- 11 Mar, The Bear Pit Theatre - The Point) and Sir Thomas Allen 1 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, writer Sabrina Mahfouz headlines, United Reformed Church, Stratford- (Sergeant Meryll), Sat 4 Mar, Birmingham Thurs 2 - Fri 3 Mar, mac, Birmingham upon-Avon HAPPY HOUR Symphony Hall, Birmingham New-work night hosted HILDA AND THE SPECTRUM Surrealist BERYL Maxine Peake’s warm and OLIVER KNUSSEN CONDUCTS GRIME by Tmesis Theatre, one of the UK's play which follows the meeting and witty celebration of unsung sporting leading physical theatre companies, BCMG premiere Helen Grime's relationship between two otherworld- legend Beryl Burton, Fri 3 - Sat 18 Wed 1 Mar, The Old Rep Theatre, Piano Concert alongside works by ly outsiders, told through mime, Mar, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Birmingham Carter, Boulez and Maxwell Davies, clowning and improvisation, Fri 3 under-Lyme Sun 5 Mar, CBSO Centre, THE BEST THING A Swinging 60s story Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, TIATA FAHODZI: GOOD DOG A piece of Birmingham of unconditional love from the UK's Birmingham theatre which chronicles growing up leading full-mask theatre company, HANCOCK’S HALF HOUR: ONE MAN, in a multicultural community, and the Vamos, Thurs 2 Mar, Artrix, MANY VOICES James Hurn voices the everyday injustices that drive people Bromsgrove entire cast of three classic episodes to take back control, Sat 4 Mar, mac,

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thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 March Birmingham Bromsgrove, Fri 3 Mar THE FIZZOGS: THE SUCK IT AND SEE TINKER BELL & THE LEGEND OF THE TOUR Sat 4 Mar, The Core Theatre, NEVERBEAST (U) Animation/Adventure. Solihull mac, Birmingham, Sat 4 Mar AIDA Ellen Kent and Amphitheatre THE LEGO MOVIE (U) Productions present a new interpre- Animation/Adventure. Artrix, tation of Verdi’s classic opera. Olga Bromsgrove, Sat 4 Mar Perrier, Alyona Kistenyova & Liza LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Musical. Kadelnik star, Sat 4 Mar, New Starring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, THE VIRGIN MARIAS Lying Lips Theatre Sat 4 - Sun 5 Mar Company present a revenge play, DRIVE (18) Drama/Crime. Starring written by Nathalie Bazán and pre- Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan. Blue sented in Jacobean English, Sat 4 Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 5 Mar, The Crescent Theatre, Mar Birmingham CONFUSIONS Amateur production of Alan Ayckbourn’s five short plays, Cirque Du Soleil: Varekai - Genting Arena each of which deals with a different NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: 11th year, Sat 4 Mar, Donington Park 4 - Sun 5 Mar, Drayton Manor Theme set of human emotions and dilem- Racing Circuit, Derby Park, Staffordshire mas, Sat 4 - Sat 11 Mar, The Oldbury Rep Released from Fri 3 March, showing GHOST TOURS An evening ghost tour THE TUDOR WOMAN Marking the at selected cinemas of one of Britain’s most haunted beginning of Women's History FIST FIGHT (15) buildings, Sat 4 Mar, , Month, Sun 5 Mar, , Birmingham Birmingham LOGAN (tbc) SOOTY'S BIRTHDAY BAKE OFF Direct THE IMPERIAL COMMERCIALS TRESPASS AGAINST US (15) Dance from the hit CITV series. Join the VOLKSWAGEN DONINGTON RALLY The VICEROY'S HOUSE (12a) gang as they bake a chocolate cake circuit is transformed into a giant with a sprinkle of Cadbury magic, Sat stage, Sun 5 Mar, Donington Park DANCE SAMPLED Showcase of various 4 - Sun 5 Mar, Cadbury World, Racing Circuit, Derby dance styles, from the sexiest tango Birmingham to the hottest hip-hop, a classy taste BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL RECORD of ballet, plus some gripping kathak THOMAS AND FRIENDS WEEKEND FAIR Sun 5 Mar, National Motorcycle and mind-blowing contemporary. Full Events Thomas and friends invite you to join Museum, Solihull line-up to be confirmed... Fri 3 - Sat 4 them on their magical weekends, Sat Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome CIRQUE DU SOLEIL VAREKAI - TALES OF THE FOREST Wed 1 - Sun 5 Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham HEDGELAYING Have you ever wanted to learn how to lay a hedge? Film Whether it’s your garden hedge, an unruly hedge on your smallholding, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: or a skill you would just like to learn, this course is an ideal place to start, Fri 3 Mar, Avoncroft Museum, LOVING (12a) Biography/Drama. Bromsgrove Starring Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton. WHAT CAREER LIVE? WHAT UNIVERSITY The Electric Cinema, Birmingham, LIVE? An essential event for 15 to 19- until Thurs 2 Mar; Warwick Arts year-olds, to help them decide what Centre, Coventry, until Thurs 2 Mar; to do after leaving school - whether mac, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Mar it’s an apprenticeship, school-leaver MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring programme or university after A Mahershala Ali, Shariff Earp. The Levels, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Mar, NEC, Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until Birmingham Thurs 2 Mar PETER KAY'S DANCE FOR LIFE Peter Kay HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) brings his three-hour dance-athons Drama/Biography. Starring Taraji P. to Coventry, with all profits going to Henson, Octavia Spencer. The Cancer Research UK, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Electric Cinema, Birmingham, until Mar, Ricoh Arena, Coventry Thurs 2 Mar THE NATIONAL WEDDIN G SHOW Try, HACKSAW RIDGE (15) Drama/History. buy, book and hire everything you Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam need for your special day at the ulti- Worthington. The Electric Cinema, mate day out for the whole bridal Birmingham, until Thurs 2 Mar party. With over 300 wedding spe- MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. cialists, from bridal boutiques and Starring Casey Affleck, Michelle florists to jewellers and photogra- Williams. The Electric Cinema, phers, this event is the ultimate wed- Birmingham, until Thurs 2 Mar ding shopping experience, Fri 3 - Sun 5 Mar, NEC, Birmingham FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. BRIT ASIA TV WORLD MUSIC AWARDS Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Featuring the best of both British- Miller. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 1 Mar Asian and international music, includ- ing R&B, Grime, Bhangra and ARRIVAL (12a) Drama/Sci-Fi. Starring Bollywood, Sat 4 Mar, Barclaycard Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner. The Arena, Birmingham Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Thurs 2 Mar FLOYD MAYWEATHER'S LAS VEGAS BALL Sat 4 Mar, International Convention A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) Centre (ICC), Birmingham Adventure/Fantasy. Starring David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike. Artrix, DRUM & BASS AWARDS 2017 Now in its

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thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 March Featuring Daniele Rosina (conduc- Gigs Classical tor). Programme includes works by Schoenberg, Mussorgsky, Boris Godunov & Prokofiev, Sun 12 Mar, HIGHLY SUSPECT Mon 6 Music The Bramall, Birmingham University Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham MONDAY SHOWCASE Featuring Aaron THE SESHEN Mon 6 Mar, Bilson (cello) & Connor Wilcox Hare & Hounds, B’ham (piano) - Rachmaninov's Cello DUTCH UNCLES Mon 6 Sonata. Also featuring Shiya Zhang Comedy Gigs Mar, Hare & Hounds, (soprano) & Bernard Tan (piano) Birmingham who’ll perform works by Arr. Qiu- Feng Zheng, Xue-Qin Cao, Zhu JO ENRIGHT, LINDSEY SANTORO & ELLA - CELEBRATING 100 Qing & Arr. Yan-Jiang Hu, Mon 6 MAUREEN YOUNGER Wed 8 Mar, Artrix, YEARS Mon 6 Mar, Mar, Birmingham Conservatoire Bromsgrove Crescent Theatre, CARL DONNELLY, TOM LUCY, CHRISTIAN Birmingham LOUIS LORTIE CELEBRITY RECITAL Programme comprises George SCHULTE-LOH & PAUL THORNE Fri 10 LANY Mon 6 Mar, O2 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Benjamin's Shadowlines & 6 Canonic Preludes plus Chopin's 24 ADAM BLOOM, JUNIOR SIMPSON, LAURA PRESS TO MECO Mon 6 Preludes Op.28, Tues 7 Mar, LEXX & COMIC TBC Fri 10 Mar, The Mar, The Sunflower Birmingham Conservatoire Comedy Loft, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham CBSO: WHEN IN ROME Presented by CARLY SMALLMAN & NICK PAGE Fri 10 JOSEFIN ÖHRN & THE the City Of Birmingham Symphony Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre LIBERATION Tues 7 Mar, Orchestra and featuring Daniele CARL DONNELLY, TOM LUCY, CHRISTIAN Hare & Hounds, B’ham Rustioni (conductor) & Francesca SCHULTE-LOH & PAUL THORNE Sat 11 BILL LAURANCE Tues 7 Dego (violin). Programme includes Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham Mar, The Glee Club, works by Wagner, Wolf-Ferrari, LOU CONRAN, QUINCY & SCOTT GIBSON Birmingham Lucy Spraggan - O2 Institute, Birmingham Respighi & Mendelssohn, Wed 8 Sat 11 Mar, Jongleurs Comedy Club, THE WYZE GUYZ Tues 7 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Mar, The Jam House, Mar, O2 Institute, House, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE: LE HANNAH SILVESTER & CRAIG DEELEY Birmingham Birmingham VENKMAN, DELTA NOZZE DI FIGARO BY WOLFGANG Sat 11 Mar, mac, Birmingham US THE DUO Wed 8 Mar, THE BEACH BOYS STORY AUTUMN, REPEAT OF AMADEUS MOZART Featuring Fraser ADAM BLOOM, JUNIOR SIMPSON, LAURA O2 Academy, B’ham Thurs 9 Mar, The LAST WEEK Sat 11 Mar, Goulding (conductor) & Michael Robin, Bilston Hare & Hounds, B’ham LEXX & COMIC TBC Sat 11 Mar, The JULY TALK Wed 8 Mar, Barry (director), Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Comedy Loft, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham EVAROSE Thurs 9 Mar, TEEDRA MOSES Sat 11 Mar, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham KOJO, AXEL BLAKE, SLIM & KANE BARE KNUCKLE PARADE O2 Academy, B’ham Mar, O2 Institute, ACADEMY OF ANCIENT MUSIC Birmingham BROWN Sun 12 Mar, The Glee Club, Wed 8 Mar, Hare & JOE DOLMAN Thurs 9 FEATURING JORDI SAVALL Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Mar, The Sunflower LAO CHE Sat 11 Mar, O2 (VIOL/DIRECTOR) Programme Lounge, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham EMMA BALLANTINE Wed includes works by Lully, Marais, 8 Mar, Kitchen Garden ARGLE BARGLE Fri 10 BANG ON THE EAR Sat 11 Handel & Rameau, Thurs 9 Mar, Cafe, Birmingham Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, The Irish Centre, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham DAYGLO ABORTIONS Wed CHETHAM'S SCHOOL OF MUSIC Theatre 8 Mar, The Rainbow PROPAGANDA Fri 10 Mar, THE REAL PEOPLE Sat 11 Featuring Julius Jonusas (cello), Venues, Birmingham O2 Academy Mar, The Rainbow Amber Jordan (saxophone), BLOOD BROTHERS Award-winning Birmingham Venues, Birmingham Gemma Riley (trombone) & Martyn GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 8 show written by Willy Russell and Parkes (accompanist), Fri 10 Mar, Mar, The Jam House, NORMAN JAY Fri 10 Mar, THE ELO ENCOUNTER telling the story of twins who, sepa- The Barber Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Sat 11 Mar, The rated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the track, Mon 6 - Sat 11 THE PIGEON DETECTIVES Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham RAINER HERSCH: COMEDY MEETS THE Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Wed 8 Mar, O2 J J GALWAY Fri 10 Mar, DRAGSTER, VOODOO ORCHESTRA Programme includes Institute, Birmingham Irish Centre, B’ham KINGS, DEMON SMILES, works by Rossini, Beethoven, SHIRLEY VALENTINE Jodie Prenger WASTED LIFE & FACE UP Mozart, Strauss, Verdi & Vivaldi, Fri takes the lead in Willy Russell’s MAWKIN Wed 8 Mar, FOO 5IGHTERS Fri 10 Sat 11 Mar, The 10 Mar, Symphony Hall, B’ham heart-warming comedy, Mon 6 - Sat The Red Lion Folk Mar, The Roadhouse, Flapper, Birmingham 11 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Club, Birmingham Birmingham RETORICA Programme includes WHITE LIES Sat 11 Mar, works by William Croft, David Birmingham TINARIWEN Wed 8 Mar, THE UPBEAT BEATLES Fri Keele University, Matthews, Moeran, John McCabe & CHESS Knowle Musical Society pres- The Glee Club, B’ham 10 Mar, Staffordshire Rawsthorne, Fri 10 Mar, Artrix, ent an amateur production of Tim TRIBUTE TO OTIS Wolverhampton Grand GOJIRA Bromsgrove Rice’s politically-driven musical. REDDING PERFORMED BY Theatre Sat 11 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: ST MARK Music score comes from Abba’s MUDIBU & THE JEZEBEL LOWER THAN ATLANTIS Benny Andersson and Björn PASSION Featuring Paul Spicer SEXTET Wed 8 Mar, The Fri 10 Mar, O2 UNIVERSITY WIND BAND: Ulvaeus, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Mar, The (director), Elizabeth Cragg (sopra- Robin, Bilston Academy, B’ham BEST OF BRITISH Sat 11 Core, Solihull no), Simon Ponsford (coun- NINE BELOW ZERO Fri 10 Mar, The Bramall, CHALI 2NA Thurs 9 Mar, tertenor), Thomas Hobbs BETTY BLUE EYES Walsall Operatic Mar, The Robin, Bilston Birmingham Hare & Hounds, B’ham (Evangelist), Jeremy Budd (tenor) & Society present an amateur produc- PERKELT Sat 11 Mar, PROSE Thurs 9 Mar, THE FALLEN STATE Fri 10 Henry Neill (baritone), Sat 11 Mar, tion of the popular musical comedy, Artrix, Bromsgrove Hare & Hounds, B’ham Mar, O2 Institute, LIchfield Cathedral based on Alan Bennett’s A Private Birmingham THE DEREK NASH FUNK Function, Tues 7 - Sat 11 Mar, ACDC EXPERIENCE Thurs EXPERIENCE Sat 11 Mar, NIGEL KENNEDY & FRIENDS Lichfield Garrick 9 Mar, The Slade GLASS ANIMALS Fri 10 Pizza Express Live, Special gala celebration show fea- Rooms, Mar, O2 Institute, BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL Smash-hit Birmingham turing world-renowned violinist Wolverhampton Birmingham Nigel Kennedy, Sat 11 Mar, musical based on the Oscar-nomi- TEN FE Sun 12 Mar, nated movie of the same name and THE HIGH TONES Thurs THE FALLEN STATE, Fri Symphony Hall, Birmingham 10 Mar, O2 Institute, Hare & Hounds, featuring a timeless score by Elton 9 Mar, The Jam House, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: Birmingham Birmingham John, Tues 7 Mar - Sat 29 Apr, Birmingham SUPERHEROES AT SYMPHONY HALL An BONAFIDE Sun 12 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome THE SWEET AND TENDER UNIVERSITY BRASS BAND afternoon of music celebrating the O2 Academy, B’ham INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY DOUBLE HOOLIGANS Thurs 9 & SAX CHOIR Fri 10 Mar, iconic scores from your favourite BILL Two works from Midlands writers Mar, The Roadhouse, The Bramall, B’ham 80'S INVASION TOUR Superheroes, Sun 12 Mar, for International Women’s Day 2017: Birmingham SOLID SOUL Fri 10 - Sat 2017 Sun 12 Mar, Town Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Save Our School Dinners... Jamie! - LUCY SPRAGGAN Thurs 9 11 Mar, The Jam PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA a new comedy-drama about a gang

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thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 March of dinner ladies - and Moorville Theatre’s Lite - a multimedia stage production exploring themes of iden- tity, self-image and skin lightening through a young black woman’s eyes, Wed 8 Mar, The Old Rep. Birmingham MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL All-singing, all-dancing musical starring Cheryl Ferguson, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca Wheatley & Ruth Berkeley, Thurs 9 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE EULOGY OF TOBY PEACH Inspiring exploration of modern science and the human body, Thurs 9 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove LABELS Worklight Theatre's award- winning show, exploring the issues of mixed heritage and immigration, Thurs 9 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Festival Of The Dead - The Rainbow Venues, Birmingham Birmingham LE NOZZE DI FIGARO Birmingham creative writing talents, presented to stand-up poetry for people who don’t the film. mac, Birmingham, Sun 12 Conservatoire presents its version of mark International Women’s Day, like poetry, Sun 12 Mar, Stafford Mar Mozart’s quintessential opera, Thurs Sun 12 Mar, mac, Birmingham Gatehouse Theatre 9 - Sat 11 Mar, The Crescent Theatre, OYSTER BOY Haste Theatre present a NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Birmingham bittersweet tale about the trials of STORIES TO TELL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE love and what it means to be ‘other’, NIGHT Storytelling with a difference, Sun 12 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Released from Fri 10 March, showing presented via a live, late-night radio Film at selected cinemas show for those who aren’t asleep. CAT FIGHT (15) Instead of records, the DJ spins sto- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: DANCER (12a) ries that exist between dusk and ELLE (18) morning, Fri 10 Mar, Artrix, Dance Bromsgrove LOVING (12a) Biography/Drama. KONG: SKULL ISLAND (12a) DANCING BEAR, DANCING BEAR Award- Starring Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton. RULES DON’T APPLY (tbc) AFRICARMEN BY TAVAZIVA An entan- mac, Birmingham, Mon 6 - Wed 8 winning company Gameshow pres- gled story of desire, deceit and cor- THE CHAMBER (tbc) ent a story about men and women Mar ruption unfolds in an African town- THE LOVE WITCH (tbc) and how they relate to each other, Fri ship where military corruption is rife. A UNITED KINGDOM (12a) 10 Mar, mac, Birmingham Carmen defiantly ignores all warn- Adventure/Fantasy. Starring David THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES (tbc) TALES AND TONIC Opportunity to pre- ings to pursue a better life, but Oyelowo & Rosamund Pike. Artrix, view some of the work-in-progress tragedy follows her like a shadow in Bromsgrove, Mon 6 - Fri 10 Mar shows being produced by The REP's the hot sun, Thurs 9 Mar, JACKIE (15) Biography/Drama. brightest new talent, Fri 10 Mar - Fri 7 DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Starring Natalie Portman & Peter Apr, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Sarsgaard. The Electric Cinema, Events ONE LOVE: THE BOB MARLEY MUSICAL Birmingham, Tues 7 - Wed 8 Mar; Premiere of a new musical focusing FENCES (12a) Drama. Starring Denzel YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON on a defining period in the life and Washington & Viola Davis. mac, CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 Tues 7 - Sun 12 career of Bob Marley, Fri 10 Mar - Sat Birmingham, Mon 6 - Thurs 9 Mar Mar, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham 8 Apr, The REP, Birmingham PIETA IN THE TOILET (tbc) Drama. CRUFTS The world’s most famous THE FIZZOGS: THE SUCK IT AND SEE Starring Yojiro Noda & Hana dog show, Thurs 9 - Sun 12 Mar, TOUR Sat 11 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Sugisaki. Foreign language, subti- NEC, Birmingham tled. mac, Birmingham, Tues 7 Mar THE CLUB New comedy by Ruaraidh THE RUM FESTIVAL Featuring over 100 Murray, described as Phoenix Nights ZIGGY STARDUST & THE SPIDERS FROM different rums from around the globe, meets The Sopranos, Sat 11 Mar, MARS (PG) Documentary/Music. live entertainment, food and give- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Starring David Bowie. mac, aways, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Mar, The Bond CHICKEN LICKEN Theatre for younger Birmingham, Tues 7 Mar Complex, Birmingham audiences which fuses shadow and PREVENGE (15) Comedy/Fantasy. BOWMAN ANTIQUES Antiques, curios, rod puppetry with an original musical Starring Gemma Whelan & Kate vintage, retro and collectables, Fri 10 score, Sat 11 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Dickie. The Electric Cinema, - Sun 12 Mar, Staffordshire County WOW! SAID THE OWL Little Angel Birmingham, Wed 8 Mar Showground VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company pres- Theatre invites audiences to explore 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD Carnival-esque ent a dance-digital solo production the world of colours with a curious lit- Comedy/Drama. Starring Elle pageantry, giant skull processions, exploring the light vs dark and real vs tle owl who’s determined to stay Fanning & Alia Shawkat. mac, acrobats, dancers, decorative art & fairytale versions of female existence, awake to see what daylight brings, Birmingham, Fri 10 & Sun 12 Mar costumes, Sat 11 Mar, The Rainbow Sat 11 Mar, mac, Birmingham Sat 11 - Sun 12 Mar, mac, B’ham MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Venues, Birmingham ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA Iqbal Khan Mahershala Ali & Shariff Earp. mac, DISCOVER RAG RUGGING Sat 11 Mar, returns to the RSC to direct Birmingham, Fri 10 - Sun 12 Mar Birmingham Back to Backs Shakespeare’s tragedy of love and MY FERAL HEART (12a) Drama. THOMAS AND FRIENDS WEEKEND power, Sat 11 Mar - Thurs 7 Sept, Starring Suzanna Hamilton & Pixie Le Thomas and friends invite you to join Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Talks Knot. mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 Mar them on their magical weekends, Sat Stratford-upon-Avon A SILENT VOICE (12a) 11 - Sun 12 Mar, Drayton Manor DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA AN EVENING WITH LEVISON WOOD The Animation/Drama. Starring Miyu Irino Theme Park, Staffordshire Townsend Productions present a bestselling author, photographer and & Saori Hayami. Foreign language, ST. PATRICK'S PARADE BIRMINGHAM new play commissioned by the TV presenter shares stories about his subtitled. mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 This year’s theme is Irish Dancing, International Brigades Memorial experiences and exploits as a mod- Mar Sun 12 Mar, Digbeth, Birmingham Trust, Sun 12 Mar, mac, Birmingham ern-day explorer, Wed 8 Mar, Stafford NOTES ON BLINDNESS (U) IRONBRIDGE HALF MARATHON Sun 12 VOICES OF EXPERIENCE A ‘compelling’ Gatehouse Theatre Documentary/Drama. Starring John Mar, Ironbridge, Shropshire afternoon giving voice to regional BANG! SAID THE GUN Evening of M. Hull & Marilyn Hull. Q&A following whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List 13 - 19 March - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:07 Page 1

thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 March Birmingham UNIVERSITY BIG BAND Church, Birmingham Gigs SURFER BLOOD Thurs Fri 17 Mar, The Classical Music CHAMBER CHOIRS AND UNIVERSITY 16 Mar, The Rainbow Bramall, Birmingham CAMERATA Featuring Alexander Venues, Birmingham PLINI Fri 17 Mar, O2 LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Creamer and Matthew Brady THE VIRGINMARYS Academy, Birmingham THOMAS TROTTER Featuring the (Camerata conductors); Bradley Gill PEANESS Mon 13 Mar, Thurs 16 Mar, O2 KIOKO Fri 17 Mar, O2 Birmingham Conservatoire Chamber & Sidney Brass (Chamber Choir con- The Sunflower Institute, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Choir & Paul Spicer (conductor). ductors). Programme includes works Lounge, Birmingham Programme includes works by by Mendelssohn, Bruckner, DEVIN TOWNSEND PAUL CARRACK Fri 17 - THE WEEKND Mon 13 Dvorak & Walton, Mon 13 Mar, Esenvalds, Durufle, Monteverdi, Ola PROJECT Thurs 16 Mar, Sat 18 Mar, Symphony Mar, Barclaycard Birmingham Town Hall Gjeilo, Whitacre, Parry & Tippett, Sun O2 Institute, B’ham Hall, Birmingham Arena, Birmingham MONDAY SHOWCASE: BRIDGE 19 Mar, The Bramall, University of NANNA RADLEYS Thurs JUMP THE SHARK Sat HIGH TYDE Tues 14 Featuring Matthew Johnstone (viola) Birmingham 16 Mar, The Jam 18 Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, Hare & Hounds, & Eden Walker (piano). Programme House, Birmingham Birmingham BEASTDOME: KELP ROAD Birmingham includes works by Hindemith & A sea-themed concert in the immer- KOKOMO Thurs 16 Mar, GENTLEMAN'S DUB CLUB NATHAN GRISDALE Tues Bridge, Mon 13 Mar, sive environment of the Dome Room, The Robin, Bilston Sat 18 Mar, Hare & 14 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham Conservatoire to complement the Kelp Road sound Hounds, Birmingham Birmingham LUKE DANIELS Thurs 16 JENNIFER PIKE CELEBRITY RECITAL system in the Bramall foyer, Sun 19 Mar, Theatre Severn, L.A. GUNS Sat 18 Mar, CATH NIGHTINGALE Programme includes works by Mar, The Bramall, University of Shrewsbury The Slade Rooms, WITH OZ MCGOWAN Mozart, Syzmanowski, Vaughan Birmingham Wolverhampton Tues 14 Mar, The Jam JUNIOR Thurs 16 Mar, Williams & Wieniawski, Tues 14 Mar, SINGALONG WITH THE CBSO House, Birmingham The Sunflower THE NERVE Sat 18 Mar, Birmingham Conservatoire Featuring the City of Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham The Roadhouse, CAITLIN KOCH Tues 14 HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring Sir Mark Symphony Orchestra, the CBSO Birmingham Mar, The Roadhouse, PROPAGANDA Fri 17 Elder (conductor) & Gerard Chorus & Simon Halsey (conductor). Birmingham Mar, O2 Academy, BLACK STAR RIDERS Sat McBurney (creative director). Actors Programme comprises Birmingham 18 Mar, O2 Institute, Mendelssohn's Elijah (highlights), 60', STIFF LITTLE FINGERS to be announced. Programme com- Birmingham Sun 19 Mar, Symphony Hall, Tues 14 Mar, The MONSTER TRUCK Fri 17 prises Beyond The Score: Elgar's Birmingham Robin, Bilston Mar, O2 Institute, IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC Enigma Variations, Tues 14 Mar, Birmingham ROCK DISCO Sat 18 Symphony Hall, Birmingham LAURA MARLING Tues Mar, Route 44, 14 Mar, O2 Institute, RHINO AND THE RHAPSODY ON A THEME OF PAGANINI Birmingham Birmingham RANTERS Fri 17 Mar, Featuring the City of Birmingham Hare & Hounds, THE HURLING BOYS Sat Symphony Orchestra, Robert Trevino KRISTA DETOR Tues 14 Birmingham 18 Mar, Irish Centre, Comedy Gigs Mar, Kitchen Garden (conductor) & Stephen Hough Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham SARAH JANE MORRIS (piano). Programme includes works WITH ANTONIO THE STRANGLERS Sat by Rachmaninov, Bartok & JERRY 'THE KING' LAWLER Wed 15 Mar, IDLES Tues 14 Mar, FORCIONE Fri 17 Mar, 18 Mar, O2 Academy, Shostakovich, Thurs 16 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, St Paul's Church, Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham HAL CRUTTENDEN, ALAN HUDSON & Birmingham HANNAH WANTS Sat 18 BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE PADDY LENNOX Thurs 16 Mar, The CANAAN SMITH Wed 15 FOLLOW NATIVES Fri 17 Mar, The Rainbow SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Bramall, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Mar, O2 Academy, Venues, Birmingham James Southall (conductor) & Birmingham SEAN MCLOUGHLIN Thurs 16 Mar, mac, Birmingham DAVE HAUSE AND THE Nicholas Morris (organ). Programme Birmingham LUCAS D & THE GROOVE includes works by Paul Norman, JOE FOX Fri 17 Mar, Ort MERMAIDS Sat 18 Mar, MIKE GUNN, JONNY AWSUM, STEVE GHETTO Wed 15 Mar, Poulenc & Schubert, Fri 17 Mar, Cafe, Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham SHANYASKI & KAREN BAYLEY Thurs 16 The Jam House, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham ALIVE AND KICKING & THE RECORD COMPANY Mar, The Core Theatre, Solihull LUNCHTIME CONCERT: HAYDN & U2+1 Fri 17 Mar, Sat 18 Mar, JARRED CHRISTMAS, PAUL MCCAFFERY, JULIE FELIX Wed 15 MENDELSSOHN Featuring Hun-sik Lee, Route 44, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham STEVE GRIBBIN & MIKE WILMOT Fri 17 Mar, The Red Lion Ming Yung, Ellie Chapman, Angela Folk Club, Birmingham SCOTT BRADLEE & HVMM Sat 18 Mar, The Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Sunflower Lounge, Monge-Alvarez, Clarke Luigi Alonzi, THE FUREYS Wed 15 RUSSELL HOWARD Fri 17 - Sat 18 Mar, Fri 17 Mar, O2 Birmingham Jing Ming, Yisong Yang & Alice Mar, The Core Theatre, Genting Arena, Birmingham Academy, Birmingham Cheer. Programme comprises Solihull DEVILSKIN & SUMO Haydn's String Quartet Op.76 No.4 & TONY LAW Fri 17 Mar, The Glee Club, STATE CHAMPS Fri 17 CYCO Sun 19 Mar, O2 MARTIN TURNER EX Mendelssohn's String Quartet Op.13, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Academy, Birmingham WISHBONE ASH Wed 15 Fri 17 Mar, Birmingham Museum And Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, CHARLIE BAKER, MATT Mar, St Paul's Church, SIENNA SKIES, HIGH Art Gallery REED & SOL BERNSTEIN Fri 17 Mar, The HOWARD JONES Fri 17 HOPES, I & THE Birmingham BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY SINGERS Comedy Loft, Birmingham Mar, Artrix, DREAMER Sun 19 Mar, EZIO Wed 15 Mar, Featuring Julian Wilkins (conductor). Bromsgrove The Flapper, B’ham BRENDON BURNS, HARRY STACHINI, Kitchen Garden Cafe, Programme includes works by CARLY SMALLMAN Fri 17 Mar, Lichfield Birmingham THE TREMBLING GEORGIE FAME Sun 19 Whitacre, Monteverdi, Tavener, Garrick WILBURYS Fri 17 Mar, Mar, Artrix, THE WAILERS Wed 15 Spiritual arr. Whalum & Britten, Fri 17 The Roadhouse, Bromsgrove JARRED CHRISTMAS, PAUL MCCAFFERY, Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, The Barber Institute, B’ham Birmingham STEVE GRIBBIN & MIKE WILMOT Sat 18 Birmingham MEGSON'S FAMILY FOLK TANGO WITH THE QUINTENTO JUAN VAS- Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham TANGO WITH THE SHOW Sun 19 Mar, CHARLIE WORSHAM SALLO Featuring Diego Vassallo (vio- QUINTETO JUAN mac, Birmingham JOJO SUTHERLAND, ALISTAIR BARRIE & Wed 15 Mar, O2 lin), Catherine Vassallo (viola), VASSALLO Fri 17 Mar, MARK SIMMONS Sat 18 Mar, Jongleurs Academy, Birmingham JUIAN SIEGEL Sun 19 Eduardo Vassallo (cello), Danny CBSO Centre, Comedy Club, Birmingham Mar, Birmingham Town Vassallo (double bass) & John EMP!RE Wed 15 Mar, Birmingham ANDREW BIRD, CHARLIE BAKER & MATT Hall Turville (piano), Fri 17 Mar, CBSO The Sunflower REED & SOL BERNSTEIN Sat 18 Mar, The Centre, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham Comedy Loft, Birmingham G4 IN CONCERT DODIE Thurs 16 Mar, Fri 17 Mar, BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 18 O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Town Hall Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove CROWBAR Thurs 16 UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHORUS & ASHLEY BLAKER Sun 19 Mar, The Glee Mar, O2 Institute, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring Club, Birmingham Birmingham Daniele Rosina (orchestral director) & Julian Wilkins (chorus director). NATALIE ANN CUTLER Sun 19 Mar, Artrix, CURVED AIR Thurs 16 Bromsgrove Mar, St Paul's Church, Programme includes works by Birmingham Sibelius, Ginestera & Haydn, Sat 18 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ALL TIME LOW Thurs 16 BIRMINGHAM GAY SYMPHONY Mar, O2 Academy, The Virgin Marys - O2 Academy, Birmingham ORCHESTRA Sat 18 Mar, St Paul's 60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 13 - 19 March - Birmingham ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2017 11:07 Page 2

Monday 13 - Sunday 19 March

(Emmerdale) and David Callister Theatre (The Bill) star in the world premiere of the fourth instalment of Peter Gordon’s Pratt trilogy, Fri 17 - Sat 18 THE COMMITMENTS Feelgood celebra- Mar, Lichfield Garrick tion of soul, direct from the West SCARY SH*T Rhiannon Faith presents End. Kevin Kennedy stars, Mon 13 - a show about friendship, being a Sat 18 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, woman and asking for help... Sat 18 Birmingham Mar, mac, Birmingham MEET FRED Hijink Theatre tell the MEET FRED Hijink Theatre tell the story of Fred, a regular guy who just story of Fred, a regular guy who just wants to get on in life. The only prob- wants to get on in life. The only prob- lem is that Fred is a puppet, and lem is that Fred is a puppet, and that’s where his dependency issues that’s where his dependency issues start..., Tues 14 Mar, Artrix, start..., Sat 18 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Bromsgrove HOME A tale of unexpected friendship explored via a multi-sensory story of discovery, Tues 14 - Wed 15 Mar, mac, Birmingham Dance ALL SHOOK UP Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company present a VERVE 2017 Four distinct dance works new twist on Shakespeare's Twelfth choreographed by international Night, featuring the songs of Elvis artists James Cousins, Carlos Pons Presley, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Mar, Guerra, Leila McMillan and Matthias Danny Baker: Cradle To The Stage - Birmingham Town Hall Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Sperling, Thurs 16 Mar, Artrix, THE GONDOLIERS Birmingham Bromsgrove she talks informally about her life and Sound artist Bobby Bird demon- Savoyards present one of Gilbert & her new book. The event also strates his hand-built harmonograph, Sullivan’s best-known works, Tues 14 includes a Q&A with the ‘icon of a scientific instrument invented in the - Sat 18 Mar, The Old Rep, B’ham homecooking’ at the end of the Victorian era which uses pendulums show, Thurs 16 Mar, Birmingham to visualise the invisible forces of DANNY BAKER: CRADLE TO THE STAGE Town Hall maths and science, Thurs 16 Mar, Danny presents a show featuring , Birmingham anecdotes, games involving AMERICAN FICTION SPECIAL EVENT sausages, and his impressive six WITH GEORGE SAUNDERS The National SEWING FOR PLEASURE AND FASHION octave range, Wed 15 Mar, Book Award-shortlisted US writer cel- EMBROIDERY Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ebrates the publication of his debut NEC, Birmingham novel, Lincoln In The Bardo, Sat 18 HOBBYCRAFTS All the latest supplies BLUE STOCKINGS The Crescent Youth Mar, The REP, Birmingham Theatre present Jessica Swale’s and cutting-edge ideas in the world drama, charting the harrowing strug- MK ULTRA The latest work from the ARCHIVE TALKS: SHAKESPEARE AT THE of creativity, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Mar, gles of a small group of women at highly acclaimed Rosie Kay Dance REP Sat 18 Mar, The REP, B’ham NEC, Birmingham Girton College, Cambridge, the first Company, a ‘supercharged mash-up CAKE INTERNATIONAL The sugarcraft, college in Britain to admit women, of thrilling dance, music & imagery’, cake decorating & baking show, Wed 15 - Sat 18 Mar, The Crescent Fri 17 - Sat 18 Mar, Birmingham Rep Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Mar, NEC, Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham BLOOD WEDDING Birmingham School Film Of Acting present Federico García Lorca’s surrealist, blood-soaked NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: story of doomed love and isolation, Talks Wed 15 - Sat 18 Mar, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Released from Fri 17 Mar, showing at selected cinemas LUCAS AND TIME Exploration of mem- PETER ALLIS: A QUESTION OF GOLF A ory, image and multiple identities, light-hearted evening with the leg- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (tbc) Thurs 16 - Sat 18 Mar, George endary golfer, followed by a Q&A GET OUT (tbc) session, Mon 13 Mar, The Core Cadbury Hall (University Of GLEASON (tbc) Birmingham) Theatre, Solihull & Tues 14 March, Lichfield Garrick PERSONAL SHOPPER (tbc) ORDINARY DAYS Adam Gwon's origi- nal musical about growing up and WHAT'S ON TOUR AND TALK SAREHOLE THE SALESMAN (12a) enjoying the view, told through a STORIES: DECLINE AND RISE OF series of intricately connected songs Learn how Sarehole Mill was saved for future generations, SPRING STEAM GALA Get up close to and vignettes, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Mar, an array of steam locomotives, then Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham as you're taken from derelict mill to working corn mill in this illustrated jump on board and venture back in MUSICALS DISCOVERED II Presented Events talk and tour, Tues 14 Mar, Sarehole time, Fri 17 - Sun 19 Mar, Severn by the Night Project Theatre Mill, Birmingham Valley Railway, Kidderminster Ensemble, Fri 17 Mar, Blue Orange UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM'S ARTS & THE NUREMBERG CHRONICLE: LECTURE THOMAS AND FRIENDS WEEKEND Theatre, Birmingham SCIENCE FESTIVAL This year taking the BY DR ELAINE FULTON Part of Thomas and friends invite you to join KEIN APPLAUS FÜR SCHEISSE A portrait theme of ‘land and water', Mon 13 - University Arts & Science Festival them on their magical weekends, Sat of a generation, fusing dance, trashy Sun 19 Mar, The University of 2017, Thurs 16 Mar, The Bramall, 18 - Sun 19 Mar, Drayton Manor pop, theatre, rollerskating, acrobatics Birmingham Birmingham University Theme Park, Staffordshire and love. Presented by Fierce, Fri 17 THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & WHAT'S WHAT WITH JAMES WATT? The MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON A week- Mar, mac, Birmingham ENGINEERS FAIR The UK’s largest cel- year 2019 will mark the 200th end-long celebration of all things WONDERWOMAN Notnow Collective ebration of science, technology, anniversary of the death, in great and geeky, presented by the present a show that looks into family, engineering and maths (STEM) for Birmingham, of inventor, industrialist, team behind MCM London Comic parenthood and work-home subjects young people, Wed 15 - Sat 18 Mar, engineer and artist James Watt. This Con, the largest event of its type in in a challenging, visual and immer- NEC, Birmingham is one of several events over the next Europe, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Mar, NEC, sive way, Fri 17 Mar, mac, B’ham few years which explore the man and BTCC SEASON LAUNCH Check out the Birmingham DING DONG MURDER ME ON HIGH! his legacy, Thurs 16 Mar, Soho new cars, drivers, teams and liveries THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW The UK’s Jeffrey Holland (Hi-de-Hi!), Anna House, Birmingham in action, Thurs 16 Mar, Donington largest event for people with a pas- Brecon (Emmerdale), Mark Little Park Racing Circuit, Derby MARY BERRY EVERYDAY Join Mary as sion for photography, Sat 18 - Tues (Neighbours), Natasha Gray HARMONOGRAPH: SEEING SOUND 21 Mar, NEC, Birmingham

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thelist Monday 20 - Sunday 26 March CLEARWATER REVIEW Birmingham TOM STADE, JOHN FOTHERGILL, IAN STONE & ELLIOT STEEL Gigs Thurs 23 Mar, The THE BLUE NOTES Sat 25 Classical Music Fri 24 Mar, The Robin, Bilston Mar, The Actress & Glee Club, Birmingham ONE NIGHT OF ELVIS Bishop, Birmingham UNIVERSITY CAMERATA Featuring DIANE SPENCER, CHRISTIAN REILLY, JIM Mon Thurs 23 Mar, New Daniel Mahoney & James Naylor SMALLMAN & GARRETT MILLERICK Fri 24 20 Mar, O2 Academy, MAD4BRIT Sat 25 Mar, Alexandra Theatre, (conductors). Programme includes Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham, The Roadhouse, Birmingham Birmingham works by Rameau, Victoria, Elgar & STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 24 Mar, Artrix, PRIDES Mon 20 Mar, THE ARKYARD SESSIONS Laurisden, Mon 20 Mar, The Barber Bromsgrove The Flapper, B’ham STAR OF THE SEA Sat 25 Institute, Birmingham Thurs 23 Mar, The Mar, Irish Centre, IGNACIO LOPEZ & SIMON EMANUEL Fri 24 LUKE DANIELS - Asylum, Birmingham Birmingham PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: RENATA Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre REVOLVE & ROTATE: THE FINAL YEAR JAZZ KONYICSKA (PIANO) Programme POLYPHON CHRONICLES CAPTAIN HORIZON Sat TOM STADE, JOHN FOTHERGILL, IAN RECITALISTS Thurs 23 includes works by Handel-Liszt, Mon 20 Mar, Kitchen 25 Mar, O2 Academy, STONE & ELLIOT STEEL Sat 25 Mar, The Mar, The Bramall, Schubert & Chopin, Tues 21 Mar, Garden Cafe, B’ham Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham Conservatoire THE EARLY NOVEMBER BLUE ZOO & AGENTS OF MANDY KNIGHT & JOHN MOLONEY Sat 25 KING SALAMI & THE JOHN IRELAND AND THE PIANO Tues 21 Mar, O2 EVOLUTION Sat 25 Mar, Mar, Jongleurs Comedy Club, CUMBERLAND THREE Featuring Eric McElroy. Programme Institute, Birmingham The Flapper, B’ham Birmingham Thurs 23 Mar, The includes Ireland's London Pieces, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR Sat 25 Mar, ANTHONY MARSDEN Sunflower Lounge, HAKEN Sat 25 Mar, O2 Ballade of London Nights, Earth's Artrix, Bromsgrove QUARTET Tues 21 Mar Birmingham Academy, B’ham Call & Sarnia, Tues 21 Mar, The Jam House, PROPAGANDA Fri 24 KIT HOLMES Sat 25 Birmingham Conservatoire Birmingham Mar, Artrix, Mar, O2 Academy, JUST CALL ME GOD The Final Speech Bromsgrove CLUB DRIVE Tues 21 Birmingham of a Dictator featuring John Mar, The Sunflower JAMES MASLOW Fri 24 FRANK CARTER AND THE Malcovich (actor), Sophie von Kessel Lounge, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, RATTLESNAKES Sat 25 (actress), Martin Haselbock (organ & SUICIDE SILENCE Wed Birmingham Mar, The Asylum, musical concept), Franz 22 Mar, O2 Academy, Birmingham MALLORY KNOX Fri 24 Danksagmüller (live electronics) & Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, MAD DOG MCREA Sat 25 Michael Sturminger (writer & direc- CLOUD NOTHINGS Wed Birmingham Mar, The Rainbow tor). Programme includes additional 22 Mar, Hare & Venues, Birmingham works by Bach, Franck, Widor, ED GEATER Fri 24 Mar, Hounds, Birmingham Messiaen & Ligeti, Tues 21 Mar, Hare & Hounds, A R RAHMAN Sat 25 Symphony Hall, Birmingham DIANE SPENCER, CHRISTIAN REILLY, JIM BATTLE BEAST Wed 22 Birmingham Mar, Barclaycard Mar, The Slade Arena, Birmingham RENATA KONYICSKA PIANO RECITAL SMALLMAN & GARRETT MILLERICK Sat CHRIS PAYNE, DJ RUSTY Rooms, Programme includes works by 25 Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham EGAN, SCARLET MARTI PELLOW Sat 25 Wolverhampton Handel-Liszt, Schubert & Chopin, FANTASTIC & TEN:TEN Mar, Birmingham Town Tues 21 Mar, Birmingham WARPAINT Wed 22 Mar, Fri 24 Mar, The Hall Conservatoire O2 Institute, B’ham Flapper, Birmingham ELECTRIC CIRCUS THE STRAWBS, Wed 22 SKLAMBERG & THE (WASP) & MOTORKILL I FAGIOLINI: FLAMING HEART Theatre Mar, The Robin, SHEPHERDS Fri 24 Mar, Sat 25 Mar, Route 44, Comprising a programme to cele- Bilston mac, Birmingham Birmingham brate Monteverdi’s unique expressive genius, Wed 22 Mar, The Barber JON RONSON'S PSYCHOPATH NIGHT Join ALEXANDRA JAYNE Wed B'SPOKE Fri 24 - Sat 25 ARMORED SAINT Sat 25 Institute, University of Birmingham Ronson as he recounts the funny, terri- 22 Mar, The Jam Mar, The Jam House, Mar, O2 Institute, fying and compelling events that led to House, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham ANDRE RIEU Wed 22 Mar, Genting THE VRYLL SOCIETY Sat Arena, Birmingham his bestselling book, The Psychopath THE JAMES BROTHERS JAMES ARTHUR Fri 24 Test, Mon 20 Mar, The REP, B’ham Wed 22 Mar, The Red Mar, O2 Academy, 25 Mar, The Sunflower MR BLOOM’S NURSERY LIVE! Interactive Lion Folk Club, B’ham Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham show to entertain parents and tiddlers SEVEN DRUNKEN AC/DC UK Fri 24 Mar, POPPY FIELDS 2017 Sun 26 Mar, The alike, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Mar, NIGHTS: THE STORY OF The Roadhouse, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre THE DUBLINERS Wed 22 Birmingham Roadhouse, B’ham Mar, New Alexandra GHOST Brand new production, based MARTIN TAYLOR Fri 24 PETER KNIGHT'S Theatre, Birmingham on the Academy Award-winning movie Mar, Lichfield GIGSPANNER Sun 26 Mar, Lichfield starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore BAD SOUNDS Wed 22 Guildhall, Staffs & Whoopi Goldberg. The show stars Mar, The Sunflower Guildhall, Staffs IAN PROWSE - Carolyn Maitland as Molly, Jacqui Lounge, Birmingham FIREWORKS 25TH TOUR FALLEN & LIGHTWISH Dubois as Oda Mai Brown, Sam KOJO FUNDS Wed 22 Fri 24 Mar, The Slade Sun 26 Mar, The Ferriday as Carl and Andy Moss as Mar, O2 Institute, Robin, Bilston Sam, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Mar, Regent Rooms, FRONTIERS: RECORDER FUTURES Birmingham DEVON SPROULE Sun Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton Featuring members of the 26 Mar, Kitchen ALSARAH & THE BOAT TO ROW Fri 24 Conservatoire Recorder Department, JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR Garden Cafe, B’ham NUBATONES Thurs 23 Mar, mac, Birmingham Thurs 23 Mar, Birmingham DREAMCOAT Starring Joe McElderry, Mar, Hare & Hounds, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Mar, Malvern Theatres ORANMORE Fri 24 Mar, JIVE TALKIN' Sun 26 Conservatoire Birmingham Mar, Artrix, Irish Centre, B’ham RODRIGO'S GUITAR CONCERTO ACORN ANTIQUES THE MUSICAL Coleshill SINKANE Thurs 23 Mar, Bromsgrove Operatic Society present an amateur CRAIG DAVID Fri 24 Mar, Featuring Josep Pons (conductor) & Hare & Hounds, production of Victoria Wood’s comedy Barclaycard Arena, JARROD DICKENSON Canizares (guitar). Programme Birmingham musical, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Mar, The Birmingham Sun 26 Mar, The Glee includes works by Turina, Rodrigo, GRAHAM CUNNINGTON, Club, Birmingham Core Theatre, Solihull YUNG JIMMY’S BIG Falla & Ravel, Thurs 23 Mar, PAUL JAMROZY, GNOD & INVINCIBLE Torben Betts’ abrasive com- IDEAS Fri 24 Mar, The TONY KEARNEY Sun 26 Symphony Hall, Birmingham MUTATE Thurs 23 Mar, edy about the class divide, Tues 21 - Sunflower Lounge, Mar, Irish Centre, The Flapper, B’ham Sat 25 Mar, Lichfield Garrick Birmingham Birmingham TASITA D'MOUR - A MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS GOT HER HEAD JAZZY B Fri 24 Mar, SAMPHA Sun 26 Mar, TRIBUTE TO TINA CHOPPED OFF Birmingham School Of Hare & Hounds, O2 Institute, B’ham TURNER Thurs 23 Mar, Acting presents a ‘ferociously icono- Birmingham DANTEVILLES Sun 26 Comedy Gigs The Jam House, Mar, The Sunflower clastic’ re-examination of Mary’s life, Birmingham SWAMP DONKEY Fri 24 told in 16th century Scots and Mar, The Asylum, Lounge, Birmingham TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 20 Mar, OLLY MURS Thurs 23 - Standard English, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Sat 25 Mar, Genting Mar, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Arena, Birmingham RUSSIAN CIRCLES Sat FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 22 Mar, The WE’RE STUCK! Interactive show created 25 Mar, O2 Institute, Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham CREEDENCE by award-winning theatre-maker Sarah

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Punshon and looking into how SPECIALIST TALK: WOMEN ARTISTS OF ‘amazing and utterly rubbish our THE PRE-RAPHAELITES Join the house brains can be at maths’, and how we steward for a relaxed talk followed by can best grow our grey matter, Wed a walking tour of the collection, 22 - Sat 25 Mar, Lichfield Garrick which features work by artists includ- GANGSTA GRANNY Birmingham Stage ing Evelyn De Morgan, Lizzie Siddal Company’s acclaimed production, and Lucy Madox Brown, Sat 25 Mar, based on David Walliams' best-sell- Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton ing book, Wed 22 - Sun 26 Mar, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Film

INDEPENDENT LISTINGS:

TER CALLS (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Sigourney Weaver & Felicity Jones. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Mar HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) PINK MIST Owen Sheers' powerful Drama/Biography. Starring Taraji P. story about three men deployed to Henson & Octavia Spencer. mac, Afghanistan, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Mar, Birmingham, Mon 20 - Thurs 23 Mar The REP, Birmingham RAMMSTEIN: PARIS (18) Documentary, ICONIC THE SHOW Steve Steinman’s Music. The Electric Cinema, all-new show delivers the best of the Birmingham, Thurs 23 & Sun 26 Mar best soundtracks from some of the coolest and most iconic movies of all LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Musical. time, Sat 25 Mar, New Alexandra Starring Ryan Gosling & Emma Theatre, Birmingham Stone. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 24 Mar CERTAIN WOMEN (12a) Drama. Starring Michelle Williams & Kristen Stewart. mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 - Thurs 30 Mar Dance JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND (PG) Action/Adventure. Starring A ROOM FOR ALL OUR TOMORROWS Dwayne Johnson & Michael Caine. From Igor & Moreno And The Place mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 - Thurs 30 comes a duet about the secret lives Mar we all possess when we are close to AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS A Room For All Our Tomorrows others, Thurs 23 Mar, (U) Adventure/Comedy. Starring DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, David Niven & Cantinflas. mac, DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham, Thurs 23 March Birmingham Hippodrome Birmingham, Sun 26 Mar “A Room For All Our Tomorrows is about the secret lives we all pos- THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES Midland Theatre Ballet fuse unique sess when we’re close to others,” explain London-based artists Igor choreography, fabulous costumes Urzelai and Moreno Solinas. “It’s about those moments - between and sets to present an inspiring take NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: coffee and dancing - when harmony abandons us, and all we have on the classic fairytale, Thurs 23 - left is the desire to scream. It’s a performance and place to imagine Sat 25 Mar, Crescent Theatre, Released from Fri 24 Mar, showing at how things might be other than the way they are. It is a simple room Birmingham selected cinemas for all our tomorrows.” BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG A AQUARIUS (15) brand new show for 2017. Brendan Igor and Moreno have been collaborating for 10 years, building a rep- hosts another spectacular produc- CHIPS (15) utation both in the UK and internationally. “We want to reclaim the tion, featuring his guest dancers, a LIFE (tbc) role of the theatre as a place for assembly,” they explain, “whilst new leading lady and a 14-piece exploring the cathartic properties of live performance. Across all our band and singers live on stage, Fri POWER RANGERS (tbc) 24 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham works we have always tried to create a frame to share our views with- out dictating a single reading, instead creating space for reflection for the viewer.” Events Talks RAPTORS REVEALED - AN INTRODUCTION THE ROAD AHEAD? Series of lectures OF HATS Wear your best hat, enjoy by Britain’s motor industry experts, afternoon tea and take a whirlwind DR PHIL HAMMOND - DR PHIL’S HEALTH TO FALCONRY Exclusive opportunity to see, handle and fly traditional falcon- Sat 25 Mar, British Motor Museum, trip through the history of the hat, REVOLUTION An evening in which to Gaydon, Warwickshire Sun 26 Mar, Aston Hall, Birmingham ‘laugh, love, shout and reclaim our ry birds under personal guidance, NHS’, Thurs 23 Mar, Artrix, Wed 22 Mar, Kenilworth Castle REVOLTING RHYMES A phizz-whizzing MOTHERING SUNDAY Victorian-style Bromsgrove VICTORIAN MUSIC HALL EVENING Step day of gloriumptious music, story- Mother’s Day. Admission is free for back in time at the first in a series of telling and art, to celebrate Roald mums throughout the day, when nostalgic music hall evenings, Fri 24 Dahl’s jumpsquiffling tales, Sat 25 accompanied by another full-paying Mar, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrops Mar, The Barber Institute, adult, Sun 26 Mar, Blists Hill, Birmingham Ironbridge, Shropshire THUNDERSPORT GB MOTORCYCLE RACES Presented by one of the coun- THOMAS AND FRIENDS WEEKEND try's leading organisers of thrilling Thomas and friends invite you to join motorcycle races, Fri 24 - Sun 26 them on their magical weekends, Sat Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, 25 Mar, Drayton Manor Theme Park, Derby Staffordshire THE BRITISH MOTOR INDUSTRY, WHAT IS MOTHER’S DAY TEA PARTY - 100 YEARS

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thelist Monday 27 - Friday 31 March (conductor), Anne-Marie Minhall (pre- Classical Music senter) & the CBSO Children's Chorus. Programme includes works by Delius, Vivaldi, Coates, J. Strauss UNIVERSITY WOMAN'S CHOIR II, Grainger, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Featuring Simon Carrington (conduc- Schumann, Copland & Beethoven, tor). Programme includes works by Fri 31 Mar, Symphony Hall, Cozzolani, Verdi & Gardner, Fri 24 Birmingham Mar, The Barber Institute, B’ham BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring Michael Lloyd (conductor) & Alison Roddy (sopra- no). Programme includes works by Comedy Gigs Mozart, Brahms, Haydn & Mahler, Sun 26 Mar, The Bramall, University NATALIE ANN CUTLER Thurs 30 Mar, of Birmingham mac, Birmingham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH FIN TAYLOR, MAT EWINS Fri 31 Mar, The RAÚL PRIETO RAMÍREZ Programme Glee Club, Birmingham includes works by Juan Maria IVO GRAHAM, BOBBY MAIR, PIERRE Thomas, Jesús Guridi & Julius NOVELLIE Fri 31 Mar, The Glee Club, Reubke, Mon 27 Mar, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Amy MacDonald - Symphony Hall JOJO SMITH, EDD HEDGES & DAVID ARMIDA QUARTET Programme includes Birmingham AMY MACDONALD Thurs LONGLEY Fri 31 Mar, Jongleurs works by Haydn, Narko Nikodijevic & 30 Mar, Symphony Comedy Club, Birmingham Gigs STEVE TILSTON & JEZ Beethoven, Mon 27 Mar, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham KEITH FARNAN, MIKE NEWALL, FUNMBI LOWE Wed 29 Mar, The Town Hall Red Lion Folk Club, PROPAGANDA Fri 31 OMOTAYO & DARRELL MARTIN Fri 31 Mar, THE DIRTY HIT TOUR Birmingham Mar, O2 Academy, ANDREW RANDALL Winner of the The Comedy Loft, Birmingham FEATURING: Andrew Downes Performance Prize, NME AWARDS TOUR Birmingham STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 31 SUPERFOOD, PALE The Ashleyan Opera Prize, the John WITH BLOSSOMS Wed DETROIT SOUL Mar, mac, Birmingham WAVES & KING NUN Ireland Prize and the Edward 29 Mar, O2 Academy, COLLECTIVE Fri 31 Mar Mon 27 Mar, O2 Brookes English Song Prize, baritone GEOFF NORCOTT Fri 31 Mar, Artrix, Birmingham - Sat 1 Apr, The Jam Academy, B’ham Andrew Randall performs in this spe- Bromsgrove House, Birmingham HUNDREDTH, THE DUBLIN LEGENDS cial lunchtime vocal programme, LANDSCAPES & SILENT Wed 29 Mar, LIVEWIRE - TRIBUTE TO Tues 28 Mar, Birmingham PLANET Mon 27 Mar, The Core Theatre, AC/DC Fri 31 Mar, The Conservatoire Solihull Robin, Bilston The Flapper, B’ham JULIAN LLOYD WEBBER'S CLASSICAL SUPERFOOD Mon 27 GABBIDON Wed 29 THE JESUS & MARY SHOWCASE Also featuring Domonkos Theatre Mar, O2 Academy, Mar, The Jam House, CHAIN Fri 31 Mar, O2 Csabay (piano), Caroline Modiba Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Birmingham (soprano), Luke English (clarinet) & OYSTER BOY Haste Theatre present a SLAVES Mon 27 Mar, MIST Wed 29 Mar, O2 STEVE 'N' SEAGULLS Fri Yu-Mien Sun (violin), Wed 29 Mar, bittersweet tale of the trials of love and The Rainbow Venues, Institute, Birmingham 31 Mar, O2 Academy, Artrix, Bromsgrove what it means to be Other, Fri 24 Mar, Birmingham DAVE Thurs 30 Mar, O2 Birmingham The Old joint Stock, Birmingham LISA STANLEY AND HER Institute, Birmingham RICKY COOL & THE IN DOREEN'S GRAND NIGHT OUT Doreen BAND Mon 27 Mar, The THE RAMONAS Thurs 30 CROWD Fri 31 Mar, returns with a brand new live show, Fri Robin, Bilston Mar, Hare & Hounds, mac, Birmingham 24 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove DOC BROWN Mon 27 Birmingham OLIVER DAWSON SAXON FRAME OF MIND Riverside Performing Mar, O2 Institute, BINKER & MOSES Thurs & SLADE UK Fri 31 Mar, Arts presents a fast- paced sketch Birmingham 30 Mar, Hare & The Roadhouse, show mixing humour, news, music and Birmingham THE MOONLANDINGZ Hounds, Birmingham personal stories to explore issues of mental health, Fri 24 - Sat 25 Mar, Tues 28 Mar, Hare & BOOTLEG BLONDIE JO HARMAN Fri 31 Mar, mac, Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham Thurs 30 Mar, The Artrix, Bromsgrove SONATA ARCTICA Tues Robin, Bilston TOMMY FLEMING Fri 31 ICONIC THE SHOW Steve Steinman’s all- new show delivers the best of the best 28 Mar, The Slade GRAND MAGUS Thurs Mar, The Core Theatre, BEETHOVEN'S EROICA Featuring the soundtracks from some of the coolest Rooms, 30 Mar, The Slade Solihull City of Birmingham Symphony and most iconic movies of all time, Sat Wolverhampton Rooms, SPILT MILK SOCIETY Fri Orchestra, Jamie Phillips (conductor) 25 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Wolverhampton 31 Mar, The Sunflower THE ACOUSTIC & Toby Spence (tenor). Programme Birmingham SESSIONS Tues 28 Mar, DEL CAMINO Thurs 30 Lounge, Birmingham includes works by Sibelius, Britten & MOZART & SALIERI Rimsky-Korsakov’s The Jam House, Mar, The Jam House, KARKOSA Fri 31 Mar, Beethoven, Wed 29 Mar, Symphony rarely performed two-hander, sung in Birmingham Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Hall, Birmingham English and accompanied by piano, ALBERT LEE Tues 28 BEETHOVEN STRING QUARTETS Sat 25 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Mar, Artrix, Featuring Zoe Beyers & Jane Wright Birmingham Bromsgrove (violins), Adam Romer (viola) & CIRCUS OF HORRORS: THE NEVER ENDING JOHNNY FLYNN Tues 28 Richard Jenkinson (cello). NIGHTMARE Amalgamation of ‘bizarre, Mar, O2 Academy, Programme includes Beethoven's brave and beautiful’ acts, all woven Birmingham String Quartet in B flat Op.130 & into an Alice In Horrorland-type story, JOEY JORDISON'S VIMIC Gross Fugue Op. 133, Thurs 30 Mar driven by a mainly original sound- Wed 29 Mar, O2 CBSO Centre, Birmingham scape and performed with a forked Academy, Birmingham BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE BAROQUE tongue firmly in each cheek!, Sun 26 ROOK CRUTCHES Wed ORCHESTRA Featuring Lucy Russell Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham 29 Mar, The Actress & (director/baroque violin). Programme WATCHERS OF THE SKIES A secret and Bishop, Birmingham includes works by Rameau, an odyssey, told through story, poetry, BRIAN KENNEDY Wed Telemann, Mozart, Purcell & Handel, music and myth, Sun 26 Mar, mac, 29 Mar, The Robin, Thurs 30 Mar, St Philips Cathedral, Birmingham Bilston Birmingham MEMORY LANE A fast moving roller- LEWIS WATSON Wed 29 CBSO: SPRING CLASSICS coaster of a journey through some of Mar, O2 Institute, Featuring the City of Birmingham the greatest songs of the ’50s, ’60s Steve ‘N’ Seagulls - O2 Academy, Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Julian Wilkins and ’70s, and featuring one of the

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theUK’s top comedians,list Mon 27 - Tues Theatre, Wolverhampton Mike Kenny, based on the bestselling Thurs 30 Mar, Palace Theatre, 28 Mar, The Core Theatre, Solihull DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE All & Sundry picture books created by Valerie Redditch BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY present David Edgar’s dramatic Thomas and Korky Paul, Fri 31 Mar - Award-winning musical, Tues 28 Mar adaptation of Robert Louis Sat 22 Apr, The REP, Birmingham - Sat 1 Apr, New Alexandra Theatre, Stevenson’s classic horror story, Birmingham Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, The A PASSIONATE WOMAN Liza Goddard Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Film takes the lead in Kay Mellor’s roman- CYMBELINE Lichfield Garrick Youth tic comedy. Antony Eden, Hasan Theatre present an immersive ver- Dance INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Dixon and Russell Dixon also star, sion of Shakespeare’s story of power Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Malvern and jealousy, Thurs 30 Mar - Sat 1 MATERIAL MEN: REDUX A virtuoso Theatres Apr, Lichfield Garrick piece for two dazzling performers of LA LA LAND (12a) Drama/Musical. MADE IN DAGENHAM Sutton Coldfield HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS the Indian diaspora which explores Starring Ryan Gosling & Emma Musical Theatre Company present WITHOUT EVEN TRYING Birmingham rhythm and location, as dancers cre- Stone. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 27 & an amateur staging of the West End Ormiston Academy Year 13 Musical ate new ways of belonging to each Fri 31 Mar musical, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Theatre students present their ver- other and to the world around them, PALE MOON (tbc) Drama. Starring Rie Lichfield Garrick sion of Frank Loesser's satire, Thurs Mon 27 - Tues 28 Mar, Birmingham Miyazawa & Sosuke Ikematsu. mac, Hippodrome FUNNY GIRL Natasha J Barnes takes 30 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, The Old Rep Birmingham, Tues 28 Mar the lead in this touring production of Theatre, Birmingham VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company pres- the iconic musical, charting the rise THE HYPOCRITE Riotous new comedy ent a dance-digital solo production to fame of Broadway star Fanny from writer Richard Bean (One Man, exploring the light vs dark and real vs Brice, Tues 28 Mar - Sat 1 Apr, Two Guvnors), Fri 31 Mar - Sat 29 fairytale versions of female existence, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Apr, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- Wed 29 Mar, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton THE BEST THING A Swinging 60s story upon-Avon Released from Fri 31 Mar, showing at of unconditional love from the UK's WALK OF SHAME Critically acclaimed TEN Midlands-based ACE dance selected cinemas troupe have reunited with choreogra- leading full-mask theatre company, standup debut about sex, sobriety, FREE FIRE (tbc) Vamos, Wed 29 Mar, mac, B’ham sambuca and the modern addict that pher José Agudo for this thought- provoking production, which fuses GHOST IN THE SHELL (tbc) AN EVENING WITH PAM AYRES Thurs 30 lies within us all, Fri 31 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham contemporary dance with an GRADUATION (15) Mar, The Core Theatre, Solihull essence of flamenco, kathak, martial MAN DOWN (tbc) THE MISFIT ANALYSIS Access All Areas LADY WINDERMERE'S FAN Oscar arts and ballet, Thurs 30 Mar, journey through a world of wheel- Wilde’s witty assault on prejudice Malvern Theatres SMURFS: THE LOST VILLAGE (tbc) chairs and blow-up dolls in an and hypocrisy, Fri 31 Mar - Sat 8 Apr, Hall Green Little Theatre, B’ham PASHA KOVALEV: LET'S DANCE THE unconventional exploration of an NIGHT AWAY Featuring the Strictly star autistic mind, Thurs 30 Mar, Arena WINNIE AND WILBUR New play by and special guest Anya Garnis,

March 2017

Wednesday 8th March Thursday 9th March Friday 10th March STAND-UP FOR THE EULOGY OF TOBY STORIES TO TELL IN WOMEN PEACH THE MIDDLE OF THE WITH JO ENRIGHT, ELEANOR ‘A CHARMING CELEBRATION NIGHT TIERNAN, LINDSEY SANTORO OF SURVIVAL’ BIRMINGHAM REP & MAUREEN YOUNGER PRODUCTION

Sunday 12th March Friday 24th March Wednesday 29th March OYSTER BOY DOREEN’S GRAND JULIAN LLOYD WEB- HASTE THEATRE’S NIGHT OUT BER’S BITTERSWEET TALE ONE OF THE LAST DATES BIRMINGHAM FOR THIS SHOW CONSERVATOIRE SHOWCASE

COMING SOON: Vamos Theatre’s The Best Thing, Rachel Parris, Whitney Houston Live Experience, Surf’s Up, Croft & Pearce, Ziggy Stardust (PG), Retorica, Fizzog, PerKelt, Meet Fred, Verve Dance, Barnstormers Comedy, Natalie Cutler, Dr Phil Hammond, Stephen Bailey, Kit Holmes, Noise Next Door, Jive Talkin’, Albert Lee, Geoff Norcott, Jo Harman, Emily Maguire, Rob Rouse….

Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer @artrixarts with up-to-date information about upcoming shows or download our latest brochure @artrix arts centre www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN Free parking on-site

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