GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I Eventss I FOOD on Staffordshirewhatson.Co.Uk

Staffordshire Cover December 2017 .qxp_Staffordshire Cover 21/11/2017 12:18 Page 1

CHRISTIAN PATTERSON GLAMS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands UP AT THE REGENT... STAFFORDSHIREWHAT’S DECEMBER ON 2017

Staffordshire ISSUE 384 DECEMBER 2017 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On staffordshirewhatson.co.uk

PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP inside:

Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

pantoROCK at Stafford ’N’ ROLL Gatehouse Theatre TWITTER: @WHATSONSTAFFS

swashbucklingTREASURE adventure ISLAND at the New Vic Theatre FACEBOOK:@STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON

WINTER comesWONDERLAND to Stoke-on-Trent STAFFORDSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Staffordshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 09:23 Page 1

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

PAUL FOOT – ‘TIS A PITY 14+ SHE’S A PIGLET’ “SUBLIME, ORIGINAL AND BRILLIANT” INDEPENDENT

SAT 2 DEC, 8.00PM TICKETS £15.50

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD – THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PANTO

THURS 7 DEC 2017 - SUN 7 JAN 2018 ADULTS £20.00 CONCS £15.50 FAMILY £66.00

THE URBAN FOLK QUARTET “FANS OF AMBITIOUS FOLK SHOULD CHECK THIS OUT” THE TELEGRAPH

FRI 8 DEC, 8.00 PM TICKETS £15.50

CHRISTMAS GOTHIC ★★★★★ “TRULY EXTRAORDINARY” BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE

TUES 12 & WED 13 DEC, 7.30PM TICKETS £16.00

DEAR SANTA A PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE FOR THOSE AGED 2 TO 7 YEARS OLD

SUN 17 - SUN 24 DEC, 11.30AM, 12.30PM AND 3.30PM ADULTS £12.50 FAMILY £42.00

TRÈS TRÈS CABARET 18 STAFFORD'S FIRST, AND ONLY BURLESQUE AND VARIETY SHOW

THURS 28 DEC, 8.00PM TICKETS £20.50

THE HARRY AND CHRIS SHOW ★★★★★ THE SUNDAY POST

SAT 30 DEC, 8.00PM ADULTS £12.50 CONCS £10.50

View the full listings at www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk Box office 01785 619080 Contents December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:28 Page 2

December 2017

Contents

Delightful Dames! - up close and personal with some of the region’s best feature on page 8

Belshazzar’s Feast Treasure Island Winter Wonderland the list

folk duo visit the Midlands with swashbuckling fun and pirates Popular Stoke attraction returns Your 16-page Christmas-themed show aplenty at the New Vic Theatre to get you in the festive spirit week-by-week listings guide feature page 15 page 25 page 49 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 15. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 37. Film 42. Visual Arts 45. Events

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

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Entertainment news from around the region

Pull on your Kinky Boots! Hit musical Kinky Boots is heading to the Midlands next year. Featuring songs by award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, the show stops off at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tues- day 16 to Saturday 27 October. It then returns to the region early in 2019, running at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from Monday 28 January to Saturday 9 February. Commenting on the production, Cyndi Lau- per said: “It’s been a wonderful adventure and a privilege for me to play a part in creating Kinky Boots. Everyone can relate to this universal story, and I’m overwhelmed that people in the UK have embraced it with open arms. I’m thrilled that this fabulous show will be touring the country!” For more information, visit kinkybootsthe- musical.co.uk

UK gets set to celebrate on Wednesday 31 January. X Factor favourite Amelia Selection day is Saturday 24 March - candi- 250 years of circus magic dates should be available for this date. to join the cast of Shrek The 250th anniversary of the world’s very Applications for the post must be submitted X Factor favourite Amelia first circus - which took place on an aban- to: [email protected] Lily is to share the role of doned patch of land near London’s Waterloo Princess Fiona with Call - is being marked across the UK in 2018. The Midwife star Laura Circus250 will see museums, filmmakers, de- Shakespeare’s Scottish Main when Shrek The signers, theatres, orchestras, schools, li- play bringing dark deeds Musical heads out on a braries and (of course) circuses joining in the national tour. celebrations. The year-long event aims to ‘en- to Stafford next summer Directed by ex-EastEnder able pioneering work, forge new partner- Shakespeare’s Scottish play is coming to Nigel Harman, the produc- ships, build new audiences and embed circus Stafford. tion visits Birmingham, Wolverhampton and at the heart of modern-day culture’. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre management, to- Stoke-on-Trent next year. Commenting on the For more information, visit circus250.com gether with Freedom Leisure, have an- news, Lily said: “I had my first taste of per- nounced that the 2018 Stafford Festival forming as Princess Fiona back in 2012 when Shakespeare production at the town’s castle I donned the famous green dress for a Chil- Stoke-on-Trent to appoint will be a new version of Macbeth. dren In Need special. It was an incredible ex- its first Poet Laureate Commenting on the news, producer Derrick perience, so when the opportunity came up Gask said: “I’m incredibly excited about next to reprise the role, I jumped at the chance. I Stoke-on-Trent is set to get its very first Poet year’s production. It’s been a few years since can’t wait to set out on a road trip across the Laureate. the last time we performed the play at the country with all my fairytale friends.” For The honorary post is for an initial two-year castle, back in 2003, and following feedback more information about the show, visit shrek- period. Interested parties must be aged 18 or from audiences for The Tempest this summer, themusical.co.uk older and live, work regularly or study in myself and the rest of the creative team felt Stoke. that Macbeth was the perfect choice for Anybody interested in applying for the post 2018.” Macbeth will show at the castle from needs to submit the following: Three original Drinks app helps beat the Thursday 28 June until Saturday 14 July. poems of no more than 30 lines each (one queues at Wolves venue poem must be about Stoke-on-Trent); A state- archive image Visitors to Wolverhampton Civic Halls events ment of up to 500 words explaining why they can now pre-order their food and drinks - or would like to be Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laure- order direct from their seats - thanks to a ate, what they would bring to the role, and brand new app. ideas for what they might do during their The 'Wolves Civic' combined mobile app, tenure; A writing CV (maximum length, one powered by Preoday, is available to down- page) detailing relevant experience. load from Google Play and the App Store. Entry to the competition closes at midnight

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Arena Theatre announces first associate artist A Wolverhampton-based independent dance artist, choreog- rapher and cultural producer has become the first associate artist of the city’s Arena The- atre venue. Jaivant Patel is the artistic director of his own company, which exists to communicate his British-Asian identity and challenge inherited notions, perceptions and stereotypes. He is also artist-in-residence at MAC Birmingham and a member of the board of direc- tors for Dance4. Commenting on his new role, Jaivant said: “My partnership Something Beastly this way bounces! with the venue has been sig- Midlanders are being invited to unleash their beast at the NEC near Coventry this month, courtesy of nificant in my professional the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course. At an impressive 272m in length, The Beast is ‘the ulti- growth as a dance artist, pro- mate bouncy castle experience for adults’ and features no fewer than 32 obstacles. ducer and cultural leader. I Visitors to the event, which runs from Friday 8 to Sunday 17 December, can also enjoy street food, now look forward to further cocktails and craft beers. Live DJs and an ‘extraordinary’ sound and lighting show also feature. developing and strengthening both my professional and artistic relationship with the Handel’s Cut the cost with an annual pass to five of Arena Theatre.” Messiah at Shropshire’s most popular festivals Burlesque returns the Abbey The company behind five of Shropshire’s most popular events has launched a cost-cutting annual pass. to Lichfield Shropshire Festivals organises Oktoberfest, Telfood Feastival, Shrewsbury Lichfield’s first and only bur- Winter Festival and kids’ festivals in both Shrewsbury and Telford. lesque and cabaret show is The company’s new pass can be purchased for between £20 and £25 and back for one night only. provides entry to all five events during 2018. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Pres- For more information, visit shropshirefestivals.digitickets.co.uk ents... Baby It’s Cold Outside offers ‘a night of saucy deca- Shrewsbury School dence’ featuring striptease, Community Choir is singing and ‘sights you've presenting its annual never seen before!’. charity performance of The show takes place at the Handel’s Messiah in city’s George Hotel on Friday Shrewsbury Abbey on 22 December. Saturday 23 December. The choir has been in existence for over 30 years, with its activities and membership also registered as Shropshire Charity Concerts. It currently has 120 active members. Shrewsbury School’s Music Direc- tor, John Moore, conducts the performance. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2017 10:02 Page 3

First Word

Charity CD raises funds in memory of Dinosaurs return Shrewsbury Folk Festival founder to roam the NEC A CD released in tribute to the late co-founder of Shrewsbury Folk Festival has raised more than £4,000 for a charity set up in his name. The profits from Resound, a 15-track recording featuring songs from artists including Oysterband, Jon Boden, Grace Petrie and Karine Polwart, will be ploughed into the Alan Surtees Trust, an initiative aiming to support young and emerging musicians. Alan died from cancer earlier this year. For more information about the trust and the CD, visit shrews- Global sensation Walking buryfolkfestival.co.uk. To buy a CD, go to fishrecords.co.uk. With Dinosaurs is returning to the Midlands next summer. The hit production, Gallery’s new- World record bid as Peter Pan and Wendy based on the award-winning look Georgian head for pantomime fun in Neverland! BBC television series, has been enjoyed by more than room reopens Arena Birmingham is this month hosting a festive family show that’s bid- nine million people in 250- Wolverhampton Art ding to enter the record books. plus cities around the Gallery's newly refur- The company behind Peter Pan: Christmas In Neverland is hoping the pro- world. Popular TV presenter bished Georgian Room is duction will be confirmed by Guinness World Records as the biggest-ever Michaela Strachan will star now open to the public. Christmas show. in the show as ‘Huxley’ the The room has undergone Starring Bradley Walsh and Martin Kemp, the production features numer- paleontologist. a transformation as part ous ‘stunning’ special effects, including a lifesize Jolly Roger galleon which Walking With Dinosaurs - of the ongoing improve- will ‘sail’ around the arena in front of a 10,000-gallon water wall. Arena Spectacular shows at ment works to the city's The show also includes a team of BMX stunt riders, six aerial mermaids, a Arena Birmingham from 26 popular Lichfield Street ‘crazy collection’ of trapeze and trampoline stuntmen and ‘the biggest, to 28 July. gallery. scariest animatronic crocodile you’ve ever seen’... Peter Pan: Christmas In The improvements in- Neverland runs at Arena Birmingham from 20 to 24 December. clude new carpet, wallpa- Welsh rockers to per, lighting and play outdoor gig furnishings, kept within the Georgian theme. Stereophonics’ massive The PA system and Wi-Fi Shropshire and Stafford- connectivity has also been shire fanbase will be de- improved. lighted to hear that the band are set to play a huge homecoming gig at Wrexham’s Crowdfunding Racecourse Ground next appeal for Iron year. Bridge repairs The mega-selling Welsh band will play the venue on English Heritage has Saturday 2 June. Comment- launched a crowdfunding ing on the news, lead singer appeal to raise money to- Kelly Jones said: “The fans wards conservation work have stuck with us and be- on Shropshire’s famous lieved in us no matter what Iron Bridge. path we’ve tried. I can’t wait The restoration project Staffordshire gallery chosen to showcase to play in front of the crowd will take 19 months to that made us.” complete and cost exciting new works from emerging artists £3.6million. Stoke-on-Trent’s AirSpace Gallery has been chosen as one of three venues to The work is being done in exhibit work by emerging artists taking part in the 2018 New Art West Mid- a way that will allow the lands initiative. Celebrating and showcasing work by some of the region’s bridge to remain open to most promising emerging artists, the competition includes large-scale in- pedestrians. To contribute stallations, sculpture, photography, video, animation, paintings and digital towards the appeal, visit artworks. Alongside AirSpace Gallery, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery crowdfunder.co.uk/pro- and the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry will also be displaying ject-iron-bridge the New Art West Midlands 2018 artwork. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs December.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2017 10:02 Page 4 Dame feature Davina (done).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 15:38 Page 1

Steve Boyce Steve’s new to the Dame game but has wanted to play the role for DELIGHTFUL pretty much as long as he can remember. With the opportunity to do so failing to present itself, he took matters into his own hands by writing and starring in his own DAMES! Edinburgh Fringe show, a delightful little number entitled The Dame Dolly Donut Show. There ain’t nothin’ like a Dame - particularly the type you find in pantomimes at this most magical time of year! Here in the Midlands we’re lucky to have some of the UK’s funniest and most colourful Dames treading the boards of our finest theatres. We caught up with a few of them to find out more about the joys and challenges of playing pantoland’s most outrageously glammed-up character...

Visit whatsonlive.co.uk to read the full interviews...

Ian Adams Seasoned pro Ian started his panto career starring alongside the late Jack Wild as an Ugly Sister. He then branched out on his own as Dame Trot in Jack & The Beanstalk, a role to which he’s returning this very festive season. Despite his panto CV also If you weren’t a Dame, what other including appearances as Captain Hook and the Mad Hatter, there ain’t nothin’ like a panto character would you like to Dame as far as Ian’s concerned. play? Before I became a Dame, I mainly used to play baddies - the Sheriff of What makes Christmas magical for you? Nottingham was one of my favourites I love the buzz in the theatre. For a lot of children it’s their - so I'd probably venture back to first panto, and it’s so important that we make their Sherwood Forest. Christmas magical. I’m a great believer in the importance of the story. All the other elements What’s your all-time favourite - song, dance, comedy etc - all have their part panto? to play, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of It's fallen somewhat out of favour in the story. The children have to believe it’s recent years, but I love a good real. production of Mother Goose. She really is the Dame's Dame - all of the Do you have a routine to ensure you’re usual comedy nonsense, plus the ‘panto ready’? story is all about her too! Not really. I always think of my Dame as a Favourite festive tipple? lady in hibernation - and when the clocks go back, it’s time to wake her up and get the As retro as it is, I’m partial to a heels on! snowball at Christmas. What’s the worst gift anyone could ever give you? Do you ever get post-panto blues? Meringue! Always. Panto casts start to feel like family, so it's hard when that family New Year resolution? has to dissolve again. Never look back. Steve plays Mrs Smee in Peter Pan, Ian plays Dame Trot in Jack And The which shows at The Place, Beanstalk at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Oakengates, from Wed 6 to Sun 31 from Sat 9 December to Sun 14 January December

8 whatsonlive.co.uk Dame feature Davina (done).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 15:38 Page 2

Brad Fitt Brad is a familiar festive face at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn. For the past six years, with one exception, he’s starred at the venue as the pantomime Dame - first in Aladdin in 2011 and now in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs. He’s been described by the Telegraph as one of the UK’s top Dames, and once upon a time earned his corn writing panto gags for Christopher Biggins.

If you weren’t a Dame, what other panto character would you like to Christian Patterson play? Sam Rabone One of pantoland’s best known Sam first donned the giant wig and I didn’t think I’d enjoy playing Dames, Christian Patterson has slapped on way too much makeup Buttons last year, but it was actually carved out a fantastic career for at the tender age of 19, to star as a really rewarding experience and himself at Stoke-on-Trent’s Regent the Dame for Sutton Coldfield am- quite different being onstage with no Theatre, where he’s ‘rouged up’ dram group the Vesey Players. funny costumes or make up. I do most years since 2006. He’s big He’s since made quite a splash on think that I’d like to play a baddie pals with Jonathan Wilkes, the professional circuit, both here one day. Abanazar in Aladdin would another fella who’s very much part in the UK and over in the United be my first choice, but perhaps I’ll of the furniture when it comes to Arab Emirates - where, he reveals, save that for when I’m too old and the business of Potteries pantos. he’s even been known to use that tired for all the quick changes.. old festive favourite the Brussel What makes Christmas magical for Who’s your scariest villain? sprout as a pizza topping! you? I’d have to say Abanazar, which is partly why I’d like to play him one As far as I’m concerned, panto is What was your first ever day. While he can be an evil Christmas! Well, panto… and mince experience as a Dame? character, he also has to try and trick pies! No panto, no mince pies… NO I was cast as Sarah the Cook in Dick the Twankeys into believing he’s on CHRISTMAS! Whittington for Pantoni Pantomimes their side. It’s certainly a part you down in Yeovil. I’d been working in Have you ever had any costume could get your teeth into. I once did entertainment for a few years, but it malfunctions? Aladdin with Victor Spinetti, who was my first professional job in a was a wonderful Abanazar and such Loads! It’s part and parcel of being a theatre and my first working as a a generous and talented performer. Dame! I’m a big lad, and I’ve got to Dame. get in and out of those heavy Brad plays Nurse Nellie in Snow costumes twice a day, every day - so What’s your all-time favourite White And The Seven Dwarfs, yes, I’ve seen my fair share of panto? which shows at Theatre Severn, costume fails! Not to mention the Dick Whittington! I love the story, I Shrewsbury, from Wed 29 Novem- time when Jonny (Wilkes) fell off a love the fact we get to travel from ber to Sun 7 January chair and ripped his trousers from London to Morocco, so the scenes are zip to rear belt loop! Of course, Jonny always so different, and in between being Jonny, he just quietly carried we go on a boat and under the water. on… Not! So there’s something for everyone in there. I also think it lends itself to Never work with children or some of the best slosh scenes. There’s animals. Comment... the chance to play either on the boat Ha! Well I would add, “Never work or in the kitchen. I think it’s a great with children… unless they’re from traditional pantomime. the Wilkes Academy!” Can someone tell Jonny I said that and make sure What’s the worst gift anyone could the cheque is in the post! But in all ever give you? honesty, they’re the best! I work with Turkish Delight. I can’t stand it. It an animal every year… Jonny! It’s like looks so nice and tasty, but then I working with a trained chimp! pop it in and can’t stand it!

Sam plays Dame Widow Twankey Christian plays Widow Twankey in in Aladdin, which shows at Aladdin, which shows at the Re- Lichfield Garrick from Thurs 30 gent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, from November to Sat 6 January Fri 15 December to Sun 7 January

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medium/well and served with skin-on fries, confit vine plum tomato and rocket - a traditional dish which is both indulgent and satisfying. The steak was tender, full of flavour and cooked to per- fection. His verdict - excellent! For dessert, I opted for the traditional Tiramisu, indulgently made with a strong coffee- soaked sponge, creamy mascar- pone layers and served with a rich chocolate sauce. It had a powerful caffeine hit yet also provided a shot of sweetness on the palate - much needed after such a savoury and fulsome meal. My companion indulged his sweet tooth too, enjoying a warm Chocolate Brownie full of walnuts, pecans and sultanas, REVIEW Ego: Lichfield laced with chocolate fudge sauce and served with ice-cold vanilla Combining excellent food and great service with an ice cream. Delicious! engaging atmosphere Throughout the meal, our waitress Laura was absolutely lovely On recommendation of a friend, I companion enjoyed a fresh, crisp minted yogurt and a hazelnut - so attentive and accommodat- recently made a 60-mile round Estrella lager, brewed in dukkah dip. The kebab meat was ing, with suggestions for accom- trip from Stoke to Lichfield, in Barcelona and something just a well seasoned and richly spiced, paniments and drinks, and order to try out a restaurant that little different from the usual which balanced well with the information, when asked, about by all accounts is impressing beer offering. raw, crunchy vegetable side, other menus. She also told us diners with a diverse Mediter- The menus at Ego are extensive, nutty dip and cool herby sauce. how very child-friendly the ranean menu and a vibrant, feel- so Laura suggested some appe- For the mains, instead of going venue was at weekends, with en- good atmosphere. I can tell you tisers whilst we were studying for the considerable array of tertainment provided - interest- now; it was well worth the trip! them. On her recommendation pasta, pizza and risottos, all of ing for me, as I’m often sourcing Ego Restaurant, situated on the we chose some marinated Nocel- which sounded authentically places that are both good for banks of the river in the centre of lara and Kalamata olives. Nutty, Mediterranean, we decided on children yet still smart and town and overlooking the beauti- buttery and deliciously salty, dishes from the main course & stylish for adults. ful cathedral, is a bright, stylish they were a perfect accompani- specials section of the menu. I Overall, Ego is a place I would and welcoming eatery with a cos- ment to the drinks - and some went for the Sea Bass, beautifully definitely visit again. Offering ex- mopolitan food offering and at- warm pitta and dips, including seared with a rocket and dried cellent food, great service and a tentive service. On arrival at the hummus, salsa and tzatziki, all sunblush tomato salad, carrot thoroughly engaging atmo- venue, my companion and I were of which were tasty, moreish and puree and courgette frittata. The sphere, it really is a thoroughly warmly greeted and escorted to a great way to whet the appetite. fish was delightful, with a white, enjoyable all-round experience. our table, from which we enjoyed After a lot of deliberation, I de- soft, flaky, melt-in-the-mouth Carol Lovatt a good view of our surroundings, cided on the Gambas al Pil Pil as consistency and a fresh, buttery including the spacious dining my starter. Consisting of succu- taste. This contrasted well with Food: nnnnn area and open-plan kitchen. My lent king prawns cooked in olive the earthy courgettes in the frit- Service: nnnnn first impression of Ego was that it oil with herbs, garlic and tata and the sharp acidity of the Ambience: nnnnn oozed vibrancy; the atmosphere guindilla chillies, they arrived at sunblush salad. I also ordered a Overall value nnnnn was lively, fun and very hos- the table sizzling and smelling side dish of Gratin Dauphinoise - OVERALL nnnnn pitable. divine. Presented with a side of sliced potato cooked in a rich Ego Our waitress, Laura, took our toasted tomato rustic bread, the cheese and cream sauce - which New Minster House drinks order. I opted for a glass dish was meaty, flavoursome and proved an excellent choice Bird Street of gently sparkling Prosecco Friz- spicy, and the bread provided a against the delicateness of the Lichfield zante with a lovely floral and subtle sweetness to offset the fish and the slight acidity of the WS13 6PW fruity bouquet; fitting for a heat of the chillies. purée. Tel: 01543 258234 venue with an emphasis on My companion ordered the Lamb My companion opted for the 8oz Southern European dining. My Kofta served with rainbow slaw, chargrilled Fillet Steak cooked

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18-21 Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY2 6AE 01743 355055 www.thepeachtree.co.uk Food December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs (1).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 15:40 Page 4

Food

Wolverhampton butcher named UK Champion of Champions - again! Codsall-based butchers Allan Bennett Ltd have won top prize in 2017’s Cham- pion of Champions awards. Allan’s Sunshine Sausage, a Mediter- ranean-inspired sausage made with tomato, oregano and garlic, beat off its competitors at County Hall in London, where the top sausages in the land were assessed in both raw and cooked forms by a panel of expert judges. The success marks a record fourth time that Allan Bennett has won the award. Gin festival makes a return to Shrewsbury Popular Shrewsbury restaurant The Boathouse is this month hosting its second gin festival (22 & 23 December). Popular independent restaurant undergoes rebrand The event is being held under a new Shrewsbury’s independent ramen noodle both eat-in and take-out food. marquee and comes complete with fire restaurant, Momo.No.Ki, has undergone a The new menu features a variety of light bites, pits, heaters, blankets, chestnuts, live rebrand. including fried or steamed pork and Chinese music - and, of course, plenty of gin! The much-loved eatery, located near the town’s leaf dumplings and takoyaki (steamed octopus abbey, now boasts an impressive refurbishment balls), a variety of rice bowls, ramen soup Lola’s Cupcakes and goes by the name of Momo’s. bowls and omakase special noodle bowls. Featuring new comfortable chairs and benches The menu also features a kids’ option and a arrive at Selfridges - and a new menu - Momo’s is now open every ‘pimp my own noodle’ concept, allowing diners Cupcake-loving visitors to Selfridges day from 12 noon through to 10pm, providing to create their own dish. Birmingham should prepare themselves for a real treat, thanks to the recent arrival in the store of Lola’s Cupcakes. New pizza and bagel restaurant opens in Shrewsbury New to the city, Lola’s handcrafts a A new eatery selling sourdough pizzas, fresh wide range of themed cakes and bagels and independent craft beer and wines cheesecakes for customers to enjoy, has opened in Shrewsbury. either in-store or at home. Served from 7am to 3pm, Dough And Oil’s bagel With more than 30 flavours from which menu features, amongst other options: The to choose, including vegan pistachio, Rocky - sausage patty, roasted mushroom, egg, gluten-free chocolate and tiramisu - avocado, bacon jam and pea shoots; The there’s a cupcake to suit every taste. Reuben - pastrami, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, rocket and Russian dressing; and a vegetarian and vegan option, The Adrian - butternut squash, roasted mushroom, avocado, wild broccoli, chilli and lime. The pizza menu, served from 3pm to 10.30pm, features: The Otto - lamb, aubergine, mint yoghurt, pomegranate and dukkah; The Morris - fennel sausage and friarielli; and The Phillipo - ‘nduja (spicy, spreadable pork salumi), sweet peppers and rocket. Craft beers include table beer from Kernel Brewery and pale ales from Crate in London. A range of wines is also available.

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Gigs

Belshazzar’s Feast Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 3 December One-time BBC Folk Awards nominees Paul Sartin (of Bellowhead and Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (of Hoover The Dog) are back on tour with a Christmas-themed show that mixes traditional folk, seasonal music, jazz, classical and more. The pair are good value humour-wise too, so expect their display of fine musicianship to be served up with a healthy side order of spoken, physical, musical and even slapstick comedy.

The Prodigy defining studio albums, sold an estimated 30 million records and bagged numerous Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, Thurs 19 December coveted music awards, including two Brits. Comprising Liam Howlett, Keith Flint and The Prodigy came to prominence on the un- Maxim, the band are famed for the quality derground rave scene of the early 1990s, of their live shows, delivering performances being hailed as ‘the premiere dance act for that have taken electronic beats into hith- Pulled Apart By Horses the alternative masses’. erto unchartered territory. The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Since that time they’ve dropped six era- Mon 11 December Indie rock band Pulled Apart By Horses came to prominence with their self-titled debut album in 2010. John Kirkpatrick Calan The four-piece have since released a further Lichfield Guildhall, Sun 3 December The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 9 December three albums, supported the likes of Biffy Folk legend John Kirkpatrick’s Carolling Calan have certainly found their musical Clyro, Foals and Muse, and recorded a And Crumpets show looks at the timeless niche, showcasing a unique instrumental Takeover for Annie Mac and Radio One. rituals found in the folklore and folk music blend of accordion, fiddle, guitar, Welsh Fourth album The Haze reached number 12 in of England at midwinter. Expect original pipes, Welsh harp and the percussive sound the charts when it was released back in songs and a sprinkling of carols both famil- of the Welsh clogs. March of this year. iar and unfamiliar. Taking a contemporary approach, they breathe new life into old traditions. This latest show includes many of the Bad Manners band’s favourite seasonal tunes and Plygain The Robin, Bilston, Wed 27 December carols - songs sung at a traditional Welsh Long in the tooth they may be, but English 2 church service on Christmas morning. Tone ska wizards Bad Manners still command a significant following around the globe. Very much a novelty act - courtesy in the main of the onstage antics of bald- headed frontman Buster Bloodvessel - they spent the early 1980s vying for chart posi- tions with fellow ska revival bands Mad- ness, The Specials and The Selecter. Hit albums include Gosh It's... Bad Manners, Loonee Tunes! and Ska’n’B. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 Classical December Wolves_Staffs_Shrops.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2017 11:27 Page 1

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Classical

The Sixteen: Glory To The Christ Child Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Mon 11 December Conductor Harry Christophers and The Sixteen present Christmas choral music spanning nations and centuries, from Re- naissance Italy to 21st century Britain. The programme begins with Alan Bullard’s Glory To The Christ Child, a work which the composer himself describes as a sprightly refrain full of seasonal cheer.

Ex Cathedra: Christmas Music By Candlelight St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury, Fri 1 December; St Peter’s Church, Wolverhampton, Sat 2 De- cember; St John’s Church, Hagley, Birmingham, Tues 5 December; St Paul’s Church, Birm- ingham, Tues 19 - Sat 23 December What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by enjoying an evening in the company of one of the country’s finest choral music ensembles? Under the directorship of its founder, Jeffrey Skidmore, Ex Cathedra is this month presenting its annual and atmo- spheric Christmas Music By Candlelight event, an evening that features festive favourites G4: Christmas By from across the ages interspersed with a variety of seasonal readings. Candlelight St Paul’s Church, Birmingham, Thurs 7 December The Froncysyllte Male The BBC Philharmonic After scoring a hit on X Factor in 2004, G4 Voice Choir Orchestra became one of the country’s biggest New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, crossover classical groups. Their debut Sat 16 December Fri 15 December album went straight to number one and Regular patrons of the New Vic Theatre will sold more than 245,000 copies, making it no doubt be familiar with the Froncysyllte the fastest-selling record of that year. Male Voice Choir. The ‘Fron’, as they’re affec- Although they disbanded three years and tionately known, have been visiting the three albums later - citing as the reason venue to perform a Christmas concert for their need to pursue individual interests - more than 30 years. Formed in 1947 to com- they reunited in 2014 for their 10th an- pete in that year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod, the niversary. choir are currently celebrating their 70th an- The boys are performing a series of festive niversary, and are here making their second shows in beautiful churches and cathe- appearance of the year at the New Vic. drals nationwide this month, one of which Residing at the Corporation's Manchester is this candlelit Birmingham gig. Expect home of Media City in Salford Quays, the Christmas classics and carols aplenty. BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to Stoke- on-Trent, regularly presenting Victoria Hall concert-goers with works from its impressive repertoire. This latest visit sees conductor Clemens Schuldt being joined by soloist Martin Roscoe for a programme that features the following: Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suite, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No1 and Sibelius’s ‘confession of the soul’, his Symphony No2. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Jersey Boys DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2017 16:14 Page 1

THE RETURN OF THE JERSEY BOYS Jersey Boys DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2017 16:14 Page 2

The award-winning jukebox musical telling the story of Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons is returning to Birmingham’s New Alexandra Theatre this month. Heather Kincaid caught up with Jersey Boys stalwart Michael Watson to find out more...

After three years playing Frankie Valli at “Now that I’m 30, I’m right in the middle of “Everyone remembers it differently, as they London’s Piccadilly Theatre, as well as a stint that age range, and starting a family of my say. I think there’s an overarching story that’s understudying the role at the Prince Edward own, so I do feel a deeper connection to the true, but the way each character tells it in Theatre, actor Michael Watson has spent a scenes where Frankie interacts with his wife their monologues might stretch the truth a considerable amount of time trying to get and children. I think I play it more honestly bit. But it’s more complex than that because inside the head of the 1960s music icon. because I know how I’d feel if something like you’re getting different age perspectives as that happened to me.” well. I think that’s the best thing about the But it seems he’s not quite finished with the show - it takes you through the four seasons. character yet. With the smash-hit musical The need for this emotional range and So when you’re with Tommy at the beginning Jersey Boys kicking off a UK tour at the New maturity might go some way to explaining in spring, everything has this kind of wide- Alex this month, Watson is now helping to why Watson was unsuccessful in his first eyed quality about it because they’re all very bring the magic from the West End to the audition for the part at the tender age of 21. young. Then in summer, it’s all bright and West Midlands. We caught up with him to “At the time I felt like they were just starting fun and the band is very successful, and in find out more about the man behind the to get excited about me, but then I did autumn, we have this crash where everything music, and the Four Seasons’ enduring another round and the audition just starts to go wrong. Eventually, you get to appeal. suddenly stopped. It was a couple of years winter, where it’s much darker, with Frankie “All of us playing the members of the Four later when the next opportunity came up, but trudging along doing all these gigs to pay off Seasons have been in the show before, three instead of being put off, the knock had debts.” of us in the West End,” he explains. “With actually made me more determined. I Much has been said about the Four Seasons this production, they’ve really taken their thought, if I could get them interested two as a ‘blue collar’ band, speaking to the time and thought about who they wanted to years ago, I’m definitely ready for it now!” experiences of America’s urban working- be in it, since it’s going to be the only one in It’s a unique and doubtless strange class. Yet at the same time, their appeal the UK when we take it out. Also, because the experience to perform the life story of a clearly reaches beyond national borders, and show hasn’t been running for a little while, I person who’s not only real, but still alive and even across generations. think it’s going to come back very fresh and taking an interest in the show. with a really strong energy, kicking down the “Sometimes after a show, you’ll have door of musical theatre.” “I was actually lucky enough to meet Frankie someone who’s about 15 come up to you and - he came and watched me in the show, and say how much they loved it, but then you’ll Watson isn’t the only one to have stuck with fortunately he shook my hand and gave me also meet someone who’s 65 or 70, who’s the show for a long time. His West End his seal of approval. But I think for me, it was excited to have relived the songs from their predecessor, Ryan Molloy, played the role for more about developing the character that’s in childhood. I think if you asked Frankie or an impressive total of six years. the script, because as much as I might try to Bob Gaudio, they’d tell you that this show “I think for a male in the West End - emulate the legend that is Frankie Valli, I has brought their music to the masses again, especially of a certain height - it’s the don’t want to do an impression.” and made it bigger than they ever expected it ultimate role. Not only do you get to do a to be at this point. But a big part of the Indeed, inaccuracies - or at least differences marathon sing, as an actor it’s hugely appeal is just that the songs are so of opinion - are at the very heart of this story. challenging because you never leave the beautifully simple and elegant. If you look at Jersey Boys is famous for its ‘Rashomon stage, and you have to go from age 15 to 45 in Sherry, for example, it’s about asking effect’ - that is, presenting differing accounts the space of two-and-a-half hours. It’s like someone out, which is something anyone can of events from a variety of perspectives. the musical theatre equivalent of Hamlet - it’s relate to. And they’re so catchy! Start singing Inspired by the lack of information available a true arc of someone’s life you have to go Sherry to anyone, and they’ll sing the repeat about the band members outside their through.” back to you.” glittering pop career, scriptwriters Marshall The extensive period of time the story covers Brickman and Rick Elice based the novel is a crucial part of what holds its actors’ format on interviews they conducted with the interest. As they themselves grow older, their surviving members, complete with Jersey Boys shows at Birmingham’s New understanding of the characters’ journey contradictions. Alexandra Theatre from Saturday 16 deepens. December until Saturday 6 January The Twang (v2016) Wolves.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 17:49 Page 1

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Christmas with The Twang

Voted best Midlands band by What’s On readers in 2016, The Twang this month return to Birmingham’s O2 Academy for their annual festive shindig. We caught up with frontman Phil Etheridge to talk Christmas, collaborations and career highlights...

This year marks the 10th anniversary of How will you be spending Christmas Day ? Who were your musical influences The Twang’s debut album, Love It When I Recovering, I guess. The Brum gig’s on the growing up? Feel Like This. Describe how life’s been 23rd, so the wife’s gonna have to bear with me I liked listening to whatever was on the skate from then to now. till at least Boxing Day. videos. I really liked Op Ivy because of this H We've just been doing lots of the same, really street video where Matt Hensley skated to What’s on the top of your Christmas list? - trying to have as much fun as possible. bad town. I also liked bands like Carter, To be happy and healthy and never have to get We’re fortunate that the band has been the Ned’s, The Wonder Stuff and PWEI because a proper job. biggest part of our lives for going on 10 years my older brother was bang into all that now, and long may that blag continue... The Twang are a Brummie band. What’s it ‘weirdo’ scene. Then, after skating it was I guess the biggest difference is we’ve all like playing to a home crowd? Do the dance, rave, house, whatever you wanna call since had kids and stopped the partying to a shows feel more special? it. I always kinda listened to the music that degree. You don’t wanna be that 40-year-old I used to find them difficult, as I’d put too was happening at the time. I was never really drunk in the corner of a room full of cool 20- much pressure on it being the best night of the one for going back and finding records from year-olds, telling them how your band once year, but now I’ve kinda realised it’s all about the ’60s etc.. not enough time in the day for played Glastonbury… the crowd. We’ve just gotta do what we do and that. We’ve also just released our ‘best of’ - Either it’ll all be grand. Way, It’s The Best Of The Twang - which was You’re well known on the festival circuit. a big moment for all of us. What’s your favourite thing about the city? Do you have a favourite festival? My mom. We’ve just done Beyond The Tracks, which And you’re going to be playing the debut was a really great show for us. It was great to record in its entirety at Birmingham’s O2 What’s your favourite hobby outside of be on the same bill as The Coral again, so I’m Academy this month… music? gonna say that one. Gerv and the rest of the Yeah, we’re super-excited about it and are I run quite a bit to clear the head. Most of the Moseley Folk lot are top. They deserve all the currently in the studio trying to remember friends I’ve made through the band aren’t success they get. how to play the songs. A number of those musicians. Instead they work within fashion tracks we haven’t played since 2007, so it’s or design, or are artists or whatever... I guess What’s your career highlight? been great listening to them again. that’s where my interest lies outside of the I think definitely just getting a record deal band. and handing in my notice at work. I think The Twang tend to tour around Christmas. that’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. Is there a reason for this? What would your dream collaboration or It’s become a bit of a tradition. I think a lot of project be? What does the future hold for The Twang? folk treat it as their Christmas party, so the I’d love to write an album and then have I honestly have no idea, so we’ll just keep on atmosphere’s pretty incredible. The someone completely remix it on a dance tip, keeping on. Christmas gigs have been some of my but everyone wants to write that favourite ever. I’ve noticed a few bands have Screamadelica, don’t they? So maybe if I could started doing it now as well. It’s ‘party just get Calvin Harris to do a tune with us, I The Twang play the O2 Academy, season’, so it makes sense. could get that swimming pool built... Birmingham, on Saturday 23 December.

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Comedy

Omid Djalili Stratford Arts House, Fri 1 December; Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 14 December Award-winning funnyman Omid Djalili is probably one of the most subversive comedians currently doing the rounds on the UK comedy circuit. An actor as well as a standup, Omid has appeared in numerous box office blockbusters, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Sex And The City 2 and the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough. He’s visiting the Midlands with his cur- rent stand-up show, Schmuck For A Night... “I like the word schmuck,” says Omid. “It means ‘fool’ or buffoon. You have to be a schmuck to do comedy in today’s climate. I’m embracing the schmuck in me to take on the big issues of our day. Plus, it’s a word that ends with ‘uck’, which can only be a good thing...”

Jollyboat The Bramall, Birmingham, Fri 8 December Musical double act Ed and Tommy Croft are a gift from heaven if you’re an out’n’proud geek with a nerdy love of Dungeons & Dragons, Game Of Thrones, Star Wars and the like. If you’re not, there’s the definite possibility that your attention may drift at certain points during the boys’ show. Thankfully the amiable siblings churn out sufficient quality material to ensure you’re back in the room in two shakes of a dragon’s tail. The Harry & Chris Show Often compared in style to Flight Of The Conchords, the brothers trade well off their near- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 15 December; psychic connection with one another, and are well worth an evening of your time. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Twenty pre-show minutes on Wikipedia, genning up on all things nerdy, may further en- Sat 30 December hance your appreciation of their comedy endeavours. Family-friendly fellas Harry Baker and Chris Read combine ‘comedy, melody, po- etry and best-matery’ to excellent effect. Barbara Nice’s Presenting what they refer to as comedy- Christmas Cracker jazz-rap, their songs’ subject matter ranges from panda repopulation to televi- Artrix, Bromsgrove, Tues 12 December; MAC, Birmingham, sion’s Robot Wars, all presented via a win- Fri 15 - Sat 16 December ning blend of catchy tunes and clever Everybody’s favourite Kings Heath wordplay. housewife makes a welcome return to light up the festive season. As well as containing more jokes than you’d find in an oversized yuletide gag-bag (does such a thing actually exist?), Barbara’s festive shows usually feature a tombola and raffle, no shortage of mince pies, and even the odd special guest or two.

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Reginald D Hunter The Comedy Loft, Birmingham, Fri 15 & Thurs 19 December American funnyman Reginald D Hunter is one of the UK’s most popular comedians. His no-nonsense style and hugely amusing perspectives on the differences between the US and Britain have struck a real chord with his audiences, earning him an impressive legion of admirers. And with regular gigs on TV shows keeping him in the public eye, it's fair to assume his loyal fanbase is just going to keep on growing...

Crisis At Christmas The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 18 December Enjoy an evening of quality comedy and help tional charity Crisis, to provide food, warmth the homeless while you’re at it. and vital services for people who’re having to Crisis At Christmas is a unique volunteer ef- live on the streets. fort that provides immediate assistance for Birmingham-born Joe Lycett is host for the homeless people at a critical time of year. evening, with comedy contributions coming And by attending this special event, you’ll be from Harry Hill, Joe Pasquale, Tom Ward, helping to raise much-needed funds for na- Darren Harriot and Kiri Pritchard McLean. Jessica Fostekew Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 18 December Greg Davies “I exist in real life but am also a comedian, Civic Hall, Wolverhampton, actor and writer,” says Jessica Fostekew. Fri 8 - Sat 9 December “Since 2008 I’ve been throwing this job If you recognise Welsh funnyman Greg around like you would a walnut in a sock.” Davies from the telly but can't quite re- Realising herself to be a feminist “the very call from which programme, it's The In- first time somebody said: You’re really betweeners you're likely to be thinking funny for a woman”, Jessica gets her com- of. Greg played psychotic Head of Sixth edy inspiration from her life, her family and Form Mr Gilbert. witchcraft - although reassuringly she re- As well as being funny, Greg’s other veals that the latter source provides only claim to fame is his height - he’s six feet around one per cent of her material! eight inches tall in his stockinged feet. Feet, by the way, which are a whopping size 13! A big man, then, with an ever-growing reputation on the comedy circuit, he’s currently touring his latest show, You Magnificent Beast. Greg thinks it’s important to be absolutely honest about what punters can expect from one of his gigs. “My shows are funny,” he says, “but to be clear, if you're looking for insight into the human condition, you'd be better off eating a bun or picking up a stick...”

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Joe Lycett Joe Lycett for online.qxp_Layout 1 28/11/2017 10:41 Page 2

Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett is hosting Crisis At Christmas, a charity fundraiser in aid of the homeless, at the city’s Glee Club this month. He will then be returning to Brum next year with his brand new touring show. What’s On caught up with him to find out what audiences can expect...

The phrase ‘bigger and better’ might have contender, but then I listened to the Pointer cool with this’. Even if he’s impeached and been coined specifically for Joe Lycett’s new Sisters’ song and thought, ‘Can I walk on leaves, he’s opened so many doors we’ll touring show. Hitting the road with I’m About feeling confident to this music?’ And yes, I never be able to close in terms of how we To Lose Control And I Think Joe Lycett (more probably can, so let’s name the whole tour expect politicians to behave. People saying on that punning title later), the Birmingham after that. appalling things might not seem that comedian is taking a brand new set of appalling because it’s already normalised.” “Any time I meet a musician, I request that observations, setpieces and gags to larger they write a song with ‘I like it’ in the title. Still, in moments of crisis (and the US going venues than he’s previously appeared in on The thing I love about all this is that there are head-to-head with North Korea over nuclear his solo tours. Not that he’s especially fazed now proper discussions about the title. I’ll be weapons certainly has a 1960s Cuban Missile- by any of it. sitting down with my agent, who also style vibe to it), the world of comedy is “I certainly have some big nights planned on represents Frankie Boyle and Jimmy Carr, always able to thrive. “It’s a good time to be this tour. I said to Sarah Millican that I felt I and the main question is, ‘Which Lycett- an artist because there’s lots to talk about, so had to write a show that was big enough for based pun shall we go for this time?’” weirdly all that stuff helps. Unless things go those venues and, in her infinite wisdom, she In terms of the actual content of his show, Joe to a complete state of emergency, there’s said, ‘No, the show should be good enough always scope for people to hear someone talk has once more rejected the notion of a fixed for 100 people’. So it’s intimidating in terms about the state of things in an intelligent way. theme and instead is riffing on bizarre and of the scale of it and the sense that there’ll be To be honest, though, I don’t know whether funny stuff that’s happened to him in the last a lot of eyes on me, but I always try and do I’m the person to do that. Sure, I can sit here couple of years. “I’m not the sort of writer the best possible show I can. There’s no and talk about it point who can restrict himself to a theme, just in at length, but to actually otherwise.” case nothing good comes of it. I prefer to get construct something that can change people’s minds is quite another thing.” Joe’s comedy career started off at Manchester annoyed about stuff, and then maybe you University (he won the Chortle Student can spot loose themes that you can tie So instead, Joe will be taking his own Award in 2009). He then took several together. This one won’t necessarily be about particular brand of storytelling comedy to his acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe losing control. Or if it is, it’ll be by pure loyal fanbase. and supported the likes of Jack Whitehall e.” chanc “You should trust that if you find something and the aforementioned Millican in some of Famed for online spats which often become funny, other people will too. The whole thing the nation’s enormo-domes. Given that he’s huge viral hits before making their way into about building up an audience is about played in rooms of all shapes and sizes, he’s his stage act (a local council and an email taking people with you who will be on the in a strong position to know exactly what spammer have previously been put through same page - but some things that I think are works for him. the Lycett wringer), Joe has a new set of hilarious might die a death, so you then try to “The beauty of stand-up is that generally it subjects about which to vent his spleen when reconstruct it. There’s one routine in the new does scale up, and it’s about your ability to he hits the road. These include a curious show that I really care about and really hope connect with an audience. I think arenas pickle he got himself into involving the head works. It’s not quite there yet in terms of might be too big for the type of shows I want office of a financial establishment which took working for an audience, but I believe in that to do, but the theatres are great. I’ll be using exception to an on-the-spot jape featuring a routine, so I will keep developing it to make it PowerPoint again, which gives the crowd friend who worked in a bank’s building, a work. But then there are others that I like but something to focus on, and that can scale up security pass and a ridiculous made-up don’t quite believe in enough to fight for. You as big as you like.” name. “It’s fascinating because this bank have to pick your battles in writing stand-up And so to those pun-based show titles. went back through all my tweets and comedy. Do you want to make that point or Instagram posts to check if I’d done not? If you do, then you always find a way of Having brought us Some Lycett Hot in 2012 something similar in the past. Whoever doing it.” (the show for which he was nominated as could’ve known that a massive bank would best newcomer at the Edinburgh Fringe), he’s have a sense-of-humour failure? So I want to since come up with If Joe Lycett Then You make a point about banks and power and Should Have Put A Ring On It and That’s The the Joe Lycett hosts Crisis At Christmas at Way, A-Ha A-Ha, Joe Lycett. It’s clear, then, way they mould us into what they want us to Birmingham’s Glee Club on Monday 18 that his new show’s title, I’m About To Lose be.” December. Control And I Think Joe Lycett, is simply the Taking a broader view on the world, Joe may He returns to the city with his new tour latest in a well-established tradition. even be having his say on the divisive man in next year, playing the New Alexandra Theatre May and Symphony Hall in “You can’t go too far wrong with the Pointer the White House. “I’ve been writing about him and trolling him a little bit, but haven’t November. Sisters,” Joe insists. “James Acaster suggested we all? It’s like shouting into the void. I Joe will also be stopping off at various that I went the whole hog and went for I’m So haven’t really done much political stuff in my other venues across the Midlands. Joe Lycett, And I Just Joe Lycett, I’m About To stand-up, but I feel that at this point, as Full details of his new tour can be found Lose Control And I Think Joe Lycett. There many of us as possible have to say, ‘We’re at joelycettcomedy.co.uk was another long one that was a strong not Theatre December-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 14:02 Page 1

Theatre Festive favourites from around the region

Cinderella Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 19 December - Sun 28 January Midlands-born soul diva Beverley Knight takes her bow in pantoland this Christmas, starring as the fairy godmother in this spectacular festive production. She’s joined for a show not to be missed by the hunky Danny Mac and the always delightful Suzanne Shaw. Comedy comes courtesy of Hippodrome panto regular Matt Slack and the still-going-strong Grumbleweeds. Ceri Dupree and Phil Randall don the giant wigs and altogether unpleasant manner to play the not-very-nice Ugly Sisters.

Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, until Sat 13 January This year’s Belgrade Theatre version of the famous fairytale features all the usual panto elements, including slapstick comedy, audience participation, stunning sets, breathtaking costumes and plenty of singing and dancing. And also very much as usual, the show has been written and directed by Mr Coven- try Panto himself, the inimitable Iain Lauchlan.

Birmingham Hippodrome’s Cinderella Malvern Theatre, Thurs 14 December - Sun 7 January Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and This Morning regular Alison Hammond tops the bill this year, as Malvern’s ever-faithful panto audience is invited to attend Prince Charm- ing’s spectacular ball. Alison is joined by Gemma Naylor from Nick Jr’s Go! Go! Go! show and Paul Hawkyard from CBeebies’ Old Jack’s Boat. Highly rated funnyman Mark James keeps the laughter coming.

Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 16 - Sat 23 December With its comical Ugly Sisters, matchmaking fairy godmother, drop-dead-gorgeous Prince Charming, super-cute mice and fits-one-foot-only glass slipper, Cinderella can justifiably lay claim to being the most popular of all pantomimes. This brand new version is being presented by Artrix regulars All & Sundry. Cinderella at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre Cinderella at Malvern Theatre

Robin Hood & The Babes giving the exact same treatment to its 2017 around which to build a pantomime produc- production. tion of real quality. In The Wood So... they’ve taken the story of Robin Hood, And if previous panto offerings at each of the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, added a Babe In The Wood or two, stirred in a above-listed venues are anything to go by, Thurs 7 December - Sun 7 January few time-honoured pantomime favourites Sleeping Beauty 2017 is likely to be just that. and then seasoned liberally with all manner Indeed, we’re so confident you’ll be wide- of rock’n’roll hits. eyed with excitement that we’ll even bet our A recipe for success if ever there was one - so best antique spinning-wheel that any snoring brace yourself for a fabulous festive feast of you might hear in the auditorium will only be fun and frivolity. coming from the title character herself! Sleeping Beauty Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Sat 2 - Sun 31 De- cember; Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 5 - Fri 8 December; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Sat 2 - Sun 31 December; They’ve done it before and now they’re doing Swan Theatre, Worcester, Mon 4 December - it again. Yep, Stafford Gatehouse’s oft-used Sun 7 January strategy of imbuing their annual pantomime The tragic tale of a young princess who’s with a real rock’n’roll flavour has proved so tricked by an evil fairy and pricks her finger popular in previous years that the venue is on a spinning-wheel, causing her to fall asleep for 100 years, offers a great story Sleeping Beauty at the Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa 22 whatsonlive.co.uk B.Hipp. Dec. RIGHT HAND FP 2017.qxp_Layout 1 22/11/2017 11:29 Page 1

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Theatre

Jack And The Beanstalk Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Sat 9 December - Sun 14 January The Wolverhampton Grand is certainly on a roll when it comes to providing high-quality festive fare, with its 2016 panto production having been voted the Midlands’ best Christmas show in the 2016 What’s On Readers’ Awards. And the venue's Christmas 2017 offering looks set to be every bit as energised and entertaining as its illustrious predecessor. Gareth Gates stars as Jack, with Lisa Riley returning to the venue to take the role of Spirit of the Beans. Also getting back in the Grand Theatre panto saddle is ‘queen of the Black Country’ Doreen Tipton, taking on the role of Dame Trott’s lazy neighbour. And speaking of the Dame, pantomime favourite Ian Adams will once again be slapping on the rouge to play her, and no doubt giving his usual outrageous performance. Adam C Booth, meanwhile, is two potatoes short of a Christmas dinner as Simple Simon, while familiar television face Graham Cole offers precious little by way of yuletide goodwill as the oh-so-evil Fleshcreep.

The Core, Solihull, Fri 8 - Sun 31 December The fee-fi-fo-fumming ogre isn’t the only pantomime giant for whom the curtain will be coming down at the end of this brand new show... The inimitable Malcom Stent is bidding a fond farewell to pantoland come the 31st of December, waving adieu after 27 years of writing, directing and starring in Solihull’s favourite yuletide production. Alongside all the traditional fun and frivolity, Malc’s usual festive sackload of local references will ensure the show has a real ‘made in the Midlands’ feel about it.

Palace Theatre, Redditch, Peter Pan Snow White And The Wed 6 - Sun 31 December Arena Birmingham, Wed 20 - Sun 24 Decem- Seven Dwarfs Everybody knows the story. The nasty old ber; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, queen is less than keen on her younger and Wed 6 - Sun 31 December Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 29 November - Sun 7 January more beautiful stepdaughter, who takes Midlands pantomime audiences this year get refuge from her royal evilness by holing up in two chances to fly away with the boy who the deep, dark forest with a household of wouldn't grow up to a magical island filled small but splendidly friendly miners... with adventure. Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall Meet a real fairy, marvellous mermaids, won- takes top billing as Snow White’s handsome derful Wendy and the down-on-their-luck prince in this sure-to-be-lively Palace Theatre lost boys. Oh, and beware the ever-so-wicked version... Dave Benson Phillips and Nicole Captain Hook and a very hungry crocodile Faraday (Bad Girls) lend strong support. who goes tick-tock (he swallowed a clock)... Martin Kemp and Bradley Walsh star in the The fact that Snow White is a 24-carat classic Arena Birmingham production, about which of a fairytale means that a pantomime ver- you can read more in the First Word section sion is always a surefire winner. Expect all of this issue (see page four). the usual panto elements in this brand new Theatre Severn offering, including a rouged- up Dame in colourful costumes, oodles of hearty thigh-slapping, singalongs aplenty, slapstick comedy and even a few naughty jokes to make sure the grown-ups don't feel too left out of things. Shropshire's ‘favourite Dame’, Brad Fitt, once more dons the dress (and probably steals the show!).

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Festive favourites from around the region

Aladdin Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 15 December - Sun 7 January ‘Son of the Potteries’ Jonathan Wilkes dons the tights to star as the lad himself in this ever-popular pantomime tale. Homecoming hero Jonathan’s a festive fixture at the Regent Theatre nowadays, and is set to play an inevitably significant part in making Aladdin one of the region’s must-see pantomimes this Christmas. He’s joined by big pal and fellow Regent panto regular Christian Patter- son, who’ll be giving his usual larger-than-life performance as the Dame, on this occasion Widow Twankey.

Lichfield Garrick, until Sat 6 January 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 efforts by the mystical genie of the lamp... CBeebies Cat Sandion stars in this latest version of the classic Arabian Nights tale. She’s joined in the show by Sam Rabone (as Widow Twankey) and Ben Thornton (as Wishy Washy), both of whom scored a massive festive hit in the Garrick’s Christmas 2016 adaptation of Sleeping Beauty.

A Christmas Carol Treasure Island Crimes On The Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Christmas Express Avon, Mon 27 November - Sun 4 February; until Sat 27 January Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Sat 16 - Sat Lichfield Garrick, 30 December Fri 8 December - Sat 6 January Of all Dickens’ festive stories, A Christmas An alternative festive-season comedy for Carol reigns supreme. The covetous sinning adults, Crimes On The Christmas Express of the miserly Scrooge, the eternal hope of- takes its inspiration from sources as diverse fered by Tiny Tim, and the eerie visions of re- as Agatha Christie novels and the Jason demption - visiting Ebenezer in the shape of Bourne movies. The show features a talented three yuletide ghosts (four if you count the cast of four who between them play an im- chain-clanking Marley) - all combine to give pressively wide range of quirky characters, the tale a real olde worlde charm. from jewel thieves and circus performers to The RSC version of the show has been lovelorn porters and sleazy Americans. penned by David Edgar, whose previous work Award-winning theatre company New Old for the Company includes his award-winning Friends present the production, making a adaptation of Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby. welcome return to the Garrick following a sell-out success at the venue last Christmas. When salty old seadog Billy Bones brings his papers to the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Gem into the adventure of a lifetime, one which will see her not only setting sail in search of buried treasure, but also spending time in the company of a one-legged pirate with murder in mind... Boasting live music, puppetry and swashbuckling sword fights, this brand new stage version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s high-seas adventure is helmed by New Vic Artistic Di- rector Theresa Heskins.

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Theatre Festive shows from around the region

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

Flashdance theatre countless times and in all manner of Skellig ways, including as a ballet, a musical, an New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 4 - Fri 9 December Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, opera and a traditional pantomime. Wed 20 - Sat 30 December With its cast of nonsensical and amusing Based on the popular ’80s movie of the same David Almond's eerie and magical story tells characters, including the White Rabbit, the name, Flashdance features hit numbers Ma- the tale of a young boy who discovers a Mad Hatter and the March Hare, it invariably niac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock And Roll strange creature and nourishes him back to makes for a great Christmas show. and the Academy Award-winning What A health. Meanwhile, the boy's baby sister is Read our feature on page 32. Feeling. The show tells the story of 18-year- gravely ill in hospital... The critically ac- old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ claimed Tin Robot Theatre are the company by night, who dreams of winning a place at behind this stage adaptation of Almond's Birmingham Royal the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. But 1998 Carnegie Medal award winner. will she get to achieve her ambition against Ballet: The Nutcracker all the odds?... Strictly Come Dancing cham- Birmingham Hippodrome, pion Joanne Clifton (pictured) and A1 heart- The Lion, The Witch And until Wed 13 December throb Ben Adams star The Wardrobe Sir Peter Wright’s enchanting version of this firm festive favourite returns to the Hippo- Crescent Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 3 - Sat 16 December drome this month, courtesy of Birmingham Royal Ballet. This much-loved tale from the pen of CS Created in 1990 as a thank you to Birming- Lewis is rightly regarded as an all-time clas- ham for its support of the company following sic of children's literature. The story sees the its move to the Midlands from London’s lion-god Aslan coming to the aid of three Sadler Wells, Wright’s production is seen by youngsters who’ve accidentally stumbled many as the finest interpretation of into his mystical world of Narnia. Tchaikovsky’s magnificent and mesmerising score. In true Christmas spirit, the story follows the Alice In Wonderland young Clara as she’s swept up in a fantasy of The Old Rep, Birmingham, soldiers, giant rats, snow fairies, magic and until Sat 30 December mystery, before fi- A timeless classic telling the magical and de- nally being trans- cidedly topsy-turvy story of a little girl who formed into a falls down a rabbit hole and discovers a beautiful ballerina. weird world, Alice's Adventures In Wonder- A magical, must-see land first made its way onto the stage during show for little its author Lewis Carroll’s lifetime; in 1886, to princesses every- be precise. It’s since been adapted for the where…

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Theatre

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

Snow Mouse semble, “so if you want to find out, then join The Abominable Santa and his friends in this fun-filled family Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, musical, complete with games, giggles and Snowman Fri 1 - Sun 31 December all your favourite Christmas songs.” Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 27 December Sounds good to us... The highly rated Moon On A Stick are the ensemble behind this ‘very silly, very snowy ad- Santa’s Christmas Wish venture’. Blending puppetry, live music and pitch-perfect storytelling for youngsters aged Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 15 to Sun 24 three-plus, the 50-minute production sets out December; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 24 Decem- ber to show that not everything is always quite as it seems. And that includes the legendary Mrs Claus is wondering what Santa wants for Abominable Snowman, who, it turns out, is Christmas, and needs all the help she can get actually quite adorable! to find out. Enter, Dasher the Reindeer, Pom- pom the Penguin and Snowy the Snowman, all of whom think they’ve got the answer... Festive favourites Jingle Bells, When Santa A magical forest full of play, puppetry and Got Stuck Up The Chimney, The Twelve Days music is the delightful setting for this ‘en- Of Christmas, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Rein- chanting winter’s tale for the very young’. deer and We Wish You A Merry Christmas are A child’s wintry-woodland discovery of a among the songs featured in this 40-minute sleeping mouse buried under the snow kick- show. Created for kids aged from two to starts a friendship that soon sees the warm- seven, the production also includes a meet- hearted pair engaging in all manner of and-greet with Father Christmas, who’ll be fun-filled frolics... Presented by Travelling handing out a gift to every youngster. Light and The Egg, the production is suitable for children aged between three months and Home For Christmas four years. Lichfield Garrick, Tues 12 - Sun 31 December Wobbling under the weight of an enormous Santa In Love Christmas tree, a mother is struggling to Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Fri 1 Decem- make her way through a to-do list that’s ber; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 2 December longer than her arm. Her festive-season Youngsters always have plenty of questions stress levels are then sent through the yule- to ask about Christmas, and the People’s tide roof thanks to encounters with a host of Theatre Company is here setting out to pro- quirky characters, including clumsy sheep, vide an answer to perhaps the biggest one of lost birds, stranded farmers and mayors in a all - what’s the one thing that Santa secretly pickle... This gentle rhyming story has been loves best? widely praised for its generous helpings of “You’ll never guess,” advise the talented en- wit, warmth and joy. 28 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre December-2.qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 14:24 Page 8

Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

Father Christmas MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 30 November - Sat 30 December Raymond Briggs is best known for his story about a little boy who makes friends with a snowman. But talented theatre company Pins And Needles are doing plenty to promote two of the author’s other less-famous tales. Having last Christmas presented an adaptation of his picture book, The Bear, they’re this year returning to MAC with an equally well-received version of another of his stories. Suitable for children aged three and older, Father Christ- mas features songs, live music, playful puppetry, secret doors, hidden hatches and plenty of trademark Briggs humour. Expect your children to be suitably enchanted.

Lily And The Little Santa’s Mixed Up Martian We’re Going On A Snow Bear Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Bear Hunt Thurs 7 - Sun 24 December The Core, Solihull, Wed 20 - Sun 24 December Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Coventry panto stalwart Iain Lauchlan is the Wed 29 November - Sun 7 January A heartwarming tale of friendship, Lily And talented scribe behind this Imagine Theatre The Little Snow Bear takes place ‘two sleeps Suitable for children aged two-plus, this new show, the fourth in the series. before Christmas’. The story sees Lily head- adaptation of Michael Rosen and Helen Ox- When a space-scooter-riding, multicoloured, ing out into the snowy countryside after dis- enbury’s popular picture book follows the ex- mixed-up Martian with a liking for Mars Bars covering a mysterious trail of footprints... citing adventures of a family as they head out is blown off course by a solar wind, he’s ‘Exquisite puppets, enchanting music and a on an intrepid quest to find a bear. forced to make an emergency landing on magical snowy setting’ are here combined to Catchy songs and interactive scenes are com- earth, where he finds himself coming face-to- create a feelgood family show for children bined with no shortage of swishy swashy face with Santa, Ellie and Rudolph... aged three-plus. grass and oozy, squelchy mud, in a show that Singalong songs, a Santa meet-and-greet and seems certain to keep youngsters well and a gift for every child add to the fun. truly entertained. The Snow Dragon Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 21 December - Sun 7 January; Bridge House Theatre, War- wick, Thurs 14 - Fri 15 December Tall Stories have previously presented hit shows The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom. The company here return with the enchanting story of a young goat named Billy and his encounter with the legendary Snow The Wind In The Willows Dragon (and some very hungry wolves!). The Witches Albany Theatre, Coventry, Malvern Theatre, Sat 16 - Sun 31 December Thurs 7 December - Sat 6 January When you take a Roald Dahl book and have it A firm festive favourite, Kenneth Grahame’s adapted for the stage by hugely respected classic story ably demonstrates the way in children’s playwright David Wood OBE, you which one life can command the full atten- can expect the outcome to be something tion of three others! worth beholding. And that’s certainly the Mole, Badger and Ratty case with The Witches. Dahl’s delightful story simply don’t have time sees a young boy and his grandmother take for any of their own in- on some rather unpleasant ladies - the terests - they’re way too witches of the title - who’d like nothing more busy having to look after than to squish and squelch all the wretched their reckless and irre- children they despise. Presented by the pressible friend, Toad... Malvern Theatre Players.

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 Beverley Knight DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 10:04 Page 1

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by Heather Kincaid

Beverley Knight The Midlands-born Queen of Soul is this month making her panto debut and working her magic in Cinderella at Birmingham Hippodrome...

With her MOBO Award-winning voice, West “The thing about performing here is that interesting than me doing an album on my Midlands singing sensation Beverley Knight people actually know me - a lot of them are own. It would be unprecedented. Thankfully certainly has plenty of experience of casting people who’ve grown up with me or hung out the label were all over it, and both Amber a spell over her audiences. But this with me, which gives it a whole different and Cassidy said yes, so here we are, a new Christmas, the Wolverhampton-born wonder energy. There’s a sense of ownership, I think, vocal supergroup, and I’m really excited! will be exercising magic powers of a very because I’m very much part of the fabric here “We’ve got a mix of old classics like Memory different sort in the guise of Cinderella’s Fairy in the West Midlands. So I can imagine that and Wind Beneath My Wings from Cats and Godmother. trying to get home every night after the show Beaches, and future classics like Helpless Following more than 20 years’ experience as will be a process!” from Hamilton. There are songs that feature a recording artist, and critically acclaimed As one might expect, Christmas in her family in each of our respective shows too - so I’ll be stage performances in The Bodyguard and household has always been very much a doing songs from The Bodyguard and Memphis, Knight now returns to her regional musical occasion. Memphis. And then there are some that have roots, making her pantomime debut at “I come from a massive musical family and all of us singing together as an ensemble.” Birmingham Hippodrome. Flawlessly kitted we do all like to sing, so we do a lot of At the time of writing, details of the script out in sparkly dress and wings, she’s singing together. I don’t know what we’re and songs for Cinderella remain tightly under positively glowing with enthusiasm about the doing this year, but we always end up singing wraps, from the cast as well as the public. task ahead when she meets us for the panto something at Christmas - usually a cappella But fans can rest assured that there’ll be launch - and with good reason. at the dinner table. I love Christmas songs. I ample opportunity to hear Beverley sing, “I’m really looking forward to it!” she gushes. think it’s a beautiful time of year for including in a duet with Hear’Say’s Suzanne “This isn’t just any panto, it’s the biggest one inclusivity and getting together with the Shaw, who takes the title role. in the world, and to have that as my first - I people you love. Have Yourself A Merry Little Suzanne’s Cinderella is certainly blessed in don’t think it gets any better. Often when Christmas I absolutely adore - I’ve sung that a this choice of Fairy Godmother - it’s hard to you’re in theatre over Christmas, you kind of few times myself.” imagine anyone looking more at home in the feel a bit removed from it all. But panto is A rendition of that song is part of a major part. But while it might be Beverley who’s Christmas, so this year I’ll be the one helping new recording project for Knight, undertaken ensuring happy endings both for Cinders and people to get into the Christmas spirit, which together with fellow musical theatre stars her audience, if roles were reversed, what will be brilliant.” Amber Riley and Cassidy Janson. Under the Christmas wishes might she be hoping to It’s not only the unparalleled reputation of banner Leading Ladies, the trio recently have granted? Hippodrome pantos that persuaded her to released their first joint album, Songs From “Well, number one, my Fairy Godmother take up the part. Having previously worked The Stage. would get Wolves into the Premiership,” she with Qdos’ Michael Harrison on The “I’d been in talks with a record label about laughs. “But I think the main thing for me Bodyguard, she was initially asked by the the possibility of recording an album to would be to make all my endeavours really producer if she’d consider appearing in the reflect the work I’ve been doing in theatre successful. If I could be sure that I’ll still be show. That pre-existing relationship was recently, but I wasn’t too sure about it. But doing this when I’m really old, I’d be happy. I certainly a draw, but perhaps even more soon after that, when I was watching Graham love what I do and I want to do it for as long important was the location, enabling her to Norton, Amber Riley came on to promo as I can.” spend the festive season at home surrounded Dream Girls. She’s an amazing singer, and by her family. And if the crowds of fans who suddenly I had this thought that maybe I flocked to meet her at the stage door during could do something with her. And then, Beverley Knight stars as the Fairy The Bodyguard’s Birmingham run are when I saw Cassidy in Beautiful, it just Godmother in Cinderella at Birmingham anything to judge by, she can certainly expect seemed to me that if the three of us did Hippodrome from Tuesday 19 December a warm welcome back. something together, it would be much more until Sunday 28 January. whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Alice in Wonderland DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:19 Page 1

WINTER WONDERLAND Alice comes to the Old Rep Theatre for Christmas...

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by Heather Kincaid

Piles of pantos, never-ending Nutcrackers and unreal elements are present from the young audiences. But perhaps as important an abundance of Dickens adaptations: ’tis the beginning, creating a more natural as any individual skill they’ve picked up has season for Theatreland to fall back on tried progression from the ‘normal’ world into a been the chance to play around and enjoy the and tested family favourites. But if you’ve had Wonderland that becomes more weird and process. your fill of more familiar festive fare, there’s wacky as the story progresses. “You’ve got to have a lot of energy,” says still plenty for you and the kids to enjoy There’s also been room for invention in the Caleb’s fellow Acting BTEC student, Ava around Birmingham, including at the city’s score, which combines settings of songs and Ralph. “It’s important to really bring out the Old Rep Theatre, where Birmingham poems from the book with original numbers character in your movements and facial Ormiston Academy (BOA) is putting on a imitating Carroll’s distinctive style. The expressions, much more than you would for brand new version of Alice In Wonderland. Caucus Race, for example, is full of nonsense an adult audience.” “Our vision here at the Old Rep is to provide lyrics, while Off With His Head delights in “I’ve got young family coming to see it,” adds Christmas entertainment using traditional grisly detail. Caleb, “so I already know how full-on you stories for young children, primarily those “The score has all sorts of strange noises in have to be to keep them entertained for two aged four to 10,” explains producer Suzanne it,” says composer Steve Allan Jones. “It’s hours, but it’s so much fun! In Wonderland, Priest. “There’s something about fairytales taken me seven months to put it together, and you get to say and do the most ridiculous and traditional stories that open up it’s unbelievably complicated. I thought it things - it’s really liberating being able to imaginative possibilities in theatre for young would work really well to bring in toy bring out your inner child and stomp around people, as well as giving our creative team the instruments - things like little pianos and on stage!” opportunity to explore fantasy worlds and flutes, and whatever I could find really. Some characters that really come to life on stage. of them are even out of crackers!” Then to leave that question at the end as to But what really makes this production special whether it was real or just a dream - I think is the collaboration between professional and Alice In Wonderland showa at the Old Rep that really excites children’s curiosity.” student cast and crew. Six lead actors work Theatre, Birmingham, until Saturday Emphasising the traditional aspect, this is a alongside an ensemble of post-16 BOA 30 December. largely faithful staging of the novel, a choice students, while BOA and BSA apprentices are made partly with school visits in mind. partnered with the in-house team in areas like Alongside the show, the company has been technical theatre, front of house, marketing running workshops with classes also and stage management. Acting BTEC student studying the book. This approach to the text Caleb Clarke is excited about the skills the can be seen right down to the design, which show has helped them all to develop. takes its cues from John Tenniel’s original “It’s an amazing experience, and so different illustrations. to anything I’ve done at school,” says Caleb. “If you go back to the original books, there “This is actually the first musical I’ve been are lots of really lovely patterns, especially in involved in, so I was a little bit intimidated by the costumes,” says designer Libby Todd. “If it at first. When the audition came along, I you look at a character like the Queen of thought I’d go for it, because if nothing else it Hearts, for example, a lot of versions now just would be good audition experience. So when show her with quite a plain, big red dress, but I found out I’d been cast, I was over the the illustrations are actually very detailed - a moon, because I’d never thought of myself bit like the designs on a pack of cards.” as a singer or dancer before.” That said, there has been some ‘artistic As well as having their own specific licence’. One key element is the inclusion of animal characters to work on, the Tweedledee and Tweedledum (whose first students also understudy lead roles, appearance is in the sequel story, Through are responsible for scene changes, and The Looking Glass), since it was felt the comic get to operate a star attraction of the duo brought something important to the show: the Cheshire Cat puppet, show’s dynamic. Then, there’s the matter of which has been cleverly designed to Alice herself. appear and disappear in stages. “Sometimes with productions of Alice In “It takes seven of us to operate the puppet,” Wonderland, Alice can feel slightly on the explains Caleb. “It’s all in different edge of the show, like an observer rather than sections - so there’s one for the head, an active participant,” says director Scott Le four legs, a body and a tail. It’s really Crass. “I think our version is much more interesting trying to fit everyone in feisty, with lots of get up and go. She’s an when you’re making the full image - adventurer who’s inquisitive and excited and you’ve got to keep a lot in your head intrigued by everything.” to make it work.” Digital projection and puppetry are among As well as puppetry workshops, the elements used to develop a fresh and rehearsals have also involved unique landscape for Wonderland. Rather learning how to fully engage than a sharp transition, strange, slightly

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Double Trouble.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2017 16:15 Page 1 Double Trouble.qxp_Layout 1 24/11/2017 16:15 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

Double Trouble... Dames Iain Lauchlan and Greg Powrie certainly make a gruesome twosome in Coventry Belgrade Theatre’s pantomime production of Cinderella!

With Cinderella being this year’s Belgrade “It’s always a real treat doing panto here “but Greg is just so generous to work with, as Theatre pantomime, Coventry is in for twice because we get a completely new set, props well as being a really good performer. So the fun as the stage is graced by not just one, and costumes every year,” says Iain. “The when it was decided that we’d be doing but two veteran Scottish panto dames. Belgrade is really lucky to have its own Cinderella this year, I asked him to come But audiences might not be the only ones wardrobe and workshop.” down because I needed someone that I really seeing double this Christmas. Fresh from Despite Iain’s extensive dame experience, it’s liked and could trust.” gallivanting around Glasgow, holidaying in the first time in over 20 years he’s played an With the sisters serving a dual function as the Highlands and drinking distilleries dry, Ugly Sister. For Powrie it’s the second year on both baddies and comic relief, Cinderella Cinderella’s Ugly Sisters Dyspepsia and the trot - he was an Ugly Sister in a Lauchlan- often has a different dynamic to other pantos. Listeria head for the Midlands loaded up on penned Imagine Theatre panto at Kirkcaldy’s “Quite often with Cinderella, you don’t have a whisky and pizza crunch (that’s battered, Adam Smith Theatre in 2016. Stepmother,” explains Iain, “or she’s just a deep-fried pizza to the uninitiated). “It’s quite odd to be doing Cinderella two voice off-stage, so the Uglies are the out-and- Joining local legend Iain Lauchlan for his years running because, like Iain, I’ve been out baddies. But in this show, by bringing the Coventry debut is Pitlochry’s own Greg doing Dame for the last however many years Stepmother in, you’ve got a figure for the kids Powrie. The pair play sisters Pepsi and Lizzie and usually there’s an autonomy about that. to really dislike, which helps to soften their respectively. So if you choose to go off-piste, you can. feelings towards the sisters.” “As people here will know, I always play my Whereas with Uglies, it’s a double-act, so “I think that makes it more fun,” adds Greg. dames as Scottish anyway,” says Iain, who in you’ve got to take a bit of a gamble on who “You want to be able to laugh at the Uglies, 2017 is taking part in his 23rd Belgrade panto, the other half is. That’s why you get a lot of but if they’re the only ones making juggling the roles of writer, director and dame comedy double-acts doing it, and duos who Cinderella’s life a misery, it’s more difficult to once more. “This year we’ve definitely got a just do Ugly Sisters and never play dames do that.” independently.” strong Scottish theme, particularly at the Unusually, Maggie Robson will be taking on beginning.” “I’m actually not a great lover of doing two very different maternal guises here, “I think it’s fair to say a lot of English people Cinderella,” Iain admits. “I usually much doubling up as Cinderella’s Stepmother and have certain preconceptions about prefer to be a dame than an Ugly Sister. The her Fairy Godmother. Meanwhile, as Buttons, Scotland,” adds Greg, “some of which are last time I did it must’ve been in the early comic Craig Hollingsworth will move away apocryphal and some of which are true. But ’90s, although I’ve directed it here since then. from his usual on-stage camaraderie with the that’s something that we play on quite a lot - The problem is that sometimes it can become dame, with his and Iain’s characters this time getting drunk and things like that. I’m a bit of a competition. It wasn’t until I first at loggerheads. played it alongside Greg that I felt like this actually really intrigued to see how it’s going “Craig is definitely going to be getting some was how it should be done, where you’re to work because I’ve never done a panto in payback this year,” says Iain, “because he helping each other out rather than England before. I think it’ll be weird - at least pretty much always ends up getting the worst competing.” initially - because Iain and Craig of it in the slosh scenes, whereas this year (Hollingsworth, who plays Buttons) know the It might be Greg’s first time in Coventry, but that’ll be Greg.” audience so well, and then you’ve got this the Caledonian co-stars still have history, “I’ve only known him for two days and I can Scottish upstart coming in!” from Iain’s days as creative director of already sense he’s going to enjoy that,” adds Belgrade panto co-producers Imagine That ‘Scottish theme’ will also be reflected in Greg. the design: the sisters’ top style tips this Theatre. Cinderella was the third pantomime season involve lots of tropical fruit as well as he performed in at Inverness’ Eden Court tartan, which, according to Greg, “never goes Theatre, recruiting Greg as his comedy partner following auditions in Edinburgh. Cinderella shows at Belgrade Theatre, out of fashion”. Take note, Coventry Coventry, until Saturday 13 January fashionistas. “I didn’t know him before that,” says Iain, Christmas Gifts 2017 (gold).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 17:52 Page 1

Going for Gold Check out our top picks of golden gifts on offer at The Mailbox in Birmingham this Christmas...

2 1

5 4

1. Lexon Fine Speaker £50.00 from Heal’s 2. Drop tealight holder £16.00 from BoConcept 3. Sophie Hulme Whistle ochré velvet box clutch £575.00 from Harvey Nichols 4. Sophia Webster Chiara rose gold winged leather sandals £525.00 from Harvey Nichols 5. Christmas tree sculptures From £39.00 from BoConcept 6. Olivia Burton Hackney rose gold-plated watch £95.00 from Harvey Nichols

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7. Newbury Cutlery Set £129.00 from made.com 8. Estée Lauder x Victoria Beckham Highlighter £55.00 from Harvey Nichols 9. MEMO Irish Leather Eau De Parfum £195.00 from Harvey Nichols 10. Drop tealight holder £16.00 from BoConcept 11. Iconic London Rose Gold Contour & Conceal Brush Set £43.00 from Harvey Nichols 12. Gestuz velvet robe £199.95 from Harvey Nichols

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Film

Star Wars: The Last Jedi CERT tbc Starring Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Laura Dern, Benicio del Toro Directed by Rian Johnson (USA) There are still mysteries to be discovered about the Force, so Rey (Daisy Ridley) teams up with Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to uncover them. Harrison Ford will be sadly missed, but at least Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) is still in on the action, along with handsome new Resis- tance fighter Finn (John Boyega). The last Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, expunged the nasty taste left by the previous three, so let’s hope this eighth edition is just as good. According to Boyega, Princes William and Harry play a couple of stormtroopers, which really does give the film some royal approval. May the force be with them. Released Thurs 14 December EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in December...

Wonder CERT PG (113 mins) Starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Noah Jupe, Izabela Vi- dovic, Mandy Patinkin Directed by Stephen Chbosky (USA) Auggie Pullman is not like other boys. He was born with horrendous facial birth de- fects and has undergone extensive surgery over the years while being home- schooled by his mother. Now, aged 10, he’s going to attend a real school for the first time… Based on the children’s novel by RJ Palacio. Happy End CERT 15 (108 mins) Released Fri 1 December Starring Isabelle Huppert, Jean-Louis Trintig- nant, Mathieu Kassovitz, Fantine Harduin, Franz Rogowski, Laura Verlinden, Toby Jones Love, Cecil CERT 12a (99 mins) Directed by Michael Haneke (Austria/ France/ Germany) Directed by Lisa Immordino Vreeland (USA) Selected to represent Austria in next year’s Documentary on the celebrated fashion pho- Oscars, this is a caustic drama that uses the tographer and Oscar-winning costume de- refugee crisis in Calais for its backdrop. signer Sir Cecil Beaton, with archive For the most part, though, the film focuses interviews of those who knew him and more on a family involved in the construction in- modern footage with those who have felt his dustry and preoccupied with their own artistic influence. The man’s own words - predicaments. The director, Michael Haneke, written in his extensive diaries - are read by is not to be ignored. Rupert Everett. Released Fri 1 December Released Fri 1 December whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film December.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 10:03 Page 3

Film highlights released in December...

Hollywood's Elite To Wall Street's Billion- Molly’s Game CERT 15 (140 mins) The Man Who aire Boys Club, My High-Stakes Adventure Starring Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin In The World Of Underground Poker by Invented Christmas Costner, Michael Cera, Jeremy Strong, Chris O'Dowd Directed by Aaron Sorkin (USA) Molly Bloom herself, the film marks the di- CERT PG (104 mins) rectorial debut of the Oscar-winning screen- Starring Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer, Molly’s game is poker and she runs a high- writer Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network, A Jonathan Pryce, Miriam Margolyes, Simon powered poker empire for Hollywood A-lis- Few Good Men, Steve Jobs, The West Wing). Callow, Ian McNeice Directed by Bharat Nalluri (Ireland/Canada) ters, top athletes, Wall Street billionaires And it’s the latter’s incomparable dialogue and the Russian mob. It’s all highly illegal that should guarantee Jessica Chastain an Following the story of the creation of Win- and so Molly Bloom finds herself under in- Oscar nomination for best actress. nie-the-Pooh, we now have the story of the vestigation by the FBI. Based on the un- creation of A Christmas Carol. Apparently, Released Wed 20 December wieldly entitled Molly's Game: From Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) was in dire straits at the time and almost went mad in the confection of his novella, but still man- aged to change how we now view the festive season. Released Fri 1 December

CRITIC’S CHOICE

The Disaster Artist Brigsby Bear CERT 15 (97 mins) CERT 15 (104 mins) Starring Kyle Mooney, Claire Danes, Mark Hamill, Greg Kinnear, Matt Walsh, Michaela Starring James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Watkins Directed by Dave McCary (USA) Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, Josh Hutcher- son, Zac Efron Directed by James Franco James lives underground and is obsessed (USA) with the children’s TV show Brigsby Bear Ad- Not to be confused with Lenny Abrahamson's ventures. Then one day his parents are ar- gripping and moving film Room (2015), rested and he’s told that they aren’t his real Tommy Wiseau's The Room (2003) has been parents and that the show isn’t real either. frequently cited as one of “the worst films James’s life is about to take a dramatic turn… ever made.” This biographical comedy- You certainly can’t fault the film for original- drama charts the making of the latter, based ity and it was well received by the American on the 2013 book of the same name. press. James Franco is said to deliver a career-high Released Fri 8 December performance as Wiseau. Released Wed 6 December Better Watch Out CERT 15 (89 mins) Starring Levi Miller, Olivia DeJonge, Ed Oxen- bould, Patrick Warburton, Virginia Madsen Directed by Chris Peckover (Australia/USA) There are easy babysitting gigs and then there are harder ones. Seventeen-year-old Ashley (DeJonge) thinks she’s in for a straightforward, uncomplicated evening, when her 12-year-old ward, Luke (Miller), tries to seduce her. She really shouldn’t have refused him… Released Fri 8 December

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Film

Menashe CERT U (82 mins) Starring Menashe Lustig, Ruben Niborski, Yoel Weisshaus, Meyer Schwartz Directed by Joshua Z. Weinstein (USA) Menashe works at a grocery store in the Ha- sidic community of Borough Park in Brook- lyn, New York. After his wife died a year ago, Menashe had just his 10-year-old son Rieven to fill his life. But because of Hasidic law, Rieven is taken away from him because a sin- gle father is not deemed suitable for a young lad’s upbringing. So Menashe sets about re- gaining custody of his only child… Filmed entirely in Yiddish. Released Fri 8 December

their sons have committed. Based on the The Dinner CERT tbc 2009 novel by Herman Koch, the drama is Starring Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve the fourth directed by Oren Moverman, Coogan, Rebecca Hall, Adepero Oduye, Chloë Sevigny Directed by Oren Moverman (USA) whose films are invariably well met by the critics. Two sets of wealthy parents meet at a fancy restaurant to decide what to do about a crime Released Fri 8 December

Ferdinand CERT PG Jumanji: Welcome With the voices of John Cena, Kate McKinnon, To The Jungle CERT 12a Anthony Anderson, Bobby Cannavale, David Tennant Directed by Carlos Saldanha (USA) Starring Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Bobby Cannavale Ferdinand is not your typical fighting bull. Directed by Jake Kasdan (USA) Stronger CERT 15 (119 mins) He would rather smell the flowers. However, A sort-of sequel to Jumanji, the 1995 fantasy- Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, when he’s stung by a bee and starts kicking adventure starring Robin Williams, this looks Miranda Richardson, Clancy Brown, Richard up a storm, he is rounded up and dragged off more like a companion piece to Dwayne Lane Jr Directed by David Gordon Green (USA) to Madrid to compete in the ring… Based on Johnson’s Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Jeff Bauman (Gyllenhaal) always wanted to the 1936 children’s book by Munro Leaf. Ap- (2012). Anyway, four teenage friends end up make it up to his ex-girlfriend, Erin propriately, David Tennant voices a bull on a jungle island when they start playing (Maslany). So, when she competed in the called Angus. the video game Jumanji - and, more bizarrely, 2013 Boston Marathon he was determined to Released Thurs 16 December they are transformed into the game’s adult be at the finishing line with an outsize hand- avatars! In 3D. made placard. He made it, but was blown up Released Wed 20 December just as she completed the course. Based on a true story, the film is drawing major Oscar buzz for Gyllenhaal’s performance. Released Fri 8 December

Pitch Perfect 3 CERT tbc Starring Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, John Lithgow Directed by Trish Sie (USA) The Barden Bellas are back and have one last chance to perform on tour in Europe. This, we are promised, is the last instalment in what is now a trilogy. Yeh, well, the last film made $287million. Released Wed 20 December whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Coming Out DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 10:06 Page 1 Coming Out DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 10:06 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

COMING OUT! Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s latest exhibition explores sexuality, gender and identity in art

As the UK celebrates 50 years since the Local artists also get a look in, notably with matter, the show should ultimately be partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in three prints by Birmingham photographer celebratory in tone. To this end, Beauchamp 1967, a new exhibition at Birmingham Vanley Burke, capturing scenes from a Pride has aimed to create a lively, relaxed and Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) explores how demonstration called in protest against the welcoming space, filled with ambient sound shifting attitudes towards the LGBT (lesbian, infamous 1988 Section 28 Act. and vibrant splashes of colour inspired by gay, bisexual and transgender) experience To help make the show more representative Gilbert Baker’s original 1978 Pride flag. have influenced visual art. of Birmingham’s diverse communities, There’ll also be an exciting programme of Part of a three-year national partnership changes have been brought about in shows and activities to enjoy, beginning with between the Arts Council Collection and four consultation with local LGBT groups, notably an action-packed launch developed with UK galleries, Coming Out: Sexuality, Gender over-50s support group Ageing Better, and SHOUT Festival. And Identity comes to BMAG fresh from its Unmuted, a group for BAME (Black, Asian Specially commissioned drag performances, opening at Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery, but and minority ethnic) LGBT people. Members workshops and rainbow crafts for kids are it’s not simply been a case of transferring the of both groups visited Liverpool to give their among the things to look forward to on exhibition wholesale. The show has been feedback on the original show. opening day. Later in the run, there’ll also be ‘reimagined’ for Birmingham audiences, “What’s interesting is that there were slightly opportunities to take part in a Polari featuring new items and with an extensive contrasting views from the people who could workshop, as well as a Drag And Draw engagement programme and gallery trail remember pre-1967 and those who couldn’t,” session - a twist on the gallery’s popular running alongside. explains curator Lisa Beauchamp. “The Drink And Draw series - that will see drag Among the pieces joining the exhibition here Ageing Better group felt that we needed to queens posing for sketches. will be Grayson Perry’s Claire’s Coming Out explain the context for 1967 more fully, Dress, which he designed and wore to mark because you can’t expect everyone to know his entry into the art world as a transvestite, what that is any more.” Coming Out shows at Birmingham shown alongside his 1996 ceramic Who Am Nevertheless, there was a shared sense by all Museum & Art Gallery from Saturday 2 I?, marking stages in the artist’s personal involved that despite its difficult subject December until Sunday 15 April journey.

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Visual Arts previews from around the region

The Past Is Now: Birmingham And The British Empire Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, until Mon 12 March A little less than a century ago, the British Em- pire covered a quarter of the world and ruled over 458 million people. But its creation and retention had come at a price, with many lives having been lost along the way. The Past Is Now takes a look at the history of the Empire and, more specifically, Birmingham’s connection to it. Six artists, researchers and ac- tivists have co-curated the display, which features numerous objects from BMAG’s collection. As well as examining the museum’s own bias in telling difficult narratives, the exhibition also explores other perspectives which have been historically misrepresented. The Past Is Now is located in the museum’s new gallery, Story Lab, a space in which visitors are encouraged to interact, feed back and engage in conversation.

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Visual Arts

Sacred Things Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Fri 1 December - Sun 11 February This thought-provoking exhibition has been created with the intention of introducing recently arrived Syrians to the people of Coventry. Showcasing the work of photographer and an- thropologist Liz Hingley, Sacred Things questions the importance and impact of ownership, personal experience and cultural concepts of beauty. The Syrians featured in Hingley’s display have come to Coventry as part of a unique United Nations programme.

The Lost Words world. Jackie and Robert’s exhibition - created in Compton Verney, Warwickshire, response to the gradual disappearance of until Sun 17 December nature from children’s stories and imagi- “I want The Lost Words to delight the mind nations - includes a series of immersive and the eye, and send children to sleep floor-to-ceiling graphics. Family interpre- dreaming of wild things,” says Jackie Mor- tation areas and recordings of the duo ris. Jackie’s watercolour paintings are here reading poems also feature. juxtaposed with writer Robert Macfar- The Lost Words experience extends be- lane’s spell-poems to celebrate the rela- yond the gallery into the Compton Verney Walsall Society Of Artists tionship between language and the living grounds via an interactive discovery trail. 68th Annual Exhibition The New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 1 December - Sun 21 January Thomas Bock Paintings, drawings, prints, watercolours, Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, sculptures and craftwork are all present and Wed 6 December - Sun 11 March correct in this celebration of local artistic talent, Ikon’s celebration of Thomas Bock with many of the pieces being available for sale. marks the first ever time an exhi- Members of the society will be on hand to bition dedicated to the acclaimed demonstrate their skills every Saturday during artist has been presented here in the exhibition’s seven-week run at the gallery. the UK. Having been apprenticed in Birm- ingham, Bock was convicted of Tales From History ‘administering concoctions of cer- The Barber Institute, Birmingham, tain herbs... with the intent to until Sun 18 February cause miscarriage’. He was sen- Tales From History features rarely shown prints tenced in 1823 to transportation to and drawings by the great Dutch master Rem- Australia, where he went on to be- brandt and his pupils. come one of the country’s most Presented to complement the Barber’s Pride important 19th century artists. And Persecution exhibition, the show includes Best known for his watercolours paintings inspired by stories from the Bible and and his use of pencil, chalk and classical mythology. Among the featured works pastel - although he also used oils are the humorous La- and experimented with photogra- tona And The Lycian phy - Bock painted everything Peasants, the gravely around him, with Tasmanian Abo- serious Death Of the rigines, criminals, free settlers Virgin and the hugely and landscapes all featuring in dramatic Fall Of Icarus. his work. whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Events - December (2016)-1.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:21 Page 1 Events - December (2016)-1.qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:21 Page 2

Events previews from around the region Events

Ice Skate Birmingham Eastside Green, Birmingham, until Sun 7 January Birmingham’s ice rink and big wheel have made a somewhat unexpected but welcome return. It was widely thought that the refurbishment of Cen- tenary Square would mean there was no place for the popular attractions in the city’s 2017 lineup of Christ- mas entertainment. But with the clock ticking down to the festive season, the council’s events team identi- fied an alternative site at Eastside Green, meaning normal yuletide service could be resumed. While the wheel offers the opportunity to enjoy fantastic views across the city, the ice rink - complete with a brand new roof - can hold up to 300 people per session. Younger or inexperienced skating enthusiasts can keep upright by using special penguin skating aids, which can be booked online and in advance. And when skaters have finished their Torvill & Dean routine, they can warm themselves up with some festive fare in the nearby Ice Lounge.

Toy Collectors Fair Magic Lantern Festival Kings Heath Park, Birmingham, NEC, Birmingham, Wed 27 December until Mon 1 January Britain’s biggest toy fair makes its way to As ‘illuminating’ Christmas experi- Birmingham this month to showcase a huge ences go, this one scored a major hit array of collectables. From diecast models by when it debuted last year. Corgi and Dinky through to numerous TV The lakes, woodlands, gardens and and film-related items, this one-day event of- pathways of Kings Heath Park provide fers plenty of interest for enthusiasts. the perfect backdrop against which to Expert toy valuers are on hand to assess visi- enjoy a trail of life-sized and larger- tors' items for free. So if you have a particular than-life lanterns, including a giant piece that you’d like to know more about - or recreation of Birmingham’s iconic li- that you’re maybe intending to sell - why not brary. A food & drink area, a bar, take it along and get it valued? Who knows, Santa's Grotto and a handful of fair- you may be pleasantly surprised... ground rides also feature.

Santa’s Winter Wonderland SnowDome, Tamworth, until Sun 31 December This year’s all-new Santa Show sees Mrs Claus, Francine the Foxtrotting Fairy, Elvis the Penguin and Santa's very own Jingle Belles Band looking to spread festive cheer by creating ‘the best Christmas song ever’. Suitable for all age groups, the show is just one element of the festive fun on offer at Tamworth’s snowy indoor attraction. Visitors can also explore Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch a ride on a sledge. The less adventurous will be able to observe all the action as they amble along the promenade walkway. There’s even an animal village to visit, where you can meet Santa’s reindeer and say hi to some of his furry friends.

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Events previews from around the region Events

12 Crafts For Christmas Victorian Christmas Coventry Transport Museum, Markets Sat 25 November - Sat 23 December Worcester - Thurs 30 November - With not one, not two, but 12 yuletide craft Sun 3 December; Stratford-upon- activities to enjoy at Coventry Transport Avon - Fri 8 - Sun 10 December; Wolverhampton - Fri 15 - Sun 17 Museum, it’s fair to say the popular venue December is a Christmas cracker of a place to visit if This year marks the 25th anniver- you’re looking to keep your little ones en- sary of Worcester’s hugely popular tertained. Victorian Christmas Market. Youngsters can get hands-on making origi- In addition to the 200 stalls which nal ornaments, festive boxes and gorgeous grace the city’s historic streets - gifts for family and friends. selling crafts, gifts and speciality Sessions include how to make rustic rein- foods - the ever-popular fair also deers, design a new sleigh for Santa and features an array of period enter- send a secret ‘happy holidays’ message. tainment, from choirs and stilt- Not only all this, but Mr Claus himself is walkers to an old-style carousel also in residence, complete with a gift for and barrel organ music... every child, and can be visited via a ride on In contrast to Worcestershire’s an enchanting vintage sleigh... well-established market, Strat- ford’s is debuting this very year. Attractions include choirs, instru- Victorian Christmas mental performances, dance dis- plays, Victorian-themed stilt Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, Shropshire, Sat 9 - Sun 10 & Sat 16 - Sun 17 walkers and approximately 150 December stalls... Plenty of Victorian festive cheer is on offer at And also making its first appear- Shropshire’s Blists Hill museum this month, ance in 2017 is Wolverhampton’s as residents busy themselves with prepara- three-day event, featuring more tions for Christmas. than 100 stalls, street artists and a Visitors to the award-winning site can enjoy Victorian funfair. seasonal music from bands and choirs, expe- Commenting on the city’s new ar- rience some festive-style entertainment - in- rival, Councillor Steve Evans said: cluding a singalong with carol singers - and "We anticipate this will be the partake in a spot of Christmas shopping in largest festive market Wolverhamp- the museum’s retail outlet. ton has seen. There will be a vari- And just in case all of the above isn’t quite ety of stalls offering festive enough to ensure your kids are happily enter- goodies, plenty of food and drink, tained, Father Christmas himself - together and fun activities for families to with his reindeer - will be on hand to hear enjoy at this special time of year.” younger visitors’ last-minute gift requests. Merry Minecraft And Santa Hunts A Happy New Robot Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, RAF Cosford Museum, Sat 25 November - Sun 24 December Sat 9 December This one-off technology workshop The rumour that’s flying like a magic rein- offers kids the chance to tackle a deer around the region is that Santa has number of Christmas-themed activ- been spotted at the Black Country Living ities, including advanced features Museum. He seems to be a little limelight- in Minecraft and Christmas coding shy, mind - which is why young visitors to (with a touch of cyber security and the venue are being invited to join festive codebreaking on the side). costumed guides in a search to find him. The workshop is led by qualified Along the way, kids can solve magical teachers from Tablet Academy and clues, sprinkle dust on reindeer shoes and supported by the experienced even send letters up the chimney to learning team at the museum. Santa’s workshop. A surprise gift awaits anybody who succeeds in finding the jolly-faced bearded one...

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Events previews from around the region Events

A Festive Evening Winter Wonderland At BMAG Stoke-on-Trent, until Mon 2 January Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Free to enter and returning to the Wed 6 December city for a second year, Stoke-on- Complimentary mince pies and Trent’s Winter Wonderland provides mulled wine kickstart an evening visitors with plenty of opportunity that offers the chance to make to get into the spirit of the season. some late-night festive purchases Attractions include an ice rink, in the gift shop. A chance to exer- Santa’s grotto, a host of Christmas cise the vocal chords is also on the characters, a Christmas market, festive menu for those who fancy a theme park-style rides including a Christmas carol singalong. full-size rollercoaster and a 60m-tall A ‘make your own wreath’ work- sky swing ride, a ghost train and shop features too, although spaces Santa’s train - the latter of which are limited and only available on a will be running around the site’s first come, first served basis. huge Christmas tree... In short, it’s a one-stop shop for festive family fun, and a welcome addition to the Potteries’ lineup of Christmas entertainment.

European Christmas Market Southwater, Telford, Shropshire, until Sat 23 December Now in its second year, Telford’s European Christmas Mar- ket has returned bigger and better than in 2016. Featuring wooden chalets decked with garlands and lights and selling festive gifts from around Europe, the market also includes a funfair for youngsters to enjoy and showcases local choirs, acoustic bands and plenty of seasonal music. Commenting on the attraction, Councillor Shaun Davies, Victorian Christmas Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The market not only showcases food, drink and products from authentic Santa Trail European stallholders, it also gives a number of local busi- Tamworth Castle, Sat 9 - Sun 10 & Sat 16 - Tues 19 December nesses the opportunity to have a stall of their own at an event which is likely to attract thousands of visitors. Youngsters might do well to sink a “We’ve been putting Telford on the map with our astonish- big bowl of energy-boosting por- ing growth over recent years, and this market shows our ridge before heading along to this intention to make the borough a destination of choice.” fun-filled event, because there’s certainly no shortage of activities for them to join in with! Christmas at Birmingham’s After meeting the Victorian household as they busy themselves mak- Botanical Gardens ing ready for Santa’s annual visit, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, until Mon 1 January it’ll be time to head off round the Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been trans- building in search of St Nick him- formed into a ‘winter wonderland’, thanks to an self. Then they can help the cook impressive Christmas light trail. make the Christmas pudding, join Glittering trees, giant crystals, a carol-singing the butler in preparing for Santa’s cedar coppice and a flickering fire garden all fea- midnight feast and assist the ture on a jewel-coloured trail set to seasonal housemaid with the business of music. Other festive attractions for visitors to enjoy decorating the castle. at the Gardens include vintage fairground rides, a And if they have any energy left larger-than-life Christmas tree and a chance to after that little lot, they can visit meet Santa and his elves. The trail is designed to Santa in his grotto and receive a appeal to visitors of all ages. well-earned surprise gift!

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50 whatsonlive.co.uk USE THIS ONE The List Cover December Wolves_Shrops_Staffs (Graham).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:30 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Decemberecember 20172017 thelist

Shrewsbury Winter Festival at the Quarry Park, Shrewsbury - Sat 9 to Sun 10 December

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 December Mon 11 to Sun 17 December Mon 18 to Sun 24 December Mon 25 to Sun 31 December

Marilyn Manson at Traditional Christmas Evenings Jools Holland and His Rhythm Magical Christmas at Drayton Wolverhampton Civic Hall at Black Country Living Museum & Blues Orchestra at Victoria Manor Theme Park, Tamworth Wed 6 December Fri 15 - Sun 17 December Hall, Stoke-on-Trent until Sun 31 December Wed 20 December

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thelist JOHN KIRKPATRICK CAR- NOTHING MORE Fri 8 THROUGHOUT DECEMBER Gigs OLLING AND CRUMPETS Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- Sun 3 Dec, Lichfield ingham Guildhall Wolverhampton Art Gallery STEPS Fri 1 Dec, Arena URBAN FOLK QUARTET Visual Arts YANG FUDONG: THE NIGHTMAN COMETH Birmingham CHASE RICE Mon 4 Dec, Fri 8 Dec, Stafford O2 Institute, B’ham Gatehouse Theatre Yang is one of the leading figures in THE CHARLATANS Fri 1 Bilston Craft Gallery China’s contemporary art world and Dec, Civic Hall, Wolver- PICTISH TRAIL: WINTER MEMORIAM Fri 8 Dec, FOSSIL FUELLED Exhibition featuring independent cinema, until Sun 3 Dec hampton REWIND ACID REFLUX The Asylum, B’ham TOUR Mon 4 Dec, objects from many of the town’s in- NEW STILL LIFE AND THE SACRED Exhi- DREADZONE Fri 1 Dec, HELLS BELLS Fri 8 Dec, Henry Tudor House, dustries, including cut steel jewellery, bition exploring ‘the secret beauty Actress & Bishop, The Roadhouse, Birm- Shrewsbury bicycles and the world famous Bil- and hidden stories’ behind the spiri- Birmingham ingham ston Enamels, until Sun 31 Dec tual and sacred messages that the in- MASTODON Mon 4 Dec, BENJAMIN CLEMENTINE JP COOPER Fri 8 Dec, cluded works convey, Sat 2 Dec - Civic Hall, Wolver- Fri 1 Dec, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham New Art Gallery - Walsall Sun 4 Feb hampton Town Hall JOY ELLIS Fri 8 Dec, LEGACIES: JMW TURNER AND CONTEM- MARTYN JOSEPH Mon 4 FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 1 Symphony Hall, Birm- PORARY ART PRACTICE Exhibition con- Other VISUAL ARTS Dec, Stafford Gate- Dec, Lichfield Guildhall ingham sidering the ongoing legacy of JMW SHROPSHIRE ART SOCIETY EXHIBITION house Theatre STICK TO YOUR GUNS Fri ULTIMATE 40 Fri 8 Dec, Turner through the lens of contempo- Showcasing the work of Frank Hilton LOVE ACTUALLY WITH 1 Dec, O2 Institute, The River Rooms, rary art, highlighting the enduring rel- and Margaret Rowson, until Fri 1 LIVE ORCHESTRA Mon 4 Birmingham Stourbridge evance of his work for artists Dec, St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury Dec, Symphony Hall, practising today, until Sun 14 Jan BLACK PARADE - 00’S PICTURE THIS EXHIBITION Combined GOOD CHARLOTTE Fri 1 Birmingham EMO ANTHEMS Fri 8 PEOPLE'S CHOICE Featuring the voting arts project integrating photography Dec, O2 Academy, ‘THE THEATRE OF FEAR!’ Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- public’s favourite works from the Per- and life-writing, empowering young Birmingham STARRING CREEPER Mon ingham manent Collection, until Sun 25 Feb people to consider how they might DAN + SHAY Fri 1 Dec, 4 Dec, O2 Institute, 2018 achieve their ambitions in the future, O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham KASABIAN Fri 8 - Sat 9 until Thurs 14 Dec, Keele University, Dec, Arena, B’ham NEW WALSALL SOCIETY OF ARTISTS JAWS Fri 1 Dec, O2 In- SHED SEVEN Tues 5 Staffordshire 68TH ANNUAL EXHIBITION Featuring stitute, Birmingham Dec, Victoria Hall, STEPS Sat 9 Dec, paintings, drawings, prints, water- Genting Arena, B’ham ARGAZKI MAC - 'NATURAL STAFFORD- LEWIS CAPALDI Fri 1 Stoke-on-Trent colours, sculpture and craft, Fri 1 Dec SHIRE' Argazki Mac, aka Neal McIn- Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- MICK WALL - WALL OF CALAN Sat 9 Dec, The - Sun 21 Jan tosh, has produced a breathtaking ingham SOUND Tues 5 Dec, The Hive, Shrewsbury portfolio of wildlife photography, with Robin, Bilston SWEDE DREAMS Sat 9 all photos having been taken in Can- TYLER BRYANT & THE Newcastle Borough Museum Dec, The River Rooms, & Art Gallery nock Chase, Stafford and Hednes- SHAKEDOWN Sat 2 Dec, MICHAEL BALL & ALFIE The Castle & Falcon, BOE Tues 5 Dec, Stourbridge ANTHONY HAMMOND Exhibition of ford Hills, until Fri 15 Dec, Museum of Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham ALBION BAND Sat 9 Dec, work by the North Staffordshire- Cannock Chase, Staffordshire ONE STOP BOOGIE Sat 2 MAC, Birmingham based artist, sculptor and craftsman, DOCUMENTS, ALTERNATIVES (#1) An ex- MARILYN MANSON Wed Dec, The River Rooms, who works predominantly on large- perimental group exhibition exploring 6 Dec, Civic Hall, VEGA PLUS THEIA & GIN Stourbridge scale public art projects and is skilled temporality, fixed-ness, transience Wolverhampton ANNIE Sat 9 Dec, The in a number of green wood disci- and changeability, until Sat 16 Dec, STRAIGHT ACES Sat 2 Slade Rooms, Wolver- plines, until Mon 8 Jan AirSpace Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, hampton Stourbridge B(U)Y ME! FOR CHRISTMAS Christmas ART OF THE COMMUNITY EXHIBITION Ex- CIRCUS JUNKIE REBELS craft exhibition, until Mon 8 Jan, hibition forming part of a celebration GORILLAZ Sat 2 Dec, & THE FREAKSHOW Sat 9 to mark the Trust’s 50th anniversary, Arena Birmingham Dec, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent Potteries Museum & Art until Tues 2 Jan, Coalbrookdale RAY BLK Sat 2 Dec, O2 Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent Gallery, Ironbridge Institute, Birmingham THE DARKNESS Sat 9 Dec, O2 Academy, ANGLO-SAXON KINGDOM OF MERCIA WINTER FEST EXHIBITION VAN mem- HERMITAGE GREEN Sat 2 Birmingham Exhibition of pieces from the world- bers' festive exhibition of paintings, Dec, O2 Academy, famous Staffordshire Hoard, until Sun textiles, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture Birmingham THE LUKA STATE Sat 9 and cards, until Tues 16 Jan, VAN Dec, The Actress & 31 Dec KING PLEASURE AND THE Gallery, Shrewsbury Bishop, Birmingham FIRST WORLD WAR REPLICA TRENCH BISCUIT BOYS Sat 2 HAPPY MONDAYS Wed 6 until Sun 11 Nov 2018. SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY Exploration Dec, Lichfield Guildhall Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- THE SENSATIONAL 60'S of the history of perfumery and the EXPERIENCE Sat 9 Dec, MICHAEL MONROE ingham use of glass as a product to contain Sat 2 Shrewsbury Museum & Art JOHNNY HATES JAZZ Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- and preserve scent, until Sat 27 Jan, Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- Gallery PLUS SPECIAL GUESTS Trent Red House Glass Cone, Wordsley, ingham Wed 6 Dec, Birming- BAYSIDE Sat 9 Dec, O2 SAMURAI: WARRIORS OF JAPAN An ex- Stourbridge SCOUTING FOR GIRLS hibition that graphically brings to life ham Town Hall Institute, Birmingham NEW HALLS YOUNG ARTIST COMPETI- Sat 2 Dec, O2 the story of the Samurai and their fall JIVE TALKIN' Thurs 7 ABBA FOREVER Sat 9 TION Display of work by entrants to Academy, Birmingham from power, as Japan opened up to Dec, Wulfrun Hall, LANY Sat 9 Dec, O2 In- the annual Junior Open Competition, GO WEST FEATURING the West, until Sun 21 Jan Wolverhampton stitute, Birmingham Fri 1 - Sun 31 Dec, Weston Park, Nr PETER COX & RICHARD Shifnal DRUMMIE Sat 2 Dec, THE UNTHANKS Thurs 7 PICTURE THIS Sat 9 Dec, Dec, Birmingham Town O2 Institute, B’ham The Willow Art Gallery, NEW STAFFORDSHIRE CONTEMPORARY The Robin, Bilston Hall Oswestry ARTIST & DESIGNER FAIR 2017 Show- HAZEL O'CONNOR Sat 2 CHRISTMAS WITH THE WINTER OPEN EXHIBITION Exhibition of case of contemporary art, craft & de- Dec, Birmingham Town DIAMOND HEAD Thurs 7 OVERTONES Sat 9 Dec, work by both established and emerg- sign work, including ceramics, Hall Dec, The Robin, Bilston Symphony Hall, B’ham ing artists, until Sat 6 Jan jewellery, textiles, printmaking, fine STATUS QUO Sun 3 Dec, UKELELE ORCHESTRA OF DARKSIDE Sat 9 Dec, art and photography. The ideal place BIJOUX Affordable, original pieces of Civic Hall, Wolver- GREAT BRITAIN Thurs 7 Civic Hall, W’hampton to purchase unique work direct from art by members of Borderland Visual hampton Dec, Symphony Hall, THAT'LL BE THE DAY the artist, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Foxlowe Birmingham Arts (BVA). Featuring prints, ceram- PHIL COLLINS Sun 3 CHRISTMAS SHOW Sun Arts Centre, Staffordshire ics, paintings, tapestry, jewellery and Dec, Genting Arena, DYNAMICS Fri 8 Dec, 10 Dec, Birmingham sculpture, until Sat 6 Jan Birmingham Dudley Town Hall Town Hall

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ingham Choir, City of Birmingham Classical Music Symphony Orchestra, Adrian Lucas (conductor), Rowan Pierce (so- CBSO CENTRE STAGE Featuring Marie- prano), Anna Huntley (alto), Bradley Christine Zupanic (flute), Katherine Smith (tenor), James Cleverton Thomas (harp), Amanda Lake (violin), (bass), Christopher Allsop (organ) & Michael Jenkinson (viola), David Thomas Trotter (harpsichord), Fri 8 Powell (cello). Programme includes Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham works by Mozart & Villa-Lobos, Fri 1 FOLIA: TELEMANN IN PARIS, 1737-38 Dec, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Join Follia as they celebrate the 250th anniversary of the death of ASHLEY FRIPP LUNCHTIME PIANO CON- Georg Philipp Telemann with a musi- CERT Programme includes works by J cal journey through two of his ground S Bach, Thomas Adès & Chopin, Fri breaking 'Paris Quartets', together 1 Dec, The Barber Institute, B’ham with chamber music by his French EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY contemporaries Jean-Phillippe CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skid- Rameau, Jean-Baptiste Forqueray more (conductor), Fri 1 Dec, St and Jean-Claude Balbastre, Fri 8 Chad's Church, Shrewsbury Dec, The Barber Institute, B’ham EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY HALESOWEN ORCHESTRA Programme CANDLELIGHT Featuring the Ex Cathe- includes works by Mozart, Grieg & dra Consort & Jeffrey Skidmore (con- Sibelius, Sat 8 Dec, Cornbow Hall, Justin Moorhouse - Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek ductor), Sat 2 Dec, St Peter's Church, Halesowen Sutton Coldfield 2 Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- PERCIVAL & COMIC TBC Fri 8 Dec, The CBSO NOTELETS: CHRISTMAS CRACKERS Trent Comedy Loft, Birmingham THE BRITISH POLICE SYMPHONY OR- Featuring Catherine Arlidge (presen- CHESTRA - PROMS NIGHT SPECTACULAR ter) & the CBSO Brass Ensemble, THE JUMPROV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Sat GREG DAVIES Fri 8 - Sat 9 Dec, Civic Sat 2 Dec, Birmingham Town Hall Fri 8 - Sat 9 Dec, CBSO Centre, 2 Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Hall, Wolverhampton EX CATHEDRA: MONTEVERDI VESPERS Birmingham SOL BERNSTEIN, BEC HILL, JARLATH DAMIAN CLARK, JONNY PELHAM, HEN- (1610) Featuring His Majesty’s Sag- LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHORUS: HAN- REGAN & KEVIN MCCARTHY Sat 2 Dec, RICK ELMER & DAMION LARKIN Sat 9 butts & Cornetts & Jeffrey Skidmore DEL’S MESSIAH Sat 9 Dec, Lichfield The Glee Club, Birmingham Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent (conductor), Sun 3 Dec, Birmingham Cathedral FREDDIE QUINN, ADAM BLOOM, NICK Town Hall BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- PAGE & COMIC TBC Sat 2 Dec, The NATIONAL CHILDREN’S ORCHESTRAS OF TRA - RUSSIAN DANCE Featuring Comedy Loft, Birmingham GREAT BRITAIN WINTER CONCERT Pro- Michael Lloyd (conductor). Pro- STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE 2 Dec, gramme includes works by Gershwin, gramme includes works by Stravin- MAC, Birmingham De Falla, Strauss, Ravel & Anderson, sky & Prokofiev, Sun 10 Dec, Elgar ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 2 Dec, The Sun 3 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Concert Hall, Birmingham Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent SING CAROLS WITH THE CITY ORGANIST CHRISTMAS WITH THE SALVATION ARMY PAUL FOOT Sat 2 Dec, Stafford Gate- AND BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR Featuring guest soloist Abigail John- house Theatre Featuring Thomas Trotter (organ), son, Sun 10 Dec, Symphony Hall, David Hardie (conductor) & Jeremy Birmingham JEWELLERY QUARTER COMEDY CLUB Nicholas (compere), Mon 4 Dec, Tues 5 Dec, The Rose Villa Tavern, Birmingham Town Hall Birmingham MIKE NEWALL, MANDY KNIGHT, SEAN ROB ROUSE, BRENNAN REECE, PAUL EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY PERCIVAL & COMIC TBC Sat 9 Dec, The PIRIE & DAVE BRYON CANDLELIGHT Featuring Ex Cathedra Wed 6 Dec, Comedy Loft, Birmingham Consort & Jeffrey Skidmore (conduc- Comedy Tower Brewery, Burton upon Trent COMEDY IN THE MET LINE UP TBC Sat 9 tor), Tues 5 Dec, St John's Church, JOHN HASTINGS, CRAIG MURRAY, ANDRE Dec, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Hagley, Birmingham PHIL JERROD, DYLAN GOTT & COMICS VINCENT & STUART MITCHELL Wed 6 - SIR WILLARD WHITE Also featuring Eu- TBC Fri 1 Dec, Cherry Reds Cafe-Bar, Thurs 7 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 9 Dec, The Old Post Office, Stoke-On-Trent gene Asti (piano), Wed 6 Dec, Birmingham DUNCAN OAKLEY, PAUL SINHA, HANNAH The Barber Institute, Birmingham TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ADAM ROWE & SILVESTER & BEN VAN DER VELDE Thurs JOHN HASTINGS, CRAIG MURRAY, SEAN DANIEL LEBHARDT PIANO CONCERT Pro- ALF Fri 1 Dec, Katie Fitzgerald's, 7 Dec, The George Hotel, Lichfield COLLINS & DANA ALEXANDER Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, The Glee Club, B’ham gramme includes works by Chopin & Stourbridge JUSTIN MOORHOUSE, JAKE LAMBERT, Rachmaninov, Wed 6 Dec, Royal SOL BERNSTEIN, BEC HILL, JARLATH FREDDIE FARRELL, MARK WOODROW & THE KEN DODD HAPPINESS SHOW Sun Birmingham Conservatoire REGAN & KEVIN MCCARTHY Fri 1 Dec, BARRY DODDS Thurs 7 Dec, Foxlowe 10 Dec, Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton THE LIGETI QUARTET Programme in- The Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Leek, Staffordshire cludes Harrison Birtwistle’s Bach ar- SCOTT BENNETT, ADAM BLOOM, NICK MIKE NEWALL, MANDY KNIGHT, SEAN rangements alongside works by PAGE & COMIC TBC Fri 1 Dec, The PERCIVAL & COMIC TBC Thurs 7 Dec, Stravinsky, Sofia Gubaidulina & new Comedy Loft, Birmingham The Comedy Loft, Birmingham works from Stef Connor, Wed 6 Dec, Theatre STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY NIGHT Thurs Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Fri 1 Dec, MAC, Birmingham 7 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall THE LION IN WINTER CBSO: PROKOFIEV'S CINDERELLA JERRY SADOWITZ Fri 1 Dec, Wulfrun JETHRO THURS 7 Dec, Dudley Town The Nonentities Featuring Alexander Vedernikov (con- Hall, Wolverhampton Hall present an amateur staging of ductor) & Martin Helmchen (piano). James Goldman’s historical drama, Programme includes works by LEE NELSON Fri 1 Dec, Dudley Town JASON MANFORD Fri 8 Dec, Birming- until Sat 2 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Brahms & Prokofiev, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Hall ham Town Hall Kidderminster Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham GREASE UPFRONT COMEDY Sat 2 Dec, MAC, ROB ROUSE, JOLLYBOAT & GEORGE ZACH The original high school mu- G4 CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT 2017 Birmingham Fri 8 Dec, The Bramall, Birmingham sical, starring Danielle Hope as Thurs 7 Dec, St Paul's Church, Birm- BEC HILL, HOWARD READ & TIERNAN JOHN HASTINGS, CRAIG MURRAY, ANDRE Sandy, Tom Parker as Danny and ingham DOUIEB Sat 2 Dec, The REP, B’ham VINCENT & DANA ALEXANDER Fri 8 Dec, Louisa Lytton as Rizzo, until Sat 2 CITY OF BIRMINGHAM CHOIR: HANDEL’S The Glee Club, Birmingham Dec, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre JAMES DOWDESWELL, ELEANOR TIER- ERIC OF DOCK GREEN IN MIDWINTER MESSIAH Featuring the City of Birm- NAN, RICK RIGHT & DAMION LARKIN Sat MIKE NEWALL, MANDY KNIGHT, SEAN MURDERS A murder, a Christmas whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Fri 1 - Sun 10 December (v2016).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 16:40 Page 3

thelist SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS ALICE IN WONDERLAND party, a comedy, Eric and 20 fantas- PMA Produc- Worcester MRS BEETON, MY SISTER tic Swinging 60s hits, until Sat 9 Brad Fitt returns as the Dame in this tions bring to life George Critchley’s Award-win- Dec, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- festive family favourite, Wed 29 Nov staging of CS Lewis’ famous tale, ning playwright Alison Neil explores under-Lyme - Sun 7 Jan, Theatre Severn, Sat 2 Dec, Festival Drayton Centre, the relationship between Bessie ALICE IN WONDERLAND Shrewsbury Market Drayton, North Shropshire Modern adap- ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE Mayson and her famous big sister, tation of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Richard WARDROBE Sat 9 Dec, SpArC, Bishops Castle, until Sat 30 Dec, The Old Rep The- Bean’s adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s Little Arden Theatre South Shropshire atre, Birmingham comedy, Servant Of Two Masters, Company presents its adaptation of SING-A-LONG-A BEAUTY AND THE TREASURE ISLAND BEAST A journey across Wed 29 Nov - Sat 16 Dec, Old Joint the CS Lewis classic, Sun 3 - Sat 16 Sing along to the lyrics on Stock Theatre, Birmingham Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham the high seas, filled with larger-than- PLAY ON! CUTTING EDGE screen and meet the characters life characters and swashbuckling Luke Players present Rick Grand Arena Youth after the film, Sat 9 Dec, Theatre sword fights, until Sat 27 Jan, New Abbot’s story about an amateur the- Theatre investigate young people’s Severn, Shrewsbury Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme atre group trying to put on a play de- ‘need’ to carry knives and the impli- A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS A CHRISTMAS CAROL Festive David Edgar’s spite interference from a haughty cations of doing so, Mon 4 Dec, celebration of the Golden Era of Hol- adaptation of Charles Dickens’ fes- author, Thurs 30 Nov - Sat 2 Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton lywood, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, The MAC, Birmingham FLASHDANCE tive classic. Phil Davies stars, until RAYMOND BRIGGS' FATHER CHRISTMAS Strictly champion Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Sun 4 Feb, Royal Shakespeare The- Joanne Clifton and A1 heartthrob MR SILLY PANCAKE AND THE LAND OF atre, Stratford-upon-Avon Pins & Needles present Raymond Ben Adams star in a new staging of CAKE AND BISCUITS IMPERIUM PART 1: CONSPIRATOR Interactive show Mike Briggs’ classic festive tale, Thurs 30 the hit musical, Mon 4 - Sat 9 Dec, featuring original music, puppetry Nov - Sat 30 Dec, MAC, B’ham New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham Poulton’s adaptation of Robert Har- ALADDIN SLEEPING BEAUTY and a ‘stunning’ set, Sat 9 - Sun 10 ris’ bestselling Cicero trilogy, Gre- Fun-filled family panto star- Tues 5 - Fri 8 Dec, Dec, The REP, Birmingham gory Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, ring CBeebies favourite Cat Sandion The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham TALE TRAIL TO TREASURE ISLAND BREEZEBLOCK PARK Im- The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- as Princess Jasmine, Sam Rabone Stoke Repertory mersive theatre experience featuring Avon as Widow Twankey and Ben Thorn- IMPERIUM: PART II DICTATOR Players present an amateur staging storytelling actors, Sat 9 - Sat 30 Mike ton as Wishee Washee, Thurs 30 of Willy Russell’s ‘laugh-out-loud’ Dec, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Nov - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick Poulton’s adaptation of Robert Har- THE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIANS play, Wed 5 - Sat 9 Dec, Stoke under-Lyme ris’ bestselling Cicero trilogy, Gre- Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent JACK AND THE BEANSTALK ROBIN HOOD & BABES IN THE WOOD Starring gory Doran directs, until Sat 10 Feb, Dodie Smith’s delightful tale, Gareth Gates, Lisa Riley, Ian Adams The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- adapted for the stage by Nativity! Traditional panto, Tues 5 - Sun 10 and Doreen Tipton, Sat 9 Dec - Sun Avon writer Debbie Isitt, Thurs 30 Nov - TWELFTH NIGHT Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, 14 Jan, Wolverhampton Grand The- Ade Edmondson & Sat 13 Jan, The REP, Birmingham Stoke-on-Trent atre SANTA IN LOVE SLEEPING BEAUTY BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Kara Tointon star in Shakespeare’s People’s Theatre Amateur staging Presented by tale of unrequited love, until Sat 24 Company present a ‘fun-filled’ family presented by Cannock Wood & Working Theatre, Sun 10 Dec, Feb, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, musical complete with games, gig- Gentleshaw Music Society, Wed 6 - Newhampton Arts Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon gles and all your favourite Christmas THE HIRED MAN Sat 9 Dec, Prince Of Wales Centre, Wolverhampton Classic musical tak- songs, Fri 1 Dec, Arena Theatre, Cannock MRS BEETON, MY SISTER Wolverhampton PETER PAN Award-win- ing audiences on an early-20th cen- PAUL O’DONNELL: WE’VE GOT EACH Starring Collaboro’s ning playwright Alison Neil explores tury journey from the hard farmlands OTHER Thomas J Redgrave as Peter Pan, the relationship between Bessie of the north to the war-torn trenches Tragic tale following the story Jonas Cemm as Captain Hook and Mayson and her famous big sister, of the Great War, Tues 28th Nov - of a docker, a waitress and their for- Georgina Newton as Tinkerbell, Wed Sun 10 Dec, Chelmarsh Parish Hall, Sat 2 Dec, The Blue Orange The- bidden love for one another, Sat 2 6 - Sun 31 Dec, The Place, Oaken- Bridgnorth, Shropshire atre, Birmingham Dec, MAC, Birmingham gates Theatre, Telford THE BAND: TAKE THAT’S NEW MUSICAL THE JUMPROV CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ROBIN HOOD AND THE BABES IN THE WOOD Tim Firth’s hit boyband musical, Festive-themed 100%-improvised Innovative rock’n’roll staging Tues 28 Nov - Sat 9 Dec, Regent sketch show for over-18s only, Sat 2 of the traditional adventure story, Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Thurs 7 Dec - Sun 7 Jan, Stafford Dance Gatehouse Theatre THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD THE NUTCRACKER Dave Birmingham Royal Pitt’s one-act play exploring radical- Ballet presents its world famous pro- ism in today’s society, Fri 8 - Sat 9 duction, which transports audiences Dec, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton into an enchanting winter wonder- CINDERELLA Traditional family pan- land of dancing snowflakes and the tomime, Fri 8 - Sat 16 Dec, Hall Sugar Plum Fairy, until Wed 13 Dec, Green Little Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham Hippodrome FAULTY TOWERS: THE CHRISTMAS DIN- ING EXPERIENCE Fully immersive theatre experience where audience members become diners in the infamous ‘Faulty’ restaurant, Fri 8 - Thurs 21 Dec, The REP, B’ham CRIMES ON THE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS Inspired by Agatha Christie, The 39 Steps and Jason Bourne, and featuring a cast of four bringing to life a host of characters, Fri 8 Dec - Sat 6 Jan, Lichfield Garrick THREE BILLY GOATS GRUFF AND OTHER FURRY TAILS Widdershins Theatre fuse puppetry and music to tell their The Band, Take That’s New Musical - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent version of the classic Brothers Grimm tale, Sat 9 Dec, The Hive, 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs Fri 1 - Sun 10 December (v2016).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 16:40 Page 4

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WHAT THE MOON SAW LA LA LAND (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- 2Face Dance ring Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone. present an interactive reimagining of Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 8 - Hans Christian Andersen’s classic Mon 11 Dec tale, Fri 1 - Sat 2 Dec, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS THE LIGHT PRINCESS (PG) Biography/Comedy. Starring Ballet Cymru Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer. present a new full-length ballet The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri which draws on elements of circus 8 - Thurs 14 Dec and features a new score by acclaimed Welsh harpist Catrin Finch, BABY DRIVER (PG) Action/Crime. Star- Sat 9 Dec, Stourbridge Town Hall ring Ansel Elgort, Jon Bernthal. Elec- tric Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 9 Dec BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG) Family/Fantasy. Starring Emma Wat- son, Dan Stevens. Electric Cinema, Film Birmingham, Sat 9 - Tues 12 Dec THE JUNGLE BOOK (U) Animation/Ad- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: venture. Starring Phil Harris, Sebas- tian Cabot. The Hive, Shrewsbury, LION (12a) Biography/Drama. Starring Sun 10 Dec Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman. Brew- Santa Steam Specials - Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley house Arts Centre, Burton upon THE GHOST (12a) Drama/Fantasy. Star- Trent, Fri 1 Dec ring Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 10 Santa & his Elves, until Mon 1 Jan, on Trent INCENDIES (15) Drama/Mystery. Star- - Mon 11 Dec Birmingham Botanical Gardens VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FAYRE Sat 2 - ring Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Dé- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL THE RED TURTLE (PG) Animation/Fan- Christ- Sun 3 Dec, The Parade Shopping sormeaux-Poulin. Foreign language, mas-themed event featuring artistic Centre, Shrewsbury subtitled. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Fri 1 tasy. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, sculptures, until Mon 1 Jan, Kings SANTA BOAT TRIPS Dec Sun 10 - Wed 13 Dec Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec Heath Park, Birmingham Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dud- THE DISASTER ARTIST (15) ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Enjoy this win- ley Biography/Comedy. Starring James ter sport in beautiful city surround- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKEND Franco, Seth Rogen. Electric Cinema, ings until Sun 7 Jan, Eastside City Birmingham, from Fri 1 Dec See Santa star in his very own stage Events Park, Birmingham show, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Cadbury BATTLE OF THE SEXES (12a) Biogra- CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL Raising World, Birmingham phy/Drama. Starring Emma Stone, BBC GOOD FOOD SHOW Featuring top money for Dudley Mind, The YMCA SANTA EXPERIENCE Steve Carell. The Old Market Hall, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, UK chefs cooking live, and a huge and Dudley Alzheimer's Society, until Park Hall Farm, Oswestry Shrewsbury, Fri 1 - Thurs 7 Dec range of independent producers & Sun 7 Jan, Red House Glass Cone, FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM MOULIN ROUGE (12a) Drama/Musical. big bands, until Sun 3 Dec, NEC, Stourbridge PARK Starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan Mc- Birmingham See Father Christmas and re- THE SECRET CHRISTMAS GIN FESTIVAL ceive a traditional teddy bear me- Gregor. Electric Cinema, Birming- TELFORD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MAR- Fri 1 - Sat 2 Dec, The Grain Store, ham, Sun 3 Dec mento, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Attingham KET until Sat 23 Dec, Southwater De- Wolverhampton Park, Shrewsbury THE SENSE OF AN ENDING (15) velopment, Telford ILLUMINATED GARDENS Fri 1 - Sun 3 CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Drama/Mystery. Starring Jim Broad- Step back in MEET SANTA In an experience unique Dec, Powis Castle and Garden, time and take part in some seasonal bent, Charlotte Rampling. Stour- to Birmingham this festive season, Welshpool, Powys bridge Town Hall, Mon 4 Dec; Edge activities, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Black visitors are invited to go the North SANTA'S GROTTO Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South Fri 1 - Fri 15 Dec, Country Living Museum, Dudley Pole of the city in the Antartic Grotto, Dudley Zoological Gardens, Dudley Shropshire, Mon 4 Dec meet the man himself and enjoy the SANTA HUNTS Search for Santa along- SANTA SAFARI A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama/Family. cheeky Gentoo penguins in the ex- A magical adventure by side the museum’s festive costumed Starring George C. Scott, Frank Fin- clusive setting of the ever-so-ever-so Land Rover to see Santa, Fri 1 - Sat guides, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Black lay. Wem Town Hall, Mon 4 Dec; Lud- chilly Ice Adventure area, until Sat 23 23 Dec, Hawkstone Park & Follies, Country Living Museum, Dudley low Assembly Rooms, South Dec, National Sea Life Centre, Birm- Shrewsbury FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO Sat Shropshire, Tues 5 Dec ingham THE FANTASTICAL WINTER TOYBOX Dis- 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Powis Castle and Gar- MY COUSIN RACHEL (12a) Drama/Mys- SANTA SAFARI until Sun 24 Dec, West cover the toys which have been scat- den, Welshpool, Powys tery. Starring Rachel Weisz, Sam Midland Safari and Leisure Park, Be- tered around the grounds, Fri 1 Dec - WESTON PARK CHRISTMAS FOOD & Claflin. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, wdley Fri 9 Feb, Erddig Hall, Wrexham CRAFT FAYRE Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, We- Tues 5 Dec BIRMINGHAM FRANKFURT CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along ston Park, Nr Shifnal OLDBOY (18) Action/Drama. Starring MARKET until Sun 24 Dec, Birming- or just soak up the festive atmo- SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by Min-sik Choi, Ji-tae Yu. Foreign lan- ham City Centre sphere, Sat 2 Dec, Severn Valley Rail- steam train from Kidderminster to way, Bewdley guage, subtitled. Electric Cinema, SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Explore Arley, where you can meet Father Birmingham, Wed 6 Dec Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a COILED POT MAKING WORKSHOP Sat 2 Christmas in his grotto, Sat 2 - Sun 3 GREMLINS (12a) Comedy/Fantasy. walk through the enchanted forest, Dec, Gladstone Pottery Museum, Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley Starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch Stoke-on-Trent POP-UP CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXTRAV- Cates. Followed by Q&A with Zach a ride on a sledge, until Sun 31 Dec, ACORNS SANTA RUN Charity event in AGANZA Sat 2 - Fri 22 Dec, Wolver- Galligan. Electric Cinema, Birming- The Snowdome, Tamworth support of local children’s hospice, hampton Art Gallery ham, Thu 7 Dec DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Live Sat 2 Dec, Cannon Hill Park, B’ham A 1940S CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM Un- MOONLIGHT (15) Drama. Starring Alex shows, carols, presents plus much CHRISTMAS FOOD & CRAFT FAYRE With cover Christmas traditions from the Hibbert, Ashton Sanders. Electric more until Sun 31 Dec, Drayton over 80 indoor and outdoor stalls, Sat 1940s, Sat 2 - Sat 23 Dec, Attingham Cinema, Birmingham, Thu 7 Dec Manor Theme Park, Tamworth 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Weston Park, Nr Shif- Park, Shrewsbury THE GRADUATE (15) Drama/Romance. CHRISTMAS AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL nal SHUGBOROUGH AT CHRISTMAS Sat 2 - Starring Dustin Hoffman, Anne Ban- GARDENS Featuring illuminated trail, ELF ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Interactive Sat 23 Dec, Shugborough Historic croft. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Scented Fire Garden, Tunnel of Light, indoor experience, Sat 2 - Sun 3 Dec, Working Estate, Stafford Fri 8 Dec Mistletoe Moment, Singing Trees & Trentham Gardens, Trentham, Stoke CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS With a live

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Friday 1 - Sunday 10 December

theon-board choir, Sun 3list Dec, Dudley stacle course visits Birmingham, Fri 8 Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley - Sun 17 Dec, NEC, Birmingham ACORNS SANTA RUN Help raise funds CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along for local life-limited or life-threatened or just soak up the festive atmo- children and their families, Sun 3 sphere, Sat 9 Dec, Severn Valley Rail- Dec, Walsall Arboretum, Walsall way, Bewdley ETSY MADE LOCAL CHRISTMAS MARKET CHRISTMAS THROUGH THE AGES Hosted by Made In The Black Coun- Guided tours, with pomander-making try, Sun 3 Dec, Newhampton Arts sessions and wassailing, Sat 9 Dec, Centre, Wolverhampton Blakesley Hall, Birmingham SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS Festive sleep- MERRY MINECRAFT AND A HAPPY NEW over at one of Alton Tower's themed ROBOT CHRISTMAS Themed activities, hotels, Sun 3 Dec, Alton Towers, including advanced features in Staffs Minecraft, Christmas coding and a ANTIQUE FAIR Sun 3 Dec, Bantock touch of cyber security, Sat 9 Dec, House & Park, Wolverhampton RAF Cosford, Shifnal, Shropshire AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS FUN DAY Enjoy Voices of Tantallon sing a wide vari- festive stories told by characters from ety of festive music, Mon 4 - Tues 5 Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, join the Dec, Wightwick Manor, Wolverhamp- naughty elves in a snowball fight and ton see the stilt-walking Christmas fairy, Sat 9 Dec, Gladstone Pottery Mu- AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES seum, Stoke-on-Trent Acorns Santa Run - Walsall Arboretum Tues 5 Dec, Carding Mill Valley & The Shropshire Hills, Church Stretton, FESTIVE FAMILY FUNDAY Sat 9 Dec, AN ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS Festive ELF ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Festive ac- South Shropshire The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- greenery, log fires, carols and merri- tivities and action for children and upon-Trent TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Join Mrs ment! Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Harvington adults, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Trentham Claus at the fireside for milk, cookies CAROLLING AT THE CASTLE Sat 9 Dec, Hall, Kidderminster Gardens, Stoke on Trent and a festive story, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 Stokesay Castle, Nr Craven Arms, 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS Taste tradi- FATHER CHRISTMAS AT WIGHTWICK Dec, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrops South Shropshire tional Christmas recipes, see the MANOR Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Wightwick THE MANOR BY MOONLIGHT Join the BIG BIERKELLER BAVARIAN BASH Sat 9 house decorated with traditional Manor, Wolverhampton Pakingtons and their friends in the Dec, The Grain Store, Wolverhamp- greenery, toast bread over an open HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF candlelit hall, and discover the dan- ton fire, enjoy live music from Merrie SECRETS High definition screening gers that await them, Wed 6 - Thurs 7 ROARING 20S HOUSE PARTY Enjoy the Noyse and play games from the past, while a live orchestra performs John Dec, Harvington Hall, Kidderminster decadence of the 1920s, Sat 9 Dec, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Williams’ score, Sun 10 Dec, Genting Wolverhampton GEORGIAN CHRISTMAS TOUR Find out Weston Park, Nr Shifnal, Staffs Arena, Birmingham how Boulton and his friends would GIN TASTING Sat 9 Dec, Old Joint SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS With a live have celebrated the festive season Stock Theatre, Birmingham steam train from Kidderminster to on-board choir, Sun 10 Dec, Dudley Arley, where you will meet Father during the 18th century, Wed 6 - VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS (see page 47 Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley Thurs 21 Dec, Soho House, B’ham Christmas in his grotto, Sat 9 - Sun for details), Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Blists 10 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS A festive sleep- TUDOR CHRISTMAS TOURS Featuring Hill, Ironbridge ley over at one of Alton Tower's themed pomander making and wassailing, hotels, Sun 10 Dec, Alton Towers, LADIES KENNEL ASSOCIATION The CHILDREN’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Wed 6 - Thurs 21 Dec, Blakesley Hall, largest dog show in the UK after Staffs Birmingham SANTA TRAILS Meet the Victorian Crufts, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, NEC, household as they ready themselves CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM Christmas CHRISTMAS MARKET Thurs 7 - Sun 10 Birmingham for the annual visit of their very spe- crafty activities and seasonal fun, Sun Dec, World of Wedgwood, Stoke-on- CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKEND cial guest, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Tam- 10 Dec, Fordhall Organic Farm, Mar- Trent See Santa star in his very own stage worth Castle, Tamworth ket Drayton, North Shropshire CAROL EVENING Fri 8 Dec, Shugbor- show, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Cadbury ough Historic Working Estate, World, Birmingham Stafford SANTA EXPERIENCE Sat 9 - Sun 10 TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS Dec, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry, North Stroll through the museum’s beauti- Shropshire fully decorated gas-lit streets and FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM take in the sights, sounds and smells PARK See Father Christmas and re- of a magical Christmas past, Fri 8 - ceive a traditional teddy bear me- Sat 9 Dec, Black Country Living Mu- mento, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, seum, Dudley Attingham Park, Shrewsbury SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa by boat CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR Sat 9 in his underground grotto, deep in - Sun 10 Dec, Bantock House & Park, the Dudley Caverns, Fri 8 - Sun 10 Wolverhampton Dec, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in time and take part in some seasonal BOWMAN ANTIQUES Fri 8 - Sun 10 Dec, activities, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Black Staffordshire County Showground, Country Living Museum, Dudley Stafford SANTA HUNTS Search for Santa along- ILLUMINATED GARDENS Fri 8 - Sun 10 side the museum’s festive costumed Dec, Powis Castle and Garden, guides, Sat 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Black Welshpool, Powys Country Living Museum, Dudley THE BEAST - THE WORLD'S BIGGEST FATHER CHRISTMAS IN HIS GROTTO Sat BOUNCY CASTLE Unleash your beast 9 - Sun 10 Dec, Powis Castle and Santa Hunts at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley as the world’s largest inflatable ob- Garden, Welshpool, Powys whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 11-17 December (v2016).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:27 Page 1

thelist ELO AGAIN Thurs 14 Arts Centre, Wolver- SON & MIKE WILMOT Fri 15 - Sat 16 Gigs Dec, The Robin, Bil- hampton Classical Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham ston QUEEN + ADAM LAM- GLENN WOOL, MICKY P KERR, ROGER PULLED APART BY IAN SIEGAL Thurs 14 BERT Sat 16 Dec, Music MONKHOUSE & DAMION LARKIN Sat 16 HORSES Mon 11 Dec, Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, Arena Birmingham Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent The Sugarmill, Stoke- Stourbridge KICK UP THE 80’S Sat THE SIXTEEN - GLORY TO THE CHRIST ROB ROUSE, FREDDIE QUINN, MARK on-Trent THE CHICAGO BLUES SIMMONS & COMIC TBC CHILD Featuring Harry Christophers Sat 16 Dec, BROTHERS ULI JON ROTH Mon 11 Thurs 14 (conductor), Mon 11 Dec, Sym- The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Dec, The Robin, Bil- Dec, Victoria Hall, phony Hall, Birmingham KEN DODD Sat 16 Dec, Victoria Hall, ston Stoke-on-Trent LUNCHTIME CHRISTMAS MUSIC WITH Stoke-on-Trent NORMANDIE & WILLIAM THUNDER CHRISTMAS THE CHOIR OF ST JOHN'S COLLEGE, ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 16 Dec, The SHOW RYAN KEY (YELLOW- Fri 15 Dec, Civic CAMBRIDGE Featuring Andrew Neths- Old Post Office, Burton-On-Trent CARD) Mon 11 Dec, O2 Hall, Wolverhampton ingha (music director) & Thomas GLENN WOOL, CHRIS WASHINGTON, Academy, Birmingham JAYKAE Fri 15 Dec, O2 Trotter (organ), Mon 11 Dec, Sym- RAYMOND MEARNS & SIMON LOMAS ROBERT PLANT Tues 12 Institute, Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham Sat 16 Dec, Wolverhampton Art Dec, Symphony Hall, ROY ORBISON STORY 16 Dec, The River THE BIRMINGHAM CANOLDIR CHRIST- Gallery Birmingham Fri 15 Dec, Prince Of Rooms, Stourbridge MAS SPECTACULAR Featuring James THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS ROY WODD ROCK & Wales Centre, Can- THE FAMILY SILVER Sat Llewelyn Jones (conductor), Gemini Sun 17 Dec, MAC, Birmingham ROLL BAND Tues 12 nock Brass & Denise Leigh (soprano), 16 Dec, O2 Institute, ROB ROUSE, MIKE GUNN, ADAM RILEY & Dec, The Robin, Bil- Thurs 14 Dec, Birmingham Town THE COOPERS & Birmingham CATHERINE BOHART Sun 17 Dec, The ston Hall FRIENDS Fri 15 Dec, HAPPY SNKA-MAS WITH George Hotel, Lichfield LIAM GALLAGHER Tues The Roadhouse, Birm- MIDLANDS HOSPITAL CHOIR: SING THE SKA 45’S Sat 16 ED GAMBLE, JO ENRIGHT, ANDY ROBIN- 12 Dec, Arena B’ham ingham NOEL! Festive concert conducted by Dec, The Night Owl, SON & MIKE WILMOT Sun 17 Dec, The James Llewelyn Jones, Fri 15 Dec, DIRTY THRILLS Tues 12 RED SUIT APARATUS Fri Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall Dec, O2 Academy, 15 Dec, O2 Institute, I LOVE REGGAE Sat 16 Birmingham Birmingham Dec, Genting Arena, BBC PHILHARMONIC FEATURING MAR- TIN ROSCOE Programme includes SWING TIME: CHRIST- TV SMITH Fri 15 Dec, Birmingham works by Sibelius, Grieg & MAS SPECIAL Tues 12 Katie Fitzgeralds, THUNDER CHRISTMAS Beethoven, Fri 15 Dec, Victoria Hall, Dec, Dudley Town Hall Stourbridge SHOW Sat 16 Dec, Stoke-on-Trent Theatre WRETCH 32 Tues 12 UB40 Fri 15 Dec, Civic Hall, W’hampton LICHFIELD CATHEDRAL CHOIR: CHRIST- Dec, O2 Institute, Genting Arena, B’ham HOODIE ALLEN Sat 16 CHRISTMAS GOTHIC MAS BY CANDLELIGHT Sat 16 Dec, Enter into the Birmingham SHED SEVEN Fri 15 Dec, Dec, O2 Institute, Lichfield Cathedral Christmas spirit as a dark and THE URBAN VOODOO O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham WOMBOURNE & DISTRICT CHORAL SO- spectral woman tells haunting tales MACHINE Wed 13 Dec, GOGOL BORDELLO PLUS SLADE Sat 16 Dec, CIETY A concert of seasonal words & of the festive season, Tues 12 - The Robin, Bilston LUCKY CHOPS Fri 15 William Aston Hall, music, Sat 16 Dec, Beckminster Wed 13 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse THE MOULETTES Wed Dec, Wulfrun Hall, Wrexham Methodist Church, Wolverhampton Theatre 13 Dec, Lichfield Wolverhampton CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT MERSEY BEATLES Sat THE FRONCYSYLTE CHOIR CHRISTMAS The Guildhall RELATIVELY CHRISTMAS 16 Dec, Prince Of CONCERT Sat 16 Dec, New Vic The- Nonentities present an evening of JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS Fri 15 Dec, Stafford Wales Centre, Can- atre, Newcastle-under-Lyme song and dramatic merriment, Tues RHYTHM & BLUES OR- Gatehouse Theatre nock 12 - Fri 15 Dec, The Rose Theatre, CHRISTMAS WITH KATHERINE JENKINS CHESTRA Wed 13 - Kidderminster THE BOOTLEG BEATLES STARVING RASCALS Sat Featuring the London Concert Or- Thurs 14 Dec, Sym- HOME FOR CHRISTMAS Fri 15 Dec, Symphony 16 Dec, Katie Fitzger- chestra, Anthony Inglis (conductor) ‘Fun-filled’ phony Hall, B’ham Hall, Birmingham alds, Stourbridge & special guest Mark Vincent, Sun adventure for younger audiences... PETER HOOK & THE BORN IN THE EIGHTIES ABBA MANIA Sat 16 17 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham Tues 12 - Sun 31 Dec, Lichfield LIGHT Thurs 14 Dec, Fri 15 Dec, The River Dec, Wulfrun Hall, Garrick SARAH MATTHEWS AND MARIA WHAT- The Slade Rooms, Rooms, Stourbridge Wolverhampton Wolverhampton TON - WINTER AND WASSAIL THE STONES Fri 15 - KATE RUSBY AT CHRIST- Story- THE ALBION BAND Thurs Sun 17 Dec, Theatre MAS Sat 16 Dec, Birm- telling night for grown-ups, Wed 13 14 Dec, New Vic The- On The Steps, Bridg- ingham Town Hall Dec, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, atre, Staffordshire north, South Shrops Comedy Burton-upon-Trent (SPUNGE) Sat 16 Dec, CLOSER MAGIC OF MOTOWN BONEY M Sat 16 Dec, O2 Academy, B’ham Presented by Birmingham Thurs 14 Dec, Prince JASON MANFORD Mon 11 Dec, Wul- The Robin, Bilston ROY WOOD'S ROCKMAS School Of Acting, Wed 13 - Sat 16 Of Wales Centre, Can- frun Hall, Wolverhampton MARTIN CARTHY Sat 16 2017 Sat 16 Dec, Sym- Dec, Crescent Theatre, B’ham nock ZOE LYONS, ED GAMBLE, ANDY ROBIN- A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec, Newhampton phony Hall, B’ham Amateur stag- SON & MIKE WILMOT Wed 13 Dec, ing by Scarlet Theatre, Wed 13 - FIVE FINGER DEATH The Glee Club, Birmingham PUNCH & IN FLAMES Sat 16 Dec, Stoke Repertory The- ZOE LYONS, ED GAMBLE, ANDY ROBIN- Sun 17 Dec, Arena atre, Stoke-on-Trent SON & CHARLIE BAKER Thurs 14 Dec, RENÉ AND EDITH - LE COMEDY DINNER Birmingham SHOW The Glee Club, Birmingham much-loved BBC EXTREME Sun 17 Dec, Inspired by ROB ROUSE, KANE BROWN, MARK SIM- sitcom ’Allo ’Allo, Wed 13 - Sat 16 O2 Academy, B’ham MONS & COMIC TBC Thurs 14 Dec, Dec, The REP, Birmingham THE DYLAN PROJECT CINDERELLA The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Pantomime presented Sun 17 Dec, Lichfield ROB ROUSE, KANE BROWN, REGINALD D by Rooftop Theatre, Wed 13 - Sun Guildhall HUNTER & MARK SIMMONS Fri 15 Dec, 17 Dec, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, DAN WHITEHOUSE Sun The Comedy Loft, Birmingham South Shropshire 17 Dec, Newhampton JACK AND THE BEANSTALK BARBARA NICE'S CHRISTMAS CRACKER Wed 13 - Arts Centre, Wolver- Fri 15 - Sat 16 Dec, MAC, B’ham hampton Fri 29 Dec, Sutton Coldfield Town ZOE LYONS, ED GAMBLE, ANDY ROBIN- Hall The Moulettes - Lichfield Guildhall

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Monday 11 - Sunday 17 December

SANTA'S CHRISTMAS WISH Starring Sally Hawkins, Brendan Join in the Gleeson. Wem Town Hall, Shrop- Wicked Wizard Of Fizzog adventure to grant Santa his secret shire, Fri 15 - Sat 23 Dec; The Old wish, then meet the man himself af- Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 15 - Sun Netherton Arts Centre, Dudley, Thurs 14 - Sat 16 December terwards and receive a special pre- 23, Wed 27 - Sun 31 Dec This brand new production, a sure-to-be-chuckleworthy parody sent, Fri 15 - Sun 24 Dec, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury of Wicked and The Wizard Of Oz, finds Lizzie Cotterill putting pen ALADDIN to paper to create her latest masterpiece, a tale of two witches Starring Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson, Fri 15 Dec - whose friendship turns sour. And their situation isn’t helped any Sun 7 Jan, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Events by the sudden arrival of a young girl named Dorothy... Black on-Trent Country-based Fizzog are suitably proud of their Midlands roots THE SNOW QUEEN Amateur staging AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS and urge anybody who enjoys a good laugh to get along to this lat- presented by Kidderminster Rose With Voices of Tantallon, Mon 11 - est production. “Our shows are riotous, poignant and nostalgic,” Young People’s Theatre, Sat 16 - Tues 12 Dec, Wightwick Manor, say Fizzog, “but most of all, hysterically funny.” Sun 17 Dec, The Rose Theatre, Wolverhampton Kidderminster JERSEY BOYS TWILIGHT FATHER CHRISTMAS 2017 See The story of Frankie Father Christmas and receive a tradi- the Victorian revival of hawking and ready themselves for the annual visit Valli & The Four Seasons, Sat 16 tional teddy bear memento, Mon 11 - hear tales about a falconer’s exploits of their very special guest, Sat 16 - Dec - Sat 6 Jan, New Alexandra Fri 15 Dec, Attingham Park, Shrews- at Christmas time, Sat 16 Dec, The Tues 19 Dec, Tamworth Castle Theatre, Birmingham Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Han- DEAR SANTA bury SANTA'S GROTTO After receiving a spe- Featuring music, laugh- TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Join Mrs ley cial gift from Santa, it’s off to see his ter and plenty of audience participa- Claus at the fireside for milk, cookies GIN TASTING Sat 16 Dec, Old Joint reindeer, Sat 16 - Sat 23 Dec, Dudley tion, Sun 17 - Sun 24 Dec, Stafford and a festive story, Wed 13 - Thurs 14 Stock Theatre, Birmingham Zoological Gardens, Dudley Gatehouse Theatre Dec, Blists Hill, Ironbridge CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Traditional FATHER CHRISTMAS AT ATTINGHAM FESTIVITIES WITH FRIENDS An evening Christmas carols in the farmyard, PARK See Father Christmas and re- of Christmas songs and carols, Thurs complete with Nativity scene, Sat 16 ceive a traditional teddy bear me- 14 Dec, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Dec, Bodenham Arboretum, Kidder- mento, Sat 16 - Sat 23 Dec, Dance Burton-upon-Trent minster Attingham Park, Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS CAROLS EVENING A rare FATHER CHRISTMAS AT WIGHTWICK SANTA EXPERIENCE A visit to Santa for THE NUTCRACKER chance to see the preserved factory MANOR Sat 16 - Sun 17 Dec, a generous present, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Vienna Festival workshops and cobbled courtyard Wightwick Manor, Wolverhampton Dec, Park Hall Farm, Oswestry Ballet bring to life the story of Clara after dark, with a finale of outdoor VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Sat 16 - Sun 17 CHRISTMAS IN THE HOME Step back in and her adventures on Christmas Christmas carols, accompanied by a Dec, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrops time and take part in some seasonal Eve, Wed 13 Dec, Prince Of Wales brass band, Fri 15 Dec, Gladstone SANTA STEAM SPECIALS activities, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Dec, Black Centre, Cannock Pottery Museum, Stoke-on-Trent Travel by steam train from Kidderminster to Country Living Museum, Dudley ILLUMINATED GARDENS Fri 15 - Sun 17 Arley, where you will meet Father SANTA HUNTS Search for Santa along- Dec, Powis Castle and Garden, Christmas in his grotto, Sat 16 - Sun side the museum’s festive costumed Welshpool, Powys 17 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewd- guides, Sat 16 - Sun 24 Dec, Black Film SHUGBOROUGH LANTERN PARADE Fri 15 ley Country Living Museum, Dudley - Sun 17 Dec, Shugborough Historic ELF ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Festive ac- GINGERBREAD TRAIL Follow the clues INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Working Estate, Stafford tivities and action for children and round the trail and claim your prize, adults, Sat 16 - Sun 17 Dec, Tren- Sat 16 Dec - Mon 1 Jan, Croome A QUIET PASSION (12a) VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET Fri 15 - tham Gardens Park, Worcester Biography/Drama. Starring Emma Sun 17 Dec, Wulfruna Street, Wolver- Bell, Sara Vertongen. Edge Arts Cen- hampton CHRISTMAS GIFT AND CRAFT FAIR Sat CAROLS IN THE CAVERNS With a live tre, Much Wenlock, South Shrop- SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa by boat 16 - Sun 17 Dec, Bantock House & on-board choir, Sun 17 Dec, Dudley shire, Mon 11 Dec in his underground grotto, Fri 15 - Park, Wolverhampton Canal and Tunnel Trust, Dudley THE OTHER SIDE OF HOPE (12A) Com- Sun 17 Dec, Dudley Canal and Tun- 17TH CENTURY CHRISTMAS See the A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Meet the Vic- edy/Drama. Starring Ville Virtanen, nel Trust, Dudley house decorated with traditional torian potters and get your last- Dome Karukoski. Foreign language, TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVENINGS greenery, toast bread over an open minute gifts, Sun 17 Dec, Middleport subtitled. Foxlowe Arts Centre, Leek, Stroll through the museum’s deco- fire and enjoy live music, Sat 16 - Sun Pottery, Burslem, Stoke Tues 12 Dec rated gas-lit streets and take in the 17 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, Wolver- A CHRISTMAS WASSAIL 2017 hampton Mulled THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE (U) sights, sounds and smells of a magi- wine and mince pies are served Drama/Family. Starring Hans Mathe- cal Christmas past, Fri 15 - Sun 17 VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS SANTA TRAIL from 7pm, Sun 17 - Tues 19 Dec, son, Samantha Barks. Forest Arts Dec, Black Country Living Museum, Meet the Victorian household as they Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Centre, Walsall, Thurs 14 Dec Dudley STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI (12a) Ad- SANTA'S SLEEPOVERS A festive sleep- venture/Fantasy. Starring Mark over at one of Alton Tower's themed Hamill, Adam Driver. Light House hotels, Fri 15 - Sat 23 Dec, Alton Tow- Media Centre, Wolverhampton, Thurs ers 14 - Sat 23 Dec CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) or just soak up the festive atmo- Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth sphere, Sat 16 Dec, Severn Valley Branagh, Johnny Depp. Festival Railway, Bewdley Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, FROST FAIR Brand new indoor Christ- South Shropshire, Fri 15 Dec mas market with decoration and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Drama/Family. card-making activities, seasonal food Starring George C. Scott, Frank Fin- and drink, pop-up performances by lay. The Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, local musicians, choirs and more, Sat Fri 15 - Sun 24 Dec 16 Dec, Birmingham Hippodrome PADDINGTON 2 (U) Adventure/Comedy. A VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS Learn about Traditional Christmas Evenings - Black Country Living Museum

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29th Nov, 7pm At The Brewhouse The Nutcracker presented by Vienna Festival Ballet Tickets: £18, £16 conc

2nd Dec, 9am - 4pm At Burton Market Hall Christmas Craft Market

9th Dec, 10am - 1pm At The Brewhouse Festive Family Funday Tickets: £7.50 per child or 2 children for £10

13th Dec, 7pm At The Brewhouse Once Upon A Wednesday Tickets: £6 adv, £8 otd

14th Dec, 7.30pm At The Brewhouse Festivities with Friends

Tickets: £8

15th - 16th Dec, 7.30pm At Burton Town Hall Town Hall Christmas Party Nights Tickets: £45 per person

19th Dec, 7pm At The Brewhouse Solid Gold 70's Christmas Show Tickets: £22, £19 conc

20th Dec, 11am & 1pm At The Brewhouse Santa's Christmas Wish Tickets: £10 including present, £36 family of 4 (2 presents)

21st Dec, 7.30pm At The Brewhouse A Christmas Carol

Tickets: £12, £10 conc

23rd Dec, 12noon At The Brewhouse A Classical Christmas GEM Recitals Tickets: £5

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thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 December EX CATHEDRA - ANGELS, STARS & KINGS Classical Music Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore (conductor), Alexander Mason (organ) & Lucy Wakeford (harp), Sat 23 Dec, St LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CHRIST- Paul's Church, Birmingham MAS CAROL SINGALONG Featuring Adrian Lucas (conductor), the Lon- CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring the don Concert Orchestra, City of Birm- Canzonetta Choir, Mozart Festival Or- ingham Choir, Nicky Spence (tenor) chestra in full period costume, Nika & Crispian Steele Perkins (trumpet), Gori (soprano) & Michael Bawtree Mon 18 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham (conductor). Programme includes works by Handel, Gruber, Cullen, LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: CLASSIC Corelli, Mozart & Bach, Sun 24 Dec, CAROLS Featuring Adrian Lucas (con- Symphony Hall, Birmingham ductor), Nicky Spence (tenor) & Crispian Steele Perkins (trumpet), Mon 18 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham THE SNOWMAN Watch the film on screen whilst a professional 26-piece orchestra, featuring some of the Comedy Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band - Birmingham Town Hall country’s top musicians, perform the film’s iconic score, Mon 18 Dec, Vic- CRISIS AT CHRISTMAS 2017 Mon 18 Dec, The Brewhouse LES Fri 22 Dec, The toria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham Arts Centre, Burton- Roadhouse, B’ham Gigs A CHORAL CHRISTMAS Featuring TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 18 Dec, upon-Trent BARRY STEELE & Strictly winner and One Show host The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham ELIZA CARTHY & THE THE ED SHEERAN EXPERI- FRIENDS THE CHRISTMAS Ore Oduba as presenter. Simon JEN BRISTER, PAUL MCCAFFERY, MICKEY WAYWARD BAND Mon 18 ENCE Thurs 21 Dec, The SPECIAL Sat 23 Dec, Halsey conducts, Tues 19 - Thurs 21 D & SCOTT GIBSON Wed 20 - Sat 23 Dec, Birmingham Town River Rooms, Stour- Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham bridge Trent Hall EX CATHEDRA: CHRISTMAS MUSIC BY JULIAN DEANE, QUINCY, ROGER WHITE TRASH Mon 18 FRED ZEPPELIN XMAS CHAS & DAVE Sat 23 CANDLELIGHT Featuring Jeffrey Skid- MONKHOUSE Thurs 21 - Fri 22 Dec, Dec, The Sunflower BASH Thurs 21Dec, The Dec, The Robin, Bilston more (conductor), Tues 19 - Sat 23 The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Robin, Bilston Lounge, Birmingham CRACKER 88’S Sat 23 Dec, St Paul's Church, Birmingham THE STORYBEAST, JONATHAN PELHAM & SOLID GOLD CHRISTMAS NATHAN DAWE 0121 LIVE Dec, Katie Fitzgeralds, ANDRE RIEU & THE JOHANN STRAUSS CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 22 Dec, Wolver- SHOW Tues 19 Dec, The Thurs 21 Dec, O2 Insti- Stourbridge ORCHESTRA Thurs 21 Dec, Genting hampton Grand Theatre tute, Birmingham Brewhouse, Burton ARIANA GRANDE EXPERI- Arena, Birmingham MARKUS BIRDMAN, JAY HANDLEY, Upon Trent BURNSIDE LIVE JUKEBOX ENCE Sat 23 Dec, The BARRY DODDS & DAMION LARKIN Sat 23 THE SHADES Tues 19 CHRISTMAS PARTY Fri 22 River Rooms, Stour- Dec, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Dec, The Night Owl, bridge Dec, O2 Institute, Birm- ROFL! COMEDY CLUB Sat 23 Dec, The Birmingham ingham IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC Old Post Office, Burton upon Trent THE PRODIGY Tues 19 THE ALAMO CHRISTMAS ROCK NIGHT Sat 23 Dec, Dec, Civic Hall, Wolver- PARTY Fri 22 Dec, The Route 44, Birmingham hampton Night Owl, Birmingham THE SLEAZE BROTHERS CHRISTMAS NO. 1 POP A FAMILY CHRISTMAS Sat 23 Dec, Lichfield SINGALONG Tues 19 WITH THE TOWN HALL Guildhall Theatre Dec, Birmingham Town GOSPEL CHOIR Fri 22 THE MOTHERS EARTH EX- THE SNOWMAN Watch the film on Dec, Birmingham Town THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Hall PERIMENT Sat 23 Dec, screen whilst a professional 26-piece Hall Drama- A CHORAL CHRISTMAS The Sunflower Lounge, orchestra, featuring some of the Link present Alan Bennett's adapta- WITH ORE ODUBA Tues KICK UP THE 80’S Fri 22 Birmingham country’s top musicians, perform the tion of Kenneth Grahame's 19 - Thurs 21 Dec, Dec, The Robin, Bilston THE TWANG Sat 23 Dec, film’s iconic score, Thurs 21 Dec, much-loved book, Tues 19 - Fri 22 Symphony Hall, B’ham THE SPACEHOPPERS Fri O2 Academy, B’ham Lichfield Cathedral Dec, Crescent Theatre, Birmingham CINDERELLA JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS 22 Dec, Katie Fitzger- THE STRAIGHT ACES Sun CBSO: CHRISTMAS AT THE MOVIES Fea- Soul-diva Beverley RHYTHM & BLUES OR- alds, Stourbridge 24 Dec, Katie Fitzger- turing Anthony Weeden (conductor), Knight makes her pantomime debut CHESTRA Wed 20 Dec, THE BORN AGAIN BEAT- alds, Stourbridge Gary Williams & Jo Gibb (vocalists), alongside Strictly Come Dancing fi- Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- Fri 22 Dec, Symphony Hall, B’ham nalist Danny Mac, Hippodrome Trent CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Featuring panto favourite Matt Slack, Suzanne VIOLET Wed 20 Dec, the London Concert Orchestra. Shaw, The Grumbleweeds and Ugly The Sunflower Lounge, John Rigby (conductor), the Can- Sisters Ceri Dupree and Phil Ran- Birmingham zonetta Choir, The Jingle Belles, dall, Tues 19 Dec - Sun 28 Jan, Laura Tebbutt (guest singer), Anna Birmingham Hippodrome FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO PETER PAN - THE WORLD'S BIGGEST Patalong (soprano) & Nico Darmanin QUEEN Wed 20 Dec, PANTO The Robin, Bilston (tenor), Sat 23 Dec, Symphony Hall, Starring Bradley Walsh and Birmingham MICHAEL BUBLE - KAI Martin Kemp, Wed 20 - Sun 24 Dec, Arena Birmingham MCKENZIE Wed 20 Dec, HANDEL’S MESSIAH Featuring the The River Rooms, Shropshire Charity Concerts Choir, Stourbridge Shropshire Charity Concerts Orches- tra & John Moore (conductor), Sat 23 MAD JOCKS & ENGLISH- Dec, Shrewsbury Abbey MEN Wed 20 Dec, The Red Lion Folk Club, GEM RECITALS - A CLASSICAL CHRIST- Birmingham MAS Featuring Georgia Gardiner (soprano), Edward Robinson (baritone) GREEN MATTHEWS: A & Hayley Parkes (pianist), Sat 23 CHRISTMAS CAROL A Dec, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, FOLK OPERA Thurs 21 Jools Holland - Victoria Hall, Hanley Burton-upon-Trent

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2018 HIGHLIGHTS

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62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 18-24 December (v2016).qxp_Layout 1 23/11/2017 17:45 Page 4

thelist Monday 18 - Sunday 24 December SANTA'S CHRISTMAS WISH Join in the adventure to grant Santa his secret Film wish, then meet the man himself af- terwards and receive a special pre- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: sent, Wed 20 Dec, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent WHISKY GALORE (15) Comedy/Ro- SANTA'S CHRISTMAS WISH mance. Starring James Cosmo, Join in the Eddie Izzard. Stourbridge Town Hall, adventure to grant Santa his secret Mon 18 Dec wish, then meet Santa after and re- THE LEGO NINJA MOVIE (U) ceive a special present! Wed 20 Dec, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Animation/Action. With the voices of Burton-upon-Trent Jackie Chan, Dave Franco. Ludlow SKELLIG Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Haunting story of mystery, Mon 18 - Tues 19 Dec imagination and childhood, Wed 20 - Sat 30 Dec, Old Joint Stock Theatre, THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS Birmingham (PG) Animation/Family. With the SING-A-LONG-A-FROZEN voices of Danny Elfman, Chris Saran- Sing along to don. Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Disney's hit movie, Thurs 21 Dec, Mon 18 & Wed 20 Dec Stourbridge Town Hall Santa Boat Trips - Dudley Canal & Tunnel Trust SANTA'S CHRISTMAS WISH THE PARTY (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- Join in the ring Kristin Scott Thomas, Timothy Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke, Tues 19 Nativity scene, try hot chocolate by adventure to grant Santa his secret Spall. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Dec the fire and enjoy a delicious sea- wish, then meet the man himself af- South Shropshire, Mon 18 & Wed 20 BROADWAY DANNY ROSE (PG) Drama. sonal treat in the house, Tues 19 - terwards and receive a special pre- Dec Starring Woody Allen, Mia Farrow. Wed 20 Dec, Moseley Old Hall, sent, Thurs 21 Dec, The Hafren Wolverhampton CALL ME BY YOUR NAME (15) The Hive, Shrewsbury, Tues 19 Dec Theatre, Newtown, Powys TALL STORIES: THE SNOW DRAGON Drama/Romance. Starring Armie BREATHE (PG) Biography/Drama. Star- SANTA SLEIGH EXPRESS Join the steam Hammer, Timothée Chalamet. Ludlow ring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy. Lud- train at Kidderminster Station for your Toe-tapping songs and ‘lots of Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, low Assembly Rooms, South evening journey with Father Christ- laughs’ for everyone aged three and Mon 18 & Thurs 21 Dec Shropshire, Tues 19 - Thurs 21 Dec mas to Highley, Tues 19 - Fri 22 Dec, older, Thurs 21 Dec - Sun 7 Jan, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (PG) THE MAGIC FLUTE (U) Fantasy/Music. The Patrick Centre, Birmingham TINY TOTS TRAIL OF TREATS Join Mrs Hippodrome Animation/Family. Starring Macaulay Starring Josef Köstlinger. Electric Cin- BABY IT’S COLD OUTSIDE... Culkin, Tim Curry. Electric Cinema, ema, Birmingham, Thurs 21 Dec Claus at the fireside for milk, cookies Kiss Kiss Birmingham, Tues 19 Dec and a festive story, Wed 20 - Thurs 21 Bang Bang presents Lichfield’s first THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL (U) Dec, Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shrops and only burlesque cabaret show, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (12a) Comedy/Drama. Starring Michael Crime/Drama. Starring Kenneth Caine, The Muppets. Mitchell Arts KIDS CHRISTMAS TRAIL Christmas- Fri 22 Dec, The George Hotel, Lich- themed purpose-made trail, Thurs 21 field Branagh, Johnny Depp. Wem Town Centre, Stoke, Thurs 21 Dec Hall, North Shropshire, Tues 19 & Dec, Himley Hall & Park, Dudley SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS DIE HARD (15) Action/Thriller. Starring Thurs 21 Dec; Ludlow Assembly Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman. Electric SANTA BOAT TRIPS Visit Santa by boat Starring Ann Nolan of Nolan Sisters rooms, South Shropshire, Wed 27 - Cinema, Birmingham, Fri 22 Dec in his underground grotto, deep in fame as the evil queen, Fri 22 - Sat Fri 29 Dec the Dudley Caverns, Thurs 21 - Sat 30 Dec, Prince Of Wales Centre, THE STAR (U) Animation/Adventure. ON GOLDEN POND (U) Comedy. Star- 23 Dec, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Cannock With the voices of Steven Yeun, ring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Trust, Dudley A CHRISTMAS CAROL Kristin Chenoweth. Ludlow Assembly Staging of Fonda. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Wed rooms, South Shropshire, Fri 22 - Sat CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION WEEKEND Charles Dickens' supernatural tale 20 Dec Thurs 21 - Sat 23 Dec, Cadbury of redemption, Sat 23 - Sat 30 Dec, 23, Wed 27 - Fri 29 Dec HOLIDAY INN (U) Comedy/Musical. World, Birmingham The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham PADDINGTON 2 (U) Adventure/Comedy. Starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire. Starring Sally Hawkins, Brendan THE HOLLY AND THE IVY Historical Gleeson. Festival Drayton Centre, Christmas music with the Waites of Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Fri Gloucester, Fri 22 Dec, Harvington 22 Dec; Electric Cinema, Birming- Hall, Kidderminster ham, Fri 22 - Thurs 28 Dec BLAST OFF! ‘The world’s most successful club night’ hosts its annual Christmas party, Sat 23 Dec, Civic NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Hall, Wolverhampton Released from Wed 20 Dec, showing CHRISTMAS CAROL TRAINS Sing along at selected cinemas or just soak up the festive atmo- JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE sphere, Sat 23 Dec, Severn Valley (tbc) Railway, Bewdley PITCH PERFECT 3 (tbc) SANTA STEAM SPECIALS Travel by steam train from Kidderminster to Arley, where you meet Father Christ- mas in his grotto, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Dec, Severn Valley Railway, Bewdley Events ELF ADVENTURE CHALLENGE Festive activities and action for children and THE REAL FATHER CHRISTMAS Meet Fa- adults, Sat 23 - Sun 24 Dec, Tren- ther Christmas and Mary in a tradi- tham Gardens, Stoke on Trent tional grotto, Mon 18 - Sat 23 Dec, SANTA'S GROTTO After receiving a spe- Middleport Pottery, Burslem, Stoke- cial gift from Santa, it’s off to see his on-Trent reindeer, Sun 24 Dec, Dudley Zoolog- The Muppet Christmas Carol - Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent CHRISTMAS QUEST Sing a carol by the ical Gardens, Dudley

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64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List NEW Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 25-31 December (v2016).qxp_Layout 1 21/11/2017 16:29 Page 2

thelist Monday 25 - Sunday 31 December ROXY MAGIC Wed 27 RELEASE Fri 29 Dec, The Dec, Wolverhampton Art Gallery Gigs Dec, The Roadhouse, Sugarmill, Stoke-on- Classical Music IAN COGNITO, MIKE NEWALL, DAVE LON- Birmingham Trent GLEY & NICK PAGE Sun 31 Dec, The BON GIOVI Tues 26 Dec, THE SEX P*SSED DOLLS DEFINATELY MIGHT BE Fri LAST NIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS PROMS Comedy Loft, Birmingham The Robin, Bilston Wed 27 Dec, The River 29 Dec, The Robin, Bil- Featuring the London Concert Or- DANA ALEXANDER, PAUL MCCAFFERY, Rooms, Stourbridge ston THE BON JOVI EXPERI- chestra, John Pryce-Jones (conduc- MICKEY D & ANDY ROBINSON Sun 31 ENCE Tues 26 Dec, The RAGE CAVE Thurs 28 SEX PISTOLS EXPERIENCE tor), Joo Yeon Sir (violin), James Dec, The Glee Club, Birmingham River Rooms, Stour- Dec, The Sugarmill, Fri 29 Dec, The Road- Cleverton (baritone) & Samuel bridge Stoke-on-Trent house, Birmingham Sakker (tenor), Wed 27 Dec Symphony Hall, Birmingham BAD MANNERS Wed 27 DIRTY DC Thurs 28 Dec, SIGNING OFF (UB40 TRIB- Dec, The Robin, Bilston The Robin, Bilston UTE) Fri 29 Dec, The MUSICALS IN CONCERT: LEADING LADIES Featuring the London Concert Or- FAITH - THE GEORGE Night Owl, Birmingham Theatre GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed chestra, Richard Balcombe (conduc- MICHAEL LEGACY Thurs LETS HAVE A ROCK ‘N’ 27 Dec, The Jam tor), Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis, 28 Dec, The River ROLL PARTY Fri 29 Dec, STICK MAN House, Birmingham Linzi Hately & Victoria Hamilton-Bar- Scamp Theatre adapta- Rooms, Stourbridge Genting Arena, B’ham ritt, Thurs 28 Dec, Symphony Hall, tion of Julia Donaldson & Alex GENERATIONS Sat 30 Birmingham Scheffler’s popular children’s book Dec, The Sugarmill, THE LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE of the same name, Tues 26 Dec - Fri Stoke-on-Trent 12 Jan, Birmingham Town Hall BEST OF JOHN WILLIAMS Featuring An- TRES TRES CABARET CHRISTMAS SOUL SURVIVORS & THE thony Inglis (conductor), Fri 29 Dec, An AMEN CORNER Sat 30 Symphony Hall, Birmingham evening of cheeky decadence... Dec, The Robin, Bilston GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA Also featur- Thurs 28 Dec, Stafford Gatehouse SKABUCKS Sat 30 Dec, Theatre ing Mark Porter and Catherine Sykes CINDERELLA The Roadhouse, B’ham (guest vocalists), Fri 29 Dec, Sym- DE Caversmill Theatre WHITE TYGER + MOOSE phony Hall, Birmingham Company presents its version of the JAW Sat 30 Dec, The THE LONDON CONCERT ORCHESTRA: THE festive family favourite, Thurs 28 - River Rooms, Stour- MAGIC MOMENTS OF BURT BACHARACH Sat 30 Dec, Stoke Repertory The- bridge Featuring Richard Balcombe (con- atre, Stoke-on-Trent T.REXTASY Sun 31 Dec, ductor), Graham Bickley Mary The Robin, Bilston Carewe, Alison Jiear & Abbie Osma (special guest singers), Sat 30 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Events THE FOUR SEASONS BY CANDLELIGHT Featuring the Mozart Festival Orches- SANTA'S WINTER WONDERLAND Explore tra in full 18th Century costume, Santa’s Christmas snow trail, take a David Juritz (director/violin), Rowan walk through the enchanted forest, Pierce (soprano) & Crispian Steele enjoy a game of snowballs and hitch Perkins (trumpet). Programme in- a ride on a sledge, until Sun 31 Dec, cludes works by Vivaldi, Stanley, The Snowdome, Tamworth Mozart, Handel, Bach & Clarke, Sat 30 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham DRAYTON'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Live shows, carols, presents plus much NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA Featuring the more until Sun 31 Dec, Drayton London Concert Orchestra, Sky In- Manor Theme Park, Tamworth, Staffs gram (soprano), Alexander James Edwards (tenor) & Anthony Inglis (conductor). Programme includes works by Rossini, Holst, Verdi, Sibelius, Puccini, Strauss, Brahms & Elgar, Sun 31 Dec, Symphony Hall, Birmingham

Comedy CHRISTMAS AT BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL GARDENS Featuring illuminated trail, REAL DEAL COMEDY JAM XMAS SPECIAL Scented Fire Garden, Tunnel of Light, Tues 26 Dec, The Comedy Loft, Birm- Mistletoe Moment, Singing Trees & ingham Santa & his Elves, until Mon 1 Jan, ANDREW BIRD, STEVE SHANYASKI & Birmingham Botanical Gardens COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBIN- MAGICAL LANTERN FESTIVAL Christ- SON Thurs 28 Dec, The Glee Club, mas-themed event featuring artistic Birmingham sculptures, until Mon 1 Jan, Kings COMEDY IN THE MET Fri 29 Dec, Heath Park, Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre ICE SKATE BIRMINGHAM Enjoy this win- HARRY & CHRIS Sat 30 Dec, Stafford ter sport in beautiful city surround- Gatehouse Theatre ings, until Sun 7 Jan, Eastside City Park, Birmingham BEN NORRIS, STEPHEN BAILEY & DAN NIGHTINGALE Sun 31 Dec, Regent TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore 550 Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent stands filled with all kinds of collectables, Wed 27 Dec, NEC, Birmingham LAUGH OUT LOUD COMEDY CLUB Sun 31

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