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THE RED SHOES RETURNS Your FREE essential entertainment guide for the Midlands TO THE MIDLANDS... WOLVERHAMPTON & BLACK COUNTRY WHAT’S ON FEBRUARY 2020

Wolverhampton & Black Country ISSUE 410 FEBRUARY 2020 ’ WhatFILM I COMEDY I THEATRE I GIGS I VISUAL ARTS I EVENTSs I FOOD On wolverhamptonwhatson.co.uk

inside:

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

AFTER HENRY Henry VIII’s wives visit the Grand Theatre in SIX TWITTER:@WHATSONWOLVES

BEN POOLE award-winning guitarist plays the blues at The Robin AEOK @WHATSONWOLVERHAMPTONFACEBOOK:

RAIN OR SHINE... places to visit during the WOLVERHAMPTONWHATSON.CO.UK February school holiday IFC Wolverhampton.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 15:51 Page 1

Thursday 6th - Saturday 8th February at Thursday 13th February at 7.30pm Friday 14th February at 7.30pm 7.30pm, 1pm Friday Matinee

Drama Drama Dance JANEJANE EYREEYRE LOOKING FOR WOLVERHAMTON'S EMERGENCEEMERGENCE TRIPLETR BILL LATIN QUARTER 2020

Tickets £10 Tickets £10 Tickets £10

Saturday 15th February at 7.30pm Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd February at Thursday 27th February at 7.30pm 7.00pm Friday and Saturday, 2.00pm Saturday and Sunday

Drama Musical Theatre DRAMA YOURS SINCERELY FOOTLOOSE HOME OF THE WRIGGLER

Tickets £10 Tickets £12, £10 conc Tickets £10 Contents February Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:08 Page 2

February 2020

Contents

The Queendom Is Coming... West End musical SIX (be)heading for Wolverhampton Grand - feature page 8

Coming Home... Jonny Awsum The Red Shoes the list

Meera Syal portrait on show at two Midlands dates for Matthew Bourne’s iconic show Your 16-page Wolverhampton Art Gallery acclaimed musical comedian returns to the Midlands week-by-week listings guide page 5 page 23 page 32 page 51 inside:

4. First Word 11. Food 17. Gigs 22. Comedy 26. Theatre 37. Film 40. Visual Arts 43. Events

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

Managing Director: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Sales & Marketing: Lei Woodhouse [email protected] 01743 281703 Chris Horton [email protected] 01743 281704 What’sOn Editorial: Lauren Foster [email protected] 01743 281707 Brian O’Faolain [email protected] 01743 281701 Abi Whitehouse [email protected] 01743 281716 Lauren Cole [email protected] 01743 281733 MEDIA GROUP Subscriptions: Adrian Parker [email protected] 01743 281714 Contributors: Graham Bostock, James Cameron-Wilson, Katherine Ewing, Jenny Ell, Nanci Davies, Patsy Moss, Sue Jones 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 Wolves_Shrops_Staffs February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:07 Page 1

Entertainment news from around the region

Theatre company offset their carbon emissions The UK’s leading mask theatre company has collaborated with conservation charity Trees For Life to set up a tree grove in the Scottish Highlands. Worcester-based Vamos’ aim is to offset the carbon emissions from the 23-venue tour of its new theatre production, Dead Good. The trees will help to re-wild the Caledonian Forest. Commenting on the initiative, Vamos’ Artistic Director, Rachael Savage, said: “This particu- lar project is something we are doing whilst we work on more long-term sustainability for the company. This isn’t a quick solution; we are fully aware trees take up to 20 years to mature, but this is a positive springboard for us. This interim move invests in a better future and supports invaluable reforestation in the Scottish Highlands.”

Woolly Mammoth to show The state-of-the-art venue, which last year Flowers and flour at changed its name from Forest Arts Centre, at The Ironworks will also host The UK Monsters Of Rock Shrewsbury show The Ironworks in Shropshire is aiming to Show, Arrival-The Hits Of Abba, and The Celebrity chef Phil Vickery will be bringing highlight and encourage conversation about World Famous Elvis Show. his culinary expertise to this year’s Shrews- climate change by creating a life-size woolly bury Flower Show. mammoth sculpture. One of the UK’s favourite ‘kitchen-maestros’, Specifically designed to raise better aware- Phil joins a line-up at the show which in- ness of the importance and critical need for Search on for mini pop cludes arena entertainment, a children’s change in order to protect the environment, stars to perform in Brum area, a spectacular fireworks display on both the artwork will also highlight how intensely nights of the event and, of course, an impres- the earth’s flora and fauna suffer as a result sive selection of floral displays. of neglect. The 2020 show takes place on Friday 14 & The woolly mammoth is believed to have be- Saturday 15 August. come extinct as a result of human hunting, For more information, visit shrewsburyflow- habitat interference and climate change. ershow.org.uk

A popular children’s music brand is search- ing for new dance talent to take part in the UK leg of a world tour. The Kidz Bop youngsters kick off their first- ever UK headline tour this Easter and are looking for seven virtual support acts whose videos will be premiered on a big screen at Exciting times ahead for the live shows. Dance groups simply have to select their favourite Kidz Bop song and send Walsall Arena in a film of their own choreographed rou- Comedians Milton Jones, Ed Byrne, Henning tine/music video performance. For more Wehn, Gyles Brandreth and Clinton Baptiste information, visit cuffeandtaylor.com. are among the high-profile performers who’ll The Kidz Bop live show visits Birmingham be stopping off at Walsall Arena during 2020. Symphony Hall on Saturday 11 April.

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First Word

Staffs Fest introducing... Popular annual music event Staffs Fest is this year intro- ducing an ‘introducing’ stage! The Erndor50 Introducing Stage, providing a platform for musicians to ‘go global’, is open both to up-and-coming and more experienced musi- cians and bands. To be part of the selection process, call 07775 714280. The competition will take place within the fes- tival on Sunday 24 May.

Samantha Womack and Tom Chambers set to thrill EastEnders favourite Samantha Womack and Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from 9 to 13 June. Strictly Come Dancing’s Tom Chambers are to It then returns to the Midlands a month later, Meera Syal star in a brand new production of Dial M For stopping off at the Wolverhampton Grand comes home... Murder. Theatre from 14 to 18 July. A portrait by photographer The genre-defining thriller, made famous by For more information and to book tickets, visit Jason Bell of Wolverhampton- Alfred Hitchcock’s 1950 movie version, visits the respective theatres’ websites. born actor and novelist Meera Syal is currently on show at the city’s art gallery (until 5 Kinky Boots to April). walk from stage Bell’s stylish image is on loan to the venue as part of the Na- to screen tional Portrait Gallery’s Com- Hit stage show Kinky Boots ing Home project, which sees The Musical is to be screened portraits of famous sitters in more than 600 cinemas being loaned out to places across the UK and Ireland on with which they have a strong Tuesday 4 and Sunday 9 connection. February. The stage produc- tion was filmed live for the cinema at the Adelphi The- atre, London, in November 2018 by BroadwayHD, the US-based streaming service for live theatre. For more information and to Prepare for battle at historic event... book tickets, visit Kinky- BootsCinema.com A weekend of family-friendly activities and entertainment marking the anniversary of the Battle of Shrewsbury will take place in the Shropshire town on 25 & 26 July. Attractions include knights in armour preparing for battle, living- history events - including traditional crafts and cookery - the chance to have a go at firing an arrow, and a historical market area selling a wide selection of wares. Both days end with the reenact- ment of the Battle of Shrewsbury. whatsonlive.co.uk 5 First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:07 Page 3

First Word

Krazy Race fun coming to Sandwell Valley Park Sandwell Valley Country Park will host its first ever Soapbox Derby in the au- tumn (4 October). Birmingham & Sandwell Krazy Races is a free-entry event that will see ‘weird, wacky and wonderful carefully crafted carts’ hurtle down a track consisting of chicanes, obstacles and water features. The event will feature between 40 and 50 teams, with participants encouraged to raise as much money as possible for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Char- ity or a charity close to their heart. For more information about how to apply to take part, visit krazyraces.co.uk

Swanning around Folk-ing about in in Burton... Wolverhampton There’ll be no shortage of Wolverhampton’s Newhampton Arts swanning around going on in Centre (NAC) is hosting a season of Burton this summer... folk-music nights this spring. The Staffordshire town will be Folk At The NAC kicks off on Satur- hosting a trail of 25 1.5-metre- day 29 February with Chris Wood. tall swan sculptures which Later-season performers include Greg have been created by talented Russell & Ciaran Algar, five-piece artists and sponsored by local band Calan (pictured) and Steve businesses and organisations. Tilston & Jez Lowe. For more informa- For more information about the tion and to buy tickets, visit ticket- project, visit source.co.uk/newhamptonartscentre burtonswans.co.uk New name for iconic Midlands venue New Art Gallery Arena Birmingham is set to be renamed Utilita Arena Birming- ham as part of a major new partnership with ‘Britain’s leading Walsall celebrates Smart Pay As You Go (PAYG) Energy provider’. The iconic city 20 glorious years centre venue will take up its new name on 15 April. Utilita has a The New Art Gallery Walsall is growing presence in the UK live events industry, having part- celebrating its 20th birthday nered with a number of major music festivals in recent years. this month. To mark the occasion, the venue is bringing together One Direction star at Mining the laughter works of contemporary art Wolves Racecourse A historical Shropshire venue is set to play host to a season of comedy collected over the last two One Direction star Liam Payne will nights. decades, many by artists who play to a hometown crowd at The Anstice in Madeley, which was have featured in the gallery's Wolverhampton Racecourse on once a working men’s club for the exhibitions programme. Saturday 22 August. local mining community, reopens As a further celebration, the The locally born singer will perform this month and kickstarts its new gallery is hosting a free-to- a full and exclusive live set in the comedy event with an appearance by attend Arty Party - including evening. His concert will follow on Simon Brodkin (aka Lee Nelson) on music, workshops and games from a full day of racing. Saturday 29 February. Other perform- for all the family to enjoy - on For more information and to pur- ers already booked for the season in- Saturday 22 February. chase tickets, visit clude Jen Brister and Gary Delaney. ticketmaster.co.uk 6 whatsonlive.co.uk First Word Wolves_Shrops_Staffs February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:07 Page 4 SIX.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:48 Page 1

THE QUEENDOM IS COMING... Divorced. Beheaded. Died... Divorced. Beheaded. LIVE! West End musical SIX is hitting the road...

From Tudor queens to battling boss-women, transfer to Broadway - with tours also near the end, where the queens realise com- SIX sees the wives of Henry VIII take to the planned for Australia, China, Japan, South peting is ridiculous and come together stage to tell their own versions of their lives. Korea and Canada. instead. There’s so much historical informa- This celebration of 21st century girl power tion to get across that there isn’t room for “This definitely isn’t a normal musical,” says sees the cast backed by the show’s all-female different side-stories - we’re all on the same Jodie Steele, whose character’s historical band, The Ladies In Waiting. path. It’s a very unique concept, for sure! counterpart is Catherine Howard. “It has only “The woman who I play, Catherine Howard, is SIX’s runaway success has shown no signs of one act and is definitely more like a concert widely known as the queen who nobody cares abating since it premiered as a student than usual - take a Girls Aloud gig and a about - and she’s Katherine with a ‘K’ in SIX. production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in musical and SIX is right in the middle! The The two most famous queens, Catherine of 2017. The musical was nominated for five 2019 running storyline is that we’re competing as Aragon and Anne Boleyn, refer to her in the Olivier Awards, continued to sell every avail- Henry VIII’s wives, fighting over who had it musical as the most forgettable of the three able seat in London’s West End and will soon worse. It’s all about the competition until

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by Lauren Cole

Catherines. People talk about Henry VIII’s six Henry really did love her and she really did Henry’s wives, but somehow we’ve changed wives, and when they get to Catherine love him. So her song is a ballad like those their fate for the youngsters and used their Howard, they characterise her simply as ‘the from Adele, and she wears white in her cos- tragic stories for something good. Teachers slut’ and move on. What SIX does really clev- tume to signify innocence. But then obviously message me thrilled with what we’re doing erly, though, is play on the fact that Katherine our show is pulling history into the future, so with SIX, as their pupils come to school after is the youngest queen - she was only 19 when Jane still has more of an edge to her than a seeing it brimming with excitement for beheaded - and makes her into a true pop Tudor queen would’ve been allowed. history and wanting to know more about princess: bright, bubbly, beautiful, covered in female historical figures overlooked in a “The latter queens aren’t as talkative and pink and enticing to everyone. She didn’t man’s world. Seeing history from a woman’s feisty as the first three. Anna of Cleves (Anne come from as good an educational back- point of view is so different. SIX is all over the of Cleves in history) is laid-back and doesn’t ground as the others, but she was just as world. It’s really unstoppable and doesn’t argue - but she’s also the biggest, badass smart. In Katherine’s section in SIX, she starts seem to be tiring!” boss-woman out of all six. Cleves can’t win by insulting all the others with such wit that it the contest of who had the worst time from The SIX cast album is the second highest- shows she shouldn’t be underestimated. Henry and she knows that. Henry decided streaming cast recording in the world. Why When her song begins, it’s quite sultry, but Anne was really ugly and didn’t want to be does Jodie think this is? then it slowly starts to go downhill... married to her, so she managed to play that to “The music is so current and plays on lots of “Katherine tells us about the various men her advantage, twist his arm and get loads of young people’s idioms while also using who treated her badly, so you get more of an money and a palace out of him. Her song is social-media slang. I think sometimes pop idea of the true tone of the song beneath the rap, like Lil’ Kim, and she wears red. doesn’t want to be too cheesy so doesn’t play glamour. She was abused and raped. In the “Then comes me as Katherine at number five - on that, but SIX really has fun with that idea choreography, the other five queens have channelling pretty-in-pink Ariana Grande. in the lyrics. It’s just so current, catchy and their hands all over me while I desperately try The survivor, Catherine Parr, dons blue and is cheeky! And it builds to this massive rock to pull them off, so it becomes very uncom- very quiet throughout the show, sitting back chorus at the end. People of all ages can’t fortable for the audience to watch. It’s an odd to watch the situation very much like Parr did help connecting with the show. Adults have a atmosphere at the end of the song because of in real life. She was an incredibly intelligent little laugh to themselves when they recognise the uncomfortable turn it takes. The audience woman who knew that to outlive Henry and how their teenagers speak, and the kids, don’t quite know what to do because we’ve not end up like the previous five queens, she teenagers and young adults themselves find it shocked them so much. I get the impression just needed to sit on the sideline and hold her relatable. In terms of the score as a whole and that some people feel very guilty that they tongue. Even though Parr was Catholic and the success of the album, because every song didn’t know about what had happened to fought against the new religion Henry created is so different, it’s like going to an ice cream Catherine Howard. Henry VIII and his male to divorce Aragon, she very much had to keep parlour and being able to get all the flavours: contemporaries - and male historians since - her opinions to herself after he took a liking to pop, rock, ballads, house. In that way, it’s like just passed her off as a promiscuous young her. She’s the calmest and sternest out of the the album is a compilation of strong women woman, and we believed it. We’re told she’s six, biding her time until her solo - an abso- in music. the one who slept her way to the top - and lutely huge Alicia Keys-esque song that unites that’s just not how it was at all because she “It’s funny and ironic, though, that in a show all the queens. really didn’t have a choice.” where it’s all about being equal, it’s so easy “Then we do the last three numbers as a for people to pick their favourites. People As with Katherine, each of the other queens group, flipping history on its head and saying come away loving the queen who ‘spoke’ to has her own very distinct personality. Each is how it would’ve been if these six very differ- them the most, and that’s fine. You can iden- assigned a colour and emulates a well-known ent but equally amazing women had lived tify with one person more than another, but music-industry female. nowadays.” that doesn’t mean you have to try and bring “Catherine of Aragon is the first queen and down the women you don’t relate to as much. In the end, SIX is all about female empower- married to Henry for the longest, so in the ment. The musical’s ethos even impacts on the cast show she wears gold and is very arrogant members’ off-stage relationships with one about that. She’s the most outspoken, com- “The queens finally come to realise that another: “I’ve been so lucky in my career; I’ve petitive and sassy. Music-wise she’s based on they’re all equal and there’s no need to fight done so much in my seven years as a profes- Beyonce. each other, which I think is so relevant to sional. I’ve covered, I’ve been an alternate now. Neither our obsession with social media “Anne Boleyn is the queen who came in standby and I’ve been a leading lady, but SIX and comparing ourselves to others, nor the whilst Catherine of Aragon was still there - is so special because every single person is so online trolling that comes out of it, are and the character seems the hot favourite equal. All shows say that it’s a ‘team effort’, healthy things. SIX is really fighting against with the youngsters. Boleyn has that Avril but I think with the manner in which the that. I think that SIX really is right up there in Levigne rock-chick vibe, and her colour is musical’s message makes its way into the very the women’s movement that’s happening at green. Her and Aragon argue throughout the dynamics of the cast, it’s even more the case the moment, showing that women can have a musical because they were the overlapping with SIX. We’re so supportive of each other, so say while supporting one another. Women queens who met and clearly didn’t like each I love living in and sharing SIX’s message. If having to sit on their opinions or do things other! Bobo [Boleyn] is very outspoken, confi- we just pick each other up rather than bring they don’t want has no place in our society. dent, quirky and has plenty of cheeky one- each other down, then wow, the world will be liners. I’d say she’s my favourite queen in the “There are plenty of boys and men who’re a better place to live in.” show. fans of SIX too, which is so, so important. In this movement of empowering women, we Jane Seymour is the total opposite of the first SIX shows at Wolverhampton Grand absolutely have to get males involved too, or two: she’s reserved and quiet, just like Sey- Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 we’ll never get where we want to go. We will mour was in real life. She’s the queen who March and Birmingham Hippodrome from never be able to change what happened to gave Henry his son, Edward, and then died. Tuesday 21 - Saturday 25 July.

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Food

The latter was absolutely deli- cious! The notes of lemon and thyme that ran throughout the rich and creamy sauce were im- pressively subtle, while the chicken was perfectly cooked. I thoroughly recommend ordering this dish if you see it on the menu. The pork & chestnut dish wasn’t far behind. Featuring nicely cooked chunks of meat, earthy chestnuts and a subtle cinnamon taste, it was an enjoyable and certainly a seasonal dish with which to end our first ever visit to Exo Poli. For Mamma Mia! fans, the restaurant has started running themed evenings complete with entertainment. Tickets have to be booked in advance, cost £30 per person and include a glass of prosecco on arrival plus food and singing. The next events are scheduled for Friday 6 & Satur- day 7 March. Jackie and Dan are fantastic hosts who welcomed us into their restaurant with open arms. I’m certainly looking forward to visiting them for a second time, REVIEW: Exo Poli in the summer, when the back A taste of Greece in the Town of Flowers terrace is complete. Next time we stop by, we’ll sam- Inspired by their time living on hang from the ceiling. It’s hard to makes for an intimate and per- ple some options from the main the island of Crete, partners believe these selfsame premises sonal dining experience. menu - and there are certainly Jackie and Dan launched once housed a dark and dingy It didn't take long for our food to some delightful dishes from Mediterranean restaurant Exo post office! arrive. The platter featured clas- which to choose: belly pork and Poli last year. Throughout January, Exo Poli is sics such as black & green olives, chicken steeped in honey & Located on Longden Road, just offering a meze feast, with vege- sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, a thyme; bell peppers stuffed with outside Shrewsbury’s town cen- tarian & meat options and half a creamy, homemade houmous rice and mint; prawn saganaki; tre, this new kid on the block litre of Cretan natural wine cost- and a fresh Greek salad (com- chicken souvlaki... serves meze-style dishes reminis- ing £25 for two people. We plete with a very generous help- Lauren Foster cent of those you would experi- swapped the wine for two bottles ing of feta!). There was also a ence in Greece. of Mythos, a tasty Greek lager, portion of perfectly cooked Food: nnnnn Service: On our arrival, the marriage of and sat back to admire our sur- chips, some toasted bread and nnnnn Ambience: smells, decor and music in- roundings for the evening. three homemade hot dishes. The nnnnn Overall value stantly transported me and my The restaurant boasts two main first of these was simple yet nnnnn OVERALL partner from a dark and gloomy indoor seating areas as well as tasty, comprising roasted vegeta- nnnnn winter evening to what could one outdoor area (soon to be bles - aubergine, peppers, onion Exo Poli easily have been a restaurant sit- joined by a second). The menu and courgette - in a tomato sauce. 92 Longden Road uated in a warm and sunny changes regularly, with a focus Shrewsbury Greek town. on seasonal and locally sourced Next up were two meat dishes - a Shropshire A lot of effort has gone into the produce. The kitchen is open and spiced pork & chestnut dish, and SY3 7HW aesthetics - bright, multicoloured situated at the back of the front chicken in a preserved lemon & Tel: 01743 600479 tiles line the walls, and lanterns dining area, a set-up which thyme cream sauce.

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Food

Baking fun for kids at Shropshire venue If your youngsters love to get involved in the kitchen and whip up a storm, they’re sure to enjoy a visit to The British Ironwork Centre - the venue is this half term hosting special 60- minute workshops on the best of British baking and cooking. The Little British Bake Off classes run from 17 to 21 February and include pizza, cookies, cheesecake and even edible slime. Each child will have their own set of ingredients and cooking station. To book your place, visit britishironworkcentre.co.uk.

Michelin success for Whitchurch eatery An entry in the Michelin Guide is coveted by every good eatery across the land - and now Shropshire's very own Docket No 33 in Whitchurch has bagged one! To be more accurate, the venue has been recognised with The Plate Michelin - an award introduced in the 2016 edition of the Paris guide to recognise restaurants that 'simply serve good food'.

Beer company opens Another successful year for Wolverhampton restaurant its doors to the public Wolverhampton’s favourite Indian restaurant has made it into the Michelin Guide for the 19th year A Shrewsbury craft brewing company running. The 35-year-old family-run Bilash is greatly admired for its modern and innovative and tap room which is well known and Bangladeshi and Indian food. Constantly striving to provide culinary experiences which satisfy the much admired for its unique and funky modern, discerning diner, the restaurant is situated opposite the Civic, just a short walk away from offerings, has opened its doors to the Wolverhampton’s train station. public. The Evolution Beer Company is hosting fully personalised tours of its brewery, Mytton & Mermaid to serve allowing visitors to learn all about imaginatively named beers such as up eight-course vegan feast Update Your Smile and Descent Of Man. Shropshire hotel & restaurant Mytton & Mermaid is hosting its first vegan taster night this month. Taking place on Saturday 1 February in the venue’s Drawing Room, the event will serve up an eight-course vegan feast at a price of £45 per person. Menu options include: Facon Sarnie - black treacle facon, sourdough and kimichi ketchup; Seoul Mates - Korean BBQ noodle salad, scallions, cucumber steak, gotcha and toasted ramen crush; and Granja Luker - a tasting of single origin and ethical Colombian chocolate. To reserve your place, call 01743 761220.

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Classical

Mahan Esfahani In-The-Round Birmingham Town Hall, Sat 22 February The only harpsichordist ever to be a BBC New Generation Artist, Mahan Esfahani is eager to raise the profile and appeal of his genteel and often-derided instrument of choice. But the Iranian musician is under no illu- sions about how difficult a task it’s going to be: “The harpsichord is like the posh, pretty boy in prison,” he told the Guardian recently. “He’s gonna get beaten on.” Esfahani’s Birmingham concert sees him performing in the round, presenting a pro- gramme that features works by, among BBC Philharmonic: Best Of Beethoven others, Johann Sebastian Bach. Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 28 February Residing at the Corporation's Manchester Schuldt (pictured) conducting a programme Ensemble Hesperi home of Media City in Salford Quays, the of Beethoven music that concludes with the Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School, BBC Philharmonic is no stranger to the composer’s revolutionary Symphony No3, Fri 21 February Potteries, regularly presenting the region’s Eroica - a work regularly voted the greatest “Award-winning period instrumental music-lovers with works from its impressive symphony of all time. The concert also group Ensemble Hesperi’s unique project repertoire. features one of the UK's best-known showcases the infectious charm and daz- This latest concert, performed as part of the pianists, Martin Roscoe, who will be zling virtuosity of Scottish Baroque music Stoke-on-Trent Festival, sees Clemens performing the serene Piano Concerto No4. linked to its roots in Highland dance,” says Shropshire Music’s Kate Hogwood. “Bringing the dance elements to life, the Hallé Orchestra: Espana! CBSO: Walton’s ensemble is here joined by international Highland dancer Kathleen Gilbert with Victoria Hall, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 7 February Viola Concerto special new choreography.” One of the UK’s top symphonic ensembles, Symphony Hall, Birmingham, the Manchester-based Hallé is admired Tues 27 February around the world for its extensive orches- French violist Lise Goldmund Quartet tral repertoire. Berthaud (pictured) Symphony Hall, Birmingham, This Victoria Hall concert sees the orchestra is on a mission to Tues 4 February performing under the guidance of conduc- find the dark heart Now considered to be one of the most tor Stephen Bell and alongside soloist Craig of Walton’s smoul- exciting young string quartets in Europe, Ogden (pictured), presenting a show which, dering Viola Con- German group Goldmund here present the Hallé promises, will sweep the audience certo in this latest works by Mendelssohn, Debussy and away to a world of sensuous excess: ‘From evening of excep- Haydn alongside a brand-new commis- the Spanish perfumes of Manuel de Falla’s tional musicmak- sion from Birmingham favourite Dobrinka Three Cornered Hat to the Spanish rhythms ing from the City of Tabakova. of the famous Rodrigo Guitar concerto’. Birmingham Sym- The quartet are performing in the city as Chabrier’s España and Ravel’s Bolero are phony Orchestra. part of the ECHO initiative - a unique and among the other works featured in the A part of the prestigious BBC Radio Three forward-looking partnership between 21 concert programme. New Generation Artists Scheme, which of the continent’s leading concert venues, allowed her to perform with all BBC orches- all of which belong to the European Con- tras and record a significant amount of cert Hall Organisation. repertoire both live and in the studio, Lise has gone on to become a truly outstanding figure on the international music scene. The concert’s programme also features John Foulds’ April - England and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A London Symphony. Associate Conductor Michael Seal takes the helm. whatsonlive.co.uk 15 GIGS February Wolves_Shrops_Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:47 Page 1

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Gigs

Zion Train The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 February Having collaborated with the likes of UB40, Gentleman, Gregory Isaacs, Beenie Man and Tippa Irie, Zion Train are one of the most unique dub acts around. Boasting dynamic mixing and exceptional vocals, they have consistently released music and toured since 1992. Their mix of reggae and dance was a notable innovation in the early ’90s, with co-founder Neil Perch citing his influences as Jah Shaka, King Tubby, Ravi Shankar and Jimi Hendrix.

Ben Poole released four critically acclaimed albums: Live At The Royal Albert Hall (recorded by Macka B & The Roots The Robin, Bilston, Wed 12 February Ragga Band the BBC in 2014), Time Has Come (2016), Twenty-eight-year-old Ben Poole is consid- Anytime You Need Me (2018) and his most Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Fri 7 February ered to be one of the most exciting young recent offering, Trio - a brand new double As a practising Rastafari, British-born rock, blues and soul artists to come out of CD live album which was recorded across Jamaican reggae artist, performer and activist the UK in a very long time. To date, he’s three shows in July 2019. Macka B bases his music around the political and spiritual message of the religion. He’s been performing around the world - both solo Strange Bones Turin Brakes and with acts including The Wailers, Lee The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sat 8 February Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Perry and U-Roy - for more than 30 years. The Sat 1 February Root Regga Band join him for this Shrews- In 2014, Bob, Jack and Will Bentham teamed bury appearance, with The Social Ignition up with lifelong friend Stuart Newburn to providing support. form punk-rock band Strange Bones. The four-piece have a sold-out ‘Jack Daniels’ residency in their home town of Blackpool and have played at all manner of festivals, including Download UK, Live At Leeds, The Great Escape and Reading & Leeds. Arcadia Roots Albert’s Shed Southwater, Telford, Fri 21 February Turin Brakes sees former primary school Worcestershire-based four-piece Arcadia friends Olly Knights and Gale Paridjanian Roots deliver a hypnotic blend of trance, teaming up with longtime bandmates Rob dance, roots and reggae music, their unique Allum and Eddie Myer. and captivating sound often being described With seven top-40 singles, six top-40 as earthy, psychedelic and infectious. albums and more than one million world- The band’s live shows include guest per- wide sales to their name, the London indie formances from tribal dancers and percus- four-piece this month visit Wolverhampton sionists, along with a hypnotic light show to perform their first full stripped-back designed to ensure complete immersion. acoustic show since 2002. whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 1

Award FINALISTS in each category announced! VOTE for your WINNER! Readers’ What’sOn Awards

Yes, you VOTED in your thousands in the first round of nominations in the What’s On Readers’ Awards - over 15,000 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:

Midlands Large Theatre l Burn The Floor Best Pantomime in l Birmingham Hippodrome l Matthew Bourne: Romeo And Juliet The Midlands 2019/20 l Belgrade Theatre, Coventry l Matthew Bourne: Swan Lake l Aladdin - Stourbridge Town Hall l Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford l Aladdin - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Best Orchestra/Choir l The Alexandra, Birmingham l Cinderella - Lichfield Garrick l Birmingham Cathedral Choir l The REP, Birmingham l Dick Whittington - Wolves Grand l Birmingham Gay Symphony Orchestra l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l Sleeping Beauty - Regent Theatre l Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra l Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent l Snow White - Hippodrome l CBSO Best Touring Musical l North Staffs Symphony Orchestra Best Pantomime Dame 2019/20 l Les Misérables l Andrew Ryan - Snow White, Best Classical/Operatic l Kinky Boots Birmingham Hippodrome Production l The Rocky Horror Show l Ben Humphrey - Snow White, l Birmingham Festival of Early Music l Blood Brothers Swan Theatre, Worcester l Birmingham Philharmonic: l Dirty Dancing l Brad Fitt - Aladdin, Movie Music Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Best Home-Produced Show l CBSO: Viennese New Year l Christian Patterson - Billionaire Boy - Belgrade Theatre Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: l l Sleeping Beauty, Regent Theatre l The Boy In The Dress - RSC The Planets l Ian Adams - Dick Whittington, Brassed Off - New Vic Theatre Welsh National Opera (WNO) l l Wolverhampton Grand Theatre l The Snow Queen - The Old Rep Autumn Season l Wally Wombat - Aladdin, l The 39 Steps - New Vic Theatre Best Touring Theatre Play/Show Stourbridge Town Hall Best Dance Production Abigail's Party l Best Kids Show l Birmingham Royal Ballet: l An Inspector Calls l Dear Zoo Live! Beauty And The Beast l Educating Rita l Horrible Histories l Birmingham Royal Ballet: l The Girl On The Train l The Tiger Who Came To Tea The Nutcracker l The Mousetrap VOTE today atwhatsonlive.co.uk

18 whatsonlive.co.uk Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 2

#readersawards2020

l The Snowman Best Amateur Dramatic/Operatic Best Midlands Music Festival l The Worst Witch Group Production l Birmingham Pride l BMOS: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang l Download Festival Best Arts/Cultural Festival l Birmingham Ormiston Academy: l Godiva Festival l Birmingham Comedy Festival Lord Of The Flies l Shrewsbury Folk Festival l Birmingham Weekender l Coventry Musical Theatre Society: l Worcester Music Festival l Lichfield Arts' Fuse Festival Annie l Let’s Rock, Shrewsbury l Shrewsbury International l Get Your Wigle On: Grease Comedy Festival Best Midlands Food Festival l Lichfield Operatic Society: Avenue Q l The Big Feast, Newcastle-under-Lyme l Colmore Food Festival, Birmingham l Worcester Arts Festival Best Comedy Night l Foodies Festival, Birmingham l Comedy Carousel at l Lichfield Food Festival Best Exhibition The Glee Club, Birmingham l Ludlow Food Festival l Apollo 50 - The Potteries Museum l Comedy at Henry Tudor House l Shrewsbury Food Festival & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent l Funhouse Comedy - various l Dressed To The Nines - Best Street Food Vendor l Just The Tonic, Birmingham Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l Bournville Waffle Co l Laugh Out Loud Comedy - various l Home Of Metal Presents Black l Buddha Belly Sabbath: 50 Years - Birmingham Best Midlands Music Venue l Dick’s Smokehouse Museum & Art Gallery l Arena Birmingham l Patty Freaks l Leonardo da Vinci: A Life In Drawing - l Birmingham Town Hall l Urban Cheesecake Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery l O2 Academy, Birmingham Best Midlands Market l Wildlife Photographer Of The Year - l Resorts World Arena, Birmingham l Beckett’s Farm, Birmingham Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, l Symphony Hall, Birmingham l Bullring Indoor Market, Birmingham Coventry & Wolverhampton Art Gallery l The Empire, Coventry l FarGo Village, Birmingham l The Market Hall, Shrewsbury l Moseley Arts Market, Birmingham

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

BIRMINGHAM Best Music l Birmingham Lit Fest l Birmingham Museum Best Indoor Event Best Independent l Birmingham & Art Gallery Festival l BBC Good Food Restaurant Weekender l Cadbury World Best Arts/Theatre Show l Adams l Birmingham Pride l National Sealife British Athletics Indoor l Harborne Kitchen Venue l Birmingham & Solihull Best Food Centre l Championships l Original Patty Men l Blue Orange Theatre Jazz & Blues Festival l Thinktank Festival/Event l Crufts l Purnell’s l The Crescent Theatre l Moseley Folk & Arts l MCM Birmingham l Wing Wah Midlands Arts Centre Festival l BBC Good Food l Best Outdoor Comic Con l The Old Joint Stock l Mostly Jazz, Funk & Show Event l Strictly Come Dancing l The Old Rep Theatre Soul l Birmingham Cocktail Best Independent Solihull Summer Fest Weekend Live l l Birmingham Frankfurt Coffee Shop l Colmore Food Festival Best Music Venue Christmas Market l 3 Three's Coffee l Digbeth Dining Club Best Arts l Ice Skate Birmingham Best Gallery/ l Cherry Reds Cafe Bar l The Actress & Bishop l Foodies Festival at Festival l Great Birmingham Exhibition Venue l Damascena Coffee l The Glee Club Cannon Hill Park Run The Barber Institute House l Hare & Hounds l Arts & Science Fest l l Peaky Blinders Birmingham Museum l The Edwardian l The Jam House (University of B’ham) l Best Visitor Festival - Digbeth & Art Gallery Tearooms at BMAG l The Night Owl l Birmingham Comedy l Summer In Southside Festival Attraction l Coffin Works l Java Lounge IKON Gallery l Birmingham Int Dance l Birmingham Back to l Festival Backs l Midlands Arts Centre and choose your WINNER!

whatsonlive.co.uk 19 Theatre Tokens Full Filler.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 17:48 Page 1 Readers Awards 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:21 Page 4

What’sOn FINALISTS in each REGION

Best Independent l Penn Tandoori Best Gallery/ Best Independent l National Memorial l Wellington Arts Bar/Pub l The Summerhouse, Exhibition Venue Restaurant Arboretum Festival Dudley l 1000 Trades l Compton Verney l Bolero Bar & Kitchen, Best Event Best Visitor l The Old Crown, l Coventry Music Worcester l Bonfire and Fireworks Digbeth WARWICKSHIRE Museum l Dine India, at Trentham Estate Attraction l The Jekyll and Hyde l Herbert Art Gallery Bromsgrove l Cathedral Illuminated l Attingham Park The Plough, Harborne l Leamington Spa Art l The Old Rectifying British Ironworks l Best Arts/Theatre at Lichfield Cathedral l l The Prince Of Wales, Gallery & Museum House, Worcester l Lichfield Proms in Centre, Oswestry Moseley Venue l Mead Gallery at l The Olive Branch Beacon Park l Ironbridge Museums Warwick Art Centre Mediterranean Bistro l Albany Theatre, l Scarefest at Alton l Park Hall Farm Coventry & Wine Bar, Worcs Towers l Severn Valley Railway, BLACK COUNTRY Ostlers at No.1, l Belgrade Theatre, Best Independent l l Staffordshire County Bridgnorth Coventry Restaurant Worcester Show Best Arts/Theatre l Criterion Theatre, l Café Vin Cinq, Rugby Best Event Venue Coventry l Cheals of Henley, STAFFORDSHIRE Best Independent l Chocolate Festival, l Royal Shakespeare Henley-in-Arden Restaurant Shrewsbury l Arena Theatre Theatre, Stratford Dough And Brew, l Shrewsbury Flower Dudley Town Hall l Best Arts/Theatre l 1709, The Brasserie l l Warwick Arts Centre Warwick Show Grand Theatre, l The Boat Inn, Lichfield l My Dhabba, Coventry Venue Shrewsbury Wacky Wolverhampton l l Hard Days Night, l Best Music Venue l The Cross, Kenilworth l Brewhouse Arts Races l Light House Media Newcastle under Lyme Centre Shropshire Centre, W’hampton l The Assembly, l Mackenzies, Lichfield l l Lichfield Garrick Oktoberfest l Stourbridge Town Hall Leamington Spa WORCESTERSHIRE l NOM Restaurant, l The Empire, Coventry l New Vic Theatre, Hanley l Telford Balloon and l The Kasbah, Coventry Newcastle-under-Lyme Kite Fiesta Best Music Venue Best Arts/Theatre l Regent Theatre, l Shakespeare Street, SHROPSHIRE l Brierley Civic Hall Stratford-Upon-Avon Venue Stoke-on-Trent l Dudley Town Hall Warwick Arts Centre, l Stafford Gatehouse Best Gallery/ l Artrix, Bromsgrove Newhampton Arts Coventry l Theatre Best Arts/Theatre l Huntingdon Hall, Exhibition Venue Centre, Wolves l Worcester Venue l Bear Steps Art Gallery, l The Robin, Bilston Best Music Venue Best Festival l Malvern Theatres l The Hive, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury l The Slade Rooms, l Eleven, Art In The Park, l Norbury Theatre, l Ludlow Assembly l Coalbrookdale Wolverhampton l Stoke-on-Trent Leamington Droitwich Rooms Gallery, Ironbridge l Lichfield Guildhall l Godiva Festival l Swan Theatre, l The Place, Telford l Shrewsbury Museum l The Sugarmill, Stoke l Leamington Food and Worcester l Theatre On The Steps & Art Gallery Best Visitor l The Underground, Drink Festival l Theatre Severn l Qube, Oswestry Attraction Stoke l Stratford River Festival Best Music Venue l Twenty Twenty l Victoria Hall, Hanley l Black Country Living l Stratford-upon-Avon Gallery, Much Wenlock l Drummonds Bar, Best Music Venue Museum Music Festival Worcester Best Music l Albert's Shed, l Dudley Canal & l Huntingdon Hall, Best Independent Tunnel Trust Worcester Festival Shrewsbury l Dudley Zoo Best Visitor l Albert's Shed, Restaurant l The Marr's Bar, l Lichfield Arts' Fuse RAF Cosford Museum Attraction Southwater l CSONS, Shrewsbury l Worcester Festival Wightwick Manor l The Buttermarket, l Dough and Oil, l l Coventry Music l Paradiddles Music Lichfield Blues & l Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Museum Cafe Bar, Worcester Jazz Festival The Queen’s Head, l Henry Tudor House, l Henry Tudor House, l Coventry Transport l l Lichfield Festival Best Event Bromsgrove Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Museum l Lichfield Festival Of l 1940s Evening - l Kenilworth Castle Folk l The Hive, Shrewsbury l Hundred House, BCLM Best Music Telford l Shakespeare’s l Staffs Fest l Black Country Boating Birthplace Trust Festival Best Music l Huntsman of Little Festival l Warwick Castle l Bromsgrove Folk Wenlock, Telford l Cosford Air Show Festival Best Arts Festival Festival l Big Feast, l Peaky Blinders Nights l Sunshine Festival l Farmer Phil’s Festival Stoke-on-Trent Best Independent at BCLM Best Event l Upton Blues Festival l Let’s Rock l Lichfield Festival Café l Wolverhampton l The Dragon Slayer - l Upton Jazz Festival Shrewsbury l Lichfield Literature l The Bird’s Nest Cafe, Literature Festival Warwick Castle l Worcester Music l Rock & Bowl Festival Festival Shrewsbury HSBC Let's Ride Festival l Shrewsbury Folk l Stafford Arts Festival Coventry l Festival l Crystal's Cupcakes, Best Gallery/ l Stoke Literary Festival Telford l Monster Jam - Best Event l Shropfest l The Furnace Kitchen, Exhibition Venue Ricoh Arena l Droitwich Spa Food The Motor Show - Best Food Coalbrookdale l Bilston Craft Gallery l Festival Best Food l Ginger & Co. Dudley Museum Ragley Hall l Eastnore Chilli Festival Festival l Festival Shrewsbury At The Archives l Stratford Literary l Enchanted Witley - l Great British Food Festival l Field to Fork l House Coffee Co. l Light House Witley Court Festival l Frestival, Shropshire Media Centre, l Worcester Festival l Lichfield Food Festival l Ludlow Food Festival Wolverhampton Best Food l Worcester Food l Stafford Cheese & Ale Owestry Food & Drink New Art Gallery, Festival Festival l l Festival/Event Festival Walsall l Stone Food & Drink l Coventry Food And Festival l Shrewsbury Food l Wolverhampton Best Visitor Drink Festival Festival Museum & Art Gallery Attraction l Tamworth Food Gusto l Digbeth Dining at Festival Coventry Cathedral l Avoncroft, VOTE Bromsgrove Best Arts Festival l Fargo’s Vegan Best Visitor Best Independent Festival, Coventry l Hanbury Hall l Church Stretton Arts and Gardens Attraction Festival Restaurant l Royal Leamington NOW! l Severn Valley Railway, l Alton Towers l Ludlow Fringe Festival l Bella, Wolverhampton Food & Drink Festival Bewdley l Drayton Manor l Oswestry Literary l The Cowshed l Warwick Food Festival l West Mid Safari Park Theme Park Festival l The Old Glasshouse, l Witley Court, l Lichfield Cathedral Shrewsbury Literary Dudley l Worcester l Monkey Forest Festival

whatsonlive.co.uk 21 Max Raabe.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:52 Page 1

THE SOUNDS OF THE ROARING 20S Max Raabe and the Palast Orchester head to Birmingham on their first ever UK tour... Max Raabe.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:52 Page 2

Million-selling German crooner Max Raabe is since the mid-’90s we’ve had the same line- When did you know the Palast Orchester the debonair, white-tie-and-tails-wearing up. We’re a student band - an old one! was going to be more than just a hobby? front man of the critically acclaimed Palast What was it that first interested you in the After a year, we were invited to perform at a Orchester, who’ll be coming to Birmingham particular style of music which the orches- ball, playing in the foyer. People stood in this spring. tra play? front of our stage and asked us to play again Formed in Berlin in 1986, the orchestra per- and again. It was then that we realised we The music was always there when I was a form music of the 1920s and ’30s to audiences were on the right track. Then we did our first child. Each Sunday there were black-and- across the globe, along the way garnering concert, got some TV jobs and said to our- white films on TV - not only German and Aus- rave reviews and scooping glittering gongs selves, let’s continue for as long as people trian films from the 1920s and 1930s but also like they’re going out of fashion. want to hear us, and for as long as we want to movies from the United States, with Fred As- do it. And we’re still doing it! Fifty-seven-year-old Max has received numer- taire. There was always a scene where some- ous awards for his commitment to the music body was singing and a band was playing in a Where do you find all the original arrange- of the era, including an ECHO Classic award big hotel. ments from the ’20s & ’30s? for his interpretation of Mack The Knife. In my father’s record collection there was an The first ones we found in flea markets, then In November, the ensemble’s new MTV Un- instrumental song called Crazy About Hilde. we found a big old publishing company in plugged album went straight into the Top 10 It was funny and fast, but there was a melan- Berlin. in the German pop charts. choly sub-note in there by the saxophones A few years ago, we did a tour of the States, What’s On caught up with Max ahead of the and the vibrato of the trumpet. It was like lis- including a concert in Chicago. A couple of Palast Orchester’s Birmingham stop-off next tening through a pipe into another room, an- weeks beforehand, somebody said, ‘Do you month... other era. So I went to flea markets in the next know there’s a big library in Chicago with big town, Münster, and bought some of these The orchestra has been together for more original stock arrangements from the ’20s & 78 records - not only German but also some- than 30 years, Max - so why has it taken so ’30s?’ We went and found around 30 arrange- times English songs. long to tour to the UK? ments and just had to pay the copy for them. It felt like Christmas! Incredible! We have played some concerts, at the Cado- You started performing the songs as a gan Hall in London and Shepherd’s Bush Em- teenager. What was the reaction from How do you decide which material to per- pire, and had invitations to festivals like friends and family? form for each concert? Twinwood and the Secret Garden Party. We My parents were shocked. My friends, they We have more than 600 songs in our reper- had wonderful concerts and they were always loved it. We had a very active church, and toire. We mix it up with songs I compose and very successful. In spring, I have my second every family and friend went there. Once a play songs of the countries we’re travelling solo concert at Wigmore Hall in London - year there was a big party and they asked us through. When we have a tour through some- which is a wonderful concert hall - but it’s not to do some sketches or play some music - and where like Scandinavia, we do one pro- so easy for artists from Europe to go to your is- that was the first time I put on my father’s top gramme, then when we go to Japan, we sing land. I think you have incredible artists and hat and sang these songs. It was wonderful. some Japanese songs. Recently we had a con- musicians - maybe that’s the reason why. They loved it, and it was fun for me. I never cert in Milan and the programme had five Ital- thought I’d one day become a musician. How would you describe Max Raabe And ian songs. The Palast Orchester? You went on to study classical singing at One of the songs we’ll play in the United King- dom is I Won’t Dance, a wonderful arrange- We’re a 13-piece orchestra playing the music college in Berlin, where you and your ment from 1935 which we found in Chicago. of the 1920s and 1930s. We have four saxo- friends formed the orchestra... We have Noel Coward songs and some by Al phones, two trumpets, one trombone, rhythm I financed my study with that music but told Bowlly. We play it in the way it was played in section with sousaphone, double bass, nobody about it. One of my teachers came to the early 1930s, in the pre-swing era. drums, guitar, banjo and a violin player - me and said, ‘Another professor told me that she’s the only lady in the orchestra. This is by you sing songs from the ’20s and ’30s. Take How do you feel when you stand at the chance. Our first violin was played by the girl- care; it may ruin your voice and can be dan- front of the orchestra singing these songs? friend of one of our saxophone players. And gerous or difficult. I don’t like this idea that It makes me feel lucky because I always dis- when he left, we asked a student of ours to you sing other material.’ cover new colours and variations. My aim is to play for a concert and he said, ‘For one con- He was then at a concert we did and said, entertain the audience and transport them cert I will do that, but I have no time to come “You do it well, you don’t stress your voice, out of reality. The music was written to take with you to play concerts and stay in your you have a wonderful technique and I see you its audience away from their everyday prob- band’. But then we realised how wonderful it don’t mix it up. You have this classical way to lems, and I’m pleased to say that it still works is to have a woman in the orchestra. Our cur- sing and you have this ’20s light crooning today. rent violinist, Cecilia Crisafulli, has been with style of singing. Don’t do it too much, but it’s us for 13 years. okay with me.” So I didn’t have to be a waiter or a taxi driver during my studies; I could just Max Raabe And The Palast Orchester How many musicians have played in the earn money with music. perform at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, orchestra since it was founded in the mid- on Thursday 5 March. 1980s? There are still eight people from that time. But Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:39 Page 1

Sarah Keyworth Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Sat 22 February; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 6 March Sarah Keyworth’s original premise for her new show, Pacific, was that she was turning into her dad. But then things moved on a bit. “It ended up being about how I, as a woman who likes to perceive herself as being slightly masculine, almost resents the feminine parts of herself. It’s about learning that I don’t have to be the biggest, strongest woman in the room. It’s like learning how to become a modern man.” Sarah is in a relationship with fellow comic Catherine Bohart. “In a misogynistic way, I like the idea of looking after my girlfriend,” she says, “but in reality, if my girlfriend left me for long, I’d starve!”

Alexei Sayle Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Fri 28 & Sat 29 February Having long ago been in the vanguard of His regular appearances in cult BBC sitcom the alternative-comedy movement, Alexei The Young Ones then brought him to wider Sayle certainly knows how to work a crowd public attention. - particularly as most members of his audi- He's branched out considerably in more re- ence have been diehard fans of his stand- cent times, trying his hand at kids TV, docu- up for 40 long years. mentaries and even a bit of Shakespeare. Sayle shot to stardom in the late 1970s/early A big-screen appearance in the execrable ’80s, presenting a brash, loud and hugely Carry On Columbus is probably one ele- political act at the legendary Comedy Store. ment of his CV best forgotten, though...

Dom Joly Simon Brodkin John Shuttleworth Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 13 Palace Theatre, Redditch, Wed 26 February; Birmingham Town Hall, Wed 5 Feb; Theatre February; The Place, Telford, Tues 18 The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 5 Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 13 Feb; Stafford February; The Core Theatre, Solihull, Thurs April Gatehouse Theatre, Thurs 5 March; Artrix, 20 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Bromsgrove, Wed 11 March; The Roses Mon 2 March; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Former medical doctor Simon Brodkin is Theatre, Tewkesbury, Thurs 12 March; Tues 3 March; Tamworth Assembly Rooms, perhaps best known as the creator of com- Huntingdon Hall, Worcester, Sat 18 April; Sat 15 March; Stourbridge Town Hall, Wed 8 edy character Lee Nelson, a bling-wearing Stratford Playhouse, Stratford-upon-Avon, April; The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 24 April; New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Thurs 9 April Stella-swigging South London geezer. under-Lyme, Sat 25 April Simon has also hit the headlines for his From a launch- Midlands-based lovers of light comedy and unwavering commitment to the business of pad provided by understated but up-to-the-minute fashions being a top-quality prankster: he famously Trigger Happy here get the chance to enjoy another laugh- handed Prime Minister Theresa May her TV, Dom Joly has ter-filled evening in the company of P45 at the Conservative Party Conference. led an intriguing Sheffield’s raconteur par excellence. This latest tour sees him taking on perhaps and extraordi- The creation of actor Graham Fellows - a his trickiest task yet - going on stage as nary life. Some of one-time chartbuster with 1970s’ hit, Jilted himself. It’s a challenge he’s very much the highlights - John - Shuttleworth has been making his looking forward to meeting, though: well, highlights presence felt on the UK comedy circuit for “There’s no bigger buzz in the world than according to more than 30 years. turning up in a new city, making 2,000 Dom anyway - This latest show finds John a pale shadow people laugh and include world drinking, skiing down volca- of his former self. Years of strenuous DIY - then sleeping noes, holidaying in Chernobyl, trying to fly not to mention playing his organ while with about five of across the Grand Canyon strapped to an perched on a multi-pack of Diet Sprite with them afterwards. eight-foot rocket, and eating from Gillian no lumber support - has taken its toll... The only down- McKeith’s pants while imprisoned in the Expect classic songs, new stories, and the side is chlamy- Australian jungle... unmistakable pungent whiff of Deep Heat dia.” ...Some guys have all the luck. ointment... 22 whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:39 Page 2

Comedy

Dane Baptiste Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 29 February; Royal Spa Centre, Leamington Spa, Fri 20 March; Glee Club, Birmingham, Sun 29 March It’s certainly been a whirlwind few years for London-born funnyman Dane Baptiste. In 2014, he became the first ever black come- dian to be nominated for the ‘best new- comer’ award at the Edinburgh Fringe, a success he achieved with debut solo show Citizen Dane. In the ensuing years he’s established himself on the UK comedy circuit to excellent effect, his constant and industrious honing of his act earning him a loyal and ever-expanding fanbase. Jokes include: “Dubai is what would hap- pen if you gave a 12-year-old a trillion dollars to redecorate his bedroom.”

Phil Wang The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham, Sun 9 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sun 16 February; Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, Sun 5 April Phil Wang’s first ever five minutes behind ing to get up in the mornings, Phil is one of the mic as a standup comedian were spent the newer kids on the comedy block and de- telling other people’s gags. “I thought scribes his style of humour as smart, cheeky standup was like karaoke with jokes,” he re- and always changing. calls. “Most of the material I used was stolen, Jokes include, “Dying is a lot like camping. I but I learned fast and immediately started don’t want to do it,” and “I’m white and Chi- writing my own material.” Inspired to be- nese. I’m both majorities, bitch. I’m Pepsi Brum Craic come a comedian by his desire to avoid hav- and Coke.” Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 20 February Jonny Awsum Jimeoin Making a welcome return for this second Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 9 February; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Mon 3 Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 19 February Brum Craic, James Cook (pictured) will once February; Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, again be hosting a show that’s designed to Fri 21 February Fancy a straightforward comedy night with a provide a high-profile platform for some of ‘If you can’t beat straight-talking - well, actually, a rambling - the comedy world’s most promising new them, join them’ master of mirth? If so, then the sublime acts. Callum Oakley and Lindsey Santoro seems to have been Jimeoin is the fella for you. are among those who will be strutting their the perspective A gimmick-free one-man comedy machine, hopefully laughter-worthy stuff on this par- taken by musical Jimeoin's proved he's got what it takes on all ticular occasion. comic Jonny manner of top TV programmes, including Awsum. Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Having served as a Jason Manford’s Comedy Rocks. barman at London’s Chuckle Club for He visits Stafford with his new touring show, eight long years, Jonny decided it was the appropriately titled Ramble On. high time he put down the pint glasses and picked up the microphone himself. Fame then came his way courtesy of Britain’s Got Talent, in which he per- formed This Is A Musical with Ant & Dec and The Triangle Song with David Wal- liams. Five-star reviews at Edinburgh and a starring role in panto followed, with Jonny now ticking off another first by heading out on his debut solo tour.

whatsonlive.co.uk 23 Tony Law.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:06 Page 1

A law unto

Comedianhimself Tony Law is back with a brand new show...

Don't be fooled by the title of Tony Law's pany myself. So I have a closing song!" little bit political, but it’s not preaching.” new touring show - Identifies - because it As well as a musical finale, Identifies also As with all of Tony’s shows, Identifies has has very little to do with the on-trend sees Tony addressing politics for the first changed since it debuted last year. The topic of identity! time. content is pretty much the same, but the "I tried to do a show that was really noth- “My closing also features a bit of Brexit. I delivery and the pacing are different - ing about identity as best I could,” says wouldn’t say it was pro-Brexit, but it’s pro something which he attributes to a Tony, “’cos that’s just how I work, to be people who voted Brexit, which is a little change in musical taste. contrarian!" twist for me. It’s not saying one way or “The shows never seem to get too locked The Canadian-born Law came to London another, it’s saying something nice about down. If you hear a recording of this in the 1990s and established himself as an all of the people, whichever way they material when I first did it, it will sound inventive and idiosyncratic comedian. voted. It sounds quite naff but it comes the same, the words won’t be that differ- Part of a lineage that includes Spike Milli- across quite good. It’s just a way of ent for most of it, but there’ll be different gan, Monty Python and Eddie Izzard, acknowledging our brothers and sisters inflections and a different pace to it. It Tony presents shows that are perhaps best who have different opinions. That was the slowly morphs. described as flights of surreal and absurd idea behind it.” “This show was written while listening to fancy. Freewheeling but well-structured, Tackling a thorny subject without offend- Toto, Supertramp and Steely Dan. It has a they are peppered with grand ideas, ing either side required Tony to look bit of a vibe like that - a 1970s vibe. But stories about everyday incidents, contem- deeper into the reasons why people made since I’ve been touring it, [US alt-rock plations on time travel, occasional props their decisions. pre-grunge heroes] Pixies have taken over. and even the odd song. "That was hard to do because I had to Pixies seems about right because of the In fact, Identifies concludes with a brand learn about all the reasons why someone urgency with which I deliver the material. new composition written solely by the wanted to do Brexit - because I didn’t It’s like a fricking train... ch-ch-ch-ch... comedian. know. But I needed to find out all of their but then slow, and then fast and loud. "I trained myself to make sounds on a reasons, not do it half-arsed like most “Almost every show of mine seems to have guitar and have written my very first song! people do - patronisingly looking down a life of its own.” I’ve done music before, but I’ve always got their nose and saying, ‘they’re idiots, they real musicians involved. They’ve made don’t really know!’ I didn’t want to go Tony Law: Identifies is at The Glee Club the music after I’ve hummed the song and from that angle, so I dived into it and Birmingham, on Friday 14 February. then tried to make it into a thing. With really got my head around it. For tickets and more details, visit this one, I forced myself to learn enough “That’s a bit of a departure for me. It’s a glee.co.uk strumming sounds to be able to accom- Tony Law.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:06 Page 2 Once the Musical.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:25 Page 1

URBAN FAIRYTALE Runaway West End and Broadway hit Once The Musical focuses on the passionate love experienced by two musicians, not only for their craft but also for one another. A new touring production will next month be casting its spell over Midlands theatre-goers. What’s On met up with the stars of the show...

24 whatsonlive.co.uk Once the Musical.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:25 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

Based on the 2006 cult feature film of the auditioned for the Broadway show and was line of work, you can always dig deeper into a same name, Once is about two lost souls - a then an understudy in the West End, I do role, get more out of it and give more to it. I Dublin street busker and a Czech musician - think I was too young. So it was the right deci- definitely relate to Girl’s personality more who unexpectedly fall in love. The musical sion to wait until now to take the lead. The than her circumstances. For example, I don’t follows the pair’s lives over a period of five cool thing about Guy is that he is the ‘any have a child and I’m not Eastern European, days. man’ or ‘everyman’ - and now I’ve seen so but I think I do relate to her optimistic out- many different versions of him, I can really look. She’s very positive and tries to be quite Once’s Celtic folk music and lyrics - written by make the part my own. The character in him- uplifting for others, even if she’s not feeling the stars of the film, Glen Hansard and self is almost nondescript, as it’s the pain and great herself - and that’s definitely something Markéta Irglová - have won Grammy, the journey in Once that’s perhaps more I try to do and the type of person I continue to Academy and Olivier awards. Complete with a important. He’s like a blank canvas.” aspire to be. book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh, Once also took With a background both as an actor and a “With Once, I’m playing a lead role as home the coveted Tony Award for best musi- musician (but very separately), Dan doesn’t opposed to covering it, like I did with Beauti- cal in 2012. consider himself the typical musical theatre ful: Carole King The Musical. I’m actually performer: “I come from my acting and my really glad that I did that fir So what has made this heartwarming show st, as being in the singer-songwriter background above anything ensemble and being a swing or understudy is such a resounding success? else, so I’ve had a real dual career in that way. a real rite of passage. You learn what it feels “I think it’s a combination,” says Emma I’ve managed to play music at quite a high like to be a part of the show but not front-and- Lucia, one of the stars of the touring produc- level and be in West End plays, so I’m very centre. Then I think you are even more appre- tion that’s next month visiting the Midlands. lucky in that sense. What I think is great ciative both of your big break and your other “The storyline itself is so naturalistic - so about Once is that it attracts people on both cast members too. It’s a big step up in terms much so that it appeals to all kinds of people sides of the coin: whether you’re a massive of pressure, but I feel so excited and lucky to of all ages and backgrounds. But also it’s the musical theatre fan or prefer plays, Once is a be playing a lead role at my age.” fact that all of the music is played by the show you’ll want to see. Moderate and hard- So why should Midlands theatre-goers go to actors on stage. It’s very unique in that core theatre-goers and musical theatre lovers see Once? Emma continues: “Markéta Irglová, sense.” alike will be captivated by it. Guy is literally who co-wrote the music, said that you can be my dream role. The part could’ve been written “The story itself is definitely something every- a complete stranger to someone but once you for me in a sense, because of my Celtic up- one can connect to,” adds Emma’s co-star, start making music together, it’s like your bringing and being an actor/musician.” Daniel Healy. “We’ve all had those crossroads souls merge. There’s something about that moments in life, those real chances or deci- Dan’s background in music includes a close unspoken connection - the way music brings sions that people often look back on and wish working relationship with Ronan Keating. people together regardless of background - they’d dealt with differently. Once is about that Once captures in the best possible way.” “I became good friends with Ronan when he that kind of moment. It’s a real urban fairy- played Guy in the West End and I was his “There are a lot of people out there who are tale: it's got great music with an Irish connec- understudy. I just saw him as this hugely genuinely inspired to chase their dream, tion, a genuine story about love and loss, and successful fella who was following a similar whatever that may be,” says Dan. “Once has a a narrative about dreams coming true.” path to me, and we became great mates. He lasting effect, which I also felt when I Dan has been involved with the show for heard one of my songs online and asked me if watched it myself. It really does encourage many years and feels a real affinity with his I’d do some writing for him. I ended up doing people to make sure they’re doing what they character, Guy: “I might have picked up a few six songs on one of his albums, and then a love. Art should be all about getting right out- tips being in the West End cast! I understud- slot opened up in his band about four-and-a- side your own headspace and being taken on ied the lead in that, so I’ve seen many differ- half years ago. So I’ve played with him ever an incredible journey - and, of course, for you ent incarnations. But I can honestly say that since then, touring the world and everything. then to reflect it onto your own life and expe- this is the best cast there’s been out of all of It's been really great! I’m still writing songs riences. It’s so humbling to see people so the versions I’ve seen or been involved with - with him now, including one for Netflix’s moved by this musical, especially when and that’s not including myself, by the way! Galapagos. But over and above all that, he’s a you’re just going out there to do a job you love This cast is so bloody talented! Everyone good pal, and hopefully he’ll come down to and giving absolutely everything you can. involved in Once is a joy to be around, and I see the show.” Once is a beautiful piece, besides being multi- think the audience will feel that reflected in award-winning, and this is your opportunity And what about Dan’s own music? the show. to see it in its best form yet!” “I’m absolutely still working on that, too. It “Guy is a really great part that everyone can has crossed my mind that, as soon as Once bring their own take to because he is so relat- Once The Musical shows at the Belgrade has settled down a bit and we’ve got into the able. I would say that he’s really the closest Theatre, Coventry, from Tuesday 10 to rhythm of touring, I might slowly start putting character to myself that I’ve ever played. I’m a Saturday 14 March; Regent Theatre, Stoke- something together. I hope to have a new singer-songwriter who busked for years when on-Trent, from Tuesday 17 to Saturday 21 album finished by the time we stop touring!” I was young, so there are elements of Guy that March; Malvern Theatres from Monday 23 I’m so connected to. Just like Emma, I saw the Emma is returning to the role of Girl. to Saturday 28 March, and the Alexandra, show and realised that was the part I was Birmingham, from Monday 1 to Saturday 6 “It’s great to revisit the part because, in our meant to play. But at the time in my life I first June.

whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:02 Page 1

Theatre Theatre from around the region

Peter Pan Goes Wrong The Alexandra, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sat 22 February; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 25 - Sat 29 February A play about a play that goes wrong isn’t a new idea by any means, Society in the Olivier Award-winning The Play That Goes Wrong, Mis- but it’s certainly a winning one, as the plaudits garnered by this chief Theatre Company here let loose those selfsame comic creations cheeky hit ably illustrate. One reviewer laughed so much he feared he on a production of JM Barrie’s children’s classic. The only trouble is, was going to hyperventilate, another admitted his funny bone had the bumbling thesps are more than a little accident-prone. So much been well and truly struck by the piece, while a third laughed and so, in fact, that they’re not even sure they’ll manage to reach the cur- laughed until ‘the tears ran down’. tain call, let alone Neverland... Having first introduced audiences to the Cornley Polytechnic Drama

Asking For It Ten Times Table Home Of The Wriggler The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 15 February Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, The REP, Birmingham, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Mon 17 - Sat 22 February February; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Mention of Alan Ayckbourn and a list of bril- Wed 26 February; Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 27 February liant observational comedies springs readily to mind. Ten Times Table, first performed in early 1977, is one of them. A cast of high-profile television actors here star in a story revolving around the Pendon Folk Festival committee, a calamitous ensem- ble led by the over-excitable Ray and coming complete with Marxist schoolteacher, mili- tary dog-breeder and octogenarian secretary. Robert Daws, best known as the team captain This critically acclaimed stage adaptation of in ITV’s gentle 1990s’ cricket comedy, Outside Birmingham’s ever-impressive Stan’s Cafe Irish author Louise O'Neill’s novel focuses on Edge, takes top billing. here make a welcome return with a story they the experiences of fictional main character and describe as a playful, kaleidoscopic soap- sexual-assault victim Emma O’Donovan. opera. The production is set in a far-distant “I’m incredibly proud of the book and its mes- post-oil future and finds four investigators sage,” says Louise, “which is why I was so ex- piecing together the interwoven stories of cited by the prospect of a stage adaptation. The families who once lived in the shadow of the prospect of this message getting as far and Longbridge car plant. wide as possible is incredible. Sexual violence Built from true stories and industrial history, is such an epidemic in our culture, an impor- the show sees its industrious performers tant and devastating issue that needs to be ad- turning dynamos to light the stage with car dressed and eradicated; and we’re not going to headlights, bringing to life dozens of hum- do that unless we face the issue head-on.” drum fragments of everyday moments.

26 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:02 Page 2 Kay Mellor's Band of Gold.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 10:40 Page 1

BANDKay Mellor has adapted herOF hit 1990s television GOLD series for the stage...

Bringing Band Of Gold to the stage for the first acters and moments that made Band Of Gold other sex worker that the teenager had ‘pimp time, writer‐director Kay Mellor is promising such a sensation when it premiered on ITV. But problems’. “I never saw her again, but I started fans that they’re in for a treat: “They’ll get all the killer of young mother turned sex worker thinking, ‘What is it that drives a woman onto the joy and the suspense they had from the Gina won’t be the same, with Mellor teasing: “I the Lane to sell her body?’” television version,” says the creator of one of think people will be more satisfied than they It took eight years for her to get Band Of Gold the most‐watched shows in British TV history. were with the TV revelation.” onto TV, “fighting everybody and literally beg- “But it’s live theatre, so it has that excitement Leeds born Kay was originally inspired to write ging people to read the script. I was an un- to it because it’s unfolding in front of their very ‐ the hard hitting drama when, on the way to a known writer writing about sex workers in the eyes.” ‐ party, she and her husband drove through north of England, and who’s gonna put that on Kay has revised the plot of the first series for Lumb Lane in Bradford ‐ a notorious hangout television?” the stage version, adding in a few twists to for sex workers ‐ and were approached in their The fight paid off. The show wasn’t just a grip- keep it fresh and surprising: “It’s funny and it’s car by a young woman. “It was like someone ping crime drama, it was a phenomenon. More sad,” she says, “and audiences are going to be had hit me in the solar plexus,” Kay recalls, than 15 million viewers tuned in each week, fans told a big story not over six weeks but across “because she was so young - 14 or 15 - and my held Band Of Gold parties where they’d catch two hours, with a beginning, middle and end.” daughters weren’t much older than that.” the latest episode over wine and pizza, and Set in the early 1990s, just as the TV series was, Haunted by the encounter, Kay left the party bookies took bets on the identity of Gina’s killer the stage version brings back the iconic char- early to track down the girl but was told by an- before the big reveal at the end of the first series. Kay Mellor's Band of Gold.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 10:40 Page 2

Simon Button

Kay would go on to become one of the UK’s more than two decades on and I think we’re in After three years on Corrie, Shayne is excited most successful and revered dramatists, pen- a worse position than we were then,” she says. about going out on his firstever tour in a play. ning television shows including Playing The “There’s as much if not more poverty now. “I’m looking forward to how much I can learn Field, The Syndicate and Girlfriends. She also People are really struggling and more people from working with so many great actors - and turned her muchloved TV series, Fat Friends are visiting food banks.” of course with Kay. I used to watch The Syndi- (which aired from 2000 to 2005), into a hugely cate on TV and think, ‘I’d love to be in some- Rose is like the mother hen, ruling the Lane successful stage musical, which she also thing like that’, never imagining I’d even get to where the younger girls work. directed. meet Kay let alone work with her. It’s a massive “She’s very territorial and nobody is stepping privilege.” Band Of Gold remains a firm favourite with on her patch,” explains Gaynor, “but she’s a Mellor fans. She smiles about people in the To research the role of Carol, Emma Osman has good friend and the kind of person everyone street still yelling, ‘What’s happened to Carol?’ delved into documentaries about sex workers: would hope would have their back because in reference to Cathy Tyson’s feisty prostitute, “It’s interesting to see how, even though they she’s tough.” who takes Gina (Ruth Gemmell) under her have to be tough, they’re also very vulnerable - wing. “And I get in taxis and the driver goes, ‘I Laurie Brett plays Anita, “a workingclass sur- just everyday girls in extraordinary circum- love that Band Of Gold. Why don’t you write vivor who’ll do whatever it takes to get through stances,” notes the actress whose credits some more of it?’” life”. She rents out a room to the girls for a cut include Doctors and Snatch. “They’re so of their earnings. “She’s very multilayered and resilient. Carol constantly talks about not Twentytwo years on from the series finale, a really interesting person,” says Laurie, who’s wanting to be controlled, to be independent Kay has done just that opting for a stage best known from EastEnders and Waterloo and her own woman. She’s so scared of being version of the classic story with a brand new Road. She was a fan of the TV show when it abandoned. I really appreciate being given the cast, rather than trying to bring back original premiered: “It was extremely gritty and it still opportunity to do something so powerful, and stars Tyson, Geraldine James, Barbara Dickson is. Plus, it was an honest portrayal of women to play a character who’s so strong and feisty.” and Samantha Morton for a sequel. who weren’t victims. Yes, they were victims of Sacha Parkinson is equally thrilled to be play- “There’s nothing like sitting in an auditorium circumstance but not in terms of their everyday ing Gina, who is driven to prostitution after listening to your play and hearing people lives.” splitting from her abusive husband, Steve. laughing and applauding. It’s absolutely magi- Coronation Street and dinnerladies star Sacha was only three when Band Of Gold cal. It’s like a drug.” Andrew Dunn is Ian, a counsellor and client started and has made the decision not to watch After reworking Band Of Gold, she work- with all sorts of flaws. “He has this front as a the series. “That kind of mirrors Gina’s own shopped it twice and made big changes, but pillar of the community, but in the background experience of going into a world she doesn’t the anonymous feedback from the second there’s a lot of other stuff going on,” Ian know anything about,” says the former Corrie workshop was that everyone would pay to see explains. “That’s really interesting to play.” star, whose CV also includes The Mill and Mr it and everyone would recommend it to a Selfridge. “Getting to work with Kay is an The role marks a reunion for Ian and Kay Mel- friend. “That’s when I thought, ‘Okay, let’s take amazing opportunity. Band Of Gold has been lor, who starred as husband and wife in the this to the next stage’. her baby for years, so to be a part of her explor- play A Passionate Woman at Hull Truck ing it again is really special.” “I decided to set it in its original time period Theatre in 2010. “Kay was fantastic to work because actually nothing much has changed with, so I’m really looking forward to working Hollyoaks regular and Dancing On Ice finalist since then. If anything, things have become with her again. Band Of Gold was one of the Kieron Richardson is making his professional harder with austerity and Universal Credit. first dramas to have so many female characters stage debut as badboy Steve, who becomes a People just can’t get to the end of the week. at its centre, and the story is still relevant. prime suspect in Gina’s murder. Kieron has a There are more sex workers than there were 20 Prostitution may have diversified but it’s still strong connection to Band Of Gold - his father years ago people selling their bodies basically happening.” was an onset security guard for the TV show. to feed their kids or make ends meet. It’s more Fellow Coronation Street star and X-Factor As a youngster, Kieran would go along to the relevant to today than ever before. winner Shayne Ward is relishing the role of DCI set, where he would hang out in Carol’s house “We’ve assembled this brilliant new cast of Newall, the detective tasked with finding and ride around in the blue police van. great actors and some well-known faces, and it Gina’s killer. Newall was played by David “Watching them all work is one of the reasons I allows me to reinvent Band Of Gold for both Schofield in the TV original. Schofield was in got into acting in the first place,” he explains, its long-term fans and those coming to it for the his 40s at the time, whereas Ward is in his “so it’s kind of come full circle.” first time.” mid30s. His take on the DCI is as a younger man keen to make his mark: “He wants to be Gaynor Faye, who recently left Emmerdale to taken seriously, and although he’s a nice guy, be able to star in the play, takes over from Kay Mellor’s Band Of Gold shows at the he’s also now in charge of the investigation so Alexandra, Birmingham, from Monday 10 Geraldine James as Rose and agrees the Band wants to assert his authority.” to Saturday 15 February. Of Gold revival couldn’t be more timely: “It’s Dead Good online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:50 Page 1

DEADWorcester’s Vamos Theatre tour their newGOOD show around the Midlands...

Vamos Theatre’s new show, Dead Good, tells Vamos Theatre has an impressive reputation “The main reason we’re telling this story is to the story of a friendship between two men for tackling difficult subjects and creating ask how the dying teach us to live, and how who are staring death in the face. Both Bob shows which audiences love. The Worcester- do we live fully?” she says. “I never thought and Bernard have been told that they’re dying based company uses full masks to tell its sto- I’d do a show about death because I’m terri- - but the pair are determined to live life to the ries without words - and having turned the fied by it, but it’s been really good for me to full while they still can. spotlight on dementia, the health service and tackle this subject because I’ll talk about it Embarking on one last adventure, the two post-traumatic stress in the past, Artistic Di- now. And across all of the research I’ve done, men discover that coming close to death actu- rector Rachael Savage felt the time was right I’ve laughed more than I’ve cried.” ally makes life, love and friendship more pre- to investigate society’s attitudes towards life The original inspiration for Dead Good came cious. and death. from an audience member who also hap- Dead Good online magazine.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:50 Page 2

pened to be a GP with a specialist interest in dience all the more effectively because that they heard what the character was say- end-of-life care. Vamos’ characters are masked: “Full mask ing!” “She emailed me to say she had an idea for theatre draws people in. The actors have de- The show uses eight masks in total, all of the next show. When I first met her, I was tailed scripts, objectives, the same things as which have been carefully crafted by Russell thinking, ‘Death is the last thing I want to other actors, but when there’s the full mask Dean of Strangeface Masks to ensure the char- make a show about. But then I found out that on top, there’s a real clarity of thought. We acters can progress through the story. pull the audience in to us so that we’re con- we were completely on the same page about “With a mask, you’re playing with people’s necting with them intellectually. They’re encouraging people to talk about the subject, perceptions,” Russell explains. “If the charac- working out what’s going on, and through planning for a good death, asking if there can ter is going on a long journey in the show, you that we also have a really close connection to be such a thing as a ‘good death’, and getting need to put into the mask maybe three, four their heart, where we can make them feel. families to find out each other’s wishes.” or five different expressions. With the masks What I hope is that the feeling then bounces As part of her 18 months of research, Rachael for the two lead characters, I’ve put in sad- back to the brain so that we can make them visited hospices where she talked to staff car- ness, regret, optimism, grim determination think. ing for patients with terminal diagnoses. and melancholy. It’s not the full expression. “My belief is that Dead Good is an important It’s the photo you throw away when people “At Mary Stevens Hospice in Stourbridge, I story to tell. I hope audiences will take away met Dave, a patient living with prostate can- are between crying and laughing; that’s what the message that life is precious and that their cer. He told me about how being terminally ill you play around with. family and friends are precious. Love and had changed him, changed his relationships “When a mask first comes on stage, by having laughter are wonderful things and, without and changed his capacity to love. He’s just the suggestion of a smile or the suggestion of making it into a cliché, it’s important to get like a bottomless pit now in terms of his ca- tears, we embrace all of those possibilities. out there, live life and learn what’s impor- pacity to love. Then we start to project back onto it what we tant.” “Then I went to St Richard’s Hospice in think is appropriate at that moment. The Taking the part of Bob in Dead Good is Aron Worcester, which has a Men’s Space Group. mask isn’t changing, we’re projecting onto it. De Casmaker, who’s worked with Vamos in The men who attend it have the kind of It’s the audience who’re doing the work.” the past. The Canadian clown performer has friendships that you make when there’s no- Russell discusses the characters with Rachael honed his skills in Cirque du Soleil’s Alegría body else who can really understand what before making small maquettes for each one. and the hit international touring production, you’re going through. There, I met two chaps He then makes a video of the maquettes, Slava’s Snow Show. named Nick and Pete, who are phenomenally which he sends to Rachael before agreeing good friends, and that friendship is based not “Bob is one of the two men who go on this the final masks. With Bob and Bernard, he only on care and compassion for each other great adventure soon after they both find out needed to ensure they had distinct personali- but also humour. They giggle and laugh and they’re terminally ill,” explains Aron about ties: “The two men have an age gap between rib each other and take the mick all the time.” his character. “He’s somebody who’s had a them, and you really do need to accentuate very simple and joyful journey through life - Medical staff and patients helped Rachael de- that. With masks you are playing on stereo- until recently, that is, when he’s been diag- velop the story to ensure it remained authen- types because that’s the way our perception nosed with cancer of the prostate. tic. works. So if it’s an older guy, you have to put “That really put him into a position of ques- them into an older-person stereotype, with “We’ve invited Pete and Nick into the re- tioning his existence, so he moved from being grey hair and bags under their eyes. hearsal room, and their double act has in- with his wife and being a retired auto-me- formed the whole piece. I’ve shared every “With stereotyping, you’re playing into some- chanic to deciding he’s going to die alone. He script and rehearsal video with Nick, and he’s thing which isn’t really acceptable, but it’s the left his wife to seek solitude, but then he fed back on them. way the mask and the character is played meets this other man, Bernard, who doesn’t which makes the difference. Often the most “The way in which we see death portrayed on let him have that solitude and forces him to subtle and brilliant mask performances are television or by Hollywood is often drama- find joy in these fleeting moments. the ones where the mask sets out who the tised, and what I’ve really tried to do is to tell “I’m really excited about this project. The idea character is expected to be, but then the char- it as accurately as possible. We want to de- of finding the lightness in dark material really acter is developed into this extraordinary in- mystify death and take the fear out of it. We’re attracts me to the theatre. In this production dividual.” a death-denying society, and the show is try- we’re hitting head-on a very realistic view of ing to change that.” And the results certainly create some memo- death, and then finding the joy and the light- rable theatrical moments: “Mask theatre Rachael is sure Dead Good will build on the ness that comes from that. We want the audi- tends to shoot straight to the heart. It’s a very success of previous Vamos’ productions Find- ence to come out of the show with a sense of emotional experience which tends to go very ing Joy, A Brave Face, Nursing Lives and Much extreme elation and joy that will resonate far deep and stay with you. People will think Ado About Wenlock. beyond the walls of the theatre.” about the show for a long time afterwards.” “I think people expect to go away from one of Aron is a big fan of masked acting, which he our shows having laughed and cried and with believes helps to create a special link with Dead Good shows at Malvern Theatres on something to think about. I give a voice to Vamos’ audiences: “You have to be conscious Wednesday 5 February, The Bridge House people who often don’t have one, so our of the simplicity that you’re bringing to every Theatre, Warwick, on Thursday 6 Febru- shows have to be about things that I’m pas- moment, but at the same time it’s a very com- ary, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, on sionate about, and that I want to make people mon language. It’s non-verbal, but often we Wednesday 26 & Thursday 27 February, think differently about.” will have an audience member after a show and the Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, Rachael believes these messages reach the au- saying they’re convinced the mask moved and Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March. Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 3

Theatre more theatre from around the region

The History Boys “Realistically the person who parents would want teaching their child would be Irwin, as Irwin would get you into university,” says Bennett. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Fri 7 - Sat 22 February “However, sentimentally their hearts would be with Hector because “I think I’d always wanted to write something about a charismatic he’s the type of teacher everyone wants. Everybody always wishes schoolmaster, and that went back quite a long way,” says playwright they’d learned more poetry at school and had someone who would in- Alan Bennett in talking about his award-winning The History Boys. spire them like that. And it’s the fact that, in a way, I couldn’t resolve The story unfolds in a boys' school in northern England in the 1980s. this conflict in my head which made me write the play.” A young teacher named Irwin has been brought in to coach the pupils Coronation Street and EastEnders actor Ian Redford and one-time Hi- for the Oxbridge exam - but fellow teacher Hector believes instead in De-Hi star Jeffrey Holland - fresh from a panto season at the Grand - learning for its own sake. take top billing.

In PurSUEt cancer becoming the strangest and most dys- new version, Henry Jekyll is a young, bold, functional of ‘families’. liberal and ambitious American senator The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, Cornish company Pipeline have described who’s poised to run for the most powerful of- Mon 10 - Sat 15 February their production as a love letter to the NHS. fice in the land - the Presidency of the United Substance misuse and celebrity stalking are It’s certainly that alright, but it’s plenty more States. What could possibly go wrong?... the name of the game in Eleanor Higgins’ besides, not least a provocative study of an short-but-satisfying production, which organisation creaking under the strain of a picked up plenty of plaudits at last year’s reprehensible rise in racism and bigotry... Edinburgh Fringe. Voldemort And The Described as an LGBT ‘Fleabag meets Teenage Hogwarts Miranda’, the play features Higgins in the Musical Parody role of ‘Woman’, a self-proclaimed “really hot lesbian” who’s initially in denial about her Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Tues 18 February - Sun 1 March alcoholism. Instead, she rationalises that life would be so very much better if only she Lessons in love and proper snake mainte- could date her idol, television’s Sue Perkins. nance were among those learned by the evil But one brief glimpse of her heroine in a Voldemort back in the days when he was just bookshop and one daring foray backstage at plain old Hogwarts teenager Tom Riddle... a TV studio later, Woman starts to realise This Harry Potter musical parody reveals that maybe the source of her trouble isn’t her young Tom’s fascinating story, from his time undeclared love for an already-partnered in a rock band to the experience of learning television star but rather the potent liquid Jekyll & Hyde how to kiss from a snake. It even reveals that sitting at the bottom of her glass... The Old Rep, Birmingham, he once had a Hufflepuff girlfriend... Wed 26 - Fri 28 February Henry Jekyll is not himself, not by a long Drip Drip Drip chalk, in this updated version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella. Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Forget all about the familiar version of the Thurs 27 February Victorian-era London-located gruesome The tiny but taboo-busting Pipeline Theatre gothic drama, in which Jekyll’s alter-ego, the here present a thought-provoking play that malevolent Mr Hyde, conducts his reign of sees a trainee nurse from Eritrea, a second- murderous mayhem in the prevailing dark- generation immigrant Muslim doctor and a ness of a thick pea-souper or several... In this discredited academic who’s being treated for

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JS E P I G N

Louis Sachar’s 1998 young-adult novel, Holes, is a staple of the national curriculum and much loved by children and adults alike. Nottingham Playhouse’s new stage version is coming to a theatre near you...

“The play, like Louis Sachar’s award-winning to dig a hole, five foot deep and five foot wide, number of reasons. Firstly, as Louis Sachar novel, is about a teenager, Stanley Yelnats, as a reforming character-building exercise. himself said, everyone as a child has an who gets falsely accused of stealing an old Stanley quickly discovers that the warden obsession with digging a huge hole to see pair of sneakers,” explains Adam Penford, who runs the camp is hunting for something, how far they can get into the earth, maybe Artistic Director of Nottingham Playhouse, the so he starts investigating. Holes is an epic even out the other side! So just that starting theatre behind a brand new stage adaptation mystery adventure story! premise is one that grabs people’s imagina- of the book. “Stanley is sent to Camp Green tions. “The novel was written in the late ’90s and Lake, which certainly isn’t green and no has been studied by schools ever since. I “Secondly, it’s a really gripping story, the longer has a lake. It’s a dried-up lake-bed and think people really engage with Holes for a book is certainly a page-turner - and on stage now very much like a desert. Every day he has Holes.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 10:43 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

you really can’t wait to see how it moves step- already adapted it himself, but at that point it were so successful in Nottingham. Family by-step through the adventure. By final-cur- had only ever been staged in America. I man- shows do often require a large creative team, tain, all of the loose ends of the mystery wrap aged to get hold of his agent in New York, but to use as many different theatrical elements up neatly into a really satisfying conclusion. one of the big questions was how to actually as possible in a collaborative way to create an stage this: how can you dig holes on stage? engaging story. So we knew there’d have to be “Then, the other big appeal is the characters. We did a series of several workshops over 10 puppetry because the dangerous yellow-spot- Everyone is drawn to them; this motley crew years ago, followed by a small version at the ted lizard is a huge part of Holes. All the char- of very different, characterful, flawed and real Wimbledon Theatre Studio, and that went acters are terrified of the lizard, which can kill people. down really well. I was trying to sell Holes as with a single bite, so the audience really “Finally, the reason it works so well on the an idea to theatres and there was a lot of in- needs to believe in that or the stakes of the page - and this is something we’ve tried to terest. But I never quite managed to land it as story fall short. We needed a really good translate onto the stage - is that it has a a full-scale production. So of course, when I puppetry designer and director to achieve consistent sense of danger and suspense. was appointed artistic director at Nottingham that, so Matt was the absolutely perfect Sachar doesn’t patronise the reader. These Playhouse, I finally got to programme Holes person. Likewise, with the set design from boys are being forced to do manual labour in myself! We’ve been working on it for over 10 Simon, the story takes place in so many differ- the baking heat, and the adults who are years, and the version we put on at Notting- ent locations and so many different timelines supposed to be looking after them are ruth- ham was so successful that Fiery Angel, our that a really skilled designer was essential. In less and only out for themselves. Even the producers, picked it up and decided to tour the play, there’s 1860s Latvia, Greenlake in environment itself and the creatures sur- the Playhouse production around the UK.” the 1890s and Stanley’s present day, which is rounding them are deadly. There’s a real mid-’90s for us. We needed a very fluid set The popular film adaptation of Holes, starring sense of jeopardy, of life and death, and I design that could cross between the different Shia LeBeouf and Sigourney Weaver, was re- think that’s something children respond to timelines in an imaginative way. It’s a real leased back in 2003. What can fans expect because they’re very aware they’re not being collaborative team effort. Holes also has from the stage version? talked down to. plenty of music and choreography working “Lots of people are huge fans of that film, or alongside the other disciplines.” “Underneath it all, Holes really is a story of have only seen the film and never read the friendship. Stanley makes friends with Zero, Adam is most proud of the intense emotional book. There’s a lot to admire about the movie, who’s the boy in the camp who never speaks. response of audiences to the Nottingham especially the cast, but theatre definitely re- Everyone else presumes he’s either mute or Playhouse production: “The audience really quires the audience to use their imagination a stupid, but he turns out to probably be the buy into the world we’ve created on stage and little more. The geographical location is one brightest of them all. Watching their friend- really care about our characters. For example, of the most important parts of the story be- ship develop is really beautiful. It’s also about when Stanley and Zero are under threat at the cause it’s so evocative, but we can’t create the love between Stanley and his parents. end, the audience are gasping out loud and that naturalistically on stage. We have to use shouting out against the baddie - and are signifiers in the set, props and costume to “The other underlying narrative is this ques- even moved to tears by the positive ending. So transport people to the desert location or to tion of destiny, and whether you have control even though this is a very stripped-back the top of the mountain, God’s Thumb, and over the way your life turns out or not. What’s production that asks the audience to really back in time to the 1890s, when Green Lake very clever about it is that Louis doesn’t really work hard with their imaginations, it feels was a flourishing community with an actual answer that question by the end, so while the like we’ve really been able to get to the heart lake. The power of imagination is the power storyline itself is tied up neatly, it still leaves a of Sachar’s story, to the point where they feel of theatre. That’s the major difference. lot of questions for the reader. Stanley is kind like they’re actually in the middle of it them- of an anti-hero in the beginning; things hap- “Also, there are quite a large number of char- selves.” pen to him and he blames bad luck and his acters, so in our production you’ll see an actor ‘family curse’. Then, as the play goes on, he Adam admits that he’s envious of people who taking on five, six, seven or more different starts to take control of his own destiny and have yet to discover the delights of Holes: “If roles. There’s a huge pleasure in seeing the becomes much more empowered. In the end, you know the book or the film, then our same person transform from a 40-year-old Sachar does almost hint that there are some production is a real joy to relive. If you’re new camp warden to an 85-year-old Latvian pig things out of our control and there’s definitely to the story, then you’re in a really privileged breeder! I think asking the audience to invest some sort of magic in the world we live in.” position because it’s a truly gripping tale, in this journey and take a very active part in with so many twists and turns. I’m really envi- creating it very much fits Holes anyway. Sachar adapted Holes for the stage himself, ous of anyone encountering this story for the Sachar’s story is very much about believing in but the Nottingham Playhouse production first time!” has been a long time in the making - as Adam yourself, others and the world - and we ask explains: “I read the novel quite a few years our audience to believe in the production.” ago from a list of 100 that everyone should Other creatives who’ve worked on the show Holes runs at the Belgrade Theatre, read in their lifetime. Of course, I got through include Simon Kelly, who designed for the Coventry, from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 about three, but one I did read was Holes. So I acclaimed adaptation of Noughts And February, Malvern Festival Theatre from read it as an adult rather than a child and fell Crosses. The puppetry, meanwhile, is the Wednesday 4 to Saturday 7 March and in love with it very quickly. I thought how brainchild of War Horse’s Matthew Forbes. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from much of an amazing play it would make. Tuesday 19 to Saturday 23 May. When I looked into it, I saw that Sachar had “Undoubtedly our creative team is why we The Cat and The Canary Online Feb.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:53 Page 1 The Cat and The Canary Online Feb.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:53 Page 2

When the cat prowls, the flock takes fright… Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw talks about her spooky role in a new touring production of The Cat And The Canary...

What’s The Cat And The Canary about, company of lovely actors who I really admire. obviously, but I get to visit these lovely places Tracy? around England, work in these gorgeous What attracted you to the project? Mr West was a millionaire who died quite some theatres and entertain people. That makes me I don’t think I’ve ever before had the chance to time ago. His solicitors have collected his feel alive. I’m such a theatre geek in the sense work on a piece that’s been updated because whole family together 20 years later to that I just get excited about the history and the of the reality of how we watch theatre and TV announce who he named as his heir. They all way they’re built and the tiles backstage. nowadays. Things are faster and not so arrive in the middle of nowhere in Devon, at obvious now. To do that work tastefully to a Audiences know you best for your the creepy old house where he used to live. His play written in the 1920s, and not just to television work… housekeeper still lives there, keeping the produce your average whodunnit, is quite I sort of fell into TV, but I still adore it. Because property just as it was when Mr West was alive. difficult. We want people to come along, watch I did Corrie for so long, I feel that television is There’s obviously a lot of tension between the the show and be enthralled. We have the most second nature to me, but there’s something family members about who is going to inherit amazing set. The action takes place in the big about theatre that just makes me feel alive. his money. Right at the beginning of the play, old house, so it’s got these fabulously eerie That’s why I took on this job - you have to work the heir is announced, but then the plot paintings with staring eyes! As an actor, your brain so much harder. I have to be so alive thickens as people start disappearing. getting this job makes me feel like I’m the cat every night; it really keeps me on my toes. Who do you play? who got the cream. What was it like to be part of Coronation My character is Annabelle West. She’s a People might think that because you’re a Street? successful writer who left the country a few well-known television face, you don’t have It was magic. Growing up, I used to spend a lot years ago but has now come back. She also to audition... of time with my great grandma watching the spent some time in the house with her There are periods where I think, “Maybe my show. I learned TV in Corrie. I love working grandfather years and years ago. The time’s up”. But the truth is that it’s absolutely with people I can learn from - admiring them psychological complexity of this piece really is right that I find myself sitting there with and constantly learning - and I worked with quite huge, especially for my character. another hundred people who look similar to the most amazing people on that show. I’d only The show has an impressive cast, too. What me. It keeps me really grounded, and I never just come out of drama school and was are they like to work with? take anything for granted. Then, when I get suddenly catapulted into a world I was They’re so talented. Britt Ekland is our that part and end up back on stage or TV, I feel unfamiliar with. I rolled with it and never ‘housekeeper’ - she’s just marvellous... And I like the luckiest person alive because I’m doing regretted it for a minute. It’s the most grew up listening to Marti Webb’s fantastic a job that I love. That’s what this business is prestigious programme I’ve ever worked on, voice. Ben Nealon from Soldier Soldier is like. There are a lot of knocks, but you and I’m thoroughly proud to have been a part brilliant, and so is Gary Webster from Minder. occasionally get a job that’s as stimulating as of it. Mark Jordon, who played my husband in this one. I’m really grateful. The Cat And The Canary shows at Malvern Casualty a few years ago, is a pleasure to work How do you feel about taking The Cat And Theatres from Monday 17 to Saturday 22 with again. It’s an absolute honour to be The Canary on tour around the UK? working on such a stimulating project with a February. I love going on tour. I miss my children, Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 5

more theatre from around the region

The Boy In The Dress Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon, Avon, until Sun 8 March David Walliams’ The Boy In The Dress - helmed by RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran - ticks all the boxes of the feelgood family musical: young protagonists, splen- didly choreographed scenes (including foot- ball playing and disco dancing), a lightweight but thoroughly engaging storyline, a timely message (about embracing difference) and a fantastically memorable score (by one of the world’s hottest songwriting partnerships - Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers). The show is fun, fast, lively, colourful, clever and utterly absorbing, with an energetic and confident cast who’ve evidently got the great- est of faith in their material and more than enough talent to maximise the magic.

The Strange Tale Of Revenge First Time Charlie Chaplin And Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Lichfield Garrick, Fri 7 February February; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Stan Laurel Mon 17 & Tues 18 February Edinburgh Fringe star Nathaniel Hall here presents a funny and frank autobiographical The REP, Birmingham, An MP with a charmed solo show about ‘staying positive in a Tues 25 - Sat 29 February life, a journalist with negative world’. A little known fact about silent-era Holly- an axe to grind, and a Nathaniel contracted HIV during his first wood movie star Charlie Chaplin and his dead body that brings ever sexual encounter, aged 16. fellow Englishman, Stan Laurel - who, of the two protagonists “At a time when I was trying to make sense of course, found fame as part of a double-act into close and my sexuality,” he recalls, “I was getting this with Oliver Hardy - is that they were both incendiary contact message that gay men just get AIDS and die members of the famous Fred Karno music- with one another... anyway, so what was the point. hall troupe that set sail for New York in 1910. Louise Jameson, best “The show is very funny. I think there’s Stan, who understudied Charlie on arrival in known to oldies who remember 1980s humour hidden in even the darkest places, the US, returned home shortly afterwards. television as the long-time love interest of and you’re never too far from a laugh in First His big break lay several years ahead of Jersey-based copper Jim Bergerac, is the Time. It also has him... Chaplin, by contrast, had become a woman at the helm of this well-reviewed fabulous storytelling, global name within five years of setting foot touring show. on American shores. some bad drag, In a show which, on its producers’ own audience participation admission, plays somewhat fast and loose The Ballad Of and moments of quiet with the truth, these two early-20th-century reflection, but it ends in funnymen are rightly celebrated for their Maria Marten a really hopeful place.” immense contribution to cinematic comedy. New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, A post-show discussion will take place after Wed 26 - Sat 29 February the performance on the 26th. In Suffolk in the summer of 1827, Maria The Cat And The Canary Marten was the victim of what would become Malvern Theatres, Mon 17 - Sat 22 February known as The Red Barn Murder. Erstwhile sex symbol, former Mrs Peter Not only did news of the killing send Sellers and one-time ‘Bond girl’ Britt Ekland immediate shockwaves throughout the heads the cast of this famous murder- nation, but in the near-two centuries which mystery, a story that’s been adapted for the have followed, the story of Maria’s tragic cinema on three separate occasions, most demise has provided inspiration for famously with Bob Hope taking top billing. playwrights and filmmakers across the globe. When the descendants of the late Mr West But what about the woman at the centre of gather at a remote mansion to find out who the tragedy? What was her story? This will inherit his fortune, events take an ‘spinetingling’ new appraisal of events in the unexpected and deadly turn... red barn aims to find out... Presented by the Classic Theatre Company.

30 whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:03 Page 6

Theatre for younger audiences... Theatre

Room On The Broom Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Mon 3 & Tues 4 February Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, the creators of The Gruffalo and We’re Going On A Bear Hunt, are the team behind this 'spell- binding' tale of a witch who makes the mis- take of thinking she can fit a daft dog, a beautiful bird and a friendly frog - as well as her own cat - on her broomstick without it snapping in two. And when a hungry dragon appears, things really start to hot up... Tall Stories is the highly rated company presenting this Olivier Award-nominated show for children aged three and older.

Puss In Boots launcher and The Three Billy take aim with a The REP, Birmingham, Fri 14 & Sat 15 February Goats Gruff smoke blaster, Smoke, mirrors, hid- The Core Theatre, Solihull, Wed 19 February then this is def- den trapdoors, a host Wondering what to do with your three-to- initely the show of puppets, a work- seven-year-olds during the half-term break? to check out. ing windmill and an Well, if you take them along to this ‘trip- avalanche of fruit & trapping musical adventure’, then not only nuts - oh, and a talk- will one of the holiday afternoons be What A Wonderful World ing cat - ensure that beautifully taken care of, there’s also every Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sun 16 & Mon 17 February this latest presenta- chance that they’ll have a thoroughly “Before anything new is made, it must first tion of the ever- smashing time. With songs and dances to be dreamed,” say Lyngo Theatre in enchanting tail - clap along to and not one but three billy explaining their new show. “From our moon- sorry, tale - of Puss In goats gruff taking perilous journeys across a base in the Sea of Tranquility, we get a great Boots will keep chil- rickety bridge in search of greener pastures, view of the earth, and it’s time to make a new dren well and truly what’s not to enjoy?... one just like we do every night! What shall entertained. CBeebies’ Patrick Lynch is the we put in tomorrow’s world? Snowballs and man coordinating the fur-filled fun for mog- flamingos, of course! So all aboard the gie-loving youngsters to enjoy. sleeper train as it takes us on our dream voyage. “We start with putting the stars in the sky Milkshake! LIVE and move through history, discovering fire all over again and finally arriving at the one- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 16 February; world tree, where we celebrate the new world The Place, Telford, Shropshire, Sat 22 Febru- ary; Lichfield Garrick, Sat 7 March that w e made all toge ther . Milkshake Monkey’s desire to put on a new “This is a truly amazing romp through the musical has hit the skids due to a nasty bout universe, where you can get your hands on of rampant stage fright - so thank heaven that Exciting Science the stuff of creation!” Fireman Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine and Stourbridge Town Hall, Wed 19 February all their friends are on hand to help out... If you’ve watched the TV series and/or been Designed to enlighten, educate and entertain to a previous live production, you’ll already children aged four and older, Exciting Sci- know what to expect from this particular ence promises plenty of ‘wiz, bang, pop and Milkshake! show. If not, get ready for an splurt’, as the show’s scientists carry out all event that promises lots of laughter, bucket- manner of fun and fact-filled live experi- loads of family fun, bags of audience partici- ments. So if you think your kids would enjoy pation and plenty of singing and dancing. seeing some boffins create a volcanic erup- tion, turn a vacuum cleaner into a missile

whatsonlive.co.uk 31 Red Shoes New.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:18 Page 1

TheMatthew Bourne’s award-winningRed smash-hit Shoes returns to the Midlands...

32 whatsonlive.co.uk Red Shoes New.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:19 Page 2

Three years after its original much-heralded sense of the film's strange, unsettling In another nod to the movie, the whole score run at Birmingham Hippodrome, Matthew atmosphere and delving deep into the for the production has been pieced together Bourne’s The Red Shoes is making a highly complex psychology of the characters. from works by legendary film composer anticipated return to the venue. Bernard Hermann - best known for his iconic Producing a stage version of the movie had soundtracks to The Twilight Zone and Alfred The production takes many of its cues from been on Matthew’s to-do list for quite some Hitchcock’s Psycho. the 1948 film of the same title, which found time. On rewatching the film, he was its own inspiration in Hans Christian surprised to find himself feeling more Celebrities across the globe have been lavish Andersen's fairytale about a pair of sympathetic towards the manipulative in their praise of Bourne’s sumptuous enchanted shoes that force their wearer to instructor than he had been in the past. production, with Liza Minnelli declaring: dance until she dies. The movie reworks “I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m in Andersen's warning against vanity into a tale love!” of all-consuming, almost Faustian ambition. Every duet, Emmerdale actor and Strictly Come Dancing Widely regarded as the greatest dance film 2019 winner Kelvin Fletcher has also heaped ever made, The Red Shoes centres on young every“ group number, praise on The Red Shoes. A novice when it ballerina and star in the making Vicky Page. comes to watching live ballet, Kelvin said of When Vicky falls for the company's you know exactly the production: “It just blew me away, it charismatic composer, Julian Craster, the really did. The first thing I did when the show jealous Lermontov forces her to choose what’s going on finished, I texted Oti (Mabuse) and said, you between love and her career, knowing full have to come and see this; it’s amazing!” well that for Vicky, dancing is as important as from the movement. life itself. It’s like watching The Red Shoes shows at Birmingham Bourne’s stunning adaptation reinvents the Hippodrome from Tuesday 11 to Saturday story live on stage, brilliantly capturing a dialogue. 15 February. Zizi Strallen ” In Bourne’s take on the story, Vicky has even more reason to be ambitious. A wartime orphan living with an increasingly distant aunt, the on-stage Vicky is far less privileged than the film Vicky. Like Matthew himself, she begins as something of an outsider, taking nothing for granted and being under no illusion about how hard she must work for every success. To have come so far perhaps makes the prospect of hanging up her ballet shoes all the more difficult to accept.

It’s such a The genius about powerful“ story and “ Matthew’s work Matthew tells it is that you could really beautifully. watch it a hundred It transports you. It’s times and every time sensational. It really is you’d discover a sensational. different layer. David Walliams ” Bruno Tonioli ”

whatsonlive.co.uk 33 The Whip.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:13 Page 1

Reanimating history Journalist and dramatist Juliet Gilkes Romero talks about The Whip, her provocative new play about the British abolition of slavery...

New play The Whip captures the ‘moment’ And why not focus on moral conundrums award to the slave owners in the Abolition when people of many different political much closer to home? Act. But actually, afterwards, the slaves were persuasions collide in 1830s London. This required to work an apprenticeship of up to “Abolition was delivered in Britain in 1834, Royal Shakespeare Company production seven years because it was considered that following an Act of Parliament in 1833,” says explores the concerns of different people in they needed to prepare for their freedom. dramatist Juliet Gilkes Romero, the woman Britain in the lead-up to the Slavery Abolition That meant they continued working for their behind the play. “Some 800,000 Caribbean Act of 1833. What’s the price of the slaves’ former owners for no pay, but the owners no slaves were freed following a compensation freedom? Who should shoulder that cost? longer felt responsible for their care because The Whip.qxp_Layout 1 23/01/2020 11:13 Page 2

by Lauren Cole

the slaves were no longer their property. sary, and although it was certainly flawed, own experience of the dreadful, inhumane Britain achieved it. That really should be abuses on the plantations. In the play, Mercy “Following wide-scale protests across the admired in the context of the politics of the is working very closely with the chief whip to Caribbean, the apprenticeship scheme had to time. Britain was truly leading the way. The try and deliver this act. be abolished, and in 1838 slaves were finally Whip really focuses on this fraught, intense free. I think it’s relatively unknown that the “Another prominent woman is Horatia, who battle Britain has between morality and econ- act which passed in 1833 wasn’t quite the has fled working in the north and lost her omy. Britain really was leaping off a cliff not abolition of slavery it claimed to be. child from being crushed to death in a cotton knowing the financial repercussions, and mill. She represents that side of the British “The other thing that people will probably essentially mortgaged the future of genera- story. She ends up working in the home of the find surprising is the slavery compensation tions to come - a debt we only finished paying chief whip, and her interest is in the state of act itself. Money was borrowed - 40% of the five years ago. Britain’s factories and getting children out of government’s national budget - to pay off “While The Whip is a really important part of those working conditions, rather than being already-wealthy slave owners. It was £20mil- Black British history, it’s definitely a multi- concerned with the fate of slaves in a far-off lion at the time, which equates to between faceted story. What fascinated me about 1833 colony. So when these two women meet, £20billion and £23billion in today’s terms! was that so much else was going on in Britain they’re rivals in some way and have different Slave owners became fantastically rich. The besides Abolition. In 1832, the Reform Act political agendas, but they slowly begin to re- loan for this pay-off ended in 2015, so if you came about that meant men who weren’t alise the commonality in their causes. were working in and before that year, then landed gentry could vote. MPs didn’t get a that’s where some of your taxes were going. “Horatia and Mercy are examples of the early salary, so it just wasn’t an option for working For me, as a descendant of the slave trade, seeds of women’s suffrage. There’s a very men who weren’t part of the elite. The general I was astonished to find that out. I got access clear narrative when we think of the public really weren’t being represented in the to the actual Abolition Act from 1833 and the suffragettes paving the way for women to House of Commons. The 1830s is where all of transcripts from the actual debates from the vote, but their battle started way, way before this starts to collide, and that’s what The House of Commons. I’ve transferred a lot of then. While men certainly had the political Whip is all about. What happened in these the language that was used there and chan- voice in the 1830s, women have a very strong years is really revolutionary. The Factory Act nelled people’s real concerns into the play. voice in The Whip. So the piece is certainly stopped children of a certain age working for What really excites me as a journalist and as a also about the emancipation of women, and more than 10 hours, as back then children as dramatist is handing these untold stories over that definitely resonates today. I don’t think young as five were working in British cotton to the public. I wouldn’t say my writing is enough has changed, particularly if you look mills. So the piece isn’t just about the emanci- didactic; I’m exploring the handprint of the at the proportion of women in modern slav- pation of slaves in the Caribbean, but also the past on the present day, but through very ery, or the gender pay gap. Mercy and Horatia emancipation of working children and the human stories. I don’t want to be preachy, are both very strong, intelligent women who working-class in general.” and The Whip certainly isn’t like that at all. go about politics in different ways. I want my writing to pose lots of questions to Very individual, human stories are central to “The Whip is all about how important it is to the audience, rather than just telling them The Whip. Many of its characters are based on be heard. Another character is Edmund, a what to think.” real-life figures. young, escaped slave who Boyd has taken in Juliet was spurred on to write the play by the “The majority of the action takes place either and raised to be an English gentleman. So we general lack of knowledge Brits have regard- in the House of Commons itself, or in the also have his story, about what it means to ing all aspects of slavery... house of one of the politicians - the chief completely lose who you are; how it feels to whip, Boyd, whose job it is to drum up sup- be plucked from your home, your family, and “On reflection I’m surprised that schools port and deliver the Abolition Act through the suddenly have an English home instead. So weren’t required to cover the Slave Trade more Commons. He has a huge battle trying to the play explores many different identities - it was the largest mass deportation of people deliver this, as many of the house have their that Britons can relate to.” in history and Britain played a huge part. For own interests in cotton and the Slave Trade. me, this has always been a burning issue. As Juliet is certain The Whip has universal reso- We also meet Lord Maybourne - loosely based a writer, I like to approach my work from an nance: “This play speaks to so many different on Lord Melbourne, the then home secretary - unusual point of view, so when I came across aspects of British society, regardless of back- and explore his machinations on either side this idea of weighing up the worth of hun- ground. The Whip has a full 360-degree view of the debate. We also encounter opposition dreds of thousands of people’s freedom of 1830s Britain that resonates today and tells MPs led by a back-bencher who has slaves against what Britain could afford in monetary a powerful story that I hope opens up many and has been made head of the West India terms, it really caught my attention. Britain discussions. When I see theatre, I want to be Committee, which was a pressure group mak- had seen that the trade was both becoming set alight with passion and continue to debate ing sure slave owners were properly compen- unworkable and obviously morally wrong. well beyond the curtain falling - and I think sated for what they would get per head of They’d seen what had happened to the The Whip will do that.” slave. Many MPs in the Commons were either French in Haiti when their slaves rebelled, slave owners or had cotton factories in and they could see across the pond that Britain. America wasn’t coming to a compromise - a lack of compromise that eventually led to civil “Another character, Mercy, is based on Mary The Whip shows at the Swan Theatre, war, as the south was fantastically wealthy Prince, a runaway slave who came to Britain Stratford-Upon-Avon, from Saturday from the Slave Trade, while the industrial and became the first black woman to deliver a 1 February to Saturday 21 March. north wasn’t. The Abolition Bill was neces- petition to parliament. She spoke about her Dance February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:41 Page 1

Dance previews from around the region

Richard Alston Dance Malvern Theatres, Tues 11 & Wed 12 February A choreographer who’s very much at the forefront of contemporary dance in the UK, Richard Alston takes inspira- tion directly from the music he uses. This month sees Alston’s highly rated company perform in Malvern for the 22nd and, sadly, last ever time; the en- semble is calling it a day after 25 years of impressive performances. The decision to shut up shop has been made as a result of the way in which the Arts Council funds its clients. “When you reapply [for a grant],” Gary Clarke Company: Wasteland Richard explains, “you have to present Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome, Thurs 27 & Fri 28 February a business plan and make changes to Following on from Coal, his show about the unconnected subjects in this sequel to Coal. what you’re doing. I felt that there was 1984/85 Miners Strike, Gary Clarke here turns “Rave was a subculture that came out of a lot of pressure on The Place, our his attention to the early 1990s, a time when oppression,” explains the Barnsley-born London home, to make some kind of the coal industry was in terminal decline. It choreographer. “The factories, warehouses change with the company, and instead was also a period when Britain’s illegal rave and mills were now home to new communi- to give money to younger choreogra- scene was flourishing. A raver himself, Gary ties. But rather than working, those commu- phers, who would then be touring.” has brought together the two at-first-glance- nities were dancing and playing music.”

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Dance

Giovanni Pernice: This Is Me Albany Theatre, Coventry, Thurs 27 February; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Sat 21 March; Birmingham Town Hall, Fri 27 March; Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Sun 7 June; The Place, Telford, Thurs 25 June There’s no Strictly Live tour for Giovanni Per- nice this year - the hugely popular danceman has been way too busy getting ready to hit the road with this brand new show of his own. A homage to the music and dances which have inspired him on his journey from competition dancer to one of Strictly’s biggest stars, This Is Me sees Giovanni bringing together his natural Italian charm with ‘beautiful choreography and a fabulous soundtrack’. He’s joined by a cast of professional dancers for what will be his fourth touring show.

Birmingham Royal Ballet: Swan Lake Birmingham Hippodrome, Tues 18 - Sat 29 February Birmingham Royal Ballet here presents a spend the daytime hours as a swan, return- spectacular production of a timeless clas- ing to human form only when night falls... sic. Set to Tchaikovsky’s mesmerising A sumptuous visual feast, BRB’s show score, Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a presents an evening of ballet which is ideal beautiful princess who, caught under the not only for the seasoned dance-goer but wicked spell of the evil Von Rothbart, must also the first-time trier.

BLKDOG Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, Tues 11 February “I feel like I’m speaking on behalf of young people who are angry,” says choreographer Botis Seva in talking about his critically acclaimed show. “I don’t believe it’s just Autin Dance Theatre: me. I’m saying it for them, too.” Square One Co-produced by Sadler’s Wells London and Seva’s powerhouse company, Far From The Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Wed 12 February Norm, BLKDOG blends hip-hop dance with Joss Arnott Dance free-form antics to present a bleak, vital Project-based professional company Autin Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton, and haunting commentary on the Dance Theatre make a welcome return with a Fri 14 February challenges of being a childlike adult and show that delves into its founder & choreogra- Joss Arnott’s shows are highly charged, an untamed artist. pher Johnny Autin’s own personal journeys visually stunning and technically brilliant - through mental, physical and spiritual changes. and this latest production promises more Presented as a ‘work in progress’, the 30-minute of the same. solo production, combining digital media and When Worlds Collide has been described dance theatre, is followed by a Q&A with Autin. as a powerful, exhilarating masterclass “We draw on contemporary social issues and featuring an original, cinematic music events to make work which is beautifully score and impressive lighting. crafted, accessible and relevant,” says Johnny. The bill also features Fuel - a work inspired “The company is gaining a reputation for creat- by the young company’s seemingly ing powerful performances, catapulting audi- boundless energy - and An Event - a piece ences into intense dance-worlds which we hope exploring how people feel in that moment will resonate with them long after they leave the between everything being fine and auditorium.” everything falling apart.

whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Everything but the girl.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:51 Page 1 Everything but the girl.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2020 10:51 Page 2 Twenty years in dance... 2 Faced Dance Artistic Director Tamsin Fitzgerald talks about the company’s latest triple bill featuring an exciting new piece by choreographer Fleur Darkin...

Tell us about the title of the programme - dancers are still performing or have gone on to memories. Seeing the small difference that Everything [But The Girl]. What’s its build their own companies. I cast it based on dance made to children who had nothing was significance, Tamsin? the original choreography and have tried to very moving. I felt very emotional throughout We sat down as a team to all throw our pair up the skill level, individuality and style of the trip. It was totally inspiring. suggestions for names into the hat. We had a each dancer. It’s a tricky one when you create The company’s international reputation is very long chat about perceptions of the company, work on the individuality of a dancer rather important, and I know I’m extremely fortunate the type of work we do and the fact that often than create movement that any dancer could to have the opportunity to travel and tour to audiences think that the work is created by a do. It’s harder work to then recreate or different countries. Last year I was man or the company is run by a man. As reimagine a work on a new company, but it’s commissioned to create a new work and dance someone growing up in the ’90s, I often worked and I’d forgotten what an incredible film for UCCA Dune Art Museum in China. I listened to the group Everything But The Girl, piece it is. We’ve made some small changes have never seen a building like it - it’s and although the band was named after a shop and tweaks to the choreographic work. The completely space-age! It’s an incredible in Hull, something about the phrase resonated main change is that at certain tour dates we collection of curved white buildings carved for me. It’s our 20th anniversary, so we’re will have live musicians accompanying the into a dune on a beach in the coastal city of bringing Everything together to celebrate this work. Alex Baranowski has re-scored the work Qinhuangdao in China. We had a great time and [But The Girl] is a play on the fact that I so that it can be accompanied by some there and met some wonderful people. founded the company and have created 90% of incredible musicians. We’re working with We performed at the MTV Europe Awards in the work to date. So really it’s all about the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group on Lisbon and were subsequently invited to girl/woman…you just never physically see her. this element, and I think it’s going to be pretty audition for Madonna! At the time, I was special. thinking, “But we’re just a little youth dance Have you and Fleur Darkin worked together group from nowhere, so why does Madonna How does it feel to be celebrating 20 years before, and what is it about her work that want to work with us?” We didn’t get the gig, in the dance industry? inspired you to commission her to make a but boy, was I proud! piece for 2Faced Dance’s 20th anniversary? I think about all the other dance companies And I’m particularly proud of creating and I’ve never worked with Fleur before, but I’ve which are either still running or have folded, running our all-female choreography seen some of the work that she did for Scottish the companies that inspired me to start programme, The Bench, which was designed Dance Theatre. We commissioned Fleur dancing or who I yearned to be a part of, and I to encourage women to develop the necessary because she’s someone who works very think, ‘Wow, 20 years… that really is some shift in mindset to push past the glass ceiling differently from me. Her work is incredibly bloody brilliant achievement!’ From having no and create new work. We may not have theatrical and she’s someone who has funding to becoming an NPO, to employing a changed the world, but I think we made a challenged the status quo. She’s bright, team, to travelling round the world, to difference. talented and an incredibly generous person changing lives and to making all of that work who is also willing to work collaboratively. based in a place that has little cultural These are rare attributes but they appeal to me. landscape - it’s phenomenal, really. It’s really about the people who’ve been part of that She’s bold, and we like bold at 2Faced Dance. 2Faced Dance’s Everything (But The Girl) is journey, without whom I couldn’t have made it performed in the Patrick Studio at In ‘7.0’ are any of the original dancers work. Birmingham Hippodrome on Thursday 6 & performing? How did you cast both your Friday 7 February. pieces? What are the highlights of the company’s 20th anniversary? None of the original ‘7.0’ dancers are performing in the work, but all the original The trip to Haiti just after the earthquake, which inspired ‘7.0’, is one of my most vivid Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 1 Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 2

Film

Birds Of Prey: And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn CERT 15 Starring Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, Ewan McGregor DDirectedirected bbyy CCathyathy YYanan (USA)(USA) Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn was the best thing about the critically derided Suicide Squad (2016) and now, rightly, she gets a movie all to herself. Here, Harley has split up with her boyfriend the Joker (who could really do with his own movie) and teams up with the superheroes Black Canary and Huntress to help save a young girl with a price on her head, targeted by the awful, iron-fisted Black Mask (Ewan McGregor). In keeping with this new brand of female heroism, Birds Of Prey is directed by a woman, the Chinese-American Cathy Yan. And with Margot Robbie on board as producer, one hopes that this will do every bit as well as Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel, although the film’s restrictive certificate will limit its demographic reach. Still, there’s already talk of a sequel, dubbed Gotham City Sirens. Released Fri 7 February EDITOR’S CHOICE

Film highlights released in February...

Dolittle CERT PG (106 mins) Underwater CERT 15 (95 mins) Fantasy Island CERT tbc Starring Michael Peña, Maggie Q, Lucy Hale, Starring Robert Downey Jr, Starring Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Austin Stowell, Portia Doubleday, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jessie Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr, Michael Rooker Buckley, and the voices of Emma Thompson, Mamoudou Athie, TJ Miller Directed by Jeff Wadlow (USA) Rami Malek, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes Directed by William Eubank (USA) Directed by Stephen Gaghan (USA) Based on the cult TV series of 1977, this big– Hugh Lofting’s immortal children’s novel screen version adds a decided note of horror. about the veterinarian who can talk to ani- Here, the enigmatic Mr Roarke (Peña) facili- mals is back in a new live-action adapta- tates his clients’ wildest dreams on his tion. Robert Downey Jr follows in the remote tropical island, when those fantasies footsteps of Rex Harrison and Eddie Mur- suddenly turn pear-shaped. phy as the eccentric hermit with a gift for Released Fri 14 February zoological linguistics. The reported re-shoots don’t bode well, though. Released Fri 7 February

When an earthquake wrecks their subter- ranean laboratory, a crew of underwater researchers find themselves prey to crea- tures of the deep. No doubt the critters are furious about the plastic waste they’ve been exposed to… Released Fri 7 February whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 3

Film highlights released in February...

Emma CERT tbc Brahms: The Boy II CERT tbc Like A Boss CERT 15 (83 mins) Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Johnny Flynn, Bill Starring Katie Holmes, Ralph Ineson, Owain Starring Tiffany Haddish, Rose Byrne, Nighy, Mia Goth, Miranda Hart, Josh O'Connor Yeoman, Christopher Convery Salma Hayek, Jennifer Coolidge, Natasha Directed by Autumn de Wilde (UK/USA) Directed by William Brent Bell (USA) Rothwell, Billy Porter Directed by Miguel Arteta (USA) Not surprisingly, this is a sequel to The Boy (2016), in which a nanny was expected to Two friends as different as chalk and cheddar babysit a porcelain doll called Brahms. Now set up a cosmetics firm together and immedi- a new family moves into the creepy Heelshire ately get into financial trouble… Expect the Mansion, where the youngest son discovers comedy to be on the broad side. that Brahms is still resident. You can’t keep a Released Fri 21 February good doll down… Released Fri 21 February Little Joe CERT 12a (105 mins) It’s been four years since we’ve seen a big- Starring Emily Beecham, Ben Whishaw, screen Jane Austen adaptation and 24 years CERT tbc Kerry Fox, Kit Connor, David Wilmot, The Call Of The Wild Lindsay Duncan since Gwyneth Paltrow played the rich, con- Starring Harrison Ford, Dan Stevens, Omar Sy, Directed by Jessica Hausner niving and fanciful Emma Woodhouse on Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford (UK/Germany/Austria) film. Here, Anya Taylor-Joy (The Witch, Split, Directed by Chris Sanders (USA) Joe is the recipient of a special plant Glass) dons the bustles and bonnets in a pro- designed to bring pleasure, created by his duction directed by the New York photogra- mother, Alice, a corporate plant breeder. But pher Autumn de Wilde. the flower has other ideas… Emily Beecham Released Fri 14 February won the best actress award at Cannes last year for her part as Alice. Released Fri 21 February The Public CERT 15 (119 mins) Starring Alec Baldwin, Emilio Estevez, Jena Malone, Taylor Schilling, Christian Slater, Gabrielle Union, Michael K. Williams, Jeffrey Another familiar American tale is brought Wright Directed by Emilio Estevez (USA) back to the big screen - again - with Harrison When a bitter cold front descends on Cincin- Ford as the outdoorsman who befriends nati, a group of homeless people occupy the Buck, the St Bernard/Scotch collie sold to public library. But in no time the sit-in freight haulers in the Yukon. Based on the becomes an opportunity for police aggression 1935 adaptation of the Jack London novel and political ascendancy. (which starred Clark Gable and Loretta Released Fri 14 February Young). Released Fri 21 February CERT 12a (126 mins) Sonic The Hedgehog CERT tbc Dark Waters Starring Mark Ruffalo, Anne Hathaway, Tim Starring James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Greed CERT 15 (104 mins) Robbins, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Bill Pullman Schwartz (as the voice of Sonic), Tika Sumpter, Directed by Todd Haynes (USA) Neal McDonought Starring Steve Coogan, David Mitchell, Directed by Jeff Fowler (USA) Isla Fisher, Ollie Locke, Sophie Cookson, Asa Butterfield Directed by Michael Winterbottom (UK) Filmed on the Greek island of Mykonos, Michael Winterbottom's latest satire focuses on a high street fashion mogul with more money than sense. But as Sir Richard Mc- Creadie (Coogan) begins to celebrate his 50th birthday, things start to go awry… Sonic is not a real hedgehog, of course, but a Released Fri 21 February super-fast extraterrestrial who arrives on Partly based on an article in The New York Earth to escape intergalactic profiteers. But Times Magazine, this legal thriller stars Mark then he’s hunted by a maniacal roboticist Ruffalo as a corporate lawyer who defends (Jim Carrey), who also wants to exploit his chemical companies against allegations of powers. Based on the Sega video game. pollution. But when he visits an affected Older readers may remember Jim Carrey from farm in West Virginia - close to where his such films as Dumb And Dumber and The grandmother lives - he can no longer turn a Truman Show. blind eye… Released Fri 14 February Released Fri 28 February 38 whatsonlive.co.uk Film February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:42 Page 4

Film

Parasite CERT 15 (132 mins) Starring Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam Directed by Bong Joon-ho (South Korea) Parasite is an odd beast, a black comedy that wants to be Yorgos Lanthimos by way of Park Chan-wook. It’s perhaps best that you know no more than that as the film’s impact rests on its ability to surprise. It is, though, deliciously crafted and is as dead- pan as a black skillet. A Seoul family struggles to make ends meet by construct- ing pizza boxes, a humiliating task as they’re not very good at it. Then a school friend of Ki-woo's suggests that he could make a little money in the holidays by tutoring the teenage daughter of a wealthy family he knows. It’s certainly a start and soon Ki-woo has got his sister a job as an art therapist in the same house- hold... It’s an artful conceit dexterously unfolded by the Korean director Bong Joon-ho, winning the Palme d’Or at Cannes last year on a unanimous vote. It also snared the Golden Globe award for best foreign-language film and has six Oscar nominations under its sash. Released Fri 7 February CRITIC’S CHOICE

Downhill CERT tbc The Invisible Man CERT tbc True History Of The Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Will Ferrell, Starring Elisabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson- Kelly Gang CERT 18 (124mins) Miranda Otto, Zoë Chao, Zach Woods, Alex Cohen, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer Macqueen Directed by Leigh Whannell (Australia/USA) Starring George MacKay, Essie Davis, Nicholas Directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (USA) Hoult, Thomasin McKenzie, Charlie Hunnam, Russell Crowe A remake of the Swedish masterpiece Force Directed by Justin Kurzel (Australia/UK) Majeure (2014), Downhill is the story of a The legendary outlaw and bushranger Ned family involved in an avalanche and of the Kelly goes on the run from the authorities in emotional consequences. While the original 1870s’ Australia. Based on the Booker Prize- was not without its streaks of black humour, winning novel by Peter Carey. the humour would seem to be more at the forefront here, which could be interesting. Released Fri 28 February Released Fri 28 February

When an abused wife inherits her late hus- band’s fortune, she suspects there is more to the set-up than the eye can see… In spite of the numerous adaptations of HG Wells’ 1897 classic, this is actually a reboot of James Whales’ 1933 film version. However, with the advances in CGI, this man should look gen- uinely invisible. Released Fri 28 February

whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Visual Arts February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 10:19 Page 1

Visual Arts previews from around the region

Lindsey Mendick: The Yellow Wallpaper Eastside Projects, Birmingham, until Sat 11 April Ghostly ceramics crawling and sprawling into the gallery space tell Lindsey Mendick’s highly unusual story. Dropping out of art school and taking to her bed at her parents’ house following a nervous breakdown, she one night found herself wondering why there were six men dressed in black pacing the cul-de-sac on walkie talkies. When she told her mother what she had seen, her mum found the story impossible to believe, due to her daugh- ter’s mental state at the time. Not long afterwards, the media broke the story about the poisoning of Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko, who, it turned out, had been Lindsey’s neighbour... As well as responding to her experience that terrifying night, Lindsey’s new exhibition also references an 1892 gothic novella by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The Yellow Wallpaper tells the story of a young mother with postna- tal depression who is haunted by the garish wallpaper that appears to mutate from the walls of the room in which she is convalescing.

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Visual Arts

Mayflower 400 Exhibition Worcester Art Gallery & Museum, until Sat 21 November Given that one of the Pilgrim Fathers who sailed on the Mayflower from Plymouth in the UK to Plymouth, Massachusetts, was born and educated in Worcestershire, it’s hardly surprising that the county is here taking the opportunity to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the historic transatlantic voyage. Edward Winslow was born in Droitwich and educated at Worcester’s Kings School. He would go on to serve as governor at Plymouth Colony... Drawing on 17th century archaeology & costume and featuring a collection of indigenous American and Canadian objects, the exhibition shines a spotlight on stories of colonialism, taking a look at the European occupation of the Alaskan shores and seas in the years which followed the Mayflower’s voyage. Worcestershire is one of 11 locations in England which is this year working with local, national Cornwall As Crucible: Modernity And and international partners to commemorate the Internationalism in Mid-Century Britain 400th anniversary of the Mayflower. The Barber Institute, University of Birmingham, Wed 19 February - Sun 17 May Taking as its inspiration the Barber’s Barbara Hepworth, Ben Nicholson, Peter Kapow! recently acquired Constructivist sculpture Lanyon and Sandra Blow, the exhibition The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- - Russian artist Naum Gabo’s Linear examines the artists’ development of a Trent, Sat 8 February - Sun 27 February Construction In Space No1 - Cornwall As visual language that explored the bound- The influence on art & design of cartoon and Crucible considers the relationships and ary between representation and abstrac- comic-book superheroes, super heroines and networks that existed between artists who tion. super villains is explored in this brand new lived and worked in the county (and most The installation also investigates the im- exhibition. The show brings together painting, particularly in St Ives) during the mid-20th pact which the distinctive Cornish land- fashion, photography, costume design, ceramics century. scape had on the work of the artists and illustration. Work by artists Duggie Fields, Featuring works by, among others, residing in the region. Jason Atomic & Emma Rodgers features.

Quinn: A Journey Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry, Fri 14 February - Sun 31 May This thought-provoking multi-dimensional experience is a meditation on grief, loss, loneliness, the human search for meaning and the possibility of redemption through time and landscape. Comprising large-format photographs, moving-image pieces, ephemera and text vignettes, the work focuses on the character of William Henry Quinn, a young man who walks from the south west of England to the far north of Scotland during the period after the Second World War. Although presenting a fictional account, photographer, artist and writer Lottie Davies uses her installation to reference the real-world experiences of young men and women after they have

(Copyright Lottie Davies www.lottiedavies.com| www.whquinn.com) been exposed to extreme trauma. whatsonlive.co.uk 41 NEW Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:35 Page 1

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Events previews from around the region Events

Get Hands On With History Kenilworth Castle, Sat 15 - Sun 23 February Young visitors to Kenilworth this half term can discover what it was like to live, work and fight in a real-life castle. Little lords and ladies will have their skills put to the test with plenty of hands-on activities, in- cluding the challenges of sword fighting and shooting with a bow & arrow.

Race Retro 2020 edition of Race Retro. The event covers every discipline, from formula Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire racing to motorcycling, and includes two live Fri 21 - Sun 23 February rally stages across the weekend. Twenty-four thousand motorsport fans are set to World-class cars, motorsport legends and 250 descend on Stoneleigh Park this month for the specialist exhibitors also feature.

Adults Night: Medieval Festival Make And Play Valentine’s Special of Archery Engineers: Pixel Art Legoland Discovery Centre, Birmingham, Coventry Transport Museum, Wed 12 February Warwick Castle, Sat 15 - Sun 23 February Wed 19 and Wed 26 February The UK’s only Medieval Festival of Archery sees professional archers demonstrating their skills in daily shows and competitions. And for those who fancy getting interactive, a have-a-go archery option is also available.

Ever fancied visiting Legoland Discovery Centre Kids aged between two and eight but didn’t have any little ones in your life to take can here explore the patterns, along? Well, not to worry, because now you can contrasts and colours of pixel art, justifiably ‘go it alone’, courtesy of the venue’s a process which is used to make once-a-month adults-only event. characters for computer games. This month’s Valentine’s Special sees plenty of The sessions also provide young- prizes being put up for grabs throughout the sters with the chance to make their night. It also features workshop classes held by very own extraordinary-looking the venue’s Master Model Builders, providing creatures, the kind that could well Legoland enthusiasts with all manner of sure-to- have escaped from a computer be-useful tips and tricks. game! whatsonlive.co.uk 43 NEW Events February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:35 Page 3

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Events previews from around the region Events

Dragon Hunt Tamworth Castle, Staffordshire, Sat 15 - Fri 21 February

Tamworth Castle’s resident dragon, Ruby, and her brother, Hafgrim, have gone missing while playing a game of hide & seek. And they’re probably going to stay horribly lost too, unless some young and enthusiastic half-term- holiday visitors are willing to put in the hard yards to help find visit event for anybody who loves exploring the Caravan, Camping & them!... The hunt is just one of great outdoors. numerous dragon-based activities Motorhome Show Visitors to the show can check out new leisure taking place at the castle this NEC, Birmingham, Tues 18 - Sun 23 February vehicles and caravan holiday homes, browse month. Kids can also learn how to tents of all shapes and sizes, and pick up a wide With over 400 exhibitors all under one roof, the decorate the dragon’s den, iden- range of accessories and gadgets for their next Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show is a must- tify dragon eggs and have a go at a big adventure. dragon-related craft activity.

The Classic Dirt Bike Show Half-term activities Telford International Centre, Shropshire, at the RSC Sat 15 & Sun 16 February Royal Shakespeare Company This annual off-road and road-racing show here venues, Stratford-upon-Avon, makes a welcome return and comes complete Mon 17 - Fri 21 February, check with an outdoor autojumble. rsc.org.uk for individual venues Star guests confirmed for the 2020 get-together The RSC is taking inspiration from include American World Trials 1979 champion its current production of David Bernie Schreiber and 1970 British 500cc Walliams’ The Boy In The Dress motocross champion Bryan Goss. this half term. From free craft workshops explor- ing the themes of the book, to learning the dances and songs from the show in special perfor- mance workshops, there's plenty for visitors to enjoy. Other highlights include back- stage theatre tours, playing dress- Discover The Pride up in the RSC’s dressing-up West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley, cabinet, and the chance to check Sat 15 - Sun 23 February out a free The Boy In The Dress- West Midland Safari Park debuts its latest addi- inspired exhibition. tions to the pack this month, as seven new lion cubs make their first appearance on the safari drive-through. Visitors can also book an exclusive behind-the- scenes tour of the African Lion house and meet the pride of lions, including its youngest mem- bers.

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Events previews from around the region Events

The National Wedding Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 28 Feb - Sun 1 March For couples currently planning their big day, the National Wed- ding Show is a must-visit event. Boasting over 250 wedding specialists from across the coun- try - covering everything from photography and suit-making to jewellery and floral displays - there’s plenty of opportunity to tick off some of the items on your hefty planning list! Brides-to-be can also check out the latest bridal trends at the weekend’s catwalk shows, pick up useful hints & tips from numerous experts, and even try on a wedding dress or several, Become A Codebreaker able to learn about cracking codes by making with some exhibitors offering their very own codebreaking devices. Drop-in exclusive at-show discounts. Enginuity, Ironbridge, Shropshire, activities include making a cipher wheel to Sat 15 - Sun 23 February send & receive secret messages and having a go Codebreaking-themed activities are the order of on an Enigma-style machine to uncover a the day at Enginuity this half term, with visitors classified message.

February FUTURES Half Term British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warks Sat 15 February - Sun 1 March

Pirate And Princess Takeover Days Of Gore Alton Towers, Staffordshire, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, Fri 14 - Sun 23 February Tues 18 - Thurs 20 February Well shiver those timbers and straighten that Daily presentations about ‘the tiara - Alton Towers Resort is certainly the place gooey, gory and gruesome reali- to take your little pirates and princesses this ties of yesteryear’ promise to half-term holiday! keep youngsters well and truly The popular visitor attraction is hosting a range entertained at Avoncroft Museum of family-focused themed activities this month, this half-term holiday. including an action-packed production, a fancy- Themed around the exhibition The Car. The As well as providing fascinating dress parade and an interactive game show - Future. Me., FUTURES features activities aimed insights into the history of after which there’s a ‘fabulous’ party to enjoy! at encouraging children to investigate what the medieval medicine, hygiene, Away from the princess & pirate theme, visitors cars of their future might look like. execution and torture, the venue can check out Sharkbait Reef to see a variety of Little ones can make their very own futuristic is also laying on plenty of craft- amazing fish, splash around in the tropical sur- vehicle using recycled materials, and then light based activities, including gooey roundings of the Alton Towers Waterpark, and it up with LEDs. There’s a special family trail to feel boxes and the chance to enjoy a round of what’s being termed ‘extraordi- enjoy too, challenging visitors to find the miss- make your very own slime. nary’ golf. ing parts needed to fix the car.

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Come rain or shine... Check out some of the Midlands’ best attractions this half-term

National Sea Life Centre Birmingham Brindleyplace, Birmingham, B1 2HL The National Sea Life Centre is home to more than 2,000 crea- tures (including black-tip reef sharks, a giant green sea turtle and a colony of gentoo penguins), many of which have been rescued or successfully bred as part of the global Sea Life breeding initia- tive. The venue also features the UK’s only 360-degree ocean tun- nel, providing visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the underwater residents. And in a UK first, 2020 will see two rescued Alaskan sea otters become resident in the attraction’s new multi-million-pound marine rescue facility. You can also: Help PJ Masks defeat the nighttime baddies this half-term holiday! Thinktank Science Museum Millennium Point, Birmingham, B4 7XG Birmingham's award-winning science museum offers a fun- packed day out for all the family to enjoy. From steam engines and talking robots to gurgling guts and a chocolate-wrapping machine, Thinktank features more than 200 hands-on science & technology displays and numerous historical collections. Highlights include MiniBrum, a new interactive gallery for under-eights, a new 4k planetarium and a science garden. There’s also an extensive programme of events and activ- ities to enjoy throughout the year. You can also: Get building at a weekend of Lego family work- shops, taking place 8 & 9 February.

Ironbridge Gorge Museums Ironbridge, nr Telford, Shropshire The World Heritage Site of Ironbridge Gorge is home to 10 award- winning attractions. These include the recreated Victorian town of Blists Hill, fun science museum Enginuity, and the Jackfield Tile Museum, a venue that brings to life ‘the artistry of ceramic art’. An Annual Passport ticket allows visitors to enjoy daytime admission to all 10 attractions for 12 months. You can also: Try your hand at the Victorian tube lining tech- nique at Jackfield Tile Museum’s tile-decorating workshops on 17, 19 & 21 February. World of Wedgwood Barlaston, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST12 9ER Find out all about the Wedgwood brand and its rich 250-year heritage at World of Wedgwood. Featuring a V&A Museum collection, a factory tour, a contempo- rary tearoom, a restaurant and the Wedgwood Flagship retail store, the venue boasts a wide range of things to see and do. Explore the 240-acre Wedgwood Estate - with its open, land- scaped grounds, canals and beautiful woodlands - or maybe try your hand at the potter’s wheel in the Master Craft Studio. Or how about creating your very own piece of Wedgwood bone china tableware in the Decorating Studio... You can also: Make a Mother’s Day gift at hand & footprint- ing workshops during the half-term holiday.

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Cadbury World Bournville, Birmingham, B30 1JR Cadbury World is a wonder of chocolate delights and activities. Start your exploration of the venue in Aztec Jungle, travelling back over 1,000 years to the tropical rainforest of the Mayan Indians to discover the origin of the cocoa tree. Then visit Europe and find out about the arrival of cocoa in England, before moving on to Birmingham’s Bull Street, where John Cadbury opened his first shop. There's lots more to see and do on the Cadbury World adventure, including Purple Planet and the world's biggest Cadbury shop! You can also: Enjoy either breakfast or afternoon tea with Cadbury characters during weekends and school holidays. Shakespeare’s Family Homes Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire Discover the people and places behind the world’s greatest story- teller by visiting his five family homes in Stratford-upon-Avon. These include: Shakespeare’s Birthplace, the home in which he was born and grew up; the family home of his mother, Mary Arden; and the cottage in which his wife, Anne Hathaway, spent her childhood. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust also offers The Full Story tickets, which allow 12 months of unlimited visits to all five properties. You can find out more at shakespeare.org.uk You can also: Check out a brand new Shakespeare XR experi- ence at the Shakespeare’s New Place site.

Warwick Castle Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH Boasting more than 1,100 years of history, Warwick Castle has plenty to see and do. History buffs can explore the castle’s Great Hall, battlements, towers and turrets, while family-friendly enter- tainment comes in the form of a Horrible Histories maze, the Castle Dungeon experience and a number of daily shows and activities. Top tip - if you purchase your tickets online and it rains for one hour or more during your time at the castle, the venue will guarantee you a free return visit. You can also: Attend the UK’s only Medieval Festival of Archery, taking place at the castle this month. Birmingham Botanical Gardens Check page 43 for information. Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TR Nestled away behind steel, concrete and roaring traffic in the busy heart of Birmingham is a lush oasis of calm that you may never have noticed. Featuring four large glasshouses boasting an air of Victorian grandeur, lively animal inhabitants and interac- tive children's areas set in 15 acres of landscaped greenery, Birmingham Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. You can also: Hire Gardens’ Explorer family backpacks from the reception desk every day during opening hours. Each backpack is bursting with creative activities and suit- able for all ages.

whatsonlive.co.uk 49 Ru Paul Drag Race Full December 2019.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 16:01 Page 1 The List Cover February Wolves/Shrops/Staffs.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 12:46 Page 1

YourYour wweek-eek- bby-weeky-week llistingsistings gguideuide Februaryebruary 22020020 thelist

First Time at Lichfield Garrick Theatre on Friday 7 February

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

What’s On Sat 1 - Sun 9 February Mon 10 to Sun 16 February Mon 17 to Sun 23 February Mon 24 to Sat 29 February

5 Soldiers: The Body Is The Ye Vagabonds - Henry Tudor Milkshake Live! Opera Boys at Prince of Front Line at Walsall Arena House, Shrewsbury at The Place, Telford Wales Centre, Cannock Fri 7 February Sun 16 February Sat 22 February Wed 26 February

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thelist Feb, The Red Lion TRANSATLANTIC SES- THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY Gigs Folk Club, Birmingham SIONS 2020 Fri 7 Feb, THE BAND CAMINO Wed Symphony Hall, B’ham CARAVAN PALACE Sat 1 work connected to the land by three 5 Feb, O2 Institute, SOME GUYS HAVE ALL Feb, O2 Academy, artists who met at and graduated Birmingham THE LUCK - THE ROD Visual Arts Birmingham from university with fine art degrees, BLACKWATERS Wed 5 STEWART STORY Sat 8 TOM BAXTER PLUS Fri 28 Feb - Tues 31 Mar Feb,The Sugarmill, Feb, The Place, Telford The Brewhouse Arts Centre, GUEST ANNE-MARIE Stoke-On-Trent BIG GIRLS DON’T CRY Burton-upon-Trent ALLEN Sat 1 Feb,The Sat 8 Feb, Stafford The Willow Art Gallery, Wakes, Theatre FAIRPORT CONVENTION LEONARD CHESHIRE - LIFE THROUGH Gatehouse Theatre THE EYES OF A FLEET STREET PHOTOG- Oswestry Square, Oakengates Wed 5 Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- STRANGE BONES Sat 8 RAPHER Celebration of photojournal- NEW YEAR OPEN 2020 until Sat 7 Mar DEEP PURPLE FAMILY under-Lyme Feb, The Sugarmill, ism during the golden era of Fleet Sat 1 Feb, The Robin, Stoke-On-Trent Street, until Sat 29 Feb Bilston WE LOVE LITTLE MIX Wolverhampton Art Gallery Thurs 6 Feb, Stafford JOE BROWN IN CONCERT NEW HMP DOVEGATE: ART AND CERAM- STUART WOOLFENDEN THE BLOOMSBURY EFFECT Visitors to Gatehouse Theatre Sat 8 Feb, Victoria ICS EXHIBITION Showcase of art by the Sat 1 Feb, Dead Wax, the Wolverhampton Society of Artists Hall, Stoke-On-Trent residents of HMP Dovegate, Mon 24 - DELAIN Thurs 6 Feb, Centenary Exhibition can also enjoy a Digbeth, Birmingham Fri 28 Feb O2 Institute, B’ham STEEL PANTHER Sat 8 THE SKA 45S display of three prestigious early Sat 1 Feb, Feb, O2 Academy, 20th century British paintings on Brierley Hill Civic DAVE SHARP Thurs 6 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Birmingham New Art Gallery - Walsall loan from the Courtauld Gallery, COUNTERFEIT BEATLES London, until Sun 16 Feb Stourbridge GLOBAL REGGAE BAND TOO RICH A SOIL Exhibition by three Sat 1 Feb, Tamworth GIRLSCHOOL WITH SPE- Sat 8 Feb, Lichfield photographers presenting new work TIM MARA: NOT POP? Exhibition bring- Assembly Rooms CIAL GUESTS EVYLTYDE Guildhall focused around portraiture, culture ing together a selection of works by OH! WHAT A NIGHT Sat 1 Thurs 6 Feb, The DUSKY Sat 8 Feb, Hare and female identity, until Sun 19 Apr the late Irish printmaker, Tim Mara, Feb, Sutton Coldfield until Sun 29 Mar Robin, Bilston & Hounds, B’ham SARAH TAYLOR SILVERWOOD - KATHLEEN Town Hall YOU WIN AGAIN - CELE- THOSE DAMN CROWS AND SALLY SERIES Body of drawings 50 YEARS ON: THE NORTHERN IRELAND HERITAGE IS 4: JEREMY BRATING THE MUSIC OF Sat 8 Feb, KK’s Steel based on text and images abstracted COLLECTION REVISITED Exhibition fea- HEALY, TOMISLAV, ANDY THE BEE GEES Thurs 6 Mill, Wolverhampton from photographs, letters, and docu- turing new acquisition Rocket Man, BAXTER & PHIL GIFFORD Feb, Regent Theatre, ments relating to the two creators by Northern Irish artist Gerry Glea- Sat 1 Feb, Hare & POUYA Sat 8 Feb, O2 Stoke-on-Trent and donors of the Garman Ryan Col- son, and also including items from Hounds, Birmingham Institute, Birmingham lection, Kathleen Epstein (née Gar- the gallery’s nationally important col- LEGENDS OF AMERICAN THE PEAS Sat 1 Feb, Al- SURINDER SHINDA Sat 8 lection of art relating to the Troubles, COUNTRY Thurs 6 Feb, man) and Sally Ryan, until Sun 7 bert’s Shed, Shrews- Feb, Birmingham Hip- until Sun 29 Mar Prince Of Wales, Can- June bury podrome MEERA SYAL: COMING HOME Meera nock TURIN BRAKES Sat 1 MACKA B LIVE AT RISING Syal by photographer Jason Bell - on KIM PETRAS Fri 7 Feb, Newcastle Borough Museum Feb, Newhampton Arts STAR REVISITED 4 Sat 8 loan from the National Portrait O2 Academy, B’ham & Art Gallery Centre, W’hampton Feb, The Robin, Bil- Gallery, London, until Sun 5 Apr LISA O’NEILL Fri 7 Feb, ston 50 FORTY Exhibition of paintings and BOWIE EXPERIENCE Sat WOLVERHAMPTON AND ME Installation The Glee Club, B’ham sculpture from the last 50 years, pre- 1 Feb, Lichfield Garrick BEANS ON TOAST + TEN- using the story of the Mayor of sented alongside a collection of new BELIEVE - THE CHER SHEDS Sat 8 Feb, Cas- STEREOTONICS Sat 1 Wolverhampton’s family history to SONGBOOK Fri 7 Feb, tle & Falcon, B’ham work, until Wed 25 Mar Feb, Eleven, Sandy- reflect on the wider history of the city Stafford Gatehouse and its people, until Sun 5 Apr ford, Stoke-on-Trent THE TRANSPORTERS Sat Theatre 8 Feb, Albert’s Shed, Potteries Museum & Art HOUSEJAMMERZ Sat 1 PAPER JAM Fri 7 Feb, Shrewsbury Gallery - Stoke-On-Trent Feb, Albert’s Shed, Other VISUAL ARTS Wem Town Hall, North MARTIN KEMP - BACK TO NEW PDSA DICKIN MEDAL: EXTRAORDI- Southwater, Telford QUBE CREATIVE GROUPS Display of re- Shropshire THE 80S DJ TOUR Sat 8 NARY ANIMALS IN ACTION Celebration BRETT ELDREDGE Sat 1 cent works by members of Qube art ENTER THE DRAGON Fri Feb, The Hanger, of the animal heroes who displayed Feb, O2 Institute, Birm- classes, until Tues 4 Feb, Qube 7 Feb, Hare & Hounds, Wolverhampton outstanding devotion and heroism in ingham Gallery, Oswestry Birmingham times of difficulty and conflict, Sat 1 HEADSTICKS Sat 8 Feb, ETHER E Sat 1 Feb, Al- CHANGING TIMES: HUMOUR AND SATIRE FLOODHOUNDS + WAX Katie Fitzgerald’s, Feb - Sun 19 Apr bert’s Shed, Southwa- Exhibition exploring the prints and FUTURES Fri 7 Feb, Al- Stourbridge ter, Telford, Shropshire objects that poked fun at new tech- bert’s Shed, Southwa- LIL DURK Sat 8 Feb, O2 Shropshire Hills Discovery ASHANTI nology such as steam power and the Sun 2 Feb, O2 ter, Telford Institute, Birmingham Centre, Craven Arms possibilities it held, until Fri 28 Feb, Academy, Birmingham RONI SIZE + LTJ BUKEM DESPERADO - EAGLES ZACH BARBER – SHROPSHIRE HILLS AND Enginuity Museum, Ironbridge THE DAVE FOSTER BAND Fri 7 Feb, O2 Institute, GREATEST HITS Sat 8 BEYOND, A SALOPIANS VIEW A view of Sun 2 Feb, The Robin, DI PURSER - THE NEW WORKS Local Birmingham Feb, Foxlowe Arts nature, Shropshire Hills and farming Bilston artist Di Purser displays more than 10 MACKA B & THE ROOTS Centre, Leek, Staffs people, until Tues 3 March ‘stunning new paintings’, until Sat 29 BEN THOMPSON: ELVIS Fri 7 Feb, Theatre, THE BLOCK PARTY Sat 8 CAROL BOWEN AND GORDON BAILEY Ex- Feb, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Sun 2 Feb, Prince Of Severn, Shrewsbury Feb, Albert’s Shed, hibition bringing together Gordon’s Gallery Wales, Cannock PEARL JAMN Fri 7 Feb, Southwater, Telford photography and Carol’s pastel and ELLIE CLIFTLANDS Shropshire-based XHOSA COLE Sun 2 Feb, The Robin, Bilston THE COUNTERFEIT watercolour paintings, until Tues 3 wood engraver and illustrator Ellie Newhampton Arts THE ZOOTS, SOUNDS OF STONES Sat 8 Feb, March Cliftlands demonstrates that wood Centre, W’hampton THE SIXTIES Fri 7 Feb, Lichfield Garrick engraving can both be powerfully THE GAME Sun 2 Feb, Brierley Hill Civic graphic and gently lyrical, until Sat 28 KELE Sun 9 Feb, Hare Weston Park O2 Institute, B’ham Mar, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury COUNTRY SUPERSTARS & Hounds, B’ham GRAHAM COLLING New exhibition in- THE WILDHEARTS | EXPERIENCE Fri 7 Feb, NEW PAINTER PRINTMAKERS Mixed BETH HART Sun 9 Feb, cluding some of Graham’s previous IRISH SESSION Wed 5 The Place, Telford show featuring work by Louise Symphony Hall, B’ham works, together with new images cre- Feb, Katie Fitzgerald’s, Davies with Mychael Barratt and CHASING AUGUST + ated since the last exhibition, until Stourbridge GIANTS OF AMERICANA other artists still to be announced, TONY STANTON Fri 7 Sun 9 Feb, The Robin, Thurs 27 Feb MIRANDA SYKES PLUS Sat 1 - Sat 29 Feb, Twenty Twenty Feb, Albert’s Shed, Bilston NEW BORROWED LAND Collaboration of Gallery, Much Wenlock SEAN & HARRY Wed 5 Shrewsbury

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Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 February

WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 6 Feb, Walsall Youth Theatre, Thurs 30 Jan - The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Classical The Glee Club, Birmingham Sat 1 Feb, Walsall Arena Burton-upon-Trent MERYL O'ROURKE, FREDDIE FARRELL, TWO Jim Cartwright’s sharp and FAT, FUNNY & FEARLESS Mother, blog- CATHERINE ENNIS RECITAL Sat 1 Feb, DAN SMITH & COMIC TBC Thurs 6 Feb, touching slice of English life, set in a ger and self-confessed cake addict Shrewsbury Abbey Stourbridge Town Hall northern pub owned by a savagely Jessica Jones, also known as @the- GOLDMUND QUARTET Featuring Florian REGINALD D HUNTER, ROGER bickering husband & wife, Fri 31 Jan fatfunnyone, performs her very first Schötz (violin), Pinchas Adt (violin), MONKHOUSE, NIGE & WAYNE BEESE Fri - Sat 22 Feb, New Vic Theatre, one-woman show... Fri 7 Feb, Christoph Vandory (viola) and 7 Feb, Whitchurch Civic Centre Newcastle-under-Lyme The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Raphael Paratore (cello). Programme BEYOND THE BARRICADE Concert for- YOURS SINCERELY Storytelling & lip- includes works by Haydn, MILTON JONES Fri 7 Feb, Dudley Town mat show paying homage to the best sync cabaret collide in a queer com- Mendelssohn, Dobrinka Tabakova Hall of musical theatre, Sat 1 Feb, ing-of-age comedy about the and Debussy, Tues 4 Feb, Symphony HARRIET DYER Sat 8 Feb, Midlands Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury complications of 21st-century com- Hall, Birmingham Arts Centre, Birmingham PINOCCHIO Oddsocks present a brand munication, Fri 7 Feb, Farlow & Ore- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY HENNING WEHN, ROGER MONKHOUSE, new adaptation of the classic story, ton Village Hall, Oreton, Shropshire, ORCHESTRA: NICOLA BENEDETTI Also NIGE & WAYNE BEESE Sat 8 Feb, Brier- Sat 1 Feb, The Place, Telford DY14 0TP featuring Klaus Mäkelä (conductor). ley Hill Civic Hall, Dudley FIRST TIME Award-winning HIV-plus Programme includes works by THE WHIP Provocative new play set in JIMEOIN Sun 9 Feb, Stafford Gate- theatre maker Nathaniel Hall presents Tchaikovsky & Berlioz, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 London at the dawn of the 19th cen- house Theatre his autobiographical solo show about Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham tury. Politicians gather to abolish the JAYDE ADAMS Sun 9 Feb, Midlands slave trade once and for all - but at growing up positive in a negative HALLE ORCHESTRA Featuring Stephen Arts Centre, Birmingham what cost?... Sat 1 Feb - Sat 21 Mar, world, Fri 7 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Bell (conductor) & Craig Ogden (gui- The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon- tar). Programme includes works by PAUL MCCAFFREY Sun 9 Feb, The Avon De Falla, Rodrigo, Marquez, Chabrier, Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, Bizet, Granadosm Ravel & De Falla, South Shropshire THE GHOST LIGHT Birmingham Ormis- Fri 7 Feb, Victoria Hall, Stoke-on- ton Academy & The Old Rep come Trent together to tell the story of one family through the generations, Sun 2 Feb, CONCERT IN THE ROUND Featuring The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Catherine Rooney (soprano), Wendy Theatre Jones (trumpet) & Richard Walker THE BODYGUARD Alexandra Burke AN EVENING WITH TONY STOCKWELL (continuo). Programme includes stars as Rachel Marron in the much- Tues 4 Feb, The Place, Telford, Bach’s cantata: Jauchzet Gott, Fri 7 acclaimed romantic thriller, until Sat 1 Shropshire Feb, St Chad’s Cathedral, Shrews- Feb, The Alexandra, Birmingham MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent Opera bury CHASE ME UP FARNDALE AVENUE present a new production of Puc- THE LITTLE MERMAID A ‘fun-packed STRAVINSKY’S CLARINET AND STRING French farce presented by The cini’s heartbreaking tale. Sung in Ital- rollicking, nautical pantomime full of QUARTET Featuring Peter Campbell- Nonentities, until Sat 1 Feb, The Rose ian with English surtitles, Tues 4 Feb, song, dance and romance’, Fri 7 - Kelly & Bryony Morrison (violins), Theatre, Kidderminster The Alexandra, Birmingham Sat 8 Feb, The Belfry Theatre, Christopher Yates (viola), Helen Wellington, Shropshire SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS UTE LEMPER: RENDEZVOUS WITH MAR- Edgar (cello) & Oliver Janes (clar- Featuring Lesley Joseph, Matt Slack, LENE One-woman show in which Ute THE HISTORY BOYS In-house produc- inet). Programme includes works by Joe McElderry, Faye Brookes, Flaw- tells the story of Marlene Dietrich, tion of Alan Bennett’s classroom Howells, Ravel & Stravinsky, Fri 7 less, Doreen Tipton & Andrew Ryan, singing songs from all chapters of the comedy, Fri 7 - Sat 22 Feb, Feb, CBSO Centre, Birmingham until Sun 2 Feb, Birmingham Hippo- German performer's Berlin cabaret Wolverhampton Grand Theatre PETER DONOHOE IN RECITAL Sat 8 Feb, drome years through to her Bacharach col- MADAMA BUTTERFLY Ellen Kent Opera Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School laborations, Tues 4 Feb, The Old Rep present a new production of Puc- THE BOY IN THE DRESS World premiere Theatre, Birmingham based on David Walliams' best-sell- cini’s heartbreaking tale. Sung in Ital- ing book, with songs by Robbie VAMPIRE’S ROCK: GHOST TRAIN Musical ian with English surtitles, Sat 8 Feb, Williams and Guy Chambers, until sensation featuring ‘some of the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent Comedy Sun 8 Mar, Royal Shakespeare The- greatest classic rock anthems of all YOURS SINCERELY Storytelling & lip- time’, Wed 5 Feb, The Alexandra, ELEANOR TIERNAN, ADAM HESS, ROSIE atre, Stratford-upon-Avon sync cabaret collide in a queer com- Birmingham JONES & COMIC TBC Sat 1 Feb, The KING JOHN Shakespeare’s rarely per- ing-of-age comedy about the Glee Club, Birmingham formed tale of a nation in turmoil, MACBETH Fast-paced adaptation of complications of 21st-century com- Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, munication, Sat 8 Feb, Quatt Village ED BYRNE Sat 1 Feb, Victoria Hall, until Sat 21 Mar, The Swan Theatre, power and revenge, Wed 5 - Fri 7 Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, South Shrop- Stoke-on-Trent Stratford-upon-Avon Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, B’ham shire, WV15 6QN ADAM HILLS Sun 2 Feb, The Edge HOUSE GUEST Francis Durbridge’s SHREK THE MUSICAL Get Your Wigle MEMORIES OF A SNOW SCENE One-man Arts Centre, Much Wenlock, South thriller, Tues 28 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Lich- On present an amateur show based show fusing old tech, funny stories Shropshire field Garrick on the hit Dreamworks film, Wed 5 - and genuine interactions to explore THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SMACK AND JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH Wed 5 Feb, Sun 9 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrews- the fine line between dwelling on the CRACK Birmingham Town Hall An ‘angry, funny, love song to bury past and cherishing happy memo- a lost generation, inspired by the COUNT ARTHUR STRONG Wed 5 Feb, ries, Sat 8 Feb, The Blue Orange playwright’s own experience of jail & JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre present The Place, Telford Theatre, Birmingham rehab’, Wed 29 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, The a new adaptation of Charlotte REP, Birmingham Bronte's gothic masterpiece, Thurs 6 THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS Rain Or - Sat 8 Feb, Arena Theatre, Wolver- Shine Theatre present a fast-paced BECKET Two Score Theatre Company hampton re-telling of Kenneth Grahame’s clas- present Jean Anouilh’s ‘masterpiece’, sic tale, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Feb, Theatre which explores the events leading to MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL TS Eliot’s verse drama portraying the assassi- On The Steps, Bridgnorth, South the murder of St Thomas Becket, Shropshire Wed 29 Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Ludlow As- nation of Archbishop Thomas Becket sembly Rooms, South Shropshire in Canterbury Cathedral, Thurs 6 - MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL 2: CRUISING Sat 8 Feb, Shrewsbury School THROUGH MENOPAUSE! Starring Cheryl ASKING FOR IT UK stage premiere of Chapel Fergison, Nicole Barber-Lane, Re- Louise O’Neill’s devastating novel ANNIE Cabaret Theatre Company pre- becca Wheatley & Nicki French, Sun KOJO ANIM Thurs 6 Feb, The Alexan- about sexual consent, Wed 29 Jan - sents its version of the much-loved 9 Feb, Prince Of Wales Centre, dra, Birmingham Sat 15 Feb, The REP, Birmingham family musical, Thurs 6 - Sat 8 Feb, Cannock PHIL NICHOL PLUS COMEDY CAROUSEL ANNIE Amateur staging presented by whatsonlive.co.uk 53 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 1 - 9 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:28 Page 3

music music comedy

HELLO AGAIN...THE THE MUSIC OF JUDY DOM JOLY'S STORY OF NEIL DIAMOND GARLAND STARRING DENISE NOLAN HOLIDAY SNAPS Thurs 13 Feb @ 7.30pm Fri 14 Feb @ 7.30pm Tues 18 Feb @ 7.30pm

family comedy music

MILKSHAKE! LIVE TANYALEE DAVIS THE BON JOVI MILKSHAKE MONKEY’S MUSICAL 3 FOOT 6 INCH STANDUP COMEDIAN EXPERIENCE Sat 22 Feb @ 12.00pm & 3.30pm Wed 26 Feb @ 7.30pm Fri 28 Feb @ 7.30pm

music family music

THAT’S AMORE ALL STAR SUPERSLAM ONE NIGHT IN DUBLIN TENORS UN LIMITED AN EVENING OF GREAT IRISH MUSIC TWC GP 01460 WRESTLING SPRING 2020 Wed 4 Mar @ 7.30pm Fri 6 Mar @ 7.30pm Wed 11 Mar @ 7.30pm

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thelist Saturday 1 - Sunday 9 February PAIN AND GLORY (15) Drama. Starring Kids Shows Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia. Foreign language, subtitled. Ludlow ROOM ON THE BROOM Tall Stories’ Assembly Rooms, South Shropshire, magical, musical adaptation of Julia Sat 1 Feb Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s ARE YOU PROUD? (15) Documentary. much-loved picture book, Mon 3 - Starring Michael Cashman, Lisa Tues 4 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke- Power. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sat 1 on-Trent Feb THE NAUGHTY FOX Immersive, multi- PLAYING WITH FIRE (PG) Comedy/Fam- sensory journey of friendship and ily. Starring John Cena, Keegan- play for little ones and their grown- Michael Key. Wellington Orbit, ups, Fri 7 Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, Telford, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Feb Birmingham THE GENTLEMEN (18) Action/Crime. LUNA: A PLAY ABOUT THE MOON Story- Starring Matthew McConaughey, telling, music, history and science Charlie Hunnam. Wellington Orbit, combine in a tale for younger audi- Telford, Sat 1 - Sun 2, Wed 5 - Thurs ences, Sat 8 Feb, The Old Rep The- 6 Feb atre, Birmingham HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (12) Action/Adventure. Star- ring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Dance Rosie Kay’s 5 Soldiers: The Body Is The Front Line - Walsall Arena Sun 2 Feb SWAN LAKE Presented by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia, Sat 1 Feb, KNIVES OUT (12a) Comedy/Crime. New Bingley Hall, Birmingham Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Starring Daniel Craig, Chris Evans. Events DRESSING UP, COMING OUT: FASHION IN Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 3 Feb SPIRIT OF THE DANCE Twenty-first an- THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY Evening dis- HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCKS LIVE niversary show fusing Irish dance, ON MOONLIGHT BAY (U) Comedy/Fam- cussion around the role and impor- Show combining Hot Wheels’ iconic Flamenco & Salsa, Sun 2 Feb, ily. Starring Doris Day, Gordon tance of dressing up within the jumps and stunts with epic crashing Stafford Gatehouse Theatre MacRae. Wem Town Hall, North LGBTQ+ community, Thurs 6 Feb, Shropshire, Mon 3 Feb and smashing, until Sun 2 Feb, Arena Birmingham Museum And Art Gallery EVERYTHING (BUT THE GIRL) New triple Birmingham bill from choreographers Tamsin THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (U) HARRY POTTER BOOK NIGHT A ‘magical’ LEGO CITY: REPORT FOR DUTY Com- Fitzgerald & Fleur Deakin, Thurs 6 - Action/Adventure. Starring Errol evening of things to make and do in- plete the build challenges and be- Fri 7 Feb, DanceXchange, Patrick Flynn, Olivia de Havilland. Mitchell spired by Harry Potter, Thurs 6 Feb, come a LEGO City hero, until Sun 1 Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 4 Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust Feb Mar, Legoland Discovery Centre, 5 SOLDIERS: THE BODY IS THE FRONT Birmingham MANSION WINTER TOURS Guided tour LINE Rosie Kay Dance Company pre- BIRDS OF PASSAGE (15) Crime/Drama. providing visitors with an off-season THE ARENACROSS TOUR 2020 ‘Seat- sents its acclaimed portrait of army Starring Carmiña Martínez, José chance to see inside the mansion, Fri grabbing’ entertainment from some life, telling the stories of men and Acosta. Foreign language, subtitled. 7 - Sun 9 Feb, Attingham Park, of the world’s best indoor Motocross women serving on the front line, Fri 7 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 4 Shrewsbury racers and Freestyle MX stars, Fri 31 Feb, Walsall Arena Feb Jan - Sat 1 Feb, Resorts World Arena, BIRMINGHAM SWING FESTIVAL'S GRAND BIRMINGHAM SWING FESTIVAL’S GRAND STAN AND OLLIE (PG) Biography/Com- Birmingham BALL Grab a seat in the circle to wit- BALL Evening of social swing danc- edy. Starring Steve Coogan, John C. ness a night of social swing dancing, MANSION WINTER TOURS Guided tour ing, performance & competitions, Sat Reilly. Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- performances and competitions, Sat providing visitors with an off-season 8 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall Trent, Wed 5 Feb 8 Feb, Birmingham Town Hall chance to see inside the mansion, Fri CAPERNAUM (15) Drama. Starring Zain 31 Jan - Sun 2 Feb, Attingham Park, RAG RUG VALENTINES HEART Have a go Al Rafeea, Yordanos Shiferaw. For- Shrewsbury at crafting a traditional handmade eign language, subtitled. The Hive, decoration with a romantic twist, Sat TATTOO FREEZE Shrewsbury, Fri 7 Feb Event hosting 200- 8 Feb, Birmingham Back to Backs Film plus tattoo artists, Sat 1 - Sun 2 Feb, INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: BOMBSHELL (15) Biography/Drama. Telford International Centre, Shrop- THOMAS & FRIENDS FEBRUARY HALF Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kid- TERM Meet Thomas & Friends at Eu- THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- shire man. Wellington Orbit, Telford, Fri 7 - rope’s only Thomas Land, Sat 8 - PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- PJ MASKS Sun 9 & Wed 12 - Thurs 13 Feb Help PJ Masks defeat the Sun 9 Feb, Drayton Manor Theme ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. Light nighttime baddies and restore the Park, Tamworth House Media Centre, Wolverhamp- JOJO RABBIT (12a) Comedy/Drama. venue to its peaceful state, Sat 1 Feb ton, Fri 24 Jan - Thurs 6 Feb Starring Roman Griffin Davis, - Sun 1 Mar, National Sea Life Centre, LEGO WEEKEND WORKSHOPS Take part Thomasin McKenzie. Old Market Hall, in a range of LEGO-themed activities LITTLE WOMEN (U) Drama. Starring Birmingham Shrewsbury, Fri 7 - Thurs 13 Feb in the museum's bespoke LEGO Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson. Wem TRAIL FOR DOGS: BRING YOUR DOG TO classroom, Sat 8 - Sun 9 Feb, Think- Town Hall, North Shropshire, Fri 31 THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- BLAKESLEY HALL Explore the grounds tank Science Museum, Birmingham Jan, Tues 4 & Thurs 6 Feb; Stoke PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- on this special dog-inspired trail Film Theatre, Sat 1 & Tues 4 Feb; Old ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. around the gardens, with treats for MR CADBURY'S PARROT MINI-EGG SHOW Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 31 Jan - Wellington Orbit, Telford, Fri 7 - Thurs your dog along the way, Sun 2 Feb, Help the lovable Mr Cadbury's Parrot Fri 14 Feb 13 Feb Blakesley Hall, Birmingham find the clues to discover who’s been after his precious treats, Sat 8 Feb - HARRIET (12a) Biography/Drama. Star- CATS (U) Comedy/Drama. Starring CAMPER MART Browse accessories Sun 29 Mar, Cadbury World, B’ham ring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench. Festi- and find services for your VW van, or Light House Media Centre, Wolver- val Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, pick up essentials for that long- WHAT THE TORTOISE TAUGHT US Walk hampton, Fri 31 Jan - Thurs 6 Feb North Shropshire, Sat 8 Feb awaited project in the garage, Sun 2 side by side with the world’s oldest reptile; help to feed her, stroke her THE NIGHTINGALE (18) Drama/Thriller. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD Feb, Telford International Centre, enormous shell and be inspired by a Starring Aisling Franciosi, Sam PRINCE (12) Action/Adventure. Star- Shropshire close-up encounter, Sat 8 Feb, The Claflin. Light House Media Centre, ring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson. GREAT BRITISH BEER FESTIVAL WINTER Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Wolverhampton, Fri 31 Jan - Thurs 6 Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Celebrating the West Midlands’ in- Stoke-on-Trent Feb Sun 9 Feb dustry, diversity and creativity throughout time, Tues 4 - Sat 8 Feb, whatsonlive.co.uk 55 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:30 Page 1

COMING SOON IN 2020

18 - 22 February 7.30pm 6.30pm Wed, 2.30pm matinee BASE: Beauty of the Beast The family fun pantomime

Tickets: £13, £12

26 February 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Sal Tonge - Tales from Here, There.... and the Places in Between Tickets: £7.50

29 February, 8pm Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil

Tickets: £15, £13

5 March, 7.30pm Green Matthews: Canterbury Tales

Tickets: £13, £10

12 March, 7pm In Good Company: Scratch That Itch, Spring Surprise Tickets: £5

13 March, 8pm. Age 14+ Josie Long: Tender

Tickets: £16

18 March, 7pm Not Now Collective: Pepper & Honey

Tickets: £10

25 March, 7.30pm Once Upon A Wednesday: Jan Blake - Life and Death and All the Bits in Between Tickets: £7.50

28 March, 7pm Floyd In The Flesh 9 piece fully live tribute band

Tickets: £18 Box office: 01283 508100 BOOK ONLINE AT www.brewhouse.co.uk Brewhouse Arts Centre Union Street, Burton-upon-Trent Staffordshire DE14 1AA

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thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 February 15 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke-on- Gigs Classical Trent PHIL WANG Sun 16 Feb, Theatre Sev- KATYA AND THE COMEDY Music ern, Shrewsbury QUEENS Mon 10 Feb, JACK TUCKER Sun 16 Feb, The Glee O2 Academy, B’ham LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH Club, Birmingham AMIGO THE DEVIL Mon THOMAS TROTTER Programme in- cludes works by J.S Bach, Schu- TOM STADE Sun 16 Feb, The Glee 10 Feb, The Cuban Club, Birmingham Embassy, Birmingham mann, Rachel Laurin, Ad Wammes & Paul Dukas (arr. T. Trotter), Mon 10 JANEY GODLEY Sun 16 Feb, Bilston EMILIA MÅRTENSSON Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham Town Hall Mon 10 Feb, Sym- phony Hall, B’ham ENSEMBLE 360: BEETHOVEN 250 Pro- gramme includes works by MABEL Tues 11 Feb, Ye Vagabonds - Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Beethoven & Shostakovich, Mon 10 O2 Academy, B’ham Feb, New Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Theatre Feb, The Robin, Bil- HARRY WILLS Fri 14 BRU-C Tues 11 Feb, O2 under-Lyme ston Feb, Hare & Hounds, JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre pre- Institute, Birmingham TAMWORTH VOICES IN CONCERT Tues sent a new adaptation of Charlotte KANO Fri 14 Feb, O2 Birmingham FRED DEAKIN PRESENTS 11 Feb, Tamworth Assembly Rooms, Bronte's gothic masterpiece, Mon 10 Academy, Birmingham QUEEN SYMPHONIC Sat THE LASTERS Tues 11 Staffordshire - Wed 12 Feb, Theatre Severn, FLASH - A TRIBUTE TO 15 Feb, Symphony Feb, Birmingham ICELAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Shrewsbury QUEEN Fri 14 Feb, Hall, Birmingham Town Hall SIBELIUS NO 1 Featuring Yan Pascal IN PURSUET New LGBT comedy/ Theatre, Severn, 5 O’CLOCK HERO Sat 15 BOWLING FOR SOUP Tortelier (conductor) and Jean-Ef- drama described as ‘Fleabag meets Shrewsbury Feb, Albert’s Shed, Wed 12 Feb, O2 flam Bavouzet (piano). Programme Miranda’, Mon 10 - Sat 15 Feb, Shrewsbury Academy, Birmingham FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS includes works by Bizet, Ravel, Anna The Blue Orange Theatre, B’ham Fri 14 Feb, Birming- G2 DEFINITIVE GENESIS MAE MULLER Wed 12 Thorvaldsdottir and Sibelius, Tues 11 BAND OF GOLD World premiere based ham Town Hall Sat 15 Feb, The Robin, Feb, O2 Institute, Feb, Symphony Hall, Birmingham on Kay Mellor's award-winning TV Bilston Birmingham MOTORHEADACHE Fri CBSO: SCHUBERT’S GREAT Featuring series of the same name, Mon 10 - 14 Feb, Eleven, UK BJORN Sat 15 Feb, FLATS AND SHARPS the City of Birmingham Symphony Sat 15 Feb, The Alexandra, Sandyford, Stoke-on- Brierley Hill Civic Hall Wed 12 Feb, Henry Orchestran, Juango Mena (conduc- Birmingham Trent Tudor House, Shrews- SHOWADDYWADDY Sat tor) & Leila Josfowicz (violin). Pro- PILOT NIGHTS Work-in-progress pre- bury BC ALLSKAS Fri 14 Feb, 15 Feb, The Place, gramme includes works by Berg & sentations by ‘some of the UK’s Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Telford Schubert, Thurs 13 Feb, Symphony DUBIOZA KOLEKTIV Wed most exciting theatre makers’... Tues bury Hall, Birmingham 12 Feb, O2 Institute, PINK FLOYDIAN Sat 15 11 Feb, The REP, Birmingham Birmingham THE CALLING FT ALEX Feb, Eleven, Sandy- PERSUASION Stafford Players present BAND Fri 14 Feb, KK’s ford, Stoke-on-Trent GRANNY’S ATTIC Wed an amateur version of Jane Austin’s Steel Mill, W’hampton 12 Feb, The Red Lion MJM BAND Sat 15 Feb, Comedy classic novel, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Feb, Folk Club, B’ham MANRAN Fri 14 Feb, Albert’s Shed, Shrews- Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Theatre, Severn, bury ADAM HILLS Mon 10 Feb, Festival DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER Stoke Rep BEN POOLE Wed 12 Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, Shrewsbury THE ELVIS YEARS Sat 15 Players present an amateur version Feb, The Robin, Bil- North Shropshire ston A DATE WITH GEMIMA & Feb, Theatre Severn, of Marc Camoletti’s ‘boulevard com- TONY Fri 14 Feb, Al- Shrewsbury DALISO CHAPONDA Tues 11 Feb, The edy’, Tues 11 - Sat 15 Feb, Stoke INHALER Thurs 13 Feb, bert’s Shed, Southwa- Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent O2 Academy, B’ham BRANDY THIEVES Sat 15 ter, Telford Feb, Katie Fitzgerald’s, DALISO CHAPONDA Wed 12 Feb, The- TO MOVE IN TIME Tyrone Huggins’ IAN BELLAMY Thurs 13 PINK - BEAUTIFUL Stourbridge atre Severn, Shrewsbury one-man show walks a thin line be- Feb, The Wakes, The- TRAUMA Fri 14 Feb, tween comic absurdity and melan- atre Square, Oaken- MICROBABY Sat 15 SAM AVERY Wed 12 - Thurs 13 Feb, The River Rooms, cholia, Wed 12 & Thurs 13 Feb, The gates Feb, Albert’s Shed, The Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham REP, Birmingham Stourbridge Southwater, Telford GIRLSSCHOOL + EVYL- JOHN SHUTTLEWORTH Thurs 13 Feb, THE TINA TURNER EXPE- THE TWISTED TALE OF HANSEL AND TYDE Thurs 13 Feb, JUNIOR JUNGLE Sat 15 Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury RIENCE Fri 14 Feb, GRETEL New slant on the much-loved Eleven, Sandyford, Feb, Albert Shed, JIMMY CARR Thurs 13 Feb, Victoria Stafford Gatehouse Brothers Grimm favourite, Wed 12 - Stoke-on-Trent Southwater, Telford Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Theatre Sat 15 Feb, Patrick Studio, Birming- POLYPHIA Thurs 13 REMI HARRIS & THE MORTIFIED COMEDY NIGHT Fri 14 Feb, ARRIVAL - THE HITS OF ham Hippodrome Feb, The Mill, Digbeth, ELECTRIC BEAT COMBO Tamworth Assembly Rooms LOOKING FOR WOLVERHAMPTON'S ABBA Fri 14 Feb, Wal- Sat 15 Feb, Ludlow Birmingham COMEDY NIGHT Fri 14 Feb, Ludlow sall Arena and Arts Brewery, South Shrop- LATIN QUARTER ‘Funny, touching and HYPN05E Thurs 13 Feb, Brewery, South Shropshire Centre shire self-deprecating account of growing The Asylum, B’ham NATHAN CATON, ELLIOT STEEL, TOM up in 1970s Wolverhampton’, Thurs THE MUSIC OF JUDY HRH METAL (WEEKEND ZAKK SABBATH Thurs WRIGGLESWORTH & COMIC TBC Fri 14 - 13 Feb, Arena Theatre, W’hampton GARLAND FEATURING EVENT) Sat 15 - Sun 16 13 Feb, O2 Institute, Sat 15 Feb, The Glee Club, B’ham DENISE NOLAN Fri 14 Feb, O2 Academy, FAME THE MUSICAL Split Mask The- Birmingham Feb, The Place, Telford Birmingham PAUL SINHA Sat 15 Feb, Midlands atre presents its first ever musical CALIFORNIA DREAMIN Arts Centre, Birmingham production, Thurs 13 - Sat 15 Feb, JAMES BLUNT Fri 14 PROBABLY BOY Sun 16 Thurs 13 Feb, Tam- Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock Feb, Arena B’ham Feb, Albert’s Shed, TOM STADE Sat 15 Feb, Bilston Town worth Assembly JAH WOBBLE & THE IN- Southwater, Telford Hall JANE EYRE Blackeyed Theatre pre- Rooms sent a new adaptation of Charlotte VADERS OF THE HEART YE VAGABONDS Sun 16 STEVE SHANYASKI, JACK CAMPBELL, JADE IMAGINE Thurs 13 Bronte's gothic masterpiece, Thurs Fri 14 Feb, Hare & Feb, Henry Tudor EMMANUEL SONUBI & BARRY DODDS Feb, Hare & Hounds, 13 - Sat 15 Feb, Lichfield Garrick Hounds, Birmingham House, Shrewsbury Sat 15 Feb, Newhampton Arts Cen- Birmingham tre, Wolverhampton THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES: A MUSI- VIBE ROULETTE Fri 14 INTO THE SHADOWS HELLO AGAIN - THE CAL COMEDY ABOUT CHARLES DARWIN Feb, Albert’s Shed, Sun 16 Feb, Theatre, TOM BINNS Sat 15 Feb, Foxlowe Arts STORY OF NEIL DIA- Presented by Tangram Theatre Com- Southwater, Telford Severn, Shrewsbury Centre, Leek, Staffordshire MOND Thurs 13 Feb, pany, Fri 14 Feb, Fownhope New GREEN HAZE / The Place, Telford HUE & CRY Sun 16 Feb, EMMANUEL SONUBI, JACK CAMPBELL, Memorial Hall, Nr Hereford PARAMORE Fri 14 Feb, The Robin, Bilston MICHAEL LEGGE & DAMION LARKIN Sat SWEET CRISIS Thurs 13 The Robin, Bilston YOURS SINCERELY Storytelling & lip- whatsonlive.co.uk 57 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:30 Page 3 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 10 - 16 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:30 Page 4

thelist Monday 10 - Sunday 16 February sync cabaret collide in a queer com- res, Mon 10 - Tues 11 Feb, Theatre PAL JOEY (PG) Drama/Musical. Star- covery Centre, Birmingham ing-of-age comedy about the compli- Severn, Shrewsbury ring Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra. LEGO LATES AT THINKTANK Late event cations of 21st-century THE RED SHOES Matthew Bourne’s tri- Ludlow Assembly Rooms, North combining the Museum at Night ini- communication, Sat 15 Feb, Arena umphant adaptation of the classic Shropshire, Tues 11 Feb tiative with LEGO activities and chal- Theatre, Wolverhampton film returns to Birmingham Hippo- JOJO RABBIT (12a) Comedy/Drama. lenges. Ages 18+ only, Fri 14 Feb, THE WESTENDERS Concert-style pro- drome, having won two Olivier Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham duction showcasing iconic tunes Awards and dazzled audiences and Thomasin McKenzie. Wem Town Hall, GREAT BRITISH SHOOTING SHOW Featur- from West End musicals, Sat 15 Feb, critics across the UK and the US, North Shropshire, Tues 11 & Thurs 13 ing the largest and most varied Tamworth Assembly Rooms Tues 11 - Sat 15 Feb, Birmingham Feb choice of shooting-related products THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES: A MUSICAL Hippodrome ZAMA (15) Drama. Starring Daniel anywhere in Europe, Fri 14 - Sun 16 COMEDY ABOUT CHARLES DARWIN Pre- EMERGENCE TRIPLE BILL Josh Arnott Giménez Cacho, Lola Dueñas. For- Feb, NEC, Birmingham sented by Tangram Theatre Com- Dance presents two new works - eign language, subtitled. The Hive, PIRATE AND PRINCESS TAKEOVER Pirate pany, Sat 15 Feb, Harley Village Hall, FUEL and An Event - plus a reimagin- Shrewsbury, Wed 12 Feb and princess-themed activities for all Harley, Nr Shrewsbury ing of one of Arnott’s most acclaimed ROCKETMAN (15) Biography/Drama. the family, exclusively available to GUY: A NEW MUSICAL Uplifting elec- productions, When World’s Collide, Starring Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell. short-break guests, Fri 14 - Sun 23 tronic-pop musical about modern Fri 14 Feb, Arena Theatre, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Feb, Alton Towers, Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton masculinity, body image and the Wed 12 Feb NICK SHARRATT'S RIGHT ROYAL DRAWA- hook-ups and downs of dating in the A VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION OF MUSIC GONE WITH THE WIND (PG) Drama/His- LONG A family-friendly fun-filled draw- 21st century, Sun 16 Feb, The Old AND DANCE Featuring BRB’s orches- tory. Starring Clark Gable, Vivien along for all ages, Sat 15 Feb, Rep Theatre, Birmingham tra, the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, and Leigh. Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES: A MUSICAL classical extracts from Swan Lake, Trent, Thurs 13 Feb Giselle & Don Quixote, GHOST TOURS Exclusive opportunity to COMEDY ABOUT CHARLES DARWIN Pre- Fri 14 Feb, THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- venture into the Hall at night. Best sented by Tangram Theatre Com- Symphony Hall, Birmingham PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- prepare for a scare! Sat 15 Feb, pany, Sun 16 Feb, Wem Town Hall, ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. Old Aston Hall, Birmingham North Shropshire Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 14 - THE GREAT GATSBY 2020 1920s in- Talks Thurs 20 Feb spired charity event featuring Gatsby TESS RIDGE - CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCE CATS (U) Comedy/Drama. Starring dancers, casino & silent auction, Sat Kids Shows OF INJUSTICE Join Professor Tess Jennifer Hudson, Judi Dench. Lich- 15 Feb, Molineux Stadium, Wolver- Ridge as she discusses how poverty field Garrick, Sat 15 Feb hampton FIRST STAGES: PUSS IN BOOTS CBee- effects children materially, socially THE WIFE (15) Comedy/Drama. Star- THE CLASSIC DIRT BIKE SHOW Dig out bies presenter Patrick Lynch brings and on a very deep personal level, ring Glenn Close, Jonathan Pryce. classic dirt bike machinery galore, the classic tale to life using puppetry, Wed 12 Feb, The Hive, Shrewsbury Festival Drayton Centre, Market Dray- see fascinating club and private off- smoke & mirrors, and a hidden trap- CONVERSATIONS WITH STACEY DOOLEY ton, North Shropshire, Sat 15 Feb road machines, bag a bargain at the door... Fri 14 - Sat 15 Feb, The REP, Join Stacey as she talks about her re- autojumble and see off-road legends Birmingham SOMETIMES ALWAYS NEVER (12a) Com- markable career so far, where she’s edy/Drama. Starring Bill Nighy, Sam interviewed on stage, Sat 15 - Sun 16 BEASTLY BELLE Puppetry, film projec- headed next and how news and Riley. Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Feb, Telford International Centre tions and an original musical score investigative journalism are evolving, South Shropshire, Sat 15 Feb DRAGON HUNT Tamworth Castle’s resi- collide to bring a new twist to an old Thurs 13 Feb, Theatre Severn, PAW PATROL: READY, RACE, RESCUE (U) dent dragon, Ruby, and her brother, tale, Sat 15 - Sun 16 Feb, Midlands Shrewsbury Hafgrim, have gone missing while Arts Centre, Birmingham Animation/Family. With the voices of ANN WIDDECOMBE IN CONVERSATION Anya Cooke, Cathal J. Dodd. Wem playing a game of hide & seek. Help MILKSHAKE! LIVE Starring Fireman Spend the evening with one of the Town Hall, North Shropshire, Sat 15, find them in the castle’s grounds, Sat Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, most outspoken politicians of recent Mon 17 - Wed 19 Feb 15 - Fri 21 Feb, Tamworth Castle Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the times... Thurs 13 Feb, Stafford Gate- SHORTS FILM PROGRAMME Exploring NEW LIFE ON THE FARM & HELP THE Princess Knight and the Floogals, house Theatre FARMER Welcome new life to the farm alongside two Milkshake presenters, the diverse experiences of older ANN WIDDECOMBE IN CONVERSATION LGBTQ folk from an array of back- and enjoy ‘help the farmer’ activities, Sun 16 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse The- Spend the evening with one of the Sat 15 - Sun 23 Feb, National Forest atre grounds and cultures. The Hive, most outspoken politicians of recent Shrewsbury, Sun 16 Feb Adventure Farm, Burton-upon-Trent times... Fri 14 Feb, Festival Drayton, LIVING DANGEROUSLY Join in an activ- Market Drayton, North Shropshire HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HAL- LOWS – PART I (12) Adventure/Family. ity trail, take on the role of a journal- Cabaret DARWIN MEMORIAL LECTURE: Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Wat- ist, and even test your own toy rocket SOCIAL DARWIN: HOPE, FEAR AND son. Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on- car to its limits, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Feb, TINA T’URNER TEA LADY’S STEAMY MODERNITY Dr Carolyn Burdett inves- Trent, Sun 16 Feb Black Country Living Museum BINGO Laugh, dance and play to win tigates the role Darwin’s ideas played FEBRUARY HALF-TERM Immerse your- as Tina spins her cage of balls to a in debates on the nature of humans NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: self in the sights, sounds and smells high-energy ’80s soundtrack, Thurs and their political and social organi- Released from Fri 14 Feb, showing at of the golden age of steam, as SVR 13 Feb, The Old Joint Stock Theatre, sation in the modern world, Sun 16 selected cinemas reopens for 2020, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Birmingham Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Feb, Severn Valley Railway, Kidder- BLUMHOUSE FANTASY ISLAND HORROR BIG BAND BROADWAY Featuring Martin minster (tbc) & Shirlie Kemp, guest singers Rachel DISCOVER THE PRIDE Meet the gor- EMMA (tbc) Tucker & Matt Ford, Larry Blank (con- geous lion cubs, who will be going ductor) and London Concert Orches- Film SONIC THE HEDGEHOG (tbc) out onto the safari drive-through for tra. Includes music from West Side INDEPENDENT LISTINGS: THE PUBLIC (tbc) the very first time, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Story, Cabaret and A Chorus Line, APOLLO 11 (U) Documentary/History. Feb, West Midland Safari and Leisure Sun 16 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birming- Starring Neil Armstrong, Michael Park, Bewdley, Nr Kidderminster ham Collins. Edge Arts Centre, Much LAMB FEEDING WEEK As well as getting Wenlock, North Shropshire, Mon 10 up close to the lambs, families can Feb Events enjoy a fun yet informative farm trailer Dance OFFICIAL SECRETS (15) ADULT NIGHT Special event for adult ride, Sat 15 - Sun 23 Feb, Lower Biography/Crime. Starring Keira fans of LEGO - use the Centre’s facili- Drayton Farm, Penkridge, Staffs WINTER DANCE Shrewsbury High Knightley, John Heffernan. Stafford ties and enjoy some creative play School & SHS Dance present a Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 11 Feb sessions, Wed 12 Feb, Legoland Dis- showcase of different styles and gen- whatsonlive.co.uk 59 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 17 - 23 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:25 Page 1

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thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 February Tudor House, Shrewsbury Classical TOM WARD, ANDY ROBINSON, THE RAY- MOND & MR TIMPKINS REVUE & LAURA Music LEXX Fri 21 - Sat 22 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham CBSO: RESPIGHI’S ROMAN TRILOGY ROY CHUBBY BROWN Sat 22 Feb, Featuring the City of Birmingham Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Symphony Orchestra, Kazuki Ya- mada (conductor) & Vilde Frang (vi- COMEDY IN THE MET Sat 22 Feb, olin). Programme includes works by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Shostakovich & Respighi, Wed 19 - JARRED CHRISTMAS, DAISY EARL, JAY Thurs 20 Feb, Symphony Hall, Birm- HANDLEY & DANNY MCLOUGHLIN Sun ingham 23 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury ENSEMBLE HESPERI Programme in- cludes works by James Oswald, Fri 21 Feb, Maidment Hall, Shrewsbury School Theatre The Atlantics - The Robin, Bilston RICHARD WALKER ORGAN RECITAL Fri ROUND THE HORNE Radio comedy Telford Albert’s Shed, Shrews- 21 Feb, St Chad’s Cathedral, classic live on stage, Mon 17 Feb, Shrewsbury New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under- QUADROPHENIA NIGHT bury Gigs Lyme Fri 21 Feb, The Robin, THE WEEKEND ANTHEMS MAHAN ESFAHANI IN-THE-ROUND Harp- MAX & HARVEY Mon 17 Bilston FEATURING KILLER- sichord concert. Programme in- REVENGE Robin Hawdon’s ‘taut Feb, O2 Academy, cludes works by Orlando Gibbons, thriller, full of twists & turns’, Mon 17 THE PINK FLOYD SHOW STREAM Sat 22 Feb, Miroslav Srnka, W.F Bach, Elizabeth - Tues 18 Feb, Stafford Gatehouse Birmingham Fri 21 Feb, Theatre On The River Rooms, Maconchy & J.S Bach, Sat 22 Feb, Theatre PETE KENT Wed 19 The Steps, Bridgnorth Stourbridge Birmingham Town Hall TEN TIMES TABLE Robert Daws leads Feb, The Robin, Bil- GLORY DAYS A TRIBUTE ROMEO’S DAUGHTER + BLONDEL MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE an all-star cast in Alan Ayckbourn’s ston TO BRUCE SPRINGSTEIN READ OUT LOUD Sat 22 BAND: OF ALL THE BIRDS Programme classic comedy, Mon 17 - Sat 22 THE CLASSIC ROCK & THE E STREET BAND Feb, Eleven, Sandy- reflects on the perfection of nature SHOW 2020 Wed 19 Fri 21 Feb, Eleven, ford, Stoke-on-Trent Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury and the artistry of humans in imitat- Feb, Symphony Hall, Sandyford, Stoke-on- NEW RULES Sat 22 Feb, HISTORIES OF THE UNEXPECTED A ing it, Sat 22 Feb, Recital Hall, Royal Birmingham Trent O2 Academy, B’ham multi-period show demonstrating Birmingham Conservatoire how everything has a history - even JOHN KIRKPATRICK Wed MAX & HARVEY Fri 21 FRED ZEPPELIN Sat 22 CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA: ELGAR'S the most unexpected of subjects, 19 Feb, The Red Lion Feb, O2 Institute, Feb, Lichfield Guildhall Folk Club, B’ham Birmingham SYMPHONY NO.1 Featuring Kazuki Ya- Tues 18 Feb, The Roses Theatre, SANCHEZ & BARRING- mada (conductor). Programme in- Kidderminster CAGE THE ELEPHANT BRUNO MARS TRIBUTE TON LEVY Sat 22 Feb, cludes works by Takemitsu, BUDDY ‘Drama, passion and excite- Thurs 20 Feb, O2 Fri 21 Feb, The River O2 Academy, B’ham R. Strauss and Elgar, Sun 23 Feb, Academy, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge ment’ combine as actors and musi- THE REYTONS Sat 22 Symphony Hall, Birmingham cians tell Buddy’s story, Tues 18 - NAPALM DEATH Thurs THE ATLANTICS Fri 21 Feb, O2 Institute, Sat 22 Feb, Regent Theatre, Stoke- 20 Feb, O2 Institute, Feb, The Robin, Bil- Birmingham on-Trent Birmingham ston BROOKS WILLIAMS Sat Comedy PETER PAN GOES WRONG Mischief THE LITTLE MIX SHOW MIDGE URE Fri 21 Feb, 22 Feb, Birchmeadow Theatre present a 'riotous' spin on a Thurs 20 Feb, The Birmingham Town Hall Centre, Broseley, AN EVENING WITH VIC & BOB Mon 17 timeless classic, Tues 18 - Sat 22 Place, Telford Feb, The Alexandra, Birmingham HERMANS HERMITS Fri Shropshire Feb, The Alexandra, B’ham ROXY MAGIC Thurs 20 21 Feb, Stafford Gate- PALAYE ROYALE: THE JAMALI MADDIX Mon 17 Feb, The BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Pantomime Feb, The Robin, Bil- house Theatre B*STARDS WORLD TOUR Glee Club, Birmingham fun for all the family, Tues 18 - Sat 22 ston PSYCHO DOLLZ Sat 22 Sun 23 Feb, O2 Insti- JORDAN BROOKES Tues 18 Feb, The Feb, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, HELLO AGAIN - THE Feb, O2 Academy, tute, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham Burton-upon-Trent STORY OF NEIL DIA- Birmingham THE SENSATIONAL 60S JESSICA FOSTEKEW Wed 19 Feb, CIRQUE BERSERK Combining contem- MOND Thurs 20 Feb, WORKING MEN’S CLUB EXPERIENCE TOUR Sun Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury porary cirque-style artistry with Stafford Gatehouse 23 Feb, Wolverhamp- Sat 22 Feb, The Sug- LOU SANDERS Thurs 20 Feb, The adrenaline-fuelled stunt action and Theatre ton Grand Theatre armill, Stoke-On-Trent Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton featuring an international troupe of X AMBASSADORS Fri 21 ATIF ASLAM Sun 23 over 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, THE CLONE ROSES, OAS- MILTON JONES Thurs 20 Feb, William Feb, O2 Institute, IS AND THE SMITHS LTD Feb, Arena B’ham dancers, drummers and daredevil Birmingham Aston Hall, Wrexham Sat 22 Feb, The Slade CLIFF & THE SHADZ Sun stuntmen, Tues 18 - Sun 23 Feb, The TOM WARD & COMEDY CAROUSEL WITH TWIN PEAKS Fri 21 Feb, Rooms, W’hampton 23 Feb, The Robin, Bil- REP, Birmingham ANDY ROBINSON Thurs 20 Feb, The Hare & Hounds, Birm- MYKE GRAY FT KIM JEN- ston VOLDEMORT AND THE TEENAGE HOG- ingham Glee Club, Birmingham NETT Sat 22 Feb, KK’s THE SHERLOCKS Sun 23 WARTS MUSICAL PARODY Brand new BAGS OF LAUGHTER Featuring Shappi ARCADIA ROOTS Fri 21 Steel Mill, W’hampton Feb, O2 Institute, musical parody packed with ‘magic, Khorsandi (pictured), Hugh Dennis, hormones and more than a few mur- Feb, Albert’s Shed, THE MAINE Sat 22 Feb, Birmingham Southwater, Telford Count Arthur Smith, Hardeep Singh ders’, Tues 18 - Sun 1 March, The O2 Institute, B,ham SAM LEWIS Sun 23 Kholi, Simon Brodkin, Jo Enright, Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham DIRE STRAITS - MONEY Feb, Henry Tudor THE CAPITAL + VILLAGE Geoff Whiting & Becky Brunning, Fri JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR The Garrick FOR NOTHING Fri 21 BULLY Sat 22 Feb, Al- House, Shrewsbury 21 Feb, Crescent Theatre, B’ham Feb, Prince Of Wales, Young REP Musical Group present bert’s Shed, Southwa- BEN POOLE BAND AND Cannock JOHN KEARNS Fri 21 Feb, Midlands an amateur version of Tim Rice & ter, Telford HOWIE G BAND Sun 23 Arts Centre, Birmingham Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musi- SMILING IVY + PACKET THE FLOW - SINGLE Feb, Eleven, Sandy- cal, Wed 19 - Sat 22 Feb, Lichfield RACKET Fri 21 Feb, Al- MILTON JONES Fri 21 Feb, Victoria LAUNCH PARTY! Sat 22 ford, Stoke-on-Trent Garrick bert’s Shed, Shrews- Hall, Stoke-on-Trent Feb, Newhampton ALDEN PATTERSON AND bury PAUL MCCAFFREY Fri 21 Feb, The BUBBLE SCHMEISIS Nick Cassen- Arts Centre, Wolver- DASHWOOD Sun 23 baum’s one-man show about iden- GENESIS CONNECTED Fri Glee Club, Birmingham hampton Feb, The Hive, tity, home, and getting schmeised 21 Feb, The Place, JONNY AWSUM Fri 21 Feb, Henry PIGDAZE Sat 22 Feb, Shrewsbury (washed) by old men, Thurs 20 Feb, whatsonlive.co.uk 61 Alexandra Theatre Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 18:00 Page 1 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 17 - 23 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:26 Page 4

thelist Monday 17 - Sunday 23 February SpArC Theatre, Bishops Castle, Town Hall Shropshire SOOTY MAGIC SHOW Laugh-out-loud SPRING AWAKENING Staffs Uni level 6 magic show, complete with the drama students present an amateur chance to meet Richard Cadell & version of Steven Sater’s award-win- Sooty afterwards, Fri 21 Feb, Tam- ning musical, Thurs 20 - Fri 21 Feb, worth Assembly Rooms Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent CLIMB THAT TREE Join David Gibb on HOME OF THE WRIGGLER Kaleidoscopic a musical journey to where bears live soap opera from Birmingham-based in cupboards under the stairs, wolves Stan’s Cafe, Thurs 20 - Sat 22 Feb, roam the corridors at school, and The REP, Birmingham trips to the moon are a regular occur- BUBBLE SCHMEISIS Nick Cassen- rence, Fri 21 Feb, Chelmarsh Parish baum’s one-man show about identity, Hall, Nr Bridgnorth, South Shropshire home, and getting schmeised ROALD DAHL & THE IMAGINATION SEEK- (washed) by old men, Fri 21 Feb, Bit- ERS Family show inspired by the terley Village Hall, Ludlow, South works of Roald Dahl, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Shropshire Feb, Midlands Arts Centre, B’ham ME AND MY GIRL Amateur production MILKSHAKE! LIVE Starring Fireman presented by The Viv Kelly School of Sam, Noddy, Shimmer & Shine, Dance & Theatre Youth Theatre Digby Dragon, Wissper, Nella the Group, Fri 21 - Sat 22 Feb, Theatre Princess Knight and the Floogals, Severn, Shrewsbury alongside two Milkshake presenters, Sat 22 Feb, The Place, Telford FOOTLOOSE Amateur production pre- Milkshake! Live - The Place, Telford sented by Starcross Youth Theatre, HENRY MOON AND THE GREASY SPOON Fri 21 - Sun 23 Feb, Arena Theatre, Rhubarb Theatre fuse puppetry, the- ABOMINABLE (U) Animation/Adventure. Wolverhampton atrical play, mask, dance, song and With the voices of Chloe Bennet, Al- Events BUBBLE SCHMEISIS Nick Cassen- laughter in a fantasy tale for younger bert Tsai. Shropshire Hills Discovery baum’s one-man show about identity, audiences, Sat 22 Feb, SpArC The- Centre, Craven Arms, South Shrop- CAVE BABY AND LIVING THE STONE AGE home, and getting schmeised atre, Bishops Castle, Shropshire shire, Mon 17 Feb Inspired by Julia Donaldson’s book, experiment with how cave baby and (washed) by old men, Sat 22 Feb, HENRY MOON AND THE GREASY SPOON SPIES IN DISGUISE (PG) Animation/Ac- his parents would have painted, and Brilley Village Hall, Nr Kington, Here- Rhubarb Theatre fuse puppetry, the- tion. With the voices of Rachel Bros- also try out some other stone-age ac- fordshire atrical play, mask, dance, song and nahan, Jarrett Bruno. Festival tivities, Mon 17 - Fri 21 Feb, Shrop- laughter in a fantasy tale for younger Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, YOURS SINCERELY Storytelling & lip- shire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven sync cabaret collide in a queer com- audiences, Sun 23 Feb, Radbrook North Shropshire, Mon 17 Feb Community Centre, Shrewsbury Arms, South Shropshire ing-of-age comedy about the THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (PG) THE LITTLE BRITISH BAKE-OFF Chance complications of 21st-century com- Comedy/Romance. Starring Marilyn for mini chefs to learn a whole new munication, Sat 22 Feb, The Hive, Monroe, Tom Ewell. Mitchell Arts culinary skill, Mon 17 - Fri 28 Feb, Shrewsbury Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, Tues 18 Feb Dance The British Ironworks Centre, Os- PAIN AND GLORY (15) Drama. Starring westry, North Shropshire SWAN LAKE Birmingham Royal Bal- Antonio Banderas, Asier Etxeandia. LITTLE SKIPPERS - LET'S BUILD! Get let’s version of the classic romantic Foreign language, subtitled. Stafford hands-on with some classic Little fable, set to Tchaikovsky’s legendary Gatehouse Theatre, Tues 18 Feb Skippers activities, Tues 18 - Sat 22 score, Tues 18 - Tues 25 Feb, Birm- THE LION KING (PG) Animation/Adven- Feb, Dudley Canal and Tunnel Trust ingham Hippodrome ture. With the voices of Donald THE CARAVAN, CAMPING AND MO- Glover, Seth Rogen. Stourbridge TWIST AND PULSE The Britain’s Got TORHOME SHOW 2020 The UK’s largest Town Hall, Fri 21 Feb Talent Champion of Champions display of leisure vehicles, static holi- dance duo embark on their first ever COLD WAR (15) Drama/History. Star- day homes, lodges and tents, Tues UK tour, Wed 19 Feb, O2 Institute, ring Joanna Kulig, Tomasz Kot. For- 18 - Sun 23 Feb, NEC, Birmingham Birmingham eign language, subtitled. The Hive, SMETHWICK ENGINE STEAMING DAY See Shrewsbury, Fri 21 Feb the world’s oldest working steam en- THE LIGHTHOUSE (15) Drama/Fantasy. gine in all its glory, Wed 19 Feb, Starring Robert Pattinson, Willem Thinktank Science Museum, B’ham Talks Dafoe. Old Market Hall, Shrewsbury, SPLIT SECOND WITH X TRA TIME Sharon ANIMALMANIA Come face to face with AMANDA OWEN - ADVENTURES OF A Fri 21 - Thurs 27 Feb Rose Amateur Dramatics present an lizards, snakes, chinchillas, hedge- YORKSHIRE SHEPERDESS Heart-warm- 1917 (15) Drama/War. Starring Dean- original play about the journey of a hogs, giant bunnies, tortoises and ing tales and honest anecdotes from Charles Chapman, George MacKay. breast cancer survivor, Sat 22 Feb, creepy crawlies, Wed 19 Feb, Amanda’s life in North Yorkshire, Sun Lichfield Garrick, Sat 22 Feb Tamworth Assembly Rooms Blakesley Hall, Birmingham 23 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury CLIMBING BLIND Documentary. Star- VERVE POETRY FESTIVAL Now in its ring Jesse Dufton. Old Market Hall, fourth year, Verve is synonymous with Shrewsbury, Sun 23 Feb a lively and celebratory approach to Kids Shows Film programming poetry of every kind, NEW FILMS ON GENERAL RELEASE: Thurs 20 - Sun 23 Feb, Birmingham YOUR TOYS Slot Machine Theatre pre- INDEPENDENT LISTINGS Hippodrome sent a heartwarming story about THE GOOD LIAR (15) Crime/Drama. Released from Fri 21 Feb, showing at friends pulling together, Wed 19 Feb, RACE RETRO Bringing together over Starring Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen. selected cinemas Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolver- 24,000 motorsport fans, Fri 21 - Sun Stourbridge Town Hall, Mon 17 Feb BRAHMS: THE BOY II (tbc) hampton 23 Feb, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth DIEGO MARADONA (12a) Documen- GREED (15) EXCITING SCIENCE SHOW Entertainment THE AMAZING BUBBLE MAN Louis Pearl tary/Biography. Starring Pelé, Diego for younger audiences, featuring LIKE A BOSS (15) presents the art, magic, science and Armando Maradona. Edge Arts Cen- fun of bubbles, Sun 23 Feb, Birming- ‘silly, fun and factual science experi- LITTLE JOE (12a) tre, Much Wenlock, North Shropshire, ments’, Wed 19 Feb, Stourbridge ham Town Hall Mon 17 Feb whatsonlive.co.uk 63 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:24 Page 1 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:24 Page 2

thelist Monday 24 - Saturday 29 February LENNON STELLA Fri 28 THE DUPPYBUSTERS Sat Gigs Feb, O2 Institute, 29 Feb, Albert’s Shed, Birmingham Southwater, Telford BOY & BEAR Mon 24 HALLOUMINATI Fri 28 GHETTO FUNKULAR Sat Feb, O2 Institute, Feb, Albert’s Shed, 29 Feb, Albert’s Shed, Birmingham Shrewsbury Southwater, Telford THE MURDER CAPITAL THE ORIGINAL Fri 28 MOTOWN & NORTHERN Mon 24 Feb, O2 Insti- Feb, Route 44, B’ham SOUL NIGHT Sat 29 tute, Birmingham MARK KINGSWOOD Fri Feb, Birchmeadow NEW YEARS DAY Tues 28 Feb, Birmingham Centre, Broseley, 25 Feb, O2 Academy, Town Hall Shropshire Birmingham THE SCRIPT Fri 28 Feb, THUNDERHAMMER Sat JARED JAMES NICHOLAS Resorts World Arena, 29 Feb, Eleven, Tues 25 Feb, The Birmingham Sandyford, Stoke-on- Robin, Bilston Trent THE AMERICAN FOUR GOO GOO DOLLS Tues TOPS Fri 28 Feb, HEAVY DISCO SPECTAC- 25 Feb, O2 Institute, Prince Of Wales, Can- ULAR Sat 29 Feb, Hare Birmingham nock & Hounds, B’ham THE 1975 Tues 25 Feb, MJ LEGACY STARRING FROM FAIRLY VOCAL TO Arena Birmingham CJ Fri 28 Feb, Eleven, VARIFOCAL Sat 29 Feb, Opera Boys - Prince Of Wales Centre, Cannock REBECCA FERGUSON Sandyford, Stoke-on- The Hive, Shrewsbury Tues 25 Feb, Birming- Trent CHRIS WOOD Sat 29 ham Town Hall ZION TRAIN Fri 28 Feb, Feb, Newhampton Classical Comedy HOTEL LUX Tues 25 Arts Centre, Wolver- The Buttermarket, LUNCHTIME ORGAN CONCERT WITH KOJO ANIM Tues 25 Feb, Theatre Sev- Feb, Hare & Hounds, hampton Shrewsbury THOMAS TROTTER Programme includes ern, Shrewsbury Birmingham SOUL & MOTOWN NIGHT works by J.S Bach, Beethoven, THE BON JOVI EXPERI- JOSIE LONG Tues 25 Feb, The Old Rep THE BOYS ARE BACK! WITH THE RUMBLES Sat Mozart, Franz Lehár & Maurice Duru- ENCE Fri 28 Feb, The Theatre, Birmingham 5IVE, A1, DAMAGE, 911 Place, Telford 29 Feb, The Place, flé, Mon 24 Feb, Birmingham Town Tues 25 Feb, Sym- Telford Hall JAMALI MADDIX Tues 25 Feb, Henry THE FOO FIGHTERS Fri phony Hall, B’ham Tudor House, Shrewsbury 28 Feb, The River JUKEBOX & BOBBSOX OPERA BOYS Wed 26 Feb, Prince of THE DEAD SOUTH Tues Rooms, Stourbridge 2020 Sat 29 Feb, Wales Centre, Cannock TANYALEE DAVIS Wed 26 Feb, The 25 Feb, O2 Academy, Prince Of Wales, Can- Place, Telford JOHN COGHLAN Fri 28 CBSO: WALTON’S VIOLA CONCERTO Fea- Birmingham nock Feb, The Robin, Bil- turing the City of Birmingham Sym- ALEX EDELMAN Wed 26 Feb, The Glee ROVING CROWS Wed 26 ston COUNTERFEIT SEVEN- phony Orchestra, Michael Seal Club, Birmingham Feb, The Red Lion TIES Sat 29 Feb, (conductor) & Lise Berthaud (viola). TERRORVISION Fri 28 SPENCER JONES PLUS COMEDY Folk Club, B’ham Stafford Gatehouse Programme includes works by CAROUSEL WITH ANDY ROBINSON Thurs Feb, KK’s Steel Mill, Theatre THE JOHNNY CASH Wolverhampton Foulds, Walton & Vaughan Williams, 27 Feb, The Glee Club, Birmingham ROADSHOW Wed 26 REACH OUT TO MOTOWN Thurs 27 Feb, Symphony Hall, B’ham HERMAN’S HERMITS Fri ADAM ROWE Fri 28 Feb, The Glee Club, Feb, Victoria Hall, Sat 29 Feb, The Robin, 28 Feb, Theatre Sev- CBSO: A NIGHT ON BROADWAY Featuring Birmingham Stoke-On-Trent Bilston Michael England (conductor) and ern, Shrewsbury ROSIE JONES, WAYNE BEESE & COMICS Alice Fearn, Scott Davies, Ashley Day THE DAME Wed 26 Feb, BILLY MEETS CLIFF: TBC Fri 28 Feb, Katie Fitzgerald's, EXAMPLE Sat 29 Feb, & Sophie Evans (vocalists). Pro- The Robin, Bilston TRIBUTE SHOW Sat 29 Stourbridge O2 Academy, B’ham Feb, Sutton Coldfield gramme includes scores from CAVETOWN Thurs 27 JPEGMAFIA Sat 29 Feb, Town Hall Chicago, Cabaret, West Side Story, GARY DELANEY Fri 28 Feb, Festival Feb, O2 Institute, Drayton Centre, Market Drayton, O2 Academy, B’ham RE-TAKE THAT - THE Wicked and more... Fri 28 Feb, Sym- Birmingham phony Hall, Birmingham North Shropshire STEREOPHONICS Sat 29 GREATEST HITS Sat 29 THE ORIELLES Thurs 27 Feb, Arena B’ham Feb, Victoria Hall, STUDENTS FROM CHETHAM’S SCHOOL OF JAMALI MADDIX Fri 28 Feb, The Slade Feb, The Sugarmill, MUSIC Fri 28 Feb, St Chad’s Cathe- Rooms, Wolverhampton LANA DEL REY Sat 29 Stoke-On-Trent Stoke-On-Trent dral, Shrewsbury Feb, Resorts World INDOOR OLDSCHOOL ALEXEI SAYLE Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, Mid- NOVATINES Thurs 27 Arena, Birmingham GARAGE FESTIVAL Sat RHOS MALE VOICE CHOIR Fri 28 Feb, lands Arts Centre, Birmingham Feb, O2 Institute, Maidment Auditorium, Shrewsbury EGO FRIENDLY Sat 29 29 Feb, The Hanger, SPENCER JONES, TEZ ILYAS & DAVE Birmingham School Feb, Albert’s Shed, Wolverhampton JOHNS Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, The Glee EDITORS Thurs 27 Feb, Shrewsbury CBSO: A LONDON SYMPHONY Featuring Club, Birmingham Arena Birmingham the City of Birmingham Symphony Or- SIMON EVANS Sat 29 Feb, The Brew- chestra, the CBSO Youth Chorus, the house Arts Centre, Burton-upon-Trent CBSO Children’s Chorus & Michael DAVID BADDIEL Sat 29 Feb, Dudley Seal (conductor). Programme in- Town Hall cludes works by Foulds, Gary Carpen- ter & Vaughan Williams, Sat 29 Feb, HENNING WEHN (PICTURED), ROGER Symphony Hall, Birmingham MONKHOUSE, NIGE & WAYNE BEESE Sat 29 Feb, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall DANIEL SHAO (FLUTE) & JOSEPH HAVLAT (PIANO) Programme includes works by Bach, Pierre, Ravel & Poulenc, Sat 29 Feb, Henderson Hall, Moor Park, Lud- low, South Shropshire ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT Featuring Trelawynd Male Voice Choir, Flint Male Voice Choir, Xander Croft & Dilwyn Morgan, Sat 29 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Xion Train - The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury whatsonlive.co.uk 65 The List Wolves/Shrops/Staffs 24 - 29 February.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:24 Page 3

thelist Monday 24 - Saturday 29 February HOOCH ‘Hilarious and intoxicating’ Theatre look at history’s greatest drinkers, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, Theatre Severn, THE CHANGING ROOM New Vic Youth Shrewsbury Theatre present a lyrical piece about MY MOTHER NEVER SAID I SHOULD existing on the cusp of growing up, Fingersmiths present a ‘moving and Tues 25 Feb, New Vic Theatre, New- funny exploration’ of the lives of four castle-under-Lyme generations of women in one family, SPAMALOT Amateur staging presented Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, Arena Theatre, by the Lichfield Operatic Society, Wolverhampton Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, Lichfield Gar- RAPUNZEL Immersion Theatre present rick a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNI- Brothers Grimm family favourite, Sat COLOR DREAMCOAT Starring Britain’s 29 Feb, Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke- Got Talent 2019 finalist Mark McMul- on-Trent lan as Joseph, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, FROM FAIRLY VOCAL TO VARIFOCAL Wolverhampton Grand Theatre Clare Summerskill presents a cele- THE STRANGE TALE OF CHARLIE CHAPLIN bratory evening of songs and com- & STAN LAUREL Nostalgic bio drama edy, Sat 29 Feb, The Hive, paying homage to two men who Shrewsbury changed the world of comedy for- HAMLET The Crescent Theatre Com- ever, Tues 25 - Sat 29 Feb, The REP, pany present a ‘carefully cut version’ B’ham of Shakespeare’s searing tragedy, SAL TONGE - TALES FROM HERE, Sat 29 Feb - Thurs 7 March, The THERE.... AND THE PLACES IN BETWEEN Crescent Theatre, Birmingham Join Twaddle monger Sal as she shares stories from her home in Shropshire and beyond, Wed 26 Feb, The Brewhouse Arts Centre, Burton- Cabaret Joseph And The Amazing upon-Trent FASCINATING AIDA Evening of cabaret Technicolor Dreamcoat STRICTLY SHERLOCK Don’t Go Into The with Dillie Keane, Adèle Anderson & Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tues 25 - Sat 29 February Cellar present an intimate stage show Liza Pulman, Sat 29 Feb, Birmingham featuring three Sherlock Holmes Town Hall Joseph marked Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first foray into cases, Wed 26 Feb, Tamworth As- the world of musical theatre, paving the way for later offerings sembly Rooms Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita. FAUSTUS: THE DAMNED WOMAN Radical Fabulously fun and frothy, the show offers great entertainment for reimagining of Christopher Marlowe’s Dance provocative tale, told from a female anybody who fancies the kind of night out that lets you leave your perspective... Wed 26 Feb - Sat 7 WASTELAND Gary Clarke’s rave-in- brain at home. spired story of northern life with the March, The REP, Birmingham Joseph sees the future in dreams, and tells his 11 brothers that he’s coal industry in terminal decline, DEAD GOOD Vamos Theatre’s highly Thurs 27 - Fri 28 Feb, Birmingham had a vision in which he’s seen them all bowing down to him. acclaimed production, ‘funny and Hippodrome Not surprisingly, the lads are a tad annoyed with him about this - poignant in equal measure’, Wed 26 - and feel even less enamoured towards their sibling when their dad Thurs 27 Feb, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury gives him a coat of many colours... Mark McMullan stars as Joseph. JEKYLL & HYDE Arrows & Traps The- atre give Robert Louis Stevenson's Film gothic classic a modern twist, Wed NEW FILMS ON GENERAL 26 - Fri 28 Feb, The Old Rep Theatre, RELEASE: sembly Rooms, South Shropshire, Fri Birmingham 28 Feb Events RED JOAN (PG) Biography/Drama. BOMBSHELL (15) Biography/Drama. THE BALLAD OF MARIA MARTEN WHAT CAREER LIVE? & WHAT UNIVER- Starring Judi Dench, Sophie Cook- Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kid- Retelling of a real-life murder-mys- SITY LIVE? For students aged be- son. Walsall Arena, Tues 25 Feb man. Lichfield Garrick, Fri 28 Feb tery... Wed 26 - Sat 29 Feb, New Vic tween 15 and 19, Fri 28 - Sat 29 Feb, SORRY WE MISSED YOU (15) Drama. Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme EMMA (tbc) Comedy/Drama. Starring NEC, Birmingham Starring Kris Hitchen, Debbie Honey- Anya Taylor-Joy, Josh O'Connor. Old DICK & ANGEL DARE TO DO IT The stars THE NATIONAL WEDDING SHOW Meet wood. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Market Hall, Shrewsbury, Fri 28 - Sat of hit Channel Four show Escape To with 200-plus wedding specialists, in- Tues 25 Feb 29 Feb The Chateau on their first ever tour, cluding venue coordinators and 1917 (15) Drama/War. Starring Dean- Thurs 27 Feb, Theatre Severn, PHOTOGRAPH (15) Drama. Starring award-winning photographers, Fri 28 Charles Chapman, George MacKay. Shrewsbury Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Sanya Malho- Feb - Sun 1 Mar, NEC, Birmingham Wem Town Hall, North Shropshire, tra. Foreign language, subtitled. Lud- DRIP DRIP DRIP Pipeline Theatre tack- NIGHT RUN - EXPERIENCE ATTINGHAM IN Tues 25 & Thurs 27 Feb low Assembly Rooms, South les the rise of racism and bigotry in A NEW LIGHT 2020 Raise funds for on- A STAR IS BORN (15) Drama/Music. Shropshire, Sat 29 Feb the NHS, Thurs 27 Feb, Midlands Arts going conservational work by explor- Starring Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper. Centre, Birmingham THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COP- ing Attingham after dark on a night Mitchell Arts Centre, Stoke-on-Trent, PERFIELD (PG) Comedy/Drama. Star- run, Sat 29 Feb, Attingham Park, HOME OF THE WRIGGLER Kaleidoscopic Wed 26 Feb soap opera from Birmingham-based ring Dev Patel, Hugh Laurie. Lichfield Shrewsbury FOXTROT (15) Drama/History. Starring Garrick, Sat 29 Feb Stan’s Cafe, Thurs 27 Feb, Arena SUTTON COLDFIELD BOOKFEST Meet Lior Ashkenazi, Sarah Adler. Foreign Theatre, Wolverhampton your favourite authors, discover as- language, subtitled. The Hive, tonishing books and enjoy some in- THE SORCERER Presented by Walsall Shrewsbury, Wed 26 Feb Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Fri 28 - Sat Talks teractive storytelling fun, Sat 29 Feb, 29 Feb, Walsall Arena THE PEANUT BUTTER FALCON (12a) Ad- Sutton Coldfield Town Hall and Sut- venture/Comedy. Starring Zack AN EVENING WITH FRANK BRUNO MBE ton Coldfield Library, Birmingham THE THINKING DRINKERS: HEROES OF Gottsagen, Ann Owens. Ludlow As- Thurs 27 Feb, The Robin, Bilston 66 whatsonlive.co.uk Warwick Castle Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 14:16 Page 1 BRB Swan Lake Full February 2020.qxp_Layout 1 22/01/2020 09:26 Page 1