Shropshire Cover November 2019.qxp_Shropshire Cover 21/10/2019 16:07 Page 1

DAVID WALLIAMS - Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands INTERVIEW INSIDE... SHROPSHIREWHAT’S NOVEMBERON 2019 Shropshire ISSUE 407 NOVEMBER 2019 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On shropshirewhatson.co.uk

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Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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FESTIVE CHEER Coalbrookdale Museum launches new Santa event SHROPSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK IFC Shropshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 09:44 Page 1 Contents November Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:03 Page 2

November 2019

Contents

It’s The Hard Knock Life - The Musical makes a welcome return to the Potteries - page 30

Jason Manford Jo Harman Get Festive! the list

talks about starring in Kander & showcases People We Become at Christmas comes to the Museum Your 16-page Ebb’s lesser-known musical... Lichfield Guildhall of Iron in Coalbrookdale week-by-week listings guide feature page 8 page 17 page 39 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 12. Film 17. Gigs 20. Comedy 26. Theatre 43. Visual Arts 45. Events

@whatsonwolverhampton @staffordshirewhatson @whatsonshropshire Wolverhampton What’s On Staffordshire What’s On Shropshire What’s On

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717

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Entertainment news from around the region

Greased lightnin’ to return to the Regent Dust off your leather jackets and pull on your bobby-socks - The Musical is returning to the Potteries late next year! Featuring all the unforgettable songs from the cult 1978 movie - including You’re The One That I Want, Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Sandy and Greased Lightnin’ - the hit show stops off at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 23 to Saturday 28 November 2020. The production is choreographed by Arlene Phillips and will feature musi- cal-theatre veteran Dan Partridge in the role of Danny Zuko.

Adam Ant set to headline Kombat, Mario Kart and Sonic The Hedgehog. Michael Ball and Alfie Boe The evening also includes music, live art and Let’s Rock 2020 concert the opportunity to explore Keith Piper’s together again on tour Retro festival Let’s Rock Shrewsbury will next exhibition of video art. Musical duo Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are summer be headlined by ’80s New Romantic heading out on tour together next year, legend Adam Ant. stopping off at Arena on Sunday The Prince Charming star will be joined at Lichfield Cathedral date 1 March. the Saturday 11 July event by, among others, for Spandau Ballet star The tour announcement follows the success OMD, ABC, Howard Jones, and Tony Hadley will next month give a special of their first two duet , Together and Nik Kershaw. one-off performance in Lichfield Cathedral to Together Again. Commenting on Let’s Rock, ABC’s Martin Fry help raise much-needed funds to support the A third , said: "We’re really looking forward to charity Lichfield Festival (Thursday 3 Decem- Back Together, performing. Last time round was incredible, ber). is released on from through to every act The former Spandau Ballet frontman has the 1st of this involved. See you there!” been a Patron of the festival since 2007. He is month, tracks For more information and to book tickets, donating his fee for the performance to St from which will visit letsrockshrewsbury.com Giles’ Hospice, which cares for local people be featured in and families living with potentially terminal their touring illness. show. Commenting on the news, Chair of Lichfield Festival Helen Wiser said: “It’s been a delight Howzat! Former cricket to have Tony on board as a Patron, and we’re thrilled that he’s agreed to support the Festi- star at literature festival val and St Giles’ Hospice in such a generous Shrewsbury Festival of Literature makes a way. The concert will be a brilliant and very welcome return this month (22 - 24 Novem- special start to the festive season.” ber), complete with appearances by, among others, cricket correspondent Vic Marks and author Catrina Davies. The popular event, which was this year The art of retro gaming... named Best Shropshire Arts Festival in our What’s On Readers’ Awards, also includes a A retro gaming night is being held at Wolver- poetry slam, an exploration of ‘research and hampton Art Gallery this month. the historical novel’, a mindful-writing work- Taking place on Friday 29 November, the shop and a poetry café. event features more than 1,000 retro games Full details about the festival are available at and provides attendees with the chance to shrewsburylitfest.co.uk play classics including Street Fighter, Mortal

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First Word

Arabella Weir brings debut tour to Shrewsbury Comedian Arabella Weir has added new dates to her tour- ing schedule, including one in Shrewsbury. The Fast Show star will be bringing her first solo presen- tation, Does My Mum Loom Big In This?, to Theatre Severn on 22 April. Tickets and further informa- tion are available at Ara- bellaWeir.co.uk

Smash-hit musical heading for the Midlands in 2021 The smash-hit stage musical version of Roddy Rolling Stone, Mustang Sally and I Heard It Doyle’s bestselling novel, The Commitments, is Through The Grapevine, the show stops off at heading to the Midlands in 2021 as part of a UK & Birmingham Hippodrome from 15 to 20 March tour. and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 14 to 19 Featuring more than 20 soul classics performed June 2021. On sale date for tickets is yet to be Wolves names live on stage, including Night Train, Papa Was A confirmed. Poet Laureate Wolverhampton’s first ever Poet Laureate has been Strictly stars Tony Award winner The Book Of Mormon announced. set to cha-cha- heading to the Midlands next spring Emma Purshouse will act as a cha in Brum Tony Award-winning satirical comedy The Book Of Mormon is heading champion of poetry for the for Birmingham. city, raising its profile and After scoring a major hit earlier this year, Strictly Devised by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue working on events during the Q co-creator Robert Lopez, the show follows a mismatched pair of fourth Wolverhampton Litera- Come Dancing-The Profes- sionals will once again Mormon boys who are sent on a mission to deliver the news of the ture Festival, which takes Latter Day saints to the people of a Ugandan village - a place where place early next year. visit venues across the country in 2020. war, famine, poverty and AIDS are far more of a concern than religion. Commenting on her new role, Featuring songs Spooky Mormon Hell Dream, I Am Africa, Baptize Me, Emma said: “I love Wolver- Cha-cha-cha-ing their way around the UK will All American Prophet and Tomorrow Is A Latter Day, The Book Of hampton, and indeed the Mormon visits Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 to Satur- wider Black Country region. be no fewer than 10 dancers from the BBC’s day 28 March... For more information and to book tickets, visit Our landscapes, stories, birminghamhippodrome.com history, humour and people 2019 Strictly Come Danc- have always featured in my ing television series. work, and I'm keen to con- The show stops off at tinue to use poetry to promote Birmingham’s Symphony the often-overlooked beauty Hall on 17 May and will be that’s to be found here.” performed at the venue at The fourth Wolverhampton both 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Literature Festival takes place For more information and from Friday 31 January to to book tickets, visit strict- Sunday 2 February. lytheprofessionals.com whatsonlive.co.uk 5

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First Word

RuPaul’s Drag Fab-u-lous in Race - Live! Wolverhampton! A live-show version of RuPaul’s BBC One’s Strictly Come Danc- Drag Race UK is coming to ing star, Craig Revel Horwood, Birmingham. will visit the Wolverhampton The first UK TV series of the Grand Theatre in the spring hugely popular US talent with his debut solo tour, All contest is running for eight Balls And Glitter (Sunday 24 episodes on BBC Three. May). The series’ queens will then hit The show will see Craig talking the road to present a live-on- about his life, revealing a stage extravaganza hosted by wealth of backstage gossip and drag queen extraordinaire performing some of the music Alyssa Edwards (pictured). that’s been the soundtrack to The production stops off at the his career. For more information Alexandra Theatre on Sunday and to book tickets, visit

1 December. For more grandtheatre.co.uk information and to book tickets, visit atgtickets.com Lifestyle destination aiming to impress Looking for head-turning fashion, unique interiors inspiration or a quality restaurant for a special celebration? If so, check out Birmingham’s Mailbox, a venue that’s confident it’s offering the very best in shopping and entertainment this autumn. Visitors to the popular lifestyle destination can shop for the latest

trends at Harvey Nichols, enjoy some head-to-toe pampering at Malmaison Spa, indulge in retail therapy at Emporio Armani and James Lakeland, and explore luxurious lighting and impressive

interiors at Home At Mailbox - the largest selection of home furnish- ing brands in the Midlands. There are fine dining restaurants, independent eateries and canalside bars to enjoy too, while film buffs can stop off at Everyman Cinema to

Diary date for catch up on the latest releases. For more information about everything the Mailbox has to offer, visit Disney ice magic mailboxlife.com.

Get your skates on - a new Disney On Ice show is coming

to Birmingham in the spring! A medieval-style Christmas in Ludlow Cathedral hosts

Magical Ice Festival is Ludlow’s hugely popular Medieval Christmas Fayre is this year mark- described as ‘highlighting the ing its 21st birthday. first poetry festival stories of Disney’s most The event sees more than 100 stalls fill the castle grounds, selling Lichfield Cathedral is this beloved heroines with ener- seasonal wares and historical goods & crafts throughout the weekend. month hosting its first ever getic choreography that will Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of medieval games and entertain- poetry festival. have audiences singing, ment, including performances by jesters, interactive theatre and mass The five-day event, entitled The

dancing and cheering’. carol-singing and wassailing sessions. The event is being held at Word and exploring the themes

The production stops off at Ludlow Castle on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 November. of ‘awe & wonder’ and ‘light in Resorts World Arena from 29 our darkness’, includes April to 3 May. For more infor- performances by poets mation and to book tickets, Humour and satire at Coalbrookdale Benjamin Zephaniah and visit resortsworldarena.co.uk Michael Symmons Roberts. A free exhibition at Ironbridge Gorge’s Coalbrookdale Gallery is show- The festival also features casing a mix of satirical prints and objects from the museum’s Elton numerous workshops by local Collection, dating from the mid-18th century onwards. poets, including current Changing Times: Humour And Satire features prints and objects that Staffordshire Poet Laureate made fun of new technology such as steam power and the possibili- Emily Rose Gavin. ties that it held. Once ‘railway mania’ had gripped the nation, music, The Word takes place at the books and games were quick to feature the new wonders of steam, as Cathedral from Sunday 24 to well as to ridicule the popularity of cheap excursion trains and the Thursday 28 November. overcrowding at train stations and seaside resorts. Visit lichfield-cathedral.org for Changing Times shows at Coalbrookdale until Friday 28 February. more details. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk

First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 18:40 Page 4

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Curtains Jason Manford.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:47 Page 1

It’s Curtains for Jason Manford!

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Curtains Jason Manford.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:47 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Stand-up comedian, actor and singer Jason Manford talks about starring in Curtains - legendary songwriting duo Kander & Ebb’s lesser-known musical…

When the star of a musical that’s tipped to be think the genre is so popular? my favourite subjects at school - I struggled to a Broadway hit is murdered on the show’s find anything else that I felt the same way “I don’t think our love of crime and mystery opening night, detective and musical-theatre about, really. I think part of that was down to stories has ever gone away, especially in fan Frank Cioffi is called in to investigate... the teachers. Having teachers who inspire you Britain. We’ve had the likes of Agatha Christie is the most valuable thing you can have.” Tony Award-winning mystery-comedy and Arthur Conan Doyle. Then we’ve had the musical Curtains is a John Kander & Fred Ebb American imports of Murder She Wrote and There were also a number of high-profile show. But unlike the legendary songwriting Columbo. Now you can’t put on the TV with- comedians who had a huge influence on duo’s better-known offerings, Cabaret and out seeing a crime drama. We just love trying Jason: “I liked a lot of the comedians that my Chicago, it has never toured the UK. to work it out! We feel clever and a little smug dad liked: Billy Connolly, Jo Brand, Dave Until now, that is... when we get it right - and we’re really good at Allen. Then, seeing someone like Peter Kay creating them, too. live made me sit up and realise that stand-up Taking on the lead role of Frank is Jason was amazing. He’s an absolute genius. I think Manford. “What’s great about Curtains is that it really because I then got to know him a little bit, I plays to the cast’s strengths. We’ve taken the “Curtains is an unashamedly showy Broad- got to see how hard he’d worked and how Tony Award-winning Broadway show and way-style musical,” says Jason. “It’s a comedy much effort he put into everything he did. added British sensibilities to it. Obviously it’s whodunnit. Without trying to put it down, it’s Being a stand-up comedian works very much still set in 1959 Boston, but it’s not going to be sort of like Cluedo as a musical. It’s a brilliant the same way as many other aspects of life - something that’s from a completely different story, but it’s also got these fantastically you get out of it what you put into it. Peter world as far as the audience is concerned.” funny characters from the musical’s book and Kay is an incredibly hard worker, and I Kander & Ebb behind the music and lyrics. Alongside its whodunnit element, Curtains’ definitely learnt a lot from him.” Curtains has never been to the UK before, so I other great is its humour… Given that Jason can sing and act as well as suppose in that way it’s like finding an album “Frank is a very funny character. I guess the be funny, it’s not surprising that he’s had a you didn’t know your favourite artist had main thing is that he’s actually funny without varied career: “I really love the mix. It means I recorded. Kander & Ebb really are legends in realising it. He doesn’t really do any one-lin- never get bored of anything I do. I’m excited this industry. Every single song is a winner!” ers or gags, but he’s funny because he’s a bit about going on tour with Curtains because Jason is well aware that performing in a show naive. He definitely says a lot of funny things we’re bringing what is essentially a West End- written by such a highly respected pair brings without wanting to. He’s a lot of fun. But it’s quality show to people’s towns and local with it extra pressure: “There’s always pres- also a challenge for me as a comedian to play theatres, which I think is so, so important. If sure on performers, regardless. I’m very aware his funny lines down, rather than being like, I’d not seen theatre from an early age, I that people have paid good money and given ‘Tah-dah, there’s my big joke’. wouldn’t be where I am today. So I hope this up their valuable time to see something I’m show inspires people, and that the tour is “There are so many other funny characters in. We put months and months of time and accessible for all. and actors in Curtains, too. I just think people effort into making sure a show is worth see- will have such a fun time coming to see it. “Beyond Curtains, I guess my main aim is to ing; worth buying tickets for, worth getting a Every day when you pick up the paper or write something that other people will babysitter and maybe even a taxi and a hotel scroll through Twitter, there’s misery and perform. I’ve done stand-up, meaning I’ve room, too. I would hate for anyone to be disaster to read about, so it’s nice to have a written shows and performed them myself, disappointed. Sure, there’s an added pressure show coming to your town that allows you and I’ve been in musical-theatre productions with it being Kander & Ebb, but there have just to switch off and forget about the world.” and on TV, performing other people’s words, been lots of other instances where I’ve so the next place to go will be to have other worked with high-profile people - like Mel So when did Jason first realise he had a knack people performing my words.” Brooks, for instance - or in high-profile for comedy and performance? shows, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I try to make sure that the shows I’m in are ones “My family on my mum’s side were perform- Curtains shows at The Alexandra Theatre, that I would go and see myself. Curtains is ers, so I was brought up around people Birmingham, from Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 definitely that. In fact, it’s something that I’d singing and entertaining others. I used to get November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- probably go and see a couple of times, espe- up on stage and do bits and bobs too. At Trent, from Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 Decem- cially because of the whodunnit aspect.” school I was involved in all the plays, either off or on stage, so that’s what I ended up ber; and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Speaking of whodunnits, why does Jason being interested in. English and Drama were from Tuesday 31 March - Saturday 4 April.

whatsonlive.co.uk 9 Food November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:48 Page 1 Food November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:48 Page 2

Food

Tango Ice Blast kiosk opens at intu Merry Hill Frozen Brothers, one of the UK's fastest- growing frozen-beverage kiosks, has opened at intu Merry Hill, bringing fan favourites including Tango Ice Blast, Frozen Fanta, Slush Puppie, Chozen and Coca-Cola Frozen to the popular Black Country shopping destination. The kiosk is situated on the upper mall near Eat Central. New cocktail bar opens in the Potteries A brand new cocktail bar & kitchen has opened in the heart of Stoke-on-Trent's cultural quarter. Located just yards away from the Regent Theatre, Bloom showcases ‘the finest cocktails, fantastic food and an amazing array of live music, entertainment and DJs across the week’. The new venue is open from midday to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and from midday to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Shrewsbury’s Parade welcomes award-winning cafe The owner of award-winning Telford cafe wanted to open up a new base to cover this part Refurb for Shrewsbury Crystal’s Cupcakes says she’s delighted to have of the county. When we heard about the food scene favourite finally opened a premises at The Parade in opportunity to take on a unit at The Parade, we Shrewsbury. jumped at the chance. Number Four "We’ve been searching for some time for the “We have a huge selection of cupcakes, tray- Popular Shrewsbury bistro Number perfect place to introduce Crystal's to the bakes, luxury ice creams and milkshakes on Four has undergone a refurbishment. Shrewsbury area,” says Crystal Owen. “Many of offer on a take-out basis. We hope the people of The refit has seen the downstairs area the customers at our flagship shop in Dawley Shrewsbury will come by and try our treats!” of the premises turned into a cosy tapas travel from far afield to buy our cakes, so we bar. The venue’s owner, Toby, said: “We must emphasise that all of the old Third Shropshire Oktoberfest hailed a huge success Number Four favourites are staying - we just wanted to give things a refresh." The third Shropshire Oktoberfest has been hailed a huge success by its organiser, Shropshire Festivals, with an estimated 12,000 people having attended the event in Shrewsbury’s Quarry Park across its two days. The festival brought together brewers from around the region to serve up their beers alongside a wine bar, a rum shack, a prosecco parlour and a gin bar. The launch of reusable beer cups at the festival saw a reduction in single- use plastic by 83% compared to the first Oktoberfest event back in 2017... Next year’s get-together takes place on Friday 2 & Saturday 3 October, with tickets due to go on sale soon. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Film November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:04 Page 1

Film highlights released in November...

The Good Liar CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, Russell Tovey, Jim Carter, Mark Lewis Jones Directed by Bill Condon (USA) Based on the eponymous novel by Nicholas Searle, this dramatic thriller is already receiv- ing Oscar buzz. Sir Ian plays a conman who lures a wealthy widow (Dame Helen) into his net, only to find that, for the first time, he is troubled by moral misgivings. Released Fri 8 November

Luce CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Naomi Watts, Octavia Spencer, Kelvin Harrison Jr, Tim Roth, Norbert Leo Butz Directed by Julius Onah (USA) EDITOR’S CHOICE

cides to find out where her powers come Frozen II CERT PG With the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, from and so with Anna, Anna’s handsome Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Santino Fontana, squeeze Kristoff and the funny snowman Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina, Sterling Olaf, she sets off to find a strange and K. Brown, Martha Plimpton Directed by Chris enchanted land. There’s also the slight Buck and Jennifer Lee (USA) An all-star high school athlete, Luce Edgar issue of saving the future of their king- (Harrison Jr) is loved and admired by all, not They just won’t let it go. Here, once again, dom… Until this year’s The Lion King shat- least by his doting parents (Watts and Roth), we have Princess Elsa of Arendelle and her tered box-office records, the original Frozen who adopted him from war-torn Eritrea. But younger sister Anna. Elsa, of course, is (2013) was the highest-grossing animated Luce harbours a secret that is going to change endowed with the ability to create a film in history and Disney has decided to all that… perfectly white Christmas wherever she build on that success. It took five writers to Released Fri 8 November goes by turning everything into snow and pen the new story, so it better be good. ice. But being young and curious, she de- Released Fri 22 November Last Christmas CERT 12a (102 mins) Starring Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle After The Wedding The Aeronauts CERT PG (100 mins) Yeoh, , Rebecca Root, Lydia CERT 12a (112 mins) Starring Felicity Jones, Eddie Redmayne, Leonard Directed by Paul Feig (UK/USA) Starring Julianne Moore, Michelle Williams, Phoebe Fox, Himesh Patel, Vincent Perez, A romcom set in sees Kate (Emilia Anne Reid, Tom Courtenay Billy Crudup, Abby Quinn Clarke) working as a Santa's elf in a Directed by Bart Freundlich (USA) Directed by Tom Harper (UK/USA) department store. Things have got that Bart Freundlich, the husband of Julianne desperate. Then she keeps on bumping into Moore, directs his wife in an American the same handsome man (Henry Golding, remake of the 2006 Danish melodrama of the from Crazy Rich Asians). Might her luck be same name. Let's hope he manages to bring about to change? a more credible note to the proceedings, in Released Fri 15 November which Michelle Williams plays the co- founder of an Indian orphanage who is forced to confront her real principles on a Le Mans ’66 CERT tbc (152 mins) trip to New York. Starring Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Released Fri 1 November Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Amelia Wren (Felicity Jones) was a balloonist Noah Jupe Directed by James Mangold (USA) and something of a daredevil and teams up Known by the better title of Ford v Ferrari in with the meteorologist and astronomer James the US, this is the story of the car designer Glaisher (Eddie Redmayne) in an attempt to Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the British driver soar higher than anyone else in the history of Ken Miles (Bale) as they challenge the might aviation. Tom Harper previously directed The of Ferrari to dominate the Grand Prix. Not Scouting Book for Boys (2010) and the untypically, Bale apparently lost 70 pounds sublime Wild Rose (2018). to prepare for his role. Released Mon 4 November Released Fri 15 November 12 whatsonlive.co.uk Film November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:04 Page 2

Film

The Report CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Adam Driver, Annette Bening, Ted Levine, Michael C Hall, Tim Blake Nelson, Corey Stoll Directed by Scott Z Burns (USA)

The delicate theme of ‘enhanced interroga- tion techniques’ is explored in this topical thriller from Scott Z Burns, the writer of The CRITIC’S CHOICE Informant!, Contagion and Side Effects. Adam Driver plays the investigator probing of her fellow sufferers. When it was Harriet CERT tbc (125 mins) the CIA’s ethically dubious methods of Starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr, proposed that Tubman be pictured on the extracting information from their terrorist Joe Alwyn, Janelle Monáe, Jennifer Nettles, American 20-dollar bill, Donald Trump suspects. Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clarke Peters vetoed the action, dismissing it as "pure Directed by Kasi Lemmons (USA) Released Fri 15 November political correctness". However, the One of the great pioneers of American Treasury Department is currently history, Harriet Tubman was born into investigating the rejection of the plan. As Them That Follow CERT tbc slavery in Maryland and was routinely Harriet, the London-born Cynthia Erivo Starring Olivia Colman, Kaitlyn Dever, beaten and whipped as a child. But when (Widows, Bad Times At The El Royale) has Alice Englert, Jim Gaffigan, Walton Goggins, she escaped her shackles at the age of 27, long been a shoo-in to nab an Oscar Thomas Mann Directed by Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage (USA) she returned to her enslaved family and nomination. gradually began to free one relative at a In a remote community in the Appalachians, Released Fri 22 November time, before eventually helping hundreds a sect of Pentecostals interacts with venomous snakes to prove their God-like infallibility. But there’s a secret that is about to be exposed that will really set the cat CERT 12a (130 mins) among the pigeons. Olivia Colman plays the Charlie’s Angels CERT tbc Knives Out sect’s hesitant matriarch. Starring Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Starring Daniel Craig, , Ana de Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Released Fri 22 November Sam Claflin, Patrick Stewart Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Christopher Directed by Elizabeth Banks (USA) Plummer Directed by Rian Johnson (USA) This is getting confusing. Although it shares a title with the 2000 action-comedy spin-off of the TV series, this is a whole new instalment in which there are multiple teams of Angels plucked from around the globe. The new toothsome trio - two of whom are played by Brits – must use their techno know-how to help save the human race. Released Fri 29 November 21 Bridges CERT 15 (109 mins) Starring Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Stephan James, Keith David, Taylor Kitsch, JK Simmons Directed by Brian Kirk (USA) A highly competent, veteran officer of the NYPD (Boseman - aka Black Panther) finds Agatha Christie meets Gosford Park in this himself on the run while he scours the city starry whodunit featuring Daniel Craig as a for a cop killer. Soon, his only recourse is to detective with an entertaining Southern shut down the entire city, blocking off all 21 accent. The critics have loved it, though. bridges. Released Fri 29 November Released Fri 22 November whatsonlive.co.uk 13 “nobody does it better”

tuesday 31 december new years

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BOOK ONLINE: THEPeachTree.co.uk call: 01743 355055 email: [email protected] Classical November Wolves Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:46 Page 2

Classical

English String Orchestra Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 29 November Hailing, as they do, from ‘Elgar country’ - the county of Worcestershire - it’s no surprise that English Symphony Orches- tra’s Gatehouse concert features two works by the Broadheath-born composer. Alongside Elgar’s youthful Serenade for Strings and an acclaimed arrangement of his Songs for Strings by Donald Fraser, the orchestra also performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending. The latter was recently voted Britain’s favourite piece of classical music. Birmingham Bach Choir Lichfield Cathedral, Sat 16 November One of the city's oldest and most distin- The programme also features Haydn’s guished musical groups (it’s currently cele- Nelson Mass and Handel’s Dixit Dominus. brating its centenary), Birmingham Bach The choir is joined by period instrument Choir here gets its teeth into the composer’s orchestra The Musical And Amicable virtuoso motet, Singet den Herrn. Society. Paul Spicer (pictured) conducts.

The City of Birmingham The Symphonia Symphony Orchestra: Verbum Capriccio Espagnol Orchestra Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Wed 13 November Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, The Mozartists: The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Thurs 14 November Cosí Fan Tutte Assistant Conductor, Jaume Santonja Espinós, takes The Symphonia Verbum to the podium for this concert having selected its Orchestra was established Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 8 November programme himself - a fact which should further little over a year ago by Specialising in historically informed enhance his already-admirable level of enthusiasm students of the University of performances of music by Mozart, The for the music he conducts. and the Royal Mozartists here turn their attention to the As well as the title work - Rimsky-Korsakov’s Northern College of Music. composer’s Cosi Fan Tutte, an insightful Capriccio Espagnol - the line-up also features They here present the first comedy widely considered to be one of the Montsalvatge’s 5 Canciones negras, Falla’s The concert in their Discover truly great works of art. Three-Cornered Hat: Suites 1 & 2, and Prokofiev’s series - a collection of perfor- Like two of Mozart’s other compositions, seventh symphony. Clara Mouriz (pictured) mances in which they’ll The Marriage Of Figaro and Don Giovanni, performs the mezzo soprano duties. combine well-known the opera is a mirror into which audiences classical works with new or are invited to look and see themselves. overlooked pieces of music. Conducted by Ian Page, the production is Their Victoria Hall concert sung in Italian with English surtitles. programme features four compositions, included among which is a world premiere by Alex Dakin, the recent winner of the Royal Northern Sinfonia’s Young Composers’ Competition. The evening is rounded off with a performance of Tchaikovsky’s much-loved fifth symphony.

whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Jools Holland.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 11:15 Page 1

Jools Holland isis outout oonn tourtour withwith hishis RhythmRhythm & BluesBlues OrchestraOrchestra thisthis autumn.autumn. WWhat’shat’s OOnn ccaughtaught uupp wwithith hhimim aaheadhead ofof hishis BBirminghamirmingham gigsgigs nextnext month...month... Jools Holland.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 11:15 Page 2

Being on the road with a band you've jumps up straight away, as soon as they hear would hear a lot of that, and I think it opened known for a long time must make it quite a them doing Train To Skaville. It's just such my mind to a lot of that, so I still like it very social thing, mustn't it? great music, and they do it so fantastically much. Then at my grandmother's house there There are a lot of us, so you're never alone. and with a particular British take on it, which was a record player as well, so I would get There used to be that advert for a cigarette is great. It's really electric to hear them doing records and play them to death. The first called Strand, and the advert was, ‘You're it. They’re the originators of that British take record player I had was a 78 record player never alone with a Strand’. And it was such a on ska music, like Eric Clapton and The with a great big wind-up needle, which is the disaster because everybody thought, 'Well, I Rolling Stones were the originators of British worst thing ever to play 78s on. Eventually my don't want to be alone'. So they went out of blues. So it's great having them there, and dad got me an Alba record player, and we business. But it's a bit like, ‘You're never they like being with the orchestra because could have a good listen to whatever records alone with a big band because wherever you being with a whole big band magnifies it, were out at the time. I think I had a Glenn are, there's always...’ When I arrive in a town, makes it even bigger and has a fantastic Miller one, which got worn out, but the first I see Bammi - because, like me, he studies the jump-up effect. proper LP I had was For Once In My Life by . I liked that, and I think I had horses - going into a bookmaker's on the high How do you go about adapting your Lady Madonna by . street. There'll be somebody else coming out. guests' big hits for a big band? It's like we're alien spores who’ve been You're not one for looking back, but do I wouldn't want to force things into a big- dropped into whatever town it is, and I recog- you ever stop to think about the life you've band style, so sometimes you have to play nise us as I'm coming into the town. In the led in music? hotel afterwards, there'll be a couple of peo- things in a different way. Most things you can I do think sometimes that it's time to look in ple having a drink. We often - at the show, be- take back to the piano because a lot of songs the rear-view mirror and take stock, because cause it's easy - have a big curry for all of us; were written on the piano or the keyboard or there are some fantastic moments. I've been that's quite jolly. One of the things that’s great a guitar - one instrument - so they're not writ- very lucky. I can't believe it sometimes, all is that everybody in the band's got a great ten with a big arrangement. So if you strip it this stuff that's happened. Then sometimes sense of humour - they're funny as well as back to that and then build it up again, you when we play on Later or on the Hootenanny being good players. So that's a good part of it. can normally make something work. If there's and people play with us, you get some amaz- Also, in the daytime, I'm a keen tourist. I like something that sounds like it's not naturally ing thing happen and the atmosphere is just looking at stuff, so I look at gardens, I look at going to go with a big band, you bring it down great. If you get a great live performance and old buildings or whatever. There's always to just the piano and the big band can creep somebody's filmed it, maybe millions of peo- something to look at, always something new in. ple will watch that on YouTube. Then some- to discover, so I think the world of touring Your nan's piano was crucial to your musi- times it's just about being in the dressing isn’t bad. If you have to do endless hours of cal upbringing, wasn't it? room doing a warm-up with somebody at the flying a day, then it can wear you out a bit, Yes, my nan's piano was really an essential piano. I remember being in the dressing room but that's a small price to pay. thing. It was a gift to her from her mother in with Amy Winehouse and her just singing For people who come to see you often, 1937, and I would hear them at Christmas, something at the piano. And you're thinking, there’s always a new element because of when I was very small, all singing songs. Ev- 'Wow, that's amazing'. So it doesn't really your special guests... erybody had their own song that they'd sing matter whether it's live on the television, on a This year, we're having somebody who's at the piano. It was also a pianola, so you record, in a dressing room, at home or at a worked with us before, but they bring out this would pedal the pedals and Fats Waller play- gig, you're plugging into the same thing and great element of us, which is Selecter. Specifi- ing Red Sails In The Sunset would come out it's an amazing thing. I'm so fortunate to have cally, it's Pauline Black, the singer, and 'Gaps' of it, which was great. So I got to learn those plugged into it and been very moved by it. Hendrickson, who works with Pauline. songs early on. But also it was great because The more you listen to stuff and the more you They're perfect for us because they represent my uncle, who was a teenager when I was play, the more you can play and listen to stuff, the British take on ska music, the 2 Tone small, would play boogie-woogie piano on it, yet the more mysterious it all becomes. That's thing. Although I wasn't part of the 2 Tone and that really got me fired up and made me the great thing about it - you can never figure thing, I was part of British ska music. That's learn by ear what he was doing. it out. part of my heritage and part of the thing my Did you have records in the house at orchestra have been doing for the past 25 home? years, so we've always been playing that Jools Holland And His Rhythm & Blues We couldn't afford a piano but we had a music. So it's perfect for us, and the effect Orchestra return to Symphony Hall, record player and a radio, and my parents they have on the audience, it's like everybody Birmingham, on 29 & 30 November. liked classical music and jazz music. So I GIGS November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:48 Page 1

music music music

LIPSTICK ON YOUR COLLAR THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS ROCK FOR HEROES Fri 1 Nov @ 7.30pm Sat 2 Nov @ 7.30pm Thurs 7 Nov @ 7.30pm

drama music music 8+

PRIVATE PEACEFUL THE RAT PACK STEVE STEINMAN’S ANY- Tues 12 Nov @ 1.30pm & 7.30pm CHRISTMAS SHOW THING FOR LOVE Wed 13 Nov @ 7.30pm Sat 16 Nov @ 7.30pm

music music comedy 18+

FOREVER ELTON CHRISTMAS MEMORIES ROY CHUBBY BROWN Wed 20 Nov @ 7.30pm Mon 25 Nov @ 2.00pm Thurs 28 Nov @ 7.30pm TWC GP 01457

16 whatsonlive.co.uk GIGS November Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:48 Page 2

Gigs

Lady Maisery Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Sun 22 November Bringing together Hannah James (Kerfuffle), Hazel Askew (The Askew Sisters and The Artisans) and Rowan Rheingans (Fidola), Lady Maisery present fresh interpretations of songs and ballads that explore vocal harmony to breathtaking effect. With their unique approach to harmony singing and their intelligent and thoughtful arrangements of both traditional repertoire and original compositions, the three-piece have spent the last five years performing sell-out shows across the UK and Europe, releasing a trio of critically acclaimed albums along the way.

Jo Harman finest female soul blues singer, Jo has scored hits with debut offering Dirt On My Tongue, Lichfield Guildhall, Sat 30 November the BBC-recorded Jo Harman And Company Bluesy chanteuse Jo Harman and her multi- - Live At The Royal Albert Hall, and her talented band here present what will likely much-anticipated second studio album, prove to be a hugely memorable evening of People We Become - a modern classic dynamic live music. rooted in the timeless music of past Described in some quarters as the UK’s generations. The Undercover Hippy Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury, Fri 1 November Nine Below Zero Dan Owen If Steel Pulse, Kate Tempest and The Sleaford The Robin, Bilston, Fri 8 November St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury, Mods were to have a love child, muses Tom Thurs 28 - Sat 30 November Forty years after first offering a rhythm & Robinson, it would surely turn out to be blues alternative to the punk-pop of the Shrewsbury-born singer-songwriter Dan drum & bass MC turned singer-songwriter mainstream, south Londoners Nine Below Owen has gone from performing for politi- Billy Rowan, aka The Undercover Hippy. Zero bring their Are We There Yet? tour to cians at Westminster to partying in Billy produces music that brings together the Midlands. Nashville with the legendary . powerful, often political and humorous Founding members Dennis Greaves (guitar Dan’s debut album, 2018’s Stay Awake With messages with infectious reggae rhythms and & vocals) and Mark Feltham (harmonica & Me, made a significant splash with its songs intelligent lyrics. vocals) are joined by female vocalist Charlie about male domestic abuse, his friends get- This month’s gig in Shrewsbury is one of Austen, Ben Willis on bass, Tom Monks on ting caught up in drugs and the traumatic many that he and his band are performing in keys, and Dennis’ son, Sonny, on drums. workshop accident that left him blind in one 2019. The four-piece annually present an eye... Join Dan as he performs on three impressive 80-plus shows. consecutive nights in a truly atmospheric Gentlemen’s Dub Club hometown venue. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, 28 November Founded in Leeds in 2006, Gentleman’s Dub Club’s new album, Lost In Space, features a new dimension to their sound, which blends influences from genres such as dub, reggae, ska, bass culture and jazz. Having built a reputation for delivering explosive high-energy live shows, the band have played at plenty of UK festivals, includ- ing Glastonbury, Bestival and Boomtown, and also wowed appreciative audiences in , Morocco, the US and Iceland. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Jess Reid online.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:21 Page 1 Jess Reid online.qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:22 Page 2 Jess Reid Singer-songwriter Jess Reid appeared on What’s On’s Launchpad stage at this summer’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival. Here, she chats about her inspirations and the Shropshire music scene ahead of supporting Dan Owen on tour... What’s your first musical memory? recording my new EP. The EP features a full some new audiences. I really liked being able I must have been around four or five. My par- drum kit and bass guitar, so it’s given it a to play three sets over the course of the week- ents were in a band together and they were more radio-friendly sound - live drums and end, as it enabled more people to come and playing some gigs in . I remember pick- bass would be nice too. It’s the cello and watch. It’s always a great festival and I loved ing up a harmonica and getting up on stage backing vocals that touch my heart the most being able to play. The other artists playing on with them. I was unable to play, so it was my though. the stage were brilliant, so it was nice to meet them too - lots of talent! first experience of miming! What would be your dream performance? So you come from a musical family, then? I usually go to Green Man Festival every year. You’re supporting Dan Owen at St Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury. How did that come My dad has been a songwriter and performer It’s a perfect size of festival and the main about and what can audiences expect from from a young age. He’s been in a number of stage is at the bottom of a hill, so everyone en- your performance? bands. My mum is musical too and played joys the music while lying on the grass. I bass and backing vocals in bands with my would love an afternoon slot in the sunshine I’ve known Dan for over 10 years. We both dad. They play gigs around Shropshire now with a full band and some beers! used to play at the open-mic nights at The Bridges in Ratlinghope when we were about and my dad runs an open mic in town. My sis- What’s your favourite performance to date 15. I supported him in Birmingham last year at ter is a singer, and we’ve always been in and why? bands together. Our first band was called Jia his show there. He’s doing an acoustic tour at I played a Sofar Sounds show in Rio de Jinx, and we used to play in Shrewsbury a lot. the end of November, so I’m joining him for Janeiro in Brazil in 2017. It was on a rooftop I’ve been living in London and Birmingham some of his dates as his support act. We’re overlooking all the big sights, like the Christ and she’s had a baby, so we play and write to- heading up north to York first, then ending in the Redeemer statue and Copacabana beach. gether less now. She’s a great singer and song- Shrewsbury. He’s an amazing performer and Everyone was ridiculously friendly and kind. writer, so she’s always the one I go to first songwriter, so it’ll be good to spend more time That was a great experience. I always love with song ideas! with him again. playing in big spaces like cathedrals or Who are your inspirations? churches, as the acoustics are the best. Last What are your views on the live-music scene in Shropshire and the wider West Growing up, I was always inspired most year around Christmas time I played at Hull Midlands? Is it in a healthy state? deeply by the musicians around me. I’d go to Minster, which is a large church in Hull. It’s a lot of open-mic nights and jam sessions in great to feel the sounds you’re creating natu- As I said, I’ve met some of the most amazing pubs and met some amazing musicians. Hav- rally reverberating around such a large space. musicians in Shropshire - most of them undis- covered. There are some brilliant venues, and ing people around you who you can see week Where do you get the inspiration for your it’s nice because it’s not as competitive as to week is great, as it makes everything seem songs? more achievable. Being able to hear a new places like London, so you can meet people I find writing quite cathartic. I think the songs song that someone you know has put together who’ll help and support you. Obviously the come from the subconscious. I’ll often write a enables you to see a rawness and vulnerabil- folk festival is big and ensures Shrewsbury is song without really realising what I’m ity that you can rarely see from a famous on the folk-world map. singing. A couple of days, weeks or months artist on a big stage. I play in a percussive gui- My EP, which I recorded with help from the later, I’ll think about the lyrics I’ve written tar style and I first saw a local musician play Alan Surtees Trust, is currently being mas- and they often reveal an insight into my in this way. That inspired me profoundly. In tered, so it will be released in the next couple thoughts and feelings at the time of writing. It terms of inspirations now, I love a Swedish of months. I’m looking forward to releasing it helps me understand my thoughts and emo- artist called Susanne Sundfor - she has the and finding out what people think, as it’s a tions, so it’s quite therapeutic in some ways - best voice. I would love to be able to sing in different sound. free therapy! In terms of the music, seeing any way similar to the way she does. Ben other people play live inspires me the most. I Howard, Lucy Rose, The Staves and Damien What else have you got lined up in the next love going to small, intimate shows. Rice are my favourite artists currently. 12 months? You played on our Launchpad stage at I’m off to New York for some shows, and then You’re predominantly a solo performer, Shrewsbury Folk Festival in the summer. it’s the Dan Owen tour. Then I’ll be busy with but who would be your ideal collaborator? How was the experience? single launches and an EP launch in 2020. I’ve been playing with a cellist recently, which I loved it! I’ve been to Shrewsbury Folk Festi- Lots to do! has been amazing! Cello is my favourite in- val loads of times, and this was the most en- strument, so I’d always like to have cello joyable experience. I had my sister singing alongside me. I love vocal harmonies, so Jess Reid supports Dan Owen at Shrews- with me, which was great, and it was good to some backing singers would be great. I’ve bury’s St Mary’s Church from Thursday 28 play in front of family and friends and to meet been exploring different instruments whilst to Saturday 30 November. Mailbox FP Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 10:38 Page 1 Dance November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:58 Page 2

Dance previews from around the region Dance

Acosta Danza Birmingham Hippodrome, Mon 11 & Tues 12 November Just two months before succeeding David Bintley as artistic director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta visits BRB’s Birmingham Hip- podrome home with his critically acclaimed Cuban company. Included in their programme is Rooster, a work choreographed to music from the Rolling Stones and in which Acosta himself makes an appearance. New works Paysage, Soudain, la nuit and Satori are also included. The bill is completed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s masterpiece, Faun, a work set to Debussy’s original score and featuring additional music from Nitin Sawhney.

Anjali Dance Company: Genius Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 7 November; Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 19 & Wed 20 November Providing a platform for the creative abilities and artistic potential of people with learning disabilities lies at the heart of Anjali Dance Company’s mission state- ment. Their Coventry show sees them presenting two dramatic explorations of genius: Gary Clarke’s Beethoven takes ‘a touching and darkly humorous look’ at the personal life and musical works of Ludwig van Beethoven; Lea Anderson’s Bloodsucker, meanwhile, is a ‘stylised and gently humorous exploration’ of the leg- end of the vampire Nosferatu and his depiction in film.

Luca Silvestrini’s Protein: Sonia Sabri Company: The Little Prince Same Same...But Different DanceXchange, Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 29 & Sat 30 November Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 15 November Award-winning dance company Protein brings its trademark physical and verbal wit to Birmingham “We’ve always tried to create something this month when it presents pioneering aviator which is groundbreaking and pioneering,” Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s classic 1943 story. says Sonia Sabri. “I feel proud to say that we Leaving behind his tiny asteroid, The Little Prince present work which is very new and very journeys through the universe and finds himself different. We’ve been at the forefront of suddenly needing to navigate the baffling world of creating new ideas, and that’s exactly what grown-ups. we intend to continue doing.” “The idea of Protein Dance is to get away from the Sabri’s belief in the need to push the bound- stereotype of dance being purist and high-brow, aries of dance is reflected in this new family and to connect better with audiences,” says the show, mixing Kathak and contemporary company’s Artistic Director, Luca Silvestrini. “We dance, live music and physical storytelling. combine dance with words, singing, acting and The piece has been produced in collaboration audience participation. I think all this helps better with a number of primary schools in Birming- connect with the subject matter - it’s more fluid.” ham and London. whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Andy Parsons online.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 10:51 Page 1 Andy Parsons online.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2019 10:51 Page 2

HEALING THE NATION Comedian Andy Parsons is back out on tour...

Andy Parsons is on a mission with his new stuff at the opposition, it’s nice to see both events, but also it’s good to keep it fresh any- stand-up tour. In one simple nutshell, he’s sides of the argument. I’ll be taking on view- way, not just for the audience but for myself. looking to heal this divided nation. The man points that wouldn’t normally find a natural If you’re performing over 100 shows and just who for years was a fixture on Mock The home in one of my stand-up sets and trying to doing the same set every single night, it be- Week, worked on Spitting Image, brought us genuinely see the other side of that argu- comes a job rather than a pleasure.” sell-out tours and unit-shifting DVDs such as ment.” When you watch Andy in full flow, it’s clear Britain’s Got Idiots and Gruntled, and has As he prepares to take his show - which he’s that you’re witnessing a performer who is not been in a very successful double act with called Healing The Nation - out on tour, Andy only having a great time, but who’s enjoying playwright Henry Naylor, is calling time on is clear that while the country seems utterly the pleasure he’s passing on to others. Partly, the negativity that reverberates around our divided, with individuals permanently lodged this might come down to a realisation that it’s green and pleasant land. on their own side of the debate, he believes a good time to be in the topical-comedy game. “On my Twitter feed currently it says, ‘Initially that there are always more issues that unite “It goes in cycles, and for a while political upbeat. Often disappointed’,” says Andy. us than separate us: “The idea in the show is comedy was dead. If you suggested to a TV “The general thrust of everything I’ve ever that everything is proving divisive at the mo- company that you wanted to have some sort done has an optimistic note to it, and there’s ment, and that no one is talking to each other of a political comedy vehicle, they’d say, ‘Why always something in the glass rather than or seeing issues from both sides. Essentially, would you want to do that? No one is inter- there being something missing from it. Life people have the same concerns whether it’s ested’. But now, there’s a whole slew of them. can get extremely frustrating and your opti- health or education or jobs, and I want to nar- The reasons for that are various, but the bot- mism can fade, but I retain the faith and I’m row down the focus of what people actually tom line is that people are more interested in looking forward to getting out there and meet- want and bring them together. The blurb of politics now simply because it’s affecting ing people in some nice theatres.” the show says that, if nothing else, we can be more of their lives. And now that more people proud of some form of tolerance and freedom Happy to be known as a political comedian, are talking about it, there are comics you of speech throughout our history. It’ll be inter- Andy has never shirked from putting the wouldn’t associate with politics who will still esting to see where those concepts are going opinions he expresses on stage into full prac- address it in some way because every aspect in the next few years.” tice. He’s hosted People’s Votes rallies, in- of life is somehow influenced by it. That was cluding one in Parliament Square to over It was former Labour Prime Minister Harold less true 10 years ago.” 100,000 people, and fronted the Independent Wilson who was credited with first saying that Whatever the future holds in terms of politics Age’s most recent Campaign Against Loneli- a week is a long time in politics. In the febrile in Britain, Europe, the US and across the ness. Plus he created the Slacktivist Action and often toxic terrain of modern British poli- wider global landscape, it’s comforting - heal- Group , in which he chatted to the tics and society, events seem to alter dramati- ing, almost - to know that comedians such as likes of comics and Angela cally on an almost hourly basis. While this Andy Parsons will be around to poke fun at Barnes, politicians David Lammy and Peter might be ideal for political correspondents, it those who claim to lead or speak for us. Hain, and commentators Suzanne Moore and can prove something of a challenge for topical Miranda Sawyer. comedians who are trying to take a show across the country over the course of several “I think we’re a nation desperate to be healed, months. Andy Parsons: Healing The Nation visits in the sense that people would rather come Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, on Thursday together than diverge. In the current media Andy, however, is confident about accepting 31 October, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, on analysis, everyone is in the centre of their the challenge of updating his material to suit Friday 8 November, William Aston Hall, own social-media bubble, and everything is the prevailing circumstances: “When your Wrexham, on Saturday 9 November and kicking off left, right and centre. So the idea show is topical, then inevitably it will be very Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Satur- for the tour was that rather than being incred- different when the tour finishes from when it day 23 November. ibly one-sided and partisan and throwing started. This is mainly because of current Comedy November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:57 Page 1

Comedy

Geoff Norcott The Core, Solihull, Sat 16 November Geoff Norcott is one of the sharpest tools in the comedy shed, presenting shows which feature observational humour, satire, and even the odd impression or two. Being a former teacher, plenty of Geoff’s gags relate to school experiences and the education system. He’s also made some- thing of a name for himself in the field of sports-related humour, a niche that’s yielded him plenty of work both on televi- sion and radio... Geoff’s Solihull appear- ance sees him performing his latest touring show, Taking Liberties.

Jack Whitehall Arena Birmingham, Fri 15 - Sun 17 November A fella who’s had no trouble whatsoever in his show, his comical schooldays and the getting his face on the telly, Jack White- experience of being caught snorting coke hall’s highly animated style of delivery is by the News Of The World. developing all the time, as is his repertoire Jokes include: “I'm sure wherever my dad is of material. Subject matter has included his now, he’ll be looking down on us. He's not father’s shameless attempts to get quoted dead, just very condescending.”

Carl Hutchinson Jason Byrne The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 9 November Sat 30 November Watching Jason Byrne on stage has been Observational comedian Carl Hutchinson likened by one reviewer to watching foot- makes a welcome return with a show that baller Lionel Messi play for Barcelona: it’s covers all manner of common-or-garden not a matter of 'if' the magic will come, but topics, from the challenges of buying a 'when' and 'how often'. Byrne comes to the house to the experience of having kids. Midlands with brand new offering Wrecked Prior to becoming a full-time standup, Carl But Ready, a show which he promises will spent some time as a maths teacher. “There hotwire his audience’s funnybones big time. are certainly comparisons between the two Judi Love Presents “Everyone’s welcome,” says Jason, “unless professions,” says the popular Geordie Love2Laugh Birmingham you’re under 14, in which case come back comedian, “but the definite advantage with Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, when you’re older.” comedy is that if you have a bad gig, you Sat 30 November can rest assured that you don't have to see the same audience the next day at 10am!” Up-and-coming London comedian Judi Love here headlines more than two hours of entertainment from ‘some of the funniest comedians around’. A presenter on BBC Radio London, Judi’s appearances on tele- vision shows including and This Morning have brought her to the wider public attention. Boasting a natural charisma, sharp wit and animated commu- nication style, her ‘tell it like it is’ YouTube videos have won her a dedicated online following. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:57 Page 2

Mark Watson Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 24 Novem- ber; Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon- Trent, Thurs 30 January Well established on the UK comedy circuit, Mark Watson was born in to Welsh parents and initially delivered his act with a Welsh accent, claiming he felt “more comfortable talking in a voice that I didn't quite recognise as my own”. A regular contributor to the Fringe, Mark has the curious distinction of having performed stand-up shows which have lasted for a period in excess of 24 hours. “Comedy is certainly a time-consum- ing element of my life,” he admits, “but then while I’m out touring and on stage, there are people at home doing far less glamorous things. There have certainly been times when I’ve been very happy to say, ‘Of course I’d like to stay and help out with that plumbing crisis, but the Midlands awaits!’”

Stephen K Amos Count Arthur Strong Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 21 November; William Aston Hall, Wrexham, Fri 22 Novem- Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 3 November ber; Malvern Theatres, Sat 23 November; Palace Theatre, Redditch, Fri 29 November Stephen K Amos’ popularity both here and Doncaster-born doyen of light entertainment created. “If I watch footage from the early abroad are suitable reward for a comedian Count Arthur Strong makes a welcome return days, he looks like the bones of something, who sometimes wondered whether his big to the region with a brand new show. “With but he’s definitely continued to develop, and break would ever come. “I used to do a joke each live show I’ve done, I’ve found out a that’s very important. Simply reproducing where I said I'd have to wait for Lenny little bit more about Arthur,” explains Steve what I’ve done before would neither be as Henry to die before I could get on televi- Delaney in talking about the character he much fun nor as interesting.” sion,” he says, referring to his belief that opportunities for black comedians are few and far between. Whatever the truth, there's little question that Stephen's very much Lenny Henry Shazia Mirza basking in the comedy limelight these days. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 17 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 November; His success is no surprise, mind, given the November; Dudley Town Hall, Fri 22 Novem- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 17 ber; Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wed 27 November quality of his material and his effortless November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, ability to strike all the right chords with his Fri 29 November Shazia Mirza is one of the UK’s most creative female comedians - and she’s a Brummie ever-appreciative audience. Despite sometimes too! Muslim Shazia’s not averse to treading a having risked under- delicate line when it comes to her material. mining his own Her post-9/11 joke, “My name's Shazia Mirza popularity by trying - at least, that's what it says on my pilot's too hard to prove licence”, marked her out as a comedian that he's a multi- happy to balance on the very precipice of talented artist, acceptable humour. Other examples of her Lenny Henry has style and content include: "My parents really never strayed too far from his comedy roots. want me to get married. But Muslim men Early-career success on Midlands kids’ don't want to marry me because... I speak", show Tiswas, where he did wonders for the and "My dad said if I popularity of condensed milk sandwiches, went out with a led on to national stardom, while his key black man, he'd role in setting up proved that burn me. Which his heart was every bit as big as his joke- would be good, bag. because then I'd be His UK tour comes in support of his recently black too". published memoir, Who Am I, Again?. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Amplifi DPS November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:14 Page 1 Amplifi DPS November 2019.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:14 Page 2 David Walliams The Boy in the DRess.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 16:23 Page 1

dress to impress! David Walliams talks about having his children’s book, The Boy In The Dress, transformed into a spectacular stage production by the Royal Shakespeare Company...

Comedian David Walliams turned his hand to “For me, it’s just magical to see a story and had never even crossed my mind.” writing children’s books over a decade ago, characters that I’ve created brought to life So if this new production wasn’t David’s idea, making his debut with The Boy In The Dress. through singing and dancing,” says David. whose was it? The heart-warming tale of friendship and the “The idea of it being a musical was something “I was first approached by Mark Ravenhill, acceptance of others is this Christmas being I’d never even considered, and it truly trans- who’s the writer-in-residence for the Royal presented as a musical by the Royal Shake- forms the story. Music adds a whole new di- Shakespeare Company. I thought it was bril- speare Company. mension that I can’t really do. I’m not a singer liant to be approached by a playwright of The RSC’s show marks the first time the story and I can’t play a musical instrument, so cre- such calibre. Plus, the RSC has had a lot of has been presented on the stage. ating a musical out of The Boy In The Dress success with similar things, like Matilda.

24 whatsonlive.co.uk David Walliams The Boy in the DRess.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 16:23 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

At that point, The Boy In The Dress wasn’t ent. I thought a boy going to school dressed readers want something palatable - they want really being talked about as a musical. as a girl would speak to the wider implica- to read Wimpy Kid, not Dickens. I go into Suddenly, Mark and the artistic director at the tions of being different, which is something schools and talk to kids to find out what they RSC, Gregory Doran, told me about their plan most people probably feel at some point in want. I always ask them who hates reading, to approach and Guy Cham- their lives. When writing stories, you just fol- and there are always some who put up their bers to turn it into a musical! At first I was low your instincts, so the story wasn’t con- hands. I feel like I want to inspire them and sceptical and thought it was very unlikely trived in a way that was trying to say anything reach out to them. That’s why I created The they’d get on board, as they must’ve been in particular at the time. I guess it was a rela- World’s Worst Children. It’s a little series of busy with other projects. I wasn’t quite crack- tively risky subject for a children’s book, but I short stories that’s just meant to be funny and ing out the champagne, but it turns out that decided to tell it anyway.” short - kind of like the equivalent of reading they said yes! I came to a workshop and The Beano. A kid who won’t read a book David first got the idea for the book from they’d written 18 amazing songs.” might actually like something that’s full of Little Britain fan mail: “A 12-year-old boy sent silly jokes and funny illustrations in a short, It’s safe to say that David is thrilled with what me a picture of him going to school as Emily surreal piece of writing. the RSC, Ravenhill, Chambers and Williams Howard, one of the Little Britain characters. have created: “Guy and Robbie have captured It was a really great outfit, with the wig and “I think that because so many kids have TV, the story very well, and seeing as they’ve writ- parasol. I thought he was very cool for doing tablets and computer games, a lot of people ten so many pop hits, they know how to make that and also quite brave because kids some- think books are a dying art for kids, but a song that people will like. The songs really times give each other a bit of stick for that they’re absolutely not. We have a lot to thank feel very memorable, which I think is really kind of stuff. Even though it was a very differ- JK Rowling for because she made kids queue important for a musical. It’s always good ent set of circumstances - someone doing it outside a bookshop from midnight to get their when the audience comes out still humming for fancy dress is very different to someone hands on a copy of the latest Harry Potter. I’d along. Guy and Robbie are so used to writing doing it purely because they like it - it did never, ever heard of that happening before, songs that grab you immediately, so that’s make me wonder if there was maybe a story and I don’t think books have ever been antici- exactly what they’ve done here. Singing adds there to be told.” pated in the way that hers were. The Harry such an emotional dimension, so the story is Potter books got very long and complicated, It was David’s work in comedy that led him to richer now than it’s ever been. The lyrics don’t so for a writer to engage kids in such a long first discover his passion for storytelling: “I follow the lines I’ve written in the book; there story, and to be met with such incredible really only started to write because I wanted are these new, fresh ideas in the musical that enthusiasm each time a new release was due, to perform. I really wanted to be a comedian, even those who’ve read the book won’t have is inspired. I don’t think things are in a bad and to achieve that ambition I had to create experienced before. It’s a very exciting piece place in terms of kids engaging with books. something that was funny. I started writing that feels new in many ways!” There are obviously still some people who comedy sketches. Then I started to feel like can’t access books. I did a book for World Just like the original book, The Boy In The there was more to write. Comedy sketches are Book Day, and primary school kids each got Dress musical is aimed not only at children only two or three minutes long, but I felt like their £1 book token to get it. For many chil- but also their families. there were much longer stories in me that I dren, that’s the first one they’ll ever own, so wanted to tell. It’s hard to get into people’s “It’s ultimately a feelgood family show. It’s there’s still a lot more that needs to be done. I emotional life with a short comedy sketch funny and moving, with kids at the centre of think children’s books are taken a lot more because it’s mainly about telling the joke. So I the story. Dennis wants to dress as a girl, and seriously now, which is great for everyone.” had that yearning to do something different. I then there’s a slightly older girl called Lisa, knew that I could write a few jokes, some dia- Although David is always busy writing some- who’s the popular, fashionable kid and who logue and create some characters, but I didn’t thing new, The Boy In The Dress remains very encourages him to dress how he wants and to know whether I could do the most important much on his mind: “I don’t think I’ve ever read Vogue. I think a good family show has part - sustain a story. The story is always the been prouder of anything. Just going into appeal across the board - so the grown-ups hardest bit to get right, and they’re mostly rehearsals and seeing what they’re doing in have got something to enjoy too. I get the feel- instinctive; they’re something you grasp from this production is amazing. If my whole ing that parents often bring their kids to your own reading rather than by trying to career was leading up to this moment and things that they themselves don’t find that work to some kind of formula.” then that was it, I think I’d remain happy for a interesting, but then adults still rushed to get long time. If you wanted to judge me and my tickets for the new Toy Story film. I think it’s David is incredibly passionate about encour- achievements on just one thing, then I’d say about creating that balance. Even though it’s aging children to read and thinks the future is come and see this musical because it’s really a story with children at its centre and is bright, despite there still being plenty of work special.” super-fun for a young audience, it’s very needing to be done: “There’s great pleasure in grown up in many other ways. I think every- books, and it’s a great shame if young people one will feel really uplifted at the end of it!” don’t get to experience that. I don’t think it’s a The Boy In The Dress shows at the Royal good idea to be snobby about books, espe- So why was this a story that David wanted to Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- cially when it comes to kids because they tell in the first place? Avon, from Friday 8 November to Sunday should read what they want for pleasure or 8 March. “It’s a story about what it means to be differ- they’ll never get into it. Some really reluctant

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 The Mousetrap Penhaligon (1).qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:18 Page 1 The Mousetrap Susan Penhaligon (1).qxp_Layout 1 25/10/2019 11:19 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Caught in a trap Agatha Christie’s record-breaking thriller, The Mousetrap, is out on tour and visiting Birmingham. Cast member and star of stage and screen Susan Penhaligon explains why she thinks the show continues to be so popular...

Not surprisingly, having celebrated its 60th know where we are with this one’ and they in a film. I find the celebrity culture these birthday - a theatrical Diamond Jubilee - relax. And the great thing is, no one knows days slightly alarming. Fame for fame’s sake. seven years ago, The Mousetrap is a record- who the murderer is. Unless they’ve been Actually, I think being an actor or an breaking play. Agatha Christie’s much-loved before, of course!” entertainer is an important job in society, and thriller has entertained audiences across the there’s nothing like live theatre.” Susan even admires her character in The globe, without ever shutting, for as long as Mousetrap: “I like Mrs Boyle because she says HRH Queen Elizabeth II has reigned. The play it as it is - she doesn’t hold back. She’s the is out on tour this autumn and heading for The Mousetrap shows at the Alexandra type of woman who’s used to being in control Birmingham this very month. Theatre, Birmingham, from Monday 11 to of situations, probably to make herself feel Saturday 16 November. “I never thought I’d be in The Mousetrap,” safe. I don’t think she feels safe in The says Susan Penhaligon, who takes on the role Mousetrap! She’s funny, too.” of Mrs Boyle in the production. “I’ve been in Being well known TV series such as Bouquet two of Agatha Christie’s other plays - And Of Barbed Wire, A Fine Romance and Then There Were None and a little-known one Emmerdale, Susan is in the perfect position to called Verdict - but I’d never seen The compare the stage and screen strands of her Mousetrap or read it. When the part came up, career: “I’ve done a lot of theatre: touring, I read the play and thought, ‘Wow’. It’s funny, West End and fringe. I started in rep in tense, has great characters, a brilliant plot, Worthing as an acting assistant stage and what really struck me was that it was manager when I was 21. There isn’t a better based on a real event - chilling, really. Agatha way to understand and learn about the Christie is so clever - there’s always truthful theatre. Also, I was trained for the theatre. In emotion in her plays. She’s the second most the late ’60s at drama school, we all hoped we read English writer after Shakespeare, so she would go to the RSC or the National Theatre - must have done something right!” the Old Vic in those days. That was our The Mousetrap is the longest-running play in aspiration - not TV, certainly not the world - and Susan has her own theory commercials, and films seemed out of our about why audiences keep returning to see it: grasp unless we went to Hollywood. But for “I’m definitely an Agatha Christie fan. I’ve some reason, all through the ’70s and ’80s I read most of her books and I’ve read her landed lots of TV and film roles. I just went biography. I think she’s fascinating. The with the flow. But I always tried to do a play Mousetrap is a great story. It’s a guessing once a year if I could. You have to keep game of whodunnit - and a brilliant one at practising to get good at anything.” that. It’s a perfect plot; it’s vintage, with very While perhaps being better known for her recognisable period characters, and it’s television roles, Susan has toured extensively spooky. It’s quality entertainment. I think it’s in numerous stage productions, including interesting to see an original play of hers on Cabaret, Rehearsal For Murder and, most the stage rather than on TV, particularly as it recently, . was written for the theatre. It’s a different animal. But I think nowadays, because of the “I don’t mind touring, but I also like being at many TV Agathas, audiences are familiar with home. I’m quite pragmatic about work. It’s a the world they’re entering. The pact between job; it’s how I earn my living. Like many actors and audience is made the moment the actors, I’m sometimes out of work. I don’t curtain goes up. I’m sure they think, ‘Ah, we think I’m special because I’ve been on TV or Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 1

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Fame frames. By contrast, Fame The Musical continues to get up a sweat on a regular basis. And as high-octane, choreographed-to-the-rafters Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 19 - Sat 23 November stage musicals go, it hits the Midlands this month with a reputation Any Dream Will Do star Keith Jack and Hollyoaks and Dancing On Ice second to none. favourite Jorgie Porter head up the cast in this 30th-anniversary Set in New York’s legendary High School For The Performing Arts, the production of the ever-popular musical. show focuses on the highs and lows of the students who’re desper- The original mega-hit film and its spin-off TV series are now both so ately seeking success, and offers a dazzling evening of foot-tapping old that their once-nimble dancers might soon be reaching for zimmer music and breathtaking dance into the bargain.

The Mousetrap Algorithms Shylock The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Mon 11 - Sat 16 November Sun 10 November Tues 12 November Not only has everybody heard of Agatha Gareth Armstrong's solo play is a sometimes Christie’s The Mousetrap, everybody’s seen moving, often humorous and always fascinat- the show as well - haven't they? Okay, maybe ing exploration not only of Shakespeare’s not, but as the production is fast approaching Shylock but also of Jewish stereotypes in gen- its 70th consecutive year in the West End, it's eral. Along the way, all manner of characters fair to say its capacity to put bums on seats is are presented to the audience, ‘from Portia to absolutely beyond question. Not surprisingly Pontius Pilate, Romeo to Max Reinhardt, and it’s the world's longest-running show, and has Barabbas to Richard Burbage’. been performed well in excess of a staggering Described as ‘a dazzling dissection of The 25,000 times. Its touring version is here mak- Merchant Of Venice’, the production is no ing a welcome return to the Midlands. stranger to four and five-star reviews.

“Sadie Clark’s brilliant solo play hit us with big belly laughs and had us reaching for the tissues,” is how Algorithms is assessed by SHOUT Festival, of which the show’s Old Joint Stock stop-off forms a part. A bisexual Bridget Jones for the online generation, this tragicomic one-woman presentation is ideal for anyone who’s wondered why they feel so lonely at a point in time when connecting with others is meant to be easier than ever. 26 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Nov. RIGHT HAND FP 2019.qxp_Layout 1 14/10/2019 09:21 Page 1

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From the Source Carlene Anderson.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:22 Page 1

A Change is Gonna Come Mercury-nominated soul singer and goddaughter of the legendary James Brown, Carleen Anderson talks political protest, human rights and innovative jazz ahead of her From The Source Festival appearance in Coventry...

This month’s From The Source Festival at As an African-American woman born in the each other. But even though I only found out Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre includes a 1950s, Carleen’s life experience has been relatively recently, being an American and performance by Mercury-nominated soul firmly rooted in the fight for racial equality. growing up during that time made revolution- singer Carleen Anderson. Carleen will appear ary art such an important thing to me. It “I didn’t find out about my own family’s as part of a sextet fusing soul, jazz and rap. makes sense that it became part of what connections to the civil rights movement until Their gig, A Change Is Gonna Come: Music inspires me and the work I create as an very recent years,” she explains. “Involve- For Human Rights, explores a selection of artist.“ ment was always kept quiet because it’s still political protest songs - from the mid-20th considered quite a dangerous thing to have Carleen is a firm believer in the power of century American civil rights movement right been a part of, so the family were protecting music: “Music itself has such an immediate through to the present day. From the Source Carlene Anderson.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:22 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

effect. It can calm people, make them jump same situations of inequality. ence. I was the choral director for the BBC for joy and sometimes make them cry. If you singers and this group of top vocalists I’d “We four women will be joined by bassist can add to that lyrics which might mean selected in the UK called the UK Vocalists Renell Shaw, who’s toured with artists like something to them, then they feel a real Assembly. Bringing together these two very Rudimental and Skepta. Rod Youngs will be connection to the song itself. From there, it different choirs - one from a very formal our drummer, and he’s played with Gil Scott can generate an effect on others. That person world, the other from a more contemporary Heron, among others. There’s definitely a is also then inspired and passes that inspira- one - to sing Duke Ellington’s Sacred Music - a common connection which we all have to tion on to someone else. Two people might work of art of strictly spiritual music blending human rights in general, beyond the specifics disagree on everything else possible, but they classical, gospel and jazz - was incredible. It of the civil rights movement. A Change Is both might like that one song. There’s evi- was a lot of work too! But they were great Gonna Come is bigger than that. It addresses dence throughout time that music has always singers, and it’s an experience that will stay homelessness and all other sorts of human had that - it brings people from with me forever. To be in the midst of such atrocities which have always been there and entirely different backgrounds together.” amazing musicians and in the Royal Albert which we haven’t quite yet learnt to fix. I feel Hall was one of the highlights of my career.” And A Change Is Gonna Come’s set list very privileged to work with these people certainly reflects Carleen’s beliefs: “This was because they’re all great musicians in their And does Carleen have any other stand-out a collaboration between myself, one of the own right, but it’s even better to be getting moments? Sound UK directors, Polly Eldridge, and the together for this marvellous cause.” “I think one that stands out for me was when co-music director, Nikki Yeoh. The focus is on Not surprisingly in a sextet of predominantly I unexpectedly appeared on the stage with my where equality was back then, where we are female musicians from ethnic minorities, a godfather, James Brown, at the Royal Albert now, how they’re still similar in some ways, narrative of gender equality will run through Hall in the early 2000s. In my mind, no one and how we all need to change moving A Change Is Gonna Come. went on stage with James Brown! forward. Of course, it would then make sense for the art to change with time too, whether “Gender is certainly part of it because some of “Last year was a highlight in terms of my solo that be a new interpretation of a song or a the songs refer to that too. It’s definitely a career, when my ‘tribal opera’, Cage Street new version of an old tune, as well as new given, seeing as the four leads are women. Memorial, was produced by the Barbican. It tunes that have been inspired by those times - Discussion of gender is definitely implied by just shows that there are so many different all with a 21st century vibe to them because the fact that we’ve been given this front plat- aspects to the arts that bring people to- that’s where we are now. The younger genera- form, but also that we have these strong men gether.” tions aren’t interested in singing Kumbaya in the group who aren’t threatened by women So how would Carleen advise somebody who anymore, and at one time that was the song being centre stage. I think that says a lot was wishing to make a human-rights state- that brought everyone together.” about how gender unity can happen. It ment on a small, everyday scale? doesn’t have to be the end of the world if the The gig also brings in the perspectives of the women are up front!” five musicians performing alongside Carleen. “Even if something you do is very minor, it still builds up. Small acts of courtesy matter Also appearing at From The Source Festival is “Nikki Yeoh, who worked alongside me in because then that spins off into how that emerging jazz vocalist Judi Jackson, who Car- creating, will be performing with us too. She’s person then treats the next person they leen worked with just this summer: “I worked an award-winning jazz pianist who’s part encounter. We can always do things like with her as part of Soul Women Unite, which Chinese. Her son’s father is Afro-Caribbean. making sure you vote and write to those was curated by Yolanda Brown. It was a really So she’s definitely been in those situations representing you in politics, but so much wonderful line-up, with Judi, Yolanda, Terri herself and with her son, where people will comes from us as individuals. Politicians take Walker, Ayanna Whittaker and myself. Every- judge you by your culture, background, the lead from us. A lot depends on how we one always talks about people already in the features and so forth. Nikki is also younger treat people - strangers, our neighbours, industry supporting the up-and-coming than me - she’s in her 40s - so her experi- people who are different-looking from us, or artists, but I definitely think it’s a two-way ences will differ somewhat there too, because who go about their daily life in a different street. Just as the seasoned artist would sup- times had manner but aren’t actually hurting anyone. If port the emerging artist, the same would be already progressed in some ways between my you can take those little moments to smile at said for the reverse. That symbiotic relation- date of birth and hers. But in many ways she people who are different, then it builds up ship is essential for everyone from different also relates to my own experience. We’ll be and politicians will follow the lead of the generations to learn from each other. That alongside Camilla George, a newly emerged people. Indiscriminate gestures of kindness way, we can continue to push culture and the jazz saxophonist who grew up in Nigeria. are so important.” arts forward, rather than feeling like it’s run She’s still in her 20s so will have a new per- its course.“ spective to bring - as will Lady Sanity, who’s the same age. Lady Sanity is a rapper from It’s certainly been a busy few months for From The Source Festival runs at Warwick Birmingham. She’s a very intelligent word- Carleen, who featured in the BBC Proms back Arts Centre, Coventry, from Friday 8 to smith and very astute and aware of the times in September. Sunday 10 November, with A Change Is that we’re in. She sees it from the philosophi- Gonna Come scheduled for Sunday the “The Proms was the most amazing experi- cal consideration of why we’re still in these 10th. Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from across the region...

My Beautiful Laundrette The REP, Birmingham, Tues 5 - Sat 9 November Hanif Kureishi’s original movie version of My Beautiful Laundrette, released in 1985, focused on an interracial love story between a young Pakistani man and his old school friend, a white working-class guy who’d lost his way. A clever, funny and powerful reflection of life in Thatcher’s Britain, the film has now been adapted for the stage, with Leicester Curve Artistic Director Nikolai Foster the man at the helm. “I think this is a play about love, hope and young people moving the world forward,” says Nikolai. “It has a really powerful message, and I hope its vibrancy will be celebrated beyond coming to see the production. I very much hope that audiences take the experience forward with them.”

Loop An Inspector Calls place at a health farm, where Don and Shirley’s efforts to fix their failing marriage Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Malvern Theatres, 5 - 9 November; The REP, leave even the therapists’ sanity well and Fri 29 November Birmingham, Tues 12 - Sat 16 November truly on the rocks... Ali might be alone but that doesn’t mean she’s lonely; not as long as she fills her time with roleplays and soundscapes summoned Strangers On A Train Set from her own memories and voice... The cycle of loneliness is explored and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 14 & Fri 15 November challenged in this second production from Theatre In Black, a new process-focused The well-established Lip Service - aka Maggie ensemble dedicated to the task of providing a Fox and Sue Ryding - return to Shrewsbury to platform for new writing and fresh creative present their latest comic offering. talents. Maggie and Sue have been working together for more than three decades, producing Anybody who’s been fortunate enough to shows such as Withering Looks - ‘an authen- Trojan Horse catch a production of JB Priestley’s classic tic insight into the lives and works of those work will have no trouble understanding why three Bronte sisters’ - and Inspector Norse - ‘a Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, self-assembly Swedish crime thriller’. Tues 19 - Thurs 21 November it's been such a worldwide hit. When Inspector Goole calls unexpectedly on Their latest show sees them ‘going off the This critically acclaimed the prosperous Birling family, his startling rails’ when a passenger is found dead as a docu-drama ‘uncovers the revelations not only shatter the foundations train emerges from a tunnel... truth’ behind the controver- of their lives but also challenge them to Audience members who are also crime sial 2014 UK government examine their consciences... aficionados or narrow gauge railway enthusi- inquiry into alleged extrem- asts should find plenty to stimulate their ism in Birmingham schools. interest... Drawing on more than 200 hours of inter- Gym & Tonic views conducted with teachers, students, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, parents and governors, Trojan Horse is Tues 5 - Sat 9 November written by Helen Monks and Matt Woodhead. John Godber’s talent for taking pertinent “When we first started researching the themes and presenting them in an accessible subject,” says Helen, “we thought we were down-to-earth manner has seen him become going to be writing about an event that had one of the UK’s most successful playwrights. happened in the past. But it soon became He’s at it again in Gym & Tonic, a ‘laugh out clear that the trauma Trojan Horse caused loud’ comedy focusing on the highly topical has not left the city. So much is still left subject of how to find a moment of calm in unresolved for the people it most affected.” these challenging times. The action takes 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Wolves Grand FP Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 15:13 Page 1 Kipper Mick Inkpen feature.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:20 Page 1 It’s a dog’s life! Kipper Mick Inkpen feature.qxp_Layout 1 22/10/2019 10:20 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

One of children’s literature’s most popular canine characters takes to the stage this month. What’s On caught up with the writer & illustrator of the Kipper series, Mick Inkpen, to find out about a new theatrical production that’s bringing together two of his stories...

Slot Machine Theatre’s Christmas production, cards for Gordon Fraser. Once I’d developed a piece of theatre, and I was so pleased about Kipper’s Snowy Day - showing at MAC Birm- style, I thought it would perhaps be possible that. Playfulness is one of the main things ingham from late this month till the end of to go into children’s books. It seemed like a that characterises what I do, and that’s some- the year - is based on not one but two of Mick very good medium for the kind of drawing I thing I think both kids and parents will Inkpen’s award-winning books about Kipper liked doing the most.” engage with.” the dog. The show follows the escapades of The stage version of Kipper’s Snowy Day over- It was these similarities in creative vision and Kipper and his friends, whose Arctic adven- flows with original music and songs, bespoke style that encouraged Mick to work with Slot tures take a turn for the worse when their pal, puppets and humour. Machine in the first place. He had been Arnold, goes missing in a storm… approached about stage adaptations of “Music is a very strong feature. There’s lots of “The production is very faithful to the spirit of Kipper previously, even before the BAFTA- fun, comedy and word play in the lyrics of the the books and the character of Kipper,” says winning animation of the series, but only songs, and they’ve been written specifically writer & illustrator Mick, “but I urged Slot when Slot Machine came along did he feel for the production. And it has the same kind Machine not to be too worried about being he’d found the right match: “I think the team of puppetry as in War Horse. You’ve got that absolutely faithful to the storyline. So we at Slot Machine are really invested in theatre marvellous thing where the audience sus- agreed that they’d make an amalgam of the for children and what you might call ‘pure pends disbelief. They’re complicit in ignoring two main books: Kipper’s Snowy Day and theatre’, rather than celebrity-based theatre. the puppeteers and allowing the story to Kipper’s Christmas Eve. They’ve also intro- I was very at home with the way they thought unfold. That in itself adds a certain level of duced their own things, like the storm, which about my books and about their vision for magic to the production because the audience doesn’t appear in either book. The fact that Kipper’s Snowy Day. Creatively I found it very feels so involved in the story. I’ve always they had that freedom meant that they could easy to work with them and readily trusted loved puppet work on stage; I think it’s a really play with what they were doing, rather them to have a very free hand in terms of really powerful medium.” than slavishly putting one of my books on what they wanted to do.” stage. So what else does Mick think makes this show MAC Birmingham is holding a special unique? “It’s a very multifaceted show. There are Kipper’s Snowy Day drawing competition, graphics, songs, puppets and a wonderful “The set is a great example of the theatre which will see one lucky youngster and their plot - it’s visually interesting and completely company thinking creatively about how to family win tickets to see the show. The original. Whether you’ve read the Kipper really bring a book to life. With the Kipper competition will be judged by Mick himself: books or not, you’ll be delighted by the sur- books, I’ve always tried to avoid placing him “You never know what you’re going to get prises along the way. This little production somewhere in particular. While, for example, when children are set loose on a page. I’m really deserves lots of exposure because it is Postman Pat is in a particular landscape in a really looking forward to seeing their efforts truly wonderful.” particular place, Kipper exists in this white and finding a worthy winner.” world of the page, which means I can do with Kipper the dog first appeared 30 years ago in Getting children interested in the arts is very him what I like - I can even send him to the Mick’s book, The Blue Balloon. important as far as Mick is concerned: “The moon! Slot Machine wanted to capture that tick-box attitude to learning in schools now is “That was the book which really put me on white-world look, even more so with Kipper’s so boring. I think it’s hugely important that the map and made me think of myself as a Snowy Day being set in a snowscape. So the children are encouraged to use their imagina- proper, successful children’s author. In it, back of the stage is an entirely open book tions and play around with ideas, rather than Kipper wasn’t quite the Kipper that we see in with blank pages, which allows them to use it having such a constrained focus on just the later stories and in this show because he as a screen upon which they project things. getting things right. School should be a place was on all-fours and just a boy’s companion. For example, the violent storm is expressed where you can openly discuss and explore The Blue Balloon was a very singular kind of by just an animated scribble rushing about all things - even get things wrong - without being book, so a sequel didn’t really seem to have over this book backdrop. judged. I don’t think society can expand very any legs. What the publisher and I wanted “Another part of the white world is that the far beyond what’s fairly utilitarian without was to base a series of books around a charac- entire action takes place on Big Hill, which imagination and without playing with that ter. Developing the character of Kipper from features in the Kipper books. Big Hill is world which children hold so dear. It’s hugely The Blue Balloon more than fitted the bill.” covered in snow, so the set has this white important to support art, reading, theatre and Mick fell in love with all things creative at an double-page with a big, sloping snowy hill. just generally being creative, so that our early age: “My favourite subjects at school This allows Slot Machine to play with per- children can grow and learn.” were English and Art. My favourite part of spective, so at certain points there are tiny English itself was the creative essays and writ- puppets at the top of the hill to make the ing. I can’t really remember when my passion characters look very distant. It’s a very simple Kipper’s Snowy Day runs at Midlands Arts for storytelling and illustration started set, but one that really allows the action to Centre, Birmingham from Tuesday 26 exactly, but it was definitely around that time. spring off the stage in the same way that my November to Tuesday 31 December. I cut my teeth in the world of work, and on characters spring off the page. Slot Machine illustration in particular, by doing greetings had a very playful approach to making this Trojan Horse MAC.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 16:59 Page 1

The truth will out...

The largely unreported story behind the Birmingham schools Trojan Horse scandal is being told in a touring play which last year won the coveted Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its co-writer, Birmingham-born actor Helen Monks - whose TV credits include playing Susanna Shakespeare, William’s daughter, in the hit BBC comedy, Upstart Crow - talks to What’s On about the scandal that rocked the city...

Reports in 2014 of teachers and governors LUNG Theatre’s critically acclaimed docu- schools involved and the teachers and gover- plotting to Islamise Birmingham schools sent drama adopts the same title as the inquiry - nors’ testimony in court, Trojan Horse is a shockwaves through the city and the nation, Trojan Horse - and tells the largely unreported ground-breaking account of institutionalised with the local council launching an inquiry story of how and why those accused were nei- Islamophobia and government prejudice. into the allegations and central government ther convicted nor ‘not guilty’ in court. “I’m from Birmingham,” says Helen Monks, following up with their own investigation Adapted from the accounts of pupils from co-wrote the play with Matt Woodhead, shortly afterwards. Trojan Horse MAC.qxp_Layout 1 30/10/2019 16:59 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

“so I knew about the news when it broke but connected to the schools that were a part of space that’s neutral and for everybody. The didn’t know anymore than the news pieces I the scandal. Over the course of the two years main thing we’ve been so happy with about read. Matt and I went into this not knowing of writing, we did multiple extensive inter- this tour is that people from all different we were going to make a play about it; we views with these individuals, and then they walks of life are coming to see the show. We’re were just interested in what the real story were also able to feed back on drafts of the very proud that we’ve created this genuinely was. It’s taken about four years for this project script later on. We even took a first private neutral space for everybody because I think to come to its conclusion, and the reason for reading of the play to Alum Rock for those af- sometimes the theatre can feel like an elite, that is that we just couldn’t get our heads fected by Trojan Horse and heavily involved in white space. It’s exciting for these places to be around it. Every single person has a different our storytelling, so that they could listen to reclaimed by people from such a wide array of experience of what the Trojan Horse inquiry the final script before the play even went to backgrounds.” actually meant, and it’s through that inter- rehearsals. We also had to wade through a lot Trojan Horse also aims to make a much view process with people who were directly of other material, like the recordings of the broader statement... involved that the truth started to unravel. We Parliamentary Select Committees for Trojan decided we definitely had to make a play be- Horse, and we read pretty much all the tran- “Alongside the play, we’ve launched a peti- cause there’s widespread misunderstanding scripts of the teachers’ trials. Everything in tion calling for the government to define Is- of what actually happened. It’s very scan- the play has come from something that a real lamophobia because we don’t yet have a dalous. It’s particularly interesting because person has told us, so the 200 hours of inter- definition in law. Baroness Sayeeda Warsi is no actually went to hear the de- views formed into the narrative of the play. supporting the tour, has written the foreword fence, or the cross-examination of the prose- The show is set over two years: from the be- for our play text and is very hot on the fact cution. and it feels like there was a real shift ginning of the 2014 academic year until when that there’s a huge amount of Islamophobia in the reporting on Trojan Horse once evi- the teachers’ trials collapsed years later. So it in politics, particularly in the Conservative dence exonerated the teachers and governors. started with meeting Tahir Alam - the man ac- Party. I think the thing about Trojan Horse is The newspapers just stopped reporting on it, cused of being the main orchestrator of Trojan that it was a symptom of something much so the narrative has been completely set in Horse - for the first time and it snowballed wider. Although we’re really keen that the stone since those initial allegations of institu- from there.” play is about shining light on the injustice of tionalised extremism. Theatre is all about nar- Trojan Horse, it’s also about questioning how With so many people’s lives affected by the al- rative, so if there’s a narrative that needs to be it was even allowed to happen in the first legations, how does the play approach the changed, then theatre is the way to do it. We place. We’ll also be taking the play to the momentous task of sympathetically putting hope this play helps with that.” Houses of Parliament on the 7th of January, their stories on stage? and we’re hoping that as many MPs as possi- So how did Birmingham schools make the na- “There are five central characters: a teacher ble turn up. In particular, I hope Michael tional news in the first place? accused of Islamising his school, who is put Gove RSVPs to my personal invitation! “The title of Peter Clarke’s report, Trojan on trial and gets given a lifetime ban from “There was a huge amount of incompetence Horse, was taken from a letter that was sup- teaching; Tahir Alam himself is a character - within the government surrounding what posedly sent from one Muslim governor in the only one not anonymised in the script; happened with Trojan Horse, and they want Birmingham to another in Bradford about this there’s the character of a headteacher who to just bury it under the carpet. We want to operation called Trojan Horse, explaining feels pushed out by the governors at her use the play to tell them we haven’t forgotten, how to take over Birmingham schools. Trojan school; Farrah is a schoolgirl who experiences and that the people of Birmingham know the Horse, however, appeared much before this everything first hand, from the press at her truth now. If you look at those who are most was ever a news story, in Michael Gove’s book school gates to the inspectors in her class- complicit in the corruption surrounding Tro- Celsius 7/7. There’s a chapter called Trojan room; and then, finally, there’s the character jan Horse, they’re now in very senior posi- Horse, in which he warns of the Islamic plot. of the councillor, who shows how the scandal tions in the Cabinet or are advisors to the new So in our play, people theorise that the title was viewed from that angle. So all the prime minister. They’ve completely got away Trojan Horse is not one that was invented by anonymised characters are an amalgamation with it, while people in Birmingham have had the Muslim communities of Alum Rock in of different people who we met, and all their their lives destroyed by the story. There are Birmingham, but was actually created by stories feed into creating this one voice. Be- people who haven’t recovered from this. Not Michael Gove. That Trojan Horse letter be- cause of the way the events unfolded in the just in terms of the city still being divided over tween Muslim governor s is now widely Trojan Horse inquiry, we can’t take too much it, but the personal health of those involved known to be a forgery. People believe that credit for the narrative of the play, as it was al- who’ve lost their livelihoods and reputation whoever wrote that letter was appealing to ready there for us to uncover.” over fabricated information. It’s absolutely Michael Gove’s bias and the conspiracy the- As a local, Helen is very aware that the impact scandalous that people’s lives have been used ory that he already believed in - that any Mus- of Trojan Horse on Birmingham is ongoing: as political footballs, and that those in posi- lim person who’s in a position of influence is “We want the play to be about opening up a tions of power can continue not to be held to there because they want to have complete conversation. Being from Birmingham, the account for their part in that.” control. The fact that Trojan Horse is this very main thing that I feel about Trojan Horse is traditional Ancient Greek historical symbol that this isn’t a story that’s now been confined feels very white Western - so again, in my to history. It’s been left unresolved. It’s not mind, it’s not very believable that that’s what Trojan Horse shows at Midlands Arts Cen- about tearing open old wounds, it’s about try- tre, Birmingham, from Tuesday 19 to followers of extreme Islam would’ve entitled ing to discuss something that continues to be Thursday 21 November. All performances this supposed plot.” prevalent in Birmingham. I also think that we will be followed by a Q&A with Professor Creating Trojan Horse was a long process, but would like the play to be reaching all the right John Holmwood - expert witness for the one that Helen and her dedicated team were people, which is why we have Urdu transla- defence at the Trojan Horse trials. determined to complete: “We met the teach- tion headsets available for those who need it. ers, governors, parents and pupils who were We’re trying to make sure the theatre is a Theatre November.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 14:59 Page 5

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Annie Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November Lesley Joseph is the latest high-profile performer to take on the coveted role of Miss Hannigan in Annie, the oft-touring Broadway musical that’s once again hitting the road this month. A heart-warming rags-to-riches story of a little girl who finds herself transported from a New York orphanage to the luxurious world of millionaire Oliver Warbucks, the show features plenty of memorable songs, including It's A Hard Knock Life, I Don’t Need Anything But You, Easy Street and, of course, the legendary Tomorrow.

Queens Of Sheba civilising forces were Billionaire Boy good in the world. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, In our creation of The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Wed 13 - Sat 16 November Wed 20 - Sat 23 November Iraq, we certainly had Queens Of Sheba is one of two productions something in com- The producers of this being presented at Warwick Arts Centre this mon with the Ameri- hit touring show, month which explore identity, power, race, can idealisation of Birmingham Stage gender, sexuality, society and politics. invasion. These are Company, have Focusing on four black women battling attitudes that we impressive credentials when it everyday misogynoir, the play is should find very comes to David accompanied by Travis Alabanza’s Burgerz uncomfortable now.” (15 & 16 November), a ‘powerful performance’ Walliams’ work, having also presented exploring how trans bodies survive. critically acclaimed versions of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie. A Taste Of Honey For those unfamiliar with the book, it tells Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, the tale of how Mr Spud made and lost his Tues 5 - Sat 9 November billions, and how his son, Joe, became the Shelagh Delaney’s play, A Taste Of Honey, richest boy in the world. was published in 1958 and is a career-defin- ing British classic. Depicting working-class life in post-industrial Salford and tackling The Gruffalo numerous taboos of the time - including ho- The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, mosexuality, inter-racial relationships and Mon 11 & Tues 12 November single mothers - it earned its teenage writer With millions of comparisons with Look Back In Anger author copies of the book John Osborne. having been sold, it's A Museum In Baghdad This new National Theatre touring production fair to say that Julia Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, stars . Donaldson and Axel until Sat 25 January Scheffler's award- Hannah Khalil’s brand new play focuses on a winning Gruffalo has museum which was founded in the Iraqi captured the hearts and minds of children capital of Baghdad in 1926 by British archeol- everywhere. Presenting songs, laughs and ogist Gertrude Bell. ‘monstrous’ fun for children aged three and “The play questions what were essentially upwards, this much-loved stage version of colonial instincts about the need for the the terrific tale follows Mouse as he heads British in Iraq,” explains director Erica Why- out on a journey through the deep dark man. “It considers whether the British as a wood, scaring away hungry animals with tall whole actually believed in Arab indepen- stories of the terrifying Gruffalo. Imagine his dence, or whether they were motivated by oil, surprise, then, when he suddenly finds having a power base between India and himself coming face-to-face with the very Turkey and a profound belief that British creature he's imagined!

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Hippodrome Panto Full Nov 2019.qxp_Layout 1 18/10/2019 15:15 Page 1 BRB Nutcracker.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 12:33 Page 1

Sweet dreams are made of this Birmingham Royal Ballet’s festive favourite returns...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk BRB Nutcracker.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 12:33 Page 2

by Patsy Moss

Continuing to enthral and delight Midlands The sumptuous 200-plus costumes that studio wall. A work of art in itself, it acts as a audiences 29 years after making its debut, contribute to the magic and appeal of The constant reminder of the designer’s vision. Sir Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker is the most Nutcracker are the work of internationally Sugar Plum aside, the magnitude of this festive of ballets and the perfect way to kick acclaimed set and costume designer John production becomes evident upon entering off the Christmas season at Birmingham McFarlane. John’s original designs remain at the costume warehouse. Row upon row of Hippodrome. the forefront of the production and provide a beautifully crafted outfits displayed on rails constant reference point behind the scenes - With its exquisite designs, impressive live are sectioned off according to scene - flowing, as we recently found out during a visit to orchestra and magnificent performances from lyrical dresses for the snowflakes, cadet cos- BRB’s costume department. 60 highly skilled Birmingham Royal Ballet tumes for the toy soldiers, authentic Victorian (BRB) dancers, Sir Peter’s version of the story Although some of the work required to attire for the opening scenes, rats’ tails as tall is widely considered to be one of the best in produce The Nutcracker is outsourced, much as a person and a fully lined King Rat cos- the world. of it is dealt with in-house - and as Elaine tume which is so heavy that I could barely lift Garlick, the company’s head of costume, it into the air. Flamenco dresses, Russian For those not in the know, the narrative takes pointed out, The Nutcracker isn’t just for culottes, Oriental silks, sweet costumes, place on Christmas Eve and follows the Christmas... it gets all-year-round attention shoes, boots, tights - and even Sloggi knick- adventures of a young girl named Clara. because ‘we know it will return every winter’. ers! - also feature in what is unquestionably When given a wooden nutcracker as a gift, the biggest dressing-up box I’ve ever seen. she finds herself swept into an enchanting “We never put Nutcracker 100% away,” winter wonderland of dancing snowflakes, explains Elaine. “With a production of this My new-found knowledge of The Nutcracker’s where she meets the most beautiful of beings scale, there’ll always be work that needs creative back story has certainly ignited my - the Sugar Plum Fairy. doing. Costumes take a hammering due to the excitement at the prospect of seeing the show physicality of the dancers, and there’ll always again when it opens late this month. And it And her magical journey features plenty more be rips, tears, deterioration or maybe a Sugar will undoubtedly be with the greatest respect besides - an army of toy soldiers, a kingdom Plum outfit in need of re-beading.” and admiration that I will watch King Rat as 0f sweets, battles with fierce human-sized The latter really is an intricate process, as he pliés across the stage to do battle with the rats and wondrous displays of traditional witnessed during our visit. It’s only close up Nutcracker... while simultaneously swishing a dances from far-flung places. that you fully appreciate the dexterity in- humongously heavy coat & tail and balancing A magical Christmas tree that miraculously volved in bringing the Sugar Plum bodice to a proportionately weighty headdress! grows from four to 15 metres and a fireplace life. Everything has to be just as John in- that expands to fill most of the stage are just a tended - from the delicate beading through to couple of examples of the production’s jaw- the subtle dropping set designs, while lighting by David expansion of colour on the tips of the individ- Birmingham Royal Ballet’s The Nutcracker Finn moves from subtle to dramatic as the ual petals. An exquisite copy of one of John’s shows at Birmingham Hippodrome on story unfolds. paintings, envisaging how the Sugar Plum various dates from Friday 22 November Fairy should look, takes pride of place on a until Saturday 14 December

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

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 1 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 2

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

There are plenty of opportunities for Midlanders to get into the festive spirit over the next few weeks. The region is hosting some of the best pantos and Christmas shows in the land, not to mention a wide range of other activities to enjoy - from getting your skates on for some fabulous ice-rink fun to searching for Santa and jumping aboard the Polar Express. You name it, the marvellous Midlands has got it covered...

Peter Pan The REP, Birmingham, Sat 30 November - Sun 13 January Fly away to Neverland with the boy who wouldn't grow up, meet a real fairy, marvel- lous mermaids, wonderful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck lost boys. Oh, and be- ware the ever-so-wicked Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock!). This ‘thrillingly reimagined’ version of the JM Barrie classic (the show is set in the 21st century and located in Birmingham) is helmed by Liam Steel, who last Christmas directed The REP’s acclaimed production of The Wizard Of Oz.

Puss In Boots Cinderella The Prince And Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Lichfield Garrick, The Pauper Thurs 28 November - Sun 5 January Wed 27 November - Sat 11 January New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmak- Sat 16 November - Sat 25 January ing fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous An interesting and imaginative choice for a Prince Charming, super-cute mice and Christmas show, Mark Twain’s famous story fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella is here being produced by the creative team can justifiably lay claim to being the most behind the New Vic’s adaptations of The popular of all pantomimes. Borrowers, Treasure Island and the UK This Lichfield Garrick version stars CBee- Theatre Award-winning The Snow Queen. bies' Rebecca Keatley as Cinders’ Fairy Adapted and helmed by the venue’s Artistic Godmother and sees the much-loved Sam Director, Theresa Heskins, the production Rabone making a welcome return to the features ‘imaginative storytelling, live venue to play comedy sidekick Buttons. music, humour, puppetry and plenty of And given that he usually rouges-up to festive magic’. A show which is being referred to as ‘the cat’s star as the pantomime Dame, we’re imag- whiskers’ by producers Imagine Theatre, Puss ining Sam might well be looking forward In Boots tells the tail, sorry, tale, of a fabulous to a festive season spent slipping into feline who outwits both a king and an ogre to something a little more comfortable than Scrooge The Musical make his master the top, er, dog... an oversized frock and gargantuan wig! Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent, Tues 26 - Sat 30 November Having not been performed at the Belgrade for many a year, this new production of Puss The wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutch- has been left in the capable hands of the ever- ing, covetous old sinner is back, in one of magnificent Iain Lauchlan, a man who’s been the country’s bestselling and most-loved writing and starring in the venue’s festive family shows. Leslie Bricusse’s Scrooge shows for more years than he probably cares The Musical broke all box office records to remember. Having written the script, Iain when it premiered in Birmingham nearly 30 will once again be donning the comedy wig years ago. The show is based, of course, on and applying far too much blusher to star as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, in the show’s pantomime Dame, a role which which grumpy old misanthrope Ebenezer is he’s very much made his own in recent times. finally taught how to love his fellow man - Expect an evening of purr-fectly splendid by means of a late-night festive haunting or family entertainment. four... whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 3 Christmas pages November 2019 copy.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 14:20 Page 4

Festive shows and attractions opening in November Christmas

The Snow Queen Father Christmas The Old Rep, Birmingham, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 16 November - Wed 27 November - Mon 30 December Sun 29 December The Snow Queen is ruler of all Raymond Briggs is best known for she surveys. When she kidnaps his story about a little boy who young Kay, it’s left to his friend makes friends with a snowman - Gerda to save him from a bleak but talented theatre company Pins future in the frostbitten waste- And Needles are doing plenty to lands... promote one of the author’s This much-loved Hans Chris- slightly less-famous tales. Suitable tian Andersen story is here for children aged three and older, presented by the creative team Father Christmas features songs, behind The Old Rep’s Christ- live music, playful puppetry, mas 2018 production of Pinoc- secret doors, hidden hatches and chio. The new show comes plenty of trademark Briggs complete with ‘an epic original humour. Expect your children to score, spellbinding storytelling be suitably impressed. and more than a pinch of Christmas magic’. Kipper’s Snowy Day The Nutcracker Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Birmingham Hippodrome, Fri 22 Tues 26 November - Tues 31 December November - Sat 14 December Slot Machine Theatre present a show Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting that’s actually an amalgamation of version of this firm festive fam- two books by award-winning chil- ily favourite returns to the Hip- dren’s author Mick Inkpen: Kipper’s podrome courtesy of Snowy Day and Kipper’s Christmas Birmingham Royal Ballet. Eve. Created in 1990, Wright’s For those not in the know, Kipper is a production is seen by many as dog who’s been delighting generations the finest interpretation of of young readers for the past 30 years. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and This is Slot Machine’s first-ever stage mesmerising score. adaptation of the much-loved books In true Christmas spirit, the and sees Kipper and his friends, Tiger story follows a young girl and Arnold, going on an adventure in named Clara as she’s swept up the snow. in a fantasy of soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and mystery, before finally being transformed into a beautiful Aladdin ballerina. Stourbridge Town Hall, This is a magical must-see Wed 27 November - Sun 1 December show for little princesses everywhere… Flying carpets at the ready, boys and girls... A perfect story for an evening of family entertainment finds street youth Aladdin trying against all odds to win the hand of the beautiful princess - and being helped in his endeavours by the mystical genie of the lamp... All profits raised from the performances will be donated to patient care at Mary Stevens Hospice.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

Meet Santa at Sea Life National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham, Sat 23 November - Mon 23 December The National Sea Life Centre is bringing the North Pole to Birmingham’s Brindleyplace this Christmas. Visit the Antarctic Ice Cave, take your little ones to meet Santa (and receive a free gift from him) and check out a family of cheeky Gentoo Penguins in the exclusive setting of the Ice Adventure area. Families can also pay a visit to the 4D cinema to enjoy a screening of classic festive favourite The Polar Express. Ice Skate Birmingham Centenary Square, Birmingham, Thurs 7 November - Sun 12 January

Ice Skate Birmingham and the Big Wheel thanks to the addition of a roof. Younger or make a welcome return to Centenary Square inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep this month. upright by using special penguin skating While the wheel offers the opportunity to aids. And when skaters have finished their enjoy fantastic views across the city, the ice Torvill & Dean routine, they can warm them- rink accommodates up to 300 people per selves up with some festive fare in the nearby session and is this year weather-proofed Ice Lounge.

Christmas At Santa’s Winter Wonderland Christmas at Coalbrookdale Snowdome, Tamworth, Staffs, Fri 15 November Shakespeare’s Birthplace - Tues 31 December Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, Enginuity, Stratford-upon-Avon, various dates in Ironbridge, weekends from Sat 30 November - November and December Sun 22 December Christmas at Shakespeare’s Birthplace kicks Santa really does get everywhere at Christ- off with Mary Arden: Town And Country - mastime - including museums of iron! Preparing For Christmas (Mon 25 & Sat 30 Coalbrookdale’s all-new Santa experience November). Shakespeare’s mother was a offers youngsters the chance to say hello to country girl who, upon her marriage to the the man himself in his woodland grotto. bard’s dad, John, had to acclimatise to life in And as well as providing an opportunity to the town. But how did preparations for the meet the jocular St Nick, the event also festive season differ between town and features a selection of fun family activities. country? House stewards from Shakespeare’s Visitors who work up an appetite can sample Birthplace and Mary Arden’s Farm offer an some splendid festive fare at Coalbrookdale’s This year’s all-new Santa Show sees the insight into Mary’s changing yuletide tradi- brand new Furnace Kitchen. white-bearded one preparing for his big tions... festive performance of The Twelve Days Of December attractions at the venue, mean- Christmas - but finding his efforts somewhat while, include Flowers Of Winter (Sat 14 hampered by two elves, who have a decid- December - Sun 5 January) - an exhibition of edly different perspective on how to present a floral displays inspired by traditional winter yuletide showstopper... blooms - and Come A-Wassailing (Mon 30 Suitable for all age groups, the show is just December - Wed 1 January) - a chance to one element of the festive fun on offer at participate in the precursor to the modern- Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. day activity of carol singing. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through an enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge, meet Santa’s furry friends and check out the brand new traditional children’s carousel.

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Festive attractions opening in November Christmas

The Snow House Bar Bullring, Birmingham, until Sun 5 January After enjoying a Christmas cracker of a festive season last year, Snow House Bar is making a welcome return to Birmingham’s Bullring this winter, complete with its super- popular VIP igloos. Providing an impressive selection of beers and wines, mulled wine and hot chocolate, the venue is also serving German sausages and churros from early this month onwards.

Santa Safari West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, nr Kidderminster, Sat 16 - Sun 17, Sat 23 - Sun 24, Sat 30 November plus various dates throughout December

Families visiting West Midland Safari Park Christmas wish list and pose with the great this festive season can meet an elf, climb on man while a helpful elf takes a picture. board a sleigh and head for the North Pole. But wait, there’s more... After meeting Santa, And that’s just for starters! Having arrived at children can also select their own present in their destination, young visitors can then say the elves’ workshop and sample a special hello to Santa Claus, tell him what’s on their walk-through ‘discovery trail’...

Christmas At The Castle Statfold Santa Express Santa Safari Warwick Castle, Sat 30 November - Statfold Barn Railway, nr Tamworth, Hawkstone Park, Weston-under-Redcastle, Tues 31 December Sat 30 November - Sun 22 December North Shropshire, Fri 29 November - Mon 23 December If you’re looking for places to take the kids All aboard the Statfold Santa Express! for some seasonal fun this Christmas, Taking place every pre-Christmas weekend Little ones can enjoy a magical adventure Warwick Castle should certainly be on your from the end of this month onwards, this and meet Santa at Hawkstone Park Follies radar. Attractions include ‘magical story- family-friendly event sees visitors climb this Christmas. telling experiences’ with Mr & Mrs Claus and aboard Santa’s magical steam train and jour- Jump into one of the park’s Land Rovers to their merry elves, the chance to enjoy break- ney to the North Pole. Once arrived, there’s enjoy a journey through the illuminated fast with Santa and his wife, Christmas feasts plenty for youngsters to see and do, includ- woodland to Santa’s spectacular network of and medieval banquets, Santa sleepovers, a ing paying a visit to Santa’s reindeer, decorat- caves. special carol-singing session and a brand ing cookies with Mrs Claus and selecting Hawkstone’s friendly elves will keep you new ice rink. their very own special gift on a visit to the toy entertained as you wander around the fairy- shop. lit caverns and tunnels, finally arriving at your ultimate destination - the magical grotto itself, where every child will receive a special The Polar Express gift from Santa. The chance to meet the big man’s trusty Train Ride reindeer and enjoy an ‘illuminated woodland Train departs Birmingham Moor Street Station, fantasy’ also feature. Fri 22 November - Sun 22 December The Polar Express train rides return to Birm- ingham this month. The popular motion picture film is being theatrically recreated so that families can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the classic children’s story. Youngsters are invited to join in the fun with the movie’s characters, while the event also features carol singing and a visit from Santa.

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Visual Arts

Truly Bright And Memorable: Jan De Beer’s Renaissance Altarpieces Barber Institute, Birmingham, until Sun 19 January This latest in the Barber’s Masterpiece In Focus series showcases the venue’s very own double- sided altarpiece featuring The Nativity and the ‘apocryphal tale of Joseph and the suitors’. The altarpiece is one of many created by 16th cen- tury Flemish artist Jan de Beer, a man whose star shone brightly for centuries after his death but whose relevance has been somewhat downgraded in recent times. The exhibition also brings together for the first time all of de Beer’s paintings and drawings from public and private collections in Britain.

Radical Drawing: Works From Magnum Manifesto Compton Verney, Warwickshire, until Sun 15 December Coventry And The Courtauld If you haven’t yet checked out Magnum “We are the only UK destination for this Herbert Art Gallery, Coventry, until Sun 19 January Manifesto, be sure to get along this month unmissable exhibition,” says Compton The radical and creative potential of drawn marks or next. Featuring some of the most signif- Verney Director Julie Finch. “Magnum and lines is explored in an exhibition featuring icant and enduring images from the Manifesto provides a snapshot of society, not only artwork from the Herbert but also pieces world-famous Magnum Photos agency, the politics, cultures and changing economies both from The Courtauld Gallery in London and exhibition focuses on the history of the crossing time and continents, a reference the University of Warwick. second half of the 20th century, as seen point in our turbulent times, a discussion The display offers viewers the opportunity to through the lenses of 75 leading photogra- piece and a mirror to the world - all cap- contemplate work by a number of artists who phers. tured through photography.” have pushed the boundaries of what it means to draw. Also on display are objects linked to the Claudia Losi: sius Kircher in his 17th-century book, Courtaulds factory in Coventry and a specially Mundus Subterraneus. Kircher’s vision- produced film about Courtaulds Ltd. The long- Being There ary work contains his speculations on established manufacturer of fabric, clothing, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, the existence of a hidden, subterranean artificial fibres and chemicals set up shop in the until Sun 24 November world. Losi’s cloth was fabricated over a city in 1905. Claudia Losi’s latest work, Poli Antarctici period of two years by 12 of her female Constitutio, is an intricately embroidered friends and acquaintances, each of woollen cloth featuring a depiction of whom regularly visited her studio to ded- the Antarctic as represented by Athana- icate a few hours of work to the project.

Arpita Shah, Maryam Wahid, Nilupa Yasmin Exhibition New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 15 November - Sun 19 April ‘The complexity and of modern women’ is the theme which runs through the work of the three talented female photographers contributing to this exhibition. Arpita Shah, Maryam Wahid and Nilupa Yasmin have all created images about and in collaboration with their families and communities - both in the UK and Pakistan in order to present work focused around portraiture, culture and female identity. Among the topics explored in their images are women’s contribution to the economy and society, the tradition of head covering or veiling, and open femininity and Image credit: Study for a demonic spirit (from Henry VI, Part II, Act I, Scene II), George Romney (1734 - 1802) © The Samuel Courtauld Trust, cultural identity. The Courtauld Gallery, London whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 15:18 Page 1

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Bonfire events from around the region Events

Himley Bonfire 2019: To The Moon And Back Himley Hall & Park, Dudley, Sat 2 November Celebrating 50 years since the Apollo 11 moon landing, this year’s Himley bonfire event features a pyrotechnic display set to inspirational music. Other attractions include a night market, a giant funfair, live enter- tainment, seasonal refreshments, and a number of large screens to make sure that you don't miss any of the unfolding action. Ultimate Fireworks Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Fri 8 - Sun 10 November Family Fireworks Night explore the period buildings, watch a dramatic Alton Towers’ season draws to a iron-casting demonstration in the foundry and close with a great big bang this Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, month. Sat 2 November chat to the townsfolk in their cottages, shops and other places of work. The undoubted highlight of Visitors to the Ultimate Fireworks Blists Hill Victorian Town stays open late on the the evening, though, is the venue’s sky-illumi- event will surely make the most of second of the month for a special fireworks nating fireworks extravaganza, which comes this final opportunity to experi- night. Visitors can walk the Victorian streets, complete with accompanying music. ence their favourite rides and attractions before the venue shuts down for winter. An end-of-the-night fireworks Firework Festival display should ensure that the West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, curtain falls on the 2019 season in Worcestershire, Sat 9 & Sun 10 November suitably spectacular style. Even the mighty roars of the resident lions may be drowned out at West Midland Safari Park on the second weekend of the month, as music fills Edgbaston the air and fireworks whistle & explode in the Fireworks nighttime sky. Spectacular Visitors can explore the venue’s walk-through Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, areas - including Ice Age and Land of the Living Sat 2 November Dinosaurs - enjoy a selection of late-night rides and keep the autumn chill at bay by cosying up One of the biggest events of its to their loved ones around a giant bonfire. kind in Birmingham, Edgbaston Fireworks Spectacular makes a welcome return on the first Satur- day of the month and this year takes a superhero theme. Bonfire & Fireworks As well as providing youngsters Weston Park, Shropshire, Sun 3 November with the chance to say hello to some of the world’s greatest cape, Set within 1,000 acres of Capability Brown- cowl and spandex-wearing designed parkland, Weston Park plays host to a fictional characters, the event wide selection of popular events throughout the also features plenty of family- year, among which is this annual bonfire & fire- friendly entertainment, included works display - one of the largest in the whole of among which is a funfair, an LED the West Midlands region. light show and, as the event’s As well as a giant bonfire, attractions on the name suggests, a sure-to-be- night include a funfair, food stalls and two ‘spec- impressive fireworks display. tacular’ firework displays (at 6pm and 7.30pm).

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Events previews from around the region Events

Birmingham International Tattoo Arena Birmingham, Sat 23 & Sun 24 November Featuring in excess of 1,200 performers, this well-established event is the UK’s biggest indoor international tattoo. The three-hour spectacle is led by the world famous Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, with international marching bands from France, and the also participating. Hailing from Texas and taking part in the show for the very first time are the Kilgore College Ran- gerettes, the world's best-known collegiate drill team. Other attractions include a range MCM Comic Con Check out interactive features, stroll around the of ‘spectacular’ displays, perform- Comic Village and meet the people behind your ances by talented vocal soloists NEC, Birmingham, Sat 16 & Sun 17 November favourite movie and television characters. and the not-to-be-missed Parade Fans of comics, movies, TV shows, cosplay and Celebrities taking part in this month’s event of Massed Standards. gaming can rejoice - ‘the ultimate pop-culture include Stranger Things and Lord Of The Rings experience’ is back at the NEC! star Sean Astin.

Mind Body Spirit Festival NEC, Birmingham, Fri 1 - Sun 3 November The Mind Body Spirit Festival is back in Birmingham with a three-day programme of events and activities that includes contribu- tions by motivational speakers, musicians Underwater and performers from across the globe. Superheroes There’s a whole host of free workshops to National Sealife Centre, B’ham, take part in too, as well as the opportunity to Sat 9 - Fri 22 November enjoy a silent disco, visit a wellbeing spa and This brand new event offers shop for everything from organic food to visitors the chance to put their healing crystals. strength and intelligence to the test against speedy sharks and stinging starfish (in an entirely safe way, of course!). Festive Gift Fair Photo opportunities and an activity trail further add to the NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 November fun, with all youngsters receiving Now in its 24th year, the Festive Gift Fair is a a special pop-badge as a memento cracking place to pick up a Christmas gift or of their visit. several for your nearest and dearest. And with more than 300 stallholders in attendance, there’s certainly no shortage of items to peruse and maybe purchase! Away from the shopping, the show’s programme of attractions includes musical performances, the UK’s largest snowman, appearances by Father Christmas himself and an impressive selection of artisan food & drink. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 15:18 Page 5

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Events previews from around the region Events

Christmas Light Switch-ons It’s that time of year once again, when cities, towns and villages across the Midlands are lit up in readiness for the festive season. Find your local Christmas light switch-on event(s) below. BJ BIRMINGHAM E JEWELLERY QUARTER, BIRMINGHAM Fri 15 November EDGBASTON Fri 22 November S STAFFORDSHIRE N NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME Sat 16 S November L STONE Thurs 21 November T LICHFIELD Sun 24 November TAMWORTH Sun 24 November Visitors can see their favourite celebrity chefs in BBC Good Food Show WORCESTERSHIRE action on the show’s Big Kitchen stage, check W NEC, Birmingham, Thurs 28 November - out brand new festive workshops such as gin- WORCESTER Thurs 21 November B Sun 1 December gerbread decorating and how to make your own BROMSGROVE Sat 23 November B Eat, drink and be merry, as the BBC Good Food Christmas gin, and pick up some tasty festive BEWDLEY Sat 30 November Show brings its winter edition to the NEC. treats from hundreds of hand-picked producers. WARWICKSHIRE LEAMINGTON Sun 17 November WL COVENTRY Wed 20 November K WARWICK Thurs 28 November C The Baby To Toddler Show The Classic Motor Show KENILWORTH Sun 1 December W NEC, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Sun 10 November BLACK COUNTRY Sat 30 November & Sun 1 December WEDNESBURY Fri 22 November Dubbed ‘the ultimate shopping experience for WOLVERHAMPTON Sat 23 BT every parent’, the Baby To Toddler Show is the November W sister event of the equally popular Baby Show BANTOCK HOUSE Sun 24 November and features more than 100 brands covering WEDNESFIELD Thurs 28 November everything from prams and furniture to toys and clothing... The show will also feature a whole BILSTON Fri 29 November SM host of Black Friday deals - so be sure to get TIPTON Fri 29 November S along and grab yourself a bargain or two! TETTENHALL Sat 30 November O SHROPSHIRE B MARKET DRAYTON Sat 16 L November D SHREWSBURY Wed 20 November O Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Classic OSWESTRY Thurs 21 November W Motor Show spans seven halls, boasts the world’s BRIDGNORTH Fri 22 November IR largest gathering of car and motorcycle clubs, LUDLOW Sat 23 November and features a display of more than 3,000 classic DONNINGTON Sun 24 November and vintage cars & motorcycles. Motor fanatics can enjoy shopping at the UK’s OAKENGATES Sat 30 November largest indoor autojumble, with specialist traders on hand to help source parts and tools. Live auctions, talks by a number of motoring celebrities and fascinating restoration demon- strations are just some of the show’s other high- lights.

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YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Novemberovember 22019019 thelist

Diwali Utsav: Sitaron Ke Sang at Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton - Saturday 9 November

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

What’s On Fri 1 to Sun 10 November Mon 11 to Sun 17 November Mon 18 to Sun 24 November Mon 25 to Sat 30 November

BBC Philharmonic Private Peaceful The Entertainer Miles Kane at at Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent at The Place, Telford at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Fri 1 November Tues 12 November Mon 18 - Sat 23 November Wed 27 November

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thelist Nov, Theatre Severn, Fri 8 Nov, Newhamp- THROUGHOUT NOVEMBER Gigs Shrewsbury ton Arts Centre, NICK HARPER Sun 3 Wolverhampton FRIENDLY FIRES Fri 1 Weston Park Nov, The Robin, Bil- SEAN MCGOWEN Fri 8 Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- ston Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Visual Arts NEW IMAGINE....Exhibition of abstract ingham work inspired by material sourced RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN Stourbridge Y&T Fri 1 Nov, The from nature, Fri 1 - Thurs 28 Nov Sun 3 Nov, Arena THE AMAZONS Fri 8 Nov, New Art Gallery - Walsall Robin Bilston Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham NEW ARPITA SHAH, MARYAM WAHID, SKERRYVORE Fri 1 Nov, CHRIS GREVE Sun 3 ARCADIA ROOTS Fri 8 NILUPA YASMIN Exhibition by three Wolverhampton Art Gallery Theatre Severn, Nov, Albert’s Shed, Nov, Albert’s Shed, photographers presenting new work 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF MA- Shrewsbury focused around portraiture, culture Shrewsbury Shrewsbury HATMA GANDHI Small display of works SCOPYONS Fri 1 Nov, and female identity, Fri 15 Nov - Sun THE D-DAY DARLINGS THE UPBEAT BEATLES Fri related to Gandhi, until Sun 3 Nov Eleven, Sandyford, 19 Apr Sun 3 Nov, Dudley 8 Nov, The Place, KEITH PIPER: BODY POLITICS. WORK Stoke-on-Trent NEW WALSALL SOCIETY OF ARTISTS - Town Hall Telford FROM 1982 – 2007 Exhibition bringing THE UNDERCOVER HIPPY 70TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Range of CATFISH AND THE BOT- LUTHER: A CELEBRATION together key works from across the Fri 1 Nov, Albert’s work by local artists, including por- TLEMEN Mon 4 Nov, OF LUTHER VANDROSS first three decades of Keith’s career, Shed, Shrewsbury traits, still lifes and urban& rural until Sun 1 Dec Arena Birmingham Sat 9 Nov, The Place, SHOWADDYWADDY scenes, Fri 22 Nov - Sun 5 Jan Fri 1 BEAR'S DEN Mon 4 Nov, Telford REFRAMING THE WILD: HUMANS, ANI- Nov, Forest Arts Cen- O2 Institute, B’ham EDDIE AND THE MUR- MALS AND ART 1750-1950 Exhibition tre, Walsall Himley Hall & Park, Dudley exploring the relationships between JAMES MORRISON Mon PHYS Sat 9 Nov, BARBARA DICKSON WITH humans, animals and artworks 4 Nov, Symphony Hall, Albert’s Shed, NEW CHRISTMAS EXHIBITION Sat 23 NICK HOLLAND Fri 1 from 1750 to 1950, until Sun 5 Jan Birmingham Shrewsbury Nov - Fri 20 Dec Nov, New Vic Theatre, BUCKCHERRY Sat 9 TIM MARA: NOT POP? Exhibition bring- Newcastle-under-Lyme JOOLS HOLLAND AND ing together a selection of works by HIS RHYTHM & BLUES Nov, The Robin, BON JOVI FOREVER Fri 1 Newcastle Borough Museum the late Irish printmaker, Tim Mara, ORCHESTRA Wed 6 Nov, Bilston Nov, Lichfield Garrick & Art Gallery until Sun 29 Mar Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- ALAN BARNES’ OCTET THE BON JOVI EXPERI- NEW B(U)Y ME FOR CHRISTMAS! Exhibi- ARTS AWARD EXHIBITION Exhibition by Trent Sat 9 Nov, The Hive, ENCE Fri 1 Nov, Dudley tion where visitors can buy exclusive students from Wolverhampton JAMIE LENMAN Wed 6 Shrewsbury Town Hall hand-made gifts and featuring work Schools showcasing artwork created Nov, O2 Academy, THE RIFLES Sat 9 Nov, by 30 artists, Sat 16 Nov - Sun 5 Jan by utilising recycled materials pro- GORDON GILTRAP Fri 1 Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Nov, Lichfield Guildhall vided by SCARF, Fri 29 Nov - Sun 19 CHARTREUSE Wed 6 THE REGRETTES Sat 9 Potteries Museum & Art Jan PAUL SIMON'S GRACE- Nov, Hare & Hounds, Nov, O2 Academy, Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent LAND Fri 1 Nov, The Birmingham Birmingham Buttermarket, Shrews- APOLLO 50: COMMEMORATING THE 50TH Other VISUAL ARTS HAZEL O’CONNOR Wed 6 THE ICICLE WORKS Sat 9 bury ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST MANNED MUSEUM OF THE MOON Immersive Nov, The Robin Bilston Nov, O2 Academy, 80S MANIA Sat 2 Nov, LUNAR LANDING Multimedia exhibition lunar experience celebrating 50 years LAGWAGON Wed 6 Nov, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse featuring models and memorabilia since man first walked on the moon, O2 Academy, B’ham KODALINE Sat 9 Nov, telling the epic story of the Apollo Theatre until Sun 10 Nov, Enginuity Museum, WITH O2 Academy, B’ham programme, until Sun 3 Nov DAN OMARI 2.0 Sat 2 Ironbridge FRIENDS FROM THE OR- IAN PARKER Sat 9 Nov, Nov, The Slade BRITISH CERAMICS BIENNIAL - CUL- VAN AT 20 Exhibition celebrating 20 CHESTRA Wed 6 Nov, Lichfield Guildhall TURAL ICONS Exhibition of work by fig- Rooms, W’hampton years of the Visual Arts Network, until Symphony Hall, B’ham THE AUSTRALIAN PINK urative ceramicists responding to the LOTUS MOTION Sat 2 Sat 23 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT FLOYD SHOW Sat 9 Nov, historic flat-back portrait figures in the Nov, Havana Republic, bury Thurs 7 Nov, The Arena Birmingham gallery’s collections, until Sun 17 Nov Shrewsbury MIGRATION. RÉCITS. MOUVEMENTS Robin, Bilston NEIL SAUNDERS Sun 10 POTTERS LANE Visit a world inspired 5 0’CLOCK HERO Video and photographic exhibition. Sat 2 WILDWOOD KIN Thurs 7 Nov, Albert’s Shed, by JK Rowling’s famous characters, Nov, Albert’s Shed, Part of the Arts For Advocacy project, Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Shrewsbury until Sun 22 Dec until Wed 18 Dec, Keele University, Shrewsbury ingham THE GIFT WITH SPECIAL NEW ARRIVALS: 2018 Display of flora Staffordshire E3UK LIVE Sat 2 Nov, SHE DREW THE GUN GUESTS ENCIRCLED Sun and fauna never before seen in the THE GRAND AT 125 Exhibition cele- Arena Birmingham county, until Wed 1 Jan Thurs 7 Nov, O2 10 Nov, The Robin, brates 125 years of the Grand The- ERASER Sat 2 Nov, The Academy, Birmingham Bilston atre, until Sat 28 Dec,Wolverhampton Robin, Bilston ROCK FOR HEROES City Archives JOE BROWN - 60TH AN- Shrewsbury Museum & Art ULTIMATE BUBLE Sat 2 Thurs 7 Nov, The NIVERSARY TOUR Sun Gallery CHANGING TIMES: HUMOUR AND SATIRE Nov, Victoria Hall, Place, Telford 10 Nov, Theatre Sev- Exhibition exploring the prints and DRAWN OF THE DEAD Selection of Stoke-on-Trent JOHNNY LLOYD + JOHN ern, Shrewsbury objects that poked fun at new tech- Charlie Adlard's original works from FIRE RED EMPRESS Sat DHALI + GREG POOLE nology such as steam power and the BARBERAMA’S 10TH AN- the Walking Dead comic series, pre- 2 Nov, O2 Academy, Thurs 7 Nov, The Sug- NIVERSARY CONCERT possibilities it held, Mon 28 Oct - Fri sented alongside immersive, set Birmingham armill, Stoke-on-Trent Sun 10 Nov, Tamworth piece installations created by sculp- 28 Feb, Enginuity Museum, Iron- DR HOOK Sat 2 Nov, THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Assembly Rooms tor Andrew Bryden, until Sun 3 Nov bridge Symphony Hall, B’ham Fri 8 Nov, Arena Birm- BUDDY HOLLY & THE NEW SUE CAMPION RBA Showcase of a ingham CRICKETERS Sun 10 body of new work, Sat 2 - Sat 30 Nov, THE BOOTLEG SHADOWS Nov, Prince Of The Willow Art Gallery, Twenty Twenty Gallery, Ludlow Sat 2 Nov, The Place, LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE Oswestry Telford Fri 8 Nov, Lichfield Centre, Cannock NEW ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION ART & CRAFT 2019 Garrick CHRONIXX AND KOFFEE Including works by Show featuring locally made arts and GORDON HASKELL Sun 3 Sun 10 Nov, Arena Nefelibata Photography -four photo- crafts, Tues 5 Nov - Mon 23 Dec, Nov, Henry Tudor INFINITE SAUCE Fri 8 Birmingham graphic artists based in Anglesey - Qube Gallery, Oswestry House, Shrewsbury Nov, O2 Institute, Birm- Shropshire Guild of Contemporary ingham BURNA BOY Sun 10 NEW NOTES FROM SHROPSHIRE The Sun Craft and Borderland Visual Arts, until Nov, O2 Academy, Year's Paintings by Michelle Ander- 3 Nov, O2 Academy, NINE BELOW ZERO Fri 8 Sat 11 Jan B’ham son, Fri 8 Nov - Fri 6 Dec, Gallery3, Birmingham Nov, The Robin Bilston Shrewsbury MIKE PETERS Sun 3 TORI FREESTONE TRIO 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 10 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:36 Page 2

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 November

and Gangsta Granny, Wed 30 Oct - Classical Opera Sat 2 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Comedy Trent CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS Featur- THE INTELLIGENCE PARK LOST VOICE GUY Fri 1 Nov, The Chan- Music Theatre THE IMMIGRANT Visual comedian ing Andrew Cottee (conductor). Pro- cellors Hall, Wolverhampton Wales present the Birmingham debut Chris Michael presents a slapstick gramme includes scores from some of Gerald Barry's opera, Mon 4 Nov, DESIREE BURCH Fri 1 Nov, The Glee comedy inspired by Charlie Chaplin's of ’s iconic mu- The REP, Birmingham Club, Birmingham original film, Fri 1 Nov, Theatre Sev- sicals, Fri 1 Nov, Symphony Hall, WNO - CARMEN Jo Davies’ new pro- Fri 1 Nov, The ern, Shrewsbury Birmingham duction, set in the recent past. Sung Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton STAR Nick Barber takes a canter BBC PHILHARMONIC Featuring Ben in French with English surtitles, Tues through the life, times, achievements Gernon (guest conductor) & Carolin THE RANDOLPH TEMPEST EXPERIENCE 5 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome and foibles of the world’s first super- Widmann (violin - pictured). Fri 1 Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, RIGOLETTO Welsh National Opera pre- star actor, David Garrick, Fri 1 Nov, Programme includes works by Wolverhampton sent a timely revival of Verdi’s dra- Lichfield Garrick Rossini, Mozart & Tchaikovsky, Fri 1 CRAIG MURRAY, TOM TAYLOR & JAMES matic opera. Sung in Italian with GETTING THE THIRD DEGREE The Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent SHERWOOD Sat 2 Nov, The Glee Club, English surtitles, Wed 6 Nov, Birming- Birmingham deeply moving story of Laurie Cun- ham Hippodrome ningham, who came to prominence LOST VOICE GUY Sat 2 Nov, New Vic THE CUNNING LITTLE VIXEN Welsh Na- with West Bromwich Albion in the late Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme tional Opera present a colourful pro- 1970s, Fri 1 Nov, Midlands Arts Cen- JAMES SHERWOOD, TOM TAYLOR & duction of Janacek’s playful tale, tre, Birmingham Thurs 7 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- CRAIG MURRAY Sat 2 Nov, The Glee THE FOOTBALL RAMBLE Join the gang Club, Birmingham drome as they bring their chart-topping pod- TEZ ILYAS, KANE BROWN, AATIF & KIRAN WNO - CARMEN Jo Davies’ new pro- cast to life in ‘a multimedia extrava- MORJARIA Sat 2 Nov, The Slade duction, set in the recent past. Sung ganza’, Fri 1 Nov, Birmingham Town Rooms, Wolverhampton in French with English surtitles, Fri 8 Hall Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 2 Nov, RUTH COCKBURN Comedy-theatre BENJAMIN FRITH & LIANG SHAN PIANO Stafford Gatehouse Theatre RIGOLETTO Welsh National Opera pre- show fusing spoken word, poetry, sent a timely revival of Verdi’s dra- Concert Programme comprises Mes- STEPHEN K AMOS Sun 3 Nov, The Old songs & storytelling, Fri 1 Nov, matic opera. Sung in Italian with siaen’s Visions de l’Amen, Fri 1 Nov, Rep Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre The Barber Institute, Birmingham English surtitles, Sat 9 Nov, Birming- THE RANDOLPH TEMPEST EXPERIENCE AURIE STYLA Sun 3 Nov, The Glee ham Hippodrome HALESOWEN CHORAL SOCIETY Featur- Club, Birmingham Join ‘the world’s greatest actor’ in his ing Stephen Davis (conductor), Eliza- quest to find the next great actor for beth Adams, Matthew Reeve, Nick ANDREW O’NEILL Sun 3 Nov, The Gif- his new project, Fri 1 Nov, Newhamp- Drew & Paul Mocroft (soloists) & fard Arms, Wolverhampton Theatre ton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton Charlotte Moseley (HCS Sinfonia GLENN MOORE Wed 6 Nov, The Glee BOUNCERS Starcross Youth Theatre leader). Programme includes works Club, Birmingham PRIDE AND PREJUDICE* (*SORT OF) present an amateur staging of John by Purcell & JS Bach, Sat 2 Nov, St FREDDY QUINNE & NJAMBI MCGRATH Men, money and microphones are Godber’s acclaimed play, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Margaret’s Church, Hasbury, B63 Thurs 7 Nov, Stourbridge Town Hall fought over in a loving and irreverent Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton 4QD all-female adaptation of Jane ANDY ROBINSON & MAISIE ADAM Thurs DO YOU THINK THAT’S WISE - THE LIFE Austen's literary classic, until Sat 2 CBSO: MENDELSSOHN'S ELIJAH Featur- 7 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham AND TIMES OF JOHN LE MESURIER Mov- ing Kazuki Yamada (conductor), Keri Nov, The REP, Birmingham KEITH FARNAN, BARRY CASTAGNOLA ing celebration of one of the most Fuge (soprano), Karen Cargill (mezzo JACK THE RIPPER: THE VICTIMS An all- FEATURING PETE TECKMAN & ANDY popular comic actors of the late 20th soprano), Robert Murray (tenor) and female cast focus on the stories of WHITE Thurs 7 Nov, The George century, Sat 2 Nov, The Old Joint Matthew Brook (baritone), Thurs 7 the five canonical victims of Jack the Hotel, Lichfield Stock Theatre, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Ripper, until Sat 2 Nov, The Blue Or- THE DISAPPEARING ACT A ‘dark, deliri- COSÌ FAN TUTTE Featuring Ana Maria Fri 8 Nov, Symphony ange Theatre, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham ous, magical cabaret’ telling the story Labin (Fiordilgli), Emily Edmonds NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL Hit yuletide of magician’s assistant Edie Rose at (Dorabella), Rebecca Bottone (De- GORDON SOUTH- musical adapted for the stage by the different stages of her career... Sat 2 spina), Benjamin Appl (Guiglielmo), ERN & PAUL PIRIE film’s creator, Debbie Isitt, until Sat 2 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Matthew Swensen (Ferrando), Fri 8 Fri 8 Nov, Mo- Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Nov, Birmingham Town Hall lineux Stadium, A TASTE OF HONEY Jodie Prenger stars CIRCUS 1903 Unique show featuring W’hampton in Shelagh Delaney’s taboo-breaking CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY OR- life-sized elephants created by pup- play, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, Wolver- CHESTRA: SPECTACULAR CLASSICS Fea- MAISIE ADAM, JOE BOR, STEVE GRIBBIN peteers from War Horse and ‘jaw- hampton Grand Theatre turing Anthony Inglis (conductor), & TOM DEACON Fri 8 - Sat 9 Nov, The dropping’ acts from across the globe, CURTAINS Jason Manford stars in a Lauren Fagan (soprano) & Timothy Glee Club, Birmingham until Sat 2 Nov, Birmingham Hippo- 'hilarious' whodunnit packed full of Richards (tenor). Programme in- JASON BYRNE Sat 9 Nov, Birmingham drome cludes works by Strauss, Rossini, ‘catchy songs, unforgettable charac- Town Hall BITA Musi- Pachelbel, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, ters and plot twists’, Tues 5 - Sat 9 cal Theatre present an amateur stag- Mascagni, Puccini & more... Sat 9 LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY NIGHTS Sat Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham ing of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 9 Nov, The Slade Rooms, Wolver- MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE Bold new Rice's classic rock musical, until Sat hampton staging of Hanif Kureishi's iconic BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR DURU- 2 Nov, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham FLE’S REQUIEM Sat 9 Nov, Birming- ROB BECKETT Sat 9 Nov, Victoria screenplay, presented against a A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD A story of trea- ham Cathedral Hall,Stoke-on-Trent 'funky' backdrop of ’80s music & cul- sured history, desperate choices and DATING AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY, ture, Tues 5 - Sat 9 Nov, The REP, ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE: the remarkable Gertrude Bell, until DIZZLE, AXEL BLAKE, JUDI LOVE, SMASH Birmingham EARTHRISE Featuring Daniele Rosina Sat 25 Jan, The Swan Theatre, Strat- ENTERTAINZ & MISS MO REAL Sun 10 GYM & TONIC John Godber comedy (conductor) & arrangements by Peter ford-upon-Avon May, Emily Abdy & Rob Roberts, Sat Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham about trying to find a moment of calm KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- 9 Nov, The Bradshaw Hall, Royal MAISIE ADAM Sun 10 Nov, Midlands in challenging times, Tues 5 - Sat 9 formed tale of a nation in turmoil, Birmingham Conservatoire Arts Centre, Birmingham Nov, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre under-Lyme LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE CHRIS STOKES, RAHUL KOHLI & TOM Stratford, Stratford-upon-Avon MUSIC OF BOND Featuring John Rigby WRIGGLESWORTH Sun 10 Nov, Theatre THE WOMAN IN BLACK Stage version of TOM GATES LIVE ON STAGE! Liz Pichon's (conductor), Sun 10 Nov, Symphony Severn, Shrewsbury Susan Hill’s supernatural tale, Tues 5 popular characters, brought to life by Hall, Birmingham - Sat 9 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke- the producers of Horrible Histories whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 10 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:36 Page 3

thelist on-Trent woman show offers frank observa- THE VICAR OF DIBLEY The Stafford tions about bisexuality while high- Players present an amateur stage lighting the pitfalls of modern dating, version of the popular TV series, Wed Sun 10 Nov, The Old Joint Stock The- 6 - Sat 9 Nov, Stafford Gatehouse atre, Birmingham Theatre ON THE EDGE A Kepow Theatre Com- ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN pany exploration of falling in love, Shropshire Drama Company present leaving home and getting a job, Sun an amateur staging of Alan Ayck- 10 Nov, Snailbeach Village Hall, Pon- bourn’s celebrated Norman Con- tesbury, Shropshire quests play, Wed 6 - Sat 9 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury A WORLD OF MUSICALS Presented by Brownhills Musical Theatre Company, Kids Shows Wed 6 - Sat 9 Nov, Prince Of Wales WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT Little Centre, Cannock Angel Theatre’s acclaimed adapta- HOW TO BE AMAZINGLY HAPPY Story- tion returns to celebrate the 30th an- telling & physical comedy combine in niversary of Michael Rosen’s beloved a one-woman show, Thurs 7 Nov, book, until Sun 3 Nov, Midlands Arts Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham Candy & Cobwebs - Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire OKLAHOMA! Get Your Wigle On pre- PEDLAR’S TALES Pop-up children’s theatre fusing puppetry, live music & sents its version of Rodgers & Ham- Antarctica and conquering Everest, exclusive ranges of bespoke and un- bite-size stories, Sat 2 Nov, Church merstein’s romantic musical, Thurs 7 Tues 5 Nov, Birmingham Town Hall usual gifts, including glass, jewellery, - Sat 9 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrews- Stretton Library, South Shropshire art, candles, ceramics and clothing’, HIT THE ODE Unique performance po- bury MR MEN & LITTLE MISS SHOW Join until Sun 3 Nov, NEC, Birmingham etry night featuring talented spoken- your favourite Mr Men and Little Miss INVISIBLE LINES ‘Innovative, highly word artists, Fri 8 Nov, The Patrick BRICKLIVE Opportunity for children characters as they leap off the page physical & thought-provoking’ work Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome aged 12 & under to play, create and exploring the invisible divides and and onto the stage, Sat 2 Nov, Lich- discover with Lego bricks, until Sun 3 connections between races, lan- field Garrick Nov, NEC, Birmingham guages & cultural expectations, PEDLAR’S TALES Pop-up children’s THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW Featuring Thurs 7 - Wed 13 Nov, The REP, Birm- theatre fusing puppetry, live music & Events supplies, innovations, new product ingham bite-size stories, Fri 8 Nov, Qube, Os- launches, demonstrations and work- HAUNTED CASTLE A week of ghostly BOAR Action-packed one-man com- westry, North Shropshire shops, until Sun 3 Nov, NEC, B’ham goings-on at Tamworth Castle’s edy of swords, sorcery & swill, Fri 8 haunted spooktacular, until Fri 1 Nov, SPOOKY STOKESAY CASTLE Featuring Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Tamworth Castle ‘wicked’ crafts and a ‘spooktacular’ SQUID HEART Two-woman improvised Halloween quest around the castle, Dance CANDY & COBWEBS Halloween trick-or- show inspired by a single word from until Sun 3 Nov, Stokesay Castle, Nr treat event for under-eights and their the audience. Part of Foundry Festi- DIVERSITY - BORN READY Featuring Craven Arms, South Shropshire grown-ups, until Fri 1 Nov, Blists Hill val, Fri 8 Nov, The REP, Birmingham ‘dance, illusions, mind-blowing stunts THE WIZARD EXPRESS The Wizard Ex- and inspiring stories’, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Victorian Town, Ironbridge THE BARN ULTIMATUM Brand new com- press is steaming back to the Severn Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham HALLOWEEN SPOOK-TACULAR All the fun edy from Tom Allsopp, Fri 8 Nov, The Valley Railway to take young witches of the farm plus a day packed with Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham BEING SEEN Contact Dance Company and wizards on a magical journey to - an ensemble with and without dis- spooky Halloween fun, until Fri 1 Nov, BROKE & SOBER Play exploring mental Wizard School, until Sun 3 Nov, Sev- abilities - explore equality, difference National Forest Adventure Farm, Bur- health problems, including PTSD & ern Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr Kid- & togetherness, Thurs 7 Nov, Arena ton-upon-Trent clinical depression. Part of Foundry derminster Theatre, Wolverhampton HALLOWEEN TILE DECORATING Create Festival 2019, Fri 8 - Sat 9 Nov, The WHERE'S WALLY? THE BIG MUSEUM your own Halloween or lunar-themed REP, Birmingham THE RITE OF SPRING & LEFT UNSEEN HUNT Join the search for Wally this Phoenix Dance Theatre present a designs at family drop-in tile decorat- RAZZLE DAZZLE: THE MUSICAL COMEDY half term, until Sun 3 Nov, Thinktank double-bill - Jeanguy Saintus’ re- ing workshops on weekdays over the MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW West Science Museum, Birmingham working of The Rite Of Spring, and an half-term break, until Fri 1 Nov, Jack- End singers travel back in time to the SCAREFEST Scarefest returns with emotive exploration of inclusion & field Tile Museum, Telford Roaring ’20s in Chicago, Fri 8 - Sat 9 ‘spooks, frights and thrills for every- isolation in Left Unseen, Fri 8 - Sat 9 LITTLE SKIPPERS - HALLOWEEN FUN A Nov, Lichfield Garrick one’. Open until late so that visitors Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham 45-minute boat trip through the THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere can enjoy their favourite rides in the DIWALI UTSAV: SITARON KE SANG themed caverns followed by a ‘things based on David Walliams' bestselling dark, until Sun 3 Nov, Alton Towers, Jaivant Patel Dance promise a vibrant to make and do’ session, until Fri 1 book and featuring songs by Robbie Stoke-on-Trent evening of South Asian dance in cel- Nov, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Williams and Guy Chambers, Fri 8 FREDDO'S HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR ebration of Diwali, Sat 9 Nov, Arena BRICK OR TREAT ‘The most spook-tac- Nov - Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare Arrive dressed up and join in the fun Theatre, Wolverhampton ular event of the year’, until Sat 2 Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon as Freddo creates his very own Hal- Nov, Legoland Discovery Centre, loween monster, until Sun 3 Nov, QUEER AND NOW Whirlwind showcase Birmingham of short work-in-progress perfor- Cadbury World, Birmingham A-SCARIUM Discover the spooky crea- mances from the next generation of SPOOKY SPECTACULAR Featuring Hal- Talks / tures that lurk beneath the waves, queer Midlands theatre-makers. Part loween decorations with illuminated, of SHOUT Festival, Sat 9 Nov, The until Sun 3 Nov, National Sea Life themed scarecrows and hundreds of REP, Birmingham Spoken Word Centre, Birmingham pumpkins, until Sun 3 Nov, West Mid- HAWKSTONE TRAIL AND TERRIBLE TALES DUMTEEDUM LIVE Immersive Archers AN EVENING WITH SIMON REEVE An land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- experience offering fans of the show evening with the world's leading ad- Follow the Halloween Trail to find hid- ley, Nr Kidderminster a chance to listen to Emerald O'Han- venture traveller, Sun 3 Nov, Victoria den storytellers throughout the Fol- FIENDISH FELONS - HALF TERM Dis- rahan (Emma Grundy) talk about her Hall, Stoke-on-Trent lies, until Sun 3 Nov, Hawkstone Park cover the dastardly deeds of crimi- character and the programme, Sat 9 & Follies, Newcastle-under-Redcas- nals in the past and the putrid BEN FOGLE - TALES FROM THE WILDER- tle, North Shropshire Nov, Birmingham Town Hall NESS Join the modern-day explorer punishments they faced, until Sun 3 SIMPLY CHRISTMAS - THE CRAFTY ALGORITHMS Sadie Clarke’s one- as he shares stories about crossing Nov, Black Country Living Museum, CHRISTMAS SHOW ‘An extravaganza of 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 10 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:36 Page 4

Friday 1 - Sunday 10 November

Dudley Park, Shrewsbury BONFIRE & FIREWORKS One of the re- FAMILY TALKS: 30 YEARS ON, THE FALL FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD The hugely FIREWORKS NIGHT As well as the spec- gion’s largest bonfire celebrations, OF THE BERLIN WALL Three family- popular 'deathly fiesta' returns for its tacular family fireworks display, see with entertainment for all the family, friendly talks to commemorate 30 fourth year with a production combin- molten iron being poured into Sun 3 Nov, Weston Park, Nr Shifnal years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, ing carnival, circus, theatre and club- moulds during a dramatic iron cast- FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA Back for a Sat 9 Nov, RAF Cosford, Shifnal bing, Fri 1 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham ing demonstration, Sat 2 Nov, Blists third year with ‘more fireworks, more SCALE MODEL WORLD 2019 The largest FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR Celebrating Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge food, more entertainment and more fine-scale model show in the world, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 HIMLEY BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS fun for the family’, Sun 3 Nov, County with over 160 traders and more than Moon landing, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Nov, Dray- Marking 50 years since man first set Showground, Stafford 190 club & special-interest-group dis- ton Manor Theme Park, Tamworth foot on the moon, the 2019 Himley MODEL RAILEX Mix of scales and ex- plays, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Nov, Telford In- ternational Centre MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL Three-day Bonfire ‘is going to be out of this hibits from the UK’s steam and diesel event offering ‘spiritual seekers’ a world’, Sat 2 Nov, Himley Hall & Park, eras, Sun 3 Nov, National Brewery FIREWORK FESTIVAL ‘Spectacular fire- safe place in which to commune and Dudley Centre, Burton-upon-Trent works, a roaring bonfire, late-night share their ideas, beliefs and philoso- CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON BONFIRE WWE LIVE ‘Bursting with all the drama rides and music to bring the party phies, Fri 1 - Sun 3 Nov, NEC, B’ham EVENT Enjoy ‘some of the best fire- and energy of a rock concert’, Wed 6 alive’, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Nov, West Mid- works in the West Midlands’, along Nov, Arena Birmingham land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- CAKE INTERNATIONAL Featuring ‘the ley biggest and most groundbreaking with a huge bonfire, Sat 2 Nov, THE LANCASTER INSURANCE CLASSIC displays, the wildest competition en- Wolverhampton Racecourse MOTOR SHOW The world’s largest UNDERWATER SUPERHEROES Find your tries and the most famous cake stars FROST FAIR Featuring a wide selection gathering of car and motorcycle ultimate ocean superpower as you from around the world’, Fri 1 - Sun 3 of handmade crafts and Christmas clubs, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov, NEC, Birm- test yourself against some powerful Nov, NEC, Birmingham gifts from talented Shropshire crafts ingham sea creatures, Sat 9 - Fri 22 Nov, Na- tional Sea Life Centre, Birmingham PRINCESS + PRINCE PARTY Join Fairy people, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, Shropshire ULTIMATE FIREWORKS Last chance to Tink and Captain Treasure for a party Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, experience Alton Towers’ rides and ARTISAN MARKET AT THE WORLD OF packed with fun, games, dancing and South Shropshire attractions before the 2019 season WEDGWOOD Featuring more than 50 singalong songs, Sat 2 Nov, Theatre SPECTACULAR BONFIRE NIGHT Featur- comes to an end, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov, stalls of locally produced foods and Severn, Shrewsbury ing a firework display in the castle Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent hand-crafted products, Sun 10 Nov, World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on-Trent FAMILY STARGAZING AND MOONWATCH grounds, Sat 2 Nov, Tamworth Castle THE CLASSIC MOTORBIKE SHOW Featur- Join Shropshire Astronomical Society THE NATIONAL PET SHOW ‘The perfect ing a host of outstanding two- MARKET DRAYTON WINTER FAIR Sun 10 for an evening of stargazing and place to experience everything pet- wheeled classics, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Nov, Nov, Festival Drayton, Market Dray- moonwatching. Suitable for children related’, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Nov, NEC, NEC, Birmingham ton, North Shropshire aged five-plus, Sat 2 Nov, Attingham Birmingham

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COMING SOON

FRI 1 NOV COMING SOON...

2 November, 8pm Mark Watson: The Infinite Show

Tickets: £19

STAR 13 November, 7.30pm The P Word: Sophie FRI 1 NOV Sparham & Roy Marshall

Tickets: £7

15 Novemebr, 7.30pm Into the Shadows - Recreate the unique sound of The Shadows BON JOVI FOREVER – Tickets: £14 ONE WILD NIGHT TOUR 20 November, 7.30pm SAT 2 NOV Once Upon A Wednesday: Dark Tales from India with Peter Chand Tickets: £7.50

21 November, 7.30pm Green Matthews: A Brief History of Music

MR MEN & LITTLE MISS SHOW Tickets: £12 / £10

FRI 8 NOV 22 November, 7.30pm Through the Decades with Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly Tickets: £17.50

26 - 30 November, 7.30pm 2.30pm Matinee Little Theatre Company: THE LITTLE MIX EXPERIENCE Scrooge The Musical

Tickets: £12,£11 conc. THURS 14 NOV

4 December, 7.30pm The P Word: Roy McFarlane & Liz Lefroy Tickets: £7

MY MOUNTAIN LIFE 7 December 10am - 1pm BY SIMON YATES Festive Family Funday

SAT 16 NOV Tickets: £8 includes a gift from Santa Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT GYLES BRANDRETH: DANCING BY www.brewhouse.co.uk THE LIGHT OF THE MOON Brewhouse Arts Centre BOX OFFICE: 01543 412 121 Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent www.lichfieldgarrick.com Staffordshire DE14 1AA LICHFIELD GARRICK, CASTLE DYKE, LICHFIELD, STAFFS, WS13 6HR

56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 11-17 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:39 Page 2

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 November Nov, O2 Institute, NOW THAT’S WHAT I ROY ‘CHUBBY’ BROWN Fri 15 Nov, Wil- Gigs Birmingham CALL ‘80S LIVE Sat 16 Classical lenhall Social Club THE STYLISTICS Thurs Nov, Symphony Hall, TOM STADE, CHRISTIAN REILLY, JOHNY VAMPIRE WEEKEND Mon 14 Nov, Symphony Birmingham SORROW & WAYNE BEESE (MC) Fri 15 11 Nov, O2 Academy, Music Hall, Birmingham KICK UP THE 80’S Sat Nov, Sutton Coldfield Town Hall Birmingham THE SPANDAU BALLET 16 Nov, The River LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH MATT PARKER Fri 15 Nov, Stafford BOSTON MANOR + STORY Thurs 14 Nov, Rooms, Stourbridge THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- Gatehouse Theatre MODERN ERROR + GEN- The Robin, Bilston MICHAEL STARRING BEN cludes works by Bach (arr. Widor), DER ROLES DARREN HARRIOTT Fri 15 Nov, The Mon 11 Sat 16 Nov, Victoria Guilmant, G. Thalben-Ball, Parry, Nov, The Sugarmill, MOUNTAIN MUSIC Thurs Glee Club, Birmingham Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Sibelius, Duruflé, Mon 11 Nov, Birm- Stoke-on-Trent 14 Nov, Newhampton ingham Town Hall TIM MINCHIN Fri 15 & Sat 16 Nov, Arts Centre, Wolver- THE SCRIBES Sat 16 FEEDER Birmingham Hippodrome Mon 11 Nov, hampton Nov, Albert’s Shed, CBSO: CAPRICCIO ESPAGNOL Featuring O2 Institute, B’ham Jaume Santonja Espinós (conduc- IAN STONE, IAN SMITH, ROBERT WHITE GORDON HENDRICKS IS Shrewsbury RAINBREAKERS Tues 12 tor) & Clara Mouriz (mezzo so- & JO ENRIGHT Fri 15 & Sat 16 Nov, ELVIS Fri 15 Nov, The KINGDOM OF MADNESS Nov, The Robin, Bil- prano). Programme includes works The Glee Club, Birmingham Place, Telford Sat 16 Nov, ston by Rimsky-Korsakov, Montsalvatge, JACK WHITEHALL Fri 15 - Sun 17 Nov, JADIS Fri 15 Nov, The Newhampton Arts Falla & Prokofiev, Wed 13 Nov, Sym- LIAM GALLAGHER Arena Birmingham Tues Slade Rooms, Centre, W’hampton phony Hall, Birmingham 12 Nov, Arena B’ham TOM STADE, CHRISTIAN REILLY FEATUR- Wolverhampton THE DOORS ALIVE Sat THE SYMPHONIA VERBUM ORCHESTRA REEL BIG FISH ING JOHNNY SORROW & WAYNE BEESE Tues 12 TYLER BRYANT & THE 16 Nov, O2 Academy, Programme comprises Nov, O2 Institute, Sat 16 Nov, Brierley Hill Civic Hall, SHAKEDOWN Fri 15 Birmingham Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.5, Birmingham Dudley Nov, O2 Academy, ANYTHING FOR LOVE: Thurs 14 Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke- LOVELYTHEBAND Tues Birmingham THE MEAT LOAF STORY on-Trent LADIES NIGHT FEAT. NOREEN KHAN, 12 Nov, O2 Academy, VIBS BHATIA & DJ AK BEATS Sat 16 ROMA COVE & KROOKED Sat 16 Nov, The Place, THALLEIN ENSEMBLE Featuring Birmingham Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham TONGUE Fri 15 Nov, O2 Telford Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- JACK SAVORETTI Tues Institute, Birmingham THE DUALERS Sat 16 gramme includes works by Luc Fer- QUINCY, RADU ISAC FEATURING 12 Nov, Symphony BETHANY BLACK & DAMION LARKIN Sat CAROLE: THE MUSIC OF Nov, O2 Academy, rari & new pieces by RBS Hall, Birmingham Birmingham composition students, George West 16 Nov, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- CAROLE KING Fri 15 Trent CHINA CRISIS Tues 12 & Nov, Lichfield Garrick HARBINGER Sat 16 Nov, & Oliver Mack, Fri 15 Nov, The Brad- Wed 13 Nov, Henry shaw Hall, Royal Birmingham Con- JIM DAVIDSON Sun 17 Nov, Stafford DR FEELGOOD Fri 15 The Slade Rooms, Tudor House, servatoire Gatehouse Theatre Nov, The Robin, Bil- Wolverhampton Shrewsbury ston THE CLONE ROSES + WIHAN QUARTET Programme includes IMPROV COMEDY WITH BOX OF FROGS REX ORANGE COUNTY: works by Haydn, Suk & Janacek, Fri Sun 17 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE KAZABIAN Sat 16 Nov, THE PONY TOUR 15 Nov, The Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury Tues Fri 15 Nov, Dudley O2 Academy, B’ham MICKEY SHARMA, ANUVAB PAL, SUKH 12 & Wed 13 Nov, O2 Town Hall FREE RADIO HITS LIVE BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR GALA CON- OJLA & OMID SINGH Sun 17 Nov, The Academy, Birmingham CERT Featuring Paul Spicer (conduc- Glee Club, Birmingham PEARL JAM UK Fri 15 2019 Sat 16 Nov, Re- HALF•ALIVE Wed 13 sorts World Arena, tor) & The Musical and Amicable Nov, O2 Academy, Society Orchestra. Programme in- Nov, O2 Institute, Birmingham Birmingham Birmingham cludes works by JS Bach, Handel & MR EAZI Fri 15 Nov, O2 METRONOMY Sat 16 Haydn, Sat 16 Nov, Lichfield Cathe- ELIANA CARGNELUTTI Theatre Institute, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, dral Wed 13 Nov, The Birmingham LAYILA Siana Bangura’s drama con- Robin, Bilston DARK SPARKS Fri 15 BIRMINGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCI- cerning a 15-year-old Sierra- Nov, Albert’s Shed, THE HOOTEN HALLERS ETY: HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring The SHOW OF HANDS Wed Sat 16 Nov, O2 Insti- Leonean British girl whose life is Shrewsbury Musical & Amicable Society Baroque turned upside-down when her 13 Nov, Theatre Sev- tute, Birmingham Orchestra, David Wynne (conduc- ern, Shrewsbury WHITNEY Fri 15 Nov, grandma suddenly dies, Mon 11 Theatre Severn, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Sat tor), Penny Appleyard (soprano), Nov, The REP, Birmingham LARKINS Wed 13 Nov, Shrewsbury 16 Nov, The Robin, Philippa Thomas (mezzo), Xavier The Sugarmill, Stoke- Bilston Hetherington (tenor) & James THE MOUSETRAP Susan Penhaligon on-Trent THE CARPENTERS STORY Williams (baritone), Sat 16 Nov, stars in Agatha Christie’s legendary Fri 15 Nov, Victoria FOY VANCE Sat 16 Nov, thriller, Mon 11 - Sat 16 Nov, SINCERELY YOURS Wed Church of St Alban the Martyr, Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Town Hall The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham 13 Nov, Theatre Sev- Birmingham REUBEN JAMES Sun 17 ern, Shrewsbury INTO THE SHADOWS Fri CBSO FAMILY CONCERT Featuring SHYLOCK Guy Masterson’s one-man 15 Nov, The Brew- Nov, Symphony Hall, show, exploring the conflicts and RAT PACK CHRISTMAS Jaume Santonja Espinós (conduc- house Arts Centre, Birmingham contradictions surrounding Shake- SHOW WITH SPECIAL tor) & Catherine Arlidge (presenter). Burton-upon-Trent BLACKWATER CONSPIR- speare’s infamous Jew, Tues 12 Nov, GUESTS DON MACLEAN Programme includes works by Brit- ACY Sun 17 Nov, The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre AND CHARLEY TOULAN YONAKA Fri 15 Nov, O2 ten, John Williams, Piazzolla, Asylum, Birmingham Wed 13 Nov, The Institute, Birmingham Tchaikovsky, Arban, Beethoven & PRIVATE PEACEFUL The National Pro- Place, Telford GLAM 45 + SWEET 45 CHINA CRISIS Sun 17 Brahms, Sun 17 Nov, Symphony duction Company presents Michael Nov, The Robin Bilston Hall, Birmingham Morpurgo's wartime tale, Tues 12 TOM WALKER Thurs 14 Fri 15 Nov, Eleven, Nov, The Place, Telford Nov, O2 Academy, Sandyford, Stoke-on- THE YOUNG PERSON'S Birmingham Trent GUIDE TO THE ORCHES- TRA Sun 17 Nov, Sym- BOOTLEG ABBA EMELI SANDÉ Fri 15 Thurs phony Hall, B’ham Comedy 14 Nov, Sutton Cold- Nov, Regent Theatre, field Town Hall Stoke-on-Trent FREYA RIDINGS Sun 17 FLO & JOAN Tues 12 Nov, The Glee Nov, O2 Academy, Club, Birmingham JOHN ILLSLEY STRICTLY ABBA Fri 15 - Thurs 14 Birmingham Nov, Theatre Severn, Sat 16 Nov, Theatre ROY CHUBBY BROWN Wed 13 Nov, Shrewsbury On The Steps, Bridg- JAKI GRAHAM Sun 17 Dudley Town Hall north, South Shrops Nov, Henry Tudor HEAVY LUNGS BEN ELTON Thurs 14 Nov, Birming- Thurs 14 House, Shrewsbury Nov, The Sugarmill, BELLA HARDY Sat 16 ham Hippodrome Stoke-on-Trent Nov, Midlands Arts ANNA SILVERS Sun 17 ROBERT WHITE, JO ENRIGHT & COMEDY Centre, Birmingham Nov, Albert’s Shed, GOLDLINK Thurs 14 CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Shrewsbury Thurs 14 Nov, The Glee Club, B’ham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 11-17 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:39 Page 3

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 11-17 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:39 Page 4

thelist Monday 11 - Sunday 17 November HORMONAL HOUSEWIVES Join Suzanne sires and how to look forward when SHOUT VOGUE BALL Club culture Shaw & crew as they blast their way the future is uncertain, Sat 16 Nov, meets high art as Vogue Houses Events through a catalogue of women’s bits, The REP, Birmingham come together from across the UK CONSERVATION CENTRE OPEN WEEK Go Tues 12 Nov, Theatre Severn, LAYILA Siana Bangura’s drama con- (including Birmingham’s very own behind the scenes to check out con- Shrewsbury cerning a 15-year-old Sierra-Leonean House of Bab) to compete for dance servation work on a range of aircraft, BRIGHT PLACES Unapologetically hon- British kid whose life is turned upside supremacy in a catwalk spectacular Mon 11 - Sat 16 Nov, RAF Cosford, est and sometimes comical explo- down when her grandma suddenly pulled straight from ’s Shifnal ration of one woman's unique take on dies, Sat 16 Nov, The REP, B’ham iconic ballroom culture, Fri 15 Nov, Birmingham Hippodrome PLANETARIUM LATES: AMAUROSIS In- life with multiple sclerosis, Tues 12 - CLIMB THAT TREE Join award-winning triguing 3D performance, partly in the Fri 15 Nov, The REP, Birmingham songwriter and musician David Gibb MUSIC AND DANCE FROM AROUND THE dark, that investigates what happens MY FAIR LADY Amateur staging pre- on a musical journey through his WORLD Presented by students from when music becomes your emotional sented by Bilston Operatic Company, often-surreal imagination, Sat 16 Nov, Concord College, Sat 16 Nov, The- guide, Thurs 14 Nov, Thinktank Sci- Tues 12 - Sat 16 Nov, Wolverhampton Stoke St Milborough Village Hall, atre Severn, Shrewsbury ence Museum, Birmingham Grand Theatre Ludlow, South Shropshire AN EVENING WITH NAHID SIDDIQUI Ex- FESTIVE GIFT FAIR The biggest indoor JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR Five Towns PEPPER & HONEY ‘Poignant, subtle clusive Midlands performance from Christmas shopping fair in the Mid- Theatre present an amateur staging and timely play’ about the journey of one of Europe’s leading Kathak lands is back, Thurs 14 - Sun 17 Nov, of Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim change, cultural differences and the dancers, Sun 17 Nov, Midlands Arts NEC, Birmingham Rice’s classic rock opera, Tues 12 - conflict between upholding the tradi- Centre, Birmingham Sat 16 Nov, Stoke Repertory Theatre, tions of the ‘old country’ and embrac- SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Santa’s Stoke-on-Trent ing those of the new, Sat 16 Nov, back at the Snowdome for the 15th fantastic year, Fri 15 Nov - Tues 31 Cradley Heath Amateur Oper- Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Cabaret Dec, The Snowdome, Tamworth atic Society present and An- THE SNOW QUEEN Hans Christian An- drew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical, dersen's family classic following the Twenty-fifth GHOST DINNER Evening ghost tour of Tues 12 - Sat 16 Nov, Stourbridge adventures of inseparable friends Kai anniversary show featuring an amal- one of Britain’s most haunted build- Town Hall & Gerda, Sat 16 Nov - Mon 30 Dec, gamation of acts and a rock’n’roll ings followed by dinner in the Stable Yard Cafe, Sat 16 Nov, Aston Hall, AN INSPECTOR CALLS The National The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham soundscape, Mon 11 Nov, Theatre Theatre’s landmark production of JB THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER Featuring Severn, Shrewsbury Birmingham Priestley’s classic thriller, Tues 12 - imaginative storytelling, live music, THAT’LL BE THE DAY CHRISTMAS SHOW MARSTON'S BEER FESTIVAL RACEDAY Sat 16 Nov, The REP, Birmingham humour, puppetry and festive magic, Popular rock’n’roll variety show, fea- Returning for the ninth year with SINCERELY YOURS - THE VERA LYNN Sat 16 Nov - Sat 25 Jan, New Vic turing festive classics from the ’50s, ‘great-quality horse racing and fan- STORY The story of the forces’ sweet- Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme ’60s & ’70s, Sun 17 Nov, Theatre Sev- tastic tasting beers’, Sat 16 Nov, Ut- heart who provided light in the gloom BURGERZ Performance artist Travis Al- ern, Shrewsbury toxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire of the Second World War, Wed 13 abanza presents a show that’s BIRMINGHAM INTERFAITH MUSIC FESTI- Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ‘timely, unsettling and powerful’, Sun VAL Celebrate Interfaith week with FATHERS, FAMILIES & F*CKBOYS One 17 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham music, dance and art, Sat 16 Nov, woman’s journey to reconnect with OTHELLO The Pantaloons relocate Talks / Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery her father in order to connect with Shakespeare's classic tragedy to a MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON The herself, Wed 13 Nov, The REP, B’ham jazz-age setting, Sun 17 Nov, Spoken Word UK’s biggest modern-pop-culture SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DAVE’S Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury event returns to Birmingham, Sat 16 - DOUG ALLAN Join the award-winning Presented by Masque Theatre, Wed DOWN THE PUB WITH LUKE WRIGHT Sun 17 Nov, NEC, Birmingham cameraman for an evening of behind- 13 - Fri 15 Nov, Mitchell Arts Centre, Luke creates inventive poems with SPECTRA PRESENT EAT THE STARS A the-scenes stories... Tues 12 Nov, Stoke-on-Trent loads of heart, Sun 17 Nov, The Black game of ‘extraordinary imagination, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury RUBY WAX: HOW TO BE HUMAN Ruby is Bear, Whitchurch whimsy and fun’, Sat 16 - Sun 17 SIR RANULPH FIENNES: LIVING DANGER- joined by Buddhist monk Gelong Nov, Newhampton Arts Centre, OUSLY Join ‘the world's greatest living Thubten & neuroscientist Ash Ran- Wolverhampton explorer' as he recounts his personal pura, Thurs 14 Nov, The Place, CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a journey, Wed 13 Nov, Birmingham Telford ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full Kids Shows Town Hall CHEETAH SISTERS Autobiographical of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- PEDLAR’S TALES Pop-up children’s THIS FILTHY WORLD: JOHN WATERS piece exploring the conflict of na- bury World’, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Nov, theatre fusing puppetry, live music & One-man show celebrating the film tional and personal identity involved Cadbury World, Birmingham bite-size stories, Fri 15 Nov, Wem career and obsessional tastes of the in interracial adoption. Part of CHRISTMAS GIFT FAYRE Explore festive Town Hall, North Shropshire man once referred to as ‘the pope of Foundry Festival, Thurs 14 Nov, The stalls ‘overflowing’ with hundreds of trash’, Wed 13 Nov, Birmingham Hip- REP, Birmingham unusual gift ideas, decorations, fes- podrome ONCE UPON A TIME Gonzo Moose re- tive food & drink, Sat 16 - Sun 17 THE P WORD Poetry with Sophie turn with a humorous fairytale adven- Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley Dance Sparham & Roy Marshall, Wed 13 ture, Thurs 14 Nov, Arena Theatre, SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Wolverhampton ACOSTA DANZA Programme of new & self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, existing works from ballet superstar Burton-upon-Trent STRANGERS ON A TRAIN SET Lipservice Sat 16 - Sun 17 Nov, West Midland Carlos Acosta, Mon 11 - Tues 12 Nov, AN EVENING WITH JOHN ILLSLEY take audiences on a whistle-stop Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley Birmingham Hippodrome Founder member of legendary band journey, Thurs 14 - Fri 15 Nov, The- MOTORCYCLE LIVE The UK’s largest Dire Straits, Thurs 14 Nov, atre Severn, Shrewsbury YAATRA Jaivant Patel presents an motorcycle show, Sat 16 - Sun 24 evening of ‘captivating’ solo kathak Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury BLITHE SPIRIT St Luke’s Drama Soci- Nov, NEC, Birmingham and contemporary dance, Wed 13 MY MOUNTAIN LIFE BY SIMON YATES ety presents Noel Coward’s timeless DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Sat 16 Nov, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham An evening with one of the most ac- comedy about love, death and the in- Nov - Tues 31 Dec, Drayton Manor complished exploratory moun- tervention of an amateur psychic, SAME SAME... BUT DIFFERENT Sonia Theme Park, Tamworth Sabri's new family show mixes taineers of all time, Thurs 14 Nov, Thurs 14 - Sat 16 Nov, Prince Of 'MORRIS GANG' DANCING The Blists Hill Kathak and contemporary dance with Lichfield Garrick Wales Centre, Cannock Morris Gang entertain the crowds live music and physical storytelling to GYLES BRANDRETH: DANCING BY THE UNEXPLODED ORDNANCES Split with traditional dances at 11.15am, create ‘a playful and colourful world LIGHT OF THE MOON Celebration of the Britches combine a Dr Strangelove- 2pm & 3pm, Sun 17 Nov, Blists Hill exploring our curiosities and fears’, best-loved poems in the English lan- inspired performance with a ‘daring Victorian Town, Ironbridge Fri 15 Nov, Arena Theatre, guage, Sat 16 Nov, Lichfield Garrick forum for public conversation’ that ex- Wolverhampton plores ageing, anxiety, hidden de- whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18-24 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:37 Page 1

thelist house Arts Centre, NIVERSARY TOUR Sat FRANK SKINNER Thurs 21 Nov, Dudley Gigs Burton-upon-Trent 23 Nov, Birmingham Classical Music Town Hall, Dudley BAT FOR LASHES Thurs Town Hall JANE GODLEY, SEAN COLLINS & COMEDY CBSO: BEETHOVEN & STRAVINSKY Fea- STEVE HACKETT: GENE- 21 Nov, Birmingham MICHAEL STARRING BEN CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs turing Gustavo Gimeno (conductor) SIS REVISITED Mon 18 Town Hall Sat 23 Nov, Dudley 21 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, & Jeremy Denk (piano), Wed 20 Nov YUNGBLUD Fri 22 Nov, Town Hall VIR DAS Fri 22 Nov, Birmingham Town Birmingham (2.15pm), Symphony Hall, B’ham O2 Institute, B’ham GREEN DATE Sat 23 Hall MAVERICK SABRE Tues THANK ABBA FOR THE Nov, Eleven, Sandy- COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Fri 22 Nov, 19 Nov, O2 Institute, MUSIC Fri 22 Nov, ford, Stoke-on-Trent William Aston Hall, Wrexham Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse RAINBREAKERS Sat 23 TAT VISION LIVE Fri 22 Nov, The Glee JOHN MAYALL Tues 19 Theatre Nov, Albert’s Shed, Club, Birmingham Nov, Birmingham SHED SEVEN Fri 22 Nov, Shrewsbury Town Hall SIMON LOMAS, VINCE ATTA, JANE O2 Academy, B’ham ONE TREE CANYON Sat GODLET & SEAN COLLINS Fri 22 & Sat PENELOPE ISLES Tues DAVEY MALONE Fri 22 23 Nov, Katie Fitzger- 23 Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham 19 Nov, Hare & Nov, Katie Fitzgerald’s, ald’s, Stourbridge Hounds, Birmingham CBSO: FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS Featur- ANDY PARSONS Sat 23 Nov, The REP, Stourbridge SCOUTING FOR GIRLS Birmingham SHAKESPEARS SISTER ing Stephen Bell (conductor) & John DEFINITELY MAYBE & Sat 23 Nov, O2 Tues 19 Nov, Sym- Suchet (presenter). Programme in- SEAN PERCIVAL, JOEY PAGE, EMMANUEL ADORED Fri 22 Nov, Academy, Birmingham phony Hall, B’ham cludes works by Coates, Satie, SONUBI & DARIUS DAVIES Sat 23 Nov, The River Rooms, JADE BIRD Sat 23 Nov, Mendelssohn, Saint-Saëns, Grainger, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham FOREVER ELTON Wed 20 Stourbridge O2 Institute, B’ham Sibelius, Walton, Grieg, Mahler, Nov, The Place, Telford HAL CRUTTENDEN Sat 23 Nov, Festival THROUGH THE DECADES THE DESTROYERS Sat Chabrier, Elgar, Stravinsky & Ravel, Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, SEVEN DRUNKEN WITH ROY ORBISON & 23 Nov, Hare & Fri 22 Nov, Symphony Hall, B’ham North Shropshire NIGHTS - THE STORY OF BUDDY HOLLY Fri 22 Hounds, Birmingham ORGAN PROM WITH CATHY LAMB Sat 23 THE DUBLINERS Wed 20 Nov, The Brewhouse THE BEAUTIFUL WAYS Nov, Lichfield Cathedral Nov, Victoria Hall, Arts Centre, Burton- Sat 23 Nov, Albert’s Stoke-on-Trent upon-Trent GOULD PIANO TRIO Featuring Lucy Shed, Shrewsbury Gould (violin), Richard Lester (cello) D BLOCK EUROPE Wed BLAZIN’ FIDDLES Fri 22 PUP Sat 23 Nov, O2 & Benjamin Frith (piano). Programme 20 Nov, O2 Academy, Nov, Theatre Severn, Academy, Birmingham includes works by Haydn, Rebecca Birmingham Shrewsbury NEW MODEL ARMY Sat Clarke & Schubert, Sat 23 Nov, Hen- LANKUM Wed 20 Nov, OASIS VS STONE ROSES 23 Nov, O2 Institute, derson Hall, Moor Park, Ludlow, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Fri 22 Nov, The River Birmingham South Shropshire ingham Rooms, Stourbridge DONCHEZ DACRES: MUSIC SOCIETY GALA CONCERT Featur- NOBLE JACKS Wed 20 TORI SCOTT Sat 23 Nov, Old Joint SCARLXRD Fri 22 Nov, SWITCH Sat 23 Nov, ing Chamber Choirs, Clarinet Choir & Nov, Hare & Hounds, Stock Theatre, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham The Robin, Bilston Flute Choir. Programme includes Birmingham works by Morley, Gjeilo, Pitoni, Jou- MARK WATSON Sun 24 Nov, Theatre GLASS CEILINGS Fri 22 RHYS LEWIS Sat 23 CLARE TEAL & HER JAZZ Nov, O2 Institute, bert & Bob Chilcott, Sat 23 Nov, Elgar Severn, Shrewsbury Nov, O2 Institute, Concert Hall, The Bramall, University TRIO Wed 20 Nov, New Birmingham BRITAIN’S GOT TALENT SPECIAL FEAT. Birmingham of Birmingham Vic Theatre, Newcas- LOST VOICE GUY, ROBERT WHITE & WATERMARK Fri 22 KIRVANA & PEARL SCAM tle-under-Lyme GALA CHARITY CONCERT Featuring MICKY P KERR Sun 24 Nov, Kiddermin- Nov, The Slade Sat 23 Nov, The Slade Rooms, W’hampton Robyn Lyn Evans & Dafydd Wyn ster Town Hall, Kidderminster Rooms, W’hampton Jones (tenors), Aneira Evans (so- THE LOTTERY WINNERS TOKYO MYERS Sun 24 prano) & Galin Ganchev (piano), Sat Fri 22 Nov, The Sug- Nov, O2 Institute, 23 Nov, Maidment Auditorium, armill, Stoke-on-Trent Birmingham Shrewsbury School Theatre WHITNEY - QUEEN OF MAHALIA - LOVE & COM- TELFORD ORCHESTRA AUTUMN CONCERT THE LION, THE WITCH & THE WARDROBE THE NIGHT Fri 22 Nov, PROMISE TOUR Sun 24 Programme includes works by Amateur staging of CS Lewis’ fantas- Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Nov, O2 Institute, Mendelssohn & Haydn, Sat 23 Nov, tical tale, Mon 18 - Tues 19 Nov, OCEAN WISDOM Thurs Trent Birmingham St Michaels Church, Madeley, Shrop- Stoke Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on- 21 Nov, The Mill, Birm- LADY MAISERY Fri 22 shire SIXTIES GOLD Sun 24 Trent ingham Nov, Newhampton Nov, Symphony Hall, CBSO: BEETHOVEN & STRAVINSKY Fea- ANNIE Lesley Joseph stars as Miss SHED SEVEN Thurs 21 Arts Centre, Wolver- Birmingham turing Gustavo Gimeno (conductor) Hannigan in a new touring version of Nov, Victoria Hall, hampton & Jeremy Denk (piano), Sat 23 Nov YUSUF - the much-loved rags-to-riches tale, Stoke-on-Trent DEMON + IZENGARD Fri (7pm), Symphony Hall, Birmingham TRIBUTE BY KEITH JAM Mon 18 - Sat 23 Nov, Regent Theatre, 22 Nov, Eleven, MARTIN STEPHENSON & Sun 24 Nov, The PIETRO FRESA PIANO CONCERT Pro- Stoke-on-Trent THE DAINTEES Thurs 21 Sandyford, Stoke-on- Robin, Bilston gramme includes works by Mozart, THE ENTERTAINER Shane Richie takes Nov, Hare & Hounds, Trent Chopin & Schumann, Sun 24 Nov, PRATEEK KUHAD Sun 24 the lead in John Osborne's classic, Birmingham NUCLEAR WEASELS Fri Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, Nov, O2 Institute, Mon 18 - Sat 23 Nov, Theatre Severn, 22 Nov, Albert’s Shed, North Shropshire AN EVENING WITH THE Birmingham Shrewsbury STEVE HILLAGE BAND Shrewsbury JARROD DICKENSON THE RAGGED TROUSERED PHILAN- Thurs 21 Nov, O2 Insti- THE COMMANDMENTS Sun 24 Nov, Henry THROPISTS Neil Gore presents a one- tute, Birmingham Sat 23 Nov, The River Tudor House, Shrews- man show featuring projected Rooms, Stourbridge Comedy PROFESSOR GREEN bury animation, political conjuring tricks Thurs 21 Nov, O2 Insti- LUCY SPRAGGAN Sat 23 THE DOLLOP - LIVE PODCAST Tues 19 and live music & song, Tues 19 Nov, tute, Birmingham Nov, Newhampton Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- SONS OF LIBERTY + Arts Centre, Wolver- SUZI RUFFELL Wed 20 Nov, The Glee hampton hampton COLLATERAL Thurs 21 Club, Birmingham THEATRE SUPPER: BROKEN SHELLS Nov, The Robin, Bil- MAD DOG MCREA Sat 23 ARDAL O’HANLON Thurs 21 Nov, Sym- Daisy Black brings to life Chaucer’s ston Nov, The Sugarmill, phony Hall, Birmingham Man of Law’s Tale - a story of love, Stoke-on-Trent fear, violence and the queer, cold GREENMATTHEWS Thurs COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Thurs 21 Nov, seas, Tues 19 Nov, Arena Theatre, 21 Nov, The Brew- HAWKWIND 50TH AN- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

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Monday 18 - Sunday 24 November

Wolverhampton dragged-up queertastic howl of a TROJAN HORSE A very local story show’ exploring nationalism, identity about a community torn apart by and our ability to speak out, Fri 22 racial division, ‘British values’ and the Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton culture of the government’s Prevent KING LEAR Oddbodies’ one-man show strategy, Tues 19 - Thurs 21 Nov, Mid- based on Shakespeare’s famous lands Arts Centre, Birmingham tragedy, Sat 23 Nov, Foxlowe Arts FAME Keith Jack & Jorgie Porter star Centre, Leek, Staffs in a new stage adaptation of the hit CAR PARK KING An original comedy 1980s film, Tues 19 - Sat 23 Nov, about one of the most controversial Wolverhampton Grand Theatre kings of England, Richard III... Sat 23 ONE UNDER Winsome Pinnock's Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury evocative play about the power of MRS PEACHUM’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND guilt and the quest for atonement, MARRIAGE Mid Wales Opera present a Tues 19 - Sat 23 Nov, The REP, radical reworking of John Gay’s The Birmingham Beggar’s Opera, Sat 23 Nov, SpArC MUGENKYO TAIKO DRUMMERS: TRIBE 25 Theatre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire Brand new show featuring ‘skill, A MYTHICAL CHRISTMAS Students from stamina and red-hot rhythms to stir the Oakengates and Childs Ercall your soul!’, Wed 20 Nov, Stafford academies perform their latest show Gatehouse Theatre numbers, Sat 23 Nov, The Place, Telford THE DISAPPEARING ACT Open Sky blend new writing and visual physical theatre to tell the story of magician’s assistant Edie Rose, Sat 23 Nov, Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire TORI SCOTT IS PICKLED Join the New York-based cabaret star as she cele- The Entertainer brates her poor life choices and un- conditional love of vodka, Sat 23 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 18 - Sat 23 November The Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham PETER PAN Festive version of JM Bar- Written by John Osborne in the 1950s, The Entertainer tells the story MAGICAL MYSTERIES RSM Stage rie's classic tale, Wed 20 - Sat 23 Nov, Academy return with their Early Years of washed-up music hall star Archie Rice. A performer long past his Erdington United Reformed Church, annual showcase featuring an array expiry date, Archie is struggling to negotiate the changing sociopo- Birmingham of young stars from the academy, litical landscape of the mid-20th century... TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES Hotbuckle Sun 24 Nov, Arena Theatre, Heading out on tour for the first time ever, The Entertainer has been Theatre present a new version of Wolverhampton Thomas Hardy’s haunting tale, Thurs updated somewhat - to the 1980s - and unfolds against the back- 21 Nov, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury drop of the Falklands War and Margaret Thatcher. The production THE MILLER’S STORY Physical comedy, stars Shane Richie - best known as EastEnders’ Alfie Moon - in the music & song combine in Clown title role. Noir’s adaptation of Chaucer’s Can- Kids Shows terbury Tales story, Thurs 21 Nov, BILLIONAIRE BOY New staging of David Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Walliams' bestselling story, Wed 20 - GENIUS Six dancers perform two ‘dra- mentary-making to singing to becom- matic explorations of genius’, Tues 19 ing the voice of Toilet Duck, Mon 18 THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood Sat 23 Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, - Wed 20 Nov, Patrick Studio, Nov, The Alexandra Theatre, B’ham has The Greatest Showman, the Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome Black Country has The Greatest PEDLAR’S TALES Pop-up children’s GORDON BUCHANAN: ANIMAL FAMILIES Showench! Fizzog are back with their theatre fusing puppetry, live music & SKIN REIMAGINED ACE Dance double- & ME Join the acclaimed television latest production... Thurs 21 Nov, bite-size stories, Fri 22 Nov, The Tal- bill looking at the subject of ‘what wildlife cameraman as he shares sto- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham bot Theatre, Whitchurch, North binds us together’ and also exploring ries of his experiences with some of what it means to be individual, Thurs the world’s most fearsome and ma- FIRST TIME HIV+ theatre-maker Shropshire 21 Nov, Arena Theatre, W’hampton jestic animals, Mon 18 Nov, Nathaniel Hall presents a ‘funny and Wolverhampton Grand Theatre frank’ autobiographical solo show THE NUTCRACKER Birmingham Royal about staying positive in a negative Ballet perform Sir Peter Wright’s DARK TALES FROM INDIA Peter Chand world, Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Nov, The Old Cabaret world-famous festive production, Fri presents a collection of truly dark, Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham 22 Nov - Sat 14 Dec, Birmingham erotic and disturbing stories from FLANDERS AND SWANN Award-winning Hippodrome India, Wed 20 Nov, The Brewhouse THE SNOW QUEEN Stourbridge Theatre comedian Tim FitzHigham and musi- Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent Company present an amateur stag- YAATRA Jaivant Patel presents an cal maestro Duncan Walsh Atkins ing of Hans Christian Andersen’s icy evening of ‘captivating’ solo kathak BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH Zephaniah present the wit and wordplay of fa- tale, Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Nov, Stour- and contemporary dance, Sat 23 shares a selection of favourite stories mous comedy songsmiths, Michael bridge Town Hall Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton and poems, Fri 22 Nov, Albany The- Flanders and Donald Swann, Sun 24 atre, Coventry INSPECTOR DRAKE AND THE BLACK Nov, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, WIDOW Gill ‘Doreen Tipton’ Jordan Stafford stars in a ‘comedy whodunnit like you’ve never seen before’, Thurs 21 - Talks / Sat 23 Nov, Theatre On The Steps, Events Bridgnorth, South Shropshire Dance Spoken Word MARKET DRAYTON WINTER FAIR Show- casing a range of gifts, homewear, AN EVENING WITH LENNY HENRY: WHO ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG Brand new THE NUTCRACKER Presented by Rus- crafts, food and more, Mon 18 Nov, AM I, AGAIN? Fri 22 Nov, Dudley Town and ‘deliciously irreverent’ account of sian State Ballet, Mon 18 Nov, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- Hall a career that has taken Alexander Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ton, North Shropshire MOTHERLAND ‘Visceral full-bodied from comedy to presenting to docu- whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18-24 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:37 Page 3 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18-24 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:37 Page 4

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 November WARLEY NATIONAL MODEL RAILWAY EX- annual fayre, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, HIBITION Featuring more than 90 lay- Ludlow Castle, South Shropshire outs from the UK and abroad, Sat 23 SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile - Sun 24 Nov, NEC, Birmingham self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, SANTA HUNTS Help the museum's fes- Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, West Midland tive costumed guides find the man Safari and Leisure Park, Bewdley himself, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, Black MEET SANTA Say hello to the man him- Country Living Museum, Dudley self by visiting the Antarctic Ice Cave, LEGO ENGINEERS Can you and your Sat 23 Nov - Mon 23 Dec, National family design and build great engi- Sea Life Centre, Birmingham neering solutions using only LEGO NORTH POLE ADVENTURE Journey blocks? Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, Think- through a magical portal to the North tank Science Museum, Birmingham Pole, Sat 23 Nov - Tues 24 Dec, Na- CHRISTMAS THROUGH TIME Take in the tional Forest Adventure Farm, sights, sounds and smells of Christ- Burton-upon-Trent mas across the years, Sat 23 Nov - SANTA'S SLEEPOVER Experience ‘the Tues 24 Dec, Black Country Living most magical Christmas escape’, Museum, Dudley Sun 24 Nov, Alton Towers, Stoke-on- EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: SILENT Trent NOIZE PRESENTS THE SILENT DISCO The FESTIVE MARKET Discover some Silent Disco returns for a third year unique gift ideas at a variety of stalls, after enjoying huge success in 2017 Sun 24 Nov, Aston Hall, Birmingham Lego Engineers - Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham & ’18, Sat 23 Nov, Birmingham Mu- seum And Art Gallery TORNADO! The world famous locomo- CONSERVATION STUDIO TOURS: BIRM- costumed evening tour and a rare tive makes a welcome return, Sun 24 INGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Be- chance to see Blakesley Hall by CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a Nov, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, hind-the-scenes tour, Tues 19 Nov, moonlight, Fri 22 Nov, Blakesley Hall, ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full Nr Kidderminster Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery Birmingham of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- bury World’, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Nov, TAMWORTH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FESTI- CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO SPICE UP YOUR BRUNCH Featuring Cadbury World, Birmingham VAL ‘Jam packed day of festive fun BACKS Thurs 21 Nov, Birmingham prizes, lip sync battles, games and for the whole family’, Sun 24 Nov, Back to Backs musical numbers, Sat 23 Nov, The LUDLOW MEDIEVAL CHRISTMAS FAYRE Tamworth Town Centre Kick off the festive season at the 21st BLAKESLEY BY NIGHT An atmospheric Lord Clifden, Birmingham

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thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November JETHRO Wed 27 & Thurs 28 Nov, Cas- Gigs Classical tle Hall, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire ROY CHUBBY BROWN Thurs 28 Nov, The LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH LEWIS CAPALDI Mon 25 Place, Telford Nov, O2 Academy, THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes Birmingham works by JS Bach, Balfe, Stanford, MIKE WILMOT PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL Prokofiev & Widor, Mon 25 Nov, Birm- WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 28 Nov, RONNIE WOOD Mon 25 ingham Town Hall The Glee Club, Birmingham Nov, Symphony Hall, Birmingham LUNCHTIME MUSIC: PROKOFIEV & ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri 29 Nov, BRAHMS Featuring Grace Duthie William Aston Hall, Wrexham TCTC GROUP BRASS (flute), Joanne Sealey (piano), Olga BAND Mon 25 Nov, MIKE WILMOT, JONNY AWSUM, SUSIE Eckert (violin) & John Thwaites New Vic Theatre, New- MCCABE & COMIC TBC Fri 29 - Sat 30 (piano), Mon 25 Nov, Recital Hall, castle-under-Lyme Nov, The Glee Club, Birmingham Royal Birmingham Conservatoire ULI JON ROTH Mon 25 CARL HUTCHINSON Sat 30 Nov, The PIANO SHOWCASE FEAT. SALOMÉ CHITAIA Nov, The Robin, Bil- Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton & YICHENG PAN Programme includes ston JOHN ROBINS Sat 30 Nov, Birmingham works by Haydn, Tchaikovsky & Bal- Town Hall RUEL Tues 26 Nov, O2 akirev, Wed 27 Nov, Symphony Hall, Institute, Birmingham Birmingham ADAM ANT Tues 26 CBSO: HAYDN & MOZART Featuring Ric- Nov, Symphony Hall, cardo Minasi (conductor), Oliver Birmingham Miles Kane - The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Janes (clarinet) & Nikolaj Henriques A COUNTRY NIGHT IN (bassoon). Programme includes NASHVILLE Wed 27 Thurs 28 Nov, The bury works by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven Nov, Victoria Hall, & Mozart, Wed 27 Nov (7.30pm), Sugarmill, Stoke-on- SARAH COLLINS & KEEP Stoke-on-Trent Symphony Hall, Birmingham Trent THE FAITH Sat 30 Nov, ELVIS PRESLEY Wed 27 DAN OWEN Thurs 28 - The Place, Telford CBSO: HAYDN & MOZART Featuring Ric- Nov, Resorts World cardo Minasi (conductor), Oliver ROB ROUSE, SARAH KEYWORTH, NOEL Sat 30 Nov, St Mary’s DIRTY DC Sat 30 Nov, Arena, Birmingham Church, Shrewsbury Janes (clarinet) & Nikolaj Henriques JAMES & HAYLEY ELLIS Sat 30 Nov, The Eleven, Sandyford, (bassoon). Programme includes MILES KANE + BUZZARD Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE CHEMICAL Stoke-on-Trent works by Haydn, Strauss, Beethoven BUZZARD BUZZARD Wed JUDI LOVE Sat 30 Nov, Midlands Arts BROTHERS Fri 29 Nov, NORTHLANE Sat 30 & Mozart, Thurs 28 Nov (2.15pm), 27 Nov, The Sugarmill, Centre, Birmingham Arena Birmingham Nov, O2 Academy, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent UB40 - LABOUR OF LOVE Birmingham BINCHOIS CONSORT Featuring Andrew SHOW OF HANDS Wed Fri 29 Nov, The River XILLA Sat 30 Nov, O2 Kirkman (director). Programme com- 27 Nov, Symphony Rooms, Stourbridge Academy, Birmingham prises music from Antwerp in the time Hall, Birmingham Opera HUGH CORNWELL Fri 29 LOST IN MUSIC Sat 30 of Jan de Beer, Fri 29 Nov, The Barber SUNSET SONS Wed 27 GILBERT & SULLIVAN A LA CARTE Miscel- Nov, The Robin, Nov, Regent Theatre, Institute, Birmingham Nov, O2 Institute, lany of musical numbers, Tues 26 Bilston Stoke-on-Trent ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: THE Birmingham Nov, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre GIGGS Fri 29 Nov, O2 CUSTARD CONNECTION LARK ASCENDING Featuring Zoe Byers MAC DEMARCO Wed 27 Academy, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, Albert’s (violin) & Kenneth Woods (conductor). Nov, O2 Academy, ALDOUS HARDING Fri 29 Shed, Shrewsbury Programme includes works by Elgar, Birmingham Vaughan Williams, Elgar (arr. Fraser) Nov, O2 Institute, JO HARMAN Sat 30 THE AUSTRALIAN PINK B’ham Birmingham & Tchaikovsky, Fri 29 Nov, Stafford Theatre Nov, Lichfield Guildhall Gatehouse Theatre FLOYD SHOW Wed 27 CHRISTMAS MEMORIES Neil Sands and MAGNETIC JELLYFISH Fri BLACKWATER COUNTY Nov, Regent Theatre, THE HALLE Featuring Courtney Lewis cast are back to present ‘an unforget- 29 Nov, Eleven, Sat 30 Nov, Katie Stoke-on-Trent (conductor) & Nicholas Trygstad table afternoon of festive nostalgia’, Sandyford, Stoke-on- Fitzgerald’s, Stour- SWARMZ Wed 27 Nov, Trent (cello). Programme includes works by Mon 25 Nov, The Place, Telford bridge Ravel, Elgar & Sibelius, Fri 29 Nov, O2 Academy, B’ham CHRISTMAS WITH STEPTOE & SON Fes- GLENN HUGHES Fri 29 ULTRA 90’S Sat 30 Nov, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent ELO EXPERIENCE Thurs tive misadventures with the nation’s Nov, O2 Institute, The River Rooms, 28 Nov, Regent The- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring favourite rag-and-bone men, Tues 26 - Birmingham Stourbridge atre, Stoke-on-Trent Daniele Rosina (conductor). Pro- Thurs 28 Nov, The Old Joint Stock JUNIOR BILL Fri 29 Nov, THE SMALL GLORIES Sat gramme comprises Dvorak’s Sym- SIXTIES GOLD Thurs 28 Theatre, Birmingham Albert’s Shed, Shrews- 30 Nov, The Hive, phony No.8 in G major, Op.88, Sat 30 Nov, Victoria Hall, A CHRISTMAS CAROL Presented by the bury Shrewsbury Nov, Elgar Concert Hall, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent award-winning BMOS Musical Theatre OASIS VS KAZABIAN Fri Company, Tues 26 - Sat 30 Nov, The PETE WAY BAND + 29 Nov, The Slade Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham ICONIC EYE Thurs 28 Rooms, W’hampton Nov, Eleven, Sandy- SCROOGE THE MUSICAL Presented by JOOLS HOLLAND AND Comedy ford, Stoke-on-Trent Little Theatre Company, Tues 26 - Sat HIS RHYTHM & BLUES BEN ELTON Tues 26 Nov, Victoria Hall, 30 Nov, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS ORCHESTRA Fri 29 - Sat Stoke-on-Trent Burton-upon-Trent Thurs 28 Nov, Sym- 30 Nov, Symphony phony Hall, B’ham Hall, Birmingham JACK DEE Wed 27 Nov, The Place, SISTER ACT Amateur staging presented Telford by Stoke Musical Theatre Company, DIDO Thurs 28 Nov, TOTALLY TINA Sat 30 Tues 26 - Sat 30th Nov, Stoke Reper- Arena Birmingham Nov, Victoria Hall, tory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent FAT WHITE FAMILY Stoke-on-Trent THE COUNTERFEIT AN EVENING WITH LENNY HENRY: WHO Thurs 28 Nov, O2 Insti- YOUNG DOLPH & KEY STONES Sat 30 Nov, AM I, AGAIN? Wed 27 Nov, tute, Birmingham GLOCK Sat 30 Nov, O2 The Robin, Bilston Wolverhampton Grand Theatre JESSICA BOSWELL Institute, Birmingham FREEDOM 19 - GEORGE ALADDIN X-Factor’s Wagner & Britain’s Thurs 28 Nov, Hare & THE STYLE COUNCIL- MICHAEL CELEBRATION Got Talent’s Donchez Dacres star Hounds, Birmingham LORS Sat 30 Nov, The Sat 30 Nov, Sutton alongside TV & radio personality Dee Buttermarket, Shrews- GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB Coldfield Town Hall ‘White Dee’ Kelly, Wed 27 Nov - Sun 1 whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 25-30 November.qxp_Layout 1 21/10/2019 17:50 Page 3

thelist Monday 25 - Saturday 30 November Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall THE LITTLE PRINCE Luca Silvestrini’s THE TURN OF THE SCREW Box Tale Protein re-imagine the classic tale, Fri Soup presents a new adaptation of 29 - Sat 30 Nov, DanceXchange, Henry James’ disturbing story, Thurs Birmingham Hippodrome 28 Nov, The Talbot Theatre, STEPPING IN STYLE RSM Stage Whitchurch, North Shropshire Academy return to the Arena Theatre THE MAGIC OF MENKEN Aldridge Musi- after their sell-out shows, Footlights & cal Comedy Society present a ‘fun- Curtain Calls and Centre Stage, Sat filled family show’, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Arena Theatre, Nov, Prince Of Wales Centre, Can- Wolverhampton nock THE GREATEST SHOWENCH Hollywood has The Greatest Showman, the Black Country has The Greatest Talks / Showench! Fizzog are back with their latest production, Thurs 28 - Sat 30 Spoken Word Nov, Theatre On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South Shropshire GORDON BUCHANAN: ANIMAL FAMILIES & ME Join the acclaimed television JACK & THE BEANSTALK Stoke Amateur wildlife cameraman as he shares sto- Theatre Society (SATS) promise a ries of his experiences with some of pantomime of ‘gigantic proportions’, the world’s most fearsome and ma- Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 8 Dec, Mitchell jestic animals, Mon 25 Nov, Birming- Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent ham Town Hall Moroccan Fire Nights - NEC, Birmingham CINDERELLA Festive family favourite POETS, PRATTLERS & PANDEMONIALISTS Severn Valley with a dazzling extrava- enjoy a mince pie and glass of starring Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies) Open mic night with a difference, ganza of magical creatures, sparkling sherry, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Chur- and Sam Rabone, Thurs 28 Nov - Tues 26 Nov, Arena Theatre, Wolver- lights, snowfall and thrills’, all enjoyed net Valley Railway, Froghall, Staffs Sun 5 Jan, Lichfield Garrick hampton from the warmth and comfort of a his- SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile AN EVENING WITH LENNY HENRY: WHO toric carriage, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Nov, MICHAEL PORTILLO - LIFE: A GAME OF self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, AM I, AGAIN? Fri 29 Nov, Regent The- Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley, Nr TWO HALVES Tues 26 Nov, Festival Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, West Mid- atre, Stoke-on-Trent Kidderminster Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, land Safari and Leisure Park, Bewd- LOOP Innovative combination of new North Shropshire SANTA SAFARI Featuring a four-mile ley, Nr Kidderminster writing, contemporary performance, self-drive safari and a visit to Santa, SIR CHRIS BONINGTON - LIFE & TIMES SANTA SPECIALS Experience the and live looping audio, Fri 29 Nov, Fri 29 Nov - Mon 23 Dec, Hawkstone Join the intrepid adventurer as he re- magic of Christmas on a steam train Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Park & Follies, Shrewsbury counts stories of his 60 years spent in ride through the Severn Valley with TREASURE ISLAND THE PANTO Amateur the mountains, Wed 27 Nov, Stafford BEOWULF Costumed performance of Santa, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Sev- staging presented by Pride & Joy Gatehouse Theatre the legendary story, Sat 30 Nov, ern Valley Railway, Bewdley Theatre, Fri 29 - Sat 30 Nov, The Aston Hall, Birmingham MOROCCAN FIRE NIGHTS Evening fus- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham CELEBRATION TALK & TOUR: WOMEN'S ing ‘incredible entertainment with a THE TALE OF LITTLE BEVAN Pentabus WORK IN THE JEWELLERY QUARTER delicious festive feast and a spectac- take audiences on a darkly comic Find out about the work undertaken ularly themed environment’, Sat 30 journey through 24 hours in the life of Events by women from the late 1800s until Nov - Sun 22 Dec, NEC, Birmingham a peaceful Norfolk village, Sat 30 the 1980s, Sat 30 Nov, Museum of FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA AT THE ENGINE CHRISTMAS AT SHUGBOROUGH Chance Nov, Oscars, Ludlow, South Shrop- the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham HOUSE Travel on a heritage steam to see the property decorated for shire train before settling down for After- EDWARDIAN TEAROOMS LATE: SILENT Christmas, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 22 Dec, PETER PAN JM Barrie's swashbuckling noon Tea served to your table, Tues NOIZE PRESENTS THE SILENT DISCO The Shugborough Historic Working Es- creation flies into Birmingham for 26 - Thurs 28 Nov, Severn Valley Rail- Silent Disco returns to BMAG’s Ed- tate, Stafford Christmas, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 19 Jan, way, Bewdley, nr Kidderminster wardian Tearooms for a third year, STATFOLD SANTA EXPRESS Climb The REP, Birmingham Sat 30 Nov, Birmingham Museum & SOUNDS OF THE 60S LIVE WITH TONY aboard Santa's steam train and be Art Gallery BLACKBURN Legendary DJ Tony hosts transported to the North Pole, Sat 30 an evening of classics performed by CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along Nov - Sun 22 Dec, Statfold Barn Rail- the Sounds Of The 60s All Star Band or just soak up the festive atmo- way, Tamworth Kids Shows & Singers, Thurs 28 Nov, Wolver- sphere as you get Christmas off to a ATTINGHAM CHRISTMAS: INSPIRED BY hampton Grand Theatre traditional start with an evening of NATURE Visit the mansion’s individu- KIPPER'S SNOWY DAY Original songs & carols and festive songs, Sat 30 Nov, BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW WINTER It’s ally themed rooms, imaginatively music, puppetry and humour com- Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley bine in a stage version of Mick never too early to start thinking about decorated to represent nature, both Inkpen’s much-loved book, Tues 26 Christmas! Start planning a food- MINICHRISTMAS Activities include tree local and exotic, Sat 30 Nov - Mon 23 Nov - Tues 31 Dec, Midlands Arts filled day out with friends and family, decorating, paper-chain making and Dec, Attingham Park, Shrewsbury Centre, Birmingham Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, NEC, snowflake cutting, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 SANTA'S GROTTO Meet Santa and his Birmingham Dec, Thinktank Science Museum, team of elves, Sat 30 Nov - Mon 23 Birmingham ART & ANTIQUES FOR EVERYONE Featur- Dec, The British Ironwork Centre, Os- ing 180 specialist dealers exhibiting a CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS Enjoy a westry, North Shropshire Dance wide range of pieces, from classic to ‘scrumptious day out that's choc-full CHRISTMAS BRICKTACULAR Enjoy sea- contemporary, Thurs 28 Nov - Sun 1 of festive fun this Christmas at Cad- sonal building activities, Sat 30 Nov - JAMES WILTON DANCE: LEVIATHAN Dec, NEC, Birmingham bury World’, Sat 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Tues 24 Dec, Legoland Discovery Choreographed reimagining of Her- Cadbury World, Birmingham CHRISTMAS TILE DECORATING WORK- Centre, Birmingham man Melville’s seminal novel, Moby SHOPS Try a tube-lining technique to CHRISTMAS AT COALBROOKDALE Meet Dick, Thurs 28 Nov, Wem Town Hall, SANTA'S GROTTO After receiving a spe- produce your own ceramic master- Santa in this all-new experience, Sat North Shrewsbury cial gift from Santa, it’s off to see his piece, Fri 29 Nov, Jackfield Tile Mu- 30 Nov - Sun 1 Dec, Coalbrookdale reindeer, as they prepare for their THE WIZARD OF OZ Presented by Ballet seum, Telford Museum of Iron, Ironbridge busiest night of the year, Sat 30 Nov - Theatre UK, Fri 29 Nov, Tamworth As- STEAM IN LIGHTS A ‘spectacular illumi- SANTA AND STEAM Featuring on-train Tues 24 Dec, Dudley Zoological Gar- sembly Rooms nated adventure along an enchanting visits from Santa and the chance to dens

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