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GARY NUMAN - COVENTRY&WARWICKSHIRE WHAT’S MARCHON 2018 Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands INTERVIEW INSIDE...

Coventry & Warwickshire ISSUE 387 MARCH 2018 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On warwickshirewhatson.co.uk

inside: PARTOF WHAT’S ON MEDIA GROUP Yourthe 16-pagelist week by week listings guide

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CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON feature inside... FACEBOOK:@WHATSONWARWICKSHIRE

CELEBRATING SHAKESPEARE a week of activities in Stratford WARWICKSHIREWHATSON.CO.UK (IFC) Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:35 Page 1 Contents March Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 13:48 Page 2

March 2018

Contents

The Play That Goes Wrong - theatrical mayhem at Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre - page 24

Gary Numan Rachel Parris Macbeth the list

on why success is sweeter award-winning musical comic Christopher Eccleston talks Your 16-page second time round... set to impress at Artrix about making his RSC debut... week-by-week listings guide feature page 14 page 20 feature page 32 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Music 20. Comedy 24. Theatre 38. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 MEDIA GROUP Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Lauren Cole, Steve Adams, Jack Rolfe, Elly Yates-Roberts, Daisy Sparkle, Carol Lovatt, Steve Taylor, Chris Eldon Lee Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. First Word Warwickshire March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:20 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Coventry arts venue awarded £4.2million Coventry’s Warwick Arts Centre has been awarded £4.2million by Arts Council England towards its 20:20 capital project, which will see a major redevelopment of the venue taking place between now and autumn 2020. Commenting on the award, Peter Knott, Area Director for Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in Warwick Arts Centre, particularly at this time, as Coventry gears up to host UK City of Culture in 2021. The application was very strong and the vision for the future is really exciting. Warwick Arts Centre has a fantastic reputation, and its future promises more great things. Sitting alongside a fantastic, repurposed building will be a programme that at- tracts even more local, national and international visitors.”

Mad scientists present The Little Match Girl verse and sometimes challenging work which is better suited to a flexible and more inti- AutoScience Live show makes her way to Malvern mate performance space. An AutoScience Live show, presented by two Critically ac- ‘mad scientists’ and featuring interactive claimed produc- demonstrations explaining the science that tion The Little A Christmas Carol drives cars, is among the attractions to enjoy Matchgirl And heading back to the RSC at the British Motor Museum this Easter. Other Happier Family tours, technic workshops and a Secret Tales is stopping The Royal Shakespeare Company’s critically Mission family trail also add to the fun - as off at Malvern acclaimed production of A Christmas Carol does a traditional Easter Egg hunt, which Theatre this will make a welcome return to Stratford- comes complete with a motoring twist and month. upon-Avon in December. takes place over the Easter weekend (30 The hit show, David Edgar’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ March to 2 April). For more information, visit which premiered festive classic proved a massive hit with fam- britishmotormuseum.co.uk at Shakespeare’s ily audiences last Christmas, and will return Globe and brings to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 4 De- together music, cember to 20 January. laughter, pup- For more information, visit rsc.org.uk petry and magic, includes the Hans Christian Andersen stories of The Princess And The Pea, The Emperor’s New Clothes and Thum- belina. The production runs in Malvern from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 24 March. For more information, visit malvern-theatres.co.uk

Albany Theatre launches brand new studio space Coventry’s art deco Albany Theatre has launched a brand new performance facility. The Studio, part of The Albany’s commitment to Coventry communities and their Arts For Life initiative, aims to host accessible, di-

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Gallery unveils its British Folk Art collection Warwickshire’s Compton Verney Art Gallery & Park unveils its popular British Folk Art Collec- tion - the biggest in the UK - to the public on Saturday 17 March, following a £100,000 renovation of its galleries. The term ‘folk art’ is used to cover a wide-ranging number of artistic and/or artisanal objects created by people who were not formally trained, or who trans- ferred skills from other profes- sions to create their own artworks. International dance festival makes a welcome return The hugely popular Birmingham International Dance Festival (BIDF) makes a welcome return from 1 to 24 June. Produced by the Birmingham Hippodrome-based DanceXchange, the event will feature ‘fantastic dance in the city’s theatres and a takeover of Birmingham’s streets and squares, with show-stopping free performances and opportunities to get dancing’. The programme, inspired and curated around themes of imagination and digital art, will present work that shows choreographic practice at its best, pushing the boundaries of dance as a contemporary art form. Alongside the performance programme will be a series of professional and industry events, debates and workshops - creating a valuable space for dialogue, collaboration, the sharing of ideas and the development of skills... To find out more about the festival, visit bidf.co.uk

New date for Topical issues placed under the BRB announces Coventry’s microscope at Stratford Literary Festival new season Godiva Festival The 11th Stratford Literary Festival takes place next month, from Sun- Birmingham Royal Ballet’s day 22 to Sunday 29 April. 2018/19 season will comprise 159 The popular event includes discussion and debate around some of performances of 11 different pro- today’s hottest topics, including post truth, the #MeToo campaign, ductions at 13 venues across the the far right, the threat to nature in the UK, the place of women in country, with 90% of the shows 21st century Britain and the ways in which the subject of death is taking place outside London. dealt with in a ‘denial society’. The new season, entitled Be- Contributors to this year’s festival include Costa winner Jon McGre- yond Words, will feature four world premieres as well as old gor, Gavin & Stacey creator Ruth Jones, and MPs Harriet Harman and favourites including La Fille mal Jess Philips (pictured), who’ll be commenting on 100 years of gardée, Beauty And The Beast Coventry’s annual Godiva Women’s Suffrage. and Hobson’s Choice. Festival will this year take For more information, visit stratfordliteraryfestival.co.uk The Birmingham Hippodrome- place from 31 August to 2 based company’s touring desti- September at the city’s War nations include Shrewsbury and Memorial Park. Cheltenham... For more infor- Coventry City Council have mation, visit brb.org.uk decided to hold the event later in the year than usual, due to the BBC Music-hosted Biggest Weekend festival taking place in the park at the end of May. For more information, visit godivafestival.com

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Award-winning opera Solicitors fight stars reinvent Mozart’s hunger... famous Magic Flute The Rotary Clubs of Kenil- Olivier Award-winning OperaUpClose worth and Leamington Spa will bring their new version of Regency are urging schools, Mozart’s The Magic Flute to the youth groups, community Coventry Belgrade Theatre on Satur- groups and local businesses day 12 May. to join them and a group of The production will re-invent the solicitors in ‘the fight against opera ‘in fabulous new robes for the hunger’. era of Trump and recessions, casting Lawyers from Coventry- rays of light and love into the dark- based Band Hatton Button ness’. have teamed up with Rotary For further information about the for the one-day Tackling show, visit belgrade.co.uk. Hunger event (King Henry VIII School, Sunday 22 April), where at least 400 volunteers are needed to help pack Coventry to host Shakespeare education, RSC style! 100,000 meals for families BBC Music event New research from the University of Warwick shows that using the overseas. Food bank collec- Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) approach to studying Shake- tions will also be made on speare can significantly improve student language acquisition and the day for UK families. skills - with some schools reporting better SATS and GCSE English scores as a result. The research, carried out on behalf of the RSC, included 100 schools nationwide who are involved in the Company’s Asso- ciate Schools’ Pro- gramme, a long-term Sting musical sets partnership initiative sail for the region that aims to immerse Rock star Sting is bringing teachers and students BBC Music's The Biggest Week- his north-eastern shipbuild- in a new approach to end is coming to Coventry over ing musical to the Midlands. teaching Shakespeare, the May bank holiday weekend The Last Ship tells the story based on the tech- (the 25th to the 28th). of how a community copes niques RSC actors use Artists already confirmed for the with the demise of the ship- in rehearsals. show, which takes place in the building industry in Tyne & city’s War Memorial Park, in- Wear. clude Billy Ocean, Snow Patrol, The show runs at the New Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Celebrating 60 years of the Belgrade Alexandra Theatre in Birm- Band, and Nigel Kennedy (pic- To coincide with World Theatre Day (Tuesday 27 March), Coventry’s ingham from Monday 16 to tured) with the BBC Concert Or- Belgrade Theatre is marking the 60th anniversary of its opening in Saturday 21 April. chestra. 1958. Commenting on the event, Bob Since becoming the UK’s first civic theatre to open after World War Shennan, Director of BBC Radio Two, the Belgrade has had plenty to celebrate, enjoying local and na- & Music, said: “The Biggest tional renown as the city’s only venue housing both home-produced Weekend is going to be a once- and touring shows. Over the years, it has continually expanded and in-a-lifetime festival for every- diversified its offerings, via changes such as the construction of its B2 one who loves music, whether studio, which marked its own 10th anniversary in 2017. they’re at the venues in person Celebrations get into full swing next season, with a glittering Dia- or enjoying the whole spectacle mond Anniversary Gala and some ‘exciting’ home-produced shows in of performances being streamed the autumn. But before that, look out for announcements and events through iPlayer, along with all in spring and summer, including a performance takeover of the our TV, radio and digital net- neighbouring CET Building in July, as well as a birthday quiz and a works.” live BBC radio broadcast on the day itself. 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Warwickshire March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:20 Page 4 Shop Front Festival DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 14:41 Page 1

READY TO SHOP Coventry’s art & performance festival is a UK first

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by Heather Kincaid

In the wake of the excitement surrounding to be a touring company, Shop Front has kind “I think when we first arrived,” recalls Julia, Coventry’s City of Culture win, there’s been of become our comfort zone now, and the idea “some of the shopkeepers were a bit like, something of a lull in new announcements, as of taking work outside and applying our ‘What’s a theatre doing in a chip shop?’ But people put their heads together to formulate methodology to other spaces in the city is kind over the years they’ve been to see our shows new plans for the coming years. This month, of scarily exciting!” and we’ve developed great relationships, and however, the 2021 momentum will start discovered that they have some fantastic To assist them, the pair have enlisted the building up again as the city centre comes stories as well. support of Lou Lomas and Orit Azaz, both alive with art and performance for the UK’s experienced in producing outdoor work. They “For Made In Store, we put a call out, and first ever Shop Front Festival. also intend to learn as much as possible from straight away people were like, ‘Yeah, we Supported by the City of Culture Trust and the the international artists, producers and want to be involved, just let us know what we Heritage Lottery’s Great Places scheme, this speakers flying in to appear alongside local need to do.’ James at Wagamama, for first major cultural happening to follow the talent at the event. example, suggested putting out some special 2021 announcement is being masterminded by food samples that you had to take like a “One of the key things to emphasise is that Chris O’Connell and Julia Negus, the creative potion as part of the story, so they’ve been there’s a really good mix of local, regional, duo behind performance company Theatre really buying into it and using their national and international people involved,” Absolute and its distinctive Shop Front imaginations as well.” says Chris. “As well as learning from other Theatre home in Coventry’s City Arcade. people, we want to use the festival to really It seems like rather a lot to be getting along “What we’ve been developing is a kind of pilot recognise the rockbed of talent here in the city with, yet it’s also clear that this is really just a festival that’s very much about experimenting as much as we can.” starting point for something that Chris and and testing ideas to help us in the future,” Julia are hoping will become a regular fixture Spread out in locations across the city centre, explains Julia. “Although we’ve taken our own in the city’s cultural calendar. So how often the eclectic programme they’ve assembled work to other festivals before, we’ve never do they envisage it recurring, and where will encompasses everything from DIY dance to actually created a festival ourselves, so even it go from here? soda bread baking, and from a city symphony though we’ve been making theatre for a long to an interactive, improvised soap opera “I think the idea is that by 2021 it should be time, we’re still learning new things from this called Latherland. Three key original something pretty much fully formed,” says process.” commissions will sit alongside established Julia. “In some respects I think we should Located in a repurposed chip shop formerly pieces, but even these will be adapted, have a go at it again next year, just to keep known as Fishy Moore’s, Britain’s only Shop responding directly to the architecture, history the momentum going, but it depends. Front Theatre was established in Coventry in and people of the city. Obviously finance is a key thing - are we able 2009 after Chris toured his play Zero to to grow the budget at all? Also availability - One example is The Empathy Museum’s A Chicago. not just of artists but also of ourselves, Mile In My Shoes, for which artist Clare Patey because we’re not really festival curators and “There was a cluster of companies there has collected shoes and stories from we’re also making our own work here. Plus, working on what they called ‘storefront’ numerous donors. Participants drop into a there’ll have to be an evaluation period to see theatre,” he explains, “the idea being that pop-up ‘shoe shop’ and pick up a pair of shoes what worked and what didn’t this time. But companies embedded themselves in disused to walk around in, along with some eventually I think, maybe in two or three retail units to offer a different way of looking headphones to listen to the donor’s story. As years’ time, we’d like to look beyond the city at the city and a different approach to theatre. well as acquiring three new stories from local centre to other areas as well - maybe The manifesto, if you like, is that you just work people which will continue to tour with the somewhere like Jubilee Crescent, for with what you have and don’t wish for any show elsewhere, the production will also be example.” more. It’s not a terribly original idea - it’s made to blend in with its surroundings with something that’s been done all over Europe the help of Architecture students from and America - but other than a few short-term, Coventry University. pop-up pieces, there’s not much of a scene Meanwhile, original work will include Made In Shop Front Festival runs throughout here in the UK.” Store - an interactive story trail created by Coventry city centre on Friday 23 & “After we came back and set up Shop Front Talking Birds’ Nick Walker, which will take Saturday 24 March. Most events are free, Theatre, we initially only expected to be here audiences into shops and restaurants around with some ticketed performances. for 18 months, but nine years later we’re still the city and see their owners getting involved Visit the Shop Front Theatre website for here,” laughs Julia. “So even though we used in the performance. full details.

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Food

meat within. The dish also came with a smat- tering of couscous not men- tioned on the menu - another naughty omission, given the prevalence of wheat allergies these days - so it was just as well we’d only ordered one side of triple cooked chips to share. No Jenga-style building brick non- sense here, by the way - just huge, perfectly crisp, chunky chips, which we almost finished. Leaving one chip in the bowl seemed to justify a third course, giving us the chance to embark on another taste adventure. I’d like to think I was the more ambitious, choosing a dessert which featured artichoke, while my partner opted for chocolate. In terms of pure enjoyment, she was the marginal winner again, but there was little to choose between my iced ginger parfait REVIEW: with muscovado cheesecake (the The Tame Hare artichoke - in the shape of can- Bistro-style restaurant offering a value-for-money experience died pieces - was a revelation) and her delectable combination The lights of the Tame Hare were other venues. Those skills are horseradish and dill, which I es- of beautifully light, icy chocolate a cheering sight on a bitterly cold now being put to use in the cre- chewed due to an ongoing aver- with refreshing juniper and February night in the heart of ation of quality, value-for-money sion to beetroot. She reported it blackcurrant sorbet. Leamington, the welcome from food using local and seasonal to have a delicate flavour and a our friendly waiter an even produce. ‘zippy’ fresh taste. And ‘refreshing’ is an adjective that equally applies to the warmer one given the Arctic con- On the basis of our experience - She was even more effusive ditions outside. restaurant itself, which offers in- nearby diners notwithstanding - about her main course, describ- ventive fine dining without the Not as warm as the hot air being he’s making a great fist of it. ing the pork belly with smoked slightest pretence - or need for a spouted by a table of too-young- The menu of four starters, mains bacon, black pudding, cabbage, second mortgage. Starters range to-be-yuppie males we had the and desserts might seem limited roasted garlic and cider as from £6.50 to £7.50, mains from misfortune to be sat rather too (there are only two chefs, who “bloody gorgeous”. After sam- £15 to £18 and desserts from £7 near to, though. The trio of privi- also wash up), but quality al- pling a mouthful, I had to agree - to £8. leged bores liked nothing more ways beats quantity, and my beautifully cooked pork aug- than the sound of their own mented by a brilliant mix of com- A fabulous-looking tasting menu partner and I still needed a few at £60 a head, meanwhile, ought voices, regaling each other with minutes to make up our minds. plementary flavours and tales of work trips to Ibiza and textures. to provide an enjoyably wild ride We did so accompanied by some £10k pay rises (all figures quoted for the tastebuds... lovely homemade sourdough If it had been a competition, my were in Ks), and contemplating Steve Adams bread with herb oil. I ended up main course of lamb with whether an upmarket new apart- cauliflower, pomegranate, caper regretting not saving it to mop up Food: nnnnn ment was a ‘good buy’ or not. and anchovy would’ve come a my chicken liver starter, a lovely Service: nnnnn Their own ‘goodbye’ couldn’t close second. The mix of flavours smooth parfait made with Ambience: nnnnn come soon enough, as it was dif- and even colours worked won- mango, curry, apple and gem let- Overall value nnnnn ficult to tune them out on a quiet derfully - the tiny heads of tuce - a combination that sounds OVERALL nnnnn Friday night in the bistro-style bold but was actually delight- crunchy cauliflower contrasted restaurant opened a couple of fully subtle. It was a bit naughty beautifully with the colourful Tame Hare years ago by chef Jonny Mills, not to mention the nut garnish pomegranate and anchovy, while 97 Warwick St who honed his skills at Leaming- on the menu, though. the lamb was braised to perfec- Leamington Spa ton’s Mallory Court and The tion, a virtual crust on the out- CV32 4RJ My partner opted for cured Cross in Kenilworth, among side giving way to succulent Tel: 01926 316191 salmon with beetroot, whatsonlive.co.uk 11 Food March Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:03 Page 3

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Food

Solihull’s Mell Square welcomes Esabella’s Solihull shopping centre Mell Square is now home to Esabella's social eating house. With menus inspired ‘by land, sea and garden’, the venue provides a wide array of imaginative dishes for customers to enjoy. Favourites include crispy goats cheese with pineapple and red pepper, and rump of beef served with truffle cauliflower cheese, bone marrow and cabbage. Real ale festival fun at Coventry’s rugby club The annual Coventry Beer Festival takes place at Coventry Rugby Club on 2 & 3 March. The popular event, organised by the Coventry & District branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), will feature 75 real ales and, for the first Popular burger restaurant & cocktail bar gets the green time, a key cask stand. light to build a rooftop bar in Worcester city centre The festival’s opening times are: midday to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm on the Popular burger restaurant & cocktail bar Hanbao have had plans approved by the council to build Friday, and midday until 11pm on the a rooftop bar in Worcester city centre. Saturday. Due to open to the public towards the start of the summer, the structure will connect with the current Hanbao premises in Foregate Street and another Grade II building to the rear. Hanbao, which means hamburger in Chinese, boasts a mouthwatering menu of burgers and sides. New Indian gastro pub Favourites include the Hanbao Burger (double marinated patty, sesame seeds, cheese, lettuce, to open in Solihull spring onions, red onion, toasted sesame mayo, teriyaki glaze and kimchi paste) and the Odd The team behind Zindiya in Future (double patty, glazed donut, cheese, bourbon bacon jam, candied bacon, fresh chilli and Birmingham are to open The Tap & baconnaise). For more information or to book a table visit hanbao.co.uk Tandoor in Solihull next month. The new venue, which has been described by its owners as an Indian Lebanese restaurant chain to open premises gastro pub, is set to replace The in Birmingham’s New Street Station Saddlers Arms following its closure in May last year. Lebanese chain Comptoir Libanais is The Tap & Tandoor will serve opening in Birmingham’s New Street traditional Indian grilled dishes, Station this spring. curries and a range of craft beers. Guests can enjoy delicious food all day, including warm Lebanese wraps, marinated grills, tagines, man’ousha, mezze and mezze platters, breakfast options and much more. A selection of baklawa and Lebanese desserts will also be on offer, as well as homemade lemonade, fresh rose mint tea, juices, cocktails and a selection of Lebanese wines and beers, specially imported from the Bekaa Valley... Comptoir Libanais is set to open on Monday 26 March. For more information, visit comptoirlibanais.com

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by Dave Freak GARY NUMAN Back in the top 10, success tastes sweeter second time around, reckons the ’80s synth pioneer...

The rise, fall and subsequent rise of Gary buried. I made Sacrifice at home, on a home Birmingham graduate and Shakatak co- Numan is an arc almost Shakespearian in its studio, without a record label. I thought I’d founder Bill Sharpe, got his flying licence, scope. A London punk, Numan’s early be going back to doing music as a hobby. It and was widely ridiculed in the British adoption of synthesizers catapulted him to was desperately grim. I hardly had any media. For everything. international mega-stardom in the 1980s - money, I was in debt. (It’s been) so many, His rehabilitation, if you will, began in the but subsequent career decisions, coupled many years to get to number two, I’m so early noughties. He was namechecked by a with a critical backlash, led to a rapid and appreciative of it. It’s been the most amazing younger generation of artists (Beck, NIN, complete decline. Yet Numan soldiered on, year - with the album, the [last] tour, which Marilyn Manson, Chicane) and sampled (The his efforts culminating in a run of sold out. It’s been going from good, to great, Sugarbabes, Basement Jaxx). By the time of uncompromising yet increasingly lauded to even better!" 2013's uncompromising Splinter (Songs From releases that have seen him unexpectedly Gary cites the recently repackaged Dance as A Broken Mind), Numan's decision not to back in the charts. the point where his career began to slide. succumb to the lure of the lucrative Sitting in his Los Angeles home, there's no- Released in 1981 and including the top-10 nostalgia/retro market and just roll out those one more surprised than Numan that the single She's Got Claws, the album peaked at 35-year-old hits made perfect sense. The harsh apocalyptic sci-fi opus Savage (Songs number three but failed to sell like its critical response was uniformly glowing and From A Broken World) is his highest-placed predecessors. Featuring Mick Karn and Rob respectful. long-player since 1981's Dance, hitting Dean from Japan, and Queen drummer Roger Live, Numan’s not afraid to delve into his number two on release in September 2017 Taylor, the atmospheric, textured, fluid and back catalogue (Cars, Are 'Friends' Electric?, I (nestled between Ed Sheeran and Foo daring collection is a far cry from the Die: You Die, etc), but lurching back and Fighters). euphoria of his massive Wembley Arena forth onstage, his jet-black hair flicking Farewell Concerts the same year. "I’m proud of myself,” he says of his 22nd across his face, it's the recent material which studio collection. “It’s heavier than normal "I really liked Dance. When it came out (my really shines, as he recounts tales of a (chart albums) and it looks at topics that are record label) Beggars Banquet were not technology-stripped world decimated by not usual for chart records. So I’m aware that especially happy with it. After Telekon, global warming, where cultures merge simply the avenues to sell it to people are limited - Dance went sideways. If you’re thinking to survive. As he says, it's a far cry from the the majority of radio aren’t going to play it; about a commercial record, that’s not the boy-meets-girl fluff of your average top-10 hit the majority of TV aren’t going to play it; it’s right way to go. But artistically, it was the - but then again, Numan was never your difficult to get the videos seen; it’s difficult to right thing for me to do. I wanted the bass average pop star. get out to people, to tell them it’s there. I guitar to be a melody instrument. "The things I write about come from the little know that. I’ve been doing this for long “My life had changed, and when your life dark corners of my head. I don't want to enough now that I know that it’s a difficult changes, your work has to reflect that. I made repeat myself. People who’ve been around for sell. You just hope that you can earn a living; the record differently; it’s a bit off-the-wall, a a long time often tend to bland out a bit and just don’t expect it to be a hit. bit more experimental. I didn’t want to become more middle of the road, or they hide "When I first started out, I had three number become stagnant, I didn’t want to be safe, to in nostalgia and live on the back of what they one albums in a row," - Replicas (released as be famous for doing the same thing again did before. Both of those options are awful. Tubeway Army) and The Pleasure Principle, and again. Being proud of your legacy is one thing, but both from 1979, and the following year's becoming trapped by it is another thing "Beggars tried to express that it wasn’t the Telekon, "but I’d say I’m proud of this more! entirely." commercial record I needed to keep moving "I’d say that it’s far more difficult to come upwards. But I was young. It did okay, it went Here's to the future! back from the dead than starting out - by a Silver, but still, it was the beginning of the factor of 10. My early success came so decline. It dipped and every one after that quickly, it was so special, so life-changing, dipped a bit more. But I loved it, I was proud The re-released Dance is available now on but I didn’t appreciate it at the time. But this of it. It was very much what I wanted to do." double-purple vinyl via Beggars Arkive. time I do, because I know that it’s so rare. Gary Numan brings The Savage Tour Pt.2 After Dance, Numan went funky, dressed like to Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, on "From 1990 to 1992, my career was dead and Mad Max, teamed up with University of Tuesday 13 March.

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Gigs

Ronan Keating Ricoh Arena, Coventry, Fri 30 March Ronan Keating gained worldwide attention when his single When You Say Nothing At All was featured in the film Notting Hill. He's recorded nine albums since 1999 and sold over 20 million records worldwide - and that's not including the 25 million sold as a member of Boyzone! He visits Coventry this month with his Keat- ing/Time Of My Life show. Read our interview with Ronan online at whatsonlive.co.uk

The Urban Folk Quartet kinds of sounds, from funk grooves and Middle Eastern melodies to afrobeat and Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 22 March north Indian rhythms. They tug their collec- The Urban Folk Quartet are like no other tive forelock in the direction of more tradi- folk band. With Birmingham’s vibrant and tional folk too, describing their music as diverse music scene having a significant in- ‘fiddle-led’ and drawing ‘heavily on celtic Steven Wilson fluence on their work, they dabble in all dance forms and traditional song’. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 22 March Four-time Grammy nominee, multi-instrumentalist and producer Steven Wilson brings Magnum Emily Maguire his huge global tour to the Midlands. Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 2 March; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 23 March A must-see event for any progressive rock fan, The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Wed 7 March “Music to me is all about uplifting, comfort- the show promotes latest album To The Bone British hard-rock legends Magnum visit the ing and inspiring people,” says singer-song- and uses ‘driving futurist rock and spectral Midlands this month as part of their Eternity writer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, electronics to elegiac hyper-space ambience World Tour, which coincides with the re- poet and mental health advocate Emily and dizzying, squalling guitars’... lease of brand new offering Lost On The Maguire. So if that’s your thing, you know what to do... Road To Eternity, their 20th studio album in Classically trained, as a child, on piano, a 40-year career. cello, flute and recorder, Emily taught her- The current line-up is a five piece, incorpo- self guitar aged 21, when she found herself rating Rick Benton on keyboards, bassist Al stuck at home with fibromyalgia. “I started Barrow and drummer Lee Morris. writing songs and the illness suddenly became a complete blessing in disguise, as I Slim Chance had all this time on my hands to The Tin Music & Arts, Coventry, Thurs 8 March write.” Having released Formed by the late, great Ronnie Lane of fifth album A Bit The Faces and The Small Faces, Slim Chance Of Blue last year, comprise three original members, including Emily’s thought- the legendary Billy Nicholls. provoking lyrics The band’s aim is to create a show which and expressive celebrates the range of Ronnie’s later music. vocals make for Expect to hear classics such as How Come, a stunning live The Poacher, One For The Road, Ooh la la, performance. Debris and more.

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Classical

Coull Quartet: From Russia With Love Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Thurs 8 March Warwick University’s quartet-in-residence since 1977, Coull have also made a name for themselves in places as far flung as the Americas, Australia, India and the Far East. This latest offering sees them presenting a celebration of Russian music, with pieces by Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Borodin all featuring. The programme is completed by a quartet which Beethoven was commissioned to write by a Russian prince, a work that the composer chose to round off with a foot- stamping Russian dance! Jennifer Pike Plays Tchaikovsky Malvern Theatre, Mon 12 March A former BBC Young Musician of the Year - winning the title at the tender age of 12 - highly rated English violinist Jennifer Pike here joins the Stratford-upon-Avon-based Orchestra of the Swan to present a programme featuring works by three legendary composers: Prokofiev, Schubert and, as the concert’s title evidences, Tchaikovsky. “I view myself as being a vessel for the composer’s intentions,” explains Jennifer in talking about her approach to musicmaking. “It isn’t the performer who everyone should be coming to enjoy, it’s the composer’s music.”

The Bach Players: Omo Bello: Music For Easter La Belle Époque St Mary’s Church, Warwick, Tues 13 March Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 23 March Making their 11th visit to Warwick in 17 years, the Bach Players get their collective teeth into a programme that features as its centrepiece Boccherini’s Stabat Mater, a work composed in 1781. The piece is complemented by movements from Haydn’s Seven Last Words and earlier compositions by Johann Fischer.

Stratford-upon-Avon Symphony Orchestra Presented as part of a Debussy festival Stratford Artshouse, Sun 25 March marking the centenary of the French composer’s death, this ‘ravishing all-French Founded more than 50 years ago, the recital’ is performed by Franco-Nigerian so- Stratford-upon-Avon Symphony Orchestra prano Omo Bello. present programmes of tuneful music Omo’s training in Paris ensures she has a from the 17th century through to modern special connection with both Debussy and times. Their programme for this month’s Fauré, whose Cinq mélodies ‘de Venise’ is concert comprises Brahms’ St Anthony featured in the programme. Variations, Mozart’s Concerto for Clarinet The recital also sees her performing works and Mendelssohn’s third symphony. by Jules Massenet and Erik Satie. The soloist is Anton Clarke-Butler.

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MISTRESS AND MISFIT

Comedian Shappi Khorsandi comes to Birmingham Shappi Khorsandi for online 2.qxp_Layout 1 28/02/2018 17:14 Page 2

Shappi Khorsandi’s brilliant new show, funnier. I relate Emma’s life to modern harlot’.” Mistress And Misfit, focuses on Emma, Lady women and, like all stand-ups, I draw people Mistress And Misfit is also full to the brim Hamilton, the mistress and misfit who lit up into the world as I see it, so it’s still a very with wonderfully offbeat facts about Emma, the life of Admiral Nelson and added to the personal show.” many of which make for hilarious routines. “I gaiety of nations during the Georgian era. Shappi has notched up numerous high- did a lot of research to find quirky things that The comedian has had a ball writing the profile television appearances during the would work in stand-up. For instance, I show. “It’s about passion and tragedy,” she course of her career, and is also a bestselling discovered that there was something called says. “What better things are there to write author, having released A Beginners Guide to the Harris List, which reviewed all the comedy about?” Acting English in 2009 and her critically prostitutes in London. It was like a Trip After an acclaimed sell-out run at the lauded debut novel, Nina Is Not OK, in 2016. Adviser of its time for prostitutes. At the time, Edinburgh Festival last summer, Shappi is So does she see any similarities between one in six women in Covent Garden worked now about to embark on her biggest Emma and herself. as a prostitute. So if you were visiting Covent nationwide tour yet, performing Mistress And “We were both artist’s models. She modelled Garden, you would take along your Harris Misfit at 50 venues around the country. “It’s for great artists, I modelled for GCSE students List to see who tickled your fancy. Crazy.” like skydiving. The adrenaline rush is in Tower Hamlets. I have never worked in a For all that, Shappi emphasises that the incredible. It’s probably the only time in my brothel, but I have had moments that I would show is not meant to be a lecture. “It’s not a day when I’m utterly focused and have no only tell you about on stage or when very history lesson. It’s about now. It’s not my responsibility to anyone else apart from the drunk. I will be sharing some of those stories intention to make anyone learn anything. It’s audience. in Mistress And Misfit.” up to people if they want to take notes. But if “It’s like a lovely, warm, relaxing bath, but a The comedian, who since 2015 has held the they bring a notebook, that might put me off very high-octane one! You can’t reproduce role of President of Humanists UK, also sees because I would think they were critics and that feeling. If I haven’t done stand-up for a many parallels between the attitudes towards pick on them!” while, I just have to get back on stage. I need women then and now. “Any woman who does Shappi’s already high profile was further it like oxygen!” anything seen as salacious is still demonised enhanced last year by her appearance on I’m “When you’re a stand-up, people have come today. That’s a very modern theme. It’s not A Celebrity. She laughs that one of the knock- to see you and share the experience with you. exclusive to Georgian times. on effects of the programme is that it’s made They can read a book about Emma, Lady “In the show, I talk about Emma being her a better driver. Hamilton, but the way I tell her story draws married to a man 30 years older than her. If “I’m not very good at parallel parking. But people into my stand-up, which I hope is why they were from a lower class, women had no jumping out of an aeroplane on I’m a they bought a ticket in the first place!” financial independence and no options. That Celebrity made me put things into In Mistress And Misfit, Shappi recounts the happened 200 years ago, but much more perspective. Now I think, ‘What was I worried largely untold story of England's unsung recently, my grandmother was married when about? If someone is beeping their horn as I heroine, Emma, Lady Hamilton. For too long, she was 13 to a man in his 30s. So perhaps my try to park, they can just wait’. she’s been reductively tagged as Nelson's gran was the Emma of her time! “I’m A Celebrity makes you really look at life mistress and a bit of a harlot (you work in a “The term ‘gold-digger’ is still banded about from a different angle. You’re too hungry to brothel for one night and there goes your willy-nilly, when we don’t know anything think of anything apart from what to do with reputation). about that woman. Women who are viewed your life. You have time to figure that out. Women's lib wasn't uppermost in people’s as marrying above their station are still And financially, it’s meant that I can now minds in Georgian times. Emma moved derided. There are massive parallels with afford to lose money putting on my play! As a heaven and earth to drag herself from today.” creative person, I’m happy to do certain well- scullery maid to Lady Hamilton. So maybe The Establishment closed ranks against paid jobs that fund my labours of love.” she occasionally danced naked on tables to Emma after Nelson’s death. “Just before the Speaking of jobs, what would Shappi be get a jump on her rivals, but who hasn't done Battle of Trafalgar, Nelson wrote an add-on to doing if she weren’t a stand-up? “I’d have my that? As a fellow naked dancer on tables, his will asking that Emma and his daughter own cleaning company. I once was a cleaner. Shappi is eager to celebrate the woman be looked after in the event of his death: ‘that That’s another thing I have in common with England betrayed. is the only favour I ask of my king and Emma because she worked as a cleaner, too!” “I was fascinated by Emma. She was really country as I go to fight their battle’. clever and compassionate and very hard “But Emma ended her days derelict, done by. She was also a master of re- penniless and alcoholic in Calais. There was invention and a fantastically creative person. no monument to her. We haven’t been told Shappi Khorsandi will be at The Old Rep I initially tried to write a novel about Emma, what a massive impact Emma had on Theatre, Birmingham, on Sunday 25 but it was too hard, so I thought I’d do a Nelson’s life. Historians have wanted to make March show about her instead. That was easier and Trafalgar about Nelson and not about ‘this Comedy March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:50 Page 1

Comedy

SO Comedy The Core, Solihull, Thurs 15 March Welsh stand-up comedian Robin Morgan shares the limelight with local funnyman David Morgan (pictured) in this latest offering from SO Comedy, the live-performance arm of the company behind The Graham Norton Show.

Flight Of The Conchords Genting Arena, Birmingham, Thurs 22 March This New Zealand folk comedy duo stop off in Birmingham as part of a brand new UK and Daliso Chaponda Ireland tour, their first in seven years. The pair have previously billed themselves as ‘for- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 3 March; MAC, Birmingham, Fri 9 March; Slade Rooms, merly New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-com- Wolverhampton, Fri 16 March; Palace The- edy folk duo’. Their show sees them combining witty observation, characterisation and atre, Redditch, Thurs 22 March acoustic guitar music to excellent effect. Malawian Daliso has blended the slick North American style of comedy he learned while working in Canada with a real talent Rachel Parris for brevity, ensuring that his gags, although Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 30 March not one-liners, nonetheless come thick and fast. Rachel has passed this way be- Like all good comedians, he can adapt his fore, as a founder cast member act to suit his audience - on a previous trip of smash-hit improv show Aus- to the Midlands, he performed a filthy set in tentatious, a comedy play pre- Birmingham’s Silhouettes sented in the style of Jane Strip Club before heading Austen. off to regale family audi- An award-winning musical ences at the Greenbelt comic whose name recently ap- Christian Festival! peared on the BBC’s Hot Talent Jokes include: “I List, Rachel has starred in nu- moved to the UK merous TV shows, including because of the Murder In Successville, Plebs, BNP - they said The IT Crowd and the satirical the immigrants Mash Report. were taking all This latest touring show sees her the best jobs and bringing together stand-up with all the best women, character and musical comedy, and I thought, ‘wow, as she explores what messed-up that sounds like a good message she can offer impres- deal to me!’” sionable young minds when she gives a speech at her old school. 20 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy March 2018.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:50 Page 2

Jonathan Pie Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 1 March; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 7 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March The media’s decision to pounce on Jeremy Corbyn in the wake of his first Labour lead- ership victory lit the torchpaper for actor Tom Walker to create the larger-than-life character of Jonathan Pie. YouTube sensation Pie is supposedly a British political correspondent - but one who likes to rant at the camera. The media’s savaging of Corbyn pushed Walker over the edge. “I got really annoyed by it,” he admits, “by the ridiculousness of the British press.” But neither Walker nor Pie are so left-wing that they wear blinkers: “I think these days, especially on the left, people go, ‘You either agree with me 100% or you’re on their side’. Anyone who votes Conservative is a bigot and anyone who voted leave is a bigot. So I think the left are in danger of forgetting political nuance. I hope that Pie reminds them Lucy Porter Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 9 March of it.” Edinburgh favourite Lucy Porter has a mis- which her specialist subject was American chievous style of comedy that marks her out funnyman Steve Martin. as a real talent. She’s an absolute charmer, She returns to the Midlands this month with but don’t be fooled - her pleasant girl-next- latest touring show Choose Your Battles. door demeanour conceals a beautifully Her big bag of gags includes, “My husband twisted mind! proposed to me over the phone. I said yes Highlights of her career include achieving a straight away, but I should’ve asked who was record score on Celebrity Mastermind, in calling.”

Richard Herring Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Thurs 15 March; Festival Drayton, Market Drayton, North Shropshire, Thurs 22 March; Forest Arts Cen- tre, Walsall, Sat 24 March; Wolves Civic Hall, Fri 27 April; Old Rep, Birmingham, Sun 13 May; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 3 June Richard Herring has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s most inventive and origi- Ivan Brackenbury nal comedians, cleverly using real-life trials The Bramall, Birmingham, Thurs 15 March and tribulations to inform his high-quality line in comic patter. Ivan Brackenbury is an inept hospital radio He’s certainly not a man to shirk big or con- DJ - and he’s also the creation of former troversial subjects when it comes to his com- XFM radio presenter Tom Binns. edy shows. Previous tours have seen him A Jongleurs award winner, Binns created the ponder religion (Christ On A Bike), politics character relatively early in his career, and (Hitler Moustache) and penises (Talking has enjoyed great success with him ever Cock). since. Brackenbury’s radio roadshow comes This latest offering finds him contemplating complete with inappropriate records and the subject of ageing - and in particular how bungled cues. it feels to have reached his half century. Ian D Montfort and Rob Mulholland are the The show is a sort-of sequel to Oh F*** I’m other comedians taking to the stage for this 40, which, it will surprise nobody to hear, he latest evening of comedy at the Bramall. took on the road a decade ago. whatsonlive.co.uk 21 My First Opera DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 11:09 Page 1

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OPERA FOR ALL Heather Kincaid dispels the myth that opera is elitist by sharing her first experience of the art form - seeing Welsh National Opera’s production of Lohengrin at Birmingham Hippodrome...

Back in 2013, I started reviewing Birmingham and I have the confidence in the validity of the same way as the RSC approaches Hippodrome shows as part of the theatre’s my own opinions to say so. Shakespeare, they’re not afraid to radically First Night Blogging scheme. As a lover of the reimagine things in ways that appeal to Musically, nothing could have prepared me arts in general, opera was always something contemporary audiences, rather than being for the scale and scope of hearing an opera I’d been curious about, but I’d never quite painstakingly purist. This means their shows performed live - if you’ve only ever listened to had the guts to take the plunge and give it a always feel fresh and vital, and moreover, recordings, you won’t have the faintest sense go before, particularly given my lack of everyone has to come in with an open mind: of how the sound just washes over you and knowledge about classical music. if you’re a newcomer, you’re not the only one envelops you. As a friend later said to me who doesn’t quite know what to expect! Had I been simply buying my own ticket, the when I was lucky enough to experience worst my first time could have meant was a Mariinsky Opera’s Ring Cycle in full, it “does Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts - things potentially unenjoyable night out at the something to your soul”. you’ve already encountered will offer you an theatre - nothing much to complain about, in in, and it’s interesting to explore how opera Another thing I’ve learned is not to worry too the scheme of things. But attending as a has influenced later developments. Wagner’s much about the technical jargon. There is reviewer made me nervous. What if I didn’t style is pretty cinematic, while something definitely room for experts who specialise in get what was going on or couldn’t get to grips like The Marriage Of Figaro is farcical, a kind that - but to the average reader of a more with the conventions of the form? What if not of domestic sitcom, and Bizet’s Carmen is general blog or publication, it’s as like as not enjoying it was my fault rather than the almost proto-musical theatre. WNO embraces to be intimidating and off-putting. The job is show’s? What if, even if I did enjoy it, I then the connections too, often staging musicals more to capture a flavour of the show overall: found myself without the technical insight or like Sweeney Todd or Kiss Me Kate as part of if your audience are people more or less like vocabulary to effectively describe and operatic seasons. you, you need to describe what you analyse the experience? experienced, and not what you feel as though As with anything, of course, the more you As I’d learned already, however, sometimes you should have picked up on. I’m not the see, the more confident you become, and the the best experiences come out of the first to have said all this, of course - Armando better equipped you are to explain your situations you’re most unsure about. As a Iannucci is an opera lover, and a passionate thoughts and opinions. Yet five years later, as student, I’d actually inadvertently ended up advocate of getting more people engaged in a professional arts journalist, my first opera appearing in light, comic opera, tempted by conversations around classical music. still holds a special place in my heart, pirate costumes and chocolate money to sign remaining one of my favourites that I’ve seen Don’t forget there are other aspects to talk up to my university’s G&S Society without to this day. about as well. Opera is a dramatic form, the faintest idea of who or what Gilbert & specifically designed to bring together all the Sullivan were. In that instance, I’d ended up WNO this month bring their spring season to arts, so don’t feel as though it’s somehow loving every minute of it and staying for the the Hippodrome, performing three sacrilegious to talk about the acting and the full three years, despite the fact I still can’t compelling works: Verdi’s epic La Forza del design as well as the orchestra and singing, really read music. So in the end, I figured just Destino; Mozart’s brilliant Don Giovanni, particularly when it comes to Welsh National writing about a show you didn’t know much based on the legend of Don Juan and set Opera (WNO) shows. In years gone by, it’s about couldn’t be half as scary as performing during the Spanish Golden Age; and been more fashionable for operas to be in one! Puccini’s Tosca, a thrilling story of love, lust, performed more stiffly, with all the emphasis loyalty and corruption. And boy was I glad I went along! In a way, I on vocal performance. These days, however, guess I got lucky in Wagner’s Lohengrin you can expect to see actors as accomplished being my first. I’ve since learned that, while as any you’d see in a play - they just happen they’re enjoyable enough in their way, the to be able to sing sublimely too! Welsh National Opera perform their three sort of stereotypical stories of tragic romance With WNO, there’s a clear emphasis on spring-season shows at Birmingham and fallen women of the ilk of La Traviata directorial vision, inventive set design and Hippodrome from Tuesday 6 to Thursday aren’t quite so much to my tastes as Wagner’s coherent, accessible productions. In much 8 March. epic tales of angels, gods and ghost ships -

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

The Play That Goes Wrong stopped off in the Midlands. For those not in the know, the play focuses on the Cornley Polytech- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Mon 19- Sat 24 March; Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March nic Drama Society’s attempt to put on a 1920s-set murder-mystery. The only trouble is, the bumbling thesps are more than a little acci- Mischief Theatre Company’s Edinburgh Festival show returns to the dent-prone - so much so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll region on the back of a fantastic reputation, a couple of successful manage to reach the curtain call... West End runs and some really positive reviews from the last time it

Suggs: What A King Cnut: Quartet City Love A Life In The Realm The REP, Birmingham, Tues 6 - Sat 10 March Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Of Madness Tues 13 - Sat 17 March Described as a painfully honest tale of two New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 11 March people ‘navigating work, London and life’, Old Joint Stock Theatre and Illuminate Pro- After selling out his previous touring produc- ductions’ fast-paced comedy tells the story of tion, Madness frontman Suggs here takes a a pair of struggling city workers whose mun- lighthearted look at a career that’s featured dane lives are transformed by their chance plenty of memorable moments - from experi- meeting with one another. encing vertigo on the roof of Buck- ingham Palace, to nearly blowing the closing ceremony Familiar telly faces Paul Nicholas (Just Good of the London Friends), Wendi Peters (Coronation Street), Olympics. Sue Holderness (Only Fools And Horses) and Oh, and watching Jeff Rawle (Drop The Dead Donkey) star in his underpants fall this revival of Sir Ronald Harwood’s bitter- to earth on David sweet comedy about four ageing opera Bowie’s driveway... singers growing old disgracefully. 24 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 2 Theatre March-2.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:49 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

NoFit State Circus: Lexicon porary take on circus for a seated audience in the round’, Lexicon brings together ‘vivid storytelling, evocative live music and spectacu- New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wed 28 March - Sat 21 April lar physical performance’. NoFit State’s show is being presented as a celebration of the 250th an- The production is part of a year-long project aiming to ‘enable pio- niversary of the first ever circus, created in 1768 by Newcastle-under- neering work, forge new partnerships, build new audiences and Lyme equestrian and cavalryman Philip Astle. embed circus at the heart of modern-day culture’. Described by the company as ‘a daring, seductive and utterly contem-

Education, Education, Oedipus And Antigone The 4 Clowns Of Education Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 29 March The Apocalypse MAC, Birmingham, Tues 20 March Suitably inspired by the critical acclaim they garnered for their 2017 tour of Richard III, Be- yond The Horizon once again hit the road, this time with a reimagining of Sophocles’ greatest works. “Oedipus is a murder-mystery in its most twisted of forms,” explain the company. “Antigone stands alone against the state, challenging the power of the law with the un- written law of the gods…” The Performance Hub, University of Wolver- hampton, Walsall, Fri 16 March; Blue Orange The much-admired Wardrobe Ensemble are Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 18 March; Arena the company behind this ‘love letter to the Theatre, Wolverhampton, Tues 20 March; schools of the 1990s’, presenting a show Pentabus Theatre, Bromfield, nr Ludlow, South Shropshire, Thurs 22 March that’s rich in their trademark inventiveness and irreverent humour. Absolute Theatre and Portugal’s Teatro do Set in 1997, the play takes a wry look at the Montemuro are the collaborators behind a world of education in the era of Cool Britan- show that’s been described as ‘a sensorial, nia, focusing on life in a secondary school nonsensical delight for the whole family’. where chaos and confusion is the order of the When the Horsemen of the Apocalypse day... gather together to do their worst, they find Specialising in the exploration of stories that themselves seriously hampered by some have shaped recent political history, epic-scale incompetence. Wardrobe Ensemble were Fringe First award Expect an evening incorporating universal winners at the Edinburgh Festival last sum- destruction, spectacular visuals and the mer. occasional deck chair...

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Theatre

Legally Blonde answer. So when her boyfriend, Warner, announces that he's dump- ing her for someone more serious, Elle puts down the credit card, hits Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 13 - Sat 17 March; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 21 - Sat 26 May the books and heads for Harvard Law School. X-Factor finalist Lucie Jones stars as Elle, with Rita Simons (Roxy Based on the hit movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this critically ac- Mitchell in EastEnders) and Bill Ward (Emmerdale and Coronation claimed musical follows the story of college sweetheart and home- Street) lending heavyweight support. coming queen Elle Woods, a girl who just doesn't take no for an

The Case Of The Son Of A Preacher Man Evita Frightened Lady Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Tues 13 - Sat 17 March March; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 3 - Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 7 April Mon 19 - Sat 24 March; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 12 - Sat 16 June Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice's third After enjoying a hit with their adaptation of major collaboration opened to rave reviews Ruth Rendell’s A Judgement In Stone, the way back in the late 1970s. It has since gar- Classic Thriller Company now turn their at- nered a reputation as one of the greatest mu- tention to a 1931 play from the prolific pen of sicals ever to grace West End and Broadway Edgar Wallace. stages. Telling the real-life story of Eva Peron, An English writer who went to Hollywood, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Wallace was busily penning the screenplay the show is packed to the rafters with memo- for the classic 1933 King Kong movie when he Wolfblood actress Michelle Gaye stars along- rable numbers, including On This Night Of A unexpectedly died from undiagnosed dia- side Hollyoaks’ Alice Barlow in a touring Thousand Stars, Buenos Aires, You Must betes... show that channels the Swinging ’60s music Love Me, Another Suitcase In Another Hall When Inspector Tanner investigates a grue- of the iconic Dusty Springfield. and, of course, the classic Don't Cry For Me some murder at an ancestral home, it isn’t Named after the late singer’s 1968 chart hit Argentina. long before he realises that nothing is quite and directed by Strictly’s Craig Revel Hor- as it seems... wood, the show follows the story of three lovesick individuals from different genera- tions who seek solace at the original site of Soho’s legendary Preacher Man hang-out - a once-happening joint where youngsters with fresh ideas, a craving for the latest sounds and an aspiration for love would dance until they dropped...

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Theatre previews from around the region

The Importance Of Being Earnest Lichfield Garrick, Tues 27 - Sat 31 March This famous Oscar Wilde play is a rightly adored work of farce that proudly sits at the very pinnacle of British comic theatre. The story revolves around the at- tempts of Jack to marry his true love Gwendolen, in spite of the fact that Algernon is masquerad- ing as Jack’s wayward brother Earnest in order to see his exquisite ward, Cecily. Add the ingredient of the re- doubtable Lady Bracknell and there’s little wonder that disaster looms large on Jack’s horizon... Familiar television faces Gwen Taylor (as Lady Bracknell) and Susan Penhaligon star in a show that’s visiting Lichfield as part of a UK tour.

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Theatre Theatre previews for younger audiences from around the region

White as well as two-year-olds in mind, so why not Tiddler And Other grab your granny en route to the theatre and The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, make it a family occasion? A feast of singa- Terrific Tales Fri 9 - Sun 11 March long songs combines with a colourful collec- Birmingham Town Hall, Scottish theatre company Catherine Wheels tion of animal characters in a show that Fri 30 March - Tues 3 April have garnered an impressive reputation for promises plenty of heartwarming family fun. the innovative quality of their children’s shows - and this eight-year-old offering makes it easy to see why. Cotton and Wrinkle live in an orderly world Horrible Histories: More full of birdsong and birdhouses, where every- Best Of Barmy Britain thing is white. But when the colour red Palace Theatre, Redditch, makes an unexpected appearance, the Thurs 8 - Fri 9 March; Belgrade Theatre, friends are faced with the very real prospect Coventry, Wed 30 May - Sat 2 June of needing to embrace change... If you love the Hor- rible Histories series - and why the heck wouldn’t you?! - then the Barmy Britain pro- Freckle Productions here bring together a ductions are well host of colourful characters from four books worth catching. by Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Alongside provid- Axel Scheffler. Live music and puppetry are ing answers to such combined in a show that promises to take its searching ques- audience under the sea, out on the farm and tions as ‘what would happen if a Viking into the jungle. moved in next door?’ and ‘would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?’, the shows also invite their audiences to escape Little Bo Peep the clutches of Burke & Hare, move to the So You Think You Know Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 10 March groove with the partying Queen Victoria and About Dinosaurs! Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s 10th anniversary prepare to do battle in the First World War. In Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 1 March show uses puppets, scenery, music and song short, and as the publicity says, they are ‘a An absorbing experience for dino-loving to bring to life a selection of favourite nursery truly horrible history of Britain - with all the youngsters is very much on the cards when rhymes. nasty bits left in!’ this interactive, educational and refreshingly The 45-minute show, accompanied by a 15- entertaining show hits town. minute ‘meet the puppets’ session, is suit- Dr Ben Garrod is the dinosaur afficionado im- able for children aged from two to seven. Monstersaurus! parting a T-Rex-sized heap of fascinating Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, facts about all manner of prehistoric crea- Sat 31 March - Mon 2 April tures. Film footage from the BBC's Planet Di- Penguin Having created a whole world of whacky in- nosaur ensures there’s plenty to look at while Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, ventions and incredible monsters, young in- Dr Ben’s chatting away. Fri 9 March; The Albany Theatre, Coventry, ventor Monty doesn’t know what to do with Sat 10 March them all... The creators of Aliens Love Under- Masterful theatricals Long Nose Puppets re- pants make a welcome return with this ‘mon- turn to the road with an engaging puppet ver- ster-ously good show’, which comes sion of the award-winning book by Polly complete with original music and plenty of Dunbar. The company are advertising the audience participation. show as ‘exciting, surreal, full of surprises and laughs’, with lively songs by Tom Gray of Gomez fame thrown in for good measure.

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly Malvern Theatres, Sat 10 March; Wolverhamp- ton Grand Theatre, Sun 29 April The People’s Theatre Company reckon they’ve written this show with 102-year-olds

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whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Christopher Eccleston DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:51 Page 1

Christopher

ShakespeareEccleston belongs to me

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Christopher Eccleston DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:51 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

With a string of high-profile screen roles, He’s not alone in flagging up these problems. and two plays - are all premiering at around awards and nominations to his name, While ideas like ‘gender-blind’ and ‘colour- the same time this year. Christopher Eccleston is easily one of the blind’ casting are slowly starting to take root, There are other elements at play, however. most recognisable and well-regarded actors the wider social and economic context of the What’s less often talked about but essential working in the UK today. It’s somewhat UK is in some ways making it harder than to an understanding of the play is Macbeth’s bemusing to realise, then, that it’s only now, ever for people from backgrounds like obsession with the idea of a legacy. Arguably, at the age of 53, that he’s finally making his Eccleston’s to countenance creative careers. it’s not so much the initial death of Duncan RSC debut, as he prepares to tread the boards “I wouldn’t get into drama school now, no that causes things to fall apart, but actually in Shakespeare’s Scottish play. way, yet people say I’m a very good actor,” the subsequent slaughtering of Banquo and If you didn’t know better, you might assume says Eccleston, with characteristic matter-of- attempted murder of his son. it was a choice - perhaps the Salford council- fact conviction. Not content with his own shot at regal glory, estate lad simply decided that From here, he launches into a passionate the childless Macbeth is consumed by Stratford-upon-Avon and the Bard weren’t plea for working-class performers to seize the jealousy at the witches’ prediction that his intended for the likes of him. On the contrary, keys to the ivory towers they’ve been shut out best friend’s offspring will succeed him. This however - this is a life goal that’s taken him from. Far too many comfortable people, he feeds back into the intense domestic decades to realise. thinks, simply pay lip service to diversity; relationship at the heart of the story, showing “What a lot of people don’t know about me is real change will only come from pressure how easily the personal becomes political. that I became obsessed with Shakespeare from ordinary people. It’s perhaps “For me, the play is scenes from a marriage when I was 15,” says Eccleston. “He’s my unsurprising, then, that his reading of as much as it’s about a traitor. The favourite writer, and not a day goes by when I Macbeth is coloured by some of those same relationship between Macbeth and Lady don’t quote or read him. In a way, this is the frustrations. Macbeth is key. It’s a deep, romantic love, most important role I’ve ever done. I fell in “On one level, Macbeth justifies murdering and even in their madness, right up to the love with Macbeth when I was 17 and playing Duncan to himself because he feels that he end, the most important person in either of Macduff in an amateur production. At that would be a good leader who would make the their worlds is each other. I think they’ve time - and this is absolutely true - I decided country safe. He’s militarily and politically been devastated by the loss of their children that my greatest ambition was to play concerned that Scotland is vulnerable and their inability to have more, and a lot of Macbeth with the Royal Shakespeare because Duncan is ageing and his regime is what happens is them both trying to make Company. So it was actually my love of allowing them to be attacked by both each other feel better about that absence of a Macbeth that made me follow this career Norwegians and rebels within their own future. path.” troops, so he thinks a sterner hand is needed. “We wanted to avoid the misogynistic, Few who know anything about Chris “But he also acknowledges that he is unmotivated portraits of women that you Eccleston will be surprised to hear his ambitious, and the woman who loves him sometimes get with Lady Macbeth - that idea explanation for what has held him back: he’s encourages him to embrace that. He knows of the female evil and the temptress. Macbeth never made a secret of how he feels his he’s never going to be properly rewarded for might have more lines, but Niamh [Cusack] northern, working-class roots have affected his work, because he doesn’t have the blue and I are both on the poster and I think the perceptions of him. But these days it’s more blood and the old school tie, so if he really characters are absolute equals.” than just a class war that he’s fighting: he’s wants it, he’s going to have to take it.” acutely aware of the lack of diversity on all Add to this the show’s female director, and fronts in the British theatre world. In Polly Findlay’s new production, its broadly young and ethnically diverse cast, contemporary parallels for this discontent and you get the sense that real change is “There is still, I believe, a notion that in order are emphasised by a modern setting - underway. And as Eccleston himself to do Shakespeare you have to be white, something she also employed in her last confesses, it’s been a truly democratic middle-class and male, because there’s an collaboration with Eccleston on Sophocles’ rehearsal process in that everyone is happy association of those things with high Antigone, in which his performance as Creon to ‘steal’ ideas from everyone else. intelligence, great sensitivity and attracted comparisons with Tony Blair. It’s entitlement, and it’s been a great frustration understandable that Eccleston shies away in my career that I’m not thought of as a from such direct connections. Still, it’s hard Shakespearean actor. But Shakespeare Macbeth shows at the Royal Shakespeare to get away from a sense that Macbeth feels belongs to me and to people of colour, and Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, from particularly timely now, especially given that great roles like Macbeth and Othello belong Tuesday 13 March to Tuesday 18 four new UK productions - a film, an opera to women as much as they do to men.” September.

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Dance previews from around the region Dance

Motionhouse: Charge Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 13 March Leamington-based Motionhouse’s multimedia show about energy is the third element of Kevin Finnan’s Earth Trilogy, developing on themes explored in Scattered (2009) and Bro- ken (2013) about man’s relationship with water and the earth. Making use of digital projections to create an on-stage world in which dancers and images interact seamlessly, the show features six performers using dance and acrobatics to explore the human body, ‘tracing the incredible story of energy in our lives’. “Charge is an amazing collaboration between artists and scientists,” explains Motionhouse co-founder Finnan. “I find the science behind the show fascinating, and I want to use my in- spiration from this to create a presentation for audiences to enjoy - but which also makes them think about the role that energy plays in their lives.”

Vienna Festival Ballet Tango Moderno Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 13 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Telford, Wed Fri 9 & Sat 10 March 14 March; Evesham Arts Centre, Mon 2 April; Bedworth Civic Hall, Fri 13 April; Artrix, “This is our fourth show,” says Flavia Cacace Bromsgrove, Sun 15 April; Royal Spa Centre, about Tango Moderno, in which she stars with Leamington Spa, Wed 16 May; Old Rep, Birm- fellow ex-Strictly favourite Vincent Simone, ingham, Thurs 17 May “and every time we put a show together we Featuring a talented array of young dancers, want the audience to see something not ex- Vienna Festival Ballet typically spend eight pected, not the same thing that we’ve done months of the year performing works from before. It was very hard this time, as so much their extensive repertoire in venues across the choreography, so many stories and so many UK. ideas have already been done, but we decided They’re stopping off in the Midlands on nu- to go down the modern route. merous occasions during this month and “The different thing with Tango Moderno is next, and will be performing either Swan that normally we’re characters within the Lake or Sleeping Beauty (check each venue’s story, but this time we thought we’d take a website to find out which). step away from that and actually narrate the story. We have an urban poet who’s also going to be our singer, and together with him, we’re ACE Dance: Ten going to help narrate. It’s not really one story, MAC, Birmingham, Thurs 8 March; Arena it’s going to be lots of small stories that start Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 26 April in act one and are finished off in act two.” Humanity’s universal stories are placed under the microscope by Jose Agudo, whose work strikes an overarching tone that’s both epic and poetic. In the process, the choreographer brings ‘hints of Flamenco movement to the contemporary vocabulary under- pinned by ACE Dance & Music’s inimitable African style’. “Ten builds on the themes of spiritual dedi- cation and striving,” explain ACE. “Ulti- mately, this piece is about humanity’s urge to reach for the power of 10 - the universal symbol of completion.” whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Transitions Dance DPS.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 15:08 Page 1

Performing in my “own city has always been important to me, not just as a dancer but as an artist ”

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by Patsy Moss

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE... Transitions Dance Company brings its new triple bill to the Midlands

Now in its 35th touring year, Transitions time. I’m really looking forward to going back process of making it, but inspired me to think Dance Company provides a platform for the and seeing just how much the dance industry about how I can use my own voice to next generation of international has changed, and also reminiscing about my perform, and what performance means for contemporary dance performers can own journey that started in Birmingham.” me," says Kieran. showcase their talents. Transitions is promising 'an engaging and So with 10 UK dates and several international Comprising 14 dancers, the company has just enjoyable night out' - but what more can performances, what is Kieran most looking hit the road on an international tour where it audiences expect from the triple bill? “They forward to about touring the triple bill? will present a triple bill of specially can expect energy, relationships and a clear "Travelling to different locations and commissioned works by three internationally sense of story-driven movement material,” experiencing the different atmospheres of renowned choreographers - Richard Chappell says Kieran. “Each company member has each place. I’m also looking forward to from the UK, Helsinki-based choreographer embodied the three pieces with their own experiencing how a professional company and performer Jarkko Partanen, and award- artistic voice, so it will be interesting to see tour works, and the different roles and winning Israeli choreographer Hagit Yakira. how each performance evolves over the responsibilities that everyone will have Among the company of dancers is length of the tour." during the processes." Birmingham-born Kieran Lee Covell. In Richard Chappell’s When Running Starts Kieran joined in 2017 and is excited about And Stops, the company fuses classical ballet being involved with Transitions as it Transitions Dance Company perform at with martial arts-influenced movement style, celebrates its 35th year of touring. "I feel very The Old Rep, Birmingham on Tuesday 27 using animalistic physicality to explore fortunate and lucky to be a part of this March and Albany Theatre, Coventry, on themes of community, fear, violence and fantastic company,” he says. “It’s been a fun Friday 18 May. migration. and exciting experience creating the three For full tour information visit pieces for our tour, and I look forward to Jarkko Partanen’s Lovers, meanwhile, marks trinitylaban.ac.uk/transitionsdc seeing what’s in store when we set off.” the choreographer’s first collaboration with the company. Exploring connection, Graduating from Birmingham Ormiston commonality and individual expressions, Academy (BOA) with a Professional Diploma Partanen organises the performers in such a in Contemporary Dance, Kieran’s way as to allow them to act, understand and performance repertoire includes acclaimed continue only through touch. The result is a Motionhouse production The Voyage, Charles work that’s bizarre, comic and poignant. Lineham’s Transfer Laban at Canary Wharf, Camilla Isola’s Unravel Ei Bolero at The Place Completing the triple bill is Kieran’s personal and Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty and favourite, Hagit Yakira’s The Ar/ct Of Moving Swan Lake, both at Birmingham Forward. A ‘simple yet mesmerising’ piece Hippodrome. performed by the entire company, it uses the literal and poetic act of forward movement, On returning to showcase his talents in travelling and time as its focus, and is Birmingham, Kieran says: "Performing in my performed to an original score composed by own city has always been important to me, long-term collaborator Sabio Janiak. "Yakira’s not just as a dancer but as an artist. The unique and vibrant personality, along with experiences I had in this city have shaped her extensive choreographic knowledge, have who I am today and got me to this point in not only made me enjoy the piece and Kieran Lee Covell

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Film

Tomb Raider CERT 12a Starring Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Kristin Scott Thomas, Nick Frost Directed by Roar Uthaug (USA) As the intrepid adventuress Lara Croft, Alicia Vikander leaps into the shoes vacated by Angelina Jolie. A bike courier in East London, Lara decides to ditch her wheels in order to solve the disappear- ance of her father, who was last seen on a mysteri- ous island off the coast of Japan. Of course, she has no idea what she’s getting herself into… This time the franchise has a slightly Scandina- vian seasoning, as Vikander is Swedish and the director, Roar Uthaug (The Wave, 2015), is Norwegian. Filmed in South Africa, London and Wiltshire. Available in 3D and IMAX. Released Fri 16 March

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in March...

Red Sparrow CERT 15 (140 mins) Gringo CERT 15 (110 mins) Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Starring David Oyelowo, Charlize Theron, Joel Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Edgerton, Amanda Seyfried, Thandie Newton, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Irons Sharlto Copley Directed by Nash Edgerton Directed by Francis Lawrence (USA) (USA) Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) was a balle- An American businessman with calamitous rina before being recruited by the Russian in- money problems, Harold Soyinka (Oyelowo) telligence service Red Sparrow. Now she’s finds himself embroiled in a multi-billion thinking of becoming a traitor… dollar scam. Directed and co-produced by From the director of I Am Legend and The Nash Edgerton, the brother of the Australian Hunger Games films. actor Joel Edgerton. Released Thurs 1 March Released Fri 9 March Game Night CERT 15 (130 mins) Starring Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris, Kyle Chandler Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein (USA) One night a week, a group of friends gath- ers for an evening of games, when they’re invited to join a murder-mystery party. And the murder is real… From the directing duo behind 2015’s Vacation. Released Fri 2 March

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Film highlights released in March...

Journeyman CERT tbc Starring Paddy Considine, Jodie Whittaker Directed by Paddy Considine (UK) Spoiler alert: Journeyman is not Rocky. It’s not even Cinderella Man, in which Paddy Consi- dine played the best friend of Russell Crowe’s James J Braddock, the real-life world heavyweight champ. Being Considine’s second film as writer-director, following the stark and uncompromising Tyrannosaur (2011), Journey- man was unlikely to embrace the clichés of the boxing film. The director himself plays Matty Burton, a middleweight boxing cham- pion at the end of his career who is coming to terms with being the father of a baby girl. His wife, the beautiful, sexy and caring Emma, is superbly rendered by Jodie Whittaker, who makes what could have been a one-dimen- sional trophy wife entirely credible. Consi- dine, who has been a professional actor for almost two decades, knows how to hammer out truthful performances from his cast, and he doesn’t disappoint here. He, himself, is terrific as the charming pugilist, and his dialogue doesn’t hit a false note. CRITIC’S CHOICE Released Fri 30 March

voice of Winnie-the-Pooh You Were Never Ready Player One CERT 12a in Goodbye Christopher Starring Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Really CERT 15 (90 mins) Here Robin (2017), is now the Mendelsohn, TJ Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Ekaterina Sam- voice of Flopsy in this Rylance Directed by Steven Spielberg (USA) sonov, Alex Manette, John Doman, Judith Roberts Directed by Lynne Ramsay part-animated, part-live In 2045, a virtual world becomes a battle- (UK/France/USA) action take on the Beatrix ground as gamers attempt to crack its secret Potter characters. James in order to gain its ownership. More dystopia, Corden voices the title but with Steven Spielberg behind the camera role. From the director of the critically de- this should be better than most. One hopes. rided Annie remake. Released Fri 30 March Released Fri 16 March

Pacific Rim: Uprising CERT 12a Starring John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman Directed by Steven S. DeKnight (USA/China) As a traumatized war veteran, Joaquin The very future of mankind is under threat Phoenix won the best actor gong at Cannes when the gargantuan sea monsters (the last year. The film also nabbed the award for Kaiju) emerge from the depths again, this best screenplay and follows the journey that time accompanied by a massive man-made the veteran takes to redeem his soul – by robot that has switched sides. Oh, gosh. tracking down the abducted daughter of a Available in 3D and IMAX. New York politician. Released Fri 23 March Released Fri 9 March

Peter Rabbit CERT PG (95 mins) Starring Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson, Sam Neill; with the voices of James Corden, Daisy Ridley, Elizabeth Debicki, Margot Robbie, Sia Directed by Will Gluck (USA/Australia) Margot Robbie, who briefly supplied the whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:46 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Wilderness The New Art Gallery, Walsall, until Sun 6 May Works which engage with the natural world and reflect man’s innate need for solitude are showcased in this new multimedia exhibition, one of several shows in which the gallery is exploring the theme of wilderness. Highlights include filmworks focusing on marginal individuals who’ve chosen to move away from society, ‘living precarious existences in remote places where nature rules’. Barren high-altitude salt deserts, snow-blanketed mountain tops and environments in transition - such as coastlines and volcanoes - are other places and locations brought into view by the Image credit: Wilderness Wrapped, C-type print, (c) Scarlett Hooft Graafland, courtesy of Flowers Gallery London & New York contributing artists.

Birmingham @WHATSONBRUM Wolverhampton @WHATSONWOLVES Shropshire @WHATSONSHROPS staffordshire @WHATSONSTAFFS Worcestershire @WHATSONWORCS warwickshire @WHATSONWARWICKS

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Visual Arts

Pop! British & American Art 1960 - 1975 Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, until Sun 3 June This transatlantic showcase of the Pop Art movement’s most iconic artists includes an eight-metre-long fighter plane by James Rosen- quist, Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup tin, a lament for Marilyn Monroe by Pauline Boty, Joe Tilson’s iconic images of Che Guevara and prints by Peter Blake. The show has been developed as a partnership between the Herbert and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.

Langlands & Bell formation Age. Featuring the iconic new architecture of or- Internet Giants: ganisations such as Apple, Facebook, Mi- Masters Of The Universe crosoft and Google, the exhibition includes Ikon Gallery, Wed 21 March - Sun 10 June relief sculptures, installations and portraits. British artists Ben Langlands and Nikki The show is accompanied by a fully illus- Bell are here celebrating 40 years of work- trated catalogue featuring an essay by An- ing together, presenting a show that ex- thony Vidler and an interview with the plores the profound and increasing impact artists by Dr Hans-Michael Herzog. of global technology companies in the In-

as diverse as Gillray, Turner, Max Ernst Working In Colour and Edward Lear. The Barber Institute, Birmingham, The show contemplates the possible until Sun 10 June functions, meanings and effects of Presented to complement The Rhythm Of colourful prints, taking a look at the Light - the Barber’s main spring exhibi- ways in which they reflect changing tion - Working In Colour explores four artistic and social trends, technologies centuries of printmaking and colouring and audiences. techniques. It includes works by artists

Diaspora Pavilion Wolverhampton Art Gallery, until Sun 29 April A group of artists here respond to the con- cept of diaspora - worldwide communities which have resulted, via descent, from the movement in historic times of people from a smaller geographic locale. Ravilious & Co: The Pattern Of Friendship The works on show were last year presented at the 57th Venice Biennale. The exhibition Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, Sat 17 March - Sun 10 June featured nearly 40 artworks which reflected Watercolours, woodcuts, lithographic career, the exhibition also explores his sig- or responded to the relevance of diaspora as prints, wallpaper and fabric design all fea- nificant relationships and working collab- a lived-in modern-day reality. ture in this touring presentation, which orations with an important group of The show featured pieces by 19 artists, celebrates the work of artist and designer friends and affiliates, examples of whose seven of whom have contributed to this Eric Ravilious (1903-1942). artwork are also included. Wolverhampton exhibition. As well as showcasing key works from his whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 1 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:55 Page 2

Easter events from around the region Easter

Egg-citing Easter Activities Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 24 March - Sun 15 April The Black Country Living Museum has good form when it comes to ensuring the Easter hols are an exciting time for visiting families, and this year is no ex- ception. Youngsters and their grown-ups can take the Bunny's Trail - in the process exploring the venue’s canalside village and solving clues to find a prize - take part in traditional egg rolling competitions, and test their balance in an egg-and-spoon race. There’s also the chance to learn about Easter tradi- tions in the home, sample a freshly baked hot cross bun and get involved in all manner of traditional street games. A trip 'into the thick' to sample life in an 1850s coal mine, the chance to experience a Victorian school lesson and the opportunity to savour some traditionally cooked fish & chips complete the venue’s Easter holiday entertainment package.

Easter Dino Egg Hunt Thinktank Science Museum, Birmingham, Thurs 29 March - Sun 15 April Fancy a change of pace when it comes to hunting for Easter eggs? If so, Think- tank Science Museum is the place to head for this holiday because, although the Easter Bunny hasn't paid a visit, the Easter Dinosaur most certainly has! As a result, there are lots of Dino eggs hidden around the venue - and visiting youngsters are being challenged to find them! And once they’ve uncovered them all, there’s a small Dino prize to collect in the museum shop.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Various National Trust sites, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Who better to organise an Easter egg hunt (or several) than those lovely people at Cadbury? The chocolate- making Birmingham company are this Easter coordi- nating more than 250 hunts at National Trust properties across the UK. And there’s plenty more for families to enjoy on their fun-filled day out, with many of the venues offering ‘games and craft activities galore’. What’s more, all participants will be rewarded with a sure-to-be-delicious Cadbury treat at the end of each completed hunt.

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Easter events from around the region Easter

Traditional Victorian Hawkstone Park Easter Activities Hawkstone Park is a masterpiece of Blists Hill, Ironbridge, Shropshire the School of Naturalistic Land- Sun 1 - Sun 15 April scape. Opened in the 18th century Never let it be said that Iron- by the owner of Hawkstone Hall bridge’s famous Victorian town mansion, Richard Hill, the venue doesn’t get into the spirit of was Britain’s first tourist park. Easter! Stone arches, bridges, walkways The venue’s holiday fun kickstarts and grottoes were added to the nat- on Sunday 1 and Monday 2 April ural drama of four rugged, wooded when visitors can watch the un- hills. The resultant Gothic fantasy- usual Victorian Easter pastime of land has been a major visitor at- egg dancing and join in the tradi- traction ever since, and was tional parade. lovingly restored in 1993 after years There’s plenty to do in the two of neglect. weeks that follow as well. English Heritage has awarded Entertainment on offer includes Hawkstone Park & Follies with the chance to watch chicks’ eggs Grade I certification on its Register hatch and chocolate eggs being of Historic Gardens and Parks. made, and the opportunity to print a poster using a Victorian printing press. A bunny hunt around the town and a trail to solve an Easter ana- gram further add to the fun.

Easter at Warwick Castle Warwick Castle, Fri 30 March - Sun 15 April There’s no shortage of Easter fun to enjoy at Warwick Castle during the holidays. Kids can climb The Conqueror’s Fortress - a Tamworth Castle specifically designed interactive exhibition - Education and entertainment is the grab their swords and learn tactical defence package being offered to families skills in the all-new Knight’s School, get lost visiting Tamworth Castle this in the Horrible Histories Maze, and face an Easter holiday. array of fun challenges including invading a The educational element is pro- Viking ship and surviving the trenches. vided by enjoying a walk around And just for good measure, they can also the castle, which features displays witness the world’s largest working siege that take visitors on a journey from machine launch a projectile more than 150ft Saxon to Victorian times. in the air! Items from the world famous Staffordshire Hoard are also available to view. Egg-cellent Easter As for the entertainment, there’s the chance to try and find Ruby the Drayton Manor Theme Park, Sat 28 March - Sun 15 April Dragon’s eggs for her, as she’s hidden them from the dastardly Heart-stopping rollercoasters in the dragon hunter but now doesn’t main park and toddler-friendly rides know where they are. in Europe’s only Thomas Land are among the attractions to enjoy at Drayton Manor Theme Park this Easter. There are special Thomas Land Live Shows during the holiday period too, as well as the brand new James And The Red Balloon ride and all the head-spinning fun of the Ver- tiGO high-ropes adventure course.

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Events previews from around the region Events

MCM Birmingham Comic Con NEC, Birmingham, Sat 17 - Sun 18 March This well-established event is an absolute must for anybody with an interest in movies, gaming, comics, anime, cult television shows, gadgets, clothing and toys. It also has an impressive track record when it comes to celebrity appearances. On this occasion, famous faces on show include Guardians Of The Galaxy stars Michael Rooker and Sean Gunn. “The Midlands holds a special place in our hearts,” says MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney. “Our company is based here, and we plan on providing an awe- some show for the region's enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic book and film fans.”

Disney On Ice: Worlds Of Enchantment SAVE Genting Arena, Birmingham, Wed 28 March - Sun 1 April 15% when quoting PCRS18WO at necrestoration show.com

Life-sized animated characters from Cars and live adaptations of Toy Story 3, The Little Mermaid and the Academy Award-winning Frozen are among the highlights in this hit Disney On Ice production. Commenting on the show, producers Kenneth and Nicole Feld said: “Worlds Of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories. Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they en- Practical Classics Classic Car counter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built ‘to scale’ and & Restoration Show live on ice. They will see their all-time favourites like The Little Mer- NEC, Birmingham, Fri 23 - Sun 25 March maid and discover the world of Arendelle with Frozen. To be the Midlands Classic Car enthusiasts can really immerse themselves first to introduce the Frozen in their passion at this specialist event. story live on ice, and to be Showcasing in excess of 1,000 magnificent motors, the show also entrusted with the beloved boasts live demos, expert tutorials, workshops, celebrity appear- Toy Story characters is in- ances and hundreds of exhibitors selling a wide range of popular credible, and we’re thrilled products. to be bringing these heart- Other attractions include an autojumble, a ‘cars for sale’ area, the warming tales to families Practical Classics Live Stage and the UK’s biggest collection of across the globe.” barn find displays. whatsonlive.co.uk 47 Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:56 Page 7

48 whatsonlive.co.uk Events March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 10:56 Page 8

Events previews from around the region Events

Ultimate Dubs Telford International Centre, Sun 11 March The UK's largest indoor VAG enthusiasts’ event brings together the ‘ultimate’ VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda show cars from all over Eu- rope. “Whether you’re into stock, old skool, nu wave, custom or tuned cars, there’s sure to be something to your taste at a show that’s not to be missed,” say the event’s organisers. Attractions include detailing & vehicle wrapping demonstrations, racing simulator competitions, BMX freestyling & SAVE street dancing, a VW drag racing 20% club display and a Porsche 911 display. when quoting BIRMINGHAM25 at allengland badminton.com

Yonex All England Open est and most prestigious competition. This latest edition of the championship features Badminton Championships 155 matches, more than 50 hours of live bad- Arena Birmingham, Wed 14 - Sun 18 March minton and appearances by the world’s great- Now in its 108th year, Yonex is one of bad- est players. In short, it’s a must-attend event for minton’s five ‘majors’, as well as being its old- dedicated fans of the sport... Insomnia62 NEC, Birmingham, Fri 30 March - Mon 2 April Dungeon Lates The UK’s biggest gaming festival is Warwick Castle, Fri 23 March now firmly established at the NEC, ‘Scary storytelling’ is combined with ‘wicked hu- having outgrown its previous mour and manic theatrics’ in this all-new 50- home at the Ricoh Arena in Coven- minute-long adults-only entertainment blending try. special effects with live performance art. Insomnia is a four-day event ‘com- Participants get to ‘enjoy’ a last supper of Scotch bining all the best bits of video- eyes and bird’s legs before embarking on a gaming’ and offering enthusiasts ‘spine-tingling’ exploration of the castle dun- Shakespeare Week the chance to play an impressive geon. And if the horrors experienced therein Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites, selection of both new and vintage happen to leave you with a distinctly dry throat, Stratford-upon-Avon, Mon 12 - Sun 18 March games. not to worry - a shot of blood or a refreshing Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebra- Visitors can also meet their glass of urine - served fresh from a human blad- tion of the world’s greatest playwright - and favourite YouTube stars and take der, no less - should soon see you right! given that the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust co- part in costuming workshops and ordinate the event, it’s no surprise that their var- a cosplay masquerade. ious venues are wholeheartedly joining in with the initiative! Included in their line-up of entertainment and activities are mask and ruff making, face painting, dressing-up opportunities and live dance. ‘Storytelling galore’, Tudor treats, craft activities and performances of the production Caliban In The Rockpool also feature, in what promises to be a splendidly action-packed week of bard-focused fun. whatsonlive.co.uk 49 The List Cover March Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:56 Page 1 The List Cover March Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:56 Page 2

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide MarchMarch 20182018 thelist

How To Die Of A Broken Heart at Warwick Arts Centre - Thursday 1 March

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

What’s On Thurs 1 to Sun 4 March Mon 5 to Sun 11 March Mon 12 to Sun 18 March Mon 19 to Sat 31 March

Shazia Mirza at The Wombats at Mindgame at Belgrade Turn Of The Screw at Huntingdon Hall, Worcester The Empire, Coventry Theatre, Coventry Malvern Theatre Fri 2 March Sat 10 March Wed 14 - Sat 17 March Tues 27 - Sat 31 March

whatsonlive.co.uk 51 The List Warwicks/Worcs Thurs 1 - Sun 4 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:01 Page 1

thelist ingham Berkswell, Warks THROUGHOUT MARCH Gigs BLACK CARROT & EVERYTHING EVERY- ECHOLOCATION Fri 2 THING Sat 3 Mar, O2 JOHNNY CASH ROAD- ues to play, in Coventry, through in- Mar, The Tin Music Academy, Birmingham SHOW Thurs 1 Mar, terviews, images and objects, Sat 10 And Arts, Canal Basin, Visual Arts New Alexandra The- ELBOW Sat 3 Mar, Mar - Tues 10 Apr Coventry atre, Birmingham Genting Arena, B’ham SCOTT BRADLEE & POST- Artrix, Bromsgrove DAMIAN WILSON & JIVE TALKIN' Sat 3 Mar, The Hive, Worcester MODERN JUKEBOX Fri 2 STUDIO 4: FIRE AND ICE Exhibition of ADAM WAKEMAN Thurs The Swan Theatre, ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY INTER- Mar, O2 Academy, striking images by four women artists 1 Mar, Huntingdon Worcester NATIONAL IMAGES FOR SCIENCE Exhibi- Birmingham with an interest in contemporary art, Hall, Worcester MUSED (MUSE TRIBUTE) tion featuring 100 images submitted FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 2 until Sun 1 Apr PLAY ON: LIVE MUSIC Sat 3 Mar, The Marr's from over 80 countries and selected Mar, The River Rooms, Thurs 1 Mar, The Other Bar, Worcester by an expert judging panel, until Sun Stourbridge Birmingham Museum & 18 Mar Place, Stratford-upon- STONE BROKEN Sat 3 Art Gallery Avon PAUL WELLER Fri 2 Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- HEATHER & IVAN MORISON SCULPTURES Genting Arena, B’ham ingham COMING OUT: SEXUALITY, GENDER AND Heather and Ivan were ‘artists in resi- ALEEM Thurs 1 Mar, O2 TABLE SCRAPS Fri 2 IDENTITY Ground-breaking exhibition dence’ at The Hive and University of Academy, Birmingham MAETLOAF & THE NEVER Mar, Hare & Hounds, marking the 50th anniversary of the Worcester in 2017, until Sat 24 Mar Y.O.U.N.G: THE LAZY NEVERLAND EXPRESS Birmingham partial decriminalisation of male ho- TOUR Thurs 1 Mar, O2 Sat 3 Mar, The River mosexual acts in England and Wales. Worcester City Museum & Art Institute, Birmingham MAGNUM Fri 2 Mar, Rooms, Stourbridge Featuring over 80 modern and con- Birmingham Town Hall Gallery MCGOLDRICK, MC- DANCE GAVIN DANCE & temporary artworks by internationally CUSKER AND DOYLE THE BON JOVI EXPERI- VEIL OF MAYA Sat 3 renowned artists who explore themes BENJAMIN WILLIAMS LEADER: BLEST BY THE SUNS OF HOME Exhibition explor- Thurs 1 Mar, The ENCE Fri 2 Mar, The As- Mar, The Asylum, of gender, sexuality and identity in sembly, Leamington Birmingham art, until Sun 15 Apr ing the significance of landscape Fleece Inn, Bretforton, painting during World War One, when Nr Evesham Spa JUDIE TZUKE Sat 3 Mar, NEW ART WEST MIDLANDS A mixed- the British countryside became a ALL WE ARE WRONG JOVI (BON JOVI Huntingdon Hall, media exhibition including painting, Thurs 1 symbol of hope and national identity TRIBUTE) Fri 2 Mar, The Worcester sculpture, digital and sound installa- Mar, Hare & Hounds, at a time of crisis, until Sat 2 June Marr's Bar, Worcester tions, assemblage, photography & Birmingham REJJIE SNOW Sat 3 Mar, prints by 28 selected artists, all of THE WAR TO END ALL WARS Exhibition SHEAFS Thurs 1 Mar, VAMPIRES ROCK Sat 3 O2 Institute, B’ham whom are recent graduates from the exploring how our future was Hare & Hounds, Birm- Mar, New Alexandra HIGH KNUCKS, 28 COS- region’s six university art schools, changed forever by the First World ingham Theatre, Birmingham TUMES & LOVE BITES War, until Sat 10 Nov until Sun 6 May THE WIND IN THE WIL- SATINDER SARTAAJ Sat Sat 3 Mar, The Tin LOWS - A FOLK OPERA 3 Mar, Symphony Hall, Music And Arts, Canal Birmingham Basin, Coventry Forge Mill Needle Museum, Other VISUAL ARTS Thurs 1 Mar, The Core Theatre, Solihull THE BRITPOP REBOOT HOOKWORMS Sun 4 Redditch CLARE WOODS Renowned British 2018 Sat 3 Mar, The Mar, Hare & Hounds, painter Clare has established her rep- MARTIN HARLEY AND NEW REDDITCH MODEL RAILWAY CLUB Assembly, Leamington Birmingham utation with large-scale landscapes DANIEL KIMBRO Thurs 1 EXHIBITION Fiftieth anniversary exhibi- Spa tion showcasing the members’ di- painted in household gloss and Mar, Warwick Arts BUDDY HOLLY AND THE verse skill and talent in recreating in enamel on aluminium. The artist has Centre, Coventry FOREVERLAND WITH CRICKETERS Sun 4 Mar, great detail some of the most iconic recently moved into figurative paint- DUB PISTOLS Thurs 1 ARTFUL DODGER Sat 3 Malvern Theatres railway scenes from the golden era of ing, until Sat 10 Mar, Warwick Arts Mar, The Marr's Bar, Mar, Kasbah, Coventry AMIT DATTANI Sun 4 steam and beyond, Thurs 15 Mar - Centre, Coventry Worcester THE 'GEORGE MICHAEL’ Mar, Kitchen Garden Sun 22 Apr NEVILLE STAPLE - THE ORIGINAL RUDE APOCALYPTICA Thurs 1 TRIBUTE SHOW WITH Cafe, Birmingham BOY The exhibition hopes to show Mar, Symphony Hall, RANDALL BUTLER Sat 3 EDITORS Sun 4 Mar, Leamington Spa Art Gallery & many aspects of a man who has Birmingham Mar, Nailcote Hall, Birmingham Town Hall Museum done so much for Coventry music, ABBA FOREVER Thurs 1 LIGHTS OF LEAMINGTON In the 1950s, a but also so much for other artists, Mar, The Swan The- festival called The Lights of Leaming- until Sun 2 Dec, Coventry Music Mu- atre, Worcester seum ton drew 300,000 visitors to the ELECTRIC SIX Thurs 1 town. This new exhibition, selected NEW SOLDIER ART - CREATED IN CON- Mar, O2 Academy, and curated by Birmingham-based FLICT, 1850 TO TODAY Exploration of Birmingham artist Stuart Whipps, brings the creativity in conflict, with a focus on theme up to date, showing the di- artwork made by British Armed THE JERSEYS Fri 2 Mar, verse ways that light runs through the Forces personnel, from the Crimean Albany Theatre, collection at Leamington Spa Art War to the present day, Sat 17 Mar - Coventry Gallery & Museum, until Sun 15 Apr Sun 10 June, Compton Verney THE SENSATIONAL 60S Gallery, Warwick EXPERIENCE Fri 2 Mar, Rugby Art Gallery & Museum NEW RAVILIOUS & CO: THE PATTERN OF New Alexandra The- atre, Birmingham NEW ABOUT FACE: THE RUGBY COLLEC- FRIENDSHIP. ENGLISH ARTIST DESIGN- TION 2018 The 2018 theme is por- ERS 1922-1942 Exhibition of work by RAY ORBISON TRIBUTE traits, telling the story of some of the the prolific artist & designer Eric Rav- Fri 2 Mar, Bedworth artists within the Rugby collection, ilious (1903-1942), mounted to coin- Civic Hall with help from loans from the Na- cide with the 75th anniversary of his PALE WAVES Fri 2 Mar, tional Portrait Gallery and The Lowry, death. It includes many of Ravilious’ O2 Academy, B’ham Fri 30 Mar - Sat 16 June key works, shown alongside those of his contemporaries, many of which COME TOGETHER WITH have never before been publicly ex- THE SKA 45'S Fri 2 Mar, The Herbert Art Gallery & The Night Owl, B’ham Museum hibited, Sat 17 Mar - Sun 10 June, Compton Verney Gallery, Warwick WAVE ON WAVE Fri 2 NEW IRISH HEART, COVENTRY HOME Ex- Mar, Ort Cafe, B’ham plore the unique role that the Irish DIRTY THRILLS Fri 2 community has played, and contin- Satinder Sartaaj - Symphony Hall, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- 52 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs Thurs 1 - Sun 4 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:01 Page 2

Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 March

CHARLIE BAKER, MANDY KNIGHT, MIKE set Shakespeare's bloodiest tale THE LOCK IN ‘FOLK FAIRY TALE’ The Classical Music WILMOT & PAT CAHILL Fri 2 - Sat 3 Mar, amidst the horrors of the battlefields Breaking Tradition Dance Company The Glee Club, Birmingham of WWI, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Mar, Albany presents a comical new version of its CENTRE STAGE: QUARTET FOR COR STEPHEN BAILEY Sat 3 Mar, Palace Theatre, Coventry critically acclaimed dance show, ANGLAIS AND STRINGS Programme in- Theatre, Redditch ONCE UPON A TIME The Phoenix Play- Thurs 1 Mar, The Roses Theatre, cludes works by Françaix, Bax, Pas- ers fuse well-known fairytale charac- Tewkesbury culli & Ibert, Thurs 1 Mar, CBSO DANE BAPTISTE Sat 3 Mar, Artrix, ters and famous musical theatre AT THE CROSSROADS Atreyee Dance Centre, Birmingham Bromsgrove numbers in an original production for Group present a theatrical dance per- THE PELLEAS ENSEMBLE Featuring DAVID TRENT, ADAM BLOOM, MARK SIM- audiences young and old, Thurs 1 - formance based on a novel by Ra- Luba Tunnicliffe (viola), Henry MONS & CRAIG MURRAY Sat 3 Mar, The Sun 4 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, Strat- bindranath Tagore - the story of a Roberts (flute) & Oliver Wass (harp). Comedy Loft, Birmingham ford-upon-Avon woman at the crossroads of the In- Programme includes works by Bax, FORBIDDEN NIGHTS 2018 Two hours of dian freedom movement, Sun 4 Mar, Corelli, Ravel, Prokofiev & Debussy, provocative choreography from a MAC, Birmingham Thurs 1 Mar, Evesham Arts Centre cast of acrobats, fire acts and aerial BEST OF THE WEST END Featuring artists, Fri 2 Mar, Palace Theatre, Michael England (conductor), West Theatre Redditch End vocalists & City of Birmingham AN ACT OF KINDNESS Award-winning THE IMPROV MUSICAL Musical Theatre Symphony Orchestra. Programme in- play exploring gender pressure and Warwick create and perform a one- Talks cludes numbers from Cats, Evita, The its impact on our identity, until Thurs hour musical, Fri 2 Mar, Warwick Arts Lion King, 42nd Street, Wicked & JACK BOSKETT: FROM RAILWAYS TO 1 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birm- Centre, Coventry ROYALTY Jack talks about his career more... Fri 2 Mar, Symphony Hall, ingham Birmingham LITE Marlene McKenzie uncovers the as a professional photographer, Sat 3 ELEPHANT Highly anticipated return of emotional and physical journey re- Mar, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury EBLANA STRING TRIO Featuring Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti's work, which quired by many to fit into today’s so- Jonathan Martindale (violin), Lucy centres on family relationships and ciety, where pressure from the media Nolan (viola) & Peggy Nolan (cello). lies... until Sat 3 Mar, The REP, Birm- constantly reinforces the need to Programme includes works by Pur- ingham conform, Fri 2 Mar, Albany Theatre, cell, Finzi & Beethoven, Fri 2 Mar, Ar- Coventry trix, Bromsgrove DANGEROUS OBSESSION The Nonenti- Events ties present NJ Crisp’s psychological WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE?: THE MYS- CONSORTIUM5 Recorder quintet per- IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS Featur- thriller, until Sat 3 Mar, The Rose The- TERY OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ELEVEN forming works by Dowland, Tye, Pur- ing more than 400 athletes from 150 atre, Kidderminster LOST DAYS Liz Grand takes centre cell & Byrd, Fri 2 Mar, The Barber countries, Thurs 1 - Sun 4 Mar, Arena stage in a one-woman show that re- Institute, Birmingham WARWICKSHIRE GANG SHOW 2018 Birmingham veals the secret behind one of the (WAGS) until Sat 3 Mar, Royal Spa BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL A col- RUSSELL WATSON An intimate evening biggest and most extensive police Centre, Leamington Spa lection of short films from the world's with one of the world's most promi- hunts in history, Fri 2 Mar, Artrix, DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Phil Daniels most prestigious mountain film festi- nent tenors, Sat 3 Mar, Bedworth Bromsgrove Civic Hall takes the lead in a new version of val, Fri 2 Mar, Malvern Theatres, Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic BALLOONS FOR SALE Theatre for chil- Malvern SINGALONG WITH THE CBSO - BRAHMS' dren aged between two and nine, Sat thriller, until Sat 3 Mar, Malvern The- NORDIC WALKING COURSE Nordic walk- GERMAN REQUIEM Featuring Simon atre 3 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester Halsey (conductor) & the CBSO Cho- ing is the ultimate complete-body VAMPIRES ROCK: THE GHOST TRAIN rus, Sun 4 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birm- THE WINSLOW BOY Tessa Peake-Jones workout and can be enjoyed by any- Classic rock musical concert featur- ingham and Aden Gillett star in a major re- one at any fitness level, Sat 3 Mar, vival of Terence Rattigan’s classic ing a tongue-in-cheek story pre- Packwood House, Solihull SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Featuring sented alongside some of the family drama, until Sat 3 Mar, The SHAKESPEARE FOR ALL! Join experts Daniele Rosina (conductor) & Luke greatest-ever rock anthems, Sat 3 REP, Birmingham from the Shakespeare Birthplace Riedlinger (saxophone). Programme Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Birm- HAMLET Shakespeare's tragedy told Trust as they read through Shake- includes works by Vaughan Williams, ingham Glazunov, Prokofiev & Peter Leavy, through the eyes of those who came speare’s Complete Works, Sat 3 Mar, SING-A-LONG-A SOUND OF MUSIC Sun 4 Mar, Elgar Concert Hall, The after him... until Sat 3 Mar, The Blue Stratford-upon-Avon Library and In- Screening of the classic Julie An- Bramall, University of Birmingham Orange Theatre, Birmingham formation Centre drews musical, complete with subti- HAIRSPRAY Brenda Edwards stars as WOMEN’S TRANSPORT HISTORY TALK UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK SYMPHONY tled lyrics to help the audience sing Motormouth Maybelle in the smash- From Benz to O’Neil - discover inge- ORCHESTRA & CHORUS Featuring Paula along... Sun 4 Mar, New Alexandra hit musical comedy, until Sat 3 Mar, nious and daring characters whose Mooneyhan Sides (soprano), Gaynor Theatre, Birmingham Keeble (mezzo soprano), John Gra- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre impact has left a lasting impression ham Hall (tenor) & Nicholas Lester HOW TO DIE OF A BROKEN HEART Femi on cars today, Sat 3 Mar, Coventry (barritone). Programme includes Keeling’s solo theatre show about Transport Museum works by Dvorak & Paul McGrath, love, illness and not giving up, Thurs MEDIEVAL BANQUET Experience an im- Sun 4 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, 1 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Dance mersive evening of ‘enthralling me- Coventry THE DUCHESS OF MALFI Maria Aberg dieval entertainment and hearty food & drink’, Sat 3 Mar, Warwick Castle directs John Webster's tale of re- TERRA FIRMA National Dance Com- venge, which asks how anyone can pany Wales present a triple bill featur- INSIDE BRITISH MOTORSPORT Fast- survive in a world where masculinity ing new works by Marcus Morau, paced event looking at employment has become toxic, Thurs 1 Mar - Fri 3 Mario Bermudez Gil & Green House opportunities in British Motorsport, Comedy Aug, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, from the company's Artistic Director, Sat 3 Mar, British Motor Museum, Stratford-upon-Avon Caroline Finn, Thurs 1 - Fri 2 Mar, Gaydon MARK THOMAS Wed 28 Feb - Sat 3 The Patrick Centre, Mar, MAC, Birmingham RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET THE TUDOR WOMAN Celebrate Interna- Join Captain Tempest and his fear- Birmingham Hippodrome tional Women's Day at Blakesley Hall, MIKE WILMOT, MANDY KNIGHT & COM- less crew on their journey into hyper- Sun 4 Mar, Blakesley Hall, B’ham EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON space and beyond! Featuring Thurs 1 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham DONINGTON STAGE RALLY The first rock’n'roll hits including Great Ball Of round of the Dukeries MC Rally ELLIE TAYLOR Fri 2 Mar, The Glee Fire, Teenager In Love and The Mon- Championship, and also round six of Club, Birmingham ster Mash, Thurs 1 - Sat 3 Mar, The the Motorsport News Circuit Rally SHAZIA MIRZA Fri 2 Mar, Huntingdon Core Theatre, Solihull Championship in association with Hall, Worcester MACBETH Ceridwen Theatre Company MSVR, Sun 4 Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, Derby whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Warwicks/Worcs 5-11 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:04 Page 1

thelist Mar, The Tin Music THE WOMBATS Sat 10 10 Mar, Bridge House Theatre, War- Gigs And Arts, Canal Basin, Mar, The Empire, Classical wick Coventry Coventry ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE MIKE DAWES Mon 5 SUGARTHIEF, DRIP CASSETTE DAYS Sat 10 OFFICIAL ROYAL OPENING GALA CON- Mar, The Marr's Bar, Music GLOSS & THE ASSIST Mar, Kasbah, Coventry CERT Featuring Mirga Gražinyté-Tyla Worcester (conductor) & Andrey Ivanov Thurs 8 Mar, The Sun- SEMIRAMIDE Sat 10 ROYAL BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE ELLI INGRAM Mon 5 (piano). Programme includes works flower Lounge, B’ham Mar, Malvern Theatres CHAMBER CHOIR Featuring Paul Mar, Hare & Hounds, FEROCIOUS DOG Thurs Spicer (director) & Callum Alger by Ravel, Clurllonis, Chopin & the Birmingham SKA-WADDY Sat 10 (organ). Programme includes works world premiere of Joe Cutler’s Else- 8 Mar, O2 Institute, Mar, Hare & Hounds, SAM FENDER, BROOKE by Britten, Leighton, MacMillan & JS whereness, Sun 11 Mar, Royal Birm- Birmingham Keresley, Coventry BENTHAM & RISCAS Bach, Mon 5 Mar, St Alban the Mar- ingham Conservatoire MOOSE BLOOD Thurs 8 Mon 5 Mar, The Sun- TEMPLE BLACK’S ALBUM tyr, Highgate, Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- flower Lounge, B’ham LAUNCH PARTY! Sat 10 NICOLA BENEDETTI IN-THE-ROUND Pro- ingham Mar, Scruffy Murphys, THE WORLD IS A BEAU- gramme includes works by Bach, GWENNO Thurs 8 Mar, Birmingham TIFUL PLACE Mon 5 Wynton Marsalis & Ysaÿe, Tues 6 Hare & Hounds, Birm- Mar, The Asylum, BUDDY HOLLY AND THE Mar, Birmingham Town Hall Comedy ingham CRICKETERS Sat 10 Birmingham THOMAS ADÈS CONDUCTS Featuring JONATHAN PIE Wed 7 Mar, Warwick ELO EXPERIENCE Fri 9 Mar, Birmingham Town BRASS BLAST Mon 5 Thomas Trotter (organ) & the City of Arts Centre, Coventry Mar, New Alexandra Hall Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Mar, Warwick Arts RUSSELL BRAND Thurs 8 Mar, Sym- Theatre, Birmingham THANK YOU FOR THE Programme includes works by Brit- Centre, Coventry phony Hall, Birmingham FASTLOVE - A TRIBUTE MUSIC Sat 10 Mar, ten, Gerald Barry, Thomas Adés & THE LIONEL RICHIE TO GEORGE MICHAEL Fri Palace Theatre, Red- Stravinsky, Wed 7 Mar, Symphony JONATHAN PIE Thurs 8 Mar, New SONGBOOK Tues 6 Mar, 9 Mar, Palace Theatre, ditch Hall, Birmingham Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Redditch Theatre BRIT FLOYD Sat 10 Mar, COULL QUARTET - FROM RUSSIA WITH BARBARA NICE & SHAZIA MIRZA Thurs SATINDER SARTAAJ Fri 9 Symphony Hall, Birm- LOVE Featuring musicians Roger 8 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove JADE BIRD Tues 6 Mar, Mar, Wolverhampton ingham Coull, Philip Gallaway, Jonathan Bar- Hare & Hounds, Birm- DAVE JOHNS, COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH Grand Theatre ritt, Nicholas Roberts. Programme ingham BEE GEES FEVER Sat 10 ANDY ROBINSON & COMIC TBC Thurs 8 ROY G HEMMINGS' HITS Mar, Albany Theatre, includes works by Villa Lobos, Rous- Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham KERRY ELLIS Tues 6 OF MOTOWN Fri 9 Mar, Coventry sel, Jolivet & Ravel, Thurs 8 Mar, Mar, New Alexandra DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 9 Mar, MAC, Artrix, Bromsgrove Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Theatre, Birmingham KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Birmingham MAJID JORDAN Fri 9 Sat 10 Mar, Palace AN EVENING OF BACH Featuring Birm- ARCANE ROOTS Tues 6 BOBBY MAIR Fri 9 Mar, The Glee Club, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Theatre, Redditch ingham Cathedral Choir, David Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Birmingham ingham Hardie (conductor), Alistair Don- ingham THE MACHINE RAGES ON aghue (bass-baritone) & Nicholas DAVE JOHNS, NIGEL NG & COMICS TBC SILENT DISCO Fri 9 Mar, Sat 10 Mar, The Marr's HOLDING ABSENCE & Morris (organ), Fri 9 Mar, Birming- Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, The Glee Club, Hare & Hounds, Birm- Bar, Worcester LOATHE Wed 7 Mar, ham Cathedral Birmingham ingham The Asylum, B’ham THE OVERTONES Sat 10 LONDON HAYDN QUARTET Featuring CRAIG CAMPBELL Sat 10 Mar, Warwick BAREFOOTIN’ Fri 9 Mar, Mar, Warwick Arts MAGNUM Wed 7 Mar, Catherine Manson & Michael Gure- Arts Centre, Coventry The Night Owl, B’ham Centre, Coventry The Assembly, Leam- vich (violins), John Crockatt (viola) & BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 10 ington Spa BROKEN ENGLISH Fri 9 Jonathan Manson (cello). Pro- Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove Mar, Route 44, B’ham gramme includes works by Vranitsky JOE DOLMAN Wed 7 JON RICHARDSON Sat 10 Mar, Birm- & Haydn, Fri 9 Mar, Royal Pump Mar, O2 Academy, FAST CAR TO FLORENCE ingham Hippodrome Fri 9 Mar, Scruffy Mur- Rooms, Leamington Spa Birmingham PATRICK LIVE AT THE SANDY HOLES phys, Birmingham THE SCHUBERT ENSEMBLE OF LONDON POKEY LAFARGE Wed 7 HOTEL Sun 11 Mar, Artrix, Broms- Featuring Simon Blendis (violin), Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- LIMEHOUSE LIZZY Fri 9 grove Douglas Paterson (viola), Jane ingham Mar, The Assembly, MOTOWN DIVA’S SHOW Leamington Spa Salmon (cello), Peter Buckoke (dou- BARNI SCOTT Wed 7 WITH THE DREAMETTES ble bass) & William Howard (piano). Mar, Palace Theatre, OBITUARY Fri 9 Mar, O2 Sat 10 Mar, Nailcote Programme includes works by Hum- Redditch Institute, B’ham Hall, Berkswell mel, Mozart & Schubert, Fri 9 Mar, BUDDY HOLLY AND THE THE AMY WINEHOUSE THE HARRINGTONS Sat Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Theatre CRICKETERS Wed 7 EXPERIENCE…A.K.A LI- 10 Mar, The Actress & Spa WE ARE THE LIONS, MR MANAGER! The Mar, Wolverhampton ONESS Sat 10 Mar, O2 Bishop, Birmingham CWMBACH MALE CHOIR Sat 10 Mar, story of Jayaben Desai, the inspira- Grand Theatre Academy, Birmingham THE WAILERS Sat 10 Artrix, Bromsgrove tional leader of the 1976-78 Grun- HOPSIN Wed 7 Mar, O2 ASTROID BOYS Sat 10 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- EX CATHEDRA: HARMONIC SPIRITUAL wick Film Processing Factory Strike, Academy, Birmingham Mar, The Asylum, ingham THEATRE Featuring Jeffrey Skidmore Mon 5 Mar, MAC, Birmingham Birmingham THE LOST NOTES Wed 7 A COUNTRY NIGHT IN (conductor). Programme includes SUPERPOSITION Playful journey of dis- Mar, The Red Lion AS MAMAS, THE NASHVILLE Sat 10 Mar, works by Carissimi & Charpentier, covery about science, sensuality, Folk Club, B’ham LIZARDS & LYCIO Sat 10 New Alexandra The- Sat 10 Mar, Birmingham Cathedral spirituality, and how the body ‘magi- Mar, The Sunflower atre, Birmingham cally mirrors the universe through JAKE BUGG - SOLO PSALMFEST Concert includes John Lounge, Birmingham the constellation of particles twin- ACOUSTIC TOUR Thurs 8 SATYRICON Sun 11 Mar, Rutter’s Psalmfest and the world pre- kling within us’, Tues 6 Mar, MAC, Mar, Warwick Arts H.E.R. Sat 10 Mar, O2 O2 Academy, B’ham miere of A Festival Anthem – De Pro- Birmingham Centre, Coventry Academy, Birmingham BLOWIN' IN THE WIND fundis, by Musical Director Piers Maxim, Sat 10 Mar, Great Malvern LA FORZA DEL DESTINO Welsh Na- PETER KNIGHT & JOHN JULIE JULY BAND (TRIB- Sun 11 Mar, Albany Priory tional Opera perform a new staging SPIERS Thurs 8 Mar, UTE TO SANDY DENNY) Theatre, Coventry of Verdi’s epic opera. Sung in Italian, Huntingdon Hall, Sat 10 Mar, Number 8 WARWICKSHIRE SYMPHONY ORCHES- GET STONED Sun 11 with English and Welsh surtitles, Worcester Community Arts Cen- Mar, Kitchen Garden TRA Featuring Philip Mackenzie tre, Worcestershire (guest conductor) & Malcolm Tues 6 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- BLANCMANGE Thurs 8 Cafe, Birmingham Forbes-Peckham (piano). Pro- drome Mar, Hare & Hounds, WILLOW Sat 10 Mar, TOM MISCH Sun 11 gramme includes works by Gersh- MY FAIR LADY Amateur staging pre- Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- ingham win, Adams, Hope & Bernstein, Sat sented by Knowle Musical Society, SLIM CHANCE Thurs 8 ingham 54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 5-11 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:04 Page 2

Monday 5 - Sunday 11 March

Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, The Core The- REVOLT. SHE SAID. REVOLT AGAIN Alice atre, Solihull Birch’s story about the plight of the THRILLER LIVE Journey through the 21st century woman, Thurs 8 - Sat 10 magic of Michael Jackson’s 45 year Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry musical history, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, THE WESTENDERS: THE WORLD’S GREAT- The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry EST MUSICALS Six West End perform- QUARTET Paul Nicholas, Wendi Peters, ers present favourites from iconic Sue Holderness & Jeff Rawle star in musicals including The Lion King, Ron Harwood's bitter-sweet comedy Miss Saigon, Jersey Boys, Blood concerning four ageing opera singers Brothers and Mamma Mia!, Fri 9 Mar, residing in a magnificent retirement The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury home in Kent, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, PATRICK LIVE AND THE SANDY HOLES The REP, Birmingham HOTEL An anarchic mashup of new NINA - A STORY ABOUT ME AND NINA SI- writing, cabaret and stand-up com- MONE Backed by a band, Olivier edy, written and performed by Dan Award-nominated actress Josette Hagley, Fri 9 Mar, The Core, Solihull Bushell-Mingo (Disney's The Lion HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell King) mixes story and song as she the story of a woman’s ‘funny and draws together tales from the life and moving journey through 60 years of career of Nina Simone, Tues 6 - Sat village life’, Fri 9 Mar, The Hive, 10 Mar, The REP, Birmingham Worcester

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT Eric Idle’s TOUCH OF EVIL: A CELEBRATION OF VIL- Thriller Live - Belgrade Theatre, Coventry riotous comedy of misfit knights, killer LAINY IN SONG Musical numbers cele- rabbits, dancing nuns and ferocious brating villains, evil-doers and Frenchmen, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Mar, baddies, Fri 9 - Sat 10 Mar, Old Joint Malvern Theatres Stock Theatre, Birmingham Dance Events MACBETH The Young Worcester BRIAN CONLEY - STILL THE GREATEST VIRAGO Sonia Sabri Company explore STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know Repertory Company present Shake- ENTERTAINER IN HIS PRICE RANGE the ‘light vs dark’ and ‘real vs fairy- the star vehicles of the collection speare’s darkest play, Tues 6 - Sat 10 Brand new show featuring comedy, tale’ versions of female existence, through interactive stories, songs and Mar, Swan Theatre. Worcester sketches and songs alongside some Wed 7 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove hands-on experiences, Mon 5 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum SLEEPING TREES: WESTERN? The of Brian’s best material from stage TEN Ace Dance present a full-length Sleeping Trees find themselves and screen, Sat 10 Mar, Wolverhamp- dance production inspired by global STEMTASTIC EXPLORERS Introducing slowly crisping under the sun of the ton Grand Theatre migration, Thurs 8 Mar, MAC, B’ham the world of science, technology, en- Wild West, as gunslinger Harry SUGGS - WHAT A KING CNUT: A LIFE IN A POSITIVE LIFE Immersive theatre gineering & maths (STEM) in a fun Sudds takes on bulls, scorpions and THE REALMS OF MADNESS Smash-hit experience, based around the sub- way, Wed 7 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum many other animals largely found in one-man show which charts the road jects of sex, love & relationships and America, Wed 7 Mar, Old Joint Stock to fame of Madness frontman Suggs, inspired by the interpersonal stories WOMEN’S TRANSPORT HISTORY TALK Theatre, Birmingham Sun 11 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, of five characters, Fri 9 Mar, Albany From Benz to O’Neil - discover inge- OUT OF CHAOS MACBETH Wed 7 Mar, Birmingham Theatre, Coventry nious and daring characters whose impact has left a lasting impression The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury SPIRIT OF INDIA Dance show cele- on cars today, Thurs 8 Mar, Coventry DON GIOVANNI Welsh National Opera brating India's spirituality, mythol- Transport Museum transport Mozart’s comic opera to the ogy, rich history, diverse culture, Spanish Golden Age. Sung in Italian, colourful festivals, flamboyant wed- CRUFTS The world’s biggest dog with English and Welsh surtitles, Wed Kids Shows dings, music, dance and Bollywood, event, featuring ‘the best in dog shopping and hundreds of canines 7 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome HORRIBLE HISTO- Sun 11 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- for you to meet’, Thurs 8 - Sun 11 THE CURSE OF CRANHOLME ABBEY War- RIES: MORE BEST drome Mar, NEC, Birmingham wick School presents an amateur OF BARMY BRITAIN staging of Tim Norton's tale of in- Kids theatre - with CANDLELIT TOURS OF THE BACK TO trigue and horror, Wed 7 - Fri 9 Mar, the nasty bits left BACKS Fri 9 Mar, Birmingham Back to Bridge House Theatre, Warwick in!, Thurs 8 - Fri 9 Backs TOSCA Welsh National Opera present Mar, Palace The- Talks HIDDEN HISTORIES Experience the cav- Puccini’s story of love, lust, loyalty atre, Redditch erns in a new way, without leaving the BLACK STUDIES CITY TALK - THE END OF and corruption. Sung in Italian, with WHITE Catherine Wheels Theatre Portal building. Featuring virtual real- RACISM Event forming part of the uni- English and Welsh surtitles, Thurs 8 Company present a playful, visual ity presentations, a live presenter and versity’s regular City Talks series, Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome show for young children, Fri 9 - Sun genuine handling objects, Fri 9 Mar, which sees a programme of high-pro- 11 Mar, The Patrick Centre, Birming- Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust NUMBERED DAYS Award-winning play file speakers sharing their views and ham Hippodrome BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS Sat 10 Mar, exploring love in the digital age, as insights on a range of topics, promot- Birmingham Hippodrome two students five thousand miles PETER PAN Priory Youth Theatre pre- ing the institution’s ambition to be ‘a apart fall in love, Thurs 8 Mar, Old sent an amateur staging of JM Bar- university without walls’, Wed 7 Mar, NEW PLACE AT NIGHT Special after- Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham rie’s timeless tale, Fri 9 - Sun 11 Mar, The Curzon Building, Birmingham dark tour of Shakespeare's New THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Amateur Priory Theatre, Kenilworth City University Place. Sample a wide range of specially programmed talks and work- production presented by Kiddermin- THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWAL- AN EVENING WITH ANT MIDDLETON The shops, from photography and ster Operatic & Dramatic Society, LOWED A FLY The People’s Theatre adventurer, survival expert, TV pre- calligraphy to historical fashion, Sat Thurs 8 - Sat 17 Mar, The Rose The- bring one of the world’s best-loved senter and ex- 10 Mar, Shakespeare's New Place, atre, Kidderminster nursery rhymes to life... Sat 10 Mar, elite forces Stratford-upon-Avon MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL Cheryl Fer- Malvern Theatre soldier recounts gison, Maureen Nolan, Rebecca PENGUIN Long Nose Puppets present stories from his VINTAGE IN THE VILLAGE Welcome in Wheatley & Hialry O’Neil star in an a show for younger audiences based life in the military, the spring season ‘with a burst of vin- all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in on the award-winning book by Penny Sun 11 Mar, tage fabulousness and treat yourself a department store, Thurs 8 Mar, Dunbar, Sat 10 Mar, Albany Theatre, Birmingham to a whole new wardrobe’, Sat 10 - Malvern Theatre Coventry Town Hall Sun 11 Mar, FarGo Village, Coventry

whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Warwicks/Worcs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:11 Page 1

thelist O2 Academy, B’ham BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY cludes works by Tchaikovsky & Gigs ALL TIME LOW Thurs 15 Sat 17 Mar, Bedworth Classical Mendelssohn, Fri 16 Mar, Number 8 Mar, Genting Arena, Civic Hall Community Arts Centre, Pershore AT THE DRIVE-IN Mon 12 Birmingham SOMEONE LIKE YOU - RUSSELL WATSON: CANZONI D’AMORE Mar, O2 Academy, THE ADELE SONGBOOK Music Fri 16 Mar, Malvern Theatres Birmingham FIELD MUSIC Thurs 15 Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Sat 17 Mar, The Roses LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH CBSO: SENSUAL DEBUSSY Featuring JOE BROWN Mon 12 ingham Theatre, Tewkesbury THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Mar, The Core Theatre, 40 YEARS OF DISCO Sat cludes works by Mendelssohn, the CBSO Youthė Chorus & Birming- Solihull ALABASTER DEPLUME Corelli (arr. T Billington), Stanley, Thurs 15 Mar, The Tin 17 Mar, Genting Arena, ham University Singers. Programme JACKSON LIVE IN CON- J.MacMillan & Liszt, Mon 12 Mar, Music And Arts, Canal Birmingham includes works by Debussy, Szy- CERT Tues 13 Mar, New Symphony Hall, Birmingham Basin, Coventry CRAOBH RUA Sat 17 manowski & Wagner, Sat 17 Mar, Alexandra Theatre, Mar, Huntingdon Hall, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: JENNIFER Symphony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham SMS ROCK & POP Thurs PIKE PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY Also featur- 15 Mar, The Core The- Worcester WORCESTER FESTIVAL CHORAL SOCIETY NATHAN LAUBE Tues 13 ing David Curtis (conductor). Pro- atre, Solihull SPACE Sat 17 Mar, O2 Programme comprises Haydn’s The Mar, The Bramall, gramme includes works by Academy, Birmingham Creation, Sat 17 Mar, Worcester Birmingham ALABAMA 3 Thurs 15 Prokofiev, Schubert & Tchaikovsky, Cathedral Mar, O2 Academy, STEAMCHICKEN Sat 17 Mon 12 Mar, Malvern Theatres G4 LIVE! Tues 13 Mar, STRATFORD UPON AVON CHORAL SOCI- Birmingham Mar, The Fleece Inn, Birmingham Town Hall PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH ETY Programme comprises Orff’s STEVEN WILSON Thurs Bretforton, Nr Eve- Featuring Jason Lai (conductor). MICHAEL MCDONALD Carmen Burana & Poulenc’s Gloria, 15 Mar, Warwick Arts sham Programme includes works by Tues 13 Mar, Sym- Sat 17 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, Centre, Coventry SKID ROW Sat 17 Mar, Prokofiev, Shostakovich & Schubert, phony Hall, B’ham Stratford-upon-Avon PATSY CLINE AND Kasbah, Coventry Tues 13 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, GARY NUMAN Tues 13 DEBUSSY'S LEGACY Featuring Birm- FRIENDS Fri 16 Mar, BOB LOG III Sat 17 Mar, Stratford-upon-Avon Mar, Warwick Arts ingham Contemporary Music Group. Huntingdon Hall, Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE BACH PLAYERS: MUSIC FOR Centre, Coventry Programme includes works by Worcester ingham EASTER Featuring Rachel Elliott (so- Boulez & Tristan Murail, Sun 18 Mar, AS IT IS Tues 13 Mar, VARIUS MANX & KASIA WE SAY YEAH Sat 17 prano), Nicolette Moonen & Anna Symphony Hall, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Curzon (violins), Anne Schumann STANKIEWICZ Fri 16 Mar, Albany Theatre, DEBUSSY - CHILDREN'S CORNER Fea- JOE BROWN Tues 13 (viola), Kinga Gaborjarni (cello & Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Coventry turing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conduc- Mar, The Core Theatre, gamba) & Sarah McMahon (cello). ingham BOOTLEG ABBA Sat 17 tor), Catherine Arlidgeė (presenter), Solihull Programme includes Boccherini's AMPLIFIER Fri 16 Mar, Mar, Malvern Theatres Stabat Mater & movements by Sun 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birm- JAMIE LAWSON Tues 13 O2 Academy, B’ham WHOLE LOTTA LED Sat Haydn & Johann Fischer, Tues 13 ingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- FRED ZEPPELIN Fri 16 17 Mar, The Assembly, Mar, St Mary's Church, Warwick MODERN DEBUSSY Featuring Mirga ingham Mar, The Marr's Bar, Leamington Spa G4 LIVE 2018 Tues 13 Mar, Birming- Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) & the City ELLIOT GALVIN TRIO Worcester THE COSMICS Sat 17 ham Town Hall of Birminghamė Symphony Orches- Wed 14 Mar, Hare & JOE BONAMASSA Fri 16 Mar, The Sunflower tra. Programme includes works by Hounds, Birmingham RECITAL WITH JOHN LILL Programme Debussy, Stravinsky & Takemitsu, Mar, Genting Arena, Lounge, Birmingham includes works by Beethoven, Wed ELLEN NISBETH Wed 14 Sun 18 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birm- Birmingham THE STRANGLERS Sat 14 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- Mar, Birmingham Town ingham TURIN BRAKES Fri 16 17 Mar, O2 Academy, try Hall CHANDOS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Mar, Birmingham Town Birmingham PETER DONOHOE PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH SMS ROCK & POP Wed TITAN Featuring Michael Lloyd (con- Hall THE DUBLIN LEGENDS Featuring Jason Lai (conductor) & 14 Mar, The Core The- ductor) & Aydin Onac (piano). Pro- THE FOOD FIGHTERZ Fri Sat 17 Mar, Birming- Peter Donohoe (piano). Programme atre, Solihull gramme includes works by Berlioz, 16 Mar, Route 44, ham Town Hall includes works by Prokofiev, Rachmaninov & Mahler, Sun 18 Mar, BOOGIE NIGHTS WITH Birmingham THE KING ELVIS PRESLEY Shostakovich & Schubert, Wed 14 Malvern Theatres HEATWAVE AND CALTON KELLY Fri 16 LIVES ON Sat 17 Mar, Mar, Birmingham Town Hall ODYSSEY Wed 14 Mar, THE SCHUBERT ENSEMBLE OF LONDON Mar, The Tin Music The Core Theatre, Soli- ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Also The Core Theatre, Soli- Featuring Simon Blendis (violin), And Arts, Canal Basin, hull featuring Academia Musica Choir & hull Douglas Paterson (viola), Jane Coventry SOUL STRIPPER Sat 17 Kenneth Woods (conductor). Pro- Salmon (cello), Peter Buckoke (dou- JOAN BAEZ Wed 14 Mar, MIST Fri 16 Mar, O2 Mar, The Marr's Bar, gramme includes works by Sawyers, ble bass) & William Howard (piano). Symphony Hall, Birm- Academy, Birmingham Worcester Haydn & Beethoven, Wed 14 Mar, Programme includes works by Hum- ingham Malvern Priory TOMMY FLEMING Fri 16 KARKOSA Sat 17 Mar, mel, Mozart & Schubert, Sun 18 Mar, PETE OXLEY AND NIC Mar, The Core Theatre, O2 Institute, B’ham ELLEN NISBETH IN RECITAL Featuring Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa MEIER QUARTET Wed 14 Solihull Bengt Forsberg (piano). Programme SHREWSBURY SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS & Mar, Stratford SIOBHAN MILLER Sun includes works by Schumann, Kata- CHORAL SOCIETY PRESENT A GALA Artshouse, Stratford- TOM GRENNAN Sat 17 18 Mar, The Fleece rina Leyman, Rebecca Clarke, Brit- CONCERT Sun 18 Mar, Birmingham upon-Avon Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Inn, Bretforton, Nr Eve- ten & Brahms, Wed 14 Mar, ingham sham Town Hall FEEDER Wed 14 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall MARK BEBBINGTON & COULL QUARTET Programme includes works by Villa- Lobos, Ian Venables & Brahms, Thurs 15 Mar, Malvern Theatres Comedy VAN KUIJK STRING QUARTET Featuring RICHARD HERRING Thurs 15 Mar, Nicolas van Kuijk & Sylvain Favre- Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Bulle (violins); Gregoire Vecchioni (viola) & Francois Robin (cello). Pro- JO ENRIGHT, CHRIS KENT & COMEDY gramme includes works by Brahms, CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Ligeti & Mozart, Fri 16 Mar, Artrix, Thurs 15 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham Bromsgrove ANDREW LAWRENCE Fri 16 Mar, Artrix, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: ROMANTIC Bromsgrove STRINGS Featuring Sally Harrop & GEOFF NORCOTT Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Skid Row - The Kasbah, Coventry Luan Shaw (soloists). Programme in- Club, Birmingham

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Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February

ADAM BLOOM, CHRIS KENT & COMIC TBC MINDGAME A mind-bending psycho- Fri 16 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham logical thriller from the pen of An- STAND UP COMEDY SHOWCASE Fri 16 - thony Horowitz, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, Sat 17 Mar, MAC, Birmingham Belgrade Theatre, Coventry BOBBY MAIR Sat 17 Mar, Royal Spa CAROUSEL Astwood Bank Operatic Centre, Leamington Spa Society present an amateur staging of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s much- HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI Sat 17 Mar, Ar- loved musical, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, trix, Bromsgrove Palace Theatre, Redditch RHINOCEROS Birmingham Royal Con- servatoire Theatre Company presents its version of Eugéne Ionesco’s post- war avante-garde drama, Wed 14 - Theatre Sat 17 Mar, The Old Rep, B’ham UP’N’UNDER John Godber’s award- CIRQUE BERSERK! Evening of ‘thrills winning comedy, performed by a cast and skills’ combining ‘contemporary of deaf and hearing actors using cirque-style artistry with adrenaline- British Sign Language and spoken fuelled stunt action, Wed 14 - Sun 18 English, Mon 12 - Wed 14 Mar, The Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, B’ham REP, Birmingham LITE Marlene McKenzie uncovers the THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS - THE MUSI- emotional and physical journey re- CAL Satirical celebration of musical quired by many to fit into today’s so- theatre, Mon 12 - Thurs 15 Mar, Talis- ciety, where pressure from the media man Theatre, Kenilworth constantly reinforces the need to THE WINDOW Poignant new drama conform, Thurs 15 Mar, MAC, B’ham which tells the true story of a Coven- HONEY Reaction Theatre Makers pre- Mindgame try family’s experience of WWI, Tues sent Tiffany Hoskins’ exploration of Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Wed 14 - Sat 17 March 13 - Sat 17 Mar, Albany Theatre, life in the Welsh mountains, where Critically acclaimed playwright Anthony Horowitz is the man be- Coventry bees, bomb disposal and autism are hind this mind-bending psychological thriller, the story of a writer CITY LOVE Fast-paced comedy telling all wrapped up in folk music, Thurs the story of two city workers whose 15 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove of glossy true-crime paperbacks who visits an asylum in the hope lives are transformed by a chance WHERE IS MRS CHRISTIE?: THE MYS- of interviewing a notorious serial killer. But all is not what it meeting with one another, Tues 13 - TERY OF AGATHA CHRISTIE’S ELEVEN seems... Get yourself a good night’s sleep beforehand because Sat 17 Mar, Old Joint Stock Theatre, LOST DAYS Liz Grand takes centre you’ll need to stay sharp and alert to get the most out of this hugely Birmingham stage in this one-woman show, which entertaining show, a clever creation from Horowitz that comes THE JUNGLE BOOK The Children’s Tour- reveals the secret behind one of the complete with black comedy and red herrings... ing Partnership present a new adap- biggest and most extensive police tation of Rudyard Kipling’s family hunts in history, Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Mar, classic, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, Malvern Malvern Theatre Centre Connections Company pre- Ballet presents a choreographed Theatres NAPOLEON DISROBED Comic alterna- sent a brand new play about remem- tive history from Told By An Idiot, version of the classic fairytale, Tues SWEENEY TODD Amateur staging of bering, bravery and growing up, Sat based on Simon Leys’ novel, The 13 Mar, The Roses Theatre, Stephen Sondheim’s critically ac- 17 Mar, Warwick Arts Centre, Coven- Death Of Napoleon, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Tewkesbury claimed work, Tues 13 - Sat 17 Mar, try Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Mar, The REP, Birmingham BALLET BC Canada's leading con- I BELIEVE IN UNICORNS The Olivier WHEN WE WERE MARRIED The Norbury temporary dance company presents THE KITE RUNNER Much-acclaimed Award-nominated Wizard Presents Players present an amateur staging an evening of work from three inter- play based on Khaled Hosseini's brings bestselling children’s author of JB Priestley’s classic comedy nationally celebrated artists, Fri 16 - haunting tale of a friendship which Michael Morpurgo’s story to life, Sat romp, Thurs 15 - Sat 17 Mar, Norbury Sat 17 Mar, Birmingham Hippo- spans cultures and continents, Tues 17 Mar, Birmingham Town Hall 13 - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, B’ham Theatre, Droitwich drome THE MUSICAL OF MUSICALS - THE MUSI- THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO Opera BRENDAN COLE: ALL NIGHT LONG Join HOW TO SURVIVE A POST-TRUTH APOCA- CAL Satirical celebration of musical Worcester presents its version of the ex-Strictly star as he takes to the LYPSE An epic adventure through ‘a theatre, Sat 17 Mar, Talisman Theatre, Mozart’s comic masterpiece, Thurs stage with a cast of guest dancers, wonderland of lies, fictions and Kenilworth Wikipedia facts’ in a show ‘for anyone 15 - Sat 17 Mar, Swan Theatre, a 14-piece band and singers, Fri 16 who’s ever said they read the terms Worcester THE 4 CLOWNS OF THE APOCALYPSE A Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham 'sensorial, nonsensical delight for the and conditions’, Wed 14 Mar, MAC, MIDDAY VARIETY Featuring musical whole family', brought to the stage by Birmingham host Andy Eastwood, ventriloquist Portugal's Teatro do Montemuro and Steve Hewlett, vocalist Laura Mag- A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre the UK-based Absolute Theatre, Sun ann, comic conjurors The Great company Vamos tackle the emotional 18 Mar, The Blue Orange Theatre, Desmondo & Cherry, and special star subject of post-traumatic stress, Wed Birmingham Talks 14 Mar, MAC, Birmingham guest Kevin Grunull, Fri 16 Mar, Bel- grade Theatre, Coventry BRETT ANDERSON: COAL BLACK MORN- ELECTRA Royal Birmingham Conser- ING Presented by Foyles, this exclu- vatoire Theatre Company presents its HABEAS CORPUS Alan Bennett's farci- sive Birmingham event offers an version of Sophocles' tale of lust, cal comedy of ill-manners, Fri 16 - Sat insight into the childhood and early vengeance and murder, Wed 14 - Sat 24 Mar, The Bear Pit Theatre - The Dance life of the lead singer of one of 17 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham United Reformed Church, Stratford- Britain’s most successful indie bands, upon-Avon OUR COUNTRY'S GOOD The Crescent CHARGE Motionhouse present an Suede, Mon 12 Mar, Birmingham Theatre Company presents its ver- CRIMES UNDER THE SUN Comedy ‘electrifying’ dance-circus, inspired Town Hall by the role of electricity in the sion of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s fa- thriller inspired by Agatha Christie, THE SPARK OF LIFE Professor Dame human body, Tues 13 Mar, Birming- mous play, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, The 39 Steps and film noir, Sat 17 Frances Ashcroft and Motionhouse ham Hippodrome Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Mar, Lichfield Garrick Artistic Director Kevin Finnan explore THE BLUE ELECTRIC WIND Warwick Arts THE SLEEPING BEAUTY Vienna Festival the science that inspired Motion- whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Warwicks/Worcs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:11 Page 3

bridgehousetheatre.co.uk

THU 19th APR, 7.30pm TUE 24th APR, 7.30pm JANE EYRE – A BRAVE FACE AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY A Brave Face explores Post-Traumatic Stress, an unseen and ★★★★★ often unrecognised injury of war, and the impact it can have on even the closest of families. With compassion and ‘Truly extraordinary… one of the most exciting young fearlessness, Vamos brings its trademark, wordless, full (British Theatre Guide) performers on the British Stage’ mask style to a story that needs to be told.

MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438 www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk MARCH 2018 www.artrix.co.uk

Wed 7 March Thur 8 March Sat 10 March SONIA SABRI: STAND UP FOR CWMBACH MALE VIRAGO WOMEN CHOIR NEW DANCE-DIGITAL CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONALLY PRODUCTION WOMEN’S DAY ACCLAIMED CHOIR

Sat 17 March Fri 30 March Sat 31 March MACCA RACHEL PARRIS MODS VS ROCKERS THE MUSIC OF PAUL AS SEEN ON THE MASH THE QUIK BEATS VS MCCARTNEY, WINGS REPORT THE DELRAY ROCKETS & THE BEATLES

COMING SOON: Where’s Mrs Christie, Eblana String Trio, You’ve Got A friend, Dane Baptiste, Patrick, Roy G Hemmings, Barnstormers, The Dancing Club, Honey, Andrew Lawrence, Van Kuijk String Quartet, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Macca, Emily Maguire, Soul Manifesto, George Egg Genesis Connected, Complete Madness…

Free parking on-site Join our Mailing List and receive our weekly e-flyer withup-to-date information about upcoming showsor download our latest brochure @artrixarts Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN @artrix arts centre Box Office: 01527 577330

58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 12 - 18 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:11 Page 4

Monday 12 - Sunday 18 February

house’s dance-circus show, Charge, MOUNTAINS MAY DEPART (12A) Foreign language, subtitled. Malvern Coventry’s proud heritage and manu- Tues 13 Mar, The Patrick Centre, Drama/Romance. Starring Tao Zhao, Theatres, Sun 18 Mar facturing journey, Tues 13 Mar, Birmingham Hippodrome Yi Zhang. Number 8 Pershore, Thurs LE JOUR SE LEVE (PG) Crime/Drama. Coventry Transport Museum LUCY WORSLEY - JANE AUSTEN AT HOME 15 Mar Starring Jean Gabin, Jacqueline Lau- THE BIG BANG UK YOUNG SCIENTISTS & The well-respected historian takes a THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- rent. Foreign language, subtitled. ENGINEERS FAIR The UK’s largest cele- new look at the author’s life, Wed 14 tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Malvern Theatres, Sun 18 Mar bration of science, technology, engi- Mar, Malvern Theatre Spencer. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, EATEST SHOWMAN (PG) neering & maths (STEM) for young Thurs 15 - Fri 16 Mar Biography/Drama. Starring Rebecca people, Wed 14 - Sat 17 Mar, NEC, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG) Biogra- Ferguson, Hugh Jackman. This Birmingham phy/Drama. Starring Rebecca Fergu- showing is a sing-a-long. Roses The- YONEX ALL ENGLAND OPEN BADMINTON son, Hugh Jackman. Malvern atre, Tewkesbury, Sun 18 Mar CHAMPIONSHIPS Featuring 155 Film Theatres, Fri 16 Mar matches and over 50 hours of live INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: I, TONYA (15) Biography/Comedy. badminton, Wed 14 - Sun 18 Mar, Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- Arena Birmingham THE POST (12a) Biography/Drama. ney. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW A haven for Starring Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks. 16 Mar Events knitting, cross stitch, paper crafting, Number 8 Pershore, Mon 12 - Tues stitching, jewellery & dressmaking 13 Mar LA RÈGLE DU JEU (PG) Comedy/Drama. STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know Starring Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor. enthusiasts, Thurs 15 - Sun 18 Mar, THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. the star vehicles of the collection NEC, Birmingham Foreign language, subtitled. Malvern through interactive stories, songs and Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Theatres, Sat 17 Mar MCM BIRMINGHAM COMIC CON Another Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 12, hands-on experiences, Mon 12 Mar, FERDINAND (PG) Animation/Adventure. Coventry Transport Museum ‘fun-filled celebration of geeky good- Wed 14 - Thurs 15 Mar; Artrix, Broms- ness’, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Mar, NEC, grove, Fri 16 Mar With the voices of Kate McKinnon, SHAKESPEARE WEEK Hands-on family David Tennant. Roses Theatre, Birmingham LOVELESS (15) activities at Shakespeare's Family Drama. Starring Tewkesbury, Sat 17 Mar CHEESE AND CHUTNEY ‘Celebrating ev- Maryana Spivak, Aleksey Rozin. For- Homes, taking place as part of the LA GRANDE ILLUSION (U) Drama/War. nationally celebrated Shakespeare erything cheese’ and featuring plenty eign language, subtitled. Roses The- of stallholders, Sat 17 - Sun 18 Mar, atre, Tewkesbury, Wed 14 Mar Starring Jean Gabin, Dita Parlo. For- Week, Mon 12 - Sun 18 Mar, Shake- eign language, subtitled. Malvern speare's Birthplace, Stratford Upon FarGo Village, Coventry JOURNEY'S END (12a) Drama/War. Star- Theatres, Sat 17 Mar Avon THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW Ideal for am- ring Sam Claflin, Paul Bettany. Num- ateur and professional photogra- ber 8 Pershore, Wed 14 - Thurs 15 & QUAI DES BRUMES (PG) Crime/Drama. COVENTRY TIMELINE TALK A quick jour- Starring Jean Gabin, Michel Simon. ney through history, uncovering phers alike, Sat 17 - Tues 20 Mar, Sat 17 Mar NEC, Birmingham

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60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:58 Page 2

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- & Hounds, B’ham DALISO CHAPONDA Thurs 22 Mar, Gigs ingham ‘THE BEATLES PARTY’ Classical Palace Theatre, Redditch THE DUBLIN LEGENDS WITH THE LENNON AND FLIGHT OF THE CONCHORDS Thurs 22 KNOWER Mon 19 Mar, Wed 21 Mar, Malvern MCCARTNEY EXPERI- Mar, Genting Arena, Birmingham Hare & Hounds, Birm- Theatres ENCE Fri 23 Mar, Nail- Music ingham AMY HOWERSKA, IAN STONE, COMEDY MALCOLM STENT Wed cote Hall, Berkswell OMO BELLO - LA BELLE ÉPOQUE Featur- CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON & OUTLYA Mon 19 Mar, 21 Mar, The Core The- THE VIBRATORS Fri 23 ing Omo Bello (soprano) & Jeff COMIC TBC Thurs 22 Mar, The Glee The Sunflower atre, Solihull Mar, The Marr's Bar, Cohen (piano). Programme includes Club, Birmingham Lounge, Birmingham works by Jules Massenet, Debussy, LADIES OF THE BLUES Worcester COMEDY WITH DAVE GREEN & JOSH DAMIEN DEMPSEY AND Faure & Erik Satie, Fri 23 Mar, Birm- Thurs 22 Mar, Albany THE WOMBATS Fri 23 PUGH & CHRIS PURCHASE Fri 23 Mar, HIS BAND Mon 19 Mar, ingham Town Hall Theatre, Coventry Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Birmingham Town Hall CBSO: SACRED DEBUSSY Featuring 80S MANIA Thurs 22 ingham JETHRO Fri 23 Mar, Evesham Arts ANNE-MARIE Mon 19 Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), Ju- Mar, Wolverhampton THE WHOLLS Fri 23 Centre Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- lian Wilkins (organ)ė & the CBSO Grand Theatre Mar, The Sunflower ingham Chorus, Sat 24 Mar, Symphony Hall, JOHN BISHOP Fri 23 Mar, Genting RODDY WOOMBLE Thurs Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham Arena, Birmingham PYRAMID CHOIR 2018 22 Mar, Hare & THE FUREYS Fri 23 Mar, Tues 20 Mar, Palace BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR Featuring IAN STONE, SEAN PERCIVAL, ALLYSON Hounds, Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- Theatre, Redditch Paul Spicer (conductor) & Martin SMITH & CHRISTIAN SCHULTE-LOH Fri YXNG BANE Thurs 22 ditch Rawles (organ). Programme in- 23 - Sat 24 Mar, The Glee Club, ZAK ABEL Tues 20 Mar, Mar, O2 Academy, TOM WALKER Fri 23 cludes works by William Byrd & Birmingham O2 Academy, B’ham Birmingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- John Donne, Sat 24 Mar, St Chad’s GEORGE EGG Sat 24 Mar, Artrix, MOYA BRENNAN Tues REWS Thurs 22 Mar, ingham Cathedral, Birmingham Bromsgrove 20 Mar, The Glee Club, Hare & Hounds, Birm- BLUE OCTOBER Sat 24 MALVERN FESTIVAL CHORUS Sat 24 Birmingham DAVID BADDIEL Sat 24 Mar, The ingham Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- Mar, Great Malvern Priory Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury YES - 50TH ANNIVER- AZIZ IBRAHIM AND ingham CBSO EXOTIC DEBUSSY Featuring SARY TOUR Tues 20 ANDREW BIRD, MATT RICHARDSON, TEZ HARDEEP PANDHAL NEARLY NOEL GAL- Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor). Mar, Symphony Hall, ILYAS & CATHERINE BOHART Sat 24 Thurs 22 Mar, MAC, LAGHERS HIGH FLYIN’ Programme includesė works by De- Birmingham Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham BIRDZ Sat 24 Mar, O2 bussy (orch.Matthews), Britten, VÖK Tues 20 Mar, The STEVEN WILSON Thurs Academy, Birmingham Ravel, Debussy, Sun 25 Mar, Sym- Sunflower Lounge, 22 Mar, Symphony MARK SEVEN Sat 24 phony Hall, Birmingham Birmingham Hall, Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, TRIO EBANO Sun 25 Mar, Huntingdon YOUNG FATHERS Tues THE MAGIC GANG Thurs Birmingham Hall, Worcester 20 Mar, O2 Institute, Theatre 22 Mar, O2 Institute, FABIO & DIGITAL Sat 24 BIRMINGHAM CONTEMPORARY MUSIC Birmingham WHERE'S MY IGLOO GONE? Children’s Birmingham Mar, Hare & Hounds, GROUP: TOMBEAU DE DEBUSSY Pro- show which journeys into an Arctic CLOUDBUSTING - A TRIB- Birmingham gramme includes works by Dukas, THE URBAN FOLK QUAR- world of soaring snow geese, pet UTE TO KATE BUSH Wed Goossens, Bartok, Ravel & Satie TET Thurs 22 - Fri 23 JSP, CANDID, O ANNA & husky dogs and starry nights, Mon 21 Mar, Wolverhamp- plus world premieres by selected Mar, Huntingdon Hall, MANTRA Sat 24 Mar, 19 Mar, The Dome, The Bramall, Uni- ton Grand Theatre French and British composers, Sun Worcester The Sunflower versity of Birmingham MT. WOLF Wed 21 Mar, Lounge, Birmingham 25 Mar, Symphony Hall, Birmingham EMILY MAGUIRE Fri 23 SHRINKING ATLAS New work devised Hare & Hounds, Birm- CBSO: NATURAL DEBUSSY Featuring Mar, Artrix, Broms- KICK UP THE 80'S Sat 24 and performed by the Young REP ingham Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor), grove Mar, The River Rooms, satellite companies, Mon 19 - Tues PALOMA FAITH Wed 21 Marie-Christineė Zupancic (flute). Pro- DOCTORS OF MADNESS Stourbridge 20 Mar, The REP, Birmingham Mar, Genting Arena, gramme includes works by Debussy Fri 23 Mar, O2 Insti- STARSET Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham & George Benjamin, Sun 25 Mar, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty tute, Birmingham O2 Institute, B’ham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Towers meets Noises Off in an KAST OFF KINKS Wed SOUL MANIFESTO Fri 23 MALVERN FESTIVAL award-winning smash-hit comedy, 21 Mar, Stratford BIRMINGHAM PHILHARMONIC ORCHES- Mar, Artrix, Broms- CHORUS Sat 24 Mar, Mon 19 - Sat 24 Mar, Belgrade The- Artshouse, Stratford- TRA: SLAVONIC MASTERS Featuring grove Malvern Theatres atre, Coventry upon-Avon, Richard Laing (conductor) & Zoë JOY ORBISON & JON K GENESIS CONNECTED Beyers (violin). Programme includes JESUS MY BOY John Dowie’s humor- BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN Fri 23 Mar, Hare & Sat 24 Mar, Artrix, works by Dvorak, Prokofiev & ous one-man, one-act play, Tues 20 Wed 21 Mar, Birming- Hounds, Birmingham Bromsgrove Tchaikovsky, Sun 25 Mar, Elgar Con- Mar, Malvern Theatres ham Town Hall HEAVY BEAT HOUSE FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO cert Hall, The Bramall, University of EVITA Smash-hit musical starring RAE MORRIS Wed 21 PARTY Fri 23 Mar, Hare QUEEN Sat 24 Mar, The Birmingham Madalena Alberto in the role of Eva Swan Theatre, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON SYMPHONY Peron, Tues 20 - Sat 24 Mar, Birm- Worcester ORCHESTRA Featuring Anton Clarke- ingham Hippodrome G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS Butler. Programme includes works EDUCATION EDUCATION EDUCATION The Sat 24 Mar, Hunting- by Brahms, Mozart & Mendelssohn, Wardrobe Ensemble pay tribute to don Hall, Worcester Sun 25 Mar, Stratford Artshouse, the schools of the 1990s’ Cool Bri- Stratford-upon-Avon tannia era, Tues 20 Mar, MAC, B’ham MARCH OF THE MODS Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, CRIMES UNDER THE SUN Comedy The Night Owl, B’ham thriller inspired by Agatha Christie, The 39 Steps and film noir, Wed 21 ALEX LAHEY Sun 25 Mar, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Mar, Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Comedy TWELVE ANGRY JURORS Leamington- based Teatro Theatre School pre- SEVERN ARTS Sun 25 TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 19 Mar, sents its first full-length production, Mar, Malvern Theatres The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Wed 21 Mar, Royal Spa Centre, IAIN STIRLING Wed 21 Mar, Royal Spa YVES, DIRTY JANE & Leamington Spa GLASS CEILINGS Sun 25 Centre, Leamington Spa MALCOLM STENT IN THE AFTERNOON Mar, The Sunflower JOHN ROBINS Wed 21 Mar, The Glee Featuring ‘music, merriment and Lounge, Birmingham Club, Birmingham Paloma Faith - Genting Arena, Birmingham mirth’, Wed 21 Mar, The Core The- whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List Warwicks/Worcs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:58 Page 3

62 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 19-25 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 12:58 Page 4

thelist Monday 19 - Sunday 25 March atre, Solihull breaking and dramatic story. Korean RAVING ROYAL Birmingham Conserva- soprano Maria HeeJung Kim and in- toire Theatre Company present ternational soprano Alyona Kisteny- Simon Paisley Day's comic play, ova star, Sat 24 Mar, Wolverhampton which focuses on three couples as Grand Theatre they spend a disastrous weekend to- DAVID BADDIEL: MY FAMILY - NOT THE gether away from the city, Wed 21 - SITCOM Show about memory, ageing, Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, B’ham infidelity, dysfunctional relatives, YES, PRIME MINISTER St John’s Play- moral policing on social media, golf ers present an amateur staging of and gay cats, Sat 24 Mar, The Roses Antony Jay & Jonathan Lynn’s politi- Theatre, Tewkesbury cal satire, Wed 21 - Sat 24 Mar, Swan THE MINISTRY OF BISCUITS The Theatre, Worcester Foundry Group present a musical PRAYER ROOM Royal Birmingham comedy about, er... biscuits!, Sat 24 Conservatoire Company present Mar, Farlow & Oreton Village Hall, Shan Khan's humorous allegory, Wed Kidderminster 21 - Sat 24 Mar, Crescent Theatre, THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black Birmingham Country theatre favourites Fizzog pre- THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL AND OTHER sent their version of The Wizard Of HAPPIER TALES Emma Rice’s critically Oz, Sat 24 Mar, The Rose Theatre, acclaimed production, Wed 21 - Sat Kidderminster 24 Mar, Malvern Theatres CIRCUS OF HORRORS Amalgamation of TOM AND BUNNY SAVE THE WORLD ‘bizarre and fantastic circus acts’, all Toro: Beauty and the Bull, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome ‘Gender stereotype-destroying black woven together into a shock horror With the voices of Will Arnett, Maya of the internal layout of their home or and bloody comedy’ with a live folk story featuring the darkest of magic, Rudolph. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, a new kitchen overlooking a land- soundtrack, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, Sun 25 Mar, New Alexandra Theatre, Sat 24 Mar scaped garden, Thurs 22 - Sun 25 Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham Birmingham THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- Mar, NEC, Birmingham THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Midlands tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia MURDER MYSTERY AT THE BACK TO Academy Musical Theatre presents Spencer. Number 8 Pershore, Sat 24 BACKS The venue hosts its first ever its version of the multi award-winning Mar murder-mystery event, Fri 23 Mar, musical, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, The Birmingham Back to Backs Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Dance ROMEO AND JULIET (PG) Drama. Star- ring Leonard Whiting & Olivia Hussey. DUNGEON LATES Blending scary story- WHEN WE WERE MARRIED The Norbury PASHA & ANYA: MAGIC OF HOLLYWOOD Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 24 Mar telling with wicked humour and Players present an amateur staging An evening of sequins, glitz and manic theatrics, this gory production of JB Priestley’s classic comedy glamour in the company of the 2014 is strictly an adults-only affair, mixing romp, Thurs 22 - Sat 24 Mar, Norbury Strictly winner and his long-time NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: special effects with live performance Theatre, Droitwich partner, Wed 21 Mar, Palace The- Released from Fri 23 Mar, showing at art, Fri 23 Mar, Warwick Castle HONEY Reaction Theatre Makers pre- atre, Redditch selected cinemas PANORAMA TOWER OPEN DAY Enjoy sent Tiffany Hoskins’ exploration of TORO: BEAUTY AND THE BULL DeNada PROUD MARY (tbc) 360-degree views from the balcony of life in the Welsh mountains, where Dance Theatre present Spanish the tower, Fri 23 Mar, Croome Park, bees, bomb disposal and autism are UNSANE (tbc) choreographer Carlos Pons Worcester all wrapped up in folk music, Fri 23 Guerra’s gender-questioning His- PACIFIC RIM: UPRISING (tbc) INDEPENDENT GIN FESTIVAL Fri 23 - Sat Mar, Albany Theatre, Coventry panic take on the fairytale Beauty A WRINKLE IN TIME (tbc) 24 Mar, FarGo Village, Coventry LA TRAVIATA Opera & Ballet Interna- And The Beast, boldly dealing with tional perform Verdi’s interpretation of the eroticism of the original story, PRACTICAL CLASSICS CAR & RESTORA- one of the most popular love stories Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Mar,The Patrick TION SHOW Show featuring all aspects of the 19th century... Fri 23 Mar, Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome of classic motoring, including barn Wolverhampton Grand Theatre finds discovered after many years of Events storage and restorations just getting ONLY FOOLS AND BOYCIE An evening back on the road, Fri 23 - Sun 25 Mar, with John Challis, best known as STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know NEC, Birmingham Boycie in BBC TV’s Only Fools And the star vehicles of the collection Horses, Fri 23 Mar, Albany Theatre, Film through interactive stories, songs and CREATE AN EASTER RAG WREATH Learn Coventry hands-on experiences, Mon 19 Mar, how to make your own Easter deco- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Coventry Transport Museum ration and find out why rag rugs were DR JEKYLL & MR HYDE Blackeyed The- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) so popular with back-to-back fami- atre presents its version of Robert Drama/Fan- THE W FACTOR Chance for budding lies, Sat 24 Mar, Birmingham Back to Louis Stevenson’s gothic thriller, Fri tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia stage stars and history lovers of any Backs 23 Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester Spencer. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, age to ‘audition’ for a cameo in a per- Mon 19 - Tues 20 & Thurs 22 Mar formance of Wicked Warwick, Mon MINIATURA Specifically aimed at the CROSSING BORDERS Newly devised I, TONYA (15) 19 Mar, Number 8 Community Arts scales favoured by the dolls’ house work of theatre which sees The Biography/Comedy. Centre, Worcestershire hobby, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mar, NEC, Young REP 18-25 Company and Starring Margot Robbie, Allison Jan- Birmingham Young REP Lightpost exploring the ney. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 2018 GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP Male shifts in generational attitudes, Fri 23 19 - Tues 20 & Thurs 22 - Fri 23 Mar gymnasts go for glory on the floor, THUNDERSPORT GB CLUB BIKE CHAMPI- - Sat 24 Mar, The REP, Birmingham THE MERCY (12a) Biography/Drama. pommel horse, rings, vault, parallel ONSHIPS Featuring complex two- bars and high bar; elite women wow wheeled machines and examples of THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH Starring Rachel Weisz, Colin Firth. Ar- the crowds as they compete on vault, technical innovation, Sat 24 - Sun 25 Mary Pix's comedy of manners, com- trix, Bromsgrove, Wed 21 & Fri 23 uneven bars, beam and the floor, Mar, Donington Park Racing Circuit, bining mischief-making with a mind- Mar Wed 21 - Thurs 22 Mar, Arena Birm- Derby LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- bending plot, Fri 23 Mar - Thurs 14 ingham Jun, The Swan Theatre, Stratford- ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. EASTER HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN Enjoy two upon-Avon Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 23 THE NATIONAL HOMEBUILDING & RENO- exclusive stage shows, Sat 24 Mar - VATING SHOW Ideal show for anyone Sun 15 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham MADAMA BUTTERFLY Mar Opera & Ballet In- planning an extension, a remodelling ternational present Puccini's heart- THE NUT JOB 2 (U) Animation/Action.

whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 17:13 Page 1

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 17:13 Page 2

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March OH MY GOD! IT'S THE Birmingham tears’, explores ‘our perfect expecta- Gigs CHURCH Wed 28 Mar, MØ Fri 30 Mar, O2 In- Classical tions’, Tues 27 Mar, The Bear Pit Hare & Hounds, Birm- stitute, Birmingham Theatre - The United Reformed CYCLES OF TRIO Mon ingham Church, Stratford-upon-Avon 26 Mar, Hare & ULTIMATE BOWIE Fri 30 THE SIMON & GAR- Music THAT'LL BE THE DAY Evening of nostal- Hounds, Birmingham Mar, The Assembly, FUNKEL STORY (50TH Leamington Spa THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN gia, laughs and rock’n’roll, Tues 27 - DOYLE Mon 26 Mar, ANNIVERSARY TOUR) CONCERT Programme includes works Wed 28 Mar, The Roses Theatre, The Asylum, B’ham Wed 28 Mar, Royal THE 1990'S Sat 31 Mar, by Widor, Couperin, Deruffle, Pierne, Tewkesbury The Assembly, Leam- DODIE Tues 27 Mar, O2 Spa Centre, Leaming- Vierne, Mon 26 Mar, Birmingham ington Spa TURN OF THE SCREW Adaptation of Academy, Birmingham ton Spa Town Hall Henry James’ genre-defining ghost FOREVER SABBATH Sat THE RAT PACK LIVE HARSHDEEP KAUR Wed THE MEZZOS IN CONCERT Wed 28 Mar, story, Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Malvern 31 Mar, The Marr's Bar, FROM LAS VEGAS Tues 28 Mar, Birmingham The Bear Pit Theatre - The United Theatre Worcester 27 - Sat 31 Mar, New Town Hall Reformed Church, Stratford-upon- Alexandra Theatre, JULIAN SIEGEL QUARTET THE JERSEYS Sat 31 Avon Birmingham Wed 28 Mar, Stratford Mar, Palace Theatre, MAHLER'S FIRST WITH MIRGA Featur- Redditch JACOB BANKS Tues 27 Artshouse, Stratford- ing Mirga Gražinyt -Tyla (conductor) Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- upon-Avon, THE VIOLETTE Sat 31 & Joannes Moser (cello).ė Pro- ingham YES LAD Thurs 29 Mar, Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- gramme includes works by Onutè ingham Narbutait , Elgar & Mahler, Thurs 29 FALL OUT BOY Tues 27 O2 Academy, B’ham Mar, Symphonyė Hall, Birmingham Mar, Arena B’ham BLACKSTREET + MÝA + 25 YEARS OF SWEAT Sat 31 Mar, Hare & GOOD FRIDAY BACH ST MATTHEW PAS- THE YOUNG'UNS Tues CASE Thurs 29 Mar, O2 Hounds, Birmingham SION Featuring Ex Cathedra Choir & 27 Mar, The Glee Club, Academy, Birmingham Baroque Orchestra, Ex Cathedra Birmingham THIRTY SECONDS TO OASIS MAYBE Sat 31 THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG Fawlty Mar, The Night Owl, Academy of Vocal Music, Jeffrey SHIFA: RACHEL MUS- MARS Thurs 29 Mar, Towers meets Noises Off in this Birmingham Skidmore (conductor), Toby Spence SON, PAT THOMAS AND Arena Birmingham (Evangelist & tenor), James Ruther- award-winning smash-hit comedy, MARK SANDERS Tues ADY SULEIMAN Thurs 9 CARAT PURPLE & ICE- ford (Jesus & bass) & James Geidt Tues 27 - Sat 31 Mar, Birmingham 27 Mar, MAC, B’ham 29 Mar, O2 Institute, FIRE Sat 31 Mar, Route (Pilate), Fri 30 Mar, Symphony Hall, Hippodrome 44, Birmingham THE FRATELLIS Tues 27 Birmingham Birmingham DNA The Young REP presents its ver- Mar, O2 Institute, Birm- WARRIOR SOUL Fri 30 SKULL FOX Sat 31 Mar, sion of Dennis Kelly’s explosive look ingham Mar, The Asylum, O2 Academy, B’ham at group mentality, Tues 27 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, The REP, Birmingham DEEZ NUTS, TRASH Birmingham FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS TALK, CAPSIZE & BRU- HARBHAJAN MANN Fri Sat 31 Mar, The Swan JACK STARK Clowning for the 21st TALITY WILL PREVAIL 30 Mar, Arena B’ham Theatre, Worcester century from ‘an unusual everyday Tues 27 Mar, Mama person’, Wed 28 Mar, Old Joint THE THREE AMEOBAS IZZIE DERRY Sat 31 Roux's, Birmingham Stock Theatre, Birmingham 25TH ANNIVERSARY Fri Mar, The Tin Music SUNFLOWER BEAN Tues 30 Mar, Route 44, And Arts, Canal Basin, UP 'N' UNDER John Godber comedy, 27 Mar, Hare & Birmingham Coventry set in the muddy world of amateur Hounds, Birmingham MODS VS ROCKERS Sat rugby league, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 COMPLETE MADNESS Fri Mar, Palace Theatre, Redditch JULIE JULY BAND (TRIB- 30 Mar, Artrix, Broms- 31 Mar, Artrix, Broms- UTE TO SANDY DENNY) grove grove HERE I BELONG Pentabus Theatre tell Wed 28 Mar, The the story of a woman’s ‘funny and ELIZA AND THE BEAR Fri TESTAMENT Sat 31 Mar, Marr's Bar, Worcester O2 Institute, B’ham moving journey through 60 years of 30 Mar, O2 Institute, Comedy village life’, Wed 28 - Thurs 29 Mar, MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK & COM- MAC, Birmingham EDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON ROTTERDAM Here To There Produc- Thurs 29 Mar, The Glee Club, B’ham tions present Jon Brittain’s bitter- STEPHEN BAILEY Fri 30 Mar, The Glee sweet comedy about gender, Club, Birmingham sexuality and being a long way from home, Wed 28 Mar - Sat 31 Mar, RACHEL PARIS Fri 30 Mar, Artrix, Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham Bromsgrove OEDIPUS AND ANTIGONE A reimagining MARLON DAVIS, DAMIAN CLARK CRAIG of Sophocles’ greatest works, Thurs DEELEY & ANDREW WATTS Fri 30 - Sat 29 Mar, Artrix, Bromsgrove 31 Mar, The Glee Club, Birmingham DAMIAN CLARK, RICH WILSON, PIERRE HOLINS & IAN SMITH Sat 31 Mar, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham

Theatre DOREEN: THE RISE OF THE YAM-YAM Brand new live show fusing stand- up, sit-down, video surprises and unforgettable music, Mon 26 Mar, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham CABERNET One-woman cabaret starring Jessica Friend as Louise, a bar Fall Out Boy - Arena Birmingham singer who, ‘through laughter and

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Warwicks/Worcs 26-31 March.qxp_Layout 1 21/02/2018 17:13 Page 3

thelist Monday 26 - Saturday 31 March THE WAR OF THE WORLDS The critically hip-hop dance theatre performance acclaimed Pantaloons ‘recreate about many kinds of love, a female- deadly heat-rays, giant fighting-ma- led exposé of the heightened emo- chines, squidgy-tentacled Martians tions surrounding motherhood, and interplanetary warfare on an epic adolescence, growing up and let- scale’, Thurs 29 Mar, Royal Spa Cen- ting go, Wed 28 Mar, Albany The- tre, Leamington Spa atre, Coventry TESTOSTERONE Rhum & Clay present REMEMBERING FRED Strictly stars a gender-transition story inspired by Aljaz Skorjanec & Janette Manraras the narrative of The Wizard Of Oz and celebrate the legacy of Hollywood drawing influences from iconic icon Fred Astaire, Thurs 29 Mar, movies, pop culture and pulp fiction, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Mar, MAC, B’ham Film INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: DARKEST HOUR (PG) Biography/Drama. Starring Gary Old- man, Lily James. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 26 Mar Vamos Theatre’s A Brave Face - Malvern Theatres LADY BIRD (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- GOLDEN EGG TRAIL Follow the trail and NEC, Birmingham ring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf. collect a tasty Easter reward, Wed 28 A BRAVE FACE Fully masked theatre EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Join the Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 26 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Spetchley Park Gar- company Vamos tackle the emotional hunt for legendary dragon eggs, Fri & Thurs 29 Mar dens, Worcestershire subject of post-traumatic stress, 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Kenilworth Castle Thurs 29 - Fri 30 Mar, Malvern The- THE SHAPE OF WATER (15) Drama/Fan- CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Thurs 29 EASTER ADVENTURE QUEST Join the atres tasy. Starring Sally Hawkins, Octavia Mar - Tues 3 Apr, Charlecote Park, hunt for legendary dragon eggs, Fri Spencer. Number 8 Pershore, Mon Warwick JESUS MY BOY John Dowie’s humor- 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Witley Court, 26 & Thurs 29 Mar ous one-man, one-act play, Fri 30 EASTER DINO EGG HUNT Try to find the Worcestershire Mar, Swan Theatre, Worcester DOWNSIZING (15) Comedy/Sci-Fi. Star- large Dino eggs hidden around the SPRING SPECTACULAR Meet the farm’s ring Matt Damon, Kirsten Wiig. Num- museum, Thurs 29 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, THE WICKED WIZARD OF FIZZOG Black new arrivals, take part in Easter egg ber 8 Pershore, Fri 30 Mar Thinktank at Millennium Point, B’ham Country theatre favourites Fizzog pre- hunts and enjoy traditional Easter sent their version of The Wizard Of EARLY MAN (PG) Animation/Adventure. FESTIVAL OF POWER Action packed fun, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Hatton Oz, Sat 31 Mar, The Rose Theatre, With the voices of Tom Hiddleston, weekend of family drag racing, com- Country World, Warwick Kidderminster Eddie Redmayne. Artrix, Bromsgrove, plete with monster trucks and stunt EASTER AT WARWICK CASTLE Celebrate Fri 30 Mar; Number 8 Pershore, Fri 30 displays, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 1 Apr, STONES IN HIS POCKETS The Crescent the 950th anniversary of William the - Sat 31 Sat; Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough Theatre Company presents its ver- Conqueror’s motte & bailey castle on sion of Marie Jones' poignant tragi- PETER RABBIT (PG) Animation/Adven- the site, Fri 30 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, War- comedy, Sat 31 Mar - Sat 7 Apr, ture. Starring James Corden, Domh- wick Castle Crescent Theatre, Birmingham nall Gleeson. Roses Theatre, CADBURY EASTER EGG HUNTS Sat 31 Tewkesbury, Fri 30 - Sat 31 Mar Mar - Mon 2 Apr, Coughton Court, Al- cester NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: MCE INSURANCE BRITISH SUPERBIKE Released from Fri 30 Mar, showing at CHAMPIONSHIP Home hero Leon Kids Shows selected cinemas Haslam gears up to take on arch rival Shane 'Shakey' Byrne, Sat 31 Mar - TIDDLER & OTHER TERRIFIC TALES A BLOCKERS (tbc) Mon 2 Apr, Donington Park Racing whole host of colourful characters ISLE OF DOGS (tbc) Circuit, Derby from Julia Donaldson & Axel Schef- fler’s much-loved tale are brought to READY PLAYER ONE (tbc) EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA Daily bon- EASTER HOLIDAY FUN Enjoy a fun pro- life via live music and puppetry, Fri 30 JOURNEYMAN (tbc) net competitions plus an Easter egg gramme of activities at the Shake- Mar - Tues 3 Apr, Birmingham Town hunt around the venue, Fri 30 Mar - speare Family Homes this Easter, Sat Hall Mon 2 Apr, Cadbury World, B’ham 31 Mar - Sun 15 Apr, Shakespeare's Birthplace, Stratford Upon Avon MONSTERSAURUS Thrills, spills, magic INSOMNIA62 Fri 30 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, and mayhem abound, with original music and plenty of audience partici- Events pation, Sat 31 Mar - Mon 2 Apr, War- STAR VEHICLE STORIES Get to know wick Arts Centre, Coventry the star vehicles of the collection through interactive stories, songs and hands-on experiences, Mon 26 Mar, Coventry Transport Museum Dance KIKI LOVECHILD'S CLOWN WORKSHOP Introduction to the underlying princi- TRANSITIONS DANCE COMPANY Three ples of theatre clowning, Wed 28 Mar, choreographers, 14 dancers and Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham the promise of ‘one extraordinary DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF show’, Tues 27 Mar, The Old Rep ENCHANTMENT Featuring four popular Theatre, Birmingham Disney stories, Wed 28 Mar - Sun 1 Easter holiday fun - Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon THE GLORIOUS TOUR Contemporary Apr, Genting Arena, Birmingham 66 whatsonlive.co.uk ACADEMY EVENTS PRESENTS LOVE FROM

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