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Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands ISSUE 374 FEBRUARY 2017

Worcestershire SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR ON TOUR ’

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

inside:

Yourth 16-pageelist week by week listings guide (IFC) WORCESTERSHIRE.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:21 Page 1

11th Feb - 7.30pm 21st Feb - 8pm CHOIRS AT THE JENNY ECLAIR PALACE HOW TO BE A MIDDLE AGED WOMAN Tickets £12* (WITHOUT GOING INSANE) & £10* (disc) Tickets £18.50*

22nd Feb - 11am & 2pm 23rd Feb - 7.30pm THE AN AUDIENCE CHRIS & PUI WITH LESLEY SHOW 2017 GARRETT

Tickets £13* Tickets £25* & £11*(disc) £44*(family)

24th Feb - 7.30pm 3rd Mar - 7.30pm YOU WIN AGAIN THE STORY OF THE BIG CHRIS THE BEE GEES BARBER BAND

Tickets £22* Tickets £19* (disc) & £21*(disc) & £18*

4th Mar - 7.30pm 17th Mar - 7.30pm JACKSON LIVE IN CONCERT OPERA BOYS

Tickets £22.50* Tickets £20* Contents February Warwicks_Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 17:01 Page 2

February 2017

Contents

Billy Elliot - West End award winner tours to the region page 30

Kings Of Leon King Arthur Early Adventures the list

Nashville quartet visit the Michael Morpurgo’s novel Matthew Bourne entertains at Your 16-page Genting Arena adapted for the stage Warwick Arts Centre week-by-week listings guide page 14 page 27 page 33 page 51

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4. First Word 11. Food 14. Music 20. Comedy 22. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 45. 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 Whats On Matt Rothwell [email protected] 01743 281719 Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 MAGAZINE GROUP Sue Jones [email protected] 01743 281705 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Ryan Humphreys [email protected] 01743 281722 Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Rhian Atherton [email protected] 01743 281726 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Heather Kincaid, David Vincent, Katherine Ewing, Lauren Cox Publisher and CEO: Martin Monahan Accounts Administrator: Julia Perry [email protected] 01743 281717 This publication is printed on paper from a sustainable source and is produced without the use of elemental chlorine. We endorse the recycling of our magazine and would encourage you to pass it on to others to read when you have finished with it. All works appearing in this publication are copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or stored in an electronic system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recording or otherwise, without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. FIRST WORD February Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:59 Page 1

First Word

Coventry Belgrade’s 50-plus drama groups in new-member hunt Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is looking for new members to join its drama groups for people aged 50-plus. The groups have been set up via the recent- ly launched Arts Gymnasium project, which is being run by the Belgrade in partnership with Age UK Coventry. A free taster session for anyone interested in joining is being held at the theatre on Thursday 23 February. The session will be an informal opportunity for participants to meet the workshop lead- ers over a cup of tea or coffee, as well as to try out drama activities and share stories. If you would like to take part, contact proj- ect manager Alice Williams by emailing [email protected] or calling 024 7684 6741.

RSC offers theatre groups British Paraorchestra to Boxing legend Floyd the chance to perform in make Birmingham debut Mayweather at the ICC the great outdoors Five-division world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather is the main attraction at a Las The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is Vegas-themed ball at Birmingham’s ICC on offering amateur and professional theatre Saturday 4 March. groups, schools and colleges the opportunity Widely considered to be one of the greatest to put on a play in its open-air performance boxers of all time and undefeated as a pro- space this summer. fessional, Mayweather will take part in Q&A Located on the banks of the River Avon in and meet-and-greet sessions. Stratford, The Dell is a ‘venue’ in which The world’s first large-scale professional Standard tickets start at £39.95 (+£2.56 fee) groups can either perform an established ensemble for disabled musicians is making and include the opportunity to watch piece of work or create a new one inspired its Birmingham debut this month. Mayweather's interview live on stage, Vegas- by Shakespeare or his contemporaries. The pioneering British Paraorchestra per- themed entertainment and the use of on-site Commenting on the opportunity, RSC Events forms at the city’s Symphony Hall on bars. & Exhibitions Officer Nicola Salmon said: Saturday 18 February. It will be joined by “The Dell is a great platform for amateur members of the City of Birmingham theatre companies, community groups, Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). schools, universities and professional the- Commenting on the event, the paraorches- atre companies to perform to an audience of tra’s co-founder and artistic director, Charles all ages. Hazlewood, said: “If anyone thought that “Audiences love the free productions that disability and excellence are two words that companies bring to The Dell, and enjoy the cannot be put together, then here's proof to unique atmosphere that comes from plays think again. The British Paraorchestra will being performed outside by the River Avon be joined for part of the concert by the CBSO, during the summer months.” creating a vision of integration; a snapshot Two performance slots are available on of a hoped-for near-future where it is no sur- Saturdays and Sundays at The Dell between prise to see a healthy number of disabled Saturday 3 June and Sunday 27 August. musicians sharing the stage with non-dis- Anybody interested in mounting a produc- abled ones.” tion should fill in an application form, which The concert’s programme features a reper- can be downloaded from the RSC’s website toire spanning four centuries, including at: rsc.org.uk/thedell. Corelli’s La Folia and Lloyd Coleman’s The closing date for applications is Monday Towards Harmony. Tickets are on sale at 6 March. thsh.co.uk and cbso.co.uk. 4 whatsonlive.co.uk FIRST WORD February Warwickshire.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:59 Page 2

Entertainment news from around the region

Alistair McGowan to star in piano marathon Birmingham Conservatoire is next month presenting a Gala Piano All- Nighter at the city’s Town Hall. Comprising 12 hours of piano music, the event features contributions from, among others, Alistair McGowan, Peter Donohoe, Dr Anna Scott, Antony Hewitt and ‘a mystery special guest’. The evening kicks off with Hungarian virtuoso pianist Gergely Bogányi performing Chopin's Nocturnes and finishes on the Saturday morning with a perform- ance of Messiaen’s Dieu Parmi Nous on the famous Town Hall Organ. The event begins at 7.30pm on Friday 3 March and finishes at 7.30am on the morning of the 4th. It’s official! Coventry City of Culture bid now underway Coventry’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021 is now formally underway. The Coventry City of Culture Trust has been working on the bid for more than a year, with chair David Burbidge in no doubt about the benefits which success would bring. “The truth is Coventry doesn’t only want to be City of Culture in 2021,” explains David, “it also very much needs this opportunity to help tackle some of the inequalities that remain, and to turn round the city’s visitor economy. It’s clear to me that the whole city is behind the bid - our politi- cians and businesses, who are supporting the bid financially, our two great universities, our cul- tural organisations and, most importantly, the people. “It would bring so many benefits to the city and the West Midlands. Places like Glasgow, Manchester, Hull and Liverpool have shown how perceptions of the north can be changed. The time is right for the Midlands to stand up and deliver.”

Valentine’s Harry Potter Bafta Breakthrough Brit set Mark Watson live fundraiser for to star in Stratford world premiere in Coventry Coventry’s Harry Potter star and 2014 Bafta Breakthrough Brit Katie Leung is Coventry’s Albany Theatre is hosting this month taking the lead role in the Royal Shakespeare an evening of comedy headlined by Gang Show Company’s world premiere of Snow In Midsummer, a contemporary Mark Watson as part of its spring A special event aiming to programme of entertainment. re-imagining of a 13th century Chinese Watson will be joined by fellow raise much-needed funds drama. comedians Alun Cochrane, Ava for the Coventry Gang Katie is best known for playing Cho Vidal, Scott Gibson and Elf Lyons Show is taking place at Chang, Harry Potter’s first love interest when he appears at the venue on the Triumph Standard in the hugely successful film versions Saturday 8 April. Motor Club in Tile Hill on of JK Rowling’s novels. Friday 10 February. Snow In Midsummer opens at the The Gang Show has been Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon a highlight of the local on 23 February and runs until 25 Scouts calendar since the March. To book tickets, call 01789 1970s, showcasing the 403493 or purchase them online at talent and enthusiasm of rsc.org.uk performers young and old from across the city. Tickets for the Birmingham Airport voted most Valentine’s-themed fundraiser are priced at punctual in the world £5 for adults and £3 for Birmingham Airport was the world’s most punctual airport last children, with all pro- year, according to air travel intelligence company OAG. ceeds going towards the An impressive 91.28% of arriving and departing flights operated on show. time during 2016. The route to Dublin was the most punctual, with an ontime score of more than 95%.

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First Word

Wicked flies back to the Birmingham Hippodrome Wicked is returning to the Midlands next year. The West End and Broadway musical phenome- non, telling the untold story of the Witches of Oz, will show at Birmingham Hippodrome from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 29 April. Commenting on the news, Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “We were overwhelmed by the incredible response from audiences and critics alike when we first brought Wicked to Birmingham in 2014, and it’s extraordinary to think that over 110,000 people came and saw us. The whole team at the Birmingham Hippodrome showed such tremendous enthusiasm and sup- port, and we’re all really delighted to be returning to this truly magnificent venue in 2018.” Tickets for Wicked’s return to the Hippodrome go on sale next month, on Tuesday 21 March. For more information about the show, visit WickedTheMusical.co.uk

New season Worcs Girls Can makes welcome return Philosopher’s takes audiences A campaign aiming to change the perception of women and girls regard- Stone on the on Voyages ing sport is returning to Worcestershire after enjoying great success last giant screen Extraordinaires year. Worcs Girls Can is being run by Sports Partnership Herefordshire & Midlands-based fans of The works of Around The Worcestershire from 13 to 17 February and will be delivered across the Harry Potter And The World In Eighty Days author county. Philosopher’s Stone can this Jules Verne have provided Commenting on the initiative, Stephen Brewster, Sports Partnership spring enjoy the experience the inspiration for a Herefordshire & Worcestershire’s chief executive officer, said: “The of a symphony orchestra Warwickshire youth theatre upcoming campaign will allow us to performing the film’s memo- company’s new season of engage with our local schools, clubs and rable score. shows. organisations to help break down the bar- The performance takes place Playbox Theatre’s Voyages riers to sport and physical activity for at Birmingham’s Barclaycard Extraordinaires features a young women. It will also help highlight Arena on Monday 15 May. It unique sequence of global the positive effects that taking part in will be accompanied by a drama, presented in a newly physical activity can have both physically high-definition showing of designed and configured and mentally.” the film on a giant screen. arena at Warwick’s Dream Factory venue. “We believe our theatre must voice debate and Birmingham Weekender returns in 2017 reflect upon crucial issues Birmingham’s biggest arts festival is making a welcome return in 2017. relating to today’s world,” The award-winning Birmingham Weekender, taking place from Friday explains Playbox’s founder 22 to Sunday 24 September, offers a packed weekend of free outdoor and director, Stewart theatre, music, art installations and performance across the city cen- McGill. “To support our tre. The festival also features well-known local arts organisations, work, the actors will train invited international artists and a number of significant new commis- with guest experts in sions. Kathak movement, “We’re delighted that Birmingham Weekender will return in 2017,” capoeira, circus, dance and says Gary Topp, Director of Culture Central, the organisation responsi- other artistic world tech- ble for the event. “The city centre will be humming with a party niques to make this a atmosphere - where else can you listen to a world-class orchestra or unique season.” witness stunning dance performances for free, on the streets and in the shopping centres? “Birmingham Weekender 2017 will build on the success of the 2015 festival programme and will be even more ambitious in its scope, strengthening Birmingham’s reputation as an international cultural destination.”

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FEATURE

ANGUS JACKSON adds contemporary styling to Shakespeare’s Ancient Rome

The 30th of June 2016: Just days after the Of the four plays, Jackson (whose up against the confident, smooth-talking EU referendum, Boris Johnson shocked the previous RSC credits include opportunism of Mark Antony. Where nation by announcing that he would not Oppenheimer and Don Quixote) will Antony wins over the mob through appeal be standing for leadership of his party. In a direct the first and last of the season, with to emotion, loyalty and sheer strength of speech, he described this as “a time not to Iqbal Khan (Othello, Much Ado About personality, Brutus makes the fatal fight against the tide of history but to take Nothing) heading up Antony And mistake of assuming that good intentions that tide at the flood and sail on to Cleopatra, and Blanche McIntyre (Two will be sufficient to make his case. It's a fortune.” Lifted almost verbatim from Noble Kinsmen) leading Titus pertinent predicament to our own Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, the quote Andronicus. Though it's neither the first tumultuous times, where polls mislead hints tantalisingly at a story of betrayal Shakespeare wrote nor the first in terms of and every argument is laden with highly and power play going on behind the scenes chronological setting, Julius Caesar charged language. of the EU debate. It was an astonishing seemed like the obvious choice to start the “Rhetoric is the most brilliant thing to talk week in British history, but perhaps what is season - beginning, aptly enough, around about with this play, especially right after even more remarkable is the fact that it the Ides of March. Trump takes over from Obama. We've just could be understood and interpreted “Interestingly when we go to London we had the most extraordinary rhetorician as through a reference to a 400-year-old play will actually be opening with Coriolanus, President of America, and if you compare telling the story of 2000-year-old events. so there they'll be in chronological order, the way he speaks to the way Trump Currently scrutinising Julius Caesar and its but I rather like what we're doing in speaks, it's really interesting. I might also meaning for modern audiences is Angus Stratford. I thought it would be a good argue that the Brexit debate was swayed Jackson, director of the RSC's forthcoming idea to open with my own production of enormously by rhetoric, and that only Rome season. This year, with the help of Julius Caesar, and we wanted to tie that after the vote did people really start two other directors, Jackson is in charge of together with Antony And Cleopatra, so filtering through the facts.” staging all four of Shakespeare's Roman we're opening with this big, epic story Ironically, in attempting to secure his plays, alongside a series of talks about across those two plays; and then to do the beloved republic from the threat of their contemporary relevance, and an next one (Titus Andronicus) further in the dictatorship, Brutus ends up creating a exhibition of political cartoons from the future made sense. That's going to be power vacuum which is filled by exactly last 200 years that have used Shakespeare really exciting and bloody, and then, the kind of absolute government that he as a basis for satire. when we've laid waste to this empire, we feared - a story we've seen playing out go back to the beginning (in Coriolanus) “I think it's extraordinary that these truths again and again throughout the ages, and show you how it started with the best run through history like the lettering most recently in Middle Eastern states. of intentions, before personalities and through a stick of rock,” says Jackson. The fate of the country hangs in the ambitions got in the way.” “They resonate across the ages: every time balance, and Brutus' catastrophic failure anybody says, 'Et tu, Brute?' we know what Personal ambition, rabble rousing and ushers in a new era for Rome: here the they mean, and every overly powerful populist uprising are at the heart of Julius Republic ends and the Empire begins. individual is viewed through the lens of Caesar's thrilling political plot, which Today, Classical history is rarely taught in- Caesar.” throws the conflicted idealism of Brutus

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by Heather Kincaid

Photo: Catherine Ashmore

depth in schools, and it's common to treat all we go back and do Coriolanus in really sort of homecoming. the Roman era as a single, easily deep period, where they're slugging out in “It's funny - I just saw Simon Russell digestible unit, forgetting that it actually the mud with broadswords and it's all Beale playing Prospero in The Tempest, covers a period of about 1000 years. To about how much muscle you've got.” and I can remember seeing him in Nick put that in context, it's about as long as a Cutting edge music from the likes of Laura Hytner's production when I can't have unified English (let alone British) Mvula and Mira Calix will help to open up been much older than 12. My parents kingdom has existed today – so the the characters' emotional and imaginative always brought me when I was a kid, and Romans of Coriolanus would have had worlds to contemporary audiences. as soon as I got my driving licence, I about as much in common with the would just go off by myself and see any Romans of Titus Andronicus as 21st- “If HBO and Netflix have taught us number of shows in Stratford, so I feel century Brits have with the Anglo-Saxons. anything, it's that you can get people incredibly comfortable there.” With the help of designer Robert Innes really interested in historical figures if you Hopkins, Jackson hopes to emphasise that shine the light on the people and what “I think when you're putting on rolling on of centuries between the plays. they thought and felt. Having a moment of Shakespeare, if you're too reverent to do emotion supported by something you anything new with it, you end up with “We thought we'd start with a kind of might hear at the Mercury Awards today something that can come over a bit modern version of Rome, the idea being to immediately tells the audience that these academic, which has its own validity, but give them an environment that will look to are people that think like they do.” I'm big on narrative and dramaturgy and our eye now as it would have looked to making things fresh and interesting. As a them at the time. So it's got all the pillars Following the phenomenal success of last new writing director, you treat the play and the steps and the togas, but rather year's Shakespeare 400 anniversary like it's just been written, and I think than having cumbersome, heritage celebrations, the Roman season was that's the best way to approach any play - clothing and weapons, we've got people conceived by RSC Artistic Director Greg Shakespeare, Marlowe, Beckett or tearing around in garments they can wear Doran partly as a way of marking 2000 Brecht.” in a very practical way. Then in Antony years since the death of Ovid. In a sense, and Cleopatra, that very modern-seeming Ovid's Metamorphoses were to world comes into collision with the Shakespeare as Shakespeare's stories are The RSC's Rome season at the Royal beautiful, rich, ancient society of Egypt. to us: in the same way as Boris Johnson Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon- can describe post-Brexit machinations “By the time we get to Titus, which is Avon, commences with Julius Caesar, using Julius Caesar, so the tortured hundreds of years and hundreds of which shows from 3 March to 9 Lavinia in Titus Andronicus turns to the emperors later, it will all be in modern September. The season then continues story of Philomel to explain the horrors dress, with things like severed heads in with Antony And Cleopatra, 11 March - she endures. Tesco carrier bags. That fits in beautifully 7 September, and Titus Andronicus, 23 with the overarching season, because it's Though best known for directing new June – 2 September. like this empire has evolved and decayed writing (including plays by Kwame Kwei- Dates for Coriolanus are yet to be and become more complex and cruel, and Armah), for Jackson, who grew up in announced. it's difficult to know who's really in Birmingham, working at the RSC is like a charge. Then after we've laid waste to it

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Food

REVIEW: The Drawing Board, Leamington Spa delighted with our choices, all of As usual, we could, and should, which had a Latin flair. A hand- have stopped there, but were Going back to The Drawing Board? ful of mushroom churros - a compelled to sample a dessert, savoury take on the Spanish sharing a sumptuous orange and You bet we are! sweet - melted on the tongue, gingerbread trifle topped with the Portuguese beef trinchado cinnamon-dusted meringue Got a pen and paper to hand? bar to ease my selection conun- was a lovely mix of perfectly pieces. I can take or leave Good. Scribble down ‘The drum. The ‘DB’ - as per logos braised meat and smokey rich meringue, but the trifle was Drawing Board’ and pin it to throughout - is getting as much sauce, while the crispy squid in heavenly, a magnificently mor- your noticeboard. Then the next of a reputation for its beer selec- green chimmichurri was utterly eish combination of orange jelly, time you’re looking for some- tion (and its whisky and wine) magnificent - the delicate batter moist gingerbread and stunning, where to go and eat, you’ll have as it is for its food - and with enveloping perfectly cooked set cream with more than a hint the answer. good reason. In addition to four meat - and came with the most of crème anglais about it. This fantastic bar restaurant is a real ales - which change regular- exquisite sauce… did I detect a Yet another perfectly prepared couple of streets away from ly, courtesy of its free-house sta- hint of mint in there? and presented dish to match Leamington’s main drag near tus - and wide selection of bot- Unbelievably the main courses everything that went before it. the Spa Centre, and one of the tles and cans, there are a num- (prices range from £11 to £21 but And another example of the bril- town’s best-kept secrets, build- ber of craft ales on tap, includ- most are around the £15 mark) liantly contemporary food and ing up a loyal clientele since it ing Brewdog’s beautifully fruity ratcheted things up even further, flavours on offer at a venue opened in April 2015. Dead Pony Club and the rather taken from a menu that provides where the chef’s wonderful more potent (5.5%) Belgian On first glance it looks like a hip- a wonderful showcase of head twists and winning experiments brew, Vedett IPA, both of which ster’s paradise - framed retro chef Saleem Ahmed’s innovative mean it’s we diners who need to were excellent. comic artwork, vintage chil- flavour combinations. My tem- get back to The Drawing Board. dren’s annuals, leather sofas, But as much as I could wax pura sea bass with Thai-spiced Steve Adams mismatched dining furniture - lyric-ale about the beer, the food butternut squash, minted broken is what really knocked our socks but I’m reliably informed that a peas and sautéed sweet potatoes Food: n n n n n off at The Drawing Board. The beard and a plaid shirt are not was the stuff of dreams - a beau- Service: n n n n n hugely inventive menu ranges prerequisites for entry - and tiful piece of fish coated in light Ambience: n n n n n from tapas and small plates to once you’re settled in, the crispy batter and taken to new Overall value n n n n n main courses, meeting the needs atmosphere is wonderfully warm heights by the fantastic mixture OVERALL n n n n n and relaxed. of everybody from casual or pre- of flavours that zinged around it. theatre diners to those wanting a As indeed was our friendly wait- My partner chose the Devonshire fully-fledged night out. er, Olly (complete with beard crab and pancetta risotto with The Drawing Board 18 Newbold Street and a plaid shirt), who gave us We opted to start with a trio of rocket and parmesan, enlivened tapas (£4 each/three for £11), by a beautiful lemon dressing Leamington Spa the lay of the land and let me CV32 4HN and despite initial selection diffi- that added a light but wonderful sample a couple of beers at the Tel: 01926 330636 culties - what to have? - were twist to another fabulous dish. whatsonlive.co.uk 11 FOOD February - Region Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 18:44 Page 3 FOOD February - Region Warwickshire .qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 18:44 Page 4

Food

Around the world in 80 Indian brewery in beers... in Nuneaton! coffee shop relaunch Warwickshire-based lovers of beer, Indian Brewery, the Birmingham compa- sausages and lederhosen should ny that provides Indian Summer lager check out The Bierkeller Nuneaton, a and IPA to numerous city venues, has lively venue open four nights a week relaunched coffee shop Brewsmiths as an from Thursday to Sunday. Indian street food cafe. As well as 80 bottled beers from The new venue, sited on Livery Street in around the world, 10 draught beers Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, will and a good selection of cocktail transform into a bar in the evenings. steins, the venue also offers a food Its menu includes bacon, sausage or egg menu featuring ‘fantastic sausage naan, pakora pops, Indian fish & chips options’ and a giant pretzel. and Chaat bombs, a Bombay Breakfast - a Friday and Saturday night visitors twist on the traditional English version - can enjoy the added attraction of a craft beer and artisan coffee. live oompah band giving it their all. For more information, visit the- bierkellernuneaton.com. Iconic Birmingham pub Paint and wine with given new lease of life by your Valentine brewery Luxury four-star hotel Park Regis Birmingham is holding a Valentine’s Birmingham’s iconic City Tavern pub is being given Day Paint & Wine Party on Tuesday a ‘sympathetic refurbishment’ by Davenports 14 February. Brewery - and will once again be known by its orig- Inspired by an increasingly popular inal name of The Bulls Head. trend in America, the event sees The Victorian pub will be headed up by Brummies guests following a step-by-step paint- Simon Key (Brand Director at Davenports) and ing guide while at the same time Gerard a-Walsh (General Manager). enjoying glasses of wine and a “We’re excited to give this great old venue a new ‘painter’s platter’ of ‘delicious aphro- lease of life,” says Simon. “We have a foot firmly in disiacs’. the past with our historic revival cask beers but Commenting on the event, Robin also want to offer a modern, eclectic mix of local, Ford, general manager at Park Regis national and international food and drink. You Birmingham, said: “We’re thrilled to don’t have to be a beer expert to enjoy the venue. be hosting our second Paint & Wine We're all about having fun and experiencing the evening. Our first event in September best food and drink the city has to offer.” was so successful that we knew we needed to do something to top it. This romantic evening is the perfect way for city couples to spend their It’s a dog’s Wealth of healthy eating options Valentine’s Day. Lovers will be able to life in as new Sutton Coldfield cafe gaze into their partner's eyes while Warwick overlooking the beautiful opens Birmingham skyline. It won’t matter A dog-friendly cafe has A stylish new cafe has opened in Sutton Coldfield. if you’re a seasoned painter or an opened in Warwick. The Windowbox is serving a healthy-eating menu that includes amateur artist because love will be in Chiens et Café, the avotoast - smashed avocado on bread with poached eggs and the air.” brainchild of mother- chilli flakes - French For more information, visit parkreg- and-son business team toast, flatbreads and is.eventbrite.com Tanya and Dan Pare, offers a 'humans and Greek yoghurt with hounds' menu. berries and granola. The Pares opened the As well as its imagina- cafe after finding that tive menu, the eatery the town was lacking in also features a large coffee shops where dogs indoor olive tree, a were welcome. seating area outside Dog walkers of Warwick the front of the proper- would be barking mad ty and a courtyard at not to pop in... the back.

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Gigs

Black Sabbath Genting Arena, Birmingham, 2 & 4 February Nearly five decades ago - and created by a young Birmingham band - heavy metal was born. Black Sabbath helped define the genre they pioneered with releases such as their self-titled debut album (1970), Paranoid (also 1970) and Master Of Reality (1971). Following the break-up of their previous band, Mythology, in 1968, guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward decided to form a heavy blues rock band in Aston. They enlisted bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne, who had played together in a band called Rare Breed. Over the years, Black Sabbath have sur- vived a number of line-up changes. The current version of the band features Osbourne, Iommi and Geezer, who this month bring their Farewell Tour back to the place where it all began.

LeAnn Rimes Pet Shop Boys Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Fri 17 February Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, Fri 24 February Having formed in London in 1981, English electronic pop duo Pet Shop Boys features Neil Tennant (main vocals, keyboards, occasional guitar) and Chris Lowe (keyboards, occasional vocals). Not only are they listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most successful duo in UK music history, they’ve also bagged three Brit Awards, six Grammy nominations and, since 1985, 42 Top 30 singles and 22 Top 10 hits in the UK Singles Chart, including four number ones. This month sees the pair return to Birmingham to perform a set that fea- Kaiser Chiefs tures songs from their acclaimed new Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, album, Super, and classic hits and Sat 25 February album tracks from the past 30 years. Fronted by the charismatic Ricky Wilson, World-renowned vocalist LeAnn Rimes this indie rock five-piece Kaiser Chiefs formed in year celebrates the 20th anniversary of her Leeds back in the year 2000. Their trademark debut album. Rimes rose to fame at the age sound has delivered hits such as Oh My God, of 13, following her release of the Bill Mack Ruby and I Predict A Riot, helping to estab- song, Blue, making her the youngest country lish them as one of the leading bands of their music star since Tanya Tucker in 1972. She’s generation. since racked up an impressive 44 million- Commenting on the group’s 16 years togeth- plus album sales, won two Grammys, 12 er, band member Simon Rix says: “People do Billboard Music Awards and plenty more cov- ask us how we’ve stayed together for so long, eted gongs besides. and I think it’s because we’re friends and we Rimes here stops off in Birmingham as part make each other laugh, no matter what’s of her Remnants tour, which includes dates happening in our world.” both in America and the UK. Read the full interview online at whatson- live.co.uk

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Gig previews from around the region

Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker & John Doyle Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 19 February

Three members of the BBC’s acclaimed Transatlantic Sessions are touring this month in celebration of their latest album. Regarded as one of the greatest flute players of all time, McGoldrick is a founding member of Flook and Andy Fairweather Low & vocalist and guitarist have been much in Lunasa, and a current member of demand, either on a touring basis or as a Capercaillie. The Low Riders recording artist. McCusker’s unique style of fiddle Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 17 February Featuring among the who’s who of musi- playing and Doyle’s impressive guitar Cardiff-born Andy Fairweather Low first cians with whom he’s worked are Jimi work add to the magic. established himself as a frontman with Hendrix, Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, Van This is a rare chance to see three of chart-topping ’60s group Amen Corner. Morrison, Phil Collins, Sheryl Crow, Bob the world’s finest musicians sharing Throughout his career, his services as a Dylan and Jimmy Page. a stage together.

Kings Of Leon Sophie Ellis-Bextor Fun Lovin’ Criminals Genting Arena, Birmingham, Mon 20 February O2 Institute, Birmingham Fri 17 February The Assembly, Leamington Spa, Sat 18 February It’s a family affair for Kings Of Leon. Fronted by Huey Morgan, Fun Lovin’ Comprising three brothers and a Criminals have been performing their trade- cousin, the Nashville-based quartet’s mark style of hip-hop rock for over 20 years. early-career sound brought together Stylistically and lyrically eclectic, hits like Southern rock and blues influences. Scooby Snacks and Loco cover topics such Their music has gradually developed as drug use and organised crime. through the years to include a variety A regular on UK shores, Morgan explains; of genres and a more alternative, “FLC always bring the mucho grande style. arena rock sound. Of course, we want everybody to come along They’ve released seven albums since for the ride; we wouldn’t be doing this if it their inception in the year 2000, five wasn’t for the fans.” of them reaching number one in the UK Album Charts. The band return to the Midlands to Amber Run promote their latest album, Walls. O2 Institute, Birmingham, Sat 11 February Murder On The Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s latest release, Familia, marks Alt-rock band Amber Run visit Birmingham a critically acclaimed change in her musical this month as part of a new UK tour to pro- direction, showcasing her newfound lyrical mote latest offering For A Moment, I Was and musical maturity. Lost. Commenting on the album, the band Described by Ellis-Bextor as “the bolshier, said: “It trims the fat from our previous more extrovert little sister” of previous music and gets down to the bare bones of release Wanderlust, Familia was introduced the songs. We’re songwriters, and where by the Radio Two A-List track Come With Us, 5AM was a collection of songs written in our which became an instant disco-pop anthem. youth, these new songs are, for us, a timely She here visits Birmingham as part of an 11- response to more recent experiences.” date tour of the UK.

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Classical Music

An Audience With Lesley Garrett Palace Theatre, Redditch, Thurs 23 February Although many would claim that she’s been displaced as Britain’s best-loved soprano by Welsh wonder Katherine Jenkins, Lesley Garrett retains an army of appreciative fans and continues to pro- duce superlative performances. These latest Midlands appearances by the West End star follow the well-established ‘audience with’ format, combining song with plenty of reminiscences and not a lit- tle lighthearted chat.

Orchestra Of The Swan: Mozart Meets Joanna Lee Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tues 14 February As well as being held in high regard for their championing of new music, having presented more than 70 world premieres, the Stratford-based Orchestra of the Swan are also much admired for their performances of works by such legendary composers as Berlioz, Brahms, Mozart, Schumann, Strauss and Vaughan Williams. As might therefore be expected, this latest concert sees them combining the new with the familiar. The ‘new’ comes in the shape of a world premiere - Concertante for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon & Horn - from highly rated British composer Joanna Lee. The ‘more familiar’, meanwhile, sees the orchestra’s principal players performing Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds by Mozart. The concert also features an overture written by the composer when he was just 12 years old - using the same opening theme as Beethoven’s Eroica - and a performance of Haydn’s Symphony no59 in A, Die Feuersymphonie.

European Union Roderick Williams Chamber Orchestra And Iain Burnside Warwick Arts Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire, Stamic String Quartet Centre, Coventry, Sun 26 February Thurs 9 February Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, This month’s Malvern Concert Club presen- Fri 24 February Boasting some tation sees club president and baritone Warwickshire-based classical music fans of Europe’s Roderick Williams (pictured) teaming up of longstanding may well recall the finest young with pianist Iain Burnside to present Franz Stamic String Quartet. The talented Czech professional Schubert’s famous song cycle, Die Schöne ensemble were regular visitors to the players, the MüllerinIn, a composition based on the region back in the 1990s. European Union works of German lyric poet Wilhelm Müller. Stamic are making a welcome return to Chamber The duo will return these parts this month, for the first time Orchestra was next February and in 11 years. formed in 1981, in 2019 to present Founded in 1985 and highly regarded in since which time the remaining two classical circles across the globe, they it’s toured extensively both across the of the composer’s here perform Haydn’s Quartet in B flat continent and further afield. three major song major Op71 No1, Dvorak’s Quartet No14 in This latest Midlands concert sees the cycles. A flat major Op105, and Geraldine EUCO joined by acclaimed pianist Peter The performance Mucha’s Quartet No1. The latter of the Donohoe (pictured), who’ll be playing of Die Schöne three works may be of particular interest Beethoven’s Second Concerto. The pro- MüllerinIn lasts for to a Warwickshire audience - its London- gramme also features Beethoven’s just over an hour born composer met the man who would Romance for Violin & Orchestra, Haydn’s and is presented become her husband, the Czech writer Jiri rarely performed Symphony No57 and without an inter- Mucha, at a party in Leamington in 1941, Mozart’s 40th, his most personal and val. and subsequently went to live in tragic symphony. Czechoslovakia. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Paul Carrack DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:47 Page 1

FEATURE

Paul Carrack talks fame, collaborations and keeping it in the family...

He's performed around the world with the and then I get a treat, like going out on Beginning with little experience of the likes of Eric Clapton, Roger Waters and tour with Eric (Clapton), which has wider business back in the days before Ringo Starr; had major hits with Squeeze, allowed me to play all over the world with social media had started to facilitate Roxy Music and Mike + The Mechanics; some amazing musicians. But you couldn't promotion was a bold step, but over the done session work for The Pretenders and have planned it. It's just hard work and years, Carrack UK has steadily gained The Smiths; and had his songs recorded getting on with the job.” traction, with successive albums working by Eagles, Diana Ross and more. Yet their way into the charts. Now divorced from obligations to the big- despite being one of the most revered name bands he's spent half his career “I think it was a really smart move, and musicians and best-loved singers in the performing with, these days Carrack I'm not particularly noted for my smart biz, Paul Carrack is also among the most operates as his own mini-industry, doing moves! I've really enjoyed it but it has unassuming chaps you'll meet, brushing almost all of the instrumentation on his been difficult. When I did the first one, I off his astonishing list of achievements solo records as well as producing them didn't have a clue how labels worked, but with a Yorkshire down-to-earthness that under his own label, Carrack UK - often I'd had some not-so-great experiences 40-odd years in London have done only calling on his bandmates when it's with major record labels as a solo artist, nothing to undermine. time to hit the road. and I could sense there was a shift in how In a sense, it's not surprising. That ‘golden the business was working - that things “Every time I do an album this way, I voice’ which you'll definitely have heard were contracting. I was lucky that my good always say I'll never do it again. It just on tracks like Squeeze's Tempted and Mike friend Peter Van Hooke had a little more takes too long! But I've got a little studio at + The Mechanics’ Over My Shoulder has experience of how the nuts and bolts of it home, and when I start out making an never brought him household-name fitted together, and he was very helpful in album, I don't usually have much to go on status. But then, this is a man who's much getting it going. What's interesting now is - I'll just have a few bits and bobs on my more comfortable in his own household, that it seems to be a model that a lot of phone or something like that, and then I'll jamming in his studio with his son. people are following.” start developing it. Nevertheless, over the years, he's Bonding time with Jack, who plays deservedly built up a loyal following, and “I married a London girl, so I've been here percussion in the band and on the albums, if you're lucky enough to catch him on most of my life now, but I'm originally has also been an advantage of going it stage in Stoke or Birmingham this year, from Sheffield, and the rest of my band alone. “He's a chip off the old block! I've you can expect to experience something still lives there - the only one knocking got four kids and all of the others have got truly special. around is my son, Jack. But I've been in proper jobs, but he's a bit like me. He lots of bands and helped lots of people out “I never wanted to be super famous,” hated school and we used to worry about over the years. I'm quite happy now just Carrack explains. “I can't think of it, but he's been touring with us for the doing my own thing.” anything worse, to be honest - other than last four or five years, so he's part of the being poor and skint, which I'm not either! Since setting up his self-titled label in the furniture now, and it's been great - he's This is a really good place to be - I've got late ’90s, Carrack has independently really blossomed.” my own little niche going, and every now produced a total of 18 solo albums.

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by Heather Kincaid

Released in January 2016, Carrack's latest Elsewhere, Carrack is keeping his fingers “The whole project was well underway by album, Soul Shadows, reached number 25 in other pies. As well as continuing as Eric the time I came in. I was kind of surprised in the UK album charts as well as taking Clapton's keyboardist, he's also recently they'd chosen the song, but they felt it was the number one spot in the Amazon soul been gigging with Clapton bandmate Andy the perfect message for what they're charts. Almost all the tracks are original Fairweather Low and long-term about, which is, if you've got anything to numbers by Carrack himself, but collaborator and fellow undersung say to someone, say it now while you still exceptions include a cover of the Alfred industry stalwart Nick Lowe (with whom can. And it was great - they really enjoyed Braggs & Deadric Malone song, Share Your he wrote the Diana Ross hit, Battlefield). themselves and got a bit of media Love With Me. The song has been covered Last year, a mini-tour for the trio included attention, including a couple of TV spots. by various artists, including Aretha a set at Shrewsbury Folk Festival. It was the number one selling CD over Franklin, Van Morrison and The Band, Christmas, and though they obviously “I love singing harmonies, and I've always though it's with the Bobby Bland original now take downloads into consideration had this idea at the back of my mind that that Carrack's version has the most in for the charts, I think as far as the hospices I'd like to get together with those guys. I common. were concerned it was a big success, had a gig at the London Palladium the year because it did a lot to raise their profile, There's also Bet Your Life, a melancholy before last, and the three of us decided to which then helps them in their other ballad about a compulsive gambler, with do four acoustic songs in the middle of the fundraising activities.” lyrics penned by old friend and former set. We had such fun rehearsing it, and Squeeze bandmate Chris Difford. In an when we did the show, it went down a There is talk of a new Paul Carrack solo album comprised mainly of love songs, it storm, so we started doing a bit of album being in the works, but with the mightn't be the cheeriest choice, but recording at my place too. We did an 2017 tour kicking off in early February, it according to Carrack, it's one that always album's-worth of stuff and then almost could be a few more months before it's goes down well in his live sets. forgot about it, but apparently there’s some ready for release. interest from quite a major record label, so “The song's just kept growing, and it's one “I've got about six or seven songs but it's it might even see the light of day!” where the band gets to stretch out a bit at not quite enough for an album yet, and the end. We've got a great lead guitarist More recently, he recorded a charity with the tour, I'm not sure when I'll get to and sax player and it gives them a chance Christmas single with the London Hospices finish it, but hopefully we'll be putting out to show off.” Choir, a 300-strong group of patients, staff something later this year.”.” and families from 17 different hospices Though he's already been touring the who came together to mark the 125th album during the year gone by, 2017 will anniversary of the Royal Trinity Hospice. mark Carrack's biggest solo tour to date, When Mike + The Mechanics hit The Living Paul Carrack plays Victoria Hall, Stoke- taking in major UK venues as well as a Years was chosen for the project, producer on-Trent, on Friday 17 February and series of international stops, with solo James Hawkins invited Carrack to sing it Symphony Hall, Birmingham, on acoustic support from singer-songwriter with them. Friday 17 and Saturday 18 March. Sarah Munro.

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Comedy

Josie Long Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Wed 15 February; The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 17 February Josie Long’s award-winning comedian pal, Nish Kumar, has referred to her as ‘the David Bowie of stand-up’, a descrip- tion he’s used on account of the 34-year- old comic’s impressive capacity for rein- venting herself. London-born Long admits she likes to change her way of doing things every now and again, and is currently engaged in the business of bringing a big dose of positivity to a post-Brexit nation. Josie’s very much a political animal, but recognises that banging on too much about politics is a near-certain way to alienate an audience. Hence the enthusi- astic Remainer’s decision to focus on the bright side of life in this critically acclaimed touring show. Jokes include: “When I was a kid, I asked my mum what a couple was and she said, ‘Oh, two or three’. And she wonders why her marriage didn’t work out...”

Six of the best...

Sean Lock John Jen Brister Birmingham Shuttleworth Artrix, Bromsgrove, Hippodrome, Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Mon 27 - Tues Birmingham Town February 28 February Hall, Sun 12 February; Stratford Artshouse, Rising star Jen Brister Although Sean Lock Stratford-upon-Avon, is best known from Fri 24 February says it’s her mother who’s to blame for the Channel Four Midlands-based her overwhelming panel game 8 Out Of lovers of light come- need “to seek valida- 10 Cats, on which he dy and understated tion from a roomful appeared as a team but up-to-the-minute of people in varying degrees of inebriation”. captain for 10 years, he's also picked up the fashions here get the opportunity to enjoy an When Jen was young, she reveals on her odd gong or two for his stand-up, so a night allegedly ‘final’ evening in the company of website, her mum would encourage her to do in his company is always a surefire bet for a Sheffield’s raconteur par excellence. impressions in front of adults. big barrel of laughs. The pigeon-fancying Shuttleworth is the cre- “All the while, my mum is watching me and He’s visiting Birmingham this month with his ation of actor Graham Fellows - a one-time beaming with pride,” recalls Jen. “‘Jennifer,’ latest touring show, Keep It Light. chartbuster with 1970s hit Jilted John - and she’d say, ‘you could be the next Meryl Jokes include: “So what if Jesus turned water has been making his presence felt on the UK Streep!’ ‘Really, mum?’ ‘Oh yes, every actor into wine? I turned a whole student loan into comedy circuit for more than 30 years. starts with impressions! Just look at Dustin Vodka once. Your move, Jesus...” and “I’m in Topics for Shuttleworth’s consideration in Hoffman. Tootsie is a very good film. He did therapy at the moment. I don’t need it, obvi- this farewell offering include the rise in pop- an impression of a woman and his career ously, but I got all these psychiatrist gift ularity of hi-viz protective wear, the suitabili- took off!’ ‘I think he was famous before vouchers for Christmas which my family ty of the plastic lid on takeaway coffee cups, Tootsie, mum.’ ‘I don’t think so - I think he clubbed together for. What I wanted was a and the excitement he felt when sucking his put on a dress and, poof!, he was famous. crossbow...” first mint. You know... maybe if you wore a dress some- times, Jennifer, you could get famous too...’ “At this stage in my career, I’m willing to try anything, so thanks, mum!”

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Justin Moorhouse Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 10 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 19 February Justin Moorhouse is a naturally and seriously funny stand-up - which isn’t something that can be said about every comedian who picks up a mic and fires off an evening’s-worth of material. Audience members catching his act for the first time will find them- selves in the company of a sea- soned pro who knows exactly how to work a crowd. Although his accent and style of delivery call to mind Peter Kay (no bad thing), Moorhouse is very much his own man, presenting an evening of well-honed, hugely enjoyable, adult-themed entertain- ment. Jokes include: “The women you see on Jeremy Kyle are so big they have to get their leggings on prescrip- tion.”

Tanyalee Richard Andy Davis Gadd Zaltzman The Bramall, Warwick Arts Centre, The Slade Rooms, Birmingham, Thurs Coventry, Sun 19 Wolverhampton, 16 February February Fri 24 February Tanyalee Davis is a It says much about Sporting a hairstyle three foot six inches Richard Gadd’s tal- that makes him look tall comedian who’s ent that he was able like Art Garfunkel on happy to make refer- to score a big success acid, Andrew ence to her height as at last summer’s Zaltzman is best a starting point for her comedy. “Sometimes Edinburgh Fringe with a stand-up show he’d known for performing comedy routines with a kid sees me,” she explains, “and says, felt compelled to write as a result of experi- a decidedly political bent. ‘Wow, what happened to you? Did you get encing a sexual assault. A regular collaborator with John Oliver, into an accident?’ And I say, ‘Hell, no, I just Managing to generate humour from so dark a Zaltzman’s work with the Birmingham-born didn’t eat my vegetables when I was your starting point is no mean feat, and speaks funnyman includes radio shows Political age, you little shit!’” volumes for the progress Gadd feels he’s Animal and The Department, and satirical Canadian-born Tanyalee, who describes her- made since the incident changed his life five podcast The Bugle. self as “the Ferrari of comedy - low to the years ago. Jokes include, “Politicians are like God. No ground and kinda racy”, has been peddling “I’m the man playing football twice a week one believes in them, they haven't done any- her hugely successful brand of humour for with my football pals,” he explained to the thing for ages, and they give jobs to their over 20 years. Guardian. “I thought of myself as a man, and immediate family.” “A good majority of my act is about my life I felt like that was taken from me, and I’m Another gag is: “Sperms are communists; and me,” she explains. “Maybe it's from a lit- ashamed of that now. But I felt like that was well, Stalinists really - only one of them gets tle person's perspective, but I don't feel it's the story I wanted and I needed to tell with to achieve anything and millions of them die hokey midget shit anymore. It's not just this show.” for nothing.” generic; it's really relevant to me and the sit- uations I've gotten into.”

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Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Thoroughly Modern Millie New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 13 - Sat 18 February Michelle Collins and Joanne Clifton star in this latest stage version of the hit 1967 film. Set in Manhattan during the Roaring ’20s, the show tells the story of Millie Dillmount, a young woman who arrives in New York from Kansas in search of wealth, excitement and a man to marry. Deciding to stay at the Hotel Priscilla, she meets its proprietor, the eccentric Mrs Meers, before embarking on a series of riotous and not altogether planned adventures, all of which are pleasingly punctuated by dazzling musical numbers and stunning dance rou- tines.

Amédée couple in real life. And there’s little doubt rd’ named Margaret, where Detective Dawn that their romantic relationship lends their Taylor is determined that justice will triumph The REP, Birmingham, over dirty dealing. Fri 24 February - Sat 11 March improv work a very particular and impres- sively easygoing chemistry. Scenes of nudity and violence make the sug- Colleen and Jason are appearing in gested rating for this show 16-plus. Birmingham this month for one night only - and will be keen to quickly work out what kind of audience they’re performing to... The Goon Show “Different cities have different styles of The Bear Pit Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, improv,” explains Jason. “For instance, in Wed 8 - Fri 10 February; mac, Birmingham, Chicago, we're almost expected to do a one- Sat 11 February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, Sun 12 February act play for which we don’t know our lines. There are some cities where you sense pretty With fans down the decades having included quickly that the audience has never seen a The Beatles, Monty Python and Prince long-form improv show and so don’t know Charles, there’s little doubting the impact Playwright, director and comedian Sean how to react to it. By contrast, in cities with which 1950s radio comedy programme The Foley, whose previous stage productions theatres, longform improv’s easier because Goon Show has had on British culture and include The Play What I Wrote and The people are familiar with seeing plays so are humour. Ladykillers, is the man behind this new more patient. It gives you more room to take Featuring Spike Milligan, Peter Sellers, Harry adaptation of Eugene Ionesco’s 1954 work. risks.” Secombe and, for a couple of series in the A leading figure in French avant-garde the- early ’50s, Michael Bentine, the show ran for atre, Ionesco is best known for his absurdist nine years, each half-hour episode providing plays, many of which reflect on the insignifi- a zany mixture of puns, catchphrases, cance of human existence. Wolf Meat bizarre sound effects and utterly ludicrous Amédée, his first full-length offering, fea- Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, characters. tures a frustrated playwright and his switch- Sat 18 February Birmingham Comedy Festival and Fred board-operator wife. Struggling to make ends Blending macabre humour and theatrical Theatre here present 21st century audiences meet in a dilapidated London apartment anarchy with a healthy sense of the ridicu- with the opportunity to enjoy two classic (Foley’s adaptation switches the action from lous is the name of the game for Wildheart & Goon Show radio scripts live on stage: The Paris), the couple are becoming ever more Lyric, a theatre company founded six years House Of Teeth and The Jet-Propelled Guided concerned about the problem in their other ago by a group of friends ‘in a dusty pub Naafi were both originally broadcast in 1956. room - a corpse that’s causing mushrooms to function room’. sprout all over the apartment... The ensemble’s currently touring production Roxana Silbert directs this Birmingham scored a sell-out success at the Brighton Repertory Theatre Company production. Fringe in 2015, earning praise for its seriously fast-paced storytelling, clever physical come- dy, and refreshing disregard for the invisible Dummy ‘fourth wall’ that usually separates perform- The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, ers from audience. Sat 18 February For those who like to know that their evening As well as being performance partners, Los of comedy comes complete with an accompa- Angeles-based improv duo Colleen Doyle nying storyline, Wolf Meat takes place in the and Jason Shotts - aka Dummy - are also a drugs den of a Gangsta Granny-style ‘druglo-

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Wed 15 - Fri 3 & Sat 25 Feb Sat 4 Mar From £16 £15

Shobana Jeyasingh Dance: Material Men redux

Mon 27 & Tue 16 - Tue 7 Mar - Tue 28 Mar Sat 20 May Sat 29 Apr £16 From £17 From £25

m¡longa The power and beauty of Argentinean tango.

Fri 26 & Mon 29 May Tue 6 - Sat 27 May - S at 3 Jun Sat 10 Jun From £15 From £15 From £17

Sean Lock - Keep It Light Jon Richardson - The Old Man Joel Dommett - Live 2017 Mon 27 & Tue 28 Feb £25 Thu 4 May £20.50 Sat 6 May £18.50

Everyone’s Welcome 0844 338 5000 birminghamhippodrome.com Calls cost 4.5p per min plus access charge. 5% transaction charge applies excluding cash sales in person. Theatre february.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:15 Page 3

Theatre Theatre previews from around the region

Sister Act Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 27 February - Sat 4 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May Based on the hit Whoopi Goldberg movie, this stage musical, directed and choreo- graphed by Craig Revel Horwood, sees Alexandra Burke taking the Goldberg role of Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier. After seeing her gangster boyfriend kill an employee, Deloris is placed on a witness protection programme and hidden in a con- vent, where she takes over the rehearsals of the in-house choir of nuns. Thanks to her musical expertise, the choir become a huge success and church attendances go through the roof. But in giving the church a new lease of life, Deloris may inadvertently have jeopardised her own safety... A fun-filled spectacular of a show with a real feelgood factor, this is a truly divine comedy that’s well worth worshipping.

California Scheming all,” explains Frank about his new show. Northanger Abbey “The opening lyrics of my song, Finding Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sat 11 February Wonderland, are ‘We move too fast; we miss Lichfield Garrick, Mon 13 - Wed 15 February Writer, director and performer Clare so much’. And it’s true - there’s a Jane Austen’s classic satire is here adapted Ferguson-Walker has earned plenty of praise Wonderland in all of our lives if we could by highly rated playwright Tim Luscombe. It for this spoken-word set, a presentation only take a breath and notice it. In this par- tells the story of the bookish Catherine described as ‘a poetic narrative about a life- ticular adventure, Alice has to rescue her Morland, a 17-year-old girl whose love of a long fascination with America’. own child, and in doing so, she rediscovers ‘horrid’ novel helps fuel her imagination When a family take a trip to California, they the child within herself.” when she visits Northanger Abbey. The home find themselves not only exposed to the Wendi Peters, Dave Willetts and Kerry Ellis of her beloved, the one-time church is a gaudy excesses of life in Los Angeles, but star. place in which Catherine soon finds fact and also to the sobering realisation that all that fiction colliding... glitters is not necessarily gold... Luscombe’s adaptation has met with plenty This ultimately uplifting cautionary tale is 60 of positive reviews during the course of its minutes in length and is performed without UK tour, and promises an evening of rollick- an interval. ing fun for all fans of Austen’s novels. Casting includes Emma Ballantine, Eva Feiler, Jonathan Hansler, Harry Livingstone, Wonderland Joe Parker, Annabelle Terry, Hilary Tones and Joseph Tweedale. New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 10 - Sat 15 July It was during the lifetime of the book’s Cyrano author, Lewis Carroll, that the wacky world New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland first Fri 3 - Sat 25 February made it onto the stage; in 1886, to be precise. Edmond Rostand’s famous French play, writ- A mere 17 years later, the topsy-turvy story ten in 1897, recounts the story of Cyrano de and its cast of colourful characters were Bergerac, a poet and soldier who’s desperate being interpreted through the exciting new to win the love of his brilliant and beautiful medium of film. cousin, the Lady Roxane. Cyrano’s best One of the latest companies to join the long efforts to do so, however, are somewhat com- and noble tradition of reinventing Alice visits plicated by the fact that he’s got a nose that’s the Midlands this month. It’s being led by as big as the Eiffel Tower (that’s obviously an Broadway composer Frank Wildhorn, whose exaggeration for effect, but you get the idea). work on shows like Jekyll & Hyde, Northern Broadsides and the New Vic Victor/Victoria and Bonnie & Clyde has Theatre join forces to present this swash- earned him international acclaim. buckling tale of unrequited love. “It starts with the idea of the child within us

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Theatre

The Full Monty Gaz’s,” explains Gary. “He’s feeling worth- less because he doesn’t have a job and might Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 6 - Sat 11 February lose his son. His sole aim is to continue to see his boy, so he gets the guys together to When six men lose their jobs at the local make some money.” steelworks, they find that dignity, hope and So how does Gary feel about getting naked self-belief are suddenly in short supply. at the end of the show? “It was quite a Until, that is, they take the plunge and strange experience initially,” he smiles, “but become male strippers... it’s obviously a major part of the story. You Ex-EastEnder Gary Lucy takes the lead role have to make sure that you never fall out of Gaz in a show that features the music of with the lighting guy, mind, as he’s the one Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom who makes sure the audience get blinded by Jones. the spotlights at the end and so don’t see too “This may be a comedy, but the stories run- much!” ning through it are really strong, particularly

In The Motherhood who’s no great lover of pronouncing her der norms in productions like her gender- aitches. But will Eliza prove a ‘challenge too reversed Sleeping Beauty, her Wendy-centred mac, Birmingham, Mon 6 February; Artrix, far’ for the proper-speakin’ professor, or can Peter Pan, and a highly acclaimed adapta- Bromsgrove, Fri 10 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 16 February & Albany he manage to teach her enough to pass her tion of Jane Eyre. Theatre, Coventry, Sat 18 February off as a Duchess at the forthcoming “Gelsomina can certainly be seen as a vic- Ambassador’s Garden Party? tim,” admits Sally, “but I'm determined that Based on Ovid’s Metamorphoses X, we find her ‘action’, if you like. The relation- Pygmalion debuted in 1914 and is widely ship between Zampano and Gelsomina is an considered to be one of the greatest plays of abusive one, certainly, but Gelsomina does- the 20th century. This innovative new stag- n't just lie down and take it - she confronts ing - using video and sound technology to him and questions and provokes all the way contemplate the issues of class identity and through the story. Like Jane Eyre, she's con- social mobility in modern Britain - is a co- stantly looking for a better life and striving to production by Headlong, Nuffield Theatre discover her potential, but circumstances and West Yorkshire Playhouse. make that very difficult for her.”

La Strada Narvik Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 15 - In the delightful village in which they live, Sat 11 - Sat 18 February; The REP, Thurs 16 February; mac, Birmingham, Nita and Bonnie run the PTA with brutal effi- Birmingham, Mon 8 - Sat 13 May Sat 18 February ciency. Savvy city type Jacs is looking to The story of a Liverpudlian man and a make an impression and wants to get Norwegian woman who are ‘pulled together involved - but on Nita and Bonnie’s watch, and torn apart by war, as the events of one joining the committee is no easy task... summer cause ripples across an ocean of “It was really important to me to write this time’, Narvik started life as a 10-minute pres- play because I want to celebrate mums,” entation. It was co-produced by Hannah says Hayley Pepler, who began work on In Tyrrell Pinder from Box Of Tricks, the compa- The Motherhood four years ago, when she ny now touring the show, and award-win- was a participant in Birmingham Repertory ning playwright and musician Lizzie Theatre’s Write Away scheme for emerging Nunnery. playwrights. “I want to draw attention to the “We were really thrilled and surprised by the incredible job women are doing every day to intense and positive response of the audi- raise the next generation in the face of enor- ence,” explains Lizzie, in talking about that mous competing pressures about how we do A brand new stage adaptation of Federico initial 10-minute version, “It felt like we’d hit it.” Fellini’s 1954 movie masterpiece, La Strada on a really compelling central story. At that follows the journey of Gelsomina, a young point, we knew our central character Jim, we Pygmalion woman who’s effectively sold by her mother knew it was a play about the disruption of to a brutal and hard-drinking street per- war and memory, we knew it was, on some Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, former named Zampano. level, a romance. Beyond that, we wanted to Tues 28 February - Fri 3 March When the ill-matched pair come across an tell a story about Norway, about the Arctic, George Bernard Shaw's classic offering tells itinerant circus, Gelsomina finds herself and an unconventional journey through the story of Professor Henry Higgins, an arro- faced with a stark choice that will decide the World War Two. gant expert in phonetics who reckons he course of her future... “I hope our Midlands audiences will find could teach any woman to speak properly. La Strada is being helmed by Sally Cookson, Narvik to be a really lively, thrilling experi- Enter, Eliza Dolittle - a young flower-seller a director known for openly challenging gen- ence. I can’t wait!”

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre february.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:15 Page 6

theatre for younger audiences...

Shark In The Park! Heaven Eyes Jack Frost

Shark In The Park! marriage begins when the mercurial figure of Adventures Of The Owl And The Pussycat Peter Pan arrives in her nursery one night... will be sailing into the spotlight, to bring mac, Birmingham, Sun 5 February Local theatre company Split Mask here pres- more nonsense to Coventry.” Nick Sharratt has illustrated over 250 books, ent their version of Ella Hickson’s play, an around one-sixth of which have been his adaptation of the JM Barrie classic that own. One of these is the hugely successful showed at the Royal Shakespeare Company a Shark In The Park!, a children’s story about a few Christmases ago. Michael Morpurgo’s young lad named Timothy who goes to his King Arthur local park to try out his new telescope. While The Core Theatre, Solihull, Tues 21 February there, he thinks he spots a shark - and not Jack Frost The award-winning Story Pocket Theatre just on one occasion either, but several times The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Shropshire, here presents its touring adaptation of War in several places! Sat 25 February Horse author Michael Morpurgo’s 2008 novel The popularity of the book prompted Jack Frost’s rather unwanted ability to freeze about the legend of King Arthur. Sharratt to write and illustrate two follow- everything with which he comes into contact One of the UK’s leading theatre companies ups - Shark In The Dark! and Shark In The may well be wreaking havoc in the village, for younger audiences, the Guildford-based Park On A Windy Day!. but that doesn’t stop a small girl from reach- ensemble, of which Morpurgo is patron, All three stories are featured in this brand ing out to him with an offer of greatly need- bring both classic and original children's sto- new stage show from the highly rated ed friendship... ries to the stage. This latest offering sees a Nonsense Room theatre company. This much-loved Nordic legend about a tra- drowning boy being rescued by a mysterious The production is being performed three ditionally sprite-like character - and the icy figure who claims to be Arthur Pendragon. times during the afternoon and is suitable impact which he has on everything that he As the old man recounts his tales, the young- for children aged two-plus. touches - is here reimagined by the talented ster is transported back to the heady days of theatricals of Moon On A Stick. The Norfolk- Camelot, the Round Table, Merlin, Excalibur, based company bring to life this chilly little Lancelot and Guinevere - a mythical time of Heaven Eyes tale via an engaging mixture of puppetry, magic, heroism, love and betrayal. Old Rep, Birmingham, Thurs 16 February music and playful storytelling, presenting a Blending physical theatre and imaginative lively production that’s suitable for young- This Théâtre Sans Frontières production of storytelling to create a fast-moving family sters aged three-plus. David Almond's play has garnered plenty of adventure, the production is suitable for praise on its travels over the last few months. children aged seven and older. It tells the story of three teenagers who run away from an orphanage and sail down the The Quite Remarkable River Tyne on a makeshift raft. In the course Adventures Of The Owl of their journey they encounter two some- And The Pussycat what curious characters. One is an enigmatic old man known as Grampa; the other, a Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 18 February - Sat 4 March strange Swedish girl called Heaven Eyes. Both end up playing a significant role in the A musical adaptation of a book written by teenagers’ lives, as the three friends attempt Monty Python star Eric Idle, The Quite to find their way in an increasingly confus- Remarkable Adventures Of The Owl And The ing world. Pussycat is inspired by the famous Edward The show is suitable for audience members Lear poem. The story sees its two main char- aged nine and older. acters, the owl and the pussycat of the title, heading out on a mission to save the world. In the process they must defeat the dastardly Wendy And Peter Pan Firelord, his imaginary dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, Flicker and Brimstone. Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock, Thurs 16 - Fri 17 February “I love the Belgrade Theatre,” says Idle. “It’s where we first performed Monty Python live Faced with the crippling loss of her younger on stage in January 1970 for three sold-out brother Tom, and convinced that his shadow midnight shows. It’s very close to where we still haunts her window, Wendy’s heroic opened my play, Pass The Butler, in 1982, quest to salvage what remains of her parents’ Michael Morpurgo’s King Arthur and it’s totally where The Quite Remarkable whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Billy Elliot DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:46 Page 1

FEATURE

Billy Elliot West End phenomenon pirrouettes into Birmingham Hippodrome

On 3 March 1985, the longest industrial believes that they're going to win.” could see fully grown men crying in the strike in British history was finally audience when we talked about how It's this confidence in solidarity that brought to an exhausted end. For 12 there'll be no pits left in 10 years’ time.” makes the play's final revelation so utterly months, thousands of miners across the devastating. By the time we get to the end Amazingly, over a decade after the country had refused to work, in protest of the story, Tony is explaining to Billy musical made its stage debut, the current against the planned closure of UK that while he goes off to complete his tour marks the first time it has moved out collieries. Over the course of the year, the dance training, everyone he knows in of the West End to visit the areas whose dispute became increasingly bitter, with Easington and beyond will soon be history it concerns. frequent outbreaks of violence and unemployed. families struggling to keep themselves “We were so nervous before we went to financially afloat. But despite its At the centre of Billy Elliot is the simple Sunderland, but it was the most amazing unprecedented scale, the strike ultimately tale of a little boy chasing his dream, and experience, a real career highlight. Even failed - a historic outcome seen by many since the film first appeared in 2000, it's though this is their story, it hasn't been as signalling the end of an era. been widely credited with helping to back there since they filmed the movie change attitudes towards dance, giving more than 15 years ago. We actually went Set against this backdrop of hundreds of boys access to a previously to the Easington Town Hall, where a lot of confrontation, abject poverty and dashed unthought-of world and driving up our show is set, and met some of the hope is the story of Billy Elliot - a young standards for male dancers throughout people, and it's amazing the effect it still boy with an unexpected talent for ballet the industry. has there - even now there's still places whose family is at the heart of the conflict where the people who broke the strike in County Durham. But there's another, arguably even more can't go. Then, on the opening night, we poignant, side to the story, one that’s Coming to Birmingham Hippodrome next had the Easington Colliery Brass Band concerned with the transition from an age month as part of its first ever UK tour, the playing outside the theatre, which was a of nationalised industry and community smash-hit stage musical shows how really nice, heartfelt moment.” solidarity into Margaret Thatcher's vision Billy's abilities offer him a lifeline out of of an individualistic world in which Far from seeming frivolous, in many ways the world he's been born into. Sadly, the “There is no such thing as society”. the musical version has an even greater, rest of his family and community are not more immediate impact than the film. On so lucky. “There are sort of two different stories stage, the clashes between miners and about trying to overcome adversity,” “It's easy to look back on it all now and police are brought vividly to life. Garnham explains, “one about a little boy feel like you know the outcome, but when trying to escape his environment, and one “There are similarities obviously, but you're doing this show, it's important not about the strike. And where one succeeds, we're not trying to put the film on stage. to look at it in the past tense,” says Scott the other fails spectacularly. When we go This is very much its own thing. I think Garnham, who plays Billy's older brother to places near mining communities, I feel particularly the story of me and my dad is and local strike ringleader Tony. “No like they really get what we're trying to much more prominent in the musical. union strike had ever lost like this before, say with our story. In Sunderland, you Also, whereas in the film Billy is the only so when Tony goes out there, he really

28 whatsonlive.co.uk Billy Elliot DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 11:46 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

character who dances, in the musical, it's dream ballet, where Billy literally soars passionate, and that tends to come out in all about showing a distinction between above the sadness of the world around anger. But even though he and Billy seem the ways in which different characters him, in a gorgeous duet with his older very different, I think that actually, if you move. So the choreography for the self, as played by Luke Cinque-White. look a bit deeper, there are a lot of policemen and the miners has got its own similarities between them.” Yet even this can be seen as part of the language if you like, which is in contrast bigger picture of social change over the For Garnham and the rest of the cast, the to the very heightened choreography for last few decades. The growing acceptance affection is unfeigned. Since the show Billy.” of unconventional characters like Billy began its tour a year ago, the five boys Although it's stylised, the violence is and Michael hints at the burgeoning sharing the demanding title role - Adam viscerally felt, the child's perspective culture of individual expression and Abbou, Emile Gooding, Matthew Lyons, instilling a sense of real fear. At times, the liberal social values that the ’80s ushered Haydn May and Lewis Smallman - have rioting surrounds Mrs Wilkinson's ballet in. In different times, perhaps Tony and grown a lot, both as performers and as classes, threatening to crash down on the his father would not only have been more people. safe space that Billy has found for accepting of Billy's choices, but even “When we started our rehearsals, some of himself. Elsewhere, armour-clad officers better equipped to deal with their own them were quite timid, and although stomp towards him with riot shields and frustrations. they're all fantastically talented, they truncheons raised, seeming to embody “Sometimes people watching the show each excelled at different things. Now it's the oppressive atmosphere that's forget that it was such a different time in virtually impossible to say who's the constantly threatening to push him over 1984,” says Garnham, “and that this little better dancer or singer or whatever, and the edge. boy saying he wants to go off and be a they're all really confident and able to All this isn't to dismiss the show's more ballet dancer would be like saying you hold their own in conversations. The straightforward pleasures. When Billy want to go off into space and live with the amount of discipline that's required for performs at his audition before an aliens now. I think there was one review the role is incredible - I can't think of any unreadable panel (a role in which the that described Tony as the villain of the other musical with a part like this. But I audience is cast through clever staging), piece, and I felt a bit like they hadn't do feel like we're all one big family and we we share wholeheartedly in his father's really understood, whereas when you go all look after each other, from the kids to tearful pride and wonder. Meanwhile, to Sunderland or somewhere like that, the oldest cast members.” Billy's less-than-eager foray into they understand that there are no villains crossdressing with his fearlessly - other than maybe Margaret Thatcher! flamboyant best friend, Michael, is both “On the surface Tony isn't the nicest heartwarming and hilarious - the dancing brother to Billy, but I think it comes out of dresses, flashing lights and sparkly Billy Elliot shows at Birmingham a place of actually really caring. He does backdrops in Expressing Yourself provide Hippodrome from Tuesday 7 March to love Billy, but he's quite hot-headed and one of the show's most spectacular Saturday 29 April rash, and maybe not as in touch with his moments. And then there's the beautiful emotions as men are able to be now. He's

whatsonlive.co.uk 29 One Love DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:05 Page 1

FEATURE

ONE LOVE New Bob Marley musical makes its UK debut in Birmingham

On 3 December 1976, two days before performing in Kingston's Smile Jamaica concert, Bob Marley, his wife and his manager were wounded in an assassination attempt by unknown gunmen who invaded Marley's home. The attack prompted the singer to leave the country before the end of the year, spending a month in the Bahamas before heading for England. It was here that, over the next two years, he would record the albums Exodus and Kaya, featuring iconic singles such as One Love, Jamming and Is This Love. Set against a backdrop of violence and corruption in Jamaica and wider Cold War conflict across the world, this period of self- imposed exile serves as the basis for Kwame Kwei-Armah's One Love: The Bob Marley Musical, making its UK debut at Birmingham REP next month. Speaking to us from Centre Stage in Baltimore, where he’s currently artistic director, the acclaimed British playwright, actor and director told us more about the show. “The story actually starts about 10 years ago,” Kwei-Armah recalls, “when I was approached by Island Records to write a piece using Bob Marley's music but not his story. So I wrote that, it did the rounds, and everyone said, 'That's great, but where's Bob?' So about two-and-a-half years ago, they contacted me again with the rights to use his life story. I chose as my starting point the years between 1976 and ’78 because I wanted to look at the hero's journey - what made him the great man that he was, not just because of his music but because of his choices in life.” A pacifist who actively cultivated a politically neutral public profile and frequently spoke out against the bloodshed in his country, Marley nevertheless found One Love DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:05 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

himself embroiled in both domestic and my own personal poet laureate.” of the most prominent and respected international conflict, targeted by those voices in black British theatre. Now he’s Years later, however, Kwei-Armah is still who saw him as a supporter of Michael taken his stories overseas - it's about five- discovering new things about his hero as Manley's socialist government. At the and-a-half years since he became resident he digs deep into the details of Marley's time, Western anxiety over the ‘red tide’ of in the US after taking up his post at Center fascinating life. communism was still running high, and Stage. the government's agenda was viewed with “One of the things I didn't really know “I think we're looking at a beautiful time suspicion by many at home as well as before was that he was a very quiet man. in America for new writing, both in abroad. And of course we know that he was television and in theatre. It's a kind of deeply religious, but I think just quite how Thanks to Marlon James' Man Booker golden moment, so I'm really pleased to dedicated he was to his faith was an Prize-winning novel, A Brief History Of be in America as an artistic director whilst interesting thing for me to learn. I was Seven Killings, interest in Marley's the quality of the work is so good also surprised by how many people in relationship with this period of Jamaican structurally and politically.” Jamaica really relied on him. He was like history has recently been rekindled, but an industry, and not just musically. I Both Kwei-Armah and Marley's daughter, what's unique about this show is how mean, there were actually people lining Cedella, are thrilled to be bringing the closely Kwei-Armah has worked with the up at his house, waiting to be given show to Birmingham, which the latter Marley family and record label, providing money. That was quite a humbling thing describes as a “natural place for its UK him with unprecedented access to the to read.” premiere” thanks to its “great mix of personal stories behind the public cultures”. In particular, she says, she's persona. Writing the story is one thing; attempting looking forward to introducing her to adequately represent such an iconic “It's been wonderful but also pretty father's story to a new generation, some of figure live on stage is quite another, and daunting. I spoke to many people in Bob whom weren't yet born during his in some respects, the weight of Marley’s life and tried to use a lot of lifetime. Arguably, the mythology of expectation on singer and musician dialogue how they described it. I sent Marley has rather overtaken the man Mitchell Brunings, who plays the lead, is drafts of the script to the family. Luckily, behind it. These days, his image has even greater than that on the writer and they've been very helpful - all the become ubiquitous, plastered across a director of the show. criticism has been very constructive. dazzling array of merchandise and They've allowed me to adapt the story and “Casting is always the hardest part of any increasingly disconnected from who he take artistic licence where I've needed, to show, and I think we were quite fortunate was and what he stood for. But Kwei- change things to make the story work.” that I came across Mitchell on the Armah maintains that Marley is as internet. This is his first time acting, so it's important now as he’s ever been, and that Kwei-Armah is now an ardent and long- been really interesting helping him as long as people come to see the show, term admirer of Marley's work, but develop the skills to carry a character like they won't fail to be moved by his music interestingly, this hasn't always been the this, but when he sings - you just close and his message. case. As a teenager, he was more your eyes and think of Bob...” interested in soul music, reggae being “Wherever I've travelled in the world, I more to his sister's tastes. Under its original title, Marley, the show don't think I've landed on any continent premiered in 2015 at Baltimore's Center where I haven't seen some young person “It was partly just sibling rivalry, but Stage theatre. But though it was popular wearing a Bob Marley t-shirt, and I think though it sounds like madness now, it was and warmly received in the US, the his image and his lyrics are still political. actually a big thing at the time. In the version coming to Birmingham this year He is the voice of the oppressed and the black community when I was a child, you will be dramatically different. downtrodden. I think people will see that made a choice at about 12 years old this isn't just a story about a vintage star - whether you were going to be into reggae “I would say there have been fundamental it's about a man who stood for something or American soul. If you liked reggae, that changes. We've used that first production and whose music made a difference to meant that you were rooted and cultured, to learn lessons and have taken the time people's lives. And I think that, between and if you liked soul that meant you to tell a much deeper and more complex our Brexit Britain and our Trump America, weren't really culturally conscious. It story.” that's something that we really need.” wasn't until I was about 19 that I heard Redemption Song, for what must have Following the huge success of plays like been about the 1500th time, but for me, it Elmina's Kitchen and Fix Up (both directed by Angus Jackson), exploring the was really like the first time. At that One Love: The Bob Marley Musical lives of immigrant communities in the UK, moment, I just understood what he was shows at The REP, Birmingham, from the London-born writer soon became one saying, and from there he grew to become Friday 10 March to Saturday 8 April. Shobna Gulati DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:06 Page 1

FEATURE

Shobna Gulati Ex-Corrie favourite talks about starring in Anita And Me at the Wolverhampton Grand

In the 20 years since Meera Syal's semi- autobiographical portrait of life in the Black Country in the 1970s first appeared in print, it's become something of a contemporary classic, spawning a popular film adaptation and even, much to Syal's own bemusement, becoming a GCSE set text. In 2015, Anita And Me made its stage debut at Birmingham REP; now the theatre’s artistic director, Roxana Silbert, is bringing the much-loved story back home to the Midlands with a run at the Wolverhampton Grand. Starring in the show as mother to the teenage protagonist Meena (the ‘Me’ of the title) is Shobna Gulati, best known for her long-running role as Sunita Alahan in Coronation Street, as well as for her regular appearances on Loose Women. Taking over the role of Daljit from Ayesha Dharker, Gulati is very much looking forward to returning to the city and the theatre. “I love Wolverhampton,” she says. “I've got quite a special relationship with it, actually. When I was a dancer I used to work for Sampad, so I went round schools in Cannock, Wolverhampton and Birmingham teaching creative dance using Indian Classical dance as a basis. I was also here for 16 weeks to do panto - in those days the Grand's was the longest-running panto in the country.” Gulati describes her character Daljit as a loving but often quietly disapproving mother who, like many parents, has a “sticky relationship” with her daughter. “I think Daljit sees a lot of herself in Meena, and is perhaps still holding onto her own Shobna Gulati DPS.qxp_Layout 1 24/01/2017 11:06 Page 2

by Heather Kincaid

childhood through her, but obviously as a read of it. There's a great bit in the play is still ongoing, leaving her running teenager Meena wants to explore things where Daljit's having a go at Meena about between Leicester and Wolverhampton in for herself. Daljit knows that she had a that - you know, Cathy and Clare, what do the middle of the day. It sounds like hard good upbringing back at home and she they know? All they know about is work, but she shrugs it off. struggles to understand why that same boyfriends, and it's not important. All of “I'm a bit of a boring old person now upbringing isn't working for Meena in a this - family and community - is what's because I'm just getting up, going to work, different place. She never loses her important.” going to another work, going home to temper, she's just frustrated and can't Things have changed considerably since bed, and then getting up and doing it all understand why Meena has to fight so 1972, but there's also plenty that's stayed again! In my youth I'd have done the often when she and her husband give her the same. Perhaps more pertinently, same, but then I'd also have gone out for a all the love and support in the world.” thinks Gulati, there are aspects of Britain drink afterwards. I probably wouldn't Meera Syal remains closely involved with in 2017 which seem to have more in have slept! But I can't burn the candle at the retelling of her story, and the common with the culture of the 1970s both ends anymore...” opportunity to finally work with her - as than with life in the intervening decades. Though it's something she's come to well as with award-winning playwright “From a historical point of view, the story relatively late in her career, musical Tanika Gupta - was a major factor in examines the movement of people into theatre is a natural choice for Gulati, who Gulati's decision to join the cast. small communities and how those has always sung at home and started “Meera and I have always sort of missed communities responded. You've got these dance classes at the tender age of seven. each other on the way. We've known of areas where economically things are One of her first jobs after leaving each other but we've never been able to tough for everyone, and the thing to Coronation Street was on the UK tour of work together because our schedules have blame always seemed to be whoever was Mamma Mia!, which she says was a bit never quite matched up. I think the things considered an outsider. When I was like coming “full circle”. that people like Meera have achieved are growing up, I was constantly reminded of “In Western culture we often tend to put just amazing - they've put their heads how different I was, and for a while I things in boxes - you either sing or dance above the parapet and just kept going thought that things were moving on, but I or act or play music - whereas in Indian despite the struggles of being 'other' in think we've actually gone slightly Classical dance you do all those things. this community we all live in. And backwards now. We've gone back to It's expressive, so you learn to act as well because it's semi-autobiographical, in a people feeling suspicious of people from as how to dance technically and to way, I get to play Meera's mum, so it's a other places, and as a grown-up adult I'm accompany, so it's a more holistic way of real honour.” once again reminded of how different I looking at performance. When my mum am, even though I was born and raised Despite not having read the book or seen came to see Mamma Mia!, she said, 'This here.” the film before, Gulati immediately is what you've always wanted to do, right identified with the characters, finding Fortunately, there are movements for from when you were a little girl.'” elements of the story that chimed with her positive change, and this very production So with such a varied career behind her, own experiences of growing up in an aims to be part of that, promoting what's next for Shobna Gulati? Is there immigrant family in industrial Oldham. engagement and interaction between anything still left to tick off the list? “Well, communities. “I am going to be playing my mum! Maybe I've been making my way for the last 31 that's a cop-out, but Meera and I are “Anita And Me is part of the legacy of a years, and I think I've done most things at around the same age, and I can see a lot group called the Touring Consortium, who some point, but do you know... I've never of my relationship with my mother when I go into theatres that don't necessarily actually been a lead. So if there was was a teenager in this story. In fact, it's have that engagement with the wider something that would be suitable for even more like my mum's relationship diverse community. Hopefully this play someone of my age, I'd love to do that. I'd with my big sister. I was the youngest girl will be a good way of beginning a process love to play Cleopatra in Anthony And in my family, but when my sister was for people who perhaps aren't quite so Cleopatra. I feel like I'm ready for that growing up, my mum and dad were in culturally engaged, and helping to turn now.” England bringing up a young girl for the the wheel forwards again.” first time. Some places have further to go than “My sisters always used to read Jackie others. Gulati has loved her time Anita And Me shows at magazine, and although it was more performing in Grease at Leicester's Curve Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre from Smash Hits by the time I was a teenager, I Theatre, describing it as a place where Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 February do remember slipping their copies of “diversity permeates”. As rehearsals for Jackie under my pillow at night to have a Anita And Me commence, that production Dance February New.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:56 Page 1

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Dance February New.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:56 Page 2

Dance Dance previews from around the region

The Red Shoes Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 7 - Sat 11 February & Wed 19 - Sat 22 July Widely regarded as the greatest dance film ever made, The Red Shoes is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale about a pair of enchanted shoes that force their wearer to dance until she dies. The film’s story centres on young balleri- na and star in the making Vicky Page. When Vicky falls for the ballet compa- ny's charismatic composer, Julian Craster, the jealous Lermontov forces her to choose between love and her career, knowing full well that for Vicky, dancing is as much a necessity as living. In a sumptuous new adaptation visiting Birmingham this month, and returning in July, Matthew Bourne reinvents the movie’s story live on stage. “We have several little ballets in the piece,” reveals Matthew. “There's a beach ballet, which creates a link to the actual beach when they visit Monte Carlo. We also have what we call the 'Good vs Evil' ballet, which reflects the atmosphere of what's going on in the story at that point. That's based on a famously barefoot ballet Frederick Ashton did called Dante's Sonata. We also do a bit of Les Sylphides, and then there's a big, grand, glamorous, waltzy ballet near the beginning to rep- resent the world Vicky wants to be a part of. “So it's almost like watching a bit of dance history - you can see all the refer- ences.”

James Wilton Dance: Leviathan mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 February Be careful what you fish for... Award-winning choreographer James Wilton here re-imagines the seminal novel, Moby Dick. Wilton takes on the lead role of Captain Ahab, a man hell-bent on capturing the legendary white whale of the title, and brilliantly leads a troupe of highly talented dancers through the increas- ingly choppy waters of Herman Melville’s epic story. Wilton’s choreography is always distinctive, his productions powered by an energy the audience can almost reach out and touch. Leviathan is widely considered to be the choreographer’s best and most finely tuned work to date. In short, this is one whale of a tale that no self- respecting dance enthusiast can afford to miss...

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Dance Dance previews from around the region

Stepmother/Stepfather DanceXchange, The Patrick Centre, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 16 - Fri 17 February Award-winning director and choreographer Arthur Pita dances over to the dark side with this latest double bill, produced in collabora- tion with HeadSpaceDance. In the first piece, familiar fairytale characters including Snow White and Hansel & Gretel find themselves being pursued by ‘a force of monstrous and abusive stepmothers’. The second dancework, meanwhile, entices the audience into ‘a hellish world of incest and murder’. The grisly tale it recounts is inspired by the Country Death Song, a folk- punk track from the second album of long- established cult American band Violent Femmes.

National Dance some impressive theatrical hits across the Coppelia decades, most famously an all-male version Company Wales of Swan Lake. But before he really hit the big Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 7 February & Malvern Theatre, Mon 13 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Tues 21 February time, Matthew enjoyed numerous quieter successes with a number of highly innova- Since its formation in 1981, the Russian State tive danceworks, some of which are featured Ballet of Siberia has built a fine reputation in this celebratory show. for its delivery of world-renowned classics. The programme, here presented by Bourne’s This month sees the company returning to New Adventures company, varies from per- Wolverhampton to present a show that formance to performance and is drawn from brings together Leo Delibes’ dazzling score four pieces: The Infernal Galop, Town And with some truly breathtaking choreography. Country, Spitfire and Watch With Mother. When Dr Coppelius’s mannequin, Coppelia, is left on the workshop balcony, she causes quite a stir - not only in the heart of the red- This is National Dance Company Wales’ first blooded Franz but also in the mind of his visit to Theatre Severn for five long years. jealous fiancee, Swanilda, who foolishly mis- As if to make up for lost time, the talented takes Coppelia for a flesh-and-blood rival... ensemble is presenting not one but three brand new pieces to its Shropshire audi- ence... Profundis is a provocative piece Richard Alston Dance accompanied by whimsical wordplay and an Malvern Theatre, Tues 28 February - exotic soundtrack. Wed 1 March Tuplet, meanwhile, is described by the com- pany as ‘a witty and high-octane exploration A choreographer who’s very much at the of the simple notion of rhythm’. forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, The triple bill is completed by The Green Cinderella Richard Alston takes inspiration directly House, an imaginative work in which, on a from the music he uses. Birmingham Hippodrome, twisted TV set, characters discover ‘the fine Wed 15 - Sat 25 February This month sees his highly rated company line between fantasy and reality’. returning to the Created seven years ago, Birmingham Royal Midlands to perform Ballet’s highly regarded version of Cinderella a programme which Matthew Bourne’s Early is a beautiful and majestic work. includes two dances Adventures The company’s director, David Bintley, pulls to piano pieces that together the various elements of the classic originate from com- Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, fairytale with some impressively articulate Thurs 16 - Sat 18 February pletely different storytelling. worlds. Both are Given the number of awards he’s won since The show’s choreography is dramatic and brand new works, by bursting onto the dance scene way back in bold, its grand waltzes featuring among a Alston and Martin the mid-1980s, Matthew Bourne is a man host of truly magical moments. Lawrance, and are with a need for a seriously big mantelpiece, Fans of the piece will undoubtedly be happy accompanied live on if not a dedicated trophy room. to revisit it, newcomers delighted by what stage by pianist Jason Backed by the talented members of his com- they discover. Ridgway. pany, choreographer Bourne has scored whatsonlive.co.uk 33 Film Feb GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:08 Page 1

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

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

Closes Monday 5 June Closes Wednesday 1 March Closes Monday 13 February

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Closes Monday 20 February Closes Tuesday 14 February Closes Friday 24 February

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Closes Monday 27 February Closes Friday 10 February Closes Friday 17 March

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Closes Wednesday 1 February Closes Friday 3 February Closes Friday 17 February To enter all competitions go to whatsonlive.co.uk also follow us on Twitter & Facebook for more great competitions 34 whatsonlive.co.uk Film Feb GROUP.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:08 Page 2

Film

Moonlight CERT 15 tbc Starring Trevante Rhodes, André Holland, Janelle Monáe, Ashton Sanders, Jharrel Jerome, Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali Directed by Barry Jenkins (USA) You don’t come across a film like Moonlight very often. Not only does it exhibit a very distinctive directorial style but a narrative that matches it for originality. Set on the mean streets of Miami, the film focuses on one individual, Chiron. Chiron doesn’t speak much but digests the world around him - which is not a nice place. His mother is a crack-smoking prostitute, his saviour a drug dealer and his best friend somebody he shouldn’t really trust… Director Barry Jenkins divides his film into three parts, each revealing a different aspect of our protagonist, titled ‘Little,’ ‘Chiron’ and ‘Black.’ As such, it is a ficti- tious biography of a black man and how he comes to be who he is. Here there are good people who do bad things and bad people who do good things. The per- formances are excellent across the board, although as Chiron’s mother - as much a victim as her son - Naomie Harris is terrific. On the evidence here, it’s hard to believe the actress ever played Miss Moneypenny. The film itself won the Golden Globe for best drama. Released Fri 17 February CRITIC’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in February...

Gold CERT tbc Starring Matthew McConaughey, Édgar Ramírez, Bryce Dallas Howard, Corey Stoll, Toby Kebbell, Craig T. Nelson Directed by Stephen Gaghan (USA) When the Canadian company Bre-X Minerals announced that it was sitting on a huge gold reserve in the jungles of Borneo, its stock price rocketed. So a luckless businessman and a geologist team up to go a-hunting. Released Fri 3 February

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter T2 Trainspotting CERT tbc CERT 15 (106 mins) Starring Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Starring Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Shawn Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kelly Roberts, Ruby Rose, Iain Glen Macdonald Directed by Danny Boyle (UK) Directed by Paul WS Anderson Danny Boyle made his name with (UK/USA/Germany/Canada/France/Australia) Trainspotting back in 1996 and since then Alice (Jovovich) would appear to be one of has gone from strength to strength. Here he the last humans alive on earth, so has her unites the original cast with a script adapted work cut out for her in her battle against the from Irvine Welsh’s Porno, which sees the armies of the undead. old miscreants reunited in Scotland just as The sixth and supposedly final instalment in Begbie (Robert Carlyle) has been released the franchise based on the video game. In from prison. Choose your future. Choose life. 3D. Now Showing Released Fri 3 February

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Film

Loving CERT 12a (123 mins) Starring Joel Edgerton, Ruth Negga, Nick Kroll, Michael Shannon, Marton Csokas Directed by Jeff Nichols (USA) Another true-life drama about the horrors of racism in the American South, Nichols’ understated film focuses on Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple who had the audac- ity to share a bed. Even though they were legally married, Richard was white and Mildred was black and in Virginia that meant prison. Joel Edgerton, who can apparently play anything, blends chameleon-like into Richard, a socially awkward bricklayer who CRITIC’S CHOICE sees no harm in marrying the most beautiful woman in his small community. As Mildred, Toni Erdmann sweet time, creating a small, slightly musty world which, in spite of every- Ruth Negga - an Irish-Ethiopian actress - CERT 15 (162 mins) commands every scene she’s in, growing thing, feels entirely plausible. Yet as we Starring Peter Simonischek, Sandra Hüller, follow the life of this odd, old man, the from a shy and timid wallflower into the Trystan Pütter, Lucy Russell public voice of her family’s cause. Directed by Maren Ade (Germany/Austria) spectre of the bizarre hovers at the door throughout the film’s 162 minutes. And Released Fri 3 February Winner of innumerable awards and a because the events are so thoroughly Bafta and Golden Globe nominee for best unpredictable, Ade manages to hold the foreign language film, Toni Erdmann is rapt attention of her audience – without an unusual beast. Indeed, Maren Ade’s ever betraying the credibility of her sce- third feature pulls off a number of tricks. nario. Consequently, the viewer is at a Opening in a nondescript suburb of loss whether to sob or to roar with laugh- Germany, her film tells of a lonely ter. In short, Ade pulls off an extraordi- divorcee (Simonischek) in the autumnal nary balancing act, producing a surreal years of his life. Without so much as a black comedy rooted in real life. note of music or a caption or a whisper of exposition, Ade spins her tale in her own Released Fri 3 February

Rings CERT 15 (102 mins) Fifty Shades Darker CERT tbc Starring Matilda Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Starring Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Galecki, Vincent D’Onofrio Kim Basinger, Luke Grimes, Hugh Dancy Directed by F Javier Gutiérrez (USA) Directed by James Foley (USA) When Julia (Lutz) watches that damned A sequel to you-know-what, FSD follows video, she discovers a new horrifying truth: Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey as they there is another movie within the movie… re-draw the boundaries of their relationship. A sequel to The Ring and The Ring Two, Then Christian’s past threatens to rock the which were themselves remakes of the boat. Expect quite a bit of coupling. Japanese original (1998). Released Fri 10 February Released Fri 3 February

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk CERT 15 (113 mins) Starring Kristen Stewart, Vin Diesel, Garrett Hedlund, Steve Martin, Joe Alwyn, Chris Tucker Directed by Ang Lee (USA/UK/China) We’re unlikely to encounter a more improba- ble cast all year. Based on the novel by Ben Fountain, Ang Lee’s latest film follows Billy Lynn as he attends a victory parade in his native Georgia. However, flashbacks to Iraq reveal a story at odds with the ticker-tape heroism. Released Fri 10 February

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Film releases in February

Fences CERT 12a (139 mins) The Lego Batman The Founder CERT 15 (115 mins) Starring Denzel Washington, Viola Davis, Movie CERT U (104 mins) Starring Michael Keaton, Laura Dern, Nick Stephen McKinley Henderson, Jovan Adepo, Offerman, John Carroll Lynch, Patrick Wilson Russell Hornsby, Mykelti Williamson With the voices of Will Arnett, Zach Directed by John Lee Hancock (USA) Directed by Denzel Washington (USA) Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes Directed by A likely Oscar contender, Fences marks Chris McKay (USA) Denzel Washington’s third directorial outing, A spin-off of The Lego Movie, this com- an adaptation of August Wilson’s Pulitzer puter-animated comic fantasy this time Prize-winning play of 1983. Denzel plays Troy focuses on The Caped Crusader and Maxson, a refuse collector on the street and the young boy he’s adopted. It’s emo- paterfamilias and alpha male in his own tional. home. In the back yard, where he’s building Released Fri 10 February a fence - purportedly to keep out death and to keep in what belongs him to him - Troy In recent years, Michael Keaton has become recounts tales of his youth, his plans for the something of a heavyweight in acting circles. future and his anger with the white man’s Here he plays the businessman Ray Kroc world. As the film is set in Pittsburgh in the who, in 1961, bought a hamburger chain 1950s, its patois may at first be tricky for the from two brothers and made it his own. The modern ear, but stay with it and the drama siblings were called Mac and Dick seeps out, gradually tightening its grip on McDonald. the throat. Released Fri 17 February Released Fri 10 February The Space Between Us The Great Wall CERT tbc CERT 12a (103 mins) Starring Gary Oldman, Asa Butterfield, Starring Matt Damon, Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Carla Gugino, Britt Robertson, BD Willem Dafoe, Andy Lau Wong, Janet Montgomery Directed by Zhang Yimou (USA/China) Directed by Peter Chelsom (USA) In spite of its ominous title, this historical There is a lot of space between fantasy is actually about the Great Wall of Gardner Elliot (Butterfield) and Earth, China. At least, the construction is a major as he was the first human to be born player in an epic featuring Matt Damon as a on Mars. He is now returning to the European mercenary, nomadic bandits, planet of his parents and sees our Chinese soldiers and a horde of monsters. world like nobody before… Great prem- In 3D. ise - from the director of Hear My Song and Shall We Dance? Released Fri 17 February 20th Century Women Released Fri 10 February CERT 15 (118 mins) Starring Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Hidden Figures Gerwig, Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Crudup Sula, Haley Lu Richardson, Betty Buckley CERT PG (127 mins) Directed by Mike Mills (USA) Starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia In the late 1970s, three different women in Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Southern California undergo separate experi- Kirsten Dunst Directed by Theodore Melfi (USA) ences involving love and freedom. The director, Mike Mills, previously brought The title - taken from the non-fiction us Thumbsucker (2005) and the Oscar-win- work by Margot Lee Shetterly - not only refers to the mathematical data used to ning Beginners (2010). Patriots Day CERT 15 (133 mins) launch NASA’s Project Mercury in 1962, Released Fri 10 February but to the team of African-American Starring of Mark Wahlberg, John women who provided it. The US Goodman, JK Simmons, reviews were rhapsodic. Michelle Monaghan, Kevin Bacon Directed by Released Fri 17 February Peter Berg (USA) An account of the 2013 Boston Marathon bomb- ing, Patriots Day reunites Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg, who previously collaborated on Deepwater Horizon, about another true-life catastrophe. Released Thurs 23 February

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Visual Arts

New Art West Midlands Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac, Birmingham, Worcester City Art Gallery & Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Sat 18 February - Sun 14 May Thirty-one artists from six regional art schools this month exhibit new work at four leading galleries as part of New Art West Midlands 2017. A launch vehicle for emerging artists, New Art West Midlands is using Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, mac Birmingham, Wolverhampton Art Gallery and Coventry’s Herbert Gallery & Museum to display the new work, which includes painting, installa- tion, sculpture, photography, video, anima- tion and digital artworks. Highlights of the show include Yazmin Boyle’s three-metre-long metal sculptures. The sculptures are made of industrial steel strap overlaid with a feminine lace print and formed into three-dimensional funnels and circles. Amy Inston’s film, meanwhile, brings together images of Hollywood glamour and the American Dream with footage of the real domestic life of her working-class Birmingham family. Many of the works on show take themes connected to science and biology, while numerous other pieces focus on the subjects of globalisation, migration and belonging. The exhibition is the first initiative of the rebranded New Art West Midlands network, formerly known as Turning Point West Midlands.

Francis Bacon: Face To Face: Idris Khan: A World Within Two Figures In A Room Portraits Through Time New Art Gallery, Walsall, Fri 3 February - Sun 7 May The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham, The Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry, Fri 10 February - Sun 26 March Fri 3 February - Sun 4 June Given that Idris Works by Matisse, Degas and Michelangelo This fascinating exhibition brings together Khan grew up in have all been suggested as sources for this works loaned from numerous sources, Walsall, the New 1959 painting by Francis Bacon. On loan including the Arts Council Collection and the Art Gallery is a par- from the University of East Anglia, Two National Portrait Gallery. Featuring snap- ticularly appropri- Figures In A Room is considered to be one of shots of ordinary people as well as portraits ate venue in which the artist’s finest works. Painted when Bacon of Henry VIII, Marilyn Monroe, David Bowie to mount a major was around the age of 50, it features two and Princess Diana, Face To Face explores survey of his work. naked figures, widely assumed to be male the centuries-old fascination with capturing Khan’s densely lay- lovers. Not surprisingly given its subject mat- one’s own image. The display includes works ered pieces - photo- ter, the painting raised many an eyebrow. It by Andy Warhol graphs, paintings, was considered both daring and provocative and Thomas sculptures, moving in the conservative days of the late 1950s, a Gainsborough, images and instal- time when homosexual acts in private and comprises lations - are inspired by numerous cultural between men were still illegal in the UK. paintings, photo- sources, including literature, history, art, graphs, sculptures music and religion. and interactive The exhibition features two new layered activities. glass paintings, as well as a sculpture which will be on show in the UK for the first time. Nelson Mandela, 1962 ©University of Dundee, The Peto Collection

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The Royal Photographic (10 - 19 March), is the inspiration for a series of school workshops running at the venue, Society International during which children can investigate the Images For Science theme of ‘hidden in plain sight’. Exhibition The workshops offer interactive opportuni- ties for youngsters to investigate forensics, The Hive, Worcester, Wed 8 February - Wed 22 March pollen and sound waves, guided by University of Worcester staff and students. Selecting the best 100 photographic images Commenting on the RPS show, Anne for this exhibition can’t have been an easy Hannaford, Director of Arts & Culture at the task, given that a staggering 2,500 pictures University, said: “We’re thrilled to once again were submitted for consideration. Despite be hosting the exhibition at The Hive, partic- having their work cut out, the judging panel ularly during British Science Week. Bringing of four have done an admirable job, selecting science and art together through photogra- photographs which perfectly meet the exhibi- phy sparks curiosity in young people and tion criterion - to be visually appealing but helps them explore and view STEM (science, also have a science story to tell. technology, engineering & mathematics) sub- The included artworks range from highly jects with interest and enthusiasm.” technical images taken with expensive equip- In addition to the RPS exhibition, two small- ment, through to photographs shot on smart- er Hive displays showcase the photography phones. of Mike Hallett and David James, academics Having opened at The Crystal in London, the at the University who are also fellows of the exhibition is visiting Worcester this month as RPS. part of a UK-wide tour. Its stop-off at The Hive, coinciding with British Science Week

Draw New Mischief Hand And Mind Beyond The Door: Paccar Room, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Grand Union, Birmingham, Fri 3 February - The Koestler Exhibition Stratford-upon-Avon, Sat 25 February - Fri 15 Sat 25 March September For The West Midlands Connections between the realms of speech mac, Birmingham, until Sun 26 March This free exhibition celebrates more than two and gesture are tested in this multimedia Charitable scheme the Koestler Trust has centuries of political cartoons inspired by exhibition, curated by Vanessa Boni and fea- been rewarding artistic achievement in the Shakespeare. turing painting, sculpture, choreography and criminal justice sector for more than 50 Presented to coincide with the RSC’s forth- performance. The included pieces, produced years. This new exhibition features a selec- coming season of Rome-themed plays, Draw by five artists, seek to alter viewers’ percep- tion of entries from the 2016 Koestler Awards New Mischief showcases historical works tions of the communicative synthesis of spo- competition. Presenting artwork, audio and from key political moments in time. ken language and creative writing from prisons, secure hospi- Featured contemporary cartoons include physical gesture, in tals and young offender institutions in the Peter Schrank’s 2015 depiction of Ed so doing unsettling West Midlands, the show encourages viewers Miliband and Nicola Sturgeon as the star- political, personal to re-evaluate ex-offenders and consider the crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, and Morten and theoretical positive contributions they can make to soci- Morland’s April 2016 cartoon of David channels of com- ety. Cameron as Hamlet, gazing at Boris munication. Johnson’s skull. The show is curated by young people from The RSC has also commissioned five cartoon- Walsall Youth Service. ists to create brand new works. The cartoon- ists will use Shakespeare’s Rome plays to Just Move Exhibition respond to political events which occur dur- The Works, Birmingham, Fri 3 February ing the period that the exhibition is on show. Local artist David Roman has been a busy The RSC’s Rome season features productions man. For this first solo exhibition, he under- of Julius Caesar, Antony & Cleopatra, Titus took a project which saw him produce, in the Andronicus and Coriolanus. space of 350 days, the same number of watercolour paintings, the shared theme of which was human movement. “My project is about celebrating the amazing and fascinating super-machine that is the human body,” says David. “Each one of the paintings tells a unique story about different people on their own journeys of self-expres- sion.”

For more visual arts listings, visit whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Comic Con DPS.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:09 Page 1

FEATURE

mcm comic con Cartoon characters, supernatural creatures, cosplay crowds - the MCM Comic Con is a world unto itself. What’s On checks out a phenomenon that has its roots firmly planted in the Midlands region...

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by Heather Kincaid

There can be few in the UK today who While young people make up a large part Said MCM Expo Group CEO Bryan Cooney: haven't witnessed the stunning spectacle of the audience, it's by no means “The Midlands holds a special place in of crowds of cosplayers descending on fan exclusive - there are fans to be found of all our hearts. As it is, after all, where our conventions, at least on screen if not in ages and generations, from those who company is based, we plan on providing person. grew up in the sci-fi heyday of the 1960s, an awesome show for the region's to the children of the digital revolution of enthusiastic audience of sci-fi, comic Over the last few years, the popularity of today. book and film fans. We’ve welcomed a such events has soared, with large-scale host of great special guests to our London shows attracting eye-watering Look closely and you might even spot Midlands comic cons over the years; this attendance figures in excess of 133,000. whole families wearing matching time round we already have Game Of costumes. It's something that's It's perhaps surprising then that the Thrones’ Ian McElhinney (Ser Barristan encouraged. At both MCM Birmingham biggest company in the business is based Selmy) and Red Dwarf’s Chris Barrie and MCM Midlands in Telford, kids under here in the Midlands, running three local (Rimmer).” 10 go free after priority entry ends at 11am. conventions annually in addition to Even if you enter feeling cynical, the In addition to these and other fantastic shows across the country from its offices overwhelming dedication, warmth, guests still to be announced, those in Daventry, Northamptonshire. enthusiasm and inclusivity of the fans is planning a trip to the forthcoming shows Now firmly cemented in the cultural irresistible, whether you're dressed as in Telford and Birmingham can expect to calendars of countless die-hard fans who Deadpool or a Disney princess. see indie writers and artists filling the visit every year, the hugely successful Comic Village, robot wars, a Steampunk But it wasn't always so. The MCM story MCM (Movies, Comics & Media) group Emporium with workshops and talks, a dates right back to 2001, in those quiet continues to grow, extending its reach KidsZone, eSports competitions, panel days of geekdom before Spider-Man had beyond UK borders into Ireland, Belgium discussions, changing areas, a costume kicked off a superhero movie revolution, and Germany. Whether or not you're a repair desk and of course the Cosplay before Russell T Davies had revived Doctor regular visitor, if you've ever had the Masquerade finale, all included in the Who, before comics had reached out to chance to attend an MCM Comic Con, it's price of a ticket. mainstream readership, and well before not hard to understand the appeal. the cosplay phenomenon had really taken Regular stallholders like Amazing Cake Incongruously nestled behind the off in the UK. Some small-scale Co, Manga Entertainment, Genki Gear, business-like facades of conference and conventions and specialised gatherings CeX and Tokyo Toys (who recently set up exhibition centres, every MCM convention already existed, but it was SciFi Shows' a permanent shop in Birmingham) also is a world unto itself, where cartoon Paul Miley and Wolf Events' Bryan Cooney return, alongside a host of other local and characters spring to life and supernatural who were the first to hatch a plan to bring national businesses. creatures freely roam, where stalls something akin to the all-encompassing And as an extra incentive to stop by in swelled with merchandise and unique fan American fan events to Britain, also partly Telford, costume-clad visitors will be creations stretch as far as the eye can see, inspired by the NEC's nostalgic eligible for 50% off ice-skating at the and where video and tabletop gaming Memorabilia show, which would later be Telford Ice Rink! become serious competitive sports. subsumed into MCM Birmingham (in 2005). Like an old-fashioned festival of misrule, everything is upside-down. While Thanks to a happy confluence of Hollywood stars become ordinary people, circumstances that saw attitudes change sitting and talking amongst their fans, towards previously sidelined interests, MCM Comic Con Midlands is held at ordinary folks get their chance to enjoy conventions are now such big business Telford International on Saturday the limelight, taking to the stage to that independents are constantly 11 February. perform in painstakingly handmade cropping up. But 16 years and multiple MCM Comic Con Birmingham takes costumes to heartfelt and hard-earned shows later, MCM's remain the biggest place at the NEC on Saturday 18 to applause, even winning accolades and and most popular in Britain, unrivalled in Sunday 19 March. prizes for their endeavours. attendance outside London.

whatsonlive.co.uk 41  Events February Davina.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 14:11 Page 1

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Events

Race Retro and Markku Alén, who’ll be getting back behind the wheel for a ‘clash of the titans’. Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, Fri 24 - Sun 26 February Now in its 15th year, Race Retro showcases every motorsport disci- The presence of motorsport legend Tom Kristensen is one of the pline, including formula and circuit racing, rallying, hill climbs, tour- • undoubted highlights of this month’s historic motorsport show. ing cars, motorcycling, sports and GT cars. Kristensen won Le Mans at his first attempt in 1997 and has tri- The show also offers visitors the chance to purchase parts, spares, umphed in the event a record nine times, six of his victories taking helmets and clothing, as well as new racing or rally cars in a special place in consecutive years. auction. Tom is joined at this year’s show by Finnish rally legends Ari Vatanen

Birth Of Flight Müller Indoor Ironbridge Gorge Museums, Grand Prix Shropshire, Sat 18 - Sun 26 February Birmingham Ironbridge Gorge Museums is celebrat- Barclaycard Arena, ing the birth of flight during the half- Birmingham, Sat 18 February term holiday, presenting a range of Indoor Grand Prix Birmingham themed family activities at some of its 2017 brings together many of most popular attractions. the country’s top athletes to Visitors can discover the fun of flying compete in track and field at the Enginuity design & technology events. centre, building and launching a Six Rio Olympic champions pneumatic rocket at twice-daily drop- have been confirmed for the in workshops. meeting, including four-time There are falconry displays and kite- Olympic champion Mo Farah. making opportunities to enjoy at Blists The recordbreaking Laura Muir Hill Victorian Town, while people pay- is also competing, attempting ing a visit to the Jackfield Tile Museum to smash Kelly Holmes’ British can decorate tiles with images of a record over 1,000 metres. hot-air balloon, flying saucer, aero- And in what promises to be a plane or other flying ‘machine’. spectacular clash, Britain's top Across the river, the Coalport China female sprinter, Dina Asher- Museum gets in on the act too, provid- Smith, will face double ing visitors with the chance to sculpt Olympic champion Elaine their own flying creature. Thompson over 60 metres.

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more events from around the region

On The Move Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Sat 18 - Sun 26 February An exploration of the region’s transport heritage is the highlight of the Black Country Living Museum’s half-term holiday line- up of entertainment. As well as its celebration of all things ‘on the move’, the popular venue also offers visitors the chance to try out some traditional street games and experience a trip ‘into the thick’, sampling life in an 1850s-style coal mine.

Llangollen Mind Caravan, Camping & advice and a packed programme of events Body Spirit Festival and entertainment. Featured fun includes Llangollen Pavilion, North Wales, Motorhome Show cookery demonstrations, bushcraft work- Sun 5 February NEC, Birmingham, Tues 21 - Sun 26 February shops, an adventure assault course, a mobile At a time when world events are Attracting huge crowds and promising to be climbing mountain, an artificial caving zone regularly adding an extra level of ‘bigger and better than ever’, the Caravan, and a dog agility arena. anxiety to the stresses and strains Camping & Motorhome Show features over Television presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle of everyday life, the chance to 350 exhibitors. heads the show’s celebrity line-up, which also access some spiritual nourishment As well as exploring all the latest products, includes Kate Humble, Julia Bradbury, four- at this one-day event will prove the show also offers buying tips, holiday time Welsh National Surfing Champion Jo hugely appealing to a good many Dennison and Barney Harwood. people. The show features more than 60 stalls offering: alternative therapies; psychic one-to-one Airfix Make And Take Brick Week readings; complementary healing; RAF Cosford Museum, Mon 20 - Fri 24 February British Motor Museum, Gaydon, mediumship, tarot and angel Sat 18 - Sun 26 February cards; well-being and beauty prod- A week of automotive-themed brick-building ucts; ethical cosmetics; crystals, challenges is on offer this half term at the incense, fair-trade gifts and alter- British Motor Museum - including the chance native crafts. to help build a lifesize Mini out of Lego bricks. There are free workshops available Visitors will be able to complete their own too, as well as a range of vegetari- brick section, afterwards handing it over to an and vegan food to enjoy in the professional model builders to assemble into Pavilion restaurant. the lifesize model. The event also includes the 25-Brick Challenge, providing competitively minded motor enthu- Chinese New Year siasts with the opportunity to build a British car. A Mini-related museum trail and a dedi- Of The Rooster cated foam-brick area for the under-fives also The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent, feature. Sun 5 February Traditional dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, magic, acro- bats and folk dancing all feature This annual family-friendly event is this year in this Chinese New Year celebra- providing visitors with the chance to build a tion. Visitors with a leaning 1:72 Spitfire, Mitsubishi Zero, Albatros and towards craft-based activities can Sopwith Pup. For families with younger chil- scratch their creative itch by get- dren, there’s a wooden biplane to assemble ting to grips with Chinese paint- and decorate together. Modelling skills aren’t ing, writing and origami. required in order to take part, as staff will be Theatrical endeavours include per- on hand to provide assistance. The museum is formances from local Chinese offering all participants a 10% discount on Sunday school children and an model kits from the souvenir shop. extract of Cantonese Opera per- formed in full cultural costume.

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more events from around the region

The 50+ Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 17 - Sat 18 February If you’re old enough to remember the Glam Rock era, the three-day week and plenty of things that went before, you’re the right age to get yourself along to this event. This year’s 50+ Show focuses on the four key topics of hobbies & crafts, finance & money, health and travel. Along the way it provides no shortage of evidence that life beyond that first half century can offer plenty in terms of adventure, while also recognising that there may be the occasional challenge to over- come. So if you’d like to discover the secrets of good mental health, find out about special-interest holidays, contemplate taking up cake deco- rating, or fancy exploring genealogy, this is the show for you.

Hot Rods And Kool Castle Quest with various characters, each with a Kustoms unique word to share. Problem is, though, Tamworth Castle, Mon 20 - Sun 26 February they’ll only share that word if a task is Coventry Transport Museum, until Sun 14 May An event developed from numerous com- completed or a riddle solved... Retro racers abound at a show that urges you puter-game concepts, Castle Quest has On conclusion of the Quest, participants to fire up your engines and take a trip down been designed with teenagers very much take ‘the ultimate challenge’ - to walk the memory lane. Featuring hot rods from across in mind. As Questers make their way Quest grid blindfolded, testing the success the UK and icons from both the American around the castle, they come into contact of their problem-solving skills. and British custom car scene, this exhibition of vintage vehicles comes complete with an interactive family area. Hands-on experi- ences include the chance to customise a real car bonnet using pin-striping techniques, February Half Term prose or poetry inspired by the history of race cars down a ramp with loop-the-loops Activities at the RSC the RSC, Shakespeare and theatre; and a and celebrate on a special winner’s podium. behind-the-scenes look at how theatrical Various RSC venues, Stratford-upon-Avon, bruises, cuts and scars are created. Mon 20 - Fri 24 February The line-up also features a Storytime The Royal Shakespeare Company is offer- adventure, an afternoon of free craft activi- I’m An Arley Adventurer, ing so much by way of activities to enjoy ties, the chance to create a masked per- Get Me Out Of Here! this half-term holiday that it might make formance and learn the art of stage com- Arley Arboretum, nr Bewdley, sense to spend the whole week in bat, and an opportunity to get to grips Mon 20 - Fri 24 February Stratford! with the story and themes of Julius Caesar. Keeping kids captivated with creepy-crawly Highlights of the RSC’s family-friendly pro- Oh, and you can even learn how to deco- capers is Arley Arboretum’s sworn intention gramme include: the chance for children rate cupcakes, courtesy of the RSC’s mag- this half-term holiday. at different ages to create their very own nificently talented pastry chef. If ever a Little ones can explore the venue’s brand shortened version of Julius Caesar; a spe- legendary theatre company had all the new ‘adventurer bug trail’ and check out the cial workshop in which kids can write half-term bases covered... mystery boxes found en route. There are crawlies hiding inside each box, but only plastic ones, to ensure the experience is suit- able for youngsters of all ages. The venue’s specialist ‘bug man’ will be put- ting in a daily appearance too (from midday to 2pm), bringing along with him lots of mini beasts as well as numerous other animals, including snakes, tarantulas, lizards, an owl and a pygmy hedgehog. Arley activities for children who’d prefer to steer clear of all things creepy crawly include a special maze, an adventure playground and the dinosaur, fairy and pre-school Woodland Animal Trail.

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Readers’ Awards

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

THEATRE: Midlands Large Theatre THEATRE: Best Home Produced THEATRE: Best Amateur l Birmingham Hippodrome Show In The Midlands Dramatic/Operatic Group l New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham l Bring On The Bollywood - l Bilston Operatic Company l Regent Theatre, Hanley Belgrade Theatre, Coventry l Bournville Musical Theatre Company l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l Gangsta Granny - l Get Your Wigle On l The REP, Birmingham Birmingham Stage Company l Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Co. l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Hamlet - Royal Shakespeare l West Bromwich Operatic Society Company (WBOS) THEATRE: Midlands Arts Centre l Singin’ In The Rain - The New Vic l Wolverhampton Musical Comedy l Foxlowe Arts Centre, Stoke l The Exorcist - The REP Company (MUSCOM) l mac, Birmingham l The Wind In The Willows - l Newhampton Arts Centre, The Old Rep, Birmingham THEATRE: Best Amateur Wolverhampton Production l The Hive, Shrewsbury THEATRE: Best Pantomime In The l American Idiot - Old Joint Stock l Warwick Arts Centre Midlands 2016/17 Musical Theatre Company l Aladdin - Grand Theatre W’hampton l Fame - Wolverhampton Musical THEATRE: Best Touring Musical l Cinderella - Regent Theatre, Hanley Comedy Company (MUSCOM) l Blood Brothers l Cinderella - Theatre Severn l Jekyll & Hyde - Bournville Musical l Dirty Dancing l Dick Whittington - Birmingham Theatre Company l Hairspray Hippodrome l Legally Blonde - Stourbridge Amateur l Mamma Mia! l Dick Whittington - Belgrade Theatre Operatic Society l Mary Poppins l Sleeping Beauty - Lichfield Garrick l Made in Dagenham - West Bromwich l The Jersey Boys Operatic Society (WBOS) THEATRE: Best Kids Show l Our House - The Madness Musical - THEATRE: Best Touring Play l Disney On Ice presents Frozen Bilston Operatic Company l Gangsta Granny l Gangsta Granny l Of Mice & Men l Room On The Broom DANCE: Best Production l Shawshank Redemption l The Bear l Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater l The Full Monty l The Snowman l BRB - The Nutcracker l The Woman In Black l We’re Going On A Bear Hunt l Life: Balletboyz VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

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#culturematters #artsmatters

l Matthew Bourne’s Sleeping Beauty COMEDY: Best Midlands Best Midlands Live Band l Snow White - Vienna Festival Ballet Comedian l Electric Swing Circus l Barbara Nice l Ned’s Atomic Dustbin CLASSICAL (inc Opera): l Greg Davies l Peace Best Production l Jay Islaam l Stephen Duffy & The Lilac Time l Birmingham Opera Company - l Joe Lycett l The Twang Dido ‘n’ Aeneas l Jonny Cole l English Touring Opera - Don Giovanni Best Midlands Chef l HMS Pinafore - Sasha Regan COMEDY: Best Midlands l Adam Stokes (Adams, Birmingham) l WNO - Kiss Me Kate Comedy Break-through l Brad Carter (Carters of Moseley) l WNO - Sweeney Todd l Josh Pugh l Glynn Purnell (Purnell’s, Birmingham) l Masai Graham l Luke Tipping (Simpsons, Birmingham) CLASSICAL: l Sarah Johnson l Richard Turner (Turners, Birmingham) Best Orchestra/Choir l Stu Woodings l Birmingham Bach Choir l Tom Christian Best Midlands Food Festival l Birmingham Contemporary Music l Great British Food Festival - Group (BCMG) COMEDY: Best Midlands Shugborough l Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra Comedy Night l Foodies Festival Birmingham l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l Blue Giraffe - Wolverhampton l Lichfield Food Festival l City Of Birmingham Symphony l CAN Comedy l Ludlow Food Festival Orchestra (CBSO) l Comedy 42 - Lichfield Garrick l Shrewsbury Food Festival l Comedy Carousel at The Glee Club, ARTS: Best Midlands Arts/Cultural Birmingham Best Midlands Street Food Vendor Festival l Comedy at Henry Tudor House, l Andy Low ‘n’ Slow l Artsfest Wolverhampton Shrewsbury l Baked in Brick l Birmingham Literature Festival l Just The Tonic - Birmingham l Buddha Belly l Birmingham Comedy Festival l Bournville Waffle Company l Flatpack Festival Best Midlands Music Venue l Vegan Grindhouse l Godiva Festival (Large: 1000+ capacity) l The Meat Shack l International Dance Festival B’ham l Barclaycard Arena - Birmingham l Genting Arena - Birmingham Best Midlands Retail ARTS: Best Exhibition l O2 Academy - Birmingham Shopping Centre l All The World’s A Stage - l Symphony Hall - Birmingham l Bullring - Birmingham Barber Institute l Victoria Hall - Hanley l Grand Central - Birmingham l Craft Open West Midlands l Mailbox - Birmingham l Grayson Perry: The Vanity of Small Best Midlands Music Festival l Mell Square Shopping Centre - Differences - Herbert Art Gallery l Birmingham & Solihull Jazz Festival Solihull l Inspire 16 - Birmingham Museum & l Lichfield Arts’ Fuse Festival l Merry Hill - Brierley Hill Art Gallery l Moseley Folk Festival l Telford Shopping Centre l Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 l Shrewsbury Folk Festival - Wolverhampton Art Gallery l Slam Dunk Festival Midlands Entertainment Personality of the Year Award Best Independent Cinema Best Midlands Musician l Adil Ray (Citizen Khan) l Electric Cinema - Birmingham l Dan Owen l Beverley Knight l Light House Media Centre - l Laura Mvula l Doreen Tipton Wolverhampton l Libby Gilksman l Julie Walters l mac - Birmingham l Scott Matthews l Lenny Henry l Old Market Hall - Shrewsbury l Soweto Kinch l Red Carpet Cinema - Burton

and choose your WINNER!

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What’s On FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM BLACK COUNTRY WARWICKSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE SHROPSHIRE

Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Best Arts/Theatre Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue Venue l Artrix, Bromsgrove l Lichfield Garrick l Theatre Severn l The Crescent l Arena Theatre l Albany Theatre, Dudley Concert Hall Coventry l Evesham Arts Centre l New Vic Theatre, l The Hive, Shrewsbury l mac Birmingham l l Forest Arts Centre l Belgrade Theatre, l Huntingdon Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme l The Place, Telford l New Alexandra l Grand Theatre Coventry Worcester l Prince of Wales l The Wightman, l Old Joint Stock l Newhampton Arts l Royal Shakespeare l Malvern Theatres Centre, Cannock Shrewsbury l The Old Rep Centre Theatre, Stratford l Swan Theatre, l Regent Theatre, l Theatre On The Steps l The REP l Royal Spa Centre, Worcester Stoke-on-Trent Leamington Spa l Stafford Gatehouse Best Music Venue Best Music Venue Best Music Venue l The Criterion Theatre, Best Music Venue Theatre l Walker Theatre l The Glee Club, l Dudley Concert Hall Coventry l Drummonds Bar, l Havana Republic, l Katie Fitzgeralds l Warwick Arts Centre, l Hare & Hounds Worcester Best Music Venue Shrewsbury l The Civic Hall Coventry l The Jam House Huntingdon Hall, l Henry Tudor House, l The Robin 2 l l Lichfield Guildhall l mac, Worcester Shrewsbury l The Slade Rooms l Prince of Wales l The Roadhouse, Best Music Venue l The Boar's Head, Centre, Cannock l The Buttermarket, Best Visitor l The Assembly, Kidderminster l Victoria Hall, Hanley Shrewsbury Best Festival Leamington Spa l The Iron Road, l Tamworth Assembly l The Hive, Shrewsbury Attraction l The Copper Rooms, Evesham Rooms l Birmingham Comedy The Marr's Bar, l Black Country Living Coventry l l The Sugarmill, Stoke Best Festival l Birmingham & Solihull Museum l The Kasbah, Coventry Worcester l Farmer Phil’s Festival Jazz & Blues l Dudley Canal & l Tin Music & Arts, Best Festival l Ludlow Food Festival l MADE Birmingham Tunnel Trust Coventry Best Festival l Big Feast, Stoke-On- l Haydn Festival l Moseley Folk l Dudley Zoo l Warwick Arts Centre Asparafest, Nr l Trent l Shrewsbury Folk l Mostly Jazz, Funk & l RAF Cosford Museum Evesham Stafford Arts Festival Festival Soul l Wightwick Manor Best Festival l l Bromsgrove Folk l Shrewsbury Food l Wolverhampton l Lichfield Arts' Fuse l Godiva Festival l Malvern Food Festival Festival Festival Racecourse l Worcester Music Fest Best Visitor l Leamington Food and l Great British Food Attraction Drink Festival l Upton Upon Severn Festival - Shugborough Best Visitor Best Event l Lunar Festival Jazz Festival l Lichfield Festival l Birmingham Botanical Stratford River Festival Attraction l 1940s Evening - Black l Gardens Country Living Museum l Warwick Folk Festival Best Visitor l Attingham Park Best Visitor l British Ironworks l Birmingham Museum l Artsfest W’hampton Attraction Centre, Oswestry & Art Gallery l Cosford Air Show Best Visitor Attraction l Avoncroft,Bromsgrove l Cadbury World l Dudley Beer Festival l Alton Towers l Dana Prison Tours Attraction l Elgar’s Birthplace, l Sealife Centre l Go Wild Week at l Drayton Manor Theme l Ironbridge Museums l British Motor Museum Worcester l The Jewellery Quarter Dudley Zoo Park l Severn Valley Railway, l Coventry Transport l Hanbury Hall and Thinktank l Lichfield Cathedral Bridgnorth l Museum Gardens Best Gallery/ l Monkey Forest l Shrewsbury Castle l Kenilworth Castle l Severn Valley Railway, l National Memorial Best Outdoor Exhibition Venue l Shakespeare’s Bewdley Arboretum Best Event l Bilston Craft Gallery Birthplace Trust l West Mid Safari Park Event l Tamworth Castle l 1940s Evening at l Dudley Museum & Art l Warwick Castle l Birmingham Ice Rink Gallery Blists Hill Best Independent The Big Busk in Centenary Square l Light House Media Best Event Best Event l l Birmingham Pride Centre Restaurant l Lichfield Lumiere l MCM Comic Con l Art In The Park, Frankfurt Christmas l Lichfield Proms in Midlands, Telford l l New Art Gallery, Leamington Spa l Banners Café & Beacon Park l Shrewsbury Flower Market Walsall Brick Wonders, Restaurant, Bromsgrove l Show l Magical Lantern l Wolverhampton Herbert Art Gallery l Casa Med Tapas, l Scarefest at Alton Museum & Art Gallery Towers l Tattoo Freeze Festival l Coventry Sky Ride Bromsgrove l Summer in Southside l Godiva Festival l Saffron’s Bistro, l St. George's Day at Best Independent l Making Mischief - Worcester Tamworth Castle Best Gallery/ Best Indoor Event RSC l The Olive Branch, l The Enchanted Exhibition Venue Restaurant Chandelier at Central Worcester l Bear Steps Art l BBC Good Food l Indigo Restaurant, Forest Park Best Gallery/ l The Royal Oak, Gallery, Shrewsbury Show Wolverhampton Evesham l Coalbrookdale Brick Live (LEGO) l Mad O’Rourkes Pie Exhibition Venue l Best Nightclub Gallery, Ironbridge Factory, Dudley l Compton Verney l Clothes Show Live Best Independent l Bunker 13, Stoke Penn Tandoori, Coventry Music l Shrewsbury Museum l Grand Designs l l Couture, Stafford Wolverhampton Museum Café l & Art Gallery l MCM Comic Con l Kuda, Tamworth Van, The Market Hall, l The Old Glasshouse, l Herbert Art Gallery l Coffee No.1, Pershore l l Pink, Stoke Shrewsbury Dudley l Leamington Spa Art l G&Tea, Worcester l Silks, Cannock Best Gallery/ l The Summerhouse, Gallery & Museum l Lorita's Bakehouse, l Willow Gallery, Oswestry Exhibition Venue Dudley l Mead Gallery Bromsgrove Mac & Jac's Cafe-Deli, Best Independent The Barber Institute l l Worcester Café Best Shropshire l Birmingham Museum Best Independent Best Independent l Word Of Mouth, & Art Gallery l 15 On The Corner, Nightclub Cafe Restaurant Evesham Lichfield l The Buttermarket, l Birmingham Open l Cafe Cappella, Dudley l Cheals of Henley, l Damn Fine Cafe, l C:21, Shrewsbury Media l Cozy Coffee, Dudley Henley-in-Arden Best Nightclub Lichfield l Club Crush, Telford l Ikon l Gluttons For l Greyhound Inn, l 57 Monkeys, l Little Green Frog Inferno, Shrewsbury l mac Nourishment, l Coventry Bromsgrove Cafe, Lichfield Pussycats Night Club, l Thinktank The Brook Coffee l l l La Coppola, The Food Room, House, Wolverhampton l Marilyn's Nightclub, l Telford Leamington Spa Evesham l The Lounge of l The Old School Tea l Restaurant 23, l The Flag, Worcester Lichfield Rooms, Wolverhampton Leamington Spa l The Velvet Lounge, l Whitmore Tearooms, l The Cross, Kenilworth l Tramps, Worcester Newcastle-under-Lyme VISIT whatsonlive.co.uk FOR A LIST OF ALL THE AWARD CATEGORIES AND FINALISTS IN EACH REGION VOTE today at whatsonlive.co.uk 50 whatsonlive.co.uk The List Cover February Warwicks/Worcs.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 17:00 Page 2

Your week to week listings guide February 2017 thelist

Running Wild at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry - Wed 22 - Sat 25 February25 Sat - 22 Wed - Coventry Theatre, Belgrade at Wild Running

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

What’s On Wed 1 to Sun 5 February Mon 6 to Sun 12 February Mon 13 to Sun 19 February Mon 20 to Tues 28 February

Harry Potter Book Night at Sid's Deep Sea Discovery at Shakespearian Cottage Bird Chris Ramsey at The Hive, Worcester Artrix, Bromsgrove Watch at Anne Hathaway’s Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 2 February Sun 12 February Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon Sun 26 February Sat 18 - Sun 26 February

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thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Gigs

JOURNEY THROUGH JAPAN Marjorie Visual Arts Bell (1890-1962) travelled around THE FALL Wed 1 Feb, Japan with her mother and cousin. The Assembly, During their two-month journey, they Leamington Spa Artrix, Bromsgrove took photographs and wrote a diary. RAY COOPER Wed 1 NEW BERNADETTE LOUISE - ACCUSED: This record of their visit is displayed Feb, The Red Lion AN AUTISM MOTHER Through her art alongside items from the galleries Folk Club, Birmingham and spoken word event, Bernadette collection of Japanese objects, BARBARA DICKSON Wed exposes the true harm caused by prints and ceramics, until Sun 2 Apr 1 Feb, Birmingham the authorities to families with Town Hall ‘unseen disabilities’, Wed 1 - Sun 26 The Hive, Worcester KNOXVILLE HIGHWAY Feb STAN YOUNG - A LIFE IN PAINTING Stan Wed 1 Feb, The Jam NEW MEGAN JACKSON: BE MASCULINE, has been working as a painter for House, Birmingham BE FEMININE, BE BOTH, BE NEITHER, BE more than 60 years and remains TOM WALKER TRIO Wed UNAPOLOGETIC A collection of hand- inspired by people, politics and the 1 Feb, The Sunflower painted jackets at the forefront of world around him, until Sun 5 Feb fashion, challenging stereotypes but Lounge, Birmingham NEW INTERNATIONAL IMAGES FOR also serving as statement art pieces LIVE DEAD 69 Wed 1 SCIENCE Showcasing 100 of the best about gender roles, Wed 1 - Sun 26 Feb, The Robin, photographic images of science. Feb Bilston From professional researchers and photographers to dedicated ama- KATHRYN WILLIAMS & Birmingham Museum & teurs and young scientists trying to ANTHONY KERR Wed 1 Art Gallery Feb, Kitchen Garden capture science for the first time, Donny Osmond -Genting Arena, Birmingham NIGHT IN THE MUSEUM: RYAN GANDER Wed 8 Feb - Wed 22 Mar Cafe, Birmingham CURATES THE ARTS COUNCIL HALF MAN HALF BISCUIT COLLECTION Warwick Arts Centre, Thurs 2 Feb, The & The Four Seasons, Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Leading British artist Coventry Robin, Bilston Fri 3 Feb - Sat 4 Feb, Worcester Ryan Gander’s selection of artworks The Core Theatre, SWEDE DREAMZ Sat 4 SUBODH GUPTA - FROM FAR AWAY MENACE BEACH Thurs 2 from the Arts Council Collection, Solihull Feb, The River Rooms, UNCLE MOON CALLS A major exhibi- Feb, Hare & Hounds, until Sun 12 Feb CHRIS BEVINGTON AND Stourbridge CONNECTED HISTORIES: MUSLIMS IN tion by one of India’s foremost con- Birmingham FRIENDS Fri 3 Feb, THE FIRST WORLD WAR A new exhibi- temporary artists, until Sat 11 Mar BLACK SABBATH Thurs 2 BLACK SABBATH Sat 4 tion which explores the untold sto- Eleven, Sandyford, Feb, Genting Arena, Feb, Genting Arena, Stoke-on-Trent ries of more than 400,000 Muslim Worcester City Museum & Birmingham Birmingham soldiers in the First World War, until HOLY THIEF, DARK Art Gallery SEAWAY Thurs 2 Feb, KALEO Sat 4 Feb, O2 Sun 5 Mar ACTORS & THE LOADED Institute, Birmingham ENQUIRING MINDS Featuring draw- O2 Academy, B’ham Fri 3 Feb, The Tin BIRMINGHAM PEOPLE AND CHANGE IN ings by naturalist John Gould, land G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS THE INNER-CITY Birmingham People HEALTHY JUNKIES Thurs Music And Arts, and cityscape watercolours by HH 2 Feb, The Flapper, Coventry Sat 4 Feb, The Robin, explores the ways in which ordinary Lines and local artefacts discovered Bilston Brummie folk have been represent- Birmingham WUZI Fri 3 Feb, by famous archaeologist Pitt Rivers, MONTPARNASSE Sat 4 ed in art during the 20th and 21st until Sat 11 Nov THE DEEP PURPLE Kasbah, Coventry centuries. Change In The Inner-City FAMILY TREE Fri 3 Feb, Feb, mac, Birmingham focuses on the four inner-city wards NEW DAVID COX AND HIS The Robin, Bilston THE CLAUSE Sat 4 Feb, of Ladywood - Nechells, Soho, CONTEMPORARIES Drawing on the O2 Academy, B’ham gallery's extensive collection of THE WONDER YEARS Fri Aston and Ladywood, until Fri 31 3 Feb, O2 Institute, PETER AND THE TEST Mar paintings by Birmingham-born David Cox, the exhibition is support- Birmingham TUBE BABIES, BIRMINGHAM BIG ART PROJECT ed by high-profile British Museum SWINGING 60'S MOTOWN SUCKERPUNCH, THE Birmingham Big Art project is com- loans of works by Constable and PARTY Featuring The NERKS & THE YOUTH missioning a major new work of Turner, and explores Cox's place Krystalettes Fri 3 Feb, WITHIN Sat 4 Feb, The public art for the city. The exhibition within British art, Sat 18 Feb - Sat 3 Nailcote Hall, Flapper, Birmingham of shortlisted artists’ proposals is June Berkswell, COMFY & ACOUSTIC fea- MIKEY PLUS SUPPORT here on the final leg of its tour. This Warwickshire turing Nadine Khouri, FROM SAINT LEONARD’S is the last chance to see the models Wednesday's Wolves Other VISUAL ARTS ABBA MANIA Fri 3 Feb, HORSES & JOSEPH and have your say, until Sun 23 Apr and Ben P Williams Fri HICKLIN Sat 4 Feb, The THE PLAY'S THE THING Family-friendly New Alexandra FAITH IN BIRMINGHAM, Exploring how 3 Feb, The Big Comfy Sunflower Lounge, exhibition full of treasures from the Theatre, Birmingham different faiths have influenced and Bookshop, Fargo Birmingham archives and the museum collec- shaped the city, until Sun 3 Feb PHILLIP HENRY AND Village, Coventry tion, including rarely seen props, DISCIPLES + VAULTS 2019 HANNAH MARTIN Fri 3 INTO THE HURRICANE Fri costumes and original set designs, Sat 4 Feb, Kasbah, Feb, Artrix, 3 Feb, The Flapper, until Sun 10 Sept, The Swan Coventry Bromsgrove Birmingham Herbert Art Gallery & Theatre Stratford SAUL ROSE & JAMES Museum, Coventry KINGS OV LEON Fri 3 THE JOHN OTWAY BIG CINDY WILLIAMS Cindy is a DELARRE Sun 5 Feb, Feb, The Roadhouse, BAND Sat 4 Feb, Artrix, MADE IN THE MIDDLE A recurring Worcestershire-based pastel artist Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Bromsgrove touring exhibition highlighting some who mostly draws her inspiration Birmingham of the best contemporary craft and FREE AT LAST Fri 3 Feb, from 1920s and ’30s silent-film GOODNIGHT LENIN Sat 4 T.REXTASY Sun 5 Feb, applied art from the Midlands. Part Route 44, Birmingham divas, until Mon 6 Mar, Evesham Feb, Hare & Hounds, Artrix, Bromsgrove of Craftspace’s 30th anniversary Arts Centre DONNY OSMOND Fri 3 Birmingham programme, until Sun 5 Feb Feb, Genting Arena, BLACK PEAKS Sun 5 NEW SCULPTING THE MUSEUM NATHAN CARTER Sat 4 Feb, O2 Academy, NEW FACE TO FACE: PORTRAITS Birmingham Sculptor Michael Shaw’s dynamic Feb, New Alexandra Birmingham THROUGH TIME Explore a centuries- contemporary sculpture, designed STEVE ‘BIG MAN’ CLAY- Theatre, Birmingham old fascination with capturing our to put a smile on the face, Sat 28 TON Fri 3 Feb, Blue GREEN HAZE Sat 4 Feb, own image. Featuring paintings, Jan - Sat 25 Mar, Rugby Art Gallery Piano Restaurant And The Marr's Bar, photographs, sculptures and inter- & Museum Bar, Birmingham Worcester active activities, Fri 3 Feb - Sun 4 NEW LS LOWRY EXHIBITION Rare THEM HEAVY PEOPLE - THE ELVIS YEARS Sat 4 June selection of paintings, drawings and KATE BUSH TRIBUTE Fri Feb, The Roses 3 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Leamington Spa Art Gallery master graphics from LS Lowry RA Theatre, Tewkesbury 1887–1976, Sat 4 - Sun 5 Feb, & Museum LET'S HANG ON The OYE SANTANA Sat 4 Whitewall Galleries, Stratford-Upon- music of Frankie Valli

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Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February

rehearsing choruses from Mozart's Classical Music Coronation Mass, Sat 4 Feb, Selly Oak Methodist Church, Birmingham STRATFORD CHAMBER CHOIR: BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH Featuring Mirga PALESTRINA AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES Gražinyt-Tyla (conductor), Francesco Sat 4 Feb, Stratford Artshouse, Piemontesi (piano) & the City of Stratford-upon-Avon Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Programme includes works by EX CATHEDRA: PURCELL DIDO & AENEAS Haydn, Mozart & Beethoven, Sun 29 Featuring Greg Skidmore (Aeneas), Jan - Thurs 2 Feb, Symphony Hall, Angela Hicks (Belinda), Martha Birmingham McLorinan (Sorceress), Amy Wood (First Witch), Elizabeth Adams (Second Witch) & Jeremy Budd (Sailor), Sun 5 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall THERE WILL BE BLOOD: LIVE Featuring the London Contemporary Orchestra, Hugh Brunt (conductor), Cynthia Millar (Ondes Martenot), Galya Bisengalieva (violin) & Oliver Coates Stomp - Warwick Arts Centre (cello), Sun 5 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham restoration comedy, rich with seduc- THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL PHILHARMONIC tion, intrigue and danger, set in the ORCHESTRA Featuring Vasily Petrenko topsy-turvy world of the carnival, until (conductor) & Daniil Trifonov (piano). Theatre Sat 11 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Programme includes works by Stratford-upon-Avon Stravinsky, Rachmaninov & Comedy Gigs LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER New stag- LOVE New play from Alexander Prokofiev, Wed 1 Feb, Symphony ing of DH Lawrence's most famous Zeldin, written through a devising Hall, Birmingham CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Wed 1 Feb, novel, until Fri 3 Feb, The Blue process in which the audience are COULL QUARTET: ROMANTIC JOURNEY The Dark Horse, Moseley, B’ham Orange Theatre, Birmingham invited to bear witness to an intimate Programme includes works by DIRTY DANCING The story of Baby and story of ‘family love for our times’, Schubert, Mendelssohn & Brahms, JOSH HOWIE Thurs 2 Feb, The Glee Jonny, told through heart-pounding until Sat 11 Feb, The REP, B’ham Thurs 2 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Club, Birmingham music and sexy dancing, until Sat 4 FRANKENSTEIN The Crescent Theatre Coventry GARY LITTLE, DAVE FULTON & COMEDY Feb, Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Company presents a staging of Mary LIEBESLIEDER Featuring Elouise CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Shelley’s gothic tale, until Sat 11 Waterhouse (mezzo-soprano), Elise Thurs 2 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham Award-winning musical, until Sat 4 Feb, The Crescent Theatre, B’ham Fairley (soprano), Richard James ROB BECKETT Thurs 2 Feb, Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre WHAT'S IN A NAME? Nigel Harman & (tenor), Andrew Randall (bass), Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Sarah Hadland star in the premiere Bernard Tann & Petrina Phua DIAL M FOR MURDER Amateur produc- IAN STIRLING Fri 3 Feb, The Glee of Jeremy Sams' stage adaptation of (accompanists) & James Gribble tion of Frederick Knott’s intensely Club, Birmingham the French film and stage sensation, (reader), Thurs 2 Feb, Birmingham dark thriller, Mon 30 Jan - Sat 4 Feb, Le Prenom, until Sat 11 Feb, The Conservatoire ROB AUTON Fri 3 Feb, Theatre Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth Severn, Shrewsbury, Shropshire REP, Birmingham MARK BEBBINGTON - BROMSGROVE STOMP A British theatrical sensation, MARY SHELLEY The Crescent Theatre CONCERTS Programme includes IMRAN YUSUF, GEORGE RIGDEN, DAMIAN fusing percussion, dance, theatre Company presents Helen works by Schubert, Matthew-Walker, KINGSLEY Fri 3 Feb, Katie and comedy with an exhilarating Edmundson’s compelling drama Bliss & Beethoven, Fri 3 Feb, Artrix, Fitzgerald's, Stourbridge soundtrack, Tues 31 Jan - Sat 4 Feb, about the life of one of the world’s Bromsgrove AURIE STYLA, QUINCY, KEVIN J & Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry most famous writers of Gothic fiction, ROADMAN DAVID Fri 3 Feb, mac, EVITA Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim until Sat 11 Feb, The Crescent Birmingham Rice's third major collaboration Theatre, Birmingham DANNY BAKER Fri 3 Feb, Warwick Arts opened to rave reviews way back in ROUND THE HORNE Based on the vin- Centre, Coventry the late 1970s, and has since gar- nered a reputation as one of the tage BBC radio comedy sketch DAVE FULTON, GARY LITTLE, JENNY greatest musicals ever to grace West show, Wed 1 Feb, New Alexandra COLLIER & CHARL IE BAKER Fri 3 - Sat End and Broadway stages, until Sat Theatre, Birmingham 4 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham 4 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- POLICE COPS Action-packed hour of FREDDIE FARRELL, SALLY-ANNE Trent ‘adrenaline-fuelled physical comedy, HAYWARD & TOPPING AND BUTCH Fri 3 MADE IN INDIA A new play about cinematic style and uncompromising - Sat 4 Feb, Jongleurs, Birmingham motherhood and blood ties between facial hair’, Wed 1 Feb, Bridge House GAVIN WEBSTER, LARRY DEAN, MARK women and nations in a brave new Theatre, Warwick PIANO QUINTETS WITH CEDRIC NELSON & DARRELL MARTIN Fri 3 - Sat world, until Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade TIBERGHIEN Also featuring Emmet 4 Feb, The Comedy Loft, B’ham Theatre, Coventry Byrne (oboe); Oliver Janes (clarinet), GEORGE EGG Sat 4 Feb, Artrix, THE TWO NOBLE KINSMEN Based on Michael Kidd (horn) & Margaret Bromsgrove Chaucer's The Knight's Tale, The Two Cookhorn (bassoon), Programme Noble Kinsmen is attributed to John includes works by Mozart & GAVIN WEBSTER, JUNIOR SIMPSON, TOM Fletcher & William Shakespeare and Beethoven, Fri 3 Feb, CBSO Centre, TOAL & ROB MULHOLLAND Sat 4 Feb, is best described as a tragicomedy Birmingham Coventry Showcase exploring the intoxication and JIMMY CARR Sun 5 Feb, Warwick Arts ULRICH HEINEN LUNCHTIME CONCERT strangeness of love, until Tues 7 Feb, Centre, Coventry Programme comprises The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- Stockhausen's Tierkeis (Zodiac) & JS Avon Bach's Suite No,6 in D. BWV1012, Fri HYSTERIA Terry Johnson’s modern THE SEVEN ACTS OF MERCY Anders 3 Feb, The Barber Institute, B’ham farce explores the fallout when two of Lustgarten’s visceral new play, which the 20th century’s most brilliant and JOHN WILLIAMS AT THE OSCARS confronts the dangerous necessity of original minds (Salvador Dali & Featuring Michael Seal (Conductor) compassion, in a world where it is in Sigmund Freud) collide, Wed 1 - Sat & Tommy Pearson (Presenter), Fri 3 short supply. Directed by RSC 4 Feb, Malvern Theatre, Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Deputy Artistic Director Erica Worcestershire BIRMINGHAM BACH CHOIR: COME AND Whyman, until Fri 10 Feb, The Swan IN A PICKLE Oily Cart fuse storytelling, SING Join Paul Spicer and members Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon dance and puppetry to present a the- of the Birmingham Bach Choir in THE ROVER Aphra Behn's anarchic atrical experience for younger audi-

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Fri 24 Feb, 8pm Sat 25 Feb, 7:30pm Sun 19 March, 8pm Mon 20 March, 7:30pm

JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH BARRY STEELE JO CAULFIELD ANNE REID’S AND FRIENDS CABARET SHOW MY LAST WILL AND THE ROY THE CUSTOMER IS TASTY MINT ORBISON STORY ALWAYS WRONG I LOVE TO SING

54 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 1 - 5 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION .qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2017 15:11 Page 4

thelist Wednesday 1 - Sunday 5 February ences, inspired by Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Wed 1 - Sun 5 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Dance MORBID CURIOSITIES Don't Go Into SCATTERED Motionhouse Dance The Cellar present a portmanteu of Theatre fuse physical dance theatre, vintage blood-curdlers, featuring all- mesmerising aerial imagery and film new adaptations of The Yellow graphics to explore our relationship Wallpaper, The Old Nurse's Story and with water in all its forms, Tues 31 - John Charrington's Wedding, Thurs 2 Fri 3 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, B’ham Birmingham TREE Join eight-year-old Sophie as THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State she embarks on an imaginary jour- Ballet Of Siberia presents one of the ney of discovery through roots, most famous fantasy ballets of all branches, cells and DNA to under- time... Sun 5 Feb, Wolverhampton stand why the tree at the bottom of Grand Theatre her garden has suddenly become sick, Thurs 2 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry

THE DRESSING ROOM Comedy play Motionhouse: Scattered - The Old Rep, Birminghan written by and starring Bobby Ball. Talks Set behind the scenes of a run-down NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: theatre, this combination of sitcom, DR PHIL’S HEATH REVOLUTION Laugh, comedy and variety also features Events sort your life out, stay sane, plan Tommy Cannon, Stu Francis & your death and save the NHS - all in Released from Fri 3 Feb, showing at Johnnie Casson, Thurs 2 Feb, Royal HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT Pop along only 99 minutes, Wed 1 Feb, The selected cinemas Spa Centre, Leamington Spa dressed as your favourite character Roses, Tewkesbury GOLD (tbc) WRECKING BALL Funny, surreal and and take part in numerous themed THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC An illus- LOVING (12a) unsettling new play which explores activities, Thurs 2 Feb, The Hive, trated presentation by Dr Mark how the subtle abuses of power RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER Worcester Baldwin, Fri 3 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, shape our relationships, Thurs 2 - (15) CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION Worcester Sat 4 Feb, The REP, Birmingham RINGS (15) Experience traditional lion dances, plus oriental food chidlren’s work- DAME NATURE - THE MAGNIFICENT TONI ERDMANN (15) BEARDED LADY An evening of stories shops and stalls, Sat 4 Feb, Lower and characters for audiences who Precinct Shopping Centre, Coventry don’t like to judge a woman by her beard, Fri 3 Feb, Old Joint Stock Film Theatre, Birmingham ALADDIN TROUBLE Local performers INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Harlequinade return with a show fol- SPRING 2017 lowing the exploits of Aladdin, a lad T2 TRAINSPOTTING (tbc) who gets himself into trouble! Fri 3 - HIGHLIGHTS Drama/Comedy. Starring Ewan Sat 4 Feb, The Core, Solihull McGregor, Kelly Macdonald. HALF OF ME A poetically written com- Mockingbird Cinema, Birmingham, panion piece to Made In India which until Thurs 2 Feb www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk examines the often-unheard experi- MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) ences of young people born by Documentary. Starring Louis Assisted Reproductive Technologies Theroux. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 3 1 FEB, 7.30PM (ARTs), Fri 3 - Sat 4 Feb, Belgrade Feb POLICE COPS Theatre, Coventry PASSENGERS (12a) Adventure/Drama. THE PRETEND MEN’s critically acclaimed, multi- award-winning comedy blockbuster delivers an action packed hour of adrenaline fuelled physical Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris comedy, cinematic style and uncompromising facial hair. Pratt. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri Age 14+ 3 - Sun 5 Feb MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. Starring Casey Affleck, Kyle 16 -17 FEB, 7.30PM Chandler. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 3 - Mon 6 Feb MOTIONHOUSE - SCATTERED LION (PG) Drama. Starring Rooney This astonishing production explores our relationship with water, a funda- Mara, Nicole Kidman & Dev Patel. mental force in our lives. Seven dancers delve into the majesty and savagery THE TEMPEST: FIRST ENCOUNTERS The mac, Birmingham, Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Feb of water, plunging into an ocean, tumbling down a waterfall and sliding on an avalanche to a frozen landscape of arctic beauty. RSC presents an edited version of its JACKIE (15) Biography/Drama. festive play - an ideal first experience Starring Natalie Portman, Peter of Shakespeare for anyone aged Sarsgaard. mac, Birmingham, Fri 3 - eight or older, Fri 3 - Sat 4 Feb, Royal 25 FEB, 12PM & 3PM Thurs 9 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford- Coventry, Fri 3 - Thurs 9 Feb LAND OF THE DRAGON - ‘GWLAD Y DDRAIG’ upon-Avon THE ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE (U) Encounter magical creatures, mythical stories and spellbinding tales from UNCLE BERT’S COW Interactive theatre Animation/Action. With the voices of Wales in this exciting piece of puppet theatre inspired by folklore, legends for young audiences, Sat 4 Feb, and ancient stories from the Welsh book of fairy tales, The Mabinogion. Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad. mac, Swan Theatre, Worcester Age 4+ Birmingham, Sat 4 Feb LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER New stag- GHOSTS (15) Adventure/Drama. ing of DH Lawrence's most famous Starring Zhan Yu, Tao Li, Ai Qin Lin. novel, Sat 4 Feb, Lichfield Garrick 17 MARCH, 6 & 8PM Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, THRIVE SHARK IN THE PARK! A fin-tastic family Sun 5 Feb musical, from the creative team 42ND STREET (U) Comedy/Musical. A visually stunning new production staged within a large set that surrounds behind The Hairy Maclary Show, in the audience. Created especially for teenage audiences, Thrive takes on the Starring Ruby Keeler, Ginger Rogers. which audiences can see all of Nick challenging subject of trauma and beautifully portrays sensitive themes. The Electric Cinema, Sun 5 Feb Age 14+ Sharratt's Shark In The Park! stories performed live on stage, Sun 5 Feb, mac, Birmingham MYTON ROAD, WARWICK. CV34 6PP / BOX OFFICE: 01926 776438

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56 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 6 - 12 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:55 Page 2

thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 February HIGH VALLEY Thurs 9 Featuring Paul Jones, ents of four local choirs: - Redditch Gigs Feb, O2 Institute, Tom McGuinness, Classical Rock Choir, the Bel Canto Singers, Birmingham Dave Kelly, Rob Arrow Vale Singers and the Redditch TRANSATLANTIC Townsend & Gary Community Gospel Choir, Sat 11 MACKA B AND THE Music SESSIONS Thurs 9 Feb, Fletcher, Sat 11 Feb, Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch ROOTS RAGGA BAND Symphony Hall, B’ham Artrix, Bromsgrove BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONIC BRASS Mon 6 Feb, The Robin, NOBUKO IMAI (VIOLA) IN CONCERT Also THE GRUFFS Thurs 9 DIRE STREETS Sat 11 Featuring Stephen Roberts (director), Bilston featuring Robert Markham (piano). Feb, The Sunflower Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Sun 12 Feb, The Barber Institute, CHELSEA GRIN Tues 7 Programme comprises Brahms' E Lounge, Birmingham Worcester Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, minor Sonata for Cello & Piano (arr AMBER RUN Sat 11 Feb, TIM & TOM'S SYMPHONIC ADVENTURE Birmingham UP4 THE DOWNSTROKE viola) & Franck's Sonata for Viola & Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The O2 Institute, B’ham Family Concert presented by the City MEGSON Tues 7 Feb, Piano, Tues 7 Feb, Birmingham Jam House, B’ham FOREVER JACKSON Sat of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra The Roses Theatre, Conservatoire 11 Feb, The Roses and featuring Timothy Redmond Tewkesbury CLAUDE BOURBON, HOLST'S THE PLANETS Featuring the (conductor) & Tom Redmond (pre- MEDIEVAL & SPANISH Theatre, Tewkesbury HOWIE PAYNE Tues 7 City of Birmingham Symphony senter). Programme includes works BLUES Fri 10 Feb, BLUE NATION Sat 11 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Orchestra, the CBSO Youth Chorus by Mozart, Wagner, Rossini, Williams Palace Theatre, Feb, Route 44, B’ham Birmingham & Nicholas Collon (conductor), Wed & Hindson, Sun 12 Feb, Symphony Redditch GEORGE BENSON - 8 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hall, Birmingham GRINGO STAR Tues 7 THE GODFATHERS Fri 10 STEVIE WONDER PARTY Feb, The Sunflower Feb, Hare & Hounds, WITH NAT AUGUSTIN Sat Lounge, Birmingham Birmingham 11 Feb, Nailcote Hall, NORTH SEA GAS Tues 7 THE BOSS & BRYAN Berkswell, Feb, Kitchen Garden ADAMS EXPERIENCE Fri Warwickshire Cafe, Birmingham 10 Feb, The Robin, NEARLY DAN Sat 11 Comedy Gigs GOSPEL CENTRAL Wed 8 Bilston Feb, The Assembly, Feb, The Jam House, UK GUNS N' ROSES Fri Leamington Spa Birmingham 10 Feb, The River OACEIS & THE COOPERS RICHARD HERRING Mon 6 Feb, Station UNION J Wed 8 Feb, O2 Rooms, Stourbridge Sat 11 Feb, The Pub, Sutton Coldfield Academy, Birmingham THE WORLD FAMOUS Roadhouse, B’ham FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 8 Feb, O DUO Featuring Owen ELVIS SHOW 2017 Chris SUNDARA KARMA Sat 11 The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Gunnell & Oliver Cox Connor stars in Feb, The Rainbow EUROPEAN UNION CHAMBER DEBRA-JANE APPELBY, MAUREEN Wed 8 Feb, Royal Spa Europe's largest Elvis Venues, Birmingham ORCHESTRA Programme includes YOUNGER PLUS COMIC TBC Wed 8 Feb Centre, Leamington production to date, Fri THE MODFATHERS Sat works by Haydn, Beethoven & Kitchen Garden Cafe, Birmingham Spa 10 - Sat 11 Feb, Albany 11 Feb, The Robin, Mozart, Thurs 9 Feb, Warwick Arts JEN BRISTER, SCOTT GIBSON & COMEDY PHIL BEER Wed 8 Feb, Theatre, Coventry Bilston Centre, Coventry CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON The Red Lion Folk FULLSHORE, THE MORETALLICA Sat 11 CBSO CENTRE STAGE: BACH & HANDEL Thurs 9 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham Club, Birmingham DALLIANCE, DEVILS, Feb, The Marr's Bar, Featuring Veronika Klirova (Fute), JUSTIN MOORHOUSE Fri 10 Feb GEORGE MONBIOT AND ABSENT IDENTITY & THE Worcester Rainer Gibbons (Oboe), Richard Royal Spa Centre, Leamington, Spa EWAN MCLENNAN Wed 8 BLACKWATER Jenkinson (Cello) & Martin Perkins THESE SMITHS Sat 11 SUSAN MURRAY & GARETH BERLINER Feb, mac, Birmingham CONFEDERACY Fri 10 (Continuo). Programme includes Feb, The Flapper, Feb, Kasbah, Coventry Fri 10 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand TOM GRENNAN + works by Bach & Handel, Thurs 9 Birmingham STONE BROKEN Sat 11 Theatre CUCKOOLANDER Wed 8 Feb, CBSO Centre, Birmingham Feb, Route 44, B’ham JAMES REDMOND, SEAN PERCIVAL & Feb, The Sunflower ANDY FAIRWEATHER LOW LA BOHEME OperaUpClose present COMIC TBC Fri 10 Feb, Jongleurs, Lounge, Birmingham AND THE LOW RIDERS Fri TALON...THE ACOUSTIC Robert Norton-Hale's new English 10 Feb, The Core COLLECTION Sat 11 Feb, Birmingham THE BREW & PISTON version of Puccini's tale of two cou- Theatre, Solihull The Core Theatre, TOM WRIGGLESWORTH, ANDY Wed 8 Feb, The Slade ples which powerfully evidences the Solihull ROBINSON SCOTT GIBSON & JEN Rooms, BREAK STUFF Fri 10 fact that love may not necessarily BRISTER Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The Wolverhampton Feb, The Asylum, COUNTRY LEGENDS Sat always conquer all, Thurs 9 Feb - Sat , Birmingham 11 Feb, The Swan 11 Feb, mac, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham BOXED IN Wed 8 Feb, Theatre, Worcester DANA ALEXANDER, MANDY KNIGHT, Hare & Hounds, B’ham VOODOO SIOUX Fri 10 ANGELA HEWITT PLAYS BACH Fri 10 JONNY AWSUM & ADAM STAUNTON Feb, Route 44, B’ham NOUGHTY NINETIES Sat Feb, Birmingham Town Hall ROCK ICONS Wed 8 Feb, 11 Feb, The River Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, The Comedy Palace Theatre, SOTO & VANADINE Fri 10 Rooms, Stourbridge Loft, Birmingham Redditch Feb, The Slade MATT FORDE Rooms, THE RATPACK VEGAS Sat 11 Feb, The Old PILL Wed 8 Feb, Hare Wolverhampton SPECTACULAR SHOW Sat Rep Theatre, Birmingham & Hounds, Birmingham THE MUSIC OF GEORGE 11 Feb, The Core JAMES REDMOND, SEAN PERCIVAL & RICHARD DIGANCE THE DAVID WHITNEY HARRISON Fri 10 Feb, Theatre, Solihull Sat 11 Feb, GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY Palace Theatre, FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS Jongleurs, Birmingham TOUR Thurs 9 Feb, Redditch Sat 11 Feb, GRÁINNE MAGUIRE Sat 11 Feb, Artrix, Palace Theatre, Birmingham Town Hall Bromsgrove Redditch FOOR Fri 10 Feb, The Rainbow Venues, DAN SHAKE Sat 11 Feb, KEITH CARTER, PETE OTWAY, JONNY KENNY THOMAS Thurs 9 Birmingham Hare & Hounds, AWSUM, ARCHIE MADDOCKS Sat 11 Feb, The Jam House, Birmingham Feb, Coventry Showcase Birmingham LEKAN BABALOLA’S SACRED FUNK Fri 10 JULIAN COPE Sun 12 NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE Featuring JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH Sun 12 Feb, NATTY Thurs 9 Feb, Feb, Symphony Hall, Feb, The Glee Club, Daniel Rosina (director). Programme Birmingham Town Hall Hare & Hounds, B’ham Birmingham Birmingham includes works by David Önaç, CABBAGE Thurs 9 Feb, Fumiko Miyachi & Sebastiano THE QUIET MEN Fri 10 THE REMI HARRIS Hare & Hounds, B’ham Dessanay, Fri 10 Feb, The Barber Feb, Blue Piano PROJECT Sun 12 Feb, Institute, Birmingham BREABACH Thurs 9 Feb, Restaurant And Bar, The Roses Theatre, The Fleece Inn, Birmingham Tewkesbury FRIDAY NIGHT CLASSICS The CBSO Evesham perform Cole Porter: Let's Do It, fea- TOYAH WILLCOX Sat 11 KATE NASH Sun 12 Feb, Theatre turing Roderick Dunk (Conductor) & AMY WADGE & LUKE Feb, Evesham Arts O2 Institute, B’ham JACKSON Thurs 9 Feb, Anna O'Byrne, Caroline Sheen, Centre, Worcestershire FARA Sun 12 Feb, The BIANCA DEL RIO: NOT TODAY SATAN Huntingdon Hall, David Thaxton & Scott Davies DREADZONE Sat 11 Feb, Fleece Inn, Evesham Season Six winner of RuPaul’s Drag Worcester (Vocalists), Fri 10 Feb, Symphony The Slade Rooms, ALTERED BRIDGE Sun 12 Hall, Birmingham Race, the self-professed ‘clown in a ANTHRAX Thurs 9 Feb, Wolverhampton Feb, The Roadhouse, gown’ brings her new stand-up show O2 Institute, B’ham CHOIRS AT THE PALACE Featuring an to the UK, Mon 6 Feb, Symphony THE BLUES BAND Birmingham evening of music showcasing the tal- Hall, Birmingham whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List 6 - 12 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:55 Page 3

thelist Monday 6 - Sunday 12 February IN THE MOTHERHOOD New play by and wakefulness meet, Thurs 9 Feb, Hayley Pepper which journeys into Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton the world of competitive parenting, CHEKHOV'S SHORTS European Arts Mon 6 Feb, mac, Birmingham present an entertaining collection of CATHY Cardboard Citizens present a one-act farces by Anton Chekhov, powerful and emotive Forum Theatre including The Evils Of Tobacco, The show, exploring the way in which Ken Dimwit, The Bear, Swan Song and Loach’s 1966 film, Cathy Come The Proposal, Thurs 9 Feb, The Home, still resonates today, Mon 6 - Swan Theatre, Worcester Tues 7 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, THAT'LL BE THE DAY Featuring a new Coventry line-up of classic gold hits from the MACBETH Six actors give ’50s through to the ’70s, Thurs 9 Shakespeare’s bloodiest play a con- Feb, Bedworth Civic Hall temporary feel in an action-packed URSULA Tom Mansfield directs 90-minute performance, Mon 6 - Tues Howard Barker’s play, which ‘drives a 7 Feb, The Bear Pitt Theatre, dagger into the meeting points of the Stratford-upon-Avon sacred and the profane, the body WONDERLAND Wendi Peters, Dave and the soul’, Thurs 9 - Sat 11 Feb, Willetts & Kerry Ellis star in Frank George Cadbury Hall, University of Wildhorn’s musical adaptation of Birmingham Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures In LA BOHEME OperaUpClose present Wonderland and Through The Robert Norton-Hale's new English Looking Glass, Mon 6 - Sat 11 Feb, version of Puccini's magnificent tale New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham of two couples, powerfully evidenc- DARE DEVIL RIDES TO JARAMA Neil ing the fact that love may not neces- Cathy - Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Gore’s celebration of the contribution sarily always conquer all, Thurs 9 and sacrifice of the volunteer Sat - 11 Feb, mac, Birmingham nation with America, Sat 11 Feb, maker Coppelius, whose greatest International Brigades, Tues 7 Feb, STORIES TO TELL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE Stafford Gatehouse Theatre desire is to make a doll with a soul, The Swan Theatre, Worcester NIGHT Storytelling with a difference, DOROTHY The multi-talented Sunny Tues 7 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand ROBIN HOOD AND BABES IN THE WOOD presented as a live, late-night radio Ormonde (Lilian Bellamy in The Theatre Amateur production presented by show for those who aren't asleep. Archers) gives a virtuoso perform- THE RED SHOES Tues 7 - Sat 11 Feb, CLOC Musical Theatre Company, Instead of records, the DJ spins sto- ance as the unstoppable Dorothy in Birmingham Hippodrome Tues 7 - Sat 11 Feb, Sutton Coldfield ries that exist between dusk and this ‘hilarious play’ by Jane James, THE NUTCRACKER The Russian State Town Hall morning. Thurs 9 - Sat 18 Feb, The Sat 11 Feb, The Bear Pitt Theatre, Ballet Of Siberia presents one of the SOME GUYS HAVE ALL THE LUCK: THE REP, Birmingham Stratford-upon-Avon most famous fantasy ballets of all ROD STEWART STORY New theatrical IN THE MOTHERHOOD New play by LA STRADA Sally Cookson's stage time... Sun 12 Feb, Malvern Theatre, production celebrating the career of Hayley Pepper which journeys into adaptation of Federico Fellini's Worcestershire one of rocks greatest icons, Rod the world of competitive parenting, Oscar-winning masterpiece of mod- Stewart – from street busker through Fri 10 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove ern cinema, Sat 11 - Sat 18 Feb, to international superstar! Wed 8 HER Compelling story of a 15-year- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Feb, Wolverhamtpon Grand Theatre old London girl who inexplicably SID'S DEEP SEA DISCOVERY Colourful CHEKHOV'S SHORTS European Arts finds that conflict has made her an children's show featuring CBeebies' present an entertaining collection of alien in her own country, Fri 10 Feb, Sid Sloane as intrepid explorer Deep one-act farces by Anton Chekhov, Newhampton Arts Centre, Sea Sid! Sun 12 Feb, Artrix, including The Evils Of Tobacco, The Wolverhampton Bromsgrove Dimwit, The Bear, Swan Song and THE BEST THING A Swinging ’60s story ANNIE JNR Amateur production pre- The Proposal, Wed 8 Feb, The Roses of unconditional love, presented by sented by Pauline Quirke Academy Theatre, Tewkesbury leading full-mask theatre company Warwick, Sun 12 Feb, Royal Spa MY ARM Tim Crouch’s study of Vamos, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, Malvern Centre, Leamington Spa bloody-mindedness, modern art and Theatre CHINESE NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA how the things we do when we’re 10 BEN & HOLLY’S LITTLE KINGDOM Showcase of Chinese performing stick with us for life, Wed 8 - Thurs 9 Musical adventure for young audi- arts, featuring ‘the cheerful spirit of Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry ences, featuring games, songs and the auspicious Lion Dance and awe- THE GOON SHOW Birmingham laughter, Fri 10 - Sat 11 Feb, Grand inspiring contortion’, Sun 12 Feb, Film Comedy Festival and Fred Theatre Theatre, Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Grand Theatre present a rare chance to see two THE MISFIT ANALYSIS Access All Areas THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: classic Spike Milligan radio scripts take audiences on a journey into a Direct from the West End, this 50th on stage, complete with live sound world of wheelchairs and blow-up Anniversary special features large SILENCE (15) Drama/History. Starring effects and jazz band, Wed 8 - Fri 10 dolls, in an unconventional explo- projection photographs, original film Feb, The Bear Pit Theatre - The Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson. ration of the autistic mind, Fri 10 - Sat footage and a full, live band perform- Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 6 - United Reformed Church, Stratford- 11 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, ing Simon & Garfunkel’s greatest upon-Avon Thurs 9 Feb; mac, Birmingham, Sun Coventry hits, Sun 12 Feb, The Roses Theatre, 12 - Thurs 16 Feb CATFISH A fusion of live performance, THE GUIDE TO BEING SINGLE Musical Tewkesbury music and interactive digital technol- HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE (12a) comedy about unlucky-in-love twen- Adventure/Comedy. Starring Sam ogy, exploring issues of child sexual tysomethings who conclude that the exploitation, Wed 8 - Fri 10 Feb, Neill, Julian Dennison. Foxlowe Arts solution to their relationship prob- Centre, Leek, Staffs, Tues 7 Feb Artrix, Bromsgrove lems is to stay single... Due to some FOLLIES Music Theatre Warwick pres- of the content, this show is recom- Dance RAILWAYS (15) Documentary. Roses ent Stephen Sondheim’s musical, mended for those over the age of 14, Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 7 - Thurs which follows the tribulations of four Fri 10 - Sun 12 Feb, Old Joint Stock 9 Feb performers who return to a soon-to- Theatre, Birmingham SWAN LAKE The Russian State Ballet MY SCIENTOLOGY MOVIE (15) Of Siberia presents its version of the be-demolished theatre in which THE GOON SHOW Birmingham Comedy Documentary. Starring Louis they’d once performed, Wed 8 - Sat greatest romantic ballet of all time, Theroux. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 9 Festival and Fred Theatre present a brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s 11 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, rare chance to see two classic Spike - Fri 10 Feb Coventry haunting and unforgettable score, Milligan radio scripts on stage, com- Mon 6 Feb, Wolverhampton Grand A SPARKLE OF LIFE (tbc) Drama. FICTION Fuel Theatre present an plete with live sound effects and jazz Theatre Starring Kazuko Yoshiyuki, Akira immersive theatrical experience band, Sat 11 Feb, mac, Birmingham Takarada. Foreign language, subti- which takes place in total darkness COPPELIA The Russian State Ballet Of tles. mac, Birmingham, Fri 10 Feb CALIFORNIA SCHEMING One woman’s Siberia presents the story of the doll- and explores the areas where sleep poetic narrative about a lifelong fasci- FIFTY SHADES DARKER (18) 58 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 6 - 12 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:55 Page 4

Monday 6 - Sunday 12 February

Drama/Romance. Starring Dakota SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (PG) Based on the adventures of Mole, Johnson, Jamie Dornan. The Electric Drama/Romance. Starring Tom Badger, Ratty and Mr Toad, Sat 11 - Cinema, Birmingham, from Fri 10 Hanks, Meg Ryan. mac, Birmingham, Events Sun 19 Feb, Brockhampton Estate, Feb Sat 11 Feb Worcestershire THE BAND WAGON (U) THE WIZARD OF OZ (U) PROFESSOR EDWARD GREGSON CHARLOTTE'S WEB HALF-TERM TRAIL Comedy/Musical. Starring Fred Adventure/Fantasy. Starring Judy LECTURE AND WORKSHOP World- Step back in time to the 1950s with Astaire, Cyd Charisse. Roses Garland, Frank Morgan. The Electric renowned British composer this themed outdoor trail, Sat 11 - Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 10 Feb Cinema, Birmingham, Sat 11 - Sun Professor Edward Gregson talks Sun 19 Feb, Croft Castle, nr 12 Feb about his iconic works for brass Leominster LIVE BY NIGHT (15) Drama/Crime. band and conducts selected extracts Starring Ben Affleck, Elle Fanning. FRUITVALE STATION (15) with the Conservatoire Brass Band, PIRATE AND PRINCESS WEEK Featuring Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Fri 10 - Biography/Drama. Starring Michael Tues 7 Feb, St Paul's Church, a treasure hunt, CBeebies character Tues 14 Feb B. Jordan, Melonie Diaz. Albany Birmingham meet-and-greets and a host of pirate DENIAL (12a) Biography/Drama. Theatre, Coventry, Sun 12 Feb and princess activities, Sat 11 - Sun WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM 26 Feb, Alton Towers, Staffordshire Starring Rachel Weisz, Tom SOME LIKE IT HOT (12) PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best Wilkinson. Warwick Arts Centre, Fri Comedy/Romance. Starring Marilyn Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl NATURE EXPLORER TRAIL Discover 10 - Wed 15 Feb; mac, Birmingham, Monroe, Tony Curtis. mac, around some of the city’s best ven- things which wriggle, crawl, dig and Fri 10 - Thurs 16 Feb Birmingham, Sun 12 Feb ues, Fri 10 Feb, various venues fly around Upton. Solve the clues, LION (PG) Drama. Starring Rooney I, DANIEL BLAKE (15) Drama. Starring across Birmingham City Centre practise your wildlife detective skills, get out in the fresh air and earn a Mara, Nicole Kidman & Dev Patel. Dave Johns, Hayley Squires. Abbey MCM COMIC CON MIDLANDS Featuring Warwick Arts Centre, Fri 10 - Thurs Theatre, Nuneaton, Sun 12 Feb prize, Sat 11 - Sun 26 Feb, Upton eSports competitions, a ‘comic vil- House & Gardens, Warwickshire 16 Feb lage’ packed with artists and writers, LADY & THE TRAMP (U) colourful costumes in the Cosplay TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Explore 550 Animation/Adventure. With the voices Masquerade and special guests from stands filled with all kinds of for-sale of Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts. NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: the worlds of TV and film, Sat 11 collectables from the UK’s leading mac, Birmingham, Sat 11 Feb Released from Fri 10 Feb, showing at Feb, Telford International Centre, dealers, Sun 12 Feb, NEC, B‘ham THE GREAT GATSBY (12) selected cinemas Shropshire WILLOW WEAVING WORKSHOP Learn Drama/Romance. Starring Leonardo 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) DOWN UNDER LIVE Do you want to the ancient skill of willow weaving, then take home your creation at the DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan. Abbey BILLY LYNN'S LONG HALFTIME WALK (15) emigrate to Australia or New Theatre, Nuneaton, Sat 11 Feb Zealand? Find out how at the UK’s end of the day, Sun 12 Feb, FENCES (12a) Charlecote Park, Warwick MOULIN ROUGE (12a) Drama/Musical. number one emigration event, Sat 11 Starring Nicole Kidman, Ewan FIFTY SHADES DARKER (tbc) - Sun 12 Feb, National Motorcycle McGregor. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, THE SPACE BETWEEN US (tbc) Museum, Solihull Sat 11 Feb THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (tbc) WIND IN THE WILLOWS FAMILY TRAIL

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February 2017 BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE

Sunday 12th February Friday 17th February Tuesday 21st February SID’S DEEP SEA ANDY FAIRWEATHER LADY CHATTERLEY’S DISCOVERY SHOW LOW LOVER WITH SID FROM CBEEBIES WITH THE LOW RIDERS BLUE ORANGE THEATRE PRODUCTION

Thursday 23rd February Friday 24th February Saturday 25th February JEN BRISTER HARDEEP SINGH THE STYLE IS THE OTHER ONE KOHLI COUNCILLORS PRESENTS HIS MIX TAPE THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE STYLE COUNCIL

COMING SOON: Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Mark Bebbington, George Egg, John Otway, T.Rextasy, In The Motherhood, The Blues Band, Grainne Maguire, Dirty Dancing Drive-in, A Pocketful Of Grimms, Barnstormers Comedy, Fairport Convention, CBeebies’ Spotbots, Stephen Bailey, Andrew Lawrence, Rachel Parris, Croft & Pearce, Stand Up for Women....

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

60 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 13 - 19 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:58 Page 2

thelist Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February Worcester QUADROPHENIA NIGHT Institute, Birmingham Gigs MCCUSKER, Featuring The Atlantics Classical Music FLUTE CHOIR & CLARINET CHOIR MCGOLDRICK & DOYLE and DJ Drew Stansall Featuring Alex Chantrell (flute choir Thurs 16 Feb, The (The Specials) Sat 18 conductor) & Natasha Sofia (clarinet DEEZ NUTS, COMEBACK THOMAS TROTTER LUNCHTIME ORGAN Fleece Inn, Evesham Feb, O2 Academy, choir conductor), Sun 19 Feb, The KID, HELLIONS, FIRST Birmingham CONCERT Programme includes works Barber Institute, Birmingham BLOOD & REALITY SLAP SAM JACKSON & THE by J.S Bach, C.P.E Bach, Ginastera, IVOR & LYN'S CLASSIC Mon 13 Feb, The STRUGGLES, ED GEATER, Schumann & Liszt, Mon 13 Feb, ROCK DISCO Sat 18 Rainbow Venues, DAME & HOSANNAH Birmingham Town Hall Thurs 16 Feb, Hare & Feb, Route 44, B’ham Birmingham MARIAM BATSASHVILI IN RECITAL Hounds, Birmingham ELKIE BROOKS Sat 18 LADYHAWKE Mon 13 Programme includes works by Feb, Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR Bach/Busoni, Händel/Liszt & Mikel Comedy Gigs Town Hall Birmingham Fri 17 Feb, O2 Urquiza, Mon 13 Feb, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham BUSTED Sat 18 Feb, CATHOLIC ACTION Mon Town Hall MARK THOMAS Tues 14 Feb, Warwick O2 Academy, B’ham 13 Feb, The Sunflower CASH (PAYIN' RESPECT GAMELAN ENSEMBLE Annual Dome con- Arts Centre, Coventry Lounge, Birmingham TO THE MAN IN BLACK) NEARLY DAN Sat 18 cert featuring traditional music of Fri 17 Feb, O2 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, LEWIS & LEIGH Mon 13 Indonesia, Mon 13 Feb, The Bramall, Academy, Birmingham Worcester Feb, Kitchen Garden Birmingham Cafe, Birmingham ESTRONS Fri 17 Feb, SOMEONE LIKE YOU: THE ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART The Tin Music And ADELE SONGBOOK Sat ROD STEWART TRIBUTE - MEETS JOANNA LEE Featuring Victoria Arts, Coventry 18 Feb, The Roses GARRY PEASE Tues 14 Brawn (harp), Sally Harrop (clarinet), Theatre, Tewkesbury Feb, Nailcote Hall, THE MACHINE RAGES ON Phillip Brookes (bassoon), Frances Berkswell, Fri 17 Feb, The FAIRPORT CONVENTION Moore-Bridger (horn) & David Curtis Warwickshire Roadhouse, B’ham Sat 18 Feb, Artrix, (conductor). Programme includes Bromsgrove works by Mozart, Joanna Lee & TERRORSAURS, KINGS SIGALA Fri 17 Feb, O2 Haydn, Tues 14 Feb, Stratford OF HONG KONG, HANZO Institute, Birmingham TEGAN AND SARA Sat Artshouse & X-RAY CAT TRIO Tues JESSARAE Fri 17 Feb, 18 Feb, O2 Institute, TOM STADE, JAVIER JARQUIN, MICKEY 14 Feb, The Flapper, O2 Institute, B’ham Birmingham THE SOCIETY OF STRANGE AND ANCIENT SHARMA & LAURA LEXX Tues 14 Feb, Birmingham FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS INSTRUMENTS Fresh interpretations of The Glee Club, Birmingham CHRIS BANNISTER PER- 17th century music linked to each STELLA ROBERTS Tues Sat 18 Feb, The FORMS THE MUSIC OF other by newly composed pieces by CHEEKY MONKEY COMEDY Wed 15 Feb, 14 Feb, The Jam Assembly, Leamington JOHN DENVER Fri 17 Jon Nicholls, played on unusual and The Dark Horse, Moseley, B’ham House, Birmingham Spa Feb, Palace Theatre, historically appropriate instruments, JOSIE LONG Wed 15 Feb, Warwick Arts TRIVIUM Tues 14 Feb, Redditch MICHAEL MCGOLDRICK, Tues 14 Feb, St Mary’s Church, Centre, Coventry JOHN MCCUSKER AND O2 Institute, B’ham LEANN RIMES Fri 17 Warwick ROSS NOBLE Thurs 16 Feb, Warwick JOHN DOYLE Sun 19 ALPINES Tues 14 Feb, Feb, Symphony Hall, STEVEN OSBORNE: RACHMANINOV Arts Centre, Coventry Feb, Warwick Arts Hare & Hounds, Birmingham Centre, Coventry Featuring Alexander Vedernikov (con- JACK WHITEHALL Thurs 16 Feb, Birmingham ANDY FAIRWEATHER ductor), Steven Osborne (pano) & the Genting Arena, Birmingham MIC LOWRY Sun 19 LITTLE COMETS Wed 15 LOW AND THE LOW City of Birmingham Symphony Feb, O2 Institute, RH COMEDY Thurs 16 Feb, The Feb, O2 Institute, RIDERS Fri 17 Feb, Orchestra. Programme includes works Birmingham Roadhouse, Birmingham Birmingham Artrix, Bromsgrove by Rachmaninov & Tchaikovsky, Wed THE HANDSOME FAMILY 15 - Thurs 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, TANYALEE DAVIS, CHRIS MARTIN, JAMES COLIN BLUNSTONE & COMFY & ACOUSTIC Sun 19 Feb, The Birmingham DOWDESWELL Thurs 16 Feb, The BAND Wed 15 Feb, The FEAT. DAN HARTLAND, Assembly, Leamington Bramall, Birmingham Robin, Bilston CHRIS TYE AND OLI NG DAN SPIRRETT NONET: OF MICE AND MEN Fri 17 Feb, The Big Spa Featuring Dan Spirrett ANDREW BIRD, JOHN MOLONEY & THE CLASSIC ROCK Comfy Bookshop, GAZ BROOKFIELD Sun (saxophone/compositions), Josh COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH ANDY SHOW - THE A-Z OF Fargo Village, 19 Feb, The Marr's Schofield (alto saxophone), Vittorio ROBINSON Thurs 16 Feb, The Glee ROCK Wed 15 Feb, Coventry Bar, Worcester Mura (baritone saxophone & bass clar- Club, Birmingham Birmingham Town Hall MACCA - THE CONCERT ARTFUL DODGER Sun inet, Alex Stride (trumpet/flugelhorn), JONATHAN PIE Fri 17 Feb, Birmingham BRY Wed 15 Feb, The Fri 17 Feb, Malvern 19 Feb, Hare & David Sear (trombone), Daniel Town Hall Rainbow Venues, Kemshell (guitar), Jacky Naylor Theatres Hounds, Birmingham JOSIE LONG Birmingham (piano), Sam Ingvorsen (double bass) Fri 17 Feb, The Old Rep KING OF POP - THE BANG TANGO Sun 19 Theatre, Birmingham THE FROE Wed 15 Feb, & Gwilym Jones (drums), Thurs 16 LEGEND CONTINUES… Feb, The Slade The Red Lion Folk Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire RUBY WAX Fri 17 Feb Royal Spa Starring NAVI Michael Rooms, Club, Birmingham Centre, Leamington Spa, Jackson tribute, Sat 18 Wolverhampton THE ENGLISH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA A REWS Wed 15 Feb, Celebration of Song and Dance featur- Feb, The Swan AJ TRACEY Sun 19 Feb, The Flapper, B’ham Theatre, Worcester ing Kenneth Woods (conductor) & O2 Institute, B’ham April Fredrick (soprano). Programme FOUR YEAR STRONG THE KILLERZ Sat 18 PALM READER & TOY includes works by Dvorak, Strauss Fri Thurs 16 Feb, O2 Feb. The Roadhouse, MOUNTAINS Sun 19 17 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester Academy, Birmingham Birmingham Feb, The Flapper, ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MAGICAL THE SHERLOCKS Thurs Birmingham MOZART Featuring Diane Clark (flute), 16 Feb, O2 Institute, Katherine Thomas (harp) & Anthony Birmingham Negas (conductor), Fri 17 Feb, HIDDEN CHARMS + THE Number 8 Community Arts Centre, BAY RAYS Thurs 16 Pershore Feb, Hare & Hounds, PERSEPHASSA Featuring Directors Nick Birmingham AHIR SHAH & BILAL ZAFAR Fri 17 Feb, Petrella & Adrian Spillett & percussion- The Glee Club, Birmingham RICKY COOL & THE IN ists from CBSO & Birmingham DANA ALEXANDER, ANDREW BIRD, SEAN CROWD Thurs 16 Feb, Conservatoire. Programme comprises PERCIVAL & JOHN MOLONEY The Jam House, Steve Reich's Music for Mallet Fri 17 - Sat Birmingham Instruments, Voices & Organ plus 18 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham LOYLE CARNER Thurs Iannis Xenakis' Persephassa, Fri 17 LLOYD GRIFFITH, SEAN MEO, ANDREW 16 Feb, O2 Institute, Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire RYAN & GEOFF BOYZ Fri 17 - Sat 18 Birmingham ODYSSEUS PIANO TRIO Featuring Sara Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham CELTIC FIDDLE FESTIVAL Trickey (violin), Gregor Riddell (cello) SUSAN CALMAN Fri 17 - Sat 18 Feb, FEATURING KEVIN & Clare Hammond (piano). mac, Birmingham BURKE Thurs 16 Feb, Programme includes works by Haydn MILES JUPP Sat 18 Feb, Royal Spa Huntingdon Hall, & Beethoven, Fri 17 Feb, The Barber Centre, Leamington Spa Andy Fairweather Low - Artrix, Bromsgrove whatsonlive.co.uk 61 The List 13 - 19 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:58 Page 3

Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February

thelist seven (and their families), Thurs 16 BARBARA NICE & JOSH PUGH Sat 18 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch DANCING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE New PAUL FOOT Sat 18 Feb, Royal Spa play by Kay Wootton which centres Centre, Leamington Spa around a woman and her closest MICKEY SHARMA, DANNY WARD, JOHN friends as they struggle to figure out NEWTON & JON PEARSON Sat 18 Feb, the difference between what they Coventry Showcase need, what they want, and what they BARNSTORMERS COMEDY NIGHT Sat 18 get, Thurs 16 Feb, Old Joint Stock Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove Theatre, Birmingham JAMES COOK, JOHNNY CANDON & CARMEN A new production of Bizet’s THANYIA MOORE Sat 18 Feb, tale of obsession, control and free- Jongleurs, Birmingham dom, set in a torrid South American RICHARD GADD Sun 19 Feb, Warwick landscape of dust and concrete, Arts Centre, Coventry Thurs 16 Feb, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire THE CHUCKLE SINGHS, DON BISWAS, HYDE PANASER, SINDHU VEE & INDER CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER-END- ING NIGHTMARE MANOCHA Sun 19 Feb, The Glee An amalgamation of Club, Birmingham bizarre, brave and beautiful acts, woven into an Alice In Horrorland- type story, driven by a mainly original soundscape and performed with a forked tongue firmly in each cheek! Thurs 16 Feb, Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Scattered - Bridge House Theatre, Warwick Theatre HEAVEN EYES Theatre Sans Frontieres present a staging of David Almond’s Jason Shotts, Sat 18 Feb, Blue woven into an Alice In Horrorland- NORTHANGER ABBEY Tim Luscombe’s gritty story about young people try- Orange Theatre, Birmingham type story, driven by a mainly original staging of Jane Austen’s Gothic par- ing to find their way in the world, soundscape and performed with a Thurs 16 Feb, The Old Rep, B’ham IN THE MOTHERHOOD New play by ody, Mon 13 - Wed 15 Feb, Lichfield Hayley Pepper which journeys into forked tongue firmly in each cheek! Garrick A BRIEF HISTORY OF MUSIC The latest the world of competitive parenting, Sun 19 Feb, The Roses Theatre, FRANKENSTEIN Blackeyed Theatre show from acclaimed musicians Sat 18 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry Tewkesbury Blast From The Past takes in 600 present a brand new version of Mary A POCKETFUL OF GRIMMS - STORY STAND BY ME A celebration of Ben E Shelley’s Gothic horror, Mon 13 - years of musical history in 90 min- King and The Drifters, Sun 19 Feb, utes. A whistle-stop tour of Western POCKET THEATRE Favourite tales are Wed 15 Feb, Malvern Theatre, brought to life via a high-energy mix New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Worcestershire musical history, Fri 17 Feb, The Core Theatre, Solihull of clowning, physical theatre, pup- petry and music, Sat 18 Feb, Artrix, DRACULA'S GHOST Don’t Go Into The Bromsgrove Cellar Theatre Company’s inventive production, described as ‘a bizarre NARVIK A new play with songs which synthesis of history and fiction’, Fri tells the story of a Liverpudlian man Dance 17 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch and a Norwegian woman who are ‘pulled together and torn apart by JANE ENGLISH: 20B Part autobiogra- war, as the events of one summer phy, part oral history, 20B is a mov- cause ripples across an ocean of COPPELIA The Russian State Ballet of ing exploration of what home and time’, Sat 18 Feb, mac, Birmingham Siberia presents the story of the doll- community really mean, and how it maker Coppelius, whose greatest feels when these things are lost, Fri desire is to make a doll with a soul, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE Joanne 17 Feb, mac, Birmingham Mon 13 Feb, Malvern Theatres, Clifton & Michelle Collins star in a WILDE WITHOUT THE BOY Gerrard Worcestershire new staging of the Tony Award-win- Logan performs a dramatisation of LA FILLE MAL GARDEE Performed by ning musical, which in turn is based De Profundis, Oscar Wilde's letter to the Russian State Ballet Of Siberia, on the 1967 film of the same name, his lover, Lord Alfred Douglas, written Tues 14 Feb, Malvern Theatre, Mon 13 - Sat 18 Feb, New Alexandra from his prison cell in Reading Gaol, Worcestershire Theatre, Birmingham Fri 17 Feb, Old Joint Stock Theatre, CINDERELLA Birmingham Royal Ballet MACBETH Fred Theatre brings Birmingham present David Bintley's enchanting Shakespeare's tragedy of greed, lust RUBY WAX: FRAZZLED! A GUIDE TO fairytale, with breathtaking designs and betrayal to life in a new and inti- MINDFULNESS Join Ruby as she pres- by John Mcfarlane, designer of the mate production, Tues 14 - Wed 15 ents a follow-up to her sell-out tour- SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT... company's famous Nutcracker pro- Feb, mac, Birmingham ing show and bestselling book, Sane DINOSAURS? Ben Garrod (the TV sci- duction. Wed 15 - Sat 25 Feb, WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S LONG LOST New World, which helps us under- entist in Attenborough And The Giant Birmingham Hippodrome FIRST PLAY (ABRIDGED) The Reduced stand why we sabotage our sanity Dinosaur) uses TV film footage and SCATTERED Motionhouse Dance Shakespeare Company present a with our own thinking, Fri 17 Feb, photos of his own palaeontological Theatre fuse physical dance theatre, celebration of our cultural heritage - Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa dinosaur digs to explain ‘everything mesmerising aerial imagery and film as seen through the eyes of three FRANKENSTEIN Blackeyed Theatre you ever wanted to know about graphics to explore our relationship trainer-wearing Americans, Tues 14 - present a brand new version of Mary dinosaurs - and more’... Sat 18 Feb, with water in all its forms. Thurs 16 - Wed 15 Feb, The REP, Birmingham Shelley’s Gothic horror, Fri 17 - Sat Birmingham Town Hall Fri 17 Feb, Bridge House Theatre, ANITA AND ME Dinnerladies actress 18 Feb, Lichfield Garrick THE QUITE REMARKABLE ADVENTURES Warwick Shobna Gulati stars in Tanika Gupta's ROMEO & JULIET Youth Theatre pro- OF THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT A MATTHEW BOURNE'S EARLY staging of Meera Syal’s much-loved duction of the greatest love story chaotic new musical which follows ADVENTURES Featuring a programme novel, Tues 14 - Sat 18 Feb, ever told, Fri 17 - Sat 25 Feb, Hall the Owl and the Pussycat on their of hit pieces that not only launched Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Green Little Theatre, Birmingham mission to save the world and defeat the career of 'Britain's favourite cho- the dastardly Firelord, his imaginary JUSTIN’S PARTY Brand new show WOLF MEAT Wildheart & Lyric bring reographer', but which also saw the promising ‘fantastic songs, dancing dragon, Pyron, and his henchmen, birth of the style, wit and sheer enter- their absurdist humour and com- Flicker and Brimstone, Sat 18 Feb - and hilarious games’, Wed 15 Feb, pelling storytelling to an irreverent tainment that his company, New Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Sat 4 Mar, Belgrade Theatre, Adventures, subsequently brought to world of dirty deals and mistaken Coventry THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE identity, Sat 18 Feb, Old Joint Stock shows including Swan Lake, The Car Blunderbus fuse music, theatre and Theatre, Birmingham CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER-END- Man, Edward Scissorhands and puppetry in a heartwarming new ING NIGHTMARE An amalgamation of Sleeping Beauty, Thurs 16 - Sat 18 DUMMY A two-person comedy improv bizarre, brave and beautiful acts, Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry show for children aged three to show featuring Colleen Doyle and

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Monday 13 - Sunday 19 February

McGregor, Kelly Macdonald. mac, Talks Birmingham, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 Feb LICENCED TO RHYME Co-hosted by 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) Maggie Doyle and featuring Drama/Comedy. Starring Annette Worcestershire Poet Laureate Bening, Elle Fanning. Warwick Arts Emeritus, and past Birmingham Poet Centre, Coventry, Fri 17 - Thurs 23 Laureate Giovanni ‘Spoz’ Esposito, Feb Mon 13 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove THE GOONIES (12) Adventure/Comedy. PROFESSOR ROBERT WINSTON - Starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin. MODIFYING HUMANS: WHERE DOES mac, Birmingham, Sat 18 Feb GENETICS STOP? Wed 15 Feb, TROLLS (U) Animation/Adventure. Huntingdon Hall, Worcester With the voices of Anna Kendrick, POETRY OPEN MIC NIGHT Featuring Justin Timberlake. Roses Theatre, Ben Parker, Swan Theatre Poet in Tewkesbury, Sat 18 Feb Residence, Fri 17 Feb, Swan Theatre, SWALLOWS AND AMAZONS (U) Family. Worcester Starring Kelly Macdonald, Andrew JONATHAN COE: BROMSGROVE WORDS Scott. Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Join the award-winning novelist as Sat 18 Feb he talks about his works and his pre- FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF (12a) occupation with political issues, Sun Comedy. Starring Matthew Broderick, 19 Feb, Artrix, Bromsgrove Alan Ruck. mac, Birmingham, Sun 19 Feb BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (15) Anatomy Lab Live - Cuttle Bridge Inn, Birmingham Drama/Romance. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger. Artrix, CRAFTPLAY SATURDAY FAMILY STAY- Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Stratford- Film Bromsgrove, Sun 19 Feb AND-PLAYS Create, explore and play upon-Avon along with your child using unusual CELL 211(18) Drama/Thriller. Starring TRAINS AND TRAMS Pop along and materials. For children up to the age INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: Luis Tosar, Alberto Ammann. Foreign ‘have-a-go’ at operating the miniature of seven, Sat 18 Feb, Bilston Craft language, subtitles. Blue Orange trams and check out the fun themed Gallery, Wolverhampton quiz in The Engine House, Sat 18 - BALLERINA (U) Animation/Adventure. Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 19 Feb VICTORIAN MURDER-MYSTERY DINNER Sun 26 Feb, Severn Valley Railway, Featuring Elle Fanning/Dane LA GRANDE ILLUSION (U) Drama/War. Interview the suspects and try to Worcestershire DeHaan. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Starring Jean Gabin, Dita Parlo. The solve this ‘most perplexing mystery’ Mon 13 Feb Electric Cinema, Birmingham, Sun 19 MAKE AND FLY A KITE Drop-in activity, whilst enjoying delicious food in the complete with flight-themed trail MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (15) Drama. Feb magnificent surroundings of Aston around the town, Sat 18 - Sun 26 Starring Casey Affleck, Kyle Hall, Sat 18 Feb, Aston Hall, B’ham Feb, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Chandler. Roses Theatre, STUNTFEST 2017 An afternoon of Ironbridge, Shropshire Tewkesbury, Mon 13 - Thurs 16 Feb NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: ‘awesome’ stunts and displays for all FAMILY FUN DAYS Grab those wellies SOUTH PACIFIC (U) Musical/Romance. the family, featuring some of the top and try out a natural play trail featur- Starring Mitzi Gaynor, Rossano Released from Fri 17 Feb, showing at UK stunt drivers and riders, Sat 18 ing stepping stones, rope swings Brazzi. mac, Birmingham, Tues 14 selected cinemas Feb, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants and a winding labyrinth, Sat 18 - Sun Feb THE FOUNDER (12a) SPARK YOUNG WRITERS GROUP A 26 Feb, Baddesley Clinton, Warwick HUGO (15) Adventure/Drama. Starring THE GREAT WALL (12a) monthly group for young people FLIGHT WORKSHOPS Build a pneumat- Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz. HIDDEN FIGURES (PG) who’re interested in creative writing, ic rocket from craft materials and find Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 14 from poems and plays to editing and out more about flight, Sat 18 - Sun Feb JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (tbc) dialogue, Sat 18 Feb, The Other 26 Feb, Enginuity Museum, MOONLIGHT (tbc) DIRTY DANCING DRIVE-IN (12) Place, Stratford-upon-Avon Ironbridge, Shropshire Drama/Musical. Starring Patrick AN EVENING WITH FRANK BRUNO FAMILY FUN DAYS Build a den, play Swayze, Jennifer Grey. Artrix, Including a four-course dinner, come- hoopla, splash in the puddles and Bromsgrove, Tues 14 Feb dian, singer and live entertainment, have your own family adventure, Sat WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (15) Sat 18 Feb, The H Suite - Edgbaston, 18 - Sun 26 Feb, Packwood House, Comedy/Romance. Starring Billy Events Birmingham Solihull Crystal, Meg Ryan. mac, THE KINGMAKER'S MEDIEVAL BANQUET BRICK WEEK Help build a lifesize Mini Birmingham, Tues 14 Feb JACOB SHEEP WALK & TALK Join the A 15th-century-style evening of eat- out of LEGO bricks and join in with a CAROL DRIVE-IN (15) Drama/Romance. ranger to find out a little more about ing, drinking and medieval revelry week of automotive-themed brick- Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney these woolly friends, Mon 13 & Fri 17 with the infamous Earl of Warwick, building challenges, Sat 18 - Sun 26 Mara. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 15 Feb, Charlecote Park, Warwick Sat 18 Feb, Warwick Castle Feb, British Motor Museum, Coventry Feb VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL Birmingham’s BIRMINGHAM INDOOR GRAND PRIX 2017 SPONGE Dance company Turned On A MONSTER CALLS (12a) first festival of poetry and spoken Featuring heroes of the Rio Its Head takes children on a creative Drama/Fantasy. Starring Sigourney word, Thurs 16 - Sun 19 Feb, Olympics, Sat 18 Feb, Barclaycard journey featuring lots of family inter- Weaver, Felicity Jones. Roses Birmingham City Centre Arena, Birmingham action, Sun 19 Feb, mac, B’ham Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 15 Feb WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Explore THE LIGHT BETWEEN OCEANS (12) PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best several halls packed with traders, Drama/Romance. Starring Michael Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl display bikes and more, Sat 18 - Sun Fassbender, Alicia Vikander. Artrix, around some of the city’s best ven- 19 Feb, Telford International Centre, Bromsgrove, Thurs 16 Feb ues, Fri 17 Feb, various venues Shropshire FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND across Birmingham City Centre ANATOMY LAB LIVE Anatomist Samuel THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. THE NATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION Piri performs a dissection procedure Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra Showcasing a huge range of national to showcase healthy and diseased Miller. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 17 Feb franchise opportunities for anyone internal organs, Sat 18 - Sun 19 Feb, Cuttle Bridge Inn, Birmingham GOLD (tbc) Drama/Thriller. Starring looking to run their own business, Fri Matthew McConaughey, Edgar 17 - Sat 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham SHAKESPEARIAN COTTAGE BIRD WATCH Ramírez. mac, Birmingham, Fri 17 - THE 50+ SHOW Show focusing on Become a Shakespearian twitcher for DUBFREEZE The first major VAG event Thurs 23 Feb four key topics: hobbies & crafts; the day and discover more about the birds which feature in the play- of the VW calendar, Sun 19 Feb, T2 TRAINSPOTTING (tbc) health; finance & money; travel, Fri wright's works, Sat 18 - Sun 26 Feb, Stafford Bingley Hall Drama/Comedy. Starring Ewan 17 - Sat 18 Feb, NEC, B’ham

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thelist Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February IAN PARKER & HIS BAND WHITNEY - QUEEN OF Artrix, Bromsgrove Gigs Thurs 23 Feb, The THE NIGHT Fri 24 Feb, Classical Music RODERICK WILLIAMS AND IAIN Robin, Bilston Malvern Theatres, BURNSIDE Programme comprises HOPSIN Thurs 23 Feb, Worcestershire HARMONIE BAND Featuring Geddy Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin, BAND OF HORSES Mon O2 Institute, B’ham MATTHEW SCOTT & Stringer & Joshua Monks (conduc- D.795, Sun 26 Feb, Malvern 20 Feb, O2 Institute, CHRISTINE ZERAFA Fri 24 tors), Mon 20 Feb, The Bramall, Theatres, Worcestershire Birmingham CLARE TEAL SINGS THE DORIS DAY SONGBOOK Feb, Evesham Arts Birmingham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH KINGS OF LEON Mon 20 Thurs 23 Feb, The Centre, Worcestershire JUAN DIEGO FLÓREZ Featuring Juan THOMAS TROTTER Programme Feb, Genting Arena, Roses Theatre, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS Diego Flórez (tenor) and Vincenzo includes works by D. Buxtehude, J.S Birmingham Tewkesbury BAND Sat 25 Feb, Scalera (piano). Programme includes Bach, Hindemith, Judith Weir and PAIGEY CAKEY Mon 20 Dukas, Mon 27 Feb, Symphony Hall, TELEMAN Thurs 23 Feb, Palace Theatre, works by Rossini, Mozart, Puccini, Feb, O2 Academy, Birmingham The Rainbow Venues, Redditch Massenet and Verdi, Tues 21 Feb, Birmingham Birmingham MIKE & THE MECHANICS Symphony Hall, Birmingham ELSABÉ RAATH IN CONCERT Also featur- FUFANU Mon 20 Feb, ing Robert Markham (piano). MARK HARRISON Thurs Sat 25 Feb, Symphony ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: MOZART The Flapper, B’ham Programme includes works by 23 Feb, Evesham Arts Hall, Birmingham MEETS JOANNA LEE Featuring Victoria Brahms, Hindemith & Enescu, Tues VNV NATION Mon 20 Centre, Worcestershire KEVIN ROWLAND DJ SET Brawn (harp), Sally Harrop (clarinet), Feb, The Asylum, Phillip Brookes (bassoon), Frances 28 Feb, Birmingham Conservatoire KARL BLAU Thurs 23 WITH THE ATLANTIC Birmingham PLAYERS Sat 25 - Sun Moore-Bridger (horn) & David Curtis Feb, Hare & Hounds, (conductor). Programme includes DEAF HAVANA Tues 21 26 Feb, Hare & Birmingham works by Mozart, Joanna Lee and Feb, O2 Institute, Hounds, Birmingham A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY Haydn, Wed 22 Feb, Birmingham Birmingham VIVA NEIL DIAMOND Fri 24 Feb, The Sat Town Hall WEATHERSTATE Tues 21 25 Feb, The Core Comedy Gigs Assembly, Leamington THE HEATH QUARTET Programme Feb, The Sunflower Theatre, Solihull Spa includes works by Hayd, Bartok and Lounge, Birmingham EVERLEY BROTHERS & TOADALLY FREE COMEDY! Mon 20 Feb, PET SHOP BOYS Fri 24 Mendelssohn, Wed 22 Feb, The FRIENDS The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham TONSTARTSSBANDHT Feb, Barclaycard Sat 25 Feb, Barber Institute, Birmingham Tues 21 Feb, Hare & Arena, Birmingham Huntingdon Hall, JENNY ECLAIR Tues 21 Feb, Palace Hounds, Birmingham Worcester Theatre, Redditch BRIT FLOYD Pink Floyd BEN GLOVER Tues 21 tribute show, Fri 24 THE STYLE COUNCILLORS FAT PENGUIN COMEDY Wed 22 Feb, Feb, Kitchen Garden Feb, Symphony Hall, Sat 25 Feb, Artrix, The Patrick Kavanagh, Birmingham Bromsgrove Cafe, Birmingham Birmingham TIFF STEVENSON Thurs 23 Feb, Royal PETE KENT Wed 22 Feb, ME FIRST & THE GIMME KAISER CHIEFS Sat 25 Spa Centre, Leamington Spa Feb, Barclaycard The Robin, Bilston GIMMES Fri 24 Feb, O2 RUDI LICKWOOD, IAN SMITH & COMEDY Arena, Birmingham DRAKE Wed 22 - Thurs Institute, Birmingham CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON 23 Feb, Barclaycard THE SCOPYONS Fri 24 THE DOORS ALIVE Sat 25 Thurs 23 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham Arena, Birmigham Feb, The Roadhouse, Feb, Route 44, B’ham CBSO PRE-CONCERT SHOWCASE: SOLO RICHARD HERRING Thurs 23 Feb, The Birmingham PINEGROVE Sat 25 Feb, GERRY CROSS THE PIANO Featuring Pascal Pascalev and Old rep, Birmingham The Rainbow Venues, MERSEY Wed 22 Feb, ARRIVAL UK ABBA Andrey Ivanov. Programme includes JEN BRISTER Thurs 23 - Fri 24 Feb, Birmingham The Core Theatre, Tribute Fri 24 Feb, The works by Scriabin (Pascalev) and Artrix, Bromsgrove Solihull Roses Theatre, ETERNAL FEAR Sat 25 Brahms (Ivanov), Wed 22 Feb, JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH Fri 24 Feb, Tewkesbury Feb, O2 Academy, TOUCHÉ AMORÉ Wed 22 Symphony Hall, Birmingham Stratford Artshouse, Stratford-upon- Birmingham Feb, O2 Academy, THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR BEETHOVEN AND SCHUMANN Featuring Avon Birmingham 2017 Fri 24 Feb, MIC RIGHTEOUS Sat 25 Aleksandar Markovi(conductor), ANDREW BIRD, TIM CLARK, ANDY Genting Arena, B’ham Feb, O2 Academy, WILD NOTHING Wed 22 Hisako Kawamura (piano) & the City WATSON & ANNETTE FAGON Fri 24 Feb, Birmingham Feb, Hare & Hounds, THE BLOCKHEADS Fri 24 of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton Birmingham Feb, The Robin, Bilston JOE & ASHANTI Sat 25 Programme includes works by Janácek, Beethoven and Schumann, HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI Fri 24 Feb STEVIE PARKER Wed 22 ROBBIE GLENN - TRIBUTE Feb, O2 Academy, Wed 22 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham Artrix, Bromsgrove Feb, The Sunflower TO OLLY MURS & BRUNO Birmingham INGRID DAHLE & DAVID JORDAN Fri 24 Lounge, Birmingham MARS Fri 24 Feb, MARK MORRISS & PETER DONOHOE PLAYS CHOPIN Thurs Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre WORRY DOLLS Wed 22 Nailcote Hall, HANNAH WOOF Sat 25 23 Feb, The Bramall, The University Feb, Kitchen Garden Berkswell, Feb, The Big Comfy of Birmingham RUDI LICKWOOD, IAN SMITH, JONNY Cafe, Birmingham Warwickshire Bookshop, Fargo AN AUDIENCE WITH LESLEY GARRETT An PELHAM & COMIC TBC Fri 24 - Sat 25 Village, Coventry Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham TALON - THE BEST OF IDEAL CLUB Fri 24 Feb, evening of song, reminiscences and EAGLES Thurs 23 Feb, The Sunflower Lounge, SIMMERDOWN LOUNGE chat. Thurs 23 Feb, Palace Theatre, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR, GEOFF NORCOTT, Huntingdon Hall, Birmingham Sat 25 Feb, Hare & Redditch KANE BROWN & COMIC TBC Fri 24 Feb, The Comedy Loft, Birmingham Worcester SUM 41 Fri 24 Feb, O2 Hounds, Birmingham ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN: GUY Academy, Birmingham ONE NIGHT IN NASHVILLE JOHNSTON PLAYS HAYDN Thurs 23 MICKEY SHARMA, MARK NELSON & Sun 26 Feb, New Feb, Malvern Theatres MICKY BARTLETT Fri 24 - Sat 25 Feb, Alexandra Theatre, STAMIC STRING QUARTET Featuring Jongleurs, Birmingham Birmingham Jindrich Pazdera & Josef Kekula (vio- DAN EVANS, GEOFF NORCOTT, KANE JIM MORAY Sun 26 Feb, lins), Jan Peruska (viola) and Petr BROWN & COMIC TBC Sat 25 Feb, The Kitchen Garden Cafe, Hejny (cello). Programme includes Comedy Loft, Birmingham Birmingham works by Haydn, Mucha and Dvorak, SHIP OF FOOLS Sat 25 Feb, Palace Fri 24 Feb, The Royal Pump Rooms, RUMOURS OF Theatre, Redditch Leamington Spa FLEETWOOD MAC Mon JONATHAN PIE Sat 25 Feb, Royal Spa 27 Feb, Birmingham CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: VAUGHAN Centre, Leamington Spa Town Hall WILLIAMS' SECOND Featuring Jamie Phillips (conductor), Steven Osborne NOVELLA Mon 27 Feb, (piano) & the CBSO Youth Orchestra. The Tin Music And Programme includes works by Arts, Coventry Kidane, Britten and Vaughan THE SENSATIONAL 60S Williams, Sun 26 Feb, Symphony EXPERIENCE Tues 28 Hall, Birmingham Feb, Belgrade Theatre. BENJAMIN FRITH – PIANO RECITAL Sun Coventry 26 Feb, Huntingdon Hall, Worcester YOUNG MUSICIANS' SHOWCASE 2017: Talon - Huntingdon Hall, Worcestershire BROMSGROVE CONCERTS, Sun 26 Feb,

64 whatsonlive.co.uk The List 20 - 28 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:56 Page 2

Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February

ROGER SWIFT, PHIL PAGGETT, HARV Theatre, Tewkesbury 2016 semi-finalist, who's been Contact co-production about young HAWKINS, MOSES ALI KHAN, LOVDEV MICHAEL MORPURGO’S KING ARTHUR A described as ‘Mr Bean meets Charlie women and abortion, Mon 27 Feb, BARPAGA & MASAI GRAHAM Sat 25 fast-paced tale of magic, heroism, Chaplin’, Thurs 23 Feb, mac, B’ham mac, Birmingham Feb, mac, Birmingham love and betrayal, adapted from the TREASURE ISLAND - CBEEBIES SPOT- SISTER ACT Alexandra Burke takes the GEOFF NORCOTT, SAM AVERY, STAN novel Arthur: High King Of Britain, BOTS A ‘laugh a minute’ show jam- lead in Craig Revel Horwood’s stag- STANLEY & CHRIS WASHINGTON Sat 25 Tues 21 Feb, The Core, Solihull packed with swashbuckling, cheer- ing of the much-acclaimed musical Feb, Coventry Showcase MARTY MCDONALD’S TOY MACHINE ing, booing, puppets, lots of colourful comedy, Mon 27 Feb - Sat 4 Mar, ANDREW LAWRENCE Sat 25 Feb, Brand new family show featuring the costumes, slapstick fun and maybe Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Artrix, Bromsgrove voice of CBeebies’ Justin Fletcher, even a monkey or two, Thurs 23 Feb, GASLIGHT Kara Tointon stars in a Artrix, Bromsgrove THE LAUGHING SOLE COMEDY FOR KIDS Tues 21 Feb, Albany Theatre, brand new staging of Patrick Sun 26 Feb, mac, Birmingham Coventry GRANNY’S GAME Rhubarb Theatre Hamilton’s mystery-thriller, Mon 27 present a globetrotting adventure for Feb - Sat 4 Mar, Malvern Theatre, THE NOISE NEXT DOOR'S REALLY, REALLY SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW ABOUT... DINOSAURS? Ben Garrod (the TV sci- young audiences, Thurs 23 Feb, The Worcestershire GOOD AFTERNOON SHOW Sun 26 Feb, Hive, Worcester Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa entist in Attenborough And The Giant CIRCUS OF HORRORS - THE NEVER-END- Dinosaur) uses TV film footage and CLOSER Staging of Patrick Marber's ING NIGHTMARE An amalgamation of JACK WHITEHALL Sun 26 Feb, photos of his own palaeontological exploration of modern relationships. bizarre, brave and beautiful acts, Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham dinosaur digs to explain ‘everything Age guidance is 16-plus, due to woven into an Alice In Horrorland- CHRIS RAMSEY Sun 26 Feb, Warwick you ever wanted to know about scenes of a sexual nature and strong type story, driven by a mainly original Arts Centre, Coventry dinosaurs - and more’... Tues 21 Feb, language, Thurs 23 - Sat 25 Feb, Old soundscape and performed with a Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham forked tongue firmly in each cheek! WOW! SAID THE OWL Little Angel SNOW IN MIDSUMMER Director Justin Tues 28 Feb, The Swan Theatre Theatre present a staging of Tim Audibert breathes new life into one of Worcester Hopgood’s picture book for children, the most famous classical Chinese PYGMALION Radical new co-produc- Tues 21 - Thurs 23 Feb, Warwick Arts dramas, Thurs 23 Feb - Sat 25 Mar, tion exploring one of the most cele- Centre, Coventry Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon brated comedies of the 20th century, THRILLER LIVE Musical celebration YOU WIN AGAIN - THE STORY OF THE Tues 28 Feb - Fri 3 Mar, Warwick Arts featuring the hit songs of Michael BEE GEES In words and music, Fri 24 Centre, Coventry and The Jackson 5, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Feb, Palace Theatre, Redditch Feb, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre CIRQUE ENCHANTMENT A concert-style COMMUNICATING DOORS Alan cirque production featuring choreog- SEAN LOCK Mon 27 - Tues 28 Feb, Ayckbourn’s time-travelling comedy- raphy, vocals and circus performers, Birmingham Hippodrome thriller, Tues 21 - Sat 25 Feb, Swan Fri 24 Feb, Albany Theatre, Coventry Theatre, Worcester THE BEAR Raymond Briggs’ heart- Dance NUMBER 42 AND CONCLUSIONS warming wintry tale, featuring pup- Worcester Repertory Company pres- petry, music, storytelling and plenty TANGO FIRE Featuring German ent two new works, Tues 21 - Sat 25 of laughter, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Feb, Cornejo’s dance troupe, The Tango Theatre Feb, Swan Theatre, Worcester Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry Fire Company of Buenos Aires, THE CHRIS AND PUI SHOW New stage AMÉDÉE British playwright, director Thurs 23 Feb, Warwick Arts Centre, show featuring the toys and charac- and comedian Sean Foley (The Play Coventry MORGAN & WEST'S UTTERLY SPIFFING ters from the hit CBeebies pro- What I Wrote, The Ladykillers) brings SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW FOR KIDS gramme, Wed 22 Feb, Palace Eugene Ionesco's surreal comedy to AND CHILDISH GROWN-UPS Fun for all Theatre, Redditch life in a new adaptation. Roxana as Morgan & West mix brainbusting ALL THE LITTLE LIGHTS Award-winning Silbert directs... Fri 24 Feb - Sat 11 illusion and good old-fashioned tom- new play telling the story of three Mar, The REP, Birmingham foolery, Mon 20 Feb, mac, B’ham girls slipping through the cracks in ALICE IN WONDERLAND Immersion BORN OFFENDERS The Young REP society, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Feb, The Theatre present a ‘larger-than-life’ Seniors imagine a world were you REP, Birmingham musical for younger audiences, Sat can be criminal from birth, and where RUNNING WILD The Children’s Touring 25 Feb, Evesham Arts Centre the only thing you've done wrong is Partnership present a staging of THE SOOTY SHOW TV’s Sooty & JAMES WILTON DANCE: LEVIATHAN A be born, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Feb, The Michael Morpurgo’s emotional and friends are back, ‘with guaranteed cast of seven use choreographer REP, Birmingham moving story of love, loss, loyalty giggles for all the family’... Sat 25 James Wilton's trademark blend of NOT DEAD ENOUGH Shane Richie and and ‘living in the moment’, Wed 22- Feb, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire athletic dance, martial arts, capoeira Laura Whitmore star in the world pre- Sat 25 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, LAND OF THE DRAGON Join award-win- and partner work to re-imagine miere production of Peter James’ Coventry ning PuppetSoup as they journey Herman Melville's seminal novel, thriller, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Feb, Malvern through time, landscapes and leg- Moby Dick, Fri 24 Feb, mac, B’ham Theatre, Worcestershire ends, into the world of the Welsh DARE TO DANCE Freeman Dance pres- CIRQUE BERSERK! An evening of thrills Dragon, Sat 25 Feb, Bridge House ent a showcase of dance disciplines, and skills, combining contemporary Theatre, Warwick Sun 26 Feb, Belgrade Theatre, cirque-style artistry with adrenaline- MY NAME IS... & THIS IS NOT LONDON Coventry fuelled stunt action. Featuring over Double bill of new writing. The stories TAPPING THROUGH TIME Tapping rou- 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, of refugees across the world are tines through the years, performed dancers, drummers and death-defy- reimagined, and the concept of by professional dancers, Tues 28 ing stuntmen, Mon 20 - Sun 26 Feb, social security questioned, Sat 25 Feb, The Core, Solihull The REP, Birmingham Feb, mac, Birmingham RICHARD ALSTON DANCE COMPANY A A JUDGEMENT IN STONE A brand new MICHAEL MORPURGO’S KING ARTHUR A double bill of brand new dance staging of Ruth Rendell's classic FOUR MINUTES TWELVE SECONDS Here fast-paced tale of magic, heroism, works by Richard Alston and Martin thriller, Mon 20 - Sat 25 Feb, New To There Productions present James love and betrayal, adapted from the Lawrance, Tues 28 Feb - Wed 1 Mar, Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham Fritz’s deeply provocative and topical novel, Arthur: High King Of Britain, Malvern Theatre, Worcestershire LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER Blue drama, Wed 22 - Sat 25 Feb, Malvern Sat 25 Feb, The Roses Theatre, Orange Theatre Company present a Theatre, Worcestershire Tewkesbury new staging of DH Lawrence's most LADY CHATTERLEY'S LOVER Blue THE WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION famous novel, Tues 21 Feb, Artrix, Orange Theatre Company present a The Crescent Theatre Company Bromsgrove new staging of DH Lawrence's most presents its version of Agatha THE EMPTY NESTERS’ CLUB John famous novel, Thurs 23 Feb, The Christie’s most celebrated courtroom Godber’s story of empty bedrooms, Core, Solihull drama, Sat 25 Feb - Sat 4 Mar, The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham fresher’s flu, boyfriends, long good- CHRISTIAN LEE: POP! Magic, mirth and byes, motorway service stations and mayhem with the Britain's Got Talent I TOLD MY MUM I WAS GOING ON AN trips to Ikea, Tues 21 Feb, The Roses R.E. TRIP A 20 Stories High and

whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List 20 - 28 February - Warwickshire ONLY VERSION.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2017 16:56 Page 3

thelist Monday 20 - Tuesday 28 February Film NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Released from Fri 27 Feb, showing at INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: selected cinemas BEST (12a) FINDING DORY (U) IT’S ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD (PG) Animation/Adventure. With the voices MISS SLOANE (15) of Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks. PATRIOTS DAY (15) Artrix, Bromsgrove, Mon 20 Feb RANGOON (15) THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (U) Drama/Musical. Starring Catherine SOUTHERN FURY (18) Deneuve, Nino Castelnuovo. Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Mon 20 Feb HACKSAW RIDGE (15) History/War. Starring Andrew Garfield, Sam Worthington. Roses Theatre, Events Tewkesbury, Mon 20 - Thurs 23 Feb Caravan Camping & Motohome Show - NEC, Birmingham A MONSTER CALLS (12a) CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP After Drama/Fantasy. Starring Sigourney taking a peek at the props and cos- Julius Caesar in just one day, with WIZARDS ASSEMBLE - THE BIRMINGHAM Weaver, Felicity Jones. Warwick Arts tumes in the new exhibition, The help from an RSC expert, Tues 21 PUB CRAWL Dress up in your best Centre, Coventry, Tues 21 - Wed 22 Play’s The Thing, work with writer Feb, Clore Learning Centre, Harry Potter attire for a pub crawl Feb Sue Brown to create poetry or prose Stratford-upon-Avon around some of the city’s best ven- inspired by the history of the RSC, THE JUNGLE BOOK (PG) CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MOTORHOME ues, Fri 24 Feb, various venues Shakespeare and theatre, Mon 20 Adventure/Drama. Starring Neel SHOW 2017 Featuring tents and com- across Birmingham City Centre Feb, Clore Learning Centre, Sethi, with the voices of Bill Murray, pact campervans, luxurious KATE'S STORYTREE Children and Stratford-upon-Avon Ben Kingsley. mac, Birmingham, motorhomes and caravans, Tues 21 - adults are invited on a Storytime Tues 21 - Wed 22 Feb PLAY IN A DAY: 9-11 YEARS Create your Sun 26 Feb, NEC, Birmingham adventure, Fri 24 Feb, The Other very own shortened version of Julius MUM’S LIST (12) Drama. Starring Rafe STORYTELLING AT BLAKESLEY HALL Place, Stratford-upon-Avon Caesar in just one day, with help Spall, Emilia Fox. mac, Birmingham, Storytelling for three to eight-year- CRAFTY DROP IN Free craft activities from an RSC expert, Mon 20 Feb, Tues 21 & Thurs 23 Feb olds. Join in with A Squash And A for all ages. Just drop by and take Clore Learning Centre, Stratford- HORTON HEARS A WHO (U) Squeeze, a fun-filled rhyming tale by part for as long as you like, Fri 24 upon-Avon Animation/Adventure. With the voices the author of The Gruffalo, Wed 22 Feb, The Swan Theatre, Stratford PRINCESS ACADEMY Meet famous of Jim Carrey, Steve Carell. Albany Feb, Blakesley Hall, Birmingham CREATIVE BADGES Make your own fairytale princesses and take part in Theatre, Coventry, Wed 22 Feb PLAY IN A DAY: 15-17 YEARS Create badges using the museum badge- princess etiquette lessons. There’s BUGSY MALONE (U) Comedy/Crime. your very own shortened version of making machine, Fri 24 Feb, also a princess parade to enjoy, Mon Starring Jodie Foster, Scott Baio. Julius Caesar in just one day, with Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, 20 Feb, Warwick Gates Community Albany Theatre, Coventry, Wed 22 help from an RSC expert, Wed 22 Birmingham Centre Feb Feb, Clore Learning Centre, ZOOLAB! Meet and touch the animals CUPCAKE DECORATING Join the pastry RIO (U) Animation/Adventure. With the Stratford-upon-Avon that would’ve crossed Shakespeare's chef in The Other Place kitchen, voices of Jesse Eisenberg, Anne BLOOD, GUTS AND GORE Join former path, and hear the tales of the Tudor where all the cakes and biscuits are Hathaway. Albany Theatre, Coventry, RSC Head of Wigs & Make-up, street urchin who roamed the streets prepared by hand. Watch a demon- Thurs 23 Feb Brenda Leedham, as she talks about with them, Fri 24 Feb, Shakespeare’s stration on how to decorate tasty the tricks of the trade and how bruis- New Place, Stratford-upon-Avon THE BOOK THIEF (12) Drama/War. cupcakes - then have a go at making es, cuts and scars are created, Wed Starring Sophie Nélisse, Geoffrey them yourself, Mon 20 - Tues 21 Feb, 999 EMERGENCY DAY Does your 22 - Thurs 23 Feb, Clore Learning Rush. Albany Theatre, Coventry, The Other Place, Stratford-upon- youngster love playing pretend Centre, Stratford-upon-Avon Thurs 23 Feb Avon police? Are they a fan of Fireman HALF-TERM CRAFT: ANIMAL MASKS Sam? Emergency vehicles will be on TOP CAT BEGINS (U) Animation/Family. FEBRUARY HALF-TERM FUN Including Create your own animal masks as display outside the museum, with With the voices of Jason Harris, Ben arts and crafts, bug hunting and part of Blakesley Hall's animal- hands-on activities taking place Diskin. mac, Birmingham, Thurs 23 story trails, Mon 20 Feb - Fri 24 Feb, themed half term, Thurs 23 Feb, throughout the day, Fri 24 Feb, Soho Feb Birmingham Botanical Gardens Blakesley Hall, Birmingham House, Birmingham KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG) MAKE A GLIDER IN ENGINUITY’S FAB LAB ZOOLAB! Meet and touch the animals RACE RETRO Diverse motorsport event Animation/Action. With the voices of Create gliders from plastic using the that would’ve crossed Shakespeare's featuring ‘stunning displays, high- Jack Black, Angelina Jolie. mac, 3D printer and vinyl cutter to make path, and hear the tales of the Tudor octane live action’ and the chance to Birmingham, Fri 24 Feb stick-on decals, Mon 20 - Fri 24 Feb, street urchin who roamed the streets drive a classic car around a specially Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge, FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND with them, Thurs 23 Feb, designed route, Fri 24 - Sun 26 Feb, Shropshire THEM (12a) Adventure/Fantasy. Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford- Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth Starring Eddie Redmayne, Ezra AWESOME ARCHAEOLOGY Meet intrepid upon-Avon ASIAN BRIDE LIVE Sat 25 - Sun 26 Miller. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Fri 24 & adventurers and check out artefacts FAMILY WORKSHOP: PERFORMING WITH Feb, NEC, Birmingham Mon 27 Feb that they’ve gathered from archaeo- MASKS Join mask theatre experts logical digs around the world, Mon THE GUITAR SHOW Perfect for guitar TONI ERDMANN (15) Comedy/Drama. Vamos for a hands-on session, Thurs Starring Peter Simonischek, Sandra 20 - Fri 24 Feb, Kenilworth Castle enthusiasts, with live performers on 23 Feb, Clore Learning Centre, stage and a wide range of exhibitors Hüller. mac, Birmingham, Fri 24 - CASTLE QUEST Featuring a series of Stratford-upon-Avon in attendance, Sat 25 - Sun 26 Feb, Tues 28 Feb; Warwick Arts Centre, characters and clues, Mon 20 - Sun CREATE A MASKED PERFORMANCE New Bingley Hall, Birmingham Coventry, Fri 24 - Tues 28 Feb 26 Feb, Tamworth Castle Learn how to create masked theatre BACKSTAGE TOUR: FAMILY Discover the LOVING (12a) Drama/Fantasy. Starring HALF-TERM CRAFT: ANIMAL POM POMS with experts Vamos, working togeth- rarely seen backstage areas of the Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton. Warwick Learn how to make pom poms and er in small groups to create and per- theatre, as The REP invites you to be Arts Centre, Coventry, Sun 26 - Tues turn them into animals, Tues 21 Feb, form your own masked scene, Thurs an audience member, a set builder, a 28 Feb Blakesley Hall, Birmingham 23 Feb, Clore Learning Centre, prosthetics maker or an assistant 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (15) INTRODUCING: JULIUS CAESAR Stratford-upon-Avon stage manager, Sat 25 Feb, The REP, Drama/Comedy. Starring Annette Discover the story and themes in PRINCESS ACADEMY Meet famous Birmingham Bening, Elle Fanning. Roses Theatre, Julius Caesar as you work as an fairytale princesses and take part in LIVE TUDOR MUSIC Performed by Tewkesbury, Mon 27 - Tues 28 Feb actor does, on your feet, Tues 21 princess etiquette lessons. There’s expert musicians in the gardens, Sat Feb, Clore Learning Centre, 8 1/2 (15) Drama/Fantasy. Starring also a princess parade to enjoy, 25 Feb, Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimee. Thurs 23 Feb, Stratford Methodist Stratford-upon-Avon Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 28 PLAY IN A DAY: 12-14 YEARS Create Church Feb your very own shortened version of

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on show in Worcester Le Mans star Tom Kristensen Wolverhampton What’s On; visits historic motor show Staffordshire What’s On; WARWICKSHIRE Shropshire What’s On; WORCESTERSHIRE

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It’s easy - just call our Subscription Hotline on 01743 281714 ...you just pay for the postage and packing! 6 Months £12, 12 Months £24, 2 Years £45

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