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WEEKENDER Bullring at King Mollie EIGHTEEN-PAGEGUIDE INSIDE The Show:Ten The Mark Ravenhill Ravenhill Mark brings Voltaire’s Candide Candide Voltaire’s brings Welcome Home! Welcome SEPTEMBER 2013 ISSUE 333 333 ISSUE £1.80 .co.uk .co.uk

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showing off her Style... her off showing Emma Willis Emma

THE DEFINITIVE DEFINITIVE THE GUIDE LISTINGS INCLUDING BIRMINGHAM WOLVERHAMPTON WALSALL DUDLEY COVENTRY STRATFORD WORCESTER REDDITCH MALVERN SHREWSBURY TELFORD STAFFORD STOKE THE MIDLANDS ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE ENTERTAINMENT ESSENTIAL MIDLANDS THE Midlands Cover - Sept_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:46 Page 1 Page 19:46 1 27/08/2013 - Sept_Layout Cover Midlands MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON ISSUE 333 SEPTEMBER 2013 PART OF MIDLANDS WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE GROUP PUBLICATIONS (IBC) R1_Layout 1 27/08/2013 13:59 Page 1 Contents September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:05 Page 1

September 2013

Editor: INSIDE: Davina Evans [email protected] 01743 281708 Editorial Assistants: People Brian O’Faolain Alan Bennett play shows [email protected] 01743 281707 at The REP p31

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Graphic Designers: Lisa Wassell Chris Atherton Accounts Administrator Julia Perry [email protected] Mark Ravenhill 01743 281717 Emma Willis hosts Style Birmingham Live AW13 - page 75 brings Voltaire’s Candide to Website Development: Stratford-upon-Avon p8 Jim Pallett Contributors: Graham Bostock: Theatre TO GET THE VERY James Cameron-Wilson: News p4 Film; Anita Champaneri: LATEST LISTING Eating Out; INFORMATION, Alev Dervish: Music Music p15 Eva Easthope, Kate VISIT: Evans, Jessica Matthews, Patsy Moss, Jack Rolfe, whatsonlive.co.uk Comedy p28 Jan Watts, Reggie White INCLUDING Head Office: BOOKING ONLINE 4/5 Dogpole, Shrewsbury, Theatre p31 Shropshire. SY1 1EN The Midlands’ most Tel: 01743 281777 Fax: 01743 281744 comprehensive Festivals p43 e-mail: info@whatson- entertainment website 4 Squares live.co.uk Weekender Film/DVD p47 This publication is Follow us on... celebrating the new Library printed on paper from a of Birmingham p56 sustainable source and is p53 produced without the use Visual Arts of elemental chlorine. twitter.com/whatsonlive September 2013 We endorse the recycling Events p79 of our magazine and MTWTFSS would encourage you to Like us on... 1 pass it on to others to p89 read when you have Eating Out 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 finished with it. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 facebook.com/whatsonlive ’ 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 WhatsOn 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

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News A ROUND-UP OF LOCAL AND NATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Where light in darkness lies... A light-tastic event has been added to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s autumn cal- endar. Fusing a 3D lightshow with theatrical performances from resident acting troupe Shakespeare Aloud, The Shakespeare Birthplace Lightshow sees some of The Bard’s most dramatic scenes performed out- side Stratford’s popular venue, with visitors also invited to tour the Birthplace by candle- light. The shows run from 22 November to 19 December, each day taking place at half- hourly intervals between 4.30pm and 7.30pm. For further information, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk.

Shakespeare Aloud actress Jen Stone Niki Evans prepares to play one of the witches in Macbeth at the Shakespeare Birthplace Lightshow Niki Evans to star in musical’s debut tour West Bromwich arts Following successes as Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers and Paulette in Legally centre to close Blonde, Tamworth lass Niki Evans is set to hit the road again, this time to appear alongside Darren Day in the first-ever UK tour of the musical comedy The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee. The West Bromwich arts centre The Public is to Tony Award-nominated show is based on the lives of six quirky adolescents who’ve entered into close. The venue, which opened in 2008, the ‘Bee’ - a competition in which contestants are challenged to spell a variety of words. Niki stars cost £72million to build and is receiving a as judge and former Bee champion Rona Lisa Peretti, who’s caught the eye of the senior judge, £30,000 per week subsidy from Sandwell Vice Principal Patch, played by Day. The show is touring to eleven UK venues, including Council. The council has now decided it can Birmingham’s Crescent Theatre, where it stops off for one night only on 14 October. no longer justify subsidising the attraction. A petition calling for the centre to be saved has been signed by approximately five thousand The former nineteenth century residence of the from Arts Council England’s PRISM Fund. people. The curtain falls at The Public on 30 Duke of Sutherland, the centre has been trans- EX135 was the first 1100cc-engine car to November, with scheduling being honoured formed into a modern space which can facili- exceed 200mph, Major ATG ‘Goldie’ Gardner until that time. tate up to three hundred-and-sixty delegates. claiming the record in Germany in 1939. Of The venue boasts thirteen conference and the new acquisition, Stephen Laing, Curator meeting rooms, a one hundred-and-sixty-six- of HMC, commented: “It’s fantastic to re- seat lecture theatre, an exhibition hall, four-star unite the model with EX135, adding another campus-style accommodation, and full dining piece of the story of MG’s record-breaking and hospitality facilities. Taster Days are being achievements. It’s also great to return the organised to enable people to preview the model to the Midlands, as it was made not facilities. To find our more, visit www.lille- so far from here, by Wilmot of Birmingham.” shallnsc.co.uk Lilleshall National Sports Centre Birmingham venue to host BBC comedy award semi-final The semi-final of a prestigious competition to The Public, West Bromwich unearth the UK’s best up-and-coming comic talent is to take place at Birmingham’s Glee Major investment for Club in November. Hosted by Patrick Kielty, the BBC Radio New Comedy Award aims to Shropshire venue ‘find the best new stand-up talent throughout An award-winning Centre of Excellence in the land’. Previous finalists have included Shropshire, used as a training facility by many Alan Carr, Peter Kay of the UK’s elite athletes, has been turned into and Sarah Millican. a multi-million pound state-of-the-art confer- New acquisition for Gaydon... The semi-final will be ence, meeting and exhibition venue. Funded filmed at the Hurst by Sport England, the £6.9million refurbish- Gaydon’s Heritage Motor Centre (HMC) has Street venue on 26 ment of Lilleshall National Sports Centre will acquired a unique model of MG’s record- November and broad- enable the Telford venue to compete with some breaking EX135 car. The acquisition has cast live on BBC Radio been made courtesy of a generous grant of the country’s top conferencing providers. Four Extra. Patrick Kielty

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Street performers needed... An annual festival which celebrates Ironbridge’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is on the lookout for people to perform at this year’s event. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival, supported by Telford and Wrekin Council, is appealing for local buskers, street entertainers and community bands to get in touch if they wish to perform at the event on 21 September. Anyone interested should con- tact Traci Dix-Williamson on 01952 435900.

The Rizzle Kicks pop-up in Birmingham Brighton hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks (Jordan ‘Rizzle’ Stephens and Harley ‘Sylvester’ Alexander-Sule) are winging their way to New Birmingham landmark opens its doors. Birmingham this month, appearing at the This month sees the long-awaited opening of the iconic Library of Birmingham (on 3 Great Western Arcade on Colmore Row on September). Standing proud in Centenary Square, the multi-million pound development is 6 September to celebrate the launch of their Europe’s largest public library, and a significant addition to the cultural landscape of the sec- much-anticipated second album, Roaring ond city. Expected to attract in excess of three million visitors each year, the library will be 20s Imaginarium. And the pair have certain- home to Birmingham’s world-class collection of archives, photography and rare books - ly devised an innovative way of promoting including four thousand books available on the venue’s public floors. A Discovery Season, their latest release! On the morning of the featuring numerous events inspired by the archives and collections services, marks the open- 6th, fans can pick up a copy of Roaring 20s ing of the library, as does 4Squares Weekender, a cultural event taking place in the city centre from their nearest HMV shop and take it from 6 to 8 September (see pages 57 to 73). along to the duo’s pop-up Imaginarium The opening of the new library coincides with the reopening of the adjacent Birmingham store on Colmore Row, where exclusive Repertory Theatre. Check out what visitors can expect from the revamped REP in our inter- merchandise will be on sale. And what’s view with the venue’s Artistic Director, Roxana Silbert, on page 6. more, the first one hundred-and-fifty people through the door will have the added benefit of enjoying Jordan and Harley in perform- Third Ceramics Biennial launches in Stoke ance, supported by a full live band. IN BRIEF This month sees the launch of the third Stoke-on-Trent British Military Tattoo Ceramics Biennial, showcasing the best of the UK’s contempo- celebrates twenty- rary ceramics. The 2013 festival (28 September - 10 November) five years brings a strong international flavour to the city, with work from over thirty Scandinavian artists displayed alongside pieces from Britain’s biggest indoor thirty-five of ‘the best of the current crop of UK ceramic gradu- military tattoo cele- ates’. The event is offering a £10,000 award to the artist who most brates its silver displays ‘exceptional creativity in their work’. Three venues - the anniversary this year - China Hall at the original Spode factory site, the AirSpace Gallery, and plans are afoot to and the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery - will each host a variety mark the occasion in of exhibitions. A Guerrilla Ceramics Trail and Artists’ Soup Kitchen style. Military bands are just two of the associated events. For further information, visit from the UK, Norway, www.britishceramicsbiennial.com Open auditions in Coventry Belgium and Slovenia Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre is on the look- will appear alongside out for young performers interested in marching bands, gym- Birmingham to host Europe’s first major appearing in the chorus for this year’s nasts, dog display photorealism retrospective Christmas production of Jack And The teams and numerous Beanstalk. The auditions take place at the other performers at the A new exhibition devoted entirely to photorealism opens at theatre on 8 September, and are open to all NIA on Saturday 30th Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in November. The first and children aged between nine and sixteen. November and Sunday largest display of its kind in Europe, Photorealism: 50 Years Of Registration forms can be downloaded from 1st December. Hyperrealistic Painting showcases paintings by all the major pho- www.belgrade.co.uk, or hard copies can be torealists - including Birmingham-born artist John Salt, whose collected in advance from the theatre box work more recently featured at Ikon Gallery. Of the museum’s office. impending exhibition, Andy Horn, Head of Exhibitions, said: “Not since the 1970s has there been the opportunity to view so many photorealist paintings in one place. This exhibition - the first in Europe to gather all the star names of the genre - is a real coup for Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.” The exhibition runs until 30 March 2014.

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Welcome home! The REP returns to Centenary Square

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interview...

Having spent a nomadic two-and-a-half years working out of other city theatres and arts venues, The REP this month returns to its newly revamped home in Centenary Square to start a new chapter in its history; a chapter which sees Birmingham’s only major producing theatre integrated with the city’s new multi-million pound development and latest landmark, the Library of Birmingham. What’s On recently caught up with Artistic Director Roxana Silbert to talk about the changes... What excites you most about the newly Not at this stage. What will be interesting to already exists. It doesn’t need the reviewing revamped Birmingham Rep, Roxana? me is to see how the building is used, the or the type of critical response that much Obviously the new three hundred-seater flow of people, and how the new entrance, new work does. It’s by the country’s best theatre is a blessing, and the thought of the which links us to the Library, affects people writer, it’s a National Theatre production, and works that we’re able to do in it is really coming in. I don’t think you really know until I wanted to open with something that would exciting. It’s just opened up all sorts of a few months into a building being used if be of national, and international, quality. In options, not only in terms of collaborating there are things that maybe could have been the studio, we’ve got Soweto Kinch, who’s a with the new Library of Birmingham, but in done differently. local artist with an international reputation. terms of the kind of shows which we can Then, in The Door, we’ve got a work by a now do - pieces which would be exposed in How will your partnership with the Library young director and young writer. The Door is the main house, but at the same time would of Birmingham work? about launching the careers of people who have been squeezed into The Door. That, in In terms of access, there are now two will hopefully be the next generation of itself, is a huge gift. And I think what’s been entrances into The REP. One is the old ‘national treasures’, if you like. done with the public spaces is really exciting. entrance, with which people will be familiar, It really opens the theatre up to the outside the other is a joint entrance with the Library Finally, what are your thoughts about world. It’s very accessible, allowing people of Birmingham. This is a sort of shared area, Birmingham and the Midlands’ arts profile just to pop in off the street. To mark the with clearly marked areas either side from at the moment? relaunch, we’re going to open with an which to access The REP on the left and the Lots of companies from across the West exhibition which continues the work of The library on the right. This means there’s a lot Midlands recently got together to discuss Rep 100. It will be wonderful to put things more public space, it will be more creative how we want to push theatre across the into that space which make it interactive. and there’ll be a lot more going on. For region forward. It was incredibly positive and example, the Library is launching a Magic energetic, despite some hideous financial And what about companies and Lantern Festival, and we’re commissioning situations. I think the arts scene is especially performers visiting The REP? two artists to create installations for that vibrant at the moment, which is just amazing. The studio is amazing and the rehearsal event in our spaces. Then there’s the studio Our plan is to work together, to support each rooms are to die for, because they’re large, space itself, which belongs to the library but other and move forward. have natural light and are also really quiet. I which The REP is running - the technicians can’t tell you how many rehearsal rooms I’ve and the people who run the space on a day- been in where there’s no natural light and it’s to-day basis are from The REP. That’s a very Facts and figures about The REP absolutely freezing, so just being able to connected space, so when we have our rehearse somewhere like we’ve now got at programming meetings, we have them The new STUDIO occupies 357sqm. The The REP will make an enormous difference. together. We have to negotiate and agree flexible· and easily adaptable auditorium It’s all very lovely, but I think the real success how we’re going to use the space. There are enables performances to take place in a of the revamp is the public space. lots of things that we’re both interested in. number of stage formats, including For example, they’re hosting The Writers proscenium, open-end stage, thrust, What are the most noticeable differences Festival, and we’re presenting an un- traverse, promenade, and flat floor. The for theatre-goers? produced play, Denmark Hill, by Alan area of The STUDIO can also be raised to We’ll now be able to offer a much broader Bennett, because there’s a shared interest in 3m-high by stage elevators, enabling more range of work. I think people will be more that sort of thing. Hopefully that’s how things intimate events such as author readings to comfortable - the seats are better, the air- will grow. Generally we have two very distinct take place during the day without having to identities but will be looking for opportunities conditioning is better, the access is better. strike or alter the set of a REP production in where they can merge. We have far better catering facilities and, as the evenings. well as a new restaurant, there will be Two new rehearsal rooms, measuring portable drinks facilities, which can give a What are you most looking forward to in 207sqm· and 164sqm, offer better facilities cabaret feel to spaces like The Door when the opening programme? for acting companies, with sprung floors, needed. There’s also a child area, where I’m really looking forward to the opening mirrored and draped walls, sound-proofing mums can come along and hang out with week, because we’ve got a show in every and lots of natural daylight. their kids. Generally, it’ll just be a far more space. They’re all very different to each welcoming place. The catering side of things other, and I’m excited at seeing those · Ellisons, the UK’s leading supplier to the is also very exciting. We’re working with different audiences come together under one hair and beauty industry, have generously Searcy’s, an amazing catering company who roof. The whole programming is quite helped The REP with fitting out the run the catering at The Barbican and The eclectic - it’s eclectic on purpose, and will theatre’s new wigs and make-up National Portrait Gallery - so the quality of hopefully draw an eclectic audience. As for department. refreshments and food that we can offer performances, I wouldn’t want to single out a · The backstage refurbishment includes visitors to the restaurant, as well as visiting particular show because it’s all about trying four new apartments for use by visiting companies and businesses, is a lot higher. to appeal to lots of different people via lots of directors, designers and performers. The There are banqueting suites which are different bodies of work. apartments have been designed and dedicated to renting for businesses. We furnished by IKEA Birmingham, along with won’t use those for any kind of artistic Long-term, what plans have you got as a new green room and public foyer lighting activity; they’re there purely to maximise Artistic Director? installation. All fittings, furnishings and potential revenue. There was a focus when I’d like to do two things - and, in a way, that designs have generously been provided by putting the building together that would allow opening week will be a statement of intent. I IKEA Birmingham. us to maximise the business income without want to bring the best work possible to · The TREATS, a new retail outlet in the sacrificing the artistic output, and that’s been Birmingham, and at the same time give foyer, will sell ice creams, sweets, snacks, the balance to find. opportunities to new and emerging talent. programmes, play texts and merchandise. For me, it was very important that we didn’t The fourteen dressing rooms are now The new building design was agreed open with a home-grown show, because I all· en-suite and can accommodate up to before your time at The REP. If you’d have believe a lot of the focus will be on the fifty-six actors at any one time. had any involvement, is there anything building. The great thing about Alan The REP re-opens with Alan Bennett’s you’d have done differently? Bennett’s People is that it’s a show that People· on 3 September.

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I might like watching Premier League football, “ but I wouldn’t want to find myself in the middle of a Premier League football match ” Mark Ravenhill exploring Voltaire’s Candide for the RSC...

rehearsal shots from Candide

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interview...

Often described as the ‘greatest modern-day playwright’, Mark Ravenhill’s work ranges from the controversial 1995 play Shopping And F***ing through to much-acclaimed adaptations of Bertolt Brecht’s The Mother and Life Of Galileo. His latest work, based on Voltaire’s Candide, is currently showing at Stratford’s Swan Theatre. What’s On caught up with Mark to talk about what audiences can expect from this latest offering, his involvement in the sitcom Vicious, and why he feels he could never write for The Archers or Dr Who...

Why choose Voltaire’s Candide to What influenced you most when finding You’ve been writer-in-residence at the RSC explore for the RSC, Mark? the level for this modern-day setting? for eighteen months. What’s been the Basically it’s just a book that I’ve always Optimism was Voltaire’s starting point, and I biggest learning-curve during your time really liked. I first read it a long time ago, wanted that to be mine too. In our everyday there? and over the years I’ve re-read it on lives we’re pretty optimistic, perhaps more so It’s a big organisation, so learning about all numerous occasions. Whenever I come than ever. In my grandparents’, and even my the different people and how it all works has back to it, I stumble across something new. parents’, generation, if you asked people taken time. I was already seeing a lot of the The writing is very fresh and funny, and it how they were, they’d more often than not RSC’s work, but just to see everything in that makes me laugh - and although I’ve read it reply “Oh, I mustn’t grumble...”, whereas our period and get to know people and how the many times, it still just comes off the page generation is more likely to respond, “yeah, company works has been quite an every time. The great thing about the I’m doing great. Fantastic!”. We’re almost experience. There’s so much that’s inspired original book by Voltaire is that, although expected to always be upbeat, but I think a me as a writer. it’s inspired by ideas and philosophy, it can lot of people have become quite frightened be read almost as a fairytale/adventure about the whole ecology of the world, and You’ve adapted two pieces by Brecht - The story. That said, over the years, I’ve whether there’s going to be a planet for our Mother and Life Of Galileo. Do you have a become a bit more tuned-in to its kids and grandchildren. I think we’re very particular affinity with his work? philosophical side. fearful. I think we have, in a broader sense of I do really like Brecht plays. There’s a real the word, a darker outlook than our parents, clarity in his storytelling, and one of the And it’s something you can read in small but on the front of things we’re able to things I was really keen on with Galileo was chunks and still get an understanding project a happier persona. I think that gap the spark and vigour in the language. He about, as proved by your bitesize tweets between our optimism and our pessimism is was first and foremost a poet, writing a poem of the story... quite interesting, even from a generation almost every day of his life, and he produced Yeah, each sentence is very simple and ago. pieces which had a sort of elegance, which very elegant, and there’s always a little were at the same time witty and sharp. I think spring and a bit of irony in them. So it You’ve expressed your favour for the use some English versions have made Brecht a breaks down really well to tweet. of parallel universes in your works. What bit woolly and heavy. What I wanted to try advantages does this provide for you as a and capture was an English equivalent for What’s the most recent revelation that playwright and for your audiences? that real speed of force and energy of you’ve found with the text? Reading Candide originally, one of the thought which is there in the German. What The text seems really simple, but within that pennies that dropped was that this everyday I’ve tried to do is allow the excitement and simplicity are a wealth of paradoxes which word ‘optimism’ was very new at the time. It the energy of the language and the ideas to leave you thinking. Like with the last line, had a very specific meaning, more like come through. ‘we must cultivate our garden’. What does optimal. This was supported by the idea that that mean? Should we forget the world and God had created numerous universes and You’ve been writing for a number of years just think about our own plot of land? Is had decided to put us in the optimal now. How has your writing evolved over that the solution to the problem. If we all universe. I thought yeah, lots of different that period? did that, would everything be okay, or is universes! Wouldn’t it be good to stand in a Hopefully it’s got better! I’ve become more there a cruelty in ignoring the wider picture bubble and look at the numerous versions? I confident writing for a bigger cast. We’ve got and looking after just oneself? It’s a liked that notion, and I think it’s something sixteen people in Candide, and just being sentence that can leave you pondering for which we can relate to as contemporary able to hold in your head the idea of sixteen days... people. The idea of there being lots of people on stage is quite a challenge. Just versions of reality is nowadays very popular, practical things like that take a while, I think. Is there a moral to the tale? as has been shown by the volume of sci-fi When I first started writing, just imagining a No, I think we’d probably expect something available. In terms of theatre, I think it’s just scene with three of four people was quite like this to have a moral, but actually I think fun. It means you can set up a number of daunting. it’s more about making you think about different worlds. There are five in this play, things, rather than teaching you something. each with its own mood, its own colour, its You had huge success with the I think what Voltaire set out to do was to own experience, and they can all be played controversial Shopping And F***ing, and satirise his optimism, which was the new, off against each other. I think in theatrical you’re often still defined by the play. Does fashionable, philosophical thing - that we terms it’s quite fun to have five different that concern you? were living in the best of all possible versions of reality. No, not really, because I think it’s a great worlds. His initial impulse was to satirise thing to have. That play toured for a number that, but I think the book leaves you with You’ve requested that, where people are of years, was seen by lots of people and is lots of questions, so I’ve used this as a able to, they read Voltaire’s original work still on university syllabuses, so it connects starting point and written an original play - before visiting The Swan to see this with a lot of people. It’s great that there’s one one which is for now and for us, but which particular production. Is that a realistic play which lots of people know, and it’s a still takes some of the questions from the ask? good starting point. Inevitably, when you first book. It starts off as an adaptation of It’s only about one hundred pages long. I start writing a play, you base your characters Voltaire’s Candide, then changes to a think it would be quite nice for people to around your own age group. Then, when you modern setting with modern characters and read, because it’s one of those books that a get older and more confident, you start to becomes its own play. lot of people will have heard of and would be bring in a broader age-range of characters. interested in. I’d like to encourage people, Which, from what I’ve read, is quite and it’s amazing how many people do read So does that confidence now mean you’re gruesome... the Shakespeare plays before they come to prepared to tackle a whole new range of There are some gruesome bits, yes, but it’s see them. It helps give individuals a greater subject matter? not as gruesome as my first ever understanding of what’s happening on stage. Although you like to think as a writer that you Shakespeare play. It’s funny how you’d What’s great about the RSC audiences is could write about pretty much anything, expect that from a classic, but not so much that they want to be entertained but they also there are some things that you’d love to write from a modern play. want to take something away from their about but the subjects don’t seem to come experiences. naturally to you.

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Anything in particular? I’m aware that it caused proper stand-up Funnily enough, someone once asked me if rows between people, some of whom found I’d like to write for The Archers, which I love, it really offensive. But actually, when I first sat interview... but as I’ve never lived in a village and the down to watch it on TV, I found I was programme includes some really specific immediately laughing out loud. I remember stuff about farming which I know nothing thinking to myself; this is a sitcom and I’m the responses are certainly more direct and about, I didn’t feel I was very well equipped. laughing, so I think it’s working. Despite what honest. That said, I did once sit in a room with my PC head tells me, as long as I’m someone who was going to agriculture laughing, then it’s passed the comedy test Of all the works you’ve written, which has college and, entirely based on The Archers, I and I’m happy with that, but I can see both had the most effect on you personally? was able to have this whole conversation sides of the argument. You tend to do a bit of a stock-take of your about ‘Setti Side’. Afterwards, he asked me life and the world with each play you write, how I knew so much about ‘Setti Side’, and I Was it modelled on anyone in particular? but you do sort of put everything that you had to confess that I’d learned it all from The No, I just liked Ian’s idea. The fact that they’d have into the play that you’re working on at Archers! known each other so long fed into any given moment. Certainly Shopping And something, and the two of them get on really, F***ing, which was written on the kitchen You’re a fan of Doctor Who. Would you really well. But there is - and I know this table while I was doing numerous part-time ever consider writing for the series? more from Ian’s side than from Derek’s - a jobs, was what set me off as a professional Yeah, I did speak to them once, a couple of certain amount of rivalry there, and you can playwright, so I suppose in that respect that years ago. Again, as with The Archers, it’s see that over the years they’ve played very one changed my life. quite a specific genre, so I’m not sure similar parts. Ian once revealed in an whether I could do it. I’d be quite intrigued to interview that one day, when he was reading What sowed the seed for that particular find out, but I suspect I’d be a bit rubbish. I the whole of Homer’s Odyssey, he play? might like watching Premier League football, discovered that, down the road, Derek was I was reading and directing a lot of new but I wouldn’t want to find myself in the reading the same piece for a rival talking- plays, and although I thought a lot of them middle of a Premier League football match. book thing. I think they’ve had that were good, there wasn’t anything out there throughout their careers, so that sort of fed which completely summed up how I felt it Where did your theatrical journey begin? into the initial concept. was to be alive and to be the age I was I suppose I’ve always worked in the theatre, when I wrote Shopping And F***ing. I’m although originally I was mainly directing. I And can we expect a second series? probably quite a lazy person, and I was just do understand theatre, and I do think that All I know is that Derek and Ian aren’t waiting and waiting for someone to come playwriting came out of my general available until 2015. I think there’s interest on up with a play which portrayed that. When it excitement and enthusiasm in making all parts for a second series but it certainly didn’t happen, I decided to write it myself. I theatre. Writing was just one of the forms that won’t be next year. was writing the play I wanted to see, really - my enthusiasm took. For me, it’s all part of and that’s still how I work today. I wait the same thing - acting, directing, writing, You’ve just returned from Edinburgh, around to see if someone writes the play producing; it’s all just ‘making theatre’. As a where you gave a speech at The Fringe, that I want to see, and if it doesn’t child I would perform whenever I could, in asking for theatre companies to be ‘more materialise then I have a go at doing it amateur musicals and school plays. daring, dangerous and naughty’ in their myself. choice of work. Can you expand on that? Was the prospect of becoming a This was the first such event - and, as with You’re often described as the ‘greatest playwright always on your radar? the Television Festival, they now want a modern-day playwright’. Does that give When I was really little I used to make up Keynote Lecture at the launch of The Fringe you a confidence to try anything? plays in my bedroom and get my brother to every year. I just think that, in the last twenty Yes, to try anything, but it’s not a forgone be in them. I didn’t make any distinction years, there’s been a lot of really good work conclusion that it’ll work! The actual craft of between the different roles, and even when I in the arts, but a lot of companies have putting a play together is always much was at school and performing in amateur become very well behaved and good at filling bigger than you are. You can spend a few productions, I didn’t think about the writing. in their forms, choosing the right ‘art speak’ months swanning around and talking to As far as I was concerned, the writing was and ticking the right boxes. I think there’s a students who’re studying your play on the something which had been done years and sort of collective illusion that the last few syllabus, or you can go to other countries years before. I’d never even met a living years have been a bit bumpy in terms of which are producing your plays, go on TV, playwright. Gradually, at university, I became funding but that, at some point, the clock’s talk about yourself and feel very, very grand. interested in directing, and then, having going to be turned back and normal service But actually, when you sit down and start directed a new play, I became interested in will be resumed. I don’t think that’s a realistic writing scenes, everything else goes out of what it was like to write a play. expectation, and it provides an opportunity to the window, because the actual craft of start thinking differently; not always to think putting a play together is always hard and is More recently you co-created the sitcom about what’s the safest and nicest way to always very challenging. It’s not so hard Vicious. How did that come about? behave so as to attract funding. I want that I don’t want to do it, but the actual I wrote a play which Ian McKellan was in at people to be more buccaneering. I think problem of solving things always makes you the Donmar Theatre. Talking to Ian, I realised nowadays a lot of young people, as they’re think that you’re starting all over again. It’s that he and Derek Jacobi had been to breaking through with their shows, are all very exciting, and it’s what keeps me university together and had known each having to train themselves in corporate ‘art going. other since they were nineteen. Ian speak’. commented that no one had ever written Finally, as a playwright, what would you anything for the two of them to appear in And what are your thoughts on recent like your lasting legacy to be? together, and that if anybody ever did, they’d research which indicates that many I guess I do think a little bit about posterity. probably be up for it. So when someone audiences are currently less inclined to Wouldn’t it be amazing if some of the stuff asked for an idea for a sitcom, I said, “yeah, take risks with new work? that you wrote could outlive you, and if it would be great to have Ian and Derek as It think it does vary. I’ve always liked it when perhaps in one hundred, two hundred this old gay couple who can’t live with but I’ve written a new play and it’s toured outside years’ time, someone picks up one of your can’t live without each other”. It started from London. You can get quite locked in to the texts and thinks ‘let’s try and make there, really. I just came up with the idea, the same people going to see the same sort of something of this’. I assume it’s alright to title and the situation, and an American plays in London. There’s a ‘new play hope that someone you’re never going to writer, Gary Janetti, wrote the script. audience’, which often means there’s a thick meet and never going to know about may set of responses. If, by contrast, your play one day pick up your work and want to How would you respond to some people’s goes to, say, Theatre Royal Bath, then it may study it. comments that Vicious ‘perpetuates a well be the only new play they’ve seen all stereotype’? year, so they’ll often respond to it in a different way. That’s what I love about It’s been really interesting, and it’s certainly Candide shows at the Swan Theatre, divided people. Yeah, I think in some ways audiences at Stratford - they’re not just Stratford-upon-Avon, until Saturday he’s writing about old-fashioned, pre-1960s locked into seeing lots of new plays or lots of 26 October. gay men. I can see a lot of the criticisms, and classics, but a variety of different works. And

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I’ve always enjoyed singing - although when I was in “ college, my roommates used to flush the toilet when I sang in the shower. If I had a nickel for every time someone said ‘stick to acting’, I’d probably be a rich man”

Paul Michael Glaser fiddling about in the Midlands...

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interview...

Best remembered as one half of TV’s most memorable cop duo Starsky And Hutch, veteran American actor Paul Michael Glaser is about to appear in one of his favourite musicals, playing Tevye in Craig Revel Horwood’s staging of the much-loved musical Fiddler On The Roof, which stops off in the Midlands next month. What’s On recently caught up with Paul to talk about his impending visit to UK shores...

So what’s the personal appeal for you in nickel for every time someone said ‘stick to also their last Christmas in their house, playing Tevye, Paul? acting’, I’d probably be a rich man. I love because the bank is kicking them out. The He’s a wonderful character, and I really relate singing, and I think I have a good voice. I girl is angry, but believes in the need to to him. He’s a bit of an everyman, and he’s came over to England to do a couple of believe, and the children soon find trying to find his way and reconcile himself to pantos. I did Peter Pan and Aladdin, and the themselves on a journey to this underground how life is changing. Fiddler has a universal reason I did those was that I wanted to get medieval kingdom, where everything and message, and I think that’s one of the things on stage and sing. I really enjoyed that, so everybody is made of mineral and crystal. To responsible for the musical being so when I was asked to do this, I simply jumped a certain extent, it’s a metaphor for my life, successful over the years. I have a real at the chance. I love the interaction that you and at its heart it’s very entertaining and empathy with him, and playing him allows have with audiences in panto, and it’s enjoyable. It’s aimed at kids from nine to me so many of the things Starsky allowed something that I’m also looking forward to sixteen, but I’d like whole families to read it me. I got to perform a whole range of with playing Tevye. out loud, because it answers an important emotions, and Tevye is very much like that. question: ‘what’s the purpose of fear in our Another thing that I love about him is that he As an accomplished actor, are there any lives?’. The motivating force behind this talks to the audience. He lets them in on his new disciplines you’ll need to master for whole thing was a tremendous desire to problems. He almost talks to them as his the role? share what I’d learned, and to present it in alter-ego. And the role has also given me an I feel very comfortable with it, but that can be such a way that people could take it in, enjoy excuse to grow a beard! both good news and bad news. I imagine it and learn from it. It’s all quite spiritual. maintaining the level of performance for so Is it true that you’ve only ever seen long could need a bit of discipline. Beyond You briefly mentioned Starsky And Hutch, snippets of the show before? that, and having to pull a wagon without a and it’s for your role as Dave Starsky that When I was a young actor, doing a play in horse, I don’t really have any concerns. you’re best known. Do you look back at New York with the British actor Donald that time in your career with great Pleasence, we were appearing at a venue It’s quite a long tour. How do you plan to fondness? next to the theatre where Fiddler On The make the most of your downtime in the I enjoy it far more in retrospect than I enjoyed Roof was playing - the two stage doors were UK? doing it. I have lots of great memories from opposite each other. I happened to be I haven’t decided yet. I’ll be packing the show and that time, but it was also a real seeing a girl in the Fiddler company, and everything up and putting my things into rollercoaster ride, because all of a sudden it since my show finished about ten minutes storage, so I guess I’ll be footloose and was the best thing since sliced bread. before the end of Fiddler, I'd quickly get fancy free. I think when the tour is over I’ll changed, meet this young lady, and we'd probably want to go to a warm climate, but I Do you see this return to live theatre as stand in the wings and watch the last five don’t know whether I’ll come back to the US opening the door to more theatrical roles minutes of the performance every night. or go some place else. The whole in the future? experience is fascinating to me, because it’s It could well do that, or it could send me to But then you went on to appear in the film a bit like taking a deck of cards and throwing the farm! That’s not being negative; that’s version... it up in the air and seeing where it lands. It’ll pragmatic. If the role’s good, then I’d be up Yeah, for years after catching snippets in be a bit of an adventure, which is both for it. After all, theatre is the actor’s medium. New York I’d find myself humming tunes exciting and scary at the same time. I look from Fiddler. Then, later, I was offered the forward to it. Is there a particular role you’d really like role of Perchick, who falls in love with one of to play? Tevye’s daughters, in the 1971 film version of Away from the stage, you’ve recently I’ve always liked Tevye. He’s always been on the musical. become a published author, with your my list. It may be presumptuous of me, but book Chrystallia And The Source Of Light. I’ve always thought that Henry Higgins in My So will audiences notice many differences Was writing something you always wanted Fair Lady would be a good role to play. At my between Craig Revel Horwood’s staging to do? age, I don’t really spend a lot of time thinking and the original version? I always liked it. Unfortunately, in my ‘God, I’d like to play this’, or ‘I’d like to play Craig wants to stay true to the original formative years at school, I didn’t get as far that’. I go where my creative side takes me; if musical, but this new version will have a as I’d have liked. When I started doing it’s writing, it’s writing, if it’s acting, it’s acting, seventeen-piece orchestra featuring Starsky And Hutch, I started writing dialogue, if it’s directing, it’s directing, and if it’s golf, it’s actor/musicians who’ll be on the stage, as and that continued once I began directing. golf. It’s just like that... opposed to in the orchestra pit. For me, When the directing stopped, I started to that’s a new approach, and brings a new develop a script that I’d written previously. Finally, would you say there’s a difference dimension that I think will be very interesting. Then, about fifteen years ago, I wrote a between how theatre is received in the UK screenplay, but there wasn’t the technology and the US? Will it appeal to a younger audience? at the time to develop it, so I decided to write I think British audiences are much more I think that we underestimate our youth in it as a book. The thing that I find fascinating sophisticated in terms of their appreciation of terms of what they like, what they about writing is that it reveals so much to theatre. In England, theatre’s always been understand and what they have an affinity you about yourself. I realised quite quickly held in far greater esteem. In America, for. For fifty years Fiddler has been a musical that I was writing about what I’d learned everything is far more commercialised. which has touched people all over the world about loss and helplessness during my Obviously, commercialism is happening all - from Japan, Russia, Europe, you name it. journey through life. I decided I wanted to over the world, but America is leading the It’s been everywhere. It has to appeal to all share this with people, so I wrote a book way in threatening the creative impulses of kinds of people to have enjoyed success at which I believe appeals to the child in all of society. The English have always respected such a universal level. us. I wrote a story in the entertainment their theatre much more, and I feel honoured tradition of Alice In Wonderland and The to be able to present myself as this character Fiddler features some of musical theatre’s Wizard Of Oz, with lots of imaginative over in the UK. most iconic songs. Are you a natural characters and strange happenings. singer? Chrystallia And The Source Of Light is the I’ve always enjoyed singing - although when story of a fourteen-year-old girl, told in her Paul stars in Fiddler On The Roof at I was in college, my roommates used to flush voice, her nine-year-old brother and their last Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre the toilet when I sang in the shower. If I had a Christmas with their mum, who’s not well. It’s from Tues 15 to Sat 19 October.

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Visage The Institute, Birmingham, Thurs 19 September Dust off your eyeliner and pirate shirts... Visage are back in Birmingham! Pioneers of the New Roman- tic movement, Visage emerged in 1978 from Lon- don club Blitz, where founders Steve Strange and Rusty Egan were hosting club nights and search- ing for new music. Creating the band with Midge Ure, they added Ultravox keyboardist Billy Currie and three quarters of Magazine to the line-up be- fore going on to release best-known hit and club classic Fade To Grey (in 1980). Now the band is back with a new album, and will be playing songs both old and new on this Hearts And Knives tour.

Paramore LG Arena, Birmingham, Mon 23 September The 1975 Taking four years to release their fourth and latest album, Paramore are playing six huge The Institute, Birmingham, Mon 16 September; The arena shows in the UK, of which this is one. The band have made a real connection with Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Sun 22 September fans worldwide, courtesy of their much-loved emo tracks, bagging an impressive three Manchester newcomers The 1975 have taken over Grammy Awards in the process. The group’s flame-haired frontwoman Hayley Williams the charts, and will release their hotly anticipated recently proved her feet are firmly on the ground by stating that she still enjoys “cooking eponymous debut album two weeks before their a meal, going to the theatre (and) buying records at the store”. The band have earned a Birmingham show. Two of their songs, The City host of younger fans thanks to an appearance on the Twilight soundtrack. and Sex, have received extensive airplay, and the tour is already a virtual sell-out thanks to the suc- cess of their three previous EPs. Their style has left Fleetwood Mac critics at something of a loss, but has been LG Arena, Birmingham, Sun 29 September summed up as ‘brooding art rock, crisp electron- Having sold more than one hundred million copies of their albums - including forty mil- ica, dancefloor R&B, helium hip-hop, shimmering lion of their 1977 hit Rumours - it's fair to say that Fleetwood Mac are one of the most balladry and ’80s gloss pop’. The band them- popular rock bands in history. This rare outing sees original rhythm section Mick Fleet- selves, however, refer to it simply as ‘the sum of wood and John McVie once again giving it their all, presenting a gig that draws heavily our combined experiences’. on a superlative catalogue of music stretching all the way back to the late-1960s. The touring line-up also features Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks, who joined the band LeAnn Rimes in 1975. Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Sat 14 September American country and pop singer LeAnn Rimes has certainly made the most of her career since bursting onto the music scene at the tender age of thirteen. Her 1996 debut album, Blue, reached number one in the Top Country Albums chart, and laid the foundation for a career which has since seen her bag numer- ous high-profile awards - including a couple of coveted Grammys - and sell almost forty million albums world- wide. This Birmingham appearance comes in support of eleventh stu- dio album Spitfire, which enjoyed favourable reviews when it was released earlier this year.

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Music PREVIEWS

Ben E King And Jimmy James The Jam House, Birmingham, Wed 4 Septem- ber; The Robin, Bilston, Sun 8 September; The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury, Wed 18 Sep- tember Famous for classics including Stand By Me, I Who Have Nothing and Spanish Harlem, American soul legend Ben E King here teams up with the Jamaican-born, UK-based Jimmy James, known for hits I’ll Go Where Your Music Takes Me and Now Is The Time. New Yorker Ben was the lead singer in The Drifters before going solo and setting up the Stand By Me charitable foundation. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see him live, in what’s being billed the Superstars Of Soul show.

Krystle Warren The Glee Club, Birmingham, Fri 13 September Born in Kansas City, Krystle busked in New York and Paris before making a name for herself with 2009 debut Circles. In so doing, she earned the regard of numerous well-respected re- viewers who - thanks to her powerful and husky alto voice - likened her to Nina Simone and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Tracy Chapman. Now onto self-produced EP number two, she references musical styles in- LG Arena, Birmingham, Sat 14 September cluding folk, jazz, blues and pop. A popular Bollywood and Lollywood play- back singer, Pakistan-born Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is primarily a performer of Qawwali, an Jack Johnson The Front Bottoms explosive, devotional music of the Muslim Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 19 Sufis. “Our family has a six hundred-year-old Thurs 12 September September; The Institute, Birmingham, Sat 21 September musical tradition,” explains Rahat, “and I just Having released perhaps his most famous New Jersey boys Brian Sella and Mathew Uy- followed in my ancestors’ footsteps. At the single, Better Together, eight years ago, Jack chich are having a busy time of it at the mo- age of five, my uncle (the late Nusrat Fateh Johnson is now touring with his sixth album, ment. Fresh from finishing their first Ali Khan) taught me the nuances of classical From Here To Now To You. A professional headlining American tour, they’re in the UK and Sufi spiritual music. I have practically im- surfer until an accident at the age of seven- with fourth album Talon Of The Hawk, and will bibed Nusrat sahib’s music, and keep learn- teen left him with one hundred-and-fifty also be playing Europe and then Canada be- ing new things by repeatedly listening to his stitches and minus a few teeth, Jack is now a fore heading home for Halloween. With a songs. I am not ashamed of admitting his in- committed environmentalist and family man, punk sound that’s epic, anthemic and full of fluence, and will carry on performing in that as well as an award-winning artist. As with all energy, they’ve been compared to Blink 182. style for the rest of my career.” his tours since 2008, Johnson will donate one Minus a bandmate now that Brian has left to hundred per cent of the profits to charity. pursue his education, their music has devel- Leonard Cohen oped a thicker, more powerful feel. Allison LG Arena, Birmingham, Sun 8 September Weiss and Greater Ghost support. With the likes of U2, REM, Sting, Nick Cave and Rufus Wainwright numbered among his The Ramona Flowers many and varied fans, it's fair to say that Hare & Hounds, Birmingham, Leonard Cohen has been one of the most in- Thurs 19 September fluential musicians of the modern era. A cele- Named after the leading female in Scott Pil- brated singer/songwriter of the classic 1960s grim vs The World, The Ramona Flowers are generation, Cohen's songs have been cov- a Bristol-based five-piece who’re just about to ered by all manner of artists, from Judy embark on their first proper headlining tour. Collins, with her memorable version of With their video for Lust And Lies receiving a Suzanne, to Jeff Buckley, with his seminal nomination for Video of the Year at the AIM rendition of Hallelujah. Cohen's no spring Independent Music Awards, as well as a host chicken nowadays, of course, but his popu- of festival appearances behind them, includ- larity remains unaffected by the passing of Gilmore And Roberts ing gigs at Wilderness and RockNess and a time. The Hive, Shrewsbury, Sun 15 September supporting gig for Bastille, it’s fair to say that Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts joined their two years of hard graft has really paid forces in 2006, and have since released three off. Arriving at a sound that mixes electronica, albums, toured with Fairport Convention and rock, indie, singer been nominated for the Radio Two Horizon Steve Bird's incred- Award. An award-winning songwriter, Katri- ible falsetto and a ona is part of The Albion Band, and previ- lot of emotion, ously Tiny Tin Lady and Rosie Doonan’s they’ve been Snapdragons. Playing contemporary folk, likened to Temper they combine original songwriting with as- Trap. tounding lap-tapping guitar, fiery fiddle and Cowboy and The trademark harmonies, in the process creating Bluebeat Arkestra a powerful wall of sound. support. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Music September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 13:51 Page 5

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Music PREVIEWS

Marmozets The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Fri 20 September Following the musical tradition of keeping it in the family, Marmozets comprises members of not one but two broods - Becca, Sam and Josh Macintyr, and Jack and Will Bottomley. Playing shouty, energetic, post-punk math rock, the youngsters, aged between sixteen and twenty, have put out two EPs so far; Pas- sive Aggressive and Vexed. Earning compar- isons with Paramore and Bring Me The Horizon, they appear in Wolverhampton as part of a nine-date UK tour, their first as head- liners. Local bands Lightfire and Mercians support.

Deacon Blue Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Wed 11 September; Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 10 December Taking their name from the title of the Steely Dan song Deacon Blues, this Glaswegian pop band came together in 1985, releasing the highly regarded concept album Raintown two years later. Follow-up offering When The World Knows Your Name topped the UK album charts in 1989, with further albums being released in 1991 and ’93, the latter just a year prior to the group splitting up. The band reformed on the eve of the twenty-first century, and have Nick Harper performed together on a part-time basis ever since. The Marr’s Bar, Worcester, Sun 22 September He may not have enjoyed the critical acclaim Madina Lake Davina And The Vagabonds of his famous, cult-hero father Roy, but Kasbah, Coventry, Sun 29 September; The In- The Robin, Bilston, Mon 9 September there’s no denying Nick Harper is a hugely stitute, Birmingham, Mon 30 September; The Noted for their sharp dress sense and high- Sugarmill, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurs 3 October talented and much-admired guitarist and energy live performances, Blues stars Davina singer-songwriter in his own right. And it’s Breaking fans’ hearts the world over, Madina Sowers and the Vagabonds boast a clean hardly surprising that he chose to follow in Lake are calling it a day. After seven years, sound and place great emphasis on the use dad’s footsteps and carve out a career for three albums and a gong for Best Interna- of acoustic instruments. Their influences himself in music, given that much of his tional Newcomer at the Kerrang! Awards range from Fats Domino to Aretha Franklin childhood was spent in the company of 2007, the Chicago band are closing the book and Tom Waits, with Sowers herself having Roy’s legion of famous friends - the likes of on the tale of Adalia’s disappearance from been likened to, among others, Etta James, Keith Moon, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and the town of Madina Lake, the concept around Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday David Gilmour were all regular visitors to the which they were formed. They stop off in the and Betty Boop. Averaging over three hun- Harper household. Best known as a solo Midlands as part of an epic twenty-seven- dred perform- artist, Nick also scored successes as a mem- date UK farewell tour. Support comes from ance dates a ber of English New Wave band Squeeze, for Fearless Vampire Killers and The Super year, the band whom he occasionally provided additional Happy Fun Club. Expect to hear From Them, have a fast-grow- guitar and vocals. Through Us, To You in its entirety. ing fanbase, and offer a one-of-a- kind live show The Carrivick Sisters that’s well worth Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury, catching. Mon 23 September Laura and Charlotte are identical twins from South Devon who play an original mix of Kieran Goss bluegrass and folk-inspired songs. At the age Lichfield Guildhall, Sun 22 September of twenty-three, they’ve just released their fifth CD, From The Fields. Playing original Irish contemporary singer-songwriter Kieran songs, instrumentals and a few carefully cho- Goss’s influences have been many and var- sen covers on the guitar, mandolin, banjo, ied, from Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and dobro and fiddle, the duo have been praised Cerys Matthews Willie Nelson through to Frank Sinatra and for their sparkling harmonies, and enjoyed the Rolling Stones. Support slots with Elvis Palace Theatre, Redditch, great success at Glastonbury in the summer. Costello, Christy Moore and Joe Jackson Tues 24 September gave Goss an early-career boost, after which Making a surprise appearance at the Hay came a period working as a street musician Festival, Cerys treated festival-goers to an in- in New York, Germany and France. With a timate performance of songs from her new voice once described as having been ‘sent book, Hook, Line And Singer. A celebration express mail from heaven’, the County of the songs, lullabies and ballads that the Down-born guitarist is a performer who’s cur- ex-Catatonia star has collected over her life- rently very much at time, it includes Let’s Go Fly A Kite, Baa Baa the top of his game, Black Sheep and You Are My Sunshine. Now blending an instinc- a Radio 6 Music presenter, DJ, BBC docu- tive musicality with mentary-maker and judge of the Dylan a warmth and hu- Thomas Literary Prize, she’s set to release a mour that always new album of ‘Baroque medieval songs’ this endears him to his month. audience.

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BROMSGROVE’S THEATRE, CINEMA, SEPTEMBER LIVE MUSIC AND COMEDY VENUE HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday 15th Sept Tuesday 17th Sept Wednesday 18th Sept ROB NEWMAN JOHN COOPER TURANDOT PRESENTS HIS NEW CLARKE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE THEORY OF EVOLUTION THE BARD OF SALFORD LIVE SCREENING

Thursday 19th Sept Saturday 21st Sept Tuesday 24th Sept LUCY PORTER TANGOMOTION BARBERSHOPERA PRESENTS THE THREE PRESENTS NORTHERN SOUL VIRTUOSO TANGO DANCE AND MUSIC MUSKETEERS

FORTHCOMING CINEMA: Blancanieves (12A) Frances Ha (15) // The World’s End (15) // Renoir (15) Stories We Tell (12A) // Wadjda (PG) // What Maisie Knew (15)

The new Artrix brochure is available to download on www.artrix.co.uk For bookings & full details log onto www.artrix.co.uk or phone 01527 577330 Artrix, Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ Free parking on-site

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FEATURING KENNY KEN B2B RANDALL WITH MC Music LISTINGS FEARLESS, MISTRESS MO, SHOCK C, TIM RYAN, ALPHA AND MANY For full listing information on gigs, MORE... The Institute, including times and dates, visit Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk SOUL FOOD SOUNDSYS- TEM The Yardbird Jazz Club, Birmingham Bromsgrove SWIM WITH SHARKS Irish SUN 1 SEPT PETER PAN SPEEDROCK & Centre, Birmingham DESERT STORM The Asy- HUSH HUSH SECRET CIN- C'MON EVERYBODY Cele- lum, Birmingham bration of the music of EMA The Sugarmill, FOO FIGHTERS TRIBUTE Stoke-On-Trent the 50's & 60's The The Roadhouse, Birm- Roses Theatre, Tewkes- CASINO Marr’s Bar, ingham Worcester bury CLASSIC CLAPTON The MAGENTA The Robin, SELFLESS + SLAB + I Roses Theatre, Tewkes- HATE YOU MORE The Bilston bury SKATERS Hare & Roadhouse, Birming- ULTIMATE MADNESS VS ham Hounds, Birmingham ULTIMATE SPECIALS The ROBERT MIZZELL Irish JUSTIN CURRIE Wulfrun River Rooms, Stour- Hall, Wolverhampton Centre, Birmingham bridge THE HEELS Prince Of MENTALLICA The Marr's Wales, Birmingham Bar, Worcester SUN 8 SEPT ASQ The Actress & ALIVE & KICKING - SIM- LEONARD COHEN LG Bishop, Birmingham PLE MINDS TRIBUTE The Arena, Birmingham Robin, Bilston DISSIDENT PROPHET KING PLEASURE & THE Kitchen Garden Cafe, MON 2 SEPT BISCUIT BOYS Solihull Birmingham Arts Complex Shayne Ward - The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury ROBERT PLANT Civic BEN E. KING AND JIMMY THE SOUL SESSION BAND Hall, Wolverhampton JAMES & THE Trent UK PINK FLOYD EXPERI- Cheshire The Jam House, Birm- VAGABONDS The Robin, JON GOMM Hare & ENCE Royal Spa Centre, THE MODFATHERS - TRIB- ingham Bilston Hounds, Birmingham Leamington Spa UTE TO PAUL WELLER FUNKNIGHT FEATURING BRASS BAND GALA CON- GOSPEL CENTRAL The THE BEAUTIFUL SOUND The River Rooms, THE BRAND NEW HEAV- CERT FEATURING BLACK Jam House, Birming- The Marr's Bar, Worces- Stourbridge IES, THE PB UNDER- DYKE BAND, CORY BAND ham ter TYLA (OF THE DOGS GROUND & COLMAN AND FODENS BAND Sym- WHILE SHE SLEEPS The PATSY FULLER AND THE D'AMOUR) The Slade BROTHERS Birmingham phony Hall, Birming- Slade Rooms, Wolver- REVELATORS Symphony Rooms, Wolverhampton Town Hall ham hampton Hall, Birmingham RAHAT FATEH ALI KHAN AN EVENING OF FOLK F*CK BUTTONS The Insti- CHAS AND DAVE Theatre LG Arena, Birmingham Robert Plant MUSIC Avoncroft Mu- tute, Birmingham Severn, Shrewsbury JACKSON LIVE IN CON- seum, Bromsgrove THUR 12 SEP HOUNDMOUTH Hare & THE PARADIMES AND AKA CERT Royal Spa Centre, ROBBIE MOORE'S COP Hounds, Birmingham SKAFACE Hare & Leamington Spa TUES 3 SEPT MUSIC Symphony Hall, THE RAT PACK VEGAS T R DALLAS Irish Centre, Hounds, BIrmingham THE EVERLY BROTHERS & Birmingham SPECTACULAR Theatre THE HACKENSAW BOYS Birmingham COLD FIELDS, THE GOOD FRIENDS TRIBUTE SHOW NEW ROPE STRING BAND Severn, Shrewsbury Hare & Hounds, Birm- THE JCQ The Flapper, WATER AND LOVATS The Palace Theatre, Red- Number 8 Community THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS ingham Birmingham Rainbow, Birmingham ditch Arts Centre, Worcester BAND The Jam House, DOWNSTROKE The Jam THINK FLOYD Crewe REASIDE, BOLSHIE, RE- CROWN THE EMPIRE PLUS OMAR Library Of Birm- Birmingham House, Birmingham Lyceum, Cheshire VOLVER, THE NORTONS SUPPORT FROM ISSUES ingham, Centenary CREGAN & CO PERFORM- ONLY SHADOWS, DECEP- JENNA VARNDELL, TITUS AND ONE NIGHT STAND The Asylum, Birming- Square ING THE ROD STEWART TIONS POCKET AND PATO WALDENFELS, ED GEATER O2 Academy, Birming- ham LAMPA Irish Centre, SONGBOOK The Robin, The Actress & Bishop, AND NIX DADRY The ham LEANN RIMES Symphony Birmingham Bilston Birmingham Yardbird Jazz Club, MANFRED MANN'S Hall, Birmingham WHOLE LOTTA DC Route JACK JOHNSON Sym- Birmingham EARTHBAND The Robin, SOUNDGARDEN O2 44, Birmingham phony Hall, Birming- ham Birmingham Academy, Birmingham WED 4 SEPT THE GET ALONGS, KRYSTLE WARREN The FLEETWOOD BAC Hunt- KADENCE, SCARLET TORI KELLY O2 Acad- THE MANFREDS Theatre MON 9 SEPT emy, Birmingham Glee Club, Birmingham ingdon Hall, Worcester VOYEUR AND THE PER- THE HURLING BOYS Irish MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE Severn, Shrewsbury RORY MCLEOD Kitchen SONAS The Sugarmill, Centre, Birmingham The Swan Theatre, BEN E. KING AND JIMMY Garden Cafe, Birming- Stoke-On-Trent 51 STONE Route 44, Worcester JAMES The Jam House, ham CYANIDE LATER, AGAINST Birmingham THE RATTLIN DOORS & Birmingham THE WHEEL, HEADTRAP FABOLOUS The Institute, SOUTHERN TENANT FOLK BETRAYAL WITHIN THE MIDNIGHT CONVOY The AND MINIMUM The Ac- Birmingham RANKS, LIFELINES, AS Actress & Bishop, Birm- UNION Kitchen Garden DAVINA & THE tress & Bishop, Birm- EMPIRES BURN AND ingham Cafe, Birmingham VAGABONDS The Robin, ingham MERIDIAN The Sug- GARY STEWART Royal HOODIE ALLEN O2 Acad- Bilston emy, Birmingham armill, Stoke-On-Trent Spa Centre, Leaming- Tori Kelly LAYERS The Yardbird SAT 7 SEPT THE STARVING DOGS The ton Spa Jazz Club, Birmingham TUES 10 SEP ATTICA RAGE UK 2013 Roadhouse, Birming- MASSIVE HEAD TRAUMA THE OFFICIAL RECEIVERS The Roadhouse, Birm- ham The Marr's Bar, Worces- BAND Artrix, Broms- MORELAND & ARBUCKLE ingham MORRISSEY 25: LIVE Lud- ter THUR 5 SEPT grove The Jam House, Birm- RAGE OF ANGELS The low Assembly Rooms, 80’S THEMED POP AND THE SOUL SESSION BAND ingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- Shropshire ROCK DISCO WITH DJS MARTIN SIMPSON Artrix, The Jam House, Birm- THE SAM DRAISEY SES- hampton WILDFIRE FOLK CD PHIL DOCKER AND JOHN Bromsgrove ingham SIONS The Robin, Bil- MARTIN WALKYIER'S LAUNCH The Guildhall, BEAR Route 44, Birming- LUMINANCE The Actress ston Lichfield ham VIKING FUNERAL 2013 & Bishop, Birmingham JON GOMM The Marr's FRI 13 SEP FEATURING MARTIN GUCCI PIMP, ME & FIC- BUSHBERRY MOUNTAIN SLAM CARTEL PLUS SUP- Bar, Worcester DAREDEVILS AND SUNJAY WALKYIER, DEVILMENT, MERCURY - THE ULTIMATE TION, NISHI, THE VAN PORT FROM LIBERTY LIES JADE VINE The Road- CORTLANDT RANGER BRAYNE Birchmeadow, ELVENKING, WAKO AND QUEEN TRIBUTE Victoria The The Asylum, B’ham house, Birmingham Broseley, Shropshire HELGRIND O2 Academy, Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on- Actress & Bishop, Birm- THE SOUTHMARTINS The LETS TALK DAGGERS + DIRTY DC - TRIBUTE TO Birmingham Trent ingham Institute, Birmingham SEXWOLF The Asylum, WINTERFYLLETH, SALLIE AC / DC The Robin, Bil- NINA BAKER O2 Acad- IT'S THE ROOTS THAT Birmingham CLASS OF 77 FEATURING emy, Birmingham THE JAM, THE BLOCK- & HORDES The Asylum, ston MAKE THE FRUITS FEA- HOT MONOCLES, SHATTER JIMMY EAT WORLD O2 HEADS AND THE BOOM- Birmingham TURING ABIE'S MIRACLE EFFECT AND LIKWISE The Academy, Birmingham WED 11 SEP TOWN RATS The TONIC, GREN BARTLEY Flapper, Birmingham 10CC The Robin, Bilston Assembly, Leamington SAT 14 SEP AND MELLOW PEACHES ALFA 9, FOOLS PARADISE MATRIX CLUB MATRIX LAUREN AQUILINA The Spa Artrix, Bromsgrove AND MOITESSIER The Jam House, Birm- Institute, Birmingham THE SUBTERRANEANS THE SUBTERRANEANS The ROY ORBISON AND Sugarmill, Stoke-On- ingham MACKLEMORE & RYAN The Jam House, Birm- The Jam House, B’’ham FRIENDS The Roses Trent LEWIS O2 Academy, ingham SHAYNE WARD The But- Theatre, Tewkesbury THE FULL SHA BANG Birmingham THE OLD DANCE SCHOOL termarket, Shrewsbury FRI 6 SEPT LABOUR OF LOVE - UB40 (BLUES BROS TRIBUTE) MISTER NOTHING FEA- WITH MARIE-CLAIRE 'MOTOWN' LEGENDS TRIBUTE The River TURING MITCHEL EMMS Irish Centre, Birming- DARKSIDE - THE PINK BERREEN Artrix, Broms- PARTY WITH SOUL LEG- Rooms, Stourbridge FROM BBC1'S THE VOICE ham FLOYD SHOW Theatre grove END Nailcote Hall, Berk- DJ FORMAT Hare & 2013 The Robin, Bilston TREORCHY MALE CHOIR Severn, Shrewsbury ALABAMA 3 The River swell, Warwickshire Hounds, Birmingham DEACON BLUE Victoria 2013 Artrix, Bromsgrove THE JIVE ACES Artrix, Rooms, Stourbridge THE BAY CITY ROLLERS 93 - 1ST BIRTHDAY BASH Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on- Crewe Lyceum, BIG SING 2013 Civic Hall,

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5 THIS AUTUMN SEPTEMBER

PINK LADY FOOD Early Music in Warwick PHOTOGRAPHER OF St Mary’s Church, 7.30pm THE YEAR Fri 6 Sept – Fri 18 Oct Tuesday 1 October, The English Concert directed by Harry Bicket with Katherine Watson soprano and Mark Bennett trumpet – Bach Suite in A minor and Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, Corelli Trumpet Sonata, Vivaldi La Folia and Handel arias.

Tuesday 12 November Handel Music for Vespers Paula Sides soprano, Helen Sherman mezzo soprano, Clint van der Linde counter tenor, Mark Wilde tenor, Vibrant exhibition of images from around Nick Merryweather baritone, the world, showcasing the art of University of Warwick Chamber Choir, photographing food. From cooking and The Old Street Band directed by celebrations to farming, selling and much, Jonathan Peter Kenny much more. Programme includes Haec est Regina Gallery and café gallery; viewing FREE virginium, Nisi Dominus, Te decus virginem and Dixit Dominus. MORRISSEY 25: LIVE International String Quartet Fri 13 Sept, 7.30pm Concerts in Leamington Legacy concert filmed at Morrissey’s Royal Pump Rooms, 7.30pm intimate Los Angeles concert earlier this Friday 4 October year, marking Danish String Quartet 25 years of Morrissey’s solo career. Tickets £12 / £10

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE LIVE Haydn Quartet Op 20 No 5, Beethoven Quartet Op 95, Nielsen Quartet No 3. TURANDOT Tue 17 Sept, 7.15pm Friday 1 November Arcadia String Quartet Haydn Quartet Op 76 No 5, Enescu Quartet No 2, Beethoven Quartet Op 18 No 6.

Friday 29 November Benyounes String Quartet Live streaming from Covent Garden. Puccini’s musically sublime final opera in a spectacular production inspired by traditional Chinese theatre. Starring Lise Lindstrom and Marco Berti Tickets £16 / £15

NT LIVE Schubert Quartet in Eb D87, OTHELLO Bridge Three Idylls, Thurs 26 Sept, 7pm Britten Simple Symphony, Dvorak Quartet in Eb Op 51. Family Concert in Leamington Royal Spa Centre, 11am Saturday 9 November

I Flautisti Live streaming from The National Theatre. The dynamic London Recorder A major new production directed by Quartet in concert. Recommended Nicholas Hyter; starring Adrian Lester for ages seven years plus. and Rory Kinnear. Tickets £15 / £14 Bring your own recorder for the Big Blow!

To book call 01926 776438 1 Mill Street, Ludlow, and Shropshire SY8 1AZ www.bridgehousetheatre.co.uk For the full Winter programme visit 01584 878141 www.leamingtonmusic.org www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

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Town Hall MOTIONLESS IN WHITE Music LISTINGS O2 Academy, Birming- ham JAMES SKELLY & THE IN- For full listing information on gigs TENDERS The Institute, including, times and dates, visit Birmingham www.whatsonlive.co.uk RAT PACK LIVE Belgrade Theatre, Coventry FOO FIGHTERS THE TRIB- Stratford UTE The Marr's Bar, HIGHER ON MAIDEN AND WED 18 SEP Worcester DISARM GOLIATH The THROUGH THE YEARS Roadhouse, Birming- BEN E. KING WITH JIMMY Netherton Arts Centre, ham JAMES & THE Dudley JAZZ NETWORK ORCHES- VAGABONDS The Butter- GYPSY FEVER AND TRA WITH LAURA COLLINS market, Shrewsbury DAMBA Hare & Hounds, The Hive, Shrewsbury MEMORIES ARE MADE OF Birmingham MIDNIGHT CONVOY, THIS Musical journey MICKY DEAN Irish Centre, FRAMED, THE RATTLIN through the 40s, 50s, Birmingham DOORS, INCHES FROM 60s and 70s, Palace BLACK COUNTRY COMMU- THE GROUND Actress & Theatre, Redditch NITY Route 44, Birming- Bishop, Birmingham BUDDY HOLLY - A LEGEND ham REBORN Belgrade The- TUSSK AND BALLS DEEP atre, Coventry The Sugarmill, Stoke- SUN 15 SEP GREG LAKE & THE ALUMNI On-Trent BAND The Jam House, THE FABULOUS BOOGIE KATRIONA GLIMORE AND James Blake - The Institute, Birmingham JAMIE ROBERTS The Birmingham BOYS FEATURING SARAH Hive, Shrewsbury WARREN Huntingdon THE BAY CITY ROLLER JAWS The Institute, DAPPY The Assembly, AMINGTON BAND Tam- THUR 19 SEP Hall, Worcester STORY Royal Spa Cen- Birmingham Leamington Spa worth Castle THE YOUNG ‘UNS Lich- tre, Leamington Spa WIRE The Slade Rooms, DEL CAMINO The Jam BEYOND THE BARRICADE CHARLOTTE CHURCH The field Guildhall SOULSHAKE The Yard- Wolverhampton House, Birmingham The Roses Theatre, Slade Rooms, Wolver- THE EMISSARIES AND bird Jazz Club, Birming- Tewkesbury hampton SECOND CITY FIRE Ac- ham WED 25 SEP NEARLY DAN Hare & VISAGE The Institute, tress & Bishop, Birm- WIDE EYED, VICTORIES AT FRI 27 SEP Birmingham ingham Hounds, Birmingham SEA AND BABYPINK Hare BUDDY AND THE KILLER ALBERT LEE & HOGAN'S JOE BONAMASSA Na- STEVE GIBBONS Kitchen & Hounds, Birmingham Solihull Arts Complex HEROES The Robin, Bil- tional Indoor Arena, Garden Cafe, Birming- SAT 21 SEP FOUR ACES Irish Centre, JOHNNY DOWD Hare & ston Birmingham ham Birmingham Hounds, Birmingham ALEXANDER O2 Acad- ABBA ‘MAMMA MIA’ THE AMITY AFFLICTION, ROCK AGAINST CANCER SAXONISED Route 44, LUNASA Town Hall, emy, Birmingham PARTY Nailcote Hall, LANDSCAPES AND IN FEATURING STAMPEDE, Birmingham Birmingham UK PINK FLOYD EXPERI- Berkswell, Warwickshire HEARTS WAKE O2 Acad- TRANZAM, PAUL BRIDGE- FRED ZEPPELIN The Iron- PATSY MATHESON ENCE Victoria Hall, Han- JACKSON LIVE IN CON- emy, Birmingham WATER, DEVOTED TO works, Oswestry Kitchen Garden Cafe, ley, Stoke-on-Trent CERT The Roses The- MOON SAFARI The ROCK AND OFF THE RAILS WOODEN HORSE Hunt- Birmingham BEGGAR & CO The Jam atre, Tewkesbury Robin, Bilston The Robin, Bilston ingdon Hall, Worcester CAROUSEL CIRCUS The House, Birmingham HANNHA DALLAS AND THE ODD 1 OUT TOUR FEATUR- THE NOTEBENDERS Sym- MILLION EMPIRE AND IL- Yardbird Jazz Club, FROM THE JAM: ALL MOD BUTTON DOWN SOULS ING GUNVA B & SPECIAL phony Hall, Birmingham LUME Actress & Bishop, Birmingham CONS 35TH ANNIVERSARY The Marr's Bar, Worces- GUESTS The Institute, FAMILY VALUES TOUR Birmingham ALEXANDER O’NEAL The TOUR Town Hall, Birm- ter Birmingham FEATURING RAMMLIED, Jam House, Birming- ingham THE CHRISTIANS The CHARLOTTE CARPENTER, KORN AGAIN AND STIFF ham JIM WHITE The Glee SUN 22 SEP Robin, Bilston CANNON STREET, TWO BIZKIT The Roadhouse, SAINT RAYMOND Hare & Club, Birmingham HOWL, THE REBELLION FATHOMS The Yardbird Birmingham CHRIS DEAN'S SYD Hounds, Birmingham THE FRONT BOTTOMS The AND SUNDAY 44 O2 Jazz Club, Birmingham SOLID SOUL The Jam LAWRENCE ORCHESTRA JIM LOCKEY & THE Sugarmill, Stoke-On- Academy, Birmingham NO CEREMONY Hare & House, Birmingham Theatre Severn, SOLEMN SUN The Rain- Trent FAT CHOPS Symphony Hounds, Birmingham TIM BURGESS The Sug- Shrewsbury bow, Birmingham ALEXANDER ARMSTRONG Hall, Birmingham MARIAN & ALLY HARRON armill, Stoke-On-Trent JOHN OTWAY Hare & BEN KENNEY O2 Acad- AND HIS BAND Malvern THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN Irish Centre, Birming- Hounds, Birmingham emy, Birmingham Theatres Tim Burgess Stafford Gatehouse ham KRIS DREVER AND EAMON MARTIN CARTHY & DAVE THE ILLEGAL EAGLES Theatre MR APOLLO, DAN HART- COYNE Kitchen Garden SWARBICK Red Lion Royal Spa Centre, LIMEHOUSE LIZZY The LAND AND MELLOW Cafe, Birmingham Folk Club, Birmingham Leamington Spa Assembly, Leamington PEACHES The Road- THE 1975 The Sugarmill, KIKI DEE & CARMELO LUG- THE RAMONA FLOWERS, Spa house, Birmingham Stoke-On-Trent GERI New Vic Theatre, COWBOY, THE BLUEBEAT B’SPOKE The Jam CHUNK! NO, CAPTAIN NICK HARPER The Marr's Staffordshire CHUNK! + CLIMATES + ARKESTRA Hare & House, Birmingham Bar, Worcester MAGIC - A KIND OF QUEEN LIGHT YOU UP The Asy- Hounds, Birmingham JOHN MCNICHOLL Irish THUR 26 SEP Palace Theatre, Red- lum, Birmingham Centre, Birmingham THE PROCLAIMERS ditch FRI 20 SEP X-SLF FEATURING EX BUDDY AND THE KILLER Malvern Theatre, GINGER BAKER’S JAZZ S MEMBERS OF STIFF LIT- Crewe Lyceum, MON 16 SEP SOLID SOUL The Jam Worcester CONFUSION Wulfrun Hall, TLE FINGERS, HENRY Cheshire House, Birmingham CHAS AND DAVE Bel- Wolverhampton CARO EMERALD Sym- CLUNEY AND JIM REILLY JOE BROWN Royal Spa THE ULTIMATE 'QUEEN' grade Theatre, Coven- THE LEGENDS OF SWING - phony Hall, Birmingham The River Rooms, Centre, Leamington TRIBUTE WITH QUEEN B try ACCESS ALL AREAS! Lich- Stourbridge Spa Caro Emerald Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, THE ANN DUGGAN BAND field Garrick, Stafford- SEYES - TALES FROM THE ROYAL SOUTHERN Warwickshire Artrix, Bromsgrove shire TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS BROTHERHOOD The LAYERS O2 Academy, GENO WASHINGTON BABAJACK Palace The- The Robin, Bilston Robin, Bilston Birmingham Palace Theatre, Red- atre, Redditch KIERAN GOSS Lichfield YOUNG PILGRIMS Hare & BACK TO BROADWAY ditch KATHRYN WILLIAMS Guildhall Hounds, Birmingham Malvern Theatres THE JOHNNY CASH ROAD- Huntingdon Hall, THE RAT PACK VEGAS THE SMYTHS The River SHOW The Roses The- Worcester SPECTACULAR New Rooms, Stourbridge atre, Tewkesbury MON 23 SEP THE RAT PACK VEGAS Alexandra Theatre CROWNS The Rainbow, THE BON JOVI EXPERI- SPECTACULAR Bridge- HOODED FANG Hare & THE PRIMITIVES The Birmingham ENCE The River Rooms, house Theatre, Warwick THE 1975 The Institute, Hounds, Birmingham Slade Rooms, Wolver- A FOREIGNERS JOURNEY Stourbridge THE BOOTLEG BOSS The Birmingham THE CARRIVICK SISTERS hampton The Robin, Bilston BECKY MILLS Royal Spa River Rooms, Stour- Henry Tudor House, ABBA REUNION The MARMOZETS The Slade Centre, Leamington bridge Shrewsbury Swan Theatre, Worces- TUES 17 SEP Rooms, Wolverhampton Spa AUDIO DISEASE The PARAMORE LG Arena, ter KATE RUSBY Theatre LUKE WYLDE & THE Rainbow, Birmingham JANET DEVLIN O2 Acad- Birmingham CLOUD CONTROL Hare & Severn, Shrewsbury JAPES The Slade THE LOVELY EGGS The emy, Birmingham DARLIA The Sugarmill, Hounds, Birmingham LET'S HANG ON THE Rooms, Wolverhampton Assembly, Leamington Y & T The Robin, Bilston Stoke-On-Trent EXIT CALM O2 Academy, MUSIC OF FRANKI VALI & GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! Spa TALON - THE BEST OF THE Birmingham THE FOUR SEASONS The NIGHT FEVER Theatre SIMON SPILLET QUARTET EAGLES Belgrade The- DEAD MEADOW The Tin Place, Oakengates The- Severn, Shrewsbury Symphony Hall, Birm- atre, Coventry TUE 24 SEP Music and Arts, Coven- atre JAMES BLAKE The Insti- ingham JOHN COOPER CLARKE try ENDORPHINMACHINE: tute, Birmingham CERYS MATTHEWS PAT BRESLIN Irish Cen- 2013 Artrix, Bromsgrove KAWABATA MAKOTO’S PRINCE TRIBUTE The BARRY GIBB LG Arena, Palace Theatre, Red- tre, Birmingham BEN MARKLAND BAND MAINLINER AND DETH- Roadhouse, Birming- Birmingham ditch FRED ZEPPELIN Route The Jam House, B’ham SCALATOR The Flapper, ham THE FRONT BOTTOMS The SEAN RUMSEY The River 44, Birmingham Birmingham SWIM DEEP Birmingham Institute, Birmingham Rooms, Stourbridge A.K.A SKAFACE The

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BRING YOUR PARTY TO OUR PARTY AT THE NAILCOTE HALL HOTEL

AT NAILCOTE HALL

Sat 14th ‘MOTOWN’ LICHFIELD GUILDHALL SEPTEMBERLEGENDS PARTY WITH SOUL LEGEND SEPTEMBER Fri 13th Sept, 8pm BOOK £29.50 EARLY! Wildfire Folk Sat 20th ‘THE QUEEN’ cd Launch night Tickets: £5.00 SEPTEMBER OF ALL PARTIESWITH OpeningConcert WITH ‘QUEEN B’DANCERS Fri 20th Sept, 8pm BRITTENSINFONIA CHARLOTTEAND HOPLEY£37.50 The Young Uns with Tickets: £13.50/£11.50 Members PAULLEWIS piano Fri 27th ‘MAMMA MIA’ PARTY Fri 20th Sept, 8pm Thursday10th SEPTEMBERWITH ‘SENSATION’ ABBA TRIBUTE peforming Kieron Goss OCTOBER,7.30pm Abba’s Greatest Hits Tickets: £14.50/£12.50 AlingtonHall, 37.50 Members ShrewsburySchool. Fri 11th Fri 27th & Sat 28th Sept ADELLE TRIBUTE SHOW Noon - 11.00pm TICKETSONSALE OCTOBERWITH 'HOMETOWN GLORY' Autumn Beer Festival FROMEARLYSEPT WITH NATALIE ANNE SEASONincludes: £32.50 T OCT27th: Sat 26th HA ‘Brahms & the Gypsy’ T IFE WITH OCTOBERE L DEC3rd: K T ’ Beer . Wine . Food . Music Ex Cathedra ‘Christmas TA ES THATS LIFE ‘ W W Our Autumn Beer Festival will feature by Candlelight’ & HO more than 30 real ales - many of which MAR28th: S £35.00 will be local or regional. We'll also have wines, traditional ciders and perry, spe- Northern Sinfonia with cialist bottled beers, the 'famous' pork Jennifer Pike pies, quality food, teas, coffees and soft Sat 9th HEART & SOUL PARTY APR11th: WITH HARRY CAMBRIDGE drinks. English Chamber Orchestra with NOVEMBER Before 6pm: £2, After 6pm: £3 Julian Lloyd Webber AMAZING TRIBUTE TO ...Carducci Quartet Series, ‘LUTHER VANDROSS’ OCTOBER Ensemble 360, £29.50 Sun 6th Oct, 8pm Pasadena Roof Orchestra, Andy Cutting Kasai Masai… Sat 23rd ‘SUPREM E’ MOTOWN and a wide AND D IVA PARTY Tickets: £12.50/£10.50 variety of other world famous NOVEMBER Members WITH THE MOTELLAS artists: chamber /recitals /jazz /folk toe tapping Fri 11th Oct, 7.30pm /brass /music theatre etc motown classic hits £32.50 Walsall Jazz Orchestra Join the MAILING LIST SPECIAL OCCASIONS and the for early details: AND ANNUAL EVENTS Steve Ajao Email:info@ Quartet Tickets: £10/£8 Members shropshiremusictrust.co.uk Sat 5th THE PINK BALL AT THE HALL Sun 20th Oct, 8pm Tel:01952 510375 OCTOBER WITH ‘BROTHERS OF SOUL’ SMT Freepost SY169, DRESS TO IMPRESS, WEAR Steve Clayton P.P Shrewsbury SY5 6BR SOMETHING PINK and the 44’s £49.50 Tickets: £12.50/£10.50 www.shropshiremusictrust.co.uk ROYAL ASCOT £45.00 FOR 10 + Members Box Office: LADIES DAY www.ticketsource.co.uk/smt NOW BOOKING Fri 25th - Sun27th Oct or: FOR YOUR Lichfield Festival Windband, Shrewsbury CHRISTMAS PARTY of Folk 01743 367482 Tickets:Full Festival NIGHTS 2013 Weekend £38, Full day tickets £12.50 - £17.50 (concs available) TICKET PRICES INCLUDE 4 COURSE MEAL WE WILL CATER FOR ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS BY PRIOR ARRANGMENT For a programme or further information contact: Donegal House, Bore Street, Lichfield. WS13 6LU BOOKING HOTLINE 02476 466174 BOX OFFICE 01543 262223 w w w.nai l c ot ehal l .c o.uk www.lichfieldarts.org.uk Nailcote Hall Hotel, Nailcote Lane, Berkswell, Warwickshire CV7 7DE You can now book on-line www.lichfieldarts.org.uk

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Roadhouse, B’ham GYPSY FIRE Lichfield MADINA LAKE Kasbah, KATE RUSBY Royal Spa Garrick, Malvern Coventry Music Venues Box Office Centre, Leamington BACK TO BROADWAY WHITE WIZARD The Spa Palace Theatre, Red- Slade Rooms, Wolver- 45 SHOP LOCK: SOUND ditch hampton Birmingham Black Country Staffordshire SYSTEM FRIDAYS Featur- BODIKKA Hare & SONGBIRD - THE EVA 02 ACADEMY CIVIC HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, LEEK ing Empire Sound, King Hounds, Birmingham CASSIDY STORY Story 0121 622 8250 0870 320 7000 01538 386112 Tubby’s Sufferer 60S NIGHT OUT featuring Kitchen Garden Cafe, THE ACTRESS & BISHOP DUDLEY CONCERT HALL LICHFIELD GUILDHALL Sound, Saxon, Cox- The Mersey Beats And Birmingham 0121 236 7426 01384 815577 01543 262223 sone, Infinity, Stereo The Beat Beatles The- THE STRANGE DOORS ADRIAN BOULT HALL FOREST ARTS CENTRE THE SUGARMILL, HANLEY Phonic & Kebra, The atre Severn, Shrews- The River Rooms, 0121 331 5901 0845 111 2898 STOKE-ON-TRENT Drum, Birmingham bury Stourbridge THE ASYLUM NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01159 454 593 01902 572090 CLOCKWORK ORANGE, BURY TOMORROW O2 DENNIS LOCORRIERE The 0121 233 1109 TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY ROOMS DARK ACTORS AND LAST THE BARBER INSTITUTE THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 01827 709618 Academy, Birmingham Robin, Bilston 0121 533 7161 LIGHT Actress & Bishop, LIVE_TRANSMISSION STACEY KENT Malvern 0121 414 7333 VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL ROBIN 2, BILSTON 0870 060 6649 Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birm- Theatre, Worcester 01902 401211 0121 780 3333 STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ingham DANNY & THE CHAMPI- SLADE ROOMS DARK SIDE OF THE WALL ONS OF THE WORLD CBSO CENTRE 01785 254653 SAT 28 SEP 0121 780 3333 WOLVERHAMPTON The Swan Theatre, Hare & Hounds, Birm- 0870 320 7000 FLAPPER 0121 236 2421 MIKE DIGNAM The Insti- Worcester ingham STOURBRIDGE TOWN HALL Warwickshire tute, Birmingham WINSTON’S BIG TOM HEALY Irish Centre, THE GLEE CLUB 01384 812812 THE ASSEMBLY, LEAMINGTON 0871 472 0400 B’SPOKE The Jam BROTHER, THE NEW AGE Birmingham WULFRUN HALL, 01926 311311 House, Birmingham SAINTS, SUGAR MAMA RAY BUTCHER AND HUW HARE & HOUNDS WOLVERHAMPTON THE KASBAH, COVENTRY 0121 444 2081 0870 320 7000 WIZ KHALIFA O2 Acad- AND BROTHER OF CAED- WARREN Artrix, Broms- 024 7655 4473 INSTITUTE emy, Birmingham MON The Actress & grove NAILCOTE HALL, 0121 643 0428 Shropshire EMILY MAGUIRE Artrix, Bishop, Birmingham DAN WHITEHOUSE The BERKSWELL IRISH CENTRE 02476 46 6174 Bromsgrove JASPER IN THE COMPANY Crescent Theatre, Birm- BIRCHMEADOW, BROSELEY 0121 622 2314 01952 882210 QUEEN - FLASH The OF OTHERS The Marr's ingham STRATFORD CIVIC HALL THE JAM HOUSE Bar, Worcester THE BUTTERMARKET, 01789 207100 River Rooms, Stour- 0121 200 3030 SHREWSBURY bridge UNDER THE COVERS Irish TAYLOR JOHN’S HOUSE, MON 30 SEP LG ARENA 01743 355055 COVENTRY BEYOND THE BARRICADE Centre, Birmingham 0844 338 8000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, 024 7623 0699 Royal Spa Centre, IVOR & LYNN’S CLASSIC MADINA LAKE The Insti- NIA MUCH WENLOCK BRIDGEHOUSE THEATRE 01952 728911 Leamington Spa ROCK DISCO Route 44, tute, Birmingham 0844 338 8000 01926 776 438 THE COUNTERFEIT Birmingham SCHOLARS, EVERYBODY THE RAINBOW HENRY TUDOR HOUSE STONES The Robin, Bil- FRANK HAMILTON The LOOKS FAMOUS AND MIX- 0121 772 8174 SHREWSBURY Worcestershire 01743 361666 ston Sugarmill, Stoke-On- TAPE SAINTS O2 Acad- RED LION FOLK CLUB ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE ROY ORBISON AND Trent emy, Birmingham 0121472 4253 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 01527 577330 01743 234970 FRIENDS Stafford Gate- THE VIEW Kasbah, BARNARDO’S YOUNG THE ROADHOUSE HUNTINGDON HALL / SWAN THE IRONWORKS, OSWESTRY house Theatre Coventry SUPPORTERS CONCERT 0121 459 5660 THEATRE 01905 611427 01691 679123 SUPERSONIC 70’S SHOW KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES Symphony Hall, Birm- ROUTE 44 MARR’S BAR, WORCESTER The Asylum, Birming- 0121 708 0108 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS Huntingdon Hall, ingham 01584 878141 01905 613336 Worcester ham KESTON COBBLERS CLUB SYMPHONY HALL THE RIVER ROOMS 0121 780 3333 THEATRE SEVERN, ROCK ANTHEMS Per- Hare & Hounds, Birm- SHREWSBURY 01743 281281 01384 397177 formed by the critically ingham THE VICTORIA SUN 29 SEP THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, acclaimed GAGA The- LUNASA New Vic The- 0121 633 9439 For additional information TELFORD 01952 382382 and to find out What’s On THE YARDBIRD atre Severn, Shrews- FLEETWOOD MAC LG atre, Staffordshire WEM TOWN HALL at these venues.Visit: 0121 212 2524 bury Arena, Birmingham 01939 232299 www.whatsonlive.co.uk

CENTRAL HALL presents Saturday 14 September, 7.30pm

CANNOCK CHASEORPHEUS MALE CHOIR Central Hall, Ablewell Street, Walsall, WS1 2EQ

ADULTS £5.00 UNDER 18s £2.50

For advance reservations call 01922 721643 or on the door subject to availabilty

CENTRAL HALL presents Saturday 5 October, 7.30pm at Central Hall, Ablewell Street, Walsall, WS1 2EQ THOMAS TROTTER AT THE ORGAN (a 1920s Nicholson & Lord model) ADULTS £7.50 For advance reservations call UNDER 18s 01922 721643 or on the door subject to availabilty £5.00

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 25 Classical September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:06 Page 1

PREVIEWS Nicola Benedetti Classical Music Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Tues 17 September Acclaimed violinist Nicola Benedetti returns to Birmingham this month as part of her current Silver Violin tour, which sees the Brit Award-winner performing along- side cellist Leonard Elschenbroich and pianist Alexei Grynyuk. Held in high regard for her musicality, poise and ability to mes- merise audiences with her playing, Benedetti here fronts an eclectic pro- gramme. John Williams’ theme from Schindler’s List, Korngold’s Marietta’s Lied from Die tote Stadt, Saint-Saëns’ Introduc- tion and Rondo Capriccioso, and Tchaikovsky’s Piano Trio in A minor, Op 50 are among the works being performed.

Britten Centenary: Peter Grimes Symphony Hall, Birmingham, Thurs 26 September Continuing Town Hall/Symphony Hall’s (THSH) A Boy Was Born season - marking the cente- nary of Benjamin Britten - the London Philharmonic Orchestra here present what’s often described as the legendary British composer’s greatest work. Both ‘haunting and disturbing’, Peter Grimes transports audiences to a fictional fishing village in Suffolk, where the principal character - here played by Stuart Skelton - stands alone against a suspicious, tight-knit community after his apprentice loses his life during a storm at sea. Having received much critical acclaim since it was first performed at Sadlers Wells in 1945, the three-and-a-half hour work is here directed by Russian conductor Vladimir Jurowski. This high- ly-recommended performance also features Pamela Armstrong (Ellen Orford), Alan Opie (Cap- tain Balstrode), Pamela Helen Stephen (auntie), Brindley Sherratt (Swallow), Michaek Colvin (Bob Boles), and Malin Christensson and Claire Ormshaw as the nieces.

The Music Of AR Rahman Blake Symphony Hall, Birmingham, The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Wed 4 September Sat 14 September BBC presenter Noreen Khan here hosts an Comprising Ollie Baines, Humphrey evening of music dedicated to the work of one Berney and Stephen Bowman, Blake are of the world’s most respected film music com- credited with bringing classical music to posers. Presented by the CBSO, under the the masses - an achievement recognised direction of conductor Matt Dunkley, this tribute when their debut offering won Album of the to AR Rahman features scores from Danny Year at the Classical Brit Awards in 2008. Boyle’s award-winning Slumdog Millionaire and Fusing classical, rock, pop and musical Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings. The cele- favourites, the boys continue to enjoy bration also includes performances by Lilly- Claire Jones worldwide success, and this month return Jane Young, Sandor Stürbl, Shin DCS and to the Midlands to share stories from their Roopa Panesar on sitar, as well as music from Mozart Flute And Harp recent tour of Asia, America and Europe, the legendary Subhash Bose and Meenaxi. as well as to perform numbers from recent- Concerto ly released album Start Over. Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Wed 18 September This celebration of Benjamin Britten’s cen- tenary year features a programme of works produced by the composer in his formative years, performed alongside pieces from a young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Arvo Pärt’s beautifully atmospheric elegy, Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Brit- ten, opens the performance, and is fol- lowed by Britten’s Simple Symphony. Mozart’s Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra and Symphony no.29, K201 also features, as does Britten’s Prelude and Fugue for 18 Strings Op.29. Gábor Takács-Nagy conducts Claire Jones (harp) and Amina Hussain (flute). BBC Presenter Noreen Khan and Angela Swanson, Viola

26 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Classical September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:06 Page 2

Birmingham (CLARINET) & DAVID of village life, Sat 28 Centre, Coventry LISTINGS LAST NIGHT OF THE QUIGLEY (PIANO) Pro- Sept, The Roses The- MONDAY SHOWCASE Fea- Classical PROMS Sun 15 Sept, gramme includes works atre, Tewkesbury turing Josh Hall (oboe), Crewe Lyceum by Finzi, Edwin Rox- SHROPSHIRE CHAMBER Joanne Sealey, Yun Lee For full listing information on classical NICOLA BENEDETTI Tue burgh, Lutosławski & ORCHESTRA Programme & Shu Ting Cheng concerts, including times and dates, 17 Sept, Symphony Poulenc, Tues 24 Sept, includes works by (piano). Programme visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Hall, Birmingham Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- Beethoven & Mozart, includes works by Finzi, MOZART FLUTE & HARP ingham Sun 29 Sept, The Edge Bach, Prokofiev, CBSO: THE MUSIC OF A. gramme includes works CONCERTO Wed 18 Sept, TOTALLY TCHAIKOVSKY! Arts Centre, Much Wen- Mozart, Barber & Lizst, R. RAHMAN Wed 4 Sept, by Glinka, Grieg and Stafford Gatehouse With the City of Birm- lock, South Shropshire Mon 30 Sept, Recital Symphony Hall, Birm- Tchaikovsky, Wed 11 Theatre ingham Symphony ENGLISH PIANO TRIO Hall, Birmingham Con- ingham Sept, Symphony Hall, TURANDOT: ROYAL OPERA Orchestra, Wed 25 PLAYS TCHAIKOVSKY Sun servatoire CANTORION MALE VOICE Birmingham HOUSE Live screening of Sept, Symphony Hall, 29 Sept, Warwick Arts CHOIR Sun 8 Sept, The- THE TREORCHY MALE Puccini's tale of dis- Birmingham atre Severn, Shrews- VOICE CHOIR Sat 14 guised identities, rid- BRITTEN CENTENARY: bury Sept, Artrix, Broms- dles, ritual executions PETER GRIMES Featuring Classical Box Office LAST NIGHT AT THE grove and powerful, tri- London Philharmonic PROMS Featuring soloist CANNOCK CHASE umphant love. Sung in Orchestra, Thurs 26 ADRIAN BOULT HALL, B’HAM COVENTRY CATHEDRAL Anne Williams, Sun 8 ORPHEUS MALE CHOIR Italian, Wed 18 Septem- Sept, Symphony Hall, 0121 331 5901 02476 521200 Sept, Solihull Arts Com- Sat 14 Sept, Centrall ber, Artrix, Bromsgrove Birmingham ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE THE GATEWAY, plex Hall, Ablewell Street, CBSO OPENING CONCERT: ALLEGRI QUARTET Fea- 01527 577330 SHREWSBURY SAINT JAMES’S SINGERS Walsall THE RITE OF SPRING turing Ofer Falk & 01743 355159 Programme includes ARMONICO CONSORT AND BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL Featuring Andris Nel- Rafael Todes (violins), 024 7637 6707 LEAMINGTON MUSIC works by Handel, Pur- BAROQUE PLAYERS Fea- sons (conductor) and Dorothea Vogel (viola) BELGRADE THEATRE, 01926 742762/776438 cell & Haydn, Sun 8 turing Mark Baigent Kristine Opolais (sopra- & Vanessa Lucas-Smith COVENTRY Sept, St Mary’s Church, (oboe) & Steve Bailey no) Thurs 19 Sept, (cello). Programme MALVERN THEATRE 02476 553055 Ilmington, Stratford- (trumpet). Programme Symphony Hall, Birm- includes work by 01684 892277 upon-Avon includes Vivaldi's Con- ingham Haydn, Roth & BARBER INSTITUTE, MAIDMENT HALL, MATTHEW BARLEY certo in G minor RV156, CBSO OPENING CONCERT: Beethoven, Thurs 26 BIRMINGHAM SHREWSBURY SCHOOL 01743 280810 AROUND BRITTEN TOUR Marcello's Oboe Con- ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER Sept, Malvern Theatres 0121 414 7333 2013 Featuring a pro- certo in D minor & PLAYS DVORAK Pro- CITY OF BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM CATHEDRAL ROYAL PUMP ROOMS, gramme built around Vivaldi's Gloria, Sat 14 gramme includes works SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: 0121 262 1840 LEAMINGTON SPA Britten’s Third Suite for Sept, Malvern Theatres 01926 742700 by Wagner, Dvorak and TOTALLY TCHAIKOVSKY! BIRMINGHAM solo cello, featuring a THE ELYSIAN QUARTET Stravinsky, Sat 21 Sept, Fri 27 Sept, Symphony CONSERVATOIRE ST ALBAN THE MARTYR, Sat 14 Sept, Symphony suite by J.S. Bach, Symphony Hall, Birm- Hall, Birmingham 0121 331 5901/2 BIRMINGHAM work by Tavener and Hall, Birmingham ingham A TOUCH OF BASIL 2013 0121 440 4605 new commissions from STAFFORD SAMARITANS BIRMINGHAM & MIDLAND ORGAN PROM Sat 21 Annual celebration con- ST FRANCES CHURCH, James MacMillan, Dai 50TH ANNIVERSARY CON- INSTITUTE Sept, Victoria Hall, Han- cert featuring a wide BIRMINGHAM Fujikura and Norwegian CERT Sat 14 Sept, 0121 236 3591 ley, Stoke-on-Trent variety of musical styles 0121 472 7215 DJ/composer Jan Stafford Gatehouse BIRMINGHAM CLASSICAL and genres from classi- BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL STRATFORD CIVIC HALL Bang, Tues 10 Sept, Theatre PLAYERS INAUGURAL cal through to rock 0121 780 3333 01789 207100 CBSO Centre, Birming- BLAKE Sat 14 Sept, CONCERT Programme music, Sat 28 Sept, BRAMALL CONCERT HALL, ham The Roses Theatre, includes works by JS Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- UNIVERSITY OF B’HAM SYMPHONY HALL, CBSO BENEVOLENT FUND Tewkesbury Bach, Sun 22 Sept, ingham 0121 414 3344 BIRMINGHAM 0121 780 3333 CONCERT Featuring AN EVENING OF CLASSI- Adrian Boult Hall, Birm- ALBERT HERRING Mid CBSO CENTRE, Alexander Vedernikov CAL SAROD & TABLA ingham Conservatoire Wales Opera present BIRMINGHAM WARWICK ARTS CENTRE (conductor) & Elisabeth MUSIC Sat 14 Sept, mac PERFORMANCE PLAT- their version of Ben- 0121 780 3333 02476 524524 Leonskaja (piano). Pro- - Midlands Arts Centre, FORM: JACK MCNEILL jamin Britten's depiction

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 27 Comedy September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:20 Page 1 Comedy

Rob Beckett - Live Comedy Festival Theatre, Market Drayton, Shropshire, Sat 21 September; The Slade Rooms, Box Office Wolverhampton, Fri 27 September; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 3 October; Warwick Arts ALEXANDRA THEATRE, Centre, Coventry, Sun 6 October; Solihull Arts BIRMINGHAM Complex, Thurs 10 October; The Met Studio, 0844 871 3011 Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Fri 11th Oct ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE First tickling the nation’s collective funny bone 01527 577330 in 2009, Rob Beckett’s TV work includes 8 Out BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 02476 376707 Of 10 Cats and Celebrity Juice. A high-tempo BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL comedian who’s been described by one news- 0121 780 3333 paper as ‘a little short of a revelation’, Rob THE DRUM, BIRMINGHAM claims his relationship with comedy began as 0121 333 2444 a youngster when, as the middle child desper- DUDLEY CONCERT HALL ate for attention, he set 01384 815 577 GLEE CLUB, BIRMINGHAM out to make his friends 0871 4720400 and family chuckle (or HIGHLIGHT, BIRMINGHAM, better still, belly laugh). 0844 844 0044 Gags include: "You HUNTINGDON HALL, know you're working WORCESTER, 01905 611427 class when your TV is FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, bigger than your book- LEEK, STAFFS case". 01538 386112 KITCHEN GARDEN CAFE, BIRMINGHAM Marcel Lucont Steve Hughes 0121 443 4725 The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton, Thurs 5 September; Huntingdon LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM The Met Studio, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, Hall, Worcester, Fri 13 September; The Place, Oakengates Theatre, 0844 338 8000 Thurs 19 September; Warwick Arts Centre, Telford, Thurs 26 September; The Glee Club, Birmingham, Wed 23 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY Coventry, Sun 20 October October; Artrix, Bromsgrove, Thurs 5 December ROOMS What can be said about Marcel Lucont that 01584 878141 Boasting a reputation for hard-edged social commentary, not to MAC, BIRMINGHAM hasn’t already been said - given that what’s mention a big beard, Aussie funnyman and ex-heavy metal drum- 0121 446 3232 already been said includes to-die-for reviews mer Steve Hughes has built up a loyal UK following thanks to PALACE THEATRE, that hail him ‘the master of the deadpan’, pro- REDDITCH numerous storming sets on, among other TV programmes, Michael 01527 65203 claim his act to be ‘one of astounding McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC1), Stand Up For The Week panache’, and further describe it as ‘c’est tres THE PUBLIC, WEST (Channel 4) and One Night Stand (Dave). A thought-provoking and BROMWICH bon, c’est mervellieux, c’est magnifique’? decidedly amusing night out is most definitely on the cards when 0121 533 7161 Well, probably not much, really - so instead he this month visits the Midlands with his While It's Still Legal tour. DRUMMONDS BAR, we’ll simply point out WORCESTER that an evening in his 01905 28190 company offers plenty RICOH ARENA, COVENTRY The 50% Funnier Comedy Tour 0844 873 6565 of opportunity to enjoy a mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 7 September; THE ROSES THEATRE seriously good laugh. Newhampton Arts Centre, Wolverhampton, Thurs 12 September; The TEWKESBURY 01684 295074 Oh, and that the magnif- Public, West Bromwich, Fri 13 September; Theatre On The Steps, icent Marcel is coming Bridgnorth, Thurs 19 September ROYAL SPA CENTRE, LEAMINGTON SPA to a theatre near you Described as ‘a riotous, poignant, nostalgic, but, most of all, hysteri- 01926 334418 courtesy of British cally funny evening of comedy sketches, song and dance’, The STAFFORD GATEHOUSE comedian Alexis Dubus. THEATRE 50% Funnier Comedy Tour is presented by Fizzog Productions, and 01785 254653 blends ‘Black Country grit with exotic, flirty and feisty choreogra- SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX phy’. It also boasts an appearance by Janice Connolly’s much- 0121 704 6962 Stewart Lee: Much A-Stew loved comic creation Barbara Nice, who takes on the role of com- THE SLADE ROOMS, pere, so it should be good... Oh, and Fizzog inform us that the WOLVERHAMPTON 0870 320 7000 About Nothing show’s material is suitable for audiences aged fifteen-plus. Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 16 THE GEORGE HOTEL, BURSLEM, STAFFS September; De Montfort Hall, Leicester, Fri 27 07763301081 September; Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, TAMWORTH ASSEMBLY Wed 2 October ROOMS When you've been voted the forty-first Best 01827 709618 Ever Stand-up Comedian, you know you've THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY arrived - well, kind of! In fairness to forty-first 01743 281281 Best Ever Stand-up Comedian Stewart Lee, VICTORIA HALL, HANLEY, there’s actually no question whatsoever that STOKE-ON-TRENT he’s arrived. He first shot to fame courtesy of 0844 871 7649 his partnership with Richard Herring, and went WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 02476 524524 on to score a massive international hit with the WEST BROMWICH TOWN musical Jerry Springer The Opera. His style of HALL comedy won't make for the most comfortable 0121 596 4429 ride, but he's thought-provoking, funny and WULFRUN HALL, WOLVERHAMPTON memorable, so suffering the odd moment that 0870 320 7000 makes you feel awkward is a small price to pay for a great night out.

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COMIC TBC Thurs 19 Sept, The Glee Club, Stewart Lee Comedy LISTINGS Birmingham ALEX HORNE: LIES Thurs For full listing information on comedy 19 Sept, Mitchell Arts Centre, Hanley, Stoke- gigs including times and dates visit on-Trent www.whatsonlive.co.uk JETHRO Thurs 19 Sept, Stratford Civic Hall DESI CENTRAL, PATRICK Leamington Spa ANDREW LAWRENCE Fri MONAHAN, SID SINGH & JIMMY CARR - GAGGING 20 Sept, The Edge Arts ANNETTE FAGON ORDER Wed 11 Sept, Centre, Much Wenlock, Sun 1 Sept, The Glee Civic Hall, South Shropshire Club, Birmingham Wolverhampton WV1 COMEDY CLUB JASON MANFORD Wed 4 HANNAH GADSBY, ANGIE Featuring three acts - Thurs 5 Sept, New MCEVOY, MANDY MUDEN tbc, Fri 20 Sept, Alexandra Theatre, & MC MAUREEN Molineux Stadium, Birmingham YOUNGER Wed 11 Sept, Wolverhampton STEVE HARRIS, WES Kitchen Garden Cafe, STAND-UP STAIRS ZAHARUK, PETE BECKLEY Birmingham COMEDY SHOW AND COMPERE CARLY CARL DONNELLY, CIAMH ‘Featuring some of the SMALLMAN Thurs 5 MCDONNELL, JOHN best rising stars of the Sept, The George GORDILLO & COMIC TBC local and national Hotel, Lichfield Thurs 12 Sept, The stand-up comedy’, Fri STEVE HUGHES Thurs 5 Glee Club, Birmingham 20 Sept, Palace Sept, The Slade STEVE HUGHES Fri 13 Theatre, Redditch Rooms, Sept, Huntingdon Hall, CARL HUTCHINSON, PAUL ALAN DAVIES Fri 27 Comedy Club, dren aged five plus, Wolverhampton Worcester THORNE, IAN SMITH & Sept, Bedworth Civic Birmingham and featuring Hannah KUM-N-AVALOFF COMEDY THE 50% FUNNIER TOUR JEN BRISTER Fri 20 Sept, Hall BRIAN LACEY, JESSICA Silvester, Andy White & NIGHT A monthly come- Fizzog Productions The Glee Club, STEWART LEE: MUCH A- FOSTEKEW, ADAM CROW Mrs Barbara Nice, Sun dy event bringing present an evening of Birmingham STEW ABOUT NOTHING & ROGUE 5 Fri 27 - Sat 29 Sept, mac - together a clutch of comedy sketches, song ROMESH RANGANATHAN, Fri 27 Sept, De Montfort 28 Sept, Jongleurs Midlands Arts Centre, new and used talent, and dance featuring PAT CAHILL & JULIAN Hall, Leicester Comedy Club, Birmingham Thurs 5 Sept, compere Barbara Nice, DEAN Fri 20 Sept, ROY CHUBBY BROWN Fri Birmingham PHILL JUPITUS Playing Stourbridge Town Hall Fri 13 Sept, The Public, Hereford Courtyard 27 Sept, New CALL ME MERMAN three extraordinary ANDREW BIRD, PHIL West Bromwich Theatre Alexandra Theatre, Musical comedy tribute characters; The late ELLIS, NICK DOODY & CARL DONNELLY, CIAMH DANIEL TOWNES, Birmingham to Ethel Merman Vernon Herschel Hardy, LUKE TULSON Thur 5 - MCDONNELL, JOHN MARLON DAVIS WITH IAN COPPINGER, JOHN Sat 28 Sept, Royal Spa the late Kurt Schiffer Sat 7 Sept, The Glee GORDILLO & GARETH JESSICA FOSTEKEW & HASTINGS, JOHN GAVIN & Centre, Leamington and the late Phill Club, Birmingham RICHARDS Fri 13 - Sat TOBY HADOKE Fri 20 - FREDRIK ANDERSSON Fri Spa Jupitus, Sun 29 Sept, DAN THOMAS, HAYLEY 14 Sept, The Glee Sat 21 Sept, Highlight 27 - Sat 28 Sept, The AN EVENING WITH BRIAN Artrix, Bromsgrove ELLIS & PATRICK MORRIS Club, Birmingham Comedy Club, Glee Club, Birmingham CONLEY Sun 29 Sept, JASON MANFORD Mon Fri 6 Sept, Hereford ROGER MONKHOUSE, Birmingham BRENDAN RILEY, NICK Lichfield Garrick 30 Sept - Tue 1 Oct, Courtyard Theatre TIERNAN DOUIEB, DALISO MICKEY D, HOLLY WALSH, DOODY, TREVOR CROOK & THE LAUGHING SOLE De Montfort Hall, UPFRONT COMEDY CHAPONDA & LUKE MARK MAIER & DALISO CHAPONDA Fri 27 COMEDY CLUB FOR KIDS Leicester Featuring Richard TOULSON Fri 13 - Sat 14 CHRISTIAN REILLY Fri 20 - Sat 28 Sept, Highlight Recommended for chil- Blackwood, Karlous Sept, Highlight Comedy - Sat 21 Sept, Miller & Spank, Fri 6 Club, Birmingham Jongleurs Comedy Sept, The Drum, MICKEY D, PAUL Club, Birmingham Birmingham MYREHAUG, DAN LAUGH OUT LOUD DALISO CHAPONDA - NIGHTINGALE AND WILL-E COMEDY CLUB Featuring LAUGH OUT LOUD COME- Fri 13 - Sat 14 Sept, three comics and MC DY CLUB Fri 6 Sept, The Jongleurs Comedy Damion Larkin, Sat 21 Slade Rooms, Club, Birmingham Sept, Regent Theatre, Wolverhampton JEREMY HARDY Sat 14 Stoke-on-Trent MILTON JONES: ON THE Sept, mac - Midlands COMEDY AT THE MET Line ROAD Fri 6 Sept, Palace Arts Centre, up tbc, Sat 21 Sept, Theatre, Redditch Birmingham The Met Studio, THE EASY WAY TO KEVIN DEWSBURY, MIKEY SEVERN JESTERS Stafford Gatehouse D, NATHAN CATON & MONTHLY COMEDY NIGHT Theatre DANIEL TOWNES Fri 6 - Sun 15 Sept, Theatre ROB BECKETT Sat 21 Sat 7 Sept, Highlight Severn, Shrewsbury Sept, Festival Theatre, BOOK Comedy Club, ROBERT NEWMAN'S NEW Market Drayton, Birmingham THEORY OF EVOLUTION Shropshire JASON MANFORD Fri 6 - Comedian, journalist, BILL BAILEY Sun 22 Sat 7 Sept, Victoria novelist and activist Sept, Symphony Hall, YOUR TICKETS Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on- Rob Newman makes a Birmingham Trent return to comedy with ROBERT NEWMAN'S NEW MICKEY D, ANDREW his first complete show THEORY OF EVOLUTION Sun 22 Sept, The Slade ONLINE WATTS, STEVE in seven years, Sun 15 SHANYASKI & WILL-E Fri Sept, Artrix, Rooms, 6 - Sat 7 Sept, Bromsgrove Wolverhampton Jongleurs Comedy STEWART LEE: MUCH A- THE LUMBERJACKS Wed Club, Birmingham STEW ABOUT NOTHING 25 Sept, Palace THE 50% FUNNIER TOUR Mon 16 Sept, Theatre Theatre, Redditch Fizzog Productions Severn, Shrewsbury COMEDY WITH CAKE Wed present an evening of JIMMY CARR - GAGGING 25 Sept, Forest Arts comedy sketches, song ORDER Tue 17 Sept, De Centre, Walsall and dance featuring Montfort Hall, Leicester STEVE HUGHES Thurs 26 compere Barbara Nice, MARCEL LUCONT Thurs Sept, The Place, Sat 7 Sept, mac - 19 Sept, The Met Oakengates Theatre, Midlands Arts Centre, Studio, Stafford Telford, Shropshire Birmingham Gatehouse Theatre IAN COPPINGER, JOHN ROUGH WORKS New THE 50% FUNNIER TOUR HASTINGS, JOHN GAVIN & whatsonlive.co.uk material from some of Fizzog Productions COMIC TBC Thurs 26 the Midlands' finest present an evening of Sept, The Glee Club, comics, Sun 8 Sept, comedy sketches, song Birmingham The Glee Club, and dance featuring ROB BECKETT - LIVE Fri Birmingham compere Barbara Nice, 27 Sept, The Slade MR CEE, CURTIS WALKER, Thurs 19 Sept, Theatre Rooms, The most comprehensive what’s on listings website FELIX DEXTER AND MR On The Steps, Wolverhampton for Birmingham and the West Midlands FRAZIER Sun 8 Sept, Bridgnorth SIT DOWN, STAND UP The Glee Club, LUCY PORTER: NORTHERN FEATURING PAUL Birmingham SOUL Thurs 19 Sept, MCCAFFREY, PHIL WANG BARNSTORMERS COMEDY Artrix, Bromsgrove & HAYLEY ELLIS (MC) Fri NIGHT Tue 10 Sept, CARL HUTCHINSON, PAUL 27 Sept, The Public, Royal Spa Centre, THORNE, IAN SMITH & West Bromwich

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WIN TICKETS whatsonlive.co.uk to enter People The REP, Birmingham, Tues 3 - Sat 21 September A new Alan Bennett play is always a theatrical experience worth wait- by selling the dilapidated stately home in which she lives. The other, ing for, particularly when it’s earned rave reviews at the National The- a bossy archdeacon, is in favour of handing the rambling pile over to atre. Bennett’s latest offering is just such a play, having pretty much the National Trust. garnered plaudits across the board courtesy of its London run. What follows between them is an example of Bennett at his near best, Described by the man himself as “a play for England, sort of”, People and makes for an evening of theatre that manages to be provocative, focuses on the relationship between two sisters. One, an impecu- touching and outrageous all at the same time. nious aristocrat named Dorothy Stacpoole, is eager to make a killing Read our interview with Sian Phillips at www.whatsonlive.co.uk.

Fallen Angels Malvern Theatre, Mon 2 - Sat 7 September; Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, Mon 30 September - Sat 5 October Described as a ‘euphorically funny, Champagne- fuelled comedy', Noel Coward’s Fallen Angels is here being revived over a decade after it scored a major hit in the West End. With their husbands away playing golf and a former lover threatening to pay an impromptu visit, best friends Julia and Jane pop open the bubbly - and before too long are also loos- ening their tongues and sharpening their claws. But it’s not until their hubbies return home early from their golfing endeavours that the evening really gets The Lion King interesting... Jenny Seagrove and Sara Crowe star. Birmingham Hippodrome, until Sat 28 September Based on the Academy Award-winning animated movie, Julie Taymor's stage adapta- tion of The Lion King brings together a huge cast of actors, singers and dancers. A global phenomenon that's delighted audiences young and old since its premiere on Broadway in 1997, the show features twenty-six different types of animal, hundreds of masks and puppets, and more than seven hundred elaborate costumes. It tells the compelling tale of young lion cub Simba as he journeys through life and struggles to accept the responsibilities both of adulthood and his future role as the King. This touring production sees Gagwana Dlamini star as Rafiki, Stephen Carlile as Scar and Cleveland Cathnott as Mufasa.

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Theatre PREVIEWS Ha Ha Holmes Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Fri 13 September; Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Wed 25 Sep- tember; Lichfield Garrick, Wed 16 October; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 7 November; Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, Fri 8 November; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Tues 12 November After enjoying great success with their first Ha Ha shows, Ben Langley and Andrew Fettes are out on the road again with another in the series - and this time their spotlight falls on the world’s greatest fictional detec- tive. The show takes The Hound Of The Baskervilles as its starting point - but on this particular occasion, Sherlock’s a little less concerned with the detective work than he is with the laughter count. And luckily for audi- ences, that should prove to be pretty darned high, with none other than Joe Pasquale donning the deerstalker and puffing manfully on the pipe. Read the interview with Joe Pasquale at whatsonlive.co.uk Cymbeline Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Sat 14 - Sat 21 September, Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, Tues 24 September Shakespeare’s rarely performed work brings together heroes and villains, ghosts and gods, and long-lost brothers in a story of power, love and treachery. A princess who marries without her father’s permission soon finds herself needing to flee from the court, as her husband falls foul of a smooth-talking rogue... This particular version of Cymbeline is presented by Phizzi- cal, a touring dance-theatre company that produces cutting-edge work inspired by Indian cin- Hedwig And The Angry Inch ema. Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham, Thurs 12 - Sat 14 September the Admiral Benbow Inn, he draws young Jim An Evening Of Burlesque Rock musicals about fictional rock’n’roll Hawkins into the adventure of a lifetime, one which will see him not only setting sail in Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Thurs 19 Sep- bands fronted by East German transgender tember; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, singers aren’t exactly ten-a-penny, so it’s search of buried treasure, but also spending Sat 28 September; Crewe Lyceum, Fri 15 hardly surprising that Hedwig And The Angry time in the company of a one-legged pirate November; Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, Fri Inch caused an enormous stir when it pre- with murder in mind... 17 January miered in 1998. When Hensel meets an Burlesque has enjoyed a significant revival in American GI named Luther, his life is September In The Rain recent times - and why the heck wouldn’t it, changed forever. At Luther’s behest, he Malvern Theatre, Wed 11 - Sat 14 September given that it presents a tried-and-tested for- switches his gender - but when the operation mula of bawdy comedy and female is botched, Hensel (now renamed Hedwig) This bittersweet comedy is written - and, on striptease? This particular show arrives in the finds him/herself alone and abandoned in a this occasion, directed - by Bouncers play- region ‘direct Kansas trailer park. With life looking increas- wright John Godber. It tells the story of Jack from the West ingly grim, what’s a girl to do but form a rock and Liz, a Yorkshire couple who make an End’, and is band composed of Korean-born Army annual journey across the Pennines to enjoy being described wives?... a summer holiday in Blackpool, where don- by its promoters key rides, talent contests, saucy postcards, as ‘the slickest, rolled-up trousers and knotted hankies wickedly witti- abound. Skipping between different eras, the est, most play explores Jack and Liz’s ongoing devel- delightfully cho- opment together as a couple, recalling not reographed only their first holiday in Blackpool as newly- cabaret extrava- weds but also their last, as a pair of old-age ganza of the pensioners. Godber’s talent for taking big year’. themes and presenting them in an accessi- ble, down-to-earth manner has seen him become one of the UK’s most successful playwrights over the last two decades. Claire Winston On The Run Sweeney and John Thomson star. Artrix, Bromsgrove, Wed 25 September Writer and performer Freddie Machin is the Treasure Island creative force behind this intriguing new Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham, show, which tells the story of young Winston Thurs 26 - Sat 28 September Churchill’s coming of age. Machin has based the play on archive material, including Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story has numerous letters and photographs, and sets delighted generation upon generation of the action in 1899, with Churchill lost in the readers, and over the years has inspired suffi- African savannah, wanted ‘Dead or Alive’, cient stage and film adaptations to fill a treas- and hounded by the scathing words of his ure chest (and a big one, at that!). When salty late father. The show will be followed by a old seadog Billy Bones brings his papers to presentation and Q&A session.

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Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1SE

Gazebo SORRY! NO COLOUREDS, NO THE JON RONSON IRISH, NO DOGS MYSTERIES Thursday 3 October at 7.30pm / Thursday 7 November at 7.30pm Friday 4 October at 7.30pm

Blackeyed Theatre Company DRACULA Monday 7 + Tuesday 8 October at 7.30pm Wednesday 9 October at 1.30pm + 7.30pm

A series of powerful monologues are brought A powerful new production of Bram Stoker’s Writer and documentary film maker Jon together in this fascinating exploration of racism, timeless gothic thriller, featuring live music and Ronson talks about the extraordinary stories migration and the transatlantic slave trade. innovative design. behind his latest book. Tickets: £10 full price / £8 concessions Tickets: £11 full price/ £9 concessions/ £5 matinee Tickets: £12 full price/ £10 concessions

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Theatre PREVIEWS Dunsinane Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Tues 24 - Sat 28 September The National Theatre of Scotland presents this Royal Shakespeare Company produc- tion. Envisioning one man's attempt to restore peace in a Scotland ravaged by war, David Grieg's Dunsinane finds Macbeth dead and the commanding officer of a British army taking the seat of power. But with a brutal guerrilla army making its intentions known, and the commanding officer feeling increas- ingly isolated from both his own men and his Scottish allies, it isn't long before the situa- tion begins to spiral out of his control... Birm- ingham Rep Artistic Director Roxana Silbert here revives her acclaimed production, which originally showed at Hampstead The- atre.

Vienna Festival Ballet: Snow White Artrix, Bromsgrove, Sat 28 September; Bedworth Civic Hall, Thurs 7 November Touring the UK since 1980, Vienna Festival Ballet has established itself as one of the country’s leading dance ensembles, presenting shows that include Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Cinderella, American In Paris and Bolero. The company is further expanding its repertoire with this autumn presentation, a production that’s been choreo- graphed by the internationally renowned Barry McGrath, and which features costumes by Vonnie Meyrick-Brook, costume-maker for blockbuster movies such as Skyfall and the Harry Eddie And The Gold Tops Potter series. Expect to be entirely captivated by a show which has been described as utterly The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury, ‘spellbinding’. Thurs 26 September Life’s hard for Eddie. Stardom beckons, but how can he ever become a chart-topping Ed Rapley Trilogy gloomy home, she sits alone each night superstar when he’s got his deathbed prom- dreading the sound of footsteps from locked ise to his milkman dad to fulfill - to ensure mac - Midlands Arts Centre, Birmingham, Sat 28 September and empty rooms, waiting for the gaslight to that he never misses a milk delivery now that dim. When a stranger arrives one evening Ed Rapley’s no ordinary man. According to he’s inherited the family business. Supported with a terrifying story to tell, Bella must work one broadsheet, he has 'the camp enthusi- in his musicmaking endeavours by the fabu- out whether her visitor is really there to help, asm of a fanged Bruce Forsyth' - a bizarre lous Gold Tops, Eddie needs to find a way to or if she’s about to descend into a pit of and quietly terrifying prospect indeed! make his Top Of The Pops dream come true, madness from which there can be no Following success a couple of years back at before everything turns as sour as a bottle of return... out-of-date milk on a hot summer’s day... the Exeter Fringe, Ed is here bringing togeth- er three presentations to create a theatrical landscape inhabited by childhood memories One Night In November and adult loss. Blending stand-up, story- Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, telling, dance, live art and clowning, 10 Ways Sat 28 September - Sat 19 October To Die On Stage, The Middle Bit When headstrong eighteen-year-old trainee and Who Knows teacher Katie meets stranded Oxford tutor Where are all Michael, love isn’t all that’s in the air, with the stand-alone threat of war hanging over 1940s Coventry... shows, but togeth- Focusing on one family's experiences of the er record the jour- Coventry Blitz, One Night In November ney of a life; from examines the notion that Churchill had wild optimism, advanced warning of the terrible attack through the which was destined to leave the city decimat- wilderness, and ed. Alan Pollock’s acclaimed drama returns into the unknown. to the Belgrade by popular demand. The Vagina Monologues Lichfield Garrick, Thurs 26 September; Soli- hull Arts Complex, Fri 27th September; Gaslight Palace Theatre, Redditch, Sat 2 November; New Vic Theatre, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Mon 11 Novem- Fri 20 September - Sat 5 October ber; New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, Fri 22 November Patrick Hamilton’s play comes with a royal seal of approval, with both King George and Based on author Eve Ensler's 'vagina inter- Queen Elizabeth having insisted on seeing it views', conducted with women from across during its hugely successful West End run. It the world, this witty and moving collection of also has the honour of being the longest-run- tales gives voice to a chorus of lusty, outra- ning British play in Broadway history. All of geous, poignant, brave and thoroughly which should nicely whet the appetite for this human stories. This particular tour features particular version of the show. input from Diane Keen, Terri Dwyer and Hol- Bella Manningham’s life is a fun-free zone. lie-Jay Bowes. Losing her mind and feeling trapped in her www.whatsonlive.co.uk 35 Theatre September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:33 Page 7

September 28th October 17th - 19th Artrix, Bromsgrove - 2.30* & 7.30 Lichfield Garrick, Lichfield 2.30* & 7.30 .artrix.co.uk 01527 577330 (Performance of Sleeping Beauty) lichfieldgarrick.com 01543 412121 October 5th Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham - 7.30 October 25th eveshamartscentre.co.uk 01386-446944 The Place, Oakengates, Telford- 7.00 [email protected] 01952 382 382 October 15th Glyndwr University, Wrexham - 7.30 glyndwr.ac.uk 01978 290666 * Saturday Matinee

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Thomson and Claire Sweeney star, Wed 11 - Week Commencing Theatre LISTINGS Sat 14 Sept, Malvern The- atres MON 16 SEPT For full listing information on theatre pro- TIMELESS THEATRE NOSTAL- ductions including times and dates visit GIA SHOW Mon 16 - Tues AN EVENING WITH TONY www.whatsonlive.co.uk 17 Sept, Solihull Arts Com- STOCKWELL Mon 16 Sept, plex Crescent Theatre, Birming- under-Lyme FRENCH CAN CAN A critically ham PEOPLE Tue 3 - Sat 21 acclaimed stage spectacu- DREAMBOATS AND PETTI- From lar that celebrates the ele- COATS THE MUSICAL Sept, Birmingham Reperto- Featur- CALL SUN 1 SEPT ry Theatre gance of Paris and the ing songs from Roy Orbi- TRÈS TRÈS CABARET FOR YOUR BROCHURE PETER GRIMES ON ALDE- high-kicking glamour of the son, The Shadows, Eddie THE MET STUDIO city’s most famous dance Cochran, Billy Fury, Chuck TODAY THE PRODIGALS Musical BURGH BEACH Screening of Sat 14 Sept Benjamin Britten's beautiful routine, Wed 11 Sept, Soli- Berry and many more... written by Ray Goudie & Stafford’s very own burlesque Joe Harmston, until Sat 14 masterpiece, which has hull Arts Complex Mon 16 - Sat 21 Sept, The CALENDAR GIRLS The Nor- and cabaret night is ready to set Sept, Belgrade Theatre, captured the imaginations Grand Theatre, Wolver- hearts aflutter and pulses racing! Coventry of audiences since it pre- bury Players present an hampton Très Très Cabaret promises to ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL miered in 1945, Thurs 5 amateur production of Tim JOHN COOPER CLARKE Tue bring you the most extravagant Firth's much-acclaimed 17 Sept, Artrix, Broms- variety show to the secluded inti- 18+ Nancy Meckler directs Sept, Malvern Theatres macy of The Met Studio. Featur- DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID drama, based on a true grove Shakespeare's comic and ing the hottest performers from 8pm, £15 touching romance, until The Belfry Players present story, Wed 11 - Sat 14 THE ELEPHANT MAN Different the international cabaret scene to Thurs 26 Sept, Royal Dennis Kelly’s play about a Sept, The Norbury Theatre, Animal present the Tony surprise and delight you... Dress to impress and join us for an evening of glitz, glamour Shakespeare Theatre, group of dysfunctional Droitwich Award-winning play which SHERLOCK HOLMES: THE tells the tragic and moving and so much more. With a stellar line-up of acts, this show is Stratford-upon-Avon teenagers with a murder- set to be the talk of the town. DEATH AND LIFE Roger story of Joseph Merrick HAMLET David Farr directs ous secret, Fri 6 Sept, Bel- MOZART FLUTE AND Jonathan Slinger in Shake- fry Theatre, Wellington, Llewellyn presents a and his rise from Victorian humorous tale of murder, sideshow curiosity to toast HARP CONCERTO speare's tragedy of justice Shropshire GATEHOUSE THEATRE OUR HOUSE Amateur pro- mystery and the occult, of London society, Tue 17 - and revenge, until Sat 28 Wed 18 Sept Sept, Royal Shakespeare duction of the award-win- Thurs 12 - Fri 13 Sept, Sat 21 Sept, Lichfield Gar- Theatre Severn, Shrews- rick Manchester Camerata celebrate Theatre, Stratford-upon- ning musical featuring Britten’s centenary year in a pro- Avon classic hits from ’80s pop bury ELYSIAN FIELDS The first gramme coupling the youthful group Madness, presented HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY production from Malvern's composer’s work with that of a INCH Nigel Frances Pro- Writer-in-Residence Nick young Wolfgang Amadeus by Young Performers The- Mozart. Arvo Pärt’s beautifully atre Group, Sat 7 Sept, ductions present a stage Wilkes, Tue 17 - Sat 21 atmospheric elegy, Cantus in Theatre Severn, Shrews- adaptation of the award- Sept, Malvern Theatres memoriam Benjamin Britten, winning Broadway rock TURANDOT: ROYAL OPERA opens the programme. Britten’s 7.30pm, £15, £13 concs bury Simple Symphony and Prelude under 26 £5, under 18 £3 WALSALL GILBERT & SULLI- musical, Thurs 12 - Sat 14 HOUSE Encore Screening. and Fugue show a young com- VAN SOCIETY 50TH ANNIVER- Sept, Old Joint Stock The- Live screening of Puccini's poser in total mastery of his craft. We continue our Mozart concerto atre, Birmingham tale of disguised identities, cycle with one of Mozart’s most loved of concertos, for flute and SARY GALA CONCERT Sat 7 harp, featuring our principal flautist Amina Hussain and former harpist Sept, Forest Arts Centre, THE LEGEND OF MIKE SMITH riddles, ritual executions to the Prince of Wales Claire Jones. Walsall Award-winning jazz and and powerful, triumphant The programme concludes with the eighteen year old Mozart’s 29th HANSEL AND GRETEL Inter- Hip-hop star Soweto Kinch love. Sung in Italian, Wed Symphony, a work brimming with energy, invention and pure joy. active theatre experience presents a staged perform- 18 Sept, Artrix, Broms- Hamlet - RSC ance of his latest album, grove MARCEL LUCONT which brings the Grimm THE MET STUDI0 AS YOU LIKE IT Maria Aberg tale to life, Sat 7 Sept, with jazz improvisation, a THE HITCHHIKER’S GUIDE TO directs following her Birmingham Repertory driving Hip-Hop score and THE GALAXY RADIO SHOW Thurs 19 Sept riotous production of King Theatre choreography from Jonzi Featuring Simon Jones as Witty, acerbic, magniloquent D, Thurs 12 - Sat 28 Sept, Arthur Dent. Wed 18 Sept, Frenchman seeks willing, intelli- John in the Swan Theatre THE HISTORY BOYS Alan gent audience for fun, adventure, as part of the World Shake- Bennett's award-winning Birmingham Repertory Royal Spa Centre, Leam- maybe something more. Winner speare Festival, until Sat play, Sat 7 - Sat 14 Sep, Theatre ington Spa of the Amused Moose Laughter Award 2012 and Perth Fringe- 28 Sept, Royal Shake- Crescent Theatre, Birming- AN AUDIENCE WITH COLIN THAT'LL BE THE DAY Rock- world Best Comedy Show as 14+ speare Theatre, Stratford- ham FRY Fri 13 Sept, Wulfrun 'n'Roll spectacular combin- seen on Russell Howard's Good upon-Avon SAPTAPADI A lively, humor- Hall, Wolverhampton ing music from the ’50s, News (BBC3), Live at The Electric HA HA HOLMES Comedy ’60s & ’70s with wacky (BBC3) and Set List (Sky 8pm, £13 / £11 concs THE LION KING until Sat 28 ous and emotional Gujarati Atlantic). Sept, Birmingham Hippo- play for the whole family, thriller from the Ha Ha comedy routines, Wed 18 drome Sun 8 Sept, mac - Mid- Boys. Joe Pasquale stars, Sept, Theatre Severn, COMEDY IN THE MET - SEPTEMBER THE MET STUDI0 A MAD WORLD MY MASTERS lands Arts Centre, Birming- Fri 13 Sept, Crewe Lyceum Shrewsbury Sean Foley makes his RSC ham BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY Cele- STORYTELLING CAFE: bration of the music of RETURN TO LYONESSE Wed Sat 21 Sept debut, directing Thomas Bringing you the very best in live Middleton's Jacobean 'city Frankie Valli and The Four 18 Sept, Kitchen Garden comedy from around the country, comedy', an outrageously Week Commencing Seasons, Fri 13 Sept, Cafe, Birmingham The MET Studio has line ups to Palace Theatre, Redditch BEDROOM FARCE Alan Ayck- rival the biggest comedy clubs in wicked, brilliantly plotted MON 9 SEPT the UK. The MET Studio has farcical satire of lies and AN AUDIENCE WITH SHER- bourn's classic play of infi- become a regular stop off for lust, until Fri 25 Oct, The WHAT THE BUTLER SAW An LOCK HOLMES As night delity, surprise and misin- those travelling to and from the draws in and fog settles terpretation. Presented by Edinburgh fringe or preparing for Swan Theatre, Stratford- amateur production by their slot on Russell Howard’s 8pm, £10 upon-Avon Nonentities, Mon 9 - Sat 14 once more over the city of KODS, Wed 18 - Sat 21 Good News Show. The comedy CANDIDE RSC Writer-in-Res- Sept, The Rose Theatre, London, join Sherlock Sept, The Rose Theatre, in the MET nights are regular sell outs so make sure you book early to avoid disappointment! idence Mark Ravenhill Kidderminster Holmes in the study of Kidderminster responds to Voltaire's HOUDINI Presented by The- 221B Baker Street for a THAT'LL BE THE DAY Rock- THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN novel in a new play, direct- atre Giants Mon 9 - Sat 14 classic retelling of some of 'n'Roll spectacular combin- GATEHOUSE THEATRE ed by Lyndsey Turner, until Sept, Stoke Repertory The- his most celebrated cases, ing music from the ’50s, Sat 26 Oct, The Swan The- atre Sat 14 Sept, Palace The- ’60s & ’70s with wacky Fri 27 Sept atre, Redditch comedy routines, Thurs 19 Direct from The States, the UK's atre, Stratford-upon-Avon IN THE BOX Ralph Dellor biggest Motown concert tour cel- TITUS ANDRONICUS Michael hosts a memorable TRES TRES CABARET Sept, Palace Theatre, Red- ebrates 50 years of no.1 songs Fentiman makes his RSC evening with Test Match Stafford's very own bur- ditch with its brand new arena show! lesque and cabaret night. BUGLE BOY: THE LIFE STORY The non stop spectacular features debut, directing Shake- Special commentators and massive hits from The Supremes, speare's early revenge cricketing legends as they Strictly over 18s only, Sat OF GLENN MILLER Thurs 19 - Temptations, Four Tops, Jackson 8pm, £21.50 tragedy, until Sat 26 Oct, recall their favourite anec- 14 Sept, Stafford Gate- Sat 21 Sept, Crewe 5, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, house Theatre Lyceum Martha Reeves, Lionel Richie and more. The Swan Theatre, Strat- dotes from life In The Box, An all star cast, that original Detroit sound, sparkling costumes and ford-upon-Avon Tue 10 Sept, Solihull Arts STAFFORD SAMARITANS 50TH amazing choreography: The Magic of Motown will be getting to you FALLEN ANGELS Jenny Sea- Complex ANNIVERSARY CONCERT A in 2013. grove and Sara Crowe fea- FEMALE GOTHIC Presented special variety concert fea- turing some of the town's KEIRAN GOSS ture in Noel Coward’s com- by Dyad Productions, the THE MET STUDIO edy, Mon 2 - Sat 7 Sept, company behind the best-known performers, Malvern Theatre acclaimed Austen’s Sat 14 Sept, Stafford Gate- Wed 2 Oct TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EX A Women, Tues 10 Sept, house Theatre Long hailed as one of Ireland's brand new theatrical expe- Bridge House Theatre, THREE PHANTOMS Featuring leading songwriters and perform- songs from The Phantom ers, Kieran Goss’s music has rience where the audience Warwick won him fans across the globe, Of The Opera and other is the author, Tue 3 - Sat 7 AN EVENING WITH SALLY but if his songs have brought him 7.30pm, £14 /£11 concs MORGAN Tues 10 Sept, West End musicals. stardom, it's Kieran's live shows Sept, Old Joint Stock The- which have made him a legend in his homeland, atre, Birmingham Dudley Town Hall Matthew Cammelle, Bugle Boy MUDDY COWS New comedy SEPTEMBER IN THE RAIN Stephen John Davis and which centres around the John Godber drama that Earl Carpenter star... Sat THREE PHANTOMS Featuring BOOKONLINE elite world of female rugby, follows Liz and Jack on 14 - Sun 15 Sept, The songs from The Phantom Tues 3 - Sat 14 Sept, New their annual jaunts to Grand Theatre, Wolver- Of The Opera and other hampton West End musicals. Box Office 01785 254653 Vic Theatre, Newcastle- Blackpool over a thirty-year www.staffordgatehousetheatre.co.uk period. TV favourites John Matthew Cammelle, www.whatsonlive.co.uk 37 Theatre September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:33 Page 9

38 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:33 Page 10

Robert Louis Steven- WITH ANDREW DEE Sat antics of a circus clown Smackee return with LISTINGS son's tale of bucca- 28 Sept, The Met Stu- who gives in to society their presentation of the Theatre neers and hidden gold dio, Stafford Gatehouse and gets a real job, Sat best of West End and Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Sept, AN EVENING OF CLAIR- 28 Sept, The Swan Broadway musicals, For full listing information on theatre The Blue Orange The- VOYANCE WITH PHILIP Theatre, Worcester Sun 29 Sept, Theatre productions, including times and atre, Birmingham SOLOMON AND FRIENDS 1940S CABARET: TIME TO Severn, Shrewsbury dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk FOGHORN IMPROV: WE'LL Sat 28 Sept, The Pub- REMEMBER An evening WILD WILD PARTY Spe- MEET AGAIN The Old lic, West Bromwich of 1940s-style entertain- cial singalong show, Joint Stock's resident BACK TO BROADWAY Sat ment, fusing music and guaranteed to 'get the Stephen John Davis improv group take the 28 Sept, Palace The- humour, Sat 28 Sept, whole family dancing, and Earl Carpenter Week Commencing audience on a journey atre, Redditch Bantock House Muse- laughing and singing', star... Thurs 19 Sept, back to the 1950s - a ALBERT HERRING Mid um, Wolverhampton Sun 29 Sept, Artrix, Belgrade Theatre, MON 23 SEPT time of new begin- Wales Opera present OTHELLO - NATIONAL Bromsgrove Coventry nings... Thurs 26 Sept, their version of Ben- THEATRE LIVE A major AN EVENING OF BUR- THE PRIVATE EAR - THE Old Joint Stock The- jamin Britten's depiction new production of LESQUE Britain’s biggest PUBLIC EYE Week Commencing Peter Shaf- atre, Birmingham of village life, Sat 28 Shakespeare's celebrat- burlesque spectacular fer's 1962 West End EDDIE AND THE GOLD Sept, The Roses The- ed play about the MON 30 SEPT returns with a brand and Broadway hit, set TOPS Heartwarming atre, Tewkesbury destructive power of new show for 2013. in a musky London 1960s comedy written AN EVENING OF BUR- jealousy. Adrian Lester INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS - Direct from London’s bedsit. Jasper Britton, and directed by Kate LESQUE Britain’s biggest and Rory Kinnear star, EVERYTHING FROM NOTH- West End, Thurs 19 Steven Blakeley, Rupert Bramley, with original burlesque spectacular Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, ING Presented by Pro- Sept, Theatre Severn, Hill and Siobhan O'Kelly songs and music by returns with a brand mac - Midlands Arts fessor Carlos S Frenk, Shrewsbury star, Mon 23 - Sat 28 Jez Lowe, Thurs 26 new show for 2013. Centre, Birmingham FRS, Director of the BEST OF BRITISH Music, Sept, Malvern Theatres Sept, The Roses The- Direct from London’s WINNIE THE POOH Play- Institute for Computa- comedy sketches and THE FULL MONTY Stage atre, Tewkesbury West End, Sat 28 Sept, box Theatre present tional Cosmology and drama from across the version of the Oscar- OTHELLO - NATIONAL New Alexandra Theatre, their version of AA Ogden Professor of decades, Thurs 19 - Sat winning film that took THEATRE LIVE A major Birmingham Milne’s much-loved Fundamental Physics, 21 Sept, Evesham Arts the world by storm in new production of ENCHANTED BURLESQUE - tale, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Mon 30 Sept, Hunting- Centre 1997, Tue 24 - Sat 28 Shakespeare's celebrat- TRIBUTE An evening of Sept, The Dream Facto- don Hall, Worcester CALENDAR GIRLS Ama- Sept, The Grand The- ed play about the burlesque, with plenty ry, Warwick OTHELLO - NATIONAL THE- teur production based atre, Wolverhampton destructive power of of glamour and come- ONE NIGHT IN NOVEMBER ATRE LIVE Mon 30 Sept, on the Mirimax motion DUNSINANE Tue 24 - Sat jealousy. Adrian Lester dy, Sat 28 Sept, Old The story of the Coven- The Roses Theatre, picture by Juliette 28 Sept, Birmingham and Rory Kinnear star, Rep, Birmingham try Blitz. Sat 28 Sep - Tewkesbury Towhidi and Tim Firth, Repertory Theatre Thurs 26 Sept, The GOTTA SING GOTTA Tues 19 Nov, Belgrade FALLEN ANGELS Jenny Thurs 19 - Sat 21 Sept, FAULTY TOWERS: THE Edge Arts Centre, Much DANCE... A journey Theatre, Coventry Seagrove and Sara Forest Arts Centre, Wal- DINING EXPERIENCE Tue Wenlock, Shropshire & through the wonderful GOTTA SING GOTTA Crowe feature in Noel sall 24 - Sat 28 Sept, Birm- mac - Midlands Arts world of musical the- DANCE... A journey Coward’s comedy, Mon HOPELESSLY DEVOTED ingham Repertory The- Centre, Birmingham atre, featuring a full through the wonderful 30 Sept - Sat 5 Oct, The Kate Tempest's story atre MURDER ON THE NILE supporting company of world of musical the- Grand Theatre, Wolver- about love in all its ALIENS LOVE UNDER- Thurs 26 - Sat 28 Sept, West End singers and atre, featuring a full hampton extremes, Thurs 19 PANTS Tue 24 - Wed 25 Stratford Civic Hall, dancers, plus a live supporting company of SAVE THE LAST DANCE Sept - Sat 5 Oct, Birm- Sept, Crewe Lyceum Stratford-upon-Avon band, Sat 28 Sept, West End singers and FOR ME Rock'n'roll musi- ingham Repertory The- THE COMPLETE WORKS BEGUILDY: THE LIFE AND Regent Theatre, Stoke- dancers, Sun 29 Sept, cal that sees Dream- atre OF WILLIAM SHAKE- LOVES OF MARY WEBB on-Trent New Alexandra Theatre, boats & Petticoats meet DEREK ACORAH THE SPEARE (ABRIDGED) The Janie Mitchell and Anne TWEEDY'S LOST PROPER- Birmingham Dirty Dancing, Mon 30 ETERNAL SPIRITS TOUR Reduced Shakespeare Marie Summers present TY Physical comedy PHANTOM AND THE MUSI- Sept - Sat 5 Oct, The- Fri 20 Sept, Palace The- Company present a biographical anecdotes show that follows the CALS Barry Walker's atre Severn, Shrewsbury atre, Redditch fast-paced romp charting the short and BACK TO BROADWAY Fri through the best of The eccentric life of the 20 Sept, Malvern The- Bard's works, Wed 25 Shropshire author and atres Sept, Lichfield Garrick nature mystic, Mary BLOFELD & BAXTER: WINSTON ON THE RUN Webb, Fri 27 Sept, The MEMORIES OF TEST Experience the coming- Edge Arts Centre, Much MATCH SPECIAL Two of of-age of Britain's great- Wenlock, South Shrop- the titans of cricket est hero in this gripping shire share tales from Test true story of adventure, GIVE MY REGARDS TO Match Special com- audacity and Imperial BROADWAY Presented mentary boxes across folly, Wed 25 Sept, by Blackout Theatre, Fri the world, Fri 20 Sept, Artrix, Bromsgrove 27 Sept, Old Rep, Birm- The Roses Theatre, HA HA HOLMES Comedy ingham Tewkesbury thriller from the Ha Ha THREE PHANTOMS Fea- GASLIGHT Fri 20 Sept - Boys. Joe Pasquale turing songs from The Sat 5 Oct, New Vic The- stars, Wed 25 Sept, Phantom Of The Opera atre, Newcastle-under- Theatre Severn, and other West End Lyme Shrewsbury musicals. Matthew RUBY MAIHEM BUR- SEPARATE TABLES All & Cammelle, Stephen LESQUE Burlesque Sundry present Ter- John Davis and Earl entertainment perform- rence Rattigan’s much- Carpenter star... Fri 27 - ances from Ava Bon- acclaimed work, which Sat 28 Sept, Malvern ham Garter and Rain- demonstrates his art of Theatres bow Sparkles, Sat 21 characterisation, Wed JACK THE RIPPER - A Sept, The Public, West 25 - Sun 28 Sept, mac - 21ST CENTURY INVESTI- Bromwich Midlands Arts Centre, GATION Retired British THE ELEPHANT BRIDES- Birmingham police murder squad MAID Magical musical AN EVENING WITH RAY detective Trevor Mar- about weddings, wom- MEARS Hear Ray talk riott reveals the findings bats and the loveliest about his practical and of his ten-year investi- elephant the world has resourceful bushcraft gation into the ever known... Sat 21 survival skills, Thurs 26 Whitechapel Murders of Sept, The Place, Oak- Sept, Theatre Severn, 1888, Fri 27 Sept, The- engates Theatre, Shrewsbury atre Severn, Shrews- Telford OTHELLO - NATIONAL bury WINNIE THE POOH Play- THEATRE LIVE A major THE VAGINA MONO- box Theatre present new production of LOGUES Fri 27th Sept, their version of AA Shakespeare's celebrat- Solihull Arts Complex Milne’s much-loved ed play about the THE LEGENDS OF SWING - tale, Sat 21 - Sun 22 destructive power of ACCESS ALL AREAS! Sept, The Dream Facto- jealousy. Adrian Lester Classic Swing meets ry, Warwick and Rory Kinnear star, modern theatre as WHO'S AFRAID OF VIR- Thurs 26 Sept, Artrix, Tommy Warren and GINIA WOLF? Amateur Bromsgrove Jonny Gray introduce a production of Edward THE VAGINA MONO- new and exciting take Albee's classic, pre- LOGUES Based on Eve on this timeless music, sented by the Crescent Ensler's ‘vagina inter- Fri 27 Sept, Lichfield Theatre Company, Sat views’ and featuring an Garrick 21 - Sat 28 Sept, Cres- all-star cast, Thurs 26 FIFTY DAYS OF GREY Fri cent Theatre, Birming- Sept, Lichfield Garrick 27 Sept, Crewe Lyceum ham TREASURE ISLAND EVENING OF MEDIUMSHIP

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 39 Theatre September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:33 Page 11

Theatre REVIEWS

Here are a few of our favourite theatre productions we reviewed from last month. For further theatre reviews, visit, www.whatsonlive.co.uk

Henry VI trilogy Tewkesbury Battlefield The Globe’s Henry VI trilogy landed on Tewkesbury Battlefield a few days too late to benefit from the July heatwave. Even more unfortunately, the weath- er was so inclement that a production of Shake- speare’s The Tempest would’ve been way more appropriate. Anyone who’s ever put their faith in the British sum- mer, bought a ticket for an outdoor show, and then spent the entire time doing a passable imperson- ation of a drowned rat will know only too well that the business of ‘being sodden’ can spectacularly undermine one’s appreciation of a performance under the stars. And so it was, unfortunately, with Henry. Evita Umbrellas went up, umbrellas came down, umbrel- Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton las went up again. And all the while the actors did In a role previously performed by some of musical theatre’s finest, Madalena Alberto their very best to power their voices through the shone as brightly as the diamonds that often adorned the neck of Argentina’s first prevailing wind, the increased need to project lady, Eva Peron. With an undisputably impressive vocal range, she perfectly manoeu- meaning their performances were so much less vred her way through some of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic and subtle than they might otherwise have been. The heartfelt musical numbers. Her rendition of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina was up there cast were certainly wholehearted in their attempts with the best. Alberto was sure-footed throughout, guiding the character of Peron from to entertain, and they just as certainly needed to be her days as a self-assured actress who became the voice of the Argentinian people - the audience was palpably distracted by the con- through to her tragically early demise at the age of thirty-three - the final scene leaves ditions, with regular visits to the dryness and rela- you breathless. tive warmth of the refreshments tent being an all Elsewhere, Sarah McNicholas’ rendition of Another Suitcase... is simply sublime, while too appealing idea. Wet Wet Wet frontman Marti Pellow’s animated portrayal of the revolutionary Che said This trilogy had much to recommend it. It deserved much for his versatility as a performer. His raspy tones were perfect for narrating a better fate than a day spent doing battle with the Peron’s rise to fame and fortune, and he certainly delivered on his promise to bring elements. Alex Dyle III II something of himself to the role. Credible performances also come from Mark Heenehan, as Juan Peron, and from Nic Gibney, who, as Eva’s first love Magaldi, is the person credited with influencing her in her formative years. A wonderful production, much deserving of its standing ovation. Patsy Moss IIIII

Theatre Box Office

Birmingham OLDBURY REP, OLDBURY Warwickshire 0121 552 2761 ALEXANDRA THEATRE BEDWORTH CIVIC HALL 0844 871 3011 THE PUBLIC, WEST BROMWICH 024 7637 6707 0121 533 7161 BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY 0844 338 5000 Shropshire 024 7655 3055 BIRMINGHAM REP BRIDGE HOUSE THEATRE, WARWICK THE BELFREY, WELLINGTON 0121 236 4455 01926 776438 01952 222277 THE BLUE ORANGE THEATRE THE DREAM FACTORY THE EDGE, MUCH WENLOCK 0121 212 2643 01926 419555 01952 728911 CRESCENT THEATRE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE Strictly Confidential THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 0121 643 5858 THEATRE, STRATFORD-UPON-AVON Symphony Hall, Birmingham 01743 234970 DOVEHOUSE THEATRE 0844 800 1110 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY A Strictly Come Dancing offshoot bounced back 0121 706 7139 ROYAL SPA CENTRE ROOMS 01584 878141 into Birmingham this summer with a couple of hot THE DRUM 0121 333 2444 LEAMINGTON 01926 334418 THE PLACE, OAKENGATES, TELFORD dates at Symphony Hall. WARWICK ARTS CENTRE, COVENTRY MAC 0121 446 3232 01952 382382 This time, it came not with a judging line-up but 02476 524524 OLD JOINT STOCK THEATRE THEATRE SEVERN, SHREWSBURY with a smattering of the series’ most popular faces. 0121 200 0946 01743 281281 Worcestershire The show provided plenty of behind-the-scenes OLD REP 0121 245 4455 WEM TOWN HALL trivia and showbiz gossip, as well as many of the SOLIHULL ARTS COMPLEX 01939 232299 ARTRIX ARTS CENTRE, best Latin and ballroom routines. Hence its title - 0121 704 6962 BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 Strictly Confidential. Staffordshire THE HIVE 01905 822866 Host Lisa Riley talked and danced her way through Black Country LICHFIELD GARRICK HUNTINGDON HALL, WORCESTER ARENA THEATRE 01543 412121 the story of her career and her family, and 01905 611427 WOLVERHAMPTON NEW VIC 01782 717962 explained how her beloved Strictly had given her a MALVERN THEATRE 01902 321321 PRINCE OF WALES new lease of life both professionally and personally. 01684 892277 BLOXWICH THEATRE CENTRE, CANNOCK My two favourite dancers were there too: long- 01922 653183 01543 578762 NORBURY THEATRE, DROITWICH 01905 770154 legged Aussie Natalie Lowe and Russian heartthrob DUDLEY CONCERT HALL REGENT THEATRE, STOKE Artem Chigvintsev, who let slip how he fell in love 01384 812812 0870 060 6649 PALACE THEATRE REDDITCH 01527 65203 with his dancing partner (and eventual 2010 win- FOREST ARTS CENTRE, WALSALL STAFFORD GATEHOUSE ner) Kaira Tointon. 01922 654555 01785 254653 ROSE THEATRE, 01562 743745 The show was ideal for fans wanting a summertime GRAND THEATRE, STOKE REPERTORY THEATRE 01902 429212 01782 209784 SWAN THEATRE, Strictly fix before the new series starts in the WORCESTER 01905 611427 autumn. Anita Champaneri III II NEWHAMPTON ARTS CENTRE 01902 572090

40 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Theatre September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 12:33 Page 12

Theatre WEST END New casting announced for Andrew Lloyd Webber classic Argentinian actor Geronimo Rauch is this month joining the cast of Andrew Lloyd’s Webber’s multi-award-winning musical, The Phantom Of The Opera. Hot on the heels of of his acclaimed performance as Jean Val- jean in Les Miserables at the Queen’s The- atre, Rauch will play The Phantom opposite Sofia Escobar’s Christine. Other new addi- tions to the cast include Sean Palmer (Raoul), Andy Hockley (Monsieur Firmin), Martin Ball (Monsieur Andre), Claire Moore (Carlotta), Jacinta Mulcahy (Madame Giry) and Cat Lane (Meg Giry). The Phantom Of The Opera is booking at Her Majesty’s Theatre until 26 April 2014. Linda Bassett to appear in post-war drama Following her much-celebrated performance in Alan Bennett’s People at the National The- atre, East Is East actress Linda Bassett is to return to the London stage in Andrew Wesker’s post-war trilogy, Roots. Bassett will play mother to Jessica Raine’s Beatie Bryant Roddy Doyle musical makes its West End debut - a young woman finding her voice at a time The stage adaptation of Roddy Doyle’s best- Rabbitte. Jimmy advertises for additional of unprecedented change. selling novel The Commitments is to make its musicians, and launches the band under the Set in 1958, Roots centres around Beatie’s debut at the Palace Theatre this month. name The Commitments. relationship with a young socialist who she The show, which has been two years in the The stage show features songs by Aretha met on a trip to London, and who’s visiting making, has been adapted by Doyle himself, Franklin, The Rolling Stones, The Tempta- her at her family’s Norfolk farm. Dizzy with with the award-winning Jamie Lloyd taking tions, James Brown, Otis Redding and Wil- notions of change, Beatie looks forward to a the director’s chair. son Picket. future in a bolder, freer world... The Commitments follows two members of a The Commitments opens at the Palace The- Roots shows at The Donmar Warehouse from frustrated synthesizer band who turn for help atre on 21 September, with bookings current- 3 October to 30 November. to young working-class music expert Jimmy ly being taken until 26 January 2014.

ROCK OF AGES Garrick GHOSTS Almeida Theatre, WOMAN IN BLACK For- WEST END LISTINGS: Theatre, booking until 2 DRAMA 26 Sept - 23 Nov 2013 tune Theatre, booking Nov 2013 until 14 Dec 2013 BLUE STOCKINGS Shake- MOUSETRAP St Martins SAUCY JACK AND THE Theatre, booking until 3 JERSEY BOYS Prince speare’s Globe Theatre SPACE VIXENS Leicester MUSICALS Edward Theatre and booking until 11 Oct Jan 2015 COMEDY Piccadilly Theatre, Square Theatre lounge, 2013 OTHELLO Olivier National AMERICAN PSYCHO now booking until 15 booking until 9 Mar CHIMERICA Harold Pinter Theatre, booking until 18 39 STEPS Criterion The- Sept 2013 Almeida Theatre, 3 Dec 2014 Theatre, booking until Sept 2013 atre, booking until 19 2013 - 25 Jan 2014 LES MISÉRABLES SCOTTSBRO BOYS Young 19 Oct 2013 PRIDE Trafalgar Studio Oct 2013 Vic Theatre, 18 Oct - 23 BILLY ELLIOT – THE MUSI- Queen's Theatre, book- CORIOLANUS Donmar Theatre, booking until 9 BARKING IN ESSEX Wyn- CAL Victoria Palace ing until 26 Apr 2014 Nov 2013 Warehouse, booking 6 Nov 2013 dham’s Theatre, 6 Sept Theatre, booking until LET IT BE Savoy The- SEUSSICAL Arts Theatre, Dec 2013 - 8 Feb 2014 ROMEO & JULIET Ambas- 2013 - 4 Jan 2014 21 Dec 2013 atre, booking until 18 sador Theatre, 25 Sept - 29 Nov - 5 Jan 2014 CURIOUS INCIDENT OF ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS Jan 2014 29 Nov 2013 BODYGUARD Adelphi SOUND OF MUSIC THE DOG IN THE NIGHT- Haymarket Theatre Theatre, booking until LIGHT PRINCESS Regents Park Open Air TIME Apollo Theatre, WAR HORSE New London Royal, booking until 31 14 Mar 2014 Lyttelton, National The- Theatre, booking until booking until 25 Oct Theatre, booking until 15 Aug 2013 BOOK OF MORMON atre, 25 Sept 2013 - 2 14 Sept 2013 2014 Feb 2014 Prince Of Wales The- Jan 2014 STEVEN WARD Aldwych atre, booking until 8 LION KING Lyceum The- Theatre, 3 Dec 2013 - 1 Feb 2014 atre, booking until 20 Mar 2014 Apr 2014 CHARLIE AND THE MAMMA MIA! Novello STOMP Ambassadors CHOCOLATE FACTORY - Theatre, booking until 5 Theatre, booking until THE MUSICAL Drury Apr 2014 22 Dec 2013 Lane Royal, booking MATILDA THE MUSICAL THRILLER LIVE Lyric The- until 31 May 2014 Cambridge Theatre, atre, booking until 16 CIRCUS OF HORRORS booking until 25 May Mar 2014 Lyric Theatre, 28 Oct 2014 TOP HAT Aldwych The- 2013 - 16 Dec 2013 MISS SAIGON atre, booking until 26 COMMITMENTS Victoria Prince Edward Theatre, Oct 2013 Palace Theatre, 21 Sept from May 2014 WE WILL ROCK YOU 2013 - 26 Jan 2014 MONTY PYTHONS SPA- Dominion Theatre, DIRTY DANCING MALOT Playhouse The- booking until 26 Oct atre, booking until 2 2013 Piccadilly Theatre, Nov 2013 ria Theatre, booking booking until 22 Feb NUTCRACKER ON ICE 2014 until 26 Apr 2014. - IMPERIAL ICE STARS FROM HERE TO ETERNITY WICKED Apollo Victoria London Palladium, 24 Theatre, booking until Shaftesbury Theatre, 30 Oct 2013 - 3 Nov 2013 Sept 2013 - 26 Apr 26 Apr 2014. ONCE Phoenix Theatre, WIND IN THE WILLOWS 2014 booking until 30 Nov Duchess Theatre, 11 I CAN’T SING! THE 2013 dec 2013 - 1 Feb 2014 X FACTOR MUSICAL PHANTOM OF THE OPERA London Palladium The- Her Majesty's Theatre, atre, 27 Feb 2014 - 26 booking until 26 Apr Circus Of Horrors, Lyric Theatre Mar 2014 2014 www.whatsonlive.co.uk 41 Festivals September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:44 Page 1

COMING SOON TO THEATRE SEVERN

FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Fri 20th September CHAS & LETS HANG ON 7.30pm, £18.50, £16.50 concs DAVE Back on tour Thu 26th September 16+ performing their popular STEVE HUGHES pub set and chart hits. While It’s Still Legal 8pm, £13, £11 concs MONDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

Sun 29th September MARY DUFF 7.30pm, £18, £17 concs STEWART LEE MUCH A STEW ABOUT NOTHING Sat 19th October 16+ THE LUMBERJACKS "Marvellously funny: Stu Francis, Craig campbell & Glennn Wool mordant, thoughtful 8pm. Tickets: £16 and crafted" Observer

Mon 21st October DIRTY DUSTING THURSDAY 19 SEPTEMBER starring Crissy Rock, Pat Dunn & Leah Bell 7.30pm. Tickets: £20 Britain’s biggest burlesque spectacular... Fri 25th October Direct from the Vienna Festival Ballet presents West End SNOW WHITE All tease. No sleaze. 7pm. Tickets: £19.50, £17.50 concs, Slick, wickedly witty and under 14 yrs £12 delightfully choreo- graphed. Come to the Tue 29th October cabaret! HALFWAY TO PARADISE THE BILLY FURY STORY WEDNESDAY 25 SEPTEMBER 7.30pm. Tickets: £17.50, £16.50 concs Joe Pasquale Thu 31st October Ben Langley ARDAL 0HANLON Andrew Fettes 8pm. Tickets: £20

here's a beast on the moors, Sat 9th November a crime to be solved, and with HAIRY MACLARY the Ha Ha team on the case AND FRIENDS what can go right?!!? 2pm & 4pm. Tickets: £10, £8 concs

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO VIEW MORE SHOWS!

Frankwell Quay, Box Office 01743 281 281 Shrewsbury, Shropshire, TWC GP 00564 Book Online www.theatresevern.co.uk SY3 8FT

42 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:44 Page 2 Festivals

Bromyard Folk Festival Bromyard, Herefordshire, Fri 13 - Sun 15 September This festival of traditional music annually presents a line-up of outstanding local, national and interna- tional folk musicians, performing in concerts, ceilidhs and displays. Featuring over one hundred- and-seventy hours of entertainment in just one weekend of music, song and dance, the festival has been described by its organisers as 'the best folk festival/cultural event in the Welsh Border area'. An impressive line-up of folk royalty - includ- ing Show Of Hands, John Kirkpatrick and Eliza Carthy - all feature.

The 1975 Shrewsbury Fields Forever West Midlands Showground, Shrewsbury, Fri 13 - Sun 15 September Returning for a third year, this three-day festival presents an eclectic mix of musical entertainment, with lovers of indie, rock, alternative, electronic, dance and popular music all catered for. Among the acts booked to appear over the weekend are Maximo Show Of Hands Park, The 1975, Athlete, Sister Bliss, Faithless, James Walsh, and Starsailor (with an exclusive solo set). Sunday’s Jestival event ensures there’s a quality side-order of com- Shrewsbury Country edy to go with any hangover you might be nursing! Music Festival West Midland Showground, Shrewsbury, Saturday 21 - Sunday 22 September Organisers of the inaugural Shrewsbury Country Music Festival are hopeful that the 2013 event will prove to be the first of many. The aim of the new festival is to offer a platform for local country music artists whose talents are usually confined to Shropshire’s pubs and clubs. “I’m aware of a great deal of talent within the county,” says organiser and Showground Trustee Maelor Owen, “and as a devotee myself of country music, I want to do my bit, through the Shropshire County Showground, to promote some of our local bands and provide entertainment for the many people who, like me, love the genre.” The first festival’s line-up includes Paul Challinor, Alan Williams, Alan Herbert, Tony Hughes and Shrewsbury-based magician Paul Rushworth (pic- tured). Stooshe T-Live Telford Town Park, Shropshire, Sat 7 September McFly this month become the first ever major act to perform a live outdoor gig in the Telford Town Park Arena. The band, who’ve sold more than ten million records world- wide in their decade-long career, are the headliners for T-Live - an element of Telford & Wrekin Council’s major summer festival, T-Party. Commenting on the event, Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: "I’m absolutely delighted that we’ve been able to attract an internationally estab- lished act like McFly for the first ever T-Party Festival. To my mind, this puts down a marker for the T-Party for future years, and will well and truly put Telford and Wrekin on the map.” McFly play a seventy-five minute set at the event, with support acts The Making, Madison, Stooshe, Loveable Rogues and Luminites on stage from late afternoon. www.whatsonlive.co.uk 43 Festivals September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:44 Page 3

44 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Festivals September_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:44 Page 4

Food Festivals

Ludlow Food Festival Ludlow Castle & Ludlow Town Centre, South Shropshire, Fri 13 - Sun 15 September Ludlow's historic town provides a perfect setting for this annual event, which showcases the diversity and quality of the area’s gas- tronomic delights. First launched in 1995, the food festival fast became established as one of the country's foremost events of its kind, allowing visitors to indulge in an array of fine food and drink, enjoy demonstrations and talks from a host of professionals, and take part in some now-famous activities - including the challenge of following the Ludlow Sausage Trail, the Festival Loaf Trail and a Real Ale Trail. Inside the cas- tle, more than one hundred- and-sixty local artisan food producers showcase their goods. Other attractions at this year’s event include the Secret Restaurant, have-a-go cookery sessions for kids, and a series of coffee masterclasses. Leamington Food Festival Royal Pump Room Gardens, Shropshire, Sat 7 - Sun 8 September Mold Food Festival The Leamington Food & Drink Festival is being promoted as a mouth- wateringly ‘fun-filled weekend of activities and entertainment that will Mold, North Wales, Sat 21 - Sun 22 September have everyone’s tastebuds tingling and feet tapping’. More than fourteen thousand visitors attended the prestigious Mold Sounds pretty good to us - and when you scratch the surface, it Food Festival last year, with organisers anticipating that the 2013 becomes clear the marketing blurb has every chance of making good event will prove to be even more popular. This year’s festival sees on its promise. Highlights for 2013 include a cookery theatre, a barbe- celebrity chefs Rosemary Shrager, Graham Tinsley and Brian Mellor cue masterclass area, a kids’ cookery school, a food festival trail, over providing some entertaining cookery demonstrations and showcas- one hundred-and-fifty exhibitors showcasing everything from meats, ing their speciality dishes, pickles and wines to organic produce and cookeryware, and live while local chefs get the entertainment from, among others, Flamenco guitarist Matt chance to compete for numer- Hernandez and local singer-songwriter Will Johnson. ous prestigious awards. Other attractions during the weekend include live music performanc- es, children’s entertainment, and an interactive zone, where visitors can try their hand at activities such as cake-deco- rating and the art of flambe.

Abergavenny Food Festival Abergavenny Town Centre, South Wales, Sat 21 - Sun 22 September If you fancy some food-filled fun in the Welsh Borders this month, there’s an obvious event to head for. The Abergavenny Food Festival 2013 boasts a culinary line-up that includes MasterChef 2012 winner Shelina Permaloo, Master Chocolatier Marc Demarquette, and the globally-acclaimed Magnus Nilsson - who’ll be chatting about his restaurant on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Joining them is Omar Allibhoy (described by Gordon Ramsay as the Antonio Banderas of the food world!), who’ll be giving a mas- terclass in cooking paella. Other attractions at this year’s festival include the Food Academy at the Castle - giving children the chance to experience drop-in hands-on workshops - and the Incredible Edibles Live show, which features ‘edible insects, mind- blowing food science and some very big explosions’!

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Film TO WATCH THE LATEST MOVIE TRAILERS, VISIT: www.whatsonlive.co.uk

From FRI 13 SEPT

Rush CERT 15 (122mins) Starring Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, Natalie Dormer, Christian TOP 5 McKay Directed by Ron Howard (USA) FILM BOX OFFICE Ron Howard is one of the most successful filmmakers on the planet. And whenever he’s dealt with true- life subjects, the awards have rolled in. Think Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man and Frost/Nixon. Now he takes on the rivalry between Formula One racers James Hunt and Niki Lauda as Kick-Ass 2 (15) they compete for the 1976 World Championship at Fuji in Japan. Australian hunk Chris Hemsworth (Thor, 1 Snow White And The Huntsman) takes on the role of the Surrey-born James Hunt, while the German actor Daniel Brühl (Ladies In Lavender, Inglourious Basterds) plays the Austrian Lauda. More importantly, Planes(U) the scenarist is Peter Morgan, adding to his roster of biographical marvels that includes The Queen, The 2 Last King Of Scotland, The Other Boleyn Girl and Frost/Nixon. 3 Grown Ups 2(12a) Diana CERT tbc Starring Naomi Watts, Naveen Andrews, (15) Cas Anvar, Douglas Hodge, Juliet 2 Guns Stevenson Directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel 4 (UK/France/USA)

It had to happen. The surprise is that it The Conjuring (15) hasn’t happened sooner (not counting 5 the trashy TV versions). Here, the former Princess of Wales is portrayed by the Anglo-Australian actress Naomi Watts, and the film recounts the last two years of Diana’s life. So, there’ll be the post- monarchical relationships, in particular her ding-dong with the heart surgeon Dr Hasnat Khan (Naveen Andrews), as well as her emotive campaign against land mines. The Oscar buzz surrounding Naomi Watts’ performance has already begun, although it’s odd that a forty-four- From year-old should be playing a woman who was thirty-six when she died. NB: Watts’ FRI 20 close friend Nicole Kidman is playing another princess in Grace Of Monaco, SEPT Kick-Ass 2 which is due in cinemas next January.

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FilmNEW RELEASES

Now Showing

Hammer Of The Gods CERT 18 (94mins) Starring Charlie Bewley, Elliot Cowan, Clive Standen, Alexandra Dowling, Glynis Barber, James Cosmo Directed by Farren Blackburn (UK) The most impressive thing about this movie is its title. In truth, it’s a Viking epic on a budget, and the armies of six and seven do little to alleviate the atrocious dialogue. The marauding Vikings speak like Oxbridge grad- uates (with a generous injection of the Anglo- Saxon “f” word), while the Anglos are por- trayed as a motley crew of Barbarians. The ‘battle’ scenes are tedious, the sound effects silly and the electronic score like something Released from Wed 4 Sept About Time CERT 12a (123mins) lifted from a ninety-five-minute trailer. So, Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel where’s Dolph Lundgren when you need McAdams, Bill Nighy, Tom Hollander, him? CERT tbc Margot Robbie, Neve Gachev, Vanessa Ain’t Them Bodies Saints Kirby, Lindsay Duncan Starring Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara, Ben Directed by Richard Curtis (UK) Foster, Rami Malek, Keith Carradine It’s about time Rachel McAdams chose Directed by David Lowery (USA) her leading men more carefully. In The Set against the backdrop of 1970s Texas Hill Time Traveller’s Wife, she ended up with Country, the poetically titled Ain’t Them the time-travelling Eric Bana, which Bodies Saints has been commended for its caused no end of problems. Here, she’s cinematography. Casey Affleck plays an out- got Domhnall Gleeson, who’s blessed(?) law who escapes from prison, having served with the same temporal talent. Except he four years for a murder committed by his goes and erases the timeline in which they wife (Rooney Mara). He now sets out across fell in love... them thar hills to be reunited with his missus From the director of Love Actually. and the daughter he has yet to meet.

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White House Down CERT 12a (131mins) Starring Channing Tatum, Jamie Foxx, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Clarke, Richard Jenkins, James Woods Directed by Roland Emmerich (USA) It was less than five months ago that the White House was attacked by terrorists and rescued by a man rejected by the Secret Service. That all happened in Olympus Has Fallen, and the hero of the hour was Gerard Butler. In White House Down, Channing Tatum is the maverick cop rejected by the Secret Service - just as the White House is attacked by terrorists. Jamie Foxx plays the US President.

From FRI 13 SEPT

42 CERT 12a (128mins) Justin And The Knights Of Valour Riddick CERT 15 (119mins) Starring Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, CERT PG (96mins) Starring Vin Diesel, Karl Urban, Katee Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, Andre Featuring the voices of Freddie Highmore, Sackhoff, Jordi Mollà, Bokeem Woodbine Holland, Lucas Black Saoirse Ronan, Charles Dance, Antonio Directed by David Twohy (USA) Directed by Brian Helgeland (USA) Banderas, Mark Strong, Olivia Williams, In the annals of American sport Jackie Rupert Everett, Julie Walters Don’t ever accuse Vin Diesel of being above Directed by Manuel Sicilia (Spain) doing a sequel. After three sequels to The Robinson is a legend. He was also the first Fast And The Furious (and a cameo in The African-American to As Justin (Highmore) embarks on a quest Fast And The Furious: Tokyo Drift), he’s play baseball in the to become a knight, he must first learn all decided to recycle his character of Richard B Major League. about honour and courage to become a Riddick for a change, following the sequel Harrison Ford plays man. A computer-animated fantasy from The Chronicles Of Riddick ten years ago Branch Rickey, the Spain, the film has a British voice cast to (which co-starred Judi Dench). Here, Riddick team executive for be proud of. In 3D. finds himself in another tight spot as he’s left the Brooklyn for dead on an inhospitable planet and is Dodgers. Actually, plagued by alien predators. ‘Branch’ was his Released from Fri 20 Sept middle name, but that’s the name he’s known by. The Call CERT 15 (94mins) Starring Halle Berry, Abigail Breslin, Morris Chestnut, Michael Eklund, Michael Imperioli Insidious: Chapter 2 CERT 15 (105mins) Directed by Brad Anderson (USA) Starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Ty Jordan Turner (Halle Berry) is a telephone oper- Simpkins, Lin Shaye, Barbara Hershey Directed by James Wan (USA/Canada) ator who takes an emer- gency call and realises When James Wan, the director of Saw, that it’s up to her to save decided on a more psychological approach an abducted teenager from with Insidious (2001), nobody anticipated being murdered. Sounds a that the film would gross $79million. On a bit like the Kim Basinger budget of $1.5million. Wan himself returns thriller Cellular (2004), but for more of the same, as Josh and Renai that’s no bad thing. Lambert fight to disentangle themselves from the spirit world. Released from Fri 13 Sept Cold Comes The Night CERT 15 (90mins) Starring Alice Eve, Bryan Cranston, Logan In A World... CERT 15 (93mins) Marshall-Green, Ursula Parker, Leo Starring Lake Bell, Fred Melamed, Demetri Fitzpatrick Directed by Tze Chun (USA) Martin, Michaela Watkins, Rob Corddry Directed by Lake Bell (USA) A struggling motel owner and her daughter are taken hostage by a career criminal. The twist is Great title - if you’re familiar with movie trailers. that the latter is almost blind and needs the two “In a world where men were men…” Precisely. captives to be his eyes as he attempts to Carol Soto is the daughter retrieve some moolah from a crooked cop. of a legendary voice-over Alice Eve (Men In Black 3, artist and is determined to Star Trek Into Darkness) buck the trend for male has come a long way since voices on trailers. Lake Bell reading English at Oxford - plays Carol, and also her father, Trevor Eve directed and produced the (Eddie Shoestring to older comedy from her own readers), must be proud. screenplay.

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R.I.P.D. CERT 12a (96mins) Starring Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon, Mary-Louise Parker, Stephanie Szostak Directed by Robert Schwentke (USA) Of course, the title stands for Rest In Peace Department and is based on the Dark Horse comic book. It’s another buddy cop movie, but the twist here is that the law enforcers operate in the afterlife. That is, they’re dead. The American critics were not kind. In 3D.

Released from Fri 27 Sept she ends up in the custody of her moth- Austenland CERT 12a (97mins) er (Bening), a gam- Starring Keri Russell, JJ Feild, Bret Filth CERT 18 (97mins) bling addict. From McKenzie, Jennifer Coolidge, Jane Seymour Directed by Jerusha Hess (USA) Starring James McAvoy, Jamie Bell, Jim the filmmakers who Broadbent, Imogen Poots, Joanne Froggatt, brought us the won- America continues its obsession with Jane Eddie Marsan, Shirley Henderson Austen with this adaptation of the 2007 best- Directed by Jon S. Baird (UK) derful American Splendor, as well as seller by Shannon Hale. Keri Russell (TV’s The novelist Irvine Welsh doesn’t do happy. The Nanny Diaries. The Americans) plays Jane Hayes, who trav- Here, his 1998 novel Filth is given the cinematic els to an English Jane Austen theme park to treatment, with James McAvoy as a bigoted, find her own Mr Darcy. It’s produced by corrupt cop who attempts to manipulate his Stephenie Meyer, who penned the Twilight Blue Jasmine CERT 12a (98mins) way into a promotion. It’s hard to imagine the saga. sweet McAvoy as a bad boy, but then Ewan Starring Alec Baldwin, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins, Peter McGregor pulled it off in the big-screen adapta- about online poker holds some promise. It’s tion of Welsh’s Trainspotting. Sarsgaard, Michael Stuhlbarg Directed by Woody Allen (USA) a good break for the Kent-born Gemma Arterton, and Ben Affleck should make an Of course, jasmine is usually white or yellow, effective villain. Leonardo DiCaprio is execu- but then the New York socialite Jasmine tive producer. Francis has got a major case of the blues. She’s played by Cate Blanchett, who’s forced to move in with her Prisoners CERT tbc sister when her mar- riage to a rich busi- Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, nessman (Baldwin) Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo, Paul Dano self-destructs. The Directed by Denis Villeneuve (USA) American reviews have been positive A carpenter but don’t expect any (Jackman) takes the laughs. law into his own Girl Most Likely CERT 12a (103mins) hands when his Starring Kristen Wiig, Annette Bening, Matt daughter and her Dillon, Darren Criss, Natasha Lyonne Runner, Runner CERT 15 (91mins) friend are kidnapped. Directed by Shari Springer Berman and However, the impetu- Robert Pulcini (USA) Starring Justin Timberlake, Gemma Arterton, Ben Affleck, Anthony Mackie, David ous Boston cop Loki Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) is going from Costabile Directed by Brad Furman (USA) (Gyllenhaal) is not strength to strength and here plays a play- If you can suspend enough disbelief to impressed… Mark wright pining for her ex. However, when she accept Justin Timberlake as a Princeton stu- Wahlberg executive stages a fake suicide to win his attention, dent (he’s thirty-two), then this crime thriller produces.

Shropshire WEM TOWN HALL ODEON, NUNEATON MALVERN THEATRE 01939 232299 0871 224 4007 0845 287 2146 CINEMA Box Office CINEWORLD, SHREWSBURY 0871 200 2000 SHOWCASE, COVENTRY THE NORBURY THEATRE, Birmingham SHOWCASE 0871 220 1000 THE EDGE ARTS CENTRE, Staffordshire 0871 220 1000 DROITWICH SPA 08444 777 1000 CINEWORLD Broad St, B’ham VUE CINEMA Star City 08712 MUCH WENLOCK CINEWORLD, BURTON-UPON- APOLLO 4, LEAMINGTON SPA 240 240 TRENT 0871 200 2000 01926 427 448 WAREHOUSE, 0871 200 2000 01952 728 911 FESTIVAL DRAYTON CENTRE, APOLLO, STAFFORD PICTURE HOUSE, KIDDERMINSTER CINEWORLD Solihull Black Country MARKET DRAYTON 0871 220 6000 STRATFORD-UPON-AVON 01562 747773 0871 200 2000 CINEWORLD W’HAMPTON 01630 654 444 FOXLOWE ARTS CENTRE, 0871 902 5741 VUE, WORCESTER ELECTRIC, B’ham 0871 200 2000 LUDLOW ASSEMBLY ROOMS LEEK 01538 386 112 WARWICK ARTS CENTRE 0871 224 0240 0121 643 7879 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CEN- 01584 878 141 STOKE FILM THEATRE, 01782 COVENTRY 02476 524524 THE ROSE’S THEATRE, EMPIRE 0871 471 4714 TRE, W’HAMPTON 01902 MAJESTIC, BRIDGNORTH 411188 TEWKESBURY THE GIANT SCREEN AT MIL- 716055 01746 761815 ODEON TAMWORTH Worcestershire 01684 295 074 LENNIUM POINT ODEON MERRY HILL, DUDLEY ODEON TELFORD 0871 224 4007 0121 202 2222 0871 22 44007 0871 224 4007 ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE 01527 577330 MAC 0121 446 3232 SHOWCASE, DUDLEY OMH SHREWSBURY Warwickshire 0871 220 1000 01743 281281 ODEON 0871 224 4007 ODEON, COVENTRY FOREST ARTS CENTRE, For full venue and listing information, including times REEL Quinton 0121 421 5316 THE HIVE, SHREWSBURY 0871 224 4007 WALSALL 01922 645 555 01743 234970 and dates, visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk

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Keeping Up Appearances: Fashion Through Two World Wars Herbert Museum & Art Gallery, Coventry, Sat 21 September - Sun 5 January Evening gowns, day-dresses, workwear and underwear are all present and correct in this intriguing new show, which charts the story of women’s history from 1900 to the 1950s through the clothes that they wore. The sixty-year period under the spotlight saw a more profound change in the role and status of women than any other comparable period of time in history. Not surpris- ingly, these changes were reflected in the fashions of the period, with restrictive corsets being reject- ed in favour of practical workwear, and dresses becoming more daring as the women of the era sought a much-needed distraction from the hor- rors of war. A special talk on the subject, entitled Exhibition Insight: Behind The Fashion, takes place at the gallery on 9 November.

Function 4 The Barber Institute, Birmingham, Fri 6 September - Sun 24 November Wide-ranging original portraiture forms the basis of this exhibition of works by emerging photographic talent from Birmingham University. For the Barber’s eightieth anniversary year, students were asked to produce pieces which responded to a central theme. In doing so, they’ve created a series of works which, exhibited around the venue’s main galleries, provide a new dialogue with the site’s historical works. Hurvin Anderson: Reporting Back Ikon Gallery, Birmingham, Wed 25 September - Sun 10 November Tracing the development of Hurvin Anderson’s distinct figurative style, Reporting Back is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of the British artist’s paintings, which are known for their ability to evoke sensations of being caught between one place and another. The exhibition includes work made shortly after he graduated from the Royal The 8th British International College of Art in 1998, as well as the acclaimed Peter’s Series (2007–2009), inspired by Mini Print Exhibition his upbringing in Birmingham’s Afro-Caribbean community. Royal Pump Rooms, Leamington Spa, until Sun 6 October Featuring two hundred small prints selected by open competition from over one thousand interna- tional entries, this touring exhibition also includes ten larger invited prints from distinguished artists. The second such display to be managed by the Printmakers’ Council, the well-established national organisation of UK printmakers, the exhibition showcases a broad range of high-quality contem- porary fine art printmaking. Established artists dis- playing larger prints in the exhibition include Morgan Doyle, Wuon Gean Ho, Michael Goro, Maggi Hambling, Eve Kask, Guy Langevin, Melvyn Petterson, Ana Maria Pacheco, Marcus Rees Roberts and Weimin He.

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oil painting and tradi- showcase of works PREVIEWS LISTINGS tional sketchbooks, con- associated with VisualArts VisualArts temporary artists Simon Wolverhampton’s rich Faithfull, Julian Opie, Jo motor industry heritage, For full listing information on Visual Art Roberts, Paul Ryan, until Mon 30 Sept, Ongoing exhibitions exhibitions, including times and dates, George Shaw and Wolverhampton City visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk Sarah Woodfine provide Archive a unique response to OUT OF THE DARKNESS OMG! Turner and Constable's The story of Black BERT HACKETT: THE GEMI- Sept, Shire Hall Gallery, interpretations of the Red House Glass Cone, Stourbridge, NI YEARS A collection of Stafford Country mining, from its landscape, until Sun 22 early days to its demise, Sat 7 September - Sun 20 October cartoons which cele- JAN J. KLOS: HAVE YOU Sept, Compton Verney, brate the significant until Sat 5 Oct, Dudley SEEN THE GREEN Series Warwickshire Museum & Art Gallery Newspapers cast in glass, glass feathers, contribution that Bert of photographs which bulbous black glass seed pods enveloping a Hackett made to THE HECKLERS Featuring CONTEMPORARY ART explore the problematic photography, video, clear glass seed, and enormous mirrored Birmingham journalism, relationship between Featuring new works until Sun 1 Sept, mac, painting, sculpture, acquired through the Art glass gates feature among the works on man and nature, until printmaking, installation Birmingham Sun 8 Sept, mac - Fund Renew Scheme, show in this new exhibition at the Red House and performance works until Sat 5 Oct, MORRIS THE MAN Midlands Arts Centre, which use a degree of Glass Cone. Curated by Charlotte Clark, a Exhibition which takes a Birmingham Wolverhampton Art recent glass graduate and the manager of playfulness to comment Gallery look at the early life of THROUGH THE RABBIT on social and political Wolverhampton’s Shop In The Square proj- the man behind the HOLE Summer exhibition issues, until Sun 22 GEORGE CAITLIN: AMERI- ect, Oh My Glass! showcases pieces from William Morris car-mak- which explores the Sept, New Art Gallery, CAN INDIAN PORTRAITS twenty recent graduates, all of whom have ing empire, until Mon 2 magical world of the Walsall Collection of colourful Sep, Heritage Motor Alice In Wonderland sto- portraits which docu- worked in key historical material. Each con- Centre, Gaydon, PERAMBULIST SOMNAM- ment the Native tributor displays a piece from their degree ries and illustrations, BULIST BY PETER DAY Warwickshire until Sun 8 Sept, American people’s way alongside a current item, highlighting their Exhibition which ‘analy- of life, until Sun 13 Oct, ABOUT FACE Exhibition Herbert Art Gallery & ses the familiar, banal progression of ideas since graduating. featuring European Museum, Coventry Birmingham Museum & and anonymous in the Art Gallery masterpieces from RPS INTERNATIONAL everyday environment, London’s National PRINT 156 Showcasing through walking and GALACTIC CRAFT EXHIBI- Gallery, until Sun 1 various styles and gen- serial revisiting’, until Fri TION Exhibition exploring Sept, The Barber res within the photo- 27 Sept, Light House the wonders of outer Institute, Birmingham graphic field, until Sun 8 Media Centre, space, until Sat 19 Oct, MEMENTO MORI A new Sept, Shire Hall Gallery, Wolverhampton RBSA, Birmingham display which examines Stafford ORDINARY/EXTRA/ORDI- ON PARADE: THE REAL changing approaches STUART LAYTON: YOU’LL NARY An exhibition cele- DAD’S ARMY An exhibi- towards death, burial NEVER WORK IN THIS brating the vitality, diver- tion focusing on and commemoration, TOWN AGAIN Two films in sity and humour that art Bantock’s use as a until Sun 1 Sept, The an as-yet-incomplete tril- can embody, until Sun radio control centre for Potteries Museum & Art ogy which originate 29 Sept, The Public, the Home Guard during Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent from little more than a West Bromwich WWII, until Sun 20 Oct, Bantock House, THE CHILDREN AND fragment of information, GAGWAKA - MAKING Wolverhampton YOUNG PEOPLE’S OPEN until Sat 14 Sept, STRANGE Vivan ART EXHIBITION until Fri 6 Wolverhampton Art Sundaram's fashion ARTIST ROOM: DAMIEN Sept, The Place, Gallery designs, formed from HIRST A year-long exhi- Oakengates Theatre, ECHOES Heritage Lottery- recycled materials, bition featuring sculp- Follow The Line: Shropshire funded exhibition which redefine the boundaries tures, paintings and COAST: MIXED MEDIA shares the memories of of art and fashion and prints. The display is Ha Ha And Beyond EXHIBITION until Sat 7 people who worked and the relationship between accompanied by a Shire Hall Gallery, Stafford, Sept, Twenty Twenty lived in Birmingham's simplicity and excess, series of inspired satel- Sat 14 September - Sun 27 October Gallery, Much Wenlock, Digbeth and Highgate until Sun 29 Sept, The lite exhibitions, events South Shropshire districts during the ’60s, Public, West Bromwich and activities during the course of the year, until Ceramic and textile artist Karen Shapley’s lat- ’70s and ’80s, until Sun WHY I NEVER BECAME A LOOKING IN WONDERLAND Sat 27 Oct, The New Art est exhibition combines a wide range of 15 Sept, Birmingham DANCER An autobio- Graphicus Touring exhi- Gallery, Walsall materials - including ceramics, found objects bition featuring an array Museum & Art Gallery graphical film about JACOB EPSTEIN AND and textiles - and presents a collection of of works produced by SHIMABUKU Japanese Tracey Emin's adoles- cence, and her trials DAMIEN HIRST Exhibition woodland animals and their habitat. The British illustrator, artist Shimabuku fuses humourist and political installation, video, pho- and anxieties of growing of works spanning the pieces have been created especially for this satirist Sir John Tenniel, tography, drawings, up in Margate, until Sun two ends of the twenti- exhibition, which, it’s promised, will both until Sun 8 Sept, sculptural pieces and 29 Sept, The Public, eth century, until Sun 27 charm and delight. Herbert Art Gallery & events to convey his West Bromwich Oct, The New Art Gallery, Walsall Museum, Coventry intense fascination with HOMEMADE PATTERN: A REPEATED the natural world, until Photographic exhibition COLLECTOR’S CABINET Hitting The Right Notes DECORATIVE DESIGN Sun 15 Sept, Ikon which showcases local Exhibition of pressed Featuring textiles, jew- Gallery, Birmingham creative talent, until Sun glass made in the north Bilston Craft Galleries, Sat 7 September - ellery, ceramics and sta- REVIEWING THE LAND- 29 Sept, The Public, of England, loaned to Sat 5 October tionary from a group of SCAPE Through using West Bromwich the gallery by museum friend, Mr Peter Shropshire-based artist/maker Jane Wilson is artists who use pattern iPad sketching, digital WOLVERHAMPTON MOTOR Holland, until Nov, the creative talent behind this thought-pro- in their work, until Sun 8 etching, pencil drawing, INDUSTRY EXHIBITION A voking new exhibition, which presents a selection of sculptural wall panels and small ART GALLERY 01782 232323 3D constructions. All of Jane’s work is made Museums & Art Galleries SHIRE HALL GALLERY from reclaimed materials, the majority of STAFFORD 01785 278345 which come from the actions of discarded Birmingham THREE WHITE WALLS WALSALL 01922 654400 STAFFORDSHIRE MUSEUM, SHUGBOROUGH upright pianos. GALLERY RED HOUSE GLASS CONE ARTIFEX Sutton Coldfield 0121 643 0078 01889 881388 0121 323 3776 01384 812750 BARBER INSTITUTE WOLVERHAMPTON ART 0121 414 7333 Black Country GALLERY 01902 552055 Warwickshire BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART BANTOCK HOUSE COMPTON VERNEY GALLERY GALLERY 0121 303 2834 WOLVERHAMPTON Shropshire 01926 645500 01902 552195 HERBERT ART GALLERY THE BURROWS GALLERY, BEAR STEPS GALLERY, THE CUSTARD FACTORY BILSTON CRAFT GALLERY COVENTRY 02476 832386 01902 552507 SHREWSBURY 0121 224 7344 01743 344994 MEAD GALLERY WARWICK CASTLE GALLERIES BROADFIELD HOUSE GLASS 02476 524524 MUSEUM, DUDLEY TWENTY TWENTY GALLERY, 0121 633 0015 ROYAL PUMP ROOMS 01384 812745 MUCH WENLOCK IKON GALLERY 01952 727952 01926 742700 0121 248 0708 DUDLEY MUSEUM & ART GALLERY THE WILLOW GALLERY, NUMBER NINE THE GALLERY 01384 815575 OSWESTRY Worcestershire 0121 643 9099 01691 657575 LIGHT HOUSE MEDIA CENTRE WORCESTER CITY ART PURPLE GALLERY WOLVERHAMPTON GALLERY 01905 25371 0121 459 0941 01902 716055 Staffordshire Visit whatsonlive.co.uk for RBSA GALLERY THE NEW ART GALLERY THE POTTERIES MUSEUM & venue website details 0121 2364353

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story of ‘the greatest Museum VisualArts LISTINGS show on earth’, until REGENERATED The story Sun 15 Dec, The of the Jewellery Potteries Museum & Art For full listing information on Visual Art Quarter’s Smith & Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Pepper jewellery factory, exhibitions, including times and dates, MARX-LAMBERT COLLEC- featuring unique works visit www.whatsonlive.co.uk TION REDISPLAY by Cathy Miles, Rajesh Exhibition of works by Gogna and Miranda Broadfield House, PAULINE BOTY: POP one of Britain’s foremost Sharpe, until Sat 11 Jan, Dudley ARTIST & WOMAN A designers, until Sun 15 Museum of the vibrant display of paint- Dec, Compton Verney, Jewellery Quarter, A PINT IN THE MUSEUM Warwickshire Birmingham Exhibition which ings, collages and Lumen by Jo Aymler - Award, explores Worcester’s ephemera which pro- SENSING SCULPTURE IN STITCHES: A CELEBRA- Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent vides an overview of Featuring new commis- TION OF RSC COSTUME history through its pubs, many leading makers, late-nineteenth century, Boty's career and her sions and previously un- Exhibition which draws publicans and regulars, including Ann Sutton, Thurs 19 Sept - Sun 12 position at the forefront displayed works from on the RSC's rich her- until Sun 2 Nov, Michael Brennand- Jan, The Barber of British Pop Art, until the Art Gallery’s collec- itage in creating special- Worcester City Museum Wood and Peter Institute, Birmingham Sat 16 Nov, tion, until Tues 31 Dec, ist costumes for the & Art Gallery Randall, Sat 7 Sept - Sat Wolverhampton Art Wolverhampton Art stage, until Mon 31 Mar, HAZE AND FOG Film 2 Nov, Bilston Craft RON MUECK: ARTIST Gallery Gallery Royal Shakespeare installation which ROOMS Much-anticipat- Gallery DAMIEN HIRST: HE TRIED THE OTHER MR DARWIN Theatre, Stratford-upon- explores the collective ed exhibition featuring SOCIETY OF ARTISTS TO INTERNALISE EVERY- The story of Alfred Avon The conciousness of people numerous works from sixty-sixth annual exhibi- THING 1992 - 1994 A Russel Wallace, who FUNCTION IV Showcase living in the time the the museum’s Artist tion of the Worcester group of glass-walled was so nearly the ‘father of works from photogra- artist calls ‘magical Rooms collection, as Society of Artists, with cells containing every- of evolution’, until Tues phy students at metropolises’, Fri 20 well as pieces from pri- many items for sale, Sat day objects such as 31 Dec, Dudley Birmingham Institute of Sept - Sat 16 Nov, vate collections rarely 14 Sept - Sat 12 Oct, tools, clothing and furni- Museum & Art Gallery Art and Design, Eastside Projects, seen in the UK, until Sat Worcester City Museum ture, all of which have Birmingham City Birmingham 2 Nov, Wolverhampton PIT PROFILES Exploration & Art Gallery been arranged in a way of the links between University, Fri 6 Sept - DEAR LYNDA An interna- Art Gallery GERALD DEWESBURY that’s intended to sug- coal mining and art, Sun 24 Nov, The Barber tional touring exhibition EXHIBITION A SQUASH AND A gest a human presence, until Tues 31 Dec, Institute, Birmingham Sat 14 - Sat which considers the SQUEEZE Exhibition until Sat 23 Nov, The 12 Oct, Twenty Twenty Coalbrookdale Gallery, TIME PASSING III maverick British curator, which brings Julia New Art Gallery, Walsall Gallery, Much Wenlock, Ironbridge, Shropshire Exhibition of works writer, art historian and Donaldson's much- South Shropshire OUTSIDE IN: CENTRAL which document patron Lynda Morris, Fri loved children's stories CRAFTSENSE Exhibition Regional arm of a changes happening at ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE 20 Sept - Sat 16 Nov, to life, until Sun 3 Nov, featuring over one hun- national art programme different places in MIDLANDS Toys, automa- Eastside Projects, Birmingham Museum & dred of the world- focusing on margin- Birmingham over the ta, jewellery, glass and Birmingham Art Gallery renowned Bilston enam- alised and outsider art, els, until Tue 31 Dec, period of one year, with embroidery are here AWARD British Ceramic QUENTIN BLAKE: AS until Sun 15 Dec, Bilston Craft Gallery one photo taken each used to help relay sto- Biennial festival’s major LARGE AS LIFE Featuring Compton Verney, month, Sat 7 Sept - Sat ries, folklore and urban exhibition, featuring WAR EFFORT Major new fifty works produced by Warwickshire 5 Oct, Wolverhampton myths of the Midlands, work by twenty-two of exhibition which focuses Blake for hospitals and Art Gallery Sat 14 Sept - Sun 27 the UK’s finest cerami- CIRCUS EXHIBITION on the massive WWII health centres here and Oct, Shire Hall Gallery, cists, Sat 28 Sept - Sun Exhibition which brings contribution made by BEAUTY IS THE FIRST abroad, until Sun 3 Nov, Stafford 10 Nov, The Potteries together objects from the British motor indus- TEST: CONTEMPORARY Herbert Art Gallery & Museum & Art Gallery, across the permanent try, until Sun 5 Jan, CRAFT AND MATHEMATICS MILLET TO MANET Museum, Coventry Stoke-on-Trent collections, to tell the Coventry Transport Featuring works by French prints from the

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Paul Kaynes talks about Birmingham’s latest cultural offering...

As one of the steering team behind this month’s 4 Squares Weekender, which celebrates the opening of the new Library of Birmingham, Paul Kaynes is well placed to assess the city’s ever- growing status as a ‘cultural hotspot’. What’s On recently caught up with him to ask about what’s in store for visitors to Birmingham between 6 and 8 September, his future plans as Director of Creative Programmes at The Hippodrome, and his shared vision for the Southside district of the city.

For those not in the know, Paul, what does ganisation wanted to mark it - to say it’s a The city has the most incredible range of arts the role of Director of Creative cultural moment. And what better way than organisations, artists and events happening, Programmes entail? to put on an arts programme? and I think that sometimes it isn’t recognised My job is to oversee everything that the Hip- in the city, or indeed in the rest of the UK. podrome does beyond the main stage. That Could you see this becoming a regular What we want to do is shout louder about includes education and community pro- event for the city? that, and make sure people know just how grammes, outdoor or festival programmes - I think it’s too early to say. The Birmingham good the arts sector is here. like Summer In Southside - all of our access Arts Partnership is very interested in working work and special projects like 4 Squares. together on large-scale events in the future, There are currently fourteen members. Do but what those large-scale events might be is you plan to build on that number by wel- So where did the initial concept for 4 not yet decided. coming more people to the partnership? Squares come from? We already work with a much wider range of It all started before I arrived here. It came You mentioned Birmingham Arts Partner- organisations, so whilst there are fourteen about from a discussion that I know the Chief ship. What’s the long-term objective of principal members, there are a lot more who Executive of the Birmingham Arts Partner- BAP? are involved on projects like 4 Squares. ship had in relation to the opening of the The Birmingham Arts Partnership has been We’re working, for instance, with Flatpack new Library of Birmingham. It’s such a signif- working together for a year or two now, and Festival, B-Festival and others who aren’t ac- icant moment for Birmingham, and is proba- they’ve got all sorts of initiatives - partly tually part of BAP but who are key partners in bly the biggest cultural opening in the UK working together on large-scale projects like this particular event. this year - and maybe for many years to 4 Squares, partly working together on edu- come, given the state of the country’s econ- cation and family projects, and partly seeing So is there a set criteria which arts omy. This is a very important, iconic moment how we can make the most of the fantastic organisations have to meet in order in the history of Birmingham, and the arts or- art scene that we have here in Birmingham. to have any involvement?

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interview...

The fourteen principal members are the or- lots that I’d love to see. In Derry this year, the arts are, we could get bigger audiences ganisations that are funded at a significant which is, of course, the City of Culture, and new audiences to see the work. level by the city council. Other members are there’s been some fantastic work created by added in for specific projects. a choreographer called Mark Murphy and a When I last interviewed Stuart Griffiths, the company who specialise in all kinds of weird Hippodrome’s Chief Executive, he spoke What are you most looking forward to see- and wonderful stuff - including pyro - called about his vision of Southside becoming ing at 4 Squares? Walk The Plank. They’ve collaborated to pro- Birmingham’s very own Covent Garden. Is It’s very difficult to pick specific highlights but duce some really spectacular outdoor shows that a vision you share? I would say As The World Tipped, because which, although I’ve not seen, I’ve heard Absolutely! We did our first Summer In South- it’s such a spectacular large-scale show. It re- about and seen footage of. I’d love to see if side event a couple of weeks ago, where we ally is a wonderful event. I’ve seen it before there’s a way we could bring that particular had a day of outdoor dance in a variety of and it really is worth making the effort to partnership to Birmingham. spaces around the theatre. It really did feel come and see on the Friday or Saturday like Birmingham’s very own Covent Garden evening. Does your job entail a lot of travelling and for the hour or two that we were doing it. And, The best way of describing it is like a real-life scouting? of course, there are many similarities be- disaster movie in the sky. The moment when It will do, but because I’ve only been in the tween Southside and Covent Garden - the the stage lifts and stops being a horizontal, post for three months and it’s the summer, fact that there are arts venues and organisa- and instead turns into a vertical stage, is a our focus has been on delivering this year’s tions based here, and the fact it’s the gay very special moment. What happens after programme - and, indeed, 4 Squares. The quarter and the Chinese quarter. We’ve got that is simply spectacular... plan for the future is that we should be look- lots of interesting restaurants and, actually, ing around and seeing what great work we when we put live performing arts into the It must be a mammoth task bringing some- can bring to the city, and what we can make. spaces - into the squares and on the streets - thing of this magnitude to Victoria Square? It’s not all about bringing things which al- it really is buzzing with atmosphere, with peo- We’re very fortunate in that both Wired Aerial ready exist. We also want to originate and ple and with excitement. Theatre, who are doing As The World Tipped, create new work which has its premiere in and No Fit State, who are doing Open House, Birmingham before it goes off around the What are your plans to build on Summer In are very used to working in this sort of urban world. Southside? environment. Wired Aerial Theatre have pre- Next year we’ll be looking at doing more of sented As The World Tipped to audiences all So where does your interest in the arts that kind of work. Southside is absolutely over the UK and across the world, so they’ve stem from? where we’re focused in terms of planning encountered all sorts of different spaces. I didn’t have a particularly artistic upbringing these weekends of free outdoor arts events. There’s not much you could ask them to do but I did have a couple of really amazing ex- We hope that next year we’ll be able to put that they haven’t already had to do some- periences at school, where I was taken to see on an even bigger and bolder programme. where else. Although the machinery that’s things in my teenage years. I’ve never looked needed on the square is quite significant, it’s back. And long term... something which will fit very well in Victoria I think one of the things, particularly in my Square and will be quite spectacular. Do you have a favourite genre? area, is what interesting ideas and ap- That’s a difficult one, but I think it would have proaches international artists take. One of the Does the programming cover a broad to be dance. things that I’d really like to do in our pro- spectrum, to cater for all ages and tastes? gramme in Southside is to bring over some of Absolutely. The great thing about working Has being involved in the arts ever given the international companies who are doing with the fourteen BAP members is that be- you a desire to perform yourself? fantastic work from not only places like tween them they represent such a broad No, not really. Anyone who’s seen me per- France and Spain - two of the biggest out- range of work, and therefore appeal to a very form knows that that wouldn’t be a very door arts producers in the world - but also wide range of audiences. There’s a very happy experience. I leave it to the people from South America and beyond. There’s strong family-friendly focus in Oozells Square with the skill. I just like watching, and hope- some amazing stuff going on in those places, and Brindleyplace, and again in Centenary fully choosing the right things to share with and we need to see it here, because both Square, where we’ve got the family-orien- other people. artists and audiences who get to see that tated Musical Picnic. For people who are par- work get to realise just what’s possible, which ticularly interested in Hip-Hop, Reggae and What would you consider to be your raises everybody’s expectations and aspira- Sufi music, we’ve got The Drum’s Simmer biggest professional success? tions. Down. Then, for people who are into drama, The highlight, certainly of the last few years, we’ve got things like The REP’s EAT! show, has been The Voyage, which was produced Is that not already being done to a certain which is happening in four caravans across by the Hippodrome. I wasn’t here then, but I extent with events like the International the site. So with that range of organisations, was involved as a Cultural Olympiad organ- Dance Festival? and the opportunity to do things both in the iser. It was a really amazing event in terms of Yes it is, but I think there’s even more interest. daytime and evening, it’s really a joy to be its scale and its ambition, the international In a city like Birmingham, it’s inevitable that able to programme such a range of work for artists and the number of local people who people are going to be interested in work such a range of different audiences. were involved. It really was an extraordinary produced by a whole range of international event which, despite the weather, large audi- artists, not least because our population is so Beyond the festival, what do you think ences enjoyed. international and there’s such a wide range of could further benefit Birmingham as a cul- people who live here, each with their own tural hotspot? And what’s presented you with the biggest connections overseas. We need to be able to Well, not least because of the festival, we cer- challenge in your career? use that, to capitalise on the diversity of Birm- tainly aim to get some notice for this event. As someone responsible for programming ingham. The idea of bringing a range of We want Birmingham to be recognised for and commissioning work, what I’m really in- artists that reflect those communities is in- doing something which is exciting, fun and terested in is making sure it’s not just existing credibly exciting. innovative. We want the people who come to audiences who get to enjoy what we present this event to be more aware of what’s on and but new audiences as well. Also, that people And finally, Paul, if you weren’t in the arts, what’s available for them to come to in future who don’t really know that the arts are for which profession would you choose? months, whether they’re residents or visitors them can come along and really get the most I’ve never considered it, because I’ve never to the city. By having had the experience of out of those experiences. I suppose the wanted to do anything else, but I guess I’m working together once like this, we very biggest challenge has sometimes been pretty good at holiday planning. I always much hope that we’ll be able to do it again. breaking through and letting people know seem to be planning friends' trips, giving about what’s going on, and how great it’s them advice on where to go, how to get the Again, beyond the festival, if you had a going to be. Sometimes I think our popular best deals, who serves the best food and free reign to bring any act you wanted to media has very fixed ideas on what the arts where to go to sample the best arts and cul- Birmingham, which would you choose? are about, and if we could only get past that ture when they're there. If I could be paid for That’s quite a difficult one, because I’ve got and tell people how enjoyable and fulfilling organising that, I'd be very happy!

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POPPING UP...

Performances & Music popping up around the 4 Squares

Talking Birds Theatre Co LOUIS ROBINSON’S TRIO presents DAMBA THE Q Featuring three members of popular Birmingham band The Destroyers, Trio Damba deliver an engaging live The British are, and always will be, world beaters when it show, performing a variety of tunes borrowed from gen- comes to queuing. Witness dramas of pushing in, as res as diverse as Klezma, Hot Club, Tango, Country and well as receiving helpful tips such as How to hold your Western and Fraggle Rock in their trademark fun and place in the Queue. witty style. SATURDAY & SUNDAY FRIDAY ...... GRANNY TURISMO When Doris, Mary and Marge arrive on their souped-up YOUNG PILGRIMS shopping trolleys, everyone takes notice! N.B. the These inspiring brass-led experimentalists - with sousa- grannies are loud! phone, trombones, horns, trumpets and drums - are a SATURDAY & SUNDAY marching band supreme, modelled in the great New Or- ...... leans style. SATURDAY Cocoloco present ...... NESTS TG Collective: Interact with the twitchers who have spent so long bird- watching that their heads have transformed into nests. ‘NEARLY HOTCLUB’ SATURDAY & SUNDAY QUINTET ...... The eclectic TG Collective perform as a special quintet, playing material from Django Reinhardt and Stephane Natural Theatre Company Grappelli, along with music in the gypsy-jazz style from the 1920’s-40’s, with arrangements from Duke Ellington in partnership with to Irving Berlin. Birmingham Hippodrome SATURDAY THE REDS ...... Like a sculptural flash mob, the faultlessly attired Reds AFRO MIO assemble from all corners, mingling, passing, ignoring, Singing in five languages, Afro Mio draw on their her- eluding a confident sense of purpose. itage in Angola and Congo with a harmonious blend of SATURDAY & SUNDAY rich vocals, rhythmic conga and melodious African gui- ...... tar. SATURDAY DanceXchange present ...... SECRET DANCES From a beautiful contemporary presentation to an exhila- PERHAPS CONTRAPTION rating B-boy throwdown, look out for some spectacular The astonishing avant-pop marching band have led performances where you might least expect them. spontaneous processions upon boats and beaches, in SATURDAY & SUNDAY subterranean venues and at Glastonbury...... SUNDAY ...... CBSO STRING QUARTET One of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s OCCASIONAL many musical arms pops up on the bridge joining BRASS BAND Brindleyplace to the NIA. Mixing the intense swing rhythms of an acoustic New SATURDAY, 12-12.30PM & 1-1.30PM Orleans streetband with Lady Gaga, Otis Redding and Drum & Bass. SUNDAY ...... POP-UP SOUL This is a rich blend of Birmingham’s finest up-and- coming talent, each performing short, unplugged sets of compositions that range from old-skool right through to classic soul. Look out for the Pop-up performances across all 4 Squares SUNDAY

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PLANNING YOUR DAY Start your visit at Oozells Square in Brindleyplace for family fun. Get your hands dirty and help create a giant city from clay, all the time watching out for the City of Birmingham Symphony Or- chestra and surprise dance performances, not to mention plenty of action inside Ikon Gallery, including new music from Birmingham Contemporary Music Group.

Centenary Square will be transformed into a Mu- sical Picnic by Town Hall Symphony Hall - turning an urban square into a playful pastoral idyll, with pop-up music and dance perform- ances. Watch as surprising acts appear and dramatic events take place without warning! In the Library itself, hear the magical music of Ex Cathedra and Birming- ham Opera Company.

Over to Chamberlain Square, where The Drum’s Simmer Down stage will fill your senses with Reg- gae, Ska, Bhangra, Sufi and Hip Hop. Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery present a day of film courtesy of Flatpack Festival, whilst Birm- ingham Royal Ballet and DanceXchange take over Town Hall.

Then lastly to Victoria Square. During the daytime you can run away to the circus with Nofit State, then stay late on Friday and Saturday nights for the spectacular large-scale show As The World Tipped, by Wired Aerial Theatre. Breathtaking staging, film and fearless aerial performance combine to create a real-life disaster movie in the sky in this epic piece of out- door storytelling.

All this plus Birmingham’s most exciting street food, chances to join in and a great party atmosphere. It all starts on Friday evening at 9.30pm with As The World Tipped in Victoria Square. See you there!

Need help? Ask one of our friendly vol- Wet and windy weather: Venues and timings may change in the event of bad unteers in a 4 Squares Weekender weather. Check www.4squaresweekender.com t-shirt if you have any questions. or ask one of our volunteers for updates. Capacity is limited for some events.

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Brindleyplace will be filled with family fun and surprise performances

Ikon presents CLAYGROUND COLLECTIVE Get your hands dirty and create a giant city and canalscape made of clay. Ikon joins up with the Clayground Collective for an afternoon of messy fun. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 12-5.30PM

SLOW BOAT AT IKON FAMILY 4 SQUARES WEEKENDER WEEKENDER Open to all ages (adults very welcome), make your own original artwork in an afternoon of creative ac- tivities that will engage, challenge and inspire. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 1-4PM IKON GALLERY

...... Ikon presents SHIMABUKU: SOMETHING THAT FLOATS/ SOMETHING THAT SINKS Visit Ikon Gallery to experience the artwork of Visit Ikon's floating art venue, Slow Boat. Enjoy Clayground Collective's Japanese artist Shimabuku, including hands-on in- ‘Clay Cargo’ installation, meet members of Ikon’s Youth Programme and stallations and plenty of fun. find out more about Slow Boat’s summer voyage to the East Midlands. FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 12-5.30PM SUNDAY, 11-6PM MOORED ON THE BIRMINGHAM AND FAZELEY CANAL, BRINDLEY- IKON GALLERY PLACE, OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL SEALIFE CENTRE

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OOZELLS SQUARE AND BRINDLEYPLACE

CRACK UP! CBSO Brass Ensemble The CBSO’s brass section is known as one of the finest in Europe. Usually found A Birmingham Contemporary in the heart of the orchestra, here they have their very own stage in the heart of Music Group and Ikon collaboration Birmingham. The internationally renowned Birmingham Contemporary Music Group perform music SATURDAY, 12-2PM* & 3.30-5.30PM* by Japanese composers Toshi Ichiyanagi and Shiori Usui across Ikon Gallery. BCMG’s players will be scattered amongst Ikon’s exhibition, Something that Floats CBSO Percussion Ensemble / Something that Sinks, by Japanese artist Shimabuku. The playful, experimental See and hear the amazing sounds of the CBSO percussion section and be blown nature of both Ichiyanagi and Usui’s music, including Usui’s Crack Up - a piece away by their virtuosity and brilliance. composed from the sound of a friend’s laughter - goes hand-in-hand with SUNDAY, 12-2PM* & 3.30-5.30PM* Shimabuku’s work, which encourages visitors to enjoy experiences as if they are SEE ALSO CENTENARY SQUARE, PAGE 13 happening to them for the first time. CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE, PAGE 25 SUNDAY, 12PM & 4PM (PERFORMANCES LAST 30 MINUTES) *INCLUDES INTERVAL OF 30 MINUTES IKON GALLERY ...... mac birmingham presents DanceXchange presents PIF PAF: SOMETHING TO HOLD BIRMINGHAM DANCING

A fast-paced tale is spun on a thrilling new aerial sculpture by Pif Paf, within a transforming mechanical world of action, metal and rope. With storms on every horizon, three souls get un-hinged as their worlds force them to do unthinkable Birmingham Dancing, developed for International Dance Festival Birmingham 2014, things. Performance lasts 25 minutes which takes dance right into the workplaces of the city; into offices, bars, hotels and schools. In this exclusive preview, see the staff of Piccolino restaurant perform their SATURDAY, 1PM, 2.30PM, 4PM everyday moves choreographed by Gary Clarke, supported by Adam Rutherford. Each SUNDAY, 12PM, 2.30PM show runs for 5 minutes CENTRAL SQUARE, BRINDLEYPLACE SATURDAY ONLY, 4PM, 5PM, 6PM, 7PM ...... PICCOLINO, OOZELLS SQUARE SEE CENTENARY SQUARE, PAGE 11 Birmingham Repertory Theatre presents ALSO AT THE HYATT REGENCY HOTEL EAT! ...... sampad presents CIRCLES IN THE SQUARE Classical and modern urban dance styles join hands as sampad presents this enthralling, specially choreo- graphed performance. A timeless cultural mix of music and movement connecting past and present. SUNDAY ONLY, 1PM & 3PM

...... CITY OF BIRMINGHAM Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Eat!, a theatrical journey in four caravans. We SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA take food for granted: we diet, overindulge, grab it on the go, but rarely do we Our very own CBSO takes a break from its international touring delve into its stories. Explore the caravans dotted around 4 Squares Weekender schedule to perform in a variety of ensembles across the city and hear tales of feasting, fasting and famine with plenty of food for thought. centre for 4 Squares Weekender. From brass ensembles to wind ensembles, string quartets to a percussion ensemble, SATURDAY & SUNDAY, HALF PAST THE HOUR FROM the CBSO brings the music they take into the city’s 12.30 - 6.30PM (NO PERFORMANCE AT 2.30PM) schools out into the city centre. Cello Notelets offer THEN FIND DIFFERENT STORIES IN THE REMAINING EAT! CARA- musical fun for little ones. VANS IN CENTENARY AND VICTORIA SQUARES

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Enjoy a Musical Picnic, catch a Bollywood spectacular and hear exquisite music in the Library of Birmingham

sampad presents HOORAY FOR The REP presents SECRET DRAMA BOLLYWOOD! Look out for extraordinary dramatic Centenary Square comes alive with pulsating occurrences happening in Centenary rhythms and shimmering colour. Square during the 4 Squares Uplifting high-energy dance performances are set to Weekender, courtesy of The REP. a musical medley of foot-tapping tracks from popular SATURDAY, 2 & 4PM Bollywood films. Come and join the party! SATURDAY, 1.30PM & 4.30PM, NEAR HALL OF MEMORY ...... MUSICAL PICNIC... Exclusively for 4 Squares Weekender, Town Hall Symphony Hall are transforming Centenary Square into a playful pastoral idyll where families can come ? together for a Musical Picnic - a fun-packed and ex- hilarating programme of music for all ages. Watch DON’T MISS IT! and join in with performers, as children are intro- PERFORMANCE LASTS 5 MINS duced to a world of music, song, storytelling and dance. SAT 11AM-6PM & SUN 12-6PM SATURDAY 7 SEPT SUNDAY 8 SEPT LLUIS MATHER AND MICHAEL LOADER FRIENDS Storyteller Michael Loader uses nature and the great outdoors to inspire imaginations and creativity. The brilliant young saxophonist Lluis Mather leads a dynamic group of musicians, presenting an 12-12.45PM eclectic mix of jazz, blues, improvisation and even scat singing. 11-11.45AM ...... METROPOLITAN BRASS BURDOCK CEILIDH The wonderfully entertaining Metropolitan Brass Quintet take you on a brassy trip around the world. BAND Discover how brass instruments work, and explore Find yourself drawn into the pounding rhythms how music can be fast, slow, descriptive and emotional. of the Burdock Band - traditional music with an 1-1.45PM incredible variety of beautiful melodies...... 12-12.45PM ...... NOTELETS - CBSO CELLO ENSEMBLE LOUIS ROBINSON The ever-popular CBSO Notelets take a trip out of AND FRIENDS the CBSO Centre to meet and entertain your little ones - meet the CBSO Cellists and Cellos! With his inimitable fun and witty style, Louis presents simple ways to enjoy music-making at 2.30-3.15PM & 4.30 6PM home with your children...... 1-1.45PM ...... NOTELETS - CBSO SOWETO KINCH Award-winning alto-saxophonist and MC CELLO ENSEMBLE Soweto Kinch is one of the UK’s most exciting and The ever-popular CBSO Notelets take a trip out of the versatile young musicians. He and his band will CBSO Centre to meet and entertain your little ones – introduce audiences to the toe-tapping sounds meet the CBSO Cellists and Cellos! of jazz, song-rooted swing and hip hop. 2.30-3.45PM & 4.45-6PM 3.30-4.15PM

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CENTENARY SQUARE

The REP presents EAT! INSIDE THE LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM… See page 7 for details. See inside the new Library of Birmingham while listening to music from some of the city’s best choral groups. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 1-6.30PM The Terraces and Book Rotunda are accessed from inside the Library. ON THE HOUR AND HALF-HOUR The ampitheatre can be viewed from Centenary Square or from within the Library.

...... Birmingham Opera DanceXchange presents Company presents BIRMINGHAM DANCING THE RUSSIANS ARE More from Birmingham Dancing - catch the staff from the Hyatt Regency Birmingham performing in their workplace. Each show COMING... runs for 5 minutes A preview of Birmingham Opera Company’s new (see also p7) opera The Khovansky Files, presented with Songs SATURDAY ONLY, 11AM, 12PM, 2PM, 3PM And Dances Of Death - four contrasting songs with one unifying HYATT REGENCY BIRMINGHAM, theme: the presence of a woman; Death herself. Singer Byron 2 BRIDGE STREET (OPPOSITE CENTENARY SQUARE) Jackson, with Sergey Rybin at the piano, performs the Songs ...... with a selection of quintessential Russian opera arias. SATURDAY, 1.30 & 3.30PM SUNDAY, 1 & 3PM BE Festival presents AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM, BE NEXT ...... BE Next is Be Festival’s young performance company for young people who speak a Ex Cathedra second language at home, or have English as a second language. This is a development from the scratch performance first presented at this year’s BE Festival in July. presents SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 2.15 & 4.15PM THE LANGUAGE NEAR MUSICAL PICNIC OF FLOWERS Music inspired by nature, the language of flowers, the delights of birdsong and, of course, love. Hot on the heels of their five- star BBC Prom, Ex Cathedra Consort perform exquisite music from 16th century France alongside pieces by Britten, Lauridsen, Saint-Saëns, Roth, MacMillan and Birmingham’s own John Joubert. SATURDAY AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM, 2.30PM BOOK ROTUNDA, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM, 3PM SECRET GARDEN, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM (FLOOR 7), 4PM ...... CBSO WIND ENSEMBLE ...... The CBSO’s Centre Stage series moves out of CBSO Centre, with the incomparable music of Mozart performed by members of the CBSO. SATURDAY, 3PM DISCOVERY AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM SEASON ...... 4 Squares CBSO STRING QUARTET Weekender The CBSO’s Centre Stage series moves out of CBSO Centre, with music for string quartet celebrates the opening weekend performed by members of the CBSO. SUNDAY, 3PM of the Library of Birmingham AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM The Discovery Season - produced by Capsule in collaboration with the Library of Birmingham, and ...... supported by Arts Council England - brings to life the Library’s stunning new spaces, from the studio theatre to the towering book rotunda and the out- RED FOOD PICNIC door garden terraces, playing host to installations, events, performances and workshops for every age Join in the Red Food Picnic on the Discovery and interest. Events encompassing literature, art, Terrace, with extra special guests. Bring along a film, illustration, food and debate will be enjoyed punnet of strawberries, pack of tomatoes or a red under one golden roof in the city’s newest social chilli - if you dare! space. SUNDAY, 1-1.30PM Learn about Birmingham’s new library via DISCOVERY TERRACE, www.libraryofbirmingham.com/discoveryseason LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM (FLOOR 3)

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Flying high in Victoria Square

Birmingham Hippodrome and Nofit State Circus presents OPEN HOUSE Aerialists, acrobats and musi- cians explode from their cara- vans for a series of circus taster workshops, impromptu stunts and professional circus per- formances, in collaboration with local artists and groups. All ages are invited to run away with the circus for a few hours and train alongside Nofit State’s professional performers. Alter- natively, simply sit back and watch as the spectacle unfolds. SATURDAY, 12-2PM & 3-5PM SUNDAY, 12-2.15PM & 3.15-5.30PM

Birmingham REP presents Birmingham Royal Freefall Dance Company EAT! Ballet presents... presents Ladies and gentlemen, we give you Eat!, a the- Birmingham Royal Ballet is the UK's leading touring CHAIRS atrical journey in four caravans. We take food for ballet company and is based in the heart of the city, granted: we diet, overindulge, grab it on the go, at Birmingham Hippodrome. Dancing ballets that Inspired by the humble chair, this piece celebrates but rarely do we delve into its stories. Explore range from 19th-century classics, through the amaz- international dance styles in a way only Freefall the caravans dotted around 4 Squares Week- ing works that made British ballet a household name Dance Company can. Led by former Birmingham ender and hear tales of feasting, fasting and during the 20th century, to the wide-ranging creative Royal Ballet dancers and staff from Fox Hollies Per- famine with plenty of food for thought. pieces Director David Bintley and international forming Arts College, the acclaimed Freefall pro- vides a training and performing platform for highly guests choreograph for the Company today, Birming- SATURDAY & SUNDAY, gifted young people with severe learning difficulties. FROM 1PM, ON THE HOUR ham Royal Ballet always offers something that will amaze and astonish with its invention, skill and SATURDAY, 3PM THEN FIND THE REMAINING EAT CARA- beauty. TOWN HALL VANS IN CENTENARY AND OOZELLS SATURDAY, 1PM SQUARES. TOWN HALL

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VICTORIA SQUARE

An unforgettable late-night spec- tacular

LAUNCH PERFORMANCE FRIDAY 9.30PM

Birmingham Hippodrome and Wired Aerial Theatre present AS THE WORLD TIPPED Officially opening 4 Squares Weekender At the Secretariat of the Copenhagen on Friday night and closing Saturday Climate Change conference, harassed evening’s programme, don’t miss this staff fail to notice as the world around opportunity to see the spectacular large- them literally and metaphorically slides scale show As The World Tipped, an epic towards disaster. piece of outdoor storytelling presented on a vast 12m screen set high in the Suspended above the audience in the night sky. night sky, the performers struggle to control their increasingly precarious Combining dramatic film and visuals with world as they do battle with the effects of breath taking aerial performance and drastic environmental catastrophe. stunning choreography, As The World Tipped confronts one of the most pressing issues for the planet with FRIDAY, 9.30PM & SATURDAY, 9PM spectacle, humour and emotion. (60 MINUTES)

Enjoy music with Louis Robinson’s Trio Damba - Friday from 7pm (see Page 9)

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Chamberlain Square is filled with the sound of Bhangra, Hip-Hop, Motown, Soul, Roots, Rock, Reggae and more. Cool off at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with a day of film hosted by our very own Flatpack Festival.

Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery present FLATPACK FILM CAFÉ Take a pitstop at the Waterhall for free rolling programme of screenings. Produced by the team from Flatpack Festival, the film jamboree which takes over Birmingham every March, you’ll find a typically varied jumble of shorts, animation, archive discoveries, cult movies and live performance. Plus bold, eyepop- ping posters created at the Birmingham Arts Lab print workshop during the 1970s. Tea and cake is available throughout. SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, 12PM – 8PM WATERHALL, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

SATURDAY 7 SEPT SUNDAY 8 SEPT 12PM COLOUR BOX: CINEMAJIGS (70 MINS) 12PM COLOUR BOX: Toe-tapping cartoons from around the world, hand-picked from the Flatpack family programme. Suitable for all ages. Hosted by Sarah Hamilton Baker. CINEMAJIGS (60 MINS) ...... Toe-tapping cartoons from around the world, hand- picked from the Flatpack family programme. Suitable for 1.30PM ANIMATED BIRMINGHAM (50 MINS) all ages. Homegrown animated shorts using a range of techniques. Includes a recent collaboration between Juneau ...... Projects and pupils from a number of local schools, made at the Museum, and a couple of shorts from CBSO’s recent Silent Movie Animation Challenge...... 2.45PM COLOUR BOX: BUGS AND BEASTS (60 MINS) Cunning birds, wriggly insects, and singing monsters all feature in this selection of animated shorts. Suit- able for all ages...... 4PM SONGS AND DANCES OF DEATH (45 MINS) During March 2013 Birmingham Opera Company presented a series of pop-up performances of Songs and Dances of Death, a song cycle by Russian composer Modest Musorgsky. Documenting their every move 1.30PM PAKEEZAH was a young filmmaking team, and this screening includes three of the videos made during the tour. Plus (148 MINS) two classic animations by Alexeieff and Parker, both inspired by Musorgsky’s work. Showing in Bollywood’s centenary year, a ...... landmark in Indian cinema. The tragic tale of a courte- (70 MINS) san’s daughter who becomes famous for her mesmeris- 5PM KINO 10 SHORTS ing dances, Pakeezah was 14 years in the making and Exploring all manner of short films, from animation to music video, with some experimental and documen- flopped on release in 1972 but has since been recog- tary thrown in for good measure, KINO 10 concoct a programme of shorts guaranteed to put a smile on your nised as a true classic. Starring Meena Kumari, who face.. died shortly after the film came out, and featuring the ...... angelic voice of Lata Mangeshkar. Certificate: PG 6.30PM HE WHO GETS SLAPPED (80 MINS) ...... Beautiful, bizarre silent drama from 1924 about a disgraced scientist 5PM MUSICTUBE (60 MINS) (Lon Chaney) who becomes a circus clown. Also the first ever appearance of the Here we pick out a selection of the most innovative and MGM lion! Featuring live accompaniment by pianist John Sweeney. interesting music videos from the past 18 months. Fea- ...... turing Dash Shaw’s Seraph from Sigur Ros’s hugely popular Valtari project, Tame Impala’s joyful animated 12-4PM SILHOUETTE ANIMATION WORKSHOP video for Feels Like We Only Go Backwards by Becky Throughout Saturday afternoon Lightbox Cinema will be running a drop-in animation workshop in the Sloan and Joe Pelling (Flatpack 2013 award winner Waterhall, where you can make a shadow film using cardboard cut-outs. Suitable for ages 5+. too!), and the latest video from Birmingham-based band Troumaca.

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CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE

The Drum presents

SATURDAY 5-8.30PM SIMMER DOWN SHOWCASE SUNDAY 2.30-7PM

The Drum brings you a special music programme with outstanding musicians, singers, DJs and dancers. SATURDAY 7 SEPT ANSAR KHALID QAWWAL AND PARTY An unforgettable Qawwali concert recreating the qawwalis of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s along with new compositions. 5-5.45PM ...... SUNDAY 8 SEPT DCS BHANGRA GROUP DCS led the 1980s transformation of classic Punjabi Bhangra into a contempo- Hip-Hop ’til you drop! rary global phenomenon. Come ready to raise your arms and move your feet! 6-6.45PM SUNDAY, 2.30-4PM The Drum and DanceXchange join forces to weave DJs, ...... beat boxers and live performers for a high energy extrava- ganza of urban flavours. Will live performances from Sic’- Reggae Splash Nis, MSI Asylum, Detin8, Clan & Deez’l and Adante. Some of Birmingham’s finest Reggae PLUS LOOK OUT FOR artists take to the stage. THE SONY XPERIA B-BOY CHAMPIONSHIPS BASIL GABBIDON AND ALL-STARS To celebrate the championships coming to Birmingham, DanceXchange pres- BACKING BAND ents exclusive performances from Brooke, Roxi, Marvel and Sunni. Plus work- The founding member of Birmingham’s infamous band shop demonstrations from Shaun Cope and Lucie Talbott, and Steel Pulse. a community B-Boy performance created by Mickael ‘Marso’ Riviere. 7.15-7.30PM 12.30-1.15PM & 2.30-3.15PM ...... YAZ ALEXANDER THE MAGIC OF OLD The Birmingham-based singer-songwriter whose performances are characterised by passion and energy. SKOOL CLASSICS 7.30-7.45PM Honouring the Soul and Motown legends. Brothers of ...... Soul and Divas of Soul perform favourite hits made famous by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Tina PETER SPENCE Turner and scores more. Then Reggae Peter Spence is best known for his peerless vocals, Divas honour the great female Lovers Rock superstars as well as the quality of his songs and material. with sweet tight vocal harmony and dazzling moves. 7.45-8PM 4-5.30PM ...... MUSICAL YOUTH TIPPA IRIE Best remembered for their number one hit around the world ‘Pass the Dutchie’. The UK Reggae legend and acclaimed dancehall 8-8.15PM MC takes to the Simmer Down stage. Tippa Irie ...... has been at the forefront of the scene for the past 25 years and remains one of the TENNA STAR world’s most requested Reggae One of the UK’s finest vocalists in Reggae today. entertainers. 8.15-8.30PM 6-7PM

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CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE

City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra See Oozells Square, page 7 for more details WIND STRING ENSEMBLE QUARTET SATURDAY, 12PM SUNDAY, 12PM

Also at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery SATURDAY, 10AM-8PM & SUNDAY, 10AM-7PM GRUFFALO HUSHED TONES AMERICAN INDIAN GROOVES! Something suprising will pop-up in and around the PORTRAITS Round Room and Industrial Gallery. Powered by Beat- Join a dance workshops for 4-11 freeks. BY GEORGE CATLIN year olds inspired by the words and music of former Children’s SATURDAY, 2.30PM & 6.30PM One of the most important series of Laureate, Julia Donaldson. Her famous characters the SUNDAY, 1.30PM & 5.30PM portraits of native peoples ever Gruffalo, Tiddler and Tabby McTat come to life. ROUND ROOM AND INDUSTRIAL GALLERY, made, on show in this National Portrait Gallery touring exhibition. SATURDAY & SUNDAY, 11AM & 1PM BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY ROUND ROOM, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY Now it’s time to join in…

dx PARTICIPATE Show off your moves with taster dance workshops from DanceXchange’s class programme. See a 10 minute workshop demo on the stage before moving into Town Hall for a 30 minute taster workshop. You might discover a hidden talent!

SATURDAY 6 SEPT mac birmingham presents STAGE AND TOWN HALL STAGE MOVE ME - 1.30-2pm: Lindy Hop with James Hamilton and AN INTERACTIVE DANCE EVENT Cordao de Ouro Capoeira with Sam Mascote Even if you haven’t danced since nursery, after a few minutes of Move Me 3.30-4pm: Musical Dance with Beth Squire & Ami Radcliffe, you’ll be moving like you never knew you could. Somewhere between a Lindy Hop with James Hamilton & Cordao de Ouro dance class, a Flashmob and a party, you'll be learning the moves along- Capoeira with Sam Mascote side professional contemporary dancers and taking centre stage. Everyone of all ages and abilities can join in. WORKSHOPS IN TOWN HALL SATURDAY, 12-1PM, 2.30-3.30PM ON STAGE 2-2.30pm: Lindy Hop with James Hamilton 6-7PM TOWN HALL 2.30-3pm: Cordao de Ouro Capoeira with Sam Mascote 4-4.30pm: Musical Dance with Beth Squire & Ami Radcliffe 4.30-5pm: Cordao de Ouro Capoeira with Sam Mascote 5-5.30pm: Lindy Hop with James Hamilton SUNDAY 7 SEPT WORKSHOPS IN TOWN HALL Urban Fusion with Shaun Cope (1-1.30pm & 3-3.30pm) Street Dance Styles with Lucie Talbott (1.30-2pm & 3.30-4pm)

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SATURDAY

4 OOZELLS SQUARE AND BRINDLEYPLACE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 SHIMABUKU: SOMETHING THAT FLOATS / SOMETHING THAT SINKS 11AM - 6PM presented by Ikon, IKON GALLERY, p6  CBSO Brass Ensemble p7 12-2PM & 3.30-5.30PM  SLOW BOAT AT 4 SQUARES WEEKENDER MOORED ON BIRMINGHAM AND p6 12-5.30PM FAZELEY CANAL, BRINDLEYPLACE, OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL SEALIFE CENTRE  CLAYGROUND COLLECTIVE presented by Ikon, IKON GALLERY p6 12-5.30PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p7 EVERY HOUR  PIF PAF: SOMETHING TO HOLD presented by mac birmingham p7 1, 2.30 & 4PM  IKON FAMILY WEEKENDER p6 1-4PM  BIRMINGHAM DANCING presented by DanceXchange PICCOLINO p7 4, 5, 6, & 7PM

CENTENARY SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 BIRMINGHAM DANCING HYATT REGENCY BIRMINGHAM p11 11AM, 12, 2, 3PM  LLUIS MATHER AND FRIENDS (Musical Picnic) p10 11-11.45AM  BURDOCK CEILIDH BAND (Musical Picnic) p10 12-12.45PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p11 EVERY HOUR FROM 1PM  LOUIS ROBINSON AND FRIENDS (Musical Picnic) p10 1-1.45PM  HOORAY FOR BOLLYWOOD! presented by sampad p11 1.30 & 4.30PM  THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING... presented by Birmingham Opera Company p13 1.30 & 3.30PM AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM  SECRET DRAMA presented by The Rep p11 2 & 4PM  BE NEXT presented by BE Festival p11 2.15 & 4.15PM  NOTELETS – CBSO CELLO ENSEMBLE (Musical Picnic) p10 2.30 & 4.45PM  CBSO WIND ENSEMBLE AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM p13 3PM  THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS presented by Ex Cathedra, p13 2.30, 3 & 4PM LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM: ROTUNDA 3.30PM, AMPHITHEATRE 4.30PM, TERRACE 5.30PM

CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 AMERICAN INDIAN PORTRAITS BY GEORGE CATLIN p25 10AM-8PM BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY  GRUFFALO GROOVES! ROUND ROOM, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY p25 11AM & 1PM  CBSO - WIND ENSEMBLE p25 12PM  DX WORKSHOPS AND MOVE ME p25 12-1PM, 1.30-2PM & 2.30-4PM STAGE, CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE  FLATPACK FILM CAFÉ presented by Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, WATERHALL p15 12-8PM  HUSHED TONES BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY p25 2.30 & 6.30PM  ANSAR KHALID QAWWAL & PARTY (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 5-5.45PM  DCS BHANGRA GROUP (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 6 - 6.45PM  BASIL GABBIDON & BACKING BAND (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 7.15-7.30PM  YAZ ALEXANDER (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 7.30-7.45PM  PETER SPENCE (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 7.45-8PM  MUSICAL YOUTH (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 8-8.15PM  TENNA STAR (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 8.15PM

VICTORIA SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 MOVE ME – An interactive dance event, presented by mac birmingham, TOWN HALL p25 6-7PM  OPEN HOUSE - presented by Birmingham Hippodrome and Nofit State Circus p27 12-2 & 3-5PM  BIRMINGHAM ROYAL BALLET PRESENTS...TOWN HALL p27 1PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p27 EVERY HOUR FROM 1PM  LINDY HOP, CORDAO DE OURO CAPOEIRA & MUSICAL DANCE p25 2-5.30PM - DX WORKSHOPS TOWN HALL  CHAIRS presented by Freefall Dance Company, TOWN HALL p27 3PM  AS THE WORLD TIPPED presented by Birmingham Hippodrome & Wired Aerial Theatre p29 9PM

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SUNDAY

4 OOZELLS SQUARE AND BRINDLEYPLACE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 SHIMABUKU: SOMETHING THAT FLOATS / SOMETHING THAT SINKS 11AM - 6PM presented by Ikon, IKON GALLERY p6  CBSO Percussion Ensemble p7 12-2PM & 3.30-5.30PM  PIF PAF: SOMETHING TO HOLD presented by mac birmingham p7 12 & 2.30PM  CRACK UP! - A BCMG and Ikon collaboration IKON GALLERY p7 12 & 4PM

 SLOW BOAT AT 4 SQUARES WEEKENDER MOORED ON BIRMINGHAM AND p6 12-5.30PM FAZELEY CANAL, BRINDLEYPLACE, OUTSIDE THE NATIONAL SEALIFE CENTRE

 CLAYGROUND COLLECTIVE presented by Ikon, IKON GALLERY p6 12-5.30PM

 CIRCLES IN THE SQUARE presented by sampad p7 1 & 3PM  IKON FAMILY WEEKENDER p6 1-4PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p7 EVERY HOUR

CENTENARY SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 MICHAEL LOADER (Musical Picnic) p10 12-12.45PM  RED FOOD PICNIC FIRST FLOOR TERRACE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM p13 1-1.30PM  METROPOLITAN BRASS (Musical Picnic) p10 1- 1.45PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p11 1-6.30PM  BE NEXT presented by BE Festival p11 2.15 & 4.15PM  NOTELETS – CBSO CELLO ENSEMBLE (Musical Picnic) p10 2.30-3.15PM & 4.30-6PM

 THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING... presented by Birmingham Opera Company p13 1 & 3PM AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM

 SOWETO KINCH (Musical Picnic) p10 3.30-4.15PM  CBSO STRING QUARTET AMPHITHEATRE, LIBRARY OF BIRMINGHAM p13 3PM

CHAMBERLAIN SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 AMERICAN INDIAN PORTRAITS BY GEORGE CATLIN p25 10AM-7PM BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY  GRUFFALO GROOVES! ROUND ROOM, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY p25 11AM & 1PM  CBSO - STRING QUARTET p25 12PM  FLATPACK FILM CAFÉ presented by Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, WATERHALL p15 12-8PM  B-BOY CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL-STARS presented by DanceXchange p17 12.30 & 2.30PM  HUSHED TONES BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM & ART GALLERY p25 1.30 & 5.30PM  HIP-HOP ‘TIL YOU DROP! (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 2.30 - 4PM  THE MAGIC OF OLD SKOOL CLASSICS (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 4-5.30PM  TIPPA IRIE (Simmer Down Showcase) presented by The Drum p17 6-7PM

VICTORIA SQUARE TIMELINE 11am 12pm 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm 5pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 9pm

 OPEN HOUSE - presented by Birmingham Hippodrome and Nofit State Circus p27 12-2.15PM & 3.15-5.30PM  EAT! presented by The Rep p27 FROM 1PM ON THE HOUR  URBAN FUSION - DX WORKSHOPS TOWN HALL p25 1-1.30PM & 3-3.30PM  STREET DANCE STYLE - DX WORKSHOPS TOWN HALL p25 1.30-2PM & 3.30-4PM

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feature...

Putting on the Style... celebrities host Birmingham’s fashion spectacular

Recognised as one of the country’s top shopping destinations, Birmingham is home to Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and the Bullring, as well as a host of reputable independents and designer stores. Marking the city’s fashionable achievements, the award-winning Style Birmingham this month makes a welcome return to the city, transforming Birmingham Town Hall into a fashion industry-style setting to showcase the latest autumn-winter collections. Promoting and raising the profile of Birmingham when I’m back in the Midlands, Birmingham Town Hall are £15 and include a Birmingham’s reputation as a world-class so after a day of non-stop fashion and seat at the catwalk show, access to amazing shopping destination, Style Birmingham beauty, I’m looking forward to hitting the store offers and events, and a goody bag regularly attracts two hundred-and-fifty shops.” courtesy of The Mailbox and Harvey Nichols. thousand visitors to the city centre during the Featuring more than one hundred retailers - VIP tickets can be purchased for £25 and last weekend in September, with major including Bullring, Selfridges, The Mailbox, include a premium seat at the catwalk show, retailers reporting an average uplift of sixty Harvey Nicholls, House of Fraser, Marks & a pre-show glass of bubbly at the Virgin per cent in sales as a direct result of the Spencer and numerous independents - Style Trains ‘First Class Lounge’ within Town Hall - show. Birmingham constantly strives to improve on where ticketholders can enjoy a DJ and Style Birmingham Live AW13, which recently its reputation as ‘an unmissable day of stylish treats including chocolates and received a coveted British Council of fashion, beauty and shopping’, and this beauty demonstrations - plus a goody bag Shopping Centres Purple Apple Marketing year’s event is no exception. In addition to courtesy of The Mailbox and Harvey Nichols. Award, this year welcomes two new faces to the main catwalk event, Style Birmingham Shows take place at 10.30am, 12pm, the city’s biggest one-day fashion will see numerous sideline events at House 1.30pm, 3pm and 4.30pm on Saturday 28 spectacular, with Birmingham-born model of Fraser, The Mailbox and the Bullring, the September. Tickets can be purchased from Emma Willis and Reality TV star Rylan Clark latter venue celebrating its tenth anniversary ShoppingInBirmingham.com, where you can joining forces to oversee the event’s ‘jaw- with The Show: Ten. find the latest style news first, and be in with dropping’ catwalk show at the Town Hall. Style Birmingham Live is also supporting a chance of winning a pair of the season’s Emma and Rylan will also host Style On The Breast Cancer Care, and is inviting essential Louboutin heels. Side, which sees the duo give their reactions ticketholders to get along and see Lady to the season’s key looks before inviting the Penelope’s FABulous bespoke pink Roll- audience to join in with a fashion-themed Royce Ghost, with the original Thunderbirds Q&A after each show. FAB1 number plate donated by presenter Of her impending involvement with Style..., and broadcaster Chris Evans! The beautiful Emma recently commented: “I can’t wait to car will be parked outside Town Hall for the get back to Birmingham to host the show duration of the day. The visit follows its this year. The plans for the catwalk show at marathon journey from Land’s End to John Town Hall are incredible, and with so many O’Groats, which was supported by a host of FAB1, which will be parked outside the Town stores and brands already lined up to take celebrities, including Gary Barlow and Mary Hall for Style Birmingham Live AW13 on part, the show is set to be the best Style Berry. Saturday 28 September Birmingham Live yet. I love to go shopping in Tickets to the Style Birmingham Live show at

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Happy Birthday, Bullring! ten questions in ten minutes with Mollie King...

Birmingham’s Bullring is a decade old this month. To mark the occasion, the popular shopping destination is presenting AW13 catwalk event, The Show: Ten, on 28 September. The Saturdays’ Mollie King will be fronting no fewer than five shows throughout the day. And organisers are promising plenty of surprises along the way too...

Are you looking forward to visiting fashion cities? the Year Awards, I wore a beautiful red Birmingham, Mollie? Birmingham is such a stylish city and I’m cutaway dress, which I loved. It was a Absolutely. Birmingham is such a great city, very excited to be a part of Bullring’s ten- modern take on a sophisticated dress. with an amazing fashion offering and a great year celebrations and The Show: Ten. sense of style. How would you describe your sense of What’s your one key piece of style advice? style? What can we expect from The Show: Ten? Dress for you. It’s important that you feel I like to dress classic and sophisticated, but I Well, you should expect a lot of surprises comfortable in what you’re wearing. It’s not think it's important to try out new trends too. I throughout the month, and during the show always about adopting every trend but trying like dressing preppy, but I also think it’s itself you’ll get to see some of the season’s different pieces to see what suits you and important to keep things simple. most divine trends brought to life on the your body shape. catwalk. The best thing is that everything you What’s your favourite designer label and see on the catwalk is available from shops in How important is fashion to The high street label? Bullring. Saturdays? I’m quite experimental with designers and Fashion is very important to us as a band. the high street, but I definitely like to mix the What’s your favourite trend of the season? We love nothing more than browsing the two. Monochrome. It's everywhere. I love latest trends and shopping on the high autumn/winter; you can play around a lot street. Who’s your style icon? more with layers. I love Sarah Jessica Parker’s style, and What’s been your favourite Red Carpet definitely like to take elements from her. Are you excited about hosting this fashion outfit? event in one of the UK’s most important A few months ago, at the Glamour Women of

Visit the Bullring during September and see many of the shops and restaurants offering special discounts, offers, and activities in-store. Keep your eye out for a very special announcement on 4 September when Bullring’s best-kept secret will be revealed...

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A Place In The Sun Live NEC, Birmingham, Fri 27 - Sun 29 September Looking to invest in that long-dreamed-about holiday home abroad, from the process of buying property abroad to how you’ll be affected but not quite sure how best to go about it? Well, you could start by by those all-important tax laws. heading to Birmingham’s NEC at the end of this month and checking The TV programme’s presenters, Laura Hamilton, Jasmine Harman, out Channel Four’s overseas property exhibition, A Place In The Sun Jonnie Irwin and Amanda Lamb, are also on hand with plenty of Live. Featuring around one hundred-and-fifty agents selling property sound advice, and for anybody who’s harbouring celebrity aspira- in destinations across the world, the show also hosts a series of free- tions, there’s even a chance to screen-test to appear on the next to-attend seminar sessions, where you can learn about everything series of the show. The Cycle Show NEC, Birmingham, Fri 27 - Sun 29 September Described as the biggest event of its kind, this annual show at Birmingham’s NEC features an abundance of bikes and associated prod- ucts for cycling enthusiasts, both on and off- road. In addition to the hundreds of stalls, the weekend event features outdoor demo tracks, on which visitors can try out the latest moun- tain bikes. There’s also the chance to see the best freestyle BMX pros and trials riders strut- ting - or should that be ‘cycling’? - their stuff. New attractions for 2013 include a BMX Park Contest, Roller Racing, and the Onza Trials (featuring pro riders Brett Penfold and Ian Drummond). Knights of Middle England Midland Game Fair Weston Park, Staffordshire, Sat 14 - Sun 15 September This year celebrating its thirtieth anniversary, the Midland Game Fair is once again providing an array of main arena family entertainment, as well as plenty of countryside activities with which to get involved. The 2013 line-up features performances by, among others, medieval jousters the Knights of Middle England, the Tigers Free Fall Parachute Display Team, the Mid-Wales Axe Team, Ye Olde Redtail Falconry and Cyril the Squirrel. Sporting attractions include the Great Wall Motor World Series Clay Shooting Final and the Countryman’s Weekly Champion of Champions in the terrier and lurcher events. Live music, educational displays and have-a-go features ensure the show’s got a good chance of offering some- thing to appeal to most visitors.

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Events PREVIEWS

The Pirates In An Exhibition With Scientists Thinktank, Birmingham, until Sun 22 September A swashbuckling adventure awaits visitors to Birmingham’s science museum this month, as characters and sets from the Sony Pictures Animation and Aardman Animations Award-nominated blockbuster The Pirates! are brought to life. As well as taking part in a variety of crafts - from model-making to ani- mation - visitors are invited to dress up in pirate finery and become part of The Pirate Captain’s crew, courtesy of the latest blue- screen technology. Referencing Polly - the dodo that thinks it’s a parrot - a famed Dodo reconstruction, on loan from Oxford University, is being housed at Thinktank for the duration of the exhibition, linking the film with the world of natural history. Sony Xperia B-Boy Championships World Finals O2 Academy, Birmingham, Sat 21 - Sun 22 September If you enjoy dance, you’ll love this. The eighteenth event of its kind - and this year taking place in association with Birmingham’s DanceXchange, the Sony Xperia B-Boy Championships World Finals brings together top break dancers, poppers and Hip-Hop dancers for a high-energy weekend of dance magic and fierce competition. The event sees the UK’s national winners challenging the greatest crews from around the globe, and doing their best to impress a world-class judging panel made up of leading international pioneers and World Champions. The weekend also includes workshops led by some of the world’s top dancers, all of which will be held at DanceXchange in central Birmingham.

opportunity to browse numerous trade stands. All BMWs - race cars, show cars, Living History Weekend modern, retros, classics, new minis and Black Country Living Museum, Dudley, Battle Of Britain Weekend Sat 14 - Sun 15 September RAF Cosford, nr Wolverhampton, BMW bikes - are welcome at the event. Sat 14 - Sun 15 September This event at Dudley’s award-winning muse- um allows visitors to step back in time and Marking the most important event in Royal observe the Friends of the Black Country Airforce history, the Battle Of Britain Living Museum as they forgo all modern-day Weekend offers a series of themed activities comforts. For two whole days, volunteers will and demonstrations for aviation and World live exactly as people did at the end of the War Two enthusiasts to enjoy. Attractions nineteenth century, undertaking everyday include real-life working Griffon engine household tasks like cooking, cleaning and demonstrations and a chance to see how a washing, but doing so without the aid of World War RAF Ops Room functioned. washing machines, hoovers and ready There’s also an opportunity to witness land meals. Rather them than us... army girls in action, with a re-enactment group digging for victory in the wartime gar- den. New for 2013, Marjorie Cartwright Jones offers advice and thrifty tips for hard- Ironbridge Gorge World pressed wartime housewives, courtesy of her onsite Make Do And Mend classes. Heritage Festival Ironbridge, South Shropshire, Sat 21 Sept Heritage talks and walks, a high-quality craft and food market, live street entertainment and numerous family activities all feature in this year’s Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival, a celebration of the area’s designa- tion as a World Heritage Site back in 1986. Demonstrations and displays celebrating the remarkable heritage of the Gorge, and plenty Women In World War II of hands-on art activities, ensure the event is both educational and entertainment-packed. Evening Oh, and there’s even the chance for young- Coventry Transport Museum, Thurs 12 September sters to enjoy a donkey ride! Providing a fascinating insight into the roles played by women during World War Two, BMW Show this Coventry Women's Research Group- inspired evening includes stories about Santa Pod, Northampton, Sun 15 September women who worked in the land army, the Returning to Santa Pod Raceway for its city’s auxiliary fire service, and who volun- eighth year, the BMW Show is a hugely pop- teered to work on the canals. The event also ular celebration of Bavaria’s finest. The one- focuses on the correspondence of one day event features both Run What Ya Brung young woman, whose writings ranged from and a Show And Shine competition, not to describing the effects of the bombing to the mention stunt displays, the chance to try a experience of dealing with her fiance being two-seater dragster, funfair rides and an away in the forces.

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ITAGE MONTH Discover LISTINGS strange and hidden Events things around Croome, Mon 2 - Mon 30 Sept, For full listing information on Events, Croome, including times and dates, visit Worcestershire INTRODUCTION TO YOUR www.whatsonlive.co.uk BIRMINGHAM Guided tour with World International Festival of Cultures Curator Adam from Glass Biennale 2012 Jaffer, Tues 3 Sept, and Moor St Station as SUN 1 SEP Birmingham Museum & part of the Making Art Gallery Moves exhibition, Sun 1 PRO RACER TEST & TUNE THE PIRATES! AN - Mon 2 Sept, DAY Wed 4 Sept, Santa ADVENTURE WITH Worcester Cathedral Pod Raceway, SCIENTISTS A swash- VICTORY WEEK Themed Northampton buckling adventure fea- family activity trail and STAFFORDSHIRE HOARD turing characters and workshop where visi- TOUR & VISIT TO CON- sets from the Sony tors can design a mini- SERVATION STUDIO Event Pictures Animation and commemorative plate which gives an insight Aardman Animations to celebrate the end of into Anglo Saxon times, Award-nominated the war, running until Wed 4 Sept, blockbuster The Sun 1 Sept, Coventry Birmingham Museum & Pirates!, until Sun 22 Transport Museum Art Gallery Filmi Talkies - Wolverhampton Sept, Thinktank at VW ACTION A laid-back BAT WALK Wed 4 Sept, Millennium Point gathering of likeminded MOTOR SHOW Showcase Shrewsbury LOCKWORKS Evening of Weoley Castle, THROUGH THE RABBIT VW enthusiasts enjoy- of new and old cars, THE AUTUMN ANTIQUE knitting, crochet and Birmingham HOLE Summer exhibi- ing racing, RWYB, live entertainment, a CERAMIC & GLASS FAIR chat, Tue 10 Sept, Light BRIDGNORTH BEER tion exploring the magi- Show’n’Shine, trade vil- funfair and much Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, House Media Centre, FESTIVAL Thurs 5 - Sat cal world of the Alice In lage plus evening fami- more... Sat 7 - Sun 8 Museum of Royal Wolverhampton 7 Sept, Severn Valley Wonderland stories and ly entertainment, until Sept, Britannia Worcester FESTIVAL OF THE HORSE Railway, Kidderminster illustrations, until Sun 8 Sun 1 Sept, Santa Pod Stadium, Stoke-on- HARVEST CRAFT WEEK- Tues 10 Sept, Three FIA CHAMPIONSHIPS: THE Sept, Herbert Art Raceway, Northampton Trent END Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, Counties Showground, FINALS Featuring top- Gallery & Museum, T-PARTY FESTIVAL until WYCHAVON OIL ENGINE Moseley Old Hall, Malvern fuel dragsters, drag Coventry Sun 1 Sept, Telford PRESERVATION SOCIETY Stafford SALLY MORGAN ON THE bikes, jet cars, stunts, SUMMER TREASURE Town Park, Shropshire RALLY Sat 7 - Sun 8 WELSHPOOL ANTIQUES & ROAD Evening of medi- monster trucks, traders, HUNT Holiday fun, JACOBITE REBELLION Sept, Avoncroft COLLECTORS FAIR Sun 8 umship, Tue 10 Sept, sideshows and more where participants can WEEKEND Experience Museum, Bromsgrove Sept, The Flash Leisure Dudley Town Hall family entertainment, solve the clues around the life of an 18th cen- COTTAGE GARDEN FESTI- Centre, Welshpool, HISTORY OF THE Thurs 5 - Sun 8 Sept, the park and win a tury Redcoat at an VAL Admire the gardens Powys MOLINEUX HOUSE Free, Santa Pod Raceway, medal, until Mon 2 authentic military at Anne Hathaway’s FILMI TALKIES drop-in talk by Billy Northampton Sept, Hawkstone Park encampment, as the cottage while enjoying Celebrating one-hun- Howe, Wed 11 Sept, HERITAGE OPEN DAY 2013 & Follies, North soldiers prepare to demonstrations of rural dred years of Indian Wolverhampton City Alan Mayes, Principal Shropshire quell the 1745 Jacobite crafts, Sat 7 - Sun 8 cinema with free work- Archives Architect Planner for WILD WEATHER Find out Rebellion, until Sun 1 Sept, Anne Hathaway’s shops, children’s activi- WOMEN IN WORLD WAR Warwick District about the science and Sept, Avoncroft Cottage, Stratford- ties & Mehndi (henna). II EVENING An enlighten- Council, gives an intro- technology behind Museum, Bromsgrove upon-Avon Sun 8 Sept, Blakenhall ing evening of talks duction to Heritage Britain's weather via LICHFIELD FOOD AND CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS Community & Healthy about the roles played Warwickshire Open interactive demonstra- DRINK FESTIVAL until Nina Kirkwood takes Living Centre, by women in World Days. No booking tions and activities, and Sun 1 Sept, Various participants through the Wolverhampton. Find War II, led by members required, Fri 6 Sept, see how wind turbines locations throughout basics, as they relax out more on Facebook of the Coventry Leamington Spa Art generate electricity, Lichfield and enjoy coffee at the - JaijashnDance Women’s Research Gallery & Museum until Sun 1 Sept, PEAK PERFORMANCE same time. Take along ON THE BUSES This Bus Group, who will be talk- 4 SQUARES WEEKENDER Enginuity, Ironbridge, TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB your own crochet rally, based at Bewdley ing about some of the Arts-based event cele- Shropshire with maximum track hooks and yarn. Please Station, promises a women featured in their brating the opening of THE GREAT KENILWORTH time and a fully note, this workshop superb display of his- books. Free, but the new Library of QUEST Hunt down the prepped track for seri- always sells out, so be toric commercial vehi- advanced booking rec- Birmingham, Fri 6 - Sun clues and put your ous enthusiasts, Sun 1 sure to book early, Sat cles, vintage bus rides ommended, Thurs 12 8 Sept, Oozells Square, knowledge to the test September, Santa Pod 7 Sept, The Roses and trade stands, Sun Sept, Coventry Chamberlain Square, to solve the riddles and Raceway, Northampton Theatre, Tewkesbury 8 Sept, Severn Valley Transport Museum Centenary Square & complete the chal- UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS: STICKY SATURDAY: PAPER Railway, Bewdley, Nr HERITAGE OPEN DAYS Victoria Square, lenge, until Sun 1 Sept, BEHIND THE SCENES CRAFT Free drop-in ses- Kidderminster Thurs 12 - Sun 16 Sept, Birmingham Kenilworth Castle, TOUR A chance to see sions for children aged IN THIS PLACE A unique Various Wolverhampton MUCH WENLOCK WALK- Warwickshire parts of the house not four-plus, Sat 7 Sept, audio theatre experi- city venues ING WEEKEND Fri 6 - SUMMER HOLIDAY normally open to the Broadfield House Glass ence which immerses FIRED UP! Evening of Mon 9 Sept, Much ACTIVITIES Featuring public, Sun 1 Sept, Museum, Stourbridge participants into a immersive theatre, art, Wenlock, South hands-on heritage trails Weston Park, FESTIVAL OF FIREWORKS world of stories & music, poetry and Shropshire and activities, until Sun Staffordshire A pyrotechnic spectac- events connected to dance, Fri 13 Sept, WEM CARNIVAL Sat 7 1 Sept, Black Country UK CYCLING EVENTS ular, Sat 7 Sept, Catton the landscape, Sun 8 Gladstone Pottery Sept, Bowensfield, Living Museum, Dudley RACE Sun 1 Sept, Three Hall, Staffordshire Sept, Bog Visitor Museum, Stoke-on- Wem, North Shropshire SUMMER FUN TRAIL Counties Showground, THE LEAGUE OF FRIENDS Centre, Stiperstones Trent HERITAGE OPEN DAY Explore the court Malvern OF BRIDGNORTH (Shropshire). This event LUDLOW FOOD FESTIVAL Event organised by the grounds and find the MARKETPLACE - HOSPITAL ANNUAL GALA also takes place on the Recognised as the fore- Redditch Local History hidden clues. Solve the CONTEMPORARY CRAFT Featuring Punch & 15th, 18th 22nd, 25th & most food festival in Society, Sat 7 Sept, challenge and a special FAIR Featuring a range Judy, a magic show, a 29th September Britain, the Ludlow Forge Mill Needle reward awaits! until of high-quality work jazz band, stalls, CIRCUS SKILLS WORK- Food and Drink Festival Museum, Redditch Sun 1 Sept, Witley from exciting designer- tombola, refreshments SHOP Try your hand at features the very best BEER AND MUSIC FESTI- Court, Worcestershire makers across ceram- and a Grand Draw, Sat juggling, stilt & of local fare, talks and VAL Sat 7 Sept, SUMMER FUN TRAIL ics, jewellery, textiles, 7 Sept, Bridgnorth tightrope-walking, uni- demonstrations from Fordhall Organic Farm, Explore the castle woodwork and visual Hospital, Shropshire cycles, plate-spinning the region's top chefs. Market Drayton, grounds and find the art, Sun 1 Sept, mac - GALLERY TOUR Chance and much more... Sun The festival also fea- Shropshire hidden clues. Solve the Midlands Arts Centre, to find out more about 8 Sept, Eastnor Castle, tures the now-famous STAFFORD ARTS FESTI- challenge and a special Birmingham the gallery and its col- Herefordshire Ludlow Sausage Trail, VAL Arts, music, crafts, reward awaits! until BRITISH MINI DAY Sun 1 lections, Sat 7 Sept, Fri 13 - Sun 15 Sept, dance and much Sun 1 September, Sept, Uttoxeter Wolverhampton Art Week Commencing Ludlow Castle, South more... Sat 7 Sept, vari- Stokesay Castle, South Racecourse, Gallery Shropshire ous locations around MON 9 SEP Shropshire Staffordshire 1940S WEEKEND HERITAGE OPEN DAY Stafford SUMMER FUN TRAIL CRAFT AND VINTAGE FAIR Weekend of nostalgia, Take a guided tour of ART & HERITAGE FAIR Sat Explore the grounds Sun 1 Sept, Victoria with music, stalls, dis- The Royal Pump 7 Sept, Shropshire and find the hidden Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on- plays, activities and fun FILM & TV QUIZ Put your Rooms with Senior Wildlife Trust, clues. Solve the chal- Trent for all the family, Sat 7 - film knowledge to the Curatorial Officer Vicki Shrewsbury lenge and a special A STORY OF THE BATTLE Sun 8 Sept, Bantock test with the Slade to find out about MAKE AND TAKE ACTIVITY reward awaits! until OF WORCESTER Mon 2 House Museum, Lighthouse's monthly the building's vibrant Family craft sessions, Sun 1 Sept, Wroxeter Sept, The Wolverhampton quiz. Plenty of prizes to history, and discover Sat 7 Sept, Museum of Roman City, Shropshire Commandery, ATTINGHAM FOOD FAIR be won! Mon 9 Sept, what goes on behind the Jewellery Quarter, INSTALLATION OF GLASS Worcester Sat 7 - Sun 8 Sept, Light House Media the scenes, Fri 13 Sept, Birmingham GATES BY ROBYN SMITH DISCOVER HIDDEN HER- Attingham Park, Centre, Wolverhampton Leamington Spa Art Previously shown at the THE BRITANNIA STADIUM KNIT-NIGHT AT

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tions and loads of off- track entertainment. Events LISTINGS New Mini welcome, Sun 15 Sept, Santa For full listing information on Events, Pod Raceway, including times and dates, visit Northampton 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS www.whatsonlive.co.uk Drop-in event inviting visitors to look around Gallery & Museum 15 Sept, Black Country the 1940s room and LIFTING THE LID Hour- Living Museum, Dudley find out about life dur- long tour which reveals RUN WHAT YA BRUNG ing wartime, Sun 15 how the site’s history The chance to take Sept, Bantock House has been preserved, Fri your car or motorcycle Museum, 13 Sept, Greyfriars, out on the famous Wolverhampton Worcestershire quarter-mile dragstrip HERITAGE OPEN DAY BLACK AND WHITE BALL and test its perform- Featuring as part of a For more information ance limits in a safe nationwide initiative cel- visit www.thedinner- and legal environment, ebrating heritage and clubuk.com Fri 13 Sept, Sat 14 Sept, Santa Pod culture, Sun 15 Sept, Grosvenor Pulford Raceway, Northampton Gladstone Museum, Hotel and Spa, Pulford, MIDLAND GAME FAIR An Stoke-on-Trent Nr Chester event for those interest- HISTORIC LONGTON WALK LOCKSMITH'S HOUSE ed in country pursuits, Join local historian Phil FREE OPEN DAY! Explore including world-class Rowley on a guided the home of the clay pigeon shooting, walk around Longton, Hodson family and view gundog competitions, beginning at the demonstrations in the falconry displays, ferret Gladstone shop, Sun gaslit rooms, Sat 14 racing, fine arts, rural 15 Sept, Gladstone Sept, Black Country crafts and hundreds of Museum, Stoke-on- Living Museum, Dudley trade stands, Sat 14 - Trent STARS AND STRIPES Sun 15 Sept, Weston Toy Collectors’ Fair - NEC, Birmingham HERITAGE OPEN DAY COUNTRY & WESTERN Park, Staffordshire WEEKEND Sun 15 Sept, with maximum track Centre DAY Fundraising event CHEESE & PICKLE FESTI- by Crazy Legs (Rock The Commandery, time and fully prepped THE NATIONAL FINALS Steady Crew) and for Macmillan Cancer VAL Sat 14 - Sun 15 Worcester track for serious enthu- MSA British Drag Afrika Islam (Universal Support, Sat 14 Sept, Sept, Coughton Court, siasts, Fri 20 Sept, Racing Championship Zulu Nation), Sat 21 - Tamworth Assembly Warwickshire Santa Pod Raceway, for Pro Mods and other Sun 22 Sept, O2 Rooms WAR AND PEACE Guided Week Commencing Northampton supporting classes Academy, Birmingham BATTLE OF BRITAIN tour which highlights MON 16 SEP LIFTING THE LID Hour- trackside, plus an NEWCOMEN ENGINE The WEEKEND Nostalgic items in the museum long tour which reveals American Car Nationals only full-sized working family weekend of which reflects themes how the site’s history Static Display of USA replica of the world's events and activities for of war and peace. AN EVENING WITH TONY has been preserved, Fri vehicles, Sat 21 - Sun first steam engine bil- the whole family to Ceramics, paintings STOCKWELL Mon 16 20 Sept, Greyfriars, 22 Sept, Santa Pod lows into life! Sat 21 - enjoy, Sat 14 - Sun 15 and a WW2 Spitfire fea- Sept, Crescent Theatre, Worcestershire Raceway, Northampton Sun 22 Sept, Sept, RAF Cosford, Nr ture, Sat 14 - Sun 15 Birmingham DEREK ACORAH THE OPEN COCKPITS EVENING Black Country Living Wolverhampton Sept, The Potteries DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR ETERNAL SPIRITS TOUR An annual event which Museum, Dudley HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat Museum & Art Gallery, OWN CLOTHES Learn Fri 20 Sept, Palace allows visitors the AUTUMN FAIR Featuring 14 Sept, Chedham's Stoke-on-Trent how to sew or gain new Theatre, Redditch chance to get ‘up close Yard, Stratford-upon- SHADOW FACTORY BUS traders and makers skills in this series of six PROFESSOR ANTHONY and personal’ with the offering colourful and Avon TOUR A unique opportu- workshops with an BRIGGS Introduction to workings of a wide unusual gifts, artisan HERITAGE OPEN nity to take a guided experienced tutor. the contradictory per- range of the museum’s foods and crafts, Sat 21 WEEKEND Chance to bus tour of the sites of Design and make sonality of Tolstoy aircraft, Sat 21 Sept, - Sun 22 Sept, meet Mike Ford, some of Coventry’s skirts, jackets, trousers, through the catastroph- RAF Cosford, Nr Trentham Gardens, Stafford's very own shadow factories. Free, children’s clothes or ic events and private Wolverhampton Stoke-on-Trent Court Artist, who'll be but advanced booking your own salwar or dramas of the central MULTI-CULTURAL FUN SWINGING BELLES Life on hand to share his recommended, Sat 14 kameez. Places are lim- characters caught up in DAY Sat 21 Sept, United drawing with a differ- techniques, Sat 14 Sept, Coventry ited, so call 01782 the Napoleonic Wars, Reform Church, ence...illustrative illus- Sept, Shire Hall Gallery, Transport Museum 232323 to book. Each Fri 20 Sept, Artrix, Shrewsbury trating, fun with pens Stafford YOUNG TUDORS King session is £5, or £25 for Bromsgrove DUDMASTON ESTATE FUN and pencils, Sat 21 THE LAST LANCASTER! Edward's School all six, Mon 16 Sept, PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS RUN Sat 21 Sept, Sept, Herbert Art Watch a flypast by a Birmingham Living The Potteries Museum IN VICTORIAN WOLVER- Dudmaston Estate, Gallery & Museum, Lancaster Bomber, see History Group, Sat 14 - & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- HAMPTON A talk by Quatt, Nr Bridgnorth Coventry a display of model air- Sun 15 Sept, Avoncroft Trent Frank Sharman about PRINTMAKING EVENT TOY COLLECTORS' FAIR craft from local model- Museum, Bromsgrove MEDFOOD LONDON ITAL- how local studios pho- WITH ERIC GASKELL This Six hundred stalls of ling clubs, and listen to HERITAGE WEEKEND Sat IAN MARKET Tues 17 - tographed the people linocut workshop for toys, trains and models songs from the 1940s, 14 - Sun 15 Sept, Sat 21 Sept, of Wolverhampton in beginners looks at at Britain's biggest toy Sat 14 Sept, The Cambrian Heritage Brindleyplace, Victorian times, an making a print from a collectors fair, Sun 22 Potteries Museum & Art Railways, Oswestry, Birmingham event illustrated by a single colour. Take Sept, NEC, Birmingham Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent North Shropshire DRIFT WHAT YA BRUNG number of photographs FLEA FAIR STAFFORD SAMARITANS WORLDS APART DAY along drawings and Sun 22 Sept, Chance to learn or from the speaker’s per- photographs which can The Three Counties 50TH ANNIVERSARY Fourth annual family practise drifting in safe sonal collection, Fri 20 be used as the basis Showground, Malvern CONCERT A special vari- event which brings and legal conditions on Sept, Wolverhampton for the design, Sat 21 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS ety concert featuring together four hundred- some of the Pod’s thirty Art Gallery Sept, Leamington Spa Drop-in event inviting some of the town's years of history and acres of open tarmac, ROCK & METAL CIRCUS Art Gallery & Museum visitors to look around best-known performers, culture, Sat 14 - Sun 15 with beginners, inter- FESTIVAL Fri 20 - Sun IRONBRIDGE GORGE the 1940s room and Sat 14 Sept, Stafford Sept, Aston Hall, mediate and advanced 22 Sept, Stoke Prior WORLD HERITAGE FESTI- find out about life dur- Gatehouse Theatre Birmingham tracks open at the Club, Birmingham VAL BOULTON’S BRUM WALK HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sat 21 Sept, ing wartime, Sun 22 same time each DWYB AUTUMN STEAM GALA Fri Ironbridge, Shropshire Sept, Bantock House & TALK Chance to find Featuring as part of a day, Wed 18 Sept, 20 - Sun 22 Sept, SCARLETNOIR FASHION Museum, out more about the nationwide initiative cel- Santa Pod Raceway, Severn Valley Railway, AND BEAUTY EVENT Wolverhampton area around Soho ebrating heritage and Northampton Kidderminster Expect to find one-off SHUGBOROUGH BRIDAL House, Sat 14 Sept, culture, Sun 15 Sept, TOUR OF BRITAIN Fifth BACK TO THE 40S Sat 21 jewellery pieces, natural FAIR The largest bridal Soho House, Ford Green Hall, Stoke- stage of Britain’s - Sun 22 Sept, Grange skincare, bespoke fair in Staffordshire, fea- Birmingham on-Trent biggest professional Farm, Hilton, STICKY SATURDAY: PAPER SNAILBEACH LEAD MINE clothing, accessories, turing demonstrations cycle race, Wed 18 Bridgnorth, Shropshire one-off handbags, nail and an abundance of CRAFT Free drop-in ses- HERITAGE OPEN DAY Sun Sept, City Centre, WEAVING WITH FABRIC care, homeware, make- ideas to help couples sions for children aged 15 Sept, Snailbeach Stoke-on-Trent WORKSHOPS Large- up and collectibles. Sat plan their big day, Sun four-plus, Sat 14 Sept, Lead Mine, Nr THE PRE-RAPHAELITE - scale weaving with 21 Sept, Carrs Lane 22 Sept, Shugborough Dudley Museum & Art Minsterley SEX, DRUGS AND POETRY recycled t-shirts and Church Centre, Gallery TOY COLLECTORS FAIR Historic Working Estate, TOUR A tongue-in-cheek hula hoops, Sat 21 Birmingham Staffordshire EVENING SCENIC SPE- Sun 15 Sept, Three evening tour with a def- Sept, Bilston Craft STICKY SATURDAY: PAPER ORIGINS OF MIDDLE CIALS Leisurely journey Counties Showground, inite adult slant, led by Gallery CRAFT Free drop-in ses- EARTH - GUIDED WALK to Bridgnorth and back, Malvern the house steward, DR JOHNSON’S BIRTHDAY sions for children aged Follow in the footsteps Sat 14 Sept, Severn BMW SHOW Featuring Thurs 19 Sept, CELEBRATIONS Featuring four-plus, Sat 21 Sept, of the young JRR Valley Railway, huge club displays, Wightwick Manor, a live performance by Red House Glass Tolkien, author of Lord Kidderminster Run What Ya Brung, Wolverhampton local school musicians Cone, Stourbridge Of The Rings and The LIVING HISTORY classic and modified PEAK PERFORMANCE and choristers, Sat 21 SONY XPERIA UK B-BOY Hobbit, as you're taken WEEKEND Sat 14 - Sun Show & Shine competi- TEST & TUNE DAY RWYB, Sept, Lichfield City CHAMPIONSHIPS Hosted on a guided talk

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around the lost hamlet Places are limited, so duction to the classic Raceway, Northampton Trust, Drapers Hall, DOLL & TEDDY FAIR of Sarehole and the nat- call 01782 232323 to car scene, Sat 28 Sept, POPSTALGIA...NOT 'ARF! Shrewsbury Abbey, Featuring up to ninety ural splendour of book. Each session is Heritage Motor Centre, Featuring fifty Ford Shrewsbury Library and quality stands full of Moseley Bog, Sun 22 £5, or £25 for all six, Gaydon, Warwickshire Populars at Millennium Haughmond Abbey antique, new, artist and Sept, Sarehole Mill, Mon 23 Sept, The SHREWSBURY MORRIS Place, Sat 28 Sept, DEER STUDY CENTRE collectable dolls and Birmingham Potteries Museum & Art DANCER’S DAY OF DANCE Coventry Transport WEEKEND Find out about teddies, plus restorers, WARWICKSHIRE COUN- Gallery, Stoke-on-Trent Sat 28 Sept, various Museum the black fallow deer liv- supplies and acces- TRYSIDE DAY Sun 22 MOSELEY ARTS MARKET sites around BROOCH MAKING WITH ing on the Trentham sories, Sun 29 Sept, Sept, Hatton Country Showcase of work from Shrewsbury MELANIE TOMLINSON Estate, Sat 28 - Sun 29 National Motorcycle World, Warwick talented local designers GEORGIAN WEEKEND Design and make your Sept, Trentham Monkey Museum FARM FUN DAY Featuring and makers, as well as Journey back to own brooch using sim- Forest, Stoke-on-Trent APPLE DAY Sun 29 Sept, a host of rural activities, visiting artists, Thurs 26 Compton's past, experi- ple metal techniques. THE GREAT SHROPSHIRE Avoncroft Museum, children's crafts, farm- Sept, Birmingham ence aspects of life and Suitable for beginners. BAKE OFF Sat 28 - Sun Bromsgrove yard songs and per- Cathedral Grounds meet characters from Booking essential. Sat 29 Sept, Brompton 1940S ROOM: OPEN DAYS formance with Indigo AUTUMN BEER FESTIVAL the Georgian period. 28 Sept, Shire Hall Cookery School, Drop-in event inviting Arts, Sun 22 Sept, Fri 27 Sept, The Plenty of music and Gallery, Stafford Atcham, Shrewsbury visitors to look around Forge Mill Needle Guildhall,, Lichfield activities to enjoy, Sat STYLE BIRMINGHAM LIVE JAPSHOW FINALE The the 1940s room and Museum, Redditch WOMEN AND POP ART 28 - Sun 29 Sept, Three-day fashion spec- finale event of the year find out about life dur- INDIAN SUMMER BAZAAR SYMPOSIUM Event held Compton Verney tacular, hosted this year for Japanese car enthu- ing wartime, Sun 29 Showcasing the best of in conjunction with the Gallery, Warwickshire by X Factor finalist siasts, with Jap drag Sept, Bantock House Shropshire’s independ- museum’s Pauline Boty HISTORIC BOATERS Rylan Clark and model series and more, Sun Museum, ent traders, Sun 22 exhibition, Fri 27 Sept, GATHERING The canal at and presenter Emma 29 Sept, Santa Pod Wolverhampton Sept, The Hive, Wolverhampton Art the museum village Willis, Sat 28 Sept, Raceway, Northampton STAFFORDSHIRE CLASSIC Shrewsbury Gallery plays host to a gather- Birmingham Town Hall MAC BIRMINGHAM FOOD CAR & BIKE SHOW & SUMMER FARM FUN DAY FLOATING MARKET ing of traditional work- CRAFT CLUB A forum for MARKET Monthly event AUTOJUMBLE Sun 29 Sun 22 Sept, Forge Mill Birmingham’s first float- ing narrow boats. anyone interested in selling delicious pro- Sept, Uttoxeter & Bordesley Abbey, ing market, Fri 27 - Sun Cargoes will be trans- making things together, duce, homemade Racecourse, Worcestershire 29 Sept, Brindleyplace, ported around the Sat 28 Sept, cakes, spices, artisan Staffordshire FALCONRY DAY Sun 22 Birmingham museum's canal and Wolverhampton Art products and much 2ND ANNUAL CHILLI FES- Sept, Weoley Castle, THE CYCLE SHOW The volunteers will demon- Gallery more... Sun 29 Sept, TIVAL Family fun day Birmingham UKs biggest cycling strate the way people BAVARIAN EVENING Sat mac - Midlands Arts featuring plenty of event, Fri 27 - Sun 29 used to live on the 28 Sept, Tree Tops Centre, Birmingham themed activities, Week Commencing Sept, NEC, Birmingham boats. Enjoy traditional Pavillion, West Midland HARVEST FESTIVAL The including a chilli-eating A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE musical entertainment Showground, Bewdley annual harvest will be contest, a best chilli MON 23 SEP Fri 27 - Sun 29 Sept, and crafting activities, MALVERN AUTUMN SHOW celebrated in a tradi- sauce contest, chilli NEC, Birmingham Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, Sat 28 - Sun 29 Sept, tional fashion with a dis- crafts for kids, demon- CELEBRATING EID Black Country Living Three Counties play of produce and a strations and work- DESIGN AND MAKE YOUR Featuring traditional Museum, Dudley Showground, Malvern thanksgiving service in shops, Sun 29 Sept, OWN CLOTHES Learn Qawwali music, RUN WHAT YA BRUNG BROTHER CADFAEL WEEK- the Mission Church, Dorothy Clive Garden, how to sew or gain new Palestinian dancers and The chance to take END A series of events Sun 29 Sept, Blists Hill, Market Drayton, skills in this series of six more... Sat 28 Sept, your car or motorcycle celebrating the 100th Ironbridge, Shropshire Shropshire workshops with an The Potteries Museum out on the famous quar- anniversary of the birth BODYBUILDING 2013 UK WEDDING FAYRE Sun 29 experienced tutor. & Art Gallery, Stoke-on- ter-mile dragstrip and of Ellis Peters, Sat 28 - Open Championships Sept, Great Hall, Design and make skirts, Trent test its performance lim- Sun 29 Sept, various Suitable for persons Worcestershire County jackets, trousers, chil- CLASSIC VIRGINS DAY A its in a safe and legal locations in aged fourteen-plus, Sun Museum dren’s clothes or your new ‘experience day’ environment, Sat 28 Shrewsbury, including 29 Sept, The Assembly, own salwar or kameez. which provides an intro- Sept, Santa Pod Shropshire Wildlife Leamington Spa

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www.whatsonlive.co.uk 85 Events September New_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:43 Page 9

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE

7 days-a-week Meals & Parties

Wouldn’t you love to be invited to join a thriving club of 3000 friends in the West Midlands (and What Our Members are up to in September 2013

15,000 nationally!) who really know how to Sunday 1 September Friday 6 September Tuesday 10 September enjoy themselves? H Cornden Hill/ Mitchells Fold H Bath Cycling Weekend H Drumming Experience for Stone Circle Ramble H Halton Gill Barn Weekend Beginners H Coton In The Elms Easy H Ironbridge and Shropshire H Indoor Climbing at Redpoint Well here’s your chance. We’re a friendly, Ramble Hills Walking Weekend H Solihull Pub Night local action, adventure and social group H Disc Golf Experience H Oddfellows Dinner Shuffle H St Giles Hospice - H Don't Diet - Change the way H Sailing Weekend around Charity Talk offering a wide variety of opportunities for our you Eat the Solent Wednesday 11 September members to have fun together. H Hangliding - Tandem Saturday 7 September H Badminton For Fun - Experience by Air Tow H Acting for Beginners H Microlighting Experience Coventry There’s literally something for everyone; Workshop H Flight H Badminton at NIA H Colour U Confident H be it the latest adrenaline pumping outdoor Mountain Biking - Follow Workshop Breadmaking Workshop at the Dog Trail H Hindleys activities... weekends & holidays… Jewellery Making with H H Paragliding - Tandem Beads Magic for Beginners H sports nights… workshops on fascinating Experience H Lichfield Proms + Chorley Sutton Pub Night H Paragliding Day Course Easy Ramble subjects… or social nights including Thursday 12 September Monday 2 September H Marvellous Mammals Tour H H Assay Office Tour theatre, parties and ‘behind the scenes’ H Ramble, Scramble and Badminton For Fun - Dangle H Comedy Night At The Barton visits to all sorts of unusual places you’ve Worcester H Marina H Saturday Night Fusion always wanted to go. Spice Book Club Buffet H Dining at The Marwood Tuesday 3 September H Spice Does Tesco Wine H Nine Steps to Happiness Club Fair H Events take place at locations across the H Cafe Ceramica Experience Unihoc (Mixed Indoor H Static Trapeze Workshop Hockey) H Preview Evening (Arden West Midlands. Lots of our members are single H Western Style Rifle Shooting Hotel) Friday 13 September and come along on there own, but we also H Afternoon Stand Up Paddle Boarding H H H White Water Rafting at Bala Barn Dance and Supper welcome couples and groups of friends. Ten Pin Bowling (Broadway H Plaza) Sunday 8 September Camping Afloat - Grand H Union Canal to Warwick There’s no hidden agenda – we’re just one Wednesday 4 September Abseiling for the Terrified H Sea Kayaking with the Seals H Bewdley + Arley Moderate happy family of friends. Members are all ages H Badminton For Fun - Ramble Saturday 14 September (18–80!) and from all walks of life. Coventry H Cinema Night H H Ballroom Dance Masterclass Badminton at NIA H Croquet Party H Ben E King at the Jam H - Waltz Echills Wood Railway - H The one unifying factor of anyone joining Spice House Behind the Scenes Chestnut Centre Otter H Earlswood Twilight Ramble H Guided Tour and Posh Picnic is that they want to live life to the full. Golf - Learn to Play in a Day H + Supper (Warwickshire) Chocolate Experience H H Jogging Evening in Solihull H Hoola Hooping Farm Talk and Walk H Membership is equivalent to the cost of just a pint H Makeup Skills Lesson with H Introduction to Rowing Itihaas Contemporary Indian Esther Marie H Dinner Shuffle Learn to Horse Ride in a H of beer a week. H My life with the Corgis and Day National Memorial other Royals! H Ragley Hall Rambling and Arboretum and Lunch In fact, our money back promise means that satis- H Only Spice on Horses! Sketching H Rally Driving Lesson H Tamworth and Lichfield Pub H Six Dales Moderate Ramble H Silly Dale Moderate Ramble faction is guaranteed. Night H Spice Choir - Develop your H The History Boys Singing Ability H White Water Kayaks Thursday 5 September Get your FREE comprehensive H Tandem Skydive from H Yoga and Pilates for a New H Curry and Quiz - Solihull 12,000ft You H Halesowen and Quinton H Walk with Wolves - Bedford information pack today call: Sunday 15 September Pub Night H Zip World - Ultimate Zipline H Hedgehog Appreciation Experience H Archery and Rifle Shooting Evening H Balloon Flight ¤ (24 hours) H Jewellery Quarter Evening Monday 9 September H Compton Verney Gallery Visit 0121 353 6161 Walk H Badminton For Fun - and Tea H Scottish Dancing Workshop Worcester H Eyam 'The Plague Village' H email [email protected] H Tennis for Absolute Badminton at Barr Beacon Moderate Ramble Beginners (Indoor) H Run in the Park H Forest Segway on Cannock or visit www.spicebham.com H Snooker Night and Buffet Chase

“It’s an opportunity to get to do lots of things you wouldn’t otherwise do... and meet lots of people you wouldn’t otherwise meet”. Jamie, Spice member Events September New_Layout 1 27/08/2013 19:43 Page 10

WEEKENDS ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS LEISURE SOCIAL

Outdoor Pursuits Flying Walking

What Our Members are up to in September 2013

H Go Ape in Cannock H Spice Hits Town at the Jam H Martial Arts for Beginners H Moseley Village Walk and House H Quiz Indian Banquet H Saturday 21 September Synchronised Swimming for H Otter Talk and Guided Walk Beginners H Slimbridge Aerial Silks Workshop Thursday 26 September H Victorian Gardens Walk and H Anderton Boat Lift Afternoon Tea Experience H Bullet Proof Confidence H BBC Birmingham B7ehind H Rodizio Rico Dining Monday 16 September the Scenes Experience at The Cube H Bromsgrove Pub Night H Canadian Canoe Adventure H Sporting Night and Supper H Preview Evening (Sutton) H Caving at the Symonds Yat H Unihoc (Mixed Indoor Caves Hockey) Tuesday 17 September H Chocolate Experience Friday 27 September H Cookery School Evening H Meeting your True Soul Mate Motor Sports and Dinner H New Members Bridgenorth H Chill Out Bike Amble H Educating Rita Treasure Hunt Weekend H Indoor Bowls Taster Session H Saturday Night with H Cinema Night - Rubery with Coaching Shakespeare H Elan Valley Walking/Social H Kings Heath Pub Night H Sausage Making Workshop Weekend H Southern Peak District Wednesdy 18 September H The View from The Shard - Walking Weekend H London Badminton For Fun - H H Treasure Island Coventry Ultimate Dog Owners Day H Badminton at NIA Sunday 22 September Saturday 28 September H Chinese Meal and Quiz - H Abbots Bromley Moderate H Bridge Abseil and Ladder Sutton Coldfield Ramble Climb H Fencing for Beginners H Adventure Trekking Day H Bushcraft for Beginners H Jogging Evening in Solihull H Bridgenorth + Severn Way H Field Archery Day H Secrets of the Holy Grail Ramble H Getting the life you always H wanted but were afraid to Thursday 19 September Clay Pigeon Shooting H ask! H Dinghy Sailing Beer and Skittles Night in H H Helicopter Lesson Water Sports Tamworth Hovercraft Driving on Land and Water H Lazy Cow Private Dinner H Beggar and Co at the Jam H Jazz and Blues, Real Ale and H Makeover or Boudoir House Photography Session H Supper Cruise Grace Dieu Priory Full Moon H H Poker Night at Lea Marston Ghost Walk New Members Easy Morning Ramble H Tenbury Ramble H Living With Dogs H SAS Laser Combat H Tapas Evening and Sunday 29 September Flamenco Show Monday 23 September H Acrylic Painting Intro. Day H Warwick and Leamington H Badminton at Barr Beacon H Astwood Bank Easy Ramble Pub Night H New Members Mix and H Cheerleading Workshop! H Friday 20 September Mingle Llama and Mule Trekking with Lunch H Autumn Black Tie Ball Tuesday 24 September H Malvern's Explorer Ramble Weekend H Ladies Football Training H H Peak Classic Caves Day Greek Dance Workshop H Run in the Park H H World's Wackiest Racers Hastings and East Sussex H Sex and Contraception in Coast Walking Weekend 1580 Monday 30 September H Morgan Motors Visit H Adventure Golf at Star City! H Sailing Weekend from Poole- Wednesday 25 September Jurassic Coast & Weymouth H Badminton For Fun - H Scotland's Castles and Glens Coventry Weekend H Badminton at NIA & Wacky Wild QUOTE visit: www.spicebham.com ‘WHATS ON’ AND GET A FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP What will you be doing tomorrow? Classifieds & Eating Out - Sept_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:42 Page 1 classifieds

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88 www.whatsonlive.co.uk Classifieds & Eating Out - Sept_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:42 Page 2 Eating Out New bar for Birmingham A new craft beer bar is to open in Birmingham, courtesy of three of the biggest names in Mid- lands brewing and cuisine. Simpsons’ Andreas Antona, Purity Brewing Company managing di- rector Paul Halsey and former Mitchells & Butlers director Martin Hilton have pooled their experi- ence to create Pure Bar & Kitchen, which will be sited along Waterloo Street. The new venue aims to tap into ‘the growth of craft and cask beer’, while at the same time offering customers food from ‘a carefully selected menu’. Dozens of jobs are expected to be cre- ated at Pure Bar & Kitchen when it opens either later this year or in early 2014.

Not on our patch... Shrewsbury Council has voiced its concern at the prospect of two American diners opening on the outskirts of the market town. Citing traffic jams and ‘the Americanisation of Shrewsbury’ as the reasons for its objection, the council has ques- tioned the long-term benefits of having Frankie & Benny’s and Chiquito’s restaurants opening to the north of the town. It’s predicted that up to sixty jobs could be created should the develop- ment go ahead. Farenheit fires up... prosecco, I checked out mashed potato and red Michelin-starred chef set to REVIEW the new Fahrenheit restau- wine jus (£18). The meat skydive for local charity rant’s bar and grill menu, was perfectly cooked, and Nothing really matches up which featured an eclectic sat on a throne of the Richard Turner of Turners in Harborne, Birming- to the sheer audacity of a choice of steaks, chicken creamiest mash, the dish ham, is to take part in the Queen Alexandra Col- Las Vegas casino. A billion and seafood dishes, all prettily decorated with pur- lege annual skydive on 7 September. dollar industry, behemoth prepared with some im- ple pansies. A hearty por- Richard has been keen to lend his support to the hotels, glamour, glitz, pressively deft touches. tion that was immensely Harborne-based national charity since opening its showbusiness and dry The restaurant is a smart satisfying. new facilities - a cafe and therapy centre - earlier desert heat. Casinos in the addition to the place; Dinner was rounded off this year. The dive poses a significant challenge UK can’t compete, espe- boasting muted colours with a nice slice of clemen- for Richard, who has a fear of heights. “I have is- cially given the current and mood lighting, it’s not tine & coconut cheesecake sues on the top floor of the Bull Ring because it’s economic climate. overtly stylised. The dishes with gingernut crumb (£5). so high up,” he says. “I can’t imagine what I’m Nonetheless, I still have a on the menu are another Great food, well priced and going to be like in a plane at thirteen thousand soft spot for them. The matter; all great works of in nice surroundings. feet in the sky!” likes of Broadway Casino style and substance. Looks like Genting’s new For more information about Queen Alexandra Col- and Genting are bringing My choice for starter was restaurant has found a win- lege and how you can support Richard and ‘Team the glamour and excite- easy; the seared black ning formula. QAC’, contact Sarah Caldwell on 0121 428 5064 ment back to UK gaming - pearl scallops served with Anita Champaneri or [email protected] and after the recent launch strawberries, balsamic party at Genting Casino on vinegar and rocket (£8). I Food: IIIII Birmingham’s Hagley love my scallops, but I’ve Service: IIIII Road, I decided to make a never had them served Ambience: IIIII return visit. with strawberries before. Overall value IIIII This Genting Casino has These certainly didn’t dis- OVERALL IIIII recently had a bit of a re- appoint; fresh and meaty, furb. Its clientele is not as they were beautifully plated Genting Casino male-dominated as you’d and provided a nice con- 1 Norfolk Rd expect, and the chic new trast of textures and Edgbaston champagne bar & lounge flavours. Birmingham certainly makes the stylish My specials main was the B15 3PS ladies feel at home. roasted rump of English Tel: 0121 454 3725 Over a glass of chilled lamb with wild garlic

www.whatsonlive.co.uk 89 Classifieds & Eating Out - Sept_Layout 1 27/08/2013 18:42 Page 3

with alternative choices. All suppliers are Restaurant REVIEWS said to be local, and where supplies have been difficult to obtain, more readily avail- able replacements are sourced. So you need to ask the staff for up-to-date informa- Italian flavour at Steakhouse tion about what’s on offer. If memory serves me correctly, the restau- For starters, my wife had beautifully cooked rant which was previously located in the and well-presented baby asparagus with a premises of the Buffalo Steak House was a delicious hollandaise sauce. She was very rather dingy establishment, where waiters pleased with her choice. I went for the pork would appear out of the darkness to greet ribs in a sticky barbecue sauce. The sauce you. What a transformation! White walls, was delicious and the pork fell off the vivid turquoise contrasts, bright lights, daz- bones. The portion was generous, which zling white tablecloths and a well-stocked meant I had to leave some for fear of filling bar at the far end (which had presumably up prematurely! always been there, but I’d never noticed it For mains, I tried a Buffalo Steak Special, cording to the menu, the steak is locally before). which was absolutely delicious - wonder- sourced and hung for twenty-eight days, We were seated at a lovely table in the win- fully tender and tasty sirloin in a deliciously and it tastes all the better for it. They try to dow, from where we could people-watch creamy white wine sauce. My wife had a fil- serve it not as good pub grub, with onion while perusing a menu which had a decid- let steak with pepper sauce, and a side of rings and peas, but as a better quality meal, edly Italian flavour to it. That said, it was fries. We shared the chips, which were with more imaginative sides. then explained to us that the menu hand-cut and perfectly cooked. Both meals Will we go back again? Yes. Probably to shouldn’t be taken too literally. The Buffalo were served with roasted veg, which was enjoy their pre-theatre menu before seeing Steak House has been open for four delightful. Again, the fillet steak was per- a show at the nearby Theatre Severn. months now, and some meals which fectly cooked, tender and tasty. David Evans haven’t proved popular have been replaced Unfortunately, the desserts didn’t quite match up to the starters and steak. The Food: IIIII baked cheesecake was slightly overdone, a Service: IIIII little dry, and served with a chocolate sauce IIIII which didn’t enhance it. The sticky toffee Ambience: IIIII pudding with custard, however, was ab- Overall value IIIII solutely the right choice. Fantastic! OVERALL We chose a Merlot to go with our meal, which was full and fruity, great value and a Buffalo Steakhouse great accompaniment. 135 Frankwell Our opinion of the Buffalo Steak House is Shrewsbury largely good. Staff, excellent; ambiance, ex- SY3 8JX cellent; food, good; value for money, good. Tel: 01743 537523 The main thing that a steak house needs to get right is the steak, and this it did. Ac-

90 www.whatsonlive.co.uk The RSC (OBC-Sept)_Layout 1 27/08/2013 10:52 Page 1 Grand Theatre (FP-SEPT)_Layout 1 27/08/2013 11:36 Page 1

SAT 14 - SUN 15 SEPTEMBER MON 16 - SAT 21 SEPTEMBER TUES 24 - SAT 28 SEPTEMBER

‘I LOVED EVERY MOMENT’ An amateur production #### #### DAILY TELEGRAPH SOUTHERN LIVERPOOL BILL KENWRIGHT AND LAURIE MANSFIELD DAILY ECHO ECHO IN ASSOCIATION WITH UNIVERSAL MUSIC PRESENT

SPECIAL GUEST STAR MARK WYNTER

“Possibly the best gala evening of musical theatre you are ever likely to see” ‘A GREAT ROCKIN’ EVENING’ THE PUBLIC REVIEWS DAILY EXPRESS Please note this show contains nudity and strong language.

MON 30 SEPTEMBER - SAT 5 OCTOBER TUES 8 - SAT 12 OCTOBER SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER South StaffS MuSical theatre coMpany proudly preSentS the rodgerS and haMMerStein claSSic

“Some excellent singing and acting performances” Express & Star Guys and Dolls 2011 “A cast of 40 hit the peaks of performance” Birmingham Mail The Sound of Music 2012

An amateur production

TUES 15 - SAT 19 OCTOBER ALSO BOOKING TUES 26 - SAT 30 NOVEMBER MON 28 OCT - SAT 2 NOV OLIVER THORNTON IN ##### THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW ‘WILL YOUNG’s TUES 5 - SAT 9 NOV TRIUMPH. BILSTON OPERATIC COMPANY Tomorrow does ANNIE indeed belong to him’ SUN 10 NOV TIM WALKER - SUNDAY TELEGRAPH THE SENSATIONAL 60s EXPERIENCE MON 11 - TUES 12 NOV ELLEN KENT OPERA Starring AIDA / LA BOHÉME PAUL MICHAEL WED 13 NOV ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN GLASER as Tevye THU 14 - SAT 16 NOV Based on the Sholem Aleichem Stories MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET by special permission of Arnold Peri Book by Joseph Stei SAT 7 DEC - SUN 19 JAN STARRING Music by Jerry Block JOE PASQUALE IN WILL YOUNG Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick SLEEPING BEAUTY SIOBHAN DILLON